Another amazing round of reviews! Thank you everyone, I will take all of
your comments to heart! ^_^
I should warn you, that before the end of this fiction, Naruto is going to share intimate moments with all three of the girls, at one point or another. So I don't think you're going to be able to tell who he ends up with at the end, based off just that. That's right! Naruto is a man-whore! LOL
I don't think there is going to be any lemons in this fiction (not really my style), although if I do end up trying for one, I'll definitely raise the rating of the story to R. I might raise it to R anyway, because of the violence and swearing. Not sure. I think teenagers 13 and over can handle swearing and violence as it is, so that's why I haven't yet. But who knows.
As for the updates, well I used to promise updates by a certain time, but I failed to deliver. So I figured that from then on, I wouldn't do that any more, so at least that way I wouldn't look like a lazy fool when I failed. Basically the chapter is released when I'm done with it. And it can be anywhere from a week to a month, depending on how inspired I am. Sorry! That's just how it is right now.
Anyway I hope you enjoy the chapter! No real action in this one... it's more of a set up for next chapter. But I liked writing it anyway!
And now, on with the show! ^_^
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Chapter 6:
Despite her many protests; Naruto managed to convince Temari to help him butcher the dead boar. Together with meat (and one dead fish) in tow, the two returned to camp, to Hinata and Sakura's tearful delight. Sakura's happiness was of course, shown in her usual manner – beating the crap out of Naruto (mindful of his wounds). The team spent a day and a night at rest, each generally keeping to themselves, giving Naruto the time he needed to recover, while ignoring his loud claims that he was fine.
As another dawn broke over tree peaks in the distance, the refreshed team gathered their things and set out in formation, the forest around them still quiet in the early morning light. The party marched, the days and nights blending together, as they fell into a routine of waking early and sleeping late, the forest around them doing little to break the monotony.
Naruto did what he could to keep things interesting, which usually earned him the sharp side of Sakura's tongue, the amusement of Hinata, and a level shock and dismay from the Sand ninja, unused as they were to the antics Naruto had become legendary for; behavior that his fellow Leaf had long since become used to. At last, the forest finally started to bleed out into a swampy territory, which Hinata's information warned was unfriendly to anyone foolish enough to live there, let alone to any ninja passing through.
** Kankuro's perspective **
Close to a week on point acting as forward scout, had taught me one thing that I found impossible to ignore; I was cursed.
Sunk up to my hips in boggy swamp water, I struggled forward, trying my best to ignore the impossibly rank stench, which seemed to be seeping INTO me with every wet step I took. The forest had faded away some time ago, with a few stubborn trees fighting a losing battle against the marshy land. The land had gone from rich soil to a sticky and black mud, until even that was covered as far as the eye could see by the green and dark shallow water that I now found myself wading through. In the hazy distance, partially obscured by a low fog, the promise of solid land loomed, overshadowed by the dark shapes of dead or mossy trees that seemed to be made up entirely of large roots.
Insects dominated the air, attacking without remorse or mercy, some biting, some just content to buzz around my ears or into my eyes in frustratingly random cycles that never seemed to end. I would bet a weeks salary that the bug guy I had fought a while back didn't have this problem. Hell, that freak probably came to places like this for holidays.
I grimaced as I tugged my foot out of something cold and slimy, causing a wet popping sound to rise up, releasing an even more sickening smell when the resultant bubble burst on the surface. I fought the urge to retch, and plodded onwards, as I reflected on my current situation, and just WHY I was cursed, to get my mind off of what my body was going through.
First of all, my brother was a raging psychopathic murder, held in check by a proverbial string. Gaara had been better lately, but his restraint only made me more nervous. Next, we had a pink haired no talent who couldn't even finish off her kills. Our leader was a weak-ass, shy amateur, who spent at least half of her time pandering to Naruto. And Naruto, the biggest curse of them all, was obnoxious, loud, and entirely too full of spunk.
The bastard just didn't slow DOWN! He just kept going on and on, his steps energetic and bouncy, even come nightfall when most of us were too weary to do much more than moan. I had finally decided that he was a demon, come from hell especially to torment me.
And Temari! Usually on our missions she was the one I could look to and find some measure of comfort. In the past, she was often literally the only other one in miles that was sane.
Over the years we had grown used to how the other thought, and if I did say so myself, we were a nearly perfect team. But ever since the start of this mission, she had been acting moody, her temper flaring over the smallest things. Especially whenever Naruto was around, which meant it happened often. While I had taken some small amount of relief that SOMEONE other than me hated the blond ninja, at times even I had to wince at some of the things she said about to him (and TO him) when she snapped.
Even Sakura couldn't hold a candle to Temari's viciousness when she really got going. Naruto seemed to be immune to it all. The insults and whatever else Temari had to offer (sometimes in the form of flying objects), seeming to roll off his back like water off of a duck. In fact, he seemed to be in good humor more often than not, which over a few days, had started to seem rather strange to me.
After a little time observing him, I realized why that was. When Sakura yelled at him, he smiled wider, or laughed it off. When he was hit, he would grin (after the pain passed). Insults hurled at him from either of the girls (Hinata had yet to insult him at all) were met with either indifference, seemingly playful acts of hurt feelings, or outright humor. Most of the insults I threw at him, he returned back onto me with anger and passion, but only if they were superficial attacks, like calling him a klutz, or an idiot.
If it got personal, his humor would return in full force, or he would shrug a little and grin like nothing mattered. It had made no sense to me at all, until I realized that it DID make sense, if you imagined that every time he was smiling, he was really frowning. And then with a moment of profound shock that nearly paralyzed me, I had remembered where I had seen that kind of behavior before. Why it seemed to be so familiar to me. It was exactly what Gaara did when he was at his worst.
When harmed, emotionally hurt or agitated, most would cry, or frown, or get pissed or curse. Gaara would laugh and smile, and that was when you were in the most danger of being killed by him, usually in messy and sickening ways. A cold sweat had come over me then, when it came to me that I was probably quite literally, playing way too close to the fire, every time Naruto was in a good mood at an inappropriate time. And that was too often for my tastes.
I had begun seeing Naruto's behavior as a dangerous mask, one in which I had no way of knowing what could possibly be hiding behind. Would he snap as my brother had so many times in the past? That epiphany had led me to take longer trips ahead of the team, my trips ranging further abroad with each passing day: anything for an excuse to stay out of the camp where two monsters traveled.
The swamp had prevented me from ranging too far ahead, so now for the first time in days, I found myself within visual sight of the rest of the team as we all struggled to reach that distant land before the sun set. There was no WAY we were going to sleep in THIS mess. Since first coming to the swamp, I had not looked back, not wanting to be included in whatever mischief Naruto was up too. After I realized Naruto might be unstable, I had stopped insulting him. Without that outlet, I found it harder and harder to be around him without losing it; so I figured it was best if I just distanced myself as best I could.
What WERE they doing anyway? Pausing to catch my breath, I swatted at a particularly annoying insect, as I turned to look back out of curiosity. I froze, my eyes popping at what I saw. The rest of the group was slugging their way through the swamp along with me... all except Naruto, who was literally SKIPPING on top of the water! The few times I have seen that, it was being done by very experienced ninja; the walking on water, not the skipping.
Pausing allowed them to come closer, bringing them within hearing distance. Sakura was looking at Naruto with death in her eyes as he laughed at the rest of them, dancing just out of range of her fists as she swung at him in frustration.
"Naruto! If you don't show me how you're doing that right NOW, I'm going to KILL YOU!!" Sakura was shouting, her voice seeming to echo off the water briefly before the sound was absorbed. I wondered how many times she had repeated that threat.
With him facing Sakura, he didn't see Temari raise her battle fan over her head, an evil glint in her eye as she waited for Naruto's answer. Even Hinata was looking at Naruto slightly disapprovingly, which was the closest I had ever seen her act in a negative way towards him. Gaara stood in the water behind them all, his arms folded across his chest impassively, as he watched the drama unfold.
"Sorry Sakura-chan! I'm really trying to remember how to explain it! But it was so long ago that I forgot! I learned this just before the Chuunin exams, so it's all kind of fuzzy. I do it without thinking now." He really did sound like he regretted not being able to explain it.
But then he laughed as he flipped onto his hands, and supported himself on his palms over the water as though it were solid ground. So much for regret! I had to stop myself from grinding my teeth.
"Please try, Naruto-kun," Hinata begged, her disapproval disappearing from her face.
Damn, I had been hoping she was going to join the 'Naruto is a freak club' like the rest of us. The more people that thought like me, the better. At least she had stopped stuttering like an idiot every time she spoke. Maybe she was just used to us now.
Flashing Hinata a wide grin, he nodded his head before flipping back onto his feet. Putting his chin in his palm, he struck a thinking pose, his foot absently tapping on the water, causing ripples to pulse with every beat. Sakura's right cheek seemed to twitch every time his foot struck the water as we waited.
"Okay! You all know how to walk up trees using chakra. It's like that... only..." he paused, faltering as he looked around at us helplessly.
"Only what?" I asked, a little put out.
"Only... well... different," Naruto finished lamely, causing Temari to groan in frustration.
"Different HOW?" Sakura grated out between clenched teeth, echoing Temari's feelings.
"Well..." slowly we all managed to drag an explanation out of Naruto. For the next few hours we each tried it out, fumbling more often than not.
Sakura mastered it first, rising out of the water slowly until her feet were on top just like Naruto. We all (Naruto included) stared in amazement; she had mastered it so fast it was scary. How had she DONE that?! A few hours later, during which we all rose half way up only to stumble splashing back into the water, Gaara and Temari mastered it too, almost at the same time, grinning at each other in a rare moment of shared pride.
Growling, I struggled that much harder, not wanting to be the last to figure it out. Finally I was atop the water too, panting from using so much chakra, my pants plastered to my legs with black sludge. Only Hinata remained in the water as she struggled to master the control, her face turning red with embarrassment when she noticed the rest of us waiting for her to get it.
Figured.
Our leader was the least skilled out of all of us, apparently: one more thing to tack onto my curse.
Her face scrunched up a little, and for a moment I wondered if the wimpy girl was actually going to start crying. Perhaps coming to the same conclusion as I, Naruto stepped closer to her, staring at her intently.
"Hey Hinata, I have an idea. Can't your weird eye thing see chakra channels?" Naruto asked, speaking of the Hyuga bloodline ability, the Byakugan.
Leave it to the loud mouth to call something so advanced a 'weird eye thing', I mused.
Before she could reply, Naruto suddenly plunged into the water up to his waist, making his way over to her. More emotions than I could count warred across the girls face as he approached, surprise and embarrassment seeming to dominate.
"Can't it?" Naruto asked again when she hesitated, stopping just in front of her.
"Y... yes," she agreed, her stutter returning. That was so annoying.
"Good!" he enthused, grinning brightly. "Then use it Hinata! Watch me carefully, and match your chakra to mine," he told her, putting his hands on her shoulders. At his touch, her whole body seemed to shudder as though she were freezing, but her eyes never left his. What was wrong with that girl? Slowly she nodded her understanding.
"Byakugan!" she said, suddenly fierce looking as her eyes crystallized in intensity. Thick veins appeared on her face near her eyes, showing her skill had been activated. I swallowed, a little disgusted; it was not a pretty look.
"Alright, here we go," said Naruto calmly, not flinching in the slightest at her sudden transformation.
At first, nothing seemed to happen. For many moments Hinata simply stared down at the water towards Naruto's feet as though she could see through the brackish water, while Naruto stared at her calmly, neither saying a word. Slowly, inch by slow inch, they both arose together, until at last they were only standing up to their knees in the water.
Sweat started beading on Hinata's face as she concentrated, and for a moment she faltered, wobbling and sinking slightly. Naruto leaned closer, speaking gently.
"You're doing great Hinata! We're almost there... just a little more. You can do it," he urged.
A halting smile and a blush grew on Hinata's face as she darted a quick look up at his face, before she frowned again in concentration. Jeez, it was like watching a damn support group in action. Maybe if we were lucky something might attack us to distract me; anything was better than watching this.
I looked towards Temari, wanting to share in my disgust, but to my surprise I found she was staring at Naruto and Hinata intently, a small frown on her face. I glanced at Gaara, catching his eye. He shook his head at me slowly, also at a loss as to what had gotten into Temari this time. Sakura stood close to Temari, staring at the two with her brow wrinkled in a worried looking expression, as she bit her lip absentmindedly. I shook my head to myself; I didn't even want to know what was going on in HER head.
Hinata started laughing, causing me to regard her and Naruto again. She was standing atop the water beside Naruto, who was beaming at her proudly.
"See? It's easy, right?!" Naruto exclaimed, letting go of his hold on her shoulders.
"Right!" Hinata agreed nodding, her pale eyes sparkling as she laughed again in delight, bouncing on her toes as she did, to test her newfound control.
She had a moment to squeak in alarm before she suddenly lowered into the water again, her arms flailing as she slowly sank back down. Naruto, still standing close, reflexively reached out, catching her under her armpits and hugging her tightly as he tried to help steady her, while she struggled to regain control. Her arms snaked around his waist, her hands fisting his orange jacket, as she tried desperately to regain her concentration. Her face pressed into his chest as her sinking stopped, her ankles submerged in the foul water.
Breathing hard from her exertions, she continued to hold onto Naruto while her body ascended again, her feet coming out of the water once more.
"Got it now?" Naruto laughed good-naturedly, not making any move to release her.
Hinata looked up at him as though to reply, but froze in place, staring at his face so close to hers as though entranced. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Naruto was looking down at her, his eyebrows uplifted questioningly as he waited for her to say something. That was when it hit me; the girl LIKED him! As in... REALLY liked him! And he was completely oblivious!
"Hinata? You're shaking -- are you alright?" Naruto prompted uncertainly, obviously confused.
It was so sweet I felt sure I was going to hurl right then and there. This was ridiculous! We didn't have time for her damn puppy love! God, how in the hell had the country of the Leaf grown so strong?! They were all idiots! If no one else was going to stop this, then I would.
"Are you two done making out? We need to get to dry land before the sun goes down. If that's all right with YOU that is," I commented harshly, scowling at the two of them. That got a response.
Making a strangled noise in her throat, Hinata scrambled away from Naruto, her face tomato red as she fidgeted, looking at anything but Naruto, who completely missed all of that when he whirled to glare at me.
"What in the hell are you talking about, bastard!" he demanded, his face showing he was confused, but not liking my tone.
"He was trying to HELP her, Kankuro! You should look that up! It's under human behavior; maybe you should read up on it sometime!" Sakura interrupted, shouting angrily as she glared at me too, with her hands on her hips.
So, they were teaming up on me, eh? Anger boiled in my stomach as I smirked at her.
"Who's talking to YOU bitch?! This is..." I was startled out of what I was going to say when Naruto appeared in front of me as though by magic, grabbing me by my shirt furiously and looking at me in the eyes.
My anger vaporized, to be replaced by a terror that shot straight to my core, when I met his stare. His eyes, normally a deep blue, had changed into a glowing demonic red, his pupils elongated until they seemed like slits. I struggled against his grip, but found with a sinking feeling that I couldn't move his hand an inch, as though I were a child in the hands of a wrestler. Oh shit!
Not wanting to show my fear, I sneered at him, staring back in defiance, even as I prayed I didn't give him the lie by wetting myself.
"Call her a bitch again. I DARE you to call her that again!!" he snarled at me, his eyes glowing a little brighter with his words. His other hand flashed to my throat, squeezing me with horrific strength. Oh my god, this was it; I was going to die.
"I would love to fight you, asshole. But we're supposed to be on the same TEAM. Remember?!" I bluffed, wheezing as my air was cut off despite anything I could do to free myself. How could he be so fucking STRONG?! If I lived through this, I vowed right then that some day, somehow, I would kill him. The world would thank me for removing a monster.
"It's okay Naruto," Sakura's voice said soothingly, her hand appearing on his shoulder.
Slowly the tension eased from Naruto's face, his eyes fading from the crimson color of blood to his normal blue. I don't know what Naruto's secret was, but if I never saw those red eyes up close again it would be too soon. Sakura, not having seen the sick transformation in his eyes, stood behind Naruto, staring between the two of us anxiously.
Pushing me away from him, he snorted as I fought hard to calm my pounding heart. "Like hell it's okay Sakura-chan! He's been picking at you since we started this mission. If he doesn't want me to kick his ass, he'll leave you alone," he growled, never looking away from me.
"I can look after myself Naruto!" Sakura said from behind him, her voice stern despite the pink flushing her cheeks.
Ah! This may be an opening to change the subject. "Listen to your girlfriend, you freak! We don't have time for your stupid behavior! We are out in the open right now. We need to get to solid land as soon as we can, and all you can think to do is threaten me and play pranks!" I finished, shouting the last part.
For a second, Naruto stared at me, his eyes wide as he sputtered. Now THAT had felt good. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and for a breathless moment I feared he was going to go for my throat again. Suddenly he turned away, walking towards the distant land ahead.
"Fine! Let's go, ass-wipe," he tossed over his shoulder.
I couldn't suppress a sigh of relief, now that the pressure was off. Where had that red eye color come from? Did he have a special bloodline limit like the Hyuga? I knew Naruto had special power – how else could he have beaten my brother or Hyuga Neji? But why had it felt so... evil? It had been so palpable that I could almost taste it.
Sakura had half reached out a hand as though to stop Naruto, but she sighed instead, dropping her arm to her side. Abruptly she rounded on me, her green eyes flashing.
"You really are a JERK Kankuro! He just got done teaching all of us to walk on WATER, you ungrateful ASS! And if you ever call me a bitch again, you won't have to worry about Naruto hurting you!! I'll kill you myself!" she raged, shaking a fist under my nose.
Before I could muster a suitable retort, she sniffed and turned away, following Naruto. Hinata moved off as well, looking down at her feet and still blushing furiously. Oh yeah, she had it bad for the guy. I was a little surprised I hadn't noticed it sooner. Well, now that I knew, I figured I could torment her a little, just for fun. Temari walked up to me, her eyes without emotion as she stopped next to me.
Good old Temari: my one ally in this world of enemies. "Can you believe those shit-heads?" I sniggered, turning to study their retreating backs, thinking again how stupid Leaf ninja were.
When she didn't reply, I turned to study her, and barely had enough time to cry out in surprise as her full-armed slap connected, rocking my face to the side. Stunned, I stayed that way for a moment, my face burning from the blow. What the hell?!
"What was that for?!" I shouted at her, but she was already walking away to follow the rest, with no explanation. Rubbing my sore cheek, I stared after her, my mind blank and wondering. All women were crazy!! And I was cursed.
Gaara came up beside me then, barking a dark, humorless laugh. "You're an idiot Kankuro," Gaara observed, staring along with me at the backs of the rest of them as they walked away.
I turned to stare at him. "What did I do?!" I said incredulously.
For a moment Gaara's green eyes examined me, pinning me with their intensity. God he was scary.
"Are you afraid of me?" he wondered suddenly, as if he could read my mind.
I struggled with the answer, before finally shrugging uneasily, not trusting myself to speak. Who would admit to something like that? The truth was, my brother terrified me. For years, most of my nightmares involved him in some shape or form. Taking my shrug as a yes, Gaara nodded.
"Good. You should, Kankuro. It proves you're not a complete idiot," he stated coldly, the confirmation only serving to freak me out; now I knew beyond a doubt that Gaara hadn't really changed. He was just hiding it better. "But you're still being stupid," he continued with a smirk.
"What do you mean?" I asked, not able to keep the frustration out of my voice. Only Gaara could call me names and get away with it so easily.
"If you are afraid of my strength; and Naruto might be stronger than me; but you're not scared of HIM; then what does that say about you?" he pointed out evenly.
I felt as though the world had halted around me. Had Gaara just admitted that Naruto was stronger than him?!
"And to top it off, you insult the girls that he likes, right in front of him! I am ashamed of being your brother sometimes. You're an ant who thinks he's a wolf, Kankuro. If you don't fear him, you should at least respect him," Gaara finished, before moving off after the rest.
Shame and anger warred inside of me, as I moved to follow. One thing was certain; I would kill Naruto someday. I just had to do it without him knowing. Growing up, I had become very skilled at working behind the scenes. I was trained for it as a puppet jutsu specialist. It didn't matter how powerful the bastard was. He would fall, and I would be responsible for it.
I started to feel better as I moved, thinking of the ways I could get even with Naruto, once the mission was over. It had to be after the mission. We might need his strength before the end
But then... I couldn't keep a dark chuckle from escaping me as I thought of the possibilities.
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** Naruto's perspective **
The sun hung low, a pale white in the sky, the fog around us making it seem milky. It didn't seem to give off heat directly, as I was used to it in the forest. Instead, the whole swamp around us seemed to soak in the suns' power, storing it and using the energy to give off a muggy heat of its own. It didn't feel like I was walking out in the open; it felt more like I was trapped in a small heated room with no ventilation.
The world seemed to blur for a moment around me, making me dizzy, and I paused in my walk to swallow. Ever since I recovered from my stomach wound days ago, I had been slammed with moments of dizziness and a feeling of nausea. I hadn't let on to anyone yet. Why worry anyone when I didn't need to? I just felt a little sick, that was all. And the swamp sure wasn't helping things!
I had done my best to stay ahead of everyone since my melt down with Kankuro, a few hours ago. I still couldn't figure out why I had gotten so ANGRY. Sure, Kankuro pissed me off. Sure he had an attitude. But I had been close to killing him! I trembled at the memory, my hands twitching in remembered rage.
That was another new thing since my injury. At times I felt an explosive, inner rage that threatened to consume me. Even Sakura-chan could set it off sometimes, though I had been able to contain it, if just barely.
It scared me, thinking that I might blow up on someone close to me. I took a few deep breaths to clear my head, the air clearing my head, but doing little to refresh me. Then there was the fact that I knew I was getting on everyone's nerves. Again. Ever since Temari had told me flat out her opinion of me, my emotions had gone on automatic pilot.
In that clearing all those days ago, I had felt myself retreating, withdrawing inward behind the wall I knew so well. The wall I had created just for people like her and the rest. I would be damned if I would let her or anyone else see the pain. All she or anyone else would see was how carefree I was. So when she insulted me, or yelled, whatever; I would smile and laugh, knowing it was either that or the alternative; letting it get to me. I couldn't help myself. When someone said they hated me, that's just what I did. It was like flinching when someone went to punch you.
At times, I almost felt as though I were standing outside of my own body, watching what I was doing and saying, unable to stop myself. And I wanted to stop; I wanted to calm down and relax. After months of being together, I had started to be able to do that around Sakura-chan and Sasuke, and a few others. I liked feeling like that. Not having to guard myself. But Temari and Kankuro had made it very clear that I wasn't just among friends any longer.
Screw Temari! Fuck Kankuro! I didn't care. A lump formed in my throat, my heart twanging in my chest for a moment, before I stomped down hard on it. Allowing myself to hurt because she hated me (and after I had saved her life too!), would only give her what she wanted. That's all they ever wanted... a reason to hate me.
Damn them all! I didn't need them anymore. I had Iruka-sensei, and the pervert-Senin, Sakura-chan and the rest. I found myself repeating that over and over, like a mantra. Sometimes at night, I would count the people that meant something to me like valuable treasures. Yet still the pain in my gut, the pain that had nothing to do with my injuries, would return. And at those times,
I would ask the same question to myself again. Maddening because it never had an answer: "WHY?!"
Oh well. At least with Temari, I held out hope that she might grow to like me eventually. I probably just needed to prove myself. I was used to doing that. I didn't WANT to earn Kankuro's respect though. Once we finished this mission, he better pray we never met again as enemies.
I was shaking again with rage as I remembered the puppet wielding Sand ninja. What did he have against Sakura-chan?! After a few days, I had noticed something was troubling her. She didn't give very many clues, but I had known her long enough to tell that something was up. And I had a very good hunch on what was bothering her. Obviously Kankuro was going too far with his insults.
Abruptly I realized someone was calling my name. Pausing, I looked back to find Sakura-chan walking up to me, her eyes studying me intently.
"Are you alright, Naruto?" she asked hesitantly, searching my face.
Instantly I smiled at her, pushing my emotions back as far as I could, for the moment. I must have been slipping without realizing it.
"Of course Sakura-chan!" I chirped as best I could, hoping she would just drop it. "I'm perfectly fine..." I started, but stopped speaking in surprise when she glared at me.
"Stop it, Naruto!" she cried, suddenly shoving me in the chest, pushing me back.
Shocked, I stared at her, at a loss for words. Why was she so upset? She almost looked like she was going to cry! The others were coming up behind her, but were still too far away to hear us. I must have been walking faster than I thought.
Wh... what are you...?" I stuttered, confused. What did she want from me?
She stood there, breathing hard before she marched by me, grabbing my hand as she went.
"Come here!" she ordered, leading me away.
With a start, I realized we had reached the edge of dry land at last. Giant swamp trees loomed above us, with huge tangled roots supporting the mossy trees far above the ground. The sounds of wild swamp life grew around us as she led me deeper into the swamp. Frogs croaked, strange birds called, crickets sang, and insects buzzed all around us, melding together in a constant noise that seemed to fit, somehow.
"Sakura-chan... where are we going?" I wondered a little nervously, not really expecting an answer, and receiving none.
I couldn't help but focus on her hand holding mine, her fingers warm and smooth. I wasn't sure, but this may have been the first time anyone had ever held my hand. I found myself enjoying the moment, knowing that it would soon end.
Leading me around a tree, she suddenly turned on me, shoving me roughly against the tree trunk, glaring at me with furious beautiful green eyes.
"What's WRONG with you Naruto!!" She stormed, pushing me again, just for effect. I grunted as my back hit the tree again, driving the air out of me. "You've been acting crazy all week!" she ranted without waiting for my response.
My mouth dropped open in surprise, as I continued to stare at her. I was acting crazy?! Look who was talking!
"What are you talking about Sakura-chan?! I..." she interrupted me again as she punched me in the stomach. Hard. Stunned, I bent over a little, gasping for breath. What was going on?! Did she just want to get me alone so she could beat the crap out of me in private?
"I yell at you, and you smile! Temari insults you, and you laugh! STOP IT!" She cried, slapping me in the face, on my chest, my head, over and over in frenzy.
Dazed, I frantically fended her off, finally seizing her wrists and bringing her close in an attempt to stop the punishment. My mind raced a million miles an hour as she broke down and sagged against me, sobbing.
"I want you back Naruto!" she cried, her tears staining my jacket. "It's like you're smiling through a mask! I can't stand it! I can't do this mission without you. I feel like I'm completely alone!" she struggled feebly against my grip as she cried, her shoulders shaking as she continued.
I let go of her wrists, wrapping my arms around her, completely floored as she shook and cried in my embrace. If someone had walked up to me at that moment and told me that my parents were fish, I couldn't have been more amazed. Since when had my acting like an idiot affected her at ALL, other than make her annoyed?! When had she stopped hating me?!
I still remembered nearly a year ago, when Sakura had listed me as the thing she hated the most. She was depending on me? ME? I couldn't believe someone actually knew me well enough to tell when I was acting different! Sakura-chan had just given me the greatest present I could ever remember receiving.
I hugged her tighter, feeling like crying myself for a moment, as I dared to put a hand in her short pink hair. Incredibly silky, it slid through my fingers as I marveled at it.
"I'm sorry, Sakura-chan. I didn't mean to hurt you or anything," I mumbled, trying to figure out something to say. Then a question popped in my head, and I had to ask. "When did you stop hating me? I thought..." I trailed off, not wanting to say what I thought.
She sniffled onto my shoulder, before pushing away from me, looking into my eyes.
"Not for a long time, Naruto. I haven't hated you in a long time," She told me softly, wiping at her eyes, now a little red from crying.
"I guess things would be a lot easier, if Sasuke were here instead, eh?" I said forcing a laugh, remembering what Sakura-chan had said when we started. I stopped when she glared at me, her face showing an equal amount of exasperation and guilt at the reminder.
I looked away, suddenly uncomfortable. "Sorry. It's a hard habit to break," I admitted, still amazed I was even having this conversation. COULD I stop? "Sakura-chan, its not like I'm TRYING to push you away," I tried to explain, fumbling for the right words. How could I make her understand it was a reflex?
"I'm sorry too Naruto. I shouldn't have been so rough on you. Are you okay?" she asked, touching one of my scratched cheeks with soft fingertips.
I froze, both because I was unused to her even caring, and the electric feel of her gentle caress. She wasn't the type of girl to care about how hard she hit; I knew from personal experience. Catching my questioning stare, she blushed and looked away, folding her arms across her chest.
She was saved from having to explain by the sound of the others approaching, as they caught up with us. Temari and Hinata rounded the corner in the distance, followed by Gaara and then Kankuro, who had an angry smirk on his face. Which was normal for him.
I sighed, figuring the moment had passed -- back to business as usual. Sakura's hand on my shoulder stopped me, and we looked at each other. Her face was set, as though she had something important to say.
"You're going to tell me what's been bothering you, Naruto. And I want you to stop your act," she insisted, a curious blend of firmness and desperation in her voice. Looking at her, I couldn't find it in me to say no. But at the same time, I wasn't sure how I could possibly say yes. People don't just turn around their personalities because they were asked!
"I'll tell you what's bothering me, if you tell me what's really bothering you," I bargained, thinking that might save me.
I knew that something else was eating her, and I wasn't feeling too keen on dumping twelve years of pain onto her lap. Not only didn't she deserve it, she probably wouldn't even understand. I wasn't sure anyone would ever understand completely; not even me.
A stunned jolt ran through me when she nodded, letting her hand fall from my shoulder. "It's a deal," she agreed, her eyes daring me to back out.
"I can't help what I'm doing, Sakura-chan. I really can't! But I'll try," I promised, silently willing her to understand, even though I knew she probably couldn't at the moment.
"See that you do," she commanded, leaving me to stare after her as she joined the others.
Joy bubbled up from my center, swirling around inside of me like a blizzard. She cared! Someone actually cared enough to hate me when I tried to push them away. Someone knew me well enough to know how I was doing it!
I felt like the luckiest person in the world.
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WOW, close to 16 pages in word this time! That's a new record for me guys. I hope you enjoyed it (nervous), even though there isn't much action this time. This is actually a set up for next chapter. You won't BELIEVE what I have planned next! I'll give you a hint... pigs and an old man are involved. Until next time!!
I have a challenge for all of you writers! A very serious challenge! I challenge you to write a fiction with Naruto paired with any ONE of the following heroines... Sakura, Hinata, Ino, or Temari. Only one of them, mind you! (I've got the triangle thing covered ^_^) You CAN make up a female character of your own, BUT she cannot be in any way over-powered, or 'super' in any way (no stronger than any of the other girl Genin in the series). A straightforward romance is what I am asking for folks, with no over the top angst.
'What an easy challenge' you say? 'I could do it in my sleep' you scoff? I don't think so! That's not all! It can't be a one shot! AND each chapter can't be LESS than 2,500 words (that's about half of my average chapter... my chapters are typically around 10 to 12 pages in Microsoft Word these days). STILL too easy... O' gluttons for punishment?
Well then, the stories have to be as 'real' as possible! If you don't think it could happen in the manga/anime, then it can't be in your story; although it does not matter if it is AU or not, so long as the rules of the way things work in the manga/anime aren't broken (which includes keeping everyone in character). That is it! I DARE you writers to take me up on it.
I challenge YOU to the Emilio Challenge!
I should warn you, that before the end of this fiction, Naruto is going to share intimate moments with all three of the girls, at one point or another. So I don't think you're going to be able to tell who he ends up with at the end, based off just that. That's right! Naruto is a man-whore! LOL
I don't think there is going to be any lemons in this fiction (not really my style), although if I do end up trying for one, I'll definitely raise the rating of the story to R. I might raise it to R anyway, because of the violence and swearing. Not sure. I think teenagers 13 and over can handle swearing and violence as it is, so that's why I haven't yet. But who knows.
As for the updates, well I used to promise updates by a certain time, but I failed to deliver. So I figured that from then on, I wouldn't do that any more, so at least that way I wouldn't look like a lazy fool when I failed. Basically the chapter is released when I'm done with it. And it can be anywhere from a week to a month, depending on how inspired I am. Sorry! That's just how it is right now.
Anyway I hope you enjoy the chapter! No real action in this one... it's more of a set up for next chapter. But I liked writing it anyway!
And now, on with the show! ^_^
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Chapter 6:
Despite her many protests; Naruto managed to convince Temari to help him butcher the dead boar. Together with meat (and one dead fish) in tow, the two returned to camp, to Hinata and Sakura's tearful delight. Sakura's happiness was of course, shown in her usual manner – beating the crap out of Naruto (mindful of his wounds). The team spent a day and a night at rest, each generally keeping to themselves, giving Naruto the time he needed to recover, while ignoring his loud claims that he was fine.
As another dawn broke over tree peaks in the distance, the refreshed team gathered their things and set out in formation, the forest around them still quiet in the early morning light. The party marched, the days and nights blending together, as they fell into a routine of waking early and sleeping late, the forest around them doing little to break the monotony.
Naruto did what he could to keep things interesting, which usually earned him the sharp side of Sakura's tongue, the amusement of Hinata, and a level shock and dismay from the Sand ninja, unused as they were to the antics Naruto had become legendary for; behavior that his fellow Leaf had long since become used to. At last, the forest finally started to bleed out into a swampy territory, which Hinata's information warned was unfriendly to anyone foolish enough to live there, let alone to any ninja passing through.
** Kankuro's perspective **
Close to a week on point acting as forward scout, had taught me one thing that I found impossible to ignore; I was cursed.
Sunk up to my hips in boggy swamp water, I struggled forward, trying my best to ignore the impossibly rank stench, which seemed to be seeping INTO me with every wet step I took. The forest had faded away some time ago, with a few stubborn trees fighting a losing battle against the marshy land. The land had gone from rich soil to a sticky and black mud, until even that was covered as far as the eye could see by the green and dark shallow water that I now found myself wading through. In the hazy distance, partially obscured by a low fog, the promise of solid land loomed, overshadowed by the dark shapes of dead or mossy trees that seemed to be made up entirely of large roots.
Insects dominated the air, attacking without remorse or mercy, some biting, some just content to buzz around my ears or into my eyes in frustratingly random cycles that never seemed to end. I would bet a weeks salary that the bug guy I had fought a while back didn't have this problem. Hell, that freak probably came to places like this for holidays.
I grimaced as I tugged my foot out of something cold and slimy, causing a wet popping sound to rise up, releasing an even more sickening smell when the resultant bubble burst on the surface. I fought the urge to retch, and plodded onwards, as I reflected on my current situation, and just WHY I was cursed, to get my mind off of what my body was going through.
First of all, my brother was a raging psychopathic murder, held in check by a proverbial string. Gaara had been better lately, but his restraint only made me more nervous. Next, we had a pink haired no talent who couldn't even finish off her kills. Our leader was a weak-ass, shy amateur, who spent at least half of her time pandering to Naruto. And Naruto, the biggest curse of them all, was obnoxious, loud, and entirely too full of spunk.
The bastard just didn't slow DOWN! He just kept going on and on, his steps energetic and bouncy, even come nightfall when most of us were too weary to do much more than moan. I had finally decided that he was a demon, come from hell especially to torment me.
And Temari! Usually on our missions she was the one I could look to and find some measure of comfort. In the past, she was often literally the only other one in miles that was sane.
Over the years we had grown used to how the other thought, and if I did say so myself, we were a nearly perfect team. But ever since the start of this mission, she had been acting moody, her temper flaring over the smallest things. Especially whenever Naruto was around, which meant it happened often. While I had taken some small amount of relief that SOMEONE other than me hated the blond ninja, at times even I had to wince at some of the things she said about to him (and TO him) when she snapped.
Even Sakura couldn't hold a candle to Temari's viciousness when she really got going. Naruto seemed to be immune to it all. The insults and whatever else Temari had to offer (sometimes in the form of flying objects), seeming to roll off his back like water off of a duck. In fact, he seemed to be in good humor more often than not, which over a few days, had started to seem rather strange to me.
After a little time observing him, I realized why that was. When Sakura yelled at him, he smiled wider, or laughed it off. When he was hit, he would grin (after the pain passed). Insults hurled at him from either of the girls (Hinata had yet to insult him at all) were met with either indifference, seemingly playful acts of hurt feelings, or outright humor. Most of the insults I threw at him, he returned back onto me with anger and passion, but only if they were superficial attacks, like calling him a klutz, or an idiot.
If it got personal, his humor would return in full force, or he would shrug a little and grin like nothing mattered. It had made no sense to me at all, until I realized that it DID make sense, if you imagined that every time he was smiling, he was really frowning. And then with a moment of profound shock that nearly paralyzed me, I had remembered where I had seen that kind of behavior before. Why it seemed to be so familiar to me. It was exactly what Gaara did when he was at his worst.
When harmed, emotionally hurt or agitated, most would cry, or frown, or get pissed or curse. Gaara would laugh and smile, and that was when you were in the most danger of being killed by him, usually in messy and sickening ways. A cold sweat had come over me then, when it came to me that I was probably quite literally, playing way too close to the fire, every time Naruto was in a good mood at an inappropriate time. And that was too often for my tastes.
I had begun seeing Naruto's behavior as a dangerous mask, one in which I had no way of knowing what could possibly be hiding behind. Would he snap as my brother had so many times in the past? That epiphany had led me to take longer trips ahead of the team, my trips ranging further abroad with each passing day: anything for an excuse to stay out of the camp where two monsters traveled.
The swamp had prevented me from ranging too far ahead, so now for the first time in days, I found myself within visual sight of the rest of the team as we all struggled to reach that distant land before the sun set. There was no WAY we were going to sleep in THIS mess. Since first coming to the swamp, I had not looked back, not wanting to be included in whatever mischief Naruto was up too. After I realized Naruto might be unstable, I had stopped insulting him. Without that outlet, I found it harder and harder to be around him without losing it; so I figured it was best if I just distanced myself as best I could.
What WERE they doing anyway? Pausing to catch my breath, I swatted at a particularly annoying insect, as I turned to look back out of curiosity. I froze, my eyes popping at what I saw. The rest of the group was slugging their way through the swamp along with me... all except Naruto, who was literally SKIPPING on top of the water! The few times I have seen that, it was being done by very experienced ninja; the walking on water, not the skipping.
Pausing allowed them to come closer, bringing them within hearing distance. Sakura was looking at Naruto with death in her eyes as he laughed at the rest of them, dancing just out of range of her fists as she swung at him in frustration.
"Naruto! If you don't show me how you're doing that right NOW, I'm going to KILL YOU!!" Sakura was shouting, her voice seeming to echo off the water briefly before the sound was absorbed. I wondered how many times she had repeated that threat.
With him facing Sakura, he didn't see Temari raise her battle fan over her head, an evil glint in her eye as she waited for Naruto's answer. Even Hinata was looking at Naruto slightly disapprovingly, which was the closest I had ever seen her act in a negative way towards him. Gaara stood in the water behind them all, his arms folded across his chest impassively, as he watched the drama unfold.
"Sorry Sakura-chan! I'm really trying to remember how to explain it! But it was so long ago that I forgot! I learned this just before the Chuunin exams, so it's all kind of fuzzy. I do it without thinking now." He really did sound like he regretted not being able to explain it.
But then he laughed as he flipped onto his hands, and supported himself on his palms over the water as though it were solid ground. So much for regret! I had to stop myself from grinding my teeth.
"Please try, Naruto-kun," Hinata begged, her disapproval disappearing from her face.
Damn, I had been hoping she was going to join the 'Naruto is a freak club' like the rest of us. The more people that thought like me, the better. At least she had stopped stuttering like an idiot every time she spoke. Maybe she was just used to us now.
Flashing Hinata a wide grin, he nodded his head before flipping back onto his feet. Putting his chin in his palm, he struck a thinking pose, his foot absently tapping on the water, causing ripples to pulse with every beat. Sakura's right cheek seemed to twitch every time his foot struck the water as we waited.
"Okay! You all know how to walk up trees using chakra. It's like that... only..." he paused, faltering as he looked around at us helplessly.
"Only what?" I asked, a little put out.
"Only... well... different," Naruto finished lamely, causing Temari to groan in frustration.
"Different HOW?" Sakura grated out between clenched teeth, echoing Temari's feelings.
"Well..." slowly we all managed to drag an explanation out of Naruto. For the next few hours we each tried it out, fumbling more often than not.
Sakura mastered it first, rising out of the water slowly until her feet were on top just like Naruto. We all (Naruto included) stared in amazement; she had mastered it so fast it was scary. How had she DONE that?! A few hours later, during which we all rose half way up only to stumble splashing back into the water, Gaara and Temari mastered it too, almost at the same time, grinning at each other in a rare moment of shared pride.
Growling, I struggled that much harder, not wanting to be the last to figure it out. Finally I was atop the water too, panting from using so much chakra, my pants plastered to my legs with black sludge. Only Hinata remained in the water as she struggled to master the control, her face turning red with embarrassment when she noticed the rest of us waiting for her to get it.
Figured.
Our leader was the least skilled out of all of us, apparently: one more thing to tack onto my curse.
Her face scrunched up a little, and for a moment I wondered if the wimpy girl was actually going to start crying. Perhaps coming to the same conclusion as I, Naruto stepped closer to her, staring at her intently.
"Hey Hinata, I have an idea. Can't your weird eye thing see chakra channels?" Naruto asked, speaking of the Hyuga bloodline ability, the Byakugan.
Leave it to the loud mouth to call something so advanced a 'weird eye thing', I mused.
Before she could reply, Naruto suddenly plunged into the water up to his waist, making his way over to her. More emotions than I could count warred across the girls face as he approached, surprise and embarrassment seeming to dominate.
"Can't it?" Naruto asked again when she hesitated, stopping just in front of her.
"Y... yes," she agreed, her stutter returning. That was so annoying.
"Good!" he enthused, grinning brightly. "Then use it Hinata! Watch me carefully, and match your chakra to mine," he told her, putting his hands on her shoulders. At his touch, her whole body seemed to shudder as though she were freezing, but her eyes never left his. What was wrong with that girl? Slowly she nodded her understanding.
"Byakugan!" she said, suddenly fierce looking as her eyes crystallized in intensity. Thick veins appeared on her face near her eyes, showing her skill had been activated. I swallowed, a little disgusted; it was not a pretty look.
"Alright, here we go," said Naruto calmly, not flinching in the slightest at her sudden transformation.
At first, nothing seemed to happen. For many moments Hinata simply stared down at the water towards Naruto's feet as though she could see through the brackish water, while Naruto stared at her calmly, neither saying a word. Slowly, inch by slow inch, they both arose together, until at last they were only standing up to their knees in the water.
Sweat started beading on Hinata's face as she concentrated, and for a moment she faltered, wobbling and sinking slightly. Naruto leaned closer, speaking gently.
"You're doing great Hinata! We're almost there... just a little more. You can do it," he urged.
A halting smile and a blush grew on Hinata's face as she darted a quick look up at his face, before she frowned again in concentration. Jeez, it was like watching a damn support group in action. Maybe if we were lucky something might attack us to distract me; anything was better than watching this.
I looked towards Temari, wanting to share in my disgust, but to my surprise I found she was staring at Naruto and Hinata intently, a small frown on her face. I glanced at Gaara, catching his eye. He shook his head at me slowly, also at a loss as to what had gotten into Temari this time. Sakura stood close to Temari, staring at the two with her brow wrinkled in a worried looking expression, as she bit her lip absentmindedly. I shook my head to myself; I didn't even want to know what was going on in HER head.
Hinata started laughing, causing me to regard her and Naruto again. She was standing atop the water beside Naruto, who was beaming at her proudly.
"See? It's easy, right?!" Naruto exclaimed, letting go of his hold on her shoulders.
"Right!" Hinata agreed nodding, her pale eyes sparkling as she laughed again in delight, bouncing on her toes as she did, to test her newfound control.
She had a moment to squeak in alarm before she suddenly lowered into the water again, her arms flailing as she slowly sank back down. Naruto, still standing close, reflexively reached out, catching her under her armpits and hugging her tightly as he tried to help steady her, while she struggled to regain control. Her arms snaked around his waist, her hands fisting his orange jacket, as she tried desperately to regain her concentration. Her face pressed into his chest as her sinking stopped, her ankles submerged in the foul water.
Breathing hard from her exertions, she continued to hold onto Naruto while her body ascended again, her feet coming out of the water once more.
"Got it now?" Naruto laughed good-naturedly, not making any move to release her.
Hinata looked up at him as though to reply, but froze in place, staring at his face so close to hers as though entranced. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Naruto was looking down at her, his eyebrows uplifted questioningly as he waited for her to say something. That was when it hit me; the girl LIKED him! As in... REALLY liked him! And he was completely oblivious!
"Hinata? You're shaking -- are you alright?" Naruto prompted uncertainly, obviously confused.
It was so sweet I felt sure I was going to hurl right then and there. This was ridiculous! We didn't have time for her damn puppy love! God, how in the hell had the country of the Leaf grown so strong?! They were all idiots! If no one else was going to stop this, then I would.
"Are you two done making out? We need to get to dry land before the sun goes down. If that's all right with YOU that is," I commented harshly, scowling at the two of them. That got a response.
Making a strangled noise in her throat, Hinata scrambled away from Naruto, her face tomato red as she fidgeted, looking at anything but Naruto, who completely missed all of that when he whirled to glare at me.
"What in the hell are you talking about, bastard!" he demanded, his face showing he was confused, but not liking my tone.
"He was trying to HELP her, Kankuro! You should look that up! It's under human behavior; maybe you should read up on it sometime!" Sakura interrupted, shouting angrily as she glared at me too, with her hands on her hips.
So, they were teaming up on me, eh? Anger boiled in my stomach as I smirked at her.
"Who's talking to YOU bitch?! This is..." I was startled out of what I was going to say when Naruto appeared in front of me as though by magic, grabbing me by my shirt furiously and looking at me in the eyes.
My anger vaporized, to be replaced by a terror that shot straight to my core, when I met his stare. His eyes, normally a deep blue, had changed into a glowing demonic red, his pupils elongated until they seemed like slits. I struggled against his grip, but found with a sinking feeling that I couldn't move his hand an inch, as though I were a child in the hands of a wrestler. Oh shit!
Not wanting to show my fear, I sneered at him, staring back in defiance, even as I prayed I didn't give him the lie by wetting myself.
"Call her a bitch again. I DARE you to call her that again!!" he snarled at me, his eyes glowing a little brighter with his words. His other hand flashed to my throat, squeezing me with horrific strength. Oh my god, this was it; I was going to die.
"I would love to fight you, asshole. But we're supposed to be on the same TEAM. Remember?!" I bluffed, wheezing as my air was cut off despite anything I could do to free myself. How could he be so fucking STRONG?! If I lived through this, I vowed right then that some day, somehow, I would kill him. The world would thank me for removing a monster.
"It's okay Naruto," Sakura's voice said soothingly, her hand appearing on his shoulder.
Slowly the tension eased from Naruto's face, his eyes fading from the crimson color of blood to his normal blue. I don't know what Naruto's secret was, but if I never saw those red eyes up close again it would be too soon. Sakura, not having seen the sick transformation in his eyes, stood behind Naruto, staring between the two of us anxiously.
Pushing me away from him, he snorted as I fought hard to calm my pounding heart. "Like hell it's okay Sakura-chan! He's been picking at you since we started this mission. If he doesn't want me to kick his ass, he'll leave you alone," he growled, never looking away from me.
"I can look after myself Naruto!" Sakura said from behind him, her voice stern despite the pink flushing her cheeks.
Ah! This may be an opening to change the subject. "Listen to your girlfriend, you freak! We don't have time for your stupid behavior! We are out in the open right now. We need to get to solid land as soon as we can, and all you can think to do is threaten me and play pranks!" I finished, shouting the last part.
For a second, Naruto stared at me, his eyes wide as he sputtered. Now THAT had felt good. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and for a breathless moment I feared he was going to go for my throat again. Suddenly he turned away, walking towards the distant land ahead.
"Fine! Let's go, ass-wipe," he tossed over his shoulder.
I couldn't suppress a sigh of relief, now that the pressure was off. Where had that red eye color come from? Did he have a special bloodline limit like the Hyuga? I knew Naruto had special power – how else could he have beaten my brother or Hyuga Neji? But why had it felt so... evil? It had been so palpable that I could almost taste it.
Sakura had half reached out a hand as though to stop Naruto, but she sighed instead, dropping her arm to her side. Abruptly she rounded on me, her green eyes flashing.
"You really are a JERK Kankuro! He just got done teaching all of us to walk on WATER, you ungrateful ASS! And if you ever call me a bitch again, you won't have to worry about Naruto hurting you!! I'll kill you myself!" she raged, shaking a fist under my nose.
Before I could muster a suitable retort, she sniffed and turned away, following Naruto. Hinata moved off as well, looking down at her feet and still blushing furiously. Oh yeah, she had it bad for the guy. I was a little surprised I hadn't noticed it sooner. Well, now that I knew, I figured I could torment her a little, just for fun. Temari walked up to me, her eyes without emotion as she stopped next to me.
Good old Temari: my one ally in this world of enemies. "Can you believe those shit-heads?" I sniggered, turning to study their retreating backs, thinking again how stupid Leaf ninja were.
When she didn't reply, I turned to study her, and barely had enough time to cry out in surprise as her full-armed slap connected, rocking my face to the side. Stunned, I stayed that way for a moment, my face burning from the blow. What the hell?!
"What was that for?!" I shouted at her, but she was already walking away to follow the rest, with no explanation. Rubbing my sore cheek, I stared after her, my mind blank and wondering. All women were crazy!! And I was cursed.
Gaara came up beside me then, barking a dark, humorless laugh. "You're an idiot Kankuro," Gaara observed, staring along with me at the backs of the rest of them as they walked away.
I turned to stare at him. "What did I do?!" I said incredulously.
For a moment Gaara's green eyes examined me, pinning me with their intensity. God he was scary.
"Are you afraid of me?" he wondered suddenly, as if he could read my mind.
I struggled with the answer, before finally shrugging uneasily, not trusting myself to speak. Who would admit to something like that? The truth was, my brother terrified me. For years, most of my nightmares involved him in some shape or form. Taking my shrug as a yes, Gaara nodded.
"Good. You should, Kankuro. It proves you're not a complete idiot," he stated coldly, the confirmation only serving to freak me out; now I knew beyond a doubt that Gaara hadn't really changed. He was just hiding it better. "But you're still being stupid," he continued with a smirk.
"What do you mean?" I asked, not able to keep the frustration out of my voice. Only Gaara could call me names and get away with it so easily.
"If you are afraid of my strength; and Naruto might be stronger than me; but you're not scared of HIM; then what does that say about you?" he pointed out evenly.
I felt as though the world had halted around me. Had Gaara just admitted that Naruto was stronger than him?!
"And to top it off, you insult the girls that he likes, right in front of him! I am ashamed of being your brother sometimes. You're an ant who thinks he's a wolf, Kankuro. If you don't fear him, you should at least respect him," Gaara finished, before moving off after the rest.
Shame and anger warred inside of me, as I moved to follow. One thing was certain; I would kill Naruto someday. I just had to do it without him knowing. Growing up, I had become very skilled at working behind the scenes. I was trained for it as a puppet jutsu specialist. It didn't matter how powerful the bastard was. He would fall, and I would be responsible for it.
I started to feel better as I moved, thinking of the ways I could get even with Naruto, once the mission was over. It had to be after the mission. We might need his strength before the end
But then... I couldn't keep a dark chuckle from escaping me as I thought of the possibilities.
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** Naruto's perspective **
The sun hung low, a pale white in the sky, the fog around us making it seem milky. It didn't seem to give off heat directly, as I was used to it in the forest. Instead, the whole swamp around us seemed to soak in the suns' power, storing it and using the energy to give off a muggy heat of its own. It didn't feel like I was walking out in the open; it felt more like I was trapped in a small heated room with no ventilation.
The world seemed to blur for a moment around me, making me dizzy, and I paused in my walk to swallow. Ever since I recovered from my stomach wound days ago, I had been slammed with moments of dizziness and a feeling of nausea. I hadn't let on to anyone yet. Why worry anyone when I didn't need to? I just felt a little sick, that was all. And the swamp sure wasn't helping things!
I had done my best to stay ahead of everyone since my melt down with Kankuro, a few hours ago. I still couldn't figure out why I had gotten so ANGRY. Sure, Kankuro pissed me off. Sure he had an attitude. But I had been close to killing him! I trembled at the memory, my hands twitching in remembered rage.
That was another new thing since my injury. At times I felt an explosive, inner rage that threatened to consume me. Even Sakura-chan could set it off sometimes, though I had been able to contain it, if just barely.
It scared me, thinking that I might blow up on someone close to me. I took a few deep breaths to clear my head, the air clearing my head, but doing little to refresh me. Then there was the fact that I knew I was getting on everyone's nerves. Again. Ever since Temari had told me flat out her opinion of me, my emotions had gone on automatic pilot.
In that clearing all those days ago, I had felt myself retreating, withdrawing inward behind the wall I knew so well. The wall I had created just for people like her and the rest. I would be damned if I would let her or anyone else see the pain. All she or anyone else would see was how carefree I was. So when she insulted me, or yelled, whatever; I would smile and laugh, knowing it was either that or the alternative; letting it get to me. I couldn't help myself. When someone said they hated me, that's just what I did. It was like flinching when someone went to punch you.
At times, I almost felt as though I were standing outside of my own body, watching what I was doing and saying, unable to stop myself. And I wanted to stop; I wanted to calm down and relax. After months of being together, I had started to be able to do that around Sakura-chan and Sasuke, and a few others. I liked feeling like that. Not having to guard myself. But Temari and Kankuro had made it very clear that I wasn't just among friends any longer.
Screw Temari! Fuck Kankuro! I didn't care. A lump formed in my throat, my heart twanging in my chest for a moment, before I stomped down hard on it. Allowing myself to hurt because she hated me (and after I had saved her life too!), would only give her what she wanted. That's all they ever wanted... a reason to hate me.
Damn them all! I didn't need them anymore. I had Iruka-sensei, and the pervert-Senin, Sakura-chan and the rest. I found myself repeating that over and over, like a mantra. Sometimes at night, I would count the people that meant something to me like valuable treasures. Yet still the pain in my gut, the pain that had nothing to do with my injuries, would return. And at those times,
I would ask the same question to myself again. Maddening because it never had an answer: "WHY?!"
Oh well. At least with Temari, I held out hope that she might grow to like me eventually. I probably just needed to prove myself. I was used to doing that. I didn't WANT to earn Kankuro's respect though. Once we finished this mission, he better pray we never met again as enemies.
I was shaking again with rage as I remembered the puppet wielding Sand ninja. What did he have against Sakura-chan?! After a few days, I had noticed something was troubling her. She didn't give very many clues, but I had known her long enough to tell that something was up. And I had a very good hunch on what was bothering her. Obviously Kankuro was going too far with his insults.
Abruptly I realized someone was calling my name. Pausing, I looked back to find Sakura-chan walking up to me, her eyes studying me intently.
"Are you alright, Naruto?" she asked hesitantly, searching my face.
Instantly I smiled at her, pushing my emotions back as far as I could, for the moment. I must have been slipping without realizing it.
"Of course Sakura-chan!" I chirped as best I could, hoping she would just drop it. "I'm perfectly fine..." I started, but stopped speaking in surprise when she glared at me.
"Stop it, Naruto!" she cried, suddenly shoving me in the chest, pushing me back.
Shocked, I stared at her, at a loss for words. Why was she so upset? She almost looked like she was going to cry! The others were coming up behind her, but were still too far away to hear us. I must have been walking faster than I thought.
Wh... what are you...?" I stuttered, confused. What did she want from me?
She stood there, breathing hard before she marched by me, grabbing my hand as she went.
"Come here!" she ordered, leading me away.
With a start, I realized we had reached the edge of dry land at last. Giant swamp trees loomed above us, with huge tangled roots supporting the mossy trees far above the ground. The sounds of wild swamp life grew around us as she led me deeper into the swamp. Frogs croaked, strange birds called, crickets sang, and insects buzzed all around us, melding together in a constant noise that seemed to fit, somehow.
"Sakura-chan... where are we going?" I wondered a little nervously, not really expecting an answer, and receiving none.
I couldn't help but focus on her hand holding mine, her fingers warm and smooth. I wasn't sure, but this may have been the first time anyone had ever held my hand. I found myself enjoying the moment, knowing that it would soon end.
Leading me around a tree, she suddenly turned on me, shoving me roughly against the tree trunk, glaring at me with furious beautiful green eyes.
"What's WRONG with you Naruto!!" She stormed, pushing me again, just for effect. I grunted as my back hit the tree again, driving the air out of me. "You've been acting crazy all week!" she ranted without waiting for my response.
My mouth dropped open in surprise, as I continued to stare at her. I was acting crazy?! Look who was talking!
"What are you talking about Sakura-chan?! I..." she interrupted me again as she punched me in the stomach. Hard. Stunned, I bent over a little, gasping for breath. What was going on?! Did she just want to get me alone so she could beat the crap out of me in private?
"I yell at you, and you smile! Temari insults you, and you laugh! STOP IT!" She cried, slapping me in the face, on my chest, my head, over and over in frenzy.
Dazed, I frantically fended her off, finally seizing her wrists and bringing her close in an attempt to stop the punishment. My mind raced a million miles an hour as she broke down and sagged against me, sobbing.
"I want you back Naruto!" she cried, her tears staining my jacket. "It's like you're smiling through a mask! I can't stand it! I can't do this mission without you. I feel like I'm completely alone!" she struggled feebly against my grip as she cried, her shoulders shaking as she continued.
I let go of her wrists, wrapping my arms around her, completely floored as she shook and cried in my embrace. If someone had walked up to me at that moment and told me that my parents were fish, I couldn't have been more amazed. Since when had my acting like an idiot affected her at ALL, other than make her annoyed?! When had she stopped hating me?!
I still remembered nearly a year ago, when Sakura had listed me as the thing she hated the most. She was depending on me? ME? I couldn't believe someone actually knew me well enough to tell when I was acting different! Sakura-chan had just given me the greatest present I could ever remember receiving.
I hugged her tighter, feeling like crying myself for a moment, as I dared to put a hand in her short pink hair. Incredibly silky, it slid through my fingers as I marveled at it.
"I'm sorry, Sakura-chan. I didn't mean to hurt you or anything," I mumbled, trying to figure out something to say. Then a question popped in my head, and I had to ask. "When did you stop hating me? I thought..." I trailed off, not wanting to say what I thought.
She sniffled onto my shoulder, before pushing away from me, looking into my eyes.
"Not for a long time, Naruto. I haven't hated you in a long time," She told me softly, wiping at her eyes, now a little red from crying.
"I guess things would be a lot easier, if Sasuke were here instead, eh?" I said forcing a laugh, remembering what Sakura-chan had said when we started. I stopped when she glared at me, her face showing an equal amount of exasperation and guilt at the reminder.
I looked away, suddenly uncomfortable. "Sorry. It's a hard habit to break," I admitted, still amazed I was even having this conversation. COULD I stop? "Sakura-chan, its not like I'm TRYING to push you away," I tried to explain, fumbling for the right words. How could I make her understand it was a reflex?
"I'm sorry too Naruto. I shouldn't have been so rough on you. Are you okay?" she asked, touching one of my scratched cheeks with soft fingertips.
I froze, both because I was unused to her even caring, and the electric feel of her gentle caress. She wasn't the type of girl to care about how hard she hit; I knew from personal experience. Catching my questioning stare, she blushed and looked away, folding her arms across her chest.
She was saved from having to explain by the sound of the others approaching, as they caught up with us. Temari and Hinata rounded the corner in the distance, followed by Gaara and then Kankuro, who had an angry smirk on his face. Which was normal for him.
I sighed, figuring the moment had passed -- back to business as usual. Sakura's hand on my shoulder stopped me, and we looked at each other. Her face was set, as though she had something important to say.
"You're going to tell me what's been bothering you, Naruto. And I want you to stop your act," she insisted, a curious blend of firmness and desperation in her voice. Looking at her, I couldn't find it in me to say no. But at the same time, I wasn't sure how I could possibly say yes. People don't just turn around their personalities because they were asked!
"I'll tell you what's bothering me, if you tell me what's really bothering you," I bargained, thinking that might save me.
I knew that something else was eating her, and I wasn't feeling too keen on dumping twelve years of pain onto her lap. Not only didn't she deserve it, she probably wouldn't even understand. I wasn't sure anyone would ever understand completely; not even me.
A stunned jolt ran through me when she nodded, letting her hand fall from my shoulder. "It's a deal," she agreed, her eyes daring me to back out.
"I can't help what I'm doing, Sakura-chan. I really can't! But I'll try," I promised, silently willing her to understand, even though I knew she probably couldn't at the moment.
"See that you do," she commanded, leaving me to stare after her as she joined the others.
Joy bubbled up from my center, swirling around inside of me like a blizzard. She cared! Someone actually cared enough to hate me when I tried to push them away. Someone knew me well enough to know how I was doing it!
I felt like the luckiest person in the world.
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WOW, close to 16 pages in word this time! That's a new record for me guys. I hope you enjoyed it (nervous), even though there isn't much action this time. This is actually a set up for next chapter. You won't BELIEVE what I have planned next! I'll give you a hint... pigs and an old man are involved. Until next time!!
I have a challenge for all of you writers! A very serious challenge! I challenge you to write a fiction with Naruto paired with any ONE of the following heroines... Sakura, Hinata, Ino, or Temari. Only one of them, mind you! (I've got the triangle thing covered ^_^) You CAN make up a female character of your own, BUT she cannot be in any way over-powered, or 'super' in any way (no stronger than any of the other girl Genin in the series). A straightforward romance is what I am asking for folks, with no over the top angst.
'What an easy challenge' you say? 'I could do it in my sleep' you scoff? I don't think so! That's not all! It can't be a one shot! AND each chapter can't be LESS than 2,500 words (that's about half of my average chapter... my chapters are typically around 10 to 12 pages in Microsoft Word these days). STILL too easy... O' gluttons for punishment?
Well then, the stories have to be as 'real' as possible! If you don't think it could happen in the manga/anime, then it can't be in your story; although it does not matter if it is AU or not, so long as the rules of the way things work in the manga/anime aren't broken (which includes keeping everyone in character). That is it! I DARE you writers to take me up on it.
I challenge YOU to the Emilio Challenge!