Notes: Commission for Eternal Pikachu. Kimi and Amber belongs to Eternal Pikachu. This time it will be a three-part story. This is a sequel to her first story written called "Friendships". However this is also a stand-alone story. Commissionee has chosen the title of this story
Blooming Blossom Part 1
Land of Water, home of the ninjas from the Village of hidden in the Mist. It is well known as one of the five great Shinobi countries, with the biggest attribute in which no other country had was the constant dense fog throughout the land. It also was the one country with the longest and coldest winters. They'd get an obscene about amounts of snow and had the shortest springs and summers.
With the coming of Spring, the villages surrounding the Shinobi village were busy at work on getting planting and prepared for the new season's crops. Unlike many places outside the Land of Water, how their crops would grow at a normal rate, the Land of Water used a feeder growth to have everything grow in faster time.
In one village on an island separated from the main portion of the village, a small family of four lived comfortably, well as comfortably as one could get for being poor, which everyone was because of the many wars the land had to deal with. The family, two daughters and their parents, lived in a simple country house. For the longest time the family would grow food and help another poor villager to live through trades. But in recent months, the family was able to rise beyond traders by growing their own supplies and eventually became shopkeepers of trades from the mainland. Since then life on the island became easier.
Their two daughters, Kimi and Amber were often not part of the business as they were still quite young being six years apart from one another. But, Amber being the oldest was nearly a teenager and soon would take on more responsibilities, including helping out at the shop. Kimi was too young yet to help out. She was a carefree young girl with long brown hair often tied back in two braids and brown eyes. Amber was not so carefree and she too had brown hair and yellow-green eyes, but kept her hair short.
Kimi loved her sister very much and strived to get her attention a lot, but Amber half the time would ignore her, rarely giving her the time of day. She would always brush her sister off, always giving the attitude of 'we'll play later, I promise'. She would then ruffle the girl's hair and walk away. But those promises never really did come true.
"Come on, Amber," Kimi whined.
The two girls were down by the wharf, facing the mainland. Amber left the house a few hours earlier, hoping to get some alone time away from her family. She also ended up meeting with a friend and had no idea Kimi followed but got lost on the way. However, Kimi did find Amber sometime later, just as Amber's meeting ended. When Amber saw her sister approach, she covered her surprise with a usual reaction of giving a smile and calling her slow poke.
"You're always saying 'later'," Kimi continued. "I just wish you would say something different for once."
Amber looked at her sister. "I'm sorry, but you're always asking just when I'm in the middle of something."
"What? Besides doing whatever it was with your boyfriend? Don't think I'm stupid. But I know you hang out with him a lot. I've seen him come around the house too."
"Kimi, that isn't any of your concern. What I do when I'm alone is not your business."
Kimi gave her a look, crossing her arms. "Fine. But you're not doing anything right now." Sometimes Kimi was too smart for her own good.
Sighing, Amber knew she was right. She really had no excuse right now to not give her sister any attention. Perhaps if she were to cave, giving into her sister's demands, perhaps the girl would leave her alone. Thinking for several moments on the idea, deep in thought, Amber pulled out all her options, before deciding. "I'll tell you what. How about I give you a piggyback ride back home?"
Kimi's eyes lit up, pout disappearing, which was replaced by a smile. "Ok!"
Giving her sister what appeared to be a gentle smile, she turned around, back facing the girl. Crouching down, Kimi now had the ability to wrap her arms around her sister's neck. Amber then stood at the same time as hooking her arms around Kimi's legs, supporting the girl against her back and preventing the girl from choking her. She then started the trek home.
Feeling content at being close to her sister, Kimi leaned her head against her shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent that could only be her sister. To Kimi, this was heaven on Earth. She didn't have many friends and the ones she did have weren't as comforting to be around unlike being around Amber. Amber felt warm and caring and never snapped at her.
Shortly before midnight, a lone figure ran out into the night. The person wore a black cloak with red patch patterns through the material. The hidden person, continued on going until reaching a dimly lit cave near by one of the loading docks facing on a forty-five degree angel from the mainland. The cave led deep underground, going under the village and eventually hitting water, which was revealed to be an underground water pocket. Inside the cave were more people dressed in the same black cloak.
"About time you made it," replied a male voice.
"Give me a break," answered a young girl's voice. "Had to be sure everyone was sleeping. I can't just leave when you want me to."
"That's no excuse," he retorted.
The one who was last to arrive was quick to pull out a kunai and in a flash was behind the guy who spoke. The weapon was brought to his neck, blade facing his jugular.
She hissed into the guy's ear. "If you value your life, you'll do well to lay off. This project was entrusted to me, not you. Considering you were the one who gave me the order to do this."
Taking an intake of breath, he held back a smile. He would humor this young girl for now. She was quite amusing to toy with. He could feel the edge of the cold blade pressed against his skin, against his throat. At any given time, he could easily turn the table on her, but it was more amusing to think she was the one on top. He looked over to one of his newest members to the group who bore a headband from the Hidden Leaf Village. His face was barely visible through the shadows of those in the cave over the dimly lit cavern.
"You've taught her well, Itachi," the man said.
"I told you she had quite the charm," Itachi answered. He raised his hand up towards the girl. "My sweet, it's probably best that you release him, if you ever want to get off this island. Pein has many hidden talents he has never shown you. And he could kill you in an instant."
The weapon slowly lowered from the man's neck. Putting the kunai away, she moved away to stand beside Itachi. She knew the man she attacked was the leader and probably stronger than he was letting on, but she wanted him to know that she wasn't backing down. She joined the group some time ago and she wasn't going to back out now.
"Can someone tell me again in what we're doing here?" complained another young female. Her black hair was very visible over her clothing but with the darkness in the cave, it was hard to tell where her hair started and ended.
"Patience Audry," answered Pein.
"To destroy this village," Itachi replied. "There are secrets to this village, which we need left silent, especially to those in the Mist Village."
"What sort of secrets?" Audry asked, intrigued.
"There is one person here who is a Jinchuriki and if the Mitzukage finds out about it, he'll have this village torn apart. We have to find the beast before he does," Pein finally decided to give a proper answer.
"I like the sound of that," she grinned. "Screwing the ninja here sounds like a lot of fun."
"Exactly," Itachi agreed as he draped an arm around his friend. He gave her a knowing look. "When do you plan to set your plan into motion?"
"I wasn't planning to it for another month, but since you're here, now, guess there's no time like the present. Originally I wasn't expecting you to arrive so soon," she answered.
"Then you'll do it within the next 24 hours," Pein suggested.
"Why not tonight?" asked another male member.
Itachi's friend glared at the guy. "As I said, I wasn't expecting you guys until next month. I'm not fully ready. There is still one more thing I need to do."
Faster than Amber ever thought was possible, Pein moved from his spot. He came around behind Amber, pushing Itachi out of the way. Producing one kunai, he aimed it at her throat like she did to him and another near her budding breasts.
"You will do it within the next 24 hours or…" he stuck out his tongue, licking her neck in an evilly way. "Or perhaps you could provide us with pleasure before we torch you along with them. I'm sure the others here are just itching to…" he trailed off, letting his meaning sink in without actually saying anything.
She gasped in fright and shock as she felt the kunai's so close to her body. She turned her fearful eyes over to Itachi who looked at her with surprise. Her eyes then turned to Pein's. Her breathing picked up as she began to tremble and she knew he could feel her fear. He grinned evilly.
"Now, when are you going to kill the entire village?"
She took a shaky breath. "Tomorrow… Tomorrow night after everyone has gone to bed will be the time to strike."
Pein looked at the girl, then to Itachi. Through his eyes alone, it was plainly visible he disapproved of the idea of waiting one more night but he did say within the next 24 hours.
"This is her village," Itachi pointed out, looking at Pein. "Her family and friends. In my opinion, she should have the lead on this operation and knows best on where the best places to strike first. You are our leader, but you have never stepped foot on this land until today."
Pein thought for a moment. "You make a valid point. Since this is her village. I will let it pass this one time. But after today…" He lowered his bladed weapons and stepped back.
She took a shaky breath before turning to him. "If you kill me, you can't find the beast," the girl challenged.
Pein looked at her a moment once more, silenced. Even in fear she had defiance and that was something he liked with girls. "And how will you start?"
She worked on controlling herself before answering. "It will start with the burning of the stores and boat houses."
Itachi nodded. "Excellent idea. Those alone will draw the attention of the villagers and that will be the perfect time to kill them. They will be too distracted with the fire to know we're right in front of them."
"Leave the boat house on the opposite side of the island, facing completely away from the mainland, alone. That will be our escape route." The young seemed to have gotten full control of her emotions and was able to look as she did when she first walked in.
One of the main quiet ones snapped his attention to Itachi's young friend. "The opposite side?!" He blurted. "That's far away!"
"Exactly my point," she answered, not phased by his evil glare, but she wouldn't look at Pein. "The fire will be seen from the mainland and will draw the attention to their boathouses to try and assist. Upon heading over, they will spot us and know it was us who did it."
"Agreed," Pein nodded. "It will take us longer to reach land, but at least we'll evade any eyewitnesses. And I have seen the Hidden Leaf Village ANBU Black Ops on the mainland. And there's one of them that you do not want to tangle with."
"Who is this guy?" asked Audry.
"Kakashi Hatake," answered Itachi.
"Never heard of him," replied Itachi's friend.
"You mean Kakashi, the copy ninja?" blinked another quiet member.
Audry snorted, crossing her arms. "What makes him so special?"
"Seven years ago," Itachi explained. "Kakashi was on a mission with a cousin of mine. He ended up dying in battle on his dying breath, he gave Kakashi a last friendly gesture he gave Kakashi one of his Sharingan eyes."
"So he has a Uchiha clan trait in one eye? Very interesting," Itachi's friend replied.
"My sweet, why don't we pitch in with the attack? The faster it's done, the quicker we can get off the island before the ANBU arrives," Itachi suggested. Calling his friend 'my sweet' was just a little pet name he'd call her all the time. The two weren't dating or anything. But he did find her sweet.
"Agreed," she nodded. "And leave no survivors. I will track down the one with the beast and bring that one to you Pein."
The group talked a bit longer before Itachi's friend left the cave, heading back home, not wanting to be missed. She knew sometimes her parents would get up in the night to check in on her. It was something they had done since she was really small.
With the morning light, shining upon the village, everyone woke to start their day. No one but one person knew there was going to be an invasion on the village, which would end all life to the village. And with that unknown tragedy, the citizens of the village continued on with their daily lives as though they would wake tomorrow and do it all over again.
The last to awake was Kimi, which was unusual for her but with her sister around that soon changed. Amber already had breakfast with her parents and the two adults left, leaving Amber to look after her sister. Just as soon as their parents left, Amber went straight to Kimi's room.
"Sleepy head!" she called loudly. "Time to get up!"
Kimi turned, hearing the sound but really didn't want to get up, until she felt someone nudge her. Turning again, her eyes opened groggily only to be greeted by her smiling sister and the morning light.
"Sis," Kimi yawned. "What time is it?"
"Time for you to get up. Mom and Dad have already left for the shop. You slept through breakfast."
Kimi sat straight up. "Already left!?" she squeaked, now wide awake.
Amber chuckled. "Hey, calm down, sis!" Amber had to grab her sister's arms to be sure she didn't whack her in the head. "Your breakfast is still waiting for you. I made you your favorite. So lets go eat and then get dressed and later we'll go see Mom and Dad."
"But I missed breakfast."
Amber shook her head. "You silly. Just because you missed breakfast with Mom and Dad doesn't mean you missed breakfast completely. Breakfast is on the table right now and if you don't get moving, it'll be cold soon."
Realizing in what she was saying, Kimi threw the blankets off her body and raced to the bathroom before running down the hall to the kitchen where breakfast was waiting for her. Amber couldn't help but laugh at how fast her sister was moving. By the time the preteen made it to the kitchen, her sister was already eating.
In no time at all, Kimi finished eating and left to get dressed. Amber decided today would be a day she would spend some time with her sister. She didn't know the reason why she thought it would be best to do so. To Kimi, she was completely shocked. Amber never gave Kimi the chance to ask if the two could hang out, she just came out saying they were. This completely made Kimi's day.
For half the day the two were together, playing. Amber taught Kimi how to throw a knife. The blade they used looked nearly like a ninja weapon, but Amber shook her head, saying she didn't know and that she found it. After the two girls had lunch, Amber thought it was time for Kimi to see her parents. Plus Amber had a few things to do and she had to get rid of her sister to do it. Kimi was happy to see her parents and did not notice when Amber slipped out of the shop unnoticed.
For an hour Kimi hung out with her parents before realizing her sister had left. Deciding being around her parents was long enough, she would go and look for her sister. She searched throughout the village looking for her, not knowing where she was going. Soon she came upon a cave a couple people talking. Carefully ducking behind a large rock, Kimi listened.
"Itachi, what are you planning on doing when this is over?" a girl said. The voice of that girl sounded a lot like Amber… but how was that possible?
"I'm going to kill my entire clan," answered a male, which also sounded familiar. Sounded like Amber's guy friend, Itachi. Was it possible for two guys to have the same name?
"Kill your clan?!" the girl blurted. "Why?"
"Why not?" he asked, sounding bored.
Kimi's eyes popped wide open in shock. He was going to kill his family for the heck of it?! Tears came into her eyes. She clamped her mouth tightly shut as a slight noise escaped her lips.
"What?" the girl asked suddenly
"Shhh," the male replied. "I thought I heard something outside."
Fearing for her life, Kimi heard footsteps approaching her position. Scrambling to her feet she rushed off to get further away from the cave but kept herself hidden. She didn't stop until she reached the main square of the village where she dropped herself down in front of a water fountain. No one bothered to pay attention to her as she sat there, stunned by what she just heard.
She could see nearby authorities of the village. She felt the want to go to them and tell them what she heard, but she was too scared to move. Her feet were literally glued on the spot she was sitting at and there she stayed until people began to close up shops for the day and go home to make the evening meal.
It wasn't until seeing her parents approach her before she finally felt the courage to move, which she went running to their arms, hugging them tightly. They embraced her back before heading off back home to cook up their evening meal. With Kimi being young as she was, her father lifted her up, placing her on his shoulders. He had a secure hold of her legs as she wrapped her small arms around his forehead.
Again just before midnight a lone person from the village rushed out of their home and into the night, heading towards the cave but before getting there, the group of people she spoke with the night before stopped her. Pein looked at her, grinning. "It's time. Did you say goodbye to your family?"
"My family are morons," she answered, not wanting to look at Pein. The threat he threw at her was still fresh in her mind. Truth be told she did have a wonderful evening with her parents, having her last meal with them. "Now, lets get this over with."
Pein turned to the others around him. "Spread out and torch the shops and boathouses. And remember you have one hour to get everything done and meet up at the one boathouse that will not be torched until our escape. Now, lets move." He turned to the girl who belonged in the village. "Once the fires draws the attentions of the citizens, you will then start torching their houses. And to be sure when the ANBU arrive, make it look as though you died in the blaze so you are not to be suspected, be sure you are witnessed by some of the dying people."
The girl nodded. "Yes."
Itachi grabbed the girl's hand and the two-left Pein's side, as did the others. Pein then went to the dock to wait and soon enough he saw the fire begin. Soon people began screaming in terror, leaving their homes, trying to work as fast as they could to work out the fire. But their screams of terror turned into shrill of dying screams as his men then began to slaughter each member of the village.
At the home of Kimi and Amber's, their parents woke to shrilling sounds and ran outside to see their entire village was nearly engulfed in flames.
The girls' mother was quick to look at their house. She knew they were endangered and had to get out and fast. "KIMI!" her mother screamed. She ran inside just as someone threw a torch onto their house right in Kimi's bedroom.
Kimi woke to her room getting warm and bright. Her eyes were quick to focus on the flames forming in the corner of her room. Doing what she was taught if there was a fire. She quickly jumped out the window and ran from the house. But she then stopped. Where were her parents? Turning back towards the house, she got a clear sight of her room and there at the window was her mother and she was engulfed in flames. Her arms were swinging and it was obvious from the screams in that direction she was being burned alive.
"MOTHER!" Kimi screamed, watching in terror just as her mother stopped moving, dropping out of her bedroom window.
"KIMI! GET OUT OF HERE!"
Kimi turned and to her horrid eyes some guy was attacking her father. Her father had yelled at her to run. Kimi was frozen where she was, watching just as the person who was attacking her father stabbed him with some sort of bladed weapon. Kimi let out a dignify scream, getting the guy's attention. Pulling out his weapon, he turned his attention on her and began to walk towards her.
Just then Amber came running from the other side of the house. She grabbed Kimi's hand just as Kimi screamed again. The two girls were then going at a run, running from the burning house. Not paying attention to where her sister was leading her to, Kimi was too busy seeing her villagers either screaming as they fell, dying or were already dead. Kimi kept on going until she found herself in the central square and the village was completely engulfed in flames. Just then Amber collapsed to the ground. Directly underneath Amber's body was a pool of blood.
"AMBER!" Kimi screamed once again. She went to run towards her when someone blocked her way. Kimi looked up with frightened eyes. To her horror it was the guy who she thought was going out with her sister, Itachi. He held a sword in his hand as he glared down at her.
"Now you shall die," he said. "You will die by my hands. Itachi Uchiha."
Uchiha!? That was the name of the Amber's friend. He did this!? "You killed my father!" she yelled in terror.
Itachi grinned. "Perhaps I did. I just killed a lot of people and now you're next."
Kimi went to step back but tripped over a dead body, crashing to the ground. "W…why…" she stuttered.
"Why else?" Itachi shrugged, still grinning. "This village is pathetic. You're isolated. Help can't get to you on time."
Lifting a leg he was quick to deliver a kick to Kimi's side, sending her flying across the ground, forcing her body to roll several times, further away from her sister. Kimi didn't even have time to scream in pain. Blood came coughing from her mouth. The blow Itachi gave her was enough to cause her to cough up blood.
"Now, you die!" Itachi announced. He took his sword and then drove into her side. He didn't stop pressing down until the sword, went straight through, pushing against the ground below her. She gave a shrill of dignifying pain as she was impaled. Blood splattered out of her mouth as a pool began to form on the ground. He then pulled the sword out again, turning away. "Good bye, little bitch. Your pestering days are over."
He turned walking away, leaving her in a bloody heap, knowing she was going to die. All around her, flames kept burning higher, buildings going up in smoke. Soon one building buckled under the strain of the heat and burning and crashed into the ground. Screams began to lessen as Itachi continued to walk away.
For Kimi, she watched as Itachi was getting further and further away. But as he did so her vision was beginning to sway and darkness was trying to take over. She could hear the screams but they were getting distant as her body was beginning to get heavy and feeling cold. The flames surrounding around her were intense and forcing buildings to crumple to the ground and continue burning. There was going to be nothing left of the village except for charcoal debris and body remains.