Chapter 2
"Halt!"
I started, my head lifting up from surprise. Next, my mouth dropped open in awe as I saw the great gate in front of us for the first time. It seemed to stretch on for miles on both sides until it passed out of my line of sight. Two small figures atop the wall were outlined by the bright sunlight. No matter how much I strained my eyes against the sunlight, they only appeared vaguely dark.
"It's alright, it's just us." A lazy voice behind me drawled.
"Ah, Kakashi. Who is that you have with you?" The figures questioned.
I glanced up at Kakashi's face and prayed he wouldn't mention anything bad.
He seemed thoughtful for a minute. "Her name is Higurashi Kagome. She's a civilian we found alone. We are taking her to the Hokage."
Relief instantly flooded through me and I smiled up at Kakashi in gratitude. He looked down and his eyes crinkled in what I assumed to be a smile. 'This could turn out to be okay,' I thought happily.
"Alright, you're clear to go."
The huge gate creaked out towards us immediately after. Swiftly, we walked in and instantly I was surrounded by a rather pleasant din. Vibrant colors of all hues seemed to be everywhere I turned my head. As well, the smell of fresh food, the sound of haggling, and laughter filled all of my senses. This village was absolutely full of life.
A large smile creeped its way onto my face and I relaxed for the first time in hours. I could feel the tension leave my captor's body at the same time. It was almost like we had been put under a spell- and not an unwelcome one.
"Sasuke, Sakura, Naruto, meet me at the Hokage's office as soon as possible. We'll be waiting up there." Kakashi said.
A frown creased my as I wondered why we were leaving at separate times. I blinked once, and suddenly I couldn't hear the village anymore- see the village anymore. All I could see was a great office with a young woman seated lazily behind a large desk stacked with mountains of paper upon paper.
"...Ah? Kakashi? Who is this?"
Kakashi shrugged behind me and finally let my wrist go. "She's just a civilian we found outside the village. She has no knowledge of anything pertaining to Konoha or the surrounding area, however."
Three soft bangs suddenly sounded behind me and I turned to see the three other members of the squad. I blinked in shock. 'They must have gotten here the same way we did...' I theorized. The blond haired one, 'Naruto,' my mind supplied, waved cheerfully to me. I hesitantly answered with a small wave of my own.
"How is this possible? All people should at least know of Konoha..."
I turned back to see the woman frowning in deep thought. Mentally, I sighed; I knew I was going to have to explain this one...
"Please... When I explain this to you, don't let anything be spread around, because this information is very personal to me." I pleaded.
She seemed to consider it for a second and finally nodded in acquiescence.
"Swear it." I had to be absolutely certain.
The lady seemed slightly offended. "You have my word, along with everyone else's in this room."
I nodded in satisfaction, and began my long tale...
A little short, I know, but this seemed to be a good place to leave off on, and subsequently pick up on next chapter.
Thank you kindly for reviewing. I really appreciate it.