Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Naruto characters or places. I only own the characters from Earth/our world. Even then, they are based on actual friends of mine.

Author's Note:Now, for your second Kaitlyn chapter of this bout . . . this one's a bit more serious than her others, though humor is still scattered throughout. I'm actually working on her next set of chapters at the moment, so yaay! Here's Kaitlyn! I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 25: A Moment of Silence

KAITLYN

After dinner, Kankuro and Temari keep me in my seat until everyone leaves. Much to my dismay, everyone includes Gaara. Apparently, he has yet another meeting to attend before his day is done. I sigh and sink lower into my chair. Why did he have me come if we weren't able to spend any time together?

Once the three of us are alone in the great hall, Kankuro chuckles. "Wow. I'm surprised and impressed, kid. You actually managed to keep your mouth shut."

I scowled at him, standing. "Shut up."

Temari's eyebrows furrow in concern. "You alright?"

"Yeah. It's just -- oh, never mind." I rub my upper arms. "Um, Temari? I have a question."

"Okay."

I chew on my lower lip. "Has Gaara died yet?"

Kankuro stiffens. "Died?"

"Y'know -- when the Akatsuki took Shukaku out of him. He died and Granny Chiyo gave her life to bring him back. Has that happened yet?"

The two of them become very quiet. Temari whispers, "Yes. That's happened already."

I wring my hands nervously. "Do you think -- if it's not too much trouble -- do you think I can see her grave? Pay my respects and all?"

Kankuro blinks in surprise, and Temari gives me a warm -- if sad -- smile. "I don't see why not," she says, motioning for me to follow as she walks toward the door.

"Wait," Kankuro calls softly. "Do you think it's wise for us to take her out in the open?" His objection seems half-hearted.

"I'll be good," I assure him. "I promise."

"There won't be many people out and about at this time," Temari states. "We should be able to go mostly unnoticed." She smirks. "Besides, you heard Kaitlyn. She promised."

Kankuro gives a coughing laugh. "Right. A lot of good that is."

I glare at him, turning my back pointedly. "Can we go, please?" I ask Temari.

She nods and ushers me out of the room, shooting a look of warning at Kankuro. The three of us walk through the streets of the Sand Village, meeting very few people along the way. Those we do meet don't pay us much mind. They seem to recognize Temari and Kankuro, glance curiously at me, and then move on with their lives. There are no long stares -- no whispered questions. It's actually quite calming.

Even though the sun's down by now, the air is still hot and dry. I guess it's to be expected in a desert. Thankfully, the wind isn't blowing, so there's no sand in the air. I glance up and smile as I see the first few stars shining brightly in the clear sky. With all the street lights back home, I rarely get to see the stars so clearly.

Temari points out the memorial stone that had been erected for Chiyo. I stand in front of it, wondering if I should say something to express my appreciation for her actions. I keep quiet, though, since I'm sure that Kankuro will make some crack about me talking a dead person to death.

So, I stand with my eyes closed, mentally thanking Chiyo for saving Gaara. I don't know what I would've done if he was dead for good, I say to her. I'd probably have died myself. I can't imagine Gaara not being here. You believed that Gaara can protect the Sand Village. Well, I'm going to do my best to help him. I might not be really brave or strong, but I promise I'll do everything I can to help Gaara. Thank you, Granny Chiyo. Thank you so much.

Feeling that it's the right thing to do, I bow, hands folded over my knees. "Thank you," I repeat softly. I then straighten my back and turn to Temari. "Alright, I'm done. Thanks for bringing me here."

Temari nods. "Sure."

As we walk back to the central building, I continue my bout of silence. Kankuro chuckles. "Wow. I didn't think she could be so quiet. This is actually pretty nice."

I frown at him. "Why are you so mean to me?"

Kankuro smirks. "Because you're an easy target."

"That still doesn't make it okay. It hurts my feelings, you know."

"Yeah. I know."

I cross my arms over my chest. "This is the only downside to being here with Gaara. I'm stuck with you, too. Can't you just leave me alone?"

"Nope. My job is to protect Gaara." He narrows his eyes at me. "That job entitles me to chase off anything that might threaten him or his status as the Kazekage. Be grateful I'm only trying to chase you off and not kill you."

"Threaten him? I'm not a threat to Gaara." How can he say such a thing? I would never do anything to hurt Gaara.

"That would depend," he answers slyly, "on your definition of threat."

"Well, I would never hurt Gaara. In fact, I want to help protect him, too. So, you can just -- ah!"

I cry out as a sharp pain cuts into my left shoulder, throwing stars in front of my eyes. My body goes rigid and then feels like JELL-O. I grab my shoulder and grip it, feeling as if my arm is going to fall off. It hurts so much! Where is it coming from? What bit me? That's what it feels like, I realize -- like teeth sinking into my skin.

My legs buckle beneath me, and I'm barely aware of Temari and Kankuro calling out my name as everything goes black.

Author's Note #2: I'm getting rather lonely in my guild . . . (sniffles) . . .