When Worlds Collide
Chapter 23~
-long chapter ahead-
...
"Are you sure about this?" Kekashi asked, leaning his back against the outside wall of the cave. His arms crossed over his chest as his visible eye watched the young girl in front of him.
Yukia's eyes dropped, her gaze faltering under Kekashi's piercing stare. She nodded slightly, her voice barely audible as she whispered, "Y-yes, Kekashi," Her small frame seemed to shrink further, as if the weight of her words was bearing down on her.
He was shocked yet unsurprised by what he had just heard from her, for the ninja world was notoriously unpredictable. It wouldn't surprise him if it were true. And with the seriousness of the young red-headed girls' words.. It was possible.
Yukia says, 'As I mentioned earlier, this is just a hunch, but it's worth investigating. I don't think it would hurt to check into it.' She wasn't familiar with the world and its customs, so she was uncertain how others might view this. 'Of course, everyone will need to rest beforehand. I highly doubt anyone could fight if it came to that, which I'm almost certain it will.'
"Why have you kept this a secret from everyone else??" Gaara asked her lowly. Not liking being kept in the dark about this. With Yukia giving him a small apologetic look.
"I... I didn't want to raise any false hopes. And I wasn't sure if it was even worth mentioning. It's just a hunch, Gaara... I didn't want to burden anyone with it until I was more certain." Her apologetic look deepened, her eyes flicking up to meet Gaara's, seeking understanding.
"If what you're saying is true," Kekashi emphasizes dryly. As he pushes off the wall of the cave. His hands go into his front pockets as he looks back inside the cave.
The dim lighting of the cave seemed to accentuate the lines of concern etched on Kekashi's face. His eyes, narrowed in thought, swept over the group, lingering on the younger members. His gaze was a mixture of worry and calculation, weighing the risks and potential consequences of their situation.
"I feel the same with the titans. they're strong and can handle a lot, but this seems to..." yukia pausesed, trying to think of how to end her sentence.
"...exceed even their capabilities," Kekashi finished for her, his voice low and thoughtful. His visible eye seemed to cloud over, lost in consideration of the potential threat they might be facing.
"Exactly.." yukia shakes her head at his words.
Kekashi pulls his hands from his pockets and quickly begins performing a quick sequence of hand signs. There was one way to find out what they should do.
"Summoning jutsu," the male calls just has he is in shrouded in a thick white smoke. Blocking the man from view for a split second. As the smoke clears a little dog set in the mids of the smoke. A look of boredom on its face. A leaf village headband tied around its head. The dog's bored expression was almost comical, its tail wagging lazily as it gazed around at the group. The Leaf Village headband around its neck seemed slightly askew, adding to its somewhat disheveled appearance. As the smoke continued to clear, the dog's eyes landed on Yukia, and it let out a dismissive snort before turning its attention to Gaara. Giving the sand ninja a small look over.
"A dog?" Yukia questions slowly. Why did Kekashi summon a dog?? tilting her head curiously to the side, her blue eyes peering over the small creature now in front of her. The dog gives her an annoyed look as he stands up. Making it's way over to her.
"I'm not just some cute little puppy." he remarks dryly. Standing right in front of her now. Yukia blinks her eyes down at him.
"Sorry, I just wasn't expecting... well, um..." Again, the young girl pauses unsure on how to go about finishing what she was wanting to say. It was hard to take the small dog seriously, though. He was no bigger than her when she was in her wolf form.
"Pakkun.." Kekashi addresses the small dog. Gaining the canines' quick attention. "I will introduce you two later, but right now, I need you to do me a favor,"
Kekashi's expression turned serious, his voice taking on a tone of quiet urgency. "I need you to deliver a message to Tsunade. Inform her of our situation and ask for her orders on how to proceed." Pakkun's ears perked up, and he let out a high-pitched yip, as if acknowledging the importance of the task. He stood up straight, his tail wagging once before nodding his head in understanding.
"What kind of message?" Pakkun wonders curiously
...
Pakkun's ears perk up, and he gives a slight nod.
"I'm on it," the dog says, his voice firm and professional despite his small size.
Kekashi nods, a small smile on his face, though unnoticed by the other two due to his mask. With that over. Pakkun gives a sharp bark, then turns and sprints off into the distance, his small legs moving quickly as he disappears into the trees.
Yukia watches him go, a look of amazement on her face. "Wow, he's fast," she says, turning to Kekashi.
Kekashi chuckles. "Pakkun is a skilled messenger, and he knows the importance of speed.."
Yukia nods her head in silent understanding. Not able to help but wonder what other surprises lay ahead. What is the nature of the threat they're facing? And how safe would the titans be if they stayed if that was Tsunade's orders anyway?
"I'm gonna go explain this to Shizuna and Akira. Will you both be alright out here?" Kekashi wonders.
Gaara nods curtly, his eyes scanning the surrounding area before returning to Kekashi. "We'll be fine. Go inform the others." He replies
Kekashi nods before turning to head back into the cave.
Gaara's gaze follows Kekashi as he disappears into the cave before returning to scan the surrounding area, his eyes narrowing slightly as he focuses on their surroundings. Yukia, meanwhile, leans back against the cave wall, her eyes fixed on Gaara.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you all this," she apologizes softly.
Gaara's expression softens, his eyes gentling as he looks down at her. "You don't have to apologize, Yukia," he says, his voice low and reassuring.
Yukia couldn't help the smile that crossed her lips. She was glad that he seemed to understand her hesitation, and he wasn't mad at her for not telling him
Gaara's gaze lingers on Yukia's smile, a faint, warm glow spreading through his chest. He quickly looks away, his expression returning to its usual stoic calmness, but a subtle softness remains in his eyes.
Letting out a breath, Yukia releases a small yawn. The day had drained her. She still felt weak after using that one shield back at the boat house. She would need rest. Maybe she could close her eyes for a minute.
Gaara's gaze drifts back to Yukia, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watches her. He can see the exhaustion etched on her face. He takes a careful step closer to her, his movements quiet and deliberate.
"Yukia," he says softly, his voice low and gentle. "Sleep. I'll keep watch."
Yukia's eyelids flutter open, and she looks up at Gaara. Her head nods slowly, a small smile on her lips.
"Thanks, Gaara," she whispers, her voice barely audible. With that, she closes her eyes again, and her breathing slows as she quickly drifts off to sleep.
The silence is palpable as Gaara stands watch, his eyes constantly scanning the area for any signs of danger. The only sound was the soft rustling of the wind through the trees and the gentle rise and fall of Yukia's chest as she sleeps.
Gaara's gaze lingers on her for a moment, his expression a mask of calmness, but his eyes betraying a deep concern for her safety. He then turns his attention back to his surroundings, his eyes narrowing slightly as he focuses on the task at hand. He would protect her no matter the cost.
...
As the morning sunlight filters into the cave, the group slowly stirs awake. Outside the cave, Yukia stretches, yawning, and rubs the sleep from her eyes. Gaara, who had kept watch throughout the night, stands tall, his eyes still scanning the surroundings, ever vigilant.
"Gaara, you could have woke me up." Yukia soothes softly as she pushes herself to her feet using the cave wall for extra help.
Gaara's eyes shift to Yukia, his expression unreadable as he watches her.
"You needed rest," he simply says, his voice low and even.
Yukia's eyes meet Gaara's, and for a moment, they just look at each other. She nods slowly at his words, a small smile on her lips.
"Thanks," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "That rest really helped,"
Yukia stretches, her joints crackle softly, and she arches her back, giving a good yawn to signal the end of her slumber. Her eyes, now more alert, scan the surroundings, taking in the serene atmosphere of the morning. The warm sunlight casts a gentle glow on the scene, illuminating the quiet conversation between Kekashi, Shizuna, and Akira. Yukia's gaze lingers on the trio, her curiosity piqued by their hushed tones. She wonders what they might be discussing but doesn't feel inclined to intrude on their conversation just yet. Instead, she turns her attention back to Gaara, who still stands watch, ever vigilant.
"So, what's the plan for today?" Yukia asks, her voice a little stronger now that she's shaken off the remnants of sleep
Gaara's gaze remains fixed on the surroundings, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of potential threats.
"We wait for Pakkun's return," he replies, his voice low and even. "Once we receive Tsunade's orders, we'll decide our next course of action."
Yukia nods thoughtfully, her eyes drifting back to the trio conversing near the cave entrance. She wonders what they might be discussing, but Gaara's words reassure her that they'll know what is going on soon.
As if sensing her curiosity, Kekashi glances over at Yukia and Gaara, his visible eye narrowing slightly as he takes in their quiet conversation. He excuses himself from the trio and walks over to Yukia and Gaara, his expression serious.
"Pakkun should return soon," he says, his voice low. "Until then, let's get everyone ready to move out. We don't know what Tsunade's orders will be, but we should be prepared for anything."
Yukia nods in agreement, her eyes locked onto Kekashi's serious expression.
"Okay," she says, her voice soft but resolute. Gaara, standing beside her, gives a curt nod, his eyes scanning the surrounding area once more before focusing on Kekashi.
"I'll go inform the others," he says, his voice low and even, before turning to head inside the cave.
Gaara's eyes flicked towards the cave entrance, his gaze lingering on Yukia's figure standing just outside. He seemed to be considering joining her once more, forget informing the others. However, his attention was soon drawn back to the conversation within the cave, as Kankuro's voice rose above the din.
"We should have just taken care of him when we had the chance!" Kankuro exclaimed, his face reddening with passion. Gaara's expression remained stoic, but his eyes narrowed slightly as he listened to Kankuro's outburst.
"Kankuro, we can't act rashly. We need to follow jonin's orders. Really, we gotta follow the Leafs orders considering its their mission, not really the sands." Temari reminds him. While glancing towards the cave entrance, her eyes landed on ger younger brother. Gaara's gaze lingers on Kankuro for a moment before shifting to her, his expression unreadable.
"Besides, Yukia said it was merely a haunch, so it could be all wrong. Acting on a mere haunch could also lead us to danger," Shikamaru points out to the two sand ninja.
Temari nods in agreement with Shikamaru, her expression unreadable.
"We can't rely solely on a hunch, no matter how strong it may seem. We need concrete evidence before we can take any action." She glances at Gaara, who is still standing near the entrance of the cave.
"Besides, we have other factors to consider, such as the safety of the village and its people. We can't afford to act rashly and put them in harm's way." Robin says knowinly. Him and the Titans had been quiet for a while. Listening to the young ninjas around them. When Robin decided to voice his thoughts as well.
"I honestly can't believe the chief of the village could be behind them. All this. He seemed so friendly, when we met him," ino sighs as she runs a hand through her blonde hair. Kaito had been the one to greet them when they first arrived, so thinking he could be responsible for what was going on with the village and the mysterious summoning creatures was mind-blowing.
Shikamaru's eyes cloud over, his expression thoughtful.
"I know what you mean, Ino. Kaito did seem like a genuinely nice guy. But we can't let our personal impressions cloud our judgment. If there's evidence pointing to his involvement, we have to consider it." He pauses, his gaze drifting towards the entrance of the cave. "Besides, it's not like we have any other leads at this point. We have to follow every possibility, no matter how unlikely it seems."
Cyborg peers to the entrance. Speaking in a knowing voice, "Though with Yukia saying it's him, it's highly possible, Yukia wouldn't lie about it. She wouldn't put an innocent man's name on the line." Cyborg's tone implies a deep understanding of Yukia's character, and he seems convinced that her accusation is genuine and trustworthy. She would never lie to them.
"I'm starving," choji cries out suddenly. Putting a hand over his stomach and gaining everyone's attention.
Ino rolls her eyes. Leave it to choji to be thinking of food.
"Of course you are, Choji," she says while shaking her head.
"You're always hungry." Shikamaru, sitting beside him, lets out a dry chuckle.
"Yeah, it's a wonder you don't weigh more than a mountain," Naruto jokes, earning a dark glare from Choji.
"What do you mean by that Naruto!?" The Akamichi wonders. A dark shadow spreading over his features.
Naruto holds up his hands in a defensive gesture, a wide grin plastered on his face.
"Hey, I was just joking, Choji! Don't get so worked up!" He chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.
Choji's expression softens, and he lets out a deep chuckle, his anger dissipating.
"You're lucky I'm starving, Naruto, or i would take it personal," he says with a grin, He playfully cracks his knuckles, making Naruto laugh nervously. Never make fun of Choji's weight, never.
"Actually, I'm kinda hungry myself," Cyborg remarks as he feels his stomach growl in response to his words.
"Same, it's been a while since we all ate, too bad where to far from the village, to get anything to eat," Beastboy exclaims with a deep sigh. His ears drooping a little.
"Besides that, we can't rush into the village like before, especially with the knew information we got earlier," Robin inquired softly.
Starfire's eyes widen with concern. "Yes, the village is not safe for us now. We must be cautious and find another way to obtain food and supplies." She pauses, thinking for a moment. "Perhaps we can forage for food in the surrounding area?"
"We can search for berries, nuts, and other edible plants." Raven replies in her low monatoned voice, closing her eyes and focusing her senses on the surrounding environment,
Cyborg's stomach growls louder, and he rubs his belly. "Man, I hope we find something to eat soon. This hunger is gonna kill me!"
"There's a stream not too far from here," yukia says from the entrance, still unwilling to come into the cave , but she was very invested in the titans and young ninjas conversation. "That could be a good place to find food, maybe fish??"
"Yukia, remember me, vegetarian Beastboy, I don't eat meat," the green boy points out.
"I'm aware, bb," yukia informs him softly. How would she be able to forget that? He always reminded any of them who seemed to forget. Or he thought they forgot.
Beastboy grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I guess I'm just used to having to remind people." He chuckles, looking at Yukia with a hint of amusement. "You'd think they'd remember the green guy who doesn't eat meat, but nope!"
"You don't eat meat? Then how are you even alive?" Choji wonders, he loved meat, so it was weird to find someone who didn't
Beastboy laughs, shaking his head.
"Ha! Well, Choji, it's actually pretty easy to survive without meat. I mean, plants are delicious and packed with nutrients. Plus, I've got a pretty sweet connection to nature, being able to transform into animals and all." He grins, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Trust me, I'm doing just fine without the meat!"
"Meats still better," Cyborg remarks knowinly
Choji chuckles, nodding in agreement with Cyborg. "Yeah, meat is where it's at! There's nothing like a juicy burger or a big steak. to fill your belly!"
Beastboy playfully rolls his eyes, smiling. "You guys are meat-loving machines!" He tells them both.
"At any case, it's not up to us the jonin have to decide rather we go there or not and with how things are now I doubt it," Shikamaru sighs.
"It doesn't help if we are focused on being hungry while possibly going into battle either." Cyborg trails off as he peers outside.
"Yukia, are you better? Are your powers working now?" Sakura asked curiously, remembering yukia wasn't able to do much yesterday. If Pinkett was honest, she really just wanted to change the subject. She was also hungry, but there wasn't much that could be done about it know.
"My powers are fine, though I still don't think I'm strong enough to shift to my wolf form yet," she admits, not liking the idea of not being able to shift. "Luckily, I got some good sleep, so my powers should be up and ready soon, or so i hope."
Sakura nods, smiling encouragingly. "That's good to hear, Yukia. Rest is important, especially after what we've been through. I'm sure you'll be back to your normal self in no time." She smiles brightly.
Yukia smiles back, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thanks, Sakura. That means a lot." She pauses, her gaze drifting off for a moment seeming to be deep in thought, which Sakura seems to not notice since she turns and starts whispering to ino.
However, Gaara seems to notice this his eyes following Yukia's gaze as her attention focuses on the forest around them. The sand ninja notices the distant look in her eyes. He takes a step closer to her, his brow furrowing slightly with concern.
"Yukia, you okay?" he asks softly, Yukia, regards the male calmly, her eyes flicking briefly to his face before returning to their vigilant scan of the surroundings.
Yukia's gaze lingers on the forest for a moment longer before she blinks, her eyes refocusing on Gaara. A small, reassuring smile plays on her lips as she nods.
"I'm fine, Gaara. Just...lost in thought." Her voice is calm and even, but Gaara's keen senses detect a faint undercurrent of tension beneath her words. He regards her intently, his eyes searching for any sign of what might be troubling her. Had she scented something?
"Don't lie to me. What's wrong?" He demands to know, though his voice isn't harsh or cold. Just wanted to know what was going on.
Yukia's eyes widen slightly at Gaara's directness, but she doesn't flinch or look away from the forest. Instead, she takes a deep breath
"I... sense something," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. Not wanting anyone in the cave to get all worked up, Gaara heads over to stand beside her, his eyes focused on the forest now.
Her eyes flick back to Gaara, a hint of unease in their depths. "I can't tell if it's coming towards us, though it's changing its direction a lot, but we may have unwanted company soon.
Gaara's expression turns grave, his eyes narrowing as he processes Yukia's warning. He glanced around the group, his gaze lingering on each of them. It was clear none of them heard what was being said. Everyone was interested in the conversations happening around them. Though as gaara looks to akira Kekashi and Shizuna, still standing outside the cave, it seemed possible that they had heard them. All three jonin seemed very tense. His eyes return to Yukia.
Yukia's eyes snap back to the forest, her gaze intensifying as she concentrates on the presence she sensed earlier. Her breathing slows, and her body becomes still, as if she's becoming one with the surroundings.
"It's moving again," she whispers, her voice barely audible. Her eyes flick to Gaara, then back to Kakashi, a silent warning passing between them.
"You guys are so annoying, " Kankuro suddenly complains.
Temari smirks, raising an eyebrow at her brother's outburst.
"Oh, poor Kankuro, can't handle a little conversation?" She teases, her voice dripping with sarcasm. As he peers over at her. Ready to snap at her. Akira, along with the other two jonin, entered the cave . Pakkun walking in behind Kekashi. The small dog looked absolutely exhausted. Clearly, he had ran through the night and day to get the information they needed across.
Gaara was silently glad, ...that the tension between Kankuro and Temari was interrupted by Akira's arrival. Gaara's gaze shifts to Akira, his eyes narrowing slightly as he takes in her serious expression. He can tell that something is amiss, and his instincts go on high alert, ready for whatever information Akira is about to share.
Yukia, remaining at the exit, watching all three joninn but still keeping her scents focused on the presences in the forest...with a keen eye, her gaze flicking between Akira, Kekashi, and Shizuna as they take their positions at the center of the cave. She can sense the weight of their presence, the gravity of the situation that has brought them all together. Yukia's eyes narrow slightly, her mind racing with possibilities as she waits for Akira to speak. The room fell into utter silence, with everyone waiting to hear what was going on. Would they be staying and fighting or heading back to the leaf village?
"We will be returning to the leaf village," Kekashi speaks up first. Gaining the attention of everyone in the room, including Yukia, who raises an eyebrow slightly at the announcement.
Gaara's eyes flicker to Kekashi, his expression unreadable. While Temari and Kankuro exchange a look, their faces set in determined lines.
"What about the mission?" Robin questions, giving the other four titans a small glance before turning to Kekashi and the other jonin. Feeling a bit relieved that this was the plan, he didn't want to see his friends hurt, and with how grim the situation was, that was possible.
"We will be heading out once a new squad arrives to take our place. Lady tsunade, though this was a good idea. Seeing as everyone needs healing and rest, " Shizuna picks up for Kekashi.
"The replacements will take care of the mission from here on out," Shikamaru tells Robin. The Nara appeared happier than he had before. They would be heading home. That means he could sleep as much as he wanted
Yukia trembles as she looks towards the surrounding forest. A troubled expression came over her face. "Guys, I think we might be delayed on leaving,"
"What, why is that?" Naruto questions. The blonde approached the entrance. Standing beside the young girl and sand ninja. His blue eyes looked out over the forest
"Look," Yukia says, her voice barely above a whisper, pointing a shaky finger towards the trees. Naruto's gaze follows her direction, and his eyes narrow as he takes in the sight before them. The forest, once a vibrant and lush green, now appears ominous and foreboding, the trees seeming to loom over them like sentinels. A faint, eerie mist creeps along the forest floor, casting an otherworldly gloom over the entire scene.
Naruto's eyes scan the forest, his senses on high alert as he tries to pinpoint the source of the eerie feeling. He can feel a faint hum of chakra in the air, but it's not strong enough to identify.
"What's going on, Yukia?" he asks, his voice low and cautious, as he takes a step forward, his hand instinctively reaching for a kunia his weapon pouch.
The group forms a semi-circle around Yukia, with the titans standing guard on either side of her. The Leaf and Sand ninjas fan out around them, their eyes scanning the surrounding forest for any sign of movement. Kakashi stands at the forefront, his Sharingan eye gleaming with intensity as he surveys their surroundings. Gaara positions himself beside Yukia, his eyes fixed on the forest, his body tense, and ready to defend her. If she couldn't shift, she would be helpless right now.
Naruto and Sakura stand on either side of Kakashi, their faces set in determined expressions.
Ino and Shikamaru position themselves at the edges of the group, their eyes scanning the forest for any sign of danger. The air is thick with tension as the group waits, ready to face whatever threat is emerging from the forest.
"Something is coming," Pakkun says, standing in front of Kekashi.
Kakashi's eyes narrow, his gaze fixed intently on the forest as he senses the growing unease.
"What is it, Pakkun?" he asks, his voice low and even, but with a hint of tension. Pakkun's fur standing on end is a clear indication that something is amiss, The rest of the group holds their breath, waiting for whatever is coming to emerge from the misty forest.
Pakkun's ears perk up, and he takes a step forward, his eyes fixed on a point in the distance.
"I'm not sure," he growls, his voice low and menacing. "But it's big. And it's coming fast." As Pakkun speaks, the trees in the distance begin to shake and tremble, their branches creaking and swaying ominously.
The mist that had been creeping along the forest floor begins to churn and swirl, as if something is stirring it up from beneath. The group's eyes are fixed on the point where Pakkun is staring, their hearts pounding in anticipation of what is about to emerge from the forest.Suddenly, a massive shape bursts forth from the swirling mist, its enormous body crashing through the underbrush and sending trees splintering to the ground. The group's eyes widen in shock as they take in the sheer scale of the creature: a gargantuan, three-headed beast with scales as black as coal and eyes that glow like embers. The air is filled with the sound of its thunderous roar, and the ground shakes beneath their feet as it charges towards them.
Kakashi's eyes flash with a fierce determination as he leaps into action, his Sharingan eye glowing with an intense light. the din of the beast's roar. The group springs into action, Shikamaru's eyes narrow as he focuses his mind, preparing to use his Shadow Possession Jutsu. The titans, sensing the group's tension, let out a low rumble, their massive bodies tensed and ready to defend. As the beast charges closer, the group holds their breath.
The air is electric with tension as the beast bears down on them, its three heads snapping wildly, their jaws wide open, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. The ground shakes beneath their feet, and the sound of its roar is almost deafening. Just as it seems the beast is about to crash into them, Kakashi gives a swift hand signal, and the group erupts into action. Shikamaru's Shadow Possession Jutsu shoots out, aiming to bind and immobilize the beast, but the beast despite its big frame is able to dodge the males jutsu almost with ease, while Naruto rushes forward thhis Rasengonswirling around his extended hand. As he ran.
Naruto's eyes blaze with determination as he charges forward, the Rasengan swirling around his hand growing larger and more intense with each step. The beast, still reeling from dodging Shikamaru's jutsu, doesn't notice Naruto's approach until it's too late.
The Rasengan collides with the beast's central head, causing a massive explosion that sends shockwaves through the air. The beast stumbles backward, its heads reeling from the impact.
Akira emerged beside the beast chakra, forming around her hand. Electricity begins to crackle and arc around her fingers as she prepares to unleash a powerful jutsu. The air around her seems to be charged with electricity, and the beast's heads snap towards her, sensing the sudden surge in chakra.
Akira's eyes flash with a fierce determination as she takes aim, her hand weaving intricate patterns in the air. "Raikiri!" she cries, unleashing a bolt of lightning-fast chakra that shoots towards the beast with incredible speed and precision.
The Raikiri bolt strikes the beast with incredible force, slicing through its scales and flesh with ease. The beast lets out a deafening roar as it staggers backwards, its body smoking from the intense heat generated by the Raikiri. The ground shakes beneath their feet as the beast crashes to the earth, its massive body sending shockwaves through the air. Akira stands tall, her chest heaving with exertion, her eyes fixed intently on the beast. For a moment, there is silence, as if the very forest itself is holding its breath. Then, suddenly, the beast's body begins to twitch and convulse...
Its three heads thrashing wildly, as if trying to shake off the effects of the Raikiri. The beast's body begins to contort and twist, its scales rippling and flexing like living tissue. A low, ominous growl builds in the beast's throat, growing louder and more menacing by the second. The air around the beast begins to distort and ripple, as if reality itself is being warped and twisted by its presence. Akira's eyes narrow as she prepares for the beast's next move.
"It's not going to go down without a fight," she growls, her voice low and deadly.
"Will beat it." Kekashi addresses chakra forming in the back of his throat. Starting to boil. Kakashi's eye gleams with a fierce intensity as he focuses his chakra.
The air around him seems to vibrate with energy as he prepares to unleash a powerful jutsu.
"Fire style, fire ball jutsu!" he roars, his voice like thunder as he unleashes a massive fireball that shoots towards the beast with incredible speed and force. The fireball engulfs the beast, its flames burning with intense heat as it attempts to consume the monstrous creature.
The beast lets out a deafening roar as the fireball engulfs it, its three heads thrashing wildly as it attempts to escape the inferno. The flames dance across its scales, burning with an intense heat that seems to sear the very air around it. The ground shakes beneath their feet as the beast staggers backwards, once more its massive body crashing into the trees and sending splintered wood flying in all directions. Despite the intense heat, the beast's scales seem to be resisting the flames, and it slowly begins to emerge from the inferno, its eyes blazing with fury.
As the beast emerges from the flames, its scales are charred and blackened, but they seem to be regenerating at an alarming rate. The beast's eyes burn with an intense fury, and it fixes its gaze on Kakashi, its jaws open wide in a snarl. The ground begins to shake and tremble, and the sound of crackling energy fills the air as the beast prepares to unleash a devastating counterattack.
"Kekashi!!" Yukia cries as the trees begin to tremble around them. Gaara turns his head to peer at her concern. "More are coming,"
Kakashi's eyes flicker towards Yukia, his expression grim as he processes her warning.
"How many?" he asks, his voice low and urgent, as he readies himself for the impending onslaught. Gaara's gaze snaps back to the surrounding trees, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the approaching threats. The air seems to grow heavier with anticipation, the trees creaking and swaying in the wind as if sensing the approaching danger. Suddenly, the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs fills the air, growing louder with each passing moment
The trees part, and a horde of smaller, identical beasts emerge from the underbrush, their eyes glowing with an unnatural hunger. They move with a synchronized, almost mechanical precision, their jaws open wide as they charge towards Kakashi and his team. The air is filled with the sound of their thunderous approach, the ground shaking beneath their feet as they bear down on their prey.
Starfire quickly flies up green energy surrounding her palms. It was clear they needed to help the ninjas couldn't do this on their own. As Starfire hovers above the battlefield, her green energy-infused palms glowing brightly, she unleashes a barrage of powerful energy blasts that rain down upon the charging beasts The blasts strike with incredible force, sending the creatures flying across the landscape, their bodies smoldering from the intense energy.
Starfire's eyes widen in surprise as the creatures shrug off her attacks, their bodies seemingly impervious to her energy blasts. She hovers in mid-air, her palms still glowing with green energy, as she reassesses the situation.
"These creatures are...resistant to my powers," she says, her voice tinged with a hint of concern.
"I must find another way to assist." She glances down at the ninjas, who are still fighting valiantly, and her eyes narrow in determination.
Gaara quickly puts a shield of sand around him and yukia, protecting them both from one of the creatures running towards them.
The creature crashes into the shield of sand, its jaws snapping wildly as it tries to break through the barrier. Gaara's eyes gleam with a fierce intensity as he maintains the shield, his chakra flowing through the sand to reinforce its strength. Yukia stands beside him, her eyes fixed on the creature as it continues to try and break through the shield.
"Gaara, how long can you keep this up?" she asks, her voice low and urgent. Gaara's gaze doesn't waver from the creature.
"As long as necessary," he growls, his voice dripping with determination. He would protect her no matter the cost.
Yukia's eyes flicker to Gaara's face, and for a moment, she sees a glimmer of something more than just determination in his eyes. It's a fierce protectiveness, a willingness to put himself in harm's way to keep her safe. Her heart skips a beat as she realizes the depth of Gaara's feelings for her. But before she can process this revelation, the creature outside the shield lets out a deafening roar and charges again, its jaws snapping wildly as it tries to break through the sand barrier.
Gaara's eyes snap back to the creature, his gaze burning with a fierce intensity as he summons more chakra to reinforce the shield. The sand swirls around him, responding to his will as he strengthens the barrier. Yukia's heart is still racing from the revelation, but she pushes aside her emotions, focusing on the battle at hand.
A panic suddenly feels inside her when she sees Raven suddenly get knocked out of the sky by a huge whipped like tail.
Yukia's eyes widen in horror as Raven's body crashes into the ground below, the impact, apparently knocking the empaths breath completely out. Her eyes spinning uncontrollably in their sockets. That hit had been hard it was a surprise Raven hadn't been knocked out by it.
Yukia fights the urge to go help her. Seeing as Beastboy had quickly appeared beside her, his green eyes checked to make sure she was alright.
"I...I'm fine," she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper. Beastboy's eyes linger on hers for a moment before he turns his attention to the creatures, his face set in a determined expression. How dare these creatures hurt her. Shifting to a gorilla.
With a fierce battle cry, Beastboy charges forward. His massive muscles rippling beneath his thick fur as he swings his powerful arms at the creatures. His eyes blazing with a fierce determination to protect not only Raven but his other teammates.
The creatures, taken aback by the sudden appearance of a giant gorilla, stumble backward in surprise, giving Gaara and the others a brief respite from the attack. Gaara takes advantage of the distraction, his eyes narrowing as he summons a massive wave of sand to crash down on a few of the creatures. The creatures struggle to free themselves, but Gaara's sand is relentless, holding them tightly in place..
As the creatures' struggles grow weaker, the sound of crunching bone and snapping limbs gives way to an eerie silence. The sand remains a golden tomb that holds the creatures captive. Gaara's eyes gleam with a cold satisfaction as he surveys the aftermath of the battle. His chest rises and falls with a slow, measured breath, and for a moment, he seems to relax, his guard dropping ever so slightly. Beastboy, still in his gorilla form, stands watch, his eyes scanning the area. Some creatures seem to take a step back. The three-headed creature, seemingly the leader of the pack, takes a step forward, its eyes fixed now on Gaara with a calculating gaze, not seeming to like the fact that some of its members had been killed.
Its gaze burning with an intense fury, its eyes blazing with a malevolent intelligence. It takes another step forward, its massive body undulating as it moves, its multiple limbs rippling with agitation.
Gaara stands his ground, his eyes locked on the creature, his expression unyielding. The air is thick with anticipation. The only sound was the heavy breathing of the creature and the soft rustling of the sand beneath Gaara's feet. Suddenly, the creature speaks, its voice a low, rumbling growl that sends shivers down Yukia's spine.
"You...will...pay," it hisses, its eyes flashing with venom. When could they talk?
A warning growl rolls from Yukia's throat. Her fist clenched down at her side. Why was she not able to shift. She needed to shift. She needed to help her friends. Her body begins to tremble with frustration and urgency as she struggles to tap into her inner power.
"Come on," she cries urgently. Taking in a deep breath, focusing all her energy on unleashing her transformation. She feels a sudden surge of adrenaline course through her veins. Her body begins to shift and contort, her limbs lengthening and her senses heightening. Her skin itchy and tingling as fur bursts forth, covering her in a thick blue coat. Yukia's face elongates into a wolf's muzzle. She lets out a mighty snarl, her voice now a powerful howl, as she stands tall, ready to defend herself and her friends.
"Yukia," Beastboy exclaims with wide green eyes.
"Finally..." Yukia's voice is low and husky, her words dripping with a mixture of relief. That shift was hard. But she was glad to be in the familiar form once again felt great. She takes a step forward, her eyes fixed intently on the three-headed creature, her body tense and ready to spring into action.
Robin, Starfire, and Cyborg all turn their heads towards her.
"Yukia, be careful," Robin says, his voice low and cautious. "We don't know what we're up against here."
Gaara, meanwhile, remains silent, his eyes fixed intently on the three-headed creature, his body coiled and ready to strike.
Ino quickly fires a few kunia at a few other beasts. The kunai fly swiftly through the air, striking the beast with precision and accuracy. The beasts let out pained yelps and snarls as the kunai embed themselves into their bodies. Blood splash out omto the ground in thick puddles. The pieces of paper, infused with a hidden explosive seal, suddenly ignite, releasing a burst of flames.
The flames engulf the beasts, causing their bodies to thrash about in agony as the fire consumes its flesh. The beast's cries echo through the air, a haunting and terrifying sound that sends shivers down the spines of Ino and her teammates. The flames dance and flicker, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding environment as the beast's body begins to char and blacken. The air is filled with the acrid stench of burning flesh, a noxious odor that makes Ino's stomach turn.
Ino's eyes narrow, her gaze fixed intently on the beasts as she prepares to launch another attack. Her hands move swiftly, drawing more kunai from her pouch as she readies herself for the next wave of beasts.
Choji's eyes gleam with determination as he focuses his chakra, his body beginning to glow with a soft, blue light. He takes a deep breath in. His head arms and legs tucking into his clothing, his hair spiking up. With a mighty roar, Choji's body rolls forward with incredible speed and momentum, his rounded form barreling into the beasts like a human wrecking ball. Knocking several of the beasts off their feet.
Shikamaru's eyes narrow, and he focuses his chakra, causing his shadow to suddenly grow and expand, spreading out across the ground like a dark, living entity. The shadowy tendrils stretch out, snaking around the legs of the beasts, restraining them and holding them in place.
Shikamaru's voice is calm and detached as he speaks, "You're not going anywhere." The beasts thrash about, their eyes blazing with fury as they try to break free from Shikamaru's shadowy bindings. But despite their best efforts, they remain trapped, unable to escape the dark, ethereal restraints.
"Let them go now, shikamaru," Temari orders as a chakra infused wind heads towards the trapped creatures.
Shikamaru's expression remains impassive, but he nods slightly, releasing his shadowy bindings from the trapped beasts. The dark tendrils retract, freeing the beasts from their restraints.
The beasts stumble forward, momentarily disoriented, just as Temari's chakra-infused wind sweeps in and pulls them upwards.
The beasts' bodies are lifted off the ground, suspended in mid-air as Temari's wind slices into their flesh, causing them to writhe in agony. The wind's cutting force is merciless, tearing into the beasts' skin and muscle, leaving gaping wounds that spill blood into the air. The beasts' screams are drowned out by the howling wind, their bodies flailing limply as they're helplessly torn apart by the torrent of air.
"Nice job, Temari," Kankuro said from close by. Holding up his puppets, Kankuro's voice is calm and matter-of-fact, his expression a mask of detachment as he surveys the carnage before them. His puppets, their strings quivering with tension as if awaiting for their next command. Kankuro's eyes flicker towards Temari, a hint of approval in his gaze before he returns his attention to the surrounding area.
Kankuro's gaze settles on the creatures, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assesses the situation. His puppets seem to lean forward, their wooden bodies tense with anticipation. With a subtle flick of his fingers, Kankuro sends his puppets into motion, their strings singing as they dance towards the creatures. The puppets' movements are fluid and menacing, their limbs extending and retracting with deadly precision as they prepare to strike. Sharp blades
The creatures, sensing their impending doom, let out a chorus of terrified growls and snarls, but it was too late. With a flurry of swift, precise movements, the puppets strike, their blades biting deep into the creatures' flesh. The creatures' cries are abruptly silenced as they crumple to the ground, dead.
Yukia leaps towards the three-headed beast, her sharp teeth bared.
The three-headed beast, its eyes blazing with fury, lunges forward to meet Yukia's attack. The central head, its jaws wide open, reveals rows of razor-sharp teeth, while the two smaller heads on either side hiss and spit, their venomous fangs bared.
The beast's massive body undulates as it moves, its scales glinting in the light as it prepares to strike. Yukia, undaunted, continues her attack, her sharp teeth snapping wildly as she aims for the beast's central head.
The beast stops in its tracks, sand wrapping tightly around its ankles. The sand, infused with Gaara's chakra, holds the beast in a vice-like grip, preventing it from moving or escaping. The beast's three heads thrash about wildly, its jaws snapping futilely as it tries to break free from the sand around its ankles.
Yukia's sharp teeth, sinks into the throat of the central heads. The central head's eyes widen in shock as Yukia's teeth sink deeper into its throat, causing it to let out a blood-curdling screech. Blood splashes on to Yukia's fur causing her fur to turn almost purple
The other two heads, momentarily stunned, quickly recover and begin to thrash about wildly, their jaws snapping mere inches from Yukia's face. Gaara's sand, still encasing the beast's legs, begins to surge upward, wrapping around the beast's torso in an attempt to restrain the flailing heads.
The central head's screech is abruptly cut short as Yukia's teeth sever its spinal cord, causing its body to go limp. The other two heads, still thrashing about wildly, begin to falter as the central head's demise disrupts the beast's overall coordination.
Yukia, her jaws still locked onto the central head's throat, gives a vicious tug, tearing out a chunk of flesh as she releases her grip. The beast's lifeless body crashes to the ground, its scales glistening with blood as Yukia stands victorious, her purple-stained fur a testament to her ferocity.
Gaaras sand falls away. The sand, no longer needed to restrain the beast, slips away with a soft rustling sound, leaving the beast's body to lie still and silent on the ground. Gaara's eyes, still fixed intently on the beast, slowly narrow as he surveys the aftermath of the battle
Yukia's gaze meets Gaara's, a spark of primal intensity flashing between them. For a moment, the only sound is the heavy breathing of the two combatants, the air thick with the scent of blood and sweat. Then, without breaking eye contact, Yukia takes a step back, her tail twitching slightly as she assumes a more relaxed stance.
"Is it over?" Ino wonders looking over the area dead creatures scattered over the ...battle-scarred landscape, their lifeless bodies a grim testament to the ferocity of the fight. The only sounds are the distant calls of scavenging birds and the soft rustling of the wind through the debris. Ino's gaze sweeps the area, her eyes scanning for any signs of movement or danger, before finally coming to rest on Gaara and Yukia, who stand victorious, if battered, amidst the carnage.
Shizuna and Sakura, had been healing the whole time both ninjas fall to there knees clearly feeling exhausted. Their hands, still glowing with the soft, white light of their healing chakra, which quickly fades away. There hands falling limply to their sides as they struggle to catch their breath. Shizune's eyes, usually bright and alert, seem sunken and weary, while Sakura's face is pale and drawn, her brow slick with sweat. The two kunoichi remain motionless for a moment, their exhaustion evident in every line of their bodies.
Naruto breaths heavily, though he was fine, the battle was long lasting or so it felt that way. He wipes the sweat from his forehead, his eyes scanning the battlefield as he takes in the aftermath of the fight. His chest still heaves with exertion, but a triumphant grin begins to spread across his face as he realizes they've emerged victorious.
Kakashi's mask glints in the fading light as he surveys the aftermath of the battle, his eyes narrowed slightly as he takes in the scattered bodies of the defeated creatures.
"T-That was a long one, sensei..." Naruto says, his voice shaky as he tries to catch his breath. Kakashi's expression remains impassive, but he nods slightly in response.
Ino's eyes are narrowed slightly, her gaze scanning the area to ensure that no more threats remain. Shikamaru's expression is characteristically lazy, but a hint of satisfaction creeps into his eyes as he gazes out at the defeated creatures. Glad the battle was finally over.
Choji, meanwhile, lets out a deep sigh, he wipes the sweat from his brow. His stomach growls audibly, and he looks around at his friends with a hopeful expression, as if willing someone to produce a plate of food out of thin air.
Akira stood on the stomp of a fallen tree. Her eyes scan the battlefield with a calculating intensity, her gaze lingering on each of her comrades as if assessing their condition. Her face, a mask of calm determination, betrays no emotion. But inside she was glad to see everyone alright.
Robin had his arm wrapped around starfires shoulders Starfire leans into Robin's side, her eyes shining with affection as she wraps her own arm around his waist, giving him a gentle squeeze.
Cyborg looks away, a hint of a smile on his face as he clears his throat.
BeastBoy, on the other hand, grins mischievously,
"Aww, you two are so cute!" He mused.
Robin's face flushes slightly as he rolls his eyes, "Shut up, Beast Boy." He demands though his voice didn't sound serious. Starfire, however, simply giggles and leans in closer to Robin making him blush brighter, Starfire's green eyes sparkling with amusement.
Beast Boy chuckles, clearly pleased with himself for getting a rise out of Robin. "Hey, someone's got to keep things interesting around here," he says with a grin, winking at Starfire, who continues to giggle.
Raven just rolls her eyes, remaining quiet. Still feeling dizzy headed from hitting the ground so hard earlier. Beastboy had offered to help her. But she had turned his offer down.
BeastBoy's eyes linger on Raven, his expression a mixture of concern and understanding. He knows better than to push her when she's not in the mood for help. Instead, he keeps a watchful eye on her, ready to step in if she needs him.
Cyborg, too, casts a glance in Raven's direction, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Raven, you sure you're okay?" he asks quietly.. Raven's gaze drifts up to meet Cyborg's, her eyes slightly glazed over from the lingering dizziness. She nods curtly, her voice low and even,
"I'm fine, Cyborg." She repeats for the hundredth time. Her words are reassuring, but the two titans continue to watch her.
Yukia shifts back to her human form. Breathing heavily as she looks over at Gaara a smile spreed over her lips.
Gaara's intense gaze meets Yukia's, his eyes narrowing slightly as he takes in her exhausted yet exhilarated expression.
Gaara's stoic demeanor softens ever so slightly, a hint of curiosity and perhaps even concern flickering across his face. He takes a step closer to Yukia, his deep voice low and measured.
"You pushed yourself too hard. Again." The words are a statement rather than a question, and his gaze lingers on Yukia's exhausted form, as if searching for any signs of injury.
Yukia smiles innocently. His voice took on a slightly dry tone, "Don't think a smile will get you out of this, Yukia. You need to learn to control your strength."
Yukia's smile widens, her eyes sparkling with mirth, as she takes a step closer to Gaara, her voice playfully
"But, Gaara, you're so much more fun to tease when you're worried about me." Her words are laced with a hint of mischief, and she bats her eyelashes at Gaara, clearly enjoying the banter between them.
Gaara's eyes narrow slightly, his expression a mixture of surprise and annoyance at being teased. He's not accustomed to people pushing his buttons, and Yukia's playful jabs have caught him off guard. For a moment, he simply stares at her, his face a mask of stoic calm, before growling low in his throat, "You're...enjoying this, aren't you?"
Yukia's grin falters for a moment, and she takes a step back, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and caution, wondering how far she can push him. Then, her grin returns, wider and more mischievous than before.
"Maybe just a little," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper, as she takes another step back, her eyes never leaving Gaara's face.
Gaara's gaze follows Yukia as she watches him, his eyes narrowing slightly as he takes a step forward, his movements deliberate and controlled. Yukia's eyes flashing with excitement. She holds her ground, her feet rooted to the spot, as she gazes up at Gaara, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just glad everyone is okay, and I can shift again," she responds. Causing The male to stop infront of her. His head barely shaking at her words.
"Is that why you pushed yourself to shift?" Gaara wonders. Already knowing that answer.
Yukia's gaze drops, her eyelashes fluttering downward as she nods slightly, her voice still barely above a whisper,
"Yes...of course it was, you all mean the world to me, i would do anything for all of you," Her shoulders relax, her posture easing as she admits the truth, her eyes remaining cast downward, as if studying the ground.
Gaara's gaze softens, his eyes warming with a hint of emotion as he listens to Yukia's words. He takes a step closer, his movements gentle, and reaches out to tilt Yukia's chin upward, so she would have to look him in the eyes. Causing yukia to suddenly freeze up. The heart in her chest beating faster in its rib cage.
His fingers brushed against her skin. His voice is low and rough, but filled with a deep sincerity, "You don't have to push yourself to prove that, Yukia. We care about you too." He points out.
His eyes lock onto Yukia's, his gaze piercing as he searches for something in her expression. His fingers remain on her chin, his touch gentle but firm, as he holds her gaze. The air between them seems to thicken, charged with a palpable tension, as Gaara's voice drops to a whisper, "What's wrong, Yukia?"
Remaining quiet, yukia continues to watch him. Both of them were unaware that everyone had stopped talking to watch them.
The silence setting in between Gaara and Yukia stretches out locked in a silent understanding. The rest of the group holds its collective breath as they watch the two with rapt attention. The air is heavy with anticipation, as if everyone is waiting for something to happen.
Gaara slowly removes his hand from Yukia's chin taking a small step back. Yukia's gaze never wavers, her eyes remaining fixed on Gaara's face as she blinks slowly, her expression unreadable.
Gaara wasn't used to people seeing his softer side. A brief glimpse into a part of himself that he rarely revealed to others. Yet yukia managed to bring it out of him. Regardless of where they were and who was around them. She had a way of seeing past the walls he built around himself, of finding the hidden paths that led to the deeper, more vulnerable parts of his soul. It was a disconcerting feeling, yet at the same time, it was strange, as if he had finally found someone who could see him for who he truly was. And not the monster the people in his village made him out to be.
The memory of those accusing eyes, the whispers and the fear that had followed him for so long, seemed to fade into the background as he looked at Yukia once more, her gaze holding a quiet acceptance, a sense of understanding that washed over him like a balm
Gaara looks away, breaking the gaze between them once again, and clears his throat, his deep voice low and rough. "Sorry." He replies softly. Hoping he hadn't done anything wrong
Yukia's eyes filled with a warm understanding as she watched him.
"You don't have to apologize, Gaara." Her words are gentle and reassuring.
Gaara's gaze returns to Yukia's face, his eyes searching hers as if seeking confirmation of her words. His expression is guarded, but a hint of vulnerability lingers, as if he's struggling to accept her reassurance.
For a moment, they simply look at each other, the air between them thick with unspoken emotions. But an unseen smile suddenly spreads over his features. And he nods his head.
Yukia's face softens, a warm smile spreading across her lips as she sees the subtle nod, and the faint, unseen smile. Well, not everyone would notice his smile. As they turn to face the group, they're met with a sea of curious faces, all of whom are staring at them with varying degrees of interest and amusement.
Gaara's expression returning to its usual stoic mask, while Yukia's cheeks flush a delicate pink as she realizes they've been the center of attention.
The group's attention is broken when Naruto, always eager to fill an awkward silence, speaks up with a loud boom.
"Hey, what's going on? What did I miss?" His question is met with a chorus of chuckles and teasing remarks.
"Don't worry, Naruto, you wouldn't understand anyways," Sakura points out, shaking her head at the blonde boy.
Naruto's face scrunches up in mock offense, "Hey, I'd understand! I'm a great ninja, and I can understand anything!" He protests, his eyes sparkling with amusement, as he shoots Sakura a playful glare. The Pinkett rolling her eyes upwards.
"Awe, man, I thought he was gonna kiss her," ino whines in defeat. With Sakura nodding her head with a smirk on her lips.
Choji, sitting next to Sakura, looked at her with a raised eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eye.
"You think something's going on between them, huh?" he whispered, his voice low enough not to carry to the pair standing a short distance away. Sakura's smirk grew wider as she nodded almost imperceptibly, her eyes sparkling with amusement and intrigue,
"Ino!!" Yukia cries her eyes widening as her cheeks get reder. As her feet kick a little at the ground, sending up small dust particles.
Ino's face lit up with a mischievous grin as she waved enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"What? I'm just stating the obvious!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying across the distance. Shikamaru, standing a few feet away, facepalmed, shaking his head in exasperation.
"Ino, you're not helping," he muttered, while Choji and Sakura exchanged amused glances, their eyes shining with mirth at the awkward, yet endearing scene unfolding before them. It was clear yukia was embarrassed, and while Gaara didn't show it, it was possible he was too.
Gaara's eyes narrow slightly as he shoots Ino a warning glance, as if daring her to say anything more. Ino, however, just grins mischievously, seeming to enjoy the commotion she's caused.
"Sucks, I was looking forward to it," Kankuro admits with a smirk. Gaara quickly glares towards his older brother, daring him to keep talking about it. Kankuro's smirk widens, and he chuckles.
"Oh, come on, Gaara, don't be like that. I'm just stating the obvious," he teases, clearly enjoying the reaction he's getting from his brother. Gaara's glare intensifies, his eyes flashing with a hint of warning, as if daring Kankuro to push the issue further.
Temari shakes her head at Kankuro. The male should no not to, tease Gaara too much.
"Okay, everyone," Kekashi speaks up, gaining the group's quick attention. Changing the conversation now. To Yukia and Gaara's relief. "We should head out,"
...
(How's this. Hopefully its nit to confusing, i was trying to put in a twist, and hopefully, i did )