I am the original author of a Lingering Flame, and as such, I have decided to re-write it. Each chapter will capture the essence of the original and hopefully, I will be able to finish what I started 5 years ago. Enjoy :)
DISCLAIMER; I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS FROM NARUTO
SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETELY FINISHED THE NARUTO MANGA; Jiriya and Asuma are both alive, because I need them to be.
Prologue
The blood stunk as it began to dry. It was cold, dark, and a painful reminder of what had just occurred. She couldn't tell if this was some cruel trick of the mind, or a very sad, dark reality. Her head told her it was in fact, real. Her screams and sobs broke the deafening silence and she slowly rose to her feet.
I did this. Why didn't they tell me before?!I could have controlled it! It's all my fault...
Moving around the decaying pile of flesh and bone, she headed straight for her bedroom. Thankfully, it was on the other end of her family home. The room was simple ; off white walls, simple white bed set with red and black accents, and several shelves, holding various mementos and weapons.
Moving to her closet, she grabbed the backpack she used on missions and began to fill it. After a few minutes the bag was full with clothing, weapons, scrolls and a few personal items she could not bare to part with. Knowing she had to keep moving, she started to head back to the other side of compound and towards the room where they were.
Sliding the door open ever so slightly, the smell of death hit her like a tidal wave. The door slammed almost as quickly as it opened and she ran for the backyard. Finding her target she climbed the dark wooden stairs and found herself sitting in the tree house her uncles had built for her. Thankfully she always kept a few blankets and a pillow or two in it, so it would serve as a good place to sleep, or at least, attempt to sleep.
Laying on the cold wood, her thoughts went to her friends. She thought about going to any of them for help, she thought about going to him for help. But she couldn't. She knew instantly they would shun her, maybe even call for her to be locked away in a cell where she could never hurt anyone again. She closed her eyes and sleep took her.
The next morning she awoke and for a moment, forgot what had happened the previous night. She was brought from her thoughts by the distant smell of death and decay. Leaving the tree house, she walked as slowly as she could towards her home. The smell was still lingering. She knew people would start arriving soon, after seeing the smoke, now in the early morning hours. She caught her reflection in the mirror for a moment, and she almost didn't recognize herself.
I cannot let anyone else get hurt because of me. I will NOT let anyone else die for me. I need to go...
Stepping out into the streets of Konoha, the cool spring air was refreshing on her face. She headed west, towards the main gate. It was early enough in the morning that she didn't have to worry about anyone seeing her, and if they did, they may assume she was headed on a mission.
She arrived at the gates and paused, taking in one final look at the village. She wanted to turn and go back, maybe to Rin or Anko's home. Hell she would even go to Gai's if she thought no one would care about about what she did. As she looked towards the sky, she caught a glimpse of the Hokage carvings, and felt as if the 3rd's eyes fell upon her, reminding her instantly of another, another person she couldn't bare to leave. But she must.
She stepped over the deep lines in the earth and lunged into a steady run, never once looking back.
