Being of the Sea
Chapter 10: Awash
Thanks, for taking the time to read my story. In this chapter, several mythical creatures are mentions, descriptions of what they are at the end of the chapter in the Author's Notes. Please leave a review. If you have any questions or suggestion send a message and I'll answer as soon as possible.
Cora's Perspective
Waves crashing against shore touched my ears as consciousness began to return to me. My eyes slowly opened. I lay naked on a rocky black shore. Seawater lapped at my feet. A waking ache spread through at the slightest movement. I surrender to stillness. My face against the cool rocky shore. The memories of the night before were clear. Flying through the air, diving into the sea. The water against my scales. This was the first time I recall, such a transformation with clarity.
I'm exposed I can't stay like this. Sand clung to my skin. I ran my fingers down my back and was relieved to feel my pelt. My mask! Being without it only added to my feeling of exposure. I took a breath. No, I let go of the chaos. I've survived worse than this. An out character warm ocean breeze brush against my skin and travel through my hair. I found great comfort in it. Riptide, appeared by hand. Tied to its handle was my compass. They always return. I reached out to them and brought them close. I gathered my strength and managed to sit up. My hair fell in my face. I forced myself to my feet, only to stumble forward. Mei caused more damage than I thought. Not that she would ever know.
I took in my surrounding. I stood on the black rocky shore. Marine iguanas move slowly across the stones. In distance, seagulls squawked. The island was narrow. A narrow onyx rock mountain jutted upward and pierced the clouds. It resembled the dorsal fin of a shark. Arechi Island. It was most commonly known as Shark Fin Island. Arechi was the islands surrounding the Land of Water. It was furthest from the mainland. There were almost no signs of human inhabitation here with the exception of the lighthouse. It was abandoned years ago because the upkeep was too expensive and hazardous. The coral reefs that surrounded the island made approaching it by boat dangerous. Out of all the places I could have washed up, this was the best. It wasn't a coincidence that I washed up here. It was instinct.
The lighthouse was the only shelter. I tried brushing the sand from my skin, but it clung to me. I hate the sand. It's uncomfortable, scratchy, and get everywhere. The slight annoyance only added to my aggravation. I slowly scrambled across the shore eventually the lighthouse came into view. Little of the white painted it remained. There was a small house next to it. It had a green roof and all the windows were broken. I reached the withered door of the house. A padlock kept it shut. I ripped it off with ease. The door swung open with a loud creak. I searched through the small three-room home but couldn't find a single scrap of clothing. The tablecloth caught my attention. It would have to do. I yanked it off the table sending a cloud of dust into the air. I coughed. I fashioned the dirty cloth into a dress. It's not the most comfortable thing I've ever worn, but it's better than nothing.
All my supplies were gone. The scroll! It held the information I need on Shota's killer. My jaw cracked as I threw up the scroll. I was relieved to see it was safe. I found an old satchel and tucked the scroll inside it. I'm not hiding it within me again. I took stock of my injuries. Small circular wounds decorated my wounds decorated my limbs. They were burns that were infected. Under the skin damage was muscle bruising. I resisted the urge to lick my wounds, it would keep the toxin within my system. I brushed the sand away from the wounds the best I could. I yawned. Three days of sleep deprivation took a toll. The longest I'd without sleep was a week and that was under advanced hunter-nin training.
I need sleep. But also need to see Kisame again. The poor man must be so worried. The urge sleep overpowered me. My eyes shut into a deep sleep overwhelmed me. When I woke I had no idea what how much time had gone by. Their organization is too small to challenge a community as powerful as the Hidden Mist. They won't risk extraction until they are sure I'm incapable of freeing myself. Even then rescue would be slim. I can't afford to waste any more time. I ran to the shore, stopping at the shore. A marine iguana stared at me. The lizard was lounging lazily. I could speak to many marine creatures. But I'd never tried a lizard. The iguana stared uninterestedly at me.
"Can you understand me?" I asked.
It nodded.
"How long has it been since I arrived?" I asked.
"Washed up yesterday morning. Now it's tomorrow morning," it said.
Relief swept through me. There's time. I waded into the water. There were countless miles between Arechi and the Great Canyon in the Land of Earth. Hopefully, he will still be there. I flipped open my compass. The red arrow pointed in the direction of the Land of Earth. It would tell me if his location changed. I dove into the water. The touch of the ocean water against my face was reviving. Warmth spread through my legs as the fused together into a tail fin. I checked my compass before taking off in the direction it pointed.
I shifted into my seal form. It was faster traveling this way and brought less attention. Seawater granted me an unlimited source of energy. I sped through reefs of the surrounding islands. I swam underneath the large wooden underbellies of trade ships, stopping only when I neared land. I peaked out from the surf the shore was empty. It was night. As soon as I left the water that surged of energy left me. I fell forward from exhaustion onto the shore. No, I can just lose consciousness on some unknown island.
I sniffed the air. It was pure, untainted by human pollution. That shouldn't be possible. Curiosity overcame my tiredness. I came upon a beautiful river. Its name was unknown to me. This was a first. Every, body of water was known to me. I touched my fingers to the surface. The image of a jade green serpent dragon flashed before my eyes. It was the spirit of the river. Only the greatest of rivers housed a dragon spirit. The one that once lived here had long ago left for the spirit world never to return to humanity. There was a splash. I tensed.
"Hello there,"
It was a sweet childish voice. What would a child be doing here all alone? I should have smelled it.
"Where are you little one?"
"I'm perfectly proportional," he replied.
"I won't hurt you," I said.
There was movement from a bush, but there was no one. At my feet, was a little green serpent dragon. It was no bigger than a garter snake. A small pair of antlers stuck out from its head. Its big black eyes stared up at me. They held such innocence. The small reptile had long green blue eyelashes.
"You spoke,"
"Of course I did. Who else would be speaking?" it asked.
For some reason, I didn't find a talking dragon odd. There are many mystical creatures in the world including me. It seemed harmless enough.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"I am Ha. And who are you?" he asked, with a turn of his head.
"Cora",
No harm in telling a dragon my true name. Humans hadn't lived in this land for centuries. He giggled.
"Are you the spirit of this river?" I asked.
Ha giggled again.
"No, that's my papa, Sonzai. He carved me out of one of his teeth", he said.
"And he left you behind", I said.
"Yep, just in case someone ever entered the island. You're the first", said Ha.
"How is that possible?" I asked.
Sailors must have stumbled upon this land. Yes, the island was abandoned, but it was rich in natural resource. Humans wouldn't allow this to go unused.
"Papa put a spell on the island before leaving, so it wouldn't be disturbed if he ever wanted to come back," said Ha.
"Why was I allowed?" I asked.
"You're special," he said
"You mean mystical", I said.
"That too", he said.
The small dragon perched on my shoulders. I didn't shoo him away. After days of torture, the friendly company is nice. His eyes were focused on mine. I followed the river upstream.
"What is the place?" I asked.
"The Land of Whirlpools," said Ha.
"Never heard of it," I said.
"Most haven't," he said, with a sad shake of his head.
We reached the ruins of a village. This destruction wasn't caused by age. What disaster occurred here? It doesn't matter I won't be staying here long. I'll leave as soon as daybreak. I dove into the river. There was an ample amount of fish. I caught as many as I could. I tossed them onto the shore. I offered Ha one of the smaller fish I'd caught.
"For me?" he asked.
I nodded. Ha took it. He quickly swallowed the entire fish whole. I started gutting the fish.
"What are you doing? You're throwing away all the good parts!" said Ha.
"I don't like those parts. You're welcome to them," I said.
I cut the head of the fish. I finally took a bite, easily ripping through the scales and bones. The rich flavor filled my mouth. It moistened my mouth. Soon I finished the meal. I wiped my mouth on my arm.
"You're alone here," I said.
"Yep,"
"And that doesn't bother you?" I asked.
He looked away, ignoring the question.
"For how long?" I asked.
"Don't know," said Ha, with a shrug of his shoulders.
I got up, Ha followed behind me like a puppy. I took shelter in one of the ruins. Ha kept staring at me.
"Why do you keep on looking at me like that?" I asked.
"You have his eyes," he said.
"Whose eyes?" I asked.
"It's a secret," he said.
I didn't put much stock in the childish words of a dragon. Who knows what toll loneliness has taken on him. Ha settled in my lap and soon fell asleep. I ran my fingers over his scales. There was something calming about his innocent presence. He turned cutely onto his back revealing his white stomach. Night turned into day. The sun started to peak out from the mountains. I looked at Ha. I don't want to leave him here. I know how painful that can be. His eyes opened.
"Good morning," he said.
"Morning,"
"Why are you up so early?" he asked as he stretched in my lap.
"It's time for me to leave", I said.
"YOU CAN'T GO!" squealed Ha.
"You are free to join me," I said.
"Come with you," he said.
"Yes, that's what I said",
Ha nervously bit his lip.
"I'LL GO!" he shouted.
He climbed onto my shoulder.
"Watch the claws", I said.
I walked to the beach with him on my shoulders. Ha's presence relaxed me. I opened my compass, checking the direction of the arrow. I waded into the water.
"Quick question can you breathe underwater?" I said.
"Of course I can," he chirped.
With that, I dove into the water. I started swimming at full speed. There was a noticeable change in the water's temperature. It was uncomfortably warm, at least for me that is. Humans would find perfect warmth for swimming. That change in temperature also signified that we'd entered Chisana Bay. It was a small bay in the Land of Hot water, which was closest to its border with the Land of Fire.
"Mmm, isn't the water wonderful. So warm," said Ha.
"You like this," I said.
"Yep," he said.
"It will only get warmer as we get closer to the Land of Hot Water", I said.
We made it onto the Chisana Beach. My feet sunk into the soft white sand.
"Beautiful, can't we stay here awhile?" asked Ha.
"No,"
"Why the rush?" he asked.
"There's someone I have to see," I said.
"Your mate?" asked Ha.
"Yes,"
I can't linger long; soon this beach will be crowded with tourist. As I walked toward the village passerby gave me odd looks. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a window. My hair was in a sandy mess of tangles. The ragged yellow white tablecloth dress clung uncomfortably to my skin. The odd coloration of my skin brought attention to my pelt. I stole an outfit the outdoor wracks. I rushed to the changing rooms on the beach. They include outdoor shower stalls. I locked the door of the stall. I washed away the layer of sand from my skin. My fingers traveled to my hair. I groaned when I felt the tangled mass. No time to deal with that. I dried myself the best I could. I gave an annoyed twitch when I saw the outfit I'd stolen, hanging on the stall door. It was a white medium length dress decorated with large pink tropical flower print. The fabric was loose and light.
"A very colorful choice," said Ha.
"I didn't have a wide selection,"
I pulled the dress over my head and slid on a pair of flip-flops. I tore a shred of fabric from my discarded tablecloth dress. I used it to tie my hair into a bun.
"You can't ride on my shoulders," I said.
"Why not?" he whined.
"Humans aren't used to seeing dragons. And you'd bring to much attention and that's the last thing we need," I said.
I opened the leather satchel I'd taken from the lighthouse. It was in great shape considering its age. The scroll was safely tucked away. There was plenty of room for Ha.
"Get in", I said.
He jumped in.
"Comfy," he said.
I closed the bag.
"Don't say anything," I said.
"What we can't even talk?" said Ha.
"Take it as a chance to nap," I said.
I gathered my things and walked out of the stall. I placed shoved my tablecloth in the nearest trashcan. I entered the small beach town of Coral Cove. It was a beach town filled with colorful buildings. With the change of outfit, I became invisible, part of the crowd. Among the tourist were local ninjas, giving directions. It seemed so peaceful and boring. There are many shinobi who would have difficulties adjusting to such a life. I would. I can understand why someone like Hidan would find that sort of life unbearable. Something caught my attention. A line of posters stapled to the back of a building. There didn't seem to be much tourist traffic here. It didn't surprise me to see the faces of most the organization on them. I focused on the image of Kisame. I touched the image.
"I'll be back soon,"
"Whose that?" asked Ha as he peeked his head out of my bag.
"Someone dear to me", I said.
"Your mate?" he asked.
I nodded.
"I guess beauty really is in the eye of the beholder", said Ha.
I flicked him on the head. He hissed in pain.
"Ow,"
He rubbed his hands over his head to ease the pain.
"Is he a samebito?" he asked.
"I don't know what he is", I said.
I tensed when I saw a poster of myself.
"What's wrong?" asked Ha.
The image of myself as Shiru. I was used to seeing wanted posters of myself. But it had been years since they were last published.
"Is that you?" asked Ha.
In nodded. The paper was fresh only a day or two old. The reward had doubled. That money could be used for so many better things than attempting to catch me.
"That's a lot of zeros," said Ha.
I nodded. I ripped the poster down, crumbling it into a ball. I tossed it into the nearest trashcan. I left the town. I tossed off the cheap flipflops, before taking off in a full run. Sweat ran down my skin. As I grew closer to the Land Iron there was a massive temperature drop.
"Why'd it get so chilly?!" whined Has peaked his head out from the bag.
"We're approaching the Land of Iron", I said.
"I don't like it not at all," said Ha as he dove back into the shelter of the bag.
"Hate to break this to you but it will only get colder", I said.
"No, you don't", said Ha.
"You're right I don't", I said.
The woods started changing from warm weather trees to heavy pine trees. A flurry of snow fell from the sky. The cold renewed some of my lost energy. My speed increased. I came to a sudden jolting stop, skidding along the icy path. I slammed into the base of a large pine tree. The tree shook. Before I had a chance to stand, the snow from the tree's limbs came crashing down on me, bringing me to the ground again. I pushed through the snow. I shook it from my hair.
"Ha?"
"Here", he said his head popped out of the snow.
Ha was shivering.
"What was that about?" he asked.
"We're in the Land of Iron", I said.
"What does that have to do with you falling?" huffed Ha.
"It's called the Land of Iron for a reason. Large veins of the metal run under the ground for miles. There are countless mines here. It makes me sick", I said.
I stood. I scooped up Ha. He slithered into my bag, with only his head peeking out.
"How are you doing that?" asked Ha.
His gaze was focused on my feet.
"What?" I asked.
"Not sinking into the snow", he said.
I shrugged. I never thought it odd. It was something I was always able to do.
"And you aren't cold? Just looking at you makes me feel chilly", said Ha.
I leaned against the tree for support.
"I don't get cold", I said.
"Then why are you shaking?" he asked.
"At top physical condition coming here would put at thirty percent of my normal strength. In my current state, I would say I'm at twenty or fifteen percent. This is dangerous," I said.
I have to get to the Hidden Waterfall Village as quickly as possible. I'm too vulnerable here. I checked my compass. Good, we're going in the right direction. I took a breath and regained myself.
"We stay off the main road," I said.
"Why?" asked Ha.
"Why does it matter to you? You're not the one doing all the work", I said.
Ha whimpered. I sighed.
"Sorry Ha, I didn't mean to snap at you. Being here set me on edge. Traveling along the road will raise too many questions. Most humans wouldn't be able to withstand these weather conditions wearing so little," I said.
In the distance, the howls of wolves could be heard. Ha shivered.
"Are you sure traveling in the woods is safe?" he asked.
We were in the White Pine Forest. Its name came from the constant layer of snow constantly covering the branches of the towering pine trees. Large wolf packs, bears, and big cats stalked this forest. They normally focus on reindeer, moose, and bison that inhabited the land, but wouldn't think twice about making an easy meal on traveler that dared wonder off the road. I'm no prey. I'm a predator as well.
"It's not the beast of the forest I fear", I said.
An encounter with the samurai that patrolled the path was a concern. In a healthier state, I would relish the opportunity to go against such an opponent. They were some of best swordsmen in all the lands. Barking touched my ears. Those weren't the sound of wolves, sled dogs. I climbed into the tree pine. Frost left my mouth once again covering the tree with a thick layer of frozen snow. A sled team came into view. On the sled were two Hidden Iron samurai. Please, let them just pass by.
"Whoa",
The dogs came to stop. One of the samurais left the sled, taking notice of the disturbance in the snow.
"What is it?" asked the other.
The voice of the samurai on the sled was young. A teenager and potential hostage to use as a bargaining chip if something were to go wrong.
"This disturbance is natural. These prints should be deeper,"
"Travelers know the risk of wandering off the path", said the other.
The other's muscles prepared for battle. With great speed, I performed the Hidden Mist Jutsu. There was a glint of his blade. I drew Riptide, in time to absorb the wave of chakra sent toward me. The wisps of chakra that escaped Ripetide sliced my cheek and shoulder. Once again the older samurai swung his blade. The tree splintered, tilting backward. Several trees behind it did the same. I landed in the mist that shrouded the forest floor. It was so thin, but it was thick enough to conceal my face. I could see the outlines of my opponents.
"Our opponent is no mere traveler. I never thought I would encounter the famed Dragon of the Hidden Mist, Shiru. One of the few sword wielders with the ability to negate our attacks", he said.
"You've heard of me. You can at least give me your name before we engage in battle", I said.
"I am-
"Are you really going to give her your name?" asked the younger one.
"Silence boy. Pardon his rudeness," he said.
"The rashness of the young can be forgiven to a certain extent," I said.
"You are a woman of integrity. An opponent worthy of respect and should be treated as such. I am Tetsubun Yamashita," he said.
What were my chances of encountering him? Tetsubun Yamashita is one of the most famed samurais ever to come out of the Land of Iron. He'd made Shota's top three dream opponents. If this meeting were under different circumstances I would be thrilled. The advantage is his. The cuts from his last attack had yet to heal.
"It's an honor to meet you. I only wish our battle was under different conditions", I said.
Tetsubun nodded in agreement.
"And who is the boy?" I asked.
"My grandson, Tetsu", he said.
I nodded.
"Judging from the state of your mist your village's interrogator did a number on you. It must have been some kind of hell to be tortured by your own student", said Tetsubun.
"Yes, that would a torture in itself, but I was deemed of high enough importance to be personally interrogated by the Mizukage herself. She's a woman of many skills, torture is not one of them," I said.
"Artful enough to put you in such a state", said Tetsu.
I glared at the child. Don't tempt me, boy. I'm in a mood that shouldn't be tested.
"Forgive my ill-mannered grandson", said Tetsubun.
Most of the samurai of the Land of Iron lived by a strict code of honor. Maybe I could use that to my advantage. There's a chance he doesn't want to strike a weakened opponent. I doubt it.
"I have no intention of bringing harm to what you thrive to protect. Please, allow me to leave. I'm only a traveler on this occasion," I said.
"I cannot," he said.
"Why?" I asked.
"There's quite a bounty on your head," said Tetsubun.
"I didn't take you as one to be interested in a cash reward. I thought more of you than that", I said.
"Personally, I take monetary thing. It is not for myself, but for the good of my village. And letting escape a known fugitive of such skill would bring shame upon the samurai of the Land of Iron. It would also breach our land's strict law of neutrality," said Tetsubun.
A heavy sigh left my lips.
"Than I have no choice but to fight. I have my own code of conduct. I refuse to harm children. As long as your grandson doesn't interfere in our battle no harm will come to him by my hand," I said.
"Agreed", said Tetsubun.
"I didn't agree to anything", said Tetsu.
"You are a child in this battle. You'll only get in the way", he said.
I took off in a run a need to get to the water. As I sprinted the mist followed me, protecting my identity.
"If she's such an opponent, why does she run," said Tetsu.
That's the only way I stand a chance against such an opponent in such a state. In the distance, I smelled a large source of fresh water. It was Marble Lake. The best option would be to avoid a battle completely. My pursuers were slowed little by the snow. A wave of chakra sliced through the trees. I cut it with Riptide. The wave of chakra split off in two different directions. I finally reached my destination. My bare feet glided along its smooth icy surface. I moved to the center of the lake. This lake was considered sacred to there people. The water beneath ice was considered to have healing properties. They wouldn't want to risk bringing destruction to it. My opponents came into view. Tetsubun stepped hesitantly onto the surface. He easily kept his balance on the surface. A little closer.
"Great White Whale,"
Whalesong roared loudly through the forest. In an explosion of ice and water, a large white whale ruptured the smooth ice surface. While they were distracted I took the chance to run. When I was sure they weren't following I slowed. I was panting heavily. I took a breath.
"Our battle will have to wait for another day, Tetsubun. And look forward to it", I said
"Impressive," said Ha.
"No, it was only the size of a blue whale", I said.
"And that isn't impressive", he said.
"Normally, it's much bigger than that", I said.
There was the fact that it used up a large amount of chakra. I can't afford to stay still. I royally pissed off the samurai of the Land of Iron. They'd be back in larger numbers. I forced my tired body to move. I became more comfortable as day turned to night. My pace slowed slightly. There was clink. A sudden pain clamped around my ankle. I screeched in pain. A cage sprung out from underneath the snow. I was able to throw my bag out before the walls of the cage shut. When touched the bars of the cage it burned my hands.
"Iron!"
Seals appeared along the metal. Chakra seals. Blood soaked into the snow. I brushed away the snow to find a bear trap made of iron. A seal locked it around my ankle. There has to be a latch or something to open it.
"Ha",
He popped out of my bag. The small dragon hopped through the snow, eventually reaching me. He hissed at the trap.
"What is it?" I asked.
"This belongs to a huntsman", said Ha.
I vaguely recalled huntsman were individuals that trapped, trade, or mystical creatures.
"Can you look for some kind release lever?" I asked.
Ha nodded. He slithered along the bars of the cage looking for some kind of escape.
"Sorry, I can't find anything", said Ha.
I close my eyes and started going over options in my head. There was only one I was left with. I would have to wait until the owners of this trap came to claim their catch. That would be my best chance of escape. It was far from perfect.
"Ha",
"Yes,"
"You know the scroll I carry in my bag", I said.
He nodded.
"If I'm unable to escape I need you to take it to Kisame. The man from the poster. Tell him what happened. He should still be in the Land of Earth on the southern side of the Great Canyon", I said.
Even though Ha has the mind of a child he was still a dragon. With his abilities, he should be able to track down Kisame.
"Can you do that?" I asked.
"Of course I can", he said with a smile.
It soon turned to a frown.
"Why are asking me though? You're acting as if you won't be able to escape," said Ha.
"It's not an act. At least not at the moment," I said.
"You'll find a way out this," he said.
Where did he get the confidence?
"I'm being reasonable. Unless you have any bright ideas on how to escape this," I said
"We could always ask the forest spirit for help", said Ha.
The spirit of White Pine was Eruku, a large white elk with golden antlers. He was supposedly a kind natured spirit, helping lost travelers back to the road especially if they were beautiful women. Then he would take on a human form. Spirits are unpredictable at times. I gave a small laugh. My hunter-nin sisters thought me stupid for researching spirits and the mystical in my free time. Me being a selkie was hard enough for them accept it went against science so allowed them to think it foolish so they wouldn't be overwhelmed.
"That's not the best idea", I said.
"Why not?" asked Ha.
"He won't be pleased about what's happened to his home since I arrived. I've brought destruction to this peaceful place", I said.
"Its worth a try", said Ha.
"You call upon him, Ha. I don't need an angered spirit to be added to the list of current problems", I said.
"I don't have to call him. He's already here", said Ha.
How I did not notice the mystical energy before? A large white elk excreting elegance came striding forward. Its golden antlers glittered in the moonlight. When I overcame shock I realized my rudeness. I bowed my head to him. A silver light surrounded him. Standing in the elk's place was a tall man dressed in silver robes. He had icy blue eyes. Long locks of silver blonde hair framed his face. Golden antlers crowned his head. His skin glowed dimly with the shine of moonlight.
"You may meet my gaze", he said.
I slowly raised my head. A playful smile crossed his lips and the previous aggression left his expression.
"So you are the one causing chaos in my realm", he said.
"My apologies, that was never my intention", I said.
"Are you not surprised to encounter a spirit?" asked Eruku.
"You aren't the first the first spirit I've met", I said.
Since I was young spirits have taken interest in me. I've met all the spirits of the Land of Water and the surrounding islands. I believe it had something to do with me being mystical nature.
"Not surprising with the way you smell", said Eruku.
"Smell?" I asked.
"You reek of powerful mystical energy. I caught a whiff of it as soon as you entered my lands", he said.
"I'm of the supernatural, of course, I smell different", I said.
"There are many supernatural beings living here. Werewolves, onikuma, qiqirn, and yuki-onna to name a few. They only carry an uninteresting wisp of the mystical nothing strong enough to gain my attention", said Eruku.
Where was this conversation leading? With a human male, it's obvious seduction, but this is a spirit. Seduction wasn't the best way of going about this. Giving a spirit blue balls would end very badly. They hold grudges for hundreds of years if not forever that are past on to next generation. If I ever have children it will be dangerous enough to travel through this the Land of Iron. I don't need an angered spirit to add to the lists of dangers. Sex isn't an option. I won't betray Kisame. Some much smaller display of affection I wasn't completely against given my current situation. I tried my best to look helpless and small, which wasn't difficult at the moment.
He kneeled down so he was at eye level with me. Now that I was closer to his scent touched my nose. He smelled of pine trees and wintersweet. It was an intoxicating scent. I can see why human women are so easily seduced by him. If it weren't for Kisame I might even be tempted. Even then there are two major drawbacks to having sex with a spirit. Is that it almost always ends up in getting the woman pregnant. Second, after the first experience so wonderful the female fall deeply in love and is unable to move forward. I'm not sure if that has the same effects on supernatural creatures though. I shook my head my mind was wandering. I blame it on the iron. I crashed firmly into reality when Eruku's finger gently grazed my cheek.
"A kiss is what I wish from you then I shall grant you freedom", he said.
"Only a kiss", I said.
I jolted when I realized that could have been taken as an insult. My mind was hazy and not functioning properly. Instead of anger, he smirked.
"That is unless you want more. What is your decision?" asked Eruku as he tapped his fingers against the cage.
"Yes", I said.
He smiled brightly. Eruku tapped his hand against the cages and its walls fell, but my ankle remained trapped. The chain that lodged it to ground clinked.
"Only insurance that you won't scamper off", said Eruku.
It was smart. I understood the move. I'm a pretty girl but I'm still a stranger in his land. His face was so close to mine. Eruku's breath was sweet and warm. Without a further moment's hesitation, his mouth was on mine. His lips were incredibly soft. He gave me a chance to pull away, when I didn't he crashed our lips together again. Eruku pushed his tongue into my mouth. He tasted like brown sugar. Eruku jolted away. He jumped back, glaring me with disgust.
"What have I done to upset you?"
"That explains it. I should have none.
"You must have gotten that tremendous mystical energy from him!" snarled Eruku.
Waves of anger, spite, jealousy, and frustration were rolling off him. What have I done? He was muttering in langue I only understand bit and pieces of. The words I made out were pompous sea god. Eruku raised his hand and cage close around me.
"Why are you doing this? I don't understand", I said.
He examined me for a moment.
"You don't know your own heritage", said Eruku.
I nodded but I don't see how this has anything to do with me. Eruku went still. From his body langue, I gathered he was carefully thinking something over.
"Let's just say this punishment for your ancestry. Good luck with the huntsmen. They are ruthless", he said.
He disappeared. My jaw locked in anger. I wanted to curse the spirit but that wasn't safe in his realm.
"That was unexpected", said Ha.
I groaned.
"Now is not the time, Ha", I said.
There's nothing I can do but wait. My eyes closed. When I did the image of the dragon I turned into flash before me. It scratched at the surface mind. The beast wanted to take over. I wasn't sure how long I'd be able to keep it at bay.
"Ha, I want you to hide in one the trees. I don't know what they will do to you if they catch you. So it's best to hide until I say it's safe", I said.
"Okay", he said.
Ha's Perspective
I sensed the powerful sea dragon clawing at Cora's consciousness. I wrapped my tail around the scroll she wanted me to protect. Then hopped through the snow toward the nearest tree. I scurried up it. Moments her dragon burst through her consciousness. She didn't transform. Her physical state was too weak for that to be possible. She slashed angrily against her cage. How I wish I could tell who she is. Why my father thought important if I were ever encountered her not to reveal her identity was beyond me. If she knew who she was she'd have greater control over her abilities. It seems cruel to me. She has no idea that she has a real family out there. But I must obey father's wishes even if I don't understand them. He was a once close friend with Ryujin before the great sea god lost his mind.
"Please forgive me, Cora", I whispered.
Father also told me to befriend the child. I thought it would be difficult since Ryujin was such an arrogant god at times. But she is completely different from what I ever expected. Morning came. The jingle of bells caught my attention. A train of carts sled carts pulled by six buffalo came into view. In the carts were caged supernatural creatures.
"We've got one",
One of the two huntsmen jumped from the sled.
"Good, you know how Orion gets when there poor hall. All we've gotten this month two werewolves including the one we caught and a qiqirn", said the one that remained.
I giggled bye bye, worthless huntsmen. A blat frost left her mouth freezing both the men solid. There was a creak of metal as her iron cage exploded, not being able to handle the size of her dragon form. She tried to take to the sky but the trap around kept her put. She bit through the chain. Cora limped toward the sled and freed the other creatures. She stared up at me. I jumped down from the tree, landing on her head between her horns. She took the skies. I wasn't worried about being seen. Dragon could only be seen if they wished, so we traveled invisibly through the skies.
Author's Notes
I promise the next chapter will have more of Kisame and other Akatsuki members in it.
Ha – means teeth
Wintersweet – is a small yellow flower that has a spicy scent
In this chapter, I mentioned a few mythical creatures that you may not know. To save you a Google search here's a brief summary of what they are.
Onikuma - a Japanese mythological creature. It's a large bear that has been known to walk upright. When a bear has lived for a long time, it becomes an onikuma. It rarely reveals itself to humans. The creature only risks the counter when it sneaks into human settlements to steal horses and cattle to eat.
Yuki-onna – is a Japanese spirit. According to legend, a yuki-onna is a being linked to winter and snowstorms. It is the spirit of someone who perished in the cold. They are tall beautiful women with long black hair and blue lips. Their skin is inhumanly pale or sometimes even transparent, which allow them to blend into their snowy habitat.
They are often depicted as ruthlessly killing unexpecting mortals. These creatures often appear to travelers lost in a snowstorm or the encourage their victims to leave the path soon becoming lost after the encounters. The Forest path in White Pine would be their perfect hunting grounds.
Qiqirn – is a creature from Inuit mythology. It's a large bald dog with pale blue-white skin. The little hair it has grows at its feet, ears, mouth, and the tip of its tail. It's extremely skittish around humans and goes into fits of hysteria when it encounters them.
The reason why such a creature is targeted by the huntsman in the story is for their hair. When its burned and the smoke causes fits of intense hysteria.