Especially for two friends who will be reading, wishing them happy belated birthday.
Best wishes and thanks a lot for your support... =)
Disclaimer
Naruto and co. doesn't belong to me.
Here we go.
Chapter two
* * * * * *
S e c r e t s
Sing to the Dawn
" There! That's the swing!"
Hikari squealed in delight when she caught sight of the playground. The swings and seesaws stood in the middle of the square, alongside the pine benches that are dispersed about haphazardly. The sturdy oaks rendered a delicious coolness from the scorching sun that shone overhead ruthlessly in the midsummer sky as their branches stretched out, shading the ground beneath. Hikari sprinted to the spot excitedly and claimed one of the swings. Soon, she swung higher and higher, intoxicated with satisfaction as she felt invigorating wind blow against her cheeks and whipped the sheets of blond hair around her head.
Unknown to her, danger lurked in the air, concealed nicely by the serene atmosphere as several pairs of eyes looked on with an evil glint.
" Good. There's a new prey."
" We shall have some fun today..."
Slowly walking from his hiding place, a boy about twelve made his way to the unsuspecting girl, then gripped the rope tight. Hikari turned her chin up and looked in bewilderment at the boy who caused the swing's abrupt halt. A twinge of annoyance flashed across her face as she got off the swing.
"What do you want?"
She demanded, irked that her pleasure was deprived. Wordlessly, the boy glared at her, his dark eyes riveted on her tiny form. She fidgeted uncomfortably as her eyes darted around impatiently. Then suddenly, from the tall grass, several teens shabbily dressed in soiled clothes emerged. All of them taunting with malicious smiles plastered on their faces. For a second or two, Hikari cowered and appalled in a corner as she stepped back away from the advancing mob.
One came to a stop in front of her, his arms crossed. He had a surly face with a bull-neck, overhanging temples and his hair was cut close all around his head. There was something menacing about him: squat, muscular and aggressive. He sneered, " What are you doing here at our playground?"
" Your playground? "
She questioned, her eyebrows furrowed into a crease. Indignantly, she retorted, " It's not yours, anyone can come and play!"
Her reply caused the others to cackle with cruel laughter as they scoffed at her.
" Thinks she is the princess, huh?"
The same boy who seemed to be the leader turned to relate to his gang.
" It's ours because we say so."
A high-pitched voice chided as a girl stepped out from the group. She was plump and her face was large with her lower lips protruded beyond the upper one.
Behind her, their leader mocked, " How shall we entertain our princess?"
A ripple of fear ran up her spine and she shivered in spite of the sweltering heat.
" What do you want to do?"
" Play."
Terror gripped her whole being as she felt her skin become cold and clammy. To her horror, the others swarmed around her before she could even conclude what to do at that moment in time. Hikari tried to wriggle away but angry hands pulled her back. They were punching her, slapping her and hurling words of abuse.
The surly-faced leader grabbed hold of her arm but she yanked it away. In a quick movement, he clutched her wrists easily with one hand. With his free hand, he rammed his elbow into her belly. The other laughed harshly as they took turns to throw relentless punches and kicks at her.
" Let me go!"
" Let me go!"
She screamed, her cries growing feeble each time. She stared hard at the repulsive faces around her and gritted her teeth. Her eyes flashed with resentment as she bit her lower lip, drawing blood, trying her best to restrain her tears. She was powerless and frantic with terror.
Suddenly a curious sensation overcame her. An invisible ball of aura enveloped her, seemingly going to devour her and burn her. Beneath her blouse, the seal burned fiery red and stung her abdomen. For an instant, her eyes narrowed and turned red before changing back to their original blue hue.
/What's that? /
/Don't come near me. /
/Help! /
* * *
At another corner of Konoha, in his study, the third Hokage was busy poring over his heap of scrolls and documents. Scratching his head absent-mindedly from time to time, he recalled something.
/I wonder what's Hikari doing? /
Then from his drawer, he extracted the crystal ball and peered into it. He gave a strangled cry as the crystal ball fell from his grasp and instantly like a bolt of lightning, he was out of his window.
* * *
Taking a step closer to Hikari, the same girl rose above as she bent and looked down.
" Nice blond hair. "
She stated merely as her pudgy hand reached out and pulled her hair. Hikari screamed in pain, much to the contentment of the girl. With the energy from her fury and fear, Hikari gave a tight slap across her ugly face. The girl stared at Hikari with mock horror as her face turned to the color of molten lava and her eyes flashed angrily. She grabbed hold of her face in an iron grip with her fingers and struck her cheek with her palm. Then her hand stretched out again, set poised like talons of an eagle to deliver another blow. Hikari's eyes widened and closed, bracing for the attack as the ball of red encompassing her seemed to intensify and pulsate.
But the slap never came.
A boy garbed in blue and white had restrained the hand. Except for his eyes, which were sweeping around as he surveyed the scene, the boy stood still and proud. He was practicing his shadow shuriken nearby when he heard dissonance of voices and screams, which caught his attention. And he was glad that he had stepped in. One glimpse at the girl, he knew she would be seriously hurt if he didn't.
" It's a Uchiha brat. Can I help you?"
The burly leader spoke in a loud and authoritative voice, swinging his dagger to and forth between his hands threateningly. In a low tone, he added, " Don't disturb our enjoyment."
Then, he lunged forward to grab the boy. However, the youngster was a step faster. He flipped neatly to land behind him and pinned him to the ground but the burly leader tossed and pushed the lighter boy away. All of a sudden, there was a rush of wind as another newcomer pressed a kunai against his throat and quietly murmured, " Could I?"
The leader turned pale and trembled as his knees went soft and fell down in a swoon.
" Leave!"
He uttered as others scurried away like chickens.
Hikari rose shakily to her feet, staggering and struggling to stand. She pressed her bleeding arm to her body as she lurched unsteadily again.
" Here."
The younger boy passed over his handkerchief. Hikari widened her eyes that were glassed with fear, still rooted to the ground. Her eyes were unseeing as she stared blankly ahead.
/What that red thing just now? /
/It's going to get me. /
/Why are they hurting me? /
/I must get away. /
/Run /
/Run /
/Run /
The boy looked at the girl, face bloodstained and paled and body covered all over with bright red bruises and welts. And when she enlarged her eyes, he gaped at them, mesmerized by the bottomless blue orbs.
/What a beautiful eyes /
As he droned on his thoughts, a rustle of leaves brought back his attention and he found himself staring at an empty spot. The wounded blue-eyed girl was gone.
" What are you staring at? "
He shook his head.
"You know I rarely train with you so stop wasting time and continue training."
His brother ranted, dressed similarly in blue and white except his hair was long and tied back in a long ponytail.
He nodded and left with his brother, turning his head to glance at the spot where the girl last stood, his mind still thoughtful.
* * *
Apprehension.
Distress.
Terror.
Fear.
Multitude of emotions pursued one another mercilessly in her head. She was too grief-stricken, too shocked to feel. Ran and ran, she did blindly until she seek refuge in the forest. The towering grand canopy built up with leaves was a display of fitfully rich foliage, so dense that the sunlight could not filter through the green living mass of foliage. The forest was silent as if a blanket was covered over, snuffing all sounds.
\Pant \
Hikari continued running, too terrified to stop or to look back. Before long she arrived at the heart of the woods. The silence became more frightening than before, strangely and terribly still. She was anxious with dread as she watched the flickering sinister shadows loom around her. It was a dark and gloomy place that only further aggravated her trepidation. So preoccupied that she did not notice that she was running headlong into someone.
\Bam \
Her blue eyes widened in recognition of the elderly man in front of her. A wave of relief swept over her. She flung herself into his arms as rivers of tears poured down her face as she tried to utter a few words but they were incoherent. He hugged the girl and gave her a squeeze.
"Daijoubu... Hikari..."
She bawled loudly into the old man's robe, whimpering. Sometime later, her body turned limp and slid from his clasp. Quickly, he lifted her and started for his residence.
* * *
Kasumi peeled off the torn, blood-soaked dress and winced when she saw how battered she was. Her heart broke as she lightly pressed the clean cloth on the dark red marks that were turning shades of purple. He looked at the delirious figure lying on the bed, his creased face was grim and eyes blazing with worry and anger. The man only put his finger to his mouth motioning her to be silent as they left the room.
/The Kyubi's chakra had leaked just now. /
/It's indeed too volatile in such a small vessel. /
/What should I do? /
/How do I contain the immense chakra of the Kyubi? /
Deep in the night, she tossed and trashed in the bed, wrestling with the nightmares that hounded her as the earlier incident unfolded in her mind again and again.
They are hitting her again. Punching. Kicking. It felt as though an infinite number of daggers piercing through her repeatedly. It hurts. It really does.
The room was covered by an eerie red glow, as a bubble of burning red seemed to encase the unconscious girl like a cell. She hit and hammered at the curved wall but to no avail. It's devouring her, coming at her. The bubble around her swelled and throbbed, its energy leaking out caused the objects in the room to vibrate violently.
She is coming again. Stretching out her hand. Reaching out to attack.
/Get away from me! Don't hurt me please. /
/Let me go! /
She smiles wickedly and her hand smacks hard on her face.
Something in her ruptured as her control slipped away. In split seconds, the ball erupted, sending massive power to all sides. Everything in the room that could smash, split, break, snap flew into pieces with terrific force. This was followed by a seemingly interminable sinister silence that was shattered by the girl who woke up sobbing, drenched with sweat and paralyzed with fear.
The cacophony sent the third Hokage and Kasumi running to her room. As they witnessed the destruction in stunned horror, he was silent with his thoughts while she hugged the girl, soothing her fears away. Conveniently, they had always been cautious to isolate the girl's room from the rest of the inhabitants and fortunately they did. It would have been disastrous if the others got the knowledge of the stir. Should the villagers know of the destructive powers she possessed, they will never let her live.
* * *
" Come, little bird."
" Come here."
She coaxed the bird gently, patiently and it fluttered down and perched on her finger.
" Little bird, are you happy?"
The bird cocked its head, as if trying to understand what the human was telling her. She stroked the feathers as the bird pecked her finger lightly. But a sudden pattering of footstep caused it to take off to the sky.
" Hikari."
She turned around abruptly, shocked by the sudden showing of the third Hokage.
" Ojii-san."
He observed her closely. Something had changed ever since the day. It was hard not to worry about her. She had an appearance of fragility, as if the wind would blow her away. She needed to protect herself.
" Hikari, do you want to train?"
" Train?"
She asked confusedly.
" Yes, I'll teach you some ninja skills."
The girl thought for a while. She remembered the boy who was barely older than her yet could fend off her attackers easily. She had felt so useless. So weak.
/I must be stronger. /
/I'll not let them beat me again. /
/I can protect myself. /
" Yes."
She nodded and clenched her fist.
/I must become stronger. /
/At all cost. /
* * *
" You've to mold your chakra first. Then control the required amount. After that you formed the seal like this. "
The old man demonstrated.
"Huh? I don't understand, Ojii-san."
She frowned, trying to take in what the old man said.
The old man sighed exasperated, for this was the fifth time he repeating that.
" It's almost the same when you try to do Bunshin no jutsu. Except this time, the seal and the incantation are different."
" I will show you. Look. Summon your chakra and feel it gather around you. Follow the flow and then form the seal."
" All right. What should I do next?"
" Then you say 'Henge'."
" Who should I transform into?"
"Hmm... You can transform into anyone or anything you feel like."
The girl screwed her eyes in concentration, focussing before uttering," Henge!"
Immediately, there was a burst of smoke and at her spot, a boy appeared. He had the same sandy hair and cheeky blue eyes, garbed in a bright orange jumper. Yet something unusual was his face. There were several whiskers-like marks etched on both sides of his cheeks.
/The use of the Kyubi's chakra must have resulted the marks. /
" Is it good? Ojii-san?"
The boy hopped about enthusiastically, exhibiting a broad smile.
" Good," He said approvingly.
/Her chakra control is exceptional good. /
/Her improvement is so fast that it is amazing. /
He tried to feel if there was any instability of the chakra. To his surprise, there was none and her normal volatile chakra was more stable than usual. The man watched the boy thoughtfully, surveying his new appearance when an idea hit him. Uncertainly, he asked, " Do you want to stay this way?"
" Huh?"
The boy gasped.
" Why?"
" It will help you grow stronger."
" Stronger?"
He stared at the ground for a while, then a mischievous grin appeared on his face as he nodded.
" I prefer it this way too."
/It doesn't matter if I'm a boy or a girl. /
/I just need to be stronger. /
" Then let me teach you how to perform the Seigyo fuuin."
" The Seigyo fuuin is a form of suppression seal that allows a person to maintain his transformation under long period of time. The person will remain the form unless the seal is released. Hikari! Listen up!"
The old man raved at the girl who was seated on the ground, almost dozing off. She shifted her position and looked up at him, her expression dull and eyelids drooping.
" As I was saying, the person will remain in his disguised form until the seal is released. For you, when you activate the seal, you will resume a boy appearance and regain your original appearance until you release it. This is a forbidden seal that few... Hikari!"
The old man sighed yet again as he shook the girl awake.
It took Hikari a few more weeks to finally master the Seigyo fuuin.
" Ojii-san, I did it! Watch!"
The girl poised herself as she concentrated.
" Kyasuto fuuin! " Hikari instantly transformed into a boy. After a pause, she gathered more chakra and called out, " Fuuin Kaihou! "
She regained her original appearance and beamed triumphantly. However, the old man only looked at her sadly.
/It's time to let go. /
* * *
He had been dreading this moment for a long time. The faces of the villagers stared intently at him, probing his face for an answer they wanted to know. All were demanding him to give an answer as similar thoughts ran through their heads.
/The demon fox. We must hunt it down. /
/It must pay for what it did. /
" Hokage-sama. It's time you tell us who is the vessel? It has been five years. "
He sighed and drew his breath in a long hiss. As the time lengthened, a hum of discontent rose from the crowd. He cleared his throat and at once there was complete silence.
"First, I forbid you to hurt the child or to discuss this with anyone or your children. Anyone who break this rule, I'll punish severely."
He steadied himself and finally he made his decision.
/Hikari /
He felt a burden lifted off from his heart. For the five years, he had been tormented by this very day. With the future prospects unclear, what he was doing, was it right? Should he have sent her away in the first place? But now, since he had decided, he could feel his tense shoulders relax. He knew the little girl he strove to protect wouldn't blame him.
Drawing one deep breath, he declared determinedly, "The Kyubi was sealed in a boy named Uzumaki Naruto. "
* * *
The girl swing herself slightly, munching a bun at the same time. She closed her eyes, savoring the food. A bark caused her to reopen her eyes to see a puppy with white fur looking longingly at her food. Smiling, she offered some to the puppy, which took it eagerly from her hand.
"Why is your owner? Did you get lost?"
She asked, running her fingers through the puppy's fur, the puppy whined as if in reply, wagging its tail.
"You are so cute."
She laughed as she looked at the puppy chasing after its tail. Stretching out, she placed the dog on her lap and started swinging. Both were enjoying each other's companion. The dog closed its eyes in content as Hikari scratched it gently, occasionally patting its head.
The whole time, a boy who had two red stripes painted on his face was standing in the road, looking around frantically. He put his fingers into his mouth and gave a sharp two-note whistle. Then he yelled, "Akamaru? Akamaru?"
The puppy barked excitedly in reply.
"Is that your owner looking for you?"
She let the dog off her lap.
"I got to go." She said sadly.
The puppy 's tail drooped as though it was sad too.
"Well Akamaru, don't tell your master you've meet me, just keep quiet. Promise?"
The dog wagged its tail in agreement.
" Hope to see you again, Akamaru."
She winked and soon disappeared.
" Akamaru! Where are you?"
The dog barked loudly.
" So there you are. Where have you been running too?"
" Met someone?"
The dog shook its head. Yet, Kiba remained unconvinced.
" Let's go home."
He glanced around suspiciously, watching at the moving swing. Then he turned to leave, with the dog following at his feet.
As they went out of sight, the girl leaped down from a nearby tree gracefully.
Muttering slowly and speaking to herself, " It's my last day."
" Tomorrow, I need to start a new life."
" A new life."
She emphasized again.
" As Uzumaki Naruto."
With that she turned and left as the last of leaves fell from the trees.
* * *
" Hikari! You're back. Where did you go?"
" We've prepared lots of food for your birthday," Said another servant.
It was her last night in the Sarutobi household. They had held a feast for her birthday as well as for her departure. The servants were told that Hikari would be returning to her parents' side the next day.
She traced the wall and gazed at it lovingly, knowing it very well this maybe the last time she'll be back here. Then there was a knock on the door as someone entered.
" Oba-san..."
" I came to say goodnight."
She tucked the girl into her bed, covering her gently with blanket while she ruffled the soft hair and kissed her on the cheek.
" Oba-san, sing me a song."
" All right, close your eyes."
Hikari complied. Kasumi stroked the girl and started to sing.
"Yuki ga furu
Shizukana Lullaby utau awai yokogao
Toji komerareta chiisana heya wa
Ai to yoberu kiga shiteiru
(The snow falling down.
While I sing a quiet lullaby, I catch a fleeting glimpse of your profile.
I'm trapped in a small room, I love you while my spirit calls out to you. )
Kotoba mo iranakute
Omoide ga yawaraide
Yasuragi nante shiranai kedo
Ichiban sokoni chikai bashode nemuritai dake
Anata no sobani iru"
(Words are needless, lost memories softened peacefully, but how strange...
First there in that close place where I only just slept.
Close beside you. )
Soon, the child's head lobbed to a side as she fell into a restful slumber. Wiping off her tears, she kissed the child's forehead and slowly exited the room. And at five years old, Hikari was no more while Uzumaki Naruto was just about to start his life.
"Yuki ga furu
Shizukana Lullaby
Sotto yoru wo uzumete
Kanashii kotowa shiritakunaino
Dakara zutto utatteite
Yoakega kurumade
Zutto kono mama"
(The snow falling down.
A soft lullaby.
In the gentle night I bury my face in my hands.
I don't want to know sorrowful experience, therefore let the singing stay as it is,
As it is until this dawn. )
To be continued
Some Jap words:
Seigyo fuuin - Suppression Seal
Kyasuto fuuin - to cast seal
Fuuin Kaihou- release
* * * * * *
Yeah!! I finally finished this chapter.. Never write so much before. I'm dead tired now. After a cliché 2nd chapter, hopefully, this is better. This is actually my first fic and I'm so glad that I got so many reviews, really grateful. But I'm not complaining. So anyone who like or enjoy my fic, please just write a review. Chapter four is not going to come out so soon since my brain is drained but.. if there are a lot of reviews, inspiration may come.. So you know what to do. Any questions or suggestions, feel free to put it forward.
And yesh, I tried to reply to all who had reviewed. So check out for your names below. Thanks you so much!! Now to your reviews.
[SJ] You're my first reviewer!!! *clap-clap* Well thanks for reviewing 2nd chap too..
[airfire0] Actually I'm not too worry about wat's the popular vote. But it's pretty interesting to know whose fave pairing is. As for Gaara, I want to write more about him. There's too little of him in the manga. So is it for Temari and Kankuro. So look out for them.
[nOrIko~] Looks like there's more reviews now... Hehee...And yesh I'll be continuing until nobody appreciate it anymore.
[Bishiehuggler] I'll definitely take note of your crazy notion... Hmm.. Naruto is so clueless so it's pretty good someone likes him first. And about tons of four years old out there... *sweatdrop* Well Konoha is so peaceful that parents allow their kids to roam around.
[justafan] I wouldn't say my idea is original. There's plenty of stories around which involves Naruto as a girl. I won't lose my motivation as long as you guys keep on reviewing. *hint*
[Lady Adako] True they have suffer lots... And have marks. Gaara is pretty similar too. Sasuke too... All of them have marks in their hearts that are un-removable. Hikari will have a different last name from Naruto, but wat's her last name, I haven thought of it yet but that I'll touch on it in future chaps.
[Ranaya] I got your message... Thanks for reviewing. =\
[Ocelot] Thanks. It may not be that great. Hopefully it's passable.
[Firaga] Another pro-Neji. There's definitely a major part for him in the story. He's not going to stay low in this fic.
[FireGoddess] Well your request is considered. I may act on it. Or may not. =Þ
[Birman no Miko] Yesh... Neji with Hikari, right? I got that down.
[Mademoiselle Mimosa] Are you French? Thanks for your review... And yesh I know. It's Hikari with Neji. Seems like its gonna be glued into my head.
[Ayako] Nope. I wasn't the one who said that. Ino does rox. Go Ino!! Shika too. Shikaino is a great pairing. I'm blabbering again.
[Canelle] Yesh, Hikari is nice and kind. The typical characteristic of female lead. I have to change that cliché. So make her a bit mean and tough.
[Yoru Hana] Indeed it's a goody pairing though ffnet is flooded with lots of Sasuke related story but I'll consider it too.
[Dan Inverse] Yep. I got to agree with you that there's too much narusasu pairing but its really the most probable one. Not to worry though, my direction of the fic is not going to be around pairings. Or maybe it'll. Things just change. So I won't say too much. :|
[Xoni Newcomer] Well, they don't actually know Hikari is the vessel of Kyubi so they wouldn't treat her too badly. Hikari doesn't have the whiskers-like marking on her face, it'll be really ugly. And about Rock Lee, that's a new one. I'll think about it.
[HZLow] I'll continue... So are you happy? =p
[ ] I believe you. So did you write in Ayako's review? Great minds think alike, rite? Hehee... So Itachi and Sasuke appear in this chap, good?
[SpiritGoddess] NaruSaku?? But Naruto/Hikari is a girl now, wouldn't that make a girl-girl pairing?? But I might add it in for messier relationship...Don't be jealous, I'm just lucky. Hope this lucky streak won't end too soon.
[Love From Vikky] Thanks... I check out your fic. It's mostly Sakura-centred fics, so you must have like Sakura a lot, don't you. Sakura and female nins don't get a lot of space in Naruto so write more... There's just too many male ninjas around.. Girls rules...
[:D] Nothing to say other than a big thanks! =]
[kkoganei] Yup I did introduce other characters... More indepth write-ups on other characters. There will probably be future chapters that will centered around them rather than foscussing on Hikari/Naruto all the time.
[Kleptomaniac Can Opener] Wow.. Long nick.. So that is Kiba and Sasuke for you. Hope you enjoy it.
[w] Well, Tsuki, Kasumi and the third Hokage know Hikari is a girl from the start. Hikari was just in a isolated park, eating her lunch when Choji just passed her or came especially after sniffing the aroma. Looks like I explain why Hikari becomes Naruto. And I'll try to update once in a week or two unless I'm real busy.
[erronax] Thanks for following the story... ;0]
[aHnEi] Keep on supporting me and review, please!!
[xiu] Thanks girl, your reviews really perk me up.
[xk1dx] I'll try to write faster... But sometimes I maybe too busy to write so you got to wait a while.
[yurimi-neko] Oh-no... Your couch is gonna spoil if you continue jumping. Here's a trampoline... Can jump higher!
[Nebula] I'm writing more. So hope you have enjoyed it.
[laura] I have thought about that. Sasuke is really cute and too delicate looking, isn't it? No wonder all girls fall in love with him.
[Anime Lass] Yep, it's gonna be present time next chap so look forward to it. ^o^
[Kechia] Glad you like my story. But what type of story you don't like? OC ones? Just curious... *-*
[b4d^aNg3l] Hmm... Thanks.. I'm really flattered by all the praises...
[Keiriku Jisatsusha Abunai] Yoz.. Thanks so much for your reviews and adding me into your faves... By the way what Choji was saying is 'Gang and bullies'.
Till next time..
Ja ne~
S-Chan
Best wishes and thanks a lot for your support... =)
Disclaimer
Naruto and co. doesn't belong to me.
Here we go.
Chapter two
* * * * * *
S e c r e t s
Sing to the Dawn
" There! That's the swing!"
Hikari squealed in delight when she caught sight of the playground. The swings and seesaws stood in the middle of the square, alongside the pine benches that are dispersed about haphazardly. The sturdy oaks rendered a delicious coolness from the scorching sun that shone overhead ruthlessly in the midsummer sky as their branches stretched out, shading the ground beneath. Hikari sprinted to the spot excitedly and claimed one of the swings. Soon, she swung higher and higher, intoxicated with satisfaction as she felt invigorating wind blow against her cheeks and whipped the sheets of blond hair around her head.
Unknown to her, danger lurked in the air, concealed nicely by the serene atmosphere as several pairs of eyes looked on with an evil glint.
" Good. There's a new prey."
" We shall have some fun today..."
Slowly walking from his hiding place, a boy about twelve made his way to the unsuspecting girl, then gripped the rope tight. Hikari turned her chin up and looked in bewilderment at the boy who caused the swing's abrupt halt. A twinge of annoyance flashed across her face as she got off the swing.
"What do you want?"
She demanded, irked that her pleasure was deprived. Wordlessly, the boy glared at her, his dark eyes riveted on her tiny form. She fidgeted uncomfortably as her eyes darted around impatiently. Then suddenly, from the tall grass, several teens shabbily dressed in soiled clothes emerged. All of them taunting with malicious smiles plastered on their faces. For a second or two, Hikari cowered and appalled in a corner as she stepped back away from the advancing mob.
One came to a stop in front of her, his arms crossed. He had a surly face with a bull-neck, overhanging temples and his hair was cut close all around his head. There was something menacing about him: squat, muscular and aggressive. He sneered, " What are you doing here at our playground?"
" Your playground? "
She questioned, her eyebrows furrowed into a crease. Indignantly, she retorted, " It's not yours, anyone can come and play!"
Her reply caused the others to cackle with cruel laughter as they scoffed at her.
" Thinks she is the princess, huh?"
The same boy who seemed to be the leader turned to relate to his gang.
" It's ours because we say so."
A high-pitched voice chided as a girl stepped out from the group. She was plump and her face was large with her lower lips protruded beyond the upper one.
Behind her, their leader mocked, " How shall we entertain our princess?"
A ripple of fear ran up her spine and she shivered in spite of the sweltering heat.
" What do you want to do?"
" Play."
Terror gripped her whole being as she felt her skin become cold and clammy. To her horror, the others swarmed around her before she could even conclude what to do at that moment in time. Hikari tried to wriggle away but angry hands pulled her back. They were punching her, slapping her and hurling words of abuse.
The surly-faced leader grabbed hold of her arm but she yanked it away. In a quick movement, he clutched her wrists easily with one hand. With his free hand, he rammed his elbow into her belly. The other laughed harshly as they took turns to throw relentless punches and kicks at her.
" Let me go!"
" Let me go!"
She screamed, her cries growing feeble each time. She stared hard at the repulsive faces around her and gritted her teeth. Her eyes flashed with resentment as she bit her lower lip, drawing blood, trying her best to restrain her tears. She was powerless and frantic with terror.
Suddenly a curious sensation overcame her. An invisible ball of aura enveloped her, seemingly going to devour her and burn her. Beneath her blouse, the seal burned fiery red and stung her abdomen. For an instant, her eyes narrowed and turned red before changing back to their original blue hue.
/What's that? /
/Don't come near me. /
/Help! /
* * *
At another corner of Konoha, in his study, the third Hokage was busy poring over his heap of scrolls and documents. Scratching his head absent-mindedly from time to time, he recalled something.
/I wonder what's Hikari doing? /
Then from his drawer, he extracted the crystal ball and peered into it. He gave a strangled cry as the crystal ball fell from his grasp and instantly like a bolt of lightning, he was out of his window.
* * *
Taking a step closer to Hikari, the same girl rose above as she bent and looked down.
" Nice blond hair. "
She stated merely as her pudgy hand reached out and pulled her hair. Hikari screamed in pain, much to the contentment of the girl. With the energy from her fury and fear, Hikari gave a tight slap across her ugly face. The girl stared at Hikari with mock horror as her face turned to the color of molten lava and her eyes flashed angrily. She grabbed hold of her face in an iron grip with her fingers and struck her cheek with her palm. Then her hand stretched out again, set poised like talons of an eagle to deliver another blow. Hikari's eyes widened and closed, bracing for the attack as the ball of red encompassing her seemed to intensify and pulsate.
But the slap never came.
A boy garbed in blue and white had restrained the hand. Except for his eyes, which were sweeping around as he surveyed the scene, the boy stood still and proud. He was practicing his shadow shuriken nearby when he heard dissonance of voices and screams, which caught his attention. And he was glad that he had stepped in. One glimpse at the girl, he knew she would be seriously hurt if he didn't.
" It's a Uchiha brat. Can I help you?"
The burly leader spoke in a loud and authoritative voice, swinging his dagger to and forth between his hands threateningly. In a low tone, he added, " Don't disturb our enjoyment."
Then, he lunged forward to grab the boy. However, the youngster was a step faster. He flipped neatly to land behind him and pinned him to the ground but the burly leader tossed and pushed the lighter boy away. All of a sudden, there was a rush of wind as another newcomer pressed a kunai against his throat and quietly murmured, " Could I?"
The leader turned pale and trembled as his knees went soft and fell down in a swoon.
" Leave!"
He uttered as others scurried away like chickens.
Hikari rose shakily to her feet, staggering and struggling to stand. She pressed her bleeding arm to her body as she lurched unsteadily again.
" Here."
The younger boy passed over his handkerchief. Hikari widened her eyes that were glassed with fear, still rooted to the ground. Her eyes were unseeing as she stared blankly ahead.
/What that red thing just now? /
/It's going to get me. /
/Why are they hurting me? /
/I must get away. /
/Run /
/Run /
/Run /
The boy looked at the girl, face bloodstained and paled and body covered all over with bright red bruises and welts. And when she enlarged her eyes, he gaped at them, mesmerized by the bottomless blue orbs.
/What a beautiful eyes /
As he droned on his thoughts, a rustle of leaves brought back his attention and he found himself staring at an empty spot. The wounded blue-eyed girl was gone.
" What are you staring at? "
He shook his head.
"You know I rarely train with you so stop wasting time and continue training."
His brother ranted, dressed similarly in blue and white except his hair was long and tied back in a long ponytail.
He nodded and left with his brother, turning his head to glance at the spot where the girl last stood, his mind still thoughtful.
* * *
Apprehension.
Distress.
Terror.
Fear.
Multitude of emotions pursued one another mercilessly in her head. She was too grief-stricken, too shocked to feel. Ran and ran, she did blindly until she seek refuge in the forest. The towering grand canopy built up with leaves was a display of fitfully rich foliage, so dense that the sunlight could not filter through the green living mass of foliage. The forest was silent as if a blanket was covered over, snuffing all sounds.
\Pant \
Hikari continued running, too terrified to stop or to look back. Before long she arrived at the heart of the woods. The silence became more frightening than before, strangely and terribly still. She was anxious with dread as she watched the flickering sinister shadows loom around her. It was a dark and gloomy place that only further aggravated her trepidation. So preoccupied that she did not notice that she was running headlong into someone.
\Bam \
Her blue eyes widened in recognition of the elderly man in front of her. A wave of relief swept over her. She flung herself into his arms as rivers of tears poured down her face as she tried to utter a few words but they were incoherent. He hugged the girl and gave her a squeeze.
"Daijoubu... Hikari..."
She bawled loudly into the old man's robe, whimpering. Sometime later, her body turned limp and slid from his clasp. Quickly, he lifted her and started for his residence.
* * *
Kasumi peeled off the torn, blood-soaked dress and winced when she saw how battered she was. Her heart broke as she lightly pressed the clean cloth on the dark red marks that were turning shades of purple. He looked at the delirious figure lying on the bed, his creased face was grim and eyes blazing with worry and anger. The man only put his finger to his mouth motioning her to be silent as they left the room.
/The Kyubi's chakra had leaked just now. /
/It's indeed too volatile in such a small vessel. /
/What should I do? /
/How do I contain the immense chakra of the Kyubi? /
Deep in the night, she tossed and trashed in the bed, wrestling with the nightmares that hounded her as the earlier incident unfolded in her mind again and again.
They are hitting her again. Punching. Kicking. It felt as though an infinite number of daggers piercing through her repeatedly. It hurts. It really does.
The room was covered by an eerie red glow, as a bubble of burning red seemed to encase the unconscious girl like a cell. She hit and hammered at the curved wall but to no avail. It's devouring her, coming at her. The bubble around her swelled and throbbed, its energy leaking out caused the objects in the room to vibrate violently.
She is coming again. Stretching out her hand. Reaching out to attack.
/Get away from me! Don't hurt me please. /
/Let me go! /
She smiles wickedly and her hand smacks hard on her face.
Something in her ruptured as her control slipped away. In split seconds, the ball erupted, sending massive power to all sides. Everything in the room that could smash, split, break, snap flew into pieces with terrific force. This was followed by a seemingly interminable sinister silence that was shattered by the girl who woke up sobbing, drenched with sweat and paralyzed with fear.
The cacophony sent the third Hokage and Kasumi running to her room. As they witnessed the destruction in stunned horror, he was silent with his thoughts while she hugged the girl, soothing her fears away. Conveniently, they had always been cautious to isolate the girl's room from the rest of the inhabitants and fortunately they did. It would have been disastrous if the others got the knowledge of the stir. Should the villagers know of the destructive powers she possessed, they will never let her live.
* * *
" Come, little bird."
" Come here."
She coaxed the bird gently, patiently and it fluttered down and perched on her finger.
" Little bird, are you happy?"
The bird cocked its head, as if trying to understand what the human was telling her. She stroked the feathers as the bird pecked her finger lightly. But a sudden pattering of footstep caused it to take off to the sky.
" Hikari."
She turned around abruptly, shocked by the sudden showing of the third Hokage.
" Ojii-san."
He observed her closely. Something had changed ever since the day. It was hard not to worry about her. She had an appearance of fragility, as if the wind would blow her away. She needed to protect herself.
" Hikari, do you want to train?"
" Train?"
She asked confusedly.
" Yes, I'll teach you some ninja skills."
The girl thought for a while. She remembered the boy who was barely older than her yet could fend off her attackers easily. She had felt so useless. So weak.
/I must be stronger. /
/I'll not let them beat me again. /
/I can protect myself. /
" Yes."
She nodded and clenched her fist.
/I must become stronger. /
/At all cost. /
* * *
" You've to mold your chakra first. Then control the required amount. After that you formed the seal like this. "
The old man demonstrated.
"Huh? I don't understand, Ojii-san."
She frowned, trying to take in what the old man said.
The old man sighed exasperated, for this was the fifth time he repeating that.
" It's almost the same when you try to do Bunshin no jutsu. Except this time, the seal and the incantation are different."
" I will show you. Look. Summon your chakra and feel it gather around you. Follow the flow and then form the seal."
" All right. What should I do next?"
" Then you say 'Henge'."
" Who should I transform into?"
"Hmm... You can transform into anyone or anything you feel like."
The girl screwed her eyes in concentration, focussing before uttering," Henge!"
Immediately, there was a burst of smoke and at her spot, a boy appeared. He had the same sandy hair and cheeky blue eyes, garbed in a bright orange jumper. Yet something unusual was his face. There were several whiskers-like marks etched on both sides of his cheeks.
/The use of the Kyubi's chakra must have resulted the marks. /
" Is it good? Ojii-san?"
The boy hopped about enthusiastically, exhibiting a broad smile.
" Good," He said approvingly.
/Her chakra control is exceptional good. /
/Her improvement is so fast that it is amazing. /
He tried to feel if there was any instability of the chakra. To his surprise, there was none and her normal volatile chakra was more stable than usual. The man watched the boy thoughtfully, surveying his new appearance when an idea hit him. Uncertainly, he asked, " Do you want to stay this way?"
" Huh?"
The boy gasped.
" Why?"
" It will help you grow stronger."
" Stronger?"
He stared at the ground for a while, then a mischievous grin appeared on his face as he nodded.
" I prefer it this way too."
/It doesn't matter if I'm a boy or a girl. /
/I just need to be stronger. /
" Then let me teach you how to perform the Seigyo fuuin."
" The Seigyo fuuin is a form of suppression seal that allows a person to maintain his transformation under long period of time. The person will remain the form unless the seal is released. Hikari! Listen up!"
The old man raved at the girl who was seated on the ground, almost dozing off. She shifted her position and looked up at him, her expression dull and eyelids drooping.
" As I was saying, the person will remain in his disguised form until the seal is released. For you, when you activate the seal, you will resume a boy appearance and regain your original appearance until you release it. This is a forbidden seal that few... Hikari!"
The old man sighed yet again as he shook the girl awake.
It took Hikari a few more weeks to finally master the Seigyo fuuin.
" Ojii-san, I did it! Watch!"
The girl poised herself as she concentrated.
" Kyasuto fuuin! " Hikari instantly transformed into a boy. After a pause, she gathered more chakra and called out, " Fuuin Kaihou! "
She regained her original appearance and beamed triumphantly. However, the old man only looked at her sadly.
/It's time to let go. /
* * *
He had been dreading this moment for a long time. The faces of the villagers stared intently at him, probing his face for an answer they wanted to know. All were demanding him to give an answer as similar thoughts ran through their heads.
/The demon fox. We must hunt it down. /
/It must pay for what it did. /
" Hokage-sama. It's time you tell us who is the vessel? It has been five years. "
He sighed and drew his breath in a long hiss. As the time lengthened, a hum of discontent rose from the crowd. He cleared his throat and at once there was complete silence.
"First, I forbid you to hurt the child or to discuss this with anyone or your children. Anyone who break this rule, I'll punish severely."
He steadied himself and finally he made his decision.
/Hikari /
He felt a burden lifted off from his heart. For the five years, he had been tormented by this very day. With the future prospects unclear, what he was doing, was it right? Should he have sent her away in the first place? But now, since he had decided, he could feel his tense shoulders relax. He knew the little girl he strove to protect wouldn't blame him.
Drawing one deep breath, he declared determinedly, "The Kyubi was sealed in a boy named Uzumaki Naruto. "
* * *
The girl swing herself slightly, munching a bun at the same time. She closed her eyes, savoring the food. A bark caused her to reopen her eyes to see a puppy with white fur looking longingly at her food. Smiling, she offered some to the puppy, which took it eagerly from her hand.
"Why is your owner? Did you get lost?"
She asked, running her fingers through the puppy's fur, the puppy whined as if in reply, wagging its tail.
"You are so cute."
She laughed as she looked at the puppy chasing after its tail. Stretching out, she placed the dog on her lap and started swinging. Both were enjoying each other's companion. The dog closed its eyes in content as Hikari scratched it gently, occasionally patting its head.
The whole time, a boy who had two red stripes painted on his face was standing in the road, looking around frantically. He put his fingers into his mouth and gave a sharp two-note whistle. Then he yelled, "Akamaru? Akamaru?"
The puppy barked excitedly in reply.
"Is that your owner looking for you?"
She let the dog off her lap.
"I got to go." She said sadly.
The puppy 's tail drooped as though it was sad too.
"Well Akamaru, don't tell your master you've meet me, just keep quiet. Promise?"
The dog wagged its tail in agreement.
" Hope to see you again, Akamaru."
She winked and soon disappeared.
" Akamaru! Where are you?"
The dog barked loudly.
" So there you are. Where have you been running too?"
" Met someone?"
The dog shook its head. Yet, Kiba remained unconvinced.
" Let's go home."
He glanced around suspiciously, watching at the moving swing. Then he turned to leave, with the dog following at his feet.
As they went out of sight, the girl leaped down from a nearby tree gracefully.
Muttering slowly and speaking to herself, " It's my last day."
" Tomorrow, I need to start a new life."
" A new life."
She emphasized again.
" As Uzumaki Naruto."
With that she turned and left as the last of leaves fell from the trees.
* * *
" Hikari! You're back. Where did you go?"
" We've prepared lots of food for your birthday," Said another servant.
It was her last night in the Sarutobi household. They had held a feast for her birthday as well as for her departure. The servants were told that Hikari would be returning to her parents' side the next day.
She traced the wall and gazed at it lovingly, knowing it very well this maybe the last time she'll be back here. Then there was a knock on the door as someone entered.
" Oba-san..."
" I came to say goodnight."
She tucked the girl into her bed, covering her gently with blanket while she ruffled the soft hair and kissed her on the cheek.
" Oba-san, sing me a song."
" All right, close your eyes."
Hikari complied. Kasumi stroked the girl and started to sing.
"Yuki ga furu
Shizukana Lullaby utau awai yokogao
Toji komerareta chiisana heya wa
Ai to yoberu kiga shiteiru
(The snow falling down.
While I sing a quiet lullaby, I catch a fleeting glimpse of your profile.
I'm trapped in a small room, I love you while my spirit calls out to you. )
Kotoba mo iranakute
Omoide ga yawaraide
Yasuragi nante shiranai kedo
Ichiban sokoni chikai bashode nemuritai dake
Anata no sobani iru"
(Words are needless, lost memories softened peacefully, but how strange...
First there in that close place where I only just slept.
Close beside you. )
Soon, the child's head lobbed to a side as she fell into a restful slumber. Wiping off her tears, she kissed the child's forehead and slowly exited the room. And at five years old, Hikari was no more while Uzumaki Naruto was just about to start his life.
"Yuki ga furu
Shizukana Lullaby
Sotto yoru wo uzumete
Kanashii kotowa shiritakunaino
Dakara zutto utatteite
Yoakega kurumade
Zutto kono mama"
(The snow falling down.
A soft lullaby.
In the gentle night I bury my face in my hands.
I don't want to know sorrowful experience, therefore let the singing stay as it is,
As it is until this dawn. )
To be continued
Some Jap words:
Seigyo fuuin - Suppression Seal
Kyasuto fuuin - to cast seal
Fuuin Kaihou- release
* * * * * *
Yeah!! I finally finished this chapter.. Never write so much before. I'm dead tired now. After a cliché 2nd chapter, hopefully, this is better. This is actually my first fic and I'm so glad that I got so many reviews, really grateful. But I'm not complaining. So anyone who like or enjoy my fic, please just write a review. Chapter four is not going to come out so soon since my brain is drained but.. if there are a lot of reviews, inspiration may come.. So you know what to do. Any questions or suggestions, feel free to put it forward.
And yesh, I tried to reply to all who had reviewed. So check out for your names below. Thanks you so much!! Now to your reviews.
[SJ] You're my first reviewer!!! *clap-clap* Well thanks for reviewing 2nd chap too..
[airfire0] Actually I'm not too worry about wat's the popular vote. But it's pretty interesting to know whose fave pairing is. As for Gaara, I want to write more about him. There's too little of him in the manga. So is it for Temari and Kankuro. So look out for them.
[nOrIko~] Looks like there's more reviews now... Hehee...And yesh I'll be continuing until nobody appreciate it anymore.
[Bishiehuggler] I'll definitely take note of your crazy notion... Hmm.. Naruto is so clueless so it's pretty good someone likes him first. And about tons of four years old out there... *sweatdrop* Well Konoha is so peaceful that parents allow their kids to roam around.
[justafan] I wouldn't say my idea is original. There's plenty of stories around which involves Naruto as a girl. I won't lose my motivation as long as you guys keep on reviewing. *hint*
[Lady Adako] True they have suffer lots... And have marks. Gaara is pretty similar too. Sasuke too... All of them have marks in their hearts that are un-removable. Hikari will have a different last name from Naruto, but wat's her last name, I haven thought of it yet but that I'll touch on it in future chaps.
[Ranaya] I got your message... Thanks for reviewing. =\
[Ocelot] Thanks. It may not be that great. Hopefully it's passable.
[Firaga] Another pro-Neji. There's definitely a major part for him in the story. He's not going to stay low in this fic.
[FireGoddess] Well your request is considered. I may act on it. Or may not. =Þ
[Birman no Miko] Yesh... Neji with Hikari, right? I got that down.
[Mademoiselle Mimosa] Are you French? Thanks for your review... And yesh I know. It's Hikari with Neji. Seems like its gonna be glued into my head.
[Ayako] Nope. I wasn't the one who said that. Ino does rox. Go Ino!! Shika too. Shikaino is a great pairing. I'm blabbering again.
[Canelle] Yesh, Hikari is nice and kind. The typical characteristic of female lead. I have to change that cliché. So make her a bit mean and tough.
[Yoru Hana] Indeed it's a goody pairing though ffnet is flooded with lots of Sasuke related story but I'll consider it too.
[Dan Inverse] Yep. I got to agree with you that there's too much narusasu pairing but its really the most probable one. Not to worry though, my direction of the fic is not going to be around pairings. Or maybe it'll. Things just change. So I won't say too much. :|
[Xoni Newcomer] Well, they don't actually know Hikari is the vessel of Kyubi so they wouldn't treat her too badly. Hikari doesn't have the whiskers-like marking on her face, it'll be really ugly. And about Rock Lee, that's a new one. I'll think about it.
[HZLow] I'll continue... So are you happy? =p
[ ] I believe you. So did you write in Ayako's review? Great minds think alike, rite? Hehee... So Itachi and Sasuke appear in this chap, good?
[SpiritGoddess] NaruSaku?? But Naruto/Hikari is a girl now, wouldn't that make a girl-girl pairing?? But I might add it in for messier relationship...Don't be jealous, I'm just lucky. Hope this lucky streak won't end too soon.
[Love From Vikky] Thanks... I check out your fic. It's mostly Sakura-centred fics, so you must have like Sakura a lot, don't you. Sakura and female nins don't get a lot of space in Naruto so write more... There's just too many male ninjas around.. Girls rules...
[:D] Nothing to say other than a big thanks! =]
[kkoganei] Yup I did introduce other characters... More indepth write-ups on other characters. There will probably be future chapters that will centered around them rather than foscussing on Hikari/Naruto all the time.
[Kleptomaniac Can Opener] Wow.. Long nick.. So that is Kiba and Sasuke for you. Hope you enjoy it.
[w] Well, Tsuki, Kasumi and the third Hokage know Hikari is a girl from the start. Hikari was just in a isolated park, eating her lunch when Choji just passed her or came especially after sniffing the aroma. Looks like I explain why Hikari becomes Naruto. And I'll try to update once in a week or two unless I'm real busy.
[erronax] Thanks for following the story... ;0]
[aHnEi] Keep on supporting me and review, please!!
[xiu] Thanks girl, your reviews really perk me up.
[xk1dx] I'll try to write faster... But sometimes I maybe too busy to write so you got to wait a while.
[yurimi-neko] Oh-no... Your couch is gonna spoil if you continue jumping. Here's a trampoline... Can jump higher!
[Nebula] I'm writing more. So hope you have enjoyed it.
[laura] I have thought about that. Sasuke is really cute and too delicate looking, isn't it? No wonder all girls fall in love with him.
[Anime Lass] Yep, it's gonna be present time next chap so look forward to it. ^o^
[Kechia] Glad you like my story. But what type of story you don't like? OC ones? Just curious... *-*
[b4d^aNg3l] Hmm... Thanks.. I'm really flattered by all the praises...
[Keiriku Jisatsusha Abunai] Yoz.. Thanks so much for your reviews and adding me into your faves... By the way what Choji was saying is 'Gang and bullies'.
Till next time..
Ja ne~
S-Chan