Illrima nodded. "Alright - just make this mission quick..."
"As quick as we can." Natsumi agreed, breaking off into a run once again.
The three Oshue had followed Natsumi and Illrima, without saying anymore.
"We are close, are we not?" Illua said out of the blue, as she noticed the familiar surroundings, from when she was in Akatsuki.
Natsumi nodded. "Closer than I wish we were... I have a bad feeling about this..."
Minako shook her head. "It will be fine. I'll rip those idiots to shreds!"
The Oshue had listened to Natsumi and Minako talk back and forth, Minako had said she wanted to rip the enemy to shreds. That worried Illua, slightly.
"Will you now?"
"If only we'd make it that easy!"
Looking up, the six could see two girls with long black hair who looked idendical. And beside them, stood a male.
"Shit." Natsumi groaned, coming to a stop. She knew all three, but she also knew that Illua knew the male better than herself.
Soon, the group had ran into a group of three, and Natsumi, as well as the Oshue, had stopped. It consisted of two females and one... Male. It seemed too early! Well, No. But, It couldn't be... It was. Illua had refused to look up at him, her eyes seemed to be pinned to the ground. There was nothing left to do or say. It had come to this.
"Natsumi, what a pleasent surprise!" The twins said in unison.
"Go die!" Natsumi hissed. "What the hell do you gain from taking both Hibiki and Hikaru?"
"A chance to kill you, Natsumi." Deila smirked.
"And get rid of that curse forever." Kyna laughed, pointing toward Minako.
Minako tensed as Natsumi put her arm out in front of her. "If anyone is going to die today, it will be you three and whoever else you have hidden away on your side!" Natsumi hissed.
"That is where the great Natsumi is wrong!" The twins smiled. "Datenshi, would you like to start?" They asked, giggling.
Natsumi, Minako and Illrima seemed to pull a kunai into their hands at the same time.
All of the Oshue, good and bad, were unusually quiet when the evil twins Deila, Kyna, as well as Natsumi were speaking back and forth. Datenshi, whose eyes were locked on Illua, at first had not heard the twins when they asked if he wanted to start. He blinked once and found words to speak.
"Aw. Well, That is awfully kind of you two." He said in a deep voice as he raised his right hand and put it to his chin. "I would be glad to." He finished, narrowing his eyes. Datenshi stepped forward, eyes locked on Illua. "Would you like to be first, my love?" Datenshi asked, smiling over at Illua. "Or... would you rather watch your friends be slain first?" He added, in a darker tone.
Illua's eyes widened as she found the courage to look him in the eye. She had no idea where that came from, It didn't even sound like the 'Daten' she had known...
"W-What... Have you become? You... Have changed... so much... Datenshi..." Illua had seemed to stutter, which was odd for her.
When Kaizen heard the choice he had given Illua, he stepped in front, with his sword already unsheathed, and pointed it towards Daten. The sword's blade was a odd golden colour, it looked razor sharp.
"Kaizen. Long time no see. I wouldn't do anything too hasty, now. You might get hurt." Datenshi had warned, narrowing his eyes. He seemed to be mocking him.
"I will risk my life to protect my friends... Even if I should kill you myself!" He had exclaimed, as he charged with his sword raised, ready to strike him.
Datenshi looked strangely calm as he met Kaizen half-way. He had seemed to move in the blink of an eye, and he caught Kaizen's arm that carried the sword with ease. With his free hand, Datenshi wrapped his hand around Kaizen's neck, and had pushed him onto the ground with an amazing force, seeming to create a indent in the earth.
Kaizen gasped under Datenshi's grip.
"Hmph. You are no fun." Datenshi had said, ripping Kaizen's sword out of his hand and throwing it away.
With his now free hand, Datenshi's straight hand began to glow with a strange purple flame, prepared to finish Kaizen off with it.
Natsumi acted quickly, she pulled her hands together. "Hitima!" Her eyes changed to their white form as she threw herself at Datenshi, knocking him off of Kaizen and to the ground. She found herself quickly pinned beneath him however, and tried using her eyes. She quickly tried to find his heart with crossbones bubble, once she found it, she quickly tried to end him.
Minako jumped forward and threw her fist toward Deila, who dodged easily.
"That the best you got!" She laughed, her twin slapping Minako across the face, her body falling to the ground from the force.
"Ha!" Kyna smirked before she felt herself be pulled from her sister.
Illrima quickly formed a whip made of a special spider web. It latched onto Kyna's neck, trying to pull her away.
Datenshi, who had been knocked off Kaizen by Natsumi, had wondered just what happened, but was quick to react. After being tackled by Natsumi, he had found himself on top of her. He had thought he could finish her quickly, but, he had felt a strange jutsu take over, and had a terrible feeling about it. Datenshi seemed to panic, and tried to figure out a way to cancel... whatever it was. His hand soon transformed into a fist, this time not in purple flames, and had closed in on Natsumi's face, in attempt to land a punch.
Kaizen, who at the moment was useless, attempted to catch his breathe as he gasped. Yahasu acted quickly as Minako was getting beaten by Deila. She had thought to help her. Sprinting from behind Deila, Yahasu had made a fist, what seemed to be a cyclone had rotated around her fist, (with enough power to rip through someone, or even a solid rock) and extended it towards Deila.
Natsumi gasped as she felt the wind be knocked from her. The force caused her jutsu to release as she now struggled against Datenshi. She brought her leg up and dug her knee into his back, quickly slipping from beneath him and tackling him once again. She quickly backfliped over to Kaizen's abandened sword and slid it in his direction before poucning at Datenshi again.
Minako's eyes focused themselves before she pounced toward Deila. Panic ran through Deila as she tried to come up with an escape. With two possible ways blocked, she jumped upwards, causing Minako and Yahasu to bump into each other. Minako cried out as the cyclone sliced her arm.
Kyna quickly formed hand seals and her body appeared to light on fire, breaking the webbing. She quickly jumped to her sister's side as the two began using their hands together to form seals.
"Bounded-Water-Fire-jutsu!" As the twins called out, a heavy layer of fog covered the area making everyone bascially blind - an advantage and disadvantage for all of them...
Datenshi had felt the jutsu weaken, and felt a bit more relaxed... It was those eyes of hers... He was brought back to reality as Natsumi's knee dug into his back, he let out a small grunt of pain. She seemed slippery, and hard to get a hold of, because Natsumi had slipped beneath Daten.
Before Datenshi could even stand once again or even turn around to see what she was going to do, he seemed to be pounced on again by Natsumi, and he had hit the ground. Daten growled in anger as he realized nothing was happening and he was not getting anywhere.
"I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THESE CHILDISH GAMES!" He exclaimed, as anger seemed to seethe from him.
Datenshi had seemed to loose his cool, And there was one thing Illua had known and even feared... His fiery temper.
Datenshi had gotten a hold of Natsumi's short black hair, and peeled her off of him. Turning to face Kaizen, he smirked. He planed to finish Natsumi off in front of Kaizen. He could tell Kaizen felt something for Natsumi, and Datenshi thought it'd be interesting to see what he would attempt to do.
Over on the other side of the field, Yahasu had attempted to hit Deila, but found that she had moved quickly, and she had bumped into Minako, slicing her arm slightly. "Shit!" Yahasu said aloud, as she canceled out the jutsu, to try and not do more damage to Minako. Soon the twins were reunited, and Illua knew this was not good. They had come together and created a fog to sweep over the battlefield. "Well, That seemed pretty useless." Illua said aloud as she activated her kekkei genkai. She had thought she could see them using one of the Oshue's high visual abilities to see people's heat in colours and their own life energy, But to her surprise it was so thick she could only see people about 10 feet in front of her. She went off through the fog to find the twins and stop this jutsu...
Kaizen, who had recovered, had grabbed his sword and stood up, seeing two faded colours together. He had thought it was Natsumi and Datenshi. He was right. Datenshi was still holding Natsumi by her hair. This enraged Kaizen. Datenshi merely smiled.
"What are you going to do?" He exclaimed, feeling cocky.
Kaizen just stood there, and then it was his turn to smile. Kaizen had come up form behind Datenshi without him knowing. And had stabbed right through him. The Kaizen that grabbed the sword?: It was a Shadow Clone, a simple distraction to release Natsumi. Datenshi choked as he let go of Natsumi's hair. But to Kaizen's surprise, Datenshi had turned into a log. A substitution.
Natsumi yelped as she hit the ground. She, however, quickly jumped back up and tried to take in her surroundings. "Hitima." She whipsered as her eyes returned again. She searched the two males not far from her. She regonised Datenshi easily and resumed her previous actions. The only downside to her eyes - time.
Minako quickly shrugged off the pain. She ignored her the blood trickling down her arm as she held Yahasu to the ground. Before she could be questioned, Minako began throwing kunai wildly in the direction she smelt the twins. A high pitched scream could be heard before Minako found herself tackled by Kyna.
"You hurt my sister you bitch!" She shrieked.
Daten had took a quiet sigh of relief when he got away from Natsumi and Kaizen. "Those two..." He growled under his voice, he had begun to hate both of them. But he the sigh of relief came too soon. He had felt that damn jutsu used by Natsumi take over again. "DAMN IT! WHEN WILL YOU HAVE ENOUGH!" Datenshi exclaimed, as he jumped out of the tree, revealing his position. His plan, now that he noticed Natsumi could see someone even if they are hiding, was terminated.
Just like before he had to find a way to shake this Jutsu off and to try and prevent her from using it again. Charging Natsumi, Datenshi had forgotten about Kaizen, who was 10 feet away. Kaizen had quickly swung his sword in Daten's direction. As Kaizen swung his sword, a heap of fire was sent from the golden blade, and flew towards him. Dodging it quickly by dropping to the ground, Datenshi had soon continued after Natsumi. The fire ball, once passed Datenshi, had hit a tree and it had exploded on contact, leaving the once green tree in flaming ashes.
Datenshi ignored this, only because he had reached his target. Approaching Natsumi, Datenshi extended his right hand covered in purple flames, attempting to land a hit...
Yahasu had seemed enraged as Minako held her to the ground, But she had stopped fighting her when she saw her throw kunai in a direction. A scream had soon rung out over the fog. And a voice followed. Minako had hit one of the twins, and the fog soon worn off. Yahasu had grinned slightly. She wanted to thank her, but, Yahasu was never the one to say it.
Illua, noticing the fog lifted away, and the scream, had soon saw the injured twin. Charging from behind Deila, Illua's hand soon had lighting encasing it. It was similar to the Chidori, apart from that her's was red, it took the form of a jagged sword, though she had shape it in any way desired. (As well as throwing it for a ranged attack.) Illua had called it Kokurai Blade.
Natsumi felt panic run through her as she tried to think of a quick escape. Without enough time to think, his fist reached her and she flew back several feet, screaming out in pain. Her body laid motionless on the grass. Her conciencenss was weak as she felt blood drip from her mouth. "H-Hikaru.. I'm s-so sorry..." She whispered before her jutsu canceled and her eyes closed.
Minako hissed like a cat as she rolled Kyna over, pinning her to the ground. Her luminious aqua eyes narrowed as she used her free hand to grab a kunai from her pouch.
"D-Don't! P-Please!' Kyna begged, her eyes watering.
"You're useless without your other half, aren't you?" Minako growled.
Kyna could only nod.
"You will be with her again soon." Minako smirked as she pulled the kunai across Kyna's thoat, watching her choke on her blood.
Deila was leaning against a rock, withering in pain when she noticed Illua. The kunai Minako had thrown had plunged into her ribcage.
"P-Please..." She begged, though her voice trailed off a a wince left her.
The fog suddenly disappeared completely as Deila began to sob. "K-Kyna! No!" She cried, realizing her sister was no longer alive.
Datenshi, at this time, seemed to be one of the last left. But, a certain satisfaction had rose in him as Natsumi was taken out. But, unlike Daten, this enraged Kaizen.. "Y-You... You... BASTARD!" Kaizen had exclaimed as Datenshi turned around slightly to see Kaizen right in front of him. Before Datenshi could speak or even react, Kaizen punched him square in the face, sending Daten flying back a few feet. Datenshi had coughed, the air was knocked out of him, as well as a bit of blood on the corner of his mouth. He no longer cared about Natsumi, and finishing her off. Only since all he needed to do was touch her slightly with the flames, to call the fight his. A punch made it even more satisfying.
Kaizen, was another story. Datenshi had gotten up quickly, and charged at him. Kaizen had dodged him with ease, and swiftly sliced his back, and the clone he had earlier kicked Daten to a tree. Soon blood had begun to make a small puddle around him as he fainted. Kaizen, snapping back to his usual behavior, had approached Natsumi. His clone disappeared in a puff of smoke. On closer inspection, where Datenshi had punched her cheek, it had turned purple. Not because of a bruise, but if someone looked close enough, it seemed to be moving under her skin. It was a toxic poison.
Illua had slowed into a walk when Deila leaned against a rock, she had noticed the kunai in her ribcage. She had begged, but it was too bad that Illua had no sympathy. For anyone. "It appears as if you are asking the wrong person." She said, narrowing her eyes, as she stopped a couple steps away from her. Deila had soon started sobbing, and cried out when Kyna had died. Illua raised her had, and the blade had cut through her neck.
Illua had quickly turned from Deila, and ran towards Natsumi and Kaizen, knowing Datenshi's technique that hit Natsumi. "This is not good, This is not good at all." Illua said panicking slightly. She glanced over at Datenshi and narrowed her eyes. But soon forced her gaze from him. "We had to heal her. Right now. Before it spreads any more!" Illua said, taking off her gloves quickly.
Minako, Yashau and Illrima rushed over to the other three. Minako tensed when she saw Natsumi's condition... and that blood!
Illrima's eyes widened slightly. "H-How bad is she? Is this jutsu fatal?"
Natsumi's body remained still and silent, blood still pouring from her mouth.
Illua had heard Illrima, "It can be. It depends on how potent it is. But, I was not in the area when he attacked, but if it was, I could tell. But because I don't know worries me. I could give a good guess, only because I have never seen it this visible before." Illua spoke quickly, and soon removed both gloves. "Kaizen, after I remove it, I want you to heal it right after, Alright?" Illua said, looking up at him before working to remove the poison. Kaizen simply nodded. He was confused why Illua had taken it so seriously, but she was always right.
"This is Datenshi's idea of 'fun'." Illua said, as both hands started to glow blue, beginning to extract it. "The poison is usually invisible, and if his enemy survives, they usually cannot tell they have been inflicted by it, only because he doesn't need to break the skin or a shallow cut. So they don't know until they die unexpectedly..." Illua said, as it began to be sucked out through Natsumi's skin. Kaizen looked in curiosity at the purple spot, which was slowly disappearing. Yahasu had approached Minako and looked at her cut arm. "I hope you don't mind..." she said in a quiet voice as she put her right hand to it, healing it.
Minako shook her head as she winced slightly, the deep wound healing slowly.
Natsumi's body stirred slightly, but remained unconsious.
"Illua... we must be quick. My spider knows how many more we are against and how close we are. The ones left are fairly easy and it's only two. Ryo may not even attack. Hibiki and Hikaru will be easy to get, we just need to hurry."
"Why don't the three of us go then?" Minako asked Illrima and Yahasu.
"That may actually be a good idea!" Illrima agreed. "Illua, Kaizen. Stay here and take care of Natsumi! We will be back!" Without waiting for a reply, Minako and Illrima ran off.
Yahasu had nodded, as a farewell to Kaizen and Illua as Illua continued to remove the poison. Yahasu had followed the two other girls. But suddenly, as she looked over at the tree where datenshi was at... He was gone. Illua quickly looked back at Natsumi, to try and keep it from Kaizen. Illua had soon removed all of the poison, and Kaizen's hands had replaced Illua's. Illua stood up, and pulled out a small, glass container and carefully put the poison in it.
"Illua?" Kaizen asked, watching her put the container away. Illua looked at him. "She should be fine now. We should wait here until she regains consciousness, though." Illua said, walking over and sitting beside Kaizen as he removed his hands form Natsumi's face.
Minako's heart was racing as they closed in on Hibiki and Hikaru's location. Illrima quickly stopped the two as she sensed someone close by.
"Where are those idiots?" Daiki growled in annoyance.
"M-Maybe they were killed..." Ryo said nervously.
"You're such a pussy! Why are you even with us?"
"I-I don't know..."
"Then will you be on our side?" Illrima asked as her and the other two emerged in view.
Ryo nodded.
"What? No!" Daiki hissed, activating her sharingan.
Ryo shook his head. "Daiki, just give up."
Minako pounced at the girl and tackled her, not even giving her time to fight back, her throat was sliced.
"Minako?"
Minako's eyes widened upon hearing Hibiki's voice. She ran into the back room and quickly untied him, throwing herself into his arms as tears began to fall down her cheeks.
"I'm so glad you're alright!" He whispered, pulling her close.
Illrima walked over and untied Hikaru. He smiled weakly. "Thanks. Where is my sister?"
Illrima frowned. "She's not well..."
His onyx eyes widened. "Wh-what? Take me to her, now!"
Minako nodded. She pulled Hibiki to his feet and the five ran off back to where the other three were.
Natsumi was weak. She stirred but again remained out.
Kaizen had watched her stir and he blinked. "She... is going to be alright... isn't she?" Kaizen asked, looking over at Illua, who was staring down at Natsumi.
Illua did not say anything.
"...Illua?" Kaizen repeated, looking over at his step cousin with concern. Illua had spaced out in thought of Datenshi.
The five suddenly appeared, Hikaru was in front and collapssed at his sisters side. The two were several years apart but looked identical. His eyes began to water as he pulled Natsumi into his lap.
''Wh-what the hell happened? I-Is my sister going to be alright?'' he sobbed.
Natsumi remained motionless in his arms. The pendent that hung around Hikaru's neck seemed to repair itself, only making his sobs turn to actual cries.
Illua had seen Hikaru pull Natsumi towards him, And Illua finally snapped out of her thoughts.
"She should be. I will keep an eye on her for a few days until the swelling goes down." Illua said, activating her Kekkei Genkai. As She activated her eyes, the pupil increased almost twice it's normal size. She had looked at the spot Datenshi had punched her. "I don't see any more of Datenshi's poison... so, she should be fine." Illua said, smiling at Hikaru as she stood up.
Kaizen had stared up along with Illua and noticed the new person with Illrima, Minako, Hikaru, Yahasu and Hibiki. Kaizen said nothing as he sheathed his sword and looked to Illua for what to do next. Yahasu, was the only Oshue who noticed Datenshi gone.
Yahasu had stepped forward. "He's... gone." Yahasu said in a monotone voice as she looked over at Illua with narrowed eyes, knowing she was hiding something.
Kaizen turned around and also noticed he was gone. "That bastard!" He said, his anger growing once again and he sprinted over to the tree with the pool of blood.
Illua put her left hand to her face and began to massage her eyebrow with a sigh. That was exactly why Illua wanted to not tell anyone, because she knew Kaizen would want to go after him.
Hikaru lifted Natsumi as he stood up. ''It's getting dark, we should go somewhere.''
Hibiki nodded. Minako smiled weakly as she pulled Hibiki with her and guestered for the others to follow as she lead them to a cave. It was simple and small, a squishy sleep for the group. Minako had quickly fallen asleep along with Hibiki. Illrima kept watch as Hikaru stayed up, keeping his eyes on the unconsious Natsumi. Ryo remained hidden in the back of the cave, feeling unwanted.
Illua nodded when Hikaru had said there was a cave near by. The Oshue had followed behind the group quietly. Kaizen was frowning, seemed to be brooding about Datenshi and him surviving and getting away. They reached the cave shortly after, Kaizen sat down against a rock, much like last night. Yahasu had tried to find a spot away from most other people, since she didn't like the company of most people in this group. She had gone to the back, noticing that new guy seeming to hide. Yahasu had walked away from him, thinking maybe he wanted to be alone like her. She had found her own little quiet space away from people. She had seemed to grow bored within five minutes and began to caress her long, odd white hair. Odd, only because the Oshue members were known to have darker hair colours. Gray, even, but never white. Illua had planned to go into the cave, but she had stopped herself. She felt like telling the others she was going to be right back, but... Who would she tell? Instead, she just left for a little walk, since she was not tired yet.
Hikaru looked over at Kaizen. ''So, you're the one.'' he chuckled lightly. ''Natsumi and I can hear each others thoughts. She spoke of you.''
Ryo looked nervously at everyone. He felt like a betrayer - he wished he was dead.
''Where are you going?'' Illrima asked as Illua passed her.
Kaizen had looked up at Hikaru, he had said 'he was the one'. Kaizen looked at him with a confused look, but then Hikaru explained that he could hear each other through thoughts, and Natsumi spoke of him. Kaizen lit up.
"S-She did? What did she say?" Kaizen said, growing curious.
Yahasu had seen Ryo look around nervously, she had wondered what his problem was.
Illua was preparing to go for a walk, whens he heard Illrima's voice.
"I am just going for a walk. I should be back in twenty minutes or so." Illua said, turning to Illrima. "If I don't come back for far longer, you shouldn't worry." Illua said, smirking.
Illua had continued her walk into the forest. At that time, Gensou seemed to pop out of nowhere, and approached Kaizen.
"Where is Illua?" Gensou said, looking up at Kaizen.
"Did she... Not make it?" Gensou said, feeling sorry.
"There you are, You coward!" Kaizen said, frowning slightly. "Illua WAS right, you aren't very useful, are you?" Kaizen said raising an eyebrow. "Illua did make it, actually, but she's out on a walk. You should stay here though." Kaizen said, Pulling Gensou towards him. Gensou let out a small moan.
Hikaru laughed lightly before looking back at Kaizen. ''What did she say? Curious now?'' he laughed once again, looking down at Natsumi. ''She likes you.'' he answered.
Illrima watched nervously as Illua walked off. She considered stopping her, but decided against it.
Ryo noticed Yahsau looking at him. ''What?'' he finally asked.
Kaizen had listened to Hikaru as he pulled Gensou into his lap. As Hikaru said that Natsumi likes him, a blush crept on his face.
"R-Really? S-She does?" He said, scratching his head and laughing sheepishly.
As Ryo Noticed Yahasu and asked 'what', Yahasu shook her head, he snowy locks brushing her face as her head turned. "Nothing." She had said, casting her gaze downwards to the ground of the cave.
Illua had walked on through the forest, the cave long behind her. Illua came to a clearing, with an unusually flat stone in the middle. She stopped and looked up into the dark night sky to see a full moon above her. Her attention was caught by a ruffling in the bushes in front of her. Illua narrowed her Mahogany eyes as she activated them. She could see a faded life source, she knew someone was there.
"Come out." She said in a demanding voice.
As the figure appeared out of the tree line. It was Datenshi. In the moonlight, she could see almost his whole entire robe was soaked in blood. Illua's eyes widened. She had realized why his life force was fading... He was dying."Datenshi..." She said, her mouth agape.
"I-Illua..." He said, before collapsing to his knees.
Before even thinking Illua had sprinted towards him, catching him before he could fall to the ground, And knelled in front of him.
"Why are you here, Daten?" She said, looking at him, face-to-face.
Datenshi put a bloodied finger to her lips. "You... Shouldn't... Call me that..." Datenshi said weakly, as memories of their past came back.
That was something only Illua had ever called him, when they were once friends.
"There is a lot of things I shouldn't do or say... But I still do." Illua said, putting her smaller hand around his, and moving his from her face.
Datenshi only smiled. The sat there for only about two minutes, before Illua convinced Datenshi to let her heal him. Daten sat on that flat rock, his Akatsuki robe thrown into the dirt. Datenshi had then pulled off his skin-tight fishnet shirt, to let Illua heal the wound. Illua had begun to heal his back, which had a three-inch deep gash given to him by Kaizen. Illua had healed it all in about ten minutes, and turned to face Datenshi.
"What... What happened to you back there?" Illua asked, trying to keep her eyes off him.
Datenshi gave her an odd look. "What is the matter? Can you not look at me?" He asked, taking his right hand and placing it in her cheek, turning her face towards him.
Illua had placed her hand on his, but ended up pushing his hand away. Daten looked confused.
"You didn't answer my question." she said, looking up at him.
"It was an act, Illua. You know I'd never hurt you." Datenshi said, glancing away from her for a short moment, then looking back.
"And how do I know if you are acting now?" Illua said, her eyes narrowing.
Datenshi gave Illua a look, "What do you mean? Illua, Don't you trust me anymore?" Daten asked, his grip tightened on his fishnet shirt in his hand.
"I don't know IF I can trust you anymore." Illua said, with strain in her voice.
"Where'd you get this from, Illua?" Datenshi said, bending closer towards Illua.
"I DIDN'T get this from anywhere, Datenshi. Things you have done... Things you said... I thought we were..." Illua blushed slightly as she looked at the ground, after remembering them in the past, and after finally noticing Datenshi had not put on his shirt yet. She had forgotten he was that fit...
"Can you not say it? Are you that shamed of me and of what we used to be?" Daten asked.
"I should be getting back now." Illua said standing up, trying to avoid saying anything more to him.
Datenshi had grabbed her wrist gently and looked up at her. That look had always won Illua over... Illua seemed to collapse to her knees as she leaned in towards him. Datenshi had wrapped her arms around Illua. His embrace was always the most comfortable and warm, not to mention she had always felt safe there. As cheesy as it may have sounded.
"Do I not have your love?" He asked, tucking his head towards hers, in her charcoal hair.
Illua could not find the words to say to him, and she felt like she had a bubble in her throat, that bubble that someone would always get when they try to talk while crying. She replied as she held in tears,
"You have all of my love..."
Illrima, who had chased after Illua, gasped from her hiding spot. Slowly she walked forward, only a few feet from the pair. ''He almost killed Nat, yet you still love him? Must be strong - that or you do not care for Natsumi.'' she sighed, crossing her arms.
''Yes, she does.'' Hikaru laughed. ''I don't like seeing her in pain..'' he admitted, stroking her cheek with his finger.
Ryo's eyes widened. He felt something strange - he better not like a girl! He sighed.
Illua was shocked when Illrima had ended followed her. Illua had looked from Datenshi's arms.
"I do care about Natsumi. She is one of my best and closest friends. How dare you say that..." Illua said, narrowing her eyes.
Illua was not starting to like Illrima. Illua was also worried, if this gotten out, she had wondered how people would look at her. Or think even. Most importantly if it reached Kaizen... he would be so mad. Datenshi had said nothing as he stared at Illrima with growing hate. Kaizen had nodded when Hikaru said he didn't like seeing her in pain. Kaizen nodded,
"I don't like to see her in pain either... I don't want to see her like that. I want to see her smiling and happy." Kaizen said gently, smiling down at Natsumi as he stroked Gensou's fur.
Illrima frowned. ''Is he on our side then?''
Natsumi stirred and her eyes slowly opened. ''H-Hikaru?'' she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Hikaru let out a sigh of relief as he pulled her into his embrace. She winced slightly but hugged him back, tears forming in her eyes. He didn't hate her anymore!
Datenshi had released Illua from his embrace, and stood up quickly. Illua had wondered what he was doing.
"It's time for me to go." Datenshi said quickly as he pulled his fishnet shirt over his head. Illua tilted her head,
"Won't you join us? This organization is existing to put together our clan..." Illua said, looking at him.
"I will when things... Cool down. I promise." Datenshi said, looking lovingly at Illua, then glaring across at Illrima before grabbing his Akatsuki robe and swinging it over his shoulders and buttoning it up. He seemed to be in a hurry.
"Daten? Are you just avoiding it altogether?" Illua asked, frowning over at him.
"No, I am not. I promised you I would join." He said, leaning over and kissing the top of her head as a farewell.
Before even Illua could say goodbye, He seemed to disappear without a trace. Illua stood up and was unusually quiet. "We should head back." Illua had only said, as she began to walk back towards the cave.
As Kaizen heard Natsumi's voice, he perked up, and looked over to her as Hikaru hugged her. It looked sweet, and Kaizen said nothing, letting the two have time for themselves, since they haven't seen each other in quite a while.
Illrima frowned again. ''I suppose I say nothing to the others?''
Natsumi pulled herself from her brothers arms to look at Kaizen. ''Thank you.'' she whispered, blushing slightly.
"I would appreciate that..." Illua said, eye fixed on to the ground.
Illua was quiet the rest of the way back, it seemed even more awkward with Illrima there. Illua had shrugged it off. Kaizen had smiled when Natsumi thanked him.
"It's no problem." He said gently, not even sure what she was thanking him for at all. Illua had soon reached the mouth of the cave and noticed Natsumi was awake.
"How are you, Natsumi?" She asked stepping closer examining were she extracted Datenshi's poison from.
There was still some swelling, but otherwise looked fine.
Natsumi smiled weakly. ''I feel weak, but still fine. What happened anyway? What happened to that guy, Datenshi?'' she asked simply.
Illrima tensed and walked off back to her look out post.
Illua had quieted, not quite sure what to say. And say Illrima walk off to her post. But then Kaizen stepped in.
"I had cut him pretty good, and he was knocked out. But the bastard escaped somehow." Kaizen had said, frowning slightly as he watched Gensou leave his lap and hop to Illua's shoulder. The brooding seemed to come back to Kaizen.
Natsumi reached out and lightly touched Kaizen's shoulder. ''Why you so worked up suddenly?''
Kaizen had looked at Natsumi and smiled slightly. "Well, He had hurt you." He said coolly, trying to figure out how to word it. "I don't want to see you hurt like that again. I want... To be there to protect you." Kaizen said, blushing slightly. "I mean, I never really did like him." He said, laughing slightly.
Natsumi found herself blushing. She was never one to feel much emotion, especially during her time in the Akatsuki, but right then, she swore if she knew what love felt like, this had to be it. She hesitated for a moment before throwing her arms around Kaizen's neck, hugging him tightly. Tears formed in her eyes again as she felt words being stuck in her throat, so she choked out a sob instead.
Hikaru just laughed as he heard Natsumi's thoughts.
Kaizen was surprised when Natsumi had wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. He put his arms around her, returning the hug as he smiled. As she had started to cry, he rubbed her back softly, attempting to comfort her. This moment had brought a smile to Illua's face, Gensou had even smiled under his mask. The only one who wasn't smiling was Yahasu, who was standing at this moment to try and figure out what all the noise was about.
Natsumi buried her face into Kaizen's shoulder as she let herself calm.
'You really do like him, sis.' Hikaru's voice laughed in her head.
'What do you think, idiot?' Natsumi replied, laughing slightly.
Ryo had also noticed what was going on and couldn't help but to smile.
Kaizen had kept on smiling, and rubbing her back softly. He seemed to really enjoy this moment. But if Mirai would find out, she would beat him. Illua, was still smiling as well. Yahasu had noticed Ryo smile as well. Yahasu was confused by all of this... emotion in the room. It was pretty weird for her, being tought since a child about 'emotions being a weakness' and to express them a little as possible... Yet, they showed them all the time. All of this puzzled her.
Natsumi finally pulled from his arms, instantly regretting it. She could feel her face heat up even more as she kept her gaze from his - the fact that Hikaru was mocking her inwardly didn't help either.
Kaizen had looked at Natsumi, almost tempted to ask what was wrong. Kaizen had smiled softly,
"It's alright, Natsumi..." He had said, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. She felt very warm.
She finally smiled up at him. Suddenly she felt dizzy and fell forward, catching herself against him. She groaned, reaching up to touch her cheek Datenshi had injured earier that day.
She closed her eyes as she spoke, ''Wh-what the hell.. Did he do to me?'' she whispered weakly.
Hikaru seemed uneasy as he watched his sister carefully, worried she may pass out again.
Kaizen had watched Natsumi as she fell against him, and saw that she had touched her cheek where Datenshi had punched her.
"He poisoned you." Kaizen said, looking down at his new love with a saddened look. "But Illua had taken the poison out using her high-level medical ninjutsu. You should be alright now." He said, smiling slightly, gently wrapping an arm around her.
He was right about the high-level medical ninjutsu, she was the best in the organization, even some other ninjas couldn't compare their to hers. Yahasu had continued to watch in curiosity, but had soon grown bored. Looking back over at the newcomer, she raised an eyebrow. She guessed she would have to introduce herself one day or another... It just seemed less of a pain if she did it now.
"I am Yahasu, By the way." She said with a straight face, in her usual monotone voice, looking over to the new male.
Natsumi nodded weakly. ''I just feel so weak.'' she murmured, almost irritated.
The purple haired male gave her a warm smile. ''Ryo Lumina.'' he replied.
Kaizen had glanced at Yahasu and Ryo, then back down at Natsumi. "Are you tired at all? You would feel better after a bit of sleep, I can promise." He said, smiling down at her.
Yahasu had looked over at Ryo, so had just introduced himself.
"..Nice to meet you." She had said, looking back at Kaizen and Natsumi.
Natsumi nodded again, her eyes remaining shut. Hikaru let out a sigh of relief. Now that he knew Natsumi was alright, he was willing to let himself rest.
''Well, if you're watching her for me, I'm sleeping.'' he stated with a yawn. ''If anything changes with her condition, wake me.''
Natsumi had already fallen asleep against Kaizen, cuddling close as she slept, her breathing only slightly uneven.
''You too.'' Ryo responded, his eyes also watching the others.
Kaizen had listened as Hikaru said he was going to sleep, now that he knew Natsumi was alright. Kaizen would gladly watch Natsumi for Hikaru. Illua had said that she would be alright, and Kaizen never had doubt over anything she had said.
"We are going to sleep as well, Kaizen. Good night." Illua said with a small smile as she picked a place by the entrance to sleep.
Gensou had hopped into Illua's lap and curled up. Illua had looked down at him before closing her eyes and sleeping. Yahasu had soon grown awkward.
"Mmh. I am going to sleep." Yahasu said suddenly, looking over at Ryo. "Goodnight." She said before retreating to her spot and sitting down.
She had moved a snowy lock from her face before resting her head on the rock behind her. She appeared to be bored.
Ryo shrugged and quickly laid himself down. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep.