But before he could finish his sentence, a large ‘thud’ indicated that Okuri was already back. Kiba turned slowly to see his brother’s less than pleasant face. “Speak of the devil, or what?” he growled from behind Kiba.
“Oh, Okuri, you’re back early.” Kiba stammered nervously.
“The talking didn’t take as long as I thought it would. You have explaining to do, little brother.”
“About what, them? I didn’t invite them…..”
“Then explain why the hell they’re here if you didn’t invite them, smartass.”
“Well, they’re just some well meaning friends who want to see Inuko off safely. Didn’t that ever happen to you when you…..”
“No one is allowed on our territory unless they’re invited…..and they’re not on the guest list!” Okuri snarled. He pressed a finger against Kiba’s forehead. “This is your mess. Get them off our land, and if you take too long, I’ll do it myself. Am I understood?” Kiba nodded. “Good.” Okuri said, taking his finger off Kiba’s forehead. “I’ve got some strategizing to do.” He turned and leaped, landing near the entrance of the cave.
Kiba, relieved to have those intense eyes no longer glaring down on him, turned. “I’m sorry about this. I really am. But he’s the one that makes the rules for the 3 of us, not me.” he told the group. Under his breath, he whispered “Soon enough, he’ll be making rules for everybody.”
Inuko closed her eyes and said to her friends “Go. I’ll be fine. We have to play by Okuri’s rules when we’re outside the castle.” Although they seemed reluctant, Maiko and Aya began to move away. Jun, however, just stood there. Words that Daichi spoke to her flashed back through her mind.
