See, Keiko's always had this weak spot for those she loved. She'd do anything for those who've been there for her in the past. Especially her real brothers who she came with. It was around Six thirty in the evening on Nichiyoubi in the late month of Hachigatsu and Keiko had finally worn herself out from training. The weather was still warm, but it was slowly beginning it's transition from summer to fall. The night was young and the air was still pretty humid around this time of the late summer. Soon, the autumn months would come to Time Village and the weather would begin to chill. The stars twinkled dimly between the thickness of the trees that surrounded Training Field #4 and instead of enjoying the days and nights of the blissful summer weather, Tsurugami Keiko had given up that joy to training. Every second was used to train some aspect for a battle she knew that was steadily approaching.
You see, every since the beginning of the summer, Keiko noticed something strange about her second eldest brother, Hajeki. He acted distant towards not only her other brothers, but to her as well. Often times the boy would disappear for days and even weeks. Hachiro, the eldest and head of their family, would always question him on his whereabouts, but he never got a truthful answer. It frustrated their family. It got so bad that Hachiro abandoned a jounin mission to follow Hajeki out of the country's territory and towards Konoha.
Despite Hachiro's attempts to find out what Hajeki was up to, he never truly found out. Not long after that incident, Hajeki's personality began to change drastically. The fifteen year old started to lock everyone out. He came home while everyone was asleep and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Hachiro began to get more and more missions that rendered him unable to even think about interrogating Hajeki. Keiko had the genin exams she needed to train for. So, when would they get time?
The family continued to drift apart for what seemed like months until... It was only a few moments before sunset and Keiko had been wandering through the forest near the village's gates.. She had a lot on her mind that day.
Her parents, who were living in Konoha, had sent her a strangely flawed fuuma shuriken just a few weeks earlier. She had yet to use it and probably wouldn't until she got a bit older. Hachiro was out on another mission for the Uchuukage and she still couldn't find the time to confront Hajeki... Or maybe she feared it more than anything.
Well, it didn't matter. She'd find a damned day to do it. Well, she.. hoped she would.
Suddenly, from out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a blur... or.. shadow flickered past. Her heart began to race out of excitement and anticipation as she glanced towards where she assumed it's travel of path.
After a few seconds of contemplating whether or not she would follow, Keiko sucked in a deep breath and ran after the figure that leaped from tree to tree not too far up ahead. She followed and followed the figure for what seemed like forever until the forest began to thin out to the Hitokurou stream. When the figure stopped near the the steep embankment, Keiko ducked swiftly behind a large tree.
Slowly, she dared to peek around the trunk of the tree. For a second, all she could see was dark hair of the crouched figure. What was he doing? And who was this guy?
She didn't have to wait long for her answer. The figured raised up from the ground and cocked his head in her general direction, "I know you're there. Come out before I make you come out." It was her brother. She recognized that voice from anywhere. Again, her heartbeat began to race as she gradually did as she told and came out from behind the tree and into the opening.
A corner of her brother's mouth quirked up into a slight smirk as he caught sight of Keiko's minx-colored head, "Heh..." He turned around gestured her closer, "Come here, Keiko-chan. Come see your older brother." There was something that didn't seem right about him. His cool emerald green eyes didn't shimmer with warmth as they once had in the past. They were duller.
Slowly, her body began to move. Step by step, she went closer and closer to Hajeki's open arms. She could recall no thoughts and no emotions. In fact, she didn't even remember walking to him, but she did.
With one arm, Hajiko embraced his younger sister as she stood there. No words were exchanged between the two while she staid in his arms. They didn't need any words. Something deep in Keiko's heart knew this may have been a good bye. They stayed that way for several long moments.
Hajiko finally broke the silence, "When the sun sets, I'll be leaving for the Mist Village. In that village lies something I need. I've spoken to Hachiro about it. Briefly." Kneeling down to the twelve year old's level, he pressed his thin lips to the pale brown skin of her forehead, and then murmured against it, "I'll return here in nine years, Keiko. You better be stronger."
Deep down, Keiko could feel her gut tighten as she listened to her brother speak. What the hell was he talking about? Leaving? To the Mist Village? Why? Wait, wait.. Nine years? That's forever! Too many thoughts came flooding into Keiko's already troubled mind. Her heart skipped a beat. "Why.. Why.. Why are you leaving? Why nine years? And what's in the Mist Village that's not here?" Hajiko pulled back away from her and gazed down into her silvery blue eyes. "Keiko-chan. You're too young to understand now. Far too young."
Keiko frowned. As Hajiko pulled himself out of her grasp, he straightened up and petted Keiko's minx hair, "I'll tell you this. This damned village is not for me. And what's that frown for, nee-chan? You're too pretty to pout."
All of a sudden, Keiko balled her fist and swiftly swung at her brother's face. Shockingly, she caught him off guard and in the jaw. Hajiko grunted and grabbed his jaw, "My, my.. You've got quite the damned punch there, love. I'm really beginning to look forward to seeing what you'll be like in nine years. But, watch your temper and make a plan to join the Tsurugami Family."
Despite her urge to hit him again, Keiko balled her fingers into fists and held herself still. She could feel her eyes sting with tears that threatened to fall as she stared up at her brother. He was leaving. Not just leaving, but betraying the village. He was betraying her! Hajeki backed away from Keiko slowly, "You'll understand when you grow up, nee-chan. What you're thinking now, it's not that. I'd never do that..." Before she could utter a single word, Hajeki disappeared with in a blur of wind.
(brought to you by Isamu)
Keiko's life story Part 1 (written by Keiko)
Re: Keiko's life story Part 1 (written by Keiko)
OMG. >: Where's Part Two at Isamu? I know I gave it to you.
Re: Keiko's life story Part 1 (written by Keiko)
buh? I don't have a part 2... *is very confused*