Konoha's Protector

Part 16 If only Everyone was You

...

"7: 20." Akira sighed looking at the time on her watch. "We made it. Thanks Shira." She said

"I should be thanking you for that ride, I haven't been on such an intense one in so long! Now go on get it to the reception, ill wait here." She told Akira with a smile

"Right, ill be back in a sec." Akira got off and turned to walk into the Feudal Lords mansion.

...

"Well wasnt that a quick reply."
The receptionist amused after checking the letter

"There was a problem while receiving the letter. Forgive me, however late it may be im still here before the proposed time so im assuming there shouldnt be a problem." Akira replied with a blank expression

"Nah your good." He said as he stamped a document with the daimyo's seal as a proof that the reply was delivered on time.
" there you go. If you need help getting a hotel to stay the night I can guide you." He offered

"Thankyou I appreciate the offer but it wont be necessary." She took the document reviewed it and tucked it into her pocket.

She gave a small bow and left the tower to meet Shira back outside.

Akira sighed

"Done, I can get back on my own now, theres no rush, so you can go." She said

She had planned to take the journey back a bit slower than she had come. She would camp out in the forest a few miles away and then start at dawn back towards the village

"Nuh uh uh, im getting you back myself, you rarely ever summon me, I need to get out too you know." Shira denied Akira promptly

Akira sighed. "Fine, I suppose I'd like a ride to ." She said with a small smile.

"See? You should start considering your own wishes too sometimes." Shira told her

"I cant, I dont deserve that." Akira said plainly

"Akira..." Shira said with a frown

"Come on lets go." Akira said diverting the topic

"Ok fine, hop on, where are we camping out again?" Shira asked although reluctantly

"At the foot of the woods at the end." Akira said as she got onto Shiras back

"Alright, that's not too far from here, let's enjoy the short night ride shall we?"

Akira gave a small smile and nodded as they took off at a steady pace, the evening air fresh as ever hitting Akiras face, probably the only thing that makes her truly smile now.

...

Akira sat, leaning on Shira's back as both of them rested for the night in front of a small fire Akira made quite easily. 

"Hey, why are you always so hard on yourself?" Shira asked thinking it was finally the right time to strike conversation 

"I dont have a choice..." Akira said, her voice void of any emotion as it usually is. 

"You should enjoy from time to time too, you deserve it." Shira told her 

"I.....dont even know what it means to 'enjoy' anymore." Akira replied 

"Well thats because you kept yourself isolated from everyone, life cant be enjoyed alone, you need to have people you love." Shira said softly "You should find some friends, im sure the people in this village are nice."

"Many people are nice Shira... plus, you already know how i feel about getting close to anyone." Akira told shira giving her a knowing glance. 

"Akira, how many times should i tell you, you cant live life without friends. Didnt your si-"

"Thats enough." Akira said a bit sternly, although she made sure not to sound too rude. 

Shira frowned sadly 

"Dont you understand? I already know what your trying to say, Ive known for a while now. I just ....dont know how to without hurting anyone." 

"Akira, the last thing your gonna do is hurt anyone, you save lives, almost every single day." Shira persisted 

"yeah, thats because i stay away from people." Akira answered 

"Maybe, but i have a good feeling about this place, I think your situation may change soon....." Shira said encouragingly, remembering the blonde leader of the village  

"Oh now thats not true you know i want you here." Shira said with a sad smile looking up at Akira

"Huh?" Akiras rare confused face looked at the sabre

"Oh Nothing, although, until that happens, you know you always have me."  Shira said as she put her head down to rest

Akira smiled softly 

"Yeah, If only everyone was you." Akira said "Only a spirit no one like me can hurt."

"Wouldnt that be amazing?" Shira said softly in an amusing tone shutting her eyes to sleep

"I really hope someone can finally save you, Akira."  Shira thought to herself  as both of them drifted off to sleep 

...

I liked first using Kurenai's character and now Shira's  to slowly start unveiling Akira's true nature. Much more to come soon! Stay tuned and hope your liking the story so far :)