The elder speaking must have made a joke because everyone was laughing. I didn't want to ask Ino what it was because I was afraid that I might miss my own name being announced. The elders announced that currently there are five females and nine males within this one pack. Hinata is in the group, but will not join immediately and will join six months later from now. Neji, who is obviously in the group if Hinata is, is to keep in contact with the elders for the time being so that Hinata will know where to go when the time comes. I glanced at Ino and we both silently agreed that this must mean Neji was the leader.

Everyone immediately started murmuring to each other when the elder said the Neji would not be the only royal and leadership would be decided among them and not the elders. The elders commanded the leader be a royal because of their experience with humans and knowledge of being a great leader. They announced Sasuke, Gaara and Temari would be joining the pack and within the same six months that contain Hinata, Gaara's older brother's fate would be decided.

They started naming off people within the list. Ladies first, Ino, a girl named Tenten, and me! I tried listening for the rest of the names, but I was too excited! Ino and I were jumping up for joy and we hugged without a single awkward struggle! I was ready to see the world! Eventually we settled down and hear the last two names; Shino, oh great I can't wait to hear from Ino about this, and Lee. I didn't mind too much that I didn't hear all the names because asking someone, "What's your name?" is the perfect conversation starter.

Then something very interesting happened, Sasuke took the stand.

"Neji and I have agreed to share leadership. If there is any disagreement between us two, Gaara will have the final say. Gaara will also take over whatever half of leadership if anything would happen to Neji and me, and Temari would take over Gaara's role."

What? What would happen to Neji or Sasuke? Wouldn't we just come back? Why was that even planned out? How much danger could we be in?

"Neji and I have already discussed a few things. First, everyone is allowed one backpack full of things to bring with. We aren't trying to force you to lose everything; we just feel it be best to start somewhat fresh and travel light."

What am I going to leave behind? I looked to my right and saw Ino just trembling. I know her clothes are her most treasured thing and it all wouldn't fit in a backpack no matter how big.

"We also agreed you will have "allowances," or just some money you'll receive each week to buy what things you wish. Obviously with the three of us being rich beyond end money isn't the issue. We just don't want to lose everything within the first year. If it comes that you can't pay for something it can be discussed if we'll pay for it. Again, this isn't because money is an issue, it is just so money never becomes an issue. We have all agreed that we will have a vote, as a pack, once we get out of the woods that surround and protect the community. The vote will decide where our new home will be; Gaara's mansion, Neji's mansion, or mine. That's all I wanted to inform you all of. Go say your goodbyes to your family and pack your things. I will do everything in my power to make this trip, or new life, both enjoyable and safe for every individual within the pack. I'm honored to be among you."

We left the hill and walked beside Neji and Gaara. We stood on the small stage and looked at the clapping crowd. I wondered why some things hadn't been decided like the location situation. It was strange to me, this vote system. It goes without saying that Sasuke would be giving all the speeches because Gaara isn't much for talking and Neji tends to make people snooze as he talks. I'm surprised they get along in such harmony. I almost expected there to be a hand-to-hand combat with the three of them right there on the stage.

I didn't even realize Ino had already left. I'm a bit disappointed she didn't say anything, but we are about to live a very long time together and we might not see our families again. If I had to guess Ino will be wherever her parents are and she is hugging them for the longest time and her eyes would be watering. I wonder where my parents are.

I went home to start packing and my family was waiting there with a cake. I guess it was like a goodbye party that they set up. At first nobody said anything about me leaving, but when the cake had officially disappeared there wasn't much else to discuss. Both pairs of grandparents had the same ideal speech about how I'm a good kid and I'll do fine. Their train of thought was so similar they should have just finished each other's sentences. My dad told me he was proud of me and that I should go upstairs with mom and start packing.

We went up and first looked at clothes. We didn't say anything as we set everything on my bed; shirts on the left, pants in the middle, and everything else to the right. My mom picked up my favorite underwear and started crying. Grandma gave it to me as a joke because one time she had seen me dancing at a party and I was all butt. In my defense, my family used to call me WiggleButt as a kid. The underwear said 'Dance Party' on the behind. Nobody ever scolded me about my dance moves we just all made a joke about it. I'm going to miss being called WiggleButt.

We laughed a little when we looked at them and I hugged my mom and put the underwear in the backpack. I worried a bit since my backpack wasn't that large and that meant I'd have to have less than the others and I can't even grasp my mind on what I could leave behind. If only I could find another backpack somewhere, but it's too late.

My mom and I talked about when I was a little girl. We picked out all the keeper clothes together and she promised to never throw away the rest. They'd always be waiting for me she had claimed and I didn't mention that I might never come back to see them again. That decision would be made by the leaders. I tried to convince mom that she didn't have to fill up the house's space with these clothes, but I could see in her eyes she couldn't part with them.

We started talking about the little trinkets she had brought with her when she left. She never told me the whole story of why her pack decided to come back and as curious as I am, I never dared ask. It wasn't my business as Grams claimed when I had mentioned my curiosity once. Mom had given me a pen with butterflies all over. The butterflies stick out so you could feel them with your fingers. She asked me to write to her even if she might not be able to write back. I nodded knowing that staying in contact with the community was another decision made by the leaders. Sasuke, Gaara, and Neji weren't fans of family affection so I began crying. I don't know what to do if I never see my family again!

I just kept saying "I love you!" and I hugged Mom with the tightest hug I could manage. I never wanted to let go. I have always had a strong good bond with all my family members and I never really took it to heart until today, this day could be my last day with them. I secretly cursed myself for being so happy to leave yesterday. I mumbled how I didn't want to go anymore, but my mom told me I should go. "It would be worth it" and she'll always be in my heart so it won't be as bad, she told me. I took a moment to wonder how Naruto was feeling, with no family to say goodbye to, but some old man, Jiraiya, who has taken care of him since he was a kid.

At first I pretended that I didn't hear the bell saying it was time to leave. I should have told Naruto to pull it those years ago, and make sure it falls down, so that it may not ring today. I should have just left Naruto do all those stupid things as kids, so that nobody could even get into the room with the bell. My mom gave me a hug and put the last thing into my backpack as I was thinking.

I waved after every step I took while leaving the house. After about fifteen steps I ran back and hugged my family again. I saw Ino leaving a few houses down and she too was bawling and holding her family tight. My dad told me to go to Ino because it is easier to leave with a friend. He said to pretend we were just walking to school late at night. He said late at night because it was getting dark and soon, a few steps from now, I'll turn back and see only shadows in front of my house.

I joined Ino and we walked side-by-side, slowly away from our homes. I looked back for my, thought to be, final glance. I was right, I could just barely make out my family members standing in front of the house.

A few run backs later, Ino and I made it to the same place the parade was held. Our leaders were already waiting and Neji made a check on the paper he was holding as we arrived. I'm guessing it was a checklist to make sure we were all here.

Naruto beckoned us to join him. He must have arrived much earlier than us and he found this huge stone to sit on. Ino was in too many tears to resist. Naruto tried saying something soothing, but I didn't want to hear it. I was at the point where I tried to convince myself that if I didn't think too much of it it wouldn't be so bad.

Then Neji came by asking what we had in our backpacks, and just give a general description. Ino and I had mostly the same stuff; a few trinkets, but mostly clothing. Neji told us any food, water, shelter, and clothing would be provided for us. He didn't have to say it, but we understood he was basically saying we should have packed something else.

Sasuke called for Neji. The three talked some more as people came. Before Neji left the discussion to go get count on everything Sasuke mention something about an 'idea hat.' Neji nodded and turned around to continue his duty. Gaara discussed it further with Sasuke. I guess they were thinking of having this hat that you could throw inside a piece of paper discussing an idea. This would be like a way for the nonroyals to have some say in what happens. I liked the idea of being able to suggest something, and maybe I could suggest a house pet. I know pets are always an issue since we are meat eaters and pets are running meat; although, I trust everyone here to not kill our house pet.

Neji walked up to Sasuke and said a few things. Then Sasuke gathered everyone's attention.

"This is the plan so far, we will travel together through the forest. Once we get to the end I will talk more about the motel situation that we'll all spend the night in. Also, everyone will give Neji their vote on which house to become our new home. We can discuss in more detail now or later what the options are."

He looked around as everyone nodded after he asked now. He told us his house was the largest, but it's surrounded by a large population of humans. The end of his property is the beginning of the human's property and he said it "crawls with humans there." Neji's had the best color and look because of the cultural thought behind it, but it takes the longest time to travel to. Gaara's is the closest and doesn't have very many humans occupying that area, but the condition of the mansion is unknown. Gaara comes from a fallen community that joined into ours, so Sasuke made a joke about the relation to his mansion and his history. Gaara did a puff giggle and a smirk which gave everyone the okay to laugh.

"You can think about it on the way. Everyone follow me, Gaara and Temari will cover the side. If you start to fall behind don't worry Neji has the rear and he knows where to go."

That was that. We all got up and headed off. Ino quickly told me she was going to go say "Hi!" and meet new people. I stayed with Naruto. Somebody on the way kicked a rock that whizzed by Sasuke's face. Sasuke turned around with a pissed off look and warned him not to try that shit again and to be less stupid if it was possible. Everyone whispered "Oooohh…" as if he was in deep shit. Everyone knows Sasuke's astonished fighting record which is why the criminal looked like a ghost. His friends reassured him when Sasuke turned back around; they hit his back and helped him laugh it off.

I talked with Naruto about what mansion sounded the best. Naruto liked every choice, but Sasuke's. Sasuke heard that and turned around to make a joke about how Naruto should love his home since it has the most Ramen, Naruto's favorite food. He also joked that Neji would never allow that in his house. The three of us laughed and before I knew it we were all walking beside one another.

Sasuke told us of some places he had in mind for the pack to visit. It was obvious that we were annoying Sasuke with the amount of questions we had, but he was very tolerate of it and answered them the best he could. I really liked the sound of the ocean trip, because we only had a large lake back in the community. I had tried to predict my future experience using my past experience with my family at the lake to ask questions, but that made me sad and I silently left the conversation. I still walked beside the two, but I kept my head down and didn't open my mouth. Naruto hit me on the back when saying "Right Sakura?" obviously not noticing my leave. I didn't pay attention to what they were saying.

"Is it your family?"

I thought at first it was Naruto catching on, but he was giving Sasuke a puzzled look. So my conclusion it was Sasuke who asked.

"Yeah…" I sighed.

"My father used to say he'd wish this day would never come."

Sasuke's family is on the classified side of things. A lot of people died in this family a few years back. We all thought we were being attacked by the humans! They moved out of that house and into another and never revealed to the public of what had happened. His brother is said to forever be tied to a hospital bed and supposedly became a lot less friendly. He used to hand out the most candy when I was super young and we'd celebrate the human holiday, Halloween. Of course, nowadays the gates are closed and all who trespass end up with a few bruises and a big black eye.

"I'm kind of hoping I'll wake up to Grams making cookies and telling me how I'm lazy and should've been out of bed by now," I responded.

"In bed all day is the story of my life!" Naruto commented. We all laughed at this statement.

"I'm sure you miss them…Sakura was it?"

I nodded to let Sasuke know he had gotten it correct.

"Don't let that make this adventure become terrible for you. I'm sure it's difficult for you to let go, but trust me you'll enjoy this life too."

I nodded as if I understood or agreed. I didn't want to ask how he would know since his family is just about extinct according to rumors.

The rest of the trip was just small talk. When we finally reached the end of the woods, Sasuke commanded us to wait as he goes and rents rooms for us all. Neji came around with paper asking for our votes. I voted Sasuke's because I wanted to meet humans and a large house would be fun to play hide-and-seek in. I kind of hoped to find a magical wardrobe there, that lead me to a new world. In a way, I'm getting what I wished for because this is a new world for me.

Sasuke came back whispering something quickly to Neji, who angrily nodded back in acknowledge. Sasuke told us that there was not enough room for each individual and that we'd need to bunk beds with at least one person. I had turned to look at my bestie, Ino, but she already had her arm latched around some hot guy. I looked back at Naruto who shrugged in agreement and as I looked away I could see his perverted eyes checking me out and gave himself a sneaky smirk. I trust Naruto, but never this much.

Thankfully, as we settled in for the night, Sasuke told us he'd be bunking with us and he just need to go check to make sure everyone was settled in nicely and knew where to go when they wake up. Naruto was bit angry and called him a Cockblock, but it was obvious that Naruto wasn't getting any in the first place.

I convinced Naruto to play Go-fish with me and Sasuke joined us when he returned. I honestly expected more wins than I did, but Sasuke was a very good card player. He told me that one day he'll have to teach me a game called Poker. Naruto snarled that he hated gambling. I had never heard of gambling before so I shrugged and agreed to learning one day. How bad could learning be?

I tried my best to sleep. The room had two beds and the boys shared the other. I was really comfy and the room smelled nice. Sasuke had ordered room service to give me more pillows. I tried to sleep, but Naruto snored too loudly and I missed my family. I quietly cried myself to sleep.