Gensou had nodded, "Yup, yup! Anywhere else but here!" He said, quickly. "Gensou, why are you in such a rush to leave?" Kaizen asked, looking over at the slinky creature. "I never liked... That man." He said, turning his head around at see Datenshi. "I have always felt a... sinister aura around that guy, something menacing..." Gensou said, looking forward.
Natsumi nodded. "Hikaru does too. I mean, the fact that he had hurt me didn't help, but I know Hikaru doesn't like him for that same reason..." Natsumi sighed. "Let's just go..."
Kaizen had nodded, "Yeah..." He said before drifting into thought.
Back at the camp, Yahasu was still keeping guard, but felt uneasy an enemy was just let into the group... Yahasu did not trust him. She had become to grow bored, though. She had laid back in the grass with her arms behind her head, staring up into the sky. She had a thousand thoughts circling in her head at one time.
Ryo was unsure as to the reason everyone was acting uneasy. With Natsumi and Hikaru gone, Ryo decided to sit down beside Yahsau. He gave her a small smile.
Kaizen was unusually quiet at this moment, but the silence had been broken by Gensou. "So, You have NEVER been over the seas, Natsumi?" He asked, tilting his head.
Yahasu had sat up as she noticed Ryo sit beside her. As shy as she always was around males, she had thought to try and talk to him. Which for her seemed much harder then someone would think.
"Mmm... Hello." She said quietly in a shy voice, looking from him to the ground.
Natsumi shook her head as she lifted a piece of jerky to Gensou. "Nope. Is it fun?"
Ryo smiled. "Hello." He replied, just as nervous as she was.
Gensou chewed on the jerky happily, "Oh, yes. Well, It maybe just my thought... They always say: 'There's no place like home!'" Gensou said, continuing to eat the jerky.
"It is much different from here. Well, mostly about the leaders of the villages, towns or cities." Kaizen said, shrugging.
Yahasu had started to fiddle her fingers, becoming more nervous. 'What do most people talk about?' she had said in her head. Looking back at the purple-headed male, she cleared her throat quietly.
"Do you have any... Hobbies? Interests?" she asked quietly, recalling the word.
Natsumi nodded as she listened to the two explain. "Actually sounds simpiler than here..."
Ryo had laughed at Yahsau's question. "No, no really. You?"
Gensou turned his head in curiousity, "It really does? Well, I don't think so..." Gensou said, recalling the fighting going on over there.
"There is fighting going on among the elders, or the land rulers. It's all really quite ridiculious." Kaizen said, shaking his head.
Yahasu had become quiet when Ryo laughed at her question. It didn't sound funny to her, but the laughing had puther at some ease. She had smiled slightly. She had no idea what this feeling was, or what she was doing. Yahasu had no idea what her hobbies where...if shehadany. Yahasu shrugged,
"I have been fighting all my life. It seems like the only thing I can do right so... Is that a hobby?" She asked herself, scratching her head slightly. "I enjoy gardening as well..." She said, looking up into the sky.
Natsumi nodded. "I still think I'd prefer it... I like fighting..." A shiver traveled up Natsumi's spine as a thought hit her painfully.
Ryo smiled warmly. "That's a hobby. I was in the Akatsuki with Hikaru and Natsumi, Illua had not been there by the time I joined... but, I never wanted to join, I don't have it n my to hurt people unless I had to, to keep myself alive. Hikaru always called me soft..." He laughed lightly. "But never weak... I have the Kekkei Genkai in my family that only every third generation can get, so he knew how strong I was." Ryo explained.
Kaizen had looked at Natsumi as he stopped walking. "What is the matter?" He had asked her, getting all worried.
Yahasu had nodded as Ryo explained. Yahasu herself was interested in the Akatsuki, and almost joined them until she found Illua. Yahasu had shook her head when Ryo said that Hikaru said he was soft because he didn't like to hurt people, "You aren't soft." She said, smiling softly. Yahasu had become more interested when Ryo spoke about his Kekkei Genkai. Yahasu fully turned towards him, "Your Kekkei Genkai?" She asked. "What's it called?" She asked curiously.
Natsumi forced a smile as she looked at Kaizen. "I-It's nothing... I-I was just remembering when Hikaru and I had first found each other again... when I was sixteen and him twenty..." She shook her head slightly. "It was the first time I really fought to keep my life..."
Ryo smiled. "Thanks. And it's called, Aurla. With this power, we have the ability to crush anything using our eyes and some chakra. I also excle at illusions and quick footwork with kunai... but that's it. I'm a crappy ninja, really..." He frowned.
Kaizen looked at Natsumi with a concerned look, and was quiet as she talked. After Natsumi finished, he had no idea what to say...
"Fought to keep your life? What do you mean by that?" Kaizen said, Looking at her curiously. Kaizen had always wished to have a sibling, He thought of Natsumi lucky to have a brother. Yahasu listened to him intently, taking notes of everything he had said about his Kekkei Genkai... It was a forcible habit, she was tought this technique of intelligence-gathering when she was very young. It was almost unavoidable.
Yahasu had shook her head when Ryo said he was a crappy ninja, "You don't have much self-esteem, Huh...?" She said with a straight face. She was really the one to talk, she had none for herself either. "No, No you're not a crappy ninja." Yahasu said, smiling slightly at the male. Her shyness seemed to be wearing off. It was unusual for this early, she was still shy around Kaizen, who she had known for years.
Natsumi sighed as she looked deeply into Kaizen's eyes. "When I was four, and Hikaru eight, we were captured by the same people that killed off my clan. However, with Hikaru's eyes that are far more talented than mine, he set me free and wiped my memory of this existence. Later, an old friend of mine helped me remember Hiikaru, and we went after him." She shivered again. "The people who had him locked, chained him up and treated him like trash. He was used to interrogate other prisoners with Hitima, had he refused to do anything he was ordered, they'd beat him, almost to death. When my friend and I went to save Hikaru, he was killed. I just barely survived. But it made me realise what I could really do as a ninja - what anger made me do. Since then, I've always looked forward to fighting, just to see how much better I can do." She smiled weakly. "Hikaru and I still don't know all of Hitima's secrets, and sometimes if we try, blood pours from our eyes. There is no book history of our clan, no other survivors... it makes it difficult for us..."
Ryo's eyes windened at her comment. "Y-You don't think so?" He seemed taken aback.
Both Gensou and Kaizen had listened to Natsumi explain about how her and Hikaru was captured when they were younger. She had said about secrets about Hitima they did not know. There was no books about the history, and no other survivors. Kaizen had felt lucky his clan didn't all die out, and even though they didn't have any books themselves, they learned all they could from one of the last remaining heirs, Illua. Kaizen shook his head,
"I am sorry... I really am.." He could only say. He sort have felt like he shouldn't have asked. "I would help you. ...In finding other survivors of your clan, I mean..." Kaizen said, lifting he free hand and scratching he head softly. "I mean, you had helped Illua, even myself. I will do anything to repay you.." He said, smiling softly.
Yahasu had nodded, "Of course. I never say anything that I don't mean." She said, smiling lightly as she twirled a finger in her white bangs.
Illua had relaxed against the tree with a sigh, she was exhausted. Illua looked over at Yahasu and Ryo, but suddenly her vision was failing. She began to see clouded and doubled images. Putting a hand to her closed right eye, she had grunted in pain. This took Datenshi's attention. Kneeling down in front of her, he seemed to have a worried expression
Natsumi smiled weakly in appriciation at Kaizen. "Thank you, really. But there are no others but Hikaru and myself." Natsumi's eyes faded to white. She could see Kaizen's guilt. "Don't feel bad about questioning my past. If I'm going to be with you, there is no need for secrets." She smiled up at him. "Is there anything else you want to know?" She asked her eyes turning to normal again.
Ryo smiled at Yahsau, a small blush crossing his face.
Hikau had been watching Datenshi and Illua. He noticed a change in them when Illua sat down. Worry, pain. He watched closely , ready to go over if needed.
Kaizen quieted when Natsumi said there was no other people in their clan, well, if she had said so... Though he wanted to believe there was more. Kaizen had smiled when Natsumi had said there should be no secrets between them if they where going to be with each other. She was right, she really was.. Natsumi had asked if there was anything else Kaizen wanted to know, and he pondered on the tought for a moment.
"I think that's all for now..." He trailed off, still pondering. "Is there anything you want to know about me?" Kaizen said after returning to reality.
Yahasu had seen Ryo blush, and had even blushed herself. Shyness had once again returned, and she kept quiet. These feelings felt so strange... never feeling like this before. Illua had looked up at Datenshi as she removed her hand form her eye.
"I... am... Alright..." She lied, breathing heavily. Datenshi said nothing, but could tell she was lying. Activating his eyes, he had seen her life force flicker. Datenshi's eyes widened. The illness had already started to come back.
"Y-you... You need to sleep. Rest is the only thing you need to feel better..." Datenshi had said, Sitting right beside Illua as he unactivated his eyes. He had wrapped a comforting arm around Illua as he looked at her with a caring look in his eyes.
Natsmi smiled as she thought. "I do not believe so."
'Natsumi, get back here. There is something wrong with Illua.' Hikaru's voice echoed.
Her eyes widended in shock. "We need to go, now." She told Kaizen, taking his hand and running back toward the others.
Ryo saw Yahsau blush and it made him blush even worse.
Hikaru jumped to his feet, his Hitima activated and ran over to Illua and Datenshi. "Why is her life so weak?" He asked with concern.
As Natsumi said they had to get back right now, Kaizen wondered what the problem was. But he let Natsumi lead him by the hand back to camp.
Yahasu had seen Ryo blush more as he saw her blush. She had felt embarrassed for showing her emotions. But she had snapped out of it as she heard Hikaru's voice by Illua and Datenshi. She stood up quickly, swung around and ran towards the three. Datenshi had unwrapped his arm around Illua when Hikaru ran over and asked why her life was weak. Datenshi shook his head, showing panic.
"At first I thought it was her illness, but it doesn't get this strong in such short time!" Datenshi said, reactivating his eyes. Looking down at her hands on her lap, everything became clear. There was a faint purple mist covering the blue life force on both of her hands. "Shit." Datenshi said aloud, his eyes widening in horror.
Natsumi with Kaizen and Gensou on her shoulder reached the group. Ryo had also joined the group from curiosity.
"Wh-what's wrong?" Natsumi questioned, activating Hitima.
Hikaru also had his eyes activated. He could not see the same thing Datenshi saw. Natsumi and Hikaru saw pain and a weak life force.
"I-Illua?" Natsumi gasped at what she saw.
"What is wrong with her?" Ryo asked, oblivious.
Datenshi almost didn't want to tell them. He knew it was his fault, and what Kaizen would do... he didn't want to say anything.
"I thought she had taken care of it! I thought she knew about my technique!" Datenshi said raising his voice, showing his panic.
Datenshi suddenly quieted, feeling guilty. "It's... my fault... It's my technique." Datenshi said in sorrow, lowering his head.
Kaizen let go of Natsumi's hand as anger soon rose in him as he found out why Illua was sick was Datenshi's fault. Stomping over to Datenshi, he had grabbed his coat violently.
"What did you do?" Kaizen exclaimed, tugging on the neck of the Akatsuki cloak. "I knew we shouldn't have trusted you, Bastard! You are nothing but bad news!" Kaizen said, tugging once again on the cloak. Datenshi seemed to try and struggle to talk and explain himself, but couldn't because of Kaizen.
"Kaizen!" Natsumi exclaimed, pulling him back. "Let him explain before we kill him!" Her white eyes narrowed at Datenshi. Hikaru was prepared to kill him as well.
Kaizen was pulled back by Natsumi, and he had soon calmed down after listening to her. Datenshi had fixed his cloak, which had been crumpled by Kaizen.
"I would much prefer you not kill me..." Datenshi said, looking at the ground. He was quiet, but after a sigh he had begun to speak. "It was but wasn't my fault. If that is possible... You see, my technique, the purple flames, also known as the attack I used on Natsumi to poison her... It hooks onto the victim's Chakra. It's sort of like a disease, though it can only hook onto and slip into an Oshue's chakra system..." Datenshi had explained. "So, when Illua was healing Natsumi, it had noticed Illua's Oshue Chakra and slipped into her chakra system without her noticing. Not until now, anyway..." Datenshi finished.
Yahasu's eyes widened, "Y-Yoruchi." She stuttered in fear. That was the name of the forbidden jutsu. Datenshi had just nodded in response and Yahasu narrowed her eyes. Even though Yahasu is mostly unemotional, she could not contain this anger she felt for Daten now. "Our ancestors are frowning on you. You... Have been using our rival's jutsu! And against your own clan! One of our only weaknesses!" Yahasu said, her anger seething. "But how YOU are able to use it and survive is beyond me. It's not even possible!" Yahasu had said, collecting her anger and masking it. she was till confused by it all.
"Lots and lots of training... and other... secrets. My own master had thought it was impossible. But, I was determined. But because of this, It comes at great toll." Datenshi said.
"Wait, Wait, Wait..." Kaizen said, with a confused face. "What secrets? What do you mean? You shouldn't have even learned that awful Jutsu!" Kaizen said, gritting his teeth. Datenshi simply shook his head,
"I don't trust you. I don't like you. Why should I tell any of you? Anyway, it is personal." He said, turning towards Illua. Kaizen made fists, he officially HATED Datenshi now.
Natsumi shook her head and now shoved Datenshi into the tree, her hands around his throat. "Tell us how to fix her, now!"
"Or else Natsumi and I will kill you where you stand." Hikaru hissed.
Ryo had placed at hand on Yahasu's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down.
As Datenshi was shoved to the tree, he had noticed Natsumi's hands around his throat. He coughed, the wind was knocked out of him.
"You are much stronger then you look..." He said, looking at her and sighed, he didn't even bother to try and force Natsumi off, though he probably could. "I am the only one to heal her... So if you kill me, Illua will die." Datenshi said, staring at Natsumi. "That is a most unsatisfying choice to pick.. If anything, Let me heal Illua then kill me. At least then she will be safe... That's all that matters to me..." He had said truthfully, showing sadness.
Yahasu was still angry, but when she had felt warm hand on her shoulder. Looking over, Yahasu calmed when she saw Ryo. She had blushed and smiled at him, as if to say 'thank you'.
Natsumi released his throat and stepped back, smirking when he had said she was stronger than she looked - most people underestimated her... "If you are not out to hurt us, like you claim, and you can save Illua, we will have no need to kill you." Natsumi stated, her eyes returning to their scarlet form.
Hikaru, however, was not as forgiving as his sister. His eyes remained white as he starred at Datenshi. Ryo smiled in return to Yahsau as he watched the scene continue to play out.
As Natsumi released him, he put a hand to his throat and coughed. After taking a few breaths, he moved closer to Illua. Looking at her hands with his still activated eyes, he had seen the virus had spread quickly, already at her shoulders. Datenshi had put one of his hands on each of Illua's arms, to take back the virus. Both Yahasu Kaizen and Gensou were quiet when Datenshi was working.
Natsumi watched intently, worrying about her bestfriend and how close she was to death - she refused to even dare to look with her eyes. Hikaru was interested as he watched Datenshi work on Illua. He could see worry, compassion, and guilt. Had Hikaru been in a better mood, he may have laughed. Ryo was confused on the whole situation, but it was his own fault for not asking or even paying much attention. He too, remained silent as he continued to watch.
It was about five minutes later that Datenshi had finished. Datenshi, the only one who could see the virus, had scanned Illua, and found no other traces of it. He had collapsed to the side and was leaning on the tree. He seemed very tired after extracting it. He had put a hand to his mouth and coughed badly. Much similar to how Illua did before they rescued Hikaru and Ibiki. He had wiped away the crimson from his mouth before anyone could see the blood. Yahasu had almost felt sorry for Datenshi as she heard him coughing. But the thought of him keeping their Clan's rival's Jutsu to harm each other kept her from feeling sorry.
"Well?" Yahasu said, with some slight rudeness. "Is she okay now?" Yahasu asked, raising an eyebrow.
Datenshi nodded, he was out of breath and breathing heavily. "Yes, she is just asleep now..." He said, blinking slowly.
Kaizen rose an eyebrow, "Uh-Huh... And how do we know you aren't lying?" Kaizen said frowning. "Some people might have bought the 'as long as Illua is safe it doesn't matter about me' act, but I sure didn't." Kaizen said, narrowing his eyes at Datenshi.
Natsumi frowned and bent down in front of Datenshi. She knew Hikaru and Kaizen would not be pleased with her next decision, but she decided against those factors. With a sigh she activated her Hitima and looked at Datenshi. Like she had seen with Illua, she could see the illness taking over him. However, it was not nearly as strong as Illua`s. Still, she rested her hand on his head and closed her whitened eyes, surpressing the illness as much as it would allow.
"Natsumi, what the hell are you doing?" Hikaru growled, pulling her back.
She had finished her task right before she was pulled away. She sighed as her eyes faded back. Again, she felt weak and leaned heavily in her brother's embrace.
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "What did she just do?"
Kaizen had looked in confusion. That was... The same technique that she used on Illua to suppress her illness.. But she used it on Datenshi... WHY!
"N-Natsumi? Why?" Kaizen asked, approaching Natsumi, who was in Hikaru's embrace. "Why... Natsumi...?" He had asked again, he almost didn't want to believe this was reality.
Yahasu herself couldn't believe what happened. She would have answered Ryo, but she was speechless. Datenshi had just blinked, unsure himself what had happened, though he felt like a weight was off his shoulders. And the way Kaizen and Hikaru acted... He was confused by it all.
Natsumi shook her head. "If he is serious about changing, then I will believe him until proven o-otherwise..." Natsumi told the group weakly.
Hikaru sighed and kept a tight grip on his sister. "Yet you used your chakra on him... now you'll be weak for a little while."
Natsumi nodded weakly, lowering her head on Hikaru's shoulder.
Hikaru looked down at Datenshi. "You had better mean all that you say..."
Kaizen almost was unaccepting of it. "But... He almost killed you! Without remorse or guilt!" Kaizen said, looking at Natsumi with a frown. "He... He didn't even apologize..." Kaizen said, calming down as he looked at the ground.
There was no way to reverse what happened. What was done was done. Yahasu had gotten quiet, But soon turned away from the group. Deciding to go back to her look-out post. Datenshi still looked around dumb-founded. But soon after, he wiped the look away and glanced at Illua, who slept soundly and peacefully. It was only until Hikaru said he better have meant all Daten said. ...He wondered what would happen if he didn't... it sounded like a threat to him.
Natsumi frowned at Kaizen. "He loves Illua, just as you love me. I wont watch them be pulled apart. I know Illua's pain from where we were in the Akatsuki. If he crosses me again, I will not hesitate to kill. That was me forgiving him."
Ryo shrugged and followed after Yahasu. Hikaru growled and let go of Natsumi. She swayed and barely managed to keep her balance. She felt weak and hated. She didn't fully understand why she had done what she had, but it was too late now.
Kaizen quieted as Natsumi explained. He understood,
"Alright..." He said, with a small sigh. "I can see now. I am sorry I doubted you." Kaizen said, smiling at Natsumi.
Yahasu had sat on the ground with a sigh. She was pretty upset over what happened, but she would soon forget about it. She heard footsteps behind her, looking over her shoulder, she saw Ryo. Yahasu smiled lightly, as a 'Hello'.
Natsumi sighed and she tried to remain standing. She had forgotten how powerful the illness was and the type of toll it took on her. She accidently fell against Kaizen and gripped his shoulders tightly to keep herself balanced. A small blush fell over her face as she buried her face into his shoulder.
Ryo smiled again as she sat down on a log. "What was that all about?" He asked, still far too curious as to the situation.
Kaizen watched Natsumi, and had caught her as she lost balance, she gripped his shoulder to keep herself up. Seeing her blush was cute.
"We should go sit down.. You need to recover your strength." Kaizen said, with a warm smile.
Datenshi had leaned against the tree behind him. He looked down at Illua beside him, and pushed a lock of her dark hair from her face.
Yahasu looked at Ryo as he sat on a log, he had asked what that was all about. Yahasu might as well tell him. He cannot be confused and in the dark forever. "The Oshue are born with an illness, something passed down from ancient times. Natsumi, when she put her hand on Datenshi's head, had suppressed the illness slightly. Like she did with Illua." Yahasu had explained looking from him and back at him politely.
Natsumi nodded weakly. Hikaru sighed and knelt down in front of Datenshi. "Are you against all of us but Illua? Or are you really trying? I can't read you, and it's honestly pissing me off..."
Ryo nodded in understanding. "Makes sense..." He sighed and rolled off the log to the grass, stretching out. "Man I'm bored!"
Datenshi had shook his head, "I am not just here for Illua. I am trying to fit in, but..." Datenshi sighed. "Someone told me once: 'When all you do is bad, you will finally realize that you made bad choices. Then you notice there is no way to take those things back.'.." Datenshi had stopped. "Well, I never believed that. But now I see it's true." Datenshi said, looking at Hikaru then looking away. "I suppose I figured out the secret to counter the Hitima... It didn't take me long, though." Datenshi said looking at Illua.
Kaizen put his arm around her, and lead her to a tree when they could sleep against. Kaizen was pooped, and couldn't wait to fall asleep.
Yahasu raised an eyebrow, "Bored? Really?" She asked, laying back on the grass beside him.
Hikaru couldn't help but to laugh. "That statement can't be all true. My younger sister has forgiven, and helped you already. And it's kinda annoying to know that you figured it out so quickly." He smirked.
Natsumi cuddled close to her lover. Her breathing slightly uneaven as she tried to relax against him.
Ryo nodded while laughing. "Why? That surprising to you in some way?"
Datenshi tilted his head, "It really does annoy you?" He asked, looking over at Hikaru. Datenshi shrugged, "I am quick to learn." He whispered looking from Hikaru to the nearby lake.
Kaizen was relaxed against the tree, and with Natsumi cuddling him, it had just felt right. He felt complete. He could hear Natsumi's breathing, it was uneven and it worried him. "Are you alright?" He asked in concern as he looked down at the top of her head.
Yahasu looked beside her to Ryo, who laughed. She simple just shrugged, "I don't know, I guess... Though I am entertained easily, so I wouldn't know." Yahasu said, blushing slightly.
Hikaru nodded. "I'll leave you then." He sighed as he stood up and walked over to Ryo and Yahasu, laying down on Ryo's other side. "It alright if I lay here?"
Hikaru had soon said that he would leave Datenshi. Datenshi had stayed quiet as he rested his head against the tree and closed his eyes.
Ryo nodded with a small smile, though, he had his eyes cat-like eyes locked on Yahasu. 'S-she's the only woman I've ever found... pretty!'
Natsumi nodded weakly. She was trying to prevent it, she didn't want Kaizen to see it happen to her so soon, but she knew she couldn't stop it. She sat up straight, her back to him as she held her face in her hands, blood slipping through the cracks in her fingers. She had used too much chakra and this was her punishment - blood tears.
"I-I'm fine, Kaizen." She whispered before he could respond to the blood she knew he would have noticed by then. "I-I'm used to this..."
.Soon, Hikaru had decided to join Ryo and Yahasu. Yahasu kept her eyes locked on the dark sky above. It wasn't until she had noticed eyes on her that her gaze turned from the sky to Ryo, who was staring at her. She smiled shyly and blushed as she looked into his eyes. His eyes were so... captivating.
Kaizen had noticed Natsumi pull away, he couldn't see anything. Natsumi had then said she was fine, and that she was used to this. Kaizen had seen, her eyes were bleeding. Kaizen had quieted, he wanted to help, but he couldn't. He hated about not being much help... Unbuttoning his small knapsack at his side, he dug through his kunai and shuriken and pulled out a clean gray cloth.
"Here." Kaizen said gently as he offered it to her.
Hikaru had soon fallen asleep and left Ryo and Yahasu alone again, in a way.
Ryo continued to smile at Yahasu. "So, what do you wanna talk about? I'm still bored." He laughed.
Natsumi smiled weakly as she took the cloth from Kaizen. She knew she looked ... freaky with white eyes and blood pouring down her face. She sighed deeply as she wiped away the blood the best she could. Soon her eyes faded back to normal and she could breathe easy.
"S-Sorry..." She whispered to Kaizen, tightening her first around the cloth in her hand. "I-I didn't want you to see that... so soon after meeting me..."
Yahasu had returned the smile to Ryo, But when it came to another topic, Yahasu had no idea what to talk about. She put her left hand to her mouth, acting shy once again. "I... Don't know. What do you want to talk about?" she asked in a whisper, still blushing.
As Natsumi apologized, Kaizen shook his head slightly, "There is no need to apologize, Natsumi..." Kaizen said, placing his right hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
Ryo shrugged. "Got a boyfriend or somethin'?" He asked casually.
Natsumi turned to face Kaizen, smiling. "Thank you." She whispered before wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips pressed forcefully to his. She felt so happy just being in Kaizen's arms.
Yahasu had blushed even more, her whole face practically turning red. She shook her head, "N-No. Why do you ask?" She asked glancing at the male then to the sky.
Kaizen had returned the kiss as he wrapped his arms around Natsumi. He felt much warmer with Natsumi in his embrace, and since the night's air brought some occasional chilly breezes, Kaizen had begun to feel a bit chilly.
"Curiosity?" He laughed, putting his hands behind his head. "I'm always curious."
Natsumi too, shivered from the wind. She pushed herself closer to Kaizen as she pulled back from the kiss and rested her forehead to his with her eyes closed. "I-I'm glad I found you, Kaizen." She whispered gently, a blush forming on her face.
Yahasu looked over to Ryo when he said he was always curious. She had soon moved her stare back into the sky. "W-What about you?" Yahasu said, looking at Ryo from the corner of her eye.
As Natsumi pushed herself closer, Kaizen smiled, still wrapping his arms around her. Soon she rested her forehead against his, and said she was glad she found him. Kaizen smiled, "I am so glad I found you, too." He whispered softly as he closed his eyes and planted a small kiss on her lips.
Ryo shook his head. "Nope, no one in my life." He laughed softy.
Natsumi's blush deepened as Kaizen agreed that he was happy with her. She was taken off-guard as he placed another kiss upon her lips. She closed her eyes as she let herself melt.
Yahasu looked form the stars to Ryo when he said he didn't have a partner in his life. ...That sounded like Yahasu. She didn't have anyone she really thought of that way... But, She was starting to feel something for Ryo, it was an describable feeling.
After holding the kiss for a moment, he moved his head away, and put his forehead to Natsumi's. No words could describe how happy he was at this moment. He didn't want this moment to end. "I love you, Natsumi..." He whispered quietly, half-asleep.
Ryo glanced at her and smiled. "What? Why do you look at me all the time?" He had not sounded rude or irriiated, he actually sounded, happy.
Natsumi felt herself choke up slightly as she searched Kaizen's eyes. "I love you too, Kaizen." She whispered back.
Yahasu blushed as she moved her right hand to her cheek, maybe in attempt to hide the blush. "You're actually k-kinda handsome..." Yahasu had admitted. Well, That was a lie. To Yahasu he was not KINDA handsome, he just was.
Kaizen had heard Natsumi whisper back, and he smiled big. That was the best thing he had heard all day. Kaizen was so tired, he could barely keep his eyes open. He closed his eyes, only thinking for a second, but found himself asleep.
Ryo seemed shocked at her response. "M-My eyes don't freak you out?"
Natsumi giggled as she leaned close to Kaizen, placing a kiss on his cheek before looking over at Datenshi and Illua. She just prayed thing would work out as they should. Her heart was racing as she wrapped her arms around Kaizen's torso and fell into a deep sleep.
Yahasu shook her head in response to Ryo's question. "N-No. They are rather beautiful." She whispered, smiling shyly as she twirled her index finger in her bangs.
Ryo proped himself up on his arm so he could look more straightly at Yahasu. He was in shock. It was those blue and yellow cat-like eyes that made him turn to the Akatsuki. It was those eyes that made him an outcast in his own village, yet here was a beautiful girl, who called them beautiful.
"N-Not as beautiful as you are." He whispered, his blush returning.
As Ryo propped himself up, Yahasu watched him curiously. When he said his eyes weren't as beautiful as her, Yahasu turned over to face him. She was in pure shock, she had been called names and stuff before, but nothing like... this. She was almost tempted to ask him is he was sure, or if it was the lighting. She had even wondered is she had strayed in a dream.
"Y-You really think so?" She asked, a smile growing on her face.
Ryo nodded. His eyes searched her face closely before his hand reached out to touch her cheek. He smiled softly before slowly pressing his lips to her's. He had never kissed a girl before, but he knew he liked it!
Yahasu was caught off-guard when Ryo had placed a hand to her cheek, but she went with it. He had soon after kissed her, She did not expect this at all. Yahasu place her hand on top of his, and with her other hand, she gently placed it on his shoulder. Yahasu had kissed him back softly as her blush reddened.
Slowly Ryo broke the kiss but did not break contact from her. His hand remained on her cheek as he stared deeply into her eyes, finding himself captured and unable to think or move.
After he had ended the kiss, Yahasu had looked at Ryo, still blushing. Yahasu had stared at Ryo, but then looked away, not knowing if he would think it'd be rude.
Ryo just smiled and laid back down. "We should sleep. We're going to your island tomorrow, right?" He asked with a yawn.
Yahasu nodded as she laid on the ground. "Y-Yeah... G-Goodnight." She said, glancing at Ryo form the corner of her eye. She had closed her eyes, and soon went to sleep. Yahasu had turned throughout the night, not seeming to be comfortable in any position.
The truth was, Ryo didn't sleep much to begin with. So he could hear and see Yahasu toss and turn. He reached over and pulled her to his side. "Try this." He whispered softly, holding her close.
When Ryo pulled Yahasu closer to his body, Yahasu had smile, "That is better... Thank you.." She had said in a whisper as she smiled. She enjoyed being this close to Ryo. She had felt safe and protected in his embrace.
In the morning, Yahasu, like always, was up first before anyone else, and she had went for a walk. Illua was the second one up, only because she couldn't sleep at all through the night because of nightmares. Daten seemed to get up at the exact time as Illua, but he had gotten bored and decided to sit on a branch in the tree he slept against. Kaizen was the last Oshue to get up, refusing to sleep in once again.
Natsumi stirred in in Kaizen's arms, so warm that she had not felt like getting up yet. Hikaru woke up and rubbed his head of his fatigue, looking around. Ryo was the last to wake, noticing Yahasu was gone.
Kaizen smiled down at Natsumi as she stirred in his arms. He wouldn't have wanted to wake up either, if he was her. Kaizen was now staring lovingly at Natsumi with a small smile, practically mesmerized by her beauty.. She had looked like an angel as she slept. Illua had leaned against the tree she had slept beside and the same tree Datenshi was sitting in. Illua rubbed her forehead, seeming to have a headache from whatever happened last night. She still had no idea, she had black out as Datenshi said the best thing for her was rest. The rest was all void. Noticing Hikaru and Ryo wake up, Illua smirked.
"Good morning." She greeted the both of them along with a small wave.
Natsumi could feel Kaizen's warmth against her body, however she still shivered. She seriously thought she needed to add a jacket to her wardrobe. Hikaru looked over at Illua and smiled.
"Morning. How you doin'?" He asked kindly.
Kaizen had felt Natsumi shiver, and after she did, Kaizen wrapped his arms around her a bit tighter, but not too tightly as he closed his eyes. As Hikaru asked how Illua was doing, she put both of her hands on her temples.
"I have felt better... I have a headache, My back hurts and I have an odd taste in the back of my mouth... Something is ought to go wrong today." Illua said negatively.
Datenshi had jumped from the tree and approached form behind Illua, "Well, that's not very positive..." Datenshi said, embracing Illua from behind.
Illua frowned, "Well, That's my gut feeling." Illua said, turning her head towards Daten. "We should get going soon. Knowing my sister, she is probably getting tired of waiting for us." Illua said, looking up at the sky. She was trying to tell the time.
Natsumi found herself smiling. "Sometimes I think you possess Hitima." She whispered. She found it funny how easily he read her.
Hikaru took up and stretched while yawning. "Alright!"
"Wh-where is Yahasu?" Ryo asked nervously.
Kaizen had smiled along with Natsumi, "Really? Why?" Kaizen asked, with a small laugh.
As Kaizen heard Illua say it was ready to go, Kaizen had stretched his arms outward and hunched his back, feeling stiff from sleeping on the ground three nights in a row. Datenshi released Illua from his embrace and stepped towards the tree he slept against, ready to go. Illua looked over at Ryo as he asked where Yahasu was, Illua smiled slightly,
"She went on a small walk, She said she will be back soon." Illua said.
Kaizen looked at Illua as she spoke, "I will go find her." Kaizen said as he stood up, bringing Natsumi up with him.
Illua nodded, "Alright, just don't take too long. She said he was going to the lake, I'd try looking there." Illua said, glancing at Kaizen.
Kaizen smiled at Natsumi, "I will be back." Kaizen said, before planting a kiss on Natsumi's cheek before walking off to find Yahasu.
As Illua suggested, Kaizen had decided to look by the lake. And there he found her. She was sitting at the end of a dock. It was weird, one of those in what looked like the middle of nowhere... Yahasu was blankly staring at a pink lotus in her hand that she picked from the water where dozens more where found. Kaizen casually walked up behind her, he was going to say something, but didn't when he saw she looked sad. Kaizen sat beside her, crossing his legs,
"What's the matter?" He asked gently as he looked from the lotus in her hand to her eyes.
Yahasu shook her head, "I-I..." She began to say, but she never finished her sentence.
Kaizen had maybe thought it was something secret, and almost didn't say anything else. But he wanted to help his friend.
"It's alright. You can tell me. If you don't want anyone else to know, I won't tell them." Kaizen said with a smile.
"R-Ryo and I-I... We... We..." Yahasu had trouble getting the words out.
Kaizen raised an eyebrow, he had noticed she had her eyes on him for a while, but what she was getting at he did not know.
"We had k-kissed last n-night... A-and it felt amazing b-but..." Yahasu had stopped once again.
"It's nice that you found someone, Yahasu. You guys look good together." Kaizen said, with a friendly smile.
This made Yahasu blush, "B-but... I-I don't feel like I deserve him. I don't feel like I deserve this at all. I am nothing special, I don't even know if I can make him happy by just being me. I'm not even all that pretty... That's why..." Yahasu spoke, seeming to be holding back a sob or two. "T-That's why... I am jealous of this flower..." Yahasu held the pink lotus upwards, showing Kaizen. Kaizen was quiet. "It's pure and true beauty. I am ashamed to share it's name... I... Don't even compare." she finished as she lowered her head, her hair falling over her face.
Kaizen was quiet, taking in all she had said. Kaizen frowned and shook his head. "What you say... Is not true." Kaizen said quietly, looking at the white-haired girl. Kaizen reached to the water, and put a hand around a unbloomed lotus flower. "You are... This one. You are yet a bud. But..." Kaizen said, looking form the bud then over at Yahasu, who was also looking at the bud. "When you bloom, you will be the most beautiful flower anyone will ever lay their eyes on." Kaizen reassured her, smiling.
Yahasu was speechless, in total shock. She was staring at Kaizen, her mouth agape, not even quite sure what to say to him.
"Come on. We should go back." Kaizen said, standing up.
Yahasu looked from Kaizen to the water as he said they should get going back. Yahasu had no idea what had happened, but what Kaizen had said gave her hope and strength. For once she had felt confidence.
Yahasu had smiled softly, 'Thank you...' she had said in her head as she stood up, and let the lotus she was holding fall to the surface of the water. The flower did not sink, it just floated. Kaizen had smiled as he lead the way back to the other. Yahasu gave the lake one more glance before turning away and following him.
Natsumi had stolen Hikaru's jacket after Kaizen had left. She was far too cold. So, Hikaru was left shirtless. When Kaizen and Yahasu returned, Natsumi and Ryo perked up. Natsumi's face reddened when it occured to her that she probably looked weird in her brothers jacket that was much too big on her fragile frame. Ryo looked Yahasu closely, but remained silent. He worried that kissing her last night may have been a bad thing.
Kaizen had returned to see Natsumi in Hikaru's jacket, she had soon reddened as she noticed Kaizen looking at her. She had looked cute in his jacket, though it wasn't quite her size. Kaizen would have given Natsumi his vest, but it was not that warm. Yahasu had instantly noticed Ryo looking at her, and Yahasu had approached him, feeling much more confident after speaking with Kaizen.
"Good morning, how did you sleep?" Yahasu asked with a smile. She didn't even blush this time.
Illua nodded, "Okay, everyone's back. We should get going." Illua said, looking between everyone.
Natsumi smiled at Kaizen.
Hikaru sighed as he looked over at Illua and Datenshi. "Let's get going then."
Ryo was almost shocked but still smiled. "Well, thank you. Are you.. alright?" He asked gently.