~Chapter 2~

To Grieve and Revamp

The night was eerily silent. Kinata crept soundlessly through the halls, her tiny feet moving as if she had slippers on. She paused as she came across the main room, where her mother sat on her knees, her kimono spread around her in a colorful circle. She was burning incense, with her eyes closed, her hands folded before her, and her cheeks wet. Kinata frowned at the sight, curious as to what her mother could be doing. The day had gone by with what seemed to be a black cloud hanging over it. No one had explained the oddity, so Kinata was left to wonder.

"Kinata." Her mother's sudden voice made her jump a little. She hadn't realized that her presence had been noticed.

"Um, sorry mother. I…I didn't know what you were doing and I…" Her mother cut her off by waving her over, smiling gently. Kinata grinned back, skipping over to where her mother sat. She leaned into the woman's back, comfortable on her lap.

"Mother?" The beautiful lady above her gazed down.

"Hm?" Kinata looked down, snuggling a bit closer while she enjoyed the feeling of her mother petting her hair. The little girl was always complimented on the softness of it. Like silk, many had proclaimed.

"If the Ryukotse clan has two paths, why would they choose to be a destroyer? I'm not sure I see the point in that." The girl's face was scrunched up. Her mother sighed.

"That is a rather wise question to ask of your age." Said girl craned her neck childishly, shrugging her shoulders.

"Rin was singing our clan's song again. It got me thinking I guess." Her mother chuckled. The song was one of her youngest daughter's favorites. The Legend of Ryukotse.

"Ah. I see." She took a deep breath, having become accustomed to her daughter's abundant supply of curiosity.

"Some wish to have more power. And this is in hopes that these people will obtain more control over others. A falsehood perhaps, but to them, it is their reality." Kinata sat up, still confused.

"Why would they want to control someone? Would that not that be boring, just, I mean, knowing how a person acts. I like when people are random. It's fun!" Her mother's eyes twitched up, holding back from laughing. Despite her child's simpleton links in thoughts at times, she still conveyed the morally right idea.

"Yes, I agree. But those of who I speak of are the kinds that misunderstand what is important in life, and so they compensate by becoming strong. In this way, they fool themselves into believing that they become important in life." Kinata's eyes were wide, an expression of 'oh' planted on her face. Her mother couldn't help but use big words and intricate explanations. Orihime had been born into nobility, under the Land of Waves. It caused Kinata to pay attention more intensely.

"So…what is important in life?" She had such a naïve look. Her mother eyed her deeply, and then smiled wondrously.

"Life itself. Anyone can change the world. It will not come by power or strength, but by the ones who choose to love." She tapped Kinata's nose with her finger affectionately, in which the girl gave a cheesy grin in return, rolling her eyes.

"Love what?" Her mother shook her head.

"Master Yamamoto is right. My dear daughter asks many questions." Kinata shrugged, intently waiting for an answer. So her mother continued.

"Love continuously and unconditionally. No matter the consequences. And no matter what or who you wish to love. It is a power beyond any, and it will bring with it the chance for change and for others to endure." Kinata was quiet for a once, staring down at her mother's smooth hands, which held her own smaller hands. Orihime gave her daughter a worried look.

"I…I think I understand," she looked up finally at her mother. "Because…because I would enoohwer (endure…her kid like speech lol) a lot to keep Rin and you safe, because I love you both very, very much. I am not sure how I could live on without either of you. So…that is why I think I can understand this power of love." She nodded to herself, as if making a proclamation.

Orihime laughed, embracing her child, thanking fate for gifting her with such a daughter beyond her years, with compassion beyond most.

"And I love you very much as well Kinata. This love is what I wished those unfortunate others to have. So that they too would understand." Kinata pushed away from her mother's strong hold, her small smile dropping at the mention that there were people alive who did not experience love. It hurt the small girl to realize this. She looked down, suddenly sad.

"Then from here on out, I promise that I will pass on the love so that they too can feel loved and enoohwer life. I will make sure to become a great ninja…so, if I meet mean people, I won't be afraid, and instead, I will be confident! Enough to buy some time so that I can find a way to love them at least!" Her mother softly chuckled, pulling her back into her arms.

"Then you have chosen an enlightened path." Kinata suddenly could sense the top of her head becoming slightly wet. She stole a glance upwards, surprised to find her mother with renewed tear-streaked cheeks. Frowning, the five year old tucked her head into her mother's neck, clenching her little fists in the silk kimono. She hated it when her mother cried quietly. It made her feel hopeless to comfort her.

Orihime couldn't help but acknowledge how much Kinata sounded just like her father, her first husband, the one who had been seen as the hero of the Ryukotse clan. He was the man who had sacrificed his life so that she could escape with the very child in her arms, once in her stomach. She felt the memories coming back of that night. Irony had made her shed tears, for her daughter had chosen to say those inspiring words on such a terrible night, the one in which nearly 5 years ago her father, Daisuke, was killed.

After some moments, she let her daughter go, ushering her to go to bed. The obedient girl took off reluctantly, but not before stealing another glance at her bothered mother. Finally, she was back in the halls, heading towards Rin's room. As she passed Rin's room, she could hear noises. Kinata stopped. The girl was only a few years younger than her (and was technically her half-blooded sister) but they acted quite alike and appeared so similar that some would mistake them for twins. She went into Rin's room to find her huddled up, her knees to her chin. The younger one jumped when the elder spoke up, concerned for her frightened kin.

"What's wrong Rin?"

"Rin….Rin do not know. But Rin is scared." She was coughing and crying and wiping her nose with her blankets. So maybe they didn't act exactly alike. Kinata had formal speech, but Rin had baby talk. Usually though she wouldn't speak in third person unless she was terrified.

Kinata sighed, but sat on the side of the bed to Rin's right. She felt tired and clumsy, ready to go to sleep, but she felt it her duty to soother her younger sister. She loved her after all.

"And so you do not know why you are scared?" She was skeptical but coming from her silly little sister, anything was possible. Rin affirmed this by nodding. Kinata raised an eyebrow, confused as to how she could thus help the anxious girl before her.

"Rin…have a really bad feeling in Rin's tummy. Like Rin have yucky spiders in there." Kinata frowned.

"Then you are just sick! I can make you some warm tea…it will help a lot." She got up when Rin quickly snatched her hand. She looked back, trying to hide her annoyance.

"No! Do not leave Rin here by herself!" Kinata's face softened. Rin was really panicking.

"Rin, you will be fine. I will only be a minute, okay?" She kissed her little sister's forehead, smiling gently to her. Kinata loved it when her mother would do that to her. Rin seemed to calm down a bit, aversely nodding.

"O-kay Kinata. But be quick, pwease?" Kinata smirked at the mispronounced manner, but began to walk out to the kitchen instead, wanting to hurry so that she wouldn't worry Rin any further. She took a fleeting look over her shoulder before exiting the room completely. Rin was lying down.

"I will." Rin gave her a small smile of confirmation. With that, she made it across the two halls that led to the kitchen. She retrieved some hot water.

A high pitched whistle sounded, causing Kinata to jump, shivers of fear going up her spine. That hadn't been the teapot. She hadn't even put the kettle on the fire yet.

Suddenly, smoke came blasting through. Kinata instantly crouched to the floor just as the walls blew out in front of her. Chunks were falling around and some on her, causing minor cuts on her shoulders and arms. She flinched. People outside were now screaming. Alarms were blaring, going up in pitch and then back down.

Kinata got up, a bit shaky. Through the wrecked wall she saw people in dark masks, holding silver kunai knives, using blue chakra. Others were wearing odd white and black animal masks, all weilding weapons. She maneuvered swiftly around the broke wall so that they wouldn't see her. She thanked her age for the size and convenience of such. Though confused, stunned, and alarmed, she pushed her body forward.

She had to get to Rin's room. Fast.

Just as she entered the hall though, she caught sight of her respectable instructor, Master Yamamoto. He looked beyond relieved to see her.

"Kinata! Thank the Gods! Come!" She frowned, doubtful and hesitant.

"But Rin is still," he cut her off, grabbing her arm harshly and leading her away, out towards the back entrance halls.

"You mother has Rin! Now come! You are lagging behind." Kinata picked up her speed, trying to comprehend what could possible have taken her village by surprise, leaving everything and everyone in chaos.

They made their way to the halls leading towards the gardens. Master Yamamoto came to a halt, just as a burst of lightening flew horizontally their way. Kinata gasped, as terror began to take over, but he grabbed her shoulder to force her forward, while the sparks of lightening dispersed around them.

"W…what is going on Master!?" She yelled, trying to sound braver than she felt. It was loud everywhere, explosions going off but still sounding like they were right next to them. Crashes and screams could be heard off in the distance. Kinata looked up to her Master, just now noticing his odd attire. He was wearing monk clothes rather than his usual samurai armor.

"An attack on our village. We must reach the monastery. Quick!" She didn't have time to question further as he dragged her along the pathway leading from their temple-like home to the sanctuary before them, usually used by the Buddhists.

The shrine was vacant however, which was another oddity. The Buddhists were supposed to be protecting it. Her master pushed her through the elevated doors, closing them as soon as they had passed through. He continued through the main hall, Kinata moving right behind him. When they arrived at a beautiful canvas of a fan, he made a hand seal, and the picture warped into a window. He picked Kinata up, who had been awed by his actions.

"Jump through." His hissed. She did, stumbling to land. Typically her balance was great. Tonight, her legs felt wobbly. Standing up, Kinata found herself in a dark room, about the size of a small bedroom. There were three torches ablaze, giving the room an eerie look. It made her nerves feel worse. Master Yamamoto was suddenly behind her.

"Your mother has asked me to seal your chakra in here until we have fought this battle." Kinata spun around, shocked to hear this from her sensei.

"But…I can fight too!" He shook his head.

"I know you can, but this is not a fight we can afford for you to fight in. Now Lady Kinata, I need you up there on that flat stone." He pointed to a cement platform the size of a gigantic rectangular box. He walked passed her to the object, which was placed in the middle of the small room. She was glaring, but reluctantly followed. She pulled herself up and went to lie down. She crossed her arms, angry at him, wanting to prove her skills.

"Is mother doing the same to Rin?" He nodded, pushing lightly on her chest so that she was officially resting on the cold cement. He performed another hand seal.

"Yes, but she had to take her to the Kon Monastery. Now silence. I must perform this jutsu with absolute concentration. You will be unconscious for a few hours. But I will be back to undo the seal." She frowned. This was all so much to just immediately take in.

"Why does my chakra have to be sealed?" He sighed.

"Our enemies have sensory ninjas with them." Her frown deepened.

"So? What about you Master Yamamoto? Or mother?" He gave her a stern look.

"Always so inquisitive." He paused, shaking his head in wonder, and then he took a deep breath, "They are after you. And so, we must hide you."

Before she could comment again, her body became stiff. He was performing the last hand signs of the sealing jutsu. In a fraction of a second, she couldn't hear, see, or smell.

She was in total darkness.

….

…

…

…

…wh…where am I….?

Kinata was in a world of mist.

She was confused.

She looked down at her hands….they were still there.

But where was she?

In the distance, she saw a small figure.

It was Rin.

She was just standing there in the mist.

Kinata smile, waving her hands and sprinting towards the girl.

She was so happy to see her little sister again!

"Rin! It's me, Kinata!…Rin!"

Nothing.

No sign of reaction on the girl's face.

It was as if her little sister could not hear or see her.

And as she ran, Rin wasn't getting any closer.

She scowled, picking up her pace. But to no avail.

Then her mother appeared behind Rin, having stepped out of the mist.

"Mother!"

She screamed, panicking now, hoping maybe she would listen.

Nothing.

Kinata stopped, breathing hard.

She was just now understanding the extent of fright.

She watched as her sister hugged her mother's knees, hiding her face in the cloth.

Her mother too was now shedding shameless tears.

Kinata hadn't realized that she had begun crying herself.

What was this place and why was she invisible to them?

At that point, she felt her hands go numb.

Her body froze again.

The abyss began to close in around her mother and little sister.

"NO! Mother! Rin!" But she couldn't move.

The darkness consumed the rest of Kinata's world.

And their image faded.

Kinata sat up, her face wet from sweat and tears. She was lying on the cold stone, in the room she had been sealed in.

"Are you alright?" She turned her head to find Master Yamamoto standing on her left. He had severe burn marks everywhere, and his expression spoke of his exhaustion. But he was clearly still more worried about the girl before him, who looked petrified. She could barely feel anything, her mind hazy and her body worn out. But she nodded nonetheless, clenching her eyes tightly shut to rid the images away.

"I…" she hesitated then decided that the dream was not reality. And so she should get a grip on herself.

"Yes. I am fine." With a relieved nod, he grabbed her shoulder to help get her off the cement block. Her legs felt unused so it took her a minute to stand straight.

"We must go." She didn't say anything, but followed him, lost in the moment as her surroundings became a blur. He led them through a small passage inside a room, leading to another hallway, one that was darker. It directed them to the front side of the building, facing the woods.

"I have secured our way off the island. And then you must stay with some old friends of mine." Her face went blank. What? Leave…home? She felt overwhelmed, her body shaking.

""But…but why? Where is moth…" She stopped mid-sentence when they made it out of the temple. Human bodies…no…people…those she had known her whole life, were now lying dead in front of her. Master Yamamoto made a quick turn left towards the forest, his steps hurried. That was until he glanced back. Kinata stood frozen in spot, scanning in horror at the sight. It was still dark, but the various buildings and trees set ablaze illuminated everything.

"Lady Kinata…" He wasn't being demanding, but he had to get her out of there, so his tone was still urgent. Finally, she snapped out of it, running over to him, her expression terribly pained.

"Is…is everyone…?" He frowned as his head slowly dropped.

"Yes. And you must honor their sacrifice by keeping yourself alive." Tears were falling freely from her eyes. Her master grabbed her arm, leading her away. They moved along enormous foliage just behind their home. He let her arm go, to search for something, when he gasped in dread. Kinata glanced over, and then she felt her body go numb again, though with more of a rush.

"R…Rin…?" Time stopped. She blinked in shock. In the next moment she was darting passed her master, collapsing on her knees to the ground next to the dead corpse. She knew that it was her little sister by the tiny body clothed in ashes, a kimono that clung barely to it, their family crest scarcely recognizable. The dead body reminded Kinata of charcoal burns, the hair half way smoldered.

"NO! Rin….how? Why you!? Not you! No..oooooo!" her sobs were now out of control. She was in hysterics, trembling in a frenzy. So then mother…!?

"Lady Kinata." Master Yamamoto crept up behind her, placing his hand gently on her right shoulder. She looked up to him. He was crying silently.

"May two treasure and wholesome souls rest in peace. Within great name of honor." He had closed his eyes and brought his fists, clenched tightly, to his chest, bowing his head. Kinata turned back to the body. With her eyes closed firmly, she whispered her own farewell.

"I am deeply sorry for this painful loss, Lady Kinata. While trying to escape, a fire shinobi must have found them." His tone was miserably throbbing, but controlled. She admired his abilities to hold his true emotions back. It was something she would have to practice on. About a minute passed when she stood up weakly next to her sensei.

"There is nothing we can do here. The enemies are close. We must leave now." His voice was now flat, void of all emotions. She let him guide her through the thick forest paths. Kinata's feet moved on their own. She was in her own state of shock.

My family…my friends…my home…gone.

They arrived at a shore, where two small boats awaited under the moonlight, tied to wooden posts digging deep into the sand. The waves crashed angrily against the borderline in murky colors of blues and blacks.

"Come, My Lady. Get in, but be careful." She did, slowly minding her steps. She was trained to hold her balance with ease through many obstacles, but never one quite like this.

"I need you to row with me…Lady Kinata!" She was in a daze. She grabbed the wooden stick, her movements' mechanic.

Depression sank deep in her stomach, gradually realizing that everything would change without having her loved ones nearby. And from this train of thought came immense fear…fear for her teacher and herself. What lay ahead was unknown; most likely of heavy hardships. They would always be targeted, sought after to be destroyed by enemy lands, unless both could keep watch over one another's shoulder. They would never be able to stay in one spot for too long. Like Master Yamamoto, she would never have a permanent home.

She let the silent droplets fall from her eyes shamelessly. Nothing would be the same. And it was all because of her "superior" blood, a line in which her clan members believed it alright to forfeit their lives for. She growled to herself, realizing that it was Ryukotse…the power that had to ruin the lives of so many…that had begun this endless cycle of death, despite her awareness as to why so many went to seek it.

It didn't matter.

None of it did.

Her life, all that mattered, had all vanished before her clouded eyes.

The two forlorn and remaining few alive of the Ryukotse clan drifted further and further away from the island.

And Kinata watched as her former life faded away.