Chapter 5
My eyes scan around the room. The smell of alcohol burns my nose. Music beats loudly throughout the house. People dance…grind (how anyone considers that dancing I'll never know) against one another. Sighing, I maneuver my way around the mass of drunken teenagers. I only came here for Fukatemono and my best friend Sahara.
I find the party to be a waste of time. Instead of being here I could be back at home enjoying one of my many books. But no, I'm here with a pounding headache while looking for the two responsible having me here.
"Hey, have you seen Fukatemono," I ask a random person.
"Nope," they reply and stumble away.
Sighing, I continue on my with my search until finally I can't stand being here anymore. Once again, I maneuver around the drunken teenagers until I make it out the front door. I take in a deep breath of the clean night air then start walking wishing that I had my phone.
Halfway down the street I see Fukatemono's black Pontiac. I'll just go and wait for them in the car, and if they're drunk I can drive them home. With that thought in mind, I make my way closer to the car.
"No," I quickly say as I sit up shaking with wide eyes.
"Are you okay," Konan asks, and I turn to my left to see her standing a couple of inches away.
"Yeah," I reply with a smile. "It was just a dream."
"Leader has assigned me as the one to take you to the nearby town," she answers.
"Okay," I reply standing up and stretching. "I'm ready to go."
"Close your eyes," she commands.
With a nod, I close my eyes. A second later I feel a soft cloth covering my eyes and being tied behind my head. I feel it get tighten then I'm spun around a few time. Well, that puts a little damper on being able to find the exit.
With no other choice, I let Konan lead me to wherever. Eventually, I feel the warmth of sunlight and hear birds chirping. I stumble a lot since I have a blindfold on. Konan doesn't move in a straight line, and sometimes I think she just makes us walk in a circle to confuse me, which it works. They really don't want me knowing the exact location of their base. Not that I would really know the exact location because I'm in a different world.
In my head I start counting until finally I just stop when reaching a thousand. So, I have no idea how long it takes; all I know is that it is a very long time. I'm not used to walking for so long while my body is still exhausted from the marathon running I did in the training grounds. I shouldn't complain though, this will help me lose weight and prove that I can break the cycle.
"Konan-san," I say after a while. I figured I might add an honorific to show I'm being respectful. "What is the name of this town we are going to?"
"Its name is Mitsu no Kuni," Konan replies after a moment.
"Arigato," I mumble in reply.
I think over the name. Do they call it the Land of Honey because they make a lot of honey? I've never had honey before, but I heard it can be used to treat wounds even burns, and it's nonperishable. That's about all I know. Maybe I can try some.
Time passes by at what seems like a slow rate. Really it's hard to tell when I have a blindfold on. So all this free time leaves me with my thoughts unless I was to speak with Konan, but I hardly know her and don't know what to talk about. I'm used to people starting conversations and pretty much telling me what to talk about when I'm not paying attention to a book.
Finally there is a constant stream of warm sunlight on my skin. We continue walking silently. I start chewing on the inside of my cheeks as I feel my stomach growl. I ignore it in favor of thinking up a plan on how I would get a job. Obviously I'm going to have to lie about some facts.
"We're here," Konan suddenly speaks up and then the blindfold is removed.
I cover my eyes from the bright light. A moment later I blink my eyes a few times coming to the conclusion that my eyes have finally adjusted. I look around notice buildings in a variety of shapes and colors. There are some stalls selling snacks and other knickknacks. People are strolling around the streets talking with one another or doing some bargaining. There are kids that are running around laughing. Seeing all of this brings a smile to my face. I've never seen something like this back in my world. The sights, smells and everything else is…beautiful.
"I'm going to let you decide," Konan says and I quickly turn my attention to her. "We can either start shopping for clothes and any necessities or start looking for a job."
"I don't have any money to buy anything," I reply.
"I'll buy the stuff but you'll have to pay me back," she answers.
With a nod I think over her words. Though, I really don't like people buying things for me, but she did say I could pay her back. Also I have to decide if we shop first then search for a job or the other way around. Each one has its pros and cons.
"I think we should start looking for the job," I reply. "If we were to start shopping I could lose the opportunity of landing myself a job. Shopping can wait; stores will always be open for someone to shop. However, a job opening doesn't stay open."
"Smart choice," Konan says with a very small smile.
"Thanks," I reply back with a grin. Some of the lessons my dad gives me (when we're on speaking terms) aren't so bad after all.
Konan nods and starts walking. I follow by her side while looking around. A ball rolls over into my path. I bring my foot up and place it on the ball stopping in its tracks before it can continue rolling away. Konan stops and turns to watch me. A group of kids are standing together talking and I smile.
"Does this ball belong to you guys," I ask. A little boy with dark brown hair gets pushed forward. I chuckle at the antics.
"Can y-you kick the ball back to us," the boy asks.
"Sure not a problem," I reply taking my foot off the ball. "Next time, be careful while playing in the streets."
With that said I kick the ball with enough force to reach the boy. The boy quickly grabs the ball and takes off running with his group of friends. They all yell a chorus of thanks and I wave back. Kicking that ball reminds me of the time I used to play soccer until I got injured and had to stop playing. Well, back to finding a job.
"Ayano," Konan says as we start walking. "Try not to be so nice while around the other Akatsuki members, and don't let your emotions or fears get in your way. They'll use that to their advantage to torment you."
"I'll see what I can do," I reply back. "Thank you for the advice."
"It's more of a warning than advice," she replies.
Once again the two of us are silent. We search the streets for jobs. There are a couple job opening we come across but they were for people with experience, like plumbing. We get to the middle of the town and Konan leads us to this large bulletin thing. My eyes scan over news articles, advertisements, and lands on a small piece of bright almost neon green paper. Taking a step forward I read it over.
In dire need of a sitter willing to babysit from Monday to Saturday. Weekdays will be from noon to five thirty and Saturday will be from eight until five thirty. Pay is 5000 ryō an hour, and an extra 2000 ryō in case of overtime. If interested please meet me at Hachimitsu Café. Ask for Honoka
I'm not sure how much 5000 ryō is equivalent in my own world, but at least it's better than nothing. Plus a babysitting job can be good. Kids are awesome and if these kids happen to be active than I know I got my work cut out for me. It's a great thing today is Sunday.
"Konan-san," I say looking over to the woman. "I want to give this a try."
She takes the neon green paper from my hands. Her eyes quickly scan over it then she hands it back. I stare at her waiting patiently for some sort of response. After a moment I get a response.
"If you do that then all of your training will have to be in the evening. If on any day you're unable to train Leader will have you train double the time on Sunday. Are you willing to do that?"
"I'll take it as a challenge," I say with determination. I am determined to prove myself. I take a deep breath and repeat the words my father once told me when I was little. "When partaking under challenging pressures one learns to both grow and push their limits further or risk the chance of cracking and become a failure."
"Interesting choice of words," she replies.
"My father's words of wisdom," I reply.
She nods then says, "Well then this is your choice. Let's go find this Honoka then do some shopping."
"Hai," I reply with a slight bow.
Konan starts walking and once again I follow her. A few minutes later we come to a stop outside a large light brown building with gold letterings stating Hachimitsu Café. Taking a step forward, I push the door open and hold it for Konan. She nods and steps in. I walk in and let the door close behind me.
My nose is instantly assaulted with the aroma of different foods and teas. There are couples, families and people who are just by themselves seeming to enjoy their time. Their chattering along with their laughter bounces of the walls. Waiters and waitresses walk around smiling taking orders and delivering food.
Konan and I maneuver our way around the busy café to a small bar counter. My eyes continue looking around at the place as we wait. The walls are a relaxing sage green with dull red falling leaf patterns. The tables and chairs all look to be light blue and looking down to the floor it looks like a light brown hardwood.
"How can I help you," says a woman catching my attention.
Konan gives me a nudge and I step forward looking at the woman. She smiles at me, her brown eyes crinkling in the corners. Her light brown hair with streaks of grey is in a bun. I smile and take a deep breath.
"My name is Ayano. I'm looking for Honoka."
"He's busy working right now cooking food. Honoka will be on a break in about an hour. Would you like me to pass him a message and let him know you were looking for him?"
"That would be much appreciated," I reply with a smile. "You can tell him I found his ad on the bulletin looking for a sitter." I hand over said paper. "I'll come back in an hour."
"Okay," the woman replies taking the paper. "I'll pass on the message. Have a nice day."
"Thank you and you too," I reply then turn around to Konan.
Konan says nothing and starts walking for the exit. My stomach growls letting me know it wants me to eat first. With a quick glare down at my stomach I follow behind Konan until we're out on the busy street again.
"We'll do the shopping now," Konan says then starts walking.
"Hai," I reply following her.
We go to a large store across from the café. Inside it looks like it's covered with nothing but different types of clothing. It has a selection from kids all the way to adults. There are some more people in here but mostly mother's with their little children and a few teenagers.
Konan doesn't waste any time waiting for someone to come over and offer help. Instead she starts walking and with no other choice I follow her. Well I have a choice I just don't want to stand around looking like an idiot.
"Pick a few outfits for work, training and wearing around the base," Konan says leading me to some unknown section.
I nod in a reply and take a step forward. My hands reach out slowly touching the fabric as I start to sort through the different types of clothes. I come across a yellow kimono with decorative cranes and balls similar to Christmas ornaments and a red obi. Smiling I grab it and drape it over my left arm and continue my search.
Another kimono I find is a goldish yellow color with purple flower pattern scatter about and a sage green obi. I come across another kimono that has a peacock pattern and immediately fall in love with it. Grabbing both the kimonos I drape them over my left arm as well. The last kimono I find is like a forest green with a black obi and I also drape it over my arms.
I then start searching for training and work clothing. My hands find a dark teal sleeveless top and add it to the clothing drape over my arm. I also grab a black tank top then a few more sleeveless and tank tops.
Continuing my search I look for bottoms. I get to the shorts section and scan them. I come across a bunch of running shorts and grab a purple one along with a green one and a few others. Then I get a black, timberland brown and olive color cargo shorts. After that I grab a few random sweat pants and capris. If I want or need anything else I'll get it at a later time with my own money after paying Konan back.
With a sigh, because I hate shopping unless it's for books, I head over towards the undergarments section; Konan following behind me. In the undergarments section, I grab a green with white polka dots and a black with red outlined boy shorts underwear along with a few other colors. I grab a couple of bandeau bras as well as sports bras that will be worn for training, and a few full support bras.
"I'm finished," I say turning to Konan as I switch the clothing to my right arm to give my left arm some relief.
I follow Konan to the front of the room. The cashier places each article of clothing into its own special box then places that box into a bag. My eyes slightly widen when the price come over 9000 ryō. Seriously, I don't know how much that is in my world, but I do know I would never really pay that much for clothing. The price doesn't seem to bother Konan none as she hands the money over. I grab the bags as she's paying and move out of the line for the other costumers. Well at least it won't take me long to pay Konan back.
"We need to get you some shoes then we're heading back to the café," Konan says as she walks over to me.
"That's fine with me," I reply, trying to hide the boredom in my voice.
Konan pulls out a scroll and places it down on the floor. She then takes the bags from me and places them onto the scroll. I watch in confusion wondering what she is doing. A few seconds later she moves her hands in a blur and then there's a puff of smoke and all the bags are gone but the scroll is still there.
"What just happen," I ask looking back and forth from her to the scroll as she picks it up and rolls it up.
"I sealed the bags into the scroll," she replies as she starts walking. "Makes traveling easier."
"Sealed it into the scroll," I ask confused as I follow her. Was it some sort of magic trick?
"You'll learn about it later in your training," she replies.
With no reply I follow her once again out onto the busy street. Sighing, I bring my hand to my stomach as it growls. My eyes drift over to the café remembering the smell of the food. Again my stomach growls louder as my mouth starts watering imagining what the wonderful food taste like.
I take a step forward only to shake my head and take a step back. A second later I watch as someone dashes by right where I was about to stand. Shrugging my shoulders with a sigh, I turn around and run over to Konan.
She steps inside a store and I follow her like a puppy. All this following around makes me feel like a little kid again. When I imagine myself on an adventure, following someone around was not part of the equation. Actually, I find this whole adventure thing right now being boring. When is the fun good stuff going to start?
What surprises me Fat Ass is that you haven't thought about escaping.
"Great," I mumble under my breath as I follow Konan down the rows of shoes.
Konan looks over her shoulder at me and I smile. She looks away and I glare down at the floor. This is really starting to get on my nerves. He is supposed to be out of my head doing whatever he does. I don't want to talk to him or listen to him talk.
Well that's too damn bad, I'm not leaving. I'm always going to be here. You'll never get rid of me unless you died. I'm still waiting for that to happen.
"Whatever," I whisper.
You're out in public and you haven't tried to escape. Do you really think she'll do anything in public with so many people as witnesses? This is your chance to make a run for it, but you just follow her like some obedient little puppy. You're a bitch Fat Ass.
Immediately my hands ball up into fist as I dig my nails into my palms. He's right I do have a chance to make a run for it but the thought never crossed my mind. For a moment I look behind me then back at Konan. Her grey eyes scan over the shoes.
I take one step back. Why should I continue to stay? Why should I follow? What is the point of all of this? Is it to gain my trust? They wouldn't really care if I just disappeared right?
With each question I ask myself, I take a quiet step back. Then I stop as I look behind me. What would escaping accomplish me? I don't know this place or anything about this world. There's no one that I know here. I could come across someone or another group that might just actually kill me. They probably won't have any discussion/meeting to decide if I live because they won't care and will kill me in cold blood. Besides the Akatsuki might track me down and kill me. Maybe I should just wait until I know I can survive on my own before I try to escape.
You're just scared Fat Ass. You know you wouldn't be able to make it far if you ran for it. I'm not surprise because you're so lazy. Do you think you'll even be able to get the job? I don't think you will Fat Ass. You're going to fail like you do with everything else. You're a failure in life, just a waste of space because everyone knows you won't do anything with your life. You won't nor can't contribute anything to our world or this world. Fat Ass you're nothing but a scared failure.
Grinding my teeth together I pull on the end of my hair. I want to yell shut up as I smash my head against the wall. There's no way I'm a failure, I just haven't come across anything that really made me care with the exception of reading. Why should I put forth any effort when I don't care about it; when it isn't that much of a challenge? Why should I even try when most stuff is just a repeat of what you've already learn/know? So he's wrong, I'm not a failure I just don't…care.
But what if he's right? What if I am a failure? Am I really a waste of space? Am I even good enough for whatever this world has to offer? Am I good enough back in my own world? Am I good enough for anyone? Will I fail?
"Ayano," I hear Konan say pulling me out of my thoughts.
She slightly has her brow raised and I realize that there are some tears rolling down my cheek. Quickly I wipe them away as I hear Fukatemono snickering. I dig my nails into my palms trying to push away the negative thoughts. I just have to believe in myself, have the confidence to prove him wrong.
"Gomen," I say with a slight bow. "I don't know what came over me."
She nods and changes the subject; "I want you to try these on."
I nod in reply. She hands me a box and I take it from her as I sit down onto the nearby bench. Opening the lid I pull out a black boot that also kind of looks like a sandal. Shrugging, I take off my own shoe and try on the boot sandal –that's what I'm calling it- to find that it fits perfectly and is a lot more comfortable than my own shoes.
"I like these," I say looking up to Konan and smiling.
"Keep them on and we'll go pay for them."
"Okay," I say placing my shoes in the box.
Standing up I follow her to the front where she pays 3000 ryō for the shoes. After paying I watch her once again go through the process of placing my old shoes into the scroll. It's weird but that's because I'm not used to it, but it is kind of cool.
Outside, Konan looks up at the sky for a moment. She then starts walking back in the direction of the café. I follow right beside her. My stomach somehow knows where we are going and once again makes its presence known. It lets out a loud growl reminding me of a bear. When I cover my stomach to try and muffle some of the noise, it's like it gets a mind of its own because suddenly it feels like my stomach area is being stabbed repeatedly with knives. This happens every time I don't feed my stomach like it tells me too.
"Here," Konan says pulling an apple from out of her clock. "Eat it before you meet with Honoka."
"Arigato," I say taking the apple.
I restrain myself from inhaling the apple and just eat it slowly. My stomach thankfully accepts even though it and even I, wants more than an apple, but we won't complain. At least my stomach won't complain for now.
Once again at the café we go to the bar counter. We're greeted with the same lady. Seeing us she smiles and I smile back. She motions for us to follow her so we do. She takes us to the back into what I guess is the break room.
"Honoka," the woman says as we walk inside. "Here is the girl that was looking for you."
Sitting at the table holding a cup in both hands is a man. He has messy dark brown hair. The man looks over revealing dark blue eyes. He gives a small smile as his eyes crinkle in the corner with wrinkles. I smile back as give a small bow. The woman's footsteps echo as she walks out.
"Don't mention a single thing about the Akatsuki," Konan whispers in my ear. "I'll return in five minutes."
Konan also leaves, and now I'm alone with the man. I stand up and he motions for me to take the seat across from him. I walk over, give another slight bow then sit down. He looks down at his cup for a moment then back at me.
"You're name is Ayano correct," he asks in a deep slow voice.
"Hai sir," I reply with a nod.
"How old are you?"
"I'm seventeen and a half," I reply. "My birthday is in two weeks…I think." Now that I think about it, I have no clue what the date is. Looks like it's time for lie number one. "What is todays date? I've been so busy with moving that keeping track of the date has totally slipped my mind."
"It's March third," he replies.
"Okay then yeah my birthday is in two weeks," I reply with a smile.
"Do you really want this job," he asks. "I have two kids a boy and a girl. My daughter is ten while my son is seven. Do you think you'll be able to keep up with them because they never stay in one spot for long?"
"Hai to both questions," I reply. "Besides I love kids and I'm really good with them. I used to babysit for my old neighbor two years ago until they moved."
"I don't really have the time to properly interview you and my kids really need someone to look after them while I'm away at work," he says and for a moment I wonder what's wrong or what happen with the mother but I don't ask. "So you can start working Monday. Any information you might need about my children will be provided when you show up."
"Okay," I reply as I watch him stand up.
He walks over to a drawer and pulls out some paper along with a bottle and paint brush. He walks back over and sits down. I watch him dip the brush in the bottle then pull the black tip of the brush out. Immediately I realize its ink.
I watch as he starts drawing/writing on the paper. When he finishes he blows on it a few times then hands it over. Looking at it I realize it's a map.
"Since you said you moved, that should help you find my home. Try to get there ten to five minutes early so I can give you the information you'll need."
"I can do that," I reply with a nod. "Arigato for giving me this job."
"I would have given the job to anyone if they came and ask," he replies. "Now my break is over and I have to get back to work."
The door opens and Konan walks inside. Standing up I give the man one last smile as I bow then walk over to Konan. She nods her head as the man gives a small nod. I wave as we start walking out with the man following far behind us. As we turn to leave for the exit her heads to the kitchen.
"I got the job," I tell Konan as we step outside.
"That's good," Konan says. "We're going to head back to the base now. I'll inform Leader about the job." She then hands me the scroll. "That scroll has a simple sealing technique on it. Learning how to use it during your training will come in handy. You'll have to ask one of the members to teach you though."
"Okay," I reply somewhat confused as I take the scroll.
"That scroll has your old shoes and all the new clothing that was bought."
"Oh," I reply. Well I hope someone will be nice enough to help me learn how to use this thing.
"Let's go," Konan says and starts walking.
"Wait," I say and she turns to look at me. "I'm extremely thirsty."
She pulls out a canteen and hands it to me. She then starts walking and I follow her. I open the canteen and smell it first then take a sip, tasting water. The moment the water slides down my parched throat I start gulping even more of the water. I actually have to restrain myself from drinking the entire thing by putting the cap back on and handing it to Konan. She silently takes it placing it inside her coat.
When we reach the outside of the town Konan gets behind me. With a slight pout I close my eyes. Once again the blindfold is place on me. She spins me around a few times the grabs my wrist and starts walking back to the base. Just like the time we travel here I just have a feeling she's not walking in a straight line and is going in circles. In fact I bet she's taking a different route then the one we took to get to the village.
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Finally this chapter is out after such a long wait. I hope you enjoy it even if it is kind of slow and somewhat boring to me. It's going to be a while before the real good stuff starts. Mwahahaha I have plans for Ayano. Okay evil author moment over.
The poll is still up for whom Ayano should fall in love with. It will be up for a long time. Remember that you can pick anyone in the Akatsuki with the exception of Leader/Pein and Konan because those two belong together.
If you have any ideas or would like to see something happen go ahead and tell me. I'll be happy to add it into the story. I like making my readers happy.
Anyways, Masashi Kishimoto owns the Akatsuki and the Honey village. I won Ayano and any other OCs I create for this story as well as the plot. Thank you to everyone who reads this, reviews, adds this to their favorites/alerts. Please review and stay tuned for the next chapter. Once again thank you. Farewell for now. ^.^