Mirror, mirror.
"Well done my Reina-chan! That's wasmuchbetter than last time, you've really gotten the hang of this . Now, let's have a small tea break and then we shall carry on ne?" Hidekazu smiled softly, his ochre eyes glowing with pride and great affection for the young girl that was stood before him; a wide grin plastered on her freckly face as she breathed heavily, the pants of breath staggered and uneven.
"H-Hai Ojii-san!" She crooned happily with excitement as she brushed her dark chestnut bangs from her gold dusted brown eyes; the occasional flicker of gold catching the light as they flittered amongst the array of brown that inhabited her irises. Reina pushed herself up from her place amid the feathered grass, dusting off the dirt and foliage from her clothes, parts of them slightly charred from the arduous training she had been undergoing.
Hidekazu smiled lovingly at his granddaughter, the fact that she never stopped smiling made his own lips twist into a likewise smile; the pair were two peas in a pod, whatever her grandfather did Reina wanted to do too. If he trained outside, Reina would train too. If Hidekazu wanted to play 'Renju' then Reina would be his opponent. If Hidekazu visited the Uchiha's then Reina tagged along, hot on his heels. If he wanted a pot of tea, she watched the kettle boil over the stove pedantically until the steam hissed from the spout.
The duo were joined at the hip.
Reina skipped over to her grandfather, a melodic giggle passing her lips joyfully. Hidekazu chuckled softly ruffling her dark locks warmly before a sly look overcame his greying features.
"Ne Reina-chan…I believe thatImade the last pot of tea so…" He warbled, cheekiness and playfulness lingering in his every word, they heightening as the young heiress's face dropped a little, her rosy cheeks puffing out slightly along with her lips in a childish pout.
"Awww Ojii-saaaaan! Ialwaysmake the tea! You never do!" Reina whined flopping herself down on the array of multi-coloured pillows that colonised on the outside decking of the compound, this spot their usual haunting ground that overlooked the entire garden, from the neatly trimmed grass to the carefully tended flower bushes that curved around the whole building. Hidekazu grinned lopsidedly, adjusting his glasses, his gold orbs flashing with a charm only a grandfather would possess.
"Awwww Reina-chan, it's just that after me teaching you that technique I'm so thirsty and a cup of your delicious tea would take that parchedness away with one mouthful…" He cooed attempting to pull a cutesy face. Reina stared at him blankly from her mini fortress of pillows, a glimmer of maturity beyond her years splashing over her pale features momentarily before returning to her childish persona and sighing softly.
"Fiiiiiiiiine Ojii-san! But youhaveto finish the story from yesterday…or no tea." She retorted, crossing her arms awaiting his answer, peeking over her shoulder a little. Hidekazu grinned and nodded, his smile accentuating and deepening the wrinkles on his face as he lowered himself beside her, adjusting the many metres of fabric of his hakama as he sat, crossing his legs to get comfortable. Reina smiled widely, immediately jumping from the pillows as she darted off towards the kitchen, slipping occasionally as her socks refused to grip the floor steadily whilst Hidekazu chuckled to himself as he watched her disappear inside.
Reina skidded into the kitchen her eyes wide with joy only to stop dead in her tracks, her stomach dropping and filling with mixed emotions before they all dispersed into that of joy and excitement.
"Otou-san!" Reina squealed, sprinting into his arms and wrapping her legs and arms around him, clutching onto him as if her life depended on it whilst she buried her face into the crook of his neck inhaling the rare and treasured scent. Taimu blinked in surprise as he felt a small bundle wrap itself around him, having overcome the shock he smiled tenderly, holding his ever growing child in his arms tightly.
"Ahh my Reina, my how you've grown!" He smiled gently rocking her in arms as if it was the first time he had ever held her.
"I've missed you Otou-san, how long are you and Okaa-san here for?" She mumbled, leaning back to look at him, his dark chocolate eyes filled with sympathy and heartache.
"Not long I'm afraid my Dear. But I have something for you, something that will remind you of us…" Taimu set her back down on the ground carefully, kneeling to her height, their eyes level; she smiled and nodded, waiting patiently for whatever he had in store. Taimu reached into his hakama breast pocket and held out his fist momently before opening it, a dainty gold chain falling from his hand and dangling frivolously. The small ornate garnet gem that hung from the chain gleaming proudly in the midday sun, the many shades of red bouncing about bright enough to entrance magpies for miles around.
Reina was spellbound by the swaying object, her coffee coloured orbs following it engrossed by its beauty; Taimu smiled and clasped the delicate chain around her neck, brushing the stray hair from her face, his own beaming with pride.
"Arigatou Otou-san, it's beautiful, I love it thank you." Reina murmured as she tinkered with the decorative gem affectionately before hugging him, not wanting the brief embrace to end- but all good things must come to an end.
"W-what isshedoing here? Okaa-san I told you not to allow her here when I come home." Taimu stood, pushing Reina behind him out of sight from Natsuko whose eyes were burning with anguish and resentment. Reina looked to the ground, concentrating on the grains of the wood as the voices in the room escalated and continued to crescendo.
"I TOLD YOU TO NEVER BRING HER HERE WHEN I CAME HOME!" Natsuko roared pointing towards Reina as if she were a dangerous demon, not her daughter, her own flesh and blood.
"Natsukoplease, Reina didn't know we were here." Taimu tried to calm her down, his voice soothing and sentimental. Natsuko glared from her place across the room, her own chocolate orbs burning with discontent and grief.
"O-Okaa-san?" Reina stammered as she stepped aside from the shadowy protection of her father, her chest tightening as not to allow the tears to fall. Natsuko's eyes widened fleetingly as those words fell upon her ears, she wincing as if they were a potent poison entering her system.
"YOU! You are the bane of my life! It's because of you that I'm like this!" Natsuko spat storming towards Reina maliciously, her hand outstretched and ready to make impact.
"You ruined my life!"
It was then that Reina sprung from her dream, a cool sweat inhabiting her pale skin, the sweat clinging to her like an unwanted pest. She sat up from her tatami mat, leaning her head upon her knees and attempted to steady her erratic breaths, her chest tight and eyes burning with unshed tears. She hadn't had that dream in a long time, if anything she tried to avoid thinking about it, those thoughts only rekindled unwanted memories, memories which felt like someone was plunging a kunai straight into her heart every time it graced her mind.
Reina did not hate her mother, in fact she held not one single shred of resentment for her; if anything she was saddened by the few interactions she had with her; for they were exactly that- mere interactions. They were nothing more than sporadic experiences that always ended in heart-breaking rows and hurtful remarks; Reina knew her mother couldn't help it, she knew that her mother had specific reasons for the way she was and Reina couldn't blame her for that. If anything it was indirectly her fault. Unbeknownst to Reina, her mere existence in this world wounded her mother, the mere sight of her erupting shear panic within her mother's brain moments after Natsuko brought her into the world.
Reina sighed softly as she pushed herself up from the warmth haven of the quilt covers, an icy chill shuddering throughout her entire body as the cool air caressed her skin hungrily. She gingerly made her way to the small yet homely bathroom Atsuo and Ayane had kindly provided her with. She leant against the porcelain sink, it supporting her weary frame like a loyal friend would; she looked up into the inhabiting mirror and gazed pensively at her reflection with tired eyes.
It was often said that mirrors were gateways to another dimension and on the other side of that sheet of glass was an entire different world, parallel to the one that you lived in. Reina often contemplated this, she theorised that if beyond a mirror was a different dimension, then the mirror itself was a portal- the gateway to that world. She had scoured entire libraries tiresomely in reference to this, myths and legends alike talking of the significance of mirrors and their properties.
She stared aimlessly into the shiny glass unconsciously noting how much she actually resembled her mother; they both had rounded doe-like eyes framed by rows of dark lashes and neatly pruned brows. Although her mother was more liberal with her looks, Natsuko allowed her hair to fall wherever it felt and her brows to grow freely; she was an unkempt soul whereas Reina liked order. She liked the neatness and simplicity of things, she kept herself tidy and well presented; she was a pretty normal young woman that took pride in her appearance and had well-earned scars from over the years.
Tearing herself away from her thoughts she breathed out quietly, hanging her head before running the tap, cupping a handful of the cool water and splashing the back of her neck; the water cool and refreshing, it enlivening her and sharpening her once weary thoughts. It couldn't be dawn yet as no rays of light had pierced the sky, let alone the room; but she knew it was pointless trying to go back to sleep, she might as well head off to the Atsuta Shrine and continue with her mission.
Washing and dressing quickly Reina glanced over to the mirror once more, her hair now weaved and pinned neatly at the nape of her neck, her dark bangs framing her face and accentuating her child like features. It was the norm for Reina to wear her hair in an ornate up-do, over the years and upon her travels, she had acquired quite the collection of kanzashi pins; from the simplest of pieces to the more elaborate pins, this was a passion that she had obviously inherited from her grandmother, whose own silvery locks were normally seen pinned and twisted into graceful chignons.
With her katana secured around her waist and her cloak clasped around her, Reina headed off from the inn, her key, money and a small note of gratitude left at the front desk. Dawn began to creep over the sleepy town, the morning mist still rolling about the streets lazily, swooshing about her feet as she walked through the intricate maze of roads. It wasn't raining today the rain clouds that had inhabited the sky the day before had dispersed leaving nothing but blue skies and a multitude of puddles occupying the empty pathways.
Once again the aroma of food crept into the open air, the owners of the stalls up early despite their late finishes to ensure their stalls were never without their mouth-watering dishes. Reina smiled and inhaled the delicious scents eagerly not realising just how hungry she was; she stopped at a nearby bakery, the baker stacking the newly baked melon-bread into woven wicker baskets. She made her way over to the stall and smiling warmly at who would seem the stall owner.
"Ohayo, may I?" She spoke motioning to the fresh delicatessen item; the owner jumped a little, their eyes wide in surprise having not heard her approach.
"H-hai, of course." He returned the smile and handed her the melon bread after wrapping it in a crinkly brown paper pouch. Having paid for her food Reina headed off on her journey once more, a slightly more energetic spring in her step this time as she began to pick at the melon-bread, occasionally tearing off a chunk and happily savouring the sweet, delicious taste. Tomo would scold her for tearing her food the way she was; Tomo had always tried to feed Reina a multitude of vegetables but failed in her attempts. Reina was always a picky eater, even as a child; forever dissecting her food as if it were an intense medical operation.
The maze of streets began to thin out, the main roads of the town now splitting off in numerous directions leading people to their destinations; without even glancing at the signpost Reina headed down the familiar road, the forest running along either side of the path once more. She had visited the Atsuta Shrine many times throughout her twenty three years and each time she had visited it the more she enjoyed it and respected its history and religious views. Though not a religious person herself, Reina was fascinated by its stories and contradictions, if anything she was fascinated by how much faith religion could instil in a person.
As a repertoire of past memories swirled around in her mind, Reina smiled as the shrine became visible from the horizon, the early morning sunshine lighting the slated roof almost in a majestic manner. The high priest at the shrine was a wise man, one on par with her grandfather, if anyone were to know the whereabouts of the Kojiki it would be him. The only lead that she had so far was incomprehensible, the Akatsuki were a shinobi organisation who lusted for domination of the ninja nations, why would they possibly be interested in a book such as the Kojiki, it simply did not make sense to her.
Without realising she had made her way up the many steps of the shrine, the royal blue noren occasionally swaying in the light breeze; her cloak swished and grazed along the wooden flooring as she entered the building. The soft light of the many candles that occupied the room flickered ever so slightly, giving off unintelligible shapes on the decorative painted walls; the paintings depicting epic battles and crucial turning points within mythology such as Susanoo slaying the mighty Orochi and Amaterasu creeping from her solitary cave, relighting the earth.
Reina stared in awe at the faded colours of the painting remembering how when she was younger the colours were much more vivid yet the tales remained just as potent and forever in their prime. The heel of her boots clicked dully on the wooden floor as she walked further into the inner sanctum of the shrine, the light becoming dimmer as the sunshine struggled to pass past the foundation pillars and swaying noren that hung upon the doors. Reina found it odd that she had not encountered a single soul at the shrine, normally at this time of day priests were meditating and chanting in the main chamber yet no one was there.
"Masao-sama?" She called out, her hand unconsciously flexed over the hilt of her katana cautiously- something didn't feel right. Reina stepped up to the ceremony altar her eyes widening at the sight before her unable to believe what her eyes were telling her. There laying upon the pillow was the Kojiki, the valuable book surrounded by numerous candles and ceremonial ikebana flowers; she cautiously scanned the room backing up against the altar carefully putting the precious artefact in her satchel whilst remaining on guard.
"Masao-sama?!" She called out again, her voice firm despite inwardly unsure. She spun to the side rapidly, her katana unsheathed and pressed against the object that had made the sound. There standing patiently and casually was Ichidou no Masao, his weathered face surprisingly vacant in place of his cheerful demeanour; Reina retracted the blade immediately and bowed lowly from her waist apologetically, her eyes wide with shame.
"Ah G-gomenasai Masao-sama I didn't realise it was you…" She mumbled softly staring at the floor and not at the elderly priest.
"R-Reina my child…r-run…" Masao stuttered, his voice raspy and barely audible as he struggled to move his timeworn frame. Reina lifted her head confusion plastered all over her face, her hand still clasped on the hilt of her katana instinctively; she eyed him closely noting the lack of colour in skin, the texture of his flesh more grain like and polished. It was then she noticed it, a fine spider-like thread streaming everywhere around Masao, she dared not moved now seeing them strategically placed.
"I found what I came for Masao-sama, I'll be taking my leave now…" She spoke softly making sure no hesitation laced her words. Masao began to move towards her but his movements were not fluid, they were disjointed and wooden in their ways; Reina mirrored his movements, if he took a step forward she would take a step back, her katana now drawn, clasped in both hands and poised for what could occur.
"Reina…He…has control of me…he is behind me…" Masao muttered, the anguish evident on his face as his arms began to throw punches towards the young kunoichi against his will. Reina invaded his movements with ease noting how the threads lead to the shadows across the room; her mind flashed back to her previous thoughts.
Akatsuki.
If her memory served correctly, the residing puppeteer of the Akatsuki was Akasuna no Sasori- and wherever Akasuna no Sasori was Deidara was sure to be near. Stealthily she snuck a shuriken from the pouch on her thigh quickly infusing it with her chakra before flicking it towards the strings, the shuriken spun quickly through the air as it nicked the strings, they snapping with a small 'twang' as the chakra clashed and counteracted one another. The strings dispersed and Masao fell towards the ground, his body motionless and lifeless; Reina dashed to his aid catching his limp body, cradling his head carefully though still plainly aware of the brooding tension in the shadows.
"Masao-sama I should have come sooner gomenasai…" Reina spoke softly, her words filled with woe and regret. Masao managed to smile ever so slightly, shaking his head and accepting the forthcoming of death. Reina bit her lip, her eyes begging to tear up at watching a lifelong friend drift into the next world, she froze in her place feeling warm breath upon her neck, her bangs swaying as the warm air brushed over her skin.
"Aww Sasori no Danna look, she doesn't seem to appreciate your art un." Deidara muttered, leaning forward and examining the puppet remains of the once prominent priest. Reina grit her teeth feeling anger bubble away in her stomach, but she knew she couldn't be reckless, she was outnumbered two to one by two ruthless rogue ninjas- and she didn't know what they were after.
"Let's hurry this up, get the girl so we can report back, I have things to do Deidara." A gruff voice resonated from the shadows, the child like form of Akasuna no Sasori stepping out into the dim light of the grand hall; Reina remained as still as the remains of Masao despite her heart pounding against her ribs at the red head's words. They were here for her? Why? Why would the Akatsuki want her? She wasn't a jinchuuriki and had no demon, she was a normal kunoichi, it didn't make sense.
Forgive me Masao-sama.
Reina inwardly cursed as she gave the now at peace priest a fleeting look before inhaling deeply, feeling her kekkai genkai activating and flowing through her entire body. Before Deidara could heed his danna's words Reina phased through him, he freezing shock at feeling such an odd sensation; it felt like all of his internal organs were being simultaneously squeezed. Reina stood behind Deidara the blade of her katana pressed against his oesophagus whilst her left hand was enveloped in his body, her hand grasped firmly around his beating heart.
"I don't know why you're here, but I don't want any further trouble." Reina was not threatening the pair- she was not foolish enough to do so. Deidara coughed, his breathes spluttering at the sensation of someone literally having his life in their hands; it was safe to say he had underestimated the young brunette, a decision he regretted.
Sasori stepped closer to the compromised pair his expression devoid of any emotion, Reina shuddered on the inside at seeing his child like face yet knowing he was beyond adolescent and most certainly beyond human compassion.
"I do not care for Deidara, he is expendable – a chess piece I can afford to lose. But if you do not come with us now, someone else will be sent in our place and it will be a very short game of cat and mouse." Sasori muttered flexing his hands once more, thin threads of chakra reattaching themselves to the lifeless cadaver of Masao, the priest's body levitating ever so slightly off the ground before it lunged towards them, forcing Reina to release her hold on the furious looking blonde.
Reina jumped backwards deflecting small senbon that shoot through the air, barely missing her; she landed, crouching from across the hall, the senbon that Sasori had thrown embedded in the wall beside her. She glanced at the senbon her eyes widening a little at smelling the poison that dripped from the thin needles; one hit from them and she would run into deeper problems.
"You are making my patience run thin Reina." Sasori growled, his lips twisted in a snarl despite his face remaining blank. Deidara had recovered from his small internal affair, his cerulean eye burning with anger as he thrust his hands into his clay pouches the mouths on his hands devouring the clay greedily before spitting out small figurines. Reina's eyes widened, her mind going into overdrive at the chemical combinations that were in his hands.
It was enough to blow the entire shrine to smithereens.
"You heard Danna, Reina…and you wouldn't like him when his patience runs thin un." Deidara smirked staring at her momentarily before flinging the clay statues; acting on impulse Reina concentrated on the molecular structure of the C4, focusing on the organic compounds of the nitroamines activating them prematurely before they made impact. She inhaled sharply as the chemical reaction ignited, the explosion erupting impulsively throwing both Akatsuki members backwards through the opposite wall of the shrine and Reina through the wall she was against.
The explosion obliterated the grand hall, leaving nothing but ash and the stench of death lingering in the air.
The noise was excruciating, like a constant ring of tinnitus that could disorientate anyone immediately for days. Reina could feel her head spin as if she was on a fair ground ride that wouldn't stop; she had been like this for nearly three days now, a constant ruckus of ringing and violent nausea. The rain had started again as if pouring down with vengeance, the raindrops bombarding her already icy body mercilessly; shaking violently Reina tugged her cloak further around her but it was in vain.
Kuso.
She mentally cursed as the feeling in her legs started to creep away from her; the numbing sensation continued to skulk up her body rendering any movement a mere thing of the past. It was a possibility that she could die here, alone in the middle of nowhere and more than likely branded a failure. Reina threw her head back against the tree trunk unable to keep it upright any longer. Sasori's senbon had caught her in the blast, the deadly venom ushering around her entire body ruthlessly, paralysing her nerves and motor senses. She could feel herself slip from the tree, slowly sliding down the trunk and into muddy, foliage littered floor; she gasped for breath, her lungs jittering with spasms to try and claim the oxygen it was urging for.
Reina closed her eyes allowing the rain to continue pelting at her snowy skin as she listening to the sounds of the forest in between the constant ringing; her eyes barely fluttered open as she heard twigs snap nearby. Her pulse sped up against her will at hearing the faint footsteps get closer; Reina begged her fingers to move to her pouch, the numb digit's failing miserably in their quest.
She was on the brink of blacking out; balancing on the fence gingerly as her vision began to become hazy, resembled blotted watercolours on a blurred canvas, all that she could see before unconsciousness claimed her was red.
Red everywhere.