Crystal Inferno: Alright, this is one of my other unknown characters stuff. It features…well I'm not going to tell you who it features, but it is surprise. I don't care if you don't like it; this is just an idea that has been wandering through my mind. Review if you wish, this will epic. Story, begin!

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A girl was looking at her classmates, her ninja headband now tied loosely around her forehead. Her uneven, violet hair swayed at her sides, and she took a deep breath, one that was hallow, however. She was finally a ninja, although her friends had not surpassed the academy…. they would have to suffer another three months at the grueling academy, with Iruka of course.

I wished they could be here…they would make this more enjoyable. The girl thought, and then plop opened a book, one about flowers. Ever since that incident with Ino, she chose to wise up, and try to surpass her adversaries and rivals…not just make fun of them. She soaked up all the information on ninjutsu, genjustu, and taijutsu. Although not so great in taijutsu, she was superb in the other fields. Not a lot of people knew it, but she was the number three rookie of the year, only behind Uchiha Sasuke and Aburame Shino.

I promise to surpass both of them…I must, if I don't…I will never prove to him that I'm worth anything, she thought to herself, her face wincing at her past memories, ones that were both inspirational and painful. Her father, a great shinobi in his own right, an ANBU of the highest degree, was a man of high expectations. She was his only child, her mother dying right after her birth. He wanted her to be the best, not just the best girl of her class, but the absolute best. She could be a genius, but she did not know that. She had wasted time throughout her shinobi education making fun of others, to hide her shame and guilt for not being the best. Although she was the best girl, she wasn't the absolute.

Her attention was forwarded to a commotion in the doorway. Ino and Sakura, her two rivals, were again, fighting for a seat next to their beloved Sasuke. He was the one that tore them apart and ruined their grand friendship. This boy had almost torn her friendship with her two other friends as well. It was then, that she chose not to like Uchiha Sasuke any longer. He was a weakness, an obstacle she did not need in her way, and she soon outgrew her crush for him. He may be cute, but he was a cold and isolated boy, a shell of a human. Just like her, he strived for something, although she wasn't sure what.

Yet, my friendship with my best friends may struggle, she thought forwardly, I'll be put on many missions, I won't be able to see them very often. I wished they could have passed. They were really the only friends I had…I never wanted to know anyone else or associate with others, I kept my nose in my books and my eyes on my friends. But now, I may be forced to communicate with others, and since that incident with Ino, I became less talkative and more focused. But I will not be a hallow person, like that boy Sasuke. I will succeed in this mission: to make friends!

Her thoughts were interrupted yet again by an annoying girl's squeal, "Oh my God! He kissed Sasuke!"

She became slightly intrigued and looked down to see Uzumaki Naruto and Sasuke locking lips, but in a split second releasing the kiss. She knew very well it was unintentional; someone must have pushed them into one another. Yet, she couldn't help to giggle at the weird event taking place.

"Wow, that's unusual for you," a boy she knew very little stated, his cobalt eyes staring right at her hazel orbs. "I don't think I've ever heard laughter coming from your mouth before."

"Nara Shikamaru, you finally have the sudden urge to say something to me, and that's what I get?" she asked, her voice mellow and calm. She didn't like outbursts or rants anymore; in the past, she would have given a snide remark, but she was now more mature, and more patient, making her an excellent ninja.

Shikamaru was slightly taken aback, but he simply smiled lazily and said, "Well, it was unusual, and I was just pointing it out. I wouldn't waste my time with a snobby weakling like you anyways. You're too troublesome for that."

With that statement, she felt a sudden extent of rage course through her. How dare he tell her she was weak! He was the one not worth her time. She would make sure he never called her weak again.

Yet, before she could lash back at the shadow-nin, a booming voice, none other then her sensei, Umino Iruka, interrupted her. "Alright everybody, congratulations to all of you. You are now taking the grand past towards becoming excellent, superb shinobi, ones that will surpass even me, your sensei. Now I would like to explain…"

The girl with hazel eyes and purple hair dozed off, ignoring her sensei's speech. She knew what he would say. How they must uphold their honor, how they must show teamwork to those around them and companionship to fellow shinobi. She had heard it from the mouth of her father, and she knew Iruka's speeches well enough to know he had some of the same ideals as her father.

"So now, I'll be placing you into teams. First team is…" his voice began calling out names she didn't recognize. As long as she did not have to deal with Sakura, Ino, or that lazy Shikamaru, she would be fine. She would be put with weaker people, not Sasuke or Shino, who were above her. They would probably balance the teams out, with weakness and strength. She didn't know how this would place. If she was the third strongest, she would be placed with the third weakest, but she didn't know who that was…

"Team Seven will consist of Uzumaki Naruto, Yamanaka Ino, and Uchiha Sasuke," Iruka stated, a bunch of moans and yelps from the classroom, as it was deciphered who was destined to be with Uchiha Sasuke. So it was Ino? Well, she got what she deserved, a prick. She really didn't care that she was ecstatic, all she cared for her heart to be thrown in her face by the cold-hearted boy.

"Team Eight will consist of Aburame Shino, Haruno Sakura, and Hoyahoya Tobio." Tobio had been the one that pushed Naruto and Sasuke into the kiss. The girl wondered what Sakura would do to him…

"Team Ten will consist of Inuzuka Kiba, Akimichi Chouji, and Raiveru Fuki," Fuki? When had she become a ninja? That was one of her best friends! She would have to confront her later on, yet she would have to here for her name…

"Now, Team Eleven will consist of Hyugga Hinata, Nara Shikamaru, and Sabishii Ami," Iruka stated, and she froze. Her name was Ami; this was her team. She was with that arrogant, lazy boy. It boiled her blood just thinking about it. She wanted a transfer out. Now.

"Before you all complain," Iruka's voice was loud, but slightly weary, "I've been told you cannot transfer out of your teams. They were designed to carry the weaknesses and strengths of your comrades. If you have any questions come to me. For now, I suggest you get to know one another more. You have one hour until your senseis arrive. Good luck," and with those words, Iruka scurried off, being chased by furious girls, who had not been put on Sasuke's team…mainly all of them besides Ino, Hinata, and Ami.

"So…I guess I was put with the only weak girl in the class. Just my luck, this is such a drag," Shikamaru quietly said to himself, although it was meant to be heard by Ami. This boy was getting on her nerves, and she was not one to get angry, but this boy was one that switched on that mode.

"You little idiot!" she snarled at Shikamaru, "I will not have you calling me worthless or any other names! We are team now, and we must work together, or they're will be dire consequences, for all of us!"

Shikamaru looked at her with amusement and stated, "Well, at least you're not a complete idiot. You know the basis of teamwork. I kind of like you." Ami blushed at his compliment. Not because she liked him or anything, but she appreciated being acknowledged by others, as she very little was.

"Um…h-hello, are you my team-mates?" a quiet voice asked from behind. The duo turned around to see a fragile-looking girl with lavender eyes and short dark purple hair. She wore a big tan coat with blue capris. Ami couldn't help but smile at the timid soul. If she had to have another girl on her team, it would be the only other girl who didn't have a crush on Sasuke.

"Why yes, we are. I'm Ami and that lazy twit over there is Shikamaru," Ami stated and pointed to Shikamaru. He stared at her with a tinge of annoyance, but looked away. She couldn't help but smile. Maybe she could make a friend out of the cloud-gazing boy.

"Would you like to have lunch with us, Hinata? I would like to know a little more about my teammates before we meet our sensei," Ami suggested, yet her voice hinting at an order.

"Sure," both her teammates replied, and they all stepped out of the classroom, with their lunches at hand. They walked for a while, and found themselves a nice, shady, cherry blossom tree. It was in full bloom, so it was quite a sight to see. All three sat down in its cool shade, and ate their lunches in silence for some time. It was Hinata, surprisingly, who broke the ice.

"So…what do you t-two en-enjoy do-doing?" she asked, afraid of their reaction to her sudden question. She looked down, wincing at the growls to come, when Ami spoke.

"Well, I like reading for a start…and flower arrangements…well not so much, but I like to know about flowers because if my rival can do it, so can I! Anyways, I enjoy finding out new jutsus, and also just hanging around with my friends, Fuki and Kasumi. They're very fun and friendly, once you get to know them…" Ami kept going on for some time, before Shikamaru interrupted.

"Hey, do you mind shutting up, and letting me talk?" Shikamaru asked with obvious annoyance.

Ami merely shrugged and replied, "Oh, now you want talk? I don't think I've ever heard anything like that from your mouth before. Isn't talking too…what's the word…troublesome?"

Shikamaru stared at her once more, with some type of spite, if he was ever one to concoct it. He looked away, and the faintest of blushes could be seen on his cheeks. "Whatever…all you need to know is that I like day dreaming…it's a lot better than actual reality…"

"Anyways…" Ami trailed off at Shikamaru's statement. Perhaps, he had issues like her, two of a kind. "What do you like to do, Hinata?"

"Oh! W-w-ell…I like to train when-e-ever I-I c-can…and I also like to p-paint…" she was surprised by the question, and fumbled through the words as though she had barely learned the language.

"Paint? Well that's interesting! I love art!" Ami exclaimed, cheerful she had found another artsy friend. Fuki and Kasumi were both artists in there own right. Fuki was a poet, and Kasumi loved to sketch. As for Ami, she really didn't have an actual art talent, but one day, she could try.

"O-Oh! Th-That's g-great, Ami-chan!" Hinata exclaimed lightly, her eyes shining that someone appreciated her work.

Hinata and Ami's conversation continued as Shikamaru studied both of them while lying flat on the ground. Ami considered changing Hinata's stuttering habits, and Hinata was overjoyed that someone would help her with that kind of problem. Hinata also told Ami she would help her with painting, as it was a wonderful pass time. Both children soon became tied in their own bonds of friendship, with Shikamaru right along, unintentionally.

There conversation was broken short however, when a girl with shoulder length brown hair and a scarf around her neck stood in front of the group. Ami looked up and recognized her as one of her best friends, Fuki.

"Fuki!" Ami said, delighted at the sight of Fuki's headband worn around her right thigh. "I'm so glad they accepted you as a ninja! I'm really proud of you!"

"Yeah…I couldn't believe it either," Fuki said, smiling sadly. "Um…Ami? May we take this conversation somewhere more private? I need to discuss important matters."

Ami looked at her friend with a confused expression on her face, but rose to her feet, and walked with Fuki, waving goodbye to Hinata and Shikamaru, telling them she would be back shortly.

When they reached a private spot, filled with evergreen and cherry blossom trees, Fuki stopped and clearly stated, "Ami, I think we can no longer be friends."

The blunt, curt declaration left Ami filled with surprise and shock. "What…what do you mean, Fuki?"

"I mean…" she began, "that we can no longer be the friends we once were. Will be on different teams, and won't see each other as often as we used to. I want rivalry from you, as you have always outshone me. I have had this conversation with Kasumi, and she understands. I want you to understand to. I want rivalry from you, but that doesn't mean we still can't be friends, Ami. We have had our ups and down, but from now on, we will only climb the ladder to our own success and when we meet in battle, may the best woman win. Please, understand this decision. It may seem brash, but it isn't." She smiled faintly, looking at the perplexed eyes of Ami, "It's a sign. That one day, you, me or Kasumi will be great, and I won't ever doubt it."

Ami smiled, with a crestfallen look. Some tears streaked her face, but she wiped them away. She was strong, and she would face her rival with dignity. "Fine, Fuki, if you want it that way I'm one step ahead of you. I'll make sure never to lose to you, physically or mentally. We will always be friend, but for now, let's be rivals." She placed her hand out, and Fuki shook it sternly, a promise within their souls. A promise to be the best.

Ami walked alone back to her group, a few stray tears falling from her face. She did not lose her friend…yet, why did she feel so empty, so hallow?

"Are y-you al-alright, Ami-chan?" Hinata asked rather worried at the expression Ami held. Shikamaru glanced at her as well, a mere hint of concern in his tired face.

"Yep, I couldn't be more alright," Ami, declared, grinning at her companions. Perhaps she had gained more rivals, but it was only a small step back, as she had gained new friends and comrades to help her through the difficult times. "Well, I'm pretty sure lunch is almost over. Why don't we go and meet our sensei now?"

"Yes, that would be n-nice," Hinata approved.

"Oh, see Hinata! You're already improving!" Ami cheered and Hinata blushed darkly. To Ami's question, Shikamaru nodded, and both of her comrades rose to their feet and made their way to the classroom.

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Crystal Inferno: So, the first chapter was just an introduction, but it will get better. Review and tell me what kind of pairings you would like, although there are some that are going to happen regardless of what you say. Adios, mon ami.