Alright, this is my second fanfic and I have to say, this one is a little different.

Feel free to check them both out and don't forget to review, especially on this one because I need to know what you guys think of the concept.

Anyways, constructive criticism is highly appreciated and any questions or comments will be answered. Thanks!

(Full summaries for both my stories are on my profile. Check 'em out if you want to know)

Disclaimer: (Please remember this because I don't like rewriting it over and over again so just apply it to the following chapters) I do not own Naruto.

"Do you accept this mission?"

I swallowed hard. From the sound of it, this mission was exceptionally dangerous but somehow, Tsunade seemed to have faith in my abilities. I, on the other hand, didn't.

"Well, Katria?" Her tone was impatient but concerned.

I drew a shaky breath. It wasn't like me to be afraid. After all, ninja aren't supposed to show fear, especially not in the battlefield. But what bothered me was the fact that I was nothing more than a Chunin. I was nothing special. You could even say I was average. I had long brown wavy hair, hollow grey eyes, and a look that could frighten even me. But nobody would think twice for me.

I sighed. Tsunade was eyeing me closely. I knew Tsunade was reluctant to offer this mission to me and I'd be a fool not to take it. Well actually, I'd be a fool either way but I'd rather be a fool for loyalty than just a fool.

This mission was, to me, absurd and nothing but a death trap. It came with unfortunate timing seeing as how most of the Jonin and ANBU were gone on missions. This just left the Chunin ninja and lower. However, this mission was within my abilities, believe it or not, I was quite talented in this field. So of course my answer must be…

"Yes, my lady." Tsunade looked me over sternly.

"Very well, the descriptions of your targets are within this scroll," she instructed as she handed me a scroll, "and prepare yourself well; you leave tomorrow morning."

Hesitantly, I nodded and turned towards the door. As I left, I heard Tsunade's last advice.

"Best find a way to say your 'goodbyes' now, then have them hate you later."

I closed the door behind. Even I knew the last part was inevitable. Outside, the air was bitter but relaxing. I need a breath, I decided and began the long walk to the only place I felt free.

I sighed as I pulled out the scroll. Just by looking at it, I could tell it had been opened and closed many times, probably Tsunade's doing. For this mission, she must have figured I had the best percentage to succeed. But even that, is probably little.

Carefully, I unrolled the scroll and skimmed its contents as I walked. It only took me a few minutes but I summarized the information in the scroll. In other words, I had just signed my death wish.

Nearing my destination, I rolled the scroll back up and put it away. I didn't want to enter this sacred place without clearing my head. I took a few deep breaths before entering the graveyard. I remembered a saying my mother used to say to me.

"Don't unleash worries upon your sanity," I quoted.

My mother couldn't have been more right. This place is my sanity.

Feeling the wind flutter against my back, I surveyed the graveyard for anyone's presence. Nothing. It wasn't unusual. No one liked to hang around graves because the only salvation they'd achieved would be lost among their memories. I was an exception. Memories are the only thing I need to satisfy my sanity.

I made my way over countless gravestones, to a certain stone slab where my mother rested beneath. As always, I would pray for her. The stone may've looked eerie but the message was clear as day.

"June Karilyn: The true protector of this world."

I smiled faintly before sitting down next to 'her.' The message was so true in so many ways. I rest my head against the cool stone and allowed my weight to be supported by her. I was unusually calm here. This was the place where when I spoke, everyone but no one listened.

"What do you think?" I asked. Even I could hear the worried tone I'd used.

"It's too dangerous isn't it?"

No answer. I didn't expect one because I already knew the answer. Yes it is. I sighed. I was right in a sense. My mission involved becoming a missing nin. That meant betraying everyone I had ever cared about. And then, I was to find a way into the Akatsuki. That was the problem. I was far below their rank, but some say it is because I don't take the exams. Either way, eliminating them form the inside out would be more difficult than I had imagined. And the way I would do it, I would kill with words.

"Dearest mother, do you hate me?" My voice was soft and laced with self-pity.

Silence, but I didn't care.

"No, I suppose you already do. But now everyone else will hate me just as much as I do. They will brand me a traitor. They will turn against me. And eventually, I will be forced to turn against them. I…I'm not sure I could handle it."

Tears began streaming down my face, but I pressed on. I needed to hear this. I needed to say this.

"What would become of me? A failure, that's what it is. I've already failed you and now I'm on the way to failing myself. I always lose don't I?" Somehow, I managed a slight smile in spite of myself.

I looked up towards the sky. It seemed so carefree but everyone knew better. I was addressing the world now.

"How cruel and wicked this world has become. A world full of deceit and treachery, it's a wonder how we all survive here."

Silence again. I hear nothing but the whistles of wind racing through the trees.

"I suppose it is true then. The only survivors are liars." I paused. I was afraid to touch this subject again but for my sanity, something drove me on.

'When you heard your name from the lips of someone you loved, did you hate this world? Did you curse the very rules of which this world survives by?"

The tears came again. The question I have asked numerous times, but never once received an answer, escaped my lips.

"Did you hate me for saying your name?"

It was silent. I had no hopes of ever getting an answer. Not anymore. My voice dropped to a choked whisper as I looked away in tears.

"You know, I've regretted that day ever since. I understand if you can never forgive my foolishness for foolish ninja are the worst type of ninja. Even I would not forgive myself."

Tears rolled down my cheeks in desperation to escape. Nothing could stop my sobs. There never was anyone who could. I had lost her a long time ago.

After a while of watching the skies change colours, I regained control of myself.

"Katria," my voice came out a hoarse whisper, "No, that is incorrect. That is only a figure of someone I can only wish to be, someone who wasn't me." My face was wet with tears again. "Anyone else, please," I pleaded, "Just not Shianna Moonstone, the girl who killed her own mother."

I wiped my tears away with my sleeve but they wouldn't stop. But that's all I'll ever be. Gradually, I stood up and brushed the dirt off my clothes. I still had a mission to do. And if it leads me to death, then I will welcome it with open arms. I am a ninja after all.

Walking away from the tombstone, I began talking to myself again, but as I leave, I lock away the memories associated with this place.

"If only I had known, no, if only I understood." I paused in mid-thought and let out a dry laugh. "It's funny how the one thing I hate in the forsaken world will be the one thing to ensure my survival." I continued walking.

"If only I had known," I whispered to myself, "The ultimate curse, but unfortunate truth of this world."

"Names can kill."

So what did you guys think? Is the concept a little too weird? I hope not but tell me how it is and I could clear up any confusion for you guys.

I'm sorry there wasn't much action in this chapter but, hey, it's the beginning.

Next chapter will be the encounter with the Akatsuki so stay tuned for more updates!