[45] When The Chips Are Down

Naruto paused.

He looked up at the blue sky above as a horrible feeling washed over him.

The pulse inside his chest was pounding, roaring--

"Nikko!" He shouted.

Kiba and Sakura stopped walking, looking over at him. Naruto bound his fist tightly as drips of cold sweat ran down his face. "Nikko--she's in danger," he explained.

"Now that you mention it...I've got a bad feeling too," Kiba replied. Akamaru yipped.

Naruto gulped down his sensation of dread and gnawed his cheek fat. Somewhere out there, Nikko needed him.

****

Gaara almost stumbled forward.

As he walked through the NICU unit to check on the infant's progress, a strong urge gripped his chest.

Swirling, dark thoughts entered his mind until cumulating into an image--

A smiling Nikko, who shut her purple eyes--

"Gaara. Be happy, ne?" She sang to his mind.

He fell into the wall of the hospital as his breath left his lungs. "Utsuri Nikko--what's happened to you?"

***

It was dark. Wherever she was, Nikko couldn't be sure. But one thing was clear. She couldn't breathe.

Gaara, Naruto-- her mind screamed. She tried to lift her limbs but wasn't able to.

Desperately she fought against her bodys illness but was unable to do anything other than relent into the incoming bleakness of death.

"etyuii"

She heard.

It was a whisper to the dead. To her.

Nikko strained to understand, hearing, "It's all my fault--I was the one who brought you here--"

Shikamaru, she realized. No, it's okay, it's all right. Everything is fine, she wanted to reply.

"Her heart's stopped. Move aside."

Neji--

Nikko felt a warmth enter her chest.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Neji-kun is trying to save me, Nikko understood.

Drips of water hit her cold, lifeless face. They were warm. The tears of those she was leaving behind.

Wait--I can't die yet, Nikko protested. Naruto--Gaara--Shikamaru--Neji, I can't leave you to mourn me.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

"It's not working. There's only one thing left to try," Neji said. "I'm going to resuscitate her. Give her mouth to mouth."

"...Yeah." She heard Shikamaru reply.

Just as a sense of peace mixed with panic entered her mind, her lungs rose--

And deflated once more.

"Gentle fist!"

Ah-- it hurts, she cried.

Once more her lungs rose.

Then a burning in her chest began. She cried silently, wanting it to end, before an energy flowed through her body like a wash of morphine.

("Human. You're dead, aren't you, girl?")

Kurama.

She whispered yes, and he replied, ("If you die now...I would never hear the end of it. Relax...")

Her heart sputtered once, twice, before pounding so hard she rose her hand to it and cried out in pain and confusion.

"The color is returning to her face. For now...she's alive." Neji shakily said.

Hot tears dripped onto her cheeks. She wanted to wipe them away, see who was crying for her sake and comfort them.

"Nikko," Shikamaru whispered.

A heavy weight fell onto her chest. She heard his cries of relief. Behind her closed lids her own were burning to match him.

Nikko slept.

She dreamed of her past life. The easy going days of passing, dreaming of a life with meaning and purpose. The random colors of the television set playing the same old commercials. The laughter of her parents as she did something amusing. The slammed doors of arguements, of questions asked.

Then--

She awoke.

"Dammit, Nikko...you can't die, you hear me?! You've gotta hang in there, gotta stay--" Naruto was saying.

She was in his arms, floating through the trees. Her eyes opened, seeing his forward face streaming with ugly tears down it. Slowly she smiled. "..Naru..to."

He looked down.

"It's...okay." She lifted a weak hand and cupped his face, wiping away moisture.

He smothered her in his arms. Nikko breathed in his love and warmth, smiling through her own relief. "You're alive..." he said to her ear.

"I..am.." she was still injured, but moved, holding him comfortingly. "Don't...cry."

"Nikko--Nikko--you were so c-cold, so--" Naruto sobbed harder and practically squeezed the life from her lungs. She brushed aside his sweaty bangs and kissed his cheek.

"The fox demon saved me," she explained.

His blue eyes widened. "He..did?"

"Mhm."

Nikko realized she had an audience. Her eyes saw Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, Sakura, Lee and Yuki Mizu. They were surrounding her. She addressed them with a tired smile. "Hello, everyone."

Shikamaru wiped away his eyes and rushed over, pulling her into his arms. "I'm so sorry. Because of me, you..."

"Don't. Shika isn't at fault." She reassured him.

Naruto glanced up. He saw Neji swiping his eyes and gave Naruto a serious expression. "If she hadn't had the fox chakra to use she would be dead."

Nikko looked up at his words. "Neji-kun. You did everything you could. Thank you.." and immediately fell back asleep.

**

It was hard to tell what transpired. Nikko awoke on a plush and soft bed. She looked over, seeing Shikamaru dozing on a chair. At that she smiled. "Shika," she called.

He blinked awake. "Nikko...you're finally up."

"How is everyone?"

"A day has passed. You've been out cold. We made it to the next Inn. Naruto-kun and the others went ahead."

Nikko rose up. She was bandaged around her naked torso and flinched as a dart of pain shot through her shoulder. "Nn.."

"Rest."

He sat down on the bed and grabbed her hand. It would seem he was serious, as his thin brows were lowered in reflection. "...You died back there. And I was the one who brought you on this mission, took you on as a student. I'm sorry, Nikko."

"No. Shika was great. It was me. I was the one who took off on my own. Please...." she squeezed his hand, "...don't take the blame."

He didn't answer.

The door opened and in walked Neji. He looked surprised to see Nikko awake, and sat down at the chair Shikamaru had left. "...How are you feeling?" He asked.

"I'm fine."

"Hn. Don't lie to me. I can see that you're in pain."

Nikko chuckled. "You're right. I feel like I've been ran over by a train..."

Shikamaru stood and said he'd go get her something to eat, leaving her and Neji.

The Hyuuga's glimmering silver eyes clenched a little. At length he said, "You shouldn't even be alive."

"I know. Thank you, Neji-kun. I could hear you and Shika. Both of you tried so hard." Nikko sadly smiled, moving aside the cover.

"What are you doing? Lay back down."

With another smile she hobbled to him and threw her arms around him. "...Neji-kun. It's...okay. I'm alive."

"..."

His arms wound around her curvy waist tightly. "You were so reckless...I tried to stop you...not everyone will be immune to your kekkei genkai."

She could feel that his limbs were quivering. Nikko moved aside his thick dark hair and placed her cheek to his. If she saw his expression at that moment she knew it wouldn't do; she would crack and spill out how scared she really was. And Neji needed her right now. Needed to know it was okay, she was okay, everything was okay.

Neji's brows were tense. He wanted to scream at her. Scold her for being an idiot. Instead of those he clung on to the girl who was actually Nana. Who had died once already. Who'd left behind her life to wake up in this one, confused and alone. "...You're such an idiot," he whispered.

"I know. But I'm your idiot."

The emotions he withheld opened and Neji burrowed into her silky hair and let his sorrow dampen the jade strands. Thinking of not seeing her stupid smiling face and lame jokes he heard everyday--he clenched her tightly, nosing her ear. "...You are. Fool...."

Nikko pulled away with a smile. She wiped off his tears. He knew her smile was fake. She was really terrified, had to be. Neji grabbed her hand and wound his fingers into it. When her eyes softened he pulled her back to him. "Don't do that again." He ordered.

"...Yes."

The moment ended.

Nikko ate her meal. She was tended to with fresh bandage, and helped by Neji into a new seven layer kimono. Of course she complained but was met with Neji's glare. He informed her this time the only planning would come from Shikamaru. She agreed sheepishly.

Shikamaru debated on when to leave. He knew Nikko needed more time to rest and recover after all that blood loss, but she was so adamant to complete her mission he gave in. Their group, samurai entourage included, left the Inn around night time.

Nikko tried to convince Lee she didn't need a piggy back ride. But Neji swiftly shot down her argument. Thus, she was carried by Lee until they caught up with Naruto's group.

***

Naruto turned, seeing Nikko waving wildly. "Naruto!" She greeted.

He stopped walking. "It's about time you catch up." He grinned, too happy to see her to be sad anymore. Yuki stopped walking as well. "Nana-san. I'm glad to see you're alright." She bowed deeply. "For my sake you have endured such trouble."

Nikko assured her it was fine. She was a shinobi and would complete her mission.

Kiba had his doubts.

He could smell that she was still weak. And as they passed by the battle field earlier, he'd been able to tell that she shouldn't have came out of that alive. Akamaru had agreed with him. Still, seeing her alive and well gave him comfort. Even if he still had a knot of dread, knowing she'd hate him one day.

Lee told them he would make sure "Nana" got there safely. Neji and Shikamaru, along with Nikko, went ahead of Naruto's group once more.

It was the middle of night when Nikko fell asleep around the campfire. The fish she was eating slipped from her hand, and Lee laid her down on a sleeping bag near the flame.

Shikamaru looked up. "Fell asleep huh."

"She's pushing herself too hard," Neji rebuked with a scowl. "At this rate she's going to collapse before we even get there."

The genius nodded. "I know. But you heard her..." he smiled, "she's pretty persistent."

That only made Neji glare. "Maybe if someone didn't give in to everything she said."

"Ah ha..."

Shikamaru drank his kettle water. They needed Nikko to recover more. Maybe a night of rest would help, he hoped. There would be more enemies. He doubted they'd seen the last of Aoi's men. They'd strike at anytime, probably within the next day. And now that they were in the Land of Rice Fields, the trouble could double.

He needed a plan.

"Lee-kun." Shikamaru began, "Beginning tonight, you're going to split up from our group. They'll be targeting Nikko now more than ever. If we can throw them off it should be enough to get another day in."

Lee blinked. "Me? How do you want me to help?" He tilted his head in thought.

"Take her with you. Go ahead of us. Neji-kun, you're going to wear the disguise for tomorrow."

Neji stood up. "What! I refuse!"

Shikamaru glared. "It's part of my plan. We need Nikko to get better. As long as she's still weak, she's a walking dead girl. You're going to be her. Just for tomorrow. We'll meet up at the next Inn and swap back out."

Neji grit his teeth. Wearing such girly clothing--- but he looked down to Nikko, seeing how her eyes were tight in pain even as she slept. "Fine." He spat.

Nikko awoke on the back of Lee. She was sideways, and saw they were climbing a rock mountain. "...Lee-san?"

"Nikko-san! Good morning to you!"

She looked around; they were seriously climbing a mountain cliff. "W-What's going on? Where is everyone?"

"This was part of Shikamaru-kun's plan. You and I will go ahead. Neji-kun--" Lee burst into laughter, remembering how 'beautiful' Neji was, "--H-he...hahaha.."

Nikko sighed. Sometimes Lee could be annoying. Like now.

"Neji-kun?" She probed. Lee nodded, continuing to climb to another foot hold. "Yes. Neji-kun is wearing the disguise for today. We will meet them tonight at the Inn close by the destination."

"..." Nikko looked at herself. She was wearing Neji's clothing, down to the headband. "...He really...chose to do that?"

"Yes. We are all worried about the injuries from Toguro. This will give you time to recover. Shikamaru-kun is expecting trouble today."

"I see..." Nikko sighed, leaning onto Lee's back. He had her hands together with one arm, the other climbing. It should have been hard but Lee was quite athletic.

"Please, let me take care of you for today. I will do you proud!" Lee declared.

"Mhm. Thank you, Lee-san."

Nikko pouted. She didn't want to burden the team. To her team she was useless right now, and Nikko really, really wanted to make Shikamaru proud of her. Show him that his student was the best one in Konoha. But...

"...I'm useless..." she whispered.

Lee's foot missed a hold. He jumped, clinging to the next one precariously. "Ha! Do you see? This is the product of youth!"

Finally they made it to the top of the cliff side. Down below them she could see a sprawling city. It was busy, and dots of residents moved around. "Did we take a shortcut?" She asked Lee.

"Yes. I studied the map last night to be sure. Down below us you'll find the city of Rice. In the middle of it is our mission objective."

Nikko looked over the city some more before a pain shot through her arm. She clenched her teeth, saying, "Let's get going then."

Lee saw her pain and shook his head. "You can't do much in this condition. We will go down at night fall to meet the others at the Inn. In the meantime--"

But as he spoke Nikko was performing a Time Reversal. She did the handsigns and focused on her hurt arm. It was beginning to feel a bit better, when she collapsed.

"Nikko-san!"

Lee managed to break her fall. She seethed a little; it looked like she hadn't recovered all her chakra yet. Which meant the Time Jutsu wasn't reliable. "Damn..." she hissed.

"Please take it easy. You've been badly hurt. If you keep pushing on like this, your wounds could reopen."

"...Understood. I'll rest. Thanks, Lee-san."

Lee helped her to the base of a tree. Together they sat under it. Nikko could only think about the agonizing pain she was in, but tried to brave it for Rock Lee's sake. "..The others," she gritted out, "how much longer do you think they'll be?"

"I don't know for certain. But, seeing as they're taking the road...maybe six hours."

"Six hours..." Nikko sighed.

As she leaned her head back on the trunk a fresh wave of pain coursed through her shoulder. "Huk..."

"Nikko-san! Are you alright?"

He scooted over, those thick brows lowered. "Let me see. If you don't mind."

"Yeah. Sure."

She had to have his help to get Neji's shirt off, as it was a tight fit around her breasts. There was fresh redness seeping through the bandages that wrapped around her torso. Lee frowned as he inspected it. "It's bleeding again. You'll need new bandages."

He pulled from his back pouch a roll of bandage, tore some with his teeth, and slowly began unraveling the old. As it dropped, he could see that the wound was bright red and inflamed. "...It could be getting infected."

"Great. Just what I need."

"I have some ointment with me. It won't feel good, but it may help." He pulled out a tube and unscrwed the lid, swiping his finger tips in it, then hesitantly smeared it on.

It stung.

Nikko cried out and grabbed his arm as tears burned. "Ha..ah, that s-stings," she whimpered.

"I am sorry. This is the best I can do right now."

Once more he put it on and Nikko smacked his hand away. She sat up, breasts spilling out from her bra.

Lee couldn't help but see her lady parts. They were just there, and so large, his eyes widened.

"S-Stop. I'll be fine," she hissed with a glare.

"..Y-Yes! S-Sorry!"

After he put away the medicine Lee thought on the odd tattoo on her chest. It looked familiar...but where had he saw it before? "Gaara's forehead," he said aloud.

"What?"

"That mark on your chest. It is the exact same one that Gaara of the Sand has." Lee told her.

"It..it is. I wanted it, so don't think too much about it." Nikko laid back against the tree trunk.

"But...why?"

"I love him." She answered simply. Nikko smiled at Lee, adding, "It was...love at first sight, you could say."

"Wow! Really! I cannot believe it! So, you are in love with Gaara-san!" Lee excitedly said, grabbing her hands in his. "I'm so happy for you! No, really, I mean it! I thought all along that he was a monster, but this is truly remarkable!"

"..." Nikko's cheeks burned. "...You're embarrassing me, Lee-san."

Nikko was truly too beautiful, Rock Lee realized. He could easily see any shinobi falling for her. He himself had images of what it would be like to--too--

No! I mustn't! Lee thought. She is Narutos' girlfriend--wait, no, Gaaras'--

Lee frowned. "...But, are you not dating Naruto-kun?"

"I--I am. You see, it's a little complicated..." Nikko took a deep breath, "...I guess you could say I'm dating both of them."

"WOW!"

Lee hopped up. "Not one, but two boyfriends!" His eyes sparkled, "They must truly love you to share!"

"L-Lee-san..."

Nikkos ears burned. She tried to pull her shirt back on but Lee had to help. The rest of her evening was spent answering all of Rock Lee's one thousand questions.

***

Night came.

Sasuke stepped down from the cliff side, seeing the figure out Nikko and Rock Lee. His coal eyes narrowed. She's still hurt, he thought.

Of course he'd been nearby since Naruto came through his direction, where he was training alone for the week. Sasuke had been sure that Naruto would be with Nikko, but seeing his former comrade from afar holding her lifeless form had put Sasuke in a bind. He wanted to take her away, to protect her, but that would have only brought her back to the hell he tried so hard to escape. The only thing stopping him from doing so was that she had awoken moments later.

Orochimaru wouldn't get his hands on her.

Sasuke clenched his hand on the hilt of his sword, eyeing his former lover. Nikko was only growing more beautiful with every passing day. While he remained the same cold hearted bastard as always.

He needed to check on Ichiro--

Gaara did exactly as Sasuke had thought he would. He was thankful for Gaara's actions, removing Sasuke of the guilt he had knowing his baby was going to become a puppet of that sannin. Sasuke had seen Gaara's entrance by the security footage and slain everyone inside the lab. It was a cover up for Orochimaru, at least that's what Sasuke told the bastard when he asked.

Really, though, it was all to make sure Ichiro would be okay. His only son in the world. The day would come when Gaara would take Nikko back with him, and in doing so reunite mother and child.

Sasuke held out his hand to her disappearing form, "...Nikko."