Woo hoo, pet falcon! You might notice a bit of NG-esque sneaking into this story. That game deserves to be worshipped, I swear. Or at least elevated on something. A statue? A tower? A ladder? Well, something.

That aside for a sec, I'm glad the majority of you are enjoying, especially Lordfolken, seeing as this fic is for you. Did I send you the reply to your last email? I've forgotten, and I feel stupid.

Just a few quick notes: Mask, even if I do get mad at you I'm not going to block anonymous reviews. Firstly, I respect your opinion, even if I don't quite understand the logic behind it all the time (Yeah, I'm stupid, okay?). Secondly, that cuts off a lot of my other reviewers who are only visitors (or those who are too lazy to log in! Lol! Okay, I can't say that much there, either, because the latter is quite often me!)

Also, Hayabusa is a bit of a bum to write sometimes. Like, you make him non-cliché, he's out of character. You write him cliché, he's… well… cliché. You can't win either way.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter! And, um, Hayabusa rules. Yup.

Wordlessly, he pulled the sword out of the ninja's head. She made a slight face as the sword slid out of the wound, bringing blood and unidentifiable tissues with it. One quick flick and both blood and tissues were gone. "Kasumi. I trust that you are well?"

"Yes," she said, somewhat uncomfortably, watching as he held the sword with fluid movements that screamed skill. Now that they were onto the pleasantries, the awkwardness, for her, at least, had upped a level. "And yourself?"

Metal scraped against metal as he slid the sword back into its holster. "Fine,"

She was about to say something but was interrupted by his somewhat cold and emotionless tone. "Do not shower this conversation with pleasantries, for we have little time for them. My job is to escort you out of this area, and quickly,"

"Why do I need an escort? I am more then-"

A finger was suddenly on her lips. "Come. We have little time, Kasumi. Follow me unless you wish this to be your last day,"

With those chilling words, he started running. Ahead of her. She had to sprint to keep up.

As they were running, he started explaining.

"Your brother has slowed the rate of ninjas as they return empty-handed, those that do return. However, he is sending out Ayane, which should be an interesting move in itself. The reason that I am escorting you out of this forest in particular is that Ayane found out you were temporarily residing around this area and has decided to burn it,"

"What?" she stumbled over a log but managed to stay upright. "She's going to simply burn the forest down?"

Suddenly, Hayabusa stopped dead, pulling out his sword and slashing through some bushes, or so it seemed to her. However, when she heard a scream from the bushes, she started and looked closer. Upon looking closer, she made a face at the gruesome sight that greeted her.

"You're too good to be human. But was that really necessary?"

Hayabusa glanced down at the now dissected ninja. "Perhaps not. We must keep on going,"

For what seemed like hours and hours they kept on running, feet pounding against the muddy soil, until finally, they broke through the last of the trees to an open clearing. "The danger is mostly over," Hayabusa informed her as she slowed to a jog, trying to regain her breath. "However, still be on alert. The Mugen-Tenshin do not usually come down this far, but in their desire to shed your blood, they might break clan boundary to get to you,"

They want me dead that badly? That thought was disheartening but she tried not to let it show. Ahead, she could see a small cottage. "Who lives there?" she asked, pointing it out.

Hayabusa shook his head. "I have no idea. Oh, I did forget to tell you something. I want you to stay with me for a little while. My house is further on,"

They continued walking for a little longer until she saw another cottage. "Oh, Hayabusa… you have got to be kidding!" she exclaimed, marvelling at the jasmine creeper that scaled the lattice. "You live in this cute little cottage?"

Emerald green eyes glanced frostily at her, but said nothing. "It's liveable,"

Her eyes averted to the sky as a loud caw could be heard, echoing in the air. A beautiful snowy grey falcon swooped down, landing on Hayabusa's arm.

"And you have a pet falcon?" she reached out to pet the bird, and surprisingly, it didn't peck back, simply lowering its head and letting her scratch it gently.

Hayabusa said nothing. However, she heard him exhale softly as he took the falcon inside.

"What's its name?" she asked cheerfully, stepping inside, observing her surroundings. Liveable was right. Nice but simple furniture, suitable for two people at most, but only just. The word 'conservative' immediately sprung to her mind.

Hayabusa's silence made her assume that the falcon had no name. It didn't seem to mind that, however, as it fluttered down onto the nearest chair.

"So, we have two Hayabusa living in a cute little cottage. What next?"

Emerald eyes focused sharply on her. "Not a lot. Make yourself at home,"

That I just might do. That I just might do.