Naruto Fan Fiction!

Adventure! SI-OC!

(Title)

"A Song for Them"

A/N: Hey everybody! It's been a long couple days but I made it! There is an important notice at the bottom so check that when you're done. Enjoy the chapter!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Naruto' or any of the cannon characters! If I did then I would've had someone slap a couple Uchiha. Not just my sunshine boy.

WARNING! RATED M! Hm. Language. Things that go on in Sora's head. Mentions of last chapter's bloody events. The typical.

Dark Forest Arc,

Chapter Thirty-One: "Day 2"

"When something bad happens you have three choices. You can either let it define you. Let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you." -Anon E. Muss

Perspective:

空 (Sky)

I tightened the bandages around Sasuke's leg, finally finished with patching him up. He really took a beating. There were dark bruises around his right shoulder cuff from when he landed on it and dislocated it. Kami, he fought with that? Various smaller cuts and bruises across his arms and legs and... my eyes caught on the bandages around his back. The laceration reached from the base of his neck, across his left shoulder blade and ended at his ribs, just under his arm. He's so lucky to be breathing right now, more so if he doesn't get an infection. Just an inch and his spinal cord could've been severed.

He needed forty-seven stitches in the end. And that was just for his back. He needed another five for the shuriken inflicted wounds on his leg. His leg would heal easily enough, but... his back was going to scar.

...he'll come out of this marked after all.

It was a good thing that Naruto had found those Marigolds, they'll help prevent an infection and help blood flow around the area. Here I gave thanks to my Grandfather and his habit for natural home remedies. I used to think it was pointless to know this stuff when anything I could need was down the street at the drugstore or at a hospital.

Oh, how arrogant I was.

During WWII he'd picked up a few tricks from one of his buddies and brought them home with him. He researched and learned everything he could about God's green earth after that. Herbs, flowers, he'd create remedies, tonics, poultices and anything we'd need. I still have dreams about the sprawling garden in the backyard. I'd play in it for hours. Grandfather's garden was his second love, Grandma being his first though she'd always joke it was the other way around.

I felt a wistful smile grow. No matter what lifetime I'll still miss them.

Sasuke made a small grunt and I looked up at his face. He was still out, sleeping deeply. Naruto had helped me to lie him on his stomach after he passed out so I could finish sewing. It was strange seeing him like this, he actually looked a bit... peaceful in his unconscious state. Even though his face was smushed against the ground and he wasn't even drooling.

It wasn't fair. Everyone drools.

My smile grew at the thought.

Then my reality came back around and grinded any good feeling I have into itty bitty dust particles. I remember in perfect detail what I did... It wasn't a nightmare or hallucination this time. All that really happened.

I absently reached up and scratched the bandages on my arms, trying to relieve the burning, itchy feeling on my skin. I'd covered every inch of skin below my neck in bandages to eliminate every the chance of skin contact. It was stiff and itchy and I looked like a mummy but I felt safer. I didn't have to worry about-

-"Sora-chan." I looked up at Naruto. He was standing awkwardly to the side of our little camp, looking completely lost as to what to do. We were in the same boat there at least.

'Have you eaten?' I ask instead of talking about anything that we really should be taking about. Screw that. It's too soon. I need more time to... something. He shook his head in the negative. I was quick to unseal a packed lunch and grimaced at the blood-stained bandages on my hands. Sasuke's blood.

He chewed on his lip before locking eyes with me. "Sora-chan, I-"

'I should go clean up.' I quickly stood up and walked off before he could say anything more. I left him sitting there with a lunch to watch my retreating back.

I traveled down the riverside while pushing my senses outwards for any sign of hostiles. Keeping Naruto and Sasuke's signatures bright and the center of my focus. Finding a good spot near a fairly large tree I began untying my weapons pouches and tools bag, setting them to the side. Kneeling on the sandy bank on the water, I unsealed a bucket from my storage book and filled it. then I took off my tunic and shorts, dropping them into the bucket. The once clear water turned into an muddy red in seconds. I looked down and my face twisted at the red-brown stains on my stomach and legs. My skin was sticky and stank like-

-I took off my mesh, dropping it in the bucket too, leaving me in my underwear. I reached up and pulled out my red ribbon, my hair fell down onto my shoulders in a clumps of dried sweat and dirt. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, lifting my face up, feeling the warmth of the sun on my cheeks.

Then I cleaned it all off.

I dumped the dirty water near the base of the tree and refilled the bucket until it stopped turning red. I set my clothes down the midday sun to dry as I washed out my hair. I cleaned the layer of grime from my face while trying not to think about what I was washing off and then I was finished.

I still didn't feel clean.

That's Because You're A Candy-Ass. I startled in surprise when a raspy feminine voice hissed in my head.

Damn. It was back.

Oh joy, it's Yandere-chan! Terra chimed in thankfully. She was still here. Come to terrorize more children?

Oh, it sneered mockingly, If It Isn't The Whiny Bitch That's Afraid Of Her Own Shadow. How Is That Plan Not To Interfere With Canon Going?

Ho-ho! You wanna start something Mz. Hyde?!

Oh Kami, was this going to be a regular thing now? Please no. I'll really go insane if I have to listen to that 24/7.

Too Fucking Late. You're Already Batshit.

'So comforting when one of the voices in my head tells me that.' I said inwardly, sarcasm dripping. 'And am I really so vulgar inside?' I wondered honestly.

Too Many Years Of Using Baby Words. They Stacked Up Like Hell. Terra made an offended noise.

'Oh that's great... be sure to let it out of your system because I'm not going to deal with this constantly.'

And What The Fuck Do You Think You're Gonna Do? Put Me Back In That Damned Box? Think Again Babe. You'll Lose Your Fucking Mind If You Try That Shit Again.

I swallowed thickly.

Just Be Thankful You Don't Have To Deal With The Fucking Snake Whispering In Your Ear Instead.

Damn.

Right. Not thinking about that.

'Cause denial has worked SO well this far? Terra drawled. I grimaced. She had a valid point. I stood and began dressing again, rewrapping the bandages around my arms and legs and making sure there was no chance of accidental skin contact. Also checking all my pouches to see what I needed to refill, explosive notes and kunai, another spool of wire. My hands paused over the thin holster on my thigh. Over my Ocarina.

Kaa-chan-Not thinking about that. Another time. I need more time to process. I tied my ribbon around my wrist and left my hair down to dry. I changed my train of thought to the problem at hand.

I had no idea that I had an inner psychopath.

I hadn't realized that my affection and dependence on the boys had become so... twisted. I knew that my reliance on Naruto to keep my sanity was a tad unhealthy but for it to become so possessive? And for it to be shared with Sasuke… I suppose that I have been obsessing over him these last few weeks. But still...

My hand reached for the burning on my arm and I scratched at the fresh bandage. The proof of the lengths I'll go for that moody little boy was branded on my skin now.

We'll Go Farther Than That. Much Farther.

I closed my eyes tight as images came forward. DrippingFromMyHand-SoSweet-TheSong-'Maybe you'll go away when the Mark gets sealed?' I wondered/hoped.

You Can Wish. it sneered, it's voice ringing in my head, I wish I could seal it up myself.

But I can't, I can't mess with the Mark by myself. I not only need a specialized sealing array made for the purpose of interacting with the human chakra network on a microscopic level but this level of sealing is like, brain surgery compared to my art'n'crafts. I've done so much research on it for preparation of Sasuke getting bitten and every thing I've ever learned about Direct Fuinjutsu Application has demanded that it require an array and a expert Fuinjutsu user to apply only reason Kakashi was able to do it for Sasuke is because he's the copy-nin, not because he's a brain surgeon or Expert in the Art. Same with the Hyuuga clan and their mockery of a seal. They aren't creating Funinjutsu. They have a time-tested recipe and they follow it to the damned stroke. What Kakashi is going to do to me is theoretically more dangerous than copying the Caged Bird Seal simply because it will have to involve him sealing an abundance of Nature chakra into what is effectively a sippy cup branded onto my arm.

The Cursed Mark wasn't meant to hold anything in, we're just slapping duct-tape over the top to stop it from draining my chakra and activating.

Oh kami.

That sounds so much worse when I think of it like that!

Deep breaths.

Sealing the bucket back into my storage book, I began walking back to the boys. They hadn't moved since I got up and left. Sasuke's chakra was still, so he was unconscious. And Naruto... was agitated. And he was pacing back and forth. I continued thinking about anything but the Jinchuuriki seals, they require sealing arrays. Chiyo, not a Fuinjutsu Expert, did Garra's seal and we all know how his seal is doing right now. Minato Namikaze was a goddamned madman, I'm positive. But even he had to use an array as Kurama was having a hissy fit. The damn Mark on my arm doesn't use one and kills nine out of ten victims. You just don't screw around with Fuinjutsu applied to the skin or anything even related to the chakra network. One wrong move and I could kill myself or possibly create a black hole.

No joke.

I've run the logic before and the wrong -Or Right- combination of Force along with Space/Time functions and it can have world ending consequences. It's not even funny! Though... one would need the required amount of chakra to theoretically create a black hole to sustain it for any amount of time and the proper base design to start. The rest of the seals structure would probably need to have multiple layers of-I stopped walking.

Deep breath.

I am getting too distracted. Thinking about how to create a black hole is not a good use of my time. I think my point was that Fuinjutsu is not a child's toy. It can be devastating if used improperly.

WAITAMINUTE! Terra cried, And our Mother thought it was a good idea to teach it to a TODDLER!? What the ever-loving fudge people!?

It made a sound of distaste, The Uzumaki Clan Was Fucking Insane. That's Why They're All Dead Now.

I scowled at how callous that was. They were technically blood relations, it wasn't right to speak of the dead like that. They had been a nation of people and one can't judge a group of people on the actions of a few, I mean-

"S-Sora-chan." Naruto said, his tone slightly surprised.

I stopped walking. Glancing up I notice I've already made it back. Huh. That was fast. Naruto's hands were clenching at his sides, he was trying to hold himself back from doing something. I walked past him to check Sasuke's bandages. Kneeling down I didn't see any bleed through so that was good. When he wakes up he'll probably be dehydrated from the blood loss and exhaustion. I pulled out my storage book and unsealed a couple bottles of water and another plasma pill, he's lost a dangerous amount of blood.

"Hey..." I glanced over my shoulder at my Hero, he had a frown on his face as he looked at me. I lowered my eyes to the ground as I stood up and tucked a stray strawberry blonde curl behind my ear. Maybe I do need a haircut? It's was getting kind of long and I-"Sora-chan, we need to-" I raised my hands and signed, stopping him, not looking him in the eye. I can't look him in eyes, I wouldn't last. 'When was the last time you slept? You look exhausted-' "Sora-chan-" 'You should rest. I'll keep watch for a while.' "Hey, just-" 'I can work on some formulas while-'

"SORA!"

I stopped, my hands fell to my sides. He moved to stand in front of me and I kept my eyes glued to the dirt floor. I saw his feet shuffle as he shifted his weight back and forth. He exhaled harshly, his frustration was evident.

"What are you doing?" he asked quietly, "Why are you acting like this?"

'Like what?' I asked. Stupid answer. Stupid girl. Should've changed the topic. Predictably, he was scowling at me now. I didn't meet his eyes.

"You're acting like nothing's happened!" he shouted at me, raising his hands in frustration. "You're pretending like we weren't attacked or that you didn't get hurt and then you wouldn't wake up or you didn't ki-" I pressed my lips together and he stopped short, hands falling at his sides. I fisted my hands to stop them from trembling.

I didn't want to talk about it. Naruto was just a kid, he didn't need to hear about what's going through my head right now. He didn't need to know. He didn't need that darkness, he's already had enough. He took a step closer, coming into my personal space and I took a few steps away and put a distance between us. No skin contact, can't risk it. Can't touch. Until I learn how to control this... ability then I can't risk touching anyone. Not even my Hero.

His Bright and Breezy chakra dampened and I wanted to pull my sensing inward so I couldn't feel it anymore. I couldn't, I needed to pay attention to our surroundings. Kabuto was still out there and should be on his way, he was still gathering data for Orochimaru regardless of me. I felt how I hurt my Hero.

'Sorry.' I signed.

"No, you're not!" he snapped. My eyes shot up in surprise. Naruto never talks to me like that. His head was hanging down and I couldn't see his face, his fists were clenched at his sides and they were trembling. He was angry and... scared.

He continued through gritted teeth. "You're treating me like I'm everybody else but I'm NOT dattebayo! I'm supposed to be your 'Hero' but I can't help if you won't let me! I'm not like everyone else, Sora-chan! I KNOW WHEN YOU'RE HURTING!"

I-He turned around and ran off. I took a step forward only to stop dead in my tracks. Sasuke was still unconscious and can't defend himself if someone else showed up. And Naruto...

I didn't run after him.

God, I'm such a screw-up.

Perspective:

月 (Moon)

I woke up with a pounding head, feeling like I'd just spent an entire day running that training course from hell Kakashi likes to drop us at when he's feeling spiteful. Or bored. My face was pressed against something soft that smelt like... flowers? I opened my eyes to cringe from the brightness. My eyes ached in my skull. It must be from an overuse of the Sharingan. After a long moment of adjustment I could see trees, dirt and moss. I could also hear water nearby so I assume we hadn't moved since I... did I black out? The sky was getting orange and dark, so I'd apparently been out the whole day.

Damn.

I moved my arms, letting out an groan as I pushed myself to sit up, crossing my legs under me. Off the ground I notice that my head was resting on a bag, Sora's bag I recognize after a second. It was empty but it was-

-there was something poking my cheek. I look over to see Sora was crouched in front of me, holding a pen and jabbing it into my cheek and forcefully pushing my head to the side, purple eyes scanning me. She did it to the other side, making me look left. Under my chin and lifted my head. I reached up a hand to swat at her and stopped, regretting the sudden movement. I slowly rotated my left arm, wincing when I felt the pull of the stitches I knew were on my back.

"How long was I out?" I asked, mouth feeling dry and tasting like dust. I looked around for a water bottle and as soon as my eyes landed on it, Sora was already handing it to me. I gave her a nod and tipped the bottle back as she signed.

'About five or six hours. It's been quiet.' then she pointed at the bottle I was successfully emptying. Kami, it feels like I haven't had anything to drink for days. 'You'll need to drink a lot more water to get back the blood you lost. And rest too.'

I let out a breath as I finished the last gulp and set the bottle down, feeling marginally better. Still felt like shit, but I wasn't thirsty. I blinked when I noticed the mass of orange hair sitting around Sora's face. She looked... weird with her hair down.

"What wrong with your hair?" I blurted thoughtlessly.

Her response was a pout as she tried to comb some of the curly mess behind her ears with her bandaged fingers before signing, 'It's very humid here.'

I huffed, feeling the corner of my mouth tug upwards. That was the girliest thing I've ever heard her say. It was just like her to say something so irrelevant. It wasn't...

Sora lifted her hand up, looking at the blood still dripping from her fingertips. A cold feeling shot up my spine as I looked up at her face. Sora -always smiling, cheerful idiot Sora- was grinning too wide with a look of joy-

-It was Sora. Not whatever that was that looked like her. I looked at her again to see her sitting across from me, a foot away and a slight frown on her face as her purple eyes traveled along the bandage around my chest. I frowned.

"Sora," her eyes snapped up to mine and a smile reflexively pulled her lips. It was obviously fake, almost stupidly so. She shouldn't be smiling she-WasGrinningTooWide-My frown deepened, "you-"

"Sasuke!?" both our heads snapped to the side to see Naruto standing there with a couple fish in his arms, he grinned at me. "You're awake! Ha-ha! I knew a little cut wouldn't keep you down 'ttebayo!"

I gave him a blank look. "It was not a 'small cut', Idiot. Someone sliced my back open. They're not remotely the same."

His grin fell away and he scowled at me, going back to what he was doing which was cooking apparently, "...still a bastard." he grumbled under his breath. I rolled my eyes at him and felt my shoulders untense as he skewered the fish and Sora began rifling through her black book.

This was... normal, oddly enough.

Then I watched as Naruto pointedly avoided talking or even looking at Sora as he started to roast the fish over the fire pit and she kept shooting glances at his back.

Oh... kay. Ignoring that.

Sora pulled a lunchbox from her book and looked over at me, offering me one. I declined and reached down to pull out the storage tags, unsealing my extra set of clothes and food though I didn't feel like eating. Naruto sat by himself and ate his fish while Sora devoured hers in a way that I had to look away until she finished. The entire meal was quiet which should've been my second clue that something was wrong.

Sora sealed away her empty lunchbox and scooted closer to me, raising her hands, 'I was thinking I could scout the along riverside tomorrow and look for any sign of another team.'

"What!?" Naruto balked, pieces of half-eaten fish went flying from his mouth.

There were two questions that came to mind. The first one being; "You want to continue the exams?" I ask. I thought that she more than anyone would want to get to a hospital and be done with this.

She blinked rapidly, glancing between the two of us. 'You don't?'

Naruto and I shared a look, he shrugged with a frown on his face and I grimaced while ignoring how my back was burning.

Why the hell not?

"It's not like it can get any worse." I sighed, leaning back against a cool rock. It felt nice against my skin.

Sora face-palmed.

I raised a questioning eyebrow at her, she stared at me a moment until she shook her head, 'Nothing that explosives can't fix.' she signed, 'So we're agreed? We continue the Exam. So we have three days until the end to find two scrolls.'

"What? Why two?" Naruto asked, frowning. He reached into his jacket and pulled out our Heaven scroll. Sora gaped at it before she told us she'd thought that guy had burnt it. I told her that he took that fake off of me after I waved it in his face, she actually looked surprised.

"It was your plan." I dryly reminded her, picking up my shirt. "And actually, we have two days to find an Earth." I informed them, attempting to pull my shirt over my head without using my right arm or pulling the stitches on my left. It was admittedly harder than I thought it'd be.

"What? But I thought we had three!?" the Idiot shouted in surprise. Why the hell is it so hard to get a damn shirt on?

I finally managed to get my arm through one of the holes and explained. "That food pill I gave you before the fight? It allows a person to fight without food or rest for three days straight, at the end of those three days you crash. We took it this morning so we have only two more days to find an Earth scroll and make it to the tower." Peering through what was supposed to be the opening for my head, I felt a growl rise in the back of my throat. Wrong damn hole.

I tensed when I felt hands begin to tug on my shirt, pulling around until my head slipped through. Sora was standing over me, bandaged hands flitting over me. I scowled. I even needed help getting dressed now? What am I? An invalid?!

"I don't need your help!" I snapped at her, harsher than I intended. I waited for her to retort back, completely ignoring what I asked and forcefully pull my shirt on or nag about my injuries but it didn't happen. Instead she stopped immediately, folding her hands against her stomach and lowered her eyes to the ground like a scolded animal.

What?

She didn't say anything as she walked to the other side of the fire and sat down, her head still lowered. I swallowed. That wasn't normal. I looked over at Naruto to see if he noticed it too but he was just scowling at something in the distance, ignoring what just happened. Which... he should be yelling at me right now for yelling at Sora. That...

There was a 'poof!'. We both looked towards the sound to see Sora holding a disturbingly familiar orange book in her bandaged hand. I recognized it immediately. Naruto burst into surprised laughter and I slammed a hand against my forehead, regretting it when it pulled on my stitches.

That stupid idiot-she was holding up Icha-Icha.

"Why do you have that." I demanded, not making eye-contact with the idiot. The other Idiot was trying to catch his breath.

She set the book in her lap and signed with a half-smile, 'To pass the time, of course. It's actually really good.'

"W-Wher… where did you even get that?" Naruto gasped, trying not to start laughing again.

Her smile widened slightly, still not like usual though. 'I transformed into Sensei and bought it at the store.' The Idiot's laughter returned in full force and I raised a hand to pinch the bridge of my nose in aggravation.

I was surrounded by idiots.

When Naruto had started snoring loudly I knew he'd finally fallen sleep, he'd spent the last half hour rolling around on the ground, shooting looks at Sora who couldn't take her eyes off that book. Speaking of, it was nearing midnight and she was still awake.

"You should sleep." I tell her, keeping my voice low.

She glanced up from the page to look at me before shaking her head, setting down that book and signing, 'You should be sleeping. I can take watch for the night and you need all the rest you can get.'

I grimaced. It was true but, "You're still recovering from... yesterday. I'll be fine to keep watch for a shift."

Her lips thinned and she scratched her arm before signing, 'I don't think I'll be able to sleep.'

Right.

My eyes unconsciously fell on her arm. On that marking that was still under the bandages, the one that made her... act like that. The memories of this morning were fresh in my mind. I could still see the creepy chakra that washed off of her, the markings on her skin. I could still feel the blood splattering on my face as she mutilated that man's body, hear the ringing in my ears after the body exploded. I could see that too wide smile.

I felt an uncomfortable feeling roll in my gut.

That would've been me.

"Why did you do it?" I ask.

I've thought about it and couldn't come to an answer that sounded right. Sora had been crippled with fear like I had, she couldn't even stand up on her own and yet she had enough strength to push us off the branch and away from that man, Orochimaru. How did she find the strength to move when even I was frozen in place?

She blinked, eyebrows creasing. 'Get the book? I know you'd think from Kakashi's blushing that it would focus more on that stuff but it's actually really funny and-' I rolled my eyes.

"No, I don't give a damn about the book." Why would I care about her reading habits? No, I... I cleared the annoyance from my face and looked her directly in the eye. "Why did you push me out of the way?"

Sora tilted her head at me, causing a wave of hair to fall in her face. She flailed to push it back behind her ears, when she looked back at me she had a small smile on her lips. 'For my dream.' she signed.

I blinked. Not expecting that answer.

"Your dream was to be attacked by a homicidal snake?" I asked blankly. She snorted suddenly, slapping a hand over her mouth and shaking her head. She was laughing, I realized. This wasn't funny. Why was she laughing?

She shook her head at me, her smile widening. 'You don't remember, do you? I wrote it in my introduction on our first day as a Team.'

I pressed my lips together firmly. I may have not been paying attention to what Naruto and Sora said at that time. It wasn't really my fault, what was the point when I'd been stuck in the same class as them for the last six years? I already knew everything I needed to. Her smile was soft now, like the ones she gives Naruto when he's being extra annoying. Indulgent.

'My dream is to protect my family, idiot.'

Her...

She means me?

That's-BodiesInTheStreet-KaasanAndTousanWere-BleedingOutAt-Everyone is gone. Dead and rotting. I was alone now, there was no one left. Itachi took everything away from me and left me with ashes. It feels so cold now.

I feel so... empty. I-No.

Not again.

I won't feel that way again.

'My dream is to protect my family.'

My family is dead.

Before I realized it, I was on my feet and looking down at her, her eyes were wide as she looked up at me in surprise. My head was spinning and my heart was pounding as I felt my lips pull up and I bared my teeth at her.

"We are not... family!"

Then I walked off.

Perspective:

空 (Sky)

Fucking hell.

I'm making all the right moves today, aren't I?

Even though he was storming out dramatically I kept a close eye on the location of his Thunderous chakra signature. Kabuto or someone else could be out there, lurking. I closed my Icha-Icha and stuffed it down my mesh shirt, suddenly I didn't feel like reading anymore.

I knew that Duckie wasn't the most touchy-feely person in the world but the way he said that... I should've known better than to use the F-word around him. God damn it, Sora!

It Doesn't Matter How He Acts. If We Were To Suddenly Stop Our Meddling Then He Would Surely Feel Our Absence... And He Would Miss Us. the creepy one murmured in the back of my mind. I had the unsettling feeling it was smiling.

Terra snorted ungracefully, Now who's the crazy one? Lord Quackers would happily cut us down if we get in his way too much. The Snake's offer is still up for grabs and he can go and give himself up for a Cursed Brand if he fancies.

I sighed, feeling a massive headache coming on. 'I hate you both.'

I rubbed my face in frustration. This day just sucks. In addition of what happened this morning, I've now successfully managed to piss off both Naruto and Sasuke! Just friggin' great. Where's Kakashi? I need to piss him off too. Let's make it a trifecta, why don't we!

Perspective:

友達 (Friend)

"Ah-choo!" I buried face into the crook of my arm. That came out of nowhere. Agh, I hope I'm not catching a cold. I hate being sick. Just as I lean back into my pillow to resume reading I sense a presence outside my apartment door.

There was a knock.

I closed my book and pulled up my mask, getting out of bed and walking to the door. Standing in the hallway was no other than Yūgao. It was only the second day of the Chuunin selection Exams so this was either good news or bad news.

Her appearance was clean, too clean. She was wearing a new uniform. I scrunched up my nose at the harsh chemicals coming off her, she smelt like anti-septic and disinfectant. So, she just left the hospital before coming here. Her face was blank but there was no sense of urgency in her posture so there might not be an emergency. But then why the late-night visit?

"Kakashi-senpai." her tone was formal. That wasn't a good sign. "It's about Team Seven... about Sora. Something happened."

Well. There goes my sleep.

Perspective:

空 (Sky)

"You are not going alone." the Uchiha boy snapped. I ignored him as I finished wrapping my high-yield tag around some kunai. I'll never go anywhere without these babies on-hand again. I checked the position of the sun, it was around five in the morning, most teams will be drowsy and it'll be easier for me to sneak around. "We'll rest for another day and then we'll al-Sora, are you even listening to me!?"

Slipping the kunai into my holster I glanced up at the scowling Duckie, unusually amused with this sudden protectiveness. If you can call it that after his little outburst last night. Maybe he just thinks I'm incompetent. A glance at the Hero shows he and Duckie have the same thought.

"You just got better. You can't go out by yourself 'ttebayo." Naruto said firmly. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. We were supposed to be in a fight, he should be giving me the silent treatment or something. Maybe pouting and trying to guilt-trip me.

The Irony In That Thought Is Almost Too Much. I tightened the holsters around my legs, checking over all my equipment one last time as I pointedly tried not to hear the newest addition to my consciousness. Kunai, shuriken, ninja wire, various offensive and non-lethal tags, two barrier scrolls. Check.

As my two teammates were trying to cow me with their glares alone, there was one little fact they were both overlooking.

They weren't the boss of me.

I gave both the boys a look before raising my hands to sign. 'You two have to conserve your energy whenever you can because of the pills and we're still on the clock. We have two days.' They opened their mouths -to protest, I assume- and I turned around ran off in search of a scroll before they could.

It's only fair I get to storm off dramatically too.

Dark Forest Arc,

Chapter Thirty-One: "Day 2"

END

A/N: Ahh! Sasuke! Why you hurt meh heart so!? And Narutooo! Sora's just not having a good day, huh? Oh, and to those of you that weren't big fans of Terra, well... there's another one and if you thought Terra was bad-Woo, now you've met the other one. I'll try my best to keep them tolerable but, I do what I do.

NOTICE: Well guys, Life has knocked on my door and it wants it's money. This is my official notice that the updates are going to slow down as I have to probably get a job that pays. Like, real money. Good news is that I will continue to write for this story as this is my passion and this story has become my baby. But, y'know I can't actually post if I don't have internet... I figure I better make sure I prioritize that.

So if I by chance suddenly go dark for a few weeks then you'll know what happened and not think I've abandoned this. Odds are the change will be gradual as I have to focus more on Life stuff so you shouldn't worry about my sudden disappearance.

I know, I know, some of you guys have seen this all before BUT, this is personal to me. I've had a hard time finishing things I've set out to do in the past but I've resolved myself to finish Sora's story from beginning to end to prove to myself that I can do it. The difference from those past things and this? I wouldn't just be letting down myself, I'd be letting down all of you guys that have joined and stayed with me over these past 33-34 weeks. And I, honest-to-god, don't want to disappoint you guys.

As always, your guys' support keeps me writing. Especially when the stress starts to get to me, I read a review -or five, ten, maybe- and I just get revitalized, ready to take on whatever.

Thank you.

Author Question!

"What is your favorite 'Comeback' song at the moment? That one you want to hear whenever you need a boost in your day?"

Mm, right now it has to be 'Heroes Of Today' by Once Monsters, I found it when I was listening to some nightcore and kinda became addicted to it. Makes me wanna move.

Love you all. See you next time.

-Nanami