So we're all in one of those moods, are we? Was something wrong with the last chapter? Don't get me wrong, I'm so grateful for every single review I receive, but I can't help but worry if in one chapter I get 11 reviews and the next I get 5. But thank you very much to those who did review, it means a lot :)

Hyuga09
PenanceGirl
my-threesome
Wannabe-Temari
Random reviewer

Disclaimer: Me no own Naruto, capische?


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Whispers fill the void,

Murmurs haunt your dreams.

Shadows chase the light away,

Reality's not what it seems.

.:{}:.

Gaara Speaks

All I could do was watch her. Watch as she rapidly faded into nothing. I was so confused. That first week, that whole first week, had seen a small amount of improvement. She had been more willing to smile – albeit faintly – and I'd even heard her laugh once. Even the first day of the second week had been fine.

It had been the next day where the changes had taken place. It was like she'd even been knocked off square one, and had been put miles behind where she first started. Her skin was pale and clammy, bruise coloured circles lined her eyes to show lack of sleep, she didn't touch her food… What was wrong? What had happened?

So, I had confronted her. There were multiple things about that meeting that had my mind doing backflips. Who was she apologising to? Why did she almost scream when I touched her? Why did she practically beg me to not hurt her? Why wouldn't she answer my question of when she had last eaten?

The only conclusion that I could come to was that it had started again – whatever abuse she had been suffering from previously. But how? Why? Who? Sakura had approached me and asked if I knew what was wrong, so she obviously had no idea. Besides, the concern in her eyes automatically ruled her out.

Naruto too had noticed something was up. I mean, even someone with an IQ like Naruto's could notice that there was something wrong when the person you were hugging started to scream. That had happened as well, and it was why she had fled to the music rooms in the first place. Naruto, being his overly friendly self, had hugged the poor girl because 'she was looking sad.' I don't think that he'll be trying that again in the near future.

The Blood of Ivory

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Chapter 8


Monday came again – the fourth week since Hinata had arrived. I had my usual classes, and kept an eye on Hinata. It looked like death had warmed up around her. The day passed quickly, and as last period came around, I saw Hinata heading towards the front gates. Sakura was up ahead, so I quickly caught up to her and asked her where Hinata was headed.

"She has a free last, so she goes back to my place."

"Are you sure it's wise leaving her alone in the state she's in?"

Sakura turned worried emerald orbs on me then, her eyes beseeching. "Gaara, I don't know what's happening. I've tried talking to her about it, but she shuts me out. All I can think of is that the change of schools and city must be taking its toll on her. I don't know what else to do other than offer her my comfort, but she doesn't even want that! What can I do, Gaara?"

She seemed so sad, so lost, so worried… "I'll see if I can find out what's going on."

Sakura nodded, a fleeting look of relief flashing in her eyes. "Thanks, Gaara."

I turned to go, planning on following Hinata, before Sakura's caught up to me and spoke in hushed tones. "I asked my parents what had happened to her to get her put into a foster home. They're the ones housing her, they would have obviously been told the bare minimum at least… Mum said that her uncle had raped her since she was eight. I know you won't, but don't go telling people about it, alright? Hinata doesn't know that I know about it. That's all that mum would tell me, anyway. But if that helps, then… Just find out what's happening to her, so that we can help her."

I gave the roseate a nod, before walking out of the front gates.

The way to Sakura's house was pretty simple; barely a ten minute walk from the school. It felt like no time had passed before I was standing outside the simple single-storied house. I went up to the front door, planning to knock, but hesitated millimetres away from the wood. Instinct was telling me to look around first. And so I did.

Sakura's house was much the same as it had always been. A simple flower garden framing the front of the house, neatly mowed lawn and a wooden fence that separated them from their neighbours. The fence left a gap of a good half a metre between it and the sides of the house. Remembering a vague outline of the interior, the guest bedroom was on the left side of the house, and so I took that side. Something told me to be silent. That I'd be in big trouble if I was caught.

And that was when I heard it: A deep, guttural groan, and soft whimpers. I was quick to identify both Hinata's and Sakura's father's voices, but I didn't know what was being said.

Then I heard words… What I heard, I wish I hadn't.

"Scream for me, you little slut. Scream for me when I come."

And I knew why Hinata wouldn't speak. How could she? Who would believe her, if she claimed that Sakura's father was taking advantage of her? Who wouldn't be angry at her? Call her a liar? An attention seeker? And if proof was found, who wouldn't accuse her of seducing Sakura's father, like a whore?

'... Fucked up in the mind,' they'd probably claim.

'... Suffered from her uncle for too long, and now it's addled her wits.'

'... She probably doesn't even know the difference between right and wrong anymore.'

No one would believe her. Sakura's father had an incredible reputation in Konoha. Who do you go to when you need advice? When you just want a friendly chat? Akumu Haruno. Who do you go to when you need to borrow a tool, or a tent for the weekend? Akumu Haruno. Even I hadn't thought him capable of such an act. It made me wonder what had pushed him over the edge. Why would a man like him – a man whom I'd previously looked to as a sort of a father figure – commit such a horrendous crime, against someone who'd already suffered so much?

One thing was certain: This girl needed help, and I was probably the only one who was able to give it to her.


And now, Gaara knows... O_O What's going to happen? I'm not quite sure myself...

So, I've noticed that there's been a few who've favourited and not reviewed... Come on guys, I don't bite. I'd seriously love to hear your thoughts. I'm not asking you to review every chapter (although, I'm not against that either ^_^) but I'd love to hear from you. Tell me what you like. What you don't like. I still don't really know where I'm taking this - I'm making up most of it as I go along. Have any ideas you'd like to see happen? Tell me! I'll try and put that idea in :) (Assuming it's not silly, like 'Hinata gets a pet llama, which she names Ralph. Ralph bites Akumu and saves the day. The end.' Actually... ^_^)

Reviews = Inspiration = faster updates.

Lots of love, SapphireRivulet xox