As 'ChunLi' trudged along the path supporting 'Ryu' she couldn't help but feel that he was awake by now and was playing possum just to irritate her. She stopped for a while to shake 'Ryu' to see if there was reaction but received none.  

She frowned, mumbling a few choice curses she moved him from one side to the other, carefully she slung his arm around her shoulders and she trudged on. She had to find shelter soon as the scent of a thunderstorm to come clings heavily to the air.  
   

She trudged off the main path carefully so as not to drop 'Ryu'. It was not long when she found a cave in small rocky hill. No sooner had the Twisted Pair entered the cave the sky broke open and the rain started. What started as a pitter-patter of raindrops turned slowly into hard rain that attempts to beat down everything within its path.  
   

''ChunLi' propped 'Ryu' against a rock while she gathers all the dry grass and sticks she could find. A while later she found enough to start a fire at the back of the cave. As the warm light slowly floods the cave 'ChunLi' found that this cave was an abandoned den of some creature.  

Judging from the bones that littered the ground she believed that it was the cave of some giant lizard. She needn't worried about facing the creature for its bones lay among that of its prey along with the creature that had killed it.  
   

She found a large shell that she use to gather some rainwater and returned to 'Ryu's side. 'ChunLi' slowly let a handful of water trickle down 'Ryu's parched throat. She began caressing his neck; he flinched and grimaces when her fingers brushed his chest. Her attention now shifted to where his pain was felt, as she removed his vest she found that his body was covered in a multitude of bruises.  

All 'ChunLi' could do was soak a part of her robe into the water and dabbed 'Ryu's bruises. Slowly the grimace softens into a frown and then faded back into the neutrality of his deadpan face.  
   

'ChunLi' removed the robe she wore and felt a sharp pain coursing through her body. She gritted her teeth as she carefully removed the robe, unzipping the black bodysuit slightly she could see a bruise peeking out at her.  

She unzipped it further and pulled it down, her fair skin contrasted with dark bruises. Standing there bared to the waist, she raised an eyebrow, as she wondered how she had not felt anything. The wind changed direction and blew towards them, sending a tingle down her spine.  

<  Sooner or later. I'm going to get rheumatism because this.  > 'ChunLi' thought as she gingerly zipped her bodysuit up to the collarbone.  
   

Folding her robe she placed it down on a rock to act as a pillow, when she was seated comfortably she slowly eased 'Ryu' down till his head rests on her lap. Her hand kept stroking his head.  
   

She didn't like this silence. She didn't like the idea of heading south. It was like being lambs led to slaughter. Even if their only exit might lay in that direction. But then again why were their heads open like some tourist attraction? Why was everybody trying to get them?  

Why was Rose involved in this as well? Is she tired of her sire and now showed interest in her mate? Considering that not one but two Shadow Warriors had involved themselves as well. But the one thing she is sure of was that whatever the soup her mate and her are in, she didn't like the smell of what's cooking.  

Watching the rain falling heavily outside, 'ChunLi' couldn't help but wonder if she should continue south or make their stand. But then do they have much of a choice. As the Twisted Pair lay together warming each other, even the watchful 'ChunLi' was soon lulled to sleep by the coolness of the storm……  
   

------  
   

The next morning, the rain had turned from a raging storm to a light drizzle and in a short moment the rain ceased to fall. Though the sun was out and that had caused the day to be balmy as the gentle breeze carried with it the scent of wet grass after the rain.  
   

Within the cave 'ChunLi' slowly wakes half expecting 'Ryu' to be up and about mumbling about the lack of food. But instead he remained lying on her lap motionless as before. Seeing the shell with the rainwater, 'ChunLi' emptied it's contents on 'Ryu's face. But instead of him jumping up and berating her, all she got was a cough and a few choking noises then silence again.  
   

< This is so unlike you….  > She thought as she held him close to her. She could feel his heart beating steadily and the sound of his shallow breathing.  

Watching 'Ryu' she started thinking again as she ran her fingers through his hair. Still taking time to enjoy the warmth that they gave out to each other. One part of her was telling to her to ignore the _Implication_ and consummate with her mate and complete the union.  

So what if they would die a good nine months later with the mixed feelings of regret or satisfaction. While the another part of her called her an idiot for not thinking with her head.  

Then again she asked herself why were they letting themselves to be led around by their noses. She had no answer for that one. All she knew that as much as she dreaded the idea of going south, something familiar was beckoning them to go.  
   

She propped 'Ryu' against the rock again as she slowly gets up. Her legs numbed from his weight. Her hunger she satisfy from the small pouch of food that she taken while in Morrigan's castle. Pulling 'Ryu' up she slung his arm around her shoulders and trudged out of the cave heading south with a heavy heart.  
   

-------  
   

That little cottage in Southern Mokai  

The petite woman known as Miyuki headed into the kitchen where Iwa and Kumori were. Iwa handed two bowls of shaved ice that had being top with green and red syrup to the elder woman.  

"So what did big Chiefy say?" Kumori asked  
"He says that he couldn't wait to meet them."  
"How about you? Can your heart take it?" Iwa asked eating from her bowl of shaved ice.  
"I really miss my baby after almost thirty-six years. I feel excited yet apprehensive about how my baby boy might react…." Miyuki sighed.  

"Anyway it's time for you girls to go. Geoy's ready to begin. By the time you return. We would have completed almost everything. I still feel bad for what happen to Geoy back then." Miyuki said, following the girls out.  

"Don't take it too hard. I'm sure Geoy won't blame you. Job hazard." Iwa said  
"You think so."  
"Yup. I know how old Geoy thinks." Iwa added as she strapped on her sword.  

With that Kumori and Iwa headed off with Shizumaru and Rinka to rejoin the gang while Miyuki took the two bowls of shaved ice inside.  
   

-----------  
   

North-South border of Mo Kai.  
About two days later  

Sean looked sceptically at the roasted something that was handed to him. He couldn't really make out what it was and apprehensive about eating. The dog that Galford called Poppy sat down beside him looking at the piece of roasted something that Sean was holding. A large wolf called Shikururu joined in as well.  

"She asked if you're gonna eat that. If not you could let her have it." Galford said without looking up.  

Sean gave Galford a long look but the blond ninja seem to pay more attention to Nakaruru instead. Sean shifted his gaze from the piece of meat to the dog and to Sakura who didn't give that much thought as to what the meat was.  

"What does it taste like?" Sean called out to her.  
"MMmm?……Faste wike ficken….." Sakura said with her mouthful, she swallowed was she was eating and said once more.  
"Taste like chicken."  

"EVERYTHING TASTE LIKE CHICKEN AROUND HERE. GIANT LIZARD, SABERTOOTH TIGER, THAT ODD-LOOKING SWAMP THING. THAT PTERODACTYL……" Haohmaru started counting off his fingers about the things that taste a lot like chicken.  

Sean looked at the piece of meat again and then handed it to Poppy who trotted away with her prize. Poppy growled as Shikururu attempted snatched her prize away.  
   

"Here maybe this might suit your taste." Rimururu handed him a piece of meat from her rations. The Japanese girl had only joined them last night, bringing them a message from Sho and Miyuki  
"What is it?"  
"Deer meat." She said and headed over to where her wolf was attempting to break the fight  
"Thank you." Sean said, it wasn't much but that's better then having nothing to eat.  
   

"So when are those three coming back? It being almost a week." Sakura asked when she finished eating.  
"WHO KNOWS HOW LONG THEY WOULD BE. SHO CAN BE QUITE LONG WINDED AT TIMES." Haohmaru  added as he sipped from his wine pouch.  
"Yes. Like you." Charlotte added and Haohmaru shot her an angry look.  

From the distance four figures approaches them, the setting sun casting their shadows long on the ground giving the air of the four going for a showdown in some western flick.  

"Welcome back. And I thought he would keep you guys for at least a month or so." Charlotte said.  
"Well. This time was different. They're both anxious about meeting them." Kumori explained.  
"Eat?" Charlotte asked shoving the meat in front of them.  

"Wild boar?" Iwa hazard a guess.  
"Giant lizard?" Kumori added  
"Swamp thing?" Shizumaru joined in.  
"…..Wild fowl?" Rinka said  
"Deer meat." Charlotte said. The four each took a piece sat down for their meal.  
   

"So….When can we leave?" Sakura came over to join them. Iwa looked up and looked at Kumori. They both seem to be discussing something in a Chinese dialect  

"If we're lucky. Within a week. If not a month at least. Depending on how long winded Sho can be." Kumori said. Sakura looked towards Iwa who shrugs.  
   

-----------  
   

The camp went on for another day and night. The following dawn as the sun rises Poppy and Shikururu were growling and baring their fangs as they sensed something approaching. Something whose aura bothered them.  

On seeing them Iwa and Kumori were hit by some kind of Déjà vu. They both squatted down as Iwa brought out a book and started flipping through pages and comparing notes in dialect and gestures.  

<<   Are you pondering what I'm pondering?  >> Iwa started  
<<  Only if they aren't our memories but in the direction of former lives… Uncanny.  >>  
<<  Yeah….. You better be prepared.  >> she added a gesture with her hand.  
<<  That bad?  >>  
<<  Likely. Considering we're likely to be near the clear point by the time we get back.  >>  
<<  I see….. If that happens I take on Ryu gor(brother).   >>  

<<   Hey!!! I don't wanna take on Li jie! It's not easy for me.   >>  
<<   Too bad. As someone once said an opponent is an opponent regardless of relation, gender or race. Heh heh.   >> Kumori snickered  
<<   Using my own words against me huh.  >>  
<<   MWAAHAHAHAHA!!!!   >> Kumori grinned raising her eyebrows repeatedly to emphasise her point.  
   
   

"BY THE GREAT RIVERS OF EDO!!! IF I DIDN"T KNOW BETTER THEY WERE STILL ALIVE AND WELL AFTER ALL." Haohmaru seemed to voice everybody's feelings  
"They've being dead for over a few hundred or so years. This pair is not exactly them." Charlotte said.  
"I KNEW THAT."  
"Ryu San……" Nakaruru whispered  

Sakura and Sean had wanted to help relived 'ChunLi' from carrying 'Ryu' around. But a cold glare from 'ChunLi' changed their minds almost immediately.  
Nakaruru was unable to stop staring at 'ChunLi' and 'Ryu'.  
   

"What are you gawking at? You want your big eyeballs gorged out and handed over to you or something?" 'ChunLi' snarled  
"And what  are you two yakking about?! Get over here!" she indicated Iwa and Kumori.  
The two young women pointed at themselves.  
"Yes you. Unless your names aren't Iwa and Kumori!"  

<<  You know what K. I think that if push comes to shove. I'll take her afterall.  >>  
<<  Heh heh. Till the time comes my friend. Then we'll see if you can.  >> The two were the only ones allowed near them  

Memories of the past came to mind but a pat on the shoulder by Galford snapped Nakaruru out of it.  
"It's not really them." Was all Galford said.