A Past Love: Prequel
Memories: Akita and Hiei
by AngelK
Author's Note: I apologize for my long absence. I ask for your forgiveness and I give you this new chapter to read.
Disclaimer: This is a story based on characters of Yu Yu Hakusho. It is for entertainment purposes only.
Hope you like this edition to the series.
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A Debt Repaid: Hiei
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Hiei sat in a windowless briefing room, booted feet resting on the conference table.
"Where the hell is Shiotiko? We're waiting solely on her!" Takihara, one of Atashi's leaders, snapped, naming the elemental sorceress.
"Shut up, fool. I'm here now." The female breezed into the room, kimono billowing around her frame in a nonexistent wind.
"Working on another damned spell, I presume." Takihara spat.
"Least I do something useful," Shiotiko snarled back.
Please, my leaders, no fighting, I implore you," Atashi said smoothly.
Hiei muttered under his breath. He folded his arms across his chest and glared at the three present.
Atash handed each of them a manila colored file folder.
The jaganshi casually flipped it open. A picture was the first thing visible.
"This is the museum you are to break into. The security isn't particularly top-notch. There is a very important collection of displays that are necessary to obtain." Atashi began to explain.
Hiei stood and went to leave the room.
"Where do you think you're going?" Takihara sneered, seizing the Koorime's wrist as Hiei passed his chair.
Hiei growled and gripped the male's own arm, breaking the bones that supported the hand. "No one touches me nor orders me around. Especially scum like you." He stalked from the room, slamming the door.
Takihara massaged his now badly broken wrist. He'd make that damned Hiei pay if it was the last thing he did.
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Three squadrons stood on the roof of an unusually large museum.
"Shiotiko, you and your squad are in charge of eliminating security. Kill anyone that gets in your way or proves obstinate." Hiei ordered.
Shiotiko winked. "Sure thing, cutie. The rest of you lot, let's get going." She vanished with a gust of wind.
The remaining members of her squad melted into the shadows, leaving the rooftop.
"I don't care what the rest of you do. I have my orders as do you. Carry them out." Hiei departed from the rest at top speed.
Rumors had been spread that Sakamoya was sending a squad of his elite. Akita would be at the museum. Shiotiko was the sister of Rika, the sorceress that worked for Sakamoya, and had confirmed the news for Hiei.
Takihara watched the fire apparition vanish. You'll never make it out alive, fool.
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Hiei raced through the hallways, dodging security beams and cameras. He paused at a doorway.
A female, dressed in a dark lilac cloak, stood in the room before a glass case.
A large sapphire gem lay upon a white velvet cushion. Red laser beams focused in upon the jewel's center. The beams suddenly vanished.
Rika began a soft chant in an ancient language, the air surrounding her resonating and rippling with energy.
The glass case began to levitate and the sapphire lifted into Rika's outstretched fingers. The case settled, now housing a counterfeit gemstone.
"Hey, hotstuff! I can feel you. Your lovely lady is in the center display. She's waiting for you." The sorceress winked, placing the jewel into the folds of her cloak. She waved and disappeared.
Hiei continued into the depths of the museum. He could feel Akita. She was close enough for him to taste.
Yet, his mind was still uneasy. He felt as if he was being watched. The Koorime removed his katana from its sheath, prepared to strike his pursuers if they were foolish enough to show themselves.
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The black kitsune Hiei was seeking was within a steel chamber. Her two constant comrades and companions were with her.
"This whole heist feels too easy. Security is at a minimum. We were informed no others would come but… this quiet is too… unsettling." The weapons master commented, each hand holding a ray gun.
Nariko looked up from her laptop. "You're being silly, Shaman. You're a weapons expert- not a little girl. As far as I'm concerned, when people leave no security, it means they're begging for thieves. Wouldn't you agree, Akita? Aki?"
Akita's hair at the back of her neck was standing up. She brushed at her neck irritably. Her hand reached for her Death Sword but quickly withdrew it. "Shaman's right, Riko. I can feel something is going to go wrong."
"Fighter's instinct. Who am I to argue? I'm only a simple technological genius." Nariko snapped.
Akita reached to place a hand on Nariko's arm. Her best friend coldly brushed her off.
The Tracker glanced at her companions. "Security cameras and beams are down for two minutes. All yours, Opener." Nariko turned and headed back in the direction from which they'd come.
Shaman patted Akita's shoulder. "Think with this," he tapped her head, indicating her mind, "Not this." He gestured to her heart. The weapons master walked to the vault's entrance.
The half-kitsune traveled into the glass chamber. As she approached the case, alarms suddenly went off.
Akita looked around wildly, in a state of confusion.
"Lockdown being initiated. Exits will close in five minutes." A tinny voice announced over the loudspeaker system.
The hybrid bolted from the room.
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Hiei heard the alarms blaring. Through his Jagan, he saw Akita and her comrades heading for the museum's main entrance. Shiotiko was doing the same. The jaganshi took off at a run.
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Akita, Shaman, and Nariko found the rest of their team waiting.
"Sure took you long enough." Anganshi, the android, commented in greeting.
"I'd like all of you to meet my twin, Shiotiko." The sorceress gestured to the female at her side that looked identical from Rika herself. Both had dark green hair, shining amber eyes, elf-like ears, and a pointed nose.
Shiotiko waggled her fingers, looking at everyone in turn until her eyes feel on Akita. "My, my, the beautiful Akita. I don't suppose Hiei found you yet?"
Akita looked taken aback for a moment before she shook her head.
"Ah, there's our talked about apparition now." Shiotiko looked behind Akita.
Hiei stood there, drinking in the sight of the opposing teams before focusing upon Akita, the creature who had recently nursed him back to health. Feelings that he hadn't been able to identify yet rose in his chest, making his throat go tight and causing a pale pink blush to settle over his cheeks.
Akita's eyes lit at the sight of the petite jaganshi and she gave him a subtle nod.
"Who set off the alarms?" Obi asked, gazing in Nariko's direction with his dark, piercing eyes.
"Someone from one of our teams must have initiated the lockdown and overrode the system. And, from the looks of things, we're all present." Nariko began.
"What about the scrawny boy child? Sakamoya's nephew?" Shaman questioned.
Anganshi bowed his head sheepishly. "I knew our special squad was to meet back here. I assumed the boy would simply follow me, but he must've taken another path…"
"Or we assume he was a traitor. But, he must've had inside help…" Nariko stared accusingly at Shiotiko and Hiei.
"My squad ran for it. I sent them back to Atashi with the whole display that we commandeered." Shiotiko remarked nonchalantly.
Hiei's eyes widened with realization. "Unless Takihara…"
"Very good. Hiei figured it out- too late, much to your misfortune and my pleasure." Takihara smirked, two armed demons at his side.
Shaman recognized one. "Koshido!"
"That's right, old man. My uncle will be pleased to hear my report of your deaths." The boy grinned, his smile not reaching his cold eyes.
"This was all a trap!" Akita exclaimed, eyes scanning the faces of the demons that now surrounded them.
Apparitions in black were everywhere. They lined the railings of the second floor that overlooked the center area where the two groups stood, all armed with guns and other various weapons.
"Any last words before we riddle your bodies with holes? This was Sakamoya's grand scheme to get rid of the elite. Being a double agent, I could easily take out other prime thieves from any groups and claim it an accident. I had the perfect excuse to rid myself of Hiei and Shiotiko. Now, would you like to die slow or should I have the mercenaries open fire?" Takihara asked. "All of you should at least get a last request."
Akita strode toward Takihara. She smiled. "I have a request."
"Yes, little vixen?" Takihara asked, leering at her.
Hiei was prepared to lunge forward and behead that traitorous scum. However, a voice near him stopped him.
"Think. He'll order her death and execute her before you can get within range." Shaman straightened.
"Please, have someone inform Sakamoya that he will have my eternal enmity as well as that of my comrades until the day he dies."
Suddenly, smoke filled the air, blinding and confusing all occupants. When the air cleared, Takihara snarled. "Find and torture them until they're almost dead. I want to kill everyone myself. Remember spare the Tracker. Sakamoya wants her back alive.
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"We all have to split up. When you've taken care of your part of the opposition, lend a helping hand to one of us more unfortunate souls in need. Shall we go in pairs?" Akita asked, taking charge.
"I'll go with Rika." Nariko stated.
"Okay, Anganshi, go with Obi. That leaves you, Hiei, to work with Shiotiko." The half-Koorime ordered, gazing pleadingly at Hiei, who had opened his mouth to object.
"Let's go. We don't have much time." Hiei said.
Akita's smile was one of relief. "Remember, leave no one behind unless they're dead. Good hunting."
The group split up, all pairs heading in different directions.
Before Hiei left, he seized Akita by the shoulders and kissed her solemnly. "Don't get killed." He then promptly vanished.
Akita turned to her former sensei with blush staining her cheeks. "If anything happens…"
Shaman gripped her hand. "It won't."
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Nariko looked up from her laptop screen. "A thin barrier's in place. Group of them…about 20 according to the heat reading are approaching about 50 feet from us."
Rika acknowledged the information. Kneeling in a protective circle that was enclosed within the barrier, the sorceress began to chant softly in a language Nariko couldn't identify.
The computer suddenly hummed, calling the Tracker back to the screen. She gasped. Half of the enemy's number had fallen to the ground and their energy's fading away. "What-"
"Death spell." Rika replied with a glint in her eye.
Nariko grinned. "You work undisturbed. If anyone does get past…" She held up a stack of floppy disks and her trusty laptop.
"What can they do?" The sorceress asked, raising a green eyebrow.
With a lazy flick of her wrist, a floppy disk was sent in Rika's direction.
The amber-eyed female ducked just as the disk went past. A lock of dark green hair fell. Rika watched the item with interest.
Nariko captured the computer item in her hand. She held it for Rika to inspect closer.
Fine silver blades were on the corners of the disk. They retracted when the center was pressed.
"They serve as an ordinary floppy but can be easily turned into weapons. My laptop can serve as a laser gun as well as other things." Nariko boasted.
"I'm often glad you're on our side." Rika smiled wearily.
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Anganshi tossed a bomb into a group of assassins and coldly watched as the demons blew to bits.
Obi crossed knives with several, slitting throats and removing a few bodily appendages.
Lower class demons continued to surge forward, injuring some of their own in the process. Guns were being shot wildly and bullets flew in all directions.
The android loosed a shot from his laser cannon, killing more of the opposition.
"Well, partner, think we'll make it out alive?" Obi asked, panting for breath. He took cover behind the android.
Anganshi shot several more blasts and threw a couple larger bombs. "Without a doubt."
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Hiei swung his katana, cutting two demons in half.
Shiotiko opened her hands, releasing jet streams of water.
Several demons were forced back against the walls where vines reached to choke and immobilize.
The fire apparition turned his head, using the power of Jagan eye to force demons of the opposition to listen to his commands.
Guns fired, killing the group that was trying to surround the Koorime.
Hiei smirked with satisfaction. The demons were easy prey for his Jagan, listening to the command to protect him.
The elemental sorceress engulfed the remaining in a storm of flames, which swallowed all in a fiery hell. "C'mon, Hiei. Let's go find the others."
The words had barely left her mouth before more thugs swarmed into the hallway.
"You take that side," Hiei said, racing forward with his katana and unleashing the Jagan's power upon more victims.
The leaf green haired female poured power into the ground. It cracked open, swallowing countless demons.
Hiei was deposited on solid ground by a gust of wind.
Shiotiko floated over the yawning hole to him. "This is too easy."
The male Koorime walked beside Shiotiko filled with new respect for her. He had never really seen her fight. She was very capable of kicking some serious ass.
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Akita and Shaman raced back to the main hall. They had killed two groups composed of twenty fighters and the last living one had revealed that Takihara and Koshido remained at the entrance, guarded by only twenty some mercenaries.
The black female glanced at her mentor. Will it be easy?"
The older man smiled. "Surely. Besides, the others are on their way no doubt."
The pair entered the hall.
The clicking of guns echoed loudly throughout the area.
"Only two foolish ones remain. Shall we riddle you with bullet holes?" Takihara inquired smugly.
Akita glared. She placed a hand on the hilt of her weapon. "Your threats are getting old, Takihara…"
"Don't even think of it, kitsune." Koshido growled, training his gun on her.
Takihara descended the grand staircase. "Now, my dear girl, surrender. Your lover is doubtlessly dead along with your other comrades. I don't wish to kill you. I would prefer to take you as a prisoner and use you as a slave."
The female hybrid sneered. She glanced around. There were about eighty assassins, each one armed with an automatic weapon. We've had worse odds.
"You're lucky, Takihara." Hiei stood opposite of the male on a staircase across the room.
Shiotiko blazed brightly, her aura a mix of blues, reds, grayish whites, and earthy tones. She held a staff in her hand with a white diamond at its top. In the other hand, flames burned, lighting her face eerily.
The fire apparition's third eyes glowed angrily. "If you hadn't been spelled against my Jagan, I would have had you kill yourself already."
Takihara paled slightly, glancing at his former comrades.
Obi appeared, holding a machine gun, as he stood over a corpse with a slit throat.
Anganshi stood beside his partner, unlit bombs held in his hands.
A group of ten assassins dropped to the ground, hands clawing at their throats.
A female stood at the center of the ring of dead bodies, her eyes blazing with the same light as her twin's.
Another demon fell, a black disk lodged into his neck.
The Tracker held another floppy disk throwing star.
All members of the group were grim and cold-hearted in appearance.
"You
have none left but the groups in this hall. Neither of you will make
it out alive.
Hiei promised menacingly.
The android casually tossed a lit bomb into a group of ten, blowing the demons to smithereens before they were able to react.
Obi loosed a round of bullets, focusing on the snipers positioned on the open roof.
Shiotiko spread her energy into the ground, whispering an incantation. The ground opened wide as thick vines burst through. They threw assassins into the pit and the elemental sorceress closed the gaping hole.
Hiei's Jagan began to take the control of the demons in the room, causing guns to be fired at their own so called allies. He cut down plenty more with his favorite weapon.
Shaman began to loose laser blasts at the ceiling, sending debris to crush those slow enough not to escape.
Akita headed to attack Takihara. "Ready to burn in hell, you traitorous bastard?"
The smile on Takihara's face was purely maniacal. "Be sure to keep a spot warm for me there."
With that, Koshido emerged from the shadows. He pointed his gun at Akita.
Her eyes went wide, fear enveloping her.
The gun clicked, loosing a bullet, striking her shoulder.
Shaman rushed to defend his student, knowing Hiei wouldn't get there soon enough.
Koshido shot his weapon again, aiming for her heart.
Akita shut her eyes naively. When no pain came, her eyes snapped open.
Shaman stood protectively in front of her.
The boy fired countless times, filling the demon's body with bloody holes.
Akita's eyes went wide. Something deep inside of her very core shattered instantly. "Shaman… SHAMAN!" She screamed. The shriek echoed through the hall, bringing all events to a standstill.
The master collapsed, eyes open. "Akita…"
"Yes, my sensei?" Akita asked, leaning over to look into his eyes.
"I will never regret dying for you, my beloved student. Remember what I taught you. Think with this…" He pointed to her forehead feebly. "But, always fight with this…" He placed his hand over her heart. "I…love…you…my daughter…" His hand slid away as the life left his eyes.
Akita trembled with rage. She set her hand upon his bloody chest. "I will make you suffer. I will make you pay." She picked up Shaman's gun. "Die, Koshido!" She loosed a blast, disintegrating the boy's left arm.
Koshido screamed in agony. He lifted his gun unsteadily. "Follow your own advice."
Akita raised the gun again. She went to press a trigger but something went through her gut. She gasped, blood rushing up from her abdomen to her mouth.
"Farewell, bitch." Takihara whispered, removing his kodachi from her gut.
Akita's eyes began to fade as her life energy drained from her.
Hiei was at her side as he swiftly beheaded Takihara. He lifted her gently into his arms.
Koshido had escaped. The assassins remained, dying at the hands of the others.
The jaganshi gently shook her. "Akita…Akita, please, hang on to life. Don't die just yet."
All quickly approached after their battles were through. "We'd better get out of here." Anganshi gently rested Shaman's body over his shoulder.
Obi nodded his agreement.
Rika's face was shadowed as she rested her head on Obi's shoulder. "I can't believe Shaman's really gone…"
Nariko's eyes were filling rapidly with tears. "I didn't even get to say anything to him. I never got to apologize…" She sobbed, burying her face into her hands.
"We're going to have to lay low for awhile. Who knows what Koshido will tell Sakamoya. When Akita's well again, tell her to seek us out. She'll find us." Anganshi said to the Koorime.
Hiei nodded numbly.
Nariko looked at the jaganshi. "I'll be in touch with her." She handed him a communicator and the four former members of Sakamoya's crime ring headed to the exit.
"I'll report to Atashi. Perhaps he can find work for these members that were betrayed this night. Shall I tell him you'll be returning when you're ready?" Shiotiko asked.
"Thanks." Hiei cradled Akita in his arms.
The elemental sorceress nodded as she headed to catch up with the others.
Slowly, the fire apparition departed from the scene, carrying Akita with him.
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When Akita regained consciousness, her body felt as if it hadn't moved in centuries. It was if she had been dead. She looked at her surroundings, trying to figure out where she was and why she hadn't died. Right now, her body was in a cave.
"So, you're finally awake. I was beginning to worry."
That calm tone of voice. Who's was it?
"It's mine, you fool." Hiei approached Akita from the mouth of the cave, seating himself at her side.
"How- why- you saved me?" The Koorime-kitsune inquired, pulling the blanket that had been covering her closer.
"Yes. I owed you." Hiei replied.
"So this was only a debt you felt you needed to repay?" Akita asked bitterly.
The jaganshi planted a shy and tender kiss on the top of her head. "As well as other things."
The black kitsune said nothing, only studying her wounds.
"You've been sleeping for a week. I was worried those first two days. I thought you were going to die from the blood loss." Hiei murmured.
Suddenly, all of the reality flooded into Akita's mind, overwhelming her. She brought her knees to her chest and began to weep silently.
Hiei hesitated before he stood and left the cave. He walked out into the rain, allowing it to soak him thoroughly. The least he could do was allow Akita to grieve in peace. Somehow, he understood her and her pain.
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It felt as if she had been crying for hours. Why? Why did she have to live and Shaman, her beloved sensei, had to die? Where was the fairness in that!
Akita pulled the blanket tighter around her body. She looked to her side. Her collection of various weapons were placed there neatly, each cleaned to polished perfection. She began to examine her wounds, looking inside herself. Her body was covered with white bandages. Lifting her hand, she began to unravel the bandages around her wrist. Taking a dagger into her hand, she tested the edge on her finger. It immediately sliced into the skin. With a smile of satisfaction and a strange, possessed look in her eye, she began to carve patterns into her already bruised flesh.
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Hiei stood at the center of a shallow stream. His boots lay on the shore and his pants were rolled knee-high. He was catching fish with his bare hands and spearing them onto his katana.
The jaganshi had already gathered some fruit, hoping Akita would be strong enough to eat. Suddenly, a jolt of pain went throughout his entire body, catching him off guard. He dropped the fish into the water with a splash. He rushed from the river for Akita was in danger…again.
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Crimson rivers trickled down her forearms and her legs. The bandages were slashed apart and hung in bloody strips. Akita raised the dagger, poised to carve cuts into her face.
A strong hand gripped her wrist.
"Let go of me." Akita muttered, her voice dead.
Burning red eyes stared at her. "Will I have to kill you to keep you from being stupid?" Hiei growled, eyes blazing with anger.
"You just might." Akita futilely tried to break Hiei's hold on her arm. It was useless.
"Do you have any idea as to why I saved you?" Hiei snapped, ripping the weapon from her grasp and tucking it into the waistband of his pants.
Akita looked at him blankly. "No." She stood, her shredded bandages falling to the ground. Red liquid flowed down her arms sluggishly as she wobbled toward the cave's exit. Her world spun suddenly, causing her to collapse forward.
Before she could get close to injuring herself further, Hiei had captured her in his arms. He handled her as if she was the most fragile of treasures, cradling her tightly to his chest. Slowly, he walked to the side of the cave and settled his body against the wall. Hesitantly, he kissed her temple and closed his eyes. Ki surrounded his body, slowly melding with Akita's own energy.
Akita closed her eyes, feeling sleepy. Warmth enveloped her like a blanketing shield, protecting her from the pain and sorrow in her world. She felt…completely at peace.
Is this what it feels like? To care about someone? Hiei wondered to himself as he drifted off to sleep. In his gut, he had a warm, queer feeling. But, it wasn't bad…just very different than his usual feelings of destruction and anger…
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Akita opened her dark eyes. Her body ached but strangely not as bad as it had before she had drawn patterns with her own blood. She glanced up into Hiei's peaceful face. His body was slumped over her own. She examined her arms. The blood had healed over with scabs. Gently, she kissed his chin. "Thank you, Hiei. I never got to express my gratitude." Closing her eyes, she was lulled to sleep by Hiei's steady heartbeat.
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When Hiei opened his garnet colored eyes, he glanced down immediately at his lap. Akita lay there, her head resting against his chest. Her dark hair spilled across his body, blending identically in shade with his cloak. Her chest rose and fell softly in a slow, lazy pattern. He closed his eyes, examining her energy with his Jagan. Her ki was returning slowly. She would be well enough to travel within the week. Then, they would part once more. Stroking her hair, he sighed quietly. He wasn't ready to let her go…and he didn't know why he felt this way.
"Hiei?"
It was a whisper, jolting him back to reality.
Coal-colored eyes gazed up at him. They flicked from his face to his fingers that were intertwined within her raven colored tresses. "Good morning, Hiei." Her eyes stared deep into his, drawing him into those beautiful midnight tinted orbs. "I don't know how I can possibly thank you for what you did for me."
Before she could utter another word, Hiei had covered her mouth with his, kissing her tenderly but hesitantly.
Akita responded instantly, sucking gently upon his lip before nibbling upon it.
Hiei opened his mouth, allowing Akita to deepen the kiss. He ran his hands along her thin frame, caressing her delicate skin. He began to lift the hem of her tunic to explore her body further.
Her hand rested against his, stopping him. "Hiei…not yet. Please, wait. I want to know you…the real you. Whatever time we have left together before we must part ways…I want to learn everything I can about you…" She whispered, her voice husky in his ear. She kissed his neck, nipping at the flesh. "I want you…but I also would like to love you."
Hiei's eyes snapped open at the last two words she had said. He abruptly got to his feet, careful as he placed her on the ground, and vanished suddenly.
"What did I say?" Akita murmured. With a sigh, she teetered over to her blanket and wrapped herself in it. Closing her eyes, she forced herself to sleep. When she slept, she felt no pain…or loss.
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When Akita woke, it was dark once more. Her bones creaked as she got up. Sniffing, her nostrils flared. She smelled like rotting flesh. The kitsune rose to her feet and an image of a stream ran through her mind. Immediately, she knew its location and decided she was overdue for a bath. Pushing herself up to her feet, she began to walk toward the stream.
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As she followed the forest path, Akita came to a shallow pool at the foot of a tall waterfall. So this is the source of that stream I saw… She mused as she began to undress amongst the shrubs. Stepping from the brush, she padded to the water and deposited her clothes within reach. The damp ground squished between her toes. Gazing into the crystalline pool, she could see her nude reflection. Taking a deep breath, she plunged into the water. After a few minutes, she surfaced from her dive. The frigid water slowly numbed her body and she sank gratefully into the chilling bath. She scrubbed her body as best she could, careful not to reopen any scabs. After she smelled as clean as she was going to, she continued to soak. The water was…comforting to her. Gazing up into the star-filled sky, she sighed. Where had Hiei gone?
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If Akita had focused on trees surrounding the secluded pool rather than the sky, she would have gotten an answer.
Fortunately for Hiei, Akita had not recovered much of her energy. She remained in the water, totally oblivious to the Koorime lounging on a branch, watching her. His blood red eyes studied her, noting how beautiful she truly was. How he wanted her…but…
"Hey, whoever is out there, I forewarn you, I am a beautiful and totally defenseless creature bathing naked in the pool. If you plan to rape me or eat me, do it now." Akita's voice called out into the silence.
Okay, so maybe she wasn't oblivious.
Hiei decided to depart when a dagger whistled past him, lodging itself deep into the tree.
"So, you're really a pervert. Is that it?" Akita queried, her body still submerged in the water, dark eyes focused on Hiei.
The fire apparition could only stare at her. "How…I thought…"
Akita held up a sash that she had been wearing as a belt. A cache of knives was housed within the pockets of the cloth. "I carried the dagger. I always wear this whenever we go on missions. In case of…emergencies…"
"Impressive." Hiei replied, jumping down from his perch. He landed gracefully and noiselessly. "I assume your senses are returning after resting."
"Yes. I'll be fit for travel by tomorrow." Akita swam a few strokes across the pool.
"I have some food that I left at the stream. It'll be waiting for you back at the cave." Hiei turned. "Here, use my cloak to dry yourself with." He removed the garment, revealing a black sleeveless shirt, and set the cloak beside her things. The jaganshi left immediately.
Akita emerged from the water and hesitantly wrapped the cloak around her body. She gathered her clothes and began her return to the cave.
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Hiei sat, staring into the flames of the fire he had built. He could feel Akita approaching… It was so strange. He could never sense anyone as well as he could her. What was she?
As if he thought her, she stood in the mouth of the cave, hair still dripping with moisture. She walked slowly until she was beside him. "May I sit?" She inquired.
Hiei nodded, handing her fish and fruit when she was seated.
Akita took a huge bite of her fruit, juice dribbling down her chin. "This is delicious," she commented after she had swallowed the bite.
"The Marcavi fruits are best in this region. This is their ripening season." Hiei bit into his fish on a stick.
Akita nodded as she devoured her helping, accepting two other fruits and another fish. She polished off the rest and thanked Hiei. "Everything was really filling. I really appreciate all that you've done for me. Caring for me and all…" She smiled.
That smile…so sad. "Akita…"
The Koorime-kitsune stood. "I'm planning on looking for my comrades tomorrow. I thought you should know."
There it was again…that glimpse of sadness…
Hiei said nothing. He only stared at the fire. "I'll still be here tomorrow."
Akita shrugged. "Suit yourself." She turned and walked away from the fire. Seating herself near the cave wall, she sighed and closed her eyes.
Hiei watched her through the rest of the night. Just before dawn, he placed a kiss on her head and walked out of the cave.
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When Akita awoke, nothing remained of the fire but embers. Hiei was nowhere to be found. She sighed and got dressed, attaching all of her weapons to her ensemble. Folding the cloak, she laid it against her cheek. What should she do with his cloak? There was no guarantee he would return… Oh well, she thought, I'll see if I run into him on my way to the water… She left the cave and began walking to the pool that she bathed in the day before.
As she walked, the half-Koorime admired the shrubbery. Everything looked so different when it was glistening from rain. She assumed it had rained late in the evening. She plucked a flower with blood red petals and tucked it behind her ear.
"That suits you, you know."
Akita's eyes darted to the tree.
Hiei balanced upon a branch, a faint smile on his lips. "The flower blends well with your sorrow." His hair appeared to be wet and his shirt was draped over one shoulder. He was on his return from bathing obviously.
The female thief raised an eyebrow. "What is that supposed to mean?"
The jaganshi landed on the ground. "A flawless sorrowful creature. That's what you are."
"Never thought you to be the artistic, poet type. I don't know whether to take that comment as a compliment or an insult." Akita scoffed in reply. She handed him his cloak. "Now, I bid you good bye."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Hiei arched a dark brow. He held her dagger out to her.
"I almost completely forgot. Thanks, Hiei." Akita smiled, causing Hiei to nearly forget to breathe.
The fire apparition managed a "You're welcome" before ducking his head.
Without another word, the female tucked the dagger away, depositing it into a pouch on her belt. Quickly, before Hiei could react, she hugged him tightly. "Thank you for everything, Hiei. Whether you were just returning a favor or there was some other motive, it doesn't matter. You saved my life." She stood back and smiled, her hand out. "Again, you have my gratitude."
Hiei looked at her hand. Hesitantly, he shook it. "I would do it again. If the situation ever arose to save you, I mean."
The thief gazed at Hiei, tears sparkling in her eyes. She hastily wiped them. "I'm sorry to be acting like this. I just…I don't want to say good-bye to you without…"
The fire apparition had read her mind as he let his cloak fall in order to pull her into a tender embrace and a passionate kiss.
The hybrid rested her head against his shoulder. "Even if you could never love me back…I don't want to lose you, Hiei."
The jaganshi glanced at her. Sighing, he closed his eyes. "You know nothing about me…about who I am…"
Akita's head shot up, locking eyes with him. "I don't care about whom you work for, where you came for, what you've done… None of that matters to me!" She exclaimed as tears began to gather in her eyes. "If it truly did, I never would've let this happen. I never would have let myself love you. If I cared that you're a thief…the Forbidden Child…a murderer…a supposedly cruel and heartless bastard who would kill his own family in cold blood… I never would have let feelings remain burning in my heart for you, Hiei." Burying her head against his shoulder, tears slid down her cheeks. "Can't you just let me love you?"
"I know nothing about love, Akita. No one has ever loved me. I don't even know how nor if I'm capable of loving another creature." Hiei said as he moved away from her.
Akita had fallen to her knees and she buried her face in her hands. "You're such a selfish bastard." Her eyes were furious as she glared at him. "What about someone else? It's all about you and your feelings."
"Akita, I can't. I'm sorry." Hiei picked up his cloak and shook the dust from it. He threw it over his own body and the garment instantly molded to fit his frame. He fixed his eyes upon her. "I can't do this. I'm… I'm sorry." He walked away. The jaganshi fought a war within him. He wanted to stay…God, how he wanted to stay. She loved him. He knew, deep inside, that she loved him. But, his body kept on moving.
"I hate you, Hiei!" Akita called angrily. She slumped. "How I wish I could hate you. Then, this pain of rejection wouldn't hurt nearly as bad…" The hiyoukai whispered as she stood and dug the communicator out of her pocket. "Anyone out there?" She asked.
"Akita?" A voice croaked.
"Riko, what's wrong? Are you sick or something?" Akita asked anxiously.
"Sakamoya…he overtook us… Koshido had us pursued…I know the others got away…but…Aki, I'm afraid. Please, Sakamoya has promised you won't be harmed if you return. Will you come back and save me?" Nariko's tone was hoarse as she spoke.
"Of course. I will be there by sunset." Akita ended the transmission and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Time to begin the end of Sakamoya.
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Author's Note: Okay, first of all, I AM SOOOOO SORRY! I didn't mean for this to take so long. I figured I'd have time to write. Unfortunately, all seven subjects, 2 AP, and 5 Honors courses believe in giving extremely huge loads of homework. I'm so tied down to homework and work-work… And, that's all the excuses I have for you today.
Next, I wanted to just end around here. But, I decided to tie the prequel completely with Chapter 1 of Lost and Found: Love. Therefore, I need to write the whole Hiei escape with Akita's help. So, one more chapter before this prequel is done. I will be squeezing writing the sequel in during basketball season. Please be patient with me. I will do my best to get this done by Christmas.
This release is a late Thanksgiving present. Bon appetit! (I so killed the spelling…)
Love and gratitude to all!