Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine. Nor some of the concepts I used which Ms. Madeline L'Engle inspired me with.
A/N: Plot bunny won't leave me alone. Hence, the birth of this story. Just a short reminder for everyone, this story is set in an alternate universe. I've been itching to write this just so it could get out of my system and let me pay attention to my other stories. This will be multi-chapter as well, but don't worry: I have no intention of dropping any of my stories. I'm just really slow in updating sometimes.
Keeper of the Song
Chapter 1: Of Dreams and Reality
Once, there was a time when the Song was heard and sung by all: every star, every planet, every thing and every creature. The Song was the epitome of beauty, unmarred by the form of words, nor of matter. It was understood by all, rejoiced in by all. It just was, as it came to be. The Darkness and the Light were two yet were one; mingling, yet distinct. Everything was in harmony, content in the beautiful balance of life. Everything held the joy of living. Everything knew its place and danced to the glorious rhythm of the Music. Peace reigned over all.
And then it struck.
Dissonance. A screeching ugly sound that tore the Melody apart. Causing agony, pain, anguish in its wake. Anger, jealousy, rage, lust, arrogance. Leaving hearts restless and unsure, not trusting others. Not trusting themselves. Stars dimmed, their strength weakened. Less and less sung the Song. More and more turned deaf ears. Few were resilient. Few had faith.
They were chosen. To help. To keep the Harmony. To avoid total destruction. Given power, as big as their responsibility. They accepted. Pure hearts. Peaceful hearts. Seraphim.
Temptation and arrogance wormed its way in. Some drew away, believing themselves capable of everything. Believing they did not need the Song, nor the stars, nor the Presence that chose them. They turned their backs on the Voice. Bitter hearts. Empty hearts. Nephilim.
Naruto rubbed the sleep away from his eyes and yawned. He had been having the strange dream all his life, yet knew nothing of it but vague flashes and snippets; the details slipping from his mind as water would from his hands, the more he tried to remember.
He turned to his window. It was still a bit dark outside, but it won't be long now…
Naruto waited patiently. Listening. In the stillness of the early morning, he heard the greetings of the stars: a nice sound of chimes in his heart.
Good morning, Naruto…
He smiled and greeted them back, saying 'see you later' without the use of words. The stars winked at him, smiling back.
And suddenly, everything burst with light and color. The brilliant disc of fire rose from the horizon as though the Earth gave birth to it. The birds sang, the trees swayed, the wind blew a gentle breeze. Naruto listened. He heard the glorious Song. It was a beautiful morning.
But his smile fell, and he made his bed as he did everyday. Somberly, he cleaned himself and ate his breakfast, mechanically. Routinely. In his eyes, the radiant morning grew bleak.
Off to Learn he went. Alone. Always alone. Sad. So sad.
Smile. Show not your pain. Be strong. You are not alone. You have us.
The wind whispered in his ears.
He did as he was told, his smile now not as fake as the others. Yes. He had them. The stars, the moon, the sun, the wind. Nature accepted him and loved him.
But I'm human.
He needed others of his own kind. He needed their recognition, their acceptance. Their love.
He hurt; from the glares, the spits on his path, the sneers and disgust. Cold eyes, cruel words and closed hearts.
He had never understood why, and perhaps he never will.
He sighed and masked his wistful expression. An easy-going grin should do for now.
Konohagakure. The Hidden Leaf Village. Home to a peace-loving people, a tribe of talented and gifted beings. Hard work and honest living. That was what they held dear.
Hunters woke early, setting their traps to supply the Leaf with food. Healers looked after the sick. Crafters, Singers and Dancers practiced their arts. Nurturers tended to the needs of their charges: be it plant or animal. Mediators settled problems. Students Learned. Teachers Taught.
From the outside, everything was as it should be in the Leaf.
An old man sighed and leaned back from his chair. The Leaf tribe was beautiful. Compassionate. Loving.
But they were selective. They discriminated. They judged.
Was the compassion real, then? Was the love real? Were the people really beautiful?
What is real?
The Seer was wise, brought about by the openness of his mind and heart, as well as the years gone by. The Seer was respected by all. Adored by all. Loved by all. The Seer Saw, and did what was needed. When he Saw trouble, he would warn the Leaf to make them ready. When he Saw good, he would also tell them so they may rejoice.
Sarutobi sighed, sounding older than ever. Worry accentuated the lines on his face. He Saw. And it was not good. Not good at all.
A/N: Short, yeah, I know. I can't promise longer chapters because I'm easily exhausted when I write in this manner. When I think abstract, I write it in one sitting. And then I get all brain-dead. So how was it? Good? Bad? Please tell me and review…