Chapter 2: Plan B: Escape From The Snowy Pits of Hell

xXxXx

5:45AM

Looking down at her little pink watch Jade cursed. 'Where the hell was he!?' Frustrated she threw her oversized bag onto the unstable flooring as she stopped over to the line where the pebble shore reached the sea. Bringing her hands to her forehead, in a mock salute, Jade searched for any sight of the ship.

It was nearly six in the morning and an hour past their prearranged meeting time. So, in other words.

'That bastard was late.'

Standing a good two miles away from the town's port, was Jade.

Cursing silently she kicked a large pebble into the water. It didn't help her mood knowing that it was also foggy.

Closing her eyes she rethought her plan. "Was this really a good idea?"

She had woken up extremely early to pack her things in order to make her journey here. The location was far from where she lived and finding the meet-up point had been terrifying. 'Bugs, so many bugs,' she shuddered. Thinking back to all the winter beetles she encounter while venturing through the fast covered forest.

Regardless, she sighed. Shoving her gloved hands into the deep pockets of her thigh high maroon winter coat. This was her plan B. Get on a ship and sail away to kami knows where. It sounded simple enough. Although, taking account that she was now considered a wanted girl; who had stolen valuables and is attempting to run away by sea to a foreign country…..

What would that make her?

'A runaway, a thief, and a refugee; maybe?' The first two was a definite. She had willingly ran away from home and had also stole some of her mom's jewels to pay for journey. But the last one seemed like a stretch.

"I should have taken more." Who knew what was out there; and a little extra could only do more good than harm, right? "I feel so much like a ninja." She grinned.

With all of her past sneaking out and lying to her family, the emerald eyed girl felt like the baddest thing in all of Yukigakure. The only thing missing from her plan was Yuddia, the sea dog.

Jade's frown deepened as she remembered her tardy member. Gazing back at her watch: 6:01AM

Jade began to worry, a thousand questions running through her mind: Would she have to go home? Wouldn't all the maids be up now? How long before they discover her absent? Or worse, the missing jewels!

She visibly shuddered, at the idea of being caught. She was terrified of the possible outcome.

However, her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a soft feminine voice.

"H-hello?"

'Oh shit.' Looking up she spotted a small figure struggling to detangle her shoe from the forests sap.

Up ahead a girl, maybe around her age, struggled to get over one of the over grown tree roots. 'Who the hell was she?'

Jade visibly relaxed a bit seeing that this girl couldn't be one of her mother's trackers. With an oversize brown wool coat and a pair of discoloured light blue pants, the girl in front of her dressed more like a merchant than one of her mother's bloodhounds.

She managed to slide across the ginormous root and was making her way toward Jade.

One steep

Then another

A strong gust of wind

And she falls

Golden strands dramatically scrapped the side of her cheek as she face planted among the rough pebbles.

'Do I help her?' Jade seriously contemplated. On one hand, she could just continue to stare and watch of Couse. There was no real rules about helping strangers on a runaway mission. After all, it took real talent for a person to trip and fall into the snowy marsh, despite its very obvious spot along the pathway. Even Jade, as big of a klutz as she is, manage to spot the elevated tree root from six foot away.

"H-help."

Letting out a sigh Jade wordlessly complied as she made her way toward the stranger. 'My good deed for the day is done.' Crouching down while grabbed her foot the raven hair girl released her from its entanglement.

The blond haired female, feeling the release quickly scurried on all fours before hoping back onto her two feet.

What an odd child.

"Thank you!" she bow. Then brushed off the snow and dirt from her outfit. "Who would have known that getting passed the forest would have been so tricky!" she laughed.

'Umm...Everyone?..'

Was this girl an idiot? Getting up from her crouching position Jade simply shrugged it off and walked back to her supplies. The girl following in suit.

"Um, are you waiting for.." she paused. Biting her lips not really sure if she continue. "Y-Yuudia-sama?"

"Yes."

'Oh thank, Kami!"

Nodding her head, Jade arched an eyebrow. Maybe this girl wasn't as useless as she made her as, perhaps she might even know where that dirty sea dog was. "Or better yet, why he's late." She grumbled under her breath.

Clapping her palms together the strange girl cheered, "Oh thank goodness! I was not expecting another guest at this location!"

Ah, yes guest. Yuudia used the word 'guest' to promote his underground ring of transportation, when really they would most likely be living like rats as they slept under his floor board for the next week or so.

Oh, Jade hope they didn't. But just in case she had packed her food and water supply. Although, the idea of a week without a bath plus being surrounded by Kami knows how many people made her want to cry.

Jade liked being clean.

She liked being clean very much.

Going back to the conversation she shifted her gaze back to the blond "Yeah..neither was I.." picking up her backpack by a strap she threw it over her shoulder. This new comer couldn't be trusted yet. "Do you even know where he's at?" She asked, keeping her trained eyes on her.

It's been too long.

He wasn't stupid, greedy yes, but not stupid. He wouldn't dare leave two stranded 'guest' with the amount he would be making. With charging five hundred ryos for sleeping under his unmopped floors, this man was a surely a fool for leaving ten thousand on the shores of Yukigakure.

The girl clutched onto the slightly torn sleeves of her woollen shirt. "Um.. He told my mother and father that he would be here at half past six for pick-up.. So anytime now?"

And not even a second latter the sound of parting sea water was heard as the mist tore in half revealing a small wooden boat rowing toward them. In it was simply a boy no older then the two of them.

"Good morning ladies!" He shouted, grinning as he reached the two. "Are you ready for the trip that will change your life!"

Well this was strange.

The brut of a man who probably live in the grim of his unscrubbed ship had sent a mere boy to pick them up? Where did he even get this kid? Oh, goodness. If it was his she would pity the women who would have to bore his span.

However, the strange blond didn't think twice before nodding eagerly at the boy. "Who are you?" Jade questioned watching as her new found follower struggle to get herself in without drenching the bottom half of her pants.

"I am Shin! Yuudia-sama's most trusted subordinate and loyal follower of his greatness!" So he's found himself a fanboy. Nice.

Well, she's waited this long, every minute she waste interrogating the boy, the more that she is at risk of being found. Might as well.

Making her way toward the boat Jade grumbled. "A little late," But better later than never. Perhaps punctuation didn't matter much when it came to illegal dealings.' She thought sarcastically, but made a mental note of it anyways.

Throwing her yellow bag into the boat first the emerald eyed girl quickly followed.

An hour passed, and it didn't take too long into their trip before the two others started to have a conversation. The boy, whose name was Shin, continued to row the boat as he went on about how amazing sea life was, while the blond, Sachi, waved her arms animatedly as she talked about her adventures as a shopkeeper's daughter.

They were both incredibly loud.

"What about you, Jade-chan?" She had given her name earlier after a little pestering. "Huh?"

Bright grey eyes gazed uncomfortably into her own. "How did you find out about Yuudia-sama!" She giggled, "Mou, you're bad at listening, Jade-chan!"

Another voice jumped in, "That's right Hinako-san-" Ok so she may have lied a tad bit "- if you plan on surviving this trip you must listen well and pay attention to your surroundings!" The boy chastised as the two nodded.

She scoffed, those two were idiots. Listening and paying attention to small details was a trait she had acquired after years of living with her insane family. After all, one wrong move and it could be a week of agony and pain.

The only difference between then and now was the fact her life wasn't at risk, and these children were both annoying as hell.

"Yeah I'll work on that..." She lied.

Both seem satisfied with that. "So how did you find out about our generous saviour!" generous? He was charging them five hundred ryos! Do they not know how much bread they could buy with five hundred ryos!?

Masking her thoughts Jade adjusted her sitting position. These wooden seats were not doing her any favours in the comfort zone. "I was walking around in the village when I overheard about some man who was willing to take people away from the city." she made a small gesture with her hands. "You know, to get away from Kazahana-dono." The two cringed and nodded.

Jade may have oversimplified how she discovered the man's whereabouts, but that didnt matter much. The less these two knew, the safer she was.

"Yeah." Sachi gave a faint smile, " I just hope my family will be ok." Her cheerful demander shifted.

"Don't worry Fujioka-sama, if they were smart enough to send you to Yuudia-sama than they will surely survive!" Shin shouted, trying to comfort the young girl.

"Yeah, at least you're safe." Jade gave her the best causal grin she could muster.

"Thank you both." She laughed "But let's not talk about such sad things anymore." She locked eyes with Shins tattered yellow jacket and realized it had the same symbol of the Yuudia's boats crest. "Are you really that close to Yuudia-sama?" her little fingers pointed toward the circular object. A small golden pendent with a star marked over with a cross. To be given someone else's crest meant acceptances and great trust from the owner.

Nodding his head widely with a silly grin on his face Shin's enthusiastic replied, "Yes! Yuudia found me when I lost my parents to the war. And he hired me as his apprentice ever since!" well that was kind of him. Such honour to a mear apprentice. From the small dealings Jade had with that man, she would have never guess he would be one to adopt an orphan. "Really?"

"- Oh yes! He allows me to sweep, mop, and even take the night steering in order to mould me into the perfect captain one day!"

Ah, free labour. That makes more sense now. He was like a pet.

"That's wonderful Shin-chan!" The boy blushed, "I'm sure you will make a wonderful captain someday!"

'Or a slave boy forever.' Sighing jade turned away from their conversation. Watching the waves rock against the boat was soothing her somehow.

She was leaving. She was finally away from Snow land.

How did she feel though? A mixture of glee, fear, and ..and something else.

'I probably just need more sleep.' Folding her arms she against the wooden lining of the boat Jade rested her head. Waking up at two in the morning and wondering into an unmarked forest wasn't a normal occurrence for her.

'Yeah, she just needed to sleep.'

After a half hour more of rowing Jade got up and impatiently voiced, "How much longer?"

This was taking way to long. How far did that bastard get when he sent his lackey to come pick them up.

"Not much longer, look!" index finger trusted ahead as two lights shined through the dense fog. The fog parted in a similar fashion to earlier but this time it was bigger; more dramatic.

Sachi gasped "Wow."

'Wow, indeed.' Jade nodded.

Jade had only met the man in person when the deal was struck, so she had no real idea of how massive or small this man's ship was. Enough to transport packages and people of course. But this?

Before the children's eyes was a ship that could rival one of Kazahana's battle boats that were always docked by the ports.

Two quick flashes blinded the two girls before another two came. But this time from their direct.

When it was finally dark Jade looked at Shin. "Code?"

Shin nodded as he rowed us closer to the massive piece of metal.

"Ladder down!" was shouted as a loud bang was heard as something came tumbling down from above. Just missing Jade by a hair width. "What the hell!?"

Her cries were ignored as Shin shooed them up the ladder.

"I almost died!" she shouted as the two ignored her as Sachi scurried past Jade.

Grumbling she threw her straps on and did the same.

'What have I gotten myself into?'

As soon as all three kids boarded the ship, a couple of men pushed them aside and began climbing down the same ladder. "You girls!" someone shouted, and before they knew what was going on, the two were pushed, shoved, and pulled in all directions. "What the hell!" Jade shouted yanking her arm away from one of the sea lads.

They were in a nicely lit room with none other than the man himself. "Yuudia-sama!" Sachi shouted bowing as Jade just continued to stare up at the man. "Nice room." She commented as the two men excused themselves and left the captain's quarters.

"Hinako-chan!" The blonde girl hissed, shifting her grey eyes back and forth between the captain and Jade.

Rolling her eyes she did a mock curtsy while lifting the corners of her wool coat. "Nice to meet you Yuudia-sama"

The man gave a hearty laugh. "Why thank you ladies, now I feel somewhat bad for asking you to pay your dues."

"So don't make us."

"I don't feel that bad." He shot a cheeky grin at the raven haired child, and held open his hand.

Sachi dug into her pocket and present him with five gold pieces as Jade yanked the chain around her neck off.

"Will this do, Yuudia-sama?" Worry crossed the little ones features, as Sachi waited for his reply. She had more, but her mother and father had struggled a great deal to get a hold of the amount she currently had; and explained how important it was to use them to start her new life in whatever land she resides.

"These will do just nicely." She let out a sigh of relief

'Greedy pig.' Of course it would. Those were gold solid pieces, something that was extremely rare to come by. How Sachi manage to get her hands on one of them –let alone five- was baffling. Two was enough to equate for five hundred ryos easily.

Jade on the other hand, tossed the giant red ruby attached by a thick golden chain at him. Catching it he grinned at the size. "I am sure this will more than compensate for my fare." she more of stated.

He just nodded and made a motion with his hands.

"Two of my men will be outside. They will show you your quarters.."

"Thank you, Yuudia-sama!" Sachi exclaimed running to catch up with her new friend who had already walked out the door.

Once out Sachi spotted her friend and two gruff looking men that smelt like dirty mop water and tuna.

"Alright! Let's go girls, we don't have all day." One stated, ruffling his green hair. "Why do we have to babysit" he grumbled under his breath as he and his mate lead the girls to the other side of the ship in silence.

Or near silence anyways.

"Ne, Jade-chan, how do you feel?" She asked finally, finding the cold demeanour a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

Jade shrugged. "I don't feel anything."

"Well.." She paused biting her lower lip as they continued to follow the two men to their rooms. Jade was tired and need to get away from this noisy girl. "I feel ok, but I'm super excited about our new home!" she nudged Jade "I bet there's going to be good food, people, and hopefully not cold- Oh! But if it is than it's ok." Pointing to their clothing "I'm sure we could live anywhere after Yuki-"

"Alright-alright, we're here." One of the men interrupted. 'Thank goodness' all three thought, the initial silence was nice, too bad it ended quickly.

Standing in front of a steel bolted door that was covered with a plethora of scratches and blue chalk, was the little group.

"So... Is this my room?" to be honest, she was surprised they even got a room. No floor boards, no rats? Unless this was somehow the door that lead down to the ship's underground lair, this was most likely a normal room. What lays inside, well, they'll find out soon enough.

"Both." What. "Yay! Jade-chan and I are going to be bunkmates!"

She turned her heals to the two men behind her. "No- no that can't be!? I mean – weren't were supposed to be hidden somewhere, not in a room out in the open?" Stay calm Jade. Stay calm.

Starching his arms nonchalantly the man spoke. "Normally yes, but since we've had an influx lately there wasn't much room to place you in our usual spots." He motioned downwards. "- but since you two were children, and the last packages for this trip, it was much simpler to just place you in a room."

"-Pulse it would be easier to hide you in the event that we encounter one of those annoying check-point searches."

Give her rats, give her floor boards. But please don't leave here in a room with just Sachi.

"Oh! And this is also one of the crewmates room, so don't worry little princess. We didn't make any special accommodation for your arrival" he joked. Unlocking the door as the young girls walked in.

Ok, maybe this wouldn't be too bad. Looking around there was a moderate amount of space for about four people. With two metal bunk beds on each side of the room. Not only did they get a bed, something that Jade honestly was not expecting, but there will be another person there who would entertain the chatterbox while she attempted to get some shut eye.

Placing her bag underneath one of the bunks she mad a silent claim to the space. "o-oh who's room is this?"

"Yeah who!" A voice, already onto the top bunk, threw in.

The other man dressed in black waked in and pointed at the bunk on the left side of the room. "One of the captain's charity cases. What was his name? Jin, Lin...-gosh. What was it?"

His buddy smacked him upside the head "It's Shin you idiot!"

"Ah. Yeah."

No.

"Yay! Shin-kun will be with us!"

No.

"And now we'll all be together until we reach the new station! This will be so fun!"

With wide eyes and a sullen look she grasped onto one of the nearby men. "H-how long till we reach port."

Shaking off her hold on him she looked to his crewmate. "Well, if the weather remains good maybe four days? Five tops? Does that seem to be right Mamaru?"

Please no, a week with just those two. Jade could barely handle the two hours on the boat! And the idea of a whole week! She did not pack enough medicine for this.

"Yeah, Kohana's about four days if the sea gods are kind to us. Oh but-" he was suddenly interrupted when a familiar voice and body cannoned their way into the room. "Yuudai-sama told me about the good news!" Shin huffed out.

Standing a foot away from Jade was an out of breath Shin. Off was his old tattered mustard coat and on with the black sweatpants and blue and white striped shirts. He looked just like the other members on the crew, although a whole lot shorter.

Clearly running over from the captain's room back, Shin threw his hands up and engulfed Jade in a hug as Sachi made her way down the metal ladder that connected the two beds. "I wanted to welcome you before you guy got here but I guess that's too late now. Haha!"

Her hairs stood on ends 'Too close, too close'

Thankfully the blond hopped off and ran toward Shin, wanting a hug as well.

Retreating back to her bag, she watched as the two escorts shrugged and left the room. Their job was done, there was no reason to stay and babysit as well.

Collapsing on the bed as the other two chattered on about things she could care less for, Jade rubbed her temples.

This was going to be a long journey.

Hours past and large green eyes fluttered open. "Gah, I fell asleep," She muttered, clutching onto her head. Afternoon naps were ok, but sleep for longer than thirty minutes and a head-splitting migraine was ensured.

The room door swung open as two individuals walked in. "Oh, you're up."

"Good morning- Oh I mean good evening Jade-chan"

Swinging her legs over the bed Jade made an attempt to get up. "Um, evening. What time is it anyways?" she asked out loud, completely forgetting that she had own time tracker on her wrist.

"It's 1:40 in the evening," The boy replied. "I know that because of the sun." He nodded proudly as he pointed to the only port hole in their cabin.

"Oh!" Sachi clapped her hands impressed. "Sugoi, Shin-kun!"

"Please tell me you're kidding me."

"No, I really can-!"

"No, not that!" he shut up as she looked down, now remembering that she had a watch. 2:00 beamed out mockingly in neon red against her black background.

"It's 2:00" she groaned. No wonder she had such a massive headache. She missed breakfast, lunch, and fell asleep in the middle of the day.

Shin Pouted. "Well, that's close enough."

"That's still really amazing though Shin-kun! I'm sure you'll get better!"

Too much Sachi, please no more.

A few moments later she felt a light tug on her bladder. "Um," she interrupted the two, "I need to use the little girl's room." A bit of red creeped up her neck as a blush formed on her cheek. This was kind of a personal issues, and she was not use to asking where bathrooms were since most of the time she was in her own home.

The two perked up, "I'll show you!" they shouted in unison.

"It's ok I can show her Shin-kun,"

"Oh, you don't have to-" Jade was ignored.

"No, it's ok Sachi-san, you girls might get lost, and I am an expert navigator!"

"But it's a girl's room, you're a boy!"

"Guy's-" She tried once more.

"It's not like I'll go in or anything."

"But the principal is the same. Plus you showed me around very well. I think I can -"

"Yeah but-"

"GUYS!" her booming voice was finally herd. Crossing her legs she pointed down. "Just show me!" She honestly didn't care who bloody showed her. Directions would be just fine. But she needed to pee. And pee now. So nothing matter much. Send a flying donkey to show her, Jade really didn't care by now, just someone please get her to a toilet asap!

"H-hai!" two hands each grabbed an arm and rushed her down the corridor and to the nearest W.C.

Soon after the children all rushed toward the bathroom did Jade finally get some peace of quiet. Washing her hands she took a deep breath. 'It's ok Jade. Just one week. One week and you're free.' It didn't take long before this became a mantra for her as the days pasted.

The first night was horrible despite the fact that it began alright. After the bladder fiasco the children had a lot of time to kill. Opting to give Jade a tour similar to the one Shin had given Sachi earlier on. They had fun and Jade was starting to slowly get use to them. Dinner was then announced and the children got served, some indigestible green sludge. That ended and they all headed back to their rooms and were able to wash up for bed -thank goodness the ship had some decent restrooms!- and the lights were turned off. However, what really ruined the night was what came after: Sachi's constant chattering. Even after the lights had been flickered off, Sachi and Shin had continued to talk about random subjects as Jade pretend to sleep. A pillow over her head and the itchy blanket up to her neck she tried everything to drown out the voices. A little while later and then they both knocked out.

'Thank goodness,' She thought before the real problem set it.

With Sachi tossing and turing, which caused her bed to shake and clank. It was a very restless night. Add that along with Shin's earth rattling snores and it equals one of the worst night of her life.

The second and third night had been extremely better, as Jade learned little neat tricks to help her sleep better at night. Such as stealing ear plugs from the upper deck and opting to sleep under Shin's bunk from then on. Saying that it was better for her chakra flow, not that any of them knew much about that, so they believed her.

Yet, it was weird. After spending all most all day and night with the two Jade was beginning to feel more at home than she ever had been back in the snow village. No one hit her, no one yelled at her, and no one told her what to do. It was great! And strangely enough, she had gotten use to their little midnight chats. And even enjoyed some of the subjects that she had even thrown in her own two cents and/or opinions.

Now it was four in the evening and the three children were playing a game of shogi. A game that Jade had realized that she was fairly good at. Or the two were just really bad.

"Alright kids, tomorrow we dock at noon so make sure to have you stuff ready by then." Timo, one of the men who lead them to their room, opened the door to let them know.

"It's almost time to leave?" Sachi's voice asked, a sad hint in her tone. "Yeah! We will be landing in Kohana, so prepare for warmer weather." Jade just nodded and glanced over to her companions. They both looks depressed.

"Um, thanks for letting us know Timo,"

"No problem, Tiger, I'm going to go tell the rest of the guest." She rolled her eyes at him and nodded.

At least she wouldn't here that nickname again. She swore, if she had known that practicing her stealth and ninjutsu on the crew would earn her such a terrible nickname, she might have not done it at all.

Ok.. Maybe

But she would be better, stealthier, and not get caught.

"I swear, attacking two people and that automatically makes me a black and orange stripped cat. That's just nonsense whoever gave him-" Turning back to her friends. Yes, she considered them friends now. Sharing a shower with someone really could do miracles. She stopped misstatement.

"Hey you guys ok?" she asked, their game of shogi long forgotten.

"Yeah."

"I guess."

Well that's a no. Jade sucked at reading people half the time, but she was sure as hell that they were not 'Alright.'

Placing the pieces back into its box she continued "Am I going to have to beat it out of you or are you guys just going to tell me." She would never use violence in that manner, but they knew it was an empty threat.

A soft sigh "Well, it's just that it's ending."

"Ending?"

Shin looked up "Yeah, Jade, after we dock we probably won't see each other again."

Sachi nodded tearfully. Trying her hardest not to blow up into a crying fit.

"A-aren't you sad?" round watery grey eyes stared back at her.

She was a little taken aback, "Well yeah, but," to be honest she was looking forward to leaving initially, and that somehow made her come to accept parting easier. "I'm sure we will still see each other again..one day"

Come on Jade where was that epithetical side. Over time she had developed a special way to talk to Sachi. Working her in a way where she was agreeable and not as bothersome.

It didn't work as Sachi blew.

Big fat tears rolled down her face as Shin looked at her and busted out crying also. "I-It's not f-f-fair!" She shouted. Her face red and puffy, arms lifted in a way to remove the waterfall that was coming down.

"My only friends are leaving me." Shin interjected, his face slightly more red then Sachi.

Turning her head rapidly between the two, Jade was completely baffled.

What was she supposed to do!?

Her brothers were too old, her mother was a crazy bitch, and she was normally the one crying! She had zero experience with this stuff.

Jades body worked without her knowing what she was doing and before she knew it she had both of the kids in a head lock.

"S-stop!" She shouted slightly flustered. "Stop crying!"

The two just cried louder.

Closing her eyes Jade felt a migrain start to come in. "It's not the end!"

The crying softened as their attention was on her.

'Great.'

Jade inhaled, "We will still see each other, Sachi and I are staying in the same village and Yuudai's ship will doc here again eventually,"

The cry's now gone and turned into slight hick-ups.

"And when he docks Sachi and I will be the first ones there to greet you. No matter if it's only until they unload everything or if it's for a couple of days."

The crying stopped as she let go of them. And gave them a tired smile.

"Ok?"

They both nodded as they wiped their face.

"S-so we'll still be friends Jade?" Shin asked both children looking at her hopeful. "Yeah," In all her twelve years of living, never had anyone wanted her friendship so bad as to cry. It was different, and she felt bad for saying this but, she liked it, "yeah we will."

She liked it very, very much.

Night quickly fell upon them as the children did what they usually do. They ate, made fun of the crew men, went downstairs to help feed some of the people who were stuck down below, and got ready for bed. The only difference tonight was that they weren't planning on sleeping much.

Both Jade and Shin, dressed in the Pyjamas, climbed up the ladder and on top of Sachi's bed.

"Alright guys, what should we talk about tonight?" the male asked, as he and Jade both crawled under the sheets.

Usually the blond was the topic master. Able to come up with anything to talk about, regardless of how impossible nor grotesque it might be.

"How about our past and what we want for the future? Since, you know, we're moving on and stuff." This came as shock to the other two. Ever since their first meeting on the little wooden boat, neither of them bother to bring up such a sore subject, especially when Sachi was around

"Um sure, who wants to go first?" Jade asked. She knew a little about the two, but not really anything you couldn't find out on your own.

Shin played with the edges of the blanket. "um..how about you Jade-san, we-"

"Just Jade" he smiled at willingness to drop the honorifics, "sorry – Jade, how about you? We don't really know much about you."

Shrugging she didn't really care, she told her story. Blurring out some details and emphasising others.

"Well where to start." Honestly where would be a good place to start, "Um, I was born during spring time, although most wouldn't think so since it's always snowing" Sachi giggled. "-and it was a pretty normal time until my father passed away when I turned three." Both gasped. "I'm so sorry Jade-chan!"

She laughed "its fine, its fine" she motioned with her hand. "I really didn't know him so it doesn't hurt as much."

"but losing a parent still hurts." Shin looked away "You know,…. the 'what ifs'."

"Yeah, but I'm fine.. I try not to think too much about it, you know?" they both nodded. Eager to hear more.

"Let's see. He died, my mom threw lots of parties to the point where our funds that he had left for us were drying out, and so I was sent away seeing as my mother could no longer support my older brothers and me any longer."

"Wow! And here I always thought you were some sort of noblemen!" The blond girl shouted. As the boy agreed.

"Huh?Why?" well they weren't wrong.

The boy pointed at her bag, "First off, your coat looks a lot nicer then what I usually see one of our guest wears, and secondly you seemed a bit..." he looked away, embarrassed at what he was about to say. "Stuck up."

What!?

"Wait, stuck-up!? What do you mean?!" In Jades eyes, she had always been the most logical and reasonable person in her family. Hell, her whole society. And she was nice too. Not that fake nice that the rest of the children in her society played.

He waved his had rapidly. "No! That was before, I got to know you!"

"Yeah! Now your nice Jade-chan!"

"You too Sachi!?"

Both grinned innocently. "Ah,...maybe a tad bit."

Pitching the bridge of her noise, 'Well it can't be helped'

"But I'm better now?" they both nodded.

"Well that's good, anyways enough about me! I choose!" she pointed at the boy who called her 'Stuck-up'.

"But you're future!-"

"Doesn't matter; Go Shin!"

He blushed and saluted; almost second nature now "Y-yes!" As the girls giggled.

"Um, well you both know that I was taking in by Yuudia – the best captain to tame these seas!- and that my parents are both dead, but what you don't know is that I actually have relatives that could have taken me in."

Now that was weird. "Why didn't you go find them when you found out, Shin-kun?" Grey eyes looked at him with curiosity "Did you like the waters that much?"

"Not really," he started "but I do really like Yuudia-sama! And he's done nothing bad to me! He's taught me how hard work will get you places, and has shown me enough love like a father to a son."

He looked out the window dismissively. "Plus, I found out that my aunt and uncle also had kids around my age. So I would have been more of a nuisance if anything. An outsider of the sort."

Ah, that made sense, why live with people where you had to share the attention; when you could easily have someone all for yourself. I guess even Shin, the most giving guy, can be selfish once in a while.

"Don't worry Shin-kun, if you ever need a family we will be that family!"

"Um, Sachi I don't think that's where he's going with-"

"Thank you Sachi! Jade! You two are so; kind!"

She smiled weakly. These two were somehow always on the same wave lengths. Sometime totally beyond herself.

"Anyways, my future!" His face so much brighter now, "When I turn fifteen Yuudia will promote me from apprentice and finally let me handle the exports dealings while he directs the imports!"

"That's great!"

"Yeah, you'll finally get paid"

"Not at all!" His face still as bright as the two girls laughed.

"Well at least you're almost there." Even if Yuudia was still getting free labour, this seemed to benefit Shin more then she thought. So she wasn't too bothered. Just three more years.

"Yep! Just five more years!" Both girls stopped laughing.

"WHAT!?" they both shouted. Something was wrong, did she not math right!?

"You're ten!?"

"How is this possible!?"

"You're so tall!?"

"And he sent you out to sea to get us and you're only ten!?"

How could this be!? This Shin, who they both thought was their age if not a bit older, was actually ten!

Wait.

"Sachi how old are you?" No one could be trusted now "twelve, you" her tone held the same expression as her own. "Same."

They booth sighed. At least they were still in this ageing battle together.

"Anyways what about you Sachi! It's your turn!" The now baby of the group called out. As she nodded.

Playing with her short hair she thought. "Well, you both know that my parents were shop owners, we owned a cute little bread shop-"

"Bread shop" emerald eyes now sparkled. "What kind of stuff did you sell?" trying to keep a calm face despite her oncoming excitement.

"Well we sell other things besides bread, but we mostly sell stuff like: anmitsu, anpan, mellonpan, mochi ice cream, and castella."

Why couldn't Jade have met her sooner. All the bread and deserts she could eat. She wanted to cry.

"That's amazing Sachi! You must be excellent at baking!" she blushed "I learned a bit from my ka-san but it's nothing too impressive."

"You must show me when we move into the village." Jade demanded. Bread. Just imagining her first meal being something like castella or sata andagi would be heaven.

The two other children laughed. "You're so cute Jade-chan!" Sachi giggled. "Who knew you could make that kind of face too!"

Jade blushed "H-hey!" she shouted "Continue on with your story!" not really enjoying being the butt of their jokes. That position usually belonged to Shin!

The girl nodded now taking a more sober tone. "Um, well, my family was really simple. We were really good for a while, with you know; good income, lots of bread, and fun times. But that soon changed as the war worsened. Soon enough people couldn't afford to pay for our food, and supplies to bake was being really expensive. Okasan and Otosan didn't know what else to do." She smiled sadly at her hands. "I had a younger brother you know, really sweet and small. He was about five when I last saw him. He died two months ago." She bit her lip in order to stop the oncoming sobs. Jade didn't know what to say as Shin frowned. "What happened?"

"It was the war. It was getting really bad and break-ins were become more frequent. We didn't live in the nicest part of Yukigakure but it wasn't that bad also at first. But when people couldn't make enough to eat anymore everything was thrown into chaos. A-and then there was this fire." The blond inhaled letting out a wet sob. "I was at one of the few store that was still running with mama at the time and papa was at home with Eiji. When mama and I reached our neighbourhood we saw smoke and she started to run, pulling me with her. I remember being so scared and not knowing what to do at that time. My mama was panicking and I was really bad at running. However," her eyes closed. Remembering each detail. "When we finally reach our house there was shinobis outside, keeping the outsides out while our house was on fire."

Sachi finally cried, "I was so scared. Okasan had left me and tried to talk to one of the shinobi, shouting that Eiji and papa were still in there- but I could tell they weren't listening. Time seemed to go so slow for me as I watched the home I grew up in start to fall apart. Two shinobis jumped out of the send floor windows and then my house exploded. Not once did I cry that day. As one of the men that jumped out held my dad and the other my brother."

Oh no.

"Mama and I rushed toward them and they were taken to a hospital. My father was in critical condition and my brother was pounced dead while he was in the operation room. Apparently-" Tears wouldn't stop now. "Apparently there was a break in, two men broke in thinking that we were out. My papa caught them off guard and they got scared and started fighting. They knocked over some of our equipment and that's how the fire started." Her fist shaking now. "They got away as my papa went to grab my brother, yet the fire moved fast and one of the wooden shafts on the ceiling fell on him. When the shinobi had found him he had passed out with his arms around Eiji. Thankfully, my papa was recovering fine after he told the officials the story, but my brother." She let out a huge sob as she threw herself into Jade's unsuspecting arms.

"He inhaled too much smoke that night and got server burns."

"Sachi," enclosing her arms her awkwardly, Jade did her best to comfort the girl. Shin started to sob a bit also and crawled over for a hug.

Who would have guessed that this hyperactive child could have such a horrible story.

"I'm sorry." Jade whispered.

The blond shifted. "Why are you sorry, you didn't burn my house down." She laughed trying to stop her sobs as she rubbed her eyes.

Throwing her air in the fist she smiled. "But that's why I'm here now, and I can't be sad any longer!"

The three of them smiled. " What happened to them –your parents I mean… If you don't mind tell us Sachi." The young boy asked, going back to his spot on the bed.

"Well, when papa started to recover him and mama talked about sending me away. They had known about a man who would take people into new lands for a fee and they felt like the safest place for me was away from there. Not wanting to lose another child, you know?" She sighed "But they gave me money, and are staying with some well-off friends we had. So we are good as far as I know. Oh!" running over to her messenger bag that hung along one of the bed post, she threw her hands within the previously zipped up pocket. "They gave me some directions!"

"Directions?"

"Yeah! Apparently Papa wasn't originally a Yukigakure citizen; he's actually moved there to be with my Mama. He's really from Suna, and has a brother there!"

"Oh- but we're heading to Kohana?"

Sachi nodded. Yeah but that's only a three days journey and mama and papa gave me enough to pay for a travel mission." her face brightened then frowned "But aren't you staying in Kohana Jade? Or do you want to come with me!"

Smiling at her friend Jade shook her head. She had heard a lot about Suna and Kohana from her tortures- studies- back at home and coming from a cold place like Yukigakure she was sure, that Suna weather would probably kill her. "Thank you, but I feel like I need to make my own life in Kohana. But hey, if it doesn't work out I will be right there with you!" She joked. Not letting her friend's sad face ruin the rest of the night.

"But hey, we're all here now! Let's enjoy this while we can." The other two nodded as they began to chat about aimless things. Their favour foods and animals. All night until all three managed to pass out in a peaceful slumber.

xXxXx

Thank you for reading this chapter. I thought I would end it with a sweet moment for you guys. Please let me know what you think of it so far! Also next chapter you will finally see you favourite Shinobis!

Till then you guys.

LLGX out.