Chapter 3 is here, and with it come some startling things. I won't give any extreme details, but you will find out more about Obari and Keita's past, and what started their current predicament. You'll have read on find out what happened, so get let's get started. On with the story! ^^
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Just Like Old Times- Chapter 3
Hiei couldn't help but feel that something was amiss. As he stood at the edge of the Makaian Forests, his fiery eyes gazed deeply into the brush, his concentration obvious.
He was searching for Kurama's Spirit Energy.
He was surprised to find that is wasn't that far into the forest. He was also surprised to find that he wasn't alone. There was another, slightly weaker power directly next to him, with several small energies moving away from them.
"It seems Kurama's met up with someone. I'd better check on things."
As Hiei made to take to the trees, he stopped. Why was he doing this? Kurama was simply an ally, right? No... He was more than that. Kurama was a friend. Someone he could depend on to be there. More like a...
"No. That's not it at all. A friend. Kurama is just...a friend."
Hiei growled audibly at himself and jumped to the nearest tree branch, making his way toward Kurama.
***
Yoko and Keita finally parted from one another's lips and gazed deeply into each other's eyes.
"It's been so long since I had one of your kisses, Yoko."
"Yes. Far too long."
Yoko began running his fingers through her hair, each strand feeling like a thread of silk to his sensitive touch. Keita nuzzled against his hand, feeling his warmth against the side of her face. It'd been like this when he'd left... Who would have believed his return would be exactly the same?
Keita's thoughts of that painful day in the past brought back her painful memories of the present.
"Yoko..."
"Yes?"
"We can't do this now..."
"Why?"
"Because. My brood... We're in terrible trouble. The hunters... Well, I'll just have to wait until we get to the village. It's not safe here at the moment."
"You can tell me right here. I'll protect you if anyone comes."
"That's not what I'm afraid of. I'm afraid one of those...men...come along and find the trail everyone left behind. It's my job to cover our tracks. We mostly don't leave a trail any normal human could follow, but these particular hunters seem smarter than your average ones..."
"I see. I suppose you're right then. I'll help you out. Then we can go to your village and catch up on everything."
Keita smiled sadly at Yoko before setting off about her duties. Yoko looked after her with worry, not liking seeing his former mate-to-be looking the way she did. All he could do was sigh as Keita was already deeply set in her task and turn to do his part to help.
As this went on, Hiei stood high in a treetop looking down on them. He'd seen just about everything, having come in as Yoko let go of Keita after their kiss and began speaking to her.
Part of him was glad that Kurama wasn't about to get into a fight. Yet, another part of him felt shattered in a way, seeing Kurama hold someone like that, with that look in his eyes. It made a sadness quickly wash over Hiei, which was almost as quickly replaced by jealous anger. Who was that girl Kurama was with, anyway? And why was she there? Why did Kurama kiss her and look at her like that? One why after another filled Hiei's head until that was all he could hear. Then he felt something hit his hand and he looked up toward the top of the tree. He didn't see any birds that might have dropped something by accident. Something hit his hand again, and he caught the small object. He looked down to find one of his own tear gems in his palm. Hiei glared angrily at it and clenched his hand into a fist so hard, it brought more tears to his eyes and caused more gems to fall.
"Kurama... WHY?!"
Hiei disappeared to the plains of the Makai as quickly as he'd arrived in the forest, with both Yoko and Keita being none the wiser.
***
As Obari trudged on behind the main party, he glanced over his shoulder in the direction of the clearing. All he could think about was that outsider being all alone with Keita. He snarled at the thought and turned his attention back to what was in front of him.
Obari had worked long and hard up the ranks after Keita had won the battle to become the Brood Mother. He'd grown to fancy her ever since she joined the brood all those years ago. Back then, they were both barely out of kithood, and Keita was so quiet and reserved. Almost sad, like her entire world had just crumbled. Only after some careful coaxing and major trust building did Keita even begin holding the simplest of conversations with him.
All she usually talked about was the stories about some young kitsune making a big stir in among the Thieves' Guild because of his extraordinary skills. His name happened to be Yoko Kurama. When Keita talked about him, she got the brightest sparkle in her eyes, like she knew him…and loved him. It made Obari's insides churn with hatred.
What was so special about this man? So what, he could steal a few trinkets without being caught. Obari was a strong, loyal kitsune, and favored by the elders. He'd be a much better mate for Keita than some thief would. He'd prove it by being the best solider the brood had ever seen. That'd make Keita see…Sure.
So he'd trained hard, building himself up to be able to join the ranks of the small army the brood had to go up against any other demons who wanted their land. He eventually did make it, though not without his strides.
As Obari grew, so did his rank. And so did Keita. He still remembered clearly the day she left to become a full woman by way of the Rite. Obari wasn't exactly clear on what the Rite included, as no men are allowed to view it, but he did remember Keita looking so worn and tired upon her return. He had to help her into her den that night while the rest of the brood celebrated. She fell asleep as soon as she hit her bed. The way she looked when she was asleep only made Obari long for her more.
Soon after that, Keita challenged Katoro, the old Brood Mother, for her place. Many of the elders thought this was a rash and foolish gesture and told Keita as much. They said that she would surely be defeated, as Katoro had much more experience having fought many others in the past. Obari recalled her response clearly.
"We'll see."
Later that day, the entire brood looked on as Keita and Katoro battled for supremacy. It was a fierce bout. Both came at each other with fangs and claws bared, holding nothing back from each other. Many times both fell, but they both got back on their feet, refusing to back down from each other. Finally, after what had seemed hours, Keita struck Katoro a vicious blow to the back of the neck, instantly knocking her unconscience and clenching the victory. Many members of the brood were shocked at the outcome, but some were jubilant at her win and quickly came to congratulate and aid her with her wounds.
Obari was simply amazed that this small, shy girl had the power to take out Katoro in a match that lasted that long. His determination to become her mate was dead set after that day…But there was one little problem.
The Captain of the troops was set to be mate of the Brood Mother, as their pairing would result in the strongest kits to keep the brood alive. Obari was stuck as Lieutenant. He didn't know how he could ever become Keita's mate now. Fortunately, his problem was solved the next week, but in the most horrible way.
It was late in the evening and the brood was beginning to settle down for the night. The kits had already been to bed for hours (at least they were supposed to be, but a few were still out and about), as had the elders. A few of the privates were doing a last minute check of the surrounding area, when one of them let out a yell. All of the other men ran toward the sound with Keita and Obari leading the pack, only to find the young private slain and lying in a pool of his own blood.
Keita was horrified. She'd never seen a dead body before, at least not one that had looked like that. It was clearly visible that she as likely to be ill, but she retained most of her composure. She simply bowed her head and mourned for the young one.
"Poor little Kyo… He didn't deserve to die like this...
She then lifted her head and caught a steely look in her eyes that Obari would see many more times as the years went by.
"I want whoever did this found and brought to me…NOW!"
------------------------------------------------------------------Who was the one that killed Kyo, and why? You already know the answer, but it does help to have a little background, right? What did Obari and Keita do about the killer? And how many times has Obari run into a tree thinking about his memories? Find out in the next chapter! ^^
