Cataclysm of Ice

Naruto and the Nomad

The four ventured towards the Siminouawa Mountains for their next training with Cold Jutsus. They entered the Mystic Forest.

"Can we please have a small break with a fire? It's so cold, Naruto!" Sakura whined. Naruto sighed and turned around.

"Come on! We are ninjas! We can't stop, ya know!" He yelled.

"Now now, we should stop for the night. It's getting colder and we should make camp ah-" Kakashi started before a harsh breeze blew through.

The young ninjas stood still, ready for an attack. Kakashi squinted at a dark shadow in the trees.

"You're trespassing on my property. Trespass without consent any further and... is that...Naruto?" The shadow descended. She walked forward in the light. Kakashi's eyes widened as he stepped back. The lady's eyes widened as well.

"Hamiasimei?" Kakashi started.

"Kakashi?" She murmured.

.....

"Thank you very much for the coats and for letting us stay here Hamiasimei-sun." Sasuke bowed. The lady smiled and giggled.

"There be no need for that kind of talk here. Please, call me Mia. I'm making my specialty. Chili Ramen Soup. It'll warm you all up and keep out the chills." Mia smiled, moving up more wooden chairs.

"We're on our way to the Siminouawa Mountains, Mia. We've got no time to delay." Kakashi sighed.

"Not when winter is coming you're not! These lands are my territory and I know them like my own children if I have any!" She yelled. Kakashi swallowed, that was something intended for him.

"Winter's not that bad here though." Kakashi retorted.

"In the Siminouawa, it is harsh. If you care about the well-being of your team, you will camp here tonight. There's a small Sinoua village a day's journey ahead. I own a cabin there. You all will stay there till the blizzards subside." Mia stated, turning to tend to her pit of soup. She felt her heart stir in a flurry of confusion. She loved him so much it hurt. But was he really changed?

"Uh, if don't mind us asking, you said if you had children earlier. What was all that about?" Sakura murmured. Mia sat back and stared into the fire. The rest sat across with Kakashi. She sighed, closing her eyes.

"I'll tell you all a bedtime story. Let's start at the very beginning. My father was a Lord in our society. The Mermasuni. We naturally transformed into mermaids or mermen if needed. Our clan was surrounded by water. My father married my mother who was a wealthy lady. However, he did not love her. My mother suffered three miscarriages after hearing about Father's affairs. The fourth, my brother, Gokanu, survived. My father stole him away and sent him to a boarding school. Then I was born. I lived at home with Momma, who loved me to death. I was sent out for a majority of the day so I attended the school. One day, my pregnant mother, committed suicide. Father cheated again. I was devastated and left home permanently. After a few years at a university, I fell head over heels for my lover. He was handsome, intelligent, strong, and funny. We loved each other more than anything. Once he returned from a terrible event, he became distraught. I discovered I was pregnant which was against rules. When I told him, he became upset. He battled me until near death. He apologized before running. When the rescuers came, because of my panic, I suffered a fatal miscarriage....It was a boy. My Lover and I's son. I loved that baby because it was the only thing left of my love. I've always wanted children, and hoped one day he would've too...." Mia finished. Kakashi had left already to scout perimeters for anything dangerous.

"Who was the guy?!" Naruto asked with excitement.

"You fool! Why ask like that after that sad love tragedy?!" Sakura cried.

"It's fine. I'll only give you a hint. Whoever claims this golden music box is the love of me." Mia chuckled, handing a big box to Naruto. She looked out at the sunset. Hopefully, one day they'd make amends....