Closer
They all snapped their heads towards the door. An elderly woman in a long brown robe stood there. Sasuke and Naruto's shock that they didn't sense her coming was clear on their faces. She walked in and Sasuke jumped up and pulled out his sword.
The elderly lady stopped, "Oh don't worry young man, I won't hurt you. You are welcome to stay, so long as I can be sure you don't try to kill me in my sleep." she joked, laughing at it. She stopped when she realized she was the only one laughing,"I am Kijo, but I am curious as to why three children such as yourselves have sought refuge within my cottage."
"That's none of your business." Sasuke said.
"Oh I already know, you're running from Orochimaru and the Sound five. Tis no mystery in my eyes, I know what it is they seek." she said, her eyes focusing on Youki.
"How'd you know?" Naruto asked.
She smiled,"In all my years on this world, there are little things that I do not know now. For one thing, I know that they will come here for you all, but not now. The forest confuses and baffles them, convinced from their intentions that they are the bad ones, constantly playing illusions on them. You found my cottage because the forest didn't see you as a threat, more like the threatened. However, you may stay here to recover your strength. If you need me, I shall be in my kitchen." she said walking out.
Youki got up and followed her out,"Wait!" she called out. Kijo turned around,"Yes?"
"Do you know what it is that wants me know? I mean, the one who's really pulling the strings?"
"Yes. He goes by many names, but what those who've seen his power call him is Void the Forgotten."
"Void the Forgotten?" Youki asked as Naruto and Sasuke walked out.
"Yes. 20,000 years ago, Void led a campaign and nearly wiped out life as we know it. His seven champions, also called the seven deadly sins, slaughtered kings, queens, and villages. It wasn't until the universe itself intervened, creating a champion to fight Void. With that champion came the seven virtues, the counterparts to the seven deadly sins. It was a battle that rocked the very foundations of reality; however victory came to the just. Void was sealed away, along with his champions and his horde. To make sure that no one would free him, the universe created a key, and incredible power that can be shaped in any way the avatar that possess it chooses. You are the key now, and it is you that so many creatures and men want. Void has now gotten impatient, he wants to be free, and finish what he started 20,000 years ago. He destroyed all that you loved so that you would be alone, defenseless, against him and his army. However," she said, looking at Naruto and Sasuke,"He did not count on you two, or the village you come from, to give aid. He also did not plan for that stunt you pulled, taking both kunai meant for them to your chest. Of course you would not have died from it, but that one action of selflessness caused him to put his alternate plan into action. He will unleash his titans, one by one, on the world. When all four have been released, they will travel to the gate, and give their lives up. With the combined power of all their life forces, the gate will be opened, and Void will be free."
"So, what do we do?" Youki asked.
"You must first learn to control this power. I am aware that you do not support violence, but it is not you who has to do the fighting."
"What do you mean?"
"I will teach you a technique that transfers power to whomever you choose. I find it vital that you learn the defensive capabilities of your powers, seeing as you are beginning to shed your timid nature." Koji said,"For now, you must rest, I trust you all had quite a day."
Youki turned and walked back towards the room. Sasuke followed, his mind now ripe with this information, he was thinking of ways to prevent the titans from reaching the gate. Naruto stayed behind.
"You love her, don't you?" Koji said, her back to Naruto.
He didn't answer.
"I'm sure you know what kind of power love and friendship can bring out Naruto. She feels the same way about you, yet you two let the past and possible futures of your lives keep you from truly expressing yourselves. Loving her won't make you vulnerable, nor will it make her weaker. Incredibly strong bonds can be formed from love and friendship, sometimes they may even save your life."
Koji walked down the hall, but not before turning to Naruto and saying,"she waits for you to make the first move."
Naruto, somewhat impressed that she answered all his questions and crushed his doubts in four sentences, slowly walked into the room. Sasuke wasn't there, but the window was opened; Naruto guessed he was on top of the roof. Youki stood by the window, looking out into the star-sprinkled sky. When she heard Naruto come in she turned around, puzzled by the look on his face.
"Naruto, what's wrong?" she asked going up to him.
"Naruto's stomach felt light, his heart was beating out of his chest. His palms were sweating, he didn't know how to say it. As he looked at Youki, the words slipped his mind, he was speechless. He did the only thing he thought would get the message across; he put his arms around a stunned Youki and gave her a deep kiss. Youki's soul felt like it was on fire, she felt light as a feather the whole time. She hadn't expected him to kiss her like that out of nowhere, but she wasn't complaining.
Outside, Sasuke sat on the roof, pondering a dream he had. He remembered walking through a forest, a pathway that stretched on forever.
"Sasuke..." he heard someone say. He stopped and turned around, his sword in his hand. He recognized that voice, but thought the forest was playing mind games with him. He turned around, sword still in his hand, and kept walking.
"Little Brother..."he heard the voice again. He turned around this time, and almost dropped his sword. He was staring at Itachi, who had a sad look on his face.
"Sasuke...that girl who got away...protect her. She mustn't be handed over to those people. Do not damn life as we know if for your pursuit of revenge Sasuke." Itachi said.
"How do I know you're not just some illusion?" Sasuke said.
Itachi walked up to him, took two fingers, and tapped him on the head with them,"My silly brother, I know you'll do what's right." he said with a bright smile.
Sasuke sat on the roof, remembering that dream. He then remembered Youki running in front of him and Naruto, the kunai hitting her in the chest instead of their heads. He had to give her credit, she literally saved his life. He jumped back through the window; Naruto was asleep, Youki in his arms. She was also asleep, her face half-buried in his chest. Sasuke sat in a corner and closed his eyes; he had to be ready tomorrow for anything.
Koji walked through the house turning off all of the lights. She stopped by a window and looked out into the forest. She formed the tiger seal with her hands.
"Forest Illusion Jutsu!" she whispered, causing the forest trees to sway from an invisible wind. "This should keep you six at bay until I am finished here." she said.