Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto!
This is a brand-new story, not related to my series whatsoever! I hope everyone likes this one since I tried something different!
Fire
A torrent of rain fell, so fiercely that the sound of fleeing footsteps was almost lost. Out of the rain a young figure in a flame-red kimono appeared, the sound of fierce panting coming from the lips of the petite person, small clouds of mist escaping with each exhale. Hair a deep, almost shimmering red flopped against the runner's back, in two thick, tight French braids, mint-green ribbons tied in secure knots keeping the hairdo in place. A face that was pale yet flushed from the run through the icy precipitation was set in determination as sharp ears detected the sound of more footsteps coming up from behind. Eyes the exact shade of the ribbons narrowed in frustration as the entire face winced.
Shouts of hatred and indignation came from the pursuers, although too muddled to make out until they got closer, which made the smaller figure speed up. This chase would have to end sometime, and the young one was fixed on not being caught.
"Don't rest until it is caught!"
"That filthy abomination has to die!"
"It's speeding up again!"
The pursuit only sped up the more time it took for the hunters to catch up with their prey. They were heading distinctly south, yet the torrential spring storm didn't let up as the hours stretched on. In fact, winds picked up and lightning crackled across the sky, the bright flashes of light temporarily lighting up the scene as night fell. Everything changed with the suddenness of the dark, in fact, it made the sprint more deadly than before, even if both parties didn't even stumble from the lack of light.
Every second seemed like an hour to the pursued one, every extra bit of speed mattered, every ounce of remaining strength to lengthen the stride just the smallest bit. Everything rested on if the destination, the safe haven, could be reached. If so, then the chase would end without any bloodshed. If not, one death would occur, and it wouldn't be that of the ones that tailed the wanted individual.
A large set of gates with a leaf drawn onto them appeared in the runner's sight, and a sigh of relief came from the ever-whitening lips. The goal was in sight, but could the last stretch prove fatal?
"Attack!"
A piercing cry echoed through the night, followed by silence.
A broken, battered body lay in the midst of the hunters, the leader kicking it in spite before ripping off a piece of the bloody kimono and turning away.
"Definitely dead. Served the brat right for running. Died like a dog instead of a warrior."
"Should we tell the feudal lord when we get back?"
"Of course, I'll report that we finished the mission with extreme brutality with this piece of bloodied cloth as the proof. That ought to make him breathe better."
The group left without another word, none noticing the taller figure that had appeared in front of the small body. An umbrella was lifted to keep the unknown person dry, as they bent down and pressed a pair of fingers to the victim's neck. A sigh escaped the person before a scathing mutter.
"They weren't thorough enough, the fools."
The person, an adult obviously by the height, lifted up the body and looked down at the maimed face.
"You won't regret that they were quick to leave."
Mysterious beginning...what does this foretell about the rest of the story?
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