Whispers In The Dark | Naruto

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The scent of salt filled his nose as he stood proudly on the bowsprit, barely hanging on to the rope tied haphazardly to the ring. If the waves felt mischievous, they could easily knock him overboard. Fortunately for him, they were calm and content with the faint lull, back and fourth.

He loved the ocean. It held so much mystery, but at the same time it harbored a certain innocence. The crystal blue tint cleared his senses as he watched the water go on for what seemed like forever. It was his first time off the continent—he was practically jumping with excitement.

"Aeon, get down from there! You're going to get yourself killed," an authoritative voice bellowed. A laugh passed his lips in a playful flourish as he bent his knees and vaulted backwards onto the main deck.

"You really know how to kill fun, Fili," the boy pouted. His brilliant green irises caught the sunlight in such a way it seemed as if his eyes were carved from emeralds. A grunt was the response Fili, who was abnormally tall, gave.

"When do we arrive? Where did the shaman say she was again," Aeon questioned. His agile frame assisted him as he bounded around the deck. His movements were similar to that of a monkey. He acted like one too—an insufferable creature who didn't know when to shut his mouth. Fili nodded to confirm his observation.

"One day left before we reach the shores of the fire country. When we arrive our destination will be its capital, The Village Hidden In Leaves."

The ship lurched in response to a particularly strong wave.

"Aren't the people who live in this country ninjas? Will we get to fight ninjas?! What if I disguise myself as one of them so they take me into their ranks and train me—" the 16 year old's train wreak of a thought was cut off when his companion began to twitch for his hammer.

Excitment tended to get the best of Aeon. It wasn't his fault that he was a genius! Still mumbling about something or another, he sat himself on a randomly placed crate that smelled vaugly of sulfur.

The ocean breeze washed over him, ruffling his sparsely braided hair. It couldn't come soon enough—the next day, that is. Aeon anticipated what the future would hold. Epic battles? Secret missions? New rivals? He wanted to know. It was his first time venturing outside the continent. Farther than the Hanging Gardens of Al'Tura, and that was barely off the shore!

A small, proud smile tugged his lips as he observed the crew. He had been entrusted with such a high task, he often wondered if he were just dreaming it all up. All of it seemed...improbable. Why, out of all the talented warriors under the King's army, was it him that was chosen?

Aeon had barely begun his journey as a druid, yet such a mission weighed his shoulders. He wasn't even a warrior. Not in official terms. It didn't make sense.

He couldn't stop thinking about it even through the night.

"I cannot entrust this task with anyone but you, Aeon Raikhann. I trust you will not let our kingdom down. You won't let me down."

::

When dawn came, all previous worries and thoughts were tossed aside. Instead, they were replaced with a childish giddiness that sent his whole body buzzing. Fili, who was covered in scars of many shapes and sizes, stood silently next to Aeon.

The Land of Fire was right before their eyes. Less than a few seconds away before they landed on the docks. The ship lurched one last time, groaning as it was roped down and made stationary. Shouts and murmurs intermingled in an array of sound. Aeon's nose twitched at the scent of new and mouthwatering foods.

He was the first off the boat, giving a whoop of excitement as he waited for Fili to catch up.

"We made it! Fili, we're in the Land of cool ninjas," he burst. The other grunted and began walking with purposeful strides.

"We have another day or two of travel before we truly arrive. Stretch and prepare to run. We must get there as soon as possible," Fili announced. Doing as he was told, the tanned 16-year-old stretched every muscle he had before darting away. Fili was not far behind.

They were going to find her. Once they did she would be brought back to her rightful place of birth. Only then would balance return to their empire.

On the horizon, dark clouds gathered with ominous intent. Whatever happened, it would be only the beginning.

I'm sorry I haven't updated! It's been hard to find inspiration to actually write. I'm sosososo sorry this is so short.

Q: what are you expecting/theorizing with the introduction of these characters?