Part 31 Diamonds and Rubies
Both men turned around and the one with the big, kick-ass scythe spoke.
"Look Kakuzu it's two ANBU, well this should be fucking fun. Maybe we might be able to have a proper fucking battle for once. Mind you, one looks like a wench." He grinned menacingly at me, pulling his scythe forwards. I knew these guys weren't messing about at all. I didn't know whether to tell them I knew Deidara and Makaiko or not but, then again, if I did that and betrayed Konoha I couldn't marry Gaara. Norio and I stood there as silent as a calm sea but the Akatsuki were getting restless especially the one with the scythe, he seemed happy at having a blood fest. I smiled behind my mask; this indeed would be interesting.
"Hey, Hidan, unless you want to pay me for some more limbs, let's get a move on to find another-"
He was cut short by Hidan's outburst.
"Kakuzu, stop being such a fucking idiot! It will please Lord Jashin, so stop fucking whining about my religion!"
Norio disappeared from my side but a second later Hidan had whirled around and ducked as Norio came flying at him. The fight to stop them getting hold of Naruto had begun.
I let the star's chakra combine with mine and allowed it to take over. A weird breeze blew my hair about, although there wasn't any wind today. Norio was busy fighting Kakuzu so I moved on to Hidan and I had a suspicion that he didn't fight with hand to hand combat jutsus and that he, maybe worshiped Lord Jashin. He must be a very violent person in that case because anything below utter destruction is against the religion. Makaiko had told me this many a time.
"Scatter!" I yelled and my chakra wings unfolded.
"Not another fucking thing that flies. I have had enough of that from fucking god damned Deidara!"
"Met him, he's a piloc!"
"Got one right there bitch!"
"All around!" A massive vortex flew around me and I sent it streaking after Hidan.
"Shit." He jumped out of the way. "Unusual aren't you wench?"
The vortex flew after him and Hidan was forced to go at almost the speed of light to avoid it.
"Kujaku Mayouhou!" The gigantic peacock chakra feathers splayed around me rippling in their ferocity. Norio and Kakuzu seemed to have gone off somewhere but I couldn't worry about that now. I dropped down on to the forest floor and Hidan dropped opposite me, bearing his teeth angrily. He launched himself at me, his scythe now a clear threat. I moulded the chakra at lightening speed and two wolves formed, huge, monstrous, able to kill anything. They were each side of him in an instant and he was forced to jump upwards and land on a near by branch as they crashed together, but they kept on going.
"Agony!" The two wolves already massive formed one big, terrifying wolf which Hidan could not avoid. The wolf tossed him around like a rag doll. You should never underestimate your opponent which, Hidan had rather sadly done, but if the rumours that I'd heard were true, then it didn't matter if I killed him anyway. Mainly because I couldn't.
Hidan pushed himself up off the ground and I knew that his body would be screaming in pain and agony. He had most likely damaged a few internal organs, he wouldn't last much longer.
The chunin entrants entered the forest. Kankuro and Temari were running up the path towards Tsunade and I. They halted, panting, and Temari spoke.
"G-Gaara, thank God we found you and Tsunade!" I looked at them questioningly and realised something was very wrong. "Two Akatsuki were spotted near Konoha and they may have entered already!" I hoped Keitii was alright if anything had happened to her- no I mustn't think the worst, she's strong and can cope with, even kill them probably but also the reverse could happen.
"Where were they spotted?" Tsunade asked hurriedly.
"Behind this forest." Kankuro gestured behind us.
I sensed something hurtling through the trees towards us and turned around to see an ANBU that wasn't Keitii flying through the trees. The ANBU drew up beside Tsunade and me, Norio's voice spoke.
"Tsunade-sama!"
"What is it?"
"Two Akatsuki, Kakuzu and Hidan, are in the forest. Kakuzu is currently occupied by a few ANBU and Hidan is fighting Keitii." I snapped my eyes towards the mask.
"Where is she?" I asked quickly.
"In the west clearing and she seemed to have an advantage when I left her, she was using jutsus I had never seen before."
I smiled it was just like her to get herself immersed in some trouble but this was the Akatsuki. I knew that if she'd been at her full capacity I wouldn't have a cause to be worried but the terrible weakness she had showed frightened me. I could not risk losing her however slight the chance.
"Take me to Hidan and Keitii; I want to back her up in case anything does happen."
"Are you sure that's wise Gaara?" Tsunade asked.
"I am not risking losing her," I said simply and followed Norio off in to the trees. We were taking a long time; Keitii could be in serious trouble. No-one had ever made me worry like this before but I loved her and couldn't risk losing her. We hurtled passed and Norio drew to a halt and I did so too. Without a sound, he dropped down from the trees and I followed. I could hear a lot of coarse language and I felt a sudden warmth blaze over me. Norio and I stepped forward to see the fight before us and what I saw made me rush forwards as the warmth went.
My chakra was lessening by the second I could feel it but yet I knew that I mustn't let my guard down as the wolves lessened in size but still roamed around the clearing, circling Hidan.
"Well that was a fucking surprise."
"Wow, impressed are we? Maybe I am not a useless wench after all?!" I spat at him but I did not let anger take me over for then I would lose the battle for sure. Suddenly, Hidan had disappeared into the trees. The wolves drew in closer to me for protection, but there was a gap and Hidan swooped through it and his scythe caught my back and head; a heavy blow. I screamed.
"Seems like you're fucking useless anyway wench." My knees were starting to buckle as the chakra wolves disappeared. I was in deep trouble now and I hoped that I'd be able to fight back although that was highly unlikely. I could feel blood trickling down my hair and my back, the world was spinning but I was determined to stay standing. I tried to get back the chakra vortex but it was no use. I jumped back with all the strength I could muster so he could not attack me at close range which would be a deadly mistake. I fell too my knees my body quivering but I stood back up again. Even though my chakra was low and these jutsus were weakening me, I concentrated my chakra back in to the peacocks tail which was still strong and all I could manage for now.
"The fight's not over till it's over you fucking piloc!" Kotaro swooped over me but something had changed in the bird that I knew so well. The feathers were on fire and it shot huge balls of fire at Hidan. Kotaro swooped passed him tearing the cloak and his shirt making his blood pour out.
Kotaro was fighting with him tooth and nail. Fire, claws and beak all flashing fiercely. I felt two people lift me and I looked around to see Norio and Gaara. I was so happy to see him but he looked shocked and as pale as a ghost.
"Norio, you finish off Hidan and I'll take Keitii-han back." His sand covered us and within a moment Gaara and I were at the gates to the forest. I saw that Temari, Kankuro and Tsunade were there with some of the Konoha military police. Gaara lifted my mask off and laid me gently down on the ground. I coughed and tasted blood which slowly trickled out of the corner of my mouth. Hidan had hit some organs not to mention my back which was burning with pain. Tsunade leaned over me she was, after all, an excellent medical-nin. Her hands glowed over my stomach and I felt warmth from them. I heard Gaara telling Temari and Kankuro to get back to their job and so they did.
"I'm sorry Gaara." He made a hushing noise and kneeled down beside me holding my hand.
"No need to be sorry. I shouldn't have sent you on this mission; I just wanted you to feel like you had a normal life."
"No, it's my fault for being so weak and bloody useless. Maybe if I'd listened to Sachiyo more than my father I wouldn't be in this mess," I said angrily.
"It's not your fault and nor will it ever be. Your father made you train with that chakra under threat of abuse, how can it be your fault?" He squeezed my hand reassuringly.
"What do you mean with that chakra?" Tsunade asked.
"Keitii came from Hoshigakure and her father made her train with the star's chakra a lot from what I've heard." Something in her eyes made me feel uneasy.
"That is a dangerous kind of powerful chakra that no creature should ever absorb."
"I was wondering if any of its effects can be reversed." He glanced at me then back at Tsunade. "You being an expert medical-nin, I thought you may know." Tsunade looked me in the eyes.
"How much has it affected you?"
"I'll be lucky to stick it out until I'm 20." Her fists clenched.
"It- you've no idea how much it pains me to say this but what you're saying is right and there is nothing I nor anyone can do. I am so sorry Gaara, Keitii..." she let her voice trail off.
I felt Gaara stiffen and look down at me and I couldn't bare to meet his gaze and see the sorrow and fear in those cyan eyes of his.
"Keitii-" I got up still in pain but I couldn't stand it, knowing that I would leave Gaara alone and shatter his heart that had just found out about love into a million pieces. I stumbled down the path and collapsed again. I heard Tsunade and Gaara rushing over to me. A piece of paper clung to my leg in the wind and I picked it up seeing Makaiko's hand and read.
Hey Keitii-chan!
Great news, I've left! Yeah, I was going to say goodbye but I slept in late. I was planning on saying bye at around 04:00 a.m. so you should be thankful I don't know how to set an alarm.
You know what; I'm running out of things to say, this note was only supposed to be a quick goodbye for God's sake! I've rewrote this thing at least five times! It keeps on going wrong!! I hate writing letters! Invent the telephone already people!
Makaiko
I smiled as the tears of remembering Makaiko's fate as well as mine trickled out in those tiny salt water droplets on to my lap. "Keitii-han come on you're resting then we're going back to Suna." I nodded and Gaara put his arm round me, wiping away the tears mingled with the blood. I must have looked a sight. We trudged slowly back down the path to the hotel. People stared but I didn't care; I was too wrapped up in thinking about Makaiko's life ending all too soon and making Gaara a widower.
We entered the hotel's entrance hall and the desk lady looked up.
"Err, do you want a hand there Kazekage-sama?"
"No, I'm okay thank you." Every step I winced but the pain wasn't as bad and slowly it was fading. I cleaned myself up when we gained the safety of the room and I came out dressed in a red shirt with short black baggy trousers. Gaara wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and I drew in a sharp breath.
"Sorry, are you still in pain?"
"Yes, but it's fine, honestly. It's getting better than it was." He smiled.
"That's good, well I want to stop by the Hokage manor on the way out to talk to Tsunade and I suspect Naruto may be there now." I gave a soft smile and he transported us by his flying sand to the Hokage manor seeing as it wasn't far. The guards bowed to me as well this time, they'd clearly heard about Gaara and me. We walked around the curved floor which was carpeted in green with candles in brackets on the walls. I knocked on the door.
"Enter." And so we did but more slowly, I was still a bit fragile.
"Gaara!" Naruto ran over to him, and they shook hands. Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura, Sai, and their other leader with big eyes were there along with a couple of others all about Naruto's and Gaara's age. They were all smiling at me and Gaara, I was still clutching on to his arm very tight though.
"We were just talking about you Keitii."
"Good things I hope." I winced slightly.
"Indeed," said Gaara, "Actually seeing as you're all here I have something I want to do. He knelt down on one knee and I swayed slightly but he clutched my hand in his, my heart did a drum roll in my chest, I felt like I was going to melt from the heat. Was this...? Could it be...? He pulled out a massive diamond and ruby ring. "Be with me forever. I love you forever. Please marry me and stay with me till the end of time." My eyes widened. This was a moment I'd remember for an eternity. It was preserved like a fossil ingrained in my memory forever. My stomach lifted out and away. I felt as light as air. Happy as if I was on cloud nine.
"Yes." I grinned at him, the smile stretching for miles on end. They all applauded, ringing our hands, beaming, shouting, singing, dancing, jiving (well not quite.) Gaara drew himself up and pulled me in all in one and kissed me so tenderly, so lovingly, I could have dropped dead right there and then from a passion overload. Everyone was awing and all the girls were saying how cute it was.
We broke apart.
"Back to Suna I'm guessing?" Tsunade smirked.
"Well we have a wedding to plan, hope the chunin exams go well."
"I can find another Kage; you two go off and have a fabulous time."
"You're all welcome to the wedding," I said smiling.
"Too right I am!" Naruto clapped Gaara on the back. "Wouldn't miss it for all the world." The senseis seemed really pleased for us and one who resembled Rock Lee, I think the small one was called well what I was assuming was his sensei, was going all emotional at the news. Talking about the light of youth about us being entwined forever. Gaara and I waved goodbye to them all. We smiled at each other as we exited the office and I could have flown down the hallway, Temari and Kankuro hurtled round the corner.
"You'll never guess who is planning a wedding now?" I grinned at them. "ME!" I showed them my ring.
"Wow that's gorgeous Keitii-chan! Oh Gaara, Keitii, this is wonderful!" She pulled us in to a bone breaking hug.
"We'll be back for the wedding don't worry."
"Thought I'd got rid of you. Out of the ceremony." Gaara smirked at Kankuro and he laughed.
They waved us off at the gates of Konoha and we set off on our way back.
"Does this mean shopping then?"
"I can feel a heavy weight in the pit of my wallet."
"Oh come on Gaara we've both got plenty at the moment me being the Hoshikage's daughter you being the Kazekage. Besides, your wallet should be feeling as light as air."
"What kind of wedding do you want then?"
"A traditional Japanese one, incidentally don't let burgers anywhere near the wedding."
"Why do you want them away?"
"Makaiko threatened to throw them instead of rice." And for the first time ever he laughed.
"I haven't been this happy in a long time." I smiled.
"I know, and things are only going to get better!" He wrapped his arm around my waist as we walked beside the forest in the mid day sun.
The journey was perfect, just Gaara and I seemingly alone in the world, as the sun set. And we walked under the stars as we approached Suna; we had been speeding along all the way there.
"The stars are so beautiful against that black sky."
"But not as beautiful as the shining star beside me." Now that was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.
"And you're at the core of that beautiful star keeping it alight." I nuzzled his neck and I leaned my head on his shoulder.
"It's a shame," he said surveying the walls of Suna with a sadness, "I have been my happiest when I'm all alone with you and now we must go back to Suna, all good things come to an end eventually." He lead me through the gap in the wall and for once I was not pounced on by guards, which was an utter relief. The walk seemed to come to an end almost too quickly as Gaara carried me over the threshold and we walked upstairs to my room (or maybe now our room.) No-one was there to see us, it was too perfect to be true and yet it was. Gaara and I entered the room Kotaro swooping on top of a perch, I heard a click behind me and I turned around. "Don't want to be disturbed seeing as no-one really knows that we're here." He drew me in close with my back up against the wall.
"No-one-" I sighed as I was cut short. His lips caressed mine and my hands wrapped around his neck, his hands around my waist. He licked my lip begging to be let in but I did not until a few moments later, making him wait for it. His tongue wrapped itself around mine as I slid my hands down to his chest feeling his heart beat and every breath as though we were one. He put one finger under my chin leading me over to the soft quilted bed.
I lay down and not even once did we break apart. His hand was stroking my thigh so gently it made all my hair stand on end. He had thrown one layer of his Kazekage outfit over somewhere. But where I did not know or care. I slid my hand under his shirt and over his muscular front, he stroked my arm, then he broke away from my lips and started going downwards planting little kisses on each spot carefully as though each one may break if he wasn't careful. He got lower and lower his hands sliding to my shirt unbuttoning my it as he got further down until it was all undone. He started going back up and I unbuttoned his shirt which he flung over into the distance revealing his strong muscular body to die for and his hands were sliding slowly down my body.