Look! A Time skip!
Three years later:
Moriko skidded down a sand dune with a grin, rolling at the bottom to flip up and jump away, landing just outside of Suna's gates. She called out and they let her in, checking her over quickly before waving her on. She waved at the guards and ran to the Kazekage's building. She darted inside and ran into someone, both toppling to the ground. Flipping back up she held out a hand.
"Sorry Kankuro. My bad."
"It's always your bad. It's been your bad for the past three years!" He grinned. "What are you doing back so soon anyway?"
"Technically I have updates on Orochimaru and the Akatsuki. Other than that I like coming here." He smirked.
"Any specific reason? Maybe… my br-Hey!" She shoved him back down and laughed.
"Oops, sorry about that. I've got to get going. See you later Kankuro!" She ran past him with a wave. She was careful not to run into anyone else and glad Temari was in Konoha since she almost always ran into her, literally. She stood outside of the door and took a deep breath to calm down before knocking quietly. "Gaara? Can I come in?" The door opened a crack and she peeked in with a smile. "Hey, am I interrupting?"
"No. I did not know you were coming back all ready."
"I didn't either, but they decided to send me as a messenger instead of a hawk."
"You have news?" She nodded and sat on the edge of his desk.
"Orochimaru has been spotted around cloud more, but no sightings of either Kabuto or Sasuke. The Akatsuki has… apparently been targeting those with demons locked inside them. Some have been captured and presumed dead. Konoha recommends upping your security and I have a letter for you from Granny." She handed him the envelope, smiling sheepishly when sand fell out of her pocket with it. "Oops… No more sliding down sand dunes." He opened it carefully, not bothering to look up at her.
"It's no trouble Moriko. Sand is fine." She smiled and watched him read the letter, frowning when he raised a brow.
"What is it? Is something wrong?" He folded it back up and handed it to her.
"No. Your 'Granny' has asked me to keep you here as part of my security. It also lists several reasons why. Would that be acceptable with you?" She frowned and glanced through the letter.
"It doesn't say for how long… Oh well, I can't just leave when you're in such danger anyway." She tossed the letter onto the desk behind her and smiled at him. "What do you need me to do? I'm at your disposal." He nodded slowly and looked up at her.
"I spoke with Temari before she left. She requested that I inquire as to whether or not you liked me." Moriko's eyes widened.
"Really? Why?"
"Because it is unclear to me why you enjoy coming here."
"Oh… Well, Suna's a great place with great people."
"She also told me to make sure you were specific."
"Of course she did…"
"What is your response?" She shrugged.
"I like you… a lot."
"A lot?"
"Yeah. A whole lot."
"How much is 'a whole lot'?"
"How about you tell me if you like me or not?"
"Yes, I do."
"How much?"
"… Far more than anyone else."
"Oh… Um…"
"May I try something?"
"Of course you can. You're the Kazekage and I have been assigned to assist you wherever necessary." He nodded.
"Close your eyes and do not move." She looked at him cautiously before shrugging slightly as her eyes slid closed. She waited nervously for a while, trying not to move until he did something. She didn't expect what he did to make her completely stop moving. Her eyes flew open and she gaped at him as he moved to sit back down. He watched her for a moment until she managed to speak.
"What… Did… Did you just kiss me?"
"… Was it unpleasant? From my understanding when you like someone that is an appropriate thing to do. I will not do it again if you wish." She blinked at him before tilting her head.
"You like me that much? …Do you love me?" He didn't answer her for a moment.
"… Yes." Her eyes widened and she grinned.
"Can you try it again?" He finally smiled and pulled her to him.
Moriko yawned and got up from the floor a few days later. She looked over at the window and frowned at the hawk sitting there. She opened the window and it hopped in. Sighing, she untied the letter and glanced at it before…
"WHAT?!" The hawk flew away from her and a second later sand grabbed the note from her.
"What is wrong?"
"Sorry… That was way too loud. But Naruto's back! Granny sent a hawk to tell me… Aw… I can't go see him…"
"If you want to leave you can."
"Oh no! I'm here to protect you and… I really do like staying with you." She sighed. "Granny says he looks well… Hey, can I borrow a hawk to send him a message?"
"… They are all in use Moriko. I'm sorry."
"Oh… Can't be helped then. I'm sure he's fine." She took the letter back and sunk to the floor to read it again. Gaara rested a hand on her shoulder before turning to leave. Moriko glanced up sharply. "Where are you going?"
"The roof. I'll be fine." She frowned.
"You sure? I can go up with you."
"Stay here. Perhaps look ahead to see when the Akatsuki will come here." She rolled her eyes.
"All right. Have fun on the roof." He left and she set the letter to the side. "Of course I'm out of the village when he gets back."
She's jolted from trying for a vision when the building shook slightly and there were sounds of explosions. She immediately jumped up and ran to the roof only to see him in the sky facing off against some guy on this strange looking bird. She ran to the railing and grabbed on, leaning against it to get a better view.
"Gaara!" She jumped onto the railing only to get pulled back in time to watch him encase himself in sand. She spotted the white spiders and screamed as they exploded, the Akatsuki member catching him as he fell. "GAARA!" She spun out the person's grip and sped down the stairs and outside to follow them. She saw Kankuro far ahead of her in pursuit as well and sped up. She skidded to a stop next to Kankuro a few minutes later and knelt down to check his pulse. She quickly made a clone to stay with him and took off after Gaara again. She caught up to them a while later.
"STOP! LET HIM GO!" They glanced back at her and the blonde smirked.
"I can take care of this one Sasori, you go on ahead." The other one turned and continued to leave with Gaara and she rushed towards him, only to have something explode in her face. She glanced over at the blonde with a glare.
"I'm not leaving without him."
"You're not leaving at all." She felt her injuries close up and wiped the blood away before attacking him. She almost had him beaten when something hit her in the back. She glanced back to see something slowly remove itself and retract back into the other one.
"She's from Konoha. Bring her." She wavered and fell to the ground only to be picked up by the grumbling blonde and carried away. Before darkness set in she reached out to Gaara, barely brushing his hair…
Moriko groaned slightly and sat up to look around. Seeing the bars surrounding her she got up to see if she could get out, jumping back when the bars burned her. Looking around she saw tags set up around the cell as well as chakra inhibitors. She tried for over an hour to get out before sliding down into a corner and wrapping her arms around her knees, curling up as tight as she could and dropping her head down desolately. Her mind ran over the endless possibilities of what could have happened to Gaara before going blank at the thought that they had killed him horrendously. She shook her head slightly to try and clear the thought before she heard a door open and someone slip inside. She refused to look up as she heard the person move closer to the bars before stopping and kneeling down.
"Moriko…" Her name was whispered with enough remorse to make her look up. She stared at the man with wide eyes before swallowing the lump in her throat.
"Big brother… Where am I?"
"At the Akatsuki base. Sasori and Deidara captured you to get information on Konoha and how to get to Naruto."
"… Where's Gaara?" He didn't answer her and she took a shaky breath. "He… He can't be… dead?" Itachi nodded slowly and she shook her head violently, covering her ears. "NO! NO, NO, NO! HE CAN'T BE!" Her screams slowly reduced themselves into sobs as she curled back up into herself.
"… Moriko, you need to listen to me. I do not have much time, but I want you to take some information back for me. We need to get you out of here. They will torture you."
"… I don't care… I can handle torture…"
"They will torture you until you give them the information they need and then they'll go after Naruto. I've been assigned to capture him." She glanced back up at him despondently.
"You won't… You love Naruto too…"
"They will." She shook her head.
"He's protected… Better than I ever could…" Itachi glared and opened the cell, grabbing her and hauling her up.
"Stop this right now. You are going to go back to Konoha and help in every way possible. Am I understood?" She stared at him before nodding.
"Okay big brother…" He sighed and dragged her out of the cell.
"I'm sorry about Gaara. You must've been good friends." She shook her head.
"I love Gaara…" She stared at the ground for a moment. "… I never even got to actually say that to him… Even though he did…" She looked impassively back at him. "What did you want me to tell Konoha?" He handed her a note and patted her head.
"Good luck Moriko." He left and she watched the door for a moment to compose herself before sneaking out.
Away from the base Gaara had just woken up and was being taken back to Suna. He stayed quiet until it was just Kakashi next to him.
"… Where's Moriko?" Kakashi glanced at him before looking away.
"We don't know. She went after you and they captured her as well." Gaara didn't say anything, instead just turning to leave. Kakashi grabbed him. "Everyone else is looking for her right now. You need to rest."
"I will not leave her to them." Kakashi didn't get a chance to respond.
"Leave who where?" They both looked over to see someone watching them curiously.
"Who are you?"
"… Your headband… Are you from Konoha?"
"Yes, why?"
"Do you know someone named Kakashi?" Kakashi's brow furrowed.
"Depends, why are you asking?"
"I'm looking for someone and was told to go to Konoha and ask for Kakashi."
"Who are you looking for and who told you to ask for him?" Gaara watched the exchange impassively before trying to leave again, only to have a hand immediately grasp his shoulder. He glared at Kakashi before turning back to the other man.
"Moriko. She left me a note actually. I'm guessing you are Kakashi?"
"How do you know her?" Gaara glared at the man and he smirked.
"I wasn't talking to you." He turned back to Kakashi. "My name is Tamotsu. I would really like to see her, but I'm afraid I got lost. If you could lead me to Konoha…"
"She's not there."
"Then where is she?"
"We don't know. How do you know her?" He paused and watched them both.
"You have an idea of where she is. Tell me now."
"It's not your problem."
"Problem?! She's in danger?!" Tamotsu suddenly lunged and grabbed Kakashi's jacket. "Tell me where she is. What has happened to her?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"So I can help her and take her away from you deplorable ninja. You only care for yourselves and power." Kakashi grabbed Tamotsu's arm with a glare.
"Insulting me is never the way to get what you want. Now leave."
"It's the truth! My clan was nearly destroyed because of ninja! My wife murdered and now my child is missing?!" He stopped speaking and stepped back as Kakashi stepped forward with a glare.
"Your child? You're her father? If you care so much about her why did you leave her in that forest for so long? Why didn't you come looking for her before now? The only time she could've left you that message was three years ago and you're only now looking for her?!" A wall of sand appeared between them and Kakashi glanced back furiously. "What are you doing Gaara?"
"He could help get her back." The sand fell and Gaara looked at Tamotsu. "Can you fight?"
"Of course I can."
"Moriko has been captured by the Akatsuki. The exact location of their base is unknown, but it is north from here. You will help us to retrieve her."
"And if I don't?"
"You do not care that your daughter has been captured?"
"For all I know it's a trap! This Akatsuki could easily be better than you!" Kakashi clenched his fists but managed to hold himself back.
"The Akatsuki is evil. They will torture and kill her to get what they want. Gaara's just giving you the chance to help Moriko, but if you're okay with leaving her that's fine by me. I'm going after her as soon as I get him back into Suna. Stay out of my way." Tamotsu stared at Kakashi for a minute before glancing North.
"I'll get her on my own." He shot a small glare back at them, "But I'll only bring her back to you if she asks it of me; so you stay out of my way."
"I'm going."
"No. I will retrieve my child on my own…" Gaara stepped forward.
"Something is bothering you. Why do you insist on going alone?"
"That is none of your concern."
"It is when it involves Moriko." Tamotsu and Gaara glared at each other for a while before Tamotsu gritted his teeth and looked away.
"The entire clan had finally gathered together and I began to search for her. Before I could make it to Konoha something happened to them and I went back for them. I know where they are now and would like to take Moriko to them."
"Where are they?"
"I would never tell a ninja where they are!"
"Are they safe? Or were you planning on risking her wellbeing?" Tamotsu paused and Gaara glared at him.
"… Her wellbeing is all ready at stake. I wasn't planning on risking her at all, but I also wasn't planning on everyone being captured by some… some Konoha misfit!"
"Konoha misfit? What are you talking about?"
"They fought back, but the only clue I found was a scratched Konoha headband and a small trail my sister left."
"If it had a scratch through it then whoever it was is a criminal."
"Doesn't matter who it is. Another ninja wishing for power and to torture us. This has nothing to do with you and is wasting my time. Goodbye." He turned to leave as Gaara stopped Kakashi from going after him.
"Good luck. Let me know if she's safe even if she does not return." Tamotsu glanced back for a second with a slightly shocked look before nodding once and leaving, heading straight north.
Back at the base Moriko twisted around to glare at the man currently sitting on her. He laughed and began to drag her back to the holding cells. Immediately she began to kick at him, stopping when she saw her leg go straight through him. After a short pause she started to claw at the floor to get away until he stopped her by placing a kunai in her hands to hold them together. He threw her into a new cell and locked her in with more chakra inhibitors and seals. She glared until he left and then roughly pulled the kunai out before looking around for weaknesses. She finally slumped to the floor with a sigh and grabbed the kunai, turning it in her hands to think.
Quite some time later her head snapped up towards the door as it opened and she heard yelling. The cell door was soon opened and someone else thrown in next to her. The door snapped shut and she carefully crept closer for a better look, jumping back when he glanced up at her.
"Who are you? Another ninja?" He spat out. Moriko paused to stare at him, trying to figure out why he was familiar.
"Yes, I am a ninja from Konoha. Where are you from?"
"Why should I tell you?" She shrugged.
"You looked familiar is all." He paused and took a step towards her, peering closely at her.
"… Moriko?" She tilted her head.
"Who are you?" His eyes widened and he grabbed her shoulders, pulling her into a hug.
"It is you!" He pulled away to look over her, smiling at her shocked face. "You don't realize who I am, do you?" She shook her head.
"No, but you obviously know who I am." His smile fell and he ran his fingers over her headband.
"A ninja… Why would you ever become one? Was it the only way to survive child?"
"Child?" Her eyes widened further. "Father?" He nodded and she jumped on him, embracing him tightly. "How did you find me? Why are you here? What's happened?" Tamotsu carefully pulled away from her and looked around.
"I found Kakashi outside of Suna and asked him. We need to get out of here. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you for your help afterwards my child."
"Help with what? Father what has happened?"
"The clan has been captured by a ninja. I believe his name is Orochi-something."
"Orochimaru has them?!"
"You know him?" She clenched her fists.
"Yes. He is a horribly bad person… He captured me once and let his henchman experiment on me for the healing abilities."
"What?! How did he know? Did you tell ninja and they betrayed you?"
"No! He saw me… I was showing Ga-…" She quieted and looked down sadly. "Doesn't matter. We should figure a way out and help them. Unless…"
"Unless what?"
"Unless Sasuke helps them."
"Who's Sasuke? Another ninja?" She frowned at him.
"Yes. He left Konoha and joined Orochimaru three years ago." She shot a small glare to stop him from speaking. "I am 90 percent certain he only did that to protect me. Since Orochimaru had captured me before he probably threatened Sasuke with it happening again."
"… My child, we cannot rely on a ninja, especially one that has betrayed his own kind all ready." She sighed and nodded.
"Yes Father. Do you have any ideas on how to escape?" He glanced around at the chakra inhibitors and smirked.
"Our clan's jutsu." Moriko shook her head.
"I don't know what you're talking about, but with all these seals we would never be able to do any useful jutsu." He grabbed her hand, tracing the palm before forming it into a symbol and flipping it over.
"I taught you the signs and had you practice them before I had to leave you. Think child, I know you can remember this." She closed her eyes for a second before glancing towards the door.
"The cats… the black fire cats? We don't use chakra to summon them?"
"No, we use blood and will. Only our clan can summon them, but we still have to be careful with it." Moriko nodded and pulled away.
"I think I remember some of it." Tamotsu smiled before turning to the door as it opened.
"It will have to wait my child." He glared as someone stepped in, closing the door behind them. Tamotsu grabbed the kunai from the floor and was about to throw it when Moriko snatched it away.
"Big brother? What are you doing?"
"I'm to extract information about Konoha and Naruto from you by any means necessary."
"I won't let you!" Tamotsu glared at Itachi and he glanced over.
"Who are you, and why were you calling Moriko 'my child'?"
"That is none of-"
"He's my father." She carefully grabbed the bars to look at Itachi. "Any chance you could let us go?"
"Father? So he found you. Sorry Moriko, I can't again."
"Please?"
"They would know." She smiled hopefully.
"Then come with us. Come back big brother." He shook his head.
"You know I can't do that. I am a murderer." She frowned as Tamotsu fumed in the corner.
"You were just protecting the village and following orders! I'll vouch for you. My word counts for a lot now." Itachi reached out and poked her forehead.
"Konoha will not let me back."
"We can try. And if not we could ask Ga… Gaara… Never mind. They will if we explain the situation." Tamotsu looked over at Moriko.
"Why do you quiet whenever you speak of him?"
"… He's dead."
"Gaara from Suna, with red hair?"
"How do you know that?"
"He was with Kakashi. Seemed alive to me." Moriko's eyes widened.
"He's alive? Are you sure? Did he have the kanji for love on his forehead?"
"Yes. I would not lie to you my child."
"You wouldn't be able to…" She grinned happily. "So he's alive? That's wonderful!" She looked back at Itachi. "He's alive big brother! You have to let me go now! I have to see him!" Itachi sighed and reached for the cell door with a small, sad smile.
"All right Moriko. I'll come with you." She smiled and stepped back as he opened the door. She glanced at Tamotsu before hugging Itachi.
"Thank you… We need to hunt down Orochimaru first though. Is that okay? With Sasuke and all?" He nodded once and looked at Tamotsu.
"We must hurry. Stay quiet and stay close." Tamotsu raised a brow and smiled.
"Of course." Moriko glanced worriedly at him before following Itachi, making sure to stay close. They slowly walked through the halls, staying on guard until Tamotsu grabbed Moriko from behind, covering her mouth and pulling her against the wall as Itachi continued walking. She twisted in his grip until he let go.
"What are you doing?" She kept her voice low, but obviously angry.
"I don't trust him."
"I do. He is a good person and the only reason you don't like him is because you hate ninjas for some reason."
"I hate them because they are the reason our clan was nearly eradicated. They attacked us due to their own fear. Don't you remember that your mother was murdered by them? And they almost had you as well. A child of no more than three!"
"Shh! Father, be quiet. Yes, I remember, but that doesn't make all ninja bad. I'm a ninja too."
"And I am sorry for that."
"It was my choice. I didn't have to be." Tamotsu just raised a brow before grabbing her hand to pull her along. She tried to pull away, wincing when his grip tightened. She bit her lip and continued trying to pull away until he glared at her and broke her wrist. "Father? Father stop. Let me go!"
"No. I will get us out of here and protect you from the ninja. We can save the clan and life can go back to how it was."
"Back to what? To hiding? To running away? To ignoring everyone else that could use our help? I don't want that."
"You don't know what you want! You are a child and it is my duty to protect you and help you!" He pushed her into the wall, holding her there and covering her mouth as a tear ran down her face. "My child, I may have left you alone before, but it was the only option to save you. I will not leave you again." She shook her head and pulled away.
"Even if it's by force?" He stepped back quietly before grabbing her shoulder and beginning to drag her away again. Someone else grabbed her and pulled her back, wrapping an arm around her and holding a kunai out towards Tamotsu. She instantly tried to pry herself away, stopping only when he spoke.
"You cannot protect her by hurting her." She looked up at Itachi to see him glaring. Glancing back she saw Tamotsu doing the same, holding the kunai she had taken from him.
"You leave her alone ninja." Itachi let her go and she grabbed his arm, looking over at Tamotsu.
"Stop this, both of you. Let's just get out of here, okay? Father… The clan needs you to help them. Itachi knows the way out without attracting too much attention. It is the only option to save them." Tamotsu looked between them before looking away.
"Fine… You ninja are good… To turn my own child against me." Moriko turned away at that and Itachi led them outside. Once away from the base Tamotsu tried to grab Moriko again. She flipped away from him, falling when she tried to catch herself, her wrist not completely healed. Itachi went over and helped her up, glancing blankly at Tamotsu.
"Why-" Moriko reached out and covered his mouth.
"Don't ask him Itachi. Let's just go. Father, can you lead the way?" Tamotsu paused before nodding once.
"All right, but I must ask to speak with Moriko as we walk. The ninja… Itachi can walk behind us and make sure I don't do anything unfavorable if need be." Moriko nodded and went over to him.
"Which way?" He started walking with Moriko, Itachi right behind them.
Big brother! And... her father? Hmmm... not sure about him... And... Gaara! T.T so sad...