Author's Note: A week and 2 days, that's gotta be my best record yet! Don't I get extra credit for updating early?
As usual, Enjoy and Review, people!
Destiny of the Cursed
Chapter 31: Remaining hope
"Tou-san, Sasuke, STOP!"
The plea went unheard, drowned out by the roar of both men as they charged towards one another along with the shrill cry of lightning on their hands. Katana stood in the middle and—unable to do anything else, watched as the two hastily closed in on her. Bringing her hands together, she wove seals quickly. "Kuroi Ka—"
Before she could finish the jutsu, something pushed her off the way of danger and sent her tumbling down roughly on the side while A and Sasuke clashed with each other. A deafening boom erupted from the collision and from the smoke, the Raikage and the avenger landed on their feet, back on their starting points. Pulling out his katana and forming another chidori on his palm, Sasuke wasted no time in attacking again.
"Are you alright?"
Jerking her head to the side, Katana saw Darui barely meters away, groaning and stumbling his way over to her. He dropped down on a crouch, inspecting her from the corner of his eyes. "Please stay here, Katana-sama." He requested, swallowing to relieve his dry throat. "Stay here and wait for the back-up. Boss wouldn't really want you to be caught up in this fight." Another explosion sounded and both of them turned to the heated battle.
In growing anxiety, Katana watched as two other shinobi took their positions beside Sasuke. "I'll leave Shee to protect you, Katana-sama." Muttered Darui, picking himself up from the ground. "Wait!" she tried to call out, but the jounin was already out of earshot. Running a hand through her hair, she inhaled shakily, gathering her nerves as she got to her feet. With her hidden wounds aching and chakra level not very high, she didn't know if she could handle a fight while still being in the state of recovery. Eyeing her father's bulky form as he fought, she contemplated whether to join or not.
If I let them fight, she thought gravely, they'll kill each other. But if I interfere…which side will I take?
A sudden whoosh of cold air made her whirl back sharply, hand immediately flying and drawing her sword. A metallic clank sounded as her weapon and a stouter sword clashed, her eyes darting up to glare at the pale-haired teen that snuck up on her. "Hiya." He greeted with a teasing smirk, sharp, white teeth poking out at the corners of his mouth.
"Name's Suigetsu Hozuki, Sasuke's—well, I wouldn't say friend. I'm more of a partner in crime, actually." He laughed darkly but his force against her sword didn't lessen. "I heard you're Katana, Raikage's daughter." Suigetsu said, his violet eyes glinting in something she couldn't quite name. "Am I right?"
"Indeed, I am." Katana replied dryly, throwing off his weapon with a harsh slide of her hand. "What's it to you?" In a fluid motion, she sidestepped, falling into a defensive stance. The boy offered a toothy grin. "He also told me to watch out for your temper. Said you get violent when you're all riled-up."
"That doesn't answer my question."
With a chuckle, Suigetsu shook his head, slinging his broken sword over his shoulder carelessly. "Sasuke, the bastard that he is, ordered me to take you hostage. That way, the Raikage'd let us pass without killing us. Don't worry, we'll let go of you right after that, of course."
A snort answered him, her grey orbs narrowing. "Do you really think I'd let you capture me that easily?" she asked him, blood boiling with infuriation. The grip on her sword adjusted, fingers coiling dangerously around the hilt. Suigetsu shrugged. "Not sure, really." He threw her a wry glance, one side of his mouth quirking up. "But I'm about to find out."
The boy swung his arm forward and Katana brought her sword up to block the blow. She delivered a kick to his chest, sending him staggering backward with an 'oof'. Katana swiped at him, grunting in irritation when he dodged it. Leaping forward, Suigetsu struck a hard blow by her side. She blocked, sweat pouring down her face as she fought back the larger weapon. The two locked their blades, both of them pushing off the other with all their might, neither wanting to back down.
"I won't lose to a girl." Said Suigetsu, his grasp on the sword handle slipping down. He glared at her, teeth ground together in concentration. Katana scoffed, furrowing her eyebrows as she whispered, "Well you know what? I won't lose to a jerk either." She shoved him away, knocking him off balance. Taking the opportunity while he stumbled with his feet, she fell into a crouch, swiping him off the ground with her leg. He tumbled down, landing on his back with a startled yelp.
Suigetsu looked up just in time to block the blade that has been brought down on him, eyes widening as the glinting metal edge brushed softly against his cheek, earning him a shallow cut. "You bitc—" He was interrupted by a rough upper-cut to his jaw, causing him to bite his tongue and bleed.
Katana jostled herself up, jumping a safe distance to regain her composure while her opponent scrambled angrily on his feet. The white-haired shinobi glowered at her, purple orbs screaming rage. "Forget what Sasuke said about abducting you." He spat out, wiping blood away from the corner of his mouth. "I'd rather slice you into bits and take your pretty sword afterwards."
Katana returned the glare, eyes swirling, turning into a void of black and gold specks. "Try me, Hozuki." She dared, the protective black flames automatically engulfing her body. "I'll shred you to pieces."
The boy charged with a snarl, pulling his arm back for a quick inside thrust when he saw that she left herself open. A sudden burst of flames made him recoil back, his chakra being sucked out forcefully when he was near it. He winced, squinting his eyes. "What the hell?"
A hard blow on his gut took him aback, pain that radiated throughout his body catching him unguarded. He gasped, losing the grip on his sword and doubling over in agony as his body shook violently. A swift kick to his jaw made him tumble over and the unconscious boy landed on his back, melting into a puddle of jelly-like liquid.
Katana grimaced, electricity crackling around her. Beads of sweat traveled down from her forehead to her chin, her breath ragged and uneven. "Good riddance." She muttered, wiping sweat away from her face. She turned her back on him, eyes analyzing the battle between Sasuke and her father.
Sharp, jagged rocks littered the place, floors were crushed and holes were all over the thick walls. Her father stood by the side, covered by his lightning armor, the juncture of his shoulder bleeding in an open wound. Her gaze scanned the overturned place once more, in search of a certain raven-haired Uchiha. Where is he? Katana asked herself, eyebrows furrowing ever-so-slightly in worry. Don't tell me Tou-sama got him for good…
As if to prove her unspoken statement wrong, the avenger rocketed up from under a pile of debris, hurriedly charging towards the older man. The Raikage countered easily, grabbing the teen and locking him upside down. Sasuke struggled against the hold, jerking and kicking until the Kage's grasp on him loosened. Quickly he jumped away from the heavily built man, his irises altering into star-shaped red and black, his own Mangekyo Sharingan.
Just like Tou-san's—Kakashi-sensei's eyes…She thought, redirecting her gaze away from his eyes and to the lower half of his face instead after a tentative glimpse. When did he get them? Dark, crimson liquid appeared in her view, oozing in a deliberate pace down his cheek. Eyebrows flew up in alarm and giving in to the momentary temptation, she looked up at him. Blood welled and spilled from under his eyes, falling to the ground as tiny, red droplets. He glared at the Raikage, menacingly cold chakra clouding around him like a thick fog.
A black ball of fire ignited out of nowhere, causing everyone to snap their attentions to it. It aimed for the Raikage at a pace too fast to be followed by their eyes, planning to tackle him head-on. The tanned man enveloped himself dodged it with unnatural speed, charging for the S-rank nin. The bypassed ball of flame hit an unsuspecting samurai square in the chest, knocking him off balance.
The man let out a surprised squawk that was later on followed by an agonized scream. His comrades hastily approached his side, trying in vain to extinguish the ceaseless fire. They could only watch in horror as the black flames devoured their teammate in a torturously slow pace that had him writhing in pain.
Swirling black and gold eyes were wide as they gaped at the man ablaze, fear creeping up her spine in an all too familiar way. She swallowed tightly, her gaze darting to the still avenger that was covered from head to toe with the black flames. Sasuke…What the hell happened to you? A massive blur made its way to her line of sight, rapidly drawing near Sasuke's back.
Alarm bells rang inside her head and eyes widening further, she screamed in panic, "Tou-san, DON'T!"
The enraged leader disregarded her call and brought his arm down on the blazing shinobi, successfully striking the missing-nin on the head. Taken aback, Sasuke winced as he took the full impact of the hit, dropping limp to the floor. Ignoring his arm that had been caught on fire, the Raikage leapt, sending a powerful kick down on the dark-haired boy. "Guillotine Drop!"
"TOU-SAN!"
A flying silhouette tackled the Raikage in mid-air, sending both of them skidding away from Sasuke. Katana snapped her eyes shut as she hugged her father, bracing herself for the rough landing.
"Ugh!" She heard her father grunt in discomfort from under her but other than a dull thud, the collision she expected never came. She quickly rolled off to the side, inspecting the man's burning arm in worry when something caught her attention. She squinted, her eyes on the floor, watching as specks of dust slither away from under them. Sand.
Inhaling sharply, she jerked her head up and saw the recognizable redhead standing from across the spacious hallways, with his arms crossed over his chest while sand encircled his lean frame.
Not long after he came, his siblings made their entrance, standing in their battle stances beside him. Kankuro extended his chakra strings far off to the samurai on fire, attaching them on his armor and tugging them off with a quick flick of his hands. The man inside let out a breathless gasp, falling unconscious to the ground. His teammates were quick to go to his aid, automatically hauling him to their shoulders.
"Stand back, samurai." Gaara ordered in a monotone, his aquamarine eyes never leaving Sasuke's form. "This battle is between us shinobi. There's no need for you to get caught up in this fight." The group of men nodded gratefully, slightly bowing to him before making their exit.
Relief washed over her system and knowing that it was safe to turn her back from Sasuke, Katana faced her father, eyeing his arm in worry. "Hold on." She said, before slowly reaching out for the limb ablaze. When her fingers came in contact with the undying flames, she flinched, feeling its heat scorch her skin. I can't touch it. I'll get caught on fire too…She realized with a grimace, hands curling into fists by her sides.
With a stubborn scowl, she placed her hands hovering over the arm and concentrated.
Slowly, her own protective black flame spread out, engulfing the destructive fire. Hope flickered in her eyes as she took a shaky breath, hesitantly retracting back her hands. The minute her flames left the Raikage's skin, Amaterasu's fire lit up again.
"Dammit!" Hissed Katana, hastily bringing her hands forward once more when a large hand clamped down on hers. She looked up at the tanned man, meeting his obsidian eyes. Despite the fury present in them, his gaze softened on her and he shook his head. "Don't waste your chakra on something so futile."
"But I can't just—"
He stood abruptly before she can finish, shooting Gaara a furious glower. "Why have you interfered, Kazekage?" he demanded, "If I don't like your answer, I won't let you off so easily!" Following his lead, Katana picked herself up from the ground, standing in front of him. "Calm down, Tou-san. You're still injured."
"I had it all under control!" he snarled again, eyebrows furrowed deeply as his fists shook by his sides. The young man shifted his gaze from Sasuke to him, eyes fearless and unwavering. "If I hadn't interrupted, you would've set your leg on fire too. I doubt you can fight well without two of your limbs." He remarked in a challenging tone, causing the Raikage's face to contort in a scowl.
"You brat! I have survived more—" Hands gripped his forearm, squeezing slightly to earn his attention. He stopped, glancing down on a pleading gaze. "Please Tou-san." Whispered Katana, her eyes darting worriedly on his other arm, "He has a point." The older man followed her gaze, mouth tugging down guiltily. "Fine." He replied, begrudgingly stalking away towards his two soldiers.
Sighing wearily, the kunoichi jogged for her discarded weapon, gaze fixed mainly on the boy in the middle of the wreckage as she snatched it up. Her eyebrows knitted together in a wounded glare, a mixed feeling of anger and dejection made her insides lurch rebelliously.
"Uchiha Sasuke." Regarded Gaara in a tone that held no specific emotion, but his orbs betrayed a flash of disappointment. "Your eyes are still the same."
Grunting, the Sharingan user got to his feet, one hand wiping the blood away from the corner of his mouth as he glared at the redhead. "Sabaku no Gaara…" he drawled out, mouth twisting into a sneer, "so you're a Kage now, huh?" Gaara glared mildly at his mocking tone. Ignoring the rhetorical question, he continued, "Living in revenge does not solve anything. I've realized that. It's not too late for you to do the same. Don't let your hatred possess you."
"If I come back, what's waiting for me there?" Sasuke spat back, his Mangekyo narrowing in insult. "A life behind bars? A death sentence?" The raven-haired shinobi snorted. "I'm not stupid. I know what the higher-ups are trying to do. They're trying to shut me up…just like what they did to Itachi."
"Killing people is hardly a good solution to your problem. It's not going to bring you anywhere. You can still turn your back on that world of hatred, Uchiha." The Kazekage released an inaudible sigh, letting just a little bit of concern to seep in his monotone voice. "You and I are alike, Sasuke. We walked have through the darkness…that's why we are able to see even just a sliver of light. Both back then… and even now."
Blood-smeared lips curled up in a dangerous smirk, Sasuke meeting Gaara eye to eye. "No", he said with a subtle shake of his head, "I have long since closed my eyes to block out that light. My only goal is in the darkness."
Sasuke's answer rang inside Katana's ears, echoing over and over again inside her head. She took a deep breath, letting it out as a ragged exhale as moisture stung her eyes. A heavy lump formed in the back of her throat and she swallowed tightly. Gathering her courage, she found control of her voice again, "It…It doesn't have to be this way." She interjected, making both parties turn to her.
Sasuke faced her, eyes dead with nothing but cold hatred in it. The little spark of hope she saw in his orbs when they last fought had died down completely. Mouth set in a thin line, she said, "It doesn't have to be like this. There's no need for you to run away. You have a family waiting for you back home. Back in Konoha. We used to be happy, Sasuke."
"You… me… Naruto, Sakura... and Kakashi-sensei…" trailed off Katana, voice dropping down to a hushed whisper. She lowered her gaze to the ground, expression softening. "I don't understand why you can't see that—that we've always been there for you." All the words died down in her throat and all she could do was look up at him. "What do you say, Sasuke?"
Silence stretched out between the two former comrades. The Uchiha remained still, his face unreadable, gaze fixed on the girl. Katana waited patiently, a small part of her in the back of her mind still hopeful. Suddenly, a maniac cackle escaped the boy and he erupted into fits of hysterical laughter. Taken aback, the kunoichi tightened her hold on her weapon, body tensing up.
"Do you really think I'm that gullible, Katana?" asked Sasuke after his laughter ended. He shook his head in amusement of some sort, smirk fading into a deadly glare. "You're no family of mine." He hissed, drawing his sword as black chakra gathered around him again. Katana took a step back, her own eyes narrowing. Chakra swirled restlessly around her form, creating a dark protective ball.
"You…and all the others, are nothing but burdens to me. Nothing but mere obstacles in my way." He spat as the energy around him solidified, enclosing him inside a humanoid being. Grinning frenziedly, he motioned to the creature made out of chakra. "This here", he said, giving everyone a good look, "is Susanoo. A defense even more absolute than your sand, Gaara!"
A murmur rose from among the group behind them, all of them tense and anticipating danger. However, Katana stayed where she was, studying the latter intently, not quite believing his statement earlier. "Katana!" She didn't need to look back to know that it was her father's voice, rough with masked worry. "Get away from him this instant!"
This time around, it was her that ignored her father's urgent call, lips pressed tightly in a frown. She simply refused to believe that it was over for him. There must be a way somehow…to convince him…to bring him back.
Meeting her friend's open eye, she gazed into them warily, searching for something to give him away. There was a flash in his stony eyes that went away as quickly as it came and for a second, she saw his orbs flicker down on the ground before looking up at her again. Realization hit her like a bucket of cold water, sudden and harsh. It was…hope.
"Katana."
Snapped out of her trance, she glanced sideways, her feet stubbornly planted on the ground. Surprise reflected in her face when she discovered that it was Gaara who spoke this time. He said nothing, face blank and calm, but his aquamarine eyes were more than enough to express what he was trying to say: get back here.
As much as she wanted to, Katana found herself shaking her head a 'no' with an apologetic glance and turning her back on them once again. Mustering up all the remaining guts she had left, she took a bold step forward and called out, "Sasuke." The avenger faced her, drawing his sword out with a pleased laugh. "So you think you can take me on?" Pure killing intent radiated off his aura, sending chills to creep up her spine.
"I don't want to fight you." As if to prove her point, she flung her beloved sword away, leaving it to clatter noisily against the floor before settling down. The chakra shield around her crumbled down like a brick wall, her eyes changing back to their normal shade of intense grey as she made her way towards him. Sasuke smirked. "Then you will die."
"You won't kill me." She said, trying her best to hide the doubt in her tone. Katana halted directly in front of him, barely inches away from Susanoo. His eye narrowed, amused expression flying into rage.
"And just how are you so sure of that?" he asked, stepping up closer and allowing the kunoichi to enter the protective shield around him. Right away, Katana felt the prickling sensation of chakra stinging her skin like icy needles and she fought the urge to cower away. Cool metal brushed dangerously against her neck, the sharp blade of Sasuke's katana resting directly on her pulse point. She closed her eyes, muscles stiffening in reflex.
It took every bit of her nerve not to step back, to remain standing in her place where the possibility of death was high. "Because…" she started, swallowing when she felt the metallic edge press on her skin lightly. Her orbs opened, sincere and undeceiving.
"You're my friend."
The Uchiha froze.
Hand reaching up to grasp the latter's arm, she slowly pushed the sword away, letting it fall by the boy's side. She took one last step, completely closing the gap between them. Pushing herself to stand on her tiptoes, Katana wound her arms around the dark-haired shinobi's neck, resting her head down his shoulder. Sasuke stared ahead, his functioning eye wide in disbelief, expression stupefied.
Taking in a shuddering breath, her fingers curled around the material of his shirt, fisting handfuls of it. "I know you won't kill me…" she whispered lowly, mumbling over his shoulder, "because I trust you." She could hear his heart beating rhythmically between them, his cold aura diminishing as she held him. "You're not a bad person, Sasuke. You never were."
"…You're wrong."
Before her mind could even register his words, she was shoved away roughly, landing on her back against the tiled floor. Susanoo's arms whipped out, cutting through the sturdy pillars that held the place. Everyone looked up at the ceiling, faces turning pale as deep cracks appeared on its surface.
"The roof won't hold much longer!" Came the alarmed shout of one samurai. Rocks started rain down on them, the whole place caving in. No one noticed the avenger slip away quietly, using the fact that everyone was too busy taking cover or running at his advantage.
A panicked yell of her name was the last thing Katana heard before something hard was brought down on her head, blurriness altering the images around her. Vision turning red, the girl faded into oblivion.
Nothing but white haze was all unfocused grey eyes saw when they first opened fully.
"W-Where am I?" croaked out Katana, unable to feel anything in her current position. The girl attempted to sit up but quickly decided against it when a sharp pang shot through her head. Wincing, a hand flew up to clutch it, fingers retracting on contact as a warm liquid ran down them. Blood.
"Please don't do that, Katana-sama." Her head turned sluggishly to the side, meeting the indistinct figure of a blonde shinobi sitting by her side. She squinted, straining her eyes to clear out the shadowy silhouette. "S-Shee? Is that you?"
"Hai." Answered the sensor, plastering a comforting smile on his face as he healed the wound on her forehead. Soon, the light glow of chakra died from his hands and he offered one to help Katana up. Taking hold of the outstretched hand, the young kunoichi hauled herself in a sitting position with difficulty, her body screaming for rest.
"Thanks." She coughed out weakly, pulling her knees up for her to hug. She looked around, scanning the wrecked hallways. Glancing at the jounin, she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "Shee, why are we here? Where's Tou-san?"
"Raikage-sama and the other Kages are in the headquarters, making their final decisions in preparation for war."
The last word had Katana jerking her torso sideways, eyes narrowing in distress. "War?" she repeated, not quite comprehending what the man said. "Who declared war?" Shee frowned at the question and he replied in a grim tone, "Uchiha Madara dropped by while you were unconscious. He told us what he planned to do about the tailed-beasts and asked the Kages to hand over the Hachibi and the nine-tailed jinchuuriki. When Raikage-sama and the others refused, he waged war against them."
A grimace formed in Katana's face, showing her obvious repulsion against the man. "I thought he already had the Hachibi in his grasp?" asked the girl bitterly, hands balling into fists.
"Not quite. Your uncle's alive, Katana-sama."
Anger drained away from her expression, disbelief etched on her face instead. "Wh-What? He's—Uncle is...alive?"
With an easy chuckle escaping him, Shee nodded eagerly. "Hai, Katana-sama. Killer Bee-sama's alive." he confirmed again, smiling widely when the girl slumped down, sighing in relief.
So Sasuke didn't kill him after all. And speaking of Sasuke…
She opened her mouth, ready to ask about the missing-nin when a particularly loud bang made them both turn back, Katana reflexively reaching for her sword. She had just enough time to grab the handle when her father's bulky form entered her view and she relaxed immediately.
Catching sight of his now conscious daughter, A wasted no time walking in a slow pace and all but ran towards them, dropping on his knees. He took hold of Katana's face, inspecting her closely and checking for any signs of a possible concussion.
"Tou-san, m'fine. Leggo of me." Came the muffled protest of the brunette, her face squished. Reluctantly, he let go and she rubbed her offended cheek, looking up at him guiltily. A released a sigh, leaning forward to enclose her in a hug. Katana feebly returned the gesture, murmuring a soft apology. "Sorry if I had you worried."
"Worried? I was scared half to death, young lady." Corrected the Raikage gruffly, pulling back to glare at her sternly. "He almost killed you, Katana! What were you thinking, dropping your guard and marching up to him?"
"He didn't kill me." Argued Katana, crossing her arms aross her chest defiantly.
"But he could have!"
"Yet he chose not to. I'm still alive, aren't I?"
Frowning at his daughter's pigheadedness, A sighed in resignation. "Fine, just—just promise me you won't do it again? I don't know how I'll live knowing I'd let you fall into the hands of an enemy." Hearing the genuine concern, Katana clamped her mouth shut, looking down dejectedly. "I know." She said and with a sigh, she added, "I'm sorry." The Raikage stood, pulling the girl up with him and unusually soft expression shifted business-like at once.
"I want you to go back to Konoha immediately. I'll have Shee make sure you arrive there safely. I will bring along Darui and both of us will search for your irresponsible idiot of an uncle. Am I understood?" At the mention of an escort, Katana's face fell. She was about to disagree when another voice joined their conversation.
"Raikage-sama."
Startled, both father and daughter whirled around to face the redheaded young man that came up behind them. Katana gawked in surprise at the sight of him standing before her, flushing when their gazes met. She looked away hastily, cursing herself inwardly for blushing like an academy student all over again.
"Kazekage-sama. Is there something you need?" asked the man beside her, oblivious to the awkwardness that radiated off the kunoichi. "Since Konoha and Suna are neighboring villages", he began, aquamarine eyes flickering subtly over to Katana, "I'd be more than happy to escort your daughter safely to Konoha." The older man's eyebrows shot upwards, surprised at the bold offer. "If it's fine with you, of course." Added Gaara reassuringly.
Turning to Katana, the Raikage cast her a knowing look. "Is that alright with you?" he asked her, just for the sake of seeing the girl sink in her place further. "Y-Yeah. I-It's um…f-fine with me." She responded, cringing at the amount of stammers leaving her mouth.
"Well then. I see no reason to disagree. Take care of her, Kazekage-sama." The last part of his statement was faintly stressed, giving out a silent warning. With a curt nod, the Raikage made his exit, leaving the two alone.
"So…" drawled out Katana in an effort to ease the tension between them, biting her lower lip when she realized she was failing miserably. Right now, all she wanted was for the ground to swallow her up and make her disappear. "I take it that it's too late to save myself from further embarrassment?" A small smile graced the normally stoic face of the Kazekage and he took a brave step forward, stopping in front of Katana. Shifting his weight back and forth between his two legs, Gaara made it known to the girl that she wasn't the only one feeling nervous. "It's good to see you, Katana." He said finally, his attempt on starting a conversation slightly more successful than hers.
"Yeah." Agreed the sword wielder, eyes softening at his familiar silhouette. "I'm glad to see you too. It's been…what? A year?"
"One year, three months, two weeks and six days, to be exact." Answered Gaara, his beam spreading when she chuckled good-naturedly. "That long, huh?" said Katana, feeling more at ease. "You sure have changed though. You got taller." And a lot more handsome, she added in her mind.
To show that her statement was right, she closed the remaining distance between them, gesturing to the obvious height difference. Silence dawned on the pair and for a moment, all they did was stare at each other, gazes communicating in a way that only they could understand.
Taking a deep breath, Katana reached out to grasp Gaara's pale hand, fingers entwining in a familiar way that created a flutter inside her. She looked up at him, smiling timidly. "I missed you, Gaara." Ringed orbs lowered further and Gaara leaned down, halting when their faces were barely centimeters away.
Katana felt her heart jump in excitement, heat rushing to her cheeks when their breaths mingled together. "I missed you too." Murmured Gaara, lips brushing softly at the action. Slowly, he descended, pressing his lips gently against hers in a sweet kiss.
End Chapter