Opening Song: "Almost Easy" by: Avenged Sevenfold

I look behind us as Asuka continues forward. The only thing that concerns me are the footprints Oktitohbi is leaving behind. Right now, the snowfall is pretty heavy, but if Ange knows anything about tracking, then it won't be difficult for her to follow.

Oktitohbi comes upon a massive river that cuts us off from the other side. Asuka spurs him and he gallops directly into the water. The layer of thin ice shatters under his weight as he sinks up to his ribs. A rush of freezing cold liquid seeps through my armor and sinks its claws into my legs. Asuka lifts her feet out of the stirrup and places them on the top of the saddle.

"Do you think you can swim to the left?" Asuka asks.

"Of course." Oktitohbi replies.

She pulls on the reins, and he swims to the left. Off in the distance, I can see where the ocean flows into the river we are currently swimming in. That must be why the water around here can't freeze completely. Not to mention the snow is more like ice cream when it sets because of all the salt in the atmosphere.

"It will be harder for them to track us if they manage to find the tracks back at Tenalbrum!" Asuka states.

"They are going to think we just ran straight and kept running!" I reply as I hold onto Asuka as tightly as I can.

"Exactly!"

The ocean is trying to flow up into the river, and the river is trying to forcefully push water out into the ocean. Rogue waves from both sides lap up over the saddle and splash me and Asuka. Asuka gasps and flinches while my teeth click into one another. Oktitohbi continues to plow through the waves regardless.

Several swirling whirlpools are viciously causing rifts from where the ocean and river try to overpower one another, but like everything else, it's not bothering Oktitohbi. He casually swims by and continues onward. Thank God he isn't a normal horse. Otherwise, Asuka and I would be dead right now.

Since we crossed at the mouth, those chasing after us will be less inclined to search down by the beach. They are going to think we had a normal horse and swam inland rather than out towards the sea. Not to mention there is a possibility they may think we are dead because of the whirlpools.

Oktitohbi steps onto the other side of the river. Asuka places her feet back into the stirrup as Oktitohbi shakes to remove the excessive water that's weighing him down. Asuka spurs him as he finishes and he's off again into a full gallop.

"How far have we traveled?" Asuka asks.

"It can't be too far because I can see the mountain range."

"So what is this place?"

"It's a private resort far in the mountains. Even if we were being chased, it would take them days to get there by vehicle. Maybe longer if the weather persists."

The place is well hidden. Off the books tourist place where only the wealthy go. Although I have my doubts, I don't think anyone will find us up there since most of it's private property. That's why it's so well protected and secluded is because regular people, both rich and poor don't talk about the shinobi and hunters living together on the back side of the mountain.

"So where are we meeting Lawrence and the others?"

"It's an old house we bought for everyone to share. It's when me, Minori and everyone else lived in Frambosta."

"Where is that?"

"I'll take us there when the time comes. Right now, you guide us to this place you speak of."

"Okay."

I direct Asuka where to go as I take out my handgun. I de-cock the hammer, pull the tube open and push rounds into it until it reaches the maximum capacity. Since the lever's already been cranked, all I'll have to do is pull the hammer back because it's got a round in the chamber.

Oktitohbi jumps over a small ravine and starts traversing an incline. It isn't far now. We are taking the back way in so the village and town won't even know we were here. The only people that will are the ones at the resort, but they aren't going to talk if you pay for the stay and slip some money under the table.

I open up a saddle bag where Asuka and I store the money. Although we have a lot right now, we shouldn't pay more than what is required. I reckon 85,000 should cover one night. Not to mention I still have that stuff left over from the razorback when I was out in the wasteland with Yagyu and Octavian.

Asuka pulls on the reins and Oktitohbi slows down. At the very top of the small mountain is a wall that's wrapped around the resort. Small torches placed all around the four-story building give off a dim colored, orange glow that climbs all the way up to the roof.

Oktitohbi comes to a stop and Asuka slides off. I throw my good leg off and jump to the ground. Oktitohbi starts to fade away, and he stows himself back into his stone. I pick it up and follow Asuka up to the wall.

She places her foot on the concrete and kicks herself to the top. I bend my knees and hop to the very top the same time Asuka lifts herself up. The courtyard is empty, and the building itself looks like it has vacancy. Asuka and I drop down and approach the front of the building.

"You okay?" Asuka asks as I place a hand on my achy chest.

"It'll be better when this gets packed."

I hold the door open for Asuka. A blast of warm air floods out the opening and attempts to chase the chills plaguing my body. Asuka takes the stack of money from my hand and approaches the front desk. I limp over and sit down on a leather sofa that's right next to the fireplace.

I wonder where Hikage and them are right now, and how are they going to get to Frambosta with the huge price on their heads? Not to mention I'm going to have to go back to Gessen and collect Octavian as well as Gekko and Senko. The real question is, what do we do when Gekko and Senko aren't useful anymore?

I look over at the front desk to see how things are going. Asuka negotiates with the concierge over how we will pay extra if they let us stay. He agrees to the terms and takes the money. The man puts half of it in the register and keeps the rest. Asuka takes the room key and walks over to me, "Room 12. Second floor."

She reaches out and takes my hand as I work my legs up and stand. Asuka wraps my arm around her neck and we head upstairs. Although I'm not entirely weak, it's kind of nice she is going the extra mile to help.

Asuka takes the key and unlocks the door to room 12. I throw the door open and we both enter. Despite only having one bed, the place has its own bathhouse. Asuka sits me down on the bed and pulls out an I.R.E. I unlatch my armor and pull my shirt off.

The wound from that bullet is trying to seal itself shut, but the final layer of flesh can't completely close. Blood is slowly oozing out of the partially formed scabs trying to form. I take my chain sickle and scrape the dried blood off the cut as Asuka takes the I.R.E out.

"What do I need to do?"

"You're going to have to pack that liquid into the wound so it can completely heal." I say.

Asuka pours some of the liquid onto her hand and swishes it around. Asuka folds her fingers into her palm a couple times as she takes a hold of my shoulder. I close my eyes and take a deep breath as Asuka presses her doctored hand into the wound. A mild sting eats at the bullet wound, but it's nothing to serious.

I pick up the vial and pour some more on her hand. She places her hand back on my chest and applies as much pressure as she can. I slowly wrap my arms around her and pull her closer. The small pain that was eating at my chest goes away, and Asuka places both her hands on my back.

"Asuka."

"Yes Alan?"

"…"

"Are you going to be okay?"

"Yeah… It's just…"
"Don't worry about the talilbasha. Let's just…go home and forget this."

"That's the problem. We can't go back." I say as I let go of her.

"What do you mean we can't go back?" Asuka replies as she looks me in the eyes.

"Ange knows. Soon, the entire country is going to know."

Asuka lays her head back on my shoulder and sniffles, "I didn't mean too…"

"I know you didn't. You were trying to save me, and you did a damn fine job doing so."

"What am I going to do? What is mom… and dad going to think?" Asuka states.

"The council is going to make it a lot worse than it really was, but your parents know you'd never do anything heinous. I was there, Lawrence was there. Everyone with sense is going to understand."

I scan my mind for ideas, but the only logical thing for us to do is leave the country and never come back. Go somewhere off the grid. Maybe a region in Transylvania, or a low-key place in the states like Oklahoma. Nothing ever happens in Oklahoma. Other than tornadoes and snow during the summer.

So far, that's all I can come up with. When we go to meet up with Lawrence and the others, I'll pitch my idea to them and see what they think. We have plenty of money, and Hikage knows ways to get out of the country undetected. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that this is a great idea.

"Alan?"

"Yes?"

"What are we going to do?"

"I don't know yet."

Asuka utters something under her breath and hugs me tighter. At first, I can make out some of what she said, but the rest is clouded and distorted by the agony clogging her heart. Asuka pulls away, "Please…Don't forsake our friends…"

My mind blanks for a second as I instinctively squeeze Asuka. Regret overcomes me as I think back to the plan. About leaving the country and never coming back. I remember promising Yagyu that no matter what, I'd never let anything happen to her or the others. That it was a Venator Juarmento (a hunter's promise).

I kiss Asuka on her forehead and remain quiet. I wasn't going to bring up the plan until tomorrow, but now that Asuka reminded me of the promise I made, I've rededicated myself to upholding it.

"Asuka, I never told you this, but through every fight, wound and near-death experience, you have been my pillar of strength. Thank you."

"I wasn't a very good one." Asuka scolds herself.

"That's in the past Asuka." I reply. "Now, I reckon we better go test that bathhouse out since we paid for it."

Asuka wipes her eyes and smiles, "I'll go heat the water."

"I'll be there in a couple minutes. I have to treat my leg and make a phone call."

Asuka walks off into the bathroom while I pull my boots and grieves off. The place Ange hit me with the concrete is heavily bruised and bleeding. My calve muscle has managed to push all the broken glass to the surface of my skin, but it couldn't push it out because my grieves were blocking the exit.

I reach down and grab a shard. Jagged edges pull part of my muscle up and forces it to contract. I wiggle it back and forth. The glass finally loses its grip and comes out. I lay it on a tissue and pick another piece out of my leg. The tissue turns completely red with bits of broken skin as the final piece comes out of my leg. I stand up and walk around to make sure I got it all. It doesn't feel like anything is restricting my movement, and there isn't any deep muscle aches. The only thing that hurts is the outside where the concrete hit me.

I toss the tissue full of glass into the fireplace and set it on fire. The glass will still remain, but all the yoma cells in my blood will have been killed off. I pick up the room phone and dial Mr. K's trace-proof number.

If Ange, shinobi or any hunters come by, all they can see is that a phone call was made, but they won't be able to track it. Which will give them reason to suspect it was me, but it will protect Hanzo Academy's reputation. That's if there's any left by tomorrow night.

"Hello?"

"Mr. K."

"Alan. How did it go?"

I remain silent for a couple seconds and try to think of a way to form a sentence.

"Alan? You still there?"

"The mission was a failure..."

"Damnit."

"I'm sorry I let you down…"

"What of Asuka? Is she okay?"

"She's in the room with me."

"Okay… Where are you staying?"

"Remember the story I told you about that mountain range up west? That's where I am."

"Alright. The queen and I will be over sometime around 8:00 a.m. tomorrow."

"Before you go, can I talk to Hibari?"

"Sure. Let me go get her."

Mr. K puts me on hold. Asuka steps out of the bathroom and motions that it's ready. I give her an okay sign and quietly acknowledge that I'll be there as soon as possible. She steps back into the bathroom. The other end clicks, and the line of communication connects.

"Hello Alan."

"Hey there Hibari. Watch the news tonight?"

"No."

"Good kid. Hey, listen… some stuff went down during the mission, so Asuka and I will be skipping town for a while."

"Oh my god, what happened?"

"It's best I don't say, but I suggest you forget I ever existed."

"Don't say that Alan!"

"The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can move on with your life."

"But Alan…"

"It will make sense in the morning."

Hibari lets out a sigh of disappointment and smacks her lips as if she's on the verge of breaking down, "Okay. I just want you and Asuka to know that I love you two, and I am always going to be there for you. No matter what."

"I know Hibari, and you'll always have a place in my heart."

"Take care of Asuka for me."

"I will."

"And tell her to take care of you. Vale amici mei…"

Vale amici mei (Farewell my friend)."

I hang the phone up and lay down on the bed. There's so much going on within me that I'm not mad. I'm not even sad. I can't even explain it. It's like, I want to be disappointed, but I just can't. So much in the past has hurt me that this just feels like another notch in my belt.

Being swallowed by a yoma, attacking Miyabi and Murasaki in a blood lusting rage, getting exiled, watching Minori's parents die, Lawrence's mother and Thomas dying at the Bolakna, Hikage and Haruka leaving me when I needed them, killing Roger, having my wings broken, being forsaken by Kagura. It never ends.

I look over and see that Asuka is taking her clothes off so she can get in the hot pool of water. A subtle feeling of peace comes over me as I remember that no matter how fucked up things can truly get, there's always a glimmer of beauty in everything. Asuka sits down in the water and sinks up to her nose. I can tell she is smiling underneath the water.

"I think I'll just stay here." I tease.

"Don't make me come get you." She replies with a playful grin.

"What are you going to do? Hold me down and suffocate me?"

"No. I'm just going to ignore you and make you beg."

"Damnit…" I reply as the both of us laugh.

Two things I hate. Asuka not giving me any attention, and begging. If she ignores me, then I won't be able to kiss or play with her in anyway, and the only way for me to proceed is if I ask, and that counts as begging. She's got me beat.

Asuka crosses her arms and playfully turns around while I take the rest of my clothes off and lay them by hers. "No peeking you pervert."

"I'm not the pervert." Asuka giggles as I use the steps to get into the water. The steam radiating off the surface fills my nose with a warm blast of vapor that clears my sinuses as the hot water rubs relief into my muscles. The last time Asuka and I did this, it was over a year ago when we were on an island, and the two of us were getting to know each other.

Asuka wades through the steaming bathwater and sits down right beside me. A huge wave of joy comes over me as her body presses up against mine. She raises her hand up and places it on the wound she patched up with the I.R.E.

"You know, it's been a while since we got a moment like this." Asuka states as she lays her head on my shoulder.

"And I won't trade it for anything." I reply as I put my arm around her. "Makaria and Mr. K are going to be here tomorrow morning."

"What's going to happen?"

"I don't know Asuka. Right now, let's just enjoy this." I answer as I close my eyes and lean back. The back of my head submerges underneath the water, and a soothing touch travels up my scalp. Asuka runs her hand through my hair and down my chest as I try and think of what we are going to do.

The worst comes to my mind as I think of what Fubuki is going to be capable of. She's got the ability to kill shinobi now without even trying, and my gut tells me that whoever she's working for isn't just anyone. I try to think onward, but I just end up at a dead end. Fubuki doesn't seem like the person to just follow anyone.

It has to be someone who promised her something, and unlike a lot of people I've dealt with in the past, Fubuki isn't just some crazed bitch. She's very intelligent and only makes a move when she knows it's going to be a success.

Asuka pats my chest a couple times and steps out of the pool. I sit up and pull the plug so the pool can drain. Asuka turns the heating control off as I step out of the pool and grab a towel from the nearby rack. Asuka reaches over and grabs one as I dry my body off. She briskly rubs her hair before running it down her chest and legs.

I toss my towel into the laundry basket and grab both of my guns. Asuka takes her wakizashi and places it under the mattress. A part of it sticks far enough out to where she can grab it, but it's inconspicuous. She lays down on the bed and practices drawing it while I stick my revolver underneath my side of the bed. Nothing should happen tonight, but neither of us truly know.

I secure all the locks on the door before heading over to the window. If something were to happen, this is where someone would most likely try to enter. I latch it shut and place some empty shell casings on top of the latch before scattering some all around the base and wooden floor. That way we have a noise maker even if they try and open it carefully.

I put my lever action pistol in the nightstand drawer and lay down on the bed. Asuka does one more practice draw, and she puts her wakizashi away for the night. She rolls over onto her side and we look at one another. Neither of us know what to say or talk about because there is nothing to talk about.

"Alan, are you mad at me?"

"Mad at you?"

"Back in those alleyways. You seemed…tense…"

"I wasn't mad. I was just scared because I didn't want you getting wrapped up in this." I reach over and put my hand on Asuka's face, "But if it wasn't for you though, Hikage and I would be dead. Thank you."

Asuka and I lean in and press our lips together. Ecstasy comes over me and I almost lose myself in this blur scaring my mind. Deep within my heart, my feelings towards Asuka are being set free. Asuka and I pull away and stare into each other's eyes for a couple seconds. Her eyes are drowning in passion, and I feel my body catch completely on fire. Before I can say the words, we kiss again out of instinct.

Asuka lets out a small whimper as my lips travel down her neck and in between her chest. I passionately kiss each breast as many times as I can before she wraps both her arms around my head and holds me in place.

Asuka rolls over on top of me as I lay on my back and embrace her. Asuka feels around my forearm with her free hand. Each touch sends me closer and closer to paralysis as our palms meet one another. Our hands wrestle back and forth as we try and lock hands. My fingers interlock in-between hers, and we both squeeze as tightly as we can. Her grip overpowers mine, and she pins my wrist against the bed.

She pulls away and kisses the scars on my chest. My body gets so hot that I am unable to move. All the feeling in my hands and feet disappear as she focuses on kissing her favorite scar on my stomach. The one that puts me on the verge of passing out every time she touches it. With my free hand, I stroke her smooth, silky back.

"Alan…" Asuka whispers in-between trapped gasps as I playfully nibble on her shoulders and neck.

"Asuka…"

"I love you…"

"I love you too Asuka…"

Ending Song: "Point of No Return" by: Starset