Alone No More

A Blessing to Burden

Warnings: blood and violence, past(?) minor character deaths, and minor swearing

Please enjoy!
__________

It was a clear crisp autumn morning, as the dew on the grassy path shined from the midnight frost. Faiashi smiled at the first sign of the coming winter. She ignored the chill as she continued to walk along her path. Only to quicken her pace when she spots small faint columns of smoke rising from the villagers' homes. After reaching the top of the last hill, the woman could vaguely see the peaceful little village. She wasted no time making her way to the village. However, she did not make it to the village gates until it was mid evening with the sun starting to set and temperatures starting to lower again. All the while, she promptly ignored the judgmental stares that some of the villagers sent her way, as she made her way to her father and brother's house.

Faiashi softly opened the door and announced her arrival, only to hear, "Elder sister, is back!" A young high-pitched voice squealed, with excitement. She turned and crouched to catch the young boy with short brown hair that leaped left into her arms.

Then she extended one of her arms just in time to catch the other young boy whose long brown hair was tied into a low ponytail. Since he too leaped at her with the same enthusiasm as his twin brother, Faiashi held them tightly, glad to feel their chakra signatures blooming with glee. She gave her two little brothers, Indra and Ashura, a quick kiss on the forehead and thanked them for their warm welcome. Faiashi was happy to see that Ashura was still the happy little boy he was when she left. The only thing that changed is that he was a little taller than before. Unlike Indra, who has grown his hair out more, but thankfully appeared less stressed as he looked before she left.

That was when her father appeared around the corner and stared at her with his usual grumpy resting face. He seemed disappointed that her blood brother did not join her on the journey back to their village. However, her father, Hagoromo, seemed to be in a foul mood as she watched his frown deepen.

"Boys, to bed, both of you," the old alien-looking man ordered, purple eyes focused on the young woman.

"Father, sister Faiashi has just returned, may we please -" Indra started, clearly upset at his father's order.

"Indra, Ashura. To bed, now." Hagoromo firmly spoke, despite the tearful eyes looking at him.

"Yes, Father. Good night," Indra replied in defeat. Blinking rapidly to keep the tear at bay, before grabbing his crying younger twin's hand and disappearing down the hall to their shared room.

When the boys were gone, Faiashi followed her father to his study. He gestured for her to sit at the low table in the middle of the room that was filled with shelves full of books and scrolls. Once sitting, she watches as her father brings a pot of tea and two cups. After pouring the tea, Hagoromo softly spoke, "Kiyoshi, did not come when summoned."

After taking a sip of her tea, Faiashi calmly answered, "Yes, brother has found shelter in a wolf pack."

"I see," Hagoromo replied with a relaxed smile. After several calm minutes, Hagoromo sighed. Before his purple eyes meet his daughter's golden eyes. He frowned as he spoke, "Faiashi, my beloved daughter. These lands are not for you. I know I have wronged you and your brother, and you have my deepest apologies, my children." The Sage paused for a moment as if trying to find his words. "However, I know if you stay here, it will be as if you are waiting for death. That is something I do not wish for either of you or any of my children. Please, you must flee while you have the chance. There's a darkness coming, I do not foresee when it will appear or how, but you must be wary from here on forward."