Wow, I can't believe I pulled the disappearing act on you guys again for who knows how long! I am soooo sorry guys! You don't know how guilty I felt just reading the reviews asking me when the next chapter was going to be up but I assure you this story is NOT DEAD! I am back and better than ever, my life has taken many unexpected turns but if I wanted you guys to know everything about that then this story would be about me and eh I hate doing the whole excuses list thingy! All I can say is I am in a very stable position to continue and finally finish this story. I never even dreamed of abandoning it! We still have a long way to go but please stay with me my loyal fans and I promise I will work even harder than before not to let you down!
Special thank you to: My incredible lovely fans! I adore you all with all of my heart and only hope to make you all happy with my work!
Disclaimer: Sadly, as much as I would love to I do not own Wolf's Rain! Please don't sue me!
WARNING: This story contains strong language, violence, and yaoi! I'm telling you now in this warning! If you don't like yaoi or have never even heard of it PLEASE press that pretty little button called the back button and find something else! I'm sorry but I really didn't write this story for people giving me crap cuz they don't like yaoi!
Awakened By The Moonlight
Chapter Seven: City of Howls
Toboe sat silently in the empty room, watching the rain slowly make its descent outside the kitchen window. It had rained all through the night and even had continued on to the early hours of morning.
The boy kept his gaze locked in place at the gray clouds enveloping the sky and hovering over the entire city, the soft sounds of the rain playing a soothing lullaby to him.
He rested his head on the back of his head, a cascade of thoughts filling his mind, slowly running his fingers through his somewhat tangled hair.
Toboe smiled gently to himself, when he imagined the touch of another ghosting through his hair and wrapping their arms around him in a sweet embrace. He brought his knees up to his chest before he placed his own arms around them, trying his best to hold on to the beloved memory.
His thoughts were interrupted as he yawned, bringing his hands to his face and rubbing his eyes before he placed his head on top of his knees once more.
Toboe stayed in this position for a little before he felt his muscles stiffen and he shifted. He felt his legs give their approval as he stretched his entire body before relaxing into the chair.
His light brown eyes glanced over at the living room, a little smile playing on his lips as he spotted his little rescued kitten, curled up on one of the crème colored couches that seemed to be one thousand times her size.
Toboe felt himself focus on her snow-white fur, miraculously clean despite where he had found her in the alleyway.
He slowly got up from the kitchen chair and made his way to the couch. When he was within range, he reached out and petted her slowly and lovingly. She didn't stir but only purred in appreciation as he sat down right next to her, his hand still passing through her beautiful fur.
"And what shall be your name little one?" Toboe whispered to the early morning as the kitten didn't respond but continued to purr in comfort.
He kept petting her, the morning's silence allowing him to think calm and clear for some reason. Her companion smiled down at her when his mind was made up, gently scratching behind her left ear.
"Yuki."
Toboe kept his smile when her ear flicked as if responding to her new name. He let her be before he relaxed in the softness of the couch.
With that finally decided, he felt his thoughts begin to drift as he stared at the front door, a slow but steady feeling of excitement from last night returning to him when he thought back on the beautiful memory.
Toboe shut the door quietly behind him before he rushed to the window. He peeked through the blinds, smiling when he noticed that Tsume was still looking up at his apartment.
The boy watched as the tall, handsome leader turned and began to walk back to his motorcycle. Toboe kept his gaze on him even when Tsume stopped to look up at the sky for a few moments.
Even though his back was turned, he continued to watch him from the window not caring at all except to see him one more time.
When he couldn't see the leader anymore, Toboe turned around with his back facing the window.
He slowly brought his arms around himself, feeling traces of the handsome man's warmth all over his body.
Toboe smiled again. It wasn't a dream, he knew it wasn't. Tsume had held him. He had actually held him in his arms. The leader had even held him tighter when he couldn't stop his tears. The feeling of pure happiness had driven him to cry even harder in Tsume's embrace.
Even then, the silent leader hadn't turned away in coldness but had comforted him. Toboe remembered the clear look of beautiful emotion in his amber eyes and how it had still been there when they finally broke apart from each other.
The boy smiled to himself. He just felt so...happy. Any other word just didn't fit right with what he was trying to say. He just couldn't believe it. Toboe closed his eyes replaying the moment over and over again in his mind.
Toboe wiped away the last traces of his tears from his eyes before he quietly walked away from the window and made his way into the hallway of the small apartment.
He walked slowly trying to keep his steps silent as he approached his grandma's bedroom. Toboe exhaled before he placed his hand on the doorknob and slowly turned it.
He felt himself pause when the door gave a loud squeak, his eyes immediately turning to the form lying down on the bed. He waited but finally breathed a sigh of relief when Granny continued to stay sound asleep.
Toboe watched her for a minute, a deep feeling of guilt rising from him. He had left her alone all day, leaving only a small note on the kitchen table promising he'd be back soon.
I hope she didn't stay up all night waiting for me.
Toboe thought sadly before he walked over to the bed stopping right in front of her. He could hear her soft breathing as she rested on her back, her long gray hair tied back in a side braid and lying over her right shoulder.
He noticed that she didn't move much and that her breathing stayed the same. She must be exhausted. Toboe thought to himself, worry etched in his light brown eyes.
He bent down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, closing his eyes as he stayed there for a moment to think. He withdrew from her before he quietly backed away from the bedroom and closed the door behind him.
He made a silent promise to apologize to her tomorrow morning. Toboe kept this thought in his mind all the way to his room. He opened the door and stepped inside, the familiarity of his room leading him in the darkness.
Toboe glanced down at the bed, a familiar warmth enveloping him as his memory pieced together the night he had brought Tsume here. Carrying the tall leader had been no simple task. It had been pure luck that they ended up being not that far from his apartment.
He had forgotten all about that, as he laid Tsume gently on his bed and took care of him, wanting nothing more than for the leader to open his eyes.
He smiled before he turned away and walked over to his nearby dresser and opened the top drawer. He managed to fish out what he knew to be a black t-shirt and a pair of blue cotton shorts at the way top of it.
He sat on his bed unzipping his boots and pulling them off feeling himself sigh as he stretched out his legs. The young boy then unbuckled his belt and set it on top of the dresser before he pulled down his pants, kicking them off his feet. He then unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off of his slim body.
Toboe shivered from the cold as he quickly grabbed the t-shirt and shorts. Once he was comfortable, he folded the clothes he had thrown off and placed them on top of his dresser.
He pulled back the blanket on his bed before he climbed into it and pulled the soft material over himself.
He loved the feeling of warmth spreading all over his chilled body. Toboe felt his eyes grow heavy when his body relaxed into the sheets, an overall sigh of comfort escaping him before he finally gave himself to the peace of his-
Dreams.
Toboe stopped himself, a cold shiver running over his body and gripping his heart with fear. He shook his head, trying to force himself to forget the nightmare as its haunting details replayed in his mind, making him shake even harder.
He jumped when Yuki mewed softly to him, bringing him back to the couch in his living room. The young boy breathed softly before he looked down at the wise kitten and offered her a reassuring smile.
She didn't believe it for a second as she got up and pawed at his hand resting right next to her. He laughed softly as Yuki grabbed it with her front paws and kicked him with her feet. He quickly took his hand away when he had the chance before she did any real damage.
Toboe felt a gentle smile pass his lips as she finally gave up and curled right next to him ready to share her owner's warmth as she settled back into the couch giving him a look of gratitude that somehow he could understand.
"You're welcome."
"Toboe, is that you?" The boy felt himself jump again when a raspy voice rang from the nearby hallway. He quickly looked up to see his grandma standing there, a fluffy blue robe clasped around her frail body.
She looked at him with concern, knowing how early it was. He rubbed the back of his head offering her a sweet smile. "I really just couldn't sleep, I'm sorry if I woke you up."
Granny shook her head knowing more than anything that Toboe would try not to worry her in any way possible. She looked and saw him as her little boy again, crying from the other kids picking on him but wasting no time in reassuring her that nothing was wrong.
She slowly made her way to the couch, lifting her hand to run it through his messy hair before exhaling loudly. "Well since we're both up, are you hungry?"
Toboe felt his stomach give a loud growl at the invitation. His cheeks grew red as Granny merely patted him on the shoulder before making her way to the nearby kitchen. He followed after her making sure not to disturb Yuki, who was still fast asleep.
When he reached the kitchen, he sat down in the same chair he had used earlier keeping a close watch on her and her movements.
"Toboe." She whispered making his eyes focus on hers. "Where did you go last night?"
She stood looking at him, no anger in her voice only curiosity.
"Um...I...was with some new friends of mine. I really didn't keep track of the time. I'm sorry if I kept you worried."
The boy felt his heartbeat quicken as images of the night before filled his mind. He knew that the truth couldn't have reassured anyone. He had slept in the bed of the infamous Tsume and even knew where his hideout was.
Any sane person would have told him to go to the police before it was too late. Toboe let this thought go, not even thinking about breaking his promise to Tsume.
He hated lying but he just couldn't stand making her worry so much about him. She chuckled as she noticed the indecision in his eyes. Granny merely kept smiling turning her back to Toboe as her wise voice rang through the kitchen.
"Friends are a beautiful thing Toboe, when you find people you can trust and care for be sure to hold on to them."
Her grandson smiled, immediately thinking about everyone he had come to know from the day before. An image of Chris, Holland, and Jet came flashing into his mind, all of them sitting around the large black couch in the entryway laughing and joking around with each other.
And then Tsume...
No matter how many voices screamed at him to stay away from the so-called savage murderer he couldn't and wouldn't believe any of them. He wasn't the man everyone thought him to be, Toboe was sure of it. Tsume was...Tsume was...
He was ripped from his thoughts when he heard Granny stumble to the floor, her hand clasped on her chest as she began another coughing fit, her body shaking and jerking forward as it continued, making her quickly lose the air in her lungs.
Toboe jumped from the chair and rushed to her side taking her gently in his arms and lifting her to her feet. She tried to breathe in deeply but kept coughing as Toboe led her to the chair and sat her down slowly. He knelt before her and held her hand as she breathed in deeply in one last attempt to stop the coughing.
The young boy gave a sigh of relief and gratefulness when he could hear her airways open up again, allowing her to breathe. Granny felt her entire body come back to her, even though it was in bad shape. She opened her eyes and looked down at Toboe. As he laid his head on her lap, she could still feel his hand holding on to hers tightly.
When she felt well enough, Granny opened her mouth but froze when she felt a small wetness fall on to her lap. She watched her grandson shake as more and more of his tears began to fall on to her robe. She smiled faintly and moved her hand to rest on top of his hair, her matching four silver bangles jingling in a heartbreaking silence that spoke far more than any words.
"Now now Toboe..." She whispered weakly to him, her gentle smile still on her lips as she comforted him. He didn't hear her, his heart beating loud in his ears as fear and anguish overtook him completely. Toboe felt his hand tighten around hers as a sad voice whispered to him what he refused to accept but knew, deep in his heart, to be true.
She's dying.
Holland tried to stifle a loud yawn as he walked through the long hallway. Ugh...why does Tsume insist on getting up so damn early? He brought his hand up, wiping at his eyes before he stopped in front of Chris's room. Holland found himself tempted more than anything to see if the older man was awake.
He had seen the room before, the details suddenly coming to his mind as he remembered his many evenings spent with Chris. Despite his confidence, he still couldn't bring himself to do it.
Fate then made the decision for him when the door creaked open. Holland froze when his green eyes came to level with a toned chest and tanned skin. He looked up, gulping when a pair of surprised dark brown eyes met his.
"Holland?" Chris whispered, his voice muffled by an unlit cigarette in his mouth. Holland felt himself blush when he noticed that the older man was dressed in nothing but silver boxers and a dark red beanie.
The young man quickly looked away, not noticing that the man was still staring at him. Chris brought his hand to his mouth taking out the cigarette and throwing it into the trashcan by the door.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" Chris couldn't help but smile at the concern in Holland's voice. "Nah, I was on my way out for a smoke anyway. I've been up for a while."
Holland smiled back at him, finally able to pull himself together. He stared down at the trashcan by Chris's leg. "You shouldn't waste it because of me then, don't you think?" He watched as the handsome man merely shrugged. "It's not that important, besides I'm trying to cut back.
Holland only rolled his eyes. "You always say that." Chris grinned, putting his arms behind his head. "Hey, I may as well start right? We do have that major hit going on toni…" He froze when he felt the warm touch of Holland's hands suddenly press against his face. The younger man smiled gently up at him, his hands lingering for a moment before moving up to the man's beanie.
"It's crooked." Holland explained, pulling it more down and readjusting it. Chris felt the seconds pass like hours before he just couldn't take it anymore. Holland gasped when he felt the older man's arms encircle his waist and pull him forward against his body.
"Chris?" The younger man whispered, feeling himself shake when he felt soft lips push into his hair and reach his slender neck.
"Why do you have to be so adorable Holland?" The older man breathed as he nuzzled against his neck and gently kissed it. He paused to take in the younger man's scent, making Holland blush even harder. "You smell like cigarettes." Instead of backing away, Chris breathed in deeper, a content sigh escaping him.
Holland laughed, taking the moment to regain his lost composure. "I thought you said you were going to quit." Chris kissed his neck once more, making him lose his train of thought. "I'm not actually smoking so it doesn't count. I can't help it that you smell good."
"Like a cigarette." Holland deadpanned making Chris laugh loudly. Holland scolded him, making him remember where they were.
"You always smell good to me, whether it's of cigarettes or just your scent." He whispered, completely oblivious to the look of love and happiness coming from the man he was holding.
Holland couldn't stop his heart from beating faster and faster. He had wondered what it would be like to be held like this by the man he loved. Now that he knew, he never wanted him to let go. The younger man's jade green eyes continued to stare out into Chris's room, memories of their time together coming back to him tenderly.
His eyes passed over the black torn up couches where he and Chris would sometimes sit and talk until the sun rose in the morning. At the angle they were in the doorway, he noticed that the bedroom door had been left open.
He smiled remembering the many times he would have to drag the older man out of bed when he needed to wake up. It was no easy task, considering that Chris would sometimes have a terrible hangover from the night before. His eyes passed over the bed, his memory piecing together the back and forth battle they would always have.
And that's when he saw it.
Something draped within the blanket on Chris's bed. Holland felt his heart stop when the figure suddenly became more focused to him. His eyes grew wide when he noticed a pair of naked slender legs and a narrow waist. They wandered even more up to the woman's exposed breasts covered only slightly with her long brown hair. She was laying on her side, her legs curled up and her arms reaching for the pillow next to her.
Holland stopped breathing. He felt himself push hard against Chris, sending the older man crashing against the door frame, a look of confusion on his face. "Ow! What the hell Holland!?" The younger man stared down at the floor for a long time before he finally looked up, his eyes filled with rage.
"You really just don't give a shit about what you do and who you screw over, do you Chris?" Holland whispered bitterly making the older man try to reach out for him again. The younger took a step back shaking his head before he stared into the taller man's eyes.
"Your whore should be waking up any minute now…you better get some last minute fucking in before you send her on her way. We do have a job to do." He spat out angrily, watching as Chris's face changed from confusion to pure guilt.
"Holland, I-
He felt the sting of Holland's right hand way before he even saw it. His left cheek burned from the slap and yet more than the physical pain of it, Chris felt his heart break when he saw that the younger man's eyes had turned cold.
"I don't want to hear your excuses!" He shouted at the taller man before he turned and walked away, not even caring who heard him at this point. When he was halfway down the hallway, his pace quickened, his mind telling him how stupid he was. He didn't even know where he was going but that didn't matter anymore. None of it did.
Chris watched him go, every bone in his body wanting nothing more than to go after him but his heart held him in place. He felt the touch of his own hand reach for the spot where Holland had slapped him, his eyes clouding over as he stared into the dark.
Tsume stood inside his room, his back leaning against his closed door. He sighed loudly when he heard the sure sound of Holland running to his room and slamming the door shut. The sound echoed loudly in the silence.
The tall leader stayed for a few more minutes, his body adjusting before he stood up. He felt himself glance towards his bedroom trying to remember the last time he had actually slept in it. The sheet and blankets had managed to become tangled and Tsume found for the first time in a long time that he had actually slept well.
No worries in his head keeping him awake. No doubts or troubles. He just slept. Tsume felt himself stretch his muscles in his legs and his arms before passing his hands to his shoulders, rubbing them while he relaxed.
He stopped when he could hear the sure signs of crying coming from the room right next to him. Tsume stared at the wall, his mind already picturing Holland upset, throwing away all of his packs of cigarettes. The same brand that Chris would always buy.
This wasn't the first time he had done this. This was just the first time that the leader could actually hear him cry. He didn't understand the back and forth game that was Chris and Holland's relationship. One would make a move and the other would back away.
It was almost like the two were terrified of what would happen if they were to meet in the middle. The tall leader was reminded of Toboe. The young boy's eyes and how they had almost begged him to stay with him. To say something. Anything. Tsume didn't even remember how he had ended up grabbing his wrist.
That wrist that seemed so delicate at first but, when they embraced each other, became so strong. Toboe had clung to him like there was nothing else in the world but him. Tsume couldn't even remember the last time he had held someone or been held that way. He only knew one thing was for sure. He didn't let go.
Tsume walked slowly towards his bed and sat down. He couldn't stop himself from smiling when he thought of how Toboe must have woken up. What he had said the night before went through his mind. He couldn't take it back or deny it, even though some part of him still wanted to. It was hard to make the switch. To know that Toboe was different.
The tall leader knew it would be a while before he could truly trust him. It was something he didn't know if he could do.
But…
He would try.
Toboe glanced up, his eyes growing wide when the familiar building came into view. It's still here.
"Well of course it's still here! What did you think the building would just get up and leave?!" He scolded himself adding it up to him being a little nervous.
He stepped forward looking over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being followed. Shaking his doubts out of his head he bravely took a step forward and jumped when he felt someone grab him from behind.
"HEY KID!" He felt himself being crushed only to relax when he suddenly recognized the cheery voice.
"Hey Jet!" He managed to get out as the older man set up his death grip. Toboe looked up only to see Tsume standing in the doorway, his face trying to hide his amusement when he came face to face with the scene before him. "Don't stop on my account." He laughed when the younger of the two glared at him.
"Jet come on, let me go!" The older man grinned at his leader before pushing the young boy towards Tsume's chest.
"Knock it off." Tsume growled as his hands went up to Toboe's shoulders to steady him. He looked down only to catch the younger man blushing before he looked away. Jet watched closely his eyes going between the two, a wise smile suddenly coming to his face.
"Tsume." He warned, reminding the distracted leader what they had been doing in the first place. He watched as the leader looked at Toboe for a few moments making a quick decision in his mind. The younger boy squirmed under Tsume's stare trying to guess at what he was thinking.
The leader shook his head, swearing under his breath. He had said that he didn't mind him at the hideout; he just never thought the stupid kid would actually show up the very next day. Tsume quickly let go of his shoulders and stepped away from him.
Toboe watched him as he walked past without another word. "Tsume?" He called after him, hesitation hanging in his voice when the leader continued to ignore him. Jet felt the tension between them thicken. He was glad when Holland and Chris showed up.
Jet was confused though when Holland inched over to Toboe, completely pushing past Chris. He shook his head.
What now?!
"Tsume, come on! What harm could it do to have him here for a bit!?" He had overheard the conversation, thankful for something else to distract him. He grabbed on to Toboe's chin pulling his face closer to the leader. "How could you possibly say no to THAT face?" His voice went low as he attempted baby talk. He knew it annoyed the hell out of him when he did that.
"Ow! That hurts!" Toboe growled as he shook out of Holland's grip. He pushed Tsume's words from his mind, angry that the leader wouldn't take what he said seriously. If there was anything that Toboe hated more than anything, it was liars.
He stepped forward, not even thinking about his audience. "You did say that I could come here when I wanted Tsume!" His tone surprised everyone, including the leader. He looked over Toboe, smirking when he noticed that the younger boy was shaking even though his eyes were lit and raging.
Looks like he has some fight in him after all.
Tsume realized that he was slowly learning more and more about the mysterious boy who he had met in that alleyway. Maybe it wasn't a bad thing. He kept his sly smile as he continued to stare at Toboe, an idea in his head. "Alright then you want to stay so bad?"
Toboe nodded before he could even finish. "Fine then, you're staying right here, got it?" The leader looked over at the rest of the group, his amber eyes fixed on them. "Jet and Chris, get everybody ready to move out. We're leaving now before the sun sets. We only have a short window of time before that supply train passes through the checkpoint.
Toboe stood confused at the leader's words not understanding any of it. Was Tsume leaving?
Both men nodded to the leader's instructions, quickly dismissing themselves to go deal with the other members. Holland kept his eyes on Tsume, realization dawning on him before the leader could even open his mouth.
"Holland. You're staying behind. Make sure nothing stupid happens here while I'm gone."
Holland sighed loudly. "Man, just when I thought I was finally gonna let out some steam…you make me play babysitter." Tsume stared down at him, his eyes gleaming as the sun slowing continued its descent in the sky.
"Alright! Alright! I get it. No worries Tsume! I'll keep your little damsel in distress safe and sound. Yeah we'll have loads of fun, while you guys deal with all the real excitement!" Holland grabbed on to Toboe, his voice ringing sweetly in the younger man's ear. "Isn't that right, Toboe?"
Toboe glared at the leader. "Tsume, where are you going?" He growled, waiting for the taller man to answer him. He froze when the leader glared back at him, his eyes frightening and cold. Toboe didn't even realize that he had stepped away from him. Holland watched this exchange and quickly stepped in front of the younger boy. His tone changed immediately as he looked up at Tsume.
"You got it. I'll keep him safe no matter what."
Holland's answer was enough. The taller man slowly turned around and walked away from the pair. He didn't look back before he disappeared into the building. Holland let out a deep breath, glancing back over his shoulder at the young boy. Toboe's face was turned to the side, his gaze focused on something else as his eyes began to shine. He was trembling.
Holland couldn't help but feel bad for him. He just didn't understand this world that he and Tsume had grown up in. Toboe was so innocent and pure. No wonder Tsume wanted him to be protected. He looked so fragile. Like he might break down and cry at any given moment.
"Toboe…hey come on!" Holland reached out and grabbed the younger man's wrist pulling him with him. Toboe didn't even struggle as he was led into the building. His light brown eyes couldn't help but look for Tsume among the group of men that occupied the huge living room. Many paused to stare at the odd pair, some recognizing Toboe from before but staying silent as he was pulled right past them.
They looked away when the duo reached the top of the stairs disappearing from view. After making it past the stairs, Holland finally managed to pull the small boy into Tsume's room, slamming the door shut behind them. He dragged Toboe to the couch, where they both sat down. Holland glanced up at him watching as the boy brought his knees up to his chest and continued to stare at the floor. Toboe stayed quiet making Holland squirm even more in the seat.
He broke the silence as he patted Toboe's shoulder. "Hey don't worry about that old grouch!" He laughed watching as the younger boy relaxed enough to look at him. "He's just in leader mode right now." He gave a half-smile before Holland reached out and smacked him in the back of the head. "Ouch! What was that for!?" Toboe growled rubbing the sore spot. The older man grinned before he let out a deep sigh. He leaned sideways, his head falling over the armrest and hanging upside down.
"I have a feeling." He whispered, his voice strained by the position. He brought his head back up a smile on his face as he stared at the younger boy. " That you want to know where Tsume's going." Toboe looked away staring outside the window. The older man let out a deep sigh before the room grew quiet again. "Toboe, you have to understand something." Holland began, sitting up and reaching for him. Toboe's eyes grew wide when he felt the older man's hand touch him. He turned his face towards him and continued to stare. Toboe felt Holland's jade green eyes grow dark as the atmosphere changed.
"Tsume and I…hell almost everyone here are criminals. We've done things. Seen things we may never be able to forget no matter how hard we try. We steal for ourselves and no one else to survive. Each of us has our own weight to carry. Does that make it right?" He looked at Toboe, his expression softening. "Some of us didn't have the luxury of choosing a life like this. We watch out for each other because well…we're all we have left." Holland whispered, pushing a stray hair behind Toboe's ear. "I don't know what it is that you want from a bunch of scarred dogs like us."
He paused letting his hand drop from the younger boy's face. "Especially Tsume of all people." Holland laughed, the echo of it filling the room. Toboe smiled with him, the sound making him feel even more relaxed. "Just know that you may never be able to go back to a normal life." Toboe's smile was swept away with this. His light brown eyes dimmed as he stayed silent. Holland hated that he had to be the one to remind him.
He knew that for this to work the kid had to know what exactly he was getting himself into. This wasn't a game. It was real life. As much as Holland wanted him around, he had to be realistic with him. It sounded harsh but it was the truth.
Toboe simply nodded his voice coming out barely above a whisper. "I know."
"Chris, get that idiot Gell to take care of the kids on standby!" Tsume called out to him, watching as the man nodded turning around and clearing the way. The tall leader turned towards
Jet but he had disappeared from his side. "HOW MANY FUCKING TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU KID!?"
Tsume smirked when he finally saw the older man snatching a crossbow from a younger recruit. "For the last time, you have to set the spike in place BEFORE you pull it back otherwise you're gonna do nothing more than jam it!" He set the weapon correctly and threw it at the younger man.
Jet turned around letting out an annoyed sigh before he glanced at Tsume. "As your truly godlike and amazing weapons specialist, I can't be held accountable for shit they should have learned in training!" He growled at Tsume, shaking his head at the tall leader.
Tsume felt his eyes wander towards a big group of men leaning against the far side of the wall, his ears ringing. "Fucking idiots. He's leading them right to a slaughter." His cold amber eyes connected with Cal. The man was slightly taller than Holland, his dirty blonde hair coming past his chin. His eyes were a slightly darker shade than Toboe's, though he would never look at them the same way. Cal tried to glare back at the leader but as the time passed it was clear Tsume wasn't going to back down.
He spat in Tsume's direction. Jet followed his gaze, chuckling at the man's attempt to look cool. "You know after this raid, I wouldn't mind taking care of a certain problem that we have here." Tsume smirked at Jet's offer. He knew the older man well enough to know that he would "take care" of anyone who jeopardized their home.
"I'll gladly do it myself."
Jet smirked. It wasn't a bad idea. Even though Cal had gotten his ass handed to him, the idiot just wouldn't know his place. If the circumstances had been different, Jet could have almost respected that.
Almost.
There was no way to get back in their good graces. Not like this. Sitting like a coward trying to play on the fear of the others. Trying to get them to bend their loyalty all for the sake of pissing Tsume off. He was damn lucky Tsume hadn't killed him yet. But maybe that day wasn;t so far away. Jet patted his back pocket to make sure something was there and felt his stomach growl. "Man, I can't wait to get my hands on all that food. My stomach has been killing for some of that spiced meat the nobles are packing."He smiled, his eyes glazing over. "Time to play a little Robin Hood! Yeah!"
Tsume shook his head. That spiced meat did sound good though. He watched as Jet grabbed one of the younger recruits. The same kid Jet had argued with before. "What do you mean who's Robin Hood?!" Jet growled. He glared at Tsume. "This is why we need books in here! Literature! These kids need something to educate themselves!" He threw the kid over to another group. "Kid can't be older than my son. I swear they get younger every year." Tsume stayed quiet, his eyes looking out towards the crowd. He couldn't ignore the huge gap in numbers forever. This problem, whatever it was, needed to be stopped. But…one thing at a time.
"Hey speaking of little kiddos, are you sure Toboe will be okay"? He motioned his head to the stairs. "This isn't exactly the safest neighborhood you know? And with us gone…"
Tsume clicked his tongue. "The runt wanted to come. It's not like I twisted his arm or anything."
He started walking towards the entrance his voice barely a whisper. "Sooner this gets done the sooner we get back…" Jet smiled. Well, if the boss says so. "ALRIGHT! LET'S GET GOING! GELL GET THE STANDBY GROUP READY IN THE JEEPS!"
"Yeah yeah, I heard you the first time!" A voice shouted from the crowd.
"Make sure you guys stay right on us! Anything goes wrong, you guys are going to have to act fast! Cops show up, you don't lead them back here! Got it?! Split up and if you have to, use the sewers!"
All of the young recruits looked hesitant at what Jet said next. "We all know what happens to traitors around here." He growled, his eyes flaring up and eyeing one particular person. "You talk and I will personally rip your vocal cords out." His eyes traveled back to the entire group, a big grin forming on his face. "Now, let's go!"
This was why everyone was fucking terrified of Jet.
Soft footsteps echoed through the long corridor. There was no light except a single glow coming closer and closer as she continued. Her shadow caught on the paintings adorned on each side of the walls. The young woman followed the only source of light to a large steel door. She reached for the keypad installed at its side. She smiled when the door's intricate gold markings glowed and began to hum. She heard the locks begin to click one after the other as the door finally slid open automatically.
The young woman stepped inside, her heels clicking on the marble stone as she continued to walk. She stepped toward the light source, an electric hum sounding throughout the massive laboratory. She stopped before a chair set right at the base of a giant glass display. She bowed before speaking in a soft tone.
"Lord Darcia, we've received complete cooperation with the police to carry out your orders and have confirmed his location. Shall we proceed?" She paused and raised her head. Her heart beat fast in her chest as she waited for his answer. The figure continued to stare at the glass display, his back still turned to her.
"Remember my orders Neze, disobey and you will pay the price." The figure growled his voice low and threatening. His servant nodded, her body shaking in fear. "It w-will be done my Lord completely to your will. We will find him." She bowed again before backing away and slowly returning to the exit.
When the door slammed shut and locked, an eerie silence filled the laboratory. Lord Darcia reached up slowly and touched his left eye. He stood, smiling at the glass display. "The wolves are finding their way back to this city and to each other." His voice echoed throughout the emptiness. "If they are alive, the others must be as well."
He laughed hollowly as he placed his gloved left hand on the magnificent display. "They'll find each other just like before and search for you." He glared at the figure bound in the water, her red eyes opening wide. "But you already knew all this, didn't you Cheza?"
And after a couple of years, she finally gets it done. (Sigh) I'm really really sorry guys for my long ass disappearance. I wish it was an all expense paid trip to travel all around the world but truth is life really kicked my ass hard. Had a lot of depression and really couldn't find the time to write if my life depended on it. I won't go into further detail but let's just the cycle is now officially over! YEAH! I couldn't stay away forever from you lovely people or this story! Just to prove I have broken bad habits the next chapter is already done, I just have to edit a bit! It's getting good! Sorry if there were let downs with this chapter, stuff needs to be explained before we get down to the good stuff! Should be out in a week or two depending on my workload. Oh! On a positive note, I met the love of my life and we are engaged! He knows all about my little obsession with yaoi and thank god he supports me for it! So here's to the new Hana no Shojo! Writing chapters, getting married, and just feeling a hell of a lot better! KAMPAI! (P.S. Feel free to review and I will respond as soon as I can! :P)
Until we meet again,
-Hana no Shojo