Here we are! Chapter 18, enjoy!

Chapter 18, Condition.

Fighting Matsuri changed something in me. We need to finish our mission and get out. It is much to dangerous for us to stay here much longer. I can already feel the effect emitting off myself and Gaara. He has become much more tense since yesterday. And he is now refusing to let me clean his bandages. He does them himself. I only hope he knows what he is doing. He could get an infection easily and it can become life threatening if it gets too too bad.

I fear the guy he was fighting with will come looking for him and try to beat him up again. Then what will he do? Gaara is an amazing fighter, yes. But without the use of his sand, I fear he cannot beat that guy. What would have happened to him if I wouldn't have stepped in? He was on the ground. Once you hit the ground it isn't likely you will get back up. Would he have killed Gaara if I hadn't punched him?

I glanced down at my knuckles as I thought this over. His jaw was really hard. Why was it so hard? Does he have like metal plates under his skin or something? It makes me wonder how his punches felt. If he has metal plates over his knuckles that would really hurt. That could be why he came out of the fight so wounded. I shivered. No wonder he ran away so fast!

I chuckled at that part. The thought of Gaara running from anything is amusing. Mr. Tough Guy would never run from anything in his life. But he did. Funny, huh?

A soft knock at the door and the sound of the creaking hinges alerted me to someone entering. I glanced around the corner just as Gaara came up, ready to attack. Naruto crept in the room, holding something wrapped up in a blanket. He smiled playfully and set the blanket down on the floor and bolted from the room, the door slamming shut behind him. So much for being quiet!

The bundle on the floor started moving, wiggling. Then Youji's head poked out and she sniffed the air. I squealed and ran over to her, picking her up and hugging her tightly. She licked my face all over. The door to the bedroom shut once more. Youji snuggled up against me as I sat down on the couch, holding her close. She is so much like her father. I miss him. Renjiro was such a smart little fox. He was so talented, too. And Youji looks just like him, for the most part.

I silently thanked Naruto as I fell asleep snuggled up next to Youji.

– –

The sun was bright when I woke up, lighting up the whole room. Youji was still beside me, but awake and looking around the room. I sat up and stroked her soft fur. Ouch, my back hurts. Stupid couch. I yawned and stretched my arms over my head. What are we going to do today? Gaara must already be gone to work by now. And so that means it is just Youji and I! What will we do today?

Maybe we will go bring lunch to Gaara. I've noticed hes been eating a lot when he gets home, so he must be skipping lunch. And he obviously is working at the mines, because there is charcoal dust everywhere and his clothes are almost completely black. I should wash the clothes, too. And the dishes. And this floor needs another scrubbing.

I walked into the bedroom and changed my clothes, then fixed my messy hair.

"Come on, Youji! We are going for a walk!"

That stuff can be done later.

We walked all over town, just sight seeing. I saw a few of the others and waved at Hinata before I could stop myself. She waved back a little nervously. I bought two lunch boxes from a little store where I saw Tenten working at. She didn't speak, taking my money silently. She saw me punch that guy, she saw the power I put behind it. I walked down to the mill and asked for the man named "Anzai Jiro," Gaara's made up name. When I was asked who I was, I said, "His fiance, Ai." That was also the name Gaara gave me.

Is that ironic? Ai means love. Ai is also the same symbol he has on his forehead. Did he do it on purpose? Or did he do it without thinking? I sighed and looked down at Youji, who was circling my feet, her soft fur comforting on my legs. I reached down and ran my hand over her back. I miss my Renjiro so much. But I'm happy Youji is here. She makes the pain a little less.

I only waited a few minutes before I saw Gaara walking my way. I held up the boxes of food when he got close enough and he waved me to follow him. We ate under the shade of a tree, saying nothing. I fed Youji a few bites of meat as she lazed around in the few spots of sun under the tree. Finally, after Gaara was almost done his food, he spoke to me.

"Thank you for the meal," he said. He was silent again, his hands resting on his knees. I could tell he was debating with him self, the way his jaw worked back and forth thoughtfully gave it away. So I stayed quiet and nibbled on a piece of fruit. He cleared his throat and looked away, down towards the mines. "The man deserved what he got," he said.

I rolled my eyes. Then I glanced over at Gaara. "Let me see your hands," I said, reaching out for them. Gaara hesitantly put his hand in mine and I brought it close to my face. I scoffed. "Just as I thought, what a sneak. Mamoru has metal plates under his skin." I rubbed Gaara's bruised knuckles carefully, pulling a little of the water out of my hands to heal them slightly. "Why didn't you have your sand guard up? That full body armor you had before."

"He would have known," he said. "Then our cover would be blown." Gaara stood and offered me his hand to help me up. I took it and let him lift me to my feet. "You need to be careful by yourself. Matsuri will be watching for you."

I nodded, I know this. "And you, too. Mamoru won't be to happy about what happened. But do not hit him in the face, or in his albs. If you must fight him again, go for places where you normally wouldn't hit. I have a feeling the plates were not implanted surgically."

Gaara looked at me hard. "What do you mean?"

I rolled up the sleeve of my shirt and used my power to grow my muscles, bulging them against the skin. When his eyes widened I let it out and put them back to the size they were. "If I can do this, then he can turn his muscles to steel for his convenience. Do not think anything is impossible."

He kept staring at me. "When did you learn you could do that?"

I smiled privately to myself. I actually wasn't sure it would work, but now that I know it does, wow. There is so much I can do. "I'll have supper done for you when you get home." He nodded and watched me walk off, Youji running to catch up.

– –

Another meeting was called that night, but I didn't go. Neither did Gaara. Sakura filled us in when she got back, Kakashi joined her. It would be to risky for Gaara and I to show our true selves with Matsuri and her gorilla walking around waiting to see us again.

"Everything is being set in motion," she explained. "Shikamaru and Ino have been talking with their dads. Tsunade-sama wants us to finish up and return home, things are getting messy there. They need us back." Sakura cleared her throat. "Tomorrow night she needs the both of you to meet with Shikaku and Inoichi. She needs to talk with you." Kakashi handed me a piece of paper. I glanced at it and handed it to Gaara.

"That is the address you will meet them at for the conversation. Inoichi will be set up to transfer messages between you two and Hokage-sama." Kakashi brushed his hair from his eyes. It is still down, making him look like some masked God. I smirked at his gesture, so girly.

"When will we attack, and who?" I asked.

Sakura looked me hard in the eye. "I know for a fact that you have seen her. Matsuri is hiding Oto soldiers in her house. That is where we will attack. That is who we will attack. Understand?"

I nodded. "I will do whatever you say. Under one condition."

Sakura sighed, but made a gesture for me to name it.

"I get Matsuri."

– –

I could almost see Tsunade's anger coming from Inoichi's machine on his head. She doesn't like my condition. But there isn't much she can do from where she is. So, reluctantly, she agrees. But orders Gaara, yes orders him, not to let me out of his sight at any point during the battle. He doesn't have a problem with that. He doesn't want me to face her alone.

But there is also something I need to talk to her about privately. But that isn't going to happen. So I decide, when the time comes, that I don't need to ask her permission. Why do I need her permission anyway? Because she is the Hokage, that's why. And old habits die hard. The same reason I have a hard time not talking to Gaara, even after he scared me to death. It is kind of like a puppy who has been beaten all its life. It will never bite the hand that hit it.

I listened only a little to Gaara's conversation with her.

Youji is curled up in my lap, her belly up for me to scratch. I think of what will happen when we raid that house. How much fun it will be to wipe that smirk off Matsuri's face once and for all. But can I do it? Can I kill her?

Matsuri may have been my rival for Gaara in the beginning. But she changed. She helped me. When I was stuck between a hard place and Gaara, she helped me get out of it by complaining and showing him I wasn't trustworthy. Even though it was all true and hurt beyond compare, she still helped me out of that situation. Can I kill her?

I looked down at Youji, thinking of Renjiro. How I miss him.

"Doe?"

I jumped slightly at the sound of Shikaku's voice directly in front of me. His eyes were soft, ageless. He has seen so much in his lifetime. He has ended many lives. He has seen many deaths. But he has also seen birth. His own son, Shikamaru, he has watched grow into the man he is now, helping guide him to be the best person he can be. What would he do in my position? Would he kill her? If someone threatened everything he holds dear, his family, his village, what would he do? Because that is my dilemma. Her being a traitor effects everything I love. If I get rid of her, she wouldn't be able to share anymore vital secrets to the enemy.

My babies would be in less danger.

Shikakau said my name again, but this time put his hand on my shoulder. My eyes focused on his scarred face and I realized I had probably completely spaced out after he got my attention for a brief moment. I glanced around, everyone is staring. Gaara intently. I looked back at Shikaku and gave him an apology smile and shrugged my shoulders, hoping he would wave it off as being tired.

But his eyes remained the same, an emotion I cannot pinpoint, but I am sure I will remember what it is after this meeting is over. But it bothers me, not being able to tell what he is thinking. Does he know? Does he know the dilemma I am facing? Can he see right through me with those piercing eyes? Does he see the turmoil deep within my heart? Can he hear the constant scream? Can he see I am falling apart at the seams?

His other hand gripped my opposite shoulder. He bent down lower and stared deep into my eyes, seeming to see my very soul. "Doe, stay with me this time." His voice held no humor, he is serious.

Does he? Can he see how ripped and torn my soul is? Does he know I am seconds away from screaming pure hysteria and smashing everything within reach?

His grip tightened and he lowered his body closer to the floor, becoming level with me. "Doe, we need to talk. I need you to focus. Focus on my voice. Listen to what I am saying to you."

What? What is he saying? He can't. He can't tell them the truth about me. Will he? Will he tell everyone how shredded my everything is? I can't swallow. I can't breathe. His hands hurt.

"Doe, it needs to be tonight. Listen to what I am telling you. Focus on my voice. You need to attack tonight, when the sun sets. Do you understand? Doe, do you understand what I am telling you?"

I stared at him, at his eyes. Yes, I understand. I understand all to clearly.

Matsuri's life will end tonight.

What do you think will happen next? Will she really kill Matsuri? Let me know in a review!