Child of the Moon

Classic Hero-Villain Monologuing

Tsukiko watched as Nanami was taken away, placing a hand on Aiyanna's shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Head on back up," she said softly. "Your fight can't be too far off."

"Yeah..." Aiyanna answered. "I need to make sure I make her and Aki proud."

"Make yourself proud," Tsukiko said. "I know Nanami can wake up from this and feel proud for how far she got."

A smile graced Aiyanna's face. "Right."

Tsukiko reached the top of the stairs, greeted immediately by Kakashi's concerned gaze.

"How bad is it?"

"Her spine was snapped in that first strike," she answered heavily. "After that, I don't really know. She lost consciousness almost immediately."

"Are you ok?"

He drew her aside, while Sakura and Naruto discussed how he would have to work hard to make sure he made it through. He put a hand to her cheek and guided her face to look him in the eye. "And don't try to lie. You're a terrible liar."

"I'll be alright, really," she smiled resting her forehead against his. "Let's just get through today."

He pressed his lips against her forehead through the fabric of his mask then returned to standing with his squad who hadn't even noticed that he had been in the middle of an intimate conversation... albeit a mental one.

Tsukiko took a deep breath. Once she was calm, she went to stand next to Kakashi as the next fight was being announced.

"Shikamaru Nara vs Kin Tsuchi."

Aiyanna released a breath, and Tsukiko realized that it had finally sunk in for her that maybe this wouldn't be as easy as she first thought.

"Guess it's me," Shikamaru sighed, making his way down.

Shikamaru's team enthusiastically cheered for him, Naruto helping them with the task. Aiyanna leaned against the bars when Ayame and Aki arrived.

"Aki!" Aiyanna cried, hugging her friend happily. "You're back!"

"Yeah, how the heck was I supposed to get any sleep with that moron Whatshisface-sensei muttering on and on about needing a weapon?" Aki groaned.

"Hey!" Kurai retorted. "That was an important situation."

Tsukiko cocked an eyebrow at him questioningly.

"Did... Did you just take offense to that?" Mikio questioned.

"And what does she mean by 'needing a weapon?' What happened?" Miniko asked.

"Nothing. I just feel more comfortable with my katana with me at all times. And Ayame was rude enough to deny me that right," Kurai pouted.

"It's not a right! You aren't supposed to have weapons in the medical bay!" Ayame said.

"FIGHT ME!" Kurai snapped.

Kakashi chuckled, "You've only just gotten up, and you're already picking fights?"

"I WILL FIGHT YOU TOO!"

"Calm down," Tsukiko sighed, pinching her nose. "Kakashi, just ignore him, you know how he gets."

Kakashi gave Tsukiko his one-eyed smile and turned his attention back to the ring.

"So, what happened while I was out? Who's moving on?" Aki questioned.