Chapter One
"Shika-kun, Shika-kun, Shika-kun, Shika-kun, Shika-kun," I chanted smiling up at my big brother. I tugged on his hand and he slowed his pace so he wasn't dragging me. "Nii-san, I so happy you let me play with you today!" I giggled happily and swung our hands.
"Troublesome…" Nii-san muttered, but he gave me a brief smile and squeezed my hand. I'm so happy! My Nii-san is my favorite person to be with. And today I get to spend ALL DAY with him. My legs ached, but I tried not to show it. I didn't want to trouble Nii-san and make it so I had to go home. Everything will be fine, as long as I'm with Nii-san.
We finally came upon the little park in town where all the kids played. My hands shook and eyes widened as I tried to contain my excitement. I rarely got to come here and today Nii-san said I could meet his friends!
"Shikamaru! I haven't seen you around here for awhile!" I looked up to see a pretty girl with short blond hair and a smirk.
"INO-SAN!" I squealed, I let go of Nii-san's hand and threw myself at her, wrapping my harms around her waist.
"Whoa!!!" Ino-san laughed and staggered back. She steadied herself and hugged me back. "I haven't seen you around either Saya-chan!" I looked up at her and grinned. Then I noticed the pink haired girl standing behind her.
"Who's that?" I whispered pointing my finger at her. She blushed and looked down, I heard Nii-san sigh.
"Saya, it's rude to point." Nii-san told me. I blushed and bowed quickly to the girl.
"I'm so sorry." I murmured, but she gave me a soft smile and I felt better.
"That's Sakura." Ino-san told me, I waved at Sakura as Ino-san took her arm and closed the few steps gap between us. "Come on, don't be shy Sakura!" Sakura blushed and walked closer till she stood by me.
"Hi." I said to Sakura suddenly shy. She smiled down at me. "I'm Saya. That's my Nii-san." I turned to point at Nii-san, but accidentally poked him in the stomach. I hadn't noticed he had walked up beside me. Ino-san laughed, Sakura-san giggled while Nii-san rolled his eyes and ruffled my dark hair.
"That's so cute." Sakura-san giggled.
"I think it's sweet that you brought Saya-chan along Shika!" Ino-san teased and grinned at him, Nii-san rubbed the back of his neck.
"Yeah, yeah." Nii-san muttered. Ino-san leaned down and looked at me
"Do you know anyone else Saya-chan? I know you know me and Choji, and Sakura. Anyone else?" I thought for a moment.
"I see Kiba-san at the park with Akamaru sometimes. And I watch Tenten practice from my window. But I haven't talked to them." I bit my lip. Ino smiled.
"Well while you're here, I can introduce you to everyone else!" Ino took my hand and Sakura's and began walking toward a boy with dark hair and dark glassed. I heard Nii-san following us from behind.
"Hey Shino!" Ino-san called out and the boy slowly looked up at us. "This is Shika's little sister Says! I'm introducing her to everyone." Ino-san pushed me forward and I was in front of a kneeling Shino-san. Neither of us spoke.
It seemed we were having a staring contest, but I couldn't tell because of his dark glasses.
"Hello, Saya-chan." Shino-san finally spoke his voice was a little creepy.
"Hello, Shino-san." I gave a little bow, and noticed a bug on his hand. "You have a fly on your finger." I told him, standing up straight.
"I know."
"Why?"
"Bugs….are my friends."
"Cool!" Shino-san seemed taken aback by my statement as I leaned forward to inspect the bug.
"Thank you….." I grinned at Shino-san, he no longer seemed creepy.
"We'll see you around Shino!" Ino-san called cheerfully and took my hand.
"Bye Shino-san!" I waved before turning and following Ino-san. As I walked close to Sakura-san I grabbed her hand and held it. My face went red and I felt to shy to look at her. But I peeked up and saw her smile at me. I decided I really liked Sakura-san's smile. "Who's next Ino-san?" I asked excited, after meeting Sino-san I wanted to meet more people.
"Hmmm… how about Tenten? You say you haven't talked to her."
"…okay…"
"Why do you sound so reluctant?"
"…she's really good with weapons." Ino-san burst out laughing and even Sakura giggled giving my hand a squeeze.
"Oh Saya! Tenten is rally nice! It's okay!" Ino-san gasped trying to stop laughing. We came upon Tenten who was sitting next to a girl with short black hair and lavender eyes. "Hi Tenten, hey Hinata how are you guys?"
"Hi Ino, Sakura. Who's the little girl with you?"
:"This is Says, Shika's little sister. She tells me she watches you practice Tenten!" Ino-san winked at me and I blushed.
"Really?" Tenten turned and looked at me. I fidgeted.
"You're really good." They all started laughing, except Nii-san, I didn't get what was funny.
"This is Hinata, Says. " Ino pointed at the lavender eyed girl. She gave me a shy smile and waved. I waved back.
"So, do you want to grow up and become a Ninja like your Nii-san Says?" Tenten teased. I froze, Ino-san sucked in her breath, and I felt Nii-san's hand on my shoulder.
"No." my answer was simple, my answer, was a lie. "Nii-san, I saw some Daisies. May I go pick them?" Nii-san sighed.
"Yes, don't stray too far"
"I won't" without another word I turned and slowly walked to the little corner with daisies.
"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" I heard Tenten whisper.
"Kind of. Saya-chan is……" Ino-san started uncertainly. I kept walking but I heard them as clearly as if I was standing next to them. One of the few good things about me.
"Saya is sick." I tried not to flinch when I heard Nii-san's voice. Bit its true.
"S-sick?" I heard a shy voice and assumed it was Hinata-san.
"Its too trouble some to explain it all…" Nii-san trailed off uncomfortably. "You say it Ino." I reached the daisy patch and crouched down amidst the simple white flowers.
"When Saya was born, her hip bones were out of place, and on top of that, all her leg muscles were weak not developed well. The doctors set her hips but the surgery scarred her and her muscles didn't help. She got sick often and it was rare for her to smile. I remember." Ino-san took a deep breath "Shika stated to help take care of her when he was five and she got better, a lot better. But, she will always be weak. Today is one of her rare good days, most of the time she can barely walk, let alone stand. She's amazingly smart like Shika, but their afraid if they let her train, she won't survive past being Genin." It was quiet I fiddled with the petals on a large daisy. Then I reached up to wipe away my tears.
I picked seven daisies, placing the largest in the center. Then I slowly and painfully stood up. I was at my limit. I walked back to Nii-san slower then before. I reached out and took his hand. He squeezed it and gave me a crooked smile. He knew I had heard everything.