Insanity rise: this chapter made me sad…it may sound a bit undescriptive or rushed, but give me a break I wrote this at one o clock in the morning! Anyway, I hope you like it!
Disclaimer: Naruto chars don't belong to me, but Kurami, Genkin and Tugaki do.
Rating: T for violence and blood…
Chapter 2
Shattered reality
Dosu awoke as bright morning sunshine spilled through the one window in his room, announcing the arrival of another day. He groaned as he was bitten with a cruel pain, looking down at his stomach to find it tightly bandaged, he was busted now. His mother knew he'd been fighting again, and now she'd probably go asking questions. It wasn't his fault those boys in town were always looking for a fight. However, it had been worse than ever before, if that passing Jounin hadn't stopped them it was likely he would be in the hospital right now. He sighed, swinging his legs over the side on the bed, he just hoped she wouldn't end up lecturing him.. He quickly got dressed and stepped out of the room, realizing his sister and mother were already awake. There was no one in the kitchen, so Dosu simply walked outside, not feeling at all hungry. His mother was outside, pinning laundry to a clothesline to dry, she gave Dosu a soft smile when she spotted him on the porch. Kurami stood on the other side of the yard, scattering pieces of corn for the hungry hens.
"Morning sweetie," Mrs. Kinuta smiled softly as Dosu approached her.
"I slept in late didn't I," Dosu asked her, wondering why he'd slept for so long.
"I'm sorry, I probably should have woken you up when I woke your sister but you were so exhausted after last," Mrs. Kinuta's eyes suddenly took on a sad look, "I thought I should let you sleep for awhile."
"What happened," Dosu asked, almost afraid but wanting to know what had happened.
"You blacked out sweetie, you really scared me for a minute," his mother said softly, embracing him in a motherly hug, tears welling in her eyes, "I thought you'd been seriously hurt, you were a lot more beat up than just that eye, me and Mr. Kogaru bandaged you up and put you to bed, why didn't you tell me about all those bruises?"
"I…," Dosu felt ashamed, realizing how much he'd scared his mother, who was already hurt enough, "I'm sorry."
"I know sweetie," his mother sobbed, choking back tears, "just please, promise me you'll keep out of trouble, it hurts me so badly to see you in pain."
"I'm sorry mom," Dosu gave her a slight smile as she released him from her tight hug.
"Now," Mrs. Kinuta turned back to her basket of clothes, "I've got to get this stuff out or it'll never dry, yesterdays rain put me behind schedule."
"Aren't you going to work today," Dosu asked, wondering why his mother wasn't already working in the bakery shop in town.
"Oh, I've got the day off today," his mother answered, "and it's a good thing too with all this stuff I have to do."
"Any way I could help," Dosu asked, feeling as though he needed something to occupy his time. He had no wanting to go back into town on his own, afraid he might end up in another fight.
"You and your sister could go to the mill for me," his mother nodded, "I need another bag of flour."
"Alright," Dosu nodded, happy to have something to do instead of roaming about with boredom, "I'll go and get her and we'll head there now."
"Do promise me you'll be careful," his mother gave him a worried glance, "mind you stay out of the miller's way and away from those town boys who you're always fighting with."
"I will," Dosu, answered, secretly hoping he was right. He wasn't asking for a fight but if it came to that he wouldn't go home without throwing at least one punch.
"Kurami," he called as he headed over to her. The young girl smiled when her brother approached her, tossing the last of her corn for the hungry hens.
"Mom needs us to go and get her some flower at the mill," Dosu told her. Kurami squealed with glee, loving the opportunity to go somewhere with her brother.
"It shouldn't take long," Dosu instructed, "but she still says we should be careful."
"Could we stop by and say hello to Mr. Hogaru," Kurami asked, remembering the blacksmiths shop was only a short way from the mill.
"Maybe another time," Dosu sighed, not at all liking the idea of speaking with the man who always seemed to annoy him.
"You too please be careful and hurry back," their mother called as the two walked out of the yard. Dosu waved at her as they left, Kurami skipping along beside him.
"I promise," Dosu called, smiling to himself. He intended to do all he could to keep that promise. The two Kinutas walked down the dirt lane, the trees around them rustling in the wind. Yesterday's rain hadn't proved to be much, for the path was pretty much dry. Dark clouds were still scattered here and there among the brighter ones, but no true signs of rain shone through the peaceful day. Dosu smiled despite himself as they walked down the road, the peaceful ecstasy of the world around him brightening his spirits. For once, he felt almost happy, or at least the closest he'd been for a very long time. He looked down at his sister who bounced along beside him, singing a children's song in her sweet happy voice, the hopping of her steps causing the beat to take irregular plunges. He couldn't help but chuckle as the young girl battled herself for the ability to sing and skip at the same time. The two traveled down the dirt road, the outlines of a few buildings coming into view. The look of happiness was torn from Dosu's face as his eyes fell upon the sound village. They would have to go straight through it if they wanted to reach the mill that rested a good ways off from the actual town. Deep in his heart Dosu didn't want to go into the town, at least not until things had cooled down from the past days fight, but he didn't always get what he wanted. He couldn't just go back to his mother and tell her he was too scared to go into town, now could he? He was 13, no longer a child who could make such stupid mistakes. Gathering his wits and telling himself not to start anything, he took his sister's hand and hurried through the gate of the hidden village of sound. Inside people bustled about, shopping and going about their work. There were many shops and houses on each side of the main road, a few smaller paths branching off into the farther reaches of the quickly growing city. Dosu was rather surprised with it all, marveling at how the village seemed to grow every time he visited it. It seemed so short a time when his family had packed their few belongings and come to this place, back then it had only been a few houses and a scattered shop here and there, now it was a good bit more presentable. Kurami smiled and waved as they passed by many people, recognizing a few. The people gave her kindly smiles, one lady even going as far as to hand her a large purple flower. Kurami sniffed the large blossom, enjoying the rich fragrance, which seemed to radiate from it. She slipped it behind her ear, the blossom sticking out as a hairpin would. Dosu simply stared ahead, concentrating on getting through the village as fast as possible. They took quick steps down the main road, Dosu nearly sweeping his sister off her feet as she hopped around behind him. He clutched tightly to her hand, not wanting to lose her in the crowd. They passed by the bakery where their mother worked a few days a week, the soft smells of baking bread and pastries tentatively nagging at them, but Dosu only hurried on. They passed by the potters shop and many market stalls, dodging by person after person. Then, they reached the ninja academy, a large white building where children of the right age were taught to become protectors of their village. It wasn't until they'd almost past when Dosu say the three figures sitting lazily on the front steps, causing him to wince. He could only hope they hadn't seen him, but a rude voice proved otherwise.
"Heya loser," a boy with messy blond hair and a scarred face spat, "you and your little princess out for a stroll."
"Shut up Genkin," Dosu snapped, not having any wanting to speak with the bad-mannered boy, but the boy only laughed.
"Still think you can boss me around, eh," Genkin chuckled, gritting his teeth down on the toothpick, which he held in the side of his mouth, "come back for more?"
"I don't want to argue with you guys," Dosu growled, noticing the scared expression on his sister's face, "I was just passing by."
"You're scaring the little brat," the girl with short black hair smirked, referring rudely to Dosu's cowering sister.
"Leave my sister alone Tugaki," Dosu turned to the girl, tightening his hand into a fist.
"Oh I'm so scared, please have mercy," Tugaki said sarcastically, taking a crude glance at the knife she held in her hand.
"Dosu again," the other boy asked, seeming to just notice the presence of the Kinuta children, "didn't we already beat you bad enough."
"Your mommy fix you up," Genkin spat, standing up and casually dusting off his sleeves, "too bad she's not here to help you right now."
"Leave my brother alone," Kurami demanded, receiving a wicked smirk from Tugaki who also jumped to her feet.
"I'd be careful if I were you kid," Tugaki's eyes burned with a malicious hatred, "when I play with knives I do tend to lose myself."
"Dosu," Kurami whimpered, standing behind her brother, trembling with fear.
"Get out of here," Genkin spat, "you and your bratty sister don't belong here."
Dosu glared up at him, wanting more than anything to wipe the smug look off his face. However, for Kurami's sake he knew he couldn't. He did his best to control the thoughts of rage filling his head, telling himself to just walk away. He remembered his promise to his mother and the hurt look on her face the day before. He never wanted to see her so broken ever again, especially when it was his fault. Turning, he took his sister's shaking hand and walked away, doing his best to ignore the cruel laughter that sounded from behind him, the sinful voices hurting him more than cold knives. Nevertheless, his thoughts for his mother and sister were stronger. In only a few moments, the laughed ceased as the two left the village, Dosu sighing with relief. The mill came into view, the large building creaking in the wind. Dosu heard the cranking of the waterwheel behind the mill as they approached the river nearby glistening with the sun's rays. Kurami smiled, the images of the bullies in the village dispersing as they hurried into the building. Inside the building was filled with sacks piled all about, bins filled with grains and a large desk stacked high with papers, some which lay discarded on the dusty floor. The grinding of the millstones filled their ears, mixing with the noises from the river outside. Dosu looked about, searching for the miller. Finally, after a good bit of looking, he spotted the elderly man speaking with a kind-looking woman. The miller gave a quick nod as the woman exited, smiling at the Kinuta children as she balanced three white sacks in her arms. Kurami returned the smile but Dosu was too preoccupied. He yanked Kurami over the miller, tapping the man on the shoulder.
"Oh," the miller turned to them, just now realizing their presence, "why if it isn't the Kinuta children, what can I do for you today?"
"Hello Mr. Miller," Kurami smiled, receiving a worn grin from the man's wrinkled face.
"Hello there miss Kurami," the miller smiled, "anything I can for you?"
"Mommy needs a bag of flour," Kurami answered in her sweet innocent voice, her eyes twinkling with childish intent.
"Of course," the aging man smiled, "I'll have it for you in just a moment."
The man disappeared up a small staircase, leaving the children alone. Dosu waited patiently while his sister fidgeted about, each second seeming like days to her. Dosu peered about the dusty building, sneezing as a passing cloud of dust came by. Kurami giggled at the sour expression on her brother's face, her eyes twinkling with good-natured humor. Dosu sneered, turning away from her as quickly as he could. All his life he'd always hated being laughed at, at right now was no different. Saving Dosu from his mock humiliation, the miller came back down the stairs, carrying a small white sack.
"Here you go," he smiled, handing the bag to Dosu and wiping the sweat from his brow. Kurami handed the man a few coins, the miller taking them gratefully with a nod.
"Anything else," he asked.
"That's all for right now," Kurami answered, following Dosu as he began to leave. She gave the miller one last wave as they hurried out the door, the sunshine streaming down on their faces. Kurami peered about, smiling when she noticed the swirling leaves and softly moving river. Suddenly a thought flashed through her mind.
"Follow me Dosu," she announced, running down top the bank of the river.
"Kurami," Dosu cried out, stumbling after his sister under the heavy load of the flour sack. Kurami giggled and bounced about, running along the sandy bank. She ran a good distance, the clattering of the mill's waterwheel getting softer as she ran. Laughing and grinning widely she waded into the cool water. She shivered as the cold water struck her, the feeling of it making her smile even more. Dosu sighed, sitting down on the bank, happy to set the flour sack down for a moment as Kurami continued to hop about. Kurami smiled and bent down, scooping up the gleaming water in her hands and throwing it above her head, sending a shower of silver drops down upon her head. Dosu stared at her, almost smiling at how happy and peaceful it all seemed, then his thoughts were shattered with darker ones. Kurami shouldn't be playing in the river, it could be dangerous to a young girl who had just learned this summer how to swim.
"Kurami," he called, "that's enough, come on we need to get back home."
Kurami didn't seem to hear him, tossing more water into the air and squealing with pure glee.
"Kurami," Dou said more sternly, "mother will get worried if we don't hurry back home."
"Oh okay," Kurami stopped, stepping back towards the bank. A sudden gust of wind tore through her hair, snatching the purple blossom and sending it down a few feet away into the chilling water.
"My flower," Kurami exclaimed, turning her back to her brother and wading farther into the stream.
"Kurami," Dosu said again, standing up as a sudden feeling of dread passed over him, "come back right now!"
"Come back flower," Kurami cried, waded up until the water was to her stomach. The current became stronger, the chase for the blossom bringing the small girl closer to the waterwheel nearby.
"KURAMI!" Dosu screamed as his sister cried out, the rush of the water sweeping her of her feet. Kurami gave a shriek of pure fear as she was swallowed by the water, her head bobbing above the surface as she was dragged farther out, her small body no match for the fast current. Dosu waded into the stream, feeling completely dazed as he tried to reach his sister, but she was being swept farther away. Kurami cried out in terror as water filled her mouth, the current sending her below and above the surface constantly. Suddenly, a loud booming reached her ears, her eyes grew wide with pure fright as she recognized the sound.
"DOSU!" She screamed, tears mixing with the swift moving water as she plunged to her doom. Dosu stood among the shallow water, sobbing helplessly as the scene unfolded before him. There was nothing he could do! He felt as though his life was at a stand still, as if he was only watching what was happening, like he wasn't a part of it. His mind was plagued with thoughts, but he couldn't clear them, he had to save her! He cried out in agony, knowing every second he wasted on the shore his sister was drug closer to the mill. He'd heard stories of things like this happening before, once a dog had been swimming and had been swept away by the current, its body torn to pieces by the churning waterwheel, but never once in his life had he ever imagined that happening to someone he'd known, much less his own sister. The children had been warned not to play in the river, but many did it anyway, never even coming close to a situation like this one. He'd pushed the threat of it to the back of his mind, not even considering it a threat until now. He reached out his hands, thinking that in some way it might save his sister, but all in vain. Kurami continued to struggle as the strengthening waters throttled her, crying out in sheer terror as the booming became louder and louder, until it rung in her head. Dosu closed his eyes, trying to shut out the image before him as though it would stop it from happening, but he could not deny it. He heard a final sickening shriek, and then all became silent. Tears burned in his eyes as he clenched his hand into a fist, his eyes closed tightly. He fell to his knees, overcome by a sudden dizziness. He felt like his world was spinning, as if he couldn't get a firm grasp on reality as it danced about before him. It was like a dream, a nightmare, and he was anxiously waiting to awaken. He opened his mouth to say something but all that came out was a nauseating choke, causing him to double over in sudden pain. He told himself it was all a lie, a dream, that was really a nightmare, but still nothing woke him up. He cried out, slamming his fist into his face as though to startle him back to reality, wishing he would open his eyes to find her sister standing beside him. However, that was not what he saw. All he saw was a raging stream, and water mixed with crimson, and his own tears…
