The breeze carried the sweet fragrance of wild flowers towards a figure lying in the long grass. Their eyes were closed as they inhaled deeply. Their body a picture of contented relaxation; as the setting sun cast a golden hue across their skin. Shadows slipped across their body as the grass waved in the breeze. It had been a beautiful summers day. The sky was a bright blue, reminded her of Naruto's eyes actually, the clouds had been plentiful. Best of all, no work. No parents poking her to do something, no team mates yelling or manipulating her to do something. In fact, she hadn't seen a person all day. Absolute perfection! Still, it needed to come to an end soon, her curfew was coming up. It was a weird situation. She was given the freedom to do pretty much what she liked and was considered an adult after she graduated 3 months ago, but her parents expected her to tell them where she was going and with who. They also gave her a curfew for when she wasn't on missions. It was awkward and strange to be reminded she was still their kid, but hopefully they'll start relaxing the rules soon. She sighed and nestled down further into the long grass, she had some time yet.
A nudge knocked her from her pleasant dream, pulling her back into awareness. It had gotten late, whilst she had napped. The sun was completely gone, and the stars were high in the sky. She was late, what a drag! With that in mind, she looked up at what had nudged her awake, only to find three sets of eyes staring at her. One set were identical to her own, right down to the lazy droop of the eyelids, and the sharp spark of intelligence within their mahogany depths. The others were bright, pupil-less teal, and warm chocolate brown. With a sigh, Shikamaru shifted to sit up, her hand reaching out to grasp the hand being offered to her. Pulled to her feet, she found herself spun and tucked under a heavy arm, its weight a soothing heat against her. The three guys slowly started walking back towards the clans section of Konoha, their voices gently murmuring around her in the quiet. A harmony she had heard a million times as a little kid. It was the sound of safety and home, especially when tucked under her dads' arm.
"You missed curfew my girl. Your mother sent us out to come and find you, dinner should be on the table by the time we get back." Her dads voice rumbled next to her as she pressed in close. His voice was still quiet and soft, but it rang with expectation. He wanted an answer from her.
"I fell asleep. I didn't mean to miss curfew Dad." Shikamaru flinched, even to herself, her voice sounded whiny. "Why do I even have a curfew? I'm not at the academy anymore. Ino and Chouji don't have a curfew either." With a pout, Shikamaru crossed her arms across her chest as she lent into her father's warmth. She felt him sighed heavily and looked up at the stars in thought. He hummed thoughtfully, before glancing down at the girl under his arm.
"Because I said you do." Came his short reply. His words weighted with something she couldn't recognise, something almost tangible in its heaviness. "When you are older, you'll understand."
With a growl, Shikamaru tore herself out of his arms and stomped down the last hill towards the clan compound entrance. If he wasn't going to give her a reason, she'd find out on her own! If it was hidden, then she would hunt it down!
Meanwhile, an ocean or two away, two people were arguing in a large office. The office was filled with bookshelves, stuffed full of books on a range of topics. Pictures covered the spare wall space, with little name plaques announcing them as past headmasters/mistresses of Hogwarts. Nearly all of the picture's occupants were staring avidly at the pair arguing in front of them.
"Really Albus?! You know our people don't get on with theirs! As if they would let you swan into their leader's office. It's preposterous! Especially, if you are going to accuse them of kidnapping one of their own children!"
"Now, now Minerva. Said child, is also one of ours. She could be the savior; especially since her older half-brother hasn't been showing any outstanding talent." Albus cajoled. His voice twisted into a reassuring manipulative tone. He clearly had decided what was going to happen, and nothing his faithfully deputy could say would change his mind.
"We are doing the poor child a service, taking her away from such a barbaric place. They send children; children Minerva, to kill. They are trained from babes to murder! If I could take them all away I would. No Hokage, no clan will stop me removing a child of our world and keeping them safe here!" Albus's voice turned hard and stern, his blue eyes lost their twinkle and became like ice. His normally controlled magic surged to fill the room, even as he ignored his own hypocrisy.
"As you wish Albus. Will you take myself or Severus with you? I would feel better if you had someone to watch your back." Minerva sighed. If she couldn't persuade him not to do something foolish, she would at least make sure he had protection. Folding her hands together in front of her body, she crossed over to the fireplace, to call Severus to the office. Maybe he could talk some sense in to the Headmaster…