Destiny of the Cursed
Chapter 13: Enraged Love
Katana, whose aura turned nightmare black, charged towards the two Akatsuki members. Her heart beat thundered against the confines of her chest. A force pulled her back sharply. "Katana!" said a familiar, commanding voice. "Calm down!" She felt numb. She shuddered violently, the tremendous amount of chakra made her body rack. She looked to her left.
It seemed that even Naruto was prevented from lunging at them. Her eyes narrowed in concentration as she tried to control that power churning inside her. The blonde smirked once again. He brought his hand in front and summoned something. It looked like a giant bird made of white clay. "I'll take care of this, Sasori-danna." He said. Sasori looked at him. "Don't push it, Deidara…" he warned in that menacing deep voice of his. "The rule was one jinchuuriki per member." Deidara hopped on the bird. "No, un." He snorted. "Let me. My art needs to be done at the best point. Because my art…is a Bang." He took off with Gaara's body. But before he could go out of the cave, Katana latched on. "KATANA!" Kakashi shouted as he watched his daughter fly away with it. Naruto chased after him. Kakashi's eyes widened. He ran after Naruto and left Sakura and Chiyo to fight Sasori.
Katana glared at the person in front of her. She twirled her sword in her hand and gripped hard. "So you're Deidara…" she stated. His hand disappeared inside a bag by his hip. "Yeah…un." He took out his hand. The center of it was moving. Is that a … mouth? Something white and small popped out of the 'mouth' and was thrown in her direction. Eyes widening in shock and uncertainty, she rolled out of the way and nearly got hit. The molded clay exploded. She glanced at Deidara. He was full of confidence. Just you wait… she thought as she held her sword in her mouth and did a hand seal. Blacker chakra formed armor around her body. She rushed to him with such speed that he didn't see it coming. Jumping up in the air, she yelled, "Guillotine Drop!"
Flashback:
Katana twiddled her thumbs together in curiosity. Watching her father train, she saw their similarities in combat. He was aggressive, focused in every move and his body coordinates well. Sometimes… well, all the time, he gets carried away. Katana saw him glance at her way. He smiled and she smiled back. Motioning for her to come near, she stood up from her seat and ran to him.
"Hai, Tou-san?" she asked. He sent a hand down her head and chuckled. She pouted. "Tou-san!" she whined out. Ever since she started living there, he treated her like a baby. He laughed again. "Okay, okay, sorry." He handed her white bandage cloth. She stared at it. "What's this for?"
He put it in her hands. "Bandage your foot and hands. I'm going to teach you a new technique." Katana's eyes widened in excitement.
End Flashback
Her foot was sent down on Deidara. "Woah!" he yelped before moving out of the way. The impact was so great that the clay bird's back that they rode spilt in half. Now that their distance was decreased, Katana could attack properly. She punched, kicked, slashed but Deidara seemed to dodge them all. Grunting in anger, she slammed her palm on the surface of the bird. "Kuroi Kaki!" Black flames spread fast on its surface. The fire caught on Deidara's cloak and it was set on fire as well. "Shit, un." He cursed. Throwing spider bombs at Katana to distract her, he tried putting the flame out.
When his hand came in contact with it, chakra was swiftly drained out of his arm. He flinched. She's strong… he mused, and if I don't do anything now, I'm dead, un. Katana panted heavily. The curse's power was consuming her stamina. If she didn't end this soon, she'll lose her self-control. Deidara, whose one arm was missing and the other one useless, smirked. Katana stared at him. What is he planning…? She thought. "You're a good one. But…" he sighed dramatically, "I have some things to do. Sayonara…" he winked and jumped off the bird, leaving an incredulous Katana and Gaara's body there. Katana looked down. He landed on a treetop. Squinting, she saw him do a hand seal. Eyes widening, she made a mad dash for Gaara, snatched him up and dove. "KATSU!" Deidara's voice echoes throughout the whole forest and was soon followed by a loud 'BANG!' as the clay bird exploded. Bits of the explosive were stuck on her clothes, thus injuring her. She winced. The curse mark faded and her vision turned blurry. All she could do was hug Gaara's cold body tightly as they fell.
The cold lonely breeze howled. Katana's eyes fluttered open. The sky was blue and clear, but dark clouds covered up parts of it. "You're awake." Said someone. She looked to her side. Hyuuga Neji crouched down and helped her sit up. "Thank you." She said. Scanning the grassy field, her eyes spotted Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura and Chiyo-baa-sama huddled together, looking down at someone. A pang of pain hit her in the chest. "Gaara…" she breathed out, before standing on her shaky two feet and stumbling over to them. She clamped a hand down Kakashi's shoulder for support when he suddenly turned around, startled. He accidentally pushed her forward and she fell on her knees in front of Gaara. All her remaining hope shattered into pieces like fragile glass. His rich, crimson hair swayed with the wind. His expression was soft and calm, but not at all happy. His handsome face was pale and cold. Some emotions that were not meant to be shown were set free. Pain stricken tears fell on the ground, as Katana fisted clumps of grass. Naruto was on her right, wailing and screaming. But unlike him, Katana remained silent despite the sorrow she felt. Moving closer to Gaara, she raised his head and set in down on her lap. Her hand caressed his smooth face and his hair. More tears flowed down her eyes. She closed them and hugged Gaara's limp frame against her chest. Her body racked slightly.
"DO YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND HOW HE FEELS?" Naruto roared at Chiyo-baa-sama. "…Why…" Katana began. Naruto's head snapped up at her direction. All eyes turned to her. "Why was it always him…?" she sobbed. Chiyo's gaze went down in guilt. "H-he was t-the one who n-needed love… y-yet look at him now…" She gritted her teeth. Her head jerked upwards, and an expression of despair and rage was plastered on her face. "WHY?" she screamed, a river of salty tears on her cheeks. "Why did you leave him to fight alone?" Her hands shook as she held him.
Chiyo did not answer, instead walked and kneeled down in front of her. She put her hands down on his chest. Chakra radiated out of her hands. "Chiyo-sama!" protested Sakura, but the old woman didn't listen. "What are you doing now?" Naruto asked indignantly. Katana knew that jutsu… It was somewhat close to what she read. Something about a revival jutsu. Her eyes softened and a flicker of new hope sprung up inside her. Chiyo-baa-sama is going to bring Gaara back… "What the hell are you doing now?" shrieked Naruto, but Katana answered him. "She's going to bring him back!" she told him. Naruto's eyes widened. "Could she really…do that?" he asked. Katana glanced down at Chiyo. She was having a hard time performing the jutsu. She's out of chakra… but perhaps…I could be of help. Katana grabbed a kunai from her holster and cut her hand. Blood oozed out from the wound. She brought her bloody hand down Chiyo-sama's. The chakra rate rapidly increased. Chiyo looked at her in disbelief. "How..?"
Katana heaved a deep breath. "A curse mark is implanted on my body and this tremendous amount of chakra is mixed with my blood." Explained Katana as sweat trickled down her face. She was having a hard time as well. Another hand was brought down on theirs. "Use my chakra." Offered Naruto. Katana smiled at him gratefully and he smiled back. Chiyo watched in amazement as the two teenagers gave all they can possibly give just for the sake of Gaara's life. She spoke.
"In this world of shinobi, made of foolish old people…I'm glad there are ninjas like the two of you here." They stared at her and listened. "My past…everything I did seemed wrong. Now, at least…In my final moment, I was able to set things right." She smiled feebly. "Suna and Konoha. From now on, the future will run differently." She glanced at Naruto. "Boy, you have this unusual gift Kakashi told me. It will be a great help when you become Hokage. And you, Sakura…" she muttered. "Next time…don't waste your life for an old woman… You are a lot like me. A woman with such gallant spirit that matches the strength of any man is a rarity indeed." She turned to Naruto again. "Uzumaki Naruto, I have a request for you. Since you are the only one who understands Gaara's suffering…help him for me." Finally, she stared at Katana. "Yotsuki…" Katana looked up at her. "Hai?" she asked politely. Chiyo smiled kindly. "I never thought I would meet a person from the Yotsuki clan in my life." Katana smiled at her. "You are a special girl, Katana." Said Chiyo. "You're the first one to see Gaara for who he really is… a boy who needed love. And you gave that to him. Please, I ask you, continue loving him. He loves you too." Katana nodded. "I will." She answered. Chiyo closed her eyes. Katana and Naruto shared a look before doing the same.
Gaara…Gaara!
Katana saw something. She didn't know if she was dreaming, but she was pretty sure on what she saw. There was a younger version of Gaara, a much younger version, about the age of 5. He sat on the desert sand, crying and all alone. She ran for him. "Gaara!" she called out. "Gaara!" this time, it was a younger version of Naruto who shouted. He was running alongside of her. Young Naruto grinned at her. "Let's see who reaches him first!" he challenged. Katana nodded and sprinted faster. A hand was brought down on the crying child's shoulder. He looked up, his green orbs meeting grey ones. And suddenly, Katana opened her eyes. There sat Gaara, breathing and very much alive. A sudden rush of happiness and unexplainable excitement hit her. She wanted to shout, to cry and to laugh all at the same time. "Gaara…" breathed out Naruto with a soft smile.
Katana clamped a hand on her mouth. "Ga-Gaara…" Gaara stared at Naruto before looking around. His eyes widened by the minute in disbelief. "You… all of you…" They were all there. Temari, Kankuro, admiring fan girls, children, and sand shinobi. They were laughing and cheering for him. For him. Gaara felt incredibly happy. But he was also incredibly tired and exhausted. "This is…" he began. Naruto continued. "Everyone came rushing… just to save you." Katana sensed that Gaara still hadn't noticed her. A pang of sadness hit her momentarily, but then she smiled and got up on her shaky feet. "Katana." That velvety voice sent chills down her spine and made her blush. She looked down at Gaara and smiled. "Glad to have you back, Kazekage-sama." She extended a helping hand. Gaara took it, but instead of pushing himself up, he pulled her down. She landed on him, and was closed in a tight hug. Katana eyes widened before shutting and hugging Gaara back fiercely. Tears prickled her face once more. "You're okay…" she whispered happily. She felt him nod against her. "I am…" he replied. She let go and sat beside him.
"You're a little brother I always have to worry about, huh?" joked Kankuro, now well and active. "Hey, don't act so cocky. He's still the Kazekage." Reprimanded Temari. She kneeled down to his level. "How are you feeling?" she asked, out of concern. He didn't answer but he did try to stand up by himself. "Guh…" he winced as he felt a jabbing pain. "Your body's not in a good condition yet. Don't be hasty." Said Temari. Katana stood up and helped him. He stood up shakily like a toddler and stumbled on Katana a bit. Katana chuckled. "Easy…" she told him gently in that soothing voice of hers. Sounds of protest from the crowd were heard. They were coming from his admirers.
"Don't touch him!"
"Hey, hands off Gaara-sama!"
"Gaara-sama, I'll be the one to save you!"
"Gaara-sama, ignore her! Let me help you instead!"
A vein popped out of her forehead. How dare they say that when they once hated him! Her fists shook. She glared at them. They flinched and took a step back. But one bold, blond girl, about her age, shouted and threw rocks. "You suck!" The mob of girls jeered with her. Katana's temper flared. After fighting with Deidara, now she had to handle these crazy women too? She was about shout back when she felt pain. Pain all over her body. She winced and coughed out blood, shocking the people surrounding her. The curse mark was not easy to bear and it took a lot of energy for her body to support it. She fell on the ground with a 'thud' and blacked out.
The familiar scent of the hospital was the first thing she noticed when waking up. Eyes stared at sand cobblestone walls. She sat up and felt her forehead. A faint fever was running on her body. "I fainted…" she said, remembering what happened. Three knocks on the door startled her. "Come in, Kakashi-sen…" the door opened wide and she realized it wasn't Kakashi. "G-Gaara!" she gasped in surprise. He was standing there in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. He wore a loose black shirt and black pants.
"How are you feeling?" he asked. She stared at him. Over the past few years, his features have matured quite a lot. Weariness was also visible in his face. Of course, just being brought back from the dead, he must have felt awful. "Katana." She heard her name being called and snapped out of her trance. Gaara was no longer in the door but was now sitting in the chair beside her bed. "You haven't been answering me. Is something wrong?" he asked again. She chuckled in embarrassment. "No, no. I'm fine." She reassured. Uncomfortable silence was brought down upon them. Surprisingly, it was Gaara who broke it. "It's…nice to see you again…once more." He stated cautiously. Katana smiled a little. "You too." She replied, gaining confidence. Gaara studied her face. "…Why did you tie you hair?" asked Gaara. She blinked. "Oh, you noticed. Um, well, my father made me do it." She explained. Gaara reached out for her back. When his hand brushed against her, she tensed a bit. There was a soft tug on her scalp and she felt her hair set loose.
Gaara handed her the ribbon that used to restrict her tresses in a braid. Strands of dark brown hair fell on her face. Gaara tucked them in her ear. "You look better with your hair loose." He said. She blushed.
"Thanks. You look better with thicker hair too." She complemented. Gaara nodded in thanks. As Katana's gaze traveled downward, she noticed that Gaara rested his hand on the bed. Smiling, she put her bandaged hand above his and squeezed gently. Gaara felt his cheeks grow warm. Memories came rushing back to him. He almost smiled. Almost. But something prevented him do to so. "You…" he said, slowly standing up, and retracting his hand. "You went after that person Deidara." Katana looked away. She knew he was going to be upset. She wasn't in the mood to argue with him right now. "Why did you do that?" he asked, his tone turning hard. She sighed. "I was overwhelmed and panicking, so I went after you. But that isn't importa—"
"It is." Pressed Gaara further, his voice contained anger. Katana desperately tried to avoid the topic but he would not have any of her excuses. He glared at her. "Why did you do that?" She refused to look at him. Her own anger was boiling inside the pit of her stomach. Gaara glared harder. "Katana." He called out in his menacing voice. Her head snapped up and her eyes burned wildly in irritation. Gaara didn't budge. He glared again. She glared back. Apparently, she wasn't scared of that look. Gaara asked the same question again. "Why did you do—" He didn't get a chance to finish the question for Katana's outburst took him aback. "ARGHHH! Don't you already know, you robot?" she shrieked in anger. He blinked. Robot…? He asked himself. Katana continued her rant. "I traveled from Kumo to Konoha without 5 days of proper sleep, proper meals and proper rest." She emphasized the 5 with her fingers. "We were summoned by Hokage-sama, and were told that YOU were kidnapped!" She waved her arms frantically. "I saw you dead, I fought that crazy, homicidal bomber just to get to you, and I got a bloody hand!"
She raised the said injured body part. "Now you're asking me why I SAVED YOU and even have the guts to get mad at me?" she screamed. Heavily panting from the lack of oxygen, she felt something wet sting her eyes. I won't cry! Not this time again! She thought defiantly. She sniffed and crossed her arms across her chest. Gaara stared at the angry girl. He was stunned. He never would have thought that the tough and calm Katana would explode like a loudspeaker. Well, girls had constant mood swings, as Kankuro would put it. She looked pretty upset. He sighed and scolded himself inwardly. Maybe he pushed her too far. He approached her, wanting to calm her down, when he suddenly felt a wave of pain and nausea hit him.
He winced and shuddered. It caught Katana's attention quickly. "Gaara?" she inquired. He didn't answer; instead he collapsed on top of her on the bed, his body going limp. Katana yelped and panicked. "Gaara! Gaara, what happened?" She rolled him on his back and got off the bed. She adjusted him on the mattress so that he was lying there comfortably.
She felt his forehead and quickly pulled her hand back. "He's running a high fever…" she muttered to herself. She wasn't a professional medic, but she knew how to take care of sick people. She went to work.
After Gaara's fever went down, Katana sat beside him and wiped the sweat of her forehead. She stared at Gaara. For the first time of his life, he was sleeping peacefully. She smiled.
Temari carried a tray of food and opened the door slightly to Katana's room. A sweet scene surprised her. Gaara was sleeping on the bed while Katana sat beside him, asleep as well. What made her smile the most was their hands holding each other's tightly. She closed the door with a soft 'click' and proceeded to the office, an idea at mind.
End Chapter