I'm still alive!
Sorry I didn't finish this chapter as soon as I was planning. I thought I would finish much earlier, but thanks to my sister's birthday party, I was too busy eating cake to remember I had fans waiting for an update. Curse you cake!
But anyway, me yelling at dessert isn't going to help either of us, sooooo... Chapter seven!
Journal entry, March 26th.
… It was six years ago that I first came to Sooga, alone at only seven years old.
I remember being in the living room alone, waiting for my father to come home. I had gotten word that the war had ended that day, and was awaiting my father's triumphant return. What happened was far from what I expected.
He rushed through the door and slammed it shut behind him, making a great effort to hold it in place. I could hear people on the other side, pounding on the door and shouting angrily at him, and even though I couldn't make out what they were saying, I was scared.
"Daddy, what's going on?" was the first thing I said to him.
He kept holding back the door, a mixture of fear and determination in his eyes, and said, "There's no time to explain, Garu. I need you to get out of here."
"What?"
"Listen to me, Garu: I need you to sneak out through the secret exit in the basement. From there, I want you to head directly to the East, and you'll eventually come to a small village called Sooga. Meet up with the local authorities and tell them you are going to live there as part of you ninja training. Understand so far?"
"Yes, but-"
"Good," he interrupted. "There will be a dirt path running directly through the village. Travel down that path into the bamboo forest, and you will eventually come to your new house."
"My new house?" I asked, wondering if I had heard him correctly. "You mean our new house."
"No, Garu," he said solemnly. "I mean your new house."
I gasped, but then my expression was serious. "But I can't leave you, Daddy," I said as I stood up. "You're in trouble, and as a future ninja, it is my duty to protect-"
"That is no longer your duty, Garu. I have done something terrible. I have brought shame to our honorable family. Your duty," he said, "is to restore our honor. Do you understand, Garu? You MUST restore our family honor!"
I nodded. My eyes were wide with held-back tears, but my father noticed. He looked at me with both pity and pride, giving me the most reassuring look he could have given me. The fear was still there, the uncertainty as well, but I knew that if my father was ever this serious about anything, I was to listen to him without question.
A forceful pound on the door brought us both back to reality. My father strained to keep the door closed as another pound came, followed by more shouts from the mob gathered outside.
"Go, Garu!" he exclaimed at me. Another pound, more shouting.
Terrified, I fled.
I never saw him again after that. I'll never forget that night, no matter how much I want to. I remember it like you remember a nightmare: it's vague and scary, but you can't forget. I keep telling myself I should be grateful he left me a home, and I am, but he also left so many unanswered questions, like "Who were those people?" and "What had he done that was so shameful?" However, I won't say I wish I knew the answers to them; it may just be a wish I'll come to regret…
When Garu woke up, the first thing he noticed was the sun streaming in through his window. The storm from the day before had finally ended, and it seemed the world outside was completely at peace.
Good morning, Garu.
Garu looked around for a moment, wondering briefly where the voice had come from, when he remembered what had happened the day before.
Good morning Botan, he thought back, somewhat disappointed to find that last night's events hadn't been a dream after all. The peace outside suddenly disappeared to him, leaving him wondering what to feel: worried of what Botan might do today, annoyed at him for ruining his peace, or hopeful that his father had gotten his message. (He quickly pushed that last thought away, worried that Botan might overhear it.)
Garu hardly had time to decide before a shuffling noise outside brought him back to reality. He sighed loudly.
What was that? Botan asked. Are you being attacked?
Not exactly, Garu thought back. Tobe can't attack me since we made a deal, and he couldn't be coming to get me yet; today is Sunday. Garu got out of bed and tensed himself to run. So that means it can only be-
As if on cue, Pucca jumped through the window above his bed and tackled him to the ground, kissing him.
Pucca, Garu sighed.
Who-ca? Botan wondered. Pucca stood up then, smiling down at Garu, and Botan recognized her immediately. Garu imagined he would be smiling smugly as he said, Oh right, your girlfriend.
Garu blushed and clenched his teeth. She is not my-
Garu stopped, noticing Pucca staring at him with her head cocked and her eyebrow raised. He chuckled nervously, and Pucca just shook her head and smiled.
Taking advantage of Garu being off guard, Pucca once again lunged for him, but Garu rolled out of the way and jumped to his feet. Pucca looked back at him and giggled; a drop of sweat ran down Garu's brow, and he ran down the hall with Pucca chasing him.
How can I lose her? Garu thought. Oh, I know! He turned around, leading Pucca back to his bedroom, where he remembered he had installed a trap just the other day. He ran across the room, taking care not to step on one certain floorboard. Pucca, however, did so unknowingly.
Yes, Garu thought, pumping his fist in victory.
Pucca barely had time to question this, when the floorboards underneath her suddenly began retracting. She glared at Garu, trying her best not to look surprised, as a hole in the roof opened up and the floor sprang back into place, launching her up into the air.
Botan was, uncharacteristically, at a loss for words. What… he began. What just happened?
Just a little trap I'd set up for Tobe the other day, Garu replied. It leads straight to the dump.
Wow. If that's not symbolic-
Shut up, thought Garu. It wasn't even meant for her; it was meant for Tobe.
Whatever you say, said Botan.
Later, after they had had breakfast, Garu and Mio were outside, meditating, and despite Botan's presence, Garu wasn't finding it the least bit difficult. He sat in his usual position, Mio curled up next to him, thinking of nothing but the sound of his breathing. It was the first time in days that Garu felt truly relaxed.
Unfortunately, it was short-lived. The sound of Mio meowing loudly broke his concentration. He reached down beside him to stoke the cat… only to realize he wasn't there. When Garu opened his eyes, he saw that Mio was still sitting in the same spot; he was the one who had moved.
Garu was surprised for a moment, but then he remembered Botan. He glared.
What did you do?
Do you remember how I said that your mind was too strong for me to control you? Botan said, sounding like he was stifling laughter.
Garu raised an eyebrow. Yes, he thought cautiously.
Well, when you meditate, your mind leaves your body, which means I am free to control you!
Garu went stiff.
Just think of all the possibilities, he continued evilly. Why, I could even make you talk-
Don't you dare, Garu threatened. If you make me break my vow of silence, so help me, I'll-
You'll what? Botan said. Kill me, a ghost? Or perhaps you'll commit suicide and carry out my plan for me. What can you possibly do to harm me? Botan's tone was mocking, cruel. I am only a voice on your head.
Garu began to protest, when he realized that Botan was right. There was truly nothing he could do, and though Garu hated to admit it, he was at Botan's mercy. Garu gulped.
Botan chuckled. It's about time you realized that, he said smugly.
Garu had given up trying to meditate hours ago and was inside practicing his routines, when the doorbell rang. He put down his sword and started to walk to the door, hoping that Pucca, for once, hadn't decided to deliver him his lunch in person. But of course, when he opened the door, he saw that she had.
She stood on the porch, glaring at him spitefully, her red dress stained with murky brown splotches. She shoved the food at him angrily, and then held out her hand to accept his usual coupon.
Garu reached into his pocket, trying to find it, but his attention was on Pucca. She was still glaring, but it was merely a mask; beneath it, Garu could see the bitter pang of rejection. He felt sorry for her… he felt sorry to her. But he held his sympathy back as he handed her the coupon.
Pucca made no gestures, no sound, nothing to indicate what she was feeling toward Garu, as she turned to walk away. However, she soon turned back to him and stared at him. Garu raised an eyebrow, wondering what else she wanted, when she looked down. For the first time, Garu noticed her hand, still outstretched, and his own, clasping hers tightly.
Pucca put her free hand on her hip, daring him to explain.
Garu cleared his throat and attempted to move his arm, but it stayed in place defiantly. Garu gasped inwardly.
Botan, what are you-
Before he could finish his thought, Garu suddenly found himself leaning forward. Pucca's expression stretched in shock (Garu was just as shocked, but unable to express it) as he gently kissed her on the cheek.
Neither knew how to respond, and an awkward silence hung in the air for a few seconds. Pucca put her hand to her cheek, as if relishing the ghost of the kiss, and smiled softly.
Garu was confused at first, but as he realized what this meant, he was horrified.
Pucca's face fell once again. At first, she looked rejected once again, but that faded into confusion as she saw the look in Garu's eyes. Her eyes begged him for an explanation.
But how could he explain what he didn't understand himself? He looked at Pucca apologetically, then ran back inside and shut the door.
What was THAT for? Garu demanded.
Whoa, Garu, calm down-
Calm down? He thought, fuming. I just found out that a ghost who wants to KILL me can control my actions, and that said ghost made me kiss a girl who may have just realized her love for me is unrequited, and you want me to calm down? Garu wasn't sure how a silent rant could make someone out of breath, but for some reason, he found he was breathing heavily.
Botan was silent at first, but then he sighed. I understand you're angry, Garu, but you need to accept that this is the truth. Rather than mocking him, Botan sounded oddly reassuring. You're panicking, something a ninja should never do. I know it's hard, but there's nothing you can do. You just need to accept these things. And as you thought, it won't last much longer; soon, it will all be over.
Garu couldn't explain why he felt comforted by this morbid statement, but somehow, he was.
Later that night, Garu lie awake in bed, making no effort to either fall asleep or stay awake. Thoughts drifted in and out of his mind like clouds, but he paid no attention to them. He was waiting.
And what exactly are you waiting for? Botan asked for about the fifth time. When Garu didn't answer, he added, or for whom?
Garu was trying not to think about it, for a single thought would give him away, but Botan was making this increasingly harder to do. For about the fifth time, Garu thought back, nothing and no one in particular.
Garu imagined Botan would be scowling. You can't keep saying that, Garu, he protested. You're hiding something from me, but you can't keep it out of your mind forever.
Garu would have responded, but he was too busy listening. He felt Botan was going to continue arguing, when he heard the footsteps as well.
Is it Pucca again? Botan thought.
No, Garu thought back. I can sense it is a ninja.
But, like you said, it can't be one of Tobe's. Who could-?
Neither had time to finish their conversation; Garu jumped out of bed and into a fighting stance, just as a black figure sprang through the window beside his bed and into the room. His eyebrows rose, and he looked like he was preparing to speak, but Garu interrupted him by grabbing one of the katanas that hung on his wall. He charged at him, sword out.
But the figure seemed ready for it. In a lightning movement, he stuck out his foot and tripped Garu. While he was stumbling, he drew his own sword, using the sheath to catch Garu's, and his own to pin Garu to the wall.
Garu was shocked beyond words. He had never seen any other ninja act so quickly. And besides that, what really puzzled him was the sheath move he had used. He couldn't have possibly known about that; Garu made it up himself. The only other person who knew it was… his father.
Garu smiled, Botan gasped in terror.
"I see you have been practicing your attack moves," said the figure as he removed his mask. "But you need to work on defense as well." He yanked his sword out of the wall, throwing Garu's to the side as he sheathed it once again.
Garu turned to face him. He had hardly changed at all; his face was as warm and reassuring as Garu could remember, and his windblown hair, which fell just below his chin, showed no signs of graying. On the inside, Garu was exited and relieved, but the expression on his face was not his own.
Botan was simply shocked, his mouth gaping in fear and disbelief. He stepped forward and looked the ninja in the eyes, at a loss for words. Garu was horrified when, as he struggled to close his mouth for a moment, his lips moved to form a single word:
"Mato?"
*Cackles Evilly* Don't you just love suspense?
Anyway, I wish I could promise you a quick update this time, but unfortunately, I can't. For the next few days, I'll be trapped... er, I mean "staying" at my aunt and uncle's house. Out in the country. Where there's no internet. *sigh* What's a geek like me to do without internet, even on my phone?
Wait, do that again. Yeah, hold your mouse over the review button, just like that. Good... now click it.
Wow! I got two whole bars! Hurry, send me a review!
*gasp* Three bars! It looks like the more reviews I get, the better my phone signal is! Keep sending them in like that, everyone; then maybe I'll stay sane!
