FCL64: Well here we are, chapter two. Here is where the flashbacks start. Along with first person pov.
Kiyoshi: We and animegrlsteph have joint ownership of Ayaka. Although, since we're both writing the story, the author has taken a few liberties with her appearance. Sorry animegrlsteph, I couldn't stop her.
FCL64: Wait! You're the person in my head! It's long been established that I don't write these stories; you and any other people who may be hiding in my brain do that for me.
Kiyoshi: Whatever.
Ayaka pov
I wander through the forest. It's getting dark out. That's when the worst kind of demons come out. I must find a place to sleep.
Suddenly, a loud shout of laughter breaks through the stillness of the night. It quickly gets quieter, but it continues. Against my better judgment, I head toward the sound. Something in it doesn't sound cruel or evil. As crazy as it is, something in the sound promises safety.
I guess they sense my presence because the laughter stops. I continue in the direction I heard the noise and find a small camp. It's abandoned. And quickly.
An uneaten meal sits beside the remains of a fire. I reach out to touch the ashes but immediately jerk back and put my fingers to my lips to soothe the burns. They've only just left. "Please," I shout into the darkness, admittedly not the best move in Makai at night. "I just want somewhere to sleep. I don't feel safe out here alone. Not at night."
Something flashes to my right. I spin to face it, but it has already vanished.
"Mmm… she's got a quick eye and quick reflexes to match it," a voice says from the tree branches above me. "What do you think?" I try to find the speaker, but it's too dark.
"Why not? If she tries anything, we still outnumber her," a second voice replies from ground level. I spin to face it, but I still can't see anything.
"Always logical, aren't we?" the first voice asks sarcastically.
The only reply is laughter. The same laughter that led me to this clearing. "Just come out," I plead to the darkness. The laughter only grows louder and is joined by the laughter of the first speaker. "Please," I whisper, but they somehow hear me.
The laughter stops. "Well, Kuronue, I suppose we better do as the lady asks, since she's asked us so nicely."
"I suppose."
A spark comes from the direction of the laughing man's voice. Then a lit twig flies across the clearing and restarts the fire. As the small flame grows, a silver-haired demon-fox steps into view, and a bat demon descends from the treetops.
The bat demon looks at me thoughtfully. After a moment he says, "On second thought, I don't think she can stay. Traveling with one fox has nearly gotten me killed far too many times for my liking. God forbid I travel with two."
"Who's to say the near-death situations weren't your fault?" The man's words aren't sharp in the slightest. These two men are more than just traveling companions; they're best friends. Now I feel I'm intruding. And I feel nervous because they both look vaguely familiar.
"You are?" the laughing fox demon asks.
"Ayaka."
He holds out a clawed hand to me. I take it warily. Rather than shaking it he lifts it to his lips. How oddly formal. And evidently not his normal behavior as the bat snorts and says, "A true gentleman you are not." Then he laughs.
The man who kissed my hand rolls his eyes and drops my hand. "I'm Kurama. And this overgrown bat is Kuronue."
Those names. Where have I heard those names? And where have I seen their faces?
Without warning Kurama adds, "You're welcome to travel with us, as long as you are comfortable being alone once in a while. We do our business at night." He glances at Kuronue then continues, "More importantly, as long as you don't have a problem with bounty hunters."
"Is that what you do?" I ask. They don't exactly look like bounty hunters.
They freeze, then the laughter begins anew, even louder than before. I am bewildered at its cause and equally bewildered as to how they can avoid being attacked when being this loud. "We're bounty hunters, she says," Kuronue manages to get out. "Indeed. You give me your head, Kurama, and I'll give you mine. We'll turn each other in, and between the two of us, we'll end up with the entire reward."
Eventually Kurama and Kuronue's laughter dies, and Kurama tells me, as if I haven't figured it out, "We both have a price on our head. A rather high price." Kurama grins wickedly.
I shiver. I know they don't mean to harm me, but something about them gives me the creeps.
Yet, somehow, I also feel safe.
Review responses:
animegrlsteph: glad you liked the first chapter. her age... i'll send you a timeline. as for how old she appears-eighteenish.
Foxgirl Ray: interesting is what i'm going for. :) interesting keeps people reading. i'm happy you enjoyed the first chapter.
turtwigfan98: Glad you like it! Here's your update.