Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story except for Ami. DON'T SUE ME!!!!!

I was always guarded from the world. Little did my parents know that by trying to prevent me from ever feeling pain they made me feel more hurt and hate than they could ever imagine.

As a child I was put under heavy protection. My clan, the Sasaki family, was one of the few in my village that possessed a kekkei genkai. We had complete control over the winds; we could form it into deadly weapons, transport our bodies, or even our souls. I was born to the head of our clan, Hitoshi Sasaki, and was also the most powerful member. This is why (up until I was to enter the academy) I was to remain within our district and dedicate my time to training. Everyone made my life effortless, doing whatever I wished whenever I wished it. But I could not remain within their grip forever. When I was only five years of age, I escaped from my heavenly prison.

xXx

I walked through the town admiring the beautiful buildings and staring in awe at the strangers who past me by. As I walked further, going through the outskirts of town, I noticed a bunch of children playing with a ball. I watched in fascination. I had never seen this game! With all my training, I never had time to play. Suddenly the ball flew up and was caught by a new boy, one with black around his ice blue eyes and red hair. The children, to my surprise, backed away in fear. The boy seemed to grow angry and sand rose from the ground and flew at the children but was stopped by an adult who appeared so fast that I never noticed him approach.

I realized that my hands were shaking a bit and my heart was racing, and I knew, somehow, that this was fear. I had heard of this emotion, but never experienced it. I shrank back into the shadows and watched the boy walk away with the man. Overcoming curiosity pushed me to follow the pair and forget my fear.

They walked back into the village and into one of the buildings. I moved closer to try and catch some of their conversation. I could hear their voices, but not make out what they were saying. The older man, I picked up, called the boy "Gaara".

What a strange name… I thought. The older man, who the boy called Yashamaru, cut his finger and continued to talk to Gaara. I cocked my head to the side. Soon, the boy said something unintelligible and then Yashamaru gave him a paper bag. Gaara walked outside and began walking down the street to another house. I followed in the shadows, hoping not to be caught. I saw him just in time to see a young girl from before shut a door in his face. When he turned back around, he looked utterly hurt. I wanted to go and make him feel better but before I could, he left again.

I saw a man who was swaying a bit pass him and glare. The glare soon turned to fear and the boy, I assumed, used the sand to crush his body. My eyes grew wide and I began to shiver. I had heard of death, but never before had I witnessed it. I watched as he walked by a man, whom I recognized as the Kazekage. He hung his head and walked away.

I collected myself and went out in search of this Gaara again. I found him, on the roof of a building. He was surrounded by sand and had a cut, no a carving on the upper left side of his forehead. I was to far away to make out what it was of. A few feet away lay the dead body of Yashamaru. I felt myself tremble again, but I told myself to stop and started to approach Gaara.

He stared at me with cold eyes. "Who are you?" he said with enough hate to make a tremor run down my spine.

"I-I am Ami, of the Sasaki clan… I am so sorry, I didn't mean to bother you…" I stepped back from those eyes, the eyes that I now realize were the root of my fear. Before he could reply, I felt strong arms grab me around my waist. Soon I was traveling away, through the village and back to my home.

"Here she is, Lord Sasaki. She was…" the voice hesitated, "speaking to Gaara."

My father turned around and faced me, his eyes wide with either fear or shock. He took me from the person, who I now saw was my uncle, Katashi. "Thank you brother. How can I ever repay you for bringing her home safely?"

Katashi smiled. "It was my pleasure, Hitoshi. I would give my life for her; after all, she is the future of our clan." With that, he left me alone with my father.

"Ami, why did you do that?! That boy… he could have killed you! Is that what you want?!" He clenched his fists and closed his eyes. I shook and felt tears rise to my eyes. My father had never spoken so harshly to me. He took a deep breath and kneeled down to hug me. "I'm sorry my love. I shouldn't have yelled." He pulled me to his chest and held me there for a moment. As he released me, he said "I was just so worried, and hearing that you were with that monster… it terrified me." I felt him shudder a little.

My eyes watered even more. "I'm sorry daddy! I promise, I won't leave you again, never ever!"

He looked up and smiled at me gently. "I know you won't Ami, I know you won't…" He offered me his hand. "Let's go. Your mother has been worried sick. I'll bet she's dying to see you." I nodded and took his hand and we walked out of the room.

xXx

I smiled brightly. Today was my last day at the ninja academy! I was going to be a kunoichi, something that I had awaited my whole life. I had trained so hard for this day. My father was excited as well, we had both worked hard to get me this far. I looked at my clock and jumped out of bed. Of course, I was late! Of all days, it had to be today! I quickly threw on my normal attire, a short, sleeveless kimono style black dress with a black obi belt, netted sleeves and leggings, and boots that went up to my knees. I hurriedly started to style my white hair but gave up and ran out the door.

Why today!? I've never been late before! Is this… an omen of some sort? I picked up speed and finally reached my destination and entered my classroom. Made it! I thought as I walked through the doors. I noticed that I was the last person to arrive which, to most people, was a bad thing as it meant that only one seat was left. The one that was next to Gaara. I walked down the aisle toward the open seat, but people looked at me as if I was walking to the noose. I ignored their sympathetic looks, especially those of my best (and only) friend, Ren. I finally reached my seat; I breathed a sigh of relief. I hated it when people stared at me, it made me feel so exposed.

Gaara looked at me for a moment as I sat down. He was probably expecting me to move my chair away from him like everyone else did. I simply looked to the front of the room; unlike other people, I really wasn't afraid of him. Recently though, my acceptance of his presence had turned into almost… fondness for him. I was always a little excited to see him in class or would hope to pass him on the streets. I didn't know how to describe it, and the only explanation I had was that I wanted to take care of him since no one else would.

I tried to suppress the feeling that came over me as I felt his eyes on me and focus on what Akio sensei was saying.

"Alright," he began. "Today is the final exam to decide whether or not you will achieve the rank of genin. I will ask you individually to the next room and give you a jutsu you are to perform. If you do it flawlessly, you pass. Anything less than perfect, you fail and stay here at the academy." I tried hard not to smile. I was the top of the class and Akio sensei already knew I could perform jutsus that no one had learned yet effortlessly. "Now, the first person is Kano Tanaka." Kano rose from his seat next to Ren and entered the room. He came out a few minutes later with a Sand Village Hitai Ate clutched in his hand, smiling proudly. It continued like this for a while, students walking in, some coming out with hitai ates, others with nothing. Finally, it was my turn.

I walked into the adjoining room. "Alright Lady Sasaki. Are you ready?"

I nodded. "Of course I am."

Akio sensei smiled at me. "Alright. I want you to perform a substitution jutsu. Do you think you can handle that?"

"Yes." I readied myself as he threw a kunai at me. I quickly substituted my body for a statue that was in my room and used my chakra to hang on the tall ceiling by my feet. Akio sensei beamed once more.

"Alright Lady Sasaki, you can come out. You pass." I jumped down in front of him.

"Akio sensei, please stop calling me Lady Sasaki. I'm not the head of the clan yet; just call me Ami." He just shook his head and handed me a black hitai ate.

"You are still one of the highest people in society, just below your parents and the Kazekage and his family. Therefore, I will continue to call you Lady Sasaki." I sighed and he grinned. We walked out into the classroom again and I took my seat again. "Gaara, you're next." Gaara rose and followed him in.

xXx

The day was over almost as soon as it began. We had all gotten our squads and our squad leaders. I was with Ren and Kano, which was probably the most I could hope for, as everyone else was nervous around me because of my status. Sometimes I wish I was born into another clan. I thought as I exited the academy for the last time. That thought left my mind as I saw my father standing there, his arms open and waiting for me. A smile broke out across my face and I ran into them.

"I am so proud of you my love," he said as he released me. I smiled even more and walked over to my mother, who grinned gently and gave me a one-armed embrace. We had never been as close as my father and I, but it was still enough. Each of them grabbed one of my hands and we started to walk home, but not before I noticed Gaara standing next to Temari and Kankuro. He was wearing the same expression as always, cold and cruel. I averted my eyes and tried to focus on celebrating. Easier said than done.

I awoke the next morning early to get ready to meet my new sensei. I was disappointed that it wouldn't be Akio, but I was excited nonetheless. I looked at myself in the mirror after I was done, making sure that I looked the way I wanted to and left to meet up with Ren and Kano. My father and mother wished me luck as I ran out the door and into the main part of the village. As I hurried, I saw Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari speaking to a jonin. Their sensei, I guessed. He looked at me briefly as I went by, but soon returned his attention to his sensei.

Upon arriving, I saw that the other two were already accompanied by another jonin. "Hello, you must be Ami Sasaki," the stranger said. "My name is Katsu Sato, I will be your sensei from here on out."

"It is my pleasure Katsu sensei." I bowed my head. I had a feeling that he would be a good sensei and I was excited to be working with him.

xXx

My life seemed perfect for the next week. I had already gone on a mission, and our team worked well together. My father was sent out on a mission, which I didn't like, as we were very close, but I felt that every time he went out. Little did I know that when he told me goodbye the day he left would be the last time I saw him alive.

A/N: Ya, it's a bit of a cliffy! Uh oh! Sorry if this chapter seemed a bit dull, it is mainly here for background information on Ami and how she felt about Gaara. The next chapter will be more exciting, promise! Also, the story is rated T for now, but it may change to M in the future. Just maybe. Please review! I love reviews! They make me happy, hell, you can even leave a flame! Just make sure you justify those please! Also, major thanks to AnnaMayLover, my wonderful editor!!! Mwa! Lovers you!

Till Chapter 2!

MelloDramatic