AN: Baki has shown up, as promised. While things are getting pretty bad in the waking world-Gaara is living a nightmare! Shukaku wants to take over again, and it is taking everything Gaara has to keep him subdued. Brace yourself for a shouting match and maybe some abusive behavior on Shukaku's part. You may even see how the beast "punishes" Gaara for bad behavior...

The Transition-Chapter 4

Temari and Kankuro had not completely lowered their guard to Baki, certain that this was an enemy in transformation. It wasn't the first time they had encountered such, but this time they did not have Gaara's constant vigilance to protect them-His shields would go up at the slightest idea of a threat, but he wasn't even aware that anything was going on.

"Twenty years ago, Karura, our mother had agreed that she would train her art to one of her children-who was the child she ultimately tried to teach?" Temari was quick to press him for information only he would know.

"She desired to train her youngest child the art of the living shield, but could not because she died the day he was born. Rumors are that it is second nature to him despite that fact, wielded by the demon who ultimately killed her"

It seemed to be the answer they were looking for, because both lowered their defenses and led him inside the camp, where Baki immediately noticed the sleeping form by the fire. He approached him hesitantly, thinking Gaara would jump into wakefullness and slaughter him without a second thought. He always did that to the few who managed to stun him, like some sadistic game of peek-a-boo.

"what happened to him?"

"It was those Leaf ninja from the exam. One of them did a number to him..."

This information caught Baki off guard-anyone who managed to put Gaara in this state had to have extraordinary abilities. He continued his approach and proceeded to examine him.

Shukaku was furious, partly at the fact somebody had managed to defeat him, but mostly at this suddenly brazen little shit standing before him.

"What are you doing standing around in here for? LET ME OUT!"

The response that issued from Gaara was barely a growl:

"No,"

"Get out of my way you insignificant little runt, or I'll..."

"You'll what? Kill me? You know what happens when your host dies!" Gaara took no time in reminding the beast that his only other option was to live completely subdued im a tea kettle. Not that he liked to mention this often: Shukaku became brutal when reminded of the kettle.

"At least I would be entitled to the blood I've been most desperate to taste..."

"Try it and see what happens you overgrown possum!"

"Now look who's being cocky, but you know full well that you couldnt lay a scratch on a butterfly's wing without me. Learn your place, you little rat!"

"I'm done listening to your lies, demon!"

"Fine, but dont come crying to me when some rat from the ninja academy gives you a papercut! I saw how you acted when that leaf runt finally layed a mark on you!"

"At least I got to take you down with me,"

"Have you heard nothing I just said you little shit? YOU'RE NOTHING WITHOUT ME!"

The beast had heard all he was willing to hear at this point, and demonstrated that fact by shooting slicing waves of sand in Gaara's direction, though they didnt actually harm him, the pain was all too real. Gaara shrieked in pain and rage as the sand tore into his skin, making bloody gashes wherever they struck. His clothes were in tatters, his skin burned, but the demon didn't relent.

Then as quickly as it happened, it was over. Gaara looked down at his suddenly flawless hands and clothing, shaking violently. Shukaku seemed to have regained composure.

"Now, if you're a good boy who does what mother tells him, I won't have to punish you again"

"No, I wont listen anymore, and you are not my mother...you're just a dumb beast who's lied to me far too long..." Gaara was nearing his breaking point. "Do what you will, but you will never show your face to the world again." Completely devoid of energy and willpower, he collapsed at the demon's feet.

End of chapter 4.