Nami can feel her breath turning shallow, the buildings close in on her, the warmth of Kuroki’s breath near her cheek. And after all that, Nami remembered when Kuroki’s mouth touched hers. It was a tender kiss, a shy kiss, a kiss that’s gonna be with her, forever. As Kuroki’s mouth brushed Nami’s, Nami didn’t react, she was too shocked at the kiss that Kuroki gave her. She should’ve smacked him, pushed him away, call for help, but nothing could come out of her mouth.

Kuroki pulled back slowly, his eyes intent on her face. ‘How beautiful she is’ Kuroki thought. He tenderly caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. Nami’s eyes fluttered open and she looked up at him. ‘How handsome he is’ Nami thought.

“That was some kiss.” Kuroki said softly.

Nami’s face turned into a crimson red shade and she looked down on her fingers. But Kuroki didn’t want her to shy away from the truth, that kiss was something. He nudged her face up with his finger. When Nami’s eyes looked into Kuroki’s hazel eyes, she was lost in the depths of it. Nami snapped out of her trance when she heard Kuroki’s grunt, she thought she might have pressed onto his wound. But then a chuckled snapped Nami’s and Kuroki’s head towards the sound. Johnny returned with Bronze Arrows along with the warrior.

“Jimmy, take the girl when this darn archer is down.” Johnny said.
“Sure thing Jimmy.” Jimmy replied.

Johnny aimed his Olympus at Nami. Nami stared at him with wide, bright eyes as she knew she was going to die. But Kuroki quickly stood in the way, interfering with Johnny’s aim.

“Move you weak archer, it’s not you I want.” Johnny warned.
“No, I won’t let you take her from me.” Kuroki said.
“Very well, seems like you want to die with her.” Johnny said, and aimed the Olympus at Kuroki’s heart.

Johnny fired the arrows at Kuroki, but Kuroki moved too fast for any of them to hit him. He then forced Nami behind the bench as he took out his Vaulter 2000.

“Leave Johnny, I don’t want to fight you, but if it means protecting Nami, I will.” Kuroki warned.
“Hahaha, you won’t stand a chance.” Johnny laughed.

Kuroki puts his arrows in position and aims for Johnny’s leg. He fires but Johnny moved away and fired at Kuroki’s arm. Kuroki fell to his knees as he gripped his arm. Nami quickly ran towards his side with tears in her eyes.

“Kuroki…you can’t take him on!” Nami exclaimed.
“Heh, to protect you, I’ll take on the world.” Kuroki replied.
“Oh how very touching, but your time’s up Kuroki.” Johnny said.

Johnny took his time aiming at Kuroki’s heart, making sure that this time he won’t miss. Nami hugged Kuroki around his waste and Haste him. As Johnny fired his arrows Kuroki moved so fast past Johnny, that he almost lost his balance. Kuroki aimed and fired his arrows at Johnny, but Johnny dodged it. Nami stepped aside to watch with bright eyes as Kuroki and Johnny fought. She swallowed a sob and hoped that Kuroki wouldn’t get injured anymore than he already was.

Johnny and Kuroki fought till sweat was beading down from their heads. Johnny took aim once again and made sure that Jimmy was behind Kuroki.

“Kuroki! Watch out behind you!” Nami warned.

Kuroki turned around just in time as Jimmy was about to stab Kuroki with his Zard. Kuroki quickly moved aside as Jimmy slashed him on the left leg. Kuroki let out a loud grunt. Nami buried her face in her hands as she couldn’t stand this anymore. She quickly ran to Kuroki’s side.

“Kuroki, are you okay?” Nami asked in a quivering voice.
“I’m alright, I’m just glad you’re not hurt.” Kuroki said with a tender smile.

Then Johnny and Jimmy doubled team on Kuroki. Kuroki pushed Nami behind the bench and used Soul Arrow, he took aim and fired at Johnny’s right leg. Johnny landed on the ground face first. But Jimmy was still running towards Kuroki with his Zard above his head. Jimmy brought the Zard hard down but Kuroki moved aside and shot at Jimmy’s shoulder blade. They got up and ran away and disappeared through a portal.

Nami quickly ran to Kuroki’s aiding needs. She cradled his head on her arms. Kuroki felt something wet fall on his face, as he opened his eyes he saw Nami’s tear falling on his face. He raised a shaking hand to wipe away the tears.

“It’s my fault that you’re in such bad condition, Kuroki.” Nami complained.
“Hmm, it doesn’t matter, as long as you are alright, I’ll be happy.” Kuroki replied.

Nami lifted Kuroki’s hand over her shoulders and helped him to the closest bench. She took out her cellphone and dialed Suki’s number.

“Hello?” Suki asked.
“Suki, I need help, Kuroki, he was in a fight and now he’s in critical condition, I don’t know what to do!” Nami said.
“Calm down, Nami, I’ll come over with a friend of mine.” Suki soothed.
“Okay, please hurry, he’s bleeding a lot.” Nami said.
“I’ll be there, bye.” Suki said.
“Bye and thanks Suki.”

Within 5 minutes, Suki and a high level Priest ran to Nami and Kuroki. Nami quickly laid Kuroki’s head on top of her bag and held onto his hand. Kuroki looked up and smiled at her, Nami returned the smile through her sad eyes.

“He’s gonna be alright.” Suki assured Nami.
“Okay, I trust you.” Nami said and smiled at Suki.
“You think you can heal him up, Inarii?” asked Suki.
“Yeah, I just need silence, he’s in a pretty bad state.”

Nami squeezed Kuroki’s hand tightly as Inarii murmured a different language. Then a green light displayed around Kuroki. Within seconds Kuroki was sitting up and hugging Nami.

“Thank you, Nami.” Kuroki said.

Suki and Inarii looked at each other and smiled. Nami hid her smile beside Kuroki’s face and hugged him back. After a long while Kuroki let go of Nami. She thanked Suki and Inarii for helping her. And they bid her farewell on her journeys and her future. They bowed in respect and parted.

Kuroki and Nami walked hand in hand to the Orbis Resort and asked the Clerk for a card to a room. When they reached the room Nami landed onto the bed in exhaustion. Kuroki fell down beside her and looked at her face. She returned his questioning look with a smile and got up.

“I’m all dirty, I think I’m gonna go take a shower.” Nami said as she got out her clothing.
“Sure, I’ll just look over my inventory.” Kuroki said.

He hugged her a final time and let go of her so she can go take her bath. When the bathroom door was locked, Kuroki reached around his neck and pulled out necklace. Kuroki stared at the necklace for a long time. K+N=<3 was engraved into the back with a picture of Kuroki and Natalie in the front.

To Be Continued…o.O