Sound of Darkness, Sound of Light

Chapter Three: Hikari

Disclaimer: The "Naruto" characters belong to Kishimoto Masashi. I have put them in situations that diverge from the original storyline, but with no intent of compromising the integrity of his work. I make no profit from this story.  The character of Hikari is my own creation.

C & C appreciated   ashoro@excite.com


The hospital room held two beds. On one, the small form of the blond ninja rested, an IV inserted into his left arm.  On the other bed rested the body of the even smaller pale child, attached to a number of machines that 'pinged' and 'ponged' occasionally.

Two men were looking down at the sleeping children. Both had shocking white hair, and were obviously strong and agile, but that was the end of any resemblance between the two.  The  younger of the pair wore his hair up in a spiky cut, and had half of his face covered.  The elder of the two was slightly more stocky, and had bold red designs inked on his face, making him look more frightening then he actually was. 

"Kakashi-kun," began the elder, "Has he come to yet?"

"Not yet," answered the younger man. "The doctor said they both seem to be in a state of shock. As you can see from their chakra...well, it's no wonder they lost consciousness."

Jiraiya looked from one bed to another, a grim expression on his face. "So, what was chasing them?"

"We aren't quite sure," replied Hatake Kakashi, with an apologetic shrug.  "The guards said they saw several of Naruto-kun's shadow copies struggling in the field in front of the main gate,  but they couldn't see who they were fighting.  They sounded the alert when Naruto-kun collapsed, but nothing approached the wall."

"Hmmm... normally, we'd take this up with the Hokage.." mused Jiraiya. "Not an option at the present moment, of course."

"We could ask the Elders to come to council, once we have more information," suggested Kakashi.

Jaraiya nodded. "Probably our course of action. As soon as..." he was interrupted by a groan from the blond ninja's bed.  Both men stepped over closer. Kakashi reached his hand down to touch the young man on the shoulder.

"Naruto-kun, you are in the hospital. You've slept through the night and into the next day, but both you and this child seem to be fine - just exhausted. Can you tell us what happened?"

Naruto opened his eyes, and smiled weakly.  In a scratchy voice, he began to relate the main points of the previous day's events - the loud noise, the unconscious child, the pursuit through the woods.  When he recalled the part about the mysterious white chakra that had invaded his consciousness, both men exchange a quick glance.  

"And this child.." began Jaraiya.

"Hikari.." said Naruto. "His name is Hikari."

"Naruto-kun," said Kakashi, "You said he never regained consciousness. How do you know his name?"

"I...I don't know," replied Naruto, face growing puzzled. "I just do."  Wearied from the interrogation, mild though it had been,  the young boy rested his head back on his pillow.

"Well," said Jaraiya, "I guess we'll have time to continue this later, when you are stronger."  Both men  turned to leave the room, with a concerned glance back at the sleeping blond boy, and a more speculative look turned towards the occupant of the other bed.

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Several days later, Naruto finally returned to his home, bringing with him a small visitor.

"Hikari-chan, you'll be staying here with me until we can decide how to get you home - wherever that is. Sensei thought this was the best place for you, and it'll be fun to have company for a while.  I'm not supposed to train for at least another week, and since there isn't anything big coming up, I think I'll kick back for a while.  Just hang with me- we'll have a blast!"

The younger boy looked around the little apartment, a slightly worried look dancing across his face. Oni-chan, what smells so bad!?

"Oh, ha, ha..." laughed Naruto, reaching up with his left hand to scratch the back of his head. "That's some of my leftover breakfast from last week... I kinda forgot to put it back in the icebox, I guess."  Naruto looked around his apartment, critically.  It was a mess, as usual.  Well, that might be okay for him living alone, but with Hikari staying there for who-knows-how-long, he'd have to clean up some.

And what's this book? asked Hikari, reaching for a copy of Icha Icha Paradise sitting on the kitchen table. Naruto had snitched it from behind Kakashi's back a few months ago.

"Hey.." said Naruto, deftly snapping the book from the boy's hand. "That's...a secret training manual.  You aren't allowed to see it."   Blushing furiously, Naruto moved to change the subject. "You know, you can talk out loud if you want."

The boy's face took on a crestfallen look. You don't like me in your mind? His eyes began to shimmer slightly, as if they might drop tears onto his fine, pale cheekbones.

"No, no, that's okay!" Naruto hurriedly reassured his new roommate. "It's fine. It's actually fun - nobody can hear what you tell me.  But how will you talk to anybody else?"  They had established in the hospital that only Naruto was hearing the boy's mental responses to the questions posed to him by the doctors and village elders.

I can't remember how to mouth  talk.  Just like I can't remember anything else...

"Well, don't worry," said Naruto, putting his arm around the boy's shoulder reassuringly. "As long as I can hear you, you'll be fine.  I'll make sure you aren't alone..."

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Outside of the village, darks forms pulsed in the forest as the autumn grew colder.

The Child is in the village. But I/we will wait.

I/We can wait for a very, very long time...

C&C appreciated - ashoro@excite.com

The story continues in Chapter Four: Revelations