Chapter 8: Hinata – Dreams?
My muscles ached at the movement as they were coming to life. A light and fresh fabric surrounding me in a heavenly glow as the sun shone brightly through the windows making my eyes flutter open, protesting at the sudden shot of bright light. A gentle breeze graced my face through the open window, making the rest of my skin come to life in a light covering of goose bumps. Sitting up in the bed of white linen, I take in my surroundings. My all seeing eyes should recognise this place as the feeling of familiarity sets in. The scent of lavender and sakura blossoms thick in the air as the breeze almost beckons me to follow. The familiar scent seeps into my mind almost begging me to remember. I see a door leading to a wide balcony, the curtains as hands inviting me toward them. A soft voice flutters from the balcony, humming a thankfully gentle tune.
Stepping out of the bed, my feet whisper against the warm flooring of the room. The nightgown I'm wearing flowing against my sin like a gentle breath. Following the angelic voice to the balcony, my feet barely ghosting across the floor to solve what my memory cannot. The fragrance becomes stronger as my memory fights to try to remember where it is from. Fighting to remember where I had once heard such a gentle and soothing melody. Walking through the inviting curtains, I am greeted with a woman. Her back is facing me and yet I somehow feel like I know this woman. Like I want to run to her and hold her close to embed her into my memory. Her flowing indigo hair reaching well beyond her slight waist; her height demanding grace and poise; her kimono simply plain yet oh so elegant; her voice so quiet yet insisting on being heard; Where and how do I know this lady?
Turning her head slightly, she starts to come into my vision. Her pastel pale skin emulating that of the moon and stars; the light blush dusted over her cheeks; the glorious smile evident on her face; how do I know this woman? Why can't I remember her?
"It's alright, Hinata", she knows my name. She said it with such love and tenderness. "I'm surprised you recognise even this much about me, you were so young"
What is she talking about?
"Hinata, you're 19, you were born on the 27th of December. I remember taking you in my arms when you were born, like a precious light had been given to me from the Heaven. I remember the snow that day. It was like a blessing."
… No … It can't be her … She's been dead for years … It just can't …
"It's ok, if you don't recognise me my little Hina, my little Kitai*"
The nickname … only one person has used that name with me before …
"Mother …"
Turning around fully, her face becomes so clear. Her eyes piercing into mine mirroring my own. Her familiar features click into my memory. For the first time ever, I have a real image of my mother as a person and not just as a photograph. I can't believe I'd almost forgotten her. The thought of that makes my heart break in two. Sobs threaten to break through the barrier of my throat, how could I forget my own mother?
Rushing to her, I go to wrap my arms around her. Instead I pass right through her and hit the railing of the balcony. Why can't I hold her?
"Hinata, I am nothing but an image in your mind. You cannot hold me or feel my touch because of this,"
"But aren't I dead? How would I be able to see you otherwise?"
"You are in the go between world Hinata. Right now, you are neither dead nor alive. I am dead, I belong in a place only dead people can walk; I belong in the afterlife where my penance has been paid to the Ferryman."
"So why and how are you here Mother?"
"Oh my little Kitai, There are things that you are going to have to understand, things that only you must learn from me here now, I was the one Chosen by the Others to make you see sense. We can only do this once for each of our loved ones. I have not made any of these travels until now. I had wanted to wait to see if your mind would alter somewhat. And it has, but not enough. I am here to guide you, to give you a choice of paths. Most will lead you to your destiny but in very different ways. Others will lead you to your premature demise, and I know that one exceptional person will miss you most of all. Kitai, he is the key to your future, you just need to find the path to take. Kitai, when you leave this place you must face the fact that you have made some wrong choices in your past that may possibly affect your future. Kitai, will you listen and go back to the place where you currently belong or will you destroy everything you know and owe the Ferryman before your time?"
I'm hearing all this from my own Mother. This was so much to take in, how can I have so little time with my Mother? I want to go back … I need to go back … I choose to go back … But I want to talk more with my Mother. There is so much I want to ask her, so much I have to tell her. But if this is all the time I get … I can wait until my path to the afterlife…
"Mother, I will listen. I need to go back. Not just for myself, but for two very important equals in my life. I can't leave them behind"
A gentle smile graces her gentle features "I knew you'd make the right choice my little Kitai"
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Authour's Note: I do not own any of the Naruto Characters, they all belong to the mind of the great Masashi Kishimoto
*Kitai means Hope in Japanese
Sorry this Chapter took so long, I'm up to my neck in deadlines before the Christmas break. And I wanted to get a chapter done before the New Year.
Thank you for being so patient, you guys are awesome :)
Please review as it's nice to hear your opinions on this story.
So if I don't update between now and the New years: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and have a Happy New Years :)