Sharks in Sunny Places
Well, I apologize for the long break I took. A lot of stuff piled up on me, and every time I wanted to write it was right before I went to bed. I also wanted to try and figure out more end-game ideas, so I could more easily tie everything together, but nothing came to me. So the end chapters will probably take a long time to get to.
Disclaimer: I don't own either Pokémon or Naruto. Sadface. : (
Chapter Six: Stolen History
It was the dead of night, the exact time unknown. A lone figure darted across the grounds of the museum, barely visible to the human eye. It left no trace that it had passed through this way, not even thumps of footfalls were heard or flattened grass was left. As the figure reached the side of the building, it merely flickered from the ground to the roof without an ounce of effort taxed.
The figure slowed, peering around the roof for a decent entry point. The Nacrene City museum boasted its gorgeous skylights that held the best thief protection known to man. Not even the weight of a Wailord could crack it (though, that had never been proven, and maybe Kisame could test that boast someday…). Unfortunately, the designers hadn't expected ancient arts to be used when the building was made. Thieves these days were more violent, and preferred quick and easy methods of intrusion. But the intruder had a quick and easy method of entry, it just wasn't loud or flashy, and didn't even require shattering the glass skylights. A simple substitution, and the figure was inside the museum, a simple bolt taking its place, tinkering as it hit the roof mere seconds before the figure landed on the tiled floor. A quick orientating glance around, and the figure departed toward its goal.
The library was massive, containing scrolls, tomes, and books from millennia before. Nacrene City had the largest museum regarding ancient scriptures gathered from all across the globe, most containing actual personal accounts of events transpired. Of course, the originals weren't on display, but they were hidden deep within the confines of the library. And it would be a long time until the materials would be missed, the figure mused as it reached for a container. The intruder opened a simple bag, one that looked like it could hold no more than two or three large books, but in reality could hold so much more. The figure darted in-between shelves, grabbing what it needed with a surprising amount of care for the scriptures not required. The figure didn't want any future research materials to be damaged, of course.
And as quickly as the thief had arrived, it flickered out of the museum with as much ease as it had entering. The figure started to head for a quiet place to peer over its newly acquired goods. It walked briskly into the Pokémon Center, ignoring the majority of curious glances of trainers still awake. Quietly ascending the stairs, its eyes met those of a bored-looking brown-eyed red-head. A quick smirk flitted over both of their faces, sharing unspoken triumph and recognition, before the figure turned and entered the boarding hall.
The red-haired man turned to his feminine traveling partner, who was animatedly talking to a lazy-looking teen. He nudged the blond, muttering something that he knew his accomplice could hear but their acquaintance could not. A gleeful malicious gleam entered his partner's eyes, and the conversation began to wrap up. The trio entered the boarding hall together, but the brightly-haired men broke from their companion then. They walked off together, closer together than two men usually would have walked, and quietly slipped into a room together.
You hefted your blade over your shoulder, a wild grin lighting up your face as you slammed it down on the opponent before you. Blood squirted, and you felt a wild glee surge up inside you. You raised you blade again, and began hacking up your opponent, ignoring his pain-filled screams as you reveled in the bloodshed.
"Kisame?"
A kunai picked up, haphazardly tossed at a distracted enemy's unsuspecting skull. He felt the change in the air, turning slightly on reflex to see the oncoming danger, and fear lit up his eyes as it slid into his skull. The sound was indescribable, but the sight…The protective brain fluids and blood showered out, and you regretted that it hadn't punctured his ear.
"Kisame?"
Itachi, after the first transfusion. He was exhausted, hair plastered to his forehead, as he slumped down against the cold steel wall. Panting, he turned his head towards you. You notice his eyes, altered in color, swirling black commas circling around a ringed track. The emotion in his eyes blows you back, as you see the fear, the distraught, the tiredness, and the acceptance. You want to go over and comfort him, but you can't even more, hampered by an unseen force.
"Kisame…"
A violet-haired woman with pale lavender eyes, looking up at you from across the room. There is concern in her eyes. She looks like Hinata, you realize. She is Hinata, you realize, but she is not Hinata. She is a different Hinata, a much more battle-wary Hinata, a much more… You want to tell her everything is all right, that she doesn't have to be scared anymore, that you're all right, you're okay, there's nothing wrong. But as you walk over to do so, you stumble and fall to the ground. Dizzy, you look up and see her frantically trying to heal you with a soft green light. Suddenly you're aware that you might not make it, and you look up into her eyes, almost pleading for her to save you.
"Kisame!"
Kisame was jolted awake, to see Hinata at his side. Briefly he wondered if this was another dream, and then knew it was not.
"Hinata?" He asked, and relief passed over her face. She sat next to him, her legs underneath her and clad in her pajamas. It was still dark, and he wondered what time it was.
"Y-you were having a n-nightmare." Hinata said quietly, her eyes looking concerned. She bit her lip, drawing his attention to them. A bit of blood pooled along her bottom lip, and a stray thought of lapping it up flickered through his mind. He swallowed, and ridiculed himself for the thought.
"You're bleeding." He pointed out. Hinata's face darkened, and she looked down, pressing her fingers together.
"I had t-trouble w-waking you..." She murmured. "I didn't know h-how..."
"Sorry." He rubbed his eye, debating getting up. "What time is it?"
"Three-thirty." Well, there went that idea.
"Shit. Sorry, Hinata-chan." He grimaced. Too early to get up...
"It's okay." Hinata murmured, biting her lip. "Uhm...What did you dream?" She asked quietly, curiosity piping up into her concerned voice.
"Bad things." He grumbled, and Hinata pursed her lips. Blood glinted during the movement. "Go back to sleep, you'll need the rest."
"Will you be o-okay?"Hinata asked, moving herself.
"I'll be fine." He lied, and Hinata nodded in acceptance. "G'night."
"S-sweet dreams, Kisame-san..." Kisame smirked and rolled over to his side.
Itachi peered over the text, his eyes red as he attempted to concentrate. Against his will, his eyes flickered over to the neighboring room. He grimaced, wishing he had ear-plugs.
They knew he was trying to concentrate. He knew they were trying to give him time to go over the material and memorize it all before they confiscated it. It was nerve-wracking, the amount of pressure on him, and he wished he had the calm that had overtook him earlier. But no, that was just wishful thinking. And unfortunately to add to his distraction, there was the almost muffled but not quite quiet enough moaning coming from Sasori and Deidara's room. His haywire nerves and those noises...It was almost physically impossible for him to concentrate on the material.
He inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself. Leaning back into his chair, he recalled a pleasant tune, and without noticing he began to sing.
The Goddess Morrighan has been seen throughout history. She can be seen as either benevolent or malevolent, while in reality she is neither. Morrighan is the Goddess of War, Vengeance, Fertility, and countless other things. When she appears on our plane of existence, it is on the field of battle, amongst the corpses of the fallen, gently caressing their foreheads with a forlorn look about her. She dislikes tragedy, despite the fact that tragedy goes hand in hand with war and vengeance. She frequently appears in times of great strife, following the wills of those who evoke her power.
The Goddess Morrighan has many forms. Her humanoid form consists of a blind beauty with raven hair and large, black wings with the feathers of a crow or raven. She is clad in a white dress, golden torques arranged beautifully along her body, and barefoot. He animal forms have been crows, ravens, and cows. Many who worship her believe these beings to be servants of Morrighan, and often bring gifts while treating them honorably. Miltanks, Tauros, and Buffoulants are commonly seen being worshiped, along with bovines of Pre-Dscovery eras.
The Goddess Morrighan often rivals her sisters. The most commonly seen rivalries take place between Nemhain, Macha, and Morrighan. These rivalries often cause the Goddesses to use humans as pawns, and many incidents in history have been shaped by their battling wills. It is because of these incidents in history that we must study the Goddesses. Not to prove they exist, but to be able to defend ourselves from their meddling.
She pulled herself up, shivering as she did so. It was cold. She really didn't want to leave the warmth of her bed. But above her, Kisame was moving around restlessly, murmuring small phrases she couldn't comprehend.
"Samehada..." She heard him mutter. Sharkskin? She thought in confusion, biting her lip as she pulled herself out of bed. Mimi moved to the spot where she had been, unconsciously seeking her warmth. Standing, Hinata worriedly glanced up at Kisame's bunk.
Kisame growled, and his arm sluggishly raised above his head. Suddenly, it dropped back down to his side. Hinata swallowed nervously, and called out his name hesitantly. His hand twitched in response, and he winced. Hinata slowly climbed up to his bunk, and crawled up to him.
"Itachi..." Hinata's brows drew together, and she reached over and shook him.
"Kisame..." He reached up to her, almost touching her face. Hinata inhaled sharply, biting her lip hard as his hand hovered in the air. It almost...
"Kisame!" He jolted awake, his hand falling. He blinked, trying to orientate himself, before focusing on Hinata.
"Hi..." His voice sounded odd, and he cleared his throat. "Hinata?"
"Y-you were having a n-nightmare." Hinata whispered. A look of confusion passed over his face, and his eyes trailed to her lips as she bit them. He swallowed, before looking her in the eyes again. A wave of awkwardness passed over her for a split second.
"You're bleeding." He whispered back. Hinata blushed and looked down, not wanting to explain why.
"I had t-trouble w-waking you.." She admitted, twiddling her fingers. "I didn't know h-how..."
"Sorry." He grunted, rubbing his eyes sleepily. His eyes glanced around, half-glazed, looking for a clock. "What time is it?"
"Three-thirty." She murmured, and he grimaced.
"Shit." He swore, looking up at her apologetically. "Sorry, Hinata-chan." She blushed, and her eyes trailed elsewhere, leading to his closest arm. She stared at his hand, and swallowed nervously. He had seemed so...different, before he woke up. Like he was getting to a better part of his dream, before he woke. A memory of his warm hand around hers flashed through her mind, and Hinata's teeth bit into her lip. She tasted her coppery blood, and wondered if his dream had been bloody.
"It's okay. Uhm...What did you d-dream?" She asked, curious.
"Bad things." He grumbled, a sour look on his face. Hinata pursed her lips, and Kisame's eyes darted to them. Hinata licked her lips, tasting the coppery blood as another wave of awkwardness passed over her. "Go back to sleep, you'll need the rest." Kisame said, a hint of urgency in his rumbling voice. Hinata cocked her head in confusion.
"Will you be o-okay?"
"I'll be fine." He replied with confidence, but the undertone of urgency was still there. Hinata nodded slowly. She began to move her way down to the ladder. "G'night." Kisame said, before rolling over to face the wall.
"S-sweet dreams, Kisame-san." She wished, landing on the ground. She crawled into bed, and curled up around Mimi before trying to sleep.
Stepping into the library, Hinata peered around cautiously. There were two people in sight, one of which was staring at a bookcase, the other spacing off. The library was massive, bookcases lining every inch of wall that Hinata could see, and reaching up to the very finely decorated ceiling. The library was almost deathly silent, as libraries should be, and Hinata's quiet steps sounded like an elephant stomping through.
Warily, Hinata approached one of the spaced-out people, inwardly practicing what she intended to say. She halted right next to him, and stared at him, waiting for him to notice her. After a few seconds of him still not landing on Earth, Hinata waved her hand in front of his face. He blinked suddenly, before realizing he had spaced out and turned his full attention to Hinata.
"Heeeeeeey, cutie." He drawled, and immediately Hinata felt awkward. He grinned as she blushed and began pressing her fingers together nervously. "Sorry, hun, I was just analyzing the likelihood of a Lopunny...Y'know what, never mind what I was doin', what're you doin', sweetie?"
"Uhm...T-the gym ch-"
"Oh, you're here for the challenge of battling me? Oh, how sweet, my dear..."
"H-hinata."
"Ooo, well isn't that a bright ray of sunshine in this frigid winter. Will you warm my heart as well, Hinata-hime?" A brief thought of Kisame punching him in the face while Hinata cheered from behind passed through her head.
"...C-can we just b-battle?" Hinata murmured, visibly uncomfortable, and her opponent blanched.
"Uh, sorry. Hey, Anko, need a break?"
"Hunh?" The other scientist jerked out of their trance, and turned to them. An amused look passed over her face, before she dryly said, "She looks terrified. Good going, Genma."
"Hey, you would've terrified her just as much!" The brunet exclaimed. "So. Hinata-hime. I'm Genma, this is Anko, and we'll be your first opponents." They way he grinned, slightly malicious, paralleled Anko's smirk. Nervously, Hinata swallowed before steeling herself.
She wouldn't run away. She lowered her hands, nodding to herself, and looked them both in the face.
"T-two on two?"
"Ooo, looks like she has a spine. This'll be fun." Anko's voice brimmed with excitement, putting one hand on her hip. A cocky grin lit up her face, and she looked positively feral.
"Let's get this started then."
Kisame left their room at the Center at around noon, his stomach rumbling. He intended to get some training in with his Pokemon today. Hinata would probably be occupied with the Gym today, so it would be a good day to start whipping these newbs into shape.
But first came lunch, and Kisame ducked into a pizzeria. He scanned the shop out of habit. It was mostly empty, aside from a bored cashier, a waitress occupying herself by the cleaning the tables, and a familiar trio of heads in the corner. Great, ahead of the lunch rush. Kisame thought, smiling toothily to himself. He approached the cashier, whose expression charged from bored to nervousness as he noticed the large shark-man.
"H-hello, sir. W-what can I get for you?" The cashier asked, grinning nervously. Kisame ignored him as he looked over the menu.
"Hmm...I'd like three sliced of pepperoni with extra cheese, and a side of your baked pasta, please." Kisame ordered politely, smiling easily at the nervous cashier. Geez, he almost wished Hinata was here to order for him. Nervous cashiers were such a pain.
"O-okay! That'll be eleven hundred, twenty-two Poké, sir." The cashier fumbled with the register, dropping some of the coins Kisame handed him. "Oh! You'll have to wait about ten mince, since the batch of pasta is still cooking."
"Alright, thanks man." Kisame strolled over to the group sitting in the corner nonchalantly. A smirk found itself on his face. They were exactly the people he expected them to be. "Hey. Can I sit with you guys?"
"Oh! Hey there, Kisame. Sure, you can sit next to the grumpy Uchiha, un."
Not everything goes according to plan, unfortunately. They were in Pinwheel Forest, Kisame had been told. While they knew Hinata was off-limits, they might still show themselves to her. Kisame didn't want to think about what that would do to her.
Tracking them down in the frozen forest would be difficult, but not impossible. He knew their habits. They were probably here under instruction, so they would be off the beaten paths.
Lovely. Kisame just hoped that he could train his Pokemon while he searched. Goals in mind, Kisame took his Pokeballs off their latch, and let out his fastest Pokemon.
"Waterlily, Bradley, Gash. If you pick up a sweet scene, like an overdose of cotton candy, inform me." The trio nodded in unison. "We're training today." He informed, grinning ferally. The poor creatures all shared their terrified look.
"Let's get going." Kisame urged, and walked into the frozen forest, his Pokemon trailing behind him.
A familiar head of hair was currently lost in a sea of words. Hinata quietly approached her, wondering if the woman was really who she assumed it was. The woman paid her no attention, so intent and focused on the readings before her. The distance between them suddenly seemed very vast, even though in reality it was only a few feet. Hinata's breath hitched.
Hinata bit her lip and built up her courage, reaching the distance and tapping the woman on the shoulder. The woman snapped to attention, her eyes sliding over to Hinata with surprise and curiosity. The look in her eyes transitioned to recognition, then returned to surprise before flickering to realization and warmth all within the span of a few seconds.
"Hello, Hinata-chan. It's been a while, hasn't it?" The woman greeted warmly, an affectionate smile slipping onto her face as she peered down at Hinata over her glasses.
"H-hello, Aunt Yomi." Hinata murmured warmly. Aunt Yomi was one of Hinata's favorite relatives. While she should live in the Main House with Uncle Hizashi, she preferred to spend her time in Nacrene City, working in the museum. She was a very warm woman, with an observant eye that made her feel like a Hyuuga despite the lack of family resemblance.
"Here for the challenge, correct?" She was also a member of the Nacrene City Gym, testing new trainers before they were allowed to battle Lenora.
"Yes." Hinata answered firmly. Yomi looked at her fondly, before a question popped into her mind.
"Hmm. I haven't seen Shino-san or Kiba-san yet. Will I see them soon?"
"Uhm, I thought they'd already be here." The question took Hinata off guard. She didn't even know if they'd left Striation City yet.
"Oh? They left before you?" Yomi asked, tilting her head as she pondered why they hadn't challenged her yet.
"I th-think so. I left Striation in a r-rush." Hinata grimaced, remembering why she and Kisame had left so quickly.
"Hmm. That means I'll be battling them soon. Are they coming along nicely in their training?" Yomi was fond of all types of younger people, from Hanabi to Lee to Shino. And she had a bit of a soft spot for Kiba, whose mother was a close friend of hers.
"Y-yes. Kiba-kun and Shino-kun both had little t-trouble in the first g-gym." Yomi's observant tendencies kicked in, noting Hinata's expression.
"Hmm? Did something happen, Hinata-chan?"
"Neji-nii gave me a Cottonee. As a b-birthday present." Hinata's emotions surged, and she closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. Yomi waited patiently, a sad smile slipping on her face as she thought of all the possibilities of danger that could happen on the field. All the heartbreak that could happen to a young girl, just starting out on her journey. "In the first gym, I f-failed and she was f-fatally injured. Sh-she died."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Hinata-chan. Have you told my son yet?" Yomi asked sympathetically, her brows knitting together in worry.
"No, I haven't caught up with him yet." Hinata admitted, her gaze trailing to the floor as she pressed her fingers together.
"Ah, that's right, he left here a few days ago. Would you like me to call him and tell him to get in contact with you?"
"Uhm, I'd like to tell him in person."
"Hmm. If you win, I'll let you do that. If not, well, you'll do as Auntie Yomi says. Understood?"
"Y-yes."
"Good. Take a few steps back, If you please."
"Y-yes, Aunt Yomi."
Hinata swallowed nervously, while Yomi peered at her from above her glasses. Such a sad fate to endure, but a necessary one.
Auntie Yomi loved a desperate battle.
Hunting them was becoming irritating. They were nowhere to to be found. Kisame had covered a good portion of the forest, as had his Pokemon. But finding them in a forest was like looking for a four-leaf clover. Easily hidden within the trees, they had been difficult to find even before they were given human intelligence.
Grumbling irritably, Kisame halted. His Pokemon gratefully slowed, the sound of panting filling the air. Kisame wiped his brow, annoyed at the sweat dripping down his brow. The only reason the salty liquid hadn't entered his eyes was due to the invisible film protecting them, and as a result the sweat was only a mild but constant irritation.
Kisame slumped down on a mossy fallen log, pulling his bag off his shoulders. Rummaging through it, he took out a few sets of canned food and bottled water. Irritatedly, he took off the hot coat, disliking the restrictions and sweat-covered sleeves. His nose wrinkled at the unpleasant smell, but he reveled in the feel of the frigid air against his burning skin.
The clearing provided a pleasant rest spot. Kisame's Pokemon were revitalized with the nourishment provided during the break, and were now happily bounding about playfully as Kisame watched with amusement. Suddenly, killing intent shot through the air. Kisame glanced around the clearing, feeling for its location. He settled on a tree, and snorted arrogantly.
"You know how long I've been looking for you, Zetsu?"
"Yes, we do. Unfortunately, we were looking for your mess." Zetsu sneered, stepping out from inside the tree. Kisame briefly wondered if he should stand, considering how to effectively use his dominating presence. He smirked at Zetsu, and took a swig of his water almost nonchalantly. "Zabuza?"
"Unfortunately. He escaped Kakuzu's hold during a skirmish, and we were told to look for the faggot." Zetsu explained. "now, you don't know the proper meaning of that word. Yes I do, it's either a bundle of sticks or a gay man. Well, it's not polite. Who cares if it's polite or not? We're not talking to a priest." Zetsu sniggered, and then sighed. Kisame watched the exchange cooly, slightly grateful he hadn't became as fucked up as these two during the experiments.
"Get it done soon. Hinata will be leaving Nacrene within the next few days." Kisame ordered evenly, glaring at them.
"Ah, yes, your little morsel. We shall try to complete our task soon. Pein ought to pick something less like a frightened rabbit next time. Well it's not her fault she's wrapped up in all this." Zetsu snorted. "I'd call her a pansy, but that would be an insult to the pansies."
"How much does everyone know about her?" Kisame asked, trying to keep the worry out of his voice. Some of them were fine to be ar- no, that's a lie. No one in the Akatsuki was safe to be around. Everyone was practically insane, or had weird personality quirks, or, well, were like him. Kisame had a right to be worried about how much they knew about his charge, because quite frankly, there was no telling if they'd come to kill her. Or scar her. Or worse.
"About as much as Zabuza sneered out. And whatever Itachi and Tobi have revealed." Peering at Kisame, Zetsu smirked. "You aren't protecting her from us, Kisame. You're protecting her from everything else." Kisame's response to that was a snort. "Itachi-san is treading on thin ice, Kisame-san. Beware his information."
"Hnn. Don't worry, I'm wary about everyone's information. Tense waters." Kisame sneered, narrowing his eyes at Zetsu.
"Very well. If you set out earlier than expected, send a message. We'll wipe up your messy relationship, but don't expect it to happen over night. Zabuza is a scared little rabbit, and hides like one too. Needing a bit of rabbit meat? Yes, I've been craving them a lot recently. Tobi could order some for us. After Kakuzu bitches and Tobi cries over eating the cute little animal. I thought you enjoyed those things. The latter, not the former."
"You two are wasting daylight. Get out of here." Kisame growled, causing Zetsu to glare at him.
"Return to your little mouse, and do your duty." Zetsu sneered, before sinking into the ground and vanishing.
Kisame waited for a good twenty minutes, probing the area for their chakra and finding none before groaning and palming his face.
"Why did they have to turn us into such freaks...?"
Hinata was having a tough time trying to figure out how to defeat Katniss. Katniss, a Pidove, was currently avoiding Pepper's Embers like they were nothing. Katniss easily took advantage of the z-axis, not needing to worry much about being hit by the flames as she used every direction possible to avoid them.
Hinata needed to think of something, fast, before the Pidove used a Flying-type attack to take out Pepper with ease.
This would be her last chance to beat Yomi.
She could see it in Yomi's eyes. The look she got when she was giving her opponent one last chance to defeat her, before she piledrived them into the ground. It was there.
Hinata's eyes narrowed in frustration, and she watched Katniss flap in the air while Pepper oinked in anger. Her mind raced, thinking over everything. Her surroundings, Pepper's attacks, how Katniss moved, how everything was going to end soon.
And then...
"Pepper, jump on the bookcase! Launch an Ember, then use Flame Charge! And if that doesn't work, use an Ember, followed by a Flame Charge!"
Pepper launched himself onto the bookcase, bring him to Katniss's level, charging towards the bird while Hinata continued to string off orders.
He sent an Ember at the bird, with enough power to burn it severely, and as Katniss moved to dodge, Pepper encased himself in flames and launched himself at the Pidove. The bird scowled and tried to dodge, but wasn't quite fast enough. The hit connected, and then-
"AIR CUTTER!"
"No! EMBER, FULL STRENGTH!"
A squawk and a squeal sounded at the same time, and they both fell to the ground.
Kisame strolled into the library, raising an eyebrow as a pillar of flame-breath spiraled into the air.
This was a library.
Who the hell uses fire-type attacks in a library?
Grumbling to himself, Kisame started to walk in the direction of the blast.
Imagine his surprise at seeing that Hinata was the one being so reckless. She had a look of determination on her face, and her opponent looked quite smug. And probably for a good reason. Hinata's opponent was using a Pidove, and Hinata's Pignite looked exhausted but determined.
"Pepper, jump on the bookcase! Launch an Ember, then use Flame Charge! And if that doesn't work, use an Ember, followed by a Flame Charge!"
It was obviously a last-ditch attack, one final blow before the match ended. He ought to teach her not to give out the second half of the last-ditch attack before she even knew if the first half was going to work.
Pepper listened to her, even as she continued to shout commands, and Kisame inhaled. Would this work?
The Pidove dodged the first attack, causing the Pignite to act on the order of using Flame Charge. The hit connected, but Hinata's opponent smirked.
"AIR CUTTER!" The Pidove's wings flapped back, glowing with power, and Kisame realized that there was no way either of them would be able to dodge.
"No!" Hinata snarled, causing Kisame to recoil in shock. "EMBER, FULL STRENGTH!" Pepper wasn't fast enough though. The Pignite and the Pidove felt the effects of gravity as their hits connected, neither of them having the strength to stop their descent. They crumpled to the ground, and Kisame heard Hinata's sharp inhale and she brought her hands to her mouth.
She stood there, frozen, before rushing over to her Pokemon. Her opponent calmly walked over.
"It's a tie, Hinata-chan." Hinata looked horrified at the thought, whimpering as she shakenly took ahold of her Pokeball and recalled Pepper.
Kisame frowned. What was going on here? Normally Hinata wouldn't...well, he hadn't seen Hinata lose yet, so he couldn't guess how she'd react to a loss. Or, a draw. But this seemed to have a certain...importance.
"Wh-what does that mean, Aunt Yomi?" Kisame blinked in shock, his heart tugging at the sound of her voice. Definitely important, this. He focused on the two, his breath hitching as he tried take in the entire scene.
Kisame had dismissed the woman as unimportant. Just another gym trainer. But this woman was older than most gym trainers, and must have been at least in her late thirties to her early forties. She didn't look like a Hyuuga, but she had pale brown eyes, dark brown hair to her mid-back, fair skin, and was clad in a scientist's uniform. She looked like Hinata's cousin, except older and more feminine. Glasses were perched on her nose, and now she was reaching her hand out to touch Hinata, resting it on her shoulder.
"Hinata-chan." Hinata looked up at her Aunt, with large, worry-filled eyes. "I'll still tell Neji you need to meet up with him. But when and where will be up to you."
"Y-yes ma'am..." Hinata whispered, looking torn. She almost looked like she was going to cry, but he couldn't fathom wh- Oh, right. Her cousin had gotten her the Cottonee.
Aunt...This would be his mother. The battle must have been to decide what Hinata would do.
Kisame sighed, placing his hand on his forehead. Geez, makes me glad I'm done with that stuff.
"Sir, do you need something?" Kisame blinked, and was surprised to see Yomi standing. And glaring at him. Well, that was something he didn't experience very often. Hinata sniffled, and Kisame fought not to look at her.
"Ah, sorry." Kisame said, grinning uneasily. "It's hard to put together what's happening when you arrive late."
"Hmm, well maybe you should be eaves-dropping on other people's moments. That would clear the awkwardness for you, hmm?" She advised, annoyance heavy in her voice. Hinata's gaze turned to Kisame, a few unshead tears in her eyes. Surprise was evident on her face.
"Uhm..." Hinata murmured, and Yomi turned back to Hinata with a warm smile.
"Sorry, Hinata-chan, I'll try to get him to go." Yomi practically cooed, and Kisame sweat-dropped mentally. Geez, she was almost like Zetsu. Except, y'know, female and not a giant cannibalistic plant.
"Actually...H-he's my f-friend." Hinata said shyly, pressing her fingers together. Surprise flitted over Yomi's face, and she slowly looked at Kisame. Really looked at him. Uncomfortableness seeped into him as she scanned his body, but Kisame stared at her right back.
"Him? Who...How did you two meet?" She finally asked, as Hinata was picking herself up from the floor. Hinata wiped her eyes, gave a little sniffle, and started blushing for whatever reason. Weird shy girl. Kisame thought with amusement.
"Her friend Kiba was talking to me. Met through him." Kisame answered, and he shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Hmm." Was all the noise Yomi made on the subject. "I'll be telling your father, Hinata-chan."
Well shit. Kisame mentally groaned. Her father knew what Kisame was doing. But Hinata didn't. And it was preferable to him that it stayed that way. Who knows what would happen if Yomi contacted Hiashi. Kisame tried to not fixate Hinata's aunt with a glare, forcing a bored expression onto his face.
"Uhm, well, s-since Shino-kun and Kiba-kun wanted to a-adventure together, I asked h-him to travel with me until I was s-strong enough, Aunt Yomi." Hinata murmured, pressing her fingers together. "K-kiba-kun and Shino-kun have a l-lot of admiration for Kisame-san."
Yomi's lips pursed, and she didn't say anything as her eyes flickered between Kisame and Hinata.
The silence in the library became highly noticeable to Kisame. It felt like it lasted decades, waiting for Yomi to speak again. Hinata had stopped looking sad, and eventually zoned out to take in their surroundings.
"I won't tell him. But I will be notifying Neji." Yomi finally spoke. Kisame and Hinata's eyes drew to her, and Yomi smiled warmly. "In any case, it was nice to see you again, Hinata-chan."
"I-it was nice to s-see you too, Aunt Yomi." Hinata chirped back, smiling fondly at her aunt. Kisame smirked, resisting the urge to shake his head at how close they seemed.
"Go to the Pokemon Center and rest up for tomorrow, Lenora will be waiting."
"Yes ma'am." Hinata chirped, walking over to Kisame. Kisame pulled himself up from his slouched leaning position against the nearest bookcase, and stretched.
"Oh, and telling Neji he should be expecting a little brother or sister soon."
"Yes Aunt Yo-...What?" Hinata hesitated as she reached Kisame, and turned around to see Yomi rubbing her belly.
"I'll be informing your uncle tonight. Now, get going." She said, smirking mischievously, and Kisame snorted in amusement. Hinata's reaction was priceless.
"O-okay." Hinata turned around, her face fuming as she looked up to Kisame. "Let's g-get pizza, Kisame-san?" She asked, pressing her fingers together. Kisame nodded, grinning toothily.
They started to walk towards the entrance to the library when Yomi called to them again.
"Oh, and Hinata-chan, don't use fire in a library! It's rude to the priceless artifacts!"
Kisame's guffawing could be heard throughout the entire library.
Wow that took a while to finish. I had to toss some of the stuff I'd written, because what I had written for Anko and Genma was so out of character I was disappointed in myself. So I hope I didn't mess them up too badly. And writing in Yomi was fun, because I only had dialogue for her. And that was pre-battle stuff. The after-battle lines were just fun. C:
Anywho, sorry for the long wait, I really really really hope the next chapter doesn't take so long to get out.
Any comments, questions, or concerns? Put 'em in the review box!