I recognize the way you make me feel
It's hard to think that
You might not be real
I sense it now, the water's getting deep
I try to wash the pain away from me
Away from me

'Cause you're everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it's you I see
You're everything I know
That makes me believe
I'm not alone

Everywhere, Michelle Branch

Disclaimer- I don't own Dead or Alive…I may rule the world but I don't own Dead or Alive…. O weoz you can't have everything

Ratings- PG for umm... a light course language and a smidge of violence

A/N-Sry bout the late and xtremely weird/boring chappie guyz…. my brain is currently on a vacation….lucky bastard… shakes fist newaiz I promise the nxt one will be gud muffled hehehe….suckers….muffled

Meet You There

Priorities

Sagistar

He couldn't get her out of his mind.

In every waking moment of his life, something would remind him of her.

And when he was asleep, all her could dream about was her gorgeous smile and those beautiful eyes.

The ghost of her memory forever haunted him.

Ein, or Hayate as he is referred to now, wiped the sweat from his forehead as he strained to focus his attention on his attacker's next move. The assailant lunged forward, intending to take a blow at Hayate's neck. Hayate sidestepped, then grabbed the attacker by the back of the neck and tossed him by his legs upwards. This sent the aggressor sprawling… but not for long. This time Hayate charged forward, only to have his attacker grabbed his arm and yank backwards before a swift kick was sent towards the back of his neck. Hayate landed with his arms in front, which he used to push himself up and kick his perpetrator on the head. The attacker stumbled backwards and was momentarily fazed. Hayate seized this opportunity to send his opponent a flying kick. A split second before the attack hit home, the aggressor snap back into reality and grabbed Hayate's feet, twisted them and threw him to the ground.

Hayate fell clumsily and landed right where the sun don't shine. Hitomi laughed boyishly as she offered a hand to pull a slightly disoriented but nevertheless jovial Hayate up. An evil glint flash in Hayate's eyes as he took Hitomi's hand and yanked her down while he rolled over on top of her and pinned her to the ground. Hayate paused before blushing bright crimson as he realised the position he was in.

"Hayate? Hayaate?"

A distant voice called over the head of the Mugen Tenshin Clan as the young master wearily opened his eyes. "Aarrgghh!!"

Hayate screamed as he pushed the ghostly figure as further from him as possible. A disgruntled Ryu emerged from the bushes where he fell. Hayate laughed sheepishly as he ruffled the back of head.

"Hehe…sorry about that…"

"That's okay. I should have known better than to help the all and mighty Hayate- san." Ryu shrugged as he made his way towards the temple where he and Hayate were meeting the elders.

Hayate looked perturbed.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Ryu glanced at his friend.

"I was merely checking to see if I killed you or not…"

"Pfft you wish." Hayate retored hastily before turing around to hide his crimson red ears.

The duo arrived at the pagoda only to be greeted by a slightly agitated Ayane.

"What took you shitheads so long?"

The two shinobis exchanged glances but it was Hayate who took the plunge and spoke up.

"We were sparring and…"

Hayate shot Ryu a look, daring him to blurt. Being the gentleman he is, Ryu decided to leave Hayate with his pride.

"We had an accident."

Ayane cocked an eyebrow.

"You knocked him out didn't you."

Hayate was taken aback, but didn't say anything as the trio stepped inside the temple.

How did she know? Great I have a mind reader in the family. Hey- she can probably hear this. Umm… Ayane sucks.

Ayane shot her brother a disproving look.

Oh my…

The temple was situated deep in the forest and was where the elders and other ninjas meet to discuss their missions. The temple was not built for the purpose of camouflage but for the reason of worship. As time passed, elders began using it as a base to debrief ninjas on their future operations. Sakura petals danced with the wind and streams twinkled with delight, all hiding the true nature of the temple.

The trio stepped up on the pagoda and bowed before the elder Shorai. Shorai signaled for them to sit down before commencing the debriefing.

"Before we commence, I'd like to thank all of you for accepting this task. I called upon you three quite simply because you are the best, and we cannot waste anytime in training other shinobis. Your task is to assassinate Omega, other otherwise known as Genra."

Shorai stole at a glance at Ayane before continuing.

"As you all know, Omega is Donavon's next experiment in the upcoming Dead or Alive tournament. He is considered deadly and I urge you to keep your guard up at all times. Omega has been brainwashed which means any form of negotiation is futile. As Omega is highly protected, the only way to reach Omega is to defeat all contenders of the competition. I have entred you into the competition and have booked your plane tickets."

Shorai handed the three their tickets before continuing.

"You have a two months before the start of the tournament. I suggest you use your time wisely. You are dismissed."

The three ninjas bowed and filed out of the pagoda but they were cut short by-

"Hayate, a word please."

Hayate was confused but walked obediently back to the pagoda. Shorai greeted him with a nod before waving for him to sit down. Hayate did so apprehensively, fully aware of the histories between those walls. Shorai on the other hand looked far less than apprehensive.

"Hayate," he began, "the elders and I think its time for us to arrange you a consort."

Hayate's jaw dropped.

"You're setting me up?!"

Shorai remained calmed and sipped his tea patiently.

"We like to think of it more as diplomatic relationship."

Hayate was still flabbergasted.

"You're setting me up."

"Its in the clan's best interest." Shorai assured.

"You're setting me up."

Shoraiblinked impatiently.

"Hayate you're sounding like a spoiled child. Think about your priorities."

Hayate stared disbelievingly into Shorai's eyes.

"You're setting me up."

Shorai sighed heavily, managing to stop himself from slamming his teacup.

"You will meet her tomorrow by the Toshogu Shrine at midday."

Hayate opened his mouth to argue, but-

"No excuses."

Hayate sighed and closed his eyes. Hitomi's smilling face beamed at him.

Forgive me...

"What's her name anyway?'

"Haruka."

Ryu cast an anxious towards Ayane's direction; she had been quite ever since they left the temple. Hayate had stormed off, muttering something about 'manipulative bastards', which left just the two of them. At this point in time, Ayane would usually go on about how she would be descriptively explaining how she would kill her target and how glorious is would be when she beats Hayate and Ryu. But today was quite.

Father…

"Its Genra isn't it?" Ryu said, stopping in his tracks.

Ayane bowed her head, hiding her tears.

"As far as I'm concerned, Genra is dead."

Ryu sighed.

"Even so, he is still your father, and you love him."

Ayane tilted her head upwards and pierced her eyes into Ryu's.

"Love is only a feeling; I have priorities."

K…I realise that this chappie didn't have much or any at all Hayate/Hitomi moments but the nxt one will seriously I totally swear it!!! Now that I think about it…its prolly wont…o weoz u'll live!!! kekeke I had so much trouble with this fight scene..tsk tsk tsk…. Ha- I have no creativity left in me… o yeah…who shud I pair Ryu with??? Ayane or Kasumi??? Or maybe evn this Haruka character…hmmmm…

Unforgiven Gamer- Thank you so much!!! Muchly appreciated!!!

Ninja girl 213- lolz so true…so true!!!

attoukaen- thnx for the advise! I waz wondering bout that…hehe and now i know...

lil sushi girl- u shud feel honoured

One last note…. Encouragement to a writer is priceless and they totally motivates them so plz review!!!!