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Post by Little Alice on Aug 25, 2014 22:32:57 GMT
Slowly turning around, Kiyomi still stared at the pendent. The warmth also made her feel warm. Like she was carrying the warmth she felt around Hayate with her. Pinking a tear away, she shook her head lightly. ''Please stop. I-I wish that I could give something back.'' She told him. Instead she was going to drag him into a mysterious organization. It wasn't fair, but it wasn't her choice, but that of the leader. ''Thank you.'' Leaning forward, Kiyomi planted softly a kiss on his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. He would need to be knocked out, but she didn't want to ruin the moment yet. ''You're amazing.''
Embracing her tightly, Hayate felt warm from head to toe. He had been worried this whole time as to whether or not she would like it, and now.. It was more than he could ever have hoped for. After a long moment, Hayate gently pulled away from the kiss, placing his forehead against hers. "You have already given me so much. I just... I wanted to be able to finally do something for you for once..." He held her there, realizing just how far he'd fallen for her.
''You have done more now than you think. Good night, Hayate.'' Kiyomi whispered back as she would unleash an electric shock. With her arms around his neck, she would direct the shock towards his nerves and brains to make sure he wouldn't suffer pain as he would be knocked out. Slowly moving down, not wanting to drop Hayate and have him fall on the ground, she raised her left hand as more tears were flowing over her cheeks. Rubbing her eyes and cheeks, she smiled as the golden pendant caught her attention again.
''Wake up, sleepy head. Hey, it is already noon.'' Kiyomi said as she would place her right handpalm against Hayate's forehead. They were in his room in Azumi. Not longer dressed in the uniform that the shinobi of the Sea country wore, Kiyomi looked a bit worried while she would try to wake Hayate up. Of course in a gentle manner. Removing her right hand, she thought about throwing water over Hayate. Or maybe trying a good shock to get him awake.
Yawning as his eyes slowly opened, he was met with a pleasant sight. "Morning you... I'm surprised, this is a little more comfy than a sack." Letting a slight grin touch his face, Hayate reached up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Managing to sit up, he stretched out his stiff muscles and smiled warmly at the beautiful sight in front of him. "Hi."
''Afternoon. Glad to see you finally waken up. Was wondering if I hadn't done anything wrong with the electric shock. Kiyomi replied as she briefly sighed with Hayate waking up. They were back now. ''I have ordered Kazuo to change your clothes and let you be checked for any injuries. But you're having none. So that is great.'' Kiyomi said, wanting to prevent he would get any funny ideas once he would figure out that he was dressed in a more casual set of clothes. ''Mimi is in the next room. Sleeping.'' Kiyomi muttered, briefly staring at the door. ''She ran around for a hour and then just became too tired.'' Kiyomi said, smiling as she looked back at Hayate. ''And seems that even now the mission is still a success. Looks like I can't punish your for being a bit naive or dumb.~''
Grinning sheepishly, Hayate was relieved to hear that the mission had been a success. Noticing for the first time that he was wearing different clothes, he felt a little awkward that someone else had been made to change him. A slight blush forming on his face, Hayate looked back up at Kiyomi. "Did she cause you any trouble?" He asked, hoping that the young girl had responded okay after realizing that she had been knocked unconscious and basically kidnapped. "And how are you?" Hayate added quietly, worried that Kiyomi had probably not gotten much sleep after everything.
''She didn't cause any trouble. Just wanted to explore and run around. Took around a hour before she just fell asleep. Kazuo brought her to the room that will be appointed to her. So I can't really say she has caused any.'' Kiyomi said, briefly smiling at first. When Hayate asked how she was, she puffed as she made a gesture with her right hand. Slightly holding her hand up, like she wanted to hold back something, she answered. ''Lot of paperwork that needs to be done and some other things that require my attention. But I am okay.'' Kiyomi however felt not okay. There was something, but it would wait until later. ''You should also relax for the coming days. I think you have earned some.''
Nodding his head, relieved to hear that Mimi had not caused any trouble, Hayate smiled. "You're one to talk. You deserve more rest than anyone I can think of, but you're too stubborn to take it." His tone was amused, but there was still a hint of concern left. Hayate had caught the slight hesitance in Kiyomi's response, but decided to leave it for now. At the moment he was just happy to be back, and with her... "Did you make it back without any difficulty? It must have been harder with the two of us... I'm... sorry about that..." He spoke quietly, still a little ashamed that he had put them both at risk to bring Mimi back.
Of course, he would keep on worrying. Not that she had expected anything else. ''Everything went fine. I had some help with coming back. This time I didn't had to put anybody in a bag or plan a journey similiar like that back.'' Kiyomi then paused. ''Though you shouldn't really talk about it. I also will need to think if Mimi's memories need to be erased as it will be problematic if she will say that we have taken her from the Sea country. Some place where we shouldn't be in the first place.'' Kiyomi said as she mentally sighed. It wouldn't be that much of a drag to do it, but she didn't like the idea of it. Then again, taking the girl with them was forcing her to something like this to protect all three of them.
Looking down for a long moment, Hayate was saddened by the idea of wiping the girl's memory. He understood the necessity, but wished there was another way. "If... if we have to wipe her memory, will we give her new ones?" Hayate finally asked, looking back up at Kiyomi, the emotion written clearly on his face.
The expression on Kiyomi shifted to a more neutral one. She didn't like it either, but as long as it would serve for the better she wouldn't let her emotions cloud her judgement. ''No instantly. Maybe over time she will get new ones.'' Kiyomi said, making it clear that Mimi would start over again in a way. ''The risk that she will place us all in danger is too big. If we will not act and do something about it now, then it would mean that we are getting in quite some trouble. Cause how are we going to explain that we have taken a child from the Sea country? What were we doing over there while the reports say that we had been on a long patrol?'' She wasn't expecting any answers back. The questions were to make it clear that they had no option if they wanted to keep themselves from having such questions hurled at them.
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Hayate took a deep breath before meeting Kiyomi's eyes once again. "I understand. I... I knew that there would be certain consequences when I made my decision, and I am truly sorry for putting you in this position Kiyomi. I... I never wanted to put you at risk." Though his tone was still sad, Hayate's words were genuine. He could accept the fact that they would need to wipe Mimi's memories if it meant that Kiyomi would be safe. He didn't have to like the trade-off, but he could accept it a lot easier knowing that there would be no more risk of people finding out about their mission. "I made a promise to you before that I would take Mimi as my responsibility, and I intend to keep that promise. I will do my best to make sure that she fits in here."
''First try to take a rest before you try to take of others. For now she will have no need for either of us to nurse her around or need of our attention.'' Kiyomi told him, finding it quite amusing that Hayate wanted to take up the role of taking Mimi as his responsiblity. It was heartwarming and a bit naive, but she couldn't say it was dumb. ''I will try to arrange that she will go to either a school or the Academy, depending on her wishes. At least then she will have something to do, so that you don't have to invest all of your time in her.'' Realizing how selfish that last sentence sounded, Kiyomi coughed lightly. ''You need to train and rest now and then after all. We all have our duties.'' Putting her hands at her back, she would look away for a moment. The sentence that she thought was a bit selfish kept ringing through her mind. Annoyed, Kiyomi decided to go. ''I should be going now. Don't do anything rash, got it?''
A slight grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as Kiyomi spoke. When she turned away, Hayate stood and closed the distance between them with one stride. Wrapping his arms around her he pulled her into a tight hug. He said nothing at first, as there was nothing that needed saying. After holding her for a long moment, he pulled back slightly. "I hope you don't think I'd forgotten about you now?" Hayate said quietly, his voice sounding amused. "Besides, you did promise to train me and make me stronger. So I think I will just have to spend more time taking you up on that offer."
Her cheeks turned a bit reddish when he pulled her into a tight hug. ''I can't train a student who needs rest first.'' She mumbled back, trying to come up with something to argue back. But she was silent for some time until she gently placed her hands on his shoulder to create some distance between them. ''Later, I promise. The highest priority is that you take some rest and I need to attend to some paperwork. After that is all done, we will talk about training.'' It was hard to not pull him in for a hug or trying to create some distance between them. But there were some priorities that would first need some attention. Maybe after those.
Nodding his understanding, Hayate couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. That feeling vanished relatively quickly as he realized Kiyomi was just worrying about his well-being. And besides, as leader of the Guardians, she had more than enough on her plate already. Offering up a small smile, Hayate met her gaze. "Thank you Kiyomi-chan... For everything..." He looked away, shuffling his feet awkwardly. He didn't know what else to say, there was so many things that he wanted to talk about, but now was not the time, nor the place. Everything they had done on that island had to remain a secret, for both their sakes. Thinking of something, Hayate looked up again quickly. "Do you think it would okay if I went and saw Mimi for a little bit after we both get some rest?"
The question made Kiyomi frown. She wanted to say that he really needed his rest and the little girl would also need her rest. Well, Kiyomi just wanted that girl to have some sleep so that she wouldn't be all burned out tomorrow. But she sighed and smiled a bit. ''Yes. Fine. Just rest out, okay? I will try to see you later.'' Kiyomi said, taking a step closer to Hayate. Planting a quick kiss on his cheek, she stepped backwards. A little smile adored her lips as they curled up. ''And I will report later. Now, good rest.'' She took another step backwards, half turning around. There had been a glint in her eyes.
Smiling warmly, his eyes grew a happy glaze. "Goodnight Kiyomi-chan." He said softly, already falling back down. Hayate was in a bit of a daze, and he placed his hands behind his head as he laid there. "I will see you soon... Have a good da--" Hayate fell asleep again before he even had a chance to finish his sentence.
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Post by Little Alice on Sept 4, 2014 18:11:55 GMT
Love isn't always about hugs and kisses, Sometimes it involes pain.
A lot of pain.
A collab between Chrome and Alice. Summary : Kiyomi and Hayate are coming together under their disguises as Lars and Kelly. However, they don't talk about the roses and bees. This time, they are about to have different opions and are going to...
Disguised as Kelly, Kiyomi was waiting for Hayate. It was already late as the sun was settling down. Still, no trace of Hayate. Couldn't he not find the place? There was nobody in the park. Literally nobody. Crossing her arms, she became first annoyed. What was taking him so long? Then she became am worried. Maybe he had forgotten about that they would meet? Staring at the pond in front of her, Kiyomi would tap with her foot, still waiting for Hayate to arrive.
Rising out of the ground beside her, Hayate was disguised as Lars. Seeing Kiyomi in front of him, looking impatient, he offered a small smile. "Sorry, Kelly-chan. I had to make sure the park was empty." He paused, it had become familiar now, calling each other by these fake names... But Hayate did not enjoy it, he hated the secrecy. He understood it, but that didn't make it any easier. Looking at her standing there in the light of the setting sun, Hayate was lost for words. "I... I missed you."
Waiting till he had said something, her hands grabbed him by the collar. Placing her lips on his, she would lose herself briefly in the kiss. It gave her such a good feeling that she was able to kiss him. Moving her head back, she however saw another face. That of Lars. Though briefly, she felt some cold anger. It was unfair. Kichiro was a closed chapter. She had managed to find somebody that she could tell she loved him, in a different manner and yet she wouldn't be able to scream it from the rooftops. ''I know.'' She said, in a hushed tone. Her hands grabbed more clothing, but she didn't move for another kiss. ''I think.. you have heard it? That..'' Stopping, she would release him. Staring back to the pond, she managed to finish her sentence. ''That it isn't allowed.''
He had rested his forehead against hers after the kiss. Closing his eyes he imagined that the face in front of him was that of the one he truly loved, and not just the mask that they both had to wear. As she pulled away he sighed. Hayate felt a flare of anger as she had finished. Not towards her, but towards the situation. His fists clenched and he gritted his teeth, not wanting to speak for a moment. "I know... I just... I am sorry Kelly-chan. I am sorry that I cannot be there for you the way that I truly want to. Just... just please know that I will never leave. This will not break us. And maybe... after awhile... we won't have to hide anymore."
''No.'' She said. Turning back, she looked angry. ''No. Hear me? No.'' She repeated, in a more angry manner. Poking him hard with her right index finger against his chest, she started to talk again. ''We are going to keep this up. Now and until it.. ends. Got it? You say nothing. You will do nothing. You-.... You're not the person I love.'' Taking a step back, Kiyomi couldn't look at him anymore. Wrapping her arms around herself, she felt something when she told him that. ''I love.. Lars. Not Ha...''
At first, at first he took a step back, emotions flooding through him. Pain, anger, and an immense sadness that he had never felt before. But then... then another emotion won through. Stepping forwads to close the distance between them, Hayate grabbed her shoulders firmly. "No." Hayate felt strange, as if he was watching another person speak, instead of himself. "I will do everything within my power to keep you safe, and if it means hiding behind these damned masks then so be it. But I will not, and never will, pretend that it is not you that I truly love. And you can't either... Kiy-Kelly, I..." He looked down for a moment, torn. "You d-don't have to lie to me, or to yourself. It is them that we have to convince, not each other! This... this whole thing is wrong. But you and me... that is the only thing that I know is right anymore." He held her for a moment more, unable to let go, unable to turn away... Hayate was too afraid that his world would fall apart if he let go now.
Silently, she couldn't talk back. Neither pushing him back. Tears were starting to roll down her cheeks. No, they were rolling down Kelly's cheeks. For the first time, Kiyomi felt confused, scared and angry. Just like when she had found information about her mother for the first time. It was like that, all over again. ''Its not wrong. It isn't!'' She sneered. Having found some strength from her frustration and anger, she pushed him back, away from her. ''It is good. It is perfect! You always think about me, but you never think about yo-yourself. Don't you see it?'' Pointing at her own, the tears weren't hold back anymore. ''I am not like you. Or anybody else. I don't own myself. Get it? You're loving somebody that isn't... I am not even sure what I am?!'' She didn't yell. But her tone was sharp and full with anger. It felt somehow good to throw it out. To let go of that frustration. That feeling that kept chewing on her. That never had vanished. Even while she had managed to bond that well with Matatabi.
''You should think more about yourself. You always keep protecting me when you can, but don't you get it? Jerk!'' Suddenly, her left hand lashed out. ''Know what happens when I will lose you? Do you?!'' Angered, she tried to hit him again and again, but unlike in battle, her aim was off. It would just be some kind of pitiful attempt of trying to push him back or trying to hit him with a weak slap.
Her words hurt far more than her fists, and Hayate stood there, letting her hit him. The pain in her voice... in her words... it tore him apart. He was lost. His whole body felt numb. Hayate was unaware when he reached out and grabbed her wrist. Pulling her towards him, he held her in a tight embrace. Only then did he realize he was shaking. "You are not going to lose me... I will never let that happen." His voice was quiet, almost a whisper. Pulling himself awaway slightly, so that he could face her, Hayate spoke again. "You say that I do not think of myself, in many ways that may be true... But believe me when I say that I... I cannot lose you either. And I cannot pretend that I do not love you. I am thinking of myself when I say that I can't lose you. It may be selfish of me, but I don't care. You mean more to me than anything in this world, and I would let the rest of it burn down around us if only it meant I got to stay with you." He paused, a little surprised at his own words. "You are... You do not belong to anyone but yourself. To hell with duty, to hell with the rest! You are not just a tool, a weapon! I want so badly to make you see that... To make you see just how much more you are..."
Still trying to push him back, punching him, she felt weak. Not wanting to listen, his words still reached her. Crying, she wanted to burry her head against him. Wanting to hide away from the ugly truth. That they couldn't show the world what they felt about each other. Almost had she been calmed down, until Hayate had said ''to hell with duty''
''Jerk! Asshole!'' Calling him names, Kiyomi tried to wrest out of his grip. It took her longer than normal, seeing she couldn't use any real strength against him. Though she was upset, hurting Hayate wasn't going to happen. Not now or in this situation. ''You fucking shit! That duty is what keeps you alive! It is duty that makes me look after you. Stop acting like you're some wise monk!''' Slapping him again, Kiyomi pushed him afterwards. ''Stop acting like you are always happy with me!'' Again, she lashed out. ''Stop acting like you love everything about me!'' Again, her hand was raised. ''Don't act like it is all going to be fine and just show me that you really care!''
The sound of flesh striking flesh shocked everything into silence. Hayate looked down, he... had he just... Staring at his hand, he started to shake. "I..." Tears began to fall from his face and he looked up at Kiyomi. "I am not some wise monk... And I don't think everything will be fine. I... I'm scared. Scared of everything. Scared of losing you, scared of pushing you away! Scared of how people will react to us... When I told you I loved you, when I spoke those words for the first time... I meant everything. You don't choose what you love and do not love about someone. I love you for who you are. I love everything from the way you flip your hair out of your face, to the way that your eyes grow dark when you are angry. You need to understand that! I care about you more than anything in this world, and if that makes the rest of the world hate me then so be it. You... you, I cannot lose. You I cannot live without. I may not always be happy, and yes, you are damned right that sometimes things you do make me angry! But at the end of the day, when all else is settled, there 's just you and me. And that is what I focus on. That is what keeps me going." His voice had grown steadily louder as he spoke, starting from barely a whisper to the point where now he was practically yelling. "Call me a jerk, call me an asshole! I don't care! If that's what it takes to get you to understand how much I care then I would rather you drag my name through the muck before just ignoring me! We need each other damnit! That isn't something we can pretend doesn't exist! I will not lie to myself, and neither can you! We are in this together, and if we have to fake it until that point then God Damnit we will do so! But I will not lie to you, and I can not live with you lying to me! Please... I..."
Her eyes widened. The right hand of Kiyomi shot to her own cheek. There was a painful red mark on her cheek, the result of Hayate's slap. With eyes wide open, she stared at Hayate. Never had he raised his hand against her. Never had he yelled against her. While it seemed he was becoming calm, Kiyomi just stood there. In a way, she was happy that he showed more emotion than just being happy to be with her. That she saw some other side of him. A side that really shocked her. ''You...'' Stepping backwards, she felt the pain at her cheek. Looking away, she grew silent for another few moments. ''Ha-..Lar-... I''' She wanted to say something. Her right hand trembled as she kept it at her cheek. Feeling ashamed and hurt, she didn't want to show him the place where he had hit her. ''I will lie. I am sorry. I am so sorry.'' Realizing that she was what made him happy, Kiyomi also realized that she was going to be the one that would make him suffer. He would see her with somebody else, faking she was having some fun time with somebody. Somebody that should have been him. Was this her punishment? Because she couldn't save Kichiro? Did somebody planned this to be her way to repent for that she couldn't save the person for which she had feelings the first time? Now to suffer that her feelings were answered, but couldn't show to the world how happy she was with somebody?
''I..'' Sinking through her legs, Kiyomi fell on her rear. ''I want you to be happy. I don't want you to suffer in silence. Or to hide what you feel and think. I don't. You're not caged. You're not what I am...'' Lowering her head, Kiyomi sobbed. ''I am sorry.''
He had to look away. The shame that filled him now... He had hit her... Nothing in this world before had ever made him even consider it possible... What was happening to him? Collapsing to his knees, Hayate looked down for a long moment. His tears pooled at the ground below him and he just stared. "You don't have to protect me..." Finding the strength to look up, Hayate's voice broke. "Yo-you are not some monster! They can't treat you like this! I won't let them..." After a long moment, Hayate moved so that he was directly in front of Kiyomi. Fear and shame held him in place for a long moment before he was able to act. Gently and very slowly, he reached out, lifting her chin, Hayate stared into her eyes. Brushing away the tears that filled her face he spoke, his voice a whisper. "I love you Kiyomi-chan... I will always love you. I--if we have to do this... If this, this thing is the only way that we can stay together then... Then we will do it together. I will not let you go through this alone." Lowering his head towards her, Hayate kissed her. He no longer knew what else to do...
She had still kept her right hand at her cheek. Only when he said she wasn't a monster, there went a shiver through her. She didn't want to hear those words. It wasn't true. Her mouth already opened a bit, wanting to go against him. Only when he lifted up her chin, she lost herself in his eyes. The anger was pushed away as he again declared his love. Trembling a bit, she closed her eyes as their lips touched. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she still felt miserable. But it was like they could feel it together, carrying the burden together. Breaking the kiss and resting her forehead against his, she couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes. ''You don't...have to do this. Hayate... I love you.'' Breathing in, she sighed. ''I just don't want to.. be the cause of your pain. You're free, remember?'' Kiyomi stared now into his eyes. Moving closer to him, she wanted to make sure that he wouldn't get the idea she would push him away again. ''Everything I do lately is because of you. You're on my mind. Never forget that, okay?''
Embracing her, Hayate slowly nodded his head. A tiny, sad smile touched his lips. "This... this pain, it is nothing compared to the pain of being without you. You call me free, but I am yours. Always and forever Kiyomi-chan. I... I wish this could be some other way. But..." Closing his eyes for a moment he rested his forehead against hers once again. "I love you so much... I won't forget, just... just please forgive me if I ever... If I get jealous... Or if I have a hard time around you. I am so very sorry..."
Burrying her face against him, against his neck, she barely nodded. ''I know.'' Not able to say anything else, Kiyomi thought of the future briefly. Maybe there would be some hope that they wouldn't have to hide this anymore. So far, it was just a measure to make sure she was kept safe, but indirectly it was more of keeping Hayate safe. Would it change once Hayate wasn't a genin? Would it bring some difference? ''I will make it change. If not soon, later. I am going to change this. I swear it.'' Whispering the words, Kiyomi's hand tighten their grip on Hayate. She wanted to become Hokage to stop people sacrificing themselves. This kind of sacrifice would also be put on stop. Nobody deserved to endure or experience this. ''Just...stay with me.''
Resting his head against hers, he nodded. "I'm not going anywhere Kiyomi. Nothing could take me away from you." His voice was but a whisper as he kissed the top of her head briefly. "We will change this together... I will prove to everyone that I don't need protection... Maybe if I am not so weak... maybe then we can be together without fear." Hayate held her tightly, never wanting to let go.
Slowly Kiyomi started to push him back. She started to cough. It was a weak cough, but then it sounded a bit odd. ''I... I would like that.'' Kiyomi whispered back. Some tears were rolling down her cheek as she she felt miserable. It wasn't because of that. No, it was because that she made Hayate think he was weak. He was one of the best genin around. Somebody that would surely become great over time. Actually, who was she kidding? He was already great! Coughing more, Kiyomi took a step backwards. The metallic taste in her mouth betrayed her what she was fearing. Holding her left wrist in front of her mouth, she stretched out her right hand. ''Hayate. Maybe... You should go-'' Then she was interrupted by the coughing. More blood started to stream from her mouth as she kept on coughing. Panic rushed through her body as she didn't want to. Any time was better than now. Not now, not with him close to her!
Reluctantly his grip loosened as she pushed him back. Hayate opened his mouth to speak before suddenly freezing in place. His body stiff from the horrifying sight in front of him. "Ki---Kiyomi-chan! Are you-- What is wrong?" His heart felt gripped by panic as he watched the blood pour from her mouth. Stepping towards her, Hayate placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to hold her steady as she continued coughing. He felt helpless.
''Nothing!'' She sneered. Coughing more, this was getting worse. Way worse than before. How? She was sure that she was doing okay. Trying to find the reason, she felt something boiling up in her throat. It tasted gross and metallic. Suddenly she leaned over and threw up. An amount of blood was spitted out of her mouth. Trembling, she stared with open wide eyes at the little puddle of blood. Was that hers? It couldn't be. Trying to take a step back, she held her hands at her stomach.
What...what was happening? Hayate thought to himself, staring at the nightmarish scene before him. "Kiyomi, we need to get you to the hospital!" His voice was shaky, and his hands were trembling. Hayate couldn't bare to see her like this. He hated standing by and not being able to do a thing. Looking into her eyes Hayate whispered, "Kiyomi..."
Closing her eyes for a moment, she tried to push Hayate backwards. ''Nothing. No-Nothing.'' She said. But she had heard him saying that word. No, if she would end up there then it would be over. Then it was over and out!? And she was close. So close. ''I am not going there. Hear me? I am- I-'' Kiyomi felt her stomach turning before she threw up again. Just in time she had turned her head away to not let Hayate get her blood on him. Coughing some more, Kiyomi felt how she was starting to get dizzy. ''You-... Stay. Silent.'' She muttered.
Conflicting feelings tore through Hayate as Kiyomi spoke. He couldn't just let her go through this, but... Clenching his fists in frustration, Hayate took a deep breath. "Okay." He finally said, after a long pause. If he couldn't convince her to go with him to get help then he would just have to stay with her here and do whatever he could to help her. Standing closer to her, making sure to stay away from the bloody puddle, Hayate grabbed her shoulder gently. "Okay. But please Kiyomi-chan, at least sit down. You have already lost a lot of blood, standing will only make it worse. Is... is there anything I can do?" Hayate hated how unsure he sounded. He was scared, and the feeling of not being able to help her was tearing him apart.
She managed to calm herself down as she sat down. Her breathing was still irregular and heavy, because it was painful to do so. The attack was lasting longer than the first time. ''Listen, I am sorry.'' Kiyomi said. She couldn't bear it to look at Hayate. Not while she had blood of herself on her lips. Sighing, she looked at the pond. It was still peaceful and the surroundings made it easier for her to feel at peace. ''Hayate.. Can y-you carry me?'' She asked. This wasn't the place to talk further more about what had just happened. She wanted to go away from here.To a place nearby. One place she felt safe and happy.
Without hesitating, Hayate bent down and gently picked Kiyomi up. There was no way to avoid getting blood on himself, but he didn't care. Holding her in his arms, Hayate looked down at her, concern still filling his face. "Where would you like to go Kiyomi-chan?" Wrapping her arms around his neck, she laid her head against his shoulder, trying to keep breathing in a calm fashion. Closing her eyes for a second, she tried to think how to direct him to where she wanted to go. ''Head to the right. Keep on walking. There should be some vegetation, but keep on going until you reach a field. It should have a big flowerbed. I want to go that place.'' Kiyomi whispered. Then she looked up, sorrow and guilt displayed in her eyes. ''I am so-so sorry.''
Looking down at her for a moment longer, Hayate met her eyes. "You have nothing to apologize for Kiyomi. I... I just want to make sure you're going to be alright." He wanted to say more, wished that he could somehow say something that would help, but words escaped him and so Hayate set out on the course that Kiyomi had given him. Holding her as close as he could, Hayate felt a mix of sadness and strangely... relief. Although he could not do anything at the moment to physically heal her, he could at least be here for her, and at the moment he was just happy he could at least do that for her.
It didn't take long for them to reach the field and Hayate noticed the large flowerbed. Making his way towards it he glanced back down at Kiyomi, whispering softly. "Almost there Kiyomi-chan. Just a little further." Hayate came to a stop beside the flowerbed, still holding her in his arms. He made no move to put her down yet, as he didn't want to cause her any more pain.
They had reached the place. She looked around as a smile started to adore her lips. ''Thanks.'' She whispered back. Still she felt horrible for the fact that he had witnessed her during an attack. And just after they had an argument. Their first argument. It made her think briefly about what she knew about relationships. Keiko and Hiron had many arguments, but loved each other that much that they couldn't do it without each other. Was that going to be the same for her and Hayate? In a way she wasn't looking forward to that, but again, it was a comforting thought. ''You can put me down, Hayate.'' Kiyomi told him, pulling back already one of her arms.
Reluctantly setting her down, Hayate sat down beside her. Reaching out he took hold of one of her hands. He didn't say anything at first, simply sitting beside her. He glanced over at her for a moment, wondering what she was thinking. Squeezing her hand briefly he finally whispered, "I... I love you Kiyomi-chan. I am sorry that I cannot do more..."
''Ju-Just stop there. Just stop.'' Kiyomi calmly mumbled. She slowly went to lay on her back, to stare at the stars. Squeezing his hand back, she had a worried look on her face. ''I have been acting like an idiot. And n-no. Don't even think of talking back. Just... just let me.'' Kiyomi said, squeezing softly in his hand again. She took a pause before starting to talk again. ''I love you... too. But don't be sorry. This isn't y-your fault.'' She started to cough again, but this time it was just a light cough. No sign that she was going to spit out blood out. ''Hey Hayate... can you tell me a story?'' She was trying to let go of his hand, trying to pull his arm to signal she wanted him closer.
Nodding his head as she told him to listen, Hayate shuffled closer to her. Wrapping an arm around her, he pulled her in and held her tightly. "A story huh?" He said, pondering for a moment. He didn't know many stories, at least not many which were very interesting anyways. Finally, an idea came to him. Smiling slightly, he turned towards Kiyomi and asked, "How would you like to hear the story of the first Dragon Master?" Hayate hoped that she would want to hear it, as it was one of the few stories he actually knew how to tell.
Scooting closer to him, she closed her eyes as she enjoyed the presence of Hayate being so close. ''Yes please.'' She whispered back. Actually it didn't matter what he would tell her. She just wanted to be distracted from their argument, from their current situation and from what was happening with her. Kiyomi's hands moved to his vest, gently grabbing a bit of it. She would listen to his story, but at the same time wondering how it all would have been if some things were different.
Settling next to Kiyomi, Hayate simply sat there for a moment, enjoying the warmth of being so close. Finally, he began. "It is a story that has been told in my clan since its very foundation." He paused for dramatic effect before continuing, "Which probably means that the truth has been stretched a fair bit, but it is still a fun story. The story starts with Isamu Hyūzu, the first member of the Hyūzu clan who was able to manipulate metal. Isamu's skill with metal release was great, and he became very well known for creating incredibly unique and strong weapons and armour. So well known in fact, that he was approached by the king of the dragons, Iatsu. The dragon king wanted Isamu to design a suit of armour that could be worn by the dragons in order to make them even fiercer warriors. Isamu was honoured by the request, but he also wanted something in return. He asked the dragon king to protect his clan in exchange for creating the armour. Isamu wanted to ensure that his clan would grow strong, and be able to protect themselves against the other, stronger clans. The dragon king agreed, and so Isamu set about creating his very first set of dragon armour." Hayate paused for a moment, glancing down at Kiyomi. He couldn't help but smile. "It took many, many years for Isamu to create the perfect suit of armour for the dragons, and over that time he and Iatsu developed a close friendship. The two grew so close that Iatsu even allowed Isamu to sign a summoning contract with him. Once the suit was finished, the dragon king wore it proudly. By that time, Isamu was in his forties, and already had a family of his own." Hayate paused, realizing he had been speaking for an uncharacteristically long time. Turning his head towards Kiyomi, he hoped she wasn't bored.
"One day, Isamu traveled to the dragon king's home to visit his long time friend. Once he arrived however, he found that Iatsu was under attack from another dragon. Iatsu was not wearing the armour that Isamu had made, and he looked like he was close to defeat. Rushing to his friend's aid, Isamu constructed a wall of metal to protect him from harm. Isamu fought long and hard against the other dragon, even managing to injure the great beast. Unfortunately, his opponent was too much for him, and Isamu was struck a fatal blow. Iatsu, seeing his friend struck down in front of him, summoned enough strength to defeat the traitorous dragon with one massive fireball. The dragon king was too late to save his old friend, but he made a vow on that day to protect the Hyūzu clan with his life, and the lives of his ancestors. That is how the Hyūzu clan gained our dragon companions, or at least that's what we're told anyways. Because of Isamu's sacrifice, my clan and the dragon's have allied with each other since as far back as we can remember. And while I do not know how many of the dragon's can actually claim lineage to the dragon king of old, I know that they all still hold his vow." He finished his story and smiled, "So what do you think?"
No answer came first from Kiyomi. She had paid great attention to what Hayate had told her. The story was one she actually had enjoyed. Moving a bit, she answered his question. ''A gardener, shinobi and story teller? What more surprises do you have for me?'' Kiyomi asked. ''But it was a nice story. I like it.'' Kiyomi told him. She wished they could stay like this forever. She wasn't planning on going home yet. Her shadow clone would make it look she was still there, so she wasn't scared that she would be discovered. ''I am sorry for the trouble.'' Kiyomi began.
Blushing when she said that she liked the story, Hayate smiled warmly. He raised a hand to quiet her as she began apologizing. Noticing that there was still a little blood left on her face, Hayate wiped it off gently before speaking. "You have nothing to apologize for. Once again I get the chance to spend more time with you, I could ask for nothing more. I... I am worried though Kiyomi-chan... That coughing, how long has this been going on? Are--are you going to be alright?" He looked at her with concern filling his eyes. Hayate hated seeing her like this.
Kiyomi was conflicted. She knew that he just wanted to help her, but she felt ashamed for how long she had kept this to herself. Even the last question just made her feel guilty. Lying would only hurt him more and she didn't want to do that. But what ever she would chose, it would only end up hurting him. For that reason, she couldn't look up to him. Her eyes stared just away while she kept her head against his chest. ]''The first time was after that mission. I-I thought it was just something that would pass.'' She told him, her voice weak and the guilt was clearly noticeable. ''Hayate... Don't worry.'' Kiyomi started. She wasn't sure what to say, but she wanted anything but him worry about her. She was scared however of what she was suffering. But she had her own reasons why she kept it to herself.
For a moment, Hayate remained silent, upset that she had felt the need to keep this hidden from him. The more he thought about it however, the more he could understand why. Letting out a sad sigh, Hayate reached down with his free hand, gently lifting Kiyomi's face so that she was forced to look him in the eye. "Don't be silly Kiyomi-chan, of course I am going to worry. I care about you too much to pretend that there is nothing wrong. I just... I just wish I could do more to help. But I want you to know that I am here for you, regardless of what we have to face, I am here." He smiled at her, a warm smile, yet a sad smile. Pausing, he hesitated briefly. "I... I still think that we should take you some place where they can help... But... I also do not wish to force you to do that. Not that I even could... I just want you to be okay." Pulling her in close, Hayate rested his forehead against his. He closed his eyes, wishing that things could be easier for them, hoping that they might someday not have to hide.
She stayed silent as she closed her eyes when Hayate pressed his forehead against hers. A single tear ran down her left cheek as she thought about his words. The stubborn decision she had made the first time prevented her from however doing what would be wise. ''I know it is stupid. But I am not going to a hospital. I.. am scared.'' Kiyomi told him. ''After Gramps Jin had went to the hospital, everybody started to threat him different. He was seen as fragile and weak. Like he wasn't able to do anything on his own. I don't want that. I want to continue my training. To spend time with you. To do the things I normally do, without people running behind me to do my chores.'' She paused. ''I just want to be independent from everybody in such a manner. If I would be sick, people would just claim I can't take care of myself. I don't want to happen.''
Squeezing her tightly for a moment, Hayate felt saddened. "I could never, ever think of you as fragile Kiyomi-chan. And I can't think of anyone else who would be able to either... You are strong Kiyomi, strong on so many levels. But you can also be stubborn. I know I am not one to really talk, considering I can often be very hard-headed myself. But you cannot hide this from everyone. I will never, ever think that you are incapable of handling yourself, I know you too well for that. But if you keep hiding this from everyone, if you bottle it inside yourself... then what if it only gets worse? I... I can't lose you like that Kiyomi, I just can't... I am sorry... Sorry I am so weak..."
A smile started to creep on her lips as she listened to his words. ''You're not. Just...stupid.'' She muttered. Kiyomi was starting to feel better, but unsure if it was due his words and the feeling she gained with them or because the attack was over. Though she knew that he was right. Keeping it hiding from everyone would be something that would be hard. But she could already see what became her true fear. He viewed her as fragile now. ''Just... wait. I will be okay. This is just something small. I am sure of it. I already feel better.'' Kiyomi said, smiling or at least trying to smile without making it too sad.
Hayate couldn't help but smile a little as she called him stupid. He knew she didn't mean it like that, but it brought him out of his sadness successfully. Leaning over, Hayate planted a kiss on her forehead. "You don't have to lie to me Kiyomi. Please." Pulling his head back a little so that he could look her in the eyes, his expression grew serious. "You know that I will support you in whatever you choose to do. So if you want to keep this hidden... As much as I don't like it, and until I see that it is becoming a problem for you, I will also do my best to keep it hidden. But I need you to know that I care more about you being okay, being healthy, then keeping this secret. So promise me that you won't keep things from me Kiyomi-chan... I just... I don't want us to ever have to lie to each other. Not about the things that matter. I know that there are things that you will always have to keep hidden, things that I have no right to know... But when it comes down to us, please..." He couldn't find the words to finish, and so he just held her tightly, resting his forehead against hers.
''Thanks... I know..'' She said. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she simply closed her eyes as she tried to not cry. She didn't want to cry. The guilt was already something caused her to feel quite uncomfortable as she couldn't think of a way to comfort him. But she was glad that he was willing to keep it between them. That meant she could try to find something against what was ailing her. If there was hopefully something, she thought afraid.
Holding her there, in that moment, Hayate once again wished that he could do more... That he could be more for her. Fighting back the tears that threatened to spill out, Hayate wanted so badly to comfort her. Finally managing to find his voice, Hayate struggled to speak. "Kiyomi-chan I..." Taking a moment to calm himself, Hayate voice suddenly grew steady. He spoke with a conviction that felt stronger and stronger with each word. "We will find a way to beat this. We always do. Nothing in this world can stand against the two of us Kiyomi-chan. We can do this... Together."
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Post by Little Alice on Sept 4, 2014 18:28:15 GMT
The Lightning Flash,
Revealing Kiyomi's mastery and use of her affinity :
Cunning Release on the way!
But also a drawback.
A collab between J8cob and Alice.
Time : 14 months after the start of the timeskip.
Summary :
Kiyomi has managed to work on something that she is really eager to show Keiko. It is something that is rather special, to both of them. Only then it doesn't turn out that well as a secret is exposed.
Part I
There was a smirk on Kiyomi's lips. She was dressed as a Konohagakure jounin should. Holding the bandanna, that once belonged to Hiron, in her right hand Kiyomi looked sideways to the person that was walking with her. Today she was would show some progress to her mother on something rather special. Normally, Kiyomi always requested Fire Release training from Keiko. But today she had requested something else. Something that only Keiko could help with. And actually, at the same time she couldn't. ''I promise. You will be amazed, mom. It took me a bit of time before I figured it out and longer before I was able to do it in a good way.'' Kiyomi said, clearly proud of what she had in store to show Keiko.
Keiko gave the girl a brief smile. Unlike Kiyomi, she was wearing surprisingly casual clothes. Even then, she still had her sword on her back and pouches of shinobi gear on her jeans. "You keep talking about it but you don't give me any hints," Keiko said first, still holding the smile as she walked. She looked away briefly, to make sure of where she was walking to avoid any tripping or crashing into things. "If you keep going on like that the anxiety will get to me." She chuckled a bit at her attempt at being funny, before bringing her eyes forward for good to keep walking accurately.
''Good. That is what I want to achieve. Of course seeing what you think after seeing what I have in store for you.'' Kiyomi said. She was actually very, very proud of what she had managed to develop. It was in a way something more of herself. This time, nobody had really gave her any hint on how to achieve it. Or how to improve it. It was just like her own developed Sparkle Technique. Only now it was more advanced than the Sparkle Technique. They were closing in the distance with the training fields. And the closer they were getting, the more eager Kiyomi started to get. ''If only dad was here. I would want to see what he thinks about this as well!'' Kiyomi said, the smirk growing on her lips.
The smile faded from Keiko's face. "I'm sorry, but I needed someone to watch Aimi and Akira was busy," Keiko apologized, feeling that it was essentially her fault that Hiron wasn't joining them. Thinking about it more, it was also her fault that they couldn't bring Aimi along, due to her protective nature. No matter how she looked at it, it was her fault it was just her and Kiyomi today. But as those thoughts passed, a faint smile formed again. "But I'm sure you can show him another time," she added, looking back at Kiyomi. When she looked ahead again, the two were at the entrance to the training field. "I hope it isn't too crazy."
Placing her right index on her chin, Kiyomi seemed to think about it. ''It is pretty crazy, alright. I even think that you will not believe it at first. It is kind of amazing, crazy as very cool.'' Kiyomi then gained the smirk from before again as she lowered her hand. They were now closing in the last bit of distance to the training field. ''I think that it will give me a certain edge against many people, but I will need to get better at it before it will become truly what I have planned for it.'' She said.
"Well hurry up and show me then! I can't take it anymore," Keiko let out in a sudden outburst, before laughing at herself for doing so. She felt a bit childish now, but she really wanted to see what this was. Kiyomi gave her nothing to go off of, so she was getting excited now that they were there. "You still haven't given me any hints." She chuckled a bit, before adjusting her hair. Her laughter before had messed with it slightly, so she quickly fixed it. "Don't make me beg, Kiyomi." Her smile faded a bit, but there was still a grin evident on her lips.
Giggling, Kiyomi nodded as they had arrived. ''Tsh, no fun mom. I love to hear people beg for my tricks.'' There was a bright glint in the eyes of the young girl. Picking out a small scroll from her jacket, Kiyomi made the wrapped scroll spin on a finger. ''Watch it mom. I do need a bit of space for this.'' The tone of Kiyomi had turned to a serious one as she would throw up the scroll. With her fast movement, she would pull out a kunai, to prick her left hand. Dropping the kunai, she instantly started to weave several handsignals before catching the scroll. Unwrapping it, she would summon a barrage of swords out of the scroll. Fourteen swords would be plunged in the air, lightning surrounding them. Nothing really new as it was the Lightning Sword Dance technique. However, there was a brief moment where Kiyomi seemed to exert more lightning than usual before she turned around. With a grin, she looked at Keiko while placing her hands on her hips.
The swords were about to fall down and some of them seemed to head towards the two. ''Remember how Gramps Jin's Flying Blade technique controlled almost every weapon around him?'' The swords kept approaching the two. Kiyomi lowered her head a bit as a smirk crept on her lips. ''I cracked the code.'' That said, all of the fourteen blades seemed to stop. Just like that. They hang there, like if somebody that couldn't be seen was holding them. Looking up, Kiyomi pointed at the blades. ''Pretty amazing huh? I kind of wondered when I saw Gramps doing that. Then I decided to some tests. Only to understand that following the traditional way wasn't going to work for me.''
Keiko watched silently in shock. Though the visual display wasn't particularly impressive, Keiko knew the story behind that technique and was astounded. Kiyomi had managed to surpass her own skill with the Flying Blade technique, in a way. Not just a few blades, but over a dozen were hovering before them. Keiko's irises were a light green color, though her face didn't seem to give much else away. "Wow..." She thought back to all the times she tried to control multiple blades. It never worked out, even if it was just two. This was the closest she had seen anyone get to Jinkama's level with that. "How?" she managed to get out next, still looking at the electrified swords in front of her.
Raising her right hand, the swords would perfectly form a circle around them. Kiyomi opened her hand as one of the swords would hover in front of her. ''It is very simple to explain. Not so simple to perform however. Even now I can feel some pressure on my body while doing this.'' Kiyomi explained. Picking the handle of the blade in front of her, Kiyomi stared at the weapon. ''Haven't you ever wondered how Gramps Jin was able to manipulate so many weapons and objects around him, yet not feeling anything? Or having any side effect?'' Kiyomi asked back. Seemed she had a purpose with her question, before she would reveal how she had been able to manipulate the swords in a similar manner as Jinkama.
"I spent years wondering, Kiyomi," Keiko explained simply, reaching her hand out like she was going to touch a blade. Despite her curiosity, she was smarter than to actually touch the electrified weapon. "Jin was always powerful. He just had a powerful chakra that he could control very easily." That was what Keiko had always thought. She pulled her hand back from the weapons and finally looked over at Kiyomi. Perhaps she also had a powerful chakra like he did? Keiko was already beginning to think this was something beyond her own ability. "It was because Jin is Jin. That was why nobody else could do it..."
''That is true, but if it is about powerful chakra, what about mine? I have my own and Mata-sama's chakra. And Bijuu chakra is way more powerful than any other human form of chakra.'' Kiyomi said. She didn't want to look like a smart-ass, but she had a good reason why she was telling this. ''So I have been thinking. Unlike trying to chase Jinkama's secret, I decided to see if I could figure a way out myself. But what would work? It took me some time to think about it, but do you know anything about magnetism?''
Keiko looked back at the swords. So that was what the lightning had to do with it. "Magnetism..." she repeated aloud. Though that wasn't the case for Jinkama, apparently that was Kiyomi's secret. She began to grow excited for her, that she managed to perform something like this. "So you're using the electricity to create a magnetic field?" Though she knew the answer, she just had to confirm it. But while Keiko began to grow more excited as she thought about it, she also came to another realization. Despite the years she had spent practicing this, she would never be able to get to Kiyomi's level. Let alone Jinkama's. The thought wiped the smile off her face, but she continued examining the floating blades.
''Yes and no.'' Kiyomi said, sounding a bit amused. She pointed at the blades with the one she was holding. ''I am creating a field around them. Using the Silent Shocking technique, I am able to mask the electricity. It does mean that the range is more limited, but there it doesn't stop. I tried to use only the Silent Shocking Technique, but it kept failing whenever I would stop at that.'' She turned her head to look at Keiko. ''Some Hon's are able to perform Chidori Current. A technique that is much like expanding lightning around you. It is the last key of the electricity that makes it possible for me to control to this many blades. However, there is one major draw back. I haven't encountered it yet, but I already figured it out.'' She seemed to be a bit disappointed. As if the news would either make Keiko go mad or become disappointed in her. ''Wind neutralize and stabilize Lightning. A good wind technique and the technique fails. I haven't yet figured out how I can counter that and truth be told, I think I will not be able to figure that out.''
The young woman was still fascinated by this. Even with a weakness like that, this technique was thoroughly impressive. Chakra taxing, Keiko figured, but impressive. Something she would never be able to do... "The key for you is use your lightning," Keiko began. "I hope this doesn't take too much of a toll on you..." Keiko looked back at Kiyomi now. She still wasn't smiling. But she was clearly thinking about something. "How long did this take you?" she asked, before looking around at the swords again. So far she hadn't demonstrated the degree of her control, but Keiko had assumed she had enough to make it viable for combat.
Thinking about this, she scratched her left shoulder as she stared briefly at the blades. ''The toll is okay. If I use Mata's chakra, the range and limit of the technique changes. It just that it means my focus is just getting a hit.'' The drawback of losing more self control while having Mata's chakra running through her system was something Kiyomi never would forget. But it wasn't something that bad. ''I am not sure. I just thought about and applied my mastery of Lightning Release. Then it just happened, I think.'' A light blush was forming on Kiyomi's cheeks as she looked at the ground. It seemed that she had more trouble of asking the question she was going to, than to control such a complex technique.
''What do you think?' Keiko looked back at Kiyomi now. Of course she was proud and impressed. But she felt like there was something tainting those emotions. Jealousy. The woman put on a smile. "I think it's amazing that you managed to do this," she told her, before placing her hand on Kiyomi's shoulder. "Really. I don't think you understand how impressive this is." She continued the smile and looked ahead at the blades. Now that Keiko was aware of what it was she was feeling, she was trying to control herself. Her thoughts. "I bet he would be happy to see this."
Her shoulders trembled for a second. With her head still lowered, she would raise a hand and seemed to whip something away. ''I hope he would... I..'' She didn't continue her sentence. Still looking down, Kiyomi tried to regain her composure. Which she managed after some moments. Looking to Keiko, Kiyomi still had some tears running down her cheeks. ''I am sorry. But I am glad that you find it amazing. You know... Aimi is part Hon, right?'' Kiyomi asked. It was a sudden and likely surprising turn of subjects.
A small smirk formed on Keiko's face for a moment, but then it vanished. "Hiron reminds me every day," Keiko joked, adding a light chuckle. "Of course she will learn his technique one day. I will make sure of it. But now it's clear that you'll be the better teacher." She looked down at Kiyomi for a moment, removing her hand from the girl's shoulder. "This is bittersweet, you know." She looked ahead at the blades, once again feeling tempted to touch them. "It's hard to explain." The color in her eyes had gradually shifted from green to violet by now.
At first Kiyomi didn't understood Keiko. But then she could get an idea what she meant. Placing her right hand on her left arm, she had dropped the blade. ''You don't have to. I am not thinking it is of any help, but I have to say that I am glad that you're here now. The whole reason why I was able to figure this out wasn't just because of my mastery of Lightning Release. It was because you and your mastery of Fire Release. You were the first one to combine Gramps Jin's technique with a nature release. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't likely come up with the idea.''
Her words made Keiko smile again. Without warning, Keiko lifted one of her hands and began to ruffle Kiyomi's hair a bit. "This was all you, Kiyomi," she said, still smiling. "I don't want to take any of the credit away from you. Nobody would believe you anyways. If you told them it was because of me, that is." She withdrew her hand away from Kiyomi's head now, before chuckling a bit. "Really. I'm proud of you. Jealous, in fact." Keiko closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, before letting it out and opening them again. She looked at the blades for a moment, before rather suddenly her irises turned green again and a smirk formed on her face. "I want to try this, actually," she confessed, before looking back at Kiyomi with an even more obvious grin.
''Why don't you try it?~'' Kiyomi said. Her tone was somewhere the line of being amused, but she seemed to mean it. Holding up her right hand, there was a flicker of lightning. ''To be honest, I don't care if one believes me or not. I haven't made this just to see people treating you with more respect. I made it to show those who respect me, where I got this from. Both you and Hiron have given me so much. Let me now give you something in return.'' Kiyomi replied. There was another flicker of lightning around the hand she held up.
Keiko smirked, before lifting one of her hands with the palm facing toward Kiyomi. "You might want to back up," she warned. Her voice had a sudden confidence to it, as compared to moments before. Keiko didn't have lightning release, so she couldn't directly copy Kiyomi's style. But she wanted to try the same principle that her daughter used. The young woman made the handseals for the Flying Blade, before holding the final handseal, Tiger. She closed her eyes and began focusing. Instantly, flames consumed her hands. But rather quickly they began to spread across her entire body, engulfing Keiko in flames. The young woman began to strain herself now, and the flames began to expand even further away from her body, surrounding the swords now too. They were already floating thanks to Kiyomi's technique, but Keiko was trying to take control of it.
She gritted her teeth, still holding her eyes closed and keeping the handseal. The flames began to grow hotter and brighter, stretching higher into the sky above her. Yet the blades still weren't moving. Sweat was forming on her brow, before sizzling away from the heat. As one final push, Keiko let out a shout, trying to focus her power to control the blades. All at once, the blades began to shake. But after only two seconds, all the flames suddenly vanished and Keiko fell to her hands and knees, panting and out of breath. She looked at the ground for a moment, before punching it. "Shit!" After letting out a sigh of defeat, Keiko picked herself back up and dusted off her knees. "I can't..."
Kiyomi had moved quickly away. She hadn't expected that Keiko would try it with Fire Release. It was alarming to see her mother even try it as it wasn't the same as what Kiyomi had planned. Quickly backing away, she kept close attention to what would happen. But her assumption became reality. Not much to her liking. Waiting till the flames wouldn't be that hot or in the way, Kiyomi walked back to Keiko. ''I meant something else mom. Let me help you. This might... prickle a bit.'' Kiyomi slowly stretched her right hand towards Keiko. She slowly placed it on Keiko's shoulder. Keeping it there, she then quickly glanced at the blades. No movement, yet. ''This might work. Okay, okay. Just focus and try to move your right hand.'' Kiyomi instructed. At first, she wasn't sure if it was such a good idea. But she had seen that Keiko was disappointed that she couldn't perform the same. Hopefully this would work. If Kiyomi understood how magnetism worked, it should.
The young woman was surprised that Kiyomi was doing this. For starters, it wasn't going to be simple. The idea that Keiko was getting was that she would basically be hijacking Kiyomi's magnetic field. "I don't think it will work," Keiko immediately confessed, already sounding defeated. But despite that, she held her right hand in front of herself and moved it to the left. Slowly and steadily, while trying to focus her chakra as precisely as possible. She knew how to work the technique, but she was always caught up with moving multiple weapons at the same time. That was always her difficulty. But she could already feel Kiyomi's chakra, so maybe that would make the difference.
The swords started to tremble when Keiko was focusing her chakra. Kiyomi slowly pulled back her hand as she clenched it in a fist. Staring at the blades, they started to move slowly from the ground. As if they were needed to slowly start before they would be able to move faster. ''Heh. It totally works.'' Planting her fists in her side, Kiyomi looked at Keiko. Her little unique smile was adoring her lips. ''Without much of my help. See? I have this because of you.''
Keiko was surprised as all the blades began to move in sync. She had never moved so many weapons at once. This was still straining on her, even with Kiyomi's help, but that didn't stop her from testing herself. After moving her hand to the left some, she moved it up and to the right, bringing the blades all the way off the ground. A small smile began to form on her face. She flicked her wrist and all the blades rotated vertically, performing a whole spin before standing upright again. "Wow," she let out under her breath. It felt different. Almost like being some sort of conductor. Was this how Jinkama felt when he used the technique? Keiko began to move her hand faster now, trying to see the limits of her current control. Kiyomi would be able to tell by looking into her eyes that she was thoroughly enjoying this.
Seeing that her mother was enjoying this, Kiyomi start to beam as well. After some moments, she raised her right hand to her mouth. It felt strange. The taste of metal in her mouth? Removing her hand a bit from her mouth, Kiyomi was starting to turn pale. ''Mommy...'' Her voice was filled with panic. Her hand started to tremble as she saw a scene where she had noticed this before. It was when Jinkama had pressed himself too far. He had been coughing up blood due his disease. Coughing more, Kiyomi however threw up. She was throwing up blood. Falling on her knees, she tried to breath. Only to feel as if somebody was squeezing her throat.
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Post by Little Alice on Sept 28, 2014 21:11:16 GMT
The Lightning Flash,
Revealing Kiyomi's mastery and use of her affinity :
Cunning Release on the way!
But also a drawback.
A collab between J8cob and Alice.
Time : 14 months after the start of the timeskip.
Summary :
Kiyomi has managed to work on something that she is really eager to show Keiko. It is something that is rather special, to both of them. Only then it doesn't turn out that well as a secret is exposed.
Part II
As soon as she heard the tone of Kiyomi's voice, Keiko snapped to the side to face her daughter. The blades all fell lifelessly at the same time. With surprising speed, Keiko moved in and started to support her. "Okay, just stay calm," Keiko began to instruct, trying to keep her voice as calm as possible as well. That was when Kiyomi threw up blood. Though this was somewhat repulsive, it was more frightening than anything else. Keiko's irises began to turn a grey color as she fumbled for more words. "It will be okay. You just exerted yourself too much." Then Keiko realized she had no problem until she was helping her with the technique. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have had you help me. I didn't realize how much this did to you." Her voice was beginning to sound less calm, but Keiko still had enough wits to maintain a sort of cool, for Kiyomi's sake.
Kiyomi tried to say something. Her vision was starting to get blurry. The first time that she was really getting worried. Shaking her head lightly, for both to react on her mothers words as well to try to clear her head a bit, it was kind of painful to even breath. ''I-I... am fine.'' Coughing, more blood seemed to find its way towards her mouth. Spitting it out, she felt dizzy. ''It wasn't you. It..wasn't..'' Trying to focus on breathing, Kiyomi felt how the pain was spreading. ''I-I am sorry.''
"Hush, hush. Just breathe, sweetie," Keiko commanded, trying to think of ways to help her recover. She didn't know what Jinkama did whenever he had an attack like this. As far as she knew, he just coped with it without complaint. But that was different for him. Something he had grown used to. Of course this would be devastating to Kiyomi. "Just breathe." As a sort of way to keep Kiyomi's attention, Keiko began to breathe in a loud but regular pattern. An attempt to get Kiyomi to mimic her. "You'll be okay. Just breathe and relax." Her grey irises were focused unblinkingly on Kiyomi's face, reading her expressions while trying to figure out what to do next.
For a moment, Kiyomi wanted to sneer that there was a big difference of saying that she should breath while it was not that easy at all. The pain made it impossible to breath without feeling the pain or the rush of panic. Her eyes were still widened, but it seemed like it was getting over. Her breathing became more regular as she managed to close her eyes. But she was still trembling. The amount of blood wasn't that much, but it was covered over the grass next to Kiyomi. Her right hand was under it as well. Though she was able to control her breathing better, Kiyomi still could feel the remaints of pain in her body. ''Mom..'' Kiyomi started.
Keiko continued to support her daughter, placing a hand on her back now. "Hush," she commanded again, though her voice was still gentle. "We're going to the hospital right away. You need to rest, and to be safe we should see if anything might be wrong." Keiko didn't want to rush this, so she wasn't forcing Kiyomi to her feet. "Just focus on breathing right now. You're already doing better, just keep it up." Keiko moved her other hand to hold Kiyomi by the arm, prepared to help her up as soon as she was ready.
''No. I don't want... No.'' She looked terrified as soon as Keiko said they were going to the hospital. That was the last place she wanted to go to. It was where Jinkama had met his end. And she didn't want to go there. Not for a very long time. Trembling again, she closed her eyes. ''No. We-We can stay here. Just w-wait.'' Kiyomi said. ''N-No. I don't want to.'' She kept repeating it, as if it would make Keiko change plans.
Keiko was confused as to why Kiyomi was being defiant, but that did little to stop her. "We're going and that's final. Look at you. I want to make sure that you're okay," Keiko said, her voice sounding more stern now. The thought that Kiyomi had contracted a disease somehow crossed her mind. Then the thought that she may be pregnant. This final thought confused her for a moment, so she shook her head and regained her focus. "Just calm down. You got this way from pushing yourself, don't force yourself anymore."
''You-You don't und-'' Kiyomi tried to say, but she shivered again. The attack wasn't over yet. It was probably best if she would calm down. This was the third time that it had happened and it hadn't been this severe. ''Don-Don't tell...dad. Pl-Please. Mo-'' Coughing again, Kiyomi felt the need to curl up. She felt so ashamed and alone for a moment. The pain was rushing again through her body as she could feel the metalic taste in her mouth again. This was worse than the two other times it had happened.
She was being oddly defiant about it. In fact, her overall attitude had entirely changed. "I have to tell Hiron, sweetie," Keiko informed her. Why didn't Kiyomi want to leave or Hiron to know? She moved the hand from her back and began to stroke the girl's hair in an attempt to comfort her. "He won't be mad at you. He won't be disappointed. So don't worry. Just relax." It was moments like this that made Keiko wish that Akira was here. She was far better with this sort of thing. In fact, Keiko began to wish Hiron was here because maybe he could help somehow. "Just stay calm."
She really didn't understand. Hadn't Keiko seen how Jinkama had been treated? How he had became more or less a prisoner of his dissease? How everybody had treated him like he wasn't capable of anything? She didn't want that. She wanted to be treated as usual. Something that wouldn't be possible with this. Clenching her right hand in a fist, Kiyomi felt how tears flowed from her eyes over her cheeks. Slamming at the ground, she wanted to shout so hard. It was frustrating that she couldn't keep this hidden. And she had been able to do so. Why was it happening now? ''Mom... No. I don't want..'' Kiyomi began again.
Her stubborness was starting to really bother Keiko. "Doesn't matter, I'm not letting this slide," she said, once again surprisingly stern. She bent over further, to try and maintain eye level with Kiyomi. "I'm not going to pretend this didn't happen. Something is wrong and we're going to fix it." Despite her irises still being grey, there was a passion behind her words. She was dead serious. "Why don't you want to go to the hospital?" Keiko finally asked, not being able to stand it any longer. Though she wanted Kiyomi to calm down, she had to know what it was that was holding her back. Maybe she could solve that problem.
''I hate... that place.'' Kiyomi said. Thought it wasn't shown often, the more childish and rebellious side of Kiyomi was showing up. Her fears and hatred for the hospital was just connected together with the first time she thought back to how Jinkama had been treated. ''I am...fine.'' She mumbled. Trying to stand on her own, it became evident that it wasn't going as smooth as she was usually capable off. Cursing out loud, Kiyomi sank back on her knees. ''.. I-I am... so sorry.'' She felt the bitter taste of defeat and humiliation. To be in such a state after she had managed to make her mother that happy. She had managed to reach close to the level of her grandfather and now she was going through an attack. Talking about bad timing.
She hated it? But why? Keiko thought about it for a second, before Kiyomi failed at standing up. "We're still going," she said, not backing down. Then she suddenly realized what it might be keeping her from cooperating. "It's because Jin passed away there, isn't it?" Her tone had changed now, being less stern and more understanding. "Sweetie..." She didn't quite know how to respond now that she figured it out. There was a solution here, but she just couldn't figure it out. "Jin went to the hospital because they took better care of him there. If he didn't, he would've passed sooner. They didn't help kill him, they tried to save him."
''More.'' She said, with an angry tone. ''It is...more.'' She hissed. Why didn't Keiko understand it? Wasn't it not clear then? That place wasn't any good. ''Nobody has saved Gramps Jin. I-I want to... I can't become what I want...'' She started to mutter. There wasn't much sense she was saying as she couldn't finish her sentences. ''I-I beg you... Mom... Please..'' Turning her head, Kiyomi looked in a desperate manner to her mother. She was clearly not wanting to go the place.
"It's for your own good, Kiyomi," Keiko told her, still using the gentle voice. "I don't know why you aren't telling me everything, but I can be damn sure I'm going to figure out what is wrong. This is more than simply over-exerting yourself." After saying the words, her mind began racing. Kiyomi likely knew the cause of it, judging by her behavior, and simply didn't want anyone else to know. Which was quite suspicious to Keiko. "If you know what the problem is, you need to tell me right now, Kiyomi."
She wanted to say it. But she couldn't. She just couldn't. It wasn't going to be simple. It would just make it all worse! Everybody would treat her like she was some kind of weak and lower life form. She wouldn't let that happen. Certainly not after making sure that the other two who knew about this promised to shut their mouths about this. It was just unfair! Why did it had to happen now and today? ''No.'' She whispered. Feeling defeated, she just lowered her head. Trying to ressist or argue against Keiko wouldn't help. She wouldn't understand. Nobody would. Maybe one. But she was far away and wouldn't hear of this. It was more than clear the Hokage would put a barrier on her if she would be in the hospital. Everybody would be watching over her. Goodbye freedom, it would just be like that.
"Tell me." Keiko's voice was commanding again, as she made sure to look Kiyomi in the eyes as she instructed her. She wanted to add that this was for her own good, but Keiko was feeling that if she went soft on her right now Kiyomi would never tell her the problem. Instead, she only used those two words and let her eyes do the rest. Without permission, Keiko siphoned a bit of Kiyomi's chakra, to allow her to see it. But nothing appeared wrong with her chakra. Then again, Keiko wouldn't know what her chakra would look like if something was wrong. Since that turned up no leads, she needed to find out from Kiyomi herself.
It was a decision she had to think about. But was there any choice? Kiyomi shook her head. Keeping her lips sealed, she knew the possibility that Keiko could explode. But she would rather face Keiko's anger than to see her scared. It wouldn't do anybody good if Keiko would hear the reason of why she was like this. Actually, it would do nobody any good. It would just scare them all. She was very scared and still refused to believe it. But somewhere, very deep in her inner-being, she knew it was true. But she wouldn't let that reach the surface. It would be kept there.
The young mother was beginning to get frustrated. She only wanted to help Kiyomi and the girl not only wasn't cooperating but couldn't give a good reason why. "Kiyomi..." Irritation was layered in her voice, but Keiko was still trying to stay stern. "Tell me what the problem is. You know damn well you have nothing to hide from me. So don't make this worse on yourself by keeping it a secret. I know something is wrong and for that I won't back off." Her irises were no longer gray, but instead had become a dark violet color. She was clearly growing frustrated, anyone can tell by looking.
Looking away, it became clear that Kiyomi wasn't going to spit out any word. She thought that Keiko wouldn't understand it. Nobody did. The only who maybe could understand it was dead. And he wasn't coming back to help her now. The chance on that was zero. Kiyomi briefly looked at Keiko with a look that came closer with looking dead than sad. She showed no emotion, just a stare empty of anything. Lowering her head, she however felt ashamed. How cruel this was. First she had managed to briefly experience Keiko laugh as she had managed to make her laugh. Maybe if she hadn't experience an attack, Keiko would have been so happy that she would have told it to Hiron. Just in a similiar manner how Kiyomi had always ran towards home after a day at the Academy, having learned something new and exciting.
She was being painfully stubborn. "You're going to the hospital regardless so you might as well tell me what's wrong," Keiko told her, plain and simple. She wanted to be soft with her, but knew that this was one of those times where she had to put her foot down. "Tell me the problem, Kiyomi." Keiko moved a bit closer now, still making sure to maintain eye level and eye contact with the girl. She may be in pain but Keiko was going to make sure she would get the point across.
Placing her bloodied hands over her face, she tried to cover her eyes. She didn't want to see keiko being mad. She wanted to see nothing. It was more painful than any attack she had suffered so far. Still her lips were sealed as she refused to say what was wrong. The desire to shout it out, to make it clear that she couldn't get help from Keiko, Hiron or many others, made it painful and so tempting. But she wouldn't. It would make them suffer more. Slowly she shaked with her head.
The young woman let out a sigh, before placing a hand gently on Kiyomi's shoulder. She looked back up into the girl's eyes, before moving her hand toward the base of her neck. With surprising speed and precision, she pinched down hard on the pressure point there, all the while looking into the girl's eyes. "I'm sorry," she said, sounding genuinely regretful. But Keiko felt she was being given no other choice. She knew that if she waited for Kiyomi to be in good enough condition to walk, the girl would simply run away to avoid going to the hospital. Rendering her unconscious was the best course of action for her at the moment.
Kiyomi wanted to push Keiko's hand away. Only to realize too late what her mother was up to. Shocked and suprised by the sudden action, Kiyomi tried to fight against it. But she wouldn't be capable of doing something like that. Though it happened that fast, for Kiyomi it happened like the world was going slower by every second. Her green eyes caught every detail that she could pick out. Only what she could do was to flex her right index finger before the darkness took over.
Before the girl could fall to the ground, Keiko made sure to catch her in her arms. "It'll be okay, sweetie," she comforted, despite knowing that Kiyomi wouldn't hear her. With Kiyomi in her arms, she stood back up to full height. There was blood on Kiyomi's hands and face, and somehow a few specks managed to get on Keiko's clothes and her right forearm, but she still seemed oddly peaceful when she was unconscious. The young mother looked back at all the swords and the scroll that were lying on the ground. But there was no time to recover them, she would just have to handle that later. It was likely that if anyone found them they would return them anyways. With this in mind, Keiko began to jog away from the training field.
Slowly Kiyomi opened her eyes. Some bright light made it difficult for her to see where she was. But then she realized what the possibility was. Raising herself up, she almost but her head against that of a doctor. Out of instict, Kiyomi lashed out. She had expected lightning to crackle out of her skin, to make her slap even more dangerous. But she was shocked. The man was stumbling backwards, but she hadn't seen any lightning lashing out as well. Her eyes widened as she noticed that there was some device stuck to her neck. What was this? She had to get away from here. Kiyomi felt how a rush of panic and adreline moved through her body. Trying to get up, she noticed the next surprise. Rope around her legs? 'No!'' Suddenly the girl started to scream, turning pale as she clawed at the rope. She had to break free! She had to go away from this place!
"Kiyomi, sweetie," Keiko tried to comfort. She was sitting down next to the hospital bed, but upon Kiyomi making it clear she was awake the mother stood up. She placed a hand on Kiyomi's forehead and crouched down a bit so it wouldn't seem like she was hovering over her. "I'm sorry, but I had to do it." She brushed some of the girl's red hair out of her face. It was clear now that her irises were a light violet color, like purple mixed with grey. "The doctors are going to tell me what is wrong. They already looked you over. Please don't be mad at me."
The voice of Keiko was something that seemed off, but Kiyomi calmed down. She was still breathing heavily as she looked she was in great fear. Only then she realized how she had got her. Slowly calming down, Kiyomi stared at Keiko. Her eyes were still wide open, revealing the fear that was going through the young girl. Then she slowly half closed them as she started to breath calmer. Her hands slowly moved to the device at her neck. It was made of some sort of metal. It felt cold and unnatural. Swallowing, she could feel it was tight against her throat. What was this? Why was she tied down? Returning her stare to Keiko, Kiyomi wanted to say something. But as soon as she opened her mouth, she closed it again. Like before, she felt alone and now even more betrayed. But she wasn't mad at Keiko. Though she wasn't liking what was happening, she realized that she would have done the same. Instead of thus sending Keiko a glare, she turned her anger to the present doctor. She wished she had punched him, instead of just a slap. Maybe trying to gouge an eye out next time? That would learn those doctors a thing or two!
Kiyomi wasn't talking. Keiko felt like she was mad at her. Which was understandable, but still made her feel bad. "You had me worried," Keiko began, placing her hand on Kiyomi's cheek. "I still am. I just want to get to the bottom of this so we can go home and be done with it." She pulled her hand back and looked at the doctor, who seemed to be keeping a respectable distance. "Don't scare her like that," Keiko instructed, using a harsher tone with him. With that command in place, Keiko returned her attention back to her daughter. "I love you," she added, as another attempt to get Kiyomi to talk to her. Or to at least be less angry.
A shiver went over Kiyomi's skin as soon as Keiko placed a hand on her cheek. But she didn't move away. Her eyes however looked away, trying to not make any contact with Keiko's. Moving her hands down, she was actually trying to mould her chakra. Breaking through rope or even steel was an easy trick with her lightning. But no menacing sound of the violent force was heard. Not even a little flicker of the nature had appeared. Deciding to use her last resort, Kiyomi was now trying to call upon Matatabi's chakra. She was sure she would be able to force her way out by using his powerful chakra. But no sign or feeling that she was able to use it. Realizing by now what they had done, her eyes widened. Her hands shot towards the cold steel device around her neck. It had to go off! In a frenzy of panic and anger, she tried to get it off her. Her fingers clawed at it, but to no avail. Not that Kiyomi seemed to care. Soon blood was starting to color the skin of Kiyomi's throat as she was pressing her nails over it, trying to desperatly removing it. The doctor called for some help and soon five adults were barging in the room. Hearing this only made Kiyomi starting to scream as she tried to break loose.
"Back off!" Keiko commanded to them, holding on of her arms out over Kiyomi. She made it clear that she was the dominant force in this room, using only her voice. As soon as everyone stopped closing in, she brought her hands forward and grabbed Kiyomi's, forcing them away from her neck. "Why are you acting like this? Why can't you just tell me?" Keiko started to whisper, still holding onto her hands tight. "I thought you could tell me everything. That's what I'm here for. I'm here for you." She kept her eyes locked on Kiyomi, but even though she had a calm and gentle demeanor she made sure to use her strength to keep Kiyomi from clawing at herself anymore. "Why?"
With Keiko telling to back off, the others complied to it. They stayed in the room and seemed to be nervous. But none of them dared to object or even come closer to the to. Kiyomi started to cry as she tried to look away. Keeping her lips sealed, she didn't want to respond back to Keiko. Why didn't Keiko understand that? What was so hard about that? Kiyomi wanted to say a lot of things. What she thought what had caused her to throw up blood. Why she was acting like this. Why she was scared and frustrated. ''Nooo. No! No!''' She muttered, trying to still get that darn device of her neck. What if Matatabi was scared? What if he could help her now? What if they had done.... Suddenly Kiyomi became a bit calmer for a moment. She stared at her stomach. ''The seal...What have you done...?'' She muttered. She turned her attention first to Keiko and then to the doctors. One of them wavered, but then opened his mouth to answer. ''Don't worry miss. We haven't touched anything like that. That device is just on request to stop moulding too much chakra. It is for you own pro-''' Suddenly Kiyomi started to scream. She was throwing names at the doctors. Calling them brutes, criminals, murderers and scum.
Keiko continued to hold onto her hands, but once Kiyomi began shouting again, Keiko gripped them tighter. "Sweetie..." Her voice was really quiet, almost a whisper, and it was drowned out by the screaming. With a sigh, Keiko looked away, before releasing one of Kiyomi's hands. There was a slapping sound as the young woman passed her hand across Kiyomi's cheek. "I'm sorry," she said again, quickly making sure to grab Kiyomi's free hand once more. "You need to calm down. You aren't... you, right now. Now tell me what is going on Kiyomi or I'll have to put you to sleep again and let the doctors tell me in a few minutes." Despite the words she was saying, her voice was surprisingly collected. She spoke slowly, like a mother would to a young child. "Please."
The slap had helped. Some of the present doctors and assistants flinched. The sound of the slap made it clear that it wasn't a soft one. Kiyomi looked surprised at the direction of Keiko. Lowering her head, Kiyomi became silent again. Only then she would answer Keiko. ''I won't. I.. can't.'' She said. Kiyomi felt embarressed while she admitted it. She rather was spitting out her organs out of her body than tasting the bitter flavour of defeat in her mouth. It was just something that she didn't want.
Her grip on Kiyomi's hands grew unintentionally tighter. Keiko let out a sigh, before hanging her head in defeat. At least Kiyomi was calmed down now, so there was no need to knock her out anymore. But her question wasn't answered, and Kiyomi refused to comply. That left only one person that could solve this. Keiko stood up slowly and let go of Kiyomi's hands, before turning around to face the doctor. Unlike a moment before, her irises were burning red in the trademark anger. "You're going to get me that diagnosis as fast as possible or I will personally throw you out the hallway window," she commanded, making it clear she wanted the staff to hurry up. They had been here for a little less than an hour and her patience had finally worn off with Kiyomi's last act of defiance.
Kiyomi had kept her head lowered. She couldn't use her chakra? Not lay a connection to Matatabi? She already noticed her heightened senses were gone. They were the result that her bond with Matatabi was working. Now she couldn't contact him. How was he feeling? She was really worried about him. Only then to notice too late that Keiko was walking away from her. The one that had received Keiko's command as threat nervously nodded. But with Keiko apparently leaving, Kiyomi couldn't stay calm again. Her hands stretched out towards the woman she saw as her mother, screaming again. Tears were rolling over her cheeks as she desperately tried to reach for Keiko.
The young mother noticed this quickly and returned to Kiyomi's side, holding her hands once again. This was so confusing. Kiyomi was behaving like a small child, an animal even. Something was seriously wrong and not knowing was working Keiko up more and more the more she thought about it. Despite returning to Kiyomi, her irises were still clearly red. "Calm down," she instructed, trying to keep her voice sweet. "Depending on what the doctors say you'll be out of here in no time..." Keiko looked away, to shoot a glare back at the doctor. She was feeling her rage accumulating but didn't want to take it out on Kiyomi. "Fucking get a move on!" she shouted at him. There was another doctor earlier that had left, and Keiko presumed that man was the one who ran the tests.
Reaching out for her mother, Kiyomi seemed to seek out the only kind of comfort she had now. Pressing her face against the hands of Keiko, Kiyomi trembled over her whole body. It wasn't the result of a coming attack, but the mixture of anger, fear and panic. The staff flinched mostly at Keiko's words, but one of them quickly seemed to grab a syringe. The young man was trying to move closer, trying to stay aware of what Kiyomi would do. It was pretty clear already that the young girl was not really predictable. And just when the man was trying to get some blood from her, he yelped. The right hand of Kiyomi had shot towards his wrist and by quickly twisting it, she managed to force him to drop the syringe. Narrowing her eyes, she let go of the man's wrist. Before any of the other staff could make a step, the young girl had now the syringe, raising it a bit. She was aiming to slam the needle into the man's leg. Only for her to shift her attention. Like it was a feint, the syringe was now aimed at Keiko. Only opening was that Kiyomi seemed to waver before she would try to plunge the needle anywhere she could hit her mother.
Keiko was surprised that Kiyomi managed to break free of her grip to attack the man, but she was quick to react. "Damnit!" she shouted, reaching out and grabbing Kiyomi's hand as it held the syringe. However, she began to grip incredibly tightly, squeezing hard enough to break the syringe that was trapped in Kiyomi's hand. "You need to control yourself," Keiko said, which was a fairly ironic statement in most circumstances. Not letting go of her hands this time, she glared back at the doctor. "Hurry it up already! The longer you take the more scared she's getting!" After yelling at the man, she redirected her attention back to Kiyomi and softened her voice. "Please stop, Kiyomi. I don't want to have to knock you out, but I will if it's for your own good." Her sweet voice contrasted sharply with her red eyes and her solid grip on Kiyomi's hands, which now had some blood trickling down from the broken syringe. But Keiko wasn't going to budge. She had to find out what could reduce Kiyomi to this state.
With Keiko managing to keep Kiyomi's right hand in a tight grip, one of the other doctors made use of the moment. The woman quickly grabbed a syringe from one that was wavering. Then she lifted up the sheeth at Kiyomi's legs. Catching the movement, Kiyomi turned her head as she looked terrified how the woman quickly plunged the needle in Kiyomi's leg. Trying to make it hard for the female doctor to focus, Kiyomi started to make her leg tremble, but two more adults came to the female doctor's aid. They kept the leg still as the female doctor extracted some blood. ''Got it!'' The woman sounded a bit relieved as she and the other two quickly moved backwards. Becoming silent. Kiyomi stared at her leg. One of the doctors moved the sheeth back, but she kept staring at it. It also made her cease the attempts of trying to break out of Keiko's grip.
The doctor who had first tried it nodded to the others. ''Good. Quickly examine it. Bring word to the head of the hospital that we will need his help with this. Send a warning to the Hokage as well.'' Hearing the man's words, Kiyomi narrowed her eyes. Her cheeks started to run red as she was clearly getting angry. But she didn't start to shout or scream anymore. All she did was just to glare in their direction. Except that of Keiko's. With most of the staff leaving, the doctor who seemed to be in charge turned to Keiko. He wanted to advise the woman to leave Kiyomi rest, but he had seen that ordering the woman to go away from Kiyomi would result in that the latter would start screaming and panicking. ''Shall I bring you something to drink, Miss?''
The young woman glared up at him briefly, before looking back down at Kiyomi. "Unless this hospital has booze, I don't want anything," Keiko said rather simply, though her voice was layered with irritation. Like he was wasting time by talking with her. Keiko looked down at her hands, which were still holding Kiyomi's tightly. "I'm sorry..." she whispered to her again. She felt guilty for treating the girl like this, but this was the only way. Her irises were slowly going from red to violet, which was a sign that she was calming down a bit herself. But it was clear she was still fired up, and now she was ready in case Kiyomi tried to do something again.
She was however calm. Kiyomi had her head lowered as she seemed to really give up now. They had an example of her blood, she couldn't escape and it had already started. How many times was Keiko going to apologize? How many times would she have nightmares about this, just like how Kiyomi had about Jinkama? But telling the woman that it wasn't her fault didn't seem to occur to Kiyomi. She just stat there. The young doctor that had offered something to drink looked away. He wasn't really happy how Keiko had spoke to him, but it seems he was trying to understand it. Walking away, he closed the door behind him, so both the mother and young girl had some privacy. The screaming and sounds had attracted the curiosity of others. Kiyomi glanced at the door. If she had her heightened senses, she could figure out what was being said. All she could hear was some sounds, but nothing really that she could make out from it. Wanting to pull her legs up, she noticed the rope. Like it wasn't enough they had disabled her ability to use anything that had to do with chakra.
Keiko paid attention to the girl's eyes, watching how she looked around. She wished it didn't have to be like this but knew that this was the only way she could get anything out of the girl. Keiko opened her mouth like she was going to say something, but gave up and looked away. She didn't know what to feel about Kiyomi right now. She was scared, but she was also angry and hurt. That she would go to such lengths to defy a simple, honest question. From Keiko, no less. Though not much time had passed, Keiko was already feeling her impatience rise again and was tempted to yell out the door. But she still had enough wits to know that would accomplish nothing. "Bastards taking forever," she mumbled to herself, still looking over at the door.
Bringing her hands together, in front of her stomach, Kiyomi kept her head lowered. She didn't react to Keiko's mumbling. After ten or more minutes had passed, somebody knocked on the door. It was the same doctor as before. He looked quite worried as he entered the room. Instantly Kiyomi threw him a glare, but she didn't start shouting or trying to break free again. The man tried to smile, but it was pretty clear that such an expression wouldn't work. ''Miss, would you please follow me? It is not going to take long.'' The doctor seemed to have said the last sentence more for Kiyomi than actually wanting to comfort Keiko.
The young woman's grip on Kiyomi's hands grew even tighter when the doctor suggested she follow him somewhere. "We're both right here so just say it, doc," Keiko snapped at him, clearly at the end of her rope. First Kiyomi was causing problems and now this doctor wanted to be a pain? "Whatever you have to say, she already knows what it is. It's me that needs to know, so the next words out of your mouth better be an explanation for what's going on here." The rage was in her eyes again, and she slowly moved them from Kiyomi to bring her unsettling gaze upon the doctor.
The man swallowed as he was holding some papers. Lowering his gaze, he tried to avoid to look at Keiko. Cold sweat was running from his forehead as he was kind of scared for the mother. Though not really a shinobi himself, even civilians knew about some infamous shinobi. ''We ran several tests already with her blood. It is safe to assume that some diseases we were scanned for aren't in her system. However,'' The doctor looked up. He tried to smile again, but was really nervous to bring down the news. ''The chance is very slim and I hope it is actually not true, but.''
''Some think that there is nothing in her system. Not at least in her blood.'' The young man said. Kiyomi looked away, staring out of the window. She seemed anything but surprised when the doctor told them the news. She had already told Keiko she was fine. ''We will need to keep her here until we have found what has made her ill. But I need to ask some questions, if you don't mind miss.''
"I have some fucking questions for you," Keiko snapped quickly. She finally let go of Kiyomi's hands and stood up, menacingly approaching the doctor. "You're basically telling me that something is wrong but you don't know what? Is it not your job to find out?" Before he could have a chance to defend himself, Keiko grabbed him by the coat with both hands. "I don't want to leave her here a minute longer than I have to and you want to run even more tests?" There was a furious sneer on her face. "Are you telling me that you can't solve this?" She put her face close to his, uncomfortably so, just to instill more fear into him. The temptation to hit this man was rising, but she hadn't reached the point of lashing out quite yet.
The man tried to say something back, but he was in too much fear. He tried to even nod, just because that was the case. Raising one of his hands, he tried to keep her at bay. But when she was approaching him, it seemed like a bad idea. Instead he cowered in front of her, while trying to say something. ''I am fine.'' Kiyomi said. Her tone was empty of emotions as she kept staring out of the room, through the window. The doctor felt how his heart was beating in his chest, still trying to answer back to Keiko. It was like whenever Kiyomi was calm, Keiko was the one who was angry. And when the young girl was in anger, it was the mother's turn to be or at least act calm.
Kiyomi's words seemed to do the trick. Keiko gave the doctor a light headbutt, just enough to knock him back against the wall and get the idea across that she was pissed. As she slammed her forehead against his, she let go of his shirt and began to turn around. Now that she was facing Kiyomi, the rage burning in her eyes was directed at it's next target. "You're not fine! You're doing exactly what Jin was doing!" After saying the words, Keiko stopped herself and began breathing heavily. She realized she was losing it and needed to calm down. After one last deep breath, she looked over her shoulder at the doctor. "How long do you need her here to figure out what's wrong?"
The doctor was stumbling backwards, trying to keep standing. But the force behind the headbut combined with the surprise wasn't allowing him to avoid the wall. Moving one of his hands to his forehead, he didn't dare to look up to Keiko. But before he could answer, Kiyomi spoke again. ''I am not.'' Kiyomi replied. Turning her head, she threw an angry glare in Keiko's direction. ''I keep telling you I am fine!'' The young girl kept staring for several more moments with the angry glare in Keiko's direction before it seemed to dawn on her who she was talking to. Turning her head, she looked again through the window. ''I-I am not sure. If it is not her blood, then we need to do some other tests to see if her organs are still functioning. Maybe we need to do a kind of scan to get a better sight of what could be the p-problem. B-But, I need to ask some couple of questions, miss.'' The doctor was trying to get up, but still kept his back at the wall.
The young woman glared at Kiyomi while the doctor continued talking. Once he was done, she had one final thing to say to her daughter. "Jin kept telling me he was fine, too." With that, she turned around to face the man leaning against the wall. "Fine. Quit fucking stuttering and ask the damn questions," she told him, crossing her arms and closing her eyes. She knew that exploding in here would go horribly wrong, so she was trying to let her mind drift off to a happier place. But that was miserably failing because all she was thinking about was death.
Looking at the papers he was holding, the man cleared his throat. He was needed to ask her the questions, but the first one already seemed like a very bad idea. It was one of the possible reasons why Kiyomi was acting both weird as throwing up blood. ''These are just questions that are being asked due a standard protcocol. Please, if you don't wish to answer the question, then don't feel forced to do so.'' The doctor began. He looked away, feeling like he wasn't going to like the answer of the first question. Even more, he wouldn't like the reaction. ''Is your daughter.... Are you maybe aware if she is active on.. sexual activities?''
The question made Kiyomi turn her head. She wasn't sending much of a glare in the direction of the doctor. But more of a mixed look of confussion as irritation. The mere thought of such a question was making her feel little to no regret for what she was expecting to happen now. It was their own faul that they kept trying to fix her, while she was already fine.
Keiko kept her eyes closed and her arms crossed a moment longer after the question was asked, but her face was still contorting into a sneer. Without particular warning, Keiko's fist shot forward. It barely grazed past the man's head, slamming into the wall behind him and splintering it severely from the impact. Keiko actually anticipated to punch through it, but the hospital walls were apparently sturdy. There was a deadly look in her eyes, but she didn't say a word as she pulled her fist back. Once she was standing upright, she crossed her arms again. "No. Next question," she answered, once again closing her eyes and taking deep breathes. But rather than thinking about death this time, her mind was consumed by scenarios where her answer was a lie.
Like expected. Kiyomi didn't need her past heightened senses to know what Keiko's reaction was. It was like predicted violence. As if that would improve the situation. The doctor flinched as he was shocked by the action of Keiko. He started to tremble while staring at his paper. His hands were shaking heavily, making it hard for him to properly read the content on the paper. ''Does your daughter use any drugs?'' He asked, with a more high pitched tone. If she wasn't tied to the bed or in this situation, she would have laughed a bit about this situation. But Kiyomi didn't seem to care about it anymore or at least seemed to feel like that.
She gritted her teeth at the next question. At this point, it was safe to assume he was going to ask if she was doing anything she shouldn't be doing. With that in mind, Keiko began to mentally prepare herself for the rest of the questions. With her eyes closed and her mouth clenched, she managed to get out one word through her gritted teeth. "No." She adjusted her arms a bit and rotated a bit away from the doctor, so as to not be facing him directly anymore. Now she was imagining Kiyomi going around drinking and smoking, which only made her mood worse. In fact, a vein appeared to be popping out on her forehead now.
The man didn't notice the rage building as he kept staring at his paper. Kiyomi didn't need to look. She knew her mother well enough to know that it was the silence before the storm. The only thing that made her a bit happy, if you could call it like that, was that it was only Keiko being here. It would have been probably worse if more of her family were here. ''T-There is one more question. I can assume that she hasn't contracted anything of the next questions as we did those tests. B-But, is she is adopted or truly your own daughter?'' This seemed to spark a reaction from Kiyomi. The hands of the young girl tried to grab for something. But most thing were out of her reach, probably something they had thought of before. Only one thing she could throw towards the two. The white object was flying towards the two. Tears started to roll from Kiyomi's eyes, over her cheeks as she started to tremble again. The mere thought of them asking such a question made her now very angry.
Keiko opened her eyes, but still had her arms crossed. "What kind of fucking question is that? Does it matter!? What difference does it make if I gave birth to her or not!? What question does that really answer!?" Keiko began shouting, unwrapping her arms and bringing her fists to her side. "The other questions I understand but this is stupid! Are you even a real doctor!? Or are you some asshole the real doctors sent to piss me off!?" Keiko was growing particularly angry now, but she stopped herself from lashing out at him. "If you must know, the answer is that I didn't give birth to her. But that is a stupid fucking question and you should never ask it again!" Keiko turned away from the man, closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths. "This better fucking help."
The man cowered in fear again as Keiko started to answer back his question. He kept his head lowered, not wanting to provoke a more hostile reaction by looking directly into her eyes. ''I-I am so sorry. But it is req-required to know. I-If she was y-.'' The man managed to quickly adjust his sentence. ''If she shared the same bloodline, t-then we could try to trace the problem there. Please forgive me for asking the questions, but it might help to narrow the search miss.'' Meanwhile, Kiyomi was trying to whipe the tears away. She couldn't hold them back any longer. The last question had really hit something sensetive. Now she was even almost thinking she was turning ill. But she was just fine. Why didn't they just believe she was fine? Was it maybe that they wanted her to be ill?
"Whatever, I answered your questions," Keiko snapped, gritting her teeth again. "So, with this knowledge I have bestowed upon you... what can you tell me about her?" She already figured he wouldn't have an answer, but her impatience was instinctive at this point. "I'm not feeling very confident in the doctors here," she added with some irritation. She wanted this to be done as quick as possible, but it seemed everyone was making this harder than it had to be. Why couldn't they run these tests before while she was unconscious? "Bastards."
The question of Keiko seemed to make the man nervous for a reason. ''Nothing, cause I am fine! Let me go. Now!'' Kiyomi said with a rather stern tone. Crossing her arms out front of her chest, she stared out of the window again. For some reason, she was getting the feeling she would be here for some time. That made her worry about a lot of things. Who would take care of Sharky? Who would watch over the pupils of the Guardians? Who would ... She didn't want to think about the last question that ran through her mind, but she realized the chance was there. No. She wouldn't accept it. She had came this far. The doctor seemed at first distracted by Kiyomi answering the question. ''Only that we aren't sure. But! But! With the answers you have given, we can certainly narrow the search. Give us some time to examine her more and we will find a reason.''
Keiko calmly uncrossed her arms and looked directly in the eyes of the doctor. "Here's a fancy idea," she began, her voice clearly sarcastic. "Rather than me giving you your sweet time, why don't you just do all that doctor shit right now instead of wasting our time?" Her voice seemed to echo sarcasm, and she looked back at Kiyomi. "I know that if you did those tests now rather than when you felt like it, we could leave today. So fucking do it." Though that was all directed toward the doctor, Keiko gave Kiyomi a stern gaze. One that suggested reprimandment.
''We already have set some doctors on trying to figure out what is the cause of her illness. I-If there is any-'' ''I already told you.. I AM FINE!'' Kiyomi shouted. She wished she had something else to throw towards the two. Sending a glare towards Keiko, Kiyomi's cheeks started to blush again. ''Just already accept it. I am normal and okay. Just do it-'' Coughing, Kiyomi started to cover her mouth. Another attack? This seemed to cause the doctor to look at her. Without any warning, he ran towards Kiyomi. Hissing, the younger girl tried to keep the doctor away from her. Flicking her left wrist, she had expected lightning to travel through the air. But the man placed a hand on her back as he seemed to look worried. Like she had asked for his pity! But the pain and coughs were demanding her attention. ''Miss, is there anything that had happened before? May I ask where her father is?'' The doctor asked, more serious than before.
Now he was asking smart questions. Keiko also moved to Kiyomi's side, placing her right next to the doctor. Her previous rage toward him seemed to have vanished suddenly. "We were training and she expended a lot of chakra at once. I first thought it was just that she over-exerted herself, but it was more severe than anything I had seen before." Her voice sounded somewhat panicked now, as she was more concerned about Kiyomi than being mad at the hospital. "Her father is at home right now. Does he need to be here too?" Keiko answered, asking a question of her own in the process.
''I see. Does she that a-'' ''What the-the fuck are you thinking? Of course, I do. I -'' Kiyomi's angry response was cut off by another cough. Spitting out more blood, she was coloring the white sheeth in a dark crimson color. Her voice went a bit up as she seemed to panic by seeing her own blood leaving her body like that. ''Stay away! Stay away!'' She started, trying to push both Keiko as the doctor away. The man managed to keep standing as he looked worried at Keiko. ''I don't say he should be here, but if it helps, it would be better than nothing at all.'' This caught Kiyomi's attention again. Instead of pushing, she reached out to grab them both. Now she was really starting to panic. ''Nooo! No! Don't do it! I beg you! I beg-'' Another cough started to interupt her.
Now she was split. Keiko wanted to get Hiron over here, but she didn't want to leave Kiyomi's side. "Do something to make her stop!" she berated the doctor, giving him a light smack on the arm to motivate him. She herself had no idea how to solve this, though she remembered that Kiyomi began to improve once she calmed down. So that was the starting point. Keiko took Kiyomi's hands in hers again and crouched next to her. "Shush, Kiyomi," Keiko began, trying her strategy from before using a gentle voice. "Just relax and breathe again. You did it before, you can do it again."
The doctor wavered. He was trying to think of something, but then seemed to run away. Most likely going to grab something. Kiyomi started to briefly panic as she was supsecting him to fetch Hiron. That shouldn't happen. Her hand however couldn't find any good grip on the man's white coat. But neither could she try to chase him down. Not with Keiko being here. Not with being straped down to the bed at her legs. Not with the current attack. Trying to find some comfort aat Keiko, Kiyomi's hands reached out to Keiko as she seemed to want embrace the woman.
"Shhh," Keiko comforted, scooting closer to Kiyomi. "Calm down, sweetie. Relax." Though Keiko desperately wanted to get Kiyomi through whatever it was she was going through right now, she couldn't help but think about how Kiyomi had been denying the existence of this problem. This served as perfect proof, and she'll probably still be defiant. The thought held Keiko back a bit, but she still had her primary focus on calming her down. "It'll be alright if you just calm down."
She seemed to relax a bit with Keiko scooting closer. Her hands reached towards the woman. ''I-'' Kiyomi trembled. Her hands hadn't move to the waist of the woman. Not to her arms or anything that would make it clear she was trying to embrace Keiko in a hug. The hands of Kiyomi had reached out for Keiko's throat. It was only brief that the hands were there. Trying to make it look rather innocent, she would try to move them to the neck of her mother, trying to pull her down for a close embrace.
Kiyomi was acting very strange. This was beginning to disturb Keiko. "Hush." She didn't know what to do anymore. If they hadn't gone out to train that day. If they just stayed home with Hiron and Aimi. This wouldn't have happened. "Just hush." Keiko held her hands a bit tighter, wishing that Hiron or Akira was here. Someone to help. And now that the doctor was gone too, Keiko was slowly starting to feel more and more worried. Why did he leave? "It will be okay."
Kiyomi had a different opinion and view on it, but she stayed quiet. The coughs had stopped at least. The doctor came jogging back into the room. He was holding a syringe at his back, while he approached the two. The man however seemed to slow down with spotting the two like that. Hearing something, Kiyomi turned her head and noticed the doctor. She hadn't seen the syringe when he had entered the room, but she expected nothing good. Sending the man a glare, she would keep Keiko close. She was relying on the fact that her mother wouldn't allow the man to come close, like she had done before,
Keiko didn't even notice the doctor come back in. Her attention was entirely on Kiyomi right now. "Just breathe, sweetie," Keiko added. It seemed that she was starting to do better, but for all she knew it could start up again without warning. "It'll be alright. Just stay calm." She was trying her best to use a soothing voice, but felt like she wasn't doing a particularly good job. Why? She was doing fine before with the first attack. It felt strange, and Keiko was beginning to feel exhausted from the day already.
The doctor approached the two. Much to Kiyomi's dislike. She looked briefly up to Keiko, wondering why her mother hadn't said anything. Before she could glare back at the doctor, she felt how he grabbed a wrist. Her eyes widened as the doctor quickly plunged the syringe in her arm. It was directly in a vein. Trying to resist, she felt how she was getting tired. ''No, ple-please.'' She saw how the deep darkness was approaching again. Trying to fight against it, she knew that it wouldn't help. It would make it just worse. But anything else than just giving into that creepy darkness. The doctor pulled out the syringe as he whiped some sweat from his forehead. ''I am sorry, miss. But she will be sleeping for some time now.'' The doctor said, looking with pity in the direction of Kiyomi.
"That is strange," the older woman agreed. Keiko and her aunt, Akira, were walking at a very brisk pace across Konoha. "I'm glad you came and got me. Anything I can do to help, I will." Keiko nodded in agreement. "Thank you, auntie. I just don't know what to do anymore." "That's okay, Keiko. Not everyone knows everything or can act in every situation. That is why it's best if we are all there. You already told Hiron, right?" Keiko nodded again. "I stopped at home and got him. He should be bringing Aimi too. I don't want Aimi to see Kiyomi like this, but we have no one to watch her if we're all there."
Akira thought about it for a moment. "If Kiyomi has another attack, I can take Aimi out of the room." Keiko gave her a thankful expression. "Thank you." The two were at the hospital now, and quickly rushed inside. As per the hospital policy, an attendant tried to stop Keiko and Akira from entering the hallways without some form of identification. In a fashion that Akira entirely anticipated, Keiko simply shoved past the man, making sure to throw him against the wall to emphasize not to try that again. As they passed, Akira gave him an apologetic look, but couldn't help but agree with Keiko in this circumstance. The two entered the testing room, finding the doctor already waiting and Hiron holding the young Aimi.
Hiron had a rather tired look on his face. It was just this morning that he had came back from a long mission. A whole week had he been gone away on a mission and when he had came back, Keiko had asked if he could watch over Aimi. Something he would love too, as it wasn't that exhausting as anything else. Only the day wasn't going as planned as he had heard the news. For the first half hour, the young man had panicked and been running around instead of acting cool and calm like in most situations. Seeing that both Akira as Keiko entered the room made Hiron smile, but it was one that revealed he was nervous. Standing up, Aimi was asleep in his arms. ''Hello Akira-san.'' Hiron politely said to the older woman before turning his weary eyes on Keiko. He wanted to say something, but he was both worrying, tired and scared.
Akira gave Hiron a nod in gretting, but Keiko already had something to say. "Has anything happened? Has the doctor said anything?" Keiko asked him. Though this could've been directed toward the doctor himself, Keiko still had a lack of faith in him and preferred not to talk to him directly. "Is Kiyomi still under?" Akira asked, using a much calmer tone than Keiko and addressing the proper person to ask that question.
The doctor cleared his throat as he rose up from his seat when the two women came walking in the small office. ''We have currently some of our best doctors looking at her. But please, sit.'' The doctor tried to sound polite and friendly, though he seemed to be a bit wary of Keiko. Waiting till they all sat, he would then try to be social again. ''Does any of you want something to drink?'' He asked, trying to flash a warm smile in the direction of the three persons.
"I don't want a fucking drink," Keiko said rather bluntly, crossing her arms and tapping her foot. Akira put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a stern look, before looking back at the doctor. "No thank you, but I think all of us here are very eager to hear the results," Akira told him politely, before looking back at Keiko. The look on her face suggested that this was the proper way to talk to the doctor, but Keiko just scoffed and stepped away from her aunt and closer to Hiron and her daughter.
Hiron just shook his head. He was actually on the same as Keiko. Though he wouldn't call names or raise his voice, he was smothering from the inside. If it weren't for Aimi or Akira, he would have been standing shouting. Demanding answers on his questions as well. Realizing something, he would offer Aimi to Keiko. Flashing a tired smile, he hoped the message would be enough. His right hand was trembling, a clear sign that he was really on the verge of losing his nerves.
A bit worried, the man started to become nervous again. But thanks to Akira, he managed to find some of his cool. ''So are we. The fact we haven't found anything in her blood has made us worried, but also manage that we can disclose some things. It is often not very healthy when a person of her age starts to throw up blood. I already heard from her father that she is from his clan. May I ask if this has happened before?'' The man carefully eyed Keiko. He hadn't forgotten what had happened before when he had asked questions.
Keiko accepted her daughter into her arms and began a sort of gentle rocking motion. "I don't know for sure, but I think so," Keiko answered, though she was looking down at Aimi. "The way she was behaving practically screamed that this was a secret. She kept lying to me, so I'm positive this has happened before. I just don't know when or where or how long..." As she talked, she slowly began to get worked up again, but decided to take a few deep breaths and calm down. Yelling right now would wake Aimi, so she restrained herself to the best of her abilities.
Now it was Hiron's turn to look at Keiko, a frown forming on his brow. Then he could recall something that had happened before, that had caused her to behave also very strange. ''So far I am aware, I can't think of any illness that often appears in the Hon clan. I think the clan is too big and diverse to make such things happen. However, she is also part Sato. So...'' He slowly stopped. Clenching his hands into fists, his right hand started to tremble even more. The thought that one of his daughters was suffering an unknown illness was driving him mad. ''I can recall something that had made her act strange before, but that was a very long time ago. Something she had assured me that she had dealt with.'' Hiron said. Lowering his head, he placed his head between his hands. He felt like the world was crashing down.
Writing something down, the doctor then stared briefly at his notes before looking back at the three. ''I think we will keep her here for some time, until we have managed to find out what is going on with her. I promise that-'' The man was cut off as some sounds were heard. People seemed to be rushing through the hall. This alarmed the man, who jumped out of his seat. Quickly looking at the clock, that hang at the wall, he mumbled something. ''She is awake again.'' Something that he wouldn't need to say as some screams were heard.
In some rooms away, Kiyomi had woken up while three people were examining her with medical ninjutsu. More out of instinct and fear, she had lashed around. Not being tied down to the bed, made her able to move around. Only the device at her neck wouldn't allow her to perform any ninjutsu, but Kiyomi was very capable without it. Narrowing her eyes, she hissed to the four adults that tried to prevent her from escaping. Looking around, Kiyomi tried to figure a way out of the room and eventually the hospital.
The sound of a commotion got their attention. Before Keiko could rush out of the room, Akira placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her head. "You stay back. Hiron and I will handle this," she instructed, still keeping her calm tone. This surprised Keiko, as she couldn't think of a way Akira would be able to restrain her. Hiron could, surely. But If Kiyomi was acting up again, the mere presence of Akira wouldn't make too much of a difference. "Fine." Keiko relented, clearly not happy with this decision. But with that permission, Akira motioned for Hiron to lead the way and began to follow after him.
Hearing the commotion, Hiron had risen up. He didn't need anybody to tell him where he should go. Not waiting for anybody, the young man walked towards the door. With a slam he opened it and looked around. It came from the right. Turning around, he was heading towards the room where the sounds had came from. A flash of lightning appeared around his right arm. With however a surprisingly calm look and attitude, he would continue to walk towards the room where Kiyomi would be. Arriving at the scene, his anger however vanished. He noticed how she looked like. More like an animal that was trying to escape her cage than the person he loved and saw his own daughter. ''Little Wolf... Hey.'' Slowly, he took a few steps into the room, already feeling hurt and guilty for seeing her like this.
Turning her head, to glance at the window, Kiyomi thought about it. But she couldn't mould chakra, thus escaping from out the window wouldn't be a clever idea. It would mean she would fall down, without being able to latch herself to the wall with chakra. Just when she decided to fight her way out, she noticed Hiron. Her eyes became big as she was afraid that he would show up. Dressed in nothing more than a long white shirt, she felt embarresed. Her hands went to the end of the shirt as she lowered her head. They had brought Hiron here? It made her furious. But she couldn't hurt him. Or what if he wasn't really Hiron? Then again, he had called her by the nick he gave her at some times. It was starting to get confusing for the young girl. She just wanted to get away from the hospital. Just only that.
A moment after Hiron, Akira walked into the room. She could immediately tell that Kiyomi was behaving differently just by looking at her. But from the story that Keiko told her, she was already up to date and prepared for her reactions. "Well," Akira began, placing a hand on Hiron's shoulder and gently moving him to the side. "Someone is awake." She gave Kiyomi a brief smile, before motioning toward the bed. "Let's just sit down for a moment and catch her up to speed, Hiron." With that, she walked past and sat down on the hospital bed, before gesturing for Kiyomi to do the same.
He walked into the room after closing the door behind Akira. It was now just the three of them in the same room. However, he kept his distance somewhat to Kiyomi. He looked worried in the direction of the young girl. And he felt somewhat guilty. Calmly walking to a chair in the room, that was sitting against the wall and thus at a few meters away from the two, he sat down. There were many things he wanted to tell her, but he couldn't. All he could was looking worried in her direction.
And now Granny Moto as well? Kiyomi felt more than just miserable. But she complied, trying to look less hostile as it was just the three of them now. For a moment she raised her right hand to scratch at the tight and rather restricting tool around her neck. But with Akira and Hiron nearby, she realized it would only draw their attention towards it. Lowering her hand, she sat down on the bed. ''I want to go home...'' She said with a rather weak and timid voice.
The older woman chuckled a bit with Kiyomi's words. "I know you do," Akira confirmed, though her smile quickly vanished into a more serious expression. "But you aren't well. Not only in body, but in spirit. The men and women here are trying to help you, but your behavior is unacceptable towards them." The lecture had started. "You may be frightened, but you are a shinobi. I have been dealing with shinobi all my life, and this is no way for you to behave. The position you are in requires fortitude and will. Not cowardice." Having taken the more stern role, Akira looked over to Hiron now, raising an eyebrow. It was clearly his turn to talk with Kiyomi.
Hiron had seen the glance of Akira, but it still felt like his throat was being closed off. Clearing his throat, he wanted to say something to support Akira. But he had heard completely fine what Kiyomi had said. ''It is only for a short while.'' He managed to say with a clear enough voice. Of course it was a bit trembling, but he managed to say at least something so far.
The words of Akira somehow pained her. It made her only further realize how her behavior was. But she really wanted to break out of the building. Just to go home. Lowering her head, Kiyomi pulled her legs up. ''I..'' She stopped. Kiyomi didn't want to sound weak. Not in front of the two present people. She threw a quick look at Akira. ''I don't want to die.. here.'' She whispered.
Akira looked shocked when Kiyomi spoke up again. She glanced over at Hiron for a moment, before looking back at Kiyomi. Without a word, she stood up from the bed and turned away, heading to the door. With her back to Hiron and Kiyomi, they likely couldn't see the tears in her eyes. Calmly and carefully, she opened the door to the hallway and left the two alone. She wiped the tears out of her eyes and headed down the hall. Keiko was still in the examination room, sitting quietly with Aimi, when Akira walked back into the room. "You can go see her if you want. She's calmed down," Akira informed her, taking a seat next to Keiko. The young mother looked at her aunt suspiciously for a moment before standing up. "Are you okay?" she asked, but Akira just nodded her head. "I'm fine."
Noticing that Akira walked away, Hiron rose up. It was almost like he would head after her. Kiyomi seemed perfectly calm after all. But seeing her like this and leaving her would probably keep him awake for weeks. Turning around, he walked to sit next to Kiyomi. Though he didn't say anything at first. It would last for several moments before he would speak up. ''I sometimes think back when you were just a weak, but spirited young girl. When I was very important of protecting you as you weren't as strong as you are.'' Hiron started with a weak voice. ''Sometimes I wish it would be just like that. That you would have to turn to me for protection, but in these last few years you have grown from a pup into a young Wolf in such remarkable speed.'' He felt something rolling over his cheek as he slowly raised his hand, to place it on top of her head. ''Keiko and Akira are really worried over you. I bet that more will be, because a lot of people have started to care about you.''
Ruffling gently through her hair, Hiron managed to smile. ''I sometimes wish I had your strength. But there is no shame to rely on others. Like you once had relied on me, I have relied on you these last few years.'' Slowly Hiron moved towards her, planting a kiss on her forehead. ''There is no shame in coming back to rely on me.''
Kiyomi remained silent as well, touched by the words of Hiron. Scooting slowly over to him, she wrapped her arms around his waist. Tears started to flow over her cheeks again, but she didn't made a sound. Thinking what he had told about her made her think back of the first few years with him as her guardian. But it also made it clear that he and others were thus having trouble that she was in a state like this. ''If I ... I stay nice and quietly here... Will you take care of mom and Aimi?'' She asked, but she thought of Akira as well. And Samehada. ''And Granny Moto? And please not let Sharky do anything.... silly?'' Kiyomi asked, keeping her head leaned and resting against Hiron's chest.
Wrapping his arms around her, sighing, Hiron thought about it. ''I promise. Just try to work along and then you will be home in no time.'' Silently, he would keep her in a hug as he would think about his own promise. Not to mention that there would be an eerie silence for some time at home. But if she would be okay, he wouldn't mind it. If she would..
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Post by Little Alice on Sept 28, 2014 21:18:44 GMT
A distractionary story,
The Secret brought by the Drunken Senju,
A collab between Mr Nim and Little Alice.
Summary :
With Kiyomi being told to rest out and stay for some time in the hospital, she gets somebody on a visit. But one that will reveal a secret to her. One that is very important at all times.
It was quite silent. Looking outside, Kiyomi had an empty look in her eyes. She didn't like it here. It wasn't scary anymore, but she saw nobody that she respected, liked or loved. Of course, they were all busy. But she was here. Alone. In theory she could try to summon Matatabi, but the doctors had don on something around her neck that wouldn't allow her to mould chakra. Looking at her hands, she noticed the chain that kept her to the bed. Slowly clenching her hands into fists, she wouldn't need her sharp sight to notice the shadows, visible underneath the small glimps of the door. ANBU guarding the entrance to her door. Knowing she had to think of something fun, she pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around her knees. Resting her head against her knees, she tried to think of something fun. But at the moment all she could think of was that everybody was probably doing their best to make sure that work would be done. It wasn't fair at all.
"I hope you aren't crying, because if you are, I will simply go. I don't think I'll be capable of facing you crying." A voice was suddenly heard in the room. A rather tall man, with long white hair, grabbed a chair and moved it next to Kiyomi's bed. He sat down and gave the young jounin a smile before looking around "Very tight security you have here. Don't tell me they fear that you will go on a rampage, or just slap them for putting you in such a position, although I could always try and talk to them to make things a bit better." The man added and then took out a small something from his pocket, taking Kiyomi's hand and placing the object in her hand.
"Hey, Kiyomi-chan. I hope you are doing as well as could be." Sakamoto said, giving her a slightly worried look.
Surprised that she had been distracted, Kiyomi looked at Sakamoto. Though she didn't want to be touched in this situation, she didn't seem to resist or say anything. Her eyes stared at the object. Slowly her fingers curled at the object she was now holding with one of her hands. ''I am still alive.'' She mumbled. Though it didn't sound that enthousastic. ''Thank you, Mister Sakamoto.'' She mumbled, placing the object on her lap as she would change her sit. The metalic sound of her chain moving, tied to her right arm caught her attention. ''How are you doing?'' Kiyomi decided to ask, wanting to use Sakamoto to distract herself.
Hearing the rattle of the chains and seeing how Kiyomi was bound made Sakamoto somewhat sad. Looking back for a moment, he placed a finger against his mouth and made a rather silent whistle to her, indicating he wanted her to be quiet as he created a very small wind chakra blade from his finger and then went and placed the chakra blade inside the keyhole of the bindings. After carefully moving it around, he managed to get the bindings open and proceeded to do the same with her other hand. He then took a look at the thing around her neck and thought for a bit "I know how this works, which means I shouldn't try and remove it without the proper tools, otherwise it could damage your chakra lines for good. Sorry." He whispered to her, knowing that was the only thing preventing her from showing her full potential.
She just nodded. Raising her hands, she flexed her fingers. It felt good. But she realized he could get in trouble for this. ''I can't go anywhere, so it doesn't matter.'' She said, her voice still sounding hoarse. Clearing her throat, she tried to sound more polite. ''But you didn't answer my question, Mister Sakamoto. Also,''' Her fingers carefully started to unwrap the lollipop he had given her. ''Please don't look like I am some caged pitiful creature. I still have my pride, you know.''
"Sorry if I made you think I was looking at you that way. The binds are more uncomfortable for me, actually. I have seen a few of my friends in the past be bind like this, and seeing you... Just brings back bad memories." Sakamoto explained and placed his right hand in his pouch "As for how I am, I would say perfectly fine, but I had to slightly fight with Hiron in order to get my hands on this again from your room at his house. It was the only thing I could think of that would probably be capable of taking our thoughts of this whole..." He stopped talking and simply looked around.
''Mess? Don't bother. It has its advantages.'' Kiyomi said, half lying about it. There was nothing good about this room at all. ''Makes me able to think without half of dozen genins want to train with me or needing to go on a mission. Kind of like a vacation.'' She said. Putting the lollipop inside her mouth, she looked at what he was pulling out of his pouch. Her eyes gained a bit more color after seeing it. ''You...''
He raised his right hand and looked at the small, somewhat old journal that he took out of his pouch. Sakamoto smiled at it before opening it and moving between the pages slowly "It has been a long time since I read anything from Ilia's journal. When I told Hiron I wanted to search for it in your room, he refused, telling me its intruding your privacy, but after I properly explained why I wished to do so, he helped me quickly find it. And I noticed you had marked a certain page. Haven't finished reading it, huh?" He said and reached the page which she had marked. He took a deep breath and then looked at it "I know it has been a while since the last time, but would you like to hear this old man tell you a story from this old journal? It seems you have reached the time when Ilia and Kuroda had a mission in the River country." Sakamoto said and looked at her, wanting to ensure she is approving of this.
A little smile crept on Kiyomi's lips. ''I would love to hear it.'' For the first in some days she felt happy. Turning around to fully face Sakamoto, she grabbed her pillow and placed it against her stomach as her arms wrapped around it. She remembered that the last time she had read was almost a month ago. If she hadn't only that busy she would have been able to read more of the diary.
"Very well. Ilia Hon and Kuroda Uchiha were in the River country and this is how Ilia describes it.
It was quite clouded that day. For two days straight we had been hunting down the culprit that had tried to start several fires in Konohagakure. From what has been told to us, we were needed to hunt down the one responsible before he would cross the border to the Wind country. Cause due the truce, we wouldn't be allowed to enter it. Not if we wanted to provoke a diplomatic disaster. So we tried to even more our best....
She looked around. It would rain soon and then they wouldn't be able to track the criminal that easily. Softly cursing their bad luck, she threw a look at the map she was holding. It would be a half day traveling towards the border. If they would fail today, it would mean a huge damage to the security of Konohagakure. This kind of information shouldn't be lost to one of their most hated enemies. ''Got any suggestions?'' Ilia asked as she rolled the map up and stored it back in her backpack.
The slightly younger man who was with her watched as she rolled up the map "I could try and use the Heaven's eye technique once more, but I could only use it with a single clone, so it would take us too much more. I think that at such a close range to the border, he isn't very likely to stop. He will most likely try and head beyond the border before stopping. I think we should try and corner him before he manages to get there, using a large area genjutsu. It might take a bit of chakra from me, but if we manage to catch him at this point, it will be worth it." Kuroda said and turned to look in the direction of the border. His eyes were currently completely black, and he wondered if he will be forced to make them change for this.
Considering what Kuroda suggested, Ilia narrowed her eyes. They were running out of time, so they had to decide on something. ''Only how large will we need to make the genjutsu?'' She asked out loud. She could think of some genjutsu, but realized it would take a toll on Kuroda's chakra reserves. Though she was known with using genjutsu, he was much better at it than she was. ''I also would want to prevent the use of clones. I find them too chakra wasting and causing us to rush through our reserves will give that bastard an advantage.''
"Not using clones is fine by me. As for how big it will need to be, it will need to just barely reach the edge of the border. To ensure we will get him. And I have just the right genjutsu in mind too. The Demonic Illusion Technique: Fake Surrondings. Making it believable won't be too easy for my chakra reserves, but I will focus on my attention on ensuring he doesn't see the genjutsu, and in the meanwhile, you could scout out the area. I will probably be able to hold the genjutsu for about 15 minutes before needing to take a break. This will use up about half of my chakra reserves, as I wish to ensure that at any case possible, I will have some." Kuroda said and turned to look at her "Wait for a moment for me to cast the genjutsu, so you could easily disspell it and head out without any problems." He said and started to form seals for the genjutsu. Usually he wouldn't need to, but due to the fact they wanted to do an area version of it, he still needed a few handseals for it.
Biting on her left thumb, Ilia thought about it. It didn't sound bad and what other option was there? Sighing, she lowered her head. ''If this fails, your turn to treat us on a drink at Iruka's place.'' She mumbled. A little smile adored the lips of Ilia as she lowered herself, dropping off the branch she had been standing on. ''Lets head out then.''
Forming the last seal, Kuroda opened his eyes and looked up "The genjutsu has been set. I'll stay here and ensure he won't notice its a genjutsu until you spot it, but I've made it so that he should be heading in our direction now. And if this fails, I will treat you for a drink and dangoos." He said and looked at Ilia's back, waiting for her to head out. He knew that she would be more than capable at capturing him with ease, and that he should remain there and ensure his part of the plan works just fine.
''You better. I will hide further ahead. Hopefully we can drive him in a pinch.'' Ilia said, silently sneaking away. While she made no sound, Ilia felt like she had to look over her shoulder. Just to check on her team member and close friend. But she didn't. Moving on, she found her spot and decided to wait. It would be around ten minutes that she suspected to hear something. Maybe Kuroda already telling her had caught the criminal. Or some struggle. All she wanted was to go back. Glancing at the dark clouded sky, she almost got lost in thoughts. Then there was some loud cursing. It came from her right. Instantly she turned to the direction. It wasn't Kuroda's voice. And they were too far away from any village or hamlet. Which meant one thing.
Silently moving towards the place, she kept her eyes open for any signals. Pulling out a kunai from her holster, Ilia neared the place. ''Stupid... What the... I swear that I was going to right way. What is going on?'' The man mumbled. Ilia went to hide behind a tree. Peeking slowly around the tree, she noticed the man. It was the man they were hunting. Readying her kunai, she narrowed her eyes. Aiming, she wanted to take the man out quickly. Not because she was afraid he would run, but to be too slow.
Suddenly the man froze in the spot, and Kuroda approached him from the side "You are sometimes too slow Ilia. You know that?" The black haired man teased her a bit before approaching the man and placing a kunai to his throat. It appeared like the Uchiha caught him using one of the simplest genjutsus in the book, the binding genjutsu. He motioned to her to come as he looked at the man's eyes "You know, I always found it odd that people like him do such deeds, but when faced with death, they always have the most fear within them. You would expect they'd be willing to die for their villages, not cower at the last moment." He said and looked at her, waiting to see if she will finish him off for good or if she will wait for him to do it.
Coming from behind her cover at the moment she had heard Kuroda's voice, Ilia sighed as she stored her kunai away. ''People like them are odd.'' She at first replied. Walking closer to the two, she examined the man that was unable to move. And if he would even try to, he would likely be stabbed the instant he would try anything. Ilia turned her attention to the Uchiha. ''I see you have been training your Silent Killing, hmm?'' She asked, afterwards she pulled out some wire.
Nodding, Kuroda took a step back from the man, but decided to verify something as he did. His eyes turned red and gained 3 tomoes in each, and he could see clearly that the man's chakra flow was still completely frozen. After seeing the genjutsu is still in full effect, he deactivated the genjuts and looked at Ilia "It's still not even close to your level though. I think that no matter how hard I'll try, my Silent Killing will never reach your skill with it." He said and waited to see what she will decide to do with the wire.
While Kuroda spoke back to Ilia, she was tying the wire firmly around the wrists of the man. Not only to restrain him from weaving any handsignals or trying to pose a threat, but keeping a long line, Ilia would wrap it around her left hand. When Kuroda released his genjutsu, the man wanted to rais his left leg to kick at the Uchiha. Only to fall on his knees as he gasped for air. ''It may be better than yours, but it hasn't saved me from threatening you on a drink.'' She answered amused, running some more lightning chakra through the wire, making the man shiver and whimper. ''Lets go home. I don't want to get caught up in the bad weather today.''
''The mission was thus done. Not really an important one, but he was growing in skill. I neither could then or now ignore it. Not that I am his sensei as he holds the same rank as me, but I just notice that he is certainly growing in skill. Which makes me think that he will be soon ready to do something more important than just tagging along with me on missions. Luckily on our way back neither were we bothered by the forebiding bad weather nor our target. Once we were done and had came back in Konoha...''
Taking a sip of her drink, it was quite peaceful in the place they were in. ''So what about jounin-sensei? Have given any thought about it?'' Ilia asked, throwing a glance at her drink. Yes, it was a fact. The best drinks were sold here, at Iruka's place. Nowhere else could she enjoy any kind of drink, alcoholic or not, than at her favorite drinking place.
Shrugging, Kuroda also took a sip from his drink. He had been offered the position by Zakito a couple of times, and he also had been reccomended for the role by several other people, but he still didn't think he was right for it. To lead a team of his own "I've been thinking about it. I still haven't decided though." He said and took another sip before looking at her "Have you been thinking about what you might do with the little problem you have? Because you know that I am still more than willing to help." He said and then noticed from the corner of his eye someone he knew, but decided to ignore him for now.
Staring into her glass, she could see her own expression change. Then she raised her glass and emptied her glass in one go. Placing it however carefully afterwards on the counter, she sighed out loud. ''I am not sure. After the whole deal and then with that team stuff we had went through, I have made no decision yet. Then there is also Selia. I-'' Ilia became silent for a moment. ''It is just that I hope she will one day kind of have also some friends, you know? Just a life that brings her comfort. To be there to hear she has a boyfriend and knowing she is happy. I hope to reach that age and time that I will learn about what she has done, what kind of misschief she has been up to. Maybe even dreaming about something big. Heh.'' Ilia made a gesture to the person behind the counter. He filled her glass on which she nodded. Taking a sip, she closed her eyes. Putting the glass down again, she looked at Kuroda. ''But for now, I think I will keep my distance. I will wait my time. For now.''
"Very well. That's a fine choice too, even if it's not an easy one for a mother. But I won't be surprised if she will be just fine. Not only will you be there to watch over her, but I will help too, as much as I could, and I am sure that if you talked to Shunso, he would also be happy to help once they are both older. And there are several other people I could think of that could help too." Kuroda said and then took another sip from his drink, this time looking only at Ilia "And seeing she is your kid, she will most likely wish to pass you or something even bigger, like become the future Hokage. You will just need to make sure that she understands properly what it means." He said and then turned his gaze to the man behind Ilia. The drunken man had rather long white hair and appeared to be trying to resist falling asleep on the counter of the bar. Kuroda slightly shook his head and looked at Ilia once more.
She thought what her best friend offered, taking another sip of her glass. Though she was aware that he meant it with a good intent, they knew it wouldn't be so easy. It would cause a problem with the Hon clan and Konohagakure, causing the Leaf to choose between her and the Hon clan. Something she didn't want to make happen. It was her fault it had came to this. ''I hope she will not try to become Hokage. I rather have her just lead a life without any danger. I already feel bad for her if she is going to live the same kind of life like me.'' Ilia said, but she sighed and shook her head lightly. ''But I fear that you might be right. She will become a handful if she will grow up.'' Taking another sip, her green eyes glanced at the man that was trying to fight the sleep on the counter, made her decide something. Putting the glass on the counter, she nodded. ''I am going for a walk. I think you should help your friend. Tomorrow we will see what kind of mission we will do, okay?''
Smiling, Kuroda nodded before taking out wallet and putting enough money to cover both of them on the counter "We will see each other tomorrow. Take care Ilia." He said and then stood up. Sighing, he walked over to the white haired man, who appeared to try and greet him as the Uchiha placed the drunken's man's hand around his neck, and soon enough the white haired man fell asleep. Kuroda couldn't help but laugh a bit "Sakamoto, you drunken fool. When will you stop with this?" He asked the passed out man as he carried him out slowly.
She frowned. Looking at Sakamoto, her eyebrows furrowed on her face. ''I see.'' Kiyomi slowly said. Looking at the pillow, she thought about what Sakamoto had read for her. It was both strange and exciting to hear what her mother wished for. Somehow it made her feel loved, even while she still knew not that much about the woman. But with information like this, the distance became shorter. A little smile, one that was much alike that of Ilia came on Kiyomi's lips as she looked at Sakamoto. ''Thanks, Mister Sakamoto. That cheered me up a bit.''
"I think that cheered both of us up a bit. I would say you should get some rest, but seeing you are in fact getting plenty of rest, I might as well go ahead and reveal another little something I discovered, quite some time ago. I was unsure if it was the right time to tell you this back then when I gave you the journal, but I think now it will help you a lot more." He said and turned to look at the door for a seconds. The shadows of the ANBU did not move an inch, making him a bit relieved "Kuroda once told me that he suspected Ilia might've kept a secret just for you in this little diary of hers. I have no idea if that is true or not, but I think I understand now what that secret was. It was the secret to bringing a smile to your face." He said and messed up her hair a bit.
At first Kiyomi had looked a bit wary. In the past she had loved secrets, but these days it meant only trouble. Then she smiled again. ''I am glad you're around, Mister Sakamoto.'' Spreading her arms, she wrapped her arms around him. As good as she could. Pressing her face against his chest, she closed her eyes. ''Please... never leave me alone.'' She whispered.
Sakamoto warpped his hands around Kiyomi's body, ensuring he won't put too much pressure on her, and smiled as she whispered to him "I will be here for as long as you want, Kiyomi-chan. I am not going anywhere for as long as I can. You can count on it." He said and closed his eyes as well, wishing for Kiyomi to get better as quickly as it will be possible.
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Post by Little Alice on Oct 12, 2014 0:26:00 GMT
A nice change,
Snow can put a smile on most faces.
Tsubasa visits!
A collab between Arkay and Alice.
Timeskip : 14 months after the start of the timeskip.
Summary :
Still stuck at the hospital, Kiyomi fears she has to endure another day at the hospital that she still views as a prison. But then Tsubasa pays her a visit. One that she won't soon forget.
After Sakamoto's visit, Kiyomi pouted. She had spent the next days just reading. Reading and thinking. The doctors had managed to repair the chains again, that Sakamoto had released her from. They softly made some sound as Kiyomi again raised her hands. Though she had tried it countless of times, she kept trying it. Hoping that at some point the strong metal chains would just break. Like some magic would enable her to then be free from it. Lowering her arms again, she stared for a moment the chains. Slowly she tried to wring her left index finger at the chain around her right wrist. ''Stupid chains.'' She muttered, frustrated.
Turning her attention to the window, she noticed it was great weather outside. But she was stuck here, so it wasn't that great. Pulling her legs up, she then would take a meditation sit. Closing her eyes, she knew she couldn't train her chakra control, due the chakra restraining collar that was around her neck. Never less, she did to try to distract herself. Thinking of some place better.
Huffing her way up the stairs, Tsubasa grumbled at the miserable conditions outside. Too damn hot and there was no escape from it. Even in the hospital, she could feel the oppressive heat linger around the rooms. Fanning herself with her hand, Tsubasa finally arrived at the appropriate floor and slipped into the hall that Kiyomi was staying in. There was a pair of stern looking, or as stern you can look with a mask, ANBU standing outside of her room, keeping an eye on anyone who passed by. With a sigh she calmly walked over, her large metalic boots clanking on the tile as she went. As she stopped at the door, the pair eyed her up and down, probably with quizacle looks on their faces. Tsubasa was pretty much a dishivled mess. She had spent some time at the forge and trained afterward. Thus she was fully armored and armed. She had left her greatsword at the front desk, but she got her fans by the nurses. Placing her hands on her hips, Tsubasa furrowed her brow at the two. "You two going to let me in or just stare?" She said jokingly. She hoped her hands would mask the pair of bladed fans on her. She liked having them on her.
It stayed silent for a moment, before one of the ANBU nodded. He mumbled something that Tsubasa wasn't allowed to feed Kiyomi anything nor allowing her to be freed. Opening the door for Tsubasa, Kiyomi had already heard the voice outside of the door, but she kept on meditating. Slowly breathing in and sighing out loud, she would open her right eye to glance if she had heard it alright.
Smiling at the pair and sauntering into the room, Tsubasa saw Kiyomi in a familiar stance. Quieting her footsteps, she calmly settled in the closest chair and watched. She didn't know that Kiyomi also meditated, but she guessed it was because of the odd state she was in. Apart from the obvious chains around her bed, there was also the collar around her neck that she seemed to have been scratching at. She'd already been up to trouble. At least the hospital didn't take the fire out of her. Matching her breath, Tsubasa decided to at least take this time to get a breathing exercise in.
''Did you know that cats have a better sense at smelling and hearing?'' Kiyomi suddenly asked with a more neutral voice. She half closed her right eye as she looked at Tsubasa. After Sakamoto's visit, she had hoped for somebody to visit her and was happy to Tsubasa had came to visit her. Which was surprising as Kiyomi figured that she would likely be very busy. Opening both of her eyes, Kiyomi placed her hands at her lap as she made a small bow with her head towards Tsubasa. ''Glad to see you, Tsu-san.'' Though Kiyomi didn't sound that happy.
Tsubasa tilted her head at the question. "I figured that they did, but I couldn't tell you how much so. How are things Lillia-chan?" Tsubasa fumbled with her words and quickly covered her mouth. With a small giggle, she replied. "I mean Kiyomi--san." She giggled again. "So bored they have you meditating, eh?"
She huffed as she briefly looked out of the window. ''It is okay.'' She mumbled. Most had been able to call her Kiyomi, but she didn't mind Tsubasa calling her by accident Lilia. It would take time. ''I thought it would be good to meditate to calm and distract myself. I can't do much in this.'' Raising her right hand to make the chains rinkle as well showing it better to Tsubasa. ''State. But howe are you doing?''
Tsubasa sighed and flicked out her fan. Using it with in its practical use, she began to fan herself. "I just finished a slightly busy day. Some forging and training. Then I heard you were in the hospital so I figured I would stop by. I'm hating this weather. I bearly got anything done because of the heat." Tsubasa chuckled a bit. "Guess it could be worst.... I don't mean to complain to the girl in the hospital bed." She was dying.... she couldn't stand this heat anymore, but how the hell could she escape it. There was a heat wave across the village.
Pouting for a moment, Kiyomi sighed. She realized that by staying depressed or sour all the time it would only make her time worse. And cause discomfort for Tsubasa. ''It is okay.'' Kiyomi replied. ''Do you know... if Ken-senpai is doing fine?'' Kiyomi asked. She had only so far seen a few people and wondered how everybody was doing. Only now it dawned on Kiyomi that she really was trapped in this room.
Tsubasa shrugged. "Last I saw him he was training his new team, about to depart on a mission. They seem to be listening to him, so he's probably fine. I'd take a jinchuriki to take him down. That or me." She smiled. "He didn't stop by to see you before he left?" Tsubasa prodded, hoping to get an idea of who else visited.
She didn't want to look sad or disappointed. Kensuke had his own duties. His own friends and contacts. But she missed his presence while she was in need of some mental support. He was like a big brother to her, but he wasn't here. ''No. But I understand that he is busy.'' She answered with a soft voice. Trying to sound more positive, Kiyomi cleared her throat. ''But I am grateful that you made time to visit me, Tsu-san.'' Flashing the best smile she could produce, Kiyomi wanted to prevent to look sad at the moment she told Tsubasa those words.
Smiling back at her, Tsubasa adjusted in her seat, only to feel something fall off her belt. Looking down, Tsubasa's eyes lit up with a briliant idea. Finally an escape from this damned heat. It was an old, dusty scroll and Tsubasa quickly picked up with a grin on her face. "Hey, Kiyo-chan?" Tsubasa's voice lowered to something softer. "How would you like to get out of those chains?" She said with her voice getting even lower, almost a whisper. She stood up and walked over to her bedside with the scroll in her hand. "Get away from the heat..." She said raising the scroll.
Her eyes widened in surprise as a smile crept on her lips. But then she realized that she was supposed to stay here. But Tsubasa was with her and the collar around her neck prevented her to mould chakra, so she couldn't do any bad. Glancing at the door, she could see the shadow of the ANBU that were standing guard. There wouldn't be another shift for another hour or three. And she had already been examined by the doctors today, so only if they really wanted to check upon her again maybe...
''Won't that get you into trouble, Tsu-san?'' Kiyomi asked on a hushed tone. She found the idea quite exciting, but felt bad that Tsubasa could get into trouble for just wanting to help her out.
Tsubasa chuckled softly, "Oh what are they going to do? Execute me for letting you get some air? If we are quick then we can get back before we get caught." Tsubasa glanced toward the door. "But just to be sure...." Tsubasa quickly put her hands together in the tiger seal. In two quiet poofs of smoke, Two clones of Tsubasa appeared next to her. Then one changed her seal slightly and transformed into Kiyomi. Twirling around, the Kiyomi clone danced about quietly. "I think a little cover couldn't hurt." Tsubasa said quietly and grinned back at Kiyomi. "Thoughts?"
With a more jealous glance, she watched the clone that resembled her. She wanted to dance and be free. Raising her hands, she looked at the chains that would keep her on the bed. ''But how will you unlock me from these?'' Kiyomi asked, more curiously than she wanted to admit. Returning her look back on the clone that looked like her, Kiyomi had to bite her lower lip to not try to lung at it. It was unfair.
Tsubasa laughed a bit and quickly hushed herself. "Who said anything about unlocking you from the chains?" Tsubasa said stretching the scroll over Kiyomi's lap. "Just put your hand on the scroll and I'll handle the rest, OK?" She said calmly placing her hand in the center. Her experience with body flicker techniques let her know that this would work. It was almost laughable how easy this was going to be. "When you are ready...."
Somehow Kiyomi wasn't that confident. Tsubasa was a very experienced and good kunoichi, but there was just a kind of a whisper of doubt. Slightly shaking her head, she placed her right hand on the scroll. ''I think...'' Kiyomi wavered, but then she narrowed her eyes. What was this? She was so ready! A smirk appeared on her lips as she nodded towards Tsubasa. ''Ready, Tsu-san.'' She said on a hushed tone.
Tsubasa signals her clone and she quickly tosses her a blanket she found in the closet. Caughting it, Tsubasa channeled her chakra into the scroll and a bit more for Kiyomi. In a large puff of smoke, they disappeared. The clones quickly took their own positions and began to giggle like a pair of idiots.
Feeling the cool air on her skin, Tsubasa opened her eyes and looked around the familiar mountain. Looking down at the desert below, she noted that the sky was surprisingly clear. The sky above was simply overcast, sprinkling snowflakes briskly on the mountain. Looking down at Kiyomi she grinned. "What did I tell you? You can always trust your Tsu-san!"
It happened quite fast and even with her experience, Kiyomi was still caught at surprise. The new scene made Kiyomi to look around, before she forgot that she was only dressed in a long white shirt that patients wore at the hospital. Slightly trembling due the cold, she was still smiling. Snow! Raising her hands in a cup, she caught a snow flake in her hands. ''Hahahaha, awesome Tsu-san!'' Kiyomi said with a cheerful tone. She looked around with a glint in her eyes, wondering where they were. ''What is this place?''
Tsubasa calmly wrapped the blanket around, Kiyomi and stood up. "This is where my training began. That the time there was a blizzard, but this is where I learned this little trick." Channelling a large amount of chakra to her boots, a pair of jets appears below each other her feet. Beginning to hover in the air, she began to skate around on the mountain side. Giggling as she went she scooped up a handful of snow and compacted it into a ball. Coming to a stop before Kiyomi she continued to make the snowball. "Its also pretty good for meditating."
Smiling as she wrapped the blanket around her, she actually enjoyed the cold sensation of the snow at her feet. Smiling, she looked at her feet as she took a few steps. Then hearing something, she noticed what Tsubasa was doing. Kiyomi started to laugh as she clapped with her hands. ''I agree!'' The whole situation was forgotten as she looked around. Kneeling down ,she used her hands to try to help with the snowball, she even forgot the fact she couldn't use ninjutsu. ''What is the name of this place, Tsu-san?''
Tsubasa calmly shrugged. "I don't know! I've looked on maps and there isn't anything like it on them. For all I know we could be in another realm! Isn't that exciting!" She said finishing up the ball. "When I asked my sensei the same question, she simply shrugged and gave about the same answer."
With Tsubasa replying that she wasn't sure where they were, it made Kiyomi remember some bed time stories Hiron had told her in the past. Though she didn't see herself as a princess playing in the snow. Watching at the balls, she looked around what could serve as arms. Every snowman needed arms. arkblue]''Sensei?'' Kiyomi asked, a bit surprised and very curious. Now thinking of it, she wasn't sure who Tsubasa's sensei even was.
"Fushichō... she's a....how do I put this." Tsubasa stopped the flow of chakra from her boots. Bringing her hand to her chin, she thought for a bit. "Well to put it bluntly... she's a phoenix! I met her here a couple years ago and she's been teaching me ever since." Tsubasa calmly began to work on the head of the snowman, rolling another ball from the snow nearby.
A phoenix? That was unusual, but then again she wasn't looking that surprised. She had a gigantic huge flaming beast inside of her. Seeing two branches, Kiyomi hopped towards them. It was more fun to hop in the snow than to walk, she figured. ''That is kind of cool. Looks like we have in common to have a sensei that is or can be made of flames?'' Kiyomi joked as she came hoping back towards the snowman. Trying to stick the branches in the side to make them look like arms, Kiyomi still had a smile on her face.
"Well she usually keeps in a human form that ages pretty quickly, but every now and then she turns to her bird form. If you couldn't tell, she's a bit complicated. She doesn't really talk much except when she is explain my next step in training. Lots of orders and what not." She said poking two holes into the face of the snowman. Then dragging her finger across the face of the snowman, she gave it a large smile. "I'd assume your sensei is no different." She giggled.
Placing her hands on her hips, she looked with a smile at the snowman. ''Your assumption is right. Though he is probably ignoring us now.'' Kiyomi said, briefly thinking about Matatabi. ''Though he isn't that much ordering out. He lets me just... walk in the dark. Not that I mind it that much.'' Then a question came up in Kiyomi's mind. ''Though I wonder what a phoenix can teach a human.''
Tsubasa smiled and fell back into the snow. "Plenty of things. Its just a theory I have, but I think phoenix's see the world very differently. She once told me that she percieves the world as it will be, has been, and is, while we only see it as it is. Being an immortal, at the time I just assumed that she was saying she'll experience it at some point. Now I think that time isn't a factor when she perceives and object. She simply sees the summation of all things that it can possibly be. I think that kind of foresight can be very helpful. There are no maybe's involved in the training. All is absolute. In other words, she figure out how to train me in my strengths and ways to improve upon my weaknesses just by looking. Of course, its just a theory..." She said with a chuckle, moving her arms and legs back and forth to make a snow angel. "Apart from that, we usually cover chakra controll and conservation. I do weapons training on my own. She said it was better that way."
Kiyomi walked towards the snowman as she inspected it. Then she gently stood on her toes as she patted it on the head, while listening to Tsubasa's words. Turning around, she noticed how Tsubasa was making a snow angel. ''She sounds interesting. May I... May I meet her one day?'' Kiyomi asked with caution. Remembering how careful she should be around beings that were considered rather mythical, she didn't want to cause any bad events. After all, she couldn't be too reckless with having Matatabi inside of her.
Tsubasa calmly shrugged. "I can't see why not, but I guess that is up to her. Usually when I visit like this, she's here to greet me. From what she has told me, she is cautious of ninja. She says some may want to bind her a soul like they do with jinchuriki, trapping her for her power. I'm sure since you are one, she wouldn't mind meeting you, though you will have to keep her location a secret from Meisa and Hisoka. Perhaps even Zakito can not be trusted with her location." Tsubasa slowly got up making sure not to ruin her 'perfect' snow angel. "Short answer.... totally!" She said standing next to Kiyomi and admiring her work.
Another secret? How many would follow? How many secrets would she discover and then be told to never reveal them? Slowly Kiyomi nodded as she stared at the snow angel. ''I will keep it secret. If it is true what you say, I can perfectly relate with her. That is probably then why she is here... alone.'' Kiyomi thought about it. She felt suddenly ashamed. Coming to a place to a being like that, a place that was her home without any respect or gift? ''If I get a chance next time, I would love to bring something for her.'' Kiyomi smiled as she looked at Tsubasa. ''Though I need to think what a Phoenix would like to have as a gift.''
Tsubasa giggled. "Just bring anything! She isn't really picky. Her house is pretty modest. I did however hear that she enjoys shiny objects." She joked, before scooping up another handful of snow. Compacting it into a small ball, she turned her gaze to her. "By the way... run." She said holding the snowball in her hand.
Even while she had heightened senses, trained to react fast and having fast reflexes, Kiyomi looked surprised at the ball. Then she turned around, laughing as she tried to cover herself with the blanket. ''That is mean! Attacking an innocent person!'' Kiyomi shouted, after which she kept laughing. Maybe she should try to make a snowball and throw one back?
Tusbasa quickly tossed the snowball toward her as she ran, then attempted to craft another. "If you were innocent, you wouldn't have been chained to a hospital bed! I know you can throw back! Bring it!" She said throwing the second. Managing to dodge the first one, Kiyomi heard something coming. Throwing a glance over her shoulder, she noticed the incoming snowball. ''Noooo.'' Raising the blanket, she laughed as the ball of snow made an impact at the blanket. Kneeling down, she kept the blanket over herself while trying to make a snowball herself. ''You're going to get that one back!''
Maybe today wasn't half that bad. No.
Today was great.
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Post by Little Alice on Dec 20, 2014 0:06:49 GMT
A new mission.
Getting back into it.
A collab between Fieryfly and Alice.
Time : Nearly 15 months after the start of the timeskip.
Summary :
After she has recovered and gained a medicine to stop and halt the illness from growing worse, but not decreasing it, Kiyomi has been assigned for a C ranked mission. One where she can slowly get back into her duties as a kunoichi.
Jumping from branch to branch, Kiyomi's eyes were set on her target. It wouldn't be far from now and she would be there within a few minutes, at the pace she was going at. With a shoulderbag and a normal katana on her back, Kiyomi landed on a branch before jumping to another one. The briefing of the mission went over in her head again, as she smiled. It wasn't a mission she normally was sent on, seeing her abilities were more focused on other types of missions. But she was eager for it.
''Holding up?'' She asked her companion on this mission as she wanted to glance where the person would be. Her left hand went to the bag, but kept her eyes focused on the way ahead of her.
A small snort came from inside her bag and the head of Thunderstone popped up. He had a sceptic look on his face as if he wondered why Kiyomi would ever bother to ask such a question. Of course he was holding up. He wasn't stupid, he just let Kiyomi do the hard work during the traveling while he could sit back and sleep some more. "Fine." He said. His eyes shot around to scan his surroundings. "Are we close?"
Briefly, the green eyes of the young jounin glanced at Thunderstone's head. Then she giggled. ''Depends close to what?'' Was her response back. But it was clear that they were leaving the forest as the vegetation became less dense. Within a few jumps, Kiyomi noticed that she would soon need to head to the ground level as some fields would be visible. Likely where people worked, working to produce grain or such. Kiyomi wondered actually about it. She had little knowledge about the agriculture depature and felt the need to ask Thunderstone about it, but realized that he was a ferret. ''You know, it would be good if you wouldn't let me do the talking this time.'' She told him, with a serious tone.
"I am not here to do your mission for you." Thunderstone mumbled as he pulled his head back and with some effort opened the zipper of the bag a bit further so that he could wurp his way out of the thing. He took a position on Kiyomi's shoulder and observed the people. "Besides people talk to people, not to animals. At least not on the same level."
Landing on the ground, Kiyomi continued to run with a fast speed for a short while. She glanced at Thunderstone, raising her eyebrows. ''Oh?'' Was her first response before slowing down. She noticed some people working already in the fields. Some glanced at her, but they were told to keep on working. ''So in your logic, I am an animal cause I see and talk with you on the same level, Thunderstone-sama?'' Kiyomi asked, while walking into the small village.
Thunderstone shot Kiyomi an annoyed look. "Yes." He finally said and then turned his attention back to the working people. "Though you are a weird looking one."
''Say you. I am not at least covered in fur or that small.'' Was her response as she shot him an annoyed look back. Her mouth then formed a smile. She looked back around. ''Though, maybe you're right.'' She said, though not explaining what she meant with that.
"Being small is very useful." Thunderstone stated as a matter of factly. "Now just get on with it." He didn't like small talk. Besides they were on a job, they shouldn't be babbling randomly.
''Jeez, don't get your fur all up.'' She retorted, clearly meaning it also as a joke about what she said before. Glancing at him, she scoffed. ''This is a simple C ranked mission. Give me credits, will you?'' She then looked and decided to search for the village head. It had to be someone who was likely dealing out orders or such. The village was quite empty actually. Was everybody really working on the field?
"C rank or not, you were chosen to finish this with utmost care. So let's get it over with." Thunderstone replied. It was not like he disliked going out on missions or being with Kiyomi. He was aware of the reason why Hisoka kept sending him along with the girl and was in agreement with this. But that didn't mean he liked goofing off or slacking when there was a job. "I suggest we look for the village head's wife. We should have more luck."
''Next time, you can lead a mission.'' She mumbled in response before coming to a halt. There was nobody on the streets. Looking around once more, she decided to do something. Without Samehada, she couldn't sense people. Then again, that was only for in combat and those with a strong or good chakra reserve. Kiyomi doubted that somebody in a small village like this had some chakra that would cause Samehada to pick it up. Which meant she had to use something else.
Her right hand traveled to her kunai holster, picking out a kunai. Pricking a thumb, Kiyomi stored the kunai away as she spoke again. ''I do hope you will be helping me in the next part. Whether if Hisoka did or didn't chose me for this, I am not going to do this all by myself.'' She told Thunderstone. Though she knew better. The lion's part would be for her acount, without a doubt. With the kunai stored back, Kiyomi weaved several handsignals at a rapid speed before placing her hand at the ground. Black lines crawled over the ground, forming a sign. And then it summoned a small smoke poof.
''Yep?'' A carrot was the first thing to appear before it revealed Usagi. Kiyomi nodded towards her summoning. ''Mister Usagi, would you be so kind to seek out either the village head or his wife?'' The request made the rabbit frown before he continued to munch on his carrot. Then he nodded and raced away.
''You know, you can also help like that.'' She glanced at Thunderstone, while bringing her left hand up to pet the head of the ferret, making it clear she was just teasing him.
"I was going to suggest asking." Thunderstone said, shooting an annoyed look at the disappearing rabbit. "This is wasted energy. We can just ask one of the women here and be done with it. No need to use a carrot biter."
Surpressing a giggle, Kiyomi gently petted and stroked the head of the ferret. ''Is it? Just wait, you judge too soon Thunderstone-sama. Besides, been some time since we went out together. You and me.'' She responded in a cheerful manner. Her eyes shot around, looking for a good view point. Somewhere on a higher position would actually be great. ''Maybe we should take a position on higher ground. You know, to see how the surrounding looks like and to plan out?'' She suggested.
"Sounds like something reasonable." Thunderstone said. He turned he head away from the rabbit and nudged to a couple of nearby trees. With his paw he stroked over his fur to unruffle the mess Kiyomi had made of it. "We can use those trees."
Glancing at the trees, Kiyomi nodded. ''Sure.'' She jogged towards them. With a quick set of jumps, she managed to get up at the top in less than a minute. For a moment she wanted to ask Thunderstone if he enjoyed the view as well, but he was in more serious mood. ''Like I expected. The fields are mostly around the village. Except for the north and north eastern part. Maybe we should later cover that?'' She pointed at the said directions, while waiting for Thunderstone's input.
"We were asked to look after the village right? If something were to happen we need to be able to protect the women and children. The men can handle themselves for a moment. We can check the fields later, we should make sure we are familiar with the layout of the village." Thunderstone said with a calculated look.
''In a way yes. More precisely, the young and the old. As for getting familiar, that is also why I summoned Mister Usagi. He will scout a bit around. I could use and summon a dozen shadow clones with ease.'' Kiyomi said. ''But that is just a waste of chakra. Never managed to see why somebody would want to use a group of shadow clones. Other than training, too risky.''' She mumbled as she continued to look around. After a moment, she shot a glance to Thunderstone.
''Shall we move back into the village. I think that large house is probably the seat of the head of this village.'' She suggested, waiting once more on his input. Kiyomi actually didn't need it. Thunderstone was just there to company her, so far she knew. But she liked to involve him with the planning.
"You would need a lot of chakra to use shadow clones in that way. It stupid. Anyway yes, that sounds like a good idea. However, I believe you should do the talking. Just to be safe." He said as he climbed from the banch he had been sitting on back to Kiyomi's shoulder.
Waiting till he was back on her shoulder, she nodded while then proceeding to climb down. Landing on the ground, she dusted off her clothes before heading back into the village. The village had a serene feeling to it. It was not too noisy as most weren't even in it. ''You do realize that you also can talk and help out?'' She mumbled, but already knew what he would do. Likely just keeping his mouth shut and let her do the talking.
That was indeed what Thunderstone did. He didn't even reply to that statement but waited patiently for Kiyomi to reach wherever the leader was. In his opinion they could just use it to their advantage if he was not speaking in the beginning. That way no one knew what he was capable off and no one would pay attention to him.
Sighing, she went to the place she had seen from the view point. The house was a bit larger than the others. But she didn't find it really that great. It was like somebody was trying to make clear he was the boss of the place. Heading inside, Kiyomi managed to find the man who was in charge. It wasn't that hard. After a conversation, that she found dull and quite boring, she walked out. ''I wonder if there is a village leader that won't start about something he or she find important. Yuck... Like I care about his 'pride'.'' She mumbled softly, but loud enough that Thunderstone could hear her. Placing her hands on her hips, she looked around again.
''We need to look for the shrine. If that is where the children and elderly are, then that is where we need to go. Or want to make sure we have the area secured first?'' Kiyomi asked to her companion.
"I thought your rabbit was taking care of that." Thunderstone said with a little bit of disdain in his voice. "Either way I vote we go to the shrine and check the surroundings there. See if we can gain a good grasp of the area so we can defend it, might that be case. Remember, maybe we will not do anything." He gave her a stern look. "Maybe the days will be peaceful for a change."
Kiyomi glanced at Thunderstone. A smirk appeared on her lips. ''Now now. Don't get jealous cause one is better at scouting than you are.'' She told him. Though Kiyomi knew better. Thunderstone was pretty good at his abilities as well. Thinking about it, she made a decision. ''We didn't look where the shrine is, so if we secure the area first, then we might find it on our way.'' She thought out loud, while already walking to the northern part of the village. Kiyomi however didn't react to the last line or look Thunderstone gave her. With all the past training, fighting and missions she was so in for a bit of relaxing. Already she was tempted to place some traps to keep the area secured while she could just sit back and relax.
"Your say. You are the leader of this mission." Thunderstone's eyes left Kiyomi's face. "I'm only here to keep an eye anyway." He didn't sound bitter, more like he was stating a fact. "Want me to go with you or should we go seperate and meet up later?"
Thinking about it, she shrugged. ''Why don't you go and look for a place where we can keep sight over the area. I don't think we need to baby sit the elderly and young children. If we keep the are safe, they will be safe. I will set up some traps and other that will make sure nobody will just get to them without me wanting it.'' She told Thunderstone, glancing at him. ''Might take a bit, so you have the time to look for a good spot. Okay?''
Thunderstone nodded and jumped of Kiyomi's back. "Will do. I'll signal you with a couple of fire balls." He said. His claws dug in the ground and then he ran off.
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After a while Thunderstone had found himself a comfortable spot in one of the trees that was looming over the shrine. It didn't have too many branches meaning they had a good view over the area and it was very tall. The wood was strong and Thunderstone had some slight issues getting a good grip on it. He watched the children below him play for a second before he took a deep breath and spit up three fireballs high into the air. If Kiyomi would look she would definitaly see it. Might she not be here in ten minutes he would try it again.
That was all done. Usagi munched on a carrot before glancing over his shoulder. ''He is signalling, yep.'' Kiyomi looked up as well, seeing the three fireballs. Getting up, she dusted her clothes before turning around. ''Thanks for you help, Mister Usagi. I will take it up from here.'' She told him. The rabbit chuckled. ''Yep, like always.'' He disappeared in a poof of smoke as Kiyomi went to the location of Thunderstone. It was slowly becoming evening. Time for dinner as wel.
Reaching the location of the three, Kiyomi went up with some jumps before reaching the branch where Thunderstone was. Sighing, she nodded towards the ferret. ''Now its just waiting and hoping everything stays peaceful. Are you hungry?'' She asked him, reaching for her shoulder bag.
Bolin's eyes were still fixed on the children when Kiyomi found him. There was something happy about the way they were playing. They were so... unknowing which was refreshing. He remembered another girl that used to be playing like that. A lot. And he would be dragged into it against his will, but it was always fun. But those days had quickly passed. Too quickly perhaps.
He realized Kiyomi had asked him something, but he hadn't heard what she had been saying. Something about the food in that bag probably, he could smell it. He shook his head. "I'm fine." He said. He didn't feel like eating at the moment.
Making it herself comfortable, by leaning with her back against the bark of the tree, she then nodded back before looking at the children as well. It seemed that both were silent for a few moments, before Kiyomi decided to speak up. ''I miss those days.'' She mumbled. Looking at a group of girls, that were playing with a skipping rope, she realized there weren't that many years between them. They were likely around the age of eight or nine? She was just fourteen. ''Then again...'' She pulled her legs closer as she wrapped her arms around. Her green eyes had a glint in them, locking their gaze on the ferret. ''I wouldn't want to miss to head out on missions with you, Thunderstone-sama. Hope I am not too much of a bother for you.''
"I miss those days too." Bolin mumbled after the silence. Unlike Kiyomi it was quite a long time ago for him. Suchi had been gone for quite a while now... He scoffed at Kiyomi's statement. "You don't bother me." He said with a slight bit of affection. He really did not mind going out more. Hisoka and he worked great together, but there hung something between them that could never be fixed and that made the days of working together hard sometimes.
She kept staring at him for some time. Then she looked away. ''You know, you talk a lot more than recent times. Did I do something... Bolin?'' She said, using his real name instead of the name she had given him the first time they had met and traveled. Glancing back, she didn't look worried or afraid. More calm as she was wondering about it.
Slightly surprised Bolin looked to the girl. She hardly used his real name even though she had known it for ages now. He was Thunderstone for her and always would be as that was the name she had come to know him with. His nose twitched and he sneezed. "You didn't do anything besides dragging me on missions." He said slowly. "And it is not that I dislike talking. I just.. don't do it a lot anymore. I didn't really have someone to talk with anyway."
''You can always talk with me. I am an animal, after all.'' The glint in her eyes sparkled a bit more as she finished her sentence, though she was being a bit more serious than before. Glancing at the children, who were called together for dinner, Kiyomi watched them. ''I wouldn't mind to talk to somebody... above my level.'' She told him, making it clear what she thought about his words.
"A really weird one." Bolin said again, the same glint in his eyes, his tone just as serious. His tail sweeped over the branch and curled around his body. He gave it a few licks before looking back to Kiyomi. "Above your level? I don't see anyone like that here. But I am willing to listen if you can do without that."
A smile grew on her lips. ''I can do without. Was never one for ranks or such limitations.'' She told him before giving one last glance to the group. They were laughing, eating and having fun together. ''But now with all honesty, you seem to talk more to me than previous times. Is something bothering you, Bolin-san?'' Kiyomi slightly tilted her head to the left as she examined the ferret in front of her.
A silence fell between them as Bolin thought about the question. "I guess," he said then, "that you remind me of old days in which I did talk a lot and went out a lot and did a lot of things that I stopped doing after the war when me and Hisoka teamed up." There was a sad undertone in his voice. "Talking to you is easy." He continued, his paws digging in the wood.
''I remind you of old days? Why? I will find it hard to believe that Hisoka-sama looks a lot like me, does he now?'' She asked back. Noticing the sad undertone, she wanted to lighten up Bolin's mood a bit. Kiyomi also wanted to make little joke about his last statement, but decided to just smile and nod.
Bolin almost snickered. Picturing Hisoka as Kiyomi was pretty funny. "Hisoka doesn't look like you at all," he said. "No, I mean ooold days. I mean Hisoka and I only became partners after the war. Before that I had a contract with another girl, she was kind of like you. Spirited, talented." His eyes drifted back to the shrine below, clouded with memories. "She used to play like that even though her father wanted that she would train. She could play and train at the same time, it was funny."
Kiyomi became silent. She realized that Bolin was opening up to her and she was a bit surprised when she heard what he told her. ''I-I am sorry..'' She told him. It was clear what the fate was of the young girl if she was no longer the master of Bolin. Either dead or missing. The glint in Kiyomi's eyes faded away a bit. ''If I ever... I never meant to hurt you with naming you differently.'' She told him on a soft tone.
Bolin shook his head. His ears flopped with his movement. "Its fine. It is a good name." He said. "Besides another name wouldn't hurt me. It's just like a nickname. You shouldn't feel bad or anything. It is the past. It makes me sad but I have moved on, learned to live with it, unlike Hisoka." Bolin rolled his eyes when he thought about the Hokage's reoccuring nightmares.
''I see. Though don't be too harsh on Hisoka-sama. I can understand what it means to lose somebody dear. But lets not dwell on that.'' The thought of Jinkama surfaced up, but she wasn't growing sad. She had accepted the outcome of that fate already. ''But you think I am talented?'' She asked it in an amsued manner, trying to continue on that matter.
"Don't be too harsh?" Bolin said, pressing the matter. "I am not being too harsh. He is being too harsh on himself. It was not his fault she died." A frown appeared on his face as he ruffled his fur, annoyed by the thought alone. "And yes, yes I think so. You have shown the talent that you can overcome things. That you can strife for something and achieve it. That is a good talent."
''Thanks. I do value your opinion, Bolin-san.'' Kiyomi said, placing her head to rest against her knees. ''Do you want to tell me more about who I remind you off? I wouldn't mind to listen.'' She said, growing a bit curious to this previous master of Bolin.
"I can do that." Bolin said before stopping to think about what he wanted to say. What could he tell about her? There was so much and yet there was so little. After no having talked about her for so long it was difficult to start. "She was a great shinobi. Not only because of her skill, and really her wind release was great, but also because she had the capability to see the positive in everything. We had a lot of fun together hiding for her mom. Her dad never really looked that much at her, but she didn't mind." He paused suddenly when he realized he had never told Kiyomi the name of the girl. "Her name was Suchi Uchiha. She was Hisoka sister."
Kiyomi felt a bit bad. She had no idea that Hisoka, one of her mentors, had a younger sister. Sure, he wouldn't start to talk about it. Kiyomi had never asked for it nor was it her buseniss. But it did make her feel bad about it. ''That is a lovely name. What did she look like?'' Kiyomi asked, wondering if there was any common trait she shared with the Uchiha.
"She was a small girl, never got to grow much." The words suddenly made it very sad. "Dark hair like all Uchiha's it seems. She liked to tie it up in a knot. She had these pins that she used both to tie her hair and as weapons. Very resourceful. And she had these dark eyes. She would have been really pretty now... No doubt about that and then Hisoka would have been the good big brother." He snickered.
Kiyomi smiled. It was fun and a bit refreshing to see Bolin talk this much. ''Sounds like she was a nice person. You often went on adventures with her?'' Kiyomi asked. Though she felt a bit sad that Bolin had lost his master, she was happy that he didn't mind to talk about her. Maybe she would find somebody to talk about her loss one day.
"We were together all the time. I was so annoyed in the beginning." A silence fell. "I shouldn't have been... I should have been content." He mumbled, more to himself then to Kiyomi. "But yeah we went on adventures, missions... war..." He trailed off.
''Bolin-san, sorry. I was just.. curious. But you were likely content. After all, the way you talk about her make me think you cared for her. That counts for something. Doesn't it?'' Kiyomi asked him. The fact the ferret even had produced a sound he found something funny had given away that he had a good time. For some reason she wanted to ask if he was content with being with her, but it just felt wrong. She wasnt the Uchiha and nor did she wished for that. So far, she just hoped he was content with being with her. On adventures and missions.
"I guess so." Bolin said. "And no need to feel sorry. It's not like it is your fault." With his paw he scratched behind his ear before wrapping his tail around him. "Besides, unlike Hisoka, I think it is actually good to talk about her. Make sure she... won't be forgotten. For now at least."
Kiyomi wanted to smile and agree, but it felt wrong to smile. It wasn't something fun to talk about, like a joke or if they could plot to pull a prank on Hisoka. They were going to talk about a life that had been lost in a war. ''I know what you mean.'' She said, sounding serious. ''I can't help but to wonder how close she would have been with Hisoka. I respect him highly, but he doesn't look like the person who talks.. much.''
"He never talked much." Bolin said. "But at least he said more. Suchi adored him when she was little and he loved her. Taught her how to walk on water and such." His nose twitched and he again rubbed his ear with his paw. "But it was always Suchi who would do most of the talking. I think that Shozo kind of stopped Hisoka from speaking overly much. But he loved to hear her words."
Hisoka taking care of his little sister. Kiyomi could somehow imagine that. Not in the way how Hisoka trained or was a mentor for her. No, somehow she could imagine Hisoka really caring for Suchi. And much to her surprise, she didn't find it weird. It was kind of sweet. And sad. ''I can relate to that.'' Kiyomi said, refering to a time between her and Bolin. But she thought further about Suchi. ''Did they do also things beside training? Like eating ice cream together?''
Bolin shook his head slowly. "Hisoka's father didn't give him much free time to do anything like that really. But he would always be looking out for her from the shadows, while he was training for himself. Hisoka didn't really train Suchi, he would show her something and she would try it by herself while he would sit back and watch her during his breaks. And when he became older he had to do missions of course. And Suchi and I would be alone in the garden."
Thinking back on how Hisoka had trained with her, Kiyomi felt bad. He had helped her to understand barrier ninjutsu and sparred with her. Not really something as helpful in her first thought on how Bolin explained how he had trained with Suchi. Though, she could see that it would have been motivating Suchi. Yet, the bad feeling didn't go away. Maybe he just trained me because it were orders? Kiyomi thought briefly. That was something she wasn't happy with, but she wasn't his sister or relative. ''And having fun together? Like, what did you two do together on occassions?'' Kiyomi wanted to prevent to talk for a few moments about Hisoka with the last thought still troubling her.
"I don't know..." Bolin said thinking. "So many things. Suchi would always drag me along to everything. Since Shozo was mostly busy with Hisoka or the clan or Daisuke, she had free reign. She would drag me around the city and show me places Hisoka had shown her or that she had found by herself. Or we'd go to her friends. I don't know... It has been a while..." The thought that the memories were fading was sad. He could recal moments, but not many many details. The visit to the top of the Hokage Monument. That one time when she had taken him into a hotspring and the owner had become mad. But there were so little moments now.
Kiyomi remained silent for some moments. The thoughts that came up weren't cheerful. Yes, she wanted to smile when she imagined Bolin being dragged away by a rather cheerful girl. One that had hopes and dreams of herself. Maybe wanting to make Hisoka proud and spend more time with him? Only to then die in a horrible war. It was actually very scary. Cause it was just too realistic. ''What did she have for dreams or goals?'' Kiyomi asked.
"Live happily? Make her brother proud? I don't know exactly. It's not like she had a fixed goal she wanted to pursue. That she was going to be a ninja was set in stone as soon as she was born in the Uchiha clan. I think she wanted to fight along Hisoka. Which she did... in the end." At that Bolin fell silent and frowned as much as that was possible for ferrets. He could remember the bridge very vividly. The bridge on which they stood before she told him to go back and scout. And then Hisoka down below, broken and beaten. The only one alive. That memory would never fade how hard he might try.
She turned her head to glance at the village. The story and answers of Bolin had caused her to be sad, sorry and worried. For some reason she could just see it in her imagination. And that was still scary to her. For one part she didn't want it, yet she knew that it would enable her to understand Hisoka better. ''I.'' Kiyomi said, but she wasn't sure how to respond. Bolin cared for Suchi and saying that she was sorry was something that was evident. ''I wish it.'' It was no use. Everything that came up in her mind would likely not help to cheer Bolin.
"You wish what?" Bolin asked slightly confused by her stammering. It seems the story of Suchi Uchiha affected her quite a bit. He wondered what she had thought that his background was. Was she upset that he had served another girl before? That he had other bonds? "Are you okay?" He asked, slightly concerned by her glum look.
Whipping her head to flash a smile, which wasn't very convincing, Kiyomi nodded. ''Yes. I just wish I could be better with words. I can't say that I have experienced the same loss, but every kind of loss is horrible.'' Was her answer at first. Sighing, she looked back at the village again. ''I wish that I was better with words to be more of help. Sorry Bolin.''
"Psh.." Bolin snorted and immediately sneezed afterwards. He twitched his nose again. "You don't need to be a genius with words to listen to a story. You can better be a good listener." He followed her gaze back to the village. "You know, you could join in the with the kids." He said looking at them playing. "You are not too old for that yet."
Pulling her legs up as well wrapping her arm around them, Kiyomi stayed silent. ''I know.'' It was very tempting. To have fun with those girls and just not thinking about something as serious and daunting as protecting the villagers. She wasn't scared or afraid of anything that would threaten this small place. Or that she couldn't do it. What was more scary was that she wasn't sure if she would be accepted among them. ''Am just a bit careful.'' Kiyomi mumbled, trying to sound convincing.
"They are not ninja. So not so distrusting as us. But we can't anyway. Mission." He snorted again. Missions like this were boring. It was just waiting and waiting and most of the time nothing happened anyway. Which was actually better cause it meant that no one died. Still he didn't want Kiyomi to feel down. "So... while we are at it... any more questions? We might as well get this over with now."
Yes, the mission. Duty. Kiyomi thought about it, but her thoughts were disturbed by Bolin's question. ''I think that I would like to know more about her. Trivial stuff, you know. Things that might be silly, but.. are special to her. Like a favorite color.'' Kiyomi said, thinking about it. What was Hisoka's favorite color? All this talk made her realize she didn't know him that well. ''Was it horrible?'' The whisper was soft and Kiyomi felt horrible for crossing the line, but it was one of the questions that had somehow interested her. The end of Suchi.
"Her favorite color was pink. She was this really girly girl sometimes." He smiled at that but that died down soon when she asked her next question. Was it horrible? Bolin stared to his paws. His tail stopped moving. "For her? Probably not. For me and Hisoka.... Yes." He mumbled.
''I shouldn't have asked that.'' Kiyomi whispered, feeling guilty as she had noticed how Bolin had stared at his paws. ''I'm very sorry.'' Thinking on how she could cheer him up, Kiyomi knew better. Thinking about somebody who was very dear to you wouldn't be washed away with some jokes or a suggestion of doing something fun or exciting. Else that loss would be shallow. ''Are you hungry?''
"No. It's fine." Bolin said. It might be hard to talk about, but that didn't mean that he shouldn't talk about it at all. He had grown over it. He had gotten used to the idea even though it did sadden him at times. But it wouldn't do well to stay sad about it. "Don't be sorry. And yes, I could do with some food." He said, taking the offer to continue the talk about something else. Yet, it felt good to talk about Suchi again. He could never do that with Hisoka as the man would always cut him off. Hisoka wanted to put it away. He still blamed himself Bolin knew. Stupid guy.
''Okay.'' Slowly Kiyomi reached out to the bag. She knew that she had some fruit, like apples, and dried cookies. Nothing too special, but it was important to not eat anything big in case she would need to fight. Fighting with a stomach that was aching due some heavy food wasn't ideal. ''Did she die with... Did she die a painful..'' It was odd. Here she was, trying to stutter and ask if Suchi's death had been a painful one. While she had never really felt any sorry or regret for most lives she had ended.
Bolin hadn't exactly expected Kiyomi to continue with this question. He stared to her for a moment, the promise of food forgotten. He tilted his head slightly, but didn't look away when with pain in his voice he said. "She was blown up." The words sounded harsher then he meant to but there was absolutely no way to bring this in a nice fashion anyway.
She flinched. Her right hand trembled. ''If it helps..'' Of course it wouldn't help. Suchi wouldn't be revived with kindness. ''Then I would like to honor her. Maybe some pink flowers?'' Pulling out a cookie, she stretched out her arm towards Bolin. Somehow today she was really bad at trying to talk about something like this. Normally she was able to do it better. ''I don't have anything special with me. Sorry.'' How many times had she said that particular word?
"Her name stands on the memorial monument so if you feel like it you can do that." Bolin said, neither encouraging Kiyomi to do it, nor saying she couldn't or shouldn't. He bit in the cookie and sat upright, using his paws to keep the thing steady before him. "And I don't need special stuff. I'm a ferret. I can do with little stuff." He said half joking as he continued eating and watching the children below.
Trying to think if she should do that, Kiyomi wasn't sure if it was any good. She had no ties to Suchi and maybe it was something too personal. Deciding that she would think about it, Kiyomi took out a bottle, filled with water, out of the bag. Together with taking out a small pill, she threw a glance at the village again. ''I think I should do that too.'' Her words were mumbled after swallowing the pill. Taking a sip of the bottle with water, Kiyomig start to realize that her words would a bit too vague, she smiled a little. ''Sometimes the little stuff are the most fun.''
Bolin eyed her from the corner of his eyes, watching her take her medication. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't speak up until she had finished it and was talking again. "I agree." He said. "So... how are you doing?" He asked casually though he was aware that Kiyomi would totally catch his meaning anyway. It wasn't his purpose to lie or pretend he didn't know stuff. It were his intentions to figure out how the girl was doing and if she was going to be honest about it.
Taking another sip of the bottle, Kiyomi looked back at the ferret. ''Could be better.'' The answer was more or less a sarcastic as she wasn't fond of talking about what he was asking about. But didn't he talk about something that was very personal too? Closing the lid of the bottle, Kiyomi would answer his question while being respectful. ''I don't feel anything weird. No weird feeling when I mould chakra or train. Just how I have always felt. That is until..'' Kiyomi paused. Biting her her tongue softly, she hated to say it. It was always such a nuisance. ''Until I realize I can't eat like I could before. Makes me feel weak that I can't consume or enjoy an apple. Or as simple as a small piece of cake. I miss even most vegetables.'' Not wanting to pout, Kiyomi tried to smile, hoping that the last sentence sounded more like a joke.
Bolin hummed along with the words of the young girl. He didn't look at her and didn't react in any other way. Already aware of the fact why Hisoka had send the girl on such an easy misson Bolin didn't feel the need to delve too deep into the matter. It wasn't easy after all. "Vegetables are overrated." He said instead continuing the poorly excecuted joke. They had been talking too serious for too long now. He had to remember that this girl was young, that she should live happily. But it was so hard while being a ninja, while being sick.
''But they are little stuff, that are good for you.'' Kiyomi said, not able to surpress a small laughter. Here she was, on duty, talking suddenly about vegetables. It caused her to be happy, though she knew that it wasn't that funny. ''I remember when I tried to refuse eating them. Though I do like some. If you put a bit of sauce on top of them or mix them together.'' Thinking about it made her smile more.
Bolin snorted. "I'll go for fruit any day." He said, but his tone was amused. "But I guess they have their perks." With that he let out a small yawn. Slowly he finished his cookie and yawned again. "So we are going to be stuck here for a while. You are going to be nice and take first watch right?" He said snickering slightly.
Faking an annoyed glance in Bolin's direction, Kiyomi sighed. ''And I thought I was the captain of this mission.'' Looking back at the village, Kiyomi seemed to ponder about something. ''I will take the first watch, if,'' Smiling as she paused, Kiyomi looked back at Bolin. ''If you won't report to Hisoka-sama that tomorrow morning I have spent some time playing with the villagers. Deal?'' Though she wasn't sure if she would be allowed or accepted to play with the children of the village, that were around her age, Kiyomi decided it was worth a deal.
If Bolin would have clear eyebrows he would have raised them. But he didn't so he just gave Kiyomi an are-you-serious look. She was going to strike a deal with him? Bolin thought about it. He pondered, he was obliged to report everything to Hisoka as was their agreement that Bolin could come with her. And Bolin was sure that Hisoka wouldn't really have much problems with the fact that she would mingle with the villagers. "Deal." He still said as he lowered down on the branch and yawned again. "Don't do stupid things and beat them in everything."
Kiyomi smiled while glancing back at the village. Though she wanted to give a reply back that she would try, she felt different about it. She felt actually quite nervous and was a bit anxious to mingle herself with what would be her peers. Peers that weren't trained in the arts of being a shinobi or anything remotely close to it. Would they play games that were like her days of training with Hiron? Or would they accept an outsider at all? While Bolin would sleep and she take the first watch, Kiyomi thought about the questions. She would gain her answers tomorrow. Something she was actually looking forward too.
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Post by Little Alice on Dec 20, 2014 0:13:38 GMT
Sometimes it is better to be left to be unknown,
For the truth can harbor dark secrets and answers.
Who might be safer in the shadows and behind walls.
A collab between Fieryfly and Alice.
Time : Nearly 15 months after the start of the timeskip.
Summary :
Kiyomi and Bolin arrive back in Konohagakure and instantly head towards the Hokage Office to bring back report of the mission. However, Kiyomi has some questions for Hisoka. Though the answers... Walking with a steady pace towards the office, Kiyomi nodded to some people who walked past her. She was a bit too much lost in her own thoughts that she wasn't sure if they were a regular shinobi team or ANBU. Approaching the door that would lead to the Hokage's office, Kiyomi took a few moments to muster her thoughts in order to bring out a proper report. She had just arrived back in Konohagakure from her last mission with Bolin. Lowering her head for a moment, Kiyomi sighed as she raised her right hand and knocked against the door. Waiting for a response. The day had been slow for Hisoka, who had been locked up inside his office since dawn. There were some serious files in needed of reading and while taking his time to do that was good, it also made every minute feel like ages. Sometimes people had interupted him for short matters he needed to adress, but mostly he had been on his own. Which was good, 'cause he liked being alone with work. By focussing he would not think about other things. A knock woke him up from the third file he was working through. Carefully he closed the folder, spun around in his chair as he had been facing the window, and placed the thing before him on his desk. "Enter," he called after clearing his voice. Hearing his voice, Kiyomi moved her right hand to the door handle as she would enter the office. Closing the door behind her, Kiyomi proceeded to make a deep bow and stay in such a position. ''Lord Hokage-sama. I've come back from my last mission.'' Speaking with a respectful tone, she kept her stance until she was told she could do otherwise. Feeling the weight of her shoulderbag, Kiyomi considered to drop it, but realised it had a very valuable package in it. A rather hairy one too. Ah, Hisoka thought as he leaned back a bit. Kiyomi had returned from her first mission since her... condition. His eyes searched for Bolin and landed on her bag. The corner of his mouth twitched lightly. "Kiyomi," he said, acknowledging her. "Raise your head. Report the result of your mission."For a moment a smile was flashed on her lips, but it vanished as she remembered she had to stay serious. Professional. Straighten her back, she nodded and she took one step forwards. Then she began her report. It began with how she had first scanned and scouted the surroundings, trying to see several points which she could use for her own advantage to keep the area under control. Then on how she had approached the people of the small village and the condition of the situation. While she talked, Kiyomi couldn't help it. The thought she had managed to push to the corner of her mind were starting to get bothersome. ''Then.... I must report, Lord Hokage-sama. I've spent some time with the people I was needed to watch to... euhm.'' For a moment, Kiyomi wavered as she doubted if it was a good idea to end her report with what she was trying to tell him. ''I've been spending some time with... some peers. Jumping rope, Lord Hokage-sama.''The report seemed normal, it seemed okay. She seemed okay. Of course, that didn't say much considering that she had always said that she was okay anyway. But her last sentences made Hisoka's eyebrows rise. "And who, pray tell, was watching over the village, as your mission was, while you were spending time with your peers?" he asked her almost stern. He was totally in favor of the idea that Kiyomi should spend more time with people of her own age, but not during a mission. Mentally cringing as she heard what he asked of her, Kiyomi had the desire to kick the bag. It was Bolin's idea. His suggestion and what was the result? Trouble for her. Lowering her head slowly, Kiyomi thought carefully about her words. ''I'm deeply sorry, Lord Hokage-sama. It wasn't my intention to disappoint you, but I was sure that with some traps and using... I..'' Realizing that she couldn't forge a reasonable excuss, Kiyomi decided to not continue and make it worse. ''I thought lightly about the consquences, it won't happen again. I promise that, Lord Hokage-sama.''"Good." Hisoka moved his neck back and forth in an attempt to loosen it. He had been sitting bowed over the entire day and was bound to get a stiff neck. "Was it your idea to go play with the kids?" He asked her while gesturing to the chair opposing the desk, indicating that she could sit down. The formal part of the conversation had been done. Now he wanted to know more about how she was actually doing. Good? Kiyomi made another bow before she would walk towards the chair and take the seat. Then as she heard the question she dreaded, Kiyomi bite her own tongue. Placing the bag on her lap, Kiyomi stared back at Hisoka. ''Yes, Lord Hokage-sama.'' Slowly clenching her left hand into a fist, she continued. ''I hope that I can prove that it won't happen again if you wish to send me on another mission. I'll not make the same mistake again.''"So you had nothing to do with it, Bolin?" Hisoka asked the bag on Kiyomi's lap. Oh, he had had some discussion about Kiyomi with his ferret and he was pretty sure that on her own Kiyomi wouldn't just go off and play. He knew her a bit longer than that. First the bag didn't move, but then suddenly red fur appeared and the creature poked his head out of the small opening. His dark eyes stared at Hisoka for a moment. "If you want to say something, then say it," he throw at the man before him. "I'm not saying anything." Hisoka gave the ferret a stern look. They were not done talking about this. But now Kiyomi was here and Hisoka had some more questions. "So," he said, turning back to the girl, "how did you do on the mission? As in health wise? And I want a truthful answer or I'll put you right back in that hospital."For a moment, Kiyomi glanced at Bolin, but kept herself silent until Hisoka asked her about her health. Though she knew that he didn't mean anything with it but the best, it irked her a bit. She considered herself strong enough to watch herself, but ever since this whole issue it was like many saw her as if she was back of being a simpe genin who had just graduated. ''I've been... a bit struggling with it. Mentally, that is Lord Hokage-sama. But I'll manage.'' Forcing a flash of a warm smile, Kiyomi knew that there was a slim chance he would buy the smile. ''I've been taking the medicine and watching my diet.''"I'm not asking you this, Kiyomi, because I want to annoy you. I'm asking you this because I need to know if you can go back into the field again. You might view this as unnecessary and stupid, but if I can't be sure that my people are healthy and can furfill their duty then I can't have them furfilling that duty. If they lie to me about their health and end up dead because I trusted them with something... No one gains anything then." He shifted slightly in his seat. Bolin was staring at him. It was annoying, but the ferret didn't speak. "So I am not going to stop asking that question for a while whether you like it or not. How have you been struggeling?"''I'm aware, Lord Hokage-sama. Please, forgive my rude tone from before. I meant no disrespect.'' Lowering her head a bit, she knew already that he meant nothing with it but to be sure she was healthy and could continue to do her duty. Without being a danger to herself. Though it wasn't fun at all to talk about it. Even if the other person meant well. ''If my Lord wouldn't mind it, I find it rather disturbing. It makes me feel... weak and dependent of something like a medicine.'' Pausing for a moment, she raised her head and looked with a serious expression back at Hisoka. ''I honestly don't like the thought nor the feeling, Hisoka-sama. Is... Is that weird?''"You are dependent on a medicine." Hisoka deadpanned. He was not going to paint things any nicer than that they were. "And you do well not to forget it and strife to getting better. It is not weird to dislike being sick. I don't think anyone fancies it. But hiding it will not make it better. Not in our line of work." She didn't like it. The way how he brought it up and talked about it, but she kept her mouth shut. He was her superior and she had learned better. ''Yes, Lord Hokage-sama. I fully understand. Forgive me for asking.'' As she finished her sentence, the thoughts from before started to trouble her again. Though she considered herself rather hard to scare or become nervous about something, Kiyomi felt a bit unsure. But if she wouldn't ask it, then she wouldn't learn it. ''Lord Hokage-sama... Is it the same as having somebody's death to blame on one's self? Such as... losing somebody dear?''He could see that she didn't ilke it, but frankly he didn't care. Some life lessons weren't nice. Most weren't actually. That didn't mean you didn't have to learn them. He was about to comment that, when she asked another question. One that confused him. Not that he didn't understand the question, but he didn't quite see what had brought it up. He frowned, wondering what she was implying as his own mind already raced back to events of long ago. He was aware that hiding those things didn't make it better, but that was why he had taken precautions. That was why he was not really the Hokage. "I'd say so." He replied slowly, wondering if she was talking from personal experience. Perhaps Kichiro? "What made you think of that?"This was her last chance, so far she thought about it. She could easily try to give an answer that would make the conversation not go the direction up she was curious about. Everybody had their right of secrets and privacy, didn't they? Why was it then so hard to not continue and dabble on about the past of Hisoka? She considered him a fine mentor and capable shinobi. Personally no real flaws, but she couldn't help it. ''Cause I've been a bit wondering if you wouldn't mind Lord Hokage-sama. About you and your past.'' Realizing how that would sound, Kiyomi's voice became softer. ''I... I was wondering about..'' She wasn't sure how to put it. Bringing up Bolin wouldn't be something she prefered. It would be somewhat wrong, admitting that she was talking about him behind his back. ''About the Great War, Hisoka-sama. I wondered if you... had made some mistakes or some things that you didn't like, but still had to deal with it.'' She paused for a second, then deciding on her next words. His words. ''Something that won't get better by hiding it away.''Hisoka's jaw stiffened. So that was what this was about. He send a glare to Bolin, who pretended to ignore it by pulled his head back into the bag and dozing off again. "My past is not up for discussion." His tone left no room for questions. "Everyone makes mistakes. Those in war just count... harder and are none of your concern. If you want war stories go to you uncle. I do not fancy talking about the war, especially not with people who don't have experience in it." It was clear that Hisoka deemed this conversation over. Only she didn't. Narrowing her eyes slightly, Kiyomi felt ticked off. Even a bit angry, though she held her tone respectful and somewhat soft. ''With all due, respect. Hisoka-sama.'' Kiyomi spoke his name out in a different manner, a tad slower than usual. ''I just decided to show interest in the people I care for. People I swore to defend with my life.'' Raising her chin a bit, she hoped to look a bit more confident than she was feeling at the current moment. ''I can't protect those who will not be.. honest with me or themselves. If they end up dead then I've failed and with using your wise words, nobody would gain anything. Correct?'' Kiyomi felt a cold shiver down her spine, but she had gotten too far now to turn around. "This is not up for debate, Kiyomi." Hisoka placed just as much emphasis on her name as she had done with his. "The people who need to protect me know. And that is enough. You are not protecting me. I am protecting you. And there lies the difference in what you need to know. Now, I deem this meeting over. I suggest you leave my office and go home. I'm sure Hiron and Keiko will be glad to see that you are back."There was the difference? Kiyomi opened her mouth, but not a word left her. She was speechless. Closing her mouth, she carefully placed the bag on the ground as she rose up. Biting on her lower lip, she restrained herself from saying a word. The bit of anger from before was replaced by pain as she felt hurt by what he told her. Half turning around, Kiyomi couldn't care anymore. From all the people, she had hoped he wouldn't just see her as a small girl. ''Why do you always act like this?'' Turning back, she looked a bit saddened and angry. ''Why do you keep those shields up? I'm not stupid you know.'' Kiyomi pauzed as she clenched her hands into fists. ''Or is it because you want to hide behind the shields and are too afraid to open yourself up to me? Is that it?''This shouldn't vex him this much. It shouldn't. But it did. He knew what was wrong with himself. He was painfully aware and those two years away from being a shinobi had only made it worse in a way. His tone dropped. "You don't know War, Miss Hon. You don't know it, so you speak in ignorance. You don't know War and hopefully you will never know it. Don't accuse me of things you don't understand." It was not answering the question, but Hisoka had no intention of doing it. It was none of business what had happened to him. That was his own problem. His own issue. She didn't need to trouble herself with it. That was the line. ''I may not know war as big or cruel as the ones you've seen and fought in, Hisoka-sama. But don't dare to take me for a pup.'' Kiyomi's right hand started to tremble for a few moments. ''I've served my clan during the last siege of the Hon Estate and know a glimpse of what that horrible word means. If you wish to use the word ignorance, then don't waste it on me. I'm not the one who is hiding behind some wall cause I couldn't face the truth that a sibling died!''With a slam Hisoka's fists landed on the desk. The sound echoed through the room. Slowly Hisoka pushed his chair back and slowly he got up. With slow steps he walked past the wooden piece of furniture towards Kiyomi. "You have no idea what that word means," he said just as slow as his footsteps. "You think you have seen something that can touch it, but you haven't. You want to see war? You want to see what it is like? You want to see what people stopped from speaking about it ever again?" With each question he got closer to Kiyomi until he was looming over her. "How about I show you?" He finished as his eyes turned red. Kiyomi licked her lips as she noticed how he walked towards her. Though she had faced horrible foes who had most of the time more experience or something that was frightening, she felt more afraid at the current moment. Yet, she couldn't walk back as she wanted. Simply staring into his eyes, hers widen as they became red. Then she remembered something. ''If that is what the Hokage desires, then I would gladly accept it.'' Trying to look and sound confident, Kiyomi clenched her hands into fists again as she stared back into the crimson colored eyes. Eyes that looked like they were made of a combination between blood and shadows. Eyes, perhaps filled with despair, she thought to herself. With that the Genjutsu started and Kiyomi took the position of Hisoka on the battlefield. First there were just flashes. Specks of memories of the first year of the war when things had still been hopeful. Surely the war would end soon. Surely this was just a temporal thing. No war lasted longer then a year. It couldn't be. Something like that had never happened before in history. Not a full out open war at least. Then mission after mission. Fighting. Hiding. Running. Fighting. Always more fighting. The smell of blood. A couple of faces kept making their way back into the visions. A young boy with green hair, laughing, his arm around a girl of his age, her brown hair tied up in a high bun. They were fighting alongside him. Always. Sometimes with an older man, something without. But they were always there. The feeling of comfort. The feeling of joy even in these times. Zakito's face drifted by and the vision halted for a moment as Zakito, he and Masuba, the Swordsman of the Mist, fought. The feeling of Samehada in his stomach. The taste of blood and a dead teammember. Zakito's sneering words. The smell of burning flesh. So many bodies had to be burnt in the second year of the war. The face of his teacher was among them. He lay dead and stiff on a stretcher. No one cried, but everyone wanted to. A new face appeared. Suchi. The name echoed through Hisoka's, and thus Kiyomi's, mind. On her shoulder: Bolin. Why do you do it, she asked, pushing people away? Self-protection from the war. From death. From dad. She had suggested all three. He had not replied. He was losing control over the Genjutsu. He could feel it. It slipt out of his hands like a running river that kept growing stronger. The memories he had seen so many times in his dreams they were sucking him in as much as he was dragging Kiyomi along. And he was losing the battle against them. He couldn't stop them. They dragged him to that one mission. That mission where everything went wrong. When he and Suchi and Genji and Niya left to bomb that bridge. The memory halted on the bridge as Hisoka looked back on his teammember. The ones he loved. The ones he needed to protect. He was the leader. It was his job. His duty. He and Kiyomi looked back and everything looked fine. Genji and Niya were laughing. They should get together, were his thoughts. And then the moment passed and he turned away from them. That was the last time he would ever see their faces in the real world. The sound of explosions. Everything blew up at the same time and the bridge, the fight, the injuries, they became a blur. A man with red hair tried to take his eyes. A rescue. A broken bridge. And the feelings. Pain. So much pain. Physical yes. But far more in his mind. Too much pain. Sweet blackness took over as the Genjutsu pulled them forwards to more fighting. More exhaution. More loneliness. More blood. It seemed to never end. It seemed to never go away. It could not go away. The blood was on his hands and would never wash off. Zakito was there, Jinkama, Daisuke, his uncle. But they never stayed. The only thing that remained was the fighting. Was the blood. And the pain. Then it was over. The war was over. You could hear people scream it at the gates of Konoha. And his mother was there. Hisoka tried to pull back. This was enough. This was what she needed to see. This was all. But his memories didn't let him. They didn't let him go. Not even in the Genjutsu could he just let go. His father was mad at him. He hadn't become Hokage. A Hon became Hokage. A lowly Hon. How could Hisoka have let that happen? Suchi's death didn't seem improtant: "A daughter who was a disappointment and now my son is too." Oh, he could remember those words so well. He hadn't forgiven his father for them. Not ever. They had been the reason he'd left. Suddenly he stood before Elder Koi and Ulm in their official meeting room. A feeling of dread as he knew what was going to happen. He had known as soon as he had set foot inside this room. They demanded him to sell out Zakito and he knew he could never do that. Neither of the Elders took kindly to the refusal. A broken door was the result and the words that echoed through the hall. "Remember this well, but with declining this, you have become a danger for Konohagakure in our eyes. We won't take kindly to that." Abruptly the Genjutsu stopped and Kiyomi was released and would find herself back in the office. Hisoka had managed to stumble back and break eyecontact thus releasing her of the jutsu. His uneven steps made him crash against his desk, which shoved aside with a lot of noise. The Uchiha didn't seem to notice. He was pushing his fingers into his face, aiming to stop the flood that was washing over him. So far it wasn't working so well. For a moment, Kiyomi kept staring. She had the constant thought and believe she could break the genjutsu. It should be easy, just tapping in Matatabi's chakra and she should be released from it. But there was something that held it back, some desire to learn more. To see and experience what Hisoka wanted to hide. But eventually she had enough of it. Blood, death and sorrow. It was everywhere. There was no end to it. Her eyes were wide open as her face had turned pale. Slowly sinking on her knees, her hands went to her stomach as she felt a rush of panic. No wound was to be found on her stomach, yet she had seen how Masuba had slammed Samehada against her stomach. Cold shivers were sent down her skin as she managed to close her eyes. But it didn't stop. Even closing her eyes, trying to stop remembering and seeing what she had seen. It was still there. The memories didn't go away as she wanted them to go. Feeling something warm rolling down her cheeks, she tried to breath regular. Now she knew. Now she could understand him. Now she wished she never had even been curious for it. Opening her eyes, Kiyomi leaned forward as she coughed and felt how her stomach started to twist. Almost did she puke on the floor, but it stayed at coughing. Trembling, she closed her eyes again, but the visions. The memories, they stayed. Even if she tried to push them away, trying to not care or listen to them, they were there. Screaming, yelling and demanding. Feeling scared, alone and miserable, Kiyomi opened her eyes again. ''Stop... please.'' Whispering the two words, she didn't want to close her eyes. To look at the angry, saddened and guilty expressions. They weren't angry at her. Not disappointed as it weren't her actions. The demands weren't adressed towards her, but she couldn't unseen them. Yet, they didn't go away. ''S-Sorry. I'm... so sorry.''"Aren't you... happy... you know?" Hisoka asked almost mocking as he managed to somewhat regain his composure. He didn't managed to stop leaning on the desk however. "You leave. Now." He looked up to her, his eyes normal again. Black as the coals that had burned his friends. "I would tell you not to speak of it, but... I doubt you will." He hoisted himself up on the table and proceeded to walk to the nearest chair. He crashed down on it and closed his eyes. He was losing from his mind and he knew it. Clenching her hands into fists, his words were barely heard. Trying to breath regular and brushing away the tears, Kiyomi wanted to glare at him. To stand up and talk back. Instead, she kept her head lowered. Not out of sign of respect, but out of shame and cowardice. She couldn't bring it upon herself to look at him after what she had seen. The fiery attitude and curiosity had been broken, shattered and burned. Just like what she had seen happen to a few people who had relied on him. Or her? Trying to seperate reality and genjutsu from apart, Kiyomi decided to slip in some of Matatabi's chakra. She wanted to get away. As far as she possibly could from him. Without a word, she walked out of his office, not even caring of closing the door behind her. She had to find a place to hide. To hide from the faces. As soon as she left Hisoka's facade broke and he leaned forward to place his head on his arms on the table. This shouldn't have happened. He shouldn't have shown her that. He shouldn't have snapped. It was not supposed to happen! He should be in control by now! Everyone was in control. Meisa was. He lifted his head slightly and looked around, searching for her, wanting her to emerge from the shadows where she today wasn't hiding. He would have to tell her what happened. And she wouldn't be happy with it. Hisoka placed his head back down again. He would wait here then. Sooner or later, she would find him. And maybe she would know what to do. |
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