OOC: I'm not sure what happened, but I've gotten the urge to read a lot of Naruto fanfictions lately…about my favourite character: Sabaku no Gaara. Something in me was just dying to start a story on him, so here I am. I will also continue working on The Raven as much as possible, but Gaara-kun seems to have beat Kyouya-kun to the race for priority as of now. Anyhow, please rate and review.


Hot desert winds graced the sculptures of Sunagakure's civilization. Few people could be seen moving about in the blistering heat of The Windy Country's early afternoons. Nonetheless, sticking to what little shadow remained with the sun directly overhead, an entourage of figures pressed on persistently. After a lengthy march, they managed to enter the illustrious village district known as Hamachii, or flower city, where the scenery was considerably greener and beautiful desert plants blossomed by the side of well-kept streets.

Temari emerged from the carriage, feeling thankful for the small breeze of wind that flew by periodically. Although she felt rather cramped and uncomfortable in that wooden confine, she did have appearances to keep up as the sister of the Kazekage, and she was not about to let her personal preferences tarnish her younger brother's sincere efforts to establish his reputation as Protector of the Sand.

Smoothing the wrinkles that had accumulated on her clothes from the ride, the oldest of the three royal siblings led her small team of seven inside the spacious lobby of a large mansion complex. It was cool there, and they would have a chance to shelter from the heat while she completed her task.

A woman around her age, dressed in a blue kimono, had been waiting for her arrival. "Temari-sama, you're early."

"Good afternoon, Miyoko." Temari replied politely. "How have you been?"

"Very well, thank you." Miyoko smiled respectfully. "I trust you have been well Temari-sama. Komurasaki-san is waiting on the terrace."

"Thank you, Miyoko." The blonde woman nodded before disappearing with familiarity to the inner courtyard behind a maze of screen doors. She knew the layout of this complex like the back of her hand, and for a good reason too. The owner of this formidable piece of property was her closest friend and confidant: Tamaya Komurasaki, rumoured to be the most beautiful woman in the Land of the Wind.

"Temari-san." A voice chimed her out of her thoughts. Temari took a good look at the young woman sitting on the opposite side of the unusually large terrace that overlooked a vast courtyard of running water and green. Komurasaki was just as tall as Temari herself, but was adorned with a pale face and long black hair. The oldest of the three Sand siblings swore that the only person in this world who could possibly be paler than Komurasaki was her younger brother Gaara. It always made her ponder long and hard how the two managed to avoid tanning when they lived in a land perpetually stalked by the sun.

"Temari-san." The same voice repeated, a little firmer this time. "Is something the matter?"

"O-oh no." The oldest Sand sibling replied, taking a seat at the tea table. "Something was just on my mind." She lied in what she hoped was a smooth manner.

"Tsktsk." Komurasaki clicked her tongue teasingly. "You're not a very good liar you know." She rose from her seat across a rather full go board, temporarily setting aside her game for the arrival of this very important guest.

"Here." She took a seat beside the blonde woman, and reached for the teapot. "Have some tea."

Temari watched as her friend's slender fingers curled around the handle of the teapot, focusing on the way she poured the lukewarm liquid into a small but nicely decorated porcelain cup. She had always admired Komurasaki's ability to move with impossible grace, it almost made her jealous that she was not taught in the ways of court. Almost.

"Thank you, Murasaki-chan. It's delicious."

A small smile spread across her companion's lips. "I'm glad you enjoy it." She replied, and lightly placed her hand on a tightly sealed package that sat a little distance away from their tea set on the table. "I hope you wouldn't think this too rude," Komurasaki began, "but I had some prepared for Kankuro-san and Kazekaga-sama."

"Not at all!" Temari beamed. "I'm just honoured that Komurasaki-tayu had it in her heart to think of us." She teased playfully. "That package over there could fetch a considerable fortune if sold on the common market." But, before her friend could respond, she continued. "I'm actually rather happy you brought them up, Murasaki-chan. I was wondering how I would even begin describing what I'm trying to ask, but I need a very big favour and you were the only person that I thought was suitable."

Sensing that her friend was attentive, Temari began again. "It's…about Gaara. Well, the thing is, I'm pretty sure everyone knows by now that he isn't the most social person in the world. In fact, he hasn't any idea how to properly make social contact with anyone besides me and Kankuro. So…I was hoping you could be his guide. He is going to be formally appointed Kazekage at the festival in a month's time, so the council's got their eyes all over him. Kankuro and I know he is going to do a great job. Unfortunately, not everyone knows Gaara as we do." She sighed a little. "Politics is a troublesome thing, and the three of us are sadly inexperienced." Her eyes traveled to her friend's pale face and locked their gazes. "You will help me, won't you?"

A short period of silence passed before her companion responded.

"It doesn't seem like I have much of a choice," Komurasaki laughed, "although..." she paused a little, "it will not be free of charge."

Temari's eyes narrowed, but she soon relented. "I understand. This is a grotesque favour that I'm asking of you." She stood to leave, taking the tea that her friend had prepared. "I do hope you keep to your word, Murasaki-chan." It sounded more like a command than a request.

"Of course." Komurasaki nodded with a smile. "Have a pleasant evening Temari-san."


"YOU DID WHAT?!" Kankuro bellowed in the expansive vicinity of Gaara's office, his eyes wide with shock.

His sister folded her arms over her chest. "Do you have a better suggestion?" She snapped, a little irked by his less than enthusiastic response.

"But she's THE Tamaya Komurasaki! THE Tayu that have sent countless nobles to financial ruin without so much as an explanation of why she rejected their favours. We could NEVER afford her partisanship!"

Temari rolled her eyes. Leave it up to Kankuro to know all about the most famous courtesan in all of Sunagakure. Had he attempted to seek her company previously? The oldest Sand sibling almost snorted. It wouldn't be beyond him.

"Relax." She asserted firmly. "Murasaki-chan is not unreasonable, and this is our best chance to help Gaara achieve his dream." Her eyes softened at the mention of their youngest brother.

"You're right." Kankuro agreed, finally deciding to grow up for once. "This is for Gaara."

Now, all they had to do was break the news to the soon to be Kazekage. He should be returning from his briefing any minute now.

Gaara had definitely changed from his bloodthirsty younger self. Outgrowing his previous mold as a demon that only lived for the purpose of raw power and death, the current Sabaku no Gaara was a cautious man who loved Sunagakure with a heart as vast as the stretches of wind itself. To protect, not destroy, was now his purpose. He was determined to redeem himself in the eyes of this great village.

"Temari, Kankuro." The handsome young man greeted his older siblings as he entered his office. "You're staying late, is something wrong?"

"No, Gaara." Temari smiled. His voice was gentle but firm, living proof of how much effort he put to changing his ways. She was so proud of him. "We have some good news for you."

"Yup." Kankuro grinned, a little forcefully. Temari glared at him, but continued. "You're going to receive your title in a month's time, but there's a lot of work to be done before we get there. We all know that the council is going to be watching you closely, so-"

"What Temari wants to say," Kankuro couldn't contain himself anymore, "is that we've gotten you some help to deal with the infernal hell that we call politics around here, and her name is Tamaya Komurasaki."