The Diamond Family
Chapter 3: Sibling Rivalry
Thanks for taking the time read my story. If you have any suggestions on how to make this story better please send me a private message or review. Or if you question I'll be happy to answer them.
Perspective: Snow
Snow's Perspective
I groaned when I heard a banging against the door. I pulled the blankets over my head. I'd locked the door. That should keep her out for a second or two longer. There was a crash as my bedroom door fell to the ground.
"WAKE UP!" yelled Kameko.
"Don't you have better things to do?" I said from under my blankets.
"You don't think I have better things I have to than serve as your alarm clock. I follow my commands. Now get out of bed", said Kameko as she pulled the blankets to the floor.
I groaned. Why couldn't she let me sleep? I spent all of last night reviewing requests from the villagers. When Eiji left the village, he entrusted me with simple tasks like those. The latest argument was over the ownership of pig of all things. When will Eiji return? I slowly got out of bed ignoring the hateful glare Kameko sent in my direction. I blinked the sleep from my eyes.
"What do you want?" I asked.
I glared at her and she returned the stare. I pulled away from her gaze, not wanting to cause a fight. I've tried to make peace with her, but she continues to look down on me.
"You've been beckoned", she said.
"By who?" I asked.
"Your husband", said Kameko.
"He's returned?" I asked.
"I wouldn't be here if he weren't", said Kameko.
"If he wants to see me then he'll come here", I said as fell back into the bed.
"Get out of bed", said Kameko.
"I'm not a dog, Kameko. I don't have to come when beckoned", I said.
"Your worse than a dog you're a bastard", said Kameko.
She loves that word. It never got the got the reaction from me she craved. The word meant nothing. Most slaves were bastards. Her hand entangled and yanked me out of bed.
"LET GO!" I screamed.
"Stop struggling", said Kameko.
"I will when you let go", I said.
"Will you stop in this pointless struggle", she asked.
"Yes, now release me", I said.
She let go of me. I went to my dresser.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm changing or do you wish to greet my husband in my sleeping clothes?" I asked.
She grabbed my arm, yanking me from the room.
"You've already made me late enough. I won't allow you to waste any more of my time", said Kameko.
She didn't release me until I reached Eiji's office. He sat at his desk in the center of the of the room.
"Thank you, Kameko", said Eiji.
"Your welcome. Am I dismissed?" she asked.
"Yes, you can go", he said.
"Out of all the people you could send to wake me up you chose her", I said as I rubbed my arm.
"Good morning, Minori. How nice it is to see you", said Eiji.
"Morning why didn't you come to bed?" I asked.
I missed sharing a bed with another. There's also the benefit of no one daring to barge into our bedroom while he's there.
"I didn't wish to disturb you so I slept in my office", said Eiji.
"Why do must you always send her to get me? You are perfectly capable of doing it yourself", I said.
He sighed.
"To earn her respect you must beat her at her own game. Stand up for yourself", said Eiji.
"Can you at least give me your full focus?" I asked.
Eiji's gaze raised from his work. His eyes widened slightly. He took in every detail of what I was wearing. I was dressed in a short silk pink nightgown with capped sleeves. He has a thing for modest outfits. I took a seat on the edge of his desk. I crossed my legs. Eiji's gaze traveled down my legs. The door slammed opened.
"Lord Eiji there's an emergency!" yelled the assistant.
His face went red.
"Lady Minori I didn't know you were here", he stuttered.
Eiji scowled. I smirked. He's almost as possessive as Kakuzu.
"Herupa, this better be an actual emergency", said Eiji.
He paid no attention to his boss. I giggled. I could have some fun with this.
"Have you ever seen a lady in her sleeping clothes before?" I asked.
I winked at him. Eiji was gripping the edge of his desk. The wood was on the verge of splintering.
"No, Minori", he stammered.
"You're so pink. Am I making you uncomfortable?" I asked.
"No", he said.
"So what it this emergency?" I asked.
"I can't remember", said Heropa.
"Well, if that's the case can you give my husband and I some privacy. There's a matter I need to discuss with him", I said.
"I will be leaving", said the assistant.
"Bye bye", I said before blew a kiss at him.
He went a darker shade of red, before passing out. Wow, I never thought I'd get that much of a reaction out of him. Even Eiji had a light blush across his cheeks.
"You're blushing", I said.
"Who taught you that?" asked Eiji.
"Mari", I said.
"Of course she did. Do I want to know what else she's taught you?" he asked.
"Probably not", I said.
"So what was the matter you wished to speak of?" said Eiji.
"When will I be able to leave the village?" I asked.
He groaned.
"Not this again, Minori", said Eiji as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Five months I've been here. I've made no attempt to escape. I rarely speak of my family and have followed all of your rules. Please, allow me to show you my loyalty to this village. I'll even go on a mission with Kameko if that makes you more comfortable", I said.
"I'll grant you permission to leave the village under two conditions", said Eiji.
"I'll let you go outside of the village under two conditions", said Eiji.
"Which are?" I asked.
"If you defeat Kameko in battle and give me something which I crave I'll give you what you wish", he said.
"And these?" I said as I raised my wrists.
"They remain", said Eiji.
"What is it you crave?" I asked.
"You'll find out tonight", said Eiji.
My good mood faded. What could he mean? Will he force himself on me? No, that isn't him.
"Defeating Kameko won't be an easy feat. You merely caught her off guard in your last encounter, which is impressive in its self", said Eiji.
"May I leave?" I asked.
"Not yet I have something for you", said Eiji.
"What?" I asked.
He tossed something at me. I caught it. It was a forehead protector.
"Why are you giving me this?" I asked
"You've made great progress so much so you've more than earned the title of jonin. From this moment on you are officially a jonin of the Hidden Diamond Village. I should have given you this some time ago", said Eiji.
"Do you believe me ready for such a title?" I asked.
"I won't offer false title to gain your affection. You've earned it. Do you refuse?" asked Eiji.
"I accept", I said.
"From this day forward you are a Hidden Diamond shinobi. Any slight against you is a slight against this. From now on it's your solum duty to protect and serve this village. Do you still accept?" he asked.
It will difficult balancing and the village but not impossible. I can't stop my self from feeling connected to the village.
"Thank you", I said.
"You must have more confidence, Snow", said Eiji.
He laughed at my expression.
"There's no harm in calling you by your true name while it's only us", said Eiji.
"What about him?" I asked as I gestured to the assistant passed out on the floor.
"He'll be out for some time, Snow", said Eiji.
I smiled softly.
"I love the way your expression lightens when I call you by your true name", he said.
Eiji rose from his desk. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. I pulled away. Eiji leaned against his desk.
"I have a task for you which may enjoy. If you chose to accept it", he said.
"You must tell me what it is first before I choose to accept or not", I said.
"I want to make you a sensei", he said.
It caught me off guard completely.
"Are you serious?" I asked.
"Yes", he said.
"You have the heart for it", said Eiji.
"I have little experience in such a field. I've never taught anyone", I said.
"Then this a chance for you to learn", said Eiji.
"Must I fight against, Kameko?" I asked.
"I didn't take you as one to be afraid of battle", said Eiji.
"I prefer peace", I said.
"That isn't the way to earning her respect", said Eiji.
"Do I need her respect", I said.
"To truly understand her yes. Besides, I'm eager to see your improvement. Defeat her and I'll grant you the permission to leave the village. She's an elite jonin and a respected sensei", said Eiji.
"She's a sensei?" I said.
"Yes, you know little of your sister's history", said Eiji.
"Then tell me it so I can better understand her", I said.
"At the age of thirteen, she earned the title of jonin. A year later she taught her first squad of students. Those under her teaching grew to become high-ranking ninjas. One day you may come to see her in the same light", I said.
"May I leave?" I asked.
"You may. Before you leave may I say you look truly beautiful this morning", said Eiji.
My face warmed.
"I should you change", I said.
"Must you?" asked Eiji.
"Do you wish other mean to see me like this?" I asked.
He laughed.
"Leave before my assistant regains consciousness. Once you're dressed go to the academy", said Eiji.
I went to our bedroom. Laying on the bed was my flak jacket. I sat down. My fingers touched my headband, tracing the symbol. Can be loyal to both the village and the Akatsuki? Or will I have to choose? I hope never to make that choice. I flopped back on the bed. What will he expect of me tonight? I put on the Hidden Diamond uniform that was laid out on the bed. I went to the academy.
"Why are you here?" asked Kameko.
"To chose my students", I said.
Her surprise was obvious.
"You're only a chunin", said Kameko.
"I was promoted to jonin today", I said.
"This is not a responsibility to be taken lightly, Minori. The children are our future", said Kameko.
"I understand", I said.
"I pray you do", said Kameko.
Maybe she isn't all bad.
"Stop it!" someone cried.
I ran to the commotion. I found two olders boys ganging up on another. I pulled the two boys from the child.
"There's enough violence in the world without us fighting against those of our village. Now apologize", I demanded.
"We're sorry", said the two boys before running off.
He was searching the ground for his glasses. The boy chestnut brown hair and eyes. He was well dressed for someone so young. The boy wore short sleeve button down, red tie, yellow sweater vest, and brown pants. He was only a few nine or ten. I picked up his glasses, wiping away the dirt on my shirt.
"Here",
"Thank you", he said.
He jolted back when he saw me clearly.
"Lady lady Minori", he stuttered.
"Yes, are okay?" I asked.
"Fine thank you", he said as he got to his feet, brushing the dirt from his clothes.
"Good", I said.
"May I ask why the Lady of our village is assisting me when there must be more important matters for you to attend than playground squabbles", he said.
"I've recently been promoted to jonin. It's a chance to pass on the knowledge I've gathered over the years", I said.
"I assume you speaking with me means you have interest in taking me as one of your students", said the boy.
"Yes, I'm considering it, but I must know your name", I said.
"Toshi Moto", he said.
"Shall we take walk Toshi?" I asked.
He nodded. We took a seat outside the library.
"Tell me about yourself", I said.
"My mother is a librarian and my father a professor at the university. And I have perfect grades, attendance, an eidetic memory,", said Toshi.
"Which is?" I asked.
"A photographic memory", he said.
"What a useful trait. Why haven't you been taken as someone's student already?" I asked.
"Social interaction isn't my strong suit", said Toshi.
"That can be worked on. Would you accept a place as my student?" I asked.
"I would be a fool to refuse", said Toshi.
"So is that yes?" I asked.
"Indeed, thank you Sensei Minori", said Toshi.
"I should be thank you for accepting me your teacher. I'm new to such a profession", I said.
"So it will be a learning experience for the both of us", said Toshi.
He walked home. I returned to the playground. Children were at play. All of them seemed to avoid a boy sitting on a swing set. His eyes were covered in ash. He played with a lighter. His long dark red hair covered his eyes. The boy's skin was pale. His ears were pierced multiple times. A small wisp of fire left his lips. What an interesting boy.
"May I sit with you?" I asked.
"Why would you want to do that?" he asked.
"I find you interesting", I said.
"Why? You're a high standing lady" he asked.
"I wasn't always", I said.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"I was considering taking you on as one of my students. The choice is yours", I said.
He stared at me with a dumbfounded look.
"Tell me your name", I said.
"Ryuu Kemuri", he said.
"Nice to meet you", I said as shook his hand.
"Why would you want me on your team? You could pick any kid you wanted. Lady Minori you must know of my condition", said Ryuu.
"I don't but why it prevents me from choosing you", I said.
"I breath fire at times, I hate it. I put my family in such danger. My parents put in the academy to gain control of it", said Ryuu.
"Has it helped?" I asked.
"No", he said.
"I think I can help you learn control. Sometimes still have such a problem", I said.
"You do", said Ryuu.
I nodded.
"Still Lady I'm no prime catch. My grades are shit", said Ryuu.
"I've already chosen you as my student. There's no convincing me out of my choice. Unless you don't wish to be my student", I said.
"I accept", he said.
He smiled brightly.
"Thank you", said Ryuu.
"Why don't you go home and tell your parents of the good news", I said.
"Bye", said Ryuu before he ran to his house.
I stayed on the swing set rocking gently back and forth. I need to find a third student. Most of the children had already gone home.
"Stop it daddy that hurts I'm sorry I didn't get picked!" screamed a little girl.
I ran to the cries. A man was beating a small frail girl. I grabbed his arm before he could strike her again. The girl ran while she had the chance.
"Stop",
"Lady Minori, I'm sorry you had to see my disappointment of a child", said the man.
I was barely containing my anger, but I forced it down.
"Where's her mother?" I asked.
"Died in labor with her. I would love to give the thing away, but nobody will take her", said the man.
"I will take her", I said.
"I can't thank you enough for taking her", a said the man.
It didn't take me long to find the girl.
"You can come out now. I won't harm you", I said.
She peeked her head out from her hiding place.
"Promise?" she asked.
"I promise", I said.
"You saved me", she said.
"I did",
She jumped into my arms. I held her close to me. Her skin was spotted with bruises. The poor think shook in my hold so afraid of being let go of. Her hair was a soft shade of pink and matted with dirt. She weighed so little. She needed food and a warm bed. I pulled away from her. She stared at me with her bright crimson eyes.
"What's your name little one?" I asked.
"Ren Akiyama and you're Lady Minori", she said.
"Yes, how old are you child?" I asked.
"Just turned eight", she said.
She looked more like six.
"You must be an excellent student to have gotten to this point", I said.
"I thought if I became a strong ninja like my mommy Daddy wouldn't hurt me anymore", said Ren.
"You don't have to worry about him anymore", I said.
I picked her up.
"I thought that if I became a strong ninja Daddy couldn't hurt me anymore", said Ren.
"You don't have to worry about him anymore", I said.
"But he's my family", said Ren.
"He doesn't deserve you", I said.
"He doesn't", Ren.
"You deserve people who love and care for you", I said.
"Who?" asked Ren.
"Me for starters", I said.
She fell asleep in my arms. I raised the side of her shirt to see just how bad her state was. Her ribs showed lightly through her skin. It would be safe for me to feed her without overwhelming her system. I sat her down in the kitchen. I made her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
"Thank you", she said.
She quietly ate.
"Ren?"
"Yes", she said.
"Would you like to be my student?" I asked.
"I would love to", she said.
Ren told me her story. It reminded me of my own. When I was her age I'd envied her life. She's has a village to support and care for her.
"Let's get you cleaned up", I said.
She followed me to the bathroom. I bathed her. As I washed the dirt away more bruises could be seen on her fair skin. I gave her one of my shirts to sleep in. I laid her down on my bed. She curled up against my side. How I wish I could be curled up against Kakuzu's side.
"Mommy", said Ren as she cuddled closer to me.
"I'm sorry but I'm not your mommy", I whispered as I ran my fingers through her hair.
I can't be both her mother and her sensei. I don't know how to be a mom. The only children I wanted to be a mother were Kakuzu's. The chances of that happening were slim to none. I will protect my student as if they were my own. Eiji entered our room. His gaze went to Ren.
"Why is there a child in our bed?" he asked.
"Her father abused. I couldn't let her remain in such suffering. Her father willingly gave her into my care", I said.
"You did the right thing in taking her. I'll have my assistant give her father transfer of custody papers", said Eiji.
He went to my desk, where my students' files rested on. Eiji picked up Ren's folder.
"She's Delilah's daughter. Her mother was a powerful ninja. I've failed that wonderful woman by letting her daughter slip through the cracks", he said as his hands fisted.
"All that matters is you're trying to make up for the mistake made. It isn't too late", I said as I squeezed his hand.
He smiled softly.
"What will happen to her?" I asked.
"She'll live her until she reaches adulthood. Then she'll be moved to an apartment", said Eiji.
Ren woke from her sleep. She hid behind me.
"There's no to be frightened little one. Come here", said Eiji.
"Go", I said as I gently pushed her forward.
She left my side and slowly approached Eiji.
"I'll show you to your room", he said.
"My room?" asked Ren.
"Yes, this is your home now", said Eiji.
"Really?" asked Ren.
"This is your home now, Ren", said Eiji.
"Thank you", she said.
Ren followed him to her new room. Eiji walked back to our room a few minutes later.
"Thank you for letting her stay", I said.
"It's the least I could do for her. Who are your other students?" asked Eiji.
"Toshi Moto and Ryuu Kemuri", I said.
"A bookworm and a pyromaniac", said Eiji.
"Don't call them", I said.
"I meant no insult", said Eiji.
"They have potential. I will try best to help them reach it", I said.
He smirked.
"What?" I asked.
"You and your sister are more alike than you realize", said Eiji.
"How?" I asked.
"You both enjoy a challenge and believe in the underdog", he said.
"Why does she care about the underdog? From what you told me she was gifted from the start", I said.
"Not always. She reached her current status by endless hard work. Kameko sacrificed much to get there. When a sensei finally gave her she flourished even further, becoming a powerful shinobi worthy of the title of jonin", said Eiji.
"Why does she hate me?" I asked.
"That's not for me to explain", said Eiji.
He turned off the lights and joined me in bed.
"I won't force myself on you. But we will both receive pleasure tonight", said Eiji.
I nodded. If I do this my chance of escape are far greater.
"There's no reason to fear", whispered Eiji.
My heart raced.
"Look at me, Snow", said Eiji.
I couldn't meet his gaze. He lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. For the first time, I truly looked into his eyes. Beautiful. Instead of solid and silver. They were a mixture of different shades of silver and gold. He leaned forward. His soft lips pressed against mine. He pulled off my nightgown, leaving me only in my underwear. He carefully looked over me. I tried hiding. Very few had seen me in such a state of undress.
"Don't", said Eiji.
He took off his clothes but kept on his boxers. His body was in perfect condition. Eiji laid me back in bed. His hands traveled down my body, spreading my legs. Eiji didn't further undress me. The lust was apparent in eyes and there were more obvious signs. My face grew warm.
"So cute", said Eiji.
He was on top of me. Eiji kissed my neck. I moaned. He smiled against my neck. His lips once again met mine. I don't know what to do. I can blame my lack touch on my innocence. Kakuzu would never forgive if he knew of such a betrayal. He would hate me. I was broken from my thought when two of fingers slid within me. I moaned. My hands fisted the blankets.
"EIJI!", I moaned as his fingers touched a sensitive spot inside me.
He smiled brightly. My face grew hotter. He touched the same spot with more pressure. My moans grew louder. When his fingers stopped in their movement, I rode them. His smile grew.
"I'm glad you enjoy yourself", he whispered.
I moaned yet again. I turned away at his so I wouldn't see him. I'm so ashamed. Why am I reacting like this? I don't want this. My body didn't care. It cried out for more. Why must my body and mind disagree at such a time? I'm so desperate for his touch.
Eiji's finger thrust into me. The thin cloth of my underwear was the only thing stopping us from being bare. I closed my eyes and waited for this hellish moment. He reached his release. An intense pleasure swept through me. No, I don't want this to be brought by him! He moved from atop me and pulled me close. His eye closed in a peaceful sleep.
"Please, forgive me Kakuzu", I whispered.
He would always be loyal to me and made such a betrayal against him all the greater. I cried myself to sleep. I woke early to shower. I tried washing away the memory of last night. When I felt clean, I stepped out. I craved nothing more to be in his arms once again. I so missed everything about him. Eiji hugged me from behind.
"Did you enjoy last night, Snow?" asked Eiji.
"Yes", I said.
There's no point in lying. He'll know.
"Are you prepared for your battle against Kameko", said Eiji.
"Yes", I said.
"Your students will be in attendance", said Eiji.
"My must my students watch?" I asked.
"It will be good for them to see their sensei at work", said Eiji.
"What if I can't beat her?" I asked.
"We will see", said Eiji.
"Don't be vague", I said.
"If you prove a challenge for her. I will consider allowing you to leave this village and teach", said Eiji.
"What if I'm not?" I asked.
"Your students will be given to another jonin", said Eiji.
"Who?" I asked.
"Me", said Eiji.
"You would take them on as your students?" I asked.
"Yes, I see why you chose them. It's been quite some time since I last taught. I do enjoy it", said Eiji.
I woke Ren. I got her new clothes. She chose a pink dress with black stockings. Ren used her forehead protector to tie back her hair.
"Where are we going?" asked Ren.
"To meet your teammates", I said.
She followed me to the academy. Ryuu and Toshi were waiting for us. Ren hid behind my legs when she saw the others.
"Introduce yourself", I said as I pushed her forward.
"Hi", said Ren with a timid wave of her hand.
"You're that girl who's good at hiding", said Ryuu.
"I believe her name is Ren Akiyama. I'm Toshi Moto", said Toshi.
Ren nodded.
"You're the boy who breathes fire", she said.
Her face grew warm. A crush? Ryuu and her will make a handsome couple once they're older.
"You're cute", said Ryuu.
I sighed. I have chosen an interesting bunch. A knuckleheaded flirt, a judging bookworm, and a shy girl lacking confidence.
"You think I'm cute?" asked Ren.
"The two of you are far too young this", I said.
"Yes, sensei", said Ren.
"You're the bookworm", said Ryuu.
"My name isn't book worm it's Toshi", said Toshi.
"What are we doing today?" asked Ren.
"You will watch me fight my sister", I said.
"Kameko she's an elite jonin. One of the most respected in our village", said Ren.
"I'm no pushover", I said.
"This will be fun to watch", said Ryuu.
They followed me to my home.
"This is your house sensei?" asked Toshi.
"Yes, this is my home I share it with my husband and sisters. You don't have to call me sensei. Call me Minori", I said.
"These are your students", said Kameko.
"Yes", I said.
Kameko's students were all boys. Two of them were the boys that attacked Toshi. He moved closer to me.
"Ready?" asked Eiji.
We nodded. I backed away, making distance between the two of us. I waited for her to make the first move. She didn't move. Which meant I would have to.
"Make your move", said Kameko.
I performed a summoning jutsu. Hundreds of white crows appeared and swarmed around us. I took my chance to hide. I willed them to land.
"Where are you, Minori", said Kameko.
I won't have her thinking I'm afraid.
"I'm right here", I said before I kick her back sending her across the training ground.
She smiled. It held no malice toward me. Kameko actually seemed amused. A weak tremor traveled underground. Blades! Kameko has three of my talents. I dodged them. It can be used against her. She had far better control over her abilities than I. Kameko had years of practice to refine them. I didn't have that same knowledge.
Our blades shredded against each other, causing sparks to fly through the air. Mine slashed through hers. She stared at me in disbelief. Was it so amazing? She unsheathed her swords. Kameko was still upset with me for shattering her last set of swords. Kameko jabbed them into the earth.
"Electric Earth",
Off the ground! I summoned large white crow. I jumped to the safety of its back. I must rip those swords from the ground. But how? The area around her didn't have a current. Two of my shadow clones.
"Clones won't beat me", said Kameko.
They were quickly destroyed.
"A substitute wouldn't work on me", said Kameko.
I allowed it to hit me. I tackled her. Both of us fell back into the electrical current. In the process, I took down her swords.
"Diamond chains",
They wrapped around her. In place was a log. I had enough time to break in half her swords. She scowled at me. We matched each other in taijutsu. It grew late neither of us were willing to give up. Kameko channeled her chakra into her and ran into. When I tried moving my arm and my leg moved. My body wouldn't move correctly. I look at my sister. She was sweating.
"Kameko is the winner", announced Eiji.
I frowned. I hadn't won. My opportunity is gone.
"Minori you are free to teach and will start missions soon with your team", he said.
"Thank you", I said.
"You've more than proved yourself", said Eiji.
"You may go my students", said Kameko.
"You too Ryuu and Toshi", I said.
"Sensei you're injured", said Ryuu.
"Yes, it would be wrong of us to leave you", said Toshi.
"The effects of jutsu will wear off in a few moments", said Kameko.
Eiji took his leave. Ren was the only one left behind, but she was distracted with picking wildflowers. Kameko touched her hand to my neck. She channeled her chakra into me reversing the jutsu.
"Thanks", I said.
"Sister, you've proven yourself to me", said Kameko.
"What kind of move was that?" I asked as I rubbed my neck.
"It rewires the electric impulses of the body making it almost impossible to move. I haven't been forced to use it in some time", said Kameko.
"Impressive", I said.
She nodded.
"Why do you hate me?"
"Your heritage is far purer than mine. You are far from a bastard", said Kameko.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I've already said too much, sister", said Kameko.
She seemed afraid of the subject. I didn't pry further.
"Sister? That's the first time you've called me that", I said.
"You've earned my respect. No matter how cruel I was you didn't give up. In truth I'm jealous of you", said Kameko.
"Jealous, of me?" I asked.
"Yes, you're capable of having the one thing I can't have", said Kameko.
"I don't understand", I said.
"You're capable of having children and have found the rarest of all things true love", said Kameko.
"Love is easy to find. All you have to do is look in the right places", I said.
"Where would you suggest looking?" asked Kameko.
I pointed to Ren.
"She's a child in need of a mother. I can't be that for her, but you can", I said.
"You would really trust her with me", said Kameko.
"Yes, Ren come here", I said.
She came running over.
"Yes, sensei", she came running over.
"This is my sister. She's a kind woman and has offered to take care of you", I said.
"Would you like that, Ren?" asked Kameko.
"Do you have enough room for me?" asked Ren.
"Yes, I live in a yellow house that's far too empty. I would enjoy your company", said Kameko.
"What would I call you?" asked Ren.
"Kameko, if you wish", she said.
"Can I call you mommy?" asked Ren.
"Yes!"
Kameko embraced Ren tightly. They are what each other needed.
"You will protect me, mommy?" asked Ren.
"With my life", said Kameko
"She will protect you even better", I said.
Ren cuddled closely to her.
"I finally have a mommy", said Ren before she fell asleep.
"Snow, I'll be eternally grateful for this. How can I ever repay you?" said Kameko.
"By being my sister and caring for her", I said.
"Thank you", said Kameko.
Her expression softened.
"I may also be able to give you something else", I said.
"What?" she asked.
"A husband to match", I said.
"A man?" asked Kameko.
"He lives close to the border of the Hidden Rain Village. He's as sweet as the pastries he makes. Hurt him and I'll never forgive you", I said.
"Why be so kind to me?" asked Kameko.
"Your family. May I ask a favor?" I said.
"Yes", said Kameko.
"Teach me", I said.
"I'd be honored to. I must warn you I won't go easy on you", said Kameko.
"I know", I said.
She cradled Ren in her arms. Kameko told me she was taking Ren out for a week. When they returned Kameko had a smile on her face that I haven't seen before. Ren looked like she had gained some weight, which is good. Kameko ran over to and hugged me tightly.
"Thank you, Snow. You were right about Taro he is very sweet. He told me to tell you that his deal with you is done he found someone he loves. He also wanted me to thank you for introducing us ", said Kameko.
"Mommy, I'm tired", said Ren.
"Okay honey", said Kameko.
Ren raised her arms up to be picked up. She fell asleep in Kameko's arms.
"I happy for you", I said.
"Minori, I promise I'll help you escape here", said Kameko.
"I already have a plan in motion", I said.
"Which is?" asked Kameko.
"Letting him fall in love with me", I said.
"It could work", said Kameko.
"Why do I feel guilty?" I asked.
"He's a good man", said Kameko.
"I know that's why it hurts", I said.