To be honest, I didn't get this idea on my own. I've been reading a lot lately and trying to beat a two disk video game for the PS2.
Have any of you ever heard of Shadow Hearts II: Covenant?
Disclaimer: The concept of copyright infringement is unholy to me. A respectable writer would never indulge in such a disdainful act.
To Tread the Road of Life
In ones youth, they tend to live carelessly and hand their trust and love to those who ask it of them. Their minds are not plagued with doubts or questions as to matters of consequence. Their grass is always greenest and their glass is half full. Many are destined to live that childhood. And depending on the perspective it can be perceived as a lie, or an ultimate truth.
That childhood was only mine for a period of time that was –still, in my opinion- all but too short. I soon realized that to trust and love without proper judgment can break you and even get you killed. I began to wander out of the safer boundaries of my mind to ask myself questions. Why was I here? What was my purpose? What will happen tomorrow? Will I live to tomorrow?
Then, I began to doubt. I questioned my looks, my intelligence, my capability, and my happiness. I did everything I could to repair what I thought were kinks in my humanity. And do keep in mind that at the time I was still a small child and I didn't understand half of the things I was feeling. I came to realize, that compared to my grass everyone's was different. And that my glass seemed a little less full than it did that last time I checked.
In my past, I was often asked questions like, "What are you going to do now?" Or, "What do you plan for the future?"
Well, I came to reply with, "I'm not able to answer that."
And the person- whom was usually an adult- would ask in return, "Why not?"
I'd smile and ask, "If I asked you, do you think you could?"
And then, all too often they'd respond with, "Of course! I'm doing what my future is now! Why aren't you?"
I'd reply with a grin, "Because I'm young."
I was never sure why, but when my parents noticed my transitional thought process they began to ask me those type of things. My mother, as well as my father. I realized now, they wanted me to choose a path to take to start my life. But, before I ever got a chance to really answer they chose it for me. And being naive and ignorant, I went with it. I didn't fight. I didn't kick or scream. Not the slightest hint of argument. Because, at the time, I wasn't really sure what I wanted.
Soon I was enrolled in an academy. It was a well known teaching facility within my village. They more or less taught you fighting skills, amateur medical skills, and arts of the blade. Many children from prestigious clans, average clans, and talented children from civilian families attended it. I didn't even know why my parents thought of enrolling me, considering we're a civilian family. We had no talent through blood, or political power.
But, I do remember why I was so eager to go. I'd met a boy. He was from a prestigious clan. He was cute, kind, and shy, at the time. But he wasn't what I expected at all.
Later, his persona took a wide U-turn. After he lost everything. Then he stopped smiling at the girls and became more isolated. Every time I saw him he had a brooding expression, and the worst part was I new what he was thinking about. But, I always pretended I didn't notice.
Also, another boy developed a habit of annoying him senselessly. But, every once in a while the brooding boy would smirk, and yet he never smiled. Both boys had lost everything, or never had it to begin with. I suppose that why they fit with each other better than I ever did.
And then when we graduated we were placed on teams by the time I was twelve years old. I was placed with those two boys.
The first was always rather optimistic and energetic. His hair was a blonde semi-yellow color and he had strikingly blue eyes. He was always full of emotion, warmth, and a secret. One I never knew. And for some reason he had a tendency to wear orange. I never really liked the color to begin with. But, after you're around it enough it starts to grow on you I suppose.
The other one was an aggressive, stubborn, cold, and prideful boy. His skin was practically translucent. His eyes would be the blackest of blue you could imagine. And his hair… Oh! His hair! If I remember correctly he had long bangs on each side of his face, and it was rather unruly in the back. I supposed it could be described … as a chicken's ass.
And of course, I had a sensei. He was always so cool-headed that it often pissed me off. He obscured seventy-five percent of his face with a mask and head band. The silver, lopsided hair always made him seem old to me. And the crinkle of fabric I considered a smile, never reached his only visible dark eye. On the occasion you'd see them both, but one with a dangerous crimson glow. My dark eyed teammate carried that crimson, in both eyes. Our sensei taught us the basics of fighting skill, and the more advanced levels as we got stronger.
It was … nice. But, as they say: "All good things must come to an end."
Before I reached the age of thirteen it all fell apart. The dark eyed boy left to meet his life's goal. He left me alone on a bench. Soon after, my blue-eyed, blonde-headed brother left with a white haired man to become his student. Only my sensei and I were left. I soon decided to leave my home as well. Those two people were the ones I build my emotional structure on.
Without them, I fell apart.
I lost my ability to trust soon after. What if anyone else left me? How would I handle it? I thought about my sensei. Aside from my family, he was all I had to cling to that was left of my past of fairytale past. I knew it was a sinking boat. And if I didn't abandon ship I'd go down with it.
But, before I got out of town I met a gambler. Her looks hid her true age, and she was going to become the new leader of this village. Our current leader had been killed by the man that took my dark-eyed boy. But, the woman offered to teach me skills of the blade and medicine. As I recall she was also one of the three strongest warriors of the land. So I was not trained on a mediocre or even an amateur level.
She taught me until I was fifteen as her apprentice. Then I finally left my honey-eyed, blonde shishou and my home. My mother and father begged me to stay. I bluntly ignored them. They chose this path for me; therefore they must feel the repercussions of their decisions. After a threat to disown me as the heir of the family, they realized they couldn't stop me no matter what. So, in the end they offered me a few heirlooms. My great-grandmothers garments, my great-grandfathers blade, and my ancestors embroidered comb. After sufficient packing I officially left my home village of Konohagure, Japan.
Soon after I left my parents faked my death.
I took an occupational role in a cheap whore tea house. So luckily I only serve drinks and food. I don't provide the "entertainment". My employer's been trying to get me to participate in the department. But, aside form that, he's a kind, fairly attractive, and slightly lascivious guy. He lets me sleep in the dress room and I don't have to pay rent.
Now, remember, I'm still pretty girly at heart. I mean, come on, I have pink hair. Is it possible to have no estrogen at all if your hair's that color. So… sometimes, I like to dress up in the different kimonos and yukatas when I work. It makes me feel pretty, and the concept of 'dress up' always amused me. But, I always keep my parents gifts in a wooden box under my futon. I have a feeling I'm going to need them eventually.
That reminds me; lately my employer has been giving some odd looks. Kind of … like he's waiting for something to happen. He always did seem familiar to me, I just always dismissed it. I really didn't want to have anything to do with the life I lived about a year and a half ago. But lately he's been making it hard to ignore. In my break time I've been musing about it. I noticed that whenever he's not busy he reads little orange books, and he has a scar over one eye, too.
It's been rather irksome thinking about it for the past few months I recognized him. I know I know him, but his name is just … mentally blocked from me. Right now, as I'm taking an order of jasmine tea, and hot sake he's staring at me again. As I bow to thank them, some thing in me bursts. As soon as I'm a good distance from the table I run as far-as this kimono will let me-to him. I stand in front of him and glare.
"THAT'S IT. Who are you? Why do you keep staring?!" I whisper harshly.
He just smirks at me. He reaches toward me and brushes my cheek with the back of his hand.
"It took you long enough." He sighs. "My, my, my… My little student grows up so fast, and forgets so easily."
I stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
"K-Kakashi-sensei…?!" I stumbled over the old words I haven't spoken for so long.
"I'm not your sensei anymore little one." Kakashi smiled.
"B-but-! Y-your mask!!" I nearly fell over. I've never seen his face. And to think, it had been before me for almost two years.
"Yes, well not all of us can fake our death without suspicion. No one recognizes me without the mask." Kakashi pointed to himself.
"Well, what business do you have here, that would require you presence for almost two years?" I asked, getting over the initial shock and falling into annoyance.
"I wanted to keep an eye on my last student, or at least the one I could keep up with and not be killed." Kakashi shrugged. "The week you left, I new you didn't die. I trained you, and you're too smart to get killed easily. It was foolish and stupid to think it would fool me or any high ranking warriors." Kakashi glared. "And we have to leave."
"What?! WHY?!" I almost shouted.
"You are running away from your life. I do not approve. But, if you're going to, at least accept the path your parents laid for you." Kakashi tilted head to the side.
"What path?" I asked acidly. My parents. The people who unjustly picked my life.
"Your parents sent you to that academy for a reason. You were to partake in something much bigger than just protecting the village. You were to partake in the salvation of the world. With help, of course." Kakashi explained.
"Nani? Are you joking around?" I reply with a raised eye brow.
Kakashi sighed and scratched the back of his head. He grabbed my hand and pulled me into the dress room where the girls were primping themselves. Kakashi dragged me into an empty dressing booth and sat on the opposite side on the floor.
"You've heard of the Akatsuki I'm sure." I sat down and nodded.
"Well, their leader Pein is planning to eliminate all that is and remake it in his image. His organization has been gathering ancient demons referred to as Bijuu or 'tailed beasts'. In order to do that he has to find the Jinchurikii, or the people who contain those demons. He plans to use their power for his quest. But, many years ago Konohagure had a plan. While consulting the other hidden villages they decided to produce the three new warriors that would stop them. You were to take the place of the gambler, the snake, and the pervert. That was our team." Kakashi said the last sentence proudly.
"You see Sakura-chan; all three of you have special quirks about you that not many people of your caliber posses. Monstrous strength and spiritual ability, the power of a demon, and the blood line limit of a practically extinct clan. Three separate ability types that if utilized correctly make a perfect team. That is why you and the other two were chosen to fight the Akatsuki." Kakashi looked me straight in the eyes.
"How am I to fight them all with only my blade and my fist?" I asked unsurely.
"Your katana is infused with magic's passed down by your ancestors. The strongest of evils cannot crack it. Your garments are not for just spiritual protection, there is some physical armor in there." Kakashi pulled the box from behind him and slid it to me.
I'll never know how he got it, and I probably never do.
"I'm only the guide, we need to find the others, or they'll find us. It's your destiny whether you choose to accept it or not. Akatsuki should start looking for you soon if all of you are aware of your job. But, regardless, I will go where ever you go. I will be here as long as you need me. Because, after all, you're still young; A little too young to be roaming the countryside all by yourself." Kakashi smiled.
I sighed. This is way too much for one day. The worst part is, I know he isn't kidding. I mean, people depending on me to save world? Che, yeah…sure. The girl who couldn't tie an obi without making everything fall off or over. Which reminds me…
I smiled at Kakashi.
Then slapped him.
"PERVERT!" I gasped. "All this time?!"
He smirked back while rubbing the red imprint on his face. "Gomen nasai! Can't blame me for trying!" Kakashi laughed.
I stand up and turn around. "Fine, Kakashi-sensei. I'll do it." Still flushing I turned back to him. "But we had better find the others or I'll burn those little books you always seem so absorbed in." I opened the door and stepped out.
"Sakura-chan, I told you I'm not your sensei anymore. Kakashi will do." Kakashi frowned.
"Hmm … I'll think about it Kakashi-sensei." I smiled.
He sighed in defeated. "Alright then. It's settled. We leave at dawn, tomorrow." Kakashi stood up and stretched.
"Hold on! What about the tea house?!" I exclaimed.
"One of the girls is taking over. Well, actually two. Anko and Rin are taking over for me. They're not one of the um … well, you know. They're actually from Konoha too and they've been keeping tabs on us. Anko's a freaking sadist and Rin was my former teammate from the academy." Kakashi mused.
"Well, um, I guess we're all set then." I'm guessing he's been prepared for a while.
"Yep. Remember, be outside by dawn." Kakashi winked and nudged past me out of the booth and left the room.
I sighed in exasperation, picked up my box and left the room. In the kitchen I found a travel bag in one of the cabinets and filled it with provisions. The tea house just closed for the night so most of the ladies retreated to their sleeping quarters. That's probably why I haven't been caught stealing yet. In the dress room I pulled up a loose plank and put my bag under it along with my box.
After changing into my sleeping yukata I lied on my futon. After rolling around in my sheets I decided to settle with staring hopelessly at the ceiling. If Kakashi's right, there's a lot of pressure. And I could already feel it bearing down on me. I need to find the other two. Soon. Only those two can share this burden with me. And as much as Kakashi tries -like he said- he's only the guide.
I sighed and clenched my sweaty palms. Why? Why me? Why do the heavens bestow this fate on me? How in the hell am I supposed to fight a giant superstitious criminal organization? And why is Kakashi only a guide?
I roll over. I should stop asking myself questions that I'm not going to be getting answers to anytime soon. I wonder where my companions are. The people I have barred from my mind since I left my home. Is my blonde-headed boy sleeping in the arms of some one who cares for him regardless of his secret; or his he alone and uncared for, awaiting my arrival? Any my dark-eyed boy; is he lying under the stars having a peaceful moment in his rage-filled quest? Or, could he be in a dark room brooding over my return in the future.
I hope they've been okay. I may not choose to remember them well, but I bet it's one of those times where you wouldn't want to be alone. I know I don't. But before I consider opening those flood gates I'd better think about my supposed 'mission'. Let's see, what do I know about the Akatsuki? Remember, there's an advantage in living or working in a publicly accessible building. Lost of different kinds of people come. Criminals, politicians, and just regular people.
Actually, just last month some low-ranking associates of the Akatsuki dined here.
I overheard them talking about a few of the primary Akatsuki members. I didn't know there was a woman in their organization! She's 'Leaders' partner apparently. She's got blue hair too.
They also spoke of a man that had the Sharingan and long black hair.
The ones that sounded particularly frightening were a plant-like, split personality man that ate people, and a silver-haired man who spoke profanely and carried a three-pronged scythe.
That's not even all of them. Those are only a few of what I have to face. I sigh and get up and open a window. It's almost dawn already. Well, I suppose I had better forget about rest. I shrug my sweat-soaked yukata off of my shoulders then stumble through the dark to find the loose plank. When I find my box I start equipping the contents. The pink, red blossom-coated hakama pants fit nicely, they even had cute little white swirls! I put on the peach yukata and pink and red kimono on. Running my fingers over the sleeves I felt embroidery on one sleeve.
Just before I was about to make an attempt- and probably fail shamefully as a woman- to tie my salmon obi Kakashi took the liberty of walking in on me.
"I'm going to suggest you get out before I gouge your eyes out." I scowled with my back to him.
He ignored me and started tying my obi for me. He pulled the red sash from my hand and started to tie that too.
"Hey, Kakashi-sensei? How did you get so good at this?" I asked in awe.
"Well, I've been pretty involved with women. So naturally, at an attempt to impress this is one of the many female arts I have mastered." Kakashi chuckled.
Kakashi picked up my katana and slid it into my sash, then stepped back.
"You look just like a princess. Well, uh, an 'equipped' princess." Kakashi smiled.
I pulled up my sleeve and wrapped gauze below my shoulder and tied a sheath to it. Out of the box I pulled a tanto and slid it into the sheath.
"Well, are we all set?" I asked pulling my bag from the floor board.
Kakashi nodded with a pack of his own and started heading toward the back exit. I followed after giving a quick glance to the place that had been my home for a short time. I closed the door tentatively. I'd only been a normal person for about two years, and now I had to throw it away. For the old life I never thought I'd have to see again.
The life of a warrior. The life of a killer.
Kakashi and I started exiting the perimeter as the sun began to rise and the rays reflected of the night mist. This morning looked very . . . tranquil. It made me feel very prepared. I looked over to Kakashi. He had his nose in another orange book. You know what? I'm sill not used to the whole 'no mask' concept. He looks almost strange without it. I realized I had no idea where we were going.
"So, where are we heading?" I enquired lightly.
"Eastern Japan countryside. There's a place there called Otokagure. From some recent hearsay I have heard that one of your comrades has been spotted there consistently." Kakashi said, his eyes never disengaging from the book.
"Oto …kagure." I sigh. "How long is the trek?"
"From here? I would say about four to five days." Kakashi said absently.
"How am I to entertain myself for that long!?" I moaned.
"Oh, come now. You're whining like a child. And plus, you just read my wonderful books." Kakashi flashed the cover in my direction.
I scowled and swiped his book. After reading just one paragraph I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks. I immediately shove it back into his hands. Kakashi chuckles.
"W-what the hell is t-that?!" I sputter in disgust.
"It's literature obviously." Kakashi glared at me.
"You call that literature?!" I point a shaken finger at his book.
"Well, at least it's better than 'Etiquette and Balanced Chi for the Woman'." Kakashi scoffed.
Yes, in my spare time I often read books on ideal female behavior. It's one of the many things my parents said I had no talent in. Kakashi on more than one occasion caught me with my nose in said kind of book. He'd then reprimand me, and say to me:
"Life isn't about etiquette Sakura-chan. It won't save you in a fight. What you lack in properness you more than compensate for in acumen and strength."
That's why I love that guy.
We treaded silently for most of the day until the sun drooped under the horizon. Kakashi gathered some stray wood and started a fire. I unraveled a blanket. Kakashi told me earlier that we would be packing conservatively and we would have to share a few things. So as a result I'm lying back-to-back with him. When I was younger and we were all still on a team we often ended up sleeping this way so it wasn't particularly awkward.
"Hey Kakashi-sensei? Are you asleep?" I yawn.
"Well, I was." He mumbled groggily. "What do you want exactly?"
"I …-Do you think other two are okay?" I asked hesitantly.
I heard him sigh and roll over. "Sakura-chan. I haven not spoken to either of them for years. How am I supposed to know?"
"Oh, gomen na-" I started to apologize but he cut me off.
"But, if they're still hell bent on protecting you when you're in life-threatening danger they're probably looking for us now." Kakashi said.
"How will we know when we find them?" I asked falling in and out of consciousness.
"You'll know. Don't worry about that." Kakashi chuckled sleepily.
I smile and roll over. "You know, for a pervert, you're still not that bad." I mumble hazily.
That night I slept in the arms of my teacher under a waning moon. And even if I was angry the next morning; I must confess it was the most comfortable sleep I've had in nearly two years.
That was long, huh? Fifteen pages of a one subject notebook. I had a random thought explosion and had to write it. I've already started on chapter two, only six more pages to write. It takes me FOREVER to type. Please forgive my absence from Ebony and A Year of Change. I'm currently in a pothole in my life trying to come to terms with going to high school. I'm getting older.
Review if you feel like it.
NEXT CHAPTER: Blonde and Black, Believe It!
INCLUDES: Encounters, injuries, weapons, ominous dreams, unexplained frights, and possible fights.