*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Naruto franchise, just Mizuki and her family.*
Heya,
Welcome to the first chapter of the Cycles of the Moon holiday special!
These are kinda weird length chapters, which I apologize for. I had a busy holiday break, so I had to speed write this story in sections. And then I had to section them and before I knew it it was 2016, so sorry if the content of this story is a bit funky.
The constant flutter of snow paints everything outside white. The previously evergreen trees that surround my complex are now packed with snow to hide their bareness. As beautiful as the winter wonderland is, the traditional style of my clan's complex was not the best to combat with the cold. Lit by the small flame in my room, I compile blankets over blankets on my futon, in attempts to keep warm. "This is why I told Father to put in a heating system into this place, but nooooo he just had to stay 'in tradition.' Ugh… Let's see if I have anything warmer to wear." I shuffle to my drawer, dragging the heaps of blankets with me. The metal handle of the box feels like an icicle. Damn, everything is freezing over, next is going to be me. After prying my drawer open, I sift through my clothes, tossing the objections to the side. No, too thin, No, there's a hole. No-wait, what is this? At the bottom of my dresser was a black scarf, trimmed with a beautiful crimson. The fabric was soft, thick, and very warm. "I haven't seen this in years! If I remember right, then..." At the end of the scarf is a tag, written in faded black pen is the handwriting of the eight-year old me. "Itachi-senpai: Hope this warms your heart…."I mutter the note. This is a decade old, surprised its still intact... I was suppose to give this to him as a Christmas present. ...things were so perfect, nothing to worry about… I was such a fool. The cold splatter of a tear drips down to my wrist. What…?Crap. I wipe away the rising tears. "That was the past, I should focus on the future. Besides, if he's not going to get it, then I might as well use it." Wrapping it around my neck, I snuggle comfortably into it, welcoming its warmth. "Ah, much better...Hm?" The pecking of a messenger bird punctuates the air in the room. I open the window, and take the message on its back. My fingers slightly tremble at the cold weather, but none the less once I take the small scroll, the bird flaps its way back the the village. After closing the window, I unraveling the contents, then sink into the mass of cushion piling on my futon. "Anbu mission?! In this weather!? Come on, Lady Hokage!" A knock on my door surprised me, I scramble to sit up properly. "Yes?"
"Mizuki-sama, is everything alright?" One of the maids asks, I must of drawn her to my room from my complaining.
"Ah, yes. Sorry, you may go back to your quarters, keep warm in these conditions." I respond.
"Your consideration is very kind, Mizuki-sama." Her shadow leaves the screen of the door, and I am left alone once again.
"Okay..what else does this say...urgent...immediately...now. Well, I guess I'm the one who signed up for this." I take a moment to change into proper fighting attire, and pack my weapon and traveling pouch. Item after item, my pouches begun to inflate. "...Kunai ...Bandages ...And that should be it" Strapping them in their proper place, I layer my clothing. I put back on my scarf, elbow length gloves and a cloak. Katana at my side, I put on my mask. Carefully placing an "Do not disturb" sign outside my door, I hop out my window, and race my way to the village. The several indents my boots made in the snow made a satisfying crunch as the gates of the village neared. I launch myself over the gate and jump rooftop to rooftop over to the Hokage's office. The window I usually come through is caked shut with snow. This snow is really starting to annoy me. I slam my boot down on the snow, making it slide off the slanted roof and down below. Thankfully there is none below. Knocking, I wait for Lady Tsunade with my assignment.
"Good, you're here. Come." She steps to the side and allows me in. Compared to the freezing cold outside, inside is as toasty as an oven. On her desk, Lady Tsunade spreads out a map and points a filed nail at an area far past Kohona. "This is Himura. There are reported sightings of the Akatsuki in this area. With all the snow and harsh temperatures, the people can not afford to move out of the safety of their village. I want you to survey this area and protect it from any potential threats of an attack. You will go under an alias, in order to reduce suspicion. Any questions?"
"Yes, ma'am. Will I be working with a team?"
"Unfortunately no, most of the Anbu suitable for this mission are sent dealing with different threat in our village system. Though I have confidence that you are more than capable to handle this. Anymore questions?"
I bow in respect, "No, Hokage-sama." She hands me the map and sends me off.
"Make sure those people have a safe holiday."
A small nod and I am out the window, launching myself rooftop to rooftop past the gates of Konoha. From today, there are two days until Christmas and nine days until New Years. This mission couldn't be that long, could it? I reconsider the thought. Looks like I won't be spending my Christmas and New Years with my family...Oh well.
Okay chapter uno, of three done!
Again, sorry for the weird content, but I will be posting the other chapters later today, so look out!
Bye!~ Grai
