So there she sat, wrapped in a blanket and sitting at the kitchen table, holding a warm cup of tea. It had been poured for her several minutes ago, but she hadn't been able to force herself to drink it, despite the parched and scratchy feeling in her throat from her scream earlier. She hated that her hands were shaking ever so slightly, hated that she couldn't get a peaceful nights rest, hated that she couldn't help whoever it was.
Kameko finally released the breath she was holding when she felt her mother's hand touch her shoulder.
"We could try some things," Eiko said. "We might be able to find something to help with the nightmares. Perhaps medicine or hypnotism. I hear that helps with some."
She forced her gaze to meet her mother's and muttered something along the lines of "whatever it takes". Kameko pushed a few stray hairs from her face and her hand lingered on the cheek below her right eye.
This damn eye is the reason, she thought. The reason this is happening…
Her hand dropped back down and she clenched it into a fist, trying her best to hold back the tears that were threatening to return. She took a deep breath in and finally spoke.
"I think it's best if we leave again." She met her mother's eyes again and saw the hurt behind the faint smile. No mother ever wants to see their child leave on their own; but she wasn't alone. "I've spent almost two weeks here, I'm behind schedule. We only stayed so long to research my condition, and so far it's turned up fruitless. If there's no cure, then I'll deal with it."
She almost couldn't stand the look of sorrow and pity her mother's face had.
"This is a lot, honey. Especially for someone who is barely fifteen." Her mother saw the look that she gave her, the one she always gave when she was treated like a little girl. Eiko stood from her seat to stand beside her daughter and hug her. "I know, I know, you'll be turning sixteen soon and don't want me acting like you're younger. But you must understand, dear Kameko, that you are my daughter and no matter how old you get, you will always be my baby, even if you have a family of your own."
Even the idea that she would ever grow to be old enough to have a family sparked an aching in her chest. She didn't form relationships or grow interest in people (boys in particular) simply for the fact that she knew she wouldn't be around in the near future. It was just something she would rather spare herself and of others; the heartbreak that they would all feel when she's gone.
"I know, mother. Thank you," she whispered and returned the hug.
Since their tea was now too cold to enjoy, Kameko decided it was best for her to return to bed and try to go back to sleep. She thanked her bother and bid her goodnight and slowly made her way back to her room. The staff had put a make-shift "door" that was a curtain hanging over her door.
When she laid back down to bed, she knew she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. Who could sleep so easily after experiencing something like that?
Kameko did manage to find sleep that night, but not much. It mostly consisted of her fading in and out of slumber, waking up to almost any noise that she heard.
She could smell breakfast being made down the hall, so she decided to get dressed and join whoever it was. Luckily, her mother was there with Jun and Isao, which meant that she could address them all at once with the decision she had told her mother last night.
"Lady Kameko, it's so very good to see you're rested enough to join us for breakfast," Isao greeted. "Please, won't you have a seat?" She did as he requested and wipe at her face, trying to help wake herself up more.
"I'm glad that you're all here," she said. "I'm wanting to head back out on the road soon, preferably in the next few days."
Jun looked at her, his eyes squinting. "So soon?"
"We've been here two weeks, we were only supposed to stay one. We're behind schedule."
"We can afford some time to relax, given your situation," he argued.
She sent a glare his way. "It's my decision," she said flatly. "If you aren't wanting to go, then stay. Isao-sensei and I can make the trip on our own."
Her mother piped up then. "Jun was sent with you so he could also learn these things, Kameko. He has as much right to be there as you do." She sipped her drink. "However, you are behind schedule, so I have to agree that you need to continue this journey."
Isao and Jun shared a look that could only show concern for her health, and while she appreciated that they cared so much, it made her angry that they thought she couldn't take care of herself.
"If I have any more terrors, I'm sure you'll notice. If I do, we'll deal with it then. I can manage. I can do this." Kameko's eyes held a steely gaze, portraying her determination to go on.
She could tell that they weren't entirely willing to consent to this, but the look in their eyes showed that they were willing to submit.
"Good. We'll leave in three days."
It was the day before they were scheduled to leave and Kameko was sitting in the court yard. She was sitting on the water's edge of the pond where the end began. Where she had seen what she was never allowed to see and where she had sealed her fate. It wasn't as difficult as she thought it would be to sit here. She had come to terms with her choice a long time ago.
Kameko uncrossed her legs from meditation and decided to let them sink into the water. It was cool and offered some comfort to her, despite the chill that was already in the air.
"You'll catch cold if you stay like that."
She turned just enough to see Jun leaning against a tree nearby, a disapproving look on his face.
"Right…" she murmured and withdrew her feet. She stood up and stretched her arms above her head, letting some of the joints in her back and arms pop.
"You'll be ready to go tomorrow?" This was Jun's way of asking if she was mentally ready.
It warmed her heart, knowing that she had a family this loving. "Of course," she said with a warm smile. "Thank you for worrying about me, Jun. But I promise I'll be okay. And if I need help, I'll let you know, okay?"
She watched his mouth tilt in worry and his eyebrows knit together. Eventually he sighed and dropped the look. "Okay." He looked back at her with a small smile. "Want to get dinner?"
It was raining the next morning. Kameko couldn't help but wonder if this was some kind of omen, but she was sure that her family had looked to this day in their visions and she was sure that they would have stopped her from leaving if something bad were to happen. They wouldn't let her go knowing any of them were in danger.
"I won't be seeing you for a long time." Eiko came over to stand with them and give them each a hug, lingering with her daughter. "Please, be safe. Don't do anything reckless, okay?"
A smirk came on Kameko's face. "Since when do I ever?" she chuckled. Her mother gave her a look that said 'you know what I mean' and she couldn't help but smile at her again. "We'll be careful."
"I sent a letter to Suna letting them know that you're on your way. It shouldn't take much longer than a week, so if I don't hear back from you by two weeks' time I'm coming to that desert myself and you will get an earful. Understand?" Eiko kissed the top of her head and embraced her one more time. "I know you'll be okay, you have family and a wonderful teacher. Isao, please watch over them."
Isao nodded his head, a faint smile on his lips. "Of course, My Lady. I won't let anything befall either of them."
Kameko straightened to strap on her shoulder and nodded to her companions. "I'll write to you when we arrive, okay?"
And with that, they were back on the road again.
I'm sorry it took like months to get this chapter written and posted! Hopefully it won't take me so long for the next chapter. Life has just been so crazy, as I'm sure it is with everyone!
Anyway! Kameko and company are finally leaving for Suna! We're just getting to the beginning guys. And, as some may have expected, there's going to be a few time skips! Don't worry, nothing important will be skipped over. c: Hope you guys are excited for the next chapter! We'll get a see a bit from the other side. ;)