Happy Summer everyone. I apologize for not having update in so long. I was simply caught up in life. Oh guess what: I recently succeeded in acquiring a job! YAY. I am quite glad because I was beginning to get rather frustrated with myself and the company in charge. But alas, I managed to obtain one. Unfortunately it will have to remain a secret for obvious reasons via security. On a side note, I am quite grateful for the opportunities given to me.
On another note, this chapter will focus mostly on Karin and why she resents Naruko so much. It will also give us a deeper look into why she is not well liked by the rest of her troupe all that much. Another thing I wanted to clear up was about Tsunami. In previous chapters, I wrote Tsunami's age as 25. Inari will remain the same as his anime/manga counterpart. I will change her age from 25 to 35. While it is true that in earlier centuries, some women had children as young as 15 sometimes younger. I was like 'yikes' a little young. That is why I felt I had to change things. I will bring Naruko, Sasuke, and the others back into the picture soon enough. I want to veer away from atypical Karin storyline, where she is the hateful, manipulative mean girl out to ruin the protagonists life and get Sasuke all to herself and what. That is what I find with Sakura bashing stories. There will be no bashing in my stories. I will instead stick to their true essence as a character and follow it through the story. That is all I have to say for the time being. Read and review.
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Misashi Kishimoto. May he live long.
Warnings: mentions of death, genocide, slight swearing, flashbacks, and a vengeful, scorned Karin.
Chapter 9: Hell Hath no Fury (Part I)
It was like Manatsu had predicted. The winter storm seemed to have come out of nowhere. There was barely any dry ground present at the gypsy encampment. Smoke billowed out of every tent and wagon as a result of the numerous fires going on. It was the same in the cities where the only bare patches were dug up by the town sweepers who looked on enviously on as the people hurried into their homes to sit by the warm fire. It was nearing mid December; nearly a whole month since a gypsy was seen in the village. Nearly two months since Sasuke sent out his last letter to the blonde haired gypsy. And Naruko as well. For now, we shall leave those two to focus on another character.
The winter snow lay still on the ground around the encampment. Regardless, there was little time to simply lay about. Contrary to popular opinion, gypsies were far from lazy. In actuality, much like the modern human, they appreciated their leisure and would grasp it any way they could. When they did attend to their chores, they did each one diligently. That is not to say all enjoyed it. Such was the case with a red haired woman who was currently trudging through the snow carrying a bundle of twigs and logs on her back. Karin grumbled as she struggled to waft through the almost impenetrable mountains of snow and ice and juggle the bundle of twigs that dug into her back. Earlier she had been asked, more like ordered to go fetch some more firewood before the storm took a turn for the worse. She gave an exasperated sigh as she noticed that she was only ½ a mile from the camp.
"Damn Kyuubi, if he wasn't our leader, I'd give him a few choice words or two" she huffed and preceded to carry the bundle in her arms. "Why doesn't he get Naruko to do it?" she complained. "Tch, I know why. Because it won't do good for uncle Kurama's little princess to dirty her hands with menial chores like this" she iterated sarcastically. "Kurama's little princess my ass. More like his little stool pigeon; she and that beast included". Once Karin finally made it to the encampment, she dropped the bundle and sat down to catch her bearings. The red head groaned when she realized she would likely have to set out again. Kyuubi was not one to be trifled with or refused unless you wanted a hot iron pressed to your back.
A cool breeze wafted through her and she shivered. "I will continue more of this in the tent. She walked toward one of the tents where immediately most of the people made to avoid her. She grimaced stuffing her hands into her skirt pocket. Her eyes burned, not with anger but something akin to resentment. She opened the flap to the tent and slumped down on to the sitting stump. She waved her palms in front of the large bonfire to warm them. Karin did not get to have her peace for long. Her tent flap opened. She glared seeing it was Tenten. Karin sneered.
"Tell Kurama-san that the wood has already been gathered. So no need to force me out again" she snapped. The bun haired girl glared. "Actually, I was sent by our leader to tell you that the storm will be coming in faster than what was expected. So be sure to keep close to the camp and don't wander off. There is enough wood collected" she informed. Karin glanced at the bun-haired woman from the corner of her eye. "You done here?" she retorted icily. Tenten nodded. She turned to leave but stopped. "Oh by the way, even though its more than you deserve, Naruko-hime will be sending over some food to you. So you better be sure to thank her properly and to also make sure you drop the biting attitude. There is enough bite in the air without you adding to it". Karin clenched her teeth and stomped her feet.
"Why the hell is everyone in this camp always defending that little bitch? She has never done anything remotely useful for the troupe except for dance and look pretty" she spat. Tenten sighed heavily and shook her head. "You know it was her that saved your life that night, and more" she added before departing. Karin's body shook with rage. She threw a rock into the fire causing the wood to crackle. She huffed to withhold the scream inside her. She clenched her eyes to stop the wetness from escaping.
Flashback sequence (over 5 years ago)
In a village outside of Reims, France..
Townspeople screamed as their homes were laid waste by fires set by bandits. The war that raged between France and England reached climatic heights. With the soldiers gone to fight in the wars, the people were left vulnerable. Invaders took the battle as an opportunity to attack and gather whatever spoils they could find. The few soldiers who stayed behind fought valiantly to defend the people. Sadly, they were no match for the brutal onslaught that seemed to go on without end. Every so often, some poor civilian would be cut down, captured, or possibly worse.
One of these was a young peasant girl with red hair and glasses. She frantically called for parents and sister several times. "Mama! Papa! Tayuya! Answer me!" No reply came. She jumped behind a building just as a few bandits on horses rode past. She clenched her eyes struggling to keep hidden as possible. Once she was sure the danger has passed, she continued her search through the pandemonium. She was near her house hoping above all else her family would be there. She called again. Suddenly a miracle.
"Karin, is that you? Get inside!" a female's voice called. Karin smiled when she spotted the unmistakable form of her mother and sister wave at her from inside a stable. She ran straight for the comforting arms of an older woman who looked to be the older version of her.
"Mama" she cried in a muffled voice. Her mother soothed and patted her daughter's hair. Her sister Tayuya watched the scenery through a crack and cursed. "Where the hell are you dad? You said you'd be here by now. What the bloody hell is taking him?"
"Tayuya, watch your language" her mother Irina scolded. "Father will be here. Don't worry. He will come" she assured despite her self. A knock on the side of the stable caused them to yelp a little. Tayuya and Karin began to sob silently while Irina hugged both her daughters fearfully. The door flew open and the three females halted their breath preparing for the worst. To their relief it was their father/husband; Phillip.
"Dad/dear" they exclaimed happily. Immediately Tayuya and Karin all ran to hug the man with short, untamed dark hair. Irina merely kissed him on the lips. Phillip broke the contact. "I'm afraid this is not the time to be celebrating girls. We have to leave and now!" No one questioned as Phillip led them through the dangerous streets. They were just a ways near the outskirts as they stopped. There Phillip discussed their next course of action. His wife and daughters gaped at him.
"Are you serious honey?' his wife exclaimed. "You know how dangerous it for our people, going to England will be like putting a noose around our neck. Not to mention, there are gypsies waiting to just rob us blind!" Tayuya and Karin nodded and grimaced. Phillip sighed. "I am aware of that, but it will only be until the war has ended" he reasoned. After much deliberation and hesitation on the girl's part, they agreed. They continued onward until they spotted the bridge. Phillip smiled. "See what did I tell yo_..." everything went quiet for a moment.
Irina clasped both her hands over her mouth to stifle her sobs. "Girls don't look!" she yelled out. But it was too late. Immediately, Tayuya and Karin all began tearing up at the sight of their now dead father. Phillip was face down with blood flowing out of his back from the knife wound. Irina shuddered trying to figure what to do. Their mourning was cut short when a sadistic chuckle echoed the streets. They turned to see a dirty looking bandit with a scruffy beard and a toothy smile. Behind him were four other men.
"Well look what we got here loves? A trio of little turtle doves and a dead rabbit. Wonder how much we can get off them at the Black Market?" he inquired. The men's laughter echoed disturbingly like a deathly wind chime. Irina shook with fury and fear. She knew if she didn't do something, she and her girls would either; A: be sold to a brothel and used as sex slaves or B: sold for slave labor. Irina did not want that for any of her daughters and would be damned if it ever came to that. Looking to the dagger, she pulled it from her husbands back.
"Karin! Tayuya! Run straight to the forest and hide there until I come for you" she ordered. Tayuya and Karin both looked at their mother with fear. In less than one day, they both lost their father and now they might lose their mother as well. "But Mom" Karin began but a stern look from Irina silenced them. With great sorrow, Karin pulled her screaming sister over the bridge. Once the girls were far enough, they stopped just a width from the village entrance to catch their breath. Tayuya then proceeded to pound on Karin's back.
"Why didn't you stay to help them?! We could have taken them on. Why didn't-"
SLAP!
Tayuya cradled her burning cheek. Her red hues locked into her sisters saddened ones. "You think I don't know that you stupid wench?! But think about it. With us there, mom would have had to protect herself and both and she couldnt do that! The only thing for us to do now is do as mom says and wait for her". Tayuya nodded her face matching her elder siblings. Hours passed and there was still no sign of their mother. Tayuya and Karin huddled up together behind the village entrance. Karin jumped upright startling Tayuya. "What the hell are you doing?" she asked. "I'm going to look for mom. If she is anywhere, I will have to be the one to tell her that we are still alive and not captured. Just...just stay here until I come back. Okay!" Tayuya halted her breath looking for a flaw in her siblings logic. Seeing no other recourse, Tayuya relented. "Alright. just come back you dumbass! (A/N: Ha Ha! That's the foul mouth we know). Karin snorted before running back into the smouldering city. Karin ran through the streets calling her mother's name over and over again. Her voice began to grow hoarse and she began to lose hope. Then through the smoke, she came upon a most terrible sight.
"M-mother?!" she whimpered. Indented in the dirt, just a few inches from her deceased father's body was the disembodied head of her now departed mother. Karin shuddered and fell on her knees. With a strangled cry, she fell over and sobbed loudly. It seemed like an eternity since the distraught girl stumbled on to the bodies of her parents. How was she to tell Tayuya? Her body was sapped of energy mourning over her now dead parents. Suddenly, the silence was broken by a shrill scream. Karin gasped in horror. "NO! Not my sister!" She ran as fast as fast her legs could carry her. She ran back to the spot Tayuya recently was only to find it empty.
"Karin nii-chan!" Karin jumped up and saw her sister being tied up and carried off by a marauder. Karin tried to call out but it was no use. Her voice had become too hoarse from all the crying and running. Her eyes locked onto the other for a moment. Tayuya's reddish brown eyes radiated hopefulness and desparation. Alas, no rescue would come. Tayuya cried out her sister's name as the horse rode off with her. All the elder could do was helplessly watch as her only remaining family disappeared from her life. With one whisper she collapsed. "Tayuya".
When Karin awoke next, it was late afternoon. The sky was cloudy and looked about to rain. The young girl stood up on shaky legs. She tested her voice to see if it had returned. She walked downward the path from the village square just long enough to glimpse on the fallen remains of her former home. She then remembered the look on her siblings face as she cried out for her help. And god, she could do nothing as her only family was spirited away. Her musings were interrupted by a thunderous sound. Karin's face lit up with joy. It was likely the king's guards. Then her joy turned to anger and resentment. Why hadn't they come sooner and stopped this...massacre?! The red heads eyes burned with pronounced fury. Gone was the innocent, happy, young girl and now this fiery, vengeful, bitter young woman had taken her place. And she was ready to make some heads roll. With that resolve she stomped her way over to the throng. It was much to the young woman's chagrin that it was not a group of king's soldiers. There were dozens of wagons and carts lined with multicolored ribbons, tassels, and banners; none possessing any true regalia. They came to a stop. The wagons and carts opened to let out a man of medium size and build with long flowing red hair down to his waist. He had sharp features and was adorned in a reddish tunic with black pants and boots. He scanned the area with great scrutiny. He gestured the other men to search for anything salvagable. Nevermind looking for survivors. His red eyes then spotted Karin standing several feet before his caravan.
"What be your name, young one?" he addressed her. Karin stood perplexed. This strange man had just spoke to her. The man scoffed. "That was not a rhetorical question. Now tell me your name" he snapped. Karin gulped. "K-K-Karin" she squeaked out. The man rolled his eyes. "Tch, Karin huh?" he laughed sardonically. "Pray tell, why have you come before my caravan?" "c-caravan?" she stuttered. Kyuubi nodded. "I am Kurama, gypsy leader of the Jinchuriki's. I am also king of the gypsies beyond. But everyone else beyond this calls me Kyuubi, the Thief King" he replied arrogantly. Karin gasped. This man was the very king of the gypsies himself. Fear gripped her being. Kyuubi was reputed to never take prisoners. Before the man could reply, another voice replied.
"Kurama-sama! Just what are you doing to this poor child just now?" the voice belonged to a middle aged woman with mid length brown hair. Kurama addressed her glibly. "Manatsu. I was just introducing myself to this young lady here". Manatsu scrunched her face unconvinced. "Obviously, this young girl has been through some terrible tragedy and is in need of comfort and shelter. What do you say dear?" she asked kindly. Karin blinked. This gypsy woman was helping her...a random nameless peasant? And she stood up to the Thief King himself. "Well what do you say dear?" Manatsu asked again. Before Kurama could object, a younger, feminine voice replied. "I agree dear uncle'. They all turned to the source. A young female with blond hair tied up in pigtails and clad in an orange jumper with a matching skirt. Her blue eyes radiated warmth and friendliness. Kurama directed his attention to his niece.
"You Naru? You think we should let this outsider in our troupe?" he retorted. Naru placed her hand on her hips. "It would only be fair. I mean as of recently, our neighboring troupes have suffered some manor casualties including ours. So it would be more prudent that we add some members. That and the girl has no other home it would appear. Please Kurama-sama?" she pleaded. Kurama looked back and forth from Karin to Naru. He knew his niece was right, no matter how often he tried to prove otherwise. Besides, regardless of how he looked at it. Naruko was his little princess. If he refused, he would likely never hear the end of it from his precocious relative. He sighed exasperately.
"Fine. Have it your way. But she will have to room and board with one of the families" he dismissed before retreating elsewhere. Karin stood mouth agape. The only other person beside this Mantasu woman was this scruffy blonde girl. The said girl beckoned the red head over. Karin obliged dumbly. Who knows, she just might run into her sister once again. With that in mind, she followed after the strangers toward her new home. As she sat around the bonfire with her new "family", resentment ran through her. She wasn't some damn charity case yet that is all people seemed to see her as; just another burden and new mouth to feed. Her red eyes hardened as she watched Naruko laughing and talking with other girls her age. Just that alone was enough to fill her with rage and envy. Here the blond was laughing having a great time. And here she was just newly orphaned and thrust into this strange new world where she could possibly be thrown out once her use was worn out. Karin turned her attention back to the fireplace and watched the flames dance wildly into the night. It would be little less than four years that the red head would have another reason to despise the blond princess.
I will end the story here. Pretty heavy stuff would you not say? "Sigh" I take no pleasure in war or death. It is necessary for the plot of the story and to explain the events that shaped Karin's psyche and character. Losing your family can do that to you. The introductions of Manatsu, Naruko's wet-nurse; was to give Naruko something akin to a mentor or mother figure since her own was not in the picture for long. Kurama acting civil to Manatsu was not in the way of subservience or respect for elders...she also helped to play a part in Kurama's life. In a way, Kurama owes a favor to her. However, the woman is still in a sense a servant to the king and must do as he says no matter what. That is not to say the woman is a pushover. Oh no far from it. As you will see in later chapters. That is all I have to say for now. It is late and I am quite tired. But rest assured, there will be more chapters for this and my other stories. Read and review.