Sorry folks! Working on reposting as fast as I can. Darn you, mundania! -shakes fist at mundane world-
Once they were done for the day and most the others had left, a few stubborn ones to seek medical help, Nisha looked over at Kagome. "So. Know anywhere good we can stay?"
Kagome shrugged. "I wouldn't know. I've only been here for a couple days myself, and I've been staying with Gaara."
Nisha smirked at her. "I can tell." And as Kagome blushed, Nisha chuckled. "Congrats you two. Remind me to give you a soundproofing spell later, Kags. I'm sure that the others that live there will appreciate it." Now Gaara was blushing as well, making Nisha's companions chuckle along with her. "Now, let's find some food, and you can tell me just what you were doing in the Sengoku Jidai, Kagome," Nisha said pointedly. "And how the hell did you put up with that Inuyasha?! And just what has he been doing, to smell like a graveyard?!"
Kagome sighed. "Let's go eat and then I'll tell you the story," she promised. "Gaara needs to hear it too."
Hearing that they were looking for somewhere to eat, Naruto popped up. "I know somewhere good to eat!"
Raising an eyebrow, Nisha glanced over at Kagome. "Ramen addict?"
"Hai," Kagome sighed.
Nisha chuckled. "Fine, Naruto. We'll go somewhere that has ramen, but not just ramen, okay?"
"Ichiraku has more than just ramen!"
Everyone just rolled their eyes as Nisha spoke. "Uh, no. That's why it's a ramen bar." Now everyone's eyes were on her once again. She just stared back. "I said at the beginning that the elements made sure we were up to date on everything. So why don't we do this? Everyone just go get what they want and we meet back here for a picnic? That way more room, and everyone can get what they want to eat. And no trying to find enough seating for everyone."
With nods and vocalizations of agreement, the native nin all vanished, leaving Gaara, Kagome, Nisha, Lucian, Jei, and Schuldig standing there. None were surprised that Naruto was the first gone. All just shaking their heads at the boy, Nisha suddenly assumed an expression of extreme concentration. After blinking a few times, during which her eyes darkened with what looked like anger, and concentrating a bit longer, her eyes suddenly locked with Schuldig's. "You guys know what I like," she stated. "I need to speak with Tsunade." And before anyone else could say anything, she was off, leaping through the trees with a speed and ease that put the majority of the native nin to shame.
In seconds, she was standing before Shizune's desk in full 'pissed off royalty' mode. "I need to speak with her. NOW."
Nodding, Shizune scurried to the door to Tsunade's office. Throwing it open, she dashed to over to the desk and shook Tsunade awake. Ignoring the glares, Shizune desperately whispered into her ear. As soon as she was done, Tsunade sat straight up and went into Hokage mode.
"Now, I know you've taken Sakura under your wing, and I know that Naruto is one of your best, if not the best, but do you have any idea of how little training he's actually had?! Other than the group training sessions, Kakashi barely trained either of them at all! All his attentions were on Sasuke! Which I do understand why, let's make that clear right now. However, the boy's lucky that Jiraiya took him under his wing!" Forcing herself to stop, Nisha closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. "I have to journey to Wave on a personal matter. I will not be going alone, and I will not be accompanied solely by the ones that came with me. Naruto, Sakura, and Hinata will be going with me, that is for certain. I would prefer it if all the 'Rookie Nine' and Team Guy could accompany me. If it will help, consider this a 'mission' for them, though it'll be more along the lines of a training vacation/sabbatical for their mental health. Tell their parents whatever you want about this 'mission.' If you have to, you can send them to me, and I'll take care of them. Rank it whatever you want, I'll be paying them myself though."
"Why do you want all of them to accompany you," Tsunade asked carefully.
"Because I have the feeling that this trip is something that they could all use. You're lucky that none have a strong gift of empathy. The poor soul would be driven to suicide after just hours in the village. Even now, I can feel it all pulsing against my shields. Now, the only adults I would permit to accompany us at the moment will be Kakashi and Iruka. Kakashi 'cause he needs this 'vacation' just as much as the students, and Iruka 'cause he's the closest thing to a father Naruto has, and I think that it'll be good for everyone for someone like him to be along. They will not be acting as sensei if they come though. On this trip, rank ain't gonna mean shit. They'll be there to help us chaperone. Oh, and I have the feeling that Kagome and the Sand trio are gonna end up going with us too. That'll be 'cause Gome and I have some catching up to do, and Gaara ain't gonna want to let her go by herself."
Tsunade sighed, obviously wishing for some sake. "Shizune, send someone to fetch Kakashi and Iruka, if you would." She looked at Nisha. "I assume you'll take care of the rest?"
"Hai. I'll stay long enough to explain to Kakashi and Iruka a bit, then I'm gonna rejoin the students and tell them. We'll leave out by the end of the week. Dunno when we'll be back. Don't worry though. I'll arrange something so that the village won't be entirely undermanned or anything." And smiling, Nisha stepped back to wait.
Soon, Kakashi and Iruka joined them, Kakashi reading his ever present orange book o'smut. Throughout the entire meeting with Tsunade, he kept it out and in front of his face.
Her eyes narrowing, Nisha made a hidden gesture and summoned one of the tiny dragons that had claimed her. Still glaring at that book, she made a few more gestures with her hands. Lightly squeezing her shoulder with his feet to show he understood, he quietly lifted off. As soon as he had enough height, the diminutive dragon went into a dive, and quite easily snatched the book right out Kakashi's unsuspecting hands.
Ignoring the glare Kakashi sent her way, along with the amused smirks of Tsunade and Iruka, Nisha accepted the book from her companion and tucked it away. "I know that you're a genius and all, but there's much better books you could be reading than smut. I don't care if you continue to read it in private, but if you decide to go with us, I'll give you a scroll of books you can read instead. I catch you reading this when you shouldn't, at the very least, I'll take it from you," she warned as the dragon perched on her shoulder. "And Iruka-san, you needn't worry about your class. If Tsunade don't have anyone that can sub for ya, I can take care of that with no problem," she promised with a shrug. "She did tell you two that this was to be a training vacation of sorts, right?" When both nodded, she sighed in relief. "Good. You two have until the end of the week to decide if you're gonna come with. Just let me or one of the three that came with me know either way. I'm gonna get back to the others now. Tsunade, thank you," she stated. "You have definitely earned me as a willing ally now." And with that, she moved her hands into the proper sign and vanished.
She reappeared standing next to Lucian. After a quick counting of heads to make sure that all the ones she wanted were there, she called out, "Ok, eyes up here please." Once she had everyone's attention, she continued. "This weekend, I am leaving on a personal journey to Nami and the world beyond. The twelve of you from here in Konohagakure will be accompanying me. It's being written down in the books as a mission, however, it's only being called that as a cover. You will still be paid though, but it will be more of stipend, like what one would receive at a boarding school. This will be a training vacation of sorts for the twelve of you. We will be gone for a decent bit of time so make sure to pack enough clothes, etc. You're welcome to bring whatever books and such you wish. I'd recommend packing extra scrolls or something to take notes and such in as needed. Don't worry about food or tents, we'll cover that. Saturday morning at ten is when we're leaving. Gome, Suna trio, you're welcome to come along as well of course. And if anyone needs storage scrolls to pack stuff in, we have plenty to go round as well. Don't hesitate to ask about anything." And as Kagome gave her a 'duh' look, Nisha smirked at her. "That is all. You may now return to your previously scheduled meal." And with that, she easily sank to the ground and took a seat next to Lucian amidst the chuckles of the group. As she accepted her food from Schuldig, Nisha took a closer look at the group. Smirking, she took a bite. As everyone finished eating, they began to leave in groups of two and three. Soon it was just the Suna trio, Kagome, and Nisha and her companions. "So, can you guys suggest a hotel?"
Gaara looked at her, his expression blank. "You're welcome to stay with us for now."
She gave him a bright smile. "Thanks Gaara! We appreciate that. That reminds me." And with that, she tossed Kagome a scroll. "You're gonna want that later." And as Kagome blushed a bright red, Nisha turned to Gaara. "I know Lucian did a bit with your seal earlier, but I'd like to take a look at it myself. I may be able to do something about Shukaku's pms'ing all the time. Especially if my theory is correct. I'll wait until we're at your manor though. The feel of it will be a bit more peaceful. I want Kagome there as well. The whole priestess thing, among others."
They both nodded as Nisha looked over at Temari and Kankuro. "You're both welcome to be there as well, but you have to do what I say," she warned.
They shared a look, then turned back to her and nodded. "You better not hurt him," Temari warned.
"I can't promise anything, but I will heal whatever physical damage is done." Nisha turned back to Kagome. "Tomorrow, I want you to find the holiest, most pure place you can in the area. Mark it with this," she ordered, holding out a shimmery kunai. "Just lightly touch it with your miko ki to activate it."
Slowly, Kagome took it. "The energy coming from this, is, just, wow. What is it made from?"
Nisha smiled at her. "A few scales from my dragon form. Before we leave, you and I are gonna do something about Sasuke's curse mark. I have the feeling it will take the both of us. Now," she said, linking her arms with Kagome's and Gaara's, "let's get to the manor so I can help Gaara. And tomorrow, I'll do the same for Naruto, if my theory proves correct." And with Temari and Kankuro following, and a small smile on Gaara's face, they headed out.
***
At the manor, they found themselves seated in the living room. From one of her pockets Nisha pulled a small vial. As she opened it, the smell of the dragon's blood oil filled the room. Getting a bit on her finger, she dabbed it on Gaara's forehead, on his third eye chakra point, then did the same to herself. "Now, I want you to start meditating. You should 'feel' me holding a hand out to you soon. I want you to take it. Once we reach that point, we'll go from there." And as Gaara nodded and closed his eyes, Nisha turned to the other three. "If you would like, I can bring you with us. However, you will only be in the background, except for maybe Kagome, and that's because of her training and power as a miko." Without a word, all three nodded. "Good. Come over here and put a hand on me then. I'll bring the three of you in, then connect with Gaara." Within seconds, everyone was situated and ready to go.
Easily dropping into a trance, Nisha found the minds of Temari, Kankuro, and Kagome, and linked them with hers. That done, she reached out to Gaara. Hesitantly, he took her 'hand.'
Smiling gently, she used her aura to wrap him up in a warm hug, emanating encouragement and love. :It's okay Gaara. I have the feeling that things will be a lot better for you in regards to Shukaku after this. And look, your brother and sister even came along to make sure I didn't do anything to you. Even with your past, they still care for you. And so does Kagome, obviously. You have a lot of people that care for you, including myself, otouto. We are all here for you.: And after giving him another squeeze, she pulled back to where she was just holding his hand. :Now, take us to Shukaku's cage. And don't worry. With the four of us here with you, he or anyone else, won't be able to do a thing to you.:
With a slow nod, he took them deep with himself, to where the raccoon dog demon was caged.
As they approached, the demon raised his head. As soon as he saw Nisha, he scrambled to his feet and began bowing repeatedly, as deep as he could go. :Hime-dono!:
Nisha gave him a gentle smile as she approached the bars of his cage. :At ease, Shukaku. Now, tell me what happened to put you in such a mood? Something to do with someone that just so happens to have the initials U. M. perhaps?:
He gaped at her. :But, how?!:
She gave him another gentle smile. :You forget who you are speaking with,: she admonished lightly.
He hung his head. :Gomen nasai, Hime-dono.:
:Do not worry about it. Now come, let me look at you closely and see what I can to do to unravel his influence upon your mind.:
Instantly, he was pressed as close as he could get to the bars of his cage, whimpering in his eagerness. Still bearing her gentle smile, Nisha reached out and began stroking his head. Through that touch, she sent her mind into his, and began to burn away the taint as gently as she could. The four with her watched in shock, for though he was obviously in a great deal of pain, he still pressed himself into her touch. Soon, the demon was standing on sheer strength of will alone from the pain, but he still held himself within her reach. As soon as she was done, however, he collapsed to the ground, panting and whimpering in pain as his body twitched. A sad smile on her face, she turned back to the other four. :Gaara, come here please.: As soon as he was standing next to her, she turned her eyes back onto Shukaku's pain filled form. :If the two of you would like, I can meld the two of you the same way that Kagome and Kaami are. And Gaara, you need not worry about his anger or trying to take you over in your sleep any more. I have burned away all the taint that was Uchiha Madera in his mind. That was the dominant reason for his anger and thirst for blood. I have also taken care of what was left of your mother's presence, which accounts for another portion of said anger and blood thirst. That is all I will tell you. Anything more and you will have to ask him. Now, he is calm, or at least the normal range of calm for a tanuki yokai. Though they are not as bad as kitsune, they can still be trouble makers. And yes, in general, they are very perverted.:
Gaara stared at the form in front of him, thinking on what Nisha had just told him and all that he had learned over the years on the subject. After a moment, he nodded silently. Nisha turned to look at him. :This will hurt,: she warned. :Things shall be a bit more more even though, after this. And Kagome, and I and mine shall teach you more of being a youkai in the days to come.: When he merely nodded once more, Nisha placed one hand on his third eye and one over his heart. Summoning her energy, she let it swirl around the three. Slowly, the bars of the cage faded away and Shukaku and Gaara were pulled closer together. As she began the process of merging the two, instead of one just being imprisoned in the other, both began to scream in pain. As Gaara fell to his knees, Nisha following, one could see the seal on his abdomen being burned away in a cloud of oily black smoke. Minutes later, the integration was complete. As soon as Nisha removed her hands, Gaara collapsed to the side, ending up laying across Shukaku's still form.
Waving Kagome forward, she waited as the miko examined them both. Giving a sigh of relief, she stood. :They're fine. Just need to sleep themselves out so it can all settle into place.: As soon as she made that announcement, Temari and Kankuro both released the breath they'd been holding.
Nisha gave them a gentle smile. :Come. Everyone back to their own minds and off to bed now. And no waking him in the morning. Kagome, you should probably stay with him until he wakes. I have the feeling that he'll freak out rather spectacularly if you're not. Better put up that soundproofing spell as well: Blushing, Kagome nodded to show that she understood. Still smiling, she gently broke the link she had with Gaara's mind and returned the other three to their own minds. As soon as she and the other three, Kagome in particular, came out of their trances, Nisha heard three obvious sighs of relief.
Quirking an eyebrow, Nisha looked at her companions curiously.
Schuldig held up a ball of roiling darkness. "This oozed out of him as you were working. We shielded it before it could attract anything, but it's gonna take you and Kagome to purify it."
Nisha nodded. "Let's go outside then. I don't want to accidentally damage anything with my flames." Taking Kagome's hand, she helped her to her feet as she looked over at Jei and Lucian. "One of you watch over Gaara until we get back. Temari, Kankuro, I shall see you in the morning." Then she and Kagome followed Schuldig outside to take care of the last problem of the night.