THE WILL OF FIRE: 2. The Phoenix (A Naruto Fanfic)

The Phoenix, Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen

I was saved by a frog.

While I was falling, a giant (and soft) frog arm caught me and placed me on the frog’s head.

“Thanks for saving my life,” I said.

“Don’t mention it, kid. So, you’re the famous twin sister the poor kid didn’t know about until recently.”

“And you’re…”

“Gamabunta, chief toad of Mount Myōboku. Your brother managed to summon me.”

“I’m glad. Thanks for helping him.”

“He doesn’t need that much help. Look.”

By this time, Shukaku had completely dissolved and I saw Naruto and Graara on the ground below me. They were both lying on the ground but I saw them both moving, thank god.

“I’ll be leaving now,” Gamabunta said, helping me get to the ground. Then, he disappeared with a big puff. I let Naruto handle Gaara and went to join Sasuke and Sakura. They were looking exhausted.

“Seriously, you two, you’re going to a check-up at the hospital,” I said.

“You look way worse than me,” Sakura said, a hint of friendly smile playing at her lips.

“Well, I did fight the demon of the sand. You were just cradling poor Sasuke.”

Our heads turned towards them and we heard Naruto say, “Being alone…being incomplete…what you must feel…what your pain must be, I understand that…But for the people that are precious to me, to be able to…if you are hurting them…And if you are trying to kill them…I will stop you…” He was crawling by his chin, closer and closer to Gaara. My heart was bursting when Naruto’s emotions came flooding in. If I could cry, I would.

“What?” Gaara said, confused. “Until now, for the sake of other people, you’ve…”

“Because they rescued me from the hell of being alone…they acknowledged my existence… that’s why are all the most important…”

I saw him fading and came rushing in to help. “You rest now. It’s over,” I said, loading him onto my shoulders.

“But…”

“I know, I love you too, bro. Now, take it easy.”

“So…that’s why he was so strong,” Gaara groaned under his breath.

I wanted to say something but Temari and that puppet guy jumped in front of Gaara. I tightened my hold on Naruto.

“You’re the Kazekage’s children, right?” I asked. “All siblings?”

“That’s none of your business,” Temari shot back. The puppet guy was loading Gaara onto his shoulders.

“It is, actually. I can’t believe you two! You let your own brother, your flesh and blood, to be used as military weapon.”

“What we do is none of your business,” she repeated.

“But it wouldn’t have to be if you just showed him some love.”

“And I supposed you’re the expert on these things,” the puppet guy said.

“No, I’ve never been in love, but I know what it’s like to share family bonds, even though I didn’t know until not long ago that I even had a twin brother. But I know for a fact that family is something you don’t give up on.”

They didn’t answer, they just went away and I let them go. My first instinct was to shout at them that they’re cowards, but I knew it was useless. Besides, we’ve all gone through enough today.