Ok two topics before we get on with the story.

1. I love how you all are having a love/hate relationship with Ryu in this story. That's what I was aiming for and I'm happy that I'm driving you all batshit crazy with it lol.

2. IMPORTANT! It has been brought to my attention by one of you lovelies that there may be someone ripping off my first Ninja Love Story. So before I go and confront the author about it, I would like a few opinions as well just to make sure it's not just me. The story is called Kusunoki Ninja Princess and can be found pretty easily since it's relatively brand new. If you all think that this author has just ripped me off I will gladly do what I can to get her story taken down. I thank you Sora for letting me know this so that I can spread the word to the rest of you so I can get your help with this matter. But that can be done after you enjoy this chapter. :)

~*Servant for a Day*~

Tonya watched as the man slowly died in Ryu's grasp. When the body finally went limp, Ryu tossed it aside and turned his attention to the bleeding girl before him. His face instantly clouded over in horror as he took in the state of his friend. He moved to her backside and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Tonya wondered what he was doing there as she tried to turn around and ask. But the pain from the needles stopped her as she bit back a cry.

"This is going to hurt. Just bear with it." Ryu said softly as Tonya understood what he was going to do. She nodded her head as Ryu began.

He quickly pulled each needle out of her body. Tonya could practically feel his anger radiating off of him as he kept up the task in silence. When the last needle was gone, Ryu pulled her towards him gently and buried his face in her shoulder as Tonya just leaned against him. Too tired to try and speak or move. Enjoying the feel of his body as the two just sat there. As much as she wished to let the silence drag on, she knew there were questions that had to be asked. And Tonya was never one to put off anything for very long.

"Ryu, why are you here?" Tonya asked softly as she felt him lift his head.

"Same as you. To find out if that artifact was worth anything." Ryu explained as Tonya sighed.

"You're working with the enemy aren't you?" Tonya guessed as she stared out at nothing.

"Yes." Ryu said just as softly again as Tonya reached up and grabbed his arm.

"Why?" She whispered as Ryu tightened his grip on her slightly.

"I want to free you Tonya. I know what fate has in store for you. I won't let you become a prisoner to some princess who can't protect herself. But I never meant for this to happen. I didn't want you to get hurt." Ryu admitted as he looked over her bloodied form.

"Then why not join us? We want to find the princess too. I plan on petitioning her to let me go. To have her convince my uncle to let me live my life." Tonya said as she glanced up at Ryu.

"And if she refuses?" Ryu asked as Tonya shrugged.

"Then I'll turn traitor." She said matter of factly as Ryu chuckled.

"That'll never happen. You're too good for that." Ryu grinned as he leaned his head on hers. "As long as she lives, your uncle will try to bind you to her. Even if you both don't wish for it. That's why I have to take care of this."

"Are you planning on killing her?" Tonya asked as Ryu shook his head.

"No. As for what I plan to do isn't your concern Tonya." Ryu said as Tonya turned in his grip, despite the pain it caused her.

"It is! Because you're going down a dark road Ryu!" Tonya hollered as tears threatened to fall. "I don't want to lose you. Not again. Ryu, help us. Come to our side. I know we can find a way to make things all work out. Please, don't abandon me again."

Tonya whispered as the tears finally fell. She leaned into his chest as Ryu just held her close. Stroking her hair in the comforting way he used to do. It was all the comfort he could offer her now as they two just sat there in silence again. A burst of fire flew into the sky and formed a dragon as the two just watched it. It was the signal from Goemon. The fighting was finally over.

"It looks like your friends will come for you soon." Ryu sighed as he looked from the dragon back to the crying girl in his arms. He easily found the paper bomb kunai attached to her leg and pulled it off. He threw it into the air and an explosion followed. "If you have the shard Tonya, let me have it."

"I…I don't have it. Goemon took it from me. I realized half way through the fight." Tonya muttered as Ryu sighed.

"It seems they still don't trust you." Ryu said as he stood. Tonya tried to follow, but her legs refused to cooperate as she made a dive for his hand.

"Please don't go Ryu. Not again." Tonya pleaded as he knelt back down and cupped her face with his free hand.

"While we may be on opposite sides, I will always be your friend Tonya. No matter what." Ryu promised as he gave her one last smile before disappearing.

Tonya felt nothing but air between her fingers as she let her hand fall. She couldn't help the crushing feeling that enveloped her as she sank to the ground. Beating it with her fist as she struggled not to cry out into the night. She picked herself up and pulled the gem from out of her dress and looked at it.

"Why Ryu?" Tonya muttered as she gripped the gem tightly.

"Tonya! Are you ok?" Goemon asked as he ran to her side. "What happened?"

"It's a long story." Tonya said weakly as she tried to make herself get up again.

"Here." Goemon knelt down and put his jacket around her shoulders before picking her up in his arms. For once she didn't fight him as she leaned into his chest.

_._._

The ninja were all crowded around the simple gem as they wondered if it really held any significance to them. Munenori had convinced the owner to turn it over to him, even though the others were sure he'd used blackmail. Hanzo and Kharl were making their way to them now since they hadn't had any luck on their end. Hopefully they could shed some light on the situation and possibly help send them in the right direction.

"All that work for this little thing?" Sasuke groaned as he held the gem up.

"The enemy was after it as well. So it has to be of some importance." Saizo said as Kotaro nodded.

"But they only thought it was important when they saw Tonya go for it." Goemon sighed as he leaned back in his chair.

"Nooo!" A voice hollered as the four turned to see Tonya come bolting down the stairs. "I don't want to!"

"Well too bad!" Cosset hollered back as she came charging down the stairs after the brunette.

"You guys!" Yuuri whined as she struggled to keep up with the older girls.

Tonya headed right for the ninja, yanking Goemon up and hiding behind him as the others wondered what was going on. Cosset glared at her friend as Tonya just cowered behind the red head as he was just as curious as to what was going on.

"Tonya I have to change your bandages and you need to rest." Cosset growled as Tonya stuck her tongue out at the older girl.

"I changed them this morning. You only want to put that numbing medication on me so that I'm forced to stay in bed. Not going to happen." Tonya growled back as Yuuri just hung her head in embarrassment at her friends.

"What's going on?" Sasuke asked as Yuuri scratched her head.

"Well, Tonya doesn't trust Cosset cause last time she changed the bandages Cosset used a special medication that numbs your body and doesn't let you do much of anything. It's a good medicine, but seeing how Tonya hates being confined to a bed…." Yuuri shrugged as the others turned back to the two girls.

"Look, I already promised I wouldn't go out and do anything stupid. Don't you trust me?" Tonya asked as Cosset put her hands on her hips.

"No way in hell." The red head proclaimed as Tonya felt as if she would fall over.

Goemon saw only one way to end this as he pulled Tonya around to his front and held the girl there as she shot a glare up at the man as he flashed Cosset his dazzling smile. Throwing the maiden off balance as the rest watched on in amusement.

"Don't worry Miss Cosset. I will be taking care of Tonya today so you have nothing to fear." He said as Cosset was surprised by what he said. The two couldn't stand each other, yet here he was offering to babysit. "After all, I did lose a bet. It's only fair that I look after my master when she is hurt."

Goemon winked down at Tonya who wasn't sure if she should hug the man or roll her eyes at him. With that matter settled, Goemon drug Tonya back upstairs to change as he did so himself. Without another word the two were out of the house and away from the others.

"Heh, he's finally coming around." Saizo grinned as the girls looked to the master.

"Took him long enough." Sasuke yawned as Kotaro just held a smile on his face.

Meanwhile….

The two walked on in silence as Tonya had no idea where they were going. They just continued on that way as she wondered how serious Goemon had been about being her servant for the day. She sighed as she wrapped her arms around her back. Her mind began to wander back to a few nights ago as she recalled what Ryu had said. She tightened her grip on her arms as she kept her gaze down. Unaware of where she was going as she ran right into Goemon's back.

"Sorry!" Tonya quickly apologized as she jumped back.

"Hey," Goemon muttered as she looked up at him. "any place in particular you want to go?"

"Um, not really." Tonya replied as Goemon nodded as motioned for her to follow him.

He led them to a small café across the street and motioned for her to sit down as she did as she was told. She couldn't help but watch the older man as he moved to go stand in line. Dressed in a pull over black sleeveless hoodie and tan pants. He looked like he could be a model walking down the street. Hell, if Tonya was honest with herself, the rest of the masters were all just as good looking. But Goemon seemed to emit a certain aura that just drew people in. Especially women. It wasn't long before he was swarmed with girls as he put on that same fake smile he'd used on Cosset as Tonya turned away in a huff.

"Womanizer." She mumbled as she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder once again.

The women surrounding Goemon were all extremely good looking, and very well developed. Tonya looked over her own figure, dressed in a somewhat tight long sleeved sweater that tied in the front with shorts and knee high socks. It had been the first outfit she'd come across when Goemon had told her to get dressed. She knew she was considered cute at best. She had a slim and toned body from training, her bust had never really been big, and she was perpetually stuck at 5'4". Tonya sighed as she leaned back in her chair as her hair slid down her arm.

'Why do I even care?' she thought to herself as Goemon came back and placed a piece of cake and tea down in front of her. "Huh?"

"Girls like sweets don't they?" Goemon asked, smiling at her as he took his own seat. Tonya glanced past him to the many girls who were glaring at her right now.

"I don't know. Ask your fan club." Tonya replied as she took a bite of the cake.

"But I'm here to serve you today master." Goemon grinned as Tonya took a sip of her tea.

"That fake smile won't work on me." Tonya warned as Goemon leaned on to his hand.

"Oh?" he asked as he turned on all the charm.

"Yes. Because as you can see I'm not the average female." Tonya grinned herself as Goemon looked her over.

"You've got that right. You're more of a girl than a woman." Goemon sighed as he looked away.

Goemon hit a nerve with that one as Tonya picked up the rest of her cake and threw it at his face. Surprising the man as she got up to leave. Goemon quickly wiped the cake off his face and rushed after the girl as she stormed away from him. He easily caught up to her and blocked her path as Tonya refused to meet his gaze.

"What the hell was that for?" Goemon snarled as Tonya turned and got right back in his face.

"You don't have to point out my flaws! I'm perfectly aware of them myself!" Tonya hollered right back as the two just glared at each other. "If you want to spend the day with a 'woman' then go back to your little fan club. I'll be fine on my own." Tonya stepped past him and tried to leave, only to have Goemon grab her wrist and hold her back.

"Where do you think you're going?" Goemon asked as Tonya yanked her wrist free.

"It's clear you're just going to be an ass all day. So you're free from your duties as servant. I'm going off on my own." Tonya huffed as Goemon wacked her over the head. "Ow! What was that for?"

"If I let you go out on your own I'll never hear the end of it. Besides, I lost the bet so I'll keep my word and play the role of servant. Now you will have a good day damnit or so help me…" Goemon growled as he grabbed her wrist and started to drag her behind him.

"Hey!" Tonya hollered as she tried to keep up.

Goemon didn't know why he wanted to keep his promise to the girl. He'd been offered a way out. To do what he was best at, seducing women. But the look in her eyes had stopped him from taking it. Because despite the front she was putting up, he could see that something else was troubling the girl. He didn't know why he felt like he had to do something for her. Was it the fact that they'd sort of bonded on their last mission? Or was it because he could see the pain that she was trying to hide? He didn't know what compelled him to stay with the girl, but he wasn't about to abandon her either. Spotting an amusement park, he drug the girl with him. Stopping just inside as Tonya wondered what his deal was.

"What now?" Tonya whined as she folded her arms.

"Look, clearly something is bothering you. Even if the others haven't noticed I have." Goemon said as he watched Tonya's cold front dissipate slightly. "As your servant, it's my duty to try and make my master happy. So anything you want to do…I'll do with you."

Goemon looked away, scratching his face as he did so as a slight blush crossed his cheeks. Tonya couldn't believe her eyes as she quickly moved to his front. Sure enough the blush was still there as Goemon yelled at her, trying to figure out what she was doing. Tonya couldn't help but laugh at the embarrassed older man as Goemon wondered why he felt compelled to put up with her again. Tonya wiped away a tear as she smiled up at Goemon.

"Thank you Master Goemon." Tonya said sincerely as Goemon just nodded. "Now come on let's go!"

Tonya grabbed his hand and this time drug him behind her as she felt her spirits lifting. Ignoring her troubles for the time as she drug Goemon all over the place with her. Going from the rides, to playing games, getting Goemon to try cotton candy, and just enjoying themselves. Tonya couldn't remember the last time she'd just thrown all caution to the wind and just enjoyed herself. And the funny thing about it all? Goemon found himself enjoying the outing as well. The girl was much more pleasant to be around when she had a smile on her face.

"Wow, I've never been up so high before." Tonya muttered as she looked out the window of the ferris wheel. The last ride for them of the day.

"When you learn to use ninja kites, heights like this are nothing." Goemon muttered as he looked out the window.

"Hey, Master Goemon?" Tonya asked as she turned to face him. The red head shifted his gaze towards the girl as she smiled shyly at him. "Thank you. For today."

"Think you could share what's been on your mind?" Goemon offered as Tonya sighed as she put her hands in her lap. She could at least give him that since he'd given her such a good day.

"I saw Ryu a few nights ago." Tonya said softly as she felt a shift in the air inside the small compartment. "He saved me last minute when the needle master was about to either finish me off or take me prisoner. I don't know which."

"What did he want?" Goemon struggled to keep his voice calm as his anger began to build.

"Same thing we do. To find the ninja princess. Only I don't know what he plans to do once he finds her. And….I'm scared." Tonya admitted as she gripped her hands tightly. "I don't want to see Ryu go down this dark path. I want him to come back to us. I want it to be like the old days. When we would laugh together. Smile together. Be together. I don't want him to stain his hands with the blood of an innocent just for me. I just…."

Tonya trailed off as the tears she'd been fighting for so long finally fell. She kept her head down as her hair fell over her shoulder and covered her face. Goemon was surprised by her sudden confession. While he couldn't help but hate Ryu, Tonya was struggling to find a way to save him. He'd heard from the others how she'd resolved to do so. But he'd believed that she was a fool for it. Now he could see just how important a person he was to her. And just how much pain it was causing her. Goemon stood and moved to sit beside Tonya. Gently pulling her towards him as she continued to cry.

"Normally I would scoff at someone like you for holding on to such ridiculous notions. But, he must be really special for you to shed tears of pain like this." Goemon said softly as Tonya remained silent. "He really is lucky to have someone like you fighting for him."

Tonya was surprised to feel Goemon pull her to his chest with both arms as she just held on to him. Letting the tears flow as she felt a weight lift from her. By the time it was their turn to get off, her tears had dried as she quickly untangled herself from the older man. The sun was setting as they walked side by side out of the amusement park and headed back to the mansion.

"Hey Master Goemon." Tonya spoke up as the red head glanced down at the girl. "Thanks again, for today."

She gave him a genuine smile, Something that'd he'd never seen. It surprised him and forced him to stop in his tracks. He scratched his face again as Tonya giggled and turned to look back in the direction of the mansion before looking back at the still stunned red head.

"We better hurry. The others probably think we killed each other cause we've been gone so long." Tonya smiled as Goemon sighed and nodded.

"You're probably right." He grinned as he put a comforting hand on her head. Causing the girl to freeze up as he continued on past her. "And next time, don't hold it all in. You can come to me alright? If you don't hurry up I'm going to leave you."

Goemon called over his shoulder as Tonya couldn't help what she did next. She took off running and jumped on to his back, surprising Goemon as she latched her arms and legs around him. Instead of arguing, he just shook his head and went along with it as he wrapped his arms under her legs and continued the trek back to the mansion.

So after I left you all with a cliff hanger last time I knew I had to knock this chapter out quickly. We're just starting to see Goemon and Tonya starting to get along versus how they were when things started out. As I've said before I plan on dragging this story out and not cutting any corners. And to Skyra Moon honey I haven't forgotten about your request. We're getting there and I have the perfect way to incorporate your girl into the story so don't worry.

As for the other issue I mention earlier, if someone is ripping off my ideas (and poorly may I add) I'm going to be really ticked. It's pathetic to call yourself a writer and pass off work as your own if you just stole someone else's ideas. Now if you took a few of them and wrote an entirely different tale then I don't care. We all draw inspiration from other people's stories or ideas. But to just blatantly take someone's ideas and say they're your own? If that's not the case then fine but the more I look at it the more I suspect that's whats going on. But I want to make sure it's not just me as I've said before. So if you all won't mind going to that story, checking it out, and then getting back to me (or letting her know herself if you so wish) that'd be great.