"O h you lo...st soul… Poo r wret…ch."
I tried to speak- call out to this… thing. A word appeared in my mind, telling me it was a 'voice'. My innate ability to understand the sounds it made confused me. However, what triumphed that feeling of confusion more than anything was… I believe it was relief, and euphoria. I was finally interacting with something other than the white void I've been trapped in.
"I c an…save you…"
Save- me? I wasn't aware that's something that could be done. My hope had disappeared a while ago, but then again… with the introduction of this voice I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have even a little bit of hope. I wanted to say 'thank you.' To beg them, tell them 'yes.'.
"A…re y ou willing… to do anything?"
YES. I AM. ANYTHING TO ESCAPE THIS PLACE. My mind screamed at me to do something so as not to let this opportunity pass by. I couldn't move, speak, or give any indication of my answer, but the voice somehow knew what I wanted. That my desire was to leave no matter the cost. I didn't even know what would wait for me after this, with no previous memories of an outside other than these white walls I had no idea what to expect.
"Hehe…v ery well… then I wi l l help…"
And then, the first physical sensation I felt in a long time happened. It was a type of- pulling, I think. A pulling on every fiber of my being which didn't make sense because I had no being but-
Then there was no white anymore. I could feel- breath! I took in the air, and I began to cry. Even this was enough to make me die happy. Then I became aware of other feelings, something tickled my… skin. HOLY SHIT I HAVE SKIN. My smile- yes oh my I have a mouth I can smile with- it widened and my cheeks began to pull, it felt different. Yet not unpleasant. I think it's painful? Though, I don't remember if it's bad or not. Any sensation feels magical now.
As I marveled at my new feelings, I also looked around, taking the colors and the brightness, and the darkness of everything. I looked up and squinted my eyes, when they came upon a white ball I looked away reflexively. Oh- now there's a black spot in the center of my vision. OH- it's coming back to me- the sun! So I was blinded then. Oh. Wow, I feel really really stupid. Then again I could be really young- so maybe it's normal? I don't know anything since I have nothing else to compare to.
"You were a human before."
Before? Human? Wait- the voice? "Thank you..! Thank you- thank you so so much, you-" It cut me off, and I noticed that it sounded clearer, as before it was breaking up and much quieter. I could identify that it was deep, but smooth and almost echoey. Though I felt like still didn't know what or who it was, that it was hard to put a label on it.
"It's no problem. Remember, you promised to do something for me?"
Ah, yes! "Of course I'll do anything you ask me to, you're like my savior!" I wiped some excess tears from my eyes. The voice was quiet for a moment. "Well… I suppose so. I'll let you know my orders as they come. I will guide you." I felt the urge to squeeze something. Wrap it up in my arms- I'm not sure why. I can identify the feeling as happiness, but what is this additional physical impulse?
"...you want to hug something. It's normal to feel that way when you're overjoyed." I blinked, and also felt excited for being able to blink, "Ah- can you read my mind?" That would explain a lot. How the voice knew what I wanted back in that white hell. So then- it could read my thoughts at this very moment then. "I can. I'm afraid that this is permanent. My setup righ now isn't optimal… so this is the only way I can communicate."
I wasn't sure what they meant by setup, but I shouldn't question my savior. Though they probably know what I'm thinking. You don't need to answer any of my questions! The silence told me that they accepted that. I reassessed the position I was in, sitting down and- wow it's cold! Although the sun was out, and there weren't many cloud, the breeze on my skin was enough to make me shiver. I blooked down at the grass, and I could see bugs, the dirt and… white strands? Of what? "It's your hair." Oh. My hair- and it's white. Something about that felt ironic, and I sighed, laying back on the grass. I looked up at the sky and just enjoyed the varying sensations around me.
"...you should get some clothes, or something to cover up with. It's cold." Ah right- clothes. I guess I can't just survive in the outdoors with nothing on me, right? Well if the savior tells me to I- "I am called Kel. Savior is a bit… much." Oh, Kel it is then. I smiled, getting up and dusting off some ants that crawled up my leg. Before that, another thing happened- warm liquid ran down my leg. It was yellow. Oh- pee? I forgot all about that. I stopped the flow from continuing, shaking off any excess liquid from my leg. Part of me seemed to still remember how to control my bladder though I had forgotten for a moment.
From that point on I continued to walk through the forest, Kel gave me input every now and then. I was lucky to not run into any large wild animals, is what Kel said. Though seeing an animal would be a wonderfully fun experience. After all, I saw a few squirrels and they were adorable! They weren't that scary, but he forest was large, many many trees and no roads to speak of. If it became dark I wouldn't be able to find clothing or shelter. I wondered if I could find more humans? Kel said I used to be one. "My phrasing earlier was crude… you still are human, physically, but you're different." I'm not sure what he meant by that, but my intuition told me it had something to do with the white void. Interesting, but the memories of that place are ones I want to push far out of my mind. Are they even memories? It went by like an eternity, but there was nothing there, nothing of note. Only white. It felt like my consciousness only woke up with Kel started talking to me… did I even exist before then?
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of chatter ahead of me, past some trees and bushes. As I approached, the chatter went quiet, but an orange glow and warmth told me to push further. What I saw was a campsite, with… people? Other humans! Three tall ones, one short one. A tiny one. A child, my subconscious supplied. The child was dressed in an all black cloak and more black clothing underneath it. It covered it's eyes and I guess it was because of my indecency. At least I know I'm probably not a child, since I'm so much bigger than it. The three tall ones were all dressed similarly, green vests and navy blue underclothes. One had an eyepatch over it's left eye, and messy brown hair all over the place. The oldest had a scar on it's lips, sun-kissed skin and hair tied up. The last one had beautiful eyes. A pitch black color that I would describe as obsidian with hair to match.
The three tall ones were quick to action. Two pointed what must be weapons at me, lowering their stance and narrowing their eyes. Eyepatch instead moved to grab the child, protecting it and also in a fighting stance. Obsidian spoke in a hushed voice. "State your business." Oh. "Um… I don't know? I guess I want to live." They raised an eyebrow, "What business do you have with us?" What did I need from them? Ah right… "Oh, I need clothes. Also, do you know where there are other humans?"
They didn't make a move, instead asked more questions. "What village are you from? What do you mean 'other humans'?" I blinked, staying quiet as I formed my thoughts. "Um, I'm not from any village. I don't really live anywhere. Also, aren't you all human? I'm sure I am too. I'm just looking for more of my kind." "Tell them someone stole from you." They didn't seem to hear Kel, as they made no reaction to his voice. "Ah, I was stolen from." The lie slipped from my tongue so easily, and I'm not sure why.
Obsidian opened its mouth to ask another question, before Scar-mouth stopped it. "I think she's just a civvie traveler. If she were a ninja we would've already been fighting." Scar-mouth motioned for them to put away their weapons and they did. Ah, so he must be the leader? Looks older too, 30s? The other two are more like late teens maybe. He dug into a bag and fished out some clothes which were a bit too big for me. The other two watched me warily as I put them on. Obsidian asked another question, but its voice was more delicate. "What are you doing out here? A girl of your age, 16? It should be dangerous." "Oh. I'm a girl then, is that different from a human?"
Obsidian's eyebrows furrowed together, "Well, you can still be human and be a girl- how do you not know…?" "You should ask me if you have any questions like that." I acknowledged Kel's request, "Oh- I guess I might have gotten hit on the head?" I attempted to make something up, and because of my sheer confusion it seems like they believed it. I wonder, is Kel a girl? "Hmm… There are binary genders such as male and female. You should remember this general knowledge." I thought about it. Yes, I knew girl was female and male would be boy, so… I suppose they are human. I feel incredibly dumb. "Not to worry, these things happen, you just have some memory issues. You'll remember with time." Kel's words comforted me as simple as they were. I really did want to remember who I was, how I got here. "Ah, to answer your question from earlier, I don't go by anything like gender. Referring to me as 'it' or 'them' as you've been doing is just fine." I noted that, and it did make things easy for me as well. So does that mean Kel isn't human? Saying they don't 'go by anything like gender.' "I do apologize for constantly intruding on your thoughts… but, no, I'm not exactly human. That's all I can tell you."
I turned my attention back to Obsidian as I pushed those other thoughts away. It all sounded like something complicated, something I can't deal with right now. So… then Obsidian is- "I'm Uchiha Kari. What's your name?" Ah, Kari it is then. Wait, what's my name? "For now, just pick what feels right." I pursed my lips, thinking. "Um, I guess you can call me Jen." Kari just nodded, before joking, "Haha, I'm a girl by the way." Ah- so the other two would be men? "So… I will refer to you as 'she'?" Kari seemed a little confused at the question, but I felt like it was right to ask. Not sure why. "Uh, yeah."
An awkward silence followed, before Eyepatch followed suit and introduced himself. "Takeru, nice to meet you- and uh, guess I'm a he?" I smiled, "It's nice to meet you too." The two looked at scar-face before he shrugged, "Name's Hiroto. I look like a man don't I? I'm not a medic-nin, but you must have hit your head real hard." He seemed a little concerned with how lost I was. "Well, uh. I guess so." Let's just agree with everything they say. Looking at Kari and then the other two, I looked down at myself. It's starting to come back to me. Concepts of masculine and feminine. So then that child… "Um, what's your name, little girl?"
"…I'm a boy." He looked a little miffed that I had mistaken his gender. "Oh- I'm sorry, just, uh. Sorry." Well shit. Fuck it I'll just ask people if I'm confused. "My name is Itsuki, I'm eight." He still answered me, sounding rather proud too. Oh god that awkward silence is back- it can't be worse than the void can it? Maybe it is.
Hiroto looked up at the sky, "You two get some rest, I'll figure out what to do with Jen-san." They nodded, before Kari replied, "Make sure to wake me up for the next watch, Sensei." He waved his hand, "Yeah yeah, I'm not so old yet that I'm forgetting things." He stood up from the floor as the other two laid down on the floor, having already unpacked sleeping bags. Itsuki did the same, close to Takeru. Could they be escorting him? It's possible… But why in the world would you need an escort?
"Alright Jen-san, you said you wanted to 'find more of your kind', care to explain?" I guess it did sound a bit weird… damn. "You're looking for a village to settle down in." "I'm looking for a village to settle down in, since traveling by myself is dangerous and all." Hiroto eyed me with a look I couldn't quite place. Pensive, but cautious all the same. Wasn't he the one who said I was alright? Who gave me clothes? Perhaps they really are guarding Itsuki.
"Alright. Then, why don't I bring you to our village. That's where we're headed anyway." It sounds like a dream offer, but a part of me felt apprehensive. Why? "Um, doesn't that seem dangerous? You don't really know me- so how can you trust me enough to bring me to your home?" He laughed quietly and shook his head. "If you were actually a threat," I don't know what happened but within an instant, a knife was thrown at my feet, nearly stabbing my toes. A 'kunai', my mind supplied. "I would have already killed you." A shiver went down my spine, but it could have been from the cold. "Ah, I see." That can't be the only reason can it? Despite the questions still stirring in my mind I decided to leave it be. Wouldn't be good to piss him off. I handed the kunai back to him.
"So, what kind of village is it?" I decided to ask about something familiar instead. "Good, you're remembering." I am? Well I guess it has been some time since I talked to someone… I nearly forgot my manners earlier when I showed up in the nude. "It's safe, if that's what you're asking. Konohagakure, haven't you heard of it?" He flashed his headband at me, and I squinted a bit in the dark, making out a tiny symbol in the center. Some sort of abstract leaf? "I'm afraid I don't remember, sorry." He shrugged, "Don't worry about it, you should sleep. Go ahead and use my sleeping bag," he tossed it to me, "I'll tell you all about our village tomorrow." Hiroto stretched and I got settled into the sleeping bag. The warmth was… wow. People made these? Amazing.
It was still hard to go to sleep, though. I never needed it in the void and the excitement of the day was still buzzing around inside me. I met people- real people! I'm not alone… not that I ever was since I got here with Kel around. Oh my god, and I have a name, and I talked- god the feeling is exhilarating. "You really do need to sleep. They'll probably be waking up early tomorrow." But- how could I? Sleeping just means missing out on everything! Like the stars, the night air, the sounds of crickets… "Please? Try for me." Well… if Kel really wants me to. I sighed a bit, before closing my eyes. Exhaustion hit me like a truck. Then, working seconds, I fell asleep.
It's much easier to walk around wearing shoes. There's less pain and it's not that cold. It's also helpful that they had a map and knew how to find a road. I guess sleeping in the forest is safer than just sleeping on the road you're traveling on. Oh and thank god they have food! Ration bars might be bland and dry to them, but it's practically ambrosia for me. Hiroto walked in the back with me. Perfect breakfast.
Itsuki walking with Takeru in the middle and Kari taking up the front. "Hiroto, could you tell me about your village now?" He nodded, "Ah but it's Hiroto-'san', please." Huh? Come to think of it- what language is this..? "Don't think too hard about it. I've made it so you can understand each other." Kel to the rescue! I wouldn't know how it works anyway even if it was explained. So I'll just go with it.
I finished eating my ration bar as Hiroto started to explain. "Konohagakure, it's one of the five great hidden villages. Famously surrounded by trees that our first Hokage made himself. They help protect the village, making it difficult for outsiders to find us. Hmm… we have a lot of clans as well, since it was the first hidden village. Kari there is an Uchiha, one of the most powerful clans." Oh that's interesting. None of this matches up with the general knowledge that I have. I mean- it's been coming back to me… cars, trucks, countries and basic human concepts. Despite that, I only found myself more lost by this explanation. "Um, is there anywhere called America?" Now it was Hiroto's turn to be confused. "I'm afraid not, where's that?" "Oh, it's where I'm from, but I guess it's really far away..?" "This world is not the one that you have in your memories. It models an alternate universe of Japan." That explains a lot. Kel- why didn't you tell me this earlier?
Having not received an answer, I focused back on Hiroto. He had started to talk about how he's been to many places, but never heard of 'America'. "Well, anyway. Ever heard of the Will of Fire?" I shook my head in response. He smiled, "It's the principle of our village, that we're all a family. It's the reason I'll give my life for my village." Sounds like propaganda to me. "Are you in the army, Hiroto-san?" He laughed, one hand on his head and one on his stomach. "Uh- was it something I said?"
"No no, don't worry. Just-" He laughed again, "Don't you remember what a shinobi is?" "Oh, like a ninja?" He nodded. I guess Kel was right, like some sort of historical era of Japan. So then- "You're guarding Itsuki, then?" Why else would three Shinobi accompany a child? A vacation? Hiroto opened his mouth to speak, until he halted in his tracks. Takeru and Kari did the same while Itsuki looked around frantically. Danger then? My breathing only quickened slightly at the realization, and my eyes flickered around us. The sun made my eyes sting as I strained to find any movement.
Something flew past me towards Itsuki. Takeru grabbed him and pulled him out of the way. It was a kunai. My heart beat faster in my chest and I looked to Hiroto. His face was set in a serious expression. Five figures appeared before us, from their clothes I could tell they're Shinobi. Hiroto flung Kunai at two of them. Then he made some hand signs and two copies of himself appeared. Magic? "Jutsu. Shinobi arts." Kel- what should I do? "Nothing. Let them handle it." I felt restless, but without knowing how to fight I couldn't be useful.
Two Hirotos lunged forward, one of them staying next to me. Takeru had Itsuki behind him, a kunai at the ready. The Hirotos engaged two of the five in hand to hand while Kari handled the other three. She dodged their attacks easily, managing to slit the throat of one in a second.
She scoffed, "What, did Iwa really only send some chuunin to deal with us?" She kicked another one in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. They weren't fast enough to deal with her, and one of them decided to abandon that altogether.
He barely dodged a punch to the face, ducking just in time and lunging towards Takeru. This was a futile attempt, seeing as he ran his face straight into a Kunai.
Death was instant, and Itsuki cowered behind Takeru as the blood splattered towards them. "Are they even chuunin? They honestly seem a lot weaker…" Takeru noted with suspicion. By this point Hiroto had already disposed of two and Kari finished off the last of her three.
It has only taken them minutes to defeat them, and it didn't even look like a challenge. "Honestly I think they're just sending anyone at this point, hell I think some genin could've handled them." Hiroto shook his head. The clones dispelled, and it seems like it was a clone protecting me. Hiroto walked back over, "Alright? It's uh, not easy seeing something like this for the first time." Itsuki himself was trembling a bit.
Strangely, I didn't feel- horrible I suppose. Disgusted, maybe, but it isn't like I did the killing right? I felt mostly normal. "I'm okay, it's just kind of gross, is all." That white void was worse than anything. A couple of bodies can't even begin to compare. Though, it certainly doesn't smell pleasant, that's for sure.
We just continued on from there while Hiroto captivated me with tales of Konoha. Kari and Takeru would pitch in every now and then, but they seemed to be on the quiet side.