Hm... Only six reviews... Maybe I'm losing my touch?

Anyway, I hope you guys like the new chapter. There is some steaminess as promised!

Also PLEASE read my notes at the end of this chapter. THEY ARE IMPORTANT!

But for now, read on.

CHAPTER 24

Dreams vs Reality

***From*The*Desk*Of*Tristen1497***

Sakura watched from within her carriage as the countryside rolled by around them. She sighed and immediately regretted the action. Somehow in all the commotion over the last week, she had bruised her ribs.

No one was keen on the idea of traveling, not in the condition they were in. Luckily the main guard had not been injured by Katsua's forces when they were detained, but with the Kazekage, herself, Gaara, and Jouhin all in less than top performance, the journey back seemed like a hazardous decision. Staying any longer in Amegakure seemed like an even riskier move.

The village was reeling. With his brother dead, Sanen was attempting to gain control over the situation by dismantling Katsua's corrupted forces and the remains of the demon-shield. Progress was slow and delicate.

Many of the village's citizens did not fully understand what happened. All they saw was a dead crown prince, and a foreign princess who, in their minds, was the cause of their leader's dispatchment. Everything was fine until she had come.

Yes, it was defiantly the right choice to leave. And, despite their diminished capacity, no trouble had yet arisen from this decision. The roads were quite. No demons. No bandits. Only the occasional caravan rolling along.

And it was beautiful. The desert was still a long way off, but they were no longer encased in a land of grey rain and damp greenery. The sky was blue, the sun was bright, and the land was kissed with life.

The road wound through spacious forests, nothing at all like the forests of Konoha. Here the trees were smaller and spaced out with lush grass covering the ground between. The sky was always visible and small rushing streams dotted the landscape.

She rode along with Jouhin. The protector now becoming the protected, Jouhin lay on one side of the coach, comfortably arranged on the wide bench, relaxing and enjoying being pampered.

She was still weak, but she was visibly improving, gaining her color back and looking less gaunt. Sakura estimated it would take at least another week before the ninja was back up on her feet, but, at least for today, she seemed to be getting back to her old self.

"I still can't believe I was in there for so long. I feel like a real sleeping beauty. Tell me, have fish learned to fly in my absence? Oh, no wait. I bet it's been so long that Suna is now completely covered in sand."

Sakura laughed. "Not quite."

"And the worst part is, think of all the shopping I missed out on! All my kimono's are probably years out of date."

"That sounds like something my friend Ino would say… but no. No major fashion upheavals."

"Thank God for that."

"Although, I'm afraid you've missed most all of Suna's 'winter.'"

"Uah… and just when I was getting sick of rain,"

Sakura was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Jouhin smiled weakly at her. "That's right, you haven't been in Suna for a full year yet. After 'winter' comes the rainy season. It doesn't actually rain, but the air smells like it, and there are lightning storms. It's really pretty."

"Really?"

The carriages began to slow. Sakura assumed they would be stopping for a rest soon to water the animals. She looked at the window and saw people disembarking.

Coming out of the carriage behind hers was the Kazekage. His concussion wasn't completely gone, but, for the most part he was looking better. He used a cane to help him keep his balance if his vision went blurry, but other than that he was fine.

And then there was Gaara. She'd offered him a place in her carriage along with her and Jouhin, but he'd refused. Instead, he sat atop the Kazekage's carriage when he wasn't walking on foot.

She watched him jump down from his perch, stretching slightly. He looked like he always did: bored. She'd noticed that in the days leading up to their departure he had appeared stiffer than usual. But now he looked fine. She watched him move. No stiffness in his joints.

But she couldn't be sure. He was alright on the outside, but on the inside… He hadn't talked to her. Not like they used to, before Amegakure. In fact, it was as if he had been avoiding her.

Did he feel uncomfortable because she'd seen him so vulnerable? He'd been so sick and in so much pain when they arrived in the village hidden in the rain. She remembered helping him shower, dress, and get into bed. She was a medic. She didn't think twice about it but maybe he did? Maybe he was ashamed of needing her assistance.

And if that wasn't enough, she'd seen him transform into a baby tanuki. Had appearing so weak made him self-conscious around her?

"Princess?"

Sakura looked to the other window. The commander of her traveling guard was there.

"Princess, we're stopping to make camp."

Sakura opened the door and he helped her out. She looked towards the sun.

"Couldn't we go a bit further before the sun gets too low?"

"The Kazekage said this is a good place to stop, and he doesn't want to risk having to make camp in a vulnerable area." He replied.

Sakura looked around as he continued. "We'll make camp on that hill right over there." He motioned to a spot not far to their right. "It's on high ground, easily defendable, large enough for all our supplies, and sheltered from the main road by trees."

Sakura looked over the area and nodded. He wasn't wrong.

"And there's a stream not far off," he continued. "If her highness would like, I could have someone escort you down to wash up."

"No thank you, I'm fine for now. Maybe a bit later."

"Alright, as long as you keep an eye on the weather. Would you like me to assist you back into your carriage, My Princess? It's a bit of a walk."

"No, thank you. I'll walk." Sakura stuck her head back into the carriage briefly.

"I'm going to walk ahead." She told Jouhin. "You just sit here and rest." Jouhin just smiled and nodded back to her.

***From*The*Desk*Of*Tristen1497***

It didn't take long for the party to set up camp. Before she had even reached the ridge the whole area was swarming with lookout posts. Declaring the area secure, tents began to be set up.

Sakura felt useless. Everyone bustled around her, and everywhere she stood she felt in the way. It seemed everyone had a job except her. Even Gaara was preoccupied, perched atop the highest tree, arms crossed over his chest, gazing out at the surrounding countryside, and scouting.

"Gaara?" she called up to him.

His eyes were on hers in a heartbeat, cool jade locking with bright green. She felt her chest tighten. There was something in his gaze she hadn't seen before. Something almost fearful… It changed to relief and then, to her horror, to anger in the blink of an eye.

Why? Why was he looking at her like that? Things had been good between the two of them. So, why then, was he looking at her with such anger? It was the same look he'd given her the first time they'd met.

He must have recognized the hurt and shock in her own eyes because in a flash the look was gone, replaced by his usual lazy gaze. In two moves he was out of the tree, standing beside her.

Though, not as closely as he had in the past…

"Yes, My Princess?"

And addressing her so formally when it was just the two of them? No snapping at her? No rude informality?

She suddenly felt like the girl she'd been so many months ago on the first day that they had met. The confidence she has been building when around him melted. She felt shy and insecure. She just wanted him to like her again.

"Er… I was just wondering… I was hoping to go down to the river and wash up a bit. Would you, ah, mind accompanying me?"

"For protection." She added when he didn't immediately respond.

"A female guard would be a more appropriate choice."

She swallowed. He was right, of course. But if he didn't come with her, she didn't know when the next time they might get the chance to speak alone would be.

"I'd feel safer with you."

A moment of silence passed between them.

"Of course, My Princess. I'll wait for you to get your things."

Without a change in expression or another word he walked away solemnly.

The walk down the ridge to the stream passed in silence, a silence that felt crushing. It spoke louder than any words ever could.

Sakura clutched her towels, soap, and change of clothes to her chest, like a shield. She watched as Gaara walked slightly ahead of her. The bucket in his hand swayed lightly back and forth as he walked down the hill.

They came to a well-hidden section of the creek surrounded by bushes and trees where the stream curved slightly, creating a small still pool by the bank.

She watched Gaara survey the area, looking around before nodding slightly and dropping the bucket he'd been carrying. Sakura guessed that meant this was the spot.

Testing the temperature with her fingers, Sakura found the water was cold, a lot colder than she had been expecting. She sighed, concentrating her chakra and muttering a jutsu under her breath. Steam started to rise from the pool.

She heard Gaara shift behind her and turned around. He had moved to sit under a tree a few meters away from her, positioning himself so that he had a good view of the surrounding area. If anyone wandered their way, he'd be able to see them coming.

His eyes bored down into her own. She looked to the water and back to him, but his eyes hadn't faltered.

"Um, could you turn around for a few minutes?"

"Not keeping an eye on you would defeat the purpose of guarding you."

She swallowed hard. Sakura was suddenly regretting her decision. Surely she could have found another opportunity to talk with Gaara. Of course she'd seen him without his cloths the night he got sick, but she was a medical ninja! This was different.

He rolled his eyes at her reaction. Gaara pointed to a shrubbery near the pool. "You can undress and wash up there. I'll keep watch."

She sighed in relief, moving to place her clothes and towels behind the bush. It wasn't much, but it would hide her from his gaze. She went back for the bucket, filling it with steaming water and retreating behind the foliage.

***From*The*Desk*Of*Tristen1497***

Why did it have to be him to accompany her?

Gaara heard the shifting of leaves as she moved behind the bush and looked up. He could catch the slightest glimpses of her hair through the leaves.

There was more rustling and the sound of fabrics falling to the ground. Tiny patches of creamy skin shifted through the greenery.

Gaara clenched his fists.

He heard the light scraping of soap on skin and the splashing of the water bucket as she rinsed. He heard her sigh. His breathing hitched.

He saw the pink behind the bush begin to shift again and he had to tear his eyes away as she stepped out. In the periphery of his vision he could see her, wet and sleek, her body wrapped in a towel, as she crept to the pool.

He forced his eyes shut. He heard the towel fall with a slump. Water chimed as he heard her submerge herself.

"Decent?" he asked.

"Yes."

Gaara glanced back around. Only her head and the tops of her shoulders were visible, the steam and the dark blue water concealing the rest of her naked body. For a split second his chest tightened.

"Gaara?"

He shifted his eyes from the scenery to her face, focusing on her eyes. They looked strange, almost as if they were pleading with him.

"Ever since that day in the lab, you've been really distant. Is there something wrong?"

Oh yes. There was defiantly something wrong.

Things were simpler before. Hate her. Kill her.

And even after their deal, things made since. Hate her. Tolerate her.

But now? Things were different.

He remembered the red. Feeling like he was out of control. Like he really was going to kill her. And not wanting to anymore.

She shifted to move her hair behind her ears. Gaara caught a glimpse of the green bruises and scabs all around her writs. With everything she'd gone through to get free, they had yet to heal completely.

He looked away from her. "I've just had a lot of things on my mind."

"Like what?"

His eyes shifted to the ground and back to her. Those eyes were like magnets, pulling him towards her. He felt it. He was getting too close. And now he remembered the pain that came with getting too close.

"Please talk to me." She whispered.

He looked back up at her, his eyes turning hard, serious. He might have dreamt for one thing, but reality was never so kind.

"I not going to continue training you."

Sakura looked like she had been knocked of kilter. "Wh… What? We had a deal."

"That part of the deal is off. I'll comply with the rest. I'm not going to try and massacre anyone. I'll still protect you until you can set me free. But I'm not going to train you anymore. It's a bad idea to be alone with me."

Confusion. Anger. And then hurt. "But… why? I thought we were friends."

His eyes bore down into hers, shifting from stone to fire.

"I am not now, nor have I ever been your friend."

***From*The*Desk*Of*Tristen1497***

Sakura stared into the flame cradled at the heart of her lantern, watching it flicker.

"Sakura, what's wrong?"

She looked up from the lantern to see Jouhin looking at her. She seemed concerned. It was funny. She hadn't even noticed Jouhin entering her tent.

Jouhin moved to sit next to Sakura. "You've been out of it since you came back from the river. Is everything alright?"

Sakura sighed. "I just don't know anymore. I thought things were going well. I thought we were starting to become friends. And now he's shutting me out."

Jouhin frowned sympathetically. "He's been like that ever since we came to this realm. He was different before, but now… He never lets anyone get too close."

"Is that because of Ritsu? Because of what she did to you?"

Jouhin looked confused and a little scared. "How do you know about Ritsu?"

"Gaara told me."

"… I haven't heard him talk about her since we left the demon world… What did he tell you?"

"He told me how she wanted more power and so she was the one who forced you all into the human world. I always thought he had just made it up or something‒"

"He did!" Jouhin hissed. "I was there when the rift was opened! I know it was him. I saw him!"

Sakura was perplexed. "I thought so too. But then you said 'It was Ritsu.' Remember? When we pulled you out of that capsule?"

Now it was Jouhin who looked bewildered, confusion swirling in her cat eyes. "No… No I couldn't have… But, that dream I had… So you mean it wasn't a dream? It was real…?"

"What dream?"

Jouhin slowly drew in a shuttering breath. "When I was in that thing I kept having the strangest dreams, almost like memories. All about the demon world. I dreamt about first coming there and becoming friends with Kyuubi and Shuukaku and some of the others… But the last dream that I had…

"I know it was Shuukaku who opened the rift. I saw him doing it, and he chained me up so I couldn't warn the others. But… but then he came back…

"Oh god Sakura, he came back!" Her cat eyes went wide with horror. She gripped Sakura's hands tightly. "It wasn't a dream! It couldn't have been. It had to be a memory!

"Shuukaku, he came back and tried to unchain me and then… Then Ritsu… Oh god how could I have forgotten! All these years I blamed Gaara…"

"Then it was Ritsu who opened the rift?"

Jouhin's face went pale. "No, it was Gaara."

"But you just said-"

"I know, but listen. Gaara opened the rift, but Ritsu made him."

Jouhin bolted upright, pacing back and forth in the tent. She spoke so quickly and with such purpose that Sakura had to concentrate to catch it all.

"Every demon has something unique about them, you know, how like Skuukaku can control sand. He's a sand demon, and, for Ritsu, she could slip inside people. And‒ and she could control them that way! It would be your body, but she'd be controlling it! You wouldn't even remember it afterwards!

"When Shuukaku came to untie me I… I saw Ritsu sort of phase out of him! She had been inside him, controlling him against his will! She made him open the rift!"

Jouhin fell to her knees, breathing hard. Her eyes were filling with tears. "All these years… I can't believe I didn't remember…"

"It's true then…" Sakura sighed. "That explains why he never lets anyone close. A fellow demon took over his body and forced him here… No wonder he can't trust."

Jouhin's face was still pale as she looked over at Sakura.

"That's not the half of it. You see, Ritsu wasn't just some demon. She wasn't even Shuukaku's friend. She was closer than that."

Sakura furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"

"Gaara wasn't just betrayed by a fellow demon, Sakura. He was betrayed by his own lover. Ritsu was Shuukaku's mate."

END

Da, da, DAAAAAA. Now we know. No more guessing!

Pretty pretty PLEASE REVIEW to let me know what you thought. Remember, more reviews = you get the next chapter sooner!

Also, VERY IMPORTANT! We are getting to that point where I have to make a decision about how graphic and *ahem* explicit an upcoming chapter will be. So I need your opinions: do you WANT an explicit M rated chapter, or would you prefer a suggestive T+? Let me know what you guys want to read so I can write it.

Next chapter will be out by next Sunday if not sooner and it will be quite sexy... *wink*