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Description
     Kakashi quickly moved from building to building, unwanting of anyone to spot him and Iruka. At first he wanted to go by himself but Iruka kept insisting that he go with him. Iruka knew that the first time that Kakashi had that nightmare he almost hurt himself with his knife. Continuing to say it was his fault she wasn’t alive. That was the whole reason he had been training his butt off. So the next time someone he cared about was in danger he could protect them. Unfortunately many things had happened which just made things worse. Many people he cared about were gone. The fact was Iruka got terrified when this kind of thing happened. Kakashi seemed to be lost inside a trance that made him go insane. Fortunately he seemed to be controlling himself this time.
“Hey Kakashi! What’s the rush?” Kakashi stopped and so did Iruka. Kakashi had a look of annoyance on his face as he saw Gai standing in front of them. “I bet you want to catch this stranger before me don’t you?”
“What do you want Gai? Shouldn’t you be searching?”
“I thought we’d make a challenge out of it.” Kakashi let out an annoyed sigh.
“What is it this time?”
“Whoever catches the stranger first gets to sit on the losers back while he does 20,000 push ups.” Kakashi sighed again.
“And what if neither of us catch her?”
“Then it’s a tie and neither of us have to do it.”
“Fair enough, now if that’s it I suggest you get searching again.” Gai let out a nod and leapt off in the other direction. Kakashi and Iruka were about to do the same thing when a force hit them from behind and sent them both falling off the roof and hit the ground. As soon as they both got up, confused as to what just happened, someone pulled Kakashi’s arms behind him and put a knife to his throat.
“Listen up!” The voice was female and extremely cold. “You’re going to tell me what I want to know or I kill you both.” Iruka didn’t move. He knew if he did she could easily kill Kakashi at that very moment.
“And what do you want to know?” Kakashi turned his head slightly so he could see her face. What Naruto said was true, she had a light blue scarf wrapped around her eyes which made her almost impossible to identify.
“I want to know where I can find Kakashi Hatake!” Kakashi and Iruka both froze and didn’t say a word. “Well?”
“What do you want him for?”
“That’s none of you’re business!” She shouted pulling the knife closer to his neck. But suddenly he didn’t feel scared anymore. The way she held on to him and the way she looked were strangely familiar. He decided to look at her head band to find out where she was from. His heart stopped, his breathing stopped, and his body almost completely shut down.
“K...Kala!” He said in complete shock which made Iruka’s eyes widen.
“How do you know my name!?” She shouted again.
“Because,” He started slowly, “I’m Kakashi.” She immediately let go of his hands and moved her knife away, her mouth wide open with shock.
“I’m...so sorry. If I had known it was you I-“ She was immediately cut off. Kakashi wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. A few tears of joy falling from his face.
“I...I thought you were dead. I thought they killed you!” She wrapped her arms around him in turn and rested her head on his chest.
“I thought you were dead as well, until I heard news of you that is. I got here as soon as those guys were gone and I was able to move.” They stood there for a minute before Iruka interrupted.
“Um...excuse me but why didn’t you recognize him.”
“Probably cause my voice is different along with my heart rate and chakra level.”
“So I’m guessing she wouldn’t recognize me either?”
“No I wouldn’t, sorry. Please tell me.”
“Does Iruka ring a bell?”
“The little trouble maker? Yes it does.” She couldn’t help but giggle as she and Kakashi finally let go of each other. “And I never figured out what you two were always fighting about.”
“And why are you wearing that scarf?”
“So people wouldn’t be able to see my face.” She reached up and took it off, wrapping it around her neck as soon as it was off. Kakashi looked up at her eyes and stared at her. Her eyes were the same pale empty sky blue color. Her hair was a light brown, up in a ponytail, which went down to about midback. Her headband was still wrapped around her head with the three claw marks on it. She was wearing a short sleeveless white shirt and a white skirt. She had golden rings on her arms below the shoulders and one around her neck. She had the same gloves and shoes as everyone else. To him, she was beautiful. His face started to turn slightly red as he stared at her.
“Hey Kakashi!” A new voice pulled him out of his daydream. He turned and looked down the empty street to see Gai standing there. “I can’t believe you beat me again.”
“Who’s this guy? What is he talking about and why...is he fashion blind?” She said cringing a bit. “How tight is that outfit?”
“That’s Gai.” Kakashi sighed. “He placed himself as my rival, said he would beat me at catching you, and I know. We don’t know why he wears that.”
“Well if you caught her then shouldn’t you take her to Tsunade?” A growl rose from Kakashi’s throat that made Gai and Kala jump.
“I’m not going to arrest her Gai.”
“And why’s that?”
“Because I know who she is and she isn’t dangerous.”
“Tsunade will still want to know who she is.”
“I won’t let her harm Kala!” Kakashi’s voice got fiercer as he took a step in between her and Gai. However he didn’t notice that Gai wasn’t alone. Kurenai suddenly appeared on the roof behind him. Asuma close behind her. She quickly leapt down and Kakashi didn’t know what to do. She was aiming for Kala. However at that moment Kakashi had forgotten how quick she was. Kurenai was inches away from hitting her and she quickly moved out of the way. She grabbed Kurenai’s wrist and pulled it back behind her.
“Nice surprise attack. Bit slowly on the approach though.” Kurenai just growled from pain and irritation. Kakashi couldn’t help but smile under his mask. She had gotten far more powerful than he could have imagined. But she was naive. Asuma was suddenly behind her and aimed a attack. Kala didn’t have any time to react, but Kakashi did. He quickly moved in between her and Asuma’s knife. He felt the tip of the dagger enter the side of the arm before everything finally stopped. Kala still had Kurenai in a lock. Iruka was preventing Gai from getting close, and Asuma was staring in shock at the wound he left in Kakashi’s upper arm.
“I don’t get it.” Gai said. “Why do you insist on protecting her so much?”
“Because I lost her once. I lost her and I promised my self I would get stronger. So that I wouldn’t lose her again. If you want to hurt her, you’re going to have to kill me first.” The whole clearing was dead silent. Kala let go of Kurenai and turned to look at Kakashi.
“When...did you promise that?”
“A few days after you disappeared.”
“All right what’s going on?!” Everyone turned their heads to see Tsunade standing there with her hands on her hips.
“We found her...” Asuma started.
“Apparently Kakashi knows her.” Gai continued.
“And he’s desperate to protect her.” Kurenai finished rubbing her sore arm.
“Is that true Kakashi?” Tsunade’s voice was cold but not angry.
“Yes.” Kakashi said slowly, his body stiffening up.
“Then all of you come with me. Gai? Go tell all the other Jounin to meet at my office.” Gai nodded and disappeared. “The rest of you hurry up. I’ll tend to your wounds.” She walked off and the rest followed. Kakashi stayed close to Kala with Iruka behind them. He knew explaining this to the Hokage would not be easy.
----------------
   Kakashi swallowed hard as he waited in the Hokage’s office. She was currently explaining to everyone what was going on and Kala was currently under careful watch. He couldn’t believe she was actually there. All this time he thought she was gone forever and she had almost ended up assassinating him. He heard the door open and close and Tsunade stepped in.
“All right.” She started. “Tell me who she is and how you know her.”
“Her name is Kala. And I met her a long time ago when I was six.”
“And where did she go?”
“She was kidnapped. Her entire village had been destroyed and she was fleeing. And then those guys came along and captured her. I didn’t see her since.”
“And why is she here?”
“She told me when those guys stopped chasing her she would come back. At first she thought I was dead as well. When she heard word about me she started heading here.”
“So what did you do when you first knew she was gone?” Kakashi stopped. His lips didn’t move and his body started shaking. “Well?” Of course she had to ask that. One of his worst memories and she had to bring it up. He didn’t even know if he had the guts to tell her.
“Tsunade?” A new voice saved him.
“What is it Shizune?”
“I was talking to Iruka like you asked and he...”
“Please! Don’t make him tell you that!”
“Why?”
“Because.” Kakashi answered instead. “It’s one of the most terrifying moments of my life. Just thinking about it makes me freeze.” He stopped for a moment and finally his knees hit the ground. His hands grabbed his head and he started shouting. “I don’t want to think about what a stupid mistake I made! How I had to go out in that clearing and find blood on the ground!”
“Kakashi get a hold of yourself!” Iruka shouted at his friend. Kakashi was going insane again, and Iruka could barely watch.
“Shizune! Get him someplace to relax quick! I’ll keep talking to Iruka.”
“Yes Lady Tsunade.” Shizune let out a small bow and helped Kakashi to his feet. Leading him out of the room.
“So what happened?” Iruka took a deep sigh and began to tell her what happened. His memory immediately started running back.
*****
   Iruka sat at the side of Kakashi’s bed, his fear rising inside him again. He didn’t know what had happened. He just remembered going back to find out what was going on and he found him unconscious next to a pool of blood. What was worse it had been two days and he still hadn’t woken up. The doctors said he hit his head pretty hard and it was going to take a while. Learning that Kala was gone wasn’t going to help the trauma at all.
“I know you’re worried Iruka.” He felt the Third Hokage’s hand on his shoulder. “But he’s going to be fine.”
“No he’s not.” Iruka said sadly. “Physically yes, but he’s never going to recover from losing her. Why her? Of all people.”
“I don’t understand.”
“He...he loved her.” The room was silent for a moment. “You won’t tell anyone will you?”
“Of course not.” Suddenly Kakashi started moving around. Iruka leaned forward in his chair. Kakashi’s eyes finally opened and he looked around the room.
“Ugh. Where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital.” Iruka started. Kakashi looked around a bit more until his eyes widened and his body froze.
“Where’s Kala!?” Iruka felt a knot form in his stomach.
“She...she was gone when I found you Kakashi.” He lowered his head and waited for a bit. “I’m not sure what happened but-“ He was cut off by Kakashi’s painful cry. His eyes shot up and looked at him. Kakashi pulled his knees up and cried into them. He had never cried so much in his life.
“It’s all my fault! If I had let her leave sooner!”
“What happened?”
“They came out of nowhere! They captured her! They said they were going to kill her! If she wasn’t there then...then...SHE’S DEAD!” Kakashi screamed the last part at the top of his lungs as his tears started to soak the sheets. “She’s dead! And it’s all my fault!” He cried. He did nothing but cry for the next thirty minutes. Iruka and the Hokage waited patiently. Iruka had never felt so sick in his life. He had never seen someone in so much pain. “How long have I been out?” He finally asked, lifting his head. His face was completely soaked through.
“About two days.” Kakashi was silent again and he looked out the window.
“She’s gone.” Kakashi echoed again. “And I didn’t even get to tell her I...love her.”
   A few days passed and Kakashi was finally let out of the hospital. He didn’t talk too much of anyone, and always walked with his head down. One day he was walking when the ninja’s who picked on him came out of nowhere.
“So we heard your little friend is dead?”
“Shut-up and leave me alone.” Kakashi growled.
“What’s wrong? Upset it’s your fault?”
“I said Shut-up!” His voice got more violent. Iruka was watching the whole thing from a distance, scared to interrupt.
“Poor little Kakashi lost his girlfriend.” They started chanting and laughing. And it didn’t take much longer for Kakashi to snap.
“I said...SHUT-UP!” Kakashi suddenly lunged at them and took them by surprise. Every time they flew an attack he used a move Kala taut him to avoid it and hit back. Eventually they all stopped and ran off.
“Freak!” They shouted as they disappeared.
“Kakashi are you okay?” Iruka ran over to him. Kakashi answered his question with a sudden hard punch to the face. Iruka hit the ground and looked up at him in horror. “Kakashi...what on earth are you?” Iruka felt blood start to fall from his nose. Suddenly Kakashi’s expression changed and he fell to his knees.
“Oh my gosh Kala I’m so sorry!” He had completely gone into an illusion. “I’m so sorry I hurt you! It’s all my fault.”
“Kakashi!” Iruka shouted desperately. The doctors had to come get him and take him back to the hospital before he hurt himself again. It was about a month before Kakashi finally got a hold of his mind and was able to be on his own, even though he had horror flashes sometimes. He kept calling everyone Kala and kept apologizing the first few days. Iruka could barely stand it.
“I promise.” He started saying one day.
“What?” Iruka asked.
“I promise that the next time someone I care about is in danger I will be strong enough to protect them. I won’t lose them again.
*******
    Iruka let out a painful sigh as he finished. Remembering that time was hard for him too, but he was able to do it without breaking down.
“So...he loves this girl.”
“Yes and you have to swear not to tell anyone that. I’m not even supposed to tell you.”
“I won’t. I swear upon my life. But right now we’re having a meeting with the Jounin. I’ll start it as soon as you and Kakashi are ready. Iruka stiffly nodded and went out to find Kakashi.
------------
   “You feeling any better?” Shizune asked Kakashi as he sipped some water.
“Ya thanks...where’s Kala.” His face was turned away from her so she couldn’t see him.
“She’s in the other room. But you can’t see her until the meeting is done. Why do you hide you face?” Kakashi didn’t answer as he pulled his mask back up and turned and faced her.
“Kakashi, Shizune, the meeting is about to start.” Iruka came in slowly.
“I guess we better go.” Shizune said. “You two can take your time.” She ran out the door swiftly and disappeared.
“You ready to face the Hokage and a room full of Jounin?” Iruka asked him.
“As ready as I’m ever going to be.” He sighed. “You told her didn’t you?” Iruka looked at him confused for a second. “You told her how I felt.”
“I had to. And look at it this way. Knowing this she might be morel likely to let her stay.” Kakashi just shrugged as they both headed out the door.
--------------
    Kakashi’s heart started racing as he stared at the large crowd of Jounin he was standing in front of. Jiraiya was standing in the back, and Kakashi had no real idea why he was there. His first guess was because of Tsunade. Even if Jiraiya was a total perv he had had his eyes on her since they first met.
“All right!” Tsunade’s voice instantly quieted everyone down. “I would naturally choose for myself wither I want Kala to stay or not but I figured you people would want to say something. But let’s do it orderly please.”
“I want to know why she burst into the village and started attacking us.” Kurenai shouted out. Kakashi could tell she had a grudge on her because of what she did to her arm.
“None of them were serious injuries.” Asuma pointed out shortly. He glanced in Kakashi’s direction with a look of guilt on his face. Probably for stabbing him in the arm.
“I know that but how can we trust her?” Everyone in the room was silent and Kakashi stiffened up again.
“Would you like an example?” Iruka suddenly said. Everyone in the room stared at him but he made no sign that he cared.
“What do you mean?”
“Close your eyes.” Many people in the room did. “Think about the most important person in your life. Now imagined you were kidnapped and separated from them. If you found out what village they were in and you couldn’t get in. What would you do?” They all opened their eyes and glanced at one another.
“I would take down anyone who got in my way.” Gai said. A few people nodded and muttered in agreement. “But why were you so intense on protecting her Kakashi?” Everyone looked at him.
“Because, like I told you, I lost her a long time ago and I don’t want that to happen again.”
“All we’d be doing is making sure she didn’t come back to the village.” Kurenai argued. She didn’t like Kala at all. But Kakashi didn’t respond. “Now that you know she’s alive why do you insist on keeping her here?” Finally Kakashi started getting annoyed.
“Why don’t you think about it for a minute!?” He shouted. “That one person you care about disappears and you think they’re gone because you couldn’t do anything to protect them. Now they’re back and everyone wants them to leave! What would you do then?!” Kurenai was silent for a long time.
“I wouldn’t let them.” She hung her head down. She suddenly moved a bit closer to Asuma. “I would leave with them if I had to.”
“She’s not the only one.” Tsunade said. “I would give almost anything to see the people I love again.”
“Same here.” Iruka sighed. Many agreements flew up from the crowd.
“I’ve decided then.” Tsunade stated. “Kala will be staying. If she shows any suspicious activity we will not hesitate to attack. Understood?” She was directing the question to Kakashi. Relief washed over him and he nodded.
“Thank you! Lady Hokage.”
“You’re all dismissed. Except you Jiraiya!” Tsunade said without blinking as Jiraiya was making a break for the door. “You two go get Kala. I need to talk with nosy here.” The two left but Kakashi started hanging near the door.
“What are you doing?” Iruka asked.
“I want to watch.” He said shortly.
“What were you doing in here today?” Tsunade’s firm voice came through the crack in the door. Jiraiya didn’t answer. “Well? I won’t wait forever.”
“I wanted to see you.” Now Tsunade was the one who was quiet.
“You are such a pervert!” She suddenly screamed, obviously covering up her feeling of embarrassment.
“But I...”
“Just go already.” Jiraiya let out an angry snort, whirled around and left.
“What was that all about?” Iruka asked confused.
“Jiraiya likes her, but Tsunade doesn’t...I don’t think she does anyway. I guess she was taken aback by his non-pervy behavior.”
“Whatever, do you want to see Kala or not?”
“I want that more than anything.”

Description
     Kakashi quickly moved from building to building, unwanting of anyone to spot him and Iruka. At first he wanted to go by himself but Iruka kept insisting that he go with him. Iruka knew that the first time that Kakashi had that nightmare he almost hurt himself with his knife. Continuing to say it was his fault she wasn’t alive. That was the whole reason he had been training his butt off. So the next time someone he cared about was in danger he could protect them. Unfortunately many things had happened which just made things worse. Many people he cared about were gone. The fact was Iruka got terrified when this kind of thing happened. Kakashi seemed to be lost inside a trance that made him go insane. Fortunately he seemed to be controlling himself this time.
“Hey Kakashi! What’s the rush?” Kakashi stopped and so did Iruka. Kakashi had a look of annoyance on his face as he saw Gai standing in front of them. “I bet you want to catch this stranger before me don’t you?”
“What do you want Gai? Shouldn’t you be searching?”
“I thought we’d make a challenge out of it.” Kakashi let out an annoyed sigh.
“What is it this time?”
“Whoever catches the stranger first gets to sit on the losers back while he does 20,000 push ups.” Kakashi sighed again.
“And what if neither of us catch her?”
“Then it’s a tie and neither of us have to do it.”
“Fair enough, now if that’s it I suggest you get searching again.” Gai let out a nod and leapt off in the other direction. Kakashi and Iruka were about to do the same thing when a force hit them from behind and sent them both falling off the roof and hit the ground. As soon as they both got up, confused as to what just happened, someone pulled Kakashi’s arms behind him and put a knife to his throat.
“Listen up!” The voice was female and extremely cold. “You’re going to tell me what I want to know or I kill you both.” Iruka didn’t move. He knew if he did she could easily kill Kakashi at that very moment.
“And what do you want to know?” Kakashi turned his head slightly so he could see her face. What Naruto said was true, she had a light blue scarf wrapped around her eyes which made her almost impossible to identify.
“I want to know where I can find Kakashi Hatake!” Kakashi and Iruka both froze and didn’t say a word. “Well?”
“What do you want him for?”
“That’s none of you’re business!” She shouted pulling the knife closer to his neck. But suddenly he didn’t feel scared anymore. The way she held on to him and the way she looked were strangely familiar. He decided to look at her head band to find out where she was from. His heart stopped, his breathing stopped, and his body almost completely shut down.
“K...Kala!” He said in complete shock which made Iruka’s eyes widen.
“How do you know my name!?” She shouted again.
“Because,” He started slowly, “I’m Kakashi.” She immediately let go of his hands and moved her knife away, her mouth wide open with shock.
“I’m...so sorry. If I had known it was you I-“ She was immediately cut off. Kakashi wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. A few tears of joy falling from his face.
“I...I thought you were dead. I thought they killed you!” She wrapped her arms around him in turn and rested her head on his chest.
“I thought you were dead as well, until I heard news of you that is. I got here as soon as those guys were gone and I was able to move.” They stood there for a minute before Iruka interrupted.
“Um...excuse me but why didn’t you recognize him.”
“Probably cause my voice is different along with my heart rate and chakra level.”
“So I’m guessing she wouldn’t recognize me either?”
“No I wouldn’t, sorry. Please tell me.”
“Does Iruka ring a bell?”
“The little trouble maker? Yes it does.” She couldn’t help but giggle as she and Kakashi finally let go of each other. “And I never figured out what you two were always fighting about.”
“And why are you wearing that scarf?”
“So people wouldn’t be able to see my face.” She reached up and took it off, wrapping it around her neck as soon as it was off. Kakashi looked up at her eyes and stared at her. Her eyes were the same pale empty sky blue color. Her hair was a light brown, up in a ponytail, which went down to about midback. Her headband was still wrapped around her head with the three claw marks on it. She was wearing a short sleeveless white shirt and a white skirt. She had golden rings on her arms below the shoulders and one around her neck. She had the same gloves and shoes as everyone else. To him, she was beautiful. His face started to turn slightly red as he stared at her.
“Hey Kakashi!” A new voice pulled him out of his daydream. He turned and looked down the empty street to see Gai standing there. “I can’t believe you beat me again.”
“Who’s this guy? What is he talking about and why...is he fashion blind?” She said cringing a bit. “How tight is that outfit?”
“That’s Gai.” Kakashi sighed. “He placed himself as my rival, said he would beat me at catching you, and I know. We don’t know why he wears that.”
“Well if you caught her then shouldn’t you take her to Tsunade?” A growl rose from Kakashi’s throat that made Gai and Kala jump.
“I’m not going to arrest her Gai.”
“And why’s that?”
“Because I know who she is and she isn’t dangerous.”
“Tsunade will still want to know who she is.”
“I won’t let her harm Kala!” Kakashi’s voice got fiercer as he took a step in between her and Gai. However he didn’t notice that Gai wasn’t alone. Kurenai suddenly appeared on the roof behind him. Asuma close behind her. She quickly leapt down and Kakashi didn’t know what to do. She was aiming for Kala. However at that moment Kakashi had forgotten how quick she was. Kurenai was inches away from hitting her and she quickly moved out of the way. She grabbed Kurenai’s wrist and pulled it back behind her.
“Nice surprise attack. Bit slowly on the approach though.” Kurenai just growled from pain and irritation. Kakashi couldn’t help but smile under his mask. She had gotten far more powerful than he could have imagined. But she was naive. Asuma was suddenly behind her and aimed a attack. Kala didn’t have any time to react, but Kakashi did. He quickly moved in between her and Asuma’s knife. He felt the tip of the dagger enter the side of the arm before everything finally stopped. Kala still had Kurenai in a lock. Iruka was preventing Gai from getting close, and Asuma was staring in shock at the wound he left in Kakashi’s upper arm.
“I don’t get it.” Gai said. “Why do you insist on protecting her so much?”
“Because I lost her once. I lost her and I promised my self I would get stronger. So that I wouldn’t lose her again. If you want to hurt her, you’re going to have to kill me first.” The whole clearing was dead silent. Kala let go of Kurenai and turned to look at Kakashi.
“When...did you promise that?”
“A few days after you disappeared.”
“All right what’s going on?!” Everyone turned their heads to see Tsunade standing there with her hands on her hips.
“We found her...” Asuma started.
“Apparently Kakashi knows her.” Gai continued.
“And he’s desperate to protect her.” Kurenai finished rubbing her sore arm.
“Is that true Kakashi?” Tsunade’s voice was cold but not angry.
“Yes.” Kakashi said slowly, his body stiffening up.
“Then all of you come with me. Gai? Go tell all the other Jounin to meet at my office.” Gai nodded and disappeared. “The rest of you hurry up. I’ll tend to your wounds.” She walked off and the rest followed. Kakashi stayed close to Kala with Iruka behind them. He knew explaining this to the Hokage would not be easy.
----------------
   Kakashi swallowed hard as he waited in the Hokage’s office. She was currently explaining to everyone what was going on and Kala was currently under careful watch. He couldn’t believe she was actually there. All this time he thought she was gone forever and she had almost ended up assassinating him. He heard the door open and close and Tsunade stepped in.
“All right.” She started. “Tell me who she is and how you know her.”
“Her name is Kala. And I met her a long time ago when I was six.”
“And where did she go?”
“She was kidnapped. Her entire village had been destroyed and she was fleeing. And then those guys came along and captured her. I didn’t see her since.”
“And why is she here?”
“She told me when those guys stopped chasing her she would come back. At first she thought I was dead as well. When she heard word about me she started heading here.”
“So what did you do when you first knew she was gone?” Kakashi stopped. His lips didn’t move and his body started shaking. “Well?” Of course she had to ask that. One of his worst memories and she had to bring it up. He didn’t even know if he had the guts to tell her.
“Tsunade?” A new voice saved him.
“What is it Shizune?”
“I was talking to Iruka like you asked and he...”
“Please! Don’t make him tell you that!”
“Why?”
“Because.” Kakashi answered instead. “It’s one of the most terrifying moments of my life. Just thinking about it makes me freeze.” He stopped for a moment and finally his knees hit the ground. His hands grabbed his head and he started shouting. “I don’t want to think about what a stupid mistake I made! How I had to go out in that clearing and find blood on the ground!”
“Kakashi get a hold of yourself!” Iruka shouted at his friend. Kakashi was going insane again, and Iruka could barely watch.
“Shizune! Get him someplace to relax quick! I’ll keep talking to Iruka.”
“Yes Lady Tsunade.” Shizune let out a small bow and helped Kakashi to his feet. Leading him out of the room.
“So what happened?” Iruka took a deep sigh and began to tell her what happened. His memory immediately started running back.
*****
   Iruka sat at the side of Kakashi’s bed, his fear rising inside him again. He didn’t know what had happened. He just remembered going back to find out what was going on and he found him unconscious next to a pool of blood. What was worse it had been two days and he still hadn’t woken up. The doctors said he hit his head pretty hard and it was going to take a while. Learning that Kala was gone wasn’t going to help the trauma at all.
“I know you’re worried Iruka.” He felt the Third Hokage’s hand on his shoulder. “But he’s going to be fine.”
“No he’s not.” Iruka said sadly. “Physically yes, but he’s never going to recover from losing her. Why her? Of all people.”
“I don’t understand.”
“He...he loved her.” The room was silent for a moment. “You won’t tell anyone will you?”
“Of course not.” Suddenly Kakashi started moving around. Iruka leaned forward in his chair. Kakashi’s eyes finally opened and he looked around the room.
“Ugh. Where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital.” Iruka started. Kakashi looked around a bit more until his eyes widened and his body froze.
“Where’s Kala!?” Iruka felt a knot form in his stomach.
“She...she was gone when I found you Kakashi.” He lowered his head and waited for a bit. “I’m not sure what happened but-“ He was cut off by Kakashi’s painful cry. His eyes shot up and looked at him. Kakashi pulled his knees up and cried into them. He had never cried so much in his life.
“It’s all my fault! If I had let her leave sooner!”
“What happened?”
“They came out of nowhere! They captured her! They said they were going to kill her! If she wasn’t there then...then...SHE’S DEAD!” Kakashi screamed the last part at the top of his lungs as his tears started to soak the sheets. “She’s dead! And it’s all my fault!” He cried. He did nothing but cry for the next thirty minutes. Iruka and the Hokage waited patiently. Iruka had never felt so sick in his life. He had never seen someone in so much pain. “How long have I been out?” He finally asked, lifting his head. His face was completely soaked through.
“About two days.” Kakashi was silent again and he looked out the window.
“She’s gone.” Kakashi echoed again. “And I didn’t even get to tell her I...love her.”
   A few days passed and Kakashi was finally let out of the hospital. He didn’t talk too much of anyone, and always walked with his head down. One day he was walking when the ninja’s who picked on him came out of nowhere.
“So we heard your little friend is dead?”
“Shut-up and leave me alone.” Kakashi growled.
“What’s wrong? Upset it’s your fault?”
“I said Shut-up!” His voice got more violent. Iruka was watching the whole thing from a distance, scared to interrupt.
“Poor little Kakashi lost his girlfriend.” They started chanting and laughing. And it didn’t take much longer for Kakashi to snap.
“I said...SHUT-UP!” Kakashi suddenly lunged at them and took them by surprise. Every time they flew an attack he used a move Kala taut him to avoid it and hit back. Eventually they all stopped and ran off.
“Freak!” They shouted as they disappeared.
“Kakashi are you okay?” Iruka ran over to him. Kakashi answered his question with a sudden hard punch to the face. Iruka hit the ground and looked up at him in horror. “Kakashi...what on earth are you?” Iruka felt blood start to fall from his nose. Suddenly Kakashi’s expression changed and he fell to his knees.
“Oh my gosh Kala I’m so sorry!” He had completely gone into an illusion. “I’m so sorry I hurt you! It’s all my fault.”
“Kakashi!” Iruka shouted desperately. The doctors had to come get him and take him back to the hospital before he hurt himself again. It was about a month before Kakashi finally got a hold of his mind and was able to be on his own, even though he had horror flashes sometimes. He kept calling everyone Kala and kept apologizing the first few days. Iruka could barely stand it.
“I promise.” He started saying one day.
“What?” Iruka asked.
“I promise that the next time someone I care about is in danger I will be strong enough to protect them. I won’t lose them again.
*******
    Iruka let out a painful sigh as he finished. Remembering that time was hard for him too, but he was able to do it without breaking down.
“So...he loves this girl.”
“Yes and you have to swear not to tell anyone that. I’m not even supposed to tell you.”
“I won’t. I swear upon my life. But right now we’re having a meeting with the Jounin. I’ll start it as soon as you and Kakashi are ready. Iruka stiffly nodded and went out to find Kakashi.
------------
   “You feeling any better?” Shizune asked Kakashi as he sipped some water.
“Ya thanks...where’s Kala.” His face was turned away from her so she couldn’t see him.
“She’s in the other room. But you can’t see her until the meeting is done. Why do you hide you face?” Kakashi didn’t answer as he pulled his mask back up and turned and faced her.
“Kakashi, Shizune, the meeting is about to start.” Iruka came in slowly.
“I guess we better go.” Shizune said. “You two can take your time.” She ran out the door swiftly and disappeared.
“You ready to face the Hokage and a room full of Jounin?” Iruka asked him.
“As ready as I’m ever going to be.” He sighed. “You told her didn’t you?” Iruka looked at him confused for a second. “You told her how I felt.”
“I had to. And look at it this way. Knowing this she might be morel likely to let her stay.” Kakashi just shrugged as they both headed out the door.
--------------
    Kakashi’s heart started racing as he stared at the large crowd of Jounin he was standing in front of. Jiraiya was standing in the back, and Kakashi had no real idea why he was there. His first guess was because of Tsunade. Even if Jiraiya was a total perv he had had his eyes on her since they first met.
“All right!” Tsunade’s voice instantly quieted everyone down. “I would naturally choose for myself wither I want Kala to stay or not but I figured you people would want to say something. But let’s do it orderly please.”
“I want to know why she burst into the village and started attacking us.” Kurenai shouted out. Kakashi could tell she had a grudge on her because of what she did to her arm.
“None of them were serious injuries.” Asuma pointed out shortly. He glanced in Kakashi’s direction with a look of guilt on his face. Probably for stabbing him in the arm.
“I know that but how can we trust her?” Everyone in the room was silent and Kakashi stiffened up again.
“Would you like an example?” Iruka suddenly said. Everyone in the room stared at him but he made no sign that he cared.
“What do you mean?”
“Close your eyes.” Many people in the room did. “Think about the most important person in your life. Now imagined you were kidnapped and separated from them. If you found out what village they were in and you couldn’t get in. What would you do?” They all opened their eyes and glanced at one another.
“I would take down anyone who got in my way.” Gai said. A few people nodded and muttered in agreement. “But why were you so intense on protecting her Kakashi?” Everyone looked at him.
“Because, like I told you, I lost her a long time ago and I don’t want that to happen again.”
“All we’d be doing is making sure she didn’t come back to the village.” Kurenai argued. She didn’t like Kala at all. But Kakashi didn’t respond. “Now that you know she’s alive why do you insist on keeping her here?” Finally Kakashi started getting annoyed.
“Why don’t you think about it for a minute!?” He shouted. “That one person you care about disappears and you think they’re gone because you couldn’t do anything to protect them. Now they’re back and everyone wants them to leave! What would you do then?!” Kurenai was silent for a long time.
“I wouldn’t let them.” She hung her head down. She suddenly moved a bit closer to Asuma. “I would leave with them if I had to.”
“She’s not the only one.” Tsunade said. “I would give almost anything to see the people I love again.”
“Same here.” Iruka sighed. Many agreements flew up from the crowd.
“I’ve decided then.” Tsunade stated. “Kala will be staying. If she shows any suspicious activity we will not hesitate to attack. Understood?” She was directing the question to Kakashi. Relief washed over him and he nodded.
“Thank you! Lady Hokage.”
“You’re all dismissed. Except you Jiraiya!” Tsunade said without blinking as Jiraiya was making a break for the door. “You two go get Kala. I need to talk with nosy here.” The two left but Kakashi started hanging near the door.
“What are you doing?” Iruka asked.
“I want to watch.” He said shortly.
“What were you doing in here today?” Tsunade’s firm voice came through the crack in the door. Jiraiya didn’t answer. “Well? I won’t wait forever.”
“I wanted to see you.” Now Tsunade was the one who was quiet.
“You are such a pervert!” She suddenly screamed, obviously covering up her feeling of embarrassment.
“But I...”
“Just go already.” Jiraiya let out an angry snort, whirled around and left.
“What was that all about?” Iruka asked confused.
“Jiraiya likes her, but Tsunade doesn’t...I don’t think she does anyway. I guess she was taken aback by his non-pervy behavior.”
“Whatever, do you want to see Kala or not?”
“I want that more than anything.”