All Alone

Sorry for the long hiatus! I am finally back with Chapter 4. I am very sorry that it took me so long get this chapter up, but I hadn't forgotten about it. My life got so busy, that I just had to put this on the backburner for a while. Honestly, I am iffy on how this chapter will go. I feel that it is good, but something keeps nagging at me that I need to fix it, I just don't know what. Please review and let me know your honest opinion on it.

Chapter 4

Gaara's funeral seemed to fly by to Temari. The whole village came and gave their respects to their fallen kazekage. Temari felt numb throughout the entire funeral. Even when Baki came by to console her, she felt nothing. All the tears she had shed had left her dry and empty inside. When it was her turn to place flowers on the grave, she didn't know what to say. She knew she had to say something, but the words wouldn't come to her. Nothing she said would change what had happened.

Temari finally began to speak. "Gaara, I wish I could have been stronger to protect you." As she spoke these words, it began to rain. She looked up at the dark sky. The first rain in three months. She looked back down at the grave. "I wish I could have been a better sister." After speaking these words, she laid her flowers on the grave. "These next flowers are from Naruto Uzumaki. He couldn't be here, but he wanted me to give you these in his place. I don't know much about your relationship to him, but he seemed to care a lot about you." She laid Naruto's flowers beside hers. Stepping away from the grave, she took one last look at where Gaara now lay. It was the most ornate grave of all the kazekages'. Sensing that more tears were imminent, she turned away and headed home. That night she cried herself to sleep.

A week had gone by, and Temari was still in anguish over the death of Gaara. No one's death had ever affected her this badly, not even her mother's. Each night she tossed and turned from the ache in her heart. She longed for someone to comfort her yet wanted no one around. Whenever she started feeling this way, she couldn't help but remember Naruto holding her in his arms while she wept over Gaara. It seemed that the thought of Naruto was the only thing that could calm her down. I have to find Naruto and speak with him again. After thinking this, she would always be able to fall asleep.

It wasn't long before the village higher-ups wanted her to continue working as an ambassador between Sunagakure and Konohagakure. Reluctantly, she continued her duties and headed towards the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Her only thought was that she might have a chance to speak with Naruto.

It takes three days to travel to Konoha from Suna. Now that she was working again, her mind finally quit focusing on Gaara's death. She hadn't forgotten, but she was finally able to go to sleep like normal and think of him without instantly starting to tear up. Upon arriving at the Hidden Leaf Village, Temari was ready to relax in one of Konoha's nice hot spring baths. Before that, she had to report to Tsunade, the hokage, and discover the whereabouts of Naruto.

"That is all that I have to report Lady Hokage," finished Temari.

"Thank you, Miss Temari," spoke Tsunade. "Please enjoy all Konoha has to offer while you are here."

Temari turned to leave, then thought of something. "Lady Tsunade, may I ask you a question?"

Puzzled, Tsunade responded, "Ask away."

Gathering her courage, Temari asked, "Do you happen to know where I might be able to find Naruto Uzumaki."

Now even more confused, Tsunade said, "He is currently on a mission. There is no specific arrival date, so I do not know when he will be back."

"I see," responded a now slightly depressed Temari. "Thank you." Then she walked out of the hokage's office.

What on earth has Naruto done now? pondered Tsunade. Hopefully nothing to jeopardize relations with the Sand. It's always something with that boy.

After exiting the hokage's office, Temari headed towards the hot springs to clear her mind. On the way there she bumped into Shikamaru.

"Hey Temari, how are you doing?"

Temari became very angry and annoyed at Shikamaru. How am I doing? My brothers just recently died, and that is the first thing you ask me! "I'm fine," she replied rather rudely and kept on walking towards the hot springs.

Shikamaru watched her leave. What's her problem? Women can be such a drag.

Temari eased herself into the warm water of the hot springs bath. Aaaaahhh… Amazing! This bath is so relaxing. She leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. How nice it was to sit down and relax after the past couple of weeks. Her mind drifted to today's events. How am I ever going to get in touch with Naruto? If he is on a mission, who knows when he will get back. Temari remembered that she would only be in Konoha for a week before she had to go back home. She stayed in the bath for thirty more minutes before getting out. After getting dressed, she headed for the inn that the hokage had rented a room for her.

The inn was near the hokage mansion. This made it easier for Temari to attend any meetings and accomplish all of her tasks as ambassador. Once she had been shown her room and settled down inside, she got ready for bed. It had been a long journey to the Leaf Village, and she was ready to rest. She climbed into bed and closed her eyes. Maybe I can glean some information on Naruto tomorrow during my assignments. Shortly after she fell asleep.

The next week came and went with Temari learning nothing about Naruto. She was so consumed with her tasks, that she barely had any time to think, let alone ask around for information. With the Akatsuki on the loose, there was a lot more business than usual. Naruto still had not come back, so she gave up hope of meeting him this time. She vowed that the next time she came to Konoha, she would definitely talk with him.

After packing up her belongings, she left the inn and headed for the main gate of the village. It was a beautiful morning. Since she had decided to leave in the early hours of the day, no one was on the road. As she continued on her way, the sun started reflecting off of the morning dew. Konoha is so different from back home. Everywhere you look there is flowers and trees. This could never happen in my village. None of these plants would even grow there. Temari thought Konoha had a breathtaking view. Normally, she is too busy to enjoy the sights of the village, but when she leaves, she makes sure to soak in all the beautiful sights she can't see back home.

When Temari reached the gate, a strange feeling overcame her. She wasn't sure why, but she felt as though the next time she came here, something awful was going to happen. Taking one last look at the beautiful early morning Konoha, she headed towards home. The feeling in her gut didn't leave until she had finally reached home.

I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. There isn't quite as much going on, so hopefully it was still interesting.