Onari

by DigiAnimeArtist

A strange girl from a far away land holds the key to forces greater than anyone in Konoha could have ever imagined. Myth and legend come to life in this exciting comical, dramatic, and heart felt story of a girl wanting to belong in a world where she is seen as an abomination. Will she be able to control her secret, much less, her own anger and stubbornness when she learns the true

51. Chapter 51

V5 CH 10

A complicated past

Idai flipped upside-down on the tree. He held onto it with his hands, as his legs stayed hooked around the thick branch. He grinned as he looked at Daiya. His best friend was looking at the star chart Onari had given him. "Are you sure we're going the right way?"

Daiya ran his finger across the chart. He looked up at the sky as he tried to match the stars with the ones on the chart. His eyes shifted to look at Idai hanging off of the branch. Daiya signaled for him to get down.

Idai flipped down slowly. He walked over to him and crouched his form. "You know if you can't find the right ones, you need to change your perspective." Idai blushed as Daiya ruffled his hair.

"I know. That's what we're fixing to do." Daiya stood up as he rolled the chart. He raised his head to look at the night sky. "If we find out where we are, then we won't be standing around here." He started to climb the tree. "Come on, Idai."

Idai grinned as he ran and jumped. He began to follow Daiya until they reached the top of the tree. He looked out over the dark forest. Idai closed his eyes as the wind blew. He watched Daiya turn the map around. "You do know that you can't always see the same constellations that are on that map, right? Some appear at different times of the year."

Daiya rolled the chart up again. He sighed rather annoyed with the situation. "This chart is useless. IT doesn't say anything about seasons, or times of day. What is the point of the thing?" He threw it away.

"Ah! Daiya, don't throw it away," Idai yelled as he went after it. He scooped it up from the branch it had, luckily, fallen on. His friend was easily aggravated. Idai opened the chart to look at it. He glanced at the sky. "Um, Daiya, did Ryu say which constellation we're supposed to follow to meet him?"

"No, he only told me to keep following the North Star," Daiya said as he leaned against the tree with his arms crossed.

Idai's eye twitched. "If he told you which direction to go, why are you checking the stars?" He watched Daiya turn away. "Daiya, what are you doing with the chart exactly?" Daiya mumbled. "Daiya Eimino," Idai said rather sternly.

Daiya lowered his head and tensed. "I was trying to find them myself, but I don't know what I'm doing! I've never used a chart before," he shouted defiantly.

Idai sighed. He leapt to the branch Daiya was on. "Daiya," he said softly. He moved his head down to look up at him. "I'm not mad with you. If you want to find them, we can check a book out, or something. The only person I know who uses the stars, is Kiba sensei. He's used to being out at night when he takes missions. We can get a book that has more information," he said trying to coax Daiya into calming down. Idai petted the top of his head. "You can't expect to know how to do everything instantly."

"How come you still hang around me when I get angry? Or when I won't cooperate with anyone?" He looked at Idai slowly. Daiya was slightly apprehensive.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's because I like you, you hardheaded lightening bug. Friends aren't just your friends for convience. I really think the world of you, even when you can't understand why," Idai said as he looked at him thoughtfully.

Daiya nodded slowly. He turned around to look at the sky again. He found the North Star. "I don't know why Ryu wanted us to keep going north. As far away as he's leading us, it's like he doesn't want to get in trouble," Daiya said lowly. "Right?" He looked over his shoulder at Idai.

Daiya froze. Idai was staring at something on the branch. His eyes were wide, breathing quick and short. "Idai?" Daiya turned around fully to look at the branch. There was nothing there.

"Idai?" Daiya walked up to him slowly. He could see his shoulders shaking. He has no idea I'm here. He's having a flashback again. Daiya grabbed onto Idai's arms suddenly as Idai moved back. He didn't want him to fall. "Idai. Come on, Idai. Can't you hear me?" Daiya's eyes softened.

Idai shot back. He saw a dead body on the ground. The fire was all around him. He tried to get away, but something was stopping him. Was it his own fear? Idai whimpered. The dead woman's eyes were open. She was looking up at him; her face turned in his direction. Kunai were lodged in her body. Idai hopped from one foot to the other. "I don't want to see her!"

Daiya pulled Idai closer. He put him in a bear hug to steady his position on the branch. Daiya pressed his friend's head toward him to try and block the image. However, he wasn't sure that would solve the problem.

Idai's body soon eased as he came out of the horrible memory. He felt terrible. The images were gone for now. He came out of it not knowing where he was for a moment. His eyes looked around at the dark forest. Someone was holding him.

"You're in a forest. It's dark. We're going to meet Ryu and the others. You just came out of a flashback. I didn't want you to fall, Idai," Daiya said softly as he looked at him. "Are you okay?"

Idai reached up absentmindedly to touch his friend's face. "You're real." Daiya smiled at him. Idai stood up slowly as he tried to get his bearings.

Daiya looked at him rather concerned. "What did you see?" Idai tensed as he looked away. "Idai, what sort of images are you seeing? Can't you tell me?"

Idai closed his eyes. "Daiya, can we just go find Ryu," he asked not trying to blow him off. He felt his friend hook his arm around his neck. Idai leaned into him. He really didn't like to talk about what he saw. He never told anyone about the images that frightened him. Even Gai was no aware of what he saw. Idai didn't want to be labeled. His horrible past was his own.

Ryu blocked a hit directed at his abdomen. He smiled at Onari from under his mask. "You're doing well with all of the side training you're getting. When do you think she'll be put on a team," he asked Takeru as he turned her around to hook his arm around her neck and thoracic area to stop her.

"I don't know exactly. Onari's doing pretty good. She can block me on most occasions when we train. She can even perform a few jutsus when asked," Takeru said as Onari looked up at Ryu. "Dad's main concern for her is her comprehension. There's also the problem of authority with her, like Daiya. She only fully listens to Dad. He's not sure if she'll listen to another trainer. He said he was going to approach the Hokage soon about it. Onari is too old to go to the Academy."

"Onari understand Takeru say for Onari to train," she said looking at him. "Onari go Takeru and Daiya. Onari quick. Onari have brother Neji teach."

"Yeah, but you've also got Mom and Dad helping, Ri. It's the Hokage's decision. If he doesn't approve, you won't be allowed to join the others. See, he's the one who decides who goes on what teams," Takeru said trying to make her understand. "The Hokage is the leader of the village. He decides everything having to do with the ANBU, laws, and demands of the people in the village."

"Onari go Takeru," she said softly as her heart sunk. She wanted to be with her brother and him so badly. They were her family. "Onari listen Sasuke say."

"That may be true, but you have to listen to Lee, Kiba, and Shikamaru," Ryu said. He put his arms around her neck. "If you don't listen to everyone, it'll be a problem."

Takeru's eye twitched. "Ryu, you don't even listen to Lee, Kiba, or Shikamaru." He watched Ryu tense at his words. "Quit giving her direction when you're constantly going in three different ones yourself."

Ryu had an idea. "Hey, when the other's get here, let's test Onari's skills. That little trick of hers can't be useful at night, can it? It'll be a disadvantage for her." He smiled at her. "You have to learn how to adapt to certain situations. We're going to test which ones you can handle."

"Ryu, who did you invite to come all of the way out here," Takeru asked. He only knew about Daiya and Idai coming. He was afraid that a 'secret meeting' with Ryu wasn't really a secret.

Ryu tilted his head as he blocked a side punch from Onari. "Daiya, Saori, Idai, Gin, and Yanagi. Why?" He hopped backwards as Onari came at him again from the side. She leaned forward too far and Ryu caught her.

Takeru sweat dropped. "Ryu, you invited everyone on the teams. Isn't that a little suspicious?" He twitched his eye.

"I didn't invite everyone. I invited half of everyone on the teams. I have very sound reasons why I invited who I did and didn't. For example, Eiyu and Kandai couldn't come because of their father. They're too obedient. Mr. Hyuga would nail us for being out this far, this late at night. Areku is with Hire from what I understand. He's been spending a lot of time with her since she moved to the single dorms. And Masaru is the Hokage's son. He also has a big mouth. No way I'd invite him," Ryu said as he looked over his shoulder. Onari had climbed onto his back.

"I hate to say it, but those are pretty logical reasons, Ryu. Did you invite Gin to keep it an even number with the amount of guys and girls?" Ryu shook his head. "I'm afraid to ask. Nothing good will come of this."

"Gin likes Idai. They need time to get to know each other," Ryu said as Takeru face palmed. He crouched and waved at Takeru. "I'd do the same thing if it were you and Onari."

"What is that supposed to mean," Takeru said rather loudly as he sat up suddenly.

"Oh, catch on, Takeru. You and Onari are sweet on each other." Takeru looked away as Ryu started to poke his cheek. "Takeru likes Onari. Takeru likes Onari," Ryu said teasingly.

"Knock it off, Ryu!"

Onari tilted her head at the commotion. She watched Takeru get flustered. "Onari like Takeru," she said

matter-of-factly. Why Ryu say words? Why Takeru mad?"

Takeru blushed horribly as he waved at her to get off of Ryu. Onari walked over to him and crouched. He hugged her around the neck and hid his face on her collarbone. Takeru closed his eyes.

"Takeru, don't take it like that. I was only teasing you. If you two like each other and Onari understands, why haven't you asked her out," Ryu asked rather seriously.

"I don't want my parents to know. They'll take her away," Takeru said with unfound reasons. He lifted his head to look into Onari's wild, intense eyes. He moved her long bangs out of her face so he could look at her scars.

"Sensei wouldn't do that," Ryu said. He couldn't believe Takeru was worried about such a thing. He figured Takeru's parents would think it was cute for them to fall for each other.

"Hey, Ryu, we're here," Yanagi said waving at him as she came through the dark woods. She was pulling Gin along. The brown haired girl looked around the area shyly. Saori began to push Gin despite her nervousness. "Where is everybody? Hi, Onari," Yanagi said rather happily. Onari shrunk behind Takeru.

Gin stood blushing as she saw Idai emerge from the opposite side of the clearing. He was looking around as if he was unsure of where he was. Daiya was checking on him. Idai looked up, straight into Gin's eyes. Gin's heart raced. I can say 'hello', can't I? He's staring at me. I don't want him to think I'm strange. Idai kept watching her as she forced her feet to move. Gin moved closer with difficulty. Her heart was majorily leaping out of her chest. "Hi, Idai," she said very softly, not sure if he heard her.

Idai didn't know what to think of Gin. She didn't speak to him a whole lot. They rarely trained together, or encountered each other. He was still feeling the aftereffects of the flashback. Idai averted his eyes nervously. "Hi," he managed to say.

Saori stretched her arms as she stood near Ryu. "So

you want us to enhance her training? Ryu, you do know that that poor girl is being constantly trained correct? Onari doesn't have time to do anything, much less hang out with anyone. Why don't we just enjoy being around her tonight? It's rare for us to get out of the village, much less, without our parents knowing."

Ryu sulked. He let his head fall. "But I was having a moment," he said rather depressed. Saori was making sense. It was just that it shot down his original plan.

"I know you want to help her, but all of that is in due time. Onari doesn't know what acceptance is, right? So for her to feel like she's part of the village, or part of the teams, we should do things with her." Saori kissed his cheek fondly. "I'm sorry I ruined your plans." Ryu pointed to his forehead. "Oh, so your thoughts came from all directions?" He nodded happily. She kissed his forehead. Ryu pointed to his other cheek. "There, too?" Saori kissed his other cheek. Ryu pointed again, but this time at the space below his eye. Saori obliged and kissed the spot. Ryu pointed at his mouth as he tilted his head. "Oh, now you're just being silly," Saori said as she kissed him through the facemask.

"Hey, let's have a party," Yanagi said as she clapped her hands. "We can have Idai play his flute and Takeru can start a fire. It'll be the best!" She stopped as everyone looked at her rather oddly. "What is it?"

"I don't feel like playing my flute," Idai said softly. He didn't look at anyone. He wasn't even in the mood to enjoy anyone's company. Idai wanted to be left alone, actually. He felt out-of-place.

"If Takeru makes a fire, we'll get seen," Daiya said lowly. "You're not thinking. The idea of coming out here was to be avoided." Yanagi's eyes met his. She looked away as he kept his gaze on her.

"She's only trying to help the situation. You're all standing around afraid to interact with each other," Saori said defending her. "Daiya, stop looking at her so harshly. You say anything to hurt her, and I'll come after you," she warned.

Daiya tensed. "You dare to threaten me?" Daiya's hair spiked out so suddenly it made Yanagi and Gin move back. "You want to challenge me, Nara, you go right ahead. Let's see how much you've learned in the past several months."

Ryu stepped in front of Saori. He narrowed his red eyes at Daiya. "You won't touch her. You haven't seen me thoroughly pissed off. I wouldn't start by instigating a fight, Daiya. You look at others harsher than you realize. Yanagi was not trying to be insensitive." He kept his hard gaze on him. Daiya was meeting him. He could see the foreign boy's body tense as his hands clenched.

Gin didn't want anyone to fight. She formed hand seals without anyone realizing what was going on. A row of vines started to grow out of the ground in between Daiya and Ryu. She closed her eyes, concentrating as the vines towered.

Ryu looked up as the foliage grew. He knew it was Gin. She was the only plant user on the teams. "Gin, that won't stop either of us if we really want to do each other in. I'd quit while you're ahead." He could sense the change of air around him. Gin's mood of defeat was lingering.

"I don't want anyone to fight. We're supposed to get along," Gin said softly as she moved back. "Daiya should watch his tone when speaking to others. Your tone displays your true character," she said as she looked at Daiya. "Saori should not threaten her friends. It's not polite. There is nothing but turmoil to come from it. Yanagi is who she is. As you all are who you are. No one can

change the other."

Takeru tugged Idai a little on his sleeves. "Please, Idai? Why are you so depressed? You came all of the way out here with everyone and you're just going to sit there? Get up," he pleaded.

Idai tensed. "Takeru, I don't feel like being bothered," he said trying to get Takeru to go away. He caught Gin looking at him again. He raised a brow. When he did, she looked away, shifting her feet. "Hey, how come Gin always looks at me? Does she not like me or something?"

"Not like you?" Takeru looked at her. "You're really

clueless, aren't you? What would you do if someone actually liked you, Idai?"

"Don't be preposterous. Who would like a sound-nin..." He acked when he felt Ryu push on the top of his head. Idai looked up at him.

"You're not a sound-nin, Idai. I don't know how many times we have to tell you that. You're a leaf-nin. You were never trained to be a sound-nin. Why do you want to be one," Ryu asked as his red eyes looked at the white and red haired boy quizzically.

"I don't want to be one," Idai said looking away. Something inside of him told him he was, regardless of how he felt. Idai felt a nagging presence at the back of his mind. It made him feel as if it were itching to get out. He brought his hands up to hold his head, eyes slightly wide. Idai's breathing quickened. No... I don't want you to come out! Not now! Not in front of them!

"Idai? Ryu, he's acting weird," Takeru said as he watched Idai's facial expression change. He turned to see Daiya and Onari come back. "Daiya, Idai's not feeling well," he said as he pointed at his friend.

Daiya's feet stopped in their tracks. He suddenly ran towards Takeru and moved him out of the way. At the same time, he pushed Ryu back suddenly causing the Genin to fall on his rear. "Don't get near him!"

Saori helped Ryu sit up. "Hey, Daiya, what's the big

idea? Why'd you push them like that? What is your problem now?"

Gin brought her hand up to her chest. Her fingers clenched onto her kimono as she saw Idai's facial expression change from shock to one she had never seen before. "Saori," Gin said getting her attention as she saw Idai lower his hands with a sinister smirk on his lips. Gin gasped as she saw his eyes. They were black.

Yanagi stood watching the scene. Idai laughed lowly at first, then his laughter became almost maniacal as he stood up. Yanagi's heart froze. Her eyes showed fear as Idai looked at each one of them. "Th-That's not Idai." She knew in her gut that something was deeply wrong. And Daiya seemed to know what it was.

"Get away from him," Daiya said in a panic as he

pushed Takeru back as he walked backwards with his eyes straight on Idai. The boy in front of him smiled evilly, his black eyes showing a hint of playfulness.

Idai whistled at Daiya as if he were calling a mongrel. "Come here, little boy. Why are you running away from me? Don't you want to play," he asked in a low voice that was not his own.

Ryu was on his feet in front of Saori in an instant. He pushed her back as Idai moved around. Idai stepped a few feet, his head tottering to the right and left as if he had no control over it. "What is going on, Daiya?"

Daiya couldn't take his eyes off of Idai. Right now, he was unpredictable. He was more concerned with him lashing out at someone. He could feel Takeru grab onto his sides as he moved farther back. "It's not Idai! Stay away from him!"

Onari tilted her head. She had no clue to what was happening. Idai was whistling at the others around him trying to get them to come towards him. His body movements were not precise. The way he was walking and moving his arms showed her, whoever it was, didn't have very good control at the moment.

"Aw, you kids act as if you've never encountered me before. But you have," Idai said with a sneer followed by a laugh. "I'm always in the back row watching every one of your movements. I know about each and every one of you. Let's play. We can find out whose the strongest. I bet I'll win," he said challenging the small group.

Yanagi was watching his hands closely. Idai's hands were trying to fish into his ninja tool pack on his rear. "Watch out, Daiya! He's trying to get a hold of the Kunai!"

Daiya moved towards Idai faster than the other boy was able to anticipate. He opened the long, cylindrical pack on his back in order to take out a metal rod. Daiya brought the rod out and twirled it in his hand like a baton. The kunai went soaring, but it hit his rod. The rod deflected it. When Idai was distracted by the kunai going astray, Daiya brought his left leg up quickly to kick him in the stomach. Idai staggered as his wind was knocked out.

Yanagi watched Idai's legs buckle. He coughed a few times then fell onto his side. She ran towards him to see Idai trying to get back up. She brought her arms down on top of his to keep him down. She looked up at the others as she gritted her teeth. Whoever she was holding onto was strong. "I can't hold him! He's too strong!"

Ryu leapt forward to put his weight on Idai's legs. In a heartbeat Onari had her hand on the back of Idai's neck to keep him down. Her other hand was on one of his legs. He wasn't going anywhere. "If he can throw me, Onari, and Yanagi off, then I'd say he's stronger than we realized."

Takeru looked at Daiya. His brother's head was lowered. He was watching Idai with sadness and concern. "Daiya, why did Idai try to attack you?"

"It's not Idai," Daiya said softly as they all looked at him. "Idai has someone else inside of his head. He comes out when Idai feels vulnerable. It happened at the OtoMori festival."

Ryu looked at Daiya sternly. "What? He's done this before? You've never told any of us! And in saying so, that's a good indication that none of the trainers know! This is a hell of a way to find out, Daiya! What is wrong with Idai?"

Daiya stood with his eyes focused on his best friend. He was afraid to move. It was as if he would break into small fragments. Everyone was watching him. They were all stopped, staring at him and Idai. Onari was alert as well and confused. Takeru was still behind him not making a sound other than his breathing. The worst had finally happened.

"Someone do me a favor and tell me what is going on, Saori said as she stepped out from the tree she had been hiding behind. She had never seen Idai act that way. Her blue eyes met Daiya's. He was rooted in place. "What was that, Daiya? You know. It's in your eyes."

Everyone started at him hard. Daiya opened his

mouth to say something, but nothing came out. How could he tell them? Wasn't mentioning it, betraying Idai? "I-I can't," he said softly.

"You can't? What can you do to prevent him from hurting someone," Ryu asked. "You don't know when this particular incident will happen again. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was as if someone had snatched Idai out of that body - to replace him." Daiya had a sad expression on his face. Ryu grabbed Saori's wrist to prevent her from getting any closer to Idai than she already was.

"Idai sick," Onari said out of nowhere. She took her hold off of him. He was unconscious for the most part. "Idai and Daiya same. Bad dreams. Idai bad dreams no stop."

"Onari, don't say anything further," Daiya said trying to stop her. "It's rude to talk behind someone's back." He stood his ground with Ryu. The Genin was watching him - waiting for a hint about why this had occurred.

Gin saw Idai's fingers move. "He's coming out of it," she said as Yanagi and Ryu moved away. Onari was the only one staying where she was. Gin watched Idai open his eyes.

Idai blinked. He was laying on the ground with Onari looking at him. He moved his face to study her. "Why am I on the ground?" He lifted his body to a sitting position. Idai winced as he held his stomach. "And why does it feel like someone punched me?"

Yanagi's feet shuffled on the dirt. "Idai, what was the last thing you remember?" He seemed to be regrouping his thoughts. She noted he was unsure of where he was.

"I remember Daiya fighting with Saori and Ryu getting mad," Idai said softly. He looked at each one of them. They were standing way from him, watching. Idai sensed their hesitation. He lowered his head. "I did something, didn't I?" He clenched his hands on his pants. "I have to go," he said quickly. Idai got up and took off from the group.

Yanagi was after him in a heartbeat. She wasn't the only one who had decided to chase Idai. Daiya was right behind her as they ran into the blackness. "Idai," she called with no answer. She slowed down.

Daiya breathed hard. Idai was fast on his feet. "This isn't going to work. He can use those swords of his to boost his speed and alter his course." He looked at Yanagi.

"Yeah, I know. He's on my team. I'm quite familiar with Idai's abilities. He doesn't allude me for long though," she said as she formed hand seals. "Billion eyes jutsu!" Small pink and yellow butterflies poured out of her yellow hoodie. The small insects fluttered in front of her. "Hi guys, I need a favor. Can all of you search for Idai? The quicker all of you find him, the more nectar you get." The butterflies dispersed. She looked at Daiya. He was watching the butterflies until they disappeared.

Idai covered his head with his hands. His face was buried in his knees as he sat on a weathered stump. His other personality had came out in front of everyone. How was he going to be able to live in Konoha now? They all knew he wasn't normal. The bad dreams had started to plague him more now.

Idai woke to his dark room. His heart was racing, breathing intensified, and eyes wide. He had to re-familiarize himself with his surroundings. Where am I? The window to his right let him see the stars and clouds outside. Idai touched his forehead. He was sweating a lot. I'm not at home. Where is... this place? He sat up slowly. Idai went to the window. The buildings outside were not the ones he remembered. "This isn't the sound village. I... went with a man who had black hair." Idai scratched his head as he thought. "G-Gai took me in. Mom threw me away. D-Daddy-," Idai's eyes widened more.

His father's death re-played in his mind. Idai's eyes filled with unstoppable tears. They dropped onto the floor as he saw his father's lifeless body sink to the stone floor. His father was gone. His entire life was altered. Idai was alone.

"We'll see what the Hokage says about letting you attend the Academy. It will do you good to make friends," Gai said as he picked up the plates off the low table. "It's time for bed, Idai. You have a big day tomorrow."

Idai tensed as his eyes drifted towards his room down the hall. "Don't make me go in there," he said with a shaky voice. There was a mean man waiting for him in there. Idai could hear his cold voice in his head.

Gai placed his large hand on the top of the boy's head. "Are you having nightmares?" Idai looked up at him with fear in his eyes. The boy nodded. Before he knew it, Idai was clinging to him. Gai lifted Idai into his arms.

Gai spoke softly to him about different things to see what interests Idai had. Idai leaned on Gai as he sat in his lap. "I like freshly caught fish," he said sleepily. His eyes closed for a second only to reopen. "I'm good at swimming. My dad said I was born a merman. I used to believe him. I tried to make my fins come back, but they never did." Idai's eyes closed. He felt Gai put a blanket over him.

Kurenai stood at the front of the class next to Idai. He blushed embarrassed as all of the students stared at him. "Class, we have a transfer student. This is Idai. Can all of you welcome him to the class?"

The class said 'hello'. Idai was shy about all of the strange faces. He thought maybe things were looking up, like Gai said. Konoha seemed to be a nice place. A small girl with short brown hair shyly walked up to him. She conjured a daisy to grow from a small seed in her hand. Idai took it from her.

Kurenai smiled. "Idai, this is Gin Akimichi. She's interested in plants. She has a knack for using them in all sorts of ways."

"How do you do," Gin said so softly no one heard her, but Idai. He smiled at her. Gin fidgeted with her clothes.

"Hey, where are you from? We've never had a transfer student before," some girl asked. Everyone leaned over their desks to hear him.

"The sound village," Idai said softly. He saw all of the students move back as if he had fired a cannon. Only a few students were not bothered by it. Idai was told to take a spare seat. He walked up the steps to the top of the desks.

A boy turned towards him. "You're really from the sound village? Did they check you properly before you entered the village? I bet you're plotting to start war with us!"

"Huh? War?" Idai didn't understand.

"My father was attacked by sound-nin once. They took something from him on one of his missions. He came back shaking with fear. It was so bad they had to hospitalize him for a week," another boy said.

"I can't believe the Hokage let you in the village, much less, allow you to learn with us. Sound-nin are real scumbags. They're all selfish and mean," a girl said putting forth her comment.

Idai felt out -of-place. He swayed on his feet as all of the children around him heckled him. Kurenai had to quiet them down. He sat down as harsh gazes fell upon him.

Every move he made became difficult. The other children started to throw things at him, beat him up, talk harshly to him, and even play pranks on him. Due to how he now viewed himself, Idai became very withdrawn. He didn't attempt to learn with the others.

Kurenai held him back with Gin and a few others who were showing signs of weakness. Idai refused to take the Academy finals. He didn't care anything about serving the Hidden Leaf Village.

A new batch of students came in one spring. Idai heard they had been accepted to the Academy by the Hokage. Among them were Yanagi, Masaru, Kandai, Eiyu, Areku, Takeru, Daiya, and Saori. He avoided them. They weren't concerned with where he was from. He didn't have an interest in any of them until he overheard Yanagi talking to Saori one morning.

"He's from the Lightening Country. That's really far from here. I heard he lives in one of the single dorms. Daiya's quiet and so handsome," Yanagi said with a light-hearted giggle.

Saori waved at her. "If you're patient, Yanagi, you could become friends with him. He doesn't have any that I know of. He's hard to talk to. Uriko said he avoids eye contact with everyone. He's going to be a challenge."

Idai heard Yanagi whine. He's a foreigner like me. He's also alone like I am. Would he talk to me if I tried? Later, Idai got up the courage to approach Daiya outside after class. "Hi," he said. Daiya tensed and moved back. Idai felt a stab in his heart. "Are you acting that way because I'm from the sound village?"

Daiya lowered his head and gaze. He wasn't comfortable talking to those who were only curious. "I don't care where you're from. I don't know you," he said very lowly.

"Want to hang out," Idai asked trying to make friends with the difficult boy.

"I want to be left alone," Daiya said lowly. He walked away from Idai. He was in a strange village and he hated adults. His mind was in constant thought about the things his mother had done to him. Daiya was in no mood to get along with others.

Idai was shot down. He closed himself off after that. He became more distant. When he trained with the kids in class, his actions were slow. He was hit every time - in a way, to let everyone around him, punish him.

Until...

"I wish they'd get rid of the foreigners in the village. It was ridiculous when they let Idai in after Daiya. Now there's another one they picked up from somewhere else," a woman said to her friend as she let her toddler play in the grass.

Idai narrowed his eyes as he listened from a high branch. Another one? Daiya and I aren't the only foreigners? Idai listened more.

"I overheard one of the Inuzuka kids say his father's missions was delayed due to it. All I know is it's a girl with no home. They don't even know what country she's from," the woman continued in outrage. "She could be worthless like that Daiya brat. That kid throws tantrums with the trainers and defies all of the adults. No one can work with him!"

"Didn't something really badly happen to him to cause his current emotional state," the woman's younger friend asked.

"His mother was killed in a fire. It seems she abused him for some reason," the woman said waving it off. "Maybe it was because of his behavior. Kids these days act like we owe them everything!"

That's not true. Daiya is afraid. I've watched him in class. He backs away from Kurenai sensei. Idai gritted his teeth in anger as the woman made a further nasty comment.

"His mother should have done away with him," she said with her hands on her hips.

Idai unsheathed his swords. "No one deserves to die at the hands of another." He rotated his wrist. A force of wind blew through the trees with a moan. The women turned around. They took off running in a panic.

Idai vowed to protect Daiya with all of his ability from people like that. He saw things no one else did. Daiya was a very caring and concerned kid. He took on the job of shielding another person. He gasped as he felt someone put their hand on his shoulder. Idai looked up into dark eyes.

"Are you going to run from us until your legs give out," Yanagi asked. She smiled at him gently. "Don't be so surprised, Idai. Your my friend and Daiya's friend. We're going to chase you till the ends of the earth, if we have to."

"I'll only hurt you. I'm not normal," Idai said trying to make Yanagi understand what he was going through. He covered his head again, ashamed.

"Of course you're not normal," Yanagi said as she saw Idai tense. "If you were, we wouldn't like you as much as we do. You'd be as boring as Eiyu." That made Idai lift his head. "At least you move around and speak. I should buy you a gift for being my extra trainer. I run after you quite a bit."

"Why would you still want to be friends with someone who could hurt you," Idai said as he lifted his hand to touch her soft face. "I don't want you to dislike me. You should be chasing Daiya, not his friend," he said to where only she could hear him.

Yanagi blushed. Was she taking too much of an interest in Idai's welfare? "But I want to make sure you're alright."

Idai kissed the top of her head tenderly. "You led Daiya to me. He's been watching after me for a while. I'd rather you went back to the others. I'll be fine."

Yanagi glanced behind them. Daiya was watching them out of the corner of his eye. "If something happens, you'll tell me won't you?" Daiya stared at her. "You could at least answer me, Stormy."

"Who are you calling 'Stormy'," Daiya said as he walked to her. Yanagi stood up matching his serious gaze. "I don't take orders."

Yanagi pressed his nose in with her finger. "It wasn't an order, Daiya. I asked. However, it's rude to ignore others who are concerned. You're not the only one who cares." Yanagi walked back to the others as Idai asked her to.

"What in the hell was that about," Daiya asked as he looked at Idai.

Idai smiled. "She's like you more than you realize. Yanagi's protective, like you are. She knows when things bother me. You should get to know her better, Daiya. I promise she's worth it."

Saori stuck her tongue out as she attempted to French braid Gins' hair. It was her third attempt. "I've almost got it." Gin yelped. "Oh! Gin, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to pull that hard."

"Saori, you need to cross these over those," Ryu said pointing to Gin's hair. "It has to be tight, or it won't hold." Saori tried again. "Keep holding the strands, or it's going to fall." Saori stuck her tongue out again as she tried.

Takeru wrapped his arms around Onari's neck as he rested his chin on her head. She was sitting cross-legged in front of him. He yawned. "I wonder if they're alright."

"They are," Yanagi said as she came back. "Idai told me to come back." She was disappointed. Yanagi wondered why boys were secretive. They were worse than girls about certain things.

"We need to head back soon. My parents aren't the

easiest to fool," Takeru said as Saori clapped her hands. She had finally mastered the braid. Takeru turned to look at Ryu. "Ryu, how did you learn to French braid?"

Ryu tensed. He froze with his eye twitching. Suddenly, he pointed with his arm shaking. "Run! It's sensei!" They all turned around to look in that direction. Ryu took off away from the group.

Takeru whirled back around. "Ryu, he's not here! You

jerk!" Takeru chased after him.

"Ryu crazy boy," Onari said as she watched Ryu flail his arms and run goofily to avoid Takeru.

"Wow, this place is fantastic! I can hear myself echoing all over the cave," Idai said as he smiled happily at Daiya. "Hey, Daiya, can this be our secret?"

Onari pointed up at the shiny stuff on the walls and ceiling. "What is it?" She looked back at her brother.

"Quartz," Daiya said. Idai was doing cartwheels on the smooth floor. "Idai, you're going to slip. It is slick."

"Whoa, Daiya, I hear water." Idai leaned to his left until he fell over. He scurried to find it. "It's coming from back here!"

Daiya smirked at how happy Idai was. "Come on, Onari, before we lose him in here." They followed Idai in the dark. Soon they came to a creek inside the cave. It glistened with the quartz reflections from the walls and ceiling. "We're going to get lost."

"Not if we follow the creek back," Idai said. He tugged Daiya and Onari. "Let's find where it goes!"

Daiya held onto Idai's hand as he was led with Onari. He was majorily worried about his friend. He felt Idai squeeze his hand to reassure him he was fine. Daiya focused on the happy expression emitting from Idai. He let the images burn into his mind. He's slipping away from me. None of this seems real.

"I wonder what could be in the cave," Idai said as he found a small pond the creek ran from. "What if there's smuggling goods, or this is where cave people once dwelled." Idai went on and on.

Onari tilted her head. There was a large boulder near the wall that seemed to be moving up and down. She tugged Daiya who was trying to talk some sense into Idai. He ignored her.

"But what if this is where dragons come at night, or it's a portal into another world," Idai said rather excited. He bounced from one foot to the other. "It could be true."

"Bear," Onari said with her emotionless voice.

"Onari, you're just like Daiya. He doesn't have an imagination, either," Idai said as he crossed his arms, pouting. "I like my 'portal to another world' idea."

Daiya looked in the direction Onari made his head turn. "Idai, bear," he said. Idai snuffed him.

"Bear," they said in unison.

"I know bears live in caves!" Idai felt hot breath on his hand. His body tensed and shivered as a warm tongue licked him. Idai looked behind him. His eyes about shot out of his head. "BEAR!"

The three of them ran the course of the cave as the bear chased them. Daiya had Onari over his shoulder as Idai ran beside them. "You really need to pay attention more," he shot at Idai.

Onari analyzed the bear as her brother and best friend ran. "Bear. Ears. Leg. Paw. Tail. Fur. Teeth. Sharp teeth."

"Not now, Onari," Idai shouted as they ran out of the cave. The bear yawned as it turned around in place a few times before laying down. Idai breathed hard as they fell to the ground. He turned his head towards Daiya. Onari rolled over. He smiled goofily at him. "I love you,

Lightening Bug."

Daiya lightly blushed. Idai tackled him. "Idai!" Daiya bopped him as Idai blew a raspberry on his cheek. Onari started to crawl over them. She pushed Idai closer to Daiya. Daiya's eyes met his. He saw the unrelenting fear in Idai's eyes. His happy antics were all a ploy to hide everything going on inside of his head.

Idai saw Daiya's eyes soften as he stared at him. There was sadness in his friend's eyes. Daiya tried to say something, but the words wouldn't come out. He was afraid to voice what Idai already knew. They were really close. It showed in their actions.

"I'll always love you, Daiya," Idai said seriously. "You're my best friend. No matter what happens, or how we change, I'll always be bonded to you." Idai leaned into Daiya's lifted hand. He meant what he said. He cared for him greatly.

Onari dropped a pile of mushrooms near the two. "Onari find food!" She showed Idai the different colors of mushrooms. "Rainbow mushrooms!"

Idai grabbed her hands. "Onari, did you eat any of them?" She shook her head. "Some of those are poisonous." He unclipped his water bottle to wash her hands.

Onari watched Idai scrub her hands with a leaf. "No eat mushrooms? Onari wants them."

Daiya looked at the mushrooms. "Hold on, Onari. Which ones are bad, Idai?"

Idai turned his head to look at the pile. He pointed them out. "Kiba sensei teaches us to track and also about plants. Survival skills come into play when you're out in the middle of nowhere."

Daiya sorted through them. He handed her the good ones. Onari rubbed her cheek on the mushrooms. He petted her head. Daiya thought his sister was cute.

Sasuke closed his folder with a sigh. It was finally finished. His progress notes on Onari were ready for the Hokage to consider. He and Izumi had collected enough data on her to present her unusual case to Naruto. He hoped it was enough.

Izumi approached him with a tray. She set it down in front of him. "I made some snacks for you. You've been adding to that report all day." She sat down beside him. "Are you finished with it?"

"I'm not sure. If it's only our accounts about Onari, it may not persuade him to give her a chance," Sasuke said as he sipped the hot tea. "I wonder if the guys would consider adding to it?"

"I'm sure they would be glad to, if you ask them. Sasuke, why don't the children add to it, also? Not just Takeru and Daiya, but all of the ones on the teams? They've all came in contact with her. It might help the Hokage in his decision," Izumi said as she lifted the top off of the rice pot. She fixed him a bowl.

"It couldn't hurt. Everyone on the teams has had contact with her on the trip," he said as he lifted the chopsticks to his mouth. "What did you add to the rice?"

"Ginger," Izumi said. "It gives it a nice flavor." She reached over to massage his shoulders. Izumi laughed as he relaxed.

Sasuke leaned into her. "Lower, he said as she massaged his back. He kissed her cheek tenderly. Sasuke heard commotion as Izumi kissed him back. His head fell forward. "They're back sooner than I anticipated. I wonder what's going on."

Onari ran into the room. She dumped a pile of mushrooms right in his face. "Sasuke, Onari find mushrooms. Cook, jes?"

"You found a lot of them. Izumi can show you how to sauté' them," he said as Onari tilted her head. "It means you can cook them, Firebird."

"Daiya, Onari cook mushrooms! Sasuke say Onari can!" She scooped them up quickly - only to take off running to the kitchen.

"I'm not eating those things. I hate mushrooms," Daiya said from down the hall. He objected to it outright.

"So much for alone time," Sasuke said. His face was turned by Izumi's tender hand. He blushed as her nose touched his.

"They can wait a moment. I need my time, too," Izumi said as she French kissed him delicately. She felt him lean into her more.

"Ew, my parents are kissing," Takeru said as he went back to the kitchen. Forget about seeing what his mom was doing. He had to make sure Onari didn't mess with anything in the kitchen.

Sasuke smirked. "Wait until he figures out how he got here. That'll really get to him."

"Shh, Sasuke," Izumi said as she put her finger on his lips. "He might hear that. It's sad I can't give you any more children," she said softly, her mind suddenly focused on it. "I had wanted to."

Sasuke cupped her pale face in his hands. "Izumi, there's nothing you can do about that. Takeru has Daiya and Onari now. He's not alone anymore. They create memories together, so it's fine."

Izumi smiled at him sadly. "I guess you're right. Sasuke, should we officially adopt Daiya?"

Sasuke slapped his forehead as he heard Takeru and Daiya argue over who was watching Onari properly. "Speak of the devil. We'll see. They already fight like brothers." Izumi got up to attend to the matter.

Takeru tackled Daiya into the large tub. They splashed into the water. Takeru came up shaking his head free of water as Daiya coughed. Daiya glared at him for the sudden surprise.

Sasuke opened the Shoji screen that separated the large tub from the shower area. "Guys, what was that noise?" He looked from one to the other.

"Takeru tackled me," Daiya said angrily.

Sasuke saw Takeru look at him with a playful glint in his eye. "Takeru, don't horseplay in here. You could have hurt him." Takeru smirked as he looked back at Daiya. "Takeru Uchiha."

Takeru flipped his head around to look at his father. He was trying to hide his mood, but his dad saw right through him. "Hmm?"

"No playing in here. I've never joked with you concerning things like this. Both of you are to bathe and get out." He shut the screen with a clack.

Daiya watched Takeru move slowly toward him with

an evil grin. He sent a wave of water at the boy to ward him off. "You stay over there!" He pointed to the side of the tub he wanted Takeru to remain on. Takeru shook his head free of the water.

Idai wandered the darkened streets of Konoha. He found himself absentmindedly following the moon as he walked. Idai's mind was on everything and nothing at all. The nagging presence in the back of his mind begged to come out. It pushed at the corners of his mind. "Shut up. You're getting me in trouble," he told it. He wanted it to leave, but he knew it wasn't going to. Idai put his hands on his head to press the sides. He felt if he could hold his head onto his shoulders, that the world around him wouldn't be spinning out of control. The stars and moon in his vision started to swirl, making him dizzy. He opened his mouth to scream into the night as the person he was became tangled with the monster inside of him.

Idai fell to the ground, his eyes staring straight ahead. He could see a black shadow with white eyes and evil smile in front of him. It tormented him by swaying left and right, letting him see that it was closer to taking over. You can't fight me for long, boy. I will have you body and your soul to feed off of. I will become you. And when I have your form, I will use it to my advantage.

The fear in his eyes shown with bright lights as the figure continued to dance. Idai's hands shook as he thought about all of the ones around him. He didn't want the monster he heard and saw to devour his friends. Idai didn't know what he could do. He was afraid the evil presence would destroy his friendship with Daiya. Idai whimpered as he tried to get his body to move.

The shadowy figure smiled more. Oh, you want to get up? How silly of me to keep you where I can watch you. The strongest around you won't be able to stop me. You're just a boy. Fear me, Idai. Fear me and let me out! I long to have the blood of others smeared over the foundations they stand on!

"N-No... D-Dad... K-Kiba sensei... S-Some-body... help me!" Idai's eyes darkened as the figure lunged for him. It's form blanketed around him, seeping into every aspect of his being.