Disclaimer: The anime series, Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Written By: Moon's Phantom.

Rating: Ages fifteen and up.

Warning: Gore, violence, crude language and death. Also, possible spoilers.

Setting: Alternate Universe


Alternative: Book Two

Sodatsu

Chapter Six: Missing You

His grin was bright, those whisker-marks standing out and folded his arms behind his head as he walked. To her, he seemed so content and happy. It made her feel a little jealous because on the outside, he seemed to have no troubles at all. He did though – have troubles. Everyone did.

They'd been dismissed by Kakashi for the day and he'd immediately chased after her. It had quickly made her uncomfortable, this habit of his where he didn't leave her alone and she'd tried her best to get rid of him…but he was persistent. No matter what she tried, he'd followed her and easily found her. She found it annoying, very annoying.

Thus she couldn't resist asking him. "Uzumaki-san, why do you always follow me?"

He glanced at her, surprised by her attention but delighted nonetheless. "My dad told me he to always follow the light especially when in doubt or when something isn't going your way."

She shot him a confused look and his grin widened, he then said a little flustered. "Your name mean's 'sunny place', doesn't it?'

Shocked, she stopped and stared.

The blond let out a laugh and turned away from her, waving. "Bye, Hinata-chan. See ya tomorrow!"

She continued to stare after him, forgotten memories rising to the surface and climbing to the forefront of her mind. Her little heart growing heavier and sadder…

"Come on, sunshine. Some guests have arrived to see you." Her mother stated with her usual and soothing smile in place. The woman easily picked up her four-year old and gracefully walked through the halls of the compound, greeting everyone she passed. Her dark, indigo locks sweeping behind her like a curtain of silk – she believed her mother the most beautiful lady around. "Do you know why I called you Hinata?"

She shook her head and her mother glanced at her, those lavender eyes soft. "Because when I needed something to take away the doubt or when something wasn't going as planned, I thought of you and I suddenly felt better."

The small Hyuuga gaped then smiled and hugged her mother's neck. "I love you, mommy."

She smiled, bringing her daughter closer and whispered. "I love you too. Now, I want you to remember that when you met your soulmate or any man and when he says you're his sunshine, you must never let go of him and treasure him forever. You understand?"

"Yes, mommy." She nodded enthusiastically in agreement and gasped in delight when her older brother appeared. "Neji-niisan!"

Her brother's stern features relaxed and although he said nothing, the way his hand reached and held hers she knew that she was also important to him. She wanted to make sure. She didn't have doubts, she…just wanted to hear him say it. "Am I your sunshine, niisan?"

He chuckled, squeezing her hand. "Of course."

Her chest ached with sorrow and nostalgia, yet she refused to lower her head. Remembering this had made her sad yes, but it hadn't been sad time – she'd loved her mom and brother dearly as well as any moments with them. She missed them both dearly…even her brother, who'd killed off her clan. She couldn't say she didn't love him anymore for what he'd done, she stilled cared and loved him deeply. She wished to see him again, to embrace him…

…yet…

He killed her clan.

Shaking her head, she entered the Uchiha complex and headed home. The sun was setting, lowering and disappearing behind the horizon's edge; she didn't want to stay out after dark. She hated the dark.


Original

Snippet Six: Blame

Kakashi had told them that their test, to officially become genin, would be to retrieve two bells. It had sounded simple enough…until they had failed.

It's Hinata-freak's fault, Sakura decided and shifted against the ropes. She turned to glare the Hyuuga whom simply stared back with a blank expression and then glowered when she noted Naruto-kun openly fawning over the girl. Within, Inner-Sakura roared and stomped about angrily. Stupid freak! Everything's her fault!

Kakashi sighed. "If you hadn't blindly followed Naruto, you wouldn't have gotten caught. You have no one to blame but yourself, Sakura. I'll be back later, enjoy your lunch you two…and don't share with Sakura. It's her punishment."

She huffed, turning away with a blush – missing Hinata's sympathetic glance.


A/N

Thank you.

Moon's Phantom38