Phoenix Fire (Book 2/6 of the Phoenix of Konoha series)

The Fire Within

A/N: it feels so good to update..I'm so sorry again....

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~Emi's P.O.V~

"The next two to battle are; Sasuke Uchiha and Sabaku no Gaara." my eyes widen a bit. Mostly in surprise though. Shika had just lost his battle to Temari. No surprise there really, as Shikamaru didn't want to battle anyways.

Sasuke and Gaara enter the ring. I look for someone to talk to, and find Ino beside me. "Hey." I say. "Hi!" she says. "Who do you think will win? Are you placing a bet on Sasuke?" "I don't know." I say truthfully. "Sasuke's my Boyfriend, but at the same time...Gaara's my twin..."

"WHAT!?" Ino says. "Shhhhhhh!" I say. "Shutup and listen." "I'm listening." she says. "I'm Sunagakure's Late Kazekage's daughter. "Temari, Kankuro and Gaara are my older siblings. My father led me into the woods and left me there. I found my way to Konoha. Got it? Good." I say. Ino stares at me blankly. "Okay...?" she asks.

I turn back to the match. By this time, Gaara had Sasuke on the defensive. "Be careful, Sasuke!" I call. "You don't know what he's capable of!" But I do! I am his other half after all. The other half of Shukaku. I look on as the match continues. Gaara's expresion was slightly softened than when I first met him. But I could tell something was off. I let out a breath, gazing to the pair standing across from eachother. I just, didn't want anyone to fight. I wanted, no needed to get revenge on, her. Then, Sasuke and I, everyone. We could all live in a place with harmony, no fighting. The roaring of the crowd compelled the two to make a move. My cerulean eyes snapped open as wide as the possibly could as Sasuke rushed Gaara. Half of me, wanting to lurch out from where I was standing, leaning on the railing, to protect Gaara.

But I know that wasn't possible. I merely let out a sigh, resting my head on the palm of my hand, my cheek squishing against my warm soft skin. My careful worrying eyes tracing every swift movement they made. Dashing across the arena. I could tell it as Sasuke was slammed back against the other arena wall on the opposite side by Gaara's sand. I reached my hand out in desperation, tears clinging to my eyes. I didn't want this to happen. Even if it was mandatory. Blue started spouting recklessly from Sasuke's hand in all directions. Some blood drizzled down from his chin.

A determined look spread on his face. His bright flames from within were spreading out. The will of fire. Our will to not loose. Even to a brother. We wouldn't fall. Hats the reason, I couldn't hold myself back from a great grin stretching on my face. As the ground underneath Sasuke shone with the blue light. Even as he rushed toward my twin brother I had been separated from mercilessly years ago. Even if this was all a dream. The happiness I felt. The mastering of such a complex jutsu. I felt drawn to Sasuke even more now. Our fire has acted up. The Fire Within.