Disclaimer me own nothing
Part of my series:
First story: True Friends Truly Believe /s/3953609/1/
Previous: When we come together s/5399436/1/
Many Ships of One Port
Sakura gritted her teeth. She was exhausted. she had been healing since dawn and her reserves were out. She had been heading to another camp when the attack had hit. There were four of them plus the cannon fodder. She and Ten Ten cursed as they tried to keep their guard up. They had decided to go the hour jog on their own since it wasn't far and the fighting in this area was done with the capturing of the bandits. These were not bandits. Ten Ten was getting pushed back further and further as she held off two of the main attackers. She wasn't a bad off as Sakura. They were pushing the friends apart and Sakura was already exhausted. Ten Ten gritted her teeth as she tried disparately to fight them back to get to her friend. She finally granted herself enough breathing room to toss a distress signal in the air.
Sakura panted as she wearily fought off these fiends. They were playing with her, leading her away from Ten Ten. It was all she could do to stay upright. She looked over at Ten Ten and saw that she was in just as much trouble, though handling it better. Taking a deep breath, she reached for her last reserves of strength and punched the ground in line with the guys attacking Ten Ten. She saw her friend throw a distress signal as darkness crawled the edges of her vision.
Ten Ten was thrown back by an explosion after she threw the signal flare. It had her tumbling backward through the trees with at least two of those guys still chasing her. She took a painful breath and braced herself before springing back towards the clearing where Sakura was. She was kicked in the chest backwards again. She didn't think she had the reserves left to right herself so she braced herself for impact with the tree. The impact didn't come. Instead gentle arms wrapped themselves around her shoulder and stomach, cradling her head as the strong chest supported her head. She felt their combined momentum stop and the arm around her stomach circled under her knees. She looked up as Neji lifted her and bounded off in the direction of the camp. She could hear fighting back in the clearing. She surged up, gripping his shirt in her urgency.
"Sakura-chan! She's injured and tired. You have to help her!" Neji looked down at her and looked about the speak when he just nodded. He set her down next to the camp and sprang off to the fight. Ten Ten was helped up by two genin that had come along. She limped weakly towards the medtent. Ino was tending to injured there. She wasn't as skilled as Sakura, but she knew the basics. She was at Ten Ten's side immediately. Ten Ten looked away from Sakura's childhood sister. She saw her scrolls off to one side. Curse the idea that they were safe. If she had had those with her she would have stood a better chance. Yet, still, she was too weak. She gritted her teeth against the pain in her back as she made her way over to the pack. Kneeling next to it, she reached inside and pulled out three small scrolls. They were her inheritance. She had yet to master them though. Maybe it was time to start.
She was resting when the guys returned. They were very subdued. Lee looked ready to break into tears as Chouji and Neji placed him on the cot. Chouji grunted as they left their burden there, turned to Ino.
"S-s-sorry-" He stuttered one sentence out before he too collapsed just as Shino entered assisted by Kiba. Akamaru darted forward along with Neji to catch the larger chunin before he hit the ground. Kiba set his teammate down gently and went over to help his partner with Chouji. Ino hurried over and began checking Chouji over. She grimaced in sympathy. She looked at all her friends. A little unsteady she asked the dangerous question.
"What happened?" Her lip trembled slightly as she noted a specific person who was absent.
"And who happened?" They all, those who were able to anyway, turned to see Shikamaru and Hinata enter the tent. They had been at the other camp. Hinata had rushed to Shino's side immediately upon seeing him on the ground in pain. Neji was standing next to Chouji, though Shikamaru joined him. Ten Ten spoke first, her voice trembling with the effort. Neji was at her side the second she started talking.
"Sakura and I were returning here to help Ino with the medical needs. Since all the bandits were gone from the area, we took only minimum weaponry. Sakura was exhausted. Those four men attacked with 20 bandits behind them. We were overpowered. They were pushing us apart." She started to slid down as her knees gave out. Neji caught and cradled her as he took up the story from his girlfriend.
"She sent up the distress signal. Chouji, Lee, Kiba, Shino and I responded. By the time we got there, Sakura was already gone. Two of the four destroyed themselves as the other two escaped. We don't know what happened to Sakura." He was looking at Ino as she froze. Hinata left Shino's side to catch her elbow and lead her to the bedside. Kiba was helping Shino get comfortable on the floor. Neji, likewise helped Ten Ten to a seat. Shikamaru finally spoke.
"Is there anyway to identify these attackers?" Neji looked at him and nodded. He crouched on the ground and drew a symbol.
"They wore this symbol." They all stared at the symbol. Four looked bleak and three turned white. Hinata, Shikamaru and Ten Ten recognized the symbol as easily as Neji, Lee, Kiba and Shino. Those sex bastards were in the area. And worse
They now had Sakura.
000
Naruto snapped out of his meditation in mild panic as he tried to calm Hinata down some. Neji's mind was tightly controlled telling him that the Hyuuga boy was also distressed beyond belief. They had been in a fight, so he had distanced himself from Neji to keep from distracting him. Hinata was upset though, and not in the middle of a battle. She was definitely in turmoil. He was trying too calm her down when he felt a warning from Kyuubi.
Your bond is opening
I know I'm trying to calm her a little to understand what is going on.
No, not your mate, a newer bond. That cherry is in enough distress that she is instinctively trying to reach you.
Sakura?
Naruto had a partial bond with Sakura dormant, until she was ready to bond, if ever. Now that Kyuubi had brought it to his attention, he could feel a mild pull on it.
000
Sakura awoke, sore and shaking. She was not in the most comfortable position, along with four other girls. She had chakra restraints on her wrists that hurt, but they didn't seem to interfere with normal chakra flow, simply complex patterns, like a jutsu.
She couldn't see out of the box they were traveling in. It was wooden, probably a covered wagon. She bit her lip. The last thing she remembered was Ten Ten being kicked into the woods before one of those lunatics grabbed her and she blacked out. Now she was sitting in this wooden crate with four other girls, two of which were crying scared and one was the same age as Hanabi. She grunted in mild pain as the cart stopped in its forward motion halt. She shifted slightly as the end of the box opened. There were 2 girls between her and the opening. They were yanked hard by their elbows and dragged out of the wood box. When Sakura fell to the ground she was gruffly picked up by her elbow again amidst chuckles. Her hands were bond behind her and her legs had a length of rope between them. She stumbled and tripped as she was tossed in a group with three of the girls. One of the slimiest greedy bastards she had ever happen to meet came over. He looked the three over.
"Send them to Kotoshi." He turned away and started talking to his second again. He had been talking to that thin weasel before the girls were brought out. Sakura strained to hear what was said as the other girls were gathered up.
"We should give them some training before erasing their minds. Pleasure slaves are more valuable if some of their knowledge is subconscious." Sakura's brain froze at that as she was picked up and tossed back in the wooden box again. She was starting to feel panic as she wrestled against the grip on her, but she was too weak, too tired and too much at a disadvantage. SHe started to feel despair gnaw at her insides. What could she do? Stop being such a ninny! What should I do? What would Sasuke or Naruto do?
Thinking of the blonde made her wish he was around. His bouncy clumsiness had always cheered her up. She needed some of that right now.
000
Naruto felt along the bond to feel panic from the other side. He pushed only to be repelled by the barrier still in place around their bond. He was scared now. He could feel Sakura's fear and pain. He could feel her calling out for help. She didn't direct her thoughts his way because she didn't know that they could have a bond. Naruto firmed in determination and pushed again, only for the barrier to barely budge.
Onee-sensei? How do I create a link!?!
Haruka looked over at her pupil at his frantic thought. She held out a hand to him to take, smiling gently, radiating reassurance.
Let me in.
He grasped her hand and she joined him in his mindscape in front of Sakura's bond. She placed her hand over his. He was pushing against the barrier.
"You have to release the barrier, Naruto."
"How?"
"This barrier is your fear of rejection. You need to let go of this fear." Naruto felt it. It was true he was scared she would feel him, and reject him because this was one too many weird thing with him. An invasion of privacy for a few minutes. But still.
He firmed up and pushed harder.
I care more about her, then about her friendship to me!
Sakura gasped as she was suddenly filled with bouncing , bubbly distractedness, she tried to rationalize it out when she heard something.
Sakura-chan?
"Naruto?" The other girls looked at her wearily. She smiled self-consciously.
I can hear you without you saying anything
Where are you?
Umm...not really sure. Why? Haruka rolled her eyes at this.
"Naruto, she's asking how she can hear you, gaki!" Naruto ducked his head in his mindscape sheepishly, glad Sakura couldn't hear his sensei since she was only linked with him.
Sakura-chan, I'm in your mind. Haruka's hand flattened her face. That err... not quite what I meant, I"m here but there too. Haruka was sniggering next to him as he tried to explain this to Sakura. Grrrrrrr. I have a bond with you! I formed a bond with you now so I can communicate with you. He felt her confusion clear some.
Like with Hinata-chan?
Sort of, not as strong. That made sense. Hinata was his girlfriend so naturally she would be the closest bond. Sakura looked around.
I don't know where I am though. How can you help?
What's happening? Are you okay? The sense of doing something productive plus the feeling of closeness with Naruto was giving her confidence. She related what had happened so far. It was interesting feeling his responses to her statements. She was actually feeling a little humbled by it. His care and overwhelming concern for her was far greater then she had ever given him credit for. He was hiding it from her well, she could sense a vague fear that she would reject him still.
Can you tell me anything that was said? Sakura nodded out of habit before relating what was said earlier. She felt understanding from Naruto.
I don't want to lose my memories, any more then I want to be.. to..
You won't! Sakura-chan, listen to me. You will be fine! We'll get you out! I promise. Sakura nodded as she took a deep breath, trying to stabilize herself. She didn't want to cry in front of Naruto. She wanted to be strong.
You are strong. You are one of the strongest girls I know. You watched Sasuke and then me leave and continued to train, to do your best. You're the strongest of the three of us. If anyone can get through this, it is you. Naruto took a mental breath as he waited for her response to that. She seemed to waver another moment or two before he felt the firm determination she owned in his mind. He felt her nod shortly before turning his attention to Hinata. He could try to talk with Neji, but it was easier with his mate. He felt to the calmer Hinata. She was talking gently with Ino as Shikamaru was discussing this with Neji. He dropped a hello towards Hinata, unsure what she had thought after his attention had shifted while she was so upset.
000
Hinata felt Naruto get distracted by something else, a solution she hoped, as he had been listening in some and probably could figure out what was going on. She sat next to Ino as the girl seemed in shock. Hinata finally simply wrapped her arm around the blonde's shoulder and pulled her against her side. Ino didn't resist her pull as she closed her eyes and started to shake with fright and anguish.
Hinata looked over at Kiba and Shino, who were simply watching. She knew that if it had been one of them or Neji, she would have been equally in despair. She closed her eyes as she tried not to think of the few people they had found after this group was done with them. They were faithful sex slaves, completely ignorant to ever having a life before. Puppets that dance and sing, but never thinking. Sakura couldn't, no wouldn't become one. Hinata was sure of it. But, how?
She felt Naruto tentatively brush her senses. She felt his need to 'speak'. She sent him a questioning thought, but was still focused on Ino. The image of Sakura floated from him got her attention. She felt his feeling of bonding with her, her fear, what had happened to her after the attack, and the most important part, her final destination. Hinata let it pass through her head unobtrusively before really trying to understand it. She found with a large quantity of information, that this was the easiest way to assimilate it.
She jerked her head to the side, looking at Kiba. The Inuzuka had just placed his hand on her shoulder.
"You were really out of it." His quiet voice was concerned, but controlled. Hinata smiled softly before nodding. She looked over to see Ino in a restless sleep. Kiba knelt in front of her questioningly. Shino was sitting on the chair next to her.
"Naruto has bonded with Sakura-chan. He's found her, sort of." Kiba's eyes widened as Shino nodded slightly. Hinata bit her bottom lip. "How do I explain that without explaining my link to Naruto-kun?" Shino kept staring at her as Kiba looked at Akamaru in thought. She and Naruto were trying to keep their link as quiet as possible until Naruto returned from this training mission. No one wanted her targeted as a way to get to Naruto. Still they had to help Sakura.
Shikamaru noticed their faces and came over. He had seen their expressions change over the course of those few minutes and he thought they may have something. He stood in front of Hinata, behind Kiba's shoulder.
"Something up?" He was eyeing Hinata, but he picked up on Kiba's shoulders tensing and the silent snarl turned his way from the Inuzuka. Shino, however was the one that spoke.
"We were simply talking about scenarios. That is all." His tone was mild, but Shikamaru had known that bug-shinobi long enough to hear a thread of annoyance run through it. Kiba was petting Akamaru, but Shikamaru could sense tension in him as well. Their nerves were high strung already with the fight, injuries and loss of a friend, but he needed information.
"Did these scenarios have anything to do with Naruto and Hinata-chan's mental link to him?" The effect of that statement was instantaneous. He winced as his back crashed into the wall as the furious Inuzuka held him up by the collar. He could feel the angry knuckles bruise his neck slightly as he struggled a little to breathe.
"I suggest you keep your opinions and idea to yourself!" Kiba's snarl was too low for the rest of the room, most of whom had stood at the outburst of anger from the corner of the room. Their conversation had been too low for them to hear, or to even grab their attention, but one of their number was being held against a wall was enough to grab attention.
Hinata was at Kiba's arm immediately. She had placed a stiff arm on Shino's shoulder when he started to rise, before grasping Kiba's arm in a calming matter. Shikamaru and Neji, who had come over, could hear an actual growl from his throat. Both could see Hinata's lips move as she whispered to him. Whatever she said worked because Kiba's stance relaxed some until Shikamaru was standing again on his own feet and he could breathe. Neji had sent a quick concerned thought her way, but she had hushed him while focusing on Kiba. Neji knew that her teammate was her concern right now. His questioning thought was also ignored for the most part. Kiba finally took a deep breath.
"Never say anything like that about Hinata-chan without permission!" And with that last quiet, fierce whisper, he released the Nara to fall to the ground from the force of Kiba's release. Neji's eyebrow raised as he looked at Shikamaru before the Nara stood, straightening his collar and vest. He looked at Hinata a moment before continuing his question.
"What do you know?" Hinata gave him a glare that chilled even him slightly. He didn't want them as enemies, or even as bad friends. The Hyuuga clan was powerful and Hinata was very important to Naruto. He knew that anyone she didn't like wouldn't be liked by many of his friends, but he had to know to find Sakura. He needed to protected his friends.
Hinata looked down before she looked at Shikamaru with firm eyes.
"She's heading to Kotoshi. A little fox told me." She looked at him with a firm look before turning to Shino. Neji's questioning thought returned a myraid of images about Naruto and Sakura and danger. He straightened it out eventually and grasped the worry in her head. He agreed with them. If people knew how close Naruto was to Hinata and how easily Naruto would know if she was in trouble then she would be in constant danger until he returned. He looked at Shikamaru. He would have to ask how the Nara figured it out and what they could do to keep others from figuring it out. They needed to keep that a secret a little longer.
Shikamaru, for his part, sigh softly in relief when the glares turned off. He turned to the tent flap and walking out. He did not miss that Akamaru followed him. It seemed that he had attracted the Inuzuka's protective instinct for his teammate. Just as they had finally got him off Neji's back too. Splendid!
000
Cold red eyes watched as the cannon fodder fell over. He turned and watched as the healer went to the victim and healed him. The glint on those glasses were becoming irritating. He shook his head slightly. Turning, he through a comment over shoulder about being done for the day. Slowly he journeyed down the mountainside to the stream. The cool water was refreshing as he splashed his face with it repeatedly. He sighs in annoyance as he tried to track down the irritation that lurked just out of thought. It appeared more and more often recently but he didn't know what it was. Every time he meditated to track it down it vanished. He didn't like it. It showed up more when he was training then any other time. His now coal eyes stared troubled back at him from the top of the water.
The stream was a gentle one, small, but full in its own way. The green leaves knew little on devastation as they hung full on the trees. What would they look like burning and dead, he wondered. Would they scream little tree screams? Did his parents and family scream? Did they ask Itachi 'Why'. 'Why did he kill them?' Did they receive an answer before they went to their grave? The answer he needed? A surge of self-disgust ran through him as his splashed the reflection out of existence. He felt helpless again. He hated that feeling.
Suddenly an urgent panic and frightened anger swam through him. Now he knew he was crazy. That felt like his teammates. He remembered the feeling of their chakra like the feel of his own hair. Better. His teammates were the only things in Konoha worth anything to him anymore. What would make him sense themm now? The feeling had left him with a vague sense of direction. Deciding that his training could use the break, he hefted himself up and leaped off to the nearest branch in the direction of this feeling. If for no other reason then to prove to himself either that he was truly crazy or that the feeling was real.
Sadistic slitted eyes watched him bound off.
"How close is he to the final awakening?" His glasses-wearing subordinate kneeled behind him.
"Close. He is faster then all the others. End of this week, maybe the beginning of the next."
"Will his body be ready?" The silver-hair bowed his head.
"Yes, now he will. I was just trying to think of a good excuse to give his body the break it needs, but his restlessness seems to have done so for us. Three more sessions, Master, I will finish in just three more sessions." The taller man smiled cruelly as he slithered back into the cave.
"There is no hurry, Kabuto. No hurry."
000
Yuuki hid in the bush as the shinobi marched past. This was the fifth group to come through here. Her presensce wasn't going to be secret for much longer at this rate. She sighed as she knelt on her perch by the waterfall.
She had no trouble leaving this place. She hadn't ever had a home. In her village, she was a convenient nobody. She shuddered as her village ran through her mind. Never again! Her containing Seiryu had been a curse more than a blessing. Somehow, the idea that it was good luck to do certain things to certain Jinchuuriki, based on the bijuu they carried. She shuddered again. Some rumors were okay, just childishly cruel. Shukaku, for example, was supposed to give good luck to however covered his jinchuuriki in wet sand then dry sand. She hoped Hiroki had never met the rumor attached to Sukaku, sunburns; hug the sunburned jinchuuriki and the firebird will bring you luck.
The bad part was that there was some truth to it. Not he good luck. But since the rumors correctly matched a strength of a bijuu to the bijuu, the bijuu reacts to the sensation and either heals or enhances its jinchuuriki. The bijuu surrounds the jinchuuriki in a healing chakra which is then absorbed into the living flesh of the jinchuuriki, and anyone else close enough. The only rumor that probably didn't actually allow for this was Byaka's. Hers had to do with dodging "playfully" sharp objects. Byaka would enhance the agility and speed of her container but no one else would be close enough to benefit from this. Yuuki had believed she had gone to hell when the village re-discovered the rumor attached to Seiryu, the dragon of the water. A sensual beast, the thing she craves most is the physical pleasure of touch. It made Yuuki want to gag.
It was time to move on. She gathered her possessions. Naruto had told her to head for Konoha in three months, but it couldn't hurt to sightsee there some, right? Besides, she wanted to know the village and its people some before she lives there. She wondered if they knew the rumors, if they believed them. She prayed that was not the case as she leaped off into the trees.
000
Sakura shivered as she was pushed on the polished wood of the bathing area. The man sneered at her as he snarled for the cleaning servants. Sakura got up to escape. She rushed for the exit as he backhanded her. As she flew back four servants entered. One of the servant women received a slap similar to Sakura for not arriving fast enough to handle Sakura. Sakura rose again, but one of the women gently pushed her back down. The defeat and pleading in her eyes was enough to stop her. She had small chance of escaping as things stood right now. Al she would accomplish was getting these women in trouble and getting hurt further, maybe even putting them on their guard.
Silently she let the women lead her to the bath after the man stormed out. They removed her clothing slowly, ignoring her attempts to stop them. Her clothing was taken out of the room. She tried to grab them, but the women slipped off with them. They were not forceful. Actually, even t her, a prisoner, they were submissive; persistent and silent, but submissive. They gently rubbed soap into her skin and hair and then rinsed it out with water. The warm water was soothing as their gentle hands, but it was all disconcerting for Sakura. They led her to a bath, to which she walked without fighting. If she fought these women she doubted they would even flinch away from the pain. Their eyes looked pretty dead.
She let them lead her through the bathing process in silence. The four of them seemed to be staying for the entire process. Sakura studied them surreptitiously. One was an elder, soft leather skin showed the weather of years outside. her light eyes were weary under her silver hair. The only life Sakura could detect with her was when she looked to the youngest. The youngest looked younger then Sakura, though Sakura thought that might be partially due to malnutrition. Her light hair looked to be blonde, was dulled by her living conditions and her defeat. The other two were middle-aged. One was the leader, probably in her early thirties, with dark brown hair and black eyes, she directed the other three without words. Though her eyes were dead, Sakura saw a sense of alertness in her, critical and careful with her pursed lips and striking stature. The fourth, a double black, black hair and eyes, was a little older then the leader. She looked tired as she went through the motions of the bath. Watching them interact, Sakura sensed undercurrents that spoke of some form of life that existed behind closed doors after lights were out and watching eyes closed for the night. Se stretched her senses out to the youngest one.
"May I?" She reached out to take her wrist gently. It had been badly broken and was healing incorrectly. The girl looked at her, slightly frightened, but as Sakura observed, she bowed submissively. Sakura pulled on her reserves and mended the bone in an act as subconscious as walking at this point. Her face, at first remained scared and confused, then surprised smoothed over and Sakura caught the brief flash of relief healing chakra usually illicits before she schooled her face to defeat again.
"I may be new here and thus not as practiced at surviving. Will you help me?" The younger looked unsure and the leader, with scorn. The double black reached behind a bench. She brought out Sakura hitae. Turning it over they all saw the symbols Sakura had stitched on the back, Naruto's and Sasuke's symbols. She pointed to them.
"Those symbols? They represent my teammates; Uzimaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke." Both women who held the hitae and the elder jumped. They glanced at the leader, elder in acceptance and double black in hope.
The change in her demeanor was barely perceivable but Sakura picked up on it. The youngest moved forward and pulled her pout of the bath and led her to the side. She handed her a set of clothes and fled. The elder and double black followed her. the leader stopped beside her on her way out.
"Stay clumsy." Her terse whisper shot over her shoulder . Sakura stared after her until a large hand grabbed her arm.
000
Hinata looked up as she ate. The trees were a little too quiet for her nerves. She turned to Shino and Kiba. Both shook their heads in negation. Neither of their friends had felt anything odd. Still, it made her uneasy.
Hinata, Kiba and Shino had gone ahead. They were the only complete team that was least injured. Takaki would arrive at Kotoshi within the day. Usagi would then take over. This would be similar to the last time, except they were going to take over the persona of someone who was already arriving. Ino was meeting up with Anko to take what the person did know. She would pass that on to Hinata and then Takaki and then Usagi, or whatever name she was taking on, would know. Anko was arranging for one of the clients to be a contact from Konoha. Neji and Ten Ten were sneaking in and letting themselves get caught in an attempt to give Takaki, Shinji and Shiinu some back-up. They were trying to take the entire system down. Their intelligence told them that Kotoshi was the headquarters of the whole thing.
Ino was handling her best friend being kidnapped well. Hinata had worried about her. They were not allowed to explain who the group was, so as far as most of the chunnin knew, Sakura was simply in physical danger. Hinata didn't think Ino would survive losing Sakura in the fashion that was currently most likely. Memories removed, Sakura would be a shell of her former self. THey still hadn't found a cure. However, after Ino met up with Hinata, she was going to the base where her father had been working on the few they had found. She was going to help him. Her knowledge of Psychology made her a better candidate for this type of work, with her father's help, she might be able to recover lost memories.
Hinata itched to do something, anything. Naruto had been very quiet lately. She knew he was worried about Sakura. She had been with them for a few days, but he said she was still alright. Hinata was worried Naruto would do something drastic to save his teammate. Not being able to help Sasuke gnawed at him constantly and the threat of losing his other teammate would push him to his limit.
She sat down with a huff. Kiba and Shino looked up at her. They glanced at each other and then back to her.
"He wants to do something!" Kiba smirked as Shino nodded.
"Of course he does. He's Naruto!" Shino stood and walked over to his female teammate. He knelt in front of her.
"We will rescue Sakura-chan for him. She will not lose her memories or become a pleasure slave." Kiba smiled and gave her a thumbs up.
"Yeah! Believe it!" Hinata giggled at the sight and showed it to Naruto. It made them both feel better, even though she could still sense a thread of terror, barely controlled from Naruto.
The three chunnin finished lunch and took off again. They didn't see a shadow squint its eyes in worry and annoyance. They didn't see the glint of red before the shadow took off in the same direction as they, only much much faster. They didn't hear the whisper that floated on the air in the familiar, yet long-missed voice.
"Sakura-chan..."
000
Naruto paced back and forth. Haruka was watching from the sidelines. He had been like this since he had bonded with his teammate. Hinata couldn't help him much. Haruka knew of his history with his teammates and she understood his frustration, but she could just let him rush back there, it would defeat the purpose of this trip. He hadn't finished his training and he disparately needed to. She had set up a barrier around them and wasn't lowering it until he settled down enough that she knew he wasn't going to Sakura.
"I can't just sit here!" He surged in her direction again. Her eyebrows rose as she reminded him again that she wasn't going to let him head down there. She was waiting to see if he exploded or calmed down. "I don't care! SAKURA-CHAN IS IN TROUBLE!" He leaped for her in anger. Haruka rolled backwards. Going to Sakura not only put them in immediate danger, but it let enemies know that he could be influenced so strongly through his friends, that Haruka was alive and it added four days to their journey, days that they couldn't spend training in the village.
"You're not going! Naruto, you can't!" Haruka surged back at him. He had tapped into Kyuubi's chakra before the Bijuu knew what he was about. Kyuubi couldn't shut off the connection now that Naruto was using it. Haruka drew Byaka out to shield herself as a wall of fire came at her.
"LOWER THE SHIELD! I'M GOING!" She gritted her teeth as the fire started to seep through the seal that was between them.
"That shield will come down when I'm no longer feeding it chakra and not one second earlier!" She activated her Kekkei Genkai. A seal appeared behind her pupil that covered him in water, sufficiently distracting him and cutting off the fire. That gave Haruka some breathing room as she regrouped.
Byaka, can you connect to Kyuubi?
Yes, but he can't cut the connection with Naruto.
Use my connection. I want you to connect with Kyuubi's seal with mine.
But if I do that...Haruka heard silence as the bijuu realized what Haruka was implying. Are you sure?
Yes, If he loses control it will destroy everything here, including the friends he will rush towards. I will protect them for him if he loses control. I owe him that much.
Very well. Be careful.
I will. Haruka thanked her companion and returned her attention to the fight witht he now very orange Naruto. She could see two tails forming behind him. They had been trading seals for a while. His grasp on his kekkei genkai was good for a beginner but she had the experience.
000
Daichi meandered down the side of the mountain that had become his home. Here, Genbu and Daichi had learned. They had studied nature, sound, time, life. he hadn't ever expected to truly interact with anyone else ever again. Then that little obsidian beauty had come. Her request had been respectful and honest. From her blood, he pulled her heritage. He knew little promising about her clan and only a small amount about her father. however, he owed her mother a never ending debt of gratitude he could never repay. If that wasn't enough, Genbu connected with Mui and she spoke well of her carrier. he found himself agreeing to help out her friends as the base of his little home.
Now he was helping his old friend again. He had known of the Akatsuki for some time now. He hadn't decided what to do about it. He was of a mind to release Genbu back into his own world. Genbu was adamantally against this idea on the basisthat it would kill Daichi.
Dying didn't bother Daichi. he had lived a good life, met wonderful people, survived hateful events, and learned new and exciting things. If his death would keep evil things from happening to the person still alive he was indebted to, he was fine with that.
However, now he had a village of people who depended on him. A village he needed to talk to. He was helping here, however the protection only existed while he was present, when he left for Konoha it vanished. He agreed with the strategy of gathering all the faithful bijuu to help each other. He had recieved a missive from Hokage Tsunade, inviting him and his to come for a prolonged visit. Now he simply ha to see what the villagers said.
000
Haruka looked at Naruto as he raged.
It has been done Haruka smiled slightly.
Thanks me friend
Are you sure now is the right time for this? She chuckled. Leave it to her lifelong companion to be her conscious.
We need to know if he can control the seal
He might be a bit young... Her gentle reminder of his age made Haruka frown in sadness, though still resigned.
Sometimes we have to grow up all at once Byaka kept quiet. The bijuu knew that few had grown up as fast as Haruka, or even as fast as Naruto, but she also knew how much Haruka valued spareing those she cared about that fate. Byaka could hear her thoughts as they rang loudly through her mind.
No one should have to grow up like that.
Great power means great responsibililty.
He already didn't have a childhood, must he loose his adolescence too?
If he can't pass this, its his sanity he'll loose.
Why!?! Why must he become so old so fast?
Why must he live risking everything he cares about?
Why must he suffer?
Haruka was brought back to the present and real world by a kick to the chest. Naruto was still raging. His words no longer reached her ears though. She paid enough attention to know that he still wanted to go to Sakura. This argument was two fold.
For what he must... for what he will do, he MUST pass this task. Byaka sighed.
I doubt he understands that. Haruka smiled.
In that, at least, he can remain a child. Let someone else worry about whether he needed it or not. I don't know if now is the right time. Maybe we should go to Sakura. I don't know. All I know is that every part of my body says I must see this through. Byaka bowed in her head slightly in acceptance of the decision her container had made. Right or wrong, byaka understood the decision and it was a good one.
Good luck Haruka-koneko. Haruka smiled softly at the fond nickname from her childhood. Back in the days when she hunted for her own food, and Byaka and the woodland animals were her company instead of humans. She grew up so fast. Now she had to ask that Naruto do the same. He understood the monstrosity of destruction, but now he must understand its seductive call as well. Understand and master it and then never lose to it.
Naruto kept coming as Haruka slowly let him start to win. She had seen a few openings that would end the fight, but for the test to be true, he must win. She grunted as she connected with a very solid tree. Her ribs felt pretty broken at this point.
How is Youko?
Fuzzy, in more ways than one. His thoughts have been making less sense for the last few minutes. Kit is pulling almost completely on the seal. Haruka could have told Byaka that by looking at the orange youth. She could see five tails, over half of Youko was in Naruto's system instead of with the fox's mind in the seal. It was no wonder the great fox was a bit loopy.
Here I go. Byaka braced her chakra to support Haruka for the next step.
Ready Haruka mentally braced herself as she subdued an instinct to block and moved slightly, allowing the shot of chakra to pass through her chest, grazing her lungs and heart.
Grunting and wincing in pain, Haruka exhaled sharply. She dropped to her knees as blood gurgled up her throat.
Byaka...
Got you.
Haruka's eyes close as her body fell forward and she felt herself separate. She never felt her body hit the ground.
000
Tsunade sighed as she sat back in her chair. her student was missing. Shikamaru had sent her a report and she had approved his plan. Her only change was that Takaki and her team were going instead of Ino herself. Takaki had the experience and emotional distance. She had to be careful though or Shikamaru would figure out that Hinata was Takaki. She should discuss this with Hinata, Kiba and Shino when they returned.
This generation was an interesting group to work with. Looking at her desk, she decided to review the messages from the craziest of her youngsters, Naruto. Jiraiya had only sent one real message on his own. It was a breif "Hi Babe! We're having fun! See ya!". She had crumpled it in annoyance at her old teammate. Afterwards she uncrumpled it in an attempt to save the paper from her friend and news on that bouncy boy who could change everyone. The second missive she recieved was definitely due to Hinata and Naruto's other sensei. It wasn't much better on Jiraiya's behalf. "Yo Babes, Read the other scroll. Ciao". However, the other scroll had been helpful.
----------------Flashback--------------------
Tsunade was about to check on Hinata and ask about the mission when she ran into Neji and Hoshi. The fox was becoming a welcome sight around the village that even the shop owners were beginning to forget their olf amnisty towards foxes. Neji gave a quick bow and explained that Hinata had told him she needed to speak with Tsunade completely alone as soon as possible. Tsunade had frowned but nodded.
After the trial of removing HIashi from his daughter's side she turned to her young Kunoichi. She was surprised when Hinata requested absolute security. Her mission had been very important, but not that important. She Complied and Hinata pulled out two scrolls.
"This scroll is the one you sent us for originally. This scroll...this scroll is Naruto-kun's progress." Tsunade froze in taking the scroll. She looked at Hinata with level eyes as Hinata looked back at her. She nodded and took the scroll. Hinata continued, "The three of us passed out after the fight. We don't remember anything until we returned to Konoha." The way she stated it told Tsunade that she was giving her the cover story that Hinata would stick to. Tsunade nodded.
She had waited until she was back in her office before she glanced at them again. Actually she had to take care of several things before she could even open Naruto's scroll. It was suppertime by the time she got to it. Shizune left dinner in the room with her and bade her good evening, slightly suspicious that her mistress wanted to actually work.
The first part of the scroll was from Jiraiya. The second drew her attention.
"Tsunade-dono,
Jiraiya wrote you as well"Tsunade scoffed at the thought of her old teammate's note "I am training Naruto from this point on. His supply of jutsu have expanded thanks to Jiraiya. I am going to back track his training now. His basics were a mess when I caught up to them so we are returning to square one fro a few weeks. Currently, we plan to return in 18 monthes, around Tananbata.
Tsunade-dono, I will keep writing in this until I find a method to send it. Naruto's training has come far. His basic martial arts are closer to a style at this point. His elemental training is also beginning. He shoul dbe proficient in both Fire and Air by the time he returns to Konoha. Wre have been discussing the problem of the Akatsuki. My informants give me a rough estmiate of their timetable. We hope to arrive back in Konoha a month before they start any major movement. I would like to gather all Bijuu, minus Orochi and Isonade to Konoha with their Jinchuuriki. I think we have a better chance of defeating this thing with everyone together. I have attached a scroll with a genjutsu on. Please activate it for another message.
Tsunade-dono, I have met Hinata-chan. She is a very good Kunoichi. I am leaving this to her to deliver. As far as the shinobi world is concerned I am dead. I wish this to remain the case until Naruto and I return to Konoha. Please trust that Jiraiya trusts me with Naruto and his education. Hinata will not speak of our meeting so please don't ask. She understands my reasonings and I'd hate for her to get in trouble because of it. An update you need to know, if you are currently unaware of is that Naruto has formed Chakra Bonds. Please discuss any messages you have for us with his bondmate. And the secret in Hinata has changed. Kiba has a minor concusion which I'm using to hide a minor jutsu to block memory. Akamaru will keep quiet and Shino was never conscious. Please watch over them for us. Naruto says hi and misses Konoha more than ever.
See you in a while"
Tsunade had just stared at the unsigned scroll for a while. Chakra bonds. She knew it had been possible, what with Naruto's inner help and all, but so soon. She could even guess with who too. Hinata's secret. She wasn't sure what that was. An Hyuuga secret of some sort. She would have to look into this.
She got out the genjutsu scroll and activated it. They weren't used very often. This one was keyed to her blood only.
A woman appeared before her. she was all black and had an Anbu Cat mask on. She bowed low to the Hokage and began to speak.
"Tsunade-dono, I am Neko of the Yondaime no Shadow. I have some things to inform you of as such is my post. First, if you are unaware, behind the thrid bookshelf is a secret room. Inside this room each wall has a safe with different documents in them that are for Hokage only. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with them. I also need to explain the Hokage no Shadow of which I am part. The Hokage no Shadow is a branch of Anbu that are handpicked by the Hokage. The Hokage cares for their family and their own lives. They pledge to their Hokage their loyalty and strength until their dying breath. They shall always answer to their Hokage's call, perform any mission needed for their Hokage and continue their Hokage's dream after death. Their loyalty is to their own Hokage first and foremost, over their lives, their families, the village or any other Hokage. Their involvement in this part of Anbu is secret from everyone outside the Hokage and their team. In addition, they are tasked with protecting the personal family of the Hokage. As leader, I have the duty of organizing and understanding my team. We watch over the family of Yondaime at all times and I must inform you of any Hokage secrets if there was no time prior to your appointment, including the Hokage no Shadow. Since I am not in the village, I cannot answer any question you have. Some of your questions can be answered by Hawk of Sandiame no Shadow. To contact him, simply place a silver token on the head of Sandiame on Hokage Mountain. Show him this scroll and he should assist you in any way he can. I wish you luck. I will return with Naruto-kun."
She bowed again and vanished. Tsunade sighed as she sat back.
Yikes
----------End Flashback------------
Tsunade gazed at that scroll as she recalled the decisions she and Hinata had discussed with regard to the bijuu. They should arrive. Tell the gate they are here for Project 9. The battle will end in their favor. She did ask hinata about the final confusion, her secret, but Hinata said she wasn't ready to explain it, so unless Tsunade ordered her to, she wanted to keep it to herself longer. Tsunade hadn't minded and hadn't pushed. She was waiting for the Hyuuga heir to come to her on own. She had started to look for a Hokage no Shadow group, but she knew in her heart that Naruto would have to return first. She hoped that it would be alright.
She had held off contacting Hawk until she had more definite questions and heard more from Naruto.
She did.
-----------Flashback----------
The three stood in Tsunade's office with the large fox. Takaki handed Tsunade the report Anko had handed off. Tusnade nodded and handed them one.
"This is Team Shizen's new mission. I'll expect it back in 12 hours." They nodded. Takaki came forward.
"I also have someone to introduce." She motioned to the fox. Tsunade had been wondering, since she was fairly familiar with Hoshi at this point. "This scroll is from Naruto and this is Youko."
Tsunade stared at the large fox sitting in her office rather calmly. Takaki smirked cheekily and waved to them.
"I'm off. You two have fun!" Tsunade barely acknowledged the kunoichi as she leaped off to join her team. Kyuubi, the monster fox, the reason Naruto had no father, was sitting in front of her with a scroll in his teeth.
He finally set it down, since she was obviously not taking it from him. She took the moment to study him. He wasn't as fierce as she would think. His firey eyes were still powerful, but no tin the dreadfilled way she had always imagined. They were more like a respected power. A force of natuer, neither evil, nor something to ignore or use at your discretion.
"Youko-san." She greeted him cordially as she could, wondering rbeifly at the meaning of his visit.
"Godiame. I wanted to meet with you. I have a few messages to pass along." He took a breath, "And a story and explanation you have a right to hear." Tsunade listened in amazement and critical silence as the Kyuubi told her the tale from sixteen years ago. How demon chakra worked and how he actually came to be at Konoha.
Tsunade looked over the village she had come to love and care for as hers. She needed his stregth. She knew that. It didn't make what she was about to do any easier.
"You will never attack the village again?" The fox shook his head.
"I cannot promise that. As our chakra works, if someone performed that ritual again, it could simply repeat itself. I will say this, as long as I'm in Kit, I cannot be summoned across this plane in that fashion." Tsunade pursued her lips.
"So you can say you won't attack only as long as you are in Naruto?" The fox nodded. Tsunade sighed. "I won't recieve any better, will I?" The fox shook his head. He truly couldn't do anything. This was the way he was created.
"I have a message from Koneko. I must leave soon. It is tough on Naruto and myself to be separated like this for long. Have you any questions for me?" Tsunade took the scroll with a nod.
"Where are they?" Youko shook his head.
"I don't know the countryside well enough to tell you. Only that they are moving around." Tsunade sighed as she nodded.
"Please tell them that project 9 is ready to begin. We are expecting Gaara of the Suna, Genbu's jinchuuriki, Hiroto of Suna, Mui's jinchuuriki, Yuuki with Seiryu, and Byaka to show up at the village around the time Naruto returns. Have them tell the gate that they are here for Project 9." Youko gave her a small bow and poofed away. Tsunade sat back staring at the place the reatest fox, greatest demon they had ever known had been. She needed a drink.
--------------End Flashback--------------
The scroll had simply gave her a brief update on Naruto's training progress. He was doing well. She had recieved only one more message from Naruto's sensei. She looked at that scroll now.
"Tsunade-dono, We are going to train in a special place. While there, we will have little to know communication with the rest of the world. Jiraiya will not be accompanying us. We both believe his time is better suited disaappearing and contacting his informant without anyone on his tail. We will return in exactly three monthes. I have given Neji similar instructions as the last time I ran into your shinobi. We will send Youko to you once more in case you have any questions for us directly. He can link mentally to Naruto and they can talk actively while he is with you. Genbu's jinchuuriki is called Daichi and he should arrive around the time we do. Do not concern yourself with Byaka or Mui. Also, incase you hadn't been informed, the seal on Gaara of Suna has been corrected so that Shukaku is no longer out of control. Expect Youko in a few weeks and Jinchuuriki in three and 1/2 monthes."
Tsunade stared out the window. Time is moving pretty fast, eh Sensei. Still, this generation may repair decaded of damage done by the wars of our generations.
She wished it to be so. She really did.
000
Haruka opened her eyes in her mindscape. byaka's paw and tail were on her shoulder. Taking a deep breath in relief, she smiled.
I pulled you here just before you would have lost consciousness. For the moment we are alright. Haruka smiled sardonically. She closed her eyes and concentrated on a set of seals she had tossed during the battle. Sight and sound of the outside world returned to her. She had only missed a moment. Naruto was standing over her body, still with five tails. She watched.
Naruto panted as he looked down at his opponent.
He had won.
No, that wasn't quite right.
The barrier was shimmering.
It was doing that for a reason right?
He could go to Sakura-chan, help his friend.
What about this person?
This battle is over.
She isn't an enemy, she's my friend, my teacher.
She kept up a barrier that trapped me.
It's coming down now.
Because I won.
Because she's dying.
Who cares!?!
I DO!
Naruto sank down in front of Haruka's body as the orange retreated inside him. He realized as Kyuubi's voice grew in strength, that the fox had been quiet.
Hey Fox
Kit Kyuubi acknowledged him groggily as his chakra re-integrated with him.
What have I done? Kyuubi turned his senses to the outside at his container's anguished question. He saw Haruka's body lying there and stretched his senses for the connection Byaka had created at the beginning of this fight. He felt it and carefully left it out of Naruto's consciousness.
Haruka watched as Naruto returned to normal and she sighed in relief. She had been waiting. Waiting to see if Naruto would return or if he would go off in anger and power after Sakura's captors. If he left she would die. She had attached her chakra to his seal. Byaka was supporting Haruka as she cut herself off from her own chakra. If she died and the seal was broken Kyuubi's chakra would surge and then return to his dimension. Naruto would die with her. He seemed to be staying. All he needed to do to save her life was reach out down their bond. The chakra flow would begin to heal Haruka enough that she could wake up and heal herself.
Naruto knelt in front of her.
"Onee-sensei...Why did you do that? I saw you pull back your block and lower yourself. That hit could have killed you." Naruto turned away from her and picked up the pile of wood they had collected earlier. He slowly built a fire in silence. His mind was completely still. He built up a fire and put some water on. Only once the water was heating on the fire did he turn back to Haruka.
"Onee-sensei, come on. I know you're still in there. You wouldn't have given up. Come on, answer me." Haruka felt the warnth of her student's chakra flood her system, opening her damaged chakra pathways. She opened her physical eye slowly.
"Onee-sensei? Come on, wake-up." That voice, go towards that voice. "I don't know whata to do to help. Come-on! Onee-sensei! Wake-up!" She blinked blearly as his wet, blue eyes swam into existance. In contrast to her mindscape, the real world was too blurry, too bright, too narrow, too loud.
She heaved a dry cough though a painful throat, feeling the drying blood crack in her mouth. She felt gravity move and cool water splsh in her mouth and drain out. Coughing, she spat out the digusting bloody mess. After a couple more splashes of cold water, she swallowed some water. It soothed her parched throat and woke her sleepy brain. She slowly became aware of gentle hands rubbing her back and cradling her upright. He was saying something but she couldn't make it out yet. When next he offered water, she turned her head, declining. He slid out from behind her where he had been sitting. He took the water off the fire and added herbs the way she had shown him. Next he dipped in bandages and lay them next to others he had alredy prepared. He looked at her in hesitation.
"Onee-sensei, I need to bandage that injury." She ust kept breathing. He wasn't really sure she could even hear him, much less understand him. He may be a bit clueless, but he knew that unless his intentions were known, bandaaging her ribs could be seen questionably. Haruka was even more sensitive. he didn't know the specifics but Haruka shrunk away from most amle contact. She would have nightmares every now and again that had Naruto to think that between them, she grew up with the rawer deal. That idea was like a punch in the gut to him. He would wish his up-bringing on anyone, the fact that his sensei's was worse wasn't just sad, it was frightening. She was still loyal to Konoha ater all of it too.
He placed his hand on her waist where her shirt ended. When her breathing remained the same he allowed himself to lift her shirt. Folding it back, he winced at the black skin around her ribs, but more thatn that, the scars that criscrossed her sides were numerous and looked painful. He glance up at her face to meet her fevered eyes. Eyes that waited for his judgement, maybe even persecution.
He softened his gaze, careful to keep pity from touching it. he did not pity Haruka. The child she had been, perhaps, but not the woman she had become. He remembered one time when Ichiraku-ojisan had shown him an injured fox. Injured and scares, most of the time those creatures can really tell whe you're upset or afraid as you have to clear your mind of those thoughts and approach without any of your own emotions and oly theirs. He did this now, slowly bandaging Haruka's ribs as the older Kunoichi bit her lip in pain. His hans were more steady then thay should have been.
After he finished, he helped her lean against a slanted roick and started some dinner. Takamaru landed on his shoulderas this point. He stared at him, suddenly realizing that the bird had been strangely absent for his little tantrum.
"Thanks for sending him away." The first words spoken since Haruka had regained the ability to hear. She looked at Taka thoughfully.
"I didn't was to trap him here and he wasn't going wanywhere without you." Naruto ducked hid head in appreciation. he looked over at Haruka. She didn't seem inclined to speak again. She simplay sat, carefully drinking the soup Naruto had prepared.
"I'm sorry." Simple in its phrasing and tone. it was an apology up front. No haggling, no needing, no explanation, no excuses. Haruka looked over the landscape of the cool hills that were growing rocky as they went north into the mountains.
"And Thanks." She smiled softly as she gazed over at Naruto. He fidgeted even though her gaze was not accusatory. "I know now."
It was his gaze that traveled tho the landscapethis time. "As I've been tapping into Youko's chakra, I've felt invincable, but afterward I've wondered. Am I invincable or is his chakra invincable and I'm along for the ride." The breez ruffled the grass and washed over both jinchuuriki like the peace of their understandings.
"I understand my strength, now I will master it. " He smiled triumphantly as Haruka smirked.
000
Later that night, Naruto located HInata. He wanted to talk. After asking hand recieving permission, he pulled theminto mindscape and felt her pull him into her's.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good." Naruto swam towards her until he could envelope her in his arms, taking advantage of the weightlessness of Hinata's mindscape. He was so grateful for her.
"What's happening with Sakura-chan?" Hinata smiled.
"We're being sent in undercover. Neji, Ten Ten and Lee are already entering the building." Naruto ducked his head as relief swamped his thoughts. Thay could do it. He left his faith and friends in the hands of his friends and they are rising to the occasion.
"Thank you Hina-chan." Hinata bit her lip slightly.
"I hope I can do it again. Takaki is a tough role to play. Everyone is counting on me." Naruto smiled as he squeezed her.
"You will do great, Hina-chan!" She looked at her hands. "Here, I'll send Foxy along. Onee-sensei wants me to work without him for a while anyway and she needs a message delivered to Tsunade-obaa-san. He can give me a full, un-biased, skilled report on how wonderful I know my girl is." Hinata suppressed a giggle as she turned scarlet.
"Your girl?" naruto shrunk away from her as if burned as he realized he had let that slip out. When you are in your mindscape, you usually speak with much less thinking and Naruto had never been good with thinking before speaking to start with.
"I-I-I'm sorry Hina-chan. It just lsipped out. I-" Her gentle finger graced his lips to stop his apologies.
"I-I am y-yours, Naruto-kun. Th-that is i-if you want." Naruto looked at her stunned and full of fragile caring.
"Aa, I want you my Hina-chan." Hinata smiled and looked into his crystal blue eyes. Both close their eyes and nuzzled each other's cheek, in a subconscious motion they both enjoyed. Hinata sighed softly as she leaned back against naruto and he wrpped his arms around her waist. They glanced over at Mui and Youko, who were talking off to one side. The two pairs of lovers had ignored each other until now.
"Naruto, time to return." He knew Youko would keep track of the outside world.
"Chibi-inu and Chibi-Konchuu are awake. Time to move, Hina-chan." Hinata and Naruto smiled and gave each other another squeeze and then parted. She gave Youko a ruffle behind his ears and a peck on the cheek.
"Thank you for watching over him, Youko-san." The great Kyuubi smiled gently at the young woman. These two were going to ruin his reputation. He couldn't wait.
"I'll see you in a few days, Little Female." With that Hinata opened her eyes to Kiba and Akamaru stretching and Shino preparing their make-up. Time to get to work.
Naruto opened his eyes and gazed at Haruka, who was walking around.
"Welcome back." Naruto smiled timidly.
"How are you feeling?" Haruka smiled freely.
"Byaka and I have finished healing by body. How is Hinata-chan?" Naruto smiled and told her what was happening with Sakura-chan. There were no apologies said about the decision to not return to assist. Naruto accepted that it was her decision as she was in charge of his training and his safety. She also accepted that he needed to explore that for himself. They were okay.
He set off for the north with Haruka.
Hinata and Kiba and Shino set off east for Kotoshi.
Sakura set herself to surviving her new work.
Tsunade set herself for her decisions.
"One ship sails East,
And another West,
By the self-same winds that blow,
Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales,
That tells the way we go.
Like the winds of the sea
Are the waves of time,
As we journey along through life,
Tis the set of the soul,
That determines the goal,
And not the calm or the strife."
Hi, next, me sorry this took so long. Its been, what, two monthes? Sorry about that. I'll rework this later this week. This will be a chapter story. I'll figure the genre out as I go so it might change. End poem by Ella wheeler Wilcox.
Daichi-earth
Datsuko-sea otter and child
Miketsu-similar to Mikoto, you will understand later.