You won't believe it but I have already gotten my first review! I know I'm just as excited as you are!

Cowgirl137 writes: EEP! FIRST REVIEW! ^_^; Lol This is really good! I started reading it when it was on ur old account and I absolutely LOVE it! Hope to read more soon! ^_^ Thanks Neo-chan! Signed, cowgirl137

Thank you Cowgirl for your support and for staying on board with the story, it makes me happy to have great fans like you (beams with happiness). So I write this chapter with much enthusiasm and excitement!

Now, on to my disclaimer: No I do not own Naruto or any of the Naruto characters, unfortunately.
I do however own Squeak Uchiha Hatake, Kakashi's wife and Sasuke's sister (had to add her in here, couldn't stop myself)
Note: Don't worry that I'll be changing the characters personality around, cause I won't. For example: Gaara will remain quiet and well you know him. I won't be turning him into an emotional, giggling fool.

Gaara: Why not?
Me: Gaara? What are you doing here?
Gaara: Didn't my creators tell you that I have two new abilities; whenever my name is called I am aromatically teleported to that person. Not only that but I can be in a number of places at once…
Me: …
Redwater: Don't believe him… It's really my clone…
Gaara: No I'm not
Me: (Hits Gaara over the head) If he's your clone then he's no good. The world doesn't need two of you Red… Let's dispose of him…
Redwater: (Grins) Lets…
Me: But first! The story must go on!

My name is Sakura Haruno, I'm nine and one years of age (1), and I am the avenger of the Wolf family. It's a long and complicated story, one I know well thanks to my grandmother, Kia Haruno, who has kept the story alive in my mind.

You see, long before my grandmother gave life to my mother, she fell in love with a man from the Dragon family. A love that was forbidden because of the rising tensions between them. Our two families were considered the strongest, right along with the Raven family, but no one ever paid the Ravens much mind thanks to their neutral alliance. They choose no sides and stuck to themselves, but they were powerful enough not to need allies, just as the Wolf and Dragon families were. But I'm getting off topic, like I was saying, they kept their love secret form the world, but it had never been enough and so they had planned to run away together. Like every love story though, there is tragedy, someone over heard their plans and before sunrise the next morning both of their families knew. They were separated and locked away, but not for long. Shortly after her captivity my grandmother realized she carried her lover's baby, and she escaped.

She had been sure that after finding out her lover would agree to break free and leave with her, but when she arrived at his castle she found an ugly truth awaiting her. Not only had his every word been a lie but a trap lay in wait. And while she was held against her will, Dragon soldiers were dispatched and by nightfall the Wolf family had been destroyed. The Dragons didn't go unpunished. In a rage my grandmother unlocked the Wolf family's greatest weapon and destroyed many.

That's my family's history. My mother had been born a year later, and even to this day my grandmother despises her. Whether it is because my mother is half Dragon, or because my mother was never interested in getting revenge on the Dragon family, I'll never know. Neither one will talk about it to me, not that I'm surprised my mother won't. I know she dislikes me, and I know it is because her own mother loves me but not her.

Those feelings don't change mine, I still love my mother, and my father a mere human no less. I think my mother married him to anger Grandmother. Well she did a great job. Kia Haruno hadn't even bothered to show up at the wedding, which was a relief to my mother and me. She would have roared her displeasure there instead of here at her grand home.

People of the Grand Families (2) didn't marry humans, didn't even marry into other Grand Families. Or at least that's what Grandmother says. I of course take after her more than I do my own mother. I have her fiery temper and great strength. The common features of a Wolf. My only flaw is that I'm not a Wolf. At least not a full Wolf. With a mother who's half Wolf, half Dragon, and a father who's human.

I'm a ludicrous mix of all three. Along with the Wolfs temper and strength I have the Dragons speed, and the weak senses of a human. It made me ashamed, but also proud. My grandmother assures me I am the only being on Earth who has ever had such an unusually mixing of blood.

The other Grand Families, I'm sure, wouldn't think the same. Which is why we have never attended the Grand Festivals (3). My grandmother didn't want me to be the center of all that hurtful gossip and cruel stares. Nor my brother, Kiba. Though he would most likely never attend, even if he were given the chance. Not because he wouldn't like it, I'm sure he would, but because my mother wouldn't. He does nearly everything my parents do, the total opposite of me. I mean I didn't make it a habit of disobeying my parents, but we never did see eye to eye. I would have to say I was closer to my father and Grandmother more than my mother and brother.

But sometimes I couldn't help but disobey them. I was doing so now; I had been doing so all week. My mother didn't like me staying with my grandmother; actually she had forbid me to do so. It was an impossible task and I plead with my father to change her mind, he did his best but it was all for not. So I had taken matters into my own hands. Leaving the manor during the dead of night with only the moon to guide me, I traveled off.. It had been a long journey even though my mothers and fathers manor were still on Wolf lands, it was on the far corner, as far away from Grandmothers castle as possible without going off Wolf grounds. A deliberate action no doubt.

My journey, though long, had been safe. Grandmother had accepted me with open arms, and now I could begin my training to avenge the Wolf family.

A loud crash in the courtyard below my window startled me, and I dropped the easel I had been moving across the room. Giving a un-lady like curse I marched across my chamber. Leaning out the window with a frown, I peered down. Servants milled about, moving back and forth between the castle and kitchens, their arms filled with trays of food. The last meal of the day was about to start, a big one at that. Grandmother had a guest, a male from the Raven family. Weary from his travels, and still a long ways to go, Grandmother had agreed to let the young man rest here for the night before he continued on.

Of course that just meant I would have to wear one of the dresses Grandmother had had the servants design for me. A thought that made me sick. Not that the dress was ugly, or inappropriate in anyway, but I was so used to wearing…

I glanced down at the tunic and breeches I had dawned the moment I had woken this morning. Men's attire was much more comfortable to wear then the heavy gowns we women were forced to wear. Not only that but I could get around much easier that way. Grandmother always let me wear what I wanted; of course with company tonight I would not disgrace her by wearing such cloths. Men didn't find it appropriate at all.

With a grimace I turned away from the window, leaving the fallen easel on the floor as I approached my wardrobe. Flinging it open, I did a quick sweep of the pastel colored dresses. Nothing to dark. It was unfashionable for unmarried women to wear dark colors, just as it was for married women to wear light colored clothing. It was a rule in fashion that was just as draft as the person who created it. I guess it was time to get ready for company…

**Time Skip**

The sun had just fallen over the horizon; the birds had fallen quiet as they settled down into their nests to wait out the dark night. To take their place, winged mammals flew the skies in jagged lines, their soundless cries filling the night as incest's rushed to safety. The wind picked up its speed to glide fiercely over the land, bending trees and lashing against the stone walls of the Wolf castle.

Unaware of the storm brewing outside, I moved quickly down the hall, dressed in the blue silk gown Grandmother had had made for me on my last birthday. Its bodice clung tightly making me feel short of breath, and the neckline dipped lower then I liked. True there was no fault with the dress, even a saint would see nothing wrong with it, but it was not something I would normally find myself trapped in. Pausing at the top of the grand staircase that lead into the hall I prepared myself, it would be a long meal and it would be a long while before I could retire to my own company again. Not only that but I was sure that the male that would be staying with us tonight would be like all the others. After finding out the Granddaughter of the Wolf leader was here, they begged to stay to meet me. They heard of my beauty, but it isn't until they get here that they learn of my sharp tongue and fast temper.

Was I ready for this at all? I had come here to have some peace, not to be annoyed. Didn't matter I had to do this for Grandmother.

"Dear God child, what are you doing?"

Startled I stepped back, hand flying to my throat. But there was no reason for my startle, it was only my grandmother. She hurried toward me; her form was thinner, as if the cruel winter had worn away her once plump figure. Her face, though pulled down in disapproving lines, was concaved and wrinkled. Her silver hair was pulled back tight into a bun, and I knew the once thick locks were thinning. She was sick. Even though her stubbornness and pride wouldn't allow her to admit it, It was obvious to everyone who knew her well.

It made my heart ache to think that she could possibly be taken away from me by something so human.

Conjuring up a warm smile I stepped back to allow her room as she approached the landing.

"What do you mean? You have a guest in your home and I must look my best, for your sake, at dinner tonight."

The elderly woman made a tsking noise as she gripped my arm, pulling me back down the hallway which I had come. Away from the torch-light we were cloaked in shadows; our eyes, the same emerald green, shun bright.

"You will not be dinning tonight; we cannot allow that man to see your face! It would ruin everything," Kia's voice came out dry and cracked, and she ended up in a coughing fit.

Alarmed I lead her through the maze of hallways, pausing only to push open the doors to her grand room. This was the biggest of all the chamber in the castle, the walls were covered in paintings; thick forests, wide plains and icy terrains. In all there was at least one wolf.
Her floor was covered in thick rushes. Her furniture was all polished and shining. The shutters were open and the storm that waged outside roared.

Leaving my grandmothers side I slammed the shutters shut, frowning down at the rain that had already puddle onto the floor. Servants would need to clean this up as soon as possible. But for right now, there was something my grandmother needed to tell me. Why couldn't I go to dinner?

Hurrying toward the bed I grabbed the pitcher that was ordered to always be filled with fresh water, pouring it into the goblet that stood next to it. Handing it over to my grandmother I waited patiently as she drained the cup in one swing. She cleared her throat a few times before she finally set the cup down, her eyes still refusing to meet mine. Not out of fear that I would be angry I was sure; most likely to collect her thoughts and put her plan, whatever it was, into action.

"Well, why can I not attend this night's feast?"

There was a long silence in which I thought she wouldn't answer, but as I opened my mouth to question her more she raised her hand for silence. "Dear child, it is time that you began your training to avenge our family."

Giving my grandmother a ridiculous look I struggled to wonder why she would mention this. Was she trying to through me off topic by bring this up? If so I wasn't about to take the bait. "I know that Grandmother, it is the reason I am here."

"You also know that the Leader of the Raven family is known for being a trainer of men, the best. Any boy, who leaves home to train under him, always leaves a man, a great soldier. It is why their forces are so strong."

"Why are you telling me what I already know?" My brow twitched in annoyance.

"Don't you get it girl! I can't train you, I'm too old," she paused to glare grudgingly at the floor. "But Kakashi Hatake, leader of the Raven family, he is not!"

I blinked slowly as my mind absorbed her words, comprehension coming upon me slowly. My mouth curved into a smile and my eyes sparkled. "Grandmother you sneaky old bat!"

"It is brilliant, is it not?"

"It's perfect… What about mother and father? There will be no way for you to convince them of this." I had a point there mother and father would never let me do such a thing. Kiba was probably leaving right now to train under Kakashi. Mother had always made it plain that she favored her son being trained by a member of the Raven family to our own. Grandmother hated that, but she of course saw the wisdom of it. The Wolf family was weak; we didn't have the numbers to train our own solders and so they would be sent to be trained elsewhere. 'We' only including my brother and I.

"Don't you fret about them child, by the time they hear of this your training will be complete and you will be a full warrior!" Pausing to give a satisfied nod the elderly woman moved toward the great fire place that was indented in the stone walls of her chamber. No fire burned, a sign that the servants had yet to come and light it for the night. "Come child… Instead of going to dinner, you and I are going to retrieve your weapon."

"Grandmother, I don't have a weapon… What are you-"

There was the sound of creaking hinges as the back of the black scorched fire place slid open. Mouth agape I watched as she lit a lantern, glancing back at me only to wink before she disappeared into the black tunnel before her. The bubble of light from her lantern the only indication I had that she still existed.

I stumbled a few steps forward before regaining my senses, and with a burst of excitement I hurried after her. Her light disappeared around a corner and I was left moving into the darkened tunnel alone. The air was suddenly dust and dry, old. I placed my hand on the wall to help guide my way, only to jerk it back. The stone walls here were covered in slime.

With a disgusted grunt I wiped the grime on my dress and hurried forward, glad to see the light as I turned the sharp corner. I followed the light around another corner, down a flight of stairs that seemed endless, and then through a maze of twists and turns.

I was suddenly afraid of being left behind, forever lost here in this dark, slimy place. Picking up my pace, I called out to her, "Grandmother Wait!" What was with this place? What was this fear that it inspired inside me?

There was no response.

I was running now, nearly tripping over the hem of my gown. I hiked the thick folds above my knees and moved faster. I wished now I had not even bothered putting on this ridiculous gown.

Just as I thought I was finally getting closer, the light disappeared. I ran a few more steps in the darkness before I stopped. My breath coming out in sharp pants; out of fear rather than exhaustion. I was alone. "Grandmother?"

I turned, not sure in what direction I faced. There was no breeze, no stirring of the air around me. Only a dark stillness, one that had me stiff as a war horse ready to battle. But faintly I heard something, a whisper drifting from the right. I turned slowly, hands fisted, ready to defend myself. And then-

"GOT YOU!"

"Ahhhhhhhh!"

Leaping back with a startled scream I raising my fisted hands to strike out. But something soft and velvety gripped my wrists and yanked them down to my sides.

"Now child, you shouldn't ever strike your elders!"

"Grandmother!" I called out numbly. Heart still pounding fearfully, I glared out into the darkness. "What in the name of God is wrong with you? Is this your idea of a joke? You wanted me to miss dinner for this?"

"Shush child? We will talk once we get out of here, hurry now. Keep up this time."

The lantern was lit once again, and not ready for the sudden light I winced. The shadows around us receded, and I swear I something stir within them, but when I turned my head sharply to see what it was there was nothing there. Turning back to my grandmother I moved after her, nearly stepping on her heels as I struggled to keep up.

This time I wasn't left behind, but I noticed that my grandmother moved with urgency. As if afraid of what we were leaving behind. The thought made me afraid and I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and I jumped every time I heard even the slightest of scuffling noises. Of course with my human hearing I could have been hearing things.

It was when we could see the light from my grandmother's bedroom that the noise behind us became louder.

"Run," she whispered.

I didn't need to be told twice. Side by side we ran the rest of the way down the old tunnel, the pounding sound behind us growing only louder. When we broke from the tunnel, I swirled around to face whoever or whatever had followed us. But there was nothing there. Nothing I could see. But I could hear something again. A deep throated growl and then quick retreating steps.

"What was that?"

"The guardian of Wolf's Treasure."

"What"

Turning away from the tunnel as it mysteriously closed, I gave my grandmother another ridiculous look. "Could you please explain why we went into that place to begin with? What was that thing? And why have I never known of that secret passage before?"

Waving aside my questions Kia swept across her chamber and toward the table and chairs that sat in a corner. "Come stand here child and I will explain all."

I moved closer wearily, afraid of any other tricks that might be up her sleeves. "Okay you old bat, better tell it to me straight…"

With a chuckle the elderly women settled down into her chair, placing the small burden she had been carrying on the table. "Dear child, that tunnel has been here ever since this castle has… It is a maze that only the leader of the Wolf family shall ever know. It is knowledge given to them in dreams from the day they gain leadership, lost to them when they lose their leadership."

I glanced back at the fireplace, and felt my heart swell with pride and anticipation, "one day I would know my way through those slimy tunnels. The thought of that growling creature put my eagerness at hold. Maybe I wasn't as excited as I though.

"But even leaders most beware the creature that guards the greatest of Wolf treasures. It is a creature that no one, except the first of Wolf leaders, has ever seen."

I listened now with wide eyed curiosity. Why was she telling me this? Because I was to be the next leader most likely. As if she had read my mind she smiled and continued, "I tell you these things because you will need to know. You will, after all, be leader of this small family one day."

I felt my chest swell with pride, ignorant of the weight of responsibility that would weigh me down in the future. "And this treasure? What of it? Did you not grab it while we were down there?"

"Ha! Of course I did silly girl. When the light disappeared from your vision is when I entered the chamber that held it."

"Why didn't you take me with you? Why leave me alone in that place?"

"Only the leader can enter the chamber."

I said nothing. Mostly because it made sense and also because I felt stupid for not guessing that. "Okay… So where is this treasure?"

"What do you mean where is it? It's right here!"

Following the boney finger she pointed, I felt my mouth drop. "But… But Grandmother, That's just a-"

Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up. School was close to its end and the teachers thought it would be funny to load up a bunch of work on me.

Teacher: Haha, let's give all this work to Neon even though there's only a week to finish it!
Me: Ahhhhhh! (dies)
Gaara: Urrggg… Wha-
Redwater: (hits Gaara on head) Go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep little Gaara
Me: (drinks revive and comes back to life) Reviews!

Anyways (clears throat), I hope you guys liked my cliffhanger. I adored it myself, I am so good.
Lets get on to the number things now, don't want anyone confused now do I?

(1) – She is nineteen
(2) - There are a number of Grand Families, all of which you will meet in this story. They are families gifted with the supernatural abilities of one animal/creature. You should know now of three families. The Wolfs, Dragons and Ravens. Other family names will be explained later.
(3) - Once or twice a year leaders of the Grand Families, and a few selected members from each family, gather at a chosen families home to have a festival/ball