The C.A.K.E Girls

Edited: 3/20/13

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

(Kiku's PV)

"I hate walking," I grumbled while trying not to trip again. Juugo and I had been traveling for a while, not really knowing which way to go. Ever since we started, I've bumped into ten trees, almost fell into three pits, and tripped over my own feet twenty times. Juugo made me hold onto his cloak; making me feel like a little kid. Being blind really stinks when you're trying to travel through a forest.

"Where are we anyways?" I asked, not that I could see anything.

"I don't know," he replied. Juugo didn't have a great sense of direction. Every time he tried to talk to someone, that we would meet, they would run away from him in fear. He wouldn't let me ask anyone because of the fact I couldn't see and probably wouldn't be able to defend myself if they tried to kidnap me; stupid protectiveness.

"I wish we had a GPS right now," I mumbled to myself.

"What is a GPS?" Juugo sounded perplexed.

"Uh, never mind." Not like a GPS would be any good in the middle of a forest that probably had no satellite reception. Juugo suddenly stiffened under my grasp.

"What's wrong?" I turned my head from side to side. He didn't reply, so I tugged on his cloak to get his attention.

"Look what we found. A pretty girl and a giant." The voice was rough, but kind of whiny. It was coming directly in front of us. I heard two more people come down with a loud thud.

"What ya going to do, Boss?" This voice was high pitch like a girls.

"Ya Boss, what ya going to do with the girly?" The third voice was scratchy and slightly lower than the second one.

This is like some really bad gangster movie, except they're gangster ninjas. We have the Boss, Lackey 1 and Lackey 2. Maybe Lackey 1 and Lackey 2 will repeat everything the Boss says...that would be hilarious!

I covered my mouth as I let out a snort like giggle. I could feel Juugo giving me a questioning look, and I just shrugged my shoulders. They probably weren't real threats; Juugo could probably kick their butts.

"Well, boys, we take down the giant and take the girl. Have a little fun with her and then have her clean and cook for us," the first voice said triumphantly.

"That's brilliant, Boss!" Both Lackey 1 and 2 said together. I rolled my eyes at them. First, Juugo wouldn't let them take me. Second, I can't cook. I'd give you food poisoning if I tried; I actually gave my dad food poisoning on his birthday and he was in bed for two weeks.

"Kiku stay behind me," Juugo said in his low voice. I nodded and got fully behind him. I felt useless, but without my eyes I couldn't fight. I heard the gangster ninjas running toward Juugo; they aren't very light on their feet for ninjas. I heard lots of noise and sounds of fighting, but couldn't follow what was going on.

"Boss, this guy is a monster!" Lackey 2 shrieked. I suddenly felt a darker chakra coming from someone a few feet ahead of me.

Aww, crap! Juugo's going Mr. Hyde on me. How am I suppose to calm him down when I can't see him?

"Even monsters can be defeated!" The Boss's voice was shaking slightly. I heard a roar and flinched as Juugo let out blood curdling laugh. I heard the other ninjas start screaming, and their boss was yelling at them to shut up.

"I just hope this works, Boss!" Lackey 1 almost sounded close to tears. Then, an ear splitting howl filled the air. It sounded like Juugo was in pain. I tried to get up, but ended up tripping on my feet and face planting into the ground.

Fourth time I've fallen flat on my face! Stupid, stupid stupid!

I started crawling on the ground slowly feeling my way around. My hand landed on a large arm; it had to be Juugo.

"Woohoo! Boss you're amazing!" Lackey 1 and 2 were cheering like a bunch of fangirls. I touched Juugo's hand and gasped. It felt ice cold; he was breathing, but it was very shallow.

"Never doubt me boys," the Boss boasted; I could almost see him puff out his chest like a peacock.

"Juugo? Juugo? Wake up. Come on get up!" I tried to shake him, but he didn't move. The men started to laugh as I heard them approach me from behind.

"Don't bother girly. That poison will kill him in five minutes. I stole it from some ninja who makes deadly poisons. Too bad I didn't bother to get the antidote," the Boss jeered. All of them laughed again. I could feel my eyes prick with tears. In less than five minutes Juugo would be dead and I would be their slave.

"Aww, don't cry. Let me give you a hug, huh girly." The Boss's tone was mocking. He grabbed me by the waist and I screamed. His hand clamped over my mouth so I bit him, drawing some blood. He dropped me, and I spat the foul taste out of my mouth.

"You little wench! I'll teach you to bite me!" Suddenly he slapped me. The hit was hard and I could taste blood in my mouth. My cheek stung, but I just glared in their general direction.

"Hehe, keeping you alive would be too much work," he said. His hand grabbed my neck and started to squeeze. I tried to kick him, but he held me far enough so I couldn't touch him. I started to gasp for air; my head was spinning. I felt tears stream down my cheek as my mind started to fade.

Juugo...I'm sorry.

"What the fuck!" The hand let go and I fell onto the ground. I gulped in the fresh air and tried to sit up. I looked around trying to sense what was going on.

"Don't you think that's a little cruel picking on a blind girl?" I froze. That voice and the lazy drawl sounded a lot like a voice I would imagine on a certain character.

"You guys are bastards!" I winced at the loud voice, but couldn't help but smile.

"How strange. The girl is smiling even though she was near death. Why is that?" The soft voice was full of curiosity and kind of monotone.

"She's feeling relief, Sai. Hey, are you okay?" I turned my head in the direction of the girl's

voice. She put a hand to my neck and the bruising feeling on my neck faded.

"Who the hell are you!" The Boss sounded a little scared.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki and I'm going to be the next Hokage of Konoha! I'm gonna kick your asses!" Naruto shouted.

"Naruto! You baka, they don't really care if you're going to Hokage," Sakura hissed. My smile got wider and I laughed lightly. Then, I remembered Juugo dying from poison. I clutched Sakura's hand and looked up in the direction I assumed her face was.

"Please help my friend. He's been poisoned and they said it will kill him in five minutes. I don't know how much time went by."

"Don't worry I'm a medic ninja so I might be able to help," she whispered reassuringly to me. I felt Sakura leave my side and heard her going over to Juugo. Naruto, Kakashi and Sai were fighting the gangster ninjas and it sounded like they were winning.

Wooo! Go Team 7! Kick their asses! How's it feel to be beaten you bastards!

The fighting sounds stopped. I listened to hear what was going on. I think Lackey 1 and 2 were begging not to be killed while their boss was groaning.

"Haha, you lost bastards! Got your butts handed down by two kids and a closet perv!" I stuck my tongue out and gave them the finger, well at least I hope it was the bad ninjas I was flipping off.

"Hey, how'd you know Kaka-sensei was a closet perv?" I fell backwards when I realized Naruto was right in my face.

"Woah, personal space buddy," I warned. Inside my mind I was panicking as I realized my mistake. I turned toward Juugo's direction hoping to distract them.

Sakura had been silent. I inquired, "Uh, hey how is he doing?" I was met with silence. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat when Sakura didn't immediately respond.

"I don't know this poison. I'm sorry, but I can't help. If we had more time we could bring him back to Konoha. I'm sorry but he won't..." She trailed off and I felt more tears forming.

"No! You have to know something! Please! Juugo is like a brother to me, I need him!" I wailed. It was ironic though; in the beginning it was Juugo who needed me, but now I needed him ever since I lost Callia and my sight. I depended on him as my comfort and guide.

I crawled over to Juugo's body and picked up his hand. It was even colder than before. I felt my tears falling down my face.

"Juugo, please don't die. I don't know what to do without you; I lost Callia already," I begged. I held his hand and listened as his breathing got shallower.

"K-Kiku don't cry," he rasped. I squeezed his hand harder. Juugo's voice sounded weak and he was gasping slightly.

"Y-you can't leave me! I needed you. I can't go-" I choked on my words. It was too much to handle.

"No, no. Promise me you'll go on. Th-thanks for always...there...me. I..." Juugo stopped talking and I shook his hand.

"I p-promise...don't leave yet!" I was desperate. I knew he was dead, but some part of me hoped he wasn't; I wanted this to be a bad dream. I broke down in sobs as I held his lifeless hand; I felt someone tap my shoulder, but didn't care who it was.

He wasn't suppose to die! It didn't happen in the manga or anime! Why now...he was my anchor after Callia got kidnapped...

"I-I want to kill them! I want those bumbling buffoons dead!" I screeched. I clenched my hands into fists. I staggered up and grabbed a kunai from my holster. I started to walk in the direction I heard the whimpering coming from.

"You and your lackeys are dead meat. Taking a life just for fun isn't so fun anymore, huh," I growled, and the whimpering got louder. Someone put a firm hand on my shoulder, stopping me. I tried to shrug them off, but whoever it was wouldn't let go.

"Don't do it. You don't want to kill for revenge. I bet you haven't even killed one person yet, have you?" Kakashi asked.

I growled at him. "No I haven't. Now let go of me Hatake or so help me!" I didn't care if I said his last name even though I wasn't suppose to know him. The hand on my shoulder tightened, and I tried again to pull away.

"Would your friend want you to kill them?" he insisted. Juugo never wanted to kill anyone even when he did; he was a gentle person. Juugo would've told me to leave them alone even if they had done wrong. I lowered my kunai and my shoulders sagged.

"Fine, you win." I turned away from the ninjas, not wanting to hear them. Kakashi guided me over to where Naruto and the rest were. I could feel them staring at me, but ignored them. I sighed and rubbed my temples; all this crying hurt my head.

"Can you guys take me to Konoha?" I questioned.

"Why?" Kakashi's voice was flat and full of suspicion. I would be on guard too if someone I've never met knew my name.

"I heard that the Hokage is a great medical ninja. I thought maybe she could fix my sight." I waited for someone to say something. Finally, Kakashi let out a sigh.

"Well, alright. Naruto, will you carry her?" I started to protest, but Naruto had already grabbed me and swung me onto his back. I had no choice, and traveling like this would be much faster.

"Wait. Could you take Juugo's body, please. He deserves a proper burial," I croaked out. I assumed Kakashi said yes because I heard him grunt and ask Sai to help him. Juugo wasn't a light person so it would take at least two ninjas to carry him.

Naruto took off and I could feel the wind blowing past us. It was silent as we traveled. I felt really bad because I couldn't help Juugo. If I had been able to fight, then Juugo would still be alive.

"So, what's your name?" Sakura was trying to be polite and start a conversation. I smiled slightly at her attempt to make nice.

"Kiku. What about you guys?" I asked. I knew them already, heck I knew everyone in the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden series, but it was only the polite thing to do.

"I'm Sakura Haruno," she introduced.

"Naruto Uzumaki and I'm-"

"Naruto! She's already heard your speech. If I hear you say it one more time I'm going to scream and someone will end up hurt!" Sakura bemoaned.

"Sorry Sakura-chan," he apologized. I could just see him rubbing the back of his head. I laughed lightly and smiled. They really were an interesting team.

"I'm Sai." Came a whisper of a voice. I wondered if he was giving me one of his fake smiles or not. I wanted to ask, but that would be too weird.

"Kakashi Hatake," the copy ninja stated. I nodded at all of them. Suddenly I felt tired and yawned. I lowered my head onto Naruto's back and started to fall asleep.

-:-

"Hey, Kiku wake up!" I flinched and automatically punched whoever was yelling in my ear. I heard a cry of pain and someone else yelling. I opened my eyes and saw...nothing, no surprise there. I stretched and heard my bones crack and pop.

"Where are we?" I tried to catch my bearings.

"We're at the gates of Konoha. Naruto started to complain that you were drooling on him." Kakashi informed, sounding amused; I guess it had to do with the fact that I punched Naruto in the face.

"Ack, Kiku why'd you punch me?" Naruto whimpered.

"Well, I don't appreciate someone yelling in my ear when I'm asleep." I glared at Naruto's direction. Someone put their hand on my shoulder and I turned toward them.

"Come on. You can walk, right?" I nodded at Sakura. Naruto was still complaining, but stood on my other side. I followed Sakura closely; listening to the sound of her footsteps. I kind of listened to Naruto as he talked about getting ramen after this. Kakashi was silent so I assumed he was reading one of his perv books.

"Eh, Kiku look out!" Naruto cried. I felt something knock me down. It was standing on me and I could feel hot air on my face. I reached up and felt fur. Relaxing when I realized it was a dog, a very big one. I scratched it's ear while wondering if this was Akamaru, Kiba's dog.

"Hey there big boy. Are you Akamaru?" I cooed. My voice was muffled by the dog being on my chest so hopefully no one heard me. He gave a happy bark which I took as yes. Akamaru started to lick my face and I laughed as I got dog drool all over my face.

I kept giggling even though I got some drool in my mouth. "Ah, stop. Bad dog. You're getting slobber all over my face." I was laughing the whole time so he knew I wasn't really mad. I gently pushed for him to get off me and he complied.

"Aww, good boy. I wish I could see what you look like, you must be cute," I complimented while patting his head.

"Nah, Akamaru is just an ugly dog." Naruto didn't sound impressed. Akamaru growled at him; I rubbed the back of his ear and he stopped. I felt his tail wagging behind me and giggled; he felt so soft.

"Yo, Akamaru why'd you run off?" shouted a gruff voice. I recognized the voice as the owner, Kiba Inuzuka. Naruto said something and I heard the word baka and then mutt.

"Why'd you call me baka!" Kiba shouted.

"You heard me mutt. Unless you're hearing is already going down, Kiba!" Naruto taunted. I groaned slightly. I had thought they were on better terms since Naruto had come back. They still fought a little bit, but not as much as last time. Akamaru gave a loud bark and Kiba stopped arguing with Naruto.

"Hey sorry if he jumped ya." I blinked and realized he was talking to me.

I chuckled. "No problem. He's cute and very soft." The giant dog next to me gave a bark; it almost sounded like he was agreeing with me.

"So you like the compliment, huh. Don't go getting a big ego now." I patted his head and smiled. I turned toward Sakura; she hadn't left my side yet.

"So, can I see the Hokage about my eyes?" I hinted.

"Yeah, I'll take you to her office." Sakura took my arm and started pulling me away. I turned back and waved.

"Later Kakashi, Sai, and Naruto. It was nice to meet you, Kiba and Akamaru." I gave them a big smile before turning around and letting Sakura tow me away.

I just hope Tsunade can help me.

(Azula's PV)

I groaned as the light from my apartment window hit my face. I rolled over on the couch and stretched. Ever since Eri went missing I've been crying my eyes out and falling asleep on the couch. I haven't left my apartment, only to go see Tsunade and to eat. I've been avoiding

Kankuro and everyone else.

I opened my eyes and looked into blue green ones. I blinked trying to see if I was seeing things. Finally when my mind started to work, I shrieked. I turned and fell off the couch, bringing the blankets with me.

"G-Gaara? W-what are you doing h-here?" I stammered. I felt my face flush slightly as he stared at me. He didn't say anything at first. I noticed he had bags under his eyes, darker than before and he looked worried.

How long has he been here? Was he watching me? Did I say anything embarrassing in my sleep?

I've been known to talk in my sleep. Sometimes I say random stuff and other times I say things that I feel. The girls make fun of me; I, once, admitted to liking some guy and they wouldn't leave me alone.

"I heard about Eri. I couldn't come sooner because I had to take care of somethings. Are you alright?" I blinked at him. Eri had been missing for three days now. Gaara had come to Konoha, leaving his busy schedule for me. I felt my cheeks flame again and smiled slightly.

"You didn't have to come. They still haven't found Eri though. You look tired, are you okay?" I asked, concerned. He nodded slightly as I got up.

"Uh, do you want something to eat?" I asked, trying to find something to do. He shook his head, and I went into the kitchen.

I grabbed a bowl and some cereal. The box said Ninja-Os; Eri and I nearly had a laughing fit when we saw these. I started to eat and peaked at Gaara once in awhile. I didn't know if he liked me or not; I certainly liked him alot.

I had come to the conclusion that I liked Kankuro more as a friend than anything else, now all I needed to do was tell him how I felt. So far I haven't had the chance or the courage to approach him yet.

"So, what are you doing in my apartment?" I was curious how he got in.

"Kankuro told me you've been staying in here most of the time. I found an extra key under a pot of flowers in front of your door," he informed. He gave a slight frown when he mentioned the key. Okay, maybe not the best place to put an extra key, but no one else had found it.

"I miss her. I'm so worried that something bad happened to her. Maybe if I had gone with her, we could've had a chance. If not then at least I would be with her," I whispered into my cereal. I could feel tears pricking at the corner of my eyes. I stared at my cereal not feeling hungry.

Gaara cleared his throat a little. "I was worried that they would come back for you."

My head snapped up and stared at the red head. He looked me straight in the eye and I blushed again. I looked away from his intense gaze and focused on the table.

"Gaara I-" There was a sharp knock on my door and I groaned. I went over and opened it. An Anbu wearing a hawk mask stood in the doorway.

"Uh, yes?" I felt my heart racing, maybe they found Eri.

"The Hokage would like to see you," he said.

"About what?" I wanted to know if it could be about Eri before I ran to the office.

"I was told just to bring you to her," he stated, sounding slightly irritated. I nodded and rushed back into my room. I took the world's fastest shower and got dressed under three minutes. I ran back where the Anbu was waiting; Gaara was standing there as well.

"Lets go." The Anbu disappeared and I followed. Gaara was following me as well. I gave him a questioning look, but he didn't say anything. When we got to the Hokage's office the Anbu knocked.

"Come in." Tsunade's voice sounded business like. The Anbu had vanished and I looked at Gaara. He nodded to me and gave what I thought was a reassuring smile, but then again it could be a trick from the lights. I breathed in and opened the door.

Kitkat d(^.^)b