Hey guys. Sorry for the first chapter, this one is much longer. Keep reviewing for what you like and what you don't like.

Thanks

XkeyokoX

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

"Hmmmmmmmm…should I part it this way or that?" Ino asked herself as she messed with her hair. "Why won't it stay in place? Ugh, I give up." Ino put her hair back up into its original pony tail style. She picked up her headband and tied it around her waist over her usual outfit. She then pulled on a pair of black gloves with the village symbol on the back of each in a dark purple matching her clothes. She glanced up at the clock.

11:59

"Oh crap! I'm late!" Ino yelled as she ran out the door.

It was 12:15 by the time Ino made it to the Hokage's place. Shikamaru was out front waiting for her.

"Hey Shikamaru sorry I'm late."

"That's fine. You ready?"

"Yeah, but where's Choji?"

"Sick."

"Oh…" Before Ino could say anything else, Shikamaru turned and started up the steps towards the Hokage's office.

Shikamaru knocked on the door as they got there.

"Come in."

As they open the door, they saw Tsunade working at her desk with a stack of papers. She didn't look to happy about it either.

"Your late." she stated in a monotone voice "And missing a member."

"It's my fau-" Ino started to say.

"Choji's sick. We hope that's not a problem." Shikamaru said, cutting off Ino.

"Hn. No, I don't think it will; as long as you don't run into any serious problems." Tsunade said, looking up at Shikamaru.

"We can handle it." Shikamaru replied.

"Right. In that case, here's your mission." Tsunade said as she put down her pen. "I need the two of you to go to the Land of Wind and retrieve a package from the Fifth Kazekage, Garra. Now don't think this mission will be easy, you will most likely run into some enemies," she said looking up at Shikamaru before he could protest with how troublesome this will be. "for sure on the way back. This package is very important. When you get it, you are not to open it and bring it back strait to me. Understand."

"Yes" They both replied.

"Good. You will leave by noon tomorrow. Dismiss."

Shikamaru and Ino left Tsunade's office. Once outside, Ino turned towards Shikamaru.

"Where do you want to meet?"

"11:45 at the front gate. That way we'll be right on time." Shikamaru smirked as he said this and in return Ino gave him a deadly glare.

"Fine, 11:45 at the front gate." Ino gave him one last look before she started to storm off. Shikamaru gave a long sigh and muttered something about troublesome women.

"Ino wait!" Shikamaru yelled after Ino and jogged up to catch up to her.

"What." Ino replied with a little more edge to her voice than she intended. She had spun around to face him.

"I'm sorry Ino. I didn't mean to upset you."

Ino's face soften a little bit as she looked away. "It's ok I'm not mad"

"Ok then, see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see ya" Ino replied with a wave of her hand.

"Bye" Shikamaru waved back and walked off in the other direction.

That night Ino had nightmare again for the third time this week. It was always the same…

She was running through the streets, tying to get away from something. All she knew was to keep running. She made corner after corner, not knowing where she was going or where she needed to go. Someone was calling her name, but she didn't know whether to trust it. It felt familiar and yet strange all at the same time. And then she hit a dead end. She skidded to a halt. The wall was too high and slick for her to go over. She turned around to go back the way she came, but it was too late. He was standing at the opening of the ally. They stood like that for a moment, Ino to shocked with fear to do anything. It started to rain. As it picked up, he started to walk towards her slowly. Her eyes widen in fear. He was getting closer. She started to walk backwards, but it didn't seem to make a difference. She was against the wall now, all hope lost. He was just within a few feet of her and stopped. The rain was pouring steadily upon them. He pulled out a weapon from beneath his coat.

"I'm sorry Ino" was all he said and with the flick of his hand, he threw the weapon towards her.

"NOO!!!!" Ino screamed as she woke up with a start. She was sweating all over and she had to concentrate on her breathing.

"So much for a good nights rest."

TBC