The Little Mute Girl Chapter 4
Just one more seam and the first shirt is…Done!
One final snip from a pair of scissors and the last stitch to be sewn onto the sleeve is finished.
The seasons passed fast in her first year with Arrietty working steadily. Her hands hurt worst than ever, but she weaved and knit with renewed determination with every single stitch.
Arrietty releases a deep exhale, rolling her shoulders to get rid of the tension that's been building up the past couple of months. There were so many times that Arrietty just wanted to give up with all the occasions where she came so close to completing the shirt. Then it all suddenly fell apart making her have to start all over again. The worst part about that is that Arrietty can't even cry or make a sound. All she can do is swallow back her tears and whimpers and simply get back to work staring over from the beginning.
But with this Arrietty has a lot more hope to hang on to. This is proof that the rest of the shirts are possibly. She just has to preserve and stick with it.
Yes, all the pressure will probably build up again really soon. There is no rest for her. She can't afford to lose one single day.
"Big Sis Arrietty!"
Fortunately Arrietty has Naruto to brighten her days.
Despite all that's absent in her life Naruto has really made this place feel like home. Not just with the material items he provides to ease her burden, bust most of all the company he freely gives.
Arrietty knelt opening her arms wide to Naruto as he came in for a hug as is their daily routine.
Arrietty briefly pulled Naruto off of his feet as she twirled him around in a small circle, toes squishing in the dirt.
Bouncing on the back of his heels, barely restraining his excitement, Naruto said "I have a surprise for you."
Arrietty cocked her head a questioning look on her face.
"Close your eyes and hold out your hands," said Naruto.
Arrietty now appears all teary eyed. It's been so long since she's had these cookies. A memory then came to mind of when the family was happy and content in their home. Her father and brothers sitting down whenever he brought home some sweets we all like and then dividing them amongst each other. It was always one of their favorite things to do.
Also, Arrietty recalls the times her brothers have visited her while in this small piece of paradise. As promised her brothers found her during midwinter and midsummer. Each visit only lasted a day, but she treasured them all the same.
The first time Naruto met her brothers Haru, Hitoshi, Yoshiro, Akahoshi, Fuujin, and Dotuo was quite hilarious. It made Arrietty so hysterical that she came so close to laughing, but manages to hold it in.
Having no clue whom Naruto was or if he meant her any harm all six of them had chased the kid around. Naruto screamed as if he was running for his life. Naruto had even tried to make friends giving them some bread he had on him in order to make peace. But that didn't work either. They just nipped with their beaks and swiped lightly at him with their wings. Haru in particular was very protective of her. Being the youngest of her brothers the two of them had been close before the curse. That hadn't changed.
Things got better on the second visit in midwinter. It was colder then and the six brothers had seen how much Naruto had provided for her. In that they were grateful so eased up to the point where Naruto wasn't nervous around them anymore.
When Naruto asked about them Arrietty couldn't really answer him so she allowed him to make his own assumptions, telling her them out loud. Finally he mentioned one that would fit her background. That these swans had been family pets that had followed her to the hollow and continued to come back twice a year during annual migrations.
That's easy enough to follow.
"Arrietty," said Naruto, apprehensive, worried he may have done something wrong.
That was never his intention.
Whipping away her tears Arrietty smiled to cover up the pain kissing Naruto's cheek in thanks. It's true that sweets can't really solve the turmoil she's going through, but, at the very least, she can continue the tradition with Naruto in the here and now.
From the corner of his eye Naruto sees the completed shirt.
"You've finished it," he exclaims, grinning toothily, blue eyes sparkling. "That's great! Does that mean you can come into the Village with me now?"
Sadly Arrietty shakes her head, holding up five fingers to show him she still has that amount left to do. Naruto becomes upset because of how hurt her hands are and wish she were done. Arrietty now gently kisses him on the forehead.
Hoping to divert his attention Arrietty gestures at some scratch marks spread on his body. She wonders how he got them.
"Oh, don't worry. Some stupid dummies were chasing me earlier. Most of them gave up, but my teacher Iruka wouldn't leave me alone," said Naruto.
Arrietty places her hands on her hips sternly, narrowing her eyes in an accusing and suspicious stare. Sounds to her like he may have been skipping school again.
"I wasn't skipping class. I promise. I was just minding my own business and some people just started chasing me, but Iruka-Sensei wouldn't let up. No sweat. I had so many slick moves that I lost him," boasted Naruto, grinning like mad.
"Don't bet on it."
Wait a minute. That doesn't sound like Naruto's voice and it's certainly not Arriety's.
Oh shit!
Here comes big trouble.
Authors Note:
Hope you guys all like this one! ;D
Also, hope you had a Happy Easter!
Heads up, we should be heading into the episodes soon either after or a few more after this, I'm sure you're all pleased to hear.
Once more who are the Anbu you want to show up to apprehend Arrietty? I really need suggestions for this one guys otherwise I can't really proceed. I've been going back and forth over which Anbu it should be for months and I still can't figure it out. Help!
Also, I need your shared opinions over a new story idea that I came up with recently while watching two of my favorite franchises.
I'm doing a Venom story for the 2001-2003 Justice League Series. Do you guys think I should make it a crossover or just put it in the Justice League Universe? Another thing is about an idea of the symbiote completely taking over the host or if the relationship is a lot like Eddie and Venom's in the 2018 movie? Another thing is I'm having trouble with figuring out a title and a name for my character. If anyone has suggestions I'm more than willing to hear them.
As per usual with stuff like this the person/readers that offer the winning suggestions gets a question answered for the story in mind. In this case it's the Justice League 2001-2003 and Venom 2018 story.
I really want to get this idea up and running past the prologue I already have up soon, but I'm kind of all over the place.