A/N: Well, here is the next chapter, like I promised. I plan to do a lovely… time lapse:Shrugs: I am going to start three years later. I feel that's enough time for Hiei to be gone. In the last chapter, someone mentioned to me the end of the chapter when Etaila cuts her hair. For those who didn't understand that part, I did it as a sign that Etaila wants to change everything. Even the physical. Oh! And to make things more understandable, they are in an academy that I am making up at the top of my head. It doesn't have a name. Not to mention that this chapter will be… kind of random. Yes…
Onward then!
Last Time: Etaila had decided that it was time for her to change herself.
"Etaila! Wait for me!" Etaila turned to the light voice, smiling when Yukina ran up to her, he uniform in a disarray. It's been three years… three of the best years of her life!"I'm sorry, Yukina, but I have to get to training before Adrian gets there," She tilted her head is a cute fashion, "You know how he is with our arrangements…" She giggled at Yukina's blush.
"Fine, let's go then." And away they went.
Yes, three years have passed since Etaila decided to live in the Ningenkai. Within a week of staying at her grandmother's temple, she applied to the nearest academy (along with Yukina, who was persuaded into it) and got in just before the first semester started. Since then she and Yukina have never been closer.
Plus, Yukina has Adrian. Etaila sighed peacefully to herself, eternally glad that her best friend finally met someone that was tolerable and not continually perverted. Like some stupid lug I could mention. Etaila glared to herself before forgetting about it. All that was on her mind now was their training. And train she will do. Etaila turned to Yukina.
I can't believe that I ever saw her as weak. It's amazing what three years of nonstop training can do to a person. Not only has Yukina toned, but also her powers seem to have strengthened, as well as her capability to fight. She won't be needing Kuwabara anymore. Etaila thought with a smile. Yukina turned to her friend, shifting her bag onto her other shoulder.
"What are you smiling about?" The Koorime asked curiously. The demoness shook her head before rubbing the back of it.
"I was just thinking about what we looked like before the amazing Adrian asked us to join his dojo." Yukina giggled, looking at the sky, her mint eyes shining.
"Do you think I could ever defeat him?" Etaila looked to her friend before entering the building they were heading to. The outside was plain and simple; the inside was were all of the action began. Literally. While walking down the hall, Etaila pulled back her chin-length hair, tying it up half way.
"Definitely. You just need some more self-confidence. And try not to look too much into his eyes… then you let your guard down." Etaila winked at the now red Koorime before entering the locker room. Yukina huffed before following.
"I won't let my guard down this time. I promise you." Etaila's laugh echoed through the metal lockers.
Two hours later Etaila and Yukina were walking out of the temple, with Yukina hand in hand with a tall young man. Etaila stared at Yukina, disbelief in her eyes.
"I can't believe that you actually beat him." Etaila said in an astonished tone, nodding over to Adrian. Adrian squeezed Yukina's hand reassuringly, but Yukina could only smile modestly.
"I just remembered what you said, Etail'," Yukina replied, looking up at Adrian, "I didn't make too much eye contact, and I focused on what I thought were his weak points. And it worked!" She chatted excitedly. Adrian smiled fondly.
"I knew you could do it. I saw your skill the first day you walked in." Etaila smirked.
"Oh, you mean when she tripped over a guy stretching and knocked into you?" She teased. Adrian could only smile sheepishly back, running his hand through his short, spiky hair.
"Well, she didn't really fall, now did she?"
The three continued to chat until they reached Etaila and Yukina's apartment. Adrian bid them both farewell, leaving Yukina with a kiss on the hand. The young Koorime could only stare back at the man before being dragged away. Once they entered their shared apartment, Etaila smiled.
The apartment wasn't too large. It was simple; two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, kitchen. It looked traditional, with the few hints of modern design thanks to Etaila. She threw down her book bag and gracelessly flopped onto the large black sofa in the corner of the living room; it was her favorite spot in the house. She blew a red hair out of her eyes just as Yukina put on a pot of tea. Old habits never fade. Etaila thought to herself, recalling when Yukina made tea for Genkai everyday. She always made enough for everyone too, even if she knew that some wouldn't drink it. A brief memory of a teacup shattering skittered across her thoughts before vanishing. Etaila blinked slowly, trying to remember why the cup broke in the first place. Was that when…
"Hey, Etaila, do you want anything to eat? I'm making some ramen," Yukina asked, walking into the living room. Her aqua colored hair was now a thick braid down the middle of her back, wisps of hair framing her face. Etaila looked over her friend, now noticing the real change three years has given her.
Yukina looked taller; she was still around five feet, maybe an inch or two taller. She no longer wore a kimono anymore; instead she started to wear jeans, and long-sleeve shirts. She lost a lot of the innocence she harbored while staying at the temple as well; living in a co-ed atmosphere definitely changed that. Not to mention Adrian. Stopping her thoughts, Etaila answered, standing up.
"Sure, I'll have some. I'll clean up after dinner. Right now I have some work to do." Yukina nodded, and with that said they went back to what they were planning to do.
Another lovely day. Etaila thought to herself, sliding into her bed. She could see Yukina's light turn out as she settled in-between the cool sheets. The day went by smoothly. Aside from all of the nostalgic feelings. Etaila frowned at her own thoughts. Yes, today there were a lot of thoughts, thoughts coming back from a while ago. But I am not going to think about then. I need to think about now. She thought to herself, turning over.
Adrian was slowly but surely getting closer to Yukina. Those two have been together for almost a year now, and already Etaila knew that Adrian would be perfect for her friend. He is kind, strong, and loyal. Everything Yukina really needs in someone. Adrian is their sensei in the dojo they train at. He met Etaila when she was searching for a good trainer for her fighting skills, and he was the one most preferred by her and Yukina. Ever since he met the Koorime, there haven't been many days where they don't see the dark-haired man. Now look at them. So happy… Etaila thought to herself as she fell into a gentle yet oddly troubled sleep.
Etaila woke up with a start. She shot up from her bed just as something strong and familiar started calling out to her, bringing her to her knees. She gritted her teeth. What the hell…? With all of her will power she stood up. Her legs shook, but she managed, leaning against the nearby wall. Her room was veiled in darkness. Etaila ran a hand through her mussed up hair. What time was it? She looked to the clock.
5:09 A.M.
Etaila dropped her head, and she almost fell again as the unknown power called out to her again. It felt so familiar, like a good friend that hasn't been seen in a while… But… I can't remember! Her distress could have been plainly seen, had you been looking at her. Holding onto the wall, the demon carefully walked into her living room, trying to find the source of this power she felt. It wasn't getting any stronger; it was an insistent call, sweeping across her mind in a soft, caressing way. Etaila shrugged to herself before lying across the couch. She was not awake enough. I'll look for the source later… But whatever it was, it wasn't going to let Etaila sleep anymore. It continued calling, and with a whine Etaila got up, now cranky.
"Fine." She growled to herself, quietly storming into her room. She quickly grabbed some clothes and took a shower before writing a note for Yukina and leaving the apartment.
This better be worth it.
End of Chapter 10-
A/N: Ehehe… yes, I am ending it there for now. What on earth could be calling for Etaila? And why can't she recognize whatever it is? I know that this chapter was a little random, but I needed to mention Yukina and Adrian another character of mine that I randomly created, because I needed something for Etaila to keep her thoughts on, as well as school and training.
So, tell me what you think? What will I do next? Find out next week. xP
