So i got quite a few hits. Possibly a good thing. Decided to keep it up and tell the story of how he got so strong and what he sacrificed. In other words, this is a prequel of sorts. Sasuke centric again (too tragic of a character to resist). Enjoy!
I walk along the dirt path. Not really knowing where it takes me. Not really caring. Just as long as it takes me there.
The ocean is nearby. I can smell the salty breeze that makes my nose twitch. I hear the deep lull of the waves pounding on the shore for all eternity.
I still don't know what brought me here.
Maybe I can find refuge here. The ocean. The tall thin pines curiously growing on islands that only consist of sheer cliff walls.
Maybe this is where things will start. On this narrow road to the Deep North.
I left everything comfortable and familiar. Wishing that travel will make me stronger, wiser, more experienced with the world. I left seeking something intangible. Power.
I glance to my left. All I see are fresh pine branches elegantly twisting in odd directions. Something about all this greenery makes me forget about my troubled past.
But not completely out of mind.
In my deep thoughts of nothing and everything I stumble. Falling rapidly towards the earth. I catch myself palm first. I didn't notice the ancient stone steps covered with soft moss. I silently curse at my carelessness.
Stone stairs that seemingly start out of nowhere. They slowly slope upwards and turn so that I cannot see where they take me. A frightening thought that I'm allowing such a thing become my guide.
Gathering up and regaining composure I take that first shaky step. The stone crumbles a little from the weight. I slowly ascend the incline, not knowing where it takes me.
In what feels like the slowest walk of my life, I pause. In mid-step I turn and peek back behind me. No more can I view the base where I fell. All I see are dark greens and browns with spots of protruding light.
I sigh, and wonder if this really is where I need to go. Is this journey necessary? Should I retrace my steps and start over?
The young part of me whispers "Yes".
But the overly ambitious part yells "No".
I can't go back. Or else everything I have lived through, everything I have sought after would have been for nothing. I'd be filled with regret.
And that would hurt more than anything another person can inflict upon me.
I continue the ascent. Warily traversing between the pointy needles from the branches that overlap the narrow road.
I hear my unsure footsteps. The occasional bird call. The soft murmur of the pine trees as they sway against each other. Participating in a conversation I could never comprehend.
In the dull quiet of the forest, my mind sharply comes back to reality as I find myself hurdling face first toward the ground again.
Except I don't catch myself this time. I admit I did not want to break the fall. I wanted to feel the pain. The pain of my mistakes. Of my weakness.
I land harshly on the ground and enjoy the cool pain of the dirt pressed against my hands and face. I lie motionless with my eyes shut tight. Thoughtless until I startle, realizing that my torso is atop dirt rather than stone.
I missed the last step too…Curiosity takes over as I hastily pick myself up. I fell so hard that my practically empty pack flung itself off my shoulder and landed five feet away.
Black eyes fixated on the brown lump, I pace towards it and bend forward to pick it up. Casually brushing the dirt away with a calloused hand I failed to notice what was directly in front of me.
Slowly glancing up I stop, staring at the horizon. The sea and sky are painted with hues of the sunset. Vibrant pinks and oranges blazing in a colorful fire. Dark grey masses feathered with pine trees are set within. As if handpicked by nature and thoughtfully placed to accentuate the scene.
I stand mesmerized on the peak of this hidden hill. I found out later that I had been walking along the coastline of a projecting peninsula. But at the moment, how I arrived there didn't matter.
All my doubts and fears washed away as I watched the sun sink into the ocean. As the sea extinguished the last of the light. As the final rays danced upon the ripples of water.
Long and graceful cranes could be seen balancing out in the ever-moving waters. Flying effortlessly between the innumerable islands.
I realized that it is for moments and sights like these that such trials and tribulations are worth enduring. That without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
As the sky fades into a deep purple, I begin walking on the dirt path again with new conviction.
This is the path I am fated to take.
The trail turns again, away from the sea. It winds back and forth indecisively.
The forest takes on new life in the evening. The soft whimpers of the animals sound desperate amidst the lonely cries of an owl. The pine trees now hold a secret as the wind moves past my loose hair.
The path widens, as if allowing for more options, but it does not deviate. Along the edges I now notice small short statues. Indiscernible in the pale moonlight.
Exhaustion creeps in. I forgot that walking for over twelve hours without rest or sustenance does that to a person.
Dirt shifts into red brick beneath my feet. Overhead the flickering light of a paper lantern casts numerous shadows. Some sort of isolated civilization is nearby.
The statues scattered on the side are now miniature Buddhas. There has to be some sort of shrine or temple. I hope for the best since monks would surely give me shelter.
Feet begin to drag as my vision blurs and tunnels. Hunched forward I do not catch sight of the looming buildings ahead. All I hear is my labored breathing and not the concerned gasps of those around me.
The low footfalls come to a grinding halt as they collide with more stone steps. I've had enough of steps for one day. Despite that, I collapse onto them. Uncaring of whatever situation I now have gotten myself into.
My neck cranes up as my eyes lay upon one last thing.
I gaze tiredly into the orbs of an elderly man. His wardrobe exudes humbleness, but his face says otherwise. Expressing deep concern but at the same time annoyance. His white hair and beard reflect light off the lantern in his hand.
Unable to stay conscious any longer I gladly accept the much needed sleep. For now, not worrying what the future has in store.
I got plenty of ideas floatin in my head, some are written already. So if u like this, please let me know and ill post.
Thanks.