Note: I was inspired by Yellowcard later on, but I don't own them or their lyrics. I am also apologizing for my inability to properly separate anything here. Just, keep up I guess. I'm sorry. I trust all of you are intelligent individuals.

Chapter 11: The Hoshigaki History

Tsunade continued her merciless onslaught of the twins despite Masakai's words, "Is it true that you will have to do this ritual again and end many more lives just for the selfish preservation of yourselves?" The twins looked around nervously, trying to find an escape from the Hokage's verbal assault. There was none however.

"Answer me! Now!" Her voice boomed through the room and caused the twins to physically recoil.

Kaspar looked up sheepishly, "Just… one more ti-" The Hokage's expression silenced him. She appeared to be in an inconsolable rage and was a truly terrifying force. This had to stop. Masakai sighed and rose slowly to his feet, seeming to be very old and very tired, before standing in front of the twins, "May I interject one last time, Princess?" Tsunade glared at him, but did not make a complaint. She must really have a soft spot for him.

Masakai exhaled slowly, "These boys, as difficult as they are, have the highest amount of raw potential I have ever seen in my young existence. They can really excel at almost anything if they put their heads together. The only thing they lack is guidance. Guidance you can provide, Princess. You are strong and stern, something they need. The two of them can really be a bigger benefit to society than what you've seen. The nurture aspect of their development has lacked sincerely over the years and they have never learned right from wrong, but they are still young and can learn new tricks." Tsunade listened intently to Nagato's son as he closed, "With that being said, I think you can leave them alone for now. Details can be worked out later if the need arises. I know you're a busy woman and probably have better ways of dividing up your time than arguing with these two teenagers. Don't you agree?" The sannin sighed, "You have the makings of a great leader in you, Masakai. I do agree with you. Let's proceed." Masakai smiled warmly at her before bowing his head, "You are certainly just as wise as you are fair." Tsunade cracked a returning smile before writing a few things down. Masakai took this time to ruffle the twins' hair. The boys were calmed by this motion and sat down as their Captain walked back to his stool. Kiki looked at her brother with soft eyes. He was a great man.

The village was heard talking amongst one another while the Hokage was making notes. That had to be a good sign, right? As soon as her pen hit the clipboard though, the room was once again silent. Tsunade's honey eyes shifted to Kalypso, "Would you go next, darling?" Kalypso nodded, "Yes! Of course!" Her little blue face looked down the row at Kiki, "You can do your thingy now!" Kiki stared at her, "I'm going to do your memories and your brother's together, okay? You haven't lived a very long life yet." Kalypso giggled, "That's fine with me! Brother?" Gale yawned, "Yeah. That's fine with me as well. It'll be nice to see dad again, huh?" He placed his sister in his lap as Kiki began her jutsu again.

Kisame fiddled with his sword nervously as his latest employer led him to his new job. He was much younger in this memory and was wearing the traditional garb of his village still, including the unscathed headband. His beady eyes watched the Hozuki ninja in front of him pull out a key and unlock a door. It would seem they had arrived at their destination. The Hozuki shinobi didn't follow Kisame through the door though, causing Kisame to look back with a confused expression plastered on his blue face. The Hozuki clan member spoke, "I stop here. Can't risk it." Before Kisame had a chance to protest, the door was slammed shut in his face, leaving him alone in almost complete darkness. What exactly was he hired to guard?

A clanking noise drew his attention behind him. Whatever he was here for, the clan hosting it was even afraid. Cautiously, Kisame felt along the wall until he located the railing of a staircase, "Oh, great, downstairs. Just like the stories. This is where I die." Swallowing his fear, he descended into the darkness. The temperature dropped as he got lower and more clanking noises echoed around him. He walked down flight, after flight, after flight until there were no more steps left. The bottom was freezing. In fact, it was some sort of ice cave. Kisame felt the walls around him as his breath came out in short, white puffs. They were half frozen and melted at the sudden warmth of his touch. What was this place? Quietly observing his surroundings, he noticed light seeping out from under a door a few meters to his left. With nowhere else to go, Kisame walked silently to the door, drawing his long blade. As soon as his blue fingers touched the icy door, he slammed it open and charged in.

The occupant of the room shrieked, catching Kisame off guard, before the occupant slammed something composed of glass into his arm. The glass object shattered and cut his blue flesh to draw blood, causing Kisame to scream out loud too. The two screamed for a moment before silently staring at each other. His attacker was a human. A beautiful woman actually. She may have been average in stature and weight, but she had these stunning, deep blue eyes that looked right through him. The dark blue color of her eyes contrasted sharply with her icy blue hair that hung in textured waves around her pale face and stopped slightly below her shoulders. The only thing off about her piercing features was her frightened expression. She spoke timidly as she took in Kisame's enormous figure, "You scared the absolute crap out of me! You literally almost reduced me to a puddle! What were you doing sneaking around like that, huh?" Kisame blinked in confusion as he looked around. They were in a lab with rows of tanks extending farther than he could see and various crowded counters lined the walls near them. The girl folded her arms angrily, "Can you speak or are you less intelligent then all the rest that have been sent down before you?" Kisame pulled himself together at the insult, "I'm Kisame Hoshigaki and I was hired to guard you. I think. Something here anyways." The girl smiled and extended her hand, "I think we should start over then, I'm Mizu Hozuki. I can fix your arm, I swear." He took her hand in his and they shook. Honestly, he had forgotten about his arm. She was a fairly distracting beast.

"So, Kisame, what put you in the mercenary-guard-dude business?" She turned away from him and began looking through a drawer until she proudly produced a first aid kit.

"I really like being stabbed with glass by frightened researchers. It's my favorite pastime." Mizu looked over and laughed, "You've got a sense of humor then? I like it. Feel free to sit anywhere not cluttered with research." She gestured to their surroundings and Kisame sat on a bench nearby that appeared clean. Mizu paused as she looked at his wound. A look of deep concentration crossed her sharp features. She didn't move, causing Kisame to become uncomfortable after a minute of her eccentric behavior, "I think you should start with removing the glass…" He suggested softly. She looked up, drawn out of her trance, "I know! I was just trying to remember what I was working with. I don't think it was biologically dangerous, but I do have that one strain…" She trailed off and Kisame paled, "What do you mean you can't remember!?" Mizu smiled nervously and rubbed her neck, "I forget a lot of things. It's nothing personal!" This would be his life for who knows how long.

Mizu was researching the Hozuki's famous hydrification technique, trying to make it less strenuous on the body, more powerful in sources of water, and less dependent on user hydration. She looked down at the numerous empty tanks as she explained this, "Those are all my subjects." Kisame blinked and shyly stated he didn't see anything. It was only his second day, but he could already tell Mizu was unbelievable smart. The smartest person he had ever met and he was always afraid he looked stupid in comparison to her. For some reason, he wanted to impress her. He couldn't quite explain why. Mizu looked sadden by his statement, "That's exactly right… none of them can regain their forms. They are permanently liquid. I am a huge failure. So, the clan stuck me way down here, where water freezes, and no longer associate with me. Now, they have even started hiring guards from outside the clan. I shouldn't complain about that though. You're the first person I've seen in months. A very lonely few months..." Mizu looked at the ground, "They won't send me new test subjects either. How am I supposed to make any progress?" Kisame cocked his head as he listened. She liked to talk a lot, but he assumed she just missed having someone to talk to. So he listened, intently. If he was being paid to babysit, he might as well do a good job of it. Besides, she was kind of cute when she spoke. What a curious beast.

Months passed and the two were finally comfortable around each other. Kisame was relaxed by her crazy nature, so different from everyone else in the village, and Mizu loved Kisame's undivided attention. Their relationship was a win for both parties involved.

It was also months until Mizu had a breakthrough.

Kisame was sleeping when Mizu's excited shouting woke him up, "I've done it! I've finally done it!" Kisame bolted out of bed and ran into the lab with his sword drawn. He was still asleep and wasn't able to process her exclamations as positive yet. Then Mizu ran up to him and wrapped her arms around his figure. Now he understood, this was a good thing. Kisame smiled at her touch as she excitedly began to explain her breakthrough. She was so clever. When she had finished her explanation, Mizu smiled at him, "You were my inspiration, you know. Thank you." Kisame was taken aback by her gesture of gratitude. He didn't know what to say. He helped her? How can this be? Thankfully, Mizu returned to her microscope without a second though, sparing Kisame an awkward reply. He still wanted to talk to her though. Hold her again maybe. What was Kisame feeling?

"Mizu," Kisame started. She turned around to look at him and he lost his nerve. Her intelligent eyes stared right through him and he only managed to blurt out, "How about we celebrate?" Mizu's smiled and blushed slightly, "I would love to! Let's get out of here! Please?" She grabbed his arm and they left the lab. It was dark when they emerged from the building. The two happily inhaled the fresh air they have been deprived for so long before energetically hitting up the town. One thing led to another, and…

Mizu was pacing back and forth as Kisame walked into the lab, "I replaced the fuses like you asked, Mizu." She didn't look at him or even acknowledge him, but he was used to it. She often did this when she was deep in thought. Although, she didn't usually pace. He sat in a chair and waited for her thoughts to run their course. She suddenly stopped pacing, "Kisame, I think I'm pregnant." He stared at her in disbelief, "You are what?" She looked at him fearfully, "The clan leaders are going to kill me... my research... What do I do?" It was then Kisame knew he had to right his wrong. It was his fault after all. He was the one who had let his feelings get carried away. He was the one who made their relationship more than professional.

Mizu's work was moved to the surface in a lab some distance away from the main Hozuki building, but complete with its own house. It was actually a huge improvement. Mizu stared at Kisame in wonder, "How did you convince them?" He only smiled in reply. He made her happy and that's all that mattered. As soon as Gale was born, Mizu went straight back to work, leaving the child raising up to Kisame. His own son. He couldn't have been more proud. And he was so handsome; dark blue hair like his father, but his mother's piercing eyes. What a perfect combination. He was much more attractive than he. Kisame absolutely loved him.

Two years passed and Mizu ran out of test subjects again. Gale had his face pressed against the glass of a tank filled with half liquefied mice as Mizu and Kisame talked. He always loved spending time in the lab, much to his parent's dismay.

"I just need to try this! The elders won't budge though… I need to show them some results soon too…" Kisame stroked her icy hair, "You'll figure something out, you always do." With that, Kisame strolled over to Gale and threw him on his shoulders, "Let's go play!" Gale squealed with delight. He adored his father. Kisame seemed to be a natural parent, surprisingly.

That evening, when Gale was asleep, Kisame snuck into the lab to surprise Mizu and cheer her up, but he couldn't find her anywhere. He searched the lab for almost thirty minutes before he found her laying by a tank, half human, half puddle. He knelt by her and waited for her to reform. It took twenty minutes and twelve seconds after Kisame got there.

"Mizu! Are you okay!?" He clutched her to his chest, "What happened?!" She looked at him, blue eyes sad, "I injected my experimental serum into myself, but I'm afraid I've miscalculated." Kisame's heart dropped. Why did she do that? What did this mean for the future?

A few months have passed now. Gale was watching his mother craft a solution when she suddenly fell to the floor. He cried out worriedly, "Mommy!" His small face peered over the counter to check on his mother. Her legs were liquid and she had seemed to have caught herself with her elbows, "Go find daddy, sweetie." Gale did as he was told. Fifty five minutes and thirty two seconds until her legs reformed.

Many more months passed and Gale was three now. Mizu was playing hide and seek with him in the lab when her entire body fell apart. Gale couldn't find her for an hour and seven minutes. "Wow mommy, you're really good at this game!" Mizu shed a tear as she watched her condition worsen, "I was a champ back in my day, Gale." Her son giggled, "I can tell, mommy!"

Weeks passed until the next incident. Two hours, seventeen minutes, fifty two seconds, until she could reform.

Then two hours, forty eight minute, fifteen seconds.

And four hours, twenty two minutes, three seconds.

The next time it happened, both the boys were present. Mizu hated when they were around to witness her weakness, but sometimes it couldn't be helped. After all, she had no control over her body. Kisame sadly looked at Gale who was watching the puddle intently. It was almost if he was trying to force his mother to rematerialize. It still took six hours and fifty eight seconds.

Gale helped tuck in his tired mother before asking, "Daddy, why is mommy always turning into puddles?"

Kisame choked on his words as he pulled the covers over Mizu's drained figure. He had to think of something and fast, "Didn't you know? Your mother is a goddess."

Gale's eyes widened, "Really? Wow!"

Kisame nodded, "That's right! She's goddess of all the seven seas."

"All SEVEN of them?"

"Yes! It's a big job, as you can imagine, so she has to go to the oceans a lot and help all the sea creatures. To do this, she makes a puddle portal to travel back and forth. Only she can use it though, obviously." Gale smiled happily at this and, for the first time ever, looked at his mother proudly, "Does that mean I'm a god?" Kisame picked him up, "No, only half I'm afraid. It's all my fault. Sorry I'm so mortal."

"Yeah, thanks, Dad." The two laughed together as Kisame carried his son out of the room.

When Gale was almost four, Kisame and Mizu agreed to move apart. Kisame took Gale to some property still in the village, but away from the Hozuki's land holdings. As Mizu's condition advanced, she was able to visit Gale less and less. It came to the point where she couldn't even be away from water at all so she had to flood her lab. Kisame still visited her religiously though. After all, he was still technically supposed to guard her and he still loved her.

Nine hours, seven minutes, ten seconds.

Fourteen hours, thirty seven minutes, nine seconds.

Twenty five hours, fourteen minutes even.

Gale turned five and was officially enrolled in the training program his parents made it through. As dictated by the elders of the Hozuki clan, Gale would only ever bear his father's name and had to enter school as such. Otherwise it would be shameful to the clan. The Bloody Mist said he had great potential and was projected to even become a swordsman one day. This news couldn't have Gale happier though, he really could be just like his father!

Kisame saw Mizu the first day Gale went to school. It was a good day, she appeared stable. They talked and sat in each other's arms, but then they just couldn't help themselves. It had been so long since they had truly embraced one another. Mizu was with child once more, but this time she was more frightened for the child's life. What would happen to it if she fell apart again? Mizu begged to abort the baby, but Kisame wouldn't hear it.

"Kisame, please! It'll probably die anyways! Don't make me go through that!"

"You can't possibly know that! You always come back fine!"

"It's not even close to the same thing! We have to… think in its best interests…"

"I think it's best we try… and don't call our baby 'it' again."

Mizu kept the child for Kisame's sake. He always did so much for her, it was really the least she could do.

Two days, three hours, nineteen minutes, thirty one seconds.

Two days, twenty hours, fourteen minutes, fifty nine seconds.

Kalypso was born. She was healthy, from what could be seen. A little premature, yes. A little small, of course. Functioning, thank goodness. Kisame held the small child in his hands. She was so tiny. Like a little guppy. His little guppy.

The strain was too much on Mizu's body though. Five days, eleven hours, nine seconds.

One week, two days, fifteen hours, seven minutes, forty seconds.

Two weeks, four days, ten hours, thirty three minutes, twenty two seconds.

Mizu couldn't even keep her form fully now. She was always at least half water and both Kisame and she agreed the kids shouldn't witness that. Mizu was forced to move to a small area by the beach. This way she couldn't bring anymore shame to the clan and still be relatively safe to continue her research. More importantly, she could see her children. Given she could only interact with them in the ocean. It was something though and the children visited regularly. Kalypso was almost one now and had grown so much. She didn't look so sickly anymore. Things were really looking up. But what goes up, must come down.

Kisame left them alone today for he had business to attend to. Public officials weren't going to die on their own. Coups weren't going to start themselves either! Unfortunately, the assassins hired by the Hozuki Clan knew this. Without Kisame, the family was vulnerable. Three ninja descended upon Mizu simultaneously, trying to end her and the humiliation she brought. As flawed as she was, she was still a skilled Hozuki and finished the three assailants off easily with her Water Gun Technique. But of course that was too simple. Her screaming children drew her attention to a fourth assassin. He was on land with her babies, holding Gale in front of all his vital spots and Kalypso by her long hair off to the side. Mizu couldn't fire a gun with Gale there nor could she leave the water, but she had to try something. Desperate, she took a step out of the ocean and her leg immediately collapsed. She placed her other leg in front of her, but that one gave way too. She had no choice but to crawl. The assassin mocked Mizu as she pulled herself along the sand, leaving a trail of herself behind. Her struggle was rewarded when she reached Kalypso. Panting, she put her hand out to touch her. It liquefied and fell to the ground almost instantly leaving Kalypso's face wet. "No, no," Mizu muttered as the rest of figure collapsed. She couldn't protect her children. Just another failure to add to her list. Gale bit down on the enemy's hand as hard as could while he was distracted with his sharp teeth, drawing blood, and causing the shinobi to drop him, "Why you little brat!" He charged at Gale, but he was ready for the assassin this time. Gale drew his blade and growled at his sister, "Close your eyes. Now." This didn't stop her from hearing the enemy's flesh being systematically sliced apart by Gale's extraordinary swordsmanship. When she opened her blue eyes, her brother was standing over the assassin's severed body with blood splattered across his blue features. Three corpses bobbed in the ocean waves. Gale turned and looked at her tenderly, "Are you okay, Guppy?" Kalypso glanced at the wet sand where she last saw her mother. One month, three days, sixteen hours, one minute.

Madara approached Kisame after Mizu's most latest disintegration and after he had recently obtained Samehada. Feeling his life collapsing around him, Kisame made a deal with the Devil. Kisame joined the Akatsuki.

One month, three weeks, two day, twenty one hours, nine minutes, fifty nine seconds.

Kisame moved the children into the hideout with him and didn't allow them to visit Mizu anymore. There was hardly ever a Mizu to visit. And one day, there wasn't a Mizu at all. Kisame sat on the dock by her property when they had spoken their last words.

"Kisame, make sure the kids grow up well."

"I know."

"And make sure they learn my clan's techniques. They come in handy."

"As you wish."

"Make sure you're there to walk Kalypso down the aisle. And make sure she marries a man as good as you."

"Of course."

"And make sure Gale treats women the same way you treated me."

"Already started."

"And make sure to tell them I love them always."

"Yes, Mizu."

"And… Kisame…" What was left of her face looked up at him. He leaned over the pier's edge as she continued, "Remember that I loved you more than anything. I'm so sorry I put you through this. I never… deserved… you… Promise me you'll find someone better..." With that she was gone. Her figure dissolved into the ocean. Every day for three months, Kisame sat at that wooden dock, waiting for her to return, but she never did. He accepted it at last and whispered to the waves, "That is the one thing I cannot do." At least she would always be a part of this world. He would still visit the pier every now and again, just in case, but he wasn't ever hopeful. Itachi was sitting there when Kisame first met him. It would appear Itachi knew exactly where to find him. Fitting how the death of his former life and start of his new one would pick up in the same place.

A new imaged flashed through the minds of all in the lecture room.

Gale jumped away from Kisame, breathing heavily, with his sword drawn. Kisame rested Samehada on his shoulder, "Good job, Gale. Take a break and drink plenty of water." Gale sheathed his weapon behind his back and picked up a water bottle before taking a big swig. The ocean waves crashed against the shore near Mizu's dock.

"You know dad, there is such a thing as being TOO hydrated. Water can kill in high amounts. That's why tidal waves are a thing. Are you trying to off me?" He shot his dad a playful smile as he set the water bottle down. Kisame chuckled, "Of course I'm trying to get rid of you. You want Samehada and I don't want to give it up!"

"You promised on my eighteenth birthday you would give it to me!"

"Did I really say that? How do I know you're not lying? What if you sister deserves it more?"

Gale huffed, "Seriously? She's a GIRL, dad, come on!" He gestured to his sister who was busy building sand castles. She was still fairly young at this point.

"Are you saying girls can't become Swordsmen of the Mist?"

"I'm saying recently there's only been one girl and she's DEAD. She died from being a girl."

Kisame laughed again, "Point proven, but we will still have to wait and see what time decides." Gale made and exasperated noise and fell to the ground dramatically, "DADDDDDDDDDDDDDD." Kisame smiled, "Enough break time! Draw your weapon and prove your worth!"

Another new image.

Gale watched Juliet train with her scythe before openly laughing. She turned quickly to shoot him a dirty look, "What's so funny, fish head?" Gale shrugged his shoulders, "You haven't used that very long, have you?" Juliet's rage fell, "Is it that obvious?" The blue boy nodded his Mohawk, "Yeah, but I can teach you a thing or two, if you're willing to learn from a fish head." Juliet turned the same pink as her eyes, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult you… please help me." Gale smirked, "One condition, you call me Master." Juliet's anger returned, "Seriously? Power trip much? You're an asshole with a god complex!" Gale sighed and shook his head before turning away. It only took a few steps before Juliet gave in, "Master, come back and help me, please?" Gale smirked again, "That wasn't so hard, was it?" Their friendship was almost instant.

And yet another image flashed.

Kalypso stared at the sword Kisame threw at her with a bored expression, "Lame." Gale and Kisame both made a face of surprise. Kisame raised his hands, "Just humor me, Guppy." She pouted and crossed her arms, "Nope." Gale glared, "Come on! You are bringing shame to your family!" Kalypso yawned, "I'm going to go play with Hiro. Shame doesn't exist over there or otherwise Uncle Itachi would have died." She walked away, leaving Kisame and Gale in shock. Kisame raced after her, "Guppy! Guppy! Wait!"

The scene shifted again.

Madara walked by Gale and Kisame, "Gale, are you ready for you first mission?" The boy's eyes brightened, but Kisame answered for him, "No, he's not." Madara cocked his head, "Children from your village have entered wars at younger ages than him and I think he's old enough to speak for himself." Gale nodded, "Yeah, dad, quit embarrassing me." He turned to Madara and bowed, "I am ready to serve you, Leader." Kisame watched in horror as Madara explained Gale's assignmet. The masked man left as soon as he finished talking. Gale looked at his father proudly, "Leader thinks I'm worthy!" Kisame shook his head, "Gale… no… I can't let you go. I'm too scared. If your mother knew about this…"

"Dad, I will always be that little boy that stood by the sea and watched you tower over me, but now I'm older and am ready to step out of your shadow. I want to be the same as you." He walked away with that, leaving Kisame's heart heavy. His kids were growing up and he couldn't seem to stop them.

The mental image finally settled soundly.

Kalypso hugged her brother, "I miss daddy." He stroked her hair, "I know. He'll be back soon." They watched the waves together as the sun set.

"Gale, what do you think mommy is doing?"

"I don't know, but it must be important. She's been gone a long time." His sister snuggled deeper into his chest, "I love you big brother." He kissed her head, "I love you too even if you're a pain in the butt." They both laughed and Kalypso playfully punched her brother in the chest. He sat up, pretending to be wounded, before they started play fighting. Kisame approached a few minutes later. "DADDY!" They both exclaimed before drawing him into their pretend battle. The tide brought the waves closer.

Kiki stopped her jutsu and looked at the Hoshigaki kids. Gale was still holding Kalypso to his chest and they were both smiling. Gale looked at his sister, "It was nice to see daddy and mommy again wasn't it?" She nodded and nuzzled her brother. Gale looked up the Hokage, "No matter what he said or did, I am proud to be his son."

Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to leave any comments, concerns, or questions in the box below. You can even leave general statements if you'd like! Ooh, options.

Fun fact: Hydrification isn't a real word. Sounds like it should be though, right? Like, with astronaut food or something. I dunno, but IT'S A LIE.