The Willow Maiden [Naruto]

{15} The Maiden Has A Panic Attack?

That night, after Sakura confronted Ruka about her crimes, Ruka went back to Sasuke's house and went straight to bed. 'She knows about my plan. . . I cannot allow her to get in the way. She wouldn't understand. . .' Ruka thought with rage. 

"Ruka, I didn't know you came home. Are you hungry?" Sasuke stands at the bedroom doorway, leaning against the wall. "Are you okay?" He noticed the frown on her face and walked over to her. 

"Just tired, Sasuke. I think I will go to sleep now." Ruka yawns and lies down in bed, then smiles at Sasuke. "Goodnight, Sasuke." 

"Night." Sasuke gently smiles back and closes the door. Ruka's expression changes to an emotionless one as she thinks back to Sakura's conversation with her. 'I cannot let them find out. I will be lonely if I were to change my plans. . . I have to get rid of Sakura.' She thought before going to sleep. 

Her plan was to make Naruto and Sasuke become like her so that she wouldn't feel lonely. Seeing how she's the last of her kind, Ruka felt the need to repopulate her species. And Naruto and Sasuke were the perfect candidates.

Throughout their adventure, Ruka trusted them with all her heart as she wanted these two boys to stay with her and continue to be there for her.  

The next day, Ruka got up early and went into the forest to clear her mind. She didn't want to be bothered by anyone. She left a note on the kitchen table for Sasuke to find, and also told him to tell Naruto about her whereabouts. 

"What are you doing out here, Ruka? Shouldn't you be meeting with the team?" Kakashi questions as he walks over to her. Being the sensei that he is, he always appears late to where the group is, so in this case, he wanted to stall time. 

"Shouldn't you be with the team, Kakashi? . . ." Ruka asks back before answering his question. "I woke up early and decided to come here. It's so peaceful in the morning than at night. . . You'll never know what could happen during the nighttime." 

"I see. Is there something you want to talk about? You're more quiet than usual." 

"Some things are on my mind right now. Do you mind if I share it with you?" 

"Not at all." Kakashi sits next to Ruka, near the lake. "I'm all ears. What do you want to talk about?" 

"The Willow Forest and the warriors from the hidden Grass Village. . . Do you remember how I use kill to defend myself? . . . I did something terrible, but I do not think it was wrong. . . I am telling you this because I find you as a trusted adult. . ." 

"You had no other choice, Ruka. They were attacking you and all you could do was defend yourself because you were scared. I don't think you did anything wrong. Tatsuya and his men are the ones to blame. Not you." 

"That is not what I am talking about. . . During those times when I was being attacked, I did something to those warriors after killing them. . ." 

"What did you do?" Kakashi narrows his eyes, becoming quite suspicious about this. 

"I had the warriors bodies become one with the Willow Forest. . . The forest takes them and feeds off their life so that I can keep living, since I am connected with my birthplace. . . And I. . . I wanted to do the same with Naruto and Sasuke so that I wouldn't become lonely!" Ruka shouts the last part and cries in her hands. "I am the last of my kind and my mother is now gone. . . I don't want to be alone anymore. I have always been alone ever since the day I lost my mother! . . . I want someone to be with me again and make me feel safe and warm. . . This feeling without Mama hurts my chest, and these tears will not stop flowing. . . Please, forgive me, Kakashi!"