The Delicate Fabric of Fate is the Sequel to the story 'The Ninja and the Gunman'. This story skips ahead by seven months, passing over the training that Knives has with Kakashi. I've been working real hard on this so I hope you enjoy. I don't recommend reading it without reading the first as Knives has changed drastically.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto or Trigun or any anime, just the story and added OOC characters. Thanks for your support. :)

PS : I'm not real good at poems so apologies if it's a bit corny. xD

Chapter 1 : Changes of Time

The Fabric of Fate

Delicate is the fabric of Fate.

The choice : To give or Take.

That day we met Fate gave to me.

A curse I thought it to be.

Into my little life you came.

And drove me completely insane.

You turned my life upside down.

Yet made it so hard to hold a frown.

Eventually you grew on me.

And over time dulled the insanity.

Or perhaps it was I became blind.

Though somehow I don't seem to mind.

Foolish I was through all this time.

To not take what was clearly mine.

Then too late it was for me to see.

That Fate would choose a different path for me.

Fate choose to take you away.

Leaving me to do nothing but stray.

Each night I dream of what I lost.

Hoping each time are paths will cross.

And each morning I wake in despair.

To find myself locked in this nightmare.

Each day I train and I roam.

Hoping that I might someday bring you home.

And to say the words at last.

Those words I should have so long ago asked.

Knives POV

Gently I folded up the paper that was in my hand. Seven months ago Hinata had gone missing, taken by Kabuto, the former Hidden Leaf Village ninja. As the days went by, I felt more and more like I was suffocating. Hinata's lack of presence had affected me far more than I'd ever anticipated, and though I'd trained, I'd spent much of my free time working on the poem I'd written on the small piece of paper. It'd started as something that had been nagging at my thoughts, but progressed into something more. Perhaps to recount the changes in my life, or perhaps to understand the feelings growing inside me.

Almost three years ago I'd been trapped in that ridiculous house with my brother and that Insurance girl. Caged like a wild animal, and forced to feign kindness towards humanity, those very beings that have despised my existence for so long. But not Hinata. My mind reminded me. She was different.

When Hinata had appeared, everything I'd ever known or believed was flipped inside out. For a while now I didn't even know who I was anymore. My hate and anger had slowly been quelled by Hinata's presence. Day after day I told myself that this life was only temporary. That it was a means to an end. Truth was, it was a means to a beginning.

Walking back into my room, I stopped in front of the mirror, straightening my shirt just slightly as I gave it a disapproving look. I'd lost some weight since I started my training in the village. Of course I was by no means out of shape, nor had I been what people would call, fat. I had, however, become more lean over time which caused my clothes to hang against my frame more than they used to.

My hair, which I used to keep cropped extremely short, now framed my face with some length. Nothing like that idiot brother of mine, but still the change had resulted in several comments from girls in the village over the past few months. Brushing a piece of hair away from my face, I tugged on the green shirt and black pants I wore. They were just shy of being considered baggy, but at the same time more comfortable for easy movement. Shrugging, I decided to leave my outfit be for now.

Grabbing the pouch with my kunai and shuriken off the end of the bed, I left the apartment and started down the streets towards the Hokage's office. With Kakashi's advice, I'd taken on several missions, though none of them had led to Hinata's whereabouts. I'd recently been added as a member of Team Kakashi and we were being assigned a new mission today. It was my chance to demand a more direct pursuit after Hinata.

I couldn't help glancing around at all the people as I walked through the village and giving a light wave to a few of them as I walked by. That day, seven months ago, I decided I would try to welcome this village and the people who lived here. I wanted to become stronger, though for different reasons then before. I wonder at times if it did me any good or if perhaps it made me weak like that foolish brother of mine.

I question the path I've chosen at times, though I feel more at peace here in this village. Still, each day has been agony knowing that Hinata is still somewhere out there. I worry each day what pain she may be suffering, or if she is even still alive now. Vigorously I gave a shake of my head. I won't believe she is dead. I would bring her home, no matter what it takes.

Stopping in front of the Hokage's building, I glanced up at the structure briefly, my head tilting slightly to see the symbol towards the top. The building was perhaps the most distinct in the village, though of course it made sense considering it was Tsunade's personal office. I began up the steps, my posture remaining calm, but on the inside I was in fact screaming. The Hokage would hear me. She had to. Hinata was still out there.

I pushed the door open, the frame creaking and groaning in protest as I stepped into the room. Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura were already there, as well as Tsunade's aid, Shizune. I stopped a short distance from the group, making it a point to keep out of the way of Sakura's formidable temper. It seemed that Naruto had done something to upset her, and judging from her tone, he may very well end up out the window very soon.

"Ah Knives, you're here." I gave a soft nod, my eyes on the Hokage, her arms crossing over her chest as she leaned back in her chair. I heard the bickering come to a stop, their attention turning to the blond haired woman. "Now, we can discuss the mission."

It's now or never. "Actually, I think it's about time we started looking for Hinata." I kept my tone as even as possible though I was sure it came out rather harsh regardless. I felt all eyes on me, but continued. "It's been seven months. I've kept up my end with the training. We need to go after her!"

Tsunade narrowed her eyes, a slight twitch passing through her body. "Hn. You think you're ready?" Her tone was a mixture of curiosity and mocked humor.

It was infuriating the way she was judging me. "Yes, I'm ready. If we don't do something soon-" I felt those judging eyes staring at me, not just from the Hokage, but from the others in the room as well. I straightened out my posture and forced my voice to remain even and emotionless. "I'm ready."

For a moment I thought for sure that I might be the first one to go out the window instead of Naruto, but I remained calm and determined. I wasn't going to take no for an answer, Hokage or not. My posture must have shown as much, because a smile seemed to twitch at her lips.

"Good. You're mission is in fact a possible lead on Orrochimaru."

"And Sasuke!"

"If you'd let me finish, I could tell you what I know." her eyes drifted away from me and onto Naruto. "That is, if it's ok with you two." Her arms tightened across her chest, that look of agitation on her face. I clamped my mouth shut while Naruto straightened his posture and turned silent. "We received a report that Kabuto was spotted in the Land of Lakes. According to the reports there is a black haired woman traveling with him-"

"Hinata! Did they identify her? She's alright-?" that dark look appeared over her face again. Instantly I took a step back, muttering "Sorry.."

"It is unclear if it is in fact Hinata or not, however the woman seems to have been traveling with Kabuto willingly so use extreme caution. Kakashi."

"Yes, ma'am?"

"You are to lead Team Seven to the Land of Lakes and investigate this possible lead. Do not engage the enemy unless it is absolutely necessary and make sure to send regular reports."

"Yes ma'am." He turned towards the door. "Take this time to prepare. We'll be leaving in two hours. It will be a four day trip so pack accordingly."