Roses are Red

Chapter Six: Maybe

"Well, Miss Hayden, your case was an odd one and I still find it hard to believe that you were able to get through that rigorous training on your own. Had the Academy continued for more than one year, than I am sure you would have flunked out," Henry replied smugly. So far, this pompous fool had not made to Krystal‛s A-list. His eyes were cold and black like his receding hairline, and his face seemed to be stuck in a sneer, no matter what the situation. He traveled opposite of Krystal on the left side of the carriage with Hinata; she did not seem to enthusiastic about the arrangement.

Hayden, Maboroshi and Edward rolled their eyes at his statement.

"Hold on a minute, Hayden just said the program lasted a few years. What happened?" Kiba asked from the back of his trusty companion, Akamaru. On his suggestion, Hayden was riding behind him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, though not tight enough to cause him discomfort. It may not have been the best of positions to be in if an enemy were to attack, but it felt nice enough that her cheeks nearly resembled her hair color.

Edward was the one to answer. "Lady Mine died. She was Lord Maboroshi‛s mum and the only actual ninja in Britain. She was from Konoha, and it was her marriage with Lord Alphonse that set the alliance between our countries some years ago. She was the one to start the Academy and teach the classes. When she died, there was no one else to teach the classes, so they were forced to close it down after only a year."

"E-erm . . . . May I ask how she died?" Hinata asked politely.

"That, my dear, is because Lady Mine had taken a leave of absence to visit Konoha when the Academy was on it‛s break sometime in Early October. Poor woman hardly new her place and happened to visit on that dreadful day fifteen years ago when the Nine-Tailed Fox attacked. She died trying to protect her old village—which should have torn our alliance to pieces, but Alphonse wouldn‛t have it. He claimed it would be an insult to her if Britain went to war with the Fire County over it. Honestly, this is the very reason why women should not do battle." Henry said. "They get far to emotional for their own good."

The Kyuubi . . . . "Just because Mine-sama died in battle, doesn‛t mean that women in general shouldn‛t. Tons of people—male or female—died that night," said Krystal, irritated by the old man‛s sexist views. Out of compassion she held onto Maboroshi‛s hand that hung out the window, having realized how this turn in the conversation had brought a depressed and wistful look on his face, as he had taken a sudden silence and leaned on the window. "I‛m sorry for your loss, Maboroshi-sama, and I‛m confident Mine-sama was a kunoichi to be proud of. She died with the greatest of honors a ninja could ask for."

He shook his head. "I know that, don‛t be sorry . . . . Hn, seems as if I‛ve brought the whole party down . . . . Forgive me, but you are much prettier when you smile, Krystal-san," he added when seeing her downcast expression. "Could I get you to promise me something?"

"Absolutely."

"Never lose the ability to smile. A girl like you shouldn‛t have to be sad, so I think you should smile, always. Would you do that for me?"

Firstly, she could not find it in her to do anything but stare at him blankly. This was not the first time she had been complimented on her smile or told she should always have the ability to do as such, never frown. She would like to say it had been Sasuke who had spoken those words to her, but it had actually been Naruto. Times when Sasuke would say something like that was only a figment of the imagination.

Humoring him with a sweet smile and knowing Sasuke was hovering above her thoughts, she said, "Of course . . . I can do it."

Her reaction seemed to satisfy him. "That‛s a good girl."