.Gaara felt tension in his chest as his heart pounded. He had gotten separated from his siblings during a mission, now he was cornered and injured. He had no chakra left in him to fight, it was as if the monster had drained it from him. He watched as the monster charged at him and he flung up and fought with his bare feet and hands. He couldn't see clearly as if his world was black but he didn't stop. Each move was blocked and he stumbled backwards. The monster's hands wrapped around his wrist and swept his leg out from underneath him.

" You're safe. You don't have to worry anymore."

The voice was soft and soothing. When he relaxed, the hands disappeared from his wrist and he opened his eyes. He was in a log cabin out in the middle of a forest and in front of him was a girl.

" You really do put up a fight." She huffed. Gaara stayed quiet and took in details of her. On her was a short kimono, a soft green with pink and white flowers and detailing. Her hair was black and curly, her eyes a vibrant blue. Then around her neck laid a headband of the sand village.

She was a ninja.

" I came just in time. That demon nearly killed you." She dipped a rag into a bowl of water and rung it out. " I was out and found you passed out on the floor. I take it you were separated?"

She reached out and patted his chest gently. Gaara winced at the pain. When he looked down, not only was he shirtless but he had recalled a gash against his chest. Now it was nearly gone.

" Why are you not scarred?" he asked as he slowly sat up after she finished. Hikari took her bowl and put it up on the counter.

" Do I have a reason to be?" She asked as she walked over and stirred a pot over a fire. Once it was to her liking, she poured some and handed it to him. " Eat, you've been out for a couple days."

Gaara took the bowl hesitantly and slowly brought it up to his lips. Deciding it was ok, he took a sip and felt his stomach beg for more.

" You're Gaara of the Sand right?" She asked as she took what looked like his shirt into her arms. " I use to go to school with you when we were younger, I remember because of your eyes. You probably don't remember me though. Just eat as much as you want there is plenty and rest up so we can take you home. I'm sure your brother and sister are worried sick about you."

Gaara watched her silently as she stepped outside. Through the window he could see her pet a horse that stood there patiently and kneel at the bank of the river. She quietly began to wash his shirt with no sign of anger or being upset over it. Turning his gaze he continued to eat without saying a word.


" Alright, here you go." Hikari spoke as she rode up to the gates of the Sand village." I already told Temari and Konkuro that you be here today."
Gaara turned his head and saw his sister and brother gleam with happiness as they saw him.

" Oh Gaara! You're ok!" Temari cried. It was not long after he got onto his feet was he tackled. He pried himself away and went to thank the girl, but she was already riding away. His mind began to wander as he watched her. She remembered him yet he couldn't remember her. She could have left him to die but yet she didn't. Gaara's hand slipped over his heart as he silently vowed to never forget her again. Then realized one thing.

He would never know her name.


" It's so hot." Hikari groaned as she fanned herself. " Tell me again why we live in the hottest damn village again?"

" Because we love it here. Besides it gets really cold in the winter." Her friend answered as she laid her head back against the bench.

" Yea but that's only a fourth of the year. My god I'm about ready to start stripping." She continued as she grabbed the top of her blouse and fanned down towards her chest.

" Maybe you well catch a boy."
" No Jasmine." Hikari snapped. " I don't feel like getting involved with that sort of trouble. Now lets get back into some air condition please."

Jasmine gave her a teasing smirk and stood up next to her. The two turned to begin walking when something light hit Hikari's legs. When she looked down she saw a young kid hiding behind her legs with tears down her face.

" What's wrong?" She question. The girl just pointed in front of them. When the two older girls looked up they spotted the council walking up to them. With comfort Hikari picked the girl up and held her with protection.

" Hand the girl over." A member snapped.

" Why?" She glared.

" That is none of your business. Now do as you are told."
Hikari gave them a look and felt tears against her skin.

" I said no. There is nothing this young of a child could have possibly done to get involved with the council."
" You dare disrespect the Kazekage!" Another member flared. " You disrespectful little -"
" Enough."

They all fell silent.

The council members turned and Gaara stepped forward silently.

" I thought I told you to leave this girl alone." He spoke. His tone was threatening but viscously calm.

" But Kazekage -"
" Let her go." He snapped.

" As you wish. But what about the other one?"

He turned and eyed Hikari. Something about her made his heart tick.

" What has she done?"
" She disrespected you and the council, went against our orders." A man explained.
" She can't disrespect you if your orders went against what I told you. Let her go."

Jasmine covered her mouth to hold back her laughs.
" The Kazekage totally just told them off." She chuckled quietly. Hikari smirked at her comment and put the young girl down.
" Don't cry any more. They will leave you alone." She promised as she brushed the girl's hair out of her face.

" Thank you."
" You're welcome. Now go home."

The girl nodded with a smile and ran straight home. Dismissing herself, Hikari started back out on her path back home as well with Jasmine rushing to catch up to her.

" How dare you not bow to our-"
Gaara held up his hand and silenced him. Watching her walk off for a second longer, he simply turned and walked the other way without saying a word.