For the people that have read… thanks. I know I'm not an expert but I try to improve. Note: Seishin/Reishi is purely the spiritual energy.

Chapter 8

Blood, screams, his father last smile. Hikaru shouted in the middle of the night, panting and clutching his chest. The images in his mind went too quickly to remember it all but he knew what it means. Sweating and feeling like flames surrounded him he left the covers aside, concealing the light in the room in his hands. He hated it every time it happened, already the same questions flew on his mind like angry bees, wild and making him crazy.

Hikaru shivered at the cold feeling of a towel, few droplets falling, he didn't say anything because he couldn't face her. How can he? How can he look in her mint-green eyes and say everything was fine? That he was in control, that he was strong and brave. Yet, her tiny hands surrounded him like before. Caressing softly his hair, tiny circles relaxed his posture enough to face her. Kaoru teary eyes and worried face were a strange sight in the night.

Still she took his hand and squeezed it, while cleaning his face with tender care. He didn't mind but felt guilty every time it happened. Maybe it was around the fifth time it happened that he stopped pushing her away. Maybe it was the tenth time she came and comforted him. Maybe it was the fact that he didn't say out loud, but she understood. Kaoru took her place, pulled him alongside and leaned her head in his chest. Hikaru accepted her hug, stroking her head softly and feeling less fear. Both knew but didn't wanted to say it, nightmares won't come if they were together.

One day after that, when Hikaru was glancing at the window from his classroom he sighed. Something felt particularly wrong, but he didn't know what, his instincts were confusing him this days. It was lunch time, but he didn't feel hungry. He jumped a bit feeling a hand in his shoulder, one girl with brown pigtails and glasses was asking something, but he didn't pay much attention because his vision was blurred.

Black spots. Dizziness. The sudden light in the emptiness, was enough to blink. Yet Hikaru was confused, he was in a foreign room.

"Don't try to move yet, she is sleeping" a hearty unmistakable voice said. Hikaru glimpsed at Shisui, a hand in a little bundle at his side. A closer peek revealed Kaoru, who was sleeping at his side. Shisui smiled, looking at her while massaging the girl at his side.

"What? Why is she…"

"Ran all the way here, the boys get her before me. Don't blame me, just thank her later" Shisui explained briefly

"Do you have to be so cryptic all the time?" Hikaru complained, the older boy laughed.

"Sure, you like it don't try to deny it. I must leave, take care of her, she must be tired"

"Is she okay?" Hikaru asked worried.

"For now, next time Kaoru will do better." With those final words he left, Hikaru thought for a moment. His body felt light, sensing a familiar aura in his body as if his chakra had increased in warm waves. Then he understood, Kaoru finally learned to convey her seishin to others. Hikaru tried to wake her in vain, grateful for her efforts he decided to let her sleep more comfortable with him.


Akane feigned not seeing the little acts of kindness from Hikaru. She didn't make a comment when he brought a new hair pin to Kaoru. A beautiful sakura flower accompanied with a fan and little droplets that seemed like water that shines in the sun. She looked at other side when he came with two pairs of kimono in one hand and practically ran to his room.

Like a good auntie she didn't mock his over protectiveness the following days when Shisui finally came with Itachi to start a new schedule of training for Kaoru. Well it was awkward since Hikaru offered, well more like demanded,training as well. Both new the "training sessions" were more like seishin control methods. She almost hit him in exasperation when Kaoru returned with a restrictive seal and Hikaru was beyond angry, it was amazing how Itachi didn't shut him even once the following hours.

Akane routine changed as well, now he spend time with the little trouble makers buying enough time to keep the training sessions a secret. Of course, she hated it, but it was better, she didn't want to think what could happen if they get hurt by accident. She smiled every time Hikaru arrived home with Kaoru riding his back. Those times, she noticed how strong he was, how his eyes changed from the wariness it had before. How his face resembled more the best traits of his parents, but most of it she valued the smile he had now, she could swear it was the same as her sister.

She was a bit hesitant to embrace all this at first, but after this long time in the village her walls were falling apart. It was hard to keep them, watching these children at her side moved her beliefs and heart in a drumming pattern. Akane enjoyed Kaoru's innocence and fast mouth. Like that time at lunch when the kids were talking about their heroes and Sasuke nearly suffocated after Kaoru proclaimed Shisui as the best shinobi. Since then, the little Uchiha has the mission to prove his brother to her. It leads to a weird and funny fight in which Naruto decided to be part at the end. The little sunshine of mischief was so easy to love, Akane did wonder sometimes if she had a child like Naruto, would she be proud or frightened? Sometimes the energy of that boy rivaled her own, it was hard to keep up.

Akane was truly happy and scared at first, but after discovering how Hikaru and Kaoru were supporting each other, she finds it more difficult to ignore. She suspected that Hikaru was growing up with a better sense of purpose now. Smiling because even if he didn't like to talk much of himself, she was observant. Hikaru found a good friend in Shisui, it was unexpected to be honest. If it weren't the fact that her nephew offered to make food for training, sure she won't have suspected.

Even more after discovering that he accepted a gift from the older boy, it was a simple kunai pouch, but the gesture was enough to make her happy. Since Hikaru was the type of hothead that wanted to get everything by himself. One thing she enjoyed, mocking him, that nonsense of manly ego sure had to be hereditary.

Akane wasn't sure where to put Itachi, maybe Hikaru still felt a bit apprehensive around him from our first meeting. It was a wonder how people made life so different, a year almost passed, and the truth is that little by little, a seed of purpose has been growing inside. Despite the uncertain, these village represented hope. She really wanted to do something for all of them but didn't have idea of what to do.

Glancing at the window in the tea store she left her mind wander as civilians walked happily in the market. Now that she pays attention, they were more than usual, and something was playing. A soft tune was heard among the chatter, it sounded familiar. Listening in silence until her surprise made her go out there. Memories of her home, the smiles of dancing people surrounded by the gentle light of the lanterns in the Stone Road, music and songs playing with reverence. An arrangement of red colors offered to the great altar and her sister besides Isamu-sama wearing the traditional clothes.

Finally, in front of those musicians, a sole tiny harp had her sole attention. It has been a long time since the last time she played and how much she missed it. Until now she hadn't seen any instruments like this here, with that in mind and her instinct in charge she advanced with one purpose to the little man.