Chapter IX: Wavering Prejudice
The soft splashes of the stream brought a soothing melody in the quiet forest. The night was silent, though periodically, there would be the sound of grasshoppers chirping in the distant, or the rustling of leaves as the wind blew them aside, or a small animal making its way back to its nest. There was a soft thud of footsteps as someone approached the stream of water. A white rabbit peeked its small head from underneath the ground, but in an instant went back to hide.
Drawing some water to a basin, Kankurou began rinsing the dried cloth, though it was difficult with his damaged hands. He did the action without thought, and when he was done he splashed water upon his tired face, wiping away the face paint that was ruined much earlier. The cold water briefly awoke him from his exhaustion and fatigue.
It had been a rather long night, and he hadn't gotten a wink of sleep, instead spent most of the night looking over Temari. Her fever had fallen a bit since yesterday, but still she wasn't at normal temperature. He spent the better part of the morning searching for any medical herbs in the area; so far he had been unsuccessful except for locating a stream nearby. He sighed. Judging by the lighting it was probably around three o'clock in the morning, Kankurou reasoned. Rivulets of violet kabuki paint danced on the water's surface, and he stood up, wiping the water from his face, and made his way back to the camp. An owl hooted off in the distant, but he paid no attention, and instead concentrated on the nearly invisible hidden trap, he'd created as a warning of anyone approaching.
The orange flames of the fire cracked softly in the cool, night air. His brow furrowed a bit as he noticed Gaara sitting against tree trunk, a few feet from Temari. Ever since his brief talk with Gaara, so many hours ago, the younger shinobi took refugee in the branch of a tree, keeping deep to his thoughts. Out of respect, Kankurou left him alone, and spent the night adding a cool cloth upon Temari's burning head. It seemed that the younger boy had figured things out, and was returning back to their world.
His red head spun automatically to the sound of his footsteps. They stared at one another for a minute, but nothing was said. Kankurou placed the cool cloth of Temari's forehead, she moved her head slightly at the contact, but beyond that she was still deeply asleep. She was breathing a bit heavily, cold sweat continued to trickle down her skin, and she occasionally muttered a few incoherent words. For a while, the only sound that could be heard was the chirping of the crickets, until finally Gaara broke the silence.
"Is Temari going to die?" His voice was cool and calm like the night air, his calculating eyes scanned Temari's pale face before resting on Kankurou's face. His eyes darken, and his entire body froze, but he responded in a firm voice.
"No, she isn't." He was lying. "Temari's going to be fine, we'll make it home."
Gaara stared at him, quickly seeing past the lie. Both of them knew that it was merely faith that kept Temari breathing this long. She could die at any moment, and still Kankurou continued to maintain that false hope. It seemed irrationally. No doubt Leaf ninja would come after them, and with a lack of energy and resources, there was simply no way to fight another battle and get through the desert. The once proud children of the Kazekage were left with nothing. Bare, weaken, and alone they had nothing left, but hope. Hope that they would get to see the golden sand dunes, and rocky mesas of the desert.
It was a beautiful, beautiful crafted lie, Gaara thought.
I'll definitely protect them until the end!
Uzumaki Naruto said those words fiercely, and he meant it. The blonde boy fought a losing-battle, but the need to protect the people he loved continued to fuel his strength. He could see it now, how Kankurou stayed up so vigilantly watching over Temari. He seemed to be in so much pain. His love to Temari must be making his like this, depressed and illusionist; whereas he, who had disassociated himself with any beings, didn't think too much of her condition. Death was so natural to him, and he saw no reason to be affected by this awaiting death. But he supposed that this death would mean a lot to Kankurou that if Temari did die. Those emotional wounds that… Gaara shook his head not wanting to remember the person that had muttered those words. There was a moment's silence broken only by the crackling of the fire and the uneven breathing of Temari.
"She needs… medicine," Gaara said hesitantly, briefly recalling where he had heard the term from.
"There aren't the proper herbs around—"
"There is a town nearby Konoha. I heard a few Leaf shinobi speaking about it."
Kankurou moved his head to look at the younger Sand shinobi, and upon seeing no doubt, he pulled out a wrinkled paper from within his pouch. He smoothed out the sheet, quickly running his finger through the markings until he at last was able to make an approximation of their location. Gaara stood to his side, watching him. "We should be right here. That means there should be a small town north of here," Kankurou said more to himself, but then frowned.
This town stood behind them, meaning that more time would be wasted on going there and back again, but what was considered worst was the town's location. It was too near Konoha and there was a good chance of running into Leaf shinobi. It was too risky to more Temari, especially close to enemy territory. That meant one of them had to go to the town and the other one had to remain with Temari.
"I will take care of Temari."
He darted quickly to view Gaara; half expecting someone else to have said that, after all when had Gaara taken an interest to them? He was independent. He cared about no one, often did things that could have gotten both of them killed.
"Gaara, I don't think..."
"You do not trust me?" Gaara asked voicing out Kankurou's thoughts.
"Well…" He just didn't think that Gaara should handle something so important. Temari was everything to him, and it was only because they had each other did they survive their childhood, the impossible expectations of their father, and the wrath of their brother. No, Temari wasn't just some scroll from a mission that needed to be protected; she was more valuable than that.
"I give you my word that no harm shall befall on Temari," Gaara said, their eyes meeting with each other. That same silence fell on them, this time lasting much longer than before. Kankurou toyed with the idea of letting Gaara go to the town, but he absolutely knew nothing of medicine –having never been injured or sick before– or bringing Temari with them, but that would be more dangerous then helpful.
"Alright," he finally said breaking the eye contact. There was no other choice. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he said picking the wrapping of Karasu and swinging it over his back. He had no clue whether Karasu would provide any protection, after all the puppet as well as his hands, needed major repairs.
There was another minute's silence, as Kankurou gathered a few items to begin on the short journey, folding the map and placing it within his pocket. Gaara stood behind him, arms crossed and watching him as he moved about. At last when he got himself organized he bent down to see the unconscious Temari and brushed away her golden locks. The intimate action caused Gaara to move his head aside, deciding that this was too personal for him to be viewing. Having been born without love, he didn't think it was proper to see the actions of other people that loved each other. For the first time, he felt awkward around them; as though he was a surplus and should just leave them alone. He did not fear corpses, or dismantled bodies, but for some reason this scene made him uncomfortable.
He stayed like that for a few minutes, before rising and looking at him. There was a serious look in his eyes and he stood tall not at all scared of his half insane brother. "Take care of her," he said one more time and then disappearing into the dark forest. Gaara watched Kankurou as he leapt to a tree branch and dash away. And he thought for a minute that Kankurou would be in excruciating pain if Temari died, and that maybe his own emotional wounds would never heal.
---
Ignoring the pain in his legs, Kankurou continued to dash through the thick trees. He felt a bit lightheaded and fatigue from not getting any proper rest in the last few days, but he pushed it aside for the sake of Temari. He figured that he would just get Temari's medicine and then return in an instant. The less time he left Gaara alone with Temari, the better things would turn out. There was still that bit of distrust he harbored towards Gaara, since hearing his brother twisted philosophy. Shifting Karasu to another shoulder, he dashed further on.
After half an hour of traveling, the trees began to clear to a wide expanse of land. A dark valley loomed out before him with a dirt made road that lead to the north, electric poles were planted to side of the dirt road that probably lead to the village that Gaara was referring to. The ground was shifted from the footprints of humans and cattle alike, and it stretched off in the distant. He landed on the dirt road, consulting with the stars to the direction north and once again running at full speed to the village.
He arrived just as the dawn was breaking out. Festival stands, balloons, and colorful buildings made up the village, as far as he could see. The streets were relatively empty, but the air was tensed with a feeling of festivity, and the smells of spiced food and sweets. Indeed, it seemed funny that people could be thinking about a festival after all the hardship they had gone through. Pushing the thought aside, he ran from building to building in search for a pharmacy, but having no luck whatsoever. It was too early in the morning, and most of the townspeople were awaking and getting ready for the coming day. He passed by another festival stand, where the aroma of freshly cook bread filled the air. Anger overcame him, as he realized time was ticking by and he still he couldn't find a freaking pharmacy! Really did this town spend everyday partying? He stopped running then, feeling once again that bit of fatigue. He took another step, his whole body protested, wanting nothing more than to lie down for a moment.
The creaking of an opened door sounded off in the distant, and without meaning to he felt his legs resolving below him. Kankurou crumpled to the ground quickly becoming engulfed in a sea of darkness.
---
The wind whipped her long violet hair, obscuring her vision, but she quickly pushed away her locks, and continues on her path. She had just done to visit the memorial stone, where the heroic names of the brave shinobi were carved carefully on the surface. She stood rooted to the spot, watching just one name in particular. Hayate.
The injustice of what had been done was just too overwhelming. Hayate did not deserve to die; he was a good man, deeply devoted to his village, helped anyone without wishing for nothing in return, and ever so respectful and kind. They were going to get married. She'd envisioned it all: the large gathering of people –friends, comrades, old teachers– all cheering happily with music playing in the background. He would be at the end of the aisle, dressed up so handsome with a small smile on his face. And she would be walking to him, dressed in a beautiful gown and carrying a bouquet, with a smile on her own face.
But fate is cruel. She carries a bouquet everyday, but with a sad face, and instead of walking down the aisle to his shining face, she walks to the cold stone where his name is carved. Fate continued to mock her, as Hayate's killer continued freely out in the world, showing no remorse for the misery he had cost. There was no way she would let this simply past, she would avenge her lover, and bring the same pain and angst to Baki.
That was all Yugao did in her free time, visit Hayate's and search desperately for any information of Baki. Finding his name was difficult, but after she had gone through her connections and recreated the scene, she discovered his name. Now if only she had a face to go with that name. There was no known record in the village of the appearance of Baki. He wasn't even included in the profile of his students; instead a question mark and a blank space appeared.
She sighed. This Baki was a mysterious person. The only method she could think of finding him was to go to Suna and then ask for his whereabouts there. But she couldn't do that right now when everything was in complete chaos. For now she would just have to wait.
Her footsteps echoed softly on the wooden planks as she crossed a curved bridge. However, just beyond the bridge there stood a man looking below the soft stream of water, as if deep in thought. He wore heavy dark robes that touched the ground. Carefully, she walked up to him, putting up her guard.
"Can I help you?" she asked, though her voice showed no hospitality. The stranger turned his head. He wore a white turban, with a drapery that hung on the right side of his face, and his neck covered in bandages. What she could see of his face was toughed, as though from the pounding of the wind and the harsh rays of the sun. Small red triangles were painted near his eye, and when he spoke it was in a deep voice.
"No."
"What business do you have here in Konoha, then?"
He looked at her a bit crossly, and then turned his head sharply. "It's none of your concern where I come from." She stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
"It is my concern," she stated, her eyes growing narrow.
However, he did not seem at all intimidated. He took a side step, and began walking to the opposite direction. "I'm just looking for some children."
---
A bright light brought him back to consciousness. Kankurou sat up on a small bed, slowly taking in his surroundings. The room was void of any decorations, except for a small vase of flowers set on a table to the side. The walls and floor was white, giving him the impression of a hospital, however a small picture frame to the side told him that he must be in someone home. It looked to be a family portrait with the mother and father to the side, while the three children—two boys and a girl—stood in the middle, each of them had a smile on their face.
His tired eyes gazed toward the window, half expecting to see the clouds of sand scratching on the glass, but he only saw the a gathering of tall trees, and the blue sky above. Where was he? Judging by the window outside and the rooms architecture he was still in Fire Country, which meant that Gaara and Temari were still out there alone in the wilderness. Shock struck him then like a lighting bolt. How long had he been out? Were Temari and Gaara alright? Had Konoha started searching for them, already?
The door opened, then, and he quickly dug in his pouch to search for a weapon, and realizing that it had been taken from him. His face was wiped free of his paint, and he was missing his shirt, but what he found worst was that Karasu was nowhere in sight. He sat up quickly, though a faint dizziness was quickly coming at him.
"You're awake." He looked to the side to see a young woman holding a tray with a small teapot and a cup. She looked as though she was troubled by something, but then smiled at him, and placed the tray to a table that stood to the side. She had long, dark hair that was pulled back into a single ponytail, and a pair of dark brown eyes that stared at him tenderly, nonetheless. Based on her appearance, Kankurou guessed that she must be in her early twenties.
"Good morning," her voice sounded sweet, and her kimono shifted slightly as she approached his bed side. "I see you're finally awake. You'd been asleep for so long that I began to worry you were in some type of a coma," she added thoughtfully.
"H-how long have I been asleep?" He asked, his voice sounding a bit strained, a dull ache was forming in his temple, and he found it difficult to keep focus.
"Well, you've been asleep for two days," she answered, absentmindedly, placing the tray beside the table stand. She took a seat to a chair to the side, and began busying herself with taking out its contents. "My brother and I found you while I was returning home from buying our morning bread."
"Two days?"
She must have sensed the strained of his voice, since she looked up to him. "Yes, you were severely exhausted, not to mention dehydrated."
Kankurou didn't answer. His mind was already off thinking ahead. Two days? Konoha was bound to search for them after their grand escape. Had… had they caught up to Temari and Gaara? Had they been captured? No. Gaara couldn't be captured, he was too powerful… but he was captured before…. But that was because he was unconscious. And what if… what if Gaara simply left Temari alone? He said he would take care of her, but Gaara had never taken care of anyone in his entire life. He was independent, arrogant, and demanding. Had he simply got bored and left her, alone and vulnerable in enemy territory?
She asked for his name, and he simply made one up. "I've wanted to heal your hands but I figured it would be best if you were awake, and I guess I came at the right time." She took a small white towel, and set it on her lap, carefully placing a basin down. Her hands were soft, as she touched his wrist, carefully and with a certain expertise, undid the bandages. His hands, still the pale blue and pinkish at the tip, seemed to have been cured considerably, as she carefully dipped them down on the lukewarm water.
The young woman exchanged her name and told him she was a doctor by profession, though she wasn't from here. After the attack of Konoha there was a large demand of doctors, so she and her brother had traveled to Konoha, but couldn't stay in the village since it was still in shambles. "My uncle taught me medical ninjutsu," she said, after patting his hands dry with the towel. She took his left hand onto her own, and produced a faint glowing from the tip of her fingers. "It'll usually take you weeks to heal bone fragments that were this destroyed, though it might hurt a bit."
He didn't feel it at first, but within a few minutes there was a tingling sensation in his hands, and that soon formed to a terrible ache as he realized his bones were growing in minutes. It lasted almost an hour, but when she was done he definitely could see the effect. The cuts and bruises on his edge were gone and he could fully rotate his wrist and flex his fingers. The young woman wiped her brow, sighing a bit in exhaustion, and then took his other hand. She talked a lot, mostly about her work and her home village, but she still kept focus on her current work, allowing him to continue with his thoughts.
The same doubts continued to fill him. He shook his head. Gaara said he would take care of Temari, he shouldn't be doubting him. He needs to trust him, have faith in him. He told him just a few nights ago that he was his little brother. Did that not mean anything? Was it all just sweet talk to pacify him? He knew it then that he shouldn't be seeing Gaara as the monster he had encountered so long ago. That monstrous sand demon with the star-shaped eyes and booming voice that nearly destroyed Suna so long ago; and that sent Temari crying and in shock, not wanting anything but just sitting dumbly in the corner and staring off in the distant, shaking and silent; that same demon that sent him weak and unable to eat or sleep for an entire week.
"Did you visit Konoha?"
"Huh?" he asked. She repeated herself. "Yeah, I spent some time there," he answered.
"Did you like it there?" She asked.
He thought for a minute. Beyond the failed mission, the imprisonment, and their current pathetic state, he began to see something different in Gaara. Apologizing in the forest? Rescuing them from the ANBU? Taking care of Temari, while he was away? The fight with Uzumaki must have done something to him, he was changing. And here he was accusing Gaara, thinking badly of him, and doubting him, after everything that he had done. None of this would have happened if they hadn't come to Konoha. Perhaps Gaara would still be as cold and uncaring, if they never did come to Konoha. "I can't exactly say," he answered. "It's just too different from my village."
"I know. My village is really small, and when I came to Konoha, I was just amazed. Konoha must have been beautiful before the attack. It's a shame what happened, really."
"Yeah."
When she was done with the other hand, he made a move to climb out of bed, but instead he felt his legs give way and his whole body falling face forward upon the wooden floor. The young woman sprinted in a hurry, knocking aside the cup of tea, but getting a firm grip on his shoulders; she heaved for a moment, but reluctantly sat him up on the bed. "You really shouldn't be out of bed, yet." Her tone was firm, not gossiping as she had been a few minutes ago, but stern as a doctor should be. "You body is still exhausted."
He sat on the bed, not listening to her scowling.
Temari, Kankurou... I'm sorry.
Somewhere they had come to associate that Gaara was indeed Shukaku, and he would transform into that terrible demon and bring death and chaos. And they forgot that Gaara was still their brother. He was even more alone than they were, and he was starting to come through to them. He had apologized, and that meant he was truly sorry for that, he wanted to start over.
"Where are you going in such a hurry?" The medic's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "I'm not going to tell anyone."
"You're a shinobi aren't you? I've been treating wounded Leaf shinobi all week, so I could tell you were in some type of battle. Could you tell me what happened?"
Kankurou's body tensed. If someone were to know him, there would be no doubt that he would be hailed off to that prison once again. He needed to leave this place soon. "I rather not say," he answered. The less she knew about him, the better off. It looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn't. "Why do you look so troubled?" she asked, staring at him with concern.
"I left someone important behind," he said bowing his head down in shame. "And I don't know if he's taking care of her."
"Now, you're probably worrying for nothing," she said her voice chipper. There was a knock in the distant, she rose from her chair and headed to the door. "I'm sure he'll take care of her."
It was time for him and Temari, to finally forgive Gaara and get rid of that prejudice they had against him. "I hope so, too."
Sorry for the rather late update!
--Mel
