A/N: Fixed some random spelling mistakes in my previous chapters. Yeah I know, been a bit since I updated a this story but I'm not like some of you motivators updating your stories on like your birthday, Christmas, new years, and shit. I'm not here to judge though. It's cool.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

The Scarlet Arrow

Chapter 5

Blizzard

The running had continued through the day and into the next night. Kai seemed quite tense however and so did Buster. To make matters worse it was extremely dark and the moon was blocked by heavy clouds. Buster took a glance at Kai and the two locked eyes for a moment before nodding. Kai immediately set off in a different direction at a bit of a slower pace.

"What's wrong?" Tayuya asked caught up in the nervousness finally.

"A blizzard is coming. It is about to get very cold really quickly, we are miles away from any village still, and Khasar is less than a mile behind us. He is likely trying to find shelter as well and as good of a chance to escape as that is the chances are the blizzard will kill us if we try. So right now I am just trying to find some sort of shelter," Kai responded, his eyes frantically scanning for shelter.

"Why are you so worried about this Khasar ass?" Tayuya suddenly blurted.

"I've seen him put down eight shinobi from Kiri in one go," Kai explained, "He is much stronger than I am and in melee combat I have never seen anyone beat him..." Tayuya sighed a little in defeat. Then she was still going to die it seemed. It was a shame really. She really wanted to know more about Kai. She wanted to know everything and she couldn't fathom why. He was so open yet extremely mysterious as well.

"Well thanks for bringing me back to life so I could die again asshole," Tayuya almost growled. Kai didn't respond back to her and changed directions again. Soon enough the blizzard started. A little bit of snow quickly turned into a lot of snow. The wind picked up and temperatures dropped dramatically. The combination of wind and snow made it impossible to see a few feet away. Tayuya started shivering. The warm blanket and clothing did nothing to hold back the cold at this point. Kai had started shivering as well and slowing down a bit.

Several minutes passed by and Tayuya simply sat there shivering unsure of what to say. Soon Kai whispered something unintelligible because he was shivering so much. Tayuya spotted what he was mumbling about. There was large crack in the earth on the ground by him and he stopped to investigate. The crack was not real deep so Kai began walking down the wall into the crack and soon enough he found a little alcove in the wall and ducked into it with Tayuya. The alcove was not big enough for the pit bull to fit in as well but Buster found a nearby alcove and dipped into that one. His fur was still managing to keep him warm at this point.

Kai set Tayuya down. It was warmer in this convenient little crack than outside but it was still freezing cold. Especially with the sudden loss of the body heat. Tayuya threw herself back into Kai's arms almost immediately and he hugged her real tight. They simply stood there for a minute enjoying the amazing hug. Kai smiled but the weariness of almost two days of running straight showed heavily in his eyes. Tayuya smiled a little bit.

"You need rest Kai," Tayuya said looking into his eyes. A huge smile spread across his face.

"You used my name," Kai said his smile still growing. Tayuya blushed for a second her lip quivering again but not from cold. Kai gave her a gentle squeeze and laid down up against the wall. Tayuya tired of losing opportunities laid down next to Kai and looked at Kai. His eyes were already closed. Tayuya snuggled up against him real tight.

"Kai?" Tayuya whispered into his ear.

"Hmm?" Kai responded sleepily.

"We are probably going to die tomorrow right?" Tayuya asked.

"Unfortunately," Kai responded opening his eyes and looking at Tayuya. She stared back into his eyes lip still quivering. She couldn't hold back anymore. It was frustrating her too much. She grabbed Kai on both sides of his head and gave him a long overdue kiss. Kai did not resist and instead wrapped his arms around Tayuya and drew her closer. It was a simple kiss that neither of them wanted to break. When they did finally break from the kiss and stared into each others eyes the both blushed a little but neither shied away from the other. It just felt too right.

"You know that may be or last kiss we ever have again?" Tayuya asked with a slight smile on her face.

"No, this one might be though," Kai said drawing Tayuya into another kiss and this time deepening the kiss and letting loose. They both laid there cuddling and kissing enjoying each others company. The moment was perfect and the cold was forgotten. When they finished kissing they just laid in each other's arms for quite some time before they both drifted off into a deep sleep.

Kai was the first to wake, but unfortunately it was not peacefully. Buster was standing just outside the alcove and he looked very alert. Kai had woken up because he felt a presence nearby. Kai immediately slid from Tayuya's arms and strung his composite bow. Tayuya quickly awoke due to the sudden cold that flooded her with the absence of her warm companion.

"Kai?" Tayuya asked still blurry eyed.

"Tayuya, stay here. Khasar doesn't know I am traveling with you so chances are if you stay here you will at least live," Kai said without emotion. He had a cold face that was prepared to fight to the death. Without letting Tayuya say a thing he jumped from the alcove and quickly ascended the crack making it to the surface. He could hear Tayuya's voice in the background but could not make out the words and had decided not to try lest it ruin his determination.

Back in the alcove tears welled up in Tayuya's eyes. Buster had not left yet and instead jumped into the alcove and sat down next to Tayuya. He had a small pack on his back which he removed with his mouth and set it by Tayuya.

"That is our supplies. You probably won't see us again but that will get you by. Keep heading Northwest and in about two days and you will hit a village. There is also a gift in there I think Kai was going to give you. Good luck Tayuya," Buster said before joining his master on the surface. Tayuya just curled up in the wolf blanket and cried. Why couldn't she ever get a break from the pain? Practically a slave to Orochimaru. She had never been able to keep friends. She had never had anything and finally she thought she found something here with Kai and now he was leaving and was likely about to die. Tayuya almost couldn't stand it. Her chest burned like it never had before. It was a pain she could almost not comprehend. A pain she hadn't felt since her family was killed. It felt like everything she cared about was once again about to be stripped from her.

On the surface Kai stared across the tundra. A figure was fast approaching and the identity of the man was unmistakable. Clad in a Gothic style armor with spikes protruding from it. It was Khasar. Kai took his bow and notched an arrow pointing it in an arc that would invariably hit Khasar he loosed. The arrow arced through the air, glowed for a second, and vanished. A few second later Khasar swatted the arrow from the sky with a kunai never once losing his pace. Kai's hidden arrow was a long shot but oh how things would have been simpler if Khasar knew nothing of it. The fact was Khasar was well aware of all Kai's moves and how best to deal with them as well.

Kai ranged his target real quick and began firing a multitude of hidden arrows in the hopes Khasar would miss one but Khasar skillfully evaded each arrow. As Khasar closed the distance Kai changed stances and began using one more suited to fighting at a closer range and began releasing simple arrows to deter Khasar and keep him at bay while he tried to figure out a strategy. Truth be told Kai was trying to figure one out the entire time but was unable to because he knew nothing would work. Khasar was extremely powerful, determined, extremely fast, and a lethal close range fighter.

Kai being an experienced and intelligent shinobi began to run through his mental process first examining the terrain. Mostly frozen earth, completely barren, and generally featureless, but with the occasional crack likely from earth quakes. That would offer and advantage to Kai in the point that Khasar would be unable to hide from his bow, but also there was nothing to hinder Khasar's speed. The weather was extremely cold which would slow Khasar a little but would also slow Kai's ability to release arrows quickly as well as grasp his arrows. Next Kai took into consideration his enemy's complete set of abilities to his knowledge. Khasar needed to be within four feet to do any damage. His kenjutsu was solely melee weapons, he had no genjutsu ability, his ninjutsu was limited to close range attacks, and his taijutsu was flawless.

The real bitch was Khasar's kekkai genkai. Khasar had this unique power to grow in strength and speed as he was hurt. The more Kai had seen Khasar get cut or hit the faster and stronger Khasar got. Kai did not know the limit of that ability. With that Kai understood he needed to kill Khasar and quickly and absolutely avoid any melee combat especially since Kai had almost no taijutsu abilities.

Kai began unleashing arrow after arrow produced from thin air by his kekkai genkai. Khasar skillfully evaded each one. Kai began running while shooting arrows in order to keep distance between himself and Khasar but it was clear Khasar was much quicker as the space between the two closed. Suddenly Buster took to the field circling around Khasar causing him to slow a little. Buster had been Kai's deterrent. If the bull dog could sink his teeth into Khasar and immobilize him, then Kai would be able to easily finish off Khasar. Suddenly Khasar blew by Buster in an amazing burst of speed. Khasar was even faster than the bull dog and was well on his way to Kai. Kai began taking fistfuls of arrows and shooting small volleys at Khasar, but still Khasar's speed proved to be way to amazing and he was able to avoid every group of arrow shot at him.

Time was running out for Kai, in a matter of seconds Khasar would be upon him and Kai would be finished. Kai had one last chance, one last shot to seal Khasar. One he had to wait to fire until the last possible second when Khasar could no longer avoid his shot. Kai pulled a poison arrow from thin air and notched it in his bow and became very patient waiting for Khasar to hit the perfect range to be hit by Kai's arrow. As soon as the perfect moment was upon him Kai release the arrow but once again Khasar's speed was extremely surprising and he avoided the arrow almost. The arrow slightly nicked Khasar's right knee. Just enough to draw a little blood. The poison of the arrow would take a while to affect Khasar. Now was the big test. Staying alive long enough to take advantage of that.

Sure enough the small bit of pain enraged Khasar who swung wildly at Kai. Kai dodged a few attacks before getting caught by a punishing right hook knocking Kai down. Soon Khasar was upon him punishing him with brutal strikes. Kai managed to kick Khasar off him and ran several feet before once again being struck by Khasar. A wild volley of punches were exchanged between the two but Kai was unable to phase Khasar and Kai was being beat down. Soon Kai was unable to escape Khasar and every punch Khasar through landed with brutal power. Kai lay there on the ground being held down and struck over and over by Khasar. Khasar had the power to snap trees in half with his blows and the speed to level a forest in a week. Kai stood no chance against such a foe.

In the alcove the red head lay on the ground still crying and clutching her chest. The pain was unbearable but she tried to calm herself. She knew she did not want to live at this point. Still, a sudden spike of curiosity shot into Tayuya's mind. She wanted to know what the gift was Buster spoke of. She opened the scrolls that Buster had left and one caught her eye in particular because her name was on it. Tayuya unsealed the scroll and drew the object from it. A slender cylinder was inside. The cylinder was sold metal but Tayuya recognized such cylinders and her eyes lit up already. She uncapped the cylinder and looked inside. Sure enough it was her flute. Tayuya remembered it being cut in half but still Kai must have repaired it because the flute looked fine now. Tayuya tested it for a second and sure enough it played just fine. Tayuya smiled.

"Maybe I can still help Kai Hei-kun after all," Tayuya said and began attempting to stand. It was shaky at first and quite painful but her legs held. Tayuya took a couple steps and her legs seemed quite steady. "Yes," Tayuya decided, "I will do everything I can to help him." With that Tayuya began climbing from the alcove. It was quite a distance to the top but Tayuya was pushing herself as hard as she could go on her wobbly legs. She could hear the sounds of battle on the surface and knew she had to be quick.

Kai lay on the ground absorbing blow after blow. Khasar could have snapped his neck but chose to prolong the punishment. Buster came charging at him only to be struck away by a kick and sent flying a lengthy distance. Khasar resumed his striking of Kai. With that Khasar smile holding Kai by the neck.

"I have to admit. I am really enjoying killing you archer," Khasar said teeth showing. Kai remained expressionless. "I do have to go though so I am going to have to cut this short," Khasar said pulling a kunai out and holding it to Kai's throat. Suddenly Khasar was sent tumbling off of Kai. A huge figure was standing next to Kai flanked by two more figures. Kai managed to scramble to his feet. His face was bloody. He looked around trying to find the source and it was easily located on the barren tundra. A red haired Kunoichi stood on wobbly legs nearby. She held a flute to her lips and the three figures seem to respond to it. Kai made his way to Tayuya's side.

"What are you doing Tayuya!" Kai exclaimed, "He didn't know of you."

"Look shit head," Tayuya began, "I don't feel like living right now without a friend and you are my only friend so shut up and help me kill this guy." Kai merely nodded and began pulling another arrow.

Khasar tried to run right up to the two ninja but the three Doki easily blocked his path and struck out knocking Khasar away and enraging him further. Khasar moved with blinding speed straight past the Doki. Tayuya tried to react but she couldn't play fast enough for her Doki to get there in time. Kai notched another arrow and loosed it. Khasar tried to dodge but this one nicked him as well. Kai smiled widely.

"Seems like you are getting slower Khasar," Kai taunted unleashing several more. Khasar only able to dodge enough to avoid a direct hit but each one leaving a nick.

"What have you done?" Khasar groaned as the Doki caught up with him and began throwing him around like a rag doll.

"That arrow I hit your right knee with was dipped in a paralyzing poison. It has been slowing your every movement since it hit you. Your ability seems to be keeping it at bay, and now we will see for how long." Kai said.

Khasar groaned and struck out at the nearest Doki knocking it down and snapping it's spine in one fluid heavy strike. The other two Doki grabbed him and began beating him adding more power to Khasar. He threw another Doki off him, and struck the other in the head. By the time he had done that the first Doki was back again striking wildly as if he had never been hit.

"Those creations are amazing Tayuya," Kai said happily notching an arrow and aiming in on Khasar. Kai waited for the perfect moment, when Khasar was busy with all three Doki at once and unleashed his arrow. Khasar noticed it at the last minute and moved still catching the full force of the arrow in his right shoulder with a grunt. Kai shot another arrow shortly after but Khasar was alert now and fully dodge this one. Khasar was growing powerful for every blow that landed on him. Khasar took all three Doki at once and threw them far away and began running quickly at Tayuya. His speed wasn't like normal but it was still faster than both of the shinobi. Buster tried to intercept but one flick from Khasar at this point was enough to send the bull dog flying away. Khasar pulled back his fist prepared to knock Tayuya from her feet but Kai intercepted and shot an arrow at point blank range. Khasar did not attempt to dodge and took the arrow in the chest throwing his fist at Kai. It struck and Kai was sent tumbling away.

Khasar raised his fist to strike Tayuya next but was hardly able to raise it. He was practically rooted in place the poison finally taking its full affect. Tayuya smiled as she circled Khasar who was literally standing still.

"See what happens when you try to hurt my Kai-Kun, shithead," Tayuya asked rhetorically. The Doki all surround Khasar shortly thereafter. Kai soon showed back up as well. Tayuya smiled at Kai a little.

"He wasn't so tough," Tayuya said triumphantly.

"I didn't know you primary ability was so useful for keeping an enemy away from you," Kai responded.

"You never asked jerk," Tayuya replied softly walking up to Kai and giving him a gentle kiss on the lips. After the kiss Kai merely smiled, drew another arrow and shot it into Khasar's chest killing him. Tayuya's Doki vanished and they just stood there smiling at each other briefly.

"I think this is the beginning of a wonderful adventure," Kai responded softly.

A/N: So some tension was released there. Hope you enjoyed. Please leave me a review.