A/N: This story carries off from where we left off at 'Shadows of the Night'. Reading that one-shot will definitely help you understand this better.
Disclaimer
Naruto and his friends belong to Masashi Kishimoto. For a more formal disclaimer, refer to my profile page.
Many thanks to…
InosBane, for being the most thoughtful first reviewer,
RealyManlyPimp, whose review made me start seriously considering writing this;
PGNarutoFan, whose precious PM greatly touched me and triggered off my urge to write more;
TaintedMoonlight, whose review strengthened my resolve to write;
To Temari-no-Sabaku, AngelRain61, nightgodtsuki, TemariNara, CaitlinIsATreehugger, ThisIsntClaire, Midnight Memories and roxas-kh, for sparing me their valuable time and giving me excellent advice and encouragement in the form of reviews.
WIND SHADOWS
Chapter 1: When Reality Sets In
It'd been a while since she'd last taken out her temari.
Tonight she needed it badly, and she clutched it firmly in her hands, cuddling it close to her heart as if afraid it was a mirage that would disappear.
Her knuckles had turned white, and she realised she was throttling it. As if afraid that it'd be unable to breathe, she loosened her grip and cupped it gently instead, using her fingers to trace the patterns on the ball.
She'd be leaving first thing tomorrow.
Not that it bothered her, really. She'd come clean, he'd been gentlemanly about it. And she'd been relieved of a burden that had haunted her each time she returned to Suna. The truth was out now.
That was what terrified her.
Only a few things scared Sabaku no Temari. Shukaku horrified her. Being helpless when Shukaku was in control of Gaara made her a nervous, shivering wreck. The thought of losing her brothers filled her heart with fear too.
Before, she'd left with a heavy heart. This time, she'd be leaving her heart behind.
An array of emotions shot through her mind.
Temari was mistress of her life. She'd always been in full control of herself, especially since she'd learnt to conceal her emotions on the day Gaara was born. Emotions were useless to her; they'd weaken her and reduce her into a pathetic laughing stock.
It might not be a bad thing, then, if leaving her heart behind kept her emotions in check. Unfortunately, despite her wholehearted attempt at self-deceit, she was acutely aware of the ache she'd feel leaving a part of her behind.
That was why the thought of it terrified her.
Now that the sweetness of the moment on the hill was over, she was threatened with reality. She had to make a choice. It was one or the other. Her brothers or Shikamaru. Suna or Konoha. Her life or her love.
She'd known it'd turn out this way, but she'd wanted him to push her away, to awaken her from a dream that was never meant to be and help her convince herself that she was wading into dangerous waters. He hadn't been very helpful.
O-O X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X O-O
It'd been a while since she'd first held her temari…
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A/N
Well, what more can be said? What d'you think? I'm afraid this's as far as I can post for now. The next chapter introduces some information that isn't mine (yes it's already been written and I'm longing to post it), so the update status of this story will depend on the outcome of an email I've been waiting for…
Once I know, I'll update this fanfict accordingly. Till then, would you be willing to wait with me?
I'm extremely grateful to the wonderful reviewers who've been extremely supportive and encouraging with this fanfiction, as well as Ms T, who has kindly acknowledged my email despite her hectic schedule. If all goes well, I'll be able to openly acknowledge her and her wonderful site in the next chapter. Many thanks for the encouragement and support!