Chapter Eight: A Warrior of Leaf and Sand

Angel ran to the training grounds that Naruto and Sakura brought her to yesterday. She can still see her blood on the ground and she unconsciously brought her left hand up to her neck. She studies her surrounding and stops when a glint of metal in a tree catches her attention. She proceeds to walk towards the tree and retrieves her circular weapon. She guessed that everyone forgot she threw it into the tree but she couldn't blame them, considering what happened.

Angel stares at her weapon with great interest and without a second thought or bothering to aim, she flings the weapon at the straw practice dummies, taking off every one of the heads before it returned to her hand.

"That is an impressive weapon." A cool masculine voice calls out from behind her. Angel knew he was there but didn't bother to acknowledge him once again. She figured that he had his reasons for following her, so she just waited for him to speak first. "What is it called?"

"It's called a Chakrum. It was my Mother's weapon of choice against the…" Angel doesn't finish. She has almost forgotten who she is speaking too. The only person who knew anything about her past was Sakura, but Angel still couldn't shake the feeling that she should be sharing her story with Gaara. After all, thanks to her mental abilities, she knew every last detail about his life up till now.

"Against what?" Gaara came closer to the woman he claimed as his own. He pauses after each step he took and waits for her to protest like she had with Naruto, but if she didn't, he took another step. Now he is only an arms reach away.

Angel turns to face him head on and is taken back when she sees genuine interest in this eyes. She doesn't fight the small smile that forms on her lips. She arches her eyebrow at him and cocks her head to the side.

"What was that Sand Master?"

"Please don't call me that." Gaara shakes his head, a slight frown graces his features.

"Kazekage-sama then?" Angel questions and he shakes his head once again. "Then what would you like me to call you. Mate?"

Gaara's face saddens. Why did she say 'mate' like that, like it is a curse of some kind. "Just Gaara would be fine."

"Gaara it is then." Angel's smile came back in full force but quickly vanishes to be replaced with her usual demure.

"You never answered my question. Are you avoiding it?" Gaara proceeds towards the base of a tree and removes his gourd so he could sit more comfortably.

"No, I have not been avoiding it. I just did not wish to share." Angel states matter-of-factly.

Gaara looks at her with surprise and once Angel looks upon his face she couldn't help but laugh. Normally Gaara would be angry but Angel's laughter caused his heart to pound in his chest and what surprised him the most is the smile that graced his features in return.

"You should do that more often." Angel states and surprises Gaara once again.

"Do what?"

"Smile. You are too handsome to frown constantly." Angel looks towards the sky, she couldn't stop the blush from slowly appearing on her cheeks.

'Did I say that out loud?'

'Do not worry about it. After all he has told you that you are beautiful, it is only fair to return the complement.'

'IT IS OUR DUTY TO PRAISE OUR MATE. HE IS A STRONG MALE AND HAS HAD MANY OBSTACLES TO OVER COME. I RESPECT HIM.'

Angel couldn't help but agree with her Demonic side. Gaara has had a difficult life and look at him now. She didn't realize she is staring until he got up and approached her. Now that he was right in front of her she couldn't help but step closer.

"I meant what I told you before. You are beautiful Angel, not only in looks but in power as well. I have never seen a woman fight like you. I am sorry that I caused you pain. I know you don't want me as your mate, I am not deserving of someone as beautiful as you. I can't take back what I did." Gaara reaches out a hand and removes the bandage that covers his bite mark on Angel's neck. Angel moves her head to the side as Gaara leaned in a kissed the wound.

"I'm sorry," he whispers.

"Gaara," Angel whispers in return. The feeling of his lips against her neck causes her body to shake. "It is not that I did not … I just… Gaara, this all just happened so fast. If you knew anything about my past, you would understand why this is so confusing."

"Then tell me," Gaara pleads. He wants to know everything about her.

"It may be easier to show you. Words can distort things, memories cannot." Before Gaara could say anything further Angel had grabbed the collar of his trench coat and pulled him into a kiss.

Gaara closes his eyes as Angel's entire life flashed through his mind. She made no attempt to hide or cover up any embarrassing memories, nor did she hide any of the painful and horrid memories.

Gaara now knew everything there is to know about the mystery woman and he knew that she knows everything about him, or at least he thinks so.

They stay in their chaise kiss for a moment longer than necessary but neither seem willing to pull away. Gaara wraps his arms around Angel's waist and brings her closer. Angel tilts her head to allow Gaara to deepen their kiss but when his tongue rubs along Angel's lower lip, asking for permission, she pulls away.

"I'm sorry," Gaara mumbles and turns away.

Angel lowers her gaze towards the ground and tries to clam her racing heart. Gaara can smell her arousal and he knows she can sense his, so why did she pull away? He thought that she understood that he did want her and that maybe they could make this strange situation work but she pulled away.

As if reading Gaara's mind Angel places a hand on his shoulder. Gaara stiffens at the contact because he now understands why Angel is hesitant about touch and for her to initiate the contact is a sign of trust from her.

Gaara grabs her hand and turns towards her. Angel squeezes his hand and stares at him with pleading eyes.

"Please Gaara. It will take time, please be patient with me. I have to be sure that nothing will happen to you or our friends. That this village will not suffer for housing me. That man has sworn to make my life hell and to destroy any happiness I may find. If we were to become involved right now I would put you in danger. I am not willing to do such a thing. Besides… you may have claimed me, but I have not claimed you." Angel smiles at Gaara's reaction.

He now understands a lot about his demon side thanks to Angel's memories. He now knew that Angel would be drawn to him and he to her but since she did not lay claim to him, he is free to change his mind and choose another. This he is not willing to allow.

"Gaara, there is still a chance for you to choose another and since we are only half breeds, I too, may be able to choose another. I guess that is the only blessing we have for being the way we are. I know we are draw to each other now. That is mainly because of the newly made mark, but let us give this time. You may realize that I am not worthy of being your mate and, as I stated before, you may choose another." Angel states her thoughts.

She is not yet completely sure if her hypotheses will be proven right. She knew that Demon instinct is very strong but what if Gaara and her are not compatible? She would not put him through such hell.

Angel watches in confusion as Gaara starts to remove the vest he wears to help support his gourd and then his leather jacket. He tosses the said articles of clothing to the side, next to his gourd and is now dressed only in a netted shirt. He kneels down in front of Angel and tilts his head to the side.

"Angel… please."

Angel's eyes widen is shock and she shakes her head. "You do not understand what you are asking. If I do this you can never be free…"

"I DON'T WANT TO BE FREE! I WANT YOU!" Gaara yells and growls his determination to get his point across. If Angel had to be bound to him, then he would be bound to her.

"This is not like the marriages your people conduct. This bond is stronger… it is life bonding."

"I know," Gaara states and looks up into the dark blue orbs he has grown to admire. "Angel, I give myself to you willing. I did not give you that choice."

"But I did and you know it," Angel smirks. "Are you sure Gaara?"

Gaara nods and closes his eyes as Angel brings her fangs close to his flesh. He wraps his arms around her and takes in her scent. After what seems like a lifetime Angel pulls away.

"I cannot do this to you. As I said before, we need to wait. Let's see where the fates take us."

Gaara tightens his hold on Angel, a low growl vibrates in his chest. "Angel?"

"Someone is coming." Angel whispers and tries to pull free of Gaara's grip.

"Gaara I cannot do this to you. I will not bound you to a life that you may not even want. Now please let go of me."

Gaara reluctantly pulls away from Angel and proceeds to put the clothes he removed back on. He just finished strapping on his gourd when Naruto appears.

"Tsunade-baachan wants to see Angel-chan and you too Gaara." Naruto speaks between pants. He ran here at full speed once Tsunade told him her plan.

"Hn." Gaara nods and walks up to Naruto. He turns to see Angel strapping her Chakrum to her belt and is once again fascinated by the unusual weapon.

'Maybe she will let me try it…'

"Angel?" Gaara calls out to her.

Angel turns to look at him and give him her full attention.

"I will not change my mind." Is all Gaara says before he starts to walks away.

"Do you know what this is about Naruto?" Angel questions as she watches Gaara retreating form. There is something he wasn't telling them and she did not like secrets. Secrets lead to deception and deception leads to betrayal.

Naruto smiles his fox grin and Angel arches an eyebrow at him.

"You'll see." Is all Naruto says before he takes off towards the Hokage's tower. Angel then follows suit.

Once they reach the tower Angel can't help but feel like everyone is watching her. She can hear their whispers and smell their uncertainty. She can understand how easy it is to mistrust a stranger, but she can't shake the feeling that they knew something she didn't.

Now standing before the Hokage's office Angel has the sudden urge to turn around and walk away. It has been awhile since she felt nervous and she found the emotion very unwelcoming but before she can take action, Naruto pushes open the door and Angel finds herself following Gaara and him inside.

"I'm glad to see that you are alright Angel." Tsunade smiles. Angel nods in response. "I guess you are both wondering why I have called you here?"

"Hn." Gaara nods. Angel tilts her head but says nothing, she can't seem to find her voice.

'Damn nervousness. Why now after all these years?'

'I have a feeling that they are about to ask us something that could be life bonding…'

'More life bonding than being 'marked' as mate?'

'YOU KNOW THAT NOTHING IS MORE PERMANENT THAN THAT!' Angel's demon side growls. Angel mentally rolls her eyes.

'I believe that asking one for loyalty is just as life bonding…'

Before Angel can think any further about what her Elven side was saying, Tsunade spoke again, not to her but to Gaara.

"Kazekage-sama…"

"Gaara."

"Okay then, Gaara, would you not agree that Angel would prove to be a most powerful ally?" Tsunade can't hide the smirk on her face. She was up half the night thinking about this plan and she is quite pleased with herself.

"What are you implying?" Gaara asks, his curiosity peaked.

'What does the old woman have in mind?'

"I have a plan that would strengthen the bond between Konoha and Suna. But this will only work if Angel agrees to it." Tsunade's smile is in full bloom and Angel finds herself wishing she was somewhere else.

"What do you ask of me?" Angel finds herself asking. The logical part of her mind is telling her to keep quiet, but when she is curious, she seems to drown out the logical and go for the insane.

"I propose that you become a Shinobi…" Tsunade watches as Angel's face furrows with confusion then snorts. "Let me finish before you jump to conclusions. I'm not going to make you but I believe that you would make an amazing Ninja and would bring new strength to both Suna and Konoha. But I will not ask you to chose between the two villages but to become a ninja of both."

Now that has Gaara confused. No one has ever sworn loyalty to two villages. It is unheard of and it didn't make sense to put someone in the position of having to chose sides if a war ever broke out. But he did understand that having such a strong ally on both their sides would be a great benefit. Angel would act like a laceration between the two villages. She would make sure to keep the peace between the two nations because neither one would want to lose her.

"Angel?" Tsunade looks to make sure she has Angel's attention. When she is sure she does, she continues. "You are a powerful woman and in this part of the world there are people who would seek that power for their own benefit…"

Gaara didn't even think about that. He had first handedly been a victim to such vulgarity, as well as Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. Just the thought of someone going after Angel made his blood boil.

'No one is to touch my Angel!!!'

'Heh heh. Good to see that you have come around.'

'You are more annoying than Shukaku…'

'Well, considering that Shukaku is gone and it is actually yourself you are speaking too… you must find yourself to be annoying…'

'Shut up! I am not going to stand here and talk to myself…'

Gaara returns his attention back to the explanation that Tsunade is giving to Angel. He is correct when he assumed the mutual benefit to having her as an ally of Suna and Konoha but he is even more pleased when Tsunade explains the benefits they could offer her.

"In the short while you have been in this village you have made many friends. Do not think we are so easy to trust, this is not the case. As Shinobi, we can sense things about people that most couldn't. None of us sensed that you were here to cause us any harm or else you would have done so by now. As I stated before, someone like you, who has such great power, will be a target by many. Not only would you be our ally but we shall be yours. If you agree to stand beside us, we will stand beside you. If you decline… we will still stand beside you."

Angel is taken back by the last part. Why would they still risk their lives if she wouldn't do the same? Unless, Tsunade knew that she wouldn't turn her back on anyone in need.

'She knew my answer before we even came here…'

'She is a cleaver one… for a human…'

'HN'

'Taking up Gaara's habits now are we?'

'…'

It took a good part of Angel's will power not to laugh out loud. It isn't everyday that her demonic side stayed silent.

'I supposed that being marked has some benefits…'

"Tsunade-sama," Angel began. "If the Kazekage agrees to there terms… Then I would be honored to become a Ninja. I would be proud to stand beside both your villages."

Tsunade looks at Gaara and he nods positively.

"Well, then it is settled. I had something special made for you." Tsunade pulls out a small black box and hands it to Angel. "Once you graduate from both our Ninja Academies you will be permitted to wear it."

Angel opens the box and stares at the contents. Inside is a headband similar to ones Sakura and Naruto wear but hers is different. It bears the symbol of both Konoha and Suna. Just as Angel thought, Tsunade knew her answer before she even did.

"When the times comes, I will wear it with pride." Angel smiles and closes the box. "When do I begin my training?"

"Whenever you please. You are far to advance to be sent to the schools but I would like you to learn the basics of being a Ninja. I will have you tutored by our instructors. I would also like you to learn how to control chakra and to learn Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. I believe it will be a useful skill to have. I doubt you need any help in the department of Taijutsu.

As you may have guessed, I also want you to train in Suna under their instructors. When they are certain that you have taught you everything, you will be a Ninja of both the Leaf and the Sand."

Angel nods her understanding but surprises everyone with her response. "Then I would like to begin now."

"So soon?" Tsunade gasps.

"I want to pull my share and in order to do that, I must learn." Angel states.

Naruto is leaning against the wall thinking about how great it will be to have Angel around and as a Ninja no less. They would most likely be sent on missions together and can spend a lot of time together.

As he is thinking about Angel a vision of Hinata floats across his mind. Naruto freezes for a moment and shakes his head. That has been happening a lot lately. Somehow Hinata always found her way into his mind and it isn't that he didn't like it, he loves it, but he is sure that Kiba likes her and he didn't want to cause any problems. Hinata is off limits and that is that.

Naruto just barely tunes in to catch Angel's training plans. Then something occurs to him about all this.

"What will Angel-chan's status be once she is done with her training?"

"What do you mean Naruto?" Tsunade eyes him. She didn't think he was playing attention because of the way he was staring out the window but once again she underestimated him.

"Well, I mean she is too advance to be considered a Genin… Hell, she is better than some of the ANBU we have. I was just wondering if Angel-chan would have to go through the exams like we did because honestly I think they would be extremely degrading to someone of her skill." Naruto stares at Angel with a slight smirk on his face. Angel eyed him through the corners of her eyes and returned his smirk.

"I see," Tsunade states. She rests her chin on to her hands and ponders about what Naruto had said. No, Angel is way to advance to be given the title of Genin, she is too powerful to be a Chuunin, and it seems that the level of Jounin would be beneath her skill level also. Maybe the rank of Tokubetsu Jounin? But she would have to specialize in a certain field and as far as Tsunade could tell Angel could mostly prefect anything that was thrown at her. Angel will most likely be considered a S-Class Ninja, a legend in her own right.

"Gaara, what do you propose?"

Gaara is taken by surprise but no one can tell because of his perfected ability to control his facial features. He ponders the situation for a few minutes and a smirk slowly graces his face. Tsunade raises an eyebrow at him, questioning his thoughts.

"I believe once she has finished her training she should be promoted to Jounin or ANBU. ANBU would be a better title but I believe she should have to retain the title of Jounin for a lest a year before we promote her to ANBU or she can stay a Jounin, we will let her choose. Agree?"

"Agreed!" Tsunade clasps her hands together and smiles.

"Angel meet Iruka at the Academy in two hours. He and a few other Ninja will help you begin your training. Dismissed!" Tsunade waves her hand to shoo them away.

"HAI!" Naruto yells and Angel eyes him. Gaara just nods and proceeds towards to door but stops to see if Angel is following. Angel looks at him and then nods towards Tsunade and walks out the door with Gaara.

Naruto is almost out the door when Tsunade calls after him. Naruto stops and peeks his head through the door. "What?"

"Don't 'what' me Naruto! I am the Hokage, you could show me a little respect." Tsunade grits her teeth and tries to calm down before the vein in her forehead decides to explode.

"Hehehe, sorry Tsunade-Baachan." Naruto giggles as Tsunade's eyebrows furrow together and a growl of annoyance escapes her throat. "Aww, come on… you know I only call you that because you are dear to me."

Tsunade calms a little and her maternal side for Naruto once again takes over. "Naruto I need you to make sure that no one finds out about Angel being, well, different I will say. I want everyone who witnessed last nights events to know that if anyone besides our small group speaks about Angel to another, they will be stripped of their rank and banished from Konoha. Understand?"

Naruto smiles and nods before he walks out.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Angel and Gaara wait outside the Academy. There is an awkward silence that seemed to grow with each passing moment. Gaara looks uneasy and Angel eyes him closely.

"Is something concerning you, Gaara?"

Gaara looks up to see an impassive Angel looking down at him. He knows that he does the same thing but for some reason it really bothers him when Angel hides her emotions. "You don't have to do this, you know?"

"It appears to be the correct choice when you think about it. Konoha and its people open their home to me and the leader of Suna has chosen me as his mate. It is only logical that I should do my best to protect both places." Angel states while staring up at the sky.

There were many clouds in the sky today and she wishes that she could go flying. Clouds made a good cover and she doesn't have to worry about hiding herself, but she doesn't want to risk being seen and therefore, hated again.

'Maybe later…'

"What's wrong?" Gaara asks.

He watches Angel's face fall into a frown and now he wished that she would return to her usual poise expression. Angel looks at him and smiles at his concern. It is strange how their bond is affecting them. This is the most they have ever shown emotions in a long while and a lot of the feelings they were experiencing are foreign.

"I just wish to fly, the clouds make a good cover and I do enjoy the freedom flight can give you." Angel states as she sits down next to Gaara.

"So why don't you?" Gaara eyed her curiously. He remembered the wings that appeared after their incident.

"I do not wish to expose myself to this village." Angel's gaze becomes sad and her lips were slightly down turned. "You understand what I mean."

"Hn." Gaara states. Yes, he did know. He knew everything about her and he knew what other places have done to her once she revealed herself to them. "I don't think that will happen here. In these lands there are strange things everywhere."

"So you find me strange?" Angel states, her face once again in its impassive mask.

Gaara regretted his words immediately. That's not what he meant. He was just thinking about the people he had encountered during his time as a Shinobi. A man that turned himself into a living puppet; another man with a mouth in each of his palms and they eat clay; a man that looks like a fish and has shark like teeth; a man that looks like a human plant and his face is white and black; a girl who can change into a fish-like creature; people who turned into animals; a man that was really a snake; and so many others. Not to mention that he, himself, was part of the strange list. Angel is almost normal compared to that.

"That's not what I meant. Look through my memories and you will see all the strange people I have had the misfortune or pleasure of meeting. I believe you having wings will just seem normal to the people in these parts." Gaara states trying to defend himself.

"And if you think about those people, you will noticed that many people were afraid of them and ran." Angel retorts.

"Not all."

"You are correct… Not all." Angel agrees. A flash of the small group of ninja appears in her mind. Who would of thought that she would have gain the trust of so many people. She states their names and pictures each of them in her mind.

'Uzumaki Naruto…

Haruno Sakura…

Uchiha Sasuke…

Hatake Kakashi…

Tsunade…

Jiraiya…

Shizune…

Sai…

Nara Shikamaru…

Yamanaka Ino…

Akimichi Chouji…

Hyuuga Hinata…

Inuzuka Kiba…

Aburame Shino…

Hyuuga Neji…

Rock Lee…

Ten-Ten…

Kankurou…

Temari…

…Gaara…

When did I ever come to have so many people in my life?'

'Since you decided to take a chance…'

Angel looks at Gaara and smiles at the concern on his face.

"I am fine Gaara. This situation is just going to take some time to get use too. I have been alone for so long and to have people who are willing to put their lives on the line for someone they have just met is foreign to me." Angel smiles the best she could and to her surprise Gaara returns the gesture.

'Yes, he really should do that more often…'

"Angel-san?" A man's voice breaks Angel from her daze.

"Hn?" She responds and smiles despite herself.

'NOW LOOK WHO IS IMITATING GAARA..'

'Hush now… I realize what I did…'

"My name is Umino Iruka. I understand that I am to be your teacher as well as Yuhi Kurenai, Hatake Kakashi, and Maito Guy." Iruka states. "Kazekage-sama do you wish to accompany us?"

"Hn." Gaara nods and proceeds to stand up. He offers his hand to Angel who is hesitant to take it at first but takes it despite the screaming inside her head not too.

As Gaara pulls Angel to her feet. The first thing she notices if that nothing invaded her mind or even tried too. She put up the walls that protected her sanity from others but nothing even tried to enter her mind. No emotions, no visions… no memories.

'Could this be because of the mark?' Angel whispers to herself.

Angel didn't know much about her Demon heritage, most of her knowledge comes from instincts or from other Demons that took pity on her; but that is not where her mental capabilities come from. That comes from her Elven blood and since her people shunned her at such a young age she never truly completed her training with them. Everything she knew up till now is out of pure instinct. Like when her wings appeared in the heat of anger and battle. It was a defensive reflex to protect herself, to literally allow her to 'fly away' from danger. Angel later learned that very few Elves were able to call upon such power and most were usually honored as future heroes. But since she had tainted blood, she was deemed the 'Fallen Angel'.

Angel stood holding Gaara's hand a little longer than necessary, mostly do to shock but also because she kind of like the feeling of her skin touching another. Someone clearing their throat wins her attention and Gaara growls at the lost of contact when Angel pulls her hand away.

"Are you two ready?" Iruka questions. Angel and Gaara nod and follow Iruka into the Academy. He leads the two down to the basement, to a special training area that Tsunade had prepared for Angel.

Now standing before Angel is four Jounin level ninja. Kakashi she recognizes immediately and nods towards him. Then another man catches her attention. He looks familiar but he doesn't smell quite the same.

"Lee-san?" Angel questions and the man laughs.

"No Angel-san, I'm not Lee but I would like to thank you for such a youthful compliment!" The man with bushy eyebrows poses and gives her a thumbs up. Angel would later learn that they refer to that pose as the 'nice guy' pose. "My name is Maito Guy!, I am Kakashi's life time rival!"

Angel sees Kakashi roll his eye before returning to read his green book. Angel allows her gaze to flow from Kakashi to Guy and then back again.

"If you say so." Angel mutters.

"My name is Yuuhi Kurenai," a woman with red eyes and long brown hair speaks. Angel freezes for a second when she looks into her eyes.

'Red eyes… is she? No, she cannot be… She is alive.'

'GRRR. WHY DOES EVERYONE AROUND HERE HAVE RED EYES?'

'Just because they have red eyes does not mean that they are vamp…'

'Enough. I realize this. I do not need you two bothering me with the obvious.'

Gaara watches as Angel stiffens slightly when she meets Kurenai. Kurenai is strong but she held no threat compared to Angel. If anyone should be cautious it should be Kurenai. From what Gaara learned about Angel, she could easily destroy an entire village with a single word uttered.

'What is wrong Angel?' Gaara finds himself thinking but the last thing he expected at the moment is an answer.

'I am fine Gaara. It is just the red eyes she processes. Just catches me off guard.' Angel whispers into Gaara's mind.

'How are you doing this?'

'My mental capabilities allow me to communicate by projecting my thoughts directly to the person or persons I wish to talk to. This comes in handy in battle and in awkward situations. Like the one you are causing now. Erase the look of shock from your face before someone asks you about it.'

The last thing Gaara hears is Angel's laughter, but he knew she wasn't speaking out loud because he was staring at her the whole time and her lips didn't move. Gaara thought about the last thing she said and then realizes that his jaw is dropped and his eyes are slightly widened. He quickly snaps back to his usual facial expression. But his look of shock did not go unnoticed, Kakashi and Kurenai saw this and shared a glance between each other. Iruka and Guy might have noticed but Guy was too busy annoying Iruka but something he found youthful.

Kakashi continues with the introductions, although his was unnecessary. "Angel, we have already met but in case you don't remember who I am, my name is Hatake Kakashi. The Hokage told us that you have agreed to become a Ninja and as you may have guessed we are going to be your teachers."

Angel nods and had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes, but in the process of fighting the urge she forgot to fight the urge not to speak her mind. "Kakashi, was it really necessary to state the obvious?"

Everyone stares at Angel and then back to Kakashi. All is quiet until Kurenai busts into laughter and soon everyone follows with the exceptions of Angel, Gaara, and Kakashi. Kakashi just stands there with his hand on the back of his head looking quite embarrassed.

Gaara looks at Angel and smirks. "Did you, Angel, just make a joke?"

Now it is Angel's turn to look uneasy. "It must have been your imagination. I do no such things, they are simply childish."

"And yet you did." Gaara states, his smirk getting bigger.

"Amin n'rangwa edanea(1)." Angel mumbles under her breath.

"I'm not completely human, remember?" Gaara mocks her. Since she transferred her memories to him, he now understood her when she spoke in her Elfish tongue.

Now anger is getting the better of Angel. She raises her right arm and had her palm facing Gaara. "Faina templa(2)!"

Before Gaara can react he is sent flying into a wall by the energy blast that erupted from Angel's hand.

"Done mocking me, Sand Master?" Angel says coldly. She walks over to where Gaara is lying on the floor and is taken back when she notices the smile he wears.

"So mate, are we back to where we started?" Gaara couldn't hide the chuckle that vibrated from his throat.

Everyone watched in astonishment. How can this woman send the Kazekage, Gaara, flying with such little effort? They wait for Gaara to attack her back but they are now more shocked when Gaara stands and cups Angel's cheek with his hand. Gaara's gaze could almost be called loving while Angel stared at him was contempt, but underneath that she too held a warm gaze for him.

A cough from Kakashi causes Gaara to pull his hand away with a growl of annoyance. Angel turns swiftly and heads towards her teachers. "I wish to begin, now!"

Gaara eyed Angel, the smirk never leaving his lips. He made his way towards a good viewing spot against a wall and makes himself comfortable. He has to watch and see what the Konoha ninja are going to teach Angel, so that he could arrange which teachers she would need during her time in Suna.

Iruka took her under his wing first. Teaching her everything a ninja needed to know book wise. This usually took years but Angel mastered everything he taught. The other Jounin added some of there own opinions during the teaching and Angel nodded towards them. It was a long eight hours later when Iruka called her lesson complete.

"Well, I don't really think that there is anything else I can teach you book wise. Kakashi will be in charge of teaching you ninjutsu, Kurenai will be teaching you genjutsu, and Guy will be helping you in your taijutsu. But I did hear that you are already fairly skilled in that department, but Guy insisted that he spar with you. But that is all for today, you may go. Besides I promised I treat Naruto to ramen."

Angel nods and walks out with the crowd, Gaara is of course by her side. When they exit the Academy, Angel is immediately surrounded by waves of pink, blonde, brown, and raven hair.

"So Angel, Sakura told us some interesting news?" Temari smiles.

"Oh, and what would that be?" Angel responds, looking at Sakura questioningly.

Sakura smiles and opens up her arms. "That we need to go … shopping!"

Angel almost falls backwards but retrains herself. All this excitement for shopping? Angel didn't know what to make of this. She looks at Gaara for help but his eyes clearly state that she is on her own and he disappears in a wave of sand.

"Don't worry Angel-chan! Between all of us you will have a whole new wardrobe! Oh and I heard that you have agreed to become a ninja!" Sakura beams.

"So that also means that we have to help you pick out some ninja attire!" Ino squeals. "Better let me do it or else Billboard Brow will have you dressing in layers instead of showing off your kick ass body!"

"What was that Ino-pig?" Sakura growls. Angel steps away from the two, a little uncomfortable with the situation. Sakura and Ino stare at each other hard enough the people around them could have sworn there was electricity flying between them.

"I thought you two are best friends?" Angel breaks the silence. Sakura and Ino look at each other for another moment before turning the Angel, both smiling.

"No worries Angel-san! That is just how Sakura and I get along. We really don't mean anything by it." Ino explains and to emphasis her point she wraps her arm around Sakura's shoulder and hugs her.

Angel is still confused but doesn't dwell on it. Human's can be strange and sometimes it is not worth the effort to understand, it is just easier to accept.

"Shall we go ladies?" Ten-Ten asks.

Angel finished her training with Konoha with in the week. Kakashi was impressed with how fast Angel learned to control her charka. She mastered every ninjutsu he showed her, she was even able to pull off some of the Uchiha's trademark jutsus. Since he is known as the Copy-nin, he was able to teach her all the jutsu's he has learned over the years. He even taught Angel how to form the Chidori and Rasengan, but what impressed him the most was when she formed one in teach hand.

"Now that will be an impressive attack." Kakashi chuckles as Angel forms the Chidori in her left hand and the Rasengan in her right. She runs to the side of the boulder and delivers the crushing blow.

"I didn't think you could actually pull it off." Kakashi says unbelievingly. He was just joking around about how great of an attack it would be to have both the Chidori and Rasengan activated, he didn't really believe it to be possible. Angel proved him wrong.

"Please, Kakashi-sensei, do not underestimate me." Angel mocks.

Angel now finds herself once again in the Hokage's office. They are discussing her travel arrangements to Suna and looking at the list of ninja who are to accompany her. Of course the Sand ninja would be going, but it seemed that everyone wanted to come along. Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji, Hinata, Kiba, Shino, Lee, Ten-Ten, Neji, and even Sai, all signed up for the mission. They all seem reluctant to let her go on her own and it seems like Tsunade is having a hard time choosing who to send with her.

"They're all going!" Tsunade screams out in her frustration.

"What?!" Shuzine questions. "You couldn't possibly want to send all of them to Suna?"

"I do and I will." Tsunade sighs. "Angel is too important not to protect. Who knows what kind of people have already heard about her existence. We can't afford anything to happen to her."

"Do you not trust in my abilities to protect her?" Gaara growls. Sixteen people is a little over kill to protect one person, especially when that one person is quite capable of protecting herself.

"It is not that Gaara. We want to protect her, but I also believe that her friends are a little reluctant to let her go so soon." Tsunade sighs. "Do you want to be the one to have to choose between them?"

Gaara shakes his head 'no'. He doesn't want cause any problems for Tsunade or Angel, but if he did choose; Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke, and possibly Sai would have been his choices. But he is more than willing to have the thirteen people from Konoha accompany them. Temari would be pleased to have that Nara guy around and Gaara noticed that Kankurou has taken a liking to that Ino woman.

"Inform them that we leave tomorrow at dawn." Gaara states and turns to leave.

"Angel, is that alright with you?" Tsunade questions. She has developed a soft spot in her heart for Angel. Angel had help Sakura tremendously, like a sister would and since she considers Sakura to be like a daughter to her, she now considers Angel to be one as well.

"It is fine Tsunade-sama." Angel smiles. That is something she finds herself doing more offend. Being around these people have caused her emotionless mask to crack more and more. She is adapting quickly to her new surroundings and is a little nervous to be leaving it, even if it is just for a couple of weeks. She would never say it out loud but she is slightly relieved when everyone signed up to go with her.

Tsunade smiles and waves her off. She was never good at good-byes, so it is better to wave her off now and get it over with. Angel bows and leaves her office with Gaara.

"You better go pack." Gaara ordered and Angel rolls her eyes at him. "What?"

"I am not even a Shinobi just yet and here you are ordering me around." Angel jokes but Gaara couldn't tell because she hid her face from his view.

"You will be, and as a Shinobi of both Suna and Konoha you will have to listen to what I say, just as much as Tsunade-sama." Gaara informed Angel and again she looks back at him with a smile plastered on her features.

"You know, I could just become a Leaf ninja. I have already passed all of their requirements." Angel teases and pokes her finger at Gaara's chest. She had seen Sakura do it a few time to Sasuke when she was joking around. But she forgot that Gaara was not use to someone openly joking around with him.

"So now you are insulting me? You don't want to be considered a Sand Shinobi?" Gaara's eyes shine with hurt and Angel takes a set back.

"I apologize. I was just testing my joking abilities and I guess that I am no good at doing such things." Angel lowers her head ashamed at upsetting Gaara.

They did not act like they were mates, not by demon standards. They take it one day at a time, giving each other freedom. They would eventually be drawn together but Angel hopes that is will just turn into a strong friendship, but that didn't mean that they couldn't enjoy themselves. Gaara understood her and she understood him, except in awkward situations like this.

"No, it was a good joke, I guess. I too, am still adjusting to having people treat me like, well, like I'm somewhat human." Gaara places his hand under Angel's chin and slowly lifts her face so she is looking at him. They hold each other's gaze until they are once again interrupted by someone coughing.

Angel pulls herself away from Gaara's grip and turns to see everyone looking at her. Some had slight smiles on their faces, others look uninterested, but what confused her was the look Sai had on his face. He looks hurt and somewhat sad. As the group start to walk to the nearest restaurant, of course Naruto's idea, Angel falls back a little until she is by Sai's side.

"Is something troubling you Sai-san?" Angel questions him, eyeing him through the corners of her eyes. As soon as she is next to him she could hear his heart beat quicken, but his face did not change. In a way he reminded her of herself.

"Nothing that concerns a hag like you," Sai responds and Angel stops in her tracks. Everyone turns to see Angel stun and with a light shade of pink gracing her porcelain skin.

'Am I really that horrifying?'

'Gaara says you a beautiful…'

'But he is another Demon. Demons are different when it come to beauty. Gaara might think my power is beautiful, not my physical appearance.'

Angel stares at Sai with shock in her eyes. Sai looks at her confused by her reaction. "Angel-san?"

"I apologize but I do not feel like dining with you all tonight. I must pack. Farewell." Angel rushes her words as she turns sharply and runs to Sakura's home to pack and clear her mind. She didn't realize that her eyes were tearing and that a single drop escaped as she ran. That single drop hit Sai on his cheek.

Sai raises his hand up to his cheek and touches the liquid substance. He brings his fingers to his mouth and tastes the liquid. It taste salty and that is when he realizes he had made Angel cry.

"Sai-teme, what did you do?" Naruto asks, annoyed that Angel would not be joining them.

"I simply told her that my mood doesn't concern a hag like her." Sai states emotionlessly. Sakura gasps and hit Sai over the head.

"You BAKA! Angel-chan sees herself as ugly and you called her a hag! How could you?" Sakura is fuming but her anger fades when she sees the look of shock on Sai's face.

Sakura knows that Sai always means the opposite of what he says, which is why she would giggle when Sai would call Ino 'beautiful', even if it was the truth, that was not how he saw her.

"I didn't realize that my words would hurt her." Sai says apagogically. "I will go and make things right. You all please continue. I will bring Angel-san back with me." Sai starts to sprint towards Sakura's home. Gaara went to follow but Temari stops him.

"What?" Gaara growled.

"You have to give her some space Gaara, she's a big girl. I know you are close to her, but everyone needs some alone time." Temari smiles. "Also, I'm a woman, I know when other women need some time to think."

"Hn." Gaara nods. He didn't like the fact that Angel was in pain right now, he knew she was because he could feel it. But if Temari is right, he doesn't need to be bothering her right now.

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"Angel-san!" Sai calls out. He has been knocking on Sakura's door for ten minutes now and she hasn't answered. "Angel-san, are you here? Please, I need to speak to you!"

Sai lowers his balled fist in defeat. Angel must truly hate him now for his ignorance. He really didn't think Angel was a hag but quite the opposite. Angel was the most breath taking woman he had ever seen and he was reluctant to admit it, but he wanted to be near her.

Sai is about to give up and return home, he didn't want to go back to the restaurant without Angel, that would cause everyone to be more upset with him; but when he turns around, Foalan is sitting behind him.

"Do you know where Angel-san is?" Sai asks the wolf. Foalan cocks his head to the side, Sai almost could have sworn he was smiling at him. Foalan stands up and starts to trot towards the park, he turns his head back towards Sai indicating that he wants Sai to follow him.

Sai follows Foalan to park and standing before him was the most amazing sight. Angel stands under a cherry tree with her hawk on one arm. She is humming some tune to the bird, who is enjoying the attention Angel is showering him with. Sai mentally wished that he was the bird and he had all of Angel's attention.

Angel stops her caresses towards her feathery friend when she felt the presence of another. She turn her head slightly to see Sai staring at her in awe. A new wave of sadness and anger vibrated within her.

"Do not stare too much, I would not want to ruin your eyes with such a horrid sight."

Sai watches as more tears form at the corner of Angel's eyes.

"Angel-chan…" Sai realizes he slipped but decided not to correct himself. "Angel-chan, I didn't mean what I said before. I do not think of you as a hag. I just have a problem with showing emotions. I was trained not to have any. Naruto and Sakura have helped me a lot. They put up with me and my … coldness. But in returned they showed me what true friendship it. I envy them for being able to speak to others, not have others hate them because they were unsure how to act."

Sai slowly walks up to Angel as he speaks. The tears in her eyes are still threatening to fall. "What I'm trying to say is that, I'm sorry Angel-chan."

Angel couldn't hold back her tears any longer. He is apologizing and to her no less. She has been called far worse than a hag but no one ever apologized. They meant what they said, but Sai didn't. He did it out of habit not because he disliked her in anyway.

Sai reaches out and wipes away her tears with his fingers. He moves in closer and Angel watches him carefully. When he touched her, no emotions or memories flooded her mind. It seems like he is in complete control of his mind, so she allows him to touch her further. Sai cups her face with his hands and proceeds to move in closer. He keeps his onyx eyes locked on Angel's sapphire eyes. Angel observes him curiously, but before she realizes what he is about to do, it is too late.

Sai presses his lips against Angel's petal soft ones. Angel doesn't pull away or make any attempt to stop him. Her mind is still trying to comprehend why no emotions were following into her. When Sai pressed his lips against hers again she found herself responding to his kiss.

The only thing she feels is him, his lips against hers. There is no sudden pain, no unfamiliar emotions or memories. The only thing she is feeling is him, nothing more. She will not deny that she like this sensation. Sai is gentle and almost shy but he is quickly over coming this as he slides his tongue across Angel's lower lip asking for entrance. Angel responds and allows him to deepen their kiss.

After what seems like hours Sai pulls away from Angel and immediately pulls her into a tight embrace. Angel continues to stay in her state of shock, but Sai's next words causes her to pull away from him.

"You are beautiful Angel-chan…"

'You are beautiful…'

'I want you…'

'Gaara..' Angel mentally sighs but quickly realizes that is not who is holding her now.

'Sai … What have to you done to me? This emotion… I feel like I am being pulled in two different directions…'

"I am sorry Sai-san. I do not wish to give you the wrong idea but I cannot return these feelings that you may have for me." Angel states trying her best not to show the confusion she feels.

"Angel-chan? Is there someone else?" Sai questions. He remember the look Gaara was giving her and it made his blood boil to think that Gaara could just come along and claim the most beautiful woman he had ever met.

The worse thing is that this would not be the first time someone has taken away the woman he fancied. Sasuke came back and then Sakura was suddenly off limits to everyone. Naruto made sure to tell everyone to back off. Sai was never vocal about his affection for Sakura, but Kiba was vociferous enough for the both of them.

"I am fated to be with no one. That is how it is and that is how it must stay. I am the Fallen Angel, doom to be alone forever." Angel speaks but her gaze is somewhere far away. Sai listens and his heart constricts with each word.

"No one has to be alone. You can make your own choice." Sai puts his hand on Angel's shoulder. Angel looks at him and tries her best to smile.

"How come when you touch me I do not feel anything from you? I receive no emotions or memories … why is that?" Angel questions. She really wants to change the subject.

"I told you I was trained not to have any emotions, so it is pretty easy for me to keep to myself. I know how touch affects you, so I made sure to keep my mind clear and block any memories." Sai smirks at Angel's look.

"You are quite skilled Sai-kun. Not many humans can do what you do." Angel praises him and squeezes his hand that is still on her shoulder.

"I know you aren't ready for a relationship with anyone Angel-chan, but I want you to know that I do have feelings for you. I can't explain them or why I have them but there is just something about you that attracts me. I just want you to know. Now, if you wouldn't mind going back to the restaurant with me. I promised Ug… uh… Sakura-san, that I would bring you back with me." Sai smiles and Angel eyes him. "What?"

"You should smile more often. It makes you more attractive." Angel states as she walks pass a smirking Sai.

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The next morning the group gathers together at the gates of Konoha. Everyone nods towards each other and they head off towards Suna. It would take two days to arrive there but Gaara wants to get there in a day and a half. A feat that could easily be done by him and Angel but he had to remember that not everyone had demonic blood to help them out.

"Alright! Let's go!" Naruto shouts and takes off with everyone following suit.

Elven Translations

1. Amin n'rangwa edanea --- I don't understand these humans

2. Faina templa --- Energy Bolt