Author Note: Sorry about the wait, as always, but I'm just thrilled that I managed to get this one done. Anyway, thanks for the reviews, and carry on!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Age Reminder: Rookie nine: 7 years old. Neji, Tenten, and Lee: 8 years old. Kankuro: 9 years old. Temari: 10 years old.

Time-Skip Info: Many of you have asked about a time-skip. To answer your questions, yes, there will be a time-skip. As to when exactly, I'm not sure, but it's coming soon, I promise. Right now, I'm actually speeding things up a bit, so prepare yourself! :)


Divinity

Chapter X

Farewell


"I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people: that each protects the solitude of the other."

- Rainer Maria Rilke

"The imperceptible thread of humanity still lingers over our heads and entwines with our hearts."

- A.L. Sharp

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

-Leo Buscaglia


Yukio ran through the village streets, passed houses and soldiers, and passed the tall watchtower, until he finally entered the Lord's mansion. His speed didn't decrease as he sprinted through the halls. He only stopped when he entered the Lord's office, letting the door close behind him.

His breathing was labored as he saw one high-rank warrior off to the side, and Lord Sarutobi standing behind his desk, back facing the green-eyed boy. The Lord stood still, hands clasped behind his back as he stared out into the sunset.

"My Lord," Yukio began, his heart palpitating from the exercise. "What has happened? Our village army seems as though it's preparing for something. Everyone's tense. Even you look tense, my Lord."

Sarutobi slowly turned around to face the boy, his own face expressionless, yet focused.

Yukio inched forward. "Lord Sarutobi, please tell me what has happened. Have you gotten word about my parents yet?"

The Lord stayed silent as he bowed his head, sending his hand to pick up a single document from his desktop. "Word has been sent, and we are expecting our scout to be back soon."

Yukio could feel his heart pound nervously in his chest, but he couldn't speak.

The village leader gazed at him sympathetically. "There was…an attack, Yukio."

"An…My parents…"

Sarutobi nodded. "Your parent's squad, along with the allied squadrons, were attacked on their way to the massacred village."

He gulped. "Are…Are they alright?"

The older man's brows furrowed as he motioned his hand to a nearby chair. "Why don't you sit down."

The boy's emerald eyes widened. "They're not alright, are they? How…How badly were they injured? Are they being brought back here?"

"Yes…" He opened his mouth, but nothing further came out. He slowly approached the boy, resting his wrinkled hands on young shoulders. "I'm so sorry, Yukio…but…none of them are coming back alive."

Yukio felt his body freeze in shock. It was like his mind had to process the new information first before allowing the rest of the body to react. How was someone supposed to feel when they find out that their only family, their parents, are dead? All he felt was a large ripping pain in his chest, like a gaping hole was starting to appear. It hurt…it hurt a lot. He shook his head fervently, backing away from the leader. "No…no, no, no, no, no!" his legs felt weak as they trembled beneath him. "That can't be true…Dad, he…Father promised! Everything was supposed to be fine! Nothing was supposed to happen to them! You're lying!"

The warrior, who had been silent up to that point, stepped forward angrily. "Watch your tongue, boy. General Katsutoshi and your mother died honorably, and we are going to track down the demon who did this…especially if it's the same demon who destroyed that village in the first place."

Sarutobi sighed, glancing at the warrior solemnly. "It appears we were wrong about Itachi Uchiha being long gone from the area, if it is indeed him who did this. If that's the case," Sarutobi glared at the warrior. "No one is to leave the village. No civilians, no warriors, nobody, am I clear?" After seeing the man nod in reluctant understanding, he trailed his eyes back over to the young boy, his green eyes becoming moist from tears. "We've lost too many already." What puzzled the village leader, though, was the mere distressing thought that the infamous demon Itachi would actually stay in the area for that long. As far as his knowledge went, Itachi wasn't the type to do such a thing. He was hard to track down for a reason; that reason being that he was always on the move. If it was Itachi who killed those squadrons, what could possibly have possessed him to stay in the same area for that long?

"Demon…Itachi Uchiha…" Yukio felt his lips move to form the cursed words. "It was a demon that killed my parents…" His face contorted into a furious rage. "It's always demons!"

He could hear the village leader attempt to console him, but it was only background noise. His fists clenched as thoughts of vengeance swarmed his mind.

I hate demons! Especially Itachi Uchiha.


Hinata couldn't understand why demons were portrayed as such fearsome beings and loathsome creatures. She liked Itachi; he was a good demon in her eyes. He could do no wrong. If he was so loathsome, why did he continually wait for her at the same time every night in the meadow? If he was supposed to be so fearsome, why did he always discretely help her when it came to perfecting her song? Sure, he was dangerous; she knew that—witnessed it, even. However, he hadn't harmed her…he hadn't even touched her yet. He knew her name, but never said it. In fact, he never really spoke, except to state something to get her moving.

Then again, it wasn't like Hinata was much of a talker either. The two only talked when necessary, but it was enough. Despite her being only seven and him a heartless demon, there existed a respect between them, one in which both were grateful. If one were to analyze them thoroughly, it would almost be easy to say that there did indeed exist some kind of relationship between them as well. It wasn't romance and it couldn't be friendship, for friendship couldn't possibly dwell between a demon and a human, much less a deity, right?

Whatever the case, Hinata didn't mind. She continued with what became a routine to her. She'd go about her daily activities, alongside Neji, until the sun had set, which was when she'd escape to the meadow with her harp to perform for her demon friend. This continued for days and weeks and even months. She would occasionally bring food that she managed to sneak from the kitchen, allowing her and the wolf to eat during the few hours they all spent together. Itachi, of course, never ate anything she brought, saying that he didn't like human food. Mr. Wolf didn't seem to mind, even though he seemed to always beg for any type of meat she brought.

Other than that, Itachi and Hinata spent the time working on her song until after a couple of months, she had it finished. Every night after that, she would sit in the meadow, with Itachi lounging against a nearby boulder, as she played her made-up song, smoothing over any mistakes. It was the song that Itachi inwardly preferred she play, but he allowed her to practice any other songs she liked, for he wasn't the only one she had to perform for. He ignored the small pang of anger that sparked at that knowledge.

Eventually, as time wore on, both Itachi and Hinata unintentionally grew a liking towards each other; some could even call it an attachment of sorts.

Gradually, it became easier for Hinata to talk to him without worrying how he might react, and Itachi grew more used to her innocent rambling and inquisitive questions. He would briefly wonder if she were like that where she lived. She always seemed like such a quiet little thing…but not with him.

He would also wonder if she smiled as much as she did when she was in the meadow with him and the wolf. She smiled…and giggled…grinned timidly…laughed out loud…blushed in embarrassment…The little deity was so expressive, something he wasn't an expert at. Yet, somehow, they…got along…enjoyed each other's company, to a certain point anyway…for him, of course.

And shockingly, especially to Itachi, Hinata didn't seem to be afraid of him anymore. It was like him being a demon had no affect on her when it clearly should have. She was simple and confusing at the same time—so average, yet intriguing. At least, in his blood-red eyes she was.

Time continued to pass, and on Hinata's eighth birthday, she ran to the meadow as soon as everyone was asleep and the adults were busy with their nightly meetings. For the first time, she did not bring her harp. Instead, underneath one of her arms, she carried a small box with leftover birthday cake inside in order to share with Itachi and Mr. Wolf.

When she arrived at the meadow, Itachi and the wolf were already there, with Itachi leaning casually against a tree and Mr. Wolf being the first to greet her. "Hi, Mr. Wolf. What did you do today?"

He barked in reply before sitting down to watch her.

Hinata giggled and ran over to Itachi, holding the box out in front of her as if offering it to him. "Itachi, it's my birthday today. I'm eight now, and they made me a cake and everything, and then I blew out the candles and made a wish. I got presents too! Do you wanna know what Neji got me?"

He raised a brow, face not forming any sense of an expression. "Hn."

"He got me a necklace, and it's really, really pretty. I didn't wear it, though…" She trailed off glumly. "Miss Kurenai said that it's bre-brea-breakable, and that I need to be careful with it..."

"Mm." He couldn't ignore the second's worth of an upward lift in his lips at her struggle with saying "breakable". His eyes found the unknown box she was holding. "What is that."

"Huh?" She gazed down to where his eyes were looking, and her face brightened. "Oh! It's my birthday cake. I brought some for you and Mr. Wolf. It's really good, I promise."

"I don't eat human food." He replied in a clipped tone.

"But…it's cake." She rationalized. "Everybody likes cake…don't they?" she tilted her head, her brows furrowed gently.

It was becoming harder for him to resist how his mouth always seemed to want to curve upward whenever she said such things full of innocence and naivete. To distract him, he thought to point out the obvious. "You didn't bring your harp."

She shook her head while smiling. "Nope. Since it's my birthday, I wanna watch the moon tonight until I have to go to sleep."

His eyebrows pulled together. "The moon."

"Mhm." Her smile grew before she peered upwards into the sky where the full moon was shining more brightly than she had ever seen. "I love looking at the moon…so…" she glanced back to him, hiding her eyes beneath her bangs shyly. "Can we?"

With only a quick nod of his head, which wouldn't have been noticeable to anyone who hadn't been around him for awhile, Hinata smiled widely before walking to the middle of the meadow. She sat down, noticing the wolf come over to lie by her and Itachi move to sit a few feet of distance from her. Opening her box, she laid a piece of cake down in front of her wolf companion and handed the other piece to her demon friend.

Mr. Wolf ate his piece quickly, while Itachi only seemed to stare at his piece that was resting on his palm. He picked at a few parts of it, taking the strange substance into his mouth, before laying it on the ground next to him. Human food was definitely not his forte, even though the cake wasn't exactly terrible…

"Isn't it beautiful?" Hinata remarked with her ivory eyes never leaving the sight of the moon.

Itachi didn't say anything, save for gazing at her in silent wonder before looking at the moon as well.

A few moments of silence passed before Hinata's soft voice spoke up again. "Miss Kurenai taught us about the different moons. My favorite is the full moon. What's your favorite moon, Itachi?"

He turned his gaze back to her curious face. "I don't have a favorite. The moon is the moon."

"But there are different moons." She argued delicately. "There's the full moon, and the half moon…and there's a new moon, too. The new moon is all black."

To satiate her want for him to have a favorite, he decided quickly. "Then my favorite shall be the new moon."

"But it's so dark, and there's no light."

"That doesn't matter."

"I think the dark is scary. I feel safer in the light."

"The light won't protect you."

She smiled solemnly. "No…but people can see things better when there's light in their world."

His dark red eyes found her face again, and he for once didn't bother to control the emotions on his face. Not like it mattered, since she was staring earnestly at the moon instead. He was astonished, though. This little girl of seven—no—eight years old was possibly more wise than the majority of centenarian demons he knew, albeit unintentionally.

"Wow…" Hinata's quiet gasp brought his mind back to reality.

Itachi looked her over, trying to figure out what was holding her attention now. She was on her hands and knees across from him, staring intently at his chest. His brow raised in question.

Her small, round face seemed to brighten in intrigue. "Your necklace is so pretty, Itachi."

Realization dawned on him as to what held her attention so well, and it really shouldn't have surprised him. The "necklace" he wore was more like a thin silver chain with the strangest of pendants attached to it.

At closer inspection, Hinata could see that it was in the shape of a teardrop, and seemed to be made of glass. It was hard to tell, though, since it was the color of blood, the color of Itachi's eyes, and…it carried a tiny glow to it, barely visible to the naked eye and only in the darkness of night.

It was simple to see how easily it fascinated her, and in some odd way…her reaction fascinated him in return, which was quite unusual to Itachi Uchiha, the infamous cold-hearted demon.

Hinata's eyes flew up to his with a small smile tugging at her excited lips. "Where did you get it, Itachi?"

"It was given to me when I was young. Only those with pure, Uchiha demon blood have these chains."

"Really?" Her head tilted curiously. "Why?"

"It is to signify that we, demons, are Uchihas, superior to all in power."

Her face slowly began to scrunch up into confusion. "So…everyone in your family gets one?"

His eyes narrowed fractionally. "It doesn't work like that. Only those in my clan who are undeniably strong get one of these pendants to signify that, and it can only be given on the day that an Uchiha demon awakens his abilities."

Sitting down in front of him with her legs folded under her and her small hands clasped on her lap, she tried to really understand all that he was telling her. It was confusing, but she felt that she was at least getting most of it…she hoped, anyway. "Okay…" She began to smile. "So, it's like a reward, right? When you get your powers, your family rewards you. And they give you…" She trailed off, furrowing her brows at the pendant before meeting his eyes again. "Red glass, right?"

A barely noticeable sigh escaped his lips as he removed the chain from around his neck, holding it out for her to see clearly. "It's not glass, it's diamond."

Her eyes widened, since she actually knew what a diamond was. "Is it a red diamond?" She asked excitedly, never before imagining that there could be a red diamond.

His expression and voice stayed flat. "No. It's just a diamond with blood inside…my blood."

Their eyes met, her's filled with wonder before she audibly gulped. "Why…?" she whispered.

His voice lowered in tone and volume, red eyes never leaving her face as if waiting for something to happen in her expression. "When an Uchiha demon's powers awaken, their blood changes so as to adapt to the new powers. At that moment for me, this amount of blood was taken from me and encased in diamond."

Oblivious to whatever he was going to say next, Hinata spoke up with that never-ending inquisitive nature of hers. "It glows, though. There's a small light there, see? What is that?"

He almost forgot about that small glow. He attempted to explain it in a way that she would understand, even though the whole process was more complicated than she could even imagine at her age. "It is a small portion of my energy, my power. Within my blood and within that diamond, it will never disappear."

Against his expectations, her expression actually showed amazement. He watched her gulp as her fingers unconsciously reached to touch the mysterious gem. Not minding either way, he released the gem, chain and all, into her small hand for her to gaze at for as long as she wished. Her petite digits smoothed over the surface of the diamond, watching as that diminutive light stayed as brilliant as ever; it was utterly resplendent.

She lay on the grass of the meadow, holding the chain over her head, allowing her eyes to become enchanted by the sight. Mr. Wolf lay asleep near her, as if protecting the side of her that Itachi wasn't, and Itachi remained in the same position he had started in. Leaning his back against the boulder, his legs extended out in front of him, arms crossed over his chest, eyes switching between the moon and the deity. Hinata, of course, was lying just next to Itachi with only a few inches of distance between their bodies. It was silent between them, but peaceful.

"Itachi?" Hinata spoke up suddenly, her mind still focused on the blood-filled diamond.

"Hn," He grunted in reply.

"I know why you like the new moon, now…"

He didn't grunt that time, only turned his eyes on her to await her answer.

For the first time since the gem was placed in her hands, she turned to him with a gentle smile playing at her lips. "Because even when it's really, really dark, you'll always have a light with you to keep you safe." She motioned to the light that glowed within the diamond. "That's why you're never scared. Your necklace protects you, right?"

He didn't reply to that. After staring at her for a moment longer, he hesitantly turned his eyes away from her and turned to the moon instead. Innocence of the young…A corner of his lips quirked. Never ceases to amuse.

--

Hinata had fallen asleep easily, but not in her bed, or even in her village. Under the full luminosity of the moonlight, Hinata was asleep, curled into herself with the necklace held tightly between her hands. Her short, dark hair was fanned around her, and she shivered whenever a breeze rolled by, causing her to subconsciously move closer to the nearest heat source, which just happened to be Itachi.

He had realized that she should be at her home, since it had already been a few hours, and those at her temple might start wondering. He automatically made a decision before—unusually—not thinking it through all the way. Standing up, he bent back down and picked the little girl up into his arms, seeing her cradle herself against his warm chest.

The wolf awoke quickly, sensing the deity's presence missing from his side, and growled distinctly at the demon who was holding his mistress.

Itachi paid the animal no mind, while he began to leave the meadow in the direction of the Konoha walls, or more specifically, where the temple was located.

It wasn't difficult either, since he knew her scent, and only had to follow the trail she had unknowingly made. The trail led him to a break in the trees and the looming, stone wall of Konoha village only a few yards away. He was hesitant, though, shown by his knotted brows. Wasn't there supposed to be some kind of barrier, halting all demons from coming close to the walls? The goddess created it herself, and with such power that demons reported being able to feel the energy as they approached the invisible barrier.

Itachi didn't feel anything. It was a normal wall it seemed.

Experimentally, he edged closer to it, still sensing nothing, the wolf sitting back a few paces away.

He was only a few inches from the wall, and when nothing had affected him, he re-situated Hinata, allowing one of his hands to move forward to press against the stone.

Nothing happened, except for the slight chill that came from the rock. Having confirmed with himself that nothing was possibly going to happen, he leaped to the very top of the wall, now being able to peer over the grounds of the temple, and the temple itself, of course. There was barely any illumination coming from the temple windows and balconies, signaling that most of the occupants were in deep slumber.

His demon eyes quickly scoured the area for any sign of someone on guard, watching out for intruders like him. Crouching down onto his heels, he breathed in through his nose, trying to locate which room (or balcony, more like it) belonged to the dark-haired deity in his arms.

It didn't take long to find, and even less time for him to make another impossible leap over to her balcony, landing expertly on the railing before stepping down onto the floor. From there, he silently neared her bed, peeling back the covers, and laying her down before throwing the covers back over her body. She didn't even stir once.

Once she seemed settled in, he leaned over her, pulling his chain from her barely tight grasp. That's when she moved over onto her side, took a deep breath, and relaxed again. It wasn't until then that Itachi realized he had gone tense at her movement. Inwardly shaking off his body's weird reactions, he claimed the chain back around his neck before turning on his heel toward the balcony. Jumping onto the railing, he glanced back at her once more before leaping into the air and settling himself on the top of the surrounding Konoha walls. A bark sounded in the air and Itachi disappeared over the wall and away from his deity's village.

It suddenly hit him when he arrived back at his cave that…perhaps—no—indubitably…he was finally, and for the first time, forming an attachment to someone…to a little, human girl no less.

Was that even possible for him?


As the sun was setting the following day, Itachi received a visitor. It really shouldn't have surprised him, but it did agitate him. "What now, Kisame?" he murmured from within the shelter of his cave, lit up by the small fire.

The blue-skinned shark demon leaned against the side of the cave wall, grinning at the other demon with his sharp teeth glinting from the fire. "Sorry that I didn't come awhile ago when I said I would. I've been a bit busy, so I thought I'd make the trip now that all my business is done."

Itachi moved passed him, exiting his temporary residence. "Say what you need to say, and then leave."

Kisame chuckled, following after the Uchiha. "As you know, I had to go to that village on the east shore as back-up." He shrugged. "It didn't take long to settle our account with the village, but a lot of my fellow shark demons were there. You know how family reunions go, and that's what ended up taking so long."

Itachi kept walking, acting as though he wasn't even paying attention to the strangely colored demon behind him.

"Anyway," Kisame smirked toothily. "I went back to the hideout for awhile before that wonderful leader of ours sent me on a mission to find you, so I could give you a message…or an order, more like it."

"What." Itachi grounded out, turning on his heel to face him.

Kisame's face contorted into one that could almost mimic Itachi's usual expression. The only difference being that his eyes narrowed fractionally. "To be honest with you, Itachi, I was quite surprised to find you here…still. Knowing you, you would've moved on long ago, which makes me wonder what's keeping you here, especially so close to Konoha."

"It doesn't matter. Give me the message and stop wasting my time."

The only movement Kisame made was his arms crossing over his broad chest. "He wants us all back at the hideout. Apparently, something big is happening, and we're all going to be needed."

"For what?" Itachi's jaw tensed.

The shark demon shook his head. "Couldn't tell ya. We'll be informed when we get there, and it's urgent."

"Urgent how."

"As in…we're supposed to leave…now." He saw Itachi's face gradually form into a heated scowl. Wanting to ensure his own life, he backtracked. "Or, in the next forty-eight hours or so. No more than that, though."

Itachi relaxed unknowingly and nodded in understanding. "Very well. You can expect me there in a few days time—"

"Actually, I can just wait for ya. Whenever you're ready, we'll head out."

Itachi met his gaze, suddenly not liking the prospect of another demon on his grounds…

"Oh, and another thing." Kisame interrupted his train of thought. "You seem…different."

A raised brow was the only answer he received.

Kisame quirked his own brow in confusion. "I mean, you seem…calm…like you're at peace or something…it's really weird."

Itachi was extremely tempted to roll his eyes.

The blue demon's nose visibly inhaled deeply. "And I ain't real good with scents on land or anything, but…your own scent is kinda off."

"Really."

"Yeah. It's like, uh…" His hand covered his chin in thought. "Well, I don't even know. It's just…different, and it's kind of freaking me out. I think you've spent a little too much time in this area and away from slaughtering humans."

The Uchiha actually sighed, albeit imperceptibly. "Just leave, Kisame…and don't bother me until I'm ready to depart."

"Yeah, yeah." He waved it off. "Actually, I was going to go find something to snack on." He laughed loudly. "Wish me luck on the hunting!"

It wasn't until his fellow demon disappeared that Itachi realized that his hands were clenched into fists, and he didn't feel as calm as Kisame assumed he was.

He definitely did not like the idea of another demon in his territory…especially with the little deity so close by.


Hinata was ecstatic that she was actually able to sneak out earlier than usual. She knew it was a risk to go earlier, but she couldn't help it. She loved going to the meadow, and she loved just the idea of being able to see her two friends, one a wolf and the other a demon.

Of course, it took her awhile to get over the slight confusion she had that morning when she awoke in her own bed, since she remembered falling asleep in-between Itachi and Mr. Wolf. She could only assume that Itachi had somehow brought her back to the temple. As to how it happened, how he managed to get through the demon-proof barrier, she had no clue. But, she did hope that he wasn't injured in the process.

Either way, she'd find out in a moment as she was approaching the small clearing in the forest. Breaking through the trees, her harp clutched tightly to her chest and caged in by her arms, she glanced around once before stopping dead in her tracks. Perhaps, she should've waited and came later…much later.

By coming early, she was in for a huge surprise. For, it wasn't Itachi who she saw first in the meadow…it was someone else. A tall…man, maybe…with blue skin, and…he kind of resembled a fish in some ways.

He noticed her quickly, and within seconds, his finely sharpened row of teeth was shown on display due to his predatory grin. "Well, lookey here. How lucky of me. I always did like human meat the best, and little girls just taste so…sweet." He cackled sardonically before crouching down in order to pounce on his soon-to-be prey. "Finally, a good meal, and it came to me so willingly."

Hinata's eyes widened to an impossible degree as she gulped in fright. Her harp fell to the ground at her feet, just as her entire body seemed to freeze in fear. The only movement she felt was the quick beating of her heart. Oh no…

The man-creature laughed again while sniffing the air delicately as if savoring the scent that filled his nostrils. His wide grin was devilish…and hungry, which was also made clear by his glowing yellow eyes.

Angling his body toward her, he leaped off the ground, heading straight to his prey, arms extended outward.

Hinata quickly closed her eyes tightly shut, covered her face with her arms, and screamed.

Something soft brushed against her arms, and when nothing else came, she quieted down until she was able to hear a loud growling just in front of her.

Slowly peeking her eyes open, a very furry tail was brushing against her arms to match Mr. Wolf's large and very threatening body, standing protectively in front of her. The wolf's entire body was tense like a spring, shoulders heightened, paws digging into the ground, and sharp teeth on display. He growled loudly before barking a few times in warning.

Hinata stared on with her eyes staying as wide as they were a moment ago. "M-Mr. Wolf?" Looking ahead, she saw the blue man standing erect a few paces from the animal, glaring at it with disdain.

"I can never just enjoy my meal in peace, can I?" Quickly, his glare transformed into a familiar wide smile. "Although, I wouldn't mind having an appetizer first. After all, it's been awhile since I've eaten a little wolf." He cackled, not caring that the wolf was ready to pounce on him for an attack. The man sobered from his laughing quickly, and readied himself for another attack, except his target was a mere animal. An entertained smirk never left his blue face, even as he only took one step closer, causing the wolf to nearly fly at him.

Kisame stood still, except for putting one arm up in front of his body, as the wolf lunged at him, jaw stretched open. The wolf's teeth sunk into Kisame's offered arm, but the bite didn't seem to faze him. With a swing of his arm, the wolf lost his grip and stumbled a few feet back before going in for another attack.

Tiring quickly of the "fearless" wolf, Kisame poised himself, waiting for the wolf to come into contact with him before he moved his body expertly, allowing his hand to wrap tightly around the wolf's throat. Now, the wolf was suspended in mid-air while being choked by the demon he was trying to protect his mistress from.

"That's enough out of you." Kisame muttered before tossing the wolf at an unbreakable speed, right into the trunk of a large tree. The wolf whined at the impact before falling silent when he collapsed to the ground at the tree's base.

Sudden tears sprung up in Hinata's eyes as her bottom lip began to tremble. "Mr. Wolf!" She cried, running toward him as fast as she could. Only a few feet from reaching her animal friend, she halted, skidding on her heels before falling on her behind at the sudden appearance of the blue man, who was currently blocking her from going any further.

Hinata stood up hastily, and began to walk backwards just as the blue man was walking toward her with evenly sedated steps. Looking at his predatory glare, more tears escaped her moonstone eyes as she bit her lip to keep in any whimpers. "P-Please…stop…"

He chuckled cruelly. "I'm hungry, so there will be no stopping until I'm full and satisfied. Although, I can't get started on my appetizer if my main meal keeps wanting to run away." He shrugged nonchalantly. "So, I suppose that I'll just have to incapacitate you until I'm done with your wolf friend over there."

She shook her head savagely. "N-No…please…don't hurt Mr. Wolf…"

"Don't worry, sweetheart." He chuckled again. "Nobody ever said you had to watch."

Quickening her pace, Hinata gasped when something interfered with her walking, causing her to fall on her behind again. Looking at what she managed to trip over, she saw that it was her harp that she had dropped when this all began. Not giving it any more of her attention, she used her hands and feet to scoot back immediately, away from her harp and away from the blue man. Her eyes drifted to her harp again when she saw him purposely step heavily onto it, snapping a few of the strings.

Breathing hard, she forced her body to stand up again before a whimper left her mouth as she turned on her heel to run.

Kisame only widened his smile at the new cat and mouse game and pushed off the ground, running toward her at a breakneck speed.

Seeing him only one second from reaching her, Hinata closed her eyes and screamed while trying to run faster.

Kisame smiled again as he reached his hand back before swinging his arm around, aiming for the vital point on her exposed neck. Strangely, though, she somehow disappeared into thin air millimeters before his fingers would even touch her. He stopped running and searched the air around him angrily, trying to pinpoint her scent. His own eyes widened in astonishment when he detected another scent mixed in. His demon ears picked up on a soundless thud against the ground fifteen or twenty feet behind him. Slowly turning around, he saw a sight he thought he would never behold in his entire lifetime.

Itachi was there, scowling at him with a hidden threat as one of his arms was wrapped around the small body of the little deity. Hinata's little arms circled Itachi's neck while she hid her face in the hollow of his neck, her whole body shaking from fear.

Kisame's smirk became strained. "That's not fair, Itachi. It goes against the demon honor code to steal another's meal. I saw her first, so she's mine."

Itachi's red eyes changed as the three black commas began to spin rapidly. He didn't realize that his grip on the girl had tightened as well. "No."

Forming his blue face into a pouting frown, Kisame crossed his arms over his chest. "Damn it. Okay, okay…how about…we split her half and half?"

A short growl managed to surpass Itachi's lips before his spat his reply through his gritted teeth. "No."

"Well, that's just not fair then!"

While Kisame continued to shout deals at the other demon, Itachi felt Hinata lift her head from his neck. Her eyes found his as more tears threatened to spill over her rosy cheeks. "I-Itachi…W-Who is that man? W-What is h-he? What d-does he want?" She sniffed and trembled in his arms. "He hurt Mr. Wolf for…for no reason!"

Itachi just stared at her emotionlessly for a moment before glancing over to the rambling blue man. "His name is Kisame, and he's a demon like me."

Hinata's face scrunched together in confusion. "But…he's blue."

"He's a shark demon."

"Oh…"

"Also, he obviously sought you as a meal, but that won't be happening." He lowered her to the ground, reclaiming his arms to his sides. "Now, stand behind me."

Hinata nodded and hid behind him, only peeking her head out to watch in curiosity at what her demon friend was going to do. One of her petite hands clenched onto his dark cape as the rest of her body pushed against his hidden leg. Her white eyes, however, didn't turn away from the strangely colored demon.

Kisame looked at the pair with frustrated confusion until it was clear that his face brightened at a new realization. He glanced between them both with an amazed look before looking down at the ground below his feet, as if contemplating something. When his eyes looked at them again, he ran a hand through his short blue hair and laughed hysterically. His shoulders shook as he bent over to rest his hands on his upper knees. "Un…believable…!"

Hinata tilted her head in even more confusion than before. "What's so funny?"

Itachi remained silent, but brooding. I'm a fool for interfering.

Kisame straightened and shook his head humorously at his fellow demon. "Well, well…What a surprise! I think I finally understand what kept you here for so long." His yellow eyes glanced down to Hinata. "You've become attached to a little human girl." He laughed loudly again. "Never thought I'd see the day…when the 'cold-hearted' Itachi Uchiha would become attached to anything! And now…I find you attached to none other than a small…human…girl, of all things."

"That's enough, Kisame." Itachi could feel his anger boiling up inside of him.

"Now…let's see if I can get this right." He looked around him with his hand to his chin in thought. "Konoha is really close to here, so I'm guessing that's where the girl is from. Also, I sense power from her, which would mean…that she's a deity." He was staring at Hinata again. "It's been awhile since the fight with the last generation of deities. I suppose it's starting all over again." He shrugged with a large smile. "Well, this at least explains why your scent seemed kind of off."

"Leave, Kisame. I'll catch up with you later."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm still hungry, though."

"Then go eat somewhere else."

Kisame sighed before nodding. "Whatever. I guess I'll just pick something up on the way. There's a village thirty miles northwest from here. Meet me there."

Itachi nodded his head once, and didn't look away until Kisame smirked before disappearing into the forest. His red eyes stared at one spot for awhile before exhaling out his nose with his eyes closed. Glancing back behind him, he saw Hinata glance up at him quickly before running toward her injured wolf friend. The Uchiha demon watched as she placed her ear on the wolf's chest, listening for a heartbeat. She sat up within a moment and began hovering her glowing hands over the animal's body, healing whatever injury she saw and felt.

Awhile later, she sat back on her heels, wrapping her arms around her legs, and sighed in exhaustion. Her wolf friend was alive, but she knew he would need his sleep…and a lot of it, too.

Itachi began to walk toward her, stopping after a few steps when his eyes caught onto something off to his left. Reaching down to pick it up, he saw that it was Hinata's harp. He also noticed that a good amount of the strings were torn. Clasping it with one hand, he approached the little girl from behind, standing next to her with the harp outstretched toward her.

Hinata glanced up and received the harp solemnly, cradling it in her arms. Her eyes continued to gaze sadly at her sleeping animal friend, but she spoke to Itachi. "Why…are you different from other demons?"

"I'm not." He murmured quietly, staring at her from the corner of his eye. "In normal circumstances, I would've sought to kill you, too."

Her eyes flew up to meet his in hurt surprise. "Really? But…you…you would never hurt me…you wouldn't…"

"The only reason I didn't harm you was because you…"

"Healed your owies?" Hinata finished his sentence questioningly.

He nodded, trying not to react to her word version of wounds. "However, most demons aren't as…honorable as I am. They would've killed you regardless, just as I should've done, for that is what demons do. Demons and humans…demons and deities…are supposed to be enemies, nothing more."

Her eyes lowered gravely. "So…we can't be friends?"

He kneeled down beside her, one arm resting on his knee, and eyes staring intensely into her own. "We are supposed to be enemies. We are supposed to want to kill each other. That is how it is."

Hinata shook her head. "No! I don't want to be enemies!" She leaped up, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face back into his neck. "I love you, Itachi. You're my friend. People can't hurt the ones they love."

For a brief moment there, Itachi's eyes widened in shock. He wasn't expecting her to initiate contact with him so bravely, and he sure as hell wasn't expecting to hear that she cared for him so much and even referred to him as a friend, which he didn't want to agree with at all.

Either way, he was also quite surprised with himself that he didn't hate how she fit into his arms, and how he didn't mind the way her warm breath blew against the skin on his neck. The tips of his fingers tested the feel of her dark hair, causing him to be even more surprised at how he might actually like how the strands of her hair interlaced silkily around his fingers. And her body…it was so tiny, so fragile…so breakable. He felt that if he wrapped his arms around her and squeezed just barely, she would break in half. His hands had never done anything so gentle, so harmless; he was barely touching her, for he could surely hurt her easily, without even trying.

Her scent…was intriguing and unique. He could sense her coming from the moment she exited Konoha. Her scent seemed to drift to him quicker than it was possible, and just smelling it managed to make him inhale deeply. No mortal…or even demon…had ever smelled so appealing before. She smelled as pure as innocence, as intoxicating as liquor, as carefree as the wind, and as tender as flower petals. All of that was centered around her unique opal eyes, mimicking the moon she loved so much.

Damn it. Kisame was right… Itachi was becoming attached.

Nevertheless, he knew he had to tell her the recent news. From what Kisame was telling him, he guessed that the leader was calling them for a new campaign that was going to start. Guessing again, he had no doubt that it would take awhile to finish, no matter how skilled they were. On that note, he knew he would be gone for years, not seeing her for the duration of the newest mission. He couldn't refuse it, either. It was his duty as a demon, his duty as an Uchiha.

Pushing her off of him gently, he narrowed his eyes at her searchingly, trying to determine the best way to make her understand. She was very young, after all.

"What is it, Itachi? What's wrong?" She asked in a concerned whisper.

No hesitation, no reluctance. Itachi was strong and cold-hearted, and nothing could ever faze him in the least. He answered quickly, and with stone-cold resolve. It was time to say goodbye. "I'm leaving."

"Oh…so…I'll see you tomorrow night, then?"

"No." He watched carefully as her eyebrows slowly began to furrow and a flash of wounded curiosity shown in her eyes. "I'm leaving for the north at sunrise."

Her eyes began to wander. "H-How long…will you be gone for?"

"As long as it takes. It'll be awhile before I come back."

Her entire face brightened as she smiled. "You'll come back and see me?" she asked excitedly.

He gave a short, quick nod in reply.

Hinata's smile faded to be replaced by a pout of confusion. "How will you find me?"

The corner of his mouth twitched into a light smirk. "It will not be difficult." He gave a quick glance to the golden harp before meeting her innocent eyes again. "On every full moon night, play your song and I will find you."

She glanced at her harp as well. "But…it's broken."

"So fix it."

She blushed in embarrassment at making such excuses. Hinata nodded in assent. "Okay, Itachi."

He looked away for a quick moment in thought before turning back to her. "I need you to promise me something."

Her head tilted before she smiled and nodded happily. "Okay! I like promises, and I'm really good at keeping them."

"Then…" He paused. "Promise me…that you will not come here to this meadow until I return."

Her smile disappeared.

"Promise me that you will stay in Konoha for as long as I'm gone. I will not be here to protect you from other demons like I did today, so stay in your village, understood?"

Despite being depressed at the news, she did understand and nodded her head to show him. "I promise, Itachi."

"Promise what." He demanded.

"I promise that I will stay in Konoha for as long…as you're gone."

"Good." He stood up and turned around, straightening his cloak, expression on his face never changing.

"Itachi?" A quiet voice called out to him.

He turned back around to face her, waiting for her to speak.

"Um…" She bit her lip while fiddling with her fingers nervously. "Can I…" she gulped. "Can I stay with you…until you have to leave…please?"

He didn't speak or even move. Hinata forced herself to look up at him, wondering why he wasn't answering her. The wheels in his mind were turning despite the vacant expression on his face. If she hadn't been watching him, she wouldn't have noticed his single nod of consent.

If he hadn't been watching her so intensely, he wouldn't have noticed the amazingly happy smile that lit her features oh so delicately.

--

By the time the sun had set, Mr. Wolf had finally awoken, only to curl up next to Hinata and fall asleep again in exhaustion. She felt relieved to know that he was okay, but saddened at the prospect of not being able to see her wolf friend until Itachi returned. It would be so lonely without them.

She couldn't help her mind focusing on the soon-to-be loss of her demon friend and Mr. Wolf. With her head resting on one of Itachi's legs (without his permission, might I add), she gazed dazedly at the night sky above her, the moon acting as a beacon for all the twinkling stars. Itachi switched between staring at the forest surrounding him, the moon, the stars, and the little deity resting on him. He had grown used to spending these nights listening to her play that song on her harp, just for him. It was true that he didn't like staying in one area for so long, and this was perhaps the reason why. If he stayed, there would be a chance that he would become attached to that certain place…or to a certain someone, and that was just unacceptable for a demon like him.

Leaving would be best, for it would give him time to sever whatever bond might have been formed with the girl. It wasn't wise what he had been doing for awhile. The consequences would be dire…and not just for him, either.

--

When Hinata had fallen asleep, he picked her up into his arms and departed for Konoha for the second time. He jumped on top of the high wall, searched for anyone's presence nearby, and leaped onto her balcony. He placed her in her bed, but she woke up just as he tossed the covers on top of her.

"Itachi…?" she mumbled sleepily.

"Hn,"

"Is it…sunrise already?"

"No."

"You're leaving now?"

"Yes."

She sat up in alarm. "But…you said that I could stay with you until sunrise."

"Quiet down. You're going to draw attention." He scolded her, ignoring what she had said.

She lowered her voice into a whisper. "Can't I be with you until sunrise?"

"Go to sleep."

"Please?"

"Go back to sleep, Hinata." His own voice grew tight, as it always did when he had to repeat himself.

"No." She retorted in determination.

Getting over the momentary surprise he felt at the way she answered him so disrespectfully, so unlike her, he stalked toward her threateningly. "If you go to sleep now, I will stay until sunrise."

"Promise?"

Reluctantly, he nodded. "I swear."

She beamed at him tiredly, just before she laid her head back down onto her pillow, her eyes halfway closed.

As she lay there, he recalled something that he wanted to do before she fell asleep and before he left. Reaching around his neck swiftly, he removed the significant chain and jewel. "Take this."

After receiving it, Hinata stared in disbelief at the familiar gem lying on her palm. "What…do I do with it?"

"Wear it, obviously." He deadpanned.

"I can?"

"Until I come back." He watched as she put it on, letting it fall on her chest. "You must always wear it, and never take it off."

"Okay, I will." She smiled.

"You have to keep it against your skin, otherwise it's useless." He ordered, making sure she slipped it under her gown, so that the gem was truly resting against her skin. "It will protect you when I am unable to."

She nodded in understanding, resting her head back against the pillow, feeling her eyes start to droop. She reached out, grasping onto his wrist and pulling it closer to her, before allowing her eyes to close. "I'll really miss you, Itachi…Don't forget me…okay…?"

If he had replied, it would've been pointless since she had quickly fallen asleep. He had done what he could to ensure her safety, knowing that if he didn't, it would only agitate him later on.

His lips twitched upward just before a breathy chuckle escaped his lips. He shook his head, massaging the bridge of his nose with his forefinger and thumb. I've become a real fool.

Itachi stayed there until the sun was beginning to rise and he felt a presence nearing the bedroom. Disappearing quickly, he didn't stop until he had reached the familiar meadow. He only hesitated for a few seconds before embarking to the village that Kisame spoke of. From the moment she had fallen asleep underneath her covers to the place he was running in currently, one thought continued to echo in his mind, and he knew it was true.

Humans and demons were never meant to coexist peacefully.

It's just plain wrong to get attached to one's enemy.

His fists clenched at his sides.

I will not be so foolish any longer…


Okay, so there will be a little time-skip next chapter, followed by another one soon after.

The foundation has been laid, so now it's time to start building!

Please review and I'll see you all next update!