Lost Uzumaki Chapter 10: Dread of Winter, a naruto fanfic

Dream/Flashback – italic

Chapter 9: Dread of Winter

My feet echo around throughout the walls as I run away, trying to escape my pursuers. It splashes on the pooling water as the heavy rain pours down on me. I turn around a corner and lean back on the wall. Trying to calm down my racing heart, I breathe in and out, banishing away my jittering nerves. I peek over the edge to see if they were still following. I heave a sigh as I found none.

Sitting down on the wet floor I think back on what the hell happened. It all came up too fast. I just reacted...

~oOoOoOo~

I wake up to another beautiful morning. The sun kisses its warm light to my almost bare room. Birds were chirping and singing beautiful songs outside.

I slowly sit up and yawn. Getting off the bed, I stretch my sleepy limbs awake and walk to the window. I yawn again and look over the street below. It was empty of course as the place was quite far from the busy street. But the silence was really welcoming. It's that or the bitching about of my two brothers.

Wait. What... Ugh. I sigh. I have inherited their foul-mouths. I've tried real hard to push their disease away, but it got to me. And I don't think anyone would give a damn about it. Besides it gives me confidence in myself. But still, I don't like saying words like that. I'm such a hypocrite.

I think about my two brothers. They're not really my brothers but they're as close to family as I got. I smile at the memory of last week at the time we had dinner.

The boys were glaring daggers at each other. They didn't blink or even flinched. No one was backing off for dominance.

"It's mine Atsuro."

"No way bro. It's already mine." With quick fingers, he gripped his wooden chopsticks tightly and thrust it at the juicy meat on the table. Another stick blocked the strike and forced it out of the way. "No fair!"

Before the older brother could snatch the meat, I pulled the plate containing it away. The sound of wood striking wood vibrated the table. The two brothers look at me with dangerous eyes. I put my hands up as a gesture to calm down.

"Before you two choke the life out of me, I just want to say happy eighth birthday Atsuro." I gave him a big bright smile.

He blushed. "Thanks Tayuya-chan."

"I'll cut it into three parts with Atsuro's piece larger than ours. Is that okay, Hayaki." I say, looking directly at his dark green eyes.

He looks away and mumbled under his breath. "But I was the one that brought it."

I giggled. "Wasn't it free?"

Hayaki pouted but was soon replaced by a smile. I sliced the meat into three and gave them both a piece.

"Thanks for the food!" The three of us said.

I took a glance at Atsuro, and I smiled. Seeing the smile on his face made me happy.

I yawn again for the third time of the day. Walking over beside the bed, I look at myself on the large mirror. It was given to me by an elderly woman when I helped her with her bags. She was a widow and was living alone. She invited me inside her house when we got there, and made us some tea. She was nice and really sweet. When I asked her why she was being nice to a low class person like me, because she was in the mid class, she said that I remind her of her daughter. It reminded me of the time with that man in prison. I felt guilty because I forgot what his name was.

As I waved her goodbye, she gave me the large mirror as a gift for helping her and enjoying my company. She also said that I should stop by sometime.

I look at the girl in the mirror. She had chocolate brown eyes and long red hair that went to her waist. Smooth fair skin and lips that is pink as flowers. She wore a white night gown that was a gift given to her by her oldest brother.

I smile at the thought. As I look at myself in the mirror, I feel that something was different.

My hair.

No...

My face?

No...

The way I stand.

No... Wait...

Am I taller?

I take out my kunai and head over a part of the wall where there were three slash marks. I plop my back to it and straighten my posture. Carefully bringing the kunai over my head so I won't accidently cut my hair, I slash at the wood and take a look at it.

There was a one inch gap between the new and the one below it. I grew an inch. I laugh with glee inside.

With one more look I proceed to change my clothes. I take out and put on my light blue long sleeve shirt and black pants that went just past the knees. I comb my untamed long red hair until it was presentable. Smiling at my reflection, I grab my flute.

As I head downstairs, both boys were nowhere to be found. Atsuro was probably still sleeping his ass off... I mentally smack my head. Get it together Tayuya. Stop saying those trashy words.

While Atsuro was still...sleeping, Hayaki is already at work. He got a job at a meat shop in middle town five months ago. It's much better and safer than his last job. And his new boss and owner of the shop is so much nicer. He even gave the meat last week dinner for free when he heard it was his little brother's birthday.

I grab the bread at the table and head outside, taking a bite as I go. I look at the sun cloud sky above. Even though it's mid week of November, there is little sign of ever snowing.

I frown. Ever since that day in February, I have a slight case of chionophobia or the fear of snow. I asked the people around town, if it snows here in this region. They said that it usually starts to snow here during the middle or at the end of November. Unlike where I come from where it starts early in October. I've been dreading winter every single day since last month. I just can't shake the feeling that something bad is gonna happen this coming winter. I shake the thoughts out of my head. This isn't the time for this.

Every day before I leave, I head around the back of the house and place my foot on the wall. I try to lift myself up, but it just slides down. It doesn't stick like it did on that roof seven months ago.

I head out to middle town to my little work space where I play my flute to passersby. I earn a hundred to three hundred ryō a day. It's not big as what Hayaki gets, but it helps the family. And I'm content with that.

I arrive at a plaza where a fountain lay in the middle. There were coins in the water. They say that if you toss in a coin, your wish would be granted. I produce one from my pocket and close my eyes. I wish that today would be a good day for me and my family. Tossing the coin at the fountain, I look at it as it sinks with the others.

I smile. I get the feeling that something exciting is gonna happen...

~oOoOoOo~

As I walk back to home after a long day if work, I look at the money I earned. It looked like it was about three or maybe four hundred ryō. A smile graces my lips. I look at the afternoon sky. It was cloudy and getting dark. It looks like it's gonna rain soon. Picking up the pace, I hurriedly head home.

As I pass by an alley, a hand suddenly yanks my arm. Because of the speed of the walk, I lost my footing and fall to the ground. I look toward the offender and my eyes widen as two huge men towered over me.

I gulp. What the hell to they want? The man that grabbed me produces a knife and points at me. I try to back away, but the other man quickly grabs both my arms and pushes me to the alley.

The man with the knife places the blade near my neck. "Give us the money if you want to live."

Like I had a choice. I take out the pouch containing all my hard earned money and give to them. I glare with scorn and hate at the three assholes. What a bunch of heartless bastards, picking on the weak. I growl inwardly. I'm so weak.

Knife Guy retracts his blade from my neck as he took away the money. I felt the hands holding my arms loosen, so I did what had to do.

Fight back.

As his hand loses its grip, I jerk my elbow at Other Guy's ribs. My sudden movement surprised the Knife Guy as he didn't retaliate on what I did to his companion. I lunge forward and aim at Knife Guy's most precious part and kick on it hard. He let out a scream and his hands instantly reach toward it. The pouch containing my hard earned money fell as his knees hit the ground. Stretching my hand, I grab it and dash away from them. But as soon as I start to run, a hand grabs my ankle, and I fall to the ground. Without even looking I kick him repeatedly until he lets go.

I didn't look back. My mind was too focused on getting away that I didn't realize that it started to rain until it was heavy. As I slow to a halt and the adrenaline leaving, I notice a throbbing pain in my right leg. The lower part of the pants was torn and soaked in a red blotch of blood.

I suddenly feel woozy from the sight of blood. I don't think I'm hemophobic or anything. It's probably from blood loss, and it reminds me of that time in the cave.

"Where's the kid?" A deep voice says.

Panicking, I force myself to move and turn around the corner. Ignoring the pain on my leg, I try to make as little noise as I can. As I step forward, I accidently kick a tin can.

Crap.

"Wait did you hear that?"

Crap! Crap! Crap!

Forget quiet, if I don't get away soon, I'm dead butter. I wince as every step puts pressure on my injured leg. I start limping, then walking, then brisk walking, and then on a full run.

Sitting down on the wet floor I think back on what the hell happened. It all came up too fast. I just reacted.

The slightest touch on my leg brings pain. Raising the hem of my pants, I see a deep throbbing gash on my lower leg. I close my eyes. When did I get slashed?

"I thought you said this would be easy. How could we lose one little girl?"

"Shut up will you. We'll find her eventually."

Hayaki. Atsuro. Please help me. I could feel hot tears forming in my eyes. No, Tayuya. Damn it! Don't you dare cry!

Okay, calm down. Think Tayuya. What place is this?

I was ambushed near home, but I ran in the opposite direction. I ended up in some alley. Which means I'm either in the slums or somewhere I've never been to? I look around, but there's nothing but walls of two story buildings packed together.

I look down at my injury. I better take care of this first then get out of this alley. Tearing the hem of my shirt, I wrap it carefully around the leg. I bit back a cry as pain ignites.

After it was done, I slowly stand up and walk through the alley, trying to find a way out. It was a both a good and bad thing it was raining heavily, because they'll have a hard time spotting me, but I'll also have a hard time spotting them.

As I turn around the corner, I end up in a dead end.

Great... Just great.

I turn back, but I stop. Over the corner were the two men.

Shit!

Shit! Shit! Shit!

I back away from the corner until there was no space to back way to. I look around frantically, trying to find a way out. But it was no use. There was nothing around but tall walls with not one thing to use to hide. I look again at the wall, trying to find a way out. I place my right foot on the wall and try to lift myself up. I sigh as it doesn't stick.

It's no use. Then my eyes widen in realization. I mentally slap myself. Of course, my flute! I could make myself invisible to them. How could I be so stupid? I've been practicing it for months now. And I could use it on multiple people at a long distance. I think even with this heavy rain, they'll hear the sound my melody and be under my control.

I put it to my lips and produce a soft melody. But even though it is soft and low, I know it will travel and find its way to their ears.

As the two men appear at the alley, they didn't look or even acknowledge the alley I was in. I heave a sigh of relief. Slowly I make my way to the corner and take a peek at the two fading figures. I continue to look at them until they disappear from my view.

~oOoOoOo~

I got the sermon if a lifetime when I got home. Hayaki and Atsuro were furious, saying when they get their hands on them, they're gonna rip them to shreds. I told them I was okay, and that they don't need to get revenge on those jackass bastards. But inwardly, I smiled at their display of affection.

I felt happy when at Hayaki said "No one hurts my little sister." He called me little sister. I'm his little sister. I have a new family. They care about me as I care about them.

Sometimes I think about not leaving them and getting my revenge by becoming a shinobi. Would Mom and Dad be happy if I don't avenge them? Would they want me to stay with this new family I found? Would it be better if I just walked away from the past?

Maybe... Maybe I should stop my goal to become a shinobi. Stop trying to climb a wall. It's impossible... And stop playing my flute to manipulate people. Stop trying to become like them.

But deep down inside, there's a little gash of fear for my new family. I think about their utmost safety. What if they come for me? What if they come for my family? If I'm not a shinobi, who would protect them? Who would save them if I'm weak and helpless?

I don't know what to do. I don't...I want them to be safe but...I just...don't know.

~oOoOoOo~

I wake up sweating and breathing heavily. My heart was beating like a waterfall.

Another nightmare...

I sigh. Lately, I've been have these bad dreams. It started two weeks ago, when winter started at the first fall of snow. It was about either Mom and Dad or Hayaki and Atsuro. But it always ends with either of them killed. Sometimes the dream was different. Instead of them it was me. Instead of them getting stabbed it was me. I was the one being tortured and killed.

I shiver at the thought at the image. I need to get some fresh air. Looking out the window, white snow was falling from the dim night sky. The stars that lit the night were dead on the cold winter.

Getting of the bed, I put on a jacket and long pants. Two mittens and a white hat. Two weeks ago before snow fell from the sky, Hayaki bought us winter clothes. I grab a small pouch, putting inside my flute and kunai. Downstairs, I put on my boots and head outside.

Snow fell from the sky and covered the ground and I couldn't help but panic at the sight. I try to calm my racing heart. It's just snow Tayuya. It's just snow. I repeat it again and again until my heart calmed down.

I head to the middle of town to the fountain of wishes where I used to play the flute. Ever since that incident a month ago, Hayaki told me to stop playing and lay low for a while. Atsuro said that he and Hayaki would be working and that I should just stay put. At first I was against the idea, but eventually I gave in. They were worried about me so I understood their decision, but that doesn't mean I liked it.

Sitting down and playing the flute, I soothe my soul as the sweet melody ensues. The soft tune embraces me with safety and loving happiness.

An image of a girl with long red hair waved at the two boys running to her. They went inside their small house and ate dinner together like one big happy family. Suddenly there was a soft knock on the door. The girl opened it to see two people standing at her door. A man and a woman. Both had red hair like hers. She shouted with joy and embraced her parents with happiness.

Hot wet tears falls on my face as I see the happy image of my family. I continue to play my song as it relieves my bitter heart of the hurt and pain it hides down.

As I enjoy the sweet sound the flute brings, a clap shakes me out of my reverie. Rubbing away the tears in my eyes, I turn around to see a tall man standing behind me.

He wears an off-grey kimono with a polo neck. He was extremely pale and had waist-length black hair. But his most interesting feature was his piercing golden eyes. As I look closer his pupils were slits, shaped like a cat. I was mesmerized by his eyes then suddenly I see something. I'm not sure what it was, but it shook me inside-out. Suddenly, I feel so afraid. Suddenly, I feel like I'm going to die.

Reaching for the pouch around my waist, I take the kunai out, ready to defend myself from anyone that wants me dead. My hands were trembling, and I try my hardest to stop it.

I stare at the pale man with an amused smile plastered on his face. That sparked an annoyance in me. Why do I suddenly feel fear? Why am I so afraid? I look at golden eyes. Was it him that I'm afraid of? Is he the reason why I feel like this? Gripping the kunai harder, I ready myself to charge at the unknown man. As I take a step forward, he suddenly speaks up.

"That was quite a beautiful melody."

All of a sudden, the fear, the anxiety, the anger, all of it was washed away. It was like it never happened. I stare wide eye at the pale man. What had just happened? I could feel power radiating from him.

He gives an eerie chuckle, but it didn't bother me. I was too awestruck. "Where did you learn to play such a beautiful song? I would like to hear it sometime, but alas I need to go on my way."

His words shake me to the core. My mouth suddenly flew open. "Wait!" My eyes widen. Why did I say that?

"Yes." He looks back and stares at me with those piercing golden eyes.

"Wh- who are y- you?" I inwardly curse. Why am I stuttering? He gives me an amused look. "I…I mean, what's your name? Wait...I guess I should introduce myself first."

He chuckles. "Orochimaru."

"Orochimaru..."

"Yes, that's my name."

"I- I'm Tayuya."

"Well Tayuya, I must go now." He walks away. "But, I have a feeling we'll meet again someday soon."

And with that, he vanishes away from my sight.

~oOoOoOo~

I lay in bed, thinking about what happened earlier. After I got home, I couldn't go back to sleep. My mind was too busy processing that meeting. I don't understand what happened. Why did I act like that? It was out of character. Why did I suddenly fear for my life, and then in an instant when he talked, it was gone. Was it that power I felt from him? Was he the one who induced that fear on me? The time I looked in his eyes. That was the time I felt the fear.

Ugh. There are so many questions I want some answers to. But my main question was why I was attracted to him? Not that kind of attraction but... I wonder how he did it. One look at his eyes, I felt the fear. Did he have an ability to induce fear? Is he...is he a shinobi.

My eyes widen at the realization. I sit up. Hayaki said that ninja are people with unusual abilities. I wasn't afraid of him until I looked in his golden eyes. Somehow, it made me fear. Was this a sign? Should I become a ninja?

"Orochimaru." I say. "Orochimaru… Orochi means...the great snake..."