Episode 2! I hope Ep 1 was enjoyable for you! Sorry for the mushy stuff. I just love Kakashi!
This section takes place 2 days after their journey began. They have now arrived to Clover City.
Also! The "catchy song" is "Layers of Pipe" by Tartanic.
~~~~~Clover City~~~~~
The Leaf Ninja made it to the coast just before nightfall the next day. It was going to be a long boat ride but everyone still had high spirits, except for Kakashi. Guy and Yamato tried to keep everyone from noticing his obvious unhappiness with this mission and it seemed to be working because no one was asking questions.
Everyone slept while the ship headed toward Ire Land, except Kakashi. He was exhausted but couldn't sleep. He was nervous, excited, and angry all at the same time. He missed Hana more than anything but she refused to see him and write him. What if he was going to meet her new husband? What if she was off in a new land with her New Husband? He wasn't sure when it happened but he did finally fall asleep.
As Dawn came, Kakashi and crew began getting up and awake. When their bedrolls and packs were together, the Captain of the ship began shouting in a strange language.
"Má fhéachann tú ann, beidh tú féach Seamair Cathrach, capitol na hÉireann!" He waved and pointed.
"Go raibh maith agat." Kakashi answered. ("Thanks.")
The ship came through a group of clouds and Ire Land came into view.
"Kakashi Sensei?" Naruto asked. "What did he, and you, say?"
"That wasn't in our language." TenTen added. "What is it?"
"No. Ire Land has a different Native Language. He said 'if you look there," Kakashi pointed to the right. "...you'll see Clover City, Capitol of Ire Land' and I just thanked him."
Everyone ran to the side of the ship to see the strange beautiful new land and city. The Captain came down and patted Kakashi on the back.
"Fáilte ar ais, Kakashi." He frowned. ("Welcome back, Kakashi.")
"Maith a bheith ar ais." He sighed then watched as the captain went to his chambers. ("It's good to be back.")
As they moved closer, the sun beamed off Clover Castle. The beauty of it had everyone but Kakashi staring. He's been here several times as a young man and enjoyed it, even thinking of it as a second home. As an adult and not seeing this place in years, he knew that every where he looked he would be reminded of something he did with Hana. Seeing her again was going to be difficult...no matter how he prepared. He also felt like something was wrong because the way the Captain was acting. He kept this to himself because he didn't want to alarm anyone.
***Flashback***
Bagpipes and drums filled the ears of everyone in Clover Castle. It was Hana's 18th birthday and the entire village showed for the occasion. Kakashi loved that Hana knew the name of every clan and member sincerely. He also loved that she was refusing gifts unless they were handmade, she didn't want to be rude. Every person in her village was given food, clothes, and money because that is what Hana wanted.
As he gazed at Hana dancing with a crowd of villagers, his mind began to wander. He kept thinking that he has spent so many days and nights with her that he could not imagine life without her. He also continued to roll the claddagh he purchased between his thumb and forefinger. A merchant had it for sale and it was the most beautiful ring he had ever saw. He and Hana had been side by side for so many missions, fights, and many long nights, but how would their relationship work if he was going to do this?
Hana saw the blank stare on Kakashi's face and smiled, stealthily dancing to his position. He must have been thinking about something difficult because he didn't move when she got to him.
"May I have this dance?" She bowed low making him jump.
"Hana," He looked around embarrassed. "...I don't know how to dance to this."
"I will show you."
Kakashi could never resist Hana's flirtacious and beautiful smile. He grabbed her hand and onto the dance floor she pulled him, as she lifted his headband exposing his sharingan. She moved him in close placing a soft kiss on his masked lips.
"Ciseal píopaí, le do thoil." She called to the band in her native tongue. ("Layers of Pipes, please.")
A catchy song began playing and she moved him around the floor dancing a unique foxtrot type dance. Hana was impressed at how fast he caught on and began leading her.
"That's cheating," Hana smiled and teased. "...Copy Ninja."
"I didn't know this was a test, Princess." Kakashi winked.
Genji watched the two and wanted to smile but a deep sadness was building inside him. Gala was standing next to the King also watching his best friend from childhood and Kakashi, a man he has grown to admire, laugh and dance.
"That will never work." Genji frowned. "...and I'm so sad for them."
"They both know that, my King."
"I care for Kakashi and the Hidden Leaf but Hana is needed here. He would never leave Konoha especially since leaving Anbu and becoming a Jonin Leader."
"They both truly know this. There is a chance that Hana may never marry because of him and Kakashi never seemed like the family type. It could just be young love too."
"She is going to Konoha for the next year... I'll leave it alone until then. When the time comes you may need to remind her."
"I'll be there with her, my King."
Hana's laugh interrupted their chat making them sigh as they reluctantly rejoined the party.
***End Flashback***
As the boat docked Kakashi frowned at his memories. His great and heartbreaking memories. Guy walked passed and gave him an encouraging pat on the back before leading the troops off the large boat. Kakashi didn't follow immediately, he just sat up not wanting to remove himself from his floating sanctuary.
"Are you okay, Senpai?" Yamato asked.
"Let's go get this over with."
Kakashi took the lead once their bags were grabbed and everyone was ready to move. He remembered every inch of this kingdom just like the Hidden Leaf and something was wrong. Very wrong.
"It's so green." Sakura kept repeating. "...but why do the walls look like they have been in a war?"
"Senpai, did something happen here?" Sai asked Kakashi.
"I have a bad feeling..." Naruto eyed the city.
"I'm ...I do not know. Keep your guard up." Kakashi wasn't sure and grew very cautious.
They walked through the small village that was once filled with people but now there was no soul in sight. The familiar smell of Irish Soda Bread was not in the air as usual. Children were not running and laughing, no child was seen period and this made his feeling of unease grow.
Kakashi, Yamato, and Guy suddenly stopped and stared. Naruto ran into Kakashi and almost fell but Kakashi quickly caught him.
"Kakashi Sensei?" Naruto complained.
"Quiet, Naruto. Something is wrong." He growled.
"I sense 2." Guy searched.
"Same." Yamato stared.
They began walking deeper into the village with kunai knives pulled. Kakashi couldn't help let his concern grow for Hana and what may have happened here. It was once beautiful and covered with fresh flowers, people, music, and market. Now there were burn marks in several places and dead plants scattered everywhere making it almost unrecognizable.
The silence was suddenly broken by a woman screaming in the distance. Yamato and Kakashi bolted to the location of the screams, the others only seconds behind them. When they found the screaming woman, two men were slapping her and ripping at her clothes.
"I would stop that now if I were you!" Naruto growled.
"Oh look, more pigs for the slaughter."
Kakashi lunged forward. He and Guy knocked the two men out easily and as they took down the men, the woman ran away before anyone could talk to her. Sakura and TenTen attempted to run after her but Yamato stopped them before they got too far from the group.
"Something is wrong here." Sai looked at Kakashi and Guy. "It all feels wrong."
"That poor woman." Sakura frowned.
"Why did she run from us?" TenTen asked.
"Let's get to the castle." Kakashi barked.
~~~~~Captivity~~~~~~
Hana was on her knees with a large man holding her arms behind her back and her head to his chest. Her face was bloody from her beating but she remained strong to ensure her villagers retreated behind the castle walls unharmed.
Haijme got off his horse paced in front of them as if he had won a great victory. Hana wasn't sure if that was his real name but she wasn't in a position to ask. He pulled out a knife and lunged at her, slowly cutting three large wounds into her face.
"For each of my Generals you killed." He snarled. "Scream and it will all end quickly."
Hana gritted her teeth, grunting from the pain, but refusing to give him the satisfaction of making a sound.
"Citizens of Clover City!" Haijme stood in front of Hana after cutting into her face. "Your Queen is sacrificing herself for your safety."
Hana looked up meeting eyes with a concerned Gala and Haruto. Gala was fighting to get to her but several guards were attempting to stop him. Haruto's look of concern made her able to withstand the pain more. She needed to show that her family was strong she needed to show Haruto.
Haijme kicked her in the face making her spit blood and fall on her stomach. The man that was holding her, pulled her back onto her knees by her hair, the front of his body touching her back again. She cringed the anger almost too much to handle.
"She will die to save you!" Haijme turned and stuck a large knife into her chest.
Gala wailed in terror and pain with the villagers. Hearing their screams, Hana gasped and the man holding her arms finally let go. Nothing worked for her, it was as if she were paralyzed and hit the ground hard. As her heart beat slowed, she felt a warmth swallowing her body, her breathing decreasing pace. The darkness quickly taking over her and all she whispered was: "Kakashi..." A single tear fell down her cheek and her body fully relaxed.
Hana jerked awake holding two kunai knives up in an attempt to stab her captor. Her chest was rising and falling as sweat soaking her sleep clothes, pillow, and bed. Why was she dreaming of that night?
She stood and immediately started her rigorous workout routine. It was the only thing she could do during the day so she perfected several moves and worked so hard the images of that day faded slightly.a
As the sun moved into the early afternoon, a rough knock hit her door.
"Hana," Lord Phan walked into her room. "I need you to get ready for our walk."
"Aye."
"Do not make me request again!" He shouted.
After her breathing steadied and Lord Phan's footsteps faded, she showered in an attempt to forget her nightmare. Then she remembered that she was never able to leave it and that the start of every day was only beginning of another nightmare.
As she got ready in her normal red long sleeve shirt with a mask, red pants, and red shoes, she again stared at herself hating what she has become. Today, she is to follow Lord Phan around as he makes her do horrible things to the citizens of his village.
Lord Phan was waiting near the staircase as she walked out of her room. Together they walked out of the dungeon and into the main house. A line of guards were waiting to escort them through the village of Aslon, just like every first weekend of the month.
~~~~~City of Clovers~~~~~
Kakashi busted into the castle with his group struggling to keep up and palace guards chasing them.
"I want to speak to King Genji and Princess Hana." He demanded from a woman who stood on the great stairwell just inside the castle door.
"Who are you?" She sneered.
"Hatake Kakashi of the Hidden Leaf."
Her eyes narrowed and a smile crossed her face making everyone standing in front of her uneasy.
"What is that about?" Naruto lifted an eyebrow.
"This way." She bowed slightly pointing up the stairs.
The Leaf ninja followed the strange woman up the steps and into a room with a massive throne on the end. Kakashi has been in here several times but something was different. The room has lost it's brightness.
"Hatake Kakashi!" Haruto entered the room holding his hands out. "What a pleasure. It's good to see you! I see you have met my wife, Suru."
"Wife?" Kakashi repeated to himself. "You too, Haruto. I need to speak..." Haruto sat on the throne and listened as he spoke. Kakashi stared as he leaned back in the King's throne, like it belonged to him and not Genji. "...to Hana and Genji."
"My dear father is dead."
Kakashi gasped slightly and bowed his head is sadness, saying a soft prayer.
"My apologies, I did not know." He whispered saddened by this news. "And Hana?"
"My sister..." Haruto ignored his reaction. "GALA!" He yelled making Kakashi's face lighten, he loved Gala like a brother.
A few seconds passed before Gala entered the room, stiff and unlike himself, Kakashi was quick to notice. He silently studied the darken face of his old comrade, unable to hide his frown.
"Take Kakashi to my sister."
"Your Grace?"
Haruto stood from his chair suddenly and shouted:
"TAKE KAKASHI TO MY SISTER!"
"Yes, your majesty. Kakashi, please follow me."
Gala turned and headed out of the throne room, Kakashi quickly following behind him. The rest of the group looked around confused but walked out of the castle silently after the two men.
Haruto waited until the intruders were gone and looked at 2 of his guards smirking.
"Let Kakashi see her grave, then kill them all."
"And Gala?" One of them asked.
"Kill them All."
"Yes, your grace."
He watched the guards leave and looked at his wife.
"Go with them and be sure it's done. Don't under estimate Kakashi."
Suru left through the same door. Haruto sat and sighed remembering the night his sister "died". He stood and headed outside to watch the group from the balcony.
***Flashback***
Haruto began walking toward the men and the dead body of his sister. When he approached her lifeless body, and her murderers, he looked back at the closed doors to the village.
"Is she alive?" He asked turning back to them.
"Yes, your grace. She's just unconscious. The Nectar Poison makes it look like it's victim is dead but no vital organs were hit. She'll wake in about an hour or two."
"Thank you for getting rid of my issue."
"Why turn her into a martyr, your grace?"
"The village will remain loyal to me for her."
"I see."
"Go. I'll have your money monthly, I'll send my trusted advisor with it. Remember, i don't want anyone to know she's alive."
"Yes, your majesty."
***End Flashback***
Gala ignored everything Kakashi was asking. They walked behind the castle and through a garden to...
"G-Gala. This...this is a cemetery." Kakashi gasped.
"I know." He whispered.
"What are we doing in a cemetery!?"
Gala ignored him again and walked his group up to an unkempt headstone. He pointed at it and Kakashi looked over confused. He immediately stopped breathing, a noise left his throat that no one has ever heard. He suddenly fell to his trembling knees in front of the headstone, tears flowing down his emotionless and silent face. Yamato, Naruto, and Sakura stared at him stunned at his display of emotions.
"Kakashi Sensei," Naruto stepped forward placing a hand on Kakashi's trembling shoulder. "Who was she?"
"Senpai..." Yamato was concerned. "I'm so sorry..."
Guy and Lee had tears streaming down their faces from Kakashi's show of emotion.
"Kakashi," Gala kneeled down. "...before more is said, I must speak with you privately."
Tears were not letting up and just falling from Kakashi's eyes. All he could hear was his heart beating in his ears, his staggered breathing, and him screaming out his pain internally. He heard nothing else, he didn't want to hear anything. His stomach ached so bad with his devastation. How could this have happened?
"What happened?!" He asked Gala flatly.
"It's not safe to talk here."
"Yamato," Kakashi called. "Guy,"
"Yes, Senpai?"
"Y-yes, Kakashi?" Guy sobbed.
"I'm going to step away with Gala, keep everyone here and together. We are no longer safe here."
"We will." They said together.
"Kakashi Sensei?!" Naruto and Sakura began to protest.
"Stay here." He snapped.
Kakashi stood and followed Gala away from a very confused group.
"He was so sad." Sakura whispered.
"Who is Shima Hana?" Naruto frowned looking at Yamato and Guy.
"That is a story for Kakashi to tell." Yamato sighed.
"Come on!" Guy smiled. "Let's train! I'm depressed!"
"What!" Naruto, Sai, and Sakura said together.
"Yes, Guy Sensei!" Lee and TenTen beamed.
When Gala stopped, Kakashi knelt to the ground. His face in his hands and his elbows resting on his knees. His head was spinning and he thought he was going to be sick.
"How did she die?" His voice was muffled.
"She isn't dead." Gala stated flatly.
"What?!" Kakashi shot to his feet.
"The King got very sick and put Hana in charge of the Kingdom. About two months after he died a massive army showed up. They murdered 23 villagers as everyone was heading for the safe house... Hana and I fought as long as we could..." Gala swallowed hard remembering that night and began explaining to Kakashi.
***Flashback***
"Gala!" Hana yelled. "Get everyone to the castle!"
"No! I'm not letting you go out there alone!" He shouted.
Hana smiled at his loyalty and loved that he will be there. She grabbed the arm of another passing guard.
"Get everyone inside!" She demanded.
"Yes, your majesty!"
Gala and Hana ran toward the horde standing near the dead bodies of her villagers. In a rage, Hana punched the ground sending a huge tremor of earth that took out a large number of the front line. Before the dust settled Hana appeared suddenly screaming a mighty war cry killing another three men. With Gala at her side, they fought the army back, killing as many as possible while the villagers retreated behind the wall.
When almost all the villagers were safely inside, a tall man stopped his men from advancing and rode up on his horse. Covered in blood, Hana and Gala stopped fighting to watch the man.
"Enough!" The tall man demanded.
"Who are you?" Hana growled. "What are you doing killing my people!?"
"Queen Hana?" He chuckled.
"Aye."
"I see your reputation is accurate."
"Why have you come here?"
"Surrender as our slave and we will leave this village without harming anyone else."
"No!" Gala yelled.
"Deal." Hana raised her hand to Gala.
"Forever." The man sneered.
"Deal." She agreed again immediately.
"Hana!" Gala gasped grabbing on her arm.
"To keep the village safe, I will go willingly. But," She stared down the strange men near them. "...you've heard of me. You know that if you return to this island, I will kill you."
"You have my word, Queen Hana." The man bowed low.
"Hana, no!" Gala trembled.
"Gala, go tell Haruto that he is in charge. I'll be fine. Promise me that you will serve him as loyal as you've served me."
"No! I cannot let you!" Tears were flowing down his face.
"Look at this Army, Gala. We are strong but without help we cannot fight them off. If surrendering myself will spare the genocide of our people, there is no other answer."
"We'll send for the Leaf!"
"In three days we'll all be dead."
"Hana. Please don't..."
"Promise me you will serve our people faithfully."
"I...I promise..."
"I need you to take care of our people."
"Kakashi." Gala whispered.
Hana's breath caught in her throat. She had a huge lump sitting in her throat seeing Gala cry and the thought of never seeing her home again. With him bringing up Kakashi she was unable to stop the tears.
"Promise me you will not tell him. I would rather him think I am dead than endangering our villages or himself to save me."
"H-"
"Go!" She snapped interrupting him.
Gala slowly turned and headed back to the castle, his legs shaking, not wanting to move. He was bound by his loyalty to do as she told him but his love for a friend almost stopped him from doing as his Queen demanded. How would he tell Kakashi that she was dead? That will devastate him.
"Wise choice." The man stepped off the horse.
"If you or your men attempt to violate me, I will kill as many of you as I can."
"You have my word." The man bowed again.
Hana looked back to her home not knowing what would happen to her. That is when the man took his shot and punched her in the face. The hit caught her off guard and she fell to her knees spitting blood.
"If you fight back, I will use my forbidden jutsu and kill everyone."
"Aye." Hana spat more blood and agreed.
***End Flashback***
~~~~~Captivity~~~~~
Lord Phan, his guards, and Hana all walked through the city streets. Some people ran up with gifts for their lord while others cowered from Hana.
"Lord Phan," A man brought the parade to a halt.
"Lord Toma." Phan sneered.
"My man here," A large muscled man stepped out of a carriage. "...can beat your woman in a fight."
"Hatake isn't set to fight for another week. Sign up for a tournament and we shall see. Money before blood."
"Scared?" Toma egged Phan on.
Hana shook her head, she knew she had to fight this man now.
"Hatake," Lord Phan snapped at Hana. "...kill them both."
Hana quickly jumped up kicking Lord Toma's fighter in the face. As he stumbled back, she tossed a kunai knife into the neck of Lord Toma, showering her with his blood. She was instantly back to the fighter and snapped his neck. Both Lord Toma and his fighter fell to the ground at the same time, dead.
"Well done." Lord Phan laughed. "That was the quickest one yet. Now let's go collect a debt."
Hana walked behind Lord Phan hating herself and dripping with blood. Ever since she's been here she has murdered innocents. She always vowed to care for people and here she was forced to betray them. Phan threatened to kill her people if she did not obey him. If she let herself die, he would also take it out on her people.
After a long walk through the village, Lord Phan stopped his carriage in front of a beaten down house.
"Go." He snapped.
Hana frowned, Lord Phan brought her to this home 3 weeks ago. This man owed Phan money and was told to pay or Hana would kill his family. He didn't pay...
~~~~~Clover City~~~~~
"Stop!" Kakashi snapped. "J-Just stop."
Gala stepped back and let him have a second to process this information. He knew this was hard for him but he wanted this out in the open. He needed to save Hana, Kakashi and the Hidden Leaf were his ticket to do that.
Kakashi began pacing with a number of things running through his head. Anger, guilt, pain, and for the first time in years, he was scared. Hana was taken by an army of men and who knows what is happening to her or if she is alive!
"Why the funeral?" He stopped pacing.
"My guess? Haruto wanted to ensure loyalty."
"What else happened?"
"Kakashi..."
"What. Else. Happened?" He asked again.
"The guy who spoke beat her for hours in front of us all. But she wouldn't let us help her and she wouldn't fight back. By the end of it..."
***Flashback***
Gala made it behind the walls and ran up to where Haruto was standing, not ashamed of his tear stained face.
"What happened?" Haruto asked.
"You're King now. To save the village she gave herself to slavery."
"I-I'm King?"
A woman screamed making Gala and Haruto look back at the battlefield. A second man got off the horse and punched Hana. As she slowly sat up, he grabbed Hana by the hair and pulled her up to her feet. Another man grabbed her by the arms and held her, blood flowing out of a new gash on her face.
"No!" Gala shouted fighting to get to her.
"Stop him." Haruto demanded.
"LET ME GO! SAVE HER!"
"No! She chose her path. I need you Gala, the village needs you." Haruto knew what to say.
The villagers screamed and cried as a large knife plunged into Hana's chest. She gasped for air before falling forward, body limp.
***End Flashback***
"How is she alive?" Kakashi rubbed his eyes.
"I overheard Haruto and Suru talking. She was taken to a small town in the Land of Lightening and sold to someone." Gala crossed his arms.
"She was stabbed in the chest?"
"I don't know how she lived through that stabbing...her ability to heal? Her stubborness? Poison?"
"What is the name of that town?"
"Polliko."
"We're leaving...now."
Kakashi and Gala walked back toward his group when...
"Rasengan!" Naruto screamed.
"Naruto!" Kakashi shouted and bolted to their location.
As Gala and Kakashi ran to Hana's grave, Naruto took down a guard and Sakura was fighting another. Guy and Lee were fighting Suru.
"Stop." Gala yelled when he recognized her. "Suru! The Leaf are our comrades!"
Suru tossed a kunai knife hitting Gala in the leg. Kakashi ran and revealed his sharigan as Suru was trying to escape. He was able to grab her by the wrist as she spun to leave.
"Let go!" She demanded and she disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Everyone stopped and stared waiting for her to reappear but she didn't.
"Looks like we've worn out our welcome." Guy chuckled.
"Head to the boat. Do not stop." Kakashi barked. "Gala, you're coming with us."
"It seems I have little choice now..."
Questions of panic flooded Kakashi's mind. What's happened here? What's really going on? How could Haruto let this happen? Guilt and rage fueled him as they headed back to the boat.
