Nani Ga Sono Yoru No Dekigoto! 7 Kagetsu Tenmetsu!

Taiketsu!

Haradachi Magire Ni! Betto Ga Oka Rete Iru!

Shitsumon. . . Sentakushi Ni Tsunagaru

What Happened That Night? 7 Seven Month Flashes!

Confrontation!

In a Fit of Rage! Bets Are Placed!

Questions. . . Leading to Choices

PART II

Okay, so the last chapter, was a bit awkward. I know I know, but now this time, mostly everything will get cleared up. And the substories will mostly likely be finished :D Theeeen. . .its back to the action you guys have probably been waiting for!

Break is coming around real soon, so it might give me some extra time to throw out another chapter or two by the end of break.

And sorry for the long wait!

I encourage you guys to go ahead and read these fics!

LightLord92 - Yugioh 5D's Paladins of Light: Darkness Awakens

DragonKnight15 - YuGiOh! Dragon Knight Reborn! Volume 1

These fics are phenomenal! And you guys are really missing out if you guys dont read these! I highly recommend them!

LAST TIME ON TIES THAT BIND THROUGHOUT TIME!

Our three heroes go through a demon screening courtesy of the adults to see if htier demons are being properly sealed. Sadly to see if it works( and thier alst resort) the adults had to you electric shocks to test the physical, and sending them to a induces coma sleep, for the mental part. For Ichigo, the physical shocks wer ehis biggest obstacles since his mentality is stable. Naruto on the other, had a little mental walk down memory lane. He revisits the time where he was in his 4 tailes state, being held back by caught a glimpse of hurting Sakura in those moments, making him realize that hurting people he care/loved, was his biggest mental challenge, especially since he can go into a fit of rage and never calm down.

Asuka, Orihime, Rukia and Sakura, in the mean time were trying to get a slimpse of what was happening in the isolated room, but were only able to hear the screams inside. Asuka questions the methods that the adults were using, which strains her trust on the adults.

Asumi then has her turn at the electrochair, and gets a whirlwind from her distorted memories. Isuma has been giving her back fragments, of her missing memories, and Asumi. . .its still un known what fully had lied in side her blocked past.

Prologue of the Whole Story

One pale blue sky, is shared throughout the times. Stars being people that shine brightly throughout the night. One sky that holds dreams and goals. One sky that unites people as whole even beyond the worlds themselves. Stars being the burning fire and passion of people's wills and determination, and with that you see the millions of stars shining along together. This is the story of people saw the images on the moon, 2 young men and 1 young woman, whose legends will be written across the skies of bonds and friends.

Yells and screams were heard, bouncing against the walls. Ryou who was taking his afternoon nap on a tree, could faintly hear foot steps quickly running through his direction.

"ASUMI WAIT!"

Ryou eyes blew open at the sound of Asumi's name being called out. He sat up from the tree and stared below, catching a faint glimpse of black locks speeding past him. Ryou jumped down to the ground his feet tucked under his legs. "ASUMI WAIT!"

He felt a heavy body colliding with him as Ryou tumbled to the floor, holdhing his head in pain. "What in the world?"

Naruto who was slightly dazed stood on his feet, looked to Ryou and took him by the tanktop shaking him side to side. "WHERE DID SHE GO!" Ryou did a double take, taking a small whiff catching the acute scent of tears. He also caught sight of Yoruichi running up to them.

"Ryou where did she go?"

Ryou pushed Naruto off, and made Yoruichi halt to her knees, by letting the fire inside him, case a fire wall between them and the direction that Asumi ran to.

Ryou smoldering black eyes were not on Naruto, but dead set on Yoruichi, "What the hell did you guys do in that room?"

Naruto pushed Ryou aside, his body preparing itself to jump over Ryou's firewall. "Why do you think Im going to find her?"

Yoruichi touched Ryous shoulder, "Please just let us through."

Ryou begrudgiing let the fire die, but only enough so that he only can pass. Naruto and Yoruichi contnue to banter at him, but Ryou had enough.

"JUST LEAVE IT TO ME! You guys clearly started it all!" He berated them, turning his heel and running after Asumi.

The embers had died down as soon as Ryou left, leaving Naruto and Yoruichi to just stand there in worry. Naruto slumped his shoulders and dragged his body back to the manor, begrudgingly letting Ryou take over the situation.

Yoruichi then walked away also, but her directionw as leading back to the underground room, where she knows that Asuka would be patiently waiting for her.

SAKURA

Sakura sat down near the koi fish pond with her feet curled toward her chest. Her blank eyes were staring at the fish that were continuing to circle each other like dancing. But the koi fish then had seperated.

"Thats just like Naruto and me. . . ."

She tightenend her grip around her knees, and buried her head to her knees, trying to block the images of the the blonde haired teen in her head.

But its only the matter of time, before we really had the talk. . .

Her heart pounded at the thought. She knew that she might not handle it.

"Sakura?"

She craned her neck to the side to see Naruto sitting next to her, his usual grnning face was now serious, his lips curled in one of regret perhaps?

Sakura let her feet drop, she straightening her clothes before facing Naruto.

She willed herself to breathe and get her act together, and stared deep into Naruto's azure orbs, before whispering a bit in fear, "Naruto?"

Naruto closed his eyes, as if in pain, and repoened them, "We need to talk. . . about Team 7, and about us. "

Sakura winced at the feel of her heart clenching, "Okay. . . go for it."

Naruto faced the koifish and began to watch them circle, his small smile now coming back to his lips, "All the koifish was just like us. We always circled eachother, one after the other, but never really getting closer."

Then the koisfish began to circle eachother in pairs, leaving the yellow koifish by itself. Sakura closed her eyes, already seeing the analogy that Naruto is starting to piece together.

"Being in Team 7 meant a lot to me, especially ways for me to get closer to you. . . .But you always had your sights for Sasuke. . ." He whispered, his voice lacing with repressed pain. "Yet, you always looked to me as the ultimate savior of the day, whenever Sasuke couldnt do it."

Sakura wanted to bury herself in a hole, already getting the small idea of what Naruto is going to say. "I may have said that Sasuke was the only one that really acknowledged me, but really, I wanted you Sakura to look at me differently."

"But I-"

"This may be the jealous side of me talking, but please listen." Naruto took his hand and placed it ontop of hers. He looked pained and Sakua flinched, "I know you love Sasuke. . . and you know me, I'd do anything in my power to make you happy. And I said at that day, that Id bring Sasuke back."

Naruto then removed his hand away from hers, making Sakura shiver with the lack of contact.

He looked away, then taking out Sasuke's scarred headband from his pocket. Sakura looked at the headband then back at Naruto, her eyes beginning to water.

"I carried this around, because I wish that I hadnt lost to Sasuke that day. . .and the things I wish I had done differently."

Sakura was now confused, her hands twiddling with her skirt, "What are you trying to say?"

Naruto looked at Sakura, his eyes now dull,"I've been trying so hard to bring him back for you, and its killing me inside. Everyday the trail of him gets lost, I see you depressed for days, and it makes me feel so useless. That promise was the only thing that had been in my mind, since I left Konohakagure to train, and when I came back, and into this world."

"Its been the only thing I think of 'get Sasuke, then fight for Sakura again maybe this knuckle head ninja can actually accomplish something but when I saw Asumi. . .Asumi showed me that my promise I made, was only driving me to the death. "

Sakura repressed the gasp that she tried to let out, tears now becoming steady streams.

"Even though. . . if he does come back, by my hand or not. . . you will go to him. . . and leave me behind. . . that hurts the most. .I get tossed aside, just to see you happy. "

"Naruto. . that's not true! Its not anymore! Its because I lo-"

Naruto gave a weak laugh, tears now evident, "You love me? Now?"

Sakura turned to him, her hands intertwining with his, "Naruto please you have to understand its different now!"

"How is it different now?" Naruto blurted out at her, almost shouting. His hands tearing away from hers, his eyes shut again. "Loving me. . . is not going to change your affections for Sasuke, or change the fact that I wont stop to make sure Sasuke can get back home. . it wont be fair. . . for the both of us."

He took a shakey deep breath.

"But what is it you want from me Sakura? You are making it oh so difficult to figure it out. To save Sasuke for you? To give up on Asumi, just so that I can always chase you just like before? Or is it because of my condition with the Kyuubi that theres the need to use my power to make it all come easy for you? For everyone?"

"I-" Sakura tried to respond, but the words died in her throat.

"It hurts a lot Sakura. . . .knowing that my best efforts wont let me have you." Naruto then opened his eyes, he looked to Sakura, with a lace of affection and sadness, "I will always. . .love you, but for now. . .I need you to let me, be free from this endless need to do everything unhealthy, for me and you."

Sakura dropped her hand, lettin git fall to her side, with her head hanging down. He loves me all this time, and yet. . .

Then a hand caressed her cheek, making Sakura look up, "But it does mean I'll still keep my promise to have Sasuke back, but not for the same reasons 2 and half years ago. . .Im doing to save a friend from the pits of darkness, not for your affections. . ."

He then pressed a small kiss to her fore head before standing and walking away, "Im sorry Sakura. . ."

The koifishes then broke off the circle before the yellow koifish began to circle another fish. Sakura wiped away tears from her eyes, with her back toward Naruto facing the sky.

YORUICHI AND ASUKA

"What in Sayer's name do you think you are doing?" Asuka berated Yoruichi, her hands hitting Yoruichi's body i anger. Yoruichi let the feeble punches hit her, but she continue to just let Asuka vent it all out to her. Asuka sagged her shoulders, wiping off the sweat on her forehead, and with a few sights of tears.

Asuka sat back, and her eyes glaring holes in Yoruichi's head. "What in Kami's name were thinking?"

Yoruichi stuffed her hands in her pocket, her eyes glued to the floor, "It was Kakashi's and Kisuke's idea. . . " She looked at Asuka pleadingly,"This is what they come up with. Its not orthodox but its getting us somewhere with those three!"

Asuka crossed her arms, giving Yoruichi a sad look, "You forcing thier thoughts on to the team, and you guys dont even realize what you are doing to them, especially Asumi!"

Yoruichi tried to resist, stuffing her fist down Asuka's throat about all of this talk. "Do you have any idea how hard this is on us?"

"But do you know the effect you have on all of us teens? When ever you adults screw up, it ends up on our shoulders! Just like right now! Im pretty sure Ichigo didnt appreaciate getting shocked to death, nor Naruto and Asumi having to face thier mentality before they were ready!"

"You do realize we are in a time countdown!"

"And do you realize that from your desicions you guys are making it more difficult to get progress!"

"Oh dont go about me making it so fraeking difficult to make progress, we blame it on you guys!"

Asuka huffed her cheeks now getting red with anger," How is it our fault?"

Yoruichi, placed her hands on her hips, her finger poking Asuka's forehead," Its your guys' fault because we have to deal with your problems with boys and vice versa."

Asuka next rant hesistated, but she diverted it,"Just pair us up, it shouldnt be so hard!"

Yoruichi shook her head, feeling that this conversation wouldnt end, "If it was that easy, you guys wouldnt be at each other's throat just trying to be pair by the people you love!" Yoruichi felt she was getting somewhere, seeing the guilty look trace on Asuka's face.

"You dont understand. . ."

"Like hell I dont! You guys are hopeless! Getting depresseed, having fight between each other, you guys are obvious!"

Asuka then became silent, making Yoruichi continue, "If you guys just let out with your emotions, maybe we couldve gotten somewhere! We are only doing it this way, its because you guys wont speak up! So dont go saying its your fault, the adults are doing what we can for you guys! But clearly you guys dont know what you want!"

Asuka feet buckeled to the floor, making Yoruichi stop her rant and catch her falling sister. Asuka began to sob, clinging to Yoruichi, "We have no other options. . . .but to do everything painfully. . but if you guys all want it the other way, you have to speak up now. . "

"But its hard. . . . "

Yoruichi sighed, and ran her hands up and down Asuka's back to soothe her, "Its only going to get harder from here Asu. . . for everyone. . but talking helps though."

Asuka buried her head in her sister's neck, muttering, "Like that would work most of the time."

Yoruichi's eyes dimmed, and silently agreed. I still need to have a word with Kakashi and Kisuke. . .

SAIKO AND RENJI

Saiko and Renji were now in the foyer taking the seats far from each other. They moved the seats so that they were facing each other, but far enough so they cant kill each other yet. .

"What do you want Abarai?" Saiko seethed.

Renji rolled his eyes, and then glared at Saiko, "We need to fix this problem. . . "

"My problem is you here, trying to take my girl."

"She's not even our girl anymore if we continue to act like morons!" Renji retorted, finally making Saiko be quiet. Saiko tensed in his seat, his eyes still keeping a sharp eye on Saiko.

"Then what do you want us to do?"

"Give up on her."

Saiko jumped from his seat, his body inching toward Renji, till they were face to face,"What are you getting at Renji. . ."

Renji side, and crossed his arms over his chest, "We are not making it easy on all of us, in winning for her. We need to step up and apologize, and we just leave it to her."

Saiko closed his eyes, thinking it over, and remembering the past events that led both men in this situation.

"So what do you say?" Renji asked hopefully," If anything. . . I just want Asuka and us to be cool again. ."

Saiko opene his eyes, his feet shifting nervously, "Yea. . . Let's apologize. . and then where do we go from here?"

"Well let's see how it all ends up. "

"Should we do it now?"

Renji shook his head, making Saiko confused,"Well. . . I think we should wait. . . its still fairly awkward."

Saiko head hung, taking in a deep breath, "Man we really did screw up big time."

Renji patted his friend on the shoulder," If it really does come down to it, no hard feelings okay?"

Saiko sighed," Yea. . .no hard feelings."

RYOU

Ryou's feet crunches against the fallen leaves, as his search for the lone twin continues. As he was walking, he couldnt help but contemplate, on what had brought everyone to the state of paranoia.

Everyone isbeing on the edge lately, more so on our sensei's. . . Ryou thought, as he walked past another ditch.

Is that why everyone is being so defensive? Itd be easier if everyone's walls came down. . .

Ryou furrowed his brow, shaking his head, Not possible. . . if our respective leaders cant seem to get a grip of letting people in.

But you know its not Naruto and Ichigo that need to let thier walls come down. . .they had already have thier strength to prove that.

But why cant Asumi have that strength? What's holding her back?

Find out you dimwit!

Ryou sighed, making his desicion, before his body shifted to another direction, his instincts telling him where Asumi could have been hiding. He ran down the forest line, quickly dodging tree branches that were coming almost in impact to his face. His braeths turning to pants, as he followed a familiar trail of water sloshing downward.

Our secret spot. . .thats where she's at.

Ryou then halted his run to a walk, seeing that the opening to the pond was near and there was no further need to just rush in.

Otherwise I might have scared her away.

Ryou pushed back the leaves that were blockin ghis view, when his line of sight caugth view of Asumi, who had her knees curled up in her chest, her face buried in her white longsleeves.

He just waited there first, his body still tying not to make a sound, as he could hear her mutter words.

"Monster. . . what have. . . I done. . . blood. . . disgrace. . . "

Ryou willed himself to walk over there, but he was hesistant. Ryou knew the dangers of coming across a moody and distraught Asumi, and the results were never really pretty, at least that was implied through Asuka's short stories. He still didnt want to risk losing alimb or his life by being too forward either.

But he could hear the raw hurt tone that she had, his anger then rising, already choosing someone to blame. Kisuke, it had to be him! Or Kakashi!

Ryou then took a small step forward quietly, then took another, as he steadily went closer.

"Dont step closer to me!"

Ryou felt his heart jump in fear, but he had to press on, force her to talk in her own terms. "Asumi. . ."

Asumi looked up and glared at him, the best way she can, but it felt useless. Her mask was falling apart.

Ryou hurried to her side, and wrapped his arms around her, letting her sob for all its worth.

"I-I. . "

"We'll talk later. . . "

He just rocked back and forth, waiting for the sobs to subside. Asumi would just continue, let fingers almost ripping Ryou's jacket as she continue to cry. After a few tense moments, Asumi's body liad slack, her body catching for breath. Ryou smoothed out her hair, letting his finger play with her hair, as she laid there with her eyes closed.

"Ryou?"

"Mmm?"

"Have you. . . .thought about memories?"

Ryou thought for awhile, and replied, "All the time. . .good ones, bad ones, all sorts. Why?"

Asumi buried her head into Ryou's neck becoming silent. Ryou looked down on the girl, seeing her pained expression, "Hey. . . is this what everything is about?"

She didnt move, but then Ryou felt her head shake up and down before shuddering, "Yes. . "

Ryou scooted back, so his back touched a boulder so he can rest comfortable, already getting the intention that he wont be leaving this spot for a long long time.

"Talk about it."

Ryou you dumbass! You cant be that blunt!

". . . . My memories. . .they are coming back."

Ryou was now stumped," What in the world does that mean?"

"I had amnesia before this whole missions started. . . the amnesia was centered on my family's murder."

He did recall knowing about the Akiyama massacre, but around that time, he and Asumi had alraedy graduated at that point and started thier early careers. And in addition that they were strangers before. . .they never got close enough to discuss that matter.

"You heard the rumours havent you? the rumours of. . . everything that happens in the manor?"

He gulped, knowing full aware of what Asumi was talking about, and at first at that time period, he believed it was. . .a possibility.

"You mean. . .the rumours about Akiyama's bad reputation of adultery, theft, and alleged murders. . .and the well other things. . . And that it was clearly someone who knew the faimly personally..."

Asumi nodded, curling her arms around Ryou's. "They were all true. . . I remember them."

Ryou lookeed at her with astonishment, but he got over the initial shock, and lowered his voice to avoid scaring her. "How is it even possible? Your memories just came back, it could mean anything!"

"But that's the thing," She cried at him, her lips quivering. "It could mean anything! But with all of this coming back, it all points to one thing!"

Ryou looked at her, his palm cupping her cheek that was now streaming with tears, "What would it be Asumi?"

Asumi closed her eyes, "It was all my fault. . .I tore my family apart! I-I gave the elders's the reason to hurt me. . .to hurt Asuka, Toushirou and Rukia. . .To drive Yoruichi' away! I shamed the family because I know the rumours had to be true. . And it was all my fault when massacre had happened, I woke up in a pool of my parents blood with a sword in my hand. . . It had to be me!"

Ryou let the information sink, really unsure how to process it all, but the ideas coming out fom Asumi's lips, sound rather farfetched. She started to bawl, making Ryou's heart clench seeing her be so pained about this hidden past that she's sharing.

"Asumi. . . hey you have to calm down. . . You know why all of this couldnt be you?"

She looked at him with bleary eyes, "The reason why is that. . .its not you. Why would you lay a hand on your family when you clearly love them too much? You couldnt have snapped. . "

She scoffed, her voice hoarse, "You dont know that Ryou."

Ryou tried to keep his voice even to keep from yelling at her, "And you dont know that either. . . .but if it makes you feel better. . . .tell me about it. . all of it if you can."

Asumi shoulder slumped back, her voice now quiet, "Why do you want to know? . . . is this pity?"

"N-no no no. . dont think like that. . its not that." Ryou frantically said, "Its just that. . .everyone and I mean everyone kept seeing you be so. . .distant from anyone, without knowing the real cause. If it was me, Id help you through this. . .because well I-"

I really like you Asumi. . .

"Help. . ." Her voice trailed off.

"Helping you talk about it is the only way. . you can embrace what had happened. . ."

Asumi eyes were ablaze, her glared turning icy as she stared deep into Ryou's eyes, "So you are telling me that I have to accept that my family had been killed, accept that I ended being like this?"

Ryou swallowed his fear, "Yes . . . and no. . .Yes accept, that your parents. . .had passed, accept that you have an long lost sister that hid the fact that you are a halfdemon, but do not accept that it was your fault. Do not accept that your family's blood is stained on your hands. Accept that all of this had happened for a reason though. Its the only way. . you can be free of this pain you feel for your family, and toward yourself and Isuma. And I know that Isuma must be suffering too. . . and you need to be free from that, to be able to be strong for everyone."

"You're saying as if it was my obligation. . . "

Ryou chuckeled, "And obligation to yourself. . to get better, and become the Akiyama Asumi that everyone cares and loves you. Not the Asumi that people fear for your life. . . because we almost lost you once."

Asumi gave a weak smile, "You have a way with words. . .suprising it always works at a time like this."

Ryou shrugged,"What can I say Im gifted."

After a moment of silence, Asumi then spoke up," Okay. . .Ill tell you the story or the abridged versions of the Akiyama life. . It started before I woke up in the hospital with no memory. . . .about 9 months ago." ( The Sayers had been training for about a months and a half, then the shinobi and shinigami came aroud. So this is before everything started.)

9 month ago

(Asumi just had returned from her trip.)

Asumi had strode the halls in one early morning, making her rounds in the estate to get famliarized once again. She notcied that some of the interior design had changed, but it was still a bit to getting used to. She sighed and her walk staggered for a bit, "Bonding again, will be just as awkward."

But the whole feeling of the atmosphere, just seems. . .She couldnt really put her finger on it, but she knew it felt just a bit off.

She shrugged it off as nothing, thinking is just about the time she spent away from home.

She passed through the halls, heaing nothing but servants cleaning around the house, and the soft snores of the family.

Pasing the elders' room, she paused and her fdirection turn to her mother's quaters. she pressed her ear against the door, hearing for anything.

There was weak wheezing, making her frown, noting that the breaths were now heavier then she last remembered. Her mother the Lady Shirayki(Oc) was fairly frail, always having some sort of cold everyday. from her history with her family, she deduced that the elders' all had issues with he rmother been sick all the time. But it was a sure miracle when they all heard she was pregnant with twin heirs, and a little young lord (Toushirou Oc). But throughout the years during the twin's growth, she had been force to get somemore bedrest, her health slowly declinging.

Even her father was getting on edge, which made her shudder. Her father, the Lord of the manor was very stern with the traditions, but with the addition of her mother being sickly, even a small dispute with her mom, would upset the Lord greatly. And the consequences were never pretty.

She sighed, and forced herself to pull away from the door, and made her way down the halls to wake up Asuka, Toushirou, and Rukia from her slumber.

Reality

"So your mom was sick?" Ryou asked," Did this really happen? Uh I mean Im sorry, I was just checking which was memories were acutally real."

"Yes, that was a real memory, or well the next coming ones were real. But Ill let you know which ones might not be so sure. . But yes my mother has been frail after the birth of young Toushirou for years now. . but yes it was one of the reasons why the family fell apart."

Ryou looked at her with confusion,"Her sickness?"

"Yes,when she was in terminal condition. . .everything fell apart. The elders's stepped in knowing that Im not protected by my mother no longer."

"What do the elders's do anyway?"

"They are the ones that look after my training in particular,they were always pushing me, to the brink of death several times."

Ryou was confused, "What about school? At school you look just normal. . well not-"

"I had to juggle everything. . .school was no exception to my tight scehdule. I just rest when I can, which is rare."

"What happened to Asuka when all of this happened?"

"Im getting there. . . " She sighed,"Asuka's body wasnt able to handle so much stress, and she had been watching over Rukia and Toushirou more often. And mostly since she is falling ebhind, we had been forced to train seperately. But when we were seperated, it usually meant that I couldnt really look after Asuka, which was never good, since she was more suceptible to get hurt."

8 months ago

"Nee-san cant we just rest?"

Asuka laid on the ground panting, her body hunched over. Asumi tried to force her sister to move, but it was useless, Asuka body cuold go further.

The elders which were a a fusion of realtives who were super old, sat in seated rows, their beady eyes watching the girls with critical gazes.

Asumi looked at her sister, her face void of emotion(which was required in the elders' prescense.) "Asuka moce it."

Asuka just liad there, her eyes steely at Asumi's," Im sorry for not having the endurance to last 8 hours."

Asuka clenched her jaw, her voice low,"They are watching us, I suggest we move before Father gets here. . Otherwise we are never getting home. We need to get this right."

"You mean just me. . ."

Asumi walked over her sister, with a glare in her eye, she hauled Asuka to her feet, and shoved her to a stance, "Start formation Alpha after my lead."

Asuka grumbled, causing Asumi's eyes to shift at the Elder Yomi, whose eyes were sharp and jotting down notes.

Shit. . .

"Begin Ladies, anyday now."

"Formation Alpha!"

Later in on the day. . . .

"Asumi dear?"

Asumi stopped her stride and walked back to the warming gaze of her mother who was on the couch reading a scroll. She dropped her hea din respect, and looked at her with a nervous smile on her face.

"ANything you need? Tissues? Medicine tea?"

Lady Shirayuki laugh lightly, not before giving some weak coughs, "No need to be so awkward around me Asumi, its been a month here in the manor, its not the barrracks you know."

Asumi rubbed her head nervously, "Ah I suppose, its just been awhile. . .Have you been well?"

Lady Shirayuki tapped her chest with her fist her chest puffingout, "Im still braething."

Asumi's eyes narrowed," Mother. . . "

Lady Shirauki's blue eyes looked at Asumi, her hand petting her daughters, "Hey Asumi, I'll be fine, Im just worried more about tha family."

"Me and Asuka can handle it." She replied with no hesistation.

"Ah that may be you. But what does Asuka think?"

Asumi dismissed it with a scoff," She just needs more persuasion."

Lady Shirayuki sighed, and looked away fom Asumi, making her frown, "Is there something wrong?"

"You may be twins. . . but you are different, and I know that you know that."

"Then what then?"

"Your father may not like me tellin gyou this but. . .your guys are different, and the way you guys have to be uniformed and the same, is not the way it should be the way between you. And Im sure that your natural bond with your sister is straining."

Asumi lowered her head, "Mmm."

"I know you guys cant always work it out together, but you sister cant do it all."

"Then what do you want me to do?" Asumi seethed, her temper flaring, "Trade places with her to see what it feels like?"

Lady Shirayuki bit her lower lip, her eyes almost guilty. Asumi gritted her teeth then, "She cant handle it?"

"Asumi that's not it! Listen to me! You need to potect her."

Asumi looked at her, feeling like she is hearing a cryptic message."Protect her from what?"

"From. . .-"

"Lady Shirayuki, there is something I need to discuss with you." It was the Elder Yomi.

Lady Shirayuki, pressed her finger against Asumi, to stay silent, "Yes, what is it Yomi."

"Its about the young Ladies Asumi and Asuka. . . they are not meeting our expectations."

Lady Shirayuki rolled her eyes from behind the screen door, really annoyes of hearing the same thing over and over, "They are merely tired with you guys over working them."

"Its needed for them to even be worthy-"

"ENOUGH! they are worthy enough, YOU are NOT of ROYAL Lineage! So you cannot dictate whether my daughters or any of my children is worthy of the throne, they are all worthy!" She said diplomatically, and with critical tone.

The Elder scoffed, and walked away not before yelling out, "I shall talk to the Lord about this matter!"

When the elder left, Lady Shirayuki sighed and looked to Asumi who had a blank expression on her face, "Forget about her. . . And dont mind about your father I'll deal with it."

Asumi coudlt help but see the dimmed light in her mother's eyes, something wasnt right.

"Father? . . .What will he do?"

"I'll handle it. . .I just need you to look after your sister no matter what. From the Elders' and your Father. . "

Reality

"Urrgh. . . ." Asumi winced her hand reaching for her temple, feeling the area starting to spin. Ryou almost shouted, to demand what was thing thing that Lady Shirayuki had to warn her about.

"Asumi. . . .?"

Asumi kept her eyes shut, her her jaw tight, as the tremors of pain continued. Ryou kept his hands on her shoulders rubbing them in warm circles, "Hey you okay?"

"I think I had enough. . for today. . ."

Ryou was disppointed honestly, and he thought he was going somewhere with all of this. But she was probably right. It can make her opening up much harder if he kept pushing her.

Maybe later. . .tonight probably he might unlock something. . That may help everyone in this war, since obviously, Lord Akiyama was hiding something big, something different compared thatn just Yoruichi and the Isuma. And he needed to know.

But that was hard to see past the shroud of secrecy that was hovering over the Akiyama family. Ryou just only know the basic knowledge, everything else is hiding.

I need to find out. . .I have a feeling that something will happen to her and me. . .

But Ryou you are only thinking like this, because of all the things that are happening to her.

So what? Theres something about that bastard. . . Its not fitting right. Something tells me that, that bastard did something that-

That what?

That somehow made Asumi into this. . emotionless cold hearted killer.

But thats how the stealth force works in Seika.

But thats not what the impresison of Lord Akiyama is telling me.

Enough bickering, talk to Asumi.

"Okay. . . do you wanna-" Ryou fumbled with his words, since he had no other way to get them away from thinking more about her past. .

Asumi pulled away from his warm body, standing un steadily to her feet. Ryou was up on his feet in seconds to steady her.

"Hey look at me." Ryou spun her around, so they were almost face to face. Asumi still had her head down, avoiding his gaze, but Ryou could still see the shine of tears that were slowly rolling down her face. His left finger, dried to the tears away. "No need to cry. . .its fine if you cant talk about it now. We can go slowly."

"I know. . . " She muttered. "Can you just come with me for a moment?"

Ryou nodded, "Of course."

Asumi then turned away not before, slowly tugging Ryou with her. Not before having her fingers interlace with his.

Ryou felt his heart swell, a dopey grin on his face, Booyah. .

"Hey where are we going?" He asked after a while, his hand still warm around hers.

Asumi still remained silent.

He sighed, "Oi Asumi. . "

"We are here."

Ryou looked around, before his eyes came across a little cliff. A cliff?

"Look more down."

His gray eyes then turned to the small flat boulder, obviously cut by sword, to make it look like a shrine. His eyes grew somber, realizing what had Asumi was describing, and showing to him.

A makeshift grave yard site.

Asumi let got of his hand and walked to the grave, kneeling and praying. Ryou stood there, unsure on what to do.

"Ryou. . meet my parents. Lady Shirayuki. . .and Lord Akiyama." She said quietly. She moved away so he can get a better look.

The grave was simple. A flat boulder-like table enought to fit two sets of piled stones, along with pictures of two families side by side. Ryou could see that one of them was the one where Yoruichi was in the picture with the two baby twins, and the other was the family that where Yoruichi had never existed.

Both he could see through the images, that the parents eyes had changed, from extremely happy, to almost sad between the pictures.

". . . Good after noon Akiyama-dono, and Akiyama-san." Ryou started out, "Its a pleasure to finally meet the both of you."

Asumi looked at him oddly, tears were still evident. But Ryou had smile on his face.

"I'm Minamouto Ryou. . a comrade of Asumi, and a good f-friend of hers."

What are you thinking about Ryou? What are you doing? Asumi thought.

"And Id like to say. . .that i have never met a person as stong and as talented as she." Ryou gave a cautious stare at Asumi before going on," You must be very proud. . . "

Asumi closed her eyes, and just listened.

"Proud that she had made the Akiyama family rise from the ashes and become the spectical of power yet again despite all that had happened these past months. . And be more poud, of the beautiful woman that came into not just my life, but to our team. We are really lucky, that she has still kept us all grounded."

Ryou slid his hands in her won again, intertwining as they both stood once more side by side.

"I'll be back soon. . Okaa-san. . .Otou-san."

Asumi kept her body close to his as they walked away, on their way back to the manor.

"Thanks," she breathed, "for. . everything."

Ryou smiled, his eyes looking forward, "Its nothing, besides, I meant what I said."

Asumi scrunched her face in confusion, "Which one?"

"What I said about you being absolutely beautiful."

She blushed and hid her face from him, making him laugh.

"Its a compliment, relax. Lets just go home, before Asuka sends out all forces to come find us."Asumi kept her head under his neck, and smiled with a blush on her face. But there was still the lingering thoughts of her memories. But it was for another day. Right now, she has nothing to worry about. She has Ryou near her, and doesnt want to part from him.

If the memories all come back. . . true or fake, Im ready to take them on, if Ryou is beside me.

AUTHOR NOTE!

Whew. . . finally thats done! Took a while, but its eh well done. I'll go back and edit this, if there is any error. Point them out for me of you would like!

If you got questions or if you are lost, let me know!

And please let me know if I have to improve on something!

NEXT TIME ON TIES THAT BIND THROUGH TIME!

Asumi: A week has passed in the world of Seika!

Asuka: And everyone has now started to move forward thank Kami.

Naruto: Asuka that's not true. . .we are still in a stalemate between ourselves

Asumi: Well training is going to, I guess distract us, we are losing time here.

Ryou: Whats going to happen then?

Asumi: Yoruichi-neesan and the rest arent teaching us, we have to do it ourselves.

Ryou: Then lead us.

Asumi: NEXT TIME! Stalemate! Reaching Our First Clue!

Asuka: Ladies. . .can we talk?

Rukia: About what? Can it wait?

Sakura: Yea we are training.

Asuka: It cant really. . . its about boys.

Sakura: Asumi wont mind if we take a small break then. What about boys?

Asuka: Love traingles in particular.

Ladies (minus Asumi): Oh no. . .not her too!

Ladies: Substory! Girl Talk!

Kisuke: *listening in* Hmmm. . . it appears that the kids ae still feeling disunited. And its our fault Yoru-san. I believe its time to put my theory to the test. . .

Yoru: What theory?

Kisuke: A theory that can gives us. . well I'll explain later. Substory! Motives! The Tides Have Changed!

You: Wheres Kakashi and Yoruichi-chan?

Kisuke: Talking. . . I think.

Yoru: Uh should we be worried?

Kisuke: I really think Yoruichi is going to be a bit brash, but I think Kakashi realizes what he did wrong.

Naruto: BAN-KAI! Areh? Ichigo! Its not working!

Ichigo: Naruto you dolt you dont know how it works!

Naruto: Teach me then!

Ichigo: Its hard to do that you know when I dont have my powers anymore! I cant apply this to my new powers! The methods of learning are totally different!

Naruto: Ugggggh! Now what?

Ichigo: Well dont look at me figure it out!

Naruto and Ichigo: Substory! The Steps That Started It All

Naruto and Ichigo: We go back to the the beginning!

Okaami-chin out!~