Chapter 3:- Kunochi's resolve

Whilst Saya had been off in her own new adventure, Hanabi had been searching desperately for her once teacher and all time friend in hopes to make amends for whatever strain that had been caused between them. And since she couldn't find Saya anywhere, Hanabi was getting more anxious and distressed.

Seeing his girlfriend in such a state worried Hayabusa deeply. He tries to comfort her as much as possible but it was sadly to no avail. "Don't worry, Hana-chan. We will find her. I promise."

"I really hope so, Haya-lun. She had a lot to answer for." Sadly this was easier said than done because even though they had checked every corner of Iga village, Saya was nowhere to be found. Even her own house was empty and it worried Hanabi to no end.

Now we find them checking the village market once again for the fifth time in hope that Hanabi would find her perusing the local stalls for goods like she would every week. Suddenly from the corner of her eye, Hanabi noticed a splash of blue. Upon turning towards it, she found that it was young Kagura merrily buying some flowers in the market, probably for her garden. Knowing the short Shikigami caster was a good friend of Saya, Hanabi was quick to confront her and ask, "Hello, Kagura-san. Have you seen Saya-chan by any chance?"

Kagura frowned at the ninja girl's question, "You mean she left without meeting you?" her words struck Hanabi like lightening, "W-What do you mean she left?" the kunoichi stammered, utterly devastated that her best friend would leave her like this.

Holding Kagura's shoulders, Hanabi pleads, "Tell me this is a joke! Please, tell me where is she?"

However the answer Hanabi needed was not what she got from Kagura, only an apologetic look, "I am so sorry, Hanabi-san…" she says, "But it is not my place to tell you. You must find out on your own." With that Kagura excused herself and hurried away, leaving Hanabi thoroughly baffled.

"I…..I don't understand…"Hanabi says softly, lowering her head in despair. Hayabusa placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and she held back to get at least some ounce of warmth and courage from her lover's touch.

Never would she have imagined that such a turn would arrive. Hanabi knew that Saya would have to leave eventually but not like this. So abruptly and leaving Hanabi in shambles without her comforting presence. She missed Saya . She missed her so much.

Suddenly the village drums started beating, signalling yet another gathering by the Elders. Knowing that the summons cannot be ignored, Hanabi and Hayabusa made haste.

-X-

On top of a hill rested the fabled Dojo of the Elders. Legends held that in the ancient times, the first shinobi was trained here; whose descendents later formed the two clans of Iga village. Throughout history, many a great ninjas were trained here but was also occasionally used for holding meetings where clan Elders decided on the course of actions that must be taken for the fate of Iga.

Since Envoys from Mossenia had reached Iga, unrest had been stirred in the village and the Elders had quarrelled long and bitter. But it seemed like they had finally reached a conclusion at last.

Musashi, a frail looking old man but his eyes still held the fire and deadliness of the young and great ninja he once was. His words had always been respected and held in high regards with the village and today it seems he was the one who would speak the will of the Elders. The entire Dojo which was filled with ninjas of all shapes and kind stood in prefect silence as they awaited their conclusion with halted breath.

"We Elders have discussed this matter of the Abyss threat thoroughly and with great vigour. And thus we have reached a decision…" His words made the rabble very anxious even if they kept a cool façade.

Elder Musashi slowly stood up and declared, "Iga will not be sending any aid to Mossenia."

There was pin drop silence in the room after the declaration. Many shocked, several relieved and some people looked furious. Hanabi had been one of them but unlike other who didn't like the decision but still chose to stay quiet, she didn't shy away from giving them a piece of her mind, much to Hayabusa's dismay who failed to stop her in time.

"Are you insane? An apocalyptic threat is knocking at our doorstep and all we are going to do is sit here fiddling with our fingers?" Hanabi roars stepping up to the dojo, her bold actions causing everyone to gasp in astonishment.

No one had till date ever dared to question the decision of the Elders, not even thought of it and so that was the very reason why her defiance annoyed them so much.

"Watch your tongue before your betters, girl." One of the Elders hissed dangerously. However, Elder Musashi intervened, "Calm yourself, Elder Danzo. The girl is simply a bit brash and needs to understand." Hanabi fumed at being regarded as nothing but an insolent child. "As for you…" He then turned his piercing gaze towards the kunoichi, "The reason why we are not going to intervene is not because we are 'Insane'. It is because this is simply not our fight. Mossenia always held grudge against the Abyss and their laziness almost cost them their city. They will pull any excuse to get back at the Abyss, thus we are not send our people to sacrifice their lives just because of the vendetta of some Western Empire."

To say that his words baffled Hanabi was an understatement. Her body shook with rage at their ignorance and she could not help but blurt out.

"You are wrong!"

Again the people were left aghast but Hanabi didn't care, "I have seen what the Abyss can do. What they have done for I have battled them along side Saya-sensei and know better than anyone of their cruelty and power. The threat is real and your ignorance will cost us all!"

Now angered by her daring nature, Elder Danzo growls, "Sending her out of the village was a mistake. Look how she has forgotten her manners. Is this what that Elf teacher of yours taught you?"

Frankly, Hanabi herself had zero problems when they were bashing and insulting her. But hearing Elder Danzo speak ill of Saya woke a fury inside Hanabi that even she herself didn't knew was there, "Her name is Saya Mahira and she has been a better friend and teacher than what you will ever wish to be." Even the Elders had to double take at the sheer amount of intensity behind Hanabi's gaze.

Taking a deep breath, Hanabi calmed herself and spoke loudly, "Yes, I went out into the world and no, I didn't forget my manners. I learned just how vast the world is outside the walls of our village and I have learned that it is worth fighting for. We are a part of this world as well. It is about time we start acting like it."

With that she turns to leave the Dozo, "I am leaving, with or without your permission."

Her words left everyone flabbergasted. The ninjas were in awe, not being able to believe that this was the same Hanabi who once trained alongside them and now showed strength and will power beyond anything they could comprehend, while the Elders were furious of her insolence. But no one noticed a small but proud smile on Musashi's face.

-X-

After the entire drama in the dozo, Hanabi stormed out of the building, Hayabusa rushed hurriedly after her, fearing what his girlfriend would do in her angered state. He followed her all the way to her home where Hayabusa found out that she had been aggressively packing her things for the journey ahead. Leaning by the door frame Hayabusa commented, "Quite the roasting you gave the Elders back there…."

Without looking up from her task, hanabi grumbled, "I'm not in the mood Haya. Now help me pack." The shinobi had no intention of disobeying his beloved, thus he did as ordered immediately.

"Did you really mean it?" asked Hayabusa causing Hanabi to look at him. The shinobi clarified, "About the world being worth dying for?"

Hanabi answered without hesitation, "Absolutely. You have been out there too. It is a huge and beautiful world with good people in it. That is worth fighting for."

Hayabusa eyed her deeply for a while, as if he was deciphering her with his mind before stating, "That is not the only reason is it?"

Those words made Hanabi pause, but Hayabusa didn't let go of the visibly sensitive subject. He pressed on, "It's about Saya-san isn't it? You want to find her don't you?"

Letting go of the breath she had been holding, Hanabi sulks. Slowly placing another cloth in her travel bag, she answers softly, "She is my first friend, Haya-kun, my first and only true friend. All that I am now, all that I have been able to accomplish is all because of her. I owe it to her that I set things right between us. I have to. I must."

Seeing that she was on the verge of breaking down into tears, Hayabusa hugged her in a comforting manner, "We will find her, Hana-chan. I promise." His sweet words brought a small smile on Hanabi's lips. How fortunate she felt to have such a caring and thoughtful lover. In his arms she felt so comforted.

Yet somewhere in the back of her mind a voice bothered her. It said, 'But it is not Saya.'

Slowly they parted away from their tender embrace. Giving him a reassuring smile, Hanabi says a soft 'thank you' earning her a small peck on her forehead.

"Alright, if you are done packing, let me gather my things and we will be off." Says Hayabusa looking away bashfully. Suddenly the door to Hanabo's room was flung open, "Don't even think about going anywhere without me!"

It was none other than Kagura with a huge smile on her face.

-X-

Packed and ready, the trio walked through the streets of Iga. Many of the villagers looked upon them speaking in hushed tone. The news of Hanabi's defiance of the Elders spread like wild fire. Many were baffled by her changed nature and several sent glares of disapproval towards her. But a good portion of the population also looked upon her with awe and admiration. However Hanabi paid them no mind. They stayed out of her way so it didn't concern her anyways. What did make her concerned was when a group of ninjas of the shadow clan came up to her.

"No need to be alarmed, Hanabi-san. We are not here to stop you." Says the one in the lead of the group of ninjas, "We only wish but to accompany you in this journey." His words really surprised Hanabi and the shinobi carries on, "You were right Hanabi-san. Hiding behind the walls while the world suffers is cowardly. It is not the shinobi way. We follow you till the end." With that the ninjas gave her a bow.

It was the first time when people had given her such respect and pledged their loyalty to her and frankly it overwhelmed her. Hanabi wonders how Saya was able to do this on daily bases so effortlessly while here she was having trouble not to tremble. "Tag along then." She says, thanking Gods she didn't shutter and moved forward.

Her words with the Elders had a great impact among the ninjas as more and more came pouring into their once small rabble and now there were over fifty ninjas ready to travel to Mossenia with her. Hayabusa couldn't help but be awed and feel proud of Hanabi while Kagura who had noticed Hanabi's discomfort laughed silently.

Finally they neared the main gates of the village and were shocked to see that Elder Musashi was waiting there with an entourage of elite shinobi bodyguards and this made Hanabi very worried.

"I don't suppose you are here to join our rabble too?" joked Hanabi nervously but Musahsi's serious expression was enough answer for her to know that he was not in a joking mood.

"Hanabi of the Scarlet clan, your actions are against the will of the Elders. Stand down and all will be forgiven." The Elder announces calmly while the situation around him was anything but calm. People where gathering around and were very nervous about what was going on. But Musashi's words had the exact opposite effect on Hanabi. Gone was her initial nervousness and was replaced with even more determination.

"Thanks but you can forgive me after I come back from saving the world." She grumbles walking right past the Elder. Surprisingly him and his body guards didn't try to stop the, However, just before Hanabi set foot outside the village gates the Elder spoke sternly, "The Elders forbid it. Any shinobi who exits the village gates will be considered a rogue shinobi."

His words stopped everyone in their tracks. Even Hanabi was shocked beyond words. She was flabbergasted while Musahi's emotionless face remained unyielding. The kunoichi looks back at Hayabusa then at Kagura, who both glanced around uncertainly. Then Hanabi looks back at the village. This was her home, where she grew up. This was where she belonged…..

Could she leave all this? Could she let go of her home and serve a higher purpose?

Hanabi was uncertain, the world was worth dying for, but was it worth choosing over her village? Her home?

Suddenly she remembers her. Hanabi saw her; those forest green locks, her everlasting warm smile and her emerald green eyes shining with unending adoration.

Then and there, Hanabi found something worth more than the so called higher purpose.

Clenching her fist, Hanabi's being was now filled with determination that dwarfed even Musashi's stone cold gaze, "Then so be it."

With that, Hanabi turns around and makes her way down the road, outside the village, her daring spirit once again causing the people to look at her in awe. Even Musashi smiled a bit as he spoke, "Shinobis are supposed to be living weapons, Tools that serve and work effectively and efficiently. But a few spirited ones like her are the ones who are able to break past such notion. To rise above and remind us that despite all, we are still human. May Kami-sama watch over you, Hanabi no Iga. I will pray for your success."

-X-

It took them an entire week to reach Mossenia even with their ninja speed.

"So tell me Haya-kun have you been to the Mossenian capital while on the hunt for the Akuma ninja?" asked Hanabi to her boyfriend. The said shinobi pondered for a while before answering, "Hanzo was very paranoid, even for a shinobi. Logically he would avoid large cities to not draw attention, so me and Kagura-chan sticked to the rural areas." Hayabusa explains.

"It was a shame too…" whines Kagura in expiration, "I really wanted to see the city. I hear that their walls are as tall as mountains!"

Both the ninjas laughed at the short shikigami caster's words, "Don't worry, Kagura. You will see those walls in no time." reassured Hanabi with a smile. Kagura beamed up at this and practically bounced ahead.

When the Elders declared the consequences of joining Hanabi in her venture outside the village, almost all the ninjas who had volunteered to follow her immediately withdrew. The thought of exile terrified Hanabi even if she keeps a brave façade. That's the reason why she didn't hold any grudge against those who didn't left along with her. When Hayabusa and Kagura followed her without question, Hanabi felt very guilty for making them choose this because of her. But still due to some selfishness of her own heart, Hanabi was very grateful they did. She was very grateful that they stayed by her side even at the face of exile from the place they grew up in and frankly, Hanabi was so glad that they had her back. She thanked the Gods for such loyal friends.

"I think we have arrived." Announced Hayabusa and true to his words, Hanabi could see the great walls of Mossenia in a distance in front of her.

'Finally, we will meet again, Saya-chan.' the kunoichi thinks wishfully.

-X-

It had been two years since Hanabi had returned to the Capital of Mossenia and the city looked as grand as ever. In fact, it looked even bigger now that the vast ground just outside the city walls was filled with countless tents. The King's word had inspired several others from across the land, all with a common goal in their hearts despite their different backgrounds.

Hanabi couldn't help but giggle at Kagura's face filled with wonder as she looked around with child like curiosity. It was her first time being amidst such a huge crowd and it awed and intimidated her. Even Hayabusa was a bit overwhelmed but he hid it well and kept his composure. Not well enough however cause Hanabi had already noticed it. Smirking at her boyfriend's distress, earning her a fake hurt look.

"So many people, and it leaves us vulnerable. Doesn't the crowd bother you?" the ninja asks to Hanabi. She simply laughs, "It used to. But you get used to it."

They passed through the city gates and into the city proper, their destination the Royal Palace. Hanabi hoped to gain a Royal Audience with the King. She knows that he knows where Saya is. Hopefully he still recognises her or else getting to meet him can be a bit difficult.

"Look who do we have here…."

Before Hanabi could react, she was suddenly tackled down by a blur of violet. Then a pair of hands trying to strangle her.

"Do you have any idea how long I had been looking for you!" screams of a familiar voice. Hanabi immediately recognised her assailant and stammered out, "Gwen?"

"Don't 'Gwen?' me you jerk! You left without a proper goodbye!" howls the violet clad mage. Hanabi managed to somehow push her off but Gwen wasn't going to leave her so easily, "No address, no letter hell not even a damned clue!" yells a very frustrated Gwen. She grabbed a hold of Hanabi and the kunoichi started sweating preposterously.

Hayabysa was on his way to intervene but a woman with long braided magenta hair with an eye patch stopped him, assuring him that they were friends.

Back with Hanabi and Guinevere, the ninja girl gulped nervously, "I can explain, Gwen."

But Gwen narrowed her eyes, "You missed my wedding too…." Hanabi's eyes widened at this, "It was the most important day of my life and you weren't there….. I thought we were friends….." she says almost ready to cry. However Hanabi wrapped her arms around her friend, embracing her tightly as she whispers softly, "I'm sorry. I am so sorry."

Gwen's sorrow and anger broke like glass and she hugged her friend back with joyful tears. Hayabusa, Kagura and Lesley watched this beautiful reunion with a content smile. Slowly they pulled themselves together and off the ground.

Gwen dusts herself, "You aren't totally forgiven though."

Hanabi laughs at this, "I am sure we find a way to make it up to you."

The mage grins at this. It was then she notices Hayabusa and Kagura, "Friends of yours?"

Realizing that she had not introduced them to each other, Hanabi quickly rectifies this.

"Guys, this is my friend Guinevere and her wife Lesley. We met during our travels…" Hayabusa's eyes widened in shock; not realizing that it was Gwen and Lesley who were married, while Kagura simply waved with a bright smile.

"Gwen, these are my friends from my hometown. Kagura and my boyfriend Hayabusa."

Gwen offers a smile, "Nice to meet you…" Slowly Hanabi's words sinks down on her and Gwen screams, "He is your what?"

-X-

We now find Hanabi and Guinevere sitting inside a rather luxurious hotel along with their friends. It was a very classy and expensive place but being nobility such as herself, Gwen would have nothing less. Hanabi and her friends from Iga however had never been in such a fancy establishment before and were absolutely awed by the lavishness of this place.

Now seated in the finest table the hotel had to offer, Guinevere was very quick to interrogate Hanabi, "You have a boyfriend now? Explain!"

Hanabi's entire face lit up like a red tomato as she stammered to come up with words, making her look like a fumbling idiot. Kagura giggled at this and answered, "Hana-chan and Haya-kun have known each other since they were young. They had this rivalry and always tried to defeat one another. Eventually their bound of rivalry turned into something deeper." She explained with dreamy eyes.

Gwen ponders on Kagura's words before smirking, "Yup, sounds like Hana alright. Always picking up fights."

Hanabi glares at Guinevere's smug face, "No, I don't!"

"The first thing we did when we met was fight." pointed out Gwen coolly.

"You were the one who started it!"

Hayabusa couldn't help but smile seeing this. Back in the village Hanabi hardly socialized and had almost no friends. Seeing her bicker with Gwen like old friends would made him very happy,

"I thank you, Guinevere-san for being such a great friend to Hanabi. It means a lot to me." He says sincerely with a bow. The violet mage simply smiled awkwardly at this, not sure how to respond.

Kagura then asked curiously, "So, you now know how Hayabusa and Hanabi met, but what about you? How did you and Hanabi met? You two seem to be really close."

Guinevere smiled warmly, "That we are. I owe a great big deal to Hana. In fact, all my happiness is because of her."

"I told you already, it was nothing.", says Hanabi with a blush making both Hayabusa and Kagura to be super curious. "Oh, I sense a story coming up!" the short girl chirps. Gwen laughs, finding Kagura to be very enduring and likable, "Alright then, it all started on a snowy day in the Swan Kingdom."

And so she retells the story, the marriage, the festival, the tourney. It was glorious, almost straight out of a story book!

Kagura's immediate reaction was to turn to Hanabi and accuse, "You went into a tournament and won and never bothered telling us?"

Hanabi sweat drops, "It's called a tourney and it must have slipped my mind."

"'Slipped her mind', she says." Grumbles Kagura making everyone laugh. Hayabusa looked at Hanabi and says, "The more I learn about you, the more amazing you seem to me.", his voice low and full of admiration.

Hayabusa's words made Hanabi blush furiously, she turns away shyly and they both held hands lovingly.

"Yeah, not used to that….", says Gwen doing her best to look anywhere but those two love birds.

Hanabi laughed and comments, "You don't see me complaining when you snog your wife."

Now it was Gwen's turn to be blushing mess as she tries to come up with an intelligent comeback.

"That's not what I meant; it's just surprising that's all…." She blurted out causing Kagura to look at her intently. Hanabi frowned at this and asks, "What do you mean?"

Gwen panics inwardly at this and Kagura was now certain Guinevere knows about the unrequited love of a certain Sai'ore. Trying to escape the awkward conversation, Gwen tries to change the subject.

"I take it that you're here to join the Alliance huh?"

Luckily, Gwen was able to distract Hanabi who answered thoughtfully, "That I am. But most importantly, I am here to find Saya. I know she has been here because she received summons from the King."

Guinevere nearly choked on her own spit at this and scolded herself for her own stupidity. Here she was trying to avoid the conversation about Saya and she fell right into the very topic she wanted to avoid. 'I had to open my big mouth didn't I? Of course she would bring Saya up.'

Hanabi sulked and let out a sigh, "I don't understand, Gwen. Saya and I, things have been difficult…" and so the kunoichi shares her story, her frustrations and sadness with her friend and the more she hears, the more nervous Gwen gets.

"…..I must find her, Gwen. I must set things right. And you know where she is don't you?" that was not a question, it was a statement. Guinevere felt Hanabi's stern eyes upon her and squeaked like a cornered mouse. She was caught.

"Where is she, Gwen? What is Saya?"

'Lord forgive me.'….

NOTE:- Okay, I admit it. I was gonna abandon this story and I still might but then I figured, "What the heck? Its lockdown and I am bored."

Several factors caused me to discontinue this story, ML ban in india, personal reasons and all that excuses. But I will add this new chapter cause I had been writing this chapter for a long while now. A few warnings though.

This story is old. Heck Dyrroth wasn't even out when I started writing it and the lore of Mobile legends wasn't fleshed out yet, so I had cooked up my own lore to fit my needs as an author. Now the developers have fleshed out a decent story and a whole plethora new characters that I won't be able to add to the story. So I won't try to add all the new characters and stick to my original story and lore. You can say it's an AU fanfiction of Mobile legends where the lore is a bit messed here and there.

I hope you readers will enjoy it. and a few feedbacks wouldn't hurt…plz.