New frontiers.

[King]

Everything had, for the most part, gone quite smoothly. Kohana hadn't been too particularly keen about accepting a missing ninja -- especially one with Sayomi's illness, or record -- into the folds of Konohagakure. It'd taken all of the pleading in the world, and then some, to convince her. But, they'd both be on a very tight leash (as Ashura was considered responsible for the girl). He knew that they would be the first ones to blame for any unfortunate accidents, but Ashura didn't seem to mind.

He was confident that he could help Sayomi; that he could help keep Anzu at bay, locking away the All Mother's voice forever. But, Sayomi had to want it as much as he did.

"You can change into these," he said while offering the girl an extra pair of clothes. They were his, so they'd probably fit her somewhat loosely (or, perhaps, just right). "The bathing spring is down this hall, to the left. I've already started heating the water." Smiling, he nodded toward her. "Unfortunately, I only have one bed. I've lived here for so long by myself, I never had reason for another -- we'll have to share one tonight."

"But, if it's uncomfortable, I'll go buy you one tomorrow and assemble it. You can have your own room." The tone in his voice suggested he didn't mind, either way. Stepping out and then behind the rice-paper door, he glanced over Sayomi appreciatively. It was nice to have a friend. "This will be your new home from now on, Sayomi -- our home. I'll be back when you're in your pajamas." Sliding the door shut, he wandered off.

[Sayomi]

The assembled puzzle of Sayomi's current life seemed to fall in place with seamless perfection. Each piece congruent to the next. It was as if fate had aligned it as so and what of the one fitting those shapes of her life? He was the one setting her upon the path of salvation and redemption.

Everything was so strange to her, being allowed into the tight knit community was by far no simple task, it'd taken several hours of discussion before the Hokage was convinced; however, Sayomi herself still wasn't as optimistic as Ashura.

Her trust however belonged to him.

Since their fated night together among the dead something within her changed, clarity given to her eyes. The actions of her past self were painfully clear, but it was her chance at a life, the thing she killed for and now it was within her grasp, yet could she forge this bond, this path with him?

His smooth voice dragged her from the dredges of her thoughts. Sayomi had been lost in them since she'd stepped foot into Ashura's home- her home. "Thank you." Whilst she spoke she took hold of the pajamas he'd offered her. She hadn't exactly been one to press personal boundaries. Having wandered alone after so long it was a thought she was too concerned with.

"It doesn't matter either way. Besides shouldn't you keep a close eye on me?"

Speaking absentmindedly, Sayomi began to walk away spinning while still examining the houses intricacies. She was like a cat mapping its surroundings for the best lounge spots. When the door would shut she'd follow the warm heat towards the bath.

[King]

Wandering the empty halls of his their home, Ashura mulled her words over. The matter of fact tone she'd spoken with was intriguing, but he saw no reason to interrupt her. He couldn't imagine the last time she'd had a nice, hot bath; and even though he'd cleaned off the majority of the blood that had caked her body, bulk of her clothes were still stained and she still smelled horrendous. Death, he'd decided -- but soon, all of that was going to be washed away.

Not expecting her to take too long, but definitely not rushing her, Ashura took his time cooking their meal. It was simple: fish and rice, with a side of steamed vegetables. Like her bathing situation, he wondered when was the last time she had a decent meal?

Nearly an hour passes before he makes his way to the bathroom, sliding the door open just enough so his voice is clear. "Dinner is ready."

[Sayomi]

Entering the bath area visibility was low, the steam from the hot water had rose and heated the room creating a subtle fog that lingered. Looking around as if perplexed by the situation she soon placed the clothes down and stripped herself of the bloodied rags that had also readily stuck to her body. Her curves where highlighted by the paleness of her white skin, Sayomi's slender body shivered from the airs touch, she had gone quite awhile without an appropriate bath.

Dipping her toes in the large square tub she quickly plucked it back. It was hot, very hot. The heat soon flushed her face as she plunged her entire lower half into the water and sat down. Reaching for the water she paused, halting both her trembling hands for a moment All was still save for the slow sway of the water, until finally she brought he left hand to her face, tracing the contours of her visage with her fingers, the ones he cleaned.

Her fingers gingerly ran over her lips playfully before she opened her mouth excitedly and licked them. The same ones he'd lick. A warm felling felt lodged within her chest, and it burned with that of fire, hotter than the now cool water. Plucking the fingers covered with her saliva she didn't want to wash it, not yet at least. Now Sayomi had ran into a truly vexing problem. Ashura had already cleaned her hands so to speak and she wished to hold onto the indirect contact he exposed her to.

She wasn't willing to part with it so easily.

Not yet.

"Ashura.... Me..."

She whispered.

It was decided. Sayomi planned to wash herself with but one hand, saving the other for herself. Was it weird? Maybe, but she was a weird to begin with and he accepted her; however, there were no thoughts of sharing her decision with hi,. She'd keep it to herself.

Soon she'd cleaned her defiled body, it glistened with water as she stepped out, drying her body and running he fingers through her hair she revealed her full face. Intrigued by a mirror that reflected the image of herself she gazed into the glass at what she saw, but somehow she didn't recognize, Sayomi Saika.

That girl was lost to the past, but a new one had been born upon the night of red. His voice traveled, echoing into her ears she instinctively opened the door; however she was still naked as she stepped in his line of sight, her pale body revealed in its underdeveloped glory. She looked at him with eyes that only translated the thought of hunger as she fumbled with the clothes while trying to walk to where the smell of fish was.

Slipping into the loose fitting pants she waited for him to speak .

[King]

"There," he said as he appraised Sayomi's naked body with gentle, careful eyes. "Don't you feel better now that you're all clean?" His voice lacked the tension of arousal and desire, and his statements were pure. Even though he was a boy, the only longing he'd ever known had been for Kirino; and even that was non-sexual. His attachment to Sayomi, as it stood, was purely emotional - he'd connected with her. "I must say, you look a lot prettier when you aren't covered in people's blood."

And with that, nothing more was said about the matter.

"I'm not the best cook," he explained while leading her to the dining room. "But, I don't think I'm the worst, either. If it's bad, let me know and I'll make you something else."

The dining room was rather modest, considering how much the Uchiha had at his disposal. Though the walls were lined with cabinets, at the center there was only a single small square table. Four mats were situated around it, one for each side, and the center was decorated with two places and a large gourd. There was no sake, but juice, yes.

"Please," he gestured to the meal before them. Once she'd had her seat, he followed, and bowed his head. "Enjoy, Sayomi-chan." He punctuated his statement with a mouthful of fish and rice.

[Sayomi]

Feeling his gaze linger upon her body she turned to look at him as he spoke out, praising her slender form. With a smile spreading her curled lips she performed a spin with exaggerated movement to compliment his appraisal of her figure. "Shouldn't a man say a girl looks beautiful no matter what?" Playfully teasing, she followed into the dining room behind Ashura as he lead her. Sayomi shook her head side to side before speaking up.

"Im not a picky eater so it should be fine!"

Having been alone she hadn't put too much thought into her meals, so something prepared was a welcome change of pace. Scoping out the scene before her she could smell the sweet aroma of the food wafting about. It tickled her noise and sent a deep rumble through her stomach. Situating herself, she sat across from Ashura breaking apart her chopsticks whilst he spoke.

"Thanks for the food!"

The way she stuffed her mouth one would think she couldn't enjoy the subtle flavoring of the fish and the softness of the rice, but she savored each bite. Reveling in her food she attempted to talk. "Issh ais soo gwood!" With a hard swallow she followed it with a swig of juice and pounded her chest strongly. A heavy sigh left her lips complimented by a low burp. Looking up through her wet bang she smiled gently at Ashura.

"This is... nice."

[King]

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," he replied genuinely. If one were to look, they'd find it hard to believe that the beautiful young girl had been a cold, psychotic murderer just a few hours ago. She looked so very different when she wasn't covered in blood and there was no longer that devilish, ravenous fire burning within her eyes. No matter how much she'd done, Ashura could see the light-- or, at least what was left of it --burning brightly beneath all of that darkness. He intended to nurture that part of her, ignoring everything else, no matter the cost. For some reason, it was as though she had become his faith in humanity.

Or, maybe just his faith in humanity's-- his --ability to truly and fully change.

Though he was hungry, Ashura ate slowly. Besides, he was far more enthralled with watching Sayomi. "I was admittedly nervous bringing you home, but only because I wasn't sure how you'd feel about rooming with me. But, i'm happy that everything is working out." Even though it'd only been a handful of hours, Ashura felt as though they'd already taken a mile worth of steps in the right direction. Sure, there was probably still a lot of work to do -- a lot of personal and restraint training, but he was confident that, together, they would be able to overcome it. So, he simply continued to eat.

There was a considerable pause in the conversation before, looking into her eyes, he smiled. "See, Sayomi?" With his free hand, he gestured to the room, and philosophically, to all of Konohagakure. "You can be normal; have a normal life, with friends and people who care about you. I'm not saying that it will be overly easy, or that it'll happen in a day, but we can do it. We'll show the world that people like you and I can change and deserve a chance." His smile grew wider, and bravely, he reached forward and grabbed a hand of her own. "We're destined for greatness."

[Sayomi]

It was a normal, peaceful setting. Like a still life painted captured by the eyes of a docile painter. Sayomi still found herself listening intently for the soft whispers of her All Mother, but none were sung unto her, only the soft melodic voice of Ashura. Gentle and sweet, it caressed her mind with soft hands, cradling her as a mother would her child. It was all she had heard since he erased her former self that was devoid of self realization. New things were happening or perhaps they weren't quite, but instead forgotten practices that captured the youths heart.

"Not at all, I haven't had a place to call home, somewhere to feel safe in such a long time...."

Was what she wanted to say, but she couldn't bring herself to mouth such a saddening sentence. Instead Sayomi smiled and continued eating her meal, choosing to speak with her body language and eyes.

A silence had taken over the room, asides from the low sound of chewing and the occasional beating of her heart she was so aware of. It was shattered by his voice. The voice of her savoir, it was so distinct and clear that she knew no matter how much time passed she'd never mistake it. Eyes wide, she could feel her body turn hot as he took hold of her hand. He was so strong. Sayomi didn't think of his strength as something along the physical nature, but instead mentally.

He had complete confidence in the future, in herself. Even if she lacked the iron clad resolve he possessed, he'd have enough for the both of them. It had been a long time, but Sayomi. She felt safe. Looking into his gentle eyes she squeezed his hand with a genuine smile upon her face. It was probably the most human like expresssion she'd shown anyone in so long. Simply stunning.

"I'm in your care."

[King]

"Yep," Ashura chirped. "You certainly are. So, you've got nothing to worry about." He flashed Sayomi a childish grin, full of lip and teeth. It's been quite some time since Ashura had been in such fine company; he was completely ecstatic, even if his occasional smile or chuckle didn't convey it properly. Sure, there was certainly reason to be nervous concerning Sayomi's future. She'd demonstrated a remarkable desire to change thus far, but who knew how long that would hold up? Ashura was no psychologist, but it was easy to see that whatever she'd been through -- whatever dark, terrible road she'd traveled -- had left its mark.

A mark that would take time, and careful mending, to erase.

He was confident though, both in her and himself.

Finishing his plate, Ashura leaned back and pat his stomach lightly. "Ugh, I'm so full." He felt like he'd just eaten a horse, even though his figure remained slender. Taking a moment, he glanced around the room, simply admiring the peace. It was only a matter of seconds until his gaze returned to Sayomi, and instinctively he smiled. "So, what kind of ninja techniques do you know?" Despite her finesse in the art of murder, he wasn't sure if her transformation was just a mutation or something she could do willingly. Besides that, could it really be considered a ninja art? "I'm a Genjutsu specialist, favoring Ninjutsu as well."