Chapter 3: 3
Despite her nightmare memory Rea was in good spirits, she explored everything.
Kakashi laughed and allowed her to wonder as much as she liked, an extra week or two would make little difference in their journey and he had already sent a report back to the village's Hokage, Tsunade.
Kakashi looked at Rea and blurted out "How old are you Rea?" He was glad he wore a mask because he knew he was embarrassed and blushing after he asked her.
Rea almost fell into the creek that she was staring into, and then answered "Twenty two, or twenty three I think; give or take a few years… Ritsu never actually told me, I just assume I was roughly thirteen when I became a woman."
Suddenly she seemed very grim, all of her happiness had fled her as she continued "Roughly four years after that he,… well I guess he was tired of waiting for my body to be ready and… the magic I used must have kept me from bearing a child I suppose…" Kakashi stood still and clenched his fists.
Rea was a sweet young woman with a wild side that rarely came out, to think of that monster taking her by force made Kakashi wish that he had killed Ritsu when he had a kunai to the man's throat.
Rea had chosen her words very carefully when they were all together. She hated Ritsu to be sure, but she didn't want anyone else to stain their hands with his blood. Kakashi knew just how difficult that must have been for her.
He blinked in surprise as blue green eyes stared into his own, Rea smiled happily again and took Kakashi's hand gently "It's okay, teach me! I'm alive, and here and that's all that matters Kakashi."
He looked at her with hope and cursed himself for forcing her to comfort him. He moved her hand to his hip, she blushed deeply and then he slid her fingers around the hard blunt end and said "This… is a kunai."
He let her slide the blade free from the pouch he carried it in and then began to teach her simple ways to defend herself.
Rea learned quickly. She was a natural at almost everything. Her thirst for all knowledge was admirable.
Two weeks later and she could probably take on an inexperienced academy graduate and do fairly well in the fight.
She called him Sensei; and their friendship was even stronger, they were still far from the leaf and would probably take at least four weeks to get there with her exploring and training.
She woke before the sun and nearly collapsed into deep sleep after dark each night. Sometimes Kakashi made them stay for a day or two and made her rest.
"You'll hurt yourself if you don't take care of your body Rea." He scolded her. Rea only laughed lightly and gave in when her body wouldn't listen to what she told it to do.
On those few nights they watched the world together. Kakashi taught her about different plants, trees, and animals that he knew about and at night they sat by the fire and admired the stars.
Rea knew the stars very well; they were her one connection to the world when Ritsu kept her locked away.
As they sat close one chilly night under the covers together Kakashi said "We should arrive in roughly two weeks give or take a few days" Rea sighed happily and leaned on his shoulder.
She pulled his arms around her shoulders and snuggled into his chest, gaining safety and comfort within his strong embrace.
Kakashi sat very still and breathed deeply. He could smell the lavender that Rea used as she scrubbed her hair in the shallows of the calm rivers and serene ponds that they came across.
He knew she was nearing sleep as she leaned into him even more and began to slide into his lap. Her skin was soft and delicate even where the sun had kissed it on their journey.
He had tried to keep her covered in fear of the relentless rays of an unforgiving sun on such fragile and innocent skin; but she shirked any garments that restricted her movement on her many excursions; and now most of her body was a light golden color.
She turned to face him, laid her head in his lap, and wrapped her arms around his waist as she sighed happily.
Kakashi bit back a groan; it was difficult to control his body when she wasn't touching him. Kakashi tried to move away from her but her arms were locked around him, he could not escape her sweet scent, her lovely body, and her perfect gentleness…
Rea stirred and looked up at him "Sensei?" she asked wide eyed. "S-sorry! Rea, it's just you're very attractive and it's been a long journey (he clears his throat) maybe I should move." Rea stopped him suddenly with a gentle kiss on his lips.