alrighty - lets keep this ball rolling ! I am still super excited to be back on this projct, even if I ha ve to rethink the entire plot XD

At first , Kasumi was afraid that she wouldn't be able to sleep after so rashly inviting Ryu into her room. Both of them knew better than to continue to physically enjoy each other. Instead, they lay together in silence. He would stroke her hair and hold her close, until she finally managed to fall into a slumber so deep, that even the gentle kiss he gave her wouldn't cause her to stir.

She only woke when she heard birds beginning to sing. It wasn't quite sunny out, but there wasn't a cloud in the pale blue sky. After taking a peak outside , Kasumi crawled back under the blankets and curled up next to Ryu as much as she could, tangling her ankles with his .He was warm , and the morning air was quick to give her a chill.

"What time is it?" He mumbled , throwing an arm over her,

"It's almost sunrise."

She laid her head on his chest when he turned over, He had a strong heartbeat. It was like a drum. They were quiet once more, both of them even drifting off again for a little bit, Ryu gently set Kasumi aside when he felt awake enough to get out of bed,

"I'll see you soon." He whispered, kissing her on the side of her eye as she turned to look at him. Kasumi sat up , holding her robe closed as she did so. She didn't want him to go, but she probably should get out of bed and change as well.

"See you later."

When he was gone , she changed into her usual lapis blue attire. Remembering that it was a color usually reserved for the head family made her heart both swell, and ache with pride.

A shout from across the garden made her jump. She hastily opened the door and peered across the courtyard. There, she saw Leifang and Jan lee, sparring in a padded room across the way. Several others , including a few children were observing their match. "They must have been up pretty early" She thought to herself.

She joined in watching them . A fire seemed to burn in each of their eyes. It was obvious that the two of them held the other in extremely high regard.

"Good morning."

Kasumi turned to Joe Hayabusa, standing in front of her, Though he did have an air of frailty , he still commanded an intimidating presecence. Kasumi bowed her head in greeting.

"Good morning Mr. Hayabusa."

Joe turned to see what she was watching.

"Would you like to take a quick walk with me?" He asked. She didn't want to , but she imagined there were things that both of them had to discuss with the other. So she followed him. As he made his way to the end of the garden m where a back gate opened up to t he village street.

"So- why have you come here Kasumi of the Tenjinmon?" He asked. She almost found herself lost for an answer .

"I'm...so tired of running from the Mugen Tenshin. I feel like this is the only place where I can stop long enough to turn around and fance them."

Joe nodded, satisfied with her answer.

"You arrival certainly has casued quite a stir . An enovy from your village arrived last night."

Kasumi was startled by this knowledge , and she felt her stomach drop.

"What did they say?" She asked. Joe stopped in front of an archery range, where a line of men and women in shinobi robes drew back bows.

"Naturally, they requested that we turn you over to them." He could see the worry cloud over her eyes. " I assure you , that won't happen . I informed them that while you are within our village walls, that you would be a honorary guest of the Dragon ninja clan - and personal friend of the Hayabusa family. Thus- you will be safe from them here."

Again , Kasumi responded with silence and a low bow.

"You are most kind."

"I must say- my son seems quite taken with you."

Kasumi rose up with a start - unable to form any sort of retort or defense. Her words had utterly failed her.

"I - uh -" She stumbled. Joe let out a laugh before turning back to the kunoichi with a stranger, stern furrow of his brow.

"Tell me Kasumi. Do you love him?"

Again , she was taken back by how straightforward he was. Now she knew where Ryu got that from . Did she do something to give herself a way? Did Ryu do anything to give his father the idea that the two of them were together? Were they?

"I do." She answered steadily. Joe turned back to the trainees as they let their arrwos fly, all hitting straw targets with a thud.

"Than I suppose the news of his engagement to Ayane must have been quite the shock to you."

Finally, Kasumi had the perfect opening to ask the one question she had been dying to ask.

"Master Hayabusa...can I ask why?"

Joe of course, was expecting that question.

"Of course you want to know. It was actually a decision made by the village council and myself. Mainly because it seems that our enemies are beginning to out numkber us. The Black spider clan , the Vigoor empire , and now it seems people working within various organizations, including the ones who abducted your brother."

Kasumi clenched her fists. The proposition certainly made more sense now, and the fact that she could hardly dispute it made her sad.

"Does the Mugen Tenshin know about what they have been doing to us?"

" Yes. It certainly has helped change the way many of the villagers feel about your .."betrayel"

She lost herself again. It was now about so much more than the fact that she ran away. Unions were being forged to simply ensure the survival of their way of life.

"I'm sorry. I know its for a good reason - but I can't help but be selfish anyway."

She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"It's alright. Ryu has told me that he would like to do whatever he could to absolve you of your Nukenin status."

Kasumi felt the knot in her stomach tighten.

"That's ...its my concern to deal with. But..Ryu does make me feel like I can do anything...or I at least haveto try. "

"Shall I send word that you would like to go through with the restitution?" He asked sternly. Kasumi thought of everyone and everything she had to gain if her clan accepted her amends. She could be with Hayate again , she could even begin to reforge her bond with Ayane, And she could even be with Ryu , even if it wasn't in the way that she wanted. All she had to do , was endure what was essentially ceremonial torture. It was no easy thing to endure, and everyone who had wanted her dead would probably be there to watch her blood flow. But Ryu wouldn't be far away, that she knew for sure .

"Yes. "