Disclaimer: I do not own the Anime or Manga Naruto, or the characters contained within it. It belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. However, the character Teitoku Kanako and the other made-up characters (Akira, Sayo, etc..) in this story belong to me.

Through the Darkness

Chapter 4 - Shared Secrets

A quiet humming filled the air surrounding the quaint cottage, the lullaby spreading throughout the rooms and weaving through the closed windows and to the outside.

With a loud, rackety 'THUD!' the front door closed behind the form of a rather petite woman with extravagant long mousy-brown hair. Her face was pale with high cheek bones that were well defined.

Her jubilant tune became louder as she hoisted a wooden bucket onto the stone ledge of the well. Grasping the rope, she began pulling, tugging the rope with all the strength she could muster.

"Meriel, what do ya think yer doin'?"Her grandfather asked, hobbling over to her with a troubled expression, a cane in his tight grasp.

Pausing in her work she heaved a sigh, wiping away the perspiration aligning her brows with her forearm."Making some nice cold water, of course. Then I'm going to start breakfast."

He furrowed his brows, his frown deepening at this revelation."I told ya not to stress yerself af'er being sick!"

"Relax,"She cooed, continuing her work,"We have guests anyways."

"Huh!"The old man's eyes widened, as he jerked his head around, noting the three figures that appeared to be sluggishly making their way from the forest. With the sun rising behind them, it was hard to stare for too long. Besides, all he could make out were their silhouettes.

"Don't worry,"Meriel assured,"They look like low-rank shinobi. I doubt they're here to take the farm, and they don't look like criminals,"Smiling, she continued,"Invite them in and I'll start breakfast."


"So,"The chestnut haired maiden began, handing food-filled bowls to each of you,"You're shinobi from Konohagakure and you came out here for a mission?"

While the others confirmed their story, you simply ate in silence, using the two chopsticks to guide the noodles past your lips. The food was actually quite delicious, and it was obvious that Meriel was no stranger to cooking.

"Then, Kana-sama, you broke your ankle?"

You gave a vague nod, refusing to look her in the eyes.

"Well, there are some bandages in the bathroom. You should rest here for the day, and treat your injury. Then you can continue back to Konoha tomorrow. We've got plenty of room so it's no trouble. Besides, considering how thoroughly covered in mud you are it might be nice to take a bath!"Meriel winked cheerfully.

"Arigatoo!"Sakura thanked gratefully, happy to be offered the luxury of cleaning off the clumps of mud covering her body and clothes.

"It's really no problem,"She replied,"And you two can borrow some clothes from me while we wash yours."

On your journey to this cabin-like home, you had given her your sandal, due to the fact it was serving no purpose for you. She, of course, thanked you politely. However, in the hour or two it'd taken to find Meriel and her grandfather's house, the roseate-haired kunoichi hadn't spoken a word to you so she was obviously irritable.

Sasuke, on the other hand, seemed perfectly nonchalant, not even making a motion to break the peaceful silence on the way. Naruto had been nearly as calm and carefree as the Uchiha. Although he had made a myriad of complaints about having to carry you, and about how heavy you were.

Interrupting your thoughts, the two tied in finishing their breakfast, demanding,"SECONDS!"At the same time.

"Here you both are."Meriel obliged, her attitude fairly jovial, while her grandfather remained very cautious and suspicious of the four of you."Kana-sama, Sakura-sama, would either of you like more?"

Neither of you replied, instead chancing a glance at each other before returning to eating your meal in silence.

"Alright."She smiled, despite the lack of a response.


Immediately after breakfast Sakura had requested Meriel's help at readying a bath to clean off all the mud. While the kunoichi cleaned the dirt from her body, Meriel thoroughly washed her clothing, hanging them out to dry off about the same time as Sakura finished bathing.

The clothing that the kind female offered was rather plain and ugly to be perfectly honest but Sakura had little other choice in the matter and donned the tattered and torn dark brown pants and short-sleeved auburn blouse.

In all of your backpacks were extra clothes, but to your misfortune Sakura hadn't had much luck keeping your backpacks out of the mud, and those too needed cleaning. So your only option was to accept Meriel's generous offer to borrow clothes.

"Alright, Kana-sama, are you ready?"

While waiting for the two of them you rested in the comfort of the family room. As much as you would've liked to properly bandage your ankle, it would've done absolutely no good considering you needed to wash off...

'Bathing is going to be a hassle too.'

You thought to yourself, nodding toward Meriel and accepting her assistance in getting back to your feet."Arigatoo, Meriel-san."Allowing you to lean on her shoulder for support, the brunette guided you toward the bathroom where she cautiously sat you down upon the toilet. (Which you noted to be the most updated and modern object in their home.)

"It's not going to be easy to bathe all by yourself, I'll ask Sakura to help you."At this, she rose from her spot kneeling beside you.

Before she could call for Sakura you snatched her wrist into your hand, prompting her to turn her gaze toward you."Meriel-san, if you don't mind... I would like to try by myself. I know it will be hard, but I don't want any help."

Her face softened and she gave a short nod before departing to gather some clothing that you could wear until your current clothes were thoroughly cleaned.

It was with much difficulty that you peeled off all of your current clothing from your body, water and perspiration having clung to the material, which glued itself to your skin. However, after you'd removed all of your clothing, you were able to limp over to the wooden tub and clumsily climb into it.

Meriel had to draw all the clear water surrounding you from the well, and since it was freezing cold, the brunette boiled it before pouring it inside the circular object you rested inside.

Closing your eyes, you enjoyed the soft, warm caress of the water as it washed over your skin, ripping the hardened light brown substance away from your porcelain skin. It was a matter of a minute before the water had turned from a beautiful clear-glassy color to a dark, unclear brown.

Pinching your nose you dove underwater, allowing the water to further it's touch to your hair, washing over the ivory tresses and removing the bits of dirt resting upon the pure white coloring.

When you finally resurfaced you noticed that your dirty clothes were missing, replaced by a dark blue set of short pants and a sleeveless shirt. Despite all the tears, holes, and patches it was still better than the dark brown Sakura had been forced to wear...

Removing yourself from the tub was even more difficult than getting into it, but somehow you were once again able to manage. Once out, you limped back to the toilet, retrieving the towels Meriel had set out and wrapping them around your body and hair.

Sitting back down upon the porcelain seat you sighed softly before turning to the tedious task of drying yourself off before donning the clothes your hostess had laid out for you to wear.

After you'd completely finished, dressed in nice, dry clothing that was mud-free, you retrieved the bandages that Meriel had told you about. Limping back into the into the family room was rather difficult, you had to lay one hand against the wall and clumsily limp down the hall with the first aid supplies in your other arm.

Before long you lost your balance, falling forward and dropping all of the supplies on the floor. There was a loud noise as the white box clattered to the floor, right at the feet of your hostess.

You landed softly against someone's chest, their hands carefully grasping your forearms to support you.

"Kana-sama, are you alright?"Meriel inquired as she kneeled down, grasping the handle of the first aid box.

Glancing up at the person who saved you from your fall you noticed those two cold, glazed ashen-black eyes glaring down at you mercilessly. Pulling away from him you gave a slight nod."Y-yes, I'm fine... Arigatoo."

"Sasuke-sama, please head back. My grandfather will be there in a moment with clothing."

He gave a short nod before passing by you and heading the way you'd come.

Once more you leaned against Meriel for support as the brunette led you down the hall toward the family room, carrying the first aide kit for you. She did this without a complaint, and without scolding you at all, for that you were grateful.

Finally, she helped you to settle down upon the rug near the fireplace. Sitting cross-legged in front of you she opened the lid to the first aide box, a smile playing across her lips as she removed the bandages and carefully took your ankle into her hand. Concentrating on the task of dressing your ankle, she hardly spoke a word.

When she finally finished she closed the lid to the kit before standing."I have more cleaning to do, Kana-sama. If you need something my grandfather would be more than happy to help you."

With that the brunette left you by yourself beside the fireplace...

The sweet intoxicating smell of various vegetables being fried filled your nose, beckoning you to come to the dinner table. You ignored it, however, not fairly particularly comfortable gathered there with the shinobi.

Meriel had caught on the fact that there was some uneasy subject between the four of you, and had brought a bowl of steaming hot rice with various vegetables in it, to you. She was the kindest person you'd ever met because she asked no question, and needed no explanations for anything that even qualified as slightly 'weird'.

"Arigatoo, Meriel-sama."

She gave a short nod before returning to the dinner table, where she would eat her meal.

While the others at the table, chatting as they ate their meal, you sat in front of the fire place, gazing into the blaze as you rose your bowl. Slowly, almost cautiously you began pulling the contents of the bowl into your mouth with the help of the chopsticks Meriel had provided.

Once finished you placed the bowl on the carpet beside you, wrapping your arms around your knees and constricting them. Staring into the flames you sighed, waiting for the others to finish their meal and more time to pass on until it was time to sleep again.

The sound of dishes clattering together, falling into the sink, echoed from the kitchen into your ears. A moment later there were footsteps as Meriel retrieved your bowl, returning to the sink to clean them all.

After finishing this tedious chore, the brunette maiden said, her soprano voice like a soft whisper,"We have some blankets and extra pillows. You can all make yourselves comfortable in the family room. I'll go get them and you can set yourselves up."

"Arigatoo, Meriel-san."Sakura thanked, bowing her head gratefully at your gracious hostess who'd been so kind to all of you since you'd unexpectedly found their home.

When finally she returned, Meriel cradled numerous blankets, all piled high above her head. It was amazing that she was able to balance all of them with one arm while using the other to carry the pillows. Kneeling down, she cautiously placed the pile of cotton comforters on the rug, releasing the constricted pillows which tumbled and toppled over beside the blankets.

Retrieving one pillow and one blanket, Meriel approached you, a kind smile adorning her ruby lips."Here you are, Kana san."

Turning your gaze away from the flickering flames, you held your arms out, taking both blanket and pillow from her."Arigatoo.."You murmured, laying the two down beside you.

While the other three retrieved their own, Meriel kneel beside you."Also... I know it's going to be hard for you to maneuver the way you are. I noticed Naruto-sama carried you on his back most of the way, but when you get back to Konoha you won't have someone to cart you around, so-"

At that moment her sentence was interrupted as the door burst open and Meriel's grandfather trudged in, cane in hand."I hope yer 'appy Meriel.. Took me a while ter fix 'er up but 'is done."Hobbling into the family room as he spoke, he held a large wooden crutch that looked perfect.

"I had my grandfather make you this,"She finished, getting to her feet and walking toward him, carefully taking the crutch from his hand and returning to you.

As she handed it over to you, you marveled at the fact that Meriel had actually cared enough to have requested her grandfather to make this especially for you."Th-thank you.."You stuttered, voice nearly inaudible as you held the wooden object in your hands.

She smiled softly before leaving your side."If any of you need anything feel free to come ask me."With that, the elegant female disappeared down the hall and back to her room, the light turning off as your hostess rested after what was probably a tiring day for her.

Meanwhile her grandfather had put out the fire in the fire place, heading back to his bedroom and glancing cautiously back at all of you. It was as though he had a severe case of paranoia.

"Oyasuminasai."

Seeping in beneath their blankets the other shinobi went to bed themselves. Everyone was fairly exhausted from the past two days, and it was a surprise that no one had caught a cold from their exposure to the rain.

Unfolding the blanket and laying it across yourself, you settled your head down onto the comfort of the pillow. Pulling the thick cotton sheet over your body, you closed your eyes with a soft yawn that melted into the silence that filled the air.

Within moments, your exhaustion took hold of your conscience. Darkness flooded your mind, filling the night with a dreamless sleep. Though, how long it would last was anyone's guess...


The moonlight pouring through the window spread across your figure. When the silvery light extended to your eyelids, you found yourself aroused from the peaceful dreamless sleep you'd been immersed in.

Rubbing your eyes tiredly you pushed the blanket aside, casting a glance around you. The only person also covered in moonlight was the pink-haired kunoichi who lay still, lips parted slightly as she slept the night away. Darkness covered the other two beside you.

As silently as possible you grasped the crutch beside you that Meriel's grandfather had made, and raising to your feet, or rather foot, you managed to hobble toward the door leading to the outside.

'Some fresh air and then I'll go back to sleep.'

You thought to yourself, grasping the handle and gently tugging it open. To your luck there was no creaking sound as you closed it behind you.

Inhaling deeply you enjoyed the fresh, crisp air that refreshed your lungs. Suddenly the slight dizzy sensation you'd had before vanished and it felt natural to stand up again.

"Hn."

Jerking around, your gaze traced the nose you'd been hearing. Not far away a pool of moonlight encircled a figure who's limber movements were fast and nearly untraceable, they're speed rapidly accelerating.

'Is that..?'

Glancing around, you noticed no one else was outside. Only you and whomever had abandoned their sleep to train. Due to the fact Sakura was sleeping the night away, it could've only been Sasuke or Naruto.

'That obnoxious blonde doesn't seem the type to be able to wake up sometime during the night to come out and train...'

You thought skeptically, deducing that it must be Sasuke training. Though you couldn't help but wonder why he would be all alone at this time of the night practicing his techniques. Then again judging from his general demeanor he probably was an insomniac who had enjoyed working in the silence rather than the presence for others.

After debating for a few minutes whether to quietly head back inside or approach him you turned for the door, reaching for the handle before you were interrupted.

"What are you doing out at this time of night?"The smooth Uchiha's voice drawled, his focus not wavering as he continued his training, ghostly gaze directed straight ahead toward the direction his punches were hitting.

Flinching, you removed your hand from the knob. Turning toward him, you replied,"G-Gomen... I didn't know anyone was out here..."

"Aa."

Though he made no effort to further converse, nor did he pause in his training you felt drawn towards him. Hobbling closer to the ashen-haired shinobi, you pondered to yourself.

'I still haven't thanked him for finding me... I probably should...'

"I.. Um... Thank... Thank you for finding me before... If you hadn't then I would've probably—"

"Died."He finished for you, his movement failing to cease it's rapid speed.

Averting your eyes, you nodded softly,"Well—"

"Don't thank me,"He interrupted,"My mission is to safely escort you to Konoha and that is what I'll do."

Lowering your head, you sighed. It seemed this boy could just as easily read your thoughts as your sister had been able to."Alright..."There was nothing else you could say, and the silence was almost more comforting than the harshness of his voice.

Finally his arms dropped to his sides and Sasuke turned his head, those two empty black eyes connecting with your own."When that green light touched the skin of my hand, all scratches and bruises faded away. Much like when a medic heals someone's wounds. Out here you wouldn't find the kind of training to become a medic, though."His lips moved in a perfect motion, calmly speaking each word like the last, showing absolutely no emotion what so ever despite the contents of the subject."And I felt your hand pass through mine."However, at the last sentence there was a forcefulness, as if demanding answers without a single question.

Somehow the abruptness of his words didn't managed to faze you. Instead, you merely continued avoiding his eyes, glancing in a different direction. Swallowing hard you sighed softly before turning your head, gazing directly into those two ice-cold orbs of darkness.

"Gomen. I didn't mean for that to happen.."Smiling weakly as you explained, you continued, nervously clutching your crutch as tightly as possible."It's just... I have a hard time controlling my... My.."At the end of your sentence, you averted your eyes before blurting out,"Kekkei genkai."(Advanced Bloodline Limit)

Without a word, Sasuke stared at you for a few minutes. Though he couldn't see into your eyes he could distinguish your facial expression, which was sadness and worry. Obviously you weren't lying to him, that much was obvious.

Glancing up to find his eyes had softened, ever so slightly to the point they weren't glaring you down, you relaxed a bit.

When he had your full attention, he narrowed his eyes and persisted,"What's your real reason for going to Konoha?"

"M... My real reason..?"You were taken aback by this one. Though you were relieved at how well he took the fact that you have a bloodline limit this one had caught you off-guard, though perhaps he intended to."Um, didn't your Hokage say..?"

"Tch."He tilted his head forward ever-so-slightly."We're escorting you because the way to Konoha is 'supposedly' full of bandits and thieves. Which is a lie, and it still doesn't explain why you're going."

You could say,"The only thing you need to know is why you're escorting me, the rest is personal and none of your business."Considering that would only make the situation worse, you opted for a different answer.

"My mother thought I'd have a better life there..."You lied, knowing that it wasn't completely false, after all. In Konoha you'd be protected, and your family wouldn't be in constant danger either.

"Tch."He grunted, stepping forward, his footsteps steady as he approached you. Without another word, he passed you, heading back inside and most likely back to bed, leaving you behind.

Gazing after him, you felt a knot tightly twisted up in your stomach. It felt horrible to have lied to someone, especially someone so intimidating as he, but yet it couldn't be helped because you first had to get to Konoha. Even then, the only person you could reveal your secrets to was the Hokage.

'But I really should go back to bed. Most likely we'll leave tomorrow morning after breakfast. And considering all of Naruto's griping about my weight last time, he probably wouldn't appreciate me snoozing while he's multitasking...'

With that thought in mind, you hurried after Sasuke to return to your own pallet and back to a dreamless slumber.


"Ohayoo!"A cheerful voice cooed as the bright amber silent rapidly poured over your figure, and Naruto's. Apparently you were the only two to have slept in, while Sakura and Sasuke had apparently aroused early.

The sweet smell of breakfast caressed danced around your nose, teasingly beckoning you to abandon your pallet and hobble into the kitchen, crutch in hand. Meanwhile, you left Naruto tossing and groaning about it being too early to wake up.

"Hungry?"Meriel inquired, the jovial hostess smiling sweetly at you from the stove where she was concocting yet another delicious meal that everyone would compliment her on making.

You nodded slightly.

"Your clothes should be dry. I asked Sakura-sama to go retrieve them. You can change into them after breakfast and then be on your way."As she said this, she turned her attention back to the food.

"H-hai..."

"In fact, would you mind waking up Naruto-sama, and calling Sasuke-sama and Sakura-sama? Please."

Hobbling out of the room, you made your way back to where Naruto was sleeping, leaning on your crutch as you slid down to the floor beside him. Gently placing a hand on his shoulder, you shook him and whispered,"Naruto-san? Wake up, please?"

Groaning, he slapped your hand away.

"Naruto-san!"You snapped, firmly grasping his shoulder this time,"Breakfast!"

Before you could blink the blonde leaped from the bed and like a fox scurried across the floor and into the kitchen toward the breakfast table. It was almost comical, if not a bit weird.

Next, you stumbled outside where Meriel had told you Sakura was. It wasn't hard to spot her, roseate tresses flowing in the breeze as the kunoichi removed the dried clothes, folding them neatly and placing the clothing in their respective backpacks.

"Sakura-san! Breakfast!"You shouted to her, quickly earning a glance and a silent nod.

'But... Where is Sasuke-san..?'

You wondered.

'Maybe he's outside too, training? Maybe in back?'

As quickly as you could maneuver yourself, you began slowly hopping around the cottage and toward the rear of it, where you suspected Sasuke might be. However, upon turning the corner you noted that he wasn't anywhere to be found.

With a puzzled expression you turned around, only to fall back onto your bottom, gaping in surprise to find him standing just in front of you. The wooden crutch clattered to the ground beside you.

"What do you want?"He inquired with the quirk of an eyebrow, arms crossed firmly over his chest and eyes as cold as ever. Though, they weren't glaring deep down into your soul this time.

"I.. Um... Breakfast."You stuttered to answer, still a little shaken from his sudden appearance behind you."Meriel-san asked me to tell you that breakfast is ready."

Glaring coldly at you for a minute he gave a short nod before extending a hand."Come on."

A scarlet tint rose across your cheeks as you rose your hand, accepting his assistance in returning to your feet, crutch in hand once more. Adjusting yourself so that you'd be able to hobble back inside, you wondered..

'Did Sasuke-san tell any of the others?'

Instead of marching on inside and devouring what was at the table, as you would expect him to do, being so cold-hearted... Sasuke stood idly by, waiting for you to finish wasting time and come inside.

Hobbling alongside him, you noticed that he slowed his pace for you. This was certainly suspicious, but you didn't read too deep into it. Most likely he had a very good reason for pay such close attention..

"Oh, I.. I wondered.. Did you tell Sakura-san about.. What I said..?"You asked, voice quiet and nearly inaudible.

Glancing over at you silently, he replied with a sharp,"No."

This caught you by surprise, causing you to stop and stare directly at the symbol of a fan on his back. It shouldn't have flabbergasted you so much, but you'd somehow expected that what with them being teammates he would've mentioned something.

"Why..?"You breathed out, lips parted slightly.

He gazed forward, refusing to look back at you."It's not important to the mission."

"But.. They'll keep asking.."You mumbled, glancing down at the patterns in the dirt that were altered and mutated by your bare feet. A small patch of grass that circled the house made walking slightly more comfortable.

"That's not my problem,"He quipped, though his voice was still as monotonous as ever,"You can just lie like you did last night."

"Wh.. What do you mean?"You questioned, tilting your head up.

Stepping forward, he ambled toward the front of the cottage, speaking right before you were out of earshot,"You can't fool people who don't trust you."

'People who... Don't... Trust me..?'

Furrowing your brows, you sighed. It was almost too troublesome to even try speaking with someone who liked to play such confusing mind games. Yet all the same Sasuke was a bit intriguing.

'He did keep my secret after all... So I don't have to tell the others... And I can always try to lie if they ask.'

Now it was clear to you, though. The reason Sasuke had been observing you so closely is for the exact reason he mentioned; he didn't trust you.

'That's not a big deal.'

You thought as you shuffled toward the front of the house yourself, the sweet aroma of Meriel's delicious cooking teasing your nose mercilessly.


After eating the breakfast your hostess had concocted, the four of you gathered your backpacks and the clothing that belonged to you. Also, you were going to have to retrieve the other objects that were in your backpack.

Grasping the plastic box that Meriel had given to you, you smiled to yourself as you placed it atop your neatly folded clothing. She'd made you quite a bit of food to carry you to Konoha since none of you really had much of anything left.

Meanwhile, someone approached you. A dark shadow loomed over your bent figure, and by the looks of it...

'Sakura-san..'


Author's Note: I am sorry for taking so long to update, but real life matters took over, besides my laziness. In November I'm going to be travelling to Denmark so we had to make many preparations, and besides that my parents were preparing to leave on a 17-day cruise. They just left yesterday, and so now I can focus on updating more. Unfortunately I'm not going to update terribly fast now that the chapters are combined, but I will try my best.

Thank you for the reviews, I'm really glad everyone likes the story!