Sorry to those who read this, it's been a VERY long time because well unfortunately and annoyingly, my sister had been taking the laptop with her into the bathroom while she showered to listen to music and did not open the window because she's a fucking idiot. Excuse my language. Thus condensation and what not, so the keyboard does not work efficiently with only five keys working and I've had to use an online keyboard instead. And I seriously cannot write 10,000 words with a shitty keyboard or the online one. Fortunately mum - the only one who has any sense in this family- bought another laptop which she hasn't permitted for anyone to use the last few weeks because she's afraid we'd break it, and she's really anal about it, even though I didn't do anything, and mary's(sis) the one who broke the past three laptops, and I'm the one who has repeatedly fixed most problems on the laptops. And yet she doesn't trust me...UNTIL NOW! FUCK YES BITCHES (sorry again). The only good thing that came out of it was that mum let me have the old laptop- provided I pay the £50 needed to get it checked out . And that is your explanation.

Plus I want to say thank you to all the reviewers(I'll name you all in the next one)

oh and heres a key :

Thoughts inside someone's head

Conscience (you know that little voice inside your head, as if you've got someone trapped there. NO! it's not the same as thought. Anyway and when someone hears it, they react to it in an instant, so it's kind of like instinct too, no..wait..it's instinct to react to it, yep there we go. This is very important because it is actually something more, for now you will know it as conscience or maybe the 'voice inside someones head'.

" emphasis on a word." (you can distinguish it between thought if there is one word in italics in a sentence where all the other words are normal font, and also if it is in speech, like i just did there. Now you are stupidper, because i probably gave you the wrong explanation.

SHOUTING! (because talking normally is not good enough for some people)

Writing in books, scrolls, sign posts and more. (and also my little intro's)

"Tailed beast speech" coz who wouldn't give them their own font. I mean c'mon! They have this massive booming voice and they're not shouting, this is more than appropriate, don't get confused with the one above, this one had speech..thingies(this is why i fail at english. Scottish kids should not be made to do such a language! It is against our will... and our fight to FREEDOM! see how i used both shouting and tailed beast speech, because seriously. Scots are made of some tough shit. :P

After making a hasty getaway by simply - and falsely- implying she needed to go to the toilet immediately, Ren hurried back the way she'd come in order to find a certain orange ball of energy. She ducked her head while running through the dodgy neighborhood, god knows what could happen if she looked the wrong person in the eye. Plus this was similar to the area she was abducted from six years ago. Not to mention the stupid cat tore off her mask.

Constantly checking behind her, in fear of anyone following her and as of habit, she made her way into the building both she and Naruto had sneaked into. It took her little time to reach the floor where the cat had attacked them. Traces of a skirmish were very visible to Ren. Small scraps of orange material lay strewn across the floor, almost distracting her from the tufts of fur that had been blown into the corners by the ever so slight breeze.

Naruto sat on his bottom in the corner of the platform between the wall and the railing which has prevented many accidents and deaths. He rested his folded arms on the knees that had been brought up to his chest, with his head, face down ducking below in between his forearms and chest.

For some reason Ren felt compelled to wrap her arms around him and whisper things like "it's going to be okay." The boy looked so lonely. Silently she shook her head to clear those silly thoughts. There's no point bringing yourself down with him, shinobi are supposed to be strong, and if he can't make it, it doesn't mean I can't either.

To avoid herself feeling that way once more she looked the other way before waking him up.

"Naruto, get up."

Naruto tore at the cats fur in a desperate effort to get rid of the mangy animal. Unfortunately the cat had the same thought because before long Naruto's precious jumpsuit had many although not entirely noticeable tears in it.

Still, he kept hold of Ren's mask and refused to let go. After all after being inside her home, the boy knew she has very little possessions and he himself would never let his jumpsuit get taken without a fight. However, that cat has some nasty claws.

"Come on kitty kitty, let go...let go...JUST LET GO YOU STUPID...YOU..YOU..PIECE OF...POO!" And the insults continued. Naruto varied between soft begging and shouting the ears off the cat.

It was at that moment that a dog barked somewhere outside. The cat, no matter what courage it possessed before, disappeared instantly from sight. And poor Naruto fell back from the force hitting his head hard on the wall behind, before falling into unconsciousness.

"Naruto, get up." A cold icy voice sliced into his mind and Naruto opened his eyes to see the cat leaning against the railing and standing on two legs. But that wasn't all. The thing seemed to have grown to human size. Still not realizing he was only half-awake and still dreaming, Naruto's eyes widened into shock as he pointed at the cat, his whole arm shaking.

"Y-you can't have it! But...um.. please don't hurt me." The cat glared and hissed at him.

"Please don't take it" Naruto pleaded as he slowly rose. "Good pussycat, no more scratches, I'm sure pussycat would like a pat." The cat changed it's stance and was now standing straight on two legs with it's arms crossed.

Naruto, forever naive started to pet the cat on it's head while trying to slip around it in order to run for it. He then proceeded to scratch the cats chin. It did not look amused. Thinking the cat preferred the head, he began stroking it's long brown hair- wait a second- long brown hair?

The dream vanished and Naruto's mind only just registered what it was doing. His arm lay stretched out in front of him. His hand lay in the middle of affectionately stroking a very, very angry young girls now tangled hair, strands interlocked with his fingers.

If looks could kill...

"Eeep!"Naruto hastily snatched his hand away. They stood there for a few moments, Ren letting the fear sink in. Desperately trying to distract her, Naruto searched his pockets thoroughly before presenting the girl of impending doom with a shredded tattered blue cloth.

"Look! I.. um saved your mask!"

He had about three second left before I went for him. Lucky for Naruto I couldn't believe what was happening I was so shocked I didn't act when he started stroking me cooing "kitty,kitty, good pussycat."

It was already dark and because there was no lights he couldn't see my face. But I could see his, and believe me, 'scratched' doesn't even cover it. The same marks littered any skin visible, yet they didn't prevent the kid from smiling like an idiot while he held out the remains from my mask. And just as I was about to stick my trainer where the sun doesn't shine, it hit me.

He risked getting hurt, no matter the size of the injury, to save something that he deemed was precious to me. Silence filled the air and I could feel the shape of my eyes relax into thier original half moon shape(curved at the bottom and straight at the top), however rare that was, they would soon snap back to their hostile glare.

It suddenly dawned on me then that not everyone was my enemy. Sure the cloud took me in, but they never portrayed any kindness towards me. I've known that all along. They just wanted to use my power and skill, and though I suppose I felt closer to Yugito and Killer B, they would never go out of their way to do what Naruto just did, not in a million years.

Why am I reading so much into this?! It's just a mask, who cares if he saved it! This doesn't mean anything to me! I almost slapped myself in the face before deciding against it.

Rule number two : Don't trust anyone. The whole world is your enemy, no matter how kind they seem. Generosity is often a disguise of deceitfulness.

"Rule...what?!" Without even noticing it seems I had spoken out loud due to Naruto's quizzical look. Prying the torn up mask from his fingers I inspected the many tears and holes it bore.

"Nothing, forget it." Should I thank him? No, it was just a mask, not even worth thinking about, let alone mentioning. " Come on, lets go back."

"What about 'whatshisface', did you catch him?" Naruto's eyes glistened with curiosity, though for some reason I saw disappointment in his expression after I took my mask back without saying a word.

"Naruto," I sighed, shielding my face. "Where do you think I'd be if I hadn't?"

"In prison?"

Glare.

"...in Kumo's prison?"

Death glare.

"Okay, Okay! Not here, I guess, don't have to get all scary on me." I nodded my agreement before storing the mask in my pocket. Binning it while in the presence of Naruto would surely break his feeble heart.

"Yeah I managed to catch him, and the Hokage paid me 16,000 ryo, or something." I explained showing him the envelope, again feeling a lot more relaxed.

"Wow that's a lot! I can't wait-" The orange-clad stopped himself raising an eyebrow at me. Did I say something weird?

"What?!" He continued to look at me, strangely so that terror began to rise in my stomach. "What is it! Are my clothes wet?! Is there a puddle behind me that you're not telling me about!" I worriedly shouted at him while glancing with caution from side to side, continuing to back up against the wall.

"hahahaha! I thought you were tough and cool and brave, but you're nothing but a girly girl who's scared of getting her clothes wet! I betcha scared of bugs too! And snakes and spiders!" Naruto was clutching his sides laughing, and I could tell I looked like a frightened rabbit.

But in truth, right now I just feel silly.

"I am NOT a girly-girly!" I huffed, crossing my arms. Okay, now I was acting really childish. How could this orange buffoon possibility lower my mental age by at least four years after only one day. I prided myself on being more mature, unfortunately ,that's not the case.

"Are too! You can't deceive me with your sasuke-like outer shell, inside, all there is, is a little girl, covered in pink and screaming at anything that pops out."

I was on the verge of shouting "No! Stop it!" while covering up my ears, but something he said triggered my more mature self once more.

"I. Don't. Scream." Even I was surprised about how cold I sounded then.

And the effects were marvelous. Naruto's face drained colour before returning to it's normal hue, after putting his hands up -almost in a 'jazz hands' fashion- and smiling in an apologetic manner.

" 'Course you don't! I was just pulling your tail, no need to get your panties in a twis- I Uh mean...you probably don't wear panties, because you are not girly AT ALL!" He was nervous now, and that comment really pissed me off. He could see it. "Wait! I'm sure you wear...uh...boxers or other none girly products am I right...uh...mate?"

I may not scream, or I may not be a girly-girl, but that does certainly not mean I act and am boyish with everything.

And this time I really did go for him.

Let's just say that, that shiner, twisted ankle, large bruise on his back didn't just get there on their own.

"Here." Ren said, pressing a see-through bag of ice cubs against Naruto's left eye. He winced at the pain, but soon sighed in relief. Unfortunately the boy didn't understand that after a few seconds of Ren holding it against his face, he should be taking her hands place with his own. Naruto didn't pay any attention to the annoyed expression covering her face and the tapping of her right foot against the ground, as well as her left hand on her hip, clearly impatiently waiting.

"Oh right! You want me to hold it?" She mentally face-palmed. She thrust the bag further into his face as a response and he yelped in pain. Good, that'll teach him.

After an hour of a thorough beating and chasing him around the apartment building yelling " If I had a frying pan right now, you'd be breakfast, Kiddo!" and him yelling "Stop calling me 'kiddo'! We're the same age!" She helped him back home. And the moment she opened his freezer and cupboards, her heart dropped. No ice cubs, no first aid. Not only that but it appeared his apartment had been burgled, and his mattress stabbed several times.

When she asked him about it he would flick his wrist and only replied. "Don't worry about it, I'll get it fixed tomorrow." As if this was nothing out of the ordinary. In fact this has been Naruto's third break-in of the season and he was surprised the criminals had not done any more damage. He shrugged it off as if it was nothing

However feeling guilty that this was somehow her fault, due to taking him away to help her on a mission and therefore leaving his home unprotected for vandalisation Ren offered him a temporary solution.

"Look, you can't spend the night here, Your lock is completely buggered, you have no resources to take care of your bruises, plus with you injuries, not matter how minor how could you possibly sleep on the floor."

"Where the hell am I gonna sleep then?!" Naruto had thrown up his arms in exasperation.

"With me,"After an uncomfortable silence she added, " After all you are my responsibility after, inflicting pain on you, plus I have a first aid kit, ice and a very much intact bed, don't mind me, I'll just sleep on the floor." She shuffling uncomfortably and looking down at the ground, Naruto almost couldn't hear her because she was grumbling.

And boy was he shocked, and slightly overwhelmed. Yes he had been shown kindness, despite it being rare and sometimes a good deal bigger than this, however this was coming from someone who was almost the girl version of sasuke, which he had only known for about a day, whom he was beginning to get along with, even the bashing his brains in part was somewhat comically fun and Naruto remembered laughing as he eluded her once more before getting a face full of her fist, for which she had yowled triumphantly, much like a warrior whom had just won their first battle, and though she didn't smile, Naruto could tell she was enjoying herself, very much so. It almost felt like they were playing a game but sparring at the same time.

He had followed her outside like he was in a dream. The girl had fiddled for her keys for a moment, and yet when she had them she paused only for about a second, but Naruto saw it. Alarm and then a slight bit of irritation ate away at her eyes. She sighed and unlocked the door. Tonight was unusually cold, making Ren's breath visible, almost like a cloud of smoke.

Naruto resisted the temptation to face the sky and walking around while breathing heavily into the air yelling "Chuck-ka-chuck-ka-chuck-ka- choo choo!". He didn't need to ruin the moment by being himself. But still it doesn't hurt to be himself a little bit.

"Hey Ren! Look I'm smoking!"

Naruto heard her groan before turning her back on him. Oh well, I'm sure Sakura would laugh, he thought oblivious to what her actual reaction would be.

They walked into her apartment, Naruto on the alert for any frying pan booby traps, and Ren inspecting almost every minuscule detail in her apartment, which she would stop herself once ever four or five seconds and mumble to herself. Naruto gave her a quizzical look and he had doubts about her sanity until she pulled out at chair near the table.

"Sit." Naruto shivered at he sat down

"Why is it so cold in here?" He hugged himself and rubbed his arms.

"Central heating systems on the brink, and my apartment gets the worst of it, or so I've been told. Though I've drawn up a more correct answer; It doesn't work in this room and it hasn't for some time."

"Great, I probably should have stayed I where I was." Naruto mumbled.

"What was that?"

"I was just saying how grateful I am!" he called back.

And that's how they got to where they were now. Ren pulled another wooden chair out from under the table and propped it up against the cupboards. She climbed aboard in order to reach a very high up shelf. Naruto struggled to see what she carried when she returned, but recognized the tell-tale green box when she blew of most of the dust with her breath.

"emm... Ren?"

"hmmm?" She opened the box searching a cotton ball to wipe clean the scratches on his face and arms.

"If I'm gonna sleep on the bed, where are you going to sleep?" He couldn't see any other furniture besides the bed, wooden table and the two wooden chairs.

"On the floor. I already said that earlier." Naruto saw her run a few cotton balls under the tap and filling up a glass of water. "Now hold still, this might sting a little bit, so just bare with me."

"haha...bear." Ren gave an annoyed expression. Crouching down, she lowered herself to his level and started dabbing at his cheek, wiping away at the dirt over his scratches. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Naruto trying to look everywhere but her.

Naruto starter blushing the moment she leaned in closer, their faces only about an inch apart, although Ren was gripping his head and hair harshly turning his face slightly sideways to get a better look at his cheek. This is the closest he's ever been to a girl that didn't involve accidental shoving or the girl beating the living daylights out of him, cough Sakura, cough. Feeling awkward he resisted looking at her and instead focused on the fridge or the window.

He could tell Ren was too oblivious to noticed what he was feeling. She was deep in concentration, her eyes narrowed and her lips in a straight firm line. Lips...so close. Naruto thought as he slowly turned his to face her eyes. I don't think I'd be able to control myself if it was Sakura instead of Ren

"Naruto stop grinning like an idiot and put your head back to where it was!"Ren barked, the moment was ruined and Naruto with round eyes did as he was ordered. Naruto suddenly jerked when he heard Ren gasp.

"Your scratches and cuts are already sealed up and healing, kiddo. That's weird, I'm positive they would be infected form all the muck covering your face." Ren retracted her hand.

The boy scratched his head with one finger. "Yeah, I've always been a fast healer, and I've got a pretty awesome immune system!Believe it!" and thats when he realized it.

"Hey Ren, guess what?"

"What?" She groaned.

"I can see you face.

silence

The girl stiffened.

"Go get your pajamas, now."

Naruto scurried out of the room as fast as his legs could carry him. The funny thing is, was that he's only looked at her mouth and into her eyes, after all both were very mesmerizing, and though he snickered when he thought how shocked she looked, it was not worth the risk staying in the room to mentally torture her further. The tone of her voice had said it all.

Opening his door he couldn't help but feel disappointed at seeing the state of his home once more. At least his ramen stash was safe. He thanked God, and then continued his search for his pajamas. After looking under the pillows strewn on across the floor he found the tattered remains of his bottoms and top, fortunately his panda hat survived.

"Aww man, it's too cold to sleep in just pants." Naruto whined to himself (remember in Britain, we refer boxers and knickers as pants, and say trousers or bottoms or shorts or whatnot instead of pants) but he could find nothing else that was suitable. Feeling sad he trudged with his head low back towards the door, however before he left something caught his eye. There on the clothes hook hung a deep red plain scarf.

Taking it in his hands Naruto saw it was quite wide and very sturdy, unlikely to unravel or tear with no tassels on the end, plus being so tightly thread when Naruto wrapped it around his neck loosely that it didn't collapse and covered at least his lips and the bottom of his nose. Taking it off, a light bulb appeared above his head.

"Perfect."

He headed back to Ren's apartment carrying his hat and the scarf. He found her ruffling madly through the drawers, possibly searching for something to cover her face.

"Here." he said loud and clear, revealing the scarf and handing it out to her. Ren immediately stopped what she was doing before looking over her shoulder, careful not to show anymore than her eyes or forehead.

"Look, I've had this thing for years, I used to wear it all the time, but I haven't worn it in a while, and you'd probably put it to better use, so...have it." Naruto reasoned, shrugging his shoulders. He silently chuckled to himself at the sight of Ren trying to walk towards and take the scarf without him seeing her face. It reminded him vaguely of a movie he saw.

"I guess that's your new precious, eh smeagol?" Naruto grinned.

"What?" Ren raised her eyebrow confused. She had wrapped the scarf around her neck and lower face until there was nothing left to wrap and stuck a curby grip at the back to keep it in place.

"You don't get out much do you?"

Glare.

"Okay, no need to get antsy, just a little joke."

"Jokes are supposed to be funny."

"Well I don't see you making any."

"Naruto."

"What?"

"That was my joke."

"..."

Wait for it... Ren thought

Naruto pulled a face. "My names not funny!"

"That wasn't what it's supposed to... never mind." Ren waved a hand as she turned away. The part of the room where the bedroom area is, the floor is raised about 15 cm, so as to separate it form the kitchen, considering it was open planned, and in the dark Ren nearly tripped up over the step.

"There should really be a sign." She grumbled. While Naruto had gone back to his apartment, she had got changed into her pajamas. Naruto watched as she sat down on the floor just beside the bed on a very thin, very worn down old rug. Bring her knees up to her chest, the twelve year old crossed her arms slightly on the floor to the side and lay down her head. She closed her eyes.

Taking that as a signal to go to bed, Naruto stripped down to his boxer shorts and gingerly stepped over Ren. However in the process of doing so, Ren mumbled.

"You don't really think outside the box, next time - and hopefully there isn't one- go around, I'd rather not have you stepping on me if you have misjudged your stride."

Grumbling his agreement, Naruto climbed into bed, lay on his back with his hands behind his head and tried to fall into the deep slumber of sleep. As much as he wanted it though, sleep wouldn't come. He pulled his quilt tighter, still feeling the cold, even though he was slowly warming up. Good thing he had had his socks on before when walking around her apartment, that wooden floor was bound to feel like ice.

At that thought the boy rolled over onto his side, facing the kitchen. He could just make out Ren on the floor. She was shivering. Badly. In the short time he had known her, Naruto saw her as the 'never let on how weak you are' type, and this is her, trying to hold it back. Instantly he felt guilty, even if it was her who had offered him the bed.

He couldn't stop watching her, and it grew too much when he heard chattering teeth. How was she supposed to train tomorrow if she never got any sleep due to the cold. Right that's it.

Naruto tossed the covers to the side and leapt off the bed. He could see Ren's eyelids flickering. She's pretending. Time to put my chakra training to the test. Building up as much chakra as he could muster, Naruto slipped his arms underneath Ren's body, who eye's immediatly shot open.

"What are you doing." It seemed more of a threat than a question. Naruto lifted her from the ground and gently placed her on the side of the bed against the window. He was surprised she let him do it.

" A baby could see how cold you were, plus the beds big enough for the both of us, no point in one of us getting frozen to death." A small blush appeared on his cheeks, though Ren took no notice. She scowled and quickly faced the window, her hand catching the corner of the quilt and wrapping that part of it around her.r

"You could have just said so."

Naruto climbed in after her and snorted.

"You wouldn't have let me."

"...Don't act like you know me."

"It's a bit late for that." He said covering himself up with the other half of the quilt. He felt slightly embarrassed and faced the other way, but couldn't get comfortable. He tossed and turned, moving this way and that.

"Will you stop moving!" Ren hissed over her shoulder.

"Your beds too weird, I don't feel right in this position..." Naruto carried on.

"OW! You just elbowed me, just sto-" Ren cut herself off as she glanced over at him, he had kicked all the covers off himself.

"Naruto...where are your clothes."

"They were ripped up too."

"Why the hell didn't you tell me! Now I feel uncomfortable too!"

"Hey not as much as me!Believe it. Also you would be freezing on the floor if you knew, ya know."

She kicked him.

"Hey! What was that for?!"

"For being an idiot, you're going to be far colder than you would have been if you'd just worn your jumpsuit."

"Well I can't do that now can I?!"

"Why not!"

"Because, now I'm finally comfy."

"You've gotta be kidding me." Ren hissed. Naruto in what looked like the most awkward position, was spread out much like a starfish, one leg hovered just above the floor, the bed being to small for more space, while the other was lying on top of Ren. His right arm was tucked underneath his neck with his elbow jutting out while the other(on Rens side) Rested on it's elbow above his head, going straight up in the air with his hand flopped over.

"Na night." Naruto yawned before closing his eyes. "Don't let the ninja dogs bite."

Ren also yawned, but it got blown back in her face. Sometimes it was nice not wearing a mask. "Night." She felt her eyelids droop. "Naruto...thanks for the scarf." And for once in her life she fell into a deep sleep.

"You're welcome." he whispered back. A few minutes passed, the kyuubi container was still awake, contemplating life when Ren rolled over to face him. Her scarf had dropped slightly and just before Naruto closed his own eyes once more he saw something he had never seen or had never thought he would see.

She was smiling.

Darkness suddenly swallowed me and spat me out into what looked like a sewer system but not quite. Instead of waste there was about ten centimeters of water, pipes on the ceiling with leaks produced it. The walls were made of smooth stone and there were many passageways leading to unknown destinations.

Confused I stood up, only to find the lighting was no better. It was unusually dark.

Strange. It doesn't seem like a dream, however that last I remember was thanking Naruto before closing my eyes and bam! Here I am. Was I kidnapped again? Put in this hellhole, or maybe they're playing mind tricks on me, waiting for me to crack like he did. They'll let me search the endless corridors which will all supposedly only lead to dead-ends. I thought, getting more and more distressed.

Stop it. Now is not the time. Stop overthinking things. I breathed deeply to calm myself down, lifting my hands up and down slowly. And thats when I noticed it.

Red markings laced the skin on my hand. The markings were sort of shiny, almost metallic-looking. (like when Tsunade's yin seal is released, but red instead of purple) They were in the form of a very familiar shape that Ren had seen once...

"What the hell is going on?" I whispered, inspecting the palm of my skin to see if the marking spread. Which it did not. However.

My palm suddenly glowed slightly, a silvery yellow colour. I could feel something gathering in the palm, some type of energy. And thats when I saw it. Thin, clear wisps of white gold colour, slightly wavy, rose from the middle of my palm, almost like a few detached, leafless plant growing in fast-motion. The wisps gathered two inches above my hand, before swirling into a small tight ball of light, the glow it emitted so strong it appeared the size of an orange, however in actuality it was similar to that of a satsuma. (me and my fruits)

It hovered there, just floating. But what's strange is, it seemed full of life due to the slight up and down movement and chirping noise, almost like a mini chidori. Curious, and slightly scared, I brought it up near my face inspecting every inch of it. It started pulsing. Like a heart. From the shock I suddenly took a step back. Fearing I'd let it drop I was shocked to see it still there.

The surroundings since it formed grew much brighter, and I deduced the buildings colour of a dull yellow. I started walking forwards, no idea where my feet were taking me, eyes still concentrated on the orb of light.

"Just what are you?" I questioned, not expecting an answer. The thing suddenly moved slowly off my hand to hover in the air in front of me breifly, before taking off, in a different direction. Does it want me to follow it?

Before I knew it I started running, the water didn't unnerve me here; the moment it touched my clothes or skin, it evaporated with no steam resulting. It wasn't just that. It was almost like a dark mist was shadowing my mind, where my body had more control...like a dream. And yet, not like a dream. I just know I should follow the light, and maybe it will lead me out of this darkness which is possibly clouding my mind.

The light glow gained speed once we rounded a corner, reaching out my hand, I shouted after it. "WAIT!" but either it was ignoring me or could not hear me. I opted for the latter, surely the thing couldn't hear me? I mean, it wasn't really alive. Wasn't it?

Water splashed even more so as I increased my pace, balling my hands into fist's and using my arms, unlike those idiots who run with them trailing them. Do they really think that helps you go faster. I never noticed it before but the red markings also had a slight glow to them, in all honesty...they looked pretty cool. But I'm sure I've seen them before back when...

The life-light stopped, just ahead of me further down the path. I skidded to a stop next to it and turning realising it was another doorway. This time it was different, instead of another corridor, it opened out into a very large room. Although the back wall was completely shadowed in darknees the rest of the room was dimly lit, saving me the trouble of walking into something.

The life-light hovered beside me for a moment before zooming off once again, however instead of moving on, it floated towards the center of the room.

"HEY! Where are you going-" My breath was caught in my throat. My heart dropped, and my eyes easily widened into a large half-moon shape. I could already feel my fists shaking, clenching them so hard, my blunt nails drew blood from my palms. The life-light was hovering above a boy, face-down, floating in the water in the middle of the room.

A boy with spiky blonde hair, who sported green goggles.

"NARUTO!"

I dashed forwards uncaring of my step, which soon resulting in me tripping and falling, rolling forwards several times, before I stopped. Right beside the orange-clad boy. The life-light was there, making noises, but I couldn't care less. I slipped my hands into the water, turned him over and cradled the upper half of his body in my arms, swaying softly. No response.

I glimpsed at his face. Empty. Eye's closed, mouth slightly ajar, and cold, he was so cold. Burns littered the skin on his left hand. He looked...lifeless.

Renata Namikaze. A voice, a calming filling and kind voice. But it's different. I don't hear it through my ears, but echoing in my mind.

My hands dropped to my sides, and Naruto fell back into the water suddenly. Flashbacks of bloody bodies,lying in debris rushed through my head as well as the metallic taste of blood. So many things that I've gotten over. Or so I thought.

You must protect him with all your might. You are both so similar. Stay by his side.

This unwanted emotion of sadness, guilt and utter hollowness, was so out of character and unknown for me. I've just had so much death around my life. I thought I would be used to it by now. I guess that wasn't the case, or maybe it's different this time. Maybe he's supposed to be my responsibility, it could be fate.

Keep him safe from the evil inside him, and not just him, but all of us have darkness inside. His is just more malicious. Both your parents would be proud of how you've done in this life. Protect your family, only you have the power to.

My parents?

All of them

Listen to me, haha..fate, that's not something I usually believe in. But...He has no friends, no guardians, no one to look after him, and no family. But wait thats not right. He's and Uzumaki isn't he. So he's my family, maybe my last living relative, hell we might not even be related, but my dad...my biological father was an Uzumaki...I've had the chance to know what family's like, to know that they will protect you with their lives, and vice versa. From what I've seen so far, he hasn't. So I'll protect him, It's my duty after all, as the oldest.

"With my life, I'll promise protect him. I swear."

But it's too late. He's already gone.

And then the Life-light started to press down onto Naruto's chest, where his heart would be.

"NO! Don't do that!" I yelled. It continued pressing until it slowly began to slip into his body. I watched with round eyes as the life-light disappeared under Naruto's skin, I couldn't see anything, so I hastily unzipped his jacket and saw a faint glow beneath his skin. And there the Life-Light was beating where his heart should be.

The colour returned to his face and the life-light dissolved, leaving us in utter darkness.

I know you'll do the right thing. It takes a Guardian to know one.

Beep Beep...Beep...beep.

Ren's eyes opened with such ferocity, her eyelids strained. Immediately she shut off her alarm on her watch and glanced right.

"Naruto..." He was safe. Thank god. What a strange dream that was, and yet...she had full control of her actions in that room. So why did she feel so compelled to answer to that voice the answer it wanted to hear? But everything that happened, she knew it was all real; those feelings. Why did she act like that. She glanced over to him. Did he really mean that much to me. I guess he was my first real friend when I was younger...despite only knowing him for a day.

But that still leaves a few things unanswered. I had felt that energy before. It must be what the use of chakra feels like. And why was I so shocked to see those red markings on my hands? I mean Yes I have no idea what the life-light was, thats new. However with the markings it was almost Deja Vu, reliving a moment in the past, a year ago, just after I had broken free of that awful place.

Ren fiddled with her hands. She never takes the gloves off, even while in bed.

"It'd be best not to think about it too much, and easier to forget about it." Ren whispered to herself. But I made an oath of some sorts, and I was fully aware. God dammit! She shivered. Oh great. Naruto was a cover hogger. I can analyze the dream later, at least there's an upside to those headaches.

And now the real challenge was getting out of bed without waking him, or maybe just getting out of bed. He didn't look that easy to wake. Especially since his arms and legs weren't just tangled in the sheet, they were tangled around her too, with his mouth drooling right beside her face.

Ren shuffled out of his tight grip- which had only gotten tighter when she tried the first time- and almost accidently pushed him off the bed. All in all, she ended up shoving his face with her foot, trying to close his mouth several times to stop the drool from reaching the pillow, but failed epically and almost pulling down his boxer shorts as she struggled to get her arms loose.

Finally free she proceeded to clamber over him, her leg swung over his body first, her back in an upright position and her hands on his chest to keep her balance so that she could slip off easily. Her watch suddenly beeping didn't help. Naruto eyes shot open, his body jumped for a second making Ren lose her balance and fall on him. He shrieked.

Ah thats right I forgot, me kicking him before meant I pushed him to the edge of the bed. They shared a frightened look as they both tumbled to the floor. And of course he had to wrap his arms around my back for safety pressing me to him so that he landed on something soft. Me.

Thin clouds of dust flew up, making them both cough and when it cleared Ren found out why her body was hurting so badly. Naruto was directly on top of her, not a bruise on him, releasing his arms and blushing at their position. His hands now were holding him up, pressed against the floor on either side of her shoulders, while he almost sat on her hips. His nose was almost touching hers and-

Death glare.

Naruto's eyes widened for a second, taking on the impression of a frightened rabbit. He scurried out of there so fast, he hardly changed his pace to grab his jumpsuit.

Ren sighed. How was she supposed to protect such an idiot?! But either way, she still had to get ready for class.

An hour passed. Dressed, her forehead protector where it should be and her hair all bandaged up. She was quite surprised Naruto hand't yet questioned her on her forehead protector, then again the more she thought about it, it became more and more believible. Even so, only two kids at the academy had picked up on it.

"I guess most of them were busy talking to their friends, after all they had just finished a two week holiday and most likely wanted to catch up."

Her stomach growled.

"That's right I haven't eaten since...that pocky stick on that tree half a mile outside konoha gate's at night the day before yesterday." Ren scowled. She silently told herself off. No wonder she felt pretty weak last night. Checking her watch, she saw she still had some time to spare.

"Just a quick detour." She told herself, placing her swords in their straps and grabbing her red scarf as well as 500 ryo on her while on her way out. Enough for breakfast and dinner. Jumping over the railing, even though she was three-stories high - the advantages of being a ninja- Ren hit the ground running. Yesterday, she had spotted a small cafe.

(or tea shop, I'm not sure what they are in japan, but for some reason I'm picturing a normal cafe, just go with it)on a corner during her quick run to the academy. It'd have to do.

She still had an hour before school started, remembering the times are always different on the first day back to school so pupils can adjust, so that means that today would start earlier and end later. She opened the door which had open blinds on, the small bell attached at the top made a jingle, making her presence known.

There was only a few other people in, sipping their tea due to how early it was. Ren walked up to the counter and ordered a hot chocolate and a sausage roll. After paying the employee 70 yen, she sat down on one of the chairs facing each other against the window, right beside the door.

"I'll be coming here again." Ren said to herself after demolishing her roll and drink. That tasted soooo good. She left 30 yen on the table for a tip and left, not before asking the person behind the till to wrap up a cheese and ham toastie for her for 40 yen.

Ascending the steps to the hokage office(AU I completely forgotten the hokages office was directly above the academy) Ren patted her shuriken holster thoughtfully. On her way there she had encountered a small sweet shop where she had stocked up on her pocky.

Several minutes passed before she stood waiting in line before the mission assignment desk. The hokage and other high ranking ninjas were sorting through the missions and offering some to the two ninja before her. One was wearing a green spandex suit with an all-too gleaming bowl-cut hairstyle while the other looked very similiar to the third, smoking a cigarette.

Ren recognized them instantly, Might Gai and Asuma Sarutobi.

"It's a shame Kakashi wasn't here to help us with this mission," Asuma drawled rubbing his hair. " He's a lot better company than some." The jounin eyed Gai warily.

"Now, Now mighty Asuma! Do I detect a quenched will of fire?! Jealousy does not suit the youthful!" Gai literally shouted in his face.

"If you haven't noticed we're not so 'youthful' anymore. And what do you mean by jealousy?!"

"Come, come Asuma! I'm sure you had known Kurenai had gone with him." Gai teased.

"Yeah what of it?" The jounin clenched his teeth.

"Alone...with no other shinobi... It's is very clear your BLOSSOM BLOOMS only for her Asuma."

"I don't know what your talking about."

"Cold, long nights DECREASING THEIR YOUTH...nothing to keep them warm but their bodies INCREASING THEIR YOUTH...I'm sure Kakashi would have some ideas from that book of his and when they merge in a BEAUTIFUL LOTUS FLOWER of PASSIONATE SUNSETS-!" The green beast clapped his hands together

Asuma yanked Gai by his jounin vest. "Right thats it! We're going to the Land of Earth!"

"And I thought you said you didn't like Kurenai.!"

"I don't...I just think that we should help them with their mission... and to keep Kakashi's dirty paws off her."

"what was that MY YOUTHFUL COLLEAGUE?"

"NOTHING!"

They left. Ren stood there shocked as the other members of the council, only the hokage sat there chuckling. Embarrased though not sure why, the kumo nin walked forward with her head down.

"erm...New mission please." She uttered. The others jumped slightly at the sound of her voice. Gai really knows how to capture their attention, even when he's left the room.

"Oh yes of course." Sarutobi ruffled through the papers on his sheet. "The ones available include transporting shopping for the elderly...cleaning the graffitti off the monuments(one day that boy will be taught a lesson)... help the construction team with building a new house...and work on a farm for the day"

"The farm mission will do." Ren held out her hand.

"I assume Naruto will accompany you?"

"I'm not even sure he knows where it is."

"Oh he knows." The hokage grumbled remembering a certain incident which had Anbu clearing up pig, cow and horse excrement for three days.

A cough sounded behind her. Realising she was holding up the line, Ren bowed then left, running down the steps as fast as she could. Time had past by fairly quickly at the cafe, especially since she couldn't stop warily eyeing the assistant going round with a jug of water, and who she had seen drop almost everything he picked up beforehand.

Checking her watch, she growled in frustration. She was not making a good start. First of all she had been nearly late yesterday. Now she was definitely late. Hearing the school bell ring she sprinted down the hallway and skidded to a halt outside her class. Yes! Iruka wasn't there yet.

Bursting through the door, she couldn't help but glare at everyone. It made her feel uncomfortable when everyone's gaze was on her. The only two who didn't look away was shikamaru- who was smirking- and Sasuke, who wasn't really looking in the first place.

Chatter suddenly replaced the silence as they resumed their conversations. Ren walked up the steps but not before getting intercepted by shikamaru.

"You're going to get swarmed today, they were just judging you yesterday. How troublesome for you." The boy seemed like it was so much effort to even say the words never mind moving a few feet.

"S'not as if It's going to be painful, thanks for the warning, but I didn't really need it." Ren scoffed. She sat down in her seat. Honestly?! How bad could it be?!

Really bad. One second the only person in a metre radius of me was Sasuke, the next my personal space was being invaded big time. Don't say a word, don't say a word and they'll leave you alone. Though that was quite difficult when you are bombarded with stupid questions.

"Where are you from?!"

"That scarf was soo last year, why are you even wearing it? Do you have a really ugly face or something. I bet she does."

"Were you in a fight?! Why else would you were plasters. OH MY GOD you so totally were in a fight weren't you."

"Since you're foriegn, do you speak a different language than us? Or maybe you're a mute. Or just to stupid to pronounce words correctly." Sasuke snickered at that one.

" You should do something nice with your hair, tying it up that much it's good for it."

"What have you got against Sasuke-kun?! You better not like him too-" Sasuke grimaced

"Hang on a bloody second!" I yelled. " I couldn't give a f- ah sod it, just bugger off!" I clasped my hand to my mouth instantly. Where had that come from? I hardly ever lose it and shout. Plus I'd let myself slip up. The people here don't use words like that.

"..."

Sasuke snickered again. I was really getting fed up with it and shot him a glare.

"You talk funny." Ino said, the girls nodded in agreement.

"Piss off." I sighed. At lot of the girls gave up, but the more stubborn ones, namely Ino and Sakura stayed.

"Hey! That's no way to talk to me! I mean I get it if you mean billboard brow, no one wants that thing clogging up their sight," The yamanaka literally shouted in my face. Oh a little spit too. Nice. A 'harumph' sounded from the pink-haired nitwit. "We're not leaving until you answer our questions."

I sighed in defeat and performed a top of the notch shikamaru slouch.

"I'm from Konoha though I've traveled a lot these past six years, and resided in the land of lightning for while, earning my rank as genin. This scarf was given to me by a ...(pillock) friend. Though I'm not familiar with fashion concepts, as I think they are a waste of time. Do you really believe that two very small plasters would be the only wounds a ninja would get from a fight?! I think you can tell by now what language I speak, If not... then I fear for Konoha's future. Tying my hair up keeps it out of the way, If keeping it 'undamaged' would help me in my training then please tell me how." I took a breath.

Ino looked as defiant as ever and Sakura...looked slightly embarrassed. Good.

"What about Sasuke-kun."The pink-haired girl balled her hands into fists.

"I couldn't give crap about that prick." Best. Answer. Ever. Explained everything in seven words. I just didn't realise I had shot myself in the foot.

"Sasuke isn't a prick! whatever that is!" Sakura whined. "He's so cool..."

"Yeah I bet you're secretly crushing on him aren't you.!" Ino yelled once more. Ah...fangirls. Just why God, why?!

"Is anything I say going to deter you from thinking otherwise?" I asked. They didn't even look like they were listening. Still blabbering on about Sasuke and how 'dreamy' he was and how the new girl would never get him. How was I supposed to get them to go back to where they came from. I'm sure they'd want them back. and with that thought I couldn't help myself.

"Hey, the zoo called, they want their escaped chimps back. They said they were sorry and would never try to bathe you again." I said loud and clear to them. The whole class snickered. Sakura looked furious, but Ino was still figuring it out.

"The zoo want their...HEY! You bit-" She was cut off by a certain teacher who was ten minutes late.

"Settle down class. Ino, Sakura, back in your seats please. Sorry I was late, Naruto would you please wipe that scowl off your face and take your seat." Iruka said with clenched teeth. From the 'innocent' smile on Naruto's face I'm guessing he was the cause for our sensei's lateness.

Ino and Sakura glared at me, before leaving, back to their own tables while Naruto collapsed in the chair beside me, strangely he seemed in a daze staring after Sakura.

"So pretty.." I heard him mumble. I waved a hand in front of his face to bring him back to reality.

"Oh hi Renata!"

"Stop calling me that."

"Hehe okay Ren. erm.. why do you look so grumpy." Naruto asked, obviously spotting the how red my face had gotten and how tensed I seemed.

"Your girlfriend and a bunch of others kept pestering me, asking questions about where I came from, most likely due to this." I said tapping my headband. Naruto looked pretty pleased with himself when I mentioned girlfriend, but the moment I tapped my headband his eyes widened.

"Where did you get that!" Wow. I thought he just didn't care about it. Not that he had only just noticed it now. This kid really was an idiot.

"I've been wearing this since I first got here, you eejit." He seemed confused as to what I just called him. He''ll realize soon enough it was an insult.

"Naruto, Ren would you quite down, I'm about to take the register." Iruka warned.

Afterwards I turned to the blonde, quitely. "I got given another mission, so once again, do whatever you want, you won't get detention, oh and try to make sure he does." I jabbed a thumb in Sasuke's direction. " His presence is giving me headache, and I think he's doing it on purpose."

"Cool! What are we doing this time?! Busting bad guys? Saving a damsel in distress!"

"Working on a farm." I said bluntly. "And there's not 'we', you're just showing me where it is."

"Oh come on! It's so boring doing the same stuff sometimes. There's only so many times you can prank in a week."

"Fine." I knew if I said otherwise he would probably cling to my leg until I gave in. "But you're not getting paid this time."

"Deal. Wait...can we bring Sakura along-"

"HELL NO!"

"Awwww."

"I swear Naruto if you pull that puppy-dog face at me one more time, your history."

"But I hate history!"

Sigh."eugh...why do I even bother."

Throughout the weeks -spars took much longer than Iruka estimated(about three weeks)- things were carried out like so; Ren would supervise the taijutsu spars along with Iruka, seemingly quite surprised that both Ino and Naruto were better than she expected- and Naruto would get into fights with Sasuke, leaving them both in detention, well.. more like just Sasuke in detention as Naruto would be excused from it on account of taking Ren to the whereabouts of her missions.

Both twelve years olds seemed very satisfied with Sasuke's growing frustration and would often devise plans on how to get him into detention in the most embarrassing way, Ren only going along with it as payback for Sasuke's rudeness to her during their spar. Once Naruto, passed a note along to chouji saying "From Sasuke."

Chouji proceeded to open the note and read what was written on it:

To my Dearest chouji.

As I often glance across the classroom, and my eyes find your wondrous mouth, consuming crisps all day.

Sometimes I imagine That I am one of the many crisps in your bag, eagerly waiting to be caressed by those soft juicy lips.

I shudder in joy when I imagine myself to be that crisp that you are fingering, deciding whether I am worthy enough to be touched by you.

And when you do choose me, and lick the flavour off my skin, I can't help but feel wondrous and hope that I can feel your tongue, licking everywhere on my body.

I am waiting for the day that we can kiss and let our tongues explore each others mouths.

Yours truly.

Sasuke.

The poor boy choked on one of his crisps. Unfortunately for Sasuke, Iruka was ill and his replacement was Suchi Narotoru, a teacher well known for his humiliation of the students. Ren knew this due to Kakashi telling her years ago that she shouldn't do anything silly in a class with him if she wanted to keep her dignity.

Suchi noticed Chouji's coughing fit.

"What's the matter, boy!" He mocked. "Karma's finally catching up to ya?"

"No sensei." Ren interjected. "Naruto gave Chouji a note that was from Sasuke."

Sasuke spluttered. He took a deep breath. He would not loose his cool, everything would sort itself out.

"Well then Sasuke, if it was so important it couldn't wait till after class then why don't you read out what it says." Suchi said evilly. Before Sasuke protested, the teacher had yanked him out of his chair, and taken the note from chouji.

"Sensei I did not write this!" Sasuke said.

"Then why is it in the form of your handwriting?"

what? Sasuke thought as he looked down at the paper. Impossible! Theres no way Naruto could have been able to copy his handwriting to that extent, plus it would be obvious if he was trying to look over at my notes all the time to make sure he was getting it right. Looking at his table from the front of the class, Sasuke saw Ren looking at him, eyes closed, and scarf obscuring the rest of her face. She was eye-smiling.

It must have been her. I don't know how she did it, but Naruto must have not been able to pull this off, she must be the brains behind of all the stupid things happening to me lately including this. Sasuke swore inwardly.

"Well go on then, we are all waiting to hear your important news." Suchi teased.

Sasuke gulped and looked at the note.

"To..my *sigh* dearest chouji..."

By the end of it Sasuke was red and looking down at the floor while the girls all fell over anime style. Kiba wolf-whistled. Naruto was banging the table and laughing like a maniac along with the rest of the boys.

"See I told you all he was gay! Believe it!"

"It does explain his lacking of interest in girls." Shino concurred.

Suchi turned to Naruto. "Detention Uzumaki, you too Uchiha, just try not fall for Naruto too while you're at it. "

The class laughed even harder. Sasuke turned even redder.

Then Ren would excuse Naruto from detention and they would go on a mission. They've been going on missions every single time Naruto got detention, which was almost everyday. Sasuke was getting more and more suspicious as to where the two were going and was frustrated that whenever he wanted to go and investigate, Naruto, or Ren landed him in trouble with the teacher.

It got to the point that even though on some missions Ren had already been there, she would get Naruto to come along anyway and lie to the teacher. In a strange, demented sort of way, she enjoyed his company and Naruto was glad to have a friend his own age who wasn't busy all the time. He still hasn't gotten her to smile properly again though they did have some fun times, even if Ren begs to differ, she tries to deny it.

It's been three weeks since I started the academy. Today- monday- Iruka and myself have finally managed to finished evaluating the spars between all the groups, leaving us with a new group containing the top three. Winners fight winners, losers fight losers, simple. It will probably last till friday where we will have the last few matches. Because trust me, theres going to be a lot of spars. And this time I'll be participating. Good thing Iruka spars with me on weekends.

I took one of my pocky sticks out of my shuriken holsters and placed the chocolate end in my mouth to suck on while I'm fighting. Just for good luck.

Poor Sasuke, he really didn't deserve that. Okay maybe he did. And yes, Ren does have a manipulative and (whats that word that people use to describe fox's sometimes, my minds gone completely blank)

Thanks guys, and please tell me if I've misspelled anything

EDIT: I think I've corrected all the mispellings

Okami out~