S/N: Hi, New story, yay! It's been in my brain for a while, so I decided to write it. Ok, so in case you're wondering about the italics that will only be when they are in Naibungakure, everywhere else, it will be normal.
Otou-san: Father
Okaa-san: Mother
-Nii/Onii: Brother
-Sama: Lord/Lady
Senpai: Superior
-San: Formal suffix, for those you don't know very well.
-Chan: Non-formal suffix, for a girl you know/are friends with/ have any type of relationship with. One you know well
-Kun: Non-formal suffix, for boy you know/are friends with/ have any type of relationship with. One you know well
Musume: Daughter
Musuko: Son
Taiji: Unborn baby
Pointing tree branches whipped into my face, tearing at my skin. Blood spilled down my shoulder, my arm limp with pain. I jumped from limb to limb, trying to survive. The shadowy figures behind me continued to follow. I snapped my head back, trying to catch a glimpse of them. My trained eyes saw movement to the side and, with my good arm, threw some kunai into the branches. I leaped down and landed on the ground, spinning on my heel, I turned, my hand in a defensive position. My bow and arrows would be of no use with only one good arm. My rivals landed in front of me, they stood up, different types of masks obscuring their faces.
"You have done well, Amaterasu." The tall, lean male told me. His mask obscuring his whole face, it was dark green, and only had a see through part for his eyes. Although he could see out, no one could see in.
"Ama-chan, I am proud." The slightly shorter, thin male informed me. He mask covered the top half of his face, leaving his mouth seen. I bowed my head in respect.
"Thank you, Otou-san," I bowed to the tallest, "And Shiro-nii." I said to the shorter one.
"Let's go back to the village." Otou-san said to my brother and I.
We lived in Naibungakure, the Village Hidden in the Secrets. It's location, between the Country of Earth and the Country of Wind, a ways away from the Country of Rain. The top of my face burned with scratches from the trees, but the bottom half, which was obscured by my black mask was safe, it also covered my neck, made into my white kimono top, that was opened on the sides, revealing the black shorts underneath, so it couldn't be torn away, revealing my identity. The sleeves were very long, falling farther than my arm length.
No village besides Sunagakure knows of our existence. They call us barbaric because we do not allow civilians, all of us in our small village are either Jounin assassins, Chuunin assassins, or Gennin assassins. Although, we did have a few ANBU level assassins, we were more skilled in stealth and spying than in the other ninja arts. We learned the same jutsu's, but, we had different training methods. The separate clans trained the successors, in this case, Shiro-nii and me. We did, however, have another sibling on the way. My Okaa-san was out of duty while pregnant. She was a Jounin level assassin, one of the best.
Otou-san, Shiro-nii, and I ran through the forest, to Naibun. My arm was still injured, but we did have medics, just like the other ninja villages, but ours were better. As most villages just used them for hospital, and when on missions protected, ours were well versed in battle, able to hold their own with vast amounts of chakra. Shiro-nii dropped back beside me, his mouth frowning.
"Is your arm ok, imouto?" He asked me.
I glanced up at him, "Nothing a medic can't heal, as well as the cuts on my face."
"Okaa-san will be worried that Otou-san is working you too hard." Shiro-nii told me. I looked ahead at the back of my Otou-san.
"I'm fine, Shiro-nii. Don't worry. I'll tell Okaa-san not to worry either." I told him. His hand went up, and ran through his thick white locks. We both inherited the trait from our mother, it was common in our village, we migrated from the mountainous regions, on the border of the Country of Ice. When Rikkagakure had found out we were there, we had high-tailed it out, not making contact and moved far away, to this territory. We then had a change of leader, gaining a new Morikage, Junchi-sama. It was fairly recent, the migration, but was still before Shiro-nii was born, he's 13.
"Don't expect her to believe you, imouto, you know how Okaa-san gets." He reminded me and I grimaced, the expression only shown by the narrowing of my eyebrows, my mask hiding the rest of the expression. Okaa-san is scary when she's worried, and with the raise in hormones coming from pregnancy, it will only be worse.
"I know. I remember what it was like when you took the Chuunin exams." I said. We had inner village exams, seeing as how only one of the ninja villages knows we exist.
"Just think about how bad it will be for you!" Shiro-nii laughed.
"Stop lollygagging and keep up the pace!" Otou-san barked from up ahead. Instantly, not wanting to be in the path of his wrath, we ran faster, trying to catch up with our ANBU level Otou-san. Our feet hit the ground silently, training for stealth.
~*U*~
We arrived back in the village, not having built the big gates and watch towers like the other villages. Slowing down to a steady walk, we came into the edges. Our village was made in a circular formation, and the houses were by clans. On the outer ring was the Kobayashi, they were the largest clan, repopulating at a terrifyingly swift rate. They protected the outside, the first defense. We came through the opening, the only hole between the interlacing dens. Our homes weren't like regular houses. They were made of branches and vines, brambles and stones for foundation. We still had different rooms, but it blended into nature better this way.
"Takaki-san." A gruff voice sounded from the side. A muscular man, even taller than Otou-san stepped in front of us. Strips of fabric covered his face.
"Kobayashi-san." Otou-san replied formally.
"State your being here." The head of the Kobayashi clan demanded.
"I was training." Otou-san answered.
"Who are these?" Kobayashi-san asked.
"My son, Takaki Toshiro and my daughter, Takaki Amaterasu, I was training them." Otou-san informed the other man.
"You may pass through." Kobayashi-san told us.
"Arigato gozimasu, Kobayashi-san." I said, bowing my head to the older man.
"At least one of you Takaki's has manners, she must get if from Akane-chan." Kobayashi-san said. My eyes widened, but I kept my head down, how did he know my Okaa-san? They were the same age, but we don't have Academies like the other villages do.
Otou-san growled, but kept walking, not picking a fight. I glanced up at Shiro-nii and followed after my father. He kept his head forward, not looking at me or Shiro-nii as we drew even with him. His head was erect and proud as we reached the next layer, the Inoue's. Meeting no trouble from them, we kept on. Our clan was relatively the smallest, meaning it was one of the inner rings, then on the inside of that was the town. We had the stores and in the center the Morikage's residence. After 45 minutes of walking, we finally reached our clan's circle.
Because of our kekkei genkai, few of the Takaki's survived through childhood. Even fewer were able to activate the kekkei genkai. It usually activates at the age of 13, and Shiro-nii's is already coming in. The kekkei genkai is very broad, ranging to many different things. From controlling the elements, to invading and controlling one's mind, while having control of your own body, it was very spread.
"Akane-chan, we're home." Otou-san called out. Okaa-san came around the wall of the den, her hand on her enlarged stomach, her long white hair down and slightly wavy, almost to the floor. Her gray eyes were warm, but hardened as they took in my injuries. She made her way over to me swift and graceful, even though she was with child.
"Musume!" She placed her pale hand on my shoulder which was covered in dried blood, "Haruto-kun, what did you do to our musume?" My Otou-san's blue gaze observed my fretting Okaa-san and my arm.
"It was training, Akane-chan. Take her to a medic, it will be fine." He said. Okaa-san scowled, anger clear on her face.
"Takaki Haruto, you take care of my musume, right now." She growled, glaring at Otou-san.
"I will, Akane-chan. I'll take her." He stated. Okaa-san nodded, her lips drawn into a thin line, then turned to Shiro-nii.
"Shiro-musuko, go get the medic." Okaa-san commanded. My brother nodded and ran out of the den.
"Why the rush?" Otou-san asked my mother.
"Junchi-sama came here today, he has a mission for Amaterasu-musume." Okaa-san said, wringing her hands, "He wants to see her as soon as possible; that is why she must be healed as fast as can be."
"I see, Amaterasu-musume, go get ready, the medic should arrive shortly." Otou-san commanded and I nodded once, then rushed off. My chakra was already low from training, I'll have to take it easy. I packed my ninja tools, as well as restocked my arrows. I grabbed an herb bag, making sure that the herbs were safe to use, then tied a pouch with poison to my arm, hidden under the overly long sleeve.
After stocking up on some more things, I went back downstairs to see the medic arriving. I sat down on the moss-mat and watched as the medic began to heal me. Warmth flooded into the long gash on my shoulder as the green light surrounding her hands fixed the damage done to my body. Once done, they moved their hands to my face, beginning to heal the cuts so that I wouldn't run the risk of infection.
"You are healed." The medic told me and then leaped out.
"Come, I'll take you to the Morikage." Otou-san said.
"Arigato." I said and followed him out.
As we walked, my father began to talk, this odd behavior, "Now remember, as an assassin, you must kill without hesitation. Make it clean, there is no need for unnecessary bloodshed. Clean kills make it harder for the ANBU to decipher what happened to the body. If your identity is revealed, kill everyone in the area. If you are captured, never break in interrogation."
"Yes, sir." I said, grateful for the advice.
With that, we again ran to the Morikage's office. Located in the middle of the village, and one of the more, higher established buildings, it was easy to see it.
"Come in!" Junchi-sama's deep, commanding voice came from inside. We entered and I saw our Morikage. He had mid length hair brown that was tied into a low ponytail. His brown eyes had slight wrinkles surrounding them, and his face set into a permanent grim expression, "Takaki Amaterasu, I have a mission for you. Takaki Haruto, you will need to leave." My father bowed and did as asked, leaving me alone with the old man. "Takaki-san, you have been hired for a strange job. Not an assassination mission, but one of protection from assassins. In Sunagakure, the Kazekage has a musuko named Gaara, he is a Jinchuuriki. I have not been given all of the details, but many people are hired to kill him. He usually kills them."
"Gomensai for my rudeness, but, if he can take care of himself, why am I needed?" I asked.
"The Kazekage doesn't appreciate the attacks on his musuko, and his musuko having to keep his guard up at all times. That's why we are sending you. You are the same age, 9, and we have thought that you would get along the best. You are to leave for Sunagakure immediately. Your Otou-san will accompany you there." Junchi-sama informed me, "I have already spoken to your Okaa-san about the mission, and I have assumed that she has filled him in. Takaki Haruto, enter."
My Otou-san walked in, his long gray hair swaying in its high ponytail, "Junchi-sama, we are ready to depart."
"Fantastic, you are dismissed." The Morikage said.
With that, Otou-san and I ran out of the village and towards the desert.
~*U*~
The blistering heat beat down on me, making me sweat, my mask sticking to my face uncomfortably. Luckily, heat bounces off of white fabric, so I was cooler. However, my exposed skin was turning red, burning from the heat. It's impossible for me to grasp why people would dwell in the desert.
Otou-san and I had been traveling for days, my chakra still hasn't fully recharged yet, making me less stamina-wise.
"When will we arrive, Otou-san?" I asked, looking at my Otou-san. He turned his mask covered face to me.
"We're only a few hours away. If you watch the horizon, you will soon see the outline of Sunagakure." He answered.
From that moment on, I kept my eyes forward, nervous for what was about to await me.
~*U*~
Just as Otou-san had told me, Sunagakure was a bump on the horizon. It was getting to be sunset, and we poured on the speed so we could reach the gates before nightfall.
We achieved our goal, and reached the outer gates. Sentries eyed us, "What is your business here?" One voiced.
"We are from Naibungakure, and have come to deliver something to the Kazekage. He has asked of our assistance, and we are going to give it." Otou-san's commanding and powerful voice even louder in the quiet desert.
"Oh! The Kazekage would like to meet you at the gates, we weren't expecting you this early,-Hayoto-kun! Go get the Kazekage- I'm very sorry about this, um, what's your name?" I could see Otou-san stiffen imperceptibly.
"That is none of your concern, only the Kazekage is allowed to know of our identities." Otou-san told the sentry.
"That-" the sentry was cut off.
"I see, the ninja of Naibungakure have arrived. Which of you will fulfill the request?" A man which I guessed was the Kazekage asked, walking out of the shadow. Beside him was a smaller figure, a gourd on his back.
"We will tell you of this in privacy." Otou-san told the man. "But, my daughter, has been the one sent." Otou-san put his hand on my shoulder.
"I see, you will come with us to my office then." The Kazekage said, turning around. Otou-san and I followed, entering the entrancing desert city, Sunagakure. We followed behind the Kazekage and the boy, my deductive reasoning skills coming to the conclusion that he is Gaara. Not what I expected, with his flaming red hair, strange colored eyes rimmed with black and his blank expression.
We came upon a tall building, and began to walk to the upper floor, and into a small, humble room.
"This is my office, we are in private. You may reveal yourselves now." The Kazekage informed us. My father nodded.
"My name is Takaki Haruto, and this is my daughter, Takaki Amaterasu. She has been hired and sent at your request." Otou-san informed them.
"Takaki-san, why won't you take off your mask. We are in private, and no one will be able to see." The Kazekage asked.
Otou-san chuckled, "An assassin never reveals themselves."
"But you have just told me who you are."
"Yes, but what's a name? If you see me without a mask, you won't know who I am. That's how we keep ourselves secret. An assassin's most prized possession is their mask, the thing that keeps them safe. For years we have kept our village a secret, moving when even one person we don't want to know we exist finds us. You are lucky to even know about Naibungakure. I will not show you my face, we only will take off our masks at home, not even to go around our own village. You never know when their might be a traitor in the midst." Otou-san explained.
"I see, are you going to stay in Suna for the night?" The Kazekage asked.
"No, I'm heading back to Naibun once I say my goodbyes to my daughter. I have to get home, my wife is eight months pregnant, and I have to be there, just in case the taiji is born premature." Otou-san stated proudly.
"Then you are leaving?"
"Yes." Turning to me, he bent down, "Musume, I don't know when I'll see you next, but, when I do, I know you will have progressed into a fine shinobi." I nodded, pressure building behind my eyes, not knowing when I'd see my Otou-san again.
"Yes, Otou-san. Goodbye." I said. He put his hand on my head and stood up.
"Goodbye, Amaterasu-musume." Then my father disappeared in a flash of dark green light.
I turned back to the Kazekage and his musuko.
"Takaki-san, you are to stay with Gaara at all times, never stray from his side. Are you immune to poisons?" He asked me.
I nodded, "Yes, sir, as an assassin, we devour poisons so that we aren't affected by them." I answer, remembering when my Okaa-san would feed me them.
"Good, then you will also make sure his food isn't poisoned. For your services, we will provide you with food, money, and living arrangements."
"By 'living arrangements' you mean I am to live pretty much where ever he is, right?" I asked, pointing to the redhead.
"Yes, that is correct." The Kazekage answered.
"Alright then." I said, feeling weariness in my limbs. I'm very tired.
"Gaara, escort Takaki-san to your room, she will sleep there." The Kazekage ordered his son. Gaara just stared, glaring at his Otou-san, "Please?" Kazekage-sama added.
Gaara didn't answer, but walked out of the room. I followed him, drawing even, matching his pace. We were the same height, making talking easier in my mind. I hate to look up to the people I'm speaking to.
"Hi." I say, trying to get Gaara to talk. It doesn't work.
I sighed, "You do know that since we are going to be spending so much time together, we'll have to reach at least get along a little bit! And by 'a little bit', I mean you have to talk to me!"
He says nothing.
"Oh come on! I'm going to protect you from evil people, and all you have to say is nothing! Geez! Even my Otou-san isn't this quiet! And he rarely talks!"
Still nothing.
"I'm getting annoyed, now!" I exclaimed, crossing my arms over my chest and narrowing my gray eyes.
"You're annoying." He said in a rough voice.
"Whoa… you talked… Cool." I said, keeping a steady pace, "You know, back in Naibun, everything is so quiet. I guess I was just hoping that here I could talk without getting in trouble. And I thought that you would talk back. You know, you're not what I expected at all."
"…What did you… expect?" He asked me, glancing.
"Well, I've never seen anyone with red hair before. I mean, in Naibun, you either have white or gray hair. And I've never seen anyone with your eye color either. It's really cool, a mix of blue and green, but really, really, really, light colored. And the black around your eyes brings it out. I don't really know what I expected… maybe I wasn't expecting anything, which is why you weren't what I expected? I don't really know. All I knew was that I was supposed to protect you. I thought it was just going to be a business thing, but I've decided that, since your pretty cool, I'll be your friend." I rambled.
Gaara stiffened, "Friend? I live for only myself. I love only myself."
I was thrown for a loop, but after a while came up with a reply, naïve, but still a reply, "That may be true for you, but that's not for me."
Great ending note, ne~? Anywho, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
S/N: Ugh, I know, I made Amaterasu seem so much older than she actually is. I'm not very happy about that, but it will have to work. I was in a fancy word mindset at the time and it just sort of came out. Plus, I haven't been 9 in a while, so I lost how they think. Much different than a teenager. I hope I redeemed myself at the end with the change in wording and stuff, I actually rewrote it a few times, so I think I got it right. I'm actually pretty proud of this chapter. And I'm sorry if she seems Marysue because she's to smart for her age, but, I just need to get used to writing as a younger person I guess. I worked very hard on this. I'm trying out a new style, adding in the Japanese words, tell me if you like!
And you Vocaloid/Utao fans, do you think I should write a Vocaloid fic? I've been wanting to, but have been very busy.
It's now 10:05 pm and I'm going on about 2-3 hours of sleep.
My friend, Mad Zia spent the night and I, being nocturnal and not getting much sleep anyways, was awake until roughly, 6:53 am when Mad Zia finally woke up. I then slept until I was woken at 10 am to go to a Halloween fair thing in Royse City, Texas. It was fun, Mad Zia owes me money, I want my money back, and now I'm not tired because I took a shower and the water woke me up.
You probably don't really care, and tuned out earlier, so with that:
Sayonara,
StellaM.