L A K E

Rain

The Land of Fire had not seen rain in about a month. There had been mixed reactions to the sudden change in weather. Some stayed inside, cursing at the sky for ruining their plans. Others continued with their jobs, pushing through to make a living.

Lakeslou. A small village located next to the biggest lake in the Land of Fire. Its popularity remains low, due to being secluded by forests. Those who know of it, know the village due to the fish market, having visited the place for the high demand fish.

Because of the rain, the fish market closed due to safety. Thus, no one visited the village. Inside the village, lived a small clan with the name Kurosawa clan. It was not known by the public due to its lack of involvement with the rest of the world. Very few involved themselves with the occupation of a Shinobi.

At the top of the clan were the people of royal blood one might say. Lady Kazumi, they called her. Many pitied her for the death of her husband, Nishioka. Others hated her for her scandals. An affair. That was what stirred the small clan compound. There wasn't a day that that word was not said. The affair resulted in a small child. Right of the bat, the child was not loved properly.

The affair was the start. But what ruined Lady Kazumi's marriage was the child. How could she face her husband with another man's child? Nishioka did what was best for the clan. He tried to cover up his wife's affair. He feared his reputation would be destroyed. Pride was what did it. A few years after the birth of the child, someone had leaked out the affair.

Soon enough the one thing he feared came to reality. Being the leader of the clan, all attention fell on him. Many asked him why? Why cover up for his wife? Why accept another man's child as your own? That amount of attention can make anyone crumble. And that is what happened.

The child with the name Kaori searched for her father around the house. It was early morning, and as any toddler wanted attention. Being closer to her father that, she searched for him. Lady Kazumi had gone to meet with the council since her Husband was not in the right mindset.

Upon finding her parent's room, Kaori went on her tiptoes and reached for the doorknob. Calling out for her father, she opened the door.

That day was the day that the clan mourned. The loss of a leader was not what they expected. Many pointed to Lady Kazumi and blamed the death on the affair. If only she hadn't gone and slept with another man. Not many took account of their actions and proceeded on destroying the royal family.

The village was so focused on Lady Kazumi, that they failed to tend to Kaori. Having found her father. Having been the one to run out of the room and ran outside to call for help. A child should not have been the one.

After that day, the royal family was not the same and will never be.

It began to rain harder a few hours later. Most of the people had gone home for refuge. The soft drizzle had turned to a raging storm. The village had been advised to stay inside for the remainder of the day. Everyone heed the advice and stayed inside. All but one. The infamous royal family. That's what some called them. Inside a carriage sat Lady Kazumi with her child, Kaori. Lady Kazumi had woken up the 5-year-old from her nap and walked her outside to where the carriage stood. Signaling the coachman to proceed with the route.

The child had no clue where they were going, but she knew not to question her mother. Over the years, Lady Kazumi harvested her hatred for the child. Who was she to blame for their reputation? Not wanting the blame, she began pointing her finger at her child. Every morning upon seeing her child, she would utter mistake. It had been the child's name for the last few years.

"We're here, Lady Kazumi," The coachman halted the horses.

Kaori looked out the window. Her red eyes widening in awe. Lady Kazumi pulled her out of the carriage and walked over to the coachman. Kaori stood in place as she tilted her head upwards, taking into view the tall trees before her. It had been a long time since she had stepped foot outside the house.

"Go on"

Startled by the sudden voice of her mother's, Kaori turned towards her and furrowed her eyebrows, "What, mommy?"

Lady Kazumi sighed exasperated, "Go inside the woods, Kaori"

Kaori took a step back and began to tremble with fear, "I don't want to mommy"

Lady Kazumi glared at the child before her before turning to the coachman, "You deal with her"

"As you wish, Lady Kazumi," The coachman slowly approached the child.

He kneeled before her and smiled sadly, "Kaori, you need to do what your mother says. Don't you want to be a good girl?"

Kaori nodded as she hugged herself, "But I don't want to go in there... It's scary"

The coachman thought for a moment, searching his brain for an excuse. His job was on the line. After a few seconds, he pursed his lips before he reluctantly said, "Your father's waiting for you, Kaori. He told me to take you here so you two can meet again"

"D-Daddy's in there?" Kaori faced the woods once more hoping to see her father.

"Yes," The coachman replied, "You have to go inside if you want to see him"

Kaori hesitantly took a step out of the carriage's shade and running towards the woods. Instantly, she was soaked from head to toe. The rain only seemed to be getting angrier. Once she stepped foot inside, she began calling out for her father.

"Daddy!"

"Where are you, daddy!"

It took only a few more minutes before Kaori realized that her father was not there. Her body began to shake as tiny sobs escaped her lips. She attempted to go back where she entered, only to realized that she was lost. Her knees buckled and her trembling body collapsed. Kaori had no idea what to do. All she wanted was to go back home.

Back to where her mother was heading now.