Before you start reading this chapter, I just want to tell you guys...
Kony 2012! Save the Invisible Children! They deserve more! We see them now! They're visible! Down with Josef Kony! Down with the abuse and violence! Save Uganda! Save those children! Join the cause!
/37119711 Watch it, and you will understand
Chapter 13 - Visions
it's coming...
Trees blurred as they rushed by, the wind screeched at an ear-piercing volume as the moon had long since disappeared behind the dark, taunting clouds.
It's catching up to me, I don't have time!
Long dark hair flapped wildly with the wind as feet pounded heavily on the forest ground, crushing twigs and leaves as they ran.
I need to get away. I can't let it catch me!
Small hands stretched forward, nimbly breaking off twigs or weak branches that got in the way.
Safety, I must get to Safety. Where? Where is it?
Roots poked out of the ground, shimmering in the dim light. The wind roared louder as the dark trees groaned and swayed hauntingly.
It's so dark, there's no escape. There's no place safe!
Tears brimmed in pale eyes as feet slammed harder and faster.
Faster! I must run faster!
Chakra forcefully pumped into legs, surrounding them in a dim pale light. Pearls of Perspiration dripped off smooth milky skin as feet ran with an unbelieving speed, soaring over roots and rocks, avoiding trees.
It's still there. I can feel it! It's still following me!
Panic bubbled at the throat.
It's closer. It's dark aura is increasing! It's choking me.
A demonic growling erupted from the mocking shadows. Loud thuds of falling trees erected a shriek of anguish from the panic tight throat.
It's here!
An orange tail slithered out of the shadows blocking the path ahead. A scream escaped as legs tangled, desperate to stop before meeting the tail head on.
Another tail shot out of the shadows, wrapping itself around the waist tightly. Tears and screams filled the air as one by one tails shot out and captured the prey. Wrapping themselves around it with a choking grasp. 9 tails in total.
A deep chuckle sounded within the dark, dark night sky as crimson eyes opened in narrow slits with a long fox-like toothy smirk, reveling sharp fangs.
"Hinata Hyuuga." The mouth spoke, it's voice cold and threatening as it drawled out it's words.
"W-who are you?" Hinata shrieked as she struggled against the iron grip of the 9 tails.
"My, my. You have certainly grown into a fine young woman, or at least you will." It said as it continued to smirk.
It was toying with her, playing with her as if she was a prey and he was a predator. Fear. That's what she felt at that very moment. Fear for what he may do. Fear for what he may be.
"I-I have nothing you would want! Th-there's no reason to prey on me like this!" She was desperate now. Desperate to escape the tail's clutches. Where was her team when she needed them most?
It chuckled cold-heatedly as it started to morph. The crimson eyes and fox mouth disappeared from the sky and morphed into a large, thin fox. The tails connected to the body and she felt herself being lifted. The fox brought her up to his eye height and stared at her mockingly.
"Do you recognize me now, heir to the Hyuuga clan? Do you fear me? Aren't I terrifying?" It mocked as it tilted it's head to the side in amusement.
Hinata froze with terror. Connecting the dots within her mind she realized who she was dealing with.
Kyuubi, the nine-tailed beast. The one, she was taught, was killed by the fourth Hokage, who sacrificed his life to the that very deed.
I-I am going to die.
Hinata closed her eyes as allowed the tears to fall more freely. She was now glad that her team wasn't there. If something were to happen to Kiba or Shino...
I'm sorry, Kiba and Shino. I'm sorry I wasn't stronger. Father was right, I am a shame to the Hyuuga family. I only bring dishonor. This may just be a blessing in disguise.
She shakily bit her lip as she slowly opened her eyes and met the waiting eyes of the beast.
"I-If you are going to kill me, d-do it now." She whispered, her voice coursed from screaming.
The great, terrifying beast laughed. "Kill you? I can not kill you, yet. I am merely warning you. You're going to become an obstacle in my path. I see it fit to eliminate all futuristic obstacles, before it's too late. As you can see, young one, I mean you no harm at this moment." It drawled out as the tails loosened around her.
Hinata stared at the strange beast, her mouth failing to form words as her mind strained to understand what the beast meant.
Kyuubi waited patiently while watching her, but then it seemed to have grown tired of waiting and suddenly brought Hinata face-to-face with the bridge of his long nose.
"I have no patience for the likes of you humans. I want you to understand one thing, girl. Once you start seeing the foxes, then do not interfere with anything having to do with a blonde-haired idiot. That idiot won't help you, so there's no point in helping him. Do I make myself clear?"
Hinata could only manage a shaky nod, though she knew not of what the beast was saying.
Suddenly the beast disappeared as did it's tails and Hinata was falling. She screamed as she saw the cold hard ground getting near at a neck breaking pace.
It lied! Was her last thought as she hit the ground.
Hinata sprang up from her bed. Sweat poured from her skin as she panted. Her eyes scanned the room, recognizing the walls and items. She was in her own room, on her own bed. She reached up and felt her hair, her fingers raked through the shortly cropped locks and she sighed in relief.
It was only a dream
She calmed her heart beats by breathing slow and deep. It was only a dream, her mind chanted as her eyes darted across the barren room, fore Hinata had no need for personal objects. She glanced towards her open closet, her usually neat and folded clothing had been raided and many of it laid in a pile at the foot of the tall closet.
Her mouth fell open in a silent gasp as she casted off he covers and threw her legs over the edge of her bed. She stood and ran to her closet, only to double over as a heated pain coursed through her body. She landed heavily on her knees and clutched her stomach.
Wh-what happened to me?
"I see you're awake." A voice said as the door slid open, allowing Hanabi to enter her room. The small girl hung back, leaning against the frame with her arms crossed. "I was worried that it was going to take a lot longer for you wake up." She sneered slightly, her long hair swaying behind her, covering her right eye.
Hinata panted lightly as she looked up at her only sibling. She felt a pang of envy from seeing her, looking so proud at such a young age. She quickly suppressed it.
"Ha-hanabi? What happened?" Hinata asked, her voice hoarse as she forced her body to stand. Her right arm wrapped itself across her stomach as she leaned on the bed corner with her left.
"You don't remember?" Hanabi answered with a question and tilted her head to the side, her visible eyebrow rising. "You shouldn't be out of bed, you know." She calmly entered the room and held out her small unscathed hand. "You need to rest, you were foolish to fight when hurt. I would have thought you were smarter then to fight with an injury, sister." Hanabi curled ever so slightly up in a smirk. She grasped Hinata's forearm and led her to the bed.
"The fight? Th-that's right, we fought. You won." Hinata's eyes fell to the wooden floor, shoulders slumping as full realization hit her with full force. Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She tilted her head lower and allowed her bangs to cover her eyes.
Hanabi's ghost of a smirk fell, leaving her expression blank as she placed her small hand on Hinata's shoulder. "No, sister. I didn't."
Hinata's body tensed as her sister's words sunk in. If Hanabi didn't win, then the victor was herself? Impossible, Hanabi had taken her down... unless there was something that happened afterwards? Something Hinata had forgotten.
Hinata's head shot up as her eyes seeked out those of her sister. She stared into the familiar pale eyes, searching for truth in the possible fantasy she had revealed.
Never Give Up, Hanabi! Never Give Up!
"Y-you withdrew. Y-you gave up the fight... W-why?" Hinata asked, her eyes searching desperately for answers in the pale orbs that belonged to her younger sister. "F-father was watching. W-why would you give up? You should n-never give up, H-Hanabi-san."
Hanabi shook her head and pushed her long hair out of her eyes. "It was an unfair fight. Father has taught me that in an honorable fight both opponents should be in full health and able-bodied. You were not." Her eyes glanced down to Hinata's spine. "You were hurt."
Hinata blushed as she remembered the injury. "It was an a-accident, I-I was careless during training."
Hanabi nodded once as she stood up and walked towards the door opening. "Father wants to talk to you. Dress and go to his office." She called over her shoulder as she headed towards the rooms exit, but before she slid the door shut Hanabi glanced back towards Hinata. "I'm sorry about the mess. I didn't know which clothing you slept in." Hanabi turned to slide the door shut, but stopped mid way, pausing in her actions as a sudden thought struck her young mind. "Oh, and next time we spar I want you to know that I won't go easy on you." She smirked as she slid the door shut.
Hinata was left alone in her room, frozen with amazement and shock.
"My name... My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I am a nuke-ninja, once from the Leaf village; Konohagakure" Naruto whispered, boldly looking into the red-head's lonely pale green eyes. "I'm like you." He stated as he stepped closer. "I'm different and I'm alone." He reached up and pulled off his mask. "I have marks, just like you." He revealed his scared cheeks.
The boy's eyes widened as he stared at the blonde's whiskered cheeks. Naruto could see the wheels in his head turning as he connected the dots together.
A moment of silence fell between the two boys, thick and heavy. Naruto wiped away the few tears that had escaped harshly while standing his ground. The guy may be creepy, but no one deserves to live alone.
Finally the silence lifted as the boy spoke. "You're the run away ninja that was reported yesterday morning." His eyes narrowed as he stared coldly.
Naruto fidgeted slightly under his intense gaze, but his voice couldn't be trusted, and so he nodded.
"I am ordered to turn you in, your village wants you." The boy stepped forward.
Naruto jerked back, anger rolling off of him in waves as his breaths came out jagged. "No! I refuse! After what I just told you, you're still going to turn me in? What have I done to you?" Naruto snarled as his fists tightened with betrayal.
The red-head cocked his head to the side. He stopped moving and waited until Naruto's breathing calmed. "I have no intention of turning you in, Uzumaki." His cold voice stated as he crossed his arms over his chest, his gorge shifted with the movement. "My name is Gaara no Sabaku, a shinobi of the Sand."
Naruto relaxed and loosened up from his protective stance. He was relieved to be able to trust him now. At least now, he was no longer alone.
"Gaara no Sabaku... You must be related to that kunoichi... Temari?" Naruto pulled up his mask, adjusting it so that he was able to breathe properly without the fabric getting in the way while at the same time trying to ease the tension.
"We share a father, but I don't see her, or Kankuro as my siblings." Gaara stated coldly as he glared.
Naruto felt the shivers crawl up his spine at that. I trust him... but he still creeps me out!
"Well, it can't be that bad, can it? They seem like good people." Naruto said. There goes the whole concept of asking. Gaara sure is hard to win over.
Gaara remained stoic as he answered. "If they are, I wouldn't know. Mother says having a family means knowing how to love, I know not of love. Love is an emotion I am cursed to never have."
Naruto remembered PawPaw. Her gentle warm smile and countless stories of another world. Her unnecessary crane wracking him over the head when he was being dumb. Her croaking laugh. The old hag was a grandmother to him. She was kind to him when no one else was... She was there for him. She taught him how to feel...
Naruto raised a hand to his forehead, he felt the hard metal plate of his headband and a small smile graced his features, unseen beneath the black mask. "That's not true." Naruto said as he tugged at the plate. He brought another hand behind his head to loosen the knot. "There is no curse that doesn't allow someone to not feel love." The plate fell onto his hand as the knot broke loose.
Naruto turned it over and stared at the kanji carved into it. He glanced up at the confused red-head who glared at him. Naruto smiled at him as he clutched the plate between his fingers and held it up. "A friend of mine gave me this." He said as he shook it, the fabric trailed down his arm. "She was a crazy old hag, but her words were true." He walked forward and stood in front of a bewildered Gaara. "When she gave me this, I was packed and ready to venture out on this journey."
"What does this have to do with me?" Gaara asked, puffing out his chest in a childish stubborn way.
Naruto let out a small laugh. "Cause it's as if she knew I was going to meet you. You see this kanji?"
"Hai. I know. It is marked onto my forehead to forever remind me that love is something I do not deserve."
Naruto shook his head. "Love is much more than that. PawPaw said and I quote: Love is the greatest weapon; for it can make a person want to fight. Love will make one stronger." Naruto paused as he mulled over the next words. His gaze hardened on Gaara as he realized that the next phrase was for him. "Go out there and find love, spread love to those who can't."
Naruto smiled as his throat clogged with emotion. "Fight for it, Gaara. Don't ever give yourself over to hatred."
Naruto watched as Gaara absorbed his words. What Naruto wasn't prepared for was Gaara turning and walking away. Not a word was said as he retreaded out of the ally and disappeared. Naruto stood stock-still for a while, not knowing what to do next.
Suddenly a roaring wind blew by and Naruto knew that the storm was coming, and it was coming fast. He left the ally and speed walked towards his inn.
You did good, Kit. Give the one-tail some time.
Alright, Kyuubi.
Hinata stood outside the office door, her body shaking slightly with her nerves as she breathed deeply. She chanted her nindo silently to gain some sort of comfort, but even that didn't help her. She was scared to face her father. He'd most certainly disown her now.
"I know you're there, Hinata, come in."
Hinata drew in a deep breath and slowly slid the door open. "Y-you wanted me, F-father?" She asked as she shyly walked into the room, letting loose a low breath.
Her father sat at his desk. Paperwork stacked in neat piles were surrounding him, along with few of his personal belongings, such as awards and old family photographs.
"We have much to discuss. Now Hinata, what you're about to get yourself into is a long and hard process. You must know now that it isn't something you should take so lightly." He said as he crossed his arms on the desktop. His eyes bore holes into her as she stared at him with shocked eyes.
"I-I'm sorry, F-father, but I am not f-following." Hinata stuttered as she twirled her fingers nervously.
"You won the fight. I told you that if you won I'd take you up as my new apprentice. I never go back on my word." Her father stated as he then swiped his hand across the air and gestured to a chair that sat in front of his desk. "It's alright to sit, this is your home as well."
Hinata hesitantly sat down and stared at her father long and hard. "I won by default. There's no honor behind that." She whispered as her eyes fell to her feet, suddenly finding her shoes very fasenating.
"Very true, but there is honor behind standing up for what you want, despite all obstacles." Hinata's eyes widened slightly as the words triggered her memory.
You're going to become an obstacle in my path. I see it fit to eliminate all futuristic obstacles, before it's too late. It's voice echoed in her mind as she gulped down her fear.
"I saw the injury before the fight even started." Her father continued, oblivious towards Hinata's reaction. "I knew how the fight would end," Hinata looked up and gazed at her father in shock. "but I was intrigued when you didn't back out. You fought through it just for the chance to become my apprentice. Hinata, you are honorable. And you are ready to become a true Hyuuga." He stood up and walked around the desk. He stopped by Hinata's chair. "You're training starts tomorrow at dawn, do not be late." With that said and done, he strolled out of the office.
Hinata's lip quivered and tears brimmed her eyes as his words slowly connected together with Hinata's mind. Her father had not disowned her. He had complemented her. He had accepted her...
Hinata jumped up and ran through the house with glee. She ran out the front door of their estate and continued towards her team's training grounds.
I've become stronger. Oh, Naruto, if only you could see me now. She boldly thought as she for, once in her life, allowed herself to be proud of her accomplishment.
AN: Sorry about the long wait! I've been... distracted lately... Alright Alright, I've been Lazy... You guys should be thanking my friend (you know who you are) and my beta! Honestly, between school, training and being sick (sadly!) I just haven't had the time. I managed to squeeze this chapter from the darkest depths of my mind...
Long story short, I am just lazy!
LoVeItHaTeItReViEwIt!