Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends and family belong and laughter never ends.
-Unknown
Had it been up to her, she would've never returned. It was too risky. But, she had ran out of provisions for her travel. She had no choice as this had been the only village nearby.
The village was just as Kireina--for that was what she called herself--remembered it to be. The vendors were bustling as they always had and there was an aroma of peace, no doubt the effects of the end of the war.
Had it been any of the other villages she had visited on her past, she would've stepped inside without a second thought. Without a worry. Without a caution.
But, this was no ordinary village. No, this had once been her home. A place she'd been forced to leave years ago. And now, she was back.
But, she didn't want to be.
To all those she had left behind, she was a traitor. And she ought to be one too. She left them without an explanation, without a word. Just a letter stating she'd run away and thanking all those who'd helped her be what she is today.
She hoped they considered her dead, but didn't want to take any chances.
She had too much to lose.
Her face was shrouded with a black cloak, hiding her true identity. She made sure her each step was planned, calculated, so as to not arouse suspicion and endanger the image she'd donned of a traveller. She couldn't afford to make any mistakes for this time, the risk of recognition was greater.
She sneaked a glance at the tiny figure on her back. He was donning a cloak, not very unlike hers, it's hood hiding a face she'd die before revealing. The boy's head was resting on her shoulder, a few black strands falling out, his arms encircled around his mother's neck. Kazue snored slightly as he snuggled into Kireina's one-sided embrace.
With another glance at her son, Kireina tightened her hold on Kazue's legs. He was far too precious for her to be lost because of a single mistake. And not for the first time, she promised to protect her son from the dangers of the Ninja world.
A world she'd grown up in.
At every step, she told herself to act natural and every second, she reminded herself to concentrate. A little slip, and all would be lost. They would be separated and she'd probably put to death.
And Kazue--she didn't even want to think of what they would to to him. He was merely four, and so very innocent to the ways of shinobi. She didn't want to taint his eyes with the horrors of the Ninja world. He'd already seen enough.
This thing is, she trusted the Hokage. She knew that regardless of what she would do to her, Lady Hokage would never hurt Kazue. For he was but a child and anything either of his parents did was not his fault. No, it was her family she was afraid of. They would seal him, bind him to her clan. They would not exercise restraint simply because he was a child. And if anything happened to her, they would want custody of him. And they would do everything to make sure that 'anything' happened, especially considering who his father was.
Just the thought of the world finding out made her nauseous.
A tiny groan broke through her thoughts, shortly followed by a small yawn. Naturally, a smile overtook her face, her brain pushing her dark thoughts to the deeper recesses of her mind.
"Good Morning."
Kireina looked back at him, her eyes softening.
"Good morning, my little prince. Sleep well?"
Kazue puffed up his cheeks, which were turning to an interesting shade of red--a trait, no doubt, inherited by his mother--and pouted.
"Mama! Stop calling me that!"
He groaned, discreetly looking around to make sure no one had heard, remembering the last time she'd embarrassed him by calling him that infront of other kids. Kireina let out a laugh, shaking her head all the while.
"Speaking of which, where are we? I don't remember being here before."
Not for the first time, Kireina marvelled at her son's memory. They had been to many villages, some more than once, and yet recognized this one as one of those they hadn't. She bit her lip, as she was, onse again, struck by how much he took after his father.
"Yes, we havent been here before. This is the Leaf village."
My former home, she added mentally.
She glanced a look back at his awed expression, as his eyes absorbed every detail.
"You remember the story I told you about that hero, the blonde one?" At his nod, she leaned forwards as if telling him a secret, "Well, he lives here." She finished with a whisper.
His wide eyes and gaping jaws were definitely worth it, as he looked at her, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Really?" He whispered. At his mother's nod he gave a delighted squeal. Kireina could only watch and laugh as he scrambled off her back and ran ahead.
She followed after him, smiling all the while. It was moments like these she would cherish, because she knew that a day would come when the truth would be revealed. She made sure to delay that day as much as possible, but she knew that they couldn't remain hidden forever. After that, she dreaded the answer of if Kazue would remain the same. It was this innocence she wished would last forever and moments like this she would hold on to, when that day came.
How close it was, if she only knew.
Behold! It is I, your beloved author!!
And I have come into the realm of humans to know what you mortals think of my creation.
So, how was it? I'd really appreciate constructive criticism, however hate comments will not be tolerated. If that happens, then by my will, you will surely PERISH!!(repeated three times with decreasing vloume)
Just who are Kireina and Kazue? Any guesses on what would happen next?
Be sure to comment your answers and point out any typos.
Lots of Nutella,
Author-chan.
