Disclaimer: Unfortunately Hubby says he won't buy me the copy-rights so I don't own Naruto.

Hubby: Of course they aren't nearly as upset about that as you are.

Disclaimer: Huh? How come?

Hubby: Cause if I did they couldn't read any more of this story. Now get typing. They want to know what happens now.

Disclaimer: (mutters while striking keys) Slavedriver. Sheesh

Chapter Three: The Cabin

She had him moved to a cabin on the outskirts of the village as he slept. He never woke while he was being moved and she made arrangements for one of the three of them to be with him at all times. She didn't understand why he hadn't spoken to them or shown any sign of recognizing them but maybe he'd just been alone for so long he'd forgotten how to. But if that was true walking through even the little bit of the village they'd led him through should have scared the bejebees out of him. It hadn't appeared to bother him at all. It distrurbed her that the only ones he had seemed to recognize were his old teammates and that wasn't a good recognition. The chakra buildup had shown he didn't like them. She wondered if he didn't like both of them or just one of them. If it was just one, which one? Somehow she thought it was both. And she wondered why. She knew that the old Naruto would never have allowed anyone to know he didn't like someone but this Naruto seemed far less able to pretend about what he felt and thought. Idly she wondered who else it would turn out that he didn't really like.

The weeks passed and Jiraiya, Kakashi and Tsunade continued to care for a silent Naruto. They never failed to try and get him to talk but he never had anything to say. He gave no sign of even knowing they were there beyond the inital glance when one would enter his field of vision. However they couldn't complain he was hard to care for. He would follow their directions and do as they bade him to do unless it was to go into an examination room. Then he would plant his feet and stand as still as any thousand year old tree grown in firm soil. No amount of pulling or pushing would budge him an inch.

"How the 'ell does he do that," Tsunade complained to Jiraiya. "I am strong enough to lift boulders and throw them across a field but I can't budge him when I want him to go into an examination room."

"I don't know. Maybe someday you'll be able to explain the purpose enough for him to go in on his own."

"I've explained every damn function of the room. He just won't budge. No one can stay still if I want them moved and you know it." She huffed and puffed, pacing first one way. Then the other. "But that Gaki is defying me. He's just standing there."

Jiraiya shrugged again and wisely kept his mouth shut. A frustrated Tsunade was not someone to argue with. Besides watching Naruto was way more interesting. It was interesting to see someone so simple in their daily routine. Someone without an ulterior motive behind everything they did. Even children were not as innocent as his Gaki now was. He watched as Naruto moved to the front door.

Most of his days were spent sitting in the yard listening to the animals and watching as the sun made things sparkle in it's light. At first, he'd tried to go into the forest surrounding the cabin but either he, Tsunade or Kakashi had gone and headed him off. They didn't want him to wander away from their protection, knowing they could lose him again if he did. Naruto might not be aware of his enemies but they were. So now Naruto just chose a spot under the cherry blossom tree and stayed there all day. Even if it was raining, he just sat and let the drops fall where they pleased. Nature didn't scare him and his bond with it seemed peaceful in the extreme. He seemed happiest when he was outside and most days he had to be led inside when darkness fell. They'd found it was useless to try and get him inside during the daytime.

The village was abuzz with rumors about him. Those who had seen him in Tsunade's office had spread the word and now it was the favored topic of conversation everywhere from the local laundermat to the bars. Everyone seemed to have something to say about him whether they knew him or not. Some didn't recognize his description and wondered who he was, while others, who knew who he was, wondered if he was sane. Still others wondered if the Demon was in control now since he seemed not to care about anyone any more. Several, out of fear and hatred, called for his death but Tsunade, as always, said no and kept his location to herself. But those who knew him all wondered why he had come back. Some wondered why, when he could have gone anywhere and been safe from Konoha he hadn't chosen somewhere else to go after six years of being gone. Others made plans to rid themselves of him once and for all. Their past behavior driving them to fear the meaning of his return.

Finally she came again. Jiraiya sat at a window observing her approach. He saw her pass the Anbu guards who didn't even react to her presence. He sat up straighter and watch her with surprise. He wasn't alarmed and yet he knew he should be. Someone who could walk right past the guards without them noticing was definitely a cause for concern. Yet all he did was sit and watch as she sat down before Naruto and place a ghostly hand on his head. He saw the tears run down the young man's face for all that he made no sound as he tried to think of who she was. Who she could possibly be. She sat there in the yard with Naruto and talked with him in her silvery voice as soft as the wind. And yet Jiraiya heard the words she said to him.

She said, "Live Naruto. The time is coming but you must be alive. Live now. I have brought you to the people who will help but now you must let them. Live Child of the Sun. Grow and shine in the light. Live Child of the Air. Let it's gentle caress soothe your soul. Live Child of the Water. Let the soothing waves wash away your sadness. Live Child of the Earth. Let the ground be firm beneath your feet and provide you solace. Live Child of the Lightening. Let the bolts of heaven defend your will. Live Child of the Flame. Let the fiery blaze stretch forth to warm your soul. This is your time, my Child. All the world's hope resides in you. You are my gift to the world and none can match what I have given. You have the power and the will to do what must be done. In you, all the elements combine. For you are My Child; My Gift. Now and Forever." Her words faded away as did she.

Jiraiya almost missed the whispered word Naruto said in response. "Mother," was all he said as his eyes closed and he fell asleep. After a few minutes of sitting in total shock, Jiraiya had gone out and picked his former student up. He had carried him inside and put him to bed knowing full well it made no difference to Naruto where he slept but also knowing that Tsunade would have his head if he left the boy sleeping outside. Then he sat down and began to puzzle out their strange visitor. He thought back over her appearance. She had seemed to be formed of liguid sunshine all golden and shining with an inner light yet the color that came to mind was not gold but silver. Like moonlight on still water. It made no sense, he thought. Naruto slept for a week straight.