I woke up to sharp pain and a pounding headache, I hissed as the pain became stronger the more I woke up. Ouchies. I opened my sleepy eyes and looked around to see what happened. Why am I here? What happened? Memories from last night flashed through my head as I remembered that I had ran away, this was my home now.

I thought I slept on the tr... oh, that's why my head hurts... I fell off the stupid tree! I really need to find somewhere better to sleep other than a tree or the floor... I wonder if there is a cave nearby? I will have to have a look later...

I arose from the ground in a stumble, my head instantly pounding and spinning from the impact of my fall, damn you tree!!

Once the pounding in my head began to fade slightly and become more bearable, I decided that a shower might be nice to relax and unwind so, that is exactly what I did. I removed the tattered cloth which I called clothes and made my way over to the gushing water of the waterfall.

The comfort of the water was refreshing and as the cool liquid hit my skin, it seemed to take away all my worries and struggles for a while, the only thing I was concentrating on was how calming as soothing the water really was.

As I was showering, my mind drifted away thinking about how I was going to survive? What job should I get? But I eventually shook off the thoughts for now, I will worry about that in due time...

I wonder what is actually behind this waterfall, I have never actually looked, I have never really had the time to I thought as I turned myself around and pushed my way through the streams of water until I reached behind. Opening my now stinging eyes, scanned the small area until my eyes landed on an entrance, the entrance to a cave...

I wandered over to take a look, making sure not to make much noise incase of any wild animals living here, my hazel eyes peered into the cave knowing immediately that this would be where I would stay. The cave was rather small, yet not too small, just perfect. There were no animals inhabited here and it was still in the meadow, this was the perfect shelter from rain and the perfect place to sleep instead of giving myself brain damage like this morning.

The air began to take effect as it hit my naked body, causing a shiver to shoot through me and my teeth to chatter violently. I needed to go back and get my clothes back on, then I can come back here later once I am ready.

So as planned, I slipped out of the cave and around the water, as not to get wet, the ran over to my clothes, slipping them on and rubbing my arms in an attempt to stay as warm as possible. Soon after dressing myself, I wondered along the forest floor, my eyes scanning the area for firewood that I would use in the cave to keep me warm.

Once I had found the wood, I pondered upon another lake not far from my meadow but this one seemed to have a lot more edible fish occupying it so I decided to use this for my meal. So, I searched the area for a sharp branch and just an ordinary branch and once found; I had begun my plan of action.

I swirled the blunt branch around in the water, destroying the peace and disturbing the fish making them flop around and as soon as one flopped up out of the water, I aimed and shot my spear like branch immediately executing the fish, ready for me to cook.

I made my way back to my new home, firewood lodged under one arm and around 4 fish in my iron handgrip, I was getting along fine with this 'living alone' business, a lot better than my 'other' life, a lot better...

As I reached the meadow, some thing seemed strange, as if I felt a presence nearby so I ran as quickly as I could to my little cave behind the waterfall and placed the firewood and food in the cave and made my way back over to the water, peeking out onto the outside to get a little look of what was happening.

Out of nowhere, a tall raven hair man flashed beside the lake, his black cloak swaying along with the gentle wind as red clouds occupied the black material. His onyx eyes glittering slightly against the light from the awakened moon; his pale skin to perfection.

"He went this way! I'm sure of it!" I heard a unfamiliar man call from somewhere among the sleeping trees, and with that, the mystery man was gone. Hiding. Hiding somewhere in this meadow but his presence seemed to have vanished after the few seconds I had to even glance at him.

"This way!" I heard the man shout again but this time appearing in the opening along with his men. They held long swords in there ruff hands and most of them had scars located all over their skin, but none of them compared to the scars I own, none.

"He must have gone the other way, I cannot feel his chakra anymore. This way!" He ordered once again, they all disappeared back into the now darkened forest, hopefully never to come back.

The men had gone but the moon carried on to shine bright against the midnight view. Even though the mystery man seemed to have disappeared as all sense of his presence was gone, but my gut instincts was telling me otherwise. I still had a strong feeling arising, bubbling, inside telling me he was still here - That he was close - so I stayed watch on the meadow, my eyes analysing every movement. Until... Until he appeared.

He wandered slowly out from the suffocating shadows and pondered along the lush grass, his features still as beautiful as when I first laid eyes on his form - this time though, I got to get a better look, he was truly beautiful! Almost God like...

His hypnotising orbs scanned from star to star until they met with the calming stare of the moon, seeming dazed by the sight before him but still, you could see the agony and regret flash through his eyes occasionally, the full moon probably resurfacing painful memories buried deep within his soul.

As he then began to lay down, closing he eyes in relaxation, my courage and curiosity grew stronger - I had to find out who this man was. What his secret was. What his purpose was. Who those people were. Just so many questions desperately awaiting the answers.

I crept out from my hiding space and built up the courage to close the distance slightly between the stranger and myself, at the moment he seemed pretty harmless, I doubt he will hurt me but I should be careful incase he does, after all he was a stranger.

"H-hello? Mister? Who a-are you?" I questioned, my voice quivering slightly and my heart beating painfully against my chest. He just turned his head towards me slightly and cracked open one eye, but this time the eyes were no longer the hypnotising onyx. No, they were now a blood like Crimson but still seemed to draw you in closer.

Once he seemed to verify that I was no danger towards him, the blood red faded and he rose from the ground slightly into a sitting position, never parting his eyes from my own.

"Itachi Uchiha, may I ask who you may be?" He spoke, his voice angelic, soft. The type of voice that makes you want to melt inside. "M-my name is K-Kumiko Hayashi, nice t-to meet you I-itachi" I replied, still stuttering slightly as I spoke. I was never good at socialising with people, I always tried to avoid the hassle and stay hidden.

"What must girl such as yourself be doing out here alone?" He asked, confusion lingering in the air. "This is where I live mister, may I ask your purpose in being here?" I replied, gaining a little confidence back, at least executing my stutter.

"Well, I just ran into this place in my escape from enemy ninja, that's all. If you don't mind me asking, why might you be living about here by yourself, don't you have any family to go to?" He pushed further causing a certain uncomfortableness to rattle at my insides at the thought of my past with my family.

"I ran away from my family, they aren't the kind of parents you would wish for, at all, that's all you need to know." I answered as I seated myself beside him. He was a stranger yet I felt a warm sense of security around him, a sense of hope, hope that maybe I might be able to make a friend, someone to entrust with my life...

"I myself had family problems, I know the feeling and just like you I had to run away from those problems but not for the reasons you think..." He trailed off, his voice seeming slightly choked up as he spoke; it seems this subject is also very close to his own heart too.

Staying silent seemed like the best option, I knew that he would probable feel as uncomfortable as I felt so I decided that keeping my mouth shut for a while would be for the best; although I was curious of his past.

"Hey mister, you don't seem all that bad you know. I don't usually talk to strangers but you seem different, I can somehow link my pain to your own." I expressed looking up into his shady eyes, seeming to get lost amongst the mixture of emotion flowing through them for an instant.

My fragile hand move slowly towards his, grabbing it and attempting to pull him to his feet as I stood, "Come with me." I stated as he rose and followed me, leading him towards the water and the entrance to my cave, still holding his hand subconsciously.

As I led him inside, I sat on the stone floor next to where the firewood and food we located. "I have food, I don't know if your hungry or not but its not much." I explained, the wood sparking before me as I set off a fire. "I would like that, thank you for your kindness" he replied formally, sitting down beside me as we heated up around the flames.

"No need to be so formal, even though we have only just met, I still class you to be a friend so try to chill out a little" I explained with a friendly smile, but the action cause the bruise on my cheek to ache reverting my mind back to the 'moment' but I soon shook it off... I needed to forget that wretched life...

"If you say so Kumiko." He replied sounding a lot more laid back this time, "Miko is fine" I corrected whilst preparing and cooking the fish until it was edible, once done, tossing two of the fish over to Itachi leaving two for myself. "This isn't all that bad Miko, it's a nice little place you have here." He complimented even though it wasn't all that impressive.

"Thank you mister Itachi." I exclaimed, feeling all tingly inside at the thought of someone actually complimenting something of my belonging. " I cannot stay here much longer Miko, my leader may begin to question my whereabouts. It was nice meeting you though..." He spoke, standing and making his way closer to the exit.

"It was a pleasure meeting you too mister. You are the first friend I have had for a long time, thank you Itachi..." I spoke as I made my way over to him before his leave. "Goodbye Miko..." "Goodbye mister Itachi..."

And then he was gone...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 hours later ~~~~~~~~~

I lay across the ground next to the now dead fire thinking about my encounter with Itachi today, questions such as, what was his past life? Where is he now? Why was he being chased? Who is this 'leader' of his? And most of all, will I ever see him again?

The more I urge myself to sleep the more I can't help thinking about today, about how one event can change your whole perspective on life. From what I have gathered, Itachi has faced similar circumstances as myself yet he has still survived the heart ache and nightmares. His appearance today sparked a little hope deep down inside me, hope for the future, hope for a better life...

As I begin to drift away into the dark void of slumber the last image to flash through my thought track was Itachi... The one who changed my attitude and perspectives towards life in just over an hour.

The mystery man...

Mister Itachi Uchiha...

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Helloooooo! As I pointed out in my other book, I have been really busy a lately and unable to update as often so sorry if it's a late update! I really hope u enjoyed this chappy since I stayed up really late just to update for you guys! Love you all, until next time..... ^x^

~C x