It's been a few weeks, but never fear, I have not forgotten! Here is chapter 29, thanks for all of the reviews! They keep me motivated!

Chapter 29, Beginning of the End.

That night I fell asleep with Yukio on his bed. He breathed softly next to me early the next morning, while I just stared at him. This is my baby boy. I am finally able to be a mother to him. I stroked back his red hair and twirled it between my fingers. I stared across the room at Jessica's empty bed. I will get my daughter back today. I will find her.

And she will be saved by her mother and father.

There was a soft knock on the door. Gaara came over and looked down at the two of us. I smiled sheepishly up at him. "Breakfast is ready," he whispered. Gaara helped me move Yukio away from me so I could get up without waking him. I followed Gaara downstairs to where Temari sat at the table eating with Kankuro and Ryuu. I was surprised to see Ryuu sitting there. I'm glad Kankuro found him last night. Gaara tugged gently on my arm and bent down to whisper in my ear. "He and I had a talk. Everything is alright now."

I looked up at him greatfully. "Thank you," I whispered. I walked into the room and over to Ryuu, wrapping my arms around him and kissing the top of his head. "Good morning, Ryuu." I laid my cheek on the top of his head and waited for his reaction.

"Good morning, Kira-sensei," He said softly. I smiled and kissed the top of his head once more and took my seat next to him. He pushed eggs around on his plate with a fork. "Will you be gone long?" He asked hesitantly.

I took a bite of toast and chewed thoughtfully. The others were silent. "I don't know, Ryuu." I said carefully. "I cannot say for certain."

He nodded and pushed his eggs around some more.

Yukio came in then, rubbing his eye. "Dad?" Gaara waved him over and Yukio ran over to him, climbing in his lap. I know Gaara wont let that happen much longer. The Twins are getting to big for that. Yukio yawned and looked at his dads face. "You are coming back, right? You and Momma will come back?"

Gaara's eyes met mine over the top of his head. "Of course I will come back, Yukio," he said. "And your mother will, too." I dropped my eyes and locked my jaw. "I promise." How dare he do that. He knows we could both die.

Now that my identity is out I am going to be the biggest target of all. And once everyone realizes the extent of my powers, only the people I know as my true friends will I be able to trust. And maybe not all of them. My chances of dying are greatly higher than my chances of living and returning to Konoha. This will be the final battle. Jessica will be saved and the battle will begin.

I could tell Ryuu was looking at me, as well as Yukio and Gaara. "You will come back, right Kira-sensei?"

I met Gaara's eyes once more. "This is a war, Ryuu. I cannot say whether I will or not." Yukio looked down. "But I promise I will try to come back."

Ryuu nodded and stared at his eggs.

After breakfast I went to Temari's room to change into my fighting gear. I slipped into my black AMBU outfit and laced up my boots. I hid kunai in various places, including the compartment in the heal of my boot. I tied my hair back in a high pony tail and looked at myself in the small mirror.

There was a soft knock and Temari opened the door. She was already dressed and ready for a fight. "It's time. The others are on their way to the gates." I nodded.

It's time.

Time for the beginning of the end.

– –

I grabbed a branch and propelled myself to the next. We've been traveling for four hours now. And we still aren't close to Jessica yet. I can see her in the back of my head, sitting curled up in that ratty blanket. Freezing. Hoping for us to save her. Waiting. I swung to another branch and used the wind to send me three trees ahead. I matched Gaara's pace.

Gaara's eyes fell on me briefly then he pushed off the branch a little harder, trying to get ahead of me once again.

It's been like this since we left. Our goodbyes to Yukio were tearful on my part. But promising on Gaara's. Ryuu gave me a hug but didn't say anything. He knew the hidden words behind what I said. He knows it is not likely I will make it home. Gaara seems to think I will make it home. He doesn't think I will die fighting.

Yukio thinks the same.

And Gaara doesn't like that I keep saying I will not promise to return.

Gaara jumped ahead of me again, throwing a glance over his shoulder this time. I rolled my eyes and jumped and grabbed another branch, doing a complete flip around it. I let go when my feet pointed to the ground and dropped, landing a little poorly. I quickly regained my balance and glanced around me, making sure I didn't just drop in on someones camp. The people that had been behind me immediately fell to my sides, but it took Gaara a little to get back to us. He was glaring when he finally reached us.

I dropped my pack to the ground and stretched my arms over my head. "Let's set up camp here for the night. We've covered enough distance for today. Good job, everybody." I brushed past Gaara with a smirk. It probably really pissed him off that I dropped like that, without protection.

A big thing from Tsunade before we left is that I'm never to be alone. I must be guarded to ensure that I survive until we can get Jessica back. Everyone had agreed full heartedly. I had, too. With limits. Jessica needs to be saved. But I also need moments of peace to search for her. They are on the move again, I can feel it without really concentrating.

Camp was set up in a timely manner and a small cooking fire was built. With Kiba and Akamaru, we didn't need to worry about anyone spotting us. They would smell the person long before they saw any smoke or light.

"Hinata?" The woman looked over at me with a soft smile. "Would you like to go wash up with me?" The best part about being a woman, is that Gaara isn't allowed to go with me to wash up. He seems to have it in his head that he is my primary guardian. Though, I remember Kiba saying something about him being my guardian before I returned to this world. What had he meant?

"Of course." Hinata grabbed a few things and we walked towards the small river we made camp close to.

The water was biting cold, but I undressed and slipped in anyway. I found an area where the current wasn't as strong and sat on a rock, breathing out slowly as I started to concentrate on Jessica's whereabouts. They've stopped for the night, too. But they are still a great distance ahead of us. Maybe two days and we will catch up with them. Maybe sooner if they find another bunker to stay in for awhile.

A picture of her formed in my head. This time she was tied up, sitting against a tree just out of the light of a fire. She was shivering, she didn't have that ratty blanket. Only her torn clothes they had taken her with. The dried blood was almost all gone now, but I could see the large scab where it all came from. Her upper right temple was covered in the brown scab. I could see her eyes drooping. She must be so tired. Her hair is all matted, but it was pulled back away from her face. They probably did that so she would keep up with their traveling pace.

I opened my eyes and stared at the water.

Don't worry, Jessica, I whispered in my head, We are coming.

– –

The next morning we were moving before the sun was up. Everyone was awake and itching to start moving, so we left. I hadn't had much sleep, I stayed up most of the night keeping an eye on my daughter as she slept. My jumps were a little sloppy and I missed a branch or two, having to double my speed to get back in front of the group with Gaara.

He looked over at me. "How much farther?"

I closed my eyes briefly, landing on a branch and searching with my minds eye. A sliver of panic spread through me like a wild fire. I can't feel her. I can't feel Jessica! My eyes snapped open to his. He must have seen my panic because he stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"What's wrong?"

I tried again. But its no use. "I can't feel her," I whispered. The sliver of panic grew. Why can't I feel her? I sat down on the branch and put my head in my hands. I tried harder, pushing myself to extremes. There is no reason why I shouldn't feel her. There is nothing that can keep me from feeling her. Nothing! Grandpa. Maybe he will know what's going on.

I searched for him quickly, but it took a little longer to find him that it should have. Yes, my dear?

I felt myself relax slightly. Thank god. Grandpa, I can't feel her. Why can't I feel Jessica anymore? I've been able to see her up until now. And I know they aren't far from me. Could she be hiding herself like you have?

I could feel him thinking that over. It is a possibility, yes. But she doesn't know how. He thought some more. I pushed the whispers around me out of my head. I think they are not far from you. I also think they know you are coming and they are hiding her. I do not know how they would be able to hide her from you, but they seem to be doing it. I tried to follow your path to her and I can see where the connection was cut.

My hope faltered. What does that mean, Grandpa? My thought was nothing more than a whisper.

His in return was the same. I do not know, Kira. I will look into it some more and I will let you know. Rest, do not strain yourself. Stay safe.

You as well, Grandpa. I opened my eyes then and looked up into Gaara's. His hand came to the side of my face and I rested my cheek on it. My energy was sapped from me after contacting Grandpa. I doubt I could stand right now.

"What's going on?" Gaara asked softly. This thumb grazed over my cheek bone.

I swallowed and looked back up at him, I hadn't realized my eyes had closed. I told him softly everything that has happened. Everything that I was told. Gaara was staring away from me with a blank look, trying to hide his feelings. I could feel everyone standing or sitting tensely around in nearby trees. Temari is within my sight. I glanced over at her to find her staring at me hard.

My eyes dropped.

Gaara's hands wrapped around my upper arms and he lifted me to my feet, then pulled me onto his back. Did he know I don't have enough strength to stand? I wrapped my arms around his neck and laid my head on his shoulder. His hands tightened around my legs.

"We will keep moving," He said. "They are not far. Kiba, see if you and Akamaru can pick up their sent."

"Hai."

Gaara turned slightly. "Sakura, Ino, stay close." And then he was jumping.

I held on tightly, hoping for the best, dreading the worst.

– –

By nightfall I still hadn't been able to see her. Everyone made camp around Sakura and I. She pushed power into me as I searched and searched, keeping me energized as well as alive. I thought I had felt a brushing of her at one point, but when I looked for the area where I felt it, I couldn't find anything else.

When Sakura had had enough and was ready to fall over asleep, we stopped. Kiba helped her into a tent and put her to bed. I continued to sit in front of the fire, drawing as much power from the trees and grass around me as I could to power myself. I couldn't keep it up long without killing the plant life. So I stopped for now.

Hinata handed me some food, and I picked at it, not wanting to upset her. But I'm not hungry. I know I should eat to keep myself stable, but how can I? I don't know if Jessica has had anything to eat in the days since I have last seen her. I glanced over at Gaara across the fire. He was chewing a piece of bread, staring into the flames.

I stood and walked over to him, standing in front of him until he looked up. I held my hand out to him. His hand folded around mine and he stood, following me into the dark trees. I kept walking even after we were completely out of hearing range. I don't doubt that if we are within hearing distance of Kiba, everyone will know what's going on.

Once I decided we were far enough away I turned to Gaara and wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my body to his. His hands held my waist tightly. "I need you to breathe," I whispered to him. "Breathe and think of Jessica. Think of everything you know about her." He nodded and rested his forehead against mine, his arms fully wrapping around me and held me tightly.

My hands circled his head, digging deep into his hair. I linked my thoughts with his, thinking of nothing but Jessica.

I pushed into his head the first time I saw her in his and Tsunade's office. How I thought she was beautiful and perfect. And how much of myself I could see in her. My immediate love for her. I showed him the image of her running through Konoha with me when we began her training. I showed him her lifting up her brothers as she concentrated. Those were all of the good memories I had stored to show him.

Gaara's forehead pressed tighter against mine and images started rushing into my head.

Jessica when she was a baby. Her first bath, splashing Yukio as she giggled. Jessica in a light green dress sitting still as Temari brushed her hair. Jessica as she struggled to learn how to fight. Jessica crying when she cut open her leg. Jessica smiling on her birthday as she and her brother blew out the cake candles. Jessica and Yukio standing at my grave holding hands.

Gaara's lips touched mine.

All of a sudden I could feel her. I gripped Gaara's head tightly and pushed all of my power to where she was, instantly bringing up an image of her. The image transferred into Gaara's mind. His arms tightened. Jessica was looking towards me, if that is even possible. There were tears on her cheeks. Her shirt is ripped open, and the left side of her face is one big bruise. I lifted out from her and viewed the area around her, as much as I could. This power only allows me to see a small amount of the surroundings of the person I am looking at.

But I have seen enough.

I opened my eyes and met Gaara's. I could see my anger reflected in his angry eyes. I brushed my lips against his and stepped away, turning in the direction my daughter was. Gaara's hand wrapped around mine and held it tightly.

"We do this together," he said sternly.

I nodded and squeezed his hand back.

– –

I rested my hand on Gaara's shoulder as I leaned over his crouched form, looking at the sleeping bodies below. We easily and soundlessly took out their guards, and now they will all die. I still do not see Jessica yet, but I know she is here. I can feel her. She is so close.

So close.

I jumped to the ground, using the wind to slow my speed until I landed, not making one small sound. Sand snaked in and out of the bodies, getting ready for my command to kill. I glanced up at Gaara, his eyes were on me. Waiting. I searched for Jessica quickly, but still could not see her.

I took out my kunai and plunged it into the neck of the closest person. He gurgled as he died. The person next to him woke and gasped when he saw me, but he was silenced when the sand snapped his neck. Anyone else who so much as stirred was killed effortlessly. I walked among the dead and alive, looking for the faces I saw around Jessica. I spotted one and walked over to him, looking down at him as he breathed slowly in his sleep. I dug my kunai deep into his chest, smiling at him when his eyes flew open and he gasped for air. I twisted my kunai and he flopped down dead.

I ignored his dead staring eyes and moved to the left to look for my daughter.

Blond hair caught my attention. I moved towards a specific tree, but stopped short when Anne stepped around, a knife held to Jessica's throat.

"One more step and she is dead, Kira." Anne crouched behind Jessica, throwing a quick glance around to see if I was alone. Had she seen Gaara? "Drop the weapon."

I let it fall to my feet. "Let her go, Anne. You know you don't want to hurt her. She has done nothing." I tried to take a step closer, but blood appeared against the blade on Jessica's throat. She whimpered.

"Bullshit. I would love to kill this girl." Anne glanced around again. "You know I lost my baby? Because of you. You killed him. When you were taken to the hospital because you collapsed with those weird people, who I thought I knew, just so you know, you killed my baby."

I breathed in. "I did not kill your baby. I was in no state to do such a thing."

Her eyes held flames. "You did!" she screeched at me. Jessica yelped as the knife dug deeper into her skin. "You did kill him! You attacked me and killed him! You stupid whore!" Jessica tried to struggle away, but more blood appeared on her throat and she stopped, more tears running down her face. "I'll kill her, just like you killed my baby. Then we will be even."

Anne is insane. From the look in her eyes I can tell. A thought occurred to me. "Anne, did you find out you lost your baby when you came back here?"

She frowned, still glancing about like the shadows were going to jump her. I nodded to myself, just as I thought.

"Anne, your baby isn't dead." I said it carefully. "He or she is still alive. But in our world. You and I have something in our blood that can make us jump between these two worlds, okay? Your baby must not have that. You still have your original body back home, probably in the hospital. You're baby is alive." I met Jessica's eyes, and I could see panic. Which isn't good. I need her calm and able to think. I tried to get into her mind, but I couldn't from this distance. I need to touch her.

"Liar!" Anne hissed.

It was then that I saw the panic was fake. Jessica jabbed back at Anne's face with her elbow and lunged towards me, but Anne grabbed her ankle. I jumped at Anne and laid a solid fist to her face, over and over until she let go. Jessica scrambled away, and I heard Gaara appear and her run to him. Anne looked up at me with blood on her face.

She smirked. "To bad your daughter is only a clone." And with that Anne's body turned into a hunk of wood.

I spun around and stared at the hunk of wood in Gaara's arms. It dropped to his feet and he looked up at me. "I will kill that bitch," he said softly, dangerously.

I stared off into the forest, my connect with Jessica gone. I do not like this game. Is that what it is? A game? I smirked to myself. Anne should remember that I do not play fairly. I use my resources. I loosened my fingers and made myself relax. Rain dripped on my cheek, then the down pour started. I tilted my face upwards and let it hit my face.

But I was already miles away, searching. Always searching.

I saw the path they had taken, and I saw where it ended. In a river. Assholes. I followed the river both directions at once, keeping my mind on both of them for any signs of humans. But I couldn't find anything. So I snapped back to the place where the tracks stopped and searched for an underground opening. I felt Gaara's hand on me, and I felt his head resting against my neck, then I could feel he was seeing what I was.

We searched the area for anything that could be of help. And then we found it. A small mistake on their part. Half a footprint. I opened my eyes and looked into Gaara's. He nodded and then we were running, top speed, for the spot that was miles away.

And there you have it, that was chapter 29! How did you like it? All of the reviews motivate me to keep writing, so if you want it faster, review! review! review!