Redemption | By : Hedari Category: Naruto > General Views: 1660 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
We were flying for quite some time now. Sasori had to join us on the bird, even if he really hated it. I don't understand how can someone hate flying though... All my attention was glued to beautiful surroundings, such as woods and fields which were already turning yellow. The autumn was coming.
I gazed at the sea beneath us – its surface looked greenish blue and there were small waves. I wonder if the water is cold... It wasn't cold when I was by the river, with Itachi.
Itachi... I'm thinking about him again. I should stop. Whenever I let my mind wander off, my thoughts start revolving around the raven haired man. His deep voice, strong arms, the warmth of his body... And those eyes which could pierce my soul to the very bottom. I felt shiver run down my body.
Wait, what am I doing? I don't have any right to think about him. What I did with Tobi was inexcusable. If Itachi knew about it... He would never hold me again. He would never forgive me.
I sighed and shook my head. I should just concentrate on this mission.
I yawned slightly. The sun was already setting, it looked amazing. We kept flying for the whole day. It was a bit boring, except for those nice views around us.
I glanced at the blondie – he was sitting on the clay bird with his legs crossed, looking bored too. We talked a few times, but not that much. Sasori just sat behind us, his expression as plain as ever. He didn't say a word during the whole journey.
'Looks like we reached the Tea Country. We will spend the night in that village.'
I gazed at the direction the red head was pointing to – he was right, I could see the green land finally. There was a big island, which was mostly covered by woods, but there was a small village at the edge of it, full of cozy wooden buildings, and a harbor with a tower. I could see some huge ships by the dock, but there were also small ones. Probably some individual travellers. I couldn't see any people anywhere though, maybe because it was already an evening. This place looked so peaceful and calm.
'Looks boring...' Deidara murmured, narrowing his eyes at the sight, which was becoming more and more clear as we came closer. 'Can't we just blow them all up, un?'
Sasori sighed.
'No, we can't. Just hurry up and land there, we have to find a place to stay.'
I livened up, feeling all excited suddenly. It was a long time since I have went somewhere, especially to a country I have never been before.
I smiled slightly as we finally landed on a small grassfield surrounded by a few trees, right next to the harbor. I could hear seagulls chirping above us. Deidara probably wanted it to look like we came here using a ship. After all, we're criminals.
'I doubt that no one saw our giant clay bird, guys. I mean it's quite difficult to not notice it...'
'I put a jutsu on it so that other people couldn't see us.'
I stared at Sasori, dumbfounded. I didn't even see him wave any signs... Well, whatever.
I looked around us – there was a thick wooden wall around the village, so we couldn't see what was going on inside.
The puppet master started leading our way towards the gates, me and Deidara followed.
'What a cheap looking village... So inartistic, un.'
'I think it's quite cute, Deidara. Not too crowded and so quiet...'
'I think I should show them my true art,' Deidara muttered, smirking devilishly.
I sweatdropped.
'I don't think that's a good idea...'
'Hey, you three. What business are you here for?'
I glued my eyes to two gatekeepers which were guarding the entrance to the village. They looked us up and down, trying to see if we're suspicious or not, but didn't attack us.
'Hello. We're just travellers and would like to spend a night in your village,' Sasori explained in a polite and even kind tone.
My jaw almost dropped to the floor. Who could have guessed that the red head could be so nice?
'Oh... Welcome then. Tonight we're having a festival so have a good time time in our village,' the other man explained and smiled at us.
I blinked a few times as the gate before us opened. How could they let us in so easily? They didn't ask us anything more. Is it because they're used to foreigners? But that's not an excuse to act so foolishly and let some random people come in to your village. Oh well... That's exactly what we need, isn't it?
I glanced around the narrow streets of the town which was already lit by lamps. A lot of villagers were walking here and there, smiling and laughing. Most of them were going further into the town, probably to the festival - I could hear music coming from that direction.
'So where are we going to stay, un?'
I stared at the different signs on the houses – they were mostly shops and restaurants, but one signboard caught my eye.
'Hey, look! It's a hotel!'
'Seems fine. Let's go,' Sasori commanded and motioned us to follow him.
'Hey, when did you become our leader, un..?' Deidara murmured, crossing his arms in protest.
'I was always one, brat,' Sasori smirked at him.
The blondie scoffed and turned his head to the side, making me giggle.
We entered the small building which looked very comfortable inside, maybe because it was bright there. I missed normal places so I really wanted to stay here. We went to the reception. There was a kind looking old lady, she was smiling at us warmly.
'Welcome to the Akarui Hotel,' the black haired woman said, fixing her bun slightly.
'Hello. We would like three single rooms for one night, please,' Sasori explained.
'You're really lucky, they're the last ones. A lot of people came to this village because of the festival,' the lady smiled and gave us our keys. 'Here you go. Make yourself at home.'
I sweatdropped at this. Our home is a freaking cave...
'Thank you,' the puppet master bowed and the three of us went upstairs to see our rooms.
I unlocked the door and came inside. A grin appeared on my face. This is awesome! The room wasn't big, but very spacious and light. The walls were creamy white while the floor was made of light wood. There was a single wooden bed with white sheets and a closet. I couldn't ask for more! What I enjoyed the most though was a big window which gave me the view of the village street.
'WHAT THE HELL! I EXPECTED A TV IN MY ROOM, UN!'
'Shut up!'
'Don't tell me what to do, you stupid doll master! Why couldn't you order us something more expensive, un!'
'Kakuzu would kill us, dumb ass! You can sleep outside though – I couldn't care less.'
'Idiot danna, un...'
I sighed at the voices of the other two members – Sasori's room was on my left while Deidara's – on my right. I'm not sure if the walls are too thin or my partners are way too loud...
I plopped on the perfectly clean bed – it felt amazing, so soft and fresh. But I didn't want to sleep at all...
I stared at the white ceiling, wondering what should I do. A festival... I would love to see it. I haven't been in one since I was about 10 years old. Who should I go with? Deidara? No, he might do something crazy. I know he can't resist exploding things. Sasori? Nah, he won't agree to go with me. And Deidara will sulk if I invite the red head instead of him. I guess I will have to go alone...
I sweatdropped (not sure how many times I did that today) at my clothes – I was wearing my Akatsuki cloak. A perfect outfit for a festival, huh... But I don't have anything else.
I locked the door of my room and quietly went down the stairs, not really feeling like dealing with the other two right now. Especially with the clay artist...
'I'm guessing you're going to the feast, right, young lady?'
I stopped at the door and glanced at the old woman. Her face blushed deep red.
'Forgive me for my rudeness, miss. That's none of my business...'
'N-No, you're right. I'm going there,' I muttered, looking at the ground shyly. 'My clothes aren't very festive though...'
I noticed the old lady look me up and down, then smile gently.
'I could borrow you some, if you like.'
'Thank you, but... I don't have enough money for renting clothes...'
'No, it's for free. I would love to see such a young beautiful girl wearing my kimono. You look so much like my daughter...' The lady smiled, then chuckled lightly. 'Of course, if you wouldn't mind wearing clothes of some old hag...'
My eyes widened at the woman's wrinkled, but refined face, which looked so bright and kind. Is she serious..? I blinked a few times and gave her a smile, nodding my head. She was way too nice for me.
'This kimono is so beautiful...' I whispered, looking at my image in the mirror. 'But is this really alright for me to wear it?'
The old lady, I learned her name was Mizuki, couldn't stop smiling. Her old shaky fingers traced the marvelous gray pattern which was nicely decorated with petty cornflowers.
'You look very pretty, Ayumi-chan. I'm happy to see you wearing it,' Mizuki said and brought a shiny hairpin to the side of my head. 'This matches your eyes and outfit perfectly.'
The hairpin's shape was a light blue flower which really looked like a part of the kimono. I have never felt so elegant before...
'I'm not sure how to thank you for this, Mizuki-sama.'
'Oh, don't worry, dear. Just have the time of your life,' the lady chuckled again. 'You really remind me of my daughter...'
'I'm sorry for asking this but... Where is she?'
'She died five years ago. She was a ninja and was killed in action...' Mizuki explained, her face became a bit sad suddenly, but then she smiled. 'I really miss her...'
I gulped at her words. Realization hit me. I was a criminal and this old woman was so nice to me. She didn't know who I truly was. If she knew...
'I'm s-sorry..! I can't accept your kindness, ma'am...'
I was about to take off the kimono, but Mizuki's hands stopped me.
'Please, ignore my rambling, Ayumi-chan. I wish nothing more than to see someone wear this kimono for the last time...'
I stared at her chocolate brown orbs, unsure of what to say. Mizuki gave me an eye closed smile.
'Now go, dear. Enjoy your youthful days.'
I felt so touched by her words and actions... It was rare for someone to be so nice to me...
'By the way, why didn't you take one of those young gentlemen with you? The blonde boy kept gazing at you quite a lot...'
I blushed at her words and looked away.
'W-Well, I... I c-can't, really...'
Mizuki kept quite for a while, then chuckled.
'You already have someone in your heart, don't you?'
I nodded slowly, my thoughts returning to that certain someone.
'Me and my deceased husband really loved each other,' the woman muttered dreamily, her eyes dazed off somewhere, but soon returned to me. 'Remember, Ayumi-chan – don't let go of your love easily. You can overcome anything, as long as you want it.'
Don't let go of your love... Her voice kept ringing in my head.
'Oh, it's time for you to leave! Now go!'
I smiled sheepishly as Mizuki pushed me out through the door.
I couldn't stop grinning as I walked down the street, thinking of everything that lady said to me, especially about love. Those words were shining so brightly in my head now, like the highest lighthouse.
Itachi... Maybe... Just maybe I can continue loving you?
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