REVIVAL
"Two are better than one, because they have good return in their labor:
If either one falls down, One can help the other up…
Also if two lie down together, they keep each other warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?"
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
Chapter VIII: Two is Better
"No luck," Tenshi sighs, scratching out another name on the list as she makes her way home. The sky is a blazing orange, welcoming the new day. One hour of sleep and I have to head to the clinic. She tries to resist the urge to cry. Not only that, she's only crushed out 44 out of 105 names on her list, most of them have passed already.
Ever since she's been learning about The Land of Prism, with a few strings pulled, Tenshi was able to get a hold of anyone alive who witnessed it. So far, no one. The country, much to her dismay, was extremely closed borders, barely allowing any outsiders entrance into their territory.
At around midnight, she would sneak out to visit someone different hoping to get some answers and return back home at dawn. It hasn't been helping her case in the clinic, Aoi noticing how tired she's been but thankfully doesn't comment on it.
"Tenshi-san," Sakura nudges her sleeping figure on her desk, "your next patient has arrived."
Holding back herself from crying, Tenshi picks herself up and straightens her back. "Thank you, Sakura-chan. Are you sure you want to do the Academy visit? I know you want to watch Sasuke-kun. I can always do it instead, you know."
"H-hai." The pink girl's eyes are trained on her, "It's the least I could do after everything you've done for me." She watches her in curiosity, "Are you okay, Tenshi-san? You've been more tired than usual lately."
"Not at all," Tenshi yawns and stretches, "I've just been doing a lot of late-night research, that's it."
"I see…"
"Let the patient in, will ya, Sakura-chan?" she smiles.
Thanking her stars, the clinic was much calmer today, they only had five patients. Everyone must be starting on the preparations for the Finals.
It won't be long from now, the matches will be on tomorrow. Aoi asked her to take a short nap at home and then join her for the festivities later in the evening. Apparently, it's a Konoha tradition for people to go out and enjoy the night before the Finals. As much as she wants to stay home and read some more, she can't say no to her dear friend.
Walking up the steps, Tenshi drags her feet and tries to keep her eyes open. Standing outside her apartment, she turns around to Door 6 then frowns.
Tenshi collapses straight to her bed upon entering her apartment, falling into a deep sleep. Come home, Kakashi.
Boom!
Shooting up from her bed, Tenshi's eyes widen at the sudden sound. Her apartment is pitch black until a pink light from outside lights her surroundings. Then yellow. Then green. Fireworks.
As if knowing that she's woken up, a loud knock on her door stirs her completely conscious.
"I'm here, I'm here."
Aoi looks at her in horror, "Why are you not dressed yet?"
Looking back her clock, it reads: 8:46 PM.
"Oops?"
"You have fifteen minutes."
The ladies share a laugh before she lets the blond in, the younger lady making a beeline to her sofa. Feeling adventurous, Tenshi ditches her usual formal blouse and jeans for a black midi dress and strap heels. She also decided to put her hair up in a ponytail and apply a bud pink lipstick.
"You clean up nice for only fifteen minutes," Aoi teases.
"You should see me with two hours."
Laughter fills the air, restaurants and stores going all out with decorations on their storefronts. The ladies make their way to Ichiraku to honor their favorite participant for tomorrow's match. After dinner, they head to the bar for some drinks.
"Tell me, what have you been up to?" Aoi asks, taking a conservative sip of beer. Without Kakashi to help her out like last time, she feels the need to stay sober.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm young but I'm not stupid, Tenshi. You've been up to something ever since that session with Gato-san," she looks at her straight in the eye, "Just tell me."
"Look, it's nothing to worry about, Aoi-chan, okay?" Tenshi says, "I'm okay. But yes, it's just something I know I have to do. Just trust me."
"But-"
"Nope, no buts," Tenshi takes another gulp of beer, "You're drinking your beer."
"You're impossible," Aoi rolls her eyes, following suit.
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing." The blond sighs and takes another sip then mumbles, "Kakashi-san sure has his hands full."
"What about Kakashi?" she asks, finger tracing the mouth of her pint. The mention of her silver-haired neighbor already making her heart drop.
Every night since he left, she never realized how much she cherished those moments when she'd come home and see the comforting orange glow under his door. It made her sleep better at night, for some reason. Sometimes, her mind wanders off to thoughts of him in the middle of the day. She wonders what he's up to, if he's been eating, or if he's sleeping well.
"You're kidding me, right?"
"You know, I liked you better when you were the sweet and shy Aoi-chan."
"So you're telling me there's nothing going on over there?"
Going on? She must have a blank look on her face because the younger lady looks at her like it's the most obvious thing in the world. Was I supposed to know?
"Aoi I told you about my ex, haven't I?"
"Kurenai-san said he looked like the Greek god Adonis," she chuckles, "All joking aside, that doesn't mean you can't like two people."
Did she like Kakashi? Sure, he's handsome and kind, they don't get along all the time like she and Hari do but it's refreshing as well. His pervy books are weird, but so is her fascination for horror movies and murder mysteries. And he's never really complained about it. If it comes down to it, yes, she likes him. But does she like, like him? Oh my goodness, Tenshi, you're such a teenager.
"I like hanging out with him, that's for sure. It's just…it's not like Hari."
"It shouldn't be the same, though."
Aoi's statement makes her look lock eyes with her. It shouldn't? This is all too frustrating.
Scratching her head in confusion, she says, "Don't confuse me any further, Aoi. I already have enough on my plate."
Pale blue orbs stare back at her with mirth, Aoi is really enjoying seeing her suffer. She takes a sip of her beer.
"How are things with Gai?"
Holding back the beer from coming out her nose, Aoi shoots a glare at her.
"What? I'm genuinely curious!"
The next day arrived in the blink of an eye. The weather is sunny, perfect for fighting. Wrapped neatly in a red cloth, Tenshi brings Naruto a breakfast bento. Nothing is putting me in a bad mood today, she thought, a large grin plastered on her face, My favorite boy is home! Goodness, when did I become such a mom.
"Neechan!" Naruto shouts, pulling her into a tight hug as they reunite at his doorstep.
Bending to his level, she surveys him like a museum artifact. "You good? How are we feeling today?"
Cerulean orbs roll at the gesture, "I'm doing great, Neechan. Ready to win against Neji!"
They take their seats as Naruto unravels the bento and says an excited 'itadakimasu' before digging in. His cheeks bloating at the sheer amount of food he stuffed in his mouth.
"Slow down!"
"Can't," he chews, "gonna be late."
"If you choke, you will be forever late."
"That's dark, Neechan."
After having his breakfast, the pair walk up to the behemoth of an arena. Naruto is more quiet than usual, giving her some details of what he and Jiraiya have been up to. She shudders at the thought of the old man.
Just as Naruto goes upstairs to the participants' area, she pulls him aside. "No matter what happens, I've got faith in you, you know that, right?"
A grin appears on the boy's face, "Yosh! And I'll make you proud, Neechan. Just you see."
"You better, Hokage-sama," she winks, eliciting an excited response from the kid.
It takes her a while to spot Aoi and Sakura in the audience seats. Her heartbeat quickens as a man with silver spiky hair stands up from the crowd, her eyes following to where he walks. A smile grows on her face as she approaches him only to see that he wasn't who she thought he was. I guess he isn't here yet.
Before taking her by the aisle, she bends over to offer Sakura and her Yamanaka friend, that she calls 'Ino Pig' in the office, a smile. Aoi hands her a bag of chips but she refuses, eyes still travelling around the crowd.
"Looking for someone?" Aoi says with a mischievous smirk, but eyes still glued on the open field.
The fact that this woman thinks she has some teenage crush on Kakashi is beyond her, but she's too tired to even begin to over-think it. "Yes actually, I swear I saw Gai here somewhere."
The lady beside her stiffens at the mention of the Green Beast. She stretches out her arms a shoulder-width apart as she continues, "With a bouquet this size."
A shiver runs up her arms, traveling all the way up to the crown of her head, "Don't mention that…that creep in front of me!"
Tenshi throws a wink at her with a her tongue out. "Gotcha."
Lucky enough for her, Naruto and Neji are the first to battle. The fight was intense to the point that Tenshi stood up from her seat a few times, Aoi holding her back from marching straight up to the battlefield and lecture Neji. That boy is crazy!
"The winner is…Uzumaki Naruto!"
Tenshi and Aoi shout with the crowd in cheer, hugging each other as they rejoice on their favorite boy's victory. "I am treating him to 20 bowls of ramen tonight!" Tenshi cries.
"Aoi-chan," a deep voice from the crowd sings.
The ladies turn around to see Gai and…little Gai but in crutches. "Who do we have here, Gai-san?" Tenshi smiles at the boy, his cheeks pink and eyes wide.
"This is my protégé, Rock Lee," he enthuses, "Konoha's Golden Boy!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you Tenshi-san," Lee bows with a serious expression on his face, "I've heard so many great things about you from my sensei. You are truly one of the biggest inspirations of my life."
"O-oh, I don't know if I'd go that far," she scratches the back of her neck.
"Aoi-chan," Gai's eyes sparkle at the sight of her assistant.
An indescribable look of dread is painted all over the blond's face, "M-Maito-san, we meet again."
The Green Best and his smaller twin sit with them throughout the rest of the tournament. Tenshi shakes her leg in anticipation, still looking around the crowd and darting back to her watch. The referee decides to wait out a little longer for Sasuke. Where is he?
"Where is Kakashi?" Gai says from beside her echoing her thoughts. "He's always late."
Sakura, the poor girl, looks like she's just as anxious for the Sasuke to arrive. It's time. Tenshi stands up from her seat and the pink kunoichi looks at her, "No, you stay, Sakura-chan. You deserve to rest. Enjoy, ladies. Gentlemen." She nods at Gai and Lee.
Before any of them could protest, Tenshi is already making her way down the steps, footsteps heavy. When suddenly, the wind shifts, her eyes go back down to the arena. A smile grows on her face and she rolls her eyes. How dramatic. But her heart skips a beat at the sight of him.
Standing back-to-back, Sasuke and Kakashi appear out of thin air. The crowd roars. "Do your best, Sasuke-kun," she says to herself before completely exiting the building.
Tenshi was never great with kids. All the more shinobi kids. But she plasters on a smile anyway, the little eyes staring back at her in amazement. Iruka watches her from front of the students' table, giving her a smile of encouragement.
"That's why, whenever you feel like someone is bullying you, never be too afraid to tell any adult around you. Especially your parents or Iruka-sensei," she explains.
"Hai!" they chorus.
"Thank you so much for taking time out from your busy schedule to come visit us, Tenshi-san," Iruka grins, "Everyone say thank you to Tenshi-san."
"Thank you Tenshi-san!"
"Thank you also for looking after Naruto-kun, Tenshi-san," Iruka smiles, "He never stops talking about you whenever we get some ramen. I'm glad to have finally met you."
"Naruto is a very special boy," she smiles, "It's hard not to grow fond of him."
Just as Iruka opens his mouth to utter a response, a large blast from afar shakes the Academy making the children nervous. And if she isn't lying, Tenshi as well. Iruka instruct the kids to stay in their seats as he assesses the situation. Tenshi looks out the window. Oh no, she shakes, it's coming from the arena.
"Okay everyone," Iruka says, "we need to go to the Evacuation Area. Come on now."
Questions flood the air as the kids follow their sensei. Tenshi bites her tongue back from joining them remembering that she is an adult as well. A shaking girl with spiky orange pigtails walks beside her. She lays a comforting hand on her little shoulder making the little girl look up at her. "What's your name, little lady?"
"M-Moegi Kazamtsuri, Tenshi-san."
"Look here, Moegi," she smiles, "The Village seems to be in danger but us ladies, we gotta be strong to help, okay? Can you do that for me?"
The little girl wipes her eyes, a determined look on her face emerges. "H-Hai!"
Apparently, the Hokage sculptures are more than just beautiful ornaments to Konoha. They're panic rooms too. Bangs and things breaking apart are all over the outside making everyone brace themselves as the floors shake. And then a stillness and silence.
Tenshi stares at the singular door, waiting for a jounin or anyone to tell them that they're safe now. And just as expected, the door swings open making everyone excited. It was a boy. A teenager. White hair pulled back into a ponytail and eyeglasses perched on his nose, a Konoha hitai-ate on his forehead. His eyes scan the room until they land on Tenshi, his gaze unsettling to her. Almost predatory.
"Is it over?" Iruka says but with the strike of a blue chakra on the boy's hand, he collapses. The children scream, Tenshi tells them to gather behind her.
"S-Stay away," she says, Moegi hands her a kunai from behind. The knife feels heavy and alien in her hands. "No one has to get hurt."
"No, please," a child's voice says from the back of her mind. Now's not the time, Tenshi! She tells herself. "Kaa-san! Dou-san!"
"This is what Lord Orochimaru wanted? You seem pathetic to me," the boy says, walking up to her, the children cower behind her, "But who am I to judge?"
"Go away!"
A sharp pain hits her on both her legs and ribs, she kneels down at the overwhelming sensation. She grabs the kunai and slashes it in front of him to which the boy easily dodges.
"Tenshi-san! Don't leave us!"
Standing up again, she takes deep breaths to manage the pain. "Go away. I don't want to fight."
"Well aren't you resilient?"
Slash!
Blood runs out of her abdomen, making a wet red stain on her white blouse. She stares at it in shock, her vision tunneling. Then she hits the floor, limp but awake. A pool beginning to grow from under her. Just as the boy motions to pick her up, she growls and stabs his foot with the kunai. He slaps her over the head at the pain. A bright white light illuminates from her before she closes her lids.
"Dammit!" the boys says before she can barely hear him anymore.
"Kairi-chan!" a man's voice says in her mind. A voice from her memory.
The sound of the door being pushed open and hurried footsteps enters her ears.
"Tenshi!" a voice she hasn't heard in a while calls out before she hears footsteps running up toward her. She smiles.
Slowly, the man picks her up and rests her on his knee. She opens her eyes, her vision blurry. White. A shade of white that only belonged to one person she knows. Reaching out her hand, she rests it on his cheek to check if it's real. He rests against it making her smile.
"Kakashi, you're home."
And then everything fades to black.
Author's Note: Hey everyone! I hope you're enjoying the chapters I've been putting out so far. This story has been in my mind for quite some time now and I hope I can continue to at least offer you something easy to pass the time with through this pandemic. Hope you're staying safe! Please favorite, follow, and leave me a review! I'd love to reply and interact with you guys as much as possible. :)