25. When Two Worlds Collide

"Is it much further..?" The girl sighed, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. They had been walking for miles, relentlessly. She had brain power, not brawn power.

"We stop for the night a few miles ahead." A raspy voice replied, walking steadily ahead. Slow, but certain of his step, the red haired boy stopped, turning back to look at his female companion. The ghost of a smile flickered across his face, as the girl rolled her eyes.

"Move it, heifer," a boy donned in black surprised the girl, by hauling her over his shoulder. "Is this good enough for her royal highness?"

Chika twisted her body in an attempt to free herself, but she was bound by strings of chakra. "Who the hell wears black in a desert anyway, fucktard?" She leant her head against her hand, rolling her eyes. "Honestly, Kankuro, I worry about your intelligence, sometimes.."

Kankuro promptly dropped Chika, who was clouded in dust. He walked ahead, while Gaara helped Chika up, as she ran after Kankuro, cursing him.

Gaara felt the tattoo on his forehead, as he watched the older two act like toddlers. Honestly, it was like he was the adult here.

The sun was blistering, the sky clear blue, and there was nothing but gravelly dirt roads for miles. It was a wonder Chika was still standing.

"I'm used to travelling by deer." She said in her defense, and Kankuro snickered.

"You lazy, lazy little girl…"

Chika shook her head, sticking out her tongue impishly, as she kept walking. Gaara had been quiet for awhile, she noticed. She turned to face him, and he looked up, innocently.

"What's wrong, Gaara?"

"There's something a little off." The green eyed boy replied. "There's a disturbance somewhere, like we're being… followed." He sharply turned around, sand rising out of his gourd and flowing a couple of metres ahead of him, where it hit an invisible wall.

The two others tensed, as the invisible barrier wobbled, and then cracked, fading away. In its place stood a tall, tanned boy, with a messy mop of lime green hair, and golden eyes, with a Cheshire smile. He wore a sleeveless black shirt, and combat pants that stopped halfway down his calf. A sword balanced on his shoulder, as he chewed a blade of mint grass.

"Easy now," he said, his voice like crushed velvet. His eyes glinted as they met with Chika's, then flickered back to Gaara and Kankuro.

"I'm not here for you two clowns." He announced, winking at Chika. "Chi-chan, time to finish where we left off."

Kankuro stood in front of her defensively, as Gaara folded his arms. "You're not going anywhere near her."

The boy chuckled. "Ahh, this is cute, eh, Chi-chan? They want to protect you. Just like I did, 'till you screwed me over."

Chika placed a hand on Kankuro's shoulder, stepping out of his way. "Ryu-kun, it's nice to see you're not bitter."

"Who the fuck is this guy?" Kankuro was getting pretty pissed. He wasn't going to say it wasn't everyday someone hit on his girlfriend, cause boy, she was pretty well liked back in her own hometown, but this smartass had a weird look to him.

"How rude of me." The boy ducked his head and mocked a bow. "I'm Ryu, Dragon Swordsman, conman, her ex-partner in slumming it, here to finish our duel, thank you very much. And you would be?"

"Taking none of this crap." Kankuro lunged for Ryu, who smirked, turning the other cheek, as Chika pulled him back. The dark-eyed boy looked at Chika angrily.

"You can't fight him, it's not your call, Kankuro." She explained, as she drew her own sword. "This is between me and him."

"Too bad it's the only thing, sweetie." Ryu winked at her again, and Chika rolled her eyes.

"Ready when you are."

There was a sudden clash of iron against steel, as Gaara and Kankuro watched the blur, as the two fought. Kankuro was tense, whereas Gaara remained calm, and collected. He had faith in Chika.

Metal grinded against metal , as Chika frowned in concentration, Ryu withdrew his sword for a split second, whispering in her ear. "Dump the losers, and we can go back to old times, Chi-chan. You're a hell of a lot prettier, and I'm a big boy now."

Chika's sword tore through Ryu's tank top, as she smirked, her dark eyes shining. "Go to hell."

Ryu's eyes glittered, as he relished the challenge. "For you, I nearly would."

Chika's sword skills proved to be strenuous for Ryu to deal with, as he found himself overpowered by the younger girl, who had him on the ground in less than twenty minutes, blade pressed to his throat. Chika had changed since they were slummed in Sunagakure. Before, she was a lost, unsure thirteen year old, little more than a kid. She had skill, and a talent for picking up on things, and it was her that got Ryu through their dark days in Suna. It changed though, when Chika stole what he himself have stolen, and ran off, leaving him to deal with angry Suna guards when they found him in the morning.

But now, boy, two years could change a lot. Chika wasn't the same little girl anymore. For one thing, she had gotten taller, filled out her frame, and had acquired a more feminine look to her. There was a cool confidence in her eyes, a near arrogance to how sure she was of herself. And man, Ryu liked the change.

"Ryu, I'm not a little criminal anymore." Chika told him, a serious look to her eyes. Ryu smirked, and held his hands up in defeat.

"All right, all right, Chi-chan, I'll leave you be. Guess you're the better swordsman now, huh?"

Chika held her sword to his throat as he stood up, putting his weapon away, and bowing somewhat meekly. Chika smiled, saying goodbye, as she turned away.

And then came the surprise.

The lime-haired boy knotted his eyebrows, as he unsheathed his sword, and in a fluid motion, swung round to slice at Chika's skin.

However, Chika managed to be one step ahead of him, and being the lady she was, socked him in the face, the punch landed on his nose. There was a crunch, as Ryu dropped his sword, hands clasped to his face, as he was knocked out.

Chika shook her fist, muttering about how sore it was, as she looked up at Kankuro, innocently. Gaara remained stoic, but Kankuro looked agitated.

"What. The. Actual. Fuck."

Chika smiled, as she picked up Ryu's sword, claiming it as her own. "Finders keepers." She glanced back to the boy's body, and for a second Kankuro thought Chika would aid him, as she was too kind sometimes or her own good. However, she turned her back, and walked away.

"You coming?" She asked Kankuro, as Gaara stood beside her with no comments.

"Uh, yeah, sorry," Kankuro stammered, slightly distracted.

They walked in silence, until the near sunset, when Chika spoke. "I suppose you're wondering what that was all about back there."

"You don't say.." Kankuro muttered, as they stopped for a break. Chika's face turned slightly guilty, as the shadows of the sun casted onto her face. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I wasn't always Chika Nara with the squeaky clean Konoha stamp of approval on me, Kankuro. Going a few years back, I did whatever it took to survive between villages. Begging, borrowing, stealing, fighting, assaults. A girl my age hadn't a hope being an alley rat without the instinct of survival. Granted," She sighed, "I had hoped that part of my life wouldn't come back to bite me, but I guess it did."

She rubbed the back of her neck, "I just don't want this to be a reminder of me."

Kankuro mulled over what she had said. Sure, he had been a little shit back in the day, stealing, pranking, harassing. He never thought Chika would've been the type to lower herself to that, she seemed too proud.

"I understand." Gaara spoke, and there was a wideness to his eyes. "I understand that feeling. I am seen to be a monster, I have murdered many, and injured more, and I agree with them. But, seeing how things can change, I too, wish to leave the past behind, and grow, because you taught me I am more than a monster. I understand now, you should not be ashamed of your past, because it makes you."

Chika smiled, and Gaara nodded, while Kankuro took it all in. He stood up abruptly.

"Now, if we're done being little sissies, can we please get it moving? The inn is only a mile off from here."

"God, Kankuro, Gaara and I were having a heart to heart." Chika stalked past him, a slight smirk on her face. The corners of Gaara's mouth twitched upwards. He supposed they were, in the afterthought.

And while they made their way to the inn, on the border of Konoha and Suna, Gaara found Chika and Kankuro's bickering to be a somewhat pleasant hum in the back of his mind, consumed by his own thoughts and worries.

It was just after sunset when they arrived at a small, but cosy looking inn. Clearly, they expected, as the middle aged lady, with a sweet smile, welcomed the trio in warmly. Her and Chika made small talk, as she checked them in.

"Two rooms are all we have, I'm afraid. We had some unexpected arrivals, I am sorry to burden you."

"Don't worry about it," Kankuro waved her off, "Trust me, we've been through hell and back, I think we'll be okay."

The lady laughed, as she handed Chika two sets of keys, one of which she handed to Gaara, who disappeared down the dimly lit corridors. The lady told Kankuro tea was available at the end of the corridor, and he also disappeared, desperately needing a drink.

"They seem like a fine pair of boys." The lady commented, as she handed Chika a small basket of food, as an apology for the inconvenience. Chika shook her head, smiling slightly.

"They're something, alright."

Kankuro returned, and the two headed towards their rooms. He stopped outside Gaara's room, and knocked. Kankuro had planned to share with his brother. However, there was no reply.

"Gaara?" Kankuro rapped on the door again. "This isn't funny, c'mon."

A small chuckle was heard from the other side of the door. "What was that saying…? Finders keepers?"

Kankuro rolled his eyes, throwing his fist against the door again, before giving up. The little shit. He knocked on Chika's door, which she didn't answer either.

"Oh great," He muttered under his breath, "A conspiracy."

The door, he found, was unlocked, so being the courteous man he was, he let himself in. The room was small, but comfortable, and Kankuro looked around. There was a bed in one corner, with a nightstand. There was also a small table, and a door, leading into what he presumed was a bathroom. He sat on the bed, wondering vaguely where Chika was, until he heard something twisting.

Chika walked out of the other room, dressed in black shorts and a black t-shirt, her hair slick from being washed, her skin still slightly damp, barefoot. She looked a lot more relaxed, and at ease, and then she saw Kankuro, and raised an eyebrow.

"Surprise?" Kankuro tried, and Chika took a comb to her hair, using one hand glowing with chakra, to heat her hand, drying her hair effortlessly in minutes.

"Gaara locked you out, didn't he?"

"Wow, I can't even pay you a visit, without you assuming something's up… Yeah, yeah he did."

Chika sniggered at Kankuro 's frown. He folded his arms sulkily.

"Gaara does like his privacy." He argued, and Chika nodded, putting the comb down.

"And so do I, so skedaddle." Chika gestured for him to shoo, but Kankuro just looked up at her.

"Oh really?" He smirked, standing up in front of her, making the fact that he had grown considerably a lot more noticeable. Chika frowned, realizing how small she was.

Kankuro tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then let his hand trace down the side of her body, with a slight smile on his face. "If I know rightly, the words "Chika" and "privacy" shouldn't be in the same sentence, without the word "hates" inbetween them."

Chika raised an eyebrow, leant in so that her cheek brushed Kankuro's, as she went to say something, but instead, pushed him towards the door, her hands infused with the strength of her chakra. Kankuro held himself steady, his arms on the frame of the door, refusing to be pushed out by his own girlfriend. Chika, however, was relentless, refusing to give up, until Kankuro's right hand was glowing with chakra, as blue strings infused Chika's body.

"Not fair!" Chika exclaimed, as Kankuro relaxed, making Chika move out of his way, so he could lie on the bed, hands behind his head, though he still controlled Chika. When he felt she was calm, the strings faded to nothing, except for the invisible strings of contempt Chika was roping to him.

"Not gonna work on me, Chika." He reminded her, "Or should I say Chi-chan…?"

Chika lunged for him, calling him every name she knew under the sun, while her fists pounded into his stomach. "DON'T. YOU. DARE. CALL. ME. THAT." She roared at him, while Kankuro fought the urge to laugh. His arms went around Chika's stomach, as he caught her arms together.

Chika's furious face was flushed red, as she glared up at him, arms to her side, as she was sat on his lap. She reminded him of a pouty child, who wasn't getting her way, and a grin broke out onto his face.

"Stop laughing at me." Chika told him, beginning to squirm in his grasp.

Kankuro didn't say anything, but moved in closer, till his forehead touched hers. "No need to be touchy." He said, grinning cutely, as Chika's eyebrows were still knotted in a frown. He could feel her breath on his face, as he leaned in closer, he could tell Chika anticipated a kiss. However, he rolled her off of him, and headed for the bathroom.

"I'm having a shower!" He called to her. "Catch ya later."

Chika lay on the bed, fuming."YOU'RE A TEASE, YOU KNOW THAT?" She shouted after him, but she only heard the echoes of his laughter in reply. She folded her arms, annoyed with herself.

Looking out the window, she saw twilight had broken, tones of dark purples and blues spread out across the sky. The light was dim from the stars, yet the moon glowed profusely. Chika stood on the window ledge, standing into the open cool night. She was looking at her surroundings, which seemed so much more mysterious in the dark. She blinked, remembering Gaara, then retreated into the corridor to check on him.

As she closed the door behind her, she bumped into something. The correct term, she supposed, would have been someone.

Dark eyes met, as Chika apologized fluently, bowing slightly. She was met with silence, as she realized who she was looking at. He had narrow eyes, framed with girly thick lashes that Chika often teased him over enviously. His thin face was serious, his mouth open slightly, Chika didn't know why, surprise maybe, at the coincidence. He seemed somewhat tired, as the lines under his eyes depicted. Chika had no idea why she was frozen at the sight of the boy, who was only two years her senior.

"Itachi-kun." Her voice was full of surprise. "It's nice to see you well."

Okay, so she panicked. She had come face to face with an old acquaintance turned serial killer, part of a famed criminal organization. Of course she didn't know what to do. She thought it was strange, though, how nobody seemed to be panicked, or contacting shinobi. She realized that this inn was blind to its customers, service is service. She supposed the Akatsuki provided large sums of fees as well.

Itachi Uchiha nodded slightly, "You have grown much since the last time." His intent gaze made most uncomfortable, but Chika merely smiled pleasantly, as he walked past her, letting a hand rest on her shoulder for a moment as he passed.

Chika watched, as his companion, a tall blue-skinned man, with odd eyes, and spiked hair, walked by her, nodding in acknowledgement. The entire ordeal was fairly bizarre.

She knocked on Gaara's door, where she was met with a mumble she couldn't distinguish. By this stage, she was fairly worried, and banged the door again. "Gaara, please, this isn't funny."

Then she heard it. The tone in Gaara's voice which frightened her. "Fine." It said viciously. "You want to see me? Then see me."

The door clicked, and Chika let herself in. The room was dimly lit, shadows were cast everywhere, but in the darkness, she could see the outline of Gaara, sitting on a wooden chair, his head in his hands. His face was scrunched up in pain, as he let out a hiss. Chika cautiously approached him.

"Gaara, what's happening?"

His pale green eyes focused on nothing, as he clenched his teeth. "Shukaku…. Awakens… At night." He said through gritted teeth.

Chika's eyes widened, as terror clung to her. But she knew better, she had to relax. "Gaara, you have to calm down, and remember you're in control of yourself."

"I'll kill you." The demonic Gaara threatened her. He whined in pain. "Leave, Chika, please."

Chika waited, and Gaara swiped at her with the sand. "I'm safest alone, Chika."

The sand rushed towards her, and she fled the room, as she heard the door click shut, and locked.

She made her way back into her own room, where she found Kankuro, a towel around his shoulders, looking wide eyed with clearer skin. He had only a pair of black pants on, and turned to Chika, looking concerned at the frightened expression on her face.

"What's up?" He asked, sitting beside her on the bed. Chika smoothed her hair over.

"When's the last time Gaara slept?" She asked, and Kankuro thought about it for a moment.

"I don't remember ever seeing him sleep." He said, "When he was a kid, he'd have terrible nightmares, and I haven't seen him ever actually sleep, he'll meditate sometimes, resting himself. Why?"

"Shukaku takes him over easier during the night," Chika replied, and Kankuro slung an arm around her.

"Did he frighten you?" He teased, making Chika turn away, trying to look angry.

"No, of course not," she said indignantly, as a drop of water splashed onto her face from Kankuro's hair. She rolled her eyes, and stood up, taking the towel from Kankuro' shoulders, and began to dry his hair, while he snickered at her ways.

"Your hair's so wiry." She commented, when she was done, as she held a strand, inspecting it. His hair stood on end no matter the situation, much like Gaara's.

"I'm a wiry kind of guy," Kankuro replied lazily, wrapping his arms around Chika's middle, and pulling her down to lie with him. She just shook her head.

"You don't have to tell me twice… Or once for that matter."

Kankuro didn't bother replying, already half way asleep. Chika relaxed, knowing she wouldn't have to fear much, except nightmares maybe. But that wouldn't be so bad, if she had to wake to Kankuro.

Her thoughts strayed to her encounter with Itachi. It had been a long time since she had seen him last. She didn't hate him, funnily enough, for the whole slaughter of his own family thing. She guessed he had been always pleasant and kind towards her, she felt no need.

It was peculiar though. He must have been travelling somewhere… Chika was drifting into sleep now, as she wondered. Travelling..? The only other village worth visiting nearby are Suna, and Konoha… He passed Suna, so he must be going home… Why?

"Hey, Itachi, who was the pretty brunette earlier?" Kisame asked his partner, who was ludicrously quiet since meeting that girl. To be honest, he couldn't blame him, she'd probably have the same effect on him too if he had the luck.

Itachi looked up from the window where he stood, one hand on the window pane. "An old acquaintance from Konohagkure. I saw her last when she disappeared."

"Disappeared?" Kisame raised an eyebrow. Itachi nodded.

"She was destined for a domestic life otherwise. She yearned for greater things. I hear she became an accomplished swordsman, Kisame, I'm surprised you have not heard."

"There were reports of an unknown swordsman rising from beginner, to beating every leader he came into contact with. A lethal weapon, they say, he moves like the blade is part of him."

Itachi's mouth flickered upwards in a small amusement. "She, Kisame, is commonly referred to as the Swordsman of Sunagakure."

"That was her?" Surprise flitted across his face. A toothy grin spread, "I should duel her now, while I have the chance. Talent grows young these days."

Itachi shook his head slightly. "Hardly, she is only a year or so younger than I."

Kisame snorted. That's my point.

Itachi's thoughts drowned out Kisame anyway. Chika Nara, he thought, had grown into a young woman in the space of a few years. Then again, he supposed he had grown into a man rapidly as well. He had never lost contact of Chika, picking up bits of information about her wherever he went, not all good, not all bad, but he knew you had to do the unthinkable for the better. He could still remember a time when he and Chika would converse freely, at festivals and events as such. She made family affairs more amusing, whenever their two clans would clash. Strange, how she was travelling to Suna, he presumed.

He could still remember the last time he saw her, in Kirigakure, the Village of the Mist. She was childlike and reckless, her face coated in a layer of grime and dirt. Itachi was still being assigned to various members of the Akatsuki, and he had been paired with Deidara, the idiot blond he had sought.

They were planning an ambush on a powerful clan, and had clashed with Chika in a forest. Deidara of couse, went straight for the kill, threatening to blow her into little pieces if she wasn't careful.

Itachi remembered the fearless look she had in her eye, the brazen tone she addressed Deidara in, and the cool, calm tone she addressed Itachi in, and how that infuriated Deidara. She ended up giving them advice, warning him that if he were to continue the route they were going, they would be sure to be caught.

He made Deidara let her go, obviously, but for some reason, the blond held a grudge against her since. Maybe it was because of the blatant disrespect Chika showed him, maybe it was because he wasn't allowed kill her, who knows.

Itachi knew, however, it wouldn't be the last they saw of Chika Nara.