A/N: Before you come for me in the comment section, I thought it'll be cool if Reader-chan used to do gymnastics back in the modern world like Homura (she's adorable btw). Besides, I never brought it up in the other chapters as it wasn't an important aspect of Reader-chan. So, it only appears now since it's related in this chapter. 

For a fun fact, Reader-chan used to do gymnastics from a young age until middle school where she stopped because she found a new passion which is, of course, Senku and science. 

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

***

"Th-They even cut through Hyoga-san's spear!" A bulky enemy exclaimed, eyes wide with incredulity and realizing they were clearly on the losing end, he instructed his fellow comrades to make a run for it, "Damn it, it's useless! Run for it!"

As the enemies turned on their heels and fled, tears of relief welled up in Ginro's eyes as he cheered, fist pumping into the air in victory, "We did it!"

While the rest of your friends celebrated their win, your gut feeling was telling you that something about this was off when you saw the impassive look on Hyoga's face as he didn't take off like his subordinates.

You could tell that the white-haired teen was someone who prided himself on his excellent fighting prowess, so for him to remain so calm after having his favoured weapon destroyed, an ally turned betrayer and his men making themselves scarce as soon as they realized they were losing, it just didn't sit right with you.

You felt like this man was as cunning as he was confident on the battlefield which meant he wouldn't just admit defeat without having one last trick up his sleeve to turn the table on him. And the feeling of unease deepened when Hyoga started to compliment the battle team's impressive skill displayed during their fight.

"Remarkable athleticism, coordinated teamwork, and dirty betrayal..." He stated in a quiet, calm tone as he turned to Senku with unreadable eyes, "And the scientific knowledge to create guns and Japanese katanas. You people truly seem to know the proper way to do things."

Senku made a small noise of confusion as he tried to make sense of the other's words. However, the seed of anxiety that you had felt from the beginning, took root at the man's following words; blooming into vines that wound themselves around your heart, causing your heartbeat to race at the tightness of it.

"It would have been even more proper if you had realized that all of this was a distraction," Hyoga continued, steel-blue eyes peeking open to reveal the truth behind his master plan all this while.

While Kinro and Ginro exchanged confused looks, ruby-red widened with horror as realization dawned upon him. Whipping his head around, Senku was greeted with the blazing sight of the village – the straw roofs of the houses dancing with flames as though the sun herself was taking a stroll through the village, setting everything in her path on fire.

(E/C) eyes grew tenfold as you watched the enfolding scene in terror, your hands curling into tight fists, "T-The village..."

"So that's what they were after..." The scientist mumbled, his lips twisted into a grimace as he drank in the haunting sight.

"Crap! A fire!" Chrome shouted in alarm while the villagers scrambled for their lives; their terrified screams filling the night air as buildings collapsed around them.

The commotion drew Ruri out of her hut, a shocked gasp leaving her lips at the chaotic scene, and she wasted no time in instructing both of her guards to go help her fellow people, "Jasper! Turquoise! I don't need protection! Save the children!"

"Right!" The two agreed and turned on their heels, heading for the bridge that was connected to the main part of the village but as they approached closer, the other end of the bridge was set aflame and the whole thing collapsed.

They came to a stop, unable to cross over to help as they stared at the destroyed bridge in shock, "The bridge..."

"Who is that?" Turquoise questioned as her gaze locked onto a female figure standing on the opposite of them and in her hand, she held a torch which told both of them that she was responsible for the fire.

Without the bridge, the three of them were stranded on their island.

"Get everyone to safety!" Kokuyo yelled and everyone, who was still on the main bridge, wasted no time in following after the man as he headed for the village.

However, they were stopped mid-way as a petite girl with red eyes emerged from the burning village and approached them.

"Another one?" The former chief breathed, his katana held in front of him in case the pink-haired girl decided to attack.

Behind them, Hyoga introduced the stranger, "Say hello to my right hand, Homura-kun. She can properly handle herself, unlike these men and their melted brains."

Kokuyo made the first move as he dashed forward, ready to cut down the girl as he swung his blade at her but to his surprise, she easily evaded his attack with a backwards flip – a picture of grace as she landed lightly on her feet.

Kohaku was stunned by the other's move but regained her senses when she realized that said person hadn't slowed down and as she approached her, the blonde took off and leapt into the air to intercept her from above.

Once again, Homura managed to dodge her blade with a handspring and the same went for the rest of the battle team as she escaped each and every attack with ease – with the battlefield as her stage and she was the graceful ballerina on pointe – until she reached Hyoga's side safely.

And without another word, those two turned on their heels and left without so much of a backward glance.

"What are those moves?" Kohaku questioned as she watched their retreating backs with interest, blue eyes trained specifically on the pink-haired girl until they were no longer in view.

"That's gymnastics..." You answered without a doubt, immediately recognizing those movements for you used to be a gymnast yourself; although nowhere near as good as Homura.

Suddenly, you heard several loud yells in the distance, and you snapped out of it, your head turning just in time to witness another structure falling as the fire that grew bigger over time continued to consume the village whole.

You turned to everyone and pointed to the village, urging them, "Everyone, we need to help the children and elderlies to escape!"

Wasting no time, some of you ran over to help some of the villagers in leading the young and old to safety while the rest headed into the village to assist those who were still trapped.

"This is not good," Kaseki commented, his face filled with worry as he watched the flames grew wilder by the second. "Once a fire starts, the wind from the mountain will become a wind of death, carrying the flames far and wide!"

"Everyone!" Gen shouted, directing the few who were confused on where to go towards the science shed where the fire wasn't able to reach. "This way!"

Meanwhile, you and Senku were searching the burning houses for any remaining villagers when both of you encountered an elderly couple who were trying to put out the fire, but it was a futile attempt as the wind encouraged the flames to burn and rage like a fire-breathing dragon.

"Forget about the houses! Do you people want to die?! Get out of here right now!" The scientist warned the pair who managed to escape just as the roof collapsed onto where they were standing before.

"Hurry, this way!" You were about to lead the old couple out of harm's way with Senku when suddenly, a woman came running over; her eyes wide with panic and fear as she cried.

"Miss, please help me! I can't find my daughter" The worried mother pleaded, her hands grabbing tightly onto your arm, and you winced slightly as her nails dug into your skin out of desperation.

However, you ignored the pain and placed a firm hand over hers, "Don't worry, I'll look for your daughter. Meanwhile, get to safety!"

Her lips wobbled as she tried not to sob in relief, thanking you before pointing into the general direction of where she last saw her daughter, "Thank you, miss! I think she may have gone that way!"

You nodded your head to show that you got her message before turning to Senku and gestured for him to bring the elderly couple and the woman to safety, "Senku, lead them out of the village! I'm gonna look for the girl!"

Without waiting for a response, you turned on your heels but before you could take a step, you felt a large hand wrapping around your wrist and tugging; stopping you in your trek. Whipping your head around, you stared at the green-haired teen in question with wide eyes, asking, "Senku, what are you doing? I've got no time to waste, I need to find the girl now!"

Senku was frowning, his brows furrowing as he opened his mouth, but no words came out and if you weren't in a dire situation like now, you would've waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts before hearing him out.

Nevertheless, you didn't have the luxury for that now because as every second passed, you were wasting precious time in searching for the young child.

Shaking your hand to free yourself from the scientist's tight hold, you said, "Senku, let me go! I don't have the time for this!"

Finally, you broke free and before Senku could try to stop you again, you dashed off; running headlong into the fire.

"(Name)!" Senku yelled, his hand still outstretched towards your fading figure as though he could pull you back into the safety of his arms, but he could only watch in dismay as you turned the corner and disappeared into the flames.

He was brought back to his surroundings by a small tugging on his shirt and he glanced down to see the worried face of the elderly woman who tried to reassure him, "I'm sure she'll be fine, that young girl. She's a strong one."

The scientist tried to take comfort in the other's words, but his heart refused to cooperate as he feared the worst and the pain of losing you was like a knife being slowly twisted in his gut, inch by inch.

Suddenly, a roof from a nearby house fell, startling Senku out of his thought and he hurried the group out of the burning village, not before looking over his shoulders where you stood earlier – a painting of fiery beauty with blazing (e/c) eyes, enhanced by the flames dancing around your frame as you walked into the eye of the storm.

For the first time in his life, the scientist turned to the gods, his inner voice pleading as he prayed for them to return his heart's desire to him; unharmed.

You, on the other hand, were still searching for the girl, your desperation growing with each second as you ran past burning houses and still no sight of the child.

Just when you were starting to accept the fact that you might have to break the worst news to the mother, you heard loud crying coming from a house to your right. A sigh of relief escaped your lips as you hurried over but the feeling was short-lived when you realized that the entrance was blocked by a fallen roof.

Cursing, you scanned your surrounding for another opening but, except for the part where the roof caved in, there was none – not even a window. You racked your brain to figure another way in, yet nothing came to mind.

With no choice left, you took a few steps back before starting with a run that transitioned into a perfect handspring that you used to launch yourself onto the roof.

"Phew," You wiped the sweat on your forehead, your heart thumping with nervousness considering it had been a while since you pulled any of these moves off.

As you hopped down into the house, you were greeted with thick smoke that you accidentally inhaled, causing you to let out a sudden cough and your eyes burn with tears. Pulling your shirt to cover your nose and mouth, (e/c) eyes swept the room and there, hidden in a corner was the girl.

She had curled herself into a small ball as though to protect herself from the burning fire, her knees tucked up to her chin as helpless tears trailed down red, ruddy cheeks; pitiful sobs escaping her trembling lips as she cried.

Other than being scared to death, you sighed in relief when you noticed she was unharmed. Approaching her slowly like she was a frightened animal, you stretched a hand out to her and in the softest voice as not to startle her, you said, "Shh, shh, you're okay, I'm here to get out of here."

Hearing your voice, the girl raised her head and stared at you with wide eyes that were welling up with more tears as she cried harder, "Where's my mummy? I want my mummy!"

Despite the danger that was growing with each second as the two of you stayed where you were, you were patient as you tried to soothe the girl, your lips curling into a friendly smile, "Do you want to see your mummy?"

At that, the child stopped crying and her sobs giving way to soft hiccups, she nodded her head.

(E/C) eyes softened as you neared her, your palm still outstretched in front of you as you continued, "Well, why don't we go see together? Your mummy is the one who sent me to get you."

Her eyes widened with curiosity, and she tilted her head, asking, "My mummy?"

You chuckled softly in response, "Yeap, and she's waiting for you on the other side so let's not keep her waiting any more."

At the sound of that, a wide grin broke out on the girl's red cheeks, and she beamed, placing her tiny hand into yours, "Okay!"

"Good girl," You praised her and squeezed her hand before shedding your outer robe and throwing it over the girl's tiny body to protect her from any wandering flame. Once you wrapped the clothing around her, you told her to wait and not move as you grabbed onto the ceiling railing with a small jump; using all of your upper strength to pull yourself up while your legs scrambled against the wall, and you climbed out the same way as you entered.

Then, securing your feet against the outer beam, you laid on your stomach and reached back into the opening where you instructed the girl to jump as high as she could. The girl did as told and you caught her easily, hooking your arms under her armpits as you pulled her up and out of the hole.

After righting yourself, you adjusted the girl's position in your hold with both her arms around your neck while you held the back of her head and the other around her waist as you slid down the roof, using your feet to slow down the descent.

"Hold on tight," You mumbled to the child once you reached the edge and she tightened her arms around you, burying her face into your neck as you leapt off the roof.

With the additional weight, and no arms to stable yourself after you landed, your ankle rolled over the wrong way and a pained cry fell from your lips. However, you didn't have the time to take a look at it as getting the girl to safety was your main priority.

Without looking back, you headed for the main bridge and made your way towards the safe area where the rest of the village was.

"My baby girl!"

You turned your head towards the sound of the voice where you saw the woman that had asked for your help to find her daughter earlier on, running over; tears of relief welling up in her eyes.

"Mummy!" You let the wriggling girl down and watched with a fond smile as she fell into the other's arms who embraced her tightly, the two of them crying as they reunited.

After checking over her daughter's well-being and realizing not a single hair on her was harmed, she walked over with the girl in her arms and together, the mother-daughter pair thanked you.

You waved away their gratitude, saying that it was the right thing to do before informing them to join the rest as it was not safe yet for the enemies could be still lurking nearby, ready to strike at any given more; especially now when all of you were in such a vulnerable state.

Now that the girl was safe, and you were no longer in danger, the adrenaline rushing through your blood faded and the ache from your twisted ankle settled in; the sudden pain causing a small groan to leave your lips.

You took a step which was a bad idea as pain shot up your leg and with no other choice, you collapsed onto the ground with your injured ankle sticking out in front of you to prevent any sudden movement that would make it worse.

At that moment, Senku came running over with an out-of-place frantic expression all over his face – ruby-red eyes wide with worry as he dropped to his knees next to you, his gaze roaming over your figure to check for any visible injuries.

"(Name), are you hurt? Anywhere?" The teen asked, his hands hovering over your body as though he wanted to touch you but was afraid of hurting you.

Smiling weakly, you grabbed his hands; twinning your fingers with his before running a soothing thumb over the back of his palm as you reassured him, "Other than a twisted ankle, I'm fine. See, not a single hair out of place, so you can stop worrying now."

A relieved sob escaped his lips as he pulled you into his arms, careful to not jostle your wounded ankle too much as he buried his face into your hair, breathing in your familiar scent to calm his racing heart, "You've no idea how afraid I was when you just ran off into the fire like that without so much of a warning and when everyone, but you made it out safely, I couldn't stop fearing for the worst."

(E/C) eyes softened into a mix of guilt and fondness as you raised your other hand and ran light fingers through those gravity-defying green locks, your voice going quiet as you said, "I'm sorry, Senku. I didn't mean to scare you like that, but I know you would've done the same if the woman came crying to you for help instead of me."

The scientist said nothing because he knew you were right, instead, he wrapped his arms tighter around you and for the next few seconds, the two of you ignored the chaos happening around you and held each other; finding comfort in knowing that the other was safe and sound in their warm embrace.

***

"There's no guarantee they'll attack head-on," Kinro stated with confidence as he instructed the battle team who was stationed around the perimeter to protect the villagers who were huddled together in the middle of their circle. "Keep your senses spread out in every direction!"

Behind him, his younger brother exclaimed in doubt, "Can we really protect a group this big?!"

Meanwhile, Kohaku turned to the weaponless blonde and ordered him, "Shelter the children in the science shed! It's our only hope!"

"O-Okay!" Ginro agreed straightaway and turned on his heels, heading for the group of children and elders when suddenly, out of the blue, a wall of fire appeared in front of him.

Stumbling backwards, a startled yelp escaped his lips which drew the other two's attention as they whipped their heads around to the sight of Homura standing on the other side; her red eyes glowing in the blazing flame of the torch in her hand.

Sapphire-blue eyes narrowed into a scowl and letting out a low growl, Kohaku went after the pink-haired girl but wasn't fast enough as the other escaped.

"Get the water!" Senku exclaimed, alarmed as both you and he ran past the blonde, each carrying a jug filled with water.

"This way, hurry!" Kokuyo instructed, pointing in the direction as some of the villagers followed after the two of you with more jars of water.

Kneeling on the ground, Kinro was pulling