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Both of their anger vanished after hearing the man state he wasn't Drago. This... this being wasn't Drago? Impossible! They wouldn't believe it. Maybe it was another trap? Perhaps Drago was trying to give them a power that would eventually kill Ella. Or maybe it was no power. Could that so easily trust someone like this? He seemed every bit like Drago but... the manner in which he acted wasn't exactly how Drago would act. And besides, Drago would think Ella was dead, right? After what happened in Hidden Leaf. Unless- No, this had to be a trick. And yet Ella would follow after this man. Sai growls and barks one angry bark at Ella who stops. Ella could see the figure she believed was Drago continue on as she awaits the insults of Sai. Not a one. Sai said nothing. But she knew he would be more than just angry if she followed after the supposed Holocaust. She slowly tilts her head in Sai's direction, one glassy eye peering deep into his, before turning back around. The creature in her arms whimpers a little before Sai lowers his muzzle to the ground. Sai wondered what exactly Ella wanted in life after the incident with Team Drago in Hidden Leaf. Or maybe it was all a sick dream. Maybe this all was a sick dream. Sai didn't understand any of it. Ella wanted revenge on Drago and his Team for not only seeking her out to cause her harm but taking away something precious to her. And now she was so willing to believe Holocaust who seems so much like Drago to Sai. Finally Sai convinces himself to follow after Ella, Holocaust, and the tiny creature in Ella's arms named Heartless. After all, Drago was never one for sneaky tricks. He was always open about doing whatever he planned to do.

"I guess you want me to apologize for calling you such a name as Drago... I was a little overwhelmed by rage. I believed you to be him." She wouldn't admit that she still did instinctively. "When you say corrupt... will it make me... more evil than I am already considered to be?" Ella wanted to know if it would make her any worse than she was. Ella had no qualms over killing if the need arose. She only had a soft spot for her loyal comrades. If she had to, she would kill anyone but maybe Sai and Heartless, that was all. But there had yet to arise such a time. So she didn't want to get so evil that she would kill either of them without a care or harm her comrades for no real reason. Ella begins strolling after Holocaust with Sai close behind her.

Words = 459

Sword Count = 1

Both Ella and Sai wished that Ella's response would be one of mocking or a cocky statement but Ella couldn't word an insult. She could think of some but she couldn't speak any aloud. The words would jumble together, she could feel they would. Decision after stupid decision. Things were like this for Ella: She joined Naomi who was a member of the Akatsuki in order to destroy Drago's entire team. Ella wanted to pay him back for the favor he did her. But Ella no longer needs Naomi since she has Heartless. Ella still wants revenge but she doesn't need Naomi's help anymore. But would Ella really side with Holocaust? He stated that Drago was in him somewhere. The more she thinks on it the more there are pros than cons. Ella could kill each and every member of the Akatsuki with an organization to back her up. She could also get rid of the other annoying and not as important organizations. The Cool and the Akatsuki were all that mattered to Ella as far as destruction goes. Hopefully they would be more trustworthy than the Cool whose leader tried to kill her and succeeded in killing another. But how could that be possible? Three different people in Drago's mind. Drago would be more prone to helping the Cool... Holocaust would be more prone to helping his organization... and Nibi... Nibi was big on fighting so would Nibi choose no side or the strongest? Perhaps he would choose the weakest in order for him to shine more. Ella shakes her head. Her thoughts were jumbling together. The only thing she had to think about was if it was best for her family. Would she choose to be part of the Akatsuki, freelance, Holocausts group, or the Cool and assume that Drago wanting to kill her was nothing more than Nibi pushing him to? Ella bites at her bottom lip as Sai paces a little behind her. Finally, someone aids them in their decision. Strolling out from the forest with her head thrown high, her fists shoved into her hips, her hair flailing, and eyes aflame. The notorious homunculus Tes comes to stand beside Ella. She bumps Ella on the hip with her hip before smiling at her. "I think you should join Ella. This could pose to be quite helpful. With the aid of this Holocaust we could possibly gain certain souls we might need for the task." Tes takes a hand and places it on Ella's head. She turns back to Sai who was frowning a doggy frown. "We're mercenaries, catch my drift, Sai? You know what I mean when I tell you that this will aid us?"

"But what if it is a trap?"

"Ella didn't care about that when it came to Naomi now did she? If it's a trap then we'll be sure to prepare. I have an idea. Just agree. Trust me." Ella looks at Tes and all her thought drain away.

"Fine. I will join you. But if you betray me..." Ella couldn't find the exact words she wanted to say but none would be nice. Tes removes her hand from Ella's head and her hip and slaps them together. She smiles and then she motions over to Sai. She simply raises up three fingers in one hand and then one in another. She fans both hands and then walks back towards the cover of trees from whence she had come.

Words = 578

Sword Count = 1

Once I arrive I am lead to the forests. That’s where I spot the sorry saps and Anu. They looked like they were watching something but I don’t know exactly what. “What the-” I tried to say something only for Anu to place a hand over my mouth. I stare at her blankly before she jumps in surprise.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, “I didn’t mean to cover your mouth like that. I thought you were… We have to be quiet.”

“Why-”

“Inside voice,” she snaps in a whisper. Fine, I’ll play along.

“What are you guys doing sneaking around in the forest?”

“We’re watching the end of what could have been an intense battle…”

“Between a legend and some female who claims to be a legend.” The first twin to blab was Lucifer and then Scion. Stupid twins. Who asked you guys to speak? And who asked you guys to finish the others sentence?

“A legend? Who’s a legend? And whose the perpetrating one trying to be?”

“That big mass over there claims to be Drago…”

“We believe it is him because of his intense chakra pool.” Scion started and Lucifer ended. “It seems the female is being called Ella who is a legend in our village. She’s not human,”

“Not homunculus,”

“And not chimera though she has the capabilities of all. Since she has the abilities of a homunculus,”

“She can perform human transmutation.”

“And since she has seen the gate,”

“Most times she requires no circle for certain actions.”

“And she is a master of creating homunculus from the souls she collects from deceased and living people.” Lucifer ended it a second time and smiles at Anu’s astonished face. She was amazed at this being.

“And why do you believe it not to be her?” I figured it was about time the main honcho spoke. I mean, I am just standing here.

“Because the last time Ella was spotted and reported…”

“She was a dog,” concludes Scion as my eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

“What a freak,” I mutter. Anu pouts in my direction and I shrug.

“She’s amazing. Simply amazing! I can’t believe someone that powerful can live with a husband and child.” When hearing Anu’s assumption the twins turn to face her. Lucifer points his left hand index finger and Scion points the opposite.

“Those are homunculus. I wouldn’t call them more than tools,” they state together.

“Why is that? Because she isn’t entirely human she can’t have a soft spot for that dog and that thing?” No one responds to my question. “You people think that just because someone is different than you that they don’t feel. You think she doesn’t care about them? You think anyone who is a little odder than most has to be barbaric, cruel… heartless? It’s you people who make the world the sorry piece of s**t it is today.” Usually Valius and Art are the ones to get all sentimental about things but for some reason I felt for this Ella person. I’m not exactly normal either. I may sound like Valius, speak like him, smell like him, or even resemble him slightly but I am not Valius. I am another being. I just reside in his body. That doesn’t mean I’m some sick monster. I mean, I came for Anu did I not? I guess I am just tired of hearing the same old serenade. The twins stand upright and bump their hips together. Scion strokes Lucifer’s face subtly and Lucifer seems to coo. I take a step back while the dog I found in Moon just stands there gazing at Lucifer. He had been for some time. Anu takes a step back to which catches my attention so I speak again, “Don’t go getting freaky. Anu doesn’t seem to want to see that.”

“How did you know my name?” I guess I should have thought on it before I blurted out what I had. How could a complete stranger know Anu’s name? I could think of any lie easily. Things is, I don’t want to lie to Anu. Unlike Valius, I know how I feel about her. She’s one of the only people I respect and would ever want to protect. The twins’ presence makes it difficult for me to tell her the truth. D**n twins.

Words = 720

Day - 4

As soon as Lucifer and I snatched away Anu from Valius we found ourselves stumped. Where would we take her? We had initially just planned to ditch class with her and Valius but found that we had nothing to do. I told Lucifer that the whole thing was stupid. I also told him it would be best we went back into the school since Valius was at the door. He’d let us in. But Lucifer didn’t want to be in school so I did not fuss. We waited for Valius a while but he didn’t come outside. Lucifer called him a chicken and Anu got angry. In the end Lucifer apologized and we all wandered around the village before spotting the docks. I suggest a ferry ride and Anu agrees. But being the mischievous little devil Lucifer is, he got us a boat for Hidden Alchemy. I wondered why he’d take us home but I didn’t ask. It was fun for a while until we got there. People were complaining and fussing at the docks about a huge fight. We went to where they complained the fight was and saw everything unfold. We saw two people fighting over a corpse. I know one of them is Momiji of the Dante clan but the other blood user was a mystery. I know of Momiji because he is well known in the village of Alchemy. No one shuts up about him. Eventually this female claiming to be the VERY well known Ella of the Dante clan comes and complains about the blood and noise. She looked ready for a fight and was going to get one. A female who Lucifer knows as Frost arrives and takes the woman known as Ella on. The fight was boring because I saw nothing happen. And the worst part was that Frost went home. I wanted to see if that female really was Ella. If she was then Lucifer and I would more than likely gravel and beg for her to teach us her ways. We continue watching only to see the various reactions to a newcomer. We even saw Momiji perform an impossible feat. We saw him generate the gates that I saw when I created Lucifer. Those gates he passed through then emerged from unharmed. I had to sacrifice much more the time I brought Lucifer back. I’m surprised I’m not of the Evil alignment for that. Anyway, he emerged with a homunculis that anyone who lives in Alchemy would know… Envy. Time passed and this unknown male comes to join us in our little spying game. He is very interesting. We humored him a while before it was time to freak him out. But before we can explain he freaks us out. Somehow he knew Anu. That makes me wonder, who is this male that sounds like Valius, smells like Valius as Lucifer told me, and is dressed exactly like Lucifer minus the hoody for warmth?

Words = 493

Ella listens to Holocausts final words before he gives her the power he had spoken of. Sai tramples the dirt as Holocaust leaves. She turns around to Sai and shakes her head lightly. She wanted to say something but couldn't figure out what. She simply extends the tiny creature in her arms to him. Black objects much like tendrils fire out from it and wrap around Sai. Sai does not pull away or show any sign of panic. Sai hears someone begin to cry out and turns to look in the direction of nearby shrubbery. The tiny creature springs from Ella's arms and onto Sai, laughing happily. Ella lowers her head and slowly glides past Sai. With his teeth, Sai grabs at the small articles of clothing that Ella wore. She stops and he releases her. "I'm going to go and rest now. I'm tired." Sai turns his muzzle to the nearby shrubbery where Heartless strained to stare. Ella follows their gaze before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

Words = 169

Sword Count = 1

I stare at Anu and try and decide whether to tell her the truth or not. Valius wouldn’t want to be outed, especially in front of the twins so… Perfect punishment. “I know more about you than you would think. You see, my name is Collab…” at the last minute I change my mind, “and I’m an old friend of Valius’. He’s told me quite a bit about you. When I saw you leave with these twins I was curious if it would be wise so I followed after seeing that Valius wasn’t following you guys.” For a minute Anu stares at me uncertain but then she nods and turns back to the ‘show’. I guess I felt a bit relieved that she believed that lie but who wouldn’t when it comes to me? I’m the side of Collab that easily lies to people and gets women into bed that are easy so of course lying to someone as trusting as Anu was possible.

“What are you-” I hear Anu yell something like that before being cut off. The twins had their hands clasped over her mouth which infuriated me.

“Get your paws off of Anu.”

“Oh no,” states Lucifer.

“They saw us?” Lucifer nods to Scion’s question. Lucifer slides in front of Anu and gets into an unfamiliar fighting stance as Scion slips behind her. I stare at them in confusion before I see why they were going on the defensive. A waft of wind blows the scent of the woman that they had been watching from behind me. I turn around and am slammed into a nearby tree.

“What do we have here? Little rats?” This woman is really hitting the wrong spots. Her ferociousness was really, REALLY turning me on. The dog that I had been traveling with barks and leaps in front of me the very instant the dog that was with this Ella appears close behind me.

“Collab,” cries Anu and I climb to my feet. When did I wind up on the ground?

“What the hell is your problem? Can’t someone go exploring without being attacked?”

“You were watching us red eyes,” the woman snaps. “Don’t pretend you all were just passing through.”

“Then we’ll just leave.”

“You saw too much. I’ll kill you and things should be all right.”

“Like hell if I’ll let you kill me or my friends-” D**n, I called them my friends. Anu is making me soft just like Valius. GREAT!

“As if you’ll have a choice-”

“So you’ll force something upon us just like that Holocaust guy did to you? If you were a decent being then you’d at the very least let Anu go free.” Anu cries out at my request but I ignore her. “I’ll take the fall for her and for this dog. But if you want to kill me and those two guys then you’ll have to go through me first. If anyone escapes then you let them go.”

“I don’t do requests, kid.” For a moment she inches towards me but seems to reason with herself and snorts. “So you’d die just to save your friends and my teammate, huh?” Teammates? Did that dog lead me into a trap? “Okay, fine, Jarumi.” I guess that’s the dogs name that led me here. “I don’t plan to really kill you. But I do want compensation for eavesdropping. What was discussed was something dangerous to know of. I can’t trust that you won’t go blabbing.”

“We won’t,” whimpers Anu as the black creature named Heartless slinks from the dog named Sai’s back. It creeps along the ground before reaching Anu. I begin to stomp it when Sai lunges and tackles me to the ground. I blink and then notice Sai isn’t a dog but a man. I try and wrestle him from atop me only for me to be too late. Anu shrieks and I shut my eyes. I hear her laughing and my eyes pop open. I turn my head to see Anu happily cradling the creature in her arms. Lucifer was being restrained by Ella along with Scion. She seemed easily capable of holding the two. So we are that easy to kill… all of us… if this Ella wanted to?

“You will be wise to never lunge for Heartless or think ill of him if you want to remain alive. He will not harm anyone. He is not a fighter. He’s just a mere child.” A child? What? And what did he mean it is not a fighter? That thing reeks of chakra. “He’s not a thing.” So you can read my mind? Jerk. Get the hell out of my head. He smirks at me, a disgusting smirk, and then he is gone. I bolt upright to see him behind Ella. He touches her shoulders and she releases Lucifer and Scion from the deadly headlock she had trapped them in. One false move and their necks were gone. Anu smiles at Ella as she cradles Heartless.

“He’s so sweet,” she states as Ella seems to smile but it slowly falls away. Anu stares at her a moment before placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s all right.”

“How do you know? You don’t even know what’s wrong.”

“My mom always used to tell me that things would be all right. As long as I believed that I could feel that things would be all right. I don’t know what makes you so sad but it will be all right.” Ella looks at her and nods slightly. Sai seems to smile at Anu before wrapping his arms around Ella’s shoulders.

“As compensation, I request that you come with me to my home. I wish to see what all you all heard.”

“Everything,” replies Anu as I grit my teeth. Lucifer and Scion eye Sai and Ella angrily but from what I could see they gave off no foul thought. “Those twins and I saw everything. That boy there came just a short while ago. He knows near to nothing.” Ella looks at Anu and slowly shifts her gaze to Sai. I could tell she was asking him what to do but he appeared to have no answer for her.

“If you all say anything about what happened here then I will kill you for sure.” I begin to comment only for Sai to glower at me. I glance from him to Ella and then Heartless with a smirk. He shifts in stance so quick that I hadn’t noticed until I saw he was beside Ella with tendril like objects restraining him. He glances back at Heartless who was happily tugging on the tendrils that had darted out from its body.

“She threatened us so I was just thinking of ways to save our a*ses.”

“Well think something else. If you lay one finger on his head then I’ll kill you and then follow you to the Afterlife and make it a living Hell for you.”

“I too am getting tired of your thoughts to harm my son.”

“Your son,” screech everyone in response to Ella’s statement.

“Yes.” She replied simply so it appeared she wasn’t going to go into detail.

“Then why does he not resemble either of you?” I look at Anu and wonder if her sweetness made her insane only to see Ella turn to her and laugh lightly.

“When I was carrying my child and Sai’s,” she places a hand on the male beside her, “an evil band of ninja came and tried to kill me. Being very good with souls I had trapped my child’s soul in my diamond necklace subconsciously after a near fatal blow to my stomach.” Anu furrows her eyebrows sadly. “I hadn’t realized that his soul was in there until after obtaining a soul from a now good friend of mines. A being of the Death Swallowers clan. Upon sealing the soul to make a homunculus I could tell this one wasn’t exactly what I planned to make. It hardly listened to orders and never really spoke. After one of my homunculus scared him when introducing themselves I realized something I should have long ago. That soul was combined with the soul of my child and thus Heartless was created. It is difficult to explain but in all I have my son that I believed to have lost. That is the form the child chooses to take. In time, I hope he will take his true form so that he might resemble Sai and I.”

“That’s so beautiful,” comments Anu. It wasn’t exactly beautiful to me but it hit a nerve. Did the attackers know that she was expecting a child when they attacked her? Would they care? Was that guy involved in some way or was that an old friend of theirs? They didn’t seem to like him much from what I could tell and was told.

“That man is of no importance though I will say that a man named Drago and his team had something to do with the attack.” I look at Sai and can see the pain on his face. If he was such a tough guy then why didn’t he protect them? I notice him sulk a bit and snort. He more than likely wasn’t around. He seems like the type who wouldn’t let something like that happen. But why wouldn’t he be with her at a time so important in her life?

“Enough,” he murmurs. I stare at him as he turns his head from us all and peers deep into the surrounding shrubbery. No doubt in my mind, he slipped up. He’s only human. He turns back to look at me and I sigh heavily.

“I would like to have a little privacy in my own mind.”

“I can’t exactly turn it off. I need to read into you as well as the others. Don’t want any lying going on.” He glances over at Anu who smiles at him while tickling Heartless. “I find your thoughts… critical. I need a little reminding of my idiot mistake.” He wasn’t being sarcastic. I notice Ella staring at me and c**k my head a little.

“So we have a Hidden Gears ninja…” How did she know? “Twin Howards...” What the f**k? “And a delicate girl who only wishes to become a great kunoichi despite her being without a clan.” She smiles at Sai and I realize what he meant by reading into us.

“So you’re a Ichazuki.” Sai nods to my statement.

“A combination of a Dante and a Ichazuki to be exact.” Finally making their presence known, the twins bow to Ella after she made her statement. She examines Lucifer more so than Scion before speaking. “He is a fine chimera. I can tell by his scent that he isn’t human. And he can understand Jarumi quite well with him being of the animal family.”

“Who is,” Anu and I cry out.

“Lucifer is a chimera…”

“Scion created me.” At that moment I realized that Valius, Art, and I weren’t so strange... or we weren’t the only strange ones at least. With so much honesty… perhaps I should confess despite my fear of running Anu off.

Words = 1,867

Day - 5