Disclaimer – I don't own Naruto. This was written for a challenge for TravelT's contest called The Perfect World over on Wattpad. I got three chapters written. I'd actually had this idea running around in my head for some time. The idea involves two different timelines converging at one point because of one place, thus perminantly effecting both timelines. The effect is based off a wish by someone, and in the opposite world someone has a wish that matches in some way. Getting one's wish granted may seem like it leads to a perfect world, but in reality a perfect world for one person is not for another.
Perfect Worlds
Two Different Worlds
If only the world were perfect.
…
"Question. If the world were perfect, what would that entail?"
"Answer. A perfect world would be a world where my parents and uncle were alive."
"And why is that?"
"My existence is the reason for this world being imperfect."
"Is that really so?"
"They would all three be alive if it weren't for me."
…
If only the world were perfect.
…
"Question. If the world were perfect, what would that entail?"
"Answer. A perfect world would be a world where Gaara was alive."
"And why is that?"
"A mother can't but feel a gaping wound in their heart, as a parent isn't supposed to outlive their children."
"Is that really so?"
"That is how motherhood is."
…
If only the world were perfect.
~N~
The dusty sands gave way to the lush forest. A moist breeze flowed through the forest, touching the cheek of the young Kazekage, making his eyes close at the pleasure the sensation brought. Even though his sand protected him from the elements, it did not protect him from the dryness of the desert. A few miles out of the desert, and those traveling with him as his guard decided to set up camp. The smell of a nearby water source drew him away, unnoticed by those near him.
His small feet fell upon the sand, stepping so as to not make a sound. Gaara soon came to a clearing which he'd not seen before, a waterfall coming out from the mountain midway. The steam coming off the pond also disappeared into the ground, as if the earth below sucked it in. The auburn-haired fifth sat down on a log nearby, watching the flow of water, letting the tranquil environment wash over him. He couldn't help but think this place was perfect, a far cry from the scarred world outside.
Despite becoming the Kazekage, there were still those in the village who saw him as a monster. They blamed him for the death of Rasa, who was not only the previous Kazekage but his father. Before that, it was his uncle Yashamaru and his mother during birth. There was this inkling deep in his soul that worried the beast would come out, and destroy everything he'd come to hold precious. There was also the fact he'd lost certain things before he understood what it was to have something precious to oneself.
The concept went against everything which was Suna's ninja way. The strongest survived like he once did. The ninja cut off all emotions like he once thought he did, and yet Gaara came to realize emotions couldn't be locked away. For example, right now he was thinking about how the perfect world would have all three of those people alive, even if it meant he didn't exist. That world would be perfect.
~N~
The dusty sands gave way to the lush forest. A moist breeze floated through the open part of the covered rickshaw her younger brother pulled along. Karura's head rested lightly on Rasa's shoulder. She could feel her husband's firm, strong muscles as she leaned into him, her eyes not taking in anything around her. A sigh left her lips. "You know, if you left me behind, traveling between the hidden villages wouldn't be an issue."
"If I left you back in Suna, I'd worry about you."
His voice was soft despite his rough exterior, reminding Karura of how her husband could normally be rough in his personality, and yet at times be one of the most gentle persons she knew. Her head hung lower. "I'm sorry I'm like this."
"I miss him too. I miss not being able to hold him when he was born."
Karura's fingers twisted into Rasa's arm. "It wasn't meant to be, but our family would have been perfect."
Early on they'd talked about trying for another, but neither one found the subject to their liking. Gaara was born prematurely, his small body unable to withstand life outside of his mother's womb. Had they managed to seal the Shukaku into the child before he was born, there was a chance he might have survived, but looking back at this in hindsight, it might not have taken. The worst part was, over the last fourteen years she'd lost the will to live, and Rasa found himself living for her.
"Lord Kazekage…"
Rasa stirred, almost as if to note that Yashamaru didn't need to call him by said title, only to remember other shinobi were present. "Yes?"
"I think this is a good place to camp."
It was then that Rasa drew away from her, to help with the duties. Sometimes he'd walk beside the rickshaw, holding her hand as they traveled, yet sometimes he'd ride with her, knowing exactly where he mind drifted off to. At these times Yashamaru took over, to make it feel less like the Kazekage was being a burden on his men, and yet Karura knew they only spoke highly of how he cared for her when his back was turned, not complaining at all, unlike some of the others in the village.
He would have made a wonderful father to little Gaara, if only he had the chance.
As they set up, Karura stepped out of the rickshaw. One of the men approached her. "Lady Karura, should you be standing."
"I'm weak, but I can go for short walks. My husband and brother will know how to find me. They always do."
The smell of nearby water drew her away, and her feet made a little noise, for, despite her lack of energy, she'd retained the ability to be light on her feet. This trait she was glad Temari inherited. She came across a waterfall which appeared out of nowhere and disappeared into nowhere as if the earth took and gave. She sat down nearby, taking a deep breath as the tranquil environment washed over her.
~N~
Gaara's eyes widened, blinking once as he thought the water suddenly changed direction, going backward instead of down. The illusion seemed to not be an illusion, and his mind felt suddenly drawn into the very waterfall, the sensation of going up to the sky above washing over him, the sensation of moving lurching his stomach unexpectedly. Something strange was going on, as his body felt cold, but also torn apart.
~N~
Karura titled her head, watching the water when Rasa's calloused hand clamped down onto her shoulder. Glancing up, she could see a weak smile on her face, and that Yashamaru had joined her. He reached down to help her up, only for her eyes to be drawn away from her husband to the waterfall, their eyes being drawn likewise. The water seemed to be moving backward, and then she felt a strange sensation, as well as being pulled away from her husband.
