2 - Words Not to be Heard
The Elders say that all of us are born to the sound of Her Voice, and that She is with us through the first steps of our lives. Her Hands guide us as we find our paths; warriors feel Her pride, healers feel Her compassion, and hunters feel Her concentration. Those who find all paths are Triple-Touched, so the saying goes.
Tsunade-sama is the Head healer, and is one of the only living Triple-Touched. She is also my teacher; it caused quite a stir when she selected me as her pupil. She is the one who looked within and named me Triple-Touched.
It is when I am coaxing a life back from the edge of death that She whispers to me. The boy gasps, his wound healing fully as he slips to unconsciousness. I am still, alone in the healing hut, bound by Her voice. Greetings, Daughter. Her voice is sweet and smooth, yet powerful despite her quiet timbre. I have been watching you, for the time has come.
I am gladdened to hear the Goddess speak, but also frightened, for She does not speak directly often. She leaves Her will through signs that the trained eye can see, pulls to the heart, and dreams in the night. I have never heard of our Goddess whispering to a single individual before. "Blessings to the Goddess," I sigh breathlessly, my hands meeting in front of me, still on my knees from my healing.
A melodic laugh dances through my chakra, and I shiver at the caress. My child, the time has come. She repeats what has been said, and my brow furrows slightly. I have a task for you, my Daughter. There is unrest in the earth, feeding the shadows that haunt your tribe. Your task is a great one, child, but dangerous. I require you to lay to rest this corruption in the mountain. My breath catches in shock. I am given a directive from the Goddess, to carry out Her sacred duty… in the Mountain. Has She heard of my desire to explore?
Calm, Sakura. A sudden warmth on my forehead smooths the worry lines. My name in Her Voice is pleasing, a shudder working through my body. I have heard your wishes, and I am pleased by your spirit. You are my child, blessed by my love, and imbued with my strength. The same warmth on my forehead rests lightly against my hands and my breast, against the beat of my heart. You are Triple-Touched. You have my favor, Daughter. Triply Touched, Triply Blessed.
I feel Her presence fading. "Wait!" I blindly reach out, searching for the vestiges of Her warmth. There is a soft touch on one of my outstretched hands, and somewhere inside my soul, I wonder at the depth of Her Touch. "Why have you Chosen me? Why have you not selected one of our stronger warriors?" "Why am I different?" My heart cries out the unspoken question, and the Goddess hears me.
You are my Daughter, Sakura. I would not have chosen you had you been less than worthy. There is a gentle reproach in her words, and I bow my head in shame for doubting the actions of the Goddess. A small touch to my chin lifts my face back up. Your heart. I am filled with confusion before the Goddess continues. Your heart is strong, my child. It beats with the thrill of the hunt, the determination of the protector, and the compassion of the healer. Only one with all three virtues may challenge the Mountain.
Her answer brings more questions than answers to my tongue, and the words are pouring from my lips before I can think to halt my rambling tongue. "But I am not the only Triple-Touched, Goddess. Why did you choose me, and not Healer Tsunade?" I bite my tongue to prevent any other words to be spoken out of turn. Our Goddess is one of love, but Her wrath is something to be feared.
A ripple of amusement surrounds me, and I relax fully. She has forgiven me for my trespass. Tsunade is also my Daughter, though she is nearing the time that she rejoins me. I would have you challenge the Mountain Path in her stead – tell her of my words, and she will follow my will. The Goddess pauses for an infinitesimal second. You have also called to me, Daughter. You have whispered of your curiosity, your dissatisfaction. It is not impudence, my Sakura. She silences my fears before I may raise them. Your spirit is untamed and longs for more than a simple life. While the path you will walk is rough and dangerous, it will teach you many things. There are few better suited to traverse that path than you, my beloved Daughter. Go, now, and bear my protection, my love, and my blessing upon you.
Her warmth wraps around my body like a warm skin, yet it sinks right through me and remains a heat at the center of my being. I sense Her presence fading, and this time, I let Her return to the heavens, to resume her watch over us. As I am brought back to the present, I am filled with fear and excitement. "Oh, my Goddess, where am I to begin?"
A/N - Hello, all! Since I posted two other chapters, both with semi-dark connotations, I give you another chapter on Mountain of Lies. There is more plot unraveling here, as well as words from Sakura's elusive Goddess. While it's not the longest chapter, I hope it helps pave the way for more to be done, and soon. (I am still looking for a new job, which means I have lots of time on my hands to write and plan my trip back to college.) Thank you for those of you who enjoy reading my works - it means a lot to me, knowing that what I produce is liked. I do have a question for all of my readers, though. If you like or dislike something, please drop a review, or even just PM me, to let me know about it. Not only do reviews motivate me to do more, but I won't know what you all dislike if you don't tell me.
Thank you so much for reading, and I will see you all later! - AT