Melting Ice: Inside the Darkness

Chapter 4: [Melting Ice: Inside the Darkness]

Here's Chapter 4!

I do not own Naruto!

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Mei

Four years. Four years since I fled from Orochimaru-sama. I was on my own, fending for myself, keeping myself alive. I travelled from village to village, finding a place to stay. Eventually, they kick me out, saying I didn't belong with them. Not that I minded it. After all, I was already used to being neglected.

It was now raining. I had set up camp in a cave, getting ready to rest for the night. I would be travelling again tomorrow, but I didn't see the reason why I should even continue. I would just be kicked out again. Like any other village does... I'm surprised I even lasted this long... I should be dead by now. I sighed and went into another dreamless sleep.

Morning came. I was wandering around the forest, looking for food to eat. I haven't eaten for two days now... A gentle breeze blew, making the leaves of the trees sway. I heard birds chirping, some flying from tree to tree. I looked up the sky, "Clouds are wonderful, aren't they...?" I said to no one in particular, "They're just so... white..."

I closed my eyes, sighing. "Come out... There's no use in hiding." I knew the person will not show himself so I just left the area. To my relief, I felt him disappear. I wasn't in the mood for beating up stalkers right now... I continued wandering in the forest then suddenly, a kunai was pointed at my throat...

"This is Konoha's territory. State your business...!"

'This is stupid...' I thought, slightly annoyed. 'I'm just going to play along...' I sighed and replied, "I have no intention of entering or harming your village in any way... I was only travelling around the area..." he sneered at me, obviously not believing what I said, "Yeah right! As if I would believe you... You're coming with me!" He said, gripping my wrist. My eye twitched, 'Honestly! I want to kill this guy!'

Hokage

I stared blankly at the shinobi holding the poor girl... 'So... You're saying found this girl outside the village..." I started, eyeing the ninja before me. He nodded. "And decided to bring her in my office..." I placed my hands under my chin, "...saying that she needs to be placed in jail for trespassing..." The ninja blinked, realizing his mistake.

"Ehehehe..." The ninja laughed nervously, causing the girl to roll her eyes. I rubbed my temple and sighed, "You may leave..." then turned to the girl, "...except for you young miss..." The shinobi nodded, "H-hai!" I watched as he hurriedly walked out the door, closing it with a slight 'click'.

I looked at the girl, taking in her appearance. She actually looked quite pretty, having silky, black hair that reached just below her shoulders and a pale complexion. Then I noticed her dark eyes... It seems... lifeless... and empty. The girl stared at me, lightly tapping her foot. Taking this as a hint, I gestured at the vacant chair in front my desk, "Please sit down." She stared at me for a while then sat down...

"Well-" I began, "Can you tell me your name?" She looked suspicious of me but eventually spoke after a while, "...Mei." -then she paused, "-Matsuzuki..." My eyes widened slightly. A Matsuzuki...? Weren't they wiped out years ago? I cleared my throat, "So, Mei... May I ask what were you doing wandering around outside my village...? I'll have you know that if you really pose a threat to Konoha, I would have to deal with you consequently..." She shrugs, "I wasn't doing anything outside your village. I was simply travelling around the area when one of your ninja dragged me here."