Lilia Hon - Little Alice

[Little Alice]

Arguing with The Blue Fire.
A Collab between Roran and Alice.
Time : Eights months after the start of the Timeskip.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sitting on the floor of her room, Lilia was dressed in a short and t-shirt. It was quite late and some days after she had come back from her last mission with Kensuke, Irin and Uka. The one where they had hunt down Kaname. Also where she had relied quite a lot on Matatabi to turn the tide. Knowing sure that she could do her training, she made slowly the Tiger handseal as her chakra began to mould, thus beginning the chakra control training. At the same time, as she managed to calm down, she entered another place. A place that she walked with a more peaceful mind.

''Mata-sama?'' Lilia asked with a calm and polite tone as she entered the long hall, where she could see the bars in the distance. Continue to walk towards the bars, she stopped. Furthermore was his personal space and Lilia wasn't sure if he was either in a good or bad mood seeing that Kensuke had sealed him back when he hadn't truly broken the seal.

"What is it, Lilia-sama?" Boomed through the darkness. If Lilia had really good ears, she'd notice that his voice was somewhat hoarse, hurt by the recent re-sealing. He was used to it, it had happened so many times before, but it still hurt nevertheless.

She did hear that his voice was hoarse as the guilt came back. Wanting to venture beyond the bars, she didn't. Even taking a step back from them, she then found it a bit silly that she was dressed like this. Not really a way to show her respect to the Nibi, she realized. ''I-I... I'm sorry for all that happened last time. Are... you hurt?'' She asked, with a soft voice again. Though he would likely pick up the guilty undertone that was present, even though she was trying to hide it.

"Why would I be hurt? I am used to little humans trying to contain me, trying to stop me." He said philosophically, as the contours of his burning blue fur would be visible once every few moments. "No, what I am not used to, is little humans releasing me, on purpose."

Thinking about his words, Lilia looked at the blue fire. It didn't look that threatening anymore. Somehow, it reminded her of her goal. Of what she wanted. That blue fire in the pit of darkness. ''Cause weren't you the one to say we're the same being? I want to know if you're hurt, because it's not that you're something just valuable to me. You're important to me. You after all saved my skin when I almost got killed.'' She told him. Deciding to ask the other question, she tried to sound more confident, though failing at that. ''May I enter?'' Though not really sounding confident, her voice was filled with a friendly tone and respect.

"If you die, I 'die' too." He said, stopping to move around and sitting down, his large yellow and green colored eyes pierced the darkness and stared right at Lilia, waiting for her to come in, or stay outside. He was curious about what the little girl'd do.

Lilia frowned at the answer. It made her take a few steps into the space beyond the bars. She tried to calm down her heart. It started to pound at a faster rate when she had walked past the bars. His response had frustrated her a little bit. ''If I die, you will die? What about getting hurt? Think about that. If I get hurt, who is responsible for my quick recovery? I should be acting the same. If you get hurt, I should be ready to help you out. And whether you like it or not, I'll help you out.'' Her tone lost some of the friendly and respectful she just had before. Knowing she wasn't acting like she wanted to, she found it frustrating that he was trying to distance himself. At least in her opinion. ''Is it something that still scars you, Mata-sama? Afraid that I might end become something you fear? A friend... I wonder now who of us is the real beast...'' She told him, hoping he would think over her words.

"It is not. What is scarring me is that there is a mistake I made once, and I paid the price. I will not make the same mistake again." He replied on cold tone, not clearly implying anything. He really started to be annoyed by the girl. It was clear that she wanted to be on friendly terms with him, but she was really pushing it. He needed time for himself to consider things. And she also was so ignorant. She hardly even acknowledged the fears he held for himself. It made him infuriated.

''I understand, but does that mean you won't think about me? What about if I'm willing to make that mistake? I'm meaning every word and even feel guilty you hurt one of the people that always stood ready for me.'' She had picked up the cold tone as she took more steps towards him. He was still at some distance and while she wasn't out for fight, she wanted to make him think about her words. She wanted to do something if he was in pain. ''Or are you a little scared kitty cat?'' She suddenly mocked him. Suddenly it became clear to her. He was afraid. More than she was! ''Does this little one... this beast, scares you? Making you scared that you will experience pain again?'' She continued, on a more angry tone as she wanted to push him now really.

"I was talking about the mistake of dying, little girl." The cat replied harshly, it's blue fur raising and flaming up high again. "There is a small difference between fearing pain and avoiding it when it is not necessary to undergo it." He continued, slowly coming closer, showing his naked teeth as he growled at the courageous yet foolish human before him.

Taking more steps towards Matatabi, Lilia placed her fists on her hips. ''And I was talking about the fact that I want to help you. Kitten. Do I have to make it more clear what my intention is? Do I have to keep coming back to anger you? Cause I swear that as long as I can talk. As long as I can make decisions.'' She narrowed her eyes as she paused briefly. ''I'll make it one time clear to you. When you said we're the same, being one, I made the decision to make sure that I would do something to help you. To avoid seeing you getting hurt, but guess what? Pain is just an emotion. It's a part of life. Whether emotional or physical. It lets one realize they are alive. Makes one cherish the times they experience joy and such feelings. Or is the big beast now scaring the little kitten?'' Lilia said, raising her chin as she wanted to look more confident.

"You don't seem to realize what I am saying. Let me repeat it for you, step by step. When I die, I don't die. I am stuck in another dimension without a body, without senses, without anything but my thoughts. No, I don't even have emotions in that state, sine I have no body to produce the required hormones for that." He said while towering over the little girl. "On that moment, I can only WISH I would die, and I haven't even started to talk about the only thing I can do but thinking in that state. While my body is slowly rebuilding, cell per cell, I am tormented by grueling pains. Not constantly no, that pleasure isn't mine. It comes and it goes, randomly and without warning. The uncertainty is almost as worse as the pain itself." He beast continued, roaring out the last words. "And now here you are, presenting yourself on a silver plate, saying you are the grand solution to everything, pitying me because I do not want to 'die', and making conclusions all over. It is kind that you want to help, but think about this, little human: How would you appreciate help if you can't choose to accept it or not, no, can't even escape from it." The beast now roared in her face, probably sending her flying, or worse.

Holding her ground, using the Tree climbing technique, she had to close her eyes as holding her arms in front of her face to keep standing. Feeling the gust that was produced by his roar, she wondered why her heart hadn't stopped beating. The amount of fear that rushed through her body was immense. Maybe even just as the amount of chakra that the Tailed Beasts were rumored to have. Slowly lowering her eyes, she looked with a cold look back. ''For one. You could just say you don't want my help. In case you hadn't noticed, but you help me without knowing it. Who else is responsible for my quick recovering? Well?'' She sneered back, shaking a fist in his direction. In comparison to his roar, her gesture would look like that of a kitten trying to roar back at a huge tiger. ''I don't imply that I will be able to protect you as you protect me. But doesn't mean I have to take your help for granted. In case you hadn't noticed, I want to help you, but you're the ignorant one! You keep turning my help down whenever I present it, but I have to keep relying on you? What makes you better than me? Well?'' She wanted to punch him, feeling anger slowly building up. Knowing that she couldn't take him on made her only more frustrated as she felt like she was trying to talk to a wall. And making it talk back!

"Do I look like I can choose to help you?" He suddenly said, very softly, amazed by her stupid words. "If I protect you, or help you, that is because I am doing something called 'self-preservation'. Making sure I will survive. If that means you will too, then that is a side-effect." He continued on the threatening soft tone. "And tell me. How can you possibly help me? The only thing I want is freedom, and you know you can't give that to me. That'd mean the death of a fourth of Konoha, at last, and I'm sure a lot of those would be your friends."

Lilia became silent as she lowered her head. Remembering her research, she wasn't sure if it would help to explain her plan. Would he listen? Or were they just trying to proof each other they were the ones who were right? Maybe they were both wrong? Though she thought about it, she was still angry at the Nibi. His attitude just sparked something at her that made her act like a small child that wanted the respect, love and attention... of a parent...An older sibling. Two faces flashed past Lilia's mind while she looked up to Matatabi. ''I've found my own way. Won't free you as a whole or even without me able to place you back, but even with my 'talent','' she said with a mocking tone as she thought different of her talent, unlike what others thought and said. ''And let me be clear with you...Matatabi. Threaten my friends and others one more time and I will make sure you'll endure that moment. That you seem to hate... to despise. I will make sure you else will go through that hell again. So don't dare to throw a threat at me. Clear?'' She said with a furious tone. Though she wasn't planning to stoop to his level, his threat had really pushed her. The thought she had come here to see if he was hurt, to see if she could help him and then how he kept reacting made her pissed off.

The cat turned around, and ignored the little girl. Making him go through that again? Was she threatening to commit suicide? He didn't deem her capable of that. Empty threats. He did see that she was genuinely hurt and angered by his implied threat, which gave him some satisfaction. "I see. Have a nice day, Lilia-sama." He said on a decided tone, and turned around and walked into the darkness.

''Oh no, not going to be this easy!'' Her cheeks turned slowly red as she ran after him. Not that she wanted to fight him, but wasn't letting him go that easy. ''You keep walking away, but be a person with some guts and try to make your stand! I said, make a stand!'' She shouted to him as she became frustrated she couldn’t keep following as long she wouldn't grow tired, but still not able to stop him from walking away. Tripping over, she fell with a hard smack on the ground. Not wasting a moment, she looked up and saw the blue fire making distance from her. ''I made a promise I would do something so you could have more freedom.... I won't allow you to be here and acting like that! Hear me, Matatabi! I won't..'' Feeling the tears rolling over her cheeks, she laid on the ground and felt embarrassed. Not attempting to get up, she just let the tears roll over her cheeks as she stared at the direction the blue flames had vanished in.

From the darkness he watched how the girl exploded into tears, and sighed soundlessly. Perhaps one day, he thought. But not now. I need time, and the only persons I want to see now are long since dead. If there only was a way to speak to them. Yes, he could already imagine what they'd say, which brought a faint smile upon his lips. Perhaps... He would see what the future'd bring, but he couldn't not forgive the girl for this. It was his own fault after all. His indecision...

Lilia-sama, one day, a day that will come soon, we will talk.

Getting up after she felt tired, Lilia turned around. Walking as she was defeated back to the bars, she wondered if she was able to ever have a bond with him. So far, she had been able to lay a kind of foundation. But every time she wanted to continue building it was like he was preventing it. It was angering her and making her act like this. Whipping the tears on her cheeks away, she glanced over her shoulder. There was no sign of the majestic blue flames that somehow represented her desire to become the beacon of hope in the darkness. To represent the Will of Fire. ''I won't bother you anymore, Mata....-sama.'' She said on a soft tone as she turned around and walked to the bars. Truly feeling in a defeated mood, she left the dominion as she felt her chakra became relaxed. The Tiger handseal was released as she finished her chakra control training. Looking through her window, she noticed the full moon. It remembered her of the blue fire midst the darkness.

Getting up from the meditation sit, to walk to her bed. Once she laid underneath the blanket, Lilia closed her eyes but knew already it would be an uneasy night. The conversation and result with Matatabi was troubling her. As she slowly fell to sleep, the nightmare that troubled her came back.

[Little Alice]

The Start of the Blue Fire of Konohagakure!
Opening the gate to the Nibi!

A collab between Roran and Alice.
Time : Ten months after the start of the time skip.

SPOILER: Click to show

Looking around, the young girl bite her lower lip. The hair of the young girl was done in the usual fashion, as she was dressed in her kunoichi garb. Though there was no sign of a pouch. No sign of the big bandaged sword. No, all she had was a little scroll. In the palm of her left hand, lightning crackled as she had formed a little ball of lightning. Walking in a slow pace through the darkness of the cavern, Lilia felt no fear. It was actually feeling safe. As she wasn't walking a dark and big cavern, but the labryinth in her own mind. Towards her goal. Just like she had done a long time ago. The bright green eyes looked with a calm and peaceful look, glancing at the walls of the cave, as she moved deeper into the cavern. There was no sign of life. No bats, insects or anything else. Just her. Well, there was also something else. Something bigger, but it was hidden away.

For now.

Slowly, Lilia stopped as she entered what seemed to be a huge hall. The echo's of water dripping on pools, was noticable. Moving further into the hall, Lilia slowly let the lightning fade away. The darkness of the shadows were rushing towards her, as the light of the lightning faded away. Her green eyes were staring at the fading lightning. As she blinked, she still was standing in the darkness. The echo's of water dripping were still heard. ''Hope that I'm not disturbing you. Mata-....sama.'' Lilia said with a friendly voice. Looking up from her hand, she saw the giant bars. The bars that kept Matatabi from easily overwhelming her. To break out of his seal. To avoid that he would break through it and killing her in the process.

Tha large cat slowly approached the large and sturdy-looking wooden gates and lied down on the floor infront of Lilia, taking his time to flex his back thoroughly before turning towards Lilia. "Naturally you are disturbing me in this cave. I was busy contemplating the meaning of the number 42." He replied without a hint of sarcasm.

Lilia simply nodded after his answer. She was in a state of peace. Of serene peace. Walking towards the bar, the paper that had the kanji of : Seal. Her steps were taken slowly as if she was more afraid of the sign than the Tailed Beast. After all, the piece with the sign of it was the reason that Matatabi wasn't able to be free. It was the last step of her research. Even with everything she had read, searched up. Thought of. Everything. It all came to this step. ''I also was contemtplating something. Did you know your name means 'travel again'?'' She asked him, with the same friendly voice.

"Yes I did. My father told me the day I was born." He answered. He wondered wether or not the girl knew why. His green and his yellow eye stared at the little girl without blinking as he wondered what she was going to do with that scroll, the key to his cage. Would he escape? Perhaps. The wild call of freedom was truly bordering the irresistable. Perhaps he wouldn't.

She came closer to the paper. Her eyes locked on the kanji. ''I wish my name had a meaning. Even while I know many things of my past. I wished that I had a meaning. Maybe that is why I'm trying to become Hokage. So I can get a purpose.'' She said, more absent mindly than actually speaking to the Tailed Beast. ''Though, I've never asked you these questions... Do you love to stare at the moon and the stars?'' While asking the question, her right hand was raised. Just four more steps before she would reach the paper.

"Every creature loves to watch the night sky. Except fish and pigs." He replied to Lilia, ignoring her earlier statement.Perhaps she was right. Perhaps she wasnt. And while he answered, she had taken two more steps. ''Who knows? Maybe somewhere out there. A lonely and left out fish or small pig looks up. And wish that more of his kind would look and love the night sky, just as much as he or she does?'' Her fingers touched the paper, but now her eyes met those of Matatabi. Normally, that was enough for her to make her heart skip a beat. But now, it didn't. ''I know that you dislike me to keep asking you things. Don't want to bother you, but I've one question. May I?''

Sighing loudly he closed his eyes. "Sure, go ahead Lilia-sama." He finally said a very long pause. He looked at Lilia again, without a single hint of emotion more than before, even though she was about to undo the seal by the looks of it.

The sound of the paper, being ripped from the bars echo'd through the halls. Lilia looked down at her feet. There was the key, behind the paper. Slowly, she removed one of the glove. That of her right hand. ''Mata-sama. I know we might not be best friends. I've been acting like a foolish cub, so to say. All I wanted was us to become friends. But I pressured you. Kept chasing after you, while you needed time. I was nothing else than a simple fool. A fool that had a dream to become friends, but never the less a fool. I... I want to apologize. For everything that I did to wrong you. To annoy you.'' The black seals on her right hand appeared as a single, warm tear rolled over her left cheek. ''My question is simple... Do you think that if I had acted differently..... We..could've become friends?'' She asked him as her hand was placed on the spot. Where once the paper had been. The bars slowly seemed to be pulled away as she then looked up. Her hand trembled, but it wasn't fear. It was sorrow. But she would keep her promise. After all, what was she worth if she wasn't able to keep it?

He suddenly leapt forwards over Lilia and into freedom. His two tails missed the adolescent girl by a hair as he suddenly rushed off into the distance. After a while the blue halo of flames would disappear from sight as he increased the distance. About a minute later it reappeared again, as the giant feline suddenly returned. With the closest a cat could form to a grin the two-tails looked dowwn on her and replied. "Sure we can. My curiosity of the end of this hallway you keep coming from has been delayed for way too long."

She had sinked on her knees as she waited in the darkness. For the end, that what she had seen coming. But she would face it with a smile on her face. Her promise was kept after all. The sounds of him coming back, made her look back. The darkness that surrounded her, made her think about it differently. Like the situation had been reserved. But as he spoke, she looked surprised. ''Wait...What?! YOU!'' She jumped on her feet, but instead of happy, she pointed at him. Her face turned a bit red. ''You damn cat! Furball! You knew that I was scared as death that you would say no! You read my mind again, didn't you?'' She shouted, stomping with her left feet.

"Actually I can't really read your mind at all times. Sometimes you just make it easier for me than other times." He replied, upon sitting down in fron of her. "And you were wrong about my name too." He added playfully.

Becoming quiet, she puffed up her cheeks. Still finding it unfair, she was however feeling happy. After all, he hadn't killed or taken over control. Or not yet. Knowing from her research that it wasn't over until one of them would try overwhelm each other. Though confident in her willpower, she wouldn't fight. ''I did? But I've spent whole weeks, no! Whole months of researching!'' She told him. Feeling frustrated, she hoped that what she had been developing would work. Or maybe the false facts would only make it a false dream.
''So, what is it then? About your name?'' She walked a bit towards him before sitting down herself.

"As times change, so do languages. When I was created, 509 years ago, my name meant silver vine." He replied only a tad less cryptically. "So your research was not in vain. It's the kanji system and changes over time that have led you to use the correct modern translation of my name."

''I see. And you're younger than I had expected.'' She told him, a little smile adoring her lips. It was both meant as a little tease as to say she had expected him to be older. But she couldn't wait any longer. The desire to ask about what they were going to do was too tempting. After all, she could feel some change in her chakra system. But she wondered if that would last long. ''I don't think I need to explain what can happen now? With that asked.... will you...'' She closed her lips. The implication was enough to make it clear what she was hinting at.

"No, I won't tell you the modern version of the plant 'silver vine'." He replied. "That's yours to figure out."

Lilia sighed as she looked with half opened eyes, clearly annoyed by him being that playfully. ''You're enjoying it too much, Mata-sama.'' She told him, though unable to let out a giggle. ''So... How do you feel? I feel a bit different, but it was already told in the files and tomes I've read what I could expect... What about you? Are you okay?'' For a moment, she seemed to genuinly worried. Something she actually had tried to hide that undertone, but was unable too. Maybe an effect that their chakra was moulding more together?

"I'm dying." He replied while rolling his eyes. "Really the intense possibility to take over your body and escape, killing you in the process is truly ripping out my intestines and making me bleed to death."

After hearing his answer, she scoffed. ''How funny are we in all of a sudden. I'm just curious... Furball-sama.'' She told him, using the name to refer she wasn't happy that he was joking around. When she was serious, he decided to make use of sarcasm and goofing around? Lilia really had trouble to keep back the laughter. ''Is this what was behind the bars? A big cat that just wanted to joke around?'' Lilia finally decided to ask, trying to tease him back as she used an amused tone, while asking the question.

"Apparently the cage also sealed away my sense of humor." He replied, and lied down again. "You wanted to talk about something?"

''Seems it did. Not that I mind it.'' She responded. As he lied down, she smiled. Though she wondered if he was doing that to avoid her to look up all the time, she then nodded in reaction to his question. ''Yes. I want to test something. I do know and have learnt that even with our bond... being like this, I can't transform into you. Or control likely that much chakra. It would simply, as far the sources went, place you in control. But, I've been researching something else. I still have my promise, don't I? That and I want to show you something. If you would allow me?'' She responded, waiting for his reaction.

He nodded, patiently awaiting further explanations, and wondering why she found it necessary to stop here. Of course he would. At this time, Lilia's body had walked out of the cave. She was standing on the plateau, just in front of the cave. ''It still requires you to cooperate... But I think you would like to see..'' Weaving several handseals, tLilia performed the summoning jutsu. Placing her hand on the ground, black lines spread over the ground. But they suddenly became lightblue before Matatabi would feel a strange feeling. \\

''To see the moon with your own eyes again. Mata-sama.''

He suddenly found himself in a familiar ground, the stone plateau surrounded by mountains and hills covered with stray rocks and caves. Looking up he saw the moon and some stars in a sky dominated by a black heaven blocked by dark grey clouds here and there. For a moment he just kept staring. It was great to know that everything you felt was real again. After a few moments he looked around and saw Lilia standing a few meters away. "I'm honestly surprised. How did you do this?" He said with his booming voice, but now respectful instead of frightening.

Though she was still standing, cold sweat was running from her forehead. Breathing heavily, she had her hands on her knees. Raising her right one up, she shook her head. Even talking costed too much effort. Falling on her but, she puffed. ''....One more...second..'' She managed to whisper. Though she whispered, he would hear it. After all, their bond was still intact. This is easier for me. Sorry, but I'm quite exhausted. Still am.

He would hear as Lilia used their bond to talk. She closed her eyes as she then tried to explain it. I managed to research and thought of a way to keep my promise. Without being torn to shreds or blown up by the massive amount of chakra. In simple words, I managed to combine our bond with the summoning jutsu. All that was needed was us to remove the bars, that would keep us seperate. Though I felt that it would be proper to ask your permission too. Though..... You look sooooooooooooo adorable! She told him.

Opening her right eye, she managed to smirk. Though he was still huge, he had the form of when he was much younger. Compared to his true form, he was like in a kind of young version. Much smaller and less fierce looking. At least, what she was used too.

He frowned and looked down at his own shadow, and sighed desperately. He was tiny, small and especially the conrary of frightening. "Did you intend to give me this... younger form?" He attempted to describe it.

Oh yes, cause I want to take over the world with a small kitten version of you. Totally seems reasonable, doesn't it? Was her reply. It was sarcastic as amused, as she responded to him. Lilia managed to sigh and breath normally. Or at least, less heavily as before. I still need to develop it further. In fact, you're experiencing nothing really... It's because of our bond. To place it very easy... You're controlling a kind of shadow clone. A big mass of chakra. That is why I'm already exhausted. It would be my death if I would use it without using your chakra reserve. She further explained, still trying to regain her ability to speak with her tongue instead of through the bond.

He frowned deeply and sneered at the girl. "This is... ridiculous." He finally said. "I am a tailed beast, a terror of mankind, an ancient and feared monster over 5 centuries old. Not some kind of large pet bakeneko." He said equally disgusted as ashamed of his appearance.

Heh... You're even more adorable when you act mad in this form. Want me to stroke that pretty head of yours?~'' She teased him, as she then looked up to the moon. Closing her eyes, she however continued before he would be able to react back. She became a bit more serious now. ''But you're still able to produce Blue Fire. Not to mention, likely some of your other abilities. I also think you're more of a match to be the same terror. After all, the exhausted state I'm at is temporary. It's more than me letting you be... free. It's a way how we can defend.. Each other. I'm sorry, but for now I'm not able to make you into a more complete version. This is already quite taxing for me. But the basics is there... And I will try to improve it. Mata-sama.'' She told him through the bond. The bright green colored eyes gained a bright glint as she tilted her head. Hey, you still are a terror. My little terror.~

If a shed-sized tiger could look annoyed, it did now. She wasn't helping at all. "I thank you for your kind words, Lilia-sama." He said whil grumbling. The loud and threatening noise seemed eerily scary coming out of the small beast.

Hey, I said I will improve it. Besides, doesn't it feel great? To experience the breeze of the wind again? To look at the world through your own eyes? To move without needing permission? I did this for you, don't you dare to forget that! She reacted. Her right eyebrow was frowned, but she couldn't resist to smile. It was a bit funny.

"In this form?" He replied sceptically. "I'm not so sure about that. Don't ever do this when fighting another of my brethren. They shouldn't see me in this form ever again. Please?" He asked desperately.

Sure, sure. Just as long you don't sound that desperate. That is really getting the creeps out of me. Really, that is something that I find odd. You and desperate. She reacted, though smiling. Sitting up again, she sighed as she looked at the distance. The forest was quiet and even though Matatabi seemed to fret about his size, he was still huge. Knowing what results it could have, she glanced at him. Now scram. You're free this night to roam around before we head back. She told him with a neutral tone as she stared at the distance.

"Especially don't let that pesky nine-tails see me like this. Kurama always picked on me, hinking he and the entire canine race was superior just because he had more tails." He added before Lilia even started to speak. He however smiled as he heard the following words. Without a further pause, he bursted off into the wilderness.

Seeing the big amount of flames bursting off into the wilderness, Lilia giggled. Leaning a bit backwards, she could still see him. It was hard to mis the sight of the huge blue flaming creature. Closing her eyes, she then laid on her back. Like I said before...You're enjoying it. Don't you...Mata-sama? She thought, but he would likely hear that.

Ignorant of whatever she said the first thing he did was to find the first and best canine around and show him who was the boss. The top of the food chain was back in his lair, and he'd let it be known. A short while later a fierce roaring was heard, right before the cowardly noises of a wolfpack. "Maybe I do." She'd hear in her mind on an amused tone.

The roar was something that caused her to slowly open her right eye. She glanced briefly in the direction. The light that was caused by the fierce and majestic blue flames were seen even from this distance. Scoffing, she reached back. You do. But it's alright. You've been inside for too long. Besides, the more we practice this, the better we can get at it. Though... Both her eyes were open now. She was considering what the others would think of this. Sure, she was still alive, but they wouldn't likely be pleased hearing she had decided to release the seal. Even if meant she could be more able to protect everybody with Matatabi's aid. Don't trail off too far. We don't want the Talon Village to be scared that you've returned. Do we now? She politely warned him.

"Pff. Bird warriors. Birds always fly away."

[Little Alice]

Heroes,

Do they exist in this cold world?

A collab between Chromie and Alice.

SPOILER: Click to show

Gently pulling out the last weed, Hayate smiled. "Finished at last." He thought to himself. He'd been spending a lot of time in the gardens these past few weeks. Sometimes he would simply sit and enjoy their rich beauty, and other times he would do what he could to ensure that they maintained that beauty. Hayate had picked up a few tricks here and there for looking after the garden, and while he was by no means an expert, he was doing a decent enough job of keeping everything well-groomed.

Hayate stood and brushed the dirt from his knees. Stretching out to relieve his stiff muscles, he admired his handiwork. The gardens truly were a sight to behold, and Hayate was honoured that Lilia gave him the opportunity to work on them. It was getting a little late however and he should probably head back to his quarters. Sighing, Hayate turned to leave.

''Seems you found your calling, I like it.'' Lilia stood with her arms crossed as she nodded towards the garden. When he had turned around he would see her, as she had been standing there for around ten minutes, simply watching and observing him. Dressed in a rather normal chuunin atire, with her flak jacket unzipped, Lilia titled her head lightly. ''What do you think yourself?'' She asked him curiously, glancing back at the garden.

Hearing the voice behind him Hayate turned with a smile. He had been too involved in his work to notice that Lilia had been standing behind him. "Thank you Lilia-sama. It is truly a magnificent place, and I am honoured to be allowed to work with it." At her question, Hayate turned slightly to look out at the garden. Bringing one of his hands up to scratch the back of his head, he realized too late that his hand was still covered in dirt. Embarrassed, he quickly tried to rub it out. "I... I think this place would prosper even without me here. After spending some time with the gardens I've come to realize that the plants seem to have their own kind of order... That must sound strange sorry. I just mean that I believe these gardens would retain their beauty even without outside influence. It would just develop into a different kind of beauty. Although those darned weeds can be a pain if you're not careful." Hayate let out a warm laugh, letting her know that he was kidding about the weeds. "It is good to see you Lilia-sama, as always. What brings you out this way?"

''You're not trying to get poetic on me while I just decided to look if you were doing alright, are you?'' Lilia responded, speaking in a rather amused tone. She came closer and took a better look at the flowers, bending through her legs. ''I just ended a training and thought that you could be here. Wondering if you would really take up my suggestion that is all, Hayate.'' She told him, deciding to smell at a bright colored flower. It had some sweet and strong smell to it. Smiling, she looked at Hayate while pointing at the flower. ''This one is nice. Know what it is?'' She asked him, wondering about it as she looked back at the flower.

Grinning at her mention of being poetic Hayate replied, "Me? I would never!" He laughed and turned to watch her observe the garden. Hayate noticed that she gravitated towards his favourite flower. Smiling, he spoke, "Those flowers are known for their beauty, and for their bright cheerful nature. They have a way of bringing people in to observe them. It is a Liliy, which means pure and beautiful. I believe it is also where your name comes from." Hayate looked at Lilia, it was quite interesting that she had picked that specific flower, Hayate couldn't help but think it strangely fitting.

''I like it.'' She told him as she rose up and smiled at the flower, before returning her look at him. ''So how was your day? Spent it all on the garden, have you?'' She asked him, placing her left hand on her hip as she wondered actually what he had been up to. Then her mind briefly wandered to think where the other members were of the Guardians.

Blushing briefly, Hayate spoke. "I spent some of this morning training myself, and after breakfast I came here. I may have lost track of time a little in here. Something I find it all too easy to do these days." Hayate hoped that Lilia wouldn't think him foolish to have spent most of his day in the gardens. He knew that he should be training as well, but it was hard to find someone to train with when they were all busy with things. And so, Hayate tended to the gardens. It was a good way to get his mind off things.

Lilia listened to Hayate as she then giggled. ''Spending a day like that sounds like fun too. But what about if we get something to drink?'' Lilia suggested. She was glad that he liked it here. It was good to find something to do next to hone your skills in fighting. In fact, she felt a bit of envy as she was aware that so far her only talent was at fighting. It made her wonder sometimes if she could find something she would be good at. Something else than being good at ending lives.

"A drink sounds wonderful Lilia-sama, just... try not to drop this one okay?" Hayate let out a small laugh, teasing her about the time they'd first met. He got the feeling that Lilia was a little down, and he wanted nothing more than to cheer her up. "How did your training go today Lilia-sama?" Hayate asked, hoping to take her away from her thoughts which seemed to be troubling her.

''Hmmm?'' She responded, walking with him towards Azumi. Glancing in his direction, she shrugged. ''It went better than expected. I am getting the hang of my new reflex training, so I think it went okay.'' Lilia said back. ''As for dropping your drink, I will remember that one. Just wait until you manage to drop something.'' With her fist, she softly bumped against his shoulder.

Smiling as she jokingly bumped his shoulder, Hayate laughed as he spoke, "I guess I'll just have to practice my reflex training as well. That way I'll never drop anything." Hayate grew a little more serious as they drew closer to Azumi. Looking over to Lilia he spoke quietly, the concern evident in his voice. "How have you been lately Lilia-sama? It has been quite some time since we spoke last. You seem... I don't know I just feel like you haven't quite been yourself lately. Is there anything I can help with?"

''And you ask that, because?'' Lilia asked, opening the door so that they could enter the large building. Closing it after them, she raised her eyebrows up as she was half amused and half wondering where that question had came from. Sure, she had some worries at her head, but she wasn't sure if she had or hadn't keep the away from sigt. ''So far, I am doing okay. Are you?' She asked him back, actually telling the truth. She was okay, but somebody else wasnt.

Hayate hesitated briefly upon hearing Lilia's question. "I am sorry Lilia-sama, I did not mean to offend you. It just seems like you have something on your mind is all." He paused, trying to find the right words to say to her, without causing her to block him out. "You are my friend Lilia-sama, and I just wanted to let you know that I am here if you ever need to talk, though I can understand that I may not be the first person you'd want to come and talk to." Hayate threw on a smile again, albeit one that was a little forced this time. "As for me, I am doing alright. Looking forward to doing some missions soon, and getting more training in, but aside from that I am well thank you." Hayate's words, like his smile, were a little forced. It was not that he was lying, but he did have something on his mind that had been bothering him for some time. He hoped that Lilia did not notice however, as he wished to keep the issue to himself.

''You're one to talk, you know? You first seem to catch on that something is indeed going on in my mind, while you then look like that.'' She told him on a slight amused tone. While they continued to the lounge, Lila sighed. ''It's just Gramps Jin. His health is continue to drop and.. he won't have much more time to life. It really starts to bother me.'' She told him, on a serious tone. The thought that she wouldn't be able to eat apple pie anymore with Jinkama still stinged lightly. It was something she would really miss. Next to the advice, laughing and overal spending time with him. Taking a seat in a couch, she glanced at Hayate. ''So, what is bothering you?''

Listening carefully to Lilia as she spoke, Hayate followed her into the lounge. Sitting across from her he thought carefully before speaking. "Your grandfather. He sounds like he means a lot to you, yes? I am sorry, words can only offer so much comfort in these situations." Hayate cast his eyes downwards. Looking back to Lilia, he smiled briefly, locking eyes with her. "Tell me about him, if you wouldn't mind? I would like to hear about the person who made such an impact on your life." Hayate leaned forward, ready to listen if only Lilia was willing to speak.

Thinking, Lilia briefly glanced out side. It was like usual sunny weather. The view provided some nice look on the gardens and trees and even some glance at the nearby training fields. ''I don't really mind.'' She told him, turning her head to lock her eyes again with Hayate. Though her voice was calm, the bright green seemed to turn in a what darker, like it was an entrance to the so what grim thoughts the young Hon now and then had. ''His name is Jinkama Moto. Revered war veteran of the First Shinobi World War, where he served as General of the Konohagakure forces. A praised man of the Leaf and a person who has killed two Mizukages in single combat.'' Lilia summed up as she thought about him. ''A man who has gained the respect and fear of many, but also somebody who has made me think different about a lot of things. He is a kind and caring man... Somebody you rather don't want to lose.'' Lilia told Hayate before turning silent again.

''He taught me some very valuable things. But do you know when people die, Hayate-kun?'' Lilia asked him, in a very serious tone.

Considering her words carefully, Hayate was lost in thought. Finally, breaking out of his own thoughts, Hayate locked eyes with Lilia. "Sadly I do Lilia-sama. It is something I struggle with to be honest, and not something I've ever been able to take easily." He sighed, closing his eyes momentarily. Reaching forward, Hayate clasped Lilia's hands in his own. Opening his eyes he gave her a brief smile. "Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man Lilia-sama. He truly sounds like he's made an impact on your life. And I know first hand how hard it is to lose somebody that you care about. Lilia-sama, if I know you like I think I do, then you should know that as large an impact Jinkama has had on your life, you've had a bigger impact on his. That's what you do, it's kind of like a gift that you have. You've just got a knack for inspiring people and making people proud. And I'm certain you've made your grandfather proud Lilia-sama. How could he not be?! You are a special person Lilia-chan, and I am positive Jinkama knows that. He is lucky to have a grandaughter like you."

Leaning closer, Hayate paused. "If... If things turn out for the worse, and if your grandfather doesn't make it... Know that he will still be there. There in your thoughts, in your memories, and in your deeds. He will never leave you. Someone who is that important, that special... They have a knack for hanging around, even after they're gone. I wish I could do more than just say words... And I know they may come out sounding hollow. But please understand that from the bottom of my heart I am sorry. I am truly sorry that you have to go through this, and if there was any more that I could do, any way that I could help, I would do so in an instant. I care about you Lilia-chan... more than you know. Know that you are not alone here. Even if it seems that way in the darkest of times. You are never alone." Hayate fell silent. He didn't know what to say. Still holding her hands in his, Hayate simply locked eyes with Lilia, hoping that she understood that he meant every word. Death was never easy, and for all his big talk, Hayate feared the loss of those that he cared about more than anything else in the world.

She was genuinly surprised as she kept listening to his words. Normally, she wouldn't like it if somebody hold her hands without asking or such, but his words made her silent. He already thus knew the answer to her question. She looked back with a calm expression on her face, thinking about how he had brought it. ''You got the answer right.'' Was what she said at first, a smile slowly growing on her lips. Gently, she pulled her hands back and shook her head lightly. ''You're an unique person Hayate-kun. Not many know the answer to that question, let alone be able to answer it in such a fashion. But you never answered my other question.'' She suddenly told him on a calm and polite manner, implying to the question she had asked before on what was bothering him.

Seeing her smile, Hayate felt warm inside. It seemed like his words had had at least some small effect and he was happy for it. A hint of a smile graced his face as he spoke, "I was always told that when someone passes, it is the duty of those left behind to always remember. Only when we forget, is that person truly lost." Hayate remained silent for a moment more. Looking out one of the windows he thought how best to answer her question. He had honestly hoped that she would forget his momentary lack of control over his emotions. He had not wanted her to see him bothered, especially since... Hayate looked up, meeting her eyes. She truly was a special person.

Allowing himself to smile, Hayate finally answered. "You really are observant Lilia-sama. Though I assure you that I am fine for now. It is but a trivial matter, and one that I believe time will solve best. For now I simply enjoy spending time in your company. It is nice getting to talk with you again Lilia-sama. I am just sorry that things are not as bright as they could be." Sadness touched his eyes once again and Hayate had to look away briefly. He hated feeling helpless, and he knew that Lilia must feel the same way with her grandfather. Hayate only wished there was more he could do than simply offer empty words.

''I was always taught and advised to look strong. But one of the people that I see as my sensei told once a line that applies in this situation.'' She told him, seeing that he was bothered by something. And not just a tiny bit, but apparently by something major. She wondered what it was, but she decided to not indulge on it if he wasn't going to speak about it himself. She remained quiet for some moments before deciding to say what Zakito had once told her before. ''Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.'' She told him. Truth be told, she wasn't one hundred percent sure what her uncle meant with that, but it just had a flavor of wisdom to it. Maybe enough to cheer up Hayate.

"That... that surprisingly makes a lot of sense." Hayate said letting out a small laugh. "Your sensei sounds like a wise man Lilia-sama. It sounds like you have had many good teachers in your life. I am glad that I have been able to train with you so far. It's like getting trained by all of the people who trained you before, rolled into one." Hayate chuckled again. Lilia truly was a talented shinobi, and he felt honoured that she was willing to train with him. He only hoped that he didn't let her down, and didn't disappoint her. Although their natures were both very different, Lilia had done a tremendous job of instructing Hayate in the basics so that he could better learn to control his own nature.

''I had the luck that many wanted to train with me. In fact, that is what you need to do too. You wanted to walk in the same path. Then you need to seek the capable jounins and try to win their trust in you. Make them want to train you, not the other way around.'' Lilia told him on a calm tone. She was glad she had made him laugh, though she was still struggeling with the saying of her uncle. But she decided it was good enough that it had helped Hayate, to cheer him a bit up. ''Besides, I hope that I'm doing that good. One day I want to make all of them proud that they were able to help to get this far.'' She told him, giggling a bit.

Glad that she was laughing, Hayate's smile grew. "I am certain that they are proud Lilia-sama. Your skill and determination alone are enough to inspire those around you." Hayate looked out the window at the beautiful day, allowing the light to warm his face. Turning back to Lilia he spoke. "It must be nice to have heroes that you can look up to. That you can aspire to. I shall try my best to do what you have said, and I remember Hiron-sama once sharing that same wisdom with me. To seek out others of skill, and to use their knowledge to become stronger. It is a worthy pursuit I must say."

Heroes? Lilia's smile faded away. She heard the word again in her mind. Heroes? Heroes? ''Heroes don't exist in this world, Hayate. Heroes are dead people, thus they don't exist. They are dead.'' She suddenly reacted in a serious tone. Her opinion on heroes were clear. There were no heroes. Never was such as a thing, she thought with a bitter mind back about Jinkama. Heroes? They were nothing more than people who were dead and missed. In such a way, nobody could become truly a hero nor should anybody try to become one.

Seeing her face fall, Hayate paused, what had he said? As Lilia lamented about heroes not existing, Hayate realized what had happened. "Coming from you Lilia-sama I am honestly surprised. You, who have seen heroes first hand, have seen the true value in people. Though, I suppose I can understand your feeling..." Hayate looked down. So her grandfather's illness was bothering her more than she had let on. Thinking about what to say, Hayate let a small silence linger. Finally, gathering his thoughts he met her eyes once again.

"A hero is not just a person Lilia-sama. A hero is not just someone who is stronger than anyone else. A hero cannot die, because a hero is an ideal. They are the actions, the deeds, the thoughts of an individual gifted with the ability to think differently. And deeds cannot die can they? Thoughts cannot die. You told me that I answered your question before correctly, that one only truly dies when we stop thinking about them. If the same is said about heroes then how can they ever truly die? You disappoint me Lilia-sama if you truly think that, and I know you well enough to know that you do believe in heroes. You made me believe in heroes. You made me believe that someone could become strong enough to do what's right, whatever the cost. I have seen your selflessness first hand Lilia-chan, I have seen your actions and how you treat those around you. You are my hero Lilia, and as corny as that may sound, as much as you may deny it, it is true. You cannot change the way I feel about that. As I said, a hero is an ideal, it is not some tangible thing we can grasp. And a person doesn't become a hero by striving to. They become one by trying to help, by trying to change. Their actions define them Lilia-chan, and their actions survive them. That is why a hero can never truly die. You cannot kill an ideal, you can only lose faith. Don't allow your sorrow to take that from you. Don't let it diminish your faith in those you once called heroes. Instead, let them live on in you memories as the people who managed to change you, who inspired you. Don't let them die. While we may not yet have the chance to stop their physical beings from leaving us, their spirit lives on. I choose to believe that because I know it is true, and I know it is right. I know that right now must be hard for you, I know my words are just that, words. But please Lilia... Listen to them, I can't stand seeing someone that I care about so much being like this."

Hayate leaned forward again, the temptation to take her hands into his was once again there, but he fought it this time. It would not be appropriate. Instead, Hayate simply looked deep into Lilia's eyes. "Let the actions of those who can no longer be with us make a difference. I know you have doubts Lilia-chan, and I know you are struggling with this. But please, the only way they will ever truly die is if you take that from them... If you take away those memories... If you forget. Don't forget them Lilia, never forget."

It remained quiet for some moments as Lilia stared back in his eyes. Her eyes had gained a dark and cold look, clearly not impressed by his words. Her lips curled down, she finally began to speak. ''You're mixing two different things together. It's true that when somebody dies, it's because people have forgotten about them. About what made them who they are. About their deeds and such. To say that heroes is an ideal, I can accept that, but in my opinion heroes are fools. I won't regard anybody as one. As it means that they will die a fools death. There is nothing heroic in this world, nor will there be such a thing. In the end, people will just be who they are. That is what makes them special. To put a label on them that they are heroes, villians or such short-sighted ideals makes me sick.'' Lilia paused as she narrowed her eyes. ''That what you see as a 'hero' is simple a person that cares. The fact I inpsire people doesn't make me what you think as a hero. It's vile lie, told by those who wish to make certain people greater than they truly are.'' She told him, using extra spite whenever using the word 'hero'. The cold tone was likely new for him as she never had talked like that before, not against him. The glare also would alarm him he was walking on thin ice. Lilia scoffed.

''I hope that I am clear. You may have the freedom of your own opinion, but I don't want to be called a hero. Never ever again.This is a cold world that has no heroes in it. Its a place that harbours a grim reality and ideals like this may be nice to keep, but I advise against it.'' Lilia finished, while she kept looking with the cold look in his direction.

Hearing her harsh tone for the first time took Hayate by surprise. This was a different Lilia than he'd ever seen before. Seeing the look in her eyes, Hayate knew he was going to have to be careful. Closing his eyes briefly, Hayate steeled himself. His voice was soft at first, but his tone was deadly serious. "No. It is not a lie. Heroes do exist. You may be going through some struggles right now and I get that. I really do. But you cannot let that change you." Hayate opened his eyes and locked his gaze with Lilia's. He matched her glare with an intense determination. He would not grow angry, but he would not back down. "You are Lilia Hon, the girl who will be the Hokage. It is your dream to become the protector Lilia-sama, the shield. Despite what you say now, that is a heroes dream. You say that people who are called heroes all die a fools death? I beg to differ. And if one who lays down their life for the lives of others is called a fool, then I would gladly be one. And you cannot pretend that you would not also do the same. I know you Lilia-chan. I know how much you care about people, how much you'd be willing to give up to protect them. You may not believe in heroes right now, but we live in a world where they exist. It is those people who continue to inspire us, the new generation of shinobi who will grow up and continue the cycle. You call this world a cold, grim place. A place that is cruel and devoid of heroes. If that is so, then it is the exact place where we need heroes. We need people to stand up, to fight against this cold and grim place. People who aren't afraid to stand up for what is right." As he spoke, Hayate's tone became more and more intense. He would make it clear that he wasn't just some fool-child who had simple ideals of mythical heroes.

His gaze never faltered from Lilia's and as he continued, his voice grew softer once again, sincerity meant with every word. "People like you Lilia-chan. Whether you like it or not I believe it will be you who will lead us out of this so-called cold and dark place. You are and will always be a hero Lilia. And I'm sorry if that word sounds hollow right now, but in time it may regain its meaning to you. I would follow you anywhere Lilia, and I truly believe that you will achieve your goal of becoming the Hokage, the protector. You will bring great change to this world." Hayate finished speaking but held her gaze. He hoped his words didn't inspire more anger from her, but he needed Lilia to understand that her sorrow was causing her to think differently. A large part of Hayate sympathized with that, and he knew that if the roles were reversed he would probably feel the same as Lilia now did.

Lilia simply listened. Crossing her arms, she let him speak and seemed to wait until he was done. Then after some moment, she shook her head before slowly rising up. ''You're naive.'' She mumbled as she turned her back on him and took a few steps away. It seemed then that she thought about something and half turned around. With a cold look, she said something in a very serious fashion. ''Next time you call me a hero, I will not take it that lightly. Got it? For me, heroes are dead. Regardless of what you say or tell me. They are the ruin of this world. The ones that give false hope. I am not one of them neither do I hope to become one of them.'' The tone of Lilia was not only serious, but also bitter. Slowly she would walk away, her hands clenched into fists as she was clearly angered.

Seeing her walk away, Hayate let out a small sigh. Clenching his fists in frustration he tried to collect himself. He wasn't going to be defeated that easily. Standing up, Hayate jogged lightly until he was side by side walking with Lilia. He rested his hands in his pockets and simply walked alongside her, not saying a word. He knew trying to say anything in that moment would only cause more anger.

Noticing he walked besides her, Lilia at first didn't react. In a flash, she moved. Her left hand went to his throat as her right feet would sweep him of his feet. The sudden rise of killing intent would likely make it clear that she wasn't joking or fooling around. ''I said that I will not take it lightly next time. Now shoo. I have no need for those who want to follow fools and call them heroes or what so ever.'' Lilia sneered as she would release him and after a scoff would walk away again.

Picking himself up off the ground, Hayate dusted himself off. "Huh. That went well. He thought to himself sarcastically. Watching as she walked further away from him Hayate shook his head, "I must have a death wish..." He thought before jogging to catch up once again. This time he left a little more distance in between Lilia and himself. If she tried to attack him again he would be ready this time, but for the moment he simply kept pace beside her.

Stopping, Lilia looked over her shoulder. The killing intent started to rise again as she narrowed her eye. It was clear she was really starting to get pissed at the stubborness of Hayate. ''Last warning, Hayate Hyuzu.'' She glared at him for another moment before slowly turning her head and continue walk away. The killing intent would slowly lower, but it was clear that it was a serious threat.

Hayate felt the wave of killing intent dripping off of Lilia. Despite that, Hayate tried to move forwards. He stopped himself, however, as he saw the rage in her eyes. Realizing he was only pushing her away, Hayate held himself back. As she turned to walk away, Hayate's dropped his head. Frustrated and ashamed at his stubbornness, Hayate could only watch as Lilia grew further and further away. When she was out of his sight Hayate turned, his frustration boiling over. He lost control for a brief moment, and lashed out, planting his fist through the closest wall. As he regained his composure, Hayate saw what he had done. Pulling his arm from the hole, Hayate examined the damage. The wall was cracked around the edges of the hole, but Hayate knew he could patch it up using his metal, a little unorthodox maybe, but it would fix it for the moment. His hand, however, was a bloody mess. Staring at it sadly, Hayate could not feel the pain in his hand, he was to preoccupied with the pain of pushing Lilia away.

Wrapping a small bandage around his hand to staunch the bleeding, he looked back down the long hallway where Lilia had gone. He would fix this... somehow.

Closing the door of her room, that was actually more or less her office. Lilia sighed and shook the talk with Hayate off. She had more on her head than to think about about the stupendous subject of heroes. Scoffing, she found it foolish Hayate even considered her to be one. A hero? No, she would rather end lives of innocent people if that would keep her from being a hero. Sitting behind the desk, she would start to check the reports. Simple ones on how much income the tea house was generating. Eventual resources that were requested by the members and staff. All kind of little things, but that were still needed to be done. Writing responses and such made her forget about what had caused her to feel that cold anger again. Her green eyes started to read a paper about the request of a club to host a meeting in the tea house. Some kind of senior group or something. Leaning on an arm, the back of the pen was placed in her mouth as she considered it.

[Little Alice]

Retrieving a Moto,

The harsh lesson learned.

A collab between J8cob and Alice,

SPOILER: Click to show

Sitting on the rooftop, she glanced silently at the stars. It was rather chilly, as the girl had nothing more on than her shorts and t-shirt on. The once so cheerful looking green colored eyes were filled with sadness and loss. Though no tear was shed. Many had already rolled over the cheeks of Lilia the last couple of days. Not to mention that she had stopped to go on missions, training or even interacting with the Konohagakure Guardians. It was like she couldn't care anymore. Glancing at the object that was wrapped around her left wrist, Lilia sniffed. It was the gift that Jinkama had given her. In his own humor, he never even told her why she had deserved that. The silver crest of the Moto clan was clearly visible and Lilia would've shed tears again if she hadn't done that already earlier the day. Pulling her legs back, wrapping her arms around them, she looked up again. ''I miss you Gramps Jin...'' She said with a very soft tone, still feeling that other feeling besides sadness. It was the feeling that she feared : doubt. Slowly the last few days, the girl had been doubting everything she had worked and strived for. The death of Jinkama was something she had seen coming, but it hadn't lessened the impact of it. Worse, it had increased as she felt that there was something missing. Even while she loved to visit the Moto Estate, Lilia felt the pain of loss if she would even think of it.

Sighing out loud, she glanced at the bracelet again. Lilia then would hear a voice calling from the street below. "Lilia! What are you doing up there!?" called from below. It was Akira Moto, still dressed in a black dress. She was looking up, having seen Lilia's feet before she pulled them back, and deduced who they belong to. "What's the matter?" she added, having already figured there was a reason up there instead of in the house. Though, Akira already figured what the answer to that would be as well.

Hearing the voice of Granny Moto, Lilia was surprised. Quickly, before she thought about it, Lilia went to the edge of the rooftop and glanced over it. It was Granny Moto! A bit surprised at first, Lilia was unsure what to say. Shrugging, but clearly lying she answered Akira. ''Enjoying... the fresh air.'' She told Akira, though her tone already gave her away. Wanting to ask Akira what she was going to do, Lilia however flinched after realising she was lying to Akira. ''I..euh...''

The older woman shook her head. She could see right through Lilia's mask. "Get down here, sweetie, so I don't have to yell to talk to you!" Akira ordered, taking a few steps back in case Lilia needed the room to simply jump down to the street. Even in a family of shinobi, Akira never quite could figure out what was within their capability or not. "You can get fresh air just fine down here," she added with a bit of a smile. Though, it was clearly strained.

Glad that Akira wasn't angry or disappointed by her attempt of lying, she nodded. Lilia never could figure out why she had so much respect for Granny Moto, as she viewed her as a great woman. Likely because she was the wife of Jinkama? Without much effort, Lilia dropped from the rooftop and landed safely on the ground. Rubbing her left upper arm with her right hand, Lilia looked at the other direction as she felt ashamed for trying to lie. '''Sorry Granny Moto.'' She said on a soft tone.

Akira placed an arm on Lilia's shoulder and looked at Lilia's face. Though her head was turned, Lilia would undoubtedly feel the stare. "I know what's bothering you," she simply said, before standing upright again. Akira wasn't exactly tall, but she usually was the tallest in the room with most the people she knew. "Let's go inside, shall we? I'm sure you've had enough fresh air, and I think I've had a little too much." With another strained smile, Akira began to lead Lilia back to the house she was sitting on. "You know, Keiko and Hiron have been worried sick about you the past few days," Akira spoke again, stopping at the front door and not quite entering yet. "It's been tough for everyone, but now isn't a time to separate. It's a time to come together... It's what Jin would've wanted."

Simply listening and doing what Akira said, Lilia looked up when she mentioned that Keiko and Hiron had been worried about her. ''I was just...enjoying the fresh air. I'm....fine.'' She said back, trying to sound confident. But as Akira brought up that it was tough for everybody that Jinkama had passed, Lilia's lower lip was trembling. She didn't want to cry anymore. Lilia hated to cry in front of people, one of the few reasons she had distanced herself that much. But as Akira told her what Jinkama wanted, Lilia couldn't help it. With a quick step forward, Lilia hugged Akira and burred her face against the woman. ''I want him back.... I want Gramps Jin Jin back.... I miss... I miss...'' Her shoulders started to shake too as she felt the warm sensation of tears flowing out of her eyes, rolling slowly over her cheeks.

Lilia's outburst of emotion wasn't particularly surprising to the older woman. Akira figured it would happen sooner or later. "I do too, Lilia," Akira confessed, holding Lilia in an embrace of her own. Though, she suppressed her tears. She didn't want to cry right now. She had to stay strong. "He was only a man, but he lived as hero. It was only fitting for him to leave a hero. And as long as he's still smiling, I'll continue to smile as well," Akira continued, trying to console Lilia. In her head, she knew she was never as good at this as Jinkama was. But she quickly brought that thought down, as it only made it worse for her.

Calming down as she listened to the words of Akira, she understood what the woman meant. For her, Jinkama was also a hero. A mentor, a guide. But more important : a person that she saw as her grandfather. Somebody that she could trust with problems. Somebody that would be there for her. Somebody she wanted to have with her when she would become Hokage. If she would be up for that of course. Without him it just looked like a goal that wasn't something she could achieve. That his death made her look different on the goal. ''Granny Moto... Do you believe.... That he will look on us?'' She asked, with a soft tone. Still holding her in a hug, Lilia stopped shedding tears. The words of Akira had made her calmer.

Akira let out a sigh with Lilia's question. But the pause was almost non-existent. "I know he's watching. He always was and always will be," she explained to the girl, keeping her locked tight in her arms. "There's no question about it. He was always our Guardian Angel." Saying those words visibly made Akira flinch a bit. Those were Jinkama's words, from years ago. Tears began to form in Akira's eyes, but she wasn't prepared to let herself go just yet.

Realizing she had made Granny Moto also sad, thinking about Jinkama, Lilia felt guilty. ''If he is then our Guardian Angel, I need to work harder then. Don't want him to work after he has deserved his peace. Granny Moto....I'm sorry for acting like this. I'll make sure you will keep smiling. That is what Gramps Jin would've loved... I love you.'' She hugged Akira one more time before releasing her. Then, she took a step backwards and nodded. ''So, shall we drink some tea together?'' She offered, with a warm smile.

Lilia's words helped, and they showed that she was calming down too. "That sounds good. Let's go inside. Keiko and Hiron have been missing you," Akira told her, motioning toward the door. She opened it herself, but decided to let Lilia enter first. Considering the door was unlocked, Akira knew that they had to be home. "They better have tea here. I know I raised Keiko to always have tea in stock," Akira joked with Lilia a bit, wiping the tears from her eyes before giving the girl a smile.

Nodding, Lilia smiled. ''I had been to the grocery today. And now I know why Keiko always wants to have some tea, I'll make sure that I will never forget to buy it.'' She told Akira as they entered the home. Seeing she didn't had any shoes, she already quickly walked through the hallway towards the living room to see if either Hiron or Keiko was home. ''Somebody home?'' She called, unsure. Though she had been sitting on the roof, she couldn't remember if either of them were at home. The last days she had been distancing herself, she wasn't even sure if Hiron was on a mission. If that was going to be the cause, she knew that she had to make it up. Looking back at Akira, she smiled. ''What kind of tea would you like, Granny Moto?''

After walking in herself, Akira gently closed the door behind herself. "Any tea will do, dear," she responded, taking a seat on the couch in the living room. However, the quiet that followed was quickly disturbed by the sound of hurried footsteps. From down the stairs came Keiko, looking rather tired and disgruntled. She clearly hadn't left the house in days. "Akira. Lilia," she remarked, noting aloud who had entered the house. She let out a sigh of relief, before leaning against the nearest wall.

Looking with a expression that showed that she felt guilty how Keiko looked, Lilia wavered. She actually wanted to walk away. Walking away to avoid this situation, to not hurt Keiko again. But she knew better. It would be to avoid her own insecurity. To try to be safe to see Keiko being sad. But wasn't it not her vow to protect her family from such things? Or at least help them to carry that burden? Lilia clenched her right hand into a fist. ''Hey.. mom. Do you also want some tea?'' It was the first full sentence Lilia had said to Keiko in at least four days.

Akira stood up from her seat and approached Keiko. She paused a moment, to see if Keiko would answer Lilia. But the young mother had her hand over her face, as if she was thinking. Worrying, perhaps. But just as Akira was about to say something, Keiko spoke up again. "Yes, thank you," she answered Lilia, finally removing her hand from her face and looking at Akira. It was evident to the older woman tha Keiko wasn't having a very good time lately. So rather than use words, Akira simply embraced Keiko in a hug. It lasted only a brief moment, before Akira took a step back. "How are you feeling, Keiko?" she asked, motioning for the young woman to follow back to the couch. Once the two were seated, Keiko spoke up again. "Just... tired. Haven't slept in days. At least Aimi can get some sleep. She's napping right now," Keiko responded, motioning with her head toward the stairs.

Lilia had walked towards the kitchen. She felt relieved that Keiko hadn't cried. Or not answering her question. It was however clear to Lilia that Keiko wasn't feeling well. Making the tea, but not heating it up, Lilia had a plan. After all, she hadn't showed something to Keiko. And realizing why she had wanted to learn Fire Release, she heard her own answer again. Both to have a true memento of Jinkama as to surprise Keiko with it. Taking a plate, with the tea pot and the three mugs, back to the living room, Lilia placed it on the table. Placing the mugs in front of Keiko and Akira, Lilia then took the tea pot in her hands. Her bright green eyes were focused on Keiko as she started to focus on moulding her chakra. Just like the time she had done with Jinkama. This time she however was advanced enough that warming a tea pot or such was easy work for her. ''Shall I grab some cookies, mommy?'' Lilia asked careful, not sure how Keiko would react on such a display.

At first, neither Akira nor Keiko noticed that Lilia was heating the teapot herself. But after a moment, when the teapot began steaming, Keiko noticed right away that Lilia was the culprit. Though she did not speak up initially, she was impressed. But more so: surprised. "How'd you learn to do that, Lilia?" she asked, giving it away to Akira that Lilia had done something. Now both the women knew Lilia had used basic fire chakra. The fact that Keiko picked up on that rather than stayed entirely depressed brought a smile to Akira's face for a moment, but it quickly vanished once it became strained. "Um, Keiko," Akira spoke up, unintentionally interrupting what was going to be a conversation between Keiko and Lilia. "Where is Hiron? I need to talk with him." This confused Keiko for a moment, but she soon enough shrugged. "I don't know. He left a few hours ago. Probably went to find his friends or something," she answered, picking up her cup of tea that Lilia had prepared. "And yes, I would like a cookie, sweetie."

Pouring some of the tea into the mugs, Lilia calmly waited till she had a chance to speak back. With a clear, soft and yet prideful voice, she answered back to Keiko's question. ''My guardian angel taught me it. It's a memento I've from him.'' She answered. It would thus likely give Akira an idea who was behind the fact Lilia had learned to use basic fire chakra. Placing the tea pot down, she flashed a warm smile in their direction. Standing up, she then went to get the biscuits. It didn't took long before she came walking back and placed the box with them, on the table. Taking her seat again, she only picked up her mug that was filled with warm tea.

A smile formed on Keiko's face. She seemed to be slowly lightening up, simply from Lilia being back. It made Akira feel guilty, but she knew she had to tell them. "Anyways, I was hoping I would be able to have Hiron do something for me today," Akira began, slowly taking her mug from the table. "Well, I can tell him when he gets home if you aren't here to ask," Keiko responded fairly quickly, before turning to look at Akira. However, she immediately recognized by her expression that something was off. That bad news was incoming. "Well, you see... Katsuko has vanished. He disappeared a few days ago, and I was going to see if I could get Hiron to go find him," Akira explained. Somewhat to her surprise, Keiko let out an exasperated sigh, before sipping the tea. "Little bastard." Akira noted that at least Keiko still had enough spirit to maintain her use of profanity.

Lilia listened, but she had a hunch. Though she had made a promise to tell Keiko nothing about it, Lilia knew that she could try to help. Maybe not that good as Hiron, but she could help. It was just that it was chosing between two evils. Either seeing Akira being worried over Katsuko or Keiko being upset. It was tough as she wasn't sure what to say or do. But it wasn't like the situation between her and Keiko was perfect. ''I can help.'' Lilia said, with a very soft tone. Like she didn't want to be heard at all. Looking at her mug, Lilia felt her cheeks brighten up a bit. She had broken a promise. Not even the reasons she could think for it, would make it up with that.

The two women looked over at Lilia. They couldn't understand why, but she seemed to be exhibiting signs of guilt. "I would appreciate that, but I can't ask that of you," Akira answered first, while Keiko was still quiet. Something was bothering Lilia, and she could tell. "How would you plan on finding him anyways, Lilia? Punkass could be anywhere. He's already been around the world, and would know how to get lost if he wanted to," Keiko asked, trying to figure out why Lilia would volunteer to do this.

She looked up, but wavered. Her gaze was focused on Keiko. Lightly her right hand trembled. ''I've...the tattoo...'' She whispered. The tone of fear was however like she was screaming it. Her cheeks now seemed to be burn as they were completely red after answering the question of Keiko. This confused Akira for a moment, but Keiko immediately knew what she was talking about. "You...?" she asked, her voice in disbelief. This only puzzled Akira further, but she was now concerned. "Who gave it to you? Did Hiron do it? I swear I will... ugh!" At this point, Akira realized that the tattoo Lilia was talking about was the Dragon Seal. And she also quickly realized that Keiko was beginning to lose her temper again. She couldn't help but note that this was both a good and bad thing. But presently, it was more of a bad thing.

Though she should've seen it coming that the blame would placed on Hiron, Lilia shook her head. ''I wanted it myself. And.. And it's not that bad.'' She replied, trying to sound confident. But she knew that this only would likely bring Keiko on the verge of getting angry. Or maybe even having Keiko giving her lecture. Biting on her lower lip, she only could wait. There was no option of taking back her words or saying stuff like : ''Ha, it was a joke.''

Keiko was becoming furious now. "Why would you want that? Nothing good has ever come of it!" Keiko began to lecture, but Akira interrupted at this point. "Perhaps it could be useful now. Lilia can find Katsuko like this," she remarked, keeping her voice as calm as possible. But that meant almost nothing to Keiko. "Let him stay gone! If he wants to just up and disappear why should we care? He can make his own decisions, and who-"

''Am I not allowed to make my own decisions then?'' Lilia interrupted Keiko. Though her voice was soft, she looked with a frustrated look on her face. She held the mug tightly. The words of Keiko had seemed cruel. After all, Jinkama and so many other people she loved were part of the Dragon Lotus. Why was it bad then? Cause she wasn't in it? Lilia became a bit angry. ''You always talk down on them, but what do you know? You're just angry for nothing!'' Lilia said back, on a less soft tone than before.

"That group has done nothing but take the people I love away from me!" Keiko shouted, looking back at Lilia. Her eyes were clearly red now, which seemed to only accent how upset she looked from before. "There is nothing good about them! Everything they've done could've been accomplished without it's trivial methods that only seem to split people apart from each other. I hate them! They've taken Jin from me, they've taken Katsuko from me, they've taken Hiron from me, and now they'll be taking you from me." With this, Keiko set her cup down and practically jumped to her feet. But upon doing so, she immediately became dizzy and almost fell, though Akira caught her before she could and set her back on the couch. "You need to calm down. You aren't in any condition for getting excited," Akira told her, gingerly letting her go. This time, Keiko stayed on the couch. The young woman let out a sigh and placed one of her hands on her forehead, staying silent as she took deep breaths to calm down.

Being silent as Keiko shouted, showing her anger. No, her frustration for Lilia's choice. Looking at how Keiko was, dizzy and weak, Lilia felt strange. She couldn't feel any sympathy for Keiko at the moment. She was angry, frustrated and confused. But most of all : angry. ''You act like you know anything better! You were once trying to chase me down! Don't you dare to fucking forget that.'' Briefly stopping, a bit surprised she had used such a strong word, Lilia then however continued. It felt good to talk back. Knowing that guilt would however kick in, she didn't want to stop now. ''I'm here, am I not? That is because I love the one I call mom or mommy. But I believe now why Katsuko, Hiron and maybe even Jinkama left you. That is because you always are so angry for nothing!'' At the point of her anger, Lilia threw the mug she held towards the wall as she jumped on her feet and ran. Running out of the living room, she headed to stairs, from which she then headed to her room. The slam of the door would be likely heard in the living room as Lilia then ran towards her bed. Tears rolled over her cheeks as she lost a bit of her anger. The guilt was kicking in.

As Lilia began to run up the stair, Keiko instinctively picked up her mug and threw it at the girl. Though she missed and it crashed against the wall behind her, Akira quickly grabbed Keiko's arms. "Calm down. Stop acting so childish, Keiko. You can't afford to behave this way anymore," Akira spoke to her, still retaining her calm tone. And almost perfectly on queue, the two could hear crying from upstairs. Aimi was awake now. Upon hearing her child, Keiko suddenly lost most of her steam. "I'm sorry auntie, it's just... everything has been bad since Jin died. Hiron's always leaving, Lilia has been gone for days, you've been depressed, Katsuko's missing now, the whole village is different, and I've still got to take care of Aimi. Everything is just so difficult right now. I can't handle it," she explained, putting her face in both her hands now and leaning forward. Akira gave her a comforting embrace, before helping Keiko to her feet. "Here, you go take care of Aimi and I'll talk to Lilia. You should know better than behaving this way around me, but I'll punish you later," Akira offered, adding a bit of a joke. Though, Keiko took it somewhat seriously. "Are you really going to get mad at me too?" This made Akira chuckle a bit, which made Keiko realize she wasn't serious, and the two went upstairs. Though, they split apart in the hallway, as Aimi was in her crib in Keiko's room while Akira assumed Lilia went to her room. With a polite knock, Akira entered the girl's room. "We need to talk a little bit now," Akira suggested, standing next to the door after she closed it behind herself.

Laying on her bed, she didn't looked up. Trails of her tears were rolling over her cheeks. Clenching her hands into fists, she didn't said anything at first to Akira. Only when she closed the door behind her, Lilia spoke up. ''I don't want to talk.'' She replied with a weak voice. Lilia really didn't want to talk, but she knew better. Akira would make her talk. Not in an angry way, but in her own way. She decided to sit up straight as to rubb her eyes. Not crying anymore, she tried to look more tough. But even puffing up her cheeks, to look really rebellious, was something she wasn't able to do. The short argument, her and Keiko throwing their mugs, the anger and what had happened the last few days made Lilia somehow tired. ''..I-I-Is...Kei....Is Aimi awake?'' Lilia changed her question, not wanting to question Akira about Keiko. Though feeling guilty, she was still angry.

Once Lilia sat up, Akira walked over to her bed and sat down next to her. "Aimi woke up, yes," Akira answered, pretending not to notice the change in Lilia's question. "I'm sorry for how Keiko reacted earlier. You know she's always been like this." Akira took a little pause, not particularly expecting that to make much of a difference to Lilia. "She always gets angry, but that's because it's all she's ever known to do. When she was little, she lost both her parents and we had to take her in. She really loved her father, Jin's brother. So she's particularly upset now because she's lost a father figure twice now. So she's probably going to go off like that a lot for a while. Everyone's had their struggles, but she's been through a lot and she's still a young woman." Akira took a pause now, to let that sink in with Lilia. "As much as she'll never admit it, she is actually quite a lot like her mother, and her mother is precisely to blame for that. She knows this, so she doesn't take any enjoyment in her outbursts. She hates them as much as everyone else does. But she can't help it. There's always the whole 'nurture or nature' thing when it comes to personalities, but Keiko was given both for her anger problem. And believe it or not, she used to be much worse."

Being silent, Lilia pulled her legs in and wrapped her arms around them. She looked at the door, while listening to the words of Akira. She indeed understood what Akira meant and tried to say. It lowered the anger that rushed through the body of the Hon. Sighing, Lilia glanced at Akira. ''I know and it was wrong of me. But I just... It's my decision. Not that of anybody else. I want to continue Gramps Jin's work. But more than that. I want to ...prove mom wrong.'' She looked away again. Admitting things to Akira felt natural and Lilia could understand why she was loved by everybody. ''I'll prove her wrong. I will come back with Katsuko.... Do you...Think she is still..'' With an almost desperate look, after her decision, Lilia couldn't bring it up to finish her question.

"Yes, she is still upset. Just give her a moment to calm down," Akira told Lilia, giving her a light smile. "Having to take care of Aimi will probably help her with her attitude. Mothers can't behave like brat teenagers with babies. Keiko would know that better than anyone." The older woman coughed a bit, but raised a hand to Lilia. "Don't worry, I'm not sick." She smiled again, hoping to make a joke of it. But it was a bit on the morbid side for her jokes. Realizing this, she quickly recomposed herself. "But I do have to ask, how would you plan on bringing Katsuko back if he doesn't want to return? Katsuko has grown to be quite like his father in some ways, and I don't think fighting him over it would work. Er, let me rephrase: I would prefer if you two did not fight if you do find him," Akira changed the subject, to pass the time until she believed Lilia and Keiko should talk again. Already she has heard that Aimi stopped crying a little bit ago, so that was a sign that Keiko was calming down.

Lilia hadn't thought about it really. She wanted to bring Katsuko back, to make both her point to Keiko as to cheer up Akira. ''I don't know. Truth be told, me and Katsuko aren't that close. I've no to little idea why he has been gone. He probably knows more members and information about the Dragon Lotus than I do. Though so far what I know... What if we fight?'' She asked Akira. It was a question Lilia asked with caution. Knowing that it wouldn't be easy to suddenly convince Katsuko to come back, she knew that there was a chance that they would butt heads. After all, it wouldn't have a chance unless Akira never had mentioned it.

"I don't know why he's gone either. It must've been what Jin said to him. I think he's looking for something is my guess, but he didn't say anything before leaving. That's what bothers me most," Akira noted, not answering Lilia's last question for a moment. The older woman let out a sigh before glancing at the door. "Katsuko likes to fight. He acts like he doesn't, because he doesn't find actual joy in it. But every chance he gets to prove himself, he takes. He doesn't even realize he does it, I think. I don't believe that you two would fight, but I never believed him and Keiko would fight, and they nearly killed each other. If he causes problems, I guess it would be best for everyone to just let him be. I wanted Hiron to find him because I know that some members of Dragon Lotus can exercise control over others with the Dragon Seal, and I hoped he would be able to do that. I would've asked Zakito, but he's been too... he's in a similar position that I'm in." Akira never really answered the question, and she realized this. "If a fight breaks out, just don't bend to his will. He needs to learn something about humility, and if Jin couldn't teach him in life, I'll make sure to teach him myself." Akira gave Lilia a smile with that. "If you have to, don't hold back." With this, Akira stood up and motioned toward the door. "Want to talk with her now? I think it would be a good time for you two to apologize to each other."

Thinking about everything that Akira said, Lilia had made up her decision. She would find Katsuko. Not to fight him, or to prove her point to Keiko. But to make Akira smile. That was the reason why she should do this. And after all, she maybe could relate with Katsuko? She had done something similar when she had found out that she wasn't really a true blood relative with Hiron and the others. Standing up, Lilia clenched her hands into fists. Only after some breathes, she then nodded. Her green eyes weren't that bright as always, but of a more dark color. Like if she had the eyes of Moto, revealing that she was determined to go through talking with Keiko. ''I think the same, Granny Moto.'' She told Akira, but then wavered. ''Would you go on ahead?'' She asked, rather in a shy manner.

This made Akira smile, and she opened the door to the hallway. The two walked over to Keiko's bedroom, which the door was still open to. Keiko was sitting on her bed, with her bundled up child in her hands. Aimi was asleep now, but Keiko continued to hold her. "Ahem," Akira let out, to get her attention. As if snapping out of a daze, Keiko's gaze shot toward Akira and Lilia. Slowly and carefully, Keiko got up and set Aimi back down in her crib, ensuring that she stayed asleep. With this accomplished, she approached the doorway and leaned against the frame. "Ahem," Akira let out again, basically letting Keiko know that she had to speak up first. "I'm sorry for what I said, Lilia. I just lost my temper again," she spoke, her voice low to keep Aimi from waking again, but there was an obvious tone of guilt and shyness in it. With this said, Akira nodded and looked down to Lilia.

Lilia's eyes didn't went away from Keiko's. They stared at the woman's eyes. Even when Keiko said she was sorry, Lilia couldn't bring it up. After all, Keiko had attempted to throw a tea mug at Lilia. Besides, thought this was the very first time Keiko had lost her temper at Lilia, the girl was wondering how many times that would happen. How many times they would need to say sorry and try to move on. ''I'm not sorry.'' Lilia simply said. There was a pause, as if she wanted to make sure that they had heard her words. ''It's my choice what I want to do. Truth be told, I joined because of you. Not to gain your approval or trust in the group. But because I want to show how far I would go. To protect you from any harm.'' Lilia said. The stern look in her eyes faded away as she looked at the ground. ''I also.. I want to show you that I'm able to be around when I've even joined an organization that is Dragon Lotus.'' She continued on a soft tone.

Keiko and Akira were surprised when Lilia said she was not sorry. This slowly began to irritate Keiko again, but she kept herself calm, even without any guidance or instruction from Akira. Once the girl was done speaking, Keiko let out a sigh. She even closed her eyes and shook her head. "I don't need any protection," she mumbled. Hiron had also used that same argument with her before. With another sigh, Keiko opened her eyes and looked into Lilia's. "If you're still able to be around, even after you finish being trapped in Dragon Lotus... then you'll prove me slightly wrong," Keiko concurred, giving Lilia a smile now. Her hatred of the organization hadn't changed a bit, but at least she wasn't being angry anymore.

Lilia's expression didn't changed. It was like if she was still not settled with Keiko. However, as the woman gave her a smile, Lilia's lips curled up a little. ''You know me... mom. I'll work to make you see it in my way. Or at any rate prove that they won't trap me.'' Lilia said, with a confident voice. ''After all... I can't be trapped with my goal.'' The tone was serious as the expression on her face also changed when she said that. Then Lilia looked at the ground, rubbing her left arm with her right hand. Her cheeks blushed as she mumbled something back. ''I've really acted disrespectful and I'm sorry for that. Also am sorry for the past few days.'' Lilia told Keiko, still looking at the ground.

With Lilia's last words, Keiko finally removed herself from the door frame and took a step forward. Not exactly surprising to Akira, but perhaps the sudden embrace while Lilia wasn't looking would catch her off guard. "As long as you're here now," was all Keiko said, holding her tightly. This display brought a smile back to Akira's face. "Great. Now, I think we should move the conversation somewhere else. Don't want to wake Aimi again," the older woman suggested, motioning toward the stairs before beginning to walk that direction as well.

Hugging Keiko back, Lilia whispered something in her ear. ''You're the best mother.'' Lilia said that with a reason. She had thought about what Akira had told her, about Keiko being much like her own mother. Something that she didn't like. But Lilia saw nothing wrong with it. After all, Keiko was at least around. So far she knew, she never had anything like a mother. Releasing Keiko, Lilia thought and shook her head. ''I do need to say that I'll go and fetch Katsuko soon. Then when we're back, we can talk all about it. Together.'' Lilia said, with a confident voice. However, her moment of bravery was disrupted by a very eerie sound. The stomach of Lilia protested against it, making a very loud growling sound. ''I could maybe stay a bit longer then...''

As the group made their way downstairs, Keiko chuckled a bit with Lilia's words. "I'll cook some food then," she offered, before Akira stopped her. "Keiko, take a break. I'll make us some lunch." The younger woman didn't argue, and Akira made her way into the kitchen. Keiko motioned for Lilia to follow her back to the couch, where she took a seat. "If you're going to chase after Katsuko, you should know that you're probably going to have to kick his ass. He hates listening, no matter what people are saying," she began to tell Lilia. Though, Akira could still hear them. "That isn't true, Keiko. Don't try to instigate fighting," Akira called from the kitchen, irritation clear in her voice. This brought another chuckle from Keiko.

Nodding as she understood what Keiko said. She understood maybe Katsuko if he had the same reason for walking away, when she had learnt the truth about her biological mother. Then again, it wasn't really similar. Still, Lilia would try avoid a fight first. ''I'll not hold back or go easy if I've to drag him back. I hope Katsuko has some respect to listen to me. But I doubt it will come to any serious fight.'' Lilia said back. She leaned her head against Keiko, thinking. Though she felt a bit more relaxed, she noticed there was one problem. Katsuko was longer in the organization. He knew more locations than Lilia. Still, giving up wouldn't be an option. ''Will you tell Hiron that I'll be going on a mission?'' Lilia's eyes shifted to glance at Keiko. The thought that Hiron would drag both her and Katsuko back wasn't a pleasant thought at all.

The young woman pretended to think about it for a moment. "Yeah, I'll tell him you went on a mission. Won't say where, because I honestly have no clue where you'll be going," Keiko answered with a smile. She pondered how Lilia would find Katsuko in the first place, but she imagined there was probably some way to keep track of people that had the Dragon Seal. Though, she quickly stopped thinking about it because she didn't want to think about Dragon Lotus period. This was just family right now. "Though, wouldn't it be a good idea to have Hiron tag along anyways?" Keiko now asked, though this was directed more toward Akira. "Lilia said she can do it, I'll trust her. If she returns without Katsuko, then we can get Hiron to help as well," the older woman answered back from the kitchen.

Thinking about it, Hiron would likely be able to do more than help. Maybe he could bring Katsuko back? After all, he was of higher rank than her and Katsuko. But she didn't want to disturb Hiron. Neither to make him go on such a mission. Keiko was in need of somebody to stick around and Hiron could do that better than her. ''I think I know something. There is a way, but don't worry. I won't risk anything.'' She told them, but she wasn't sure. If she would get caught on her plans, than that meant she would be in some deep trouble. Then again, she had to try it out. ''After all, I'm not alone. I've my Tummy cat with me.'' Lilia winked at the two other woman, patting on her stomach, where the seal would be.

The young mother thought about it for a second, and then she smiled. "As long as you're safe," Keiko told her. This made Akira smile as well, and the older woman stood up from her seat. "It's settled then. Lilia can go get Kat, I will stay here with Keiko because I know she will need someone to make food around here, and Hiron will be informed properly. Never forget young lady: I am in charge," Akira spoke out, directing the last part to Keiko. This made her awkwardly chuckle, but her attention went back to Lilia. "Oh, and make sure you have some fun too."

Lilia nodded heavily as she felt her spirit rising. Though she wasn't sure if she would have some success, she was confident that at least everything would be fine with Akira around. ''Yayaya granny Moto!'' Getting of her seat, she walked to Keiko and hugged her. ''Make sure that Aimi doesn't do things I would do.'' She whispered before planting a kiss on Keiko's cheek. ''I need to pack my bag now then.''

This made Keiko laugh a bit. "Oh don't worry, I'll take good care of Aimi," Keiko reassured. This made Akira giggle. "Hopefully she won't be as much of a handful as you were. Oh, Lilia, the stories I could tell of Keiko in her childhood." The older lady closed her eyes and shook her head. "But another time." "You bet it will wait until another time," Keiko threatened back, but quickly gave a look of repentence. This did nothing to hamper Akira's mood, and the widow walked into the kitchen.

Smiling as she felt happy that everything was growing as it once was, Lilia noticed she and Keiko were alone. Now she looked a bit worried. ''Before I go... May I say goodbye to Aimi? Or is she sleeping?'' Lilia asked with some caution, like if she was scared her little sister would wake up if Lilia would even just ask if it was okay.

The young woman looked concerned upon detecting Lilia's tone. But she quickly grinned. "Of course you can see your sister," Keiko told her, before standing from the couch herself and calmly leading Lilia upstairs. "She's asleep, but it's always good to say goodbye anyways. You never know what someone can hear, even when they are sleeping." With that, Keiko gave Lilia another smile before opening the door to Aimi's bedroom. Sure as Keiko said, the red-haired infant was asleep in her crib, wrapped in a blue blanket. Keiko's eyes changed from green to purple now as she took a step to the side to see how her daughters would interact.

Calmly and slowly walking towards the crib, Lilia's green eyes gained a twinkle by seeing the little Aimi. For a moment she just stood there, watching over the one that she called her little sister. Slowly leaning a bit over the crib, Lilia's left pink gently touched and rubbed Aimis cheek. ''Hey little one. I'm going but be nice for mum and dad.... And don't dare to say anything while I am gone. Sweet dreams, little one.'' Lilia said, before taking a step back and nodding to Keiko. She had said what was needed to Aimi. Now she could go to seek out where Katsuko was.

---

The jungle was rather cool today, but that wasn't saying much. The lush shrubberies and the constant sunlight still made it quite warm, and the humid atmosphere helped none. Though the trees were plenty, this part of the jungle seemed almost devoid of animal life. Suspicious, surely. And of course, that is because the un-mapped temple was just ahead. The long forgotten Shrine of the Ancients, built long ago of stone, was surrounded my a small creek, one that could be easily crossed. But the ground around it was devoid of the plant life the rest of the jungle was known for.

And she hated for it. It was totally different than the usual forests and places she had been. Cutting with the Tiger claw kunai the forage away, Lilia sighed. Samehada grunted as Lilia then nodded and continued her way. The sight of the Shrine had motivated her to continue as she had seen on the map, in the old headquarters of the Dragon Lotus where Katsuko was. Though she was wondering why he was here off all places, she was a bit happy that she was on the right track. Soon she came on the perimeter where there was no plant life. Sighing, Lilia sheathed the special kunai before looking around. So far she couldn't see anything special about the place. Or any sign of Katsuko. But Samehada had caught 'taste' of some chakra. He wasn't sure only what and that did bothered Lilia. Walking towards the shrine, she made sure to be careful for any traps or unpleasant surprises.

Not a full two steps toward the temple, and Lilia felt something wrap around her left leg. Faster than she could react, she was pulled off her feet by an invisible force and began dangling upside-down. "Who dares enter my temple, girl?" a voice echoed from nearby. Though it appeared nothing was there, it was clear that Lilia was not alone. "You best state your business before I crush you and that cursed blade like a grape between my teeth. I am in no mood for visitors."

Frowning, she heard Samehada grunting again. But she couldn't see the person. Maybe it was like Kensuke's invisible technique? Clearing her throat, she spoke to the person.. or creature as she wasn't sure what Samehada was blabbering about. ''I come to see out Katsuko Moto. That is my only reason. It wasn't my intention to anger you, oh mighty guardian of the Shrine!'' Trying to sound respectful, Lilia tried to see something of which would betray where this creature was. ''Besides, I'm not really that tasty.'' She added, not able to resist keeping that to herself.

The voice began chuckling with her words. "Well, if it wasn't obvious, Katsuko doesn't want to be disturbed," it answered. "And out of respect for that, I will politely throw you across the jung-" Before the voice could finish it's threat, another voice was heard coming from the temple. "Where did you go, lizard king?" a feminine voice called. At the entrance, a small white haired woman appeared. If Lilia had met her before, she would see it as Hana. Katsuko's summon. A grunt of irritation was heard as Lilia felt whatever was holding her leg let go. "For the last time, you retard, I am the Grand Chameleon! I am not a lizard!" In front of Lilia, the giant chameleon appeared. His invisibility now gone, Hana waved at him. "I was just wondering. Who is that? Oh! Lilia Hon!" The small woman ran past the menacing chameleon straight over to Lilia's side, a smile on her face with her tail flicking about happily.

Looking surprised as she heard another voice, Lilia tried to look who it was. When she felt was released, she made a quick summer sault and landed on her feet. As she looked over her shoulder to see Hana, she smiled. Which was visible as the cloth she used to hide the lower part of her face wasn't pulled up. However, before she could react to Hana, asking where Katsuko was, she jumped backwards and looked surprised. A giant chameleon had came out of nowhere. Her first reaction was to grab the hilt of Samehada, as the latter seemed to chuckle. ''Not funny, Sharky.'' The shark blade grunted again. However, she was surprised again as Hana was apparently happy to see her. Not able to resist to laugh a bit about the situation, Lilia raised both her hands as if she tried to protect herself. ''Glad to see you again Hana. But I don't have that much time... Where is Katsuko?'' She asked, also glancing at the giant lizard.

Before Hana could answer the question, the chameleon did. "He is busy right now. Kinda very import-" he began to explain, but once again Hana cut him off. "Osamu is just being a silly lizard. He's still in the pond. Hasn't moved in days now. Pretty boring," she explained, grabbing Lilia by the arm and leading her toward the temple. However, Osamu moved his large tail to block the two. "Girl, there is a reason I am trying to keep people out. It's bad enough with this cat here, but I can't let you-" "He's just grumpy because he's old and hungry." Ignoring his words, Hana jumped over Osamu's tail, with Lilia still in tow, and proceeded to enter the temple.

Not surprised by the behavior of Hana, Lilia looked over her shoulder with a sorry expression to the giant creature. She did wondered where in earth Katsuko had found about this Osamu or what kind of training he was doing. It sounded like chakra control training, sitting still and focusing. As they entered the temple, Lilia looked curiously around. ''What is this place?'' She mumbled, likely loud enough for Hana to hear her.

Once safely inside, Hana slowed down for a casual pace through the temple. "Well, the cranky lizard says this was where the Great Sage first introduced chakra to the world. I don't know for sure, but it says on the wall that this place is where 'legends are born' or something like that," she answered, pointing to some words on a wall. However, the words were either foreign or very old. But Hana continued. "I guess this is where Jin went when he was younger to train or something. But this place is old. I had to dust it a little when we got here." At this point, Hana turned a corner and entered the center chamber.

The room was quite large, and had no ceiling. This let in the sunlight to perfectly light it up. The center of the temple had a large pool in the middle, and sitting on top of it was Katsuko. He appeared to be meditating, with his eyes closed and his legs crossed. But something seemed wrong with him. "We have to be quiet now," Hana whispered to Lilia, before finally letting her go. "Damn right you have to be quiet now," Osamu whispered. Looking up, Hana could see that the chameleon stealthily climbed into the room from the massive hole in the temple. "We seriously shouldn't distrub him."

Thinking, Lilia smiled with a very polite smile. ''Oh...Of course not.'' Lilia said. Kicking up a rock up, she grabbed it and in a second later the rock was traveling towards Katsuko's head. Now Lilia looked with a more serious expression. ''Hey baka! You made everybody worry. Now give me three reasons why I shouldn't drag your sorry ass back to Konoha.'' Lilia said, only realizing something. The way she had spoken to Katsuko just reminded her of somebody. Though she had no ill will against Katsuko, Lilia was serious that she disliked the fact he was training while the others were worried about him.

Before the stone could hit Katsuko, the chameleon stretched his tail out and caught it. "Girl, let me explain something to you," Osamu began, jumping down from the ceiling. His tail pointed to the side of the room. There was a pedestal with an ornate looking goblet on it. "Katsuko came to me for some training. Not being human, I can't offer much. But I have that drink over there. It's... supposed to help unlock potential. His father drank it decades ago, so of course he was willing to take it. But you see..." The chameleon drew closer to Lilia now. "Not everyone can drink it, if you know what I mean." At this point, Hana piped up. "It's poison." "Somewhat. Regardless, he isn't exactly... himself right now." With that, Osamu brought his tail around and gave Lilia her rock back. "Can't say I haven't warned you."

Surprised, Lilia took the rock back and looked at it. Wait! Her eyes widened as she glanced at the lizard. ''You made him drink poison? How does that even make him stronger?'' She asked him, openly doubting that a poison could make somebody stronger. The thought however to try it out herself came up. Only to be driven away by an image of Keiko finding out she had tried to drink poison to become stronger. That alone was enough to make her flinch, with her eyes closed. Trying to calm down, she shook her head lightly. ''But seriously...What is so different about him now then?'' She asked as she glanced at Katsuko.

This made Hana chuckle a bit. "Yeah. So far, he's only sat there for days without a word," she sided with Lilia. Osamu sighed, before walking to the pool's edge and pointing down. At the bottom of the pool, piles of skeletons were layered about. "Not everyone can drink the Drink of the Ancients. It is a poison of the mind and soul, as well as the body. Anyone that can survive it will come out stronger, spiritually. As well, the damage it does to the muscles and organs will be repaired, making them even stronger. The only catch... not everyone survives." After that, Osamu looked up to Katsuko. "But it looks like he will. That can be expected if his father was capable too. But right now, his mind is as poisoned as his body. He won't see you as... whoever you are. He will probably see you as some sort of embodiment of his worst fear or something. I have no idea. I never drank that stuff. But he will hallucinate for sure. Knowing Katsuko, there is no telling how that will go." With this, Osamu walked away from the pool. "I don't want my master mad at me, so I listened to the lizard. When will he be done again Osamu?" The Grand Chameleon looked at Lilia as he answered that question. "At least three more days like this and he should be fine."

Listening patiently to the story that Osamu told her, Lilia seemed to be interested. Crossing her arms out front of her chest, the young Hon hummed a cheerful tune. ''Three days eh?'' The thought of staying three days in a place like this or trying to drag Katsuko home so that she could continue on her own schedule? The choice was soon made. ''Think that mum won't be pleased if I take my time. Sorry, oh wise and grand Osamu... That was your name right? Oh well...'' Lilia made a nod towards the lizard. ''Think that in the interest of time I will just say that I find it all very interesting, but.... why didn't you drink the poison not yourself? Give me that answer and if it satisfy me, I'll wait. If not, then I will just drag Katsuko home.'' Though she wanted to use words like 'gibberish, foolish, weird' and other more blunt words to describe Osamu's praised potion, Lilia was smart enough not to anger him as well. If she was going to drag Katsuko away, then she rather would face him alone than also a giant lizard that could become invisible.

Osamu scoffed at her words. "Drag him home if you want. The reason I never drank it... let us just say I'm not the first guardian of this place, if you know what I mean," he answered her, before glancing back over at the goblet. "One sip is all it takes to kill, only the strong live to become stronger. I don't want to take my chances on seeing where I fit in that equation. And I warned Katsuko too. But I'm sure you know how he is." With that, the giant chameleon jumped back to the ceiling. "Hana, I would suggest you get out of here." With that, the lizard vanished from sight. The white haired woman cocked her head sideways and looked at Lilia. "Do you think the grumpy lizard is right? That master won't recognize me?"

With closing her eyes half, she looked at the lizard. Not the first one, eh? She could believe that with such a tradition. As the lizard made some distance, Lilia glanced at Hana. ''Not sure. I find it.....strange. But one way to find out. Besides, if he is poisoned than more the easy to knock him cold and get him back. Else I just need him to be still for ten seconds to teleport him away.'' She informed Hana. Though Lilia got a bit worried as Samehada made a soft grunt. Great, now her own sentient blade was questioning her actions! Narrowing her eyes, she spoke once more to Hana. ''You may chose for yourself to back away or help me, but I'm going to get Katsuko out of here.''

The cat-human thought about for a second, before shrugging. "I'm not worried," she decided. In fact, almost as if she was to prove this, she picked up a rock of her own. "Katsukoooooooo!" she shouted, before flinging the small stone directly at her master. Almost anticlimactically, the rock missed and landed in the water next to him, splashing his leg somewhat. For a moment, nothing happened, and Hana seemed almost disappointed. "I missed..." she confessed to Lilia, before Katsuko's eyes shot open. His eyes were bloodshot, almost enitrely turning the whites of his eyes to red. His irises were an equally vibrant shade of red, and now that his eyes were open, his whole body began to shiver. Now it was evident that he was sweating.

"Katsuko!" Hana shouted, almost preparing to instinctually run to her master. But she stopped herself quickly as Katsuko stood up onto his two feet. His eyes were perfectly locked on Lilia, as if he couldn't even see Hana. "Who are you!?" he asked, lifting one of his hands and pointing at her, though it was clear he wasn't exactly steady.

Frowning, Lilia's right hand slowly went to the hilt of Samehada. The behavior of Katsuko was strange and it seemed the words of Osamu were right about that. ''Hana... If you want to help me. Wait for an opening and pin him down. I will try to leech out chakra with my blade.'' Lilia told Hana, as she slowly got ready. Focusing not on Katsuko's eyes, as she was fully aware of that it would be stupid too look a Moto in their eyes, Lilia would wait for Katsuko to make the first move. The fact he wasn't standing steady made her a bit relieved. Maybe she could use that in her advantage.

Lilia's lack of an answer seemed to make Katsuko concerned. He began to squint his eyes a bit, giving her a suspicious look. "You... you want to take me back, don't you?" he asked, still watching Lilia closely. The cat-human turned to face Lilia now. "I don't think it's possible to pin my master," she commented on the plan. "He's too strong. But he's really fast too, so you have to watch out. I think..." Hana stopped as she heard Katsuko walking toward the edge of the pool. Upon turning around, she saw Katsuko step off the water, right next to her. "Stay back Hana, I'll handle this," he told her, revealing he was unaware of her cooperation with Lilia. Before she could correct his misconception, Katsuko shot off at Lilia like a bullet, fist drawn back and poised to deliver a destructive blow.

Narrowing her eyes, Lilia didn't answer. She had to react to Katsuko first. Instead of going to wield Samehada, she caught the blow with one of her hands. Grunting as she felt the force, she widened her eyes. The left eye started to change from color. Still, she felt a bit of an aftershock. ''You're going back indeed.'' Lilia mumbled, not very pleased with the fact that Katsuko had tried to punch the chakra out of her. Tighten her grip on his fist, she readied herself to react on any movement he would make. First would be wise to see how fast and strong Katsuko was in this kind of state, before already trying to knock him cold.

Upon Lilia blocking his fist, Katsuko seemed to appear surprised. Surprised at the fact the blow didn't at least break her arm. The shock subsided quickly as he began to scowl. His irises turned a deeper red, which looked eerie enough with how bloodshot they already are. "I'm not ready to go back. I need to finish my training here, and you aren't stopping me," he whispered to her, before uncurling his fist within Lilia's hand. Try as she might, he was strong enough with just his fingers to do so, and upon opening his hand, he attempted to grab Lilia by her wrist. This would be to prevent her from dodging the following kick toward her face. Despite their proximity, and Katsuko's condition, he was still flexible enough to do that. But in the process, he released an audible grunt.

Letting her wrist get caught, Lilia ducked to avoid the kick. So he was going to resist to this level? She wouldn't be sure if Keiko, Hiron or Akira would like it if she would kick it up a notch. Already using some of Matatabi's chakra to enhance her combat skills, she would now use Sparkle. Flicking the wrist of her free hand, she shot her hand forward. Due the small space and speed of her jab, that was aimed at this stomach, she hoped that she could try to drive him back a bit. A thought also come up in her head. I need to avoid eye contact. Pesky dojutsu.

With his leg still in the air, Katsuko saw the incoming attack. With his open hand, he reached out under his outstretched leg to catch Lilia by her other wrist before she could hit him with the lightning technique. As he expected, he immediately felt some of the effects of having his hand on her Sparkle, but his wince was hard to detect. Now in an awkward deadlock, Katsuko tried to look into her eyes. "What does it matter anyways? Nobody needs me right now," he spoke, before leaning back. In fact, he leaned incredibly far back, still holding onto her wrists. This turned into a backward somersault, where at the apex of his rotation, he let go of Lilia's wrists. If she wasn't quick, this would result in her being thrown into the pond behind Katsuko. Though not damaging, the water isn't exactly clean.

Luckily she was quick enough to free herself. Though she felt a bit of an aching pain at her wrists, she quickly performed some back flips to make some space. The red markings at her wrists made it clear that holding back was not the smartest thing to do. Not when it came to taijutsu and close ranged combat with Katusko. Letting more of Matatabi's chakra pour into her system, Lilia's right hand clicked the leather strap of Samehada's hilt. This caused the bandaged sentient weapon to fall on the ground, producing a hissing sound. ''Hana, if you can. Try to spot an opening and make use of it.'' Lilia told the summoning of Katsuko. She already figured that talking Katsuko out of this wasn't going to work. Besides, she had to admit. A bit of testing out how far she could go with the enhanced strength would be fun. Taking a stance, Lilia readied herself.

Once Katsuko was back on his feet, he brought his fists up in a fighting stance, in case Lilia was going to try a rapid onslaught. Once it was evident that she wasn't, Katsuko relaxed slightly. And upon hearing her command to Hana, he chuckled. "You think that Hana will listen to you? She would never betray me," he remarked, before looking over his shoulder at his cat/human. Though, he was surprised when he saw her launching herself at him. Despite Hana's renowned speed, Katsuko was quick enough to adjust his position, causing her to glance off him harmlessly. This act made him scowl, and not only did his eyes become an even deeper shade of red, the ground beneath his feet cracked slightly. "I see..." Hana landed on her feet and turned to face Katsuko. "This is for your own good..." Hana tried to retort, though her words were little more than an undetectable whisper. But with her failed attempt at restraining him, Katsuko launched toward Lilia again. Only this time he took a slightly different approach. Rather than going for an all-out punch, Katsuko simply got himself to her position before sending a series of punches and kicks in her direction. This afforded him more control at the cost of power, and would prevent her from countering him the same way.

Lilia had watched Hana and Katsuko, not taking action as she had been watching for a good reason. To decipher how fast Katsuko was moving and reacting. Her time to copy movements from some people had made her able to notice some things like that at a good rate. And to her surprise, she hadn't expected Hana to be that fast. As Katsuko came towards her, Lilia already had herself prepared. Evading the attacks, rather then blocking, she wasn't trying to counter him yet. For now it would be important to let him keep at her, until she would get him in the right position. With a sharp whistle, she then blocked a punch, by simply grabbing the fist with her hand. Forming a fist with her free hand, she attempted to punch him back.

The onslaught wasn't working. Despite his delirium, Katsuko knew he was in a weakened state. Once she grabbed his fist again, he realized that he didn't have his usual stopping power. Her hand should be broken, he thought to himself, before seeing her form her own fist. A small grin formed on his face. As Lilia drew in for her attack, Katsuko made a short jab with his free hand. He decided he didn't need to block the blow, and that even if they both struck each other, it would be him standing victorious. Maybe he didn't have his bone crushing power anymore, but he knew his sharp jab to her gut would send a message. Or at any rate, it should, so he hoped.

Instead of blocking, he was going to take the hit? The arrogance worked up Lilia as she narrowed her eyes. Exerting more grip on the fist she held, she wouldn't try to block the incoming strike. Instead she focused to slam him against his cheek. But she hadn't whisteled for nothing. Something would wrap around Katsuko's right leg, before both Lilia and Katsuko would be struck. Feeling some breath being pushed out of her lungs, she didn't slowed down. A punch that normally would've broken somebody's jaws, Lilia was about to aim to send Katsuko fly backwards with her own punch.

Katsuko's victorious smirk was wiped away when Lilia's fist returned the favor. The force of the blow knocked him back, and the shark thingy around his leg made his stumble become a fall. The teenager fell onto his side first, before rolling over to face the ground. That wasn't so bad, he thought, before noticing blood on the floor beneath his face. Now on his hands and knees, Katsuko wiped his mouth and found that the corner of his mouth was bleeding. This frustrated him. He felt like his body was betraying him. That was a blow he could've took standing, yet now he is on the floor bleeding. With that extra fuel for his anger, he jumped back to his feet and faced Lilia once more. "What do you even expect to accomplish here? This has nothing to do with you, or anyone else for that matter. What I do with my time is up to me alone," he stated, once again trying to look into her eyes.

The shark blade made a soft grunt, but Lilia didn't reacted. A slowly rising Killing Intent made it clear she wasn't going to hold back anymore on Katsuko. ''It's to make sure you come back. People are worried about you... Besides, what are you trying to acomplish.'' She didn't look back in the eyes. This wasn't even over. If it was then he wouldn't reacted like that. Or maybe she hoped he would try to continue, so that she could go on testing the limits of the enhanced strength and traits of the empowering Bijuu chakra. Deciding to test out Katsuko, Lilia took some steps back as she formed several handseals. A poof of some smoke appeared, concealing her for a brief second. ''So what is the answer, Katsuko?'' Using the Transformation jutsu, Lilia had taken the appearance of somebody else.

Her words seemed to make no sense to Katsuko. He only scowled as she began to walk backwards. Seeing an opportunity, Hana began to advance on her master to try and restrain his arms. But when Lilia disappeared in a poof of smoke, Hana paused. And the change in her voice made everyone cease breathing. As the smoke cleared, Hana let out a small gasp and covered her mouth, before looking at Katsuko to see his reaction. His face was one of pure and total shock. His red eyes even began to change to a purple color. But as he processed this, his expression changed to something more sinister and powerful, and his violet eyes were red once again. "You dare make a mockery of him?" he asked her, his voice full of spite. Hana was frozen in fear now, as the Killing Intent in the room was too much for her. She only watched helplessly as Katsuko visibly grew more angry. The floor beneath his feet began to crack and some chakra began to radiate from him, much in the fashion it would on his father. "You don't have anything close to giving you the right to take my father's face," he stated, before reaching his hands into his pockets. "No..." Hana whispered as Katsuko put on his steel knuckles. Without another word, Katsuko shot at the figure of Jinkama before him, cracking the stone floor beneath him with every step. And his fist pulled back, with the steel glinting from the sunlight let in by the hole in the roof.

Not fazed by the rising Killing intent, as she simply deflected with her own, Lilia noticed he was putting on his weapons. Not really wanting to test them out, red bubbles were being formed at the hands. She wondered how that would look like, Jinkama with a partial chakra cloak. Lilia always had found her adoptive grandfather an imposing figure when he would spare or fight, but with such addition, she wasn't sure what to think. With Katsuko approaching her, she readied herself. It seemed that she was readying herself to take the hit, but only to replace with an afterimage. The Secret Sword : Moon Shadow Technique couldn't be compared to Jinkama's speed, but it would maybe open an opening as he would see an afterimage getting punched, while the real disguised Lilia would leap backwards. Skidding to a halt, Lilia spoke to Hana. ''Hana, focus. He will be focused on me. Try to find another opening.'' Knowing she had little time, she readied herself again to see if she could keep Katsuko's attention.

Katsuko's punch was directed downwards. Upon striking the disguised Lilia, he realized that his fist met nothing rather quickly. And as such, the force of his own strike made him punch the stone floor. With the protection of the steel knuckles, the stone was shattered, sending shards of rock all over the place. Some even scratching Katsuko himself. "You little nothing. You don't deserve to even pretend to be Jinkama. Nobody does. All you are..." Katsuko began, recovering from his punch quickly and stepping forward to bring Lilia within his sight again. "Is a sheep in wolf's clothing." As he prepared another onslaught, only this time with his steel knuckles and more drive, Hana was still frozen in place. "But... Katsuko... I don't want to hurt him..." Hana began mumbling, though she kept her eyes on the fight the whole time. Outside the temple, Osamu heard the crashing sound that came with Katsuko's attack. With a sigh, he shook his head. "I can't let these fools wreck the place..."

Dodging the attacks, Lilia felt some sweat rolling over her forehead. Thoughs some attacks were parried with the chakra cloaked fists, she noticed that it wasn't that pleasant. His strength was almost on par with her empowered, but the biggest difference was the fact he was now really bent on beating her up. Something she couldn't do back, as she didn't want to hurt Akira's feelings more. ''And I think Keiko-chan is right. You're really...'' Evading another strike, she narrowed her eyes as she prepared to land a stomp in his stomach. ''Stubborn.''

He just wasn't fast enough to hit her. And every successive dodge made him angrier. Angry that he couldn't wipe the disguise off her face. The incoming kick caught him off guard, as he was on pure offensive mode. But he took the blow rather well. Much to his reflexes and fighting instinct, Katsuko brought both his arms in and grabbed the outstretched leg, making sure to wrap his left arm around it to hold it with just one. He was going to break her leg. "And the two of you are bitches!" he insulted back, raising his right arm to prepare for delivering the leg breaking blow. Hana, watching all this, was starting to be consumed by guilt. She felt that she let the two fight, and didn't want to see either of them hurt. Though she was still frozen in place, she gulped down some of her fear and opened her mouth. "Katsuko!" she called out, her voice full of a pleading tone. This made Katsuko freeze mid-attack. Though he still had the leg in his grip, he looked over his shoulder at Hana. "I'm sorry..." she spoke, once again slightly over a mumble. But Katsuko heard it, and remained motionless as he processed this.

Not wasting time, Lilia made use of the moment. Using her fast speed, empowered by Matatabi's chakra, she jumped up with her other leg turning her body. Placing her hands on the ground, she kicked Katsuko with her free leg. Kicking him against his temple, she was trying to send him flying away from her. Narrowing her eyes, Lilia was growing sick of this duel now. ''Arrogant prick...'' She hissed as the transformation poofed away. Instead of showing Jinkama, Lilia showed her true self. Only the red chakra cloak was starting to expand over her body as she scoffed. The Killing Intent was radiating from her in a much worse fashion then before. Slowly, a second tail was starting to form as Lilia narrowed her eyes.

The force of the blow, which caught him while he was looking away, sent Katsuko in a spiral onto the floor several meters away. He let out a curse as he landed on his back, facing the ceiling. Where he was kicked, he could feel a throbbing pain, and he was a bit disoriented from the blow. It hurt, plain and simple. Katsuko rubbed his temple, and realized he was sweating worse than the fever provided. His body simply could not reach his demands right now. And now he knew it. As he felt a greater rush of Killing Intent from Lilia, Katsuko picked himself up off the ground. Realizing that the two weren't going to stop, Hana tried speaking up again. Once again, it was only a mumble. "Stop..." The word didn't reach Katsuko, as he asserted another fighting stance. "You can rely on that beast inside you all you want. The real beast in this room is me," he began, taking a single step forward. "You don't even have business here. I'm not needed anywhere right now. There is no reason for me to leave before I finish my training regimen. Your... insolence is the only thing driving this. It's not that hard to understand..." With this, Katsuko jumped up, to send a hurricane kick toward Lilia. "I just want to be left alone!!"

Lilia didn't react at first nor made any movement to evade Katsuko's kick. His feet met something solid. And red. The first tailed had caught the kick. The menacing red coloured chakra started to wrap itself around his legs as the second tail was formed now. Lilia's left iris had complelty become yellow as she scoffed. She was now at the maximum of her Tailed Beast control. ''Like I said... Arrogant prick.'' The tail tighten it's grip on Katsuko's leg, squeezing it with the spikking chakra. Suddenly she twirled, bringing Katsuko down on the ground, trying to harm him with a smack. ''Granny Moto is worried.'' Lilia sneered. After the sneer, she made the tail to bring up Katsuko again, wanting to smack her adoptive relative again on the ground. ''Mommy is worried!'' It seemed she was wavering. The tail swept Katusko a bit harmless around in the air. ''Everybody is worried and you think of training?'' She hissed, only realizing she was slowly giving into the aggressive thoughts that were clouding her mind. Still exerting a strong grip on his leg, Lilia tried to keep her mind calm. ''Don't even call him a beast. You've no right to talk about him like that. Got it?'' She sneered, again.

Katsuko immediately figured out that the tail that grabbed him was too long for him to still reach Lilia for an offensive. Then he realized that he was almost helpless in his position. Then he realized what the ground felt like again. After being smacked into the ground, Katsuko grunted, but remained silent. He didn't say a word as Lilia waved him around and berated him. Once she was finished, Katsuko spoke up. "And you have no right to tell me what to do!" Katsuko antagonized. He noticed that Lilia was holding him a bit low to the ground, and he took his opportunity. He reached out and placed his hands on the stone floor, using his chakra to latch on tight. And with his own strength, he ripped himself free of her grasp, albeit he was still within grabbing distance. "I don't need anyone worrying about me. It doesn't matter and they shouldn't be worrying. I'm not the one that's dead!!" After hearing his own words, Katsuko stopped entirely. He was halfway through getting up on his feet, but now he gave up and fell to his knees. This brought a total silence around the room, and all his Killing Intent vanished. He looked at his hands, one of which still had his own blood on it. "I'm not the one that died..." he muttered again, not even looking back up to Lilia.

The words made her eyes widened. For a moment, nothing moved of Lilia. Not even the red cloaked chakra. Her right eye twitched briefly. Slowly, some skin started to peel, mixing blood with the chakra as the Killing Intent started to skyrocket for a moment. Then it vanished, to some extent. Lilia walked calmly towards Katsuko as the chakra cloak vanished. With clenched fists, she first delivered a quick and powerful kick to his side, before letting herself land on top of him. ''You MISERABLE PRICK!'' She suddenly shouted, starting to rain punches on his face. Tears were rolling down her cheeks as she kept trying to hurt him as much as possible. However, this time with her own average strength. She kept screaming names at him, in the meantime. ''Jerk! Arrogant bastard! How the fuck... I will kill you!'' She screamed, not feeling something wrapping around her waist to pull her back. Clawing at Katsuko, Lilia wanted to continue to beat him up, as Samehada silently dragged her away from him. Tears kept rolling, as she was out of distance to harm him. At least physically. ''Fuck you! Fucking jerk! He always talked with praise about you and you dare to... I will kill you!'' She shouted again, though realizing that she was being hold back.

Katsuko made no effort to avoid or block Lilia's attacks. In fact, it seemed almost as if he didn't notice he was being beaten, despite the bruising she was causing him. Just as Lilia was pulled away by Samehada, Hana ran over to Katsuko's side and got down to her knees. "Kat? Kat are you okay?" she asked, but the young jonin just continued looking at the ceiling, his irises a dull grey color. His lack of a response worried her. "Katsuko?" Despite Lilia's continuous insults a few meters away, Katsuko was able to hear Hana. "I'm fine," he answered after a long pause. Though, Hana noticed something. Tears were forming in his eyes. But he didn't say another word. "Let me help you," she offered, propping Katsuko up so he wouldn't be laying on his back. Still ignoring Lilia's ramblings, Katsuko decided to speak up.

"I lost the most important thing in the world that day," he spoke, his gaze now shifted to the ground before his feet. "All my life, it was my father I held above all else. At times, he made me very angry. But it never faltered. Jinkama Moto was more than just my father. He was my idol, my rival, my best friend, and my ultimate goal. I always wanted to be just like dad, ya know? To see him smile and say that he is proud of what I have become. But that will never happen. He's gone forever. I knew I didn't have much time left, but knowing didn't make a damn difference. He died a hero, a figure to the world that will always be remembered for his great feats of power and honor. But to me, he died as my father. My everything..." With his speech concluded, Katsuko looked up to Lilia. His irises were violet, and his tears were flowing. The stream down his left cheek began to mix with the blood on his face, too. "You don't know pain until you thought you couldn't feel it anymore."

While Hana had approached Katusko, Lilia kept throwing threats and such towards Katusko. She clawed and wanted to reach him again. Even while not using the empowering chakra of Matatabi, she was almost getting out of the shark blade's grip. Not good enough to fully get herself free and attack Katsuko again, but she stopped as she heard him talking again. Panting, as if she was winded up, she listened to Katsuko's words. Still very angry, Lilia let him talk. It was both the after effective for using the Bijuu chakra in so much quantity as well the anger she held from what he had said earlier. But his speech calmed down the girl. Not completely, but at least she stopped throwing threats and insults in his direction. ''You're really dumb.'' She first reacted, not really sneering, but talking like he had said something that had annoyed her. ''I envy you... I envy Keiko... I envy everybody who knew their parents.. I have to do with the fact I managed be one of the few... that had some luck to get two loving guardians.'' She told him, on a bitter tone. Why was she talking back about this? She didn't want to talk about this! Lilia felt a bit disgusted she brought this up. The feeling and thoughts about the subject was something she had pushed back a long time ago. It hadn't come up ever since then.

''Gramps Jin Jin was amazing... Caring, wise and a man with character. You're right... He was a great man. One that rightfully earned praise. Both from enemies as friends alike... And family.'' She continued, feeling Samehada slowly let her go. Scoffing, she looked back at Katsuko. She tried to look angry, not wanting to symphatize with Katsuko at this current moment. She wanted to be angry, wanting to bash his face in. ''You know something about pain? Don't even get me started! I first thought that I knew pain, but live a lie.... Get something inside you that make some treat you differently.'' She walked again towards Katsuko. Once close by, she grabbed him by his collar, lifting him up. ''I don't want to.... No, we're nothing... no...'' She wanted to object to the fact they had both a man they viewed as their best friend. Their goal. Though her was still alive, she didn't want to have anything in common with her adoptive relative now. All that should be done was to drag him back to Konohagakure. ''... I'm sorry.'' Dropping him, Lilia pouted as she looked the other way. She took a step back as she crossed her arms. She didn't want to apologize! Why did she then even say those words?

''You're coming back... Got it, jerkface? Everybody is worried... Cause everybody cares about you. Good enough they wanted to send more people after your sorry ass... Even Uncle Z. I am talking to you.'' Lilia, now sneered again in the same fashion as a person they both were familar with. A person that was close to them both. Katsuko remained seated on the ground, not speaking. Hana looked between the two a few times, before speaking up. "I don't think Kat can make it back. Like, physically able to, that is..." she spoke, but Katsuko didn't react to her words, despite implying weakness. Rather, he stared forward, which so happened to be at Lilia's legs. After a moment of spacing out, he wiped the bloody tears from his face and sighed. "You don't have to be sorry for anything. You only acted on emotion and what you were told to do," Katsuko spoke, now taking off his steel knuckles. "And you weren't the only one."

The young jonin made a series of handseals, before placing his right hand on the ground next to him. A black rose began to grow there. "I'm not going to apologize either. There is nothing to be sorry for between the two of us. Things happened." It was now that Katsuko decided to get up, but without his anger, he appeared to be too weak to get on his own two feet. Though, Hana was quick to help him up. "I was so caught up in following dad's footsteps that I forgot to make him proud." Though he wasn't exactly smiling at Lilia, the thought of his own words prompted a small smile from him. Once up, he looked over to Hana, before back at Lilia. "So are you going to carry me, or pick that flower?"

Samehada slithered over the ground towards Lilia. She kept her eyes locked on Katsuko's, still showing some visible anger in her eyes. Turning half around, facing her side towards Hana and Katsuko, she picked up the bandaged blade with the sheath. Calmly donning on the special sheath and placing the sentient weapon in it, Lilia then returned her look in Katsuko's direction. ''A wise person once told me that following somebody's path is a good way to start. But to surpass it, you will need to make an own path.'' Lilia replied before picking up the black rose. As the dark and eerie sphere started to form around them, Lilia held the rose between her and Katsuko. ''Though he was different to me, I loved and hold memories of him close to my heart. He is the reason why I'm part of this.'' She pauzed looking from the rose to Katsuko. ''If there is something do I regret, it's the fact I've not been able to stop your father and my grandfather from dying. But if there is one of us that I think that will one day live up... up to his name.'' Lilia pauzed.

Slowly she stretched out the black rose towards Katsuko. She looked at the ground. ''I think that it's you then, Kat.'' Lilia said, on a softer tone, The anger was clearly out of her system as she felt no need to sneer or hurt him, both physically or mentally, anymore. Katsuko paused for a second. He visibly choked down some tears, before accepting the rose. "So let's go back to Konoha," he spoke, before looking over to Hana. Once he was sure everyone was within the black sphere, the mass of chakra closed on itself and vanished, leaving nothing in it's space. As soon as the sphere vanished, Osamu appeared on the ceiling. Though it would be difficult to distinguish expressions on a giant chameleon, he appeared to be smiling. "I think he's learning," the lizard spoke out loud. "There will be a day when Katsuko will understand. It will be sooner than you would think."

[Little Alice]

A link to the past,
Worth a journey.

A collab between Roran Hawkins and Little Alice

Summary :
After Sakamoto ever given Lilia the little dairy of Ilia, Lilia has spent time after time reading the book that is dear to her. Looking for clues, hints and such about the one that had given birth to her. After deciding she would go on a last journey, one last journey for the truth, she comes to a place that is called Maiden's Rest. Though it was only a short note in the dairy, it seems that Ilia was very impressed by the natural beauty of the place. Together with a guide of her own, Lilia is nearing this place.

SPOILER: Click to show

Three whole weeks. Three whole weeks of traveling around, visiting places. Lilia wasn't sure if she was tired of all this traveling. What had it brought her? Sure, she had spent time with him. And she had loved every second. The troubles they had faced, though those were simple and minor ones, made her smile. Riding towards the place, Lilia already began to ponder if this would be the end of her search. Together with her own guide, a big tiger that seemed to be made of blue fire, she had searched and visited the other places that were mentioned in the diary of her mother, Ilia Hon. All great places that made Lilia realize she had some things in common with her mother. As she looked in the distance, it became clear they would leave the pine forest. ''If you want a break, you can just say it. Mata-sama.'' Lilia said to the one she was riding on. It was very early in the morning and Lilia wasn't sure if her guide and companion wanted a rest.

"I can go on for far longer than you can." He grunted in reply, before adding; "Lilia-sama." This entire trip to the outside world had been quite statisfying for him. Old as he was, he had visited most of the main continent already, and it was refreshing to see how much or how little the world had changed over the course of a few centuries. This place they were heading to right now, he never knew it by that name, but since they were in the mountains, he could remember most of it from some time in the past. Had he already been bound to a jinchuuriki then? No, not as far as he could remember.

''I know, but still.'' Lilia responded. Patting the back as they rode, Lilia looked around. She wasn't sure what to find, but had an excited feeling. Some where, deep inside of her she was certain that she would find some valuable information about her biological mother today. Or was it just her desire? Deciding to ask Matatabi a question, Lilia stuttered a bit. ''W-W-Who is actually your parent, Mata-sama?'' She asked. It was strange that she hadn't asked that before. They were on a search for her origins, but what about his? Did he know his parents? Lilia felt a bit guilty that she hadn't think about that before.

"The great sage, as you call him." He replied as if that was just common knowledge. At least, his previous jinchuuriki had known that before they were bound to eachother. He felt how she felt a little bit uneasy for her ignorance, but he didn't care. Eversince the sage died, it had been but a long distant memory. A pleasant one, but a memory. Not ever would the sage return.

''Oh..'' Lilia responded back. Unsure how she could continue that subject, she figured out that she should be careful. It was the private information and if she would just pry in it, that would be she would be disrespecteful for the private space he had. ''You know... I also wonder. Do you see the other Tailed Beast as your..siblings?'' She asked him, as they were nearing the edge of the forest.

"They are as much my siblings as any other human is a sibling to you. Then again, our sort never was truly numerous, so perhaps you could say they are family of mine. Don't think however we all like eachother." He replied with the scary deep voice from deep within the tiny chest of the blue fiery cat, at the size of a big tiger, carried her on her back.

Lilia smiled a little as she nodded. ''Understood, Mata-sama. Though you could say that we humans aren't that much different. I don't like some humans, though we're the same species.'' She answered back. Reach the edge of the forest, she made him stop as she looked at the scene in front of her. It was just like the dairy had said. It was too early for the birds to be up and sing their different songs. The soft breeze that made the fields of grass, that was only stirred by wind and rain, move was different. She wasn't sure what made it different, but the whole serene scene made her silent. Leaning a bit forward, placing her hands on the neck of Matatabi, she sighed. ''I like it here.'' She mumbled, as she saw the river in the valley below, making her wonder where it would go. How much further north could they go? Lilia was tempted to ask if they shouldn't follow the river, but the diary mentioned that Ilia never went that way. Looking around, the morning mist that was low to ground gave it a mysterious feeling to the scene. ''I should bring Ken-senpai here. I think he would love to draw something like this. What do you think, Mata-sama?'' Gently patting his back, Lilia smiled as she enjoyed the peaceful moment.

"I think that this place is nice." He replied. He hardly knew this Kensuke person. He didn't interest him. The only interesting part about that swordsman was that that cat followed him around. That was it. But he wasn't going to argue with Lilia over that now. He wanted some rest, peace and quiet.

Nodding, Lilia dismounted from Matatabi. As she stood on her own feet now, she looked around. The place was nice and beautiful, but where was it that she could find a hint, tip or information about her mother. ''Do you want to explore this place, Mata-sama?'' Lilia asked him, as her eyes slowly kept wandering over the scene. She wasn't sure if he would want to sit idly or still. Waiting for his reply, she kept patting the blue flames, that didn't harm her. After all, they were in theory the same.

"Sure." He replied, and wandered off into the wilderness. He wasn't the greatest conversational partner at the moment, and wanted to see if a certain tree was still growing here. Now he was the same size as he had been back then, he was curious to see if it still stood, or wether it still wore the scars of their previous encounter.

Smiling as she noticed Matatabi walking away, she had a hunch he was happy somewhere. At least to be able to move on his own and experience peace, quiet and other things himself. Seeing the blue flames brightly in the dark and early morning, she wished she could capture the moment other than her memory. The idea to bring Kensuke with her and let him draw such a master piece was put in the back of her mind. It was a good idea. Turning around, to gaze at the fields of grass, she walked on her own. The weapon on her back wasn't the chararstic bandaged sword, but the sword she had received from Keiko and Hiron. For some reason, she didn't want to bring the shark blade to places that were dear to her mother. After all, Masuba of the Mist was not a friend of hers, but an enemy. Shaking the thought off her mind, Lilia kept looking around for any traces that she could use.

But as she kept on walking, through the beautiful scene, Lilia couldn't stop the train of thoughts. While her body pierced the low hanging mist, she thought about her life. When she was little and forced by Katsuro Hon to become a skilled kunoichi, the time she had met Hiron for the first time, the time she had watched the stars with him. And how could she forgot all the other moments and people she had met? Ino Namikaze, Jinkama Moto and much more. All but names that were dear to her. But what did it meant? What did it do? The young girl had her head low as she kept walking, wondering about the questions that pierced her mind. A little smile came on her lips as she began to think of her achievements. Most of them were just about growing stronger. To be a better fighter, but what did meant for as person? Had she learned from her mistakes? It made her think of her and Matatabi. They were now closer to each other, having more respect and friendly feelings towards one and other. Sure, both would likely deny it, but she knew it and was sure he knew it as well.

For a moment, Lilia stopped. Looking over her shoulder, she couldn't see him anymore. But he was there. Just like all the others. Like uncle Zakito and aunt Aiko. Like Kensuke, Ryo, Hisoka, Sakamoto and more. It made her happy, but also sad. Cause while she was proud to be having bonds with them all, she kept wondering about herself. What did it all mean? Frowning, Lilia wondered where those questions came from. Was it because she was different? No, she wasn't. It was silly to think one is different by the experiences they had. She had learned that lesson from her meetings with Matatabi. The first ones. Turning around again, Lilia raised her head and took a deep breath before she continued her way. As she continued to walk, Lilia noticed something in the distance. A person? Instantly, her right hand shot towards the hilt of her blade as she narrowed her green colored eyes. Freezing, while staring at the person in the distance, she noticed the person did the same. Though Lilia didn't want or was searching for a fight, she didn't want anybody to disturb the peace of this place. After a minute or three, she became confused. Both she and the person in the distance, who she couldn't see that good due the low hanging mist, were frozen in place. Maybe the person was just testing her out? Or maybe hadn't see her? Relaxing, Lilia decided to wave. But as she waved, there was no response or wave back. Finding it strange, Lilia was tempted to call Matatabi. Only that meant she would look like a scared cat, something he would most likely enjoy to joke with.

Mustering her courage, Lilia slowly walked towards this other person. Suddenly her eyes widened. The person in the distance seemed familiar. Surprised, Lilia froze again as she noticed the similar looks of the person. A tear formed at her left eye as she stared at the face of the other person. ''....Mum?'' She stuttered, not sure if this was some kind of illussion or such. Blinking a few times with her eyes, she then ran towards the other person. Her mother had her hands on her hips, a little smile on her lips and her right eyebrow raised, like she was doubting anybody that claimed they were strong. Tears rolled over Lilia's cheeks as she ran as hard as she could. Opening her mouth, she wanted to shout the word that she always had adressed Keiko with. But no sound came out. Slowly Lilia stopped and felt stupid. As she neared what she had thought was her mother, she noticed it was a statue.

At first simply starting at it, she felt sorrow, bitterness and frustration coming up. The short happy moment she had thought of meeting her mother was nothing but gone. Sinking on her knees, while staring at the statue, tears kept rolling over her cheeks. Though she didn't sobbed. It was like she couldn't produce any sound. Like the disappointment had made her quiet and kept her like that. Lowering her head, to stare at her hands, Lilia couldn't figure it out. What was the purpose actually of her searches? Did she want answers to questions? Answers that were clearly in front of her, but unable for her to accept them? Was the journey, the trouble and everything worth it? In certain way, yes. Her bond with Matatabi was growing and she wouldn't want to miss him now. He had became a part of her as she had become a part of him. But why did she keep wanting to find information about Ilia Hon, the Lightning Flash? Her biological mother was it then? Lilia found it frustrating. She didn't even knew the question, so how could she figure out the answer? Sighing, she used her left arm to wipe the tears away.

Looking again at the statue, she felt a bit more at peace. She looked a lot like her, like her mother. It suddenly made her laugh, briefly. The question of why the statue was here, high up in the north of the Lightning country didn't even pop up. Likely it had to do something with her, but Lilia didn't question why or how. Somehow she found it fitting. Seeing that there was a small stone with some inscriptions on, next to the statue, Lilia stood up and walked towards it. Her lips curled down as she leaned forward to touch the inscriptions.

''Here lies Ilia Hon, of Konohagakure.
May she rest in peace, knowing she was loved.
----.....Sato.''

So this was the final rest place? Lilia felt more calm and closer to her mother. Though she couldn't read the name well. Something Sato? Taking a step back, Lilia looked at the statue. Knowing she was loved? Sato loved her? What could that mean? Maybe her journey for the truth wasn't over yet. Fixing the scarf around her neck, Lilia wondered about it. It was another puzzle to the whole thing. But how many would follow, she wondered. Slowly, Lilia kneeled down on one knee as she lowered her head. ''Rest in peace... Ilia of the Hon clan. Know you're loved....'' Holding her pose for some moments, Lilia slowly rose up and looked at the statue for one last time. A little smile erupted, but this time no tears. Raising her right hand, Lilia placed it on the shoulder of the woman and slowly moved in for a hug. It would look strange, hugging a stone statue. But to her it was the closest thing of hugging the one who had given her the gift of life. Slowly stepping back, Lilia turned around and walked away. The whole journey had opened her eyes.

She would've to accept certain things, things like this. And she should cherish the moments she had with the people she already loved and had bonded with. The past was the past. Slowly stopping, Lilia sighed and looked over her shoulder. The statue was still there and she felt silly, but she could swear she had seen the smile growing bigger. Closing her own eyes, Lilia turned to walk away again. Clenching her right fist, she would head home. Cause she had a home. It only took her long to realize what the meaning of home was.

A place where she would feel at peace. Just like the resting place of her mother was at Maiden's Rest, far in the north of the Lightning Country, so was Lilia's place in Konohagakure.

With the others.

[Little Alice]

A bad omen,

The start of Lilia's End!

Walking to the door, Lilia noticed a letter on the door way. Picking up the letter, she was confused. Behind her, Samehada slithered over the floor to follow his master. Ignoring the sound of the shark blade, Lilia opened the letter. Her eyes wandered over the letter, but then she gasped. Her face turned pale as she read it again. It couldn't be true! A third time and nothing still had changed. Her right hand trembled slightly as she folded the letter and quickly checked the area. Nobody was around. It was still quite early.

The smell of something burn slowly was raised in the air. Burned paper fell on the doormat. Then a tear.
''Fine... I will be there.'' Raising her head, there was a dangerous glare in the dark growing eyes of Lilia. ''I will end this!'' She muttered, not able to shout the words she wanted to shout. Only she couldn't. Turning back, she softly closed the door behind her. It...

It was going to end.

[Little Alice]

The Goodbye between Hayate and Lilia,
A hero leaving Hayate..

A collab between Chrome and Alice.

SPOILER: Click to show

Lilia had everything set. The dummies and the tools. She had promised Hayate that she would spend the whole morning training with him. The last day she would stay in Konohagakure, after receiving the message. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she closed her eyes. The thought alone made her fear the time that the evening would be upon them. But she shouldn't let Hayate know it already. The morning sun hadn't risen already, but she knew that they would train at the horrible hour of 04:00. The same time she had always started trainings with Hiron. It was a fun thought that she was now training Hayate in a similiar kind of fashion. Though more in her own kind of manner. Hoping that he hadn't overslept, Lilia looked around the grassfield. A bit of mist hang over the grass, causing the vegation to be damp with the morning dew. It was something that brought Lilia back to the days she was an Academy student. Listening to the teachings and lessons of Hiron. It brought the unique small smile to Lilia's lips, as she was starting to lose herself in memories of that good time.

Hayate was not running late however, he was already on the field, waiting for Lilia. He had used his Hiding Like a Mole Technique to hide underground, waiting for a good opportunity to strike. Hayate always looked forward to training with Lilia as it was always a challenge. He always tried to find new ways to surprise her and get the upper hand, although it was quite difficult against one who was so talented. Knowing that this was their last training session before Lilia would be leaving had made Hayate prepare extra hard in order to gain the upper hand. Today was the day he'd finally beat Lilia in a sparring match... or so he told himself.

Hayate had not slept the night before. Instead he had stayed out at the training fields overnight to prepare. As the time had come closer to when he was supposed to meet with Lilia, Hayate had formed two shadow clones and taken them underground. There he had simply waited, hoping that Lilia would approve of his plan afterwards, and hoping that he finally managed to win one of their matches.

Hayate could feel the vibrations on the surface above as Lilia entered the field. He sent one of his clones to the opposite end of the field, and one of them right underneath Lilia. Then he positioned himself a small distance away from where Lilia stood on the ground above. The clone Hayate had sent to the far side of the field rose to the surface. He was wearing a pack with his equipment in it, and he began running towards Lilia, calling out "Hello Lilia-sama! I am terribly sorry for running late, I got too caught up trying to organize all of my equipment. I hope I haven't disappointed you?"

Disturbed from the memories of the past, Lilia was suddenly in the present. Turning her head to look at Hayate, who she thought was the real one, Lilia casted a warm smile. His words made her mood a bit better than it was before. The word choice, of him not trying to disappoint her also made her feel... calm. And happy. Was she the same for him as Hiron was for her? The person he would try to keep proud, the drive to keep pressing himself? Placing her right hand on her hip, Lilia nodded. ''You worry too much, Hayate-kun. Like if you could do that. Glad you're on time.'' She responded, waiting until he would come close.

The clone of Hayate's smiled at Lilia's words. For a single moment he hesitated, he didn't want to ruin the moment by attacking, but then realized that this would probably be his best chance for success. A small grin appeared on Hayate's face, the only warning of what he was about to do.

Hayate sent the clone who was directly underneath Lilia up, attempting to take her down with the Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique. He had timed it so that, as soon as his clone would grab Lilia's leg, his other clone on the ground would charge forward, using the Secret Sword: Moon Shadow Technique. The first technique that Lilia had ever taught him.

Hayate himself would wait underground patiently, waiting to see what happened.

The grin was odd, making the kunoichi instincts kick in as Lilia suspected something. The smile on her face faded away, but without Samehada at her side to 'taste' any chakra signature close to her that could be a threat or surprise, she was surprised by the fact that suddenly somebody grabbed her legs. Due her mastery over lightning chakra nature, she instantly let out a wave of the Silent Shocking Technique. It prevented the clone to drag her into the ground, but she was still much surprised. Even more when the Hayate that had presented himself to her, now came at her with the technique she had taught him.

Even though she tried to ready herself, letting the Silent Shocking Technique flow over her body as an invisible shield, she was impressed. He had clearly lay in an ambush and managed to surprise her. It would have likely been totally different if she hadn't the skill she had with her Lighnting Jutsu. Then he would've caught and captured her with the first ambush. Though the fact he came rushing already towards her, meant he had learned from his previous mistakes. Though she was trying to focus, Lilia felt proud. ''You...''

As the first clone poofed away due to Lilia's lightning, the real Hayate smiled. Of course she wasn't going to make it easy for him. Hayate was excited that he would actually get a chance to try out the new justu he had been training. Forming the necessary handsigns, the real Hayate reached into his pouch and pulled out some of his clan's metal alloy. He quickly formed the alloy into small metal rods and sent them through the earth. They would come up around Lilia in a circle, sticking above the earth by about a foot or so. Hayate's new jutsu was designed to be one of his more effective defenses against a lightning user such as Lilia.

The jutsu, Metal Release: Lightning Catcher, was designed to obstruct a lightning user's control over their lightning. The purpose of the rods was to act as a conductor, drawing the lighning away from the user and into the earth, where it would dissapate harmlessly. Hayate hadn't quite perfected the jutsu to the point where it would be able to completely disable a lightning user of Lilia's caliber, but it would still draw a signigicant portion of her lightning away. This would make any of her attacks that relied on pure lightning, or any of her lightning based defenses, significantly less useful. Although, all Lilia would have to do to get away from it would be to jump away from the lighning rods, Hayate had no intention of letting her do so.

As the rods would surface, syphoning away some of Lilia's lighning, Hayate would surge upwards, positioning himseld below Lilia and once again using the Double Suicide Decapitation Technique. This time however, Lilia's lightning would not be as effective, and Hayate was counting on this as he reached up through the earth to grab her leg.

At the same time, Hayate's clone on the surface would be charging forwards, making afterimages and distracting Lilia's attention.

He really had a plan! Lilia was again surprised as she felt a strange feeling and noticed the rods. It was taking away her lightning? How? Puzzled, she wasn't in time to react to both the incoming Hayate as moving away, to avoid being grabbed. Though the little of Lightning chakra would keep him from dragging her into the ground, she couldn't get away. Her eyes tried to keep track on the incoming attack, but it was all quite a lot. The first thought was to call upon Matatabi's chakra, to push it away with a powerful gust of chakra. But she easily controlled herself. This wasn't a life and death situation. Just Hayate that was showing the results of their training. Readying as good as she could, a smile crept on the lips of Lilia, already knowing that Hayate had been prepared too well for this.

Hayate's clone would make one final afterimage before leaping into the air, swinging his staff above his head. The clone would come down, fast as Lilia's lightning, and swing his staff in a deadly arc towards her - - Stopping just before hitting her. Hayate's clone grinned and tapped the staff lightly onto the top of Lilia's head before poofing out of existence.

The real Hayate would let go of Lilia's leg and rise to the surface in front of her smiling. He laughed warmly as he cocked his head, "You didn't actually think I'd be late for our last training session did you? I'm hurt." He said jokingly, happy to see Lilia once again.

Really surprised, Lilia wondered what was more of the case. The fact she had been distracted too much by something or the fact Hayate had really improved. Maybe both? He had showed that he had learnt from the previous times they had trained. Even coming up with something she hadn't encountered before from him. Suddenly she laughed, in a friendly way. ''No, I wouldn't think that. And you're hurt? What about me? You didn't got a staff whacked on your head..'' She said. Settling down, she then patted his head. ''You've improved quite a lot, if I have to be honest. Hayate-kun.''

Grinning ear to ear, Hayate replied, "I didn't even hit you that hard! It was more like a friendly little pat than anything!" Hayate laughed and tried to move his head out of the way as Lilia patted him. "Thank you Lilia-sama. That means a lot. Although I have you to thank for most of those improvements. You made me fight to get stronger Lilia, you gave me a reason to fight. For that, I am forever in your debt." Hayate grew a little more serious as he spoke, genuienly meaning each and every word.

The words made her look surprised again, this time she was unable to hide that. Her mouth dropped a bit open as she wasn't sure how to react to that. Did he looked at her in a similiar way as she did to Hiron? Was that earlier thought then true? It filled her with pride, happyness, but also sorrow. She knew what she had to do this night and it already saddened her that this could be the last time they would see each other. Trying to hold back the tears, Lilia stuttered. ''Thanks Hayate-kun. It was a honour... Like it always has been.'' She told him, only cursing herself mentally. The words had been messed up as it now looked like she wouldn't train with him anymore. Was it because that she had trouble to lie against him?

Hayate's smile faltered slightly. Something in Lilia's tone caused him to pause. Cocking his head to the side Hayate asked, "Was, Lilia-sama?" He saw the look in her eyes and his smile fell completely. "What is wrong Lilia-sama? I am not used to seeing you like this!" Concern filled Hayate's voice and he instinctively moved closer to Lilia, hoping to comfort her.

''Nothing is wrong.'' Lilia replied, which was actually partially true. She had already made her choice, thus nothing was really wrong. In a kind of perspective. Still, she felt a bit guilty. ''Just a bit... You kind of remember me of how I look up to Hiron. I'm quite honoured... proud and very happy that I could train you, Hayate-kun. You will become a great shinobi, but I believe you're already a great person.'' She pauzed, flashing a warm smile again. ''Already since the day we met.''

Her words took Hayate by surprise. He did not know what to say. He was both incredibly humbled and also still a little concerned. Lilia had never before lied to him, at least as far as he knew, and it seemed now like she was holding something back. "Lilia-sama, I want you to know something. I want you to know that you made me the person I am today. Before I met you, well... before I met you I was alone and lost. You were my first true friend Lilia, and that means more to me than anything else in this world. Everything I have become, everything I am, is because you took the time to care. You took the time to help someone as insignificant as me, and you cared enough to make me care about myself." Hayate paused briefly, half torn between smiling and crying. Quenching the tears, Hayate spoke, "But that is what you do, isn't it? You care Lilia, and you make people better. You make them stronger. I've seen the effect that you have on people's lives Lilia-sama. That will be your legacy, that will follow you always. You truly are the kindest person I have ever met Lilia-sama, and it is I who am honoured to have been a small speck in your brilliant life." Hayate locked eyes with her, unsure why he had this foreboding feeling. Hayate had managed to quench the tears but even now a single tear escaped, falling down his face as he looked at Lilia, sincerety ringing out in every word.

It caused mental pain to see Hayate like that. Likely he had a guess that this would be like a goodbye. Due their short distance, Lilia could pick up the tear that rolled over his cheek with her pink. ''Thank you, Hayate-kun.'' She said with a soft tone. Able to restrain her own tears, Lilia thought about how she could reply to such words. ''My legacy....'' She whispered, pulling back the hand and stare for a moment at the pink. Her own legacy? It sounded like a fine one, to inspire her friends and such to become better. In a way how Hiron had been her drive, she had became the drive for other people? It caused her to smile a bit as she found it a beautiful thought. ''I am not sure... I just do what I can do.'' She looked back at him, trying to smile again. With a warm and genuine emotions in it. It only failed as it became a sad smile. Do what she could? Her own thoughts mocked her words, as she knew better.

"Lilia-sama, it pains me that I have not known you for longer, but in the time that we've had together I have come to understand that what you 'can do' is incredible. You are more than a simple inspiration Lilia. You are a beacon. I will always cherish the time we have together, but why do I feel like this is goodbye?" Hayate could not keep his voice from wavering as he said that. This couldn't be goodbye, he had not had enough time with her yet. And Lilia couldn't leave, she meant so much to the village, to him...

Hayate's confusion boiled over him, clouding his vision as he waited for Lilia's response. He was lost.

Sighing, she felt sad, but somehow didn't managed to cry yet. Was it because of the amount of pride and happyness he managed to give her? That was most likely it, she figured. ''Because it is, Hayate-kun. Sadly, it is. I-I'm sorry.'' She told him. Locking her gaze with him, she stayed silent for a moment. The fact he showed how much he admired her really made her become silent for a moment. ''Listen... There is a lot of things that people need to learn. One of them is to accept things. I learned from my grandfather that you sometimes have to accept something. No matter how cruel, unfair or how much you hate it.... In the end, you have to or else you can't continue.'' Lilia told him on a calm tone. She gently stroke his right cheek with her left gloved hand. ''I am sorry, Hayate-kun. If it's of any.... I..'' Lilia became a bit lost at words, trying to say the right words on the right word tune.

''You're young... I've already experienced quite some things, seen many places. I think you'll do the same. No, I am sure of it. But like I said, you need to accept some things. I would be saddened if you would linger too much, mourning or regretting something.'' She told him, on a more sad tone.

Hayate was numb. Lilia's words passed over him and he barely heard. Even the touch of her hand to his cheek did little to illicit any feeling. Hayate could not even cry, he was just blank. While he registered and understood what Lilia was saying, Hayate was unable to reply. He stood still, for a long time he simply stood without speaking. Finally he gained enough strength to look into her eyes. His eyes however, were empty. He spoke only one word, but that word spoke volumes.

"Why?"

''To make sure that everybody I care for, that everybody I love, will not be harmed. Not harmed if I back down this time. Come.. Sit with me.'' Lilia took one of his hand and guided him to a fallen tree. Sitting down, she sighed. ''You know that I've something.... I've...'' Her hands were placed on her stomach. She hadn't told it to many, only to a very select group of people. Some others had learned of that she was a Jinchuriki because of she had used Matatabi's chakra in some battles. ''Don't be scared or such. I'm fine. It's just that I need to do something. Alone.'' She continued. It was a bit vague, she was aware of that. But Lilia tried her best to find a way to explain it as good as she could.

''Listen to me Hayate. There might come a day that you will be standing in the same situation, though it's my goal to prevent somebody experiences this... It's one of the reasons why I want to become the next Hokage.'' Lilia told Hayate. ''Now, please, don't be sad.'' She finished with a soft and sad tone in her voice.

Sitting next to her, Hayate finally found his voice again. "What do you mean if you back down this time Lilia-sama? The Lilia I know doesn't back down from anything! She's too strong, and too damned stubborn! You can't leave... I can't..." Hayate's eyes were cast downwards, beginning to mist again. He fought away the numbness, reaching out for something, some way to fight this. He had to stop her from leaving, he had to...

"I... I don't understand Lilia-sama. Why must you leave? And why if you leave, can you not come back? If you want to become the Hokage Lilia-sama then stay! You are an incredibly talented shinobi Lilia! People look up to you, people respect you. I truly believe that you can achieve that goal, but how can you do that if you're gone?" Hayate paused, trying to find the right words, the right thing to say.

"What is it that you are going through? And why can't I help? I'd give anything, do anything to make you right again, to make you stay... You are the person I care most about in this world Lilia-sama. Without you I..." He shook his head angrily, fighting back the tears. Looking up, Hayate met Lilia's gaze. "You gave me a purpose Lilia-sama. You gave me a new life. I don't think you will ever truly realize how much you've done for me, or how much you mean to me. You are the strongest person I know, and I mean that as more than just your talents as a shinobi. The Lilia I know never gives up, never stops fighting. The Lilia I know doesn't know the meaning of selfishness. You are the person I aspire to be Lilia-sama. You give me something to fight for every day. This time we've spent together, it has been the best time in my life. And I will never forget that. But you cannot ask me to accept this, to let you go. Especially not without a fight." Hayate stared into Lilia's eyes, his course set, his eyes blazing. He had gone from being empty inside to being full of fire, full of a burning passion to fight for what he knew was right. He refused to back down.

Lilia let him finish, listening to every word. Fighting the tears back, as she knew it was going to be a day filled with tears, she couldn't. Gently and slowly placing her right hand on top of his head, Lilia slowly smiled. Tears flowed out of her eyes over her cheeks. For a moment she just sat there with him, smiling her little and unique smile towards Hayate. ''You're a special person, Hayate-...kun.'' Lilia told him, slow and soft as she was very cautious now.

''But wouldn't you do the same? If you could save me.... wouldn't you risk the fight against somebody impossible to win? Wouldn't it not be fair if I showed the will to protect everybody? A Hokage is like a shield. It's not the strongest person in terms of power, strength or intellect. It's the person that is there to lit the fire within people. The person that will not stop at any length to keep everybody safe... I can't possibly become Hokage... Staying leader of the Konoha Guardians, without fighting alone. Alone to protect everybody else.'' She told him with a friendly and sad tone. ''I'm happy that... that I have a legacy... That means I will be with you. Till the end.'' Lilia said. She stopped as she ruffled slowly through his hair. Staying quiet for another moment, she tilted her head a bit to the left. ''Hayate-kun.... When you love a person... If it is either as a friend, relative or what so ever, you sometimes need to let them go. It is hard, but..'' Lilia pauzed again. She knew the words she wanted to say, but it was just that it was hard. The knowledge that Hayate cared so much for her was touching. ''And we know both that fightning now isn't the solution. Is it?''

Gritting his teeth, Hayate could no longer fight the flow of tears as they spilled over his face. His body shaking under her soft touch, Hayate struggled to contain his emotion. Watching as the tears fell down Lilia's face, Hayate paused. Reaching out, he brushed the tears away from her cheek. "I would risk everything to save you Lilia-chan. I would gladly give up everything, if only for a chance. But I can't... I can't just let you go. I will never be able to do that." Hayate mustered up enough strength to smile, however brief, however fleetingly. "I suppose it would be selfish for me to ask you to stay. But there's a part of me that just doesn't care. I could never truly be as selfless as you Lilia-chan. I could never give you up."

"You don't have to fight alone Lilia-chan. I will always be here for you, always be there, ready to fight at your side. Please let me do the same now, let me fight with you. Together we can overcome whatever it is that you fight against, I'm sure of it! I just... I can't not fight, I can't not try. Wouldn't you do the same? You asked me before if I would not risk fighting the impossible to save you, and that is what I am doing now. Please... let me... let me save you Lilia-chan. You don't have to be alone. I... I don't think I can do this alone either." Hayate pleaded with all his might, hoping his words could somehow make her stay. Wishing against all odds that she would give him the chance.

It wasn't easy for her to see Hayate like this, but it was for the better. It would have been worse if she would be gone and he had no idea what to expect. What did she actually really expect? No, she already had thought enough about that after she had received the message. ''I know you'll be here for me, I'm truly grateful everyday to know you and the others are at my back and side.'' Lilia began. She was careful to make sure she sounded calm and reasonable. ''Hayate-kun... I would do the same. I already did before. And I know.. I know how it feels. But there will be many more moments like this. Not because you're a shinobi, a member of the Guardians or such. That is not it. It's because you're a good person. You'll make a lot of friends. People that will bond with you. And in the end, you'll end up losing them or they will lose you. It's okay. I promise.'' Removing her hand from his head to pull him in an embrace, Lilia smiled as she closed her eyes. ''It's okay. The bad and sad moments are there for a reason, Hayate-kun. They are there to bring more value to the happy moments. And didn't we had a good share of them?''

As Lilia pulled him into an embrace, Hayate fell apart. He held her tightly, afraid to let her go. Sobbing silently into her shoulder, Hayate was ashamed. "I know of loss Lilia-chan, I know its pain. And I promised myself a long time ago that I would never let it happen again, that I would do everything in my power to not lose anyone else. Especially not... especially not someone that I truly care about. Someone who means more to me than the air I breathe. Please Lilia-chan..." Hayate's voice wavered uncontrollably in between his sobs. He clutched Lilia tightly, wanting to never let go, but knowing that he would soon have no choice.

His voice was but a whisper as he spoke his next words, "Please stay." He could manage no more words, he simply let out that one final plea.

It stayed silent as they were locked in a tight embrace. Patting his back as she knew that she had some time. ''I'll be always with you, Hayate-kun. Always.'' She whispered back. ''We've our memories. Our moments of laughing, hardship and such moments. But as long you'll not forgot them, you will have something of me with you.'' She told him. Slowly she released him a bit so she could look at him again. ''Listen, you're a clever person. Strong and loyal. All good qualities that will make you become a respected nin in due time. I highly believe that it's no stupid coincidence that you managed to show you've been capable of both surprising me and patting me like you had been able. You might want to thank me for that, but it's you Hayate-kun. You're the one that earns the praise. Keep this also in mind. Soon you will be placed in a team and then you need to prove yourself again. I.. I will be there somehow. Okay? I can promise that.'' Lilia told him.

As they parted just enough so that they could see each other again, Hayate just stared. He wanted to make sure that he never forgot how she looked, how she was. He never wanted to forget a thing about her. "I will never stop thinking of you Lilia-chan. I will never forget." Hayate stared into her eyes once again, his pain evident there, but also something else. "I will spend my life trying to live up to your legacy Lilia-chan, and making sure that nobody forgets you. I can never properly thank you for all that you have done for me, and it pains me to the point where it is hard to even say. But I want you to know that you mean everything to me Lilia-chan, and that will never change. I will cherish the time we got to spend together, and I will remember you always." He paused, truly at a loss for words.

"Never stop fighting Lilia-chan, stay true to yourself. I will see you again, someday, and I only hope that I'll have made you proud when that day comes." Hayate took her hand in his and looked into her eyes. "Thank you Lilia-chan. Thank you for being a part of my life, and for giving me the gift of getting to know you. You are the brightest kind of star there is Lilia, and I'm just glad I got the chance to shine beside you, however briefly. You give me great honour Lilia-chan, and you make me stronger every day. So thank you. From the bottom of my heart I thank you. I would have been lost without you Lilia-chan, and even now I fear that I will not be able to go on without you here. But then I stop and think, and I realize that you will never truly be gone. You will always be in my heart Lilia, and in the faces of those I meet. You will never be gone from my life, not for a second. I will truly miss you more than life itself."

Lilia wanted to return words, wanting to say she was honoured, felt loved, happy and what more that ran through her, she sobbed. The words of Hayate really made it impossible for her to restrain her emotions. Sobbing again, Lilia seemed to pull him in for another embrace but planted a kiss on his forehead. After that, she used her right hand to place it against the back of his head, to bring their foreheads together, against each other. Looking into his eyes, she smiled a little bit. ''I'll never be gone. Promised.'' She told him, whispering the words as she then embraced him in another tight hug. Words wouldn't describe what his words had done to her, even though it wouldn't change her decision. Or what she had to do. But it did help her to feel a bit calmer about it.

Hayate held the embrace for as long as he could. It felt as if his world was crumbling down around him and the only safety he had was this embrace. He knew in that moment that he had lost, that nothing he said or did would change her mind, and in that moment Hayate broke a little. His tears flowed freely and he no longer tried to restrain them. He had lost that fight too. Hayate struggled to regain enough composure to speak, fighting his emotions back just long enough to whisper, "And I will never leave you either, Lilia-chan. I promise that from the bottom of my heart." With that, Hayate simply fell silent, holding her in their embrace for as long as possible.

And there they sat for a time. Lilia wasn't sure for how long, but she was happy that she had managed to tell Hayate. Knowing she would likely say goodbye to some others, Lilia wasn't that afraid anymore as she had been yesterday. The words of Hayate ran through her mind. Her legacy? The way how Hayate had explained it gave Lilia new hope. Maybe she had achieved more than she had thought at first? Yes, she was sure of that.

[Little Alice]

Don't regret a choice,
Only mad men do that.

A collab between Roran and Alice.

SPOILER: Click to show

Panting, Lilia held the heavy wooden sword. The sun was going to go down and she had been training ever since it had been up. Biting on her lower lip, she felt the cold sweat on her forhead, on her arms and back. Leaning on the practice weapon, she wanted to ask something, but couldn't find the energy. Finally, after a few moments, the words were coming out of her mouth. ''Ken...Ken-senpai...Was that...good?'' She asked, looking up with a worried glance.

With a controlled breathing he lowered his sword as Lilia adopted a more 'relaxed', read: exhausted, pose. Softly smiling when he saw her attempt to speak, actually requiring a few attempts due to her fatigue. They had been training eversince the morning, and when she had been in a good shape he had been actually driven to being tired aswell, but after some rest and more training her fatigue and his stamina had been taking effect, and as a result he was hardly sweating at this point. "No, it wasn't. I get that you're tired, but you shouldn't let that influence your fighting style too much. When you grow tired you tend to neglect your guards a bit." He told her as he showed her during which part of the manouvre she had clear faults.

Smirking, she pointed at him. ''You shouldn't talk. You almost got hit in the face... Like...'' The smirk vanished as Lilia's facial expression changed to a more mix of sad and serious. ''Sorry.'' She looked at the wooden sword, lifting it up from the ground again. Though she felt exhausted, she didn't want to bring emotional stuff up. There was already something on in her head. ''Ken-senpai... Do you regret any choices?'' She asked him with a serious voice.

Raising an eyebrow in reacting to her sudden change of mood, and he was entirely surprised when she asked wether or not he regretted any choices. Imediately thinking of how Matsuri Hyuga now was held captive here more than anything, bearing the curse seal that branded her as a branch member of the Hyuge clan, being desinherited by her father. "Only a mad man does not regret anything." He replied, looking at the winter sky. It had been two months since Christmas now, and the snow had only melted a few weeks ago. The cold steelgrey sky stared back at him.

''What if... you make a choice...and don't come back?'' Lilia asked. With a sad expression she looked at the young man she called her kendo sensei. The one she had respected for his bravery and skills in combat. The one that had been in trouble with her many times. Kensuke was one of the people she held close by heart and mind. Though she was sure that she could hide things for him, Lilia didn't want to leave with some of his advice. Even while she thought that Zakito and even Hiron was wiser, she found something unique about Kensuke's wisdom. Or maybe it was just that she liked to listen to him? It made her less nervous as she hoped he wouldn't be shocked by her question.

"That's a choice we make when we decide to be shinobi." He replied. "We choose to become shinobi, to become revered protectors of our homes, living in relative wealth and respect, and in exchange we know that one day we won't return." He didn't really see where she was going with this conversation, but he didn't worry about that. Lilia'd get to it, she just needed to test how he thought of things first.

Nodding, she looked at the wooden sword. ''I heard a samurai once say that people are like swords. That we can grow dull and then become useless and be forgotten. Do you think... if I make the wrong choice..'' Swalloing, she looked up with an expression that showed her fear about something. It only lasted a second before she looked at the ground and shook her head. ''Sorry Ken-senpai. I'm acting stupid.''

"Don't worry. Wise people often say things like that, but it's easy to misinterpret their words. It all depends on with which prespective you look at it and what you value most." He replied. Wise and fancy quotes were always fun, maybe even mindblowing to read, but one had to keep in mind that they came from a person who had lived in a certain context, and that you did not necessarily live in the same context.

''What kind of wisdom would one say.... when facing certain death?'' Lilia asked, looking up again. This time, she looked with a sad expression and couldn't hold it any more. ''Ken-senpai.... I don't want to die.... But... I don't w-w-want to see the others hurt... because of me. I...am scared..'' She told him, sniffing a bit as she tried to keep her tears back.

He dropped the sword and hugged her when he noticed something was definately wrong. "Certain death? What's going on? You know I'll always help you right? Unless it's something riduclous ofcourse." He tried comforting her, even adding a meagre joke.

The joke just made it actually worse, though she knew he didn't meant it like that. Tears flowed as she dropped the wooden sword and hugged him back. ''...It's something.. r-r-riduclous. I'm going to...die.'' She told him, knowing her answer was vague. But she already had a hard time telling him what she was thinking, let alone explain why she was thinking like that. Though not one to cry so easily, Lilia didn't care anymore. Did dead people care? Such questions only made her more affraid of her decision.

"Lilia Hon. Tell me what's going on." He said with a friendly and empathetic tone, but a pressing one too. There was definitely something very wrong, and he couldn't see what. Why would she die?

Trying to control herself, Lilia sobbed as she tried to formulate the sentences. There was no point of hiding it anymore. ''My....sister...hates me. S-S-She almost killed me.. And now.. if I don't go and... she will hurt..y-y-you. And Hiron-chan...and..Ai-Aimi.'' Lilia stuttered, trying to form words instead of gibberish sounds.

Rapidly blinking as he heard her words he wondered why he didn't know she had a sister. "Your sister?" He asked, and as his mind raced to place all the new information he immediately continued. "You intend to fight your sister all on your own so she won't harm your friends?"

Nodding as she wasn't sure how to explain all of the story. The story of her mother, Katsuro and the dairy of Ilia. She wasn't sure how to explain that as only a few knew of it. A very few. And she was sure only two could understand it. ''I... I don't...want to see you get hurt, Ken-senpai. I want to be the ..shield.'' She told him, thinking of Jinkama's words. The thought of her adopted grandfather made her only more sad.

"Is that really such a good idea? Let me be blunt; it is very brave of you to take it up for all of us, but don't you think it'd be better if you didn't go alone? Take Hiron for example,. He's been a jounin eversince he was 17 or 18. Don't you think that it'd be beter if he were to help you fight your sister?" He confronted her. Maybe this was something she just had to do alone, but protecting people who were perfectly able to protect themselves sounded a bit strange to him.

Lilia suddenly giggled, thought it wasn't a giggle that she found it truly funny or being happy. ''First time.. you said something that praised Hiron-chan. Besides...did you thought... of calling others when you saw...her?'' Lilia asked him about Matsuri. She could understand Kensuke's question, but he didn't know how strong she was. Even she was scared by the thought of how strong her sister could be now.

"I did not, because even though I knew she was strong, I knew that if I trusted in my own abilities and would not hesitate, I could defeat her. Doubting about yourself does not help you win Lilia." He said, grunting in repsone to her saying something about him praising Hiron. Pfft! "Why do you want to fight her on your own?"

''Because... I want to show I can win... I always had you...Uncle Zakito.... Everybody at my back. At my side. The times I fought alone were already decided battles or missions that were below my level. Even when.. I managed to learn things. Make new friends, I never have achieved things on my own. Even.... '' She placed her hands on her stomach. ''I managed to befriend Mata-sama...He is a grumpy, stiff and stubborn beast. Thinks he is all.. high and mighty..'' She looked at her own stomach area before looking with her own unique little smile at Kensuke. ''But he is caring...wise... and I love him for who he is... Just like you and the others... I want to show I can be great too. That I can do things on my own to protect everybody. I'm scared, but also happy... It's strange..'' Lilia explained, not sure if Kensuke understood her words.

"Lilia." He said, looking her in the eyes as he held both of her shoulders, hoping that he'd get through to her right now. "You don't have to prove yourself to anybody. If that's necessary at all, you already did a long time ago. Don't put yourself at risk simply because of that." He answered on a dead serious but friendly tone.

Nodding again, Lilia had a serious expression on her face. ''I know Ken-senpai... I managed to convince you... Hisoka-sama. Everybody. But it's not the feelings of others. I want to feel it too. I want... I want.'' Lowering her head a little, she said her last words in a bit softer tone. ''I want to make Hiron-chan proud of my choice... I want him to be unharmed... What other choice do I have then to do it myself?''

Slowly a frown formed on his face as he realised what she was saying. "There's no way I can get you off of this stupid idea, now is there? Fine. So be it. Keep in mind though that even while you choose what you do and don't, your life is not your own. If you die, then it would influence a lot of people. Keep that in mind while you are off proving yourself." He said on a rather harsh tone. He wasn't amused at all, but he could relate to her situation, a little bit. "I wish you luck then. Just don't doubt in yourself."

Though she was happy he tried to understand her or at least didn't try to stop her, Lilia felt guilty. ''Sorry .... Ken-senpai.'' The guilt only made her mood drop lower as she felt that she had disapppointed Kensuke. Thinking of something to cheer him up wouldn't help. ''Ken-senpai.... do you..believe in me?'' She asked, wiping some tears away as she looked up at him.

"Ofcourse I do. Have you ever given me a reason to doubt?" He said with a faint smile as he gave her a soft punch on her shoulder. "We all believe in you. All we are waiting for is for you to believe in yourself."

[Little Alice]

A Friend says never farewell,
Only..

Till next time!

A collab between Iceringer and Alice.

Alice :
I haven't forgot you Icy.
You were cool... No pun intended.

SPOILER: Click to show

With her shoulderbag ready, she looked around. The pictures on the ceiling. The few stuffed animals on her bed. It made her smile as she realized how fast time had gone. What kind of life she had. Picking up her favorite animal, a little teddy bear, one that Hiron had gave her, Lilia put him in the back. One last time she looked around before walking to the window. Jumping, she was going to head towards the Hyuuga compound. Though she had promised herself that she wouldn't take any goodbyes, seeing she had confidence in herself, she couldn't push herself to leave without talking to that person.

It was in the mid of the night and she was wondering what would happen if she would get caught. Trying to be sneaky as silent as she could be, she arrived at the house. Now she thought of, she never had been this long in the Hyuuga compound. It made her smile a little as she tried to figure out where Hideki's window was. Where did he even slept? Though she felt her heart beating in her throat, Lilia tried to call her friend. ''Hideki! Hideki!.....Shushi!''

Hideki's eyes snapped open at the sound of a familiar voice, calling out to him. What now? He sat up in his bed, eyes squinted, his hair ruffled from sleeping. "Hello..?" He called out softly, unsure if the voice he'd heard was real or a dream. It was probably the latter. Who'd visit him in the middle of the night? But then, why did he feel like this? Oddly enough, he felt concerned.

Lili looked up and frowned. This was the right house, wasn't it? Scratching the back of her head with her right hand as she placed her left on her hip, she kept looking up. ''Shuuuuushi! Shuuuuuushi!'' She tried again, hoping that her friend would be here. Else she had to go without telling Hideki what was going to happen. What she had planned. Without saying goodbye. Something that she would likely regret if she would be forced to make that choice.

Hideki had closed his eyes when the voice called out to him again. What the..? This was no dream. Someone was calling out to him in the middle of the night. He rushed to his feet, throwing his blanket off him, landing on the wooden floor. He felt dizzy as he took his first step towards the window. He'd still not recovered completely from him and Lilia's journey to the Snow country. His body had been pushed to limits he'd not been prepared for. It had been necessary for his survival, though. He could not thank Lilia enough for that. His eyes searched the premises of the Hyuuga compounds, when he spotted a familiar figure, a small silhouette in the darkness. "L-Lilia! Is that you?" He said, his voice loud enough for her to hear.

A smile grew on Lilia's lips. ''Who else silly? Come, we need to talk.'' Lilia replied. She was really glad to see him again, but had a strange feeling. Why did she felt like that? Lilia shrugged it off mentally as she would wait till Hideki would come with her. Hopefully he would to talk with her.

Hideki stared at her, his eyes widened. "Do you know what tim- Ah, damn it. I'll be there in a minute." He replied, cursing silently to himself as he hurried off to fetch a pair of pants. A moment later, he descended from the window, landing on the cobblestones below. His eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and she didn't appear as a silhouette to him anymore. He took note of the bag, hanging loosely at her shoulder, but he didn't say anything about it. Not yet atleast. "So, what's your explanation? You disturbed my beauty sleep, y'know?" He muttered, though he couldn't deny that he was happy to see her. However, she could have chosen a better time, could she not?

Suppressing her giggle, she bumped his left shoulder with her right hand. ''You will need that, true. But come, we need to talk. It's important.'' She told him as she did looked with a more serious expression in both her eyes as facial expression. Placing her left hand on the shoulderbag, she looked around and asked him a question. ''Can we sit and talk somewhere without getting bothered?'' Was her question.

Hideki noted her expression, but yet again, he remained silent. She'd explain eventually. And he was patient enough to wait. "Hm.. Yes. Follow me." He replied, a slight frown creasing between his eyebrows. Why did he feel so concerned? It wasn't like she was going to leave. But then, why did she carry that bag? No, no, no. You're thinking too much, Hideki.", He told himself, hoping it would make the concern disappear. It remained. He walked off in a direction, his footsteps muffled to not awake any sleeping Hyuuga. He beckoned for Lilia to follow him. They reached a small bench, just outside the Hyuuga compounds premises. Hideki took a seat, waiting for Lilia to do the same. He was itching for an explanation by now. They would not be disturbed here. It was rare for people to walk by here alone, and especially not in the middle of the night.

Theme song.
Lilia and Hideki's goodbye.

Sitting down, Lilia flashed a warm smile to Hideki. He seemed tense. Saying nothing, Lilia looked up to the sky. It was a bright nightsky, where they could see the stars shinning brightly at the heavens. Still saying nothing, Lilia enjoyed the peace and serenity. Even the insects didn't play their song, as it seemed she and Hideki were alone now. ''I always love to see the stars shine.... When I came to Konoha, I was scared... Felt alone and wasn't sure how it all would go.'' Lilia's smile grew as she kept looking at the sky, speaking with a rather saddened tone. Like her own story made her think back with a sad feeling.

''When I even met uncle Z, who was then Third Hokage, I felt scared. I was soon appointed to become the protege of Hiron Hon. He was like always strict, serious and above all.....caring. He made me realize that there is more to life than only doing your duty for a clan... a village. Soon after I learned the wise lessons he taught me, my belief in his way kept growing. It kept growing as I kept making more friends. People, who all have and had something that made them..... great. Funny.'' Lilia pauzed. Lowering her head, it was like she was thinking about something. ''I also lost people who I loved. Either killed in battle, disease or ways that one wouldn't rather want to see. I've had my ups and downs, but I think that I had a good time. Thanks to all the memories I have.'' Now she looked at Hideki and smiled again. ''I know this all sound sudden and weird, but I wanted to use tonight to talk with you. To tell you're amazing Hideki Hyuuga. You are one of the people that always keep me cheerful, motivated and..... I hope that I was a good friend to you.''

Hideki squared his jaw, his frown growing deeper. Her words made him uncomfortable. His suspicions couldn't be correct, could they? They better not be. He was silent for a long moment, his eyes searching her face for any possible clues. Finally, he spoke. "Why are you telling me this..?" He whispered, though he didn't want to know the answer. It was in the air. And he felt it. He hated himself for it. His eyes continued to watch her, awaiting her response.

Looking again at the stars for a brief moment, she whispered back as she looked at him with a sad smile. ''Cause I'm going... And... I'm not sure. I ... I didn't want to leave without talking with you. Y-Y... You're one of my best friend. We've been through a lot. Things we only are allowed to know.'' She told him, trying to keep up her smile. She wondered why it was so hard to tell Hideki what was going on in her mind, but she felt like saying that if he would hear the words. those who she was planning to tell him. would break him.

His hope was shattered in a moment. He wanted to scream. Instead, he remained calm. Yes, he would talk her out of this. That'd work. She would listen to him, wouldn't she? Of course she would. "Why? You've said it yourself, this is your home! You belong here. So what are you talking about? There's always another way.. Whatever reason you're leaving for.." He said, sounding more desperate than he intended to.

''Cause, sometimes you need to make a choice. I've always had you... Hiron-chan. Masami-chan.. The others. I never fought alone, but always beside you guys. And we fought good, didn't we? We fought hard.'' Lilia smiled as she patted his shoulder. There was a little twinkle, a glitter of light in both her eyes. ''I am really happy here. This is my home.. But that means that I need and want to protect it. I want to protect you. My family. Friends. Everybody... I still want to become Hokage one day. But what good will it do, if I keep cowering behind you?'' She paused again, trying to keep her emotions under control. ''I want to make sure you grow up to become a fine shinobi. That you can see your dream come true. That I can say. Hey! I know that guy, he is one of my best friends. We've been to hell and back.'' Sniffing, Lilia pinked a tear away. It was getting harder and harder to keep her tears at bay. ''I love you Hideki. You're an amazing friend and for that... I want to make sure.. nobody will harm you when I can do something... a-about it.''

Hideki found himself unable to retort. He stared at her, unable to move, unable to think. He looked pained. "..Why? Won't you at least tell me why..?! What am I to you, Lilia? Am I not your comrade? Am I not your friend? Then why won't you tell me what's going on?!" He blurted out, unable to control the content of his sentences. "..If not, then take me with you. You can trust me. Please.." The words just left his mouth. There were hints of tears in his lavender tinted eyes. He did his best to suppress them, but he feared it would be impossible. For some reason, his attempts felt futile.

Lilia felt that she was already hurting him and it was true. She had thought about bringing him, Masami, Hiro-sama, Hiron... Everybody to where she was going. To show that person she wasn't alone. That she had people at her back. But would that not something about her? That she couldn't do it on her own? ''Cause this time... Hideki... I-I-I... I am not sure if there is a chance on....success.'' Lowering her head, she felt some tears rolling down her cheek as she had said it. Though it was in a different manner, Lilia was sure he got the hint. ''I...am...so sorry.''

Hideki felt himself shake, barely preventing himself from erupting into a scream. He gritted his teeth. "I- W-what.. Why..? Lilia.. J-just tell me why. I'm begging you." He almost choked on the words. He tasted something salty rolling down his cheek. For how long had he been crying? He wondered absently.

Slowly Lilia leaned forward as she opened her arms and closed her eyes. Hugging him tightly, she smiled as she also let the tears flow. ''Cause I care.... about everyone... H-Hideki.'' Out of words, she kept hugging him as she hummed a tune she had once heard. After some moments, she broke the hug as both her hands were placed on his shoulder. ''I can't promise anything... but I will never forget our time t-together...I can promise that... You'll do fine, Hideki.'' Lilia said, trying to smile as she found it heartbreaking to see him cry. Even worse, cause she was aware it was her fault.

There was nothing he could do. The realisation of that was worse than any feeling he'd felt before. It made his stomach wrench beyond belief. Again, he resisted the urge to scream out. Hideki looked at her, biting back tears. Actually, he didn't care anymore. He loosened the bite, salty tears streaming down his cheeks. Was there really nothing he could do? There must be a way. If this was indeed the reality, then he refused to acknowledge it. He suddenly grabbed her wrist, squeesing it tightly. "..D-don't go. Take me with you. I-I.. I can help you. You know I can!" He ended the sentence in a yell, his voice meek. His sobs were uncontrollable by now.

''You can... And you shall. But not me and not this time. I hope you will understand it later.'' Lilia slowly felt more at peace. The fact that Hideki didn't want to accept it was something she could understand, but it made her feel calm. He really cared for her as she did for him. Gently and slowly freeing her right hand, she wiped a tear away from his left cheek. Then Lilia tilted her head and smilled a little. The little unique smile she had, like if she knew something. ''Even without me, you had done great in the past to get here. You need to see that I'm standing behind you... That I am here.'' With her right index finger she gently poked him at his chest. ''Besides, you're a hero Hideki.''

"A hero..?" He spat out. "What kind of a hero am I if I can't even stop my best friend from leaving.." Saying the words himself gave them a whole other meaning. It made him feel utterly useless. He had no power in this. He was completely powerless. He was silent for a long moment. The wind howled past them, fluttering his hair, forcing him to shiver. "Promise me," Hideki finally said, "Promise me you'll return. I want to hear you say it." He whispered softly, his eyes red, exhausted.

''The kind of hero that inspires his friends to do things of great valor and courage. The kind of hero I respect, love and care for as a friend.'' She first answered. Though knowing he would want to her making the promise, she couldn't. Last time she had been left on the brink of death when she had met Selia. This time it wouldn't be any different. It was pretty certain that her sister hadn't been doing nothing with her skill. ''Hideki... I can't make such a promise.. I can't..'' Lilia told him, feeling saddened that she couldn't. But Hideki didn't deserved any lies.

Hideki was not shaking anymore. Oddly enough, he felt calm. The urge to scream had faded away. He knew that no words would make her stay. He had to accept reality. To his dismay. His shoulders sank down. The tiny bit of hope he had so desperately clinged to had not existed in the first place. "I see.." He whispered. Another moment passed by in silence. He looked up at her eventually, his eyes drained from tears. "I know you'll come back. There's no need to promise me. I trust you." He told her, betraying his thoughts, as if to convince himself. He pulled her into another embrace. He felt more tears well up in his eyes, but this time he held back. He wouldn't show anymore weakness. He had to be strong. Like her. "I trust you." He repeated.

Though she wanted to confirm it, she knew it would just give him false hope. Hugging him back, Lilia closed her green colored eyes as she was glad that he had been calmed down. ''I trust you too, Hideki. I... I hope you will be okay... And.. if.'' Slowly backing a bit away so she could look at him, the little smile was present again. ''If I come back... know that I will let you know...But please. Don't wait for me. You've your own life and goals. Think of yourself now and then.. and if you can... about me?''

Seeing his friend in such a weak state made his heart hurt. It felt like he'd been stabbed. "I-I.. I don't care.. I'll wait for you. I will." Hideki said, biting his lips. Why did it have to hurt so much? He'd been slashed with swords, been in the middle of explosions, and suffered kicks from foes much stronger than himself. Then why? Why was it that this hurt more than anything he'd experienced before? It's your fault. The words seemed to echo in his head. He ignored them. His eyes averted to the side, watching the village from the bench.

''If.. I survive...I hope to see you first.'' She told him, though not wanting to tell those words. Instantly she felt guilt striking down on her. It felt like she had told him a lie, but she would give it her all. There would be nothing that could make her stop trying, so far she knew. ''Hey Hideki...'' Lilia looked at the village, a calm look on her face as she watched with him the village from the bench.

Hideki continued to watch the village. He didn't want to answer her. He knew she would say something that'd make him hurt more. He wanted to run away. Escape the horrible place called reality. "Yeah..?" He found himself saying, speaking against his will. He instantly regretted answering.

''If I would become Hokage.... I'm so going to make sure nobody will have to endure this. I'm sorry for making you cry, Hideki.'' Lilia said, still looking at the village. The sad smile came back as she looked at him, some moments later. ''Do you think I would... will... euhm... become a good Hokage?''

"I'm not crying." Hideki instantly responded, wiping away his tears. He looked back at her, forcing himself to smile. Then he suddenly burst into a laughter. "You'd be great. Really, Lilia. You WILL be great." He said, his laughter fading away. He felt so tired. It was as if he'd aged ten years in a few moments. Maybe he had?

She frowned and shook her head, but the smile grew as she then looked back. ''There are so many things in this world.... I've been and seen many wonderful..and bad things. I sometimes feel at peace, knowing that I had done things, but with a good reason.'' Pauzing, Lilia closed her eyes for a moment as she sighed. ''I've been up in the north.. There is a place called.. Maiden's Rest. It's...where my mother was burried. I know it sounds strange.. but it's such a.. wonderful place. We sho-'' She stopped as she realized that it would just give him false hope. ''You should go there... Know what?'' This time she gained the cheerful twinkle in her eyes as she turned around and looked at him. ''Let's meet there.... If I survive... let's meet each other there. At least then I know you'll go to that place. You will love it, promised.''

Hideki found himself nodding. Yes. When this is all over, they'd meet up again. That made him feel hopeful. Made him believe. Allowed him to believe. "We'll do that. We will.." His eyes looked distant as he finished his sentence. He spotted the morning sun slowly rising up in the horizon. How long had they been sitting here for exactly? He was cold, but despite that, he didn't want to leave this place. This calm safe place. Lilia.

As she saw some light, she knew that she had to go. ''It's far up in the north. In the Lightning country. But if you ask around, many can direct you to it.... Go when it's early morning. When the birds and insects don't make a sound. When there is a low mist hanging over the fields. It's truly.. breathtaking in it's own way.'' Lilai explained as she slowly took his hands in hers. ''I will try to be there... but please.... I can't promise anything. Just.... I...''

Hideki grinded his teeth. It took him a moment to collect himself before he could speak. "It's okay. I'll be there. And so will you. Don't tell me you don't remember? We'll conquer this world together." He said, grinning despite himself.

Feeling the tears coming up again, Lilia hugged him. But she had to go now. She was wasting time and the longer she would stay, the harder it would get to get a moving. ''Together.. in this life or the next... together.'' Lilia whispered as she released him and took some steps back. Swallowing, she smiled a little again before turning around. As she turned around, Lilia felt the warm tears flowing over her cheeks again. But she wouldn't turn around. It would likely make her stay and that wasn't possible. Not with the consquence of seeing one of her friends getting hurt.

Hideki watched her go. The urge to yell at her returned. He wanted to scream from the top of his lungs. Beg for her to return. Instead, he continued to watch her leave. In that moment, he realized just how naive he was. How powerless he was. He had to grow stronger. For her, but most and for all, for himself. So that he'd never have to see the back of a friend again. After she'd left, he remained seated, watching the sun rise, resisting the chilly air.

[Little Alice]

Trying to stop a hero from leaving,
A student trying to stop his sensei!

A collab between Chromehound and Little Alice.

SPOILER: Click to show

It wasn't far now. It was still quite early as Lilia didn't notice many on the streets. And if somebody would hold her up, she could convince them it was another mission. Nothing strange. She had been on missions before, so why would this be any different. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, a grim expression was placed on her face as she was focused on heading towards the gates. After a few small jumps, she managed to get near it. Like she suspected, nobody would attempt to stop her. Which was perfect. Leaving the gates, Lilia almost looked over her shoulder, back. But instead of doing that, she picked up the pace. The weather up ahead was clouded with dark clouds. Probably a sign of bad weather. Hopefully it would rain. It would wash away the tracks and scent, making it impossible for people to come after her once the rain would wash it away.

The darkness served him well as Hayate clung to the shadows. He had come prepared, Hiron had talked enough sense into him that he knew, to go after her without being prepared would equal nothing but defeat. Hayate anticipated that she would bring Samehada with her, and their previous sparring matches had taught him of the sword's unique 'hunger' for sensing chakra. Throughout their training, Hayate had become accustomed to the strange sword's sensory range, and he hung back just out of that range right now. Watching as Lilia left the village, Hayate felt a pang of sadness. A small part of him had still hoped she would choose to stay behind, and forego her mission. Shaking his head sadly, Hayate set out to follow her as she made her way outside of the village. Hayate made sure to remain outside of the sword's range, he did not want Lilia to know that he was following her, at least not until it was too late for her to simply send him back.

Jumping up a tree, Lilia quickly moved to a branch. Her eyes glanced at the dark clouds for another moment, before she hopped from branch to branch. She wanted to move at a good pace, as she was pondering on something. Keeping her surroundings under watch, she was sure that nothing threatening would come on her way. She was still too close to Konohagakure. Even Selia wouldn't dare to come this close with people like the Hokage or such able to face her. Besides, she thought with lowering her head a bit, they weren't her target. Jumping further away, as she exterted more force from her last jump, Lilia decided to raise the pace.

Noticing her change in pace, Hayate hung back a little further. Caution was better than risk at this point, and he had no intention of letting Lilia find out he was following her this early on. Moving from branch to branch, Hayate did his best to remain in the shadows as much as he could. While mostly unnecessary, Hayate wanted to be as cautious as possible. It wouldn't be too much further before he would be able to approach Lilia, but Hayate kept himself at a distance even so.

As she landed on a branch, she felt something. Frowning, Lilia looked up. A rain drop. The grim expression was replaced with a more calm one. Good, if it would rain then her plan to fade away her tracks would be better this way. Without using chakra or any effort herself. Turning her attention on her path, she would continue on her same pace as she would head to the south. The rain was about to start.

Hayate reached out a hand to feel the first few droplets of rain. Looking to the sky he noticed the clouds had become darker and more foreboding. He had a bad feeling about this. Turning his attention back to his pursuit, Hayate noticed that Lilia had changed her direction slightly. Following suit, he kept the distance between them the same. It was almost time. The village was a far distance behind them now, but Hayate couldn't be certain that Lilia wouldn't still attempt to just take him back until it was too late, and she was too far down her path. Keeping his long coat draped around him like a cloak of shadows, Hayate pushed off from yet another branch.

Having no coat, Lilia didn't bother about the rain. The cold drops of water wouldn't cool her down. Narrowing her eyes, she was moulding chakra. It was just like the Fire Release control training Jinkama had taught her. To mould her chakra and raise her body temperature. It was not really wasting away chakra, but to keep herself wary. She knew that Selia was waiting on the place, but she wanted to be cautious. Even with Samehada likely to warn her of any approaching chakra signature, the Hon wanted to be sure not to run into an ambush.

They had travelled far enough. Hayate increased his speed, darting from branch to branch in an effort to catch up to Lilia. He knew full well that she would know he was coming long before he arrived, so he made himself easy to spot as he came in close. Leaping forwards, Hayate saw that she was not as far ahead. He moved swiftly across the last few branches and landed close to Lilia. His hands were raised and he began to speak even before he landed. "I do not come to stop you Lilia-sama. Please do not attack, just hear me out." Hayate looked to Lilia, awaiting her response, hoping she wouldn't lash out immediately as Hiron had feared.

Stopping, Lilia didn't turn around. The soft grunting of Samehada and the voice said enough. After a moment, she slowly turned around. The rain had became heavier. ''I had expected somebody. Hiron-chan... Uncle Z. Even Mister Sakamoto or Hisoka-sama. But then Sharky would've likely warned me. You have one shot, Hayate.'' Narrowing her eyes as she lightly lowered her head, her tone became colder. ''Only one and I suggest you think twice now.'' She instructed him.

Nodding his head Hayate spoke. "Before, when we spoke, I tried to stop you. I tried to dissuade you from doing this. I... I was wrong to do that. And I can see that now. I am not here to tell you to turn back. I am not here to tell you that you are doing the wrong thing. I think I am just starting to realize why you are doing this, and that it may very well be the right thing to do." As he had spoken, Hayate had held his head down. But now, he looked up, meeting Lilia's cold gaze. "You are my closest friend Lilia. And you are also my mentor. I swore to you that I would stand by you whenever it was needed and I am here now. I can help you Lilia-chan. I can help you with whatever it is that you go to face. I will not get in your way, and I will not try to hold you back. But I also have a duty. Not only to you, but to this village. I have a duty to keep it safe, and to do whatever I must to make sure it stays that way. I know that you believe in that Lilia, which is why you are here. I believe that the best way for me to fulfil that duty is to help you. To make sure that, whatever happens, you make it back to us alive. The village needs you Lilia-chan. Let me help you, you know I will not be a burden."

The only sound that was an answer was the drips of the heavy rainfall. Lilia slowly closed her eyes as a smile played on her lips. But it wasn't a happy one. More or less a sad one. Opening her right eye, she eyed Hayate. ''You think that? You're naive. You speak of that the village needs me, but yet you're the only one here. You say that you won't become a burden, but you're speaking you're capable of helping me. Without any knowledge what is going on or who I am going to face. I have high expectations from you, Hayate-kun.'' Lilia's tone became serious again. ''This has little to do with the Leaf or with you. You had your chance. I will not ask it again. Turn back and head to Konohagakure. I'm needed to finish this. Alone.'' Turning around, Lilia hopped towards another branch.

Hesitating only momentarily as Lilia leapt forwards, Hayate thought back to their first real argument. Pursuing her had only caused her to be angrier with him. He knew that the same would happen now but damn it he had to try. Pushing off, Hayate caught up with Lilia, staying a short distance away to avoid any instant attack. Thinking of the best words to say, Hayate decided to go a more direct route. "Fine Lilia-chan. Perhaps it is me who needs you more than the village. I may not know what lies ahead but you know that I am capable. I may not be at your level Lilia, but I can take care of myself. If this is a personal vendetta that you are going after then I can understand that. But you still do not have to go alone. I told you I would follow you anywhere Lilia-chan, and I meant that. Friend's do not leave each other. I will not leave you. I can't let you fight whatever this is alone. Not when I can help."

Lilia didn't respond at first. As she approached another branch, she leaned forward. With using her left hand to support her body in a handstand, her right hand shot to her kunai holster as her eyes glared at Hayate. It was the only warning before a kunai would be thrown towards Hayate. One that was aimed at his chest, a clear thrown that was aimed to kill. After throwing the kunai, Lilia let herself land on the branch, on her feet. ''I thought I was very clear. One shot. You had one and now go. This isn't something you can't understand. Not now and maybe not even later. If you stay then I am needed to make sure you won't follow me.'' The white bandaged sword on her back shivered lightly as her right hand went towards its hilt. The rise of killing intent would alarm Hayate that Lilia was preparing herself to attack again if he would stay.

Spinning his body to avoid the kunai, Hayate quickly drew one of his own. He could feel the killing intent dripping off of Lilia in intense waves. He fought to control the fear and raised his kunai in a defensive posture. Staring at Lilia with as much intensity as he could muster while trying to fight back the fear, Hayate spoke. "Why are you so afraid of me staying with you Lilia?" He did not wish to fight with her, but he would defend himself if it came down to it. Hayate wasn't going to let her leave without him this time. Already gathering his metal alloy, it would begin slowly covering his body underneath his clothing, granting him a layer of armour.

Her right hand wrapped itself around the hilt. ''Cause this has nothing to do with you, nor are you needing to see it. Already told you, go back to Konohagakure.'' Lilia told him on the same cold tone as before. Noticing that he was doing something as Samehada grunted, Lilia scoffed. ''I have no intention to waste chakra with a mere genin. I had taught you better than trying to face somebody who can beat you up. Now... Last time before I really am going to beat you up. Hayate.'' Lilia ordered him.

Shaking his head sadly, Hayate spoke, the sorrow clear in his voice. "Be that as it may Lilia-chan, it concerns you and that is enough for it to concern me. I made a promise that I would make sure you made it back from this alive. And I intend to keep that promise. I have no wish to fight you Lilia, but if that is what it will take to show you that I can help then I will do so." He made no move, only watching Lilia, waiting to see how she would react. If it was a fight that she wanted then it was a fight he would giver her. He had come prepared after all.

She didnt respond, but her right hand traveled away from the hilt. It looked like she was dropping her stance. In a flash, she weaved with a rapid speed through the required handseals. Taking a quick breath in, she then aimed a big fireball towards Hayate. The fire of the Great Fireball technique wasn't slowed down or shrinked by the rain as it made a hissing sound. While the fire would head towards Hayate, Lilia was preparing already her next move as she grabbed several kunai.

The metal armour sealed up completely as Lilia began forming seals. On any other ocasion Hayate would have paused to admire the speed in which Lilia formed her hand seals. Today, however, he made the necessary seals for the Shadow Clone jutsu. As the fireball sped towards him, he sent his clone leaping over it, drawing his staff and heading down towards Lilia. Hayate himself dropped from the branch, gathering chakra in his feet, he caught himself against the side of the tree and propelled himself towards the tree that Lilia stood on. Drawing a few more kunai, Hayate overcharged them and sent them flying up towards her.

Seemed that he was taking the offensive now. That was no problem. First she threw one of the kunai towards his clone as she noticed some others flying towards her. Only thing she did was a whistle. Short and loud. Samehada grunted as the white bandaged weapon would shiver. Turning her back towards the kunai, they would hit the weapon and be drained of chakra. ''Your moves won't work like that. I thought you were aware that most ninjutsu and genjtutsu won't work against me. My turn now.'' She sneered, throwing several kunai towards him with tags attached to them. However, instead of being explosive, it would be only flashbang tags attached to the kunai.

That damned sword. Hayate cursed inwardly as he flipped backwards off of the tree to avoid the incoming kunai. Pulling out several kunai of his own, Hayate sent a few of them to intercept the ones coming towards him. He overcharged the remaining kunai in his hands and sent them heading towards Lilia. This time they were set to explode about a foot or so in front of her.

He managed to knock away a couple of the tagged kunai but there were still a number coming towards him. Catching a nearby branch with his hands, he swung himself up and out of the way, onto a higher branch. Quickly moving to the opposite side of the tree to avoid what he thought were going to be exploding kunai, Hayate realized that he had been tricked as he saw the flashes of light. Even staring in the opposite direction, Hayate's vision was slightly blurred from the extraordinarily bright light.

Hayate's clone was hit in the chest with the kunai that Lilia had first thrown. It pinged off of his metal armour and he dropped towards her, his staff swinging downwards. Instead of trying to hit Lilia with the staff however, Hayate's clone flowed his chakra into the staff, making it longer, and giving the edge a sharpened point. The clone buried the end of the staff into the base of the branch that Lilia stood on. Making sure that he stayed away from the chakra hungry sword, Hayate's clone caused the sharpened end of the staff to become unstable. Using his metal release to sever the staff in half, the clone flipped backwards off of the branch. As he was in the air, the end of the staff that he had buried in the branch would explode, breaking the branch off from the rest of the tree.

Lilia's eyes followed the movements of her student, good friend and comrade. Samehada shivered as she took the hilt and went into a defensive stance. ''You..'' Mumbling the word, she readied herself with Samehada. The scales ripped through the bandage, shivering. Lilia was feeding him more chakra, a little more than usual. That and the killing intent was set to a new bar. It wasn't surprising that Hayate was doing this well, but Lilia was clearly having enough of it. Realizing that the clone was made of metal, Lilia wanted to slam Samehada against him. He had to get just in range for her. With only using her right hand, wielding the blade, her left went to her pouch. Grabbing something small, she would just keep up defense for now. If he would still be able to keep her here, then she would have to be forced to kick it up a notch.

From his vantage point behind the tree, Hayate observed as Samehada absorbed his attack. His clone had managed to get out of harms way and so Hayate still at least had one advantage; and he would need every advantage he could if he hoped to change Lilia's mind. Thinking quickly, Hayate looked around, checking his surroundings. As long as they remained in the branches, Lilia would have the advantage. She was faster than him, stronger than him, and had far too many techniques for him to be able to counter. If Hayate could get her to the ground however, he would be able to fight her a little more evenly.

For a moment, and only a moment, Hayate considered summoning Kuromu to aid him in the fight. But he quickly discarded the idea, it would take too much chakra and the risks were too great for that. His clone would just have to deal with things up here for the moment. Allowing himself to fall from the branch, Hayate dropped swiftly to the ground. Instead of landing however, Hayate used the Hiding Like a Mole technique to slip underground. He would need some time to prepare.

Up above, in the branches, Hayate's clone landed softly on his feet. There was no way he would be able to continue long range attacks with Samehada being able to absorb almost all of his techniques. He'd have to change tactics. Still, getting in close was a huge risk. Hayate's clone looked around at the trees near to Lilia. Then he had a thought. Pulling out several kunai and shuriken, Hayate's clone began overcharging them. He may not be able to attack Lilia directly but he could attack her surroundings. Throwing the overcharged weapons at the trees and branches surrounding Lilia, Hayate's attack was two-fold. Firstly the explosions would scatter the area with debris and potential shrapnel, and secondly, it wouls start to clear the area of places to stay above ground. If Hayate hoped to get Lilia to the ground he would need to at least clear out some of the trees first. Staying high on his branch, Hayate's clone watched as the kunai and shuriken started to explode. Now to see if his plan would work.

Her eyes narrowed when she noticed the kunai. Readying herself, she jumped backwards as she sheathed Samehada on her back. Landing on a branch, she again jumped backwards as raising her hands up. The debris and wood, shattered by the explosions caused her to distance herself a bit from him. But then she would reveal what she had in her left hand. Two smoke bombs. ''Its over.'' Lilia mumbled as she landed on a branch. A thick and big cloud of smoke was casted up and it stayed quiet for few moments. Then lightning crackled through the air.

Out of the smoke, a disc made of lightning raced towards the location of Hayate's clone. It easily ripped and sliced through the wood and material on its way as Lilia glared at the clone. She held some lightning at her right hand and kept her eyes on the disc. Its speed was on par with throwing a shuriken, but she had hidden something within the ligtning to surprise Hayate.

Upon seeing the smoke, Hayate's clone inwardly cursed. Instinct kicked in and he began to prepare himself to move. Then he saw the disc of lightning heading towards him. His body already prepared to move, Hayate's clone leapt high into the air attempting to get out of the way of the disc. At the same time, he flowed some chakra into his staff, elongating it and causing one end to split out into several separate tips, similar to a trident. Hayate's clone wasn't sure whether or not this was going to be necessary but he wanted to be prepared just in case.

Lilia formed the dog handsignal. The lightning disc made a menacing sound before it erupted and discharged. The fierce lightning was traveling through the air and with the wood nearby, it was used as a conductor. With the clone being distracted by the lightning, Lilia placed one hand on her hip. Samehada was no longer on her back as she scoffed. ''Just give up already. It's over.'' She said with a spiteful tone, watching the clone and how he would react on the situation.

The clone flipped backwards again as the lightning disc erupted into waves. He pushed off the branch he had just landed on and moved back, trying to stay out of its range. He knew it was a fruitless effort however, and he only hoped it would give him enough time. Hayate's clone increased the amount of tips he had added to the staff, effectively giving it the appearance of a wire umbrealla now. As the wave of lightning came closer, he threw the staff towards it. He hoped that he had timed it right. As he flipped backwards once again he saw that his makeshift lightning catcher had succeeded, if only partially. The staff embedded itself into a thick branch in the path of the oncoming wave. The metal from the 'umbrella' staff had drawn a large portion of the lightning wave into it, and grounded it through the tree. There was still a large amount of lightning flowing throughout the remainder of the forest, but Hayate's clone had managed to break up a large enough patch of it that he could stand without being hit. The force of the effort had drained him quite a bit however, and the clone dropped to one knee, panting. "That's the thing Lilia. I never give up. And I know you don't either. I can help you Lilia! Let us stop this foolish fighting. I have no wish to hurt you, nor do I want you to waste your energy. We can do this together!" He called out, pleading with her to understand. There was a determination in his voice, despite his exhaustion, despite the damage already caused. He meant every word. And he wouldn't give up, not until he could no longer fight.

The dark look on Lilia's face didn't change. She stayed silent for a moment before she pointed at him. ''I already told you it before. No. You're going to stay with Konohagakure.'' The rain became even heavier. Literally, water poured from the heavens. Even the dense roof of leaves wasn't able to protect them against it. ''Some things needs to be taken care off alone and this one of those things. Like I said, its already over. Don't you realize it now?'' She asked him, bringing her hands together. Instead of her rapid speed, she weaved the handseals in a slow pace.

''I won't let you follow me or meddle yourself into what is not your buseniss, Hayate.'' She said with a cold tone. Building up chakra, she lowered her stance a bit as she was just three handsignals away from using a technique.

It was that moment that Hayate's clone realized Samehada was no longer with Lilia. Realization dawned on him and he smiled. "Heh. Clever." Hayate's clone stood, and pulled out two kunai. As she spoke the clone began charging the kunai with his chakra. "I chose to stay with you Lilia-chan. Not the village, not anyone else. If you truly want to stop me from following you then you will have to end this now. I will not give up, not on you, not now, not ever. Someday you might understand that." Shaking his head slowly, Hayate's clone leapt forward and threw the two kunai straight for her. One was charged to explode several feet in front of her and the other was set to explode right on her position.

Deep below the ground, Hayate was almost finished his preparations. He only hoped that his clone had managed to buy him enough time, so far he hadn't been defeated and so Hayate considered that a good sign. Redoubling his efforts he forged ahead.

Finishing the streak, Lilia stayed perfectly still. She gazed at the kunai and then sighed. As she prepared to jump backward, one of the kunai seemed to act strange. Instead of going where Hayate had aimed, it scratched the other kunai, thus causing it to go another way. Lilia was still forced to back away, as she leaped backwards with a backward summersaul to avoid getting involved in the nearby explosion. Landing on a branch, she looked up to the clone. Her eyes were dark green as she frowned. ''Want another try? I can keep this up. And Like I said.'' The frown faded away as she raised the black clothing in order to mask her lower face underneath it. ''Its already over. You won't be able to win this.'' She slowly formed the same streak of handseals again, before she would pull out a kunai.

A deep scowl covered the face of Hayate's clone, before it slowly turned to a sad smile. "No Lilia-chan... You are right. I can't win this. I lost the instant we started to fight. But not for the reasons you think." He shook his head slowly, the rain cascading off of him now. Looking back to Lilia, Hayate's clone locked eyes with her. His eyes were filled with a profound sadness and as he spoke, his voice echoed the pain he felt. "I never wanted to 'beat' you Lilia. I only ever wanted to join you. To help you. Can you not see that I am not your enemy?" Hayate's clone stood still, his arms down at his sides. He made no move to attack, no move to even defend himself.

Rising up from the crouched stance, Lilia held the kunai in her right hand. Looking up to the clone of Hayate, the eyes of the young girl stayed dark and without any hint of emotion. Then she shook her head lightly. ''You're too stubborn for your own good. I already told you that you can't help me. Not now or today.'' Looking back at him, she spinned the kunai in her hand. '''So just do what I said and go back to Konohagakure.'' She ordered him on a cold tone, grabbing the hilt of the kunai again.

A small laugh escaped Hayate's clone's lips. It was a humourless laugh, and it sounded strange, even to him. "I learned my stubborness from the best." Hayate's clone shook some of the rain off of his body and then met eyes with Lilia once again. "I cannot leave Lilia-chan. Not until I am certain you are safe. Not until I know that you will come back from this." Despite her attempt to intimidate him, Hayate's clone still made no move to defend himself.

''And you're certain that I am safe by tracking me down? By following into a fight that isn't yours nor one I, your mentor, thinks you can handle? Tell..'' She spoke with the same cold tone as before, cocking her head a bit to the right. ''Tell me how I should be safe if I can't keep you safe? In fact, lets try something out. Right now.'' Lilia flipped the kunai and raised her right eyebrow. The point of the weapon was aimed at her chest as she held it with both hands. ''Lets see how safe this is.'' She mumbled, setting to impale the kunai into herself.

NO!" The power behind the shout took him by surprise, but he had no time to think about that. Hayate's clone moved faster then he could ever remember moving. Setting aside all caution he surged forwards, only caring about one thing. Too late did he realize his folly. As Hayate's clone reached Lilia he had the smallest twinge of doubt. The smallest thought in the back of his mind that alerted him to danger. But he ignored it, his own cares were pushed aside. His mind was of a singular focus. Hayate's clone reached out with one hand and grasped Lilia's wrist. Staring deep into her eyes he whispered a soft, "No."

''You should know better.'' She whispered back as she had released the kunai. But with Hayate's clone this close, he would feel lightning. Piercing in his chest. Though she had released the kunai, it seemed it had his own will as it impaled the chest of the clone. ''Though time to get out of hiding.'' She mumbled as she yanked her arm out of the grip of the clone. With a quick pull, she pulled the kunai out of the body and spinned it around again as she looked around. ''To think I need to that technique. You pushed me far enough. Lets end this fight. Now.'' She called out as she stayed wary of where he could be.

As the kunai was pulled from his chest, Hayate's clone fell to its knees before poofing from existence. With the clone's destruction, the real Hayate let out a sudden gasp. A sharp pain filled his chest and he closed his eyes momentarily, shutting out the world. When his eyes opened, Hayate's expression had changed. All emotion had vanished from his face, and he was left with a simple look of sheer determination. He had finished preparing underground, and now he slowly rose to the surface. Breaching the earth, Hayate stayed still. His head was down as his body surfaced, his fists clenched. He had abandoned his attempt to remain hidden. Staring up through the branches, Hayate located Lilia. "You want to end this? Here I am." He called out, knowing that she would easily be able to see him now.

Looking where the voice came from, she saw him on the ground. For a moment she stayed still, before dropping from branch to branch, before landing on the ground. Lowering through her legs, she placed her left hand on the ground, to stay in balance as she held the kunai in her right hand. ''To think it would come this far.'' She mumbled, lightning crackling in her right hand. It went through the kunai as she locked her eyes on Hayate.

As the rain continued to fall, Hayate made no attempt to shake it from him. By this time he was already wet to the bone. Instead he simply reached around his shoulder and slowly pulled out his staff. Placing one end on the ground he locked eyes with Lilia. "I am truly sorry it came to this. This isn't what I wanted Lilia-chan. Not at all." His eyes were filled with sorrow, but his face held no emotion.

''Focus.'' She half sneered at him, readying herself. The menacing sound that was produced from her lightning increased. Her left hand went towards the wrist of her right arm. Though she looked into his direction, she didn't look into his eyes. Suddenly, she ran towards him, the lightning leaving a trail of desctruction behind her.

Letting out a small sad sigh, Hayate very quickly performed several handseals and slammed his hand into the ground. In response, a thick dome of earth rose up and covered him. While he wasn't enough of a fool to think it would protect him from Lilia's charge, that was not the purpose of the dome. Hayate simply stood in the middle and waited until the final moment when Lilia's attack would hit the dome.

An earth dome? Lilia narrowed her eyes. It reminded her of what Zakito sometimes did with creating a dome like that. Not halting or even slowing down, Lilia prepared her kunai as she threw it towards the dome. The lightning that was infused into the kunai would make the weapon pierce through the earth with ease. But the lightning at her right hand didn't fade away as she continued to run towards the earth dome.

Hayate heard the snap crackle of lightning before the kunai had even burst through the wall. He shifted his body to the side to dodge the projectile and waited for the real attack to come. As the kunai passed by him, he was hit by some of the residual lightning, but Hayate barely felt it. His focus was on something else entirely.

A moment later, earth bursted out of the way as Lilia ran through the wall of the dome with her lightning. Her right raised, directing the lightning forward towards Hayate. For a moment, she saw everything moving in slow motion. The green eyes of Lilia noticed every crackle of lightning as she continued to run towards Hayate. Just few more steps and she would reach him. Slowly, her arm stretched forward, her hand stretching out towards him. Like she wasn't aiming to hit him with a deadly technique, but reaching out to him.

Time seemed to slow for Hayate as well. He watched as Lilia burst through the wall, heading towards him. For a single moment he cocked his head to the side, admiring her grace. And then, just like that, he vanished beneath the earth. Using the Hiding Like a Mole Technique, Hayate moved just beyond the boundary of the dome and set his plan into motion. Reaching out, Hayate spread his chakra through the earth, through all of the metal that he had spent all that time distributing throughout the area. It would take a lot out of him, he knew that, but still he forged ahead. Hayate focused his chakra and very quickly the metal spread through the earth, rising up through the dome he had created. It formed a structure throughout the dome, almost like a cage. The earth would slowly fall away as the metal structure was complete. Hayate rose to the surface, panting. The makeshift metal cage would take the place of the dome that Hayate had erected earlier, minus the gap that Lilia had created. The cage served two purposes, the first being a very strong, very durabe barrier that would prevent Lilia from leaving it by sheer force alone. The second purpose it would serve would be to draw away any lightning attacks she directed at it. As long as Hayate remained conscious, he would be able to flow his chakra into the cage, thereby allowing it to 'heal-itself.' Any lightning attacks made against it would be grounded deep below the earth, where Hayate had set his lightning rods. The cage continued into the earth so that the lightning would be grounded more effectively.

As Hayate rose out of the earth he managed to look up. A small, exhausted grin came to his face. "Well... I can honestly say I'm surprised that managed to work." Hayate stumbled, falling to his knees. A loud racking cough hit him and he convulsed briefly. As his coughing fit subsided, Hayate wiped his mouth. Seeing a small amount of blood on the back of his hand Hayate wiped it away on his coat. Forcing himself to stand, shakily, Hayate moved forwards. "You... you made it very clear that I would not be able to stop you Lilia-chan. And I know that now I was pretty much doomed to fail from the start. But I want you to listen now. I want you to hear me out. Because I honestly don't think I can hold this for much longer and I want you to hear me before that happens." Another vicious, hacking cough hit him, and Hayate doubled over, clutching his stomach. He could see more blood this time, and his vision was getting blurry.

Lilia heard him as she expanded her lightning, but it kept fading away. Looking at her right hand, she noticed that she could keep some of the lightning focused. But it was drained away and kept at a low level. Maybe still lethal to pierce through somebody, but not now to pierce the metal. Clenching her hand into a fist, the lightning faded away as she looked over her shoulder, where she heard Hayate's voice. Slowly she turned around as she was pondering on something. Slowly, she sat on one knee as she formed several handseals before taking a deep breath.

She spitted out a stream of flames towards the metal. It started to hiss as the red flames were pushed against the metal, but slowly they shifted from color. They became darker of color, to a dark blue color. Not fully intending to use the Blue Fire Release, she had no choice but to use some of it to melt the wall or weaken it greatly. Stopping as she noticed the wall was now heavily damaged, she didn't hear Hayate anymore. For a moment, her heart skipped a beat. Was he okay? No, she had to focus. Narrowing her eyes and lowering her head a bit, she readied herself. Running as fast as she could, she raised a fist. It was just five steps away from the spot she had damaged with her flames. Her fist opened as something crackled into the air.

Two more steps.

Then the lightning erupted, as in a violent roar as she slammed her hand against the wall. Though she felt that some of the lightning was channelled away, she felt she went through it. Using her weight and speed, she kept pushing. For a brief moment she saw something else than the metal breaking and snapping. It was just like that time.

She had to push through it. Had to break it. But it didn't work. If she wouldn't, she wouldn't be able to break free. Katsuro's voice, saying that she would stay inside the earthern tomb for two nights unless she could break through it rang in her mind. It panicked her back then.

Rolling over the ground, Lilia swiftly managed to get up and noticed Hayate. Panting, she dispelled the lightning and looked at him. She wasn't done yet, but felt tired. Still having her right hand raised, she took a step towards him. ''Shut up. I told you before. Go back.'' Though she sounded cold, her right hand trembled. She noticed the blood and the state he was in.

Another small laugh escaped his lips as Hayate stood once again. A feat he barely managed. He wiped away any last trace of the blood and smiled. "That may be a little difficult at the moment Lilia-chan. Besides, I said I wouldn't leave yo--" Hayate's words were interrupted as he fell forwards suddenly, appearing to collapse.

''I know.'' She whispered as she caught him. Lowering her body to keep supporting him, she embraced him in a hug. ''But listen, fool. You already lost. Take this...'' Blood dripped on the ground as she pulled back her head a bit. Hayate would feel some chakra transfering into his body. It wasn't much at all, but at least something. Panting, Lilia suddenly started to giggle. It went to a laugh as she hugged him once more. ''Don't worry too much about me. Save yourself before you save others.'' Kissing him on his forehead, she slowly let him go as she fell on her side. Blood dripped from her back as the kunai, she had controlled, had impaled her. The blood started to color the ground red around Lilia as she laid still.

Hayate opened his mouth to protest but the effort was almost too much. As he felt the chakra flow into him he felt a strange warmth grow over him. Reaching out one trembling hand, Hayate managed to find Lilia's hand. He grabbed it in his own shaking fist. Opening his mouth he forced himself to speak. "I... I was wrong to get in your way Lilia-chan... I just... I don't want to lose you too." Hayate lay back, the effort of speaking was draining on him. His vision was getting even cloudier now.

Lilia looked. Stopping, she landed on a branch. The bandaged tool on her back grunted softly. ''Yeah, seems so.'' The young girl looked over her shoulder. The Lilia at Hayate poofed away. Receiving the information, experience and knowledge the shadow clone had gained made the real Lilia scoff. ''As expected from him.'' She mumbled to herself before turning around again. But she didn't move. The distance between them was great enough that the rain had likely washed away any track of her. However, she felt worried.

''Sorry Hayate. Hope you understand.'' Lilia whispered before she continued on her way. It was still a distance she had to travel, but she was hoping Hayate would be able to get back safe home.

As he felt the clone vanish, Hayate paused. Suddenly he laughed. A deep laugh that shook him to the core. "Smoke bomb... Heh. Well played Lilia-chan... well played." Hayate laughed himself into unconsciousness. A single tear escaping, unnoticed, before darkness overtook him.