I do not own any rights to Naruto (story or characters). Just the characters I make up along the way! I have full love and respect for Masashi Kishimoto!

While this isn't my first story it is under my pen name, Aubrei Seraph. I hope you enjoy it and feel free to ask me any questions or offer any suggestions!

Have fun!

UPDATE: It's been awhile. I've had a lot of stuff happen since I originally published this but my heart has never left this story. I am working on editing chapters 2-4 and I've got through chapter 8 written. Please let me know what you think! :)

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I never knew who was after us. My father used to tell me that they were a group rouge Shinobi from our home land. Their thirst for power drove them insane and when our people tried to stop them they destroyed us all. My father was the only survivor and somehow managed to escape with me. I remember moving around a lot when I was a child; some of my first memories are vague flashes of different lands as we passed through. My father would tell me that we had to keep going, that if they found us everything would come to an end.

I wish I would have asked more question back then, because when he left I was completely unprepared for life on my own. I found his journals days later tucked away in a bag hidden behind a rock. Filled with my father's thoughts over the years they gave me clarity into my past and this man that raised me. It was like opening your eyes after a vivid dream and suddenly you don't know who or what you are anymore. I spent days reading every line memorizing everything that was written until my eyes burned. I still read them even now hundreds of years later when I need a reminder of where I came from.

I hardly left the caves after that too afraid of being found and of the unknown. The dark tunnels became my playground and I learned to navigate them by touch alone. It was cool here deep under the blazing sands and water was easy to find. I hunted the small animals that lived in these caves for food and used their skin to make my clothes. It was a rough life but I pushed through, the memory of my father's words my only guide. Eventually I grew strong enough to venture outside the caves and I began to explore the desert around me. I traded what I found in the caves for clothing and supplies. I even traded one of my father's books for a set of tiny bulbs that caught my attention in one of the merchant's carts.

I took them with me while I traveled hoping to find a place where I could plant them. One day in particular I found a new section of tunnel one that I had never explored before. It took me deep into the winding corridors of the mountain. I took me several days to traverse the entire length but in the end it was worth it. The cavern that lay before me was massive. I think it was an inactive volcano that had laid dormant for thousands of years. The earth was rich and sun filtered through an opening at summit. I feel to my knees, overwhelmed by such natural beauty. Digging my fingers into the dirt I made a hole for my bulbs and planted them deep into the earth where I could feel the pulse of life the strongest. I found my gift there in the middle of a mountain surrounded by sand. It was life.

It had taken me years to cultivate the land but the results were breathtaking. I felt the shock and awe in my companions from the moment we stepped into the cavern. Where once there was nothing but dirt and rock now a new world lay before me. Trees as tall as mountains grew for miles their branches a canopy above us blocking some of the harsh sunlight. Big large behemoths they were reaching for the sun almost in worship as they grew. Plants and flowers of all kinds littered the forest floor in a myriad of colors, their aroma sweetening the air. I had dug trenches using the underground river as a natural irrigation system allowing all kinds of flora to grow. It was perfect, my own little piece of heaven.

I had managed to protect this sanctuary for all these years and here I was allowing strangers into my home; these Shinobi whose hands had destroyed so much of Mother Nature. It was a war raging in my heart between helping saving their lives and protecting my home. My pride ended up winning in the end and I couldn't help but preen at their reaction. There were no words spoken as they took it all in, their faces locked in utter disbelief. "How did you find this place?" I chuckled despite myself. I don't think they would have believed if I told them the truth.

"This way." I said starting down a makeshift path hoping that they were following. It was an animal path that was used to get to and from the water hole. I had traveled down it many times over the years adding my own markings to guide me along the way. One of the Shinobi reached out to touch one of the plants. Its bright orange and yellow petals were beautiful and mesmerizing but like most things here, were meant to keep people out. My hand shot out faster than lightening grabbing his arm before he could get too close. " . ." I know I scared him but there were things in this forest meant to cause harm.

"Everything here is food for something else. That includes you." Luckily for him he hadn't touched the flower; a particularly venomous plant that would melt him from the inside making it easier for the roots to absorb. I planted them along the edge of the forest to protect it should anybody venture this far. "You're serious?!" He asked looking quite pale all of a sudden. "You will listen to everything I say and step only where I step. Do not touch anything unless I tell you to." He was quick to nodded and swallowed thickly nervously eying the plant that had almost killed him. I didn't like scaring him; however, it was better for him to be scared than dead.

Thankfully they were good listeners and moving through the forest floor proved to be faster than I originally thought. They were quiet the whole time following my movement through the brush. Well most of them were quiet. "What's that one called?" She said as she popped up next to me. For the past thirty minutes all she had done was ask question after question. I could swear her mouth moved faster than her feet. She pointed from plant to plant asking about each one with an energy that made me tired. This time she was pointing to a large plant with thin leaves that almost looked transparent. "Variegated Alocasia."

"And the one with all the red pointy things?" Moving to the next plant she waited for me to answer, looking excited every time I spoke. "Bromeliad."

I found myself actually enjoying her company despite her incessant chatter. She was curious and while I couldn't sense any ulterior motive I still wasn't sure I wanted to share everything with her. Some of the plants were from different lands and I didn't anyone asking how I obtained them. Eventually I allowed my pride to over-ride my worry and I started telling her about the plants before she asked. I have read almost every book on horticulture I could get my hands on. I was fascinated by all of Mother Nature's creation and the energies that gave them life. Sharing my love of this world with someone else was new to me but quite pleasant. "Ow! What about the little bell looking ones?" She asked practically bouncing in her spot. I tried to fight the smile but failed as I turned to see what she was pointing at. "That is Convallaria, or Lily of the Valley."

"Their beautiful." She whispered in awe and I agreed they really were.

Everything here was beautiful to me. I could feel the very life energies flowing around me in a way that made me feel safe and secure. I built this place so I could live in peace but sharing it with these people? It was both terrifying and liberating at the same time. I suppose this is what companionship means. "You must really care for them." Gaara said walking up next to where we had stopped. "Yes." I answered honestly, feeling the intense joy of being here in this place. These were my children and I've spent most of my live nurturing them.

Pointing to a large tree near a small watering hole I decided to share a story I was one told. "That tree there, with the bowing branches. That's called Salix Babylonica, a weeping willow. It's one of the oldest trees in here." It stood on the banks of a small watering hole with its branches brushing the top of the water. I could see a couple of animals napping in its shade and it made me smile. "Many of these plants are origins of fairy tales and fables come from plants and trees. The story of the willow is one of my favorites."

"Long ago there was a woman who was in love with a soldier. Their love was so deep and true that it was said they gained envy from those around them, none more so than the Gods. No human should ever love another more than they love God. To punish them the Gods created a war.

This war was bloody and lasted many years taking many lives with it. The soldier eventually was sent off to fight in the Lords army, but before he left the couple met one last time on the banks of the local river.

They made a promise that no matter how long or how far apart they were they would always love one another. 'The wind may howl and earth may roll but nothing will make me break my vow.'

For years the woman waited her promise never broken despite the suitors that came along asking for her hand. She would wait by the river for her lover to return her words echoing on the wind. 'The wind may howl and earth may roll but nothing will make me break my vow.'

However, fate is rarely kind. During a battle the soldier was killed by a stray arrow. As he lie there breathing his last breathe he repeated their promise. 'The wind may howl and earth may roll but nothing will make me break my vow.'

No one ever knew his fate and life continued on. Eventually the war stopped. People gave up waiting for their loved ones to come home, but not the woman. She remained forever loyal to the one she loved and waited for him to return to her. 'The wind may howl and earth may roll but nothing will make me break my vow.'

Seeing such devotion the gods took pity on her. They descended to earth offering her a choice. If she forsakes her vow they would give her new love and a long life with many children. It was a good deal and the Gods felt sure she would agree, but the woman declined their request. 'The wind may howl and earth may roll but nothing will make me break my vow.'

Angered the Gods gave her one more chance, but the woman never changed her mind. So enraged they were and they cursed the woman that defied them. 'Then you shall forever stand there waiting for you love that will never return. Be as strong as a mountain never breaking but never dying. For you will be alone for eternity never once meeting your love again.'

And with their words her body turned to wood and her arms into long branches that forever bowed down to the gods. She could never die and therefore never meet her love again. Till this day she remains never once letting anything break her. 'The wind may howl and earth may roll but nothing will make me break my vow."

Kaiyo was sobbing when I finished. "That is so sad." She said wiping her eyes. Shrugging I turned back towards the path. "Like I said, they have stories." This story was from an old woman who I saved once. In thanks she gave me a bag of saplings, one of which was this very willow, and told me this story. It was said, like most fables, but taught a lesson: never bend to others wills. The old woman just laughed at me when I told her. She said the fable taught us to never give up on love. Then again she was trying to hook me up with her grandson.

"It's beautiful." Gaara spoke softly, staring up at the large tree sitting at the water's edge. His eyes shined with some hidden emotion as he looked up at the leaves swaying in the breeze. There was a longing in those jade orbs that left me wondering if the old ladies story was better off being told to him instead of me. I found myself wondering, though, what Gaara would look like in love. Snorting I shook that thought from my thoughts. That was none of my business. "We should keep moving." I said before turning back to the path.

It was an hour into our walk that I noticed the Kazekage starting to lag behind. I had felt his chakra dwindling since our last stop. The seal was draining his energy faster than I thought and I still wasn't sure if Shiba would help. Crap, how I hated to involve Shiba in this. I could just see the disappointment on her face when she saw these Shinobi I let in. It was Shiba's number one rule: never trust Shinobi. Seeing that I brought five of them into our home would not go over well.

It looked like some of the animals had come out of hiding the further we walked. A couple of deer even made an appearance frolicking along beside us, still a good distance away but close enough to watch the visitors as they passed. If they were aware Shiba wouldn't be too far behind. Knowing her she was already heading this way. I just prayed we made it to the clearing ahead before she found us.

The deer followed us all the way to a large clearing in the center of the massive cavern. They kicked around the grass and dirt for a bit before something sent them scampering off into the forest. The area we stood in was once full of tall grass but I had stamped the clearing until it was large enough to place a fire pit and a couple of sleeping pallets. I used the clearing on cold nights when the warmth of my blankets just wasn't enough.

As I made my way further into the clearing I listened to the woods around me hoping for any sign for Shiba. If she was near she had to be aware that I wasn't alone. I didn't want to call her but looking at the Kazekage I knew he wouldn't make it back to the village. He was hiding it well but the seal was starting to take its toll. Focusing on his chest I could see his lungs struggling to breathe and his heart pumping faster than normal.

A noise to the east drew my attention and I whistled into the breeze, a musical note a shrill echo in the air. One... two... three...four seconds before a howl answered my call and I felt myself tense. This was it. I knew there were only two things that would happen when she appeared. She would either listen to my request or destroy them before I could even utter a word. I prayed that she would trust me just this once.

I couldn't release the seal myself. Shiba was an expert on seals and while I knew she hated Shinobi I was hoping that they complexity of this seal would grab her interest. As I stood there I could feel her approach like a rumble of thunder in the distance. The others tensed and moved closer together but I stood my ground ready for what lie ahead. Running away or showing fear would only make it worse. When she broke through the brush all you could see at first was a blaze of white fur the color of snow on the mountain tops. It startled the Shinobi sending them into defense mode before she even stopped moving.

Blood red eyes looked over them snarling in anger at these people that dare to enter her home. Shiba was formidable standing the size of a small house with her shoulders reaching just to the top of my head. Her hair curled on the ends with random markings of orange along her flank and mouth. Teeth that looked as sharp as they looked were bared at the Shinobi sending fear into their eyes. Had the situation been different it would have been funny to see their scared faces, but this was no time for laughter. "What are these humans doing here?" She practically growled at me her teeth bared in anger. It was now or never and I gathered all the courage I could find and spoke. "They were seeking shelter from the storm in the northern caves."

"Then you should have left them there." She barked making me flinch away and lower my head. "I know." Those red eyes bore into me both in anger and curiosity.

This was not like me and we both knew it. I never allowed myself to get close to humans let alone bring them home with me. I tried to keep my face neutral as she looked over me but my fear for Gaara's well-being had me flicking my gaze to him every once in a while. I felt her breath blow my turban as she sighed. "So it's the red one huh?" Of course she could she through my goggles and I cursed myself under my breath. "You will be the death of my pup."

"Gaara-sama!" The shout had me ignoring my fear and turning towards the Shinobi just in time to see the Kazekage fall to his knees. Sweat was on his skin and the dark rings around his eyes seemed that much more pronounced. "Shiba!" I shouted turning back to my guardian. She gave me one last look that said we would talk later before walking over to the humans. "Move aside humans." They didn't budge from his side, their weapons drawn to protect him despite their fear. "Admirable as it may be I would tear your flesh from your bones before you could even think of throwing that weapon." Stepping forward I made my way towards them my hands held up. "Shiba won't harm you. Let her help or your Kazekage will die." They hesitated for a moment hearing the seriousness of my words but their weapons never lowered. I couldn't blame them for their distrust. Here I was just appearing from the darkness and throwing them into a world they had never seen before. I wouldn't trust me either, but Gaara… I needed him to trust me. To see that I would never harm him and thankfully when I met his eyes I knew he did.

"Stand down." His voice was strained and his breathing ragged but there was no hesitation as he spoke. The painted man didn't look convinced but his concern over-rode his distrust. Hesitantly they moved aside making room for the large wolf to approach. She stepped up to the Kazekage, this time not worried that his guards would attack her. Her hackles were lowered and she eyed the sick man with confusion.

Circling around him a few times her nose twitched as she took in his scent. "This is an old technique, quite complex and rarely used anymore. You must have pissed someone off deeply to have this placed on you." She chuckled blowing his hair with each word spoken. He just sat there in silence as she moved watching the wolf's every move. The others were fighting between their fascination with Shiba and their fear their kage. I couldn't blame them; I'd seen her take down a fully grown bear in one move with those teeth. It wasn't pretty. "I can break it, but on one condition." Gaara's eyes narrowed at her words wondering what condition a wolf might have. Knowing Shiba he would end up promising more than he realized.

Sitting in front of him Shiba regarded him with the wolf equivalent of a smirk. "You owe me one favor that's it, collectable at any time no questions asked." Silence filled the clearing with the only noise being Gaara's heavy breathing. For a moment I was worried that he would refuse but eventually he spoke. "I won't kill for you." He proclaimed eyes steal as he stared down the wolf. Shiba just laughed out loud startling the Shinobi with the sound and sending a flock of birds scurrying into the sky. "Boy, these teeth don't just look sharp. I have no need for you to fight my battles for me. That's all I ask, take it or leave it; however, as you are not doubt starting to feel, your body is shutting down."

The color of his skin was slightly yellow indicating that his kidneys were starting to fail and his heart was racing in his chest. And yet, he never once let it show just how the seal was affecting him. Even if he hid behind a shield of sand this man was stronger than most Shinobi twice his size. I have watched him grow so much over the years and I would be damned if I allowed him to die now. I watched as he sat there struggling to breath as he thought about what to do. When he spoke it was weak sounding and followed by a wet sound in his lungs, but his words would change everything from this moment on. "I accept."