"You're kidding me right Yukimura?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed darkly at his father like figure.
"I'm afraid not Sasuke. She left. There's nothing I can do now." Yukimura's violet eyes held no emotion.
Sasuke's gold eyes glared harder. His heart went out to his 'mother'. Where was she now? That same thought kept running through his head repeatedly.
Huffing loudly, Sasuke jumped up into a tree and ignored the concerned look of Saizo. The two adults shared looks before turning in for the night. Pushing his hair from his face Yukimura thought of his former female Juu Yuushi.
Change Scene: Kyo's Camp
"Pass the sake Hotaru." Kyo's red eyes took a quick glance to Yuya who was sleeping close to him. Cool sake ran down his throat as he handed the bottle back.
"You think the rumors are true?" Akira's soft but firm voice broke through the night. Two red eye brows went up.
"What are you talking about?" Hotaru voice echoed his own confusion.
"He's talking about the remaining Mibu who are said to be hiding." Kyo's all knowing voice brought two nodes. "It depends. That's why we're going to see Sanada. He knows something."
A little grumble from Hotaru and a smile from Akira settled the matter. Leading his head on the tree sleep beckoned him. The fire dimmed light as Hotaru dozed off.
Change Scene: Mountain Cliff
'I feel so horrible leaving Sasuke. He's just a child.' Deep emerald eyes closed as the girl wiped fresh tears from her face. The thoughts of the little shinobi flew through her head.
Looking up into the sky, stars twinkled as a soothing lullaby. Closing her eyes, she fell into a dreamless sleep. All thought were lost to the night.
Emerald eyes opened to the sun shining and warming her face. The previous two days haunted her thoughts. With a scowl the girl stood up.
After dusting her clothes off and washing her face, she tied her deep maroon hair up into a ponytail and began to walk. Birds sang, little animals scurried about, yet all of this didn't help her mood. For each step her fate intertwined with Kyo's and Yukimura's groups.
Change Scene: Yukimura's group
'Hm….. Sasuke hasn't spoken to me at all today.' Hanging his head lightly Yukimura ran through his hair.
"Sasuke, I'm sorry about Ayame. But it was her choice to leave." Wincing on how rude it sounded he watched as Sasuke turned around and gave a dark glare.
"Don't act as if you're sorry! If you didn't sleep around and actually tried to understand that she loved you she wouldn't have left!" Sasuke began to shake with anger.
"Sasuke, now that's not fair. You know that it doesn't go that like." Yukimaru didn't mean to break her heart, it's just he didn't want to be tied down.
Sasuke took the trees. Saizo had gone to meet with the other Juu Yuushi for a quick meeting. The feeling of dread was heavy in his stomach. She was just a girl, sure she was both a good fight and a helluva smart mouth, but she was only a friend.
Change Scene: Ayame
Looking around, a feeling of being watched made her draw her blade. Forcing her eyes to close, Ayame looked through her ears. There she sensed everything. A light footstep fell, which made her, cast her attack.
"Shou Kenpachi Polomljen Tamashii! (1)" The ground crumpled as a large wave of earth filled with rocks went to the bush.
A wall of fire disrupted the blast. Not needing to send another attack, Ayame sheathed her sword. Hotaru came from the bush and gazed at her.
"Now this is a surprise. Where's your master?" Viridian met emerald. The little taunt made Ayame clench her jaw tightly.
"I'm not in the mood to deal with you. So shut up and go away." In an attempt to walk away; a wall of fire blocked her path.
"I believe I asked you a question. It is rude to leave without being dismissed." Meeting her glaring eyes a smirk blossomed. "So tell me lil 'Aya-chan', why would a Juu Yuushi be here without her master and with such a sad look on her face yet. Did Sanada tell you that you were worthless to him?"
"You know Hotaru you're a real bastard. And also for your information, I left. I didn't need a little boy like him to slow me down. So either move out of my way or I will kill you were you stand. It's your choice, but don't forget you still are in debt to me." A deep purple aura surrounded Ayame as a Blackish red surrounded Hotaru.
Getting ready to strike, Ayame got into her pose. Her hands gripped Shiro her ice blade. Watching Hotaru as he too got ready to strike, the tension exploded in her ears.
"Kooru Ryuu Koori Shiro (2)!" Ice dragons leapt from her blade as she swung upwards. A fiery blaze disintegrated them.
"That's sad. Is that all you have?" Once again the taunts brought deep hatred to the girl.
By just a swing of his sword a wave of fire came flying to Ayame. With a merely roll of her eyes it was extinguished. A proud smirk graced her features.
"You were saying? That was a move I could of done in my sleep." A glare was sent her way as he disappeared.
Not being one to be frightened. Ayame searched not only with her eyes but with her ears. A thud behind her surprised her. Turning around just in time to dodge the blade, Hotaru frowned. This was going to be a while.
Each slice, slash, elemental attack the two collected injuries. Just as Hotaru was about to unleash one of his powerful attacks, a solid column of ice came between them. Both stopped and looked over to see a slightly irritated Akira.
"That is enough." Akira turned his head to Hotaru and frowned deeply. "That is no way to treat someone. Especially if you owe your life to them as well." Fire sprung around in a ring around Akira as if a warning. But as quickly as it came it was gone.
"Stay out of this. I don't want your two sense interfering." Anger swept through Ayame. How dare he say that to his friend? Wanting to show him what a real punch was like she aimed her throw.
Just as it almost hit his cheek he whirled around to catch her by her throat. Ayame's back was forced against a tree. A lightly grunt of pain voiced itself. Glaring up angrily a small smirk appeared.
As Hotaru lightly stroked her throat, he gazed down at his catch. Her anger was so hot not even he could control it. Her mouth was so sinfully sweet it brought light shivers to his spine. Yet all the more pleasure to be kept on the edge by someone like her.
"Let her go Hotaru. I'd hate to coat you in ice." Gripping his blades hilt, Akira was ready to make an attack. A light scoff deepened his scowl.
As he dropped his hand, Hotaru brought his lips to her ear. With a light nuzzle he traced the outer shell of her ear. A deep heated blush erupted across her face.
"This isn't over. Not by a long shot 'Aya-chan'." As he let her go, Hotaru shocked Ayame even more by placing a sweet kiss to her lips.
Glaring after the man, Ayame turned to Akira. A concern expression made her heart swell slightly. She wanted nothing more than to beat the shit out of Hotaru.
"Are you hurt?" a quiet no made Akira worry more. "Come with me. Kyo's expecting you." A raised eyebrow and a light look of confusion appeared on Ayame's face.
Offering his hand, Akira took Ayame to Kyo. The feeling of warmth spread throughout her body. A smile graced her lips as she followed the sightless samurai to the demon.
Upon entering the clearing, Akira lightly gave a squeeze and let go of her hand. Looking in front of her, Ayame saw Kyo sitting on a fallen stump. His deep blood red eyes met hers.
"I was wondering who pissed Hotaru off that badly." A cocky grin made her glare softly at her friend.
"It wasn't my fault that the moron is like a woman, all moody and all." Deep laughter filled the forest.
"As witty as ever. I have a favor to ask." Raising an eyebrow Ayame listened intently. "You are of the Juu Yuushi; you have to know something of the supposed Mibu hiding."
"Well, there are two things. One, I am no longer one of them and two, I have heard Yukimura saying something about this." Kyo was greatly intrigued.
A couple of hours later, Hotaru came walking back into camp. His fiery hair was mussed more than normal. Upon his arrival Akira just gave him a disapproving look.
"Where did Ayame go?" Kyo looking up from the map he was given answered calmly.
"She went to an Inn to get away from you. Apparently your being a pain in the ass, by her words though." Sending his former mentor a death glare Hotaru turned to go the town nearby.
"Ayame-san wants to be alone. Don't bother her." Akira's voice mad the fire user turn and give a glare.
"Well that's too damn bad aint it? I'm not through with her so butt out." Not wanting to be held back Hotaru left.
Kyo sighed before massaging his temples. Those two were like little kids. They always argued over the smallest things. But Akira was very protective of Ayame so it was nature. But Hotaru wanted nothing more than to break the girl…
With a scowl Kyo continued to look at the map of all the rumors and sightings of Mibu. There were a lot of red X marks. This was going to be a long time till he got it straight.
Change Scene: Village outside of Forest
Ayame put her clothes on the bench. She slipped into the heated water. The warm water was heavenly. Dealing with idiots can take a toll on you.
As she closed her eyes the thought of Sasuke made her hang her head in defeat. Her maternal instincts were just hay wired. She hoped Sasuke in time would forgive her.
On her way to her room a figure was leaning against the wall. It looked like they were waiting for her. Already knowing who it was, Ayame walked right past them.
A hand grabbed her arm and twisted it so that she was looking straight at him. Green eyes glared at each other. His other hand was on her neck tracing the vein that made itself known.
"You left before I could finish." Anger blazed throughout her body as she tried to get her arm out of his vice like grip.
"We having nothing left to discuss. So leave me be and go the hell away." Instead of intimidating him, the pyro just smirked and pushed the smaller woman into her room.
As he closed the screen door, Hotaru sat in front of the fire and watched. He wasn't leaving until what he wanted. Tiredness swept through Ayame as she sighed lightly.
She knew that he wouldn't leave unless he was happy. Not really caring, she took off her outer kimono and placed her swords next to it. As she lightly sat down, Ayame rested her head on her pillow.
Hotaru watched as he leaned against the wall. Her feminine body stood out against the shadows. Thinking of the shadows he closed his eyes and let sleep over well him.
Morning came in the village all too soon. The soft breeze entered opened windows and tousled the hair of the sleeping occupants. Viridian eyes opened to see a boy standing near the sleeping woman.
Gold eyes merely casted him a look before he sat and watched. Not wanting to wake her up, Hotaru stood up and made his way to the springs. Sasuke watched as Ayame slept peacefully. He waited patiently for her to wake up, as he always did.
Change Scene: Kyo's camp
Yukimura sat in front of Kyo. The said man was questioning him like crazy. All of the things that Ayame told him were true. The marks on the map were verified as well.
Sasuke had run off after Akira told him where to find his mother. The thought of someone taking care of the little ninja never really hit him until now. The little boy never had any motherly love, so of course he would attach to Ayame rather quickly.
Gazing up into the blue sky, Yukimura knew for the sake of Sasuke's happiness he would have to apologize. It wasn't asking forgiveness that scared him so; it was the attacks he knew that would likely happen that he was worried about the most.
Change Scene Ayame's Inn Room
Ayame opened her eyes to see Sasuke gazing at her. Sitting up suddenly, she just opened her arms to the small boy. Wrapping her arms around his, Ayame softly stroked his hair.
Looking down she smiled warmly. Sasuke just nuzzled into her arms while holding her as if she would float away. Just allowing the young boy to sleep on her, Ayame looked up as the door slid opened.
There standing in the doorway was Hotaru. He was rubbing his wet hair with a towel. His green eyes met hers before he sat in front of the window and looked out of it.
Sleep tugged her into the land of dreams. What seemed like hours were really only a few minutes. Loud arguing roused the sleeping red head.
"Little brats should be back with their masters." Hotaru's obvious voice was the deepest.
"Well if jackasses didn't piss already stressed women out then she wouldn't be this tired!" Ayame sat up and turned to Sasuke in shock.
"Sasuke! Watch your language. What the hell is Yukimura teaching you?!" Not realizing that she was awake, the two arguing boys jumped.
A look of fear washed over Sasuke. He knew better than to curse. But still the asshole started it by telling him to get lost.
"He started it." The simple statement drew an eyebrow and a loud sigh.
"I don't care who started it. I'm ending it!" Amused eyes Gazed at her.
Standing up, Ayame glared at Hotaru. She knelt down before Sasuke so she could be somewhat eye level. Green searched gold for the hidden answer she was looking for.
"So he is here." Giving a soft sigh, Ayame lightly ruffled silver hair. Standing up she turned to Hotaru. Emerald green eyes glared darkly. "Why the hell are you still here?" A snicker from Sasuke merely brought a dead panned look onto his handsome face.
"Do you really want me to answer that?" The former Juu Yuushi glared harder.
"Well no shit. It wasn't a rhetorical question was it?" Sasuke looked from between the two adults. A fight was coming and it was going to be bad.
"Such vulgar words coming from a pretty mouth. I should make you wash it out with soap." A loud 'screw you' forced Sasuke to inch back slowly. This was getting ugly and quick.
"Why don't you go down to the whore house where you'll be welcomed!" Totally forgetting Sasuke was in the room Ayame unleashed her fury verbally.
"Please, those whores are nothing to what I know you can give." A deep scarlet blush rose onto Ayame's face.
"Oh really and where did you hear that?" A blank look forced a dry laugh from the female. "All of those were lies but seeing how your insignificant brain can't comprehend it then you wouldn't know."
Sasuke blinked. She just called a fire wielder stupid and was still standing… Wow… That's just amazing. The scraping of the door alerted him to see Yukimura, Kyo, Akira and Yuya. The two arguing didn't notice them.
"I'd rather be called stupid than be a homeless dog." Gasps went around the room. It finally dawned on them that it wasn't just them. A bitter smile just appeared on Ayame's face.
"True, but then again, I am not the one who is a worthless whore's son am I?" Shocked silence echoed in the room. A murderous aura surrounded Hotaru. Ayame knew she struck a nerve, a very deadly nerve.
The feelings of wanting to do nothing more than break her; Hotaru put his hand on his blade. Not caring if her brat saw her bleed, he was going to make her apologize. Or better yet bed for forgiveness.
Just as the blade was about to leave the sheath; a hand stilled the movement and guided it back into the cover. Looking over in irritation, Hotaru saw Kyo giving him the same look of that pissed him off even more. Now wasn't the time, that's all he got from the demon.
"Aya, please, stop. There doesn't need to be any fight. Well not yet that is." Hearing the nickname, Ayame turned to give a look that would have scared Nobunaga shitless, to Yukimura.
"Why the fu-Hell, are you here?" Being careful not to curse in front of Sasuke, she glared with anger at her former master.
An uneasy silence filled the room. High emotions buzzed loudly. Yuya held Sasuke near her incase a fight broke out. Akira stood next to them as a precaution.
The deadly look from Ayame just confirmed her bitterness to him. With a smile Yukimura opened his mouth to explain. It was either now or never.
"Well… I'm here because of a common cause, the hidden Mibu." The wrong words! Shit! What the hell?! They were right there on his tongue too!"
"Oh really? Who says I want anything to do with them?" Crossing her arms Ayame shifted her wait to her right foot in a sign of annoyance.
Kyo watching from the sidelines casted a quick glance to Hotaru. He was still very pissed off. Just like a woman to anger him. But it was most like his fault… Yuya taught him that much after all the time they've spent together.
"What are you talking about Aya-oka-san?!" Sasuke's sudden voice startled everyone. "They have a death warrant on your head!" A scowl appeared. She knew that. It was all started because she wouldn't kill Yukimura.
Her family was well known for being assassins but over about five tries she couldn't come to kill him. She had fallen in love. Not wanting her family to get in the middle she left.
Since then she was traveling with Yukimura but now the Mibu have gotten the message she wouldn't kill him. Joy oh joy. Gazing over to Sasuke she lightly shook her head.
"I know that. But still, why should I bother fight?" A scoff behind her from Hotaru drew her slowly diminishing anger to resurface.
"And you called me stupid." A death glare was sent to his direction. "That bastard Shinrei says that if they go then its better off without them, then once their gone, you and your brat can live happily ever after." Grinding her teeth in agitation, Ayame forced herself not to spout insults to the infuriated red head.
"He has a point and your skills would be a good advantage to our side as well. Then if we all make it out of this, you and Hotaru can kill each other. How's that for a deal?" Yukimura's smile just further annoyed the two.
"Whatever. I don't need to kill worthless old men to destroy a loser." Coughs hiding snickers went around the room.
Glaring at the back of her head, Hotaru stepped forward. He had had enough from her mouth. It was about time he did something about it.
Knowing he was about to pick a fight, Ayame spun around and was ready to hit the taller man. But the feeling of lips on her own stilled the room. Frozen in complete shock, eyes turned wide in shock and gasps erupted.
A/N: Woo! That was a lot. Anyway thank you for reading. This is very complex part that will be explained further throughout the story. Thanks again for reading!
And now for those numbers you saw,
Shou Kenpachi Polomljen Tamashii- means Destroy Strong Samurai Shatter Soul… Or the Proper way of putting it, Shatter Soul Destroy Strong Samurai…
Kooru Ryuu Koori Shiro- means Freeze Dragon Ice White… Or the right way to put it… White Freeze Ice Dragon.
