Here it is! Chapter 28 for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

Chapter 28, Naked.

My concentration slipped and I opened my eyes and looked into Gaara's. I can see the rage in his eyes that I feel. I can see the desperation to free her. We stepped away from each other, but his hand was firmly around my own, squeezing my fingers. I squeezed his back.

"You found her," Grandpa whispered. He knew. Had he followed my path?

I nodded. "Anne is abusing her. We need to free her, Grandpa."

He nodded slowly, his arms crossing across his chest. His eyes were distant as he thought. "If she is anything like the two of you, she is strong. She can last a little longer. Kira, don't give me that look. There is much you need to learn before you can save her. And the first is who you are."

I gritted my teeth. "I know who I am," I told him. "I am Kira Lorenzo. Daughter of a billionaire, heiress to the Lorenzo name. I am the mother of Jessica and Yukio Sabaku. The killer of Matsuri and the care taker of her son." I squeezed Gaara's fingers tighter. "And I will save my daughter."

Grandpa's eyes narrowed. "That is not all that you are, Kira. And I think you know that."

My jaw started to hurt from the pressure I forced upon it. "What do you mean?" I took a deep breath, trying to be patient, but when I saw his eyes narrow even more I lost it. "Dammit, Grandpa! I need to get Jessica! I can't let this continue. She needs me, Grandpa! She needs her mother!"

Gaara put a calming hand on my lower back. "Kira, listen to him." he whispered. I could hear the strain in his voice. Why? Why isn't he agreeing with me? He knows she is hurting. A parent cannot let their child be hurt like this. Instinct says to charge in and whisk her away from all of the pain. So why is he holding himself back? Does he know that every second could be Jessica's last? Anne is unpredictable. I've known that for so long. Since my first trip to this world.

I forced myself to relax, to loosen my grip on his fingers before I crushed them. When he flexed them within my grasp I knew I was holding on to them to tightly. I ignored my rising blush and met Grandpa's eyes. "Tell me, then," I whispered. "Who am I?"

His arms fell to his side and he shrugged. "How should I know? I haven't seen you since you were a little girl." Why do I feel like slamming my head against the closest tree? Oh yes, its because my Grandpa is an idiot. He carefully folded his hands in front of him. "That is for you to figure out, dear."

I felt myself becoming tired. This is all to much for one day. "Where do I start?" I asked, much to pathetically if you ask me. "I just want my baby back."

Sadness showed in his eyes. "I know. But before you can get her back, you need to know who you are. A good place to start is with yourself. I know for a fact that is not what my grown Granddaughter looks like. Go back to your roots and start there." He came closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. His brown eyes so much like my own. "And do not be afraid to lean on those you love. You can't carry everything alone on your shoulders, Kira. It is much to big a burden for you to carry."

He leaned down and kissed my forehead, just like he used to when I was a small girl. I wrapped my arms around him, taking in his scent. Just like I remembered. Just like home. He hugged me back. "What if I fail? What if I can't save her, Grandpa?"

He chuckled. "You will. You have help, remember. There are people here who will help you."

I looked up at him and tried to hold back my tears. "Will you stay?"

He shook his head. "There are other places I need to be. But do not worry, I am never far from you." He pointed to my head. "Use your brain and track me down if you need me." I nodded and he kissed my forehead again. "And don't worry. You will get her back."

– –

I stood in front of my mirror staring at myself. Going back to my original state is like stripping off layers of clothing. I feel unprotected, vulnerable. The first thing to change was my hair. I made it longer and put the slight wave into it. I made it the same brown color I have had all my life. The next was my height and muscle tone. I went back to my normal height and shrunk my muscles to what they had been when I arrived here. The next was my skin color. I changed it back to the slight tan I had before, unlike the dark tan I had been keeping it at. I shifted my eyes back to brown.

The last was my facial structure. I made myself sit as I did this part. Bones snapped and cracked as they reshaped, and I cried out a few times. Not loud enough to make the others come in.

Naruto, Hinata, Gaara, and Sakura and Kakashi wait in my living room. The children are thankfully at school right now.

As I wiped the blood from my face I heard the door open and close, then Kiba's loud voice filled the silence. I heard him asking why he smelt blood. There was a knock on my door then Gaara was entering, his question falling on silent lips. He stared, hand still on the door knob. I stared back, feeling more naked than ever. This is me.

This is who I truly am.

I saw him struggle to swallow, then everyone else was in the doorway, peering over his shoulder to see what I look like. Sakura pushed through, asking if I needed anything healed. I shook my head no and stood awkwardly while they all checked me over. It was Kiba who was the first to come out of his stupor, having already seen my true appearance.

"Well there! Back to your beautiful self." He slung his arm around my shoulders. "Now," he winked at me, "how abut that date you promised me?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile. "In your dreams, dog boy."

I glanced over at Gaara, who is still standing by the door, though no longer holding onto the door knob. I walked over to him, clearing my throat as I remembered to change my voice back. I swallowed the blood. This is the first time he is seeing me since I left ten years ago. I reached up and brushed back some hair from his face. He looks frozen. But not emotionless. Definitely not emotionless.

I ran my hand down his face and stopped at his chin. My fingers lingered there. "Well?" I asked in a whisper.

He blinked, his eyes focusing on my eyes. "I never thought this would happen," he whispered back. "I never thought I would see you again. The real you." I smiled and ran my hand down his face again.

I took a deep breath and turned to the others, slowly letting it out. "Well, this is me. And it's time we get down to business."

As we walked through the streets together, everyone stopped and stared. I walked in the middle of the group with Gaara at my side, looking straight ahead. One look and everyone who saw me knew who I was.

They knew Kira Lorenzo was alive and ready to fight.

We entered the Hokage building with the whole village behind us silent and staring. No one spoke as we walked up the steps towards where Tsunade stood in front of the doors. Her arms were crossed on her chest and she wore a deep frown.

"Is it that time already?" She asked softly.

I looked her straight in the eyes. "Yes, Tsunade-sama. That time has finally come."

We all entered the building, Gaara still at my side. Yukio stood there, looking wide eyed at me. He held something in his hand, and he kept glancing down at it. I smiled and walked over to him, glancing at what he held.

It was the picture I found in Gaara's desk. The one of him and me. So he has shown it to the twins before. I smiled and ran my hand over Yukio's hair. Tears formed in his eyes and he sprang at me, hugging me as tightly as he could. I wrapped my arms around him and lifted him up, whispering soothing words as he cried. Ryuu stepped out from the shadows and looked at me with a scowl. His hands were fisted at his sides. I held one of my hands out to him, but he just took a step back.

Gaara's hand touched my lower back and he whispered in my ear. "We don't have time right now. You can deal with Ryuu later." I grudgingly nodded and followed him towards the stairs, still holding my son. I glanced back at Ryuu, only to find him glaring after me.

Temari and Kankuro waited in the room, both with smiles on their faces. Temari took Yukio and sat on the couch with him, running her fingers through his red hair. Tsunade sat down at her desk and rested her chin on her laced fingers. Gaara walked over to his and stood behind it, looking out the windows at the crowd that had gathered below.

"What course of action will you take?"

Now that I am back, I have no set boundaries. I am neither a Konoha ninja, nor am I a Suna ninja. While I was in hiding, I was under Tsunade, and that was only because I lived in her village. Now I belong to no where. But I also belong everywhere.

"I will get my daughter back and I will end the threat to Konoha and Suna's people."

Gaara slowly turned to look at me. I turned to meet his gaze. If I survive this, if I live through what is to come, I will leave the rest up to Gaara. If he wants me back, I will come back to him with open arms. If he does not, then I will leave and try to find a way home. What happens after this is up to him.

I began to explain to Tsunade the route we will take and where Jessica is. I drew on a map and pointed out points that I noticed that are occupied by the enemy troops, and where they are more scarce. To get there as quickly as possible, we will skirt around the bigger areas of the enemy, but on the way back we will go through the center of them. We will have the upper hand, using a surprise attack. They will never expect it from behind.

And I will be taking all of Konoha eleven as well as the Sabaku siblings with me. No one else. That is more than I should be taking, but it is who I will need. The others need to stay behind and protect Konoha if they are attacked again. When I was done my explanation I looked back over at Gaara. He now sits in his chair with Yukio in his lap, both staring at me. Yukio still holds the picture in his hand.

I walked over to them and bent down to kiss Yukio on the forehead. "I have always loved you, my son. And I am sorry I had to lie to you for so long. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday. I love you so much." I kissed his forehead again and ran my hand over his hair.

Naruto stepped forward then, a smile on his lips. "Kira," he seemed happy to finally be able to use my name, "we need to go get you fitted for armor."

I nodded and ran my hand over his hair once more before turning away. We made it to the stairs when a bang had me pausing.

"Momma!" Yukio ran towards me, his arms wide open. I bent down and swept him into a hug, holding him tightly. "I love you, too, Momma!" He whispered in my ear. My heart swelled with happiness. "And I forgive you. I love you, Momma!"

I hugged him tighter. "I love you, too, Yukio."

– –

I slipped my shirt back on, watching as the girl sketched down my measurements. I followed her out into the other room and listened to her conversation with the leather maker. He nodded and looked me over. His head tilted to the side.

"Add a centimeter on the arms, and make the stomach longer. Also take away two centimeters from her neck line." The girl nodded and wrote down the new measurements. The leather maker explained. "To fit you right we are going to have to take into account your movement. That is the reason for the adjustments." I nodded. He took the measurements and went off to begin to work on them. "It will be finished by tomorrow. I will work on it all night. I will need you in the morning for a final fitting before I complete it."

I nodded. "I will be here bright and early."

Naruto and I went to eat then, going to get some ramen. The old man greeted me warmly, remembering who I was. His daughter no longer works there, now that she is married and pregnant with her third child. I ate and ate, keeping up with Naruto until he started his sixth bowel. Five is more than enough for me!

"Kira," a voice said from behind me.

I turned in my chair and looked at the man peeping from the other side of the half curtain like things. I smiled. "I'll catch you later, Naruto."

He nodded and called for another bowel. When will he realize I left him to pay for mine?

Gaara held the flap up as I left. We stood staring at each other for a minute before we started walking, heading for the Hokage mountain. I jumped out onto the ledge of Tsunade's head and stared out at the village, breathing in the fresh air. Tomorrow will begin my hunt to get my daughter back. And I don't say fight because it is not a fight. I will hunt down and kill anyone who gets in my way.

Anne will die for good this time. I will make sure of it.

A breeze blew, brushing my hair back over my shoulders. I caught Gaara staring at me from the corner of my eye. I looked over at him. What is he thinking? I swallowed my uneasy feeling and looked back out at the village. I felt for Jessica again, finding her in the same room she had been in before. But she sleeps now. I tilted my face towards the night sky and filled my lungs with the sweet air of Konoha.

Tomorrow is not only the beginning of my hunt, but also the day the war begins its final leg. We will come out victorious. Once Jessica is safe deep behind our lines I will return to the front line and fight. I only hope I can do enough to give us the upper hand. Maybe, if I survive this war, we can rebuild Suna. Bring it back to the glory it once held.

Gaara's fingers laced between my own, bringing my hand to his lips. He gently kissed my knuckles and stood close as he also looked out at the village.

When I returned home that night Ryuu waited on the couch for me. He glared as I came in. I sighed and rubbed my face as I walked over and sat next to him. "Okay. Tell me what's wrong. Why have you been avoiding me, Ryuu? And why do you keep glaring?"

His jaw locked. "You are why he didn't want my mom. Its all your fault she left me behind."

I frowned at him. "What do you mean?"

Ryuu looked away from me. "I'm not stupid. I know who you are. You are Kira Lorenzo. Jessica and Yukio's Mother and Kazekage-sama's lover." His hands fisted at his sides. "Because he lost you he didn't want Mom. He kicked her out of the village and she left me behind because she didn't want me anymore. If it wasn't for you Momma would still be here and she would still love me."

Wow. What do I say to that? He is right. If I had never showed up in the first place Gaara and Matsuri probably would have gotten together and been together for a long time. And it was my fault he kicked her out. Or she left. I'm not completely sure if she was kicked out or if she left.

"It's all your fault," he said again.

There was a noise from the glass door and then Gaara entered, a scowl on his face. "That is not true, Ryuu." Gaara's arms crossed over his chest and he scowled down his nose at the small boy. "Your mother left because she could not handle the truth. Her and I were never meant to be and she did not understand that and she herself left. She was never kicked out and she was given every opportunity to return."

"Liar!" Ryuu yelled at him. He jumped off the couch and stood, shaking with anger. "You are lying! She would never have left me behind if it wasn't for you!"

Something seemed to have clicked in Gaara's head, because he uncrossed his arms and knelt on one knee in front of Ryuu. He placed a hand on he boys shoulder and looked into his eyes. "Ryuu, your mother was a great woman. But she made mistakes she couldn't deal with." He shifted a little, meeting Ryuu's eyes head on. "And she loved you very much. Matsuri knew she could not keep the both of you alive if she left. So she left you in the care of her family. It was the smart thing to do. If she had taken you with her, you would be dead, too. And she knew that."

Ryuu's eyes widened in horror. "Momma's... dead?"

I closed my eyes and waited for Gaara's next words. He hadn't known. No one had told him. He's going to hate me even more.

I felt Gaara's gaze then it left me just as quick. "Your mother, she... Matsuri made some bad choices, Ryuu. She was helping the enemy. And she was killed because of it." Tears welled in Ryuu's eyes. Gaara's hand moved towards Ryuu's face, but stopped short of brushing away the boys tears. "You are safe, Ryuu," he said softly, his hand going back to his side. "And you are loved. Kira loves you. She has taken care of you since she first met you. She did not have to. She could have left you to suffer with Matsuri's family. Do not be mean to Kira. She saved you from that life."

Ryuu sniffled but didn't say anything. He just continued to glare at Gaara.

I could see Gaara was starting to get irritated. He doesn't know what to say. He has never really had to deal with something like this. The Twins grew up knowing how to communicate with him, but Ryuu hadn't. And Gaara is struggling to communicate with his other son. Does he know Gaara is his father?

Ryuu glanced at me finally, after moments of silence. He looked slightly ashamed. I walked over to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry, Ryuu," I whispered. "I hadn't known she had a son. I would have given her a second chance, had I known. I'm so sorry."

Ryuu shoved me with everything he had. "You killed my mother?" He screamed at me. "You killed her!" The tears were running down his cheeks again. "I hate you!" I tried reaching for him, but he knocked my hand away. "I hate you! Stay away from me. I hate you!" And he ran out the door.

I stared after him. What have I done?

Gaara placed a hand on my shoulder. "He will come around, Kira." he whispered. "He doesn't have far to go."

I nodded, still numb. I was all that boy had. What have I done?

Gaara's other hand gripped my other shoulder and he waited until I looked up at him. "I will send Kankuro out to find him, alright? He will be safe." He bent down and brushed his lips against mine, then kissed my forehead. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."

Gaara turned to leave, but I snatched his hand. "Don't leave," I whispered. I feel like a child asking her parent not to leave her alone in the dark with the monsters. "Please, don't leave." I cursed the tears prickling my eyes. Losing Ryuu like that is just like having Jessica taken from me. "Please."

Gaara's hand came up and brushed my tears away. "Do you want to come spend the night with Yukio?" I continued to grip his other hand tightly. I want to so bad. But can I? Will Yukio accept me? He said he forgave me. Gaara's arm came around my waist and he tugged me closer to him. Our hands stayed to the side, gripping each others tightly.

I blinked and we were standing outside of a house. Smaller than my apartment building, but homey. I left Gaara and walked up the steps, something drawing me up them. I opened the door and kicked off my shoes, looking all around as I walked down the hallway. It's an old building. The walls are made of wood, and a few places on the floor creak. When I glanced into a room everyone sitting in there stared. Temari. Kankuro. Yukio. My family.

Yukio gasped dramatically and ran towards me, wrapping his arms around me. "I love you, Momma!" His voice was muffled, but it made my heart soar. I wrapped my arms around him and picked him up. Boy is he heavy!

"Do you want to play a game?" I asked him.

He smiled brightly and his eyes got bigger. He nodded vigorously.

I gave Kankuro a side smirk. "The game is called 'Tickle Uncle Kanky until he pees'!" I set Yukio down and we both ran at Kankuro as he tried to scramble away from us. We laughed as we tackled him.

What is your thoughts on this turn out? Like or dislike? Would love to hear your view!