A/N: Yay! Second chapter finally up. Sorry it took so long I've been really busy with school and my boyfriend (eeekk!) Well, anyway enjoy, as usual.
Memories
A vast expanse of black stretched from horizon to horizon, a roof on top of the world. Milky lights littered the night sky like holes cut into silk, rippling and as soft as satin. The grass rough upon her palm weighed her down to earth, keeping Sakura from floating into the endless night sky. The breeze scented with the heady smell of cherry blossoms whirled around, weaving through the trees.
If you look down you can see the whole town sprawled before you, a maze of winding streets and brilliant lights. Lively chatter from the various teahouses became a dull undertone when it reached Sakura's ears. Like her dad used to say.
"Down there things happen but up here you just wouldn't know."
That's exactly what Sakura wanted right now. She didn't want to know what was happening down there, in the town, in reality. She wanted to stay up here suspended in time. Maybe if you shut your eyes tight enough and focus our world could just slip away like a dream, a horrible nightmare.
When she opened here eyes the town was still here as were the trees surrounding her and the night sky above. A dull ache throbbed in the pit of here heart and she didn't know why.
Was she really expecting the whole world to fade away?
Now the scent of blooming cherry blossoms brought tears to her emerald eyes. Sakura was about to reach up and wipe them away but suddenly stopped and dropped her arm back to the ground. For once in many years she let herself cry, let the tears flow freely down her face cutting skin-colored paths through her white mask.
An urge to cleanse herself in whatever way possible rose up in her throat like bile. Sakura lifted her arms and scrubbed her face vigorously. She rubbed until her skin was raw and burned yet she could not stop.
Sakura keeled over onto the grass, her face on fire and the sleeves of her shift ruined forever. An empty hollowness filled Sakura until she could take no more and a wrangled cry burst from her smudged lips.
"Papa, where are you?"
0
Up high in the cervices of Mt. Fuji was a monastery. A tranquil place for those who seek enlightenment and a simple way of life. For those who are willing to pledge themselves to the enlightened one and give up bodily pleasures for spiritual ones. If you pledge yourself to a life of celibacy in return you reach the ultimate peace, of body, mind, and soul.
There is a young monk here by the name Li. A simple name and a simple man. He has trained with the Xiaolin monks since birth and had become a full fledged monk not yet 1 year. At the tender age of 22 he was fit, handsome, and generous. They said he was sure to become the next great master.
Masters were monks that have achieved great things in their life upon this earth. Exceptional Xiaolinists with knowledge, strength, and integrity. Masters watched over the entire monastery and were considered direct vessels with the gods. If you became a master you had become the enlightened ones direct servant. There is no greater honor.
There was nothing stopping Li from becoming a master, he had all the skills needed and was wise beyond his years, there was nothing he wanted more, he devoted every second of his life to this cause…….until she arrived.
Her name was Keiko, with luscious pink hair and eyes the color of molten butterscotch, she was irresistible. Her refined features gave the illusion of a high-class woman, but that devilish sparkle behind her eyes revealed a wild side that was seductive beyond reason. She was part of a traveling gypsy camp. They performed shows then packed up the tents and hauled over to the next location.
It was winter and the circus was passing through the mountains with no hope of a place to camp at least until the spring. The conservative monks had no choice but to house the band of roamers. Their generous rules to strangers would not let them do otherwise.
They were disturbed by the bands lively way of life, the music dancing, and festivities was a stark contrast to the silent prayer sessions and hard chores of the monks.
The first time Li saw her he knew she was it. An instant attraction, more like lust at first sight. Her mischievous gold eyes shined with a lively sparkle that resembled gold, her scent of jasmine and cherry blossoms haunted him as he lay on his futon. He tried to control himself but within the second week he was joining them for dinner and watching her with the eyes of a spell bound as she danced around the bonfire. In two months he was sneaking through the courtyard late at night ,when he should have been dutifully in bed, into her tent.
Within the fourth month she was with child. He dare not admit it but secretly Li hoped the baby would miscarry. He knew if the elders found it he would lose any chance of mastership and she could lose her life.
Wish as he might on the coldest day of winter when the trees were frosted over and the ground slick with ice the first cries of a newborn baby drifted through the camp grounds.
She had sea foam eyes like her father and vibrant pink tresses from her mother. She had spirit and will, independence and a fire that could not be tamed.
No matter what Li thought about her before was all forgotten. The first time he laid eyes on her small pink body and stared into her smiling eyes he was hers. Forever.
When the elders found out they were furious. They claimed that little Sakura was a demon child. Conceived from a man who pledged to remain celibate for life, she was a sin. She needed to be disposed of along with her mother.
Out of desperation Keiko knew she had no hope but their baby needed to live. She sacrificed her life, giving Li and Sakura a chance to escape. "To go as far from the monastery as possible and never come back."
"Take care of her, protect her with your life"
Her last words.
0
The bustling streets of the city had quieted down. The last stragglers from the teahouses scrambled out, shooed out by the impatient owners who wanted to get some sleep.
The lights one by one dimmed and faded until the brightly lit city became a black patch with shadowed outlines of roofs. Sakura could not help but wish that her mind could become just like the once lively town. Each cell flickering off until everything became blank.
Unfortunately, her mind refused to comply. Her eyes of liquid viridian stayed open; keen of every aspect on the grassy hillside despite the fact that her roseate locks tickled her cheek.
Her ears open to every sound, every cricket chirp, every rustle that tree branches made when they swayed in the wind, every noise that was made in the peaceful night. Peaceful but noisy, filled with the natural sounds of the earth.
The silent, undisturbed night was a great contrast against the pandemonium inside Sakura's brain. Everything was a painful mesh. Fragments of her broken past, the hideous present, and an unknown future. What lay ahead for a beautiful yet cold geisha who becomes an infamous assassin when heads are turned? Sakura has learned to be patient and see.
For nights she has stayed awake until the musky black broke into a lightened dawn, contemplating on what was to become of her. She lay on her futon, frightful, wanting nothing but the carefree days of childhood. But surely she remembered nothing of her childhood. All that remained in the geisha's mind of her childhood were melodies of lyric-less songs and images that were blurred beyond recognition.
Even with so little evidence of a happy youth Sakura still knew, somehow, that her life was relatively good before her father disappeared from her life. All that was left was a black mark, indicating that he really existed. As she looked at the memories that were her childhood she would feel a tingle, the beginnings of joy seep into her veins. Her body would yearn for more, but then the feeling would evaporate.
Sakura was thrust back into reality when she felt something sting at her thigh. Then, almost immediately, an intense pain blossomed, followed by a warm, wet feeling. Sakura already knew what the liquid was before the pain even registered. It was blood. Her body twitched from the pain but if the ruby substance cascading down her smooth leg fazed her she did not let on.
When a crimson stain started to appear on her onyx yukata, only then did she lift the hem to stare at the wound. Apparently, a kunai that was strapped to her lean thigh shifted when she wriggled, deep in thought. The point had dug into her pale flesh when she positioned her leg in a more comfortable angle.
A puff of air escaped through her full lips in an exasperated sigh. She move her leg so that the end of the weapon was straight, so that when she removed it the metal point would not damage the muscle even more. She had an anything but normal life but that didn't mean she didn't know a thing or two about medical business. Heck, at her school she was counted as a medical genius. Her eyes hardened; at her old school.
The school she attended to when she was still blissfully unaware of the horrors of reality. After the incident she knew that it would be utterly impossible for her to attend school and carry on with a normal life.
It was still possible for her to be educated thanks to tough yet loving mentor, Tsunade. That woman was the last bit of hope that the world still had some understanding and compassionate people. Her teacher was like a dull flame in the dark, tortuous place that was Sakura's life, its flame didn't blaze but it illuminated the shadowed path.
The reason why Sakura allowed the honey eyed woman into her tainted soul was because Tsunade understood that women were not just objects, not just paintings men could hang on their walls to gloat to their acquaintances about. No, she realized that if women worked hard enough then they would succeed.
Tsunade was also rumored to be one of the three legendary Sanin, extremely powerful figures in society, powerful enough to control the functions of all of Tokyo. When a few brave Maiko's confronted the head geisha, Tsunade denied, saying that she had been a geisha all her life, but Sakura knew the truth.
She winced at the stinging sensation that was burning at her thigh as she dabbed at the piercing with sterilized cotton ball to prevent an infection. Yet, the pain was the last thing on her mind.
She still remembered the day, the day that everything that lay precious to her had been savagely ripped away. Sakura could still smell her fathers innocent blood spilled on the wooden floor of the dojo, the malicious laughter that erupted from her tormentor's throat as he ripped off her white training yukata.
She would never forget.
0
It was not unlike any other day in their quaint, country town. It was summer, which means that the suns rays beat down relentlessly onto to roofs of buildings, the townsfolk on their way to do god-knows-what. The street side vendors yelling out, their carts adorned with intricate kimonos, jeweled pendants that shone in the light and ripe, enticing fruit.
The wind carried the slightest scent of cherry blossom; some of the velvety petals still clung to the branches of gnarled trees, their blooming season had passed.
In a certain dojo that was nestled at the edge of the town a seven year-old with short cotton candy locks, tucked away in a neat bun, ran as fast as her wobbly legs could carry her. She stopped in front of a tall man with chestnut hair and irises a vibrant green that resembled the girls own eyes, this was indeed her father. The two had been practicing ninjistu
"Otoo-san, I can't seem to perfect the Toh." The charming young girl sighed.
"Sakura," the older man explained patiently "This is the only one of the nine finger "cuts" (A/N: The nine finger "cuts" are the nine finger symbols that represent levels of skill. These cuts are what gave ninjas their power. These cuts were known as sacred and only the highest of priests and monks were able to learn them. The Toh is the third level.) that relies on peace and harmony instead of concentration and power."
Sakura's face showed just how frustrated she had become as she scrunched her brows together. "But otoo-san, if I have to be at peace with the universe then wouldn't it take years to perfect the Toh?" She inquired politely
A bitter smile spread over the lips of her father. "My child, if you allow yourself to have serenity with the world around you then you will find that you will be able to befriend all that surrounds you. Allow yourself to trust the world, because if you do you will forever be calm with Mother Nature and her with you."
The young girl opened her ears to her wise father's words. She absorbed the knowledge that her older one was so willing to pass on. She tilted her head forward in an understanding nod, her roseate bun bobbing up and down. "I understand now." Her voice held a determined edge.
"I knew you would, Sakura" The 30 year-olds sea glass green eyes were aflame with pride. "Now, try it once more." He commanded; his voice like a rough lullaby, bitter and frosty yet gentle and smooth.
"Yes, otoo-san" She abided. Her legs were tucked underneath her, pale hands in their mediation position, the same position as the few previous times. But unlike the previous times she relaxed her body and opened her mind. She allowed herself to be at peace with the universe, allowed herself to believe that nature was her friend.
Sakura could all of a sudden feel the energy radiate off of her father, the centuries old willow tree that shaded the front porch of the dojo, and the earth beneath her feet. She allowed the earths energy to enter her and whisper in her ear. It murmured of harsh winters and burning summers, volcanoes and tornadoes, but most of all, it spoke of years of loneliness. How it longed for more companions, the monks were the only acquaintances that it had.
Sakura felt a sudden stab of sympathy jab at her heart, the earth was misunderstood and mistreated. It nourished and protected the human race yet all it got in return was men hacking off huge lots to build more houses.
Disgusting.
She could feel her father smile. She knew that it would take at least a few sunrises to have finally mastered the Toh but she knew that if she kept the steady pace that she was at now then by next week she wood be on the fourth cut.
The energy and feeling of tranquility was vibrating through her body, a soft hum that told of the unspeakable power that was promised to the person who could truly become a vessel between the earth and the heavens. Slowly, slowy, the earth's essence was breathing life into her body, allowing her to finally have rest.
Just as the harmony was reaching maximum capacity Sakura was thrust out of meditation by a push. The exiting was so sudden that she could still feel the energy buzzing through her veins. She could also feel the nausea that washed over her as she felt it drain away. She swayed her eyes toward her father.
He was looking so proud of her that the harsh, questions that were about to be spoken immediately dissolved on her tongue. She felt his tan, calloused had pat her head, his now dark forest eyes were filled with utter joy. "Sakura, my child, today is a great day." He exclaimed. "Today I have seen potential in you that exceeds anyone I have ever known, I have realized that if taught right you could be able to control the elements, look into others minds, and bend others emotion on will."
At first, Sakura was not able to comprehend what her father had said, but when she did she refused to believe that she alone was capable of such greatness. Before she could reply young Sakura heard the sound of the screen door ripping, but she sensed his chakra long before that.
Her father acted quicker than she would have thought possible. Before she could even turn her head he was standing in front of her, arms spread like shield, a look of determination and…...danger on his face she had never seen before.
Sakura ducked under her fathers toned arm and glanced at the intruder. He was a small man, at least a head shorter than her own towering otoo-san. He had dour face and a pointed chin, giving him a birdlike appearance. A mask of red satin cover his nose to his mouth. The mask of an assassin.
For the first time Sakura felt the fear. It came like a great wave, crashing down on her suddenly and leaving her breathless. Her slight frame quiverd as she ducked behind her father once more starting to edge backwards slowly.
Sakura kept her eyes focused on the man while stepping back. "Always keep your eyes on your opponent." Her father had told her. She concentrated on breathing in and out silently and putting on sandaled-foot behind the other.
Suddenly the intruder turned his head ever so slightly. He's sharp eyes connected with hers. His eyes where a piercing gray, like a stormy angry sky promising a downpour. Sakura froze, she couldn't move no matter how hard she tried. Her feet refused to respond. All she could do was stare into those endless pools of gray. Her hands dropped to her side limply and the kunai she grasped in her small palm clattered to the bamboo floor. Then beneath the fabric his thin lips pulled back in a chilling smile.
Sakura's father gasped, her turned around and dived for Sakura but it was much too late. The assassin was there in a flash, behind her. So close that she could feel his warm breath on her neck. She felt a pressure on her neck and her feet rose off the floor but no pain came, only numbness. Her limbs still paralyzed.
Everything started happening in slow motion, the room around her had a dream-like quality. She saw her dad. What was he doing in her dream??
"Daddy?? Why are you here?" her own voice sounded strange to her ears.
There was no reply from her father only a look off absolute dread and desperation.
"Daddy, what's wrong??" Sakura tried again. Still no answer. She was vaguely aware that her dad and the man holding her were talking but their words seemed foreign to her ears. Sakura furrowed her brow, mad that she couldn't understand what they were talking about. Sakura opened her mouth to ask but no sound came out, only a silent "oh."
Suddenly Sakura realized she was falling, he had let go of her. She fell to the floor hitting her head with a loud bang but still no pain. Sakura just lay there with no intention of getting up. Sakura saw the black-clothed man walking towards her father katana in hand. Then she knew something was wrong. She struggled onto her elbows trying to reach her father, trying to tell him but she could not speak.
All she could do was watch.
The assassin closed into proximity. He shifted into a dangerous crouch comfortably, circling her father lazily.
"Papa, fight back!!" she wanted to scream but her voice would not come back. The room was becoming blurrier and blurrier and she fought to keep her eyes in focus.
The assassin continued to circle while her father stood in the middle, standing tall and proud. Fast as lightning, so fast she didn't even see the katana move, he thrust it into her father's stomach and pulled it out.
The only proof that her otoo-san was actually stabbed was the bloodied katana and his blood-soaked shirt. His crisp white garment had a growing crimson stain. Blood trickled out from his mouth and he keeled forward.
Sakura's vision was getting hazier and her head felt like lead. Her eyes-lids drooped.
No! Sakura stay awake! She yelled at herself, she had to help her otoo-san, she couldn't fall asleep.
The whole room had taken on a dream-like quality and Sakura wasn't sure if it was real or all a bad dream.
"Go on," she heard the raspy voice on the assassin urge her wounded father, "You know what you must do to save her life."
Sakura had no idea what they were talking about and she didn't care anymore. All she wanted to do was go to sleep, fall into a deep slumber.
Sakura's father staggered forward and turned to face Sakura, a steady stream of blood tricked down his chin and it overflowed from the cracks of his fingers that were pressed against his wound.
The pain in his eyes awoke Sakura from her trance and she pushed herself up onto her elbows, his green eyes swirling depths of despair.
"What was wrong? Why didn't he fight back?" Sakura's mind was sluggish and her thought process indolent.
"You have to do it, come on now. Do it!" the assassin's voice like leaves being blown across the cement floor, a harsh rasping. Sakura didn't understand what was going on the thoughts in her mind slowing to a halt. The burst of energy before was long gone and once again her body refused to comply.
Her father shot her one last look of desperation, his intentions hidden behind a fake smile. His feelings guarded behind a mask. Or maybe she was just imagining things, nothing was real to her anymore.
Suddenly in one swift motion Sakura's father snatched the assassin's katana thrusting it through his own chest. He let out an involuntary moan and let it go. The katana did not fall, its sharp tip protruding from his back. For a couple seconds, swaying precautiously before collapsing sideways
Sakura saw her fathers blank eyes staring back at her seeing nothing, his mouth still open in a gasp long dead. He was gone.
She felt the scream bubbling up inside of her seconds before it erupted. It poured out of her mouth like vomit, no way to comtrol it. Except no sound came out, just a soundless cry before everyone faded to blackness.
0
The town was now completely silent. The last of the stragglers were already home, in a deep alcohol induced sleep. The night sky was also completely dark, the stars hide their faces tonight. No light was shed and the winding streets and high roof-tops were utterly invisible.
This was Sakura's favorite time of night. Nothing but darkness, so dark you couldn't see your hand if you put it out in front of your face.
She never really knew why her father killed himself but she had a vague idea. The assassin put some kind of jutsu of her and the only way her life could be spared was if he killed himself.
But she had never heard of any jutsu like that, even after becoming an assassin herself. The vision of her otto-san's lifeless eyes staring back at her never left her mind. It was constantly lingering in some forgotten corner, ready to torture her whenever she closed her eyes.
Sakura knew she should really be getting back to the okiya, but not tonight.
She just couldn't stand to be there tonight. She would suffocate, she would surely die. She was positive a thorough beating would be waiting for her when she returned but right now it was all worth it.
Sakura stood up slowly testing her wounded leg. The blood rushing into her legs felt good and the cool air hitting her skin felt so real. She looked around her and breathed in the heady air.
Not tonight, I can't go back tonight.
With that Sakura sprinted off into the trees, running all night was better than staying still. At least it took her mind off her past.
She ran ahead letting the branches whip at her arms and legs. The pain was the most real thing she felt in a long time. The trees flew past her and still she didn't look back. Soon all that was left was the beating of her heart and her footsteps in the fallen leaves.
Maybe if she ran fast enough she could leave herself, her life, her past, all behind her forever.
A/N: Okay guysss
Soo what do you think??? I want at least 5 reviews before I even start writing the third chapter. Kay? Good.
Well as always feedback is fabulous
Love,
Blackeri.
