If you haven't noticed yet, I am new at this. I find it difficult to write with so many things happening around me, but first thing is first... I want to make a shout out to all you writers out there. You guys are truly impressive and deserve great recognition! Second, just to make sure anyone who didn't notice, chapter three was change a bit. I do recommend you go back and reread it if you didn't, but I am not going to force you at all :D Third thing probably will be how i noticed that I said chapter 3 was much clearer now, but i realized it still has a bit of fuzz in it. I willclarifywhat is happening. The most thing that needsclarifyingis the wholeparenthesisbusiness. It's not actually aparenthesis, but they don't know that, it just looks like one... hope that clears things up a little. If you think about it a little you might realize what it is, but, if not, then don't worry because I will explain it in later chapters... This should be the most I ever write before the beginning of a chapter. Please bear with me. Thank you for reading. Please comment, vote,review, etc. if you like this story. It will truly help me. Here is what you have been waiting for :D Enjoy.

Chapter 4

When I woke up, I was warm and comfortable. I found myself in a long bed, the same as the one I was on before the surgery, with white covers and a needle in my hand. The needle was attached to a bag of cold liquid that ran into my bloodstream. Where was I?

I felt exposed as I uncovered myself hoping to find someone to tell me where I was and what was going on. I looked down at my clothes and noticed that they weren't mine. My hairy legs were mostly showing from this dress like one piece and my back was completely visible. I decided everything would be fine and I should try to keep as much dignity left in me as possible. I waited there for what seem like hours until the pink headed girl, Sakura, entered the room with a blonde girl in jeans and a t-shirt.

"Good morning sunshine", Sakura said cheerfully, "How is your wound? Do you still feel any pain?"

I was relieved that she was here. "I feel no pain. Thank you so much, but I do have a couple of questions", I informed her.

"You could tell me as I check on everything here", she said firmly. She started to mess around with the equipment attached to my body and others around the room, while writing down something on her notebook. "Go ahead", she said.

"Well, where is my sister, how long do I have to stay here, and where are my clothes?"

Both Sakura and the blonde girl looked at each other and giggled.

"Well?" I said a bit more irritated.

"Well, you're going to be let out today, your clothes have been thrown out, and this right here is your sister Lilly", Sakura smiled pointing at the blonde girl who was dressed nicely and looked like she has been pampered.

I glanced over at the blonde girl noticing in fact that she was my little sister. She looked completely different. She had a clean look with a clear face, her golden blonde hair resting down on her shoulders, and she was not in rags. She smiled at me.

"How do I look?" Lilly asked while she spun around. I was unconscious of my mouth being slightly open as I stared at my sister who was clean, neat, and actually wearing nice clothes.

"Where did you get those? How did you afford them?" I questioned with my mouth still open in shock.

Lilly pouted, "Can't you at least say I look nice before you go on and question me?"

"You look fantastic!" I exclaimed, "Now answer my questions!" Was I jealous to yell at her and snatch the happiness from her face? No, I wasn't. I needed to know that my sister is no thief.

"Okay, calm down", she began, "I went and slept over by Sakura's when I wasn't allowed to stay with you in the hospital. So she helped me buy some clothes on her own expense". She took a deep breath before continuing, "I was fed, I took a shower there, and well, here I am!"

"We bought you a pair", Sakura said enthusiastically, "but you could only wear them once you have showered!"

I was pleased that everything was fine. I exhaled in relaxation and let my head rest on the pillow behind me. "Thank you so much Dr. Sakura! I have no idea how I could repay you for your kindness!" I smiled warmly at her. Not many people around us were very nice. Some just walk past us thinking that we're rich in disguise. Why do people think that? Why would people with money waste their time begging for something they could work for?

My answer would be, I don't know and I guess I don't care since now we're being taken care of… for now. And it feels good.

Sakura is the flower of the leaf. She was different. She wanted to help and even though she probably has her own problems, she is still able to handle other peoples' cases as well. I wish all doctors were like her. I felt ready to burst into tears, but I held them in. "Thank you", I muttered again.

She smiled happily. "You're welcome and no need to pay me back! Just get better and please just call me Sakura", she said, "In a way, I feel like we're friends already".

Sakura walked over to me and checked my bandages, wounds, and pulse… Huh, so that's where the pulse was. She said I was doing well and I could leave after I have showered. This made me happy. I was bursting with joy… I get to shower!

I got off of the bed. "Careful with your stitches when you clean your body! You don't want your wound to open!" Sakura said while handing me a sponge, antibacterial soap, a towel, and the new clothes. "The conditioner and shampoo are inside the shower. Here is a hairbrush if you would like to brush your hair in the shower. Use warm water, not too hot and not too cold. I'll be waiting here with your sister. Call if you need anything".

I haven't taken a shower in like a year or so. I gathered the things Sakura got me and rushed into the bathroom. I turned the water on and slipped my clothes off. I couldn't wait for the water to warm so I rushed into the cold water and let it hit my body. It didn't matter to me if this was against Sakura's orders… I was pleased. I began to shiver in the shower as the water slowly began to warm. The warm water ran through my hair and down my body leaving me untroubled. The sensation of the floral shampoo fragrance coursed its way through my hair washing away the sufferings inside me. I cried for every misfortune that had befallen upon us. I wished to die right then and there, but my life has more meaning now. For the first time in years I felt safe and secure. I could leave my sister with Sakura, let her feel a little free and less restrained. It was time for me to be less responsible and parent like.

I took my time in the shower, enjoyed it while the water was warm, then got out, dried myself, and got dressed. I wore the same clothes as Lilly except a different colored shirt. She wore a blue T-shirt and I got a brown one. I think Sakura wanted the shirts to complement our eyes, but there isn't much to complement in my eyes.

I took the hairbrush that Sakura gave me and tried to brush out my hair, but it was a complete tangled mess, impossible to brush out, so I gave up on it. Once I got out of the bathroom, Sakura once again bandaged my wounds and we headed toward the Hokage's office. On our way there, Lilly kept glancing at me. She was thinking the same thing as I was. We were both worried that this has something to do with the park incident. I beamed at her and signaled her not to worry and to pretend everything was alright.

We entered this large building in the center of the village. It had lots of stairs, rooms, and people moving about. After walking up a couple flights of stairs, Sakura stopped at a door with a sign that most likely said 'The Hokage's Office'.

"This is as far as I could take you", she said, "just knock on the door and she will let you in".

"Thank you", Lilly and I said at the same time.

"Good luck", and with that Sakura left us in the long bizarre hallway alone, in silence. I knocked three times on the door before a female voice came from the inside telling us to come in.

We entered a room that had piled paper messes everywhere. The man with purple markings on his face was there with his girl, another girl with short neck length black hair holding a pig, and a blonde lady with two pigtails behind a desk that was also filled with piles of paperwork. Behind the desk, though, was a heart stopping sight of the whole leaf village. It was quite sunny, peaceful, and green. People roamed around, kids played in the streets, and salesmen advertised their merchandise. Life looked so perfect from where she stood, but in reality it was not.

I recollected myself after being astonished by the view and set my sight on the lady behind the desk assuming she was the one in power. She must be the Hokage.

This was the first time we have ever seen the Hokage. She looked like a woman in her thirties with a very thin waist and knowledgeable hazel eyes. She was lovely and quite captivating.

"Who are you?" she demanded. We both flinched at her question and looked at each other in confusion.

"We are the beggars that you called for. You said you wanted to meet and talk to us about something", I answered.

"Uh?"

"You sent Sakura to bring us here".

"Oh, yes yes. I forgot. I called for you a day ago, but I heard from Sakura that you needed surgery on a wound of yours".

"Yes, that was me", I replied.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling great thanks to Sakura-"

"-and Shizune", the Hokage interrupted.

"Huh?" I looked at her bewildered. Who was she talking about, I thought.

"The lady with the pig", she pointed out, "She helped you sleep when you panicked and decided to leave".

"Oh", I said staring gratefully at the lady with the pig. "Thank you", I told her.

"No problem. I was just doing my job really", Shizune replied delightfully.

"Lady Hokage, may we know why you brought us here?" I questioned.

"Yes, of course. Well, the man behind you, Kankuro, overheard part of your life story and he felt bad for the both of you and decided to help you out. He talked with me and the Kazekage of his village and we all came up with a great idea", she began, "We have decided to give Lilly a grant to study in the Sand Village for all four years of high school!" she sputtered ecstatically.

A wide smile spread across my face. I was so overjoyed with happiness that I was literally bouncing and clapping. I began to shed tears of joy and I went over and gave Lilly a bear hug. She smiled as I hugged her, but, for some reason, she wasn't as thrilled as I was.

"She will leave today and get registered at the Sand Village once she arrives. The grant will pay for all her needs like books, uniforms, lunch, and other school related materials", Lady Hokage added, "and most importantly, she will be living in a dorm with other girls her age. So you shouldn't worry".

"Thank you so much Lady Hokage! You don't know how happy this makes me!" I said gleefully while shaking her hand.

"You should thank Kankuro. He is the one who thought of the idea and brought it to my attention".

"Thank you, Kankuro", I said while looking up at him, "Your help is completely appreciated".

"You're welcome", he smiled. He looked at my sister and addressed her, "We'll be waiting for you by the Leaf Village's main gate. In a half an hour we have to head for the Sand Village. Our journey will take three days before we reach it. Please be prepared", and with that he excused himself, and the girl with him, and exited the Hokage's office.

"Shizune, follow Kankuro and his fiancée and help them prepare for their long journey back home", the Hokage ordered.

"Yes ma'am". Shizune left with her pig leaving the three of us in silence.

"Well", I began, "we should be heading to the main gate soon so thank you for everything Lady Hokage".

"No problem. I'm glad to have helped".

Lilly had her hands clutched into fists with her head down. "I'm not going!" she shouted.

"Excuse me?" the Hokage asked in an irritated voice.

"She's joking Lady Hokage! Right Lilly?"

"No! I'm not going!"

"Lilly, this is going to set your future!" I explained loudly.

"I don't want a future!"

"Stop talking nonsense!" I snapped, "You have nothing here! Don't lose this great opportunity!"

Lilly shook her head disappointedly and gave me a weak smile, "You just don't get it do you?"

"What don't I get? That you plan to throw away your future?"

"I don't want a future where I'm alone!" she began miserably, "I will be constantly stressed thinking about what you're suffering through".

I was struck silent for some time. Lilly was afraid for me and my safety? I never thought that she would have such a strong attachment to me. I felt bad for misjudging her. To think of it now, I have always misjudged her. Her effect on me is strong. Without her life is bitter sour…How could I ever dream to live without her?

I cannot image living on the streets without her sweet embrace… I know it will be hard, especially since no one would dare look at me and my face or come near me, but she has to go. Her future is more important than anything… even my life. I have some new acquaintances, I'm pretty sure they plan to help me out.

I kissed her cheek. "Don't worry Lilly, I will be fine", I smiled.

"No you won't! No one will give you money for food or help you out from a psycho attack!" she yelled.

"Lillian, calm down! You should listen to your sister and go. I will take good care of Dominique while you're gone", Lady Hokage interrupted.

"My name is Lilly, not Lillian! I hate being called Lillian!" Lilly growled at the Hokage, "And by the way, you should stop lying Hokage! Where were you when we were starving on the streets of your village? Or when we were frozen solid from the harsh winters? How about when we were robbed of our money or when we were attacked twice by a psycho maniac who almost killed me and Dominique?" Lilly looked angrily at the Hokage, "By the time my first year of high school is over, Dominique would be dead on your streets and you wouldn't care a thing about it!"

I was observing Lilly stunned at her strong argument against the Hokage. I didn't disagree with anything she debated despite the fact that we were in the presence of the strongest woman in the whole village. I gazed at the Hokage and she looked speechless for a second or two. Then she was outraged.

"How dare you!" the Hokage snarled getting up from her chair while slamming her hand on her desk, cracking it under the pressure, "I work my hardest trying to secure my people a better life and you just come along and tell me that I'm not doing my job right!"

"Yeah, well what have you done for the homeless, orphans, and beggars?" Lilly said loudly eyeing the Hokage.

"Lilly drop it and apologize to the Hokage!" I said jumped in in fear of a fist fight approaching.

"No Dominique, she needs to hear this!"

"No she doesn't! She could crush you like a pebble! Now apologize!"

"Fine, I'll drop my question, but since she already heard it, it hardly matters really", Lilly said slyly.

I was quite shocked by the strength Lilly has just shown. I have never seen her so fired up before. I always thought she was this fragile sister of mine. What happened? Has she been pretending to be this sweet innocent sister of mine?

Whatever it was, I was proud of her. She has just proven to me that she could be this independent and resilient sister of mine who could face life's challenges.

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I hadn't noticed the awkward silence that was present. I clapped my hands together and said, "Well, since this argument came to an end, we should be heading to the main gate".

Lilly and the Hokage were still eyeballing each other. It seemed like a ridiculous staring contest to the death. I focused a little more on Lilly and notice that there was a light that lit inside her eyes engulfing her whole vision. Her eyes were on fire, overwhelmed with passion.

"I'm not done talking with Miss Hokage!" Lilly answered with an evil grin.

"Lilly let's go now!" I yelled.

The Hokage raised her hand and dismissed my desire to leave. "Wait Dominique, I want to hear this!" the Hokage pointed at me. "How else would you like to offend me?" the Hokage spat at Lilly.

Now I was officially worried. They were going to beat each other up and I know who was going to win. When I looked at the Hokage I noticed that she was just as psyched up as Lilly was about this dispute! She probably never had anyone talk to her like that before and she, most likely, wants to knock some sense into my little sister.

"Well, I'm actually done offending you and your leadership. I just want to know why Dominique isn't going with me", Lilly said confidently.

"Oh is that so. Well, that is because your trip is paid for, while your sister's is not. Not to mention that you can't afford it and I am not paying for her. So suck it up and leave!" the Hokage answered.

"We have some money!" Lilly hissed. She placed her hands in her pants pockets and took out several cents and threw them on the Hokage's desk. "Here! Is that enough money to get Dominique to the sand?" she asked with an unfriendly voice.

"Ha! The trip is three days long, not to mention expenses you will need for food, water, and possibly shelter!" the Hokage exclaimed defiantly, "That's not enough money to pay a ninja's hard work! Just accept the fact that you are going alone and stop being such a baby!"

"You can pay for her trip!" Lilly began yelling again.

"Not for you I won't! Unless you get on your knees and apologize, then maybe I will think about it!" the Hokage yelled back. She smiled sinisterly as she glared at Lilly.

Lilly was unmoved by this demand. She seemed to expect this reaction from the Hokage. Her face began turning red from anger, at her embarrassment and defeat, as she fell to her knees. This was the first time in my life seeing Lilly angry. Her face was so engulfed by rage that I didn't recognize her anymore. Her face was bloody red, while her forehead was creased from her angered expression. Her eyes darted toward the Hokage watching her every move like a wild animal ready to pounce on her prey.

"I'm sorry", Lilly stated bitterly, "Now can she come?"

The Hokage looked Lilly over one more time and answered, "No!"

Lilly jumped to her feet ready to fight. "Why not?" she growled.

"Because I want you to grow up! Learn how to respect your elders and know how to talk to them! Until then, I won't send your sister after you!"

Lilly clutched her fists and gritted her teeth intensely. I was caught off guard when Lilly stormed and attacked the Hokage, capturing her neck in her hands and forcing her to fall to the ground. They fell behind the desk, hitting the piles of papers and scattering them all over the room.

By this time, I was questioning whether this girl was my sister or not, but I had no time to decide. I ran behind the desk to help the Hokage. Once I reached them I noticed both of their bodies laid unconscious on the ground. Could they have knocked each other out? No way, I thought, Lilly wasn't as strong as the Hokage… but what happened? I gradually advanced toward their bodies to check for injures. Lilly's hands were still enclosed around the Hokage's neck. I knelt on my knees and slowly removed Lilly's hands hoping to save the Hokage herself. Leaning in to check for a heartbeat, I noticed a mark around the Hokage's neck.

"Oh no, not again!" I wailed in fear. I was ready to tear my hair out from what I saw. There was a glowing white parenthesis engraved on the Hokage's skin causing her to become paralyzed.

I will try to upload the next chapter tomorrow because my mother wants me to sleep right now for this big trip with her friend... Sadly, I can't stay home alone and I'm atrustable19 year old :'( Yes my mother is strict... Whodoesn't have astrictmother? Anyway, thank you again for reading. You have no idea the joy that comes to me when I see the number of comments go up.i realized i did forget to say one more thing... the Akatsuki are in this story, it's just their part didn't come up yet.Please do comment. i really do want to hear what you guys have to say (I can't stress that enough!) . Have fun and see you soon.