Ark 19 Episode 1: Passing Storms

Participants

 * Shizukana Yoru
 * Alex Yoru
 * Katsumi Yoru
 * Dimitri Yoru
 * Haru Yoru
 * Yin Sato
 * Aki Yoru
 * RENEGADES

Fighting for More
DECEMBER 6TH

8:43 PM

Tonight was probably like any other night. "KATSUMI YORU! I CHALLENGE YOU!" A raven haired female turned around to face a male that had about 4 inches on her. She stood at the height of 5'7" with a white tank that cut off just below her c-cupped breasts, suspender straps attached to black shorts and matching boots. Her finger-less boxing gloves matched her dark red eyes that glinted softly in the light. "Do you now?" He had blonde hair and a scar under his right eye and he nodded. "Alright then..." They both moved to the center of the 'ring', more like the floor, and got into their positions, Kat taking off her shoes and the male removing his shirt and shoes. As always, the challenger rushed with in with a high kick and Kat moved to the side, his foot hitting nothing but air as she twisted around, lifting her right foot up into the air and he instinctively brought his arms up, avoiding her foot from making any contact with his chest though the pressure from that kick caused him to slide a few feet away. "Submit anytime." Of course as a male, with his stubbornness and pride, her charged again. "NOT A CHANCE!" He swung his fists repeatedly and Kat moved back with each step until she reached a wall and moved out of the way as his fist connected with the wall and he whimpered like a pup. It made all the others in the room chuckle and giggle, but Kat kept a straight face on with a bored look in her eyes; he saw that look in her face. "HOW ARE YOU NOT AMUSED!? YOU FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE THAT MATCHES YOUR SKILL AND STRENGTH!" He laughed like a maniac. "Full of yourself aren't you?" Her voice was soft and then he tried to do a leg sweep but Kat just jumped and slammed her feet right on his knee. "Thumper barrage..." Everyone winced in pain as Kat stomped repeatedly on the male's knee, he screaming in pain and you could hear that sickening crack. Kat moved away and stood back at the center, arms under her breasts and crossed as she closed her eyes. "Submit." Like a dumb ass, he stood up, stumbling a little and then he tried for another punch. Kat sighed softly and suddenly stuck her right hand out in front of her, opening her eyes as her opponent's fist sat in the palm of her hand and then his wrist back until he was screaming bloody murder. "I SUBMIT! I SUBMIT!" He screamed at the top of his lungs. Kat released his hand and watched as a friend of his dragged him away. "So who's next...?" Her tone of voice was cold and hard and she turned her head towards the group of 15-18 year old and all were quiet. "Hirogaru!" She suddenly shouted and her bo staff extended into 6 feet from the inside of her shirt on her back and she pulled it out before spinning it around in her hand. "Since none of you want to fight, you can all go home." A girl, age 16 and named Miyuki Tokaharu, spoke out. "But it's only 9 'o clock, Kat. We still ha-" Kat suddenly moved from center of the room to the wall where she sat and swung her bo staff with all of her might, you could hear the WOOSH of the pressure as it headed towards Mayumi and Mayumi closed her eyes tightly as her heart raced, but everything fell silent as Kat held the bo staff, eyes glowing red, a centimeter away from Mayumi's throat. There goes ten years of her life. Kat spoke again. "Go home..." Mayumi nodded and everyone rushed out of Underworld but Kat. She moved back to the center after moving 13 dummies around to surround her and she let out a soft breath before swinging her staff upwards with such force, the dummy in front of her flew up and crashed through the ceiling, followed by 3 more of them. Spinning the staff above her head, she launched herself at the remaining dummies, sending them scattered all over the place in bits in pieces. "I need a training partner... but no one ever wants to fight me..." Her ears twitched slightly as she heard a soft tap and gripped the staff tightly in her hands and swung her body around, but then she stopped, the staff just an inch above the female's head that stood in front of her. "M-mom!"

Kana stared down at her daughter and grasped the staff in her hand before pushing it away. "Seems like you're having fun. Where're the rest of them?" Kana stood with her left hand on her hip and all pressure on her left leg. Tonight she was in her prison guard uniform, dressed in all black with dark shades that shielded her pale grey eyes. Kat sighed. "I sent them all home. They didn't wanna fight; just sat on their asses and chill." Kana smiled softly. "Well sometimes you just need a break; You need a break sweetheart. You can't push yourself so hard." Kat brushed her hair back and sighed. "I can't. I don't know why, but I've been feeling really weak lately." Kana tilted her head. "Hm..." She patted Kat on the shoulder and pinched her cheek."Enough of that. You're my daughter, and no one in the Yoru family is weak. You just haven't learned some things yet. Have you ever heard of Chi blocking?" Kat stared at her mother. "...wot?" Kana sweat dropped. "Ah.. chi blocking... Well let me see..." Kana rubbed the back of her neck. "Chi blocking is an ancient technique that has been practiced in secret for centuries. It is a special ability that I, and others in the Yoru, utilized in combat against their enemies. Blocking someone's chi renders the victim's muscles useless and temporarily disables their abilities. Chi blocking is mainly used as a way of self-defense or even an attack form." Kat's ears perked up."Renders.. the muscles useless." Kana raised a finger. "But it's hard. It took me a few months to learn. For chi block to actually work, you have to hit a precise point in the body. Are you willing to give it a try?" Kat nodded and then Kana smiled gently before wrapping her fingers around the bo staff and tugging so forcefully, all the while lifting her right knee up. Kat flew forward and rammed right into her mother's knee, gasping for air by the impact and crumbled to the floor, clutching her stomach. "G-gah!" Kana stared down at her daughter and snugged her foot under her body before lifting her up and throwing her towards the wall where she made such impact it made a dent into the stone wall. "Be prepared for anything, haven't I told you that before? Like when I was standing right behind you and it took you long enough. I had the opportunity to knock you out. If any other, they would've killed you. No hesitation is allowed in ANY fight. Not even if it's against the person you love most..."

A sting of pain started in Kana's chest and she faltered, just enough for Kat to get back up and run over to her mother, jumping into the air and swinging her body around in a 360, lifting her right leg up high and then bringing it down, but Kana remembered this move. She used it.. sometime long ago. She thrust her left arm up and caught her daughter's ankle before using her momentum to throw her off balance and bring her down face first to the cold hard floor. "I might teach you Aikido and maybe some Tai Chi. But first," Kana stepped on Kat's back and rubbed her heels into her skin, making her growl and writhe in pain. "You have to land 3 hits on me. Three new techniques for 3 hits. Sounds fair." Kana pulled back and took off her boots and threw them elsewhere, typing up her onyx hair and removing her vest. She moved into a fighting stance, hands clenched and arms level though up in a defensive state, her left leg in front of her right and slightly bent, and such a calm yet cold expression on her face. "Get up." Kat stood up slowly and bent her knees, spreading her feet apart and lifting her arms up, hands level with the height of her breasts and a glare in her eyes. This time, Kat launched first, throwing her fists around and Kana dodged, swinging from right to left and then catching Kat's right fist in her left hand and then her left fist in her right hand. Having Kat trapped now, Kana pulled her up and attempted to slam her down though Kat lifted her body up into the air, balancing herself on her mother's hands before swing down and catching Kana in the jaw with her knees and Kana let go, stumbling back a little before looking up, catching her daughter's smirk. "That's one..." Kat giggled before getting into her fighting stance again and Kana smiled before returning to her stance once more and the both of them raced at each other, fists clenched and a wide grin on their face.

You're Who?
DECEMBER 7TH

2:34 AM

Alex stirred slightly in her bed and blinked a few times. She looked at the clock. The white numbers stared at her. "2:34..." She turned over, her back to the clock and closed her eyes again as the rhythm hum of the ceiling fan, spun and spun, lulling her back into sleep. Alex hardly had any dreams but this one was strange... Alex stood in the middle of a grassy field. It was so cold and windy. The sun barely shown through the cracks of the clouds. Through the distance, she could see nothing but the gray sky and green grass. Her bubblegum colored hair flowed softly through the short breeze of the wind as it stopped instantaneously, her hair settling back down on her shoulders gently as a feather would. She turned and nearly jumped as a woman stood behind her with her back towards Alex. She had long, raven colored hair that reached down to her ankles, and her skin was pale. Her eyes were covered by a blindfold, hiding them. Another short breeze blew through her hair, lifting it above her neck revealing several bruises around her neck. It settled down easily as it did before as she turned her head towards her other company in the room. Her light pale skin would look as if it were glowing as it passed under several light rays and her soft black dress swayed in the wind. Her mouth would curve at the ends slightly showing a light smile, her cheeks showing barely visible dimples. She turned her head towards Alex after crossing her arms over her chest, her feet moving away from each exactly a foot apart. Alex's eyes traveled to the female's back where her weapon stay, blades on both ends, glinting softly as she shifted. She tugged down the blindfold, her soft grey eyes shining in the faint light that rested upon her figure. She looked back up at the clouds, envious of them for their way of roaming freely with no worry. She glanced at Alex again, keeping her head down low as the end of her scarf flapped softly in the breeze of the wind. Alex took a step back and moved her hand up to her mouth and muttered. "Mo.. mom..?" She has Mom's eyes, but hers are so... lifeless. The female shifted her right foot forward and her left foot back. She removed her double-edged blade from her backside, grasping it in her right hand. A glowing white aura emitted from her body, engulfing her in the smoke. "Mom?" Alex called out again, but got no answer. Instead a low guttural growl came from her, shut her eyes as a glowing white aura surrounded her body, consuming her whole, and the clouds that blanketed the entire sky turned black and turned it into complete darkness without even a glimpse of sunlight. The only light came from Alex and the woman before her. "You can't be my mother..." The clouds had all locked together tightening like a combination as a click of thunder could be heard from one end of the room to the other. Lightning flashed across the room, crashing to the solid ground as small but deep craters were created everywhere the lightning had struck. The sound of thunder rolled in again, this time a bit softer like a satisfied purr of a lion after a hearty good catch. Another wave of lightning stretched upon the sky as the clouds of smoke spread more as it escaped from her essence as a large impulse occurred. One... Two... The female counted softly as another clap of thunder was heard and another flash of lightning appeared nearby. Three... Four... Another roll of thunder sounded as the clouds of smoke grew more and more, rolling into larger rows and columns, as lighting struck once more this time near enough that the smoke glowed a bright red as it faded back to it's original dark and gloomy color as quickly as it started. Then everything went silent... No more thundering, lightning - not a sound whatsoever. Just pure, sweet, peaceful silence... for a moment that is. The smoke returned back to her body as if it were being sucked into a vacuum, encircling her body, like Earth orbiting around the Sun on its axis. A sudden disembodied scream emerged out of nowhere, making Alex cover her ears, as yet another large impulse, the sound of a heartbeat, was heard as a sudden explosion from the woman's body causing chunks of dirt and the smoke to spread across the room scattering everywhere as the smoke dissolved into the air, but for some reason, nothing hit Alex. It's like everything went through her.

Once again, silence. Only the sound of falling pebbles could be heard but it was faint enough that you could hear a pin drop. The buzz of electricity would be heard as well as a shadow figure emerged from the clouds of dust as her features would be revealed. A long black Haori with a crescent moon insignia on the back side, and a matching hakama that touched the floor and trailed behind her as she walked closer. She stared at Alex, scanning over her as she tucked her hands into her sleeves. Alex... The woman spoke her name but Alex was too in shock. Alex. The woman's tone hardened. "Y-yes ma'am?" Her expression softened and she waved her hand as a table and two chairs appeared in front of them. ''I know what you're thinking. I look exactly like your mother.'' Alex blushed a little and nodded. "You do, but... Mom's de-" She's not dead. Alex's eyes widened and she slowly looked up. "What did you say...?" ''Your mother isn't dead. She's... how do I put this?.. Lost.'' Lost? Alex rubbed her temples. "It's just... a dream. This is what I just want to think. I mean I SAW my own mother get STABBED through the chest and-" She stopped. "I'm crazy..." Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Your mother would've beat you silly for crying. She looked back up at the woman and slammed her hands on the table. "Who ARE you?" The woman stared at Alex and sighed. ''You wouldn't understand if I told you, but I am... related to your mother. In fact, I am a part of her; a part of her lost conscience; apart of her spirit if you will; the part that everyone has in them in the Yoru Family.'' Alex stared at the woman and was about to speak again when the woman held her hand up. ''No more questions for now. It's time for me to go''. "But wait, how-" ''We'll meet again and have a chat, don't worry. ''Mom's spirit, as she claimed, moved to Alex and pressed her hand against Alex's cheek. She felt so warm, so real... and then she put a finger up to her lips and winked, and then everything went black, but not before a last glance of a white fox with nine tails waving gently behind it underneath the light of the moon.

Am I Crazy?
DECEMBER 7TH

10:00 AM

Alex woke up in a cold sweat and found it a little hard to breath. She slowly sat up and her body was riddled with sweat. "What a dream..." She glanced at the clock. "Jeez, 10 'o clock?" She rubbed her temples and sighed before tossing the covers off her sheets and making her way downstairs where the smell of bacon filled the air. "Is that you, Alex?" Marie called out to Alex and she replied with a soft groan. "What's wrong?" She turned her head, pausing her cooking and blinked. Alex had dark rings around her eyes and she looked a bit pale. "No, nothing's wrong. I just... had weird dream." Alex moved into her seat with her head in her hands and muttered. "Hey... Aunt Marie?" Marie came up with a plate of pancakes, bacon and eggs for Alex and set it in front of her before sitting down beside her. "Yes, sweetheart?" "Have you ever had a sick feeling in your stomach and a pain in your chest, like something wasn't right? Or where things don't make sense and you just..." She trailed off. "Alex, honey I don't-" "I saw Mom last night..." Marie blinked and stared at Alex. "You what..?" Marie relayed the words in her head. Kana... Marie felt like a large weight had been put on her shoulders. "I saw mom... well, it wasn't mom, but it was mom at the same time. There was this lady who... turned into a fox." Marie blinked again and stared down at the ground before sighing. "Alex, honey, are you sure you're alright? Do you need to go to a doctor or something?" Alex looked up at Marie, her face expressionless. "What? Do you think I'm crazy, Aunt Marie?" Marie assured her that she wasn't thinking of anything like that and they both ate their breakfast in a bit of an awkward silence. On the drive to school event day it was even worse. Alex moved into the passenger seat and and Marie into driver's. Pure silence all the way up until they reached the front of the school. Right before Alex reached for the door handle, Marie grasped her hand. "I don't think your crazy sweetheart, but... you said you saw a fox, right? Nine tails and pure white like the moon?" Alex nodded and Marie swallowed hard. "Alright. Go have fun. Have a good day." She kissed Alex on the forehead and watched as she disappeared into the crowd of kids before driving off.

...The Hell is This?
DECEMBER 7TH

10:15 AM

Marie rustled her bubbly pink hair, groaning slightly. "A white fox... with nine tails." In less that fifteen minutes she arrived at SKY RECORDS Studio, parking in the front and then making her way into the building. Once she pushed past the doors she was instant greeted by a small, plump man who seriously needed to shave. "Good Morning, Miss Sky." He held her hand out to her and she took it, shaking it slightly. "Good morning, sir. How may I help you today?" He smoothed his beard down and sighed. "Let's see... I've come to show you a new star that's going to be BIG in Kasaihana, even bigger than Alex!" Marie glared at him. "So your saying that your client is better than Kasaihana's #1 Young Artist since she was 10?" The man shrank down a few sizes. "Y-yes... and no. But please, Miss Sky, if you'd just please take a look at him, I'm sure you'd find him divine!" If that fat man could see his knees he'd probably get on them. Marie sighed and tapped her foot. "Alright, fine..."



They both moved into the theatre room where they played videos of auditions for SKY RECORDS and the fat man popped one in and the name "ICEJJFISH" flashed on the screen. Marie sighed and rubbed her temples at the name. "Oh oh oh, Miss Sky, we can change his name if you'd like." She waved him off and blinked as the video started...

The fat man bursts out of SKY RECORDS glass doors along with his bodyguards and equipment, steam shooting out from his nose and his face all red, leaving Marie, her producers and dying on the floor laughing. "YOU ALL HAVE NO SENSE IN TALENT!" He cried and ran away gayly. Marie was the first to regain her composure and got everyone back on track. "The hell IS this?" She burst into another fit of giggles before taking the video and setting it on her desk for Alex. "Now..." Moving onto different matters, she opened up her browser and searched up the Yoru's family history. "The Yoru Clan: Burned into History" popped up first. Seems interesting. Marie clicked it and it opened up to site, but it came up that the sight was private. "Hm..."

Forbidden Love
DECEMBER 21ST

4:22 PM

Dimitri sat on his bed, scrolling through the playlist of songs on his phone when a knock on the door caught his attention. "Dimitri." He sat up and pulled his earphones out. "Yeah, dad?" Dimitri's father, Haru Yoru, walked in, his hair slicked back and dress in all black. "Dimitri, honesty what're going to do with your life if you just sit there are listen to music?" Haru shook his head before sitting down next to his son, hooking his arm around his neck and smiling. "C'mon, Dimitri, why don't you go out, huh? Go and find a girl." Dimitri sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Dad, come on, you know why I can't..." And Haru did. Before Haru had found Dimitri in an orphanage, Dimitri had spent his time there with one girl and one only, and that was Katsumi. Katsumi and Dimitri have literally been inseparable during their time in the orphanage. In short, he loved her. Hell, he still loves her, but he can't do anything since she's practically family, Katsumi being his Aunt Kana's daughter and all. "It's alright, Di. It's just... forbidden love." Dimitri looked up at his father and raised a brow. "You too?" Haru nodded and sighed. "Your aunt looked so sad that day..."

Flash back 20 years ago

''Haru was training as hard as always, doing his best to get his father's approval. Sweat trickled down the side of his face and his clothes were drenched. In his hands were two Sais, both covered in scratches. His eyes were blind folded and he was breathing heavily. "Control your breathing, Haru!" A voice boomed from a man out of the three that sat in the stone stands. Haru took a deep breath before spreading his feet apart, hands up with both Sais extended outwards. "Ready." A male in the stands stood, holding his left arm up. Around Haru, he heard a series of mechanical whirring and then kunai repeatedly shot out, one right after the other and Haru deflected each and everyone with a twist and turn of his wrist, using the pair of sai and the pinging sound could be heard through the entire courtyard and it went on for about a good 8 minutes. "We're close to the 10 minute mark." Everything ceased and all kunais were swept up and placed into a bin for reloading. Haru sighed and threw the Sais, sending them both flying towards a post, the blades piercing the wood, causing it to nearly split in half. A small ringing sound soon filled the courtyard and Haru stood completely still. "Make these last two minutes good, Haru." Blood pumped in Haru's ears and the kunais doubled, shooting from every direction and with his enhanced agility, Haru moved easily through the constant barrage of blades that flew towards him. "You are not to let your feet lift off the ground. If you do, there is a penalty." Swiftly, Haru made his way in and out, ducking and diving through the little gaps there were, andthen a drum sounded and everything ceased. Haru tore off his blindfold and looked up at the three males, and each gave a nod. "You've improved greatly, Haru. Your father will be pleased." Haru bowed deeply in regards to the three males and headed inside. "Meeeeeiiii!" 17 year old Haru cried out as he ran through the main house, his feet not making a sound against the wooden boards. "I'm right here, Master Haru! No need to shout." A female emerged from a white room wearing a soft, cloudy white kimono with a black sash tied around her hips with a crescent moon emblem embroidered in the center. "Mei, is Father here yet?" Mei rubbed his hair. "He should be back by no-" A horn sounded and they both turned their heads before running out into the front of the Main house, eyes wide as they watched Shimizu Yoru walked into Yoru Grounds, burned, bloodied and hurt with something trailing behind him. "Shimizu Sama!" Mei ran up to him and he held his hand up, stopping her mid way before moving to the side, revealing a female that barely came up to his shoulder, covered in blood and ash, staring blankly at them all. "Shimizu Sama... who is that?" "Don't worry about it. Just take care of her and I'll explain everything." Shimizu pushed past Mei and Haru without another glance. Mei lifted the child gently into her arms and followed him inside. "Master Haru, let's go." Haru nodded and followed.''

''While his father was tended too in another room, Haru stayed and helped Mei with taking care of the girl, who was as silent as a feather if it fell to the ground. "What's your name, young one?" Mei smiled and the young female looked up at her and shook her head. "She asked you a question peasant!" Haru glared and almost growled the words. "Master Haru! How rude of you!" Haru shrugged. "Not my fault. She looks like she came out of District 1. Now answer her, kid, what's your name?" The female shook her head again. "Papa says I shouldn't tell my name to strangers..." Haru's eye twitched. "You came home with my father didn't you? Isn't he a stranger? Why did you follow him? What do you want?" Mei was getting a bit pissed now. "MASTER HARU! LEAVE THIS GIRL ALONE!" Haru was taken abackby Mei's actions and he swallowed hard. "She's been traumatized..." Mei rubbed the child's head and smiled gently. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up and dressed, hm?" Mei pulled on the girl's hand gently and she followed obediently, walking out the door but not before getting a glance at Haru, tears pricking her eyes and her cheeks red, making Haru's heart skip a beat, a light blush getting to his face. A few hours later, the Main House and the Second House held a meeting, Shimizu Yoru in the center, bandaged up, Haru on his right, wearing a black Haori on his shoulders and his chest bare with black pants on, and his feet bandaged. "WHAT!? THE AWASHIMA'S HAVE BEEN WIPED OUT?" A male shouted followed bythe murmurs of others. "Settle down. The Awashima's haven't been wiped out. There's one remaining heir, and it's a female." "A female?" Haru asked his father and Shimizu rustled his hair. "She's-" A knock on the door cut him off as Mei came in. "I apologize Shimizu Sama, but I've brought her as you asked." Shimizu nodded and the girl walked in, wearing a white kimono that brushed against the floor. Her light brown hair was pulled up and then tied with a matching bow in the back. "Welcome, sweetheart. Come up here, please?" The female walked hesistantly up to Shimizu and bowed. "Shimizu who is this?" Shimizu chuckled and turned the female around so that everyone could see her. "This... is Rin Awashima. The remaining of the Awashima Clan." Everyone began whispering amongst their selves. "Now, originally, the Awashima's have married into their own clan to keep their blood line pure, but now that she's the last, there's only one option left; that option being she marry a noble of either the Satsujin or Yoru Clan." "Well we won't have the Satsujin's have her." Nods of agreement went around the room. "Then it's settled. She will marry Haru." A few nods and disagreeing shakes of heads. "Wait, Father, do I not get a choice in this?" Shimizu looked at his son. "Not in this one... I'm sorry, Haru." Rin stood there quietly, staring at Haru, and when his eyes shifted to hers, she turned away quickly. "I must excuse myself... I apologize." Haru walked past everyone and out of the doors leaving a very awkward silence. Shimizu rubbed his temples. "Boy, what will I do with him?"''



''It had been three years ever since Rin had arrived. Everyone made a fuss about her. "Make sure she eats right." "Don't forget to blah-blah blah." Haru shook his head as he sat on the bank of the lake behind the Main house, skipping rocks into the rippling moon-lit waters. "An arranged marriage... Tch." A voice from behind startled him and he looked back, his eyes falling on Rin and his heart almost stopped. She looked like an angel... "Haru-Kun...?" Her voice was so soft. "Y-yes?" "I asked if I may join you..." He swallowed hard and patted the seat besides him on his right. "Of course." She moved into the area he patted, curling her legs up underneath her and a strand of hair fell out of place. "I missed this feeling..." She closed her eyes and held her head up, feeling the cool breeze of the wind brush up against her skin, a chill running down her spine. Haru watched her and his eyes softened. "I want to apologize for what I said before. I hadn't know who you were." Rin shook her head. "It's fine... You were right though; I shouldn't have followed your father, but after he saved me, I owe my trust to him." A silence settled in between them for a few minutes until Haru spoke up. "So this arranged marriage... Are you going to be fine with that?" Rin looked up at him, her blue eyes seeming to glow in the dark. "I suppose that I'm not, but if it must be then, then it will, wouldn't you think so?" Haru nodded and she giggled. "Your father's a very wise man. I trust in his decision, and since his decision is for me to marry you, then I put my trust in you as well." Haru felt blood rush up to his face again and her turned away, letting out a soft breath. Rin stood before lifting up her kimono, allowing her petite feet to show before she stepped into the lake, then dropping her kimono, the fabric floating on the surface of the water. "Papa used to take me out to this one lake during the sunsets... They were so beautiful; a blanket of pink, orange, purple and blue mixed so well and the white clouds the just cascaded over them just made them look heavenly..." Haru followed her into the water, smiling mischievously before scooping up and handful of the cool water and swiping it in her direction. She squeaked softly and blushed. "Cute voice you got there, Awashima." Rin bit her lip before taking the sleeve of her kimono and using it as a blanket almost to scoop up a large amount of water and thrusting it at him, getting him drenched. He stared at her and then slicked his hair back before tackling her, sending them both into the water. As they both sank down, Haru opened his eyes, catching Rin floating gently in the water in front of him, her hair out and flowing gently within the water and the kimono following the same path. 'This is my angel...' Haru thought to himself as the moon shone down through the water and landed on them both, the light making their faces seem lighter. Rin was the first to push back up and Haru followed right on her tail. She practically jumped out, flipping her soaked hair back, water droplets flying everywhere and then she was lifted out of the water, Haru holding her in his arms with a strange look on his face. "What's wrong Haru?" He set her down and sighed, taking her small hands into his before lifting her chin up so that her eyes were staring into his. "Rin... I've no words to say to make this sound right, but-" A horn sounded through the grounds and Rin turned her attention away. "We should go." Haru nodded and the both of them raced out to the front of the house. Shimizu walked up to them and smiled. "Haru, it seems that you do have a choice in this, and as well as you Rin." Haru and RIn looked at each other before turning back to Shimizu. "Now... you two can still have this marriage, but, Rin, you have a choice on whether you want to become a Yoru by marriage, or by a ritual." Rin looked confused. "Ritual?" Shimizu smiled. "You don't have to marry him, and you don't have to marry her. A simple ritual may be able to turn you into Yoru using a tube of blood from Taro Yoru, Great Great Great grandson of Aki Yoru, the mother of all of the Yoru Clan." Haru sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll leave it up to Rin..." He mumbled and then he walked away.''

Flashback End

"I should've just... said I wanted to marry her, but... It's too late now." Haru sighed and Dimitri looked at his father before awkwardly patting his back. "You want some ice cream?" Haru looked at Dimitri and gave him a blank stare. "Yeah let's go get some ice cream." He relieved himself off of Dimitri's bed and headed downstairs, Dimitri following closely behind.

Sessions, Confessions, Rejections, Observations
DECEMBER 24TH

9:13 PM

[They quit before 10 'o clock on the 6th 'cause Kana had work]

Kana sat on top of her daughter, pinning her to the ground and watched as she struggled to get away. "Come on, Kat! All you need is one more hit." Kana sighed as she brushed her hair back,sweat dripping down the side of her 'd been going straight at it for nearly three hours now. "Well, maybe if you'd get your fat butt off of me, Ma, and be fair!" Kat cried and growled a little. "There isn't going to be any fairness when it comes to fighting honey." A ringing sound caught her attention and she looked down on the left side of her hip and her phone hung from its holster. Kana lifted the phone out and blinked as she read the screen. "Get here now." Flashed in big bold black letters and a moon emblem right underneath. Kana moved off of Kat before reaching for her things and growling. "Kat, I want you to go to Dimitri's house. Stay with each other, lock the doors and do not come out AT ALL. Not until daybreak, do you understand? Uncle Haru and I have some business to attend to, so do try to stay out of trouble" Kat got up and nodded, dusting herself before racing towards her cousin Dimitri's house leaving Kana alone... for a few seconds.

Haru emerged from the shadows dressed in all black but this time with a haori hanging off his shoulders, the Yoru Clan's crescent moon emblem on the center of his backside. Like most of the time he's out of his business suit, he wore no shirt and it revealed a scar that came down from his right shoulder to the center of his chest. His black pants were as dark as his hair. Kana turned around and faced Haru smiling softly before jumping into his arms and he returned the smile before wrapping his arms around her small stature. "It's good to see you again, Kana." She nodded and giggled. "It's the same for me, Haru-Kun. You brought my clothes, right?" A lump of clothes were tossed into her face and she glared at Haru before tugging off her shirt and vest, revealing a black tank that came just below her belly button before she pulled on a black shirt, baring her shoulders a bit of the side of her breast. Her pants followed as she pulled on a hakama, tying a white sash around her waist to keep it up and since she took her boots off before the fight, Kana just slipped on.. well... a pair of slippers. She tied her hair up into a high ponytail and then looked at Haru. "Ready?" Haru smirked. "Always." THe both of them raced each other to the top of the building before setting off west. Haru's hair and haori flapped wildly as the wind rushed past against his body and he stared to the sight in front of him, watching as she led the way back to... "Home..." He murmured under his breath. Just him and Kana for the next few days hopefully. "Alone..." Kana looked back. "Haru, people'll think you're crazy if you just keep talking to yourself." She giggled and then a flashing light caught her attention and she took a sharp turn to the left and Haru followed closely behind. They followed the path for about 15 minutes before they came to stop at the edge of a building. Kana held her thumb and index finger in and against the corners of her mouth before letting a long drawn out whistle and then silence. Both Kana and Haru took a step forward and fell, wind whistling in their ears. Kana looked down just to see a cement block on the side walk slide to the right, revealing jet black square that led to who knows where (Uh, we do, duh.) and then they disappeared into the darkness and the only light came from the hole above their heads shut closed. The light of flames began making a path before them as they hung on the walls. Haru took the lead this time and they broke into another running start, heading straight down until they reached a four-way, haru taking a hard turn to the right, as did Kana. In less than 10 minutes, they reached the end of the tunnel where a door stood before them and they stopped and stared. "You ready?" Kana asked again. "Not this time." They burst into a fit of laughter before making their way up to the doors after regaining their composure, but as Kana reached the knob, the door flew open by itself and they were greeted by smiles of a mix of the Main and Secondary Family and a roar. "WELCOME BACK!" Kana smiled brightly and laughed, holding her stomach as it began to pain from so much laughing and watched Kana. 'My Angel...' The guys in the Main patted Haru on his back and Kana greeted the girls with hugs and kisses, but like all parties, they must come to an end... Like everything in life. "Shizukana, Haru, it's time to discuss... some matters." An elderly woman walked up to them and smiled. "My how you two've grown..." Kana leaned down to hug Mei and she chuckled. "You look as beautiful as ever Mei," Haru said, his eyes glinting softly in the light. "Thank you, Haru, but now go; They await you in the main room." Once Kana and Haru arrived, they came face to face with eight officials of the Yoru Clan's Main Family, the table curving into a half circle. "Welcome Heiress and Heir of the the Yoru Clan. Please take a seat." Kana took a seat to the right and Haru to the left. "Now to discuss matters. Kana, we know of what your father wanted before his death, but you will no longer be Oyabun; not until you take your training. Haru, however, has taken it long ago, so, until you take this required course, then you have no right longer to call yourself Oyabun. This training is to enhance your abilities since you are not born of Yoru blood. Do you accept this task?" Kana tilted her head slightly and sighed. "How long will this training take? I've-" They cut her off. "We understand the problem of you and your daughter separating, but this training will take as long as it has too." Haru patted Kana's shoulder. "Hey, I'll watch her, alright? She's got Dimitri with her too, so don't worry." Kana stared at the eight officials and nodded. "Then it's settled; you will set off tomorrow."

They dismissed Kana and Haru and the both of them walked to the lake behind the main house and then looked at eachother. Kana kicked off her slippers and stepped into the water and Haru tackled her and sent them both flying into the waters with a splash. Kana was the first to come up and she twirled around in circles, looking into the water in search for Haru when he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear. "..Do you remember this..?" Kana stiffened and then eased, but not completely. "Don't do this, Haru." He blinked a few times and sighed before pulling away. "I could've stopped you that day; I could've just said, 'No. I want to marry her,' but I didn't, because I cared about your happiness, and if you're happy then I'm happy. As long as you smile, I'll smile, you understand? God-" He stopped and stepped out of the water, running his fingers through his hair. "God fucking damn it, Kana, I love you. I FUCKING LOVE YOU." Kana held in her breath before getting out of the water, her entire body soaked from head to toe as she moved past him, not saying a word but she turned to look at him, and like what happened so many years ago, tears pricked at her eyes and she bit her lip before turning her head away and heading back into the house, leaving Haru cold and alone out on this full moon night. A white fox watched from the distance before turning away and heading elsewhere.

Blood Right
DECEMBER 29TH

2:03 AM

"Fucking hell..." Marie sat at her desk, hair tied up in a messy bun. She'd been searching for weeks for any signs of the Yoru Family and anything to do with a white fox. She rubbed the back of her neck and groaned slightly, her sky blue eyes scanning through and through each and every link but it all coming up as private. "Why would someone just put this up on here and not let anyone read anything?" Deciding to give up for the night, or morning since it was 2 a.m. already, she gathered her things before heading out of the building, locking it up securely, and then heading towards the car when she saw a flash of white out of the corner of her eye. Her head turned and she saw a little white animal sit in front of her. "Oh aren't you the cutest little thing ever!" She took a step towards it but it backed away and blinked. Marie knelt down and clicked her tongue. "Aw, don't be scared sweetheart. I won't-" What do you want from the Yoru Clan? Yin stopped and blinked. "What was that..?" Answer me, Satsujin-sha! Marie backed away a little from the fox and stood up warily to her feet. Yes, Satsujin-Sha, it is I, the white nine tailed fox, that is speaking to you. The white animal grew into a size that was at least 10 times larger than Marie and Marie swallowed hard. "Y-you're... You're the one, Alex saw in her dreams... You.. You said her mother wasn't dead; you lied! I saw Kana die right in front of my eyes right before I took Alex away to safety!" Marie's eyes had tears starting to show at the rim and they spilled over. ''I do not lie to my family, Satsujin-Sha. I protect them, and have been doing so for many generations... Shizukana Yoru is not dead. She is lost.'' "What do you mean 'lost'? She's dead isn't she? I mean..." Marie relayed the events of that day so long ago.'' I mean what I say. She is lost, and only by blood can she be found. In all due time, you will meet again. The fox moved towards Marie and she touched the tip of her nose to Marie's forehead and a small crescent moon appeared on her head for a few seconds before it started to disperse. Everything that I've told you will be scattered in all parts of your mind. If you ever put back the pieces, you must not tell Alex, do you understand, Satsujin-Sha?'' The moon was nearly through when Marie nodded and everything went black. The Fox lifted Marie in her mouth and placed her on its backside and it set off for Marie's home where she easily slipped in from the window and placed Marie on the bed. The Fox stared at Marie with its blood red eyes before drifting off into the darkness, just as the night sky without its moon.

Latch
DECEMBER 30TH

1:40 PM

Alex sat in class, tuning her guitar until she reached the perfect pitch on all six strings when the music director clasped his hands together. "Alright everyone! Time for your final grade before the show! As always, Alex dear, lead by example." Alex nodded and everyone had their eyes on her. Her fingers began strumming lightly on her guitar and a soft hum sounded from her chest as she began singing to Latch by Disclosure ft. Sam Smith.

(Never [3x])

You lift my heart up when the rest of me is down (never)

You, you enchant me even when you're not around (never)

If there are boundaries, I will try to knock them down (never)

I'm latching on, babe, now I know what I have found (never)

I feel we're close enough

I wanna lock in your love

I think we're close enough

Could I lock in your love, baby?

Now I've got you in my space

I won't let go of you (never)

Got you shackled in my embrace

I'm latching on to you (never)

Now I've got you in my space

I won't let go of you (never)

Got you shackled in my embrace

I'm latching on to you (never)

I'm so encaptured, got me wrapped up in your touch (never)

Feel so enamored, hold me tight within your clutch (never)

How do you do it, you got me losing every breath (never)

What did you give me to make my heart bleed out my chest (never)?

The students around her hummed along, harmonizing with Alex and she giggled softly before starting again.

I feel we're close enough

I wanna lock in your love

I think we're close enough

Could I lock in your love, baby?

I feel we're close enough

I wanna lock in your love

I think we're close enough

Could I lock in your love, baby?

Now I've got you in my space

I won't let go of you (never)

Got you shackled in my embrace

I'm latching on to you (never)

Now I've got you in my space

I won't let go of you (never)

Got you shackled in my embrace

I'm latching on to you (never)

Latching on to you (I'm latching on to you)

I won't let go of you (never) (No, I won't let go)

Latching on to you (How you wanna get down)

I won't let go of you

(I won't let go, I won't let go)

(I won't let go, I won't let go)

Never

Never

Students stood up to their feet and whooped and hollered as Alex curtsied and smiled. She then placed her guitar on the stand as another student took the stand and began her song. Alex moved outside of the rehearsal room and out into the hall, sighing softly as she rubbed her temples, massaging them softly. "That dream..." She sighed again and walked outside, only to be met by a cold rush of air and the light of the sun. Alex inhaled deeply before letting it out just the same. A small flash of white ran across her field of vision and she blinked before turning her head to see nine tails flapping wildly behind the white figure. Alex instantly shot up and followed it, take a sharp turn to the left, doing her best to catch up with it but it was a bit hard in her tightly constrained clothing. "Hey! Come back here!" The fox suddenly moved into the street and sat in the middle as a car was heading towards it. Alex gasped before speeding up and she extended her hand out, but the white little thing wouldn't move. "Hey! W-wait, stop your car. Come here you! STOP YOUR CAR!" She watched as the car rolled over the white animal, and Alex covered her eyes but when she opened them, she saw that there was no white fox, no car, and absolutely no blood. She knelt down on the sidewalk and swallowed hard, tears pricking at her eyes. "I'm... crazy... I'm going crazy..." She whined softly and covered her mouth and tears spilled. "Mama, please, if you're still alive then help me..."

Echoes of the Past
DECEMBER 30TH

11:52 PM

Help me... Kana sat up from bed and stared blankly into the darkness. Her body was riddled with sweat and her heart was nearly pumping out of her chest. She moved out of bed and then outside the doors that lead to the balcony and a cold rush of air swept past inhaled and exhaled, eyes gleaming under the light of the moon. Her hair was lifted up by the wind as it danced around her and she smiled, hugging her arms against her body. She looked up at the moon and then something clicked in her mind and her eyes flashed red before turning to black as she saw a glimpse of... herself kissing a male on the lips underneath fireworks. She held her left hand up against her head and winced slightly. "The hell was that..?" Her eyes flashed brilliantly red for a few seconds longer and she saw more glimpses of the past. Her fighting that same male in a ring surrounded by thousands; another where she laughed and accidentally pushed a pink-haired female into the ocean; one with her trying her best not to cry as she stood over a coffin; then one where she lay hunched over on the ground, covering a small child as bullets riveted her body. Kana swayed a little and let out a soft growl as her head began pounding unbearably. "What is all of this?" Her voice barely came out as a whisper when her eyes flashed once again and she saw a scene where she held a child in her arms that had the same features as herself and then she blacked out, falling onto the cold, hard stone balcony.

It was hours before she woke again and she let out a raspy breath, coughing violently before getting up to her feet slowly. The moon hung over her head, peering down at her and then came a woman, dressed in red and black armor standing before her. Her hair gave midnight a run for its money and her eyes so red and bright it was almost blinding. On her chest was the symbol of the Yoru Clan, and wrapped around her waist was a black band with a white fox embedded into the cloth. Shizukana... Kana look up and peered at the woman and she froze. "A-Aki... Yoru" The female, known as Aki Yoru, knelt down as she came face to face with Kana and she placed a hand on Kana's shoulder, allowing her to feel at ease.'' It's alright my child. There's no need to be afraid of me. Aki's smile was heartwarming and she pressed her forehead against Kana's. These memories - echoes of the past - are waiting to come back out, love; do not fight them. Yes... It will hurt you, but the pain will make you stronger, just as it always has.'' Aki faded away into the darkness leaving Kana speechless, but having met the mother of the Yoru Clan, Kana took heed to her words, and let the memories flow, piece by piece.

Watching Over Them
[NO TIME]

Aki sat in between the threshold of the Living Realm and the Shinto Realm, surrounded by four lacrima, showing the current events of what had happened just moments before with Kana. Aki sighed and pursed her lips. Her eyes traveled to the next lacrima that held a field of vision on Haru. "Poor Haru..." A voice so deep and alluring whispered into her ear, causing Aki to squeal. "Spying much?" Aki turned and faced a male with a mix of both black and white hair and his eyes, a bright emerald green. "Ai-ya, Hades-Kun! That's not nice to sneak up on people." Hades chuckled and raised a brow. "It's not nice to spy on people." Aki fumed. "It's not SPYING! Rather watching over my family." "Yeah? And family includes Yin too?" Aki blinked. "The Satsujin-Sha? I don't watch over her; that's your job as her protector. She just needs to use the binding string." Hades looked into his own Lacrima set as his played surveillance on Marie, or Yin, and she was sound asleep in her bed with a tiny red thread wrapped around her wrist. He smiled softly before shutting it off, turning back to look at Aki as she switched the screen from Haru to Kat at the Fight Club. "She's got spirit, I'll give her that."Aki nodded. "She's a very fast learner too."

---

DECEMBER 31ST

8:42 PM

Kat spun her bo staff in her hands like nothing and her opponent, a young male who challenged her, watched in a bit of awe she suddenly THWACK! he was struck across the face by the end of the staff and stumbled back. "Don't zone out now. You challenged me, remember?" She swung the staff down and the tip was just centimeters away from his crotch and he yelped. "Submit." Her voice had went down a pitch and it seemed like he was in a place of nothing but darkness when he looked into those glowing red eyes. "N-no." He stood back up and held his hands up in a defensive state when Kat launched at him, arms over her head and bo staff ready to come down. Scared for his life, he closed his eyes and just held his hands out and then everything stopped. He opened one eye and then turned to look at what was in front of him and his face burned red. Kat blinked and then looked down, staring at his hands that were firmly gripped on her breasts and her eye twitched. She looked up at him, glaring down at him and this sudden deadly aura surrounded her and her tone seemed to double and deepen with a hint of a growl. She gripped the staff in her hands a bit too tightly and she heard a crack. "...SUB...MIT..." He held his hands up in surrender and fell back. "I-I-I s-submit." And then she smiled angelically before extending her hand out to help him up and he took it gladly. "Maybe next time, Lyran." She patted him on the back and he left back to his seat. "So who's next?" Males and female shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, c'mon, guys." A girl that looked like she was on steroids stepped up and she cracked her knuckles and everyone cringed at the sound but Kat and Dimitri. "Alright, gorilla girl let's go." Kat chuckled as the gorilla charged forward and Kat flipped over her, using her bo staff as a pole. She landed on the other side of the girl and she swung her staff against the girl's back and she squealed. Kat tossed her staff to the side and Dimitri caught it as he watched her jump into the air, latch her legs around the gorilla's neck and fall back, her hands touching the floor as she swung her body forward, lifting the meaty female into the air and then flinging her into a wall. "And she's down for the count!" Dimitri held his hand up. "And the victor, is Katsumi Yoru." Kat smiled. "Anyone else?" She sighed when no one stepped up and then she turned her attention to Dimitri. "Ara-ara, Di-Di-Kun, watch the club real quick I'm going to go out for food." Dimitri nodded and clapped his hands together, calling for the next pair to fight. Kat stepped out of the grounds and rubbed the back of her neck. Her jet black hair swayed softly in the nightly breeze through District 2. She wore red gloves that matched her eyes, and a tight white top that cut off just below her breasts, with black shorts with matching boots and suspenders. She had an hour glass figure and was very.. developed for her age. Sighing heavily, she started off towards a nearby food joint.

Alex stayed after school to help out with some clubs. "Oh, Alex, pretty pretty please?" She couldn't really say no. She stood at the door, sang when they asked her, and did her best to be useful. Once she was done with everything it was already dusk, so she came outside, her bubblegum pink hair seeming to glow a little, and she looked like an angel. Making her way down the stairs, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure and she smiled brightly as she crept up quietly behind him before placing her books down by her feet and reaching up, getting on her tip toes, using her hands to cover the silver haired friend of hers. "Guess who, Jiji-Senpaiiii~" She talked in a sing song voice, and the tone was so sweet, innocent and alluring.

Jiji had had a long say so far though he ended up staying late with detention though nothing major just being late to class too many times. He sat there looking at the clock his recently bought book bag next to him. He had recently started a job at Shohei's old book store that he used to run. He got paid enough to live by himself so it was all good to him. So between over sleeping and work he had been late a few times. The bell rung and he got up, grabbed the bag and was out the door he went down the hall at a brisk pace and stopped to get some water from the fountain. He bent down and dropped the bag over his shoulder as he began drinking the water. He then went to the bath room and as he came out still drying his hands on his pants leg. He started walking when suddenly it went black Jiji tensed up until he heard Alex's voice, he relaxed and responded, "I'd still prefer you not sneaking up on me Alex." He said reaching up to remove her hand from over his eyes and turned around. "Why are you here so late?" He said adjusting his shoulder straps to his book bag. "Actually you can answer that while we get something to eat if you wanna come along." He said as his stomach roared. If she ended up saying yes he'd turn around and walk out of the back door of the school and to the side walk stopping to look in both directions to the left then right as he tried to figure out a good place to go eat at.

"Aww, you're no fun, Jiji-Senpai.." She picked up her books and hugged them to her chest, and she giggled once she heard his tummy growl. "Hungry, aren't cha? I'll tag along then." She followed him, lacing her free arm through his and smiled lightly. Jiji-Senpai is nice... She looked up at him and tilted her head a little to get a better look at his face. "Jiji-Senpai..." Alex's voice grew a bit softer and a bit higher. "Do you like me, Jiji-Senpai?" A soft blush appeared in her cheeks and she gripped her books tighter to her chest. Her grey eyes glinted softly before she turned her head away. "Ah.. t-to answer your question from before.. I was asked to help out some Clubs..." She spotted a small Italian restaurant out of the corner of her eye. It was one of the best in Kasaihana. "Hey, Jiji-Senpai, do you wanna go there?"

Kat ran her fingers through her hair and sighed as she made her way to her favorite Italian place. Once she walked in the doors, she was welcomed with a big hug. "Kitty-Kat-Chan! Welcome back. Is it the usual as always?" Kat smiled. "You know me so well, Arrianne." Kat slid into a both that was specially reserved for her, and then a glass of coke was set in front of her and she took a sip. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw boys from high school staring at her, and she batted her eye lashes a little and gave them a small smile that sent them over the edge. "Jesus, look at that rack..." "It's gotta be like Alex's size." "She's pretty like Alex too." Alex? Who was Alex? Kat shrugged, though to be compared to someone she didn't know kinda hurt. It made her feel like a copy. Soon a plate a fresh, Alfredo was set in front of her. "Ah, you guys make the best there is!" Kat laughed and stuck her fork into the plate of noodles. "She's pretty cute when she smiles..."

Jiji was beginning to think it was harder looking for some place to eat then going hungry for a night or two it's not like there was no restaurants in sight quit the opposite though he only had a little over enough money to last him till his next check. He figured he was not going to go eat somewhere that's not worth it that would be a waist though his train of thought was cut off when Alex began to speak he didn't mind the complement and looked down as she said his name again. When she asked if he liked her he paused in his walking as he realized she had locked arms with him as well he didn't know exactly how to respond to her question then she continued on talking about a place to go and eat. He meekly nodded. "Uhm…yeah sure." He said as he started walking. Once they were near the entrance he paused as something crossed his mind which was he wasn't really confident as a person and why not he was a healthy strong person he felt he nodded to himself as a sign of acceptance. He knew what he wanted to do. "Hey Alex, to answer you yeah I'm pretty sure I like you a decent amount and if you wouldn't mind I'd like you to be my girl." He said as he started to enter in the doors of the restaurant.

Eyes turned at the sight of them both and Alex blushed furiously; many of those eyes where pointed towards Jiji. She was bright red when Jiji asked such a thing. -"Hey Alex, to answer you yeah I'm pretty sure I like you a decent amount and if you wouldn't mind I'd like you to be my girl."- "So Alex found herself a boyfriend?" "Damn, and I thought I had a chance with her." "Hey now, guys, Alex hasn't given him an answer yet... Let's all see it out. If she says 'no', then we leave it at that, but... if she does say 'yes'... Then let's teach pretty boy here not to mess with Kasaihana's Takane no Hana." The boys murmured among each other and did their best to try and not stare at Alex and Jiji. Mostly Jiji. "Oh my! What a pleasure it is to have such a star at our restaurant. Please sit wherever you wish, Miss Sky and.. is this your boyfriend I presume? Oh how lucky! Such a beautiful young lady needs a man like you that will protect her." The waitress rambled on and Alex's face grew hotter in embarrassment. She led Jiji to a boot across from Kat. Playing with her fingers, she sighed. "Jiji-Senpai... I.." Everyone leaned in a bit closer to hear her answer. Everyone but Kat.

Kat looked at the both of them and tilted her head a little. What a weird couple. And then she head that name again. "Alex? Alex Sky..." She scanned the pink haired star and scoffed. Yeah, sure. I give her the looks and the breasts. But other than that, we're nothing alike. The sun had settled and then she watched as everyone moved in a bit closer to hear what Alex had to say. "God, she's Kasaihana's youngest Star. So fucking what? Why are you guys making such a big deal about who she dates? Or are all of you doing that 'If I can't have her, then nobody can' shit going through those empty heads of yours." She stood up and then a few other boys stood up too. "You got a problem, sugar tits?" Kat walked up to the one who spoke. He was tall, and had blue hair and brown eyes. He moved his face in just a little closer and she could smell his cologne. The chef walked out to deliver a plate of salmon to an old couple when he caught sight of Kat and the male. "Ohohohoh, young man." He spoke with a heavy Italian accent. "I would not go against my little Thumper here, if you know what's good for you." And he slipped back into the kitchen. "Thumper? What're you gonna do? Thump me to death?" Kat looked down and then back up, biting down on her lip as fake tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. The male blushed deeply and he stammered and his hands reached out to her. "H-Hey, I'm sorry. D-don't cry please." Damn this girl was cute... and then while he was in shock of her sudden act, she slipped her hand around the back of his neck, smiling softly and said, "It's okay," and slammed his head against the metal table with a soft smirk. "Works every time.." People watched in amazement in Kat's strength. Even Alex.

Jiji had asked the question that was all that had really mattered to him he didn't feel the need to press her or anything of the nature it was up to her to answer and when he figured also it seemed she was getting pressed enough by everyone at the restaurant. He didn't mind much though he wasn't deaf he could hear more than a few threats and upset people he grinned he didn't mind letting out some pent up aggression and grumpiness from lack of sleep upon skulls when he was out-side of school. When a waitress came up to the both of them and started making a fuss over them both. Jiji looked over to Alex to see her face and grinned before looking to the waitress and nodding."I agree." Just then Alex took him over to a boot and they sat down across from a young woman with black hair. Alex said his name again and he looked over to her from the black haired woman. Then he looked back over when the black haired woman stood up and some guy decided to start some sort of argument or something the likes. He watched as some guy with a funny accent tried to warn the guy and Jiji shrugged he didn't see what for until she started crying. He knew immediately it was a trap just then in one swift motion the lady grabbed the man and slammed him directly into the counter face/head first. He sighed and looked over to Alex who by this time had an astonished look upon her face. He shrugged as he looked back over to the black haired female."What's the big deal?"He asked a bit louder than the wanted to but it didn't really matter to him a whole bunch. Kat reached out towards the others males who stood. "If you want to fight, we can. Just not here.." She held out Underworld's card that gave the address to one of the boys and left to go back after paying. "We'll see you again." Though just before she left, she glanced back at Alex. Her eyes are like Mom's.. And went out the door. The other boys paid for their food and then left, one of them carrying their knocked out friend on his back.

Alex made eye contact with the raven haired girl and she kinda felt a little tension release. She has mom's hair... Alex sighed and watched as she left, followed by the boys. This kind of left Alex and Jiji to their selves... minus the remaining group of boys. "I'd love to, but maybe you should ask my Aunt. She gets really protective of me..." The boys sighed in relief and went back to their normal chat session. Jiji was looking around still amazed not in the fact the woman had slammed a guy's head in the table but the fact people were amazed. "Was it really that far-fetched?" he thought to himself. He stood up as people began to leave. He walked up to the guy who had the card given to him by the black haired lady."Oi I'll take that."He said reaching for the card. It was his understanding he couldn't figure it out from looking he'd have to figure it out in person. If the guy gave him the card he'd walk back over to Alex. "Sure I guess I will ask you aunt. I'm going to this under ground fighting thing and see what its about you know give some people the what for, you can come with if you want." He would say grabbing his bag that he had placed down on the seat up and strapping it on himself as he headed out. If the guy how ever did not give him the card Shin would persist one more time if not then Jiji would then grab the man by the collar and shake him up for it instead of gutting him for it. Then he would go to Alex and tell her his plans etc. Head out the door and to the directions stated on the card. Alex stared at Jiji and then shook her head. "N-no. It's alright, Jiji-Senpai, but it's time for me to go. Thank you for the meal." Even though they hadn't had any. Jiji nodded before setting off to his destination, leaving Alex as she walked home alone and night fell.

---

Aki sighed and pouted a little. "That young man just left Alex alone! How rude!" Hades chuckled and patted Aki's shoulders. "Boys'll be boys; trust me, Aki-Chan." He sighed and then let her be, leaving her alone as she kept watch on all of her children.

To Kayle Country
DECEMBER 31ST

10:33 PM

Kana leaned over the seat to look out her window, looking at the wide open sea as it surrounded the Yoru Clan's private jet. In exactly five, she'd reach Kayle Country and train with teenagers. She didn't mind being trained by teenagers. Little did she know, she'd been dormant for nearly five years and now the time neared for something big. She could feel it. Kana moved back into her room and fell into a deep sleep. The day was nearly over.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
DECEMBER 31ST

11:45 PM

Soyo drew straight path down the center of the canvas, letting out a soft breath as she pulled her way to examine her work. The date and time flashed across the screen of her goggles, and the faint sound of beeping echoed in her ear. She rolled her shoulders back and stretched out her muscles, her bones cracking with every movement. Shouts from below caught her attention and she walked towards the edge of the building, the toes of her shoes hanging over the ledge. The wind blew against her body, lifting her blue hair up off of her shoulders and making her sleeve-less jacket flap gently in the breeze. "15 minutes..." Her voice was soft but at the same time filled with a hardness. "15 minutes, President Wolfe." A cameraman shouted, staring through the camera lens while focusing it. "Understood." Thames stood right in the center of everyone, all eyes, cameras, phones and microphones on him as he made his way down the steps of High Council. He pretty much ignored everyone as all he could hear were hundreds of voices overlapping each other and the sounds of screaming women as he stared off into the distance, holding "I Love Wolfe" signs. Once sign actually made him blush as he passed by, saying "Wolfe can bite me anytime" and ended with an imprint of lips against the solid white board, held by a very beautiful young lady with eyes that gave darkness a run for its money. Thames was the youngest man ever to become president. At age 26, he stood tall, in his prime without a worry. Having his attention focused too much on the ground, he missed seeing the bright yellow flash that passed forty-five meters above his head.

She stared down at Thames Wolfe with disgust. "Sure he's pretty hot, I'll give him that, but look a little closer ladies, and you'll see nothing but a rotting soul of a man who sold his soul to the Devil for power." Her right hand reached up to her face, tearing off the gas mask and flipping her hair as her skin seemed just a little lighter in the moonlight. She poked her middle finger and thumb into her mouth and against the corners as she let out a long-drawn whistle and it echoed throughout Sierra's North City. Once she pulled her fingers away, she took another step forward and fell. She sailed through the air, wind whistling in her ear as she faced the ground, her emerald eyes staring hard into the shadows as she lifted her gas mask up in her right hand and her voice barely came out as anything audible when she said a one worded command. "Shift." As the last letter left her tongue, the mask shifted, the goggles lifted out of place and then folded into one, the red looking glass dispersing as nothing was left but a steel hole. The filters on each sided of her mask split apart before wrapping around her hand down to her wrist, concealing her hand like a steel glove, waiting as she dropped as her former goggles sent off a chirping signal with a red light blinking violently.

---

DECEMBER 31ST

11:55 PM

Jules stood atop an abandoned factory, his black hair flapping wildly in that cool breeze. His watch flashed and he sighed. He heard that whistle, his ears twitching slightly due to their ultra-sensitivity and he quickly set up a four-legged stand before loading up a cross bow made of steel and an arrow, designed specifically for tracking and the chirping sound set off the alarm as he pulled back the string, loading the midnight colored arrow into its slot and then pulling the trigger. Off it went at such a blinding speed, a high pitched scream following close behind it as it whizzed through the air. From below, he watched through binoculars, following the path to where the arrow was headed, and his blood colored eyes practically glowed in the night as he stared at her falling figure. She heard the scream from afar and her lips parted and then curled into a light smiled. Always on time. She thought to herself before suddenly twisting her body around in circles, keeping her right hand out and extended and time slowed as the tip of the arrow drifted through the hole made from her transformed goggles, a steel wire following right through as the head of the arrow split apart into claws and drove deep into High Council's walls, and she sent sparks flying as she hung from the gas-mask-glove. Literally. Steel against steel, sparks flew and then faded as it fell and she let her lead loll back when she was caught by two strong arms.

"Welcome back, Soyo." His voice was so deep and smooth, it made her feel like chocolate in his hands, but no one would ever know that. He set her down and her gas-mask-glove returned to it's original form and she placed it back onto her face. The arrow flew back towards them both and with his bare hand he swiped it out of the air and detached it from the steel wire as it rolled back into its compartment and the arrow following close behind back into its box. "Yeah. Thanks..." The both of them heard a soft cackling sound to their right, and turned their heads just to find a female with skin so light, she practically looks like the moon herself if it hadn't been for her purple hair, shirt, and belt. "Well, hello, lovebirds." Her eyes was shielded by grey shades. The purple-haired female stood at 5'2", wearing a sweetheart tube top, a long black coat that was a bit long for the sleeves, black shorts that just covered her ass, and combat boots. Her hair was tied to the side in a ponytail and her eyes...well. Jules doesn't exactly know what the reason is for her eyes, but they'd rather not ask. The three of them all have another side to them, each leading a double life. One as a regular person, abiding by the laws, and doing nothing to act out of the norm, and then there's this life. Life as Renegades, a group that fights against Kayle Country's faltering authority. Though their main target? Thames Wolfe. "Well, well, well, Winter. Nice of you to join the party." Soyo smiled beneath her mask. "Hehehehe. Now why would I miss such a special occasion?" Wire has such a kind, honey-tone to her voice. "Aren't you glad, Jules?" "Of course. It's the end of a year, and the beginning of another." Jules smiled his movie star smile, and Soyo's heart skipped a beat or two.

---

DECEMBER 31ST

11:59 PM

"Should we start the count-down?" "No. Everyone down there has got it covered." Soyo knelt down, tossing her spray paint can up and down into the air when an arrow flew right through the center and it flew straight down towards High Council; down to the press, fans, and right to Thames Wolfe. "Winter, get ready." "I'm always ready, Soyo." "Five," Soyo started off. "Four," followed Jules. "Three," said Winter in a giddy manner. "Two!" shouted the crowd below them, and all others in Kayle Country. "One." Soyo muttered.

The spray can flew at great speed as it landed right in front of Thames Wolfe's feet, exploding colors that aren't even on the rainbow. Red to the right; blue to the left; green against the ground; purple to the skies, and everything else all around, spreading throughout the entire High Council grounds. People gasped in horror and Wire cackled as she waved her arms up, down and then apart, and like whips, thin wires of silver shot out from the trees and flew towards her, flying into her sleeves as they traced all the way to High Council's roof, dragging down a large white sheet, and then falling onto the crowd below, surrounding High Council's building. One of the cameramen quickly wrestled himself out of the mess and looked up, pointing his camera to the roof. Wolfe followed right behind him and growled, his canine teeth bared as veins popped out from his forehead.

"WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!" He growled and his voice echoed throughout the streets. "WHO!" "President W-Wolfe...?" "What?" He was practically foaming at the mouth. The cameraman pointed up and Wolfe's eyes followed, widening and then turning to slits. Gasps and muttering sounded throughout the streets as a video played on the white canvas, and the words flashed over and over again.

WOLFE SIGNED HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL.

AUTHORITY IS ABUSING THEIR POWERS.

WHO IS GOING TO STOP THIS BEFORE OUR WORLD FALLS AGAIN?

Then the screen fizzed out and then someone tapping the glass on the camera, wearing a gas mask and their voice altered and changed. They stared into the camera, laughed and wiped the screen as it faded into black and only a voice was heard as one word flashed acrossed the screen.

RENEGADES

"Fix everything or we will, and we will not do it quietly. We are Kayle Country's Renegades, and this is our message. This is a new year, and this year will not be tainted by the likes of men like you, Wolfe. This isn't going to be the last time you'll hear from us. For now, we stay hidden, but soon, very soon, you will see us everywhere." The screen goes blank, and all is left is a painting of Wolfe, standing over the world, watching it fall as hes surrounded by riches and flames with horns protruding from his jet black hair. All eyes take in the unsightly piece and then they all fall on President Thames Wolfe. Underneath the painting lies a white sheet with words painted in a blood red color. Wolfe stands very still in everyone's eyes, but inside he's boiling with rage. You will pay, Renegades.

RULER OF A FALLEN WORLD

Soyo, Jules, and Winter stood on the ledge of the abandoned building and Soyo was the first to turn away.; then Jules; then Winter. As each one parted ways, readying for the next mission, they all have one simple thought in mind.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

JANUARY 1ST

12:00 AM

LET THE GAMES BEGIN
JANUARY 5TH

4:30 PM

A soft rainfall pattered against Sierra City, and rolled down the window as Winter leaned against the pane, staring down at the children below who played in the puddles. She chuckled softly and turned as she heard a cream from above. "What're you doing, Winter?" Jules fell down from the rafters, clothes soaked in water and hair looking so movie star-like as ever. He wrung out the water from his vest and rolled his shoulders back, groaning slightly as he cracked his back. "Nothing." The sound of a door opening made them both turn to the left as Soyo walked in, hood on her head and mask on, her face completely covered as water dripped from her body. She pulled the hood off and then her entire jacket and tossed it into the corner and Wire wrapped a couple strings around her clothes and dragged it towards the laundry room. "Well, well, well, welcome home, Soyo." Winter giggled and rolled her arms in circles. As an answer, Ryu just grunted and walked into the bathroom with a black bag. "What do you think's in there?" Jules asked without looking up as he sharpened his arrows."A dead body?" "Doubt it." "It's gotta be something that's dead. Soyo isn't that kind of person. She's more discreet." "It's not a dead body. Soyo's hardly a killer." "A killer as in murderer? Or as in a killer with her body?" Winter nudged at Jules and he blushed. "Knock it off, Winter. Y'know Soyo's not gonna go for a guy like me. She likes guys who're like, crazy smart like her." "Mmmhm... I'm sure she does." Winter hip-bumped Jules and clicked her tongue. "I see the way you two look at each other. Go for her, Jules. You won't know if you don't tell her." Winter cackled a little and the bathroom door opened and out stepped Soyo, almost transformed into a different person. From a tom-boy, to Sierra City's Prodigy Angel. She fits that title well. Out of baggy shorts, boots, sleeveless hoodie and crop top, to a simple, yet elegant white dress that rises just above her knees and matching heels. Her hair's hella different now too, from being tied back with only her bangs out to the right, to a long, flowy, loose-curled style.

"Wow..." Jules whispered and Winter pricked his neck with a jab, mouthing "Go" and shooing him towards her. He practically hissed at her and she pulled herself up into the rafters and disappeared into the darkness. Taking a step forward, he hesitated a little before coming right behind Soyo. "This'll be funny." Wire whispered and watched with a little sigh. "Hey, Soyo. I've been wondering..." Jules moved in a little closer. "Would you - I don't know - like to go out sometime? N-not like a date or anything, but just y'know as friends, unless... you want it to be a date. I'm perfectly with fine with that. In fact, I'd love too, because I really li-uuh... llllllliiiiiike you. You're really beautiful, very, very beautiful, and well uh... would you give me the honor of taking you out wherever you'd like?" He looked down at her and Soyo stopped and turned to look at him, looking up into those red eyes of his and blushing a little. She looked from side to side, wondering something after the look from those hopeful little eyes of his. She opened her mouth... and pulled the ear buds out of her ear as rock music blared out from the earphones. "I'm sorry, Jules. Did you need something? I wasn't listening." She smiled gently and tilted her head. Jules' eye twitched and he felt like breaking something; something with a living heartbeat... and purple hair. Winter fell from the rafters, holding her stomach and doubling over, screeching and laughing hysterically. Soyo watched in confusion. "What'd I miss?" "Just-... Nothing." Jules sighed and walked off. Soyo blinked and shrugged it off as nothing as she walked into the opposite direction, leaving Wire to herself, who was dying with laughter. "Get ready, you guys. We've got five hours to get everything ready." Soyo called out to them both before walking out the door.

---

JANUARY 5TH

9:15 PM

Night falls and the police are breaking down every door in Sierra City's limits on order from the President in search for any trace of the Renegades. Thames Wolfe sat in his office, playing with chess pieces. His eyes fell upon the King piece and he lifted it up into his hand. With his back to the door, he swiped his hand across the table, knocking off all of the other pieces to the ground and placed the King in the middle, standing tall, looming over the fallen pieces. "Tch... Ruler of a fallen world." A knock on the door startled him out of his thoughts. "President Wolfe?" A feminine voice called out from behind the door. "Yes, please come in." A young female waked in, holding a stack of papers within her arms. her blue hair was in loose curls, and those emerald green eyes of hers glistened in the moonlight as it shone down through the glass dome above her head. Her white dress flowed gently behind her as she moved and stopped in the middle of the room. "I apologize if I am interrupting anything, President Wolfe." "No, no. Not at all. It's fine, Ms..." Thames trailed off a bit and waited. "Cress. Nina Cress." "Miss Nina Cress. Such a beautiful name for a beautiful lady.""Thank you, President Wolfe." Nina smiled and even giggled a little. If only... Her thoughts trailed off.

Thames smiled, his canines poking out of his mouth. He seemed so... normal. Nina's ears twitched and her eyes traveled to the corner of the room in the upper right area. A camera stared back at her, focusing in and out. Thin strings fluttered around the lens, and on the otherside of the wall sat Winter, watching the two, and Jules listening in. Nina started off towards Thames when she suddenly tripped, papers falling out of her hands as she fell to the floor, her fall cushioned by her breasts as a wire unwrapped itself from around her ankle. She got into a kneeling position and blushed profusely. "Oh my. Oh god, please excuse my clumsiness, President Wolfe. I'll clean this up right away." Thames knelt down in front of her and started gathering up the papers along with her. "Oh please, President Wolfe, you really don't have too." "Don't worry about it, Miss Cress. It's always a pleasure to help out a citizen of Sierra. Especially if that citizen looks like a lily like yourself." He was practically purring and Jules kinda vomited in his mouth. Nina smiled gently. "T-thank you, President Wolfe." They gathered the rest of the papers and Thames sighed. "To get back on track, I came here for you to sign some papers from High Council. Those search warrants just around Sierra City isn't working apparently, so High Council wants to expand to further areas to find the Renegades." "Oh of course, of course." Taking the papers, he signed them all, one by one. "Those Renegades humiliated me. I will bring them to justice." "Not to be of any harm, but the Renegades were right in a way, President Wolfe." Thames turned to look at her and glared a bit. "Right? Right about what exactly, Miss Cress?" "Not to be rude, but authority figures in Sierra City are abusing their powers given to them. It's been going on for a while now. They just arrested an acquaintance of mine not long ago just for drinking." "That's a fair verse." "But she's over the lawed-drinking age." "Maybe there were past offenses." "There aren't any. She's Sierra's Sweetheart for the 8th year in the row. She kisses babies for Kayle's sake. She helps the elderly. She plays with orphans. She feeds the homeless." "People will do anything to not be labeled as a bad guy, Miss Cress. That's just how the world works."

"Yeah... Anything. Well, thank you, President Wolfe, but it's my time to leave. I've gotten what I came here for." She gathered the papers and turned to leave when he stepped out in front of her and grasped her by the hips and pulled in close. Real close. "Are you busy, Miss Cress? Say around eight o' clock?" "Sadly, yes. I've got to watch my sister's children. it's her and her husbands fifth anniversary." "Oh, well then. Until next time, my dear." He grasped her right hand and lifted it up to his lips, kissing it lightly. After doing so, he pulled away and stared into her eyes, his lips parting slightly as he leaned in slowly, and Nina's lips were damn shut tight. He got closer and closer and she could smell his cologne. A minty spice filled her nostrils when he stopped just an inch away, a knock on the door throwing him off. He pulled away completely and straightened his tie, and smoothed his auburn colored hair back. "Yes, come in." "Sorry, President Wolfe, but High Council sent me for Miss Cress. The Renegades aren't going to rest quietly for much longer and we need those warrants ASAP." Jules stepped into view, wearing a black suit that hugged his body. "Ah, I'm sorry. Yes, well it was nice meeting you, Miss Cress." "The same to you, President Wolfe." Jules gave Thames a nod and shut the door behind them with a click. Once they left, Thames moved back behind his desk when something silver moved out f the corner of his eye, and he looked up into the right corner, only to find blankness. "Hm..."

---

JANUARY 6TH

3:21 AM

Jules leaned against the wall, standing out on the balcony of the two-story lake house out in the middle of the woods. The lake was still and it stared at him, and he stared right back. No one knew of this place; no one but Winter or Soyo, but since Winter is usually out during this time, it's just him and Soyo. "Alone..." "Did you say something, Jules?" Soyo walked up from inside and leaned against the balcony's stand, standing in front of him. She was still in that dress from earlier as he was in his suit. "N-no. Just thinking." "About what you said to me yesterday?" "W-whaaaaat? Pssssh. Naaaa- Wait, you said you weren't listening." "I lied." Jules stood there in shock and his jaw dropped. If possible, it would've touched the floor. "You really think I'm beautiful?" She stared up at him and he was rose red in the face.

"Of course..." He took a lock of her hair and rubbed it in between his finger and thumb, before he leaned down and pause, his lips just a few centimeters away, lips parted slightly, and unlike that "near-death experience" with Wolfe, Soyo had her lips parted just as well. "Nina... Is it alright if... I kiss you?" Soyo nodded slowly and his lips closed onto hers. Soft and feathery was what his lips felt like against hers as his arms wrapped around her petite waist. Her arms traveled up his arms before wrapping loosely around his neck. After what seemed like a few minutes, Soyo was the first one to pull away, a soft rose color rising into her cheeks when Jules pressed his forehead against her, closing his eyes as she did the same.

"You fit in my arms like a glove..." The grip around her waist tightened just a little bit. He moved down, getting down on both knees and pressing his face against her stomach. "Never let another man touch you, even if it's for a mission... Please, Soyo." Soyo's lip twitched a little as her fingers ran through his jet black hair, her eyes soft. "Okay, Jules... I promise." She pulled him back up so that he stood at his full height of 5'10" and her at 5'5". He cleared his throat and walked inside and then back out as soft strings began playing from the speakers inside the house. Soyo giggled a little as Jules stepped in front of her, holding his hand out and bowing, and in response she curtsied. "May I have this dance, Miss Soyokaze Umi?" "Of course, Sir Jules Raine." She giggled and he took her hand in his, palm against palm as they danced, bodies pressed against one another, until the break of dawn. In the distance, Winter looked at them, giggling happily. "Ah, young love. Hehehehehe. Now we start playing the real game." She moved a Knight piece forward, right beside the other as they faced off with the Queen as she stood in front of her Knights and pawns going against the King and his pawns. "One by one, they will fall, and the side that still stands will be..."

Meeting RENEGADES
JANUARY 9TH

2:01 PM

"Miss Kana, we've arrived." A voice and knock woke Kana and she rose out of her bed, rolling her shoulders back and walking out, and she opened her eyes in surprise. "Wow..." Kayle Country was beautiful. Kayle Country was far off towards the center of the Atlantic Ocean and towards the center of the island was Sierra City, where she would meet and train with the country's RENEGADES. Kana didn't want to know what was going on, and she probably wasn't going to. Not this early at least. As the jet touched down onto an empty site, Kana gathered her things and as she exited the plane, she was faced with a single female wearing a bulletproof vest with dark blue hair and eyes that glowed green, holding a large rifle in her hands. The female lifted her hand up to her ear and a soft beep was heard. "She's arrived. Arrival time to the site in five minutes. Come now, Miss Yoru. We've got to introduce you to the pack." The female tapped her foot and a hole opened in the ground and she jumped in. Without hesitation, Kana jumped in and both sailed down a tube that had lights trailing down the entire way. It took about five minutes until they finally reached a room with only one light and a door. Kana landed on her feet and followed the blue haired female through the door, only to be met by a large group of people wearing the same exact uniform as the blue haired female. Everybody listen up!" The blunette banged against the wall and everyone quieted instantly. Must be the Alpha here. Kana thought to herself and everyone's eyes fell on her. "This is Shizukana Yoru! She will be training with us here for a while. She is our Nakama, and you shall treat her as so, even after her departing! Does everyone understand?" All bodies in the room shouted in unison. "AYE!" And then it became an all out brawl. Kana blinked and watched before chuckling a little.

"Miss Yoru, it's nice to meet you. I'm Soyokaze Umi." The blunette spoke to her and she smiled brightly. Kana nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you." A male with jet black hair and red eyes walked up to Kana and Soyo. "Hello, Yoru-Sama. I'm Jules. I'll be one of your trainers." Kana nodded. "Your third trainer is-" "There." Kana pointed up and a purple haired female fell from above the rafters and landed beside them. "Wow. She's good." The other two nodded. "Now, Miss Yoru-" Kana held up her hand. "It's alright with the formalities, but you guys can just call me Kana, alright?" They all looked at her and nodded. "To continue, Kana, your training period may be longer than expected as Kayle Country is within its own war at the moment. As First Squadron, Jules, Winter, and I have to keep watch on everything that everyone is doing. So far, we've been quiet, but there's a feeling in Sierra City that something big is going to happen." Kana nodded and Soyo lead her to her room and scanned Kana's appearance. "We might even let you be a part of the RENEGADES if you're up for it, Kana. We could use some extra expertise, being as that you're a renowned assassin in Kasaihana City." Kana looked a bit surprised. "You know me that well, eh?" Soyo chuckled. "I'm a careful one. I do research on everyone that comes into contact with myself or my nakama. You can never be too safe." Kana giggled. "Cheers to that, Soyo. And, if it'll help me with my training and all, I can help you, but I've gotta learn everything about this place. Who's who? Etc, etc." Soyo nodded. "Of course, and it's a pleasure to have you with RENEGADE." Soyo turned to leave when something crossed her mind. "Oh, yeah, you're gonna have to change your look. It's better if you start here as an Unknown and leave here just as that. You get what I'm sayin'?" Kana nodded. "Good. We'll go shopping later."

A New Image
JANUARY 10TH

5:29 PM

Kana had her long jet black hair tied back into a tight ponytail and she was dressed in all black from head to toe, wearing a long sleeved shirt, pants, and combat boots. Her skin was nearly as white as the moon. Jules and Winter looked at her. "Geez... You guys don't get much sun in Kasaihana City do y'all?" Kana shook her head and smiled sheepishly. "Not that I can say. I'm always out during the night and in during the day." Soyo patted Kana on the shoulder. "Well she'll definitely get darker while she's here on sunny Kayle Country! Hahaha." Kana looked at Soyo and returned a giggled. These people... so kind and loving to one another. There was pounding in her head and she faltered a bit before regaining her composure, and it seemed like none of the three noticed. They stopped in front of a store with no sign or anything. You couldn't even see through the windows. Soyo stepped in first and then Jules, then Winter and Kana. Kana was puzzled, seeing only a box and a homeless man sitting besides it but then it clicked. "Way to be safe..." The Yoru Clan always had secret bunkers within Kasaihana's City in case of a shortage of equipment or food during their missions. "I know right?" Jules chuckled and whistled and the homeless man looked up, pushing the box to the side and the entire room shifted. From the barren, dusty room came white walls covered with weapons, clothes, shoes, and accessories made for battle. The homeless man threw off his clothes and a man in a black suit took his place, lookin' spiffy. "Well, well, well, Soyo-Chan. Who do we have here? She's not a local, I can tell by her skin." He stood at 6'8" with tan skin and black shades. What stuck out the most was his snow white hair. He stuck his hand out and smiled. "Ara-ara! I'm Teto Fung. Your name?" Kana took her hand in his and shook it slightly. "Shizukana Yoru, but most call me Kana." Teto smiled brightly and laughed. "Ai-ya, Kana-Chan! What are we to do with...-" he gestured to all of her, "- this?" Kana felt a bit insecure, but she gave him an "I don't know" look. Soyo and Winter looked at each other and smiled deviously with a bit of sparkle in their eyes. "Oh, Kana-Chan, you're going to have a little modeling time in here." Teto chuckled as Kana was dragged towards the dressing room by Soyo and Winter.

"How aboooout THIS one?" Kana stepped out of the dressing room wearing a grey blazer, black camisole and black pants with chucks. Soyo shook her head. "Nah. Not enough skin showing. Here in Kayle Country, everyone has more skin showing that people in Rio will." Kana swallowed hard. "So... I'm practically naked...?" Winter and Soyo nodded. "But! Don't worry. You'll be covered up enough to not lose your dignity." Kana sweat dropped and went back into go change as piles of clothes were thrown at her. Kana then came out in a knee length lavender strapless dress and her long hair down and draped over her shoulders. "Aw, that looks beautiful! That can be a back up, but for now, we're looking for easy to move without embarrassing shots clothes. Neeeeext!" Soyo threw her back in and Kana grumbled... "I'm getting fashion advice from teenagers..." This went on for about three hours. Kana now knew how the men felt with women during shopping. She sighed. At least this is the last one. "How does this look?" Winter and Soyo turned and both of their eyes widened. Kana stood in a dark blue trench coat that wrapped around her body, a black tube top that hugged her chest with black pants and suspenders with a pair of matching black combat boots. Kana had her hair pulled up into a ponytail and Soyo and Winter squealed. "That's perfect!" The three of them walked out and Teto and Jules looked surprised at the changed Kana. Teto walked up to Kana and tilted his head. "You're hair's too long..." Kana blushed a little and rubbed a clump of her hair in between her fingers. "Then I'll cut it. A new image won't hurt." Soyo, Winter, Jules and Teto all smiled as Kana took a knife and pulled it against her hair, slicing it to bits when another pounding began in her head and she dropped the knife to the floor and her eyes flashed. Red, grey, red, grey, red, grey, continuously as Kana regained glimpses of the past. One where she had sliced her hair from a man's hold in an arena, the sounds of their cheers echoing in her head. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell forward, Teto catching her in his arms, and all she heard before she blacked out was the sound of distorted shouts and one clear voice in her head. Don't fight the memories. Remember your loved ones.

To the Moon and Back
JANUARY 13TH

11:41 PM

Katsumi sat on the roof of her uncle's house, staring up at the open sky where stars blanketed the barren darkness and the first-quarter moon shinning so brightly. Dimitri hopped up onto the roof as well, taking a seat besides Kat and then laying down with his hands folded over his stomach. "Beautiful, aren't they?" He asked and Katsumi snapped back to her senses. "The stars? Of course... I could just, lay here and watch then forever." She fell down to her back and wrapped her arms around Dimitri's waist and nuzzled him. Dimitri swallowed hard and did his best to not freak out. It'll be fine; It's fine... It's just a hug. "Forever? Well unless you're going to follow the stars for the rest of your life, then have at it." Kat flicked his nose and he winced. "Ow." Kat giggled. "You're so silly, Di-Di, but you know what I mean... I don't want nights like these to ever end..." She wrapped her arms tighter around him. "Kat, even if you don't want it to, everything has to come to an end; all good things do. That's why nothing lasts forever..." Dimitri blinked back a few tears and sighed instead of sniffling. "But, you said you'll protect me forever, Di-Di. Isn't that something good? You're saying that you can't protect me forever?" Kat sat up and Dimitri swore to fucking Buddha that she was at the brink of tears. He blushed deeply and cleared his throat before speaking again, looking into her dark grey eyes with his ruby red ones. "I'll protect you with everything that I have, Kat; even if it means my life. I promised you, ever since the first day we met... I'm going to be the one to keep you safe if no one else can." He pressed his forehead to Kat's and he smiled as her arms came around his neck, hugging him tightly. He's probably the only one who has seen this side of her. I'll keep you safe... I will. Kat sighed and stared up at the moon, smiling softly. "I wonder how Mom's doing..."

---

JANUARY 14TH

1:43 AM

Kana roamed the halls of RENEGADE's underground manor until she came to a stairway that lead up to the surface where she exited and lay on the cold sand. RENEGADE's base was located all along the coastal rim of Sierra City as it was planned an easy escape to sea. Her eyes scanned the night sky and they fell on the moon and the moon stared back at her with its godly light. The sound of crunching feet caused her to sit up and pull out a blade she always kept on her inner thigh. She eased a little as Teto stood before her and held his hands up."Woah, easy there Kana-Chan. I come in peace." Kana put the blade away and sighed before relaxing and laying back down in the sand. Unlike before, Teto wasn't in a suit, but instead, he wore khaki shorts and a white button up shirt, that was unbuttoned and flowing gently in the nightly breeze. "Whatcha doin' out so late, Kana-Chan?" Kana shook her head. "Nothing in particular... Just moon watching..." Teto looked confused. "Is that a Kasaihana thing? Moon watching? It sounds boring." Kana giggled. "No, not a Kasaihana thing, but it's a Yoru thing. We like to be out at night, and when out at night, who can stand NOT looking up into the sky where infinite stars exist to create such a beautiful canvas... right ever our heads with this... godly being, this white sphere, is in the middle, shining not nearly as bright as the sun, but just softly to make that heavenly feeling..." Teto laid beside her, cheek propped up against the palm of his hand. "You, Kana-Chan, should be a poet." He laughed and Kana followed with a chuckle. "I don't know why, but you remind me of someone, but I have no memory as of now. It's slowly coming back, but not fast enough..." Teto tilted his head. "Is that why you passed out?" Kana nodded and touched the back of her hand to her forehead. "It'll blow over soon..." Teto stared at the raven haired female and he swallowed hard before laying flat on his back and stared up at the sky. Stars filled his vision and the sight almost made him fall asleep, and the sound of the waves made it seem even more... heavenly. "Yeah, this seems so calming, Kana-Chan..." His eyes fell on the moon and he stared as it stared back. They laid there for what seemed like hours and Kana had actually fallen asleep on the beach. Teto picked her up and took her back inside as the moon began the fall and the sun beginning to rise, the horizon becoming a pink, purple-ish, blue hue with orange, red and yellow light melding in with the colors.

---

JANUARY 14TH

3:16 AM

Alex sat outside on her balcony with guitar in hand, strumming several different notes when the light of the moon shone down on her. She hummed softly before playing the tune to Bruno Mars' Talking to the Moon.

I know you're somewhere out there

Somewhere far away

I want you back

I want you back

My neighbors think I'm crazy

But they don't understand

You're all I had

You're all I had

At night when the stars light up my room

I sit by myself talking to the moon.

Trying to get to you

In hopes you're on the other side talking to me too.

Or am I a fool who sits alone talking to the moon?

Ohoooo...

I'm feeling like I'm famous

The talk of the town

They say I've gone mad

Yeah, I've gone mad

But they don't know what I know

Cause when the sun goes down

Someone's talking back

Yeah, they're talking back

Ohhh

At night when the stars light up my room

I sit by myself talking to the moon.

Trying to get to you

In hopes you're on the other side talking to me too.

Or am I a fool who sits alone talking to the moon?

''Ahh... Ahh... Ahh...''

Do you ever hear me calling?

(Ahh... Ahh... Ahh...)

Oh ohh oh oh ohhh

'Cause every night I'm talking to the moon

Still trying to get to you

In hopes you're on the other side talking to me too

Or am I a fool who sits alone talking to the moon?

Ohoooo...

I know you're somewhere out there

Somewhere far away

"Somewhere far away..." She looked up at the moon and sighed as the fox-woman's voice echoed in her head. She's... how do I put this?.. Lost. "Are you lost, Mom?" Alex moved into another position and she sighed before humming to a different tune.

Training Begins: Ditangquan PART I
JANUARY 30TH

8:22 AM

Soyo kicked the door open to Kana's room only to find no one in there and then she walked around, seeing no sign of her. She saw Jules and Winter and walked up to them. "Yo, Jules, Winter, have you seen Kana?" They shook their heads and roamed the entire base. "I mean... she's an assassin after all. It technically makes her a ninja." Jules said. "We haven't checked the surface yet." Winter suggested and the three of them moved up to where they could hear the crashing waves against shore. One by one they came up, Jules being last as he came up from the stair well, dusting his clothes off from the sand when he bumped into Soyo. "Oi why'd you-" He turned his eyes to the direction where the girls were staring at and his jaw dropped to the floor. Kana held her ground as she balanced her body on two kunai that dug deep into the sand. She was shaking a little, though she still went further on. Her clothes were drenched in sweat and she bent her body back until the soles of her feet reached past her head and her body was curved into a U shape. "Talk about flexibility..." Soyo watched as Kana switched over to one hand and balanced herself on the right kunai and hand, lifting her body straight into the air and holding the position for 10 seconds before doing one-armed air push-ups. "But that upper body strength doe." Jules got a little ghetto on them and Soyo and Winter smacked the millenium outta him. "OW!"

"What are you guys doing?" Kana surprised them all as she appeared before them, sweat beading down her forehead with arms crossed. "Oh. Well, we were looking for you. training starts today if you don't mind." Kana smiled. "Of course. Who am I straining with today?" Soyo raised her hand. "You're going to be learning, Ditangquan, (Chinese: 地趟拳, literally "ground tumbling boxing") is a category of martial art that originated in the Shandong Province of China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).The major characteristic of ditangquan is the ability to perform tumbles, falls, turns, somersaults and aerial acrobatics using those techniques for both offense and the time of its origin, this martial art has spread throughout China and has been incorporated into other martial arts styles. Although ditangquan exists as a traditional style, extant versions of it were unknown to the Chinese modern wushu coaches and players of the 1970s; as a result, a "new" version of ditangquan was created based on the tumbling techniques of monkey and drunken styles, but without the characteristic monkey or drunken movements. Today, traditional versions of ditangquan can still be found included as parts of other styles, such as in chuojiao, or as separate martial arts, such as Fujian góuquán (dog style); in the traditional styles, there is less emphasis on tumbling and more emphasis on attacking and defending while falling on the ground. It's what makes it so special. Now, I'll give you a demonstration, with..." Soyo let out a whistle as a group of nearly 25 people of RENEGADE pour from left and right. She holds her hand out and a soccer ball drops into it. "Soccer." Kana was surprised. "I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks." Kana laughed and stepped to the side. Two goals were set to West and East, approximately 40 yards away from each other. Soyo and her team took off against Winter and Jules's team. Soyo's team made a barricade and Kana almost choked. "SEA WALL BARRICADE!" Jules bounced from one foot to the other when Winter jumped over head, ball in between her ankles as she dropped it in front of Jules, who took it gladly, kicking the ball high up into the air and waited just as the ball reached five feet off the ground before lifting his right leg up into the air, the inside of his foot hitting the ball with such force you could probably hear the smack from miles away. The ball sailed towards the barricade as it fell but Soyo was right behind the wall, sending the ball straight back towards Jules and Winter with an evil glint in her eyes. The ball rotated at such a high speed that it actually... caught... on... fire... Most jumped out of the way, scared to death but Jules and Winter held their ground but with no success had they the chance to keep the ball from going into the goal as the force from the impact sent the both of them flying into the goal along with the ball. A whistle blew and Soyo jumped in joy. "Ai-ya! That's one-zero!" Soyo turned to Kana. "Are you ready to join in?" Kana pulled on a black jersey and Winter went onto Soyo's team, so it was Winter/Soyo - Sea vs. Night - Kana/Jules. "Alright! Round 2 is going underway!" Sea Team rushed forward, Winter kicking off the ball as it sailed over head, the goalie catching the ball in his hands and he sent the ball flying towards Kana who stopped it with her chest and took off with the ball. Three of Sea Team's members charged at her but she moved through them like nothing. "She's pretty good." Jules watched as Kana neared the goal. "Fact about the Yoru Family. As assassins, they need to learn how to move with extreme flexibility to get out of tight situations, so they take dance classes and do sports on the sidelines." Soyo said as she ran up to catch Kana. Lifting the ball up into the air, Kana swung her body around in a 360, lifting her left leg up in the process and blasting the ball towards the goal, curving towards the right and then making a hard left. The goalie kicked it out before it reached past the line and Kana cursed. One of Sea Team's players launched their selves into the air and headbutted the ball. That's when Soyo came up out of nowhere. Three players from night team surrounded her as the ball came towards her. She fell onto her back and caught the ball in between her feet and started spinning, lifting the lower half of her body off the ground and spreading her legs a few feet apart, bouncing the ball up in the air, switching from leg to leg until the three men scattered and one stood behind her. He charged towards her but left his legs open, giving her a way to move as she kicked the ball up into the air, slid back in between his legs and caught the ball in between her feet and dragged it along with her before curving her body to the right and getting back up to her feet, and racing back towards her opponents goal. Kana watched in amazement. "Wow... that chick knows how to work." Winter caught up to Kana as they watched Soyo score another goal. "That was Ditangquan, or a glimpse of it. It's a little mix of drunken boxing too."

After the demonstration game, Soyo and Kana actually began working on Ditangquan and Drunken Boxing. Of course Soyo couldn't drink because she's only 16, but Kana on the other hand... Damn can she hold her liquor.

Training Begins: Taekkyeon PART II ( And a little Chi Blocking )
MARCH 26TH

3:33 PM

After two months of training with Soyo, Kana had finally mastered Ditangquan. "Good, now you move onto Jules!" Jules appeared in front of Kana and smiled before his face turned dark as he headbutted her and she flew back. Kana twitched slightly and held her head before glaring up at Jules, eyes flashing red and grey as she raced towards him with the intent to kill. Jules actually faltered and paused when Kana kneed him in the jaw, sending his head snapping back, but she didn't stop at that. She sent kick after kick at Jules and he dodged some and connected few kicks of his with hers. "So far she's on par with Ju-Ju." Soyo nodded and faced the screen."For those of you that don't know, Taekkyeon is a Korean Martial Art. Taekkyeon contains many kinds of techniques, including hand and leg techniques as well as joint locks, throws and head butts. The whole body is used in each movement. Taekkyeon teaches a great variety of kicks, especially low kicks, knees, jumps. The basic steps are geometric and at the core of all advanced movement. All movements are natural to the human movements of Taekkyon are fluid with the practitioners constantly moving. One of its most striking characteristics is the motion calledgumsil or ogeum jil: It is a constant bending and stretching of one's knees, giving the art a dance-like appearance. This motion is also used in the Korea mask dance talchum, so both arts look similar in a way. Taekkeyon does not make use of abrupt knee motions. The principles and methods used to extend the kick put more emphasis on grace and alignment for whole-body strength, as with the arm motions. There are no set forms nor a fixed curriculum within the traditional system. Masters may create their own personalized system for teaching the basic techniques.



Taekkyeon uses a lot of high, medium and low kicks. Sweeps with straight forward low kicks using the ball of the foot and the heel and flowing crescent-like high kicks. There are many kicks that move the leg outward from the middle, which is called gyeot chagi, and inward from the outside using the side of the heels and the side of the feet. The art also uses tricks like inward trips, wall-jumping, fake-outs, tempo, and slide-stepping. The art is also like a dance in which the fighter constantly changes stance from left to right by stepping forward and backwards with arms up and ready to guard, blending arm movements with leg." Winter tapped Soyo on the shoulder with a "WTF?" face. "Soyokaze, who're you talking to?" Soyo flustered. "Oh. No one."

Jules suddenly did a leg sweep, catching Kana off guard but she reacted finely, placing her hands on the ground and lifting her body off. She appeared behind Jules and clenched her fists together before knocking her fist into the small of his back, the inside of the both of his arms and then the back of his knees, her knuckle digging deep inside and hitting the pressure point and he faltered before falling to the ground, but not before giving Kana one last good punch to the face that sent her flying back a few feet and onto the sand. She could still moved but Jules couldn't. "Oi... Kana-Sama. What did you do to my body? I can't move." Kana sat up and chuckled. "It's called Chi blocking. I'll teach it to you lot as a thanks for teaching me." After a few hours, Jules could finally move again and he instantly attacked Kana and they went head to head over and over again for nearly a six weeks until Kana got the hang of Taekkyeon. Now to the next stage. Winter, and... WHAT?

Training Begins: Summoning and Chakra Strings PART III
JUNE 22ND

12:00 PM

Winter ripped off her top showing the blank canvas of her tan skin with white training tape wrapped around her breasts. "I know it's going to sound weird, but you're going to use blood to summon creatures between the astral plane, the Shinto Realm,and Hell itself. With each creature you meet, and if you want them, you are allowed to make a contract to make a blood vow, and as long as you live, that said creature belongs to you and only you. I'll bring the three of my creatures." She held her hand out and a knife was thrown to her and she swiped it out of the air. Once having the blade in her hand, she slit across each of her fingers as blood dripped onto the sand. She then drew a block, like an upside down U with an opening at the bottom and then the kanji for her last name "カーンズ" and then a line cutting the Kanji in half. One she finished, she pulled her hand away and her the blood on her stomach glowed a bright golden light and three creatures appeared behind Winter. Winter stood with arms spread and a sinister smile. "These are my babies!" One of her 'babies' stood nearly at 11 feet tall, and it was completely black, disregard the smiling mask, eye and mouth underneath it and it was breathing heavily. Another was hovering in the air with a wicked smile and long nose, its face completely red with a light brown mane around it. Wings fluttered gently on the creatures back and it let out a soft growl. The last creature was on the ground and it had a spider like body painted black and yellow with a long purple neck. Its face resembled that of a demons with horns protruding out of its head and it chittered. They all surrounded Winter in protection and Winter giggled. "I'm fine, my babies. This is just a demonstration. You may all go home now.~" All three bowed their heads and dispersed. Winter looked at Kana, her face returning to normal. The blood summoning sign that was on her stomach disappeared too. "Do you get the gist of it Kana? Just use your blood and your sign will come to you automatically. Your summons depend on what you want. If you want a certain thing, but in a human state, they have the ability to change forms for their master. Now," Winter threw the blade to Kana's feet and Kana picked it up. "do it yourself. Your sign doesn't have to be on your stomach. It can be anywhere, but know this. Before a summoning can be performed, a prospective summoner must first sign a contract with a given specimen. The contract comes as a tattoo, burning the skin of the forearm, on which the contractor uses their own blood to sign their initials and place their fingerprints and once signed it is valid even after the contractors death as long as the contract itself remains intact. After this they need only offer an additional donation of blood on the hand they signed the contract with, mold their chakra with a swipe of their blood along the pattern and then plant the hand they signed the contract with at the location they wish to summon the creature. The amount of chi used during the summoning determines how powerful the summoned creature can be. It should be noted that anyone can summon a contracted spiritual being as long as they have the blood from someone who has made a contract, the seal of the summoned creature, along with a source of sufficient chi that the summon will accept. A creature is capable of determining who is attempting to summon it from the chakra used. Once summoned, the being can perform a task or help the user in battle. The summon is not required to help the user, and may be more of a hindrance than an ally. In addition, summons are able to summon their summoner. They may also wear a symbol relating to the master, suggesting a loyalty to only one clan/person."

Kana looked at the blade and cut a straight line down her forearm. Using her index finger, she rubbed the blood against it and then drew on the palm of her hand, the emblem of a crescent moon and then below... "A Hybrid Summoning Seal?" Winter swallowed hard and a light shone from the blood as a black tattoo formed in stead of the blood Hybrid Seal. The wind started to pick up and the sand around her began lifting and swirling, cascading her and her figure was nowhere to be seen. After a few minutes, the sand, wind and light died down and everyone stared at Kana, or rather behind her. "What...?" Fingers pointed behind her and Kana turned, surprised as she met eye to eye with a male with dirty snow colored hair and wore black from head to toe. His eyes glowed red and he carried two visible weapons: a katana and an automatic rifle. Most of his face was covered but you could see the scar that ran down his left eye. "Master..." He knelt down and Kana blushed. "A-ai-ya. Gomenesai, uh..." She bowed and he stood up to his full height at 7'2". He wasn't nearly as tall as Winter's Black Monster Mass, but hell... "My name is Inubashiri Momiji. It's a pleasure to be of service to you, Master Yoru." She nodded. "It's a pleasure to have you as an ally, Momiji-Kun." He nodded. "Hai..." A voice sounded in her head. Inubashiri Momiji, also known as "Dog Run," is one of the deities that the Yoru Clan worships though only you have been allowed to summon such a creature. Momiji's main purpose is to protect the Main Family and its grounds. At times, he is used in battle with the ability to pull weapons ranging from small items like shuriken to large items such as a normal scythe. This voice... Thank you Aki-Sama. Kana turned and looked at Winter who smiled approvingly."Good. Now comes Part Two to my training."

Unlike the summoning training, Winter's chakra training was a fucking pain in the ass. She raised her arms up and spread her fingers apart. Light blue string fluttered softly from her finger tips and she sighed. "Chi is nearly the same as Chakra, Kana-Sama." The light blue wisps wrapped around Kana's body and dug their tips into her skin and she winced as her body fell completely numb and out of her control. "Bear with me, but we will being doing this until you can go without wincing." Winter bent her fingers and it pulled Kana's body up into a fighting position, arms up, shielding her frontal area. Winter chuckled as she felt Kana's heart pumping through the chakra strings and she cackled. "As of now, I control your body and you WILL OBEY!" With every sway of Winters arms, Kana's followed and as well as any other part of her body. Mechanical whirring sounded all around her and Winter stopped moving and Kana assumed the same stance. "Release the needles." Six large booms sounded going off one after another and Kana stared as needles shoot up into the air and then fell as gravity pulled them down and they headed straight for Winter. As the needles neared, Kana heard Winter speak softly. "Once you fully learn this ability, and you're in a tight slip with anyone you love, you must learn to trust each other, now, Kana-Sama, do you trust me...?" Kana smiled and giggled. "Of course I do." Winter smiled and then she tossed and turned as the needles hit the ground with a thuds here and there continuously and Kana and Winter weaved through the barrage of needles, Kana completely submissive to Winter as she gave up her body. "It's just like a mirror..." Soyo whispered and Jules nodded. Winter's training was the hardest, and no one who has ever went under her has finished. After a few more hours of Winter's training and bruises and cuts, everyone went in to rest for the day.

I Remember
AUGUST 8TH

9:33 AM

For another two months she trained on Winter's chakra string technique, but Kana's training was put on hold due to the hostility rising in between Sierra City's authority figures and the RENEGADES. First Squadron had "business" to deal with. She sighed as she sat on her bed. The Officials had banned her from using any way of communication to anyone in Kasaihana. She rubbed her head and sighed as the pounding came to again. Don't fight the memories, Kana... Just.. let them flow. She closed her eyes and sighed before opening them again, her body swaying slightly as her vision blurred, her eyes flashing red and grey over and over again until it finally stopped and her left eye turned bloody red, and her right it's original colorless sky. She shuddered and held her arms close to her body and groaned. More glimpses of the past show her fighting that same, dark-skinned man, training with the same bubbly pink haired female, being treated by a female with this midnight blue hair, and meeting people with extraordinary abilities and strength with every passing memory. She stood up and faltered as she tried holding herself up against the wall. Breathing heavily, she clenched at her chest and she was practically burning inside. This memory rose in flames.

Flashback

''Fire blazed throughout the halls of Sky Estate. Bodies lay in pools of blood upon the floor, and she stood in the center of everything, back to back with a male with jet black hair. "Mason, get out of here with Alex right now." As stubborn as he was ever since they first met, he refused."Not a chance, Kana. As the man of the house, I'm obligated to protect everything and everyone in the house." Kana cursed and was getting annoyed. "God damn it, Mason, stop being stubborn and get out NOW!" Kana was beyond pissed; she was beyond fucking enraged. Not only was her home invaded, but set on fire and bodies littered the floor with blood literally just EVERYWHERE. Not only that, Mason was being hardheaded, wanting to be the hero. "DO you want _ to grow up without a father or mother?; do you want her to be an orphan? If the answer is 'no', then GO! GOD FUCKING DAMN IT, MASON JESSE SKY, GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!" Mason stared at his wife and his eyes fell before he turned and went off to find _. Ever since they'd first met, Kana had always sacrificed for the things she loved. "Take this as my dying wish, Mason, darling... Protect our girl for the both of us..." Kana smiled softly before her face hardened. She tore off her blazer and always, she wore a white, bandaged and bloodied top. Following her blazer came her pants, and she wore black tight shorts underneath, and then followed her heels. Shadows covered the walls and she stared deep into the flames and a man in white stepped through the fire and chuckled. "Well, hello again, my Silent Night." Kana stared in disbelief, hurt and anger. "Dedeki, how dare you...?" Kana growled and foamed at the mouth. "Feisty as ever! That's my girl!" He cackled and nearly doubled over laughing. "I AM NOTHING TO YOU! And the SAME GOES FOR YOU TO ME..." Kana's eyes glowed amber in the light of the flame and veins popped out of her head. "How dare you do this to me? To my family? THEY KNOW NOTHING, AND IT SHOULD STAY THAT WAY!" Dedeki clicked his tongue and shook his head, putting his hands together. "Aw... but what's the fun in that?" THe smoke started affecting Kana and she coughed and hacked before falling to her knees. Her eyes traveled to Dedeki, and she watched the flames burn from behind him, and hearing the echo of his laughter. "You're the fucking DEVIL!" She started towards him when he whistled and a whizzing sound stopped her and she coughed, this time blood spurting from her mouth. There was a pain her in her stomach and she stared down at the arrow that pierced through her back and the head stuck out at the front. With trembling hands, she snapped off the head of the arrow and dragged the rest of the arrow out from the backside before falling to the ground. Aki stood in the corner of the room, watching with eyes filled with fury that the fire practically grew, creating walls around Dedeki and Kana's body. Aki walked through the flames and Dedeki stared at the young female before pulling out a gun and firing at her, but... all the bullets went through her but caused no harm. Aki knelt down besides Kana and healed the wound partially, just enough for her to move again. I am not at my prime, my child... Fight, and protect what you love. Aki's voice faded and Kana started coughing more roughly and got up steadily to her hands and knees. The fire died down and Dedeki's henchmen stood around him, ready to attack when Yin fell from the rafters and sparta kicked him into the wall. Kana spun a blade in her hand and took out Dedeki's men, one by one, and each fell into the fire, their bodies crackling in the flames. Yin knelt down in front of Kana and was on the verge of tears. "K-k-kana...No, please.. I can't, I can't lose you too! Not after Ginsei..." Kana looked up at Yin and smiled weakly, but her eyes widened at the figure behind her and she pushed her out of the way as his sword came down, the blade going right through Kana's right shoulder and holding her down against the wooden floor. Kana screamed at the top of her lungs, and not once in her life had she ever felt so helpless. Yin was about to charged at Dedeki once more but he pushed the blade down father and twisted it slightly, making Kana writhe in pain. "Take one step closer and this blade cuts her head clean off!" Dedeki was smiling like a madman and Yin faltered when she heard a child's voice. "Momma?" All eyes turned to a small figure that stood in the doorway, eyes red and tears streaming down her cheeks, holding a bloody teddy bear against her chest. If _ is here then... Kana bit down on her lip to hold in anymore cries. Mason's dead... Kana struggled as she screamed at the top of her lungs. "Yin, do NOT argue with me. Get out of here now! Get _ and run. Run god damn it, listen to me! If you haven't listened to me before then listen to me NOW AND LEAVE!" Yin looked hurt but she ran through the fire, scooping _ up into her arms and disappearing into the night. Kana felt like a weight was lifted off of her shoulders and she smiled slight. Good... Dedeki was beyond pissed and he gave Kana one good knock to the head and she went cold, and everything went black.''

Flashback End

Kana stared at herself in the mirror, tears falling onto the floor as she pulled off her jacket and there was a scar in the stomach area and then one around her right shoulder. As she removed most of her clothes off, she saw bullet wounds all over her body. "I remember... Keyth's Funeral, and I protected Yin's little friend..." Kana sat on the ground with her head in her hands and sighed before looking up, her eyes glowing in the flickering light. "I remember... I remember my baby girl... I'll find you soon."

Bad Blood
AUGUST 26TH

1:46 PM

I'll find you soon... Alex twisted her head from left to right as those words relayed in her head. "I'm going insane..." It wasn't like Kasaihana's Youngest Star to be so... agitated. She twisted her hair around her wooden pencil a few times and then a piece a paper was set in front of her as the History Teacher passed back tests. As always, there was a big fat 100 on the top right corner. To her, History was the subject she liked the most. The way that the pasts molds the present to turn into the future amazes her, but... she has still yet to know of her own past, dating back to early feudal Japan. She didn't notice she was zoning out until the bell rang and it shocked her out of her thoughts. As she gathered her shit together, she headed off towards Art Class when she bumped into the raven haired female from the Italian Restaurant. "Ai-ya... Gomensai ah.." Alex spoke first and then the female introduced herself. "Katsumi." "Ah.. Sorry for bumping into you like that, Katsumi-Chan." Kat waved her hand. "No need to call me by full name or 'Chan'. Just Kat is fine." Alex smiled. "Alright then, Kat. My name's Alex." Kat remembered that bubbly haired female at the restaurant. "Oh, you. Miss Center of Attention. Alex Sky, right?" Kat chuckled and Alex got a bit annoyed. Kat seemed to sense this. "Relax, Bubblegum, I'm just playin'." The duo walked in class together and Kat sat in the back of the room while Alex sat in the front. The Art Teacher, Mr. Blaire, was preaching about what art meant and Kat sighed, putting her feet up on the table and taking out her sketch book and tapping the tip against the blank canvas and spinning it around her fingers. Kat couldn't come up with any ideas... Not ever since Mom left last December... It was nearly the middle of August and she wasn't back yet. Kat puffed out her cheeks when Mr. Blaire announced that they'd be working on paintings today. Students were allowed to chose their color canvas to Kat got black. She glanced at Alex who picked the white canvas. You two are like Yin and Yang. Kat turned and looked all around... "The fuck...?" Shaking her head, she walked back over to her seat and rolled up the sleeves of her sweater before grabbing a three paint brushes: two small, one medium. Like nothing, Kat just stroked the brush against the paper and in less than five minutes, the head was completely painted, face and all. Now the body was a bit harder. Kat mixed the white, gray and black together before dipping the brush in the liquid slightly, and then dragging the brush against the canvas roughly, creating ripples and everyone watched her in amazement. "Jesus Christ, she's amazing!" Those that focused on Alex had such wonder on her face. "What CAN'T she do?!" On Alex's canvas stood a fox with red/orange fur, black paws and a white underside with a ruffled, curly tail surrounded by smoke wisps of light blue, orange, pale red, and pink. "As the daughter of famed Lady of the Night, who wouldn't expect less from Alex?" Kat was getting a bit irritated. On and on, they ramble about how great Alex Sky is. Get past the fame and they'll see she's just as normal as the rest of them. Kat stood up and gave her work to the teacher and he gave her a hundred for the day. Alex turned in hers and received the same grade. "You think you're special, Sky?" Kat leaned against the desk and poked her tongue against her cheek. Alex wasn't sure... "I'm sorry, excuse you?" Kat crossed her arms. "You heard me, pinky. You think you're special 'cause of the fame you got from your father and mother?" Everyone started surrounding them. "Alex, don't listen to her! She's just a jealous bitch!" A female yelled from the back. "A Jealous bitch, huh? So you guys are telling me, I AM THE ONLY ONE, that talks shit about Alex? I'm saying to her face; What are you guys doing? Bitchin' about her behind her back. If y'all got something say, then say it right now." Everyone stayed quiet and shifted uncomfortably, and Kat scoffed. "Yeah. That's what I thou-" Kat was suddenly slapped across the face and Alex had her arm extended out, eyes turning cold-blooded. "You watch your mouth! I obviously don't care what people say about me, whether it be bad or true! Don't you go off talking about my mother and father either! I lost the both of them when I was ten..." Kat was staring daggers into Alex's eyes. "At least you knew your parents... Mine abandoned me at birth!" Kat sent a left hook right into Alex's jaw and she was pushed back, but Alex dug her heels into the ground. The boys did their best to fend Kat off but she pushed through them like nothing. "Honestly it's ALL about YOU, Sky. 'Oh look it's Alex!' 'Ohmygod, what I would do to be in her shoes!' Ain't no love given to the ones who actually tried hard to make friends, but end up getting rejected. Y'know why? 'Cause apparently, we don't matter unless we have money, we're pretty, or we're super stars." Alex was getting tired of this. Not only was she going insane, but now she had to deal with this bitch? Uh, no. Alex raced towards her and swung her arms, throwing left hooks, jabs and upper-cuts, but Kat could easily read those. "You're moving out of anger." Alex's eye twitched. "No, really?!" Kat lifted her leg up and met with Alex's arm and pushed her down, but Alex pressed her hands against the ground and swung her body to the left, catching Kat's jaw with her foot. Everyone watched in awe as the two went head to head. It wasn't until Mr. Blaire and an officer dragged the two girls away from each other. "WE FINISH THIS AFTER SCHOOL SKY!" Alex replied no further, 'cause when she exited out of the class, there stood Marie, arms crossed and eyes burning into Alex's soul.

Here You Learn the Truth
AUGUST 26TH

2:40 PM

Kat had nearly calmed down... after smashing nearly everything in the principal's office. "The nerve of that..." She stopped as the door of the office swung open and Alex walked in. Alex's soft grey eyes turned hard as did Kat's, the both of them going at each other's throats as Marie held Alex back and the principal held Kat back. "Bitch!" Alex hissed and it was so unlike her. "So this is the REAL Alex Sky? Wait until I tell everyone." Kat chuckled and was thrown into a seat as was Alex. "Now, you two ladies are OUT OF YOUR DAMN MINDS if you think you are going to fight in my school." He turned to Alex. "I'd expect more civilized approaches than this, Miss Sky. And you." He looked at Kat. "You know better than anyone else what the consequences are for fighting." Marie stood in between the two females and Kat actually froze. She looked up at Marie, expecting to see a face contorted in anger and disappointment, but to her surprise, Marie was calm. "Now, Miss Sky, Miss Yoru I-" Marie suddenly spoke up, eyes widening slightly. "I-I'm sorry..." She looked to Kat. "What's your name?" Kat turned her head and sighed. "Katsumi Yoru. Why miss?" Marie blew off the question. "...Who's your father?" "I don't have one." Alex started getting a bit confused. "Aunt Marie, what does this have to do with anythi-" "Alex, please be quiet.." Marie stared hard into Kat's eyes and spoke slowly. "Who's your mother...?" Kat seemed it was strange that the famous Mason Sky's little sister was questioning her. "Shizukana Yoru. She's my mother." Alex and Marie were silent and then Alex stood up. "You're lying..." Kat growled. "Now why would I lie about my mother? To get attention, Sky?" "There is NO way, that Shizukana Yoru is your mother!" Kat stood up and the principal was about to intervene when Marie stopped him. "AND HOW WOULD YOU KNOW!?" "BECAUSE SHE'S MY MOTHER!" The room grew tense. "My mother's name, was Shizukana Yoru. My father's name, was Mason Sky. They both died... five years ago when I was 10..." Alex's voice broke and she was at the brink of tears. "How, could you of all people, have a mother, with the same name as mine? Huh? Are you my twin or something? Did Mom and Dad just pick me over you and then abandon you? Because I doubt that would be the case. Mother and Father loved everyone! The least they would do, is give up a daughter! Let alone leave the one they kept to get the other!" Kat threw the chair from in between them. "SHUT UP! I WAS AN ORPHAN FOR TEN YEARS OF MY LIFE! My mother was a whore and my father a drunk. After Ma gave birth to me, she just... left me in that room and never returned. I was saved by a woman after ten years, TEN FUCKING YEARS, of moving to orphanage after orphanage. I lost my best friend, and now, that I finally meet him again, he's become my cousin, ever since Shizukana Yoru adopted me and I was put through a ritual to become a Yoru. After four.. four years, I finally was loved.." Kat was holding back her tears and was clenching and unclenching her fists. "While you, Sky, have been loved ever since birth, by parents, family, and people that you don't even know, but they know you through fame." Marie just listened before letting out a slow breath. "Four years, you say, Katsumi..?" Kat nodded softly. "So that's what that fox meant... Only by blood can she be found. In all due time, you shall meet again." Alex sniffled and held her breath. "So Mom isn't dead... She isn't dead." That's right, Alex... "She was just lost..." The principal left the office, feeling a bit intruding on the moment. There was a sound of silence and Kat broke it. "So... I guess that makes us sisters then, huh?" Alex nodded slowly...

Our Reserve
SEPTEMBER 13TH

12:47 PM

First Squadron was gone for nearly a month, so Kana was left to train on her own with chakra strings. Winter had left 3 dolls with her. One the side of a forearm, another half the size of a grown adult, and the last a life-sized.. size. Before anything, Kana always ran along the shoreline of Sierra City as a daily work out during her time in Kayle Country. Sweat beaded on her forehead and rolled down the side of her face. Blood pounded in her ears as she finished the eighth round of going back and forth along the shoreline. The shoreline wasn't that small nor big, so it was kind of easy for Kana to do a minimum two-mile run. She stopped and let out a long sigh, panting a little before taking a rest in the white sand, pulling off her white shirt and falling back onto her ass, sitting in a pair of shorts and a sports bra. She was deep in thought when a voice startled her. "Wow, Kana-Chan. Soyo was right. You do look different." Kana looked up at the figure, the brightness of the sun hurting her eyes as it shone above him, but her eyes adjusted and fell on Teto. "Is that in a good or bad way?" Teto chuckled. "Good." He held his hand out to her and she took it, only to find out in the next few seconds that it was a bad idea. As soon as they touched, Teto lifted Kana into his arms and ran into the ocean that was only a few feet away and then dumped her into the shallow water. Kana yelped as she hit the water, clothes getting soaked and her hair wasn't any better. "Ai-ya! Teto-Kun that's not funny!" She glared at him, bt he was to busy bent over and laughing. Kana sighed. "You do know if you just asked me to swim with you, I would've done it." Teto coughed and became flustered."Whaaat? It's not like I wanted you to swim with me." Kana was about to attack him when she saw a duo come together, breathing hard and blood soaked. "Teto, those are RENEGADES." Kana jumped out of the water and raced towards them, and they both met halfway there. "Kana-Sama! Kana-Sama! Please we need your help!" The both of them were twins. "Eh? Ai? Aoi? What happened? Where's First Squadron?" Ai looked up at Kana. "They've been.. captured. Please, Kana-Sama, you're the only one who can get to them!" Aoi finally caught his breath. "We know where they are, but there are two of Sierra City's strongest assassins that are guarding the way..." Kana patted Ai and Aoi before gathering a few things from the RENEGADES weaponry room. From her soaked training clothes, she changed into what she first picked out at Teto's place. Once Aoi gave her the coordinates to the site, she set off.

This is My Fight Now
SEPTEMBER 18TH

7:33 PM

Kana reached the address in five days since it was on another island, but it was still Kayle Country, and she poked her head out from the alleyway, hands in her pockets as she stepped out. It was quiet and dark, and the full moon was out. Her eyes were dark and then a male stepped out into view. "Who goes there!?" He was a police officer. "You're out past curfew. I'm going to have to arrest you ma'am." Kana sighed and held her arms up. "Look, man, I'm just... angry and going out for a walk." Kana forced herself to tears. "What's wrong ma'am?" THe officer showed a look of concern. "Do you know of those people that call themselves RENEGADES?" The officer's face hardened. "Those brats... They're trying to ruin this country! Why do you ask ma'am? Are they causing trouble?" Kana held her face in her hands. "Those... those RENEGADES took my daughter..." The officer cursed. "Damn them... But y'know what, ma'am? We have the three leaders..." Kana's ears perked up."Y-you do? C-Could.. could it be possible that I face them... and get some closure... I want them to feel my pain. I want them to hear what I have to say! They took my daughter!" Kana fell to the ground and the officer lifted her up. "O-of course... Please come this way." She nodded and sniffled, holding her arms against chest as the officer led her into an abandoned, broken down building and past its doors, then down into a spiraling staircase to where they were met with a single door, with HELL painted across the door. "They're right past here, ma'am..." He allowed her to pass through and met face to face with Soyo, Jules and Winter who were all separated into three different cells. Kana shook her head as their eyes widened and they got the message and backed away. "You... you kidnappers... YOU TOOK MY DAUGHTER AWAY FROM ME!" Kana kicked at Soyo's cell and Soyo turned her face and whimpered like a pup. "I-I'm sorry..." Kana turned to Jules. "What?! ARE YOU SORRY TOO?!" He glared at Kana and then his eyes fell. Her eyes traveled to Winter's cell and she knelt down. "You... What about you!? HUH!?" She pounded at the cell. "WHY HER?!" Tears streamed down Kana's cheeks and she tried catching her breath. Soyo, Jules and Winter all had the same thing in mind. She's one hell of an actor... "...Winter... I need you to attack me..." As she was told, Winter let out a scream and grabbed Kana from through the bars and pulled her against the bar and Kana let out a horrid scream before Winter let her go and she fell to the ground, but not before biting her thumb and smearing the blood against her head. The officer ran in and saw Kana lying on the ground, "injured" and "knocked-out". Right as he was about to lift her up, Kana opened her eyes and grabbed the officer by the collar and with her free hand, broke his neck before throwing his body on the floor. She dug into his pockets to get the keys and let the three out when she was shot with a tazer from behind her and she fell tot he floor twitching. A male with dirty blonde hair walked in with a rifle in arms and picked up Kana and the dead officer before walking out the door with keys in his mouth.

---

SEPTEMBER 20TH

4:19 PM

Kana woke to the rumbling sound and vibration around her. She lifted her head and was about to stretch when she found herself in restraints, sitting on a chair with a man sat and watched her. "Now... what's a pretty lady like you doin' helpin' out a bunch of trouble makin' kids?" Kana ignored his question and sighed... "Where are we?" He chuckled. "On a train, and don't worry, you're going to go soon. Just like that officer." He pointed the tip of the rifle against her inner thigh and pushed her legs apart. "Mm... Maybe I should have fun with you first..." He started towards her, lowering the rifle and Kana stepped on the weapon, holding it in place as she stood up, stepping off the gun as the man brought it back up and pulled the trigger, the rifle going off continuously. Kana weaved through the bullets just as she did the needles from Winter's training, turning in a full 360 before swinging her arms down forcefully against the gun, knocking it out of his hands and then lunging up with such force, her head butt knocked him out first short and sent him toppling through the door of the train and out,

blood splattering outside against the walls. Kana sighed before pulling the restraints off with her teeth,tearing them to shreds before hoping onto the next car. There were no people so she moved on to the net, and the next was empty as well. She moved through a couple more cars when she was met with a female with short purple hair, wearing lingerie of red and gold. "Well, look who made it!" The female turned with a twisted smile. Her chocolate brown eyes glistened in the light from the car's ceiling,and it flickered. "Are you trying to save those kids?" She had a katana in her hand and Kana pulled a knife out from under her shirt, pulling it up to her face and growled. "Ooooh! This is going to be fun!" The female rushed forward, swinging her blade around from left to right and Kana dodged each swing but this girl was pretty fast. With every dodge it pushed Kana back against the wall and the blade wedged itself into an air pipe and with inhuman strength and speed, the female ripped the pipe out of the wall and it stuck out, air hissing from the pipe. At the last swing, Kana blocked the blade with her own and it sent sparks flying as she ducked and cut the female on her right thigh, sliding back a few feet and standing on the opposite side from where she stood before, watching the girl clench the wound."O-ow... You cut, Dori... Dori's leg is bleeding... because..." She rose. "Of..." She held up the katana. "YOU!" She jumped at Kana and swung again but with swift reflexes she grabbed Dori with her left hand and then twisted Dori around, bending ehr wrist and causing her squeal in pain as she dropped the blade and with a sudden burst of energy, Kana kicked Dori right in the stomach and sent her flying back against the wall in which the pipe pierced her chest and she just... died with a smile.

Wasting no more time, Kana went through several more cars until she reached one where there was a single person sitting in a booth, a single female with white hair and fair skin. Kana grunted.. "Where are those kids...?" The female glanced at back at Kana, and then stood up out of her seat before launching several knifes in Kana's direction and she weaved through them. Blade after blade the female launched, her white hair whipping violently as she moved, a calm expression on her face the entire time. Before Kana finally got in within arms reach, she threw off her coat and seethed as she grabbed the female's wrists and whipped her body around, dragging the female along with her and slammed her against the floor. The female cried out in pain and Kana didn't stop the assault until the car was nearly torn to pieces from the inside and she had the female backed up in the corner. She pulled out a gun, "Where are the kids?" The female didn't answer, and Kana stared right into those hazel eyes of hers. She saw her own reflection and then her eyes flickered... Those hazel eyes turning into a bright red and Kana screamed at the female. "TELL ME!" She pulled the slide back and fired the semi-automatic pistol but with speed unlike the girl from before, this white-haired female was practically flying and moving like nothing. She pulled a gun out from her back and spun around, kicking Kana across the face with her boot and sent her stumbling back throughout the aisle. Kana continued firing, but for some reason, the bullets curved around the female's body and blew into the door behind her. Kana suddenly ran out of ammunition and reached for the magazine from the back of her shirt when the female lifted up her gun and let out a single bullet and it scathed Kana's arm and flew out the window behind her. Kana winced and fell back, dropping her gun and seething. She reached for it but yelped as the female shot another bullet at the gun itself and blasted it to pieces. Kana stared at the female for a few seconds and then followed her as she made her way onto the roof the train. "HEY!" Kana dismissed the stinging pain in her arm and raced after her, feet pounding against the metal roofing. One after the other, she hopped from car car when the female finally stopped and turned, facing Kana, the both of them standing on the edges of the car. The girl pulled up two guns and pulled the triggers, both guns shooting simultaneously as Kana dodged each and every bullet, bobbing and weaving through wave after wave when Kana pulled a knife out of her boot, and like so many times before she held the blade in her hand and tossed the blade up into the air, twisting her body around and lifting her leg up as if she were about to kick a ball, her foot connecting with the handle of the blade as it fell, sending the blade flying back at him with such force, a sudden boom sounded once contact was made. The blade sailed towards the female at such a speed, it was practically invisible, and the sudden turn of the trains caused the girl to falter and step back, the blade flying right towards her and implanting itself right into her left shoulder. The girl screamed in pain ripped the blade out, blood spurting out from the wound. Her eyes were dark and she roared before flying towards Kana. Kana charged at her and took a few step forwards when the girl was right in front of her, using her hands as she pushed her right leg in against Kana's left leg. Kana pulled her arm back and clenched her fist aiming for the girls side, the female's body twisted to the right and latched her right wrist in her grip.

Her hair covered her eyes but she was still able to see and feel when she felt her hand latch onto her wrist. Her eyes widened slightly and she gritted her teeth, closing her eyes and letting out a soft breath. She slid her leg until both where on the left of the girl instead of her being in between, her flexibility allowing to maneuver around positions as these. She thought back to her old use of Tai chi, her mind going back to Lieh. Lieh can be applied by single, double, outward, inward, upward or downward action. Using a single Lieh, it can be used when the opponent grabs any part of the arm such as the wrist as in the situation now. Using the principle of leverage Kana lowered her body and raises her arm upward, using her free hand to attack her elbow joint. The single Lieh can be delivered in a flash and causes significant damage. In doing so, she makes the girl release her grip on her wrist, allowing her to slide easily out, bringing her hands back using and them moving her body again in attempt to use Cai. Using Cai, Kana's movement of her body and her footsteps merge beautifully, creating agility and variations. Whether it is grab or counter grab, hold or reverse-hold, Cai's basic method is very practical. When Kana uses Cai, concrete and fathom forces are often alternated and intermingled, making it hard for the Keyth to anticipate. The essence of Cai is to maintain a sharp eye and a quick hand, targeting the muscles and the joints of the opponent. Kana's attempts to strike the bones and grab the ligaments, rendering the girl defenseless as she aimed at her legs first, clenching her right hand into a fist, using just her knuckles to swiftly push it against the back of her knee, up to her side again, then going up in order to the area right underneath the meaty part of her bicep to her elbow and then her wrist using the both of her hands now again but on her right side now. As of now, the girl's body would just be useless and she just fell back, laying still and not moving a centimeter. Her facial expression stayed the same as she pulled her arms back up to her chest, moving away from the girl just a few feet back, her feet spreading apart slightly, twisting into the roof as her hair shifted slightly, the sun casting her shadow, as she bent her knees slightly and prepared herself for anything more.

The female grunted and them screamed at the top of her lungs as she forced chakra to move through her body. Although his joints had been blocked, she used was able to break through the holes within her body and chakra leaked through her body, allowing her body to move once more. Her body ached with pain as she stood back up to her full height, coughing a bit of blood. "..." Kana growled. "Now your just PISSING ME OFF!" Kana roared, and the female suddenly took off towards her. The girl's breathing got heavy as she made her way over to her running at a full speed before she began to run on all fours. Growling like a rabid dog,she lunged at her acting completely animal-like. She kicked off the ground and threw her body at Kana. The female's eyes suddenly flashed bright red once more and this time, she grew claws and her teeth where sharpened into perfect points. The female lashed her right hand out at Kana's stomach, leaving five slash marks against it before moving so swiftly that all she'd see is a blur before the female's body could be seen running from the opposite direction of the strike on all fours again running back around to her in a circle. Suddenly her body would vanish from thin air. With her enhanced abilities and chakra it allows the user the power of fucking monsters. The user can make their coloration blend with the coloration of their background to avoid optical perception. Some users can affect their attire by means of "static camouflage". Within moments of coming into contact with almost any surface, the chakra can replicate both its pattern and texture. Thermal technology cannot read this chakra technique, so Kana's eyes where useless in this matter. The temperature of the user will shift to the surface there hiding against to better blend with the surrounding environment and to evade thermal imaging completely. Multiple surfaces can be mimicked at the same time. With this technique, the female holds the power to become invisible while in shadows. She's able to become undetectable as long as they are in darkness or shadow, and with Kana's shadow as the sun goes down and the moon arises, there's no telling where she could be. People with Animal like sensory may be able to detect the female if there smell, eye-sight etc was keen enough, but until the moon rises, Kana's senses will just be as any other human. Once she vanished she'd appear to the right of Kana, slashing at her face with her claws, ripping the side of her face only to vanish again once the strike was made. She'd appear behind her again slashing down her back, then at her ankles. After a while all one would see is the female's body randomly flickering all around Kana's body slashing out at her body in places like her chest, back and thighs. Four strikes were sent out at her calves, two at her chest, and then six at her back. Each clawing slash was about an inch deep, blood bursting from each strike that was sent out. Due to her shadow technique, her speed would have been even further increased even with her strange ocular powers than increased every sense and strength of hers. At the last strike at her chest, her vision started to blur as she stood up to her feet, her body going into excruciating pain, almost causing her to pass out, but she held her own as she swiftly grabbed her wrists, and the aura around her darkened, growling before she chuckled and licked a bit of blood that slid down her face from her attack earlier before. Lu is another basic method of Tai Chi. It is also one of the four direct forces. Lu is frequently used in the Chen Style combat. The power point of Lu is on both wrists. When applied together with rotation of the waist Lu redirects the momentum of the opponent, leading them astride. During the move, Kana's body is coordinated: the energy point being precise, as she lowers her shoulders and elbows, and the qi flows down the spine. Her neck and tailbone form a vertical line and the posture of her body is kept straight. The spine becomes the central axis and the waist rotating around it like a wheel. When Kana turns the waist and spine, it turns together smoothly, the force of her opponent is diverted to either side of the body. The more the hands and the waist coordinate, the stronger the power of the Lu. At the point of contact Kana's move is light, precise, quick, and continuous. With the rotation of her waist, she did so so that the forward momentum of her opponent is changed, stopped, and broken. The female's speed was suddenly exaggerated, and a lack of compensation invariably results in a loss of balance, as much as to knock the female over. Lu can be performed with one or both hands. Once her attack when through, she proceeded with the one-handed move is used during the transition from Twist Step (Ao Bu) to Hidden Hand Punch. In this sequence, her right hand diverts the female by an upward and backward action. Simultaneously the right foot steps forward and a punch are delivered at a close range, causing her to go down to her knees. While she is in a close range, Kana uses Ji, which can cause an opponent to lose balance. It is also an extension of Peng, aiming to compromise the attacker. Ji can be delivered in a number of ways: using one-hand, both-hands, the elbow, the shoulder, the chest, the back, the hip, or the thigh, and in this situation, Kana uses her elbow, pressing it against the center of her chest and giving a powerful push back, sending the girl flying back a few feet, rolling on the roof, towards the move can be adjusted at anytime. It can assault the girl if she is holding back. When she moves forward again racing towards Kana, Kana uses Ji and displaces the girl's momentum, making her miss Kana and Kana grabs the girl's wrist before slamming her against teh roof, making her fall right through and onto the interior. She then jumps high into the air, picking up the blade she had kicked at the girl before and tossing it into the air so high, it'd take a less that 10 seconds to come down as her body ignored the pain, the blood still leaking from her wounds but it wasn't enough to take her down. Not yet. As the blade fell back down, time seemed to slow down as she twisted her body while falling, her body floating in the air as she extended her left leg out, the tip of her boot hitting the handle of the blade and the sonic boom that followed as time returned to it's normal state, the boom sending rocks, grass and dirt flying around the area, and the lake water from afar, exploding high into the air, making a mess of everything as the blade sailed down towards the girl's body, everything around it separating, making a path for it. Kana closed her eyes as she heard the sickening crack and everything fell silent as she touched ground, landing on top of the girl's body, opening her eyes as she met face to face with the pained expression of the female as the blade stuck out of her head and Kana pulled it out. She stood back up and groaned at the pain when the moon rose and she felt... warm. The pain seemed to subside and a glowing light from behind her caught her attention.

You've done well, my daughter. Aki Yoru stood with a white light outlining her figure and then Kana nodded and she swayed. The blood loss was finally reaching her and she was about to fall forwards when Aki flew towards her, smile on her face and her giggle echoing as Kana was hit with a sudden blue light and instead of darkness, a light filled her field of vision and then she sat up, hand going up to her face and her wounds were all gone. Now, go... The children are in the front of the train. "Hai..." Kana got up and and raced to the front of the train where Jules, Soyo and Winter were all strapped to the wall, bloodied and beaten. Kana swallowed and she held up her knife as she turned around, facing off against two men. One male with jet black hair in a black suit, and the other with snow white hair in a white suit. Her eyes fell on the man with white hair and her blood boiled. "You... I remember you." Dedeki cackled. "Yes, and I remember you, my Silent Night!" Kana started towards them when the man with jet black hair held his hand up. "Ah, ah, ah... Now think about this. Would you rather kill us and kill your friends too?" Kana cursed and dropped the blade before kicking it to the side. Chi is nearly the same as Chakra... Kana let out a soft breath and her fingers twitched and she felt sparks shoot out of her fingers. Winter lifted her head and her eyes widened. Kana clenched her fingers and then light wisps shot out from her fingers and slithered towards the two males. They didn't noticed as the light wisps wrapped around certain parts of their bodies and sliding through their clothes. Kana smiled and bent her fingers, and the chakra strings dug into their skins and they growled and clawed at the area where the chakra strings struck out fro, but to no avail could they get rid of the pain. "What have you done to us!?" Dedeki screeched and Kana lifted her arms and wiggled her fingers some as both men walked out of the car and stuck their upper bodies out the door and their faces hung over the edge. Kana walked behind them. "How does it feel, looking into the face of death?" Kana's voice was emotionless and her eyes were empty. Her eyes were completely grey but then they were dyed red as Aki took over Kana's body and their voices overlapped. "You've hurt my children for too long, Dedeki Odagari." Dedki was trembling and his heart was pounding, Aki and Kana could feel it through the strings. Her eyes turned to the man in black. "And you, Thames Wolfe, have tainted the sacred place of Kayle Country, and it was near destruction until these three children came into the story." Kana/Aki lifted her arms and a dark aura poured out of her body. "And now, the punishment fit for the both of you is... death..." Kana/Aki released the strings and both men fell off of the car and blood splattered against Kana's body, drenching her completely. She turned and them smiled as her eyes returned to normal once Aki left her body. She unchained Jules, Soyo and Winter from their chains and they all hugged her tightly, each one of them crying. "Even though... w-we're su-supposed to be t-t-tough, w-w-we're still just... kids." Jules said in between air and Soyo bawled into Kana's shirt, and Winter just smiled with tears escaping her goggles. "You... are amazing, Kana-Sama."

Goodbye
SEPTEMBER 29TH

7:18 PM

September was near the end and it was time for Kana to go. There were goodbyes of all kinds. The soppy wet ones, the cool ones, the quiet ones, the mad/crazy ones, and just a simple look of sadness. There were hugs and snot all around. Ever since Thames Wolfe went 'missing' Teto Fung became president of Kayle Country. Everyone in RENEGADES cheered at this giant step for Kayle Country's new order. Kana sat on the white sand beach, feeling the breeze and smelling the ocean. Oh how she'd miss all of this. She wishes she could stay but... I have to find my baby girl. Jules, Soyokaze, Winter, and Teto all walked up to Kana and she stood up, dusting the sand off of her pants and smiled at them. Even if it was just for a few months, she feels like she's known these four forever. "Kana-Sama..." Winter started and Kana was the first to rush in, wrapping her arms around tightly Winter. Winter returned the hug and squeezed Kana and giggled. "You... are amazing, Winter." Kana turned to Jules and he looked elsewhere, shuffling his bare feet in the sand. "Jules..." He looked at her. "Yeah, Kana?" She bent down and whispered into his ear. "Treat her good..." Jules blushed a bit and nodded. "H-hai." Soyo smiled softly at Kana. "Thank you... for everything, Kana." Kana nodded and kissed Soyo on the forehead. "You remind me of my daughter." Soyo blushed and then Kana faced Teto. He had his white hair brushed back, but it was still pretty messy, but in a cute way. "Teto-Kun..." She ruffled his hair and he picked her up over his shoulder and ran into the ocean, Kana screaming at him to put her down, and he did just that, right into the water. The other three joined in on the water play until the sun set, and Kana's final day came to an end.

Homecoming
OCTOBER 2ND

3:54 PM

Kana set foot onto Kasaihana's soil after ten months of being gone. Haru stood near the gate, watching as the jet set down and his little sister step out, looking much more different than before. They met each other half-way and Kana jumped on Haru, nearly knocking him to the ground. "Welcome home..." He murmured and then after a while, they separated and made their way towards Yoru Estates. Kana walked into the main room where the officials stood all around her, darkness masking their faces. Haru gave her a white haori with the kata-kanji for Yoru on the back. She pulled it on and stood tall, proud and silent as the moon overhead shined his godly light down on her. A voice spoke. "Welcome back... Oyabun." Kana smiled and raised her arms up into the air. "It's good to be back! Now let us celebrate!" For the entire night until dusk crept through the windows, the Yoru Clan partied until they dropped and then everyone went back to their daily lives. Kana sat on the roof of the house, watching the moon set and sun rise, feeling the warmth of its light shine on her. Haru came up behind her and poked her side. She jumped a little, but she didn't mind. She changed earlier, from the clothes the RENEGADES bought her as a goodbye gift, into a white bandaged top, along with the white haori that hung on her shoulders, and matching pants and boots. "You define the moon, Kana." Haru scanned over all the whiteness that surrounded her. The sunlight made it seem like she was glowing. "Thanks, Haru..." She leaned against him and her wrapped his arm around her. "Long live the Queen."

After a few more minutes, she slipped back in, helping the other members of the main and secondary family clean up what was left of the mess from last nights festivities and carried the young ones to bed. Mei came into view and she rubbed Kana's cheek. "Welcome home, Oyabun." Kana bowed respectfully and smiled at Mei. "I hope.. that Father is proud of me right now." Mei laughed and hugged Kana. "Oh, you know he is. We all are." Kana nodded and turned away from Mei and into her father's room where his shrine sat in the center of everything. Everything was left the way it was and Kana sat in front of it, lighting the incense sticks and light was brought into the dark room. Kana took a deep breath and sat in silence for a few seconds before speaking."Hi, Daddy... I'm home."

---

When she first stepped into the living room there was an odd feeling. "Kat?" Katsumi ran down the stairs and was breathing hard, staring at the figure in the dim light. "Mom?" Kana set her things down as Kat ran into her arms and sniffled. "W-welcome home.." She rubbed Kat's hair and then a soft soft made Kana whip her head around, finding a small petite figure standing in the doorway. Her eyes met with the figure's and they softened. Kat pulled away and let Kana drift over, and the figure moved into the light. There, she stood, hair as black as a raven's feather, eyes such a monochrome grey, and skin so fair. Alex had washed the pink dye out of her hair and she stared up. "Mom..." Alex... "Alex..." Alex's ears perked up. "Yes, Mom." Tears sprung to Alex's eyes and she tackled her mother to the ground. "I missed you..." She sniffled and spoke in between sobs. "I... missed.. y-you... sooo much!" Kana felt tears fall from her face and she saw Kat and she held her hand out to her, and Kat ran into the group hug. "My baby girls... I love you so much." Alex pulled away and then looked at her mother, cheeks stained with tears. "Ah.. Mom... There's someone else here to finally meet you again." Kana head the soft click of a heel and her eyes travel up until they met with a set of sky blue eyes. Those eyes she knew who they belonged to. Those eyes she saw so many things. Those eyes she saved from corruption. "Yin." Yin, who couldn't bear it any longer, tackled the group of girls and giggled with tears streaming down her face. The girls stayed light that for a while, and from the distance sat a single white fox, who turned and walked away with nine tails trailing gently behind it.

My Duty
[NO TIME]

Aki Yoru sat on the bank of a pond, letting her feet over over the water as she spun her lacrima in her hand, watching the scene in between all four of those girls. She smiled softly and the lacrima floated away. She looked at her reflection in the water, her red eyes glaring back at her when a voiced called out to her. "Mother!" A female stood a few feet away from her mother with hair as black as the sky with no moon, and eyes made of blood and colorless sky. Kyoko Yoru, daughter to Aki Yoru, smiled gently as she made her way towards her mother, practically floating. Sometimes spirits in the Shinto Realm have the power to hover or float rather than touch their feet against the ground. "Kyoko-Chan, welcome back..." Aki took her daughter into her arms and hugged her gently. "Were you busy?" Aki chuckled. "No. I had just finished some... business a few seconds ago actually, my dear." Kyoko nodded and sighed. "I can't see how you do it, Mother." Kyoko pulled down several lacrimas and each played a surveillance real-time in the Earthland Realm on members of the Yoru Clan. "Kyoko, darling, you can keep an eye on everyone, but sometimes-" Aki pulled down the lacrima with Kana, Alex, Katsumi and Yin talking and laughing as Haru and Dimitri arrive to make things much more livelier. "-just sometimes, there are instances where you must focus on a certain group of the Clan that can change the future outcome." Kyoko stared at the group of six and smiled. "As of now, this is my duty, and soon, it will become yours. We protect the Yoru Clan for more generations upcoming, Kyoko-Chan..." Kyoko nodded. "Storms will come here and there, Kyoko-Chan, but matter what, the Moon will always stay and stand strong."