My memory begins with a storm.

The wind is blowing so hard, I have to crouch against it. I'll get blown away if I'm not careful.

Where am I? Where am I going? I can't remember. Is that shape in the distance a town?

I have to keep moving. I can't stay out in this weather. Come on, one foot in front of the other.

Now it's raining too? This is too much. I need to find shelter. But where is there to hide from this onslaught out here? That town looks miles away still.

Not much choice. Have to keep going.

That was a huge clap of thunder. What is that sound, leaves?

All I could see was white. Grey, humanoid shapes moved through the haze. Undistinguishable voices broke the silence occasionally. After what may have been just a few minutes or several hours and no sign of improvement to my condition, I let rest ovdrcome me.

Blinking, everythung was still white, but not the same way as before. I could tell there were walls, a ceiling. Beneath me, the cushion of a bed. On the side table next to me was vase. In the vase was a single flower, a black Dragon Lily. I focused on the petals, the only thing that stood out around me.

I could tell it was early in the morning when my eyes opened this time. The grey hue to the light coming from the window revealed that much. I tried to get up and look out the window, but pain raced across my body, pulling me back to the black abyss.

The oranges of a fading sun was on the walls now. Someone coughed.

Spinning my head, my eyes locked on the boy sitting next to me. As my eyes narrowed, he smiled shyly. That little grin was adorable. His light brown hair was kind of spiky and messy. His eyes were the darkest purple I'd ever seen, appearing black at first glance. He was dressed in loose black pants and a black t-shirt. A band of some sort was tied to his arm.

"It's good to see you awake."

"Where am I?"

"Konoha," was all he replied. He seemed concerned. The vase on the side table had two black Dragon Lilies now. One was a bit wilted, possibly the one I remembered from when I'd woken up the second time.

"Where is Konoha?"

"The Land of Fire. Do you remember how you got here?"

"There...there was a storm. A branch broke or something, and landed on me. That's all I can remember."

"It was more than a branch. A whole tree came down on you. You're lucky to still be alive. I found you near dawn. The tree was blocking the path, and I heard you moaning when I was going to move it. My siblings and I got you out, and I brought you here. Do you remember your name?"

"I'm...Ayami. My name is Ayami. Who are you?"

"My name is Kankuro."

"Kankuro..." I tested the name. Looking at the Dragon Lilies again, I asked, "Did you bring the flowers for me, Kankuro?"

"Yes. I thought they might cheer you up when you came around."

"Most people wouldn't pick black to cheer someone up, yet I love them. What made you pick them?"

"You did. I knew as soon as I saw you that you weren't normal."

"Is that a compliment?"

"It is in this case."

"I'm nothing special."

"Are so, even if I'm the only one who knows it."

"Where are you from? You talk like you're not from here."

"I'm from Suna, in the Land of Wind."

"What are you doing here?"

"I came with my siblings and father. My dad is the Kazekage and had business here. We're leaving soon, but Temari, Gaara, and I wanted to make sure you would be alright."

"Those are your siblings names?"

"Yeah. Temari is my older sister, and Gaara is my younger brother. You look like you're around my age. Do you remember how old you are?"

"I think so. I think I'm ten."

"You're only a year younger than me!"

We sat in silence, neither of us sure what more to say. When I broke the silence, I sounded drowsy even to my own ears. "Kankuro, what do you think is so special about me?"

As I yawned, I only just heard him say, "I'm a ninja. Something tells me you're going to be one too, a powerful one," before my eyes fell shut.

I was finally able to get out of bed the last time I saw Kankuro. I was in a chair at the window when he came in.

"Ayami, you're out of bed!"

I turned to smile at my first friend. "I was getting tired of being stuck in bed."

"You still don't look like you feel very well though."

"I'm getting better every day. Stronger."

"That's great," he murmured.

"Is everything alright, Kankuro?"

"No. My family is going back to Suna today."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I didn't want to upset you. You've been through so much, and you're still recovering. I just wanted you to be happy."

"Thank you for that, Kankuro. What will happen when you leave? No one else visits me."

"The Hokage will. He's going to look after you for a while, at least until the test."

"Test? What test?"

"A chakra test, to see if you're strong enough to become a ninja."

"You keep talking about ninjas and training, but I've never fought or trained that I can remember."

"You can't remember anything before the storm," he pointed out. He showed me the band on his arm, a symbol engraved to it he told me represented his village. "I think you can do it. I managed. If you train, we could see each other again someday." He smiled infectiously, bringing one to my face as well.

"I'd like that. But I don't even know what chakra is!"

"You don't have to. If you pass, you'll go to the academy and learn everything you need to know."

I stood gingerly, walking with a limp to stand in front of him. My right arm was in a sling, but I still reached out to hug him. He seemed surprised but hugged me back.

"How will I get through it all without you?"

"You're tougher than you realize. We'll see each other again one day, and you'll brag about how easy it all was, and I can tell you I told you so."

"Thank you," I whispered in his ear, squeezing him a little tighter with my one arm.

"Even if you don't become a ninja, I hope I see you again someday." He grinned as he pulled a dark blue Dragon Lily from behind his back. He put it in my hair behind my ear. "I thought a change from the black was in order. The blue looks really nice with your eyes."

I felt my face get warm.

Hugging me again, he seemed solemn saying, "Goodbye, Ayami. I promise, I'll find you again one day. Even if it's not in this life, I'll find you."

"I will see you again, Kankuro, in this life."

I heard a sound outside, like someone was being chased. I checked out the window in time to see a loud blond boy run by, with men in military uniforms chasing after him. When I turned back around, Kankuro was gone.

Despite my injuries, the Hokage visited me the next morning. He looked elderly, and wore simple robes with a wide brimmed, bamboo coolie hat. He explained the test was nothing more than a mental examination of my chakra, but I didn't really understand what he meant.

"Yes..." he murmured to himself. "Yes, you will make a fine ninja for the Leaf, Ayami Mitsuki."

"I will? How do you know my last name when I didn't know it myself?"

"Quite. Your memories are still here, accessible by others, even if you can't see them yourself. I suspect you will eventually unlock your past, but know this: it will not be pleasant for you to remember."

Seeing I was frightened, he smiled kindly to reassure me.

"It does you no good to be scared now, Ayami. Worrying will only make your recovery more difficult."

"But-"

"Hush, child. All is well for now. You may not have originated here, but you're here now, and here you will remain."

Tears welled in my eyes. I wasn't going to be kicked out, lost and defenseless. I wasn't going to die. I was safe.

Such memories frequently crossed my mind as I fell asleep. Tonight, it preceded a nightmare.