Ordinary. |HIATUS|

Worth - it's my turn.

Kata's POV

"Self-worth is an illusion. A ghastly barrier to protect the weak from agony. If that was the case, then why can't I build my own? To stop the heartache, the constant misery and solicit expectations. To mute the hostile voices and to lock away my embarrassments. "

With tears in my eyes, I forced myself to look towards the hovering tree. It said nothing as it swayed motionless. It didn't offer guidance but didn't pursue judgement. Just offering a friendly ear to the pathetic girl with too many problems.

The sudden flush of the wind combed my hair over my swollen face. I laughed as I imagined the wind itself consoling me. Acting as a worried mother to the already friendly father.

Needles pricked against my skin when the winds changed direction.

"Someone's here."

"Kata, did I say you could venture off?" A sudden voice asked.

"He found me again." I mentally cringed.

"No." I responded. Eyes too focused on the sky above me.

"Kata, what's wrong?" He cautiously pried.

I lowered my gaze to find the crouching serpent.

"Do I have value?" My voice too soft for it's own good.

His mouth curving into a wry smile before his face contorted into what seemed to be an uplifting manner.

"Kata, listen to me carefully. You're not worthless, you're completely worthless. A failed experiment living purely as a pet. Now, if you ask again, I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you, again." He responded with a backhanded smile.

My eyes remained dinged. I didn't react. It was like this, time and time again.

Orochimaru quickly guided me to my feet all while carrying me on his shoulders.

Launching himself to the nearest bough before jumping from branch to branch.

"Academy students can do the same. They can leap from tree to tree. An act that barely registers in their mind."

"A subconsious behavior." I absent mindly said.

The sage dismissed my thoughts only to refocus on the destination ahead.

"A pet is to be feed. Loved. Cherished. A pet does not speak out of line. A pet is taken cared of. Then why do I have the feeling there's more?"

"You shouldn't be worrying about the impossible." He coldly stated.

"Why am I pet?" I blatantly questioned.

The movements stopped. Silence quickly filled the quaint gap that separated us.

"Can you see the bird's nest on the upper region of this tree?" He asked.

I rose up my head only to be greeted by an abandoned nest. The nestlings screeching for their missing mother.

"Now look towards the ground." He commanded.

My eyes drifted from the sad scene above to a gruesome panorama below.

"The dreary mother had been attacked by the mischievous snake. "

"The bird had something that the snake needed. The snake just wanted the treasure, it didn't mean to harm the mother. But the mother wanted to protect her infants. So without hesistation, she attacked the predator. She was at a disadvantage, but her power to protect was too strong that it blocked her reasoning. She invetiably died. The snake is going to get what he wants, not because of his strength but because he just can. No one can stop him or the soon to be slaughtered hatchlings." He coldly stated.