Disclaimer
Naruto and co. doesn't belong to me.
I'm back! Now on to the story.
Chapter one
* * * * * *
S e c r e t s
Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
" Tsuki-chan! Come quickly!"
The young girl chirped impatiently at her guardian, waving frantically as she skipped along playfully in the fields of bush clover and hay scented grass, her hair disheveled by the light breeze and cheeks rosy from the running. Redbreast robins whistled from a nearby croft while gathering swallows twittered in the skies. The summer was ending and the air wafting with mellow aroma brought in the feel of imminent autumn.
" Careful! Hikari-chan!"
Tsuki ran after the vivacious girl, frolicking amid the long grass. She looked fondly at the three-year-old who was discovering everything around her with a headful of golden curls and a cheerful chuckle. Hikari of sweet round cheeks, chubby hands and sturdy legs. She was always happy and smiling and content wherever she was. Especially now, on rare occasions that she was allowed out of the house.
Unexpectedly, in the tranquility of the fields, from a nearby spot, heart-wrenching sobs were heard. Hikari cocked her ear to the source and listened, slightly frowning.
" There's someone crying, Tsuki-chan." She commented, sotto voce, as if she stumbled upon a great secret. Tsuki moved nearer and looked closely at the child. The boy with long raven hair bound by a white strip was sitting forlornly on a boulder, crying bitterly. And Tsuki recognized him.
/Hyuga Neji. /
/It's no wonder. His father had just died. /
/The fate of Hyuga branch family... /
" Shall we comfort him?" Hikari tugged at her guardian's sleeve.
" No, Hikari. Just leave him - "
It was too late. Hikari had already advanced towards the boy.
/She is still as impetuous as ever. /
The approaching footsteps caused the boy to lift his head. The girl almost gasped when she saw his eyes that were white and plainly very hostile. Hardly daunted, she showed oblivion to the boy's forbidding countenance as she sat beside him.
" Onii-chan? Why did you cry?" Hikari asked innocently.
The boy was silent for a long moment before shaking his head wistfully.
" My father died," came the plaintive voice.
" Died?" The girl's eyes clouded in confusion.
To the girl, carefully sheltered from the harsh realities of the cold hard world, 'death' is a word not easily grasped.
Tsuki was surprised that Neji didn't push the girl away. Ever since the death of his father, the boy had become withdrawn and gruff, a shadow of his former self. He was curt and cool to everyone and his painful loss and hatred further exacerbated by the inflicted scar on his forehead.
" When people die, they go to heaven." He replied after pondering for a while.
" Heaven?"
" My papa and mama are there too," Hikari added.
Gazing at the sky, the girl spoke longingly, " It must be beautiful up there. Oji-san always tells me that I'll see them one day but not for a very long, long time."
The boy turned sharply and scrutinized the girl carefully.
/How could a little girl like her speak like this? /
The girl looked at him earnestly, " Onii-chan, don't cry. I'm sure your papa is happy up there."
" How do you know?" The boy asked incredulously.
" Because my papa and mama are happy up there. And they are watching over me."
" So I'm sure your papa is watching you up there too."
A sweet smile graced the girl's face as she reasoned.
Sunlight ebbed away as barred clouds drifted in the soft-dying day. It was only then that Tsuki realized it was already late in the day.
" Hikari! We need to go!" She hollered.
" Hai..."
Hikari stood up and beamed at Neji, then waved goodbye as she ran to her guardian.
Neji looked up the sky as a sensation of serenity claimed him.
/Otou-san... /
As the boy dusted his pants and glanced around, he caught sight of a dainty lace handkerchief. Picking it up, he inspected it and saw a 'H' embroidered at one corner. Carefully folding the cloth, the boy tucked it securely in his pocket.
/Hmmm... /
/Hikari... huh... /
Slowly, a smile flitted through his face. And shortly as darkness fell, the boy disappeared under the mask of the shadows.
* * *
" Oji-san," the girl whined and pouted, " I haven't been outside for a long time!"
" Ever since Yuki left, I have never step out the house."
" Please! Can I go out?"
" No. Tsuki is not around."
" But I'm four year old now, I can take care of myself."
" Oji-san?" Hikari pled, hands clasped with a hopeful expression.
The old man shook his head, arms crossed. He watched closely the girl in front of him. The baby he brought back four years ago had grown into a wispy little thing. The impish smile, the big blue eyes, the shinning little face had won everyone's hearts in the household. And to the third Hokage and his wife, she was the apple in their eyes.
With their sons all grown up and moved out to lead their own lives, the house had become desolate but the arrival of the little girl had livened up the place and warmed their hearts immensely.
However the secret she carried, only he, his wife and trustworthy Tsuki knew. To the servants and others who had encountered Hikari, they would explain prudently that Hikari was a niece of his wife and they were taking care of her while her parents were away.
" Just let her go out and play for a while. It'll do no harm. Besides a child should go outdoors more often. They'll be healthier this way rather than cooping up in the house all day." A woman said matter-of-factly.
" Yay! I can go out and play!"
A broad grin spread across the young child's face as she hopped up and down, whooping for joy. Then she darted forward and threw her arms around the waist of the woman.
" Oba-san. You're the best!" Hikari craned up and smiled at the woman.
She looked down at the child lovingly, patting her head as she knelt in front of her, holding out her pinkie finger.
" Hikari-chan. Promise me that you will behave. Don't go to places with many people. And don't t -."
" And don't tell anyone what's my name or who I am." Hikari finished, grinning proudly.
The woman smiled, " Come back before dinner, promise?"
The little girl nodded solemnly and tugged the woman's finger with her own. Then she skipped out of the house, waving back before disappearing about the corner.
" Is it really all right?"
The old man touched his chin worriedly.
" She will take care of herself."
She reassured her companion.
Sarutobi Kasumi was dressed simply in a dark blue kimono, her graying hair pulled back in a neat bun behind. Despite her age, she had attractive brown eyes with wrinkles at the corners, hinting that she laughed a lot and had a sense of humor, and belied her frail-looking frame, she radiated a sense of confidence and poise.
" Well, I got to check on the dinner."
She left, leaving the man still thoughtful.
He walked to his study, opened the cupboard and took out a box, which he placed on the desk. Taking out the crystal ball, he activated it and watched silently as images appeared.
Hikari capered around the garden, gleeful as she breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed the newfound freedom. A warm glow swelled in her as she basked in the warm sunshine. Gentle breeze played lovingly amongst the trees and flowers rioted in the pasture as they blossomed, splendid and sprightly in the embrace of the spring. She marveled at the wonderful panoramic view, unraveling before her while she sighed happily, stretching her body lazily. Glancing around, she spotted a clump of daises.
" White daises! "
" That's Oji-san's and my favorite flower. I shall bring some home."
Hikari tugged hard at the stalk and finally breaking it.
" That's not the way. The petals will all fall off before you reach home."
A disapproving voice rang out from behind. Quickly, Hikari turned around, startled by the interruption to see the source of the voice was a girl, around her age. She had short light blond hair, with strands of hair clipped neatly by the side. Her eyes peered at Hikari curiously.
" What's your name?" She asked.
Hikari fidgeted uneasily as she looked around, thinking hard what to say.
/I can't tell. /
/I promised. A promise is a promise. I can't break it. /
/What should I do? /
Hikari's cheeks burned as she stuttered. "I..."
Sensing the other girl's misgivings, the teal-eyed girl rattled nonchalantly, " Well I'm Yamanaka Ino. Nice to meet you."
If Ino found the girl strange, she did not say anything.
" As I was saying just now, that's not the way you pluck a flower."
Ino moved closer to Hikari and bringing out a knife, she cut the stalk deftly.
" Do it this way, your flowers can last several days."
" Amazing. How do you know so much?" Hikari exclaimed, fascinated.
" My family opens a flower shop." She declared proudly.
Looking around, Ino viewed the flowers surrounding them.
"Look! That's a bluebell!" She nudged Hikari excitedly.
Her enthusiasm rubbed off on Hikari and soon they were laughing together as they explored the pastures.
"Wow..."
" This flower is so fun. Look!"
Hikari blew the dandelion hard and tiny puffs of white floated around them.
" Let me try... Hmm... Beautiful..."
Before long the sky around them was surrounded by the snow-like flowers which were carried high up in the sky as the wind blew while they danced and twirled in merriment among the blossoms. The pastures resounded with the two girls' giggles as they explored the different flowers while Ino taught Hikari their names.
Soon as the sun set, the few thin strips of clouds on the horizon turned shimmering gold, with the sky all rosy and salmon-pink. They lay side by side, in comfortable silence as they looked up the sky, admiring nature's glorious beauty.
" Hey... I have never seen you around. You just move here?"
" No... It's just that I am not allowed to go out too often." Hikari said sadly, voice barely a whisper.
" It's a pity. I'm sure my friends would have like you very much."
"Really? "
A pinkish tinge appeared on Hikari's cheeks.
" Definitely."
Ino grinned at the girl.
" Let's go home..."
From the top of the mound, Ino waved as Hikari watched until she lost sight of Ino's silhouette. Then Hikari headed home, her face brightened with a brilliant smile and in her hand, white daisies.
* * *
Hikari sat on a bench, humming softly and swinging her legs beneath it. On her lap was her lunch. Oji-san and Oba-san had allowed her to eat outdoors today.
She had never wondered why her guardians were always so protective. She could not figure out the reason why she must not tell others her name or anything about herself. Neither was she too sure why she must lie whenever she sees strangers nor the fact that she had to keep away from them. But to Hikari, all these questions and subtleties were nothing. And all she cared about was to play and be happy. And she was happy. She had made meet people, like Ino, Yuki and even the strange boy she spotted crying. Never mind that she had met them only for brief moments. All that mattered was that they left something behind in her tender heart - the antidote to her loneliness. Even her guardians seemed to relent when they saw how happy she was and had allowed the girl to come out more often. She was in sheer bliss now and enthralled, cherishing the moment as she sat humming.
"Hmmm... Nice..."
She licked her lips as she checked out the contents of her bento. Above the pearl white rice, crispy tempura prawns were arranged evenly, accompanied by fried tofu whose outer coat a golden yellow while the interior snowy white and topped with a sweet-smelling thick sauce. While Hikari examined her bento, a boy was ogling hungrily at the lunch box and its savory contents.
"Can I have some?" The plump boy muttered, " Your bento looks delicious."
It was evident the boy in front of her loved food and it showed in a stomach bursting to get out of his shorts and in the rolls of fat below his chin.
The boy blushed deep red as he stammered, " May... I...?"
"Of course. Oba-san prepared it for me. Have some. "
She patted at the seat besides her, motioning the boy to join her.
" I'm Choji. What's your name?"
" Try some." She stuffed a tempura in his mouth, hoping to change the topic.
" It's rr-r-eal-ly good."
The boy mumbled, cramming more tempura into his mouth.
" Do you know of any playground nearby? I want to play a swing."
The corpulent boy nodded, pointing at a direction, as he stuffed more food into his already filled mouth, relishing it greatly. The girl sat thoughtful as she recalled how much she enjoyed when Yuki brought her to the playground last time.
"Then I'm going there," She said joyfully, hopping off the bench as she romped in the direction. But the boy grabbed her sleeve abruptly, eyes wide and fearful as he shook his head vehemently.
" What?"
The girl looked at the boy amusedly.
" I'll just play for a while. Then I'll come back soon."
The boy shook his head even more aggressively, as he tried to gobble and swallow his food quickly.
" Ta-lies... C-ang..."
He tried to articulate unsuccessfully, his voice muffled by the food in his mouth.
" I don't know what you're saying. See you later."
" Wait... There are..."
Before Choji could finish, the girl was already out of sight.
/Oh no. /
He gulped and looked down at the ground nervously.
/This is not good. /
To be continued
* * * * * *
Thanks to all readers and of course, the reviewers!!!! You guys rocks!! I'm so happy, so happy... All your suggestions are considered. Hope this chapter didn't come out too badly. Well, to tell you the truth, Neji wasn't meant to come out so early. Hmm... But by popular demand, I added him here in this chapter. So Neji fans, hope you're happy. As for pairings, don't be too expectant. Cos' I'm going to explore the relationships between different characters first, pairings come later. So don't take it as a NejiHika pairing. Things might just change. *Wicked laughter* Well, Naruto will make his appearance next chap. Any last words to add before Hikari turns into Naruto?
What should you do now? Of course, go and review...
Thank you so much. *A wide toothy grin*
Ja ~
S-Chan
Naruto and co. doesn't belong to me.
I'm back! Now on to the story.
Chapter one
* * * * * *
S e c r e t s
Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
" Tsuki-chan! Come quickly!"
The young girl chirped impatiently at her guardian, waving frantically as she skipped along playfully in the fields of bush clover and hay scented grass, her hair disheveled by the light breeze and cheeks rosy from the running. Redbreast robins whistled from a nearby croft while gathering swallows twittered in the skies. The summer was ending and the air wafting with mellow aroma brought in the feel of imminent autumn.
" Careful! Hikari-chan!"
Tsuki ran after the vivacious girl, frolicking amid the long grass. She looked fondly at the three-year-old who was discovering everything around her with a headful of golden curls and a cheerful chuckle. Hikari of sweet round cheeks, chubby hands and sturdy legs. She was always happy and smiling and content wherever she was. Especially now, on rare occasions that she was allowed out of the house.
Unexpectedly, in the tranquility of the fields, from a nearby spot, heart-wrenching sobs were heard. Hikari cocked her ear to the source and listened, slightly frowning.
" There's someone crying, Tsuki-chan." She commented, sotto voce, as if she stumbled upon a great secret. Tsuki moved nearer and looked closely at the child. The boy with long raven hair bound by a white strip was sitting forlornly on a boulder, crying bitterly. And Tsuki recognized him.
/Hyuga Neji. /
/It's no wonder. His father had just died. /
/The fate of Hyuga branch family... /
" Shall we comfort him?" Hikari tugged at her guardian's sleeve.
" No, Hikari. Just leave him - "
It was too late. Hikari had already advanced towards the boy.
/She is still as impetuous as ever. /
The approaching footsteps caused the boy to lift his head. The girl almost gasped when she saw his eyes that were white and plainly very hostile. Hardly daunted, she showed oblivion to the boy's forbidding countenance as she sat beside him.
" Onii-chan? Why did you cry?" Hikari asked innocently.
The boy was silent for a long moment before shaking his head wistfully.
" My father died," came the plaintive voice.
" Died?" The girl's eyes clouded in confusion.
To the girl, carefully sheltered from the harsh realities of the cold hard world, 'death' is a word not easily grasped.
Tsuki was surprised that Neji didn't push the girl away. Ever since the death of his father, the boy had become withdrawn and gruff, a shadow of his former self. He was curt and cool to everyone and his painful loss and hatred further exacerbated by the inflicted scar on his forehead.
" When people die, they go to heaven." He replied after pondering for a while.
" Heaven?"
" My papa and mama are there too," Hikari added.
Gazing at the sky, the girl spoke longingly, " It must be beautiful up there. Oji-san always tells me that I'll see them one day but not for a very long, long time."
The boy turned sharply and scrutinized the girl carefully.
/How could a little girl like her speak like this? /
The girl looked at him earnestly, " Onii-chan, don't cry. I'm sure your papa is happy up there."
" How do you know?" The boy asked incredulously.
" Because my papa and mama are happy up there. And they are watching over me."
" So I'm sure your papa is watching you up there too."
A sweet smile graced the girl's face as she reasoned.
Sunlight ebbed away as barred clouds drifted in the soft-dying day. It was only then that Tsuki realized it was already late in the day.
" Hikari! We need to go!" She hollered.
" Hai..."
Hikari stood up and beamed at Neji, then waved goodbye as she ran to her guardian.
Neji looked up the sky as a sensation of serenity claimed him.
/Otou-san... /
As the boy dusted his pants and glanced around, he caught sight of a dainty lace handkerchief. Picking it up, he inspected it and saw a 'H' embroidered at one corner. Carefully folding the cloth, the boy tucked it securely in his pocket.
/Hmmm... /
/Hikari... huh... /
Slowly, a smile flitted through his face. And shortly as darkness fell, the boy disappeared under the mask of the shadows.
* * *
" Oji-san," the girl whined and pouted, " I haven't been outside for a long time!"
" Ever since Yuki left, I have never step out the house."
" Please! Can I go out?"
" No. Tsuki is not around."
" But I'm four year old now, I can take care of myself."
" Oji-san?" Hikari pled, hands clasped with a hopeful expression.
The old man shook his head, arms crossed. He watched closely the girl in front of him. The baby he brought back four years ago had grown into a wispy little thing. The impish smile, the big blue eyes, the shinning little face had won everyone's hearts in the household. And to the third Hokage and his wife, she was the apple in their eyes.
With their sons all grown up and moved out to lead their own lives, the house had become desolate but the arrival of the little girl had livened up the place and warmed their hearts immensely.
However the secret she carried, only he, his wife and trustworthy Tsuki knew. To the servants and others who had encountered Hikari, they would explain prudently that Hikari was a niece of his wife and they were taking care of her while her parents were away.
" Just let her go out and play for a while. It'll do no harm. Besides a child should go outdoors more often. They'll be healthier this way rather than cooping up in the house all day." A woman said matter-of-factly.
" Yay! I can go out and play!"
A broad grin spread across the young child's face as she hopped up and down, whooping for joy. Then she darted forward and threw her arms around the waist of the woman.
" Oba-san. You're the best!" Hikari craned up and smiled at the woman.
She looked down at the child lovingly, patting her head as she knelt in front of her, holding out her pinkie finger.
" Hikari-chan. Promise me that you will behave. Don't go to places with many people. And don't t -."
" And don't tell anyone what's my name or who I am." Hikari finished, grinning proudly.
The woman smiled, " Come back before dinner, promise?"
The little girl nodded solemnly and tugged the woman's finger with her own. Then she skipped out of the house, waving back before disappearing about the corner.
" Is it really all right?"
The old man touched his chin worriedly.
" She will take care of herself."
She reassured her companion.
Sarutobi Kasumi was dressed simply in a dark blue kimono, her graying hair pulled back in a neat bun behind. Despite her age, she had attractive brown eyes with wrinkles at the corners, hinting that she laughed a lot and had a sense of humor, and belied her frail-looking frame, she radiated a sense of confidence and poise.
" Well, I got to check on the dinner."
She left, leaving the man still thoughtful.
He walked to his study, opened the cupboard and took out a box, which he placed on the desk. Taking out the crystal ball, he activated it and watched silently as images appeared.
Hikari capered around the garden, gleeful as she breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed the newfound freedom. A warm glow swelled in her as she basked in the warm sunshine. Gentle breeze played lovingly amongst the trees and flowers rioted in the pasture as they blossomed, splendid and sprightly in the embrace of the spring. She marveled at the wonderful panoramic view, unraveling before her while she sighed happily, stretching her body lazily. Glancing around, she spotted a clump of daises.
" White daises! "
" That's Oji-san's and my favorite flower. I shall bring some home."
Hikari tugged hard at the stalk and finally breaking it.
" That's not the way. The petals will all fall off before you reach home."
A disapproving voice rang out from behind. Quickly, Hikari turned around, startled by the interruption to see the source of the voice was a girl, around her age. She had short light blond hair, with strands of hair clipped neatly by the side. Her eyes peered at Hikari curiously.
" What's your name?" She asked.
Hikari fidgeted uneasily as she looked around, thinking hard what to say.
/I can't tell. /
/I promised. A promise is a promise. I can't break it. /
/What should I do? /
Hikari's cheeks burned as she stuttered. "I..."
Sensing the other girl's misgivings, the teal-eyed girl rattled nonchalantly, " Well I'm Yamanaka Ino. Nice to meet you."
If Ino found the girl strange, she did not say anything.
" As I was saying just now, that's not the way you pluck a flower."
Ino moved closer to Hikari and bringing out a knife, she cut the stalk deftly.
" Do it this way, your flowers can last several days."
" Amazing. How do you know so much?" Hikari exclaimed, fascinated.
" My family opens a flower shop." She declared proudly.
Looking around, Ino viewed the flowers surrounding them.
"Look! That's a bluebell!" She nudged Hikari excitedly.
Her enthusiasm rubbed off on Hikari and soon they were laughing together as they explored the pastures.
"Wow..."
" This flower is so fun. Look!"
Hikari blew the dandelion hard and tiny puffs of white floated around them.
" Let me try... Hmm... Beautiful..."
Before long the sky around them was surrounded by the snow-like flowers which were carried high up in the sky as the wind blew while they danced and twirled in merriment among the blossoms. The pastures resounded with the two girls' giggles as they explored the different flowers while Ino taught Hikari their names.
Soon as the sun set, the few thin strips of clouds on the horizon turned shimmering gold, with the sky all rosy and salmon-pink. They lay side by side, in comfortable silence as they looked up the sky, admiring nature's glorious beauty.
" Hey... I have never seen you around. You just move here?"
" No... It's just that I am not allowed to go out too often." Hikari said sadly, voice barely a whisper.
" It's a pity. I'm sure my friends would have like you very much."
"Really? "
A pinkish tinge appeared on Hikari's cheeks.
" Definitely."
Ino grinned at the girl.
" Let's go home..."
From the top of the mound, Ino waved as Hikari watched until she lost sight of Ino's silhouette. Then Hikari headed home, her face brightened with a brilliant smile and in her hand, white daisies.
* * *
Hikari sat on a bench, humming softly and swinging her legs beneath it. On her lap was her lunch. Oji-san and Oba-san had allowed her to eat outdoors today.
She had never wondered why her guardians were always so protective. She could not figure out the reason why she must not tell others her name or anything about herself. Neither was she too sure why she must lie whenever she sees strangers nor the fact that she had to keep away from them. But to Hikari, all these questions and subtleties were nothing. And all she cared about was to play and be happy. And she was happy. She had made meet people, like Ino, Yuki and even the strange boy she spotted crying. Never mind that she had met them only for brief moments. All that mattered was that they left something behind in her tender heart - the antidote to her loneliness. Even her guardians seemed to relent when they saw how happy she was and had allowed the girl to come out more often. She was in sheer bliss now and enthralled, cherishing the moment as she sat humming.
"Hmmm... Nice..."
She licked her lips as she checked out the contents of her bento. Above the pearl white rice, crispy tempura prawns were arranged evenly, accompanied by fried tofu whose outer coat a golden yellow while the interior snowy white and topped with a sweet-smelling thick sauce. While Hikari examined her bento, a boy was ogling hungrily at the lunch box and its savory contents.
"Can I have some?" The plump boy muttered, " Your bento looks delicious."
It was evident the boy in front of her loved food and it showed in a stomach bursting to get out of his shorts and in the rolls of fat below his chin.
The boy blushed deep red as he stammered, " May... I...?"
"Of course. Oba-san prepared it for me. Have some. "
She patted at the seat besides her, motioning the boy to join her.
" I'm Choji. What's your name?"
" Try some." She stuffed a tempura in his mouth, hoping to change the topic.
" It's rr-r-eal-ly good."
The boy mumbled, cramming more tempura into his mouth.
" Do you know of any playground nearby? I want to play a swing."
The corpulent boy nodded, pointing at a direction, as he stuffed more food into his already filled mouth, relishing it greatly. The girl sat thoughtful as she recalled how much she enjoyed when Yuki brought her to the playground last time.
"Then I'm going there," She said joyfully, hopping off the bench as she romped in the direction. But the boy grabbed her sleeve abruptly, eyes wide and fearful as he shook his head vehemently.
" What?"
The girl looked at the boy amusedly.
" I'll just play for a while. Then I'll come back soon."
The boy shook his head even more aggressively, as he tried to gobble and swallow his food quickly.
" Ta-lies... C-ang..."
He tried to articulate unsuccessfully, his voice muffled by the food in his mouth.
" I don't know what you're saying. See you later."
" Wait... There are..."
Before Choji could finish, the girl was already out of sight.
/Oh no. /
He gulped and looked down at the ground nervously.
/This is not good. /
To be continued
* * * * * *
Thanks to all readers and of course, the reviewers!!!! You guys rocks!! I'm so happy, so happy... All your suggestions are considered. Hope this chapter didn't come out too badly. Well, to tell you the truth, Neji wasn't meant to come out so early. Hmm... But by popular demand, I added him here in this chapter. So Neji fans, hope you're happy. As for pairings, don't be too expectant. Cos' I'm going to explore the relationships between different characters first, pairings come later. So don't take it as a NejiHika pairing. Things might just change. *Wicked laughter* Well, Naruto will make his appearance next chap. Any last words to add before Hikari turns into Naruto?
What should you do now? Of course, go and review...
Thank you so much. *A wide toothy grin*
Ja ~
S-Chan