It's been years since I've written a proper fanfiction, so please excuse any grammatical errors I may have missed.
Late last year, I discovered the wonders of Naruto so of course I had to write something.
And of course it's an OC/self-insert. Not quite sure what to call it.
Just a small warning, this story, in later chapters, will touch on things meant for older viewers, hence the M rating. There will be warning's before every chapter, of course.
So your warning for this chapter is.. well, violence and (in an attempt not to spoil) death.

PROLOGUE
_

In the Land of Fire, in a village nustled between large mountains was a clan. A large family comprised mostly of those with archery skills. The village was not well known in their nation. Most everyone forgot about them once they broke away from the Hidden Village of the Land of Fire, Konohagakure.

In the village nustled between large mountains was the main house of the Hida Clan. On a cold winter's night in the house, sharp cries could be heard.

Tonight was the night the first child of Akihiro Hida, the leader of the clan, was to be born.

His wife, Akemi Hida, was having a difficult time. She was losing too much blood and there wasn't much the clan medics could do for her.

After a long and tiring night, their child was finally born. A healthy girl, with already a head full of dark brown hair and, from what they could catch glimpses of, pale blue eyes.

Akemi held her child in her arms with Akihiro beside her. With a weak movement, she placed her hand limply on her child's face, giving her a small smile as she cried into her arms.

"Name her..." Akemi crocked out hoarsely, staring at the child's face. "Name her.. Aiko."

"Aiko.." Akihiro repeated, staring down at the baby.

Akemi's eyes slowly closed as a medic informed Akihiro that she had lost too much blood due to the birthing process, and was not long for this world.

Akemi held her child close to her, and in her final moments, she whispered to her how much she loves her and how she hopes her child will know nothing but love

And soon after, she parted. Leaving Akihiro to greave over her, his wails of sorrow echoed by the wails of the newborn.

In that night, a life was brought into the world, a life taken away and the seed of hatred planted.
_

I, Aiko Hida, sole heir to the Hida clan of the Land of Fire, at the age of six was a quiet girl. I kept mostly to myself and read books, studying the history of this shinobi world I lived but was kept far from.

I spent my days locked inside the Hida estate, wondering around the grounds. Finding quiet places to read my books, like under the cherry blossom trees in the court yard or in dark corners in the home itself.

The estate itself was quiet big, to me at least. There were five rooms designated as bedrooms towards the rear of the building, all of which had sliding towards to the court yard. The front of the building was a living area connected to a large kitchen with a table low to the ground, surrounded by pillows to sit. Off of the living area, next to the hall that lead to the bedrooms on the far wall was my fathers office. The door always stayed closed there, so I never knew what it looked like.

Though the estate was large, it was lonely and eerily quiet. There were times I would find myself wondering around in the dark, feeling the walls as went to stand by my fathers room. Never being the type to enjoy being alone, I found myself seeking his company often, though he never wanted mine.

This day way different, this day I was running around the house happily, playing with toys I had managed to make for myself with clay from the pond in the court yard. Clay Kunai and Shuriken that I tossed carelessly at walls or stabbed at my nursemaid.

"Mayumi-chan!" I called, clinging to the edge of the white apron she wore. "Can you play now?"

"Not today, Aiko-sama." Mayumi gave a soft sigh, her brown hair falling to the side as she looked down at me. Her emerald eyes sparkled with a sweet smile. "Do you remember what today is?"

I slowly blinked, my long dark brown bangs falling in front of my left sky blue eye. "It's.." I took a moment to ponder the day, placing my index finger to my chin. "I know! Today is when I show what can do to the clan elders!"

"That's correct." Mayumi gave a slow nod, gently taking my small hand into her own. "Are you ready?"

"I think so," The smile that brightened my face fell, replaced with a thoughtful look once again. "But why do I have to?"

"Well, Aiko-sama," She gently placed a hand on my head, her smile sweet. "As a Hida, you have amazing chakra control and you have to demonstrate those powers to prove how far you've come along in your training."

"Really?" I blinked once again, sticking out my lower lip in a pout. "Do I have to use a bow? Papa has made me use them since I can remember."

Father had been very adamant about me learning to use the bow and arrow. The instrument for precision killing was placed in my hands as soon as I was able to stand on my own two feet. It made since that he had wanted me to learn, since the clan's specialty was archery.

"He only makes you train because, as a Hida, it's your duty to hone your skills and become a powerful head to the household." Mayumi slowly shook her head as she spoke.

"What if I don't want to be head of the house?" My pout never faded and I crossed my arms, turning away.

"Don't say that, Aiko-chan!" Mayumi looked absolutely exasperated as she planted her hands on her hips. "As the only child of the head of the house, you must."

I only continued to pout as my attention was drawn to the front door as a soft rap was given.

My trainer, a man I came to know only as Naoshi stood there, a look of impatients pastered on his face.

"Aiko-sama, it's time." He gave me a short nod. "The elders and your father are ready to see you."

I gave a nod and trotted over to my trainer, following him outside to the courtyard. I stood before the elders of the clan. Two men and a woman and my father, who looked down at me with the passive expression he always wore when regarding me.

I stepped up closer to me elders and quickly took a knee as Naoshi poked my shoulder, an obvious reminder for my etiquette.

"Aiko Hida," The oldest of them spoke, a wrinkling old man the looked naturally angry. "We've heard much about you from your trainer, girl. Show us what it is that he's so boastful about."

A look of surprised crossed my face as I slowly nodded. An odd feeling came over me, like a tingle in my spine and I looked around quickly.

From the corner of my eye, I could see bolts from a crossbow being fired at me in rapid succession.

I quickly jumped up, the arrows planting into the ground where I had been just moments before. I landed a short distance away and looked at my assailant bewildered. It was my trainer.

I grit my teeth and quickly jumped out of the way once again as more bolts where fired at me. I dodged and weaved as the bolts came to me rapidly.

"First, she must show us her dodging technique." The female elder spoke up, loud enough for me to over hear."If she can successfully dodge all the bolts from her opponents quiver, she will pass."

Akihiro nodded, watching me move.

"Yes," Another elder spoke up. "But when do we get to see it. The power you told us about."

"Soon." Akihiro nodded.

I continued to dodge, jumping around, doing cart wheels, hand stands, anything I could to avoid being hit. Before long, the quiver was empty and the shots ceased.

I sat on the ground, hunched over, panting heavily. I quickly wiped the sweat from my brow and jumped up. "What's next?" I shouted excidely, all too eager to show off my skills.

"Now, show them your attack." Naoshi spoke up, tossing me a bow and quiver. "I want you to attack me with everything you've got."

"Attack.. you?" I quickly caught the items, shouldering the quiver and clutching the bow. "What if I hurt you?"

"Not to worry." Naoshi nodded, opening the vest he wore to show the metal chest piece beneath."Now.. begin!"

Stringing an arrow, I lifted the bow and pointed it to Naoshi, who rushed toward me with a kunai. I watched his movements closely, watched as he darted left to right, waiting for me to fire and arrow.

As he got closer, he slashed the kunai at me. I quickly jumped up and away, pulling the arrow back and firing.

Naoshi knocked the arrow away with his kunai, then continued his pursuit.

I quickly jumped away again, finding a tree to hide in. I strung up another arrow, following his movements closely, waiting for an opening.

Naoshi quickly threw shuriken at the tree, hitting the trunk beneath me and at my feet on the branch I stood.

I quicky jumped away again, firing off a shot, which he once again deflected. I strung several arrows this time, jumping to another tree.

I waited for him to throw shuriken once again, and once he did, I shot off multiple arrows at once, quickly moving as fast as I could around him while he was occupied with the arrows. I strung up another arrow, positioning myself behind him as he knocked the arrows away, and let the arrow fly.

The arrow embeddied itself deep into the armor on his shoulder. He turned to me quickly and, in a puff of smoke, his form was replaced by a log.

"Substitution jutsu." I whispered, stringing multiple arrows once again. I waited for a moment, watching closely for any signs of movement. Shuriken where thrown at me from a tree, and I was quick to deflect them with my bow.

Naoshi showed himself once again, rushing at me with the kunai.

I quickly fired off the multiple arrows, then brought up me hand, holding up my index and middle finger together in a simple hand seal.

The arrows holted in air for a moment, glowing faintly with a light blue hue, then continued through to the target. As they traveled, I quickly strung up another arrow.

Naoshi moved to deflect the arrows, but they moved away from his kunai, seeming to hover in the air for a moment, then began to spin around him.

He was too busy attempting to deflect the arrows as they jabbed and dodged him, that he did not see me line up my next shot.

I pulled the arrow back, watching for an opening in his movements and then, when I finally saw my cue, I unleashed the arrow.

It traveled quickly and hit it's mark dead on. It pierce the armor on the left side of his chest. The shot would have been a fatal if not for his armor.

Naoshi kneeled, clutching at the arrow for a moment before roughly pulling it free.

Once again I was panting heavily, clutching the bow tightly, looking to the elders.

They all looked at one another, then to Akihiro.

"She can already use chakra control so skillfully?" One spoke up, all obviously surprised.

Akihiro simply nodded, for a moment looking to the girl before giving his full attention to the elders.

An elder cleared their throat and spoke up to her. "Now for the final test. Chakra transformation and maintenance."

"Chakra transformation.." I breathed, then nodded. "Got it! I know exactly what to show you!" I grinned widely.

I placed the bow and quiver on the ground, then planted my feet firmly, my legs spread apart. I brought my hands together, my index fingers pressed together and my others folded, in a channeling hand seal. I closed my eyes and concentrated.

The elders watched me, I could feel their eyes on me. Perhaps they were unimpressed with the small amount of chakra I was managing to raise.

I closed her eyes tighter, straining myself more to summon even morechakra. Visioning what it was in my mind that I was trying to create with chakra.

After a moment, the chakra I was building up around me suddenly became increasingly larger, even visable. A blue hue surrounded me, and it steadily got brighter as I continued.

I dropped my hands, holding them out in front of me. My chakra flowed around me, funneling itself to the center of my palms. After a moment, I could feel the chakra take form. A blue, glowing bow and arrow, purely made of chakra.

I opened my eyes and strung the arrow. She aimed for something beyond the elders. Through the use of my chakra, I was able to enhance my vision. I could see farther then usual. I let the arrow fly, soaring passed the heads of the elders and my father.

The elders slowly turned to see that a tree behind them had a hole completely through it.

I stepped over to the elders, the bow fading as my chakra waned. "So.. How'd I do?"

The elders looked at me in surprise.

After a moment, the woman cleared her throat. "Please return home, Aiko-chan, we must speak with your father."

"B-But-" I began to protest.

"Go now, Aiko." My father spoke loudly, cutting me off before I could finish.

I pouted, turning on my heals and walked away. I stalked back into my home, followed by Naoshi. "Did I not do well?" I looked up at him, still pouting.

"No, Aiko-sama." He slowly shook his head, giving me a sheepish smile. "You did excellently. They just need to talk."

"Oh.." I mumbled, wondering into my room and plopped on my bed. I laid on my back, staring up at the ceiling.

"Aiko-sama," Mayumi stood next to my bed, a sweet smile on her face. "Do you need anything?"

"No." I slowly shook my head before sitting up again to address the woman. "Hey, Mayumi-chan. Do you think, if I pass, they'll let me become a ninja?"

To become a ninja. A dream I had since I picked up a book from our clan library on the histories of shinobi. I read about legends and heroes. Certain stories stuck out to me. Someone called The White Fang that always cared for his friends and comrades and three relatively young shinobi that faught in Amegakure that earned the name Sannin.

The woman of those three, Tsunade, was someone I looked up to. A Medical Ninja and a woman that could stand her own with two powerful men. My dream was to be a powerful kunoichi like her. To protect those I cared about like The White Fang.

"A ninja?" Mayumi blinked, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "Why would you want to be a ninja?"

"So I can do some good." I crossed my arms as well, staring up at the woman. "I feel like my abilities would be a waste if I just stayed inside all the time like now."

"Did your father never tell you?" Naoshi mumbled, looking away from the two of us.

"Tell me?" I slowly blinked, my attention drown to my trainer. "Tell me what?"

"Well," Mayumi sat on the bed next to me. "You see, the Hida clan aren't really on the best terms with shinobi. Especially Konoha shinobi."

"That's putting it mildly." Naoshi shook his head, still looking away from us. "The Hida hate shinobi. They want nothing to do with them."

"What do you mean?" I slowly blinked once again, cocking my head slightly. At such a young age, hate was a foreign concept to me.

"Honestly," Mayumi sighed, slowly shaking her head. "Sometimes I think you forget she's still a child, Naoshi-san." She turned to me, giving a smile. "What he means is that the shinobi from Konohagakure are different from us. And since we don't associate with them, they don't acknowledge us.

"Oh." I mumbled, looking down at my lap. "But, if I became a ninja, I could change that!" I frowned. "I can make them see Hida as equals."

Naoshi shook his head. "It's forbidden for any in the clan to become a ninja, Aiko-sama."

"But, I can do good as a ninja!" I stood, balling a hand into a fist. "I know I can! If only father would let me try."

Mayumi gave a sad smile as her hand gently rested on my arm. "I believe your father might have the strongest hatred for Konoha of all."

"But.. Why?" I turned to her, my brows furrowed. "What did Konoha do?"

"Well, it wasn't always like this." Mayumi looked thoughtful as she spoke, her hand returning to fold on her lap. "We Hida were once a ninja clan. But, after a large portion of our clan was wiped out from a mission passed from the second Hokage, your father became bitter with them, as well as others from the village."

"Oh.." I looked down, biting my bottom lip. "But why hate them for it?"

"Because, they had reason to believe that the leaf had planned to wipe out some Hida ninja." Naoshi spoke up, crossing his arms. "Because there was unrest among the clan. So they kept us in check by slaughtering our own. Your Aunt and Uncle were among them. And they've scrutinized us and looked down at us since. "

"Oh.." My eyes narrowed slightly and I crossed my arms again. "I see..but," I slowly shook my head. "I still believe I can do good as a ninja. I can help change things."

"If only we where all as optimistic as you, child." Mayumi smiled sweetly, touching my arm gently again. "Now, enough of this talk. What would you like for lunch?"

I blinked, then grinned. Food, always a good way to keep me from deep thoughts or throwing tantrums. "Beef Ramen, Mayumi-chan!"

Mayumi smiled, standing from the bed and nodded. "I'll prepare it." With that, she and Naoshi left.

I watched them leave, then laid back down on me bed. I let out a heavy sigh, placing a hand flat on my forehead. "I still want to become a ninja."

Not too soon after they left my room, there was a knock on the door. I quickly sat up, blinking, then grinned.

My father stood at the door, his face passive, as it always was. " I must speak with you."

"Yes, father?" I stood from the bed, hopping over to him. "What did the elders say?"

"You begin training tomorrow." He replied simply.

"Training?" I slowly blinked once again. "Training for what? Am I becoming a ninja?"

"No." His eyes narrowed. "No, you are not. You are being trained to better control your skill for the clan."

"The clan?" My brows furrowed and I took a step closer to him. "But father, I want to become a ninja!"

"No!" He snapped, for the first time raising his voice to me. "No one of this family is to ever become a ninja. Do you understand? You never will be one, so get the idiotic notion out of your head."

My eyes widened and I took a step back in shock.

"Your training will begin tomorrow." He repeated, turning and leaving the room.

I stumbled back, plopping down on the bed, still shocked to hear him yell like that. To show any emotion at all.

I began to cry, covering my face with my hands.

I made a vow to myself that day. I vowed that I would become a ninja, no matter what my father said or did to try and stop me.

Nothing could change my mind once it was set.
_

Months passed and every day, all day I would train.

I learned to control my chakra more. To be able to hold my, as I had dubbed it, Hida Bow longer. I could hold it for 1 minute at a time, which was amazing for someone my age. Even the elders could only hold it for only a couple minutes. It seemed, even at such a young age, I had a plentiful chakra store.

I became more accurate with my bow, learning to shoot from fast distances, learning how to use me chakra to magnify my vision properly.

In those months, I had over heard many things. Particular, some things on what they were planning to use my power for.

One night, when training late, I over heard father speaking to an elder about using me on Konoha. I had no idea what he meant, but I had hoped that meant I could become a ninja.

I continued to train as hard as I could, wanting desperately to prove to father that I was good enough to become a ninja.

After a long day of training, I slowly made my way back home. I couldn't shake the feeling that there were eyes planted on me on the way.

A shiver ran down my spine and I hugged herself, glancing around. A ting of fear came over me as my mind raced on who could be following or watching me.

There was a sudden movement next to me, and a black blurr jumped out from a bush. I screamed and fell back, closing my eyes tightly.

Something heavy landed on my chest. Then, something fuzzy rubbed against my face.

Slowly I cracked an eye open to see a big black cat rubbing it's face against my own.

I blinked severa times, then reached up a hand tentively to touch the animal.

The cat went ridged, then jumped off me.

I sat up, grinning at the feline. I stayed there for a long time playing with the cat. A few people that walked the streets at night stopped to watch me be chased by the large critter.

As it got darker I gently took the cat in my arms, which clung tightly to my shoulder and placed it on the ground. "I have to leave now, kitty. But I'll see you later." With a small smile, I gave the feline a wave, then turned on my heels and started on my way home.

After a moment, I realised I was being followed and quickly turned around, only to see the big black cat again.

"No, You can't follow me!" I gave the feline a pout, crossing my arms. "I don't think that Mayumi would like it if I brought a cat home."

The cat did not reply, only stood there, it's tail slowly swaying.

"Stay. Here." My tone was sturn as I pointed a finger at the cat. I once again turned on my heels, running back home, hoping the cat did not follow.

When I finally reached home I stopped in the door way, panting heavily, kicking off my shoes. "Mayumi-chan, I'm home!"

"Good." Mayumi stepped into the entryway, smiling sweetly. "I have dinner ready."

Something large jumped on my shoulder, almost knocking me to the floor. I turned my head, surprised to see the big black cat purched on my shoulder.

Mayumi's face fell and she slowly blinked. "What... is that?"

"I told you not to follow me!" I pouted, crossing my arms tightly over my chest.

"Aiko-" Mayumi crossed her arms as well and repeated herself. "What is that?"

"This?" I slowly blinked, pointing to the feline and looked at Mayumi. "This is a cat. I don't know his name, though." I shrugged one shoulder.

"Why is the cat on you?" Mayumi's eye twitched.

"I don't know. I was playing with him earlier and he followed me." I grinned widely, grabbing the cat and hugged it tightly, earning a squeak from the cat. "Oh, Mayumi-chan! Can I keep him?"

Mayumi closed her eyes, slowly rubbing the tips of her fingers on her temples. "No, Aiko, you can't. We don't know how your father would react to a cat in his-"

The cat jumped out of my arms and walking passed Mayumi into the rest of the house.

"Oh, too late!" My grin widened. "Look's like he's already made himself at home!" I chased after the cat, dodging under Mayumi's arm to run passed her. "l'll give him the tour!"

Mayumi sighed, slowly shaking her head. "I'm going to get in so much trouble."

The cat followed me around, it's tail slowly swaying as i showed it every room and explaining what they where for. Finally, we arrived at my room, where I immediately plopped down on the bed, the cat following and laying beside me.

I stared at the cat for a moment, then gently poked it's fluffy cheek. "I think I'll call you.. Kuro."

The cat mewled, it's tail still swaying.

I smiled sweetly, then found myself falling asleep with an arm draped over the feline. I had finally made a friend.
_

In the next weeks that passed, my training had become different. I was learning how to use my bow with more accurately and how to break free of genjutsu by using the flow of my own chakra.

I was progressing well. Each training session becoming progressively harder then the last. Before each training day, I would play with Kuro, whom I had gotten much closer to. There was never a time were I wasn't seen with the large black cat.

And now, after all of the training, I was able to hold my chakra bow for over 2 minutes.

I came home every day overly exhausted. Either passing out as soon as I entered the house, or at the training ground.

I overheard Mayumi and Naoshi voiced their concerns to father that they were pushing me too hard. Which was met with backlash on them, with a threat to Mayumi that she would be fired if they questioned him once more.

Mayumi started down the hall to my room and I was quick to dart back in the room and jump on my bed, pretending I was fast asleep. She gave a soft sigh and brushed the my long bangs from her face, Kuro, whom had been following me around for weeks perched at the edge of my bed, assumably watching Mayumi.

She stayed there for a moment, watching me sleep. After a moment, she gave another soft sigh and left the room.

I wondered for a moment what was the matter with her but I fell asleep before I could ponder farther on the topic.
_

The next day, I woke up groggy and slowly. Mayumi was reluctant, but she had to help me wake. I had early morning training to get to that I could not miss.

I sluggishly hobbled into the dinning room to eat breakfast, sitting crosslegged at the table. Doing my best not to fall asleep as I ate.

As I left that morning, my big black cat hot on my heels, a destinct feeling of being watched came over me.

I glanced every so often over my shoulder but saw nothing. I thought nothing more of it as I entered the training area.

As I trained, I could still feel the paranoia of someone watching me. I couldn't help but shiver every so often just at the thought of someone watching me without me even knowing.

Naoshi must had noticed it as well, but did not act as if he did.

I continued to train as hard as I was able. Learning how to craft my chakra into more interesting things like a messenger bird and practicing with my bow.

At the end of the day, Kuro and I made our way home. I remained silent this time, not speak at all to Kuro. And even the cat seemed apprehensive.

I wrapped my arms tightly around myself and rubbed my arms furiously, trying to keep myself awake and alert. With deep and slow breaths I glanced around every once and awhile. When I finally made it home, I rushed over to Mayumi and hugged her tightly.

Mayumi questioned why, but I did not reply. I merely passed out in her arms.
_

The next day, I refused to go to training. I stayed in my room, keeping the door closed and I huddled on the bed with Kuro.

I refused Mayumi and Naoshi as they asked to enter and refused rather loudly when Naoshi demanded for the door to be opened.

It was finally time to put my foot down. I was ready to demand to be allowed to become a ninja or I would not train at all.

After half an hour of arguing with Naoshi over why I should open the door and come to training, Naoshi left, leaving Mayumi to handle the situation.

Only after promises of sweets did I let her in, but only to chat I emphasised to the woman.

"So, why is it you've locked yourself in here?" Mayumi asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"Because," I mumbled, crossing my arms. I glared down at the floor. "I want to become a ninja. And I won't be training anymore until I'm abe to."

Mayumi gave a heavy sigh, lowering her head sightly. "Aiko-sama, we've already explained to you that Hida do not become ninja."

"Maybe not you guys, but I can!" I turned my head away, pouting.

"Aiko-sama.." Mayumi frowned.

"I've made up my mind." I continued to look away, my hair falling in front of my face. "You can go now."

She blinked, furrowing her brows. "Aiko-sama, please, just go today, we'll figure something out after."

I blinked as well and looked back at her. "Like what?"

"We'll see after you get back from training." Mayumi stood, extending a hand. "Now come on."

I stared at her hand for a moment, my cheeks still puffed out in a pout. I slowly took her hand, allowing Mayumi to pull me up onto my feet and walked with her outside, followed closely by Kuro.

"Have a good day." Mayumi smiled sweetly, placing a free hand on my cheek. "And don't push yourself too hard."

"Okay, Mayumi-chan." I grinned, rushing away from her with a wave. "See you later!" Kuro hopped along behind me.

I, again, had the feeling of being watched but decided not to pay it any mind that day.

When I returned home, Mayumi and Naoshi where waiting for me outside.

I greeted them happily, Kuro and I bouncing up to them. "What are you guys doing out here this late?"

"Aiko-sama," Mayumi stepped up to me, gripping a backpack she held. "We found out some bad things today.. We're leaving."

"You are?" I stared up at them in shock. "Where are you going?"

"Well, we are going somewhere safe for you, Aiko-sama." Naoshi spoke up, his head lowered.

"Me?" I slowly blinked, cocking my head. "What's going on?"

"Aiko, they're planning on using you to do bad things." Mayumi placed a hand on my shoulder. "If we let you stay here, there is a possibility you could be seriously hurt."

"But.. where will we go?" I blinked once again, fear plain on my face. Kuro huddled against my leg.

"We'll tell you when we're outside the village." Naoshi gently placed a hand on my head.

"Take this, Aiko-chan." Mayumi reached into the bag she helf, pulling out a grey hat and scarf. She placed the hat on my head, tucking my long hair in it and wrapped the scarf around my neck, hiding my face from view. "Wear that until we get to where we're going, okay?"

"Okay." My reply was muffled as I gave a short nod.

"Good." Mayumi took another backpack from the pack, handing it over to me. "Try to put Kuro in that so he won't wonder away, okay?"

I kneeled down and opening the backpack in front of Kuro, who gave a questioning mewl before stepping into the bag. I picked it up and put it on my back and Kuro stuck out his head, looking around.

"Let's go." Mayumi smiled sweetly, taking my hand and we began to walk to the entrance of the village.

I once again felt like we were being watched, but the feeling was much more intense then before. Like more eyes were on us now. I tightened my grip on the backpack strap I held and Mayumi's hand. I felt absolutely terrified.

We managed to make it out of the village without incident, which obviously pleased both Naoshi and Mayumi. They contemplated taking the road or cutting through the woods at first, but finally decided that we were less likely to be spotted if we cut through the woods.

Mayumi spoke up, looking down at me with a sweet smile. "But don't you worry. Naoshi-san and I will protect you. Just keep ahold of my hand and don't let go, okay?"

"Okay." I smiled back at her, tightening my grip on her hand more.

we entered the forest and it was, indeed, very dark. So dark we coud barely see in front of us. But Naoshi stated that he knew this forest well.

We walked for a time before We heard shouts coming from the village.

"They must have noticed she's gone." Naoshi muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Let's try to hurry." He stopped, kneeling in front of me. "Aiko-sama, wanna piggy back ride? It'll be fun.

I gave a slow nod as I climbed onto his back, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck.

"Let's go, Mayumi-chan." He nodded to her, and they both took off running.

The shouting was getting closer now. And it terrified me even more. I buried my face in Naoshi's back, gripping him tightly.

Suddenly a tree in front of us was hit with shuriken. Startling the three of us into stopping.

"Damn," Naoshi mumbled. "They found us."

More shuriken where thrown at us, which Naoshi deflected with a kunai.

Naoshi let me down, turning to Mayumi. "Quickly, take her and go. I'll try to give you time."

"Wait, no, Naoshi-san." Mayumi went to reach for his arm, but another shuriken cut between them, causing her to stop short.

"Go, there's no time!" Naoshi ordered, taking up a defensive stance, wielding his kunai.

I rushed over to Mayumi, who quickly picked me up, running away from the conflict.

"Be safe, Naoshi-san." Mayumi said under her breath, glancing back over her shoulder as clans men converged on Naoshi.

I shook in her arms, more terrified then I had ever been before.

After a long time of running, Mayumi stopped and looked around. "I-I think we might be close to the border of Konoha."

"K-Konoha?" My eyes went wide.

Mayumi gave a short nod. "Yes, that's where we're taking you. You'll be safe there." A shuriken landed on the ground in front of Mayumi, causing her to jump away.

"Damn.. They must have gotten passed Naoshi." Mayumi muttered. "Aiko-sama," She let me go. on the ground. "I need you to go hide, okay? Be quick."

"B-But Mayumi-chan." Tears began to fill my eyes and my knees started to shake.

"Go, Aiko-sama. Now." Mayumi ordered, pointing off to an opposing direction.

I turned away, running quickly to a tree some yards away, and hid behind it. I took the backpack off my shoulders and held it close. Kuro looked up to me, gently nuzzling his face against my cheek.

I listened closely, Mayumi was fighting someone. I didn't know Mayumi knew how to fight at all. I looked around the corner of the tree, watching closely.

Mayumi fought hard, knocking out as many of the clans men as she could, but she was soon over run.

An arrow hit Mayumi in the shoulder, then the leg. She fell to the ground on one knee, shaking.

Out of the shadows father stepped forward, whom looked down on Mayumi. "The girl. Where is she?"

Mayumi said nothing, only panted heavily, obviously in pain.

"Where?" Akihiro pointed a crossbow to her forehead.

Mayumi continued to say nothing, glaring passed the crossbow directly at him.

"You, a member of this clan, would betray it by taking our only means of giving those shinobi what they deserve?" Akihiro hissed out. "You and Naoshi are traitors. And the punishment for that.." He gripped the cross bow tightly. "Is death."

With that, he squeezed the trigger of the cross bow, sending an arrow through her forehead.

My eyes went wide and I screamed. I screamed loudly, as loud as I possibly could. It was a truly horrifying sight.

"There." He pointed the cross bow to the tree. "Over there. Get her."

The clans men started to surround the tree, bow and crossbows at the ready.

I stopped my screaming, now sobbing.I stood on shaking legs and ran, ran as fast as I could, gripping Kuro to me closely. I darted between trees as the clans men shot at me, whom where repremanded by father.

I sobbed as I ran, my whole body starting to shake.

Father was now persuing me, he had killed the ones I cared most for and I didn't know where to go or what to do.

I soon came to a crevice in the ground and haulted. I looked around, looking for a way to cross or get around, but there wasn't a way. I stood my ground, taking a defencive stance, preparing to deflect any attack that came my way.

Father was soon there, standing before me, his passive expression still plastered on his face.

"Aiko.." His tone was quiet and monotone.

"No!" I took a step back to the edge, tears still streaming down my cheeks. I clutched Kuro as close as I could. "S-Stay away!"

"Aiko.. come back with us." Akihiro spoke up, reaching a hand towards me.

"No!" I shook my head fiercly and quickly turned around. "I won't! Not after what you did!" I took a few steps back, took off in a run, jumping across the crevice.

Before I could land on the other side, however, I was struck in the shoulder. I gasped, my eyes going wide as a sharp, blooming pain erupted from my shoulder. I glanced over, a bolt from a crossbow stuck in.

"If I can't have you, Konoha most definitely can't!" Akihiro shouted as I lost my forward momentum from the jump, plummeting into the crevice.

I cried out as I fell, letting go of Kuro as I went, who saved himself by jumping from rock to rock down.

When I hit bottom, I heard somethings, bones, give a sickening crack and a pain rip through my torso and the arm I landed on. A pool of blood blossomed from underneath me.

I laid there, unable to move, my breath shallow. Oain racked my entire body. From above, I could hear others moving. Footsteps moving away.

A thud sounded next to me and a black ball of furr soon appeared in my blurring vision.

Kuro nuzzled my face with his own gently, but when I did not move or respond, he gave a freightened mewl.

I watched the cat as my vision became more and more blurry. I wanted to reach to him, to hold him, but I couldn't. I couldn't move anything anymore. Some things were most definately broken.

Kuro mewled once more, giving me another nuzzle, then hopped away from me, hopping up the side of the crevise, one rock at a time.

I could feel fresh tears start to spill from her eyes as I watched him leave.

I slowly closed my eyes, for the first time, feeling truly alone.
_

And that's the beginning. This is something I've been passionate about for a long while, so I hope you enjoy.