My red eyes shot open when I finally regained consciousness. I looked over seeing the past Kage all surrounding my team exchanging words with an old man who I assumed to be the Great Sage Naruto told us about.
"Oh so you're finally awake?" I heard a voice say to my left so I turned my head seeing Hikaru kneeling next to me.
"Where have you been?" I questioned him as I tried to move but my body protested so shifted my position to get more comfortable on the ground.
"Did nothing but fight those trees and talk with the Kage and the Sage of Six Paths which was pretty awesome. Looks like I made the better choice in lagging behind instead of getting caught up in all of that. I mean, just look at you." He laughed but I gave him a glare.
Hikaru placed his hand on mine giving me his chakra replenishing mine so I could heal my wounds. I watched my team exchange words with the Sage, then the first Hokage talking to Madara before he passed. The most heartbreaking thing during this moment, was Naruto talking to his father one last time before he crossed over making me think of my own Father.
"How do we free everyone?" I questioned catching everyone's attention.
"Ko, you're awake!" Naruto shouted with enthusiasm, as if he didn't just battle a Goddess saving the world.
"All we need to do is get Naruto, who has the chakra of all the beasts and Sasuke's rinnegan to tie the spell's roots together and undo it completely. I did some research on the same jutsu that mother once used. There's no mistaking it. Now, what about you Sasuke?"
"Let me see...I will put the Gokage's out of their misery."
"What did Sasuke say?" Kakashi questioned looking at Sakura not believing his ears.
"Also, tailed beasts! You will be put under me. I will destroy you as well when the time comes!"
"Are you freaking serious?!" I shouted at the Uchiha ignoring my aching body as I got to my feet with the help of Hikaru. "After all of this you are still choosing to be the bad guy? Literally after learning about our history, learning about Madara and Hashirama's, seeing what happened with Obito and you still chose to go down this path? You're a lost cause!"
"Sasuke! Are you saying that's what you want! Are you still hung up on getting your revenge?!" Kakashi exclaimed showing his disappointment.
"Sure, back then the only thing I wanted was pure destruction, but it's different now. I will destroy and rebuild. Rebuild a new world for us! One that cannot be tainted by darkness. What I'm pushing for is, a revolution."
"Hellooo, you're the prince of darkness right now. That's impossible." I interjected, he's insane if he thinks anyone would follow him now.
Sasuke uses a jutsu to make the ground move making everyone lose their balance. Hikaru quickly grabbed me moving us away from the battle only observing. Sasuke used the earth to trap the beasts in spheres floating in the sky. Sakura was shouting at Sasuke as he tried to leave the area but returned with his hand through her chest making me gasp. I made Hikaru run over to her once the boys ran off and instantly used the rest of my chakra to heal her.
"Ko don't, you haven't fully healed your legs." Hikaru reminded me but she was in critical condition.
"I have to save her Hikaru," I replied as I focused on the wound. I noticed that it wasn't fatal, he purposely missed the vital organs which is hard to do.
"Love is a complicated thing," I heard the Sage say, "I too once had two sons. I loved them both as they loved and respected me. But I left everything to my younger son, a mistake I regret. Because of that, my elder son began to despise both me and his younger brother. This love had transformed into hate. The Sasuke we see today is the result of the love he lost in the past...the same for Madara."
"Sasuke and Madara have similar fates, is that what you're trying to say?" Kakashi questioned.
"Untrue, both me and you would like a future better than what we've seen so far. Learning from past mistakes and such. That's why I left power to both of them." The Sage was silent for a while before sighing deeply and looking up at the sky then looked down at Kakashi. "It looks like it's time."
"What should I do?" Kakashi questioned most likely worried about Sasuke and Naruto.
"Just believe. There's nothing more we can do now." He said with a calm voice and a smile.
"Don't worry Kakashi, if Naruto doesn't knock any sense into him, I will. I can't believe him, he's so selfish. After everything this war has put everyone through!" I said attempting to comfort him but didn't know if that even helped.
Sakura then began to stir as I finished healing her stomach.
"Are you awake?" Kakashi questioned as she opened her eyes.
"Is it evening? What about Sasuke and Naruto?!" She shot up frantically looking around for the two.
"They're probably having their last fight..to finally settle all issues."
It took a few hours but Sakura was able to fully heal me and let our chakra replenish; we were finally able to travel to check up on Naruto and Sasuke. I activated my eyes seeing the two were starting to slow down indicating they were reaching their limits. I could see they both were going to survive this fight so I didn't worry much and deactivated my eyes to save energy.
"They're about done, let's start heading over there before they kill themselves."
We ran full speed towards the battlefield finding both Sasuke and Naruto lying next to each other missing their arms. We jumped down instantly healing them.
"Sakura I.." Sasuke started but she cut him off.
"Don't, I need to concentrate." She only focused on his wounds, not even glancing at the Uchiha.
"I'm sorry,"
We couldn't believe what he just said, the mighty Uchiha actually apologized.
"Sorry? For what?"
"For everything I've done,"
"You'd better...jeez...you are so much trouble...stupid."
The two finally made a seal with their hands breaking everyone free finally ending this madness. They all ran towards our location eventually surrounding us cheering. I ran towards the crowd avoiding bumping into anyone until I reached my target. I ran into Father giving him a hug squeezing him tight. I didn't care if he'd shove me away, I needed to know that he was here and real.
"Please tell me you're not reanimated and you're actually here." I pleaded as my voice was breaking.
He surprised me by returning my affection. "I'm sorry," he barely whispered. I froze, I had never heard him apologize before making me wonder if it was really him or not. "That genjutsu made me see things clearly and I've treated you poorly."
"W-what? No-"
"You know it's true Ko, you realized that during your stay with the Leaf. I could tell you were reluctant to come back to the Sound Village. If you weren't my daughter, would you have come back?" I didn't answer. "I already know that wasn't a yes." We finally pulled away from our hug and he looked down at me. "Just know, I am proud of the shinobi you've become."
There it was, the thing I've wanted to hear my whole life, his approval. My heart swelled at his words as happiness spread through me. I was trying to enjoy this moment even longer but he pulled away then looked past me. I turned around seeing Kitty squeezing through the crowd heading towards us. A smile crept onto my face as we made eye contact and he returned one as well. I made my way over to him about to greet him until the earth shook beneath me then shot upwards trapping me in a dome.
I heard Kitty protest and attempt to free me until the booming voice of the Raikage interrupted him. Their voices were muffled so it was impossible to hear what they were saying but I already knew what they were doing. I was being convicted for everything I had done. It only took five minutes before my chakra was completely drained and the barrier was released. Even though I was about to fall to the ground, someone had tackled me instantly putting me in handcuffs.
Everyone had backed up and from what I could see, they were arresting everyone associated with Father. I was yanked up to my feet only to be dragged then thrown to the ground in front of the Kage along with all the other prisoners.
"What's the meaning of this?" Sasuke questioned with an annoyed tone as he looked up at the Raikage.
"You all are wanted in many nations for crimes or working with criminals. Despite helping with the war, we cannot excuse your crimes."
"We cannot do this here Raikage. We need to tend to the wounded and mourn our dead." The Tsuchikage interjected has he floated above them.
"We can't let them lose after all this chaos. I say we eliminate them immediately!" His voice boomed with anger.
"They deserve a fair trial," Gaara spoke up as he stared at the angered Raikage not wavering under his intense glare.
"I agree with the young one, we must discuss this another time." The Tsuchikage agreed.
The Kage all argued amongst themselves so I scanned the area looking for Kitty who I found instantly. He looked extremely worried then looked at his brother who was trying to talk some sense into the Raikage, who was the only one who wanted us all dead right then and there.
"Fine," Raikage huffed with anger, "we will focus on rebuilding what the Akatsuki has destroyed and mourn our fallen shinobi. Once every village is established and has order, we will meet again to determine what to do with the prisoners."
I looked over seeing Sasuke, Suigetsu, Jugo, Karin, and Father lined up next to me then back up at the Kage.
"I will take responsibility for the Leaf shinobi." Tsunade spoke up taking a step forward.
"Oh no, you Leaf have three rogue shinobi. They could meet and plan an escape while in prison." Raikage interjected.
"Fine, I will take Sasuke and Karin." Tsunade said which made Karin let out a small squeal with joy.
"I will take Ko Himura to the Sand." Gaara spoke making my head snap in his direction. I was curious as to why he wanted me as a prisoner.
"Hmph then I will take the big guy and Orochimaru." Raikage decided.
No, we couldn't be separated again...I just got him back. I wanted to protest but I was in no position to speak out against the Kage, it would make my situation even worse. I was overwhelmed with emotions not knowing how to handle everything that was happening. The war was finally over and I can relax but now my freedom is gone, and so is my father once again. Finally I can talk to Kitty, figure out what I feel for him but prison will prevent any chance of a relationship...hell, there can't even be a relationship, the Kazekage's brother dating the woman whose father killed their previous Kage, his father. He'd be shunned in his village.
"And I will take Suigetsu, he is from my village after all." The Mizukage joined in then looked over at Hikaru. "You, Himura," she spoke catching his attention flashing him a smile which he returned making her slightly blush. "Are you coming back to the Mist? I would love for the return of my powerful Himura clan."
"Heh heh, never really thought about it. I'm use to going from place to place but I guess I can give it a try."
Her attention then turned to me but I looked shamefully at the ground not wanting anyone to see the tears forming. "I hope you will join the Mist...if your trial ends well."
I couldn't reply. I couldn't even think of what to do with my future when it seemed impossible to have one. I will either rot in jail or be killed there. I know when the world is at peace, they will find father's followers and experiments throwing them in jail with me.
"Then it's settled, as of now we will go our separate ways and shall meet again in the near future." The Tsuchikage said as he floated towards his guards settling himself on the ground.
"Wait so we just have to sit in prison and wait for you people?" Suigetsu spoke with frustration as he attempted to rise to his feet but an Anbu pushed him down.
"Be grateful we don't kill you right now," the Raikage growled glaring at each of us.
The Kage all looked at one another before turning towards their shinobi. Hikaru gave me a small smile and waved before following the rest of the Mist shinobi. I was grabbed roughly by Sand Anbu who dragged me behind Gaara and his siblings once we departed. My eyes were glued to the ground as we walked back to the desert which was a three day walk since many were still injured. I just knew Kitty kept looking back at me but I just couldn't look up.
After hours of walking, fear started to invade my mind making me imagine many 'what if' scenarios. I knew I didn't want to go to prison, stay in one spot confined to do nothing. I was barely twenty and already my life was over, I just want to...I don't know what I want. All I know is that I don't want to go to prison.
Finally, we stopped for the night. As camp was being set up, I was placed in the middle of the camp site surrounded by Anbu and Jonin. The Anbu never took their eyes off me while the Jonin looked exhausted from the journey almost falling asleep just like everyone else. If they looked like that, I couldn't imagine what I looked like right now. I knew I was mentally and emotionally exhausted, I physically wasn't tired at all wanting to just run the rest of the way and get this over with.
"I got this guys, you all relax and get some rest." I perked up when I heard Kitty's voice behind me. A sensation of excitement surfaced in me when he sat down facing me as everyone dispersed. "Are you okay?" He questioned with a soft tone.
I still couldn't look up, especially at him, everything I've been holding back might explode. "No," I quietly answered with a wavering voice as I curled my hands into a tight fist. I had to put up a wall, I can't let him get close to me despite my yearning for him. "I don't want to go to jail." I looked him in the eyes seeing how he looked at me. That same look he has always given me, kindness, understanding, protectiveness, and love, all with one look. "My instincts are screaming at me to run but...I don't want to, that'll make it worse. I don't know what to do." I said sadly looking down at my restrained hands.
"You're going to behave," Gaara's voice spoke from my right. We both looked up at the Kazekage who was accompanied by Temari. "Good behavior will earn you some leniency with your trial. Acting up in prison will only make your case worse."
"How will that make a difference? Ever since I left the Leaf, everyone wanted me thrown in jail...especially when I...burned down that village." Memories of that day flashed through my mind. All I could focus on was the terror on the faces of the villagers as they burned to death. Tears threatened to form again when I felt my throat tighten and the guilt take over.
"Ko, I will vouch for you in your trial. If they let more shinobi testify in your favor, you might have a chance." Gaara explained surprising me.
"You-you'd do that for me? Why would you? My Father killed yours."
"You are not your Father Ko, you did not kill my Father. I don't think it's right that you are being judged based on who your Father is. I will try to show them my perspective which is you are not completely responsible for your actions. Like every shinobi, you were trying to survive and followed orders."
I couldn't believe it; he was going to stand up to the Kage and try to defend me. We never had any type of relationship so why was he doing this? I looked over at Kitty then back at Gaara.
"He's doing this for his brother." I thought as Kitty got to his feet pulling Gaara away to talk in private leaving me with Temari.
Sitting with her was extremely awkward. I don't think I've ever felt awkward before but I guess I never had a reason to be. All my life I've been busy with training and missions then had to fight every day for my life, never had time for a simple sit down with someone. I never had the chance to experience everything everyone else had in life.
"You're lucky ya know," she spoke breaking the silence between us. I looked over at the woman waiting for her explanation. "For some reason, my brother likes you...he's the only reason Gaara is willing to vouch for you. I don't know why Kankuro thinks a criminal would make a good girlfriend but if you do get out of prison, you better not break his heart. I don't care who you are or who your father is, I will kill you if you hurt him."
To a somewhat normal person, her threat might have been scary along with the look she's giving me but what scared me was the word girlfriend. I could feel her stare hinting that she expected a response.
"I'm glad he has a good support system and people who love him." I sincerely said which made her raise a brow in surprise. "I don't know what he sees in me either, but I know he feels something...he makes me experience emotions I've never felt before."
"Maybe he sees what you could've been if you had a normal family."
"Ha, does anyone in this world have a normal family?" I chuckled.
"If you're lucky...maybe you're not that bad. Might be nice to have a badass sister in law." Her words made my face turn beat red. First girlfriend and now she's talking about marriage. "Imagine how cute my nieces and nephews will look!"
I wanted to run away right there. She was doing this on purpose, just from the smirk on her face I could tell. Her face started to look strained as she tried to hold back her laughter.
"Glad I amuse you," I muttered then turned my attention to the fire which started to get smaller.
Temari put a hand on my shoulder before getting up to leave. Within minutes, Kitty was already approaching me taking a seat on a stump to my left. He let out a long sigh as he finally started to relax. I looked around seeing the sand shinobi sleeping or eating animals that they had caught. My stomach rumbled with hunger catching mine and Kitty's attention. I couldn't remember when I last ate since I got involved with the war.
"Hungry?" He chuckled sending me a smile making my heart flutter.
"N-no," I looked away from him trying to hide my blush.
"Don't be stubborn, I know you're hungry. Your stomach doesn't lie." I didn't respond which made him sigh. "Oh well, more for me." I heard someone approaching making my eyes dart to the right seeing Kitty's clone emerge from the forest holding four dead rabbits. My stomach growled even louder at the site.
"Fine, this might be my last meal of freedom."
It was silent between us while the rabbits cooked and even more silent once we were finished eating. I swallowed the last of my meal before taking in a deep breath and exhaled a shaky breath.
"Kankuro," I spoke up making his head snap in my direction with a surprised expression most likely because I used his actual name. "I'm...scared. What will happen to me?" I admitted which was surprisingly easy despite me hating feeling vulnerable.
"That's what Gaara and I were talking about. Unfortunately, he can't do much for you; he can't show you special treatment. You'll be going to our prison in the middle of the desert, it's about Northwest of the sand village. We'll be close to it tomorrow, so we'll split from the group and head there. It's a men and woman's' prison but they're separated."
"I don't want to go to prison." My voice was low and filled with sadness and worry. I could feel my throat start to constrict but I had to hold back my tears. "I've lived my whole life in a prison. I had to do everything Father told me...I couldn't even be outside until I was like five stuck training until I went to the Leaf and even there I felt like a prisoner. I couldn't be who I really was and lived a huge lie only to go back to Father's prison. When he died, I wasn't even free, I had to fight for my life always being on my guard...I-I can't."
Despite my efforts, the flood gates had opened, and they were not stopping no matter how hard I tried. I felt him instantly place his arm over my shoulder and pulled me into a hug. The warmth I felt was better than the fire. An instant calmness took over easing the swirl of emotions coursing through me. I took a slow deep breath returning his hug shoving my face into his chest.
"It's going to be okay Kitten." His words of comfort meant everything to me, it was nice to hear someone had hope. He couldn't know what the future holds. "You won't be alone, I will try to visit whenever I can."
I pushed away from him feeling angry at his words. "Don't! Don't waste your time with me. I'm a criminal Kankuro! You shouldn't even care about me! When you get home live your life, date someone else...just...don't waste your life waiting for me." It hurt to say it, but I had to. I don't want to ruin another life. I could be in jail for life or executed. The more time he spends with me the more attached he will get. I don't want to break his heart. I couldn't look at him, I just stared at my restrained hands.
"I'm not giving up on you Ko, ever since the Chuunin exams I felt this connection between us. I can't get you out of my head. When you returned to Orochimaru I couldn't help but worry. Every mission I went on I hoped to see you. When you came to see me in the hospital I felt so happy to see you again, I didn't want you to leave. That explosion...once I saw it, I had to make sure you were alive...I just had to...I don't know what this is but it's something. I've never felt like this before and I want to see where this goes. It could be love but I won't know until we try. I can't live my life wondering 'what if'".
I didn't know I had such power and influence over him which shocked me. "I-I feel the same way." I choked out silently kicking myself for not knowing what else to say. "When you got hurt, I risked everything to see you. I knew the risk but I still had to make sure you were okay."
He reached over grabbing my chin forcing me to look up at him. The smile he gave me made my heart flutter and I couldn't help but return it.
"I'm glad you feel the same," he laughed, "if it makes you feel better, how about we see what happens at the trial and we'll go from there."
"Okay," I yawned feeling extremely tired.
"Get some sleep, relax and clear your mind. You're safe with me, I won't let anything happen to you."
I only nodded getting off the stump I was sitting on then laid on the ground in front of the dying fire which was only embers. Kitty joined me letting me use his lap as a pillow while he leaned against the stumps. I was still tense, not wanting to drop my guard and he could feel that. He placed a hand on my head gently combing through my medium length hair. It felt soothing, almost therapeutic eventually lulling me to sleep.