Chapter Six: Another Day

Like I had hoped, I begin to smell the shift in the air. I got up and look around the sky. The swallows were flying really low, which means a storm is coming. Grinning, I lay back down as I waited for the clouds to turn grey.

Soon enough, the storm clouds have blocked out the sun, which is great, because it's getting waay too hot for comfort. The wind began to blow and I sighed happily.

Suddenly, I felt something fell on my face. I touched it and it was water. My smile widened as I glanced up. It's time.

I faced my palms downwards and felt a tingling beneath my skin. Slowly, ice began to form mid-air and I mould it, attaching it to the side of the branch I was sitting on. Then I begin to lift my hands up, the ice following after. When I was done, a perfect bubble of clear ice surrounded me. Well, not exactly perfect. The tree branches grow really close together so I had to make sure not to hurt them by making openings in the bubble to make way for the branches. There are small holes at the bottom of the ice ball so that the fresh air could drift in.

I grinned at my creation. Slowly, drops of water fall against the clear ice, before sliding down the round sides. Lying back against the branch, I watched as the rain began to grow heavier, the sounds of the raindrops against the ice become music to my ears.

The first time I knew I could play with ice like this was during winter during my second year with Kakashi.

We had just came out for a walk because I insisted on seeing the forest when snow came. Kakashi grumbled when I pestered him but he finally gave in after I blinked my best puppy eyes to him.

When we finally got out of the warm apartment, I hugged myself as I felt nice and toasty in the cold because of the new clothes Kakashi bought for me a few weeks ago before winter came. Kakashi had taken me to the same place where he found me, outside of Konoha. I was playing and flailing around, throwing the fresh white snow in the air.

Halfway playing, I had noticed the river that gave me water when I was lost. I had ran towards it as if it was an old friend when I realized it was half frozen. I lean over to touch its icy surface, wiping away the frost and giggled when I saw the little fishes swimming underneath. That's when the tingling started to happen. The frost began to creep into my skin and I saw my skin turned slightly blue before it faded. I had shrieked in surprise and Kakashi quickly came over to check. But before he could reach me, a slow swirl of ice began to curl around me. I blinked as it slither and slide in the air like a living thing while it blew my hair into every direction it could. As quickly as it came, the ice disappeared. I looked at my palms and they were still normal but I could feel something inside me waking up.

Kakashi was in front of me when a flicker begin to appear above my hands. We watched as the small grain of ice begin to grow bigger and danced until it was about the size of a palm. I narrowed my eyes and it begin to shift into a ball then it began to turn heavy with snow. It shivered in the air for a moment before it fell into my hands.

"How did you do that?" Kakashi whispered, and I shrugged a little, "I.. I'm not sure. It's like breathing." I looked up as he chuckled, his eye closed, "You never cease to surprise me, kiddo." I tried to hide a grin at him but felt my face twitched, "I've got another surprise for you."

He opened his single eye to look at me and I smack the snowball in his face before running for my life, laughing.

XXXXxxxXXXX

I didn't realized I had fell asleep in the storm until I rolled around and landed on the cool ice. I open my eyes hazily and looked around, trying to understand what happened. The rainstorm had stopped and I could see the sun coming out from the beautiful grey clouds.

Ugh.

I crawled back to the branch and the ice cracked into small tiny pieces before falling to the ground like a mini hailstorm. I shook my body like a dog to get rid of those that fell on me and jumped off the tree.

"There you are." I turned to look at the source and froze. Iruka-sensei smiled kindly at me as he walked closer, "Hokage-sama told me you would be here." I crossed my arms and frowned, "How does he know? I didn't tell him." Iruka laughed, "He's the Hokage for a reason, Mononoke-chan. Now tell me, why didn't you come to class today?"

I looked away and began to inspect a blade of grass nearby my shoe. I didn't reply him and he sighed, "It's alright if you don't want to tell me." But he didn't walk away.

I shifted slightly and we stood there for awhile.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" Iruka-sensei finally asked. I thought about it for a moment and shook my head. He sighed again, "Okay then. Will I see you in school tomorrow?" I shrugged a little.

Just as I thought that he was about to leave, I felt something on my head. I turned look up at Iruka-sensei and he smiled at me. I felt him ruffle my hair, "I'll always be there if you need me." With that, he turned around and left. Then, I turned in the opposite direction and began to walk home.

XXXxxxXXX

When I returned to Kakashi's apartment, I noticed an exercise book on the ground when I opened the door. Curious, I opened it. It was mine and there was some homework inside which must have been given today. I didn't know who brought it and frowned. I didn't want to do homework but someone was nice enough to take it here. I glared at the book, "I don't like you." But I took it inside anyways.

After grabbing a peach and a packet of fruit juice from the fridge, I walked over to the coffee table where the mean exercise book was. Biting the peach, I chewed happily as I flipped through the homework. Peaches always makes my day. It's my second happy thing, the first being thunderstorms. I make sure that there is a few peaches in the fridge no matter what and it drives Kakashi mad sometimes.

I finished my happy fruit and glared at the book, "I really don't like you." Finally, I sighed and took my pencil.

You're going down, homework.

XXXXxxXXX

The next morning, after I finished washing up, I dragged myself to take breakfast. While munching over another peach, I thought to myself. Maybe I should skip another day... I grinned at myself. That doesn't sound like such a bad idea. But then again, I miss going to school too. I get to play and learn new stuff. I looked down at my half eaten peach.

What would Kakashi say?

'If you want to be a ninja, you got to go to school, kiddo.' I can see him in my mind. I whined and thumped my head on the table.

Guess I gotta if I wanna.

XXXXxxxxXXXX

When I got to school, it was just in time. All the other kids were rushing inside. I groaned. Even though I took the longest route to school, I'm still early. Suddenly, I felt uneasy and looked up. I saw the same gang of boys and when they noticed me, they began to walk over. I felt myself stiffened and tried to walk away but they were too quick. They surrounded me, their faces neutral. I clutched my shirt tightly as the largest one stepped in front of me.

Then he bowed.

I felt my eyes grew wider as he blurted out, "I'm sorry!" I blinked and the other boys followed him. I looked at all of them and panicked, "H-hey, get up!" But they didn't move. "Please forgive us!", the same boy said and I gulped, "I-it's fine. J-just get up." They all straightened slowly and the large boy smile at me before raising his hand to me. I blinked in surprise and copied him, shaking his hand. Then he grinned and nodded, "If anybody else bullies you, let me know and I'll beat them up for you." Then the group left.

I stayed there, daring not to breathe. What?

It's like my mind cant keep up with what's happening. "Wow, they did pretty well." I heard someone said and turned around. Kiba grinned at me as he stood beside me. I quickly looked away and dragged my sleeve lower, trying to hide the bandage on my arm. I didn't dare to take any of the bandages out after Shikaku-san wrapped me up.

"It's okay. Iruka-sensei told us about it." I heard Kiba said and I flinched. I felt a hand on my shoulder as Kiba continued, "Mononoke. We're...still friends, aren't we?" I kept quiet and he stood in front of me, "Mononoke? Please answer me..." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, "I want to stay friends, but-"

"But nothing!" Kiba said and I looked up at him. A bark answered and I looked down at his shirt.

"When did you get a dog?" I asked, suddenly my attention on the puppy panting at me. "Huh? Oh, I brought him yesterday so I could show you but you didn't turn up. I just got him." He scratched the dog's ear, "His name is Akamaru." The puppy barked twice and I felt myself smiling. I scratched his furry neck and Akamaru sighed happily.

"I think he likes you." Kiba said matter-of-factly and I giggled. When I looked back at him, his canines were in full view, "So we're still friends, right?" I nodded and returned his smile, "Yeah."

XXXXxxxxXXXX

Akamaru was in my arms when we got to class. Kiba said he wasn't used to having a puppy in his shirt and he told me to carry him. Secretly, I think he saw me looking at Akamaru a few times when we were walking to class. But anyway, it's nice to have the warm, furry puppy to hug as he licked me a few times.

When the other kids saw me, most of them came over and talked to me as if everything was normal. Some of them asked about my wounds and others asked why didn't I come to class yesterday. I answered them as well as I could but it's kind of hard when everyone was staring at me when I talked. Before I knew it, a whole bunch of kids were surrounding me and Kiba at our usual seats.

Suddenly, we heard an "Ahem." and everyone scrambled to their seats as Iruka-sensei waited.

"Alright, everyone, let's begin." He said and everyone began to scuffle through their bags.

With Akamaru on my lap, I took out the homework from yesterday and begin to listen to class. Halfway through, I heard Kiba leaned over to whisper, "I thought you didn't come yesterday."

"I didn't." I whispered back and he looked at my homework, "Then why are you done?" I looked at his and had to stifle a laugh. He didn't even did his! His face was pink and I grinned at him, "Iruka-sensei's gonna kill you, big time." He groaned and slumped in his seat, "How did you get it anyway?" I shrugged, "I don't know. It was there when I got home."

Kiba was quiet for a moment, "Now that I think about it, Shikamaru had gone to the teacher's room to talk to Iruka-sensei when we were going home." He glanced at me, "Maybe he got your homework too." I blinked in surprise and turned to look for the pineapple head but he's asleep as usual.

"Huh." I mused. That's strange. The laziest kid in school helping me get homework? I would rather believe he grew another head.

When I turned back to Kiba, he was smirking, "Do you like him?" Surprised, I felt my cheeks grew hot as I stuttered, "D-don't be stupid! I like him as a friend!"

I guess I said that a bit too loud because the row in front of us turned to look back, their faces surprised. "Sorry.", I smiled sheepishly and turn back to my homework. Kiba didn't continue asking because Iruka was already done talking and he's coming to inspect our work.

Thankfully, Naruto was getting an earful instead and Iruka-sensei didn't walk to our row.

XXXxxxXXX

The whole time in school, I didn't dare to talk to Shikamaru. I didn't know why I was so embarrassed about it but I was. I had told Kiba that I was going for recess with Hinata but when I saw her with the other girls, I didn't have the energy to talk with them so I went off on my own.

I walked around the trees and found a nice spot. I sat down and began to eat the onigiri I bought from the canteen. It was a nice and quiet place to be with the trees so shady.

"What are you doing here?"

I turned and saw the Uchiha standing a few ways from me. I swallowed my food and retorted, "What are YOU doing here?"

"I take my lunch here." He replied just as testily. Rolling my eyes, I tilted my head, "There's plenty of space here."

"But you're sitting in my spot." The Uchiha complained and I scowled, "Well, I already sat here! And I don't see your name on this tree!"

He mirrored my scowl, "Idiot."

"Duckbutt." I shot back and he grumpily sat in front of the tree opposite mine. We ate in silence.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, "Why don't you talk to people?"

Uchiha chewed his food and swallowed before answering, "Why do you care?" I finished the last of my onigiri and wiped my mouth with a handkerchief, "You don't have any friends. I was wondering how can someone stand being so boring like that all the time." He glared at me and I glared back. Finally, he turned back to his food and ignored me.

I felt a vein pop up on my forehead, "Hey, pointy hair. I'm talking to you!" The Uchiha continued to ignore me and I frowned. Now that's just rude.

Annoyed, I got up and walked over to him. Bending over so I can see him at eye level, I scowled, "You're not being very nice." He looked up at me and growled, "I'm not! Now go away!" I crossed my arms and stood straighter, "Listen up, Uchiha. Being rude won't get you anywhere. That's what my guardian says. And if you're going to be so rude to everybody, no one is ever going to help you and you're going to die alone!" With that, I stomped off, fuming.

He's being so mean! I was just trying to talk. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to be polite!

Suddenly I stopped walking. Why would I be nice to him anyway? I had never talk to him until today. I wrinkled my nose and shrugged. Forget it, I tried to be nice to Uchiha and he was mean. I bet he's going to be a grumpy old man when he grows up.

XXXXxxxXXXX

Kiba and Akamaru walked home with me after school. I didn't get to talk to Chouji or Naruto today because Chouji was with Shikamaru the whole day and Naruto was busy breaking the rules. Kakashi's apartment is on the way to Kiba's house so we always walked home together, unless Hana-chan or Tsume-san came to pick him up, although sometimes we get to walk together as well.

Akamaru bounded around the both of us as we talked and laughed.

"Hey, Mononoke." I tilted my head when Kiba mentioned my name, "Why are you avoiding Shikamaru?" I blinked in surprise. I didn't know it was so obvious. I giggled nervously, "Huh, what're you talking about?"

He hummed a little as he placed his hands behind his head, "Well, you didn't play with us today so I was wondering. And then you told me you were going with Hinata during recess, but you never done that before. Besides, Shikamaru was there when you got hurt, right?"

I nodded, "Uh...Yeah." I shrugged as I continued, "Well, I kinda... uh..." I paused for a moment, wondering how am I supposed to get out of this. Finally, I sighed. I always tell Kiba everything anyway, it's not like I could lie to him. He can probably smell my lie ten miles away.

"I was kinda mean to him when he said I could stay over at his place." I admitted and Kiba stopped, "He what?" I followed him and blinked, "Well, after we got beaten up, he carried me back to his house so his dad could patch us up." I pulled away my sleeve and showed him one of my bandages, "It's getting a bit worn though..."

"You can come over my house!" Kiba said and I looked at him, "Eh?" He grinned and scratched the back of his head, "Well, Hana can change your bandages. And I thought maybe she could cure you too. Besides, you haven't come over for a loong time."

I laughed at this, "Of course I wanna come! But do you think Tsume-san will let us?" Kiba just snickered, "Your puppy eyes always work!"

I poked his tummy and ran off, sticking out my tongue at him. Kiba turned to Akamaru, "Come on, Akamaru!" The puppy barked and both of them began to chase me all the way to Kiba's home.

XXX

Kiba managed to tackle me to the ground when we got near his house. Rolling in the dirt, I laughed and playfully bit his arm. He yelped in surprised and rolled over. Soon, we began to tumble around, Akamaru barking and joined our play fight. Suddenly, we heard the door opened and Hana stood at the door, smiling at us, "The three of you rascals are making a racket."

I was underneath Kiba and nipping his ear when she came out of the house, so I let go of him to greet her, "Hana-chan!" She shook her head and laughed, "It's a wonder why you aren't in the Inuzuka clan, Mononoke-kun. Come on in, both of you. Mom's going to flip if she sees you guys so filthy."

"That's a bit too late, don't you think?" All eyes looked up and Tsume-san was walking towards the house, Kuromaru trotting beside her.

Kiba, Akamaru and I quickly untangle ourselves from each other and stood up. I grinned innocently at Tsume-san, "Welcome home, Tsume-san!" Looking back at the large dog, I greeted Kuromaru as well, causing the canine to pull his teeth back in a small grin, his tail wagging slightly in greeting.

She leaned over to me then I realized she was actually glaring at Kiba, who was hiding behind me. She squinted at him for awhile before laughing out loud, "Run along and take your baths, you two!" Grinning, she looked over to me when her smile lessened a little, "What happened to you, little one?" She squats down in front of me and inspected the plasters and bandages on my body. I looked down at my arm, "I got beaten up a little.", I explained and she looked up at me, "You call this a little?! You look like something a dog dragged in!" She narrowed her eyes and growled, "Whoever did this to you is going to pay!"

I laughed sheepishly, hoping to calm her down, "Well, it's already been settled now..." . Tsume-san can be very protective of us sometimes, it can get a little overboard. Like that one time she scared a kid until he peed in his pants because he called Kiba names.

"The bullies apologized to her this morning too. In front of everybody." Kiba piped up and I saw her relaxed a little, though she was still mad, "It's still unforgivable!" I shook my head, "I already forgive them anyway, Tsume-san. It's okay now." She wanted to retort but I quickly changed the subject, "Can I stay over, Tsume-san? Kakashi's on a mission so no one's at home."

She blinked before giving me a wide smile, "I thought you just came over last week?"

I nudged Kiba and he placed his head on my shoulder, both of us looking at her with our best puppy eyes, "Please~?"

She chuckled and shook her head, "I just can't keep you two apart, can I? Alright." Tsume-san patted my head, "You can stay here until Kakashi gets back, how about that?" I grinned wider and looked at Kiba, who can't contain his excitement too. "Yahoo!", both of us shouted and I nudged him, "Race you to the bathroom!" And ran off. I heard him exclaimed a "No fair!" and I giggled as he caught up, Akamaru trailing behind.

AHAHAHAHAH WHAT A TWIST. FROM NARA TO INUZUKA, MONONOKE'S GOT EM ALL! I'm just kidding, lel. Anyway, I''m now giving you guys the POWER to choose Mono's fate. To stay with Nara (where there is something to do with her past), Inuzuka (where she is accepted as one of their own), or just remain with good ol Kashi(then maybe have her own apartment some time later)?

I'll take down your opinions and make the decision, how about that? THIS IS A VERY RARE OPPURTUNITY, PEOPLE. GRAB IT WHILE YOU HAVE THE CHANCE. TO CHANGE HER FATE. *dramatic music*

Fact#2: Mononoke's ability to wield ice is related to the seal on her chest.

(Wow, lots of hints today huh? IT'S CUZ I LOVE YOU GUYS! *virtual hugs for everybody*)