Chapter 1

It was now eighteen years later. The land grew prosperous and they were safer than ever without that devil, they were able to be the place they wanted to, almost as if the danger didn’t exist.

Meanwhile, having somehow lived, the girl, now a woman at twenty-two, sat gazing at the village. Although she didn’t know it, the entire population hated her, but was unaware of her existence. Sighing, she formed a small flame in her hand, watching its graceful features dance around each of her slim fingers. It wrapped around each of them in a snake-like manner.

Getting bored, she sent the flame into the fire that was built nearby. She smoothed out the cloth of her skirt, diminishing the few wrinkles that had folded their way into it. Her long fire-red hair was tied back by a simple string at its bottom, draped over her left shoulder. The fire’s light glinted off into her golden-scarlet eyes, reflecting its beauty through her the few strands of hair that hung in front of them.

“Hey, Shikori, you here?” A voice called form behind her, belonging to the man who had taken her in and cared for her since she was only four.

“I’m over here,” she made an arrow of fire appear for a few seconds to direct him. He rounded the large pine tree to her. “What’s up?” Her eyes shined through the shadow he was casting over her.

“Are you coming inside? I’m done with the firewood.” He looked down to her, yawning.

Shikori shook her head, her hair followed quickly. “I’m gonna stay out alittle longer, if that’s alright with you.” She smiled innocently at him.

He nodded, turning back around. “Just remember to lock the door tonight,” he smiled alittle. He was about to start walking back.

Shikori got up and hugged him tightly from behind, “Goodnight, Shino!” She smiled greatly into his back. “I hope you sleep well tonight,” she whispered.

“Yeah, you too…” Shino smiled sadly, as if he were deep in thought. ‘I’ll ask her tomorrow.’

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m probably keeping you.” Shikori let go of him and stood straight. “Goodnight,” she repeated. Her stare was directed aimlessly at the ground. She watched him until he left her sight behind the trees. She glanced back to the fire before seating herself back on the rock. ‘Maybe I should tell him… he has helped me a lot. I’m sure these feelings are true.’

The flames had dimmed. A chilling wind followed soon after and before long, she could see her own breath. The young woman had begun to fall into a sleep-state until a loud explosion startled her. She quickly rose and headed in the direction of the noise. The cabin her master and she lived in was trapped and engulfed in a raging fire of hell-sent flames almost as tall as the trees.

“Shino!,” she yelled. Shikori couldn’t tell if he was inside or not but hoped with all her heart he wasn’t. “Shino, are you- Where are you?” She ran over, then tried to control the flames, but they were not in her favor. “Dammit! Shino!”

The fire-wielder could do nothing, only watch as the only home she ever knew was destroyed in front of her.

Again she tried to move the flames but couldn’t. Her immediate tears created steam on the burning destroyer. “Shino!,” she cried again, pulling at the burning wood with all of her strength in hopes to save the only one she ever cared for.

“It’s not going to move. He’s already dead anyway,” a stern voice spoke behind her.

A shot of terror twisted through her spine. She did not turn, just gave up at what she tried for and fell back onto her knees, her feet at her sides. “Who are you?” Her trembling voice uttered, gasping through tears.

“No-one,” he replied.

“Who the Hell are you?!” A flame manifested of her anger shot at him, doing nothing as it split on his armor.

“GumoTai. That is all you need to know of me, Flame Princess.”

“What did you call me?” She turned now on one knee and the other leg ready to propel herself to stand. Her stare was unsettling to the stranger.

His eyes narrowed, staring her down as if he were one hundred meters tall. “You are the Flame Princess of Taisagakure. Did you think you could create and wield fire because you were special?,” he hinted.

This entire time, her identity was hidden to her. Now she was told who she was, ordering to believe that’s who she really was. It didn’t matter. “I’m nothing you call me! You don’t know!”

“TaisaHime,” he shook his head, “come with me, live for me, under my wing. I will make you powerful enough to destroy the ones that neglected your existence!” His eyes danced madly like the fire he started.

“I’d never help the one who- the one who killed Shino!” She created a blade of fire, one with enough heat to melt muscle and flesh right off the bone it clung to, enough to boil blood into steam. Shikori then charged directly at GumoTai.

With a smirk on his lips, he grabbed the blade, dispersing it in his hand, leaving Shikori to fall back in shock. He re-hid his hand behind his heavy cloak.

“What the Hell are you? Are you even human?” Shikori propped herself up onto her shoulders.

“Are you?” His eyebrow rose to her.

“What do you mean by that?”

GumoTai shook his head again; his raven hair fell before his eyes. “Your entire twenty-two years, wasted as a mortal. Pathetic.” His movement was surveillanced by the woman as he neared her. “Mortals can’t control elements. Not even if they were to sell their souls. You and I are alike, in more ways than you think,” he whispered, placing a hand beneath her chin. “Both powerful beings, straying from the ‘holy’ path of the world.”

Shikori tightly closed her eyes, squeezing free tears. “I don’t understand you. Why do you want me?…” Her tears ran out onto his firmly-placed hand, right over the leather glove until she pushed it away. “Why did you have to kill Shino!”

“I only did that so there was nothing holding you back. You must come with me.”

“Why?,” she closed her eyes, still unable to believe that the only one she cared for was gone.

“You are powerful. But still weak. I will teach you how to unlock your potential, make full use of your powers, your will. Enough to destroy the ones who hurt you.”

“You mean you?,” she spat, swallowing hard.

“Not me,” GumoTai looked down at her. “I have not harmed you in any way but emotionally. You watch that village up on that cliff, you watch it everyday wondering what type resided there.” She nodded. “The hateful breed. When you were very young, just to save themselves, the head leader threw you from that exact cliff.” He pointed to the one in the distance, “Your old village. You were a danger to them, a threat to their lives.” This caused him to smile.

“Are you telling the truth?” Now she was to think her life was the way it is because of that? She would’ve never met Shino if it weren’t for that… She watched him nod slightly. “I-I don’t want to go with you.”

“Then,” he asked, “what will you do? Stay here and live by charred memories?”

“I’ll go on my own and find a way to kill you. I’ll kill you for killing Shino! I’ll kill you and make you suffer for that, even in death!” Her flowing tears seemed never stopping. There wasn’t a way she could hold them back.

“If that’s what you desire, you may try,” he smirked and stepped back. “Remember, I will take you in at any time.” His words echoed as he disappeared in a vortex of sound waves, piercing her over-sensitive ears.

She screamed mentally, as did her surroundings, as she cursed and held her head. The sound halted, leaving a trailing silence. ‘GumoTai… he must be from Otogakure’ She stood straight then glanced back to the pile of ash that was once her home. “Shino…,” she whispered, another tear escaping. Now that she was alone she was allowed to cry.

Wiping away her anguish, she knelt over the remains and began digging through the ashes. “At least let me find it, to know if he was here!” ‘He wouldn’t run, he’d try to protect me. Dammit, Shino. Why did you have to care?’ Her thoughts shrouded her for a moment that she didn’t notice how far she had dug until she found something.

It was a box made of leafstone and amber. Its vine closure had been burned away. She remembered this, forcing half a smile to appear on her face. For some reason it was only singed. Shikori lifted the lid. Inside was a handwritten note, a note from Shino. She had gotten the gift on her assumed birthday. The note said that he was happy to have her but unfortunately he couldn’t get her anything appropriate for a gift. She laughed and told him that the box was enough, she could put her treasured items in it.

The next year he did buy her a necklace. It was made of firestones and silver, to match her and her abilities. The necklace was very expensive and costed him a year’s secret savings. To thank him she worked extra hard around the house. She was wearing it right now, along with the one that was found on her, a silver flame.

She looked back into the box as she placed the note back. There was another, and a small navy box. She read it and began crying even more. Her tears almost blocked her vision enough that she couldn’t finish reading. The note read: “Shikori, if you’re reading this, you should know how I truly feel about you. I’ve known you for almost nineteen years now and I’m beginning to notice more about you. You do everything for me that you possibly can even if I don’t ask. I just want you to know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, maybe alittle more than you might think. I love you, will you marry me?”

Shikori couldn’t help her tear-flow as she put the note back and picked up the navy box. She opened it to find a ring with a sapphire stone on silver. She held it close to her chest, against her rapid heartbeat. “I can’t believe you, Shino… I never would’ve expected you to feel that way.” She pulled the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger and whispered, “Even though you’re gone, I’ll still be yours.”

“I miss you already, Shino…” More tears ran freely down her face. Shikori couldn’t bear the loss any longer. Her hope died down with the surrounding embers. She looked around her again sadly at the scene wondering if she could ever find a life as giving as this one. According to GumoTai, the first one she received was a lost hope in itself. “I wish I could’ve at least told you,” she whispered, “I love you…” Her eyes shut tight again, forcing out tears and regrets.

Slowly rising, she made a pact with her will to get revenge on the one who did this to her. Just as she promised. The woman found her sword in the back of the once-standing cabin. She obtained it during a trip to the town a few years ago. She attached it to her waist by a leather strap, then took one last look at the mound of ashes, the only place she was really accepted, before setting out to get the sweet revenge she wanted.

‘Maybe I should try asking around? But should I wander into a place like that? What if what that GumoTai guy said was true…?’ She walked at a slow pace, holding her forearm gently with her other hand. Insecure-looking. ‘I can’t go there… But they couldn’t recognize me. I was too young back then. Almost two decades should be enough.’ She smiled to herself before her sadness took over again.

Shikori could see a rope bridge ahead of her and another directly above it, about 150 meters. She tried to decide if there was a way to get up to it as she neared it. On the other side of the river she saw a path leading up. At least she hoped she saw it through the dense fog.

The bridge didn’t look as if it could hold even her weight. Its slats were old and broken away, some of the ropes were missing and the rest tattered. She somehow managed to make it across, having to jump across the last quarter of it for it was missing.

The bottom of her boots and skirt were swayed with the river’s waters. She walked in the direction of the oblivious path; it was there. Shikori made her way up the crumbling rocks and now was on the outskirts of the village.

Readying herself, she inhaled a large deep breath and let it all out. ‘I hope no-one gets in my way. I have to do this though, for him…’ Shikori gathered her bravery and headed into the village. Her footsteps grew louder as she went from walking on dirt to stone streets.

She was dressed differently than the others mainly because she made her clothes but also because she wasn’t from this village. Well, in her own opinion she wasn’t. Because of her appearance she was stared at, and she was a new sight to them. An old man stopped her briefly.

“Excuse me, young lady. Where are you from?” His blue-gray eyes blinked under his bushy brows.

“Not around here,” she answered dryly. “Excuse me, please.” She pushed past him gently. At least she still had her manners, which right now were fake. Her rudeness would probably get her noticed. She was usually rude to everyone that wasn’t Shino. The young woman walked away from him to an elderly-dressed woman. She hadn’t figured out why people were still out t such a late hour. “Um, may I ask your help?,” she tried sounding as polite as she could. Those lessons from Shino weren’t doing her any good seeing is how she faked her way through them, too. He had given up on her shortly after they started.

The woman turned around and smiled, not even noticing that she was a complete stranger. “Yes? What would you need help with?”

“I have some questions about the Otogakure.

“Otogakure? I haven’t heard that name in awhile.” She blinked, looking to the left at slight wonder in why someone would need to know about that place. “We were at war with them until just recently. They signed a peace treaty with the head leader and it’s been quite normal around here.” Her face suddenly filled with silence, a sad expression took over.

“What’s wrong?”

“During the climax of the war, I had to give up my third born, Yumeko. She was too dangerous… the TaisaHime” Those words shot through Shikori’s mind. She was told to be the Flame Princess. She never knew her parents either. Could this be her?

‘She looks too young to be. Or someone’s lying to her, GumoTai or her.’ Shikori mentally shook her head, trying to rid the confusing thoughts. ‘I could try to see if it’s her…’ “Thank you, Akane.” Somehow, she was able to remember her mother’s name.

The woman gasped lightly. “How did you know my name? Have we met somewhere before?” She blinked, but her shock stayed strong.

“That was my mother’s name, I guess it slipped out.” Shikori laughed nervously.

“What is your name, may I ask?” The woman pulled her hood off, revealing her silvery-red hair. The street torch shined off it like a halo. She stared patiently at Shikori. “It could just be coincidence.”

“It’s Shikori. Just Shikori.” The flame-wielder’s heart was beating rapidly. ‘Could she be?’

“Oh,” Akane sighed. “Yumeko, my daughter, looked a lot like you. Well, I can imagine her to look like you if she hadn’t-‘’ She looked down to her right. “I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

“No, you didn’t. Um, can you tell me more of the Otogakure?”

“Sure. Just come with me to my house. It’s getting too late to be out here, so we’re going to have to go inside somewhere.”

“Alright.” Shikori nodded and followed her. The street seemed to get darker as they continued down it. The torches flickered more in this area, too. Shikori picked up the scent of candles melting, the wax gave of its natural scent. The sight of spirits floated around the central plaza statue. The statue held the image features of a woman and a man. The man was holding the frail woman in distraught. They looked battle wounded, but the man still had a glimmer of pride sweeping his face. The elusive spirits danced around the base and summit. “What’s the meaning of that statue?”

“That’s a figure of hope for us villagers here. It’s of the village’s founder and his daughter that he couldn’t save. She died sacrificing herself to the TaisaKami. She had saved us all, but for her life.” The woman stated solemnly. “We’re here.” She opened the wooden door and guided Shikori inside.

The flame-wielder sat down on a cloth-covered chair by an oil lantern. The woman had already lit it and sat on a couch, opposite Shikori. Shikori glanced around the room quickly, noting the lifestyle of the residents of the home. “So, what other information do you have to offer?”

“Well, I know that the Otogakure had formed some sort of plan to use the TaisaHime against us by mind-washing her.” She stared sadly at the lantern on the table in the center of the room. “That’s the reason that we had to cast off Yumeko.”

“I know how you feel about losing someone. But at least your Yumeko can still be living. I just had my only friend and family killed right in front of me.” It was hard for Shikori to force those words out. She traced a crease in her skirt, her boots shifting as she moved her legs underneath the chair.

“Oh, I’m very sorry to hear that.”

A silence swept the room, as the only living things became the lanterns’ flames. The quiet was broken by and innocent but stern voice. “Mother, I just finished tending to Sayo. She’s feeling a lot better now.” A woman older than Shikori said entering the room. “Oh, who’s this?” her question was aimed at the stranger.

“This is Shikori. She’s not from around here.” Akane answered.

“Hi, nice to me you.” She tried again to be polite, straining herself.

“I’m Mana, Akane’s daughter.” The woman smiled. “You can stay here if you want overnight. There’s an extra guest room down the hall.”

“Thanks but I don’t really think I’ll be staying long.” Shikori stated that she was not tired. She did take off her scarf though.

“What’s that?” Mana pointed to Shikori’s chest. A glowing design appeared right under her collarbone.

“What’s what?” The flame-wielder looked down to see what they were looking at. It was brighter than the lanterns’ light with a red-ish one of its own. “Oh, I have no idea what that is. That’s never happened before.” Shikori blinked.

Akane gasped. “That’s our family graphic. It symbolizes the spirit of the TaisaHime.” Tears formed in her eyes. “So you are. You are my Yumeko!”

“So I guess I am.” Shikori laughed nervously again, half expecting what would occur next.

“Nee-chan!” Mana smiled uncontrollably. She went to hug her long-lost sister but their mother had already gotten there.

“Um, I can’t breath… mom.” Shikori gasped.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I’m just so over emotional about this!” Akane cried. “I haven’t seen you for eighteen years. We thought you died.”

Mana spoke up, “No, no. You thought she was dead. I didn’t.”

“Can’t you drop the sarcasm for one minute, Mana?” Their mother shook her head standing.

Shikori was pulled up as well. “So I am this ‘Flame Princess’?” she asked, still unsure of all of this. “Shouldn’t that make me an enemy of this place?”

Akane took a step back. “Your right… but no-one noticed you, right? Can’t you just stay here?”

“I- ‘’

“As long as you keep that symbol covered up you should be just as fine as us.” Mana butted in, smirking. “That’s it, I’m a frikin’ genius!” She wore a face of complement to herself.

“I’m sorry, Mana. I can’t stay here. I need to get revenge.” Shikori shook her head solemnly.

“On who? The head leader?” Akane stared at her with worried parent eyes.

“No, but I would like to…” she grinned madly. She heard Mana add a “I’ll help!” eagerly. “I have to kill this guy… a demon named GumoTai. He might even be from Otogakure.” Her eyes darted to her feet. “He killed Shino. I’m sorry. He’s the man that took care of me all these years.” Even through her sadness her thoughts brought her to blush. She had started to love the man so how could she contain her feelings?

“Ooh… Nee-chan’s blushing!” Mana pointed out yet another thing that would have gone unnoticed.

“I am not!” Already she was back to fighting with her sister. It had only gotten darker.

Akane started laughing. “Just five minutes to get you two back to normal.”

“Quiet, Kaa-san. You know she always does this.” Mana complained.

“If I remember correctly, it was always you, Mana.” Akane smiled.

Shikori stepped back a step. “How can you laugh at that. My revenge is not something funny.” She shook her head. “I guess because we happen to be the same family, we obviously have nothing in common.”

“Sign of a true princess…” Her sarcasm was frequent.

“I’m sorry, Yumeko.” Their mother apologized.

Shikori shook her head again. “Until I can completely trust you, I’m not Yumeko. I grew up as Shikori. The name I was given by the only family I really had. I’m sorry I can’t be your long lost Yumeko, but until then I won’t be.”

“That’s fine… But to me you are still my little girl.” Akane sighed. “That’s just how you were grown up. You can’t change who you are.”

“Just like bad habits.” It was pretty ironic for Mana to say that because she had the most in the entire village. Another bad habit of hers was not noticing when something bad was said if her, even if she was the one that said it. “Let’s make a deal with you, Nee-chan. We can help you, but not until tomorrow. So you can stay here and get some sleep. It’s not good to get vengeance with a tired … self… you.” She patted her shoulder and signaled her to follow.

Although she wanted to leave, Shikori followed her sister to the guest bedroom. “I can’t promise you that I’ll get any sleep.”

“Alright, if you’re not asleep in two hours, I’m coming in there and forcing sleeping herbs down your throat. Deal?” Mana held out her hand to shake. Shikori ignored her and walked into the room. “Fine, but be quiet ‘cos Tajiri’s asleep, like you should be. His room is right next to this one.” Mana said before closing the door behind her and headed back down the hall.

Shikori laid herself down of the soft bed and stared blankly at the window. Now she could sleep but could only think about Shino again. It was beginning to be an all-the-time thing in her wary mind. Her thoughts seem to revolve around that one person.

If he were still alive… she would’ve done it. She would’ve stayed with him, as his. She felt that she belonged to him her entire life anyway but the feeling grew over the last few years. If only she could’ve told him, told him that she would marry him. Not only because he wanted it, but also because she loved him, she loved him with everything she had.

The flame-wielder yawned, small tired tears formed in the corners of her eyes. She rolled onto her stomach and buried her face in her pillow, crying herself softly to sleep. Throughout her life, it took everything to make just a tear and now the mere thought made her burst.

Mana didn’t return two hours later; she fell asleep even before she could remind herself of the duty. Almost as soon as she returned to her own room.

i thought Shino's death wasn't dramatic enough, did you? i couldn't think that day, i was babysitting and too lazy to re-do it. oh well. sighs do you like it though?