V6 ch 5

The Past Unlocked

Saori leaned against the railing as she threw pebbles into the water. She glanced up at the sky. Why did he ask me to wait here if he was not going to show? Another pebble plunked into the water. Saori continued to wait. She had been sitting for so long that the sounds of the water flowing in front of her were starting to get to her. Her eyes were starting to feel heavy as she stared at the surface of the water. Soon she fell asleep with her head propped up on the palm of her hand.

Ryu ran to the river where he often met Saori near the hospital. He was in a big trouble, he knew. If she were still waiting for him, he would be surprised. Ryu saw her still sitting in the same spot. He breathed hard as he placed his hands on his knees. "Saori, hey, I'm sorry for being late." He tilted his head, as there was no response. "Saori?" Ryu approached her slowly. Oh, she fell asleep. That is cute.

Saori felt someone running his or her fingers up her back. She opened her eyes. Saori sleepily looked up into a masked face with red eyes. "Ryu, why were you so late?"

"Sorry, sensei needed me this morning. He came over with Onari." He smiled at her apologetically. "I didn't mean to be delayed."

Saori rubbed her eyes. "I guess since your level was demoted, you have to do what Sasuke sensei says. " She watched Ryu hang his head. "I hit the nail on the head huh?"

Ryu sweat dropped. "You didn't have to be so direct, Saori. However, you are correct and incorrect." He held his finger up. "Sasuke wants me to go with Onari on her first mission when she gets cleared with the Hokage."

"When she gets cleared? She's not even on a team yet," Saori said as she stood up. She stretched her back and bent it in all sorts of directions until it popped.

"No, but he thinks she'll pass the trials with flying colors. They are just a milestone, after all. As fast as she has become, it is only a matter of time. Still, I wonder whose team she will go to," Ryu said pondering. "Onari's a bit hardheaded. She is too much like Daiya. Neither of them fully listens to anyone."

"Are you referring to the fact that she seriously only listens to Sasuke sensei's directions? That might be a bit of a problem," Saori said. "He's an adult and knows how to handle her. Nevertheless, no one else can. Wait, Ryu, what kind of mission is he setting up for her?"

Ryu looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "Trail mission. No level ranking. Meaning, not genin level and not Chuunin. Somewhere in between to determine which way she falls."

"I suppose that'll determine how she's trained. Why is she training so hard? It can't be just to be on a team like Daiya or Takeru."

"No, there's an underlying reason. Whatever it is, it is personal. She trains as if she is expecting something, Saori. Her eyes are intense and focused. Onari is trying to do too much. Her body is constantly moving and I believe, she's going to burn herself out," Ryu said. "I don't understand how she can hold up."

"Ryu, what else did Sasuke want?" Saori knew there had to be something else. There was always something else with Sasuke. Ryu was concerned about their new friend and alley. It would not have taken all morning for a quick visit.

"He asked me to show her what Genjutsu is. Right now, Onari is only familiar with Taijutsu. Her Ninjutsu is picking up, though. Takeru's mother trains her strictly on offensive taijutsu. Kandai and Eiyu's father trains her on defensive taijutsu."

"What does Sasuke sensei teach her? He trains her freely, doesn't he?" Saori saw Ryu get a sly expression on his face.

"Sensei is her opponent. He teaches her to avoid – becoming faster in her movements. Moreover, Onari is hotheaded. She can't stand to lose," Ryu said with the sly expression still on his face under the mask.

Onari breathed hard as she kept blocking Sasuke's moves. He was a hell of a lot quicker than she was. She suspected he had trained at a younger age and his techniques had improved over the years largely. Onari was wearing down, and he knew it. One of her arms slipped and Sasuke got her. Onari whimpered as his blow hit her right shoulder.

Sasuke stopped. He could see the girl's legs shaking from fatigue. He had to hand it to her. She was really pushing herself. "Onari, are you alright?" She did not move. Sasuke watched as her legs buckled. He went to her. "You're pushing yourself too much. What reason is behind it?"

"On…ari…fi-ght," she said as she breathed hard. "On..ari… pro-tect Sa-suke and…Iz-umi." She swallowed. Her mouth was dry from all of the training.

Sasuke moved Onari's shirt aside. He had hit her at a moderate force. Her shoulder was bruised, but not broken. He furrowed his brows. That was a direct hit. It was enough to shatter her bones. "Training's over for the time being. We need to tend to your shoulder."

"Onari fight, Sasuke. Onari defend," she said trying to get him to reconsider. She had to catch up. Onari had to prepare for the worst.

Sasuke lifted her chin. His dark eyes met hers. "I'm not going to train you until you drop. That is not how it works. Nothing is learned that way. Why are you so concerned about Izumi and my welfare?"

"Sasuke take Onari from village. Man angry. Man wants Onari," she said as she saw the face in her mind that she remembered from long ago.

"What man? Who are you preparing to go up against, Onari?" Sasuke watched her shake her head. Her understanding was a problem. "What man are you fighting?" She still shook her head at him. "You don't understand, or you don't want to tell me?"

"Onari understand Sasuke. Onari afraid name of man," she said. If the name were spread, it would empower it. Knowing the name of an enemy was cause for the recognition of what was bound to happen. She was not ready to accept defeat.

"Firebird, do you think Izumi and I won't protect if something happens? You have been with us for almost a year. Izumi and I look at you as a daughter," Sasuke said as he crouched. "I know you're trying as hard as you can. Your effort really shows. However, you are still a kid. We are the adults, Onari. Our job is to protect you, Takeru, and Daiya from harm."

Onari refused to adhere to Sasuke's curiosity about her past. Living in a world of fear was not an option for her. She had seen Idai and Daiya deal with their own torments on their own terms. Onari was not going to give in to it because she was a girl.

Sasuke knew now that Onari was not going to tell him anything further. She wanted to protect herself. He figured whatever pas she came from, had influenced her to be stronger. "I don't know what you're hiding, but we're not going anywhere. Our home is filled with orphans, Onari. Don't assume Izumi and I don't know how you feel." He stood up. "We better put some ice on your shoulder." He led her inside.

Onari lay on the futon looking out at the garden from her room. Sasuke had struck her hard enough to cause major pain to her shoulder. She dared not move it. A white bird zoomed through the garden. Her eyes followed its route with ease as it flew. Birds. I remember paper birds. My mother used to make them when I was afraid.

Urea sat on the wooden floor with her daughter as she watched her lover, Sashizo, mix ingredients into a wooden bowl. He started to grind them and mix them together. Urea's dark, mysterious eyes noted how deeply troubled he was. He daughter crawled over to the bowl to peer inside of it.

Sashizo reached up to touch his daughter's nose with the tip of his index finger. "That's not for you, small one." He leaned down to kiss his daughter on the cheek. She was the most precious gift he had ever received. Sashizo lifted her up into the air. He looked up at her. "One day, we'll stop running from your uncle. In addition, when we do that, your mother and I will properly spoil you, as you deserve. When that happens, we can give you a name."

Urea patted the floor to get his attention. She brought her hands up to move in gestures, in order to communicate with him. Is it all right not to name her? We cannot have her live in fear of who she is.

Sashizo sat their daughter in his lap. She was a curious four-year-old that had his hair and face. Her attitude and how she approached things, was exactly the way her mother did. She was her mother all over. "Urea, I know it's wrong to not name her, but if Gekido finds her, he'll kill her. She will inherit the phoenix I possess when I die. I have no desire to rule the Lightening country for our clan. And because of that, Gekido wants the opportunity. He is power hungry. I cannot let him touch either of you."

Urea looked at Sashizo sadly. If we had not of fallen for each other, our daughter would not have to live a hermit's life. She cannot remain living in the dark, Sashizo. I cannot each her properly. Her language is being affected. It is incorrect at her age. She needs friends.

Sashizo reached over to squeeze his lover's hand. "I know. Nevertheless, we have to be cautious about being seen. Gekido has sought out the lightening users and made an alliance with them. It is getting serious, Urea. They are scouting for us now. We leave tonight. No one will know we were here. I will finish this soon. It will erase the memories of those that have met us. We cannot chance it. As always, I want you and our daughter to leave first. I'll follow soon after."

Urea folded a paper bird to keep her daughter occupied while Sashizo slipped out of the room. Once the bird was folded, she handed it to her. Urea draped herself in a black robe that covered her from head to toe. Her daughter studied the bird as she was picked up. Time to go.

"Mama, daddy go," the girl asked. Her mother draped her robe around her as she tried to conceal her daughter. Urea leapt out of the second floor window into the dark night.

Urea moved quickly through the black forest until she was able to risk stopping. As she perched a top a branch, she scanned the area around her. Her dark eyes looked back at the inn where they had stayed. Sashizo would follow once the coast was clear. He did not dare lead anyone to Urea and his or her daughter. She looked down at the girl. Urea stoked her cheek fondly. We will not let Gekido harm you.

Sashizo watched Urea form hand seals. The love of his life entertained their daughter with tiny birds that glowed with white light. The child followed their movements as the birds soared, dipped, and flew about the room. Her curiosity was one he wished to set free. Right now, the three of them were chained to a solitary life.

Sashizo wondered how long they could keep running. His daughter was now seven-years-old. She was turning into a precious little girl whose soul was on fire with the world around her. His heart sunk as the realization of her future, was uncertain. Would he be around to see her play with other children? Or go on a first date? Sashizo knew the answer. His time was limited. He had to prepare for her survival.

He and Urea were not capable of defeating an army against them, or to cheat death. He settled with the fact that he had to look forward to a battle with Gekido. "Urea, starting tomorrow, we perform the rites of passage." She caught his eye. Urea was afraid to perform such a painful thing to their daughter. "We have given her access to the four celestials. They can protect her if we are unable to."

Urea felt a stab in her heart. The rites of passage were not for the faint of heart. It involved pain of the greatest depths. Sacred tattoos were cut into the skin for hours until the individual was led to the higher gate. Their daughter was too young to endure such a thing. She was too young to understand a war between two adults of power. I do not agree with this, Sashizo.

Sashizo watched their daughter catch one of the birds. The bird stayed in her clasp hands as she peeked through her fingers. He loved how curious and straightforward she was. Sashizo saw her let it go. The bird of light flapped its wings until it perched upon her finger. His daughter reached her small hand towards it. She is petting it. The bird soon flew off leaving a lighted trail, which faded away. His daughter turned her head to smile at him. "We won't perform the rites out of fear, Urea. We have to protect her smile. I won't have him take that from her," Sashizo said with loyalty for his child.

Onari felt someone stroking her hair with adoration. She opened her eyes to see Takeru watching her. Her shoulder felt as stiff as a rusty hinge. Onari tried to reach up to him. Her shoulder demanded attention instead. She gritted her teeth at the pain.

Takeru's concerned gaze went to her shoulder. He moved her collar aside to have a look at it. Dad hit her all right. It is all bruised, for sure. Takeru took his hand away. He leaned over to kiss her temple. "I love you, Ri. I'll get some ice," he said softly.

Onari had to avenge her family. She had only seen Gekido once – on the day he tore apart her family and she would never forget it. His cold eyes were etched into the back of her heart – along with a terrible past. Takeru came back with the ice. He placed it on her shoulder. Onari looked at him seriously. "Takeru, fight Onari."

"Sorry, you're out of commission for a little while, Ri. Doctor Takeru's orders," he said with a light smile. He kissed her forehead.

"Takeru, fight Onari," she demanded stubbornly.

"No," Takeru said softly. He kissed her on the lips. As she spoke again, he kissed her to quiet her. "No. No. No," he said with a final peck on the lips. "I don't know what to do with you. Ryu's an underachiever and you're an overachiever."

Saori Nara leaned happily against Ryu's shoulder as they watched fireflies twinkle through the grass. Ryu had taken her out to a nice quiet stand to eat. She brought her arm around to interlace her fingers with his.

Ryu touched his vest, thinking. Should I give it to her now? There is a three-year difference in our ages. She might not feel the same way I do. Ryu felt in his heart Saori was the one for him. He had expressed himself at the OtoMori festival in front of a large crowd. Was Saori capable of understanding how much he cared for her? Or did she think of all of his efforts as a sweet gesture? He wanted to give it to her. It had taken him countless hours of concentration to perfect it.

Saori watched a trail of fireflies follow each other. "Ryu, lets see how many of them we can catch," she said happily. "Fireflies are good luck!"

Ryu glanced at her. It was a childish game. Maybe Saori is too young to understand how I feel. He moved his hand away from his vest. Ryu realized he was Saori's first boyfriend. He thought he was kidding himself regarding their relationship. First boyfriends were firsts among a long line of others. It is a joke to assume I will be the only one for her. What am I thinking?

Saori tilted her head. "Ryu? What's wrong?" He looked as if his heart was breaking. She touched his cheek. "Ryu? Is something bothering you?"

"Only life's realizations," he said softly. "It's not important." He wanted to end the stinging feeling he felt in his chest. It was better to forget what was going to end one day, right?

Saori forced him to look at her. Her blue eyes checked him over. There was heavy sadness in the center of his eyes; the window to his soul. She kissed him tenderly through his mask. Ryu was holding himself back from enjoying it. "Are you afraid you'll get attached to me?" Ryu closed his eyes to keep her from seeing the answer that she already knew. "I'm already attached to you, Ryu. It is not easy to get rid of a Nara. Don't you remember what happened earlier this year?"

Ryu opened his eyes and smirked. He had met her when she wandered the streets of Konoha. He had been hiding to avoid others and she was trying to forget her troubles. "Yeah, I do. I… care about you a lot, Saori. I do not know if what we have is a crush, or a real genuine relationship. From my side, it's real."

Saori pulled his facemask down. "When you're worried, you bit your top lip." She ran her thumb across his lips. "A crush is when you like someone for their looks, or how sweet they come off. I never saw your face before, Ryu. And as for the sweet factor, you weren't exactly top-of-the-line in that category." She smiled at him. "I care about you more than you know. You are always on my mind and in my heart. Don't ever forget that." Saori kissed him so passionately, that she felt Ryu become tense for a few seconds. However, he soon responded to her.

Ryu cupped Saori's face in his hands as he felt her soft lips meet his repeatedly. He leaned towards her to pull her against him. Ryu rubbed her cheeks as he parted the kiss. His read eyes looked at her in order to understand her feelings correctly. "Saori, I… I-I-," he stuttered. Could he tell her the truth? Ryu's fear finally surfaced. "I have something for you."

"You have something for me?" Saori watched him lift the flap on his vest. Ryu pulled out a scroll and handed it to her. She looked at it. "Isn't this what we won from the festival?"

"Yes, but there's something in it." Ryu quickly placed his hand on hers to stop her from opening it. "It's a gift, Saori, but I only want you to open it when you need sanctuary."

"Sanctuary from what?" What was in the scroll? She turned it around in her hand. Normally, scrolls carried weapons or had jutsus in them to warp the minds of enemies. Saori wondered about Ryu's training. Was he able to use his genjutsu better than before? "Why won't you tell me what's in here?"

Ryu kissed her cheek softly as he held her. "I only want you to find out what it is when you feel like you have no place else to go. I want to be that place."

Saori hugged him as hard as she could. She felt that every day with Ryu made her get closer to his soul. She had his heart, but to truly appreciate him, she wanted to bond with him. Saori Nara did not intend to give him up to anyone.

Onari sat on her bare rear in the Uchiha bathing area. She stared at the water. It was still. Her yellow eyes looked over it as if it were a monster going to strike her. Izumi was busy helping Sasuke train Takeru and Daiya outside. Daiya was doing a lot better at getting his electrical charges under control. Izumi was actually monitoring him without him noticing.

Onari's mind flashed with a terrible memory that traumatized her when she was younger. Her fear of water was the reason for it. She would not get in the tub alone. Normally, she only took a shower. Onari knew she was alone in the bathing area. However, she half-expected the one she feared to surface out of the water.

Sashizo panted as he waited in the cave with Urea and their nine-year-old daughter. They had fled a nearby village due to a fire. Sashizo did not believe it was caused by an accident or nature. He held his daughter tightly to him as they waited. He was afraid for her. Gekido was on the move with the clan of the lower branch. The lower clan was following his orders. His yellow eyes searched the dark as Urea remained on guard with her weapons drawn. She would protect their daughter with her life, as he would.

Urea scanned the area. There was no movement. The only sounds heard throughout the forest were crickets chirping. She signaled Sashizo. Go! He stared at her. Go, Sashizo! My job is to protect our daughter. They are on to us!

"I can't leave you to Kakumei and his clan! It's suicide, Urea!" Sashizo clutched their daughter. She was unaware of what was occurring around her.

Urea walked to him. She kneeled to look into their daughter's eyes. There is nothing greater that I wish to give you than freedom, my daughter. I want you to run free and fly as the birds do through the skies. No one has the right to take that from you. Remember me as I am now. She stood to touch Sashizo's face tenderly. I love you with all that I am, Lord Sashizo. I remain as your protector and lover until the moment I die. I am sorry to say 'farewell' at this point.

Sashizo brought his arm around to hook behind Urea. He kissed her gently as he felt his heart breaking. "I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, Urea." He furrowed his brows, angry at their forbidden love and bond to each other. "If not in life, than in death. He will not claim her! I promise you this!"

Their daughter watched as the sky started to flash with lightening. The electricity was being shot from the ground up into the heavens. She saw her mother turn her head quickly to regard it. Her mother staggered on her feet. Urea turned to look at her daughter bravely. "Mommy, be careful."

Urea blew a kiss to her daughter. I will my daughter. Now you must be strong for Sashizo. Smile and laugh for me. Urea sped off. She formed hand seals quickly as a flash of lightening came at her. She brought up her tiger fork to block it.

As several men came at her, Urea bit her thumb. She smeared the blood across her wrist. The men threw kunai at her as a large snow-white dragon reared its long body out of the earth. Urea commanded her to destroy them.

Kakumei stood as a threatening figure with his men. He glanced at his Lord. "Orders, my Lord?" He was ready to fight for the take down of Urea, the assassin who abandoned her post and Sashizo, the elder brother who defiled his clan.

Gekido's dark eyes stared at the celestial dragon. He was fuming. His black hair hung over his shoulders and back as a frown appeared on his face. "That disrespectful brother gave her the link to a celestial. Kill her! Whatever it takes! Rip her away from any connection to my house," he shouted with rage.

Kakumei smiled wickedly. "With pleasure, Lord Gekido." He shot a huge lightening flash into the air as his body surged with power "Take her and the beast out!" His men swarmed Urea and the celestial dragon.

Urea fought with all of her strength against Gekido's army. She threw kunai as the dragon snapped a few in half. Yet, as her battle with them was fueled by her desire to protect her child, the heavens overhead erupted with electrical charges. They were charging to annihilate her. As a last attempt to keep Gekido from having access to her daughter, she commanded the dragon to vanish. The snow-white dragon shot into the heaves with a cry of defeat.

Urea watched the form of the dragon shine with light as it soared above the earth. Be free, Uso. Wait for my daughter. Her head went back as she felt a surge of pain shoot through her. A gaping black hole was where her chest used to be. Urea, the assassin from the Lightening Country, fell to the ground lifeless.

Kakumei and his men approached the young woman who had managed to swoon the shift of power. He placed his foot on her head to crush her skull into the ground. He spit upon her. "A tragic end for a useless effort."

Sashizo's tears fell to the wind as he ran and leapt through the trees. The echo of Uso's defeat rang in his ears. Urea, the love of his life, was gone. He had to defend their daughter alone now. The girl was quiet, her dark eyes staring at the darkness around them. He did not know how much time he had left with her. Gekido's strength was great when it came to controlling others.

Sashizo breathed hard as he stopped upon a mountain. There was a village not far from their location. He kneeled to set his daughter on the ground. He touched her face gently. "We are running out of placed to hide, small one. High in these mountains, there is a village where snow falls year round. Gekido cannot order his army to follow there. The weather is too cold for them to emit their electrical charges. It will be to our advantage."

Sashizo kissed his daughter on the top of her head with love and affection. "I care for you as the sky that holds the stars. I will protect you until my last breath. We wanted to name you, Tanaji, - you are our free spirit, little one, but a name for you will have to wait. I do not want to be the one to give it."

Sashizo and his daughter made refuge at the snow village. He hid his appearance and hears by wearing long robes with hoods. When her father spoke to anyone, he kept his eyes downcast. His eyes were a dead give away of who he was and the power he held.

Onari remembered how her father stopped running. He spent his last few weeks with her acting like the best dad in the world. He played with her and bought her anything that would make her smile. Sashizo slept lightly as she clung to him under his protective arm.

One morning, as she awoke, a man with dark hair looming over his shoulders and down his back stood in the small hut. Her father stood with strength and elegance. Gekido, her father's brother, demanded Sashizo to kill her. He narrowed his eyes and fought her uncle. It scared Onari so badly to see them attacking each other at full force that she hid. Sashizo's strength was great in his arms and legs, but so was Gekido's. They were equally matched.

They were of the same heritage and thus, their punches and kicks were not causing harm to the other. Onari had inherited her father's same strength. Like Urea, her form was light-weighted. Sashizo struck Gekido in the side with a kunai before he round house kicked him to the ground. It only made Gekido angrier. The younger brother wrapped a razor-cutting whip around her father's neck to strangle him.

Gekido's eyes foretold destruction and malice as her father gasped for air. Her father made a last attempt to defy him. Sashizo's hands moved rapidly as he formed hand seals. The sequence was so fast, that Onari had trouble seeing it. Strange symbols formed upon the floor around him. Onari could not hear the scared words he uttered in his last breath. The symbols upon the floor snaked their way towards her.

Gekido yelled in outrage as Onari's eyes changed color. The girl's eyes became like her father's. Her body tensed as the symbols moved up her legs. She was covered in sacred markings. The symbols glowed and dimmed as they faded into her skin.

Gekido came at her. He wrapped his strong fingers around her throat. Onari saw the hatred in his eyes before he forced her down the barrel of water outside. The water was chilling to the bone. She struggled to break free, but she was no match for his strength. Onari's air left her as she blacked out.

Onari awoke to being on the snow-covered ground wet and afraid. There was a large red bird as big as a two-story building looming overhead. His eyes were the same as hers. She sat upon her rear, head back, to stare into his familiar eyes. Fire licked up its legs and wings. Gekido was nowhere to be found.

Onari pointed up at the bird. "Akaihi," she said giving the creature the name of its most admirable features. Red fire. The phoenix puffed its feathers out at her as it cooed sweetly.

Onari was an orphan now. Her parents had died protecting her. The snow started to fall from the sky. Akaihi shifted its feet as it sat down. She watched the snow sizzle upon its wings and head. Onari reached up with a radiating smile as she touched its beak. Akaihi would protect her from now on.

Onari felt a tear escape her eye as she stared at the water. She heard the door open to the bathing area. Her yellow eyes looked at Izumi. The woman had a towel wrapped around her body with her white hair up in a ponytail.

Izumi smiled at her. "Hey, I was looking for you. Onari, what's wrong?" Izumi shut the screen behind her. "You don't usually bathe by yourself." She sat down next to her. Izumi turned her chin towards her. "Onari, what's brothering you?"

"Izumi will tell Sasuke Onari say," she said not wanting to get anyone else involved.

"Is it something he needs to know?" Izumi watched her turn away as if dismissing the matter. She wondered what went on in Onari's head. The girl only interacted when someone made her. Despite her living in the house, Onari was far away.

"No," Onari answered with a hollow voice. She did not know what was in store for her. She did not want to hurt anyone. Izumi, Sasuke, and Neji were doing all they could to teach her what they knew.

"Onari, you know, I am aware that you're preparing for something. I don't know what it is, so you're still safe for the time being." Onari glanced at her. "But what I do know is you can't stop living for yourself. You have to still be a kid. I notice you are always alone, Onari, unless you're following Takeru, or Daiya." Izumi leaned forward to softly smile at her. "If you're going to protect anyone, I'd suggest letting them envelope themselves around you. Or you end up fighting on a foundation that has no meaning."

Onari stared at her for a moment. "Izumi sound like brother Neji." Yet, perhaps what she said held some truth to it. Sashizo and Urea did not stop loving her, or being her parents. They went down fighting until the end of their existence. "Izumi, get in water with Onari?"

Izumi moved Onari's long hair out of her face. "Sure, kiddo." They sat in the water soaking, staring up at the lights. "Your shoulder looks better. Amazing since Sasuke hit you only a few hours ago."

"How Daiya," Onari asked wondering suddenly about her brother's progress.

"He's getting better at how far he can shoot his charges." Izumi saw her confusion. "Oh, Sasuke has him aiming his electrical currents at a few cans in the back. By hitting certain ones, he is letting Sasuke know how far he can hit his charges. The cans are also acting as markers to help with the power surges."

Onari nodded slowly as she lifted her hand out of the water. The water dripped back into the tub. She examined herself by turning her hand over. Was she really the same as everyone else? "Izumi, Daiya like Onari no matter what?"

"Hmm? That is an unusual question for you to ask. He promised to be your brother, didn't he? Brothers are for life, Onari. Daiya is kind of like Takeru." She saw the disbelief on the girl's face. "Not in attitude," she found herself correcting. "That's highly unlikely. I mean in the way he feels. Daiya is very true to whom he is and how he perceives others. He is nonjudgmental. Is there any reason for him to dislike you?"

Onari stared back at the water. "Onari no know, Izumi." She was not sure if it was something

She wanted Daiya to find out. It might separate them forever.

Takeru rubbed his butt as he whimpered. He looked back at Daiya who was cautiously watching him. Their father was standing behind Daiya with his arms tightly around the boy. Takeru turned his head to see his mother and Onari walking down the hall.

"Takeru, you're alright. He didn't do it intentionally," Sasuke said. He looked at his wife. "Daiya had a short power surge."

"Daiya, it's okay. We are not mad at you. It's not like you can help it anyway," Izumi said as she saw the hurt expression on his face.

"Daiya fry Takeru butt," Onari said as she looked seriously at where Takeru was rubbing.

"I can't help it! It happens to me! I can't control it," Daiya shouted defensively. He felt his body powering again. Electrical currents flashed throughout his body. Sasuke let go as the power shot out towards the floor. Daiya saw Izumi, Takeru, and even Onari duck. He bit his lower lip.

"Can we put him in a freezer? That'll cool him off," Takeru said as he stood back up. He winced as Onari hit him.

"Takeru, that's not funny. It would affect his kekkegenkai. Your butt isn't burnt that badly," Izumi countered. She could tell Daiya was afraid to move. To ease his worries, Izumi walked over to him and brought him closer to her form. "It looks as if you're going to be a strong lightening user. Sasuke will have to design you a new outfit soon." She smiled at him.

Onari realized that one day, Daiya would be as strong as his clan would. His electrical charges were going to become more threatening as he aged. However, his abilities were being controlled and directed in the right ways. Sasuke worked with him diligently throughout the day. She watched Daiya puff his chest out at Takeru. Takeru moved on his feet trying to avoid being grabbed by his new brother.

Everything was happening so distantly, from where she was mentally. Onari had to protect their innocence and their lives. Gekido had not only ruined her life, but also Daiya's, in a way. He was deprived of knowing where he came from because of it. He was seen as an abomination, as she was. Would he still accept her when she purposely held information out of his grasp?

Onari sat on the roof of the house with her head back. Her yellow bird like eyes scanned the sky for truth and reason. All she could see was the celestial heavens above her.

Daiya sat down next to her. He turned his head to look at her before he, too, stared up at the sky. Onari was his sister. He wanted her to remain so. They were both from the same country and that is what made him bonded to her. He realized Onari stayed away from the Uchihas if she was not training. He felt there was a reason behind it all. Daiya brought his arms around her back to pull her towards him.

Onari laid her head on his shoulder as her eyes searched the sky constantly. She wanted to believe life did not have to end for her. Should her main focus be revenge for her parents? Or to protect those she cherished? Onari closed her eyes as Daiya laid his head against hers.

"I don't know what your world was like before Sasuke found you. However, if it was anything like mine, than we are in a better place, Onari. Izumi and Sasuke do not hesitate to take care of us, or scold us. They treat us as if we are theirs. I don't want to keep swimming after a boat with strong sails," he said softly as she turned her head to look at him.

"You've been on your own course for the longest time. I want to be as close to you as I can be. I want to fight beside you – not after you." His gray eyes softened. "You aren't aware of how you help me fight my own fears. When I have attacks, you are there singing to me. When I am teased, you are there defending me. I even caught on to how you watch everyone like a hawk who gets too close to me." He saw Onari's face display sadness for a few seconds. She turned away from him. "Why won't you let me see who you are?"

"Onari not weak. Onari have to protect Daiya from-," she cut her words off. Her head fell forwards.

"Protect me from what?"

"Onari," she said. "Onari protect Daiya from Onari." She felt him put his hand on her cheek. Onari looked into his eyes.

"Why would you be a threat to me?" He caught on to what her facial expressions where telling him. Her mind was quick. No one knew for sure how much she knew. Onari hid her intelligence on purpose. "This has something to do with my surname, doesn't it? You're afraid of me?"

"Onari not afraid of Daiya. Onari afraid Daiya not brother no more." She gasped as he grabbed her hard.

"I don't know what's going on, or why you'd think that. You know how we are connected. You will not tell me. You're my sister through thick and thin, Firebird," he said using Sasuke's pet name for her.

"Onari father, Sashizo was high in clan. Sashizo was important. Eimino obey Sashizo clan. Sashizo was Lord of Lightening Country. Onari mother Urea was assassin for Ge-Gekido. Gekido try order death on Sashizo. Urea no listen to orders. Urea tell Sashizo. Sashizo leave with Urea. Urea and Sashizo had Onari. Onari father and mother flee from Eimino for a long time. Urea die by Eimino clan. Sashizo die by Gekido. Onari love Daiya. Daiya is Eimino, but not real Eimino."

"My… clan killed your parents for going against this Gekido person? You have one thing wrong, Onari. I have no allegiance to the Lightening Country. They abandoned me. Whereas, the Fire Country has not. My allegiance is to my family – those that are there for me. This includes you. I do not follow orders. I do as I like. I will protect you." He watched her look up at him again. "The real enemy is Gekido, isn't it? He's destroyed both of our lives." Daiya held his hand out to her. "But despite what he's done, maybe we can make a better one for ourselves."

Onari took his hand. She interlaced her fingers with his. She laid her cheek on his collarbone. "Daiya, no tell Sasuke. Sasuke done too much. Gekido hurt Sasuke and Izumi."

"I don't like knowing something they need to be aware of. If they worry about us, shouldn't they know? This person is after you, isn't he?" Daiya was not born yesterday. Being on Sasuke's team had guaranteed that he be smarter with each training session.

"Gekido no know where Onari. Sasuke gave Onari name. Gekido no know name. Onari fight for Sashizo and Urea. They no deserve die."

Daiya softly raked his fingers on the side of her head. He stared at the landscape below as he thought. It bothered him to keep something from his new parents; however, he would do as Onari asked. Her trust and faith in him was also important.

Onari sat on the steps off the Hyuga compound. She petted Eiyu and Kandai's new cat, Koeda. He was a pretty cat with a white body marked with light and dark gray spots. She ran her fingers through his fur as he purred. Her mind was on her brother. The sincerity in his voice made her realize many things. Daiya was not like his clan. He had been raised away from them and had not been prone to their way of life. She closed her eyes.

Eiyu sat beside her quietly. Onari was deep in thought. He wished he was able to penetrate her mind, but she kept it heavily guarded. What she knew, no one could tell. Her dreams and her past life were all hidden from everyone. They had not learned anymore about her since she was brought back to Konoha. All he knew when he watched her was that she was fast – very fast. Onari picked up things visually like no other person he had seen.

Eiyu moved his hand slowly to glide across Koeda's back. His fingers felt the soft hairs of the cat before he found Onari's rough fingers soaked in the white fur. Eiyu wanted to make himself known. They had been training together for almost a year. Was it unnatural for him to feel this way about a sparring partner?

Onari slowly opened her eyes. She glanced at Eiyu. He smiled at her softly. Onari's heart raced. Eiyu was moving closer to her. Unlike Takeru, he was older. The Hyuga twin bent his head to his right in order to kiss her sweetly on the lips. Onari blushed. Her mind flashed to Takeru. Takeru was only a boy. He did not view her as a girlfriend. It was not possible. He had never tried to advance with her. Her eyes opened to look at Eiyu. "Why Eiyu kiss Onari?"

Eiyu leaned towards her to kiss her on the cheek. "Unfortunately, I've fallen for my sparring partner," he said gently. "I like you a lot, Onari." Eiyu's white eyes looked into hers, searching. "I don't know what you feel, though. I do not know what is going on in your mind. You do not let anyone in… not me, or the ones who live with you. How are we supposed to protect you?"

"Why Eiyu want to protect Onari? Onari learn to protect Onari," she said as Koeda stretched his back before jumping off her lap. She looked down at her hand. Eiyu interlaced his fingers with hers.

"Maybe it's because I care. Although, I am unsure what you understand. Do I seem cold hearted to you?" Eiyu knew he was the serious type. It caused his brother to move away from him a lot. He watched Onari tilt her head a few times. The words were unfamiliar to her. He placed his hands on the side of her face. Eiyu daringly let his nose touch hers. "Onari, will you let me be close to you?"

Onari blushed. Why was she popular with Eiyu, Daiya, and Takeru? Daiya was her brother – so his was natural. Takeru and Eiyu were guys she trained with. She lived with Takeru. He had said he loved her, but the at the time, it was said without real emotion – real feeling. Takeru's age was a problem. He was only eleven. The boy in him was still there. Onari, on the other hand, had never been a child. She was forced to grow up around her due to her lifestyle. She realized she was more like Eiyu, in some ways. Eiyu was lonely. She saw that in him. If he was not with Kandai, he was alone. Eiyu had no outside friends. Takeru even had problems training with him on Lee's team.

Onari wrapped her arms around Eiyu. He tensed a little, unexpectedly. She put her hand on the back of his head and pressed him to her. Onari felt as if Eiyu was only being sincere. She was not sure what her heart wanted. Was it him that she wanted? Takeru was only a friend, wasn't he? "Onari let Eiyu," she said softly. Could they be good friends? Was that all right?

Eiyu felt his heart swell. He hugged her hard as he hid his face in her shoulder. He regarded Onari as a sparring partner, but he wanted it to be more than that. She is not dating anyone. Does she even know what I feel for her? But… doesn't Takeru like her, too? I am not sure. He is always with Ryu if not Daiya.

Onari closed her eyes. She was too young to understand a boy's feelings toward her. Even though her mind was like that of an adult, her heart was like a little girl's. Onari wanted to be close to the ones she was around, but she was worried about getting them involved in her life. If she defeated Gekido, then would that be enough? But… Izumi had told her she had to live. She had told her she could not stop living for herself. Her mother's last words were for her to smile. Her father had wanted to protect that.

Eiyu realized Onari was not speaking or moving. He moved his head to check on her. She was lying quietly on his shoulder, looking out at the yard. Koeda was chasing something through the grass. "Hey, Father found Koeda's sister the other day. It seems they were abandoned near our compound. Do you think Sasuke sensei and Ms. Izumi will let you have a pet?"

Onari sat up. "Koeda's sister?" Onari had never had a pet before. She looked at Koeda who was happy with the Hyugas. "Onari have cat, Eiyu?"

Eiyu smiled at her. "Yes, if they tell you you're allowed to keep it. Would you like to see her? She doesn't look anything like Koeda, though." Eiyu led Onari to the other side of the house. He pointed off to the distance. Under a bush was laying Koeda's sister. She was brown and resembled an owl. "She's skittish. You'll have to let her get used to you before you can touch her."

Onari was determined to get the kitten to come to her. She moved off the porch and got on her stomach so she would not seem threatening. Onari crawled to the cat. It noticed her immediately, watching her with its orange eyes. Onari stopped. She mewed at the cat. It only stared at her. She moved a little closer each time until the cat seemed fine with it.

Eiyu remained on the porch to see if it was possible for Onari to get close to Koeda's sister. Onari tried all afternoon to get the cat to come to her. The kitten only stared at her. It made no movement towards her. Eiyu realized after some time that Onari was not moving any closer to the cat. He made his way towards her. The girl had fallen asleep waiting for the cat to come to her. Eiyu smiled softly. He sat down beside her, petting her dark hair. "You're cute and funny at the same time, Onari." Eiyu watched the fluffy kitten walk over to Onari. It lay down near her side. Eiyu looked at the cat. "You could have, at least, given her a chance when she was awake." The kitten mewed at him. Eiyu lifted Onari up. He sighed as he put her on his back. Eiyu took her home.

Daiya watched Takeru spar with his father in the dojo. He saw how good Sasuke was at his age. It really showed in how easily he could avoid Takeru's punches and movements. He hoped, one day, he could be just as good as his trainer and now, father. Daiya's mind kept reflecting back to what Onari had said one night. She had confided in him her real story – her real intentions – everything. He wanted Sasuke and Izumi to know that Onari was in danger. Not only her, but also him. If Gekido was after Onari, then… Daiya's real father was after him, too. Daiya's father, the man who had abandoned him, worked for Gekido. His brows furrowed. I do not understand Onari's plan about this. I do not like Sasuke not knowing. He has done so much for us – accepted us. Isn't it only fair to warn him?

Takeru turned around and hit his father's palms with his fists. Sasuke blocked his blows and even started to advance closer to him. Takeru was still learning his father's tricks. Sasuke proceeded to bluff him by half turning his body as if he was going to strike the other side. Takeru fell for it and blocked only that side as Sasuke came back around from his previous position and managed to hit his son on the right. Takeru whimpered. He moved quickly towards his father, trying earnestly to hit his arms and chest. Sasuke moved his body rapidly to get out of his reach.

Daiya glanced at the shoji screen as Onari came in. She was rubbing her eyes sleepily. She appeared to be half-awake. He signaled for her to come to him. She stumbled across the floor trying to stay out of the way of the training pair. Onari plopped down beside him to lay her head on his leg. "Hey, I heard you were trying to get a kitten to come to you."

Onari yawned as she hugged Daiya's leg. She felt him tense. "Onari want Koeda sister. Eiyu say Koeda sister have no home. Onari want her. Sasuke let Onari?"

"I don't know you'll have to ask him and Izumi. There is not a pet here, so it should not be a problem. I have never had a pet. I don't particularly like animals," Daiya admitted. He watched her look at him as if he were teasing her. "I'm being serious, Onari. They smell." His reasons for it were due to his childhood. He was always chased by dogs, or pushed down in the dirt with animals. Daiya did not have fond memories of the situation.

Sasuke stopped and bowed low to Takeru. It was only proper to end a sparing session with respect. He stood back up to take his fatherly duties over again. "Always be mindful of an opponent's bluffs. I managed to fool you this time, Takeru. Who knows what could have been in my hand. Like a kunai, for example?"

Takeru blushed as his father made his point. "I understand. I'm sorry," he said. His mind became aloof when his brother was watching him. Takeru wanted Daiya to praise him, or point out his flaws like a brother should. Daiya had been daydreaming since he had come into the dojo. Takeru wondered what was up. He turned around to see Onari hugging Daiya's leg. He was glad Daiya only saw her as a sister. Takeru liked Onari quite a bit. He, however, was unable to express his true feelings to her.

"Dad, Onari has something she wants to ask you," Daiya said as he stood up. Sasuke stopped to look at the both of them. He pushed Onari towards the man. "Ask him."

Onari had never asked Sasuke for anything. She did not expect anything, either. He had given her a home, a life of her own. Would it be all right to ask for something now? "Onari want Koeda sister," she said softly trying to match the man's intense gaze.

"Koeda? Who is Koeda," Sasuke asked as he wiped his forehead with a towel. Takeru had really given him a workout. He expected nothing less from his son.

"I think 'Koeda' is Eiyu and Kandai Hyuga's cat. They have offered Onari the female kitten," Daiya said as he tried to clear up any misunderstanding or confusion present. He watched Onari try to back away from Sasuke. He moved his body to block her escape.

"So you're asking me if you can have a cat, correct?" Sasuke watched Onari lower her head. She did not think it was all right to ask for anything. That is probably why she did not to begin with. "Firebird," he said as he crouched to seem less threatening. "It is alright to ask for things. I never know if we will say 'yes' or 'no'. It depends on what is being asked and the timing. I do not mind a pet coming into the house. You have to clear it with Izumi, too. You must also ask Takeru and Daiya. Everyone must be included in a decision. Understand thus far?"

"Onari ask Sasuke, Izumi, Takeru and Daiya, jes? Onari ask every time Onari want to ask?" She tilted her head.

"Well, it depends on what it is, Firebird. Some things you have to clear with us if it affects the family. Other times, you only have to ask one of us," Sasuke said trying to make himself clear. He was not sure if she really understood or not.

Onari darted past Sasuke to find Izumi. They blinked. She ran down the hall searching every one of the rooms. She went into Sasuke and Izumi's room. Not there. Therefore, she went to the kitchen. Nope, no Izumi. Onari ran to the bathroom, back to the dojo, garden, and outside of the house. She knew Daiya did not care if she got a kitten, nor Takeru. Sasuke had already said 'yes'. She was determined to get her kitten!

Onari bailed out of the Uchiha compound with the determination to find Izumi Uchiha before night fell! She flew through Konoha passing people and familiar faces. Her mind was on the cute little kitten that resembled a furry owl. Dust flew into the air as her feet moved against the soil. Onari was off on her quest for the day!

Izumi moved through the house as she held something cute and furry in her arms. She smiled as she saw Sasuke coming out of the dojo. "Hey, look what I got for Onari! Eiyu and Kandai told me she has been trying to get this little sweetheart to come to her all day. Therefore, I thought it was all right to let her have her. Where is she?"

"You have the worst timing," Sasuke said as he took one look at the kitten. "Onari just left to try and find you to ask you about it. I already told her she could. The boys don't seem to mind, either."

Izumi blinked. "Well, how wired up was she about it?" She watched Sasuke press his palm to his forehead. "That bad, huh?" Izumi waved to Takeru. "Takeru, can you put Onari's present in the kitchen and feed her please? There's some fish in the fridge."

Takeru walked over to the cat. "Aw, is this what Onari was so excited about? She's really cute," he said as he rubbed his cheek on the kitten. "We've never had a pet before. She's really soft, too."

Sasuke smiled at his son's adoration for animals. He brought his hand up to rub the boy's head. "Don't be shy about the fish. She can have as much as she wants. I suppose Daiya and I can go look for Onari. She's probably tearing up half of Konoha trying to find you," he told Izumi.

Onari bounced from place to place searching wildly for Izumi. She flew through the trees, training grounds, and even rooftops. She ran through the streets peeking in and out of shops for the bargain hunting Uchiha woman. Onari even perched at several places waiting only thirty seconds to see if the woman showed. "IZUMI! IZUMI!" Onari's quest for the missing Uchiha woman was still on green as twilight hit Konoha, the village hidden in the leaves.