No beta. If it annoys you, you are welcome to help me out.
I just had to update this, as fast as I could after such a response.
Don't forget to share your thoughts at the end.
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Chapter 6: Suprising Arrival
They travelled in silence.
The rhythm of sandaled feet hitting the branches of the trees was the only distraction they had - except for their miserable thoughts. The leader of the group didn't mind silence during their travels on missions like this, but for his team members, the silence only put emphasis on the loss that they had just recently endured.
It was their first mission without the talkative Uchiha.
Seeing as Obito used to never shut up during these kinds of travels, this silence made it only harder for them to not think about him.
Even the Jounin expected him to start talking any moment – to suddenly be there and to never stop rambling about his dreams or asking questions constantly. Part of him still hoped that, should the shinobi look over his shoulder, Obito would be right next to Kakashi, competing with him, while Rin would just smile at the silliness of the boys. Kakashi would look mostly annoyed, yet secretly smug that he was winning.
Minato let out a quiet sigh as he refused to give in to the urge to look over his shoulder. He knew that he wouldn't see him. He really needed to stop having these thoughts.
It had only been a few weeks since Obito's death. Normally team members would have had more time to come to terms with such a mission gone wrong – and losing someone who had become like a family member- but the Hokage had been clear that he wanted the three of them out on the field again.
"It's during this time that they need their team the most, Minato." The Hokage had hinted him before handing over the scroll – together with another mission-scroll that was for Minato personally while he was there. "You are needed on the field, so this is the best way to make sure you have some time for them." He had continued with a wary sigh. "I'm sorry; I wished that I could give you more time, but…" He didn't finish the sentence as he had looked over a large robust table covered with a large worn map – on it, many chess-like pieces were all over the place.
There was no need for the Hokage to finish the sentence, as Minato had already understood. It was war, after all.
"On another note, there have been odd rumors going about that village. Please keep an eye open for anything suspicious alright?"
Minato pondered on the last sentence – he wondered what rumors could give the elder such an odd look in his eyes - as he took note of his students speed. They were slowing down.
"Let's take a break. You have five minutes." He told them as they landed on a large branch. His students complied easily, drinking some water and stretching their legs.
Turning towards her teammate, Rin silently offered her hand that was enveloped with green chakra. Kakashi didn't answer out loud but stepped closer instead. As Rin helped his muscles relax, Kakashi relaxed slightly as well.
Five minutes later, Minato nodded to them and they were off again.
Somehow, Minato couldn't push himself to break the silence. It would be too awkward and Kakashi and Rin probably wouldn't appreciate having to talk back. For this reason, he was pushing their speed to their maximum instead. Just to keep them occupied. That had been their tactic until now, to keep training, to keep busy… don't think too much.
He would have to talk to them soon though. Their last conversation had been too long ago. Their behaviour confirmed this. At times like these it frustrated Minato that he was sent out so much.
He didn't want to fail his team again.
Hopefully during this mission they would manage to take out some off their build-up frustration.
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After having spent just a few days in the village, Harry had felt his spirits being lifted. At first he hadn't noticed. Though in hindsight, he should have noticed it with the way he had become clingy to the little girl. He hadn't wanted to let the happier feelings a chance to disappear, as he had expected to come from Aiko.
That is, until he noticed that even being away from Aiko for a little while, did not make them completely disappear.
Was it him that was feeling those emotions? Or had they come from Aiko after all? Or was his human mind finally reoccupied after the many hits it had taken before he had searched for shelter in his phoenix body?
The phoenix had decided that he needed a moment alone to assess his status, leaving Aiko for a few minutes. Even though he had suspected this happening, Harry still felt surprised as he landed in the familiar clearing near the waterfall - alone this time.
Finally.
Harry had experience with loss and losing himself to depression. Luckily, eventually as long as he kept going – or other people kept him going – he had until now always managed to get back to this point. The point where he found his spirits again. Though every time took a little longer… especially this time.
It didn't matter to him now though.
A croon escaped him as he confirmed that the emotions he were feeling were indeed his own. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed them, trying to experience them to the fullest– he was feeling again!
Since a very long time, he was happy. Only now, looking back, Harry was reminded how much energy he had lacked. Warmth coursed through him as his phoenix mind escalated the happiness he was feeling.
A chirping sound – as if laughing – escaped him.
He nearly laughed in delight as he recognized a feeling of shame rising within him. He had been giving up damn it! Hell, he had attempted several suicide attempts! Still, without being able to feel this energy within him, Harry couldn't really blame himself that he hadn't wanted to live any longer. Not really.
Truthfully, at the moment Harry still wouldn't mind meeting his loved ones in afterlife, but he could probably wait a little longer. Maybe after helping out a little, he could finally rest. No more suicide attempts though…he told himself.
So instead hitting himself, Harry simply allowed himself to laugh at his shame and to laugh so hard that his body actually toppled over. It was like a switch had been turned.
Another thought occurred to him that made him laugh even harder. Damn it, that Geezer Seer had been right! Such sincere manipulation to help Harry and yet it him a player of the game in one go.
Luckily for Harry the clearing remained empty, as the laughing bird made quite an odd sight. In fact, it laughter were more like chirping hiccups that nearly sounded like the bird was almost choking.
Suddenly a nauseous pain interrupted the Phoenix emotional outburst and Harry suddenly reminded himself that he had been neglecting his human mind too much after it had retreated to the back of his mind to reoccupy. His human mind was suffering; he needed to let it go.
No more, that little girl had managed to warm his heart again and for that he would protect her until this whole situation was over with.
Going along with the burst of determination that he was feeling he willed himself to shift – knowing that there was always the risk of slipping back into his aphetic state. As the bird, continued to laugh, it started to shift. It's chirps turned into pained and weak chuckling, before turning into amused wheezes.
Oh gosh. He was a bloody freaking mess! His whole body hurt in protest as he tried to get his laughing under control. As he finally calmed, he barely managed to lift an arm.
Harry couldn't even stand up – pathetic.
'This is going to take a while.' The wizard mused, feeling slightly disorientated as he suddenly felt human again. The intensity of the emotions that he had been feeling muted slightly and while the range of emotions widened as frustration and amusement fought for dominance.
Eventually Harry couldn't help but laugh again.
Glancing down at cloaked body – he could see the weight he had lost. He wasn't exactly surprised as all he had been eating were berries. With all the magic he had been burning, his human body wouldn't have much reserved to use to keep his body in shape. He would need to eat more, he decided, something that would produce more energy for him.
With difficulty the wizard managed to lift his arm and reach for a tiny pouch on his belt. Opening it, his hand disappeared into it.
"Accio Potion-kit." He grumbled, his voice barely audible – hoping that his magic was still there.
Relief washed over him as he felt the familiar kit hit his hand.
Dear Merlin, his magic was still intact. He could feel how shaky it was though. It wasn't mixing very well with the other energy – that chakra as they called it - he had been very aware of since he had arrived here. He would have to figure out what it would mean for him.
But for now… His human body had to take this slowly at a time. He would take some potions, force himself to eat some nasty Auror ration bars and soak up the energy from the sun and then turn back to his Phoenix form.
At least in that form he could move again.
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In the foliage of the trees, they saw the slumbering village appear. It didn't look like much. The wooden houses were plain and worn. Many roofs had signs of being fixed many times. As they jumped closer, they noticed that there were only a few people visible as they walked about.
As this was a typical farmer's village, most of the people were probably out on the fields.
With a short sign to his students, the three of them touched down on the dusty road under them. The blond Jounin turned towards his two students as they landed softly.
"I know that it is hard, but try to focus alright?"
The two students twitched, as if startled that they had been caught feeling down, before they reluctantly nodded.
Minato wouldn't have it. "What did you say?" He barked at them, though his voice remained unraised.
He smiled slightly when they straightened automatically, their lips twitching slightly.
"Yes Sensei!"
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As was protocol, they met with the people who had sent the original message. It was clear that their presence made the villagers nervous, as they slowly pointed to a larger house when they asked for the "Chief".
They hadn't quite expected the bed-ridden man in front of him, nor the stony woman right next to him, whom seemed anything but happy with their presence.
Kakashi decided he didn't like here at all. At least the man seemed somewhat acceptable.
"Welcome Shinobi. I'm afraid I'm currently unable to greet you properly." The forty-something man in front of them greeted them from the hospice bed he was currently lying on.
The musk smell in the air made Kakashi mentally twitch. Even though the building didn't look like it, it smelled like the hospital. He wanted to get out of this building as soon as possible.
Kakashi watched passively as their teacher discussed the problem with the couple. He couldn't help but mentally sigh when heard that their biggest concern had been their girl and the confrontation with some thugs. He nearly groaned when the man told him about some kind of bird that supposedly saved their daughter.
The young Jounin really hoped that this wasn't simply some made-up story from some silly girl.
Minato didn't show anything on his face as he nodded. "Can we talk to the girl?"
Kakashi still suspected that Minato had some similar thoughts.
The mother seemed reluctant but with a pointed look from her husband she turned around with a sigh. "Follow me. I will show you to Aiko"
They were led to the girl, whom sat outside. She was sitting against a large tree as she was drawing. She seemed too focused by her drawing to notice that there were three people approaching and only a soft cough from her mother made her look up.
The ninja mentally cringed at the lack of awareness.
"Oh hello." The girl quickly greeted as she stood up. She brushed off the dirt on her dress as she straightened and bowed. "Nice to meet you, I'm Aiko."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Minato. This is Kakashi and the girl next to him is called Rin. Would you mind if we speak with you for a moment?" The blond easily asked as he squatted down to meet her eyes. S
She blushed slightly as eyed her mother, whom gave her a tight nod. She didn't leave though and sat right next to her daughter. It was clear that she didn't trust them at all. Kakashi couldn't help but wonder how she had managed to write the letter that they had received. She had sounded much more worried at the time.
"So Aiko, I heard that you had quite the adventure at near the waterfall. Could you tell us about it?"
Once again, the girl looked at her mother questioningly, before she started her story. It was the same story they had heard before, though with a lot more details and many positive adjectives for her savior bird.
Kakashi mentally rolled her eyes and twitched when he felt his teammate poke him in the ribs, before mouthing 'be nice' at him. The boy simply grunted and was about to say something when suddenly there was a large presence up in the tree.
It didn't feel like an animal. It had too much energy and it felt unknown hence dangerous. There was chakra there, yet he couldn't quite place it. His mind flashed back to the sneak attack before Obito –
Without even thinking about it – and before his teacher could stop him - Kakashi flung one of his kunai towards the trees.
A pained cry alerted them all that the 'something' had been hit. A few seconds later, the bird-like creature that he had never seen before appeared out of the shadows. It flapped its wings awkwardly as it flew down. The kunai had his him right at the beginning of the wing and was sticking out of it.
Minato's arm flung out in front of him, clearly telling him to stay put.
"No! You hurt him!" The girl angrily yelled at him as she jumped up to run towards the place where the bird had landed. She fell on her knees in front of it and gently touched the bird, which softly crooned at her.
His eyes were directed on the three of them though. Somehow Kakashi felt like he was not a creature that he could underestimate. The way he stood wounded yet protectively close to the girl seemed like a warning. They studied each other warily for a moment before slowly the bird relaxed and turned to look at the weapon that had hit him.
The girl's angry eyes shot to the young Jounin. "Look what you did!" She demanded, not caring that she was yelling at a ninja of all things. She didn't even seem intimidated at all as she gently tried to get the bird to sit in her lap – it didn't seem to want to move though.
Her mother seemed to be a little more wary of them though and softly asked her daughter to calm down. She seemed pretty upset with them finding out about the bird though… which made it even more interesting.
"But he-!"
"I know, but they are shinobi." The mother said, like that explained all.
Maybe it did, yet it didn't sound like a compliment. The girl seemed upset with her mother's instructions, but still took a deep breath to calm herself, before she turned to face the shinobi again. Kakashi told himself that he didn't care that she was avoiding his eye.
"This is my little hero." She told them seriously.
Kakashi was glad that his sensei took the opportunity to take charge of the conversation again. "He saved you from the thugs?" He confirmed. "I can help get the weapon out? I'm sorry, we didn't need to hurt him. It's just that he appeared so fast that we were surprised."
The girl studied him seriously for a while, before nodding as she turned back towards the bird. Said bird seemed to stare closely at the blond Jounin as the Jounin ever so slowly moved himself to sit right in front of the pair.
"What is his name?" Minato continued smoothly, waiting for the animal to relax again.
The girl visibly faltered as she laughed somewhat sheepishly. "I just call him Birdy." She answered honestly, as if suddenly wondering if the name was a bit lame after all.
"What would you call him?" She suddenly asked the blond Jounin, suprising him.
"Ah, Birdy is pretty fitting right?" The shinobi tried to seemingly awkwardly evade the question as his sharp blue eyes once again focused on the odd bird in front of him.
"Can he talk?" He suddenly asked slowly as he tested the animal by moving his arm around. It didn't even twitch.
"No?" The girl answered, like it was an odd question. "Birds can't talk silly." She continued. Kakashi couldn't help but shoot the girl a glare for insulting his mentor so easily. He noticed that the mother winched slightly, but didn't interrupt as the blond Jounin simply chuckled.
"Well, I haven't seen a talking bird before." He simply agreed. Tthe animal visibly tensed as Minato reached for the weapon, but it didn't try to flee. Instead it kept trying to look him into the eye.
"It's alright. I just need to tug it out. Then Rin can seal the wound alright?" Minato explained, not seeming to care at all that he was in fact talking to a bird.
As he touched the bird, Minato seemed to frown slightly. Kakashi barely had a moment to spot the expression as it disappeared. He carefully pulled out the blade before Rin reached over. She too frowned slightly as she continued to heal the wound. Within seconds, it had closed and she carefully moved back to her teammates.
Kakashi couldn't help but wonder what was so special about the animal that made his teammates frown like that. He could feel its presence. It was difficult to describe. It wasn't exactly powerful, but it was there. It was like an aura that was warning them to behave. It seemed even stronger now that the bird was right next to the girl.
Aiko didn't seem to notice all of this, as she continued a part of her story. "This is the bird that saved me from the creepy men. They were fleeing from the villages to the west and came here to get out stuff and probably hurt us… They tried to…" She shifted nervously. "They tried to catch me and…" She didn't continue.
"Then suddenly I was pulled up and –
"That's enough, Aiko." The mother intervened swiftly
"He saved me." The girl finished simply, looking away from them. It was obviously they weren't telling everything about the odd bird.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes when the bird seemed to twitch at the revelation. It was clear that the three shinobi looked even more wary of the bird.
The mother seemed to have had enough of the suspicion and stood up.
"That seems to be enough. Your mission is not about the bird, but about the thugs and especially about the other shinobi approaching. Please protect us." She added politely while she tugged her daughter to stand.
As Aiko helped the bird get settled on her shoulders, she carefully walked off, telling the bird not to worry. As they walked away, Kakashi couldn't help but narrow his eyes challengingly as his eyes locked with the bird's green ones.
The odd shiver that ran down Kakashi's spine, didn't calm his nerves.
"Something's wrong with that bird." He muttered.
His teammates didn't argue.
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Harry couldn't help but feel wary as he watched the two kids and the blond man turn to each other. The emotions that he had felt from them were heavy. There was no other way to describe the weight he could practically feel as he analysed them. Contantly paranoid and wary. The panic the the silver-haired boy had felt right before he had thrown the kunai had caught him of guard as well.
Something had happened to them recently - the phoenix was pretty sure. They weren't dealing with it very well either. Though should he really get involved? He couldn't help but wonder. They had been too interested in 'the wierd bird' anyway.
The few thoughts he had been able to catch were unnerving as well.
They were far too interested in him. He was glad he had been able to get the mother to interrupt the girl before she started about the fire. Though how long would he be able to play the 'somewhat smart yet normal bird'?
He had a bad feeling about this.
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Seeing as Aiko, her pet and her mother had left them, Minato took the moment to lay down a plan to protect the town. It took an hour to set it all up. After, their leader called them again to explain that he had to go and scout the area. He sighed softly as he saw the way his students tensed.
"I have another quick mission I will have to complete, but I will be back soon. If anything is wrong… infuse this with chakra. Understood?"
"Just don't be late." Kakashi couldn't help but mutter.
"Kakashi!" Rin admonished him, but the silver-haired boy had already turned around and walked away, leaving his upset teammates behind.
Minato sighed sadly - he had expected such comment to come out eventually, but it still hurt - and turned to Rin. "Keep an eye out for me alright? I will be back as soon as possible."
"I know Sensei." The girl agreed softly. "Just be careful."
"Don't get too involved with the bird." Minato warned. "Protection is most important. Though keep an eye on it if possible. Something defenitely off with it."
Rin looked at him innocently as she tried to lighten the mood. "I never expected you to want a bird as a pet sensei."
The pointed look that he shot her made her slump down. "Fine. I'm not sure if I can get Kakashi to leave it alone anyway…"
Minato shook his head as he stood up. "I have a bad feeling about this." He muttered to himself, soft enough that Rin wouldn't hear it, before he flashed away.
Rin simply sighed and decided to follow Kakashi.
"I have a bad feeling about this."
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End chapter | N/A
Thank you guys for the great feedback. I tried to add it to this chapter. Is this pacing better? A bit more details as well.
Hope to update again soon. I already have some nice action written out for you guys and so many plans!
No Obito! Didn't expect that right? Too bad that Obito is dead... right?... right?