Sweet Burden

by K L Ogden

  “Yah. I guess. It’s a lot to take in. But I want to know how you guys knew there was trouble.”

  Guri gave her a nudge as he smirked. “You’re not very good at shielding your emotions yet. I could feel the worry coming from you. But at first I figured you were just concerned about Obi, until I could no longer sense you. I knew you had left, but I thought maybe I would sense you and Obi come back shortly. When I didn’t, that’s when I knew something was wrong.”

  Hitomi grinned at him. “Thank you Guri. I wanted to tell you what was going on, but they were threatening Obi’s life. I couldn’t put him at risk.”

  “But he is your protector. It is not your duty to protect him,” Gareth said leaning forward from the chair across from them.

  Hitomi’s brow wrinkled. “Who exactly are you?”

  “I go by the name Gareth. I was previously an advisor to your father. When you were born, your father put me in charge of watching over you if anything should happen to him. We took certain measures to keep you hidden and safe and then I went into hiding myself after your father was killed. I came to this area knowing there was a barrier around it and found Isbian’s soul still roaming the Living World. I stayed here with him knowing that I would reveal myself when the time was needed. He has sent me to now be your advisor, my lady.” He bowed his head slightly causing Hitomi to twitch.

  “You said there were certain measures taken to keep me hidden. What did you mean?” she asked.

  “After you were born, we had the protector made for you but we had his powers masked with that of a death god’s. Then one of Isbian’s other advisors turned to the Afterworld and became one of the council members to be able to oversee everything going on within that world. If you were ever to be discovered, that council member was to make sure that you ended up on your protector’s list. Although, I’m not sure what has happened to him. He stopped contacting me only months ago. I would assume he is still on the council since everything seemed to work out. Regardless, once your protector made contact with you his role as your protector would automatically take over. We’ve had to hide many angels and protectors as death gods over the years.” Gareth glanced around the room. “Although, there are those that chose to leave the Heavens on their own.”

  “After so many years though, why was I just discovered now?” Hitomi inquired.

  “As you approached your birthday, your powers were beginning to emerge. Somehow someone sensed it. I would assume it was Laebosu himself. But he most likely wanted to try to keep it quiet that Isbian had an heir which also meant a possible threat.”

  Hitomi shook her head and then peered over at the bedroom door wondering what was taking Obi so long. “So where do we go from here?” She turned back to Gareth and then looked at her mom. “I just want to be normal. I want to finish high school and go to college.”

  Her mother let out a sigh and looked to Gareth. But it was Rediisu who spoke. “It is going to take the Afterworld awhile to figure out what they are going to do. Since you have made it to your 18th birthday, you are now the rightful heir. They could come after you again, but right now that is unlikely. They would be fearful that they would lose the support of those that did come from the Heavens. Now that there is an heir to the Heavens, they need to strengthen the position of the Afterworld. If your wish is to go home, I don’t foresee that being a problem. Of course, Liam, Guri and I will be there to watch over you.” Rediisu let out a deep breath. “As will Obsidian,” he added.

  “I disagree. This is the safest place for you to be, my lady. You should stay here. You would be protected and your father is here until you learn to open the Heavens,” Gareth interjected.

  “No,” Hitomi shook her head. “I will not hide. If there are more angels and protectors in hiding, I want them to know that I am not hiding. I want them to feel comfortable revealing themselves and knowing that they will soon have the Heavens to return to.” Hitomi’s mother squeezed her shoulder and Hitomi turned to her. “I want to go home.”

  Regina nodded her head and kissed her daughter’s cheek. “I am so proud of you.”

  Hitomi smiled and looked at the three shinigami. “I would really like you guys to stick with me through this.”

  Hitomi was shocked when Liam stepped forward from behind Rediisu’s seat. He had barely said three words to her, but he had put himself in harm’s way for her. “Of course we will,” Liam stated. Rediisu nodded his head and she turned to Guri.

  “Don’t even think you’re getting rid of me.” Guri grinned and Hitomi felt even stronger than she had before. She knew she’d be crazy not to feel better having the three of them with her, but again she looked to the bedroom door.

  “Thanks you guys.” She stood up and straightened out her t-shirt. “We’ll leave tomorrow. I’m going to go to sleep.” She looked down at her mother. “Goodnight.”

  “Happy Birthday sweetie,” Regina forced a smile.

  Hitomi walked over to the bedroom door and knocked lightly. She did not hear any response, so she slowly opened the door and peeked in. Obi had made it as far as getting his shirt off before he passed out on the bed. She walked in and closed the door behind her. Quietly she walked over to the foot of the bed and started unlacing his boots. She slid each one off and set them on the floor, and then walked around to the empty side of the bed. As she crawled under the covers next to him he began to move. He let out a slight groan and rolled over towards her. Lying on her side facing him, she couldn’t stop looking at him. Beads of sweat rolled down from his forehead as he stirred again. She knew the poison was still working its way through his body. She wanted to try and help him, but she also wanted him to rest.

  Light suddenly flooded the room and Hitomi’s mother stood silhouetted in the doorway. “Hitomi?”

  “What mom?” she whispered as she lifted up her head.

  “Maybe you should send Obi out.”

  “He’s been poisoned and I’m not making him sleep on the floor. I want to be here for him. I assure you mother, nothing else is going on.”

  Regina let out a loud sigh. “Fine. But only for tonight. You might have special powers and be the heir to the throne of another world, but you are still my daughter.” Hitomi could tell that her mother was smiling.

  “Okay. Just for tonight,” Hitomi agreed and laid her head back down. She couldn’t help but smirk knowing that she and her mother both knew that wasn’t true. The light faded in the room and Hitomi looked back across at Obi. She quickly realized his eyes were open and he was staring at her. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

  “I’ve been better.” His body noticeably shivered and he let out a yawn. He adjusted his body so that he was under the covers and he rolled over with his back to her.

  She moved her hand up to his shoulder as she scooted closer to him. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

  “You’ve done enough.”

  “Obi, I know you don’t like for me to see you weak, but I will be with you no matter what. It’s okay for you not to be strong every second of every day. I’ll always love you regardless.”

  Obi reached up and placed his hand over hers gripping it lightly. He pulled it around him and she moved even closer to him as she slid her other arm under his pillow. She tightened her arm around him and smiled at the fact that finally he was letting her comfort him.

  The next morning Hitomi blinked her eyes open and first thing she saw was Obi’s face. His eyes were closed and there was a hint of a smile on his lips. She couldn’t help but smile herself. She laid there watching him as she thought about how much she loved waking up next to him. All signs of frustration and guilt were gone from his face. He looked so peaceful. His lips parted and he let out a little sigh. She wanted to touch his lips, his cheeks, his eyelashes. Hitomi laid there on her side and watched the sun rays graze his skin making every muscle more defined. She shook her head realizing the sun was out.

  The sun hadn’t been in the sky for weeks. She carefully got out of bed so not to wake hi
m and tip-toed out to the main room. Everyone was still asleep, except for Gareth who was noticeably absent. She opened up the front door and walked out onto the porch where Gareth seemed to be waiting for her. He gave her a bow as she approached him and then motioned up to the sky.

  “A birthday present from your father,” he said referring to the sun.

  She smiled and glanced around. “Where is he?”

  “A short walk away. He would like to talk to you before you leave.” He held her boots out to her. She quickly slipped them on and took his arm as he led her out into the woods. “How is your protector doing?” he asked as they walked.

  “His name is Obsidian, or Obi. And he seems to be okay this morning. He wasn’t awake yet.”

  “You seem to have quite an attachment to him.”

  Hitomi couldn’t help but laugh a little bit. “An attachment? Yes, I guess you could say that. It’s more than that though. I love him.”

  “Love…him?”

  “Yes,” Hitomi answered without hesitation, but wanted to change the subject. She got the impression that Gareth definitely did not approve of the situation. “What does Isbian want to talk to me about?”

  “I’m not sure exactly, but you’ll get the chance to ask him yourself.” Gareth pushed back a thick heavy branch that led into a small clearing where Isbian was talking with another man. He was a younger man with bright red hair and tattoos covering his arms and legs. They both glanced in her direction and finished up their conversation as she walked closer, leaving Gareth.

  “Hitomi, I’m so happy to see you safe.” Isbian moved towards her and grabbed her hands leading her over to the other man. “I want you to meet Jinx. Jinx, this is my daughter, Hitomi.”

  “I am pleased to meet you.” Jinx slightly bowed and turned back to Isbian. “I should get going. But I will take care of what you need me to.”

  “Thank you again.”

  They exchanged goodbyes and Jinx disappeared into the woods.

  “Who was that?” Hitomi questioned.

  “Jinx. He’s an old friend.”

  “But what was he doing here?”

  “Just doing me a favor.” He squeezed her hands and she felt the warmth from his touch travel throughout her body. “So, I know that you are planning on leaving here, but I do hope that you plan on returning.” Isbian effectively changed the subject.

  “Of course.” She nodded. “I was hoping that you would be able to help me learn the things I’m going to need to know. Because, let’s face it, I have no idea what I’m supposed to do.”

  Isbian grinned. “Absolutely I will help you with what I can. I know this all seems like a huge undertaking for you, but it will come to you naturally. And things that I might not be able to help you with, Gareth can help you. He has been my faithful council for longer than I can remember.”

  “I also have Obi, Rediisu, Guri and Liam,” Hitomi added.

  “Um hm,” Isbian mumbled as he let her go and turned away from her. “I wanted to talk to you again about Obi.”

  “What about him?”

  “I know how you think you feel about him, but I hope that you remember to always consider the bigger picture. There are things that will be expected of you. There is a very long road ahead of you.”

  Hitomi crossed her arms as he turned back around facing her. “That’s Obi’s decision if he wants to stick around for everything, but I will not push him away.”

  “Please consider the fact that he is a being that could never love,” Gareth said harshly.

  “He might be part death god, but he is also part protector. I know that he can love,” Hitomi replied. “I know that you are both just trying to look out for me, but please father remember what it was like to love my mother. Then maybe you can see things from my point of view.”

  Isbian mashed his lips together in frustration. “I have foreseen that he will cause you much pain. I just wanted to help you avoid that as much as possible.”

  Hitomi shook her head and turned away from him. “I will see you soon, father.” She started to walk back through the woods when Gareth hurried up beside her to escort her back.

  “I hope that you will at least think about what your father has said,” he said.

  “I have enough to think about right now. Obi is not someone I need to worry about in that way.”

  Gareth let out a deep sigh. “I hope you will understand, my lady, that I do not plan on returning with you. I would prefer to stay here, if that is alright with you.”

  “Of course.” They continued the walk back in silence as Isbian’s words played over and over in her head. She knew that he was unable to foretell the future, but his words still stung her. Any doubt she had in her head disappeared as soon as they cleared the woods and saw the cabin. Obi was on the porch waiting for her to return. Just one glimpse of him erased all her worries. She hurried up to him and he caught her in his arms.

  “Where were you?” he questioned.

  “I was saying goodbye to Isbian.” Hitomi pushed away and looked up at him. “I just have to pack up my things and then will you take me home?”

  “Absolutely.” Obi pulled her tight against him again resting one of his hands on the side of her head. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “I’d do anything for you.”

  Chapter 25

  It had been two weeks since returning home. The weather was turning even colder and most of the leaves had fallen to the ground. There was an awful chill in the air and it felt like any day it was going to snow. Hitomi spent her first few days back at home having lengthy conversations on the phone with Kerry, where she had to explain her disappearance as some sickness. The story she provided included a long stay at a Chicago hospital, but she assured Kerry she was fine now. Kerry and Shane even dropped by the second day she was back for a visit. She had to lay in bed and attempt to answer their fifty questions as best as she could. As soon as Bradley found out Hitomi was back, his phone calls began. She avoided them and started to consider changing her phone number.

  Rediisu moved into his house in the Living World permanently and Liam moved in with him. Most days they were both over at Hitomi’s for some sort of meal and to check-in. Rediisu spent most of his other time working on developing newer weapons and even planned on working on weapons training with Hitomi once she was ready.

  Guri and Obi were able to find an apartment close to Hitomi’s house that Rediisu also funded. Although, Obi never spent much time there. His time was spent with Hitomi whenever possible, which also included sneaking into her room at night once her mother was asleep. When Obi wasn’t with Hitomi, he spent his time at Rediisu’s. Obi’s mornings consisted of sneaking out of Hitomi’s window and returning back to her house after changing clothes in time to walk her to school.

  It was the beginning of Hitomi’s second week back at school and she was regretting her decision to finish high school. Her mother dropped her off at school that morning due to the weather. The sky was spitting down icy rain drops and the pavement was slick as Hitomi rushed into the school building. She walked through the main doors and brushed the water from her shoulders. As she pulled off her knitted cap from her head, she started towards her locker. She couldn’t help but smile thinking this day was going to somehow be better.

  She twisted the combination into her lock and yanked the door open. After switching out what books she needed, she closed her locker. Hitomi practically jumped finding Kerry behind the door.

  “Kerry, you scared me,” Hitomi shook her head and grinned. “What’s going on?”

  Kerry had a huge smile on her face and looked excited about something. “First and foremost, good morning.”

  “Good morning,” Hitomi replied as she raised an eyebrow. “I know you didn’t hurry over here just to say good morning.”

  Her grin widened and she started to fidget. “I have some new gossip.”

  “Oh really? Hopefully it does involve Bradley asking me out on another date,” Hitomi mumbled.

/>   “No. At least not this time.” Kerry laughed and turned from side to side scanning the halls as if she was looking for someone. “So, I was just in the office and I overheard the guidance counselor talking to Assistant Principal Adams. We’re getting two new students. Two guys. Apparently they’re brothers, I think. But they just moved here from Washington, or maybe Wisconsin. I don’t remember.”

  “Okay. So, what’s your point?” Hitomi tried to keep her smile under control. Kerry’s excitement over something was always contagious.

  “Well,” she said drawn out. “Maybe one of them will be a potential boyfriend for you.” Kerry glanced away in thought. “Or maybe me.”

  “Kerry.” Hitomi shook her head. “What about Shane?”

  “Oh, Shane’s great and all, but it would be nice to look at some new blood.” Hitomi bit her bottom lip at the word ‘blood’, but Kerry didn’t seem to notice. She was too occupied visualizing the new students. “I can’t even remember the last time we had new students. I wonder why they would move here. Family probably,” she babbled.