Voice of the Wanderer

Naruto Fanfiction

Disclaimer: I don't own a single shred of Naruto.

Chapter 11: My Reason to Stay is...

Thanks for the reviews from the previous chapter, everyone. I feel a bit harsh saying this, but it really was my intention to make you guys cry. Sorry! XD, but I wanted a shot at another piece of drama and I'm glad I got the results I wanted. Unfortunately, Naruto and Ino are no where near out of the woods yet, but... I'll be nice, this time around. I really enjoyed writing this chapter and I hope you guys enjoy reading it.

Oh and, the first half of it has something to do with the previous chapter's wall of text. I hope you read it or you may not understand the first half of this chapter.

Anyway, onwards!

Naruto's POV

*Inhale*

*Exhale*

I'm... breathing? Am I alive? Ugh... my head. I opened my eyes slowly, very slowly, then closed them again. Why is this room so bright? Everything is so... white. I remember dying, maybe that was a dream and I'm really alive and in a hospital room. Well, I'll have to make sure. I opened my eyes again, very slowly, but didn't see any machines near me, nor a bed that I should be laying down on. Instead of laying down, I'm sitting down. On what? Oh.. a chair.. wait, what? When my vision started becoming clear, I noticed that I was in no hospital room. And the room wasn't so bright either. Maybe it was the effects getting hit by that red vehicle. Perhaps I hit my head or something. I looked around me.. this place looks like a church.

I've been to several of these, while I was traveling the world. The people who come here are very religious and believe in some dude named God. Their religion is supposedly called Catholicism... or was it Christianity? I can't remember. My head hurts way too much. I stood up slowly, knowing that my legs may be a bit wobbly. I looked around me, is this what heaven is supposed to look like? Or maybe that angel had second thoughts and returned me to earth instead. I don't know, nor do I really care right now. I just wish this headache would go away! I didn't know I'd feel pain while I'm dead... or am I alive?

"I wish I knew..." I said to myself.

"Wish you knew what?" asked someone beside me. I looked to my left and saw a very, incredibly familiar looking man. His hair was very similar to that of Shikamaru from both eras of time, except for one vague difference. There was a scar that crossed the bridge of his nose, from his right cheek to his left. He was also dressed in a black tuxedo, but that doesn't matter. I know who this guy is, but why is he here?

"Ah, Umino-sensei, you go to church too?" I asked him, sitting down on my chair once more.

"I didn't before, I mean I wasn't a catholic before, you know. It's nice that you could come though, Naruto-kun," he told me. My eyes twitched at that. I thought he would call me by my last name, teacher and student respect and all. I was about to speak, but he continued. "It's beautiful isn't it, this church?"

"Uh.. yeah. It is. I wasn't much of a religious person, you know, so I don't know too much about these places. By the way, what are you doing here? Don't you have test papers to grade?" I asked. "And sorry about talking back to you, a couple of weeks ago, asking for a longer detention state. I wasn't really feeling at my best at the time."

"Um.. what in the world are you talking about?" he asked quizzically. He raised an eyebrow to speak, but silenced himself, giving me a knowing look. "Oh... oh! You don't know yet, do you? This isn't the realm of the living, Naruto-kun. You're dead, we're in heaven."

"... what...?"

"I've been watching you, you know. You were like a little brother to me, back in our shinobi days, but those days are long over. Although, I've never stopped seeing you as my family. I watched how you saved that little boy from getting run over by that speeding vehicle... a car... or whatever it is modern people call it these days. That was a very valiant choice on your part and I'm proud of you," he said. I looked away from him for a moment. So I really am dead. Oh well, it's not like I thought I was alive... oh wait, I did think such a thing. Maybe I was just hoping to be alive, to see Ino-chan again... I looked to the man once more.

"Umino... um... Iruka-sensei, what are we doing here?" I asked him. I also noticed something that I should have noticed before. I'm not wearing the clothes that I had when I died. Instead, I was also wearing a black tuxedo like he was. "And why am I wearing this?"

"Well, since the ceremony isn't starting yet, I suppose I can tell you. You were invited by two very special people to attend a wedding," he said, smiling at me. I looked around again. Now that I know what I'm looking for, I actually see it. There are people all around us, but not that many. The church isn't a big cathedral either, just a regular sized church. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see two of the people who I didn't think I'd ever see again.

"Ero-sennin, Kakashi-sensei?" I asked. Both silver-haired men nodded.

"It's been a while, Naruto," said Kakashi. Tears welled up in my eyes. These aren't the people from the modern era, but the ones from the shinobi times. Iruka-sensei said I'm dead, so that proves everything, all of my speculations. I reached out to touch him in the forehead, I just need to know that I'm not hallucinating or dreaming. I need to be able to tell myself that this is all real. Kakashi-sensei looked strangely at me, as I retracted my finger after touching him.

"Are you alright...?" he asked. I nodded, wiping my tears.

"Yeah. It's just that, I haven't seen you, either of you, in a really long time. Now I can finally join you guys like the old days," I said happily. Both perverts looked to each other, and then back at me. What are they up to? I wish I knew what they were thinking.

"Sure. We can talk about this later, Naruto, but why don't you go talk to the others first? They know you're here but an angel brought you here, while you were knocked out. The girls are down the hall to the left," said Jiraya, pointing behind him. "And the guys are to the right."

"Alright, I'll be right back," I said to him. I got up from my seat and went to visit the guys first. When I turned to the right, after reaching the end of the hall, I saw door. When I opened it, I saw the others, dressed up in black tuxedos as well, and were also dressing up a very familiar looking individual. For some reason, he reminds me of someone, but I can't say for sure. I closed the door with a bit of force, wordlessly telling them all of my presence. Kiba was the first to glance at me.

"Hey, glad to see you're awake. Can you help me with doing his tie? I have idea how to do this," he said. I nodded and walked up to him. As I fiddled with the tie, I looked to the person who I assumed to be the groom. He looks really familiar, but I can't place my finger on it.

"Do I know you?" I asked. He turned to me with a smile. That smile.. that black hair with blond highlights.. wait a second. "You... you can't possibly be..."

A/N: If you don't understand this part then I have only one thing to say to you... actually two things. HAH HAH! I know some of you didn't read that wall of text from the previous chapter, so here's your punishment ;P

"That's right, Naruto. It's me, Richard," he said. Of course! No wonder he looked so familiar. Richard Klyde, my first American friend. I noticed that my fingers weren't even fixing his tie anymore. But if he's here.. then that must mean..

"Richard.. your fiancee.. could it be-" he nodded happily.

"Yeah. It's Amber," he said, cutting into my sentence. I can't believe it! Those two are actually getting married. Well, it makes perfect sense, anyway. They were both in love when we were still alive and it's understandable that they would marry here, as they couldn't do it on earth. Just then, something clicked in my mind. It was what Iruka-sensei said earlier. He said that two very special people invited me to this wedding. Could it be that those two were the ones responsible for it? I didn't bother to ask Richard as I finished with his tie. When he was all finished and dressed properly, he pulled a black box from his pocket and handed it to me.

"You know what this is for, Naruto," he said, smiling at me. I took the box in my hands and opened it slightly, then closed it back quickly. A ring? Hold on...

"You want me to be your best man?" I asked in disbelief. He nodded.

"Yeah. I'm sure you know by now that Amber and I were the ones who invited you here. You see, after your ascension to this place, your spirit slipped into unconsciousness because it was still getting used to the heavenly atmosphere. It happens to everyone, so don't sweat it. I personally asked the angel who retrieved you, to carry you here and slip you into some proper clothes. He sat you down somewhere and left," said Richard. I nodded through it all. "Anyway, now that I'm done here, why don't you see Amber and your other friends? It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride at this time, but you're neither of those. I'm sure Amber would love to see you again."

"Wait, she doesn't know I'm here?"

"Well, she knows I invited you here, but yes, she doesn't know you're here," he replied. I nodded and looked to the others, who were smiling at me as well. Even Gaara and Sasuke were, which were rare actions that anyone could ever see from them. I turned around and headed for the girls' door. When I arrived to it, I was about to open it, but remembered that I'm entering a girls' room, meaning that something might be inappropriately going on in there that a guy shouldn't see. I nodded to myself and knocked on the door.

"Come in!" said a feminine voice. When I opened the door, I saw the girls inside. They were dressed in white dresses, just as formal as the guys were. The first person I saw was Ino, mainly because she's really the one I miss right now. Well, not this Ino, but the one in the living world. Nevertheless, she smiled at me and approached me. I guess I can't say it's weird that both Ino's look so much alike, yet I feel the same way around this Ino than the one down at earth. Is it because they shared the same body for 17 years until this Ino was released and ascended to heaven? Yeah, that sounds about right.

"Naruto, you're finally awake, aren't you?" she asked me. I nodded at that. "So, are you taking care of my reincarnation? I hope you're keeping her happy."

"I... yeah..." I paused. With my death, I wonder how Ino-chan is reacting now. I can imagine her very angry with me, but what can I do? I had to save that kid. I find it quite unfair though. She and I finally got back together and boom! I'm here, dead, and she's still there, alive. I noticed Sakura placing a hand on the blond's shoulder. She shook her head slightly at her. Ino nodded and stepped back. At that moment, Richard's bride walked to me, embracing me.

"Naruto, I've missed you," said the long-haired brunette. She looks really beautiful with this wedding gown of hers. It's kinda funny that she looks exactly the same age as she was when she died. Richard does too. Come to think of it, all of my deceased friends do, except me. I still look 17 years old. I wonder why that's so...?

"I've missed you too, Amber," I said, pulling away from the hug.

"So, how do I look?" she asked, smiling at me. I returned the smile at her.

"Like you're ready to pop mini Richards out of you," I replied with a chuckle. Amber blushed and slapped me on the shoulder, but smiled as well. Temari looked at her watch.

"Hey, it's almost time to go," she said. Amber nodded. Ino, Sakura, Temari, Hinata, and Tenten, walked out of the room, pulling me away as well. We met up with the guys, who were filed in a straight line. Kiba tugged at my shoulder, motioning for me to go in front of the males line. Oh right, I'm the best man, it makes perfect sense that I'm in front. I found it an odd coincidence that Ino was first in line too. Actually, now that I'm focusing on it, each pair of couples were parallel from each other. Ino was first in line for the girls, Sakura right behind, then Temari, Hinata, and Tenten. I'm first in line for the guys, Lee right behind, then Shikamaru, Kiba, and Neji. I wonder if these guys are dating too..

When the music started, we began walking up the isle. My jaw dropped when I saw the priest who was doing this whole marriage thing. The third Hokage? What the fudge? As I made my way to the isle, I noticed every single familiar face from Konoha, but not only that. I also saw Richard's platoon, as well as mine. I guess they know my secret too, with the way they're looking at me with those smiles of approval. It's too bad that I won't be going through this experience with the only girl I've ever truly loved. But.. maybe that may not be the case. When she dies and comes to heaven, maybe we can get a marriage like this too.

As the music continued, Richard walked down the isle with his mother next to him. I never really got to know the woman very well, but I saw her a couple of times, as well as the rest of Richard's family. The groom stepped up and stood next to me. His mother walked back to the rest of his family with a smile. I looked to Richard, noticing a slightly vivid glow resonating from his entire body. Come to think of it, I think Amber had the same glow. Well, I suppose they're the star couple of this show. Of course they would get a neat glow like that. I wonder if I'll ever feel this way.

A few minutes after Richard arrived, Amber was seen walking down the isle with her father. She really looks beautiful in that dress. Richard is one lucky guy to be marrying someone like her. She's not only gorgeous but a very kind individual. She specially took care of both of us whenever we would come back injured from a mission. Although, I noticed she took care of Richard more, which I don't really find surprising. At the time, I still had the Kyuubi's essence inside me, allowing me to heal rapidly. Oh that's right, the Kyuubi isn't here.. I wonder what happened to him? Could he have gone to hell? That's very likely, but I wish he was here too. Amber stepped up beside Richard.

"You two look quite lovely," said Sarutobi.

"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself, considering your age," said Amber.

"Hey, I may be an old man, but I can still whip you both," he replied. The couple chuckled, just as everyone else. The third Hokage opened a book. "Alright then, let's get this marriage on the road, shall we?"

The couple nodded. Sarutobi raised his hands in the air, chanting an odd piece of literature. I couldn't even understand the language, but only bits and pieces of the words. This part is going to take a while, I've read a couple of books on marriages. The priest is supposed to do this kind of thing, then ask the congregation for their permission for the couple's marriage. Then he would ask the couple, starting with the groom first, and then the bride. After which, the couple would recite some kind of wedding vow that they have supposedly ready for this occasion. Why can't they just make this simpler and have the priest marry the couple immediately? This is so time consuming. But what the heck, we have nothing but time now.

"If the congregation would like to speak against this beloved couple's marriage, now is the time. Speak now, or forever wish you did," he said. Everyone was silent. Sarutobi looked to Richard. "Do you, Richard, take Amber to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love her, to hold her, in sickness and in health, and vow to never leave her side until death- never mind that part, you two are already dead!"

The congregation chuckled at that. Even I laughed a bit. Richard smiled, looking to Amber.

"I do," he said. I guess this is my cue. I stepped forward and opened the box in front of my friend. He took the small ring from inside it and slipped it into her finger. I walked back to my position and placed the box inside my pocket. Sarutobi then looked to the bride.

"Do you, Amber, take Richard to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love him, to hold him, in sickness and in health, and vow to never leave his side until... oh whatever, let's just skip that last part," he said. Amber looked to Richard, smiling at him.

"I do," she said. Now it's Ino's turn. Mirroring what I did, she walked up to Amber and opened a white box in front of her. Amber took the small, golden ring, from the box and slipped it into Richard's finger. Ino walked back to her former position.

"Hmm.. what goes after this part.. oh yes, the wedding vows," said Sarutobi, looking to Richard. "You may begin."

Richard took both of Amber's hands into his.

"Before I met you, I've lived my life in such a carefree manner. I never cared for anything else in the world. When my best friend came into my life, it was through him, that I met you. I cherished you both in ways that I never knew I was capable of. But most of all, I was and still am, madly in love with you. On the day of my funeral, I watched how you wept in sorrow, and vowed to one day be with you again. I suppose I have Naruto to thank for that. I asked him, before I threw him over that huge wall, to take care of you and so he did. I watched him too, as he did that, and I could never have asked for a better friend. But he can get his own, you're mine now, and I'll never let you go."

"I, Richard Klyde, swear at the graves of my ancestors, will love you, care for you, in happiness and sorrow, until the end of time," he said. I must admit, I started getting a little teary eyed from that little speech. Sarutobi then glanced to Amber.

"Go ahead, young lady," he said. Amber intwined her fingers with his, holding them tightly.

"When I came into this world, all I ever wanted to do was change it. I've always considered myself a bit of a book worm, always studying really hard so I can make a difference in the planet we once lived in. But when I met you and Naruto, my life changed. You both took me to places, to wonders that I've never even dreamed of imagining. It was then that our friendship bonded. I admit that I fell for that blond first, but it was you who eventually caught my eye in the end. On the day of your funeral, I thought I would never see you again, but how wrong I was, as I stand before you here today. You are all that I can ever ask for in a boyfriend, a fiancee, and a husband."

"I, Amber Sheen, promise in the name of my family, will love you, care for you, in happiness and sorrow, until the end of time," she said. Okay, these two really have to stop talking about me like this. Shikamaru tapped my shoulder, trying to ease the crying that I've been doing, and handed me a hankerchef.

"Then, with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," he recited. Richard smiled softly and placed a hand on her cheek, placing his lips softly onto hers. Amber pushed a bit deeper into the kiss, I bet this is the happiest moment of her life. Upon the touch of their lips, the congregation stood up and clapped their hands. I started clapping as well, happy for both of my friends. I looked to them both, smiling at each other. The light that resonated from within them was growing brighter and brighter, like never before. They really do look great together. Just then, Richard looked to me and left Amber's side for a moment.

"Naruto, I'm so glad you could come to my wedding," he said, hugging me too.

"Not a problem. If we were still alive, I'd drop everything just to come here," I said to him.

"Well Naruto, again, I thank you for coming, but unfortunately... you have to get going now," he said. I blinked twice at that.

"What do you mean?"

"Remember your accident? That whole thing was staged by the angels of heaven. I asked them a favor, to borrow your soul for a moment. because I wanted you to come to my wedding but you were still among the living. In a sense, I had to kill you, so you could come here. But now that the wedding is over, you have to return home," he said.

"But.. how? I'm dead.." I said sadly.

"No, Naruto," said Ino, walking up to me. "Because the whole thing was staged by angels, it doesn't count as you actually dying. Your body is still alive, just in a coma. Once your soul returns, you'll be alive again, and free to resume your life the way it once was."

"But I don't want to go back. This is my place now, with all of you," I pleaded, looking at them all.

"Hey, you still have to take care of my reincarnation, remember? She's weeping her heart out, down there, hoping you would wake up. When she found out that you weren't dead and was only in a coma, she rushed to the hospital every day, just to see you. She wants to be with you again, and the rest of us does as well. Your home is over there now, I don't want you to join us here until you've actually died on natural causes. I want you to live the rest of your life in happiness, it's all I could ever ask, Naruto," she said.

I was silenced at that. But this is the one thing that I've been wanting for over 500 years, to be with my friends again. I don't belong in the modern era, but here with them. I've been alive for way too long and I need a break. 500 years is way too long of a life for a mere mortal to have, myself included. Now that I'm with them, how can I separate myself from them? I don't want to and-

"Ino-chan..." my lips uttered out.

Where the heck did that come from? Wait... I know where that came from. My heart yearns for the one I love. She's standing right in front of me but... no, this is different, she is different. Maybe... maybe I really do have a reason to return. I want to be with her again, to love her, to hold her, and to tell her how sorry I am for leaving her so suddenly. I sighed and looked to my friends.

"I'm sorry, I guess now that I'm actually here with you guys, it's been a bit hard to part ways again," I said. Ero-sennin walked up to me and placed a hand on my head.

"Don't worry about it, kid, you'll see us again. Just be good down there, alright?" he asked. I nodded at that request.

"You know, I'm still a bit surprised that you're here, Ero-sennin. You peep at women all the time and the angels allowed you in heaven? What were they thinking?" I asked. Jiraya rolled his eyes, stepping back a bit. Suddenly, a circle of light wrapped around me. Slowly but surely, I was getting sucked into the ground. I looked at them all, not wanting to be away from them, but I know that this is the way it has to be. I looked to Richard.

"Take care of Amber, alright? When I come back and I hear you're giving her a headache, I'll beat the crap out of you, you hear me?" I called to him. I think of Amber as a very close sister and of course, I would feel protective of her. Richard smiled and nodded, wrapping an arm around his wife's waist.

"Good luck down there, Naruto. We'll be watching you," said Kiba.

"Do your best with Ino-chan's reincarnation," said Hinata.

"If you knock her out and have your way with her, you might as well not come back here or I'll beat you up!" said Sakura. I sort of flinched at that, but nothing else.

"Let your flames of youth burn as bright as the sun, Naruto-kun!" said Lee.

"Take it easy and don't overwork yourself. Try staring at some clouds once in a while," said Shikamaru. I nodded at that. I got several other good byes from everyone else, each one varying, depending on who said it. After everyone said their good byes, my head was the only thing remaining that everyone could see, the rest had been sucked down into the ground. I looked to the last male person who hasn't said anything yet.

"Oy, Naruto," Sasuke called out. I glanced to the raven-haired boy, who had his hands tucked inside his pockets.

"You better train hard because when you get back here, we'll have an eternity to spar all we want. I'll be training too and I want you to be at your best when I beat you down," he said triumphantly. I smiled at that. Sasuke will be Sasuke and will never change. I merely nodded at him as I looked to Ino, the last female person who has yet to say anything. No words were exchanged between us, but our silence to each other was more than enough. It's strange that I feel the same way for her, that I do for her reincarnation. I wonder.. what's going to happen when Ino-chan and I die and go to heaven? There can't be two of Ino so... how will that work? Come to think of it, there will be two of everyone. I shrugged my shoulders.

"I'll see you around, Naruto," she said finally.

I nodded and waved good bye to her as the light swallowed me up. I found myself falling from heaven, face first. My soul fell from the sky, falling lower and lower, faster and faster. Just as I figured, I started slowing down when I hit the ground. I descended down to a building that looked like a hospital. I guess this is where my body is. My soul went through the roofs, walls, and doors, until I was standing right next to my body. I looked to the machine that was keeping my body alive, noting that it was still beeping. I sighed and entered my body. The moment I entered, my eyes opened, readjusting to the earthly presence around me. I guess being a soul for a few hours feels really different as compared to being actually...

"Alive..."

I nodded once more and pulled the little tubes off of my body that was probably keeping me alive. Oh great... I'm probably going to have to owe this hospital a lot of money, aren't I? Oh well, since when was money an issue for me ever since this era started? I stood up, stretching a bit. The room I'm in seems pretty dark, then again, the outside was pretty dark too, as I fell. Hold on a second, Ino said that her reincarnation came to visit me every day, when she learned that I was in a coma. Every day? How many days has it been? It can't have been any longer than a few hours, as I was only in heaven for nothing more than that amount of time. I have to get out of here. I crossed my fingers together, forming a hand seal.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu," I whispered to myself, forming a carbon replica of myself.

"Alright, you sign us out while I go back home and try to figure out what in the world is going on around here. Get my clothes, my belongings and all that, and return home with it. Just poof yourself out when you finish with that," I said. The clone nodded and walked out of the room. Okay.. not the way I was thinking he would do it, but he'll take care of it nonetheless. I formed another hand seal.

"Hiraishin no Jutsu," I whispered once more as I was teleported to my home, next to the three-pronged kunai that I placed here. The room is dark I can smell some dust. So, I guess it really has been a while since I came here.. physically anyway. I turned on the lights and ran up to my room, turning on my computer. When it was on, I checked the date, and gawked at what I saw.

"Two weeks later...? It's been that long!" I shouted to myself. But it doesn't make sense, I've only been dead for a few hours. How could two weeks have already passed? I also noticed that it was a Friday. Hmm... I feel like there's something I should be doing today but I can't seem to... no way!

"Shit, the homecoming dance! It's tonight!" I shouted again. I am so glad that I'm the only one living here or anyone else would think I'm a total weirdo. I ran to the shower and ripped the hospital clothing that was on me and turned the water on. My body probably smells pretty badly right now, not having taken a shower for two weeks. After being in there for a good half hour, I stormed out and opened my closet. I remembered that Ino-chan said to wear something formal. Let's see now... I wish I still had that tuxedo that I was wearing when I was in Richard and Amber's wedding. That would have been perfect. Oh well. I picked out something formal but not too formal and placed it on.

I glanced to my computer again, looking at the time. It's already 9:00 pm. Okay, dances aren't supposed to end until some time late at night and according to my computer, it isn't that late at night right now. After spending a good few minutes putting the clothes on, I looked at myself in a mirror, noting that I looked pretty good for someone who's been dead for two weeks. I wore formal black pants, a white under shirt, black dress shoes, and a silk, black long sleeve. I grabbed a jacket, just in case and turned my computer off. When it was finally off, I rushed to my motorcycle and brought it to life. I road out of my house after ward.

I didn't even have my helmet at the moment, but as of right now, I don't really care. I have to get to school as soon as possible. Then again, would Ino-chan really be there? I'm her date and there's a good chance that she won't be there, without me, right? I hope she's there. Even if I were permanently dead, I wouldn't want her to cease her happiness because of me. But that thought is null and void now. I'm alive and glad to be. I pressed on the pedal harder, causing my vehicle to roar a little louder into the night, its speed increasing. It's only 9:00 pm, why the heck am I rushing? Oh right, I want to see her. I just hope she's there.

When I arrived, I actually had a hard time finding a good place to chain my motorcycle. There were cars everywhere, for a couple of miles and people were still coming. I guess these dances are really popular around here. Luckily, I managed to find a decent area to secure my motorcycle. When that was done, I walked into the school. When I made it inside, a few people were out and about, doing their own things. I noticed a couple, sitting outside on the lunch tables, making out. Figures they wouldn't do it inside. Come to think of it, I don't hear much of anything inside. Shouldn't dances have really loud music? Upon entering the auditorium and handing my ticket to the usher, the flashing lights managed to make their way into my eyes. I had to close them so I wouldn't go blind.

There were so many people here, dancing, shouting, eating, and over all enjoying their night. Everyone wore formal clothing, the guys were wearing something similar to mine, but they all had their differences in color and a certain style. I walked deeper into the auditorium. Other than the flashing lights, the room was quite dark. There were a couple of dim lights above, but that was about it. It's really hard to tell who's who around here. I wonder what the student council was thinking. This seems more like an underground club than a high school dance. There are some adult chaperones around, so I guess they don't mind at all.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen, I think we've been keeping you waiting long enough, so here they are!" said a voice from the stage. I looked up, seeing smoke appear into the stage. Everyone cheered and shouted, while I'm here, wondering what in the world is going on. When the smoke eventually cleared, I looked up to see very familiar people. It was Shikamaru on a guitar, Kiba on drums, Tenten on another guitar, Sakura on a keyboard, and Ino behind a microphone stand.

"Hey everyone, sorry about the long wait but here we are," she said to the crowd. I didn't know they'd be playing for this dance. Oh right, I've been dead for two weeks. Of course I wouldn't know any of this. "This is a song that is dedicated to someone very close to me."

The song started a bit soft, with guitar strumming and drum tapping. I found it quite amazing to see that Shikamaru and Tenten were playing their guitar parts at perfect unison. That is probably hard, or perhaps impossible. Tenten and Kiba were quite good with the guitar as well, but I noticed Tenten was playing bass, just a mere observation. As they continued to play for a few seconds, I heard Ino's voice.

Is this a dream?

If it is,

Please don't wake me from this high.

I've become comfortably numb,

Until you opened up my eyes,

To what it's like, when everything's right..

I can't believe..

I narrowed my eyes at the song. I know this one. This is You Found Me by an American singer named Kelly Clarkson. This is one of Ino-chan's favorite songs and even has it on her cell phone's ring tone. I wonder who she's dedicating it to... oh wait... could it be me? I instantly looked at the ground. I know this song inside and out, having listened to it so many times in my free time when I wasn't with her. If this is dedicated to me then...

You found me, when no one else was lookin'

How did you know just where I would be?

Yeah, you broke through all of my confusion,

The ups and the downs and you still didn't leave.

I guess that you saw what nobody could see,

You found me...

You found me...

I closed my eyes, not feeling the strength to stand anymore. Was that really how we started? The way she describes this song makes me think I'm such an idol to her. I don't think I'm like that at all. People look to me for guidance and strength in the shinobi era, mostly because I was the pillar of everyone's strength. But perhaps, maybe, just maybe, I really am that kind of person. I looked to Ino again, she looked at the ground as well. Is she trying to avoid everyone's gazes? Or maybe... she's just trying to avoid my gaze. I doubt she even knows I'm here, but she's right. The ups and the downs and I still didn't leave. I refuse to and I will never.

So, here we are,

That's pretty far.

When you think of where we've been.

No going back, I'm fading out,

All that has faded me within.

You're by my side,

Now everything's fine,

I can't believe...

I chuckled at the song and how much it makes sense for the two of us. Here we are, that's pretty far, considering what we've been through. We should be over each other by now, but our love is stronger than anything else I've ever felt before. She's right, there's no going back for us now. This is the path we've chosen by choosing to be together. I left you before, Ino, but here I am now. I'm by your side, everything's right. I can't believe it either. I've been dead, happy. You were alive, sad. But it's different now, I'm here to stay, I'm here to make you happy.

You found me,

When no one else was lookin'

How did you know just where I would be?

Yeah, you broke through all of my confusion.

The ups and the downs and you still didn't leave.

I guess that you saw what no body could see,

You found me...

You found me...

I nodded my head as she said those words. Just then, I felt something from within me. I came back here to be with her again, but I also came here to tell her the truth. I've been lying to her for so long and it's time I've made amends. And I can start by being with her tonight. I have to make my presence known, but how. Just then, something clicked in my mind. As if my legs had a life of their own, I made my way through the crowd and climbed up the stage. I heard several gasps from the audience, but I didn't care at the moment. Sakura, Shikamaru, Hinata, and Tenten, looked to me with widened eyes, but continued playing. Tears fell from Ino's eyes. I'm sorry for making you cry. I took the microphone to continue the song.

And I was hiding,

Til you came along,

And showed me where I belong.

I smiled at her, walking closer to her. She still looked like she couldn't speak, but I guess that's what happens to a girl when she sees her boyfriend back from the grave, right? Well, not technically from the grave, but I was out cold for a while, right? So it counts just the same. She knows how the rest of this song goes, as do I. She placed her hand around mine, taking control of the microphone as well. She cupped my cheek with her other hand. Yes Ino-chan, I'm real, and I'm here now. She looked at me with uncertainty, just as I would expect her to. This next part is her part, after which is both of ours.

You found me when no one else was lookin'

How did you know just where I would be?

How did you know?

How did you know?

...

I nodded to her as we both took in a deep breath.

...

You found me,

When no one else was lookin'

How did you know just where I would be?

Yeah, you broke through all of my confusion.

The ups and the downs and you still didn't leave.

I guess that you saw what no body could see,

You found me...

Now I completely understand why I wasn't allowed to join the others in heaven, just yet. For now, until then, this is where I belong. I belong with her, beside her, in her arms. I don't care what happens, I promise never to leave her side again. This is an oath I make to myself and I never break my promises. I looked to her, she was still crying, but not sobbing. She looked like she was trying really hard to hide her tears, but was failing miserably at it. I took my free hand and wiped her cheek with it, removing the stray tears from her face. This is supposed to be an enjoyable time, not a time for tears.

You found me!

(How did you know just where I would be?)

You broke through all of my confusion.

The ups and the downs and you still didn't leave.

I guess that you saw what nobody could see,

The good and the bad and the things in between,

You found me.

You found me...

As the music slowed down to an eventual stop, the crowd behind me cheered and shouted wildly into the auditorium, but I was tuning them out. Right now, it's just Ino-chan and me. I leaned forward, placing my lips on hers. The soft and creamy taste of her lips is something I could never live without. How I was able to do it before I met her, I don't know, but I know now that I don't ever want to be anywhere without her. I want to stay with her, feel her happiness, experience her sorrows, and eventually die with her and ascend to heaven together. This is where I want to be right now, this is where I belong. When I pulled away, she looked to me with saddened eyes.

"Sorry I'm late, Ino-chan, but I'm here now. I'm sorry I was gone for a while without telling you, but I'm here now and I'm here to stay," I said to her. Ino bit her lip slightly.

"Idiot.. you went into a coma just like that. You had me worried sick for you but I guess it's only natural that I do, right?" she asked me. I nodded to her and chuckled a bit. I noticed that we still had our hands on the microphone and it was still under our mouths. Oh crud.. that means everyone heard that. I turned around slowly and saw a crowd of people, holding their loved ones in their arms. They were silent, just watching us, and listening to us. At that moment, I felt Ino yanking me back to her. I smiled innocently at her.

"That was quite an entrance you made, Naruto-kun. That's exactly what I should have expected from you," she said with a smile. I nodded and took her in my arms, embracing her tightly. She returned the embrace, dropping the microphone on the stage. "I've missed you, Naruto-kun."

"I've only been gone for a little while, Ino-chan."

"I know, but the feeling is the same nonetheless," she responded. When we pulled away, I led her down the stage. Shikamaru took the microphone and continued the rest of the performance without their lead singer there. He'll probably beat me up when he sees me again, but I don't care. I led Ino to the bleachers, where we held each other like we used to. To me, it's only been been a short while, but I feel like we haven't been together in a long time, just as the two weeks suggest.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, Ino-chan, but I had to... attend a wedding," I said to her. She looked at me, confused. "I know, it doesn't make sense. But I guess I should spill the beans right about now, shouldn't I?"

"Yes, that would be nice," came her reply.

"Remember when I said I had something else to do, back when I called you?" I asked. Ino nodded, urging me to go on. "I went to visit a cemetery, where an old friend of mine was buried. I was there for a while, and then left. I was going to visit another person, but well.. the accident happened and I was killed."

Ino looked saddened upon hearing that.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay, just continue. I want to know where you've been," she said. I nodded.

"An angel told me I was dead and led me to heaven. As I ascended into the clouds, my spirit vanished and everything went black. When I came to, I was in a church, much like the ones that exist around here. Everyone who I knew from the past, was there. My former teachers were all there, as well as some old friends. One of my former teachers, the one who looks like Umino-sensei, was the one who told me where I was. After that, I was then directed to the room of the groom. I went inside and saw a few of my old friends, as well as the soon-to-be husband. I can't believe it was him, and he looked the same as he was when he died, so many years ago."

"I then went to the bride's room, and saw the rest of my old friends as well as the soon-to-be wife. They all looked the same as when they died. A few minutes after that, the wedding was well underway. You know how weddings go, so I won't go into detail with that. After that, I was told that my death was staged by angels, and my body was still alive. My friend merely borrowed my soul so I could attend his wedding. Since my time up there was over, I had to return here to live out the rest of my days. At first, I was reluctant on going, but I accepted it. I still have some duties down here, you know," I finished.

"Oh really, what's that?" she asked me.

"To be in your arms, until the end of time," I said to her. She nodded at that.

"I'm glad you came back too. Do you know how miserable I've been without you?" she asked. I shook my head. "When I learned that you were killed, I was crushed at it all. I couldn't think at school, I was becoming farther and farther away from everyone, but I remembered something. You wouldn't have wanted me to live the way I was currently living at the time. As the days flew by, I started to let go of you... well, I tried to. I found out that there's just no way I could possibly let go of you. Later on, I also found out from the hospital that you were alive and was just in a coma. The thing was, they didn't know when you would wake up. I visited you every day."

"Thanks. It's nice to know that my girlfriend cares about some half dead guy," I joked. At that, she looked deep into my eyes. Oh no, I shouldn't have said that. Her feelings for me are really solid, and so I should have expected this. She pressed her body against mine, taking me into her arms.

"Please.. Naruto-kun.. don't ever say that again. I will always care for you and it really hurts to hear things like that from you. I'm not sure if you mean that as a joke and if you did, I'm sorry that I'm not taking it humorously. It's just that, I just got you back, after what Uchiha-san did to us, and just a bit a bit after that, I lost you again. You fought for me, you saved me from him, and for that, I couldn't even thank you properly. You didn't have to do that, you didn't have to save me the way you did but you still did it. You risked so much for me, and I still don't know what to do to make it up to you. I've put you through so much and I-"

"Shh.." I said, cradling her body. "Stop blaming yourself for me, yeah? I did what I did because I wanted to, not because I had to. Sure you put me through some of the worst things ever, but at the end of the road, you're still there with me, and that's what gave me the strength to come back to you. When you love some one, you have to let them go. And if they love you back, they will return to you. That happened to us. You love me so much, and you let me go, even though you probably wouldn't have if you were given the proper choice. Because I love you equally, I returned to you. This is our life, Ino-chan, and I won't trade it for anything else."

"Do you mean that, Naruto kun?" she asked. "I know I'm a lot of trouble to you but you still find it within yourself to continue forgiving me. I guess I was right in choosing that song, a few minutes ago. The ups and the downs and you still didn't leave, the good and the bad and the things in between. I guess that's what really attracts me to you, Naruto-kun, and that's why I constantly worry for you. You're the first person to see me in the light that you do. You can put up with my nonsense, you can put up with my negatives while still having the hope needed at the end of the road. I've lost you twice already, and I don't ever want to ever lose you again."

"Don't worry about it. This time, I'm here to stay. Just promise me that you will be too. Just because I died, went to heaven, and was knocked back to earth, doesn't mean you should too. You don't owe me anything. Just stay with me, that's enough," I said to her. She nodded softly at my request and leaned in for another kiss. I pushed a little deeper than she was, causing her to lose balance slightly. She placed her hands on the bleachers, maintaining her balance as she lowered us both. This isn't the time and place for this, but her dress is really turning me on. Again, this isn't the time and place. Maybe when we're alone, maybe when we're older, maybe...

"Ino-chan, let's get outta here," I said out of nowhere. My blond girlfriend looked to me, eyes filled with confusion. "It's only been a few hours for me but I suppose it's been about two weeks since you last saw me, right?"

"Well, I visited you this morning, so it's more of only a few hours for me too. But it's been two weeks since I last held you and talked to you. I'm glad you're back," she replied. I nodded at that.

"Me too, but I want to show you just how happy I am to see you again," I said in return. Two weeks really does hold the heart down, just as Ero-sennin said, during one of his lectures in one of our training trips. Besides, I want to take Ino-chan out somewhere. It was my fault for dying the way I did and left her all alone. I promised that I wouldn't leave her, and still I did. I want to be able to make up for it.

"Alright, but why not just stay here? These tickets aren't expensive but must've cost you a decent amount. Besides, I'm not sure if the shinobi era taught you how to dance the way modern high school students do, but I'm sure you know how to slow dance, right? Honestly, it's the only thing I've been looking forward to, in this whole event," she said.

I pressed my lips together. This is bad. I don't know how to slow dance, or dance at all for that matter. The old man who gave me his inheritance offered lessons, but I never grabbed the chance. Now I kinda wish that I did. I never thought they would be useful, but now I bet he's laughing up there somewhere, unable to die from the lack of air in between his laughs. Come to think of it, I bet the others are laughing at me right now. Oh well, guess I'll just have to wing it.

Ino-chan and I spent a good amount of time, just talking where we sat. We watched as our peers wore themselves out, dancing to the modern high school music that they seemed to be interested in. Shikamaru and the others in the band stopped playing some time ago so they too could get a bit of dancing in. Oh man, if only the Shikamaru of the shinobi era could see his reincarnation now. Nara-san is a party animal! And here I thought he would be a bit of a lazy bum like the pineapple-head that I know.

I especially couldn't keep my eyes off of Ino-chan. I tried to watch the others have a great time, but Ino-chan really looks beautiful tonight. It's like she was waiting and preparing for this day for so long. I sighed to myself, letting out a breath of peaceful air. Times are good now, but why do I have a feeling that things won't stay this way? Oh what am I saying? This is me we're talking about. When were things ever normal with me and the path that I walk? I just hope that Ino-chan and I can bear it together.

"Hm? Naruto-kun? Are you okay? You just spaced out right there," she said with concern.

"Ano.. yeah, I guess I did. Sorry about that," I said, bowing my head down a bit. Ino nodded and took me in her arms. Either a few hours really was two weeks for me, but I really miss this hold. I held her too, remaining silent for a while, even with the rather loud music that was playing. Just then, the loud music slowed to an eventual stop and began playing a few moments later. But the melody was different this time. It was smoother, calmer, more tranquil than the monstrous sounding one from before.

"Here's the best part, Naruto-kun," she said, yanking me out of my seat. She pulled me to the dance floor, where a few couples were already getting set on the mood of the song. I wonder who chose this song. Ino placed her arms around my neck, as I rested mine on her waist, looking down to her with a smile. I know this song, and so does she.

"This song... it's-"

"Crash and Burn, by Savage Garden," she finished. "I requested it myself. I planned on listening to it from back over there, where we were sitting, but this is a better alternative. I get to listen to it, with the man I fell in love with."

"I love you too, Ino-chan."

We stayed that way throughout the rest of the song. Her head on my chest, the lower portion of my face beside her head. I raised a hand to her hair, pressing my hand there. I guess heaven has different plans for me than just letting me rest in eternal peace. And they're right in making that decision. I don't want to rest yet, I have too much still left to do in this world. And also, I have a promise to keep. Ino... that blond-butthead is watching me from above.

In retrospect, I'm glad I came back here. I thought I would be able to part with Ino-chan, on the day of my accident. But when I watched Richard and Amber up there, saying their vows, I do admit that I felt a small pang of jealousy. I kind of envisioned that I would be up there too, with the woman that I love, saying words from my heart, to her. I wonder though, if Ino-chan and I will ever be up there. Someday... but not today. We're still young, and we have the rest of our lives ahead of us.

I left her once, and I don't feel like doing that again. I can imagine that she was probably the one struck the hardest upon my accident. I promised her that I would be okay, that I would come back to school in a couple of days, but I completely missed a couple of weeks worth of it. But that's not where my concern sits. It's that I made a promise to her and broke it, the day after. I wonder if I deserve to have some one like her, someone who's willing to put up with the heart ache and pain that my life revolves around on.

"When you feel all alone... and the world has turned its back on you. Give me a moment please, to tame your wild, wild, heart..." she said.

"Ino-chan..."

"Let me be the one you call, if you jump, I'll break your fall, lift you up and fly away with you into the night. If you need to fall apart, I can mend a broken heart. If you need to crash then crash and burn, you're not alone," she finished softly. Do I truly deserve someone as angelic as this? Someone who is ready to tame my wild heart? I smiled softly.

"When you feel all alone... and a loyal friend is hard to find, you're caught in a one-way street, with the monsters in your head. When hopes and dreams are far away and you feel like you can't face the day..." she said. This girl... just makes me smile.

"Ino-chan... thank you," I said to her, capturing her lips into a kiss. Who knows? Maybe she and I really will end up atop that area where Richard and Amber stood, exchanging their vows. I'm not ready for that, not yet, but when the time comes, I'll find the strength to repay all that she has done for me. She often says that I bring her happiness, but in truth, it's her that brings me happiness. To feel her lips again, this way... to exchange our vows wordlessly, it's a beautiful feeling.

"Naruto-kun, stay with me," she said. I nodded softly.

"I will. Ino-chan, it's because of you that I returned here. I could have fought back to stay in heaven, I could have resisted them and allowed my body to die down here, but then something flashed in my head. Your smile, Ino-chan. If I didn't return, I wouldn't ever see it again. I like seeing your smiles, it tells me that I'm doing something right. It tells me that maybe, just maybe, I can live a normal life."

"Naruto-kun..."

"Being with you like this, is exactly what I needed. I'm glad I returned," I paused for a moment, taking in her hopeful gaze into my eyes. "I'm glad to see your smile again."

"Naruto-kun.. I think I'm the one who should be thankful. When I learned that you were only in a coma, and not really gone, I prayed every night for you to get better. I'm not exactly strong in the religion aspect of myself, not since my mother left my father and I. I guess I never really had a reason to pray. But when I thought of you, laying on that bed, with machines keeping you alive, I knew that maybe it was time to start believing again. I don't think I'll ever be able to repay the one who answered my prayers."

"Oh, I think whoever answered your prayer wanted me to return as much as you did. But let's talk about it later. There's one more song after this one, right?" she nodded. "Then let's enjoy it together."

"Yeah," she nodded once more and smiled, pressing her head against my chest once more.

I embraced her a little tighter, as if afraid that I'll be taken away from her again. In a sense, I actually am. I don't want her to be sad anymore. I want to keep her safe, to make her happy, and to always be here for her. I looked up, looking through the glass ceiling above, and smiled to the night sky as the first song finished and the second song came to pass. I know you're all watching me from up there, and I won't disappoint. I'm sorry, but I don't feel like returning to you guys anymore. I have a promise to keep, and some one to love. But I'll see you guys again. I felt something shift from below.

"Naruto-kun, are you alright?" she asked. I looked down to her and smiled, nodding away.

"Yeah, don't worry about me," I replied and smiled to her. She didn't look too convinced at that, but I really am alright. I haven't felt this much at peace in a long time, and it's all thanks to my friends above. If they hadn't convinced me to return, I may not be here to experience this. I have always been a bit thick-headed, but they have always been able to put up with me.

"Naruto-kun, what's on your mind?" she asked. I held her closer and placed my mouth next to her ear. This one word should be able to give us both some peace, and it's the truth to her question. In a sense, I've been thinking of my friends as well, but that's really short-lived. Right now, the only thing on my mind is...

"You."

Ahhh good, finished at last. It took me a bit longer than usual to finish this chapter, as I have a lot of things to do now. But it wasn't really the fact that time was against me this time, but more on the fact that a lot of ideas were circling around my head, this time around. Honestly though, I wrote and finished this chapter, about a day after posting chapter 10.

As I waited for the responses in chapter 10, and how you all felt about it, a few things entered my mind. I reread chapter 11 and found that nothing was wrong with it, but I could indeed make it better. I could have posted the original one, but decided to revise it a bit. There was something about the previous chapter 11 that I just couldn't allow to happen. I think this one turned out the way I envisioned it to.

I hope to make a sequel to this story and I think I just might. I understand I've already released several chapters after this one but I'll be taking those out. When I release that sequel, it will not have the posted chapters but something else entirely different. Well, this is good bye for now.

Ja ne!