The Light Of Konoha

Canon...?

Aki's P.O.V.

My breath was caught in my throat as I watched the scene in horror.

The sand swirled around the defenceless rain ninja, burying him.

Then, with one gesture, he was crushed to death, sending blood spraying into the air.

I covered my mouth as I swallowed the bile that rose in my throat, tears built up at the corners of my eyes as I took a shaky breath.

The other two rain ninja on the dead ninja's team were just as horrified, shakily placing down their scroll in surrender. They turned and ran towards the tree line desperately.

I saw the sand coming before they did.
I knew they were going to die... I had to do something... But...

I didn't spare any time to think things over in my head, casting flash bind and dragging them out of the way as fast as I could as the sand exploded behind us.

But I didn't have enough energy to drag them into the safety of the forest, burning out at the edge of the clearing.

I stood protectively in front of the two rain nin in a heap on the floor, bow drawn and expression serious as I panted heavily.

Gaara maintained his stoic expression but as soon as his eyes came to rest on my shivering figure his eyes widened and his jaw slackened slightly.

"Aki?..." He mumbled in disbelief.

I grit my teeth, regretting my impulsive decision.

The odds were stacked highly against me, 3 vs 1.
Even though I sensed Kiba, Hinata Akamaru and Shino nearby, I doubt they'd have to guts to help out after the horror show we all had just witnessed.

I took a deep breath to try and calm my pounding heart.

"They were defeated! They surrendered their scroll and admitted defeat!! There was no reason to carry on attacking!!"
I growled desperately, trying to glare but failing as I felt the affects of the adrenaline wearing off and my weakness becoming apparent to my logical mind.

Every analytical and cold part of my brain was screaming for me to run and leave them behind, but I stood my ground for some unknown reason.

Gaara had a pained expression on his face before he frowned, avoiding my gaze.
"Move out of the way, Aki..." He said softly.

Giant fan girl was shivering and staring wide eyed.

Kankuro spluttered,
"W-why don't you just kill her too?! How dare she get in your way!"

Gaara growled lowly and that seemed to shut him up.

Gaara raised his gaze to meet my eyes and instead of the bloodlust I had expected to see, I saw only sorrow,
"I'll say it again... Move and you won't get hurt."

I gulped nervously, weighing my options.
However, I didn't need to decide as the cold metal against my neck ruled out all other options.

"L-Let us go and he lives!!" The taller of the two rain nin croaked, with wide eyes and heavy pants. The other ninja stood shakily with weapons drawn and pointing towards me.

The taller rain nin held the kunai even harder against my flesh, causing a thin stream of blood to dribble down my neck.

I sighed, 'they could've lived... We all could've gotten away...'

"You idiot... Now you'll never get away... I was your only hope," I whispered dejectedly.

He pressed the kunai up into my jawbone, leaving a thin cut along it as he jostled me,
"Shut up!" He growled.