A/N: Okay, so the second story I put up here and wouldn't you know, it may very well be longer then my first story! (200-something words compared to an actual story, nice, right? . ;) Well, I just want to welcome you to something I've decided to write. The plot is still developing in my mind at the moment and things are liable to change; the title being the one under subject of most change. It may, it may not... but I'm probably boring you to death right now... sorry. I'm relativley new to Fanfiction... so no flames... please. I may be updating soon if I get just enough reviews... but anyway... Enjoy.

MoonStalker001

Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto, not I... although I may have a few original characters later in the story.

Through to the end, the finish line, the last stretch. Home. Lee's face relaxed with hope, but straightened again with determination. It had been too long ago for him, too long since that fateful encounter…

It had been too long since the two started out on a mission together, even if it really was only earlier that day. But Lee could never forget it. He would never be able to forget the tragic series of events that led to the collapse of his Sensei, Gai… Carefully, Lee straightened and shifted the weight of his teacher on his back. His arms wrapped around him, afraid of letting go. He knew that had he done so, the strands holding Gai's life together would be severed. Lee's eyes salted with tears.

The scene of horror played over and over in his head. The image of his Sensei, only after have defeating the terrible enemies had he fallen limp to the ground of twilight. Guilt spread his mind. It was all his fault. It was Lee's fault for the state of his Sensei. Had he not gone off to prove he was a great shinobi, had he not run straight into that ninja, had he not have gotten himself in way over his head, his teacher would not have been like this.

The tears grudgingly rolled down his cheek. Behind him on his back, his Sensei stirred.

"Lee," Gai mumbled, weak from the battle he had fought only hours before. But those hours of trying to hold on to his life felt like an eternity.

"Gai-sensei!" Lee shouted back to him, his voice rather hysterical. "Do not speak, Sensei! You will only be causing more harm to yourself! We… we are almost there."

"Very good…" was the reply. Instantly, Gai picked up on the sniffling of his student. "Why… why the tears, Lee?" Pain racked his body, causing him to flinch a little while Lee repositioned him.

"Why Sensei… why did you have to go full out on your opponent?" Lee asked quietly. He really was afraid. Afraid of the pain he could feel through his teacher.

"Because… I was protecting what I hold most precious and dear to me."

"But you did not have to risk you life Sense—"

"Lee," Gai chuckled softly, each time hurting his throat. "I had to go to my extent, to make sure you were not harmed. You did... the right thing, Lee. So clear up those tears. Understand?"

"Yes Gai-sensei!" And in a flash, his eyes willingly cleared up. The gates to Konoha surfaced above the horizon. No sooner had they appeared then had Gai begin to cough up blood. Blood… in excess amounts. Lee's eyes widened in realization of what was occurring. In a frantic motion, he picked up his pace. "Hang on! We are almost there! Do not give up Sensei…!"

Gai smiled and placed his head on the shoulder of his pupil. "No…" he whispered. "I will go on. You are my reason for living, Lee. I'm not going to die as long as you are around. That is because I…" Pain rattled his body again. This time is was so great; Lee was forced to stop for a second to remain a firm grip. Then he fell limp. Lee wrapped his teacher's arms around his neck. Slowly in his mind, he began reciting a simple phrase.

"Almost there… Almost there…" Each step grew in weight. Helplessly, tears rolled down his cheeks again with every step he took. "Almost… there…" The tears only increased as he felt the cool breath on his neck suddenly cease. He continued, the same words repeating in his head. He refused to accept the fact that he could no longer hear any breathing come from Gai behind him. He utterly refused the fact that... he could no longer feel Gai's heartbeat against his back… He just refused… He refused… "Almost there, almost there…"