Alright, my chapter is done. I have neglected this for too long and now I have finally picked it back up. Yay, well please Read and Review! Flamers, don't take it to the extreme, but do a good job, hah!
Chapter 5 Uncertainties
As the sand came out of the very large gourd, Kankurou stood staring into the tree. "I don't see anybody," he grunted. "Must've been the wind in the 'Special Tree' with the darker shade, and a hint of red next to that left knot."
"No, look closer. God, you might as well be one of your damn puppets, with nothing to you but your own blind chakra controlling your ever movement," Gaara said, not changing his gaze at the tree.
"Well, you know what, you-" He continued with a pathetic come-back, and their argument went on. Up in the tree, which now had a branch that was shaking violently, Tarilia made a quick hand-sign and suddenly disappeared in a small puff a smoke. Kiba soon did the same, but as he was about to disappear with the substitution jutsu, Akamaru suddenly dropped out from under his jacket. Kiba disappeared, leaving Akamaru on the branch.
The sand was now ripping leaves and branches from the tree at great speed and force. Branches and twigs full of leaves and pine cones were being hurled everywhere and were also being flung at Kankurou. Of course, he didn't like this, so he was cursing and screaming, and doing whatever nonsense he could do to show his disapproval of this torture. Gaara just kept at it, ignoring his, so called, brother's protesting.
Akamaru was still on the branch, worrying, while each whip of sand was coming closer and closer to his branch. Desperate, Akamaru searched aorund for an opening, or just a hidden escape route. He suddenly spotted a small opening towards the opposite side of the tree. He jumped onto another branch, just a little higher than his own, then jumped onto the branch which lead him to freedom. He looked back at the branch he had just escaped from as the sand blasted it into tiny airborne splinters. Hah! You see, I could have been flying in the air as little bits of fur, but no. I am on my way to Kiba and that girl who has conflicts with herself, so I laugh at you and your destruction. Suddenly, a whip of sand blasted the rest of the branch into bigger chunks of wood, whirling towards Akamaru, almost hitting him. He ducked and thought, Well geez, never knew wood could actually hear you or understand...I'll have to take mental note of this. With that, he jumped away in mere glimpse of Gaara as he flew to join Kiba and Tarilia on the ground behind a bush a few yards away.
Kankurou also saw Akamaru. "Gaara, all that was just a squirrel. A squirrel. Seriously, you need to calm down, pull your own weight, and head onto the festival. We have to get there before the food parade goes away. That's always the first part of the festival and if we miss that, than I'll be-"
"Lower in weight, less fat, slimmer in size?" Gaara retorted as he stopped the sand thrashing, and turned for a full-fledged glare towards Kankurou.
"Look, would ya stop with the fat jokes! I just look as if I am big because of this suit!" Kankurou was getting fed up with all of this.
"Then you shouldn't wear that, then, should you?!" Gaara was getting impatient as well. Sand was starting to erupt from the gourd, too.
"Now, Gaara, let's not get hasty," Kankurou said calmly, trying not to get himself killed today. "Why don't we just head on down to the festival to eat some free food, eh? Yeah, some free food and desserts!"
The sand started to slowly crawl back into the gourd and Gaara just shrugged with a grunt of disapproval.
Well that sure was a close one. That stupid dog doesn't know what's good for him, or us! I don't care for that Kibone of yours, so let's just ditch him!
Do you always have to pop up when I don't need you!?
That's my job! So, we almost got killed because of that stupid little dog. I say, we leave, get the hot guy, and scram!
You! Shut up! I know what is good for me and for you and I-
You?! Since when did you do anything without me saying something to get you to move and save yourself and me!!
I just did! Did you not see the awesome display of ninjistu?!
Oh yeah, a simple substitution jutsu is really complicated! A little kid from an academy could do that easily!
Tarilia took a deep sigh and quit the argument, for she knew she was not going to win it...this time at least. She figured it was easier just to shut up anyway than to continue a pointless conversation, and, by the look Kiba was giving her, she figured it was time to stop.
Nothing to say, huh? Fine, you can keep your precious Kibone and his pathetic dog, but next time don't come crying to me!
She just shrugged and looked at Kiba, who had turned his head to keep himself from watching her fight with her inner self. Akamaru was now settled on his head and was giving her a look of confusion.
Even the dog thinks I'm crazy, she thought with dismay. Tarilia looked down to see what was happenning with Gaara and the fat man.
The two sand shinobis were walking casually down the dirt path onto the main road which led into the city. After the two went out of earshot and eyeshot, Tarilia and Kiba walked out of the bushes cautiously.
Kiba looked left and right, then left again, then made a quick u-turn, then sighed. "We're all clear!" he announced cheerfully. "Well, to the festival while trying not to get ourselves captured, hurt, trapped, killed..."
Tarilia nodded, "Yes, let us go." She laughed, though some bitterness was in it. She wasn't sure why or how she could be with both Kiba or Gaara. Strange as it seems, the festival was going to be a dangerous trip, full of decision and worry. She began to panic as Kiba led the way down the dirt path.
You think things out way too much for a teenage girl to figure things. You have a strange mind.
Well, no wonder! I have an inner self whose always arguing with me. I'm facing near death experiences almost everyday. And, to top that off, I am in love with a serial killer who wouldn't think twic about killing me! There is obviously something wrong with me. When did all this start?!
When you met Kibone.
No, I was a messed up chick long before Kibone, I mean, Kiba!!
I guess so.
And when the hell did you come into the picture. Where were you all these years?!
A figment of your imagination created when you gave away your precious teddy bear, and your mother dragged you, screaming along the way, while you left that poor kid and your bear alone at the park on the swing set. That's when I graced you with my presents.
Inner Tarilia was beginning to sound a little smug.
...You have made my life take a major downfall!! I am as close to insane as it gets because of one little teddy bear?! I really don't get it. Can't I just be a normal girl who falls in love with the good guy and his little man's-best-friend pup, and has a happy, safe, completely sane, life?
No. You must be the one who gets the bad guy, changes his ways, and become the girl who no one defies!!
Look, that can be your life in a bottle, but this...this is my life.
Not really.
Shut. Up. Plain and simple.
Tarilia started to focus onto the real world, leaving her inner self behind, shouting like a bitch, when Kiba turned around. She could guess he was pretty nervous by the way he was acting, so she paid close attention to him, trying not to look uncaring or rude.
"Hey, since we are almost there...well, uh, what would you like to do, th-that is, with...me?"
This took Tarilia by surprise. "Well, Kiba. I'd love to spend the festival days with you. I know that we could try lots of different foods from the world from the info Kankurou gave us," Tarilia replied, trying to sound as sincere as she could be, with just getting over her conflict with...herself.
"Really!? Sweet! We could totally go and check out the foods," Kiba exclaimed, automatically cheerful, then he added more shyly, "If that's what you would really like to do, that is."
"Sure, sure! I don't really know what this whole festival thing is so I guess we could wing it," she said, smiling.
"Great! Great! I could show you everything there!" Kiba went on getting overconfident as he went on. Tarilia supressed a sigh, and followed swiftly. She liked Kiba, but to a limit. She could just go out with him and make a cute couple, but she did like Gaara a little more, and not just becuase of looks. She could tell there must have been more to him than just a killing machine. She could take it. She could make it. For now though, she should just try Kiba, at least.
"...and then we can ride some of the festival rides! It will be a lot of fun," Kiba continued. He was beaming with satisfaction. He was obviously planning out the whole date as an actual date. "So, first, we'll get to my house so that we can wash up...of course you can go when I'm at the store...I'll need to get some supplies and groceries."
"Sounds good to me," Tarilia replied, smiling. The thought of a shower was awesome. She was obviously filthy, and probably smelled of dog. She would probably need to either borrow some of Kiba's mother's bath supplies, or get her own. Of course, it would be better to just go out and get her own, and a new outfit, possibly even get her hair done. Yeah, this was starting to sound quite pleasurable. Konoha must have had some sort of marketing plaza, where all this could be found.
They came across the sign that read:
Welcome to Konoha!
Village of the Leaves!
A flood of relief washed over Tarilia, as Kiba led her into the village. They took the alley ways, since they were sure the public wouldn't approve of their current stature. Passing many doors, pathways, and some food stands, they came upon Kiba's house.
They rushed into Kiba's home and Tarilia rushed into the nearest bathroom and took a quick scan in the bathroom for any signs of female bathing supplies. There. Over there, were some new shampoo and conditioner bottles, along with a lilac body wash in a corner in an open cabinent.. Thank the Heavens. She ran out of the bathroom, and looked around for where the towels were kept. Kiba's mother was there, folding clothes. She looked up with a puzzling look, then quickly recognized her.
"Tarilia? Am I correct? Kiba just walked in and told me about you two and what you were up to. You know, there is another shower room, with a little more privacy in my room if you would like to use that one," she offered smiling.
"That would be great, thank you very much," Tarilia replied. She was handed some towels and a red bathrobe from Kiba's mother, and then she quickly dashed into the room.
It was quite large, with sliding doors, and the whole room was vividly decorated. The walls had many pictures from modern art to family photographs. The walls were painted a deep red, the windows draped with thick, white curtains that went straight to the glazed wooden floor. The bed was neatly made, with many pillows and was a hazel color. Three black dressers lined the walls, with a desk and chair to match. There was a small rub in front of the bed where a small chest was located, near the foot of the bed. Two lamps on either side of the bed were set on the wall above two small bed cabinents. To the left of the room, was a big paper sliding door. Tarilia walked up to it, and slid it open. Inside was a big bathtub, and a double marble sink on the opposite side. It had a diamond tile floor panel, and there was another door, with a lock, that led into a marble shower.
Geez, this must be one of the fanciest bathrooms I've ever seen. Who would have known it lay in here, Tarilia thought silently.
Wow, a pretty cracked up place, huh?
Oh dear god, not you, not now.
So, they got any good stuff around here. It's in your, and when I say "your" I mean my, best manner tolook the best you possibly could. Since you're so worked up about getting to Kiba and forcing yourself to fall in love with him rather than the hot Gaara-sama, you'll need to do your best to look magnificent. You need to attract as much attention to yourself as physically possible for you!
Alright, alright. It sounds like a little too much for me though.
Listen! It's a great idea! Just trust me on this one!
Oh, and that's supposed to convince me?
Yes.
Fine, we'll see how this looks, and if I don't like it, I'm doing it my way.
Fine, then you can wing it on your own. Hey, you should get your hair cut.
My long, delicate hair!! No!!
Ok, ok but just a little bit. Like a trim. Igt's so long, too long. You need to be able to see around you. And, you're starting to get some split ends...
That's because I'm always pulling out my hair because of your ignorance!!
Alright. Ok. But, trim it. There has got to be a barber around here-
A barber! I'm not butchering up my hair!
Finw, let's say, a hair stylist. Maybe you could give yourself a whole new look!
Tarilia sighed. She was now changing into some spairs clothes. They weren't as nice as she'd hoped they would be. It was just an orange T-shirt, and a skirt. At least she smelled better, and felt better. Now, for the hair. She took a small hair tie from the counter and threw it up into a quick bun, with the bangs hanging out in the front. She figured it was time for a hair change. Might as well. It has been this way for about three years in a row. Ok, that was needed, but what else...some new clothes. Yes, most definately. Well, that must have been it. Though it felt as if more changes were needed but she couldn't think of it.
She walked into the hallway, carrying her belongings. She met up with Kiba's mother, who took the filthy clothing into the wash room. Tarilia thanked her, and walked into the kitchen, where Kiba, Akamaru, and his father were sitting down at the table. Kiba was in different clothes, and she figured he must have already gottne ready. At least he would smell better. His father was reading something like the newspaper, and Kiba and Akamaru were just lying on the table, arms folded, paws crossed, side-by-side. She walked in swiftly, and took a seat next to Kiba silently. She reached over and poked him on his shoulder.
"Dad, I just got done telling you that boxers are way better than briefs," then he looked up and stopped in the middle of his sentence to see Tarilia smiling at him. Of, course he turned bright red and sat straigh up. Akamaru looked up for a brief second, then lay his head down for there seemed to be nothing much to spark his interest. Just the usual idiocy of immature love. "I was...just talking about...um..."
"It's ok, I don't need any explaination," she replied sweetly. "I was actually wondering if I could go shopping for a bit, if you don't mind that is."
"It's fine if you two go out for a bit," Kiba's father replied before Kiba could say anything. "I'd really don't care either way."
"Sure, we'll be back soon," Kiba said.
They walked outside, into the street, where Ino and Sakura were bickering about Sasuke, who was obviously not paying much attention to it from his seat under a tree. Tarilia didn't know them so she asked Kiba who they were.
"The stuck-up, good-for-nothing blonde is Ino, while the pink haired know-it-all, self-concious girl is Sakura. They're always fighting like this over that guy under the tree, oh what's-his-face, Sasuke," Kiba explained half heartedly. He didn't care about them. To him, they were just some annoying characters in his life. Of course he didn't pay much attention to where he was going, for he was talking in clear earshot of the two. they turned to give him glares of pure resentment and hate. He just raised his arms behind his head an kept on walking right passed them.
"Leave it to Kiba to be as big as an over-cocky jerk as there can be," Ino yelled at him.
Sakura almost smacked him, but then thought better and held it in. She just glared harder and added to Ino's statement, "Just run along with your little tacky friend there doggy boy!"
Tarilia laughed a little, and Ino turned straight toward her.
"And who do you think you are?! I don't even know you!"
Tarilia answered cooly, "I am just a new girl around these parts. Tarilia is the name."
"Well that's a weird name..," Sakura muttered, almost to herself.
Tarilia just grinned back, and caught up with Kiba.
Sasuke looked up from where he was staring at, in the grass, to see the whole thing.
There's no point in trying to stop them, even to a new kid. Oh well, not my problem, he thought lightly.
They left the little area and went into some sort of market plaza. It consisted mostly of supplies for traveling, food, and other basic necesities. But there too were floral shops, hair stylists, and some clothing tenders. Just then, as the two neared one of the stands, Tarilia remembered something: She had no money! How would she get anything with out paying? She reached into her pocket in a desperate attempted to find some money. She had to have had some money on her. Didn't she bring any with her? Then, she found some. Thank goodness. She wasn't as forgetful as she thought, so the money would do her some good.
"I'll be over there, Kiba, ok?" Tarilia said pointing to one of the clothing stands.
"Ok then," Kiba shrugged and walked into some store that didn't pique Tarilia's interest.
As Tarilia browsed around, she noticed some really nice things. She picked out a few skirts, some tanktops, and one net top. She grabbed a new kimono, better than the other she was always wearing. They didn't cost much, but then again she didn't bring much, so she was basically out of money.
Well now, aren't you the busy spender?
Why now? I'd hoped you wouldn't bother me in these few moments of my life.
Looks like your hopes have washed away, and fast. Hey, you have just enough for that cute top over there.
Where?
In that window of that store to your left...other left.
That one? Tarilia spotted the black top. It had no sleeves, but it had a strap that went around the neck of the manican it was on. It could also be accesserized with various gloves and scarves. She immediately fell in love with it and raced to the store to buy it.
See?? Aren't I great?? Her inner self was being as obnoxious as she could be, as Tarilia walked out of the store with her newly purchased top.
I guess...but could ya shut up for once?!
Nope! You should wear that tomorrow for the festival. You'll be the show stopper of the night, Dahling!
Oh please. But, it would be nice to wear.
She found Kiba sitting on a bench just outside a bakery with lots of delicacies decorating the two big windows. He was looking a little angry as Akamaru was cleaning something off of himself. It looked like...pink frosting.
"Kiba, what happened?" she asked with a hint of humor in her tone.
"Akamaru dove into a wedding cake that was on display, so we got kicked out, literally," he replied glaring at Akamaru.
Akamaru just looked up at him smugly. He had obviously had the time of his life: being chased around the bakery, landing on the chef's head, scaring off potential customers. What fun.
"We should be getting back then, huh?" Tarilia suggested.
Kiba grunted and stalked off iwth Akamaru skipping with joy. Tarilia laughed a very girly giggle. Too girly. Ugh, she shuddered at the thought of her turning into one of those shallow drama queens on TV.
What the HELL was that?
I...don't...know...
NEVER again.
She nodded and rushed to catch up with Kiba. As soon as they got to his home, Tarilia rushed to the guest room Kiba's mother had shown her to. It was a nice room, but it obviously was once a doggy room, for it rank of dog and air freshener. She sighed and shoved her stuff into the small closet. She turned on the TV and laid down on her bed. It was getting close to nine, and she was sure to be awoken in the morning at an odd hour, being as it was in a house with a dog. She quickly fell asleep, since the show was rather boring. Tomorrow was the festival, with the hotty Gaara there for sure. Even though she was going with Kiba, she could still be happy about seeing him there too, right? She thought lightly of it as weariness crept over her in a cloud of exaustion.
Well now, I figure you could first wear that red tank top with the little straps during the day, and when night falls, pull out the sexiness!
Good night...
Fine, you sleep. I'll be conjuring up ways to get Gaara to notice you without having the idea of killing you.
Ka-Cha! Done, well hope you enjoyed! Now, it's time for me to get working on the next chapter. Until then!