Hey, everybody. So this chapter is a little shorter than the other ones have been. However, I feel like I've spent the most time so far on this one. I don't know why, but I wanted this one to be perfect. I hope you all like it!

Enjoy!

Chapter 6: The Beast from the Dark

Naruto stared out his bedroom window. The sun was rising steadily in the east and Naruto was trying to embrace the morning energy. His attempt was failing. Normally, he was a bright and vibrant personality bouncing along cheerfully with everyone. This morning, on the other hand, he was in a somber mood; brooding over the recent events. He felt restless about what to do. He had barely slept that night because of his growing anxiety about Hinata. He didn't like that look in her eye the night before. It had a resolve that spoke of stupid decisions. Naruto was also worried about Sasuke and the man who had hurt him. That whole ordeal made Naruto furious and he wanted to make the man responsible pay for what he did. Naruto's fists were clenched because of his thoughts and he didn't even realize it. Once he noticed, he released his tension and sat on the side of his bed.

He surveyed his room, grasping any thought that could distract him. The back wall was painted orange and it matched with his black bed frame. The other three walls were white and had posters aligned around them. Pictures of his family and friends were also placed around the room. His favorite picture (a copy of the one Hinata had in the guest bedroom) was placed on his nightstand next to his alarm clock. His room was fairly neat except for his work desk that had piles of ungraded papers on them. Naruto took a deep breath and tried to analyze his next move.

He needed to talk with someone about all this. He couldn't speak to Hinata because of her sorrowful attitude as of late. He hoped it wasn't too early to call Sasuke. His best friend should have been out of the hospital by now and taken home to be cared for by a fussy Sakura. He smirked at the thought of Sakura fretting over him. He picked up his cell phone and dialed Sasuke's number. After a few rings, Sasuke picked up the phone.

"Good morning, Naruto," a voice said over the line. Sasuke sounded drained and Naruto knew the reason. "Please tell me you got some sleep?" Naruto couldn't help but form a small smile. Sasuke knew him so well.

"A little bit. Maybe an hour or two. I'm really worried about Hinata, Sasuke," he said as he fully started to release his tension. "I'm afraid she's going to leave. I thought we'd made so much progress and now she wants to throw it all away. I can't lose her, Sasuke." Naruto was letting out all of his pent-up emotions now. He could always talk to Sasuke about his worries. Right now, he had a burning in his throat and he wanted it to go away. He felt like he was going to choke. "She means so much to me. She's going to leave me, Sasuke. I don't know what I'm going to do." Naruto sounded like he was whining. He felt so pitiful but he knew Sasuke wasn't thinking that.

Naruto could hear Sasuke take an exasperated breath on the other line. "She's still there, right?"

"Yeah." Naruto also took a breath. At that moment, he realized where his friend was going with this.

"Then you have a chance. She hasn't actually left, yet. No matter how much she talks about it, she's still there. You have to keep her there, Naruto. As long as she is with you, she's safe." Sasuke was always calm in these situations. His voice was always filled with reason and understanding. He had come a long way since they were kids. Naruto knew that what he was saying was right but he couldn't shake this growing fear. This feeling felt like his nerves were being gnawed away by frustration.

"What if she does leave, then she never comes back? I can't force her to stay here. That would make me no better than Freddie. She has to want to stay here," Naruto stated while looking back out his window.

"She's still there, though," Sasuke retorted. "There's something still there that makes her want to stay. If there wasn't, she wouldn't be there. She still wants to be with you, Naruto. You just have to make sure that whatever you're doing that is keeping her there, you keep doing. Does that make sense?" Sasuke's check for clarification felt strained but Naruto knew it was because of his own worries. Naruto felt like water was surrounding him and he had a weight strapped to him. The water was filling his eyes, ears, and nose and there was no escape from it all. The gnawing anxiety and drowning feeling were not a nice mix. However, Sasuke was offering him reason and that logic was his lifeline. He decided to grasp for it.

"Yeah, it makes sense," he said, grasping for his friend's figurative hand. "Thanks, Sasuke. I just needed to talk to someone about this. I know what I have to do. How's your arm? Sakura giving you a hard time?" Sasuke gave a chuckle on the other line.

"Yeah, she is. But she looks good doing it. My shoulder hurts a bit, but it's not as bad as Kakashi's old training. My muscles can handle a knife but what Kakashi put us through was a living hell." Naruto couldn't help but laugh with Sasuke over the phone. They were great friends and Sasuke had always been there for him. They appreciated each other and had an unbreakable bond. "Anyways, I better go. Update me on how Hinata's doing, OK? Bye."

"Ok, bye," Naruto said as he hung up the phone. Naruto gazed out his window at the city skyline. He felt better after talking with Sasuke but something told him things weren't going to run smoothly for much longer. He felt a tension in the air and it was only going to get thicker.

Sasuke hung up his phone and relaxed into the couch. Sakura glided over to him with a cup of hot cocoa. She was wearing a pretty, pink dress with an apron over it. Her hair was tied back and she had a happy grin on her face. Sasuke knew that she didn't like it when he was wounded or sick, but she really seemed to enjoy herself when it came to taking care of him. She lowered the cup onto the coffee table next to him and addressed him. "Who was that, honey?" One of Sakura's eyebrows was raised in curiosity.

"Naruto. He's just worried about Hinata. I told him that she hasn't left yet, so he still has a chance." He glanced down at the cup his wife had brought him. "Thanks for the cocoa." He picked up the cup and began to drink the sweet liquid.

Sakura's brow creased in thought and she sat down next to Sasuke on the couch. "I think you're right. He does have a chance. I've never seen Naruto so focused on a girl before, even back when we were dating," she mused with a pensive expression. "He was rather clingy with me, too. He really is completely infatuated with this girl."

Sasuke nodded with a small smile on his face. "You're right. He's rather smitten by her. I'm really glad too. She's a nice girl." Sakura gave Sasuke a disbelieving look. Sasuke wasn't known to give compliments to people. When he said something about someone, he meant it. Sakura beamed at her husband.

"I'm a nice girl too, right? You love me more than Naruto loves Hinata, right?" Sakura was teasing him and Sasuke couldn't help but take the bait.

"I don't think anyone could love a person as much as I love you." Sakura was satisfied by that answer and gave him a kiss on the lips. She smiled and moved closer to him. Sasuke winced when she touched his bandaged shoulder.

Sakura backed away with a concerned look. "Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie. Do you want some more painkillers?"

Sasuke shook his head. He really hated meds. "No, I don't need any more of those. Thanks, Sakura."

Sakura nodded and stood up. She was about to head into the kitchen but she turned to Sasuke. "Do you really think Hinata won't leave?"

Sasuke wanted to lie to her. He wanted to tell her that Hinata would never leave Naruto. He wanted to believe in his wishful thinking and deceive both of them. The truth, however, was sometimes very cruel, but it was still the truth. "I don't know," he stated gravely.

Sakura gave him a look of unease. She didn't know the answer either and she was certain that Naruto felt the same way.

Naruto was fixing breakfast when Hinata entered the main room of the apartment. Kurama ran up to Hinata panting happily. She scratched him behind the ears and looked up at Naruto. She appeared like she didn't get much sleep last night either. Naruto was cooking some eggs on a pan and met her gaze. "Good morning. Breakfast is almost ready." Hinata nodded and sat down at the dining table. Naruto brought the food out on a plate and they started to eat. The meal was eaten in silence and both parties were focused on their thoughts.

Hinata wanted to say something to Naruto but she felt distant and unresponsive. Her mind was so conflicted with choices. Once they had cleared their plates, Naruto took them over to the sink and began washing them. Kurama must have known something was wrong because he trotted over to Hinata and pawed at her feet, whimpering. Hinata stroked the dog's soft fur and looked over at Naruto. He really was ahandsome man, she thought. His angular cheekbones, his strong chin, his thin lips, and his sharp, piercing blue eyes had created a stately face. Hinata couldn't help but blush at his features. Naruto met her gaze and Hinata didn't turn away from it. She wanted to keep staring at him forever. That thought only made her sadder. She couldn't stay forever and she knew it. She still didn't know why she was still with him. Staying longer was just going to make it more difficult to leave in the end. Despite all of that, there was something keeping her there with him. She had no idea what it could be, but it had something to do with Naruto.

Naruto smiled softly at her gaze. He had been admiring her features, as well. Finally, he said something: "Would you like to go for a walk?" He was still restless and a nice walk in the park was something he desperately needed. He had a feeling that Hinata needed it too.

"OK," she stated. A few minutes later, the two were dressed in warm coats and scarfs and they were walking down the sidewalk towards one of the city's many parks. Hinata was wearing a pink pea coat and Naruto was garbed in a warm-looking, black jacket. They arrived at the park Naruto was familiar with and strolled along one of the paths. The park was filled with gorgeous trees dressed in the deep, cascading colors of autumn. The maple trees created a fantastic picture of gold and red that mesmerized Hinata. The myriad of colors were known to trap strolling patrons with their hypnotizing beauty. The pace of the duo was slow and pleasant with no particular destination in mind. They had reached the park's small lake and stared out onto it.

The lake's mirror-like water reflected the beautiful hues of pigments that the trees were showing off. Naruto cleared his throat and looked over at Hinata. "I'm really glad that you're here with me," he confessed. Hinata's eyes concentrated on his, the lavender-white pools enveloping him in their elegance.

"I'm glad too, but…" Hinata looked down at the water. She couldn't look at him when she was so unsure of herself.

"But what? Hinata, please. You need to talk to me. I can't help you if you don't communicate with me." Naruto's expression was serious with a slight crease on his brow. Hinata couldn't help but find it cute despite the circumstances.

"I want to Naruto, but...it's not so simple. I can't just tell you what's going on." Her nagging worry was surrounding her. Her fear and shame were taking over again. Shame. She had so much shame. The feeling of constant self-doubt that made a person question their very value in life. Human nature was known to constantly doubt itself. The feeling of never quite feeling good enough was a common one to Hinata. Life was filled with so much shame and regret and Hinata felt like it was all surrounding her. Shame was a cold shroud that circled around its victims and would slowly squeeze their lives away. The worst thing about shame was that humans created it. They wholeheartedly fabricated it into being and would cradle its cold existence. Hinata was embracing shame like an old friend and she didn't want to let go. Shame had a funny way of not wanting to be noticed. It always knew that if it was brought to light, it would be obliterated immediately. So it would hide itself. However, Naruto was a man that was proficient at bringing feelings like that out into the light.

"Why not?" Naruto asked, no longer caring what her response would be. She needed to know what she was doing to him. "Because you're afraid of how I'll react? Are you afraid of what you'll say? Why do you have so much fear, Hinata? What did they do to you?" Naruto's eyes were alight with emotion as he spoke. "I know that I said I would give you all the time you need, but please Hinata. Tell me what happened. You don't have to hide anything anymore. Tell me everything." Naruto was breathing hard and his face was red. He knew that if she told her story, then maybe she would have a reason to stay. She would have someone to share her life with. Maybe she wouldn't leave him.

Hinata was dumbfounded by his words. Her mouth was agape and her pale eyes bore into his. Is this what she had been doing to him? Had she been so selfish of her own problems and thoughts that she had neglected Naruto? She was so focused on her worries that she had overlooked one of the only people who was trying to help her. She wasn't sure what she should do. She could have just left then and there and never have come back, or she could have given him what he wanted. She couldn't help but think of Marcy's story and how she had become a different person by getting help. Maybe she could get help too. Hinata had been inspired by Marcy's story. She wanted to reach that level that Marcy was at and she knew that she would have to jump over her doubt to reach it. This world was cold and Hinata's feelings were frigid, but Naruto was promising warmth. Hinata had become so accustomed to the cold that she had forgotten what warmth had felt like. When she had felt it again from her first encounter with Naruto, she had clung to the warmth. Now she had to decide whether she could survive without that warmth. Maybe it was time to take a risk. Maybe this was a new beginning for Hinata. Maybe it was time to open up.

Hinata took a deep breath and backed away to a secluded bench behind them. Naruto followed close behind her. The bench was surrounded by trees and was away from the main path. They would be out of earshot. She sat down on the bench and Naruto sat adjacent to her. The trees around them were covered in gold and created a beautiful scene. Hinata felt this place was perfect for her tale. She kept her eyes forward and softly spoke. "OK, I'll tell you everything. I'll tell you my story, Naruto."

Kabuto was standing in Freddie's office with a sling around his broken arm. Freddie's back was to him and Kabuto swore he saw steam coming from his bald head. "I can't fucking believe it! You stab this guy and he breaks your goddamn arm!? What the fuck is with these guys? Are they actually ninja or are we just a bunch of goddamn pussies?" Freddie turned around to face Kabuto. His beady eyes glared at him.

Kabuto just gave him a blank stare. Kabuto was not afraid of Freddie. He wasn't technically his boss. There was only one man on this earth that Kabuto was afraid of and something told Kabuto that he would be entering this game soon. He was getting annoyed with Freddie but he knew he couldn't take out his frustration on the little guy. Kabuto was as irate as he could be and he wished he could take it out on someone. He decided to speak to Freddie, even though he didn't really care about his troubles. "The guy was good," Kabuto said with a shrug. "Whatever; I can't take him by myself. There's probably more like him too. We need more help and you know it. I'm pretty much useless until my arm heals so what are you going to do about it?"

Freddie's veins were bulging from his neck in frustration. Freddie was sick of Kabuto and his actions, but the man was speaking truth. Freddie knew what he had to do. He was just reluctant to actually do it. He massaged his temples tiredly and reached for his cell phone. He dialed the number that he always dreaded calling. It was the man's personal number that only his direct subordinates knew of. After a few beats, the soft voice spoke from the receiver. Freddie felt shivers run down his spine when he heard that voice. He always felt that way when he spoke to him. "Hello, Freddie. Is there a problem?" the voice asked.

Freddie felt his throat get tight and his voice responded in a squeaky manner. "Yes, sir. There is. We've lost the Hyuuga girl. I had sent Kabuto to fetch her back but our opponents are far stronger than I anticipated. Kabuto is injured and needs some time to heal. I require your assistance if we are to get her back." Freddie said the words in a professional manner but he felt like they were rushed. His boss always demanded respectful and courteous speech from whomever he talked with. He was always nervous talking to his boss.

The soft, but strangely eerie voice spoke over the line. "I see. Well, we certainly can't have her running about, now can we? Don't worry, Freddie. I'm sure you've done all you can up to this point. I'll send you some extra men and once Kabuto has fully healed, you can use them to get our Hyuuga heiress back. How does that sound?" Freddie couldn't believe his luck. His employer was being extremely gracious today. This was a rare experience and Freddie planned to take full advantage of it.

"Yes, sir! That would be most appreciated, sir! Thank you, sir!" Freddie's anger and anxiety had completely dissipated. Now, all he felt was relief and excitement.

His boss gave a small chuckle. "Very good, then. I'll leave the rest to you. Good luck. Bye, Freddie."

"Goodbye, sir!"

Freddie hung up the phone and took a deep, sweet breath of relief. They were going to get Hyuuga girl back for sure. He had forgotten why he had been so scared to speak to his employer. Everything was going to be fine, he told himself. However, for the rest of the day, after constant reassurances and encouragements from his men, Freddie still didn't completely believe that.

James Zetsu hung up his phone and turned to his secretary. "Janice? Would you please call my brother and have him send some men over to Freddie's for me? Send some good fighters; he's going to need it." His secretary bowed in submission and walked to her desk. Most secretaries would have their own office but James Zetsu preferred to have his secretary next to him. He liked to see his subordinate's faces. He turned his chair to face his office window and looked out onto his city's skyline. As the current mayor of the city, he was quite proud of his achievements over the last twenty-five years of his term in office. His smile broadened on his face as he marveled at his beautiful city. Zetsu's face was legendary in the city. He was considered quite handsome for his age. At fifty-three years-old, he was looking healthy and strong. His hair was jet-black with some gray forming around his sideburns. If anything, the gray made his face more debonair. He was, however, not renowned for his high cheekbones nor his piercing, ice-blue eyes. No, his most striking feature was his smile.

His smile either made a person squirm with lust or shiver with fear. It was either the most grotesque smile a person had ever seen or the most seductive one. Nevertheless, it was a huge smile that perfectly described the man who owned it. James Zetsu was not angry at his subordinate's apparent failures. No, he was excited because he had forgotten all about the Hyuuga heiress and now he had remembered. He had forgotten everything that he had done to the Hyuuga family and now he was recalling all of it. He had loved that whole experience and his memories were making him smile. It had been a long time, since he last smiled like that. At that moment, a regular person would have compared James Zetsu to a feral beast that had just awoken from its slumber. A beast that had just emerged from its dark cave. A beast from the darkness.

So this week is my Finals Week so I'm not going to have a lot of free time. Or I might actually have more than I think I will. We'll see, I guess. Rate and review, please. Let me know what you think so far. Take care.

-CM