Disclaimer: Ha you're funny….
Chapter: 22
Deep in a forest surrounding grass country sat the Akatsuki secret hideout, sleek and sly in its outward appearance. Perfect for an evil organization of super strength rogue ninja's, no one would ever suspect it.
Until now…
"YOU WHAT!?!" a loud scream shook the trees and a flock of birds took flight.
So much for secret. Deidara stood with his head bowed trying to hold back a nervous chuckle. Kisame stood next to him wincing as the only female member of the Akatsuki paced in front of them while destroying everything in her path. Pein stood behind her mentally smacking himself for not going to catch the Hyuuga himself. He was broken from his mental punishment by another shriek from Konan.
"YOU LEFT HER THERE TO BLEED TO DEATH!?" Konan screamed throwing her fist at the wall behind Deidara's head.
"S-she stabbed herself with a kunai, she would have bled to death," Kisame defended.
"Yes, IF she was a normal person!" Konan snapped.
"I thought you said the only special thing about her was the Byakugan un," Deidara said.
Pein almost yelled at his subordinate, as the answer was so obvious it wasn't even funny. He glanced over at Konan, waiting for her mental overload. In 3…2…1…
"WHAT ARE YOU A MORON!" Konan screamed. "SHE HAS THE DEMON INSIDE HER! THE DEMON WOULD REFUSE TO DIE SO EASILY!"
Deidara and Kisame had an 'oh' look on their faces that was soon replaced with a grimace.
"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!" Konan cried.
"Looks like it's that time of the month un," Deidara mumbled as he and Kisame scrambled out of the room.
"I HEARD THAT!" Konan yelled after them.
"You should calm down," Pein's cold voice echoed in the empty chamber.
"I know, but how could they be so stupid? What were you thinking?" Konan asked.
"I don't know but it may have helped us," Pein said in his monotone.
"How?" Konan asked incredulously. "They screwed up so bad I would be surprised if we ever saw the Hyuuga again."
"Don't worry I have a plan," Pein simply said.
Konan smirked as she watched the shadow of a man exit the chamber to. By the sounds of it they were about to finally catch their fox; all they needed now was the bait. (A/N: If you can't tell they are talking about using Hinata for bait for Naruto)
"Ni-san please don't cry!" Hinata said her own voice shaky.
Without a second thought she climbed out of the hospital bed and knelt before her cousin who had fallen to his own knees. Neji looked up at her and his relieved expression changed to stern worry.
"Get back in bed," Neji stated.
"Demo," Hinata began.
"Back. In. Bed." Neji said standing and pulling Hinata to her feet.
"Demo I feel great! I can probably run a lap around Suna!" Hinata whined, getting into bed at the same time.
"At least stay still until the doctor checks you out," Kurenai piped in, making herself known.
Hinata looked over to her sensei and smiled not failing to notice Shino in the corner. Gaara regarded all of them with a bored acknowledgement. But on the inside his heart clenched, he hadn't seen her this happy in a long time and he wondered if she wanted to go back to Konoha. A quiet statement made by Shino broke his thoughts.
"What?" He asked bluntly.
"Tsunade-sama's here?" Hinata asked, unconsciously answering Gaara's question. "Why?"
"She heard that her precious Anbu had been killed," Neji scoffed.
Gaara was the only one to notice Hinata's eyes widen, shine with unshed tears and then turn dull. Her skin went from it's usual pale to ashy and her head fell to her chest which drew the others attention.
"Hinata-chan, are you all right?" Kurenai asked.
"Hai!" Hinata answered happily, looking up at her sensei with a wide grin on her face though her eyes stayed dead. "Would any of you mind getting the doctor for me?"
"Of course," Kurenai said, motioning for Shino to follow her. "Gaara-sama would you mind introducing me to Hinata-chan's doctor, I have a few questions."
Gaara nodded and gave Hinata's shoulder a small squeeze before leading the way out of the room. For a moment Hinata and Neji sat in silence neither one staring at the other.
"Why?" Hinata's voice was the only thing that broke the silence.
"Why what?" Neji asked his cousin, recognizing the sorrow in her tone immediately.
"Why did they sacrifice themselves for me?" Hinata said tears leaking from her pale eyes.
"What are you talking about?" Neji asked, thoroughly confused.
"How many Anbu were sent after me?" Hinata asked immediately as if switching topic.
"About five or six why?" Neji asked.
"It's my fault their dead," Hinata said.
"No it's not," Neji said. "You couldn't save them, the Akatsuki was fighting them and there is more of them then you."
"I could have at least TRIED." Hinata sobbed.
"Don't feel bad, they risked their life because you are important and we all care about you," Neji consoled.
"I'M NOT WORTH THEIR LIVES!" Hinata screamed. "I'm a worthless Kunoichi, they were anbu. Top of their class and the strongest ninjas we have to offer and they died for me."
"Stop!" Neji cried, halting Hinata's tears. "They were going to give up on you! Leave you out there to die! But I refused! And so did those Anbu."
Neji was going to continue until he was cut off as Hinata pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you for not forgetting me ni-san," Hinata murmured.
"Hinata! Lets go shopping!" Temari said slamming the hospital door open and accidentally ruining the cousin moment.
"Has the doctor allowed me to leave?" Hinata asked excitedly, she hadn't seen Temari in about two months.
Temari looked a little crestfallen and Hinata knew the answer was no. She opened her mouth to say something when she was cut off by a raspy voice.
"If you give me a minute Temari-san, I'll check her and then tell you if she can go or not." Chiyo said, from the door.
A few minutes later Chiyo finished checking Hinata and her wounds and told them the diagnosis.
"She suffered from massive internal bleeding, and we found a strange substance lining the walls of her esophagus. Death was almost inevitable; I have no idea, Hyuuga-san how you even survived."
With every word from the old woman's lips their hearts grew heavier and heavier. Finally Hinata lost all hope and instead looked out the window trying to hide the oncoming tears.
"However, it seems that your luck has not run out yet," Chiyo added after a short silence. "You may leave."
Both girls looked at each other before Hinata turned beaming at her doctor. She opened her mouth to express her gratitude but was cut off again.
"Demo, if you experience any thing strange, anything at all, come back to the hospital immediately…understood?" Chiyo asked.
"Hai!" Hinata squeaked, jumping out of the bed. "Arigotou Chiyo-sama, I owe you my life."
"Oh come now Hyuuga-san, I do not enjoy such manners, go up to your room, the Kazekage and your companions will be waiting there, they'll be glad to know you are okay." Chiyo said, before turning and leaving.
Hinata began to pull her sandals on clumsily, anxious to actually walk around with friends. Neji told her to slow down and made her blush, but she continued her frantic struggle to leave the room.
Kakashi returned to the meeting spot within an hour, he was surprised however when he saw Sakura and Tsunade already there. Tsunade stood her arms crossed and a fierce glint in her eye; though her skin was unnaturally pale. Sakura sat on the ground in the fetal position, hands on her head and her body rocking back and forth.
"Tsunade-sama, what happened to Sakura-chan?" he asked deciding to get the answers from the more stable female.
"We found the anbu bodies, or Sakura found them," Tsunade said.
Kakashi nodded in understanding before pulling out the remains of one of the Anbu masks he found. Tsunade took it from him and inspected it before snapping it in half.
"Lets head to Suna, Neji, Shino and Kurenai probably have come to their senses. Besides I have to renew our peace treaty." Tsunade added pulling the shaking Sakura to her feet.
The two adults began to walk toward the city of sand. However Kakashi soon noticed that Sakura wasn't following them. He turned back and lifted her onto his back and brought her to a waiting Tsunade.
"She's still stunned from what she saw," Kakashi explained, earning a snort from Tsunade.
The fifth Hokage ordered him to lay Sakura on the ground. The Jounin had no choice to obey. Tsunade stood over the pink haired Kunoichi before unscrewing the cap to her canteen and dumping the contents onto the young girls face. After a few moments Tsunade finally got the reaction she wanted and heard coughing and spluttering that soon turned in to a choked scream. She tipped the bottle back up and covered it with the cap once again as Sakura jumped to her feet.
"What was that!?" Sakura cried as she spat the liquid onto the ground.
"Sake," Tsunade said.
"Why am I not surprised?" Kakashi mumbled to himself.
Before either of the two females could begin arguing Kakashi cut them off.
"We need to get to Suna," Kakashi said already heading in that direction.
And without another word they all sped off toward the village.
"Gaara-sama!" Hinata cried, running into her room and almost hugging the Kazekage.
However she stopped and her arms dropped to her sides as her face turned a bright cherry red. Temari began to laugh and Neji smirked, Gaara on the other looked confused. Kurenai looked at the bolder Hinata and almost smiled, Shino on the other hand ignored everyone else and walked toward his teammate.
"Shino-kun!" Hinata cried wrapping her arms around her teammate, who gently squeezed her back.
Gaara felt a swell of anger but it soon died when Hinata faced him again, a huge smile on her face.
"Gaara-sama we were going to go shopping would you like to come?" Hinata asked, not able to hide her hopeful tone.
The Kazekage stared at her for a moment, before nodding. This time Hinata couldn't stop herself as she hugged him. After she realized what she had done she immediately released the red head and blushed.
"Shall we go then?" Kankurou asked from the doorway.
"Are you coming to?" Temari asked, a fake look of disgust on her face.
"Yeah I figured I might as well." Kankurou grumbled.
"That's great! Lets go," Hinata said reaching behind her and grasping Neji's hand and what she thought was Shino's coat sleeve.
Gaara was a little shocked when he felt the slight tug on his shirt, his eyes glanced downwards noticing Hinata's small fingers curled around the sleeve of his shirt. With that they were off through the Kazekage tower. As the neared the door, the three sand siblings noticed the elders standing at the entrance. Temari paled, while Kankurou grimaced. Gaara on the other hand detangled himself from Hinata and approached them.
"I must leave the tower," Gaara stated.
"But you're on probation!" the elder snapped.
"The Hokage's here, do you really wish for her to know that I was put on probation for rescuing the Hyuuga heiress? That might be considered treason." Gaara said coldly.
The elder who had spoken earlier flushed in anger but was at a loss for words. All the others were silent until finally one spoke up.
"Well go then!"
Gaara did just that; he walked back toward the group and began leading them outside. However what they didn't notice was a pink haired Konoha ninja about to enter the building.
Sakura sighed as she wondered through Suna by herself. Kakashi went off in search of an Adult bookshop while Tsunade stopped at a bar to refill her Sake supply. So now it was up to Sakura to meet with the Kazekage about renewing the peace treaty. In all honesty she really wanted to see Gaara but she would never admit it. Her hand went to the door and she closed her eyes for the moment, but the next thing she knew she was on the ground and staring up into two glaring blue green eyes.
When Temari saw the pink haired girl approaching she immediately notified Neji and the rest of the group.
"Hinata look over there!" Temari said, pointing behind the dark haired girl.
"Where?" Hinata asked, turning around and searching behind her.
"Pinkie is here!" Temari mouthed.
Everyone understood immediately, and tried to distract Hinata for as long as possible.
"Gaara! Kankurou!" Temari hissed, signaling her two brothers.
"What?" Kankurou whined.
"That pink haired girl, Sakura, she's coming!" Temari whispered, noticing Gaara catch on.
"So? What do I care about a pink haired hus…" Kankurou began but was shushed by both of his aggravated siblings.
"Will you keep it down?" Gaara growled.
"I don't want Hinata to see her again," Temari said nervously as she saw a hint of impatience in Hinata's face as Kurenai questioned her about a portrait of a past Kazekage. "She might lose it again."
There was silence between the three siblings, all looking torn. Finally Temari was about to speak when Gaara turned away from them. He began to walk towards the door.
"Gaara! What are you…" Temari began.
"Take Hinata and leave. I'll keep the pink one distracted." He said.
"Arigotou Gaara," Temari whispered before rushing Hinata up the stairs and out a window.
"Tell me why we are sneaking out the window? And where did Gaara-sama go?" Hinata asked.
"We want you to get you exorcise," Shino covered.
"Gaara had to go to a meeting," Temari added.
"Ok," she said slightly crestfallen.
"Maybe we'll see him later." Kankurou added quickly.
Hinata brightened a bit as they made their first stop.
"Where is the fifth Hokage?" Gaara asked the pinkette who was still on the ground.
"I um I," Sakura stuttered, afraid of giving a bad impression
Gaara rolled his eyes and pulled Sakura to her feet. He walked past her, and onto the street.
"Are you coming?" He asked, looking back at her.
"H-hai," Sakura said running to catch up with him.
Silence reigned between the two. Sakura seemed uncomfortable and decided to break the silence.
"So Kazekage-sama…" She began but was cut off by Gaara.
"I found Hinata, she's alive." Gaara replied.
"What?" Sakura asked, her heart sinking a bit.
"Hinata's alive and I found her," he said as if he was talking to and idiot.
"Oh," was all that Sakura could choke out.
Again silence fell between the two. Sakura soon decided that the silence was to awkward again.
"That reminds me," Sakura said suddenly.
Gaara looked over at her an eyebrow raised.
"Hinata's birthday is on the 27th." Sakura said almost absent-mindedly.
He made a mental note, counting down the days. The only problem now was what to get her.
"I'm hungry," Kankurou whined.
"Shut up!" Temari hissed smacking her brother over the head.
"No it's okay I think I could go for a bite to eat," Hinata said.
"Me too," Kurenai agreed.
"I wouldn't mind that to much either," Neji commented, taking his cousins arm and bringing her to the nearest restaurant.
Soon all six ninja filled in a booth and ordered their food. Everyone was chatting idly for a while when finally Hinata's stomach growled.
"Where is our food?" Temari cut in.
"I don't know but it sure is taking an awfully long time." Kurenai concurred.
"I'll go see what's going on," Hinata said about to slide out of her spot.
"Oh don't worry Hinata-sama, I'll get it," Neji said already half way to the counter.
"You need to be careful young one." A deep voice rumbled in Hinata's head.
'Who are you?' Hinata said in her head, a little uncomfortable with talking to the unknown visitor in her mind.
"Never mind that, there is a traitor close to you." It continued.
'Traitor?' Hinata asked confused.
"Someone is poisoning you kit."
'Poison?'
"Yes poison, I have a feeling it is your cousin."
'Neji! No it couldn't be! I don't believe you'
"You don't have to but I have to make sure no poison infects us."
'Us!'
"Yes us, you may not know it yet but you and I are one now and I will take care of us."
Finally Hinata recognized the voice as the fox like creature that she found in the strange world. Neji soon returned with the food, and passed Hinata hers first. But strangely she had suddenly lost her appetite.
"Awww! How cute!" Sakura squealed as she squatted in front of a pet shop window where there was a small litter of kittens playing.
"Do all females like these creatures?" Gaara asked.
"Of course!" Sakura insisted. "They're just so cute and fluffy!"
"What about those?" Gaara asked pointing to a small brown dog running around his cage with his brother and sisters.
"Ewe dogs! No way! They are to Hyperactive and annoying!" Sakura said, making a face. "Trust me the way to any girls heart is a soft cuddly kitten."
"Hn," Gaara stated as he began to walk away.
Sakura ran after Gaara once again, but bumped into him once he stopped. He pointed inside and Sakura caught a glimpse of her sensei trying to get more sake. She sighed.
"I should go and help my sensei," Sakura said trying to pardon herself from the Kazekage. "I really enjoy spending time with you…maybe we can do it again."
She turned to see the Kazekage's reaction only to find he was gone.
The sun began to set on the sand city, and all six ninja were exhausted.
"I think we should get back now," Temari said as she walked ahead with Kurenai and Hinata while the guys lagged carrying all their purchases.
"Yes, Hinata you need to get to bed early," Kurenai said.
"Why?" Hinata asked.
"Because you're coming home with us of course!" Kurenai answered.
"No I'm not." Hinata said stopping.
"Oh thank God!" Kankurou sighed in relief as he was finally able to put the bags down
"Hinata-sama, what do you mean?" Neji asked dangerously.
"I'm not going home with you." Hinata said sternly.
"Oh yes you are." Neji said.
"No I'm not! You cannot tell me what to do!" Hinata said.
"Don't make me force you," Neji threatened in a cold voice.
Hinata slid into the Hyuuga fighting stance and stood in front of Neji. Everyone else looked at her in shock.
"Hinata! What are you doing?" Kurenai gasped.
"I am happy here!" Hinata snapped. "And if I have to fight you in order for me to stay so be it."
"So you really want to stay here?" Neji asked disbelievingly.
"Yes," Hinata said fiercely.
The two cousins had a staring match but neither one yielded. Neji's eyes softened and he sighed.
"Alright." He said.
"What?" Hinata asked completely shocked.
"Alright you can stay." Neji repeated.
"Really!? Thank you Ni-san!" Hinata was about to hug her cousin when he stopped her.
"Don't thank me just yet. You still have to convince Tsunade-sama." Neji said.
"Still it means a lot." Hinata said.
Kurenai frowned and opened her mouth to say something but was stopped by her student.
"We should be getting back," Shino said.
"Hai." They all agreed and headed back toward the Kazekage tower.
However what they didn't see was the Kazekage leaving the place where they just were a small smile on his face.
A/N: Read and review!