Right, Kaze here. This is a story I wrote with a little bit of collaboration with Kiara. It's about our original characters' beginning. Yes, just one because they're inseperable. I appreciate reviews and answer every one of them!
Disclaimer: I do not own. Except Kaze, she is my original character, y'know.
"You're so stupid!"
"Ugly, too!"
"Why'd you have to survive?"
"We hate you!"
The kids screamed at Kaze and Kiara as the two girls hurried home. Kiara was hyperventilating, trying to keep herself from harming any of the children, and Kaze was throwing dirty glances at them.
"Why don't you join your parents, stupid?" One of the kids taunted, pushing Kiara over the edge. Kiara's eyes started to change, but Kaze took her hand, already sprouting claws, and dragged her away from the kids.
Neither said anything, both turned mute by their experience a couple years ago. The two six-year-olds were now living quietly in their house, thankfully free of bodies, and away from the rest of the village. Nobody came to visit the two orphans, except those who wanted to take something from them or call them names.
The two girls finally made it home and Kaze shut and locked the door before pulling the blinds over the windows. Kiara set the food they'd gone out to buy on the kitchen counter before breaking down and running to her room. Kaze looked after her, scratching absentmindedly at one of the scars until it broke open and began to bleed again, dripping red onto the overly-dusty carpet.
Kaze sighed, gave up on eating, and went to sleep, leaving the food out, but successfully putting the cold things in the refrigerator.
The next morning, Kaze wrapped up her bleeding arm, checked on Kiara, who was still sleeping, and left the house. She still had to pick up some new clothes for she and Kiara, and it would be easier to shop if Kiara wasn't hyperventilating. Kaze made her way to a second-hand clothing shop, the owner one of the few kind people she'd met.
"Ah, hello, Kaze-chan!" The woman called out kindly. Kaze nodded at her, her eyes kind as she went to look around. Kaze had also lost all expression the night she and Kiara turned mute, but the kinder people knew her enough to not judge her. "Is there something I can help you find?" However, that did not mean they didn't try to get her to talk.
Kaze tilted her head, pointing to her clothes. "Ah, new clothes for you and Kiara-chan?" Kaze nodded as the woman picked out some things. "These should fit you, but you know that if they don't you can always come back and I'll make sure they do." Kaze nodded, handing the woman the money to pay for it, allowing her to bag the stuff, and then walking out.
Outside, Kaze turned a corner, and ran right into a young man. He had to be in his older teens, but he was reading a truly atrocious book. He had the clothes of a jounin, the headband of the village (which was slanted over his left eye), and a mask covering his face. When Kaze looked up at him, she found a blue right eye and spiky white hair. Kaze managed to drop her bag and the man dropped his book.
"Whoops," he said, his voice deep, as his visible eye looked down at Kaze, who had also fallen onto her butt. "Sorry bout that," he said, putting his hands under her arms and lifting her up like she weighed nothing before setting her on her feet. He leaned down, picked up her bag and his book, gave the bag to her, and walked away. Kaze huffed, her face completely devoid of emotion before continuing on.
Another corner later, and she hit another hazard. The three boys she and Kiara had escaped yesterday had come back for a rematch. Kaze sighed, but didn't fight back as one of the boys shoved her to the ground. She was fully prepared for a beating, shutting her eyes and not even putting her hands up to protect her face, but it never came. Instead, when she opened her eyes, she found the white haired man standing in front of her and the three boys running away.
"You okay, kid?" He asked, turning around and picking her up the same way he had before. Kaze looked up at him and nodded. She wouldn't admit it, but she found she was fascinated by this man. He treated her like... Well, like a kid, and she wasn't used to it. Normally people treated her like a disease or a china doll. The man was looking at her closely, holding her bag again. "You don't talk much, do you kid?" He asked, his eye crinkling in amusement. Kaze shook her head, looking away.
The man cocked his head to the side. "Hmm... Mute?" He asked. Kaze nodded. "And expressionless..." He muttered, standing up straight. "Well, where do you live, kid? I'll escort you." Kaze looked at him, only her eyes showing her shock, before pointing in the direction she'd been heading and taking a few hesitant steps forward. The man walked beside her, seemingly happy to be helping.
They made it to Kaze and Kiara's house and the man held her bag out for her. "Well, I'll be seeing you, kid," he said, turning away and heading down the road again. Kaze put her hand up, almost to stop him, but dropped it quickly. The man, as if he'd seen it, turned around and his eye crinkled again. "My name's Hatake Kakashi," he said, before continuing away from her. Kaze watched him disappear before unlocking the door and stepping inside.
Kiara ran up to her once she'd walked in, her face full of worry. Kaze patted her head and held out the clothes. The two stayed inside all day, quiet, ignoring any people who came by.
The next day, Kaze and Kiara woke up together at five. For Kaze this was normal, but since Kiara had gone to sleep so early the day before, she too woke up. They heard a soft knock at their door not long after being awake and Kaze went to check it, looking out through a hole before opening it.
"Hello, kid!" Hatake Kakashi said, waving, his eye crinkling happily. Kiara hid in the kitchen, peeking out to see who was intruding, before Kaze waved her forward. "Ah, you have two of you?" He asked. "Hmm, and you're mute also. Either way, come with me, I have somewhere I need to go, and you two seem like you need a friend."
Kaze looked at Kiara, who looked at Kaze. Kaze shrugged and Kiara frowned. Sighing, Kaze picked up a worn out jacket and stepped outside, beckoning for Kiara to follow suit. Kiara took a moment, looking from Hatake Kakashi to Kaze, surprise etched in her face, before complying.
Kaze took Kiara's hand before looking up at Hatake Kakashi, who took Kaze's hand in his own, leading her and Kiara away from their house and to a memorial stone near the edge of the village. They didn't pass anyone on the way, and didn't talk or stop until they had reached the stone. Once there, Hatake Kakashi stopped, dropped Kaze's hand, and stared at the memorial stone. Kaze stepped closer, examining the stone, and running her hand along her grandfather's name. She tugged Kiara closer and pointed to Kiara's grandfather's name. Kiara nodded, smiling teary-eyed at Kaze. They both then sat down next to Hatake Kakashi, who was still standing, and they all stared at the stone.
Not long after arriving, Hatake Kakashi bean talking to the stone. "Hey, it's Kakashi again," he said, looking sad. He talked to the stone like it was his friend, and Kaze and Kiara didn't question him. Instead, the three of them spent a quite five hours sitting near the stone.
When Kakashi finally realized he was late for something, he and the two girls left the stone to eat lunch. They went to a place called Ichiraku's for ramen, and while they ate Kakashi talked to them.
"Well, if either of you ever get your ability to talk again, you may call me Kakashi. I don't like being called Hatake, that was my dad," he explained after inhaling his food so fast no one saw what was under his mask. "I know your names, but I'm not sure which is which." He looked them over for a minute as the two girls ate their ramen, both looking back at him. "Who's Kiara?" He finally asked. Kaze pointed to Kiara and Kiara dipped her head in embarrassment. Kakashi nodded, turning his eye on Kaze, who noticed it was crinkly again, a sign of his amusement. "So, you, kid, must be Kaze," he deduced. Kaze nodded, setting her finished bowl down.
"I'd really like to know why you two don't talk..." He mused, looking away. Kaze looked at Kiara, who shrugged. "I'd also like to know why you, Kaze-chan, don't have facial expressions," Kakashi continued, looking back at them for a moment before once again looking away. Kaze looked at Kiara again, who bit her lip in worry. Before she could decide, though, Kaze nodded with finality and pulled a pencil from behind her ear and slid a napkin close to her.
When Kakashi looked back to the girls, he was surprised to see a napkin with writing on it being held up to him. He stared at it for a moment before looking around it at Kaze, who motioned for him to take it. He did so and began to read:
"We lost our parents when we were four," the napkin began. "They, along with both our clans, were killed off. Kia and I only had each other, so we stuck together. But kids are mean, so we both stopped trying to talk to people. I have to be strong, so I don't show emotions. If I'm strong, Kia is too. And she can handle what the day throws at her without freaking."
"But..." Kakashi said, rolling his eye to look up at Kaze. "How did you two know each other?" Kaze motioned for him to flip the napkin, and when he did so, he noticed more writing on the back.
"Kia's dad and my dad were 'rivals.' Kia and I became friends as they 'fought' and we were together all the time. So when our clans were killed, we were together, so we stayed together. Our houses are really close, so we just kept them both, but we live in only one."
"You knew exactly what I was going to ask, didn't you?" Kakashi asked, another smile hidden by his mask. "So... No one's tried to talk to you before me?" He asked. Kaze shook her head, staring up at the white-haired jounin. "What about class?" Kaze shrugged, waving her hand in a dismissive manner. "Ah, no one wants to teach something they don't understand," Kakashi guessed, nodding his head. "They all blame you two for what happened to your clans?" Kaze nodded. Kiara looked down at her now empty bowl, not meeting Kakashi's eyes.
"Do you know what happened?" Kakashi finally asked. Kiara flinched and Kaze put her hand on her shoulder before motioning to the bottom of the napkin. Kakashi read what was written there:
"We don't talk about that. I've been trying to get Kia to forget," It said simply.
"Fair enough," Kakashi said, nodding. "Well, I believe I am late enough, I have to go meet Gai now for a match he demanded we have," Kakashi said, paying for their food and walking out the door with the two girls following. "Don't get in trouble on the way home," he warned before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. Kaze nodded at nothing, waving Kiara in the direction of their house. Kiara nodded and ran off, leaving Kaze to go find the two some new books.
As Kaze was walking alone, the three boys Kakashi had scared off before came back. "Hey, ugly," one taunted. "That freak isn't here to protect you, so we're gonna get our revenge now!" The other two boys cackled stupidly and Kaze didn't say anything, merely turned in their direction and stared at them. This aggravated the leader and he ran at her. Kaze closed her eyes, waiting once more for a punch that never came.
"Hey, don't be jerks!" A boy yelled, standing in front of Kaze and fending off the other boy's punch. "She isn't fighting back, just go away!" The three boys scattered once more and Kaze opened her eyes to see her rescuer. He had spiky black hair and wore black clothes with a fan emblem on the back. His skin was pale and when he turned to look at Kaze she saw he had black eyes. "Hey, you okay?" He asked. Kaze stared at him warily before nodding her thanks. The boy watched her for a moment before smiling.
"You don't talk much," he said. Kaze shook her head slowly. "That's okay," the boy said before sticking out his hand. "I'm Sasuke, by the way." Kaze's eyes widened in surprise before she took the hand and shook it. Sasuke, obviously satisfied, turned away. "It's nice to meet you!" He called. "I gotta go now, but if those jerks ever try to bully you again, I'll help you!" He ran off, leaving Kaze alone to walk home, forgetting the books she'd wanted to get.
At home, Kaze described to Kiara, on paper, the boy and what had happened. Kiara looked appropriately horrified, never once reminding Kaze about the books, and they eventually went off to bed.
The next morning, Kakashi was once more at their house. "Hello!" He called when no one answered the door. Kaze opened the door, rubbing her eyes, and looked up at him. She and Kiara were dressed for the day, having hoped Kakashi would allow them to accompany him to the stone again. Kakashi smiled warmly at them, still wearing his mask, and beckoned them to join him.
The morning passed exactly as it had the day before, but when the three left the stone they didn't go to lunch. Kakashi instead apologized, saying he had to meet a guy again. Kaze waved to him as he left, determined to find the books she'd forgotten about the day before. She allowed Kiara to come with her, and they were surprised to see Sasuke running up to them.
"Hey, hey!" He called, waving at the two of them. Kaze looked at Kiara worriedly before waving back. Kiara stared at the boy, hiding behind Kaze. "This your friend?" Sasuke asked, looking around Kaze at Kiara. Kaze nodded, patting Kiara on the head to reassure her. Kiara frowned up at Kaze. "She doesn't talk much either, but she's more expressive than you are," Sasuke noted. He stared at the two before shaking his head like he was getting rid of some thoughts.
"Anyway!" He continued, clapping his hands together. "I was wondering if you," he motioned at Kaze, "and your friend," he waved at Kiara, "would like to join me and my family for dinner?" He finished, tilting his head in question. Kaze looked to Kiara, who frowned, but then smiled up at Kaze. Kaze nodded, biting her lip. "Great!" Sasuke shouted, pumping his fist in the air. He grabbed Kaze's hand and pulled her and Kiara towards his house. "We eat pretty early, so I want you two to be able to meet my family before dinner!"
Sasuke's house was huge and very decorated. Fans adorned every wall, obviously his family crest. Chests and paintings were scattered throughout the room, seats were abundant, and delicious smells wafted from the kitchen area. "My mom is cooking," Sasuke explained, almost apologetically. Kaze allowed herself to be dragged from room to room in what appeared to be a tour of Sasuke's house.
"Here is my family!" Sasuke said, smiling at Kaze and waving his hand at his parents and older brother. "That's Itachi," he pointed to the older brother who was wearing black and had black eyes just like Sasuke. He looked really tired, and only spared half a moment's glance for the two girls. "This is my mom," he pointed to a kind woman cooking. "And my dad," he pointed to a stern man reading a book.
"Hello, dears," Sasuke's mom said, wiping her hands and turning to the two girls. Something flickered in her eyes but she smiled widely at them. "You're Kaze and Kiara, right?" She asked. Kaze nodded, pointing at herself, then Kiara. "Good, I'm glad you and Sasuke are friends." Kaze bit her lip before nodding again. Kiara smiled hesitantly at everyone.
The girls ate dinner with them before leaving. Sasuke walked with them to make sure no one bullied them on the way. "I didn't know your name was Kaze," Sasuke said, staring at Kaze. She looked away, uncomfortable, but nodded. "And you're Kiara?" He asked, looking around Kaze at Kiara. She nodded also. "I think I've heard those names before. Are your last names Kami and Kawa?" He asked, watching their faces. Kiara flinched but Kaze nodded, deciding that if Sasuke wouldn't be their friend because of their names they'd better get it out of the way as soon as possible. Sasuke's jaw dropped.
Kaze sighed silently, looking away but keeping her face impassive. She could feel a certain one-eyed gaze on them but didn't want to bring it to the others' attentions. Sasuke spluttered in embarrassment for a moment before letting out a whoosh of air. "THAT IS AWESOME!" He finally yelled, causing Kaze and Kiara to jump. Kiara looked confused, but Kaze just looked at the boy. He grinned at them before realizing they had no idea why he was so happy about it. "Dude!" He yelled before coughing in embarrassment. "Sorry, I just can't believe I'm friends with two of the most admirable people in the world." Kiara blushed, gaping at the boy as he grinned at them again. "You two survived your clans' demise, that's definitely worth something. Even if my dad doesn't like you. I don't care what he says, just know that!" They stopped in front of the girls' house and he waved as he turned around. "I'll see you both later!" He called, running off. Kaze and Kiara waved back dazedly.
They then looked at each other and Kaze noticed Kiara's shock before Kiara smiled happily. Kaze nodded, satisfied, and the two went inside and off to bed.
The next morning, Kaze and Kiara joined Kakashi at the memorial stone again, but he waved them away after about an hour. "You two are young, so go have fun with your friends," He said, smiling at the two of them. They hesitated, but Kakashi patted Kaze's head in reassurance and the two girls left. As they walked away, Kiara tugged on Kaze's sleeve, looking back at Kakashi as if to ask if he would be okay. Kaze nodded, patting Kiara's head and the two left Kakashi alone.
Sasuke caught up with them not long afterwards and the three of them wandered around the town, with Sasuke telling them all about his classes, which he was on break from. "There are a couple of weird kids in my class, like that Naruto kid, who looks like he's a complete failure. He never stops smiling or causing trouble. Kiba, his friend, is always with him, and Kiba's got this dog that never leaves Kiba's head. It's just weird!" Sasuke fumed. "And we have these quiet boys, Shino and Shikamaru. Neither one seem to like each other or anyone else. I don't understand! Shikamaru is this super genius freak, and Shino loves bugs-" At the mention of bugs Kaze flinched slightly. Sasuke didn't notice, just kept talking about Shino's bug complex, but Kiara patted Kaze's shoulder sympathetically. She herself had been barely able to suppress a shudder that Kaze had missed.
"And all the girls are just crazy. They always burst into class when we're on break to talk to me, like I'm some celebrity or something. It's so annoying," Sasuke continued, finally stopping to take a breath. He looked over at the two girls walking beside him. "Am I really that cute?" He asked, frowning. Kaze looked back at him for a moment before turning and covering her mouth. She had almost let a snicker escape and intended to keep it in. Kiara frowned, but she blushed slightly. "Hey, hey, Kaze-chan," Sasuke whined, poking Kaze's arm. Kaze turned to him, her face under control. "What do you think? Am I cute?" He looked at her innocently and this time Kaze couldn't suppress the snicker. Sasuke looked shocked as Kaze bit her tongue her lips twitching. She got under control again, taking a deep breath. "What? I'm not?" He asked, horrified. Kaze let out a snort of suppressed laughter, turning her head away from Sasuke again. Sasuke pouted, and Kiara smiled at him apologetically.