Chapter 11: Pressing Matters

The last thing I remembered was Shisui explaining what the clan had planned and the possible outcome it could have on our world. Exhaustion finally took it's toll and before the three of us could talk about how to stop the clan without loosing lives, I fainted. When I finally came to, my eyes fluttered open then cowered from the sunlight beaming through my window.

I'm home?

"You're awake." Daddy's voice came as a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness." Mom breathed.

I strained to sit up and looked around at my surroundings. "What happened?" My voice was hoarse and I gladly took the glass of water mom offered to me.

"You collapsed after training. You're lucky to have two young men who care enough to pick you up off the streets!" Mom sounded upset.

I groaned at the headache forming and held my head. "Where are they?"

"It's been three days, Shikara, they've been coming by every chance they have." Dad was unusually perplexed. He was looking at me like I was some kind of vixen.

"They both have?" My cheeks began to flush a bright red.

Mom and dad looked to each other then turned back to me. "We were hoping this stage wouldn't come until later." Mom said, looking me straight in the eyes. "You shouldn't work so hard to impress young men!" She scolded.

"W-what!?" I practically jumped out of bed. "I don't train for that! There are far more important things to train for!" I defended myself, flustered.

My parents seemed to breath a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods." Daddy breathed.

I'm not even a teenager yet! They should be scolded for their assumptions, not me!

They had me on bed rest for the duration of the day. I still hadn't seen Itachi or Shisui and gave up on them coming. I was glad because I didn't know how I would react to them and my parents in the same room. It was hard enough to not portray knowing anything and acting normal, especially because mom and dad currently supported the clan and even pushed for their plans. When my parents finally left to give me some peace, I sighed and slumped further into my bed sheets. The sun was about to set.

How will I explain my absence to the ANBU?

"Psssst!"

I jumped in a startle and focused on the person at my window. "Oh, goodness...Shisui, what are you doing!?" I managed to whisper.

He had to stifle a chuckle and mouthed. 'Are you alright?'

I looked to my bedroom door cautiously, then peered back at Shisui and gave him a simple nod and a small smile. I wanted to go to him. I wanted to discuss plans and what I can do to help.

Shisui put a hand up to keep me from discussing anything here. When he spoke, it was barely audible. "If you feel up to it, meet us at the usual training spot." The excitement gleamed in my eyes and I gave him a nod. "Good, see you soon." He quickly slinked away just before my room door opened to reveal my father.

"Shikara, is everything okay?"

My heart was racing. "Yes, daddy, I just had a bad dream."

"You weren't speaking to anyone?"

"Just to myself, daddy."

He gave me a strange look before shaking his head and leaving, closing the door behind him. I must seem like a weird child to him. I sighed and patiently waited for the house to grow quiet before silently getting ready. I saw my snowflake hair pin that I had received as a gift from Itachi and Sasuke resting on the desk. I gently picked it up, thinking about simpler times before pining it neatly in my hair. When I was happy with myself and the things I gathered, I finally made my way out of the window.

"Shikara!" A harsh voice called and the sudden disruption caused me to fall out of the window instead. My heart was beating so hard, it hurt.

I rubbed my sore cheek as I had fallen face-first onto the porch. "Gaaahh," I complained before looking at the one who disturbed my escape. I let in a small gasp when I realized that daddy and Fugaku were standing there. "Uhm, hello, sir...and daddy." I gave each a nod of respect but I'm sure I looked rather pathetic, still on the floor, holding my face.

Why were they standing outside the back door, next to my window!?

Daddy's eyebrow raised and his expression was that of disappointment. "What are you doing?"

I stood and composed myself, then gave a small bow. "I need fresh air, daddy. Ive been in bed for three days."

"So...you snuck out of the window?" He sounded annoyed and Fugaku's eyes seemed to be flying darts my way.

"Yes...I didn't want to disturb anyone." I looked at the ground. I've failed as a ninja. I can't even sneak out of my own home without being spotted.

Daddy sighed and looked to Fugaku. "It seems having children is a way to remind us of how we were at that age."

Fugaku gave daddy a slight smile. "Truly."

"Shikara... next time... use the door... your face will thank you." They both started to laugh about my misfortune.

I fake laughed and said, "yeah, sure, thanks," and slowly backed away to retreat, hopefully leaving them with their laughter.

Jerks.

"Wait, Shikara." I paused. Fugaku spoke with so much authority that it was impossible to ignore. I turned back to hear what he had to say. When he saw that he had my full attention he continued. "I was just speaking with your father about you joining our meetings."

My heart skipped a beat. "Oh...?" I looked from him to my father nervously.

"Yes, we think that it's time that you should be a part of our clan's affairs." Daddy explained.

"B-but I'm only still just a Genin, daddy."

"You are a shinobi, none the less." He replied, looking to Fugaku.

"We will be having one tomorrow night and it would be appropriate for you to attend." Said our clan leader. It was more like a demand, rather than an invite.

I composed my expression and gave a confident nod. "Yes, sir!" I bowed in respect.

"Good, I will see you and your family then." Fugaku replied, seeming satisfied with my response.

I rose and looked into my father's eyes. "May I please be excused?"

He smiled, "Yes, don't be long, though."

I spared a smile in return. "Thank you." I took one more bow before leaving.

...

It took me a while to get to the training spot as I had taken the long way to assure myself that I hadn't been followed. I saw Itachi and Shisui having a discussion.

"Good morning." I said with sarcasm and gave a small waive.

They looked to me and Shisui tilted his head. "Morning?"

I smiled. "Yes, I've been sleeping quite a bit lately, it seems." I perched myself on my favorite log. "Thank you."

"Why would you thank us?" Itachi questioned.

"I was informed of my two guardian angels visiting me while I slept." My smile turned sly. "So thank you."

It was slight but I caught the redness on both of their cheeks before quickly composing themselves. "It was only the right thing to do." Shisui explained.

"Mmmhmmm...and can anyone explain to me why my parents think of me as some kind of vixen?"

Itachi gave Shisui a hard stare and Shisui put his hands up. "My bad!"

My eyes narrowed. "That's not an explanation."

"Shisui thought it to be a good idea to instill a romantic picture in your parents minds when I carried you home." His blush became more prominent. "As a way to deflect what was really going on..."

They both watched as my expression became very flat. "I can't say that I'm grateful for that, Shisui-sama. I'm only twelve."

"Almost twelve." Itachi corrected. He was serious about reminding me if I ever forgot my 'birthday.'

Shisui sighed. "Let's address more important matters, shall we?"