Seeking Forgiveness

"I come around from time to time, my ancestors are buried here."

Haji had entered the halls around the time where Seraphine was about leave. He hadn't seen her in this kind of attire before, but he didn't really observe his ninja in there more formal attire. He was used to the action. He was actually here to pay repsects to his father and mother. They had fallen in the Kinzoku war, and since then his only family around him was the village.

"I also find it a duty to come here and make sure the Sankuro graves aren't robbed for their rainbow shell form. As you know, when you and I both die, our bodies will harden into the dense form of rainbow shell. One of the most powerful materials in this world."

Haji have a soft nod to the endearment she had of her mother, and for the first time since the young girl was a child, he saw her as a girl. Someone so fragile and not made of stone. She was made of skin and soul, and most of all a broken heart. He took a seat beside her and wrapped an arm around her for comfort.

"Seraphine, you must understand this. It's not you that caused the death of your mother. I know that she loved you very much, even as you went through the stages in your life that you did. A parent loves their child unconditionally as time goes on. You yourself are just beginning to understand the Sankuro way of life. You have embraced the temper early and used it as a tool to succeed as far as you have. Life has more out there to cherish other than power, and as you continue to live, you will begin to recognize that. You cannot expect your mothers soul to forgive you as you are now, until you can begin to forgive yourself."

He have her a quick squeeze in the one armed hug. He hated to have to deal with his ninja when they were downtrodden, because he hated to see his people sad, but he loved to cheer them up, and usually his words of wisdom do that on their own.

His brow furrowed as he heard her talk of such atrocious things. Haji had been down this road once or twice. Being forced into the Kage position by mere actions during wars was not what Haji had in mind. Not even what he intended to do with his life. But that's the way fate smiled on him. Although the times were tough and the hardships came wave after wave, Haji could only rationalize the events as well as a young man could. Times were different, but the plot of life is always the same.

"Seraphine. I'm sure you're familiar with how i became the Kage of this village. I am a great warrior and my gift on the battlefield has lead me to great things in my life. But off of the battlefield, my life was filled with torment and anger. It was difficult to be so young, and lose the years i had because they were filled with protecting, and fighting, and watching my best friends die. As time went on, I found myself sitting in this very room, asking my ancestors why i was dealt such a cursed hand. Why was it that I had to watch my friends and family die, then be expected to just understand why it happened. I was young then, around your age. The bodies of the ancestors could not speak, and though i knew dead men told no tales, i wanted badly to find these answers. I left angry, slamming the gates as I left. No matter how hard i tried, there was no way i could go back. A monk came to my gates a few months pass, and he offered me the chance to find the answers I sought for. I could not pass up this opportunity and I eagerly went with the man. When I came back, I was the man you know today. Have been for about 20 years. What the Monk taught me was this, The inner regrets that you hold in your mind, will cause the burden in your heart. The inner burdens you hold within your heart will cause destruction to the soul. The destruction you hold within your own soul will then cause destruction of ones self. You have brought this cycle upon yourself because you hold on to the sting of regrets from long ago. As that continued, the regrets begin to pile on more and more. But there is something good from this cycle repeating."

He waited to sense that his ninja was taking in the wisdom of his story, all he required was the short reply of 'What good could come of this' or something along that nature. If he heard her utter those words, then he knew he could eventually save her from herself. Although it would take time.

He was glad to see his ninja was beginning to come around. A passage of faith had opened inside of her, and now it was time to fill her with hope. He smiled as she offered his hand, and to comply with the age he was hitting, he took it and stood up giving his ninja a bright smile.

"They say, the Phoenix bird shines its brightest upon its rebirth. The cycle reminds you of the duties you chose in your life. You chose the path of a shinobi, and the cycle you ensue now is from your own self doubts and your inhibitions. The cycle breaks you down Seraphine, it brings you to your weakest moment when you thought you were at your best. And once you've been broken down, the only thing left is to build yourself back up. Rock bottom is not a dead end, its an alter for you to begin your rebirth. And I'm going to help you."

He gave her shoulder a soft pat and he then looked down and gave a small sigh, almost to signify that he had been building to this point all along.

"You're going to be under my supervision until we have you fixed. Starting in the morning you will report to my place with your most important belongings. You will be staying in my guest wing of my so called "mansion" and it is there you will learn how to control your emotions. Any questions? Comments?"

He gave her a moment to soak in what he said, it wasn't everyday he took in a member from his own village. He felt it was the best way to keep an eye on her and make sure she stayed safe.

"You are Family Seraphine. You're never alone here."

His gaze hit hers dead on and he could see her innocence through the blacks of her pupils. The young happy child that had cried for so long to be free, to be heard, to be seen. He opened his arms and slowly wrapped her into a warm hug. He was glad to have finally gotten through to her after all these years.

"Besides, we're free of charge." He would comment as the hug was comming to a close. His battle-worn face would push itself in a tiny smile as he chuckled at his own comment. A single hmph. Sound.