Chapter Eight: Change Has To Happen

"W...what?" I stuttered, my heart beating fast.

Hokage-sama sighed wearily, "I know this is hard to take in, but I have to make a decision." He looks towards Kakashi and continued, "Kakashi is a young man, and he can't be spending his youth taking care of you. He needs to be with people his age."

I kept quiet as I listened to his reason.

"You too have to be with people you age, Mononoke. That's why I made this decision." He said and my eyesight grew blurry, "But. But why?"

I heard Hokage take a breathe in to continue but I spoke quickly, "I want to be with Kakashi! I don't want to live with anyone else!" I bit my lips and grabbed the bottom of my shirt, "I don't wanna go..."

I heard the Hokage sighed, "Perhaps it was my mistake to trouble you with her in the first place, Kakashi. She needs a home and a family. It's not healthy for her to stay with you."

I looked away as the fat tears roll down my face. There's nothing wrong with me! I'm not sick! What does he mean 'not healthy'? I don't want to leave Kakashi. My mind felt numb as I thought of separating from him.

"Hey, kid." I felt Kakashi tugged me to turn around to face him. I obeyed hesitantly and he wiped my tears with his thumb, "It's not the end of the world." Lifting my head up to look at him at eye level, I saw his single eye lifted up slightly, "You can always come over if you want. It's not as if you would be another universe away from me."

I sniffed, rubbing my face, "It feels like it."

He chuckled and ruffled my head, "You silly scamp. Of course not. Listen, I'm not the best babysitter but I got to learn a lot about kids when I'm taking care of you." Suddenly curious, I looked up and asked, "Like what?"

Pinching my cheek, he smiled, "You're all little devils, made to drive me mad."

I laughed a little at this and he held my hands, "I'm going to miss you but the Hokage is right, in a way. You need a family. I can't be that." Another sob cracked from my throat and I wrapped my arms around his neck, then protested, "Yes, you can. You're already my family." I felt his hands rubbed my back as he muttered, "Change always happen, Mononoke. Like the seasons. It's always different but they're needed."

"But I don't like this change." I said into his neck and he sighed, "I don't too, kiddo. It's just how life is. But you need it and I need it." I hugged him tighter and I felt his hand patting my head, "You can sleepover if you want." I released him and wipe my face, "What if I don't like them?" He smiled, "Oh, you will. If you don't, you can always come back."

I nodded slowly. At least, I can go back to him. Then a thought struck me.

"Can I still visit Rin and Obito?", I asked worriedly.

Kakashi blinked in surprise but he then nodded, chuckling, "Of course. They would miss you if you stopped coming." I grinned, "Then can I go with you too?" He flicked my forehead playfully, "I don't see why not." Then we fell into silence as we looked at each other.

Finally, I nodded, "Okay. I'll go."

Kakashi and I turned to look at the Hokage and the old man nodded, "I think you would like your new guardian. After all, he did personally asked for you." Curious, I asked, "Who?"

The Hokage smiled at me, "Nara Shikaku, of course."

I blinked in surprise. He really did it. I turned back to look at Kakashi and he nodded, "That's good. The Nara is a good clan for her." He stood up and continued, "So when would she be going?" Sandaime smiled softly at me, "After the Hanami Festival. It would give you some time to get ready."

The Hanami Festival is almost a week away. Kakashi nodded and patted my head, "Alright then."

XXXXXX

As a leaving gift, Kakashi decided to get me a new yukata for the festival. My old one is getting too small for me. Kakashi had grumbled that kids grow too fast. Usually, he wouldn't be bothered to buy one, because it's Kakashi. He doesn't mind wearing the same yukata for almost every festival or occasion.

While I followed him along the store, he made sure to choose one that fits. I didn't really know how to pick them so I just let him decide while I walked around and played with stuff.

After realizing that I might have broke a rack, I quickly went back to Kakashi but I was stopped by a man. The only thing I noticed about him is his bushy eyebrows and his shiny hair. He grinned at me, teeth sparkling, "Ah youth! You remind me a lot of myself when I was your age!" I grinned back, "Hi, Guy-san."

He looked this way and that, "Now where is Kakashi?" I tilted my head sideways to look behind Guy and pointed, "There he is." Kakashi sighed as he walked over, a bag in his hand. "Ah, Kakashi! I was looking for you!", Guy said in his big, loud way. I never knew what's up between these two but I knew Kakashi hates and enjoys Guy-san's company.

"You always are.", Kakashi replied wearily as he handed me the bag. Guy-san thumped Kakashi's back heartily, "Let us compete, Kakashi! I'm going to win this time because I am filled with extra youth today, as like any other day!" He struck a pose, his teeth gleaming.

I looked from Kakashi to Guy and to Kakashi again as the latter protested lazily and the former ignores him completely and state that they'll have an eating contest. I laughed at Kakashi's face as he watched Guy's enthusiasm. I tugged at his hand, "You better go before he goes really extra crazy."

The silver haired man sighed and pat my head, "Attagirl. You go on without me. No point in dragging you into this. My guess is he's going to be at it until evening."

Then, I watched as Guy dragged Kakashi, who is at his mercy.

XXXXX

Hanami Festival

One week passes in a blink. I've already moved most of my belongings to the Nara household while some of my clothes remain at Kakashi's.

Shikamaru already knew about it when I asked him. He thought the whole thing was troublesome but at least his mother had me to fuss over. I still remember the look on his face when he said it and I giggled. It's funny to see him always complain about everything. He always makes a face whenever I laughed at this and it cracks me up even more.

I had to share a room with Shikamaru because the Nara's already fully used their rooms. But it was only for the time being, Yoshino-san said. She would clean up the room beside Shikamaru's soon so I can move my stuff there soon enough.

Waiting patiently for Kakashi to finish his bath, I kicked my legs in the air playfully. I was still wearing my pyjamas because Kakashi and I decided to sleep in today. We actually spent the whole morning napping but it's time to go out. Kakashi said Guy and a few friends of his will celebrate with us. I knew that Asuma-sensei is coming too. I hope he wouldn't mention about homework. I groaned at the thought of it. It's all so troublesome. Snickering at the Shikamaru-like thought, I heard the bathroom door open, a fresh warm scent of the after bath smell in the air.

"Your turn, kiddo." I heard Kakashi said and shot up to join Kakashi in the bathroom. Ever since he began to take care of me, Kakashi had to wash me because I was too short to reach the tub and all the shampoos on the rack. I was taller now, and can reach the tub on tiptoes but I still can't reach the rack yet.

I hummed a little tune as he washed my hair. Soon there were bubbles floating around and I began to busy myself with popping them. Before I could get to the last one, a cold splash of water was dumped on my head. I laughed and shook my hair out like a dog. Man, I love cold water. "Hold still, you scamp. You'll get me wet.", Kakashi complained and I pulled up a ball of water into my hands then threw backwards, hearing the water splash on him.

Then before we knew it, there was a water battle inside the bathroom.

"Okay, you're clean now." said a weary Kakashi, his clothes soggy. I grinned as he took out a towel and begin to dry me off, "I'm probably a certified dad now." I giggled as he rubbed my hair dry, "All done. Move out." I wore my underwear and walked out of the bathroom before turning back to him. Kakashi was already shrugging out of his wet clothes and threw them in the laundry, leaving both of us in our underwear.

When he was done, I giggled at him, "You look different without your mask." He smirked at me, "Thanks to you, you little rascal." Before I could move, his hands went under my armpits as he raised me up in the air, "You're gonna pay for this." Then he blew into my stomach, making me wriggle and kick with laughter. Kakashi roared playfully as he swung me around and on to the bed. I shrieked with laughter as a flurry of pokes attacked me. A knock on the door stopped our play and Kakashi sighed before he quickly put on a shirt and pants. I quickly grab a medical mask on the desk nearby and handed it to him. He wore it and walked quickly to answer the door.

I snuck one of Kakashi's big shirts and wore it over me before padding my way out.

"I see the both of you are ready." Asuma-sensei joked when he saw me. Kakashi turned around and chuckled, "We had a few setbacks." I grinned and skipped to the door, "Asuma-sensei!"

Then I saw a woman with black hair and red eyes poked her head from the door, "So this is the infamous Mononoke?" When I saw her, I quickly hid behind Kakashi, before peeking at her. She was really pretty.

The woman smiled kindly, "Hello, I'm Kurenai. It's nice to finally meet you." I muttered a soft 'Nice to meet you' into Kakashi's waist and I heard him chuckled, "Aren't you shy today?" I gave him a small glare and he patted my head.

Kakashi nodded at them, "We'll meet you there later." Asuma-sensei chuckled, "We can wait for you." He tilted his head, "You mind?" I saw Kakashi shrugged, "Not much. Make yourself at home, I suppose." While the two visitors walked in, Kakashi shooed me back into the room.

I watched as he put on his own yukata, I grinned at him, "Kurenai-san is pretty." He smiled at me, "Yeah?" He finished tying the sash and came over to me to help me put on my own yukata. "You like her?" I asked as he began to busy himself with my clothes, "As a friend." I giggled as he turned me around to tuck in the sash.

We heard a knock and turned to see Kurenai standing there, smiling, "Wow, I guess you've got it all covered, Kakashi." He groaned as he stood up, "Yeah. I'm not even in my mid twenties and I can be a dad." (He is around 26-27 when the Naruto cast are around 12. So I did the math lel. Teenage dad Kakashi. It's good training for him.)

Kurenai laughed at this and Asuma-sensei was beside her, peeking, "I suppose you guys are finally done?"

Kakashi looked at me and I looked back, grinning, then he nodded, "Yeah, let's go."

XXX

When we got to the park, plenty of people were already there, most sitting around, having a nice picnic under the sakura trees. I held on to Kakashi's hand as we went through the crowd on the way here. The amount of people on the streets were crazy. Once I almost got lost when I accidentally let go of Kakashi, which made me panic for a while. After that, Kakashi decided to carry me the whole way there.

We spotted Guy-san on a large blanket, plenty of food bento beside him as he waved at us, "Yosh, everyone is here! Let us feast while we enjoy our youth!" I whispered into Kakashi's ear, "Why does Guy-san always scream about youth?" Kakashi chuckled and whispered back, "That's just how he is, I suppose." When we joined him, Guy-san even gave me a small bento of my own, "Here you go, Mononoke! All packed with good stuff for your growth!" It was a cute pink bento with blue flowers and I was excited.

But when I opened it, my whole face turned blue.

"U-uh..." I stammered as I stared at the amount of vegetables inside. There was only three pieces of meat but it didn't looked edible. I felt my body shivered a little. Never judge a book by its cover. In this case, don't judge the bento by its looks.

"Hey, Mononoke! You're here!" I turned at the mention of my name and saw Kiba and Akamaru coming towards me. I've never felt so relieved my whole life. Kiba was dressed in traditional clothes as well and he grinned at me, "Come on, my mom wants you to eat with us!" I almost jumped on him with relief when Guy-san interrupted us, "Ah, youth! Isn't it beautiful?!"

Kiba, surprised at the sudden loudness, turned to look at him and he noticed Asuma-sensei sitting beside Guy-san, who was tearing up with joy, "Oh, sensei! You're here too?" I turned to Kakashi and grinned, "Can I go with Kiba?" Kakashi just chuckled, "I don't see why not." I yelped in joy and scrambled up, pulling Kiba along, "Let's go! Tsume-san is waiting for us!" He was about to protest but I already clicked at Akamaru to run as I dragged Kiba to escape.

"Hey, wait! You forgot your bento!" I heard Guy-san shout after me as we ran off. I guess he finally realized I left the horror of a bento behind as I break free. I heard the laughter following after his calling out at me.

Kiba laughed at me as I pushed my way through, "Where's the fire, Mononoke?" I snorted, "Try having a bunch of spinach in your food then you can talk to me." I got Hana's scent and began to follow it. Akamaru lead the way as he bounded towards the Inuzuka family. I sat down with them in relief and giggled at Kiba, "That was a close one. I almost had to eat all that green stuff." He laughed with me as Akamaru hopped into his shirt before popping his head and paws out, barking. Kuromaru lay between me and Tsume-san. I scratched his neck and he panted happily. Hana-chan smiled at me kindly, "You look pretty today, Mononoke." I gave her a wide smile, "Thanks! Kakashi got it for me!"

Tsume-san laughed and ruffled my head, "Well, dig in, little mutt! We've got plenty of meat going around!" I could almost burst with joy as I saw the food. "Here, try this one!" Kiba said as he lifted a piece of meat towards me. I bite it off his chopsticks and hummed happily, my hands cupping my face in bliss, "It tastes amazing!" They laughed as we spent most of the festival together.

Soon, it was time to go home when I was playing tag with Kiba and Akamaru. Kakashi had came over to take me back when I was almost about to pounce on Kiba. I spotted the silver hair and immediately turn direction towards him, "Kakashi!"

I embraced him and he patted my head, "Time to go off, scamp." I pouted at him, "So fast?" His single eye lifted slightly, "Yeah. Say bye to your friend." Obediently, I released Kakashi and turned to Kiba, who was watching us with his hands behind his head. I walked back to him and told him I had to leave. He gave me a toothy grin, "Kay! I'll see you in school!" I waved at Tsume-san and Hana-chan as they packed up and they waved back. With the goodbyes done, I returned to Kakashi and pulled his hand, "Come on, Kakashi!" He laughed under his breath as I lead the way home.

XXX

"Today's the day, kiddo." Kakashi said as he put on my shirt over me. I looked down sadly. One week passed too fast. I wasn't ready to leave him. "Hey." I heard him say and I glanced up at him. He placed a hand on my cheek, "It's going to be fine. We're still in the same village, not worlds away." I rubbed my face into his hand and took in a deep breath, inhaling his scent, "I'm going to miss you." He gave me a warm look, "Me too, scamp. But I promise I'll visit you sometime." Feeling my eyes well up, I hugged his neck, "You promise?" He chuckled and hugs me back, "Cross my heart."

I held on to him and he sighed before carrying me, "You big baby. You better promise to behave there, okay?" I nodded into his neck and he sighed again, "Can we leave now?"

I nodded.

"You wanna get down?"

I shook my head.

I heard him sighed again and nudged me higher, "All right. We're going out now."

We were silent when Kakashi carried me the whole way there. I didn't feel like talking as I held on to him. The whole walk was slow when he finally stopped. I looked up and realized that we were in the cemetery. I turned around and saw Rin's tombstone. "Thought you might want to talk to her today.", Kakashi said as he let me down. I swallowed and smiled a little, "Hey, Rin-san. I'm going to live with the Nara clan today. I might not be able to come over much but..." I felt my eyes began to leak and furiously rubbed them away, "B-but Kakashi's g-going to visit you everyday!" I smiled through the tears, "I might get to come over sometimes, but I'll try my best!"

Suddenly, without thinking, I lifted my hands up and felt the tingling feeling underneath my skin. Then, a small breath of mist floated from my hands and a small globe of ice began to form. It began to spread and twist into a shape. Slowly, an ice rose began to form in my hands. When I was done, the rose fell to land on my hands. I narrowed my eyes at it and it began to solidify, turning into a silver colour, frost covering it a little. Bending over, I placed it on the stone, "I made you this. It won't melt in the sun so don't worry about getting wet.", I told her and stood up, looking at the rose proudly.

"Mononoke." I turned to look at Kakashi and his eyes were on the flower, "When did you learn how to do that?" I lifted my shoulders, "Dunno. I just wanted to give Rin-san something today." He paused for a moment before nodding, "Yeah, I guess she'll like that. Come on, you want a lift?"

Bravely, I shook my head, "It's ok. I can walk now." Slipping my hands in Kakashi's, I began to walk.

THERE WE GO. NOW WE KNOW WHO SHE'S GOING TO LIVE WITH. I'm sorry if I made Kakashi seem a little OOC /cries. It's just that I grew with boys (i was in a neighbourhood gang) and being the only girl there, some of these moments actually happened to me so I was trying to give Mononoke and Kakashi the happiness to have the same type of sibling-like love I had :')

And I apologize to the Kakashi voters but this is how it gotta go. But they will be together again soon! Don't worry about it. So till then. *bows*

AND I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE. THE NEXT CHAPTER IS GOING TO BE SET IN THEIR DEBUT TIME. SO STAY TUNED! Oh and I'll be going to Japan for two weeks so I might not be able to update within then. Sorry guys. I'll make it up as soon as I get back! Pinky promise! So please stick around, cuz the party's just getting STARTED.

Fact#4: Mononoke's name is a wordplay of a term " 物の怪", which means "monster"/ "spirit" / "phantom". The chinese equivalent is "yao gwai" which also in a way, means demon. Her kanji however is "もののけ".