Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
"Hana-chan?"
"Yes?"
"I had another nightmare."
"Oh? What was it about?"
"You, Mama, and Papa died."
"...I see…"
"Can I stay with you tonight?"
"I don't see why not."
"Ok…"
"..."
"Hana-chan?"
"Hmm?"
"Will you sing me the song?"
"Time to wake up...Hanako-sama." My eyelids slowly fluttered open, revealing tired, golden orbs. I had fallen asleep in an awkward position and my neck felt stiff. It seemed like I had been sleeping for many days as I lifted my sore arms to smooth down my wild hair, noticing Yuzuya's hand quickly pulling away in surprise. I looked on in uncertainty at my companion before remembering the circumstances I was in…
"Where are we?"
The air was rather cold, and the norimono we were riding in had stopped moving from what I could tell. I felt wretched in my wet clothes and frizzy hair, but I didn't care enough to do anything about it. I was sort of thankful to be with Yuzuya since any other person would have pointed out my wild appearance...it was refreshing to say the least.
As I began to rub my eyes, I watched as my lady-in-waiting gestured for me to exit the norimono, stating that we needed to gather more food for our journey to Iwa. According to Yuzuya, we had recently finished passing through River Country, which was quite a feat considering that smaller countries were vigilant about border patrol. They wanted to make sure they knew who was in and out of their country at all times in order to protect themselves from the larger countries who were in search of territory.
"So where are we?" I asked again, exiting the norimono to be greeted by Jin.
"Sunagakure in the Land of Wind." The elder man responded. My eyes lifted from my feet to take in my surroundings and found-
'Wow…'
-sand. Sand as far as the eye could see.
I had read many books on other countries and their culture, but the tiny, black and white photos did them no justice…
It was nearing nighttime from what I could tell based on the setting sun over the horizon. There was still enough light however for me to see the miles and miles of sand that expanded across a vast amount of land. Hills and dips coated the area as the tiny grains flew with every breath exhaled by the Earth, the beauty of it all unable to be captured within a photo. It smelled odd in this place...nothing like the organic setting I was used to at home. Just staring at the loose granular substance made my tongue go dry, but I didn't mind.
If I remembered correctly, I think this place was called a desert.
"We are staying here for the night." I turned around to see what Jin was talking about, my mind exploding with fascination when I caught sight of the village down below, built into the Earth as every building was made of rock. A low murmur of voices echoed up to my ears as tiny dots moved along the streets. The people were probably out for dinner or on their way home from a job; others could be hanging out with friends or just looking to have a good time.
This was civilization at its prime.
"Let's go."
The descent into the village was a rather long one, but navigating through the streets took even longer as our group went out in search for a hotel. Citizens gave us peculiar looks as we passed by, most likely because of our clothes. Unable to help myself, I noted and peered at every person I encountered, remembering the books I had stored in my luggage. The people here wore long robes and scarves that protected their faces and necks from the hot sun during the day, yet there were few who sported forehead protectors that symbolized their status as shinobi…
Shinobi worked as the law enforcement and protectors of the city, typically possessing elemental skills that allowed them to defend and fight with ease. My father was a retired shinobi who left his workforce to help train Imako for her future. The stronger of a shinobi someone was, the greater social and economic status he had. Women who were well-prepped as ninjas were valued greatly as it was seen they would produce strong offspring. My mother, for example, came from a family that possessed techniques that allowed them to control the earth. Although my mother never became a kunoichi, she was trained—in the same way how my sister was being trained—in order to build herself up to serve as a proper wife.
My situation was different from my sister's though... I was to be given away. Imako was to be presented, but she didn't have to get married. She would get to keep the Kobayashi title, allowing her more freedom to do as she pleased. Her strength in elemental ninjutsu with water gave her more choices compared to girls like me, the ones who lacked talent.
"Mommy, look at that girl!" My eyes drifted over to observe a young boy pointing his fingers at me. His dull, dark eyes signified his rank as a normal citizen, appearing to match his mother's as he tugged and yanked on her shirt. The woman quickly pulled him off to the side, sending me an apologetic look before scolding her son. I didn't respond, but just watched as the two carried on along their way.
Yuzuya tapped my shoulder hesitantly, excusing herself when I turned my gaze on her. "Are you hungry, Hanako-sama?"
I didn't realize my stomach was growling until she mention it. "You don't have to refer to me in that way."
"In what way?" Yuzuya pulled her eyebrows together in a look of perplexity.
"..." I paused for a moment, time expanding between my next sentence quickly. I didn't mean to say that to Yuzuya...the thought flitted across my mind and I spilled it out before my brain could think it over.
I half-expected Yuzuya to walk away out of impatience, but she seemed to understand the internal struggle I was experiencing at that moment. My words refused to join together to form a proper sentence it seemed, and my communication skills were starting to fall below the surface (which happened quite often).
"Let's go out for dinner."
I nodded my head at her words. I just needed time to prepare what I wanted to say was all.
The group of large men who served as our guards and carried our vehicle decided to head to a bar across the street from a local restaurant Jin, Yuzuya, and myself were eating at. We would meet later on to find an inn to settle down at before continuing in the morning to Iwa.
"How can these people live like this?" I turned my head to stare up at Jin as he looked at the inside of the restaurant, prominently searching for an available seat to take. "I mean...their homes are made of rocks."
A young man approached our trio to escort us, watching Jin warily before announcing we would be waited on shortly. He left without another word, muttering something under his breath to a coworker.
"My apologies, Jin-sama, but you m-must understand that these people allowed us into their village with hospitality; let's not judge their way of life." Yuzuya stuttered out, exasperated with how blunt Jin was. Her mouse-like tone refused to lower a pitch, but her voice sounded stern when she spoke.
"Aren't most of the homes in Iwagakure made of rock?" I questioned.
Jin gave me an astounded look as though he couldn't believe I was siding with Yuzuya...either that, or the fact that I spoke up in general.
"Our buildings look nicer than this though...you'll see it once you arrive, Hanako-sama," he muttered, "but I must apologize for my comment if it offended you, Yuzuya-san."
"...It's alright."
I could tell Yuzuya was upset with what Jin had said. My years of watching and observing people came into play as I viewed her tugging at a strand of her short, blond hair in agitation. Yuzuya was from a lower class based on the way how she acted, and Jin's remark on the houses that belonged to the average families must had perturbed her.
As the time passed by, our group had ordered food and was actually having a good time with one another, despite our rough start. All three of us were complete opposites, but I received the chance to look more into the lives of my companions. Jin was one of my fiancé's right-hand men and told me several stories about incidences when he had convinced some visitors that my fiancé was a woman.
Yuzuya participated in the conversation as well, asking questions about what our lives will be like when we arrive at Iwa.
"It should be very similar to how your lives were before...you are finished with schooling, aren't you?" I turned my amber eyes up to face Jin's amethyst ones, nodding my head as he waited patiently for my answer. "In a matter of time, you won't even know the difference!"
But I will. Imako and my parents won't be there.
"I hope so."
My stomach began to growl noisily, my ears turning red with embarrassment, but no one had heard. I could see our food sitting on the counter, but our waiter was busy helping someone else. I lifted my drink up to my lips to bide myself some time, anticipation eating away at me.
"-sledding?"
"Yeah, does it ever snow in the South?"
"Not really...what is sledding?" I listened silently as Jin explained what 'sledding' was to Yuzuya, intrigued with the idea of sliding down a mountain of snow. I wonder if it was as fun as Jin made it out to be…
Suddenly, all the voices in the restaurant go dead, eyes and ears turning toward the main entrance. Quiet murmurs echoed throughout the room, the waiters and waitresses freezing in mid-action as silence took its reign. What was going on? I couldn't see over everyone's heads…
"It's the Kazekage!"
"Kazekage-sama!"
"Why is he here?"
"It seems like he's looking for someone..."
"What do you suppose he's doing? He's just standing there and looking at everyone…"
Whispers continued to filter throughout the room as I peeked my head overtop of a few shoulders, catching sight of nothing special in particular. I decided to just focus on what everyone else was saying to remain updated, wondering what was going on exactly.
"The Kazekage is here!" Yuzuya whispered in my ear, my curiosity piqued as I questioned her knowledge of this man. "I'm sure you've heard about him before, Hanako-sama. He's Sabaku no Gaara, one of the strongest shinobi you will probably ever see in a lifetime. Why would he be out at this time...and at a local place like this?"
I had heard of him before...or at least, I had heard of his title. His position was the reason why all shinobi searched for power in the first place. It was the ultimate level of strength that was sought by all, yet achieved by so few. The Kazekage was considered the greatest of all shinobi within the Land of Wind and served as the head of the country…
What business did he have here?
It was then when I caught sight of him, my heart almost stopping as I felt it lurch.
The first thing I noticed was how his dark red hair seemed to compliment his eyes, which held an intense look of seriousness within them. It was as though I were staring into an endless pool of green, which was well-defined by the odd, dark rings that surrounded them. A gourd of sand rested upon his back, covering the red uniform that he wore along with his armor.
One thing stood out the most out of everything however-
"He's coming over here…"
The blood red kanji inscribed on his forehead, reading 'love.'
Audible gasps were heard as I shook away my thoughts, realizing that he was literally standing one meter away from my form. He just stood there, allowing me to take the chance and get a closer look at his eyes. They were the most magical shade of mint green I had ever seen, bearing the tone of an unknown emotion I couldn't define.
I was left speechless by the effect he had on me.
"Kazekage-sama?" Jin asked almost inaudibly. I couldn't see his face, but his voice made it sound as though he was afraid of what was going to happen next. The redhead ignored him, his eyes focused intently and solely on me. No one moved for a few moments, the swarm of people in the background fading away.
The man stepped closer to me, our noses practically touching before he lowered his face to my neck and sniffed. What was he doing?
I couldn't seem to move away from him as my entire system went haywire, my voice locking up in my throat. It was like my body was beginning to shut down, unable to process the situation.
He then stopped sniffing, doing something that both bewildered and startled me.
"Ow!"
He bit me. It wasn't a small nip, nor was it a harsh bite.
I lifted my hand up to feel the indent that was left in the juncture of my neck, my eyes widening when the man in front of me pulled away to stare at me. His eyes, however, were no longer a gorgeous mint green...the scleras of his eyes were now black, with yellow irises and pupils that each took the shape of a black four-pointed star with four black dots around it.
Some other bystanders took notice of this immediate change with their Kazekage:
"It's the Shukaku!"
"He's come to claim his property!"
"Run before he transforms and kills us all!"
Everyone began to rush out of the building hastily, the sound of sand slithering toward me when I looked down to find that a small ring had formed around the two of us. A loud, monstrous growl echoed in my ears as I looked up to find the Kazekage clutching his red hair in his hands, bending his knees as his legs began to give out on him. I reached forward to him to ask if he was alright, but Jin was already pulling me out of the restaurant, a look of utter horror in his purple eyes when he saw the sand chasing after us.
"What's wrong with him?!" I asked as we ran down the streets, Yuzuya several paces ahead as she guided us through many alleys to get away.
"He's transforming into the Ichibi! He'll kill us all if we stay too close to him!" Jin answered rapidly. Many people passed by us, staring on with trepidation when they noticed the scared looks in our eyes. The sun had set awhile ago, leaving us to navigate blindly with only street lamps to guide us. I noticed several shinobi running in the opposite direction of everyone, most likely heading to the restaurant to tame their Kazekage before damage could be done.
"Where are we going?" Jin asked Yuzuya suddenly, the young girl halting in her steps before shaking her head. I placed my hands on my knees, thankful for the break so I could breath. Jin and Yuzuya were exchanging words at a rapid pace, mumbling to one another quietly.
'Why? Why did he bite me?' My thoughts searched swiftly through my brain, looking for any form of a reasonable explanation. My fingers moved on their own as I ran them over the marking on my neck, pulling away to find blood. I couldn't get his image out of my head, remembering how he fell down to his knees in pain.
"A-are you alright, Hanako-sama?" I felt Yuzuya holding onto my shoulder, worried brown eyes gazing into my topaz orbs. "You look a little pale."
"I-I don't know."
As if on cue, I felt something wrap around my ankle, tugging my feet out from under me as I fell into Yuzuya's chest. She gripped my wrists firmly, screaming as I turned my head to see what had a hold of me.
Sand.
A beast, the Ichibi to be exact, stood at the entrance of the alley that we were in, growling angrily when it realized Yuzuya was holding me back. Jin stepped forward and was ready to use an Earth style jutsu to separate the sand from my ankle, but he was thrown to the ground and dragged away.
Realizing now that things were definitely not in our favor, Yuzuya quickly pulled away from me, reaching under her skirt to grab something. I fell forward, bracing myself for the impact with hard ground, but was relieved when I landed on a bed of sand. My relief only lasted for a second, however, when I realized that I was about to be eaten alive by a monster!
"Duck your head!" Yuzuya shouted suddenly, giving me no time to think. I had just lowered my head in time for her to throw several sharp weapons at the Shukaku host, surprising him enough to allow my companion to release the sand from around my ankle. I quickly stood up, watching with a horrified expression as Yuzuya told me to run.
"But...I can't just run…" I meant to say that I didn't want to leave her behind, but my mind couldn't think straight.
"Go!" The girl pulled out a full arsenal of kunai and shuriken. This was her secret talent...this was why she was picked to go to Iwa with me—to protect and serve me with undying faith.
I turned away from her, running out of the alley to cross the main road.
I continued to take the backstreets, uncaring and unsure of my destination. I wondered if Yuzuya and Jin were alright...
'Coward...' A voice echoed in the back of my mind.
Indeed, I was a coward. My response to my companions' unlimited will to protect me was to not help them and run away.
Maybe if I wasn't such a failure, I could have saved them from that beast. Instead, I was useless. This situation was just another reminder of why I was neglected as a child by my parents. I carried no special abilities, disappointing not only them, but Yuzuya and Jin as well...
I barely managed to tame the feeling of blind panic as I continued to run, hearing a growl so loud that I was pretty sure the ground was shaking. I couldn't give in to delirium though. If I wanted to survive this, I would have to keep my head on straight.
I began to soon regret sticking to the alleyways when that always-present slither of sand returned to my ears with great ferocity. I chanced a desperate glance to size up the distance between me and my death, watching as the sand monster appeared unscathed. This was it...I quickly apologized to Imako, staring up at the moon in thought. She was probably in bed at the moment and wouldn't hear about my death until a few days from now.
My mind kicked into hyperdrive, my instincts telling me to keep running. Before I could even start though, the inevitable happened as I was tackled to the ground, the weight of the Ichibi pressing down upon my back.
Gaara was experiencing one of the oddest and strangely pleasurable feelings he has ever felt before.
Mine. Mate. Take her.
It was only luck that she had been in the area. The Shukaku within him wouldn't shut up when he caught her scent and practically trembled with excitement. Now that she was marked, he would be able to track her down and never lose sight of her again, which was surprisingly relieving to the Kazekage.
Before, the idea of being with someone after spending so many years alone as an independent person was not appealing in any form whatsoever to Gaara. It may have been the Shukaku's instincts affecting him, but now he didn't mind the thought as much.
The man lifted his head to sniff the air once more, pointed teeth flashing in elation when he realized she was just around the corner. He could practically taste her tantalizing blood on his tongue now...all he had to do was capture her, satisfy his bloodlust for her, and then take her.
Once he caught sight of her once more, he couldn't help himself but to charge after her. Her brown hair was pulled up into a ponytail which hung down to her waist, and her golden eyes showed fear at his inordinate closeness. He could tell she was ready to start running again, but he wouldn't let her.
He needed her...and he needed her now.
Important things to mention:
I like to imagine the Shukaku in human-sized form. Gaara's transformation occurred because the Shukaku was ready to mate with Hanako, but since she ran away, he had to track her down.
-xxx-
Thank you for reading! Please leave a review and let me know what you think! If you have any questions, suggestions, or criticism, I will gladly answer and accept them. I like to incorporate and take in different ideas from my readers, so feel free to give me some proposals.
