[fic] (Sequel to Birth Day) Mother: Prologue

[melrose_stormhaven]

Disclaimer: Me no own Naruto. Me have no money. Please no sue.

Author's notes: Sequel to Birth Day. I wasn't really planning to put up one, but some of the reviews I got inspired me. XD So enjoy!

Pairings: NaruHina...for now...

Summary: What does the Akatsuki and Naruto's parents have in common? Naruto never knew who his parents were or why the Kyuubi was sealed within him. As he and Kyuubi slowly begin to merge, a woman from his forgotten past crashes into his life. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki is back with a vengeance.

Mother

Prologue: His Guardians

She cradled him in his arms, smiling and cooing as he continued to suckle from her breast. He was such a tiny thing, with an absurd button of a nose and a spiky mess of blonde hair. His eyes were closed, but when they opened, it was a brilliant shade of blue, as clear as the azure skies on this cloudless day. Looking at him, no one would think that this child contained the soul of the Kyuubi within him. He is so beautiful.

The door behind them creaked open. She didn't need to turn to know who the person was. Only one person knew they were here. Quickly, she fixed herself to be presentable. "Hokage-sama," she said, turning to the old man.

The Hokage smiled at them. It was a wonderful image, mother and child together in a rocking chair beside an open window, the morning sun giving them its blessing as it shone on them. The Hokage almost hated himself for intruding on them. "How is the child?"

"Hungry. He was quite noisy a while back. Energetic as well," she said as she felt small fists pushing against her. Her smile brightened for a moment, then faded into a sad one. "But that's not the things you wanted to know." She turned away from him.

"Child–"

"The seal is holding. You have nothing to fear. There is nothing on this earth that will be able to break this kind of seal. Many have tried; all have failed," she said, her voice bitter. "The Kyuubi will never get out." She took a deep breath and bit her lip. "I'm sorry, Hokage-sama. That was most impolite of me to say. Thank you for inquiring about my son."

The Hokage stared her. She was no more than sixteen, this mother. She was young and beautiful, with her fiery red hair, gray eyes, and pale skin. Even in grief she remained unbowed, her shoulders straight even with her burden. "Will you be at the funeral?"

She shook her head. "No. I don't want to arouse further suspicion. I'll be staying here."

"What do you plan to do?" he asked.

She stood up, her son still in her arms, and turned to the Hokage. "I will take care of my son, of course, but I will be known as his guardian. He must not know I am his mother. Nor will anyone." She glanced outside. The villagers were all busy for the festival tonight to celebrate the defeat of the Kyuubi. Already, the streets were decorated with colorful flaglets and such. "They know my son is the container of the Kyuubi. They saw. They will hate him." She smiled sadly at the Hokage. "I know about the decree, but it will not prevent them from hating him. They will whisper and they will be cruel. Arashi hoped our son will be regarded as a hero, but Arashi has always been optimistic. He was too good for this world."

The Hokage was silent. What she said was true. Nobody knew that the child's father was Yondaime. Looking at the child, it was easy to see the similarities between the two. However, many of the villagers were beginning the child as a monster rather than a human being. Earlier, the ANBU reported that they've heard several people talk of killing the 'Kyuubi kid' or the 'monster'. He stationed an ANBU squad around the building to prevent anyone from harming the child and his mother.

"I have talked to the Council. They will be giving you and the child a free apartment and a lifetime allowance." When the girl opened her mouth to protest, the Hokage interrupted her with a wave. "This is the least we can do for you and the child. Please accept this." He wished he could do more for the child, the son of Yondaime, but there was little he could do at this situation.

She took another deep breath. Then she nodded. "Thank you, Sarutobi-sama," she said softly. She stepped forward. "There is something I wish to ask."

"What is it?"

She hesitated for a moment, then she said, "Five years from now, I'll be leaving the village for two or three years. Will you watch over my child till I return? I know I'm asking a lot but..."

The Hokage frowned. "Leave the village? Three years?"

She bit her lip. "It has something to do with my...family...inheritance. Something's going to happen, and it is best for me and the village that I'm not here when it happens. I can't take him with me."

"I see." The Hokage knew what sort of 'family inheritance' the girl was talking about. "I understand. I'll see to it that he's taken care of while you'll away. But what about the child? Won't he miss you?"

"I'll seal away his memories of me. I know that's dangerous, but it's the only way I could think of right now. Thank you...for everything." She gave him a warm smile.

Ah. Her smile, the Hokage decided, was probably the most beautiful he had ever seen. This must be one of the reasons why Yondaime loved her so much.

The Hokage smiled back at her. "You are most welcome." He bowed at them. "I must go. I have another council meeting." He was about to open the door when he glanced back. "Oh, by the way, Jiraiya and Tsunade wishes to visit you and the child."

She grinned, eyes lighting up. "The old hag and the pervert? Of course! Tell them they are most welcome to visit!" Her eyes fell on an empty bowl. "Tell them to bring ramen! I hadn't have Ichikaru's ramen for a long time!"

"Hatake Kakashi also wants to visit," he added. He frowned when he saw her tense. "Is something the matter?" He knew Kakashi and the girl were not the best of friends, but he did not expect a reaction like this.

She shook her head. "No, it's just that Kakashi...Kakashi and I haven't been on good terms lately. I don't think he trusts me. And neither has he forgiven me for 'abandoning' the village. He doesn't like me taking guardianship over the child. But if he wishes to visit, I guess he could come."

The Hokage wanted to ask more questions, but said nothing. It was not his nature to pry into personal matters. "Very well. I'll tell him that." He squinted his eyes at the child, who was now sleeping peacefully. "Do you have a name for him yet?"

She smiled. "Oh yes. I thought about the spiral seal on his belly, and it kind of reminded me of an ingredient for ramen. He'll be known as Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto."

:T.B.C.:

Author's notes (again): Everyone's been doing stories of Yondaime and Naruto, so I decided to do one about his mom. I still don't know what exactly I'll do in this fic, so we'll see.