Authoress here.
Ah, another chapter. Unfortunately, there was yet another long wait in between. For this, will you all raise your fingers and point in the general direction of my school. Thank you, advanced classes.
Just a head's up, as the change was slight and completely over-lookable, I switched the rating from PG to PG-13. There is a lot of violence, and stuff that some people might find gruesome. Just a warning!
Onto the tale!
Yujo Chronicles: Ankara's Story
Chapter Five
Hiei sat pensively in the village's main lodge. People lounged about the wide room, some in front of the huge fireplace, others opting to sit outside the orange circle of light. The murmur of many voices echoed throughout the hall, and it made it hard for the apparition to think.
He choose the furthest spot away from anyone else, hoping the solitude would soothe him. He had cut off a corner of his heavy black over cloak, and was using it to polish the new blade he had been gifted with.
Even set apart from people as he was, snatches of conversation reached his ears.
"-Odd, the song she sang-"
"- Too bad she made it without getting shot in the heart. That's always been my favorite part. But the dance was incredible!-"
"- First time in the last four festivals someone has made it past the Circle of Six-"
Hiei sheathed the weapon and stood quickly, scowling. How he hated these people! With their merciless killing, Ankara was doomed to die. And even after managing to conquer the dancing! The thought hot in his mind, he made his way out of the hall and into the cold wind.
The sun was beginning to paint the eastern sky a dull red, reminding Hiei of the sickly color of the paint streaked over the bodies of the archers. Over Ankara's body.
He turned away, darkness brooding in his heart and clouding his eyes in a dull acceptance. The world was out to rob people of happiness. Living in a community, in a band, in any sort of group was worse than living alone. Alone, you couldn't be hurt by the sins of your fellows.
Another quarter-hour went by as Hiei sat in the snow outside the lodge, gazing into the oncoming sunset. His mind sorted through every possibility of the future until he settled grimly on one. He was leaving the bandits' group. No longer would he suffer on the account of others.
Half Hour Later
"Hiei! Runt! Howdja enjoy the festivities?!" Fulcan roared, obviously very drunk. Two pretty women had draped themselves over him. Hiei wondered by Dagrab hadn't chased them away yet, but the probability of her being with some other drunkard was high.
"They were interesting." Hiei said stiffly.
"Weren't they?!" Fulcan grinned tipsily, taking another slurpy sip from his tankard. "So the little bitch managed to make it through the dance, eh? I'll bet you found some little chicken around here before the ceremony that madeja forgit all about her, though."
"I'm leaving the band." Hiei said, ignoring Fulcan's last comment. "I don't see why I should stay."
"Whatever, runt!" Fulcen chuckled merrily. He was too drunk to fully understand what Hiei was saying, but the pretty women on either side of him took precedence over whatever Hiei had to say.
Hiei got up and bowed. Turning quickly on one heel, he stalked back out of the lodge. It was the last time he would ever have to see Fulcen's face ever again, and that single thought lightened Hiei's mental burden immensely.
He traveled light, bringing nothing with him except the katana and a small dagger. He reached the wall quickly, and bade the watchman to drop a rope for him to slide down. The guard was slightly tipsy as well and mindlessly followed orders.
Hiei hurried down it, and started at a light jog, headed away from Kare Sorunial, and away from the memories the three brief days had left for him. The wind was at his back, and it combed gentle, cool fingers of air through his air and across the back of his neck. He felt lighter than he had ever felt, released from the confines of a group, released from the horror the Ceremony had inflicted.
His mind was wiped clean, and Hiei made a silent vow to start new, fresh. He was a good robber! He could become an assassin, a criminal! His name could grow in fame as well on the most-wanted list, and he could live on forever! He could even start his own band, if he felt like it. And maybe one day he could charge Kare Sorunial and burn the accursed place to the ground, and leave only black ashes in memory of the red-painted walls.
His pace moved to a steady lope, and his stride lengthened with every new goal that flitted across his mind. Why stop at Kare Sorunial? Why not set his anger and terror on the world? Why not, just for once, be the top dog?
The sun kept rising, but didn't turn to the merry gold of morning. Instead, it stayed red, and the low clouds that surrounded it were the color of death itself. Hiei had traveled since the day's birth, and now the red sun held steady in the center of the sky, marking midday.
Hiei's breath started to come quick, and his legs begged him to slow down and rest. As he was his own man, he did. He stopped, doubled over, panting but smiling grimly. In Fulcan's control, he would have had to keep up a steady pace like that for another few miles. But Fulcan had no control, not even a finger of power over Hiei now. He was free.
Ankara isn't free, you lowlife. A nagging voice in the back of his mind brushed away the shreds of his fantasies. And here you are, running away like some weakling coward. You've never been able to face the worst. Not in life, and most certainly not in yourself!
Hiei stared at the ground, unshed tears making the amber eyes over bright. He told himself Ankara wasn't his problem, he had done all he could for the girl, and she had to face her own wretched fate. But another, more insistent part of him argued that she was his problem, and by caring for her even in the slightest portion made her his responsibility.
Hiei's frustrations only grew. Here he was, on the brink of taking over the world, on the edge of possibility, and all he could think about was some doomed wench almost fifty miles away by now. He justified his actions by walking further, telling himself he was doing his best to watch out for himself, and himself alone.
He followed the sun westward, the blaring ball still red in the sky. The color irritated Hiei, who would find himself thinking of the irregular drips of dull red paint weaving their way down Ankara's bare legs, the strange red designs on her face, arms and neck. And the twin red heels that had ruled her destiny, condemning her either way.
Be a man, Hiei! The voice persisted. You can still change this! You can, and you must!
"I must?" Hiei murmured aloud. "Really, I must? Why? I have no connections with her..." Doubt was clearly reflected in his voice, and he groaned.
"Fine!" He shouted. "Damn you, fine!" He turned, and started to begin the journey, retreating and following his footsteps, back to the sun.
Nightfall
The watchmen paced the wall walk, glancing back inside the walls to the village, where the second day of celebration was taking place. Now, many beautiful Sorunial women danced, painting their own heels in many different colors in imitation of the Ceremony.
Men danced around them, and whenever a woman's heel touched the ground, her dancing partner would laugh and punish her with kisses she couldn't refuse. The ale poured freely, and the music twirled and spun the dancers at a fast tempo.
So intent on the festivities inside, the watchmen didn't notice Hiei creeping silently along the wall. He wasn't quite sure how he would get in, but knew he must find one. He studied the wall, calculated the jump, and went over every possibility he could think of. But any way he came up with was doomed to fail, for the guards weren't that inattentive.
In fact, it was the attentiveness of the guard that offered the way inside. "Oie, you there!"
Hiei looked about wildly, but there was no place to hide. So, he lamely called back. "Send me down a rope?"
"Who do you know inside?" The watchmen called back.
"Uh...Fulcan!" Hiei improvised, "he sent me out early this morning wioth a message for an employer. I need to report to him."
"Alright, then, wait half a moment!" The guard disappeared over the wall for a minute, and returned dropping down the promised rope. Hiei caught it and clambered over, nodding his thanks to the guard, who merrily waved him along.
Hiei traveled quietly, staying out of the way of the festivities, not wanting to be seen by anyone who would recognize him. Luck stayed with him, and aided by the shadows from the dying sun, Hiei managed to get to the building where Ankara had been kept unseen.
He knew the door would be locked, but brought out his small dagger. Working craftily, he picked the easy lock and the door swung inwards. Torches lit the room, illuminating the small door in the far left-hand wall.
Hiei moved quickly to kneel beside it, and soon was working on opening that lock as well. he was successful within a few moments, and soon slipped inside. The sight that greeted his eyes affirmed his return was indeed both wise and necessary.
Set up in the middle of the room was a table, and it was set with the finest and richest foods available. Silver dishes winked merrily in the torchlight, and he could see the pale white wine sparkling in the crystal-cut chalice set out with the meal.
This fine culinary feast was set just out of reach of Ankara, who appeared to be slumped against the farthest wall, somehow chained with her hands above her head. But as Hiei moved closer, he saw in horror that she was not chained as he first had thought.
No, she had two silver-handled daggers thrust through her palms and into the wall behind her, pinning her hands and disallowing her to move. So this was how they starved and despaired the Sacrifices in preparation for their god!
Pale blood had trickled down her arms and dried there, making Ankara seem spectral and death-like. Hiei was momentarily alarmed that maybe she was already dead when he saw her chest move up and down in a steady but labored breath.
He ran to Ankara's side, and gently pulled both daggers out. More blood poured from her wounded hands, but she slumped forewords, freed of her cruel captivity and into Hiei's awaiting arms.
Hiei gently set the unconscious girl on the stone-flagged floor, and pulled off his overcloak. Cutting two long strips of it off, he used the material to bind her palms and stop the blood. The dark red stained the bandages, but it helped.
Seizing the chalice of white wine, Hiei slowly let the drink slide across her lips. The taste revived her, and her eyes fluttered open slowly. "H-H-Hiei?"
"Hello, Ankara. I'm getting you the hell out of here."
"W-What?"
"We're leaving as soon as you eat something."
He helped her into a sitting position, and she stared around dazedly. Hiei selected a chunk of bread and an apple from the fine setting, and handed the bread to her. "Eat."
She slowly began to bring the bread to her mouth, and took a tiny bite. Hiei, who had begun peeling the apple with his dagger, glanced at her and frowned.
"Does it taste alright?"
Ankara nodded, looking slightly frightened. "But I-I'm supposed to starve to death."
Hiei snorted. "Like hell I'm going to let you starve. Now start eating or I'll force feed you."
Ankara timidly started to eat again, growing more and more voracious with each bite until she had devoured the entire thing. Hiei gave her the apple next, and that she ate with relish as well. A few more mouthfuls of wine later, she looked well enough to stand.
"Okay, let's get out of this damned village." Hiei picked her up, setting her gently over one shoulder. "I hope you weren't planning on saying too many goodbyes, 'cause I've got the feeling these idiots won't be too pleased with what I'm doing."
Ankara said nothing, so Hiei crawled through the door and started towards the second leading outside.
Just as he was about to turn the handle, it twisted from the other side and swung in. A guard had apparently come to check on Ankara.
"Damn!" Hiei swore. He drew his sword clumsily with his free hand, and charged the dazed looking guard. The unfortunate man got in one good scream before falling victim to Hiei's blade.
"What's going on over there, Hoshikuo?" Another male voice called, and another man rounded the corner to see his fellow dead at Hiei's feet, and Ankara slung over Hiei's shoulder.
"A stranger's got the Sacrifice!" The man bellowed before Hiei could silence him. "He's got the Sacrifice, and they're getting aw-ungh!" He grunted as Hiei's katana seemed to grow out of his middle before slumping down.
"Damn it!" Hiei yelled. More men, maybe seven, had heard the man's screams and had come to investigate. More followed, and Hiei looked around despairingly. "Damn it!"
Ankara's voice sounded from just behind him. "Hiei please! Put me down, let them have me! You'll escape much easier if I weren't with you!"
"I will not run away!" Hiei growled behind clenched teeth. He had made up his mind. "And there is no way in hell I'll leave you behind!"
His katana caught the torchlight as it swung around in a deadly arc. Another three men fell beneath Hiei's torrent of slashing and hacking, and those now in front of him hesitated, unsure. Their slight pause only made Hiei's job easier.
Blood fountained as the katana found purchase in another man's chest, and next in the gut of the eighth. The steel thudded into the upper thigh of the next man, and he screamed aloud in agony.
Out of no ware an arrow flew, thudding into the ground mere inches away from Hiei's foot. He looked around for its source, but a second shaft came whizzing his way before he could react. Ankara saw it coming, and hurled her weight to one side, causing Hiei to overbalance and the arrow to miss its target.
Hiei scrambled up, hurling Ankara bodily back over his shoulder. he darted forewords, only four more men to oppose him. Behind them was an open stretch of land and then the steep cliffs of Ice World rose majestically into the darkness.
One man saw the gleam of battle lust in Hiei's eyes, and fled. His comrade followed suit. The two remaining stood shaking, knives in their trembling hands.
Hiei ran at them, eyes alight and sword dripping crimson. The two held their ground for the last few seconds before diving out of his way last moment. Hiei started to really run then, hearing the whistles of arrows flying around him. He took a flying leap onto the foot of the icy path, and started to dart upwards.
His breath came in fiery gasps, burning his lungs and making his already tired limbs ache. He kept moving forewords though, as fast as he could push himself.
It seemed like eternity, but the arrows finally started to clatter harmlessly below them, and the angry voices of the pursuers died down. The buildings had shrunk to the size of thumbnails, and the torches gleamed like pinpricks in the blackness of night.
Hiei felt his legs slow, then tremble to a stop. He heard Ankara sobbing with relief, and his knees gave out. He collapsed, and passed swiftly into unconsciousness.
End Chapter
Authoress here.
I'd like to thank my "mom" (who happens to not really be my mother...) for making we wear my wrist brace all day today, because I wrote 75 of this all this evening, and if I had come into it with no support, I woulda DIED.
So, thanks Mommy!
Ah, another chapter. Unfortunately, there was yet another long wait in between. For this, will you all raise your fingers and point in the general direction of my school. Thank you, advanced classes.
Just a head's up, as the change was slight and completely over-lookable, I switched the rating from PG to PG-13. There is a lot of violence, and stuff that some people might find gruesome. Just a warning!
Onto the tale!
Yujo Chronicles: Ankara's Story
Chapter Five
Hiei sat pensively in the village's main lodge. People lounged about the wide room, some in front of the huge fireplace, others opting to sit outside the orange circle of light. The murmur of many voices echoed throughout the hall, and it made it hard for the apparition to think.
He choose the furthest spot away from anyone else, hoping the solitude would soothe him. He had cut off a corner of his heavy black over cloak, and was using it to polish the new blade he had been gifted with.
Even set apart from people as he was, snatches of conversation reached his ears.
"-Odd, the song she sang-"
"- Too bad she made it without getting shot in the heart. That's always been my favorite part. But the dance was incredible!-"
"- First time in the last four festivals someone has made it past the Circle of Six-"
Hiei sheathed the weapon and stood quickly, scowling. How he hated these people! With their merciless killing, Ankara was doomed to die. And even after managing to conquer the dancing! The thought hot in his mind, he made his way out of the hall and into the cold wind.
The sun was beginning to paint the eastern sky a dull red, reminding Hiei of the sickly color of the paint streaked over the bodies of the archers. Over Ankara's body.
He turned away, darkness brooding in his heart and clouding his eyes in a dull acceptance. The world was out to rob people of happiness. Living in a community, in a band, in any sort of group was worse than living alone. Alone, you couldn't be hurt by the sins of your fellows.
Another quarter-hour went by as Hiei sat in the snow outside the lodge, gazing into the oncoming sunset. His mind sorted through every possibility of the future until he settled grimly on one. He was leaving the bandits' group. No longer would he suffer on the account of others.
Half Hour Later
"Hiei! Runt! Howdja enjoy the festivities?!" Fulcan roared, obviously very drunk. Two pretty women had draped themselves over him. Hiei wondered by Dagrab hadn't chased them away yet, but the probability of her being with some other drunkard was high.
"They were interesting." Hiei said stiffly.
"Weren't they?!" Fulcan grinned tipsily, taking another slurpy sip from his tankard. "So the little bitch managed to make it through the dance, eh? I'll bet you found some little chicken around here before the ceremony that madeja forgit all about her, though."
"I'm leaving the band." Hiei said, ignoring Fulcan's last comment. "I don't see why I should stay."
"Whatever, runt!" Fulcen chuckled merrily. He was too drunk to fully understand what Hiei was saying, but the pretty women on either side of him took precedence over whatever Hiei had to say.
Hiei got up and bowed. Turning quickly on one heel, he stalked back out of the lodge. It was the last time he would ever have to see Fulcen's face ever again, and that single thought lightened Hiei's mental burden immensely.
He traveled light, bringing nothing with him except the katana and a small dagger. He reached the wall quickly, and bade the watchman to drop a rope for him to slide down. The guard was slightly tipsy as well and mindlessly followed orders.
Hiei hurried down it, and started at a light jog, headed away from Kare Sorunial, and away from the memories the three brief days had left for him. The wind was at his back, and it combed gentle, cool fingers of air through his air and across the back of his neck. He felt lighter than he had ever felt, released from the confines of a group, released from the horror the Ceremony had inflicted.
His mind was wiped clean, and Hiei made a silent vow to start new, fresh. He was a good robber! He could become an assassin, a criminal! His name could grow in fame as well on the most-wanted list, and he could live on forever! He could even start his own band, if he felt like it. And maybe one day he could charge Kare Sorunial and burn the accursed place to the ground, and leave only black ashes in memory of the red-painted walls.
His pace moved to a steady lope, and his stride lengthened with every new goal that flitted across his mind. Why stop at Kare Sorunial? Why not set his anger and terror on the world? Why not, just for once, be the top dog?
The sun kept rising, but didn't turn to the merry gold of morning. Instead, it stayed red, and the low clouds that surrounded it were the color of death itself. Hiei had traveled since the day's birth, and now the red sun held steady in the center of the sky, marking midday.
Hiei's breath started to come quick, and his legs begged him to slow down and rest. As he was his own man, he did. He stopped, doubled over, panting but smiling grimly. In Fulcan's control, he would have had to keep up a steady pace like that for another few miles. But Fulcan had no control, not even a finger of power over Hiei now. He was free.
Ankara isn't free, you lowlife. A nagging voice in the back of his mind brushed away the shreds of his fantasies. And here you are, running away like some weakling coward. You've never been able to face the worst. Not in life, and most certainly not in yourself!
Hiei stared at the ground, unshed tears making the amber eyes over bright. He told himself Ankara wasn't his problem, he had done all he could for the girl, and she had to face her own wretched fate. But another, more insistent part of him argued that she was his problem, and by caring for her even in the slightest portion made her his responsibility.
Hiei's frustrations only grew. Here he was, on the brink of taking over the world, on the edge of possibility, and all he could think about was some doomed wench almost fifty miles away by now. He justified his actions by walking further, telling himself he was doing his best to watch out for himself, and himself alone.
He followed the sun westward, the blaring ball still red in the sky. The color irritated Hiei, who would find himself thinking of the irregular drips of dull red paint weaving their way down Ankara's bare legs, the strange red designs on her face, arms and neck. And the twin red heels that had ruled her destiny, condemning her either way.
Be a man, Hiei! The voice persisted. You can still change this! You can, and you must!
"I must?" Hiei murmured aloud. "Really, I must? Why? I have no connections with her..." Doubt was clearly reflected in his voice, and he groaned.
"Fine!" He shouted. "Damn you, fine!" He turned, and started to begin the journey, retreating and following his footsteps, back to the sun.
Nightfall
The watchmen paced the wall walk, glancing back inside the walls to the village, where the second day of celebration was taking place. Now, many beautiful Sorunial women danced, painting their own heels in many different colors in imitation of the Ceremony.
Men danced around them, and whenever a woman's heel touched the ground, her dancing partner would laugh and punish her with kisses she couldn't refuse. The ale poured freely, and the music twirled and spun the dancers at a fast tempo.
So intent on the festivities inside, the watchmen didn't notice Hiei creeping silently along the wall. He wasn't quite sure how he would get in, but knew he must find one. He studied the wall, calculated the jump, and went over every possibility he could think of. But any way he came up with was doomed to fail, for the guards weren't that inattentive.
In fact, it was the attentiveness of the guard that offered the way inside. "Oie, you there!"
Hiei looked about wildly, but there was no place to hide. So, he lamely called back. "Send me down a rope?"
"Who do you know inside?" The watchmen called back.
"Uh...Fulcan!" Hiei improvised, "he sent me out early this morning wioth a message for an employer. I need to report to him."
"Alright, then, wait half a moment!" The guard disappeared over the wall for a minute, and returned dropping down the promised rope. Hiei caught it and clambered over, nodding his thanks to the guard, who merrily waved him along.
Hiei traveled quietly, staying out of the way of the festivities, not wanting to be seen by anyone who would recognize him. Luck stayed with him, and aided by the shadows from the dying sun, Hiei managed to get to the building where Ankara had been kept unseen.
He knew the door would be locked, but brought out his small dagger. Working craftily, he picked the easy lock and the door swung inwards. Torches lit the room, illuminating the small door in the far left-hand wall.
Hiei moved quickly to kneel beside it, and soon was working on opening that lock as well. he was successful within a few moments, and soon slipped inside. The sight that greeted his eyes affirmed his return was indeed both wise and necessary.
Set up in the middle of the room was a table, and it was set with the finest and richest foods available. Silver dishes winked merrily in the torchlight, and he could see the pale white wine sparkling in the crystal-cut chalice set out with the meal.
This fine culinary feast was set just out of reach of Ankara, who appeared to be slumped against the farthest wall, somehow chained with her hands above her head. But as Hiei moved closer, he saw in horror that she was not chained as he first had thought.
No, she had two silver-handled daggers thrust through her palms and into the wall behind her, pinning her hands and disallowing her to move. So this was how they starved and despaired the Sacrifices in preparation for their god!
Pale blood had trickled down her arms and dried there, making Ankara seem spectral and death-like. Hiei was momentarily alarmed that maybe she was already dead when he saw her chest move up and down in a steady but labored breath.
He ran to Ankara's side, and gently pulled both daggers out. More blood poured from her wounded hands, but she slumped forewords, freed of her cruel captivity and into Hiei's awaiting arms.
Hiei gently set the unconscious girl on the stone-flagged floor, and pulled off his overcloak. Cutting two long strips of it off, he used the material to bind her palms and stop the blood. The dark red stained the bandages, but it helped.
Seizing the chalice of white wine, Hiei slowly let the drink slide across her lips. The taste revived her, and her eyes fluttered open slowly. "H-H-Hiei?"
"Hello, Ankara. I'm getting you the hell out of here."
"W-What?"
"We're leaving as soon as you eat something."
He helped her into a sitting position, and she stared around dazedly. Hiei selected a chunk of bread and an apple from the fine setting, and handed the bread to her. "Eat."
She slowly began to bring the bread to her mouth, and took a tiny bite. Hiei, who had begun peeling the apple with his dagger, glanced at her and frowned.
"Does it taste alright?"
Ankara nodded, looking slightly frightened. "But I-I'm supposed to starve to death."
Hiei snorted. "Like hell I'm going to let you starve. Now start eating or I'll force feed you."
Ankara timidly started to eat again, growing more and more voracious with each bite until she had devoured the entire thing. Hiei gave her the apple next, and that she ate with relish as well. A few more mouthfuls of wine later, she looked well enough to stand.
"Okay, let's get out of this damned village." Hiei picked her up, setting her gently over one shoulder. "I hope you weren't planning on saying too many goodbyes, 'cause I've got the feeling these idiots won't be too pleased with what I'm doing."
Ankara said nothing, so Hiei crawled through the door and started towards the second leading outside.
Just as he was about to turn the handle, it twisted from the other side and swung in. A guard had apparently come to check on Ankara.
"Damn!" Hiei swore. He drew his sword clumsily with his free hand, and charged the dazed looking guard. The unfortunate man got in one good scream before falling victim to Hiei's blade.
"What's going on over there, Hoshikuo?" Another male voice called, and another man rounded the corner to see his fellow dead at Hiei's feet, and Ankara slung over Hiei's shoulder.
"A stranger's got the Sacrifice!" The man bellowed before Hiei could silence him. "He's got the Sacrifice, and they're getting aw-ungh!" He grunted as Hiei's katana seemed to grow out of his middle before slumping down.
"Damn it!" Hiei yelled. More men, maybe seven, had heard the man's screams and had come to investigate. More followed, and Hiei looked around despairingly. "Damn it!"
Ankara's voice sounded from just behind him. "Hiei please! Put me down, let them have me! You'll escape much easier if I weren't with you!"
"I will not run away!" Hiei growled behind clenched teeth. He had made up his mind. "And there is no way in hell I'll leave you behind!"
His katana caught the torchlight as it swung around in a deadly arc. Another three men fell beneath Hiei's torrent of slashing and hacking, and those now in front of him hesitated, unsure. Their slight pause only made Hiei's job easier.
Blood fountained as the katana found purchase in another man's chest, and next in the gut of the eighth. The steel thudded into the upper thigh of the next man, and he screamed aloud in agony.
Out of no ware an arrow flew, thudding into the ground mere inches away from Hiei's foot. He looked around for its source, but a second shaft came whizzing his way before he could react. Ankara saw it coming, and hurled her weight to one side, causing Hiei to overbalance and the arrow to miss its target.
Hiei scrambled up, hurling Ankara bodily back over his shoulder. he darted forewords, only four more men to oppose him. Behind them was an open stretch of land and then the steep cliffs of Ice World rose majestically into the darkness.
One man saw the gleam of battle lust in Hiei's eyes, and fled. His comrade followed suit. The two remaining stood shaking, knives in their trembling hands.
Hiei ran at them, eyes alight and sword dripping crimson. The two held their ground for the last few seconds before diving out of his way last moment. Hiei started to really run then, hearing the whistles of arrows flying around him. He took a flying leap onto the foot of the icy path, and started to dart upwards.
His breath came in fiery gasps, burning his lungs and making his already tired limbs ache. He kept moving forewords though, as fast as he could push himself.
It seemed like eternity, but the arrows finally started to clatter harmlessly below them, and the angry voices of the pursuers died down. The buildings had shrunk to the size of thumbnails, and the torches gleamed like pinpricks in the blackness of night.
Hiei felt his legs slow, then tremble to a stop. He heard Ankara sobbing with relief, and his knees gave out. He collapsed, and passed swiftly into unconsciousness.
End Chapter
Authoress here.
I'd like to thank my "mom" (who happens to not really be my mother...) for making we wear my wrist brace all day today, because I wrote 75 of this all this evening, and if I had come into it with no support, I woulda DIED.
So, thanks Mommy!