50 Reasons Why

Chapter Twenty

                  I watched the long, platinum hair flow behind her now running figure. As she passed, I could smell her lavender scent that followed just behind her. An expression of pure joy and impatience was plastered on the angel-carved face. The pools of blue were leaping with excitement and anticipation. Not even the bloodstains that she now wore on her outfit and legs could alter this beautiful image. She was running towards her ultimate wanting: her teammates.

That's when I noticed how out of place she looked against the desert background. Her blonde hair was too bright out here. The platinum color looked almost white with the blazing sun. Her blue eyes were the same color as the sky at midday. Her skin was far too pale compared to the other villagers. Her complexion could burn easily in the sun. Her hair was far too long, any sane person would have their hair short in this weather. Even if it was secured in the high ponytail she wore, it would be far too much. The last thing that made her contrast far more, was her outfit. The bright purple stood out too much. Any predator in sight would follow straight towards her. Yamanaka Ino did not belong here in the desert. That also meant she did not belong here with me.

When I came to my senses, she was already out of sight. She ran through the gates and the guards nodded at her, some stunned at her speed. I tried to hurry my pace. Even with the threat gone, I still felt an urge to protect her. When we made it to the gates, the guards began to take orders and relieved my sand of the rogue ninja's weight. Zuko and Zenma left quickly with another guard helping him carry Zenma. With short good-byes, we walked on ahead. I could barely see that blonde hair before it mixed and disappeared in the busy market streets. The other village members were out and about making their late afternoon runs through the busy markets. She was too far for me to pick her out in the crowd. At that pace she was running, she's probably at the hospital now.

"She's too excited," Asuma stated with a bark of laughter. I glanced over at him to see him eyeing the food stands. "I'll be right back," he muttered, "If I know Choji, he will be starving when he wakes up." With that last comment, he too disappeared into the crowd. It was now just we sand shinobi walking alone towards the tower. Unfortunately, our paces slowed so the Sarutobi could find us when he was finished.

"How long will you allow them to stay?" Temari asked. She didn't look over but only kept her view ahead.

"They will depart tomorrow morning. They have been here long enough and the Hokage is getting impatient with waiting." I murmured, trying to mask the emptiness that came over me.

"I'm sure they could stay a little longer. Right, Gaara?" Kankuro suggested. His voice was calm and slow.

"You know as much as I do, that's not an option." I muttered back and Kankuro only shrugged.

"Thought, I'd give it a shot." He muttered coolly. I could hear the sound of him stuffing his hands in his pockets. I glanced over and noticed him eyeing the sky as we walked. "You finally get to see Nara, Temari."

"What about it?" She let out a small snort. "I have already seen him plenty."

"You know what I mean, sis." Kankuro looked towards her. She only eyed him carefully before glancing towards the now approaching hospital.

"Oi!" Asuma shouted as he walked towards us. He carried a basket of fruit and chips. "If I know anything, Choji will be disappointed when he finds out how many days of eating he missed." He let out laugh. "How troublesome."

The brief statement caught the eye of my sister. Looking at the tall man before me now, I can see the resemblance Nara has to him. I wonder what thoughts preoccupy my sister when she notices him. What feelings does she feel for Nara that she will not portray to us? Could be anywhere close to the way I feel for Ino?