Chapter 53 – Working Out The Kinks
It had always been said that Ninomaru Palace was not just a place of residence but a work of art. The emperor's family had resided here since before records had been taken. It was surrounded by towering castle walls made from bulky blocks of dry stone. When the local village children looked up pale pink blossoms spilled over the sides. They were too high up to reach, but gave a tantalising glimpse into the beauty hidden within.
The metal gates were reinforced, not that anyone had dared to attack the emperor for many years nevertheless it was better to be safe than sorry. Statues of shachihoko adorned the outer roof to ward off fires as the majority of buildings in the stronghold were made of wood.
Ninomaru Palace itself consisted of five buildings with reception rooms, recreation areas and living quarters for the emperor and his wives. In addition were the kitchens, guard house and gardens linked by pathways of crunching gravel. In total the magnificent structure covered approximately 8000 square metres of land. It could be seen from miles around by travellers and tradesmen alike.
It was not unusual to see the emperor ascend the slippery steps which led to the observatory platform. The weather was mild for the time of year. From this height he could see the tall spindly pines dotting the landscape with ever green bushes reminding him of plump round mushrooms. He admired the camellia trees with their white and red flowers. The cherry and purple plum orchards lay further to the right with bamboo canes supporting the heaviest branches. His gardener kept warning that unless they cut back the older trees they would likely collapse next spring. But the emperor did not have the heart to touch such ancient treasures. They were Lady Emi's favourite.
"Your Imperial Majesty, there is another message from the Godaime Kazekage."
There wasn't much that could gain the emperor's attention these days, but such news had the desired effect. "Well, don't just stand there let me have it!" His fingers were more like wrinkled talons as he snatched the scroll from the startled attendant. He read the Kage's words and then read them again. "He really is a strange one that boy," the emperor muttered as he descended.
The Kage did not wish to press charges against Amelia. Instead he enquired as to the nature of the punishment in store for the girl. There was something about bravery, offering assistance to a Leaf ninja, appreciation. It was unheard of! Surely after such treacherous actions the only thing the Hidden Sand wanted was her head? Why was he so concerned about the fate of a fake princess? Still, he was relieved that Sabuku no Gaara would not take this any further.
Ever since that child had left the palace he had lost everything. His best swordsman, Omi grandson of the late Suifuto Sekou had disappeared. There was no one who could match his speed and strength. His future as head executioner had been certain. Then no further children were born and an illness took hold of his only son. Lady Emi's daughter had been a good luck charm but the search parties returned empty handed. Now, after so many years he would finally lay eyes on the child.
"So, you're telling me that you're actually Violet?"
The blue haired Suna glanced at the Amazon in disbelief. Behind bars the muscle woman was sitting cross legged on the bed. She could easily have fought and struggled against the guards, however she had entered the cell without a struggle.
"That is correct, Master Enjin." She noticed how the young man always seemed to flinch when she called him that. Such bashfulness was also noted by the brunette who appeared to enjoy teasing the poor soul about it.
"But you're so big! I mean, you were just a kid and now you're..." His hands widened horizontally to express some form of measurement. A sharp look from Matsuri suddenly drew attention to what he was doing, and with embarrassment he thrust his hands instantly to his sides.
Violet smiled and her amethyst eyes shone. "A woman yes, although my true name is Ryusui. As my namesake suggests I am from the River Lands."
The Sunans glanced at each other.
"You'll have to forgive our reaction," Matsuri explained, "but whenever you tried to speak - all you ever did was scream! You couldn't give any indication of where you came from or why you attacked the Kazekage."
Ryusui sighed. "I regret my actions even if I was not fully in control of what I was doing. My memories of yourselves and Miss Yasu only returned in the past hour."
"Yeah anyway, you seemed to get upset whenever your brother was mentioned. That and if I tried to take food away from you!" Seibi-shi said with forced cheerfulness.
Oh Enjin. Matsuri frowned. Her comrade still found it difficult to think about Yasu sensei.
She lifted a red juicy apple to him in thanks and took a bite. Violet had never felt more ravenous. "My brother was an honourable man. Even though he was a mute he was to follow in the footsteps of our grandfather as head executioner." She saw his eyebrows rise. "Please don't judge our people too harshly, Master Enjin. To keep the peace sometimes it is necessary to behead thieves, rapists and murderers. We have always sought to maintain peace in our lands. The emperor is wise."
"I'm not gonna bitch about your punishments," Enjin said. "The Hidden Sand has blood on its hands too. It's not like we're innocent and clean!"
There was a pause, and the cell became filled with crunching sounds as the apple was devoured. She put the core aside and sucked the juice from her fingers.
"Ryusui, how do you know Princess Amelia?" Matsuri offered her a glass of water.
"Lady Amelia was never intended to be a princess." Ryusui reached for the welcome refreshment and then cradled it in her hands. "I've known her since she was born and watched her grow up. My brother quickly became attached to the little tomboy scampering around, climbing trees and chasing the cats. Her mother, Lady Emi was a consort to the emperor and very well liked. She was kind and gentle, but suffered fits without warning. It was an affliction that was kept a secret until winter came." The empty glass was placed down and then she sat once more. Absently she started stroking her long white hair. "When the first snows fell that year Lady Emi passed away. The emperor's jealous wives who had tolerated Amelia's existence finally saw their chance. They demanded the girl be banished from the palace walls."
"Sounds like they wanted to feed a fox cub to hyenas!" Enjin huffed.
"Omi shared the same thought. He gave up his post and took Lady Amelia away. It all happened so suddenly. I returned from an errand and found his room empty. I begged one of the senior officials to tell me what had happened and went searching for them." She shook her head. "I never found them and I was still too young to travel. Years went by I had no idea whether my brother was still alive, but I prayed at the shrine every day. Then the prince fell ill and died. The emperor's wives sent mercenaries to track down the little girl so no one could make a claim to the throne."
Matsuri watched her face fall at that. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." It was so odd to see and hear Violet talking. Not long ago she was wearing a lilac kimono depicting a golden dragon. Miss Yasu had taken the screaming youth in her arms and soothed her. Just Yasu. She recalled. I must remember her wishes.
"One day a body was discovered near to the border between the River Lands and the Land of Wind. It was Omi. I remember his face, it was frozen in terror."
"I'm so sorry."
"I left the palace and went to pick up the trail. There were the remains of an old camp fire and in the ashes a kushi comb. I recognised it at once. It belonged to Lady Emi the only heirloom she could pass onto her daughter." Ryusui shifted pressing her back into the wall. "From then on I decided to avenge my brother and try to find Lady Amelia. I continued along the road, asking if anyone had seen a young girl with black hair. There was a caravan that said they'd seen someone of that description accompanied by a hooded figure. Eventually I reached the desert wastes and that night... something happened to me."
"What?" he asked intrigued.
"I apologise Master Enjin, but no matter how hard I try I simply cannot remember."
The engineer shrugged his shoulders. "It's alright. When I think about it you've been through some pretty rough shit." Matsuri crossed her arms, his tongue had slipped again. "Sorry!" He winced, however the Kazekage's former student was looking at Ryusui.
"I'm sure it'll come back to you. We'll report this to the Kage and in the meantime try to get some sleep, okay?"
Suddenly Violet dashed forward and gripped Enjin's wrist. "Will you be seeing Lady Amelia?" He nodded. "Please tell her – I do not blame her for Omi's death."
Enjin's heart was thundering. Shit! She's got crazy strength! The pressure on his wrist was enough to snap it in two. "I'll let her know," he gasped. "Now, can I have my arm back?"
Ryusui complied and watched the couple leave. There was nothing else to do now but wait and see.
It was said that rainfall in the desert occurred perhaps once every year. Gaara looked up at the ominous black clouds. They seemed to mirror his mood.
Village business was steadily returning to normal; street vendors selling their wares, the academy reopened and missions given to shinobi. As the Kazekage there was no choice but to continue as if nothing had happened. But something had happened, and he couldn't just forget. He sat in the council meetings listening to their droning voices. He gave documents the briefest of glances before stamping them. He ate very little and slept even less.
Temari and Kankuro tried their best to comfort him, but they were no better equipped to deal with this than he was. Emotionally the Suna siblings had always had a handicap. Naruto was the opposite growling at him to open up and let out the anger, trying to reassure him that everything would be okay. Gaara knew the jinchuriki was trying to help but in truth it was made him feel worse. In fact the only one who really understood was the last person on earth he'd expect.
"You brought another desert flower today I see." Amelia observed.
He stared at the deep fuchsia petals stroking them gently. "What of it?"
"Do you really think a flower is going to bring her back to the world of the living?"
Her words stung but he knew it was true. There was nothing either of them could do now and it hurt. It hurt more than when Yasu had left Sunagakure all those years ago, when Shukaku had been the reason to keep them apart. He wondered if Kankuro had been right perhaps allowing Lady Leaf back into his life was a mistake. This trail of thought lasted for but a second, although a second recently felt like an eternity.
A light drizzle fell the storm finally catching up. He was reminded of another storm when they had sheltered inside a house made of wood. Yasu said she had his back and would protect him. So easily Gaara had promised the same in return, always. But I failed her. He thought bitterly. There was a cold wind rising and he shivered feeling goose pimples break out on his arms.
The droplets splattered onto the dry earth which soaked it up for a time, until the drizzle gathered strength coming down in thicker sheets. Soon it was so heavy that it was bouncing off the ground. The Kage closed his eyes allowing it to fall unheeded listening carefully to the sound, sh sh sh it went.
Suddenly his mediation was interrupted as the window clicked shut.
"It will not do her good if she catches a chill, my dear-" Amelia stilled. "My apologies, I cannot seem to break this... habit of mine!"
Gaara placed the desert flower into a vase next to Yasu's bed. He glanced at his love wired up to sensors, silent and still. It wasn't natural but at least she was alive. This blessing was only possible due to the medical attention from Lady Tsunade. The Hokage had immediately set about concocting potions to counter act the snake venom. She'd managed to stabilise her half sister, but the poison was still playing havoc inside her body. Tsunade has never come across a toxin that attacked a wood user's very cells.
"Is there nothing else that can be done?"
The Kage took Yasu's hand. "There are other medicines available from the Nara clan however they are in Konohagakure. As soon as preparations are complete she will be transported back to the Village Hidden in the Leaves," he said heavily.
"Are you concerned?" she teased.
"For a sick person it is a long journey." It was hard fighting these selfish desires he didn't want Yasu to leave. Gaara was besieged by an illogical dread at their parting. He wasn't used to this emotion and he didn't quite know what to do.
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Honestly, the way you pine over her is revolting. She is stronger than she looks." He was surprised at the compliment. "I do not know much about shinobi however I can respect a person who fights even when they are terrified. She protected me and I still don't know why. You are not the only one who is hoping she wakes sooner rather than later."
The fake princess pulled over a chair and sat opposite the Kage. It had been a curious love triangle between them. She rubbed her wrists. There was an amicable silence as the two contemplated their own thoughts. Rain lashed harder against the windows.
"How did you become involved with Kabuto?" Gaara asked suddenly. He expected Amelia to brush off the conversation and refuse. Instead she gave a loud yawn.
"You already know how I escaped with Omi from the palace," she began. "We travelled together for years never staying in one place for too long. Once it had been a particularly trying week; relentless attacks, food supplies running low and my bodyguard was exhausted. A ninja with green hair came out of nowhere. I thought my life was over. Then out of the darkness he cut her down as if it were nothing. I remember thinking, even as he hacked off her head, how deliciously barbaric it all was. I was fascinated by him." The black haired girl had that strange look on her face again.
So Kabuto was responsible for Shiro's death as well. The Kazekage thought grimly.
"He asked me, 'Do you wish to stay in the gutter, or come with me to rule a kingdom?' He called me princess and I liked the sound of it so I followed. Omi tried to communicate his reservations about our new ally, but I ignored him. I wanted to believe what the stranger said. I did things, hurt people. I never imagined how much I would lose to that bastard!"
Gaara listened carefully. "You are not the first nor will you be the last," he said. "Yakushi has evaded even the Leaf Anbu. He is a troublesome individual."
"I see, she did mention someone, Takumi was the name I believe. Who was he?"
"He worked at the medical centre in Konoha. Miss Katashi was a nurse before she became an ambassador." He was amused by Amelia's surprise. "They were colleagues until Kabuto infiltrated the hospital and murdered him. Yasu was not aware of the switch until her own life was in danger. Yakushi set out to silence her permanently."
She gazed at the sleeping blond. "Miss Katashi is certainly a survivor if nothing else. I almost wish we could have met under different circumstances."
"Would you like some tea?" Gaara offered but Amelia declined. "I believe if Yasu could speak she might express a similar sentiment. She has always possessed a strange ability to make friends with very difficult people. It is a trait she appears to share with many from the Hidden Leaf."
The Kazekage poured the tea allowing it steep for a few moments. Out the corner of his eye his guest was scratching once more at her wrists. He returned and supped the beverage slowly taking in the fullness of the flavour. "So, do you intend to show me?"
Instantly Amelia jerked back. "That is none of your business!" she snapped.
He ignored the warning. "If you attempt to take your own life it becomes my business."
"How dare you!"
"There is no need for such drastic measures. The emperor has assured me that he does not intend to punish you via beheading. In fact he was keen to point out that your health was a top priority."
"And just like that you believe him? What a fool you are!" She seethed with rage.
"You cannot stay here."
That was enough to bring the woman crashing back to reality. She'd committed a Bible of sins against Suna. Of course she couldn't stay! Gaara had made a promise to the River Lands emperor as the Kazekage. He couldn't take back his vow. His turquoise eyes were sympathetic but there was no way he was going to change his mind.
Amelia had to accept that she was going home. The fierce anger dissipated as quickly as it had arrived and there were no further pleas. She stared at him until at last the fake princess came to a decision. She unravelled the bandages laying them in a heap. Both wrists were revealed and he saw the extent of the burns. Her smile was one of pride. There were large patches of red raw skin complete with white blisters stretching part way up both arms too. The result meant the curse seals were damaged beyond repair.
"But why would you do this to yourself?"
It was her turn to laugh at his shock. "Why do you think? Because he's still out there! So long as I keep the marks they can be used as a weapon against you. I have witnessed firsthand how Kabuto uses people as weapons and I never want to put myself in that position again. I have caused enough suffering, don't you think?"
Gaara knew the scars would never heal they would remain with Amelia until the end of her days. Such a gesture was so mind boggling that the Kage struggled to find an appropriate response.
With a little thought he remembered an old saying that Baki used from time to time. When ninja had come out of a desperate situation and returned in a sudden burst. Finally the Godaime Kazekage raised his tea cup. "Kishi Kaisei," he said with deepest respect. "Wake from death and return to life."
Author's notes
I hope you're enjoying the updates! The summer holidays will give me the chance to really focus and get this story finished! Fifty Three blinking chapters! What was I thinking?!
So, at what point did you realise that Yasu was actually still alive? I was trying very hard to tease it out for as long I could!
Slightly extreme way for Amelia to get rid of the curse seals, but it felt like something she would do. This is her curtain call by the way we won't be seeing her again!
Until next time...
Allybee x
