Chapter 16 - Name of Choice

Ernie and the girls traveled for almost a week on foot getting further and further away from the Kizamaru clan, while also going in the direction of the Nakuhina clan. During this time, the girls seemed to open up much more to Ernie and Ernie opened up to them. At this point, they knew a lot about each other but Ernie still had his secrets.

Eventually, Ernie found himself going through a mountain range. There were two large mountains that created a medium sized entrance. As he followed Hina and Himari into the entrance, he quickly found himself hearing waves of water rushing forward.

"What is that sound?"

Ernie asked as he looked around.

The ground started to look less like dirt and more like land where grass grew.

"A waterfall."

Hina replied back as she continued walking.

"Where does it come from? I never knew water flowed like that in this area."

Himari shrugged her shoulder.

"Beats the both of us, we don't know either. This place was found by our brother eight years ago, but its so beautiful. I've never seen so many plants grow in this area before."

Himari said as she spoke praising words about this place.

"Our clan was going to move here eventually, but we never got the chance to. Our brother told our clan about this place last year, before then it was used as our hideout. Since then, anything our clan wanted to store was stored here far away from the clan."

Hina added.

As the three of them walked deeped through the passage, Ernie could clearly see the changes.

Besides patches of grass, Ernie also started noticing tree's pop up as well as various flowers.

"How far is this from your village?"

Ernie was curious.

"About half a days journey, so not really far. But, it's pretty well hidden so no one ever comes in this direction. We should be safe here for the time being."

Hina answered.

Soon the three of them were greeted by a vast open space where trees grew around the edges, and water flowed like a river on the left side. The whole area was surrounded by large mountains, making the only entrance the one where Ernie and the girls entered from.

Straight in sight, Ernie saw water gushing out from one of the mountains creating a waterfall. He wondered where the water was coming from, but he didn't dwell too much on that question.

Instead, he was fascinated by the whole area.

The water which fell from the mountain was trapped in a pathway on the left side, which went around the edges of this place into a hole in the mountain. Ernie didn't know where that hole went exactly, but he figured it must lead back to the other side where the water was coming from.

The space was very large, big enough to hold at least ten medium sized clans.

In the very center of the area was a small stone hut, which Ernie figured Hina and Himari used with their brother.

Ernie grinned as he scanned the area. He hugged Hina and Himari both.

"This is perfect!"

Ernie shouted with joy.

"What's perfect? What do you mean?"

Himari asked as Ernie let her go.

"This place is perfect. It's settled, this is where we will live in the future."

Ernie said happily.

"Huh?"

Hina was just as confused as Himari was.

"Look at it the way I do, this place has a natural defense, there is only one way in and one way out. It has its own water source as well, so no need to worry about traveling long distances for water. We can capture animals bring them back here and raise them as well, giving us a food source. Eventually, we can grow our own food too."

Ernie explained.

"I don't know Ernie, our clan was going to move here, but even then this place has more land than we would be able to cover. Now it's just us three, do you think we would be able to manage a land like this by ourselves?"

Hina asked him.

She was doubtful and thought that if they were to live together, then it was best to do it in an area they would be able to manage.

Ernie grinned.

"We won't be by ourselves Hina. Maybe at the start, but not all the time."

Ernie said as he looked at the two of them in the eye.

"My plan is to start a clan here, and eventually create a village. But, not just a village used by my clansmen, a village that welcomes anyone who wants to get away from the constant war, or people who want to live simple lives. If we come across a farmer who is all alone after ninja have slayed his or her village, we can invite them to live with us. If they join, that's one more to our numbers and they can help manage the food. We find ninja who are tired of the constant fighting and just want to live a simple life without having to worry about being called into a war they had nothing to do with. We do the same thing, and see if they would like to take refuge here. Over time, we'll grow in numbers and the community will slowly get bigger."

Hina and Himari both showed worried expressions on their faces, and Ernie could tell they were doubtful. Even he was doubtful once he said his plans out loud. However, if he wanted to finish those quests he needed to make it happen.

"What about your clan, what is your goal? Your ambition?"

Himari asked as she gazed into Ernie's blue eyes.

"I just want to live long enough to guide the newer generation is all. If i'm able to see my children grow up, then that is enough for me."

Ernie said honestly.

He didn't really care too much about the war the clans were waging against each other, he was more interested in his self growth and his clans growth. He still needed to complete his missions, but a few of them he wouldn't be able to complete without having a child or two of his own.

One mission was called 'Overseeing' which basically meant he had to watch his child reach adulthood, while another one was called 'Clan Population' which said he needed a population of five to be completed.

Those were just a few of the ones he had to finish.

"Don't worry, if you two are still interested in revenge at a later time, I will help you. While i'm not one to actively seek fights, if I see someone bullying anyone i'll be sure to step in. And what the Kizamaru clan did, cannot be left alone."

Ernie told the girls.

"What about the name of your clan, since you don't plan on recreating your old one, what are you going to name it?"

Hina asked.

Ernie scratched his cheek, he did have a thought about this a few days ago before when they were in the Kizamaru clan. Except, before he could say anything he was interrupted. Since then, he never brought it back up.

"Actually… it's a bit embarrassing…"

Ernie said shyly.

"What is it?"

Ernie fiddled with his fingers like a girl.

"You said no one would marry you two to continue on your clans name… so… I was thinking I could marry one of you… and help continue on your clans name…"

As Ernie said that he looked at the two girls who were both silent.

Hina and Himari looked at each other, both seeming to say something with their eyes.

"No."

Himari said.

"Ah! I figured as much, was worth a try though…"

"No! Not that, we would be happy to marry you Ernie, it's just… we don't want to recreate our clan anymore. It would be a painful memory always reminding us of those we lost and those we cared for."

Hina quickly said before Ernie could finish his sentence.

When Ernie thought of doing that a few days ago, he figured it could be a win-win situation for both of them Ernie could have kids and be able to complete his mission, while the girls would be able to continue on their clans name.

In his head, it was the perfect plan.

Seeing both Hina and Himari with red faces, Ernie could tell they were being serious.

He brought them both in for a big hug and kissed their forehead.

It was a sight to see, considering he was shorter than them, so they had to lean down a bit for him to kiss their forehead.

"In that case, you two can decide the clans name."

"Tsubaki! It's like the perfect love."

Hina said as if she already had the name in mind.

"No, Asagao sounds better. It means Bond of love, or brief love, perfect for the three of us."

Himari disagreed with Hina and spoke up.

The two girls started to argue over the name, and Ernie finally saw them fight. He thought they were the perfect sisters, but he forgot, all siblings fought with each other.