Touya watched her sleep. His eyes drank in every minute detail. How her rebellious hair remained in her eyes, even if it was slightly angled downward. How her crimson clothes hung loosely on her body, showing her luxurious curves. The firelight emphasized the small scar across her cheek. She looked so peaceful, unlike when she was awake. She subconsciously was alert, eyes constantly scanning her surroundings, hands never far from her weapon. A true child of the Shinobi. He remembered her Master, Vern. And how her eyes had been slightly red when she joined them, as if she had been crying. He gritted his teeth. Risho skipped practically every gesture of ceremony, civility and respect when she was accepted. She had looked to occupied in thought to care. And because no Element of the Shinobi exchanged its rituals with the others, he could only guess what she had to do to become a Master. Only sect leaders had any idea of what his members had to do to become what they were. He remembered the Fire Master's compassion when he looked at his apprentice; the look in his eyes had been almost fatherly. What was Rekka to him? And who was she? Who was her family? He shook those thoughts from his head. She would tell the sect when she felt ready. Though he doubted she'd tell Risho and Bakken anything about her that was personal.

The next morning, I slowly woke up. The ground itself wasn't the most comfortable in the world, considering I had been sleeping on twigs and other small annoyances, but I was somewhat refreshed for once. Must be because I didn't have to worry about Risho stabbing me in the back. Jin glanced at me, apparently he had changed watch with Touya.

"Finally woke up, eh?" He asked, his smile stretching from one side of his face to the other.

"What time is it?" I asked, yawning slightly.

"An hour or so before dawn." I glanced at Touya, who had just entered the cave. "We'd better head back."

I nodded reluctantly. I didn't want to go back. Stretching quickly, I followed the two back to the hotel on the small, dirt path through the forest.

As soon as we entered the shack, Risho was in our faces, shouting. "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!"

I took a moment to make sure I didn't go deaf. "Sorry, what was that? YOU WERE TO DAMN LOUD!" I shouted back.

Risho glared at my impudence. I merely grinned. "Insolent BRAT." He whispered. I let the insult roll right off. I didn't give a damn about what that bastard thought of me.And he had wanted to say something far worse. I could tell.

Jin intervened. "Ah, don't get yerself all in a huff. We jus' wanted to get th' hell away from this sad excuse of a inn!"

"You are NOT helping matters, Jin." Touya groaned.

"Didn't mean to!" Jin laughed at the exasperated look on his friend's face.

"That's it! Outside! Training! No breakfast! Now!" Risho ordered, pushing everyone outside.

I glanced at Gama. Besides Jin and Touya, he was the only other guy here I had any respect for. "Did you already eat?"

"Yes, not that the food was edible, but..." I had to keep a straight face as I walked past Risho, which was hard because of Gama's mild expression.

As soon as everyone was outside, Risho walked to the side, evaluating what we were doing. Now I could understand why Jin was so lean. If he goofed off like this all the time... No wonder. Touya didn't look too bothered about the loss of food either. I wonder if the other Shinobi know how Risho treats his sect members. He wants us all dependent on him, and to have only the barest amount of camaraderie necessary for the sect to survive. Apparently the mission's success was his main priority, his sect's survival was an immediate second. I had gone weeks without sustenance myself, so it shouldn't have bothered me much, but I... Still felt so worn. And I knew the reason, as did everyone in this sect. But I was careful not to show my inner weariness; Risho would just make it even more severe for me.

After a few days of 'training', I had enough of Risho's crap and went up the mountain to train, alone. Or at least I had intended to. Touya had other plans. As we both made our way up the glacial mountain, I felt it's inner flame singing to me. It gave me an extra boost of energy I desperately needed.

"So, why did you decide to come?" I asked, glancing at the Ice Master curiously.

"You are in no state to fight if you were attacked. I could not let you leave alone. If Jin went with you, it would arise suspicion in Risho's mind. I thought it wise if I came. Risho doesn't consider me much of a threat. I do not have the strength to challenge him." He quietly explained.

"And Jin does?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Touya nodded. "As do you. Risho is scared of you, he saw you fight. You defeated that water apparition without any effort. You are quick, efficient, powerful and fiercly independent."

"You undervalue yourself, Touya. You could give me a good fight. And not just here in your element." He hadn't awakened his full power yet, he didn't know it, but I was sure Risho did. "You are stronger than you think you are, all you need is a push. One day that push will come." I grinned at him. "Whether you want it or not." I put my hands behind my head, Jin-style.

He shook his head.

Whatever. He'll realize I'm right in due time. I glanced around, the sun reflected off the snow; it sparkled like the crystal Vern so carefully shaped, and when completed it was a masterpiece of skill and creativity. I stared at the sight; I had respect for ice and snow. How could I not? Vern had a room in the volcano devoted to ice, it was freezing in there. He taught me how to ice skate, swim, and gardening. He didn't believe in mastering one skill, better to be a jack of all trades. Seeing Touya going ahead, I sighed and ran to catch up.

That evening, we both came to the summit.

"I trained here..." I glanced at Touya, he looked around at the cold stone and ice. "It was just a dormant mountain, then. After my Master died, the mountain instantly awoke." He sighed. "I left to find a sect. I regret it now."

I hesitantly put my hand on his shoulder and lightly hugged him. I do not like sympathy, but, I didn't know if he wanted it or not. He put his hand over mind, his head bowed. I looked away respectfully, to give him some privacy.

"If you hadn't left, you wouldn't have met Jin. Or Gama." I reminded him gently. "There's more to life than stone. My Master died as well, but do you see me crying? He wanted me to enjoy what light I could find in life. Your Master would want you to enjoy life as much as you can. We only live a short while, and only once, and then we're stuck wherever we're destined to go for a long time. If not forever." I gently turned away, carefully extracting my hand from his; I wanted to give him his time to mourn. I had left Vern in the heart of the volcano I call home, but he apparently hadn't buried his master yet, figuratively.

"Please don't go." I stopped. "I..." I looked at Touya, there were tears in his eyes as he struggled to find words. "Thank you." He smiled slightly and abruptly wiped his eyes, his face taking on its normally emotionless look though his eyes shone with his pain.

"Your welcome." I grinned and winked. "I won't tell anyone." He nodded his appreciation for my surprising consideration for his feelings. I cocked my head to one side, listening. Touya looked at me questioningly. "I know you're there, Jin."

The Wind Master hovered into view, looking sheepish. "Sorry."

I just shrugged, still smiling. "I wouldn't worry too much. Now that all the touchy-feeling stuff is over, what do you say we get some sleep? I'm about to fall over." I laughed.

Theyinstantly agreed. I knelt and concentrated my energy. The fire easily came into my hands. Manipulating it to stay in a certain space, I spread out beside it, Jin next to me. I glanced at Touya, who surprisingly sat down beside the fire.

"Warmth... Is something that I do not enjoy often enough." He saw my slightly shocked expression. He smiled; eyes closed in the genuine symbol of amusement. "You two sleep, I'll take watch."

I glanced at him; he was about to fall asleep on his feet himself. "How about this: We all sleep and let Jin's wind play watchdog." I gently guided Touya, whose exhaustion was now apparent, to the ground, keeping him from falling. He glanced at me, his face slightly flushed. "You okay?" I asked, was it possible for ice demons to get fevers? He nodded slightly and lay out on the ground, soon in a sound sleep. I glanced at him; he looked like the teenager he was, in demon terms, when he slept.

Jin grinned. "I'll take a siesta as well." He motioned for me to lie between him and Touya. I didn't have much of a choice in the matter, for he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down when I made no movement to comply. But I didn't struggle, I was too exhausted. As I drifted, I swore I felt something nuzzling my neck, but I was out cold before I could, if I wanted to, check.

When I woke, I slowly opened my eyes, not wishing to move. I just felt so comfortable... Warm, as I have not been since I left my homeland... Then I realized why I felt as warm as I did. Eyes snapping open, I glanced around and inwardly groaned. I was officially entangled in Jin and Touya's arms. Jin snored softly; I had to smile at the sight. I must've rolled on my side, a common thing for me. But what was unusual was the fact that Jin's arm was casually draped around my waist, pulling me close, his head resting on my neck. I could feel his soft, velvety lips on my skin. My own head resting on Touya's arm, providing me with a living pillow. I felt his arm against my skin, his fingers intertwined with my mane. I could feel his defined muscles tight against my skin. His other hand was entwined in my own. I rested my cheek against his surprisingly silky hair, I had always thought it'd be like wet hair gone stiff in the cold winter, hard and rigid. Why did this feel... So right? Jin's warm breath on my sensitive skin... His lips brushing my neck ever so slightly... Touya's fingers entangled in my hair... The feeling of his cool, delicate hand in mine... This... Was the Light that Vern always talked about..? It had to be.