I so thought I had finished this.

:D;

-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-

-Sasuke-

February 20th, late evening.

Sasuke rubbed his hands together as he stared out the window. Currently, he was at the Hyuuga home with the others. Hinata was gathering her things for the journey they planned to make.

Yes, a journey through the harsh snow to find the Kyuubi Temple.

Sasuke sighed. He looked down at the bag he had strapped to him giving a frown wondering if what he had in there would be enough.

This mission is suicide, he thought as he watched the heavy snow fall. Yet, what else can we do? I know the Mayor's intentions were genuine and pure, but there was no way he'd make it in time before…

Thoughts of Ino from earlier that day made Sasuke feel depressed that they might not make it in time even if they would finish quicker than the Mayor. He ran a hand over his face mumbling softly to himself.

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura's voice interrupted his thoughts. He glanced up to see her softly walking over to him. "Are… are you feeling okay?"

He could hear the worry lacing her voice and knew she had been thinking of Ino as well. Gently, he grabbed her hand and smiled at her to ease her fears.

"I'm just thinking a bit much," Sasuke replied quietly. "There's so much that depends on this working that… I'm…" His eyes drifted to the floor not wanting to admit his feelings.

A warm hand touched his face making him glance back up. "You're scared, aren't you?"

"Well, n… yes, yes I am." He admitted aloud. "Is it going to be possible to do this? What can we do against this 'mystical' force of nature? We're just… kids."

Sakura didn't have a reply and merely wrapped her arms around Sasuke in comfort. He returned the gesture resting his head on hers.

He was afraid. So much could go wrong and so many people might not even come back from this journey at all. What dangers would they be facing? He wasn't prepared at all especially not prepared for what could happen.

Carefully he unlatched Sakura form him and looked down at her face. "Sakura… you know I care for you a whole lot, right?"

"Of course," she said rolling her eyes but giving a small.

"Then please don't take this the wrong way, but I don't want you to come," Sasuke said with a firm voice. He watched her stare at him for a moment before glaring at him.

"I'm coming with you, Sasuke."

"No, it's way too dangerous."

"I can take care of myself plenty fine!" Sakura hissed as she pulled away from him.

"That's not the point. There are too many things that could go wrong."

"And we'll be together to face those things!"

"You'll get in the way!"

"WHAT? How could you even-"

"I CAN'T LOSE YOU AGAIN!" He shouted at her furiously grabbing onto her shoulders tightly. She stared wide up at Sasuke, stunned. It took a few moments, but Sasuke finally settled down and placed his head on her shoulders. "I'm afraid I'll lose you… I've lost so much before, and almost lost my best friend. I can't lose you too…"

He felt hands grab his wrists and gently take them off her shoulders. Lifting his head up, he looked at Sakura's smiling face. "You won't… I promise you that. If I'm with you, there's nothing that would prevent me from being separated from you ever again."

Feeling hope in her words, he leaned down lightly kissing her on the lips.

"Alright," Naruto began with everyone finally situated. Sasuke looked up from the wall he had been leaning on. "The storm outside is really bad, and it ain't going to get any better. With that in mind, Kurama is going to try and use his powers to prevent us from getting slapped around too much."

The little kitsune, whom now had seven tails, wagged them from atop of Naruto's shoulders. Sasuke gave a smile having full confidence after everything when they had found Shukaku.

"Now comes the hard part," Naruto sighed. "There are eight of us here with two tailed beasts. We have not just the Kyuubi Temple to go to, but talking with Gaara earlier made me realize that we also have to head toward Ichibi Temple as well in Suna. This means…"

Sasuke could see where this was going and he wasn't sure it was the best idea.

"Are you suggesting," Neji spoke up as he slowly stood, "that we split up to go to each temple?"

Sasuke watched as Naruto glanced away from Neji for a moment before giving a small nod.

"We won't make it in time if we go to one temple then the next. Look how bad in shape Konoha is right now!" Naruto turned his head to look out the window. Sasuke followed his gaze seeing that the window was completely covered by snow. "We're… we're on the last stages. We have an illness here, which could only mean that Suna is close behind, or even worse it could be way ahead of Konoha. Shukaku's condition wasn't the best when we found him after all."

"Kyuubi Temple is far away," Neji began to argue, "and Suna is even farther away! It takes three days just by car to get there. Imagine how long it would take by foot!"

Sasuke couldn't help but agree with Neji. Are what we doing just in vain? This journey is ridiculous with no hope getting through it.

"I… I know." Naruto plopped down almost knocking Kurama off. He glanced at Gaara looking desperate. "What do you want to do Gaara?"

Gaara looked thoughtful for a long while and glanced at Shukaku in his lap. Sasuke could see the little tanuki getting better. He hadn't spoken to anyone yet, but he hadn't gotten worse either.

Gaara looked back at Naruto giving a light smile. "I want to go with your plan."

"You WHAT?" Sasuke frowned at hearing Temari yell. She was glaring down at Gaara as if he was insane. "W… why would you even… No, WHY would you think this was a good idea?"

"I don't see any better options. We don't even know what Suna is like. It could be perfectly clear over there." Gaara replied calmly. Temari looked furious before turning to Naruto pointing an accusing finger at him.

"Why couldn't you have just let the mayor handle this instead?"

Sasuke watched as Naruto stared at Temari in disbelief before glaring back at her.

Oh no, he thought as he groaned seeing Naruto slowly stand up to face Temari. It's going to end up as a fight. Should I step in?

"The mayor wouldn't have made it in time!" Naruto growled crossing his arms.

"You don't know that for sure. He could have forces we don't have."

"I don't care!"

"Exactly! What have you cared about? You seem to want to put everyone in danger."

"Me? I'm trying to prevent all the danger!"

Sasuke got up from his wall and slowly advanced over to them to try to stop their fight. He placed his hand up into the air, but froze when he saw Kurama float between Naruto and Temari using his wind powers.

You are angry because you are worried for your brother, Temari-sama?

"Of course I'm worried for him," Temari growled looking as if she would fight the kitsune.

Then I will make sure the condition in Suna is well. If it is not, we will head together to both temples. Will this help?

Temari narrowed her eyes at Kurama looking as if she was going to disagree. It took her a long while as she looked between Kurama and Gaara. Sasuke bit his lip wondering if all was going to come to fail right here.

"…this will make the illness go away?" Temari finally answered with a question. Kurama blinked at her and nodded softly. "Then… if you have a way to find out, please try."

Relieved, Kurama dropped to the floor and patted over to Shukaku. Shukaku lifted up his head and sniffed at Kurama before lightly butting heads with him.

"What will you try to do?" Sasuke asked as he came over to observe. Naruto was at his side looking on curiously as well.

I am going to try and connect with Shukaku and Gaara's minds to feel the condition of the temple. That will allow me to see how the condition outside of Konoha to Suna is.

"Can you do that?" Sasuke questioned skeptically since Kurama hadn't ever tried it before now.

I have a lot more of my power back. Although, Kurama glanced to Naruto, your help would be appreciated, Naruto-sama.

Naruto grinned and sat down next to Gaara. "My pleasure to always to help!"

Kurama nodded, and carefully swished his tails to touch both boys before he closed his eyes and looked to be concentrating.

For a while, nothing happened. Then, Sasuke noticed a small light forming around Kurama and Shukaku's heads. There was also another light coming from Naruto where he was touching Kurama.

Is this energy? Sasuke wondered. I really hope this works because if it does we can get out of Konoha without the weather being there, and they can get a faster route to Suna.

Sasuke gave a large yawn as he watched the four on the floor remain still. He glanced at his watch noticing that it had been at least over an hour already. It was getting very late, and soon the mayor would probably be asking for the tailed beasts.

"Are you hungry, Sasuke-kun?" Sasuke looked up to see Sakura holding a sandwich out for him. He took it knowing it would give him energy even if he wasn't that hungry.

"Thanks, Sakura." He lightly smiled at her before taking a bite out of it. "You think this plan will work?"

"I hope it does. We don't have any better options at this moment." Sakura sighed as she glanced over at Naruto and Gaara. Sasuke followed her gaze giving a frown before shifting his gaze to an uneasy Temari and Kankuro.

Temari's starting to get impatient. Kurama needs to hurry up or she'll interrupt it. Sasuke sighed greatly getting impatient himself.

Then, the light glowing around the boys vanished and Kurama finally stepped back flinging his tails straight into the air.

Sasuke got up eagerly and walked over. "So…?" He asked softly.

Suna is currently in fine condition. If we can make it out of Konoha and to the woods just beyond we will be out of the snow. The weather stops just at the border of the city, so you can find transportation from there to Suna. Kurama looked up at Sasuke giving a twitch of his head and looking as if he was smiling.

Temari sighed great relief before plopping down. "So where is the temple?"

"Here…" Naruto croaked sounding a little bit out of breath. He slowly stood up, went over to the table, and came back to Temari holding out a map. Sasuke looked over and recognized Suna's city structure.

Temari gave a quick nod to Naruto before looking it over. Naruto smiled at her then carefully walked over to sit. Sasuke watched as the Sabaku siblings discussed the map deciding where to go before he came to sit next to Naruto.

"How are you feeling?" Sasuke asked him.

Naruto turned to look at him giving a sluggish smile. "Exhausted. I didn't realize that would take a lot of energy to do."

Worried, Sasuke wondered if they should even leave now with him like this.

"I know that look," Naruto mumbled, "and the answer is no. We are leaving as soon as we are all finished eating. Kurama knows he can take us as far as the forest with his powers. After that, it's up to the Gaara and his siblings to find a way to Suna. We're on our own to get to Kyuubi Temple."

Sasuke looked at Naruto thoughtfully then nodded. "They'll be fine if Suna hasn't been affected yet. Though, I'm worried Shukaku might not be able to tell Gaara what to do…"

Naruto gave a weak laugh and nodded in agreement. "Maybe being closer to the temple and his area will give him his powers back."

"Let's hope so."

Soon, they were all packed and ready to go. The Sabaku siblings said they would be fine on their own, so everyone else would go with Naruto. Interestingly enough, Kurama said that the way to Kyuubi Temple would yield normal February weather, and near the temple would be the most dangerous though. There could still be gusting weather due to his power.

Ready and packed to go. Sasuke stood by Naruto grabbing his hand and reaching for Sakura's on his other side. They looked to each other with small smiles before looking to Kurama floating in the middle of the circle of children.

We can do this. Sasuke thought closing his eyes and feeling a rush of wind blow through him. As long as we stick together, we can accomplish anything.

Then, with a flash of wind, they were gone.

-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-

-Naruto-

Slowly, Naruto opened his eyes. He blinked slowly to see a light crisp of snow to the ground, but he could tell that it was barely even half an inch. A smile crept to his face knowing that they had made it out of Konoha safely.

Looking around, Naruto saw that they had landed in the forest away from the road. He looked through the trees seeing that there was a road block.

Probably to keep people out of Konoha, Naruto thought as he turned to look back toward the city only to be alarmed at what he saw.

There was a raging storm blowing just behind them. He could almost feel the shake of the wind and snow stirring the trees and air. Yet, somehow it only raged within the limits of Konoha. Looking more closely, Naruto could definitely see that there was something keeping the weather from leaving.

There is a barrier there. Kurama's voice entered his head making Naruto turn around. Kurama was at his feet blinking slowly up at him. It only affects the area I control; however, if Suna falls to this they will connect.

Naruto gave a nod. "We better hurry then."

After figuring out how the Sabaku children were going to get to Suna, they headed out through the woods towards the nearest connecting town. It wasn't far and they would make it there by the time the sun fully came out. Thankfully, Temari had enough money to rent a car to Suna, so their transportation needs were well taken care of. Naruto was glad that they would make it safely there.

"So after we get to Suna," Naruto heard Temari mumble to Gaara, "we will head out of the west exit and head toward…"

Naruto stopped listening and drifted off into his own thoughts.

I'm ready for this. I know I am, Naruto thought believing strongly in his words. Is everyone else, though? Am I risking a whole lot by letting them come with me? He shook his head and crossed his arms gripping them slightly. Are there even more dangers than just what we could find on the way to the temple? Something in his gut made him think there was something amiss that he should have remembered about, but what?

"…aruto… Naruto?" Sasuke's voice entered his ears jolting him away from his thoughts. He blinked at a concerned Sasuke then looked past him to notice that he had fallen greatly behind. "Are you okay?"

"Erm, yeah!" Naruto lied giving a sheepish smile. "I'm just lost in thought on how to get through the forest is all."

Sasuke gave Naruto a long, skeptical look before looking away and trudging ahead. "Better hurry up then."

"Okay." Naruto shouted after him knowing that Sasuke hadn't believed his lie at all.

Sighing, Naruto followed after the group careful to be close, but not close enough to be disturbed.

You have doubts about their safety, don't you? Kurama asked jumping onto his shoulder. Naruto felt the weight of Kurama making him almost fall unbalanced.

Well, yeah I am. Naruto thought bitterly knowing Kurama could hear him easily.

They will be safe. No harm should come to them as long as they don't get near the temple grounds.

That was a little comforting, but Naruto still felt uneasy.

More things trouble you. What is on your mind, Naruto-sama? Kurama asked with high concern. Naruto stopped for a moment to look at him.

Something about this feels… off. I keep feeling as if I'm missing some key important facts here. It's tugging at the back of my mind, but I can't reach it. I don't know why, but I don't feel like this will go as smoothly as we hope.

Kurama seemed stunned and Naruto could feel that he hadn't the same feelings.

Just me, huh? Naruto laughed sadly thinking that perhaps he was going crazy.

No, I… I hadn't thought there would be more dangers than there is now. I had thought the temple was all that was to be wary of. Kurama shifted himself so he was able to sit on Naruto's head. Naruto looked down and kicked the snow at his feet feeling dumb he was the only one with these thoughts. Yet, if you think there is something amiss, keep those feelings. We could possibly run into something that I had not thought of.

Naruto glanced up seeing Kurama's nose poke at him before giving a smile. I'll do that then. Feeling a little better that he wasn't completely insane, he started to walk again quickening his pace.

Sun beamed down at them from inside of a restaurant. They had just finished a quick meal and were beginning to get moving again. They had reached the next town safely and easily. Temari had acquired what they needed and was currently outside prepping the vehicle.

Naruto stared out the window watching them not feeling uneasy about their journey, yet when he shifted his gaze to look toward the forest his felt troubled.

I'm just nervous, Naruto thought shaking his head. He took a deep breath to try and clear his thoughts. It didn't seem to be working. Giving up, Naruto stood up and walked outside.

He saw Gaara and his siblings about to take off. He wished them good luck under his breath before walking off towards the forest.

It was a fast and thick forest. The woods seemed to dense that it made it impossible for Naruto to see how far it actually led. Naruto bit his lip feeling unsettled again.

There IS something out there. I know it. Naruto thought to himself. As he stared into the forest a cruel idea came to him.Looking around, Naruto made sure no one was watching then he trudged into the forest holding onto his bag tightly.

Kurama will catch up, but I don't want the others to follow. No, here is the safest place for them. Forgive me.

-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-

-Sasuke-

Sasuke stretched his body as he watched Gaara and his siblings drive off toward Suna.

They'll make it in time. Sasuke thought positively. Now if we can just make it ourselves... Sasuke sighed rubbing the back of his head as he turned to go back into the restaurant, but he stopped when he saw Kurama sitting at the edge of the forest staring into it.

"Kurama? Is something bothering you?" Sasuke asked walking over to him. Kurama glanced up at Sasuke then stared back into the forest.

Not so much me that is bothered, but Naruto-sama. Kurama answered flicking his tails in an irritating way. Sasuke gave a light frown knowing that Naruto had been bothered earlier.

"Well, whatever is on Naruto's mind, I'm sure he'll talk to us about it," Sasuke said hopefully to comfort the kitsune.

No, I highly doubt that. Please, go get your companions and meet me back here.

Sasuke blinked slowly at Kurama a bit surprised at the tense, serious tone he was using. Not wanting to irritate the kitsune more, Sasuke went back into the restaurant.

"He did WHAT?" Sasuke shouted as they ran through the forest with Kurama in the lead.

He did not want harm to come to any of you. Kurama responded as he flitted from tree to tree. Sasuke clenched his fist tightly.

"B-But he knows we'd do anything to help him out..." Hinata mumbled lightly.

Yes, that is precisely why I believe he left. I felt his hurt and pain just before he dashed off. I would have followed, but leaving you behind was not an option.

That idiot's going to get himself hurt. Sasuke thought bitterly. "There has to be another reason he ran off. We could have stayed way beyond the temple's reach."

...He believed there to be another danger.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at this thought. Something worse than the temple going out of control?

"What could he possibly think would be that?" Neji asked in a huff.

I do not know... Perhaps he is worried about who the mayor might be sending.

"No... maybe there is something else..." Hinata slowly came to a stop forcing everyone else to as well. She was out of breath and leaning down on her hands. Sasuke turned to stare at her wondering what she could be thinking.

"Hinata-sama, what's wrong?" Neji asked as he placed a hand gently on her back.

"R-Remember when we went off to find Shukaku? Kurama had told us a story of the past... He mentioned bad people wanted to stop them."

Sasuke tried to recall the story and vaguely remembered what Hinata was saying. "You think Naruto might believe these people still exist?"

I am not sure it is possible. Those members would be long gone and... hold on... I feel something amiss here... Kurama turned around and stared in the direction they were heading. Sasuke could tell it wasn't something friendly. We must hurry. Naruto-sama has come upon something.

Kurama dashed off leaving the rest to follow behind him. Sasuke clenched his fists tightly as he picked up his speed to keep up with Kurama.

Naruto, you better not have gotten into trouble.

-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-

-Naruto-

Naruto winced and placed a hand over his face as he slowly walked forward against a terrible and deadly storm. Wind lashed the trees and his body as he moved closer and closer to the source.

Seeing a broken wall that was blocking the wind, Naruto quickly hid behind it and sighed.

So this is it. Naruto looked up at the sky seeing twilight quickly approaching. Didn't realize I used an entire day getting here...

Naruto knew it would have taken longer, but somehow he knew how to get here without Kurama. Or was it thanks to his connection to Kurama that he found it? He looked down at his necklace seeing it glowing and knew that this somehow had helped as well. Gripping it, he took a deep breath, held it, and then ran back into the wind.

He rushed through it seeing where it was coming from and seeing a safe spot on the other side. Naruto felt harsh wind whip at him, but continued relentlessly. Finally, he arrived on the other side of the wind and ducked behind a pillar. He let out his breath and dropped to the floor, exhausted.

"Wow, I hope I can stop the wind so I can get back out of here," Naruto grumbled to himself.

After a few minutes of resting, Naruto looked around seeing how dark the cave he had entered was. Rusting through his bag he pulled out his flashlight and looked around.

This was definitely a cave, but it looked like it had been formed by the wind. Naruto could hear wind rushing from both outside and deeper inside, yet for some reason the wind just stopped right at the entrance.

As Naruto took a larger look around he notice that the cave slopped downward. It was the only way to go, and it was either that or go back outside.

If you can hear me Kurama, Naruto thought trying to give Kurama anything he could, I'm inside the cave on the north side of the cliff face. I'm a little scratched, but I'll see if I can turn off the wind. There's a path here that goes down, I'm going to follow it.

Hoping that it reached Kurama, Naruto took a long, deep breath and headed down the slope and into the depths.

-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-

No! Naruto-sama... Kurama's voice did not reach. The kitsune stared across the field at the strong, baring winds in the way. It was getting well into the night and they were only an hour behind Naruto, but with Naruto's entrance the winds seemed to have worsened. Kurama dropped to his belly and swished his tails back and forth.

Naruto's voice had reached him telling him of his plan; a foolish plan at that. Kurama wanted to warn Naruto to wait, but the force and energy of the wind had blocked it out. Frustration welled up inside the kitsune's stomach as he began to feel helpless. Unfortunately, he did not have enough strength without Naruto to fly through the winds.

Suddenly, he felt a soft hand touch him. He looked up to see Sasuke staring down at him with a fierce expression. Kurama touched Sasuke's mind for a moment.

He felt such strong bonds from Sasuke that were for Naruto. Something that felt even stronger than his own bond to Naruto. Determined not to have Naruto get out of his reach, he attempted to draw power from this bond.

Unbelievably, it worked. Kurama felt a surge of energy and with his connection to Naruto he felt another tail grow back and a burst of power enveloped him.

"I'm coming with you," Sasuke said with force. Kurama nodded and touched Sasuke.

"Ah, Sasuke-kun w-wait!" Sakura cried out as Kurama lifted Sasuke and himself into the air.

"Neji will take care of you guys. Don't worry, I'll bring Naruto back out safe and sound."

Kurama created a barrier and with a push, he and Sasuke flowed through the wind and into the cave.

-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-

Finally nearing the end of "Year one" of this story. I don't know how many years I plan for each segment, but I hope I get it done.

Questions, comments? Don't be afraid to ask or tell me!