Lukyo was in a world of his own, as usual.

To begin with, not many people actually interacted with him, with the small exception of Takashi but even he barely talked to him. Sure, he had the occasional conversation with random strangers...but that is pretty much it. Lukyo is actually an out going guy when he is in a good mood but as of late, he wasn't. The weathers been terrible for weeks and seemed like it would never end, not to mention he had been ill again (thankfully not bad enough for another trip to the hospital).

He wondered if there was even a cure? Didn't matter though, the doctors told him on his last check up that all the training he was doing was actually strengthening his immune system which was good but whatever he had was still going to effect him if he pushed his body too far.

Lead was the very reason he was heading to the training grounds this nippy morning day but first, he was going to pick up something to have for lunch. Maybe some fruit? Yeah...no?...Yeah. Ok, fruit it is! With that in mind, he registered what was going on around him just in time to walk right into someone. Seriously? Didn't he do this to Takashi too? Maybe they would offer lunch too...fat chance. Unfortunately, Lukyo snapped at his 'latest victim' thanks to his already terrible mood.

"Watch it!" He said, growling slightly as he gave a tired glare. Irritation was written all over him but to occurred to him it wasn't their fault if he wasn't paying attention. He looked down, glaring at nothing in particular, "Sorry...just in a bad mood...." He mumbled before looking up to who he bumped into.

(Word Count: 301)

It was a cloudy day, as it had been, but Ukiyo was in high spirits as usual. She made it into town shortly past noon and was skipping to the Hokage's office. It was surprisingly chilly for Konoha, but none the less pleasant. Rain rain go away, come again another day. Wait it's not raining... Clouds clouds so many clouds, come again or don't, you're clouds. Ukiyo paused for a moment and stared up as she thought, her mind suddenly blank. She burst out giggling at the realization that she had nothing more to add. After arriving at the Hokage's office, Ukiyo received what she had been summoned to pick up; her squad report. Ukiyo brought the paper within inches of her face and stared at the characters on them intently. Mikami, Tsubaki...and...Daichi, Lukyo. Two girls? Ukiyo smiled joyfully and slammed her fist into her palm. Oy! She memorized the faces on the page and stuffed the paper into her pocket, crinkling it beyond repair.

As Ukiyo ran from rooftop to rooftop, scouting the ground below, she hummed her half-song again and again. Her pace doubled after several minutes, becoming impatient quickly. Soon, she saw a head of messy red hair in the crowds. Could be. Ukiyo dropped from the rooftops onto the market floor and slipped into the crowd. She moved slow relative to her normal speed, but swiftly as she weaved in and out of pedestrians. As she came up to Lukyo, she identified him instantly. Yup yup! Ukiyo picked up her pace, now jogging lightly towards the young boy. Ukiyo had her eyes closed and began to yell Oyyy! as she approached. As Ukiyo opened her eyes, expecting Lukyo to have seen/heard her and stopped already, she bumped into the boy almost instantly. Ukiyo stumbled and Lukyo flinched, backing up a bit, then yelled Watch it! in a somewhat frail voice, but still obviously male. A boy? Oh, whoops! Ukiyo almost completely overlooked his remark as she realized this. She heard it, but dismissed it pretty quickly, unsure whether it was his fault for not stopping or hers for running with her eyes closed. Sorry...just in a bad mood.... The boy murmured, then looked up at her. Ukiyo was wearing a huge grin, displaying as many of her teeth as she could. She was also surprisingly not too filthy this particular day, having taken a bath in the Naka river before heading into the village. She still had a descent amount of dirt and grime on her clothes, skin, and hair, but nothing too offensive. She looked into his eyes whilst grinning and shouted, Oyy! Boy! Is that any way to talk to your sensei? Ukiyo pointed to her chest with her thumb, indicating she was speaking about herself. She then lowered her grin to a pleasant smile and opened her eyes, staring warmly into his. Now, why are you in a bad mood?

520

Lukyo narrowed his eyes at the...energetic...woman, "Sensei? What the-" He stopped, his mouth still open as he paled and flushed at the same time. Here he was, standing in the midst of rush hour for the shoppers of Konoha, with the lady who (according to her) is his sensei...the same person he just blindly bumped into and yelled at. For Lukyo, who had a very strict rule when it comes to people who are (in a sense) higher than him, he felt the cringing pain of guilt prick his heart, "A-Ano! I am sorry! I didn't mean to-" Lukyo snapped his mouth shut and looked down again, mumbling profanities under his breath before leasing a ragged sigh.

Lukyo was taught that you must always respect those who are either older or of a higher rank then you, NO MATTER WHAT! Lukyo followed the rule only to a certain point which, thanks to his personality, was never very far. Lukyo was also short tempered and tended to over react to situations that he really needed to be calm about. How, for the love of Kami, was he able to pass graduation?! He mentally growled at himself before looking at...whoever she was...when she asked why he was in a bad mood.

Where do I start?

"W-Well...." Lukyo awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, looking off to his right at nothing, "Just has been a stressful week is all...." Honestly, he didn't want to tell her anything about him. He prefered to keep his life a secret but if she was his sensei, he wondered if she knew already. He highly doubted that his condition would go pass unnoticed (especially after that one incident at the academy). Darn it! He hated to be all sulky! What a way to first meet his sensei, just like with Takashi. Lukyo groaned before looking back up, "I was just a...a bit sick for a while but I am ok now." Lukyo gave his signature smile. It was a cross between a grin and a half smirk, it was sort of lop-sided to the left (away from the scars on his jaw), "I take it you already know my name?"

(Word Count: 301+377=678)

Ukiyo almost giggled at the boy, knowing he would learn in time to relax. He seemed flustered, and Ukiyo wondered if he was always this nervous. At the mention of his stress, Ukiyo interrupted and explained, Nerves are good; they're our natural sense for danger. To let them control you however is troublesome. It is important to keep a healthy mind as well as a healthy body. Ukiyo said this last part pointing at her head and closing her eyes, then redirecting her finger to point at Lukyo's chest. She smiled, but her eyes popped open and her smile dropped when the boy mentioned he had been ill. The boy let out an awkward, yet seemingly confident grin. This didn't stop Ukiyo from leaning in close, bringing her face within inches of his. She stared into his eyes with inquiry, then brought her hand to his forehead. The boy nervously asked,

"I take it you already know my name?"

Lukyo, and you're still warm. Ukiyo pouted as she lowered her hand but kept her face close. She wished she had begun her studies in medicine, but she had been putting them off to perfect her jutsu. This market is far too congested for a sick child, not to mention the germs accrued here. Ukiyo scrunched her face to the side as she thought, then said plainly, You wanna get out of here? I'll make you some lunch. The least she could do was give her sickly student a nutritious meal. Ukiyo leaned back again out of his face, content with her examination. She grinned widely again, speaking in a playful tone of voice, You can tell me more about what's stressing you. Ukiyo assumed by how he was acting that that was hardly the full truth. He was obviously hesitant, nervous, and all around withdrawn. She wasn't going to have that on her squad. and she knew just the place to bring him.

865

Lukyo went to push her hand away when he touched his forehead. Her hand felt cool against his skin and it felt nice but right now, he had no time to sit back and relax. Not to mention he didn't like people worrying over him, "I'm fine." He mumbled automatically as he looked away from his sensei (weird saying that now) who was still standing very close to him. He wasn't some poor sick child to be taken care of, he was a Konoha ninja! He was stronger than some stupid sickness!...if only he actually believed that at the moment, he felt rather dizzy from the very sudden and awkward meeting of his sensei but, luckily, he didn't show it. Stupid sickness, ruins everything! No, now wasn't the time to remember that....

I am doing this for you, ya know...Imma going to make you proud of me

His attention perked up at the mention of food, and better yet, free food. "Food?" Lukyo was a huge fan of food though he tended to get critical about other peoples' cooking. He mainly cooked his own stuff at his apartment but it was always very lonely having to eat by himself. At the same time, he didn't try to go out of his way to eat out, people tend to ask him questions that he really didn't want to answer and...well...he just couldn't understand girls at all...in fact they kinda scared him. They would turn on a spin of a yen, they barely gave any indication of how they are feeling, and when they get mad...Lukyo shivered softly at the thought. Yeah, he was clueless as much as the next poor chump when it came to the opposite gender.

Lukyo straightened (though he is still shorter than her) as he looked at her, "Ok but don't expect much out of me, I generally tend not to tell people...I...I don't like pity." Lukyo said as he stood with his hands in his pockets before giving his unique again, "But since you are my sensei...." He said, not really sure what to say next, "I guess I can make the exception...just...please, don't ever say you are sorry....."

(Word Count 678+390=1088)

Ukiyo's smile receded into a concentrated, devilish grin as she heard him speak. Her eyes were half closed, glaring at him with her intent. It was a fierce stare, looking at him as if he she had heard it all before and it didn't change how she would behave in the least bit. She spoke firmly, confident in her conviction. Still, there was a gentle nature in her voice; she spoke with a type of underlying kindness like he needn't worry. She was quick to respond. Don't worry, you'll receive no pity from me. She leaned in slightly, as she continued, her stare trying to lock eyes with his which kept avoiding her. I'm here to make you strong; that is my duty. Anyone can train their body, but it takes a ninja to train their mind. She wanted to take his hand in hers, but knew he was far too nervous for that. She eased up on her glare, not wanting to come off as too intense for the timid boy. Talking to me is as much your training as the spar we're about to have will be. Ukiyo closed her eyes and smirked, a squeak of a giggle slipping out. Did I forget to mention that part? I'm not just going to hand over my food to you. As if anybody did that for me. Ukiyo remembered the many years spent in the wilderness, fighting to survive. Before her kekkei genkai surfaced, simply obtaining food was a struggle. Terrain, scavenging, disease, and worst of all, competition. Nothing came free to her. She would size up Lukyo's basic Taijutsu abilities by doing this; a nice little exercise she thought up on her way to the village. Ukiyo turned around, facing the direction of the training fields about a mile or two away.

Try to stay close. If you lose me, just shout out. She was about to take off when she stopped suddenly, a look of surprise on her face. She turned her head around, scratching her hair with her eyes closed and smiling, I'm Ukiyo by the way. With that, Ukiyo vanished. She was on the roof of a nearby flat and waved to Lukyo, calling out, Oyyy! Here! When she saw him spot her, Ukiyo began jumping to adjacent rooftops in the direction of a small, secluded stream she knew of. She moved at merely an eighth of her normal speed, as well as kept her ankle weights on, so Lukyo could keep up (OOC: moving at B rank speed). She looked over her shoulder every now and then to make sure he was still there. He kept up quite well, clearly moving faster than the average Genin. Good. The faster he is, the easier this should be.

Ukiyo arrived at a clearing in the village where there was a small meadow and a stream that ran along side it. The spot was at the edge of the village, so it was naturally secluded most times of the day. Even in the overcast weather, the stream was beautiful; splashing against its banks with a sort of natural grace. The grass was healthy and vibrant, standing tall in the shadow of the clouds. Ukiyo walked out towards the center of the meadow as she saw Lukyo arrive. He was clearly winded from the pace, but not exhausted just yet. She turned to her student, Ok Lukyo, here's the deal. You can rest before we begin, and I can assure you the most comfortable grass you've ever lied in, or we can begin immediately. I suggest you take a minute to rest first, however; this is going to be somewhat strenuous. Ukiyo put her hands on her hips, waiting for his response. I wouldn't mind a nap right now actually...

1530

Lukyo was glad she wasn't going to pity him like the others, he hated it. He wasn't a weak child and never once did he say he couldn't do anything because of his condition, Lukyo always tried harder because of it. His sister always encouraged him, he worked hard for her. He wanted to be strong so he could help her but...she told him that, even if she left, she would always be with him but after she died, he felt empty. It was the night she had died that he truly felt as though he were a small, lost child. The rooms seemed so large and black, he didn't sleep for the first couple of days because he was afraid. They pitied him for his lost but never once did anyone try to ease his pain, they kept their distance. Lukyo wondered if all that were lies.

Humans, by nature, are selfish. They looked out for themselves and if living to see the next die meant that you had to walk all over people, or worse, nearly everybody took that road. Sure, there were people who sacrificed themselves for the good of other people, but were they the exception? Lukyo, by an honest opinion, never believed that. He admired them, yes, but wasn't so blind as to see that they had done selfish acts towards others. Hell, Lukyo didn't even think he was innocent to the fact. He was selfish too, he wanted strength but for honest intentions.

He wanted...no, he needed to protect his home.

"I'm Ukiyo by the way." The mention of her named snapped him out of his thoughts and he blinked stupidly at her, watching as she left. Lukyo didn't hesitate to take off and follow her. For a Jonin, he thought she would be quicker but as quickly as the thought came, he dismissed it. Obviously she was slowing down for him, he was not nearly as fast as she was (though he was considered quite fast for a kid his age) and so quickened his pace. His yellowish-green eyes were practically glued on her, never lifted to see his surroundings. He didn't need to since he knew he wasn't going to be attacked though the way they were going was unfamiliar to him. It was beautiful nonetheless, even in the damp weather. They landed and Lukyo took a moment to catch his breath, letting the faint dizzy sensation pass over before straightening.

"Ok Lukyo, here's the deal. You can rest before we begin, and I can assure you the most comfortable grass you've ever lied in, or we can begin immediately. I suggest you take a minute to rest first, however; this is going to be somewhat strenuous." Lukyo's brow twitched, he wanted to argue that he wasn't weak. Even if he was still in his recovery phase, he would still be able to keep up. Plus, Lukyo knew nothing of Ukiyo. He knew nothing of her ways and methods so he wasn't stupid enough to take a challenge head on while he was out of breath. Plus maybe it would be best if they were both at the top of their game before beginning.

Releasing another ragged sigh, Lukyo stuffed his hands into his pockets, "Ok, just for a moment." He really wanted to start. Lukyo found a spot near a tree and laid down, his arms spread out as he looked at the grey skies. She was right, the grass was deadly comfy. Lukyo suddenly frowned, "Wait, if you are my sensei then I am guessing I have teammates, who are they?"

(Word Count: 619+1088=1707)

Ukiyo smiled and closed her eyes at his decision. Good. I'll get to show him a little something. She folded her arms and stood in place, reopening her eyes to watch him pick out a spot. When he lied down, Lukyo stared up at the clouds drifting overhead before asking a question. Mikami, Tsubaki. I haven't met her yet. Actually, I just found out myself a few minutes ago. Ukiyo scratched her hair and let out a slightly embarrassed laugh. She always did rush into things, assessing the situation as she did. This was due to her upbringing. When you fight wild animals, there's no time to think up a strategy. You either put them on the defensive or they put you on it. If you want to have a strategy, you have to be able to do it while charging. That's exactly what Ukiyo's learned to do, and how she interacted socially was no different. Sure, she could have found out everything in the world she needed to know about these two before meeting them, but Ukiyo was more comfortable meeting them as soon as possible and learning about them as they went. Ukiyo's smile relaxed, growing comfortable as she prepared her jutsu. She made a hand seal in front of her chest and breathed in slowly. Ukiyo then spoke just before activating it;

You know, there's something special about this place. It used to be barren. There was an....accident here many years ago, and several buildings collapsed. They cleared the debris, but never revived the soil. During my time in the academy, I revived it. Every plant you see here is mine. On that note, Ukiyo channeled a wave of Mokuton chakra through her fingers, dispersing it towards Lukyo. The grass beneath her student rose up slowly, raising him slightly as he sunk into it. Along the trunk of the tree he sat near grew flowers all the way up to about half way: some big, some small, but all of them bursting with color. I skipped class often. Probably more often than I went. The children there annoyed me, and I didn't care for the propaganda. Ukiyo looked at Lukyo, Shinobi should determine their own values. I couldn't stand how they tried so desperately to spoon feed their own agenda onto us. It's too bad many of the other kids bought it... Ukiyo's smile had slowly faded as she said this, and she looked off to the side during the last part of this. She couldn't help but feel remorseful over the thought of those children growing up; leading lives based on whatever lies got shoved down their throat, just like her parents. Ukiyo then forced a feint grin and looked back to Lukyo, Well, that was my experience of the academy. What about you? As Lukyo would respond, Ukiyo made another seal with on of her hands (now with her arms by her sides) and a large area of grass and flowers grew tall behind her. She fell back onto them, closing her eyes and falling into a deep meditation at the sound of his words.

2080

Lukyo made a mental note of the name, he would have to look of her later. He only vaguely remembers the name but still, maybe he would make her something...just to get off at the right foot. It was a she after all, maybe he could make her something in the shape of a flower? He started to flush again at the thought of giving a girl a gift, he never knew what to get them. What if she got the wrong impression? He didn't think he could handle that, he would much rather take on a Jonin then an enraged girl.

His eyes wandered to the flowers suddenly growing on the tree and his eyes widened. he never saw anything like it and it fascinated him. Lukyo knew that, with the right genetics, people were able to mold their chakra into whole new elemental forms. Lukyo wondered which element this was, wood maybe? Most likely since...well he doubt any of the other advance element forms were able to create flowers, unless he didn't know of one. He felt so much like a child when the grass grew taller and bright flowers bloomed around him. They were beautiful and his sister would of loved to see them. She loved plants and animals. Lukyo smiled a bit at the fond memory as he listened to Ukiyo, her story of her childhood. A part of him understood what she was saying, he wasn't one of those children who liked to go to school but he never skipped because his sister would give him hell which he always tried to avoid.

"Well, that was my experience of the academy. What about you?" Lukyo snapped back his attention at his sensei, scrunching his brows together with a "do I have to?" look before sighing. Like he had a choice, not in a way that she would force him...it was more that he would force himself.

"It was...decent for a while...I never really liked anyone in my class because they always tried to hold me to their principles which I never believed in. They were so focused on becoming the strongest, fastest, or the smartest in the class...they never took any actual time to realize why they were there. I mean...ninjas are suppose to be the people to protect others, a selfless act of simple kindness but they didn't see it that way. They saw it as a chance of fame and glory, to be better then others and they made it a competition on skill and knowledge." Lukyo said, rolling his eyes at the last part, he sounded annoyed, "Me...I was doing it for them, I wanted to be strong enough to help them, not to be better then them. I wanted to protect the citizens, the Hokage, and...." Lukyo stopped, a slow but painful expression replacing the annoyance he had moments ago, "And my sister...especially my sister." Her face flashed inside his mind and he closed his eyes, just to hold onto that image, "She was my only family, I didn't want to lose her too. But she died...she was very sick and there was nothing I was able to do to even ease her pain. I was so angry for a long time, at everyone for not helping her. I use to pick fights a lot because I wanted to blame someone for her dying in such a way, I thought it would help with the pain."

It was always painful for him to remember that day, to talk about it. That was why he never talked to anyone about his personal life, especially his past. He couldn't stand the sight of his sister's pale and sickly body, her face contorted in agonizing pain. He always thought she looked so pretty, before she got really sick, she was so thin and fragile after. No, he didn't want to picture that. He felt something wet fall from the corner of his eye but honestly, he didn't care anymore. A part of him broke and his wish along with it. Sure he was going to get strong for everyone else but their opinion of him didn't matter anymore. Lukyo let out a shaky breath, trying to remain calm, "I started to also train myself to the point where I passed out, because I wanted to distract myself. It nearly killed me one night...I still don't know who brought me to the hospital. I kinda wished I did though." Lukyo opened his eyes, they seemed duller then usual, "As much as I want to forget, I can't...."

He only wanted to live without those memories....

(Word Count: 793+1707=2500)

Ukiyo listened as she lied back in the grass, slowly pressing it down as the blades conformed to her body. It was like laying on a cloud, and she nearly almost fell asleep. However she remained attentive, clinging to Lukyo's words as the only stimulus to keep her awake. She heard and interpreted each one, embodying the meaning of his tale. As he spoke of the academy, Ukiyo smiled. She was proud to hear her student have a mind of his own, to resist conformity and stick to his own beliefs. Looks like Takeshi-sama knew what he was doing. She smiled proudly at the sound of her student's voice. Lukyo, eh... Ukiyo cuddled in deeper into her grass, enjoying the gently brushing of the grass on her skin. The feeling was interrupted, though, as she listened to Lukyo continue.

"She was my only family, I didn't want to lose her too. But she died...she was very sick and there was nothing I was able to do to even ease her pain. I was so angry for a long time, at everyone for not helping her." Ukiyo's smile had vanished, and her eyes peeked open slightly. She couldn't help but relate. The memory of her parents, the only real family she ever had, rattled her brain. The only people in the entire world that understood how she thought and thought the same way, the only people she ever loved, were ripped away from her at a disgustingly young age. She wondered how young Lukyo was when he lost his family, but didn't dare ask. She could hear his breathing become stuttered, and wanted to say something, but Ukiyo knew better than to interrupt a young man pouring his heart out.

"As much as I want to forget, I can't...." As he finished, Ukiyo made a hand sign in the grass and breathed in deeply. Flowers began to sprout around Lukyo from the tall grass he lied on. They grew up and over him, conforming to the front of his body as if hugging him. Ukiyo spoke softly, her gentle tone seeming to cause the flowers to sway ever so slightly on Lukyo.

I know what it's like to be without a family. I know what it's like to despise that which took them away from you, even if there's nowhere for that anger to go. I understand wanting the pain to end, I do. But there's two things I don't understand. I never want to forget my parents. It hurts...its a hollow, aching feeling that I can't get rid of no matter how hard I try to fill the void. But if that's what it takes to remember them...then I wouldn't trade that for the world. And sometimes...I feel like they're still with me. Ukiyo weaves her hands through the grass, caressing the blades between her fingers. They told me, just before they went on their last mission...that we never really die. Our bodies turn into soil, and soil turns into plants. In a way, we live forever. Ukiyo turned her head to a flower next to it and inhaled deeply, smiling again. I'd like to think that. I'd like to think they're still with me: in the face of every tree, every flower...every seed is just another chance to reunite with them... Her voice became stronger, trying to reassure him. I'm sure your sister's still with you too. Ukiyo paused for a little while, then remembered something disturbing he had said. How do you think your sister would feel if she saw you nearly pushed yourself to death? Ukiyo began to sit up; if she was going to say such a thing, she could at least pay him the respect of saying it to his face. Her smile was gone, replaced by a stern expression worn only rarely. She looked to Lukyo, not sure how he would react.

2780

He felt the silky petals wrapped around him, as though he was being hugged. At times, Lukyo forgot that he was still a child. He grew up having to be the adult and never had the time to go through the motions after his sister died. He had to be strong, that was what he always told himself, but he felt so lost when she died and it felt as though life was sucking him down a path that was cold and lonely. That was why he always tried to help people too, so that they didn't have to go through that. So that they didn't have to feel how empty it was to live without the people who loved you.

The petals were so gentle and soft, just like how she hugged him. He closed his eyes as he listened to his sensei's tale, feeling the pain of sorrow in his chest but dared not to speak the words of pity forming in his throat. He felt a sense of relief that, instead of pity, she understood how he felt. It was a nice change and...well maybe that was what he needed, just someone to share his pain. How many years has it been since she died? He lost count but the hurt still bleed in his heart, he loved her that much and now he would never return home to hear her greet him. He would never smell her cooking or feel her hand as she smoothed back his hair when he was ill.

Be strong, Lukyo...Konoha is your family too....

"I'd like to think that. I'd like to think they're still with me: in the face of every tree, every flower...every seed is just another chance to reunite with them...." Lukyo closed his eyes and focused his mind on feeling the existence of everything around him. He felt every blade of grass, every crawling bug, every blooming flower. His sensei's voice grew stronger, as though to lend him strength. She just met him too and already...he smiled a bit, opening his eyes to look up to the skies. Gray clouds swirled with the lighter ones, making shapes appear in them. He could almost feel her watching him, was she always watching him? Was she there still? It was the only thought he had to hold onto, just to keep him from walking further down that dark and cold path.

"How do you think your sister would feel if she saw you nearly pushed yourself to death?" Lukyo blinked and frowned, looking at his sensei's now very serious look. It almost made him cringe when she looked at him like that, like he had somehow betrayed her. Truly, at the time of the incident, he didn't care if he lived or died. He was tired of the pain, the pity, the helpless feeling. He did it to release all the penned up emotions he kept from everyone else, he didn't even realized what he had done until he woke up. Lukyo wondered why the doctors didn't know who had brought him in. Lukyo remembered only vague details of that day, it had stormed the night before which left the air chilly and damp. He had been doing taijutsu the entire time. His limbs had been bruised badly, there were splinters and cuts. Lukyo nearly died because of the whole toll he put himself through. "I...." He said, frowning even more, "I...wasn't thinking at the time...." He said softly, not looking at Ukiyo anymore, "She would of probably been upset...very upset...we only had each other and she wanted me to go on with my dreams...but how the hell could a 12 year old take losing his sister?!" He felt his anger rising, "I kept trying to get someone, anyone, to help her at least die in peace..and all they cared was how much money they could make off her! They didn't care, selfish people!" Lukyo growled, almost like an animal, "I dreamed for us to live happy, I hated to see her cry, I hated to see her in pain." Lukyo clenched his hands and shut his eyes, "I didn't care anymore...I just wanted...She died while I was at the Academy...she was left to die alone." He hated himself for that lone fact, he didn't get to say good-bye, he didn't let her know she wasn't alone.

He trained to near death because he hated himself more then anyone else.....

(Word Count: 773+2500=3273)

Ukiyo stood up, brushing dirt off that was clearly stained onto her clothes. Her eyes drifted up to the sky as Lukyo broke eye contact with her to think. He was upset, but Ukiyo expected at least that much. She couldn't imagine how she would feel if someone said something like that about her parents. Ukiyo began walking over to the stream a few meters away, sweeping her feet through blades of grass as she strolled. Ukiyo had taken her shoes off, as she always does, and feels the slightly dewy grass between her toes. When she reached the stream, Ukiyo looked up at its source and watched the water flow down to its destination. The water was almost clear, the only thing obscuring its transparency being the white bubbles formed from it crashing against the bank. Ukiyo knelt down and looked closer, observing the countless bubbles form and dissipate within milliseconds. Lukyo began speaking in a pained tone of voice,

I...wasn't thinking at the time.... She would of probably been upset...very upset...we only had each other and she wanted me to go on with my dreams...but how the hell could a 12 year old take losing his sister?! I kept trying to get someone, anyone, to help her at least die in peace..and all they cared was how much money they could make off her! They didn't care, selfish people! I dreamed for us to live happy, I hated to see her cry, I hated to see her in pain. I didn't care anymore...I just wanted... She died while I was at the Academy...she was left to die alone." Ukiyo dipped her hand in the stream and scooped a small amount of dirt from the bottom with the tips of her fingers, keeping her hand planted in the water so the current splashed up against it. She closed her eyes and tried to understand what he was feeling, but it was hard. She never had to watch her parents die, never had to struggle to keep them alive while everyone else just watched. One day they were there, the next they were declared KIA. Ukiyo thought for a moment, watching/feeling the water around her hand and the chill of the stream. She spoke firmly,

People are selfish by nature. I don't care to affiliate myself with them usually. I feel more comfortable with plants; they act as a collective, caring for the smallest blade of grass as if it were a mighty oak. Unfortunately people don't realize this, probably because they don't see it. It is too bad that your sister died in such a way, but she did have you. You'd be a fool to think she didn't know that just because you weren't there when she passed. Ukiyo stood up and shook her hand to the side, water and dirt spraying off it. You should forgive yourself. I may not know you well, but it sounds like you were a good brother. You deserve to be happy, and if your sister is here today, I'm sure she feels the same. Right? Ukiyo turned to look at Lukyo, grinning askew.

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"People are selfish by nature. I don't care to affiliate myself with them usually. I feel more comfortable with plants; they act as a collective, caring for the smallest blade of grass as if it were a mighty oak. Unfortunately people don't realize this, probably because they don't see it. It is too bad that your sister died in such a way, but she did have you." Lukyo swallowed the painful lump in his throat, trying to keep control. Since the day she died, he never talked about it. Lukyo thought it would make him sound weak, sound like a child, he didn't want that. He avoided the pity, the sorrow, the crushing weight of that realization for two years. All he felt was the numbing pain which, as he thought, he could live with. Yet, as days turned into weeks and weeks into months, he found that he kept losing himself. He traveled down his own dark path by not letting himself be, just for the brief moment when it hurt him the most.

He had lost himself though in the thoughts that he had lost the last person who cared about him, so focused on himself, that he forgot that she had to raise him. He didn't know who his parents were, much less his mother, but he was told that they died. She was always smiling and never blamed him for anything. Lukyo realized that he had made her time worth while, that she died still loving him because he was her world. "You'd be a fool to think she didn't know that just because you weren't there when she passed."

Why did it have to take him two years to realize this?

"I may not know you well, but it sounds like you were a good brother. You deserve to be happy, and if your sister is here today, I'm sure she feels the same. Right?" That surprised him, he looked to his sensei with wide eyes, questioning eyes. He sure didn't think so. Coming home with bruises because he fought a lot, arguing with her when he wasn't well. But he always tried his best to help and protect her, they were family after all. Lukyo smiled before chuckling and then laughing, he finally understood and couldn't be more happy about it.

(Word Count: 399+3273=3672)

Ukiyo closed her eyes and smiled widely as Lukyo began chuckling. She was glad that she could cheer him up, even if it was temporary. She hoped that Lukyo would see her as someone to come to with his problems, mainly because if Ukiyo was going to be responsible for his life and possibly leave her's in his hands, she didn't want any surprises. Ukiyo never had any siblings, so she wasn't quite sure how to describe her feelings towards Lukyo. Even though they just met, she could see how vulnerable he was. She saw how a lifetime of hardship has taken its toll on his mind and how it was in contrast with how it had effected her. He seemed quite fragile for a supposed trouble maker. Ukiyo was glad to see this, as she normally had little patient for hot headed people. But Lukyo, though rough around the edges and a bit strange, made her feel...different. She saw how the loss of his sister affected him, how the cruelty of others dug his wounds deeper. Ukiyo saw herself in him, in a way, and as such felt almost compelled to look after him. She hadn't felt this way about another person since, well, her parents. People had always been either obstacles or temporary acquaintances to her, but nothing much more. She wondered what their future would be, and if these feelings would last. Ukiyo slowly opened her eyes to see Lukyo laughing. What a sweet smile... She couldn't help but finally giggle at the sight, even though Ukiyo had been trying to suppress her giggles around her new student. She opened her eyes up wider and began to speak in a friendly tone,

Well, I think maybe it's time for lunch. Ukiyo eyes narrowed slightly and her smile lifted into a suspicious grin. What are some of your favorite fruits or vegetables?

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Lukyo had never been so open to anyone. After just meeting his sensei, he told her about his parents and his sister, both of which are topics that are very sensitive to him. For him to share that information to her was a big thing, something that mildly surprised him. He didn't know what exactly compelled him to tell her, but he did and there was no taking it back. Not that he would, he kinda felt as though Ukiyo was like a big sister. There was a precious bond he never had after his sister died yet, at the same time, there was that motherly aura that glowed around her. A genuine and honest concern and sadness for him that he longed for, something his sister couldn't even manage.

Lukyo felt a swell of pride now when he thought of Ukiyo, she was a kind person...even if she was a bubbling, bursting at the seams of excitement kind of person...she was still a good person. Lukyo respected her now more than ever.

"Well, I think maybe it's time for lunch." Ukiyo narrowed her eyes slightly and smiled a suspicious grin. "What are some of your favorite fruits or vegetables?" To be honest, he had no dislikes of food unless it was cooked poorly. He would eat anything, as long as it was cooked to what he was considered good...decent wouldn't even cut it. Lukyo smiled a mischievous smile, "Oh, I have no dislike of any kind of food as long as it is cooked properly. I must warn you though, I am quite a picky eater."

(Word Count: 3672+274=3746)

At the word "cooked", Ukiyo's grin cracked. Cooked? He thinks I'm cooking for him? She began laughing hysterically the moment Lukyo stopped speaking. She was unable to contain herself over his assumption that he wouldn't like her "cooking". When it died back enough for her to speak, hunched over slightly from her fit, she said Lukyo. I haven't had a "cooked" meal a day in my life. Ukiyo couldn't help but laugh over the idea of it. She hated fire in all its forms. Even when her parents were alive, they never started fires. She was brought up learning to forage for food, and in fact haven't even eaten meat. Her parents taught her that nature provides everything they need, everything any creature needs. It is up to them, however, to give back as much as they take. Ukiyo was told that it was her job, as well as everyone else, to look after nature and support it in the same way it supports them. Cooking, however, she considered to be highly unnecessary. All it is is waste. Waste for the sake of comfort. Burning trees to make some other food taste better? I just don't get that. Humans have such weird habits; I wonder how that even started? “Yeah let’s kill this animal and chop down this tree, then blow it all up and eat what’s left over. “ That’s just silly. Ukiyo let out another petite giggle accidentally at the thought. Gah, have to stop giggling. It’s hard enough getting taken seriously by these stupid adults; I don’t need my students taking me lightly too. Hm, I guess it’s time we get our exercise started then. That should surely teach him something. But first, a quick lesson in coexistence. He’s clearly seems used to cooked meals, even spoiled by them. I don’t think I’ve ever rejected a food just because I didn’t “like” it. They’re all spoiled. This one’s no different. Oh relax, he’s good at heart. Besides, it doesn’t sound like he’s had much of a chance to think about his place in all of this, let alone yours. Now, let’s show him our symbiosis.

Ukiyo held her right hand out beside her hip as she straightened up, facing her palm forward. A stem sprouted from her wrist and a small bulb at the end. The bulb rapidly twisted around itself, growing layers at an incredible pace. In seconds, a fully grown, perfectly ripe apple was formed. She giggled at it, being so used to the act. She then gripped the apple in her hand and slightly bent her hand back by the wrist. The apple's stem snapped off without any resistance, then Ukiyo straightened her hand. She lifted the apple in front of her, adjusting her grip. Holding the bottom half in her right hand, she grabbed the top half with her left hand, then closed her eyes. Kai. Ukiyo's wrists both turned clockwise, twisting the apple in opposite directions. The apple split in half down the center, and as Ukiyo pulled the halfs apart they revealed being guided around a core. As they slide off the ends of the core, it fell to the ground by Ukiyo's feet. She tossed the top half to Lukyo as she opened her eyes and grinned devilishly, That's a freebie. The moment he caught the apple, Ukiyo threw the other half in the air as hard/fast as she could. That one's not.

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