Ascension (Sequel to Ruination)

[9] Saved

I'm finishing this story even if it kills me. Even when there are no readers left to read it I'm finishing it. *cries*

Yuzuki watched as his eyes drooped shut again and she smiled—for the first time in a long time. The girl saw as Sand Ninja began to arrive at their location, forming a large circle around their leader, the Kazekage.

"Let's wake him up," Naruto said.

Yuzuki helped him sit Gaara up straight, and the blonde haired boy placed a hand on the other's shoulder. The Kazekage's eye lids fluttered slightly before opening, revealing the bright greenish blue color that she had come to know so well.

"What's happening?" His eyes were wide as he looked at all the Shinobi surrounding him. Gaara turned to face Naruto, a question in his eyes.

"They all came to see their Kazekage," the blonde stated happily. Said boy turned to find himself staring into the golden eyes of a girl he'd saved in the past. A girl he'd come to understand.

Gaara had no idea what was happening at the moment. "We rescued you from the Akatsuki, and Lady Chiyo helped us revive you."

"Revive me?"

"We'll explain when we get you back to the Village," Yuzuki gave the boy a smile and held out her hand to help him up. He took it slowly, wrapping his cold fingers around her warm hand and she hauled him up to his feet. Two girls in metal body armor and skirts ran up to them, knocking each other out of the way to get to the red-haired boy.

"Lord Gaara!" Yuzuki winced at their high pitched voices. She was pushed out of the way and Gaara looked back at her before turning toward the two girls. The Hatake shook her head before falling back to her father and the rest of the Leaf Ninja.

"We did it," Kakashi turned back to all the Ninja, nodding in approval.

"The mission was successful—and Yuzuki," the silver headed man turned to his daughter.

"Yes?"

"I don't know what it is you've gotten yourself into, I just hope you have a good reason for it. But, thank you for being an ally to us today."

The girl nodded, turning away before flickering out of sight.

~

Yuzuki didn't actually leave them, though. She sat at the edge of the clearing in a tree, carefully hidden behind the leaves while concealing her chakra. She watched as they carried the body of Lady Chiyo, with a blanket covering her, back to her home. Her brother was by her side every step of the way. Everyone, even though their Kazekage was alive, had faces stricken with grief. Sakura more than most of them.

The silver headed ninja couldn't empathize with them, she had no idea who the woman was. But, she was grateful for her sacrifice and would honor the woman.

When the stars came out and she knew everyone had made it to the Sand and was in bed, she ventured out of the tree and headed in the same direction.

~

Yuzuki made herself invisible, hiding in every dark corner she could find while locating Gaara in the Kazekage's mansion. She finally came upon his door and slipped through when Tamari and Kankuro were leaving his office.

She was waiting until their footsteps could no longer be heard, but Gaara sensed her presence. "I know you're here, Yuzuki."

He turned away from the window, his gaze directly on her. She revealed herself, in a full black cloak that brushed the floor. "Hey, Gaara,"she pulled back her hood, revealing her pale face and golden eyes. Dark circles surrounded her shining hues, which told him that she hadn't slept good in a while.