Disclaimer: See previous 11 chapters.
Author's Note: And here I am again!
Chapter 12: Unknown Gifts
The next morning Zarien woke to the sound of heavy rain. She turned over to look at the alarm clock resting on the floor next to her narrow futon. 5:00. She groaned softly, then rolled silently out of bed and onto her feet. Why am I incapable of sleeping in to a decent time?
The slight shock of the cold floor on her bare feet served to drive away the last vestiges of sleepiness plaguing Zarien. Standing up gracefully, she walked over to her small closet, pulling out her standard clothing. Tossing them onto her futon, she began to get dressed. I
Sitting back down on her futon, Zarien noticed the scarlet scroll resting on her small writing desk. The scroll being the only object in her room with any real colour, it kinda stuck out. Forgetting for a moment why she had the scroll, Zarien walked over to it, picking it up.
She was about to open it, when she remembered what her mother had said the night before about the same scroll.
-()-
"Zarien, although I give you this gift now, it is not to be opened until my death. This is very important. Please do not forget." Although this request confused her, Zarien agreed.
-()-
Remembering her promise, Zarien set the scroll in her desk drawer. Terribly tempting as it was, Zarien could never bring herself to betray her Mother's trust.
Looking back at the scroll's hiding place regretfully, She sighed, stood up, and left for her team's training grounds.
-()-
Upon reaching the team's meeting place, Zarien was surprised to see everyone already there. As soon as her sensei saw her, he called everyone over.
"Alright everyone! In two hours time we will be leaving for our first long-range mission with Zarien! This mission could take up to a month, so I want all of you to go home and get prepared!"
The team nodded and dashed off before Gai could start on a "youthful" rant.
-()-
Having already packed her supplies, Zarien stood nervously before her father's study door. Pushing away her fear, she knocked softly. She was answered swiftly. "Come in."
Opening the door, Zarien steeled herself for the upcoming confrontation. Closing the door behind her, she turned around and bowed. Waiting for her presence to be acknowledged she schooled herself into the Zen-like state of calm she used in tense situations. When she was at last allowed to speak, she was the perfect example of shinobi composure.
Her father continued writing for a few more seconds before looking up at Zarien. "Well, what do you want?" he snapped, looking somewhat irritated. Zarien bowed again, then told her father that she would be gone on a mission for up to a month. Waiting to be dismissed, she fought down a rising surge of panic. Why am I getting all nervous? It's not like he can stop me from going.
"Father, I will be going on a mission that may last up to a month. Is this acceptable?" She asked, making sure that her attitude conveyed the utmost respect. Zarien tensed as her father paused. "You may go. I expect you to keep up and, as hard as I know this is for you, do try to not destroy our family's reputation, hm?" Looking back down at his paperwork, he dismissed her.
As happy as Zarien was that she was being allowed to go, Yamin's last comment had still hurt. Well, I guess I'm just going to have to prove him wrong.
Done! Sorry about the long wait, but my computer wasn't working. So, anyways, this is where things are going to start to get interesting. Review and tell me what you think!