Holding out For a Hero

Summery: Naruto, Hinata, Sakura, and Sasuke have been friends since they were three years old and are virtually inseparable. Unfortunately, when they are six Orochimaru attacks Konoha and becomes the new ruler. Protected by Haruno Hikari and Uchiha Itachi the four kids from the corner clans are able to escape, but not before promising to return in ten years to set the village free.

Prologue

Black eyes gazed out of the holding cell that had been installed at the top of the Hokage tower, slowly roaming over the blackened sky, charred buildings, and weakened people. They took in the scene coldly; seemingly without any emotion but to someone who knew them well it would be easy to read the pain that flooded the endlessly black abyss.

The owner of the eyes was tall and intimidating, capable of making even the hardest of men crumble with a single glare. His long black hair was tied back in a low and loose ponytail leaving his bangs to fall haphazardly into his coal black eyes. He was dressed in traditional yet rather plain ninja garb consisting of a black, long-sleeved fishnet shirt underneath a ¾-sleeved gi. His black pants fell to just above his ankles, which where tightly bound by black bandages, and on his feet was a pair of black ninja sandals. Finishing off the look was his hatai-ate leaf headband; the setting sun glinted dully off of the worn metal surface.

The door to the holding cell was suddenly thrown open, causing the young man to spin around to gently catch the limp body that was carelessly tossed inside. Cradling the body close he glared dangerously at the smirking guard until the metal door was slammed and locked once again.

Turning his gaze down to his arms he took in the fresh bruises that marred the girls pale flesh. His eyes softened as he picked her up and carefully layed her on the bed, doing his best not to aggravate her already infected injuries.

" 'tachi…?" she mumbled as she reached out blindly in her unconscious state.

Setting down the rag and bowl of warm water that he brought out of the small bathroom, Itachi reached out and covered her small hand with his larger one.

"Don't worry Hikari," He whispered softly. "They should be coming back any day now."

He received no response from the limp girl except for a raggedly drawn breath. "Just a little longer, 'Kari," he begged. "Please, just hold on a little longer."

The sun had been down for at least two hours by the time Hikari managed to drag her mind back from the darkness her pain had forced her into. Slowly she opened her eyes and allowed them ample time to adjust to the candlelight that danced blindingly around the room. She gingerly sat up so as not to aggravate her now bandaged abrasions. Glancing down she noticed that her torn and bloody clothes had been replaced by a simple white gi with ice blue trim. Smiling she leaned over to the other side of the tattered futon where Itachi lay sleeping, a worried look upon his usually expressionless features. Leaning over she placed a soft kiss on his forehead, successfully loosening up his tightened muscles. "Arigato, koi," she whispered. " You won't need to do this much longer, I promise. They should be back anytime now."

"I know."

Hikari smiled as Itachi opened one of hid deep black eyes to look at her softly. "Go to sleep Hikari. You need it."

"Hai," she responded and she slipped back into their shared futon. "Oyasumi nasai, Itachi-koi."

"Oyasumi, Hikari."

XXXXXXXXXXX

About a day outside of Konoha's boarder was a small camp strategically situated to blend into the thick forest. A small group of four was gathered around a small fire quietly conversing.

"Well," said one of the boys. "We're almost there." His spiky blond locks binging out his bright crystal blue eyes giving him a rather innocent appearance.

The girl next to him nodded, her long black braid swaying gently as she did so. She turned her white eyes to face their last two companions. "We're going to need a plan." She said softly, her voice just barely above a whisper.

"I agree," the second boy said as he turned to face their last companion. "What do you think?" He asked her, a loving smile on his lips.

Her emerald green eyes grew dark and distant as she tugged at the end of her short pink hair. Her three companions watched her as she thought, waiting patiently for her response. Suddenly her dulled eyes grew bright and expressive as she turned towards her friends. "I have an idea…"

End Prologue

Kaliea: So are ya interested? If so then review!