All of Dead or Alive© characters and story rights are reserved to Team Ninja.

Winter Blossom

NamiC

Chapter 1: Escape

Kasumi leapt from tree to tree as fast as she could. She couldn't escape from him. He was too fast, too skilled. She stopped on the next branch and drew her katana from its sheath. Whirling around with all her might the sword came in contact with its opponent, as if it was waiting, with a loud clang that echoed through the forest.

"I said stop following me!" she shouted as she glared into his eyes.

The two swords pushed against each other forcing the two owners to leap onto another branch farther apart.

"Why can't you just leave me alone?" she said.

In front of her stood Ryu Hayabusa of the Hayabusa clan. He stared back at her with a firm confidence, gaze not faltering. Kasumi tried with her might to return the gaze with as much might. If it wavers the slightest bit then Ryu would have won already. She had to stand her ground.

"And why must you insist on being alone. I have a duty which you full know well of. I don't care what you think and I don't care how you feel. But I will fulfill that promise."

"Well consider yourself relieved of that duty! I don't want your protection nor do I need it!"

And with that Kasumi took off, leaping through the branches once more. Before she could get far she heard Ryu's voice all around her.

"Do you seriously think you can escape your brother's mercenaries if you can't even outrun me? Although he'll avoid killing you himself in any possible way, he will do anything ensure your death."

Kasumi looked all around her to see where the voice was coming from but Ryu had a talent of not being found. All of a sudden she spotted him in front of her coming straight at her. On impulse she pulled out her katana but before she could strike, his hand came up and grabbed her wrist, immobilizing her whole right arm. She reached for her kunai and he grabbed her other wrist. She lifted her foot but before it could even get off the ground, his feet came down and twisted his ankles around hers until she was completely trapped. She struggled to get free but even her strength was nothing compared to Ryu's power. Ryu waited patiently until Kasumi had calmed down.

"Now that I have your attention, you'll listen to what I have to offer."

Kasumi reluctantly and angrily stared back into his emerald eyes as she listened.

"Look, I don't want to spend the rest of my life making sure you stay alive and I'm sure you don't want me following you forever as well. If you stay here, ninjas will come after no matter how many times you beat them back. And every time they'll be stronger. You can't continue fighting them like this. Eventually you'll get tired, sloppy, and be killed."

"What are you getting at?"

"I can sneak you into China. I can get you to a place where I'll be assured you'll be out of harm's way. At least there you'll be safe from your brother for the time being and I can try to at least get something done about your death sentence instead of chasing you all over."

Kasumi pondered over this idea thoroughly. It was a good plan. But she didn't like the idea of receiving help. She'd rather be alone and not be a burden. However, seeing the situation, it seems like she had no choice.

"Very well. When do we leave?"

"Right now…"

"What news Ayane?"

"She's sneaking onto a boat to China as we speak Master Hayate…" the lavender haired shinobi replied after coming from her scouting mission.

"What?! Why didn't you stop her?" he asked, his auburn eyes flashing.

"She was with Ryu Hyabusa sir! I could barely stay put without him sensing my presense…"

Damn Ryu, why do you hafta be such a good friend?... Hayate thought. He didn't have much time. If Kasumi was able to get to China then there would be no chance that they would be able to find her. It was like trying to find a ring in the midst of a field of flowers. But there was no way he could stop her. With Ryu with her it would be impossible.

My only choice is to do it myself then…

"Ayane!"

"Yes sir?"

"You're in charge of the clan for now."

"Huh?"

"I'm going on a mission…"

"Hitomi? Hellooooooo? Wake up Hitomi or else we'll miss the plane!" Leifang said trying to wake her friend up from her lazy slumber.

"Leifaaaang…I just came from Germany yesterday, can't I have a few moments rest?"

"You can catch up with your jet lag once we get to the hot springs but for now we need to gooooooo! If you keep this up we'll completely miss it!" Leifang whined. She could get away with anything if she whined correctly. Her whines were the most annoying sounds to here and she knew it.

"Alright, alright I'm up! Geez Leifang…" Hitomi lazily sprawled out of the futon and went to the bathroom to get ready.

Leifang busily packed their bags into the taxi waiting outside her house. Scurrying back in she grabbed her purse on the counter. Looking in the mirror for a quick second to check on her hair, she called out to Hitomi.

"C'mon Hitomi! The taxi's waiting!" She winked to the girl in her reflection. Her dark brown eyes sparkled and her lips were parted into the perfect smile.

"I'm ready."

Leifang turned to her friend. Poor Hitomi's light brown hair was a mess and her pale blue eyes which are usually lively, reflected her fatigue.

"Oh my…" Leifang giggled, "here…"

She whipped out a brush and combed her friends hair.

"There, now you won't look like a total disgrace," she joked.

"Thanks," Hitomi smiled weakly. I just can't wait to get there and just relax.

"That's what the winter holidays are for! Come, let's get going."

Hitomi walked through the door and towards the waiting cab. Leifang followed but then paused to have one last look at her house.

It's time…time for me to take this vacation from school and fighting and training…just for a little while I need to escape from my life…

Hey guys! Hoped you liked it so far. Yea, I didn't go into great detail of what the characters looked like but you guys already know the general picture. Updates will come slowly since I'm doing this and another fanfic at the same time but please be patient R&R