Noemi's POV
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'Maybe in another life, our time won't be as brief as this one'.
Half-lidded eyes slowly lose sight of the scenic view adorned by the moonlit sky.
A whisper of a wish, a breath exhaled, engulfed by silence.
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Gasped!
Throwing aside the bed covers, I sat up abruptly, gasping for air.
I tried to ease the pain tightening around my chest and forget the suffocation I experienced in my dream.
Yet as I struggle to breathe, the intense wave of emotions washes over me, vivid and palpable.
My rapidly beating heart seems to deafen my surroundings as I clutch it.
Leaning forward and curling to a fetus, I seek to alleviate the discomfort and turmoil my mind and body was subjected to.
Heartache. Grief. Sadness.
Emotions that I am so familiar with, yet they somehow pale in comparison to the sharp, intense pain that weighs as heavily as a lifetime.
Unbeknownst to me, tears trickled down my cheeks and onto my knees, making me aware that I am crying.
Wiping away my tears, I tried to calm myself down, containing both the pain and emotions that overwhelm me seconds ago.
I looked back and thought about what sort of dream that evoked such an intense reaction from me. But like the rest of the dreams that came before this, there is only a blur, a haze I can't seem to peer into.
There is no recollection at all, no memory of it, only the lingering of emotions.
A dream that went just as fast as it came.
Tired and confused, after regaining my composure and relaxing my tense body, I lowered myself onto my back, limp and exhausted.
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If you asked anyone who knew Noemi Tsukiko, they would tell you that she is an unfortunate child.
Born near the end of autumn under a starless night, a mother who chose to give life to her newborn child, trading her own.
And a foolish father, consumed by grief, followed after his wife and declared KIA, leaving their daughter behind.
It's a story I have gathered after I got old enough to understand what parents are and why I didn't grow up having any.
Whether there is some truth in it or not, the fact remains that I lost my parents and the pain is just as real.
Right now, celebrating my fourth birthday with my grandpa, whom I love and cherished despite sharing no blood relations with, is now setting up food for this special occasion.
Although, my birthday isn't something I believe worth celebrating as it is the day I lost one of my parents, grandpa would be really sad if I don't celebrate it with him.
He told me once that my birth is a blessing and that I was born out of the love of my parents.
I want to believe it, truly, but because of that love the lives of my parents were gone.
'I didn't even get a chance to meet them'
A throb in my chest as I watch grandpa move around the whole kitchen with flawless maneuvering.
Grandpa may believe it and it might take some time for me to do too, but if there is something I believe in, that's grandpa.
So, to my parents who gave life to me, I want them to know that they do not need to worry, and that I'm living my life well with grandpa.
I don't know why grandpa decided to raise me as my guardian - he never told me much, not even about my parents.
He didn't even have me call him grandpa, just his name will do.
It was only I who insisted in calling him that, and I could tell that he was secretly pleased with it, judging by his soft countenance whenever I call him 'Jii-chan'.
Back at grandpa's dining area, a tantalizing aroma wafted past my nose, and the sound of cooking lifted my spirit.
Without fail, grandpa's cooking always brings me joy.
"Jii-chan, I'm hungry" I whined as my stomach rumbled in agreement.
I often get excited when it comes to grandpa's cooking. It's the best.
He chuckled while stirring a pot of soba with a ladle.
"Hm. Wait a little longer, Emi. I'm almost done," he hummed.
True to his words, with a couple of ingredients added here and there, it wasn't long before he was done cooking.
Once grandpa finishes laying out everything on the low table, he settles comfortably onto the cushion placed on the tatami flooring in seiza.
"Itadakimasu!" we said in unison.
Picking up our chopsticks from the hashioki, grandpa and I started to dig in - stuffing my bowl to the brim, I grinned foolishly from ear to ear when grandpa saw me doing so.
"Hehe. This is respect for your cooking, Jii-chan. You should know this is your fault for cooking so well!" I laughed in mischief.
Grandpa must have noticed that I was teasing him so he shifted from incredulity to one of amusement, as he unceremoniously took back some of my food to his.
"You'll get an upset stomach if you eat that much, Emi" he scolded, blatantly ignoring my protest.
Grandpa prepared a variety of hearty dishes that would be considered a feast for a 4-year-old like me. Even if it's to commemorate my birthday. Just having to look at the table already make me feel full.
'Honestly, I'm just glad that there is someone who I can spend this occasion with' I thought, soberly.
I may be young but I am aware how lucky I am to have such a caring person taking care of me.
Subsequent to my birth, I was raised at the orphanage after I was old enough to move out of the nursery. There, I experienced a lot of things that forced me to mature , of which are loneliness and neglect to name a few.
Having to wait for grandpa to take legal custody of me felt like an eternity.
He wasn't my guardian appointed by my parents, if they even had appointed anyone to begin with, thus complicated the process of adoption.
Whatever the reason was for raising me, then and now, I only felt grateful for escaping that place and for having a chance to have someone precious to me.
"Stop overthinking and just eat," a low rumble in my grandpa's husky voice woke me up from my reverie.
I hummed in agreement and continued to eat, feeling warmth from both the food and his words.
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It's still midday.
Grandpa and I are preparing for a visit to the shrine near the Uchiha Compound to offer our prayers and gratitude.
It's a tradition we have upheld on my birthdays ever since I could walk.
In our respective rooms, I dressed in my casual cream-colored kimono with red linings that feature occasional five-petal flowers blooming and decorating the entire garment, a simple red folding wrapped around the waist that serves as a belt.
Normally, I would have worn a more formal attire for this occasion but I do not own any, not because I couldn't afford it.
On the contrary I still have the stash of money my parents left behind when they were still alive as an active shinobi, secured in the village bank under my name.
No. It's because there is no one to help me wear it, the complexity of it threw me off and grandpa is useless when it comes to a girl's attire.
Plus its comfortable.
I am not one to complain when I get comfortable.
Fixing up my silvery white hair into a loose twin tail tied securely at the nape, with soft curls delicately draping over my shoulder.
I arrange a few baby hairs to lightly curl around the frame of my face.
Feeling satisfied with my effort on looking comfortable and cute, I grabbed a haori and wore it over my kimono then turned towards the door, heading out to find grandpa.
It turns out, I didn't have to go so far as I spotted grandpa in the living room, already finished changing, and is now dressed in his traditional Uchiha clothing.
He wears a high-collared black top with long sleeves that resembles a kimono but has distinct features that set it apart.
An Uchiha fan stitched proudly at the back for anyone to see.
Grandpa looks handsome as ever. And very much like any other Uchiha's.
'I wonder what he looks like when he was at his prime.'
Even now, he gives off a regal and noble presence than anyone I have ever met.
He watched me for a moment to see if I was done changing and nodded his approval.
Carefully reaching out to me as I move closer to him.
Since Grandpa's housing is situated at the edge of the Uchiha Compound, it will take a while for us to reach our destination with my small legs.
That's why, for the most part of the journey, grandpa has to carry me on his back as we pass by the trees that border grandpa's house to the compound itself.
Jumping branch after branch, grandpa carried me with nonchalance that seems unbelievable to his age.
Pushing us forward with each step that is almost propelling us meters ahead.
With the speed we are going, it will only take a moment before we're out of the forest.
Under his tutelage, I learned the concept of chakra and how its existence made man do impossible things.
However, it wasn't entirely out of grandpa's volition that led him to teach me early, it was primarily due to my unique chakra sensitivity.
As time passed, my chakra started to increase at a rapid rate, my range of sensory and heightened sensitivity grew in tandem.
The strain brought by hypersensitivity and frequent chakra exhaustion led me to suffer and become a regular guest at the hospital.
Grandpa didn't hesitate to educate me in chakra control then.
To remedy my condition he taught me meditation and sometimes drove me with physical exertion.
He instructed me on how to suppress my chakra and train my senses to focus only on what I desired.
It took a long time and real effort to reach where I am now.
I diligently followed grandpa's teachings under his supervision whenever he was around, and eventually learned to control my chakra.
And with chakra suppression, I didn't fall sick anymore.
It's not far fetched to say that I wouldn't have lived long without grandpa's guidance.
He continued to educate me and believed that I might have the potential to become a talented shinobi if I desired.
However, he made it clear that whether I chose to be a shinobi or remain a civilian, understanding the ways of the shinobi world would benefit me as I mature.
He stressed that it was my responsibility to be well-informed in these areas if I wanted to have a fighting chance at protecting those I care about.
He secretly worries that the village won't be enough to protect me when he's no longer around.
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A moment later, grandpa and I arrived at a clearing where a pair of Uchiha patrollers were moving about.
They abruptly stop with sharingan blinking in and out of existence as they sensed our arrival.
Grandpa put me down as the patrollers acknowledged our presence with a respectful bow towards grandpa before continuing on their patrol.
In Grandpa's clan, it is considered very rude to use shunshin or any sort of jutsu inside the compound unless there is a valid reason that excuses you.
So from this point onward, we'll have to walk like ordinary villagers.
Straightening the crease of my kimono, we set out inside the Uchiha Compound.
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The shrine is built at the other end of the compound.
To get there, we'll have to cross the entire area if we want to reach the shrine at the fastest time possible.
The place where the Uchiha resides is vast, with thousands of their kin living their lives within it.
Almost all of their buildings and houses were built in the same traditional style as grandpa's house.
Their clothing reflects the distinct Uchiha style with its high collar and long sleeves.
'I wonder why Grandpa lived such a secluded life despite having a whole clan right here,' I paused.
'But I guess it is for the best considering my circumstances. I bitterly thought as I continued to lower my head and move closer to grandpa on our way to the shrine.
Every person we come across with are mostly Uchiha's and very few villagers were let inside the clan compound unsupervised.
Whether because I am an outsider, with my strikingly bright silver hair that is so in contrast with theirs that are as black as the ravens feathers, or walking closely with an Uchiha guardian, it is no wonder that my presence has attracted unwanted attention.
I am a non-Uchiha, freely walking around their compound. With each step we make, there were always eyes that followed me.
Turning to face grandpa, the stares must not have escaped his notice as it might have been the reason for my grandpa's scowling face or it could be just his usual default expression.
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They likely have already heard of me - Noemi Tsukiko, the unfortunate orphan child.
A young girl unique for her bond with an Uchiha Elder.
If not for Grandpa's insistence on upholding this tradition, I would have never left his house and would have happily spent my days engrossed in books or training.
"Elder Kazuma," A young adult crosses our path and greets grandpa with a respectful bow.
Looking at him, he looks so different from the rest of his clanmates.
The arrogant look typical for an Uchiha, is nowhere to be seen.
Instead, he has a sunny smile beaming brightly at me, crouching in his attempt to meet me at eye level.
"Is it Noemi-chan's birthday already?" he asked, more to me than grandpa.
The tension in my shoulders, caused by the intrusive stares, sagged in relief. Here is someone I'm glad to meet.
"It is, Hiroto-san!" I beamed just as brightly, showing off my own version of the sunny smile.
Hiroto-san chuckled lightly at my enthusiasm.
"Since it's your birthday, I'll grant you a birthday wish from me!" he said, tapping his finger on my nose.
"As always, nothing grand and should be within my capabilities" he adds, tone stern and serious, maintaining eye contact with mine.
Moments like this reminds me on why I have come to like interacting with this Uchiha.
I really like Hiroto-san - he didn't look at me with pity or indifference, he acknowledged me as someone he can converse with despite my young age.
I just hope that he stays within the village more often.
Just like my response a year ago, I repeated the same request, determined to have my way.
Puffing my chest, looking as serious as he. I stared at him hard, conveying that my mind is made up.
"Then Hiroto-san, I want you to teach me shurikenjutsu" I answered.
You see, Uchiha's doesn't do well with feelings if you consider living with grandpa as sufficient evidence.
I have only known Hiroto-san during these occasions, and sometimes private ones with grandpa, yet I can already tell that despite his optimistic countenance, he feels awkward and embarrassed when I express my affection and gratitude too much.
Regardless, that didn't deter me from being a bit selfish.
If I could subtly provide him with a reason to spend time with me without being too pushy, that's what I intended to do.
Hoping to have the same reply as he does, I look forward with anticipation.
Grandpa didn't say much, but he must have understood my intention to see Hiroto-san frequently.
It seems like he is thoughtful when it comes to him as he left things as they were.
Contrary to my expectation, Hiroto-san shook his head.
I felt a lump in my throat.
As a person who kept her feelings at arms reach, I let myself make a hopeful wish that has my sincerity.
Naturally, I didn't take the rejection well.
I forced a smile that didn't reach my eyes to conceal my disappointment and extend my understanding.
I was about to take back my wish when he noticed my sinking mood and decisively held up his hand to stop me.
"Emi-chan," he started, with the same nickname grandpa gave me, in mild panic.
"Although I have been teaching you basic shurikenjutsu, I think it's time that I teach you something better" he said, eyes gleaming.
This time, my smile turned genuine as I eagerly waited for his next words.
Last year, Hiroto-san kept his promise to me when I made my first wish - he showed up on our impromptu of a training session a week after.
Of course, he was patient with me and focused on teaching me the basic fundamentals of shurikenjutsu, sometimes using shuriken toys with their edges dulled down for safety reasons.
Our time together might have been short but it was the best I ever had.
He became my first friend.
Above all, I missed his company a lot. I wanted to continue seeing him more often.
Hiroto-san's hand moved in my peripheral vision, slow enough for me to track but fast enough to catch me off guard.
He playfully tapped two fingers on my forehead.
"Of course, I'll tell you next time" he winked before getting up to talk to grandpa.
"That is, if Elder Kazuma is okay with it."
"Hn."
Grandpa consented in a typical Uchiha fashion that made both Hiroto-san and me grin.
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Hiroto-san bid us farewell after wishing me a happy birthday.
We proceeded to the shrine with a lighter atmosphere and, for me, a spring in my step.
Arriving at the foot of the shrine, grandpa held out his hand to me and offered to carry me in his arm.
The stairs really look intimidating to me each time we visit.
"Jii-chan," I mumbled, staring at the approaching Torii gate with arms wrapped around grandpa's neck.
"Hn."
"Jii-chan, why do we always come here on my birthdays?" I ask, never quite understanding the reason for our visits when the shrine appears deserted, indicating that not many people come here.
Grandpa tightened his hold on me, engaging in an internal struggle, before eventually calming down.
"Your Okaasan, Mirai Tsukiko, was the last descendant of a noble clan that worships the moon god, Tsukuyomi," he paused in front of the altar where we had come to pray.
"And this is the shrine of your clan's kami" he gently puts me down.
"I don't know much about your tradition or your lineage," he pondered.
"But according to your Okaasan, if she ever has a daughter, it is that child's duty to make an annual pilgrimage to the shrine."
Bending down at my level, he held my gaze.
"And as your guardian, it is my duty to ensure your safety and assist you in fulfilling yours."
He didn't say much afterward, leaving me to contemplate on my own, processing the new information about my mother and the fact that my family was once a clan.
'Mirai Tsukiko' I smiled.
I never had the courage to ask Grandpa about my parents - for me, Grandpa is enough. Yet somehow, I can't help but smile knowing my mother's name.
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In front of the altar, Grandpa and I had just finished our prayers.
He didn't ask me if I'm ready to leave, knowing that I might want to linger a bit more, so he opted to remain as he was.
'So this is my okaasan's kami'
Observing the whole altar, an action I didn't give a second thought of if grandpa didn't tell me about my mothers heritage, I let my eyes roam around.
Besides the altar, there is the statue of Tsukuyomi, as well as a passage written inconspicuously at the foot of the statue.
As daylight fades into the night,
Memories shimmer, soft and bright,
Yearning for moments lost in flight,
On the path to the other world's light.
My body froze, eyes dilated after reading the passage. Heart skipping to a halt.
Something doesn't feel right.
There is a burning sensation at the back of my nape, making me want to reach out for it.
Grandpa noticed the panic in my chakra and hurriedly gave me his full attention.
He reached out to me, grabbing me on the shoulders, mouth moving as if saying something yet I hear nothing.
Like broken strings, I felt my body collapsed, vision blacking out.
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I woke up with a terrible headache, almost wishing that I still remain sleeping.
My mind is clouded, yet my eyes kept darting around.
I tried to remember what happened that led me here in bed.
The room I am staying in is painted in a dull white color, with several beds lining two sides, separated only by a thin curtain.
A strong smell of disinfectant and metallic scent linger the air.
'Ah. I'm in a hospital ward' mouth forming a thin line.
Lying on my back in a bed twice my size. I can't help but groan, putting my forearm over my eyes.
I'm unsure of how long I stayed unconscious.
Given my condition, I already had too many frequent visits to the hospital.
I'm not too keen to add another one to my hospital records.
As my mind clears up, I recalled the events transpired on the shrine.
The passage.
Somehow I subconsciously thought of something.
'Dreams'
I don't know what prompted that thought.
It's true that I haven't had a peaceful dream without breaking down, yet strangely, I can't recall the dream itself.
'Had my dreams really meant something more?'
Shaking myself out of that thought, I wondered where my grandpa was.
I'm sure he brought me to the hospital after blacking out in front of him.
Looking around, there isn't anyone inside the ward but me.
'I wonder if I could,' my eyes traveled to the window where I am conveniently close at.
'It's time to put grandpa's chakra control to the test'
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Getting out of the window using the tree climbing jutsu is awesome.
I'm really glad I learned it.
Sure, there are some hiccups here and there, but I didn't break any bones, so I'm good.
'Sorry, Jii-chan' I clasped my hands together like a prayer.
I'm confident grandpa would be able to find me later, after all he is also a chakra sensor.
The only regret I have is wearing a hospital gown. If not for the shorts they so graciously provided me with, I wouldn't have attempted to roam the streets.
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After a few kiddie walks, I reached a place where children's laughter were heard.
A group of kids played in their sandbox, while others played tag. Meanwhile, their moms and dads sat on the benches, keeping a watchful eye on their children.
I didn't have any friends, save for Hiroto-san.
It might have been because of my condition - chakra hypersensitivity isn't something to scoff at, you know.
I remembered before Grandpa's guidance, sensing a person's signature is enough to make me overload with pain.
With chakra control suppressing my senses, I no longer have to deal with it.
It can be an asset when needed, but for now, I have suppressed it as much I can with my level of control.
Even then, I find it harder to be close to my peers.
Living in a shinobi village means there are no secrets.
It's not just the Uchiha who knew about my past - others, even the civilians, were aware as well.
I was labeled as an unfortunate child, a girl who killed her parents for being born.
Grandpa might not know but I can feel the stares thrown at me. Their chakra flaring and painful. Their emotions out of the open. So incredibly overwhelming.
Pity. Disgust. Indifference. Fear.
Naturally, the attitudes of the children reflects the adult.
Grandpa understood this, so he didn't force me to make friends.
I continued to silently watch over the children play, under the shade of a tree leaning against the trunk.
I stayed like that until the sun started to set.
'Time to go'
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In the midst of my walk back to the hospital, where I'm sure an army of nurses will eagerly have a piece of me.
I sense someone coming right at me. For some inexplicable reason, I got paralyzed on my feet.
When I came to be, it was too late. I wasn't fast enough to move out of the way.
My breath was knocked out of me, back slamming against the ground with pebbles scraping and piercing my skin.
Aaarrgghh!
I groaned from the pain stinging my back and forced myself to sit up despite feeling disoriented and lightheaded.
'I must have hit my head'
As I turned my gaze to the culprit of this situation, my eyes glazed over, and a lost memory finally resurfaced.
A/N: Hey! It's your author here! I'm happy to find readers like you enjoying my work, especially to those who supported me in any way!
Your support fuels me to keep writing even if I still have pending rl work to be finished tonight. HAHAHAH.
You guys mean a lot to me, Thank you, Dear Readers!