Summary- I was sleeping, dreaming. I knew this; believed it without a doubt. But if this is a dream...then why do I feel as if I'll never wake up as I lay here dying?

Disclaimer- I do not own

XxxX

NIN: Ninja I'm Not

XxxX

I was in pain. I was scratched up, bleeding to a degree, had an aching, pounding headache. I was in pain. I was also damn confused, disoriented, and maybe even a little tired. I mean, I woke up at 10:30. Which was pretty early in my book. I usually slept until late afternoon. So a bit tired? Yes. But what I just noted earlier? That's not really what was bothering me... except perhaps the confusion. You see, just moments ago I was sitting in my aunt's cozy living room, up and early, (could have probably blamed the bed for that; so uncomfortable) was basically alone aside from my sleeping cousin.

But now? Only seconds after I sat my ass on the green couch I used to sleep on. I find myself feeling more sick than I have in years; literally, I can count on my left hand how many times I've been truly and utterly sick in the past decade. It's seems like it lasts forever, I feel sweaty and the room is spinning. After that unpleasant sensation, there was black, a dark void with no light. Being me I just thought I was still sleeping on that lumpy bed where the blinds did nothing to keep the blazing sun from flooding the room in wondrous light. That or... you know, I fainted.

Alas, so not the case.

I groaned, turning on my side to curl up into a rather pathetic ball; the fetal position. From what I can gather, I just fell from the sky. Laying there, I wondered what the hell had just happened. Still sleeping then? This was a dream? The beginning a false hope of being awake?

I glance back to the canopy of leaves and branches above and squeeze my eyes shut as pain wracks my body; aching bones, bruised everything. I think I may have actually sprained something, maybe even broke something. I feel a violent spasm; at this point in time everything becomes a meshed together sensation that is wholly unpleasant.

I whimper as I recall how it seemed as if I hit every one of those damn tree limbs on the way down. This is just freaking great. Injured in a forest out in the middle of no...where. Pure unadulterated fear grips me then. Holy man. In the middle of nowhere.

I sat up faster than I should have and cry out. I bite down on my lip, muffling my scream. Oh yeah, something is definitely broken. When the pain seemed to dull I look around, wincing with the movement. I decided maybe, just maybe it'd be better to move. This is definitely a dangerous situation, and I should get my butt in gear. Alas, sitting there I noticed something that I probably should have noticed since I opened my eyes.

My glasses are missing. I want to cry then. My eyes even go so far as to tear up a bit. My god. I was alone. I was wearing pj's, bare-footed, and I was blind. I didn't know where the hell I was and I was seriously injured.

I felt my throat swell, and my eyes blurry to begin with just about overflow with tears until I remember something. This is a dream. I took a deep breath and hurriedly wiped my watery eyes. Keep it together, dammit. Don't be so pitiful. Dreams are always fucked up- especially lucid ones. Taking in another breath I stood up; albeit slowly. My legs were still in working order, that was good, it meant I could walk.

I moved forward in a hobble.

"Okay maybe walking isn't the word." I mumbled with a smile. "And the talking to oneself begins." I added, revving myself up with humor. That nice feeling disappeared after a few steps forward. I stepped on something that wasn't all natural, and it had broke. It had also cramped up my foot a good deal.

"Oh no." I mutter looking down. There, on the ground, were my precious babies- or at least, what I could make out of them. I was blind, they were blurry, they looked like they were my glasses; as broken as they were. The glasses that made it possible for me to see clearly. "Can anything else go wrong?" I yelled to the surrounding area. Letting out the pent of panic, and frustration I felt at that particular moment.

I regretted it when a kunai suddenly embedded it self into my shoulder.

It surprised me into shock actually. I mean what about it wouldn't? (Then again, I could have already been in shock before and this is actually bringing me to a 'bout of clarity.) In any case, it wasn't there a second ago. Fast little fucker. I even stumbled back from the sheer force of it. Good to say that one of the straps on my bra were broken. Not only that, but the pain I'd been feeling, suddenly ebbed away. (Definitely shock then.)

Anyway I grabbed hold of the handle and- using my waning strength- I pulled the sharpened tool out of my body. It was a kunai. A kunai. I now had a pretty damn good idea on what was going on. I was having a ninja dream; which was always cool. Holding it up to study. I noted how deadly it looked with my blood glistening on the well kept weapon. Kinda cool actually.

Sound from somewhere ahead of me. I dropped the weapon without meaning to.

Oh boy, hands were nerveless.

"Who the hell are you?" a rather cocky voice demanded. He sounds familiar.

I refocused my eyes to the person... people? I'm seeing double. So blurry, I can only make out colors; Orange, blue...yellow? I'm starting to sway.

"Are you okay?" the guy(boy?) asked. I can hear the worry laced in his tone. Must have noticed my state of dress and the injuries. But that voice...I know that voice. Opening my mouth to reply I choke out a cough instead; crimson dribbles out of my mouth. Internal bleeding? I'm so going to die. I stumble. The pain was back and I now felt it incredible hard to breath.

"Hey!" The boy shouts in panic? I feel small but sturdy arms catch me as I fall.

"Dobe, what's going on?" The question sounds rushed and faint- it's another voice I recognize. It's also the last thing I hear before everything goes dark.

XxxX

"What are we going to do?" Sakura Haruno asked timidly, looking to Sasuke for some sort of guidance. They were in the middle of an exam for kami's sake. Sending out a signal would ruin there chances of continuing on wouldn't?

They were currently in a make shift den, out of sight from the other competitors. The first day had come and gone, and they had yet to come across any of the other teams yet. It was dark out now, and a small fire was burning to keep them warm. She turned her emerald-green eyes to the stranger before them, bandaged to the best of her ability, and unconscious.

It was pretty risky of them to do this. But Naruto had insisted. Saying something along the lines of it being his fault. And okay, the kunai wound was from his weapon but the other injuries? Not that she would have left the girl on her own. If Naruto hadn't insisted on helping the stranger, she would have. She wouldn't ever voice it out loud, but she was as surprised as Naruto when Sasuke agreed as well.

"We'll move in the morning." the Uchiha stated, onyx irises staring at the stranger with an intensity the pink-haired girl didn't understand. She assumed it was masked curiosity.

Sasuke, if he were the person to, would have congratulated her on being able to tell that much.

Thoughts were running through his mind a mile a minute. This girl, this stranger. He couldn't sense her. No chakra signature, nothing. Even with her right there in front of him. He was sure his teammates hadn't caught onto that yet. To busy worrying about her health. But what did that mean exactly? Was she really so good at chakra control she could suppress it as such- even during a precarious situation like this? And seeing that that is the case- with such a talent, what was she doing here? That kind of control went beyond genin, maybe even chuunin. Was she another village's ace in the hole? Was she an enemy?

He didn't know.

He wasn't even sure if tending her the way they were was even a good idea. But she nagged at something that he hadn't felt in years. A familial string that he thought long dead. It was a stupid thing to get caught in, he knew. Thinking about the faint resemblance she had to an Uchiha. Even though that resemblance ended at facial features and hair color. He was grasping at straws. But it also wouldn't be the first time a child was born out of wedlock either. Especially with some of the long-term undercover mission's nin tended to be sent on.

Maybe it was just the stress getting to him. This Chuunin exam was pushing him in ways he hadn't been expecting, and no matter that they were exceptionally young in the first place, he felt like he was falling short. That or he could just be lonely. He wasn't blind to the kind of support the others were getting from their families.

"We should try and get some rest. Stay up in shifts." he stated surveying his teammates. Out of the two he was more- he wouldn't say worried- but Naruto had been silent ever since the bandages had been put on. Sasuke was pretty sure it was because of the injuries the girl was peppered with. Concussion, a deep gash from under her right...breast...that ran around along her side to mid back. The best they could really do for that was make shift stitching. Which Sakura was semi-familiar with having stitched up clothes before- not that it was the same thing or anything, but she managed to make it work. She also stitched up the wound on her shoulder that Naruto had caused; it had thankfully been a flesh wound- albeit a deep one.

The girl also sported several fractured ribs, and a broken one that may have punctured a lung. As long as they didn't move her anymore then they already had, it should be okay, but then again- he was no medic nin; And bruises, a lot of bruises. The kunoichi rightfully feared internal bleeding. But since it seemed the black haired stranger was at the very least still breathing, they'd just have to watch and hope for the best. At least they all were prepared for the worst. A lot of blood had been lost, and one shift from that rib, she would end up drowning in her own blood.

"I'll take first watch then." Naruto volunteered.

Noticing the fire burning in those deep blue eyes; knowing he would needlessly fight for it, Sasuke and Sakura nodded in agreement and got as comfortable as they could. Traps had already been laid out throughout the perimeter of their hide-out.

When they nodded off, the blond crawls closer to the girl. He studies her labored breathing, takes in her countless bruises, her bound chest; He stares at his own inflicted injury the longest. He wonders if she had been with one of the other villages and her team had been literally wiped out during this part of the exam. He had heard this part especially, was pretty brutal. He honestly hadn't wanted to believe it. But she was living proof. It was hard to deny, and if they learned anything from this? Aside from his two teammates he could trust no one else; Other teams from Konoha notwithstanding.

He had to admit, it really said something that she had managed to get away from her attackers. But he didn't know if he could fully believe that scenario. She wasn't built like them. She didn't have that air about her. He couldn't really base anything on her physical appearance- appearances could be deceiving after all. So he didn't bother. He was more focused on the vibe she was giving off even in unconsciousness. Like a 'don't bother yourself with me, I'm no one of any importance'. It was kind of unnerving. He kept wanting to avert his attention from her.

Sakura had told them that the girl had two other tattoos on her body besides the one on her right hand. A butterfly on her right shoulder, an arrow under her left breast, and the weird arrow with a backwards bow on the patch of skin between her thumb and index finger.

He sighed.

She looked older then them, probably just as old as the instructor for this part of the exam, Anko? Or maybe closer to Kabuto's age. It was hard to tell. She was definitely taller than them and her hair kind of reminded the blond jinchuuriki of Sasuke's- although it was shorter, and her's didn't spike up in the back. The color was dark, black with that hint of blue. Her skin tone was something else though. It was tanned, dark, but not too dark, a few shades darker than his own skin actually. It was dark enough to be considered the darkest skin he'd ever seen. Everyone he's witnessed so far were either his skin tone or lighter. Her eyes were strange too. A dark brown that had glinted a dark reddish brown with the light. He had been the only one to see them. Sasuke had arrived when she passed out and Sakura had arrived seconds after that.

What's going on brat? The bijuu within him rumbled from their bond. Naruto must have been feeling too hard again. The Kyuubi tended to feel emotions that were being focused on too much; hating it because they got him in moods that were completely random and against his character. Never failed to brighten a damp mood when he thought about it.

I need a favor. Naruto replied almost vaguely, brushing a strand of hair from the girl's face. He wondered what her name was.

A favor? Interesting. Asking a favor would entail that I'd get something in return, yes? One for one, that's how these things usual go. He was rambling... must have caught him in a good mood.

You actually asking for it is quite a treat in itself. Ask away, maybe I'll agree. Kyuubi ends his little rant in an almost teasing note. But Naruto knew as well as he, that a favor could go a long way, and that he was excited about the prospect.

There's someone here who really needs medical attention, and we can't do anything more about it. She won't make it the night with the state she's in. That being the case, I would like for you to heal her. The blond stated leaning against the dirt wall. He didn't actually know if the Kyuubi could do what he asked. But since Kyuubi had decided to open their link he thought he'd give it a chance.

After all, just because they were in an exam where every team was for themselves- it didn't mean he could just be indifferent and let her die like this without even trying anything. Besides a favor for the Kyuubi would do him good too. He was honestly getting tired of the whining rants he was forced to listen to during the night. This way he could get something in return, and Naruto wouldn't be nagged at for a while. Win-win.

Silence.

He sat there, worriedly. Then again, maybe Kyuubi wouldn't do it just to spite him.

Hn... I suppose it's your kunoichi friend? Why not, I could use the practice. Wouldn't want to get rusty now. His voice rumbled again. Naruto frowned. Sakura?

What? No, not her. We found this girl- she's the one I want you to heal. He replied with mounting confusion. He looked between the two girls wondering how the bijuu could mix that up. It hit him like a rock to the face. Why couldn't he feel the girl's chakra? Was she dead? He reached out his hand, checking frantically for a pulse. Her breathing alerted him first. No, not dead. Was this some sort of kekkei genkai?

Oh, now that is interesting. Kyuubi returned, a smirk definitely could be heard in his voice. Apprehension dawned on the jinchuuriki. He didn't like the tone in which that was spoken. Okay. I'll help. And I won't even ask anything of you.

That cinched it. Naruto was about to cut off the link Kyuubi had initiated but it was already too late. He felt his awareness drain from him until he fell into unconsciousness. The damn bijuu... kami, he trusted too easily.

"Well would you look at that." Kyuubi whispered with Naruto's lips. Already, he was getting into a more comfortable position. This possession wouldn't last long. The gaki was already fighting tooth and nail, he'd have to make this quick. He hovered borrowed arms over the prone body, violet eyes trying to scan what his probes couldn't. Cracking knuckles, he pressed cold hands to fever riddled flesh. Okay, Ribs needed repair... oh, especially that one- should get on that right away- a couple of cuts and... bruises. Definitely do able. Kyuubi smiled a crooked grin, sharper canines glinting with the little light afforded to him. Hm, unexpected innuendo. He brightened. He needed to get out more. This was doing wonders to his mood.

Firmly pressing his hands to the girls torso, he concentrated, letting his chakra swell and focus in his hands. The energy almost became corporal. When it positively burned in his hands he released it into the body. It spread like wild fire, immediately searching out the injuries he'd noted. Violet irises watched with veiled fascination as the broken rib mended, moving and stretching the ningen's flesh unpleasantly. The gash likewise threaded together, making the- what were those stitches?- unneeded. Bruises faded, until finally the gaki's kunai wound was all that was really left; bruises that were faint to begin with were left alone, they'd heal naturally.

He felt his connection weaken. Naruto was really throwing a fuss. He glanced at the injury again. Well it'd have to do. Letting go, he was roughly thrown back into his cage. He inwardly pouted, the gaki could have been a little more kind about it. Huffing in annoyance, Kyuubi settled for a nap. Blondie wouldn't want his company any-

Slap me thrice and hand me to me momma. A voice that didn't belong to Naruto spoke in utter awe and disbelief. Kyuubi stilled. Violet eyes slowly opening, a maniacal grin stretching across his face at the implications of this disturbance. His patient stood in front of him. Her eyes were an interesting shade of dark brown. With the faulty lighting afforded to him, her eyes looked more black then anything, but when caught in light it was as if a brown fire had emerged from the void. (He fiddled with the lighting just so he could see the variations himself). Am I dead? She asked with honest conviction. He kind of found that cute.

Hello there. How are you? He greeted finally, purposely not answering her question and practically giddy. He hadn't been expecting this when he chose to heal the ningen. And the gaki was right, she had no chakra signature. She was a weird one; he thought with outright fascination; standing before his cage, and showing no fear at his presence; not even noticing she was standing in ankle deep water.

She came closer to the cage, brows furrowed in deep thought.

Who are you ningen?

XxxX

Naruto shook himself, trying to clear his muddled thoughts and blurry vision. That stupid fox. Taking advantage like that. He sighed in frustration. Should have known that the bijuu was going to try something. Why the hell did he have to be so darn naive sometimes? He looked over the girl, and felt his mouth drop open in shock. Okay so the time Kyuubi was momentarily free was well spent. Her breathing was normal. Her bruises were minimal, and aside from the injured shoulder, he could actually get Sakura to remove the stitches on the girls side.

He wondered if Kyuubi was serious about not returning the favor.

XxxX

Orochimaru watched from the shadows; Curiosity shining in his amber shaded eyes. He couldn't see what the kyuubi brat was doing. In fact all he really saw of the boy was a bit of his blond hair. Which was a shame really. His current position was really the only real angle that allowed him to see Kohona's jinchuuriki. The others in team 7 were hidden from view. He had to applaud them for finding quite a marvelous hideout. If he hadn't been so intent on locating the young Uchiha he would have missed them entirely. He had planned on attacking them earlier in the day but for some reason they had veered off course. It had taken him quite some time to locate them again. The delay wasn't much of a hindrance, in any case.

He would attack in the morning.

XxxX

A/N

This was originally Kei's self insert, and because of such, it was one of the stories I had the most trouble with trying to figure out. Since I'm not Kei I'm just going to play in her sandbox with the Naruto characters that neither she nor I own. Should be interesting. :)

Thanks for reading!

Ken