Raine in the Desert

by Hack Interrupted

Gaara finds the love of his life

3. Chapter 3

1

Gaara washed Raine's blood off his hands and brought himself under control. He dressed quickly and he and Temari hurried to the hospital. Kankuro was waiting for them outside of Raine's room. Tsunade and Shizune were already in with Raine. "How is she?" Gaara asked hurrying to his brother.

Kankuro thought Gaara looked a little sick. "It's okay, she was treated in time. Raine is going to be alright."

A long relieved sigh worked its way out of Gaara. She's going to be alright.

"Does anyone understand… why she did it?" Temari had her suspicions.

Kankuro shook his head. "ANBU is combing the area all around the room. If someone was there tonight, they'll find out who it was."

"Raine said something to Gaara about a red eyed man," Temari informed.

"She saw someone?" Kankuro was certainly hoping that it hadn't been mouse and for a frighteningly long moment, Gaara that had done this to her. Seeing Gaara devastated like this he wondered how he could have thought his brother would do such a thing.

Gaara shook his head. "I don't know." He straightened and his hand curled into a fist. "But I can't wait to find out. Whoever is responsible for this will die."

The door to Raine's room opened and Tsunade stepped out. Gaara moved her way and she closed the door. "Let them finish before you go in Gaara."

"Is Raine alright?"

"Raine is going to be just fine but she needs to rest." She watched the young man struggling with his emotions. "Tell me what happened."

Gaara told Tsunade everything he could remember in as much detail as he could. He had to agree with his sister. "Raine wouldn't do something like this on her own. She hates violence, it goes against her nature. I think she was being controlled."

Tsunade nodded. Genjutsu and red eyes ne? Something smells like snake. "Raine should probably remain in the hospital for a few days. I'll station guards; I'll make sure that she's safe. When she comes around we'll see if she can remember anything."

Leave her here for a few days? Gaara massaged at his temple. "Yes of course."

She could tell Gaara was distressed, probably rippin pissed. Tsunade rested a hand on his shoulder. "She's going to be alright Gaara and we'll find out what really happened."

He put on a calm face for Tsunade and nodded at her. "Thank you."

The door to Raine's room opened again. Shizune stepped out. "They've finished with her. She's resting comfortably now."

"Can I see her?" Gaara asked hopeful.

Shizune tried to smile at the kazekage. "Sure, just try not to wake her. She really needs her rest. Her body has been repaired but it's an exhausting process."

Gaara nodded in understanding and hurried past Shizune into Raine's room without ever looking back. Temari turned to Kankuro first. "Stay with Gaara." She focused on Tsunade next. "I'd like to see the file on Uchiha Sasuke."

Kankuro frowned at his sister. "Sasuke?"

"Raine said red eyes. She could have meant the Sharingan. Sasuke hates Gaara, baby brother made a fool of him. He's a twisted fuck that would enjoy seeing Gaara suffer."

Tsunade had to agree. "Let's go back to my office."

Gaara stood back watching his love sleep as the two med nin finished making their notes. When they finally went out Gaara dragged a chair to her bedside to sit with her. He held her hand staring down at her. Gaara was heartsick and furious. "Don't worry baby," he whispered to her. "It's going to be okay. I'll protect you."

Kankuro came in quietly and stood by the door. "Gaara?"

He took a deep breath and let it out in a tired sigh. "It's alright Kankuro."

"Temari has gone with Tsunade. They're getting some pictures together to show to Raine. Hopefully she'll be able to recognize who did this." It made his stomach hurt when he thought back to the sight of his brother pulling the knife from mouse's chest.

Gaara nodded. He already had an idea who was responsible for this horror. "I think Uchiha Sasuke is responsible for this." He looked over at Kankuro's frown. "Does that surprise you?"

Unfortunately it didn't. "No."

"He hates me almost as much as he hates Naruto. He couldn't make a move while we were in Sand so he used the crowds and confusion of the tournament to get close to Raine." Gaara shook his head. "I never should have let her out of my sight."

"Don't you start blaming yourself for this shit Gaara."

"Why not, it is my fault. I paraded her out in front of everyone and then left her alone. I made her a target. I should have had ANBU watching her. My heart, my confidence got in the way of logical thinking. I just assumed I could protect her."

Kankuro stepped forward. Gaara had a point but, "Don't say that Gaara. Of course you can protect Raine."

"But I couldn't. She was two feet in front of me and I …" he shook his head fighting the miserable tears that wanted flow. "I could do nothing for her."

"This took us all by surprise, not just you. I understand you're upset but don't blame yourself. She wouldn't want that." He moved to the foot of the bed and looked down at his sleeping little mouse. "I'll guard mouse with my life."

"I know. Thank you Kankuro."

"You aint the only one who loves her. Mouse has become like a sister to me and to Temari too."

Gaara swallowed the lump in his throat and tried to smile. "I'm glad." He reached up and stroked her cheek.

"We'll all protect little mouse; and if Uchiha Sasuke is behind this…"

"I'll kill him," Gaara finished for his brother.

By the time the sun came up Tsunade had put her ninja on priority alert. Gai had the sad task of going to wake his adorable Lee to the horrifying news. Lee came to his door tiredly rubbing his eye. "Gai sensei, so early. What is it?"

"Please hurry Lee, there has been an incident. It's Gaara's bride."

"Raine?" Lee felt his knees weaken.

"She's in the hospital under guard. I'll explaine everything but please hurry."

While Gai and Lee were rushing to the hospital Kakashi went to fetch Naruto. His heart was heavy; Kakashi thought this was Sasuke's doing. His former student had been spitefully jealous of the sand ninja. It was likely the kage's bride had tried to kill herself so Sasuke could enjoy Gaara's suffering over his loss. It was sick, but Sasuke had been tainted by Orochimaru over the years. He had become an enemy ninja.

Naruto knew the minute Kakashi told him what had happened. Red eyes. "Sasuke," he growled feeling his blood run cold in his veins.

"Go to Gaara. He needs his friends around him now."

Gaara sat in his chair by Raine's bed and Kankuro took a seat by the door. Kankuro slept for a few hours and Gaara dozed in and out as the sun came up. He detected her breathing change and Gaara snapped awake. Raine was waking up. She stirred and her eyes fluttered open. "Raine?"

She was groggy and her body felt tingly. "Gaara," blinked at him. All at once her memories rushed up to the forefront of her mind. She sat up with wide eyes looking him over. "Are you alright!"

He grabbed her and hugged her tightly to him. Again Gaara was fighting his tears. "I was so worried about you."

She hugged him back with hands that shook. "I was… I was going to kill you!" Raine burst into tears.

Gaara squeezed his eyes tightly shut. No no no! He heard Kankuro shift in his seat. Big brother was awake. "Tell me why you hurt yourself Raine," Gaara tried to stay calm.

Raine didn't understand it all herself but now that the deed was done she could remember everything. "The dark man at the tournament. He told me to kill you…to stick a kunai in your…heart. He said if I can't kill you then kill myself." She thought about the feel of the kunai in her hand. "I… I couldn't stop Gaara."

He held her as she cried harder squeezing handfuls of his coat. "It's okay baby it wasn't your fault." He kissed the top of her head. He peeked over at Kankuro; he was watching them with a miserable look on his face. Gaara gave her a minute to let some of her sorrow out and then he pulled her in front of him. It killed him to see her cry like this. "Raine, the dark man; do you know who he was?"

She shook her head negative. "No, I don't know who he was I had never seen him before." Raine sniffed back her sobs. "But he knew you. He said he wants you to suffer and die." Telling him that last bit was too much for her. She threw herself against Gaara.

Gaara hugged her rubbing at her back soothingly. Kankuro stood hearing familiar voices outside in the hall. "Gaara, it sounds like Lee and Naruto are here."

"Give us a minute." Kankuro got up and went out so Gaara could try to calm his woman. He took her tear streaked face in his hands and started into her eyes. "It's okay, you're okay." Gaara kissed her and Raine stopped crying.

"That man wants to hurt you," she tried not to sob.

He smiled at her. "No one is going to hurt me Raine. No one is going to hurt you either. I'll make sure that someone is watching you at all times from now on. You'll be safe."

She was almost back under control. She reached for the hands on her face staring up into Gaara's eyes. She had never seen him more worried. "Gaara, I'm so glad you're alright." He hugged her again and Gaara kissed her.

When he had her settled Gaara went to the door. Lee and Naruto stood by Kankuro, Temari stood with Tsunade and Sakura. Sakura had a stack of files in her hand. The one on top was tagged Uchiha Sasuke. Gaara thought Sakura looked pissed.

Lee stepped forward. "Gaara, is she alright?"

He nodded. "Raine is okay." He looked at hokage. "You can get a statement now."

"Gaara," Naruto came forward.

Gaara knew what Naruto wanted to ask. "One thing at a time Naruto." He turned and went back into Raine's room.

Temari hurried in behind Gaara and to her friend in bed. She hugged her hard. "I'm so glad you're okay mouse."

Raine squeezed her sister to be. If she had to have someone watching her from now on when she wasn't with Gaara she wanted it to be Temari. "Sorry for making you worry."

Tsunade came to Raine's bed side. Temari moved and Tsunade checked Raine's pulse and eyes. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"A little shaky, but okay," she admitted quietly.

The hokage smiled. "I'll get you a valume." She turned toward Sakura with her hand out. "Leave those and find her attending. Let's see if we can't get this girl a happy pill ne?" Sakura handed over the files and went out. Tsunade looked back at Raine. "I'd like to show you some photographs Raine to see if we can find out who the bad guy is okay?"

Her eyes went to the folders the hokage was holding. "Alright." Raine wanted whoever it was that wanted to hurt her love found out and caught. Tsunade sat down on the bed with her while the others looked on quietly. She thought about greeting Lee and Naruto, but it seemed inappropriate. This is ninja business.

Tsunade opened Sasuke's folder. His file photo was paper clipped to the top sheet. "Do you recognize this man?" Tsunade held out the folder to Raine.

She saw his picture and drew her hand back quick. She didn't even want to touch the file hokage was trying to pass her. "That's him!" she gasped. Gaara was beside her in an instant and she felt his arm around her.

"Uchiha Sasuke," Gaara sighed. I knew it.

Naruto's fists tightened at his genie friend's reaction to Sasuke's photo. "Kuso."

Tsunade closed the folder and moved it away. "You're sure this is the man?"

"Yes it's him, but his eyes were red."

"Sasuke used his Sharingan on her," Naruto growled disgusted.

Raine clung to Gaara. "What does Naruto mean?"

"It means he tricked you," Gaara rubbed at her arm. "He caught you with his eyes and manipulated your mind using genjutsu."

She lifted her eyes to Naruto. Raine thought he looked pretty mad. "He hates you too, this Sasuke person."

Naruto swallowed hard. "Yeah I know."

Tsunade needed information fast. "Can you tell me everything you remember about your encounter with Uchiha Sasuke?" Raine did. Sasuke seemed to be moving on his own. He had lured her to him using the guise of a cripple. When Raine came to help him, Sasuke made his move. He wanted her to kill Gaara in his sleep with a kunai. He had a contingency plan in case the woman was unable to see his orders through; kill herself. If Gaara couldn't be dead, he could be suffering.

Tsunade took it all in and headed for the door. She would inform ANBU to look for the Uchiha and put Konoha under lock down. Everyone in or out of the village would be checked out. Just because Sasuke had approached Raine alone, it didn't mean he was. There were likely other Sound ninja with him; maybe even Orochimaru.

"Do you think he's still here?" Temari asked before Tsunade could leave.

"I do," Naruto answered. "Sasuke is sitting back somewhere laughing at us."

So is Orochimaru. Tsunade frowned at the thought of him. "I think Konoha was chosen specifically as the staging point for this attack."

"The tournament?" Kankuro thought aloud.

"The commotion of the tournament defiantly made it easier. It would have been quite dramatic had the kazekage been murdered here with a ninja weapon. Such a thing would send a ripple throughout the noble class. It could set wind and fire against each other."

Naruto grit his teeth. He could care less about the political aspect of it all. "Oh yeah? Well what about Raine? What about her death?"

Lee answered him. "It would still leave the ninja of Konoha under suspicion and," he looked at his friend holding his bride. "Gaara would be distracted. The kazekage would be in no condition to fight."

"Sasuke wants a fight ne?" Naruto was burning up inside. He thought Gaara would be more then just distracted if he lost his woman.

"We can't rule that out, but whatever Sasuke's objective is we are still allies of the Sand." Tsunade replied. "I'll secure the village now." It meant some hassle for the lords leaving post tournament, but she didn't care. If Uchiha Sasuke or Orochimaru was lurking about, Tsunade wanted them found. She went out leaving Raine in the care of family and friends.

Gaara cut his eyes up to Naruto. "I'll kill him for this you know."

Raine gasped, "Gaara!" she tugged at him.

"I can't let this sick deed go unpunished Raine."

Gaara had come a long way away from a haunting past. "You aren't a murderer," she reminded her love.

Yes, I am. "Alright Raine," he lied. "Whatever you want." Gaara hugged her but his eyes went back to Naruto. I'm going to kill Uchiha Sasuke this time.

Naruto nodded. There was no choice but to find and face Sasuke. His former team mate would have been happy to see Raine die, Naruto just couldn't accept that. I don't care why you did what you did Sasuke! I'll make you pay for this. I'll stop you from ever hurting the innocent again. "I'll find him. He probably wants me to."

"I'll search with you." Lee suspected Sasuke's attack on Raine was likely part of a much larger scheme. Tsunade will send ANBU to Sand. I hope the village is alright with Gaara away. "Sasuke has probably already laid a trap for us."

And he used her as the bait. Naruto's eyes went to the pretty genie lady snuggled against Gaara. Gaara's eyes burned with hate and fury. Bastard, she can't fight! She can't even watch a fight! "If Sasuke wants a fight I'll give him one." Naruto couldn't look at Gaara anymore. He turned and went out.

"Please get well soon Raine san," Lee bowed quickly and hurried after Naruto.

"I'm going too," Kankuro headed for the door.

Temari started to follow and Gaara stopped her, "Temari."

She looked at her younger brother as her elder went out. "What is it Gaara?"

"I want you to stay with Raine."

"No!" Raine immediately protested. She was sure Gaara was going to leave her and head into danger. "Gaara don't leave me!"

Gaara's hands closed over the fists that clenched his jacket. "It's alright Raine; I just need to take care of a few things." He wasn't sure which was worse, seeing her like this or lying to her. "I won't be gone long."

Raine frowned. "Gaara, don't go."

He kissed her lips and put on his best smile. "I have to talk to Tsunade." I'm lying right to her with a smile on my face damnit.

Raine sighed and tried to relax. "Be back soon?"

"Definitely." Gaara kissed her again and got up. He went to the door taking one last look at his sister. "Take good care of Raine." Gaara went out.

Temari looked from the door to Raine hiding her understanding and feelings. She was positive that Gaara and his friends were going after the Uchiha. She smiled a little at Raine stepping over to Gaara's seat by the bed. They can find Sasuke and when they do there is no way they will lose.

Gaara met up with his brother out in front of the hospital. Naruto and Lee had also been waiting for him. "Let's go get Neji," Naruto suggested.

"And Kiba," Kankuro knew his buddy's sense of smell was the best. Akamaru would track Sasuke down with a quickness.

"We'll meet back at here in twenty," Gaara ordered. Naruto and Lee vanished in a blur going after Neji; Gaara followed Kankuro to his ninken using friend. Neji's eyes, Kiba and Akamaru's nose and tracking abilities, my Kankuro and Naruto's desire for revenge. Sasuke, you're one dead mother fucker.

Sasuke had already left the village, but that didn't leave him ignorant to the happenings in Konoha as a new day came upon them all. Sabaku no Gara and his wife to be were both still very much alive. Sasuke smiled anyway; he had caused the sand ninja a great deal of grief. Suffer you bastard and then die.

Naruto, on the other hand, was different. You can just perish. Sasuke chuckled and leaned back against the tree he stood in. They could both come to him as far as Sasuke was concerned. Bring all your friends. I'll kill them first and make you watch.

Kiba sniffed at the pillow sheet from Uchiha Sasuke's bed and then shoved it under Akamaru's nose. The scent was faint, but still there. The ninja was already sniffing the air. "Get him Akamaru." His dog responded almost instantly turning them north. Akamaru barked and took off with Kiba on his back. "This way!" The other ninja followed them out of the village and into the woods.

Naruto dashed through the trees beside Gaara. "We're probably giving Sasuke just what he wants."

"I don't give a fuck what that sick piece of shit wants," Gaara answered honestly. "I'll kill him for what he's done to Raine."

He looked at his friend, studying him. Sasuke used Gaara's heart; he used love against him. What if he went after Sakura to get to me? He clenched his teeth. It was better to end this now before it came to that. Naruto had no desire to experience Gaara's anguish. He was hurting enough over the darling genie's condition. "Is she gonna be okay?"

"I left Temari with her. Raine is safe." Gaara was confident in his sister's abilities. She was an excellent ninja.

He was sure that Raine was in safe hands, but that wasn't quite what he meant. "You didn't tell her you were looking for a fight."

Gaara was protective. "She doesn't need to know about this."

"Don't crawl back to her with your ass kicked," Naruto warned.

"I don't intend to." Gaara picked up speed and got closer to Kiba. "Where is he?"

Raine had talked Temari into going back to the suite for clothes. Raine hated the hospital nightgown, it left her feeling exposed. She went to the window and looked out. In the tree by her window was a man in a mask. It's the ANBU guys. She shrunk back from the window knowing what that meant. This is… really bad. "Gaara…" He still wasn't back yet and Raine was getting nervous. She wondered what he could be talking to the hokage about. Perhaps there was other trouble here in Konoha or maybe even in Sand. "Please hurry back to me."

The sun climbed higher into the sky. Akamaru kept them on a northward heading. The party had stopped briefly to rest and re hydrate when the dog started to growl. "What is it Akamaru?"

Kiba's question was answered with a sinister laugh. It seemed to come from all around them. "Sasuke," Naruto recognized at once.

"How's your girlfriend Gaara?" Sasuke's voice asked from everywhere.

"You miserable bastard!" Gaara straightened looking into the woods. "Show yourself coward!"

"Byakugan!" Neji searched the trees all around them.

Again Sasuke laughed. Unnerving Gaara was going to be easier then Sasuke suspected it would be. "She's very pretty Gaara," he tormented. "I think I'll go back for her after I kill you." His laughter rang through the forest. "I'm willing to bet your little slave girl is a real slut between the sheets ne?"

"Sasuke!" Gaara growled. He tried to curb his fury. "I'll kill you!"

"Take it easy," Kankuro slapped a hand on his brother's shoulder. "He's trying to break your concentration. Think clearly damnit!"

Naruto answered his old friend. "I won't let you lay a finger on Raine you bastard! She's just an innocent bystander," his eyes darted left and then right. "What the hell do you want Sasuke?"

"Like I would tell you." The ninja that had come to him were in a tizzy. He tried to push the sand ninja over the edge, to consume him in blind rage. "Tell me Gaara, does your bitch give good head?" Sasuke laughed. "Never mind, it will be more fun to find out for myself after I kill your bitch sister."

Kankuro stepped forward and Gaara released the sand in his gourd. "You wanna fight me motherfucker? Come on! I won't let you leave here alive!"

A sinister laugh echoed around his enemies. "It is you that won't leave this place alive Sabaku no Gaara. I want you to die knowing that your common little bitch will be my whore until the very minute I decide to kill her." Sasuke laughed again. "Don't worry, I'll show her true pleasure before she dies."

"You son of a bitch," Gaara snarled. "Face me you bastard!"

"Sasuke! Show yourself!" Naruto had enough playing around. He was ready to fight.

Neji found something ahead of them "He's not alone. There are three others with him."

Kankuro followed Neji's eyes. And he knows Temari is with Raine ne? He's been sitting back watching the show. Kankuro grit his teeth. "Brought some friends with you ne coward?"

"I can't help it if I have a following," Sasuke chortled. "I'm just so cool."

Kiba spoke low and slowly to the sand ninja flanking him. "We're going to have to break up their little party. Get those other guys out of the way and then take care of Sasuke." Akamaru growled in agreement.

"Kankuro, Kiba," Gaara was working on a strategy. "Push Sasuke's team toward Neji and Lee. Naruto and I will cut Sasuke away from the group." Gaara cut his eyes over to Neji. "Kill them all."

Neji frowned a little. "No Sound ninja is leaving here alive."

Sasuke… "Let's do this shit." Naruto brought his hands up in front of him. "Taju Kage Bushin no Jutsu!"

Gaara had been gone for hours. Morning had come and gone and now afternoon was growing old. Raine was stuck in her room under Temari's watchful eye. "Can't we go to hokage's place?" Raine asked again. "I want to see Gaara."

"You know you have to stay here. Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be back soon," Temari tried to be reassuring. Mouse looked a little groggy. Tsunade saw to it that she was medicinally relaxed. Have they caught up to Sasuke yet I wonder? Did he get away?

She frowned at her future sister in law. "He isn't there is he? Gaara has gone after that Sasuke person. He's gone off to fight with him!"

Mouse looked upset, worried about Gaara. If she wasn't so stoned she would probably be freaking out. "It's alright mouse. Gaara can take care of himself; besides, he's not alone."

Raine sagged a little. Kankuro Naruto and Lee had all gone with Gaara. "So he has gone off to fight. Why didn't he tell me?"

"Gaara doesn't want you to worry about him."

"But I do worry about him! Why must he fight!" Sasuke wants to hurt Gaara, he wants to kill him and Naruto too!

"Because he loves you." Temari sat down on the foot of the bed. She fixed her eyes on Raine regarding her patiently. "Gaara will avenge you Raine because he loves you. He won't let anyone get away with hurting you."

She felt like she wanted to cry. "But I don't want him to fight. Sasuke is scary."

Temari laughed a little. "Battle is part of a ninja's life. Gaara is a pro. You have nothing to worry about. I'm sure they'll be back soon." She had every confidence in her brothers and the ninja they took with them. Finish it Gaara and hurry back.

With it possible that Hidden Sound was making a move against Sand and Konoha, Tsunade dispatched an ANBU team to go on ahead to Sand and apprise their ANBU unit of what was happening in the land of the leaf. The kazekage had been the primary target, but the assassination attempt on Gaara had failed. With their kage away, Sand was more vulnerable to attack.

Tsunade suspected that Sasuke Orochimaru was using Gaara's bride as some sort of bait to draw Gaara, and probably Naruto as well, into a trap. Keeping Gaara occupied here in fire country while Sound moves against the Sand? The hokage had to prepare for the worst. She had to alert two hidden villages and move her jonin. She summoned Kakashi and Gai; Tsunade ordered them to catch up to the party that went searching for Sasuke and bring them back to the village immediately. Sand was likely going to need their kage.

The battle raged on in the northern forest. Cutting Sasuke away from his flunkies was proving difficult. Kiba and Kankuro worked together to separate one ninja from the herd. Neji jumped in front of the target and disabled his chakra circulatory system with a sixty four palm strike. Kankuro's puppet came up behind the crippled ninja and ended him in a spray of blood.

Lee aggressively pursued another one of the Sound ninja into a trap. A well timed Gatsuga cut the ninja off from Sasuke. Akamaru Kiba and Kankuro cornered the one Lee was after and Lee took him down quickly. When the chunin didn't finish him off, Neji did. He flung three shuriken into the sound ninja's throat severing his jugular vein.

Two down, two to go. Gaara stayed alert. The ninja staying close to Sasuke specialized in the use of explosives. Bombs seemed to go off everywhere all at once. I have to cripple his hands. The Sound ninja was fast and agile; it was going to have to be a team effort to corner him. "Kankuro!" Gaara called for his brother.

Kankuro and Kiba dodged falling tree limbs. The air was thick with black acrid smoke. "Kiba cut that bomb bastard off to the right!"

"Let's go Akamaru!" Kiba and his faithful dog lined up to drive the last of Sasuke's flunkies away from him. "Gattsuga!"

Sasuke jumped left taking out three of Naruto's clones; the other Sound ninja dodged right. Gaara's sand was waiting to trip him up and he slid backwards into Kankuro's trapping puppet Kuroari. "I've got you now you son of a…" but Kankuro had no time to finish his sentence let alone finish the ninja off. His puppet exploded from the inside out sending shrapnel everywhere. Kiba was hit in the thigh and a piece of Kuroari embedded itself in Kankuro's shoulder.

"Die!" Gaara's sand enveloped the bomber. Before he could try and escape from the sand Gaara pushed his palm forward, "Sabaku soso!"

Sasuke dispatched three more clones. "Kuso," he spit. All of his attendants had been killed. "Alright then, let's get this over; you're all going to die." He called forth the power of Orochimaru's seal.

And now it's just "Sasuke!" Gaara hurried to catch up to Naruto as he chased the traitor through the woods.

Naruto saw the change in his former friend ahead. Stage two huh? It won't matter this time Sasuke. I'm gonna kill you. I have to! Naruto roared like a monster drawing upon the power of the demon inside of him. "You won't get away from me this time!"

Kankuro tore the piece of his puppet from his flesh. He started after Gaara and Lee quickly got in his way. "Move!"

"Take a good look at Naruto," Lee advised. His friend was surrounded by red chakra and he was growing tails. "We cannot approach him in this state."

The sand ninja's eyes widened. "Is that…"

"He's drawing on the power of the nine tails," Neji answered. "He's already grown two tails and I don't think he's done yet."

Kankuro couldn't even see Gaara or Naruto anymore. They had vanished chasing the Uchiha. "What about Gaara?"

"Gaara already knows how to deal with the monster within," Lee had faith in his friend. "I'm sure that he'll be careful."

Kakashi summoned his dogs to find Naruto. Jiraiya's warning was ever present in Kakashi's mind. I can't let Naruto lose control. He could kill everyone around him; even threaten the safety of the village.

The ninken howled further to the north and Kakashi turned them that way. Above the treetops he could see smoke. The fight was already going on. "Let's hurry Gai."

Naruto Gaara frowned at the chakra surrounding his friend. He was running on all fours now and a third tail of chakra bloomed behind him. Is he still in control of himself? It likely didn't matter whether Naruto was still himself; either way he was still deadly to Sasuke. Sasuke has to be killed now.

Sasuke drew his victims to a more open area. He finished off Naruto's clones and turned to face the shinobi following him. Three tails, I have to kill him now. Gaara was ten paces behind Naruto. Sasuke had to decide which of them to end first. "Killing you will be easy now that there is no monster inside of you Sabaku no Gaara."

Gaara could sense that Naruto was about to go critical. He had assumed an attack posture growling and snarling at the Uchiha. "Don't you ever doubt that there's a monster inside of me." Sasuke's freakish new look wasn't enough to intimidate the kazekage. He sent his sand after the fiend.

Even without the power of the Shaukaku Gaara still had amazing control over the sand. Naruto was charging at him, the kyuubi was poised to take control. "I have no intention of dieing here. I will kill you both!" Sasuke met Naruto head on and they clashed.

The force of their colliding chakra blew Gaara's sand all around. If I can hold him Naruto can kill him! Gaara just hoped that after Sasuke was dead Naruto would return to his senses. He braced himself against the flowing and building energy the two fighters were emitting. His sand raced after Sasuke. "Kill him Naruto!"

He has got to go. Sasuke leapt high into the air to avoid Gaara's sand. He threw Naruto at him hard and the Sand ninja caught him in a pillow of sand. It only took Sasuke the bat of an eyelash to be in front of Gaara. The kazekage's eyes widened in surprise. "Yeah I'm that fast." He hit Gaara before his sand could move to protect him. Gaara flew into the air and Sasuke went after him. Below them Naruto was scrambling to all fours.

This fuckin move. Gaara had seen this taijutsu before. Only now the prick is stronger and faster. There was no time for anything other then the armor of sand. You son of a bitch Sasuke. When I get up I'm going to kill you! Gaara braced for the lion combo.

Sasuke kept Naruto in his sights as he pounded Gaara back toward the earth. There was good news and bad news. The good news was Naruto was going to pounce; Sasuke could slam Gaara into him and drop them both from the sky. The bad news a fourth tail. Shit, is it already too late to kill him? Sasuke grit his teeth and slammed his heel down on Gaara.

Gaara wasn't being too badly damaged; he kept his eyes on the weird hands that had sprouted from Sasuke's back. A second later Sasuke was moving higher and Gaara crashed into something hard. He and Naruto started to fall. Gaara felt Naruto's claws digging into him. The nine tails chakra pushed the armor of sand away as if it were nothing. His long nails dug in deeper drawing blood. Gaara cut his eyes over to his friend. Oh shit… "Naruto!"

Sasuke smiled down at the display. "Go on Naruto, kill him. You hate Gaara as much as I do. He has everything that you want; it was handed right to him."

Gaara's sand stopped their fall and Naruto's claws dug in deeper. Gaara's eyes went to Sasuke but he could hear Naruto growling in his ear. "Fuck you Uchiha."

That's right Gaara, look at me. Look me in the eye. "You can't trust the Sand Naruto. Gaara tried to kill Sakura, did you forget that?" Sasuke caught Gaara with his Sharingan. Its payback time you little fuck. Three seconds later Sasuke was grinning.

The battle ceased and for three days Gaara was in hell. When he could finally breathe and feel pain in his arms, he fell to his knees in the sand. Gaara raised his shaking hands in front of him and looked for the blood. There was blood running down his arm, but it was his own. There was something snarling behind him. What the…

Sasuke laughed. "You don't look so good Gaara. Kill him Naruto. End his suffering once and for all. They'll make you hokage. You can even have his woman."

He wasn't really sure what was going on but Gaara thought he might be about to die. That was alright, death would be a welcome rest after what he had seen. What I did… He felt Naruto grab him and lift him off the sand.

"Yes, that's it. Kill the kazekage Naruto." Sasuke was delighted.

Naruto's grip on Gaara tightened for a moment and then he threw the ninja as far and hard as he could. "S…Sasuke!" Naruto charged Sasuke.

Sasuke didn't bother worrying about where Gaara landed. He wasn't dead, but he was out of the fight. Naruto came at him with incredible speed and power. It took increasing effort to fight Naruto off. They clashed violently smashing their way through the treetops. They hit the ground and it became a test of power. Sasuke pushed hard with his chakra.

Gai and Kakashi reached the others that had left in search of Sasuke. Kankuro and Kiba were wounded, but it wasn't anything serious. "Where is Naruto?" Kakashi asked.

As if an answer to his question there was a huge explosion in the forest. The shockwave stirred the leaves all around them. "Gaara!" Kankuro started forward.

"Gaara and Naruto went that way," Neji was quick to inform. "They went after Sasuke. Naruto was already releasing the power of the nine tails."

Kakashi stared off in the direction of the explosion. Then that was… "Stay here," Kakashi headed out on his own. He would deal with his students personally.

"We have eliminated the three Sound ninja that were with Uchiha Sasuke," Neji told Gai. "We were unable to obtain any information from any of them."

Gai nodded and turned to Kankuro. "Tsunade sama wishes to see you and Gaara. She has sent an ANBU unit on to Sand to inform them what has happened here and to put them on alert for enemy ninja activity."

Kankuro leveled his eyes at Gai. "Sound is making some kind of move against the Sand? An attack while Gaara is away."

"Gaara was the primary target of the assassination."

Kankuro looked off in the direction Kakashi had disappeared. Sasuke better be dead. Hurry up Gaara and don't get your ass killed!

Raine was sleepy. She had taken another little yellow pill with dinner. Temari had coaxed her into lying down. "Where is he? I want to see Gaara."

She felt sorry for mouse. Gaara and Kankuro were sure taking their sweet time. They can't still be tailing Sasuke can they? Did he make a run for it? Is he on his way back to Sound? Tsunade had dropped by for a chat with Temari earlier. Sakura sat with Raine and the hokage took Temari into the hall. She was worried Sand could be in trouble. "He's probably stuck in a meeting. I'm sure he's trying to get back."

Kakashi saw Gaara first. He was tangled in some dead fall covered in sand at the edge of an enormous blast clearing. Kakashi hurried to him and pulled him to level ground. "Gaara, can you hear me?" he checked the kazekage over. There were claw marks on his arms. "Naruto, did you do this?" Kakashi pried one of Gaara's eyelids open. His eyes were rolled back showing all white. Shit genjutsu!

Kakashi uncovered his Sharingan and looked over the blast clearing. He found Naruto lying lifelessly in the middle of it all. "Naruto!" Gaara was fucked up, but he wasn't dieing. Kakashi sprinted to Naruto and rolled him over onto his back. His eyes were wide open and vacant. "Oi Naruto!" Kakashi slapped at his cheek.

It's Kakashi sensei. Oi sensei where is "Sasuke…"

Kakashi looked and listened. There was no sign of him anywhere. "He isn't here."

Shit he got away again. "Almost…had him…"

His student looked roughed up and sounded out of it. Kakashi swallowed hard. "Naruto, what happened to Gaara?"

Gaara? "Is he missing too?"

It's just as Jiraiya said, he doesn't remember. "Gaara is right over there. Did he fight Sasuke with you?"

Naruto blinked at Kakashi. "I…I think so." What happened? How did I get knocked out this time?

There would be time for more questions later; after Kakashi had these two checked out at the hospital. "We're going Naruto." Kakashi tucked Naruto under one arm and threw Gaara over his shoulder. He moved quickly to meet up with the others.

Lee and Gai saw them coming first. "Gaara!" Kankuro yelled.

Gai met Kakashi and took Gaara from him. "What happened Kakashi?"

"Later Gai, lets get these two to the hospital. Lee please go on ahead of us and ask Tsunade to meet us."

Kankuro stepped forward. "What's wrong with Gaara? Where's the Uchiha!"

"We'll talk on the way," Kakashi was firm. "Let's go."

Lee ran all the way to hokage's place at top speed. He had her waiting for the others at the hospital when they arrived. Naruto was mostly unharmed, but he was seemingly depleted of chakra. He was sedated and moved up to a room down the hall from the sleeping Raine. Kiba and Kankuro were seen through the ER, treated quickly and released. Gaara was moved to a private room where Tsunade could dispel Sasuke's genjutsu. Hopefully the kazekage could answer a few questions for them.

Shikamaru and Choji sat with Raine so that Temari could be with her brothers. She joined the other jonin in Gaara's room watching the hokage work her medical miracles. Tsunade rested her hand on Gaara's forehead and passed her chakra into his brain. A moment later Gaara stirred and Tsunade stepped back. "Gaara?"

Temari? Gaara opened his eyes and found his sister. He sat up blinking at his surroundings. "Naruto?"

"Naruto is alright," Tsunade assured him.

Kakashi had to be sure. "The genjutsu Sasuke used?"

Gaara shook his head. He knew what the ninja meant. "Yes, he's like Itachi now." Gaara's hand tightened into a fist. He noticed his arm didn't hurt; the claw marks had been healed. He almost drove me insane. It was all so real. He swallowed hard and looked at the siblings Sasuke made Gaara murder over and over again in hell. "Is everyone else alright?"

"We've been fixed up. Can you tell us what happened Gaara? Did Sasuke say anything?" Kankuro was worried about Sand.

"Tsunade has dispatched an ANBU unit to Sand, but I think it might be a good idea to get back home," Temari added.

Gaara frowned. "So Sound has declared war on Sand have they?"

Temari put a hand on her hip. "They tried to assassinate the kazekage. They wanted you killed in Konoha with a ninja weapon…"

"Sasuke tried to get Naruto to kill me," Gaara cut her off. "They're trying to break the alliance between our villages."

Tsunade nodded. "It's likely that Orochimaru is seeking his revenge against Sand. Killing you won't be enough for him. He is probably moving to attack Sand."

"The destruction of Sand," Kankuro fumed quietly. "We have to get home."

Gaara's nineteenth nervous breakdown was just going to have to wait. He had a village to defend. There was no time to be lying around. "Get our things together."

"Gaara," Tsunade caught him before he could get up. "I have given several of my jonin the order to accompany your party to Sand and fight our enemy the Sound with you. Two squads have already left." She nodded at the other Konoha jonin in the room. "Do you all have your teams assembled?"

Gai nodded. "Neji Lee and myself."

"Shikamaru and Kiba are with me and Sakura," Kakashi directed at Gaara.

"What about Naruto?" Gaara started thinking about the fight again. He…he blew us all up. In the moment before death as Gaara was flung away by Naruto he sent a bit of sand after him. The moment Naruto met Sasuke in combat Gaara blinded his friend. He had thought Naruto can fight without his eyes. Kill that bastard Naruto. Send him to hell. And then Gaara cocooned himself in sand.

"He's recovering. Using the nine tails chakra…" Kakashi was sure he didn't need to explaine to Gaara.

Gaara nodded at Kakashi. "I don't think that Naruto completely lost control of himself. He chose to kill Sasuke over me. I heard him say Sasuke's name."

"Did he attack you?"

"Not directly. It was Sasuke he was after. If Naruto hadn't thrown me so far the blast may have killed me. He blew us all up. If Sasuke is still alive, he's got to be hurting too."

"I have ninken squads searching the woods," Tsunade advised. "If anyone is out there we'll find them."

"Kazekage sama, we are ready to go whenever you are." Gai was ready.

Gaara got up and stepped past Tsunade. "We'll meet at the gate in one hour."

"Don't you need to rest Gaara?" Temari worried.

"There's no time for that. Sound will defiantly attack Sand once they realize the kazekage is still alive. They'll try to annihilate the village before we can get back to stop them."

Temari had been hoping such a vile thing couldn't be true. "You sure?"

"That's what I would do." He headed for the door. "We must get back to Sand. Prepare yourselves." Gaara went out to go to Raine.

"Damn Sound," Temari grumbled.

Kakashi stepped to the door. "I'll get my team."

Gaara made his way back to Raine's room. She was sleeping and Shikamaru and Choji were on guard. Shikamaru got to his feet surprised to see Gaara walk in. "Oi Gaara, you sure you should be up already?"

"We're leaving for Sand in an hour."

Choji hurried to his feet. "Let me come with you guys."

Shikamaru nodded Choji's way. "Choji is a pretty tough guy." He smiled at Gaara.

"Thank you Choji. I'll be glad to have you with us. Why don't you guys get ready. We're meeting at the front gate in an hour."

"Uh, Gaara," Shikamaru shuffled forward. "Raine is riding the v train. She's pretty dopey. Maybe the two of you should rest a little ne?"

Gaara shook his head. "I'm leaving Raine here."

Shikamaru's mouth fell open. "Are you kidding? She's been asking for you all day. She'll flip out if you leave her here."

Gaara frowned. "I'm not taking her into a fight. I think seeing us kill mother fuckers would make her flip out a hell of a lot more then just being stuck in Konoha for a few days." His brother and sister weren't the only ones Gaara had murdered repeatedly. Sasuke had showed Gaara a variety of nightmarish images concerning his woman.

"Gaara," Shikamaru shook his head. "What did Temari say?"

He tried to pull himself away from the Uchiha's mind trick. "Sasuke threatened to kill her. Kill Temari and then," Gaara's eyes went to his woman your little slave girl. Gaara frowned. "He knew?" Sasuke knew about Raine and Hotohori? How? Did he steal it from her mind or…

"I'll protect Temari with my life." There was no way Shikamaru was going to lose his woman to the Sound.

Gaara had a lot to think over and for now he just wanted a moment alone with his love. "Go, I'll see you soon." Shikamaru and Choji went out and Gaara dragged a chair to Raine's bed side. He took her hand and held it between his own. It's alright. She's okay.

It was hard to purge the visions from his mind. Gaara had killed everyone in his house. Sometimes they were asleep, sometimes they were awake. It all ended with him killing Kankuro Temari and Raine. Gaara stared down at his sleeping love still hearing her pleading screams as he murdered her over and over again. I cut her to pieces… He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Aside from the grisly murders of his family, Sasuke had shown Gaara other disturbing images. The Uchiha showed Gaara just what the bastard would do to Raine if he was given the chance. Gaara had been able to do nothing trapped in the genjutsu but watch Sasuke fuck his woman. Sometimes he raped her, other times she gave herself to Sasuke with a smile on her face. When Sasuke was done with her Gaara would kill her and move on to another horrifying scenario. For three fucking days.

He wavered in his seat a little. He wouldn't say it, but Gaara felt miserably weak. He could still cover some ground, but he needed to rest. The sand cocoon, his last conscious act, had saved him from death but eaten up nearly all of his chakra. His head ached and the cursed thoughts wouldn't leave him. Godamn you Uchiha Sasuke.

Gaara had no time for rest. He had to get to Sand. He was almost positive the kage of Sound would be waiting for him. Orochimaru, he means to wipe out Sand. Gaara sighed heavily and looked at Raine again. Sasuke knew Raine wasn't just common, he called her a slave. Orochimaru must have ties to the nobles in wind country, someone close to Hotohori. He frowned at the implications. Spies or traitors in wind country, perhaps even Sand.

Sasori had agents in Sand. Sasori and Orochimaru worked together before that snake bastard broke from Akatsuki. Does Sasori still have loyalists in wind? Someone Orochimaru could be using? The whole thing reeked of vengeance and politics. With Sand out of the way wind country would turn to another hidden village to hire ninja for missions; Sound. Orochimaru would prosper and Sasuke would have his revenge against Gaara. I won't let it go your way Orochimaru.

Raine stirred a little, but didn't wake up. Gaara didn't like leaving her behind, but she would be safe here in Konoha. The Sound didn't stand a chance against Tsunade hokage. "I'm sorry Raine, forgive me." Gaara was headed home to fight. The genjutsu sannin and kage of Sound was waiting for him. I can't take Raine into a mess like that. It's far too dangerous. She'd be traumatized even further. Gaara couldn't allow it. "You'll be safe here with Tsunade and Naruto. They'll protect you Raine."

Gaara hated to think about it, but this could be the last time he ever saw his love again. Orochimaru was going to be a difficult opponent. He had killed Sandiame hokage and Gaara's father; two kage's. They say the third time is the charm. It will be Orochimaru's turn to die. Gaara swallowed hard and lifted a hand to Raine's cheek. But if I don't make it… "I love you," Gaara whispered. He leaned over and kissed Raine softly on the lips.

He wanted to wake her to hold her and kiss her. Gaara wanted to tell he was sorry that he lied to her about going after Sasuke. He wanted to hear her say she loved him one more time. It wasn't enough. Gaara stared down at Raine. "I wanted a lifetime with you." He tried to swallow the lump in his throat. Gaara moved back so they he wouldn't wake her. It was more humane to just let her sleep.

The kazekage sat with his bride for a while longer and then went to meet the ninja at the gate. Tsunade saw them off assuring them all that she would see to Raine and Naruto. Gaara had one last request of the hokage. "Tell Raine I love her. Tell her I'm sorry." With that, they set off to Sand.

2

The medication finally wore off and Raine woke in the middle of the night. She sat up looking around her dark room. She was alone. "Gaara?" Where is… Raine got to her feet and hurried to the door. She threw it open and started out into the hall. Suddenly there was an ANBU guy in front of her.

"You shouldn't be out of your room Raine san."

For a moment all she could do was stare. "Where is Gaara?"

"He has gone back to Sand."

Gaara…What! "He left me here! What about Temari and Kankuro? Where the hell are they?"

"They left with the kazekage's group."

They left me here… why! What the hell is going on? "Rock Lee, Uzumaki Naruto, Naara Shikamaru. Where are they?"

"Lee and Shikamaru were in the kazekage's party headed to Sand. Naruto is resting in the room down the hall.

She wasn't sure if she had any pull with these ANBU guys, but she had to try. "I want to see Naruto right NOW!"

The guard led her to Naruto's room where another guard stood. Raine slipped into Naruto's room. He was asleep in bed. She went to him and started shaking him awake. "Naruto, wake up. Naruto!"

Raine shook him awake and Naruto blinked at her. "Huh? Raine what are you doing out of bed?"

"Naruto something bad is going on. Gaara and Kankuro and Temari left here with other ninja. To go to Sand. Please, you have to get up."

Raine sounded frightened. Naruto sat up. "It's okay Raine, I'll find out what is going on." He rested a hand on her arm to calm her.

"Gaara… he left me. He didn't even tell me he was leaving." She was sure it was the sign of doom. Raine couldn't help it, she started to cry.

Crap, what the fuck is going on around here. Naruto scrambled out of bed and hurried to the door. He went out and talked to the two ANBU guards. They filled him in on what was happening. Kazekage was going back to Sand with reinforcements to stop Orochimaru. It explained why Gaara had left Raine here. It was war between Sand and Sound. Naruto burst back into his room and dashed to his clothes.

Raine watched Naruto rush in. "Naruto?" A second later he was stripping off his hospital p.j.'s. She turned her head before she saw him in his underpants. "Naruto?"

Naruto pulled his pants on. "I'm going to Sand."

"What's happening?"Raine couldn't help but face him again.

Naruto juggled his shirt in front of him looking for the armholes. "Orochimaru, the hidden village of Sound. It's war."

She was off the bed and to Naruto in an instant. "What do you mean war?" She grabbed his shirt and held it waiting for an answer.

Naruto looked down at Raine. "I mean Sand is going to be attacked by Sound. There is going to be a battle. Sound declared war when they tried to kill Gaara."

"I tried to kill Gaara," it still hurt her heart to think about it.

"Because a Sound ninja made you do it Raine. It was Sasuke."

"Is he…" she didn't know how to ask such a thing. "Is Sasuke dead?"

She let go of his shirt and Naruto pulled it on over his head. "I dunno, maybe. There's been no sign of him. Ninken squads are searching fire country for Sound ninja right now."

"If you're going to Sand then take me with you." Raine was afraid but she had to see Gaara. Naruto frowned at her. "Please Naruto."

"Gaara left you here for a reason. He wants you to be safe." I can't take her to where Orochimaru could be. "Sand is dangerous right now."

I can't take no for an answer! "Naruto, I am going to be the wife of the kazekage. My place is in Sand with my people especially when they are in danger. I can help too."

Shit. It was a hard argument to stand up to. "It's too dangerous."

"There are orphans in Sand. Children and elderly. I can help them get clear of the fighting. Kankuro showed me all the passages. I can take them to safety. Take me with you Naruto."

Naruto reached for his coat and she rested her hand on his arm. "I can't take you Raine. Gaara would kick my ass for bringing you back to Sand at a time like this."

"I belong in Sand. It's my home too. My family is there." She looked at him pleadingly. "Please Naruto, take me with you."

"Keh," he sighed. Shit. I'm screwed. "If I took you to Sand with me, you'd go lay low with the kiddies right? Away from the fighting."

Raine straightened. "Yes of course."

Naruto stared his genie friend down. "If I take you we're gonna have to go out that window and haul ass past ANBU. Gaara and the others are about five hours ahead of us. I don't think we'll catch up before we hit Sand, but we'll be right behind them. There are probably enemy ninja out there and we might get attacked on the way. If that happens you just stay down and listen to me. I'll protect you."

Raine swallowed hard as Naruto slipped his jacket on. "I understand."

He took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. Raine looked terrified. "Are you really sure you want to go? There might be dead bodies."

Bodies… "I'm sure. I have to get used to the fighting. It's part of Gaara's life too."

I guess that says it all. "Well Raine, looks like I'm gonna get to carry you after all." He turned and offered her is back. "Hop on."

She pulled her long skirt up around her knees and climbed on Naruto's back. She was a little nervous but tried not to hug him too hard. "Is this okay?"

Naruto shifted settling her weight against him. "Hang on genie, we're gonna fly." Naruto turned and pushed the window open. He hopped out into the night with Raine on his back. He had to hurry to Sand.

Sasuke was indeed very much alive. Unfortunately for him after fighting with Naruto, Sasuke had to sleep. He took a two hour nap and moved on. A few hours later he slept for an hour again. His chakra was depleted, he was exhausted and he ached everywhere from the blast. His giant hands had sheltered him from the worst of it, but Sasuke had still been blown away. Damn you Naruto. You little piece of shit. I'm going to kill you.

He took to the trees and forced his aching body to move faster. As he moved he saw sign of others passing through here recently. Sasuke stopped to inspect an imprint. He rubbed at the branch and came away with, "Sand." Sasuke looked ahead. "So Gaara is still alive ne?" Sasuke was tired, but it had to be done. He called out his Sharingan eyes and scanned the area.

There were two dogs in Gaara's party. Pakkun and Akamaru so that would mean Kakashi Kiba, Sakura probably. To the right there was a bit of potato chip crumb on a leaf. Choji and Shikamaru sticking close to Temari. Two big sets of prints close together. Kankuro and Gai. At the front of the pack Sasuke found a long dark hair Neji. Not far from the footprint with sand was a small heavy track, someone was wearing weights Rock Lee.

It would be an incredible pain in the ass to try to get around all of them in his current condition. "Naruto," he growled. There was no sign of him in the party headed to Sand. What happened to Naruto? Where is he? He can't be dead can he? If Gaara lives, then where the hell is Naruto? Maybe he was hospitalized or even dieing. Sasuke hoped so.

He was far enough ahead of all the ninken squads to rest again so he did. Using his eyes left him feeling woozy. He relaxed against the tree pondering the group headed to aide Sand. The slave girl wasn't with her hubby. Raine was still in Konoha. Going back there right now was a bad idea, but maybe after some rest… Sasuke wasn't above taking hostages. If he could use the woman against Gaara another way he would. I may not make it back to Sand before it's destroyed. Too bad, I wanted to see it.

Outrunning ANBU with Raine on his back had been no easy feat. He broke away from Konoha and kept running. It was dawn before he stopped to take a break. He halted them by a clear stream so he could get a drink.

Raine stretched herself behind him. "How are you holding up Naruto?"

He swallowed some water. "I'm good. Give me about ten minutes and I'll be ready to go again. How about you? You okay?" he drank again.

"I'm good." It wasn't too scary or uncomfortable anymore. She had become used to it.

Naruto sat down in the grass. "They're still way ahead of us, but they gotta sleep sometime. They can't run for two days straight, well maybe Gai and Lee could." He smiled at the thought of his friend Lee.

"Will we catch up to Gaara?"

"I'm trying. I can probably go like this until dark."

Raine sagged a little. "I'm a burden to you. Slowing you down."

He smiled up at Raine. "Not at all. It's just a long way to Sand."

Raine sat down beside Naruto. "Thank you for bringing me with you."

"Gaara is gonna hate me ya know."

She thought about Gaara and smiled. "I think he will be happy to see me."

Naruto lifted a brow. Slobbish thoughts ran through his mind. Happy ne? "Oh?"

"Yes," she giggled at Naruto. "Mrs. Kazekage should be in Sand. I belong with Gaara."

"Gonna get him all pumped up for a big fight ne?" Naruto couldn't help himself. He laughed and the genie blushed. "I'm sure Gaara will be happy to see you. He'll fight harder with you there to protect. They all will."

Sometimes he says the damndest things. "I'll do my best too."

Gaara's group stopped and slept through the heat of the day. He was drained, pushing himself to his limits and trying not to let it show. As soon as he was able to sleep Gaara did. Kakashi and Gai kept watch while the others slept. When they woke Sakura fed everyone a food pill to help them recover faster and they pressed on.

Sasuke stared down at the ass prints in the grass. So they stopped here too. I bet soon he'll have to stop for the night. Naruto is probably starving. Sasuke had been circling his former team mate and Gaara's woman for hours. He looked in the direction they had headed. Naruto's trail was obvious. He's distracted carrying that woman around.

He had been keeping tabs on both groups headed to Sand all day. Sasuke had recently napped again and his strength was returning. It was convenient that Naruto had brought Gaara's woman out here to him, but it would be dangerous to fight Naruto if he drew upon the power of the nine tails again. I can't dick around with him. I have to kill him as quickly as possible.

Naruto wouldn't be a problem if Sasuke could kill him fast enough. Then I'll take Raine with me. The woman would make an excellent hostage and Sasuke knew a jutsu that would let him feed off of her energy. She would probably collapse, but Sasuke could carry her once he had his strength back.

"Just a little longer. I'll wait until they have to sleep." Sasuke moved back into the trees for one more refreshing nap. In a few hours he would kill Naruto.

Shikamaru ran beside Temari in the dark. Above a thin moon shed some light. They were probably going to go like this all the way to Cardiff. Maybe we can stop off and get breakfast. There was still no sign of any enemy ninja. The thinning forest was vacant all around them. The temperature was steadily dropping. Almost to the desert.

Naruto pushed himself to go for as long as he could. Finally Raine made him stop. He found a quiet spot beneath the shelter of a big tree and they sat down to rest. "Get some sleep. We still have a long way to go."

Raine shivered. "We aren't going to catch up to Gaara are we?"

He unzipped his jacket and slid it off. He offered it to Raine. "Not tonight. Here put this on, it's nice and warm."

She couldn't refuse. "What about you?" she slid her arms into Naruto's big warm jacket.

"I'm an excellent ninja. The cold doesn't bother me at all."

He was smiling at her so she let it go. "Okay Naruto." She leaned back against the tree trying to get comfortable enough to sleep. It was difficult; the tree's bark was uneven and rough. Maybe I should just sleep in the grass.

"Oi Raine," Naruto could see how uncomfortable Gaara's princess was in the woods. "You can lean on me. It will be warmer that way." He raised his arm and gestured for her to come closer.

Raine blinked at him. "I do not think Gaara would approve."

Naruto sighed. "Does everyone think I'm a letch?

"That is very likely."

Great. "Okay, look. I promise I'll be a good ninja okay. Does that make you feel any better? Now come on, we need to sleep. We'll start out again at first light."

It wasn't Naruto she wanted to cuddle up to for warmth, it was Gaara. Raine missed him terribly. "Do you think we'll see Gaara tomorrow?"

Naruto closed his eyes. Gaara you're such a lucky bastard. "We're gonna try."

Sasuke watched Naruto and Raine from afar for a few hours. They had both dropped off to sleep pretty quickly, but Sasuke wanted to be sure Naruto was too sound asleep to hear him coming. He watched and waited and rested. Once Sasuke felt refreshed he made his move. He used the trees to position himself and jumped down beside Raine.

Naruto heard something and he stirred. Sounded like…

"Isn't this nice; but I don't think Gaara would like you lying there with his woman like that. He's really protective of that one."

Naruto came awake feeling Raine move. He opened his eyes and saw the voice that called him from sleep. "Sasuke," Naruto growled. He was using the cursed seal again. One of the hands on Sasuke's back held on to Raine like she was a child's toy.

Sasuke glared at Naruto. "Don't do it." he squeezed Raine a little harder and she snapped awake. The woman screamed terrified.

"Raine! Let her go Sasuke!" Naruto moved to get up and Sasuke took a step back. His freakish hand turned Raine some so that she was almost upside down.

"Don't make me hurt her," Sasuke threatened. "If you move I'll snap her like a twig."

Naruto froze. "Don't do it Sasuke. Let her go. If you want to fight I'll fight but let her go!" he was watching his panicked friend. Shit I have to do something!

"I don't have time to waste on you right now Naruto. Do us both a favor and die quickly." Sasuke charged.

He's a monster! This thing is… Sasuke? "Naruto!" she panicked.

Sakura had been thinking about Naruto since they left Konoha. He would be well rested by now; maybe Tsunade would send him on to Sand to meet them. "Oi Kakashi sensei, do you think Naruto will recover soon enough to meet us in Sand?"
"I'm sure he'll want to head out as soon as he hears what is going on. Naruto will be behind us any time now." Kakashi was sure of it. Naruto wouldn't pass up the opportunity to fight Sasuke or Orochimaru.

"Naruto will come," Gaara agreed. He hoped that his friend was feeling better. "I just hope he doesn't say anything unnecessary in front of Raine."

Uh oh. Kakashi rolled his eye over to Gaara. "What did you tell her?"

"Nothing, she was asleep."

"Left without a word ne?" Sakura grumbled. "Then you didn't even say goodbye."

"I thought it was the better thing to do." It did leave him feeling guilty though. Rain was probably frightened and worried but at least she's safe.

Men really are stupid. "Keh," Sakura hissed through her teeth. "Is that what you think? That you were being humane? Bullshit. It was just easier for you to leave without listening to her bitch about it!"

"Sakura," Kakashi warned. "That's enough. Gaara has his reasons."

She tried to hold her tongue, but she couldn't. Fuck it let him think I'm a bitch. "Have you not been paying attention Gaara? Do you not see how much Raine loves you? Aren't you going to make her Mrs. Kazekage? You and Kankuro and Temari are her family. Sand is her home. How could you just leave her there in Konoha without telling her anything? She's probably still on valume!"

"Sakura chan please," Lee spoke up. "Raine has no experience with violence. She thought the tournament was scary, there is no way Gaara could risk taking her into a battle zone. Rain san is too delicate for such things."

Sakura shook her head. "No she's not. Man have you guys really underestimated her." She thought back to sitting with Raine in the hospital. "She's tougher then you think. She was a servant in a big house from the time she was just a kid. She probably spent half her life scrubbing floors. Gaara's the one who made her a princess."

Temari sided with Sakura. "Little mouse is going to be the kazekage's wife. I think she can handle what comes with it. For you Gaara, she would do anything."

Kankuro sided with Gaara. "An all out battle between Sand and Sound isn't exactly a great introduction to the ninja lifestyle. Mouse isn't like you chicks. While you were learning how to kill people she was keepin house. She's different from us. Gaara's right trying to make her transition into this lifestyle a little less dramatic."

"The bottom line is," Gaara wanted to end this discussion. It was making him feel like shit. "Raine will not be where Orochimaru is. She does not need to see a kage battle so soon. Let her at least get used to the sight of blood first." He moved ahead of the women. "How does it look Neji?"

"We're alone out here." Neji quietly sided with Gaara too. Gaara had made Raine his princess because he loved her. He tried to shield her from unpleasant things; he probably didn't want her to see him fight and kill. Neji changed the subject. "How about breakfast in Cardiff later?"

Naruto dodged and blocked backpedaling away from Sasuke as fast as he could. "Let her go and fight me Sasuke!"

"Hurry up and die." Sasuke kept on with his assault. Naruto wasn't calling forth any red chakra yet. I have to kill him before he can. Sasuke's hands flew through the seals and he spit fire at Naruto.

Oh…my…GOD! "Naruto!" Rain was struggling to see what was going on. The monster that had her spit fire from his mouth. "Let me go you freak!"

Sasuke glanced over his shoulder at Raine and smiled. "Don't worry sweetie, I'll take care of you next."

Damnit I have no choice! "Kage bushin no jutsu!"

Naruto and three clones surrounded Sasuke. "You don't really think you're going to accomplish anything this way do you?"

"Let her go Sasuke!"

"Don't tell me what to do!" A quick sweep kick took out two of the clones. Naruto and the other jumped back. The clone was feeding chakra into Naruto's hand.

"I'll kill you Sasuke I mean it!"

"Don't fuck around Naruto!" Sasuke shook Raine so she would cry out. He fed chakra into his hand too. Chidori will kill him now! "It's over!"

Sasuke came running at him in the moonlight. The sparks of the chidori flew from his hand. I'm sorry Raine, this might hurt. Please don't die. At the last second his clone finished the Rasengan and Naruto stepped into Sasuke's move to hit him too. They connected solidly with each other. "Chikusho…"

Sasuke went flying backwards spinning out of control. He dropped the screaming woman and used his giant hands to catch himself. Rasengan had done some damage but chidori had put a hole through Naruto's shoulder. His right arm was crippled and blood stained his shirt. Sasuke righted himself and landed in front of Naruto. "It's over Naruto."

No…not yet. "Raine? Run away from here. Stay out of the way do you hear me?"

"You're too late. You can't save her Naruto, you're going to die."

Rain hurt everywhere from the fall. Get up. Listen to Naruto! She hurried to her feet and immediately broke into a run. "Kick his ass Naruto!"

Sasuke laughed. "She's really fun you know? I think I like her."

Naruto started to draw on the power of the monster within. "Too bad you'll never see her again! Taju kage bushin no jutsu!"

Raine could hear the fighting behind her. She ran until she thought her heart was going to burst before she dared to peek over her shoulder. She couldn't see them anymore, but something was on fire. "Naruto…" She wasn't sure how far away he wanted her to get.

She stopped to catch her breath listening for a moment. She could still hear shouting and crashing. What should I do? What if Naruto gets hurt fighting Sasuke? What if…All thought ceased when she felt a huge hand drop on her shoulder. She turned a little to see what scary ninja had her now. He's…huge….

"You must be Raine. Where is Naruto?"

Huge… "Are you…from Konoha?"

He smiled at the little woman. She must be impressed by my stature and striking good looks. "I am Jiraiya, I trained Naruto."

"You're Ero Sannin?"

Jiraiya sighed. Damn Naruto. "Yes. Now tell me, where is that idiot?"

"He's fighting the Sasuke monster in the woods." He's Tsunade hokage's friend. The legendary toad hermit Jiraiya.

The sannin turned toward the smell of smoke. "Did he tell you to run away?"

"Yes."

Shit this is bad. He's going to use the chakra of the nine tails again so soon to fight. "Was he…glowing or had a tail maybe?"

Raine looked at him like he was mad. "No." A tail? What the…?

That was good news. Hopefully Naruto wasn't too powerful to be stopped yet. "Good then I'll go fetch him and we'll be on our way."

Jiraiya started away and Raine hurried beside him. "Wait a minute, what do you mean? Naruto is fighting a monster."

"I'll take care of it don't worry. It will only take a minute."

Are the sannin of Konoha really that strong? "Wait, where are we going after we get Naruto? You're not going to make us go back to Konoha are you?"

"We're going to Sand." He stopped and looked down at the kazekage's girl. Naruto's jacket swallowed her up. He could see why they called her little mouse. He could see why Gaara left her with Tsunade. Orochimaru is going to Sand.

Raine sighed relieved. "We've been trying to catch up to Gaara."

There would be time for conversation later. "Raine stay right here. I'm going to go break up their party and bring Naruto back by the ear got it." She nodded at him. "You just stay put. Keep your head down and stay out of trouble."

Raine sat back against a tree in the shadows as Jiraiya disappeared in the trees. Please hurry she willed him. I want to see him. I want to see Gaara. She thought about his soft green eyes his smile, the comfort of his arm around her. "Gaara…" Raine hugged herself for warmth. "You asked me to stay beside you. Why did you leave me behind? You… you didn't even say goodbye."

She squeezed her eyes shut and fought the miserable tears back. What if he dies? What if Gaara dies before I can see him again! Could such a thing really happen? It was a hell of a time to be having such thoughts. No Gaara will be alright. Jiraiya will get Naruto and we'll all catch up to Gaara. We'll all go home together.

Raine turned in the direction of the fight. The wind brought the smell of smoke to her. A moment later there was an explosion and then things went very quiet. Shit…was that…? She stilled herself listening. The long minutes dragged out with no further sound of fighting. Is it… over?

She leaned out of the shadows trying to see through the trees. She could still see something burning and then a shadow passed in front of the flame. Raine froze holding her breath. Less then a minute later she heard something. Something or someone was lumbering their way through the woods and it's coming this way!

Her wide frightened eyes watched a dark shape emerge from the trees. It was too small to be Jiraiya or the monster Sasuke. Raine swallowed hard. Naruto…is that you? The shadow man came closer dragging one foot and swaying unsteadily. Every horror story Raine ever read caught up with her all at once. That's not Naruto it's a fucking zombie! She pressed herself against the tree and tried to hide in the shadows. She closed her eyes listening for the footfalls. Don't panic! Naruto will call out for you. Stay out of sight…

Silence. There was total silence in the woods. Nothing stirred, not even the wind. Raine listened for the zombie man's movement, he was still. Did he fall down and die? No… I didn't hear that but… A minute went by and then two. She thought he must be gone. Raine opened her eyes and froze. The dark man…

Sasuke lurched forward and dropped to his knees in front of Raine. "Be still Raine," he grabbed her arms. "This wont hurt a bit."

It was the Sasuke she had encountered at the tournament only What happened to him? He was beyond beat up, it looked like he was dieing. He is a zombie! He was bleeding from his mouth and ears. He squeezed her arms and she tried to jerk away from him. "Let me go!" she panicked.

Sasuke put all of her anxious energy to good use. He stole it from her and started healing himself. A minute later she was too weak to struggle anymore. The internal bleeding had stopped and the pain in his leg was almost gone. Sasuke regulated his breathing and let go of Raine before he killed her. She sagged against the tree watching him with heavy lidded eyes.

"You killed me?" Raine was very tired. She was sure she was dieing.

"You're not dieing you're just weak." Sasuke coughed up a bloody loogie and spit. He reached for her again and pulled her to sit up. "Come on, let's go." Sasuke stood dragging Raine up with him.

She couldn't stay on her feet. Sasuke caught her over his shoulder as she fell. "Where are you taking me? Where's Naruto?"

"We're going to Sand," Sasuke adjusted her on his shoulder. He felt a little better, but he would need to take more of her energy as soon as she recovered. He took to the trees and started after Gaara's party.

Sand…Gaara… "Where's Naruto?"

"He's dead. Go to sleep." He pushed himself to go as fast as he could. I have to distance myself from those two.

Dead! "I don't believe you!" she had no strength to struggle but she tried.

Sasuke was a man of very little patience. A quick swat and he rendered her unconscious. "You don't have to believe me Raine you just have to feed me. I'll need my strength to kill Gaara."

They'll stop in Cardiff. After that it's the desert. Sasuke would meet up with other Sound ninja soon enough. It's over for you Gaara. Your village is finished. Sasuke would make sure that by the time Naruto and the sannin got to Sand it would be too late. It motivated him to move faster so he did.