Treasures of Time
Chapter 9: Inner Strength
Sorry this took a bit. Finals are coming up so I'm not sure when the next update will come out. Please leave a review. Thanks for reading.
Perspectives: Mika, Saizo, Felix, Hazel, and Kuro
Mika's Perspective
I woke up. My face went pink, when I realized I was cuddled closely to Saizo's chest. I had no idea how I got into this position. I sat up. It's been awhile, since I've used so much chakra, but the rest did me well. Unlike my teammates my chakra recovery is average, while there's seems inhuman at times. I don't want to risk using up my food pills, when I don't know what the next part of the exam will be. The only other person awake was Felix.
"Good Morning", he said.
"Morning", I said.
Something seemed wrong with him.
"Can I ask you question", said Felix.
"Sure",
"Do you ever feel like a burden to them?" asked Felix.
I sighed.
"Sterling and Saizo are always saving me. It feels like I only get in the way. I don't understand why you would feel that way though. With your kekkie genkia you must be of some help to your team", I said.
"I wish that were true. They know my family has abilities, but they never question my lack of it. Hazel and Kuro are too nice to mention it. They are too kind to admit I'm burden to them", said Felix.
I don't know how he managed to keep a smile on his face, while saying that.
"Do you think your kekkie genkia will ever awaken?" I asked.
"My eyes haven't awakened yet and don't think they ever will", said Felix.
"Why do you say that? Maybe you're just a late bloomer", I said.
"My mom always says that. I think she only tells me that to make me feel better. I'm a happy person, I don't mind. You confuse me, Mika. I would think you are the most valued member of your team. You're a healer", said Felix.
"I'm probably one of the most useless healers. Sterling has own extreme healing abilities and Saizo's diamond skin protects him from almost all injuries", I said.
"Not this time. You proved your worth. I haven't had that opportunity nor do I ever think I will", said Felix.
I still didn't understand how he could have a smile on his face. Most would be frowning. It's always a never-ending smile with him. I found it somewhat unsettling.
"It's not like you to sound so negative", I said.
"You don't know much about me then", said Felix.
I'd never seen this side of him before. Kuro woke from his deep sleep. He focused on Hazel. He caressed her face.
"She'll be fine", I said.
"Are you and her are finished fighting?" asked Felix.
"Yes, I think it's finally time to put an end to this foolish argument", Kuro.
Hazel will be happy. Sterling was the next wake.
"Remind me to never let you fucking do that to me again Mika", said Sterling.
I hugged him tightly. He gave an annoyed sigh.
"I'm fine you have to cling to me", groaned Sterling.
"Yes, you will. He's your best friend remember. And we both know you like it when I hug you", I teased.
He rolled his eyes. Late in the afternoon Hazel and Saizo woke. I hugged Saizo tightly.
"Hey Mika", he said.
His voice was a bit raspy.
"You take care of him Mika. I still need time for chakra to fully recover", said Hazel.
My face went hot, when I caught her wink. No one else seemed to notice it. Saizo follow me somewhat further into the cave. We were out of the view of the others.
"Umm, I need you to take of your shirt", I said.
He slowly shrugged it off. Every part of his chest was perfectly formed. Not overly muscled or the opposite. The puncture marks on his shoulders weren't completely healed they could start bleeding again if stressed. I channeled my chakra to my hands.
"Don't", said Saizo as he pushed them away
"But you're hurt", I said.
"This is the fifth day of the exam. We have to be at the tower by eight in the morning tomorrow. I want you to have enough energy for whatever happens next", said Saizo.
"Okay",
I spread a medical paste a long his wounds. I forced myself not to faint no matter how powerful the urge was. This was one of the few times he actually needs me I can't fail by fainting. He gave a relaxed sigh as I rubbed lavender oil into to his tense muscles. I wrapped his upper chest in bandages. There was only one wound left from me to treat. It was a deep gash on his cheek. I carefully placed a bandage over it.
"Hopefully it won't leave a scar", I said.
"A scar is nothing to be ashamed of. It tells the story of what a person survived", said Saizo.
I stared at him. I wasn't used to hearing him say such things.
"Thanks Mika. I don't know where Sterling and I would be without you", said Saizo.
My eyes focused on the ground.
"That isn't true", I said.
My blush darkened, when he raised my chin. His stunning midnight blue eyes peered into mine with such intensity.
"That isn't true. You can ask Sterling and he would say the same", said Saizo.
I fainted. When I woke I was with the others again.
"When will leave?" asked Hazel.
"Early tomorrow morning. All of us need time to recover", said Saizo.
No one complained not even Sterling he was just too tired.
"I'm going to get some water", I said.
I found a small stream and filled my bottle.
"Look, what we have a little diamond ninja all her own",
Saizo's Perspective
Mika was taking too long. I got to my feet. It didn't take me much time to find her by her scent. Blood caught my attention. I sped toward it. Mika was covered in cuts and bruises.
"Mika",
"I'm fine", she said.
Three Leaf ninja stood in front of her. My hands fisted. Three against one Mika didn't stand a chance. I'm not at full strength and using my diamond skin will use up too much chakra. I should still be able to take out these three without causing myself any real harm to myself.
"This is her teammate. He's probably just as weak as her. Who knew genin from the diamond were so pathetic", said the Leaf ninja.
My eye twitched. I cracked my knuckles.
"You used my teammate as punching for that you'll pay", I said.
The fight took less than two minutes. I took their scroll. It wouldn't hurt to have an extra. I picked up Mika.
"I'm sorry", she said.
"For what? They ambushed you", I said.
"You don't have to carry me", said Mika.
I took her back to the hideout. When got back I carefully put her down. Hazel looked over Mika.
"You're bleeding bastard", said Sterling.
He was right. There was a long gash on my forearm. I was nothing serious. I wrapped the wound the bleeding would stop on its own.
"Will she be okay?" I asked.
"She only needs rest. Her wounds aren't serous", said Hazel
The rest of the night went peacefully. We over slept the next morning.
"Shit we only have twenty minutes!" I said.
We ran at full speed. By some miracle we managed not to run into anyone. We had five minutes to spare.
"Wow", said Mika.
I saw what she gawking at. It massive bell tower. The thing looked ancient. It might be as old as grandpa. I put my hands over my ears as the bells rang. The seals on the doors in front released.
"Look it's time for us to separate", said Hazel.
We entered through different doors. On the wall in front of us was the earth and fire quote.
"May your will be as strong as earth and love for one other burn as intensely as the hottest flame", said Mika.
The words our village follows loyally.
"It's time for us to open the earth and fire scrolls", I said.
Sterling and her opened them. Smoke rose from the scrolls. When the smoke cleared, Aunt Kameko stood in front of us. She smiled.
"I'm happy to see that you three along with the other genin from the Hidden Diamond have made it through the second part of the exam", said Kameko.
"So what's next?" asked Sterling.
"You'll find out. Promise me you won't over do it", said Kameko.
"What the hell are you talking about?" asked Sterling.
"You'll find out soon enough", she said.
We followed her into the arena. Kameko joined my mom on the small platform in front of us. Mom's change in appearance was shocking. She was dressed in the Hidden Diamond ninja uniform. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail and she wore her forehead protector. I've never seen her looks so much like a shinobi before.
I shook my head. My focus shouldn't be on her. Like Kameko said all the teams from the Hidden Diamond made it through. Our sensei were here too. The teams that made it through were from the Sand, Snow, Star, and Leaf villages. This will be interesting. I was surprised to see that white haired girl hadn't made it through. That's a shame I was looking forward to fighting her. I guess she wasn't a good as she seemed. She did seem frail. The Guardians weren't the leaders in attendance. The Hokage, Kazekage, and the Hoshikage were here. I didn't think such powerful leaders would for this. Mom and Eiji stepped forward.
"First of all I want to congratulate all of you on passing the second exam", said Mom.
Ryuu stepped forward. He must be the proctor of the next part of the exam.
"Alright listen up everyone. Lord Guardian will explain the next part of the exam", he said.
"Before I tell you what the third exam entails. I want to explain the test itself. There's something all of you young ones must understand. I will tell you the true purpose of these exams", said Eiji.
True purpose? Isn't the reason for them obvious? All the genin here have come to see if they have the strength needed to become a chunin.
"Why do you suppose our country holds these exams in conjunction with our allies? It is to raise the abilities of the shinobi and to strengthen friendship between allied nations. This is not the only reason. The exams are actually a representation of the battle between allied forces", said Eiji.
"What does that mean?" asked Mika.
"If we look at our history. All the countries we are allied with were once neighboring nations competing with each other for military power. In order to stop the destruction of the nations forces meaninglessly each nation chose champions to represent them in battle. That's how the chunin selection exam was created", said Eiji.
I wonder if grandpa was one of the original champions of our village. I zoned out the rest of lecture. I didn't spend five days in damn canyon to listen to a lecture. When are we going to fight? My attention refocused, when Ryuu stepped forward.
"Since there's so many of you. We'll have to hold a preliminary", said Ryuu.
"But why?" asked Hazel.
"The first and second part might have been too easy. The fact is we didn't think so many of your squirts would survive. We can't afford to waste the time of the important guests coming to the finals. These prelims will prove the best of the best. Only the strongest will make it through to the finals", said Ryuu.
"We don't get even get a break?!" yelled one of the Leaf ninja.
"Are you afraid wimp?" asked Sterling.
"What did you call me?" said the Leaf ninja.
"You heard what I said. Or are too dumb to understand", said Sterling.
That's Sterling for you always making new friends. The two looked like they were going to charge at each other.
"Easy you two save that energy for your matches. Now any who aren't in condition to move forward please withdraw now", said Ryuu.
A snow ninja with a badly broken hand was the only one to withdraw. I grabbed ahold of Sterling's shirt just to make sure he wouldn't do anything stupid.
"Let go!" growled Sterling.
"No, I can't have you doing something stupid that will get you disqualified from the exam", I said.
"Why the fuck would you care if I got kicked out or not?" asked Sterling.
"Because you are the one I want to fight the most", I said.
Sterling stared at me in pure disbelief. He shook off the expression.
"Be careful what you wish for", said Sterling.
"The prelims will consist of one on one knock out battles. The match will go on until one of you is unable to continue or dead. I will step if a match is hopeless to help save as many lives as possible" said Ryuu.
A large panel in the middle of the back wall opened revealing a large screen.
"The opponents will be chosen at random. Now lets see what fate awaits you", said Ryuu.
The screen started shuffling through names. Both Sterling and I tensed when Mika's name appeared on the screen.
"Mika Aozora and Ritan Kogeki please step forward. The rest of you go on the decks above the arena", said Ryuu.
Sterling and I stood near sensei.
"Good luck", said Sensei.
"Take that bitch down", said Sterling.
"I couldn't have said it better. Oh and we believe in you", I said.
"The bastard is right", said Sterling.
She smiled.
"Come on you two. The match can't start with us standing here", said Sensei.
We joined her in the upper decks. Sterling and were focused on Mika.
"Don't look so nervous you two. Mika is a much stronger than she looks", said Sensei.
I hope she's right. For as long as I've known Mika I've never seen her win a battle. Not even in the academy sparring classes.
Mika's Perspective
Ritan looked only a year younger than me. She had short dark brown hair and chocolate colored eyes. Long golden earring sparkled against her dark hair. Colorful bangles decorated her wrists. On her waist were two small boomerangs. A massive on was strapped to her back.
"Begin", said Ryuu.
I jumped back a few spaces. At this distance I could either defend or attack. I drew my fans, but didn't unfold them. Hopefully, I won't have to use either of my dances. I want to save those for the finals.
"You're the weak link aren't you", said Ritan.
"You don't you know who I am", I said.
She laughed. Why does she laugh at me?
"You're right I don't. Yet I know of Saizo and Sterling abilities, even all the way in the Leaf. They defeat Zur by themselves. And where you?" asked Ritan.
"It wasn't that simple", I said.
She rolled her eyes. Why do people always do that to me? They brush me off like I'm nothing. I opened my fans.
"Wind scythe jutsu!"
A storm of wind rushed in her direction. Her substitution was diced to pieces.
"There's more bite to you than I thought", said Ritan.
She drew the two boomerangs at her hips.
"Dual fang barrier",
She threw the boomerangs. I used my fans to shield myself, but there was no attack. A whistle caught my attention. I was trapped in cage made of wind. The barrier around us grew smaller and smaller pushing us closer together. She came at me. I've never been good a taijutsu. I successfully blocked her punches. The breath left my lungs, when she landed a powerful kick to my chest. It sent me into the wind barrier. The wind cut deep gashes in my skin. It slashed my clothes and cut my hair tie. My fans were torn from my hands by the boomerangs traveling in the air stream. I was taken higher and higher off the ground. The jutsu released. I crashed to the ground. I will not lose! I got to my feet.
"You shouldn't even be standing", she said.
"I'm not some weak the link that can be easily broken", I said.
I need fans. I charged at her.
"Leaf Hurricane",
I grabbed my fans right before the powerful impact sent me skidding across the arena. I slammed into the wall. Before I could get up she lifted me up by hair.
"Such soft and shiny hair. Maybe if you spent less time caring for your hair and more time training you'd actually stand a chance against me", said Ritan.
Even when I try my best I'm useless. Tears blurred vision. I looked up at my teammates. I'm not strong enough. I'll never be able to keep up with you two. I'm sorry. I should just withdraw. My eyes focused on the ground.
"MIKA!"
Saizo?
"Don't you dare give up. You worked so hard to get here!" he yelled from above.
I smiled.
"Thank you Saizo",
I'll show you the real me.
Saizo's Perspective
Something changed in Mika's expression. I've never seen that look before.
"How the hell will she get out this", said Sterling.
"Shut up and watch", said Sensei.
Mika opened one of her fans. Blades appeared along the edge. She cut her hair freeing herself. I'd never seen such confidence in her eyes before. She swallowed a food pill.
"I wasn't planning on revealing my dance so soon. It seems like I have no choice", said Mika.
"Dance?"
"When it comes to physical strength Mika is the weakest. She desperately wanted to make up for it. Mika wanted to prove she of use to you two. So we worked on talents she did have. She has she's more flexible and dexterous than both of you together", said Sensei.
She took one of the graceful stances I've seen. She looked beautiful. Both of her fans were open.
"What kind of position is that?" asked Sterling.
"It's called attitude. Now watch you'll see a side of her you didn't know existed", said Sensei.
"Phoenix fire dance",
Her fans caught fire. She started an impossibly quick dance. Her body spun at an unbelievable rate. Small fireballs left her fans with ever spin.
"You think your pathetic fireballs is enough to defeat me", said Ritan.
Ritan eyes widen, when the fireball extinguished kunai and shuriken appeared. A giant storm of heated weapons came at Ritan. She spun her giant boomerang in circular motion forming a shield.
"Did really think such a pitiful attack would work on me?" asked Ritan.
It was obvious that dance used up a large amount of chakra.
"Who said my dance was over", said Mika.
Her fans glowed a bright orange. She came at Ritan without a single ounce of fear. Ritan blocked Mika's attack with her giant boomerang. Mika's molten fans cut through the giant piece of metal. Ritan jumped back.
"How dare you break my favorite toy!" she yelled.
Mika was panting.
"Heh, that jutsu was powerful I'll give you that, but it looks like it's draining as hell", said Ritan.
"Don't count me out just yet. I'm not only one low on chakra. You weren't at one hundred percent, when you entered this arena. I take it you're not the kind of person who isn't accustom losing. I'm betting you're as annoyed as hell that you've used up this much chakra on me and I'm still standing", said Mika.
She smiled. Mika was getting to Ritan.
"Poison Mist",
A cloud of purple mist poison left her mouth. She put a small triangular gas mask that only cover her nose and mouth. Mika ran into the dark cloud. The sounds of clinking mental echoed through the arena.
"We can't see the best part", whined Sterling.
I smirked, when the cloud of poison faded away. When the arena became completely clear, I was shocked. Mika lay motionless on the floor. Kunai and shuriken were sticking out from her skin. Blood dripped from her mouth into a small puddle on the floor.
"How the hell did that happen?! The bitch must have cheated", yelled Sterling.
Something happened in that cloud. Mika still wore her gas mask so the poison didn't cause it.
"Are you sure you want to hear the answer?" asked Ritan.
"I think it would be wise for you to keep your mouth shut girl", said Sensei as she appeared in the arena.
Toshi grabbed Sterling and I before we could join her.
"You'll have your chance. She wouldn't want you risk being disqualified by doing something foolish on her behalf", said Toshi.
Four eyes is right. When I get my hands on a Leaf ninja I'll show them never to disrespect a Hidden Diamond shinobi again.
"The winner of the match is Ritan Kogeki", said Ryuu.
"You're teammate is a loser. That's the simple truth of it", said Ritan.
Toshi grabbed both Sterling and I again forcing us to stay put.
"Let go!" yelled Sterling.
"No, remember what I told you before", said Toshi.
This wasn't right. Mika should have won. I watched as she was carried out of the arena on a stretcher. Sensei appeared next to us.
"You should be with her", I said.
"I can't do anything to help her. The best thing for me to do for her right is let the medical ninjas do their jobs. And you getting angry will do nothing to help her Saizo", said Sensei.
I released the metal railing. It was crushed from the amount force I bared down on it.
"She should have beat that bitch", growled Sterling.
"I've never seen that look in her eyes before. She changed so much in the short time of the battle. That should have been enough. Mika should have won", I said.
Sensei smiled.
"The two of you make sure to tell her that, when she gets a chance. The both of you are responsible for brining out that change in her", she said.
Names started flashing across the screen again. As long as I get a Leaf genin as my opponent I don't care, when my name is drawn.
"Dawn Oshiro and Felix Oshiro please come down", said Ryuu.
Shit, I couldn't imagine what it would be like to fight family.
"It isn't as difficult as think", said Sensei.
"Why?"
"Felix is from the branch family, while Dawn is from the main family. The groups have been feuding for years, but I don't know the exact cause", said Sensei.
Felix's Perspective
I shivered, when I saw the cold look in my cousin's eyes. There's no way I'll be able to beat her. She's from the main branch of the family and is a prodigy at wielding our bloodline dojtsu. I tensed, when I felt two hands on my shoulders. I smiled, when I saw Kuro and Hazel.
"You can do this you happily go lucky squirt", said Kuro.
My smile grew.
"You can do this. Don't let her bring you down", said Hazel.
I jumped into the arena. I gulped, when I saw Dad looking at me. I'm such a disappointment to him. His daughters are powerful jonin, but me his son is a failure. I will lose this there's not a doubt in my mind. But maybe I can be like Mika. She might have lost the match, but she discovered something powerful within herself. Maybe I can do the same.
"You may begin", said Ryuu.
I looked at Dawn. Her gaze was as icy as ever.
"Cousin, withdraw you known what will happen if you fight me", said Dawn.
"Who knows cousin maybe the luck of the blue moon will shine upon on me", I said.
"Why must you always bet against the odds? This time it could very well end in your death", said Dawn.
"I believe in hope. Is that so wrong?" I said.
"What you believe in isn't hope Felix its fantasy", said Dawn as she closed her eyes.
When they opened, her pupils had disappeared. Her eyes glowed orange.
"I can't believe you're his child. Your father is one of the most powerful wielders of our dojutsu, yet you have absolutely no abilities. You are not but a fluke", said Dawn.
"I don't need our bloodline eyes to be a ninja", I said.
She laughed, but stopped when she saw I was serous.
"The only way you could be half way decent ninja is if you had eyes like mine. You have no chance of winning without them", said Dawn.
"That's not true", I said.
"There a reason why our dojutsu is called the Eyes of Prophecy. We can predict the future movements of our opponent and either deflect or counter attack. It's as if we are reading the fated strikes of our foe", said Dawn.
"Prove it", I said.
"My foolish cousin you'll regret saying those words", said Dawn.
Her hand went to one of the many scrolls latched to her belt, but then she stopped.
"I don't even think I'll have to use these", said Dawn.
Most would think she was being over confident, but this was her being reasonable. Her hand went to the tool pouch strapped to her leg. She threw her kunai and shuriken into the air were they hung. This was a special jutsu of my family. It was known as Blade Levitation. Unlike its relative the Manipulating Attack Blades jutsu the blades weren't limited to the span of the arms. They could be controlled by any part of the chakra stream. This kind of attack could be dangerous for wielder if they couldn't predict the movement of each of the weapons in levitation.
"There's now way you can win. Accept you fate", said Dawn as the weapons in the air pointed in my direction.
I looked up my teammates. They believe in me. I can do this.
"Don't look away from me", said Dawn.
I used my arms to block barrage of weapons flying in my direction. I hit the wall behind me.
"You're don't even have enough talent to use a simple substitution jutsu. Face it Felix you were never meant to be a ninja. You are too kind hearted and gentle. The only reason you're here is that Hazel and Koru wanted to take the chunin exam", said Dawn.
"That might have been true, before but now I want to be here. I want to show that I can change. My teammates believe so maybe just maybe I can win", I said as I tried getting up.
"They aren't family. Why is their belief in you so important?" asked Dawn.
"We might not be related by blood, but they're closer to me than you are", I said.
"You're naivety must have rubbed off on them if they are foolish enough to believe in you", said Dawn.
Another barrage of weapons came at me. This time the weapons' movements were in slow motion. I CAN SEE! I dodged every one of them.
"How the hell did you dodge my attack?!" growled Dawn.
"I was finally give the confidence to awaken my gift", I said.
My eyes held the same orange glow as hers.
"Impressive, but this does nothing to change the outcome of this match", said Dawn.
I took eight shuriken from the holster on my leg and threw them in her. Dawn is deflected each of them.
"Is that all you have?" asked Dawn.
I smirked, before throwing a smoke grenade. I jumped out of the smoke and landed on one of the railings. I only have a few seconds. I channel my chakra into the almost invisible threads. There were multiple bangs as the paper bombs attached to them went off. She couldn't have made it through that. The smoke faded away. Dawn stood completely undamaged. How is that even possible? I should have at least caused one scratch. Even with her eyes she shouldn't have been able to see through that smoke.
"Did you really think that pathetic attack would work on me? It's my turn. Let me show how to really use explosives", said Dawn.
She pulled one of the smaller scrolls from the belt across her chest. It might be little, but who knows what she has. There was a small puff of smoke. When it cleared a metal sphere with kunai sticking out of it.
"You may be able to predict movement, but that doesn't matter if you're too slow to avoid it", said Dawn.
The explosive went off. I couldn't avoid any of them. They moved too fast. When I looked at Dawn, she was completely unharmed. I collapsed. Kunai stuck out of my skin. I groaned as I forced myself to get up. My legs were shaking. The attack punctured my left lung, jabbed sliced through my liver, and cut my femoral artery.
"Put an end your suffer and yield. If you continue like this you will die", said Dawn.
I stepped toward her. I don't care if I die I will not give up.
"I still have some fight", I said.
"Put end to this foolishness. It will only lead to further agony", said Dawn.
I coughed up blood.
"You are the one in agony not I. My physical pain is nothing compared the emotional pain you suffer through every day", I said.
Anger filled her eyes. She charged at. With my wounds I couldn't move. I smiled. I found it. I found my strength. I don't if it cost me life finding it. There was a flash of smoke. Sensei, Ren, and Hugo held back Dawn. Dad stood in front of me.
"Protecting the weaklings as always!" snarled Dawn as she struggled in her sensei's hold.
"Dawn, you promised me you wouldn't let this first and second family thing cause problems", said Hugo.
I collapsed. I groaned as I was picked up. My vision was blurry.
"Dad?"
"I'm very proud of you my boy", he said.
I smiled. I'd always wanted to hear him say that. I coughed up more blood.
"Deep breaths I'll you to a medic", said Dad.
If I die now I'll die happy.
Kuro's Perspective
Sensei appeared by our side.
"Will the little guy be okay?" I asked.
He smiled at Hazel and I.
"I think Felix will be just find. Might have to spend a few days in critical condition, but he should be fine", said Sensei.
Hazel hands fisted and she glared at Dawn. I'd never seen such a vicious look in her eyes. She looked almost as terrifying as her mother, when she was angry.
"You shouldn't be wasting your time glaring at me. It will do nothing for my idiot cousin or you", said Dawn.
Sensei had to hold back Hazel from attacking.
"Calm down!" growled Sensei.
"I swear in the finals I won't lose you!" said Hazel.
"Kuro, your teammate's over confidence will get both you and her killed", said Dawn.
"I don't think she's being over confident", I said.
"You can let me go sensei", said Hazel.
"Promise you won't do anything foolish?" he asked.
"I promise", she said.
Sensei put her down. I stared at her. Even now, when she's covered in dirt and hasn't showered in days she looks beautiful. I can't believe I spent so much time being angry with her. She spoke the truth. It takes her nearly getting killed. Something caught my attention. Lady Minori kept glancing over at Hazel. I shiver went down spine, when I caught her gaze. I could have sworn her pupils were slit. Hazel laughed.
"What?"
"Why are scared of my mom?" asked Hazel.
"She's terrifying woman", I said.
Hazel rolled her eyes at me.
"I can be just scary", she said.
I laughed. This 4'11 thirteen year old girl who didn't weigh ninety pounds wet thought she could be as terrifying as Lady Guardian.
"This is no time for laughing", said Sensei as he pointed the screen.
"Koru Koizumi and Neve Hoppo please come to the arena", said Ryuu.
Author's Notes
If you want to get an idea of what Mika's movements in her dance looked like type in Chinese folk dance Phoenix and Peony into youtube. Fast forward to minute 3:30.