Past...
I walked quietly behind the Kazekage, trailing him with two guards behind us. I made sure to stay far enough away so that he would know I was still there, but not close enough to actually start a conversation. Suddenly the Kazekage stopped in his tracks. I stopped where I was. He turned around at me. I looked down at my chained hands. I smiled a bit; did these people think that just handcuffs could hold me? Oh well, I wouldn't try to break out. I wanted to stay here for a bit, I might as well see a bit of the world before I have to go back to the Akatsuki.
"What are you smiling at?"
I look up to notice that the Kazekage was staring at me.
"Nothing." I say emotionless. I stare right back in his face.
Act cold... A part of what Itachi had said stayed in my mind, I would try it and see how it for it would get me.
"Walk beside me."
I do as I'm told and move beside him. I walk beside him, trying to act as if I don't notice him, or the guards. My mind quickly goes back to its previous thoughts. About Itachi. He knew me, but maybe he didn't, I mean Sasuke was his brother, if he knew me as well as I think he did, Sasuke would also remember me. But then again, Itachi did say something about forgetting... What if he made Sasuke forget as well. What if-
"Here we are Kazekage-Sama."
I finally look up to see two huge walls standing in front of me. They have a small space separating them, enough for you to walk through. After finishing gawking at the walls I follow behind the Kazekage.
"You'll be staying with me... Kyomi."
I look at the Kazekage.
"Very well Kazekage-Sama."
He nods and all of his guards leave. I walk soundlessly beside him. I sneak a glance at him out of the corner of my eye. I see his hair is a better red then I had assumed before, fierce but pretty. His red hair a strong contrast against his pale skin, you would expect someone from the Sand to be more tanned. I saw dark rings circling his eyes, he was the one-tail jinchuriki, I learnt from Orochimaru that those who held Shukaku (the one-tailed beast) suffered from lack of sleep. But the rings were another great contrast for his eyes, they were a soft turquoise color, not like Sakura's. His were much more gentle. I looked back at the road in front of us. We walked past a school playground and I saw about 36 girls around the age of 13 run up to Gaara squealing. I sighed and moved off to the side as they crowded around Gaara hugging him and asking him questions.
"Oh Gaara!"
"So strong!"
"He's so hot!"
I struggled to keep the cold look on my face as I saw Gaara struggle to act gentle and try to push the girls off of him. I manage to keep the look on my face. I really disliked this. I had never seen it, but I could guess how superficial they were all acting. They were only acting like this with Gaara because of his status and strength. I stared absently at them. Gaara got his sand and made a barrier around him that the girls couldn't break. They all whined at not being able to touch Gaara. After they had finally given up and walked away, Gaara turned to me.
"Ready to go Kyomi?"
"Yes Kazekage-Sama."
He flinched a bit but kept on walking. I walked a couple feet behind him.
"Tell me about yourself."
The request command was sudden and I was shocked but contained my emotionless expression.
"No."
He turned to me like he was going to say something, but I just kept on walking and ended up being ahead of him. I saw children run around the place. I gave a sad smile. I couldn't help it. Children constantly remind me of the childhood I wished I had. Being free, running, having friends. I wished I knew what that meant. The closest person I've ever been with was Sasuke, and he wasn't here. We were close because he understood me. He understood what it was like envying other's happiness. I didn't mean to be jealous, but it was a reaction that I couldn't control. I felt a ball hit my head. I turned to see children coming at me. They were all running. There were 5 of them, four boys and one girl. I smiled and picked up their ball.
"Here you go."
"Th-thank you." The boys stuttered, their cheeks were pink.
"S-Sorry about that." One boy said.
"No worries, just try to control the ball better." I put out my hand with the ball. No one made a move for it.
"ARE YOU GUYS GONNA JUST STAND THERE OR TAKE IT?" The girl yelled, giving each guy a hit.
I laughed and messed up her head.
"HEY WHY A-"
She stopped when she looked up at me.
"You're pretty."
"So are you, I like you kid."
With that I turned around and kept on walking towards what I'm guessing was Gaara's mansion. It was the biggest building in all of Sunagakure. I made it there before Gaara and waited there for him at the door.
"You're good with kids..."
"Hn."
He opened the door to his house and I heard a voice.
"GAARA ARE YOU BACK?!? WANNA GO AROUND THE VILLAGE? SOME GIRLS A-"
There was a spiky brown haired boy at the end of the hall. His laid back expression had turned into a sly one.
"Well who is this Gaara?"
He said coming closer to me.
"Kankuro this is-"
"I can introduce myself." I turned my attention on the 'Kankuro'.
"My name is Kyomi. Nice to meet you Kankuro."
"You too, Kyo."
I raised my eyebrow at his nickname. I had never really like them much, but I had to act cold. I decided to let him call me whatever he wanted.
"That's more than you've said to me..." Gaara said peering down at me.
"Well I just have that type of affect on girls. I thought you would know that Gaara!"
Gaara sighed and a thought popped into my head. He said he had that affect on girls and that Gaara should know. That meant he did it regularly. Was he talking about me? Did I have to deal with some other feelings?
"What do you mean by that?" I said still looking blank.
"By what?"
"What you just said."
"Well girls have a thing for me and I have a thing for them."
I frowned. What type of guy was he? The only real boy I knew that was my age was Sasuke, and he didn't talk like Kankuro did. What did it mean?
"So you're attracted to me?"
"W-What?!?"
I heard muffled laughs coming from Gaara.
"And you want to kiss me? That's what it means right?"
I took a step closer to him.
"I've only kissed one other guy before, and that was recently. He wasn't anything like you though. So answer my
question."
"Well... I've never had such a direct girl come at me-"
"I'm not coming at you."
"Anyways, I am attracted to you, you're really hot. I would like to kiss you... Maybe we could do it sometime later?"
Kankuro took a step towards me and I automatically took a step back. I bumped back into Gaara's chest. He caught my shoulders and I managed to recompose myself.
"Leave her alone please, Kankuro. She's staying here for a while. Don't touch her."
Gaara navigated me down a hallway.
"Sorry about my brother, I promise that he'll leave you alone."
I gave him a nod, signaling that I understood. He stopped in front of a door I'm guessing is my room. He opened the door for me.
"Here's your room."
I walked into it but he stopped me.
"If, you can show me an emotion other than the blank one you have on."
I turned to him and gave him scowl then shut the door in his face. How was he even the Kazekage? Weren't they supposed to be all serious and skilled? He only seemed selfish and conceited. I walked over to my bed and dropped onto it. I probably wouldn't sleep tonight... maybe I could summon Sasuke... No before I talked to Sasuke again, I had to figure out what I was feeling for him, and what Itachi told me. I would also have to get some clothes. (She's wearing what's in the story picture) Sure I had no problem wearing it, but it seemed the girls here didn't show as much skin as my dress did. I'll ask Lord Gaara for it later.
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Gaara's P.O.V.
I found her in the forest with two Akatsuki members. Now she was following behind me. I could tell she was specifically trying to not walk beside me. Whenever I slowed down my pace at all, she would slow down hers. I sighed and continued at a fast pace, we had to get back to the village. I heard her silent steps coming from behind me. My thoughts roamed from Orochimaru, to the Akatsuki and how they were collecting all the tailed beasts, to Naruto and the leaf village, then back to Kyomi... I studied her features in my head... Her long black hair that perfectly framed he delicate pale face and onyx eyes. She was also pretty skinny, but not a freakish type of skinny. Her dress did have two slits at the side, showing a lot of her legs.... wait... what was I doing...? I was the Kazekage, why was I acting like this? Sure she was a pretty girl, but there were tons in the village... Why did she seem different? She was caught associating with the Akatsuki, she was a criminal, I wouldn't even have a chance... Not that I wanted it. Why... oh well. We'll help her out, and try to contract information from her. I looked over my shoulder to see her looking down at the cuffs on her hands. She was smiling. She had a beautiful smile... not that I was staring. I stopped and looked fully at her. She was smiling. She noticed how I stopped and looked up with a blank expression.
"What are you smiling at?"
I couldn't believe I had just said that... Where's the quiet sensitive Gaara that I knew?
"Nothing." Was all she said... Yep... I think she would have reacted better to the normal Gaara. But I was finding it
hard restraining myself from talking to her, I managed. I couldn't just start talking to her when she knew nothing about me. She was probably scared right now. Who knew what the Akatsuki had done to her! I decided I would leave her alone to her thoughts for now but...
"Come walk beside me."
She walks beside me without looking at me or saying a word and I know immediately that what I just did was wrong. It's like when people outside of my guards and elders address me as Kazekage-Sama. It makes me feel like i'm better than everyone else. I refused to forget my background or my past, it was part of me, and just because I became the Kazekage doesn't mean that I would forget. I looked down at her a bit. We made our way to Sunagakure in silence, I couldn't help but glance at her every now and then. Every time I looked down, she looked like she was deep in thought. We finally made it to Suna.
"Here we are Kazekage-Sama."
I saw her look up and a shocked expression took over her face as she saw the two walls of sand. She must not get out much. Well, if I was taking her, she would stay with me.
"You'll be staying with me, Kyomi."
She nodded.
"Very well Kazekage-Sama."
I cringed a bit. I didn't like when people addressed me as that unnecessarily. I was about to correct her but thought against it and motioned for my guards to leave. They all left and I began to lead her to my mansion. I walked staring at the roadside. I didn't want to be caught staring at her. I heard some high pitched squeals coming from beside us. I looked to see a crowd of 13 year old girls run up to me. Oh no... It's not that I wasn't grateful to be thought of as handsome, but it seemed a little overboard. They all crowded around me smiling and hugging me. I felt a bunch of hands pull and push me in different directions. I looked to my right to see Kyomi had backed up and was sneering a bit. I better get her to my mansion before anything happens. She is my responsibility after all. I used my sand to create walls around me so the girls couldn't touch me any further. They whined in response to my action but backed off after they realized that I wasn't going to let them near me. I saw a ball fly before me... and hit Kyomi in the back of her head.
Five children ran up to her. Oh no, she didn’t really seem like a person who like them. I saw her smile and pick up their ball… oh her smile…
“Here you go.”
The boys didn’t move, rather they just stood there, staring at her with a small blush on their cheeks. There was one girl
among them, she was waiting for them farther off.
“Th-Thank you.” The boys stuttered.
“No worries, just try to control the ball better.”
The girl from the group now appeared beside the boys hitting them all over the head.
“ARE YA GONNA TAKE THE BALL OR JUST STAND THERE?”
Kyomi did something that surprised me; she put a hand on top of the girl’s head and ruffled her hair.
“WHO’S TOUCHING M-“
She stopped when she looked up Kyomi. Another victim of her beauty… I found myself staring up at her as well.
“I like you kid.” She said giggling… giggling?
I stared at her as she continued walking towards my mansion. Wow was she different.
“You’re good with kids.” I commented, hoping to get the previous image of me she probably had out of her head.
“Hn.” Was all I got.
I opened the door for her and we entered together. Immediately I heard the voice of Kankuro.
"GAARA ARE YOU BACK?!? WANNA GO AROUND THE VILLAGE? SOME GIRLS A-"
He stopped as soon as he saw Kyomi…. Was this a talent? Her beauty always left you speechless.
"Well who is this Gaara?" He said coming closer to Kyomi.
"Kankuro this is-"
"I can introduce myself." I looked down at Kyomi. I really had screwed up. She directed her attention towards Kankuro.
"My name is Kyomi; nice to meet you Kankuro."
“You to, Kyo.”
I raised an invisible eyebrow at my brother. He had just met her and yet he had a nickname for her? Surely she wouldn’t stand for it, but again to my surprise she didn’t seem to mind… but you couldn’t really tell since her expression was blank.
"That's more than you've said to me..." I said peering down at her.
"Well I just have that type of affect on girls. I thought you would know that Gaara!"
I sighed at my over-confident brother.
“What do you mean by that?” Kyomi had taken a step closer to Kankuro.
“By what?”
"So you're attracted to me?"
"W-What?!?"
I put my arm over my mouth to muffle my laughing.
"And you want to kiss me? That's what it means right?"
She took a step closer to him.
My laughing stopped abruptly at her comment and what she was suggesting.
"I've only kissed one other guy before, and that was recently. He wasn't anything like you though. So answer my question."
"Well... I've never had such a direct girl come at me-"
"I'm not coming at you."
"Anyways, I am attracted to you, you're really hot. I would like to kiss you... Maybe we could do it sometime later?"
Kankuro took a step towards her and she automatically took a step back. She bumped into my chest. I caught her shoulders and I managed to recompose myself. She felt so good here where I could protect her. I resisted the urge to smell her hair.
"Leave her alone please, Kankuro. She's staying here for a while. Don't touch her."
I navigated me down a hallway.
"Sorry about my brother, I promise that he'll leave you alone."
She gave me a nod, signaling that she understood. I stopped in front of a door that would be her new room. I opened the door for her.
"Here's your room."
She walked into it but I stopped her.
"If, you can show me an emotion other than the blank one you have on."
She turned to me and gave me a scowl then shut the door in my face. Looks like I messed up again. I sighed and walked down the hall. I don’t have any time to become more acquainted with her… oh well.
Kyoko’s P.O.V.
I listened till I heard Gaara leave the hall. I opened the door a fraction and walked out into the hall. If I was gonna stay here, I would know where everything was. At all of Orochimaru’s hideouts I knew a place that I could go whenever I needed a break, that was usually where Sasuke and I trained. We would usually take a break together at the pond. It was usually silent, unless we were asking each other questions about our past. I looked around the halls to only see numerous bathrooms and bedrooms. There were a couple of offices here and there, but nowhere that was truly relaxing. I climbed some steps and stopped at a door. I opened it to see the sky develop above me. I must be on the roof of the mansion. I climbed through the doorway and took a step out onto the roof. It was a windy day and the wind was blowing my hair in all sorts of directions. I breathed in deeply, this was my place. I lay down on the floor…. Roof… I sat down and leaned back on my hands and let the wind take me places. I closed my eyes and forgot about everything. This is why I love these types of places the best, they could make me happy, help me forget. I leaned my head back into the wind. It might have been hot here, but the wind was cool enough to give you a balance. I enjoyed the wind while I still could.
“May I join you?”
I didn’t have to open my eyes to see that it was Gaara.
“What, no commands?”
I heard him open the door again like he was about to leave.
“You can stay.” I said opening my eyes to look at him. I saw him smile a bit before turning fully to me.
“Thank you.”
He sat down about half an arm away. We sat in silence and I leaned back and let the wind take me again.
“I apologize for my behavior earlier.”
I opened my eyes to see Gaara’s own boring into mine. I noticed that he didn’t have any eyebrows. I giggled.
“Does that mean you forgive me?”
“No… I mean yeah… But that wasn’t why I was laughing. Yes I forgive you.”
“Well I just made you laugh and it probably won’t happen again, I want to know what I did.”
I looked up at him sheepishly through my hair. I didn’t want to seem rude.
“It’s just that… um…”
“It’s my lack of eyebrows right?”
I smiled a bit and nodded.
“I get that a lot.”
I left the smile on my face and continued to look up at the sky.
“You don’t have any work?”
I don’t know why I felt the need to start a conversation, but I did.
“Nope, I usually do it in the evenings; I like to enjoy the sun while I can.”
I turned to him and cocked my head to the left.
“Why not enjoy the evenings? I bet the evenings here look a lot prettier than the mornings. You should go out and see.”
“Then I guess I’ll go with you sometime this week.”
I turned back around so he couldn’t see my shocked face. Why was he making plans with me? Was it to get me alone
and do something? I looked straight and didn’t dare look over at Gaara.
“Is that a yes or no?”
“Hn.”
He let the topic fall down and let it fall silent.
“Want to tell me about your past?”
“Not really.” I said not opening my closed eyes.
“It’s either me, or the ANBU will have to torture it out of you.”
I sighed.
“Well if you want to know about Orochimaru, I don’t know any more than what you know. He likes to perform experiments. I don’t know what he was trying to accomplish, all he taught me was new jutsu. He didn’t bring me in on his plans. Would you like to know more of my past?”
“Only if that would be okay with you.”
I sighed.
“Well I’m pretty sure I was born in Konohagakure. I lived there till I was 10- that’s when Orochimaru got me. My parents were murdered when I was 8 but I can’t remember anything else.”
“Okay.”
“By remember anything else, I mean I don’t remember much of my life before I was 10 except episodes of pain.”
It was quiet and all could hear was the wind blowing furiously.
“Do you want to go inside?” Gaara asked raising his voice a bit to be heard over the wind.
“No.”
Gaara and I stayed there until it started getting dark.
“You don’t have to stay here if you don’t want to.”
“I want to.”
I looked around at Suna.
“You were right it is more magnificent at night.”
I stayed silent as I continued marveling the village.
“How’s it like… you know, being Kazekage and all?”
He looked down at me with sad eyes.
“My Father was the previous Kazekage.”
“He retired?”
“No, he was killed.”
What a dumb question.
“Oh.” Was all I could stupidly reply with?
“Sorry.” I said looking down at my feet.
“No need, it’s not like he was a good Father.”
“What do you mean?”
There was a pause as Gaara looked off into the distance.
“You don’t have to tell me…”
“No, I want to. He tried to kill me on multiple occasions and even sent out my Uncle to finish the job. He didn’t succeed
in what he wanted to do. I ended up killing my Uncle.”
“How?”
“I have Shukaku sealed in me.”
I nodded. So he knew what it was like to be a jinchuriki.
“I went on rampages regularly. Everyone was afraid of me, they didn’t want to even come anywhere close to me. I was
a monster.”
“How did you get the people to like you?”
Gaara laughed a bit.
“Well, I made the decision myself to try my hardest to get the villagers to trust me and not see me as a monster.”
I nodded and looked back out to the roads of Suna. I expected more people to be out; I almost never slept while I was with Orochimaru. An especially strong wind came. I unconsciously moved closer to the only source of heat I could feel... Gaara. I only realized when I leaned back a bit and felt his chest. I moved up a bit.
“Sorry about that.”
I wasn’t really embarrassed; I just didn’t want to get in trouble with anyone. It’s not like I was kissing him like how Sasuke kissed me.
“It’s okay, if you’re cold that’s fine.”
I leaned back into Gaara and we just watched the stars.
“Do you have any friends from other villages?”
Gaara’s eyes lit up and he smiled, filled with pride.
“Yes, he’s the nine tails and most of his friends. He was the one to truly show me that I wasn’t a monster. If it weren’t for him, I probably would still be killing people.”
“What’s his name?”
“Naruto Uzumaki.”
My eyes widened. Could it be the same Naruto?
“Does he have spiky blonde hair and blue eyes?”
“Yeah, how do you know?”
“I... Saw him a while back.”
“Oh.”
Gaara didn't ask for any further explanation so I calmed my body. I leaned into Gaara’s chest and closed my eyes. The wind had died down a bit, but had not completely disappeared. I could tell I was falling asleep but I was too comfortable to tell him to put me in bed. I drifted off to sleep in Gaara’s chest.
“Good night Kyomi.” I heard being whispered in my ear.
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I woke up in a bed... What? Oh right, this was my new bed. I stretched in the bed and got the sheets off of me before heading to the door. I opened it and looked outside in the hallway. I guess this was day two of wandering. I looked up and down the hall. All of the rooms were almost completely identical to all the others. I decided to find Gaara... he really was the only one I knew. I peeked into another room to see Gaara sitting on his desk, his back was to me and he was staring out the window. I wanted to know what was so intriguing... I walked up behind him and stopped over his shoulder. I saw nothing special except for a sandy blonde haired individual shouting at... Kankuro was his name right?
"What ya looking at?"
Gaara jumped a bit and turned quickly and got into a defensive position.
"Just you... You should knock."
"You shouldn't be so defensive..."
He laughed a bit and turned back to the window.
"Well, I'm watching my older sister and brother fight."
I nodded beside him. Then something occurred to me, he said he was a monster, and that he was alone even though he had siblings. I looked at him confused. How could he be alone? He turned and looked at me.
"We have information that the Akatsuki are looking
"You can ask me anything you know..."
I thought that I didn't know Gaara enough to ask him something so personal. I turned around and made my way to the door.
"Where are you go-"
I didn't hear the rest because I was already out of the door. I needed to think for a second. I still hadn't forgotten about what Itachi had told me. What if the Akatsuki were looking for me? I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see a blonde haired girl standing over me... Man I was short...
"You have 10 seconds to tell me what you're doing here."
I looked up at her with a blank look and cocked my head to the side. I stayed silent.
"I'm warning you, If you don't state your business, you will die."
I stayed silent and un moving.
"That's it!" She pulled the arm that held her fan back, ready to hit me. I used the speed that I had learnt from Sasuke
and sneaked behind her long before her fan could hit me, and I concentrated chakra to my feet and kicked her back.
She went flying and broke through 4 walls. I walked closer to her. When I was beside her I crouched down and said,
"Be glad you're the Kazekage's sister."
I got back up and turned around to see a shocked Gaara standing in one of the holes of the wall. It... h-hurt?... It hurt to see his face as he looked down at his sister.... Maybe I should have held back a bit... No, Itachi said I needed to act cold. I had to be immune to others' feelings. I walked past him without a word or a look in his direction. I was about to walk all the way down the hall when I sensed something coming from behind me. I concentrated chakra to my feet and effortlessly jumped onto the wall. I turned fully to see him. I felt pain for him, but this was my life... A moment of silence passed as we looked at each other. His sister's moan of pain made him look back, I ran. I ran until I came to the roof. I had to think. Why was I listening to Itachi? Why did I feel remorse towards Gaara? Why do I feel regret? I tried to forget what I did, but this time it was harder. I turned around as I heard the door open. I saw his red hair and turned back around. I couldn't look at him right now. I had to find a plan, this wasn't going to work properly. I would have to either escape or wait for the Akatsuki. I waited for Gaara's words of hurt... Why wouldn't he? I hurt his sister, now it's time for him to hurt me. He sat down beside me and didn't say a word.
"Why are you here?" I didn't look up at him.
"You're not a monster..."
"I..." I trailed off. That was kinda sudden. :/
"I used to be like you..."
"Who said I thought I was a monster?" He ignored my question and continued.
"No one wanted to be around me either..."
I stared plainly at the village beneath our view. He was right, even at Orochimaru's hideout, I saw how hesitant the other subjects were around me.
"Why don't people want to be around me?" I finally looked over to him.
"You have an 'aura' around you, and people don't really bother to see for themselves who you really are, so they just
assume... They assume that you're out of control, that you'll hurt them if they get close to you... I know it hurts."
"H-How did you stop it?"
"I told you already; I forgave them. I told myself I wanted to protect them."
I nodded and looked back over the village.
"You're alright Gaara of the Sand."
There was silence.
"Did I say something?" I didn't want him angry at me when I had just got to know him.
"No, it's just the first time you've called me Gaara..."
I looked at him again. Something on his face was pulling my eyes to look at him. I didn't resist. Maybe it was the weird red hair? I don't know, I just had trouble looking away from him. He looked at me suddenly, but I didn't look away. It was him who turned first.
"Didn't anyone tell you it's impolite to stare?" He said; still not looking up at me.
I shook my head.
"Nope, there was never really anyone to stare at..."
I shoved him playfully. I'd never done that, but it just seemed normal. He looked up at me slowly.
"Just remember that you're not a monster, that's all you need to remember."
"Th-Thank you Gaara."
He looked at me curiously.
"For what?" I sighed.
"I can't remember the last time someone like you... actually cared..."
He put his hand softly against mine. I gasped and looked down at my hand, then back at Gaara. He wasn't making eye contact with me. I smiled softly. This wasn't like how Sasuke and I got together, he would be more direct and placed his head on my lap, or pulled me into his arms... In a way I kinda liked this better. The warm feeling seemed to come from Gaara and was sent to my hand climbed through my arm. I leaned my head a bit on his shoulder. Was this how you reacted with friends? This was how Sasuke was before he kissed me. We were f...friends? I heard Gaara gasp but I took it as a good sign. I frowned as I looked up to the sky.
"Gaara, what's that?"
"What's what?"
I pointed at the white bird flying in the air. Just then the door burst open.
"KAZEKAGE-SAMA, THE AKATSUKI ARE HERE!"
"They're here for me..."
I shook my head and squeezed Gaara's hand.
"No, they're here to get me back... possibly get you too."
I looked back up at the sky.
"What should we d-"
I didn't get to finish my question as I felt a huge rushing air coming at me. I saw debris fly everywhere. I heard and saw the explosions as they came closer and closer to Gaara and I. Gaara lifted us using his sand. He dropped me off beside a building.
"Wait here."
I did as I was told. It took a while and I peeked out to see Gaara's lifeless body being taken up with one of the Akatsuki members.
----------------------------------------------------
I stayed still in the crevice Gaara had left me in. I stared in horror as I saw him being taken away. I finally snapped out of it when I realized that he had vanished into the distance. I got up and climbed a wall of a building. I started leaping from building to building, trying to keep up with Gaara. I saw that it was a blonde guy and a big puppet. I followed behind them silently.
"Look at that girl following Gaara-Sama!"
I heard the children of Suna shout and point... Dang it. The blonde boy looked behind him and saw me. He motioned towards the puppet.
"Go on ahead... I'll handle her."
We had left the outskirts of Suna. I stopped as did the puppet. The blonde continued to fly away with Gaara. I tried to jump after them, but the puppet now stood in my path. I cursed under my breath and looked up at the red head in
front of me.
"Move."
He gave me a cocky smirk.
"How about no?"
I growled and jumped at him. He moved quickly and I saw his puppet more closely. I stopped and looked at the puppet standing in front of me. I crouched down again, prepared to attack when I heard a voice behind me.
"Kyoko! Move!"
I looked back to see Gaara's brother running up to us. He caught up and stopped beside me.
"So this is the guy that took Gaara away?"
"No, he was with someone else, a blonde that looks like a girl, he's the one with Gaara."
"Hmm... Well I guess I'll have to handle this guy before I can get my brother back!"
"Wait Kankuro, this guy is apart of the Akatsuki, you can't just-"
He didn't listen to me.
"Just you wait Kyoko. I'll get him."
The puppet laughed a dark chuckle.
"I'm ready." Was what the puppet said.
Kankuro took out a scroll and a puff of smoke appeared. After the smoke cleared I saw one of his puppets. Hmm puppet master against puppet master... Who would win?
"Move back Kyoko, I wouldn't want you to get hurt."
I knew he was being over confident, but I did as he said and jumped back a considerable amount.
"Now you die." Kankuro said.
"For such an amateur puppeteer, you sure are cocky." Said the raspy voice of the puppet.
Kankuro's blue strings of chakra attached themselves to his puppet and he made his puppet lunge at his opponent. The was a loud bang as the enemy jumped out of the way just in time.
"You're fast, but you're no match for my poisons." Stupid Kankuro, you should never give your opponent clues as to
what you plan on doing.
"Sure..."
Kankuro's puppet lunged at the enemy, to tell you the truth I was kinda surprised at Kankuro's great speed. An arrow came from a secret compartment of his puppet and headed for the enemy. I saw as it... missed. The enemy's puppet raised it's metal tail and hit Kankuro with it.
"Wh-What?"
Kankuro fell to the floor.
"Kankuro!"
"H-How did you know how to counter my poison? No one has ever done that..." Kankuro said weakly.
"I know because, I am the one who made the puppet that you are now using."
"Y-You're Sasori of the Sand?" I said shocked. He was supposed to have died years ago.
"Yes... It seems that you know quite a lot..."
"What have you done to Kankuro?" I ran up to Kankuro, knowing that Sasori was finished attacking. I knelt down
beside him and saw the scratch he had on his cheek.
"It's a poison that is slowly circulating his body. I'd give him about 3 more days to live. You better know of a very good
doctor if you want him to survive."
"I-I'll kill you... some... day..." I placed a finger over Kankuro's lips.
"Don't waste your breath." This was Gaara's brother, I wasn't going to let him die.
"I'll let you both live this time... I wish you luck Kyoko."
"How do you know my-" I looked around but he had disappeared.
"Name?"
I picked up Kankuro and started dragging him to the village. I saw Temari standing at the gate commanding some other ninja.
"Temari, mind helping me out here?"
She looked up and almost screamed as she saw her almost lifeless brother slung beside me. She ran over to me and took Kankuro from me.
"He's been poisoned by another puppeteer... He said he has about 3 more days to live..." Temari's eyes filled with tears.
"No... First I lost Gaara... I can't loose Kankuro as well."
"Go and get the hospital ready, I'll bring him there."
She looked at me hesitantly.
"Are you sure you can manage?"
"Yeah, just go."
She turned around and began running towards the hospital, but not before turning back around and giving me a big hug.
"Th-Thank You."
"You're welcome, now go."
She left and I transported Kankuro to the hospital.
TIME SKIP
It has been 2 days, Temari said she called someone to come and help. Apparently they're Konoha shinobi and one of them is very gifted in the medical department. I pushed open the white doors and walked over to Kankuro's bed. He was squirming in pain. I saw how much sweat was on his forehead. I wish I could use my medical nin-jutsu on him but... Well mine is different. I can only use it on other's who are jinchuriki's, or who have injuries caused by a tailed-beast. I put my hand on Kankuro's head and rubbed it gently. There was an old lady in the room, she hadn't said much to me and I had done the same.
"Shh."
I could tell he was awake, it would be impossible to sleep when you were in such pain. I grabbed his hand tightly.
"Please make it, for Gaara."
"Mm hmm." Was all he could manage without screaming in pain.
If he died would Gaara ever forgive me? Was Gaara even alive? Suddenly the two white doors burst open and in came Naruto, Sakura, and Sai. There was an unknown chakra with them, but I didn't really pay attention. I could sense their chakra and didn't bother turning around. The old lady sprung from her seat and aimed for Naruto. I didn't bother to look up because I knew that he could handle himself.
"Wh-Who's there?"
"Help." Was all I said back to Kankuro.
"Excuse me m'am." It was Sakura beside me. So she was the one who was skilled in medical ninjutsu. I tried pulling away, but Kankuro held fast to my hand.
"Can't."
"Hey, I remember that voice! And that dress! Are you-"
"It doesn't matter who I am, would you please do what you were asked to do? This man has 1 more day to live and I need you to save him."
She quieted down and looked back down at Kankuro. Naruto, Sai, and... The White Fang?
"You're the White Fang?"
"Nope... My father...."
Oh... Then his name must be Kakashi. I looked down at Kankuro and saw the pink haired girl crouched over him with a green glow surrounding her hands. How jealous I was... I couldn't even do anything, I had let this happen. I could have easily killed Sasori, but I had listened to the foolish Kankuro... I shook my head and lifted it up again.
"I'm sorry, but if I'm supposed to do this I need space."
It was a while before I realized she was talking to me.
"Tell him that."
I lifted my head for the first time since everyone had surrounded the bed.
"Kankuro... Let go." Sakura said.
I stared down at him with a blank look.
"He won't listen to you, do what you've been asked to do please. If he dies so do you."
"NOW I REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE! YOU'RE THAT GIRL WHO WAS THERE WHEN WE WENT FOR SASUKE!"
It was Naruto who had shouted.
"Yes I am."
"Move now-" Sakura started.
"Excuse me m'am, but our medical ninja can't complete what she's supposed to do if she doesn't have enough space."
I nodded at Kakashi.
"AH!" Kankuro's cry of pain was heard.
I cupped his face in my hand.
"Kankuro, you have to survive for Gaara, and Temari... And all the other girls in the village. I need you to let go...
Please."
"C-Come back..."
"Sure thing..."
He let go of my hand and I backed away. I left the room so I wouldn't have to see whether or not Kankuro made it...
I saw Temari appear from around a corner.
"They're here... you can go inside and see them."
She rushed past me and went inside. After a few minutes I heard Temari's voice cry out.
"KANKURO!"
I pushed open the door a bit. Sure enough I saw Kankuro sitting up straight with Temari's arms wrapped around his
neck. I was about to walk in but decided against it.
"Hey wait, you promised to come back..." It was Kankuro's weak voice calling out to me. I decided I would let his sister
get some alone time and I just let him see my hand wave then I left the room again. Not too long after I saw Naruto come out.
"Thanks." It seemed everyone was saying that to me...
"For what?" I asked the blonde.
"You saved my life... When Sasuke was about to take it away." He looked reluctant to admit this but at least he said it.
"No problem."
I felt a sharp pain on the side of my head.
"Ah!" I let out a cry and dropped to the floor holding my head between my hands. It was chakra, whenever I sensed an evil chakra all at one time... I got like this. I looked at the blonde standing in front of me.
"Y-You're a j-jinchuriki?"
"Y-Yeah... How'd you know?"
I let out another cry of pain but got up and ran out of the hallway. I didn't stop until the horrible pounding stopped. I let out a sigh. I looked up to see 4 people standing there looking at me. Two had on green jumpsuits, but one was noticeably older than the other. They both had huge eyebrows, but only the youngest one had huge eyes to match. There was one girl who was dressed rather tom-boyish like. She had a traditional Japanese shirt on with baggy pants that hugged here ankles, she had two brown buns on either side of her head. The last was a rather good look- the last was a boy with long straight brown hair. He had on a white shirt that got bigger around his arms. He had a black skirt that opened down the middles over white pants. They all had the Konoha sign on their headbands. The youngest one in the green jumpsuit jumped over to me and knelt on one knee. He grabbed my hand and I pulled back.
"Don't touch me please." I didn't like that feeling... I was kinda anti-social.
The boy looked heart broken.
"You didn't have to be so mean about it..." I heard the girl with two brown buns mutter under her breath.
"Your friends are down the hall... take two lefts and you'll find him-"
I was interrupted by Temari coming down the hall screaming my name.
"KYOKO! YOU HAVE TO GO WITH THE KONOHA SHINOBI TO FIND GAARA-"
She stopped when she saw the 4 people standing there.
"Hey Temari!"
"Tenten! Everyone! Thank God (Allah, Jashin, etc...) you came! The Akatsuki already has Gaara and we need to go find him. Naruto and them have already gone to look for him."
The brown haired one nodded his head.
"Very well. Tell us in which direction and we'll be off."
"South about 79 degrees." (I don't know....)
They all nodded.
"WAIT!"
She walked up a bit and grabbed Tenten's arm. She turned back to me.
"Kyoko, you have to go with them-"
"No thank you. I'd rather try to find Gaara on my own."
"Not very social are you?" 'Tenten' said.
"No need to be rude Tenten." It was the hot- brown haired shinobi.
"Hmph... Whatever Neji." So Neji was his name...
"I'll be going now. Tell Kankuro where I went."
I left before she could argue anymore. I had started to like Temari, but I didn't trust those people enough to go on a mission with them. On a mission you are supposed to be able to trust everyone with your life. If you can't it's like walking into a suicide mission. I ran in the hot sun. I would find Gaara, it didn't matter how hot it was, how tired I would get. Gaara... Something told me that I should find and save him now... Why? He... he was the first to say that it was okay.... That it was okay for me to be like this... that when people refused to like me... It was their loss. Other than Sasuke, he was the first to accept me. Just like the feeling I had with Naruto and not being able to let him die, I couldn't let Gaara die. I noticed that there was now grass. The same feeling... except it was stronger... I snapped out of it as I fell forwards. I had tripped over a branch- no... I looked behind me to see Gaara's lifeless body laying down on the floor. I saw his chest moving up and down slowly... No... This wasn't happening... I didn't stop to think I just activated my medical ninjutsu and placed them over his chest. It was as I saw his face contort in pain that I realized what I was doing... I was killing him. I stopped immediately. I leaned closer to his face.
"G-Gaara?" My voice trembled... trembled?
"Kyo-"
That was all I heard before his eyes slid shut... His chest was moving slightly. I grabbed his hand and placed it over my chest.
"G-Gaara? I'm sorry... so sorry..."
Just then Naruto, Sakura, Sai, Kakashi, Neji, Tenten, Lee, Granny Chiyo, and Guy appeared.
Sakura crouched down across from me and started treating Gaara. Naruto spoke the words before my lips could move.
"Please save him Sakura..."
She nodded and got to work. After about 10 minutes the soft green light around her hands stopped glowing and she got up.
"It's too late."
My breath caught in my throat.
"What did you do?!?" Naruto yelled at me.
"Nothing." Was all I could whisper. I could feel hot tears in my eyes, but I wouldn't allow them to betray how I felt
right now.
"What do you mean nothing? Is he dead?" Naruto's angry hand was on my shoulder.
"Maybe... I don't know...."
I felt a hot tear fall on my shoulder. I looked up to see Naruto crying.
"Why? Why should the Akatsuki be allowed to do this? Did Gaara do anything? No!?! Gaara didn't deserve this!?!" He
was shouting... he was right. I had had a respect for the Akatsuki before, but now... Gaara didn't do anything. He was one of the kindest people I knew. He didn't deserve to die because of this... I turned to look up at Naruto.
"You're right Naruto... He didn't deserve this. No one does..." I could feel a hot tear roll down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly. Naruto pushed me aside and I fell on the ground. I laid there for a bit before sitting back up. I saw Granny Chiyo come over and place a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Step aside boy."
"WHY, YOU NEVER HELPED GAARA!?!" Naruto was loosing control.
"I know. I never helped the village either. I'm hoping to help them now."
She knelt down beside Gaara and a dark blue light appeared around her hands. My eyes widened. She couldn't be using that jutsu. Sakura realized as well because she had let her head fall.
"Let me help." I said.
"No child just sit-"
"No! I...I couldn't do anything before... I was probably the one who did this... I have to help my friend."
I went behind her and did the tiger, bird, then dragon hand seal. A red light appeared around my hands. I placed them over her back. This was a jutsu that passed on strength to anyone who was underneath your hands. I saw her back physically become straighter.
"Such power... yet so young..."
I smiled at the compliment.
"I know. Thank Orochimaru for that..." It was silent as I kept my hands on her back. I saw her dark blue light begin to fade.
"No..." I put more of my strength into her and the light became brighter.
"Ch-Child... No more, or else you'll die as well."
"He... He accepted me for who I was... I-If this is the last thing I do.... I want it to be this."
"Ah!" I screamed again as my head started pounding. My 11-tails was going against me sacrificing myself. I grounded
my teeth and tried to ignore the pain.
"AH!" I said noticeably louder.
"Are you okay?" Sakura said, taking a step closer to me, with her arms outstretched.
"No... that medical ninjutsu won't help me."
I started screaming as the pain became more and more intense. What was I doing? I was killing myself for some guy?
No....
"Stop... You can't go much longer child." Granny Chiyo's voice called to me.
"N-No... I can't. This is the first time.... I've felt love from someone so quickly. Trust me, he's not going to die... Not today."
I stumbled a bit and fell to the ground, my legs were to weak to support me. Naruto came up and placed his hands
beside mine.
"Let me help you... How does this work?" I looked up at him in surprise.
"Just.. um... try and send chakra to your hands..." It worked as I saw the red light that had been growing smaller bit by bit explode into a large red circle.
"I-It's f-finished." Granny Chiyo's voice called out before she fell back. Sakura caught her in time, but she couldn't catch me as well as I fell to the ground. Neji caught me before I hit the ground and held me in his arms.
"Are you okay?"
I nodded, feeling to weak to speak.
I saw Gaara wake up and sit up.
"Wh-What?"
I looked up to hear cheering. I noticed the millions of villagers who were now here. I smiled as Gaara's eyes landed on
me. He smiled back but looked confused.
"I guess... I got... Carried...a" I couldn't finish my sentence because of the darkness that I fell into.