I'm pretty proud of myself for updating a lot more quickly this time. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! It's a bit longer than the last one! This is for all you wonderful reviewers!!! Your inspiring words are the backbone to this story.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or it's characters. Despite this, I do own Nozomi and this story!
Chapter 16
"Nightmare"
My breath came in ragged, short expulsions of air. I tried to be strong, to be willful, powerful. My face was on the ground, pathetically, as I was losing the battle. I could smell the blood on my face and my body and the lust for violence erupted in my gut; a hot, sickly feeling. I could feel the one who had beaten me looking at my body. Maybe she was wondering if I was dead yet, or if I was on the brink of dying in those last miserable minutes. I turned to face her, to gather up the last of my strength in order to defeat her and return to Gaara. I longed for the feeling of his body next to mine, of his breath, warm against my face. I turned with a snarl in my throat but it was soon lost.
I saw a monster.
Her hair was brown and of medium length. Her face had blood on it, a horrid sight even to me. Her expression was of a curious child, although she was my age. Her hands were on her knees, bent over and staring at me. Her eyes were blood red. As my face grew into one of absolute fear, she smiled, her lips folding over her teeth in a gleeful sneer.
"I knew you wouldn't die so easily." It cooed.
And it laughed a blood-curdling sound that made my throat release a scream. The scream was high-pitched and awful, simply pathetic. But it made the monster even happier.
"Who are you?!" I screamed, my voice sounded as if it was from a tortured child. Weak.
"You don't recognize me? I'm the closest to you…always there…watching."
I tried to crawl away, to no avail. It only took a step closer, her eyes right in my face now, while I was too afraid to scream.
"I'm your demon; I'm here to take your body."
Then I saw Itachi coming forth from the darkness of the forest. He slowly made his way to the middle of the clearing where I was. The parts of the sky that were closest to the ground were red, fiery orange red. Then the red, looking like flames, would transform to the darkest violet. Itachi made his way over, Just as Gaara appeared from the other side of the forest.
"Nozomi! No!" He cried, the most emotional I've ever seen him. His face held an expression I've never seen, worry and fear mixed into something that shouted weakness. His sand was then everywhere, trying to grasp Itachi and the monster and render them immovable. The sand immediately settled but they were no where in sight. Gaara ran over to me while uneasiness filled me with dread. How could the monster and Itachi both retreat so easily? They wouldn't. Itachi wouldn't leave me.
When Gaara was only a few strides away from me, Itachi suddenly appeared in front of him, catching him off guard.
"No! Gaara! Run!" I yelled with all my strength. Itachi disappeared again, but Gaara was on the ground. I could feel the tears brimming over, my vision horrible now. Itachi was at my side, rocking me gently.
"I'm here for you now," he reassured.
In my shock, I didn't even push him away; all I thought was "Not him."
In a frenzy, I felt myself trashing my legs, moving about. Hands were at my shoulders, shaking me awake. My eyes opened alarmed, everything black around me.
"Calm down, everything's alright."
The reassurance of the soft, silky voice did calm me although I now noticed the tears were flowing freely now.
"Don't cry." His voice made me remember my dream.
"It was horrible! I dreamt you…" I trailed off, not wanting to recall the horrid nightmare. He sat at the edge of my bed and I could make out his messy hair, his somber expression and his hand stroking my head. I knew it then. I knew that I wouldn't be able to stand not having his presence near me, especially in a time of danger. If he died, I wouldn't live anymore. I pulled Gaara next to me and he hesitated but didn't pull away. He laid next to me, my back towards him and his arm over me. My heart was still pounding from the nightmare but it also fluttered from the close contact. I could feel his chest at my back and it embarrassed me, I couldn't believe I pulled him into bed with me.
"What was your dream about?" He inquired.
I could feel something in my throat, something that prevented me from telling him.
"It's okay, don't say it." He read my mind.
I turned over and buried my face into his chest, inhaling his scent. My anxiety seemed to slowly flow out of me and evaporate in the air. I began to recite to myself how dreams are only dreams, not reality. Gaara was here with me, we were safe.
"Strange dream, no?"
Not now. Please not now.
"Now's a perfect time to discuss this. I hadn't even thought of that possibility."
My face grew into disgust.
Thought of what?
"Taking over your body. It's been a while, I wonder if I still can," it smiled at the thought of a challenge.
And I realized that monster, that girl, was me, my body, only the Hachimata controlled it. Is that what I look like when I'm controlled? Do I have those hideous expressions? Am I really that frightening? All those times, like the first, when Kankuro was bleeding, did I look at him that way?
"I'm sorry if I'm wasting your time. You probably have a lot to do, I'm being selfish. Go on," I whispered.
His eyes widened a bit and he lifted his head to stare at me.
"Ridiculous," was all he said and his head plopped back down next to mine. I smiled as I looked up at him, I would be at ease now that he was here with me. He closed his eyes and he smiled softly. I examined his dark circles around his eyes, he's always had them from his insomnia. I lifted my hand and touched his cheek softly and made my way to trace his insomnia lines.
"Does it make you sad?"
"What does?"
I hesitated, "Not being able to sleep."
Without opening his eyes he said, "I do wonder."
I looked away from him and buried my face in his chest again when I said, "I hope you'll be able to someday."
"You're acting so strangely, what's wrong?"
"It's just," I sighed, "the Hachimata's been so talkative lately. It loves to tell me things that upset me."
I could feel his silent agreement.
"I'm only telling the truth- that you care about Itachi."
Even if I'm grateful that he saved my life, it couldn't compare to what I feel for Gaara.
I wandered off to sleep now, happy that I was in his arms.
When I awoke for the second time, my arm moved of its own accord, trying to find the body next to mine. But there was nothing there. I looked around to see I was alone and immediately felt foolish. I raced downstairs, remembering the whole village was preparing today. I was alone in the house. I frowned and returned to my room to take a quick shower and change. I was determined to be part of the preparations.
I was too agitated to eat breakfast but forced myself to scarf down an apple regardless. I stepped out of the house and found it was still morning. There were mostly men and woman around, gathering food and supplies. I felt a twinge of guilt but ignored it as I walked quickly to Gaara's office. When I arrived the secretary gave me a strange glance. Why, I couldn't guess. Despite that, I still greeted her with a smile.
"Hello, is Gaara in?" I asked.
"He's in an important meeting Miss."
"Nozomi."
She hesitated, taken back. "What?"
I held out my hand for her to shake it, "My name is Nozomi. Nice to meet you."
She shook my hand reluctantly.
I waited on the couch until the meeting ended. When it did, I saw many older men dressed in white robes exiting. As soon as the last one filed out, I raced into the Kazekage's office. It was cluttered with papers. They were absolutely everywhere; on his desk, in stacks in a perfectly organized mess.
"Gaara?" I whispered, not wanting to be a nuisance.
He looked at me and I could see, feel the tension in his face. But soon enough his eyes softened at the edges. I walked a little closer, unsure of what I was about to say.
"I'm here to report for my mission."
He smiled, "Remember before, we both went on a mission to Konoha?"
I cringed, I hated that mission. "Yes."
"To prepare, I've sent a request for help from Konoha. They've honored it and will send two strong fighters to aid us. You will go to Konoha and ensure them safe passage here. You've met both of them before."
I thought about the team I met back in Konoha. I remember a girl with pink hair, a man with silver hair, a boy with black hair, and an annoying one with blonde hair.
"Promise me," he began and I cringed, hoping I'd be able to comply, "that you'll stay calm."
I smiled, "That's something I can do."
I was absolutely confident that nothing will get out of hand this time. I had so much more control, thanks to…him. I shook my head to be rid of any thought that concerned him. I wondered who I would be escorting to Suna. It had to be two of those four, but who? Well I shouldn't wonder, I wouldn't find out until I get there. But I was glad to be given a mission at least. If I could help out at least a little, it would ease my discomfort. After givn the specifics of the mission, I smiled at Gaara, thanking him secretly for this opportunity to prove my usefulness in any way. I went back home to pack up and reported to the exit. It early evening now but I wouldn't set up camp anytime soon, I barely needed rest now. When I was close to the exit, from afar I could see two figures waiting for me. As I approached, my heart lifted at the sight of those white and blue robes. Next to him was Baki, someone I didn't know so well. He smiled at me and handed me my food supply which I placed in my small bag at my side.
His eyes were bright with worry. Past his small smile, I could see the deep concern and stress. I would be sure to return to him soon, as soon as possible to alleviate any worry he had over me. He didn't need to stress out about me while he had important preparations to make concerning the city's safety. He embraced me for a moment, too short a moment and we said our silent goodbyes. His eyes said only one thing to me: "Be careful." I smiled and started running to Konoha; the desert seemed larger somehow. I soon crossed the vast expanse of the desert and made my way into the forest. At my full speed, I was faster than any other shinobi. My heart pounded in my chest as I thought of showing off my new skills to Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara. No one knows how much I've improved. Even Itachi didn't know the full extent of my powers. If I can beat him and show him that I do not belong to him, I'd be happy. I was sick of the way he always had this arrogance about him, as if he knew how weak I was compared to him. But I'll show him. He'll be sorry for all the pain he's caused me.
"And for saving your life?"
You stupid demon, I smiled. You don't know anything.
When dawn approached, I still hadn't needed to stop and rest. I would be at Konoha by nightfall. It had only taken me one day. I was grateful to discover this new little trick of mine. I would infuse my legs with chakra, only my legs, and they would move faster and never tire. My chakra level had increased drastically and I was finally putting it to use.
I took a break for five minutes to scarf down a bit of food and then I was on my way again. I smiled when I saw the large walls surrounding Konoha. I slowed to a normal speed and tried to suppress my chakra to match a normal person's. The least I wanted to do was to scare anyone. I've worked too hard to become normal.
I reached the gates and handed the note I had to the guards at the door. They smiled at me and directed me to where the Hokage's office was. I located the building and took my sweet time walking around. It was night already so I thought it would be best to spend the night. I felt stupid for making a three day trip in one. Surely they'd be wondering. The next day, I headed to the Hokage's office early in the morning, feeling anxious. They probably found out about me staying the night, making the quick trip, I probably seemed suspicious. I was enticed by the idea to hit myself. The Hokage was a woman, a different person than last time. I ignored my curiousity, maybe the old man died. The blonde woman looked at my letter from Gaara and welcomed me to her village. She asked me to wait outside for a moment and I happily obliged, wanting to seem patient and kind.
I overheard her and her assistant or whoever speaking.
Her assistant told her, "The guards said she arrived last night."
The Hokage responded: "That's impossible. How could she arrive in one day?"
"She'd have to be extremely quick."
Yeah, I'm definitely idiotic. Always stir up trouble when I could have easily avoided it. After their argument, they decided to ignore my timing and I was told to meet the two I was escorting at the entrance. I made my way, forgetting everything that just happened. There was a slight discomfort in my chest but there was one last time I went to Konoha too.
I waited by the guards until I saw a blonde boy and a pink-haired girl. The same two from last time.
"You're our escort, right?" The girl asked.
"I remember you!" The blonde one exclaimed and I scoffed internally.
"Yeah, sorry about last time," I apologized, embarrassed.
The trip was painfully awkward. Their pace was painfully slow. But I spent the majority of our time examining how much they've changed. The girl didn't seem as useless as before and the boy seemed more mature, more powerful. His chakra level was definitely higher. None of us spoke until I heard Sakura say, "Nozomi, you seem more…stable."
Without facing her, I replied, "Yeah."
"How's Gaara?" Naruto asked cheerfully.
I smiled, "He's great."
At nightfall, we stopped to set up our camp and rest. We took turns sleeping and watching and at dawn, we began again on our journey. We made a lot of small talk on the way and I became more comfortable with them, they seemed to forgive my horrid behavior from last time. When the forest ended and we proceeded to walk through the desert, Naruto jokingly asked me, "So, are all the girls chasing Gaara?"
I closed my eyes and ignored his idiotic question.
At the entrance to Suna, the guards waved us in and we headed towards Gaara's office. The secretary was where she always was and I wondered if she ever slept or went home. Didn't she have a loving family to go home to? Parents? Siblings?
"Is Gaara available?" I asked, innocently.
"The Kazekage isn't busy at the moment. You can walk in."
I smiled, "Thank you."
Sakura and Naruto followed me to his office. When we entered, it was as if he expected it. He stood and welcomed Sakura and Naruto, telling them he was happy for their help.
"So you're Kazekage now!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Yes," he answered.
Naruto laughed, "So, Nozomi ignored my question, are the girls all over you Gaara?"
His eyes were surprised as he looked at me and then back to Naruto.
"I'm with her," he stated simply.
Naruto turned to me with an incredulous expression on his face, Sakura, also, was surprised. I looked away in embarrassment. I could see Gaara's teasing eyes. His eyes were lively, laughing while his face was composed.
"You two," Naruto stammered, "are going out?"
I closed my eyes, unsure whether I was about to burst out laughing from Naruto's expression or yell at him. I decided to ignore him altogether and ask Gaara the serious question I've been itching to know. I eyed him and he stared back at me, his teal eyes two maelstroms. They held authority and warning.
"Where am I going to be situated? Defensive party? Guard the entrance?"
He studied me for a second and then looked away, closing his eyes, dismissing me: "Don't be absurd, you are staying with the women and children. Help out there."
I grew angry and stepped closer to him so that we were only two feet apart.
"I will NOT just stand by while you fight! This whole thing," I waved my arm about, "is my fault. I can't just sit there and watch. I will be an active part in this."
I clenched my teeth while he sized me up, to see how serious I was. I furrowed my eyebrows and kept my arms rigidly at my sides. Couldn't he see how angry I was? How much I needed to be part of this? To alleviate some of the burden I've placed on everyone here? Didn't he see my guilt? It would be inexcusable if I didn't take at least some responsibility for my actions. Of course, I couldn't just waltz up to Itachi and defeat him. I'd be mercilessly slaughtered. He'd brutally leave me on the floor, withering in pain and then take me with him. But how much of a bother would I be if I helped? It isn't as if Itachi's whole group is coming right? I bet I was stronger than some of the ninja who are helping out. I have a right to fight.
Sakura and Naruto seemed to be a little taken back at my uproar towards my Kazekage.
"Uh, Nozomi, maybe you should just-"
Gaara rose his hand to silence her and she immediately did. His eyes were sad and it stung me. It's been a while since I've seen that gripping sadness. Ever since we met, I knew he had a deep misery, a loneliness that was unbearable. I wish I hadn't been the cause of the sadness I saw now. He sighed, "If she wants to fight, I can't stop her. But you'll be in a group. Naruto, Kai, and Nozomi will be in one group while Temari, Sakura and Kankuro will be in another. Is that alright Nozomi?" He voice was careful, composed, he spoiled me too much.
I nodded my head. I glanced at Naruto, my new partner and the Hachimata protested.
"That Kyubi. I loathe that backstabbing fox."
You're going to have to live with it. We're working together.
"Not if I can help it…"
You won't be able to; you'll never take over my body again. I have too much control, I've grown stronger.
"I'm twenty-folds more powerful than you'll ever be. You wretched human, you couldn't compare yourself to me! I'd kill you in an instant, obliterate you."
I couldn't completely deny my fear but I couldn't back down.
You may be stronger than I am but whose body are you in? Who has the initial control? I am in full control of my body; you can't toy with my mind anymore.
"Are you sure?"
