Standing within the hallway, connecting the front door to the living room, Daremo watched as Amaya took the twins to bed. The two having already been given their goodnight kisses and hugs, a ritual amongst them that was even more important nowadays before they were carried off. As soon as they disappeared upstairs, in the secure arms of Amaya, the smile on Daremo’s face vanished. The silver-haired male walking into the living room, pausing at a picture sitting on the counter. Eyes that were once full of life gave away to sadness and sorrow as he reached out and picked up the picture. “We miss you.”, The words spoken were soft and heartfelt as he just gazed at the woman in the picture, holding Zaylee, while he heard Mamoru, Kaia-mai.

The mere thought of her nearly made tears fall from his eyes, but, none would fall, he shreds enough in the first year of her death. “I miss you.”, He whispered, thinking back to all the wonderful times him and his wife shared. The fun adventures they had, wandering across the Elemental Nations. The intimate moments they shared either in the privacy of their home or in some hotel room while they were venturing about. The precious life that was created from their private moments, and how thrill both of them were to become parents. Those thoughts and more replayed in his mind, and even though he tried not to cry, a tear did slid down his face.

Another one. The world had seen to it that he would lose another precious person. It was as if the world was trying to tell him that love was out of his future. That, he would never be able to truly find love because it would be taken away from him sooner or later. No, that was incorrect, while he could blame her death on the cruelty of faith, it would be unfound. Pestilence, the being who he had killed, managed to givemanm one last parting gift by afflicting Kaia-mai with a stronger variant of the disease she once had. The end result being her dying, not after he and Amaya did their best to find a cure, but came up short.

Sorrow and sadness soon turned into anger and rage, though, the laughter coming upstairs were enough to quell such emotions. Clearing his mind, Daremo knew there was no reason to get angry at something that was already dead. It would not solve anything in the long run. Yet still, looking down at the picture clutched in his hands, he brought it up to his face, and kissed the image of Kaia-mai, “I love you.”, He whispered, looking at the picture one more time before setting it down and walking into the kitchen. He needed a drink.

Grabbing a tall glass, Daremo opened the refrigerator, pulling out a full carton of orange juice and setting it on the counter. A bottle of vodka would join the glass and orange. Filling the glass with ice cubes, pouring orange juice followed by vodka over them, he took a sip of the drink. He welcoming the light burning sensation of the stronger than normal alcohol. “Would you hate me?”, The words were softly spoken as he leaned against the counter with a drink in hand, “Would you hate me for taken up drinking as a means to cope?” How he wished Kaia-mai would answer. That this whole thing was just a nightmare, and that Kaia-mai would walk into the kitchen. Her beauty radiating from every inch of her body as she moved to engulf him into a hug, and telling him the words he desperately wished to hear. Yet, as he took another drink, the glass being ⅓ gone already, eyes looking at the woman who was leaning against the counter, he knew that his wants were simply that. . . wants.

“Thank you. ” He spoke, watching as the image of Kaia-mai dissolved into that of Amaya. The Uchiha had been there for him the moment Kaia-mai’s sickness was known. The two have gotten closer to, not only working on a cure for Kaia-mai, but because of her death. Almost immediately, not even hours after her death, Amaya started helping him. She filling the void in the destroyed family’s hearts. Well, she filling the void of the twin’s hearts. She acted just like a mother would. She took care of them when he was away. Made sure that they had everything, and dotted over them as if they were her own children. He did not ask her too, but, she did it anyway, and he was thankful for it.

As for him, well, though there were numerous times where he missed the intimacy shared with Kaia-mai, and the thought of during that with Amaya was there, he did not. He wouldn’t do that to her. She stepped in to fill the mother role for the twins. He doubted she would want to fill that role as well . . . at least that is what he likes to tell himself.  He, himself, did not know, and apart of him was afraid to go down the path again only to end up with another dying because of him. “They were always fond of that book. It was one of the first Kaia-mai read to them.”, He nearly choked upon saying his wife’s name. Two years was not enough time for his wounds to heal. . . not enough time at all.

Gazing upon the Uchiha, Daremo sighed, moving towards the sink to dump out the over half-empty glass, “I know I shouldn’t.”, He whispered, watching as the alcoholic beverage disappear down the sink. Rinsing out the glass, he filled it with ice, and set it on the counter. His eyes lingered on the vodka bottle, debating on to fix him another or not. As he reached towards the bottle, his hand paused, “Do you think she would hate me for what I have become?”, He asked, fingers brushing against the top of the bottle, but not grabbing it for now.

---

1026

Amaya words were one that he could readily agree upon. When it came to Kaia-mai she understood everything. Nothing could escape the beautiful woman’s understanding of nature. It was one of many of her stellar qualities that he loved. He remembered the time of his rebirth. The moment when his time as an animal had expired, and he was allowed to return back to human. Though memories were lost during the time, there was still some fear in him about her not understanding what had happened. Why he could not return back to her until the moment he did. The talk they had, within a hotel in Sunagakure no Sato, was one he would never forget. After telling her everything, he waited to see what she had to say while hoping she understood it all. Kaia-mai, she understood everything and accepted the new challenges that came with his rebirth. It was just one of many instances were she understood everything.

Barely noticeable, a smile found its way onto his face as he thought about the woman who he had lost two years ago, “Indeed she did. She understood everything.”, He whispered. His eyes looking towards the vodka bottle that was mere centimeters from his fingers. Knowing she would understand why he had picked up this particular vice, he wonders was there any harm in taking another drink. He had tossed the other way because it had grown weak. The kick he was looking for was no longer there. Granted, it could have to be because of the ice. Nevertheless, he wanted to feel the burn down his throat once again. It wouldn’t hurt, right? Just one more drink. . maybe without the ice this time.

Just as his fingers were going to curl around the top of the bottom, it would be denied. The bottle being grabbed by Amaya, she having transversed the distance during his musing. For a few seconds, he clutched nothing but air, as if the thought of her taking the bottle hadn’t completely registered with him. Letting his hand fall down to the side, reptilian eyes watched as the woman smashed the bottle in the sink. Thankfully, the twins were heavy sleepers, less the noise of shattering glass would have woken them up. As the contents were poured down the sink, Daremo did not say anything, just stared. A sigh escaped his lips, “I - - -”

For a split second, he froze when Amaya wrapped her arms around him. His mind had taken a second to process that the Uchiha was hugging him. “What. . .”, He whispered, feeling the woman’s hands trembling. Why was were they trembling? Why was she afraid? For now, he could not come up with an answer, instead, his own arms wrapped around Amaya’s body. He did not know when, but, his mind came to a conclusion on why the woman was shaking; she was afraid.

While he did not know much about Amaya’s past. He had been in a similar situation, except, he watched a sister destroy herself through drinking, and later on, other drug usages after a death. He watched her waste away to nothing. He tried to help her at the time, but, nothing work, and it needed with her dying. Was Amaya afraid that he was going to follow that same path? That his vice would lead him to ruin? “I’m sorry. . .”, He whispered. There was no need to elaborate on the apology, for it would take hours to explain. But, he knew that Amaya, who were with him throughout the troubling years, would understand why he was apologizing.

The hug ended too soon for him. The contact of another woman, especially someone who he always had an attraction too, was already been missed. Yellow eyes stared into red ones, watching as trembling hands cupped his face. Was she? Was she really going to do this? His heart skipped a beat. The urge to pull away from her, to stop her from making a mistake, was there. Yet, a stronger desire was also present. The need for something more. That is why he did not pull away when her lips connected with his.

Electricity course through his body, not from any jutsu, but from his senses going haywire at the amount of love felt in the tender gesture. Love, how the word became associated with such misery for the man, yet, not at this moment. Before he could respond to the kiss, it was needed. “No. . .”, He whispered as he brought her close to his body. His lips captured her in a gentle, loved filled kiss. “Forgive me, love, I need this.” He thought, morphing the kissing into a passionate one as his tongue looked for entrance into Amaya’s mouth to explore every inch of it.

Did she know what she had done? For over a year, he had fault back the urges to kiss her. To get the comfort that he so readily desire. Did she know how hard it was not to advance on her? To ask her would she lay with him? Sure, they had a thing in the past, but it went nowhere after he found love with Kaia-mai. The love being unexpected, but welcoming, and he enjoyed everything it entails. So, what about Amaya? Did he ever think about the woman after their fling? Yes, there were times where he thought about the woman. Hell, there were moments, when he and Kaia were in the throes of lovemaking that he thought about the woman in less than pure fashion. When they used to joke about doing a threesome, or bringing another into their relationship, Amaya was always the only choice. She was the only one.

Deepening the kiss, Daremo hands hesitantly moved to Amaya’s bottom and grabbed it. The restraints that had been put into place, keeping his hormones and desires locked away, were slowly being undone. Breaking the kiss, he stared into her eyes, “You know what you did.” He spoke, massaging her bottom, “And you know where it will lead, right? Are you sure?” No badly how he wanted her. How he wanted to ease the achiness in the front of his tented pants, he needed to know.

---

1045[2071]

Daremo sighed in clear annoyance at the unexpected announcement of his grandmother showing up. Just when he was about to finally move on, and indulge in something he desperately needed, a distraction happened. This was not the first time his grandmother did this to him. She having done it a lot when he was younger and had slacked up when he started dating Kaia-main, but it seemed like she had started once again. “You really have horrible timing, grandmother.”, He muttered, willing the tent in the front of his pants to go down before it was seen by her. Kami, he really needed to change the locks again to stop this from occurring.


Before he could continue musing, his fingers interlocked to Amaya’s, and he turned his attention to her. “A trip to where?”, He asked. The thought of going somewhere being the furthest from his own, considering what the woman had awakened in him. Yet, staring into her eyes told him that the trip was other utter importance for them. It being important enough to stop where they were definitely headed before his grandmother showed. Nodding in understanding, he allowed Amaya to lead him out of the house, and through the village.

Coming up to a beautiful clearing, Daremo’s eyes fell upon the pair of marble stones. Any form of happiness and content he had felt during the kiss vanished, and once more he became somber. As Amaya talked about her lover, Ashi, and the lost both of them shared, he felt his heart go out to her. He did not know that her past was filled with heartbreak as well. That she went down the route of alcoholism to cope with the pain of the lost. The more that was revealed, the more Daremo heart went out to her, but, there was something else.

Sadness, the gravestones remind him of his own tragic past. Of the woman who had stolen his heart before the likes of Tei, and Kaia-mai. A young and pure love amidst the Geisha lifestyle shared between them. It ended all but too soon with him finding her body, stomach gutted open, and unborn child laid out beside her. Only years later would the individuals responsible for such a heinous act would be dealt with accordingly,y, done in an animalistic fashion. Unfortunately, the those of responsible never did soothe him, the visual haunting of his lost love, and unborn child, haunting him for some time until the woman, a former client, who had a hand in the killing was dealt with accordingly.  in nigh animalistic fashion. The death of those responsible never did soothe him, visual hauntings of his lost love and unborn child haunted him for some time until the woman, a former client, who had a hand in the killings was dealt with accordingly. And seeing these graves were just a reminder of such a past.

Seeing the tears coming from her eyes, Daremo wrapped his arms around her. No words were needed to be spoken, the hug was enough to convey that he is there for her. That, she is not alone anymore. Once her tears had stopped, he moved to stand beside her, fingers inches from hers, “Yeah, I believe that too. None of them would want us to live the rest of our lives miserable.”, He spoke. His thoughts drifted to his first love, and the moment she visited him when he was confused on what to do. Just as such thoughts surface, a light caught his attention, and he turned his head to the right, a sad smile appearing on his face upon seeing who it was. “Thank you. . .”, He whispered, watching the specters of Maka who was holding the hand of a little girl,  and Kaia-mai, walk away, back into the light. The two of them give him their permission.

Looking towards the river, he could not help to conjure of the image Amaya unknowingly gave him. Dismissing the thoughts, he smiles softly, “She sounded like an amazing person.” A comfortable silence descended upon the pair. Sometime during the silences, his hand interlocked with her own, “It is getting late. Let’s go home.” He suggested. If willing, Daremo led them back home, all the while not letting go of her hand.

Opening the door, he allowed Amaya to enter first before following suit. Seeing a letter on the table, something that was not there before they left, he read it, “Of course she would do this.”, He muttered, “Grandmother decided to take the children with her back home. She said she would bring them back in two days. Apparently, Hikari is tagging along as well.” It was not surprising Hikari went along with the children. The Komodo princess had bonded with the twins, no matter how much she wants to deny the claim. Wherever they went, the dragon was not too far behind. Seeing how they had the house to themselves, he looked at Amaya, “So, what do you want to do?”

---

841[2912]

How far would someone go to help the person they love? Would they go to the end of the earth? Would they traverse both heaven and heaven? Maybe they would cast the world into ruin for their significant other. Often times, when the question is proposed to Daremo, he answered in the aforementioned fashion. There was nothing he would not do to help a person he loves. Yet, even though he said that there were certain areas he would not cross. Certain taboos that he would rather not perform, even if it meant helping someone close to him. But, he found himself crossing these avenues when a certain Uchiha opened up to him.

Uchiha, Amaya, there is many ways to describe the woman. Feisty, hot-tempered, and blunt are just a few words that collate into who the woman was. She was someone who wore her heart on her sleeve, and he can’t count the number of hospital walls having to be redone after she punched them upon failing to save a patient. She was not afraid to let her emotions show in some facet of another. She could be the greatest of friends or the worst of enemies. She cared and loved those in her circle, willing to do anything for them.

With that being said, never did he think the woman was afraid. Yet, sure enough, she opened up to him after her fears. These fears stemming from who she was - an Uchiha. She told him how much she loathed being apart of the clan. How she feared that one day someone would hunt her down for her eyes. How being an Uchiha with mature eyes painted an unnecessary target on her back, and it was something she did not wane, especially now. She did not want to be hunted after finding another reason to live in the form of Zaylee and Mamoru, his twin children by Kaia-mai. She spoke of the dangers that could be presented to them due to her being an Uchiha. She opened up her heart to him, telling him that she did not want to lose any of them. The conversation was an eye opener for sure.

Somewhere down the line it shifted to something Daremo was both unprepared and prepared for at the same time. Stem-cells, the building blocks of life, at least in his eyes. The number of journals of the benefit of stem-cells was abundance. Many medical physicians seeing them as a way to prolong one’s life by swapping out failing organs with newer one’s created from the cells. While some of it seemed far-fetched, there had been cases where used to say a patient from death. Fascinating it is, there was only one clan who were capable of creating the stem-cells without needing any material. And that clan is the Guanyin; the one Daremo, and his family is exiled from.

Though his skills mainly lied in more deadlier avenues, Daremo knew more than most about the stem-cell chakra running through him. He knew exactly how potent they could be when pushed to their maximum capabilities. Knowing this, a crazy thought was formed. What if he could alter Amaya’s DNA? Wiping away what made her an Uchiha, and by using his own genetic material, turn her into a Guanyin? Stem-cells took on the characteristics of its surrounding, therefore, it should not be too difficult to perform. Presenting the idea to Amaya, the pair talked hours on end, going over every possible scenario multiple of times, making sure never was miscalculated or something was overlooked. They were meticulous about their work as the plan for the crazy idea came to shape.

Throughout the scheming, Daremo kept on questioning Amaya, wanting to be sure this was what she wanted. That, if this succeeded, she can never go back as being an Uchiha. This was a one-way type of deal. She would lose her eyes and gain something different. Only after the 100th time upon asking her did Daremo started the procedure. It was grueling, nerve-wracking, and so much more. His abilities as a medic were put to the test as he broke down and destroyed the DNA they made her an Uchiha, and used stem-cell chakra, having the DNA of a Guanyin, and placed it where the Uchiha DNA once was. The strain was rebuilt, making her body believe that she had always been a Guanyin. The procedure was exhausting, and after running medical scans, making sure nothing was wrong, did he fall asleep, vaguely remember Amaya curled up against him.

The next morning came by rather quickly, and before anything else could be done, Daremo ran another medical scan on her. One can never be to safe, especially considering what they did. Only after the last scan was run did Daremo indulged in lovemaking with Amaya. The lovemaking was not contained to only the bedroom, but, also the bathroom and shower. It would have continued on if not for their stomach growling. Stepping out of the shower, neither one wanted to be too far from one another as their fingers were always touching one another, lingering ever slightly. Getting dress was a quick affair for Daremo, he opts to wear a short-sleeve semi-transparent, dark blue buttoned-up shirt, and black pants. Jika-tabi covered his feet.

Following her out into the living room, Daremo spotted the familiar Guanyin book detailing the history of the clan. The book being a gift from his mother who got it from her own mother. He had suggested it would be something worth reading due to her new Kekkai Genkai. Speaking of which, peaking into the living room, he noted the foot and half long senbon Amaya had created, it seemed the procedure had worked. “There is only so much that book will tell you about the clan’s history”, He spoke, loud enough for Amaya to hear him, while continue cooking the rather large breakfast, “It does not go into detail about what came after the Guanyin became nomadic.” Such a topic was one of many he had asked his mother and grandmother about with them only giving him vague answers at best.

Sensitive ears picked upon the familiar chatter of Zaylee and Mamoru, “Seems like that are back already.”, He spoke, setting the plates onto the table, eyes flickering up at the door, just as they entered. Moving into the living room, he noticed the look his grandmother was given Amaya, “Hello grandmother.”, The sound of his voice snapped the elderly lady out of her musing, as she returned the hug her grandson gave him. Sharp eyes, who had seen far too much shit, scrutinized Amaya and Daremo respectively. “I thought she is an Uchiha?”, The woman spoke, not minding her husband, who had entered a tad later, taking the children away, leaving the three to talk.

“She was - - -” Daremo did not bother saying anything else at the glare thrown his way by his grandmother who focused back on Amaya. “Can I see it?”, She suddenly asked, plucking the book from Amaya’s hand before the woman to give a reply. Flipping through the book, she shook her head, “You know. There are certain taboos within the Guanyin clan. There are certain rules that should never be crossed. Have you got to that part yet, Amaya-chan?”, She asked, knowing well the answer, “One of these rules is in regards to the destruction of Kekkai Genkai. We are not permitted to perform such an act. The Guanyin see it as something only a God should do. We are not allowed to remove a Kekkai Genkai from others unless we wish to be exiled from the clan. Furthermore, we are not allowed to give our Kekkai Genkai or any others to someone else, unless we invite death to us. You know this Nanashi.” Closing the book with an audible snap, the grandmother glared at them both. “So children, tell me why you did this. I do not want to vague answer. I want the truth or close enough so I can understand.” Thought she had addressed them both, her eyes were on Amaya.

---

1403[4316]

Daremo could count on one hand the number of people he truly feared. The amount of people who he would not dare cross either because of their abilities, or something else, and right now, two of those people were in the house. But the one who he feared the most was not his grandfather, the distant laughter of the twins making it known where the man was, rather, it was the elderly lady who had just plucked the book from Amaya’s hands. She was by far one of the scariest people he has the luxury knowing on a personal level, more so than his own mother. This fear stemmed from her presence, it being the physical embodiment of the sea. She can be calm one moment, and the next, sweep away everyone in her fact. Moreso, the fear dealt with her abilities as a Guanyin, with her skills exceeding his, despite her admitting that she is ‘rusty’. Yes, he has a very good reason to fear his grandmother.

Though, despite fearing the woman, he did not show any ounce of shame when she accused him of knowing the rules regarding the Guanyin’s taboos. While some would show some form of being sorry, he did not. Apologizing does not do anything in the grand scheme of things for the act had already been committed. One can not take back what they have done, or didn’t do, they can only continue moving forward with their life. Such ideology is the way of thinking by those apart of his family. None of the Guanyin apologize for what they did, they just keep on moving forward. He knew the moment he said ‘sorry’ or show signs of being guilty for what he did would be the moment his grandmother gets angry at him.

In an act of solidarity, he moved closer to Amaya, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder, and squeezing it likely. Though no words were spoken, it confirmed that he would stand by her throughout it all, that he was committed to her. Reptilian eyes met the emerald green ones of his grandmother, a silent conversation raging on between the two before those same green eyes fell on Amaya. With the message received, he would not interfere in the question opposed to Amaya. It would be up to her to give his grandmother the answers that she sought.

Sugako’s face was unreadable as she listened to Amaya’s tale. The child before her, for that, was what she was in Sugako’s eyes, having suffered a loss no mother should have to experience, yet, one she was familiar with as well. She spoke of loathing the clan which she originated from - Uchihas. Oh, the thought of them brought back some fond memories of the elderly woman. She had enjoyed killing those who dared to attempt and copied her techniques. They were a useless bunch with their eyes only be worth interest. Dismissing those thoughts, for now, Sugako listened to Amaya spoke had lived in fear, waiting for the day someone would come after her for her eyes, they being a hot commodity in the Elemental Nations. At the mention of her grandson, Sugako glanced in the silver-haired male direction before refocusing on Amaya. Once the tale was finished, a silence descended upon the room, only being broken by the happy squeals of her great-grandchildren. “Another strong woman.”, She spoke, glancing at Daremo who just shrugged, “This one has a bright fire in her. It is no wonder you fell for her.” Looking at the book in hand, Sugako flipped it back to the page Amaya was reading, and hand it back to her, “It is ironic you two managed to do something that it took me months to figure out.” She spoke.

“Actually, honey, it took us three years.”,  Sugako tossed an ignoring glance in the direction where the voice had come from. Despite the man being upstairs, he still was able to hear the conversation amidst everything else. “As I was corrected, you two did something that it took me and Jinpachi three years to accomplish.” Smiling, Sugako’s eyes looked off into the distance, “How history repeats itself.”, She spoke, looking at them both, “I can not fault you for what you did. When I was younger, I did the same thing for my husband. I did not care for the rules of the clan. I did not care the elders said it was forbidden. Jinpachi needed a way to stop being hunted down, and I gave it to him. We got caught, and before they could execute us, my parents freed us, and gave us a means to escape. They sacrifice themselves for two lovestruck brats. The end result was our family line being stricken from the Guanyin records, hunted. At least, from what I know, they believe the line died with us.”

Surprising, while he knew about his family being exiled from the clan, the exact reason was not known. Yet, here was his grandmother telling them the reason, though, it was apparent some stuff was left out. Oh, how he wanted to ask her about it, to know more about their past, yet, he held in the curiosity for now. “So, you are okay with what we did?”, He asked, receiving a nod from the grandmother.

“I am.” She reaffirmed, looking at Amaya, “But, with you not being a Guanyin it means that you will need to be trained. While the needle you made was impressive, you still got a long road ahead of you. Seeing how you care for my grandson, and great-grandchildren, I will personally oversee your training whenever I am around, until then, Nanashi should suffice in teaching you need to know.” Sugako was not going to take no for an answer. Just like she had trained Kaia-mai, she would train Amaya. However, unlike Kaia-mai, Amaya’s training would be even more grueling due to her being a Guanyin. Afterall, if the woman was going to be with Nanashi then she had to be as strong, if not stronger, than him.

---

1027[5343]

Sugako’s citrine eyes, a trait inherited by her children and grandchildren, narrowed at the black-haired woman who had squirmed into her grandson’s life. A look of recognition flashed in the weather eyes, that had seen enough horrors to the last multiple of lifetimes, before returning back to calming disposition. Blame it on old age, but, despite having met Amaya multiple times throughout the past three years, it just registered to Sugako that she, Amaya, was the same woman who her grandson used to talk about so two decades ago. Until now, she never made the connection between this Amaya, and the Amaya of the past, they seemingly being two different people. Once he grandson had started dating, and eventually married Kaia-mai,  he had stopped talking about Amaya, and Sugako did not pry for an answer. Her grandson no longer mentioned the woman, thus, she assumed they were no longer friends.

The assumption was clearly wrong. The black-haired woman who she had shared tea with on numerous occasions, talked about the trivial matters of the world around them, gossiped about the men in their lives, and give sound advice when it came to parenting, and dealing with a lover who lost a significant other, was the same Amaya who her grandson spoke fondly about in the past. It was an interesting revelation for sure, but, it illustrated the woman’s age. She was old. There was no way to deny such a claim. Being in her late seventies, she knew that she had lived longer than most shinobi. She was one of the lucky ones to survive to such a covenant age. But, as with everything in life, consequences come with advancement. With her being pushing eighty soon, her mind was deteriorating. Memories, both good and bad, were slowly eroding by time, similar to how wind weathers away a rock. She was forgetting things, and it became increasingly harder for her to remember certain things.

Some would be disheartened about such occurrences, but, Sugako, was relieved. While she could have used medical ninjutsu to prevent the memory loss, and stop her age, the elderly woman was tired, much like her husband. She did not realize how tired she was until Mayuko, her precious daughter died. A child should never die before the parent, yet, that exactly what happened. The one who took after her much more than the other two, passed away before she did. The last time she wept that much, with her husband, was when her parents sacrificed themselves for them. Nevertheless, Mayuko’s death hit her harder than her grandchildren would ever know. It made her feel even older than what she was. It made her tired.

The feeling became even more prominent when her grandson told her that she was going to be a father. She was going to be the great-grandmother to twins. She was happy that she would get to chance to meet them, but, it reminded her that neither of them would get to meet their grandmother. Neither of them would get to experience the joys of having a grandmother who would spoil them rotten, giving them candy before sending them home, knowing that their parents would have to deal with the hyperness. They would never get to experience the love of Mayuko. The woman having talked giddily about how she was going to spoil her grandchildren, as soon as Nanashi got his ass moving in that department. Adamantly, she mentioned the places where she wanted to take them, allowing them to experience the beauty of the Elemental Nations, and shield them from the darkness that she, regrettably, forced her son to see. The woman even went out of her to buy gifts for the children. Gifts that, unknowingly to them, they receive whenever she brings a gift of her own over. Such a thing was another reminder that she was getting old. She should not be the one giving her great-grandchild gifts, but, the grandmother. Alas, the world was not fair. It did not reward one for good behavior.

Having struggled with the death of family, hiding from her clan due to them wanting to execute her, killing distant members who had found that she was alive, and another of other things, Sugako was relieved that her memories were slipping. The fading of memories made it easier not to remember some of the past she wishes to forget and made it easier to accept what was waiting for her. Tired. She was tired, but soon, she, along with her husband, will be released from such a feeling, but, first, she has to live a bit longer to fulfill the last wish of Mayuko.

Sugako’s unreadable expression cracked, a knowing smirk spreading across her face, at how tactful and respectful Amaya was being with hinting at the other activities they had been doing. “I am impressed it only took you that long to figure out the surgery.” Her eyes soften upon looking at Daremo, “Mayuko-chan would have been proud of your accomplishment.” Those same eyes found their way back to Amaya, “You know, you didn’t have to mention about your extra activities, right? Will, I be expecting more great-grandchildren anytime soon?”, She lightly jests. It was amusing when the family was tactful around her as if she was some prune.

Knowing how sensitive the ears of some people in the house was, Sugako switched subjects. It would do no good if the twins overheard something that shouldn’t. While it would be funny to see how Amaya and Nanashi would handle the situation, there were other matters of concern. The unreadable expression from before returned as she waited to hear Amaya’s decision in regards to training. Well, to say the woman actually had a choice would be a misconception, no matter her answer, Amaya would be getting trained by the elderly woman. She would teach the woman what it meant to be a Guanyin from her particular line. Upon hearing Amaya’s response, Sugako smile, “That is the response I was hoping for. You have two weeks to get adjusted with your new abilities before I start training you. Jinpachi will watch over the twins.” Seeing the look of confusion on Nanashi’s face, “Yes, I will also be training you in a couple of things that Mayuko never got around in doing, along with teaching you some of the more darker aspects that aren’t necrosis bases.”

An eyebrow was raised by Daremo when his grandmother mentioned teaching him something else asides for necrotic techniques, what he was known for. What else was darker than the ability to afflicted others with necrosis? He did not think about the subject for long. He was not going to turn down the opportunity to learn from his grandmother. This was the same woman who trained his mother, teaching her the interrogation arts among other nasty things. He would be foolish in rejecting such a chance, therefore, he nodded in understanding.

“I will be dropping by every morning at 5:30 am to grab you too, and your training will last until 5:30 pm with there being breaks in between, and some downtime for the children to see their parents. You both will hurt. And, you will curse my existence for all eternity. But, you will learn what is needed.” Sugako warned, wanting them to understand that her training was not going to be easy. She was going to train them to the best of her abilities, hammering in everything she wished for them to learn, which, unknowing to them, is everything she knew. Yes, these two would learn everything, and take further than she ever could.

With his grandmother understanding the situation, Daremo got up from the couch, giving Amaya a kiss on the cheek, before heading into the kitchen. Grabbing an apron, two clones shimmered into existences, Daremo began making breakfast for the occupants. Like always, Daremo did not skimp on making breakfast for his family. With the help of clones, it did not take long to make enough rice, miso soup, and grilled fish to feed everyone. By the time plates were set, his grandfather emerged from upstairs with Zaylee and Mamoru in tow. The twins cling into their grandfather, giggling at something funny he had said them. Smiling brightly, Daremo sat down with his family and enjoyed the idle chit chat shared between them.

Belly full, he got up to help Amaya collect the plates for the other occupants who all had moved back into the living room to watch television. Just as the plates were being picked up, Daremo felt a large chakra signature coming towards the house. Before he could question who it might be, Amaya spoke up, mentioning it was her parents. “Your parents?”, He could not remember ever meeting her parents. It was something that had yet to come up. He did not ask about them. He figured she would talk about them, and introduce them to him when she felt the time was right. Guess, she would not get to choose when that time was right.

This was both a good and bad thing.  He would get to meet the parents of the woman who he had fallen for, yet, the timing could not be worse considering what the two had done nearly two days ago. How would they take upon realizing their daughter was no longer an Uchiha? That she, with consent, had asked him to completely destroy her Kekkai Genkai, replacing it with his own? Would they still view her as their daughter? Would they look at her in disgust, and disown her for the decision? He did not know how this confrontation would go, but, for Amaya sake, he hoped it would go well for her.

Following her towards the door, Daremo put a comforting hand on her shoulder. A silent message of unity being sent. He wanted her to know that she was not alone in this. She had the support of not only him but, everyone else in the room. No matter what happens from the conversation, Amaya would have a family with them.

Stepping back, Daremo allowed Amaya handle her parents. Citrine eyes watching them both in case something negative comes from this confrontation. Mentally, he chuckled at the male Uchiha already assuming Amaya had done something wrong, and her mother assuming the same thing. From the way they make it seem, Amaya was always getting into some kind of trouble. This was not surprising considering the type of mischief she got into since he had known her.

Moving back into the living room, Daremo plucks Zaylee from her seat, placing the giggling child onto his lap, freeing up the spot for Amaya, whose lap was taking by Mamoru. Thankfully, there were enough places for everyone to sit comfortably. “Come on, Zaylee and Mamoru lets give the adults some time to talk,” Sugako spoke, getting a whine from both of the twins who were curious about the other people. Chuckling softly, Sugako just shook her head, “I am sure you will get to meet your grandparents.”, The elderly woman looking at the Uchiha couple, “Soon. But, for now, let’s go get ice cream.” A couple shouts of joy came from the twins who jumped out their parent's lap, and made their way over to Sugako and Jinpachi; the Guanyin couple taking ahold of their hands and leading them out of the house.

As the door shut, Daremo turned his attention to the Uchiha couple. His hand seeking out Amaya’s, holding hers and giving it a light squeeze. Nothing was said as Amaya told her parents the same thing she had mentioned to him before the surgery was performed. Citrine eyes never left either of them, watching to see their reaction towards Amaya mentioning in finding a way to change her to something else. Muscles tensed when he noticed the spark of anger within her father’s eyes. The emotion was expected from an Uchiha. They were the types who tend to get quick to anger. Seeing nothing come from the flash of anger, Daremo relaxed, though kept his guard up in case it was a ruse.

If he was younger, Daremo would have attacked the Uchiha male for raising his voice at Amaya, but, luckily for all occupants, the silver-haired male had calmed down over the years. Though, the calmness did not stop him from wanting to say something to the male, but, he held his tongue. He put himself in the position of the other male, realizing, he would have acted in a similar manner as his offspring dropped such a statement without any prior warning. Another gentle squeeze here of Amaya’s hand was giving, ensuring her that he was there for her.

Afraid, the Uchiha couple was afraid that they would lose their daughter. Daremo had known that Amaya was a sickly child. It was one of the many things he known about her throughout their twenty-year friendship. What he did not know was her parents were against her from becoming a shinobi due to her sickness. Neither one of them wanted their daughter to risk herself when she was already sick. It now made sense why Amaya’s father was angry. In his eyes, his daughter had put herself in an extremely risky situation with an uncertain outcome.

As Amaya told them the reason why she chose to do what she did, citing how her eyes were attained, Daremo listened. Subconsciously, he began rubbing the back of Amaya’s hand with his thumbing, attempting to calm the woman down as she spoke gave her reasoning for her actions. Although he did not show it, knowing she had accepted her faith at being eventually killed for her powers, was a hard pill to swallow. Had she told him sooner, then maybe they could have done something about it then. A smile grew on his face when she spoke about loving the twins and him.

When Amaya’s mother mentioned the process sounded dangerous, Daremo nodded and decided to break his silence, “ The process which Amaya speak about is dangerous, even for someone as skilled as the late Senji Tsunade would think twice about performing such a surgery. It is only thanks to a Guanyin’s stem-cells chakra being able to turn into literally anything as long as a sample is provided, that allowed the surgery to be done much easier. Saying that, the surgery was done with an incredible amount of caution, and extensive preparation before then.”, He spoke, hoping to give more insight into the surgery.

Falling silent once more, Daremo just spectated, watching the interaction between Amaya and her parents. He was happy to the male Uchiha reluctantly coming to terms with what Amaya had done. Daremo released the hold he had on Amaya’s hand, watching as the father and daughter hugged. “Do not worry, I will make sure Amaya tell you both before she does something crazy. If she does not say anything, I will tell you, myself.”, He spoke. Any concerns he had about this conversation was washed away with both of Amaya’s parents being okay with their daughter’s decision. Like most parents, they were just worried about losing their daughter, and Daremo could understand that.

Landing his eyes on Amaya’s father, Daremo noticed a familiar glint in them, reminding him of Amaya’s. Chuckling, “I will try, sir. If anything, she will make an honest man out of me. For one can never truly tame fire.”, He spoke, the term ‘fire’ being a reference towards the Uchiha clan. While Amaya might have been a Guanyin, she still had the blood of an Uchiha flowing through her, and the fire of said clan could never be tamed.

He chuckled again at the rebuttal the Uchiha male made at Amaya, reminding the woman that she was fourteen when she got married. Taking her hand into his, a sign of union, Daremo spoke, “And I thought I had married young, but, it seems Amaya here has me beat by two years.” There is a lightness in his tone as he mentioned being married once before. Looking at the two Uchihas, Daremo spoke, “I want to let you know that I truly love your daughter. She had become the fire in my darkness. She helped me cope with Kaia-mai’s death, and finally heal from the death of my first wife, nearly twenty years ago. And, I promise you, I will never do wrong by your daughter.”

---

2783[8126]

Daremo could not fault the male Uchiha in being skeptical or worried about who Amaya was dating for it comes with the territory of being a father to a girl. There would be little denying in the fact, if the situations were reversed, and it was Zaylee, Daremo would have acted in a similar fashion. Parenthood has made him even more protective only what he considered precious to him, not including Amaya, his twins. They meant the world to him, and there was no length to great nor distance too far to keep him from making sure they were safe. And, because of this understanding, Daremo had no reason to fault the man before him. Here was someone who was looking out for the well-being of his daughter. A man who just wanted the best for Amaya, and the rest of his child. Daremo could respect the Uchiha for the aforementioned reason.

“There is no need to be grateful. When Amaya initially came to me with the idea, I did not want to do it. In my opinion, the procedure took risky for it to be performed on someone who I cared deeply about. I did not want to accidentally hurt it. Yet, your daughter would not take ‘no’ for an answer, and well the rest is history. I’m glad the procedure went without any problems. As I stated before, I loved your daughter more than simple words can’t fully express, thus I would never hurt her on purpose.” Daremo spoke honestly to the man, right hand reaching out to grip the male Uchiha’s, in a firm grasp, and hook it. Did Daremo believe the man was not skeptical or worried about his motives towards Amaya? No, the man had every right to feel such a way. A father does what is needed to make sure their daughter is safe, after all.

There were many different ways the meeting with Amaya’s parents could have gone. Daremo willfully prepared to deal with disapproving parents with a fiery disposition to them. He had ready himself to explain the surgery perform in greater detail than what had been mentioned already. It would have not been surprised if either parent had wanted to know as much as possible about the surgery, and he was ready to explain it to them in the simplest way possible. He had often time found it easier to discuss complicated things with others by breaking it down into layman's terms. Yes, he was ready for that, but also, he was prepared to handle parents with similar personalities to that of Amaya. Indeed, this meeting was something he had thought about for a long time and had prepared for in advance. For Daremo, he thought about the worse case scenario. Thankfully, none of that came to past with the parents seemingly approved of him and understood Amaya reasons in doing what she did. It was surprising to say the least.

For the remainder of the afternoon, things were relatively peaceful. His grandparents having brought Zaylee and Mamoru back home. Both twins clinging having got their full of sweets, and maybe a little bit too much, if the guilty look on Jinpachi’s face was anything to go by when Zaylee blurted out that grandpa allowed her to get extra ice cream. The girl's honest admission got a chuckle from Daremo who could not believe his grandfather at times. It would seem that the man had a weakness to young children, and considering how convincing the twins could be when they wanted something, daremo could not fault the man for such a weakness.

Nevertheless, once the chuckle had died down, an introduction was in order. Daremo introducing the twins to their other grandparents, Amaya’s parents, and explaining to them why there were just not meeting them. Of course, some stuff was omitted for reasons, but, the twins did not care - they had more grandparents! Once the introduction was over, Daremo’s grandparents introduce themselves to the other couple. Afterward, Daremo, sitting beside Amaya, holding her hand, watch the interaction between the twin and their other grandparents. It was here Daremo got a glimpse of Amaya’s father more gentle and softer side as the twins managed to work their magic on the two adults, wrapping them around their tiny fingers. Promises of various adventures, shopping trips, and the likes were made. Amaya’s parents wanting to see the twins at least twice a week. Daremo had no problem with this. It would be good for the twins to spend time, and get to know their other grandparents.

However, like every good thing, the end was drawing near. Soon the grandparents left, needing to return home before it got too late, and before others started worrying about them. As the sun began to set, casting a beautiful glow over the sky, tiredness seeped into the twin. A valiant fight was put up by them both as they attempt to stay up a tad bit longer. Daremo could not help but to chuckle at this. It being adorable in how the twins were losing the fight against sleep. Holding Mamoru, Daremo chuckled at Zaylee’s question, “Yes, sweetheart. Just like your mother said, they will be happy to see both of you tomorrow.”, He spoke, adding onto what Amaya statement. Seeing how both pairs of grandparents acted around the children, there was no doubt in his mind that they would be a thrill to see them again.

Just as Zaylee’s head dropped once more, so to did Mamoru. Both of them twins fighting against their body desire to sleep. It was adorable how sync both of them were. Chuckling at their antics, Daremo followed Amaya towards the twins’ bedroom. The pair have shared the same room since they were toddlers. “Come on lil man, let’s get you in bed,” Daremo spoke, tossing the covers back, and laying his son in bed. The covers being pulled over him. “Yeah! I want to hear a bedtime story too!” Mamoru exclaim. He enjoyed the stories told by Amaya.

Smiling softly, Daremo moved over towards Amaya. Usually, he would have gone back downstairs, but tonight was different. He decided to stay in the room and listen to the story Amaya was going to tell.

---

1057[9182]

Daremo placed his hands on Amaya’s shoulder, squeezing them in a loving and comfortable manner. Glancing at the twins, seeing them both excited about the book that was going to be read to them, something they had a hand in picking out a few days ago, the silver-haired male smile softly as his thoughts drifted to the past. The past two years had been rough for him. Though he had support from Amaya and extended family, dealing with Kaia-mai’s death was still incredibly hard for him. He could not count the number of times where depression had taken its hold on him and nearly drown him. Numerous times where he had to fake a smile or happiness to not let the twins, nor those who he cares about, know the pain he was in. he could not allow them to know his pain. He had to be strong for those who he loved. Though like today, there were moments where the pain was too unbearable and needed an outlet, asides from throwing himself headfirst into work or training, thus he turned to alcohol.

He knew drinking was not the solution. He was a medic. He knew how alcohol affected the body, and understand how it can become a crutch when used to deal with pain/depression. Knowing all of that, he did not stop him from taking a drink, a couple really. He could only imagine what his mother would have said if she knew he was drowning his sorrows with alcohol? The strong, independent woman, would have given him a good tongue lashing followed with sound advice that only a mother could give. Though, without her, the advice came in the form of his grandmother, and an unlikely, but appreciated source, Amaya. At the thought of the, now Guanyin, woman, Daremo glanced down, watching as she told to read the story to the twins.

Rarely did he have trouble finding a word to describe someone, yet, when it came to Amaya, Daremo found himself stumped. What was there not to say about Amaya? Even before Kaia-mai untimely death, Amaya was already an apart of their lives. She helped them without being asked. She went beyond the duty of a friend and was there for them whenever they needed her, even if they did not know if she was needed. Then, when Kaia-mai died, Amaya continues to be someone who he could rely on. She helped him with the twins. She eased herself into the mother role without him even noticing it. She was there to help him explain to the twins what happened to their mother. She helps them to come to terms with their mother’s death.

Somewhere down the line, she became something more to him, something that Kaia-mai would continue to be. She became his lover. She was there for him on an emotional and physical level, and he attempted to return to do that same, even if it meant to hide his own pain. Rather she knew about his inner turmoil or not, he was glad that she was there for him throughout it all. While he knew he would be okay in the long run, her presence in his life could not be understated and immensely appreciated.

He would be pulled from his inner musing upon hearing Amaya asking the twins if they were asleep yet. Glancing at the twins, both of them being away, but it being apparent that they were tired, Daremo chuckled softly. His twins were stubborn, just like he and Kaia-mai was. He wonders if the stubbornness would be as legendary as their parents? He shuddered at the thought. Dismissing that possibility, “Alright you two, you can stay up till you fall asleep.” he said, chuckling as the twins got excited at the prospect of staying up longer than they normally would.

Daremo would not bother going downstairs, staying in the room, listening to the story Amaya told the twins. He would only leave with Amaya when the twins fall asleep, and for the remainder of the night, he would spend it with his lover.

---

Total WC: 9875
4th Spec(Chakra Flow) C -> B | 5000 wc
Remaining WC: 4875

Pathogen Art: Aggressive Pathogen | B | 1350
Pathogen Art: Extremophile Mimicry | B | 1350
Pathogen Art: Feast of the Jikininki | B | 1350
Used WC: 4050

A smile crossed Amaya’s face as she felt the gentle squeeze of her shoulders from Daremo. She couldn’t help but to think about how the twins reminded her so much of Nanashi and Kaia~Mai: they were perfect little replicas of the pair save for little traits that made each twin a unique individual. She found herself thinking for a moment, with a soft smile upon her face, about how even if Kaia~Mai hadn’t met a far too early death in her opinion she would have still been here regardless, spending time with their wonderful family. She loved them, all of them, as if they were her own family: even before her and Daremo were official they were still hers. It was almost like an animal-like territorial instinct: she would protect them with her life, she would bring Hell upon the earth to ensure their safety, there was absolutely nothing she wouldn’t do for them, for any of them.

With the twins still awake, wanting to stay up to listen to more of the story and their father more than okay with that, her soft smile grew further and she pushed her thoughts aside in favor of focusing back into what she was reading, starting to read aloud once again: Mar laughed. Houjin just smiled a ghost of a smile while shaking his head. "Well, if you're me she at random throws glass dishes to keep you on your toes. Or, if she thinks you're really out of practice she throws knives among other sharp or very heavy objects." Arawn was for the moment speechless. Houjin gave a light chuckle. "Well, I can see how she's showing she cares, albeit in a very twisted way, but still." Avery shrugged. She then lifted Mar's form up and off of her lap using a gently gust of air. She slipped out from beneath her and then placed her lightly back into the chair. She moved over to the fireplace, a small draft of cold air coming through the old house began to pick up. She pulled a few more fresh logs from the pile and added them to the dwindling amount there. Standing up she replaced the safety grate and turned. A small jet of fire shot from the couch and to the logs, igniting them instantly. Avery looked towards Houjin with a smile. "Thanks, saves me the trouble of having to figure out where Gram hid the lighters." Mar looked over, black eyebrow raised in question. "She doesn't still try and light you on fire, does she?" Houjin raised a brow in curiosity now while Arawn muttered, "Crazy lady..."

Avery shook her head, smiling slightly. "No, she gave up on it. These days I won't even let the lighter actually light. Frustrates her something fierce." Houjin shook his head. "Your grandmother used to try and light you on fire?" Avery shrugged, now placing herself on Mar's lap and sprawling out comfortably. "Light me on fire, drown me in large buckets of water... Hell, she used to convince Mar to pelt me with large chunks of earth when we were younger." Mar giggled. "She paid me with those delicious chocolate chip cookies of hers." Avery snorted. "Good to know you were swayed by cookies." Mar laughed, wrapping her arms around Avery's waist, hugging her tightly. "Aww, don't be like that, you know I love you." Avery could only shake her head with a smile. "She had a reason for it all, though, I guess. She wanted me as prepared as I could get with every situation. Other then Mar we didn't know any other benders about my age for me to train with. So, she did what she could to get me ready." Houjin nodded. "Understandable." Arawn just shook his head again. A booming knock on the door turned all four of their attention to the thick wooden front door. Eyebrow raised Avery lifted herself up and off of Mar's lap. Landing lightly she then walked over to the door, hand held out to it despite her not moving to open it. "Who's there?"

"Miss Avery, your grandmother needs you! It's an emergency, please hurry!", came the panicked voice from the other side. With those words Avery didn't hesitate anymore and using her other hand opened the door to reveal the drenched old man on the other side. "What's going on?" "There are people, they're trying to take your grandmother, down by the docks!” Avery took off into the down pour, lightning flashing throughout the sky, thunder booming from overhead. Her fear for her grandmother drove her to move faster and faster, using the wind to push her towards her destination as she ran. Across the yard, right over the fence, down the road, and then down the path and straight to the docks she went, heart racing. She could hear her grandmother as she got further down the hill, she was hollering up a storm, threatening them to high heaven with what she was going to do when she got free. Avery slowed herself, years of training kicking in and telling her not to go rushing in despite the fact that it was her grandmother in trouble. She knew if she didn't analyze the situation she might very well end up in trouble, too.


Something off to the right of her caught her eye, her grandmothers staff lay snapped in half, and burned. 'Lovely...', came that sarcastic voice in her head. She glanced back just as Arawn, Houjin, and Mar caught up with her. The group ducked down, hiding behind an old and worn out boat, staring over the thing just enough to get an idea of exactly what was going on down the hill. Four hooded and masked figures held her grandmother, chains being wrapped around the frail looking woman. Two more stood off to the side, keeping guard it would seem from a distance. Another pair stood at the bottom of the hill, blocking the path for anyone who would dare try to interfere. Several more stood by three distinctly evil looking ships. A large number, but not impossible odds with the plan brewing up in her brain. Just as she was about to turn to the other three and explain she heard a voice boom out from down below, "Shut it, old woman! Enough of your nonsense!" Avery peeked back over, watching as her grandmother first showed shock and then anger as she realized who was behind that particular mask. "It was you! I should've known you'd come back eventually!" She then did something that shocked Avery, and had it been a different situation, would have made her laugh. She spit on the mans shoes. Disgusted and enraged the man raised a hand and backhanded the old woman across the face, hard enough to where her body fell limp, the guards and chains the only thing keeping her from lying on the cold wet ground. "Load her in the ship, and be quick about it."


Avery's rage burned. "This is what we're going to do...", she said through clenched teeth, hands balled into fists as she held herself back from just launching herself down there without explanation. "Houjin, Mar, if you two can handle the ones still on the ground I have an idea of a storm for Arawn and I to cook up..." Houjin nodded, looking lingeringly to Arawn but not saying a word. Arawn looked back in just the same way before Houjin slipped off down the hill. Mar held out the staff Avery had used earlier. "Here, you'll need this.. and be safe.", she said softly before taking off down the hill behind Houjin. Avery looked to Arawn as she stood up. "Lets give them a storm they'll never forget." Arawn's response was a grin before the two took off up down another path to the ocean below. Arawn stepped out into the ocean, going until the water was waist deep. Avery pressed that mainly hidden button again, allowing the glider's wings to pop free once more. She then took off into the sky, gaining some height. From her advantage point Avery could see exactly what was going on on the beach. Mar had raised a cliff right out of the ground, an unbelievably smooth wall that blocked those who'd remained on the beach, including her now unconscious grandmother, from making an exit. The four who had hold of her grandmother were trying to drag her across the beach and to the wall, trying to find another way to the boats. The others had turned their attention to Mar and Houjin and were beginning to close in on the pair.
       
Avery got back with the program, sure that Mar and Houjin were more then capable of handling themselves. She swooped down, moving herself in a rotating formation around the same large surface of water. Arawn, controlling the water slowly began to raise it up, where the large wind Avery was now causing caught it and began to help rotate the entire thing. The more water that began to be added to the vortex the faster Avery spun herself. Faster and faster until a vortex began in the ocean itself, growing in size and intensity. Another glance at the beach revealed that Houjin had created a large wall of fire that surrounded Mar and himself and hide them from view and kept those attempting to attack them at bay. It also created a cover for what Mar was doing: lifting up large pieces of the earth and sending them straight to those on the other side either by punching them or kicking them right through the fire. Back to what she was doing. Now the vortex had more then enough water in it, and enough momentum to keep it up from the amount of air now mixed within the structure of the thing, it was time to speed things up. She moved herself into the middle of the vortex, closing the wings on her glider and spinning the stick above her much like a helicopter blade, faster and faster. The entire structure began to spin faster as Arawn now began to move the water around the boats backwards, pushing them right into the vortex itself.
       
Houjin's wall had spread by the time Avery got another glimpse  of the beach. Several charred members of the hooded and masked group lay around, while others were just entirely bloodied by the damage done by what Mar had done. The boats were now being sucked right down in the vortex, into the depths of the ocean itself, forced under by the small hurricane they'd created ontop of the whirlpool in the center of it. Now that their exit was taken care of Avery shot herself up higher into the air and away from the rotating air and water, allowing it to lose momentum. She opened the wings of the glider mid-air and soared herself down to the beach. Arawn turned, his gaze resting on Houjin for a moment before he walked out of the ocean and up to where the others now stood. Upon landing and closing the glider's wings Avery looked towards Mar, Houjin, Arawn, her unconscious grandmother... and the man who'd struck her. She couldn't help but smirk as she watched exactly what was going on. Houjin had captured him, and each time the many tried to run found himself being electrocuted, and it looked damn painful. Avery moved over to them, knowing that Houjin had the man more then enough under control. So, that meant her first priority was her grandmother's well being. No longer chained, but still not conscious Avery knelt next to her as she was lying on the ground. She gently moved her grandmother's white hair out of the way, revealing exactly where she'd been struck. Her anger burned again. Her grandmother's face was cut, rather deeply, thanks to the mans ring. A shadow cast by the dwindling fire announced Arawn's arrival beside her.
       
He knelt down, a small amount of water rising from the gourd on his back, covering his hand. With a faint glow he placed the hand onto the wound on Gram's face, a moment later he removed his hand, the wound gone, having healed her. "Thanks Arawn..." Arawn nodded and stood, moving back over to Houjin's side. Gram's eyes slowly opened and she slowly sat up. "What... " Her gaze fell upon the man who'd struck her. "You!" "Calm down, Gram. Let us handle this, you should rest." The old woman looked for a moment like she was going to argue and then just nodded with a sigh before slowly getting to her feet. Avery handed her the staff she'd been carrying to help her walk and she watched as her grandmother moved off to the side using the staff for support. When she sat herself down on one of the large boulders now scattered around the area Avery took the time to turn her attention to the man. "Now, there's two ways we're going to do this... The easy way, and the hard way. I was taught to respect the easy way and hope for that... but after what you did to my grandmother I'm really hoping you refuse to spill..” "It's not in your nature to harm me, air user.", the man sneered.
       
Avery smiled, almost pleasantly if it weren't for the hidden anger beginning to seep out into her features. Avery turned her attention to her grandmother who met her gaze evenly. The old woman nodded but otherwise remained silent. Avery then turned her attention back to the man. "Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery. That is what I was taught and while you might not have touched me you did touch my grandmother and that's good enough reason for me. So, I will one final time give you the question: are you going to do this the easy way or the hard way?" The man began to laugh, insanely so head tilted back to the heaven's in mirth. "Ah, most amusement I've had all day. Alright air bender, I'll tell you what you want to know. But, in exchange I want to be able to walk freely away from here without your friends tracking me down. Deal?" Houjin looked from the man to Avery and then back again. "Avery, don't listen to him. If you let him go he'll just come back and try all over again. Lets end this here and now."
       
Arawn nodded in agreement with Houjin's words. "He's right, Ave. Better to be safe then sorry." Mar squirmed a bit as she sat herself down next to Gram. Though it was against what she herself was taught she didn't offer protest, she knew the others were right. It was safer for all of them in her eyes if the man was just killed. Rather to be done with it then risk a repeat. Avery looked to each of her friends in turn, her gaze resting finally on her grandmother. With a sigh she turned her attention reluctantly back to the man still held in Houjin's grasp. "Deal." The man grinned. Houjin cursed. Arawn just turned and walked away a bit, while still remaining close enough to be able to hear the man's explanation. Mar just bowed her head, staring at the ground with arms folded across her chest. "You have my word that I'll honor our deal, now talk, my patients is wearing thin. What did you want with my grandmother?" "You must understand that I've known your grandmother for a very long time. We used to be best friends. This of course was back when the world was more peaceful, far less wars being fought. We shared all of our deepest and darkest secrets with each other. There was nothing we didn't know about the other." The man's eyes glazed over as if he were sucked back into his past by his explanation. "We used to train together, study, spar... we did it all. We were inseperable. Then, she met Jasper, your grandfather. He was nothing special, just your average no skill bender. She left me for him. Abandoned me when I needed her the most. But worst of all is that she betrayed me. She didn't keep the secrets she'd promised to. She told things that only family was to know... taught him them. She's a traitor to me."
       
Avery's grandmother slowly stood to her feet, shaking her head sadly. "Is that what you think? That I told him what I promised you I'd keep secret forever? He learned those techniques from his own father. I taught him nothing more then how to focus better. That's why he improved." "Liar! You're lying now just as you lied then!" The man then looked to Avery. "I've told you what you wanted to hear, now you must abide by our deal unless your as unhonorable as your grandmother." Avery stared at the man for a fraction of a second, her hand moving to her glider staff. Her gaze flickered to Houjin and she nodded for him to release the old man. Houjin let go reluctantly and moved away a bit, shaking his head in possible disappointment. The man cackled. "You should be careful what deals you make, child..." At that Avery smiled fully, only it was in no way pleasant. Sadistic was more like it, despite her naturally peaceful look. "No, sir. You should be more careful of what deals you make. The Devil's in the details, they say..." The man looked to Avery. "You said you'd let me go!" Avery shook her head, chuckling a bit. "No, sir. I agreed not to allow my friends to hunt you down. I in no way agreed not to hunt you down or harm you myself. I'd say you should remember that for next time, but that next time will probably never come." With that her hand moved to the second of the two switches on the staff, this one even more hidden then the one that allowed the glider wings out. This switch turned the glider into a giant folding fan. Holding the fan now by the base she moved it in a sweeping motion infront of her, kicking up a powerful gust of wind that hit the man, encircling him. Round and round it began to whip around him, trapping him where he stood as it began to lift his form off of the ground. Following this Avery spun herself in a half circle, the fan picking up speed and moving through the air in a slashing movement. With this came another powerful gust of wind, Gail like forces which turned the air itself into a cutting weapon. The air itself slashed at the man like a thousand blades, covering him in anything from the smallest paper cut like cut to large gashes. Following this she closed the fan, returning it to nothing more then a staff. She then spun again, this time counter clockwise, the staff held out before her. From the end of it shot a swirling bit of air that was sharper then the previous 'blades'. This rotated much like a saw blade straight towards the man where it sliced cleaning through his throat, beheading him.


Houjin, shocked, could only stare. Mar had gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.
Gram simply stood up, walked over to the two pieces of her broken staff and after picking them up began to walk her way up the hill. Arawn meanwhile had a brow raised. "Yeah, so... remind me to never piss her off." Houjin looked to Arawn. "Never piss her off.." He then looked towards Avery who hadn't moved the entire time after her last action. The wind had more then died down, leaving the man's lifeless form just lying there. Houjin looked first to Mar who was still looking a bit horrified, and then to Arawn who was still staring at Avery in disbelief. Shaking his head he moved over to Avery, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Ave, you okay?" Avery's gaze remained glued onto the dead man as she shook her head. "...." She had no words for what she was feeling, her emotions reeling inside of her. "Hey, don't beat yourself up over it. You did what needed to be done. Had you or one of us not killed him he would've just kept coming back, probably with more reinforcements. People might've been hurt Ave, or worse he might've got away with your grandmother. Don't regret what you did, you honestly had no choice."

Her voice trailed off as she realized that the twins had fallen asleep, snuggled up nice and warm beneath their blankets, their faces peaceful. She didn’t know the exact moment they had fallen asleep, or how long they’d been like like that since she had found herself caught up in the story itself. Smiling softly once more she would pick up one of the loose bookmarks nearby and save her place with it before returning the book back to the shelf. Moving her chair back to where she got it from so that neither Zaylee or Mamoru would end up tripping over it in the middle of the night if they needed a glass of water or to go bathroom, she would kiss them both gently upon their foreheads before following Nanashi out of the room. Carefully she would close the door behind herself, glad that they looked so peaceful and happy.

Knowing that it was not just the children affected by the day she turned her focus onto Daremo, wrapping her arms around him in a hug and squeezing gently, allowing the things she didn’t have words for to be felt in the act: that he wasn’t alone, she was there for him, she understood. After cleaning up quickly she would join her husband in bed, spending the night talking until the pair drifted off to sleep.

---

3,690 | 18,261

Polarization: 18,261 - 9,000 = 9,261
Fuin (4th spec) to D: 9,261 - 1,500 = 7,761
Fuin D -> C: 7,761 - 4,000 = 3,761
Endurance A-3 -> S-0: 3,761 - 1,550 = 2,211
Strength B-3 -> A-0: 2,211 - 1,000 = 1,211
Strength A-0 -> A-1: 1,211 - 1,000 = 211
Discarding: 211