Flames Of Recollection
Chapter 7
After eating enough ramen to make Naruto dizzy, Sakura and Akiya decided to watch the sunset together.
" It's magical. Being here with you. " Akiya spoke softly as Sakura leaned against her.
" Magical doesn't begin to say it. This is perfection. " Sakura smiled as Akiya kissed her head gently. " I've been wondering... What... What is your sister like? "
Akiya looked up to the sky before sighing sadly. " She was... everything. She was more than my sister she was my best friend and my partner. We did everything together including training. We were never separated." Akiya looked down as a tear fell down her cheek.
Sakura sat up quickly and hugged Akiya. " I'm sorry... i didn't mean to.."
Akiya smiled and kissed Sakura gently. As Akiya broke the kiss, a soft voice pierced the scene.
" Um...M...Miss Akiya? Would... Would you mind sparring with me? " Hinata's soft voice was clear but undeniably shy.
Akiya stood up slowly and looked at Hinata. " It would be my pleasure. But don't expect me to go easy on you! "
Akiya smiled as Hinata shook her head. " I would never!.. Byakugan! "
As Hinata's Byakugan activated, A ball of black chakra was all she saw. After dodging to avoid it, another hit her square in the chest.
Hinata coughed heavily after hitting the ground. As she stood, Akiya vanished.
Hinata stood still and focused. After a few moments she noticed it.
" Wha... What is this?! " Hinata looked stunned as no less than fifteen Akiya's with completely identical chakra surrounded her slowly.
" This? This is MY Ninjutsu! " All fifteen Akiya's spoke in unison before proceeding to do eight hand signs before drawing an arm back as if they were drawing an arrow. " Light Style : Heaven's Barrage! "
Both Sakura and Hinata gasped in surprise as a bright light started to swirl around all fifteen Akiya's arms before shifting into they're hands and forming an arrow. All fifteen Akiya's simultaneously released the arrow as Hinata began her defence Jutsu.
" Protection of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms! " Chakra immediately formed in Hinata's palms as she began moving her arms in arcs all around herself.
" Ah... your defensive Jutsu. Impressive. But it won't save you from what i have for you. Shadow Style : Dark Moons Descent! " Akiya spoke forcefully with a hint of playfulness in her voice as Hinata looked around.
Hinata looked up after looking in every other direction and gasped suddenly. A massive ball of black chakra was slowly falling towards her. Hinata immediately stopped her Jutsu and ran to avoid the black ball. As she ran, Hinata heard Akiya's voice again. " Now you are mine. "
Hinata stopped dead in her tracks as everything around her went pitch black. Hinata started to breathe heavily as the dread of pure loneliness slowly crept into her heart. " No..no...please..."
" Begging can't save you here. This is my playground. " Akiya giggled playfully as Hinata screamed. After several minutes, the darkness began to fade.
As the effects of the Genjutsu wore off, Hinata fell to her knees sweating and breathing heavily. " That was...terrifying... please never do that to me again..."
Akiya helped Hinata to her feet and hugged her gently. " Next time I'll go easy. I promise. "
Hinata smiled weakly before saying goodbye and walking off to find Naruto. Akiya stood and watched the last rays of sunlight disappear.
As the final light of day turned into night, Sakura spoke softly. " Those Jutsu... I haven't seen you use light before...i thought you just used shadow Jutsu. What was that? And why was that chakra ball so huge? "
Akiya giggled softly before speaking. " I told you. I remember all my Jutsu. My village trained me to use light and shadow as weapons and tools. And my chakra ball was so large because that is one of my own personal creations. One of seven Jutsu i created as last resorts or first moves. Depends on what I'm up against. "
Sakura smile and giggled softly as she laid down and looked up at the sky. " And i thought you were amazing before. What might be ne..."
Sakura fell silent as Akiya laid on top of her gently. " Oh i don't know... I like to be surprising. " Akiya smiled before kissing Sakura deeply.
Early Morning
As Akiya awoke slowly, She saw Sakura sleeping soundly next to her. Akiya smiled before getting up and heading downstairs for breakfast. After eating breakfast, Akiya decided to go and see Tsunade.
Upon arriving at Tsunade's room, Akiya knocked gently.
Tsunade's voice echoed from within. " Enter. "
Akiya slowly walked and bowed respectfully to Tsunade. " I have come to request something Hokage. "
Tsunade's chair spun around slowly before she spoke. " Then ask Akiya. What is on your mind? "
Akiya sighed softly before speaking. " I want to be alone. I thought i was in control of the chakra from Matatabi but i am not. I need to learn my connection with Matatabi and control the chakra. I need time. I can't do that with so many distractions... "
Tsunade chuckled softly as Shizune leant forward and whispered something in Tsunade's ear. " Very well. Go. Tell no one you are leaving and tell no one where you will be. Return at your discretion. And be safe. "
Akiya bowed politely and left quickly. Within minutes her presence in the village was all but gone.
As Sakura awoke and realised she was alone, She quickly flew into a panic. Sakura raced downstairs after getting dressed and asked her mother where Akiya went.
" Oh she went to see the Hokage sweetheart. Said it was urgent. " Sakura's mother almost fell over as Sakura raced out the door. " Your...welcome... Always on the move. "
After running as fast as she could, Sakura burst into Tsunade's room. " You know you may be my apprentice but i still expect the courtesy of knocking. "
Sakura groaned for a moment. " Akiya isn't here. "
Tsunade sipped her tea slowly. " So it would seem. Intriguing yes? "
Sakura stormed forward and slammed her hands down onto Tsunade's desk. " Where is sh..."
Tsunade silenced Sakura will a gaze of total intolerance. As Sakura apologised and backed away calmly, Tsunade spoke.
" I would not discuss it even if i did know where she was or what she was doing. She wants to be alone. With no one else aware of her location it ensures her needs are fulfilled. We must respect her decision and trust that it is for the best. " Tsunade sipped her tea again as her chair spun to face out of the window.
Sakura stood shaking as a tear rolled down her cheek. " But..."
Tsunade sighed. " I know Sakura. I know. "
Evening
As Akiya wandered, She lost all sense of direction and time. As night fell upon the area and soft chill swept the evening air, Akiya decided to set up camp.
Upon looking to the starry night sky, Akiya's thoughts were back in Hidden Leaf Village, Lying next to Sakura peacefully. Her heart yearned to go back but she knew this was for the best.
" Power like this is a responsibility. " Akiya thought to herself as she watched the stars in silence. After a few hours and some dinner, Akiya went to bed.
Morning
Akiya awoke slowly as the first rays of light stretched over the horizon. After having breakfast, Akiya began to think of the best way to communicate with Matatabi that didn't include a blade to the stomach. After a few moments, Akiya decided to meditate to quiet her mind.
As she meditated, Akiya struggled to remain peaceful. Her thoughts drifted to Sakura and how she would be worried. How she would feel alone. Akiya's thoughts drifted to her sister and how she was going to face her after so long. What would she even say? Where would she start?
As Akiya meditated, a soft voice echoed within her thoughts.
" So many distractions little one. So many thoughts and memories. How can you quiet your mind if you can't even control your feelings? "
" I... I don't know... It's so overwhelming. " Akiya spoke softly as the voice continued.
" And yet you would expect me to be one with you? How do i know you won't endanger us both with such lack of focus? "
" Matatabi... " Akiya's eyes shot open suddenly.
" Yes little one. But you did not answer my question. "
" I... Can't answer it... I cannot promise i won't endanger us. I can't focus... I can't even think straight..." Akiya sighed softly as Matatabi's voice sang through her mind gently.
" You need to quiet more than your mind. You need to quiet your heart. It is after all your heart that shakes. Quiet your heart and then we can work on that mind of yours. "
" Quiet my heart... How? " Akiya sat quietly waiting for an answer she could not receive.
" Only you can discover how little one. Quieting ones heart is to accept the loss of those within it. You must come to terms with who you are and the dangers you pose to those you love. Until then, We have nothing to discuss. "
" But... i don't want to lose them... Especially not Sakura. I love her too much... I.. I can't let her go..." Akiya had tears falling down her cheeks as her voice trembled.
" Then we cannot be one. I completely understand how you feel but you need to be able to focus on our bond when we fight together. Without that concentration we cannot effectively bond. You are my Jinchuriki and I am your tailed beast. Together we are a force to be reckoned with but only together. Consider what i have said and continue your meditation. "
Akiya sobbed softly but thought on what Matatabi said. she did not want to lose Sakura but Matatabi was right.
Despite having her memories back, Akiya was still a serious danger to everyone. She had to learn to bond with Matatabi and control the immense power within herself before she could trust herself around others permanently.
After wiping her tears away and breathing for a moment, Akiya regained her composure and returned to meditating silently. After a few moments, Her thoughts spiralled out of control.
Akiya's Mind
" How could you ever be one of us? "
" How could anyone ever love you? "
" Your too dangerous to be in the village. "
No. No that's not true. I am not dangerous. I can do this. I can do this. Focus... Focus..
As Akiya's thought slowed and her mind calmed, She noticed that the voices she was hearing were not from her friends and loved ones.
" That won't work Matatabi... I need to do this my way.. Please... " Akiya sighed softly.
" Very well little one. But remember what i have told you. "
Akiya took a deep breathe as her thoughts continued to flow. As Matatabi's words echoed through her mind, Akiya's thoughts reflected the words. Before her were her loved ones. All dead. The village in ash. Matatabi's voice echoed softly through her.
" Yes. Accept the loss. It hurts but you must not let your emotions cloud your judgement. Your mind must always be clear for our bond to remain strong. See your loved ones before you. Feel the emotions overwhelming you. Now tame those emotions. "
As tears streamed down Akiya's cheeks, Her thoughts slowly calmed and slowly she began to realise that death is inevitable. But focusing on it is not the way.
" Good. Now you begin to see. Do not focus on the loss. Focus on the time you have. Take nothing for granted and be prepared for the loss of what you have at any given moment. "
" Yes... I can't take it for granted. Anything. Not even our power and bond. I can't always protect everyone and i can't win every time. Your right..." Akiya continued to sob softly and her voice trembled with each whisper. Her heart shook as her emotions slowly grinded to a halt.
" Ah.. There you are little one. Calm. In control. This is the girl i remember being joined with. The girl i watched grow. Good. Continue.."
Akiya sighed heavily as her tears slowed. Her heartbeat slowed to a pace that felt like it would stop completely.
Her mind became clear and she felt completely relaxed and at ease. After a few moments Akiya opened her eyes and raised her arms slowly until her hands were in front of her. Blue flames swirled slowly and calmly around her fingers and arms.
" Welcome back my dear. How i have missed you. "
Akiya smiled as the flames receded at her will. " Thank you Matatabi. It feels so good to be myself again.. But i still think we need more time to regain our bond. "
" I agree. Let us spend the time we need. No rushing this time my dear. "
Akiya smiled again and closed her eyes once more. " No rushing... Not this time..."
Five Weeks Later
" I am NOT waiting any longer! She has been gone for weeks and i am sick and tired of you telling me patience and trust! I am going after her! " Sakura stood furious in Tsunade's room.
" And exactly what would that achieve? You have no idea where she went or why. You would search the entire world for someone who does not want to be found? " Tsunade spoke calmly and to the point as she always did.
" If that is what it tak..." Sakura stopped as Kakashi appeared in the middle of the room.
" So sorry for interrupting but if i may turn your attention to the gate. " Kakashi was reading his book as usual as he lazily pointed a hand toward the village's main gate.
As Tsunade and Sakura looked out the window they noticed a blue flame engulfed two tailed cat sitting atop the gate. As it stood they realised that it was a person. Sakura immediately burst out of Tsunade's room and ran toward the gate.
" Ah... so she found her answers. Good. SHIZUNE! " Tsunade shouted loudly as Shizune rushed into the room.
" Y...Yes Lady Tsunade? " Shizune panted softly as Tsunade spoke.
" Make sure there is some fresh tea for Akiya when she arrives. Kakashi take the Jonin and secure Akiya. Bring her to me at once. No one is to speak to her until i do. " Tsunade turned back to the window as Shizune left to make tea and Kakashi vanished.
As Sakura arrived at the gate, A crowd had already gathered and were all staring at the blue cat upon the gate. As Sakura was stopped by the Jonin, Kakashi's voice rang out among all the whispers of the crowd.
" The Hokage would like to speak to you before anything else. Please see her at once. " Kakashi stopped speaking as a blue blur streamed past the crowd and darted over rooftops to the Hokage's building.
Sakura spun on the spot and sprinted back towards the Hokage's building as the Jonin vanished. As she arrived at the entrance, Again she was stopped by a line of Jonin.
" Let me in. I have to see her. MOVE DAMMIT! " Sakura tried with all her strength to push past the Jonin but they would not budge. As Sakura motioned to use a Jutsu, Akiya's voice rang clearly and forcefully through the line. The sound almost brought Sakura to her knees.
" ENOUGH! They have orders to allow no one to enter. Sakura don't force this... I promise i am not going anywhere. I promise i will find you. But right now the Hokage needs to speak with me. Until that happens... everything you and i need must wait. Please don't make this hard Sakura.. " Akiya had a look of longing and an urge to hold Sakura filling her eyes.
As a smile slowly crept across Sakura's face, She nodded and sat down quietly. As Akiya smiled and walked back up the stairs to Tsunade's room, Sakura burst into tears. " I've never heard her speak with so much force... I'm so glad to see her but..."
" But it was a shock that almost took you off your feet. She is truly herself once again. At long last. " Kamura spoke softly as she sat next to Sakura.
" Her...herself? What do you mean? I thought you said she was herself when her memories returned. " Sakura looked at Kamura with disbelief and confusion on her face.
" I admit that it is true that Akiya regained her memories. But without her bond to Matatabi she was not truly herself. Not as far as her personality and attitude were concerned. Now that her bond has been restored she is her true self once more. When she was younger there wasn't a soul in our village that didn't bend to her will when she spoke like that. She is a force of immense strength and power and she has always inspired loyalty and obedience in others. Akiya is a very, very special girl. More than any of us truly realise. " Kamura smiled happily as Sakura began to understand how very little she truly knew about the girl she loved.
" Welcome home Akiya. How was your journey? " Tsunade spoke softly as Akiya thanked Shizune for the tea and sipped slowly.
" Enlightening, resourceful and uniquely successful. " Akiya calmly sipped her tea and sighed contently. " It's lovely tea. Thank you Shizune."
As Shizune smiled and bowed happily, Tsunade spoke softly. " Then you found the answers you were seeking? "
Akiya sighed after drinking the last of her tea and placing the small cup onto Tsunade's desk. " I did. My bond with Matatabi is fully restored and the chakra is completely under control. "
Tsunade smiled and chuckled. " Good. And just in time too. We received this two days ago. "
Tsunade carefully handed a bound scroll to Akiya who noticed her own name at one end and her sisters name at the other. Between them were symbols denoting family and loyalty.
Upon opening the scroll, Akiya noticed that it was a letter. The letter read:
I know i don't deserve this but i need to see you sister. I know you have restored your bond with Matatabi. I never meant to hurt you. Please meet me outside the Hidden Leaf Village in two days and let me explain. Please..
" Two days?! But that's today! " Akiya dropped the letter onto Tsunade's desk and sprinted out of the door and down the stairs.
As she ran past Sakura, Sakura noticed tears flowing down her cheeks.
" Akiya? Wait! Akiya... " Akiya hadn't heard Sakura as she ran past and towards the gate. " What's wrong... What happened in there? "
" A scroll was received two days ago with her sisters name on it. I assume her sister has asked to meet with her. " Kamura sat quietly and as Sakura motioned to run after Akiya, Kamura held her arm tightly. " No. They need this. And they need to be alone when they speak. Let them resolve the tension between them. "
Sakura looked longingly after Akiya but slowly sat back down to wait.
As Akiya rushed out of the gate and quickly arrived at the spot that the letter had specified, She noticed no sign of someone being there.
" Kaliya?... Kaliya please don't hide from me.. Please..." Akiya spoke with a trembling voice as a voice echoed from behind her.
" I don't have a reason to hide from you. But i never thought you would actually..." Kaliya stopped speaking as Akiya spun on the spot and ran towards her before hugging her tightly and lovingly.
" I've missed you so, so much Kaliya. Why didn't you come sooner? Where have you been? " Akiya looked longingly into her sisters eyes as tears streamed down both they're faces.
" I left and went into the mountains. I've been there since i attacked you regretting what i did and praying you would forgive me..." Kaliya looked sadly at the ground.
" Of course i forgive you! Your my sister! Nothing can ever change how much i love and need you. We were inseparable until that night. We can be the way we were before. just come home.. Please Kaliya? " Akiya pulled Kaliya into another hug as Kaliya cried heavily.
" But i nearly killed you and i killed everyone in our village! How can you forgive me so easily? How can i ever forgive myself for that?! HOW?! " Kaliya cried heavily and struggled to push away from Akiya but Akiya refused to let her go.
" None of that matters! Your my sister! I don't care what happened then! We are here now. I forgive you and i know you didn't mean to do it. The destruction of our village was an accident Kaliya. It wasn't your or my fault. It wasn't anyone's fault just please come home." Akiya begged her sister with all her heart as Kaliya slowly stopped struggling.
" But how can i trust myself again? I never want to hurt you ever again! It was tormenting trying to live with what i did. I didn't even realise what had happened until i went to our village a week ago and saw what i had caused.. How can i ever forget that? It will haunt me forever..." Kaliya began struggling again but this time Akiya pulled her down and pinned her to the ground.
" Kaliya i love you with all my heart. You are my sister. My best friend and my partner. You mean everything to me. Nothing.. NOTHING will ever change that. Please let me help you.. Please come home. " Akiya was crying heavily as Kaliya looked up at her sister and burst into tears.
" I've missed you so much Akiya. I'm so sorry for everything! " Kaliya cried uncontrollably as Akiya helped her up and held her gently.
" I have missed you more than i can say Kaliya. Lets go home. I want you to meet someone very special to me. " Akiya smiled as she wiped Kaliya's tears away.
Kaliya was still crying and could only manage a nod as Akiya held her hand and started to walk back to the village.
A sister returned and bonds reforged. Is this the path Akiya should walk? Or just a precursor to complete catastrophe?
Read on to find out!
At last Chapter 7!
I admit i have had writers block for months and at last it hath been broken! More chapters lay ahead!
Read and Review