I hold no claim to any of the original characters!

Chapter Ten

The Journey

The group had to split into three separate travels to make sure that they all got their safely instead of being caught because of the large group they now had acquired. The three groups were to travel and then meet up at the Wing rock near Kanna Village, each having one of the farmers to lead them there.

Kambei took Komachi with Katsushiro and Kikuchiyo.

Gorobei took Heihachi, Matoko, and Rikichi.

Shichiroji was left with Kyuzo and Kirara.

Aito refused to go with Kambei since he was 'the bastard that let the traitor live', and jumped onboard with Gorobei and his team. Aina instantly offered to go with Shichiroji, despite their brother's words after their last experience with the said man, and so, that left Akahana, unfortunately, with Kambei.

"Sensei," Katsushiro looked at Kambei as their group traveled through a gorge. "May I ask what were your reasons for putting Lady Kirara in the group with Kyuzo, despite her concerns about him?"

"The only reason that matters; getting everyone to the village alive." Kambei replied.

"What's the matter?" Komachi decided to tease the young boy. "Do you think that sis should have you there to protect her instead?"

"No, that's not it at all," Katsushiro replied, a light blush on his face.

"Don't think about it," Akahana grunted, her arms crossed as she led the way. "The little priestess must get over her fears. She came to us for help and so she should just deal with it. She's being an idiot."

Komachi pulled a face. "You don't like my sister too much, do you?"

Her answer was blunt. "No."

"S-Sensei!" Katsushiro cried at the older woman, a look of shock on his face.

"What?" She shrugged. "I'm not gonna lie. I speak the truth, no matter what. If I don't like someone, I'll gladly say it aloud."

"You're so strong, Aka," Komachi sighed. "Hopefully I'll be as strong as you one day!"

Akahana closed her eyes and gave a silent sigh. ~Kid, there's no way in hell you'll want to be like me; in any way.~ "Kikuchiyo,"

"Yeah?" the red robot quickened his steps to move up beside the woman.

"Can I ask you to carry me for the next few feet?"

"Carry you? Are you that tired, Akahana?" Katsuhiro asked her.

"No, it's just that…"

"I hate water," Akahana grumbled to herself, letting Kikuchiyo carry her on his back across the stream by the waterfall. "But I have to admit that a scene like this is quite beautiful."

"Does your home not have waterfalls?" Katsuhiro asked her.

She shook her head. "No. The Almoth Plains are just that; plains. We have crevices of where water used to be but it's not much; nothing extravagant like this. That's why people like my sister are highly important."

"Yes, your sister can control water and your brother, air," Katsuhiro glanced back at her. "And yet I haven't seen you do anything. Do you have a power like they do?"
"But of course," She smiled. "I'm afraid that if you haven't figured what it is for yourself then you'll just have to wait and see. Who knows? I might not even feel like showing it to you during this 'great battle'." She scoffed.

Kambei glanced at her. "If you don't want to fight then why follow us there?" He asked her. "You're not a Samurai so you have nothing to do with this."

"It's all your fault, old man." Akahana decided to growl at him. "When I'm challenged in my strength, I refuse to back down. You questioned the strength of the Commander of the Almoth Plain Army; reap what you sow."

Kikuchiyo gave a laugh as Komachi decided to tease Katsushiro.

"He's still thinking of sister."

"I am not. Will you stop it with that?" The boy asked her.

"Oh, you can try and hide it all you want but I can tell that you're totally in love with her."

"Like hell he is!" Akahana growled. "I'll beat the hell out of him if he even, for a moment, thinks about that stupid girl like that."

"Are samurai even allowed to fall in love?" Komachi asked.

"No one's fallen in love!" Katsushiro growled. "I told you it's not like that!"

Kambei gave a smirk. "You've lost this battle."

"What about you, Akahana?" Komachi turned to the woman as she slid off of Kikuchiyo's back. "Have you ever fallen in love?

"Falling in love is a foolish, idiotic thing to do." The woman's voice was cold as she moved past them all again. "What's the point of opening your heart to something that will just rip it to pieces the moment they can? I'd rather not waste my time on something so stupid."

Komachi stared after her. "I'd say that she needs to get some loving."

"No, I don't think that's it," Katsuhiro replied. "I think it's…something else."

Kambei watched after her. "Hmm…"

They came to a rest further down the stream for a moment. Komachi was continuing to pick on Katsushiro and Akahana had finally reached her limit.

"If you do not stop this soon, Komachi, I'm going to beat the ever-living hell out of you, child or not!" The young child gave a squeak before jumping behind Kikuchiyo, who sat up.

"Hey, why so mad all of the sudden?" The robot asked her. "Don't be so tough on her. She's just a little kid trying to have some fun."

"I don't care," Akahana replied. "She either stops being annoying or deals with punishment."

Katsuhiro glanced at the woman that sat close to him. She was staring at the stream, her face fierce and eyes dulled as if she was remembering something. To be skilled enough to be lost in thoughts and still hear everything around you…just who was this woman?

"Katsushiro, tell me," the young man looked at Kambei. "Why did you want to become a Samurai?"

"What?" Katsuhiro seemed to be lost forwards, unsure of how to reply to that.

Akahana saved him the trouble and stood up, leading their journey on again.

"Akahana," The woman turned as they climbed up the rocks to find Kambei walking up to her. "I have a question."

"Another one?" She grunted, moving on in her steps again. "What is it this time?"

"Were you given Command of the Almoth Army when the Almoth Tragedy took place?"

Akahana had to admit that that was not the question she had been expecting. "And if I was?"

"That would have made you merely a child."

"I had just turned Twenty. So what?" She glanced at him.

"It would either mean that the Almoth Plains is not as strong as I had thought…or that your teacher had been a fool. Naming someone that young to-" He was cut off by Akahana turned to face him. A look of livid rage was on her face. "Don't EVER call my Sensei a fool! Kalhu was the smartest, kindest, strongest man I had ever met and I was honored to be his student!"

"Kalhu?" Kambei looked surprised. "The Great Snake Kalhu was your teacher?!"

She turned away from him. "I may have been mistaken to call you a fool before, Old man. At least you're smart enough to know some things." She moved on ahead of him, leaving him to his thoughts some more but she gave a frown and grabbed her left arm. "Yes, Kalhu was my Sensei but already…I bring his spirit nothing but shame…"

"To hide a tree, you put it in a forest," Gorobei said happily. "To hide a person, you go into town."

"I understand your words," Matoko began to growl. "But dressed like this?!" The group had been forced into robes and hats of red and white as Heihachi and Rikichi had to carry flags.

"Well, the main road is the most obvious route to Kanna," The Samurai replied. "And the last that they'd expect us to take."

"Blend in by standing out," Heihachi commented. "But aren't these outfits kinda pushing it?"

"Hey, as long as he doesn't make us dress up as chicks, I'll wear whatever he wants me too." Aito commented, arms behind his head. Matoko laughed.

"I really don't feel very comfortable like this," Rikichi sighed.

"Come on now," Gorobei chuckled. "Comfort is for the stagnant. If anyone asks just tell them – 'We are a traveling troop of merry men, art of joke and a joyful song'. And you have to say it like that."

"That might work; if we didn't have a chick with us," Aito pointed at Matoko.

"Don't worry about me," She grinned. "I can be your musician!"

"But I can't," Rikichi was saying. "I'm just a farmer; rice is all I know. I don't know how to perform."

"Oh, stop being such a baby!" Aito told the other man. "Grow a pair and just act like your life is depending on it. You can do anything, then."

"Aito, his life IS depending on it; if you think about it." Matoko laughed.

"I agree," Heihachi smiled but that just made the other man grow worse.

"We shouldn't be laughing," Rikichi paused. "This is life or death."

"Relax," Heihachi turned to him. "I like it because it's life or death; its Gorobei's style. You should try it out."

As they entered the city, a set of girls were throwing a show for the crowd. Aito watched as the performance continued, happily talking to Matoko as the others decided what they were going to do next.

"What do you think?" Aito asked. "Should I knock her off the pole?"

Matoko gave a laugh. "You're such a foul, little man, aren't you? You're so cruel." She then pulled an evil look herself. "Do it."

"Oh no you don't," Gorobei grabbed the younger man before he could even move and dragged him away from the show; and from the Bandit Scouts.

Gorobei then came into an idea for them to slip past the Bandits the next time they ran into them. Matoko and Heihachi seemed to be okay with it but Rikichi and Aito…

"You have got to be kidding me." Aito stared at the men like they were crazy. "No. I won't do it. I refuse to dress up as a woman!"

"Oh? Then what do you plan on doing?" Gorobei asked him.

Aito thought for a moment before a large grin broke out across his face.

"What are you, a pimp?" Matoko asked the man beside her.

"You damn right," Aito nodded.

"Why couldn't I be one with you?" Rikichi demanded, tears in his eyes.

"Because you're not man enough." Aito grinned.

"Uh-oh," Heihachi pointed ahead of them at the smoke rising. "Looks like trouble."

It was a small little village; works of the bandits. The group was able to think quickly and Aito, as the 'only man' in the troop, made it perfect. "Hey, Nobusari, they may be traveling entertainers, but if you pay me enough I'll let you use my ladies for something much more."

Matoko kept her smile on but inside her head she was furious. ~I'm gonna kill this bastard.~

"Perform for us now or we'll take your heads!"

"Well, if you insist." Matoko grinned, grabbing her instrument case. She was reaching for her weapons but Rikichi moved first and broke out into a ridiculous dance and song about planting rice. The four of the others were doing all they could to not laugh as they all watched the man do his performance.

"That's quite enough, really. Just…put your dress back on, please." The Nobusari told him before flying off.

"We owe you one," Gorobei smiled. "Because of your bravery we avoided a fight."

"But I nearly could have…" He collapsed to the ground.

"Easy, man. You don't want your make-up to run."

"I will cherish that for the rest of my life." Matoko told Heihachi. "Whenever I feel bad now, I'll think back to this and laugh my ass off."

"Amen," Aito agreed, beginning the laugh between the five of the group.

"My Divine impulse was right," Kirara began. "This underground water system will lead us all the way back to Kanna Village."

"Will it now?" Shichiroji grinned. "That's a relief," He glanced at Aina. "I heard that you and your siblings have control over an element or two and that yours was water. Can you follow the system too?"

"If I needed too," Aina nodded, her arms folded behind her back. "But since she's here I don't have too; it's sorta like a break, you know?"

"Yes, I suppose you're right." He glanced at the solitary man before them. "Hey, Kyuzo!" the man paused in his steps, not even glancing back. "Why don't you slowdown a bit? We got a lady with us." He referred to Kirara

Aina frowned. "What's this? I'm not a lady because I'm a warrior, huh?"

"Oh, that's not what I meant at all!" Shichiroji waved his hands with a nervous laugh. "I meant that I have all faith that you'd be able to keep up with us, no matter what."

Aina gave him a frown. "Nice save."

He gave a sigh. ~I know, right?~

Kirara gave them both a glare. "I don't need considerations, Great Samurai. I am capable of moving fast." She quickened her pace and as she moved on ahead of them, the duo in the back gave conjoined sighs.

"This is gonna be a pain," the man commented.

"Indeed," Aina agreed. "You keep an eye on the little girl and I'll help scout ahead, deal?"

"All right," Shichiroji nodded.

"And if you find out that you can't handle her, just let me know and we'll switch." She called to him before hurrying up ahead.

"Don't back out of it, either!" He called after her with a chuckle.

Aina didn't know what had been going on when she first met Kyuzo; there had been a strange feeling in her but she was shoving that away and trying not to embarrass herself any further than she already had beforehand. Glancing to the side, she couldn't help but give a small chuckle. He wore a black mask pulled up over the bottom of his face.

"I have to admit, it fits your personality," He glanced at her. "Your mask. I've never seen a Samurai try to be a Ninja before. Maybe you should exchange your sword from some Kunai and complete the deal." Kyuzo glanced ahead again, staying silent. She gave a silent sigh. ~Should have known he wouldn't be much of a talker while traveling.~ "So, can I ask what made you really decide to join us? Or was it all just because of Kambei and your will to fight him?"

"Your sister." Kyuzo finally answered.

That caught her off guard. "What?"

"Your sister's strength is something that I would like to see firsthand as well. I can sense it radiating off of her," He glanced at her from the corner on his eye. "Off of all three of you."

Aina scratched the back of her head with a light blush and a chuckle. "Really? It's normally just Aito and Akahana that are noticed. I'm just seen as a tagalong by others."

"If they think that, then they are fools."

His words made her smile grow wider.

"Those are our neighbors down there," Kirara announced, breathing hard as they gazed down at the small village beneath the mountain. "Kanna Village is not very far beyond them."

"It's a difficult climb, Lady Kirara," Shichiroji began. "You're out of breath. Why don't we take a break here? At least for a few minutes."

Aina watched as Kirara turned her head and glared at Kyuzo. He stared back at her for a moment before looking the other way.

"No thanks," Kirara growled, turning her head. "We can rest when we get there. My people are waiting for us. They need me."

"Stop being such a brat," Aina sighed, taking a seat on the rock before her. "I for one am not against taking a quick breather so just deal with it."

Shichiroji stared at her for a moment, a smile on his face. "You look like your freezing."

"It is a little cold," Aina nodded. "And being connected to water like I am doesn't help but I'll be fine." She told him. "So no need to worry."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep! I'm a warrior from Almoth Plains. I'm used to much worse than this when it's winter there."

~Also because Akahana's there with me, but that's beside the point.~ She silently grinned to herself.

"Scouts," Kyuzo announced. Kirara went to turn but Shichiroji stopped her before telling her to give him her foot. Aina gave a sigh and stood up again before taking a spot beside the blond man in red.

"Should I take them, or would you like to?" she asked. He glanced at her in silence. "I'm fast, but you are faster, surprisingly." She could have sworn that man smirked beneath his mask as he grabbed the handles of his blades.

"Why start a fight?" Shichiroji asked.

"I'd rather kill them than they kill us," Aina replied.

"You're much sweeter when your siblings are around," the samurai told her.

"No, you've just never seen me when I'm on my own before," The woman replied.

"Getting to the village should be our top priority," Kirara told them. "Let's not take lives when we don't need too."

Aina sighed and scratched her head as she moved past them all. "You take the fun out of everything, priestess." Kyuzo dropped his handles and moved after her as Shichiroji gave a breath of relief; until they reached a split path.

"Decisions, decisions, I wonder which way to go," Shichiroji sighed, glancing at the two paths now before them.

"The underground channel flows beneath both of these paths. Either way should lead us directly to Kanna village." Kirara told them, looking at her little jewel. Without a sound, Kyuzo began to walk down the path to the left. "Excuse me." She glared at him.

"Easy," The other man sighed.

"Hey, you said both would lead, right?" Aina asked with a grin as she moved after blondie. "So no worries. You're not gonna make a fight out of this now, are you?" Kirara glared at the other woman too.

Aina gave a sigh and moved forward again but was slammed against the wall of the mountain as Kyuzo dragged her over to him and out of the way of the path. She didn't need to ask what was going on; more scouts.

They popped up out of the ground, cutting off their road. Kyuzo wasted no time in moving forward to slice the scout in half but it turned out they departed into two, different machines.

"Shichiroji, protect the priestess," Aina called to the other blond, running forward to help.

This battle was nothing, but the bastard that Aina had been fighting did get in a lucky shot towards the end; before she stabbed her blade through its head.

"You're hurt."

Aina lifted her head to see Kyuzo standing over her. "Oh, no worries," She waved a hand. "It's just a scratch. It'll be gone in no time." Taking her hand, it began to glow blue again before she placed it on the wound in her side. She gave a worried grin as the blond in red continued to stare at her in silence. "I'm fine; really, though I appreciate your worry."

He glanced away, turning his head; she laughed at him.

"You knew that they'd come back," Shichiroji commented. "That's why you wanted to fight before. Both of you."

"I was in the army, you know," Aina replied.

"You were? At your age?" Kirara demanded. "And as a woman?"

"The Almoth Plains are very different than here, Kirara. As a scout, you learn many things about your enemies because you can learn to think the same way. I would have come back as well if I had been in their position." She caught Kyuzo looking at her again. "Bet you weren't expecting that one, were you?"

"So lively," Shichiroji sighed as they continued to move through the path. "Why you young people have so much energy I'll never know."

"Because I'm not old like you, blondie." Aina teased as she followed him.

"Great Kyuzo, before we reach Kanna, I have to know," Kirara began after a few moments of silence. "Why do you wish to fight Kambei? What did he do?"

"He's Samurai; that's all." Was the man's answer.

"Really? Just because of that?" Aina asked him. "What about Gorobei or Shichiroji here? They're Samurai; does that mean you wanna fight them too?"

"No."

"Then there has to be a reason other than that, right? It can't just be about seeing their power, can it?" Kyuzo just stared at her. "Is it that you can't think of an answer, or is it that you're embarrassed to give it?" He turned is head straight again, trying to ignore her. She gave a grin. "Too embarrassed, huh? I guess I would be too; especially if I was the one wanting to fight the old man…"

"So, we're here first, hmm?" Katsuhiro asked, looking up at the winged rock.

"It seems so," Kikuchiyo nodded.

"Not quite," Akahana sighed. "I believe that…"

"Ladies and gentleman!" the heard a fake voice behind them and turned to Aito with a grin on his face, four women standing beside him. "The Troop of Merry Travelers has arrived!" The blonde smiled.

"Oh…my…God…" Was dropped from Akahana's mouth before the sound of her laughter broke free. Aito looked shocked for a moment before joining in the laughter himself. That was the first time in a long time that he had heard his sister's true laughter.

"Hey, you guys look pretty good!" Kikuchiyo joined in.

"No offense, Kiku, but I don't think you have very good taste." Komachi replied as Gorobei walked forward.

"Looks like your journey was a strange one," Kambei began. "But I'm glad you're safe."

"Any word on the third group yet?" Gorobei asked.

"No need to worry about them," Akahana began, wiping tears from her eyes as her laughter settled down. "They were here even before us, it seems."

"Wha-?"

"I should have known that sister would notice us before any of the others," Aina's voice made them all turn to watched as the four of the third group revealed themselves from resting places.

"I say our journey went well, wouldn't you?" Shichiroji asked.

"Yep!" Aina nodded.

Akahana's face turned into a frown. "You're hurt."

"What?" Aina raised a brow and then shook her head. "Ah, it's nothing, really. Just a scratch from some stupid bandits. I'm fine, really! Nowhere near as bad as Aito's wound from before. Speaking of which, how does that feel?"

"Like it was never there." Aito grinned, rubbing where the wound had been. "I swear, sister's healing powers are second to none. Not even a scar."

Akahana gripped her left arm again. ~If only I had had them five years ago…~

Kambei watched her for a moment longer before calling out for them all to gather to figure out their next course of action.

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