A/N: Well, I love the responses I'm getting. Thank you to all you
reviewers. The poll is now Dae-3, Faen-2, and Amani-2. I'm gonna go ahead
and end it there. Well, I don't want to give away any of the plot so...have
fun. Ladies and gentlemen: Act 8- Past Reflections
Disclaimer: Own...nope. Want...yep. Too bad. So sad. And that's how the duck waddles. (That's for you Amy)
Chapter 8: Past Reflections
Relapse: Liz speaking- In our last chapter, we had some fluff and other stuff happen between two of our couples, One stopped and one...well they haven't yet. Unfortunately, fate struck a low blow for when Faen was trying to help Hiei; she, herself, was put out of commission. But all is well...or is going to be eventually. Will Amani and Munin take it to home base? Will Dae, Youko, and Hiei find Faen before it's too late? Will Amani finally spill the secret that she kept from the boys? On with the show!
Curtains open.
"What?" Youko and Dae yelled in unison. Youko stared at his friend in disbelief as the bandages slipped between his fingers and floated to the ground where they were instantly drenched red. Youko looked at the cloth, shrugged, then tore a fresh piece from his pants and began binding Hiei's wound again.
Hiei scowled at them before answering. "Stop yelling! I got a headache. She said she wanted to get some water and something for her head, then she left."
"What's wrong with that?" Dae asked.
"That was a good half and hour ago." Hiei snapped. Youko pulled the bandage taunt then tore it. "Ow."
"Your arm should be ok for now." Youko said dropping the spare cloth to the floor as he brushed his hands together.
"Thanks, but can we please find Faen?" Hiei said softly.
Dae smiled and gently grabbed his forearm. "Of course." She said as she helped him to his feet. "But where do we start?"
"The blood." Youko said softly.
"What?" Dae asked.
"The blood. We smelled a lot of blood, but it's not from Hiei. So..."
"It must be from Faen." Hiei said. Dae watched as several emotions passed against Hiei's countenance. "Youko, Dae." He finally spoke. "Can you follow the blood?"
"Of course." Dae chirped. "Don't worry Hiei we'll find her. Knowing Faen, she probably got distracted by something."
"Yeah," Hiei said in a half-believing tone.
Youko finally stood. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. After a couple more breaths, he opened his eyes again; determination flickered in his eyes. "This way." Youko said as he started following the scent. Hiei shook his head and blink a couple times to ensure his vision was clear before following. Dae smiled as she brought up the rear.
**********
Munin continued to hold an arrogant smirk as he pinned Amani's hand next to her head and before she could get any ideas, he laid its twin beside it. His eyes danced with evil thoughts as he lowered his lips to hers again. It was only a simple brush of skin, but Amani shivered none the less.
"I'd like to see you try and regain control now, vixen." Munin whispered; his hot breath fanning over her lips. Amani opened her mouth allowing their breath to mingle for a moment before Munin devoured her lips.
Amani gasped then growled as she struggled to control the kiss. The sound caused Munin to push harder against her lips as he beast thrashed from within him. His eyes narrow before the irises flamed and the pupils stretched and his fingers begin to meld together. He suddenly released her mouth and attacked her throat.
Amani began to playfully struggle causing him to tighten his grip. She smiled and bucked against his chest. He snarled and moved to look at her. His eyes softened a bit before inhaling her scent again. The smell of juniper and lavender called and coaxed his beast. He quickly moved her arms so they were both in one now taloned hand. Amani's eyes widened as his grip became painful. The lust she had felt began to fade away as fear trickled in the back of her mind.
If he had noticed the change in her behavior, Munin didn't show it. He pushed her full weight into the mattress below them causing Amani to gasp as the breath was driven out of her lungs. A malicious smile crept across Munin's face as he lowered his other clawed talons to Amani's neck. His beast treasured the way her eyes widened and how her heart raced. It beat in his ears like a steady rising melody; a melody that something deep inside him wanted to end. He threw his head back as his hair stretched and twirled in the air before sprouting tiny hairs. Munin returned his gaze to Amani as his skin blackened and melted as a flood of black feathers seemed to flow out of his arms and over his chest. Amani gasped as she watched his faced begin to thin as his skin seemed taunt against his cheekbones. He let out a pained grunt and lowered his head. Amani lost sight of his face in the wave of feathers, but she heard his small pained noises.
"Munin?" she whispered gently, trying to hide the fear the rode throughout her veins. Her voice rang through his head for several seconds before he felt the fear. He gently lifted his head and looked into her aquamarine eyes. Amani gasped; his beast was well at the surface. Munin's upper body was cover in a thin layer of down feathers that expanded from his lower torso, all the way up his chest and shoulders, down his arms in one direction and up his neck in the other where they ended below his chin. They gleamed in the light like a shining obsidian breastplate. Soft black feathers graced his cheekbones and forehead, but left his dark brown eyes untouched like a mask. Amani's eyes fell upon his slightly reddened lips and licked her own.
Munin continued to lose himself in Amani's eyes. He watched as they traveled over every inch of his body until they returned to his face. He was afraid that she would be frightened or disgusted by his true beast, but was immediately corrected when he watched her licked her lips hungrily as she stared into his earth colored eyes. The beast within him screeched and screamed in his head; demanding he dominate her, but he suppressed it. Amani squeaked catching his attention. A small trail of blood trickled made its way down Amani's wrist and onto the pillow. The talons slowly removed their hold and moved to either side of Amani's head. His wings shifted behind him slightly causing Amani to jump. She watched as hurt flashed across the chocolate irises then disappear. Munin smiled as he brought his wings closer around them as if to shield them from he rest of the world. Amani's eyes widened a bit as she became shadowed from the sun. Munin just chuckled as he gently rubbed his left wing along side her face and down her throat. Amani shivered as the feathers tickled every inch of skin they touched. She closed her eyes as the right wing decided to join the fun.
Munin continued to caress her face and neck a bit longer before laying a gentle kiss. He pulled back and smiled. Her eyes were closed; her breathing shallow. She opened her eyes and smiled back. She raised her left hand and laid it softly against his face. Munin frowned when her eyes ceased their mischievous dancing and took a more serious note.
"Munin. We have to stop." She said softly yet sternly.
Munin's eyes went wide. He dropped his head and quietly spoke. "It's my beast, isn't it?"
"No, no...well maybe just a little, but there is something else." Amani said quickly as she pulled herself into a sitting position, forcing Munin to either bury his head in her chest or sit up with her. He pulled back and sat on his knees. "I just...I think we need know each other better first." She answered.
Munin only nodded his head. Amani smiled and stroked his cheek.
"All we need is time." She whispered as she pulled herself from under him and walked to the door. "I'll be back later." She said as she quickly left the room.
Munin sighed as he contorted back to his normal state. The flood of feathers dissipated the same way they had come. His black hair fell across his face and shoulders as his skin returned back to a normal golden tone. He stayed where he was for a moment before sliding off the bed. He silently stood and walked over to the mirror on the dresser. He sighed heavily as he watched the black slits shrink back into a black dot.
Munin growled as he slammed his fist through the mirror frame and into the wall behind it. "I knew it."
**********
Youko, Dae, and Hiei continued struggled to find Faen. Time was not on their side and they needed to hurry, but the scent seemed to be everywhere at once.
"What's taking so long?" Hiei growled.
"The scent is strong. It feels like it's all around us." Dae whispered as she sniffed the air again.
"Lets try this way." Youko said grabbing her arm.
"Oh mkay." Dae said as she following. Her ears picked up Hiei's grumbling as he angrily chased after them. The posse searched for another quarter hour before their expedition finally landed them near the kitchen. The kitchen door was ajar; foul stench pouring from the room.
"Youko, do you smell that?" Dae asked, taking quicker breaths through her nose as she neared the door.
"Smell what?" Hiei asked.
"Yeah, I smell it." Youko responded ignoring Hiei.
"Smell what?" Hiei asked again raising his voice a bit more.
"That's not good. If it smells like that then something bad must have happened." Dae said, her eyes widening a bit.
"What smell?!" Hiei yelled catching the attentions of both the kitsunes.
Dae sighed and gave a worried glance at Youko who closed his eyes and nodded his head. All of this did not go unnoticed by a certain shorter fire demon.
"Are you two going to tell me what's going on?" Hiei yelled as they passed glances at each other again; neither of them spoke.
After several more moments of glaring, Youko sighed and spoke up. "It smells of..."
"What?" Hiei persisted.
"Death."
"What?!" Hiei gasped, his eyes flaring open.
"Wait, let me finish. It smells like death or near death. They are hard to distinguish between. Hiei," Youko sighed, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder, "just be prepared for the worse."
Hiei's eyes widened and he numbly nodded his head.
"Ok. Let's go." Youko said, removing his hand and placing it on the door before pushing it open. Youko and Dae immediately covered their noses as the smell of blood overwhelmed them. They backed up out of the kitchen, but Hiei, who smelled nothing, carefully walked forward and peered around the counter. His heart thudded painfully in his chest as he felt liquid surround his bare feet. He looked down to see blood encompassing his foot. His stomach dropped as his eyes traced the stream of crimson. Hiei immediately rushed to Faen side, pulling her gently from the pool of blood.
"Is anything in there?" Youko called from outside the door.
Hiei stared wide eyed at the woman in his arms, unable to find his voice.
"Hiei?" he heard his friend call again.
"I found her." He said softly.
"What?" Dae asked.
"I found her." Hiei said a little louder.
"Is she ok?" Dae asked concern tensioned in her voice.
"No." Hiei said as he brushed Faen's silver bangs away from the wound, knocking a few pieces of pottery loose from her hair to shatter on the floor.
Hiei didn't move as he heard shuffling behind him. His eyes stayed glued on Faen's still form even when Dae squatted down in front of him. He glanced up briefly to see a strip of white cloth tied securely around the lower half of her face. They made eye contact for a moment before looking down a Faen. Dae gingerly brought hand to the wound and probed at it a little. She quickly moved her blood soaked fingers to the bottom of Youko's shirt that she was wearing and tore a fresh piece of cloth. Hiei watched very attentively as Dae bound her friend's wound. The bandage was wrapped several times before being tied off. Blood seeped into the white fabric, turning the pure cloth a lovely shade of bright red.
"I think she'll be ok, but I'm not a doctor." Dae said, hoping for some response. When none came, she continued, "I know of a good one though. She knows all of us very well and has treated our wounds several times before. Her name is Yoreith of Cyn. I'll go see if she can come today." Dae said as she stood and left the room.
Hiei nodded slightly not really acknowledging anything. He jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He quickly turned and followed the hand to his friend's face.
"Do you want me to help you get her to a room?" Youko asked solemnly.
"No." Hiei answered softly turning away from Youko. "I'll carry her. What room can I put her in?"
Youko smiled removing his hand. "Go ahead and go back to the room you were in. Are you sure you do not need my help?"
Hiei looked at his friend with a distant stare and nodded again. "Yeah, I can carry her."
"Ok." Youko said as he stood and left the room.
Hiei watched his friend leave and turned to his task. He slowly slipped a hand under Faen's shoulders and raised her a bit by bit until her head lay gently on his chest. Next, he shifted her legs until he got a steady grip under her knees. Hiei steadied himself as he rose to his knees and then to his full standing position. He tightened his grip on Faen's body as he walked out of the kitchen and toward their room. He kicked the door open with foot and slowly walked sideways into the room, making sure to avoid Faen's body hitting the doorframe. He quickly walked over to the bed. The covers were still pulled back from when he climbed out of bed. He lightly placed Faen on the bed and pulled the comforter up to her chest. Satisfied that she would be warm, he walked out of the room and grabbed an idol chair from the hall and brought it into the room. He put it silently by the bed and sat himself down, waiting for Dae to return with the doctor.
'Please be ok.' He prayed as he watched her sleep.
*********
Amani wandered through the seemingly endless halls wondering whether she should go back and talk to Munin or not.
'I did brush him off kinda hard,' Amani thought to herself. 'But I can't..'
"Huh?.....What's this?" Amani said as she noticed a small puddle and various shreds of white lying on the floor. Her pace quickened as she approached the image. A gasped tore from her throat as she recognized the substances on the floor.
"Blood and cloth?" she whispered kneeling quickly. She slowly reached out and picked up a piece of unblooded cloth. "What happened here?"
While her mind was reeling with possible scenarios, Dae turned the corner and nearly fell as she attempted to stop before hitting her friend. Amani startled and looked wide-eyed at Dae.
"Dae?"
"Amani, good. I need you to go get Yoreith." Dae said hurriedly.
"Ok, but tell me what happened." Amani said, standing.
Dae sighed, caught her breath and answered. "Faen fell and hit her head."
"Oh Kami, Is she alright?"
"No, I wouldn't bother asking you to go get Yoreith if it wasn't serious. Now hurry." Dae said making a shooing motion with her hands.
"But wait why do I have to go?" Amani yelled.
"Because I'm going to take care of yours, mine, and Faen's little problem. Plus I think you should get away for a while, you're about to..."
"I know."
"Is that what you were going to tell us?" Dae asked.
"Yeah." Amani blushed. "I didn't want the boys to hear."
"Mk." Dae smiled as she picked up the scent.
Amani's eyes widened as she saw Dae's smile widened.
"You were with Munin, weren't you?" Dae said smugly.
"Kinda but..."
Dae watched Amani's embarrassment grow. "You didn't."
"I did." Amani said dropping her head.
"You blew him off!" Dae hissed grabbing her friend's shoulder.
Amani gave Dae a pleading look. "What else could I do? As you said I'm about to start. I couldn't take the risk."
"Ok, we'll talk more later, but for now run! Go get Yoreith!" Dae said shoving Amani in the direction of the door.
"Ok, ok, I'm going." Amani huffed as she ran passed the door and into the woods.
Dae smiled as she watched her friend leave. "It's going to be a long night." She murmured before heading back in the direction of Faen's and Hiei's room.
**********
Youko pushed himself from his leaning position against the wall when he felt Dae approach. Not much later, she turned the corner straight into his chest, rebounding and falling straight on her butt.
"Oomph...owchies." Dae whined rubbing her hip. Her eyes skimmed over the brown shoes, up the white torn pants, across the broad chest, and into the face of Youko. "Oh sorry my bad. I wasn't paying attention." She said flashing an embarrassed smile as a small blush graced her cheeks.
"No, my fault." Youko argued, holding his hand out for her. Dae smiled again and took his hand. With the great ease, Youko pulled Dae to her feet. The swiftness of his lift caught Dae off guard causing her to trip and fall onto his chest.
Dae blushed harder and quickly pulled back. Her blushed flamed when she heard Youko softly chuckling. She took some steady breaths, looked Youko in the face, and spoke.
"I was actually looking for you. There is something that I need to speak to you, Munin, and Hiei about. Could you get Munin and meet me in Hiei and Faen's room?" Dae asked anxiously.
"Sure. Be back in five." Youko said, stroking his hand across Dae's cheek before leaving.
Dae turned to see an empty hall.
'Whoa girl. Calm down. Breathe. You got a job to do.' Dae thought as she approached Hiei's room. 'I am so going to get him back for making me blush.'
Dae pushed her thoughts aside as she knocked on the door. A gruff 'come in' reached her ears. The gently turned the doorknob and slowly opened the door.
Hiei still sat by Faen's side. His elbows on his knees; chin resting in his palms.
"Hiei?" Dae asked softly, approaching the bedside.
He slowly turned and looked Dae in the eye. His eyes held everything Dae needed to know. Worry, anxiety, fear, all swirled in his pupils. He blinked and it all faded into the back of his eyes.
"What do you want?" he answered dryly.
"I need to talk to you. Well, you and Munin and Youko. They'll be in a second." Dae answered, walking across the floor to the opposite side of the bed from Hiei.
His eyes followed her as she walked then her hands as she checked Faen's vitals. "What about?" he asked gruffly.
"Us." Dae answered gently placing Faen's hand back on the bed before meeting Hiei's gaze. "I want to tell all of you about us."
Hiei opened his mouth to respond, but closed it as he heard the door opened. He stayed facing forward as he watched Youko appear around the foot of the bed and move to stand next to Dae. Hiei noted that Munin remained standing at the foot of the bed; somewhat of a mix between a scowl and a frown planted on his face.
"We're all here. What do you need to tell us?" Munin asked.
"Yes, I am quite curious." Youko added.
Dae looked at Hiei expecting him to add his two cents, but he just continued to stare expectantly at her.
Dae sighed and gathered her thoughts. "Let me start from the beginning."
**********
Amani had been running for what seemed like hours, though it had been only moments. The trip to the house of Yoreith of Cyn was an exhausting one due to the overbearing amount of spells Yoreith had placed everywhere. Amani could go through them easily enough, but it still made her feel tired. Yoreith was no fool; anyone who wanted to see her had to pass through her energy stealing spells. You had to really need or want to see her to risk going to her so weak.
Amani sighed. 'Just remember it's for Faen.' She continued to tell repeat in her head.
After several more minutes of traveling, Amani arrived at a small hut that was shrouded in bushes, weeds, and vines. It was invisible to the naked eye unless you knew it was there. Amani jumped as the old wooden door opened with a loud creak. She visibly relaxed when she saw her old friend emerged.
Yoreith gazed at Amani with her white pupil-less eyes. Her midnight black hair was array, drifting in the breeze of her aura. A small crossed her young face as she spoke.
"Good evening, Amanithil Rimnacar. What has brought you to my humble abode?" Yoreith asked her friend as she approached.
Amani smiled at the open greeting and spoke her mind. "Faen is hurt badly. We need your help."
Yoreith's smile never changed as her eyes swirled into pearl-resent spirals. "Come in. we have much to discuss."
Amani smiled as she approached her old friend. Yoreith returned the smile while gently placing an arm on her back, directing her towards the hut.
Amani's smile widened as a little ball of red fur weaved in and around her legs. "Well hello there Taino."
The small fox stopped its chaotic rubbing and mewed at her. Yoreith opened her arms which were instantly filled with the little red poof ball.
"It seems that you too have been doing well." Amani said as she continued toward the hut.
Yoreith closed her eyes as if in deep thought. She sighed; a smile stretching from her lips. "Yes, we've been through a lot together Taino?" Yoreith said as she nuzzled the little fur ball with her nose. Taino mewed again; licking Yoreith's cheek. "Shall we go inside?" Yoreith asked, turning to Amani.
"Lead the way." Amani answered sweeping her arms at the door. Yoreith smiled as she entered her home closely followed by Amani.
Darkness wrapped around the three figures as they walked through the door. Amani blinked several times trying to adjust to the lack of light. After a few more blinks, she finally was able to take in the confines of Yoreith's house.
Candles flickered from every available space between the scrolls, vials, and other various jars of herbs and trinkets. A large boiling cauldron sat off to one side of the room; a slowly rising florescent stream filled the room. The sweet nectar of sage and rosemary drifted in the air. Amani watched Yoreith placed Taino down on a small crimson pillow that rested on one of the many tables in the room and then proceed to the pot. She stopped just at the brim and swiped her hand leisurely through the steam.
"I have seen many disturbing events going on around you and your friends, Amanithil." Yoreith spoke softly, breaking the eerily silence of the present atmosphere.
Amani jumped at the sudden noise, but hastily recovered. "Yes, two or three battles I believe."
"Yes and several injuries and...other more...emotional dilemmas." Yoreith added with a smile.
Amani the felt heat crawl up her face. "I don't know what you mean." She lied.
Yoreith gave her a disbelieving look; like the kind your mother gives you when tell her you didn't steal the cookies from the cookie jar, but you've got chocolate on your face and crumbs on your shirt.
Amani gave a nervous laugh. Yoreith added a cocked eyebrow to her motherly glare causing Amani to finally crack.
"Well, maybe there was one thing." She said softly as she felt the heat flame anew.
Yoreith smiled at her acceptance. "Don't worry. You're not the only one. I believe Dae has found a beau as well."
"What?" Amani yelled.
Yoreith smiled wider. "You didn't hear anything from me." The smile suddenly faded making Yoreith look almost scary. Her white eyes bore into Amani's blue ones. "But it does seem we have a very important matter at hand, don't we?"
"Yes." Amani answered; her smile fading as well. She sat in an empty wood chair and stared at Yoreith. "Faen is wounded."
"How badly?"
"I couldn't tell you. I walk out of Munin's room ad bumped into Dae. Next thing I know Dae is shoving me out the door telling me to retrieve you." Amani said. Taino gave a soft mew from his perch before leaping off of it and making himself comfortable in Amani's lap. She absently stroked the fox's head as she continued. "Dae pressed that it was important I bring you as soon a possible."
Yoreith gave a silent nod before turning back to her cauldron.
"We'll have to wait." She stated softly.
"Why?" Amani asked.
Yoreith smiled and turned to walk into an extra room in the back. Amani pulled Taino to her chest as she prepared to rise and follow Yoreith when she felt a cool breeze wrap around her. The breeze seemed to clutch Amani around upper arms with a chilling yet calming effect. Amani looked up at Yoreith to meet the deep spiraling white irises.
"I'm going to take a short nap and I suggest you do the same." Yoreith's voice said as it echoed through Amani's mind.
Amani suddenly felt heavy. Taino plopped to the floor when Amani unexpectantly dropped her arms to her sides. Her limbs began weights as she struggled to stand. After several attempts, she managed to raise her head and meet Yoreith's gaze.
"What...what are you doing?" Amani said slurred.
Yoreith's face betrayed nothing as she spoke. "It's all for the best now. Rest."
Amani's eyes drooped as her legs gave out. Blissful slumber consumed her senses. She never her body hit the floor beneath her.
Yoreith walked over to the fallen woman. "In due time." She whispered as she sat in a nearby chair and watched images rise from the bubbling steam in the cauldron. Five people were situated in different spots in a purple bedroom, talking. Their mouths moved, but no sound was heard, yet Yoreith could hear them all the same. She chuckled softly as she watched the scene play out before her. "In due time."
**********
"Well, Faen and I met each other long before we met Amani." Dae started.
"How long ago was that?" Youko interrupted.
Dae gazed at the ceiling while she strummed her fingers across her chin. "Oh...I can't remember. It was a long time ago when we were both kids."
"How did you two meet?" Hiei asked.
"Stop interrupting me, I'll get to it." Dae said as she made herself comfortable on the edge of the bed. "Before I talk about how we met, I'd better tell you about our very...uneventful childhoods."
All three men made themselves comfortable as they prepared for a long tale; Hiei in his chair next to Faen, Munin on the footboard of the bed, and Youko sitting behind Dae on the bed. Dae checked them all to make sure they were ready and began.
"Faen's mother's name was Algar and though she won't admit it, it's her last name as well."
"May I ask why she hates this name?" Munin asked.
"I was getting to that." Dae huffed. "Now no more interruptions or someone is going to get hurt. Now, the reason Faen hates her last name because it was her mother's name."
"What does that mean?" Youko asked.
"Geese, if you guys can wait I'll answer all your questions. Anyway, Faen hates your mother therefore she hates her name." Dae held up her hand before the men could ask any questions. "Faen's father left after mating with Algar, so she never knew her father or even his name. Algar held a lot of resentment for her mate's abandonment of her and therefore held resentment for her bastard child. She didn't harm Faen or anything as such, but...let's just say she wasn't the best mother either. When Faen was only a small child, Algar abandoned her. She said something about becoming of age, I don't know, but that's Faen's childhood now on to Amani's."
"Wait a minute," Hiei interrupted. "You're telling me Faen's mother abandoned her when she began of age and because of that she hates her mother?"
"No, no. Her mother told her that she was of age, but Faen was only a small child. Her mother simply wanted nothing to do with her anymore. Faen basically raised herself." Dae answered.
"Oh." Hiei said softly. "Please continue."
"Right where was I...oh yeah: Amani. Well, Amani's full name Amanithil Rimnacar. She had a pretty normal life until she hit her teens."
"What happened?" Munin asked.
"Well, she was born in the land of the Ice Maidens..." Dae stopped as she noticed Hiei's eyes widen. "Hiei, are you alright?"
Hiei shook himself from his thoughts of his homeland and turned to Dae. "I'm fine, just thinking."
Dae cocked an eyebrow. "Do you know something about the land of the Ice Maiden's or something?"
Hiei shook his head. "No, I've just heard of it."
"Mk...anyway, she grew up there in peace, but when she hit her teen years a civil conflict broke out."
"A war?" Munin asked.
"No, a dispute. There was an argument over the murder of a baby fire demon born from one of the maidens. Instead of giving the baby boy to the fire demons, they killed it by throwing it off a cliff."
Hiei's jaw was dropped by now, but Dae decided to ignore it.
"Anyway, the mother went crazy and threatened to kill the boy's twin sister. After a brief struggle, they managed to get the baby to safety, but the mother killed herself. The ice land went into turmoil. Many believe it was the fault of the Queen for the mother's suicide. In short, a small band of rebels wanted to remove the queen from the throne, but they were quickly snuffed. All the rebels were banished from the land of ice for all eternity."
"Let me guess," Youko started. "She was one of the rebellion."
"Correct. She wandered for several years until we met up with her." Dae said.
"So, we know about Faen and we know about Amani, now Dae what about you?" Youko breathed on her neck. Dae suppressed a shiver, elbowing him in the gut instead.
"Well, I don't have much of a childhood fantasy or anything. My mother died giving birth to me. My father wanted me to have a mother so he gave me a foster family when I was just a baby. I stayed with my foster family until I was preteen."
"Why did you leave?" Hiei asked as he absently intertwined his finger in Faen's silver tresses.
"They left me. A snobby stronger demon wanted their land, but instead of asking for it he simply killed them all."
"How did you survive?" Munin asked, shifting to a more comfortable position on the dark wooden footboard.
"Believe or not, my father came and fought for me." Dae's eyes saddened a bit. "He died in my arms, but not before killing the stronger demon. He said nothing, but simply smiled."
"So in a sense, you are all orphans." Munin asked.
"Yep. We are just a rag-tag band of pesky orphans." Dae said smiling.
"How did you all meet?" Hiei asked looking up into Dae's face.
"Well, as I said before, Faen and I met before we met Amani. It happened about...oh a while ago; must have been a couple of decades, maybe a century or two. I don't remember anyway, we were still little kids with no parents, no manners, and no respect for anybody. We ran into each other in a field one day and got in a fight. We called each other stupid names or something. Continuing on, we fought, knocked each other out. Woke up, fought again, and knocked each other out again. Then, woke up again, but before we could fight a really stupid demon came up and started calling us runts and brats, etc. Well, we both got really pissed and we actually agreed to kill him together; trust me it was a very mutual understanding. This guy was ugly. So we banded together and killed him. It only took us about five minutes. Well after we finished killing the guy, we got to talking and we found out that we had a lot in common. From there it's history."
"But what about Amani?" Munin asked shifting to a standing position.
"Oh yeah. Well, about a decade after Faen and I met, we came across Yoreith of Cyn. Our first encounter with her was anything but pleasant. But after she beat us into the ground, she told us that our duo needed to become a trio and that the third member of our party was on the way. Faen and I went searching for days, but we just could not find that third person. So, we went back to Yoreith and asked her where to find this third person. She told us that we had to wait three days before anyone would arrive. So we waited and just as she said three days later Amani shows up. She was about to try and ripe our heads off when Yoreith pinned her with a stunning spell. We managed to talk her out of killing us and just talk to us instead. She told us that she had felt compelled to come this way and then she met us. So we all had a little sit together-Yoreith, Faen, Amani, and I- and we all became friends from that day on."
"So you really aren't sisters?" Munin asked.
Dae slowly turned and gave the raven demon a glare that made him want to crawl in a fetal position and cry. "No, I made that whole story up because I was bored. No, we're not sisters. Geese, you really are a bird brained idiot."
A/n: Deepest apologizes for taking so long. School + soccer = no time for me. Spanish is easy. Algebra II is a headache. Band is boring. History is naptime. Soccer is and will be the death of me. This chapter is also not the one I am the most fond of. Sorry for the wait. I promise to update sooner next time. This is Lykaios Theophania saying, "Yo soy el perro café." HAHAHAHAHA!
Disclaimer: Own...nope. Want...yep. Too bad. So sad. And that's how the duck waddles. (That's for you Amy)
Chapter 8: Past Reflections
Relapse: Liz speaking- In our last chapter, we had some fluff and other stuff happen between two of our couples, One stopped and one...well they haven't yet. Unfortunately, fate struck a low blow for when Faen was trying to help Hiei; she, herself, was put out of commission. But all is well...or is going to be eventually. Will Amani and Munin take it to home base? Will Dae, Youko, and Hiei find Faen before it's too late? Will Amani finally spill the secret that she kept from the boys? On with the show!
Curtains open.
"What?" Youko and Dae yelled in unison. Youko stared at his friend in disbelief as the bandages slipped between his fingers and floated to the ground where they were instantly drenched red. Youko looked at the cloth, shrugged, then tore a fresh piece from his pants and began binding Hiei's wound again.
Hiei scowled at them before answering. "Stop yelling! I got a headache. She said she wanted to get some water and something for her head, then she left."
"What's wrong with that?" Dae asked.
"That was a good half and hour ago." Hiei snapped. Youko pulled the bandage taunt then tore it. "Ow."
"Your arm should be ok for now." Youko said dropping the spare cloth to the floor as he brushed his hands together.
"Thanks, but can we please find Faen?" Hiei said softly.
Dae smiled and gently grabbed his forearm. "Of course." She said as she helped him to his feet. "But where do we start?"
"The blood." Youko said softly.
"What?" Dae asked.
"The blood. We smelled a lot of blood, but it's not from Hiei. So..."
"It must be from Faen." Hiei said. Dae watched as several emotions passed against Hiei's countenance. "Youko, Dae." He finally spoke. "Can you follow the blood?"
"Of course." Dae chirped. "Don't worry Hiei we'll find her. Knowing Faen, she probably got distracted by something."
"Yeah," Hiei said in a half-believing tone.
Youko finally stood. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. After a couple more breaths, he opened his eyes again; determination flickered in his eyes. "This way." Youko said as he started following the scent. Hiei shook his head and blink a couple times to ensure his vision was clear before following. Dae smiled as she brought up the rear.
**********
Munin continued to hold an arrogant smirk as he pinned Amani's hand next to her head and before she could get any ideas, he laid its twin beside it. His eyes danced with evil thoughts as he lowered his lips to hers again. It was only a simple brush of skin, but Amani shivered none the less.
"I'd like to see you try and regain control now, vixen." Munin whispered; his hot breath fanning over her lips. Amani opened her mouth allowing their breath to mingle for a moment before Munin devoured her lips.
Amani gasped then growled as she struggled to control the kiss. The sound caused Munin to push harder against her lips as he beast thrashed from within him. His eyes narrow before the irises flamed and the pupils stretched and his fingers begin to meld together. He suddenly released her mouth and attacked her throat.
Amani began to playfully struggle causing him to tighten his grip. She smiled and bucked against his chest. He snarled and moved to look at her. His eyes softened a bit before inhaling her scent again. The smell of juniper and lavender called and coaxed his beast. He quickly moved her arms so they were both in one now taloned hand. Amani's eyes widened as his grip became painful. The lust she had felt began to fade away as fear trickled in the back of her mind.
If he had noticed the change in her behavior, Munin didn't show it. He pushed her full weight into the mattress below them causing Amani to gasp as the breath was driven out of her lungs. A malicious smile crept across Munin's face as he lowered his other clawed talons to Amani's neck. His beast treasured the way her eyes widened and how her heart raced. It beat in his ears like a steady rising melody; a melody that something deep inside him wanted to end. He threw his head back as his hair stretched and twirled in the air before sprouting tiny hairs. Munin returned his gaze to Amani as his skin blackened and melted as a flood of black feathers seemed to flow out of his arms and over his chest. Amani gasped as she watched his faced begin to thin as his skin seemed taunt against his cheekbones. He let out a pained grunt and lowered his head. Amani lost sight of his face in the wave of feathers, but she heard his small pained noises.
"Munin?" she whispered gently, trying to hide the fear the rode throughout her veins. Her voice rang through his head for several seconds before he felt the fear. He gently lifted his head and looked into her aquamarine eyes. Amani gasped; his beast was well at the surface. Munin's upper body was cover in a thin layer of down feathers that expanded from his lower torso, all the way up his chest and shoulders, down his arms in one direction and up his neck in the other where they ended below his chin. They gleamed in the light like a shining obsidian breastplate. Soft black feathers graced his cheekbones and forehead, but left his dark brown eyes untouched like a mask. Amani's eyes fell upon his slightly reddened lips and licked her own.
Munin continued to lose himself in Amani's eyes. He watched as they traveled over every inch of his body until they returned to his face. He was afraid that she would be frightened or disgusted by his true beast, but was immediately corrected when he watched her licked her lips hungrily as she stared into his earth colored eyes. The beast within him screeched and screamed in his head; demanding he dominate her, but he suppressed it. Amani squeaked catching his attention. A small trail of blood trickled made its way down Amani's wrist and onto the pillow. The talons slowly removed their hold and moved to either side of Amani's head. His wings shifted behind him slightly causing Amani to jump. She watched as hurt flashed across the chocolate irises then disappear. Munin smiled as he brought his wings closer around them as if to shield them from he rest of the world. Amani's eyes widened a bit as she became shadowed from the sun. Munin just chuckled as he gently rubbed his left wing along side her face and down her throat. Amani shivered as the feathers tickled every inch of skin they touched. She closed her eyes as the right wing decided to join the fun.
Munin continued to caress her face and neck a bit longer before laying a gentle kiss. He pulled back and smiled. Her eyes were closed; her breathing shallow. She opened her eyes and smiled back. She raised her left hand and laid it softly against his face. Munin frowned when her eyes ceased their mischievous dancing and took a more serious note.
"Munin. We have to stop." She said softly yet sternly.
Munin's eyes went wide. He dropped his head and quietly spoke. "It's my beast, isn't it?"
"No, no...well maybe just a little, but there is something else." Amani said quickly as she pulled herself into a sitting position, forcing Munin to either bury his head in her chest or sit up with her. He pulled back and sat on his knees. "I just...I think we need know each other better first." She answered.
Munin only nodded his head. Amani smiled and stroked his cheek.
"All we need is time." She whispered as she pulled herself from under him and walked to the door. "I'll be back later." She said as she quickly left the room.
Munin sighed as he contorted back to his normal state. The flood of feathers dissipated the same way they had come. His black hair fell across his face and shoulders as his skin returned back to a normal golden tone. He stayed where he was for a moment before sliding off the bed. He silently stood and walked over to the mirror on the dresser. He sighed heavily as he watched the black slits shrink back into a black dot.
Munin growled as he slammed his fist through the mirror frame and into the wall behind it. "I knew it."
**********
Youko, Dae, and Hiei continued struggled to find Faen. Time was not on their side and they needed to hurry, but the scent seemed to be everywhere at once.
"What's taking so long?" Hiei growled.
"The scent is strong. It feels like it's all around us." Dae whispered as she sniffed the air again.
"Lets try this way." Youko said grabbing her arm.
"Oh mkay." Dae said as she following. Her ears picked up Hiei's grumbling as he angrily chased after them. The posse searched for another quarter hour before their expedition finally landed them near the kitchen. The kitchen door was ajar; foul stench pouring from the room.
"Youko, do you smell that?" Dae asked, taking quicker breaths through her nose as she neared the door.
"Smell what?" Hiei asked.
"Yeah, I smell it." Youko responded ignoring Hiei.
"Smell what?" Hiei asked again raising his voice a bit more.
"That's not good. If it smells like that then something bad must have happened." Dae said, her eyes widening a bit.
"What smell?!" Hiei yelled catching the attentions of both the kitsunes.
Dae sighed and gave a worried glance at Youko who closed his eyes and nodded his head. All of this did not go unnoticed by a certain shorter fire demon.
"Are you two going to tell me what's going on?" Hiei yelled as they passed glances at each other again; neither of them spoke.
After several more moments of glaring, Youko sighed and spoke up. "It smells of..."
"What?" Hiei persisted.
"Death."
"What?!" Hiei gasped, his eyes flaring open.
"Wait, let me finish. It smells like death or near death. They are hard to distinguish between. Hiei," Youko sighed, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder, "just be prepared for the worse."
Hiei's eyes widened and he numbly nodded his head.
"Ok. Let's go." Youko said, removing his hand and placing it on the door before pushing it open. Youko and Dae immediately covered their noses as the smell of blood overwhelmed them. They backed up out of the kitchen, but Hiei, who smelled nothing, carefully walked forward and peered around the counter. His heart thudded painfully in his chest as he felt liquid surround his bare feet. He looked down to see blood encompassing his foot. His stomach dropped as his eyes traced the stream of crimson. Hiei immediately rushed to Faen side, pulling her gently from the pool of blood.
"Is anything in there?" Youko called from outside the door.
Hiei stared wide eyed at the woman in his arms, unable to find his voice.
"Hiei?" he heard his friend call again.
"I found her." He said softly.
"What?" Dae asked.
"I found her." Hiei said a little louder.
"Is she ok?" Dae asked concern tensioned in her voice.
"No." Hiei said as he brushed Faen's silver bangs away from the wound, knocking a few pieces of pottery loose from her hair to shatter on the floor.
Hiei didn't move as he heard shuffling behind him. His eyes stayed glued on Faen's still form even when Dae squatted down in front of him. He glanced up briefly to see a strip of white cloth tied securely around the lower half of her face. They made eye contact for a moment before looking down a Faen. Dae gingerly brought hand to the wound and probed at it a little. She quickly moved her blood soaked fingers to the bottom of Youko's shirt that she was wearing and tore a fresh piece of cloth. Hiei watched very attentively as Dae bound her friend's wound. The bandage was wrapped several times before being tied off. Blood seeped into the white fabric, turning the pure cloth a lovely shade of bright red.
"I think she'll be ok, but I'm not a doctor." Dae said, hoping for some response. When none came, she continued, "I know of a good one though. She knows all of us very well and has treated our wounds several times before. Her name is Yoreith of Cyn. I'll go see if she can come today." Dae said as she stood and left the room.
Hiei nodded slightly not really acknowledging anything. He jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He quickly turned and followed the hand to his friend's face.
"Do you want me to help you get her to a room?" Youko asked solemnly.
"No." Hiei answered softly turning away from Youko. "I'll carry her. What room can I put her in?"
Youko smiled removing his hand. "Go ahead and go back to the room you were in. Are you sure you do not need my help?"
Hiei looked at his friend with a distant stare and nodded again. "Yeah, I can carry her."
"Ok." Youko said as he stood and left the room.
Hiei watched his friend leave and turned to his task. He slowly slipped a hand under Faen's shoulders and raised her a bit by bit until her head lay gently on his chest. Next, he shifted her legs until he got a steady grip under her knees. Hiei steadied himself as he rose to his knees and then to his full standing position. He tightened his grip on Faen's body as he walked out of the kitchen and toward their room. He kicked the door open with foot and slowly walked sideways into the room, making sure to avoid Faen's body hitting the doorframe. He quickly walked over to the bed. The covers were still pulled back from when he climbed out of bed. He lightly placed Faen on the bed and pulled the comforter up to her chest. Satisfied that she would be warm, he walked out of the room and grabbed an idol chair from the hall and brought it into the room. He put it silently by the bed and sat himself down, waiting for Dae to return with the doctor.
'Please be ok.' He prayed as he watched her sleep.
*********
Amani wandered through the seemingly endless halls wondering whether she should go back and talk to Munin or not.
'I did brush him off kinda hard,' Amani thought to herself. 'But I can't..'
"Huh?.....What's this?" Amani said as she noticed a small puddle and various shreds of white lying on the floor. Her pace quickened as she approached the image. A gasped tore from her throat as she recognized the substances on the floor.
"Blood and cloth?" she whispered kneeling quickly. She slowly reached out and picked up a piece of unblooded cloth. "What happened here?"
While her mind was reeling with possible scenarios, Dae turned the corner and nearly fell as she attempted to stop before hitting her friend. Amani startled and looked wide-eyed at Dae.
"Dae?"
"Amani, good. I need you to go get Yoreith." Dae said hurriedly.
"Ok, but tell me what happened." Amani said, standing.
Dae sighed, caught her breath and answered. "Faen fell and hit her head."
"Oh Kami, Is she alright?"
"No, I wouldn't bother asking you to go get Yoreith if it wasn't serious. Now hurry." Dae said making a shooing motion with her hands.
"But wait why do I have to go?" Amani yelled.
"Because I'm going to take care of yours, mine, and Faen's little problem. Plus I think you should get away for a while, you're about to..."
"I know."
"Is that what you were going to tell us?" Dae asked.
"Yeah." Amani blushed. "I didn't want the boys to hear."
"Mk." Dae smiled as she picked up the scent.
Amani's eyes widened as she saw Dae's smile widened.
"You were with Munin, weren't you?" Dae said smugly.
"Kinda but..."
Dae watched Amani's embarrassment grow. "You didn't."
"I did." Amani said dropping her head.
"You blew him off!" Dae hissed grabbing her friend's shoulder.
Amani gave Dae a pleading look. "What else could I do? As you said I'm about to start. I couldn't take the risk."
"Ok, we'll talk more later, but for now run! Go get Yoreith!" Dae said shoving Amani in the direction of the door.
"Ok, ok, I'm going." Amani huffed as she ran passed the door and into the woods.
Dae smiled as she watched her friend leave. "It's going to be a long night." She murmured before heading back in the direction of Faen's and Hiei's room.
**********
Youko pushed himself from his leaning position against the wall when he felt Dae approach. Not much later, she turned the corner straight into his chest, rebounding and falling straight on her butt.
"Oomph...owchies." Dae whined rubbing her hip. Her eyes skimmed over the brown shoes, up the white torn pants, across the broad chest, and into the face of Youko. "Oh sorry my bad. I wasn't paying attention." She said flashing an embarrassed smile as a small blush graced her cheeks.
"No, my fault." Youko argued, holding his hand out for her. Dae smiled again and took his hand. With the great ease, Youko pulled Dae to her feet. The swiftness of his lift caught Dae off guard causing her to trip and fall onto his chest.
Dae blushed harder and quickly pulled back. Her blushed flamed when she heard Youko softly chuckling. She took some steady breaths, looked Youko in the face, and spoke.
"I was actually looking for you. There is something that I need to speak to you, Munin, and Hiei about. Could you get Munin and meet me in Hiei and Faen's room?" Dae asked anxiously.
"Sure. Be back in five." Youko said, stroking his hand across Dae's cheek before leaving.
Dae turned to see an empty hall.
'Whoa girl. Calm down. Breathe. You got a job to do.' Dae thought as she approached Hiei's room. 'I am so going to get him back for making me blush.'
Dae pushed her thoughts aside as she knocked on the door. A gruff 'come in' reached her ears. The gently turned the doorknob and slowly opened the door.
Hiei still sat by Faen's side. His elbows on his knees; chin resting in his palms.
"Hiei?" Dae asked softly, approaching the bedside.
He slowly turned and looked Dae in the eye. His eyes held everything Dae needed to know. Worry, anxiety, fear, all swirled in his pupils. He blinked and it all faded into the back of his eyes.
"What do you want?" he answered dryly.
"I need to talk to you. Well, you and Munin and Youko. They'll be in a second." Dae answered, walking across the floor to the opposite side of the bed from Hiei.
His eyes followed her as she walked then her hands as she checked Faen's vitals. "What about?" he asked gruffly.
"Us." Dae answered gently placing Faen's hand back on the bed before meeting Hiei's gaze. "I want to tell all of you about us."
Hiei opened his mouth to respond, but closed it as he heard the door opened. He stayed facing forward as he watched Youko appear around the foot of the bed and move to stand next to Dae. Hiei noted that Munin remained standing at the foot of the bed; somewhat of a mix between a scowl and a frown planted on his face.
"We're all here. What do you need to tell us?" Munin asked.
"Yes, I am quite curious." Youko added.
Dae looked at Hiei expecting him to add his two cents, but he just continued to stare expectantly at her.
Dae sighed and gathered her thoughts. "Let me start from the beginning."
**********
Amani had been running for what seemed like hours, though it had been only moments. The trip to the house of Yoreith of Cyn was an exhausting one due to the overbearing amount of spells Yoreith had placed everywhere. Amani could go through them easily enough, but it still made her feel tired. Yoreith was no fool; anyone who wanted to see her had to pass through her energy stealing spells. You had to really need or want to see her to risk going to her so weak.
Amani sighed. 'Just remember it's for Faen.' She continued to tell repeat in her head.
After several more minutes of traveling, Amani arrived at a small hut that was shrouded in bushes, weeds, and vines. It was invisible to the naked eye unless you knew it was there. Amani jumped as the old wooden door opened with a loud creak. She visibly relaxed when she saw her old friend emerged.
Yoreith gazed at Amani with her white pupil-less eyes. Her midnight black hair was array, drifting in the breeze of her aura. A small crossed her young face as she spoke.
"Good evening, Amanithil Rimnacar. What has brought you to my humble abode?" Yoreith asked her friend as she approached.
Amani smiled at the open greeting and spoke her mind. "Faen is hurt badly. We need your help."
Yoreith's smile never changed as her eyes swirled into pearl-resent spirals. "Come in. we have much to discuss."
Amani smiled as she approached her old friend. Yoreith returned the smile while gently placing an arm on her back, directing her towards the hut.
Amani's smile widened as a little ball of red fur weaved in and around her legs. "Well hello there Taino."
The small fox stopped its chaotic rubbing and mewed at her. Yoreith opened her arms which were instantly filled with the little red poof ball.
"It seems that you too have been doing well." Amani said as she continued toward the hut.
Yoreith closed her eyes as if in deep thought. She sighed; a smile stretching from her lips. "Yes, we've been through a lot together Taino?" Yoreith said as she nuzzled the little fur ball with her nose. Taino mewed again; licking Yoreith's cheek. "Shall we go inside?" Yoreith asked, turning to Amani.
"Lead the way." Amani answered sweeping her arms at the door. Yoreith smiled as she entered her home closely followed by Amani.
Darkness wrapped around the three figures as they walked through the door. Amani blinked several times trying to adjust to the lack of light. After a few more blinks, she finally was able to take in the confines of Yoreith's house.
Candles flickered from every available space between the scrolls, vials, and other various jars of herbs and trinkets. A large boiling cauldron sat off to one side of the room; a slowly rising florescent stream filled the room. The sweet nectar of sage and rosemary drifted in the air. Amani watched Yoreith placed Taino down on a small crimson pillow that rested on one of the many tables in the room and then proceed to the pot. She stopped just at the brim and swiped her hand leisurely through the steam.
"I have seen many disturbing events going on around you and your friends, Amanithil." Yoreith spoke softly, breaking the eerily silence of the present atmosphere.
Amani jumped at the sudden noise, but hastily recovered. "Yes, two or three battles I believe."
"Yes and several injuries and...other more...emotional dilemmas." Yoreith added with a smile.
Amani the felt heat crawl up her face. "I don't know what you mean." She lied.
Yoreith gave her a disbelieving look; like the kind your mother gives you when tell her you didn't steal the cookies from the cookie jar, but you've got chocolate on your face and crumbs on your shirt.
Amani gave a nervous laugh. Yoreith added a cocked eyebrow to her motherly glare causing Amani to finally crack.
"Well, maybe there was one thing." She said softly as she felt the heat flame anew.
Yoreith smiled at her acceptance. "Don't worry. You're not the only one. I believe Dae has found a beau as well."
"What?" Amani yelled.
Yoreith smiled wider. "You didn't hear anything from me." The smile suddenly faded making Yoreith look almost scary. Her white eyes bore into Amani's blue ones. "But it does seem we have a very important matter at hand, don't we?"
"Yes." Amani answered; her smile fading as well. She sat in an empty wood chair and stared at Yoreith. "Faen is wounded."
"How badly?"
"I couldn't tell you. I walk out of Munin's room ad bumped into Dae. Next thing I know Dae is shoving me out the door telling me to retrieve you." Amani said. Taino gave a soft mew from his perch before leaping off of it and making himself comfortable in Amani's lap. She absently stroked the fox's head as she continued. "Dae pressed that it was important I bring you as soon a possible."
Yoreith gave a silent nod before turning back to her cauldron.
"We'll have to wait." She stated softly.
"Why?" Amani asked.
Yoreith smiled and turned to walk into an extra room in the back. Amani pulled Taino to her chest as she prepared to rise and follow Yoreith when she felt a cool breeze wrap around her. The breeze seemed to clutch Amani around upper arms with a chilling yet calming effect. Amani looked up at Yoreith to meet the deep spiraling white irises.
"I'm going to take a short nap and I suggest you do the same." Yoreith's voice said as it echoed through Amani's mind.
Amani suddenly felt heavy. Taino plopped to the floor when Amani unexpectantly dropped her arms to her sides. Her limbs began weights as she struggled to stand. After several attempts, she managed to raise her head and meet Yoreith's gaze.
"What...what are you doing?" Amani said slurred.
Yoreith's face betrayed nothing as she spoke. "It's all for the best now. Rest."
Amani's eyes drooped as her legs gave out. Blissful slumber consumed her senses. She never her body hit the floor beneath her.
Yoreith walked over to the fallen woman. "In due time." She whispered as she sat in a nearby chair and watched images rise from the bubbling steam in the cauldron. Five people were situated in different spots in a purple bedroom, talking. Their mouths moved, but no sound was heard, yet Yoreith could hear them all the same. She chuckled softly as she watched the scene play out before her. "In due time."
**********
"Well, Faen and I met each other long before we met Amani." Dae started.
"How long ago was that?" Youko interrupted.
Dae gazed at the ceiling while she strummed her fingers across her chin. "Oh...I can't remember. It was a long time ago when we were both kids."
"How did you two meet?" Hiei asked.
"Stop interrupting me, I'll get to it." Dae said as she made herself comfortable on the edge of the bed. "Before I talk about how we met, I'd better tell you about our very...uneventful childhoods."
All three men made themselves comfortable as they prepared for a long tale; Hiei in his chair next to Faen, Munin on the footboard of the bed, and Youko sitting behind Dae on the bed. Dae checked them all to make sure they were ready and began.
"Faen's mother's name was Algar and though she won't admit it, it's her last name as well."
"May I ask why she hates this name?" Munin asked.
"I was getting to that." Dae huffed. "Now no more interruptions or someone is going to get hurt. Now, the reason Faen hates her last name because it was her mother's name."
"What does that mean?" Youko asked.
"Geese, if you guys can wait I'll answer all your questions. Anyway, Faen hates your mother therefore she hates her name." Dae held up her hand before the men could ask any questions. "Faen's father left after mating with Algar, so she never knew her father or even his name. Algar held a lot of resentment for her mate's abandonment of her and therefore held resentment for her bastard child. She didn't harm Faen or anything as such, but...let's just say she wasn't the best mother either. When Faen was only a small child, Algar abandoned her. She said something about becoming of age, I don't know, but that's Faen's childhood now on to Amani's."
"Wait a minute," Hiei interrupted. "You're telling me Faen's mother abandoned her when she began of age and because of that she hates her mother?"
"No, no. Her mother told her that she was of age, but Faen was only a small child. Her mother simply wanted nothing to do with her anymore. Faen basically raised herself." Dae answered.
"Oh." Hiei said softly. "Please continue."
"Right where was I...oh yeah: Amani. Well, Amani's full name Amanithil Rimnacar. She had a pretty normal life until she hit her teens."
"What happened?" Munin asked.
"Well, she was born in the land of the Ice Maidens..." Dae stopped as she noticed Hiei's eyes widen. "Hiei, are you alright?"
Hiei shook himself from his thoughts of his homeland and turned to Dae. "I'm fine, just thinking."
Dae cocked an eyebrow. "Do you know something about the land of the Ice Maiden's or something?"
Hiei shook his head. "No, I've just heard of it."
"Mk...anyway, she grew up there in peace, but when she hit her teen years a civil conflict broke out."
"A war?" Munin asked.
"No, a dispute. There was an argument over the murder of a baby fire demon born from one of the maidens. Instead of giving the baby boy to the fire demons, they killed it by throwing it off a cliff."
Hiei's jaw was dropped by now, but Dae decided to ignore it.
"Anyway, the mother went crazy and threatened to kill the boy's twin sister. After a brief struggle, they managed to get the baby to safety, but the mother killed herself. The ice land went into turmoil. Many believe it was the fault of the Queen for the mother's suicide. In short, a small band of rebels wanted to remove the queen from the throne, but they were quickly snuffed. All the rebels were banished from the land of ice for all eternity."
"Let me guess," Youko started. "She was one of the rebellion."
"Correct. She wandered for several years until we met up with her." Dae said.
"So, we know about Faen and we know about Amani, now Dae what about you?" Youko breathed on her neck. Dae suppressed a shiver, elbowing him in the gut instead.
"Well, I don't have much of a childhood fantasy or anything. My mother died giving birth to me. My father wanted me to have a mother so he gave me a foster family when I was just a baby. I stayed with my foster family until I was preteen."
"Why did you leave?" Hiei asked as he absently intertwined his finger in Faen's silver tresses.
"They left me. A snobby stronger demon wanted their land, but instead of asking for it he simply killed them all."
"How did you survive?" Munin asked, shifting to a more comfortable position on the dark wooden footboard.
"Believe or not, my father came and fought for me." Dae's eyes saddened a bit. "He died in my arms, but not before killing the stronger demon. He said nothing, but simply smiled."
"So in a sense, you are all orphans." Munin asked.
"Yep. We are just a rag-tag band of pesky orphans." Dae said smiling.
"How did you all meet?" Hiei asked looking up into Dae's face.
"Well, as I said before, Faen and I met before we met Amani. It happened about...oh a while ago; must have been a couple of decades, maybe a century or two. I don't remember anyway, we were still little kids with no parents, no manners, and no respect for anybody. We ran into each other in a field one day and got in a fight. We called each other stupid names or something. Continuing on, we fought, knocked each other out. Woke up, fought again, and knocked each other out again. Then, woke up again, but before we could fight a really stupid demon came up and started calling us runts and brats, etc. Well, we both got really pissed and we actually agreed to kill him together; trust me it was a very mutual understanding. This guy was ugly. So we banded together and killed him. It only took us about five minutes. Well after we finished killing the guy, we got to talking and we found out that we had a lot in common. From there it's history."
"But what about Amani?" Munin asked shifting to a standing position.
"Oh yeah. Well, about a decade after Faen and I met, we came across Yoreith of Cyn. Our first encounter with her was anything but pleasant. But after she beat us into the ground, she told us that our duo needed to become a trio and that the third member of our party was on the way. Faen and I went searching for days, but we just could not find that third person. So, we went back to Yoreith and asked her where to find this third person. She told us that we had to wait three days before anyone would arrive. So we waited and just as she said three days later Amani shows up. She was about to try and ripe our heads off when Yoreith pinned her with a stunning spell. We managed to talk her out of killing us and just talk to us instead. She told us that she had felt compelled to come this way and then she met us. So we all had a little sit together-Yoreith, Faen, Amani, and I- and we all became friends from that day on."
"So you really aren't sisters?" Munin asked.
Dae slowly turned and gave the raven demon a glare that made him want to crawl in a fetal position and cry. "No, I made that whole story up because I was bored. No, we're not sisters. Geese, you really are a bird brained idiot."
A/n: Deepest apologizes for taking so long. School + soccer = no time for me. Spanish is easy. Algebra II is a headache. Band is boring. History is naptime. Soccer is and will be the death of me. This chapter is also not the one I am the most fond of. Sorry for the wait. I promise to update sooner next time. This is Lykaios Theophania saying, "Yo soy el perro café." HAHAHAHAHA!
