Nariko

Chapter 9: Kaa-san

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Disclaimer: If you want to read disclaimers that all say the same thing, then ask me to make a disclaimer fanfic, sheesh!

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It was dark, she was wet from tears and blood, cold, not to mention homeless. Nariko sat by a pond, crying her little eyes out. Nariko had known that they had hated her, but not to the point of killing her for defending herself. But the reason was no mystery; everything made sense now, even to her seven-year-old self.

"It's all your fault," she said, "It's all your fault Kyuubi no Kitsune; you ruined my life."

The fox didn't reply to her.

"I know you're there!" she exclaimed, "You're merged with me for some reason, reply or I'll kill myself!"

That's a bit extreme kit.

"I knew that'd get you to say something," she said.

"It was going to happen sooner or later anyways," she added quietly.

You blame me when it's actually those closed-minded villager's fault. Don't kill yourself because of them; why not make their lives Hell instead?

The blonde didn't reply. She wanted to kill them so badly, to get revenge for almost killing her on more than one occasion. But… it would be wrong.

"I can't," she verbally replied, "Hokages, present or future can't kill their people."

So you're going to defend those who have tried to kill you, correct?

Nariko clenched her fists in anger. The fox was right; she wanted them dead. But doing so would be going against her morals.

"No, stop trying to make me evil!" she exclaimed, "I won't do it!"

I'm not TRYING to do anything kit; I'm just looking out for you.

Nariko rolled her moist eyes at that comment.

"Like you care."

I'm not evil, believe it or not. I'm just a bit vengeful and morbid at times…

"Then why the heck did you attack Konoha and ruin my life?" she demanded.

The Kyuubi didn't respond. The blonde was getting irritated at the youkai's silentness. Finally the great fox spoke.

It is not a tale you would like to hear kit.

"And neither is having my village try to assasin me because of you."

Fine, I will tell you; but under two conditions. You must not interrupt me and that I am not forced to repeat myself.

Nariko agreed, and the Kyuubi began her tale.

-

It was a warm clear night, and I was hunting for my kit. It was nothin unusual about that night, not yet. As I got closer to my den, I found the horrid smell of blood. I broke into a run for my kit, afraid of the truth that was in store for me. When I enterd, I found the bloody lifeless carcas of my kit. I won't try to scar your young mind with details, but… it was a horrible sight to see. As a mother, I ran over to her body, trying to find a sign that she was still alive. While there, I smelled another scent; man. Looking around, I found him escaping while I was distracted by my kit. I don't remember much about him since my kit's blood was everywhere, but I did see a shining hitai-ate with the leaf symbol on it. Immediately, I blew up in rage and charged towards the village to get my revenge on that man. I wasn't thinking and just tore through everything in my path to find him. Of course, the nin of the village fought hard against me, but it wasn't enough. That is when I believe the fourth Hokage of your village sealed me into you. And after all those years, here we are.

-

The fox waited while the blonde took all the information all in. After a while, she spoke.

Now who's the silent one?

The blond paused before speaking.

"So it's not your fault, but the fourth Hokage's that my life is miserable?"

Yes, from what I can see.

"Why would a Hokage do that to me and make my life miserable?"

I'm not very good with human culture, but I believe it is because he wanted what was best for all of Konoha.

"Does that mean I'm not part of this village?"

I am not good with human affairs, but in any kitsune clan, if one is hated by all then they are no longer one of us.

There was along period of silence once again.

"W-what's it like to be a youkai?" she asked.

That is a strange question, like if I asked you what it was like to be human.

"I don't know," she replied, "I'm not treated like one, so I'm not."

Kyuubi felt pity for the girl. No child should go through that, even if they were a weak human. She also felt that her vessel's personality was painfully much like her dead kit's.

Can I make an offer to you kit?

"What is it?"

Because I am sealed within you, my chakra merges with yours. Eventually you will become a hanyou, and possible quite close to a full-blooded youkai.

She didn't reply.

When I am released, with your help of course, I will turn you into one of my clan and take you away from this place you call home.

Nariko thought it over.

'I could finally have a family…' she thought.

Just the thought of finding a better life filled her with joy, more tears threatening to come out of her eyes.

"Th-th-thank you," she said.

Stop; you're acting pathetic. I may not be evil, but I'm not tolerant to tears.

Nariko quickly wiped her eyes.

"What should I do?" she asked.

Go to that nearby cave, it will provide a decent shelter.

The blonde complied and went to the small cave near the pond. The rocks were covered with moss, inside and out. The inside was crowded by a whole bunch of other rocks. Walking past the jagged rocks, Nariko found a large area with a roof that was high enough that a taller man wouldn't get a concussion.

"This is great!" Nariko exclaimed, her voice echoing throughout the walls.

It was much nicer than her apartment, not to mention cleaner too even if it was just a cave.

"But dark…" she added.

The only light came from the sun coming in through the opening, leaving the cave to be quite dim.

This is why I will teach you one of your first jutsu.

Nariko began quite excited, jumping up and down at the thought.

"What is it?"

It's a simple fire jutsu close to what you humans use. It's like regualr fire, but when you have kitsune blood, it uses very little chakra when you are able to control it. It's called Kitsune Kaen (Fox Flame)

After many hours, Nariko was able to light her new home.

-

Shikamaru leaned against the tree in the academy yard. Nariko hadn't come to the academy for the past few days. He didn't understand why she hadn't shown up, but he figured it was none of his business. Hinata cautiously came up to shikamaru while he was looking at the clouds.

"E-e-excuse me," she began.

Althought Hinata didn't stutter around Nariko, she still felt uncomfortable with the lazy boy.

"H-h-have you s-seen her today?" she finished.

He shook his head.

"I haven't seen her for a few days," he replied.

"Oh…"

"Hey guys!" a loud voice called to the two.

They turned to find their blonde friend running up to them. When she reached them, she put on her usual foxy grin.

"How're you doing?" she asked in her normal energetic mannor.

Both stared at her. Nariko gave them a puzzled look before passing it off as nothing. Hinata was lost for words and looked like she was going to faint while Shikamaru tried to advert his eyes.

"What the heck is wrong?!" she demanded.

"Have you noticed what you're wearing?" Shikamaru asked.

"Uh, clothes?"

He groaned. Nariko thought that she would come back to her friends later after she told their senseis that she had come back.

"I'll be back!" she yelled before running off.

She ran over to Iruka and Mizuki who were over looking the students.

"Iruka-sensei! Mizuki-sensei!" she called, "I'm back! Your BEST student ever, Uzumaki Naruto!"

Both chunin looked over at her and took a doubletake.

"Naruto?!" Iruka asked, "What happened to you?"

She pouted.

"What is everyone's problem today? Am I diseased or something?" she demanded.

Kit, I think it has to do with your clothes.

The blonde looked down and realized what was wrong. Her clothes were covered in soot from her failed attempts at making fire and her own blood from the attack only days ago.

She mouthed a silent 'oh'.

"I'm ok," she began, "Actually, I've never been better."

She confirmed this with a big smile. Ever since Kyuubi's promise, she had been much happier. When the teachers didn't reply, she just ran back over to her friends.

"So, get it yet?" Shikamaru asked.

"Heh…" she mumbled.

"Where d-d-did all that blood c-c-come from?" Hinata asked.

"Oh, all this?" Nariko asked, "Um… I don't kow who they are, but some thugs who tried to beat me to death along with my own."

They way she said it in that upbeat tone was just plain creepy.

"So…" Nariko began, not knowing what to say.

I can tell that today will just be GREAT…

-

Uchiha Sasuke looked at his new 'rival' who was making a fool of himself.

"He'll never be a shinobi or be better than me," he said to himself.

But looking closer, the Uchiha noticed that the blonde's clothing was covered in old blood, giving it a rust-red color.

'That's a lot of blood…' he thought.

Then an idea came into his mind.

Sasuke casually walked over to the blonde, and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Hey Uzumaki," he began.

The blonde whirled around, a scowl on his face as soon as he reconized Sauke.

"What do you want Uchiha?"

"I challenge you to a spar after we get out."

"You're on!" he replied.

-

Nariko glared Sasuke in the eye, taking his challenge.

"Good," the Uchiha replied, "Today when we work on fighting, we're both going to go all out, got it?"

"Yeah, yeah; don't worry your pretty little face," she replied.

When the Uchiha left, Shikamaru groaned.

"What?" she asked.

"You know you're going to get a beating, right?" he asked.

Nariko's smile faded. She gave him a grave look.

"That pretty-boy couldn't bruise a tree, let alone me."

That's a horrible comparason.

'I don't care!' she thought-shouted back.

"G-g-good luck," Hinata stuttered.

"Yeah, you're going to need it."

-

Both rivals entered a clearing in the forest along with quite a few spectators. Almost immediately, Sasuke stepped up first, ready to take down his opponent. Nariko also stepped up, just as determined to take him down.

'This time, he won't over power me with fire,' she thought.

If you learned correctly these past few days, that would be out of the question.

Nariko didn't reply; she had to get ready to fight back.

Sasuke jumped forward, ready to strike. Nariko got ready for the hit. As he came closer, she jumped aside and brought her leg out for a kick. But Sasuke trained every moment he could, either by his father or older brother. He got out of her reach and turned to counterattack. His fist came towards her and made contact with her right shoulder.

Kit, take him down like you did the thugs.

Nariko nodded and tackled the Uchiha. Sasuke hadn't expected that; he was accustomed to street fighting. While he was on the ground, Nariko threw a fire-coasted fist at his face. Right after her fist made contact, Sasuke threw her off while he rubbed his slightly burned cheek. Nariko rolled in the dirt befor ecolliding with a tree.

"When did you learn katon jutsu?" Sasuke demanded.

"Aw, is pretty-boy jealous?" Nariko teased.

The Uchiha jumped out at her, ready to attack. Nariko rolled out of the way, hoping that he would collide with the tree, which he didn't… He wasn't at all like the thugs.

It's probably because he isn't drunk and because he's trained by the best.

'How do you know this?' Nariko mentally asked.

I actually pay attention to what's going on around this village.

But during this short conversation, Sasuke had managed to get a punch in which made Nariko reel back. The punch was enough to draw a little blood.

"Face it; you don't have a chance. My family is the best and has trained me so while you have no one."

Nariko growled. The Kyuubi, who she had teased by calling her 'Kaa-san' was NOT a no one to her.

"That's what you think," she retorted, "But you are SO wrong. Compared to those other guys, this is nothing!"

She wiped the blood from her face. The fight continued, a pure taijutsu battle that she was slowly losing. During the few days she had spent in thr forest, Nariko ahd only learned how to make fire and control running with chakra. Basically, she was hopeless in taijutsu. At the moment, she was on the ground from a punch delivered to the stomach.

"I told you," Sasuke stated, "You're not good enough."

He walked up to her and kicked her hard before she could get up. She hit the poor tree again. He once again kicked her, this itme he put some chakra behind it and she went flying.

Kit, what's wrong with you?

'I suck at taijutsu, and he's better than any of those villagers, even if he IS only seven…'

You may be young, but I know you're no quitter; get up!

Nariko slowly got up, but Sasuke was running, ready to attack.

'I won't be able to block it!' she panicked.

As he threw a punch, a dark red blur shot through the bushes and grabbed onto his arm.

"What the heck is this?!" he cried out.

On the Uchiha's arm was a fox who was digging his teeth into the boys arm.

Although you're only a jinchuuriki, the foxes of the forest are still connected to you it seems…

Sasuke pulled the animal off his arm and threw it at the tree. Nariko ran for the poor animal and picked it off the ground.

"Why did you do that?!" Nariko demanded, "It's just a poor fox!"

"That animal bit me!" he exclaimed.

Nariko looked at the fox and noticed that it was frail looking, and the throw did nothing to help it. She carefully stroked it, and when her hand passed over its leg the fox shuddered.

Broken leg.

Nariko growled at Sasuke, her anger rising.

"You broke this poor starving fox's leg!"

"It should learn not to attack humans," Sasuke stated.

"It's ok," she said to the fox, "I'll put this jerk in his place."

Nariko walked over to Hinata and gently put the fox in the girl's arms before returning to the spar. Tired of waitng, Sasuke charged, ready to end it. But Nariko was angry. The fox had only tried ot help her and it got hurt; she didn't like that. The blonde also charged at Sasuke, but her hand was outstretched, just like a claw.

'Please work,' she thought.

Sasuke's fist collided against Nariko's jaw, as her now flaming 'claw' hit him in the stomach.

'I did it!' she exclaimed just as she hit the ground.

I guess you did use that technique that I taught you. I thought you couldn't.

'Well, I was just angry about that starved fox and…'

Anger is a great advantage, yet a great disadvantage at the same time.

Nariko didn't reply; she still had to win!

-

Shikamaru looked on, confused on what had happened. Nariko had been losing badly, and then some scrawny fox jumped out to defend her. It made the blonde angry and she attacked the Uchiha with some new fire technique.

Meanwhile, the fangirls were screaming when their 'beloved Sasuke' got hit hard while most of the guys were cheering.

-

Sasuke was confused. The wimp had just hit him with fire over a stupid fox.

'How could he know something I don't? I'm the one from an upstanding family!'

He tried to get up, but it hurt. But he would not let himself lose a second time to the blonde.

-

Nariko got up and wiped the blood dripping from her jaw off. There was no doubt that that punch hurt, but she had to win, even if it was just a spar. She advanced forward on the Uchiha who was slowly rising and socked him in the face. The fangirls screamed again. Deciding that he wasn't going to keep fighting, Nariko ran over to Hinata who was still holding the fox.

"Can I see him?" Nariko asked.

Hinata nodded and she carefully moved the creature into her friend's arms.

"We need to find a vet. Shikamaru? Where can we find a vet?"

He shrugged.

"Thanks Mister Helpful."

"You sh-should as Kiba-san," Hinata sugested.

"Good idea!" Nariko exclaimed, "Hey Kiba! Where can I find a vet to heal this guy?"

The Inzuka looked at her.

"My sister is starting to be a vet, maybe she can help."

"Cool, let's go!"

"What about you? You just got beaten pretty hard."

"I'm fine; I heal fast…"

-

Nariko walked out of the vetinary clinic with the fox who had a cast on his leg. She was told that it would be bst if he healed naturally. Hinata had come along while Shikamaru said that it would be too troublesome to walk that far. Kiba waved to them as they left.

"Nariko?" Hinata asked when they were out of earshot, "What's his name?"

"Who's name?" she asked.

Our foxy friend.

'You Kaa-san?' she asked mentally.

Baka! The youkai in your arms!

'He's a youkai?'

Yes, but he's in his one-tailed form at the moment. He's starved for some odd reason.

"I don't know," Nariko replied, "Let's ask him!"

She looked down to the fox.

"As thanks for helping me, I'm gonna get you some well-diserved food, but first, what's your name?"

"I don't think he can reply," Hinata commented.

The fox yipped a few times.

'What'd he say Kaa-san?' Nariko silently asked.

I can't believe I didn't recognize him from before; he is one of my kits, Takeshi.

'Then why is he in such bad shape?'

Takeshi was rejected by the clan for medling with human affairs. He surprsingly took it graciously without complaint; it's good to see him.

"His name is Takeshi," Nariko stated, "And his mother is queen of all foxes."

"H-how do you know that?"

The blonde smiled.

"He told me."

The Hyuuga heiress didn't kow what to say to that. Who had ever heard of humans knowing fox?

"Well, I should go home," Hinata said, "I'll see you later?"

"You bet!" Nariko exclaimed, much to Takeshi's discomfort.

Nariko began to run to the best place to get food ever; Ichiraku Ramen. She figured that her new friend should get the best and she should get some ramen…

-

I seriously don't know how you can eat so much of that stuff…

Nariko had just finished her fifth bowl of ramen. She had offered some to Takeshi, but when he refused, she had just stuck to giving him the meat that came with it. Ichiraku's Ramen was the best she had ever had. Nariko loved the place though, not only for it's food, but for the two that worked there. Teuchi, the owner, and his young daughter Ayame were about the only villagers who didn't want to skewer her with sharp pointy objects.

"Thanks Old Man!" she yelled, even though he wasn't quite old.

"Nice seeing you, come back soon," Ayame said as Nariko paid.

The blonde waved before going back to her cavern home.

-

"This beautiful cave is where I live!" Nariko exclaimed to Takeshi after she lit a fire.

Stop yelling; you're huritng his ears.

"Sorry," Nariko mumbled before sitting and setting him down.

The red fox yawned, accepting the apology. She had been nice to him and surprisingly didn't complain when he brought back a rotting bird carcas back to eat.

"So…" Nariko began, "Why are you so silent?"

He looked at her quizically.

Nariko layed down on the ground and looked him in the eye. She was surprised that he had purple, slitted irises.

"I know you're a youkai; your Kaa-san told me so."

He yawned and closed his eyes, not wanting to answer.

Takeshi always was a bit shy…

'What do you mean by always?'

I mean the 400 years I've known him before he left the clan another hundred years ago.

"Well, I expect you to talk with me tomorrow oldie," she told the fox before fallign asleep herself.

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A/N: Eh… this chapter was a bit lame I admit, but it was ok I guess. Well, sorry to keep you waiting but as I sai, I was working on my other fic which I renamed 'Plan of the Light' –hinthint- which I haven't finished because after many messages from Pancake Mix… I said, 'Ok, I'll make a chapter… sheesh…' Heh… So, if you have questions, hate how I'm putting in an OC, or anything else, please feel free to put it in. Also, I need to start organizing future genin teams and I'd love suggestions. Oh, and for all of you anonymous reviewers, if you want questioons answered, it would be easier if you registered, but if not, then I'll just post answers in the next chapter's A/N. Anyway, you know what to do now, Review!