by K L Ogden
The whistling stopped as the figure halted on the other side of the brook. Everything about him was shadowed in darkness leaving her only to imagine his sinister appearance. Her body trembled as she lifted her foot to take another step back. A sudden clicking noise came from the man’s mouth.
“Hitomi, how do you think Obi would feel if you left him to die?” the figure asked.
Her body quickly froze again. Obi. She glanced down at the ring on her finger. She couldn’t leave him. She had to be strong for him because he was the only thing that mattered to her.
“Just step across the water and I will take you to him,” the figure said.
Her head shot up and her eyes narrowed. “How do I know Obi is even still alive?” she shot back.
He let out a slight snicker. “So the princess wants some proof. I didn’t expect that.” He pulled out a cell phone and started dialing. There were a few moments of tense silence. “It’s me. She wants to know Obi is still breathing…Okay.” From the light of the cell phone, Hitomi was able to make out some of his features. He appeared to have black hair and a very angular jaw. His red eyes glinted as he held the cell phone out to her. “You better catch this.” He tossed the phone across the water and Hitomi easily caught it in her grasp.
Taking a deep breath, she put the phone to her ear. “Hello?” She tried to fake the confidence in her voice, but the one word trembled.
“Hitomi, go back to the cabin,” Obi pleaded.
“Are you okay?” she questioned ignoring his plea.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Just don’t come outside the barrier. Please.”
“Obi, I’m not going to leave you there. I won’t let you die. I love you.” Her voice cracked as her throat went dry.
“Hitomi…I…” His voice trailed off and she was unable to hear what he said in return.
“Obi? Obi?”
“Now you know he is still breathing. Just cross through the barrier and I will spare him.” The menacing voice that she had become too familiar with said.
“Domitori, don’t hurt him.”
Domitori let out a laugh. “Don’t make me hurt him. Come with Deiman now. You are trying my patience little girl.”
Hitomi ground her teeth together in anger as she closed the phone. The thud of the phone closing pounded in her ears and a sudden shot of heat coursed through her. She stood up straight and squared her shoulders. She looked across at Deiman standing before her as she nonchalantly dropped the phone to the ground. Her brow furrowed as she stared at him and she placed her foot over the phone grinding it into the ground.
“Hey…” Deiman took a step forward but immediately stopped.
“Don’t worry. You won’t need it soon,” Hitomi replied confidently as she felt her body heating up. She could do this. She could save Obi. She would not let Obi be sacrificed on her behalf. And she was going to succeed. Something was running through her veins making her feel the strength she needed. Her fingers tingled and the air filling her lungs was lighter with each breath.
“How do you figure?” Deiman asked.
Hitomi smirked as she turned her eyes down to the running water. She moved towards it as she watched the rain drops creating splashes in the small ripples. She stepped into the water with one foot. The water was frigid, but she hardly seemed to notice as she placed her other foot in. The rocks beneath her feet were smooth and slippery. She took each step with full confidence. The stream hit against her ankles and then her calves as she waded across until the water was up to her knees. With each continuing step, the water slowly began to retreat until she was standing on the opposite bank. She lifted her head up peering at Deiman waiting for her. Hitomi moved towards him with no trepidation. The coldness of his now visible eyes did not sway her and she stepped up in front of him. Although he was shorter than Domitori, he was much more compact and seemed even more intimidating. But still she did not feel fear. Instead she felt determination.
Deiman quickly grabbed her by the shoulders as his wings spread out behind him. He shook his head as he spun her around and secured her around the waist. She let out a slight gasp as he yanked her against his body. He pinned her arms against her sides and tightened his grip. She could feel every muscle of his body against her back.
He leaned down whispering into her ear. “This is very brave of you Hitomi. And incredibly stupid.”
Hitomi squeezed her eyes closed as she felt the rush of air against her face and her feet left the ground.
****
Another blow landed against Obi’s jaw swinging his head from side to side bringing him back into consciousness. His mouth was filled with blood that dripped from between his lips. His head slumped down as it stopped moving and more blood trickled from his nose dripping down to the leaves at his feet. Although he was feeling the pain of every blow now due to the Angelica poison nestled in each nerve ending, he still only thought of Hitomi. Each time he lost consciousness his mind returned to a moment he was with her. Those memories gave him some comfort as he knew that his life would shortly be ending. But he still wished that he could hold her just one more time. He wanted to feel her lips one last time and tell her how much he loved her.
He had been beaten so severely that he felt he was becoming somewhat delirious. Obi swore he was able to faintly smell Hitomi. Her scent filled his insides and comforted him. But it couldn’t actually be her. She would never give in to Domitori. He lifted his head and propped it back against the tree trunk. He slightly opened his eyes barely able to make out the dark figures around him. His delirium became worse as he thought he heard Hitomi’s voice. At this time he smiled inviting the hallucinations. He welcomed any thought of her so near the end of his existence.
“Obi!” her voice exclaimed with worry. “What did you do to him? You weren’t supposed to hurt him.” Her voice became louder and suddenly her hands were on his face. The heat stung his cheeks but he still smiled. “Obi? Obi, look at me.”
She held his face forcing him to look at her. His eyes lazily grazed over her. This was the best hallucination he had yet. Obi was able to feel the heat from her. He could smell the sweetness of her skin and he could hear the sound of her angelic voice. He mentally traced every feature of her face; the perfect arch of each eyebrow, the piercing blue of each iris, the softness of her nose, the rose color stained across her cheeks, the lushness of her mouth. She had never appeared more beautiful than at this moment. She looked like a goddess. To receive this vision so real, he realized he was probably near the end.
“Obi? Are you alright?” Her face appeared worried.
“To be able to see you again as I am dying, it is the only vision I wanted,” Obi mumbled. “Even though you are not real…”
“Obi, I am real. I’m right here,” she interrupted. “I am here with you.” Suddenly her arms were wrapped around his neck and her lips were pressed against his. He could feel the beating of her heart against his chest as he kissed her back. Obi tried to move his arms to embrace her, but the bindings tore at his wrists. His eyes widened as he realized that she was not a hallucination. She was really pressed against his body. He really tasted her lips. She had really come to try and save him.
Obi quickly pulled his head back searching her face. “What are you doing here? I told you not to come.”
“Did you really think I was going to leave you to die?” she replied.
“Hitomi, you shouldn’t have come.” He stared at her unable to pull his eyes away.
“I had to do something,” she said quietly. “Besides, I don’t want to live without you.”
“Don’t say that.” He shook his head.
“It’s the truth. I love you and I will not live without you.” Obi’s breath caught in his throat. He couldn’t believe that she was able to love him the same way he loved her. She bit at her bottom lip as she brought her forehead against his. “You would never leave me. How could I possibly leave you?” she whispered. Obi’s eyes softened as she brought her lips to hi
s again. As their mouths moved together, Obi couldn’t help but think that this was most likely their last kiss.
As they savored the taste of each other, there was sudden clapping behind them. Hitomi pulled away and removed her arms from around his neck. Obi noticed the strength in her demeanor as she turned around facing the three death gods. She stood defensively in front of him.
“That was touching. Really. It almost brought a tear to my eye,” Domitori said mockingly as he stepped forward. He glanced down at his watch continuing towards them. “I am so disappointed that you didn’t quite make it to your 18th birthday to find out who you really are. But I guess I could tell you and make you feel terrible about what you’ve done to the Living World.” Domitori gave a slight bow. “Hitomi, the Goddess of Light.” Domitori smirked.
Obi’s brows lifted in confusion and he looked down at Hitomi, whose posture did not change. He looked back up at Domitori. “What are you talking about?”
Domitori stared at Hitomi as he tilted his head to the side. “But I guess from your reaction Hitomi, you already know somehow. And yet, you still came. You are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid.”
Obi’s body trembled. “Hitomi, what is going on?”
“Nothing. Just ignore him.”
“Nothing?” Domitori burst out into laughter and then his eyes refocused on Hitomi. “You really are dumb Obsidian. Your little girlfriend doesn’t want you to know that as of the age of 18, she ascends the throne of the Heavens. She’s the Goddess of Light, daughter of Isbian.”
“Shut up Domitori. Just shut your mouth and let me tell him everything,” Hitomi shot back.
Obi’s jaw dropped as he looked down at her. “Is that true?”
Hitomi turned around and looked up at him, but before she could say anything Domitori continued. “You do realize Obsidian that she risked everything for you? She has risked not only the Living World, but she has risked the Heavens as well. Without her there will be no hope of the Living World surviving and no hope of the Heavens being reopened. The Afterworld will be able to rule entirely.”
Obi watched Hitomi’s face. She showed no signs of regret in her decision. “I’m sorry Obi. I didn’t want you to find out this way.” Guilt washed over him and he looked away from her.
Deiman let out a low cackle. “Just think Obi. You single-handedly destroyed two worlds. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
“He hasn’t destroyed anything. This was my decision,” Hitomi replied.
“No. He’s right.” Obi shook his head ashamed of himself. “I should have never fallen in love with you. Or at least I never should have let you fall in love with me. All I was supposed to do was protect you. But because of everything, you’re here giving yourself over to save me.” He looked back up at Hitomi. “They’re going to kill me anyway.”
She shook her head and spun back around to Domitori. “Why are you even doing this?”
“Orders,” he answered simply.
“From who?”
“Well, not that it’s any of your business, but orders from the Council of the Afterworld. They were most likely direct orders from the God of Darkness. I’m assuming somehow your existence was discovered by him. I couldn’t even imagine my own uncle wanting me dead.” Domitori widened his smile.
“Why would he want me dead? Just for absolute power? I don’t understand why we can’t all live in peace like before when my…” she paused. “Isbian ruled the Heavens.”
“Peace? Who wants peace when you can have absolute supremacy?” Deiman answered stepping up next to Domitori.
“Well, I was just giving you the option before I have the Afterworld destroyed,” Hitomi spat.
“Hitomi,” Obi gasped.
Deiman and Domitori erupted with laughter as Kooisan stepped up and quickly grabbed her arms. He turned her around facing Obi as he bound her hands behind her back.
She smiled easily filling him with warmth as she mouthed the words ‘I love you’. Her expression changed as she winced. Kooisan grabbed her arm and dragged her over to the tree next to Obi. Obi watched as he secured her to the tree trunk and stood in front of her.
“No one threatens the Afterworld,” Kooisan mumbled as he raised his hand. Obi violently thrashed against his restraints as he was forced to watch Kooisan smack her across the face. Hitomi’s head turned facing Obi. She glanced up at him as he struggled again.
“I’m going to kill you!” Obi screamed. “Don’t you lay another hand on her!”
Domitori stepped up to Obi and grabbed the back of his neck. He forced Obi to look away from Hitomi. His nails dug into Obi’s skin. “I don’t think you are in any position to be threatening us. And if I were you, I’d be more concerned about myself. We’re going to make you wish you had died back on the school roof.” He shifted his gaze over to Hitomi. “And this time you will actually get to see him suffer for you.” Domitori turned back to Obi. “I’m just excited I get to inflict your torture this time.”
Suddenly Obi felt an agonizing pain in his side as Hitomi screamed. He looked down as Domitori withdrew a blood soaked blade from him. Obi’s eyes widened as the pain shot through him. He thought of Hitomi having to watch him die. This time she wouldn’t be able to save him. He wanted to gaze upon her one last time, but the pain of what he was losing was too much to bear. His knees began to buckle as blood oozed from a wide gash. His eyes rolled back in his head as everything went black. The last thing he heard was Hitomi calling his name.
Chapter 23
Hitomi’s body shook with anger and frustration. There was nothing she could do for Obi. She had freely given herself to save him and now she realized they were both probably going to die. She struggled against the restraints as Domitori conversed with Obi then she watched as Domitori pulled a large blade from behind his back. She panicked and was unable to formulate any words. She screamed as Domitori plunged the blade into Obi’s side. He pulled the blade out and Obi’s body went limp.
“Obi?” She yanked at the bindings on her hands not concerned with the pain of the rope against her skin. “Obi!” she yelled louder as her eyes widened. “Obi, look at me!” His body slumped forward and Hitomi found it hard to catch her breath. She stared at Obi in shock. He couldn’t be dead. He promised never to leave her. She had sacrificed everything to save him and she failed. Her lips quivered as she watched him for any signs of consciousness. Just one sign was all she needed. Any sound from him would do or even a slight twitch. There was nothing and she turned her eyes to Domitori still standing in front of Obi. “Get away from him! You didn’t have to kill him! I did what you said! Why did you have to kill him?” Domitori gave the knife a swift shake and then wiped it against his pant leg. “Obi!” she screamed again. The end of her scream became gargled as the death god in front of her grabbed her throat and shoved her head back against the tree. She assumed he was the one that Obi called Kooisan. He was somewhat shorter than the other two but still just as lean. His brown hair was close cropped and his face appeared to constantly contain a scowl. She couldn’t bear to look at him and she turned her head back towards Obi as tears flooded her eyes. There was still no sign of life from Obi. “You killed him…you killed him,” she sobbed.
Domitori moved in front of her and sighed. “Shush, shush. He’s not dead.”
Hitomi choked on the deep breath of air she took in. “He’s not?” Her heart picked up pace at the realization he was not dead. She still might have a chance to save him and that little bit of hope was all she could cling to.
“Now what fun would that be to kill him right away?” Domitori replied with a chuckle.
“Why are you doing this? What did Obi ever do to you?”
Domitori returned a grin and shook his head. “Nothing really. I just enjoy it.”
Hitomi took in another staggered breath trying to regain some sort of composure. “You’re sick!” she shouted.
“And you’re naïve.” He shrugged as he moved even closer to her. Kooisan tightened his g
rip on her neck as Domitori spun the blade around in hand. Quickly he stopped resting the tip at the corner of her eye. “I had no idea who you were until just days ago. I wondered why the council was in such a hurry to get rid of you. It’s such a pity you have to die before you get your full powers. But oh well.” He was within inches of her now and she could feel the heat of his breath against her cheek. “You have very beautiful eyes. I might have to keep them. Quite the trophy they would be.” Hitomi narrowed her eyes as the tip of the knife shimmered at the corner. “I’m just having a hard time deciding who to kill first. Who will it hurt more? Would you prefer to watch him or him watch you?”