Chapter Eighteen: Ice and Tears
When they found Naruto, he was talking to a girl.
At least that's what Sasuke thought she was. But Mononoke could sense the underlying scent of their new company as the "girl" got up and bid Naruto goodbye.
As 'she' passed them, a familiar breath of ice drifted to Mononoke's nose.
A smile came to her face as she falls behind Sasuke. If anyone was paying any attention to her at that moment, they would have noticed the slight change of color to Mononoke. It was as if there were waves of colours rolling through her body, like water on ice, before her entire being was muted.
It seems she'll greet Naruto later. In her real body.
X
Haku walked on, wary but relaxed as he tread on through the forest. A bird landed on his shoulder, singing him a song. That exchange with the blonde ninja was quite intriguing.
"So, how's Zabuza doing?", a voice asked cheerily.
Haku stopped. All of his senses heightened immediately at the intruder's presence. Although it wasn't hostile, Haku didn't dropped his guard.
"Better. How about Sharingan No Kakashi?", he replied gently, revealing no tension. He wondered how she managed to sneak up on him to the last moment. This so-called 'lousy' ninja seemed quite skilled to do so.
"Eh, okay, I guess. He's in a pretty bad shape after the fight.", Mononoke admitted, shrugging casually as she stepped from behind a tree. Leaning against the bark, she tilted her head to look at the basket in his hand, "Are those for Zabuza?"
"That would be correct.", he replied.
"Oh, come on. We aren't fighting today. Relax. If I wanted to kill you, I would have done so just now.," Mononoke groaned and Haku retracted the senbons from his hands. It seems she has keen senses as well, he mused inwardly.
"Those herbs are pretty strong though. Was he hurt quite bad?", Mononoke asked and Haku, for the first time in his life, was not sure if she was sincere or not.
She seemed genuinely concerned.
"Some.", Haku managed and Mononoke walked closer to him, obviously unafraid, "Sorry about that. I know your fight wasn't with us. Gato hired you to kill Tazuna." The girl tiled her head at him, her eyes gentle, "Which is kinda confusing. Why don't you kill Gato instead? Rich powerful men can be high class jerks, if you asked me."
Haku didn't understand why the Leaf ninja would apologize in such an honest tone. She could've died that day. After all, he was watching.
"It's confidential.", he said finally. No, he would not let his guard down. Her kindness would mean nothing to him in a real fight.
"Right, sorry for asking. I mean, we're enemies. You can't tell me what's your plan. It ruins the fun.", Mononoke shrugged and smiled widely at him, "Besides, what I'm really here for... Is because of you and why you breathe like ice, not your plans with Zabuza on the tiny man."
Haku couldn't stop his eyes from widening in surprise as he turned to look at her.
Seafoam eyes stared at him curiously, in a way a puppy looks at something new, unsure whether it is friend or foe. "You have the power to wield ice, am I right?", her voice was sure and confident but she still asked anyway. He noticed how her nostrils flare slightly and her lips pulled back a little, revealing her canines.
Haku watched her, his determination a little shaky.
"What do you mean?", Haku demanded softly as he took a step closer to her. Mononoke blinked in surprise at the hunger in his eyes. He watched her silently as she cocked her head a little slyly, "I don't understand what you don't understand."
"How do you know I know ice jutsus?", he asked and Mononoke noticed how quickly he managed to mask his emotions. Maybe she hit a raw spot.
"It's because you and I have something in common. I've never met another ice user before.", Mononoke admitted.
Tilting her head, Mononoke sniffed again, doing a double take, "But yours... It's so much more different than mine."
Haku noticed a slight change in the girl as she turned serious. She gave out a wise and secretive vibe as she edged closer to him. Is this the same sarcastic girl a few minutes before?
Cautiously, slowly, she took his hand. Seeing that he hasn't killed her yet, Mononoke took a step further and pressed her palms against his.
"How so?", Haku breathed as he watched this transpired.
A smile, "Well, your ice beats a steady rhythm, like a heart. It's in your blood.", she brought their hands up to eye level and the space between their hands began to glow a light blue. Mononoke watched their hands with fascination. The way her ice reacted to his was conflicting, as if they didn't like each other. Haku must've felt it too, because he stiffened.
A small blast of cold air burst from their palms, soft echoes of frost rolling in the wind. Although that happened, the both of them had their hands still pressed against each other.
"Whilst I... My ice comes from my soul.", Mononoke continued as her eyes drifted to Haku's, seafoam against dark oak, "Tell me, how does your ice react to you?"
He blinked at the absurdity in her question. She lifted her hand away and the glow vanished, "Mine comes naturally, like breathing. The frost tingles in my spirit before flowing outwards, appearing in the outside world, so soft, you'd think they're ghosts."
"Mine...", Haku started slowly, unsure how to describe it as she did, "It's in my blood, like you said. It comes from my chakra, my jutsus, to come into being." She nodded, the mysterious aura dissipating and she revert back to her usual bombastic self, lacing her hands behind her head, "Meh, every ice user must've a different feel, I guess. We're all individuals, not clones. We can't have everything the same. It's boring."
Haku managed a small smile, "I see. But that was quite interesting, wasn't it?" Mononoke gave him a wolfish grin, "Yup!" She blinked in realization and looked down at the basket of herbs in his hand, "Well, you better get those to Zabuza."
He followed her gaze and nodded, "Indeed I must." Looking back to her politely, Haku smiled a little wider, "It's very nice to meet you..."
"Mononoke. My name is Mononoke.", she replied when he faltered. Shrugging, she grinned, "I'm clanless. So, no last name." He dipped his head, "Haku." Her smile was brilliant, "We'll meet up soon enough, Haku. So...", she took a step back, her smile slightly fading, "Until our last battle. May the best ice wielder win."
Haku nodded, "Indeed."
Just as he was about to turn and leave, Mononoke piped up again, "Hey, Haku?" The feminine boy turned back slightly, looking at her curiously.
"Just because I respect you, doesn't mean I wouldn't kill you."
She was looking at him seriously now. A breeze picked up and their hair danced in the wind. The sound of leaves shuffling against the wind echoed into their ears.
"If you ever hurt my friends, I will not hesitate to destroy you."
XXXXXXXX
"A few more days and the bridge will be finished. I have to thank you all for that.", Tazuna announced proudly as all of them sat around the table. Tsunami looked at the Konoha ninjas with gratitude as she cleared away the dishes, "You've all done really well, but you still need to be careful." Mononoke nodded her thanks as Tsunami took her bowl.
"Well, I've been meaning to ask you this, but I haven't got the chance until now...", the bridge builder started, looking quite flustered, "Even after I lied, you lot remain by my side, protecting me. Why did you stay?" It's quite clear he was bothered by this.
Well, he's aware he was quite a bossy old jerk, but he couldn't help it. For a moment, the old bridge builder didn't actually expected the Konoha shinobi to hang around any longer.
"Those who stray from the path of justice have no courage, but under the wing of a strong leader, the cowardness cannot survive.", Kakashi said simply, causing the father and daughter to look at him in confusion. "That's a quote from the First.", Kakashi quickly explained.
Mononoke noticed a change in the atmosphere and turned to Inari. The child had big, fat tears rolling down his eyes.
"B-But why?"
All eyes turned to him in surprise. The boy leaped from his seat, slamming his hands on the table, "All this stupid training is just a waste of time! Gato's got a whole army, they'll beat you down and destroy you! These cool things you say, they don't mean anything! No matter what you do, the strong always win and the weak always lose!"
"It's not going to be like that for me, got that?!", Naruto said as he turned his head away, denying. Mononoke gritted her teeth as she clenched her fists against her thighs.
"Why don't you just shut up! Just looking at you makes me sick! You don't know anything about this country! You're just butting in! You're always laughing and goofing off! You don't know what it's like to suffer and be treated like dirt!", Inari shouted, his tears rolling down his face pathetically.
Mononoke looked away, her shoulders shivering with anger. Kakashi watched her silently as she held her tongue. It must be taking every ounce of her will not to bite.
"Listen to yourself. All you do is whine and complain all day, like some sorry victim. You're nothing but a coward!", Naruto stated harshly, and got up from his seat, his back slumped away from them. "Naruto! You went too far!", Sakura shouted at his retreating back but he left the house without another word.
"Sorry about that. Naruto can be quite harsh sometimes...", Kakashi said.
Inari rubbed his eyes, interrupting Kakashi's apology as he sobbed, "Y-you're all just talk! You don't know anything!"
Finally, Mononoke couldn't take it anymore. No one shows disrespect to Kakashi. Not while she's around.
She stood up, her eyes on the table as she spat bitterly, "Oh, boo hoo! You think you're the only one in this world with a sob story?! Wake up, warrior princess! There are plenty of other people out here who's probably worse off than you!" She looked up, her eyes dry with anger, "You say we're doing useless training? Look in the mirror, snotty brat! You think all your crying makes you any better than us? Yeah, maybe in a brat contest!" Mononoke shook her head in disgust, "The only one I see in this pathetic land who is actually trying to do something useful is your Grandpa. Your wallowing self-pity disgust me."
With that, she stomped out, leaving the house in silence.
Kakashi's eye was still on the door as he let out a heavy sigh. At least she got it off her chest. Kakashi turned back to the boy, who was still snivelling horribly. Now he had to deal with all this. Oh well.
Sasuke got up and left the table, his hands in his pockets.
"Sasuke-kun, where are you going?", Sakura piped up. Everyone seems to be in such a bad mood today.
"Outside.", was his short and tart answer as he closed the door behind him.
When he got out of the damn house, Sasuke turned his head to the left, then to the right. Finally he decided his path and followed it. As he walked, he thought about what Naruto and Mononoke said. Sure, he's seen Mononoke's spiteful side before, but Naruto looked very different today. It's as if-
A soft sound of water splashing grabbed his attention.
Tentatively, he moved towards the sound, all his senses on full alert. Although it was deep inside the forest, Sasuke was sure he heard it well and clear.
As he went deeper into the trees, he spotted a strange blue glow shining through the forest, its light getting brighter the closer he got. Finally, he heard the sounds of running water and realised he was close to a river. Sasuke moved quickly, hoping to find either one of those two idiots. They better not be in any trouble.
When he got close enough to finally see the rushing water, he spotted a figure sitting at its banks.
Moving behind a tree, he watched silently, assessing the person and wondering why the water was glowing as if it has a life of its own. There was no moonlight tonight, so where is the light coming from?
Whoever the person was, there were some of the forest animals beside them.
Strangely, many of the animals were canines. Foxes, wild dogs, a small pack of wolves. A lone owl hooted in the treetops before swooping to the figure's shoulder. They turned their head and spoke to the owl.
That's when Sasuke relaxed.
Mononoke giggled as the owl preened her ears and nudged it with her forehead. Secured, Sasuke moved away from the tree and walked closer to her.
The foxes pricked up their ears and scuttled off the moment they saw him. The wolves were on the opposite side of the river so they lay there, watching him with wise, amber eyes. A wild dog barked once, a signal to its pack and they moved away as a few other wood animals scittered off to safety.
Sasuke heard her clicked her tongue, her back was still facing him as she scratched the owl's rotated neck, "Whoever you are, I suggest you leave now. I'm not in a pleasant mood."
He smirked as he reply, "Me neither."
As he got closer, the owl continued staring at him with unblinking eyes, giving him an eerie feel. But the owl didn't do anything as Sasuke sat down beside his teammate so it's a good thing, he suppose.
"What're you doing here, Duck Prince?", Mononoke snorted before nudging the owl to her other shoulder so she could talk to Sasuke.
"Escaping from the house. The kid is being a little too rowdy.", he replied and she giggled, her moodiness hidden, "Little might be an understatement, don't you think?"
Sasuke smirked at her, "Someone looks happy."
Returning his smirk, Mononoke kicked her leg up in his direction, sending a spray of water to his face, "Water makes everyone happy." The boy rubbed the water from his eyes and glowered at her, "Do that again, and I'l kill you." The death threat just made her laugh, "Oh please. When am I ever afraid of what you say, Ducky?" She kicked another spray at him.
"Now, you're going to get it.", Sasuke retorted, taking off his shoes. Mononoke watch him curiously as he dipped his legs into the water.
Sasuke blinked in surprise. The water was pleasantly cool. He never noticed it before, but there were fishes swimming happily at their feet. Some even nibbled his toes.
"Told you water makes everyone happy.", Mononoke mused as he moved his legs in circles, causing ripples to the water and blurring the view of the river depths. Sasuke looked up and around the river, his previous thought about the river's light still left unanswered. But he didn't ask out loud. Mononoke seemed to know what he was looking for though because she grinned at him, "The river glows if you ask nicely, you know."
The Uchiha gave her a look and she burst out laughing, "I'm not joking! Here, I'll show you."
He watched as she dipped her hand into the water, swirling her fingers inside the river's watery heart. Sasuke watched in silent awe as the water began to glow brighter and Mononoke flicked her hand, sending the light into other parts of the water. She turned back to him, still grinning, "See? You try!"
He still has that look of disbelief and she rolled her eyes, "Don't ruin the fun, clown."
She took his hand and gently tug him. Her touch was comforting, soothing, and Sasuke obliged reluctantly, following her. Mononoke took his hand into the water and he felt a tingle through his skin.
Suddenly, the water around their hands began to glow and with Mononoke's aid, Sasuke managed to nudge to light around the water. "I told you so.", Mononoke said triumphantly, grinning at him. Sasuke snorted and pushed her face away. She laughed and splashed some water at him again. Annoyed, Sasuke kicked water in her face in spite. The owl didn't like the water, it seems, as it hooted and lifted off from Mononoke's shoulder to the safety of the trees. But Mononoke didn't see it coming so the water washed over her open mouth, causing her to splutter and gag.
That's when she heard an alien sound.
It started out as a snort, before a soft cough then as she looked up in bewilderment, she almost thought she just died and went to distorted heaven.
Sasuke was clutching his stomach, chortling like a kid. Mononoke continued staring at him as he laughed, her eyes as wide as saucers. He rubbed the tears from his eyes and turned to her, a smile still on his face.
"Wow.", Mononoke mused aloud as she scooted closer to the Uchiha, who froze at the look in her eyes. They were sparkling like diamonds, the light of the river reflecting in those seafoam orbs. "Now, that, is something I don't see everyday."
"Don't get use to it. It's not happening again.", Sasuke replied quickly and Mononoke giggled, "And you're blushing too!? Man, this must be my lucky day!" Her teasing only made the boy more flustered. He tried to get up but she stopped him with a hand on his shoulder, "Okay, okay. Don't be so prissy. It was just a joke!" He snorted before relaxing again, "Tell this to anyone and I'll kill you."
She smiled at him and nodded, "Yeah, sure. Anything you want, princess."
XXXXXXXXX
Mononoke squeezed her eyes opened.
It was in the middle of the night.
Her eyes darted around nervously before relaxing a little. Kakashi was hugging her protectively, his body pressed against her back. She realized she was shivering so she leaned against him even closer, so close she felt her heartbeat slowing down to match his. She exhaled deeply before looking over at the sleeping bodies closeby.
The first time Team Seven saw the two of them snuggling like this, no one really commented on the issue. It's like they accept the weirdness of the situation where their sensei cuddles their teammate to sleep. Well, of course, they were told the reason why Mononoke needed Kakashi. The nightmares still haunted her, no matter where she goes.
Even in the safety of Kakashi's arms.
Mononoke shivered again. She didn't remember what the nightmare was about, thank heavens, but she felt a chill in her bones.
A hand stroked her head, tucking her hair behind her ear, "Bad dreams, scamp?"
Mononoke moved a little so she could look at Kakashi, "I can't go back to sleep."
Kakashi nodded in understanding and pressed his forehead against hers, "Just lie down for awhile. I'm here." She sighed and turned around in his embrace before hugging him back, "Something's wrong."
She watched as he stifled a yawn, his eye droopy, as he asked her, "What is it?"
Mononoke just smiled before kissing his nose, "Never mind. Go back to sleep." He's tired. No point in worrying him any further.
Kakashi pulled her closer, "Are you sure? I can stay up with you, if you want." She shook her head and snuggled her face into the crook of his neck, "Yeah. Good night."
She waited until his breathing began to even out and his arms began to slack. Kakashi was a quiet sleeper so she had to listened very closely to make sure he was in a deep sleep.
Once she confirmed he was out, Mononoke wriggled her way out of Kakashi's warm body as gently as she could. The moment she managed to escape without anyone's notice, she padded softly out of the room, then out of the house.
XXXXXXXX
Sitting on a tree, Mononoke used her kunai to carve something out of a bark of wood. She was waiting. Very patiently.
Finally, there was a slight change in the air. A smile ghosted her lips. They're back.
The moment the claws came crashing down, Mononoke was already gone. The Demon Brothers looked this way and that, looking for her.
"Oh, look! Twiddledee and Twiddledum is back. What can I do for you lovely folks this pleasant morning?", Mononoke asked. The duo looked up to see her crouched on a branch like a cat, a few branches above them. She tilted her head and grinned, "I hope the poison wasn't too harsh on you. I did add a little something in it, for extra measure."
"You bitch. I'm going to make you pay for what you did.", one of the brothers said menacingly and Mononoke shook her head, clicking her tongue in the same way a mother does to a child, "Temper, temper. We really must fix that. Tell me, what effect did it have on you? Not diarrheoa, I hope."
Both brothers growled, indirectly confirming the comment, and Mononoke giggled, "Bingo. Must burn like fire, doesn't it?"
"Let's get her!", one of them commanded and both Chunins were on to her, claws flashing, steel gleaming.
All Mononoke did at first was ran away, escaping the death traps easily as she continued taunting them. Each mockery made them angrier and more frustrated. Their synchronisation began to go offbeat. Mononoke grinned when she noticed it. She was on those 'your mom' taunts.
"Your mom must've been so ugly, when she went into the haunted mansion, she came out with a job application.", Mononoke laughed as one of the brothers missed her terribly and almost lost his balance. "I mean, you're both wearing masks! Why, did you get the mutated genes to look like dead fish?", another mean comment and both brothers tried to chain her, but she leaped out of the way.
"Shut... The... Fuck... UP!", the brothers roared in exasperation as they slashed at her, missing each time.
Finally, Mononoke spotted a weak spot and grabbed one of the brothers by the throat. Flipping herself over him, she landed on his back, her fingers around his neck. Suddenly, ice spurted out before spreading like a disease. When it was done, the assassin was encased in ice, his eyes darting around fearfully. All of this transpired in mere seconds.
The other brother didn't realized he was dragging a block of ice around until he tried to jump. He whipped his head around and could only stare in horror as the ice flowed up the chain that locked him together with his sibling.
His cries of terror was silence as the ice captured him.
Mononoke landed softly a few ways from them.
"And your momma probably did a bad job at teaching the both of you."
Suddenly, Mononoke froze and turned around at the rough direction of the bridge. She felt the hairs on her body stand up in fear.
"Kakashi."
XXX
AND THERE WE GO. Hahahha, Momo is such an ass sometimes.
Sorry, guys, this chapter is kind of short. BUT NOT TO WORRY. I AM WORKING AS FAST AS I CAN. Next chapter would be pretty intense. Spolier alert, there's going to be a reveal of the deities of Mono's past.
SO STAY TUNED!
Fact#14: There are only three people who have seen Mononoke cry. Kakashi, obviously. Shikamaru, the first time when they got beaten up. And Kiba, always after she gets picked on by the other kids. (She would only let her tears flow when they're alone together.) [SO IT'S A PRETTY RARE SIGHT TO THE OTHERS.]