A lot of you hate me now ._. This chapter might just make that even worst >-> Heheh

To the side is picture of Akisha I drew, scanned, and then edited on my laptop. I'm very pleased with how it  came out! ^__^ Enjoy it's pretty-ness~! XD

To the chapter!!

***Akisha's POV*** 

I awoke to the sound of light sobbing. "Uhh, what-?" I stopped my question, the memory of the black panther's lifeless body being kicked aside like it meant nothing coming back to me. "O-Oh God." My voice cracked and tears began spilling from my eyes. "Joka." I whimpered out, feeling broken and useless. "Akisha-sama? You're awake?" I twisted my tear stained face to see Hana. She was on the floor next to the bed I laid in. Little tears mixed in her light fur. "Hana?" You could tell that I was asking what happened with the tone of my voice despite only having said her name. "You're in the hospital. Keio brought me here in case you awoke."  "I see..." Tears stung at my eyes again hearing her shaky voice.

"Hana, can you come up here?" I asked, patting the hospital bed lightly as I sat up on my knees. Hana obeyed my orders, hopping right up in front of me. Not a moment later I wrapped my arms around her, burying my face in her neck and chest, letting out tiny sobs. "H-hana, I'm so sorry.." I was able to breathe out despite the sobs and my face being muffled by her fur. "You shouldn't blame yourself for that idiot's stubborn mind set.." She said back to me with some plain humor. I felt her body start shaking and she rest her head on my shoulder. "Joka... That... Stupid.. Stupid.. Panther." I held on to her as she spoke of Joka in the way she always did but this time...

There would be no angry reply from him. 

"Akisha-sama?" I let her go, looking at her face, sorrow clinging on to both of us. I brushed my nose from the sniffles and wiped my eyes with my right hand, avoiding the puppet one. "Yes?" "The reason I was to watch for you to wake up is because today's... His funeral... Back at our land. If you wanted to come, then I could take you back?" This proposal set me up for several questions like, 'What day is it?' 'What happened with the fight?' and then all of this led to, 'How did I get here?' 'Who saved me?'  Even though I had all those questions, I simply nodded to Hana. Hana nodded back and I could feel her concentrate on her chakra. "Wait! Hana, I'm not dressed for this, won't I be disrespectful?" I interrupted her, looking down at the plain hospital gown. Hana shook her head with a light, humorous smile. "We're felines, you could be naked and it'd be okay." She held up her paw, letting me grab on. "This'll be the first time you've been to our realm right?"

"Yeah... I probably should tell a nurse or something though, shouldn't I?" Hana didn't answer as we both knew I wasn't going too. She preformed the reverse summoning, smoke enveloping us. 

My eyes widen as the smoke around us cleared to reveal a pasture of green. Looking around I let out a little gasp. "Hana, it's beautiful here." I said lowly, just so she could hear me over the wind that ruffled the trees in the distance. "Ah, just in time, Akisha." I whipped my body around, my hair along with my bangs flinging behind me in the breeze. My bright blue eyes matched the bright golden eyes of Surudoi Me or Suru-sama. "Suru..." I skipped on the suffix, feeling too emotional to use it.

 "I know, child. I know." His wise, caring voice echoed in the wind. I suppressed the tears that had started to gather again. "Come follow me." He said, turning to the side. Hana and I both walked along him. "Funerals here aren't too different than the ones in your realm. Who ever has passed, the entire clan shows up. If they were summonings then the other summonings show up as well. Sometimes the summoner..." Suru stopped his explaining seeing me with my eyes on the ground. "...The rest you can gather as we go on... The resting places of the deceased lie beyond the ground of Tsume no Jiin, the Temple of Claws where, as you know, all the clan's lands connect." Suru ended his explanation with that and continued walking. 

The grass beneath my feet was soft and cool. The wind was picking up some speed making the trees rattle even more. The sky was a light blue mixed with large dabs of gray from the puffy clouds. I looked up at the sky, feeling a small dab of water plop on my forehead. Looking up, I saw just how dark the clouds were. 

Plop! 

I wiped away another rain drop with a small frown. It's going to rain... How oddly.... Cliché. Tears were trying their hardest to break through as more rain drops came down. Joka would hate this weather so much. 

*****

I sweat dropped, looking around Suna for the black panther. It seemed like it'd take years to rain in this place but as soon as the down pour started Joka raced off in the village. "Joka!?" I called out, most of the people in Suna were inside, not enjoying the rain. 

I glanced at my kimono shirt and black shorts that had a little light blue skirt. The rain was so heavy that now all my clothes stuck to my skin, my hair was wet as well, so the bangs stuck to my face. I sighed to myself. "Hm, Kitten, you should watch out for pervs, with the rain gleaming on your chest like that-" I grabbed Keio by his neck, my eye twitching. "I did not ask for you to follow." Keio chuckled slyly. " here's not much fun in that." 

I dropped him with another sigh. I glanced down at my chest. "Pretty big for most fourteen year girls, no?" I glared at the cat. "I didn't ask for your opinion, dammit! Now, will you help me find Joka, or not?" Keio raised an imaginary eyebrow. "Oh? That's what we're doing?" I face planted in the wet sand before hopping back up. "Ugh, you're impossible." "Kitten, I doubt you'll find him. Joka's scared of the rain." Keio flicked his tail, chuckling at the picture I'm sure he painted in his head of Joka and the rain. 

"Joka... Scared of something?" I questioned aloud, also chuckling at the image of Joka yelping in fright. "Indeed. We all have fears Kitten. Have fun finding the idiot!" Keio bidded me goodbye with that before darting off else where. I twisted back around to another angle. Let's see, Joka would want to be dry then so he's probably under some roof some where.... I smirked to myself. Seriously, this had to be the first rain in Suna for years and poor Joka just had to be here to witness it. 

I clasped my hands together, trying to focus my chakra to my eyes, ears and nose. I didn't have to have my hands together, it was easier like this for beginners. Chakra soon enhanced my eyesight, smelling and hearing. I stumbled around, the sounds of a mother yelling at her child in the distance throwing me off, not to mention, all the rain bouncing on different surfaces. 

Wait, right, I want Joka. I breathed in trying to find his scent. Joka, had a certain musk to himself that was hinted with scents of nature. By nature, I mean that smell when you wake up and the air is clear but it has that crisp, fresh linger to it. 

Hm... I grinned to myself. Got him. 

I raced past the homes, having to use more strength to run since my feet dug in the muddy sand. I made two rights and once more left to see the sleek black panther. His fur looked damp and his eyes narrowed at all the water splashing around him. None of it really touched him since he had himself hidden under a roof. 

I walked towards the growling Joka. "H-hey." I'm not going to lie, he intimidated me when he was upset, other than that, I can handle him. "Human." He said gruffly, never taking his eyes off of the rain. "...So... Nice weather out?" Joka glared up at me. "Do you want to die?" I chuckled nervously. "No, not at this moment." "Then go away." He spat out but just in that moment I saw the flickers of fear. My face went rather serious. I placed myself next to him, sitting down on the dryer sand.

"Don't worry Joka... I don't really like the rain too. It scared me when I first moved to Konoha." Joka gave me a curious look yet he still had his tough guy exterior on. "Why is that?" I shrugged my shoulders. "I never experienced it before. I was terrified to see the bolts of lightning strike so close, the roaring thunder that matches Ryu's and Suru-sama's roars, the darkened clouds that erased the blue sky-" "The damned rain that hits you like bullets." Joka added on making me nod. 

"Yeah see, rain does suck at times." Joka nodded back to me. "Yes... Human, if you dislike the rain, why are you out here?" I waved him off. "Ah, I used to dislike it. I don't really mind it anymore. Besides... No one should have to be alone when they're scared." Joka scoffed. "Scared? I am not scared. I just hate getting wet." I let out a kinder smile. "Right Joka. Sure." He suddenly glared at me. "YOU THINK I'M LYING!?" I scooted back, raising my hands out. "Wah!? What!? No!!" I squeezed my eyes shut waiting for the impact of Joka's pounce or slashing of his claws.

"Thank you Huma-.. Akisha."  I opened my eyes to see Joka, sitting in his same spot, but giving me kinder eyes. Just as they appeared kind, they went back to normal. "Tell anyone I said that and I'll end you." I laughed at him. "Alright Joka."

*****

The rain was now matching the storm of that day. "Hello. You must be Akisha." A panther, looking like an older, fuzzier Joka claimed. I raised my head from the ground to match his eyes. I quickly glanced around to see around forty to fifty other panthers. Sitting all the same way, face ahead. A different type of flower in each of their mouths. Off to the side, Ryu, Keio and Hana sat.  I looked to the spot next to Suru, Hana was gone. She must have went over while I was remembering the day with Joka... I looked back to the panther. "Yes. I am her." The panther granted me an old smile. "I am Minoki. Joka's father." I felt the led weigh down in me. "I see.. I'm sorry for y-your loss." He gave me a slow nod. "He was everyone's loss. Come." 

I followed him, leaving Suru behind. Minoki sat in the front row of all the other silent panthers. The rain caused my bangs to fall down in my face, hiding my eyes. In front of us was the body of Joka. His normally darkened eyes were closed. Bandages wrapped around the spots of his body I assumed were pierced. He was spread out on a small pedestal. 

Tears finally stained my face again, rushing down and becoming one with the rain. "We all get to say our goodbyes." Minoki stated, walking ahead to Joka. He sat there in front of his son, eyes closed. He appeared to be saying something before walking back to his spot. Minoki gestured me to go on. I looked back to Suru, who had chose to sit behind all the panthers. He gave me a look of approval. 

I followed Minoki's example and walked to Joka. 

Closer up I could see how the bandages were wet from the rain, and how his fur soaked it up. It was almost like he was asleep. "Joka.." I whispered, gently touching his head. I looked down to see a gravestone within the earth, reading:

' Joka of the Hyo clan. Rest eternally Trickster. ' 

That's right, Joka meant Trickster. That never really fit him, but maybe in his youth he was a trickster? I felt my knees started to tremble, and I couldn't hold myself up anymore. I crashed into the wet grass, the rain splattered against my back. I tried stifling my sobs but I they came out, sounding as pained as I felt. "I-..." I wanted to say something. I wanted to apologize for not saving Joka. I wanted Joka to wake up, laughing at how weak I looked. 

I want Joka to be alive.

"Kitten.." I had my eyes squeezed shut, despite that tears pried themselves out. "Kitten?" I shook my head, not listening to the voice. "Akisha?" I grabbed my arms, holding myself together yet kept my head down. "Akisha!!" The voice made me crack. "SHUT UP! IT'S MY FAULT, I KNOW!" I screamed out, desperately trying to escape these feeling of dread but... I can't. It's my fault. If I had rested at Aiko's house longer we wouldn't have ran in to the Akatsuki or I would have been stronger. Maybe we would have went a different route or I wouldn't have need Joka there. 

I continued my sobs, my whole body shaking in the down pour. "Akisha. Young one." A firmer voice called. "There are others, who wish to leave their goodbyes." I opened one eye to see Ryu with Keio by his side. Keio never looked so emotional, sadness and concern clinging to his eyes. Ryu echoed sadness in his voice as well, but was more stable.

" I c-can't..." I covered my eyes with my hands, not wanting to be seen. "You can't move." Ryu finished for me, not a moment later he scooped down and brought my arms to his mane for support. "Come on." He said gently. I kept my head down, I didn't want to see the other panthers but a glimpse showed through to me. Most didn't even look at me, keeping their stares at the ground or Joka's body. "You don't have to worry about them thinking bad about you. Emotion expressed at a lost one shows great... Strength." Ryu said to me, trying to use the right words. "Don't do this to me... Don't call me strong, Ryu.." 

Ryu gave me a look of concern. "Akisha..." He sat down, leaving me to stand. Keio was still by Ryu's side while Hana was next to me. Panthers walked up to Joka, dropping flowers from their mouths down by him. Some seemed to whisper words to him or shed a tear.

The scythe swung down.

I flinched remembering the scene. I swiftly turned around and started walking away at a high pace. "Kitten!"  "Keio, leave her be." I heard Ryu say calming Keio. I started a small jog, running to the trees in this land, soon entering a small forestry area, the leaves sheltered me from the rain, but they also left an even darker aura. I slowed down, opting to sit against a tree. What am I suppose to do? What am I suppose to do? What am I suppose to do?  "What do I do?" I whispered out my thoughts. 

"Continue your life?" I jumped slightly. "Minoki?" I looked to my sides, trying to seek him out. "You cared a great deal about Joka, didn't you?" I looked up. Upon a tree branch, Joka's father sat. I looked back down. "Yeah... It's all my fault.. I'm s-" Minoki growled at me, hopping down in front of me. My eyes opened up wide seeing his fierce face. "Do not say that." The look faded to a kinder one. "Do you think Joka would blame you for his honorary death?" I gave Minoki a plain stare. "Probably." "Ah, but would the boy have truly meant it?" I shook my head. "I guess not... Wait. Honorary?" Joka's death was anything but full of honor, wasn't it?

"My son died for a person he loves strongly. That qualifies to be honorary, don't you agree?" I felt taken back. I didn't look at it like that. "I suppose, but Joka's death.. It's my fault." Minoki scoffed with a smile. "My son was always stubborn. Also getting in to trouble as well... Even if you had been fighting along his side, he still would have died for you. That is who he is." Tears welled up in my eyes, but not ones of sadness. Ones that were exposed to the truth I was too sadden to see. "He's right. Joka was very hard headed, nothing could stop that panther." I looked over to see Ryu, Hana, and Keio. "Guys.." My voice was softer. 

"Everyone has said their goodbyes. The funeral has ended." Hana said, mainly talking to Minoki. "Understood. Joka will be buried by members of our clan then. In the mean time, why don't you relax yourself?" Minoki suggested looking to me. "I... Uh... Alright." To be honest I still felt like curling up in a ball, but Joka... He wouldn't want that. He'd call me a wimp or something. 

"I have someone you'll want to see." Ryu said, bending down low for me to get on. "Alright." I spoke quietly, swinging myself on to the lion and grasping his dampened, dusty red mane. "Does this mean I'll see your land?" "Yes, it does." Ryu answered just before taking off. Ryu's fur was different to Joka's. Much more harden besides his smooth mane, but it still wasn't as soft or fluffy like Joka's fur. I felt Ryu pick up the pace, jumping over fallen tree branches and dodging ones that were in his way. The shadows of the small forest suddenly were erased by the light of the sun.

I looked up and around, seeing the grassy plain with hints of the raindrops that sparkled in the new found light. I raised my head even farther, up to the sky. "The clouds have cleared." I noted, letting my eyes trail along the deep blue sky back down to the ground around me. The grass soon became scattered with larger stones. In the matter of minutes there were several larger caves, stones placed out in the grass with many lionesses lying about. 

Each of them turned their heads to Ryu and I when we passed through, dipping their heads respectfully. "Wow, Ryu, you really are the only male?" Ryu chuckled, shaking his head lightly. "There are others. One before me and one after me."  "Right Tano and... There's one before you?" Ryu nodded nearing the largest cave. "My grandfather, who's interested in meeting you... Again." I propped an eyebrow in question. "Again?" Ryu didn't answer as he entered the cave, lowering himself for me to get off. "Thanks."  My mind was rather absent as I looked around the cave. Wool or some sort of comfy stuffing was spread all out in the corner, like a lion's bed. The other side held blood stains from what I'll assume was past meals. 

"Dad!! Dad!!  ...And someone else?... OH! WHOA! IT'S KI!! HEY! MOM LOOK! THIS IS KI!!" Tano's loud voice echoed through out the cave as he bounced out towards me. Happiness reaching his face while a beautiful lioness followed behind with a smirk. "Ryu, I see you're back with your summoner." Ryu nodded towards his wife, or mate. A sweat drop clung to his forehead as he looked quite uneasy. "Y-yes, that's fine right?" I snickered, understanding now. Ryu's scared of his wife. She smirked at his fear, then turned to me. "It's an honor to meet you. I've only heard the best." She bowed lightly to me. I returned the favor, bowing. "Same to you." I raised back up. "I'm Akisha Syerki." "I know, I am Yuko of the Raion clan." 

"AND I'M TANO RAION!" Tano shouted with glee, trying his best to gain our attention. "Hey Tano, you look bigger." I said, noting his slightly bigger size change. How long has it been since I've last seen him? I was still back in Suna training. Tano giggled at my compliment and then suddenly glared at me with a pout. "You never kept your promise!!" Yuko glared at her son, swatting his head. "Hush my boy! The girl has been busy."

Tano groaned rolling to his side. "But I like the human place! They have these buildings, and weird food, and this really awesome ninja named Gaara who's a Kage! He's super cool mom!! With these-" By now Tano was up and acting out his words. "-Blueish green eyes! And he has sand and-" Yuko sighed, grabbing Tano's neck and taking the active cub away. "I'll be back after I've worn him out." She mumbled, Tano's fur preventing her from speaking clearly. 

Yuko walked out making me turn to Ryu. "You have a really nice family Ryu." Ryu lifted his fuzzy lips into a graceful smile. "Yes. Yes I do... Now come child, my grandfather will want to see you." "Right, did you say 'again' before?" Ryu, once again, did not answer and turned to the front of the cave letting out a smaller roar. I stumbled back. "Thanks for warning me!" A taken back sarcasm to my voice. "Oh sorry." I sighed at Ryu. He can be quite... Clumsy? Heh, Joka was never clumsy. Joka-No. Stop. Don't compare them. Ryu's Ryu and Joka's Joka... Joka was Joka.

"HEY THERE BUDDY!!" A loud, obnoxious voice yelled. I snapped my head up to see a visibly older lion than Ryu. His mane was a dusted gray and his eyes seemed aged as well. Despite his older looks he sprinted in the cave just with the energy that could be Tano's. "Please don't refer to me as that, Miyuto." Ryu said, trying to hide his sweat drop.

Miyuto strolled on over, rubbing Ryu's head with his paw. "Awh, but you were my little buddy." Ryu's eye twitched in annoyance. He slipped out from Miyuto's paw. "I have someone you'll like to see." He said, getting to the topic. Ryu motioned towards me and Miyuto's gaze followed. Miyuto slowly walked towards me, squinting his eyes searching over me. "Hey... Your eyes are blue as Hiroh's eyes." Hiroh? Isn't that my father's name? "Hiroh Syerki?" I asked, trying to conform my thoughts. "Yes!" Miyuto yelled cheerfully. "He was my summoner! Although, it's been a while since he last summoned me." He stopped to sigh. "He gave up on the way of the ninja... But at least his wife and child wouldn't have to worry about him th-HIS CHILD!!" Miyuto's eyes widen before he started laughing. "YOU'RE HIS DAUGHTER!! OH! I'VE SEEN YOU AS A BABY! HOW MUCH YOU'VRE GROWN-" Ryu inched in front of me, blocking me from the goofy Miyuto.

"Uhhh.. What?" I asked, stroking Ryu's fur now that it was right in front of me. Miyuto's eyes seemed to sparkle. "Hiroh, your father! I was his lion summoning, well I still am, but he doesn't have use for me. When you were born, your father was away on a mission with me so I hurried on back with him. We bursted into the hospital room to see the beautiful Amaiko-" My mother. "-Holding little Akisha. Aha.. Seems like yesterday I got to see such a little, tiny human melt the heart of cold Hiroh." 

Miyuto chuckled, setting himself down. Ryu returned to my side, no longer feeling obligated to keep Miyuto at bay. "You... Are my father's summoning? And melting his heart? What do you mean?" I asked, feeling like a small child or as Keio would say; Kitten. Miyuto gestured his head down. "Take a seat if you want." I decided to accept and sat down cross legged. 

"I am his summoning, your father and his father and so on have all had summonings. The Syerki - Feline contract goes goes way, way back. I believe it first started when a Syerki had actually saved Master Surudoi Me's great, great, great, great, great... Well, you get the idea. Along the way, the Syerki line had always been males or a female, but a female with a brother. The boy always learned the summoning contract until you were born. I remember it being quite a little shock to Hiroh that it was a daughter, but it relieved him as well. Now he didn't have to worry about you becoming a ninja... After all he was thinking about quitting, but he didn't finalize it until he was ordered by the Kazekage to move because you might have been friend with the Gaara child-.. Uh."

Miyuto stopped his rambling seeing all the question marks around my head. "Stick to the questions, old one." Ryu sighed out making Miyuto nod. "Eheh, right! I am his summoning. So is a panther of the name Sarika. The other two... Have passed on. When you were born Hiroh felt so scared to keep you in his arms due to fear of crushing you!! Ahah! But he loved you so much from the first sight, he started to cry. Ahh... That was quite the day." 

I nodded my head, feeling that each time the subject of my father comes up I always learn something new. "You've grown so much. Tell me! How's Hiroh doing?" I sighed. Not a 'oh no, this topic' sigh but a sadder, low sigh. "He doesn't like me being a ninja. The relationship is tough and... My mother is sick." Ryu's and Miyuto's eyes both opened up wider. " our mother is sick?" "Amaiko's sick!?" 

"Yeah she's..." I stopped my words, feeling like if I said it, I'd break down crying all over again. Joka's gone. My mother is dying slowly. My father no longer cares for me. What else do I need?-No.. I can't think that way... My parents are alive this moment. I have a caring team. A beautiful Sensei. And of course, Shikamaru. 

"Loss is apart of the circle of life." The wise voice known to be Suru's said making all of us twist to the cave entrance. Suru sat calmly, his eyes reading over everything. I rose to my feet. "Suru-sama." I greeted, but my greeting held a thankful tune. "Even with devastating loss, you have others around you to help support you back up to your feet. And although you lose someone, you'll never lose their love. Ever." 

My eyes closed in thought. And although you lose someone, you'll never lose their love. Ever. I opened my eyes back up to Suru. "That's very.." "Beautiful." Ryu said, smiling gently. Suru looked to me with his kind eyes. "I thought you'd like to hear some of my inspirational quotes." He joked lightly making me chuckle. "Yeah." Suru moved closer. "My real purpose of coming here is I believe it's time you return to your own realm." Suru looked out the cave, beckoning my gaze to follow. "Oh? It's dark out." I said lightly, not realizing that the evening had come. "Come, come." Suru said, making me step by him. Ryu looked at me, then out of the cave at the darkened sky. "Remember Akisha, though they might not be here in the form you're used too, they are here." Ryu looked back to me and Miyuto nodded. "What the cub says is true, young one!" Ryu's ears suddenly flattened. "Cub?" Miyuto rolled his eyes. "You seem more like a cub than a grown lion to me!"  "Miyuto, I swear-" 

Before I could laugh at the scene, flames enveloped me. Swirling all around like it was a dance with the wind when just as they started, they vanished. "KI!?" Kiba yelled, looking shocked as I appeared in front of him.  I twisted my head around, not seeing Suru. Must have just sent me back here then.

"Ki where have you been!? Do you know how worried I was!? And all the more stress you put on Kurenai-Sensei!?" Kiba yelled, looking ready to tear his hair out. "I-I'm sorry! I was.. At a funeral." Kiba stopped his anger, concern mixed in his features. "What? I didn't see you there.." I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" The confusion look faded and was replaced with sadness. "One of my sum-... One of my friends passed... What do you mean you didn't see me there?"

KIba looked away and in the silence, my eyes trailed along his body. Black funeral clothes. "K-... Kiba?" I asked, stepping forward. "The team that saved you was Izumo, Kotetsu, Shikamaru-" "Shikamaru!? Is he okay!?" My voice strained as I grabbed on to Kiba's arm. "Kiba, is he alright?!"I repeated when he didn't answer. "Asuma died."

What?.... Asuma.... Is dead?

I didn't say anything and turned to the door of the room, letting go of Kiba's arm. "Ki wait!!" I felt his hand grab my wrist, locking me in my spot. "Your injuries!" I shook my head. "Don't care." Kiba's grip tightening. "You need rest!!" "Not really." I said quickly, trying to break from his grasp. "Goddamn it Akisha!! You need to rest your body!!" He yelled making me stop. I turned to him, anger and fear to his face. "Kiba. Let me go. Now." I hissed out. 

Kiba looked taken back. "But Ki, you need-" "I need to see Shikamaru, Kiba." I interrupted, prying my hand away from his. Hurt crossed his face before the anger came back. "Did you ever think he'll want to be alone?" I glared at him, not in the mood to be having this conversation when I should be helping Shikamaru. My glare trailed away when he glared back. My eyes trailed the room landing on my ninja outfit folded neatly on a visitor's chair. "Kiba, please, go away." The plea to my voice made Kiba sigh. He slowly walked out of the room, turning back to stare at me. "You care too much for certain people... Leave too little for the ones who care about you." 

I didn't get to answer him when he spun around and walked off. A guilty feeling lingered in me but I wouldn't waste more time dealing with it. I grabbed my clothes and thought about the way to reach Shikamaru's house. Sure it's late, and he might not be there, but even if he's not his parents might know where he'd be.

*****

I stood in front of Shikamaru's door. I was certain this was his house, I had been here before only a few times but I remember how the Nara forest surrounded some of it, not to mention how traditional the place was styled. It was hard to forget.

I sighed to myself. What if he does need to be alone? I don't know what to do.. Plus, I've never met his parents really formally before. This could all just collapse in to disaster. But at the same time... He could really need me. "Let it out." I strained my ears, leaning against the door. Was that Shikamaru's father? "Arrgh.. You don't understand!! .....Go away." That's Shikamaru, I'm certain of it. "....." The older voice went to say something, but sighed and I heard foot steps lead away. 

I leaned closer to the door, trying to hear even more. "Uwah!!" I cried out, suddenly having the traditional sliding door open and, of course, landing flat on to my face. I stared up to see a tall man with a beard and two scars, or as I'd know him, Shikamaru's father. "H-hi!? I was just leaving!?" I got back to my feet and turned away but his voice stopped me. "Shikamaru's in his room, down to hall, to the left." 

A question mark appeared on top of my head. "...Sir, you don't really know me though.. I mean we've met and all.. But.." Shikamaru's father smiled, shaking his head at a memory. "I remember messing up a kiss between you and my son." "W-what!? When!?... Oh yeah, back when I got back from getting Tsunade with Naruto."  I concluded remembering how his father called for Shikamaru, destroying what could have been our first kiss.

He chuckled at me, and it was just in that moment where I saw his black funeral clothes. He stopped chuckling when he saw my eyes tracing his outfit, his face returned to a serious look. "He needs to let it out. His anger. His sadness. But he won't... He needs your help. He needs you." With that Shikamaru's father turned off and walked away leaving me speechless.

I stood there, for what felt like eternity, until determination broke through. I ran through the house, stopping at the door I was led to believe that Shikamaru resided in. I opened the door, sliding in the room quietly, closing the door behind me. The room was lit up a pale blue from the moon and a Shogi board was tossed aside, the pieces scattered around. "S-Shikamaru?!" Panic in my voice. I stepped further in to the room, my eyes casting apon Shikamaru. He stood in the middle of the room, hands shaking at his sides. Anger on his face but unable to release it. Pain drifting in his eyes but unable to let it out. Screams caught in his throat, unable to force it away. 

I ran over in front of him. "Hey, hey." I called softly, trying to gain his attention. "A.. Akisha?" I nodded, confirming his thoughts. "Yeah." I whispered out. "It's me." I lifted my hand, going to gently place in on his face when he grabbed my wrist. "Don't. Just... Leave me alone." 

I didn't listen to his command and broke from his grasp, suddenly hugging on to him. His voice was so broken. He was broken. "I'm so sorry!" I cried out, tears seeping from my eyes. Shikamaru, just as sudden as my hug, dropped to his knees, little sobs breaking out. I hugged on to him tighter, burying his head in my chest. "I'm here." I whispered out again, keeping my eyes closed as I felt him clutch on to me.

The pained sobs he let out, tormented me.

The sorrow that shook him, made tears drip from my face.

His own tears made my heart ache.

What is this pain? The pain of the one you love drowning in despair?

He cried out pained screams, only succeeding in me grabbing onto him like I'd never hold him again. 

"Shush.. It's okay... I'm here. I love you. Please. Shikamaru.. I love you.." I wanted to say so much. I wanted to use Suru's words to calm him. Or Ryu's words. Something to soothe him. "Don't leave me." He sobbed out, pain and hurt still in his voice.

"Never." 

*****

Uh.. This really took a long time to publish... Please don't hate me ;-; I love you guys... Uwah, did this chapter make you hate me!? Or love me?! Or- Or-!!???

QAQ I LOVE YOU GUYS! I'M SORRY!! 

Comment! Vote! Follow!

Mainly comment your thoughts on this chapter please!!!