Maiden- Thank you to everyone who read the first chapter! I feel good enough about this story to continue. Although I didn't get any reviews yet, I did get a lot of traffic. I'm hoping for reviews for this chapter, though! And just to clear up any confusion, Naruto and Luna will NOT become a romantic couple. NaruHina will ALWAYS be my OTP; so prepare to see that in later chapters. Naruto and Luna's relationship is a mixture of little brother/ older sister and student/sensei.

Chapter 2- Trust

The sun was barely beginning to set when Luna Avalon crossed the threshold into her home. The Avalon compound was beautiful; manicured trees, bushes, and grass; precisely placed cobblestone walkways; and elaborately decorated tapestries lining the interior walls.

The Avalon heiress slipped off her sandals and walked into the family room. Her father sat at the end of the room with the elders of the clan surrounding him. Apparently Luna came in just as a clan meeting was over. The elders rose from their seats, bowed in respect to Luna, and went about their way.

"Welcome home, hime." Kuruk Avalon smiled, motioning for his only daughter to join him. "Tell me, how was your visit with Lord Hokage?"

"Surprising." Luna replied, taking a seat next to her father.

"Oh? And how is that?"

"He told me that I don't have to take the Genin exams next week. I am already assigned to a team that Lord Third hand selected with the help of the Kazekage and the Hoshikage."

"You mean you'll be in a squad with shinobi from the sand and star villages?" Kuruk asked, earning a nod from Luna. "That's wonderful, daughter! This is the first international team the ninja world has seen! You will be a legend!"

"I hardly think being on a team with people from different villages will land me in the history books, father."

"You never know." Kuruk laughed, brushing Luna's long onyx hair from her eyes.

Kuruk marveled at his daughter's eyes. A brilliant sapphire that had never been seen before in his clan. When Luna was born, she was almost an exact copy of her mother; but instead of inheriting her mother's lavender eyes, Luna's eyes were as blue as the sea. If it weren't for the fact Lord Avalon and Luna slightly favored each other physically, one would think they weren't blood related. Kuruk's lightheartedness, sense of humor, and smile was a stark contrast from Luna's constant frown and icy personality.

"But there's something else...Lord Third asked me to become the protector and mentor to Naruto Uzumaki."

"The Kyuubi Jinjuuriki?" Kuruk asked in total surprise, his charcoal colored eyes widening. Luna was expecting her father to go into a fit of rage, seeing as the monster that is trapped inside the blonde boy is the same creature that killed his wife seven years ago. But instead, Kuruk smiled wider. "Good! Maybe this boy will get you to open up a little! He may be a little prankster and brash, but I know he is just starved for affection."

"What do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious? The poor kid was practically born an orphan, and then he's juggled around from nanny to nanny in that bloody orphanage. He's never had anyone to really rely on. All he wants is someone to take an interest in him. Someone that won't turn him away because he's different."

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'Someone that won't turn him away because he's different.' Her father's words rang around in Luna's head that night. She laid in bed, staring at the ceiling thinking of how much she and Naruto were alike. Luna couldn't name anyone she considered a friend. Sure, she had her clan, but family was different than friends. You don't get a choice in who your family is. You get what Kami gives you. Secretly, Luna wished for a friend. Someone that won't look at her in fear, or put her on a pedestal. Naruto must feel the same way, only people look at the poor boy like he's useless, or a monster. A strange sense of over protectiveness rose to the young heiress. She mentally challenged anyone who dare lay a finger on Naruto. Her powers surged strongly through her at the thought of anyone harming the small blonde. Luna couldn't exactly describe why she suddenly felt like a mother wolf', all she knew was she had to protect Naruto at all cost. This boy is something special; she could feel it.

Unable to sleep, Luna threw off the bed covers and opened her large bay window. She stared at the moon, her pale features seemingly glowing from the light. She sighed and slipped her sandals on, then jumped out the window and into the backyard garden.

Now, the Avalon compound was far from small. So the gardens go on for several acres. She stopped at the koi pond, watching the colorful fish flit around in the water.

"Why are you out so late, Luna-sama?"

Luna didn't need to turn around to know who'd found her.

"Couldn't sleep." she replied, sensing the owner of the new voice come closer. He was a young man several years older than Luna. He bore the same onyx hair and pale complexion as her. His eyes, however, were dark gray.

"Something on your mind?"

"I would rather not talk about it, Torasu."

"Talking would help you feel better." the young man came face to face with Luna, giving her a soft smile.

"I appreciate the offer, but I doubt you could help me." Luna sat down next to the pond, hugging her knees to her chest. Instead of going back inside, like Luna wanted, Torasu sat down next to her.

"Why do you always keep your feelings to yourself?" he asked, innocently.

"Feelings are a nuisance. They only get in the way of thinking clearly."

"I don't think so." Torasu replied casually. "Feelings give you drive. The strength you need, when you need it."

"I don't need 'feelings' to know I'm strong."

"Of course you are!" Torasu laughed. "You've never lost a sparring match, your grades in the academy are perfect, and you've already mastered both your Sharingan and Byankugan. Just think how strong you'll be when your dojutsu fully matures!"

Luna stayed silent. She didn't take pride in what Torasu just said. She acted like his opinion of her didn't matter. Because her thoughts weren't about her.

"Torasu?" she whispered after a few moments. "What's it like being a protector? Someone who is trusted with another human being's life?"

"I think it's an honor."

"But how? How can that be an 'honor' if you're suddenly burdened with the well being of another person? Especially if that other person doesn't even know how to protect himself?"

"This about you being assigned to watch over Naruto, isn't it?"

"You always could see right through everyone." Luna smirked. "I swear you use your Sharingan to read people's minds."

"I guess I'm just a people's person." Torasu laughed. "Naruto couldn't have asked for a better mentor. I know you'll treat him kindly and keep him out of harm's way."

"I just hope I can do that, and keep on top of my shinobi duties."

"You can do anything if you set your mind to it! I heard from your father that you will be part of an international team. Quite the accomplishment!"

"I'm a little nervous. I was never taught how to be comrades with someone who wasn't part of the same village as me."

"Hailing from the same village doesn't matter." Torasu replied, gazing at the stars. "We're all ninja. People are always looking at what's different, instead of what's the same. We're all ninja. We share the same air, sky, earth, and blood. And we need to work together to protect it. If you ask me, most of the great nations are trying to drive us more and more apart. Causing rifts between allies."

"I never knew you were so philosophical." Luna gave a dry laugh. "You hardly sound like a shinobi at all."

"Hey!" Torasu's cheeks flared red. "Just because I prefer to be passive, doesn't mean I won't fight to protect those precious to me. I've been given the privilege of watching you grow both in mind and body. I'm proud to have played a part in your upbringing. You're like a little sister to me."

"That restraint is double edged sword." Luna deadpanned. "While some see it as mercy, others will use it as your weakness. If you allow an enemy to figure that out, then you're as good as dead."

"If I were to die protecting the ones I love, then I will welcome death with open arms."

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Her cousin's words echoed through Luna's mind as she walked through Konoha's housing district. As much as she denied it, Luna couldn't readily see herself dying for the sake of just a few people. She was too proud to ever admit she might not be strong enough. She shook her head before entering the complex where she'd dropped Naruto off the night before. After fishing her key out of her pocket, she opened the door and sat the bags she was carrying on the floor.

"Naruto?" she called. The apartment was silent. A cold worry ran through Luna's blood, urging her to search every crevice she could find. She threw the bedroom door open to see the blonde child fast asleep on the bed. He clutched a thin blanket, shivering.

Luckily for him, Luna had just come from the shopping district and had bought him all the necessities he'd need for living on his own. Including a plush orange and black blanket with red spirals. Somehow, she'd thought the spirals suited the boy. She draped it over him, immediately seeing his face relax, falling back into dreams. The slightest of smiles tugged at her lips as she watched him sleep. He was the picture of innocence. Luna couldn't believe this boy carried the most vile creature in existence within him.

Leaving Naruto to sleep, Luna set about cooking the boy something to eat. She noticed the day before that Naruto was a bit thin. The orphanage was non profit and relied on donations. So it was no wonder many children went hungry.

The smell of savory broth awoke Naruto from his slumber. The first thing he noticed was he was warm. Never had he'd seen such an extravagant blanket. The plush material was very soft and inviting. Naruto wrapped it around himself, reveling in the warmth. He could faintly make out the scent of starfruit coming from the fabric. The sweet smell immediately reminding him of Luna. The sound of his stomach growling snapped the blonde out of his thoughts. Pushing the blanket aside, he decided to find out what the savory scent coming from the kitchen was.

Luna stood over a large boiler pot, stirring it's contents, when Naruto emerged from the bedroom.

"Good morning." the called, her eyes never leaving the pot.

"Morning!" Naruto beamed, hopping up on a chair to see what was cooking. "What's this?"

"Ramen." Luna replied, nonchalantly. "The noodles are store bought, but the broth I made from scratch."

"Smells delicious!"

The blonde boy nearly drooled as Luna ladled out the soup into bowls. She sat the bowl on the kitchen table and motioned for Naruto to dig in. And he did so happily. Luna watched his every mouthful. His face was the picture of bliss. So Luna's suspicions had been proven. Naruto often went hungry, and when he was fed, the food was hardly edible. Never had the Avalon heiress seen someone devour food with such gusto and enjoyment. Luna was very glad she'd made a large pot of soup so Naruto could eat as much as he wanted.

"This is the best thing i've ever ate!" Naruto gleamed, his blue eyes shining with happiness that his stomach was filled.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Luna replied, taking small bites of her own soup. "I took the liberty of buying you some new clothes. They're in the bag by the door if you want to change."

Without another word, Naruto darted for the shopping bags. He grabbed them and dissapeared into his room. Five minutes later, he emerged in a navy t-shirt with the Avalon insignia stitched onto the front in bright yellow, black shorts, and black sandals. Luna made the outfit on a whim, thinking Naruto would like something to remind him he had a protector. But never did Luna think he'd actually wear it. Seeing the seven year old so proudly displaying her family's crest made Luna smile.

"You should smile more often." Naruto chuckled. "It looks good on you."

"You look nice, Naruto." Luna replied, blushing. "I didn't think you'd pick that outfit."

"Why not? You're the first person to actually take an interest in me. To care. I want you to know I value all you've done for me."

Tears formed in Luna's eyes. She refused to let herself cry in front of her new protege, so she quickly gathered up the breakfast dishes and put them in the sink before Naruto saw her tears.