Chapter 17: Truth and Belief

I always believed Saki left because I was weak, but sometimes I couldn't help but wonder. Am I just lying to myself to give me a reason to be strong?

I felt pathetic for a moment before brushing it off and staring at the ceiling of the hospital room. Everything just loves to come full circle back here doesn't it? These trips are starting to annoy me. The door to the room opened and closed as someone stepped in. My eyes flicked over as I was lying on my back and I saw Kiba standing there. He looked nervous. I looked back at the ceiling.

"Why bother, mutt?" I murmured, knowing full well he heard me.

"Curiosity."

"Killed the cat." I finished. "Since you're not a cat, let me rephrase that. Stupidity killed the pup and curiosity was framed." I added.

Kiba chuckled. "Even after passing out for eight hours, she still has her pathetic humor."

I frowned. "Eight hours? Wasn't I just sleeping then? I feel so well rested and I remember my dream, too." Grinning after I finished my sentence, I turned my head to face him.

He was grinning as well, but his soon faded into worry, then I couldn't read what emotion he had within his eyes. He shrugged and tossed a packet of papers into my lap. I opened my mouth to question him but he beat me to it.

"Quizzes. It was Hinata's idea. She said you loved discovering yourself or something." A wide smile broke out on my face and I quickly sat up.

"Got a pen?" My smile was blinding and he fumbled in his pockets for a pencil before handing me one. Instantly, I became absorbed in the questions and the results of the quizzes.

What flower are you? Carnation.

How will you die? Unusual death.

What is your sixth sense? Mind reading.

What emotion burns in your eyes? Passion.

I didn't understand that last one, but anyway...

While I was completely absorbed in my quizzes, I hadn't noticed Kiba had pulled up a chair and was studying me absentmindedly. When I finally noticed, my face flushed as I stuttered while asking what he was doing.

"Admiring your wonderful face." He said, still in his reverie. I cocked my head to the side in confusion.

"Excuse me?" I asked. He startled out of his daydream and realized where he was. Kiba grumbled something under his breath and promptly left the room.

Shame, I love looking at his face in concentration. I barely ever see it since it's so rarely used.

A nurse eventually came in, and I cheered. "When can I leave?!"

"Anytime, sweetie." I cheered again and shooed her out the room so I could change. She grumbled angrily at my rudeness, but I couldn't care less. After changing back into my regular clothes on a flash, I hopped out of the window.

Who needs doors? Those things are lame. Windows are the way to go!

I began walking around Konoha, breathing in the scents of bread, pastries, ramen, barbecue, and flowers. Eventually, I walked into a person (again) but this was a person who was holding hands with another person.

And I didn't want to see either of them.

Kakashi and Saki, both peering at me curiously before recognition dawned on their face. They opened their mouth to say something before I zoomed away in the opposite direction.

No, no, no! They're following me!

I panicked and placed intricate trip-wire traps while running and did a good job if I do say so myself, considering the circumstances. Hearing the familiar explosions behind me, I grinned. I am so awesome sometimes.

All good things come to an end, and I learned this the hard way when Kakashi flashed in front and tripped me.

Well thanks, Kakashi! I just got a face full of forest dirt!... Wow I ran pretty far...

Grumbling and trying to stand, I was pushed back down when Dad put his foot on my back and sighed. I looked up angrily. Saki soon caught up and there was... Worry? She was worried? She doesn't need to worry about Kakashi, cuz he's awesome and all, so who was Saki worrying for? She kneeled down by my face and sighed.

"Saya." She murmured. I scowled at her. "I'm sorry..." She began crying and sobbing, and my expression involuntarily softened. No, Saya, no! She's trying to trick you so she can kill you easily! I tried to trick myself into believing that, but I just couldn't. If she wanted to kill me, she would've done so already.

"Why?" My voice cracked as I asked the question I had been wondering for six years.

"I wanted to kill every single last one of them. I'm sorry it took six years.. I just.. I wanted revenge! They took you from me! They all deserved to die!"

I looked at her in disbelief.

"So.. You didn't leave because you hated me? You didn't leave because I was pathetic?" I sobbed, the tears streaming down my face. Mom's eyes widened.

"No.. No! I would never..." Dad had long taken his foot from my back, so Mom could easily launch herself at me to hug me. When I breathed in her familiar scent of chocolate and mint, I full out cried.

Every single emotion I've felt these past six years, every single one that I've kept bottled up. Part of me didn't want to believe she was speaking the truth, but I'm still a kid, and I'm still gullible. I may be a ninja, but I'm still only thirteen. Mom helped me up and Dad grinned innocently from under his mask.

"Oh I'm still mad at you, Mr Copy Ninja. I didn't want a face full of dirt today, thank you very much!" I scolded. He flinched and slid away a few inches. When I looked behind me, I saw Mom giving a terrifying glare to Dad. Grinning, I linked my arms with their's, and I dragged them off to Ichiraku.

AN: finally! All the mom stuff is done! About time! Why DOES Saya always seem to end up in the hospital? I never seem to notice until I'm done with the chapter, and by then it's too late to change it.

Review me! I will love you forever if you do!