Shadow of the Day

by: A'den Neytiri Kad

Author's Note

This is the third, and final, installment in this series. This is preceded by "Music of the Night" and "I Will Not Bow." This deals more with Gaara then Fang since "I Will Not Bow" dealt with her and Cocoon. This one is written mostly by me this time! O-O Shocker, right? Anywho, enjoy! Psst.. I don't own a thing!


Children screamed, darting through the avenues of people and stalls. The bright, nauseating colors stood out starkly against the buildings hewn of stand. Everyone wore their best, chatting animately with their friends and visitors. Each country was well represented in the village somehow, whether it be a fantastic fire show or a zoo of the strangest creatures from across the land.

The red-haired man scanned the crowds, watching the scene in silence. He slipped through the mass effortlessly, nodding to those in acknowledgement who called out to him. He readjusted the belts across his torso, grimacing slightly. 'Remind me not to let Naruto help next time... Or Fang, for that matter...' He pulled his vest back into place, shaking his head. Fang had insisted he have a new uniform, so had agreed reluctantly. But, she made a few changes unbeknowst to him at the time... He smiled softly, recalling that particular scene a few days prior.


"You look great," she assured him, smiling michievously.

"You just enjoy surprising me, don't you?" he asked softly, surveying himself in the dark scarlet of the robes offset his eyes and hair somewhat nicely. However, the steel colored vests and belts put him off. They kept slipping and tried to fix it, but only made it worse.

Fang chuckled, helping her boyfriend settle the new clothing on better. "Of course, but really I like it," she added leaning over o place a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"If you say so."

"I do. Now, let's go. Everyone's waiting," she told him, pulling him toward the door. Some of her friends had come to aid in the preparations for the gigantic festival, which had made him a little weary. Especially so, since it had taken almost two years to arrange everything with all the other countries.


'Everything turned out well,' he thought to himself as he wandered the streets. He saw a small blur dash between the crowd, and he felt something latch onto his leg. He glanced down, then chuckled. "Hello, Ariyah."

"Unca Gaa!" the toddler squeaked, beaming up at him with her emerald eyes.

Gaara leaned down, carefully prying himself from the child's grip and picking her up. She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. She gae him a peck on the cheek, laying her head against his shoulder. H smiled softly, tickling her and causing her to squeal softly. "Where's Mommy and Daddy?"

"Right here," Shikamaru answered, his girlfriend at his side. He leaned over and ruffled the girl's dark hair, shaking his head. " swear she never stays in one place..."

Vanille giggled at this, taking her daughter from him. "I thought Mommy told you to wait."

"But, Unca Gaa!" she replied, smiling at the Kazekage.

The shadow ninja sighed, running a hand through his ponytail. "She's been asking for you and Fang since we got here."

Gaara chuckled, poking the girl's nose softly. "Well, it has been awhile since we saw her last. Speaking of which, have you seen Fang?"

"She's-"

"Behind you," the L'Cie said, moving to stand next to her boyfriend. She was quickly tackled by her niece, and she laughed. She set the child on her hip, talking with her animately.

Gaara smiled, turning back to the toddler's parents. "I'm glad you could make it."

"We wouldn't miss it! Like I need someone to tell me twice when my sister's involved," Vanille bubbled, smiling widely.

"Mommy?"

"Yes, hun?"

"I hungy."

The coral-haired woman laughed as Fang handed Ariyah over. "Okay. Let's get you something to eat," she told her daughter, glancing at Gaara. She looked over toward Fang, then back at him, her head tilted slightly.

He shook his head, sighing softly.

She smiled, tugging on her boyfriend's arm. "Come on."

The Nara nodded, waving. "Later."

Gaara nodded in return, turning to his girlfriend. "Are you having fun?"

"Always," she smiled, kissing him softly. She pulled back, looking up at him with her bright eyes. "This is amazing."

He smiled softly, taking her hand and pulling her along gently. He glanced at the Pulsian woman's attire, smirking slightly. Her usual dark, shredded clothing was replaced by a violet kimono decorated with soft pink buds. Her sister had a matching one with opposite colors, which she had worn earlier in the day.

Fang turned her head, noticing his stare. "Shut up."

He chuckled. "I like it."

"... Really?"

"Mhm." He squeezed her hand reassuringly, leading her down an empty street to the park. He sat on one of the benches, tugging her down as well. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, closing his eyes as she rested her head against his shoulder. "I wonder what Claire would think of this..."

She laughed softly. "Careful, she might hear ya."

"Let her," he mumbled, opening his eyes and staring at the sky. It started to become rosy, blue shifting into the more vibrant colors. He felt her sigh, and he kissed her dark locks softly. He turned his attention once more to the expanse of air, focusing on the flying bird overhead. He nudged Fang's shoulder, whispering, "Everyone else probably wants to see you, too. "She mumbled something, shaking her head. "Fang..."

"I'm goin'. I'll see you later, right?"

"Mhm."

"You better-"

"I promise."

She blinked, glancing over at the sand nin. "Really?"

He nodded, pressing his lips to hers gently before standing and heading toward the looming Kazekage tower.

She smiled, leaning back against the hardened sand. 'He promised...'