(I AM SOOOOOO SORRY! DON'T WORRY! I'M STILL ALIVE! I'm sorry I disappeared, I had lost my drive to write for a while, but it's back! My birthday was on December 6th so yay! Random useless info but I wanna announce it! ALSO AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, IKUTO'S BIRTHDAY HAS PASSED ALSO, IT'S IN DECEMBER! IT'S FATE!)
"It's here…" Rin huffed as she walked calmly by the blood covered dead bodies she slaughtered mercilessly to reach a door. This was no ordinary door. Not even close. This door will change everything. Her heartbeat raced with anxiety as she turned the knob of that very door right now.
Goku laid the injured girl on the dinner table in his house with extreme caution and gentleness. He did not want to cause the girl any more pain or injuries. Rin traced her hands lightly over the girl's body, her eyes stone hard with concentration. "So?" Goku asked anxiously, making Rin's eyebrow twitch in annoyance.
"Just a few bruises and cuts here and there, no serious damage. She's fine." The trio sighed out of relief, only to tense up again as the mysterious girl stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Her eyes revealed a weird mixed shade of blue and brown as they looked dazed, her forest green hair was cut unevenly. Rin stared at the uneven cut hair with familiarity. Memories she hid deep down in the depths of her mind resurfaced. Rin's eyes sharpened with self-hate, she didn't like this girl. She served as a reminder of what happened not too long ago. "Who are you?" Rin asked evenly, surprising the girl. The girl's eyebrows scrunched together in concentration, distress spreading over her cute face.
"I…I don't remember." She said wide eyed, shaking. The three of them glanced at each other, Rin's face turns blank.
"You're not the first to do this spy." Rin said sharply, causing the girl to flinch from her harsh tone.
"I-I'm not a spy!" she screamed, tears spilling from her exotic eyes. Rin eyes flashed with anger at the girl, raising her arm, the two boys frozen with shock. But a firm hand stopped Rin. The hand dug their nails in her skin deeply, causing blood to spill out slowly.
"Rin." Rin's eyes turned from anger to hatred, eyeing her father. "That's not the way you to treat someone who needs help." He digs his nails deeper into her flesh, causing her to cringe slightly. "Right?"
"…Yes." The overpowering man let go of her arm, tolerating her answer. He turned his attention to the newly found girl, examining her thoroughly and carefully with his ice blue eyes. A chill went down her spine. It was if he could look into her soul and her very being. As if nothing could go past those eyes. Eyes that were colder than ice and empty of any emotion. As if he wasn't alive.
"Let her stay." Rin's lips parted slightly, her eyes reverting back to anger, "We'll keep an eye on her for the time being." Rin gritted her teeth, her heated stare burning holes in the floor. "Any objections?" he asked, his eyes pointing directly at Rin. His words were absolute. She knew that. She hated it. But she knew it. And he never let her forget it.
"No...sir." Aku stared nonchalantly at the restraining Rin then proceeded to walk out. All three children bowed their head until the frightening man had left. He passed the, now, three senseis' on his way out, giving them a chilling sideways glance.
"Scary…" Riku commented, pale as a ghost. Sora and Mai simultaneously hit him, Sora to the back of his head, Mai to his arm. "OW! What was that for?!"
"For being an idiot." Sora answered bluntly. "As always." Mai snickered, disheartening Riku.
"So meeeeaaaaaannnnn!" Riku pouted, ruffling Sora's hair as revenge.
"Stop it you pest! You're messing my up my hair!" Sora tried to push Riku off him.
"I don't think your hair can get messier than it already is." Mai teased, making Sora glare at her.
"Shut up!" Sora yelled, Mai stuck her tongue out in response.
Rin's stare frightened Kaia to no end. Thankfully, it was broken when the boys did their cheerful introductions.
"I'm Goku Kurosawa! Nice to meet you! ….Uh… what's your name?" Goku asked awkwardly. Fai elbows him in the stomach, causing him to fall to the floor in pain. Fai smiled brightly and innocently, as if he didn't just harm anyone.
"I'm Fai Ishida. I hope to get along with you." Kaia looked hesitantly at his outstretched hand, though she shakes it slowly.
"S-same." She squeaked in reply.
"Rin Ishida." Kaia flinched at Rin's unwelcoming introduction and tone.
"I think we should give her a name first." Goku broke the ice as Kaia looked surprised yet grateful.
"But what should we name her?" Fai asked, thinking deeply.
"….Why not we give her a nickname until we know more about her?" Rin suggested, shrugging. The boys' eyes lit up with agreement, nodding. "You don't mind right?" Rin asked the girl, the girl hurriedly shook her head. Fai looked from the corner of his eye at the scene, silent. The three senseis' entered, examining the girl.
"She has no memory huh." Mai asked, her eyes wary. "I'm Mai Kurosawa, this brat's mom." Mai introduced, messing up Goku's already messy hair even more.
"Sora Kurosawa. I'm married to this weird woman and the father of Goku." Sora wraps his arm around Mai's shoulder as she continued to ruffle the disgruntled Goku's hair.
"I'm Riku Kurosawa! This cold guy's twin brother!" Riku added, smiling shiningly. 'There should be one more with us…Emi…' Riku's smile slowly faltered. Sora stared at his brother with anguish, flicking his twin's forehead. Riku gapes at Sora, a red mark apparent on his forehead. The brunette smirks, and soon realization hit Riku. He was trying to cheer him up. Riku smiles sweetly, his long grey bangs covering his teary eyes.
"N-nice to meet you all." The girl piped in, her voice low.
"I got a name." Everyone looked to Rin with curiosity. "Kaia. The meaning 'Earth'." Everyone looked at the other then smiled, liking the name. Rin turned to the girl, "You like it?" The girl nodded eagerly, giving the first big smile since they found her. "Ok. Her name is now Kaia."
"You look prettier when you smile." Goku said shamelessly and unembarrassed, while Kaia blushed a deep scarlet. Rin sneered at the two while Fai stared at her in return. Goku's grin never left his face as Kaia slowly slides off the table, his hand supporting hers.
Kaia lowered her head bashfully, murmuring, "Thanks." Rin's sneer toned down into a hurt expression at the sight. Fai squeezed her hand reassuringly, making Rin smile.
"How about she stays with us?" Goku asked his parents excitedly. Mai grinned bigly while Sora sighed tiredly, knowing what both of his loved ones' expressions meant. No matter what, once they set their minds on something, nothing can stop them until they get it. So to save the inevitable headache, he knew he should just give in now.
"Sure!" Mai approved, earning a smile from both kids. "Right Sora?" The two's star eyed stares directed at Sora. He glared a bit at the intruding girl, eyebrows scrunched together in annoyance.
"Whatever you want." Kaia went pale at Sora's chilling glare and words. Seeing Goku and Kaia talk happily, Rin's shoulders slumped. Fai caught her depression, his eyes softening drastically.
"Rin…come on." Fai nudges her encouragingly as he walks over to the other two, leaving Rin alone. She clutched her fists, gritted her teeth and just stared at the ground.
The next day
Rin stretches out her arms as walks around the village at mid-afternoon. She spots a group of kids around her age surrounding something. Her eyes narrowed as she walked closer, seeing a clearer view. Not to her surprise, she sees Kaia on the floor, being bullied by a group of kids.
"You outsider! Go back to where you came from!" Rin begins to turn a blind eye, taking a step before halting. A flashback of a young Rin being surrounded by everyone, adults and children alike, getting scorned and looked down on, made her stop and hesitate.
Her blank expression turns into an irritated one as she mutters, "Tch." She pushes her way through the crowd, outstretching her hand out to the fallen Kaia. The helpless girl stares at Rin with confusion and a tint of hope. Rin turns her head toward the group, giving a death glare as she orders icily, "Disperse." The group of kids shiver at her terrifying stare, turning white. They bow hurriedly before they scurry off from the two girls. Kaia gives a small, thankful smile as she grabs Rin's hand. Rin pulls her up steadily, waiting as Kaia dusts herself off. Kaia gazes at Rin curiously, annoying Rin. "What?" She spat rudely.
"N-nothing. T-thank you. I just thought…you didn't like me." Rin smirks sideways, to Kaia's surprise.
"I don't." Kaia winced at Rin's honesty. Rin's eyes lock on Kaia's unevenly cut hair, she sighs tiredly. "Come on. I'll fix your hair for you." Kaia's lips parted, about to say something but Rin started walking off.
"U-um…" She tried again but Rin just keeps walking, causing Kaia to sigh depressingly. She follows after Rin until she saw her stop at the edge of town. The mysterious, terrifying girl sat on the edge of a step, her ice blue eyes haunting Kaia. They were so chilling and vacant. As if they were dead. 'Like that horrible man from yesterday.'
"What are you looking at? Sit down." Kaia panics a bit, nervously sitting on the ground, a level below Rin. Rin grabs a pair of scissors, cutting the uneven short bangs, which reached her collarbone, in a neater style. The other, longer layer was cut till her mid back, so Rin decided to style that layer into two braids. "Ok, done." Kaia turns around, smiling happily. She grabs her braids excitedly, twirling around.
"I wish I could see it! I bet it's perfect!" She bows to Rin, "Thank you. I've caused so much trouble for you!"
Rin shrugs, "Gotta help one another around here. I just lent a hand to someone who needed help. Stay low for now. The villagers aren't so welcoming to outsiders. Well bye." Rin gets up, starting to stalk off.
"S-see you around?" Kaia called after Rin hopefully. Rin turns her head slightly to the side, giving a small smile.
"See you around." Kaia's eyes brightened up as she twirled around with delight. As soon as Rin knew she was out of sight, her casual, normal pace turned into a full out sprint.
"Crap." Rin cursed, resting against a wall. She slid against the wall, her face distorted with distress. 'I can't get too friendly. She can't be trusted so easily. She could be a spy. Make you like her so you can tell her all of your secrets, only to be betrayed.' Her eyes darkened as the memory of Kyo giving his loyalty to her father flashed at that moment. 'You especially. Trusting them as long as they like you. You're too trusting.' She shakes her head, as if her conflicting feelings would go away. It did no such thing. These conflicting feelings will continue, driving her to madness. She just didn't know it yet.
The trio and Kaia ran around, laughing and playing with each other. But as they raced outside the village, into the forbidden forest, their laughs soon died down. "You know…" Rin began, circling around the group with malice, "they say this forest is….HAUNTED!" Kaia shrieks as Rin leers over her creepily. Rin's eyes shifted back and forth as if they were being watched, making Kaia quiver drastically. "It's said that at night, if you travel into this forest, you will go unconscious as soon as you set your eyes on a certain tree, having no memory of the day before. The thing is…this tree is the only sakura tree in the entire forest." Rin's eyes widened as she faced Kaia, staring speechlessly beyond the pale girl's shoulder. Kaia's eyes widened with fear, tears forming in her eyes. "WATCH OUT! BEHIND YOU KAIA!" Kaia screamed with extreme fear, fainting from too much fright. Rin laughs hysterically while Goku catches the swaying Kaia. Fai chuckles as Goku tries to hold in his laughter. Kaia glares at Rin, pouting with watering eyes.
"That wasn't funny Rin! You know I can't handle scary things!" Kaia began to hit her though Rin kept laughing as if the blows didn't hurt her even in the slightest.
"Y-you s-should've s-seen y-your f-face! P-priceless!" Rin clutched her stomach, cracking up even more. Rin's lively expression seized abruptly, her perceptive eyes narrowing. "Fai, you see them too?"
"Yah." Fai's expression, identical to his sister, was serious. Goku shared confused glances with Kaia, but by the way the two siblings were acting, they knew it was nothing good.
"Goku. Take Kaia back." Goku nods firmly at Rin's order, grabbing the resisting Kaia.
"I can help!" Kaia retorted as she resisted Goku's gentle but firm restraining. Rin gave her a warning, cold glare, causing her to shrink down slightly from its intensity.
"We don't know if you can yet. You will only be a nuisance." Kaia's eyes widened at Rin's harsh words. Her sharp words cut through her heart, making Kaia lose her will to resist. Goku carries her princess style, running off back to the village. "Fai, I want you to back me up." Fai smiles angelically at Rin.
"Like old times?" Rin smirks sideways, staring at her precious little brother.
"Like old times." Fai's smile widens, both of them catching the swift movement of shadow figures. The sibling's faces were like stone, prepared for what was to come. Soon a group of hooded figures circle around them, surrounding them completely with smirks. The opponents outnumbered the two kids greatly but the two kept their composure. "I'm guessing you all aren't just passing by." The figures slowly started closing in, making Rin sigh. Fai does a couple of hand signs, a water barrier surrounding Rin protectingly. She parts her lips slowly, a soft melody escaping her blood red lips. The hooded figures halted, as if confused of what was going on and where they were. Rin's voice rose, making the group of attackers cover their ears, as if in pain of her addicting yet entrancing lullaby. Soon her voice sky rocketed to unreachable high notes, shaking the Earth and atmosphere around them. The intruders fell to their knees, begging and pleading for her to stop but instead the voice just kept getting louder and higher. One by one, each opponent fell. They weren't breathing. Fai cancelled the justu as Rin rolled her shoulders, both walking back home.
"Onee-chan…" Rin's stare was perplexedly at the lack of use of her name.
"Yes Onii?" Fai kept his head down, his eyes hidden. Rin tilted her head in her confusion.
"…Have you ever wondered…why only our family can use our voices to kill our opponents?" Rin's eyes darkened while she ran her hand through her hair.
"I guess…it's a reminder that we are truly a part of the Ishida family…" Fai squeezes Rin's hand, causing Rin's eyes to soften. She intertwines her slim fingers with his tightly, both siblings holding something dark. The twisted siblings of the Ishida family.
Kaia grits her teeth, pounding against Goku's chest weakly, tears pouring from her contradicting eyes. The wondrous combination of brown and blue. He holds her closer, feeling her frustration. It hurt him. Turned his insides out. He didn't know why this girl had this effect on him. He just didn't know why he wanted to protect her with all his power. Wipe away her tears. Then it dawned on him. He loved her. Probably since the first day he met her. An image of a smiling Rin enters his mind, causing his heart to squeeze painfully. 'I'm so sorry Rin…I fell in love with Kaia…' He closed his eyes shut, fully knowing what he was about to cause to his precious childhood friend Rin. But somehow one glance to the girl in his arms, that guilt vanished.
Kaia sobs, burying her face in his chest. His heart skipped a beat at the close proximity. The only thing he could think of doing was to plant a small kiss on the top of her head. She chokes down her overflowing feelings, finding his kiss comforting and soothing. 'I'm so sorry everyone. So sorry.' Suddenly Goku stumbled, slamming hard into the ground. Kaia's eyes widened at the fallen Goku, confusion washing over her face. Goku moans in pain, trying to get off the squashed Kaia with much difficultly. Her eyes grew with horror as she saw countless kunai dug deep into his back. He pulled out one kunai swiftly with a sharp intake of breath. His back felt like it was on fire, making Kaia stare at him worriedly.
A shadowed figure steps in, probably went ahead to catch up with the weakling kids. Kaia stood up, her bangs covering her eyes. Goku grabs her hand weakly, trying to push her back down for him to protect her, but she didn't budge. Not even an inch. She did a series of hand signals, slamming her hand against the grass. Soon the earth splits in huge pieces of rocks and crushes the taken aback figure. He let out tortured screams as the rocks break all his bones. Kaia took a step but Goku gripped her hand tighter this time, trying to hold her back but she roughly pulled her hand away. She walks to the limp, dying body under the huge mass of rocks. She takes a step in the blood seeping out from the body uncaringly. She bends down close to the ear of the miserable man. She whispers audibly only for him to hear. He grew a ghostly white at her words, true fear in his brown orbs. She snaps her fingers and a rock spear pierces through his heart. Goku stared bewilderedly at Kaia then he broke out in a splitting face grin at the discovery she could use the element earth. He sprints toward her, ignoring his stinging back. He embraces her lovingly and proudly, bringing her back from her daze. She slowly responds to him, wrapping her arms hesitantly around him then holding him closer. She rests her head on his shoulder, smiling contentedly, 'So sorry Rin. I love Goku. And he loves me. I'm also sorry for so much more.'
"You can use Earth! That's great!" Kaia smiled sadly at the overjoyed boy, her gaze pointed to the ground.
"Yah. It just…came to me I guess." Goku's grin widened as he picked her up then spun the both of them around in a type of celebration at the newly found discovery. He erupts in a hearty, irresistible laugh. Kaia yelps in surprise, but soon joins in Goku's addicting laughter. He sets her down lightly, the remains of their laughter still lingering on their faces.
"Hey, you guys ok?" Rin asked, walking beside Fai who stares at the two with sharp, all knowing eyes. They both nod, though Kaia nudges Goku to shake his head. Rin places her hand next to the other weapons in Goku's back, causing him to wince. Rin shook her head disapprovingly. "You call that ok?" Goku laughed idiotically, rubbing the back of his neck, causing her to sigh. "Come on, I'll treat you at the village." They all walk back to the village, unaffected by the sudden battle. It was the usual to them. It would be strange if they weren't attacked. They head to their usual hang out, Goku's house. Kaia headed to the guest room, or as of now known as her own room, avoiding contact with Rin and Goku. Goku stared longingly at her bedroom door, wanting to tell her his feelings.
Rin's gaze softened at Goku but she plants him on a chair roughly. "Strip." Goku shrugs, taking off his shirt, revealing his toned though still not fully developed muscles. She pulls each kunai out mercilessly, like a Band-Aid. Goku bit down on his tongue, holding down his barely contained desire to scream out on the top of his lungs from the searing pain. His grip on his pants tightened, causing crinkles and wrinkles to disfigure the clothing. When she finished, she squats down, lightly touching the multiple gashes for any sign of serious damage to the muscles or bones. He cringes slightly, trying to stay still for her to work properly and with ease. She brings a bucket of water and a cloth. She begins to pat down on his bleeding wounds softly, and as she finished cleaning, the water and cloth were crimson. Rin then digs through countless drawers and cabinets before she found what she was looking for.
"In pain over here!" Goku complained with a moan.
"Shut up." She warns as she grabs a roll of bandages and a small container of unidentifiable substance. She uncaps the container, rubbing the white cream on his back in tender, circular movements. He sighed out in delight of the soothing effect of the cream. She then rolls the bandages around his whole back, from under the armpits to the lower back. "Done." She states, flicking his forehead hard. He glares at her as he rubs the red mark on his forehead. As he puts his shirt back on, Goku watched Rin return the leftover of the roll and the container back in its place. He noticed that Fai had disappeared, leaving the both of them alone.
"Rin?" Goku started, she turns her head curiously to him, tilting her head cutely.
"Hm?" She responds with a small smile, her full attention on him. Goku's jaw tightens as he stares at the beautiful girl in front of him. He couldn't do it. He couldn't cause this girl anymore pain. She was Rin. She is so important to him. He couldn't. He wouldn't. He stayed silent for a while then gave a grin with closed eyes. To hide what he knew she could perceive easily if his eyes were open.
"Thanks." Rin in return slaps his back ruthlessly. He internally screams, his eye twitching. He stares at her with a 'why would you do that?' look as she smiles innocently. 'That's Rin for ya…Rin…I'm sorry…'
"No problem. After all, this is the one thing you guys solely depend on me for." Rin states smoothly, though her deceiving tone was concealing what really lay underneath. 'I don't even have an element. How useless am I.' She thought bitterly.
Fai knocks on Kaia's bedroom door. As soon as he hears her approval, he enters. She gives him a smile but for the first time, he doesn't return it. Kaia stare was puzzled, "Something wrong Fai?" Fai closes the door after him, staring her in the eye coldly.
"Rin doesn't seem to have noticed but I know something's going on between you and Goku." Kaia's eyes grew wide, her hands clenching into fists. "It's not my business, but if you keep this hidden from Rin, you will not only hurt her but you will lose me and her as friends. Permanently. Choose wisely and tell her now before it's too late." Fai exits the tense room, walking back to the kitchen where the other two were.
"Hey Fai." Rin ruffles his hair affectionately with a smile. "Where were you?" Fai gives a dazzlingly smile to his sister.
"With Kaia." Rin nods, not asking anything else. For what's suspicious about that? "Rin?" Rin looks curiously at him. "Can you leave me and Goku alone for a while?" Rin glances from her brother to her love then nods slowly. She leaves the kitchen and knocks on Kaia's door. Fai stare was ice cold, taking Goku by surprise.
'What's up with Fai? He's never looked this scary before. It's kinda creeping me out.' "You wanted to talk?" Goku asked slowly, nervous under Fai's accusing stare.
"Yes. It's about Rin and Kaia." Goku locked stares with the different Fai.
"What about them?" Goku played dumb. 'He knows…doesn't he."
"I know something's going on between you and Kaia. You have to tell Rin before things get out hand. But if you hurt her, you lose me and her as a friend. Forever. Be smart for once Goku. Make the right choice or else pay the consequences." Fai said darkly yet emotionlessly. He leaves the rigid Goku alone, heading over to where Rin is. Goku's hands clench into fists, his teeth grinding against each other. If that harsh yet wise advice was followed, it could have saved all of them. But it wasn't.
Rin leaned against the wall at her usual hidden spot, sighing. 'Lately there's been a lot of tension between us…but on the plus side, the bastard of a father has left for a trip.' She sighs once again, closing her eyes. She was failing miserably at looking on the bright side. She straightens up, beginning to walk. She crashes into someone, causing both sides to fall to the floor. Rin placed a hand to her throbbing head. 'Ow.' "Watch where your going-!" Rin began, glaring intensely but stopped short. Her eyes grew wide, her anger forgotten for the moment. It was as if she was in a daze as she set her eyes on the most beautiful woman she has ever met.
The woman had short, wavy shining blonde hair that reached above her shoulder, her sparkling sea blue eyes softening at Rin in a loving way. Her face was perfect, no imperfections. She smiled sweetly, standing up, dusting off her black jazz designed outfit consisting of black legging and a black tank top. She wore a black short top hat slanted, a purple ribbon around it. Her body was slim yet filled with curves, fairly a good length. She held out her hand to the entranced Rin, who was still sitting on the floor. "I'm so sorry!" Rin snaps out of it, grabbing the lady's outstretched hand. She gets up, dusting herself off. "My name is Yuriko. You?" The magnificent woman's dazzling smile widened.
"….Rin Ishida." Rin commented warily, back to normal. She glares threateningly at the strange, breathe-taking woman. "I've never seen you around."
"I'm a new sensei. I'll be teaching you from now on." Yuriko commented with a voice as sweet as honey, patting Rin's head lightly. Rin's aura grew dangerous as she continued to be patted like a child.
"By whose orders?" 'Obviously my father's.' Rin tested the unaffected woman.
"Your mother." Rin's eyes widened instantly at the absurdity of the unhesitating answer. She smirks bitterly at the woman, scoffing triumphantly. She caught her red handed in the act.
"Now for sure I know you are an imposter! My mother doesn't even speak to me. Much less send a sensei to teach me." Yuriko's eyes saddened drastically, causing Rin to involuntarily flinch slightly.
"She really did send me." Yuriko tried to make Rin believe her, her sea blue eyes pleading. Rin sighed, running a hand through her grown hair, which now reached below her shoulders.
"Ok. Let's say if she really did send you-" Yuriko's face brightened up instantly from her gloomy expression, stars forming in her excited eyes. "I said if!" Yuriko nodded eagerly, "…then I guess then I have no choice but to learn from you from now on." Rin watches the childish woman jump around in joy with amusement.
"We'll start today! That is, if it's okay with you?" Yuriko asked cautiously, a cute smile on her blood red lips. Rin thinks back to how lately everyone is distant from each other. Rin nods, Yuriko hugs her tightly from her happiness. "Yay!" Rin has a troubled expression but smiles sideways despite herself.
"Yuriko!" The mysterious yet enchanting woman pouted as Rin called her. Rin sighs, crossing her arms over her chest. "What's wrong now?"
"You didn't call me sensei…" Yuriko grumbles, sulking. Rin stares dumbfounded at her sensei's immature behavior.
"Seriously?" Yuriko nods, still pouting, causing Rin to sigh. "I'll call you sensei when you start acting like one." Yuriko kept her depressed posture, her hope crushed. "So, you called me all of a sudden. What's up?" Yuriko instantly regains her composure, her jewel like eyes slanted, her expression solemn.
"I will teach you a technique. A forbidden technique that I had designed myself. Are you willing to learn it?" Rin felt the weight and danger of this technique just by the way Yuriko was acting, but she chose to ignore it. Like how she ignored that their friendship was breaking slowly. Rin closed her hesitant eyes, opening them only to reveal newly found commitment.
"I'll do it." 'Anything to get strong…anything to protect them all.' Yuriko smiled elegantly at Rin, nothing like her usual childish, idiot looking grins.
"Ok. Let's start." Yuriko extended her frail yet strong hand to Rin, making her seem trustworthy. Rin grabs the strange woman's hand that was so warm and gentle, wondering how someone could be so radiant.
"It's best done to someone who is on the verge of dying, since their chakra is already diminishing so it's an easier target. That way you can transfer it with more success and not let it go to waste since the person is of no need of it anymore. You get it?" Yuriko explained, tilting her head to the avid Rin.
"So you came up with this all by yourself?" Rin commented, impressed, a huge smile on her glowing face. Yuriko gave a small embarrassed smile as she nodded shyly. "That's awesome! You're a genius!" Rin grinned truthfully, her eyes closed. Yuriko seemed surprised, Rin's adorable expression piercing an arrow right through her heart.
"You still don't believe your mother sent me…do you?" Rin's grin vanished at the mention of the taboo word. Mother. An irritated expression replaced that warm grin, a low growl escaping Rin's curled up lips.
"Don't mention that weak, pathetic woman in front of me again!" Yuriko frowned at Rin's poison filled words.
"Rin-!" Yuriko began, apparently upset.
"If I had to choose a mother Yuriko…I would choose you." Rin's eyes filled with misery looked up at the speechless, mournful woman. She cracked a strained smile as she continued on. "Even though you probably think I'm just a stupid brat-" Before she could even finish her sentence, a pair of arms wrapped around her, cradling her in a loving hug. Rin's eyes were wide with the sudden action. Yuriko's warmth transferred to Rin's freezing skin, melting its unusual frost slowly. Rin's eyebrows met, distress growing apparent on her face. She, in return, clung onto the woman, clutching her clothing tightly.
"I don't think you are a brat. You are not worthless or powerless. You are special to me…and I love you Rin." Yuriko's words echoed in Rin's mind and heart, beating a hammer against them. How can a woman like her say the words she always wanted to hear so easily?
"Thank you…thank you." Rin choked out continuously, burying herself in Yuriko's welcoming refugee.
Rin was covered in dirt, sweat rolling down her strengthened body. She gave a cheeky grin, waving a farewell to her teacher. She raced through the secluded forest, whizzing past oncoming branches and trunks. 'I guess she wasn't kidding when she said it was forbidden…or else she wouldn't take me all the way out to the "cursed" forest.' She reached the end of the forest, halting in her spot. Her denying eyes growing wide, her feet rooted to the ground. Not too far from where she was, two people kissing with obvious happiness.
Her love, Goku, and her first girl friend, Kaia, kissing. Right infront of her. Not having a care in the world. She didn't want to see this. But her eyes seemed to be glued onto them, not shifting for a second. She wanted to close her eyes, run away. Far from here. Without turning back. But she didn't move. The only action she seemed capable of was lifting her hand to her aching heart, gripping the upper left area of her worn out dress. Her blood pumping wildly, her heartbeat resounded so loudly that it blocked out all other sounds. She should have known. It was so obvious. The secret glances, the flirting, the drifting of the seemingly unbreakable bond of friendship. The signs were all there. How could she NOT see it? Ah… She was so blind because of her love. She chose to turn ignore the obvious. How far has she become to be so pathetic? Very far it seems. How pathetic she was. To have fallen so deep for someone who doesn't give a shit about her. How could she forget what happened with Kyo? But one thought struck her the hardest. The fact that they weren't planning to tell her and go out behind her back. How could they? She just stood lifelessly, her healing eyes reverting into the eyes of a puppet. She couldn't even cry. She couldn't do anything.
Kaia and Goku blushed as they pulled apart from their first kiss, not aware of someone witnessing their love act. A cold wind blew across both parties, causing Kaia to turn her head up the hill, only for her to catch the sight of a familiar ghostly figure. She let out a horrified gasp, a hand covering her mouth, true terror in her wide eyes. Goku seemed confused, following his girlfriend's line of vision only to regret it. He looked down out of shame, pain and guilt shaped his features. He couldn't stand to catch Rin's expression, for he was sure it would haunt him forever. Tears swelled up in Kaia's eyes as she ran towards the spiritless Rin as if in desperation. Soon the held back tears of her betrayal and regret flowed down Kaia's sorrowful scrunched up face. She tried to form words to explain but a lump in her throat kept her from talking. Kept her from trying to explain her actions. The only words she could say were the wrong ones. "I'm….so…sorry…" She continued to weep helplessly as she saw her friend slowly slipping away. She collapsed to her knees, the weight of her emotions bringing her down. She clung onto the still Rin, who just stared ahead, not looking anywhere in particular. Nothing was ever going to be the same. They all knew that.
Fai leaned against a wall, crossing his arms, his once warm, peaceful sea blue eyes now freezing cold and menacing. "She found out… didn't she?" Goku nodded, his eyes still burning holes into the ground, ashamed and regretful. "I warned you yet you still turned a blind eye to this sensitive issue. You have dug your own grave. You and Kaia." Goku tightened his fists, not wanting to meet the disapproving stare of the boy. Fai began to walk away, his back faced to the liar. He halted, turning his head to the side slightly. "Don't mistake Rin's reaction. It's not the fact you guys liked each other that she's like this. She's not weak like that. It's the fact you didn't tell her and went behind her back while aware of her feelings. That is your betrayal to her. Goodbye Goku." Fai continued on, but his words still lingered. Goku soaked in Fai's wise words, now knowing to heed them well.
Fai knocked on his sister's room door, only to open it immediately without waiting for her response. He gives a sweet smile, true compassion and love in his twinkling eyes. Rin didn't move from her position, her eyes out of focus, not looking anywhere in particular. Fai winced inwardly, acting normally. He sits beside her, placing his hand on hers. She jolted a bit, finally recognizing his existence yet doesn't say a word. It was fine with him since he wanted to say all he needs to without being interrupted. "I will never betray or leave you alone Rin. I'll stand by your side forever." He leans forward, catching her expression. He smiles gleefully as he sees her no longer in her lifeless state, but overflowing with her own tears, sobbing. She tackles Fai with a hug, weeping, digging her nails into his skin. Fai was taken aback by her force then chuckles lightly, hugging his thankful sister. He runs his hand up and down her back, soothing her. He coos kind, warm words in her ear, shushing her quivering body down. "I love you." 'I will do anything for you. Anything.' His expression was serious as he swore his silent vow.
Yuriko bathed in the sunlight, her eyes closed. She lifted her arms from her side up, as if she was flying. She tilted her head back, enjoying the weather. She twirled around, a smile growing on her face. She heard a rustle, but didn't move from her position. "May I help you?" She asked, not opening her eyes.
"It seems you're enjoying yourself." Fai stepped out, walking to the woman. "Yu-ri-ko." She smiles at the boy, her eyes flickering open.
"It seems I am. It's funny. The things you once ignored become what you long for." Fai's eyes clouded over.
"Do you mean since you never left that room for years. Right, mom?" Fai carefully watched her reaction. She came over to him, smiling. She cupped his face with her slim hands.
"What a smart boy you turned out to be Fai, my son." She hugs him, only for him to close his eyes and hug her back. He soaks up her scent and warmth, living in that short moment for just a bit longer. He steps back from the hug, trying to keep a hold on his own feelings. He couldn't give in to temptation. He wouldn't. Even though all he wanted, what he desired was in front of him.
"What's your intention of lying to Rin?" Fai began, regaining the reason he was here. For the truth. For his sister. His sister who took the world on by herself, not taking anyone's pity or help. The sister who protected and raised him with all her love. The sister who stayed by his side while their mom locked herself up in her room, not paying them any mind. Yes, Rin, his caretaker, his savior. She was there for him whenever he needed her, unlike her.
"I didn't lie." Lily, or Yuriko, retorted calmly.
"Yes you did. You said your name is Yuriko. We all know your name is Lily." Yuriko sighed.
"My given name is Yuriko. But not many people know that. My nickname was my name's meaning 'Lily'. But it seems my actual name became the nickname while the nickname became my actual name." Fai soaked everything in, still not satisfied.
"Why?" She finally took a proper look at the young man in front of her. He looked just like her, except his manly features and spiky hair. 'That he got from his father.' She thought after her analysis. Fai couldn't leave without asking this question, knowing he was being unusually calm when he shouldn't be. "Why now? All those years of ignoring us…why now?"
"Because everything must happen at a certain time. I have my reasons…but don't think for a second I never loved you both." Her tone was edgy, as if warning him not to say otherwise. Fai stared at the ground, his hair covering his blazing eyes. "You are both my precious children."
"Don't you dare say anything more." Fai spoke through grinded teeth, he stare at his mother with hidden anger. He had to admit, she was truly beautiful. But nothing hurt more than the rejection of not having a mother all this time. Not having a mother's warmth touch or comfort when in need for someone, anyone. "Don't lie to me. Don't try to make what you did as if it was all for us. Don't even try to justify yourself."
"But it was." Fai glared at the response. "Please. Let me finish talking before you accuse me of anything." Fai grits his teeth, nodding reluctantly. "Rin wasn't supposed to be alive." Fai's eyes widened, "It was all thanks to your father that she was exempt from the rule that if a girl should be the first born, you must kill the baby. Aku is certainly not a saint and nowhere near a hero, but he is the living proof of the survival of the true Hell training of the Head family. That itself is extraordinary." She paused, letting everything she said sink in. "I knew Rin would have a rough time getting strong if I had not given her a reason to fend for herself. If I hadn't done what I did, she would have been killed in the Chunin exam in an instant." Fai tensed at the thought of Rin dying in that horrible blood shedding test. "I wanted her to grow and be strong, even if it meant for her to hate her parents. She will take over the position as soon as she's older. I had hoped she will fix the mistakes our previous heads had done. This may sound harsh and stupid but it's the truth."
"Why did you give birth to us?" He choked out, desperately wanting to hear the answer from her own lips. Yuriko smiled lovingly at the bothered, distressed Fai.
"Because I love Aku." Fai was speechless. How could someone that had an arranged marriage end up loving the other? "I wanted to have his kids. I wanted someone to make this corrupted village pure. Aku and I swore to each other that we wouldn't act like our parents. But we ended breaking that promise. Then after Rin, I gave birth to you. You were very weak at a young age and Rin had no element. In terms of the generation we lived in, you guys would have been disposed of by now. Rin had taken care of you as an infant, while I did nothing." Her eyes were bitter, her smile emotionless, "I'm not proud of myself. I had hurt my own flesh and blood very deeply. The shame of not helping my own two precious treasures will live with me forever. I'm not being asked to be forgiven. I just need more time to make Rin stronger, to have her depend on me, for her to have someone to call mother…"
"Maybe we really are mother and son." Lily's eyebrows knot together with misery, her eyes never left her son that she has afflicted so much on. Fai had a broken smile on his face, his lost eyes letting loose one tear. One single tear. "We are both liars."
"Yes." Lily smiled politely, a forced smile she had always worn all her life despite her own feelings. "I guess we really are very much alike." She stepped closer to him, wiping his tear away. "We have a pretty sad fate don't we?"
"No…I think we are the key factors that will make Rin who she is, even if our actions are undiscovered and not acknowledged. I'll just be perfectly happy and content if I am of some use for Rin…" Fai smiles at the thought of being useful to his protector, his beloved sister Rin.
"Yes…you're right." Lily agreed, impressed by his take of the situation.
"Don't worry. I won't tell Rin your secret. But you have to tell her sometime." Yuriko nodded, agreeing to the reasonable terms, "Oh, by the way, right now she's heartbroken because Goku and Kaia are together."
"….I don't trust that girl. Be cautious around her." Fai stared at the woman accusingly, aware that she knew more than she let on. "Be careful." She gives him a tight hug then softly plants a light kiss on his forehead. "I love you." Yuriko smiled brightly, walking away from Fai, not showing her emotionless face with tears streaming down her face to him. Fai stood still, his feet rooted to the ground. He looked up to the clear blue sky, his pupils vanishing, only showing his dark empty blue eyes. Eyes inherited from his mother.
"I….hate you too."
Kaia sat on what came to be her bed with a dark look. Her thoughts conflicted. Her precious Goku. An image of his grinning face entered her mind, making her face scrunch up slightly with pain. Her friend Fai. A memory of a dark, emotionless Fai giving her a cold shoulder made her face fill with more distress. Her best friend and non-blood related sister Rin. The picture of Rin's ghostlike and doll-like stature scarred her forever. She broke up in tears by now, burying her face in her shaking hands, sobbing. "So sorry. I'm so sorry…" she chokes out hoarsely, repeating it like a broken record.
Goku usual smile was non-existent at the moment, his expression blank. Memories of Fai, Rin, and him fooling around, then a smiling Kaia covers the previous memory. Extreme rage grew on his face, as if a demon took control of him completely. He cried out, going insane, punching walls. Everything was tarnished and tattered. After his small fit, he slumped to the floor, his once determined eyes now wavering. Everything started with him. He made the first move and he must pay the price. 'Why did everything have to be so hard? Why couldn't everyone just be happy and never be hurt? '
Fai stood infront of a mirror, his eyes lifeless. He stared at his reflection, full knowing what he had to do. He had to help Rin in any way possible. Even give up his life for her as she would for him. No hesitation allowed. His stare hardened. He doesn't want to see this weak, useless boy looking back at him again. Instead he wants Rin to see herself more than she gives herself credit for. He wants her to feel happy and to live on. Even if it costs his own. She deserves that much.
Rin stood infront of the sacred, feared, outcasted, different sakura tree in the middle of the regular, boring forest filled with regular, boring trees. Her eyes still not lit with its usual spark. She lifted her arm, her hand slowly reached to touch the tree's bark. As she was a few inches from touching it, her fingers stopped with a slight hesitation. As if what she was about to do was forbidden. As if touching this tree would give her answers to all her questions. She pursed her lips together then lightly touched the tree with her fingertips. She took a step closer, placing the palm of her hand against the special tree. She looked up at the night sky, her eyes clouding over.
Lily's eyes were closed. She raised a thin long sword up, its smooth metal glinting. She raised another identical sword up, waiting. She opened her eyes slowly, the look in them strong and unwavering. Her back straightened, her head raised up in the air. In a blink of an eye, the two swords were vertical and stuck together, in the exact center of her face. She knew her duty. She knew her place. She had to go on fighting. For the future of this far gone village to not be a destructive fate.
Deep in the night, there crept an intruder. He blended in with the shadows of the dark, waiting in the hidden corner of the village. As if expecting someone. A rustling of bushes caught the man's attention; a figure not fully shown by the dim moonlight emerged from the source. "Glad to see you still alive." The man boomed, giving a hearty laugh. The figure did not respond to the man and just stayed silent. "Ungrateful little-" The man began but regained his composure. "No suspicion?"
"None. At first was a little rocky but I gained their trust." The figure replied in monotone.
"Good, good." The man sang slowly, "About time you made a run for it eh?"
"Yes. Soon enough.-"
"Sorry to intrude," Began a woman's voice, making the two figures head swerve simultaneously to the direction where it came from. The woman stepped into view, revealing a smiling Lily. "But I couldn't help but overhear your conversation." The man growled at her.
"Who are you?" He asked harshly, the hidden figure shaking slightly, taking a step back.
"Oh my, forgive my rudeness. I am," She began, in a split second in front of the man, one of her twin swords pressed against his neck, slicing some bare skin slightly, the other sword pointed to the concealed figure, "two. Who would you like to know? Both? Or just one?"
The man gritted his teeth, barking orders at the figure, "Attack you piece of shit!" The figure flinched but obliged, coming from behind silently, about to strike with a wooden carved knife but was blocked with the free sword.
"Oh, hello there. How am I not surprised to see you here, Kaia was it?" The exotic pair of blue and brown eyes darkened, striking a blow with her leg to Lily's blind spot.
"Kaia?" The man blurted out, starting to crack up, "This useless bitch? A name?! HAHAHA! That's classic!" Kaia vacant eyes were downcast, but she still kept attacking, while the man watched, a hand to his bleeding neck. Lily was being pushed back but she still remained calm, as if she planned all of this. 'Just about time for her to awaken…." She met the eyes of a passing by crow as if having a silent conversation with it. She nodded a type of thank you as the crow changed directions and flew past them.
Rin woke with a start, sitting up, panting. The flapping of the crows corrupted wings and their scratchy screeching still echoed in the air. An ominous feeling clouded her heart, causing her to slip out of bed and take a walk outside. Shivers rolled down her spine, causing goosebumps to arise on her skin in the chilly night. She exhaled, her breath shown in a cloud. She couldn't enjoy her favorite weather because of that feeling. The feeling that a disaster was about to happen. A caw interrupted her thoughts, causing her to turn her head to the side, her icy eyes meeting small beady black eyes. Time seemed to have stilled as both parties did not move an inch for what seemed to be forever. Her eyes widened, the message sent across, she broke out in a run, finally understanding everything.
"Rather weak to be have been taken down this easily eh? I thought she would be more of a challenge." The man humored humorlessly, kicking the limp foot of the woman. Kaia diverted her eyes from the sight, the unsightly sight. Kaia shifted her foot against the ground to the side. The large, thick pointed rock that was pierced through Lily's chest reverted back to the ground, leaving a huge hole in her upper body. The grass was soaked in crimson. It seemed as if it would never stop overflowing. "Let's part ways before any other hindrances come along." The man remarked, turning around swiftly, walking away. Kaia stayed in her place a while longer, as if contemplating something. As her lips parted, about to speak, she thought otherwise, pivoting and disappearing in the shadows.
Rin sprinted desperately to the clearing, not knowing what made her head this direction but just followed her instincts. As she whizzed past trees and branches, she caught a glimpse of a pair of braids. She blinked, halting for a second, looking around, "Kaia?! You here?!" No answer came. She tried shrugging it off but her eyes were still not convinced that what she saw was an illusion. A foul stench of blood made her nose twitch, she followed the scent, fearful of what she was about to come across. Nothing could prepare her for what she was about to see. Her eyes widened in horror, wanting to deny what she was seeing but knows she couldn't. It was too late. It was burned deep into her mind to be anything but real. There, in the stream of her own blood, laid the crippled, trampled mess that was her sensei. "YURIKO!" Rin shouted, her voice cracking. She fell to her knees, trying to form words, sentences, anything coherent, but all that left her mouth were whimpers. Yuriko smiled, raising her arm to cup Rin's cheek, caressing it gently.
"Yes my dear Rin?" Her dazzling sea blue eyes were blurry, their life dimming slowly. Rin's own hands gripped the hand place on her cheek tightly, closing her swirling eyes of pain, eyebrows furrowed, rubbing into Yuriko's hand for any kind of comfort that she was going to be okay. That she was going to live. Yuriko chuckled slightly, still having that gentle, kind smile upon her blood stained lips. Lips so similar to Rin's. "Don't grieve over me. I'm happy. I have finally accomplished what I've wanted to do all along. I do not regret anything. So do not think of this as the end. It is only the beginning for you."
"Wha…who…did this…don't…sensei." Lily's eyes softened at the usage of sensei, her smile widened, looking very at peace.
"Shh, there, there baby." Lily soothed softly, her musical voice making Rin sob at the thought of no longer hearing that beautiful tune.
"W-what a-am I s-supposed t-to do w-without you?" Rin stammered out, on the verge of tears.
"You will continue to live. Promise me that one thing?" Lily asked, as if it was her last wish. Sobs racked Rin's chest painfully, her heart aching and tugging. She sniffed, nodding. "That's a good girl…one more thing. Please, take my element." Rin's eyes widened, she shook her head, refusing to kill her, "Please Rin…end me by your hands." Lily pleaded, eyes boring into Rin's. She just couldn't refuse her. But she couldn't kill her either. "I would rest at peace if you did." That's it. Rin couldn't refuse her sensei's last requests. Actually, she couldn't refuse any of her requests. She was the first person, other than Fai, to not order but to ask.
"Okay…" Rin's voice was barely above a whisper, as if too weak to speak. She kissed Lily's hand then shifted to place her hands above her disfigured body, her hands glowing with her own chakra. She slowly digs her hand in her upper chest, going so deep until she breaks into her nerves.
"You're doing great…" Lily croaked, getting paler and paler by the second. Rin grinded her teeth hard against each other as the tears finally spill from her eyes, blurring her vision. "My baby…" Her hand brushes stray hair from the concentrating, heartbroken Rin's forehead. "Be strong…." Rin could feel she was slowly take Lily's life source. Her soul. She was ending her own loved one's life. Her once warm skin was now ice cold. Now, if you looked at her, you could see just how small and fragile she was."I love you…my dear daughter Rin…I'm sorry for being such a horrible mother and lying…" Rin's expression was perplexed at her strange words, knowing her end was nearing, "I wish you all the happiness in the world. But you must work hard for your happiness. I'm so sorry….I have caused you so much pain…left so many scars…I hope you will not feel any scorn or hate for me if my name is ever mentioned…I am your mother….Lily Ishida…but more accurately…Yuriko Ishida…I love you…my beautiful daughter…Rin…" She gave a final, farewell smile, her eyes slowly closing as she took her last breathe, her hand falling limp next to her, finally looking like the doll that everyone wanted her to be, but her tranquil expression was what made her even more beautiful.
Rin's eyes were drastically wide, her mouth slightly open, horror taking over her features. Something in her cracked at the quick blows she was suddenly hit with. Her dilated pupils showed more of her vacant, puppet like shade of ice blue. They shifted to her crimson stained hands, her cheek smeared with blood from Yuriko's hand. Only more tears poured out from those eyes. She was changed. Never again could she be the same. She slowly staggered to her feet, staring lifelessly at the full moon. "How pretty…"
(Hey guys! I decided to stop here because first, I haven't updated in about a year. Second, my best friend *coughs* soul mate *coughs* won't leave me alone and is expecting it tonight though it's like in the middle of the night. *tired and exhausted* I'm overworked. Haha, anyways forgive me? I can add the songs later cause I just want to upload this chapter and get it over with. The last section about Lily's death is poorly done for the same exact reason. It has to be uploaded tonight and I'm about to crash haha. Hope you guys are still with me! OH! BTW, I'm going to edit the first few chapter because I realize how poorly done they were. That will be done….eventually….haha bye bye! Good night!)