Heart's Treasure
Chapter 15: Longing
I apologize for all the mistakes in this chapter. I was in such a rush to try and get it out I didn't look over it as much as I should. I think it should be better now. Thanks for reading. Please if you have any questions, suggestions, or reviews leave them.
Perspectives: Snow, Eiji, Kakuzu, Saizo, and Hiro
Snow's Perspective
I hate being the center of attention. Sadly there's no avoiding this .
"Yes",
"Now that we are decided please all of you enjoy what the village has to offer. Please be careful", said Eiji.
"Do you really think your family is screwed up enough to attack when we are here. They must be really messed up if they are willing to attack now of all times", said A.
Eiji gave a heavy sigh.
"I don't deny there are mentally unstable members on that side of the family, but I a sure you their leader is sharp of enough for the lot of them. If you see anything of suspicion please report to one of the local ninjas", said Eiji.
"We will Eiji", said Mei.
"Thank you Mei", said Eiji with a smile.
Mei went pink.
"Can we count on seeing the both of you at the next meeting?" asked Tsunade.
"Either Lady Minori or I will be attending the next meeting. I would prefer to have at least one of us watching over the village in this time of tension", said Eiji.
"That understandable in your situation", said Tsunade.
The other kages nodded their heads in agreement. They filed out of the room with their guards. I let out the breath I was holding.
"Kameko",
"Yes",
"Please call Betty and tell her she might have to work late", I said.
"There's no need. I'm happy to watch them", said Dad.
"Thank you", I said.
"There's no need for thanking me. I love spending time with my wonderful grandchildren", said Dad.
"Are you sure you're okay Snow?" asked Kameko.
Being called by my real made the pain sting all the more.
"I'm fine only some time", I said.
Eiji's Perspective
Manzo and Kameko looked uneasy to leave. They only see the strains in Snow's mask. I see the chaos going on underneath it. Eventually Kameko and Manzo left. There are other things they should be attending to.
"If you need us don't be afraid to come to us", said Manzo before leaving.
Kameko followed after him. Snow was on brink of tears. Comforting her in her time of need is my only is my on priority right now.
"I'm so sorry for putting you through that", I said.
"I don't need your sorry. I want comfort then I will hear your apologies", said Snow.
I pulled her into a tight hug. She leaned all her weight into me. There were bags underneath her eyes. The poor girl looked liked she hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in days. I lifted her up. Snow made no moves against me. I pulled a book on the shelf. The shelf went sliding back revealing a small doorway, which lead to my bedroom. As we went through the entrance the shelf slid close behind us. I walked up the spiraling stairs leading to my room. I place her on the bed. She curled up in small ball. The guilt was so apparent on her face. All the frustration I've felt toward the last few days left when I saw her in such suffering. How could I have been so blind to it? I took her sleeping clothes from the drawer. I placed them on the bed. She glanced at them and then closed her eyes again. Sapphire, emeralds, and rubies slide down her cheeks and onto the bed. I want her to be comfortable. Wearing those scratchy clothes can't be comfortable for her.
"Sit up",
She didn't even try to move.
"Please Snow I'm trying to help", I said.
She said nothing as I sat her up. I took off her shirt and helped her put on the baggy one she normally slept in. Snow managed to undo her pants. I pulled the blankets of her. I got into bed next to her and pulled her close. I ran my fingers through her hair as she cried. I hate putting through this, but I had no choice I hope she understands. After hours she crying she finally fell asleep. I didn't dare move. I woke late at night to Snow's screaming. I jumped from bed before diamond blades destroyed the mattress. Feather and cotton was sent all over the room. I slowly approached her.
"Kakuzu", she murmured over and over again.
Emeralds fell from her eyes. Her body shook. I tried waking her, but had on success. The diamond blades retracted from the bed. My skin turned to diamond as I approached the bed. I pulled her close. The embrace calmed her enough to keep her still, but not much more.
"Mmm, Eiji", she whimpered.
Her pulse it was racing. The pain she was in was obvious, but whatever I did to try and ease her didn't work.
"You don't look well my love", I said.
Snow was even worse from yesterday. The sleep from last night seem to do her no good. There's only one man whose capable of truly calming her in this state and I am not him. I love her almost as much as my first wife and she loves almost as much as her true love. Neither of us are truly ready to move on to each other. We are the best comforts we have to each other. It took me this long to realize this. Yet I feel such great love toward her.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
Her voice was panicked. I sat down on the edge of the bed with her. I ran my fingers through her hair until she felt more comfortable. I slowly left the bed. She gave me a nervous glance.
"Where-
"To fetch a doctor", I said.
"I don't want a doctor", said Snow.
"I know you don't, but I've done almost all I can do to make you feel better. Maybe a doctor will have better insight on what making your feel so horrible", I said.
"You know what's making me feel like this. I deserve this", said Snow.
"You don't deserve this pain", I said.
"I don't want to see a doctor", said Snow.
"Will seeing a doctor bring you anymore suffering than you are already in?" I asked.
She pulled the blanket over her head. I sighed. I wish I could make her feel better. I called Kotori to my office.
"How can of service to you?" he asked
"I know this isn't your job Kotori, but I need you to fetch a doctor from the hospital", I said.
"Is she ill?" asked Kotori.
"Not in the truly physical sense", I said.
He nodded his head and left. Twenty minutes later he returned.
"This is Dr. Scott Wolf", said Kotori.
He was older man in his sixties. Dr. Wolf wore a warm smile on his face. He seems trust worthy.
"I hope you understand the privacy of extreme importance in this situation", I said.
"Yes, I understand, but from my knowledge of Lady Minori holds much distrust to people in my profession", said Dr. Wolf.
"Try that's all ask", I asked.
I lead him to my bedroom. Where Snow still lay with the blankets over her head.
"Give me an hour alone with", said Wolf as he walked into the room.
"Call if you need me", I said.
"Is there anything I should know before going in", he asked.
"She had night terrors last night. And nothing you hear or see never leaves that room", I said.
"Understood",
Dr. Wolf closed the door behind him. I waited outside of the room. An hour later he came out with a tense expression.
"How is she?" I asked.
"Remarkably well for all she's been through", said Dr. Wolf.
His seriousness worried me.
"There's something more isn't there", I said.
"She hides depression exceptionally well. Never in my thirty five years in this field have I ever seen a person with such a remarkable talent of hiding their pain. I almost didn't discovered it. She seems to be dealing with a great guilt. A small part of me thinks it could be survivor's guilt. Do you have any idea what could be causing it?" asked Dr. Wolf.
"Not in the slightest", I said.
That was an outright lie, but I pulled it off.
"What's your suggest meant for treatment?" I asked.
"That's difficult to say. I want to put her on antidepressant, but with her still breast feeding I can't without risking harm to the infant. I highly suggest she sees me at least twice a week somewhere private where no one will bother us. For now I gave her a strong sleeping aid, which should knock her out for most of the day", said Dr. Wolf.
"Should I be worried?" I asked.
He smiled.
"You're her husband. Husband always worry", said Dr. Wolf in an attempt to ease the tension of the moment.
His attempt failed horribly and he seemed to sense that.
"She isn't going to do anything to harm herself. Right now I want her to rest. Both her mind and body seem to crave it desperately", said Dr. Wolf.
"The sleep you put her in will it be dreamless?" I asked.
"Most likely yes", said Dr. Wolf.
"Thank you for your service doctor you've been a great help to my wife", I said.
"You're welcome and please if it's the smallest thing don't be afraid to get me", said Dr. Wolf.
I nodded my head. Kotori escorted the doctor back to the hospital. I sat in bed with Snow. Her white hair was spread about the pillows. I gently touched her face.
"You miss him, so much. I was fool to make you keep that promise. It was cruel of me. But yet you agreed. I'm sorry Snow", I said.
Kakuzu's Perspective
The summer weather was fading. Nights were growing cooler. The village seemed to be asleep. Only a few street lights spotted the calm darkness. I was making my rounds nothing looked out of normal until I saw her. Snow was sleeping peacefully on my grave. I tried waking her, but her body gave no response. I can't bring her back into the village like this or it will raise too many questions. As I lifted her prescription papers fell from her pocket. One was for a powerful barbiturate and other for an antidepressant. I opened the door of my shack. I placed her in my cot. She curled up in a ball and started shaking. I know those signs. Snow was about the go into night terror. I looked at the prescription with that powerful of a dose she shouldn't be waking up anytime soon. I let my jutsu drop. It's been too long, since I've been myself. Snow's body seemed to completely change. Her body went calm. I got into bed with her and pulled her close. She nuzzled closely to my chest.
"Kuzu",
I ran my fingers through her hair. I don't want this moment to end. I kissed her on the forehead. A smile appeared on her face. Almost like old times.
"I love you Snow",
She nuzzled even closer to me. I woke before her. There was still a beautiful smile on her face. I forced myself back into my jutsu. It felt unnatural after being in my original appearance for so long. Her eyes slowly opened.
"Goemon?"
"Yes",
She sat up.
"How did I get here?" she asked.
"You must have been sleepwalking. I found you sleeping at the foot of your husband's grave", I said.
"Sleep walking that's new. But it was a wonderful sleep maybe I should talk to my doctor and he can get the dosage right", said Snow.
I handed her the prescription papers.
"I'm not depressed. I was only in a horrible mood when I talked to him", said Snow.
"May I ask why",
"Guilt that's as far as I will go", said Snow.
I nodded my head. She slowly got up from my cot and took the seat next to me on the table.
"Breakfast?" I asked.
"If it isn't too much trouble", said Snow.
I poured her a bowl of Cheerios and placed it in front of her. It was a silent breakfast, but neither of us minded.
"I should be going home my children are probably wondering where I am. They get nervous when I'm away too long", said Snow.
She let out a deep sigh.
"I should be going. Thanks for taking care of me Goemon", said Snow.
"Let me walk you out", I said.
As we walked down the path that went through the cemetery she paused in front of my grave.
"Grief is worse than I've ever seen before", I said.
She offered no argument she only nodded her head. I stopped when reached the gate.
"Can you walk home with me? The company would be nice", she said.
I nodded my head and followed her out. The walk was silent, but I didn't mind. She seemed to be in deep thought. Snow didn't even notice when we arrived at her home.
"Sn-Minori",
"Mmm",
Her mind was too clutter with thought to notice my fumble.
"We are at your house", I said.
"Oh, so we are", she said.
Our children were playing on the swing set. Manzo sat on a lawn chair watching them. The two youngest were playing on a large blanket that was set out on the grass. When I looked at Manzo and Snow carefully I saw vague similarities. He gave me a strange look.
"Mommy",
Hazel hugged her mother tightly. Her brother followed a little after her.
"Where have you been?" asked Saizo as he pulled on his mother's hand.
"I needed somewhere quiet to sleep for awhile. But I wondered in my sleep. Goemon found me and made sure I didn't get into any trouble", I said.
"Thanks for taking care of Mommy Mr. Goemon", said Hazel.
"It was no trouble at all", I said.
"Can Goemon come for dinner?" asked Saizo.
"Of course he can. That's if he isn't busy", said Snow.
"No my work is finished for today. I wouldn't miss out on a chance on a mother's cooking", I said.
"See you at five then Goemon. Bring Bishop along Spike would enjoy the company", said Snow.
As I walked back the cemetery I couldn't help noticing how tense the local ninjas were. They were out in greater numbers than ever before. Eiji must be recalling ninja's from missions of less importance. There was a tension in air that would only be noticed by who've experienced war before. This is the brink the before an oncoming hell. I've experienced this time and time before, but this time around is different. I can't figure out why. The whole time I worked the question of why never left my mind. My thoughts were interrupted, when I heard someone walking into the tomb while I was sweeping. It was Manzo. He walked passed me without saying a word. I turned away as he approached his wife's grave. From working here I've further my understanding of the importance of privacy. My attention didn't return to him until he was standing next to me.
"You can't figure out the difference can you, Kakuzu?" asked Manzo.
I tensed. I've become so used to the name of Goemon Fuma. I shook my head. I'm not in much of a mood for talking.
"How many wars have you seen in your age?" asked Manzo.
"Three",
"Yet you still don't know why there's difference", said Manzo.
I shook my head and continued sweeping.
"Your family is at risk in possibly two up coming battles", said Manzo.
That's it. How could I miss something so simple?
"You are settling too much into the role of Goemon", said Manzo.
"It's not like I can take the role I want again. I lost that when I lost that battle to those stupid brats", I said.
"I know what its like to be in your position in more ways then you know", said Manzo.
"You have no idea what its like being me", I said.
"Is that so? Let me recap my life struggles with you. We've both been imprisoned, the women we fell in love with never considered us monsters, we've both lived longer than any person should, and we've had to hide in front of our families. I'd say we are pretty similar", said Manzo.
"Go Manzo I have things to do", I said.
"I won't get in the way", he said.
Manzo took a seat on the stone bench in the middle of the room. I glared at him and he glared right back without a trace of fear. I couldn't help laughing. Now I see the resemblance.
"I guess I can blame you for her stubbornness", I said.
"I think it's an enduring trait. Its been passed down to two of my grandchildren", said Manzo.
He stayed. As he said he didn't get in the way.
"We should be leaving soon", said Manzo.
It seemed too early to be leaving for dinner already.
"What time is it?" I asked.
"Four",
"Isn't it early for us to be leaving?" I asked.
"You are not the only one she invited", said Manzo.
"Who else Mari, Hantia,
"Hantia she's dead! She took control over my wife and forced her to harm herself", I growled.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you about that", said Manzo.
"How could you forget to tell me something like that?" I asked.
"I'm an old man I'm allowed to have a slip in memory every now and then", said Manzo.
"How is it even possible?" I asked.
"Snow summoned her. Hantia killed Jade, who was on of Snow's relatives. And since Hantia is Snow's daughter that made her immortal. The girl is actually quiet nice considering who her father is. You met her a few nights ago", said Manzo.
That who she was. There's nothing I can do change Snow's choice.
"Who else is coming?" I asked.
"Kameko, Taro, Hana, and Marigold", said Manzo.
"A full house she's always liked that", I said.
"It gives an added benefit of protection", said Manzo.
"Bishop",
The large dog grunted and refused to get up.
"You have such a well trained dog", said Manzo with a smirk.
"Dumb ass dog",
I left and Bishop followed. When got to Snow's house, I saw her cooking through the front window. Manzo opened the front door. As we walked into the dinning room I saw Saizo working on math homework.
"Goemon you're early!" he said.
I went into the kitchen. My stomach growled, which was exceptionally odd for me. Snow laughed.
"Glad your hungry Goemon", said Snow.
"What you cooking?" asked Manzo.
"Pasta I didn't feel like doing much tonight. It should be enough for everyone", said Snow.
"I thought Saizo would have finished homework by now", said Manzo.
"He did. Doing math is just fun for him. He'll want to play dice or some other kind of gambling game now that Goemon here", said Snow.
As time went by more people arrived. Every shinobi in the house was tense and ready to attack if a threat arose. The children were completely unaware of what's going on. Their parents had done a good job in hiding it. Dinner went by smoothly. The children fell asleep a few hours after dinner. The adults stayed in the living room. Instead of drinking wine like last time I came they either drank coffee or tea. Snow's face held no expression to it, which was rare. Her eyes revealed the deep thought she was in. Luckily she didn't see me gazing her. The others didn't seem to notice either. Manzo gave me wink, but quickly placed his attention elsewhere. Mari was going through records on the shelf. What is that girl up to? Music started playing it. It wasn't any ordinary song. It was Snow and mine wedding song. Mari turned it down when Snow started singing. She had no idea we were listening in. Her voice was calming.
At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Oh yeah yeah
At last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you
I found a dream, that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
Oh yeah yeah
You smiled, you smiled
Oh and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
for you are mine...
At Last
(This song does not belong to me. It belongs to Etta James).
Snow stopped singing, when she realized she we are listening.
"You're crying sis", said Mari.
"These are happy tears. This was my wedding song", said Snow as she wiped away the gold and pink pearls falling from her eyes.
The others left but I stayed behind.
"I can leave if you want", I said.
"Why would I want you to leave? You are peaceful company", said Snow.
"So are you", I said.
"Even though I have four children and a dog", said Snow.
"I still enjoy your company any way, but your sister is a bit much", I said.
"She's a bit much for me too at times", said Snow.
She got up from the couch.
"Do you mind if play music?" asked Snow.
I shook my head. Another song started playing. It was by the same artist. Snow started swaying to the music.
"Do you want to dance?" I asked.
"Yes",
I took her in mine and wrapped my arm around her waist. She started singing along with the lyrics.
Don't know why
There's no sun up in the sky
Stormy weather
Since my man and I ain't together
Keeps raining all of the time
Oh yeah, life is bad
Gloom and misery everywhere
Stormy weather, stormy weather
And I just can get my poor self together
Oh, I'm weary all of the time
The time, so weary all of the time
When he went away
The blues walked in and met me
Oh yeah, if he stays away
Old rockin' chair is gonna get me
All I do is pray, the Lord will let me
Walk in the sun once more
Oh, I can't go on, can't go on, can't go on
Everything I have is gone
Stormy weather, stormy weather
Since my man and I
Me and my man ain't together
Keeps raining all of the time
(Again this song belongs Etta James. I thought it fit well)
She leaned her head against my chest.
"Your heart", said Snow.
Even with this transformation jutsu I can't hide my heartbeats.
"There's an echo", said Snow.
"I have a bad heart", I said.
"That explains all the Cheerios", said Snow.
I gave quiet laugh.
Saizo's Perspective
I woke up to music late a night. I opened the door to my room and went down the hall some. I saw Mommy and Goemon dancing. She looks happy. I went into Hazel's room. I shook her awake.
"Saizo", she whined.
"Shh!"
"Don't shh me!" she growled.
"You have ta see this", I said.
She fumbled out of bed. Hazel followed me down the hall. She smiled, when she saw Mommy dancing.
"She looks so happy. We gotta get them together,", said Hazel.
I nodded my head.
"Daddy would like him", I said.
"I miss him Saizo", said Hazel.
"Me too", I said.
"What are you two doing up this late?" asked Mommy as she pulled away from Goemon.
"We had to pee", said Hazel.
"Then why aren't the two of you fighting over he bathroom?" asked Mommy.
"Umm we uh",
I couldn't come up with nothing.
"Were you spying on me and Mr. Goemon?" asked Mommy.
We nodded our heads.
"Come on you two back to bed", said Mommy.
She led us back to out bedrooms.
Hiro's Perspective
From the terrace of my bedroom I stared out toward the main village. One day our families will live in peace in that village.
"Father",
By the voice I knew it was Kin.
"I long for one untied family", I said.
"So do I father, so do I", said Kin.
He took he his place standing next to me. He leaned heavily against the terrace railing.
"Are you thinking about releasing Yosuo?" asked Kin.
"Maybe, but I hate the idea of it", I said.
"You've tried your best to bring him back", said Kin.
"I raised him like he was my own", I said.
"Since he lost his wife he gave into his parents traits", said Kin.
"And what horrible traits to fall back on. Goro as his father and Kuriji as his mother", I said.
"You had such high hopes for him father", said Kin.
"He was different from his siblings by some miracle", I said.
"Now he's no different", said Kin.
"He's still better than his sisters", I said.
"He only does four basic things in life new eat, drink, sleep, and train. He's a broken man", said Kin.
"He's no longer a man now he's a weapon", I said.
"A weapon you are going to use against who?" asked Kin.