Hikari stood outside the Kazekage door and starred at the wood. Earlier that morning she had be delivered a letter requesting her appearance that morning. Now here she stood, hair soaked and a nervous wreck. She had no time what so ever to dry her hair, to eat or anything. Her appearance would not help her situation. Taking a deep breath she knocked on the door and stepped in.

" Hikari, please come in." An Elder called. She said nothing and softly shut the door behind her. When she looked up her eyes locked with the Kazekage's , him clearly being just as confused about being here as her.

" We have called you in here on a request. As you know Temari is sent away on a mission and Konkuro has his students to train." He started as he looked over at Gaara.

" Yes I'm well aware of this."

" You are also aware of being called into the capital for business."
" But you don't have anyone to go with you." Konkuro smirked as he sat on a desk in the corner of the room. " So Hikari is going to be your escort."

Both Gaara and Hikari felt their mouths drop. Escorting the Kazekage was an honor but the last thing she ever wanted to do. Always feeling so high because of a title, because of money. It irritated her down to the bone.

" Surely there is someone else who could take my spot." She spoke with fake politeness.

" That is not possible. We individually picked you by hand because of your file. Your ranks and skills are incredibly high, not to mention your record is clean. You are simply the only person we can trust." the Elder continued gently.

" Konkuro you can't find another person to take over your class?" Gaara asked desperately.

" No can do kiddo, and Temari won't be back in time. You don't have a choice."

" Then it's settled. Be packed and ready by tomorrow morning. Meet the Kazekage by the village gate, do not be late Hikari."

Hikari nodded and quickly dismissed herself. Once she was out in the hall she leaned against the wall and laid her head back with a groan. Why? Why her? It was clear they both didn't like each other. But liking one another was not apart of either of their jobs. Even if she did find someone else suitable enough, the Elders would never change their mind.

The door opened with a slight creak and Hikari turned her head. Konkuro stepped out into the hall and closed the door behind him.

" Hey, I know Gaara isn't exactly the kindest or most fun person I know." He started as he looked at her." But he really isn't a bad guy."

Hikari turned her head. " He hates me."

" He doesn't hate you. Where did you get that from?" he asked with a raised brow.

" It's obvious." she sighed.

" I don't think so."

Hikari starred down at her feet in disbelief.

" I promise it will turn out to be fun. You just have to give it a chance."

" I'll try my hardest." She spoke as she gave him a fake smile. He smiled back and put his hand on her shoulder.

" Good. I have to go before my class starts. If you ever need anything just give me or Temari a shout."
" Will do."
With that he began to walk down the hall. Hikari felt happy to see how protective and caring he was over his brother, but it quickly disappeared at the thought of her new mission. Feeling hungry, she turned and began her search for lunch.

Hikari stood there reading her book and a bag over her shoulder. Luckily it was still morning so it was cool enough to stand outside.

" Good luck Gaara. You two be safe." Konkuro wished as he walked up with his brother. Just on time.

" Don't worry I'll keep him safe." Hikari promised as she looked up from her book. She wasn't doing it for Gaara, she was doing it for Konkuro. She knew he would be devastated if something were to happen to his little brother.

" I'm trusting you Hikari. Oh remember what I told you ok?"

She just nodded and walked outside the village gates. Gaara gave him a glare, wanting to know what he meant. Konkuro only waved him off before disappearing. Gaara turned and quickly caught up with his escort, who didn't bother to wait for him. He drowned in his boredom quickly as they walked in that passed by felt like hours and hours that passed by felt like days. It was killing them both.

Out of the corner of his eye Gaara silently eyed her. She was tall, a nice figure. Her hair was dark and down to her shoulders, if only he could see her eyes.

" What?"

Hikari's voice broke his concentration. He just simply shook his head and looked back in front of him.

" You just remind me of someone."
" Who?"
" I don't know. I never got her name."

" Well that's mighty smart of you."

Gaara shot her a glare.

" No never mind, your annoying attitude was nothing like hers."

Hikari shot a glare back.

" I'm sorry I don't bow down to you like everyone else. I bet you don't even know my name." She spoke as she stopped and put her hands on my hips.

" Hikari." He growled.

" That's just because you heard Konkuro say it." She countered. " You don't even know what level I am."

Gaara went to look down at her headband that was tied around her belt loop but she quickly covered it.

"Jonin."

" Wrong, Anbu."
He felt like he was slapped in his face. She surely didn't look like she was an Anbu member no did she give the aura of one.

" Just like I thought, you don't know a thing about me."
" You sure are an annoying brat." He spat as they started to walk.

" Glad we think the same thing about each other." She mumbled under her breath. Gaara flared with anger.
" She's only like that because myou can't figure it out."

Gaara stopped in his tracks and looked around.

" What's wrong?" Hikari sighed as she looked back at him. No that wasn't her just now, the voice was too deep. He waited to hear it a second time but it never happened.

" Nothing, lets get going. I'd like to get there before dark."