*EDITED*

••••••••••DreamContinued••••••••••

Emiko's POV

Though I should have forgotten because of my injury then, I know I will never forget that day. The day everything changed for my best friend and myself.

It's been half a year since the summoning accident. Many things have changed since then. Everyone in the Ryuu clan, who once treated me like his or her own, now treated me as if I were a delicate piece of ice. I hated it. I hated how everything changed because of that one thing. The only people who didn't treat me differently were the members of the main house of the Ryuu clan. I am grateful that they treated me the same way, because if they didn't, I know I would have gone insane.

Lord Akihiro had given me scrolls on the imperial dragons so I could learn to manipulate their powers and be able to tame them. Of course my friend Kou had been by my side for the whole thing and had trained along side me. The training was tough but if it helped me become strong so I didn't mind.

Kou had been very understanding and though I know he held great guilt for the accident, I'm glad he didn't treat me any different then he used to.

"Ko-chan!"

I turned and smiled at my friend as he ran towards me.

"Kou-kun! Are you okay?" I asked as he panted.

"I'm... fine... Just... a little... out of... breathe." Kou spoke.

I giggled slightly and took his hand in mine as I led him towards the stream that was near our training area. Together we both slipped off our sandals and dipped out feet in the cool water. I sighed in content as I laid my head on Kou's shoulder. I snuggled deeper into him as he placed an arm around my shoulders.

"Ko-chan, is you're training going well? You're not overdoing yourself again, are you?" Kou asked as I felt his grip in me tighten.

I sighed and shook my head lightly, "The training's tough but nothing I can't handle."

I heard Kou sigh as he placed his cheek on my head.

"Just promise me that you'll tell me if anything is wrong okay?" Kou asked.

I smiled and nodded.

"Don't worry. You're my best friend. I'll tell you everything and you know it."

Kou chuckled and I felt him nod. We both sat in silence before Kou decided to speak again.

"Ko-chan, lets promise something."

"Hmmm?"

"Let's promise that we'll always be there for each other, that we'll always be by each others side and that we'll always be best friends."

I smiled and pecked Kou's cheek.

"Don't worry. I promise." I said as I held out my pinkie.

My eyes held confusion as Kou shook his head as he smiled down at me.

"Nope, in my clan, we had always had a certain way of making a promise with those we hold dear and promises that mean greatly to us. I know that this is a strange request but can you close your eyes Ko-chan?" Kou asked as he smiled gently at me.

Though I was confused I nonetheless closed my eyes, fully trusting Kou.

Not a second later I felt something soft and warm on my lips. When I opened my eyes I felt them widen as I saw Kou right in front of me with his lips on mine. After a few seconds Kou pulled away as my face turned as red as a tomato.

"K-Kou-k-kun!" I squeaked.

"Gomen Ko-chan. But that's how we keep actual promises in my clan. Of course this my first time actually trying it." Kou chuckled, but I could see the slight blush on his cheeks.

I continued to stutter before I decided to wrap my arms around Kou's waist and buried my face in his chest.

I felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled and wrapped his arms around me.

"Emiko. Its time to go back." I heard Papa call for me.

"I have to go now Kou-kun. See you tomorrow?" I asked.

Too bad there wasn't going to be a tomorrow.

"Like always." Kou-kun chuckled.

Standing up, I gave Kou one last hug before running to Papa who was waiting patiently by the training grounds. As I took Papa's hand, I turned back and waved at Kou one last time before we went on our way back to the Akatsuki hideout.

- - - - - - - - - - -

The next day I made my way to the Ryuu clan like I always do. When I made it to the gates I felt a chill run through me. My eyes glazed with worry as I heard Gin and Kin speak to me.

Child, be careful.

Stay on guard. omething bad happened kid.

I nodded slightly before entering the clan compound. I gasped as tears welled in my eyes at what I saw. Blood was splattered all over the walls; bodies of the once active members of the Ryuu clan were everywhere. I cried as I ran through the streets of the compound. Worry gripped my heart as I saw flames coming from the main house.

Oh please, please Kami-sama, let them be okay. Please let Chi-oba, Aki-oji, and Kou-kun be okay. Please. I can't lose anyone else.

I ran as fast as I could towards the main house. I gasped when I saw the young lord bleeding, with his dear wide at his side in front of the main house. Running towards the two, I ignored the blood as I placed my head on their chests seeing if they were alive. I sobbed when I heard nothing from Chihara but felt a bit of relief when I heard a faint beat from Akihiro. I focused on my chakra and was going to begin the healing process when I heard a cough. I looked up and gasped when I saw Akihiro open his eyes and stare at me with pain filled orbs.

"E-emiko... stop *cough*! It's.. too late.. *cough*.. for me. Go find Aki-kou. Take c-care of him. Please. Go!" Lord Akihiro begged.

I wanted to disagree but I couldn't when I saw the look in his eyes. They were full of pain and utter worry for his only child. I nodded and grabbed his free hand in mine.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... please... rest in peace... Lord Akihiro." I whispered as I pecked his forehead.

Akihiro smiled as his eyes closed. With his last strength, he took his late wife's hand and with that, passed on. I sobbed as I gently laid his hand on his chest. Getting up, I made my way into the burning house. I ran though the house searching for my dear friend. I gasped when I made it to his bedroom and found Kou lying on his back, grabbing his chest that was bleeding profusely. I ran to him when I saw that he was about to be crushed by the ceiling that was about to concave. Making hand signs I used the transportation jutsu to transport us in front of the Akatsuki hideout. Unfortunately, before we were transported the ceiling began to fall. Before it hit the two us I made sure to cover Kou to stop him from getting hurt any further.

I gasped as a sharp pain and weights hit my head and back before it suddenly disappeared. Opening my eyes I felt relief fill me as I saw the familiar stone entrance of the hideout. Crying, I began to heal Kou as much as I could.

"Kou! Kou! Please open you eyes! I can't lose anyone else... please... you promised." I pleaded as I put pressure on his wound as I healed him.

I looked up when I heard my friend coughing.

"K-ko-chan? F-father... and m-mother... where..." Kou gasped.

"I-I'm sorry. I was too late. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

I could to nothing but to continue healing as I saw tears pour from Kou's eyes. I panicked as he began to cough up blood. I tried to heal as much as I could... but I knew I was too late.

"Ko-chan... stop... please... you'll die... chakra lost. S-stop." Kou commanded softly.

I cried as I stopped and hugged Kou close to me.

"P-please don't leave me. Please. You promised. You-you can't leave. Please." I pleaded.

"I'm sorry... can't keep our promise."

I sobbed but gazed at Kou as a thought came into my mind.

"K-kou... if... if I knew a way... for you to live longer... will you do it."

Kou stared up at me with sad but happy eyes.

"I lost... everything I hold dear... all I have... is you. If that was possible... I'd go through with it... as long as I'm... with you."

I smiled slightly but tears fell from my eyes at the thought of all the things he'd lose if he were to go though with my idea.

"You know Sasori, right?" I whispered.

Kou nodded as his eyes filled with understanding.

"It's okay Ko-chan... As long as I'll... be with you, I don't care... what happens... to me. So hurry. Not much time." Kou whispered painfully.

I hesitated as I stared at Kou in pain. Nodding slowly, I used my left hand to do hand signs and transported us to the puppet master of the Akatsuki.

"Brat, what do you think your doing?"

I looked up at the familiar red head and saw his eyes widened slightly and the sight of me.

"Please... please Sasori... save him. Use your jutsu to save him." I whispered.

Sasori nodded knowing what I wanted. He agreed full heartedly after hearing me call him by his name. After all, I only call the Akatsuki by their names when I'm serious or worried.

I gently placed Kou in Sasori's arms as he carried him to his workshop table. I groaned as the pain of the ceiling collapsing on me finally hit me. Placing my hand on my head I gasped as black filled my vision. The last thing I remembered was Sasori catching me and placing me on his bed.

That day changed everything. Sasori suspected that I would have had amnesia and forget everything, but I didn't. I remembered ever single-thing. But when I woke up that day... I knew everything would be different.

I blinked as I saw a familiar tuft of maroon hair obscure my vision as I woke up.

"Kou-kun?" I whispered.

The boy nodded as he held my hand. I smiled slightly at the familiar feel of his hand wrapped around my own.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Ko-chan." Kou whispered to me.

"Gomen... I couldn't save them. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'm sor-"

Kou cut me off, "Emiko. Stop. You're my best friend. I promised you remember."

"I know. But because of that you had to-"

"Ko-chan... it's fine. Yes it will take a while getting used to, but with this I can protect you and be by your side just like I promised. Please, stop worrying." 

I nodded reluctantly.

"Then, then promise me something else." I whispered.

"Anything." Kou confirmed firmly.

"Promise me... promise that when we grow up, you'll still be there for me, that you won't forget me."

Kou nodded as he bent down closer to my lying form.

"I promise. I promise you that I'll be there when you need me, I'll be your shoulder to cry on, i'll be by your side forever, and I'll never forget you."

Nodding I let tears slide as I leant up to Kou and sealed our promise with a kiss, just like our promise before. But unlike then, this kiss was firm yet soft, holding all our feelings of how much we truly want this promise to last.

That day was a day I will never forget.
That day my best friend lost his family and everyone he held dear.
That day I lost another family that I held dear.
That day I kept my first secret from Papa.
That day my best friend's life changed and so did mine.
That day my best friend was saved... by turning into a puppet.
That day is now only memories... but I know that I will never forget.

DreamEnded

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
And done. That's the last chapter of Emiko's dream of her past with Kou. I hope these chapters have helped you gained an understanding of how their relationship works. I will now be asking that you cast your votes on who you want her to be with or if I should create different endings with her with different people. Please comment below, follow, vote or add this story to your library. I ask for your forgiveness with this late update. I've been really busy and haven't gotten the chance to write anything. Units have been piling up and I haven't even started on my holiday break work. Sorry again and I hope you continue supporting me though it's already been a year since I posted this and it's not even near the Chūnin exams. Thank you and until next time,

Dream on,
Yoru/Yume-san

PS. I'll be editing the dream chapters once I finish with the next chapter, which will be posted in two days, which is a promise that I will keep.

PSS. Merry Belated Christmas I hope you all had a great one!!!

PSSS. I'm currently phoneless, so I'll be adding all the icons and such once I get it back.