When the heavens darken, the diamond specks materialise across an endless stretch of velvet sky. Along with its illuminating counterpart is the light of a remote half-moon.
Rin stands by the waterfall and immerses herself in the soften sounds of falling aqua. Her thoughts are disorderly and so unpleasant, she half-wishes she could crawl into her muse and manually shut them off.
I don't belong here. I was supposed to be dead. Remind me why I'm here again?
"Your memories," her conscience says.
Is this the sole reason for my existence?
But has her reason changed? If she had the opportunity to turn back time, would she refuse her master's deal? Would she give up everything she lived for in the past seventeen years?
"Is this really what my life has whittled down to? A bunch of old memories and Tobi?" she mutters miserably.
She removes her sandals so her feet absorbs the cool placid waters.
It is a glorious sensation, as if the water is drowning her sorrows, her thoughts and all the heartache that has been building for so many long years.
Under the sky's illumination, she notices faint grey-black lines scattered across the surface of her legs. She has not seen them since the night they transpired, but as she lifts her legs from the water, it slowly recedes into her skin. It does not return when she plunges them into the pool again.
"I knew I'd find you here," says a deep voice.
A moment's pause and her body freezes.
When the realisation strikes that it is Tobi, she breathes in relief.
"What are you doing here?," she asks stiffly.
He comes to sit beside her.
"Is it not obvious?" He answers lightly.
"How did you find me?"
Her tone is oddly high, as if there is an unconscious air of wariness that is attached to her question. Self-consciously she brings both knees to her chest and wraps her arms around them.
"I have my sources," he replies evasively.
"What do you want?"
There is a brief silence.
"For someone who was supposed to aid us in the capture of the three tails, you did a sensational job," he says sarcastically.
"You captured it?" she asks, surprised.
"Yes."
She turns away.
No, I cannot be here. I will not let him manipulate me.
The surge of guilt may permeate, but she resists and stands to leave.
"Where are you going?" Tobi asks without looking at her.
"Away from you."
"Sit back down. You're not going anywhere," he says dangerously.
"And if I refuse?"
"I'll kill you."