"Mom! I'm home! And with an old friend!" Kasha called as she closed the door behind Kagome, kicking off her shoes.

A far voice yelled back something neither girl caught.

Kagome blinked over at Kasha. "Does your mom have a cold or something?" She asked.

"Naah, she's just in the garden... Come say hello!" Kasha smiled brightly.

Kagome wandered aimlessly around Suna - she'd decided she wanted to go travel a bit, and she hadn't been getting any good missions, so she figured that it'd be an alright time to leave. She pushed a strand of purple hair from her dark blue eyes and let out a sigh, fanning herself with her hand. Konoha wasn't even close to being as hot as it was in the desert.

Up a bit from where Kagome stood, was a taller girl. Her hair was a deep shade of pink and stuck out oddly at one side. Her eyes were a neon shade of aqua and her outfit fit the scene of a sand villager. The problem about this girl, was what she was doing. Two young kids stood before her, her eyes hungry as she licked her lips, a kunai tight in her grasp; the kids were crying as they backed up against a wall.

Kagome blinked a few times, before walking over. She made sure her footsteps weren't too quiet, afraid to startle the girl. She stepped past the girl and stood infront of the kids. Patting each on the head she assured them there was nothing to be afraid of.

"Hey," She greeted kindly to the girl she assumed had been scaring them.

The girls eyes narrowed as her hand slowly fell at her side. "You're not a sand ninja." She said simply.

"Nope, from Konoha," Kagome responded, as the kids scurried away.

The girls eyes narrowed even deeper till the point that she appeared to be squinting. "I was having fun..." Her eyes relaxed as she looked around toward the retreating boys. "Oh well, I still tasted their blood," She mumbled, her eyes still following them.

"Well, that's odd," Kagome commented, her eyes following the path of the strangers'.

The girls head turned back in Kagome's direction. "Who are you, what do you want?" Her voice was almost mono-tone.

"I never said I wanted anything," Kagome replied with a shrug.

The girl hissed under her breath as her back turned. "Then why did you let my prey run away?"

"Because picking on kids isn't nice," she scolded as though she were talking to another kid.

The girl scoffed as she half turned, her eyes full of lust. "You can't tell me to do shit! Do you even know who I am? I'm known as "The Village Psycho", here." She stated, a coldness in her voice.

She shrugged in response. "Well, I'm not from here, so that doesn't matter to me."

The girl flinched; her eyes suddenly looking lost. "I-I have to ah... be somewhere... Bye!" She quickly scurried off and out of sight.

Kagome blinked before holding up two fingers. "Peace?" She called out, unsure if she was even heard.

Kagome was suddenly glomped from behind, a cheery and happy giggle emenating from behind her.

Kagome practically fell over from the force from behind. She stumbled forward, but balanced out.

"Excuse me?" She wondered, craning her neck to see whom it was.

The girl smiled happily. "What are you doing here, Kagome?" It was Kasha; Kagome's childhood friend whom she hadn't seen since they were toddlers.

"Oh, hey!" Kagome smiled brightly. "I'm just here for a little vacation. How've you been?"

Kasha too, smiled brightly as she pulled away from Kagome, letting her turn. "I've been great! Made it to Chunin last month!"

"Oh, that's splended to hear! Congratulations!" Kagome congratulated.

Kasha smiled. "So how's your visit in Suna been so far?"

"Well, I just arrived, but so far it's been nice. A little bit hot for me - you know how I've always preffered the cold," She replied with a smile.

Kasha nodded. "I ah... saw "The Village Psycho", talking to you, she didn't hurt you, did she?" Kasha's eyes were full of concern.

"Of course not," Kagome answered with a reassuring nod.

Kasha let out a sigh of relief. "Good! If possible, avoid that girl at all costs! However, I must go chase after her!" The younger smiled brightly.

"May I ask why?" Kagome politely wondered.

Kasha nodded. "Of course you can! ... I am going after her cause... I feel bad for her. There's a long and painful history to that girl. Our schools teach us about her so we know why she is nicknamed as she is, and why we should avoid her. My sensai is always scolding me for going after her, but I don't care. I think if she had a friend, she'd be a lot different!"

"She doesn't have any friends?" Kagome echoed with widened eyes. How could somebody not have any friends? What a cruel world, she thought to herself.

Kasha shook her head. "It does sound unbelieveable, however, had you known her history, it'd make a bit more sense. Wanna come with me? I need to go before she gets too far."

She nodded. "Sure."

Kasha and Kagome began to run in the direction the girl had ran. As they ran Kasha began to explain. "That girls name is Uma Minako. That name may be more familiar than "The Village Psycho."

Kagome shook her head. "Never heard of," She told her.

Kasha shrugged. "Well, basically, when she was about six, she killed her bestfriend. No one really knows what happened to cause her to go that far, but she did. Her father seems like a nice guy, but the way he looks at Minako makes me believe that he beats her. Her mother died when she was born, so I think that enough drove her insane, It's too bad really... When she is sane, she is very nice."

"That's awful." Kagome agreed with a nod.

Kasha nodded again as she jumped on top of a building, turning to face Kagome. "She doesn't remember me, but when we were kids, we were friends. She told me a lot. She seemed dilusional. I think she just needs some help to be okay." Her eyes turned and spotted Minako. "Also, if you help me, avoid being cut, at all costs." Kasha stressed the last bit; she was dead serious, a tone rarely used by the hyperactive girl.

"Alright, if you say so," She replied.

Kasha's eyes looked back down onto Minako. "If you get cut, she will attack you like Kakashi-sensai on a Make-Out Paradise book." She giggled at her comparison.

Kagome snorted and quickly covered her mouth to keep from giggling. "Oh gosh- that's pretty bad."

Kasha laughed quietly and nodded. "So, if you understand that, let's go!"

Kagome nodded. "Right!"

The two girls jumped down beside Minako who was currently lapping up a wound in her arm that, by the blood dripping from her kunai, she inflicted herself.

"M-Minako," Kasha called nervously; her one hand hidden with a kunai tightly in it.

Minako's head slowly raised as her eyes widened to an impossible size. "Go away!" She screamed backing away into a corner.

"Ew, that's gross," Kagome commented, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

Kasha igorned her friends comment as she took a step closer to Minako. "Listen to me," She said calmly.

Minako's head tilted slightly as the blood flow on her arm halted. She cracked her neck and stood, now looking cocky like she had earlier when Kagome met her.

"You again? I thought I told you to leave me the hell alone!" She screamed at Kasha, causing her to take a step back.

The purple-haired girl scratched her head, unsure of what to do, or say.

Kasha whispered to Kagome. "Personailty switch." Her gaze returned to Minako as she sighed. "Minako, please sto-"

"Minako? Y-you used m-my name? H-How do you know it?" Minako asked, clearly taken aback.

"I was your friend, Minako. I know you, and you know me." Kasha explained.

Minako's eyes shifted to Kagome. "T-then what about her? D-does she know me?"

Kagome shook her head. "Nope!" She answered.

Minako looked nervous before she let out a deep breath, her eyes looking deadly again. "I'm going ... somewhere... bye."

Kasha stepped in Minako's way. "Come with me."

The older girl looked disgusted. "No! Go away!" She quickly pushed past Kasha, knocking her down to the ground before running off.

"D-damn Uma clan... their clan is made up of the fastest shinobi in all the villages." Kasha groaned from the ground.

Kagome helped her up, patting down her skirt and giving a nod. "Yeah, she seemed speedy alright." She agreed.

Kasha sighed. "Well, how long are you here for? Do you even have a place to stay?"

"No clue, and nope!" Kagome replied enthusiastically. "I always prefer to go with the flow, rather than plan."

Kasha smiled brightly as she tugged on Kagome's hand. "Then you must stay with me! It can be like old times!"

"Sounds good!" Kagome agreed.

The two giggled as Kasha lead Kagome to her humble home.

"Mom! I'm home! And with an old friend!" Kasha called as she closed the door behind Kagome, kicking off her shoes.

A far voice yelled back something neither girl caught.

Kagome blinked over at Kasha. "Does your mom have a cold or something?" She asked.

"Naah, she's just in the garden... Come say hello!" Kasha smiled brightly.

Kagome gave a nod. "Alright, if you say so," She agreed.

As Kasha lead Kagome to the back of the house, Kagome noticed pictures through the home of Kasha, her parents and her older brother, however, his face was scratched out. Kagome opened her mouth, but closed it, thinking better than to ask such a thing.

Kasha and Kagome reached the garden. Kasha left Kagome's side to leap into her mother's arms, giggles escaping her as her mother pulled her close. Kasha's mother looked up and smiled brightly toward Kagome. "My, my. How you've grown! How are you these days, dear?" She asked, her arms now wrapping around Kagome.

Kagome blushed as she scratched the back of her head. "Oh I've been great! Yourself?"

The mother's smile faded as a nervous laugh left her lips. "F-fine. I-It's been a little rough for Kasha and I, b-but nothing we can't handle, right hun?"

"Yes mother!" Kasha smiled.

"Mother, Kagome needs a place to-"

"No need to ask! Make yourself at home, Kagome!"

"Uh, alright," She said with a nod and a thanks.

Kasha grabbed Kagome's hand and dragged her away to the kitchen. "Well I don't know about you, but I'm hungry!"Kasha pulled out bread and butter, sitting it on the table and began to eat. "I-I'm sure you're wondering where my father and brother are, am I right?"

Kagome nodded, looking up at the ceiling. She didn't like the way Kasha was acting.

Kasha swallowed her food before opening her mouth to speak. "My father went missing several years ago, and as for my brother, well... h-he got taken by the Akatsuki - you have heard of them right? They are a group of strong shinobi her are rouges to their villages." Kasha explained, seeming unlike her bouncy self.

The blue-eyed girl nodded. "Yeah, I've heard of 'em before."

Kasha nodded grimly- she missed her brother more then she could explain. She sighed deeply before shoving the rest of her food in her mouth. A smile came over her lips as she stood up. "So, what do you want to do, Kagome?"

Kagome shrugged as she twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "I haven't a clue."

"Hm... w-we could go bother the Kazekage! Gaara is fun now that, that demon is gone!"

"Well, if you want to," Kagome replied.

"Well let's go then!" Kasha yelled, dragging Kagome outside the house.

Kagome followed along, eyes trained on the blue sky. She couldn't believe Kasha's brother had been kidnapped.

As they climbed the stairs of the Kazekage building, Kasha was greeted by many Jounin. At the top, behind a big desk, was Gaara. Kasha had become "friends" with him, shortly after Naruto had "tamed" him.

"Afterroon, Lumina." Gaara greeted, a slight tug at the corner of his lips.

"Lord Gaara! Morning!" Kasha greeted. "This is my bestfriend; Anaru Kagome!"

"Afternoon, Anaru." Gaara greeted.

"Yo!" Kagome greeted brightly.

"It's is odd that you came here, Kasha." Gaara stated. Kasha chewed her lip nervously - the only time Gaara ever needed her, was when they had news on her brother. "W-what is it?" "It's about Ryo." Kasha shuddered. "Mhm?" "... Is it alright with-" "K-Kagome, you can listen, I don't mind, I-I just don't know if you will want to."

"I'll be fine." Kagome shrugged.

Gaara continued. "One of our Jounin had spotted him."

"O-Oh?" Kasha was taken off guard.

"Yes. Seems he was not 'kidnapped' from the village. He is apart of their team."

Kasha hissed. "I'm going after him!"

"You can't." Gaara said simply.

"Kagome! P-Please! I-I have an idea!" Kasha hurried on, ignoring Gaara.

"Uh...," Kagome trailed off, but when she looked over at Kasha, she sighed. "I'll hear you out, I guess."

Kasha hugged Kagome tightly before facing Gaara. "L-Lord Gaara, I am sorry, but I am leaving the village to find my brother, and I am taking my friend... a-and another villager..."

Gaara raised a non-exsistent brow. "Who would that be?"

Kasha hesitated. "U-Uma M-Mikako..."

Gaara almost looked shocked. "Good luck then."

"Wait! Hold up!" Kagome exclaimed, being dragged anyways. She sighed and facepalmed; what had she gotten herself into?

Kasha continued to drag Kagome as they walked. "What, what's wrong?"

"Oh nothing," Kagome replied, as she rolled her eyes, partly amused. Kasha had never been one to think before acting. Then again, Kagome was probably worse, but not when it was other peoples' problems. She was good at thinking things through for others, but not so much herself.

Once they got outside Kasha's head snapped around like a cat. Her eyes shifting to find any sign of Minako.

"AHH!"

"There!" Kasha yelled as she ran toward the screams- screams like that in the Sand Village meant the Psycho was in the area.

Kagome followed around like a trained dog. It's just the way she had always been.

Minako was spotted just ahead from where the two were; she was trying to steal a purse. "Minako, stop!" Kasha screamed.

Kagome scratched the back of her head and let out a sigh. What on earth was that Minako's problem anyways?

Kasha tackled Minako to the ground with her wrists pinned. The woman grabbed her purse and ran off. Minako and Kasha were breathing heavily. Kasha struggled to keep the older girl down; she was much weaker then Minako, but she hopped the shock of being pinned would give her the advantage.

"M-Minako," Kasha breathed. "please, try to listen to me." Minako remained silent and wide eyed. "I need your help."

Minako seemed to gain her senses. "N-No!"

Kagome stood there awkwardly.

Kasha got flipped over by Minako; she was now the one pinned with a kunai to her throat.

"Why would you want my help? Don't you know how dangerous I am?"

Kasha nodded. "We were best friends before..." She trailed off.

Minako's eyes narrowed. "Before I killed Sho."

"Y-Yes. Minako, I-I know you aren't all that stable... b-but I need your help... I-I need to bring my brother home, and your skills with Kagome's and my own, can make that happen. I'm not asking... I'm begging."

Minako stood up, realeasing Kasha and helping her to her feet. "B-but y-you know I'm unstable... wh-why would you risk it?"

"Because I still see 'Minako', in you."

Minako's eyes watered as she stared wide eyed at Kasha again.

Kasha reached out ahd touched Minako's shoulder. "Please, you don't know what it would mean to me if you helped."

Minako's eyes drifted to Kagome. "Y-You look familiar... why?"

Kasha broke in. "Kagome is my bestfriend. The three of us played when we were younger- oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that," Kasha admitted as a nervous laugh left her lips.

Kagome raised an eyebrow. "Really?" She wondered, not completely remembering her childhood in Suna.

Kasha nodded. "Yeah, s-sorry!" Even in tense situations, Kasha's hyper-active personailty still kicks in.

Kagome nodded. "No worries." She assured Kasha.

"W-well... let's go then." Minako said, forcing an awkward smile.

Kasha grinned. "Really, Minako?"

"Y-Yeah. B-but let's go as soon as we can... wh-while I'm still stable."

Kasha hugged Kagome as she jumped up and down in excitment.

Kagome awkwardly patted her friend on the back.

Kasha pulled away. "You're sure you're okay with this? I-I can find another ninja is you wish... this will be dangerous..."

Kagome shrugged. "It's fine. Plus, I shouldn't get too lazy while on my vacation."

Kasha smiled; nothing too big. "Thank you... Minako, w-will you come with us to my place for suppiles?" Minako nodded.

"No problem." Kagome assured.

The three girls ran off to Kasha's place. Kasha's mother almost fainted at the sight of Minako, but Kasha suttled her down. After gathering up supplies and explaining the plan to Kasha's mother, they set off.

"S-so, Kasha... how do you know where your brother is?" Minako asked.

"Well I was hoping you could be helpful."

"M-me?"

"Yes. I-I know you have a keen sense on the scent of blood. My brothers blood had been found up here-"

"You figure I can act like a dog and follow his scent, right?" Minako asked coldly.

Kasha gulped and nodded. "I-I was hoping so."

Minako sighed as they stopped at the spot. Minako stuck her finger into the blood and tasted it, she spit it out and coughed. "Wh-what is up with your bloodline!"

"It's probably his Kekkei Genkai... " Kasha explained.

Minako smiled simply. "I get it. Some bloodlines are poisonis to people like me. I can smell him, let's go!" Minako began to run.

Kagome swiftly followed along, unsure of what to say. Being around Minako was slightly unnerving.

Kasha looked ahead to see Minako before looking over to Kagome. "You alright? I know she is... weird, but when she is stable, she is a very nice girl."

"If you say so." Kagome agreed with a nod.


AN: Chapter 2 :3

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