Hello! Hope You're Doing Well! So I Saw That Your Requests Were Open So, May I Request Something About

Hello! Hope you're doing well! So I saw that your requests were open so, may I request something about Kakashi's gf being pregnant but being afraid of telling him? (because he lost so many loved ones, she doesn't want to pressure him into being a father idk if that makes sense) Like she's pregnant but it's not visible yet but she as some symptoms already? Kakashi didn't really noticed until someone mentioned it?

It can be a one shot or a drabble, i'm leaving that to you. But I would like it to be fluff if you don't mind 👉🏼👈🏼

It's really specific i guess and I hope ypu don't mind! If it's bothering you in any way feel free to skip it 😊

Have a nice day/night and take care!

Warnings: pregnancy, throwing up, a hint of angst

Words: 2.406

Kakashi Hatake x Reader

The cashier held the packed groceries for Y/N to take. A polite smile ever-present on her face. "Have a wonderful day!"

She managed to smile back and take the bag into her arms. It wasn't the need for groceries that got Y/n to the store, but another item that got her mind running a few nights ago.

The realization hit her then. She didn't even have to take the test to know it was true. A gut wrenching feeling broke throughout her as she was just passing through an alley, a shortcut to Kakashi and her's shared home. Frozen in place, eyes glued to the floor, she felt the familiar sting of tears in her eyes. Vision getting cloudy and blurry.

She knew Kakashi wouldn't react in a way that would harm her, not in any way, shape or form. But it was hard to deny the fact that it was anxiety inducing, this wasn't something to be taken lightly. Neither of them were planning on kids any time soon. Not to mention the sad history of the Copy-Nin. Even in the beginning of their relationship it took time for him to finally warm up, to really be comfortable with the new intimacy. With receiving such love and care, to finally be safe to be vulnerable. To feel protected and loved and to form an attachment.

The walk home from there felt slow and the wait for the test to show the results was even worse. Nausea raked and coiled in her gut as she sat beside the toilet, having thrown up some time ago. How much time has even passed?

The woman looked forlornly up at the sink where the stick laid. The tiles were cold under her, yet she found herself glued to them, letting the coldness of them seep into her flesh and bones. But eventually she had to get up.

Fear now started to rampage in her system, mind spiraling as her nimble fingers took hold of the test. An unfamiliar haze was brought over her eyes, it made it hard to see but she soon realized that she was staring at two prominent red lines on the small window of the test. Shock. The fear suddenly gone and was replaced with a hollow feeling deep within her which felt even worse. Tears began to sting her eyes again and they came pouring out like a waterfall, in large beads and onto the sink. Cold hands gripped the edge of it for some stability as the woman hunched over it, the test abandoned as the other hand came to knuckle and wipe away the ongoing stream of tears. Silently she let herself cry it out, she couldn't bottle it up any longer. Kakashi wouldn't be home until the sun was already set, and now the sun was still high in the sky.

The woman couldn't look herself in the mirror after that. Hiding the test in her room she decided that it was best to tell her beloved the sooner the better. Hiding it from him would only prolong her fear and anxiety, and she didn't want to imagine the reaction he would have after hearing the news and how much she just waited to tell him. Not to mention it would be quite a task to hide something like this from someone like Kakashi. The evening was spent with a poor attempt to make some food, something to fill the gaping hole in her gut, something to make her feel warmth again. Filled with the vast expanse of helplessness she barely made anything in the end.

When Kakashi arrived home he was met with coldness. Something he became familiar with when Y/n wasn't in the best of moods. He padded through the hall quietly, listening for any sounds that may come, but all he heard was the sound of shuffling. Pushing the door open it unexpectedly creaked, a long cry of the old worn door caused the woman on the bed to startle. Body twisting around like an eel to meet his confused stare.

"Hey, it's just me, love.. What's the matter..?"

He felt worried immediately, he was used to sadness and gloomy moods but he wasn't used to her being so frightened. Not around him. Not on the battlefield and definitely not in the comforts of their shared house.

"Oh I didn't hear you, that's all.."

Came her reply, yet she found yourself moving into him, arms embracing around his middle in a desperate need of comfort. Kakashi didn't hesitate to return the hug, nuzzling his cheek into the side of her head for a moment. Mind running laps in an attempt to figure out what got his belovee like this, but it all came back blank.

"Kakashi I have to talk to you."

The sentence made him stiff, but he nodded and let her lead him to sit on the bed, one arm loosely wrapped around her tense shoulders.

All words that came to her died immediately on her tongue, and swallowing hard her gaze fell to the ground. Eyes threatening to spill tears again but she pushed them back.

"I…"

Y/n tried, but it all felt like bile in her mouth. Not having rest properly,the stress of missions and now this too. It was all catching up to her now. From her peripheral vision she could see the brows of the silver headed ninja furrow in confusion and worry.

"Did something happen? You're looking sickly, are you feeling ill?"

"No."

Her response came a bit too quickly, head shaking before she took a deep breath, exhaling before she looked at him. His eyes searched hers as if he could find the answer that way. Y/n felt horrible. He had gone through enough and all the attempts of telling him about it came to a halt. She couldn't do this to him, not now, he had to rest. She could tell him some time during the week, she told yourself.

"I just… it was a long day, I barely got any rest last night too. I missed you Kakashi.."

His expression suddenly lightened but it did not lose its worry and confusion. She had slept alone the last few nights before work prevented him from coming home at all, so he understood. Yet he couldn't help but feel something was amiss. A small voice at the back of his head whispering something incoherent.

"I missed you too."

He replied and pulled her into another embrace. Sighing out his worry he focused solely on caressing her, hoping that would ease the stress and worries of that day. And it seemed to work. For the rest of the night they both rested in each other's arms, leading a small talk about random things, it eased both of them and even made them forget about worries and fears. In the morning, when Kakashi was getting dressed and Y/n, watching him with sleep heavy eyelids, he came to crouch before her and kiss her on the forehead. Telling her something about how he'll leave Pakkun with her that day. Smiling when he saw you blink at him, trying to grasp at his words. In the end she only nodded and attempted to wipe away the sleep from her eyes as he left.

And as promised, Pakkun remained at her side. He would occasionally chip in to say something, and even the nin asked if she were alright, saying how something felt off now. Y/N only nodded, everything was fine.

Y/N missed going on missions but ever since she started feeling so ill, she was given several days off, not that she had any choice but to accept as even Kakashi was fussing that she couldn't fight in such a condition.

In the middle of the day the nausea returned. Y/N have just eaten freshly prepared lunch and it all came back up soon after. Toppled over the toilet seat she took in a mouthful of air when she finally felt her gut settle down. Pakkun sat at the door to the bathroom, worried look plastered on his canine face.

"Hey, you should really go and visit a medic. This has been going on for a while, it can't be any good."

She heard him say through buzzing ears, a static feeling coursing through her as an after effects of having thrown up. Pushing herself away she stood on shaky legs, feeling a tad bit better but awfully tired. Only a nod came in response to his words before she padded into the living room to sit down only to end up passing away on the couch. Head feeling heavier and heavier until she felt the plush material of the couch press against the side of her face. Hands curled around a pillow she placed over her stomach, some semblance of comfort and warmth coming from it.

Meanwhile Pakkun slowly waltzed into the bedroom, hoping to find a blanket he could drag back to Y/N. Taking the corner of the folded blanket in his maw he moved back, paws pushing into the slippery surface of the polished wood. Groaning he forcefully pulled, the blanket now flying out from under the rest of the folded sheets, making Pakkun fly back and hit the work desk. If it weren't for the clank of something falling from the top drawer, the ninken would've ignored it. But the item that fell at his paws even made him stop in his tracks. His ears pinned back in surprise. It fit like a puzzle piece, the girl's weird illness finally made sense. He figured Kakashi didn't know, otherwise he would've said something along the lines of that his partner was pregnant.

Nonetheless, Pakkun figured out why that was the case too, he knew Y/N well enough, but seeing how things were going he decided to tell Kakashi on his own. To spare her some of the stress of it all. Before he took his leave he did manage to drape the soft blanket over the woman's figure, having had to jump on the couch and do quite some pulling to get it over her all while staying silent.

Pakkun found Kakashi just when he was heading home, in one of the paths between two houses that he called a shortcut. Abruptly halting the ninken panted, his gaze narrowing at Kakashi's figure.

"Hey boss. I have something to tell you."

Pakkun started, perched up on one of the roof ledges where he stared down at Kakashi who didn't quite expect him to see him there. Exposed eye widened at the sight of him, the worst coming to his mind.

"What are you- is Y/N alright?"

The silver head blurted out before he could think of anything else, hands falling out of his pockets. Kakashi already felt a small tightness in his chest, anxiety creeping up on him.

"Y/N is just fine, but why I'm here does concern her."

Pakkun responded as he made his way down from the roof, hopping from ledge to window and window and to the ground. Now standing in front of Kakashi he huffed and looked up at him.

"You really should look into bigger homes, you're gonna get a small addition soon."

At that Kakashi looked at him, guffawed. Silence followed soon after Pakkun spoke, Kakashi at loss of words as he still tried to make out the riddle the sentence represented. "What..are you saying?"

Kakashi looked at Pakkun quizzically, even as the puzzle pieces slowly fell in his head as well, he was still slow to fully process the information.

"Y/n is with a child, Kakashi."

---------

When you woke the next time the sun had already been setting, only the small arch of the sun was visible on the horizon. The sky painted in warm and vibrant colors of orange and red. Your head swam with the unconscious, still not grasping the sensation of being awake yet. Eyes blinking lazily at the bedroom window. Wait…

Finally breathing in you felt the blanket tucked around you. Yet Kakashi was not there with you. A small sense of panic grasped you as you sat up, looking around. Sleep hazed mind sent you into a frantic state and almost instantly you found yourself searching for the pregnancy stick where you hid it. It wasn't there. It was not there. Pushing books and papers aside you still couldn't find it. It was not there.

"Y/n."

Kakashi's voice rang out and you turned around. He wasn't wearing his uniform, nor his mask. A simple gray shirt clung to his figure along with some black sweatpants. He held the door open with his hand, a small hint of worry was present on his face. His lips pressed together in a thin line before he approached you and pulled you into himself. You now knew that he knew. A shaky breath escaped you as you still waited for him to speak up first but that never came. He just held you there, caressing up and down your back.

"Kakashi… "

You started but your voice soon trailed off.

"I know. Pakkun told me today." He stated simply, nose brushing against your hair and inhaling your scent.

"Oh… I was planning on telling you myself.. I just didn't...I didn't know how to tell you last night.. I'm sorry."

You felt him nod against you, humming in response. And to your surprise, you felt him smile.

"It's alright. I'm not angry… It is a bit surprising but I could never be angry at you, not for this.. Please do not feel afraid anymore, it's alright."

Kakashi reassured, pulling away just enough to move his hands to cup the sides of your face. Looking into your eyes he saw the anxiety you held melt away, his own anxiety disappearing as well. He felt nothing but pure love for you. He wouldn't like anyone else to start a family with but you.

His thumb brushed over your cheekbone and then he leaned in and pressed his lips to your temple, holding you like that for a moment before he pulled away. A smile pulled at the corners of his lips, a smile you soon mirrored when you saw it. Leaning down slowly he pulled you into a kiss, you meeting him half way and smiling into the kiss.

Oh gosh- well first, thank you for the tag! @gmoonlight01

I don't have many writing w.i.ps but the ones I do have are all a bit old, but soon to be finished if motivation serves me right haha

No pressure tags: @senju-sekhmet @kaiseaya-writes @whatshernameis @depressedhatakekakashi @poisonedshrimp

My wips:

Angst comfort- Kaliyah/Tobirama

"Kaliyah angst or smthn" 😂

x reader

Meet me inside

UntilTED docuMent

Kaliyah's biography/wiki

Mršhh

Two slee deprived students (art)

Secrets(art)

✨WIP Tag Ask Game✨

ahhhh… well, i cheated a very tiny bit and [redacted] one title. i’m sorry i’m a wuss, but it’s the only active wip from my other (non-smut) account, i hope you’ll forgive me. not all of these are for naruto, so i guess we’ll see if any of the titles pique anyone’s interest, lol. thanks for the tag, @myaekingheart ! 💖

(also, I cannot tag that many people, i’m so sorry. 😂)

Rules: Post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Send me an ask with the title that most intrigues you and I’ll post a little snippet of it or tell you something about it!  And then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

Tagging: @mrs-hatake @kakashi-tsukuyomi @kakashiswilloffire @goddess-of-green @depressedhatakekakashi @whatshernameis @gmoonlight01 if y’all wanna, no pressure. 💖

My WIPs:

nicetomeetyou

[long-running naruto fic]

As Walls Keep Shifting

Kakashi Week 2021 Ideas

500

Stray

Sit Still For Me

fucking REQUESTS because wut

Scent of a Camelia

Lost Amongst the Catchflies

KU AU

Escape Velocity

Thank you a bunch for the tag!!💕

And this is always a bit hard to choose 😅 my mind goes blank when the question is asked. But 5 dorky facts about me?? Let's see..

I snatch sugar packets from caffes, so beware ig lol

I have an obsession with dragons. 😌 Love them. Can't live without thinking of them at least once a day.

On a more similar note as Freyr, I hate tea. On rare occasion I actually have to drink tea it has to be something like wild berries or pomegranate otherwise I'll just scowl at it and hope the earth swallows it. Coffee is ok, but not the biggest fan of it either.

I didn't have an actual crush in a looooooooong time and it's beginning to be concerning 🤔 2d men for life it is woo wooo

I don't like pools, especially public ones. I need currents, the strong rivers and waves. I nEeEd them. I once tried to backflip into a pool and ended up just hitting my back. That stuff huRt.

Some no-pressure tags(I also definitely recommend checking all of them out, they're amazing): @senju-sekhmet @kuramakakashi @kaiseaya-writes @thecottagecorepadawan @kumooftheleaf

5 dorky facts 5 dorky moots

Know about your writer! 💕 You are one of the best writers out in Tumblr so your followers want to know 5 dorky facts about you then tag 5 dorky more moots to continue the game!

nonnie im not a great writer, its a big question why i got this ksoxjsks 😂

uhhh im a resident doctor & a licensed pharmacist.

im a book hoarder, i never sell my past reviewers and book binds because i love to collect them.

i have a big obsession of nendoroids & tarot cards. i started collecting nendos 2019 and now i have over 40 of them 😂

i rarely simp for actual men excluding mcu men ofc 😌

newest fact about me, i love aizawa shouta 😂🤪

im tagging these 5 moots. they’re much more better than i am, i highly recommend their fics/aus and i really wuv them sm 🥺💙 @lemony-snickers @whatshernameis @depressedhatakekakashi @bakubabes-hatake @txmariz 👏🏻💙

Updated my commission prices/sheet! If you can, please do reblog, I'd really appreciate it!♥️

FYI: 'Full piece' consists of a fully shaded character/s and a background and a polished look. They're a bit harder to do, and I've always had a separate category for these. Prior to this they were called "Scenes".

Here are my > T.O.S <

Here are some of my more recent pieces as examples.

New examples(updated August 15th):

Finally, it's time to properly introduce Kaliyah's story on here! There are two more parts coming since this is a quite wordy file. I am planning on posting the story on Ao3 as well, but until I get an account on there that's just an idea for now.

Either way, I really hope you like the first part. The second one should come out in a few days, I just have to go over the grammar mistakes and fix some parts again. :)

Kaliyah | Part One

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⊱𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.⊰

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ＊　 *:･ﾟ ┊ ┊

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Prologue

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This world wasn't always so quiet and petty.

Years and years ago while other clans fled

to claim victories and land, one particular clan basked in the brighter sides of living. While the

rest of the clans made stories and sang songs of great battles fought, this clan would always remain apart and would be the highlight of those tales. Scarcely seen in open battle but horribly fierce, they were the Free Ones, the Noble. Never swearing fealty to anyone besides themselves and their Clan, protecting their freedom and safety at any cost necessary. Their resilience was always an admirable trait.

And their alliance was things clans prayed for and cherished, for their allies were treated as their own kin and were under great protection.

The Sen-Ryokō were once separated into three branches, with no significant differences between them but they still segregated themselves into those three, small families. It wasn't until the time of need that the three branches united into one big Clan. The reason being the awful war itself with the neighboring clans. Seeing as they were parted from each other and so small, the enemies saw an easy target and easy-win battle. But they wouldn't be so easily swayed and the battles their enemies sought would not be pleasant. The Clan laid on fertile soil, windswept hills on one side, barely any high growing plants, and high, mountain giants close on the south side. The place was prosperous in every way possible so it was no wonder they were always made targets of.

Although few in number, the Sen-Ryoko were cunning and witty people, a trait that would go to define them; they led the foes into a trap in the mountains where they met them with an onslaught of attacks and lastly, burying them all under a heavy rain of rock slides to seal their fates. From that point onward, the clan resumed their normal flow of things returning to the ruined hills and fields, rebuilding their lives once more. Besides their wits, they were known as great travelers and merchants, information gatherers and trackers.

But the great tales of old speak of another admirable fact about them. Mastering the beasts no other could. While a horse grants one the dominion over land, a ship over sea… a dragon grants the sky, and everything underneath it. The few Sen-Ryokō that did have a dragon as their summon held a special bond to the flying creatures, inseparable from the moment they fulfilled the contract. The history is vague about how they formed the contract, seeing as this kind of contract differs slightly from the regular ones. As well as history itself is everywhere due to their constant travels, each story speaks of it's own way.

A dragon may leave their summoner whenever they please for whatever reason they see fit; the dragon will not serve the ones with the ill of heart, nor the one thirsty for power and its wealth. A dragon grows alongside their summoner, they essentially feed off of each other's chakra and grow stronger in turn. Just as the clan members themselves, their dragons were as fierce, resistant and free. No one dared to step in their way once they heard of such great beasts siding with the small clan "clan under the mountains". As times did pass however, with dragons being less and less common and fewer in number, their legendary stories and victories now became myths. Instead of dragons, others framed Sen-Ryokō as liars, calling their dragons nothing but overgrown birds.

And finally, when the last dragon took its final rest, the Sen-Ryokō was occupied and sent scattering, separating once again with many killed in battle. The dragons that once stood firm at their sides were now seen as nothing but myths and legends, after the last dragon died unexpectedly and left them for fate to take them, the dragon tales became something to be frowned upon. Many still harboured the love for the great beasts, trusting that their powerful spirits remained with them. But one was for sure. The glory days of the Sen-Ryokō...and the dawn of Dragons was no more..

Childhood

Hundred years later, in the midst of the Warring States, the birth of a child brought some light into the family. Being born second in her fathers second marriage, Kaliyah Genji was the highlight to her parents for the years to come. Her father's prior marriage was quick to fall apart with the death of his first wife, their son now living with Kaliyah's grandmother and only two years her senior. Kaliyah didn't see much of him in her youth, only on more special occasions that required both of them to be there or on the training fields where they'd play swords. The early memories of him are vague but Kaliyah remembers Botan being very short on patience and quick to throw a tantrum, but still he knew how to be polite when he had to be. Towards her he was quite resentful, especially when their father chose to take her under his wing and introduce her to the family business and affairs, thus leaving Botan aside.

In her early years Kaliyah was known to be quite an adventurous kid, she would often roam the fields and young woods around the compound despite the dangers of war which she was yet to understand. It wasn't rare for her to bring home things found on the road; plants, old coins, rocks, bones, and many things alike were a part of her trinket collections. On some occasions she would also bring injured animals, mostly birds, that she would try and tend to. Unfortunately these animals would often die, having been already at the brink of death when she found them and beyond the reach of healing, and their deaths did hold weight over the girl who would later bury them in the place she found them, rocks and pebbles adorning their graves. Due to this she was generally thought of as a gentle soul, sensitive even at times; and would later also prove to be lacking in medical ninjutsu. Some would admire this kind trait and others would frown upon it, mainly her father who described it as being weak and overly emotional, and there was no space for such strong emotions here.

Three, almost four, years after her birth, the Genji family got another addition. Little Utiss. Kaliyah was indifferent to her younger sibling in the beginning, due to duties at hand she didn't get much time to spare for her sister, but they would often take walks together and Kaliyah would tutor Utiss when she could, still giving her best at being a good older sister. Be it teaching her about the history of the clans or more important things that can occur in everyday life. The younger sister was open to these teachings, a slow but a good learner, although sometimes not valuing some things as much as she should have. Upon introducing her to their older brother, Botan would take quite a dislikement to Utiss and she would reflect that right back at him.

Kaliyah and her father would soon start to spend more and more time together, a butterfly effect taking place when Kaliyah merely helped her father out on a small errand that essentially saved his life and warned him of approaching enemies, to become one of his apprentices on the field.

Kaliyah took to her father's lessons like duck to water, learning swiftly with time and was starting to take her fathers side more and more often. Due to the raging wars and due to her fathers status, Kaliyah was soon starting to become a target for the Clan's foes, seeing as she was very young and vulnerable like any other child. Atsuko, Kaliyah's mother, was growing worried by the day for both of her children. With the situation at home being bad as it was, she complained to her husband, Hachirou, urging him to do something, anything, to protect their children. Hachirou soon took off to travel across the lands for a meeting with another clan in hopes of making allies after the heated argument. This left eight year old Kaliyah with her mother and four year old Utiss, with her fathers mother there to watch over them.

The old Nan did nothing but disrupt them whenever possible, mainly aiming her abuse and accusations at her mother. Kaliyah did try to stand between them more often than not, but it was always to no avail as the nan would resolve to physical violence to get her out of the way. This led Kaliyah to just flee from the house during those times, ashamed to raise her own hand against an elder, usually taking Utiss with her as well to save her from the vulgarity of the situation. It was only once later in the years when Kaliyah actually raised her hand against the old woman and that was when Utiss had gotten physically harmed by her. Her mother would go on to reveal the reason of the old nans hate, the simple reason being that the two clans they were from did not get along well in the past. Specifically referring to a battle between the Sen-Ryokō and the Genji hundred years ago. Even if Atsuko loved her husband greatly she knew her marriage to him was nothing but a treaty offer so that the Genji stop their hunting and attacks on the Sen-Ryokō.

Upon asking more about the Sen-Ryokō her mother always shushed her, saying it was for the best if their cultures remained unknown to her, for her safety. Stubbornly Kaliyah pushed to know something. What was so important, what happened that was so great that pushed the Genji to despise the other? Why was it so dangerous for her to know more about her heritage? Her mother revealed only a handful of things, coating them with evil words and tone in hopes to make Kaliyah hate the Sen-Ryokō as well, maybe then she would stop asking about them. Atsuko told her daughter just how awful they were, using their beasts to inflict fear into others and how they carried many into death over their steep cliffs. It all sounded the same like the horrific stories of her grandmother. Old Nan was right, her mother told her, for the hostility she showed them. The Nan's ancestors and friends were all burned to ash and killed just because of the Sen-Ryokō. Atsuko was on the verge of tears with each lie she made up, with each hint of surprise that came to her daughter's face. And at the end, she sealed the conversation with a hint of threat, Kaliyah must never know of them. Hoping to shield her that way. Her mother tried to remain compassionate and sweet to her child, but after all the neglect she has shown to her curiosity and spare time and all the things she said, she wasn't overly surprised when Kaliyah began to withdraw slowly.

This hostility didn't stop even after her father's return. The nan stayed and continued on with her abuse, feeding her hatred for the Sen-Ryokō and letting her hostility onto the three. The two sisters weren't even safe in their own rooms at night, at which they would start to spend the nights with their mother. When confronted about it, the nan would simply shrug it off, not even attempting to deny her actions in the end. But Hachirou still did nothing, having been raised with the same beliefs of the Clans by her when he was young, although he did not harbour the hate into his adulthood. And no matter how much he promised that he loved Atsuko, he wouldn't go against his mother. He let her stay at their home. Even Utiss would mumble a word of complaint from time to time, frustrated and scared.

With the growing and never ending hostility at home, Kaliyah spent more and more time outdoors. At the time, the rumors her grandmother had started to spread didn't hit popularity yet. Kaliyah wasn't a person of any high status then. Yes she may have been a daughter of a powerful shinobi, but the rumors spread around flew over people's heads, for they saw Kaliyah as nothing but gentle and kind and incapable of any evil. The little girl grew closer to the community and the people around her. Making friends with anyone she found of interest, just as long as she didn't have to go home. Kaliyah would often stay late outside, sitting at a corner of the road where an old man Haru would sit and tell stories to neighboring kids from time to time. He would often speak of the long summers and his many adventures, the troubles he got in his youth and many beasts that he encountered on his road. Even in his old age he was quite active, but easily exhausted.

He would often give sweets to Kaliyah and the other kids. The stories he told were a stark contrast to the evil, presumably true, tales the Old Nan would tell her, which would often strike anxiety in her. It wasn't rare that she would find herself in a situation where she would be paranoid, imagining one of the great beasts or evil people stalking her from their hiding. The Old Nan would even use these stories to get Kaliyah to do certain things. Even Botan used these stories to his advantage on a few occasions. The old stories of Haru were encouraging, filled with some great advice if one just listened well, and in comparison to fairytales of the Old Nan, Kaliyah believed these to be the real stories and would soon start to feel a bit at ease, no trusting in the old folk tales any longer. It would get her in trouble as she would stay out late but she did not feel guilty, her mother understood that too.

The more she spent outside, the more she got closer to the people and in turn learned of everyone's struggles. So much death and violence was raging, haunting the people of the town. It greatly saddened and scared Kaliyah, filling her with some sense of dread and helplessness. She was still a young girl, she couldn't do anything but watch for the time being, feeling ashamed at times if she were to bring it up to her father as he already expressed his thoughts on her desire to help the ones she clearly couldn't.

On one of her first travels with her father-mentor, she witnessed first hand the expanse all the violence went to, just how many suffered in these wars. It was a journey to a neighboring Kamada clan with which her father had to make amends due to previous miscommunications that ended in a short lived battle. The clan's leader, and elder, wasn't so keen on smoothing over the bridges they burned with the Genji, being very clear with what he thought of Hachirous rule over his people and how he led them blindly. How he believed the Genji were conspiring to steal his lands and slowly push his clan into extinction. Word soon reached them that they were preparing for another rebellion against them now that Hachirou and one of his heirs were on their lands, wanting to reclaim all that they were supposedly robbed off in the past by the Genji. With their great ninken and many people gathered up, it was clear to Hachirou that there was no diplomatic solution. He showed Kaliyah for the first time how things are not always nice, how she can't help everyone and how she must be careful with these kinds of people, who she can and can't trust.

The opposing clan's rising rebellion was quickly snuffed out with the leader losing his life before the young girl. Anyone else who remained alive was sent into exile with their land now belonging to the Genji, and the wars between other clans still raged wild. No one was doing much to stop them either, everyone waging their own battles and caring only about their own greed and safety. It only pushed Kaliyah more to pursue the ranks that her fathers business could grant her, to try and help out in any way she could, although now she had a different outlook on life. Thinking that when she became of proper rank and age, she could help bring some protection to the people at the very least. Her work doubled and now she barely spent time at home; guilt would chase her for that, knowing her sister and mother were under relentless abuse from the old nan. If possible, she would visit them through the day, but later with her mothers growing distress Kaliyah stopped her daily visits. Even her own mother started to shame her for certain things, saying how she was becoming just like her father in her eyes, and would now only cling onto Utiss, not letting her out of her sight.

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_______

New Hope

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Her mother's growing neglect and her father's emotional absence did weigh Kaliyah down for a period of time, but with the growing duties and tasks as well as many travels she was sent on, she pushed it all to the back of her mind. The choices taken and all the work did harden Kaliyah's heart. Towards the fourth year of being under her fathers guidance and having witnessed many other clans and battlefields, Kaliyah was slowly starting to become a target for her fathers foes. Seeing that she was vulnerable but very knowledgeable, she was the weak link.

Hachirou was no fool either and now especially seeing how much knowledge ended up reaching Kaliyah and just how many secrets too, he took action to lend some protection over his first daughter. He had grown hope in her skill and knowledge and his love for her still grew stronger in his heart. A man named Iwao became her guard, and sensei in the art of taijutsu and ninjutsu. No one knew much of Iwao or how he came to be, when he came first into their village and compound he was the greatest talk among the common folk, and he would soon go to impress many as well as he took the mantle of protecting the head of the clan. He first served Botan and his mother, after the mothers death and upon Hachirous order, Iwao stepped aside. He was a gruff man, quiet but also very careful when it came to taking care of young Kaliyah. The only issue being that now, with rising threats, Kaliyah had almost no privacy and always had him behind her shoulder, watching over her like a hawk.

In his teachings he was quick and stern but knew how to lend his assistance if his student was falling behind on certain lessons. Iwao knew her limits and would ever so often push at them in ways that wouldn't result in harm but rather provoke success. A man of few words but many actions, the sensei-student duo would start to bond over time, even if it still remained at the superficial level they grew to trust each other. Iwao taught Kaliyah the ways of the blade, soon after he would find out her expertise with the Wind release. She was showing great potential in both taijutsu and ninjutsu as well as strategy and planning. Showing great traits of a natural born leader she would be quick to accelerate in her studies and training.

The jutsus that Kaliyah learned would greatly come to overpower Iwaos lighting release, but would cancel out in his fire releases in which Kaliyah would have to find other ways to claim victory over her sensei. In the first year Iwao had to enforce many rules and shrink their field in which they fought due to the constant dodging on Kaliyah's half. She moved like the wind itself, very quick on her feet and agile like an eel. But soon later she would become more confident in these skills and take a great liking to the martial arts. Now it was always a game of push and pull until either one yielded or won.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

________

The Senju

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

As she approached the years before her teens, Kaliyah was officially sent on an assignment of her own, the journey would take long. The task at hand being to deliver a message to the clan head of the infamous Senju Clan. The letter contained the handwriting of her father, sealed with the sigil of the Genji clan. It was given into Kaliyahs hands to protect and deliver, although a copy was secretly given to Iwao in the worst case scenario. The two travelled on their own, as two people could travel just as fast as one, and it would be much easier to move undetected through the lands. Most of their journey was on horseback. Kaliyah was ecstatic, optimistic for a good portion of the way, Iwao noted, but he also noted her will and great composure. Something he also saw once in Hachirou and Botan years ago. The journey took a turn when they were almost assassinated by ninja of an unknown Clan. The assailants wore no sigils or anything that would define and give away where they could have come from. Kaliyah was the first one to take notice of the enemy chakra, a surprise to Iwao who believed that Kaliyah didn't have any sensory abilities at all. Thanks to the collaborative jutsu of Iwao's strong fire release and Kaliyah's wind release did they defeat the enemy. The scuffle did leave Iwao injured, a kunai having sliced at his leg and right forearm, meanwhile Kaliyah was able to dodge most of the attacks and only get away with scuffs and bruises from when she was thrown off her horse.

Still they managed to make their way to the Senju compound unbothered by any other attacks. For the rest of their journey Iwao had started to ramble to Kaliyah about the Senju, and their ties with the Genji. He told her of how Hachirous' father had done a great deed once, helped the Senju with reclaiming a part of their land and even saved the head of the clan from certain death in one of the battles. Upon their arrival, Iwao let the young girl lead the conversation, relying his trust in her and making this a test of everything she had learned already. She held her own adroitly. His figure would loom over hers even on horseback, watching her with careful onyx eyes that hid pride behind a curtain of coolness and professionalism. The meeting was quick, although what Hachirou had asked of Butsuma Senju had to be considered before a decision was made, so their stay was prolonged. Genji wasn't the most active ally of the Senju but they have never disappointed or given any doubt, collaborating with them on several occasions for a shared goal. While they stayed, Iwao's wounds did fester suddenly and feverishly. The kunai that inflicted the wounds turned out to be coated in strong poison. The Senju were generous enough to lend him medical aid, and offer them both a safe place to stay. Iwao would often talk in his dazed state, mumbling under his breath or even leading a full conversation with someone unseen in the room when his fever was at its peak. Now, without her trusted sensei she was trusted to lead all affairs on her own accord. Being in a lands new to her and at risk of attack, she would be quite strained.

Thankfully by the end of the week, Iwao did make a full recovery from the poison and his wounds. Thanking the Senju leader profusely, the duo finally took their leave with a Senju medic accompanying them on their journey back. The medical nin was planned to stay in their compound and take a few students to teach them medical ninjutsu, as the Genji only had one good medic in their clan left. Kaliyah was happy to speak to the medic on their way back, asking about the many scrolls she brought with her and listening intently on what she had to say. Kaliyah felt a lot more comfortable outside her own clan's territories, being much more social too. Hachirou, upon hearing his daughters report, was happy with the newly secured bond between the Senju and the Genji, as well as the medical-nin that was sent to aid them. It was the first time Kaliyah saw her father be genuinely happy with her doings. The teaching of new medics started immediately the following month.

But what else awaited her at her clan was the sudden spread of vile rumors about her, where this time the people believed them. What her father gave her with his happiness and compliments, the demeanor of the rest made for negativity and that overshadowed the positive mood of the young girl. The other children she used to play with would now be pulled away by their parents whenever they saw Kaliyah coming. And the older folk she used to talk to never seemed interested in starting a conversation with her anymore. It confused Kaliyah more than anything, what kind of thing was told about her that made even the old man Haru spend less time telling stories and avoiding contact with her. The mystery of this would be revealed by no other than her younger sister, who also was going to partake in studying the medical-ninjutsu, that the rumor was started by the Old Nan and possibly spread by Botan as well.

It was told that she brought shame to the clan on their latest journey, how she ruined every tie with the allies they had beforehand, who in truth were lost to the opposing clans' treachery and greed and on her fathers command, not hers. She didn't even have that sort of power and rank yet. These were not even the worst of it all, as Kaliyah knew them to be lies. What really struck Kaliyah was the supposed rumor that her own father was planning on resigning her and planning to betroth her to someone unknown to her, to strengthen a bond with yet another clan. That would mean effectively getting rid of her from his work and removing her free will. Like a salt on the wound and what Kaliyah took to be true, Hachirou made her take a break from her duties, commanding her to instead return to her own hobbies and whatever she would have liked. A break that would last for an unknown period of time; Kaliyah was certain this was the end of things for her.

Later one late evening, Kaliyah retreated into the woods she didn't visit for the more than four years she had been made an apprentice. An old cottage house that stood under a great canopy of tall and old trees still remained there, enveloped by pale ivies and great shrubs that climbed all the way to the roof and grew even on the inside. It was a remote place, quiet and very far away from the center clan grounds, far away from the jests and rumors. It was the place where she managed to nurture a cherry tree on the side of the house that now grew far above her head, the branches filled with unopened blossoms. She hid in one of the rooms that was engulfed in darkness, sunlight unable to come through the thick ivy. Iwao had managed to find her the next evening, when she had let out her sorrows into the night. When all misery evaporated, leaving behind a lack of any sensation.

"Little bird.." Iwao called to her, for a moment afraid when he noticed her unmoving figure in the dark. Kaliyah did not respond to him, having no strength to voice any of her thoughts. Instead her glossed eyes found his, before she averted her eyes and only padded her way onto the porch of the little house where the two sat down, knowing Iwao wouldn't let go of this that easily. Kaliyah didn't want him schooling her, she hated being looked down on in any way, and at first sense of it when he spoke her expression turned sour, anger churning in her, but she didn't act on it in the end.

No matter how much her frown dug itself into her features, no matter how much Iwao spoke to her. She grit her teeth and remained silent. In the end her sensei ended up talking about an old story, a story from his childhood. Surprisingly so, it definitely took Kaliyah off guard seeing how he rarely spoke of himself in the past. He was the greatest mystery. He told her of how terrible he was as a child in terms of temper, an orphan boy in a small clan that could hardly tolerate him at times. He made mistakes of trusting certain people, who spread horrible rumors about him which turned him quite resentful. Even going as far as considering taking some sort of revenge for making the whole village hate him. He was just as adventurous as she was,he told her, often traveling way beyond the borders and into the wilderness on his own. That was until the absolute destruction of the place he called home. He returned to the sounds of thunder and screams of agony with the whole village set ablaze. From there he became very vague, he was taken by someone but he managed to escape and started to jump town to town in search of hope. And he found hope when he met her father.

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______

Calm before the storm

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

The state of the small but growing Clan was starting to worsen. Many more fell victim of the ways of war and many more were injured on the battlefield. Once a powerful and noble clan now became a vulnerable target. They started to fight day and night, pushing the enemies off their grounds and trying to keep them away; there was no more diplomacy. Hachirou was now all about the battles, violence, and even he attended the many battles around his home. Atsuko was now always in her room, often with Utiss when her daughter was free of studies. The tangible tension in the household was now at its peak. There was no more trust and no more kindness that once was there. No more love. Only hatred and suspicions.

Kaliyah still remained quiet, her voice of reason overthrown by her father's sudden evil and his siding with his mother. The young girl opted to sneak away and spend her nights in that cottage after everyone else fell into slumber. That is also where she would often meet with her sensei who tried making the times easier for her by bringing paper made birds or pulling the tricks in sparring that she once found amusing and laughable. Iwao himself was growing uneasy with the familial situation, having raised Botan in the same fashion he did Kaliyah until he was made to step back from active duty. Only Botan took on a more damaging nature as he grew. Iwao understood what Kaliyah represented to Botan, it was unmistakable. To Botan she was nothing but a threat and a rival. Seeing just how much Kaliyah naturally did better at the business their father gave them, how much more thoughtful she was and eager to help; it was only a matter of time until Botan stood against her.

A sudden illness struck her father and got him bedridden. It was during his time at a battlefield far from their home and by the time they got him to a proper medic he was already slipping past their fingers. The medic did as much as she could, Utiss helping her make remedies in hopes of improving her fathers help but in the end they were only able to stabilize him. A forbidden jutsu was the thing that caused the harm. It clung to the chakra networks and successfully muted it, and asides from that it affected the blood cells and made any of the body's effort to cure the fever a failure. It took a few days for him to finally come to consciousness and when he did he called for Kaliyah again, much to her relief.

Quickly jumping back into the waters she followed her fathers commands, with Iwao at her side. The lies were still spreading around like wildfire again and her status and motives as half Sen-Ryoko were questioned by many. Some directly giving offense to the girl. It took half a month for the jutsu to carry her father into his grave. All while she and Botan sat by his sides in shifts avoiding each other whenever possible. Just days before he fell unconscious again, in what most guessed to be his final time, Hachirou wrote a letter, stating that he names Kaliyah of the Clan Genji the head of the Clan and the heiress. This was shattering to Botan, who nurtured nothing but hate for Kaliyah, her mother and her sister for the past year. So much to the point of hate being his fuel. He was the rightful heir, he had the right, he was not some half bred child who had other clans blood. The news absolutely enraged him. And at the advice of the old nan, he decided to go through his plan of killing the threats.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

______

The Exile

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Iwao, who still moved between the heirs of Hachirou, overheard this conversation. He never believed he would take it this far, never. Iwao hurried to the mother who was still grieving, and her two daughters trying to comfort her. He practically busted the door down, commanding them to pack the necessities and to follow him. Atsuko, even in her deep grief understood, and struck with great fear for her children's safety she was quick to move. Meanwhile Kaliyah stood in the main room of the house, questioning Iwao-sensei. The light of the half crescent moon shone through the large windows, and then it turned to dancing flames of fires set around the house. Realizing how little time they had, Iwao pushed Kaliyah to start running, Utiss and her mother waiting by the back door. It was only a matter of time before the ninja themselves arrived at the location. Iwao ran behind them while Atsuko took the lead, pushing their way through the great thicket of woods that swallowed them whole.

Grass almost reaching up to Iwaos hips, Utiss being completely swallowed by the green. The approaching steps of the ones after them were swiftly approaching, they made no attempt at staying quiet, each branch the scaled and each step they took was marked by an audible crunch or a hollow creaking sound. They made their way into an open cave, an old mine whose tunnels lead to open fields and a certain escape. Iwao suddenly stopped when they reached the middle of the tunnel's path. He told them to go, to flee. All three of them stopped, hoping Kaliyah would be first to argue. Iwao was surprised to hear Atsuko's voice disagreeing with him. Leaving her two daughters she took long and swift strides until she stood before him, the flame of the torch he held illuminating her determined but distressed gaze.

Labored breath, her expression formed in one of sadness now. Iwao stood quiet, listening to the thundering pursuit of the team sent after them, if not half the Clan too. Turning to look at her children the woman smiled, in what felt like years, after so long of misery in the home she was genuinely smiling at them. Iwao tried to reason with her then, trying to argue how her children needed their mother but his arguments cancelled out. Utiss first ran into her mothers embrace, tears streaming like waterfalls, beginning her to come with them. "No one has to die." Meanwhile Kaliyah stood before her mother, glossy eyes and a solemn look. Iwao, at loss of arguments and lack of time, snatched Utiss by the arm and started running again, flying past Kaliyah who soon followed after saying her own goodbye to her mother, a simple vocalized goodbye to her mothers apology. A single tear rolled down Kaliyah's cheek before she turned around and disappeared into the darkness of the humid cave. Last thing she really saw was her mother weaving signs, a thick dirt wall rising from the ground and blocking her own escape to the other side. Despite her lack of practice and years of being a housewife, her wits were still as sharp in her last moments as they were in her youth. Using the cloak of the darkness as her main shield and using what she knew of taijutsu and ninjutsu to buy any time she could for the escape of her two daughters.

Days would go by since then with great tension between the trio, Utiss being the most affected by her mothers death. They barely stopped for rest or even food and water, all three of them were growing tired by the hour. Encouraging the girls to keep going, Iwao led them further away into the wilderness of the lands that remained unclaimed. It wasn't until Utiss had fallen unconscious that they were forced to stop, taking shelter in the tall tree trunks, far from anyone's reach and prying eyes. They rested there for a period of time, waking up to a fire at the trees twisted roots and Iwao-sensei at its side. The smell of smoke and cooking meat woke them both up.

Iwao told Kaliyah that he was uncertain where they had to go, the Sen-Ryoko clan was their only option if they planned on reaching any form of safety. But Iwao scarcely knew of their location and now with the lack of whispers and news bringers, they had to really work to find their way around safely. Kaliyahs skill at travel came naturally to her, enhanced by her previous knowledge and previous travelling. Now they were at an all time risk of being killed, be it by their pursuers or by another clan whose territory they may stumble upon even if they were careful with where they headed.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_____

The Kyofū

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Months after their initial escape they have made their way closer and closer to the shores and the sea. They had come across many small cities where they ended up finding more food and other supplies. Both Kaliyah and Utiss underwent a more subtle form of training from Iwao, focused primarily on the art of stealth and staying undetected. During this time, physical training was put off so as to not draw attention to themselves. Utiss, who was quite unsatisfied and stubborn to these techniques in the start, did well in the lessons, even succeeding past Kaliyah in certain aspects. Where Kaliyah was more prone to clumsiness, Utiss was quick to act and smooth things over, quick witted.

They stayed near the many rivers that lead to the sea for a while longer, resting and smoothing their skills. They were getting comfortable until one day a group of mercenaries recognized Iwao. They became surrounded and even if all three of them somehow worked together, they were at a great disadvantage and any attempt at fighting would ultimately fail. Kaliyah would have taken up a sword still, pushing her sister behind her. The leader of the small group of mercenaries revealed to seemingly hold quite a grudge against Iwao, spitting hateful and quite rude comments to which Iwao stayed quiet and confused, but in the end the man surprisingly laughed. All past comments now left in the dust, all made of sarcasm that the two sisters could barely grasp. Much to all of their surprise. Iwao soon followed in on his laugh. The two would hug, greeting each other with the title of "brothers of war". The tangible tension suddenly disappeared from the air and Iwao would go on to explain their situation briefly, going as far as to ask for the mercenary leaders - Tsuyoshi- for their aid.

Tsuyoshi agreed, although he freely expressed his distaste for their plan to reach the other clan, saying how they should have just forgotten about it all and started a new life, mentioning how dangerous it all was, including the clan themselves. Later he would even mention the great serpents and eagles they possessed, stories carried from ear to ear between people,, confessing that it was his least liked place to go. They packed their scattered things and started their journey with the group as early as sunbreak. The travel was tough now, having to keep up with the ever changing schedule and fast moving pace of the group that was named The Kyōfū. Due to the situation of the three, the journey to the great plains north-west took even longer. Having to do a full detour across the desert. During their travels Kaliyah would hardly let Utiss alone, even if she was in the company of Iwao who she grew suspicious of. She couldn't understand how he could trust them. Her image of them soured even more when Tsuyoshi criticized her for not standing up properly against Botan when she had the time. It greatly frustrated her, his way of thinking and way of doing things. His way of thinking was so simple. But if they were to reach the Sen-Ryokō, she had to have patience, which by that point was starting to dwindle.

Finally, after almost a month of travel they reached their destination. The sand and rock which they got used to travelling through turned to green and lush grass, hills and mountains would start to surround them, loom over them and Kaliyah was certain that sometimes the tall giants of mountains had eyes of their own. The mercenaries made camp in the great roots of what they called the Mother Mountain. The trio was almost free to go, with Tsuyoshi constantly warning his old friend about the supposed nature of the people they were trying to find. He told so many tales and alleged truths it made Kaliyahs head spin with the numerous possibilities. Her mind was oftentimes going to the ideas of dragons, in which case they stood no chance against them if it came to the worst of the worst. All their attempts would have been in vain. The tales her mother told her all now resurfaced as well as the tales of the Old Nan, ingrained in her head till the end of days. It made Kaliyah fearful to the bone, but now with having to take care of Utiss and remain strong, and with how often she got criticized for such things, she remained quiet and completely closed with her emotions. Withdrawn completely within herself. She was becoming homesick for the place that didn't exist.

The place she was born in was no longer her home, and the Sen-Ryokō didn't seem so great and friendly anymore. Utiss showed her gratitude for the group's aid by giving them medical treatment and advice for any future incidents, getting to know the people of the small group through that interaction. Utiss still continued on with the techniques Iwao taught them, subtly pushing each of them to tell her more. Despite her older sister's disagreement, Utiss still went out of her way to collect intel and soon after became friendly with the others. She showed hesitation when it was time to part with the Kyofu, while Kaliyah was happy they were once again alone, even with the risks it all brought. There was no backing down. The trio would quickly come across and once again be cornered by someone, this time Iwao recognized their sigil, their symbol. In their quick quarrel the four of the foes worked as one, it was quick to catch them, but at the moment of Iwao's realization and confession they were hesitant and suspicious of the three. The three could have been a part of a greater plan. So instead of the nice treatment they were practically taken hostage and brought before the Clan leader and elder. Iwao, despite his usual, diplomatic self, after the tough journeys and almost no sleep, pleaded with the man to give the girls the safety. It took a long conversation between him and the leader before the girls were brought in as well to speak. Kaliyah spoke the most, with Utiss chipping in every so often to vouch for her sister and Iwao-sensei.

Upon a long and thorough conversation between Iwao, Kaliyah and the clan leader, they were allowed to stay under strict supervision until they proved themselves to be true. The old man was greatly saddened by the death of his only child, regretful of his choice of sending her away, yet it was too late to grieve now. He had taken a liking to the two sisters quite quickly after, seeing a lot of their mother in them and seeing as they were nothing but children he felt sympathy for their situation. Kaliyah and Utiss, despite Iwao's worries, were pulled away by a pair of clan members, two older women who made sure the sisters were well fed and got a new change of clothes. While Utiss quite enjoyed the attention and the warmth the women brought with them, the affection they tried to show in hopes of bringing comfort; Kaliyah was very unsure. Mind still plagued with worries and many things alike. Remembering the things her mother had told her about the Clan, all the things she heard about the Sen-Ryokō, she didn't want anything more but to be left alone. She had started to dream about going back to the cottage and being at peace.

The following days were spent with their trials, from things as blunt as combat experience to more subtle things where members of the clan were sent to subtly interrogate the three. It quite some time until the clan decided they were worthy enough of their trust and would finally start to treat them nicely. Upon request, Kaliyah met with the clan leader, her grandfather. He told her that the word brought the Genji were quite weak, but that Botan was nowhere near nice when it came of the Sen-Ryokō people that were left behind. He asked of her to tell him everything as his plan was to infiltrate and take the people back, perhaps even attack, even he was unclear about his plan. Kaliyah was opposed to the idea of going back, it was not worth the trouble and risking even more lives as well as her own. She came off as quite selfish in their discussion, but with nagging from Utiss and Iwao, she succumbed to their request. It was true, she didn't want to do anything but stay far away from the Genji grounds, but she couldn't deny the guilt that ate away at her when she tried declining to help them. And as the second oldest, and only heir of the Sen-Ryokō, she was forced to care and accept. So many people were sent under Botan controlling claws, and so many were suffering each day. It was an internal battle Kaliyah had to fight. In the end, Utiss and the other two won the discussion, which resulted in Kaliyah starting her training once again and harder than ever before. Technically, as she was the only child of the clan head, and the oldest, she was to become its leader one day. But due to her young age, she was not officially rewarded with that title. Iwao would become her best advisor and the holder of the said title.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_____

The Old Lair

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

It did not take long for Botan to send people south for their heads. The small team that infiltrated the borders were quickly noticed however; few border guards lost their lives in the process of their swift attacks. Their main goal was to find the sisters, and they didn't take a break, they barely spared anyone else their time even when the alarms were sent out. By the time the team reached the location of the younger sibling, the news of the intruders had already spread around like wildfire and both Kaliyah and Iwao were already at the location as well. The moment before the blades crashed felt overwhelming, seeing the faces of the ones that were in their pursuit that night, the ones who killed her mother too no doubt; Kaliyah felt sad, then angry, almost revenge thirsty. She has never felt that amount of anger before, that amount of grief turned to rage. While Utiss fled to safety behind them through the maze of the forests, Kaliyah and Iwao along with several others ruthlessly fought against the intruders. Iwao yelled over the noise and the ruckuss at Kaliyah who was slowly losing herself in the battle, not sparing a single blow, not pulling any of her strikes back. She could barely hear him, or she chose not to hear him, she didn't know for sure, she could hardly feel the pain when the enemy's blade made contact with her flesh. But once she saw that the battle had to be wrapped up quickly, as their fighting was damaging things around them, Kaliyah took it a step further, almost forgetting all things she had learned and instead distracted half of the group, pushing them into chasing her. The chase was long and swift, with Kaliyah leading them through the great plains of the mountains, far beyond the borders. It was then when the effects of the blood loss began to weigh her down. The winds were wild that night, rising great dirt and sand storms around them and almost knocking them all over certain cliffs.

Once she reached the higher points of the mountain she turned around in order to face them, they were out in the open now, she noticed finally. Moon shone down upon them and the smooth stone while the raging wind continued to blow. Steel crashed against steel, sending sparks flying all around into their faces. The young heiress didn't back down, but she was now weak despite her stubbornness. Even with all the anger and the will she held, she couldn't defeat them like this. Gathering all strength she could and with the help of her chakra, she jumped high into the sky before weaving the signs of her wind jutsu. Sending a quick but powerful wave of winds that sliced into her enemies and the floor like it was nothing. As she began to fall back to the floor the ground under her suddenly cracked. Two of the men that survived her attack suddenly got up and charged at her, tackling her to the ground and thus making the ground completely shatter underneath them. They fell into the dark abyss, the half crescent moon only giving them some semblance of light.

Kaliyah used the winds to her advantage and cushioned her fall by the slightest, while the other two had caught onto the ledges they could grasp. She was now completely cornered, in the complete darkness she could tell that there was no way out. The enemies loomed over her, she was certain this would be her end. She was almost out of chakra and the previous anger was washing off, leaving all the pain and soreness behind. The two above her started to chip in comments through gritted teeth, words like venom as they slowly dropped from one ledge to the other, carefully making their way down. Kaliyah gathered herself, gripping her sword in her hand as graciously as she could. Blood stained the ground. A small breeze was blowing in the small cavern, something Kaliyah didn't understand. The warmth of it was a great contrast to the freezing winds of the mountain peaks. Kaliyah focused on the two ahead, placing the blade close to her face, a short moment to admire the fine blue sheen over the cool steel. Just when the two charged she stepped into the darkness and dodged the kunais one of them sent her way. Just as she appeared once again in their field of vision, something bigger stepped behind her.

The horrified looks of the enemies faces alone made Kaliyah's blood run cold. The small rumble of the ground and the warm breeze returned at a bigger scale and just in the last second Kaliyah dodged behind a great rock when a stream of hot fire lightened up the cavern. The fires licked at everything, warming up the stone where the young girl hid but she didn't step away until the flames stopped and the screams of anguish subsided. Panting and drained of all energy, her mind was hazy and going wild with the situation, attempting to wrap her head around it. Daring to pop her head out from behind the rock she was met with big green eyes illuminated by the dying flames, teeth sharp as daggers and white whiskers resembling snakes. The snarl of the great beast was slowly fading, and when its burning gaze met Kaliyahs the beast let out a guttural growl.

A dragon stood before her. Scaring her from her hiding she was pushed to stand directly under the moon's glow while the only thing she saw of the beast was the glowing eyes and the illuminated maw it possessed. The beast sniffed at the air, at her scent, the moment felt as if it lasted so much longer, each second felt dragged on to the end. Suddenly, it spoke. "Go." It was enough to snap Kaliyah out of her dazed state, seeing the horrible beast retreat into the darkness and she no longer felt frozen. Her feet were quick to move and find her footing as she scaled the steep walls of the cavern, without a thought she climbed out and made her way down the mountain. Next time she woke, she got quite a bit of scolding from Iwao, scolding her for her actions.

But night after night, her dreams were filled with the scene when the dragon stood in front of her. Sometimes the dragon in her dreams would burn her to ash, and in others he'd simply stare from the darkness. Kaliyah would begin to question if she was just dreaming of dragons and thinking that perhaps she didn't actually see one. Whatever the truth was, it bothered Kaliyah and when duties gave her time off she ventured into the village in hopes for answers. Over time of their initial exile and time in the foreign lands, Kaliyah became completely withdrawn and secretive, her social skills were no longer the best and polished. She became blunt, asking some of the older people of the clan about stories of the flying beasts. It was a bit upsetting, seeing how some of them reacted, sour reactions, but most of them were more than willing to tell her. The last great dragon of the clan had died almost 200 years ago, and it cost them almost everything. Before that, dragons were highly valued among the clansmen, the people a dragon chose to work with were treated with utmost respect and were the guardians of the Clan. The dragons and their masters were seen as the force to be reckoned with, nothing could get past them. The kin of the great beasts was slowly thinning out, not that there were too many to begin with, but when it came to the last known dragon it became a sad story.

The last of their kind, the honorable beast, burned his master to ashes unexpectedly, along with the many that closely worked with the woman. They were left alone and hearing their great loss many other clans came to claim the fertile lands for their own. They were defenseless. No one was there to protect them after their own guardians left them in the dust and the dragon they once looked up to disappeared, dead they said. But now Kaliyah knew it to be a lie, she had just seen a dragon! The dragons were not dead, the one she encountered was a youngling, still small. While the great beast that betrayed them was described as a looming giant. A lot about the dragons was shrouded with biased opinions and the information was very vague so a lot was left up to Kaliyah to find out. The time would prove for it to be a hard task to gather intel, this would take time. With that taking up too much time, time that she could otherwise spend more productively, she decided on an additional approach.

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moar villain tobira designs ^-^