Chapter Eleven
Chapter Eleven
The Missing Piece
She was about eight months along, now, and it showed. She looked like she could go into labor any minute, really, and the baby was making itself known. It kicked, a lot, and sometimes seemed to thrash around like a hellcat. Shukaku wasn't sure what the issue was, other than the fact that the child evidently wanted to be the center of attention. The infant seemed to understand when it had the attention of its parents and when it didn't, because it only started acting up when it felt ignored. It was rather humorous, but trying all the same.
"Shuky! Get in here and deal with your son!"
"Just how do you know that it's a boy? It could be a girl, you know."
"A girl wouldn't kick so much! It has to be a boy!"
He sighed and went into his chambers to soothe his mate and child. They had had this argument many times, and Karura was still convinced that the child was a boy. He rested his hands on her swollen stomach, just in time to feel a series of sharp kicks that made her hiss. The child was definitely strong, and was growing stronger by the day.
"Now see here, Little One, you need to stop kicking your mother so much. You are much stronger than you realize, and those little kicks of yours can hurt." The child gave one last defiant kick, but otherwise settled down, for now at least. Shukaku sighed and snatched up a book. He then began to read to the child, and his mate.
A while later he finished packing their things, pausing to give Karura a fond kiss and a gentle pat on her tummy so that the baby wouldn't feel ignored. He felt a slight nudge in response. He smiled affectionately. The infant definitely knew its father.
They were going to visit her family to give them the happy news, but they were traveling along the coastline. Karura had insisted on going to the beach, mostly because she wanted some romance, and the beach at sunset was just too good to pass up. Shukaku was feeling a little frisky himself, but he would make sure to be very gentle; it wouldn't do to harm her or the baby, or have the baby kick him in a, ah, sensitive area.
He chuckled at her impatient look, and hefted her suitcases. He stopped and helped her into the carriage, and then he, and the suitcases, entered. She pillowed her head on his lap, and he stroked her hair, admiring the golden silk.
Shukaku was jolted out of his reverie as they rolled over a rock. Hinata was sitting quietly on the other side of the wagon, huddled under her thin blanket. He rose to his feet and balanced on the moving wagon, looking at the mule that plodded along resolutely. The wagon was full of little things that they had made to be sold at the market in Tanzaku. Of course, it was just a cover, but it would help them disguise their identities. Shukaku and Gaara had hidden their wings, while Kisame and Zetsu had drank a potion to help them blend in to the human crowd. They looked like rough and rugged men who were used to barroom brawls and street fighting, but they looked like humans, which was the point. Kisame had black hair, while Zetsu had brown. They were both deeply tanned and carried clubs and brass knuckles at their sides. Kyuubi had donned a hat, while Naruto was left as is. Both were reminded strongly not to lose their tempers or else their disguises would be ruined. Gaara told Hinata in no uncertain terms that if she did anything stupid that there would be hell to pay.
Speaking of Gaara, Hinata was wondering just what he was up to. It couldn't be anything good, and she highly doubted that he was even capable of doing anything good. He hadn't done anything good thus far, and that didn't appear to be changing anytime soon. She clutched her blanket closer to her miserably. It was late November, and it was drizzling. It clung to her body and made it hard for her to breath. It was probably for the best that she was in this wagon, although, it wasn't her choice. The chain around her ankle rattled as she shifted positions, trying to get more comfortable. She had tried to run away, but she had been caught by Gaara.
She was gasping, heaving for breath, but still, she pressed on. Well aware that Gaara was flying over her, she deliberately sought out the dark, thick canopies and tangle undergrowth, where, she hoped, the plant life would prevent him from diving down on her and catching her. Although the brightly lit clearings looked inviting, she knew that he would easily catch her if she left the safety of the trees. She was hoping that he would lose her, or at least tire of chasing her, and then she'd be free. She'd miss Shukaku and Zetsu, but she knew that they'd understand. She had to get away; she'd die otherwise.
She continued to dart through the thick trees and scrub, but then she paused. Gaara had gone silent. She couldn't hear the flap of his wings, or his angry hisses and roars. Where had he gone? She turned in a slow circle, trying to figure it out, but when she finished her circle, he was right in front of her. He hit her in her gut so hard that it sent her flying into a tree. Her body curled up in a fetal position against her will, as she, through a haze of pain, wondered how he had managed to get through the canopy.
"It was simple, you stupid little wretch, I merely dove through a section of the thinner branches. Once down here, I simply glided until I caught you. Ungrateful vermin!" he snarled as he picked her up and threw her to the ground. She gagged as the air rushed from her abused lungs again. She tried to get to her feet, but he pounced on her, straddling her. His claws reached down and closed on her throat. She scrabbled desperately at his hands, but was unable to move him in the slightest. Eventually, she lost consciousness. He stood up.
"You're lucky I still have a use for you, mouse, or I'd have simply bled you dry. You're more trouble than you're worth, though, and I'm going to fix that as soon as I get back to the wagon."
When she had regained consciousness, she had found herself thrown in the wagon with her ankle chained to the bottom. Gaara had been there, looming over her and telling her that if she ran off again he'd gouge out her eyes. She was let off the chain only to go to the bathroom, and even then she was supervised, although her babysitter usually stood with his back turned about twenty feet away. She was still humiliated, though, and her ribs hurt. She wouldn't be surprised if he had broken at least one of them. She didn't understand; what did he want from her? Was she merely his next meal if he got hungry? She shuddered violently at the memory. If it came down to something like that again, she'd cut her own throat as soon as she got the chance. She refused to go through it again.
"You'll go through whatever I want you to, mouse, and there's nothing you can do about it." She cringed at his voice and his intrusion to her mind. Why couldn't he just leave her alone, just once? It wasn't like she could go anywhere, so why did he insist on tormenting her?
"Stop your whining, it's annoying me." She flinched again, and tried to blank her mind. She wasn't successful, because images from her latest run-in with him kept flashing through her mind. He chuckled once and then left to go speak to Shukaku.
"I need you to try to find references to the caves and caverns that the fallen kingdom used for treasure chambers. I don't want to spend a lot of time here looking through all of those damn rat holes. I will send Kyuubi and Naruto to get us all rooms at an inn, while the rest of us get a spot at the market."
"You'll need to unchain Hinata, or it'll draw attention. The bruises on her throat should be hidden as well." Anything to get her out of that wagon, even if it meant playing as if he was on Gaara's side.
"Ha! You don't fool me old man, I know what you're playing at. That's why I'm staying with the wretch, to make sure she doesn't go anywhere. You're too soft, and you know it." Shukaku flinched at the assessment, the kid was right, after all. Gaara laid a hand on his shoulder.
"For once, old man, leave everything to me." Shukaku hesitated, and then gave in with a sigh.
"Sometimes I wish I knew what is going on in that head of yours, and other times I'm glad I don't."
Gaara smiled tightly; then turned to the wagon. He freed Hinata's ankle, much to her surprise.
"Stay put, rodent," he hissed at her. She ducked her head and avoided his eyes. She'd had enough for quit a while. They reached the gates of the city, and a guard came to question the group. Gaara began to speak to him.
"Who's in charge here?" the guard was a large man, and well muscled with brown hair and a beard. He was over six feet, but Gaara still towered over him by five inches. Gaara was just one inch shy of seven feet, and was built. He wasn't bulky, but he had very good definition, and exuded confidence.
"I am."
"Alright, mister?"
"Sabako."
"That's a name I've never heard of before. What's your business here, Mr. Sabako?"
"We are here to sell our goods at the local market. We've heard good things about this place, and we didn't want to make the trip all the way to Konoha."
"What goods do you have?"
"Pelts, skins, furs, wood carvings, things of that nature; see for yourself if you wish." Gaara gestured over his shoulder, and Hinata thought that the movement looked very clumsy compared to his usual. That's right, he was passing himself off as a human, so he had to slow down his movements and make them clumsier. She shifted aside so that the guard could get a look at the stuff, and then froze, and swiftly looked at Shukaku. She recognized him, his name was Asuma. He was part of the Konoha guard, and was often on rotation to here. She hopped out of the wagon, doing her best to ignore the searing pain that the movement caused. She swiftly moved to Zetsu. The guard looked at her in confusion.
"Ah, this is just the little miss. She's very shy, but she's too good a cook to leave at home, and besides, we're all that she has to look after her. It's not safe to leave a little girl all alone. Zetsu said smoothly. He made a show of fixing her cloak, making sure that her face was thoroughly covered. She must have a reason for disobeying Gaara.
"Well, everything seems to check out. You'll need to go to the merchant's building to get a permit. They only accept money, but the price isn't that bad. Down the way is an inn that's pretty cheap. It isn't the best, but it's not the worst either. So long as you don't cause trouble, nobody should bother you. Unless, of course, you're not human." Asuma narrowed his eyes. Gaara met his gaze unflinchingly.
"Why would you ask something like that?"
"The people here don't welcome demons or half-breeds. Their captive girls are purified, though."
"Well, then, it's a good thing that we're all human, then. We don't want trouble, and we don't aim to cause any. We just want to sell and trade a bit, then leave. We won't be here long, a few weeks at the most. We want to be well on our way back home before the snows get too heavy. The weather's been alright so far, and it should hold for a while yet. A lot of rain, but it won't get cold enough to freeze for a while yet. At least, that's what the talk's been on the road."
"Well, that's good for you, I guess. Good luck at trading." Asuma waved them in.
After a few more hours of being dragged around in the bitterly cold, damp city, Hinata wanted to drop. Shukaku had found an inn, but seemed a bit reserved about it. She soon found out why. The place was a little run down, and a bit drafty. It wasn't disgusting, but it was under par, at least by Gaara's standards. When they were alone he sniffed in disdain.
"Filthy rat-hole. We're finding that artifact as soon as possible. The wilds were cleaner than this, and far more pleasant too." He dragged Hinata upstairs to his room, which consisted of a leaky window, plain floor boards, a smallish bed, and an uneven table. The lantern on the table needed more oil desperately, but he decided that it could wait until morning. He dropped her stuff unceremoniously in a corner, indicating that it was where she was supposed to sleep. She didn't mind, because she'd sooner cuddle up to a viper than lay down with him on the bed.
The next morning wasn't that much better. It was still cold, and it was still drizzling outside. She hunched in her cloak miserably and tried to force her body to eat the thin, watery gruel that was in a bowl in front of her. She might have had more success if it had been at least warm, but it was cold, and it was like eating cold water and slime. Gaara hadn't touched his, and neither had Shukaku. They passed their bowls to Naruto, who seemed capable of eating just about anything.
It had been unanimously decided to keep Hinata away from the guards, and that Gaara and Shukaku should avoid them as much as possible as well. The risk of them running into one that recognized them was too great. To avoid problems, they went down to set up shop. However, they were all in for a big shock.
A man was dragging his little girl behind him, and had stopped to look at the pelt. At length, however, he turned to leave, but Gaara stopped him.
"Leave the child here."
"Excuse me? Just who are you?!"
"That doesn't matter. Leave her here, and don't come back."
"Look, pal, if you got a problem-"
"I am not your pal, and I do have a problem. Your daughter has bruises all over her, and they're not the kinds that are caused by accidents. You don't care about her, so it shouldn't be that hard for you. Walk away, and leave her here."
The balding man scowled viciously, and tried to throw a punch at him, but Gaara caught his hand, and stared into his eyes. The man's eyes turned dull.
"You will do as I say. You will leave the girl for me, and you will never return."
"I will do as you say, I will leave the girl for you, and I will never return."
"Good, now go." Gaara took the girl's hand, and brought her over to his father, who scooped her up and put her on his lap. The man walked away as if in a daze. No one noticed him. Hinata was trying to comprehend that Gaara had just rescued a child. She had never, in her wildest dreams, imagined that he was capable of such a thing.
The girl ended up staying in Shukaku's room, who didn't seem to mind. Hinata had remained with Zetsu and Kisame while the others went to look for the artifact. When she got back to the inn, she was actually thinking of her corner rather fondly. She just wanted to sleep. However, as soon as she got into their room, her senses prickled in warning. She tried to run, but Gaara slammed the door shut and threw her to the floor. He then got on top of her.
"Stupid little bitch." He hissed at her as she struggled under him. He growled in irritation and shook her roughly; then grabbed her already much abused throat. He then tore her shirt.
"The only reason I haven't taken you and killed you yet is because you are still of some use to me. But you won't be for much longer, and as soon as your usefulness is gone," he grabbed one of her legs and pinned it to the side in a crushing, bruising movement. She cringed in pain, trying to get away desperately.
"You will amuse me; then I will kill you. But first, I will drain you dry." He snarled softly, baring his fangs, and then vanished as quickly as he had come. She curled up into a ball and wept.
Shukaku was on the beach, holding Karura's hand and humming softly for the baby. It nudged the hand that was on her stomach, letting them know that it knew what was going on. The happy couple seemed content to soak up the sunlight a little longer before they turned in for the night. Shukaku had made sure to get the best room at the inn along the beach, and was pleased with it. Tomorrow they were going to meet with her parents; today they had already spoken to Yashamaru, who left swiftly. Her little brother's feelings hadn't changed in the slightest.
Karura yawned and stood up. She turned to Shukaku.
"I'm going back to the room for a nap, okay? The little nudger is making me tired."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, no, not right now. I'll be alright, Shuky. Go ahead and enjoy yourself." She waved his concerns aside.
"All the same, I think I will pick you up one of those big shells that you keep looking at, and then come up for you. I don't like the thought of leaving you all alone, Karura."
"Alright, Shuky, I'll see you in a little bit." She gave him a peck on the lips, and then headed for her room. Shukaku turned and headed to a little stand that was selling the shells. After picking one out for her, he too made his way to their room. But when he got there, he bellowed in rage.
The room was trashed, and her pendant was on the floor, its chain broken. That meant that she couldn't call for help. Karura was missing, and he franticly looked around for clues as to the whereabouts of the missing piece of his heart.
Hey, chapter eleven is done, finally. Now I'm getting into the history of Gaara a little bit. Can you believe it? He saved a little kid, I wonder why? No wait, I take that back, you guys are wondering, but I already know! Ha! I think I said this quote to you guys before, but I can't remember quite where. Oh well, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
