Uchiha Avenger

Chapter 38

Ayame moved away, glancing back at them. She didn't care about Gaara nor any of them back there at the moment. She knelt down in the grass, watching them from afar. She had done nothing to help, nor had she been able to provide service.

Ayame watched Naruto force his chakra with Chiyo's, balling her fist. Naruto. He was the one. He stole Deidara from me. He is the reason we didn't beat him. He is the reason I didn't kill him.

"Damnit." She whispered, griping the blades of grass.

"Ayame." Chiyo called her over weakly as she looked up. Ayame stood, moving down to kneel beside her.

"Do something for me." She whispered. "You are the only ones who know the extent of Gaara's pain...as he knows your's. Please...look after Gaara." She closed her eyes and fell back, Ayame catching her. Sakura took Lady Chiyo from Ayame who turned to see Gaara's eyes opening slowly.

"Gaara." Naruto whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Naruto...Ayame." He whispered, looking around at the Sand Shinobi who had gathered.

"What is this?"

"They all came running to help ya. You've had everyone worried half to death." Naruto smiled.

"Lord Gaara, sir are you alright?" A kunoichi yelled as he nodded slowly. They cheered as Ayame moved aside for Temari to talk to her brother.

Kankuro walked forward, playfully snarking about something as Temari scolded them.

"Gaara, talk to me. How do you feel." She pushed past Kankuro. He attempted to stand, Temari advising him not to push himself. Ayame watched two kunoichi move forward, pushing Naruto away to get to Gaara. Ayame turned and moved beside Kakashi.

"Ayame?" He looked at her as she sat down beside him, leaning against his shoulder. She stared forward blankly, blinking slowly. The sudden memory of the murders when she was younger returned to her and she shuddered.

"I am a monster." She whispered.

"Lady Chiyo entrusted the future in you, Gaara, and Naruto." Kakashi spoke and she watched Naruto help Gaara up, holding his arm when he threatened to fall. Naruto reached out for Ayame's hand and she looked up. She wanted to deny being a jinchuriki, but in that moment She realized. There was nothing she could do to deny it or stop the fact. It was fate.

Ayame took his hand and stood beside him, looking down at Sakura as she held Chiyo.

"Everyone, pray for Lady Chiyo. Bid her farewell." Gaara dipped his head as Naruto and Ayame did so as well, closing their eyes.

They returned to the village, greeted with cheers at the very entrance. They walked slowly, her arm around Gaara with Naruto on the other side.

"I am happy you're safe." The General stepped forward.

"Thanks to these people." Gaara replied generously.

"Naruto Uzamaki, I thank you." He looked down at him, Naruto glancing at Ayame.

"It wasn't just me you know, Ayame risked her life and the life of her friends to save Gaara too." Naruto mumbled.

"Lord Kazekage, your people are waiting to welcome you home." They split up, clearing a path for him to follow.

"Shall we go?" Ayame asked.

"No wait." He looked back at Lady Chiyo's carriers and they moved behind her. They dipped their heads respectfully before continuing behind her.

A messenger bird was sent to the Leaf Village as the Leaf Ninja visited Lady Chiyo a final time. Kakashi ordered them to say their farewells as they dipped their heads to the grave and gently prayed her off once more.