The Four seasons

by Rizember

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Chapter Two: Choosing Autumn

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Beta'ed by: [un-Beta'ed]

Sorry about the Previous terrible spacing…

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Disclaimer: I own nothing. Ask the government.
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Day 50.

"SHIT!"

What a lovely way to start to the day.

You know how some people think they woke up on the wrong side of the bed? Like the left side is any less correct than the right?

Well, that's a load of bollocks.

Today, I did the impossible and fell off the foot of my bed.

At least I can honestly say that I have accomplished waking up on the wrong side of the bed- and falling off it.

No idea how it happened so I'll leave that to some scientists who have nothing to do.

I had a vivid dream about a bongo-player, monkeys and some sort of boarding school.

I'm not the best interpreter of dreams but I'm pretty sure it means something important, like how I should have curry flavored ramen today.

I picked up my cellphone and ignored the voicemail flashing pointedly.

I pressed 5 and speed-dialed Shikamaru.

"Naruto."

Apparently, he does know my first name.

"Shikamaru."

"I left you a message."

"I was too busy ignoring it. Are you ready?"

He snickered and said, "Of course. I thought you'd have forgotten."

Yeah...

It had been three weeks since I'd gotten the idea as we sat on the roof sharing lunch and staring at clouds...

"I didn't get the supplies," I sighed. "We may have to abort-"

"No worries. I did it."

"You? YOU did?!"

"Don't sound so shocked."

"I'm sorry. It's just that...you've always been a lazy bastard. That was my one constant... I now have to rethink my whole life..."

"Idiot."

"Later."

Okay, falling off of beds aside, I would make this day awesome if it killed me...

(Flashbacks are full of Vitamin A)

I'd just escaped a half-hour lecture on the benefits of tofu (Iruka was trying to get me off ramen) and was finally indulging in peace, quiet and junkfood.

Iruka wasn't helping by telling me how bad ramen was for me.

He just made it sound hardcore (like forbidden fruit...)

Lying under the large parasol, I pondered the globally consequential question: should I walk home or take the bus?

(I decided to leave solving global warming for the next day).

I heard footsteps coming up the stairs and waited.

"Nara."

"Uzumaki."

Shikamaru sat by me and opened his backpack, offering a soda.

I took it and offered some ramen, knowing he'd refuse.

He refused.

Conclusion? I'm psychic.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, except for my frequent slurping.

"I miss the rain."

I turned sharply, throwing a 'WTF?' look at Shikamaru, wondering where the hell that had come from.

He shrugged at my silent question and said, "It's been really hot."

That was true I guess.

Unfortunately for us, we both had gym class that afternoon. And as a treat to us, the air conditioning was being fixed and as such, was shut off for the day.

Someone somewhere hated us.

"Maybe we could start a small fire in the gym and set off the sprinklers."

"We'd get caught," I pointed out. "Besides, the gym doesn't have sprinklers set in for fires, just smoke detectors. The auditorium does though."

Ah, the auditorium.

The massive building set up just so students could be pleasured with speeches at award ceremonies, non-award ceremonies and oh joy, Speech day.

It even had a provisional remote-controlled mobile ceiling.

During awards ceremonies, the ceiling was closed and covered with thousands of balloons. Then, with the push of a button, it was quickly slid open and the balloons were dropped onto the

unsuspecting public.

This gave me an idea.

We all missed the rain, that much was obvious. And so, I would help everyone out.

In the unlikely event that a Season was chosen from my school, I'd make it memorable.

Shikamaru listened to the plan and shockingly, didn't tell me how troublesome it would be to accomplish.

Well, that was a first.

(Flashbacks are lactose intolerant)

And so, Shikamaru and I were above the auditorium, on a solid platform behind a railing with the ceiling above us. The mobile ceiling was below us.

It looked like a large rectangular pool, filled with balloons in preparation for today's celebration.

I leaned lazily onto the railing.

Being with Shikamaru could do that to you...have you accomplish feats of emphatic laziness without even trying.

"How did you do it?"

A smile crept onto his face as he watched the balloons, "Bribed first graders at a neighbouring school. The excitable little buggers were really eager to help."

"What if they squeal?"

"Who'll believe them? Besides, if they do, I'll just tell them Santa isn't real and the Toothfairy is a hoax."

"Dude, that's cold..."

As we looked at our greatest work, I said, "You're the most likely choice."

"So they say," he frowned. "But I don't want it."

I nodded.

"Anko applied on my behalf."

Shikamaru laughed, "I thought she would. She's a smart woman."

I glared at him and said, "Yes well, there are still interviews to get to."

Shika raised an eyebrow at me, "You planning on ditching?"

"Yup."

He sighed, "Wish I could."

"Your mum would kill you."

"No...she'd get my dad to do it."

I smirked.

"Why wouldn't you accept being Autumn. There'd obviously be tons of excitement...and you look like you need it."

He gave me a funny look.

"I've seen excitement and I've seen boredom. And boredom was best."

He walked away and I followed.

It wouldn't do to get caught so soon. That would just be embarrassing.

It was eight in the morning and I was pretty sure no one would be late today.

Interviews started at nine and would be done by one in the afternoon.

The Amulet would be given to the 'chosen one' at two in the afternoon.

You had to respect the school's view of destiny: perfectly coordinated and occurring at its appointed time.

Yes, they had made a program.

No speeches today (thank goodness).

Shikamaru and I split up.

Of the 97 fifteen year olds, I was to be the last, what with my last name being Uzumaki…

Because classes had been cancelled today as well, I was pretty sure the computer room would be crowded.

I made my way to the library, knowing it would be the one place no other student would be today.

"Hello Naruto."

I smiled at Iruka-sensei.

He had been reading a book and I motioned for him not to stop.

I made my way to the darkest section and turned off my cellphone.

I took various books from the shelves and started to read.

Most were about folk tales from different countries. I'm into that sort of thing...Greek and Roman gods, Japanese folklore... Sometimes they barely make any sense whatsoever but are still a

good read.

The bell rang at nine and I sighed when I saw Iruka-sensei approach me.

He sat down in the chair opposite mine and smiled, "Aren't you going for interviews?"

I shook my head, "I'm last. Uzumaki."

"Oh... So you ARE planning on going?"

Damn.

"Erm..." I sighed. "No."

"Why not?"

Honesty will be the death of me but here goes.

"Because it's idiotic."

"Ah."

No detention? Strange. Is it because I didn't tell him "I don't give a damn"?

I doubt he'd have punished me anyway. He has abit of a soft spot for me.

For as far as I can remember, Iruka has always been around.

When I was younger, I lived with him, his father and his daughter, Ayame.

I always called his father Gramps.

Iruka's wife had died while giving birth to Ayame so I never got the chance to meet her.

Gramps owns a ramen shop which he runs with Ayame who declared herself my older sister even though Iruka never adopted me.

I've always wondered about that.

He could have...if he wanted to...

Obviously, he didn't see me as much of a son.

So I guess I'm an orphan.

People become orphans because their parents died.

I became an orphan because I never knew them.

My first memories are of Iruka but for some reason, I never once assumed he was my father.

When I finally asked about my parents, Iruka told me they'd disappeared.

I didn't want to know if that was just a fancy way of saying I'd been abandoned so I didn't ask.

I didn't ask why he kept me.

I didn't ask why he'd let me live with him till I was 13...

I didn't ask why he'd never adopted me.

I suppose I was afraid of the answers...so I didn't ask because I didn't want to know.

When I turned 13, a lawyer showed up at Iruka's house. After three hours, during which I heard Iruka curse for the first time in my life, he left.

Iruka sat me down and told me the most bogus story I'd ever heard.

My parents had left me a home and tons of money and I was very lucky.

I had just inherited everything.

I assumed I was supposed to be happy or something, so I'd smiled.

Then he told me I couldn't live with him anymore.

I'd continued smiling but I think my face had just gone on strike or something.

Apparently, I had an unknown guardian now.

They hired help to take care of the mansion I found myself owning.

I went over to Iruka's as much as I could, occasionally spending nights in my old room.

But then, he started distancing himself from me...

It wasn't obvious at first.

He would bring food over with Ayame and Gramps so I wouldn't have the chance to stay over at his house.

He'd drive me home from school.

He'd tell me how blessed I was to have had such loving parents and how he hoped I appreciated everything.

That was when I stopped going over.

I visited Ayame and Gramps at the store sometimes but I'd completely cut myself off from Iruka.

If he noticed, he didn't seem particularly upset about it.

Sure, he sometimes worried about my wellbeing but that's just an adult reflex to children eating junkfood.

"...right?"

I stared at Iruka.

Apparently he'd been talking to me.

He sighed, "Were you even listening to me?"

'Lie. Lie! Say yes! Maybe he'll go away...'

"Uh...no?"

Damn!

I made a mental note to practice lying to people more and waited for my reprimand.

But Iruka just stood and said, "I'll let you know when you're up."

I nodded, figuring I'd have a hiding place set by the time it was my turn.

By noon, Iruka had stopped by nearly twenty times to make sure I wasn't going to run off.

Tch..

You'd think he didn't trust me or something.

Anyway, on a completely unrelated matter, my plan to skip the interview was all set.

In full view of Iruka, I went to the bathroom.

In there, I quickly went into a stall and thanked the heavens for my lithe body.

I stared at the window and it seemed to have a heavenly glowing light around it.

I smiled, "Hello freedom."

I slid it up and open and eased myself out of it, stepping onto a protruding pipe to keep me from falling prematurely.

I quickly scanned the area, making sure there was no one in sight.

For a second, I thought I saw a shadow right around the corner but a second later, it was gone.

I decided to ignore it and looked down at the grass-covered ground below.

It was a pretty high drop but nothing that would kill me, unless I decided to try fall in style.

I jumped down, lacking all possible grace, and landed with an "Oomph!"

Making sure all my body parts were functional, I immediately made my way around the building.

I had it all figured out.

If Iruka and Anko wanted to look for me, they would look in the last place they'd think I'd expect them to look: the girls bathroom or the airvents- places I wouldn't expect them to check.

I decided to try abit of reverse psychology and figured they expected me to be in hiding.

Which was why I headed to the auditorium.

It was packed with students and the fifteen year olds who were already done with their interviews.

I entered the noisy hall and went up the bleachers, finding a seat and soon being surrounded by babbling girls.

I resisted the urge to kill myself as they started a conversation about some 'awesome' lip gloss.

Leaning back in my seat, I smiled to myself.

I was hiding in plain sight.

And there was no way in hell I'd attend that interview.

(I am an emo page break, nobody loves me)

Nearly two hours had gone by without a hitch. I'd been reading a novel, 'Wuthering Heights' wondering several important things:

(1) what the heck is 'wuthering'?

(2) why did Emily Brönte have to be so descriptive?

And,

(3) why did I care how descriptive she was when I just ended up skipping the descriptions altogether?

Yes, my brain is truly a wonder to behold.

As the clock was nearing two, the teachers and remaining students started to trickle in.

I saw Anko come in and sank further into my seat.

She looked furious.

Iruka soon followed, looking confused and disappointed..

I really hoped they were upset about the cafeteria food and not me.

Fat chance.

For the past week, the cooks had actually been making an effort to...well...cook, instead of their usual practice of providing the school with burnt offerings (on good days) and various kinds of

edible mud.

Shikamaru came in and looked up, somehow spotting me immediately (maybe it's the spiky blonde hair...) and hiding a smirk.

He didn't hide it too well.

He came up and sat a short distance away from me where he could see me twitching cause the girl topic had now changed to hottest movie star dudes.

Damn it, don't any of these girls watch sport or something?

Can't one of them amaze me and go, "Did you watch the game yesterday? The ref was a total prat! The midfielder was not off-side!"

To me, finding a girl who understands the offside rule is on par with finding the lost city of Atlantis..

The Principal walked up to the microphone and cleared his throat into it.

I raised an eyebrow at that. If he needed a lozenge, he should have just asked.

It seemed like everyone was here.

Everyone except Autumn.

I found that strange but was not overly concerned. Heck, I wasn't even underly concerned.

If I'd wanted to meet him, I'd have shown up at the interviews.

"Good afternoon everyone."

The students answered accordingly and I contemplated taking a nap like Shikamaru was presently doing.

He was sitting upright with his eyes closed.

My theory is that Shikamaru grew up with a pack of tortoises- kind of like a super-boring version of the Jungle Book.

When he was brought to human civilization, he stayed true to the Way of the Tortoise and perfected it into modern day life...a life we people refer to as "a bloody lazy one".

"I know you're all excited about today's event," the Principal continued.

I scoffed.

"The results are in..."

Ah yes...the clichéd pause for dramatic effect.

It seemed to have worked.

It was suddenly really quiet.

"We have a tie!"

I grinned.

Nice.

Never had one of those before.

"Nara Shikamaru!"

For the first time, I cheered with the rest of them, laughing when I saw Shikamaru was now definitely awake.

His shocked expression was shown on the big screen.

Ha!

This was awesome.

"And Uzumaki Naruto!"

It's strange. I could have sworn he'd just said my name.

"Nara Shikamaru and Uzumaki Naruto, please come down!"

There it was again.

Maybe there was a mistaken echo playing in my head cause obviously he COULDN'T have just said my name.

Hell, I skillfully avoided the interviews.

How the hell did I get picked?! And a tie? What were we gonna do, take half the season?

My shock far outweighed Shika's and my butt decided to stay put right where it was.

Unfortunately for me, Anko (that evil, evil woman) somehow found herself by my side and helpfully led me down by my ear.

Shikamaru was already there and even as I approached, my awesome lip-reading skills made out the words "Troublesome" coming from him.

I agree completely.

In the distance, his large friend, Chouji, was waving as he happily munched on a large bag of potato chips.

"This tie called for last minute votes among the Seasons themselves in a conference call and so...your Autumn is now..."

Time for some influential mind control:

'Shikamaru, Shikamaru, Shikamaru...'

"Uzumaki Naruto!"

I blinked.

"Aw, crap."

So much for mind control.

"Congratulations!"

I could've sworn I heard him say "My condolences."

That would have been spot on.

Looking at my friend for some sort of comfort, I was readily disappointed.

"It could be worse," Shikamaru said by way of consolation. "It could be me."

I glared murderously at him and he smiled as Anko shoved me forward (darn woman).

I stepped reluctantly up to the Principal and the amulet was placed over my head and let to hang from my neck. If I wasn't in the highest possible level of shock, I'd have quivered at how

pervy that was.

The Principal grinned and shook my hand before I stepped back.

"And now, your first host...Nara Shikamaru!"

I snorted as Shika's face fell.

"Ha!"

He glared at me like it was my fault somehow. And you know what? I wish it was.

The wrist guard was opened and closed onto his arm, its silver shining brightly. The Principal shook his hand as well, and told him what an honor it was for him to be chosen.

Bull.

It was at this point in time that the Principal turned a sad gaze to the students as they waited eagerly to know the second Autumn host.

"The second host has been chosen from a neighbouring school."

The uproar was immediate.

Shikamaru and I shared a look and stared at the scene before us.

Students were screaming in outrage.

If the seats were removable, I was sure they'd be throwing them down.

Infact, I can see one skinny guy trying to detach his seat in a masculine fit of anger.

Poor fella.

"CALM DOWN OR YOU WILL ALL BE DETAINED!"

It's amazing what the fear of detention can do and I've always marveled at how I lacked the necessary reverence of the detention hall. Hell, with all the time I spent there, it was like my

second home.

"Let us all congratulate our Season and his host!"

They students clapped loudly, cheering with enthusiasm even though I knew some were disappointed and the rest wanted to kill the kid from the other school.

I could relate somewhat.

Why would the two wrist guards have been sent here in the first place, if the person is from another school?

Shikamaru motioned to me and his eyes slid up to the roof.

I grinned.

The Principal pushed the button and the ceiling opened, dropping its load of balloons.

Balloons Shikamaru had enticed first graders to fill with water.

I must admit my school is really of one spirit...I mean, their collective gasp at being hit with thousands of balloons filled with ice cold water... It was remarkable.

Even though Shikamaru and I suffered the watery onslaught as well, it was well worth it.

Besides, now no one would think we did it.

As I watched the after-effects, I desperately wished I had a video camera.

The Principal was frozen with his hand still on the button.

Basically, the whole school looked pretty funny.

They all had this deer-caught-in-headlamp look and were soaked through.

It was bloody awesome.

"WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?!" the Principal bellowed.

Unfortunately for him, the microphone wasn't waterproof and so his shout was kind of low and overall...a tad bit disappointing.

Beside me, Anko started laughing...and then, a student in the audience did too....pretty soon, everyone was laughing their wet little asses off and the Principal had to hide the smile that had

been trying to creep onto his face.

He didn't hide it very well. Must be related to Shika.

"The Pavilion is having a celebration this evening in honour of Autumn and his hosts. You are all welcome!"

Great.

Barely five minutes as a Season and my identity has already been forgotten.

I am NOT bloody Autumn.

I am Uzumaki Naruto.

And I refuse the Autumn Title.

Anko took Shikamaru and I away and herded us toward the gym.

"Naruto. You didn't show up for your interview."

I scowled at her, knowing she was mocking me.

"No. I didn't."

She smiled.

"Let's have you meet your predecessor."

I sighed and followed as she opened the doors and we walked in.

This was where the interviews had been held, I was sure of it.

Call it intuition, call it a sixth sense...or you could call it my awesome powers of observation that let me 'observe' the table in the middle of the room with two chairs on one side and one

opposite them.

Also, maybe I figured it out from the fact that Jiraiya and Ibiki were in the two chairs.

Jiraiya, Autumn, was an esteemed pervert with long white hair and dark eyes. He had strange marks on his face and was in...clothing of some kind. A hobo somewhere was missing his coat.

Next to him was Ibiki. I gulped as his eyes fell on me.

His face was hard and expressionless. I was tempted to bolt.

Anko apparently, was psychic too and threw me forward.

Catching myself before I fell, I turned and swore loudly, glaring at her.

"You didn't show up for your interview."

I turned abruptly and found myself staring at the white haired Season, wondering why his voice and eyes were so cold.

I glared indignantly back at him, "No, I didn't."

He nodded slightly.

"I'm a busy man, Naruto. When I decide to bother coming to this interview, the least you could do is show up."

"Well, I decided not to bother."

Anko groaned in obvious frustration at my lack of respect.

"I figured we both had stuff to do anyway so I saved you a good ten minutes."

Jiraiya said nothing.

I sighed, "Why did you choose me?"

Jiraiya's face suddenly broke out in a wide grin.

"I like you."

"I'm straight."

He laughed.

Okay...a minute ago he was like the godfather and now, he's... laughing.

He is so bipolar.

"Ibiki watched you escape the library."

Ibiki?

The shadow!

Damn.

"Why were you watching me?"

"Well," Jiraiya smiled. "I was curious about the only student in the world who is reluctant to become a Season."

"I'm not reluctant. I just don't want to."

Jiraiya spun a pencil on the desk.

"You were also responsible for the water balloons."

How the heck did he know?

Well, it wasn't a National secret.

Probably that Ibiki dude.

Barely a Season and I already had my very own Stalker. It isn't as flattering as I thought it'd be....

If I didn't admit the balloon sabotage, he might blame Shikamaru.

"Yes."

He nodded.

"We will leave at dawn."

I snorted, "Like hell we will!"

"Is something the matter?" he asked.

"Yes!"

"What?"

"I do not want to be a Season! I refuse to be one!"

"Shut up and be happy," he ordered.

I blinked.

"I bed your pardon?"

"Beg all you want, no backing out now."

I glared at Anko.

"A parent or guardian's approval is necessary."

Anko's smile faltered.

"Well a parent or guardian is also required for you to say no."

"I have none."

"I stand in as his guardian."

I turned and stared, then smiled.

Iruka was standing behind me.

Iruka knew I didn't want to be a Season.

"Do you accept Iruka as your guardian in this matter?" Jiraiya asked.

I nodded.

"Yes."

Iruka smiled and stepped forward.

That's it Iruka! Tell these fools no...in fact, add alittle something extra and say tell them to shove his amulet up his-

"Yes."

…

What the hell?

…

"WHAT THE HELL!"

"He said 'yes'." Anko smirked.

I swore loudly and took off the amulet, throwing it to the ground.

"I'll not come willingly. Choose someone else."

With that, I stormed off, ignoring Shikamaru's quiet mumble of "Troublesome".

I went straight home and found Mari, the maid just about to leave.

I smiled at her, "Hello."

She smiled and hugged me, "Naruto! I never see you these days. How's school?"

"It's alright Mari."

Mari nodded, "I left your dinner in the fridge. You had better eat the vegetables too."

I nodded as she gave me a look that told me I'd be in deep shit if I didn't.

The others had already left.

I ate my dinner, locked up the house and went to bed.

My backpack was probably with Iruka but I was mad at him.

What the hell was their problem anyway?

I had a restless night but somewhere along the line, I fell into a dead, dreamless sleep.

(I'm a convict page break, stripes make me look fat)

My bed was moving for some reason.

I groaned and opened an eye.

Then I screamed.

Like a little girl.

"Bloody hell Anko! What are you doing in my room?!"

The evil trenchcoat lady just grinned at me.

"I'm not in your room."

I looked around with slowly dawning realization.

I was on a bed...in a tour bus.

"Oh hell no."

She sighed, "You said you wouldn't come willingly."

I looked out a window and scowled.

"You kidnapped me?!"

"Kidnapped is a strong word..."

I gaped.

Anko smirked, "Relax kid, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel."

And she was right.

At the end of the tunnel was a faulty lightbulb.

I found Jiraiya and Shikamaru at the front of the bus.

Ibiki was driving.

Shikamaru nodded at me in acknowledgement.

I frowned.

Jiraiya smiled widely, an issue of this month's Playboy in his hands.

"Good morning."

I glared at him spitefully, "I hate you."

"Excellent! We're all friends."

"Take me back."

"Can't. Everythings sorted. Clothes and stuff will be provided when we get to Suna."

"Suna?"

"Yes. One of the Season Estates."

"Of course," I rolled my eyes. "But...school, my friends, my cellphone..."

"No need for them. You'll be schooled in Suna, you'll make new friends and I accidentally crushed your phone when we were leaving."

Shikamaru's speed was surprising as he held me back while I tried to strangle Jiraiya.

"I'll kill you!"

"Naruto calm down!" Shika ordered.

I took in a deep breath and settled for concentrating the darkest glare I could at the old fart.

"I'll get you a new one," he said, turning back to look at Miss November.

"You'd better."

Shikamaru looked back out the windscreen at the open highway.

Ibiki hadn't even stepped forward to help Jiraiya. I guess he assumed I couldn't hurt him...yet.

I sat next to Shika and looked out the window. Ours was the only car on the road.

"Iruka said goodbye... and that he'll come visit soon," Shika stated.

"Maybe if I hadn't been abducted, I'd have said goodbye myself."

"Maybe."

"Dude you suck."

I noted that we were on the main road, Great East Road, a way I'd used many times on school trips.

We suddenly took a turn at a road I'd never seen before.

Shikamaru looked about us strangely and I knew he was thinking the same.

We'd been driving for nearly an hour and Anko was taking a nap.

I was curious as to why Anko was with us anyway but decided she'd tell me herself soon enough.

"Shit."

It was rare for Shika to swear and I looked at ahead.

In front of us, the road abruptly ended.

There was a row of trees so close together it looked like a barricade of nature.

We were headed straight for them.

"What the hell?!" Shika turned to Ibiki, starting to panic. "Trees up ahead! ARE YOU BLIND?!"

Ibiki grunted in answer.

In a few seconds, we would hit them.

The trees were getting closer and as my life flashed before my eyes, I realized something:

All my life, ramen had been my only vice and my only true friend.

As this occurred to me, all I could think about was that, so far, I'd led a pretty awesome life.

And I really, really wanted it to continue...

-

A/N: hey.
Sorry if this chapter kinda sucked.
I'm super psyched at the response. I got TONS of alerts & faves & reviews.
Thanks for the support, I'm glad you guys like it (though there ARE more alerts than reviews but...eh… *still bouncing happily*)
I plan to update weekly but uni is back on starting Monday so I may start updating every two weeks.
Love ya,
Riz