Xiang was coming of the the infirmity when she noticed Shen and Yoshi, and a few other kids talking in the dojo. "Hello!"

"Hello Xiang! What are you doing here?" Shen asked kindly, and Xiang smiled a bit nervously. " I, uh, was wondering if Yoshi would show me around the lands. I have never been here before and I am quite curious."

"Alright, well, let's go." Shen started to walk but Xiang stopped her. "Oh, well I thought you would be busy with Kuzunoha. You know, with your lessons and stuff."

"She's right, Shen. You have lessons with Kuzunoha later today and remember when you missed your lesson last time?" Yoshi said and Shen shivered as she thought about the punishment Kuzunoha put her through.

"So...will you take me, Yoshi?" Xiang asked and Yoshi looked slightly annoyed but sighed. "Fine. I have nothing better to do." Xiang beamed while Shen looked slightly disappointed. "But Yoshi-"

"Shen, she's new. The least I can do is show her how to avoid wild animals and stuff."

"W-Well, ok."

Yoshi then sighed and started walking away. "Come on, I'll show you the training grounds first." Xiang grinned and started following him. Shen sadly watched them go while Akemi walked up to her. "You ok?"

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You look upset." Usagi pointed out. "No. I am not. I'm just...a little disappointed that Yoshi won't be joining us."

"Do not worry about Yoshi, Shen. Why don't we just go to the market, like we planned." Saki said and Shen nodded. "Ok. Let's go." The two then started to leave and Akemi glared their way. "...It's starting." She said in a dark tone. "What's starting?" Usagi asked.

"Now that Yoshi is gone, Saki is making his moves on Shen." Akemi explained simply and Usagi looked worried. "You don't...you don't think they will actually end up together...do you?" Akemi shrugged. "We are just going to have to wait and see..."

Usagi raised a brow at Chung I, wondering why he has been so quiet. Not that Chung I was a chatter bird but he was very, very quiet, even for him. "Chung I, aren't you going to say anything? Aren't you worried about Shen?"

Chung I looked at him. "Hm? O-Of course I am but I am not going to jump to conclusions." He said before looking back at the way Yoshi and Xiang went off too. "What's with you? You're acting weird." Usagi asked.

Akemi looked at Chung I and the way he was looking before smirking. "Looks like Shen is not the only one upset. You have a thing for the new girl, I?" Chung I looked at her annoyed. "No. We just met yesterday."

"Sometimes that's all it takes." Usagi said, mocking the same words Chung I said to him which made him even more annoyed. "Whatever. Let us just go before Shen and Saki start wondering where we are." He said while walking away as Usagi and Akemi continued to laugh.

...

Shen was eating ice cream with her friends as they talked and laughed but Shen was not with them, she was somewhere else. Shen did not know why, but she could not help but think about Yoshi, wondering where he is and if he is coming back soon.

"Hey, Shen, are you listening?!" Usagi called, making Shen jump a little as her mind came back into reality. "Hm?! Oh, sorry. I was not listening, please repeat Usagi."

"I asked where did Saki go? He was standing right by you, did you not see him leave?" Shen blinked a few times before looking next to her, to see that Saki was indeed gone. "How long has he been gone?"

"I don't know. That's why I asked you. Ugh! He is such a jerk, who just leaves like that without telling anybody!" Usagi grumbled annoyed. Akemi crossed her arms. "I say good riddance."

Shen scowled at her friend. "Akemi..."

Akemi huffed and turned her back to her but did not argue. "He probably just went to grab something." Chung I said.

Shen nodded in agreement before zoning out again, frowning, missing Yoshi and the others knew but chose not to comment on it.

...

Next day,

Yoshi was walking in his room when he saw Saki, brushing his air and he detected the smell of colon. Yoshi gave an amused smile and leaned against the wall with crossed arms. "Well." He said suddenly, making Saki jump. "Look at you making an effort."

Saki gave a displeast frown but said nothing as Yoshi came forward. "So, wait, does this mean my little brother finally found a girl he likes?" He huffed and rested his hands on his hips. "Never thought I would see the day."

"Don't you have something better to do, Yoshi?"

"Nope." Yoshi replied, grinning mischievously. "Soo, who is she?" Saki scowled and refused to say anything. "Oh, secret, huh? That's fine, I will just find out for myself anyway." Saki glared at him. "Don't. Follow me."

Yoshi backed up and put his hands up in surrender as Saki brushed past him. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Yoshi called out teasley and once his brother was gone, he scoffed to himself. "Don't follow him. Of course, I am going to follow him. What kind of brother would I be if I didn't?" With that in mind, Yoshi went out the window and secretly followed after Saki.

Yoshi jumped in the trees, making sure to keep out of Saki's view. He was very curious who this girl might be since Saki is always such a loner and never seems to leave the dojo. Could it be a girl in their clan? He did not think so. Maybe someone from school? As he made it to the end of the woods, he frowned in confusion when he saw the guest house Shen and her grandparents stayed in. "Wha..."

He saw Saki, walking up the doorstep and ringing the doorbell. The door opened and Fu stepped out. "Hamato Saki? What are you doing here?" Saki bowed respectfully. "Hello, Mr. I, is Shen here?"

Fu narrowed his eyes. "Why do you ask?"

"I wish to ask her something." Saki answered bluntly and Fu looked the boy up and down. "She is not here. She went to the city with her grandmother."

"Do you know when she will be back?" Saki asked. "No. Bye now, Saki."

"Wait-"

Slam!*

Fu huffed as he locked the door and crossed his arms. 'The nerve of that boy.'

"Who was at the door, Grandfather?" Shen asked from the kitchen and Fu turned to smile at her. "No one, dear. How is lunch coming?"

"It will be done soon."

Outside, Saki hung by the door for a bit longer then clenched his jaw and lowered his head. "Liar." Saki knew that Fu was very protective over his granddaughter but he did not understand why he would not allow Saki to see her. He would just have to wait until Shen was alone to ask her to the Spring Festival. Saki turned around to leave, only to see Yoshi behind him. "Ah! Yoshi?! What are you doing here?!"

"Is...Shen the girl?" He asked softly. Saki hesitated but only briefly. "Yes. I had feelings for her for a long time but I never knew how to tell her." Yoshi felt as though his soul got crushed but he tried to mask it off. "So, are you going to ask her or what?"

Saki sighed. "I would but her grandfather does not seem to want me to. So, I will just have to wait until Shen is alone."

"Well, you know how overprotective Fu can be with Shen. I'm sure he will come around once he sees how good you are with her." Yoshi assured and Saki smiled at his brother. "Thank you, Yoshi."

Saki then left and Yoshi allowed himself to frown. He stared sadly at the house for a while then slowly began to leave, not knowing that Fu was peeking out the whole time.

...

The next day,

Yoshi has been doing everything and anything within his power to avoid Shen. Shen has tried talking to him but he shuts her out each time which worries her. Usagi got the same treatment as Shen and got shut out when he tried to talk to him as well, even Atsuko got shut out which was very surprising for everyone. Atsuko is the only one who was ever able to reach Yosh but now she can't. Shen, more determined now than ever, stood at the front porch, waiting for Yoshi but he never came out.

Shen sat, waiting...and waiting...and waiting. Yoshi meanwhile, was looking at her from his window. He huffed. "Does she honestly think that will work? I can clearly see her." Yoshi couldn't help but shake his head at her. "Stupid. Why are you always worrying about me? It's so stupid! But...cute."

Yoshi blushed at his own words before shaking it off. "Ugh! Why do I keep doing that?! Why can't I stop thinking about her?!" Saki, who had suddenly come into the room, looked at his brother in confusion. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing. Shen is just sitting on the porch waiting for me to come down." Yoshi explained, sounding angry but he was not really angry. Frustrated maybe but not angry.

"Shen's here? Perfect." Saki said with a slight smile. Yoshi raised a brow at him. "Why is that prefect?"

"I am going to ask her to dinner tonight so I can ask her to be my date for the Spring Festival." Yoshi looked heartbroken at that but quickly turned away before his brother could see. "Oh..."

"I think Shen will really like it. I know for sure that she will say yes." Saki said while changing into his training clothes while Yoshi gazed down sadly at Shen. "Huh-uh." He replied, not really listening, he did not even want to.

"So, what do you think of Xiang?" Saki asked and Yoshi shrugged. "She's nice, I guess."

"I heard from Chung I that she is single. Maybe you could ask her to the festival." Yoshi turned and looked at his brother like he had three heads. "Why would I do that?!"

"So you are not alone during the festival."

Yoshi scoffed. "I am not even going to the festival Saki! Besides, I don't like Xiang that way! Yeah, she's pretty and nice but she's just not- (Shen) my type." Saki suddenly looked frustrated. "Since when have you ever had a type? You have never been on a date with one girl."

"Neither have you!" Yoshi pointed out.

"That is because I turned down the girls who would ask me but has any girl ever asked you to be their boyfriend?!" Yoshi looked down at that. "Exactly!"

Yoshi growled and punched his brother in the face. Saki fell and wiped the blood off his lip before looking at his brother in surprise. Saki then felt a sudden rage and attacked back. The boys threw punches at each other left and right until Atsuko came in. "HEY!" She yelled while going in between them, trying to separate them. "Stop it! NOW!"

The two then backed off as Atsuko looked at them sternly. "What is going on here?"

"Nothing mother, just messing around." Saki replied. Atsuko narrowed her eyes before looking at her eldest son. "Yoshi? That true?" Yoshi nodded. "Yeah. We were just messing around. Sorry."

Atsuko looked between the two suspiciously but thankfully left afterwards. Saki threw Yoshi a look before leaving as well and Yoshi sighed before flopping on his bed.

...

With Shen,

Shen frowned sadly, it was noon and still no Yoshi. He must know that she is out here waiting for him. Just when Shen was about to leave, Atsuko walked out, "Shen? What are you doing out here?"

"Oh, Hi Atsuko. I was waiting for Yoshi but...I don't think he's coming." Shen replied, her voice fading sadly. Atsuko frowned and shook her head. "Boys. They are fools. Do not take it personally Shen, I am sure Yoshi will snap out of whatever it is he is going through eventually. Just give him time."

"Yeah, ok."

"Would you like to help me cook lunch?" Atsuko offered and Shen grinned. "Ok!" Atsuko chuckled. "Come then." She said before leading Shen to the kitchen.

...

Later,

Shen was stringing a pot of roman while Atsuko was cutting up some fruits and vegetables. Shen always enjoyed cooking, something about it always brought her much joy. Seeing the happy faces people would make after they ate her food was worth all the hard work. Her grandmother used to tell her stories about how she and Shen's mother would cook together all the time while humming a song as she did so, like she was in her own little world.

Shen suddenly felt herself frowning, remembering that her parents' anniversary was coming up soon. It will be 17 years now since they died. Atsuko seemed to sense Shen's sadness and she frowned. "Are you thinking about your parents?"

Shen paused for a moment but she wasn't really surprised that Atsuko could tell what she was thinking. She always had a way with sensing things, honestly it was like she could read minds. "Yes..." Atsuko sighed. "I understand how you feel. I lost my parents at a very young age too. I was sad for a very long time and though that pain has grown easier, it still hurts."

Shen smiled slightly. "Yes but I do not want to be sad. My grandmother always told me that even in the saddest of times that I should always keep a smile on my face because there is always something to be happy about." Atsuko chuckled. "Your grandmother is wise. I can see where you get it." Shen smiled warmly at that before returning to her work.

Atsuko smiled in return and went back to cutting before a question came to mind. "Shen...are you and Yoshi, ok?" At that, Shen's breath caught in her throat but she did not dare look at Atsuko. "Why would you ask that? Did he say something? Did I do something to upset him?"

"Wha-! No, no!" Atsuko quickly assured her. "You two have just not been spending time together like you usually do and Yoshi seems so upset. I was just wondering if maybe something happened between you two?"

"No. Nothing happened. At least...I do not think so..." Shen said almost sadly before turning back to the pot. Atsuko nodded and went back to cutting, not noticing the worry on Shen's face. Just then, Saki came in and smiled at Shen. "There you are Tang Shen; I have been looking for you."

"Oh, hello Saki." Shen greeted. "Why were you looking for me? Is there something wrong?

"No. I just want to ask you something."

"What is it?" Shen urged and Saki smiled. "I wanted to ask you if you wanted to go to dinner?" Shen smiled. "That sounds like fun Saki but...I don't think Yoshi would be willing to go."

"No. No, Yoshi. I meant just you and me." Saki said and Shen's eyes widened a little. "Oh?"

"You and I never get to hang out together one on one. I thought we could change that." Saki explained. "Well, ok, Saki. I guess we can."

"Great!" Saki then left for training, leaving a dumbfounded Shen. "Since when does Saki ask friends to dinner?"

"I don't think he was asking you as a friend, Shen." Atsuko said and Shen looked at her confused. "What do you mean?"

"I think Saki was asking you to go on a date with him." Atsuko clarified and Shen blushed. "No! No, no! Saki and I-! We are just friends!"

"Well, he clearly wants a different relationship with you."

"But that does not make sense. Saki is kind to me, but I love him as my best friend or as a big brother but not as a boyfriend." Shen insisted. "Then you better make that clear to Saki." Atsuko said and Shen frowned. She had no idea Saki had feelings for her but now that she does, she is going to have to find a way to let her best friend down gently and Shen knows that it is going to be the hardest thing she has ever done.

...

Meanwhile,

Usagi was taking a walk in the woods, to clear his mind when something caught his eye. He blushed when he saw Akemi who was practicing. Usagi noticed how exhausted she looked and the tear stangs that ran down her cheeks. Usagi wanted to approach but hesitated until he remembered Kitsune's note.

...

Months ago,

Usagi grumbled as he stormed into his room, angry that Kitsune left him empty handed but then saw a note left on his bed. Curious, he picked it up and saw it was from Kitsune. He opened it up and begun to read.

Dear Usagi,

I am sorry I left before I could help you with your situation with Akemi but please, believe me when I saw I have a good reason. However, I did not want to leave you completely empty handed since you held your end of the deal. So, I give you this piece of advice.

Stop trying to be someone you are not. Akemi does not appreciate those who pretend to be someone they are not. Believe me, I would know. She does not want a hero, or for you to be cool. She just wants someone who is real. Someone who would listen to her and respect her. Nothing more and in my opinion, that is not such a hard thing to ask for.

Just be yourself.

Love, Kitsune.

...

Usagi knew Kitsune was right. What Akemi wanted from someone was not a hard thing to ask for and she deserved it more than anyone. Seeing Akemi, continue to cry, worried him. So, he went over but right when he stepped on a little stick that made a *crack* sound, Akemi whipped around, raising her fist and Usagi immediately ducked. "Don't attack! It's me, it's me!"

Akemi froze, panting before putting her fist down. "Usagi?! What are you doing here?!" Usagi stood up before answering, "I was just walking when I saw you and I noticed you...crying."

Akemi blinked in surprise before touching her cheek to see that it was still a little wet. She then scowled at him. "So, what? What do you care?"

Usagi frowned. "I just do."

"Well, don't! It's not your problem!" Akemi snapped while turning her back to him.

"Is it about your friend?" Usagi then asked, making her halt. "Master Yuuta told us how it was your job to protect him and when you failed, your clan kicked you out, blaming you."

Akemi stood quiet for a while before she said, in a low angry voice. "I did not see the attack until it was too late." She then looked at Usagi, glaring. "He should still be here! He was supposed to be a great leader! I was supposed to take him to his master, so he could become the next daimyo! They all trusted me but I fail, destroying my clan's legacy and causing his life!" Akemi sighed. "My parents could not even look me in the eyes after that and they send me to the Hamato Clan the very next day..."

. "...I'm sorry but it was not your fault." Usagi said.

Akemi scoffed. "What are you talking about?"

"Akemi, you can't balm yourself for things you can't control. That could have happened to anyone and I'm sure your friend would not want you blaming yourself." Usagi said, and Akemi looked at him with an unreadable expression as he continued. "Maybe one day, your parents will see that too and if not, maybe you can make your own clan one day."

Lotus shook her head. "I can't rebuild what is gone, Usagi."

"Sure, you can!"

Lotus smiled slightly. " I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, Usagi but...I could never do that. You see these colors?" She said while gesturing to her white and silver ninja garb. "I don't just wear them because I am blood of the clan, like Yoshi does, I wear them because I earned them. My father put me through hours of work, training, and discipline but that still wasn't enough to earn my colors. I didn't earn them until I led my team to victory, not by order but by choice. I could never forget the look on my father's face or how proud I was when he gave me my colors, making me an official member of the clan. I am a kunoichi to my father's clan, Usagi, and I always will be. If I can't be that in a clan, then I will be that on my own."

Usagi nodded in understanding. "Well, your friend would be proud of you." Akemi looked surprised when he said that but smiled anyway. She took a minute before responding, seeming to be considering something. "...Kiki."

"Huh?"

"...My father used to call me Kiki." Akemi clarified and Usagi paused in surprise before smiling. "Kiki. I like that."

"Well, you can call me that if you like...just not in front of everyone else." She said the last part in a warning tone before walking away and Usagi grinned, before following. They walked in silence before Usagi cleared his throat awkwardly and Akemi turned her attention to him. "So...Kiki...um...I have been...wanting to ask you something..."

Akemi raised a brow. "What?" Usagi bit his lip, trying to build up his courage. "W-well, if you want to-I would like to-well-" Akemi covered Usagi's mouth with her hand before looking at him sternly. "Just spit it out, Miyamoto."

Once she removed her hand, Usagi took a big breath before blurting out, "Will you go to the Spring festival with me?!" He then gasped and covered his mouth, while looking at her eagerly and anxiously. Akemi looked shocked before she started walking again. "Eh, sure. Why not?"

Usagi looked at her questionably. "R-Really?"

"Yes. Now come on." Akemi said without looking at him. "B-Bu-"

"God Usagi, I said yes! Unless you want me to take it back, stop questioning it and just come on!" She yelled over her shoulder and Usagi quickly followed her. Usagi still looked at her questionably, but it took everything within him to not grin like an idiot. Akemi, however, was blushing madly and felt very happy but she would die before she showed that to Usagi.