I returned to where the rest of my family was sitting. The village healer blew the ancient horn which signaled the beginning of the ritual. Throughout the entire time I just couldn't take my eyes off Garu, I started to wonder what the future would be like now that I won't be able to talk to Garu anymore for the next few years. Would I be able to go to his house every morning like I had done before? Or would have to wait until his morning training is over? Will he even have time to spend with me or his other friends in the village? What if I'm not even able to see him anymore? No...I can't bare that thought, I must see him everyday. I realised now that even though we've been friends for a few weeks, he meant so much more to me. I also secretly hope that he feels the same way about me. Then as if he read my thoughts, he glanced my way and waved to me. I quickly wave back and smile brightly to let him know I was very happy for him.
The next couple of hours were the same, Garu stood up in front of his father who then told him to recite the oath that every ninja must take before taking the Vow of Silence. He then was presented with a katana that was handed from many generations past. I will never forget that moment when he first saw the katana, his whole face seemed to light up and his eyes were full of awe. Despite this being a very serious occasion, I couldn't help but let a very quiet giggle escape my mouth since his face was very funny to watch. However, I retained my composure and noticed that Garu had heard me laugh since he discreetly mouthed "we'll talk after" to me with a slight glare. Of course, this had made me want to laugh all the more but I was able to stop myself from doing so.
After a few minutes I started to get a strange feeling deep inside me and looked to my parents whom I saw had the same expression on their faces. I looked back to Garu to try to warn him that something wasn't right, but unfortunately he was facing away from me. I start to look around to see if I could figure out what was wrong, but I couldn't see a thing out of the ordinary.
Suddenly I heard this low rumbling noise coming from under the ground, so I place my ear to the earth to figure out what it could be. Then all at once a large explosion occurred not far from the ritual site and all the huts nearby were lit on fire. Garu's father stopped the music and looked to the direction of the now burning huts, while those that inhabited them started running towards the fire in order to try and salvage any important items before they were completely destroyed. More explosions followed and soon after nearly all parts of the village was on fire.
My mother and father had already ran back to our hut to check on the Amethyst Crystal to make sure we'd be able to get back safely. I got up from my spot and rush to check on my parents, unfortunately I was too slow. Just then a large explosion occurs from where my hut is and I arrive at the scene only to see half burnt items and small bits of ash slowly raining down with black soot outlining where my hut once stood.
I walked around the area and found no traces of my parents' whereabouts and saw something half buried in the ground. I dug around the glittering object and to my horror find that it was the Amethyst Crystal, but that it had turned into a ruby red colour which meant that I had no hope of returning to my realm anytime soon. I start to frantically look around the village not able to believe that my parents are gone. No...that's impossible, they're invincible...they just can't be gone. With each passing moment, however, I started to doubt this thought and yet I just couldn't bring myself to face it. I sank down to my knees with the Crystal still in my hand. Without noticing tears started to form in my eyes and slowly rolled down my cheeks. I remember that it was the first time I had ever really wept, before then the tears were only for trivial matters, of very little importance.
Most of the village had gathered around the area I was in and some even wept with me. Garu walked up to me and then sat down in front of me and lifted my chin up so that I had to face him. His eyes were full of sorrow and it seemed that he was almost heartbroken to see me this way. Luckily for him, the destruction occurred after he took the Vow of Silence so the ritual was in a way completed and he had started his journey of becoming an honourable and silent ninja. I wished though that I would have been able to hear his comforting voice once more, especially at that moment, but I wouldn't want to shame him and so I weakly smiled back to him. He frowned even more and pulled me into a tight hug while I started to cry again. Pucca... I immediately lifted my head up to Garu, who simply smiled back at me and hugged me again.Don't worry Pucca, if you ever need someone...I'll always be here. My tears had slowed down after hearing this since I knew it was Garu talking to me through his and my own thoughts. He looked at me and kissed me one last time and smiled. I smiled back, stronger this time.
We both stood up and though the village was still damaged, everyone's spirit had risen from the previous scene. Garu and I both blushed and looked at each other slightly embarrassed. He then put on a serious expression and pulled out his Katana. I have to go train now Pucca. I'll be back again later tonight if you plan on staying that long. With that he gave me one last look before running off into the woods to train. I smiled as I watched him leave for his training session and let out a quiet sigh.