I Was Always There...

Chapter 1 : The Girl With Red Hair

Obi sat in his tree, enjoying the occasional morning sun that peered through the leaves, the gentle breeze that came drifting across, Obi was sitting in what he would consider 'relaxing bliss' he closed his eyes enjoying this peace before the morning hustle and bustle, in the distance he heard the familiar dainty footprints of Shirayuki... He opened his eyes and smiled at the sight of her... Her bright red hair, complimented by her beautiful vivid green eyes... He stared on, admiring everything about her...He laughed when he thought about how her hair reminded him of the reddest apple.

He smiled on until he heard the other footprints... Zen's footprints. He turned his head to see the white haired prince walking, by his side Kiki and Mitsuhide followed behind him, Obi couldn't help but feel sad...His smile had turned cold and sad; he turned his head towards Shirayuki... This girl, which he had come to love... The girl he had nothing to offer. He knew that Prince Zen had favoured her in his romantic endeavours...He had everything to offer her.

Obi sat back and relaxed against his tree once more, making himself appear aloof. His eyes closed and his mind filled with a whirlwind of thoughts.

His make belief relaxation was soon interrupted.

"Obi" Zen called

Obi's eyes opened, swiftly he was out of his tree and on one knee in front of Zen.

"Yes master?" He asked while keeping his head down

"I need you to guard Shirayuki...she's going a couple towns over for a few days" He said, explaining his orders and details.

"Understood master, leave her to me" Obi replied quickly, in some way he was happy that he could be by her side... even if it's just for a few days.

Obi excused himself and went off to find Shirayuki...

He was walking around when he spotted her through an open window, packing and preparing for her trip. Happily humming and carrying on. Quietly, as she turned her back... he snuck up and sat on the windowsill, acting so casually as if he had been there all morning. As Shirayuki turned she saw Obi sitting, she didn't get a fright, she's grown accustomed to his sudden appearances, however, she did blush realizing he heard her humming.

"Good morning Obi" She replied nonchalantly

"Good morning Oujo-san" Obi said with a soft smile, although the smile in his heart was bigger

"Did Zen send you?"

"Yes, I'm your escort"

Obi and Shirayuki continued talking until she was done packing her things, they left together, Obi carried Shirayuki's luggage and set it in carriage, offering out his hand to help her in. She smiled and took his hand, she set foot in and as Obi was going to close the door she stopped him.

"Obi, aren't you riding in the carriage too?"

"No Oujo-san, I'll be riding behind you" He replied as he closed the door.

The coachman was given the signal and they departed, whilst Obi mounted his horse and followed close behind them, as he continued on his way he looked down at his hand... The same hand that held Shirayuki's, somehow he was both happy and sad from the feeling of a fleeting warmth...

After a tedious ride, they finally arrived at the designated town. Obi had collected Shirayuki's luggage and helped her out of the carriage, upon exiting her eyes lit up at the new town, all the new scenery... She always loved seeing somewhere new, Obi had directed her to an inn. They set up their lodgings, before long Obi had seen Shirayuki leaving, carrying her satchel and hidden behind a hood to cover her hair.