HIDDEN HARBOR
The evening had settled over the Sanctuary, the stars waking from their daytime slumber in the calm sky overhead. The woods were quiet, eerily so, as Kakashi silently followed the hidden path to Sanctuary. As the soft glow of lanterns emerged from the creeping darkness, casting a warm light through the windows of the isolated tea hut, Kakashi paused. Something was wrong. The gentle hum of song that ordinarily welcomed him to this safe haven was replaced with... yelling. He stood in the shadows, listening to the harshness that corrupted the night.
"I'm not your cub, Rikimaru! It's been five years, and not a single thing has changed in all this time! I can't keep living like this!" Sachiko's voice was sharp, a tone Kakashi had never heard from her before. There was a low growl in response, deep and rumbling. The sound, coming from the massive bear guardian, Rikimaru, startled Kakashi. He had always thought of the bear as a silent protector, but now it seemed he was more vocal than Kakashi had realized. He continued to stand, still and silent as stone.
"You think I don't know? I'm not a fool, but I am human. I am! Do you have any idea how tired I am of this?! To just... exist? Like a ghost, with nothing else?!" Kakashi's eyes lowered as another deep rumble echoed from the little hut. He felt guilty for listening, but he couldn't turn around.
"Just go! Get out!" There was a crash from inside following a tense roar, and Kakashi's heart cramped.
"GET OUT!" Kakashi's legs moved involuntarily. With a pounding heart, he entered the hut. Sachiko was sitting on the couch, her head resting in her hands, and the shards of a teacup lay shattered on the ground next to the garden door.
"Sachiko?" Kakashi's voice was gentle but filled with concern. She looked up, her eyes red-rimmed from tears, a mixture of anger and sadness etched on her face.
"Kakashi-san... I'm sorry you had to hear that." Kakashi approached slowly, his gaze soft and understanding.
"It's okay. Do you want to talk about it?" Sachiko sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping as she wiped at her cheek.
"It's... complicated. Rikimaru... he means well, but he's overprotective." Kakashi glanced around, noticing that Rikimaru had vanished without a trace.
"I'm sure he's just worried about you," Kakashi said gently as he sat down next to her.
"I know he is. And I really shouldn't fault him for it. It's just... who he is. What he was meant for. What happened when we fled here had a profound impact on him. And since my grandfather passed, he's just been so much... more, I guess," she tried to explain. She wiped her cheeks again and sat back.
"You remember I told you he's a spirit entity, right?" she said softly, and Kakashi nodded.
"Yes, I remember," he affirmed.
"Babies are born with more bones than adults because they need to grow and solidify. The entities of Mount Komorbeni are... kind of the same. When they are bound to us, they enter this world without a solid form; and it takes years to... find one. Or choose one..." she continued. Kakashi listened intently, sensing there was more to the story. Kakashi noticed the subtle tremor in her hands as she spoke, revealing the depth of her emotional turmoil. He offered her a reassuring smile, hoping to provide some comfort amidst her struggle.
"It sounds like a heavy burden for both of you," he said nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"It is. But knowing you're here helps," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"So, Rikimaru chose the form of a bear?" Sachiko nodded.
"Yes. I'm not entirely sure, but it seems that larger, more powerful forms take longer to settle in this world. When we fled the country of snow, he was still just a spectre. He... couldn't protect me like he was meant to. That's why he's being like this. I think that day still plagues him," she sighed.
"I can understand that," Kakashi said quietly.
"He has accepted you. But he's uneasy about welcoming more people," Sachiko said as she glanced at the fire in the hearth.
"I just wish I could make him see. The world could have more than just... danger. And death. That's... the only thing he's ever known." Kakashi listened quietly, letting her words settle. The fire crackled softly, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
"It's hard to change a perspective that's been shaped by trauma," he finally said.
"But you're right. There is more to the world. And maybe, with time, Rikimaru will start to see that. You just have to keep showing him." Sachiko's eyes met his, and she gave a small, hopeful smile.
"I hope so. It's just... exhausting sometimes. Trying to balance his protection with my need for human connection." Kakashi reached out and placed a reassuring hand on her cool hand.
"You're stronger than you think. And you have a compassionate heart. Those are powerful qualities. If anyone can help Rikimaru see beyond the shadows, it's you." She nodded, feeling a little more at ease.
"Thank you. Your support means a lot to me, it makes me feel a little bit better about myself." she said softly, the red flush to her face slowly starting to fade.
"Any time," he replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before pulling his hand back.
"And remember, you're not alone in this. We'll figure it out together." As they sat in the warm glow of the lanterns, the night seemed to regain its tranquillity. Kakashi's presence, steady and comforting, reassured Sachiko that she could find a way to balance Rikimaru's protective nature with her own need for independence. And in that moment, surrounded by the gentle hum of the evening, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could navigate the complexities of her unique bond with Rikimaru.
"I can see how that history might make him wary," Kakashi remarked.
"But it seems like you've formed a strong bond with him." Sachiko nodded, her gaze drifting to the flickering flames in the hearth.
"Yes, we have. He's been with me for as long as I can remember. He was fond of my grandfather, and his passing affected him a lot." she said.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Kakashi said gently, sensing the weight of Sachiko's words.
"My grandfather... was a wonderful, extraordinary man. He was powerful, dauntless, and sharp as a needle. Mountains would move in his wake... He seemed so... so endless... "Gods among men" the stories would say. And he... was the last one." her voice shivered, soft and painful. Kakashi listened intently, feeling the weight of her words. The admiration and love she held for her grandfather were palpable, and he could sense the pain of loss that lingered just beneath the surface.
"He sounds like an incredible man," Kakashi said softly, his voice carrying a gentle sincerity.
"It's clear he meant the world to you." Sachiko nodded, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames in the hearth.
"To both me, and Rikimaru. He was our everything. He taught me so much, not just about the world, but about myself. He used to call Rikimaru "War Bear", and he became strong because of my grandfather. Sometimes, I wonder if I'll ever live up to his legacy." Kakashi looked at her, the warmth in his gaze evident even through the single visible eye.
"From what I can see, you're already doing that. You're strong, wise, and compassionate. Those are qualities that can't be taught—they have to be lived." She turned her head slightly to meet his eyes, a small, grateful smile forming on her lips.
"Thank you, Kakashi-san. That means a lot, coming from you." He nodded, feeling a connection in the shared understanding of their respective pasts and the burdens they carried.
"It's not easy living in the shadow of those who came before us. But we can honour their memory by being the best versions of ourselves." She sighed softly, her gaze drifting back to the fire.
"I suppose you're right. It's just... sometimes, the weight of it all feels overwhelming." Kakashi reached out, his hand resting gently on her shoulder in a rare display of comfort.
"You don't have to carry it alone. You have friends, people who care about you. And you have me." Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she placed her hand over his, feeling the warmth and reassurance it brought.
"Somehow, you always know what to say. Your friendship means more to me than words can express." They sat in silence for a while, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. The night outside was calm, the stars continuing their lazy journey across the sky, and in that quiet sanctuary, they found a sense of peace and understanding that neither had felt in a long time. As the fire crackled softly, and the warmth of their connection filled the room, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, in this shared solitude, they could both find a way to heal and move forward, honouring the legacies of their pasts while forging a new path together.
"I miss him, so much. Even now, there are nights that I dream about him. I wish he was here. I wish he could meet you, too." her fingers tightened around his gently, the cool of her touch seeping into his skin.
"I shouldn't complain... I could never compare myself to what you went through. Your loss came suddenly, and far, far too soon. I had time to prepare, and I thought that I did... " she trailed off suddenly as bright drops scarred her face. Kakashi's heart ached as he listened to Sachiko's words, feeling the depth of her sorrow and the immense burden she carried. Her vulnerability stirred a protective instinct within him, and he gently squeezed her hand, offering silent support.
"It's not a matter of comparing our losses, Sachiko-san," he said softly, his voice steady and comforting.
"Grief is a personal journey, and it affects everyone differently. Losing someone you love, whether you have time to prepare or not, leaves a void that nothing can truly fill." She nodded, her grip on his hand tightening as tears continued to flow.
"I just... I wish I could turn back time, even for just a moment, to see him again. To hear his voice, to feel his presence..." Kakashi reached up with his free hand, gently wiping away the tears from her cheeks.
"I understand that feeling all too well. There are days when I wish I could go back, to see my friends and loved ones again. But we have to hold onto the memories and the lessons they left us. It's what keeps their spirits alive within us." Sachiko's eyes met his, gratitude and pain mingling in their depths.
"Thank you. Your words... they help. More than you know." He offered her a small, reassuring smile.
"Well... We're in this together. You're not alone, and you never will be as long as I'm here." She managed a faint smile in return, her fingers slowly relaxing their grip.
"I appreciate that more than I can say. Your presence... it brings me comfort." They sat in silence for a while longer, the weight of their shared sorrows and the strength of their connection creating a profound sense of understanding between them. The night outside remained calm, the stars continuing their gentle dance across the sky, a testament to the enduring nature of time and memory. Finally, Sachiko took a deep breath, her voice steadier.
"He would have liked you, Kakashi-san. I think... he would have been happy to see us here, finding solace in each other's company." Kakashi's eyes softened, his heart touched by her words.
"And I'm honoured to know you, Sachiko-san. Your strength and resilience inspire me." As the fire continued to crackle softly, they sat together, their hands still intertwined, finding comfort and hope in each other's presence. In that moment, amidst the stillness of the night, they began to heal, drawing strength from their shared pasts and the promise of a brighter future together.
"You mentioned he got sick?" Kakashi gently urged.
"Yes. It started slow at first. He lost so much weight and gradually grew weaker and weaker... He couldn't climb the stairs any more, so I moved the table to the porch outside and brought his bedding down here so he could be close to the fire," Sachiko started.
"I took care of him as best I could, but I had no idea what I was doing. By the end, there was nothing but pain... And the only things he could say were my name... and that it hurts... It's the worst thing in the world when someone asks you for help and there's nothing you can do." Kakashi sat silently, just listening as a still image came back to him, the sound of chirping birds coming from the morning air...
"The night he passed still feels unreal, even though I know it happened. I remember screaming, for how long I couldn't say... or care... I remember feeling scared, alone, and lost... I remember Rikimaru being with me, trying so hard to comfort me... I remember... being happy that there was no more pain..." Kakashi sat silently, feeling the ache in his body. He wanted to hold her so badly... just for a moment...
"I was so, so tired... I might have been dreaming, but I think there were people here," she mentioned, and Kakashi perked up.
"People?" Kakashi asked.
"I don't know... I think so. Or I was delusional with exhaustion... I remember an owl's face... A woman's voice telling me to be calm... That they'd... take care of him..." she whispered. That sounds like ANBU. The tiredness might have been a genjutsu... Kakashi thought. Then Sachiko looked at him.
"When I woke, he was gone. It was just me..." Sachiko sighed.
"You don't remember anything else?" he asked softly, and she shook her head.
"I remember a vision, of a light leaving the home. But it seems so foggy, like a dream. Something that didn't happen, when I know it did... It was just... quiet," she said. Kakashi glanced away.
"It sounds like someone was sent to collect him, and calm you. I'm sure he was treated gently. Probably buried somewhere safe." Kakashi mentioned, trying to be tender. In his experience, ANBU had very strict instructions to destroy the bodies they were charged with, so their secrets would remain kept. In the hard shadows that danced over her pale cheeks with the light of the fire, she managed a small smile.
"Maybe. It is a nice thought. But I'm happy that I can remember, and honour him here. His hands built this home, and held that bow. If I think of it that way, I don't need to visit a grave." Kakashi nodded, feeling a warmth settle in his chest.
"That's a beautiful way to keep his memory alive." She stood up slowly, her hands brushing against her dress.
"I'll go finish the tea. It's probably gotten cold by now." She gingerly collected the shattered shards from the floor and moved to the small kitchen area where she discarded them into a woven basket. Kakashi watched her, feeling a sense of peace settling over the room, as if the sorrow they shared drifted away through the open window, caught by the passing breeze. The conversation had been heavy, but it had also brought them closer, revealing depths of understanding and shared burdens.
A soft rustling sound caught his attention, and he turned to see Rikimaru emerging from the garden door. The large bear approached Sachiko with a slow, almost hesitant gait, and in his mouth, he carried a large, ruby-colored peach. Sachiko turned, seeing the bear, and a gentle smile spread across her face.
"Rikimaru," she whispered, taking the peach from him.
"Thank you." The bear made a soft, rumbling sound, his eyes meeting hers with a silent apology. She reached out, her hands submerging deep into the white fur of his cheeks.
"It's okay, I understand. But you need to trust me sometimes, too." Kakashi watched the exchange, feeling a deep respect for the bond between them. Rikimaru, despite his imposing presence, was as much a part of Sachiko's family as any human could be. The tenderness in her voice and the way the bear responded to her spoke volumes about their connection. Sachiko returned to the couch, placing the peach on the table and pouring fresh tea into their cups. She handed one to Kakashi, her smile warm and genuine.
"Here, fresh tea." He accepted the cup with a nod of thanks, taking a sip and feeling the warmth spread through him.
"This is perfect," he said, his voice gentle. They sat together in comfortable silence as the bear settled down in the kitchen space, his massive form a reassuring presence and the weight of their earlier conversation giving way to a quiet, shared moment of peace. The fire crackled softly, and the night outside remained calm, the stars continuing their journey across the sky. As the evening wore on, they talked about lighter topics, the heaviness of their earlier conversation slowly dissipating. Eventually, the tea was finished, and Sachiko's eyelids grew heavy. Kakashi stood, sensing it was time to leave.
"I should go. Thank you for tonight, Sachiko-san." he said softly as he carefully rose to his feet. She stood as well, walking him to the door.
"Thank you, Kakashi-san. For coming, for listening. And... just for being here." He nodded, giving her a small, reassuring smile.
"Always." As he stepped out into the cool night air, he glanced back one last time, seeing her standing in the doorway, the warm light of the lanterns casting a soft glow around her. He felt a sense of contentment, knowing that despite the hardships, they had found a moment of peace together.
