~Excerpt from Kazekage Gaara DesertWalker's Personal Files~
Kuzuru.
A name that belonged to the person who became your other half; the only person who had the privilege of seeing into your soul...no matter how blackened it might be.
I was always told that I would never have a Kuzuru.
Who in their right mind would want to become the Kuzuru of the Sand Village's Shukaku?
So I grew, watching as those around me found their beloved other half's. As I watched, my mind grew blank...as did my eyes.
Why?
Why was I deprived of this golden treasure? When I tried to think of an answer, only one came to mind. I was useless. Unloved. Forgotten.
Unwanted.
With this thought at the forefront of my mind, I set out to prove them wrong. I trained...and I fought alongside my fellow Sand shinobi. Slowly I waited, watching as their fear began to diminish...and then heaving a long-awaited sigh as it dissolved altogether.
Alas, my Kuzuru was still lost to me.
Would I ever find that missing piece of my heart? My soul?
Now, I look over the Sand Village as Kazekage, the stares now bestowed on me not of fear...but of admiration and solace. They know I will do all I can to protect them, no matter what the cost.
As I listen to the wind howl softly around me, a rustle to my right catches my attention. I watch, a small smile gracing my features as a shadow appears close to my side.
His presence...his very essence.
That is what helps me through the toughest times of my life.
Even if our meeting was only a short while ago, my heart feels as though I have been waiting for him my whole life. He kneels, bowing his head to me as he speaks.
"My Lord...are you ready to begin the evening patrol?" I hear myself sigh, then I turn to him...to my Kuzuru.
"Of course. Let us begin...Shrikan."
- Gaara DesertWalker
A/N: A fanfic I did for one of my many roleplay partners. Set in the POV of my character, Gaara DesertWalker; her RP character, named Shrikan TheFool, holds of special place in both my & Gaara's hearts. May the stars always shine for you, my friend :)