Lightning In The Hidden Leaf

7 - Tag! You're it

Calista is woken when rays of sun peaking through her blinds reach her face. She squints and groans with the intention of burying her head under her pillow for another hour or so. That is what she would have normally done. The problem with that is today is not a normal day. Today is the day she finally leaves this village and the life she has known for almost ten years. She gets out of bed with a little more spring in her step as prepares for her journey.

She paces around her small home determining the most crucial to take. Definitely a photo album from from when she lived in the Lightning Village. She flips through the book and touches a picture of her parents. Then she comes across a picture of her brother, his hair wild and smile big and toothy after a game of tag that Calista's remembers perfectly well despite her being around seven at the time.

"I'm sorry, Setso, but I can't live this life anymore. I'll never give up on you but it's time I settle down."

She presses her finger on his tiny face. "Tag, you're it. It's time for you to come and find me."

She puts the album in her bag along with a couple other sentimental items and some clothes.

"Everything else can stay. If I'm going to start a new life I might as well go all in."

She leaves her house and heads to the village entrance. Not many people are around which isn't unusual. She is surprised to see Yuri standing at the gates though.

"Hey," he says when Calista comes closer.

"Hi." She's still a little guarded from their prior encounters.

"I guess you're really leaving."

"I am. I'm so ready to get out of here," she says looking back at the barren village that has served her nothing because a dry place to sleep and food. Sometimes.

"Word travels fast here. I didn't want you to leave with us on bad terms."

"Yuri, there has only been bad terms. It's been so long since we have been civil I can't even remember that side of you... of us."

"It's stressful here, Cal."

Cal? That's something I haven't heard in a long time.

"You have always been special to me but I took my frustrations and maybe even jealousy out on you. But you were enduring stress too. I should have been a better friend and been there for you. Then perhaps we could have... could have tried again. At a relationship."

She avoids eye contact to ensure the conversation doesn't become more intimate.

"It was so long ago," she says to the village as opposed to him. "I don't carry any hate towards you. How could I? We were lovers at one point. But this is-"

"Something you're ready to do."

She nods and holds out her hand. "Here. This is the key to my house. You get dibs on what's there. Everything else can go to whomever."

He reaches out to take the key and their hands linger a little longer.

"Can I have a hug before you go?"

She nods and he pulls her in and delicately places the palm of his hand on the back of her neck.

"Thanks," he says when they withdraw, motioning to the key in his hand.

"I'll come visit," she says with a shrug. Yuri watches her as she leaves.

She can feel his eyes on her back for some time. There is a clap of thunder and then it starts to drizzle which quickly turns into a down pour.

"What the hell? It was sunny this morning. I hope this isn't an omen."

She travels in the cool damp weather until it starts to grow darker. She is full prepared to sleep outside tonight but among the shattered rays of light, she can see an arch way with the Hidden Leaf crest.

"It was closer than what I thought. At least I won't have to find shelter outside."

She picks up the pace and stands outside the village entrance. It isn't until she slows down she realizes how nervous she is.

Maybe it was a mistake coming here. What if that man I met was lying or maybe their Hokkage won't accept me.

"Excuse me. Can we help you?" says a voice from within the village

She follows the voice inside the village gate, her heartbeat overpowering the sounds of her footsteps on the wet ground.

"Wow, Izumo, check her out," says the voice. As Calista enters the village, she realizes they are Shinobis.

"Are we expecting anyone?" says Izumo.

"Not for me to know. Maybe they're visitors."

"In the piss pouring rain?"

"Hello. My name is Calista and I was... hoping the Hidden Leaf could take me in. As a citizen," she says bowing her head slightly.

They look at one another.

"What's the protocol for this?" says Izumo.

"Only the Hokkage can make such a decision. I believe she will have to stay in HQ until an assessment is done."

"I guess then she will have to be escorted too. Kotetsu, you have worked really hard all day so I'll save you the trouble and do it."

"It's really okay, Izumo. Walking to HQ would be a nice break after sitting on my ass all day."

"Listen man," says Izumo dragging his Kotetsu aside. "I have been really down and out since Saffina left me for another man. This could be an opportunity not just to find love but to be ME again."

Kotetsu looks back and forth between the beautiful woman and his comrade. "Fine," he says as he watches Izumo fix his hair. "Hey, I just remembered! It was years ago Saffina left you. You have had girlfriends since then. In the mean time, I haven't been near a a woman in months."

"I'll save you the trouble," says feminine voice.

"Oh, Kurani," says Izumo.

"I was wanting to have a conversation with Lady Tsuandi so she can come with me. I'm Kurani. It's nice to meet you," she says smiling.

Calista smiles back. "It's good to meet you too. I'm Calista."

"You can come with me."

The two gatekeepers watch them walk away.

"Awww, I wish I was with them," says Izumo.

"C'mon and get back to work."