Chapter 6: Toil and Trouble

A/N Hello everyone again. Amberfox and Lyell, thanks for the second review. Appreciated that really. And special note to Cher Zephyris, happy birthday! And that Romanji written review… Now back to my story, note that this is a romance story, not some action adventure-fighting novel. So, this chapter (warning) is all about the trouble that's coming on, it may be a little crappy, but let's just say that it's a major part of the chronic trouble that stirs in the ninja world. My advice is that just take this chapter as background information (if you find it horrible because my fighting skills sucked). So expect a fast-paced chapter. But keep your reviews coming. Thanks. Somehow I feel that having Raiin in this story seems to be kind of irritating, especially to Naruto fans who have been watching the manga or anime for a long time, suddenly our pink-haired kunoichi is being replaced by a raven-haired, busy-body, annoying scroll wielder. Anyhow, she's just a side character who pops out of nowhere to clear things up. Cleaner, no doubt. So just bear with her appearance in the story. Focus your attention on Temari and Shikamaru.

Disclaimer: I just realize that I forgot to put this all the while… silly me. Ok, everything else doesn't belong to me except Raiin and Regan, and of course the story line… just the story line. Fine. Parts of the story line.

Credit: a big credit to Twilight-staruby. Thanks for helping me edit this chapter; your writing skills rock totally. And thanks for your support throughout my time in fanfiction.

Clouds are free; skies are of a clear blue. There was not a single sign of rain for the whole week, not a hint of dark clouds, no sign of an impending storm. This came as good news to the ever-vigilant cloud-watchers.

Tsunade sat before her desk that day, Shizune was out, Ino was tending to her mother's flower shop, Chouji was, as usual, busy eating, Kiba was out with his team on a mission while Naruto and his team were training on that day itself. The Hokage flipped through the news and reached out for her tea. Once again, the cup cracked before she had even touched it.

Trouble… she thought to herself. She looked into the sky, only to find that it was clear. No hint of a storm. Yet that worried her more than it comforted her. For it was often said that peace would come before a violent storm…

Shikamaru and Temari were back at their special spot that day as was their habit, gazing at the clouds and conversing about anything that came to mind. It had been a while since the two had had any time alone because of the fact that Shikamaru had several missions during the week and had to leave Temari alone in the village.

Now that Temari's friend Raiin was gone, she wandered the streets alone, occasionally going out with Ino or to visit the Fifth. Kunoichis in the village were quite rare, and the only ones she knew were Raiin, Ino, Tenten and Hinata, all of whom were either busy or absent. Tenten had gone on journey with Neji, leaving Gai-sensei and Lee to do missions by themselves, which they gladly took to. Hinata had begun her training with her father soon after Neji had left. There were just not many people Temari could get to whenever she felt the need to talk to someone.

Shikamaru, after his missions would always go straight to their special spot, where Temari would be waiting for him. Then the two would gaze at clouds together, talk about everything and anything under the sun or play shogi. Shikamaru never kept his word on letting her win in the games. Every time Temari forced him into a difficult situation, he'll resume his thinking pose and think up of a perfect strategy to win the game. Temari doesn't mind being defeated; it just showed her that he's a sturdy and reliable partner. Though he was not keeping his word, it was understood that he would lose himself completely when he played.

They were happy together, which was what really counts when everything comes down to it and were occasionally being teased by their peers about their 'lovey-dovey' behavior to one another. Being together did wonders for them, so it would seem. Temari had changed a lot since her arrival; she became gentler and less prone to sarcasm. Shikamaru became more protective and participative. They look a lot like a loving couple, walking hand in hand on streets and doing everything together.

Yet their love was about to undergo a challenging test lying ahead, which would really test their limits and love for one another.

"Nade?" Temari exclaimed with shock as she stood in front of the fifth's desk. "Gaara wa…"

"Yes, they have got him again." Tsunade sighed as she faced the Sand. The news had come as quickly as it had gone in the middle of the day. Shikamaru and his team were out on mission and so there were no one else there she can go to. Tsunade walked over to her and placed a hand on Temari's shoulder. "What will you do?"

"I'll go back and rescue my brother." Temari looked up with determination, the words coming without thinking.

"I see. I will respect your decision. You will go on first and when the first team of ninjas return, I'll send them over to your village immediately." Tsunade stopped, and then added, "Be careful."

"I will, and…" Temari stopped, unsure if she could say the next few words. What will Shikamaru say if she left without him knowing? She hated to have to do that to him.

"I know. I'll let him know as soon as possible." Tsunade gave her an assuring smile.

Temari bowed and left. She'll need to get back to the village of sand as soon as possible. Her mind wandered aimlessly as she was worried for her brother and the village, yet at the same time, for Shikamaru. If only she knew what to do…

A face flashed across her mind. Raiin, if only you could advise me now… She thought and prayed as she leaped from tree to tree, heading towards the village of sand. Her wits are not helping her to think of a proper plan, her mind being as confused as it is now.

Shikamaru...

"Ahh… mennokusen!" Raiin cried as she appeared in front of Lance at an outside seat of a café. That's troublesome!

"Sorry! But, hey, aren't you the one who's 'smart and logical'?" Lance smirked as he made quotation marks with his fingers. He had been waiting for her to arrive at the café in the city.

"Oh, so you are telling me that you are stupid and illogical? That's great to hear." Raiin said sarcastically, an identical smirk appearing on her face. She is now in Goldenrod City (Hehe, pokemon's city) with her apprentice, clearing up a mess created by another team of troublemakers. She reached out for Lance's cup of beverage, but before she even touched it, the cup cracked, sending the liquid it contained to burst out of it in a rush like a dam.

"Hey!" Lance exclaimed, reaching out for a napkin to stop the spilling. But Raiin wasn't listening. A feeling of unease came over her.

Raiin looked up to the sky and saw nothing but a vast blue and several scattered clouds. Nothing else. Her thoughts went back to the cup and the feeling of unease came back.

What's going on?

Tsunade groaned mentally as she broke the news to Shikamaru and his team. Shikamaru's tired face was filled with horror within seconds. His immediate reaction had been to leave for the village of Sand. Akatsuki would not spare her. He didn't know what he could do even if he went there; he wasn't strong enough to fight them. But he did know that he needed to protect her and be there with her no matter what.

"Yes, I'm sending you and Kakashi's team to the village now." Tsunade said seriously. Within a few more minutes, the two teams were gathered outside the village gates with their equipment all packed. Naruto had his face flushed with extreme fury, Sasuke was ready to explode, Kakashi and Asuma were as worried. Ino and Shikamaru had fear written on their faces as Tsunade stood before them, briefing them. Then after a salute, they took off. Shikamaru hoped to catch up with Temari on the way and prayed that she's fine.

They just got the chance to be together and he didn't want it to end like this. He did not blame her for leaving so soon, but he was worried for her. This is the first time he's been worried and terrified for someone, a woman. Someone he loved.

"Please, be safe. Be safe." Shikamaru chanted as he leaped from tree to tree. His mind was filled with blissful memories of him and Temari together and terror of their short yet beautiful relationship ending.

Ino just hoped that Kankuro was safe and not do anything stupid. Naruto wished he could tear Akatsuki apart. Sasuke was filled with anxiety at finally getting to finish his business with his brother. Kakashi and Asuma just hoped that in the end everything would turn out fine, as the last time they had a strong ally with them. They traveled fast and furious, and within two and a half days, they reached the village.

"What do you mean she's not here?" Shikamaru demanded as Baki, Temari and Kankuro's former teacher-in-charge came out to meet them. They were tired after speeding through the forests and lands. Shikamaru just got the news that Temari had traveled non-stop to get home.

"She and Kankuro took off to chase the team of three the moment she arrived." The sand teacher sighed. Shikamaru slump down onto the ground and Ino broke down. "Come into the village first… its already four days since it happened again."

"Iie, it won't be the same this time." Kakashi said.

"What do you mean?" Asuma asked him, with a horrified and puzzled look on his face.

Kakashi turned up to look in the direction of the sky and almost immediately, there was a loud explosion on the other side of the village. The ground shook violently and the ninjas sped across the village to where the blast came from. The village border was torn right through. The smoke cleared a little, a few figures stood.

Naruto gritted his teeth and muttered curses under his breath, Sasuke clenched his fists as his sharingan replaced his black eyes. The worry in Shikamaru's eyes turned into fury as they saw some of the Akatsuki members standing away from them, among them were Itachi and Kisame.

Temari and Kankuro had chased after the three Akatsuki ninjas across the land and into other regions secretly. Tired as they were, they could not just leave their brother in their hands again. So when they finally reached a plain outside of a city, they confronted Akatsuki. Being two versus three, Temari and Kankuro were at a great disadvantage. What is more, they are S-Ranked criminals. Temari opened her magnificent fan and Kankuro took out his puppets. Her mind automatically went to Shikamaru, hoping he would not come after her and get himself into danger. At the same time, she was wishing that he were here, as he'll know what to do. She was facing opponents stronger than herself, and she wonder if she would ever get the chance to see Shikamaru again and tell him that she love him. Tears started welling, but she held them back. She had to fight, if not, who knows if they would go after Konoha again and if so, Shikamaru would be in danger. She must protect the people precious to her. Right now, these people are her brothers and Shikamaru.

They were different enemies, Kankuro thought, but that doesn't mean they aren't like the one before. Kankuro cringed at that thought as he remembered the other time with the other Akatsuki puppeteer. Two of the cloaked figures came forward, and Temari and Kankuro braced themselves…

Little did they know that the strongest ally they can get at that moment is somewhere within two hundred steps away from them. They had traveled for so long and unknowingly that across the plain they are standing now would be somewhere called Goldenrod City...

Back in Konoha…

Tsunade was prepared for the worst. On her desk was a lottery ticket that read 'first prize'. There were no missions that day, for she didn't allow them, except for the Kakashi's and Asuma's teams. Jiraiya was in her office with her. The other ninja teams were situated outside on the plaza below the stone figures of the previous Hokages, be it Genins, Chuunins, tokubetsu Jounins, Jounins and Anbu. The entire population of ninjas was out on guard while the residents were safely hidden away. The same mistake won't be made again, history won't repeat itself, not with Tsunade-sama, the Fifth Hokage in charge. …

Then in the distance, another explosion was heard.

"Kita!" Tsunade stood up. They are here. Jiraiya nodded and the two disappeared from the room…

A/N, the naggy me again. Ok, I'm sorry! This chapter is so... (Sighs) anyway, I wish I could skip the fighting scenes. BUT! I'm putting this up for the reader's votes. So if you want to see fighting scenes please tell me so by putting it in your reviews. Also give me some ideas on how to fight and how you want to continue the story. (That time I wrote fighting scenes in my Master's tale, to me it's all right, but no one reviewed so...) Anyhow, I'm really sorry for this chapter. I'm really out of my mind. And also I copied some parts from the manga...