• Later that day, Tenten got distracted by the way Robert was running, and spoke her thought out-loud without realizing it. After she made her observation, the others also realized that Robert was running like an animal; Kiba was just the only one to ask the same question that everyone else was thinking.
    Kiba then got down to ground level and asked: ”Robert, why do you run like a dog? I thought it would be harder on you than to run normally.”
    Without looking at Kiba, Robert responded, “This is the way our race has run long distances ever since the elders, over 200 years ago, agreed to sign the pacts with the demons.”
    With his question answered, Kiba returned to Akamaru’s side and they continued to move faster than Yuuki thought they could with her in the group.

    Two days later, they were within an hour of the colony when Yuuki told them to stop.
    “Why did you tell us to stop,” Tenten questioned Yuuki.
    “It’s simple,” Shikamaru said, “they probably have a very powerful force patrolling the area around the colony.”
    “Correct,” Yuuki said. “Only those with papers from my father or have a representative with them will not be attacked.”
    “And lucky for us, we have both,” Robert explained. “It would be impossible for us to get anywhere near the place if we did not come prepared.”
    As soon as Robert took a step, 15 local guards appeared around the group. The men where all wearing masks similar to ANBU masks. The leader of the troop of men stepped forwards and said, “If you don’t have papers from the Lord of this area, please turn around and leave.”
    “You’ve sure got some balls taking to one of the sole survivors of the Germanic Branch. Let me introduce my self,” Robert said with great irritation, “I am Robert, son of the Kaiser, Lord Kiah.”
    The men then started to whisper among themselves, Robert was able to catch some of what they were saying. “Is he legit?” said one. “Isn’t that the princess with him?” said another.
    “Quiet, all of you!” yelled the leader. “Now what proof do you have that you are who you claim to be?”
    “My presence should be enough, Captain.” Yuuki told him.
    “Milady, I didn’t realize that you were going to be back so soon, please continue on.”
    “Thank you, Captain. We need to keep moving, Robert. We are almost there.
    “Right. Move out!” Robert yelled.
    “Yessir!” The others responded.
    When they got the colony, Yuuki told them to follow her to the very center of the place and had them enter into a very simple looking building. When they got inside, they were all amazed at the grander of the place.
    “Wow, this place is nice!” Tenten exclaimed.
    “Thank you for that statement. Our buildings may look simple on the outside, but they are very beautiful on the inside.” said an unknown person.
    “Father!” Yuuki exclaimed.
    “I didn’t expect you people to get here until at least later this week.” said the ruler. “Robert! My, you’ve turned into quite the young man. I thought that you and your sister died with the rest of the caravan when they were attacked. I didn’t find out you were alive until four weeks ago when you made that raid on that fortress and then went back to rescue you sister and her team. Tales of that spread even up here, several days away from your village..”
    “Yeah, yeah. Enough with the sentimentalities, lets get on with what you called me up here for. Or would you rather me and my team offer our services to someone else.” Robert harshly said.
    “How dare you talk to our lord that way!” One guard yelled reaching for his sword.
    “Stay your sword! This man has even more authority than anyone in this whole colony, or anyone else you will meet in the home land!” yelled the village leader.
    “My lord, he just disgraced you, and it’s my duty to protect you from any attacks, verbal or otherwise.”
    “Then you would do good to learn your place in the world of politics.” Robert said. “Although it is very troubling, I will take my place in the council if need be. I am the one here who has more power here than anyone, both physically and politically. Now, then, to the reason that you called us here; the mission. What do you want us to do for the month.”
    “What I want to do, I don’t remember why I called you here.” the ruler said. The group all then had a sweat drop on the back of their heads. The advisor, Chris, then leaned over and whispered into the ruler’s ear. “Oh, yes, yes; I remember. I want you people to provide protection for this colony as we return to our homeland. It is a long journey and we want protection from the crime syndicates that operate along the route we are taking.”
    “In other words, we’re your bodyguards.” Shikamaru said. “This is going to be a pain in the a**.”
    “You are not going to be my bodyguards, you are going to protect the whole caravan.” the lord explained.
    “What! Awesome!” Kiba shouted loudly. “Are you ready Akamaru? We’re leaving right now!”
    “Actually, since we got here early, we are not leaving right now.” Shikamaru said. “Besides, you’re too loud. I’m not going to work in the same place as you.”
    “You are right, my young sir. In you’re spare time, you are welcome to explore the area, or help other people pack away their things. Make yourselves at home. You will be staying at my home at the far end of the colony.” the lord told them.
    “Cool! Akamaru and I are going to be exploring the area around here. See you slowpokes later.” Kiba exclaimed.
    “God, he’s annoying. I’ll be staring at the clouds if anyone needs me.” Shikamaru said lazily.
    I’ll check out the weapons shops around here. I’m sure they are still open and selling tools and stuff.” Tenten said excitedly.
    Yuuki then looked at Robert. “So, what about you, Robert-kun?” Yuuki asked.
    “I wasn’t planning to do anything, so …” Robert never got to finish his sentence. Yuuki grabbed his wrist and hauled him outside and took him to a cave on the side of a hill.
    “So, why did you drag me put here?” Robert questioned.
    “I’m showing you some of my past. I wouldn't force you to tell me yours, but I want to tell you mine.” Yuuki than began to talk for hours and it was dark before the realized it.
    “Do you think we should head back, Yuuki? It’s getting late.”
    Yuuki was so self absorbed in her conversation, that she failed to realize that the sun was going down.
    “Damn! Father’s going to be pissed!”
    Robert was shocked when he heard her cuss, that his jaw, quite literally, dropped.
    “Since when did you talk like that!?” Robert exclaimed.
    Yuuki was shocked that her thoughts came out as words and apologized immediately.
    “I am soooo sorry, I believed that my thoughts would stay in my head, not come out of my mouth.”
    “I personally don’t care if you cuss, you just caught me off guard, that’s all; there’s no need to apologize.”
    “Please don’t tell my father, he will be pissed if he found out.”
    Wow, she’s actually crying. Maybe she thinks I will get her in trouble. “Yuuki, don’t worry. Stop your crying, there is no way that I would get you in trouble.” He said lifting up her face with the most gentle motion she had ever seen. She then threw herself into a hug with an unsuspecting Robert, who returned the favor. “Look, we need to get back to your father’s place.”
    “Right, let’s go.” She said letting go of Robert. I wonder if he thinks the same of me like I think of him. His face is always so emotionless that I can’t tell what he’s thinking. He would be good in poker if he ever played.
    That was the last time that she ever got time alone with Robert the rest of the week, and it had it’s effects on Yuuki.