Being of the Sea
Chapter 8: Love vs. Love
I'm sorry this chapter is a little late had some writer's block. Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Please leave a review.
Cora's Perspective
I slowly woke from a deep wonderful sleep. I lacked the want to open eyes. A pleasant warmth surrounded me. I pressed closer to it. A peaceful snore broke the quiet of the moment. My eyes instantly flew open. I was huddled against Kisame's broad muscular chest. His powerful arms were wrapped around me keeping me close. And his wonderful scent filled my senses. This felt so right. I carefully ran my fingers through his dark blue hair. In his sleep, he seemed so peaceful. He pulled me closer. I thought last night a wonderful dream, but it was reality. My face burned red. When he showed signs of waking I shut my eyes. He yawned. Instead of leaving bed like I expected his rough fingers gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.
"You are too beautiful for me", he said softly.
It took a great deal of effort for not to react.
"Wake up", he said as he roughly shook me awake.
My eyes opened.
"There are nicer ways to wake a person up", I said.
He shrugged his shoulders. I stretched. His gaze focused on my chest for a moment. I smirked. Before quickly turning away from me.
"Here", he said as he tossed me my mask.
"Thanks", I said.
I sat it down next to me. I want him to see me not my mask.
"Aren't you going to put it on?" asked Kisame.
"No, does that make you uncomfortable?" I asked.
He couldn't meet my gaze.
"Do as you want", said Kisame.
Why does he show such discomfort? Last night we were so close. I thought we were so in balance with each other.
"You didn't have to do what you did last night", I said.
"I don't know why I did", said Kisame with a shake of his head.
There it is. He's out of his element, but he isn't the only one. His back was turned to me. I stood up and grabbed his arm, forcing him to turn around and face me.
"It's considered impolite not to look at the one you're speaking to or are you scared", I said.
"I'm not scared!" he growled.
"Prove it", I said.
He met my gaze.
"Did you not enjoy last night?" I asked.
"No, which is the problem", said Kisame.
"Why?" I asked.
"We aren't meant to have whatever this is, Cora we are shinobi", he said.
"We are also human. It's natural for us to feel this way. What you're doing now goes against it", I said.
He gave a bitter laugh.
"We aren't human", said Kisame.
"We aren't human but we share their same capability of feeling those emotions", I said.
"It's a weakness not worth having!" growled Kisame.
"Why must you see it that way? Caring for someone isn't wrong. It makes a person stronger", I said.
"No, it only leads to pain", said Kisame.
"You think only that because of what happened to Shota", I said.
He growled, baring his sharpened teeth. I did the same and flared my chakra to the point further across. He wouldn't scare me so easily.
"It will take more than you baring your teeth at me to scare me off", I said.
"Don't mention him", he warned.
"Shota", I said.
Kisame stepped forward.
"We're done", he said as turned.
My heart broke. I clutched chest the pain was so great. Tears blurred my vision but I refuse to let them fall.
"Kisame",
He stopped at the doors.
"Am truly only a weakness to you?" I asked.
"No, you are nothing to me", said Kisame.
He left. I fell to my knees and cried. NO, THIS WEAKNESS ISN'T ME! I forced myself to my feet. I went to bed and put on my mask. My entire self-ached. I needed a distraction. I still need to give Itachi the medicine picked for him. I grabbed my bag and went to his room. When I was about to knock the door it opened.
"Shiru", he said.
"I only came to drop off your prescription", I said.
"You're tired", said Itachi.
"It was a long night", I said.
"Why is that?" asked Itachi.
"Family issues I won't go further into than that", I said.
"Let me take your mind off it", said Itachi.
"Why would you do that?" I asked.
"It's the least I could do", said Itachi.
"What do you have in mind?" I asked.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
I nodded. I followed him into the village. The smell of sweets soon touched my nose. I licked my lips. A small yellow cottage came into view. In the glass, window sweets were displayed. Hanging over the door was a blood sign in golden writing was the name, Sweet Place. When we entered a small bell chimed. The wooden floors creaked as we walked to the table. We took a seat at a small table at the corner of the shop. A chubby old woman wearing too much perfume came walking over.
"It's nice to see you again, Itachi", she said.
"Work has kept me busy", he said.
"And who's your friend?" she asked.
"Mrs. Pots this is Shiru", said Itachi.
"Any friend of Itachi's is welcome here", said Mrs. Pots.
I gave nod.
"The usual?" she asked.
Itachi nodded.
"And you my dear?" asked Mrs. Pots.
"The same", I said.
Itachi has a good taste in sweets. A few moments later a waitress placed a kettle of tea on the table. I poured myself a glass of tea and put several packets of sugar in it. My rings clinked against the glass. Itachi stared at them.
"Why the rings? I've encountered many of your kinds none of them wore accessories", said Itachi.
"I guess you could say I'm the sentimental type. For every successful target terminated I got a ring to mark the occasion", I said.
"You must have many", said Itachi.
"I do", I said.
"What makes these nine so important?" he asked.
"These are special", I said.
"What makes them so special?" asked Itachi.
I slid off a gold emerald ring. The emerald wasn't real and the gold was cheap, but that mattered little me.
"This one marks my first kill as hunter-nin", I said.
"How old?" asked Itachi.
"Nine, I'd never experienced such a rushed. Its lost some its thrill", I said.
"Did you feel anything else?" asked Itachi.
"You mean remorse. No, he was a traitor. I used the gold from his teeth to make this ring", I said.
"And what if he was innocent?" he asked.
"It wouldn't matter. We both know that", I said.
I returned the ring to my finger.
"Itachi, we share the burden of being a young genius. The luxury of childhood is short and swift. We must find joy and freedom of our curse by other ways", I said.
"And killing is yours?" asked Itachi.
"No, that would make me no better than, Hidan. I found joy and purpose in being a hunter ninja", I said.
"What do you find joy in now, since you no longer have that?" asked Itachi.
"I'm figuring that out. And what is your purpose?" I asked.
"Making my brother stronger", said Itachi.
I was tempted to point out the fact that killing their entire family was no way of helping his younger brother become stronger, but it would ruin our time here. A few minutes later our order came. Two orders of dangos were placed in front us. They looked and smelled wonderful. I slid my mask up slightly and quickly ate. Normally sweet sugary taste do a great deal lighten my mood by they did little to ease the ache in my heart. I thought I wouldn't have to feel this again.
"Shiru",
"Huh, yes what is it, Itachi?" I asked.
"You weren't responding to your name the last three time I said it. Is something wrong?" asked Itachi.
"Nothing that you can fix", I said.
"A matter of the heart I assume?" he asked.
The teacup in my hand shattered. I dried my hand on my cloak. There were only a few minor cuts.
"And what would you know of matters of the heart?" I asked.
"Very little admittedly but enough to know heartbreak and love", said Itachi.
"Have you ever experienced personally", I said.
"No", he said.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"I wouldn't have known if I hadn't heard Kisame and you fighting", said Itachi.
"You heard that?" I said.
"I had no intention of ease dropping. You were loud and I'm a light sleeper. You're in better shape than I thought in truth", said Itachi.
"What did you expect?" I asked.
"I thought those of your kind fell in love fully with every fiber of their being and fade when they lost that", said Itachi.
"You've done your research I'll give you that. My kind loves with every fiber of their being, but love is only for their soul mate. There are many trysts along the way to finding him or her", I said.
"You don't seem like the type to have a tryst", said Itachi.
"No, I've never had a reason to. I've known my mate since childhood", I said.
I put my head in my hands.
"The full extent of my ache will hit me soon enough. It will be crippling. The reason I have this much control is my training", I said.
I fear the moment that it comes. Maybe the reason it hasn't come yet is not my training, but my unwillingness to accept his rejection. I rubbed my temples. Normally, I'm never this easy to give such intimate information. Something is wrong with me. Maybe Sun was right. Romance only complicates matters.
"You aren't considering the other option", said Itachi.
"Which is?" I asked.
"There's some primal instinct telling you he didn't mean what he said in the passion of the moment", said Itachi.
I smiled.
"You think that could be true?" I asked.
"There's a chance. I can't be sure. I'm not well versed on this subject. They say those who love us have the strength to hurt us the most. Maybe this proves true for you and him", said Itachi.
"I can't believe I'm telling you this. You're surprisingly easy to speak to, Itachi", I said.
"You're the first to say that. Most find me intimidating", he said.
"I can see past the hardened shell of cold", I said.
"You're the first", said Itachi.
"Why are you being kind to me? I'm obligated to heal you whether I like you or not", I said.
"Why would I not like you?" asked Itachi.
"I'm blackmailing you", I said.
"True, but that makes you the only person in this organization I can be completely honest with", said Itachi.
"And you aren't afraid I'll tell", I said.
"Integrity is everything to you. Shiru, I trust you", said Itachi.
"You know me so well", I said.
Maybe in time, he'll be worth of my true name. I took a breath. When it came time to leave Itachi paid, leaving a gracious tip behind. We walked back. From my bag, I took his medicine from my bag and handed it to him.
"This medicine is powerful so there may be some side effects. If you run into any problems tell me even if they may seem minor. Take one a day preferably after a meal. You aren't to drink on the medication either", I said.
"Understood", said Itachi.
"Thank you for taking me out. I needed that", I said.
He nodded before disappearing. Now what? I took my compass from my belt and flipped it open. The small red arrow pointed toward the base. I snapped it close.
"I thought you were supposed to what I most want. I don't want to be near him", I said.
I shoved it back into my pocket. Then I'll see him. I don't want that. If they need me they'll find me. I wandered into a rich village. I could smell gold in the distant mines. For a reason unknown to me I could always smell gold. I stopped in front of random. In the glass display window was a ruby gold necklace. I couldn't stop myself from touching the glass. I'd stolen my fair share of jewelry never sold I always hid it away in a hoard.
"Hey you, you're smudging the glass!" yelled the owner.
I left. The sudden interest in the jewelry died down making the pain in my heart ever more clear. Tears started falling from eyes. They leaked down through the eye slits in my mask. No, there were too many people here! I don't need anyone seeing me like this. I disappeared. I reappeared in the woods near the base. I went to my knees and screamed. The tears wouldn't stop falling. I quieted when I sensed another's chakra. I turned around and pointed my sword at them. There stood Zetsu. The edge of my blade was at his throat. I so badly want to cut him so then someone else may be in more pain than me.
"Will you kill us?" he asked.
I took a breath and sheathed my sword.
"Next time you spy on me I'll cut off your head", I growled.
"Temper, temper", said White Zetsu.
"Were we interrupting a private moment", asked Zetsu.
"That's none of your concern", I said.
"We weren't spying", said White Zetsu.
"If we were you would never know", said Black Zetsu.
I growled.
"If you weren't spying what were you doing?" I asked.
"We were sent to fetch you", said Zetsu.
"Why?" I asked.
"You have an assignment. Our leader wishes to speak with you", said Zetsu.
"Unless you're planning on running away", said White Zetsu.
"I don't run away. I only leave when my time at a place has come to an end", I said.
"Fine", I said.
I followed him back to the base. We went into Pain's office. I tensed when I saw Kisame. My hands fisted. I wasn't sure if I wanted to kill him or kiss him. He'd hurt me so deeply and he didn't even seem to care in the least. This wouldn't hurt half as bad if I knew he was suffering too.
"The plant told me I was needed. So how can I be of service?" I asked.
"You and Kisame will be on a mission to the Land of Earth to find Orochimaru's Lab", said Pain.
"With her", said Kisame.
"Yes, is that a problem?" asked Pain.
"It isn't", I said.
"Do you the location?" asked Kisame.
"In the southern region of the Great Canyon of the Land of Earth", I said.
"That's a vast amount of land. How do you expect us to find it?" asked Kisame.
"I'll be able to smell it", I said.
"Smell it?" asked Pain.
"The chemical he needs for his experiments are potent in their aroma. I should easily be able to track it down", I said.
"A solution", said Pain.
We left his office. His large hand wrapped tightly around my arm. I growled. He bared his pointed teeth. The sight called to a primal part of me. I hate the attraction is still there even though he hurt me.
"Let go of me!" I growled.
Kisame's Perspective
The air around us became cold. Frost spread across the floor and walls.
"You're losing control. That's unlike you. I guess you aren't rejection", I said.
"Don't pretend you have any idea what I've experienced the last fourteen years", said Cora.
"Maybe you aren't over this as you want everyone to believe", I said.
She took in her surroundings. The frost continued to spread. She took a breath and it disappeared. She yanked her arm away.
"Grab me again you'll lose an arm", growled Cora.
"There you are", I said.
She glared at me.
"I'll viscous killer over the crying weakling I had to deal with before", I said.
Her entire body winced at the comment. My chest ached. This may be painful for at the moment, but she will get over it. She's a powerful woman this won't be the thing that breaks her. I don't understand why I feel this ache in my heart but should fade.
"I need to pack a few things. Then I'll be ready", said Cora.
She went to her room. I groaned this would be a hellish mission. The Land of Earth is a long journey from here. Itachi emerged from his bedroom. He glared at me.
"What's the scowl for Itachi?" I asked.
He regained control over his facial expression. At that moment Cora came out of the room. Her figure was completely hidden by the cloak, hat, and mask. A pack and her sword were strapped to her back.
"Be good to her", said Itachi.
"Careful Itachi, it sounds like you care", I said.
"I'm not the only one", he said.
"What are you going on about now?" I said.
"Nothing, I'd only hate to lose such a gifted healer", said Itachi.
"She won't", I said.
"If you keep treating her the way you do she will", he said.
"She's not some frail little girl. If any woman can take care of herself it's, Shiru", I said.
"Now who cares?" said Itachi before leaving.
She stared up at us. I focused on the black heart painted over one of the cutouts in her mask. Even with her eyes hidden I still felt the full effect of their glare. I didn't need to see her face to know she was resisting the urge to bare her teeth and growl.
"Will you hurry up? The Land of Earth is a long journey from here", said Cora.
I jumped down to join her.
"Happy?" I asked.
"Just peachy!" she growled.
In that day we made it to the border of the Land of Rivers. The sun was setting and we set up camp. Neither of us was bothered by the coolness of the weather, so there was no point in starting a fire. She took off her cloak and hat. Cora was dressed in black. The clothes fit her figure perfectly, showing she actually had breasts. Females of the hunter-nin organization bound their chest so their genders wouldn't easily be identified. Attached to her belt were two scrolls. An uncomfortable silence fell between us. Breaking it would only make the situation more unpleasant. She paid it no mind. Cora started sharpening her ninja tools. She hadn't made eye contact with me the entire time. Would the entire mission continue like this? Cora fell into light sleep. She still has enough trust in me to sleep. I couldn't break my gaze from her.
My instincts urged me to go near to shelter her with myself. Why do they urge me to do that? I shook my head and pushed it down. The ache in my chest continued. Why does this ache persist? I watched through the night. The minutes slowly ticked my by until morning. The sun started rising warming the sky with color. When the sun had completely risen Cora started to show signs of waking. She sat up stretched in a way that flaunted her chest. We started our journey again. As we neared the Hidden Rain Village Cora sniffed the air.
"What?" I asked.
"Rain is coming", said Cora.
"It's called the Hidden Rain Village for a reason", said Kisame.
"Smart ass", she said.
Moments later a downpour of rain fell. The rain seemed repelled from her clothes, leaving no moisture behind, while I was drenched. She giggled. I groaned. I've always hated the rain. As we walked Cora took every opportunity to jump in puddles further drenching me.
"You're being childish", I said.
"No, I'm merely enjoying the weather to the fullest extent. Annoying you is a bonus", said Cora.
When reached the village, Cora gave a full body cringe.
"Such pollution", she hissed.
We stopped at an inn.
"Why are we stopping?" asked Cora.
"There's a long journey ahead of us there's no reason to rush", I said.
"All the more reason for us to keep moving", said Cora.
I took the key to the room. The man at the front desk was staring at Cora.
"Are you coming?" I asked.
"Fine", she said.
I opened the door to our shitty room. The carpeting was filthy brown. I threw my bag onto the orange bedspread that had probably never been washed.
"Is this too much for you, princess?" I asked.
"Unlike you, I don't take pleasure in these conditions and the equally disgusting women you share them with", said Cora.
"Yet not so long ago you wanted to be one of the women I shared a bed with", I said.
Her hands fisted.
"I'll be taking shelter elsewhere", said Cora.
"And where will that be?" I asked.
"Why would I tell you? In the morning I'll I meet you outside this shit hole", said Cora.
With that, she left. I found myself missing her presence.
"What is wrong with me?"
Cora Perspective
I wandered the streets of the city. I hold no issue with cities. It was dirtied with human litter. As I walked I counted at least fifty used needles. When I looked above I'll saw where black clouds. Part of it was due to pollution the other due to a jutsu that cause this constant rain. I stopped when I heard crying. It was little boy and girl with blue hair. They were dressed in rags and covered in dirt. There was a glow to them, spirit. Their appearance had taken on the conditions of the village. Ame and Nikko the twin spirits of the Hidden Rain village. Why must I always stumble upon them? Just keep moving. This isn't your issue. I couldn't ignore them. Spirit or not they were still children.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"My sister won't wake up", said Ame.
The girl sleeping trance. I sighed there was nothing I could do wake her. The story of the twin spirits was a sad one. When the village was found a set of twins became lost in a storm. They became lost in the storm. The girl drowned in the flood unable to swim, the boy so loved his sister that he refused to leave drowning. Thier souls were so innocent they became the spirits of the village. Ame the on the spirit of rain staying by his sleeping sister until the sun would shine waking her. When the sun came he would sleep leaving. The only time they could play together was during a rainbow, where they could be seen playing happily in the rain together.
"I'm so sorry. I wish I could wake her", I said.
I lifted my mask and placed a kiss on each of their heads. They disappeared. I so wished I could give them the comfort they deserved. I thought to all the time Kisame defended me when I was young. He'd beat shitless anyone who dared to make fun of me before I could even lay a hand on them. He was a good brother, but I never wanted to be a sister to him. Why does he find it so difficult to break from the role? I opened flipped open my compass. It pointed in the direction of the motel.
"I've never doubted you until now", I said as I shut it.
I shoved it into my pocket. I needed to escape the filth of the streets. I jumped to the rooftops. I resisted the urge to snarl when I realized my feet took me to the rooftop of the building across from Kisame's motel. I had the perfect vantage point into his room. I couldn't turn away as he started to remove his clothes. I licked my lips. I forced myself to turn away. Lust will not rule me. I sighed. I'm twenty-three. Hell, I could be older than that. That doesn't matter most women of species by this age have satisfied their lust. I'd never been with a man. The man I wanted to be with doesn't want to be with me. At least not in the emotional way I crave. From my bag I took the scroll Sankuren gave me. I still hadn't dared to open it. It isn't my place to open it. I hid the scroll. I watched him throughout the night. In the morning I wait at the entrance of the motel for him. A well-dressed man approached me.
"Hello, beautiful", he said.
"How do you know if I'm beautiful?" I asked.
"If your face matches the rest of you I'm sure you're beautiful", he said.
"Hmm, I've always found the mystery of the mask far more attractive than the reality of what's underneath it. Don't you agree?" I asked.
"Maybe you're right", he said as he came closer.
The man flashed me a pearly white smile. A large blue hand shot out and grabbed him by the throat. There was a crunch of bone and the man was dead. Kisame tossed him into an alley. I smiled brightly. There's hope! The pain in my chest went at ease. Heh, Itachi was actually right. Now all I have to do is pry the emotion out of him.
"Kisame",
He walked off in a huff. I'll let him blow off some of the anger. Even as we grew further from the village a light drizzle continued to persist. It took twenty miles for the anger to fade from his step.
"A storm is coming we should take shelter", I said.
He nodded. We found shelter in a cave. About ten minutes later a vicious thunderstorm started. I've come to enjoy the roar of thunder. The wind howled against the entrance of the cave. Kisame leaned his sword against the cave wall and shrugged off his cloak. He shook his hair dry. I took off my mask.
"I thought I might never see your face again", said Kisame.
This wasn't some romantic statement. I truly didn't know before this moment if I'd ever let him see my face again.
"Would you mind explaining what happened back there?" I said.
"I don't know what you are talking about", he said.
"Kisame, you're too smart to play dumb. You killed a man for flirting with me", I said.
"He was an annoyance", said Kisame.
"To me, yes. But since you have no interest in me of what annoyance could he be of you?" I asked.
"I was taking a care of pest", said Kisame.
"There are may pest in the world", I said.
"And now there's one less", said Kisame.
"You were jealous", I said.
"I'm not", said Kisame through gritted teeth.
I need to push him over.
Kisame's Perspective
She smiled. It wasn't one of happiness, but triumph. Cora knew she'd picked up on something and she wouldn't drop easily. All I need to do is ignore her and she'll lose interest soon enough. She took off her cloak and took the tie from her hair and let fall lose. Cora allowed the rain to soak her so her clothes clung to her form.
"If you're not jealous you wouldn't mind me finding affection elsewhere?" she asked.
My jaw locked in anger. Another male approaching her in any way made my blood boil.
"Go ahead", I said.
"I'm sure they're others who will happily take a place by my side. Your teammate is quite a beautiful man. I'm sure in time I can grow to capture his affection", she said.
She scowled when she didn't get the reaction she craved.
"If you think you pry that sick from his ass I encourage you to try. Getting laid will do him good", I said.
"It's not that stick I'm interested in", said Cora.
My hands fisted.
"He won't last", I said.
"You'll have to try harder than that, Cora Yukimaru. Or do you prefer the bastard name of Mizushima", I said.
She glared at me. I was the only living person who knew her true last name.
"You know Mizushima isn't the only name given to bastard children. Hoshigaki has also been used", said Cora.
I glared at her. I shook off that anger.
"Hmm, I thought I might get you with that", said Cora.
"I have thicker skin than that", I said.
"Maybe a different approach is needed", said Cora.
"And what would that be?" I asked.
"Targeting something more primal", said she with a smirk.
My anger was still simmering, but nothing I couldn't control.
"Go ahead", I said.
"Itachi may be dying but there's something that could be said for his genes. I'm sure he can give me powerful pups", said Cora.
I growled. No other male will touch her! I grabbed her by the throat and slammed her against the wall. Cracks appeared in the stone behind her. She started laughing. There was no fear in those beautiful intense sea green eyes. I couldn't stop staring at those long eyelashes. She smelled wonderful. The scent of her lust wafted off her in powerful waves. I watched as a drop of water traveled down her neck toward her supple breasts. I released my hold on her narrow neck. I leaned closer. Our foreheads touched. Her arms wrapped around my neck, keeping me close. That gaze of her was focused on me like her attention wanted to be nowhere else. Her heart was beating rapidly against her chest. My heartbeat matched hers. She sighed.
"What now?" she asked.
Cora's Perspective
His musky scent overwhelmed senses, it was stained with lust. He ran his rough fingers delicately over my cheek. I waited for my question to be answered. His lips met mine. For all his brute strength it was the gentlest kiss I'd ever experienced. It was almost timid. He made a motion to pull away but I kept him close. His powerful jaws opened slightly. I pushed my tongue into his mouth, where they entwined with his. Kisame's arm wrapped around my waist. His free hand tangled in my hair, tilting my head back to deepen our kiss. We finally pulled away from each other.
"You want this?" said Kisame.
His voice was breathy with lust. I still heard the slight fear in it. How could he possibly think I wouldn't want this?
"Yes", I said.
"I won't be gentle", said Kisame.
"I don't need gentle", I said.
I was barely keeping my inner beast within and he was struggling with the same dilemma. I leaned closer and ran my tongue over the shell of his ear.
"Let go", I whispered.
That broke our control. He tore off my shirt, exposing my breasts. His sharpened teeth scraped against my skin as he kissed down my neck. I moaned. I fisted his shirt, tearing it away. His lips touch my breasts but soon lost interest. Our lips locked in a kiss. My hands traveled to his waist. His eyes widened at the gentle touch. Kisame's hand went to my pants. With a single rough tug, he tore away both my pants and underwear, leaving me completely exposed. He licked his lips.
He lifted me with ease. My legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Our skin pressed against each. His blue skin was shown with sweat. He lowers his pants just enough to expose himself. I gasped as pushed into me. I bit my lip at the slight pain of losing my virginity. The slight pain was soon replaced by pleasure. Kisame eyes went completely black at the scent of blood. His pace was rough and fast. My moans only further encouraged his brutal pace. I screamed in pleasure as he touched a wonderful place within me. I couldn't hold back any longer. I reached my release. My claws dug into his skin leaving deep cuts in his skin. He gave a deep guttural before digging his pointed teeth into the crook of my neck. I went limp in his arms. I moaned as pulled out of me. He tenderly licked the blood away from the bite mark he left on my neck. This wasn't making love. This was mating and it was absolutely wonderful.
Kisame's Perspective
I slowly recovered from my pleasure. Never had it been so good before. No, not good, amazing. Before I now I always had to hold back. I felt complete. As if I regained something I'd lost. I looked at the beauty in my arms. She leaned completely against me for support. I ran my fingers through her hair. She gave tire satisfied smile. Her eyes were in a glassy haze. I held her close. Looking upon her only one thought came to mind, mine. I nuzzled her. Her skin carried my scent. I easily held her one arm. She huddled closely against my chest. I wrapped my cloak around her and set her down. I pulled up my pants and stood at the mouth of the cave. The horrible storm had become a weak drizzle.
"Kisame",
I turned to see Cora trying to stand. I caught her before she could fall.
"Easy gorgeous, I wasn't gentle with ya", I said.
I sat her in my lap. Her eyes closed. I ran my fingers through her hair.
"You'll wish this never happened in the morning. But I'll always treasure it", I said.
She looked so defenseless like this. I couldn't resist nuzzling her again. She smelled so good. Why have I been fighting this? Growled when I heard someone approaching. Men approached our shelter. I recognized the two of them. Jiro and Kazuo they were bounty hunters who gather the worthless scraps that Kakuzu thought wasn't worth his time.
"I told you, Jiro. It was Kisame Hoshigaki. There's fortune on his head", said Kazuo.
"Looks like we stumbled upon his love nest", said Jiro.
I had little urge to move and unsettle the sleeping being next to me.
"I'm in a merciful mood if you leave now I'll allow you to live", I said.
I carefully moved Cora from my arms.
"Kisa", she whined.
I got to my feet.
"This won't take long", I said.
"Don't be so sure of yourself", said Jiro.
"And when we're done with you we'll have a turn with your little friend", said Kazuo.
A deep primal anger consumed me. When I came to my hands were covered in blood. Body parts were scattered on the ground. If it weren't so close to the campsite I wouldn't bother with cleaning up. I gathered the body parts and dumped them deeper into the forest. In a pond, I washed the blood from my hands. I remember nothing from the battle. I walked back to the campsite.
Cora had moved. She sat at the mouth of the cave. I moved her further in. I took a seat next to her. She huddled close to me. Cora hid her face in the crook of my neck. Her breathing became soft and relaxed as she drifted to sleep. Why can't just stay in this moment? As soon as tomorrow comes she'll realize she lost her virginity to a monster. I took a breath.
"You've ruined me others", I said.
The idea of sleeping with another disgusted me. Sleep finally came over me.
Cora's Perspective
I woke late the next morning. I gave a pleased sigh at the feel of Kisame's arm's wrapped around me. The small cave smelled of sex. Pieces of my clothes were scattered along the ground. I nuzzled him. I ran my fingers over his cheek. He was so peaceful. This was so different from I yesterday in battle.
Cora's Flashback
I caught the scent of two others approaching our den. He moved me from his arms.
"Kisa", I whined.
He got to his feet.
"This won't take long", said Kisame.
I smirked. Soon enough we will be close again. They don't stand a chance against him.
"Don't be so sure of yourself", said Jiro.
"And when we're done with you we'll have a turn with your little friend", said Kazuo.
Something changed with Kisame. The scent of his chakra was different. It was more wild and mystical. His nails became claws. A deep growl left his throat. It echoed through the cave.
"Kisame",
He turned to face me. His eyes had gone completely black. His skin took on more resemblance of a shark. A kunai was thrown at him. It deflected harmlessly off his skin. He charged at the intruders. I watched as he ripped them apart limb by limb. I walked out of the cave. He turned to face me. Kisame came closer. I reached out and touched his cheek. His skin felt like sandpaper. He leaned into my touch.
"What are you?" I asked.
The mystic energy coming off him was unlike anything I've felt before.
"Mate", he said.
My face turned red. In this state, he was so honest. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me to his chest. He nuzzled my neck and licked the mark he left on my neck. Kisame lifted me up and carried me to the entrance of the cave. I held his face in my hand.
"I need you to come back to me. Can you do that?" I asked.
He nodded before stepping out of the cave.
How do I tell him something like that lives within him? I know what it's like to a powerful beastly sealed within you. It will better not to tell him. Unlike him, I am aware of it. I'm far from the normal selkie much to my dismay. The strength of a dragon lives within me. When it takes overs I become a puppet only capable of watching the destruction it causes.
I shook the thought from my head. After some struggle, I managed to free myself from Kisame's hold. I groaned as got to my feet. I was sore. It was intimate soreness I was unused to. I hugged Kisame's cloak closely to me. It covered me completely. I found my belt in the shreds of fabric and opened one of the scrolls. I release one of the seals and spare clothes appeared with a puff of smoke. I brushed the knots from my hair. Then I realized Kisame and I hadn't used protection. I closed that scroll the scroll. I went outside to find a meal. It didn't long for me to find a pond at catch a few catfish. I skinned and gutted them. While I was out I gathered the herbs I needed.
"Uh what is that smell", groaned Kisame as he woke up.
"A herbal tea that will take care of any of our carelessness yesterday", I said.
I brought the small cup to my lips and forced the vile liquid down my throat.
"Another storm is coming there's no point leaving", said Kisame.
"Tea?" I asked.
"I made normal tea and caught some fish", I said.
I looked timidly into his gaze. My heart was racing. Blush burned at my face.
"Kisame was last night only a one-time thing or did it mean something?" I asked.
While he was in that beastly state he called me his mate. He leaned close and kissed me.
"It couldn't mean nothing even if I wanted it to. I'm yours gorgeous if you like or not", said Kisame.
Relief swept through me. I tackled him. I kissed him.
"I like it very much", I said.
The storm started again.
"Why didn't you tell me you were a virgin?" asked Kisame.
I blushed.
"It didn't seem important", I said.
"You should have told me I would have been gentler", said Kisame.
"We didn't need gentle", I said.
I gave a slight twitch as cramping hit me.
"Something wrong?" asked Kisame.
"Only side effects of the medicine I took. I never thought I'd have to use it on myself. I've given it to countless others. Girls, just can't seem to keep their legs closed", I said.
I played with the copper ring on my pinky. It was the simplest of my rings, but the most important. It was given to me by sons.
"I'm sure you were craved by many", said Kisame.
"Yes, but there was only one man I wanted to be with. I didn't need a man to start my family. I miss my children", I said.
The cup in his hand shattered.
"You have children", said Kisame.
"Well, the closest thing a hunter-nin. We take in children we believe gift and raise them in skill. You may have even heard of my baby boys. They're even fear among the hunter community", I said.
"The Demonic Brothers. Smile, Muse, and Ice. An odd bunch of names. From what I've heard they are a group of merciless psychopaths", said Kisame.
"You don't know them like I do. As for their names, I was only twelve when I named them", I said.
"Your son Smile is the head of the Hidden Mist Interrogation Division. He's more infamous Ibiki. Muse the head of Internal Affairs Unit. And well Ice cleans up all the mess the village tries best to keep hidden. They are far from innocent", said Kisame.
"I never claimed my babies were innocent. You don't mind that I have children do you?" I asked.
He shook his head. After our meal, I huddled close to him. I nuzzled against him trying to transfer more of my scent onto him. I wanted everyone to know he was taken. His arms wrapped around me.
"Kisame",
"Yes",
"If you ever cheat on me I'll kill you in the most gruesome way I can imagine. Remember I'm the taught Smile all he knows", I said.
He raised my chin.
"Now why would I do something as foolish as that?" said Kisame.
I smiled. He's mine now. I held his large hand in mine. Our finger entwined. Morning came too soon. I didn't want to leave this state of bliss. I groaned when he woke me.
"Do we have to go?" I asked.
"We have a mission", said Kisame.
"I can easily summon a storm", I said.
"Was that storm your doing?" asked Kisame.
"No", I said.
"Don't tempt me, gorgeous", said Kisame.
Blush formed across my cheeks. He handed me my mask. I put it on. The mission continued. The tension between us had put at ease. We made to Great Canyon it was beautiful, orange and red stone as far one could see. This was the Land of Earth Greatest tourist attraction. The Setsudan River cut through the stone. We took shelter in one of the canyon caves. I packed a small bag.
"Where are you going?" asked Kisame.
"I need to bathe. I won't be gone long", I said.
"Watch your pelt", said Kisame.
"I will", I said.
I went to the river. I dove into the water. It was extremely clean. I washed the smell from my skin and started singing.
There's a saying old, says that love is blind
Still, we're often told, "seek and ye shall find"
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind
Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet
He's the big affair I cannot forget
Only man ever think of with regret
I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?
There's a somebody I'm login' to see
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could, always be good
To one who'll watch over me
Although he may not be the man some
Girl think of as handsome
To my heart, he carries the key
Won't you tell me please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me
(This song belongs to Ella Fitzgerald)
I put on my clothes.
"Your voice is as beautiful as ever, Mother",
I turned to see my children. The one who spoke was my oldest Ice.
"When you were haunted by night terrors I used to rock you through them, singing the entire time", I said.
His mask remained the same. A simple blue dot on the forehead was the only decoration. Many sets of tally marks decorated his skin, each tally represented one of his kills.
"Ice, my child I thought I taught you better than to spy on a woman while they were bathing", I said.
"She's right", said Smile.
My eyes focused on my middle child. The mask the mask he wore was marked with a blood red Glasgow smile. His long messy red hair fell over his shoulders. No, matter how many times I tried to tame it with a brush it would never corporate.
"I listened. I've never killed a woman in a bathhouse I assure you", said Ice.
"So Sankuren finally sent the three of you after me", I said.
"We were unwilling to accept", said Muse.
His voice was still as sweet and gentle as ever. Muse's pink cotton candy hair looked as soft ever. On one side mask was the face comedy on the other side was the face of tragedy.
"It's been years since we were last brought together", said Smile.
"I haven't been allowed out of the village for months", said Ice.
"I only wish our reunion was under different circumstances", said Muse.
"We're all in agreement on that subject", said Smile.
"How rare for my children to agree, but orders are orders", I said.
"Should we expect a battle?" asked Ice.
I bit my lip. If we a battle it will draw attention. Kisame will come running. He will spare no mercy on them. I'd would have to choose between the men I love the most. I can't choose between them. I don't think I could love a man who dared to harm my children.
"I'll go with you", I said.
