The Return (Book 2 of It's Not Forever) COMPLETE

Chapter 12

    Three days later, Temari and Gaara return for a meeting with the other kage. Shikamaru apparently was allowed to attend too, leaving Ino and I together to talk. She tells me that though she'll worry about me in the war, she supports my decision. Soon after she again begins to badger me about Gaara and my thoughts about him. I try to tune her out but she presses on, remembering how to push my buttons until I cave. I blurt out that I'd kissed him while drunk and she squeals in excitement before scolding me for drinking, then for not kissing him again when sober. I remind her that my life and lack-of love life are not fantasies and don't work that way. I don't even know if I like Gaara in that way. She calms down, then begins to 'help' me figure out if I like him or not by asking me random questions that have nothing to do with anything, such as his hair and eye color, what his favorite food is, favorite color, what he does when he's concentrating, and things of that nature. Stupid questions really. Once she's done I ask her the relevance of it all. Big mistake.
"You remembered all of those little facts about him and you notice the little quirks he has. You've studied him, obviously stared at him too. You like him."
I sigh and lay my head on the table. "Ino, I notice little things about everyone, doesn't mean I like them."
"We'll see. I still think you like him. I can tell he likes you, the way he defends and protects you. The way he looks at you is so obvious. When they came into town with you he didn't say anything but you could tell he was really upset. I think he loves you Kaida."
"That's good that you're thinking and all, but if you think too much you'll make that little hamster die."
I tap her on the forehead causing her to frown but she drops it.
"I'll worry about my love life after the war, deal?"
"Deal."
Gaara, Temari, and Shikamaru come in a few minutes later and fill us in on what was said. They're sending B and Naruto to a hidden location until the war is over to protect the last of the tailed beasts.
A few weeks later, the ninja troops of Konoha are rallied together to prepare for battle, every available ninja has been called out for this, only leaving the elderly and children behind with a small team to protect the village itself. I was filed into the Third Division since they were unsure of where to place me. Kakashi, Sakura, Guy, and Lee are with me which has been an adventure to begin with. We're around the Land of Frost's border now. A flare draws our attention, it's one from the Surprise Attack Division, Kankuro's squad. We hurry onward toward them to help out, led by Kakashi.
When we reach the other division, my heart drops. We'd heard of the reincarnated shinobi and I knew the Akatsuki members would likely be back but I didn't expect to see the two people standing across from us. They spot Kakashi first and ask about his team. I watch their exchange while swallowing the lump in my throat. I realize suddenly that I'd moved to stand in the space between them and their conversation stops. I freeze as their eyes focus on me and I open my mouth to speak but I can't muster enough control over myself to say a full sentence.
"M-Moo-Moo-chan?"
"Kaida?" Their eyes widen in shock.
I ignore any doubts and hesitations my mind tries to conjure up and I rush over to them and hug them. I can feel tears running down my cheeks but I ignore it. I feel Zabuza muss my hair like he used to before I pull away.
"I forgive you two, for leaving me. I understand why. I'd always wanted to see you both again someday, but I'd learned of your deaths. I visited the place you died and spoke with you both for several days, even if you couldn't hear me. Thank you for all you'd done for me."
"Thank you for everything as well. You grew up to be a beautiful young lady. We're proud of you."
Suddenly they pause and appear to be struggling internally then Haku pushes me back away from them. They look to Kakashi and tell him to stop them. Mist swarms around us, and our squadrons close ranks. The sounds of battle surround us and I begin to attack, using what I can to help the others while still trying to survive. I keep using my abilities with water to try to eat away at the mist around me while attacking with other elements. I find myself attacking one of the reincarnated with another group. Our numbers are dwindling though. Three of the reincarnated have kekkei genkai, and Haku's I know for a fact is highly powerful. Suddenly another group of reincarnated arrive and I curse. They were part of the Swordsmen. We're so screwed. I hear Kakashi call for select shinobi and my name is included. I locate him through the fray and listen to his plan to eliminate Zabuza. He lists off roles for the rest of the group, then tells me that with my abilities, he needs me to rejoin the fighting and take down any enemies I can and assist the others. I salute him and rush back into the chaos. A while later, the mist disappears and Zabuza and Haku are gone. I watch out of the corner of my eye as Kakashi picks up Zabuza's sword and goes on a rampage. When night falls, we're still fighting, but we've retreated into the trees. By morning, thanks to Kakashi, we're down to only three opponents left. To my dismay, a set of White Zetsu show up and a clone of Naruto arrives. I knew he'd find a way to aid in the battle somehow. We're eventually able to annihilate all of our opponents and are sent to back up B and Naruto. I slip away from them all, knowing I won't be much help to them here and head toward another battleground nearby.