Summary: AU. When one dies, they don't expect to be brought back to life to help a lonely kid after a massacre. I've learned to start expecting the unexpected.
(OC-centric)
*All rights for the characters go to Masashi Kishimoto; except for mine of course*
(10/7/18)
Chapter 19
First Person POV
…
Seated on a wooden bridge, eyes closed and arms crossed, I found myself going in and out of consciousness.
Team seven was told to meet at this exact spot―as far as my scattered memory could remember, this was where Kakashi told them they were to be placed in the Chuunin exams. Seeing as how I technically didn't know if I was to be competing with team seven during this, I didn't exactly see a reason to be alert.
However, that was just the excuse I was giving myself to hide the fact that I hadn't slept in two days.
Nightmares plagued my mind everytime I tried to get rest―full of snakes, demonic payment collectors, and Konoha in ruins. I knew this wasn't healthy, I knew I was bound to have an emotional breakdown sooner than later. I also knew as soon as I lost my composure, my knowledge and ability to fix everything would be compromised.
So I shut up, I kept quiet, and I suffered.
There also was the fact that Sasuke and I haven't spoken since the slight blow up the other day. Pride kept him silent, while fear of the future locked my mouth shut.
It was obvious that the remainders of team seven―Sakura and Naruto―could definitely feel the tension, that it bothered them to no end.
Cracking my eyes open, I glanced sideways at the two said people giving me and a distance away Sasuke wary looks, whispering to one another conspicuously. I didn't dare look at the boy who hated my guts at the moment, but somehow knew he was aware of their gossip as well.
As much as it seemed to bother the two chatty genin that him and I weren't talking, weren't even looking at each other, they never commented. I was thankful for the lack of interrogation.
Closing my eyes and leaning my head back against the post, I crossed my arms over my chest, letting the soft wind lull me deeper into my thoughts.
'My mind is such a mess,' I thought wearily, feeling the distant pang of exhaustion bearing down on my shoulders, 'and it doesn't help when good ole Death is nowhere to be found.'
"It's quite rude of you to be slandering me behind my back, Ms. Flynn."
Choking, you better believe my eyes flew open in a second, body jolting forward in utter shock and disbelief. My crazed eyes caught sight of the casually leaning reaper in an instant, eyebrows raising in utter surprise at the complete nerve this jerk had.
'What do you think you're doing?' I thought frantically, knowing he would hear. It's not like I was really able to speak anyway.
He ignored my question, the asshole.
"They're giving you funny looks―try to calm them before they think you've turned insane." He uttered, calm and professional.
Turning to my left to see what he was talking about, I was instantly met with confused and concerned stares, one green and one blue―I immediately smiled the best that I could, giving them a little wave before mumbling about how I was simply tired.
I could tell they didn't really believe me, but they took my word for it, to my utter relief. Naruto wasted no time in going back to his complaining, Sakura joining in as his volume got louder. I took their distraction as my que to interrogate the bag of bones that finally decided to show face.
'You do realize your timing is highly inconvenient?'
He chuckled, voice only resonating with me and me alone. "I was under the impression that this was an excellent time―am I incorrect in my line of thinking?"
Rolling my eyes, I deadpanned, slightly miffed at his nonchalantly innocent behavior.
'Stop being cheeky―it doesn't suit your whole dark and edgy vibe.'
He waved me off, free hand shooing away my sass while the other help a tight grip and his intimidating scythe, the glint shining off the metal dangerously close to my eyes.
The scary thing about the grim reaper was his lack of expression―a skull didn't do much to indicate emotions, feelings. It was impossible to know what he was thinking, what line of action he was planning to take. His sudden appearance, while appreciated after two days of nonsense, screamed that this wasn't just a social visit.
'Why are you here, Death?'
My calculating eyes immediately zoned in on the tightening of his grip, the tenseness of his bony shoulders under the black cloth. He may not have expressions, but body language was more than enough.
Biting my lip, I felt the anxiousness surge upwards into my throat, mind racing as his hollow eyes turned away from me.
"As you are aware, certain things that shouldn't have happened, happened." He drawled aloud, looking as if he was about to start pacing. I didn't answer, mentally or physically; my mind was too numb as the multiple possibilities that he was hinting at.
All of the options led to disaster.
He took my silence, my possible stricken expression as cue to continue, gaze now refocused onto my face.
"I am not the only grim reaper," he admitted, endless each striking my soul and his deep voice floated through my ears, "there are others tasked with the same responsibilities as I―and there are some who are not happy with your existence, Ms. Flynn."
I opened my mouth to speak, the lump forming in my throat thankfully stopping me in my tracks. Twitchy, a little on edge, I gulped, absorbing the information being given to me.
'They aren't happy with my existence―the other grim reapers?'
His skull shook side to side, an aura of exhaustion fluttering across his form. "They are not―some of them believe that those who meet their end should stay at their end, no matter the circumstances. It's the traditional way of thinking, but others like me disagree; hence, why you are here, and not in the underworld."
I breathed in shakily, unfocused eyes resting on the clammy palms that resided in my lap. I could still hear Naruto and Sakura complaining, could still feel the tension in the air between me and Sasuke, still feel the warmth of the shining sun. I could still sense things around me, but they were starting to dull, already fragile mind going somewhere deep into shock.
'They want me to―the thing from a few nights ago, was that one of them?' I asked mentally, inner voice small and calculating, 'he mentioned payment―he messed with my mind Death, my chakra, my eyes! What do they want from me?'
He hummed, low and soft and soothing―possibly an attempt to calm my troubled mind. It worked only somewhat, eyes still searching for the answers I needed to my frightening questions.
"I tried to hide your presence; but with you fixing your dreamscape and unlocking your chakra, becoming visible due to the nature chakra dissipating, you became a blip on their radar." He eased, dark cloak swaying in Konoha's hot breeze, "the 'thing' you encountered was a henchman of sorts, tasked to alter your reality, mess with your mind. They're plan was to drive you to such insanity at things you couldn't see, that you would resort to extreme measures. But seeing as how you are not in the mundane world any longer, this backfired."
I kept silent, only able to blink, mind zoned on his words alone.
He continued without fail, freehand waving around as he spoke, "those few days ago, when you encountered those people, you saw their chakra―more strongly than the usual chakra sensor due to your untameable abilities at the moment, but you saw them nonetheless; your sensitivity to chakra, your ability to interact and freely use nature chakra, balances this new ability out. With proper training, of course."
'The evil death people gave me stronger abilities,' I repeated, grouchy and still in a numbed state, 'how kind of them.'
"I'm doing all that I can to keep your presence safe and hidden, rest assured." He declared, tone stronger, determined, "Do me a favor, Ms. Flynn? Keep your focus on your present matters, worry not about this any longer; I'll being seeing you sooner than you think."
"Yeah right, you liar!" The sudden accusation that somehow spoke my thoughts aloud jostled me from my thoughts, eyes whirling towards the shouting source on complete reflex. Green hues took in raging orange, the whiskered boy in question pointing angrily at what I assume to be a late Kakashi.
Turning back towards the reaper only moments laters, I found him gone―the spot on the bridge rail where he once resided empty, as if he had never been there in the first place. Frustration coursed through my veins, my eye twitching in irritation.
'He shows up, dumps that on me, then leaves?' I grouched, too irritated to know what to do with myself, 'that freaking jerk.'
"―I've nominated you for the Chuunin exams," Kakashi's unusually chipper voice rang out in the overall silence, causing me refocus on what was happening, "here are your application forms."
The shock that resounded throughout the group was a little comical, never before noticing how similar these knuckleheads truly were at times.
I saw a crinkled form get shoved just below my nose, eyes crossing as I registered the gloved hand forcing it in my face. Reaching up slowly, I glanced upwards at a eye-smiling Kakashi, his free hand trying to pry off an overly excited Naruto.
Grasping the form in my hands, I turned my attention away from Kakashi and instead towards the paper, furrowing my brows as I struggled to read the kanji present on the tanned page.
As Kakashi went into his spiel about how and where to register, I racked my brain to try and interpret what was being said on the paper, oddly realizing my form was slightly different from the others.
Over the years, I had began to pick up how to read and write the language―not fluently, but enough to get me through certain situations, this being one of them.
I dimly read the word Hokage's office, the time 8 PM. I took it as a message requiring my presence, knowing it was to cover details, cover my placement in these exams.
It wasn't an application at all, but a covert letter. How sneaky.
"Well, seeing as how you got your nominations," Kakashi spoke boredly, secretly giving me what I assumed to be a wink, he disappeared into thin air. "That is all."
Getting up from my seated position, I walked next to a very giddy Naruto as team seven traveled off the bridge, his happiness radiating off of him like the sun. Hands stuffed into my pockets, I peered at him intently, not surprised as I saw his classic toothy grin.
"Hey, Sana―there's going to be a lot strong guys in this exam, believe it!" He gushed to me, fiery and full of energy as he fist pumped the air, "I'm getting excited!"
"Yeah," I spoke, trying to keep up with his exuberance, trying to mask my true thoughts, "you might get the chance to fight those sand-nins from the other day, ya know?"
Pausing as my words processed, his grin impossibly doubled, eyes clouding over as he got lost in his fantasies of victory. Noting that this conversation was done, I slowed my pace unknowingly to match that of a troubled Sakura, realizing that going back to the compound wasn't the first thing I wanted to do at the moment.
'Not like he's gonna care if I show up there or not.' I thought listlessly as I watched his back tread further and further away down the path, a stark contrast to an animated Naruto that walked beside him.
I sighed deeply, only to realize my sigh had harmonized with someone else.
Turning in shock, I connected eyes with an equally surprised Sakura, both of our mouths opening to speak, but no words coming out.
An awkward pause, and I opened my mouth once more, but was beat to it by the pinkette herself.
"Do you think you're ready?" She asked lightly, softly, the question holding more weight than what was being presented, "for the exams, I mean."
Breathing in carefully, I turned away from her probing eyes, not liking how they seemed as if they could read my mind. "I'm not―not at all." I replied truthfully, hopelessly shrugging as I twirled a loose strand of hair nervously.
"―Then―!"
"―But," I spoke again, cutting her off as my tone grew resolute, twinged with weary acceptance, "I'm going to participate anyway―team seven needs to stay a team, through good times and bad."
My reasoning meant something different than whatever she could possible be thinking, but it cleared her doubts at least somewhat; an outcome I hadn't intended, but was still happy for.
Captured by her small smile, I found my own doubts easing, content to share in with her slight relief. I smiled back, a true smile, arms falling to my sides as my shoulders sagged.
An idea struck me then―one that I had never considered, never knew I actually wanted till before now.
'I wanna have some girl time, dammit.'
"Do you possibly want to run to the store with me, Sakura?" I asked sheepishly after a small pause of silence, realizing that spending time with this girl did more good than harm. "Only if you want to, that is?"
She seemed floored by my question, looking to me as if I grew two heads―the reaction discouraged me a bit, unsure of why she seemed so stooped.
'Did I do something wrong?'
The expression on her face cleared suddenly with a shake of her head, the bewilderment gone. Emerald eyes glowed softly, pearly white teeth exposed from her smiling lips―with a nod, she tracked forward, inquiring happily as to where we were heading.
Unknowingly to me, Sakura needed girl time too.
…
The markets had bustled loudly and proudly considering it was only Tuesday; people filling the streets and vendors never halting in their sales.
I had always liked the market―it was a loud distraction that was oddly soothing, oddly comforting. Now that I was visible, I was able to share in on the chatter, the smiles, the waves of hello.
I loved it endlessly.
Sakura and I had ran into numerous shops, small talk and laughter being tossed back and forth. I found that said girl was a shopaholic, a true force to be reckoned with at the sight of sales and bargains. It wasn't something I never knew about before, a hint at how real everyone was around me.
It definitely put a spin on my perspective.
After grabbing a bite to eat, she insisted we go clothes shopping, her nose curling slightly at the masculine attire I always wore.
"What's wrong with my gray shirt and black shorts?" I had tried to defend myself, voice weak but clearly protesting, "The Uchiha compound only has boy clothes so it's not like I have anything else to―!"
She had gasped, horror on her face―I thought it was because I had hinted at sharing the same residence as Sasuke, or the fact that these were in fact old clothes of his he didn't fit into anymore.
Imagine my surprise that her horror was centered on the fact that I was a girl forced to wear the same clothes as a boy.
She went on a warpath after that, dragging me into clothing stores I didn't know even existed―full of beautiful cloths and fabrics, bright sashes and wondrous looking hair pieces.
At the fourth store I was dragged into, I fell in love with a light green kimono top―the close fitting sleeves reaching down to my elbows, the material airy and breathable. I bought it instantly, liking the way it brought out my eyes, the sash that helped framed my body instead of making me look like a five year old. She then pestered me till I bought the black slitted skirt next to it, spandex shorts that resided underneath coming just a little past mid thigh.
It oddly reminded me of the skirt and spandex she wore when she was fifteen, bringing a small smile to my face as I realized her style had always been the same.
After conversing for a little afterwards, we had to eventually part ways, my meeting with the Hokage soon approaching.
She had left with a smile, a giddy wave―I did the same, a promise of seeing her tomorrow leaving my lips.
I hummed all the way to the Hokage building, happy at the new friendship I had formed, excited for the girl companionship I hadn't had before now.
'Lord knows I can only handle so much of the broody dummy.'
Reaching the door of his office after somehow evading the usually cranky secretary, I knocked lightly, the form from earlier tucked into my back pocket. A brisk 'come in' reached my ears, and I did so immediately, happy mood only fizzling out when the Sandaime and I connected eyes for the first time.
"Sana," he greeted, face blank and schooled as he beckoned me forward, noting that Kakashi was also here as I peeked out of the corner of my eyes, "take a seat―I, well, have troubling news."
'Of course you do.' I resigned, hunching a bit as I sat rigidly in to the office chair, hands turning clammy within seconds.
"What's the troubling news?" I asked, expression carefully calm, my twitchy fingers conveying the opposite.
Taking in a deep breath of his pipe, he blew the smoke out slowly, brown eyes glancing at Kakashi in almost a silent conversation.
"The elders―Danzo," Kakashi spoke up as he came to sit next to me, dark eye serious, un-Kakashi like, "they know you reside here now―but don't know why. They won't let you participate in the exams since they think you're a spy, not unless you willingly go through the TI department first."
I parted my lips in shock, instant fear coursing through me as I realized what could be done in the department, what this now meant for my placement in the chuunin exams. The Hokage instantly held a withered hand out to wave away my worry, tired eyes troubled by whatever expression I was making.
"Rest assured, all actions to force you through interrogation have been denied, seeing as how you are under my protection, and you are still a child," Hirzen spoke as he tried to calm my nerves, Kakashi's masculine hand resting on my shoulder in an awkward attempt to comfort as well.
"Thank you," I breathed, jittery from the blatant disregard the elders and Danzo had, the inhumanity to their overly logical and war-like thoughts.
The Hokage nodded his head, his hat tipping slightly. Kakashi retracted his warm hand from my shoulder, my body feeling oddly cold now as realization curled through my gut.
"How am I supposed to participate now?" I demanded, frustration coloring my tone as clenched my fists, "the future depends on the fact that Sasuke doesn't get that damn seal―if I can't go with, I can't stop Orochimaru―I can't stop Sasuke from leaving, from Konoha falling―I can't stop―!"
"Susana Flynn!" the Hokage shouted, my oddly watery eyes not focused on his stern face, but rather immediately taking in his kind, sympathetic eyes.
He had effectively started the beginning stages of what I assumed was the impending breakdown―flushing as I realized this, I was thankful he had put an end to it.
"Do not fret, child," He spoke, harsh tone instantly replaced with calm, soothing words, "you will be in those exams―just not as a participant."
Confused now, I leaned a bit forward, some of my hair falling into my face as I did so, "What do you mean by that?"
Watching intently as he shared a brief look with Kakashi, he turned back to me, drawing my attention towards the paperwork he was sliding towards me on his desk.
"Kakashi suggested your placement in the exams be that of an intern, if you will―you hold no high ranking position, therefore deeming your participation as minor, something to overlook. You will closely follow after one of the proctors, and alert them at the first sign of suspicious behavior. I will inform those in charge of the exam to always be at the ready and double the jounin; Konoha will be ready for any sign of attack, all it needs is your signal."
I stared at him with a slowly forming smile, relief and excitement and appreciation shining brightly in my green hues.
This could actually work. I could actually do what I was meant to, I could save my damn best friend form a life of hardship―save team seven from a life of hardship, Konoha.
I could actually be worth something.
"Thank you." I breathed, glancing back and forth between the Hokage and a slouching Kakashi, my two words saying everything that needed to be said and more.
Kakashi cleared his throat, scratching the back of his head, "No problem―gotta lookout for my brats, right?"
Beaming at the awkward man, I cast my attention towards the pen that was being pushed closer to me, a silent indication that I needed to grab it. "I just need you to sign the paperwork―your signature will officially clear you of any suspicion and allow for these plans to be set in motion." The Hokage explained, telling me exactly where to sign, lifting my spirits endlessly.
"Do you have any more suggestions?"
I finished my signature, a signature that was written in flawless English, and set down the pen.
Launching into an entire spiel of ideas and possibilities, I spent the next hour in the Hokage's office with an intently listening Sandaime and Kakashi Hatake, happier than I had been in the past few months.
…
The next morning, I resided pressed onto the couch, face clearly uninterested as I flipped through TV channels. I was still clad in pajamas, long hair wrapped into a sleep worn bun. I probably needed a shower, but I didn't have anywhere to go for another two hours, so instead I elected to be lazy for as long as possible.
So focused on scrolling through the channels, I had yet to see or acknowledge the scowling Uchiha in the doorframe across the hall―dressed for the day, ready to head out to meet the team, and glaring intensely.
"What do you think you're doing?" He cut out through the silence, the sound of his voice jarring me from my position, shock coloring my features.
It had been the first time he's spoken to me in three days now.
"What do you mean?" I asked confused, only later realizing due to our mutual silent treatment that he had no idea of what transpired yesterday evening, "I'm watching TV."
He looked ready to murder me, irritation clear in his dark eyes. "We have to register for the Chuunin exams, idiot. He said to be there before noon."
Scowling at the insult to my intelligence, I huffed, turning away from him moodily. "I won't be competing in the exams―I'm tasked with something a little different."
Eerie silence filtered throughout the room then, causing me to turn and look as to why he hadn't commented yet, hadn't argued back. What I found were those hardened eyes again, this time boring into mine threateningly, a glint present that I couldn't decipher..
Dread sunk into my gut, pride not allowing me to back down under them. I had enough of taking his crap, but somehow, this time seemed different.
"More secrets, huh?" He muttered, tone sharp, voice harsh. I didn't immediately comment, not really understanding the problem, not knowing how to diffuse it. While slightly lost in my thoughts, I found my time to answer had a limit, Sasuke already more than impatient when not angry.
Apparently, my lack of an answer was enough.
Turning over his shoulder, taking his eyes off of me, he walked straight out of view―the last thing I saw was his clan emblem disappearing behind the sliding door.
Sighing, I rubbed my hand down my face, pulling myself onto my feet.
I may have made the situation worse between him and I―I never meant to, but I did anyway. I didn't understand why he was so angry with me, the reason I was so angry at him.
Hopefully that didn't cause disaster later down the road.
Shutting the TV off, I set down the remote, clenching my fists tightly in order to slightly motivate myself. Glancing at the clock, I new my presence would be required soon, my side mission about to begin.
'It's time―don't mess it up now, Sana.'
Today was the day. The day where it starts, the day where change could happen.
Slipping in and out of the shower, I slipped on the green kimono from yesterday, tightened the weapons pouch around my hips, fastened my long hair into a ponytail. Staring at myself in the mirror just before the door, I took in the sight of my exhausted eyes, the bags that resided underneath them.
Breathing in deeply, I shook my head, releasing the tension as I exhaled out.
I needed to be ready, I needed to be alert.
After all, today would be the very day I needed to prevent.
…
Slightly filler, slightly character development. Next chapter is gonna be the action chapter, so get ready folks.
I'm trying to build character relationships more, as well as giving a bit more depth into Sana's appearance and abilities. Hopefully it isn't over-kill?
Anyway, hoped ya enjoyed the chapter!
Any questions, comments, or concerns? Review!