1zara-uchiha1 and I don't own the Naruto cast or anything else you might recognize. 1zara-uchiha1 owns Laura and I own Kahlan. Together we own the plot.

P.S. The contest is now over.

Chapter 101

Note: Comrades protect one another.

~Kahlan's POV

I glance over to Laura and frown wishing there was a way for her to feel better. Any words like 'it's going to be okay' or 'it will get better' will not be of any use and they're just lies. Laura really cared about Kisame and to lose someone close is painful. Sure you'll be able to go on with your life but…there will always be a piece of you missing. Everyday you'll find yourself thinking about them, wishing you could have at least one more day with them…but then if you had that day you'll wish for another or try to find a way for it to never end.

Placing my spoon down, I lean over and give Laura another hug. No, I can't offer any words of comfort, but I can offer my shoulder for her to cry on. I feel a tear drop on my shoulder and I slightly pull away to wipe them off her face.

"You don't have to eat," I say with a soft understanding smile. "It's okay for you to cry, and I even understand if you break anything in the house. In fact you can go right ahead. Just like this." Picking up my plate, I let it fall from my hands. It hits the floor braking into a few pieces.

"Don't break the fucking dishes or we won't get to fucking eat anymore."

"Whatever," I reply waving my hand in a dismissing manner. "If it helps to make you feel better you can break whatever you want, including the dishes. I'll clean up the mess."

"No thanks," Laura replies sniffling as she shakes her head.

I pull her back into a hug and rub her back. It really is a shock that no one is talking around the table. I don't question it though, just comfort Laura until she stops crying and she pulls away.

"I'm…going to go to bed," she says pushing away from the table.

She moves away being careful of my broken plate and walks out the room. I push myself out of my seat and head for the kitchen. Walking back into the room with a garbage bag, I squat next to my chair. I pick up the broken plate, along with the food and throw it into the trash bag.

Back in the kitchen, I place the bag down and wash my hands. I then head back to the dining room grab Laura's plate and head back into the kitchen. I wrap her plate in aluminum foil and place it into the fridge.

Instead of heading up to my room, I go to the attic. When I reach the floor that leads to the attic, I look up to the latch. I jump up grabbing onto the cord pulling it down until the ladder comes down.

I walk up the ladder then pull myself up into the attic. My eyes scan over the interior. The wall paper has faded and is torn in a few places, there are boxes everywhere but what surprises me is that there is no dust. I guess Sasori may have cleaned it up when he was doing whatever it was he was doing in the attic.

I walk over to the north corner of the attic. Pulling down on of the boxes, I open it up to see a bunch of records. Reclosing it, I slide it away then pull down another box and open it as well only to find more records. I go through box after box only to find nothing but a bunch of records. So I start moving away from the corner while still staying north.

It takes me forever but I finally come across one of the boxes I was looking for. It's large and really heavy. Being a bit lazy, I just push the box to the entrance of the attic then push it out. I wince slightly hearing as it makes a thump when it lands. Thankfully the only breakable thing in there is wrapped in lots of bubble wrap.

I climb down the ladder, and then push it back closing the entrance to the attic. With a sigh, I pick the box up with a grunt then start walking down the hallway. When I reach the stairs, I carefully walk down so not to tumble down to my demise. I do this all the way to the second floor.

"Damn," I say as I place the box down after getting of the last step. "This feels like it weighs a ton."

"Do you need any help," I hear Itachi ask.

I squeak slightly jumping in the air as I look up. A few feet in front of me is Itachi. For a moment I debate his question in my mind. Running my hand through my hair, I shrug my shoulders.

"If you want," I reply. "But seriously, you guys need a bell around your neck." Itachi says nothing, just picks up the box like it's nothing. Damn lucky ninja.

"Where to," he asks.

"Laura's room," I reply.

He nods then walks the few steps to her room. I knock on the door and inform Laura I'm coming in. Turning the knob, I push the door open wide so that Itachi won't have to worry about it when he walks in. Laura looks up from holding her plushies. Her eyes are red and puffy, her face stained with tears.

"I've got something for you," I say pointing towards the box as Itachi places it down.

"What's –hiccup- in it," she asks.

"A gift and a bunch of picture," I reply walking over to the box that Itachi was kind enough to open.

I pull out the object that's covered in bubble wrapped. Un-wrapping it, I walk over to Laura and hand her the plaque that was given to me from my grandfather. It reads 'No matter what, the ones you love and care for are always with you.' Her eyes scan over the words and start getting teary eyed again. It's not that fancy, except for the words being in gold.

"Thank –hiccup- you," she says.

"You're welcome," I reply giving a small smile then pull out one of the many photo albums. "Now, I'm going to show you pictures that you must not speak of with anyone. Itachi…you're welcomed to stay and see them as well."

"I won't –hiccup- tell anyone," Laura says and I give another smile as I walk over.

I take a seat next to her and look over at Itachi. He seems to think over the offer…or maybe something else before walking over to take a seat nearby. Turning away back to the photo album, I open up to the first page.

"This is me…wearing a pink tutu," I say slightly shuddering in horror. "It was Halloween and I wanted to be a ballerina. Damn what was I thinking?"

"I don't –hiccup- know," Laura replies with a slight chuckle.

With a smile I flip to another page. I let them both see pictures of me. Some of the pictures are class pictures from back in elementary. Other pictures are of me when I was in gymnastics. There's a picture of me when I was seven trying to use the stove to make actual mud cakes. I tell them the story behind each picture, and some of the stories cause Laura to chuckle, which makes me happy because that's what I'm trying to accomplish.

After reaching the end of that photo album I got another and show the pictures in that one. Most of the pictures are of my aunts and uncles. One picture of my uncle is with him asleep. There is glued on feathers to his face along with beads and pasta. I told them it was my form of revenge on him because he forced me to watch a movie that he wanted to see but he fell asleep through it. I was six at the time I did it. Laura actually laughed and I think Itachi may have chuckled.

The next album I showed them was of my high school life. Some of it is boring and some of them are of pictures with friends. Some are of when I had gone to district with the debate team. Some pictures are of the dances I went to or parties.

"What's in the other photo albums," Laura asks as I close the one in my hands.

"Pictures of the family all the way up to my great, great, great grandparents," I reply.

"Whoa…that's a lot of pictures," Laura says.

"Yeah," I reply smiling as I go to place the photo album back in the box. "There's also empty photo albums for use…I got an idea." Turning to the two I smile but then it fades. "Forget it."

"What I wanna know," Laura says with a slight pout.

"I would like to know this idea as well," Itachi says.

"Well…" I look at Laura then pick up one of the unused photo albums. "There is a camera…a bit old in the attic. We find it and…take pictures of everyone. Not tonight but maybe sometime tomorrow." I shrug placing it back into the box. "It was just an idea."

"I like it," Laura says softly looking down with a sad look.

"I'll talk with Leader tomorrow about it," Itachi says as he stands up. "It's late and I believe everyone is in bed."

"Goodnight," Laura and I say at the same time as he reaches the door. He nods his head then walks out. Looking over to Laura I give her another smile.

"Goodnight," I say walking over as I to give her a hug. "Sweet dreams."

"You too," she replies hugging back with a yawn.

Smiling again, I pull away and tuck her in. I go and drag the box out of her room all the way to mine. When in my room, I push the box into a corner then climb into bed to sleep.

The next day Deidara, Laura and I are in the foyer waiting for Hidan. The idiot has slept in late so Leader had sent Kakuzu to go get him. I pull my hair out of its ponytail and run my hand through my hair. While waiting Konan walks over to us.

"Laura," Konan says getting Laura attention. "Here you go."

Konan places in Laura's hand and open box with a shark crystal inside, the one she got from Kisame. The crystal is fixed; in fact it looks as if it was never broken. Laura's eyes get tears as she looks up at Konan with a small smile.

"Thank you," Laura says.

Konan nods with a small smile and replies, "You're welcome. Would you like for me to place it in your room?"

"Hai," Laura says with a nod as she hands it over to Konan then wipes away her tears.

"Okay, be safe both of you," Konan says then goes and walks away passing Hidan being dragged by Kakuzu.

"I can fucking walk," Hidan yells. "Let me fucking go."

"No," Kakuzu says. "You should have woken up on time."

"It's too fucking early."

"It is after ten," Kakuzu replies as he enters the foyer with Hidan. He then throws Hidan at Deidara who moves back and lets Hidan hit his head against the floor. "Now take the idiot with you." With that said Kakuzu walks off.

"Fucking asshole," Hidan shouts as he gets up.

"We should head out now," I say opening the door.

"This fucking sucks," Hidan grumbles as we all walk out. "Why can't we fucking stay home as well?"

"Leaders orders, yeah."

"I don't fucking care about his orders," Hidan says just as Deidara throws clay on the ground. The clay poofs and then bam it's a large bird that Deidara jumps on.

Grabbing Laura's hand, I start walking with her completely ignoring the two as they start an argument. Laura looks up at me a bit confused and I give a small smile before turning to look back at them. Deidara looks annoyed as Hidan yells whatever it is he yells.

"Let's not wait for the grass to grow," I call out before turning around and start walking again with Laura.

"Fucking sucks," Hidan complains when he starts walking near us. Overhead Deidara is flying ahead of us a bit. I keep my mouth shut as Hidan continues to grumble under his breath about how much Leader is an ass.

We walk for a while (Deidara flies) but never make it to the town center. We get stopped by Naruto, Hinata, some guy who looks like Hinata and Kakashi. When seeing Hinata and Naruto I smile. I want to rush over and give them both a hug, but know it wouldn't be a good idea with Deidara and Hidan around. Laura gives them a small wave.

"L-Laura-chan," Hinata says. "K-Kahlan-chan."

"You jerks just couldn't leave the two of them alone," Naruto growls out as his hands ball into fist.

"They fucking belong to us," Hidan says with a smirk and I glare at him. We are people not property, we belong to no one.

"There's nothing you can do about it, yeah," Deidara says with a smirk.

Naruto jumps up into the air after Deidara while making a bunch of clones in the process. Laughing, Deidara makes the bird fly away, but that doesn't stop Naruto. The clones start to throw each other towards the bird while three Naruto's are staying on the ground making some type of spinning blue ball.

While Deidara starts making some miniature bombs to fight Naruto, Hidan is running to the other three Konoha ninja. Hidan pulls out his scythe and swings it to them. All three of them jump out of the way.

"Hinata and Neji take care of this guy while I help Naruto," Kakashi orders.

My hand tightens around Laura's as Kakashi goes to Naruto's side…at least one of the Naruto's side. Another one of the Naruto is heading straight for Deidara yelling rasengan. My eyes go back to Hinata and…Neji to see them do something with their eyes making it look like veins are popping out.

Hidan laughs like a maniac as he once again charges swinging his weapon around. Hinata gets into a fighting stance, her hands start glowing blue and looks like there are two lions faces on them. Neji ducks below Hidan's blades, and brings his hands up hitting right over the heart. Hinata then runs at Hidan and goes to punch him.

My eyes move over to Naruto, Kakashi and Deidara to see them they have moved a great distance away from us. Kakashi's one hand is covered with cackling light…a move I've seen before by Sasuke…I believe he called it chidori.

"I hope none of them dies," I say to Laura loosening my grip on her hand.

"Me too," Laura says watching the battle with me.

For a long time…probably about at least an hour or so, all four Konoha ninjas seemed to hold their own against the Akatsuki. Naruto even sent some of his clones over to help Neji and Hinata. But then, you could tell they were all getting tired…well maybe except Naruto he seems like the energizer bunny. And it looks like both Hidan and Deidara are done playing around and have merged both fights back together.

Kakashi is down on the ground panting holding one hand over his left eye. Naruto and Hinata are leaning over Kakashi trying to help him. Meanwhile, Neji is fighting Deidara in Taijutsu. Deidara had run out of clay and the extra clay he has is at home in a scroll. Hidan takes his chance and goes after Naruto.

"No," I yell as his blade gets closer to Naruto.

Hearing me Hinata looks up. Her eyes widen and she quickly positions herself in front of Naruto. Laura beside me gasps and her hands fly to her mouth. Letting Laura's hand go I go to run over to try to save them in any way I can, but before I can make it over blood splatters everywhere. My body freezes as I see Hidan's scythe embedded into Neji's body. He had somehow moved so fast to be in front of Hinata.

"Are you alright Hinata-sama," Neji asks before coughing up blood.

"N-Neji-kun," Hinata says.

"Finally fucking got one of you fucking brats," Hidan says, sounding like he's grinning. He yanks his blade out of Neji then jumps back.

"Neji," Naruto says sounding shock. Kakashi looks a bit upset. I look over to Laura to see a few tears streaming down her face before looking back to the four of them.

"Now I'll fucking sacrifice your ass to Jashin-sama," Hidan says as he makes his religious symbol.

"No," I shout and tackle Hidan to the ground.

"What the fuck bitch," Hidan says punching me in the face. Well more along the lines of right in the eye.

"There's no need for that," I yell as I go to punch him. I'm not just going to sit by and let myself get punched. "He's practically dead!"

"Fuck off bitch," he yells punching me again.

I use the one weapon I know would work and knee him in between the legs. He growls pushing me off roughly and I land on my back hard. Sitting up, I bring my hand to my face. Blood slides down my chin from a busted lip and I'll probably have a black eye but I'll be fine…well at least until we get home I'll probably be in trouble.

"Naruto," I hear Neji say before coughing. I look over to watch the scene. "Look…look after Hinata-sama."

"I promise I will, dattebayo," Naruto says with tears streaming down his face as he nods.

"We need to head back to the base now," Deidara says as Neji disappears and more Konoha ninjas start showing up.

Laura quickly runs over to them and gives them a hug saying she's sorry. I give them a sad look, but turn away as Laura gets back. Deidara grabs Hidan and throws him into the mouth of his clay bird. Why he didn't use the clay from that bird to fight I don't know, but I won't question it.

"Laura do your mist thing yeah."

Laura nods, and gathers her chakra as we start running in a direction that doesn't lead to the house. After running for a bit she releases the mist covering us from sight from the others. We run all over the place taking a very long route back home.

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Well congratulations and well done to our winner and only contest entry 321BlueBlossoM123. Send us a PM or write in a review who your favorite pairing with Kahlan and Laura are and what you want to happen in your mini-chapter prize between those pairings. Once again congratulations, for everyone else the fan-art will be posted on my profile.

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