I am getting good at updating quickly, huh? :D Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 16, Recall.

I woke with a jerk and looked around me, my heart racing. Then I spotted him. Sitting in a chair with his eyes closed and his head down. I silently got up and went into the bathroom, fixing my hair and washed my face, reapplying the paint. Then I slipped out the door without a sound, grabbing my backpack on the way. I can't be around him. Not right now.

I walked out of the building with a nod to the person at the front desk and took a left outside. I walked down the middle of the street, weaving in and out of crowds of people and trying not to step on anyone's feet. My hip is starting to throb again. I thought that had gone away. Guess not.

Something yellow caught my eye and I glanced over to see what it was. Ino. Ino working in a outdoor flower stand. Of course, should have known. Since her family owns a shop, it should have been my first guess as to where she would work. I walked over to listen to her conversation with Shikamaru. I pretended to smell each flower and observe the colors.

"...are coming in to give us the information tonight," Shikamaru was saying.

Ino nodded. "Then we will have to get everyone together." So we are communicating tonight. I will need to be there. I'll grab my mask later and head out to the meeting. "What about Sakura, Kakashi, and Naruto? No one has seen them yet. What are we going to do about that?"

They haven't been seen yet? They should have already been here. That's not right. They have to be here somewhere. Well, I have a mission now. I picked up a flower, pulled a few coins out of my bag, ones Tsunade-sama gave me, and walked over to Ino, smiling as I handed her the coins. She smiled her thanks and turned back to Shikamaru. When I passed her I grabbed a small paper and pen, wrote words on the back and tossed it over my shoulder, quickly disappearing in the crowd.

I wasn't far enough to hear what they said, though.

"What does it say?" Ino asked.

"'I'll find them. -Doe.'" Shikamaru grunted. "That woman is so mysterious. I didn't even see her."

I smirked and kept walking.

– –

I scratched the back of my neck. This is impossible. Where are they? I'm at the eastern side, where they were supposed to enter. Okay, they aren't in sight here. I checked all of the closest motels and hotels, still haven't found them. Though, I have to admit, I don't know what names they are going under. I just explained, on paper, the scenario they are using. But no one has seen them. I scratched my neck again and looked around me. I've seen every other person, but not those three.

And, the best part, the sun is going down.

Which means I will have to return to the room to get my mask if I plan on going to that meeting tonight. I suppose I will have to face him sooner or later. Even if I wish it was later. I can't believe he did that to me. And I don't think he realizes just how much he scared me. I actually thought he was going to physically hurt me. Gaara has changed to much. Far to much. He is a completely different person than the one I knew.

Yes, ten years ago Gaara hurt me. He physically attacked me, I remember it well. But never like that. He never hurt me or scared me like he did yesterday. Nothing has ever scared me so much.

Something yellow caught my eye.

I stood on my tippy-toes to try and see over the crowd. There! It's Naruto! I pushed past everyone and, remembering what I look like, ran up to a stand and admired a necklace with much animation. I watched them from the corner of my eye. Naruto's hair was down, somewhat tame. His arm was over Kakashi's back, who was stooped over like an old man. I could see the well-hidden amusement on Sakura's face as she followed them, her hair dyed brown. Relief flooded over me. At last, I know everyone is safe. I need to let them know about the meeting tonight.

The flower in my hand caught my eye. What a pretty color. An idea formed in my head. I motioned to borrow a pen and paper from the girl behind the stand and wrote down a quick message, one that someone wouldn't understand if it wasn't those three. They all know who I am, so I'm not to worried. I folded the paper up small and stuck it in the flowers petals. I ran over to the three of them with a big smile and stuck out the flower towards Kakashi.

He smiled up at me with his dark lazy eye, his hair looking funny down straight against his head. He had no need to use dye. "Why thank you little lady," he winked. I blushed and looked at my feet. I did a quick girly curtsy and ran off like any little girl would.

Maybe having a body that is ten years younger than the rest of me will work out well.

With that done, I have nothing left than to go back to the room and fix myself so I can go to the meeting.

Gaara was still sitting in the chair when I entered, but his eyes were open and looking out the window. He didn't say anything when I walked in, tossing my bag on the bed. I climbed into the middle of the bed and took a deep breath, focusing on my hair. I changed it back to my dark brown color. I was going to change my eye color back, but decided they wont be able to see my eyes that well anyway. So I left them their bright blue color. When I opened my eyes up, my mask was floating on a bed of sand in front of me. I took it gingerly, without looking up at him.

I wiped the paint off on my sleeve and put my mask in place. I got off the bed and began to dress in my ANBU outfit. Once I put my gloves on, Gaara signaled it was time to go. Sand started to wrap around me, but I quickly waved it off, walking towards the door. I shut it behind me, knowing he wouldn't follow on foot. I stealthily moved down the hall to the window, glanced around outside, and slipped out, darting from shadow to shadow.

– –

"There you are!" Naruto huffed. He came over and slapped both me and Gaara on the back. "Took you long enough."

I smirked and slapped him back, almost knocking him over with the force.

He cringed and moved away, holding his lower back. "Point taken." His voice was strained.

I laughed to myself, putting a hand on my hip and making a little satisfied pose. Of course, after a hit like that even an idiot bigger than him would get it. I glanced over everyone, now wearing their ninja outfits, whereas earlier they had been in normal clothing. I smirked when I saw Kakashi. The hair-do he had earlier is enough to make anyone smirk at him for the rest of his life. How did Sakura get him to allow her to straighten it? Maybe that is why they were so late. He really is in love with her, I have no doubts anymore. Just seeing them standing there, his arm over her shoulders and her arm around his waist. The way they look at each other. Its a wonder they can hide it enough for this mission. Though, the amusement I saw in Sakura's eyes this afternoon can hide any other emotion from eyes that aren't prying.

Shikamaru cleared his throat. "We are just waiting for my dad and his team before we can start."

Right on cue, Shikaku, Inoichi, and Choza jumped down from the building above. "Just as a heads up," Choza said, "we are not the only ninja's here. Be on your guard at all times."

Everyone nodded and turned their attention to Shikaku. He leaned against the wall and surveyed each of us in turn. "Tsunade contacted us via the Yamanaka clan. Inoichi here relayed the message. Hokage-sama is having a little bit on an issue. She needs Shino, Kiba, Ino, Lee, Guy, and Neji. You must return immediately. No questions, please." Shikaku held his hand up at Kiba. "These are the Hokage's orders." Kiba gritted his teeth, but remained silent.

Choza was the next to talk. "Today alone we have seen three of the suspected enemies here." He counted off on his fingers. "We know no names, but I will describe them. The first is male, long greenish yellow hair, very pale. Is living near your hotel," he said this to Tenten. "Be careful. Without Neji around you will be alone." She nodded, but I could tell his bothered her a little. "Anyone who is losing a companion tonight will be watched carefully. No need to fear."

Inoichi was next. "Another Ino brought to our attention. This man is very obvious. He is big, strong, tall, and gloats. He is bald, usually wears no shirt, though I have seen him with a black tank top on. He is near where Hinata and Naruto are." They both nodded.

Shikaku closed his eyes, crossing his arms. "The next is female. She will be easy to spot. Copper colored hair, bright blue eyes. And she had two paint lines on her cheeks. We saw her today wandering about, looking for someone. If you see her, be careful. She could be very dangerous."

My heart skipped a beat. Shit. Shit, shit, shit! That's me they are talking about! I sighed inwardly. Great. Now I'm going to have to change my look a little. Maybe use blond hair? Or a outrageous color like Sakura's? I don't think using pink would be smart, though. I knocked all thoughts from my head. Not the time and place to decide this. I just shifted my stance, crossing my arms.

I was a little startled when he looked directly at me. "Tsunade left some special instructions for you, Doe. She made Inoichi write them down and asked him not to allow anyone else to see it." He motioned to Ino's father. Inoichi handed me a folded up paper. "Read it when you get back to wherever you are staying." I nodded and tucked the paper down into my suit, making sure it is secure next to my chest. "Is there anything you would like to say?" he asked, looking at Gaara. Gaara shook his head.

After the meeting ended Gaara and I went back to the room, taking a round about way to it trying to make sure no one followed us or saw us enter the building. I quickly stripped off my mask and unbuckled the protective plates on my chest. I tossed both on the floor and sat heavily down on the bed as I fished the letter out of my shirt. I unfolded it and began to read.

I know you got this letter, so I wont even bother asking you to send word you go it. The boys are good about this stuff.

No names, no reference about anyone else. Tsunade knows how to play it safe. If this letter ever got into the wrong hands by accident, we could all be in trouble.

I'm sure by now you know I asked a few to return to me. There is reason to this. A wind has picked up at home and a few windows have already been broken by the stones tossed up.

Iwa has attacked Konoha. She needs reinforcements. That is why the others are being sent back. Crap.

But don't worry, we will get the windows fixed before you return from vacation. My grandchildren are doing fine, don't worry, and baby girl is practicing hard and becoming stronger. Both of them are excited about this storm coming. They are rearing to go. Tell big man not to worry that they are safe and I will take care of them.

I snorted. Like I'm talking to him right now. I shoved that away from my mind and continued reading, noticing how smooth her words are.

We all miss you. Be careful of the storm, it might hit where you are. Be safe!

-Grandma

I sighed and set the letter down next to me, putting my chin in my hand and leaning on my knee. Why only tell me why they are being sent back? Why tell me about the kids? Yes, they are my babies. But she knows how hard it is for me to be near them, to think about them. My bond with Jessica is becoming stronger and stronger, but I still feel pain whenever I'm around her. But I love her. I love her and her brother so much.

I sighed again and laid back on the bed. This all is so complicated! And to make things better, I have to find a new disguise. One that the woman at the desk wont notice all to much. It will be better when we find an apartment, because then I can change my look and no one would notice too much. But I also can't just disappear. Now they are looking for me, keeping their eye out. I have to do something that will get them off my tail and follow those who need to be followed.

I rolled over to my stomach and crossed my arms under my head, making a sort of pillow. My legs hung off the edge. "Nothing is ever easy," I muttered to myself.

And it is very true! Everything in my life has been complicated. Like I live in some damn soap opera or something. Every single thing I do has hidden crap underneath that causes some stupid reaction to a different problem that arises. Why does it have to be like this? Why can't my life be simple? I'd even take mildly simple!

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Things are going to have to change. Mom and Daddy always told me I could pick the course my life took when I was I kid. I believe them. Maybe, just maybe, if I try hard enough I can change things and push them in the direction I want them to go.

After all,

this is my dream.

– –

I fell asleep at some point and when I woke up everything was packed and set on the bed next to me. I stared at the paper in my hand, letting it go and watching it fall to the floor. Why is everything packed? Correction, why is everything packed except my clothes? I sat up on the bed and stared at the neatly folded pile. I glanced over at the bathroom door as it opened.

Out came Gaara with only a towel around his waist.

I let my breath out slowly and crossed my arms, feeling a slight chill. "Why is everything packed?" My throat is scratchy. Did I cry while I was sleeping? I hope not... That wouldn't be okay at all.

Gaara grabbed a bag and headed back towards the bathroom. "I found a place last night. We move in today."

I glared at the shut door. Thanks for telling me! I stood and walked over to the mirror, thinking how much of a mess I am. Dark circles under my eyes, my skin pale and sickly looking. My cheek bones stick out a little, my chin looks a little sharper. I look really tired. I look like someone who hasn't slept in years. Being underground for ten whole years is enough to do that to someone. Plus all of the stress I'm under. God, my body is only eighteen and it looks fifty! Oh God! I look as old as Jiraiya!

I snickered lightly to myself. If only he knew what I was just thinking. He would probably go on and on and on and on about how just because you look a certain age, doesn't mean you are that age. Well, isn't that the truth. I do not look like a twenty-eight year old woman. I look like a child. A... really old child, right now. I massaged my face, trying to clear my head. I sighed heavily and reached down for my eyeliner, noticing it wasn't there. Damn him for putting my stuff away!

I stalked over to my bag, dug around until I found it, then stalked back over to the mirror and applied it. I put the blue lines across my cheek and started on my hair. I was almost done when he came out of the bathroom. I didn't look up. I twisted a braid and pinned it to my head. When I finally got it to be acceptable, I turned and grabbed my clothes off the bed and marched into the bathroom, shutting the door firmly. I stripped, washed up a little, and dressed in the clothes. Not at all suspecting what I was putting on.

A half shirt, and a skirt with black shorts to go underneath. I gritted my teeth together and concentrated on the color of my hair as I pulled the skirt on over the shorts. I stumbled only slightly from the dizziness when I finished. I glanced in the mirror to make sure I was set, not liking the look of my pale stomach, and left the bathroom. Gaara was just lifting the bags on his shoulder. I slung my bag over my own shoulder and walked over to the mirror, checking my makeup one last time before I headed to the door.

Gaara followed like an obedient dog, knowing he did wrong.

Outside, I let him follow, not knowing where we were going. While he checked out at the front desk, I walked out the door and stood in the sunshine, breathing in the sweet clean clear air. I took another deep breath and let it out slowly, opening my eyes to look around. Every one is about and bustling, even this early in the morning. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Ino, handing flowers to someone, watching me from the corner of her eye.

I walked over to one of the food stalls across from me and picked out something to eat, handing the man some money from my bag. When Gaara came out I handed him one and we set off, keeping our backs to Ino. I bit into my apple and licked up the juices, not wasting any of it. I took another bite and surveyed the people around us. Little kids playing ball in an alley, teen age girls laughing together in a group heading somewhere. Teenage boys watching them go, smirking to themselves.

Life. Life is going on around us.

What happens if the Mob attacks here, though? It will all end. They won't be living their lives, they will be trying to protect it. To get back to what they had before. War is a horrible thing. I've seen the pictures of wars from back home, the ones that happened in my world. Are they worse? Are they better? Could they be the same? No. They are the same. People die. People are killed. No matter how you look at it, war is war. There isn't a better war or a worse war. People still die. They never look upon this earth again.

I glanced down at my feet. Something caught my eye.

My tattoos.

Konoha and Suna. Their symbols as bright as day. Maybe Ino saw them, maybe that is why she was staring. Does she think I am on their side now? Maybe. Probably not. Konoha and Suna, my homes. Suna, destroyed. Konoha, on the verge of destruction. I pray the others will be able to save it. I can't lose three of my homes. First Suna, then New York. Don't let Konoha be thrown into that mix. I don't think I could bare it. I am here to protect Konoha. To protect the people within her walls.

And everyone else who is innocent.

What I am doing here with these people, then? Why did Tsunade send me with them? I should be on the mountain training, building my strength up for the battle. Why did she want me to go with them? I sighed and kicked a small rock, watching it skip through peoples legs and under a cart. These people need protection, too. But I cannot help them. I cannot reveal myself at this moment.

When, though? When can I?

When Tsunade-sama tells me to? No. It is my decision. I will decide. I will decide and I will not regret anything. From this moment onward, I refuse to regret anything I do. I will not regret my fear of Gaara. I will not regret my decision to stay hidden. I will not regret my decision to tell Sakura she is retarded for dating such an old man.

I couldn't help but smirk at that last thought. Kakashi is a little ugly with his hair straight like that. Old. Grandpa, comes to mind.

I will not regret my decision to call him Grandpa from now on, either.

Did you like it? Let me know in a review!