Spirit- Time to update this one.
Tenshi- :distracted by something shinny:
Spirit-...yeah... Anyways, hope you all enjoy. It's longer that the last chap. Much longer.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot
Hotaru's back connected painfully with the trunk of a tree. She was barely able to dodge another punch aimed at her head before she had to block a kick. Looking back at the tree that still had the guys fist she nearly lost her balance. There was a deep whole in it. Had it been her head, her skull and brains would have turned into mush. Chances of her even surviving this fight weren't looking too good. She was running out of energy and fast. She didn't know any special techniques and other then her healing ability she had no other magic powers either. All odds were definitely against her. However she was not one to give up, not anymore. No matter how painful it was, the violet eyed girl would see this match through to the end.
The guy removed his fist from the tree and shook the wood chips off it. His hand wasn't even bleeding. "You're pretty quick. I didn't think a small girl like you would last this long." he said with a smirk.
"Unfortunately I'm starting to get bored, so I'll finish this." he began to walk towards her. All Hotaru could do was shoot backwards, but knew it was no use. This match was already over. She should just except her fate and get it over with. When she stopped resisting she let out a breathe and waited. The boy raised his fist, ready for the final strike. "Any last words?"
"Dark Magician!! Attack!" suddenly out of nowhere a light blue blast shot out and hit her attacker. He flew several yards away and didn't seem like he was going to get up anytime soon.
Hotaru's violet eyes looked over and saw three figures standing some ways away. One was in a very elaborate purple costume and was floating above the ground. The other two stood behind him. The tallest was a tri-colored hair boy wearing leather pants and a jacket. He had two belts across his waist and an upside down golden pyramid around his neck on a chain. The last was another boy whose hair was a little tanner than Haruka's and was slightly long. His eyes were a light purple but had unusual marks underneath them. He wore a purple shirt, beige pants, several golden arm bands and bracelets, and two small golden earrings.
The two boys rushed over to see if she was ok. However, she couldn't help but stare at the floating one. Was it even human? An aura seemed to be emitting around it as it flew over to them. It said nothing, did nothing. Just hovered there, staring at her.
"Miss I asked if you were ok?" came a slightly agitated voice to her left. Her still dazed eyes turned to see it was the tri-colored hair boy. She nodded, not yet finding her words.
"That was a stupid question Yami, she just got the shit beaten out of her." Snapped the other one who was on her right side.
Yami glared at him, "I didn't see you try to do anything to save her."
"Um...I'm fine." Hotaru's small voice went unnoticed by the two as they continued to bicker.
"Are you two already dueling? Whats-...Hotaru?! What the hell happened?" All three turned to see Bakura running over to them. "What the fuck did you two do to her!!"
"We didn't do shit! That idiot over there was the one beating your girlfriend to death." The Egyptian looking one said as he pointed to the guy Hotaru had been fighting. Bakura's eyes narrowed at the sight of the unconscious boy.
"Him again?" He growled then crouched down next to the violet eyed girl. "What happened?"
"If I tell you, you will kill him."
"He did THAT?!" All three boys shouted.
"What? No, no, no! He just ambushed me!" Hotaru cried, waving her hands in front of her. They relaxed a little, but of course Bakura was still obviously pissed. They helped her up and checked her over. Most of her cuts and bruises were already starting to heal up. While the two newcomers watched in awe, Bakura just dusted his own pants off then looked to the others.
"Well, I was going to be pissed at you two for not being at the front so I could show you to our new dorms but seeing as how you saved Hotaru I'll let it slide...for now." He gave them a warning glare. Both just rolled their eyes.
"I'm Mutoh Yami, and this is Ishtar Marik." Yami said with a slight bow.
Hotaru followed, "I'm Tomoe Hotaru. Thanks so much for helping me."
"It was no problem. My Dark Magician was thankfully quick enough to react." by now the magician had disappeared. The violet eyed girl decided she would ask Bakura about that later.
The four then walked back to the dorms, leaving the attacker still knocked out and in the middle of the court yard. Little did they know they had been watched for some time now. In the building across the way, several of the teachers had witnessed some of the fight. Setsuna, Kakashi, and Roy stood at the tall glass paneled window and watched as the four students left. Jun and Shigure were sitting on the two couches facing each other in the room and sipping their tea. Though it was against school rules for the students to fight without permission or under the careful watch of a teacher who would mediate the fight, the teachers thought this one would be an exception.
"It's a shame some more of her powers didn't surface." Kakashi stated.
Setsuna and Roy nodded. The red eyed woman sighed. "Still it was worth a shot. I did feel her energy spike up though. Perhaps she just needs more training. It may be her body can not yet take so much power."
"Still, we were wrong in letting this fight go on. She would have been killed if Yami and Marik hadn't been there." Roy put in.
Shigure set his tea cup down. "Hmm, that is unlikely." The three at the window turned to face him.
"Shigure is right." Jun said, setting her own cup back on its' little plate. "I had sent Bailong out there to intervene if it became necessary."
Kakashi smirked under his mask. "And you weren't planning on telling us this?"
"Shigure felt it, I thought you three would have noticed his presence out there as well." she said with a coy smile. Shigure also had to grin at the other threes' failure to sense the spirit no more than 30 feet away from the fight.
Roy smiled slightly and put his hand in his pocket. "Guess we were too occupied with the fight to notice."
"That wasn't the boy who attacked Sakura was it?" Shigure asked, a small fan now in his hand and slightly waving it at himself.
Kakashi shook his head. "No, neither was it any of his friends. Her attacker is still out there. It has to be one of the students too. The only teacher with a fire type power it Roy."
"And I was on a date with Setsuna that night." said woman sweat-dropped.
"We were not on a date. We just bumped into each other at a cafe." she tried to reason.
Shigure wore his infamous "oh really?" grin. "Sounds like a date to me." Jun couldn't help but giggle. Setsuna was always getting teased by the dog of the zodiac. And mostly it was always about her love life... or rather lack there of. Forgetting about the fight and Hotaru's slumbering powers, they began talking about their next lessons and other matters.
88888
Hotaru's body ached. The events of yesterday and this early morning played in her head. After Bakura, Yami, and Marik walked her back to her dorm she had to deal with Haruka. Needless to say the sandy haired woman was not pleased that Hotaru managed to get herself into another fight. After that she met up with Makoto, Minako, and Krad. Minako was so upset with the news of her boyfriend cheating and the break-up she could barely get through a song without crying. Krad did his best though to cheer her up, and for the most part it helped. Hotaru ended up getting home late and then had to wake up early to train. Yusuke and Haruka were more determined then ever to drill the fighting arts into her. Now she could barely walk without feeling all her muscles throb in protest. If her body wasn't healing itself she was sure she would look completely purple from all the bruises.
She was so out of it she didn't notice a large group of girls staring at a poster and giggling. Instead she walked into her first class and nearly collapsed into her seat. She just needed to rest, just a little. Maybe even close her eyes some. Once class started she would pay attention, but for now she just needed to sleep. Yeah, sleep was good.
"Hotaru!!" came a very un-welcomed voice. Slowly she opened her eyes to see Sakura running up to her desk and slam her hands down. The pink haired ninja had the hugest smile Hotaru had ever seen on her face. Needless to say this peeked her curiosity as to what was so exciting.
"Yes?"
"Didn't you hear? The school is going to have a dance next weekend! A Sadie's Hawkins Day dance!!"
"What's that?"
Sakura's face drained of color. "You're kidding me? Didn't you have dances at your old school?"
Hotaru just shook her head. Her old school was too strict. They barely allowed field trips. Sakura quickly explained that a Sadie's Hawkins dance was one where the girls had to ask the boys out instead of the other way around. It was also semi-formal and according to Sakura was going to be beyond awesome. The violet eyed girl thought about it. Though she had never been to a dance, it did sound like fun. However, there was one problem. Who on earth would she ask to go with her? The thought of asking a boy out made her blush. There was no way she would have the courage to do that. Sakura already knew who she wanted to ask, Hotaru just wondered how she was going to get through all of his rabid fangirls.
Roy came in and class started, but Hotaru's mind was elsewhere. She thought about it, and determined there wasn't really a boy she was crushing on at the moment. So, perhaps asking one of the guys she knew to go with her just as friends would be ok. Let's see. There was Bakura, Naruto, Ren, Yami, Marik, Kurama, Yusuke, Frey, Yuki, and Dark. She decided not Kurama, Yusuke, or Frey. They were too much like older brothers. She hardly knew Yuki, Yami, and Marik so probably not them either. Dark? NO! Just No!! So that left Bakura, Naruto, and Ren. She wondered if any of them even wanted to go to the dance. She needed to make sure of that first.
After thinking about that she wondered who her friends would take. No doubt Sakura would find a way to drag Sasuke there. Haruka would go with Michiru but she didn't know who the others were crushing on. Alice had a boyfriend, but she didn't know if he would come all the way here for a dance. Rini never mentioned any boys she liked. Usagi and the others were sure to find guys. They were some of the prettiest girls at school. This was starting to get her excited now. More questions poured into her head and she found it very hard to concentrate.
Finally class ended. Walking down the hall she noticed many girls conversing and eyeing the boys. The guys just wore conceited smiles and winked at some of the girls. Hotaru just rolled her eyes. Was this how they always got around dances? Maybe she shouldn't go. There were bound to be lots of couples there, she would feel awkward.
"Hotaru?! So are you going?" Rini cried waving and running up to her in the hall.
Hotaru shrugged as the two began to walk side by side. "I'm not sure. I don't know who to ask."
"Oh please, you can have your pick. That's the fun of it!" the younger cried.
"But what if they turn me down?" that uneasy feeling returned to her stomach. She was way too embarrassed to ask a guy to the dance. Even as a friend.
Rini sighed heavily. "Come on Hotaru, it can't be that bad. If you get turned down you get turned down. Unless you like the guy who cares? Just ask the next one."
"Do you like anyone Rini?" instantly she saw the small girl blush. She gasped. She had no idea Rini had a crush on someone. "Who is it?"
"He's...uh...a boy... in one of my classes." Rini turned redder and was looking at the ground.
Hotaru smiled, it was so cute. She didn't press Rini further. Hotaru wasn't the nosy type. Besides, she would find out at the dance who Rini was getting so flustered about. The two parted ways and Hotaru went on to her next class. Billy was waiting outside the door, greeting the students as they entered his math class. When he saw Hotaru he stopped her.
"Hotaru, you're father called the office. He wants you to call him back right away." she nodded and headed to the main office. When she got there she told the secretary and the lady pointed her to the phone. Hotaru quickly dialed her home phone number. When that failed she dialed her fathers cell. It rang twice before a familiar voice picked up.
"Hello?"
Hotaru smiled, it had been so long since she heard his voice. "Papa? It's me, Hotaru."
"Oh, hello sweetie! I saw you had called and was wondering how you were doing? Are you making friends?"
"Yes, I have a lot of friends here." Hotaru said, a little upset that it took this long for her father to call her back. It had been over a week since she called him.
"That's great. Oh, hold on a sec sweetie." she heard him speaking to someone in the background and frowned. It was probably his assistant, Kaori. "Sorry about that Hotaru, so what are your classes like?"
"Papa did you even look into this school before sending me here?"
"No, I was contacted by the school. They thought you would be excellent for their programs."
"Dad this school is beyond normal."
"That's nice sweetie."she blinked. Was he even listening to her?
"Papa?"
"Yeah, sorry sweetie I have to go. I'll talk to you some other time."
"Wait dad!" too late, he had hung up. He even forgot to tell her he loved her. With a sigh she hung up the phone and just stood there for a moment. She had been so happy today, but now she was just plain sad. Did her father even miss her at all? She knew his work was important, but wasn't she too? He didn't even bother researching this school, just packed her up and shipped her off. She bet Kaori had something to do with that also. She knew that red haired witch hated her guts.
A hand appeared on her shoulder and she looked up to meet Kakashi's gaze. His one visible eye seemed concerned. Silently the two left the office and started walking. They walked out into the courtyard. Kakashi looked at the three large trees as they swayed in the wind. Hotaru's gaze remained fixed on the ground.
"My father isn't a bad person you know. He just gets caught up in his work."
Kakashi looked down at her. "I never thought he was. Most parents nowadays are very busy and barely pay attention to their children. Even more so when they have older children. Your father thinks you are perfectly capable of taking care of yourself because you are now a teenager. What he forgets is that you are still young and still have yet to discover who you truly are as a person. This is a very difficult time in your life. Where you don't fit in with young children anymore nor adults yet. You don't know what you want out of life nor what it can give to you."
Hotaru listened to Kakashi's words. She fully understood what he meant. Not only was she trying to find her place in the word, but she had been thrown into an even stranger one and now was really lost. She nodded to the teacher and looked at the trees. The leaves twirled a little, fall was approaching. Turning to face her, the tall man smiled behind his mask.
"If you ever need anything, let me know. I'm practically raising three teenagers. One more couldn't hurt."
"That's right. You were Naruto's, Sakura's, and Sasuke's ninja teacher." She remembered.
Kakashi nodded. "Yep, and I've noticed you've become friends with them. They are a good bunch. Naruto's a little slow at times, but his heart is in the right place."
Hotaru nodded with a smile. Though she liked Naruto, she had to agree with him. Some things just went in one ear and out the other with that boy, but he was a good kid.
"Well, I've kept you long enough. You better head back to class now." nodding Hotaru hugged him and rushed off. Kakashi was a little surprised by the gesture but smiled softly as he watched her run off. Though it had been faint during their meeting, he could tell what Setsuna meant. That girl did have a lot of untapped power. For now they would just keep a close eye on her. He doubted it would surface any time soon.
88888
It certainly was a nice day, Hotaru thought as she walked the long hall back to class. The wind was just right. Not to strong, and cool enough to give you relieve from the heat. She almost wished fall wasn't so soon upon them. When it got cold she tended to get sick easily. Maybe with the training she did with Haruka and Yusuke her body might be strong enough to resist colds. She hoped so. The violet eyed girl would just have to work harder to get herself in good shape. It was funny to think of herself before entering this school. She had been so weak and shy. Now she had a ton of friends and could last quite a while in a fight.
Muffled voices caught her attention and she quietly peered around the corner. Their stood Rei with Seto, the guy she saw at the beach. She hadn't noticed at the time, but he was very tall. His eyes were so cold that Hotaru felt a shiver go up her spine. What was Rei doing with him? She remembered that he was afraid or something of the raven haired girl. Well, whatever their relationship was, they seemed to be arguing at the moment. She knew Rei was a bit of a hothead at times, but looking at her now, she could see the upper class-man was livid. It was hard for Rei to keep her voice low enough as to not alert the students and teachers in the class rooms. Seto just glared back at the girl as she ranted about how he was hardly around anymore and always playing some card game.
Hotaru wasn't sure what to do. They were bickering right outside of her class room door. Was it wise to interrupt Rei? She didn't know. To tell the truth she was a little intimidated by the girl. Not to mention, Seto didn't seem much better. So, should she wait the argument out? The small girl was getting nervous. She really hated missing class, and these two didn't seem like they would be ending the conversation any time soon. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts she didn't notice someone heading towards the fighting duo from the other side of the hall.
"Would you two stop it?" at the sound of a new voice Hotaru looked up. A slight blush crept its way onto her cheeks. The new comer was a boy. He was rather mysterious looking too. He had long dark brown hair that was kept in a low ponytail. He wore a beige vest and black pants. Both of his arms were bandaged and he wore the same headband Sakura had across his forehead. But what really captured her were his eyes. They were a very light purple and he had no pupils.
Rei crossed her arms. "Buzz off Neji, we're busy."
"You two are always busy arguing. Just kiss and make up like you always do and get out of the way." at this the two teenagers went red, not from anger, but embarrassment.
"S-stay out of it!" Seto yelled.
"I would but you two are keeping people from getting to their classes." Neji said. At that he looked in Hotaru's direction. Crap! How did he know she was there? Rei and Seto followed his gaze. "Come on out."
Letting out a sigh Hotaru turned the corner. She felt her ears heat up and turn red. "Hotaru-chan?" she heard Rei say. "I'm sorry about that. You should have told us we were in your way."
That surprised the girl. She thought for sure Rei would have snapped at her. Looking up she shook her head. "Oh, no it's ok. I didn't want to interrupt."
"It wouldn't have mattered if you did. These two may be a couple, but they do nothing but argue." Neji pointed out.
Seto growled. "Shut up Neji."
Hotaru bowed slightly to the ninja. "I'm Hotaru Tomoe."
"Neji Hyuuga." he replied, without bowing. Hotaru didn't find that rude. It seemed he was already a little annoyed by Rei's and Seto's quarreling. "Now you if don't mind I need to get through."
Quickly Hotaru got out of his way. As he walked past her she saw him shift his eyes to look at her for a split second then face forward again. She didn't know why, but that made her blush again. Rei rolled her eyes at the retreating ninja's back. She explained to Hotaru that he was from the same place Naruto and Sakura were from and was also a ninja. He was also a third year at the school. (Remember Hotaru is a second year) After that Hotaru said good-bye and entered her class room. Much to her dismay the bell rang ten minutes later. She was going to have to get the notes from someone.
Thankfully the rest of the day was pretty uneventful. She had lunch with Sakura, Alice, and Rini for a change, and Kakashi let the students play hide-and-seek in P.E. He said it was to help them track down enemies better, but they could all tell he just wanted to read one of Shigure's dirty books. Hotaru had sat that game out since her body was still feeling abused from yesterday and early that morning. When Alice was found she joined her friend and the two chatted for the rest of the period with Yuki. Sakura was one of the people never found and when the bell rang came out of her hiding place, which was under ground. Heading to their last class of the day they were pleased to learn all they had to do was take notes. Jun was in a lecturing mood and had sent all of the ghosts out of the classroom so the students could better concentrate.
When classes were over with Rini invited her to go study with Usagi and the others. Hotaru didn't object as she needed Ami to help explain the stuff she missed in Math that morning. The two walked to Ami's dorm where the others were all waiting. Rei apologized again and told her that Seto was indeed her boyfriend. This was when Hotaru learned that Usagi and Makoto also had boyfriends. Mamoru, who was in the same year as Haruka, and Kyo Sohma, Yuki's cousin. Minako started talking about Krad then and wondering if she should ask him to the dance next week.
"Well he is way better then what's-his-face?" Rini said as she took a chip from the snacks in the middle of the large table they were sitting around.
"Yeah, I know I should never have gone out with Malachite. He was such a narcist. Not to mention he cheated on me with another guy."
Usagi gasped. "You mean he was gay and still went out with you?"
"No, he's bisexual. I knew he was, I just didn't think that was going to affect us." Minako sighed sadly.
Hotaru looked at her sympathetically. "Do you regret being with him?"
Minako blinked in surprise then smiled. "Not really. While it didn't work out, we did have some fun together. Besides, now I know what to look for in the next guy I go out with."
The violet eyed girl smiled sweetly. "Any guy would be lucky to have you Minako-senpai."
There was a moment's pause then suddenly Hotaru found herself being hugged fiercely by Minako, Usagi and Makoto. "You are so adorable!" the three cried. She blushed at that, and they let her go. The others laughed and went back to their mats on the floor. Minako then agreed she would ask Krad. That made Hotaru smile a little. She knew Krad really liked Minako and would treat her right. He wasn't even moving fast on her either which was a good sign. It meant he was willing to wait for Minako's heart to heal and trust him.
"Now that we're on the topic of love who do you like Ami?" Rini asked.
Ami blushed and looked down. Usagi's smile turned into a sinister grin. "I know who it is. It's Yuki Sohma isn't it?"
"Yuki-senpai? Really?" Hotaru asked. This only caused the blue haired girl to turn redder and fiddle with her pencil.
"Yep, I've seen how she looks at him in the library at lunch time. I swear he's so perfect for you Ami." Usagi beamed.
"Well...uh...Hotaru! What about you? Do you like anyone?" Ami asked, trying to change the subject.
"Me?...uh not really?"
Minako pointed a finger at Ami. "Ah-ha! Can't weasel your way out now!" immediately she and the other girls minus Hotaru and Rini ganged up on the now tomato red girl. The two youngest just grabbed their stuff and decided to leave. As they walked to the elevator to go to their own dorm rooms Hotaru remembered something.
"Oh Rini! You never did tell me who you were thinking of asking to the dance." She said looking down at the smaller girl.
Rini's cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "His name is Daisuke. He's kind of Dark's younger brother... kinda."
"Daisuke?" That name sounded familiar. Hotaru then remembered she had met him when she first met Dark in the nurse's office. He seemed really nice, though she was still a little mad that he hadn't explained what was happening at the time.
"I thought you might disapprove because he was related to Dark." Rini said, hanging her head.
Hotaru only shook hers, "I don't disapprove. Dark may be a little...much for me, but I can't judge other people before meeting them." She decided not to tell her friend that she had already met Daisuke. She didn't want to explain what happened that night. The two were now in the elevator and heading down to the fourth floor, where Rini and Usagi stayed. After waving good-bye to Rini when she got off, Hotaru proceeded to the third floor where she resided. When the doors opened a familiar face was waiting on the other side.
"Alice? What are you-." She stopped when she saw that her friend was holding a suitcase and looking a little grim.
Tenshi- What's wrong with Alice?! Tell Me!!
Spirit- Not until next time baka. So yeah, we got two of Hotaru's love interests introduced, but who will se end up with first?? Mwahahahah!!
Tenshi- Mwahahahahahah!!
Spirit- Why are you laughing? You don't know who.
Tenshi- Oh yeah!
Spirit- :smacks own forehead: Oy, well please Review people!! Ja ne
Death
