Escape (Hiei)

[Hime]

Night time. It's when darkness falls over Unmei Island, and the fact that Hime is in the beach where the place is sand, there isn't much place to build on street lights like on ordinary places. Originally, Hime would wish that she was in a bright place, but tonight, she doesn't. She's going to attempt something she never thought she would do--Break the Academy rules.

If anyone knows Hime well, he or she would never thought that she would do such a thing--because she's a good girl. A good, sweet, kind girl, but that goodness is the reason she's going to do this. She is doing this out of love, the love for her family.

And here she is, clad in a dark blue shirt and a white skirt, walking along the beach barefoot. She reached the waters and stared. A that moment, she hesitated. What if she gets in trouble? Or what if she gets caught...or drown? Stupid thought the latter was, but she still feared it. She may have the Alice of Manipulating water but it won't be easy in this darkness. She kept on walking until she came across a wooden thing. It was huge, like six feet in length or so. She touched it an realized what it is. A boat! Yes, that's just what she needs.

[Hiei]

"And what are you doing here at this time of the night, Hime?"

A voice, from nowhere, reached Hime's ears. From a short distance behind her, the sound of shuffling of sand could be heard as a figure came into view under the light of the moon. A figure that was all too familiar for the girl to not recognise. And of course, with the looks that he had, who wouldn't, with that crimson-tipped spiky hair and the white bandages around the forearms?

Hiei looked up, his lips a thin line as he eyed the boat behind Hime, questions entering his head. With that, he turned back to Hime, looking into her eyes as he stepped forward, pulling his hands out of his pockets. He was wearing a black T-shirt with sleeves that reached down to his elbows and a design of dark red fire on the lower half. For his lower body wear, he was wearing tan cargo pants that seemed quite baggy at the bottom, and lastly, his red-and-black sports shoes.

"Where are you heading off to?"

[Hime]

"And what are you doing here at this time of the night, Hime?"

The words made her twitch out of surprise...but not just the words. The voice that said it also did. She would recognize him even if she wasn't going to look. Hiei.

What now? What is she going to do? An excuse? No, that would cancel her trip. She just stayed quiet for a few seconds, possibly long enough to arouse suspicion in him, with her head lowered, and her hands still touching the boat. Maybe it's time to tell the truth? He would understand...will he?

"I'm going to my home." She said in a firm voice. "Why?" She continued, never looking back.

[Hiei]

Hiei's crimson hues locked onto her hair, his lips a thin line as he took another step, his right hand reaching to touch her shoulder, when she replied, talking about going home. Home?

"You're going ho-"

And then, he was cut short as he remembered what she had told him when they had first come here. He turned his head towards the sea, spotting the very distant island that Hime had said to be her home. She was heading there? Alone, on a boat? That long a distance? Hiei turned back to Hime, finally realising it. She was home sick.

"Oh, I see."

He put down his hand, his head once more turning towards the sea. It seemed too long a distance to travel alone. Now, what did Hiei always do when Hime was sick? Cure her, of course. And now, there seemed to be only one way to cure her this time. Turning around and letting out a sigh, he took a few steps away from her, reaching out with his right hand. Dark flames enveloped his arm, before reaching outwards as it rose up into the sky, before detaching from his arm. This was a simple summoning, of the Dark Dragon. The creature would let out a soft roar, recognising the girl that had defeated him once before.

Calling Dark Dragon down, Hiei would then jump onto its head, before turning towards Hime and reaching out his right hand, a smile on his face.

"Come on. You won't be able to reach that island fast enough on that boat. Let's get you home, Hime."

And then, he thought about his home, or that if he even had one. True, he had the Academy, but outside the Academy, he was basically homeless. As such, Hiei felt a bit jealous for Hime, but that wasn't gonna stop him from helping her.

[Hime]

Hime readied herself for whatever Hiei might do or say to stop her. An excuse would do, or a further explanationof what she’s feeling right now. It’s just for a while, just for the night, I just want to…And a bunch of other thoughts. Just then, she heard a soft, yet ferocious roar coming from behind. She looked back and saw the Dark Dragon, its head lowering towards her with Hiei on it, stretching his arm to her. A smile was brought to her child-like features as she took his hand. She jumped from the sand, throwing her right leg on the other side of its head as if she was riding a horse. At that, she wrapped her arms around Hiei and rested her head on his back.

“I love you, Hiei.” She whispered happily. That was the only way she can express her gratitude to him, and for what he risked just to help her in her illegal business.

What has gotten into her that made her think he’s going to stop her? Maybe she didn’t know Hiei that much…Is it? Or the Hiei she knows cares more for her, not getting into trouble than making her happy. Whatever it is, she doesn’t care anymore. She just couldn’t wait to see her brothers again. And now that Hiei is coming with her, she’s going to introduce him to them.

[Hiei]

As Hime got on Dark Dragon and hugged Hiei from behind to prevent herself from falling, Hiei simply gave her a nod as he looked at the top of Dark Dragon's head, sending him messages through their mental link. They were, after all, his personal demons. The large creature lifted its head into the air, the long snake-like dragon turning its head towards the sea, letting out a soft growl. Hiei knew why. Being part fire, Dark Dragon despised water. Despite that, the creature was very keen in serving his host, letting out another soft growl before pushing off into the sky, throwing up the sand below it.

Soaring through the air like a snake on the ground, the Dark Dragon flew towards the distant island. Wind blew at Hiei's face, his hair and shirt dancing with it. Many would wonder why his hair would seem so soft, despite looking like it was gelled. Amazingly, though, Hiei's hair was naturally spiky. It was the crimson dye on the tips that was artificial. Now, how would Hiei's hair be able to keep its shape despite the constant pressure that was applied on it? Well, who knows? Maybe a side effect of his Alice? Maybe.

ANd then, he started to wonder what would he do once he got there. He then realised that they were coming in on a dragon. A creature thought to be mythical in the real world. How would they react? Would Hime be treat the same, bringing such a dangerous person onto their island.

[Hime]

Just after Hime got on the creature, it jerked forward causing her to hold onto Hiei tighter. She promised herself never to scream but she still did, but it was just sort of a high-pitched short yelp, not too annoying on the ears. And after that, it flew in a speed that made her nervous. The wind blew against them fiercely and it made her hair and dress dance with it.

After a few moments, she got the hang of it. She opened her eyes and looked below. They’re already over the ocean Everything she could see was just a sight of endless black waves and the reflection of the moon distorted by the ripples. She also felt the sea breeze brushing against them, bringing a familiar scent of salt and sea weeds. It was a wonderful feeling, more like flying without wings. She then thought that Hiei was very lucky for having an alice like this that he can use to go anywhere he wants.

Just a few moments after, she caught sight of the white under the black-colored water below them. It’s the foot of the island, she assumed. They’re almost there, and her heart beat fast out of excitement and longing.

“Were here...”She said out of disbelief. Is this really true...That she's back home?

[Hiei]

As they neared the island, Hiei then told Dark Dragon to stop. The creature slowly came to a stand still and gradually lifted into the air. Turning around and looking at Hime, he made sure that she didn't look down. He was unsure whether or not she had the fear of heights, but considering how high they were, one would indeed get nervous. He knew that Hime would ask him why Dark Dragon had stopped, but before she could, Hiei already answered her possible question.

"I don't think your friends down there would be familiar with a dragon. I'm afraid, to prevent any chaotic reactions, we're gonna have to land here and get there on foot. You think you can get us there without getting us wet, Hime?"

He said, keeping his eyes locked with hers. And then, he glanced down at the waters below him. Wow, they were high. Dark Dragon had already stopped, but at this height, Hiei doubted that anyone would notice the large dark creature in the night sky. Turning back to Hime, he waited for a response, thinking once more what their reaction to her bringing home her boyfriend. Hiei knew of her siblings, and would they approve of him? Hiei knew of many relationships that was torn apart just because the family disapproved of them, while others managed to overcome this problem, like Romeo and Juliet, though they did die. And that wasn't very encouraging at all.

"And should I come with you or shall I wait somewhere?"

[Hime]

“Mm. I could. We could walk on water if you want.” Hime replied to his question with a smile and a happy nod. She had learned this technique when she met a student named Domingo a long time ago, but she doesn’t remember seeing him around anymore. And then Hiei looked down. She caught a sight of a little uneasiness in his eyes and wondered what’s making him anxious. Is it the heights? No, Hiei is braver than that. The water? Of course not…that’d be stupid. And then, it hit her. It’s her family that’s making him uneasy. No other thing would. And come to think of it, it made her uneasy too. What would her brothers say when she just barged in the house without a word at this time of night with her boyfriend with her? Other families would probably find it weird but Hime knows her brothers wouldn’t be surprised, considering the fact that they know her too much. Maybe?

"And should I come with you or shall I wait somewhere?", she heard him say. She simply shook her head with closed eyes. She placed her hands on both sides of Hiei’s cheeks and returned to his gaze.

“You’ll come with me. And…don’t worry. They don’t bite.” She said with a smile, assuming that she was right. After that, she took her hands from his cheeks and returned them to the dragon’s neck. She looked down and noticed they were getting higher. That’s only when she realized that it was scarier in mid-air than when they are on motion.

“Hiei, How do we get down?”

[Hiei]

“Mm. I could. We could walk on water if you want.”

Hiei looked at her. Well, that was new, but expected. She was, after all, a water manipulator. It would be rather shameful if she couldn't walk or stand on water. But then, only she could walk on water. What did Hiei expect her to do? Carry him? Nah, Hiei couldn't make her do that. He looked at her as she placed her hands on his cheeks, one of his hand coming up to grab hers, his mouth slightly opening in slight confusion.

“You’ll come with me. And…don’t worry. They don’t bite.”

Well, of course they don't bite, unless they were vampires, werewolves and cannibals, but of course, Hime's siblings wouldn't be like that. She was innocent and kind, and that would mean that she was raised by similar people. Then, as Hime pulled her hands away, Hiei placed his back onto his Dragon, following his eyes down as the Dark Dragon stopped where it was, its skin camouflaging with the black sky.

“Hiei, How do we get down?”

Hiei then looked back at Hime, letting out a small sigh as he finally replied, all at once.

"You mean, you could walk on water. I can't walk on water. And I don't expect you to carry me now, right? And hold on, we're going down."

Holding Hime's hand, Hiei suddenly leaned back, the Dark Dragon's head lowering itself and diving towards the water. Wind yelled into Hiei's ears, but Hime was protected from its pressure, Hiei being in front of her. To the girl, it would seem just like wind blowing at her. And then, as they neared the water, Dark Dragon slowed down from the dive, before shifting once more to parrallel itself to the water. And now, they were just a meter above the water, the island now quite visible to them.

"Well... What now?"

[Hime]

Hime now looked down below her and saw that they’re just roughly a meter away from the water. This will be good, it’ll be safe to jump down. So pulling her leg back together, she slid down from the dragon and landed on the water. Normally, she would fall in, and considering the depth of the sea at this distance from the shore, she wouldn’t have made it if she didn’t know how to swim, but that wasn’t the case. This time, she landed on the water, not into it. It looked as if she landed on a transparent water bed, her fall creating waves and ripple that grew wider and smaller as they distanced away from her. Once Hime regained her balance, she stood up, feet apart. She walked towards Dark Dragon and looked up to Hiei.

“It’s okay. You can walk on it too.” She looked straight at his eyes and smiled. “You see, when people step on water, the molecules move apart from each other to let the body between them, so I figured that if I push the water molecules in a certain area at a small perimeter together, they wouldn’t break apart to let my body in, allowing me walk over them in a manner that wouldn’t let me sink.” Hime stated the explanation. The technique was quite simple, but it takes a lot of effort and concentration. She then looked around the area she was walking on and estimated the measurement.

“As of now, I think I can only compress a square area having the perimeter of 12 feet and the depth of roughly three feet, so you have to walk close to me.” She stretched her hands to him and looked at him innocently; but more like an expression of plead.

“I promise I won’t let you sink. Trust me…Please?”

[Hiei]

Hiei watched, almost leaning forward to catch her as she slid off the Dark Dragon. He was almost surprised when Hime landed on the water, as if there was a piece of glass in between her feet and the water. He stood there for a moment, his eyes on the water below her feet and watching as the ripples enlarged away from her feet. It was just like the movies. Hiei then turned to Hime as she told him that it too was safe for him to walk on water and explained how she was able to. Now, would that be safe for Hiei? After all, he wasn't sure which part of the water was safe, and which was not. He eyed the water for a moment, trying to look for a translucent outline that would indicate the perimeter of Hime's water-walk technique range, but Hime seemed faster in doing so.

Looking at her and listening to her question, he let out a chuckle. Giving her a small smile, followed by a nod, he replied.

"Of course I trust you. I can't love you if I don't trust you."

With that, he turned to Dark Dragon and gave a small nod, the creature nodding in reply. And then, slowly, from tail to head, the Dark Dragon started to disperse into thin air, like fire dispersing into the air and turning into smoke. And then, as the Dragon's neck started to disperse, Hiei pushed himself off, landing on the water on his feet. He had to admit, it felt very weird. It was as if there was alreayd ground below the water, and he was stepping on a puddle. Maybe it did feel familiar, but knowing that there was no ground below him, it uneased him.

Looking at Hime, he jerked his head towards the island behind him. It wasn't a short walk, but neither was it long. And then, past Hime's shoulder, he caught sight of a white curtain of sand of the distant Unmei Island and wondered, how would Kurogane react if he found out about this. Well, they were going to be in a LOT of trouble.

[Hime]

"Of course I trust you. I can't love you if I don't trust you."

Hime smiled upon hearing so. She quickly took Hiei's hand after he landed on the compressed water and started walking with him. A few seconds after, she noticed him looking back at Unmei island with an uneased expression. He must be wondering now what would happen to them if they get caught. For sure, they're going to be in HUGE trouble once that happens, and the teachers qould be furious. Just thinking of it hit her really hard. She can't deny the fact that she led Hiei into serious troubles and hardships many times--and now, she's done it again.

At that, Hime lowered her hand, the shadow of her bangs covering her eyes. She held tighter Hiei's hand and promised him silently; she'll never let him get in trouble this time. No matter what it takes.

The distance from the point the two started walking to the beach was just roughly twenty meters away, so it didn't take them long until they reached the shallow waters. The current depth decreased to just a foot high, but Hime didn't let go of the water yet. She tried her her best to make Hiei reach the shore without getting his feet wet. When she felt that her concentration is at its limit, she closed her eyes, took deep a breath and reopened her eyes again. Letting go of Hiei's hand and moving forward, she released the water on the area where she's walking, leaving the area where Hiei was standing still compressed. The water broke free when she stepped and it felt like falling one step from the stairs, the difference is that a sharp stone caught her sole.

"Ouch..."Hime tended to her aching feet. It was just then she remembered that she was bare-footed. She let out a sigh and continued walking. She used to be used to walking over this island's beach bare-footed, but she guess it wasn't like that anymore.

And finally, she reached the beach. Hime felt the familiar feeling of sand sticking to her legs when she climbed out of the water, and it felt good. It's good to be back home.

[Hiei]

Looking at Hime as she grabbed his hand, he gave her a small nod, turning back towards Hime's home island and waiting for her to start walking, before taking his first few steps on water. He found it rather weird, especially when he eyed the water below him, fully aware how deep it was. Hiei wasn't sure if he could swim. He had never tried before. After all, the deepest he had ever been into water was up to the knees. And that wasn't exactly swimming at all. Hiei turned to Hime. Yeah, he trusted her, trusted that she could support him. There was no need to fear. While thinking about this, he didn't feel the pressure on Hime's grip increasing, his eyes still on Hime's home.

It wasn't long before Hiei could see the sand below them. And then, he felt Hime's hand let go of his and looked at her as she stepped forward, stretching his leg out as he suddenly felt slightly in danger. And them, Hime walked off the safe area as the water below her suddenly turned liquid. But, considering that his feet was spread out to keep his balance stable, half of his right foot was stepping on liquid. Slightly surprised at the sudden change, he lost his balance and slipped to the side. His eyes widening, he let out a yelp as he fell into the water. Yes. Fell into liquid water.

The sand only being one foot down, he managed to get himself to stand up before he would... Well, drown. He looked down, wiping the seawater off his face with his wet sleeve. His pants was wet, his shirt was wet, his hair was wet and most importantly, his shoes were wet. He sighed, looking up at Hime who was already on the beach. His hair, being wet, was slightly lower than it used to be. Walking up to the beach with slight effort, he felt his right arm ache a bit, the Dark Dragon tattoo slightly burning. Slightly.

Looking at himself, then at Hime, he suddenly realised how aloof he must have looked and gave her a slight chuckle, indicating that he was alright.

"Sorry. I slipped."

[Hime]

Hime stood on the beach for a while, her eyes venturing on the surroundings. A lot has changed since she left, and the island had definitely been developing. From a distance, she could see a construction site, and the structure that was going to be built seemed pretty grand and special. Maybe it's a government project for the inhabitants of the island, like a power plant or something that would help it grow. She just hoped that whatever it is, it wouldn't destroy the beauty of the sea around here, but then again, she knows Tetsu wouldn't allow the sea be destroyed by the government or anyone else. She smiled and closed her eyes to treasure the moment while waiting for Hiei to get there, but suddenly, a sound of water splashing cut her thoughts. She turned around, only to find Hiei had fallen onto the water. Well, he's safe but...wet.

Hime rushed to him, her feet creating splashing sounds on the coming waves, stirring the white sand where her foot landed, and takes off again to take another step. She came to Hiei, kneeling down while placing her hands on his shoulder with a worried look on her face, when suddenly; he let out a small chuckle and smiled.

"Sorry. I slipped."

She smiled back and let out a small laugh, covering her mouth while the other one remained on his shoulder. True, she was glad it was just that, but something else made her smile. For some reason, she loves it when Hiei smiles. She always wanted to smile back whenever he does, and since he doesn't smile a lot, it meant a lot to her every time he does. "I have an older brother who has the same height and build as yours, and I think his clothes would fit you. Ikko, Hiei, let's get you changed.” She said happily, pulling his hand to stand up, and after she helped him up, she led the way towards the house. Come to think of it, she did say that she would get him a new set of clothes, but it's without her brother, Shin's permission. She knows him enough to tell that he might not like the idea, but oh well; she could just extract the water molecules from his clothes, which is really not a good idea since it might tire her alice too much. Putting together separated molecules is still tedious work for her.

Hime continued walking with him until they reached the part of the beach where the sand slants upwards, making a steep hill that'd be hard to climb when you're careless, so she looked at Hiei and smiled once more.

"Once we get above this, you could see the gate of our house. The sand often slides down once you climb it with shoes...I think you should remove them." She looked at his wet footwear and chuckled. "I'll go first." She added, and then started the climb. Her bare feet sank onto the sliding sand on her first step, but she didn't mind. She took another one forward and repeated the process until she reached the top. It wasn't a long climb anyway, just roughly three feet of avalanching sand. She continued walking, and not long after, she stepped on cold soil. This is where the white color of the sand starts fading onto the brown beneath it. When Hime looked up, she saw what used to be her home--a rectangular silhouette of a large bungalow. It was bordered by tall gates with sharp tips pointing to the sky, and a bunch of coconut trees scattered outside the surrounding areas of the house.

"Tadaima." Hime whispered with a smile.

[Hiei]

Hiei watched as he draw a laughter from Hime and was somewhat proud of himself. Finally, she was out of the shadow of having being the one to have killed their ex-best friend, Rage Asakura. And Hiei had been the main reason that she was. As Hime helped him up, she talked about a brother being of the same built as hers and that he would lend him clothing. Well, talk about a first impression. Their first meeting, and Hiei was already sharing clothes with them. Hiei sighed mentally as he followed Hime to the beach, feeling the sand give way under him. For some reason, he hated walking on the sand. The only thing he liked about the beach was the great scenery of the sunset, but that was all. Being aware that the ground before him could give way under pressure made him feel slightly insecure and slowed down.

He followed her, glancing around for anyone who could see them. Hiei was still unsure whether or not his presence was wanted, cause from all the stories he had heard, whoever had an Alice seemed to be an exile in society, even in their own neighbourhoods. And how was Hime in hers? And then, Hime asked him to remove his shoes so that he would be able to climb the slanted hill of sand. Hiei looked at her for a while, then at the sand hill. This was exactly why he hated sand. They were too unstable. Letting out a soft sigh, he knelt down and untied his shoelaces, before taking off his shoes, followed by his socks. Stuffing his black ankle socks into his shoes, he looked up, letting out a soft moan as he felt the sand enter in between his toes. He was uncomfortable, but tried not to show it in front of Hime. He knew how much she loved the beach, and didn't want to ruin her moment now.

Climbing up the sand with slight difficulty and a little tolerance of the discomfort, Hiei finally reached the top, brushing the sand off his pants the moment he came up. Standing up straight, he looked up, his mouth opening wide at the sight of Hime's house. This wasn't exactly what he expected. It was much more. And without knowing it, he found himself speaking a single word.

"Wow."

[Hime]

Looking at what used to be her house, she smiled at the relief that nothing had changed. Her heart raced inside her, and for the first time in her life, she had never felt so excited. She misses her brothers a lot, even if they’re not her real family. She wished they were though, but that is a different story. So when she felt Hiei finally reached the top, she stepped towards him cheerfully and pulled his hand.

“Let’s go!” She invited him with a spark of excitement and energy in her voice’s tone, pulling him towards the house into a run. In no time, they reached the front of the black gates. From that distance, they can clearly see the frontage of the house. The architectural design was simple but outstanding. The walls are painted light cream, the window glasses are frosted with a dark brown sheen and the wooden front door was crafted with arc carvings. The way the whole house looked was simply classic, but it has a modern “feel” to it. Hime pulled the gates open, but it didn’t budge. Instead, it just made sounds of clashing metals against each other. It was only then she realized that they’re locked. Obviously.

“It’s locked…”Hime uttered in disappointment. Are they going to knock? It may be a good idea, but she is kind of thinking that it would be better to surprise them. If both of them already coming in such a short notice, then why not come in an even more shocking manner? And what better way to do that is to come in from the back door.

“Come on, let’s go this way.” Hime pulled Hiei westwards the house, turning left once they reached a corner and until they came to another opening. She let go of Hiei’s hand and pulled the gate open, and it budged open as she expected it would.

“These guys never lock the door when they take out the trash.” Hime said with a sigh while opening the gate for Hiei to enter. With a smile, she faced him and uttered the words she never thought she’d say.

“Welcome to my home.”

[Hiei]

Hiei was trying to make out the details of the house, when suddenly, he felt something wrap around his hand. Looking down, he saw a familiar hand holding his, before looking up at Hime.

"Let's go!"

And then, she started pulling him towards the house. Hiei let out a soft grunt as the sudden pressure surprised him, the larger student having no choice but to follow. As he did, he looked at the house and the first glance he had when he finally had a clearer view of it, he suddenly had a flash back of his sensei's dojo. The brown wooden pillars of the white building with its sliding doors as the main entrance, the building built with traces of Japanese tradition. And then, he heard the sound of metals clashing against each other and looked straight, only to see Hime trying to open the gate with her other hand. It was locked, and what Hime said confirmed it.

Hiei stepped forward, touching the gate with his hand. Could he somewhat open the lock with whatever lock-picking skill he had? No, he wasn't a lock-picker, but he had some knowledge about it. Or he could just use his fire to break the chains. And then, before he could think of any other way, Hime's voice entered his head, and then he was dragged away. Hiei looked at her, simply following. A back door? Now, what was the use of all these high gates and locked front gate, when there was an open back door? Hiei simply stood there as Hime let go of his hand, watching as he pulled the smaller gate open. Hiei stared at it moment, in slight disbelief. Talk about security.


"Welcome to my home."

Hiei looked at her for a moment, before walking forward and through the gate, turning around once more and looking at Hime. Jerking his head towards her house, he spoke softly.

"Shall we?"

[Hime]

Hime gave Hiei a nod as an answer to what he said. She motioned towards the front door and carefully twisted the knob. As expected, her brothers had left it unlocked. And here they are complaining about the loss of their stuff. They really never learn their lesson. This made her wonder…what is Hiei thinking of her family right now? Is he surprised on how careless they are? Or does he not mind at all? How could she tell him that they’re five chaotic, raucous, immature human being? Hime knows of how much Hiei hates noise and the people who make them, so will he hate her family too? Just thinking of it made her feel sort of…uneasy.

So there she was, staring at the dark living room as she stepped inside. The marble floor felt cold on her bare feet, but she didn’t mind. Her hand ventured on the wall on her right, trying to look for the switch to turn the light on, and once she got a touch of the rectangular button, she pressed. Yellow light coming from a small glass chandelier at the center of the ceiling revealed the insides of the house. There’s the sala set, composed of three couches sitting on the floor in a chaotic arrangement. There’s also the television set that looked untouched, as if it hadn’t been used for quite a while. There wasn’t much furniture, so there are plenty of spaces left. A little to the left from the living room is the dining room, which was a complete opposite of the latter. If there wasn’t anything on the floor or on the couches, there are a lot of things scattered about on the table. There’s a dirty rug, a palette, a glass of purple water, paintbrushes and tube paints…on top of all that, someone was there, his head buried in his folded arms as he sat in the room in a deep slumber.

“Alec.” Hime called his name. She ran towards him, her feet making gentle slaps on the floor. She placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him gently. After a few seconds, his head rose from the table and then turned towards Hime.

“Fell asleep while painting again? You haven’t changed a lot…oni-chan.” Hime said with a smile. Hearing the voice, Alec’s brown eyes widened. He rubbed them a couple of times before believing what he is currently seeing.

“H…Hime? Is that really you?” He uttered, still in disbelief.

“In the flesh.” Hime answered with a soft laugh, covering her mouth while doing so.

[Hiei]

Following Hime to the front door, he eyed the house carefully, finding it suddenly rather creepy. And then, he looked outwards, at the direction of the sea. Once more, he started to think about the Academy, then suddenly had a crazy idea of staying here for... Well, forever? Hiei pushed that thought out of his head, looking back at Hime as she opened the door. Stepping into a dark room after her, Hiei felt the cold marble under his feet and once more felt slightly uneasy, but it couldn't be helped. The shoes and socks in his hands were wet, which were quite uncomfortable to wear, much more than walking on cold ground.

And then, as the light setting of the room suddenly chaned, Hiei lifted his free hand and covered his eyes for a moment, trying to get used to the new lighting. As soon as he did, he lowered his arm and looked into the living room with slight amazement. Despite the messy arrangement, the condition and the furniture of the house was still rather amazing to the boy who lived in an old wooden dojo as a kid. Hiei then watched as Hime walked to the next room, probably the dining room. Placing his shoes and socks by the door, he followed after her as she woke up one of her brothers, standing quite far behind her as he let them had their little reunion first. He then lowered his head for a bit, wondering how he would fit in into this small family.