One Last Look

The journey to the borders of Haven was relatively short and quiet.  Arashi listened to what Kyousuke said... he was the elder shinobi after all.  By all accounts, this was Arashi's mission, or at least that's what he was telling himself in his head.  He had a mission, one to himself, to his family, and to his country.  If something had happened to Akihana, then it was logical that there would be a threat to Hoshi.

Not to mention that Aki was the shining symbol that shinobi were not bad.

Arashi made it to the border edge, glancing towards the long journey he had to made, and stopped before turning back to see where he had come from.  He waited for Kyousuke, and then sighed.

"I'm going to be honest... I'm scared.  My memories of Kumo are overshadowed by the village's attack.  It's.. it's hard to focus.  This may be the last time I see Haven, or Hoshi.  I might finally be joining the family.  I just... I really hoped that I could be the savoir of my family line... not the end of it.  I didn't tell Tsuji, but a good part of me doesn't think I'm going to make it back.  If I don't.... well.. we'll handle that closer to the village.  Sorry, just... wanted one last look." he said, centering himself.

"Okay, I'm ready.  Let's do this.  For Akihana." he said, kicking of the ground and launching himself across the border.

(Exit to Lightning Country Borders.)

Kyousuke wasn’t as fast as Arashi, so it wasn’t surprising that the other ninja ran ahead. Leaving the ninja alone gave time for him to think. With Arashi’s speed he will be better suited to rescuing the queen. She is our top priority, I should take out the people in our way. He didn’t have confidence in the last part of the plan, he knew taking on a village was suicide. Akihana’s life is of more importance than my own. If it is for her, I can find the strength I need. "My lord, because of the vision such pains have come upon me that I retain no strength. How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For I am shaking, no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me." Again one in human form touched me and strengthened me. He said, "Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!" When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."  He would pause after saying that a long sigh following. “Daniel and the Lion’s Den, one of my favorites.”


He would continue moving forward with the last stretches of Haven before him. Always forward, never back. With Hoshi long gone and out of sight, it gave the ninja a sense of joy. When we get back Hoshi will be whole again, we will have Arashi’s mother back. Also, I can finally stop being lazy and do my job.


The ninja continued his train of thought until he arrived at the lightning borders where Arashi sat waiting. “Its okay to be scared, I am as well. But you have to survive, Akihana wouldn’t be happy otherwise. So, even if it kills me I’m going to get you through this. I have faith. And you can still save your family line, as long as you are here there is always time.” Looking back Kyousuke told him about what he had thought before. “I was thinking I wouldn’t live either, but I’m going to do everything I can to protect you and your mother. I made an oath to protect her, so that is what I’ll do.”


Once, the ninja said he was ready Kyousuke nodded and started to move again. “And for all of the people of Hoshigakure!” The giant would say once Arashi had spoken.

(Exit to lightning borders)