Chapter 12
Suna came into view as the sun went down. Gaara was now at the back, following everyone.
"Night creatures are about to surface," he said earlier. "I'll keep watch. You guys go ahead."
But his blank stare was on her. He was following her every move. She was excitedly hopping around like a bunny, while she was talking to her friends. She seemed so carefree and happy. She had no idea of all the dangers lurking around her. She was smiling and laughing. She was holding Tori's hand. He was touched that she, a stranger, would take responsibility for the two kids she barely knew. He let a faint smile on his lips. She was charming. Annoying at times, clueless, but charming. He remembered the embrace and rubbed the goosebumps away.
Then he saw "him" put his arm around her shoulders, playfully as he was speaking to Akio.
"So that's why we can understand each other!"
"Yes," answered Akio. "The stories were translated officially in 9 languages. Which means that once in this world, anyone who speaks one of these languages would understand each other, this world, being universal within ours."
"Ohhh"
"There is something I want to ask …" exclaimed Aby. "If this world requires a writer's creation, does that mean that we are part of the writer's story, us being here and all? Is this whole earthquakes, gatekeeper thing, just a story? Wait...but our world...how can we be written for this story? Oh my head is gonna explode…"
"No, no, This is something different. I don't quite understand what's going on. But the story was already completed. Besides, the writer is a special one...not like any other. In this case, ans some others, he only created the skeleton of this world. He created the lands and customs, he created the characters and their complexities, he created it's history … then the writer put in the events and—"
"He decided who would die and who would live," added Gaara.
The group became silent as Akio watched him; he was expecting that, eventually.
"He decided to put a kyuubi in me before I was even born," Gaara continued, "the same for Naruto. He decided to make us victims of a mob and created monsters in the end."
The monster part, of course, was more about him, than Naruto. Naruto, as far as he knew, was never a monster.
"Yes and no,"
"What?!"
Akio approached him.
"He created the characters, their strengths and their weaknesses. He wrote down the plot, and the issues. He wrote down the ending result, but the development, like the rest of the world … well … our world, he watched unfold."
"What?" Shouted Aby and Sofia.
"He gave the ability to the characters to learn and therefore, to think for themselves." he said, still looking at Gaara. "Yes, he decided to put the kyuubi in you and he created your heart, but it is you who decided to use it."
"So … they made up their own story?" asked Sofia.
"Yes and no; he wrote the core and the ending … but the characters are the ones who chose how to get there …"
"Some kind of destiny that cannot be changed!" said Abigail.
"Unless the writer can help it …" he paused, "or 'a' writer" he reflected.
"Huh?"
"If something is getting out of hand, a stroke of the writer's pen is all that is needed to help out. But as a writer, he needs to stick to the plan … which means that some characters are meant to die, while some others are meant to live. So in a way," he looked at Gaara, "Yes, he decides who lives and who dies."
Gaara was not too impressed by that revelation. He did not like it one bit. Akio could tell, but he could understand his feelings.
"Like in our own world, God decides the time of our death … it is part of his plan and we trust him for it. Until then, we use the heart He gave us to bring him Glory. In all we do, we use the tools He gave us to care for our family, neighbors, friends, etc. taking care of his creation brings him glory!"
"So we are bringing glory to the writer?" Gaara asked annoyed. "That's our purpose?"
"Yes and no. Of course it is nice to have people enjoying your creation, but the writers are nothing compared to the greatness of God. I believe it is also a way to bring glory to himself. As I said before, in a way, we understand his role in our life! We were created in his image! He is a great creator! So it can be assumed that humans will also be able to create! But never the way He does!
"Fascinating!" said Chris in a tone Gaara sensed to be overly interested. Was he being sarcastic? Akio paid no mind.
"Is it like this for all manga?" asked Aby, curious.
"Oh no! Only a handful of writers have that power. A way for God to show his glory by hinting a few of us of his own work!"
Aby reflected on this.
"He created the world and his inhabitants, but also gave us free will."
"Yes, I guess you can think of it that way."
"Then, the characters, when they die, where do they go?"
Akio became serious for a moment.
"That is one of the most important responsibilities of the creator; creating a place of eternal rest for their souls, and a place of total destruction for the wicked."
"Wow!"
"I think so too!" Smiled Akio.
"All do you know all that stuff, gatekeeper?" asked Chris.
"Oh! Because I'm also in training to be writer!"
They looked at him, perplexed.
"Believe me! It's a lot more technical than it seems...not like an everyday writer! There is a lot of things to consider! However, I felt privileged to be have been chosen as a gatekeeper AND a potential writer! It is rare for a gatekeeper to also be able to write!"
They entered the gates of Suna, at last; a gigantic rock wall, split in two.
Gaara came back to the front and was greeted by the guards. The village was quiet. The fact that it was evening was a factor, but people were busy during the day, trying to fix the damage from the previous earthquakes so they were tired from all the work, it was, therefore, abnormally quiet.
Usually, people would gather and have social events before sundown. Gaara was not a very social person, but he found the scene depressing.
He was approached by a man wearing a turban like head covering. His face was half hidden by a veil and the other half had two markings, similar to Kankuro's.
"Baki,"
"Greetings Lord Gaara," He looked towards the children, Aby and Sofia, perplexed.
"How was it during my absence?"
"Huh … better than expected. Only a few handfuls complained about you being gone … otherwise, people just gathered their courage and started working in rebuilding the village. Everyone has been helping each other, sharing food and drinks. I've never seen Suna in such camaraderie before. It is a nice change."
Gaara lowered his eyes and smiled. That is very good!
"I'll go around tomorrow and see what I can do to help."
"But first ..."
"Yes, Yes, I know, the council …" Gaara mumbled something under his breath and kept walking forward. "Come now," he said to the group, still facing forward, "let us sleep in a bed tonight".
"All together?" said Chris laughing. Sofia snorted but Gaara ignored him and kept walking.
They all entered the central building, which was home to the Kazekage, but also his work place. Up the third floor they went. They were guest rooms on each side.
"Shotgun that one!" said Toshiko excitedly … his sister and him didn't have much opportunity to sleep in an actual bed. They would sleep well tonight, in a soft cozy bed with a blanket to keep them warm. He was suddenly aware that he might have been a little rude. He looked at Gaara, shyly.
"... if … if it's OK?"
Gaara smiled and nodded.
"Yes!" Toshiko grabbed his little sister and ran into the room. "G'Night everybody!"
They kept walking as they could hear the children laughing and jumping on the bed, and Gaara ordered a few staff around to make sure everyone had what they needed; extra blankets, clean sheets etc. While he spoke to them, Abigail noticed a huge door in the middle of the wall to the right. It was slightly opened and a ray of white light came through.
"You should take a look," winked Akio.
She pushed the door and let herself in the spacious room. She knew right away who this room belonged to. There was a whole wall of cacti, lit by the moonlight. She smiled. The room was neat and clean, as she expected, although a little run down … probably due to the previous earthquake Gaara spoke of. She could tell it had been quickly fixed … somewhat. She looked at the cacti and got closer. One of them had a single flower on it. It was placed right in the middle of the cacti, and was beautiful; all white and delicate. The petals looked soft, like silk. She was going to touch it when footsteps startled her. She swirled around and watched Gaara staring at her in the doorway, leaning on the door frame.
"Oh … is this … your room?" she pretended not to know.
"Indeed"
"Oh … I'm sorry, Akio told me I should take a look, so …"
"Because Daisuke-Sama owns this place?"
She blushed … now that he mentioned it … she felt a bit ashamed, like she was disturbing his privacy. That was the second time; the first time had been when she walked in his tent without proper invitation.
She passed him to leave the room and stopped, still looking down.
"Um … That's a nice flower there."
He stared at her for a few seconds then looked at the flower.
"That is a 'Selenicereus Grandiflorus'; a night blooming cactus. This one blooms for one night only … although I'm surprised that she is still there … It has been almost a week," he said smiling.
Were you waiting for me to come back before withering? he thought.
His smile was gentle. She smiled also.
"It's cute the way you take such good care of your cacti!"
He looked away and shrugged his shoulders before walking back out.
'Thank you, I think you're cute too!' would've been nice, buddy, she thought, pouting as she followed him out.
"Seriously! It's OK to show a little emotion other than rage, you know?" she mumbled to herself as she entered another room next to his. It was a smaller room with a window and a nice view of the moon. That's all she needed. She let her bag fall down on the bed and sat on it, bouncing a few time. Not bad! she thought. She looked around.
There was an empty closet. The door was wide open, so she could see it was a big one; one could probably fit another bed in it. There were a few portraits on the walls. One of a beautiful lady with short light brown hair, a tiny french-braided on the side. She thought it might have been Gaara's mother. She wore a long, simple but elegant light brown sleeveless dress.
Like the color of the sand! she thought.
Her smile was very gentle and her eyes were kind.
Next to the portrait, in contrast, was a smaller portrait of a serious man. What lacked in size was complemented with bold and dark colors, making the portrait the first thing you saw when entering the room. The man in the painting looked just like Gaara, except for a few details, like the color of the hair and eyes. In fact, she always thought Gaara had his mother's eyes, but her eyes were blue. The man's eyes on the portrait were brown.
She looked on the other side of the room. There stood a simple dresser with a few drawers. She refrained from opening them. Her curiosity had limits … sometimes …
Once again, Gaara stood in the doorway.
"Are you OK here?"
"Yes, thank you," she said and smiled politely.
He just nodded and seemed to try to look for something to say.
"Do you … do you want to go take a look around the village?"
She opened her mouth in disbelief. Oh my God! He's asking me out! Gaara is asking me out!She felt butterflies in her belly and her hands started to sweat.
"Yes!"
"OK, well, make sure you don't do that tonight … or any night for that matter. There are creatures bigger than houses that come out and prey on anything that moves; better do that when it's day time. If you decide to go tomorrow with your friends, make sure you are all back here before sundown."
"... Oh … OK, thank you."
"Yeah … no problem …"
He stayed in the doorway, looking up, down and around. It was awkward. For some reasons, he wanted to keep talking to her.
She was looking away, playing with a strand of hair. She felt really disappointed. And then it dawned on her that there was no way he liked her. What was she even thinking? He was always mad at her. A few hours earlier he was ready to leave her behind with her troubles. He was accusing her and her friends of creating chaos and causing more problems. He even said that his conscience would be at ease if she would die. She was fighting tears so badly. Tears of disappointment but also embarrassment. She was so stupid. To top it up, he was a freaking manga character! What was she getting emotional for?
He studied her as she was looking away.
"Are you all right?" he asked as he stepped closer.
"Uhm, Yeah, I'm tired. It's been a long … day … I mean days … away from home."
"Right … Don't worry, we'll figure out how to bring you home."
"I'm sorry about earlier; truly I am. I need to learn my place here."
Which is none, she couldn't help but think.
He looked at her pink bag on the bed. The little "Gaara" charm was hooked back on it. He felt the urge to touch her, to comfort her. He felt he went overboard again, back then, but as the Kazekage, he also needed to make things clear. His hand moved on its own; gently reaching out for the base of her neck, hidden by the long dirty hair.
"Lord Gaara?" They both jumped at the familiar voice coming from outside. Gaara let out a faint growl, while pinching the bridge of his nose, eyes closed.
"Yesss Yashikoooo …"
"Uhhh, sorry to bother you Lord Gaara, I was just wondering if, well … am I still on duty?"
Aby turned around and studied Gaara. His face made her snort.
"... Yes Yashiko, you are still on duty." He looked up to an imaginary sky, finally starting to question the sharpness of the man's mind.
"So … does that mean that I need to stay awake?"
"No, Yashiko; we are in Suna. We are home. We have guards on rotation for that. Your duty is only to remain nearby."
He turned to Aby and opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted again.
"Uh, Lord Gaara?"
"... What?"
"Uhm, then, do I get a bed or do I sleep at your door?"
Aby was trying very hard to muffle the sound of her laugh as Gaara sighed.
"OK, I'll be right out!"
He turned to Abigail once more. Her eyes were shining from the laughter she was trying to drown with the back of her hand.
"I'll just … I have to go … don't go out by yourself, OK?"
"OK. And thank you for the room!"
"Well … good night."
"Yeah … nighty night!" she said with a childish voice.
He looked at her blankly for a few seconds and walked out.
What was that? He thought.
He almost offered to show her around! He has no time for that?! Why would he do that? It sure would be easier to keep an eye on her though … she'd probably get in trouble. She probably will. She'll make the mob angry just by talking to them. That's her problem: She is either charming or infuriating … maybe he should go with her after all. Just to keep her in check … after his meeting with the council. He closed the door behind him and led Yashiko away.
"So should I … oh! OK, I'll get that room then!" Yashiko said after Gaara just shoved him in a random room they were passing.
"Go to sleep!"
"OK! Good night sir!"
Nighty night?! Gaara remembered Abigail saying. He put his hand on his mouth and felt the red heat reach his cheeks.
That was cute …
A scratching sound woke Aby the next morning. She opened her eyes and saw, at the window, a little sparrow, hopping here and there, chasing something within the cracks of the window frame. It turned its head sideways, up and down, in sharp movements, trying to see the insect that was trying to get away, and would peck here and there. When he finally got it, with a sharp snap of its beak, the bird looked at her, with the insect still moving in its beak. She smiled at the bird who let out a soft whistle before taking off.
Good morning to you too, she thought while smiling.
She heard a knock at the door.
"Madam? Are you awake? May I come in?" said a soft voice.
"Yes" she said, while stretching.
A young maid entered the room with a basin filled with water. She also had some clothes that she put on the bed, where Aby was still laying.
"Lord Gaara thinks you all should wear Suna's clothes in order to blend in with our people. Would you like your breakfast brought here, or would you like to join the others downstairs in the banquet hall?"
"I'll come down! Thanks!" she answered with a warm smile.
The young lady smiled back and bowed down before leaving the room, quietly closing the door behind her.
Aby washed her hands and face over the basin, surprised by the cool, but refreshing temp of the water, then turned towards the clothes left on the bed; a beautiful deep grayish purple top with dark brown trousers.
After putting on the clothes, she went down and joined the children. Akio was having tea while looking at what she guessed was some kind of newspaper; his legs were crossed. He also wore the same earth color garments from Suna. A dark bluish top with grey pants. The children each wore dark brown pants with matching brown shirts, covered with a light brown shoulder scarf. It immediately reminded her of the young Gaara in the anime, and made her smile. A purple belt tied around their waste finished the style.
Sofia was not up yet and apparently, Gaara was already on his way to meet the council members. Toshiko went outside in the garden and instructed Tori to stay inside for a few minutes. She went to join Akio at the grand shiny table; Aby could almost see her reflection in it. An older maid brought them what looked like scrambled eggs over rice porridge and hot milk. Tori pushed the eggs away.
"Little lady, aren't you hungry?" asked the maid who brought her the bowl.
"Don't want to eat baby chicken," she said pouting.
The maid smiled, showing a few wrinkles around her eyes.
"There is no baby chicken in there, little lady! The mommy chicken made that egg with no baby, just for you, so you could eat it and become strong!"
Tori watched the scrambled eggs.
"No baby?"
"No baby." she smiled.
Tori took a big spoon and ate with appetite.
"She sure has a way with kids!"
Chris appeared in the grand banquet hall and sat beside Aby and Tori.
"How is it Tori?" he asked her.
She nodded her approval, shyly.
"Let's go sightseeing after breakfast!" he said to Abigail, taking a mouthful of porridge.
"Sure! We'll have to wait for Sofia, I'm sure she'll want to come too!"
"Does she have to?"
He rested his cheek on one hand and smiled at Aby. She smiled back without looking at him, blushing.
"I don't have to!" Sofia said from across the room, her hair still messy; her new dark blue clothes loosely covering her body, her black belt resting on her shoulder. She was smiling while sitting down and discreetly winked at Abigail.
"You guys go! I'll stick around a little longer, near the food ... maybe keep the kids company!"
"Now I'm worried for them!" teased Abigail. Sofia pulled her tongue out.
"Hey! Where is Toshiko?" she asked.
He came running back, hiding something in his hands.
"Tori! Close your eyes!"
Tori giggled and excitedly obliged. Toshiko revealed what he was hiding. Both Sofia and Aby gasped in surprise, which made Tori giggled even more in excitement.
In his hand was a tiny pink flower he weaved as a ring. There was also a little white bead weaved in, and a little leaf and strand of grass. It was truly beautiful!
"Toshiko! Did you make that?"
"Yes, he said proudly. My mother showed me a long time ago!" he said as he put the ring on Tori's middle finger. "Ok, open your eyes!"
She laughed and hugged her big brother.
"So pretty!" she said, her eyes were sparkling.
"Look! Remember the bead we found on the street? I kept it in my pocket all this time! Happy birthday!"
The trio gasped at the table.
"Is it Tori's birthday?!" asked Aby.
"Yes!"
Tori never even mentioned it once! How could this be? That sweet baby girl never complained, never asked for anything, and now this? What child never brags about their birthday coming up and expecting presents? Aby wanted to cry.
"Tori! I'm so sorry," she said with a big hug. "You should have said something! You too!" She pointed at Toshiko, accusingly. He shrugged his shoulders.
"Our birthdays don't really matter anymore, since … well …"
He looked at his sister who kept beaming at the ring. She left the table and danced around, pretending to be a princess.
"Your parents …" said Aby. Toshiko nodded sadly. She wrapped her arms around him.
"How long?" asked Sofia
"Two years, more or less," he whispered.
Aby and Sofia looked at each other. No wonder it didn't matter anymore. They have been on their own and had to take care of survival all this time. Children should not go through this, and yet, Aby knew there were many in the world who had to fend for themselves. But two years?! That would mean Tori was barely two years old if not only one! How was Toshiko able to take care of a baby at such a young age?
Sofia smiled and asked the old maid nearby;
"If it's not too much to ask, would you guys let me use the kitchen today?"
"You know how to bake a cake?" whispered Aby.
"You guys go sightseeing … the kids and I have a birthday cake to make!"
Tori stopped dancing and her face lit up even more.
"CAKE?!"
