Chapter 13

They were walking along the deep huge cleft created by the earthquake. All around them were people working on the houses, business buildings. Some of them were gloomy and tired, but most of them were working with a smile. A few even waved at them from their rooftop. There were a few people going around with their cart full of food. Some stood there, cooking street food and giving discounts. A lady freely offered two freshly baked buns to them.

"For the lovely couple!" she smiled.

Abigail blushed and declined politely

"Thank you very much, but we are not from here ... I think your people need them more than …"

Before she could finish, Christ took the two steaming buns and bowed with thanks. Abigail looked at him disapprovingly, but the lady smiled.

"It's OK! These days are hard but we'll come around! I believe in our kazekage! Besides, we must not forget to look to kindness instead of panic and greediness!" She smiled once more and went to seek more people on her way, offering bread. Aby was amazed by this lady's kindness.

Chris took a quick glance at Abigail's purse, as if finished his bread.

"I'm glad you like it!" he said.

"Oh, that old thing?" she teased.

"I made that old thing,"

"What? No way."

"I did! Most of the stuff in the shop was made by me."

"Most?"

"Some were made by my elder sister."

"You are talented!"

"How about you? Got any talent? Miss gatekeeper?"

She scoffed and frowned … she didn't remember him being there when they spoke about her possibly being a gatekeeper.

"Not really …"

"Oh come on now! Everyone has a talent."

"Well, I didn't discover it yet."

"What do you think about all that talk about God from Mr. Daisuke?"

"Oh … we're changing subjects … OK … Uhhh, well, I think it makes a lot of sense."

He looked ahead, holding his hands behind his neck.

"You believe in God?" he asked after a pause.

"Don't you?" She looked at him, surprised.

"... I have my own beliefs," he grinned, still looking in the distance.

"Ok …"

She wasn't really sure why the sudden change of subject and why God. He finally met her eyes which startled her. He tilted his head sideways, watching her with a soft expression.

"I believe I was meant to meet you," he said casually.

She looked down, trying to hide the blush on her face.

"You're very …" she searched for the word.

"Handsome? Yah, I know …"

"... Boldly Honest"

"That's another talent of mine."

He walked backwards, facing her, trying to make eye contact again, but she would not look up. That made him smile.

"You're really cute when you do that!" he smiled.

She met his eyes for a second and looked away again.

"Oh stop it!"

"Oh! When a lady says "stop" a gentleman needs to stop!"

She chuckled as he faced forward again.

"So? Where do we go?"

"We've got no money...I wish I could get something for Tori."

She spotted a street vendor in the distance. Stuff was glittering under the sun.

"Shiny stuff is always a good start for a girly gift!"

"I'll keep that in mind!" he said, glancing at her.

The vendor greeted them. Her table was full of beautifully detailed jewelry and other carved boxes and figurines of all sizes. Her attention instantly fell on a beautiful bracelet adorned with a white and green-turquoise water dragon looking at a tiny sparkly blue beaded butterfly that was resting on the tip of its feathered white tail. The wings of the butterfly were deep, see through, sapphire blue color.

"That would suit her!" she said, longingly.

Chris raised his eyes to the sky, mockingly.

"Women and shiny stuff…"

"Tell me that's not real sapphire," she asked the vendor.

"Oh no … just resin!" the lady answered, smiling.

"It's beautiful!"

"Mustn't have many customers these days," Chris wondered, looking around at the many damages of the village. She gave a nervous laugh.

"No, it's true. People do not have time or money to waste these days."

"I don't have money just yet, but maybe I can figure out something … how much do you sell it for?"

"10.50 Ryō", she said.

She wondered if maybe she could work, somehow, for the time being … maybe help Gaara or anybody in Suna, temporarily. But she needed the bracelet today.

"I know it's a lot to ask, but I just came here, temporarily. I live with Ga … uhm … Lord Gaara," she started. The lady looked at her, unconvinced. "I have no money, but a little girl who is with me is celebrating her fourth birthday. It would really mean a lot if I could get this for her today. I would pay you back, somehow."

The lady shook her head apologetically.

"I"m sorry … I worked a lot on it. And these days are difficult … I usually get the money upfront ..."

"Ah come on ma'am, you don't even have customers these days!" Said Chris annoyed. "She said she'll pay you back!"

Aby looked at him surprised. She understood very well the lady's feelings towards her creations. She would have thought Chris would have understood as well, being an artist himself. The bags he made must have taken a long time to do and required a lot of skills.

"No, its ok," said Aby with a smile. "I understand! Your work is beautiful! Thank you for showing me!"

"Wait!"

The charm on Aby's purse grabbed the lady's attention.

"I'd be willing to trade," she said, pointing at the little Chibi Gaara.

Aby looked at her beloved charm. She realized it must have been unique here. She took it off her purse and held on to it. She was reluctant to part with it, but thought about Tori who was not likely to get presents very often. Maybe I can just get another one when I get back home…

She looked at the vendor and back at the bracelet.

"I'll give you two of these for this charm," she added.

"... ok, deal!"

She held onto it for a few more seconds and brushed off some of the dust from it's hair before giving the little Gaara charm to the lady, who, in return, gave Aby the bracelet she wanted.

"Can I also have this little box, instead of another bracelet?"

The lady looked at the intricately carved boxes on the table. She was reluctant, but she felt the Gaara doll was so special. She nodded and gave her the box. Aby thanked her and put the bracelet inside the box.

"Wait a moment," the lady said, grabbing the box back from her hands. She took it to a little table and quickly wrapped it with a cheap tissue paper and tied a colorful ribbon around it, before giving it back to Abigail.

"Here you go, I hope your little girl will enjoy her birthday present!"

"Thank you so much!"

The lady bowed with a smile.

"Happy?" asked Chris, putting his arm around Aby's shoulders. She felt blood rushing to her head and nodded.

"Mission accomplished," she said.

Gaara watched the whole thing from a distance. His Kazekage hat dangling from his belt. He was wearing the white and green cloak, while walking with Yashiko and one of the council members they met earlier. He, Yashiko and the man were going to this member's favorite breakfast place before the meeting, when Gaara recognized them from afar.

He thought he could have recognized her from miles away, anytime; even though she blended well with his people in Suna's clothes. However, his heart squeezed when he saw Chris put his arm around her shoulders before walking away. He couldn't help but stare at him. The way he was always hovering around her like a wasp, his carefree nature, his behavior … Gaara thought he was up to something.

I don't like this guy, he thought. I don't like him, I don't like him, I don't like him, he kept mumbling while watching them walk away further within the village.

"Is something the matter Lord Gaara?"

"Uh? Oh no no … nothing. I just got distracted. I apologize."

Yashiko also looked toward the couple, but said nothing.

The man looked in the direction Gaara was looking and saw a couple walk away.

"Hmmm. I see. Do you feel lonely, son?"

Son?!

"No, not particularly." he answered. He knew where the conversation was going already.

"It's such a shame things didn't work out with Hakuto. She was such a lovely girl! No wonder this girl would have made our Kazekage very happy."

Gaara stiffened and struggled to keep his composure. He did not want to talk about that.

"It doesn't matter anymore," he said without emotion.

"Indeed, the traitor has been dealt with accordingly!"

The man looked at Gaara as he was saying those words. Gaara did not react to the words. Yashiko, however, couldn't help but growl.

"That bastard had it coming,'' he said.

He wondered how the council would react if they knew that Hakuto and Shigezane were still alive and well, in Konoha. It was common knowledge that Hakuto, who was to be married to Gaara, was kidnapped and killed by Shigezane, and that Gaara took revenge and killed Shigezane; or at least, that is what the council and the general public believed …

In reality, Hakuto had been a victim of the leaders of both villages and forced into a marriage she didn't wish for. She and her lover, Shigezane, staged a kidnapping to run away together, Gaara felt some disappointment then, when he realized the truth after chasing after them, but forcing the marriage was against his principles and heart. It was better one broken heart (his) than three and an unhappy marriage. He and Shikamaru came up with a lie and helped the couple escape to Konoha.

The council, since then, had not tried to force a marriage upon him, but they have been hinting at him ever since, with talks of the need of an heir.

So annoying!

"Yes indeed." Gaara said, without emotion.

"Perhaps if Lord Gaara's spirit has revived since, we could resume the search for ano—"

"My heart is still aching."

"Oh! Is that so?"

"I can still see her in my dreams, begging him to spare her. I can still hear the noise of the blade cutting her throat …"

Gaara brought his hand to his face, getting used to this kind of show he had to put on every now and then, knowing that it wouldn't be effective forever.

"Oh goodness me! … What a horrible experience it must have been … I mean, losing comrades in battle is one thing, but I guess losing a loved one …"

"Let us not talk of this anymore," Gaara interrupted with a blank face, holding his hands in his back and looking forward.

"Yes, Yes, of course! So unfortunate …"

Even Yashiko gave Gaara a concerned look that almost made him smile. In fact, Gaara had been over it for a long time now.

After the man finished his breakfast, they joined the rest of the council members in the parliament and talked about the usual needs of Suna and what could be done to bring the village's state back to glory. Somehow they managed to diverge it to finding a wife for Gaara and that the public would be in great joy to see his happiness. Once again, he interrupted their thoughts with a heavy painful sight, holding a hand to his "broken heart". They quickly changed the subject to a possible solution that would pay for the main repairs of the parliament. Gaara suggested they appease the general public by focusing on their houses and businesses first, which was generally approved by the council.

"What a smart leader you are!"

"We might also be able to create a new water well, or two, from the cleft the earthquake created."

"Yes! An excellent idea! I wonder why no one thought of this before!"

That is because all of you old geezers are focusing too much on me getting an heir …

"It is deep enough, I'm sure we can find something. If not, we can use it to improve the sewage system. Once it is done, it will easily be fixed."

"Yes, Yes, naturally …"

Once the meeting was over, Gaara sighed with relief; he'd have peace for some time before the next meeting. The council was the worst part of his job. A duty he had to endure, nonetheless.

He and Yashiko stepped towards the street vendor Abigail and Chris stopped at and instantly recognized one of the items.

"Hello, feel free to take a look," the lady said without looking up.

"That is an interesting item," he said pointing at the charm Abigail left to the lady.

She looked up and was shocked when she recognized Gaara.

"Oh! Lord Gaara! Forgive me!" She reddened and stared at him with admiring eyes.

"No need to."

"Ah yes, funny story, a young lady traded one of my bracelets for this … a lot of people noticed it since! It seems popular, so I might try to make more!" she said excitedly. "Our Lord Kazekage is popular after all!".

Yashiko rolled his eyes when he saw that she deliberately brought her chest forward so that the Kazekage would see more of her cleavage that was already revealing. If he noticed it, he didn't let it show. The lady gasped.

"Oh! She mentioned she was living with you temporarily, is this true? Is there a lady staying with Lord Kazekage?"

"Uhm, yes, temporarily. I'm surprised she gave you this … she seems to be rather attached to it," he said, failing to say that there were, in fact, 2 ladies, two men and two kids staying with him.

"She wanted the bracelet for her little girl's birthday and didn't have the money to pay for it. It was my idea to trade."

Birthday?

"How much was the bracelet?"

"10.50 Ryō, but I also gave her a little box!"

He felt she was on the defensive, afraid that he would believe that she took advantage of her, although her jewelry was not cheap quality.

"These items you make are good quality; I wasn't questioning their value. I was just wondering what value you saw in this charm?"

"Oh, it is not for sale," she blushed. "I wanted it for myself ..."

"Can you make more?"

"Uh, Yes, I think I can!"

"Then I'll give you 20 Ryō for it."

She stared at him in disbelief.

"Oh no! If Lord Gaara wants it, he can have it for free of course!"

She offered the charm with two hands while bowing forward, which revealed even more her chest.

"No, you would lose the value for the items you have traded it for. Go on, take the money; I know you need it."

He took the charm she offered and put the coins on the table in front of her.

She watched him walking away with the chibi Gaara he put in his side pocket, under his cloak.

Yashiko, who had been watching the exchange, looked at Gaara.

"Lord Gaara, May I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Why didn't you tell the man from the council that the couple you saw earlier was Abigail and Chris?"

"Because it is not the council's business, and they like to complicate things that are not their business."

"But they are part of the crisis … isn't it part of their business?"

"They might think they are the enemy."

"Oh, like you did?" Yashiko smiles.

Gaara rolled his eyes.

"Yes well, as I said, they might complicate things."

Yashiko thought for a moment. Even he knew hiding things from the council of elders might not be a good idea, but then again, Lord Fifth always had good reasons for his decisions.

"They might also try to force marriage with one of the girls," he laughed.

"Yeah well, that too!" Gaara said amused. In reality, the fact that the girls were from another world, he thought they truly might decide they are enemies. The thought of a marriage crossing their mind would be very unlikely. Then again, they seemed pretty desperate to find him a wife in order to produce an heir.

He wondered if that was what happened to his mother and father. Was his mother forced into marriage?

That was a road of thoughts he did not want to venture on … that would eventually lead to his birth …

He thought about Abigail in a wedding dress, then he violently shook his head.

"Ahhhhhrrrr What is wrong with me!"

Yashiko jumped in surprise.

"What?! Are you unwell?"

"No," Gaara said, rubbing his eyes. "I just need to rest … no … I need to distract my thoughts to something else than marriage. These guys from the council are driving me crazy!"

As they walked, a man in his thirties approached them in great distress.

"Lord! Please help! My brother!"

Gaara glanced at him for a few seconds and decided to ignore him. The man followed him.

"My Lord, Please! No one will help! He has been very sick and hurt since the earthquake! Could you spare a few Ryō? Or at least come take a look at him! Please!"

"Go see a doctor," he said without stopping.

The man quickly changed his behavior.

"Yeah sure! The great Kazekage is so busy, he has no time for his low subjects! You have all the money you need back in your high castle! SHAME ON YOU!" The man shouted as he stopped following him, loud enough for people around to stare. Gaara paid no attention and Yashiko grimaced, disgusted.

"If he's gonna pretend to be in trouble, at least learn to act like it properly!"

"There are a lot of them these days … I'm gonna have to increase the patrolling for security purposes."

When they arrived at the residence, he entered the gates and headed to his room on the second floor. He passed it, curious to see if Abigail was back. She wasn't.

Why would she be? He thought. Even if she would be back, she'd probably hang out with her friends.

He threw his hat on the dresser and removed his cloak before letting himself fall on the bed.

I hope they didn't bump into one of these cons on their way … I should have told her to … NO! No time to think about that … she'll be fine, she is with her friends … probably with mister 'fun guy' as well.

I don't like him … Wait … am I jealous?!

Noooo why would I be jealous … she is so … she's too … not like us … I do not have time for that!

It's because I don't trust him …

So tired … maybe just an hour nap before heading to the office. Just an hour … then I'll deal with the financial report. No … that can wait. First, the damage report … then I'll have an idea of the cost of repairs and I can add the estimates to the financial report. Then I can take care of the people's complaints. But I'll need to sort the priorities first. OK … sleep …

Gaara turned on its side and squeezed his eyelids shut.

I need a jutsu to tell my brain to shut up …

Oh!

Gaara suddenly sat up straight,

I need to send word to Kakashi to let him know that I received his message … or maybe I should wait for Kankuro to come back …

He relaxed and lay back down.

Maybe Sasuke already sent a hawk to his leader … yes that would make sense, OK, now sleep …

He turned the other way.

What can I do for my people? Maybe I can make a cut in my salary and send it to some emergency provision so people can get more daily needs …

That would go into the financial report too … no, not if I take it from my salary. I'll probably figure out something while I take care of the complaints. Ahhh, it'll be fine. I really need to sleep …

"Lord Gaara?" Yashiko's voice resonated through the door. Gaara sighed heavily.

"I'm gonna need help ..."

They have been walking for a few hours now. Aby looked ahead at all the houses that looked exactly the same.

"Are you sure it's this way?" asked Aby.

"Positive! Look, the main building is right there!"

They walked in the direction Chris pointed at, zigzagging through the maze of broken down houses and different closed restaurants and businesses, only to find the road was cut short by the giant cleft that ran pretty far.

"Oh shoot!" said Chris, "how did we get on this side?"

"I didn't realize we walked that far …"

"Look further that way, we might be able to jump over"

"I doubt it … it might be bigger than it looks and also I don't want to risk it. Let's just go around it."

"I thought his highness told you to come back before sundown. We might not make it in time … 'around' is still pretty far!"

Aby looked at him surprised.

"How did you know he told me that?"

"I was listening," he smiled.

"You were eavesdropping?"

"Sorry, couldn't help it. The guy is pathetic," he said, looking unimpressed. "He had the chance to ask a pretty girl out and he didn't even take it."

"..."

"Hey, don't worry about him. Besides, he seems to be angry all the time. You don't need a guy like that."

"You're talking as if I like him."

"Don't you?"

"..."

"Every girl is attracted to bad boys," he said, smiling.

"He's not a bad boy," she said, defensively.

"I can be a bad boy too,"

"…"

"Excuse me! You there! Can you help me?"

Aby and Chris turned around, facing a man who seemed very agitated.

"Oh Thank Goodness! Please! I need help! My brother is sick and he's hurt! Can you help?"

"Why don't you go to a doctor?"

"He can't move! He is hurt! A wall fell on him and he can't move! Nobody will help! I've been asking around for days!"

"For days?! Your bro is still alive?" Chris said, unconvinced.

"Please! I'm begging you!"

"Aby, we have to go."

"We can't leave him like that, he looks desperate!"

Chris turned to the man in distress.

"Look, we'll ask for help on our way back to the kazekage's home and I'm sure—"

"The Kazekage!" The man spit on the ground, to Aby's surprise. "I asked for his help earlier, he just turned away and told me off!"

What? No … he wouldn't do that … not Gaara …

"Don't spit on him like that! He must be so busy being the Kazekage!"

"Too busy to help his injured people?" said Chris, perplexed.

There must have been some reason.

"I'll help," said Aby.

"Ohhhh thank you! Thank you so much! Please come! This way!"

"What? Aby! Wait for me!"

"Hurry! Please! I'm afraid it'll be too late!"

The man was running so fast between buildings, Aby had a hard time keeping up.

"Chris! Over here! Where did he go?" The man poked his head from one alley, then another as they were running.

"Over here! Please, please! Hurry!" Then he disappeared again. Aby was trying hard to follow the man.

"Wait! Slow down!" she yelled.

"Aby!"

She made two left turns around the corners and finally spotted the man, waving at her. He pointed to another man lying down behind a waste bin, down an alley. She could only see the feet.

"Chris, we're here. Chris?"

She looked around but couldn't see him. Did they lose him while they were running? She suddenly felt a chill.

Why is it in a dark alley?

The man looked at her, his eyes wondering why she stopped.

"He's right here!"

"What is he doing in an alley?"

"We were smoking and then the earthquake happened! The wall stumbled on top of him!"

She looked at the building … a part of the wall was missing. She looked back at the man, not moving a step closer.

"I thought you said he was sick?"

"What? Yes! He's sick because he's smo—ah please! Just hurry already! Tokugawa? Hey Toku! Buddy! I brought some help! Toku?"

Aby rushed over. The sweating man was lying down, his eyes were closed, as promised. He had some blood on his temple. His breathing was heavy. She put her hand on his forehead. Surprisingly, he wasn't feverish. The man suddenly opened his eyes and yelled in surprise.

"What the ...?" Who are you?"

"Aby stared in shock."

"Dude I was sleeping! Why'd you bring that girl?"

"Ah don't be so grumpy! I brought breakfast! to share!"

"Ohhh ..." The man took a second to look at Abigail and grinned. "Breakfast looks tasty! Come to think of it, I'm a bit hungry."

Aby started to feel cold sweat creeping up. The man slowly rose on his feet. As he did, she could smell the stench of urine. He was filthy. She realized the blood on his forehead might not have been his as she didn't see any wound. She backed up slowly. To her surprise, the first man did not move to block her way.

"What wrong sunshine? Don't you want breakfast too? It tastes better when it is shared!"

The other guy scoffed.

"It's almost sundown," she said without thinking. "Breakfast has passed a while ago."

"Huh? What time is it Tao?" Asked that Toku guy.

"Oh, that's ok!" We can have dinner then!"

"I wouldn't want to impose on you gentlemen, I'll have my dinner where I'm staying … with 'the Kazekage' ..." She hoped that statement would have some warning effect on the two men, but they didn't seem alarmed one bit.

"Uh?"

She kept backing up, but the two men followed her, grinning from ear to ear.

"She's not lying" said the man named Tao. She and her friend did mention his name." He spat again on the ground again. It was plain to see that he did not like Gaara. She wished he was here now …

"You know you shouldn't spit like that … it's not very attractive."

She kept backing up, slowly, afraid she would start a bad chain reaction if she suddenly ran. She was almost back at the entrance of the Alley. She could run there. Maybe they just wanted to scare her … otherwise, they would have bounced on her already.

No ... the guy went out of his way to lead her there. They were toying with her. Where was Chris?

"That's ok honey, I don't need to make myself attractive," he smiled.

"He doesn't care if his meal doesn't find him attractive!" the other guy laughed.

Just one more st—

Abigail backed into something hard. She looked up to see another tall man looking down on her.

"Shit" she said out loud.

The way was blocked by three other men. They all laughed when they saw the realization on her face that she was in trouble. She tried to stay calm.

"OK, OK, you guys are funny, but I really need to go. The sun is gonna go down soon and Lord Gaara said there are creatures at night preying on humans so … you should probably stop wasting time and get to safety as well."

They looked at each other.

"Uh guys? I don't think she's from here."

"Those creatures only come at night during sandstorms, baby."

"Don't worry sweetheart, after we're done with you, the desert critters won't want nothing to do with you anyway; they prefer live prey."

"Actually that ain't true … I heard some pretty chilly story about some critter devouring whatever they can find … ever wondered why some folks are missing without a trace?"

They closed in on her and their faces became serious.

"Oh! Lord Gaara!" She said with a big relieved smile, and they all looked up behind them, alarmed. When they realized they had been fooled, Aby was already running out in the open. This time, to her horror, they chased after her.

"CHRIS?" she yelled out with fear, in the hope he would appear to help her. Where was he? Where was she? She couldn't see the main building anymore. She cursed the guy who led her there. She now understood why he was in such a hurry; so she wouldn't focus on how to get back! He knew she would get confused if she escaped. This place was a freaking maze! She was running so fast to follow him, she didn't know where she was going. Moreover, the sun was starting to set, which made the shadows extend and the streets get darker.

"HELP!" she screamed, but the few people that saw her didn't dare to get involved. They looked down fearful and feeling helpless.

Panic was settling in as she frantically tried to lose them between buildings, but they were always catching up to her, laughing like hyenas.

Shit! SHIT! What should I do?!

She kept running, but was getting tired. Maybe he is looking for her? Maybe he is lost? What can I do to get his attention?

She cried, praying someone would help, begging Chris, in her mind, to come save her. Her tears reminded her of the water. She spotted a water well. She waved her hand and water blasted upward and fell on one of her pursuers. That one laughed.

"Thanks for the shower! It'll take more than that to stop us though!"

Gaara came down to the banquet hall. He had fallen asleep and completely missed the workload he was supposed to deal with. His bad mood was cut short by a very happy Tori who jumped in his arms, which startled him. She showed him her hands full of pink and blue icing, which left some trace on his clothes.

"Today is my birthday!" she told him, beaming.

Ohhh that's right!

He looked around. Sofia was icing a cake with Toshiko on the grand table and Yashiko was talking to Akio about the history of Suna. Abigail wasn't there, neither was Chris.

"Are your friends not back yet?" he asked Sofia.

She looked blankly at him.

"Maybe she's afraid you'll try to kill her again!" she said coldly.

He was about to reply when Chris came in the doorway, his hands behind his neck.

"Where is she?" Gaara asked.

"Who?"

"ABIGAIL! Who else?!"

Sofia stopped icing the cake and looked at Chris, concerned. The others also stopped talking.

"Wait, she's not here?!"

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Gaara yelled furiously.

"When did you guys get separated?" asked Sofia with growing concern.

"Not too long ago … this man was asking for help, he said his brother was injured and needed help …"

"DAMMIT!" Gaara put Tori down and ran out, feeling a cold chill he's never felt before. Chris followed him.

"Where?" Gaara asked him.

"On the other side of the cleft, uhhh, near there," he pointed in the distance.

"Near there, near there, what does that mean?! WHICH ROAD? WHICH PATH?"

"Ahhhh"

"WHICH ONE?"

"I don't know! I'm sorry!"

Gaara sighed in frustration

"Useless …"

Gaara jumped forward and gained speed towards the direction Chris pointed at. His face turned sideways to speak to his bodyguard.

"Yashiko! Go find the Suna police and tell them to follow the sand!" Yashiko nodded and ran out.

"Wait! Let me come with you!" shouted Chris.

Gaara stopped him in his tracks and grabbed him by the collar.

"You're gonna stay right here, and when I come back," he whispered between his teeth, "you better have a good reason why you were not with her!"

Gaara let go and ran as fast as he could. He had a very bad feeling.

He wished he had his sand gourd with him; he could've used the mixture of chakra infused gold sand to transport him. Flying was so much quicker. He cursed himself for not taking the time to grab it. He felt he was wasting precious seconds. He ran around the buildings like in a maze, and eventually jumped on the rooftops, hoping he would see her, but everything was dense and the paths were narrow. All he could see were more rooftops.

To make matters worse, the sun was already going down. He prayed he would find her fast. He finally came out of the maze and ran towards the cleft, but he did not slow down. People who were heading home watched in amazement, when he used his hand gesture and fingers crossing.

"SAND PROPELLER!"

As he jumped, a huge pile of sand under his feet propelled him up, far enough to reach the other side of the cleft. That was not his sand mixture, but Suna's sand did some good … He landed hard and eased himself up with a double somersault. He kept running, looking ahead.

Now what?

He looked for a clue, a sign, voices. He heard some commotion, but did not know which direction.

An old man saw him and pointed to the left.

"Thank you!" Gaara ran in that direction.

Come on Aby! Talk to me! Where are you! Show me where you are!

He stopped for a moment and listened. A cat hissing. Some shouts, laughter. Something caught his attention … a huge splash of water thrown in the air, to the left, in the distance.

Gaara smiled. Smart girl! He followed the water splash. Another one!

"Keep talking Aby, I'm coming!"

She forced herself to ignore the pain in her legs and in her lungs. Shit! That water fountain didn't have any water in it. She turned right, the men were gaining on her and her sight became blurry from the tears she couldn't hold back any more. She blindly turned left again but tripped on something; a piece of pipe sticking out of the ground. She landed hard on another old unused water fountain. Rain water, as minimal as it was, had accumulated in it. Some water splashed on her. She got up and realized she was surrounded.

That's it, I ran out of time.

The men were laughing wholeheartedly. She waved her hand, threw the water in the air and tried to smash it back down on them, which didn't do anything. There was not enough water to create bubbles, like last time. She had no other option.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" she cried with a shaky voice.

"Seriously, what's with the splashing around? Are you that hot?"

"Oh she's hot alright!" One of the men grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to him, licking his lips.

She clawed at his arm but he didn't budge. Instead he licked her face.

"Mmmm guys, she tastes like an exotic ripe fruit."

"Let me have a go! Said Yao. He grabbed her arm and licked it too. Only this time, she was able to bite the man who yelled in pain.

"Bitch!" Still holding her by the hair, he threw her on the ground where she hit her head on the foot of the fountain. She felt dizzy and her movement became slow.

"Yo! Don't kill her before we taste her!"

"No matter, she'd still be fresh."

" Yo man, that is disgusting!" laughed one of the guys.

"Yeah and it's better when they're struggling a little!"

"The heck with that, I'm going for the main course."

Chris, where are you?

The man named Tokugawa, dropped down on his knees beside her and forced her legs open. She did not resist. She gave up. Her head was hurting, and she had no more energy. She cried silently as he tore open her shirt and put his greasy hand under her bras. She never thought that in her lifetime she would get raped. The reality of it was more disturbing than in movies. The stench, the sight, the pain, the humiliation …

He squeezed so hard that she screamed. But the sound was muffled by the man's mouth of top of hers. The taste and smell made her want to vomit.

"Hey sunshine," he said between two greasy kisses, "It's no fun if you don't resist a little!

The other guys laughed while the man lowered his pants and put his weight on her body. She closed her eyes and cried.

She suddenly felt a gust of wind and the man was somehow removed within a second.

She opened her eyes and saw that another guy had been thrown from a distance and landed on him, instantly removing him from her. She could only see those two on the ground, still in shock, looking at each other.

She then saw two hands lift up both men at once and they were thrown to where the three remaining guys were standing. She re-positioned herself and saw Gaara, placing himself between her and them. He glanced at her quickly and covered her chest with a piece of the thorn shirt she was wearing, before reverting his eyes on them. He stared at them, trying to contain the anger. He stood solid and his fists were clenched tight.

The men froze for a few seconds when they recognized him.

"Back off" Gaara said calmly, standing straight.

"Well, if it isn't our great leader! You won't help an injured man but you quickly come to aid a lady!"

"Man? What man?" he replied. "I only see scum."

"Hey! Don't be rude, man!" Said the tall guy, stepping forward, threatening. Gaara stepped forward also.

"Dude! Let's make a deal, okay? You step down as the Kazekage and we'll let you join our feast! What do you say?" said Toku who stood back up.

"Here's my deal. You wait patiently for the police and I will not hurt you … much …"

Another man stepped forward; once again, Gaara stepped forward as well.

"I said. Back. Off."

"Sorry buddy, we don't ship you ...time for you to step down and let the big boys lead the way."

The men threatened him with knives and nunchucks.

Gaara raised an eyebrow.

"You are not seriously considering fighting me …"

They all jumped on him at once. Aby's whole body jerked up, startled. She closed her eyes and waited for it to be over.

Gaara easily avoided their punches and kicks. One kunai, however, reached his right arm as he did not have his chakra infused sand with him to block the attack but he paid it no attention. He didn't attack them once. He was only deflecting their blows, easily. Aby wondered why. She rested her head on the fountain. Her body was hurting, she was cold and couldn't stop the trembling. Why wasn't he attacking them?

Every time Gaara deflected an attack, he kicked a huge cloud of sand in the air. They stopped attacking for a moment and Gaara could see rage on their faces.

"That's enough! Next time I won't hold up," he said, holding his grounds.

Tao spit on the ground and decided to attack Abigail directly. He jumped on her with a kunai, directed at her throat. Gaara rolled his eyes and stopped him in his tracks, grabbing him by the foot.

This time, he attacked as well using TaiJutsu. His blows made sand clouds flying up and occasionally blinding the men.

He swiftly rolled over a man's back, kicked another while doing so; tripping a third one and punching another to the ground.

They would sometimes exchange blows that were almost graceful, a martial art dance between opponents; almost like a choreography. Gaara kept changing opponents as they were stepping on top of one another. At last, Gaara thought they were giving up as a few finally backed away.

"Last chance! Stay still and wait for the police or sleep until you land in jail!"

That didn't sit well with Yao.

"GO TO HELL, BASTARD!"

Gaara sighed and threw a block of sand at the lot. They all got knocked unconscious at once.
Just like that; It was over.

At that moment, law enforcement arrived, as if on cue. Aby felt she just watched a show.

"Just as you instructed Lord Gaara, we followed the sand!" said a tall officer with a special badge.

Ohhh, thought Aby. That's what the sand show was for … he was leading the police here.

"I see you left some blood in them!"

"If I can help it, I do."

Gaara spoke some more to the men in uniform who saluted him with respect before taking the men in custody.

He then turned to Aby, incredibly relieved that he found her in time. She was given a blanket by one of the officers to cover herself. She jerked up when his hand touched her, still trembling.

"I think she is in shock … we should probably take her to the hospital" the officer suggested before joining his comrades.

"I'm fine," she answered, staring blankly.

Gaara studied her. Her eyes were empty.

"Hey,' he whispered when they were gone, "are you ok?" She did not answer.

She was startled when he touched her hand. She stood up with his help and wobbled left and right, while holding the blanket tightly. He held her hand and observed her. She was shaking.

"Hey, Abigail?"

She looked at him. He never called her by her name before.

"You're ok now … It's over, you're safe."

"Are we going back? To your home?"

"Yes," he said with a gentle smile. "Tori is waiting to eat her cake and get your present!"

How did he know about the present? She looked around and came to the sudden realization that her purse was gone. She teared up again.

"I lost it! I lost the present." She looked down, he was still holding her hand, but he was no longer smiling.

"Are you angry? she asked him. "I'm sorry I brought you trouble again."

He stared at her blank face and drew her in his arms. He held her tightly for a few seconds. She felt warm but surreal. She closed her eyes and calmed down a little.

"Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome."

Going back was slow. She was able to walk, but it was slow and she seemed confused at times, or rather, distracted; Gaara didn't rush her. He just walked along, following her pace, keeping close and supporting her once in a while when she tripped on things she should have seen. Once again, Gaara never said a thing. She knew, somehow, she wasn't all there. Is this what it felt like to be traumatized? She felt exhausted and yet her mind couldn't stop wandering where she didn't want to go back. She shivered and sobbed a few times while remembering ...

When they got to the cleft, he held her again.

"Hold on tight," he said. The sand propelled them up from one side as he made the hand signs, and a sand pillar caught them gently on the other.

There was no one outside. Aby thought it must have been because of the night creatures. She wondered what they looked like. Maybe giant spiders. It was dark now, but Gaara didn't seem nervous about it. He still held her close and walked at a slow pace until they reached the central building.

Sofia came out to greet them and took over Aby. Tori came to see her with a sad face. Once again, Aby seemed to have woken up and remembered Tori's birthday.

"I'm sorry. I had something for you but I lost it … maybe tomorrow …"

She meant to say she would look for it but nausea suddenly startled her and she vomited on the marble floor.

"Oh dear!" A maid shouted coming down the stairs. "Don't worry, miss; we will deal with that. Let us get you to bed as you seem unwell!"

"Quick, bring her something to drink!"

The staff all surrounded her and Sofia, concerned.

"Miss? What happened?!"

Abigail waved the question away … she didn't want to focus on the memory, she didn't want to remember; she was already having issues closing her mind to it; it just went back there over and over again.

"ABY?" Chris appeared out of nowhere and ran to her. "Are you ok? I was really wo-"

Gaara stopped him, again, and this time punched him so hard that he flew a few meters away. Chris sat down and held his jaw, annoyed.

"This is getting to be a bad habit of yours, you know?"

Gaara grabbed him by the collar and hissed at him.

"Why weren't you with her?"

Aby watched, halfway up the stairs while a maid and Sofia were holding her. She felt a squeeze in her heart. Why was he here and not looking for her out there?

"I told you! We got separated!"

"Why didn't you go look for her?" asked Sofia, pissed.

"Can you let me go, and speak like a civilized person?"

Gaara lifted him higher and slammed him up against the wall.

"ANSWER THE QUESTION!"

"Arg! Because I thought she would come back here to ask for your help!"

"It didn't dawn on you that it might be dangerous?" Gaara hissed, furious.

"No! The guy seemed legit! He was really in a panic mode! You know right?" He slightly turned to Aby. "You thought so too! That's why you followed him! But you guys were so fast and you dropped your purse, so I picked it up and then that was it! I lost you!"

Aby's eyes grew bigger. He got my bag?

"Gaa ... Lord Kazekage, calm down, I believe him …" she said with a weak voice.

"Are you kidding?" he yelled in disbelief. "You almost died back there! In a very undignified way!"

"But I got fooled too"

"Aby, it doesn't matter!" Sofia stepped in, "He should not have left you!". She turned to him. "Especially someone who claims to like you! Such a person would feel the need to stay by your side when something doesn't feel right!"

THANK YOU! Thought Gaara. Finally someone with common sense!

"Aby, they're right. I made a stupid mistake. I'm really sorry." Then Chris turned his grimaced gaze to Gaara. "But you did one too; you should have told her there were people like that … you know she wants to help anybody that crosses her path."

Gaara felt his words like a well placed hit on his chest.

"... Tsss"

He un-handed him and let him fall on the ground. They locked eyes for a moment, both defiant before Gaara joined Aby in the stairs. He took her hand to lead her away. As he did, Chris smirked while rubbing his jaw with the back of his hand.

Aby reached the room and let Gaara help her to the bed.

"I'll send someone to help you to a bath."

"I can do it myself."

"Aby, look at you! You can barely hold up!"

"Tori's birthday …"

"...Can wait tomorrow."

"No! Her birthday is today!"

"Listen …"

"She's never had a birthday in a long time!" Aby tried to stand.

"Aby!"

"Her birthday is today!"

"IT'LL HAVE TO WAIT!"

"NO! TOMORROW, IT WILL BE GONE! IT'LL BE TOO LATE!"

He pushed her back on the bed, hard.

"OW!" She looked up to him with teary eyes.

"What is it with you that you always care too much about details!"

"Because I remembered what it feels like to have a first birthday without your parents! AND I WAS A GROWN WOMAN!"

"SO DO I! FROM WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GUY TO THIS DAY!"

Aby kept quiet. She forgot that. Gaara not only didn't have a mother, but his father tried to kill him many times as he was a kid. She remembered the lie his uncle told him, under his father's orders. Gaara had no one. Not even his siblings were able to care for him when he was little. He didn't have birthdays. He had nothing. Only darkness and hatred. Her experience was nothing compared to his. He was probably right. A birthday date was just a small detail.

"I'm sorry," she said, but she clenched her fists on the bed, she still couldn't shake the idea that Tori was going to miss her birthday.

He came closer and lowered himself to look up to her. He put his hands on her knees.

"Tori won't enjoy herself if you are in that state. A special day doesn't require a particular date. She will be happy tomorrow as well," he whispered.

Aby nodded and her hands loosened a bit.

"I'm gonna go get someone to help you … I don't want to see you until tomorrow morning … unless of course you need something."

"Hey, Ga … Lord Gaara?

"It's ok, just call me by my name." She looked at him surprised.

"Oh, ok … uhm … how do you know when someone is lying?"

He looked at her, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"That man, he said he saw you and asked you earlier to help him and his brother. He said you ignored him. How did you know he was lying?"

"Because 'I think'."

"Ok … so … what made you 'think' he was lying?"

"Well … people do not wait a week to seek help when their family or even friends are in deep trouble."

"But, but he said he has been looking for days …"

"Think about it. Let's say one of those kids or Sofia was badly injured … what would you have done?"

"I would have asked for help, obviously!"

"OK, day one is over … no one is helping … their injury is getting worse … they have nothing to eat … they pass out … then what?"

"... I see."

She remembered the man and the way he was acting. She would not have let go of anyone. She would have gone directly to the hospital, or if she would have seen Gaara, she would not have let go of him until he agreed to help. She would have been in a panic mode; shaking, stressed, she would have done anything, she would not have been asking for a week for help … she would have got help right away, somehow.

He put his hand on her head.

"Don't blame yourself. Your friend was right. I should have warned you. You are not used to this village, as I am."

"There are people like that everywhere … my world included. I was stupid." She jerked up with a chill after another piece of memory and she closed her eyes to let it pass, then she looked at his torn sleeve.

"You should have this checked," she said, gently running her finger on the cut on his arm, she was feeling sick again, but tried to ignore it.

"... No, it's just … it's nothing serious." he answered, feeling strange as she touched his arm. She grabbed onto his sleeve when he stood up, so she stood up too, and froze.

She remembered the warmth of his arms earlier and wanted to feel that again; it was like a reflex. Like the automatic reach for a blanket when it's cold; or reaching for a glass of ice cold water when thirsty. In this case, she got up to seek his arms, but stopped herself, feeling awkward ...

She remembered Chris's words. "He had the opportunity to take you out but he did not take it!" Gaara was simply doing his duty. Nothing else. There was no "interest" in her. Why would there be? He was a ninja leader, coveted by the many kunoichis, and she was just an annoyance; an inconvenience from another world he couldn't ignore.

But she didn't want to be alone; she didn't want to be alone and remember … and for some reason, she wanted HIM to stay with her. She felt safe with him. She looked him in the eye and forced a smile, resolving herself.

"Thank you for everything you do for us."

"...What's wrong?"

"Uhm? Nothing. You are right. I'm tired. The days are getting better since we met you, but I keep messing up. Maybe I should just stay in this room until we find out how to get home." she giggled.

Here they are, the sad eyes again, he thought. His heart twisted again.

Abigail noticed she was still holding on to his sleeve.

"Oh!" She let go.

He didn't know exactly how; his hands just moved on their own, reaching for the sides of her face and brushing her hair with his fingertips. She was burning up. She closed her eyes to the soft touch, without really thinking.

Just his duty …

He moved his face close to hers and closed his eyes.

"Lord Kazekage?"

HOLY MOTHER OF…

Gaara's heart skipped at least three beats. Aby just fell back on the bed … not sure what was going on, but sad to feel his hands go.

"Yesss Yashikooo" Gaara answered, frustrated and his heart still pounding.

"Your sister is here!"

"Huh?"

"She wants to see you now! She says she has an important message for you."

"Oh all right … I'm coming!" He looked at Aby.

She was already curled up and snoozing, but her body kept jerking. He pulled the blanket over to her neck and put an extra one over. She seemed to relax a little and even drew a faint smile.

"For a girl who almost got raped and beaten to death, you're doing better than I thought!" he concluded.

He brushed off a strand of hair from her forehead before he left.

"Temari?"

"Little bro!" She firmly grabbed his cheeks and gave him a big kiss on his messy hair. She sneezed from the dust. "Did you have another fight again?"

"You say that as if I always get into fights … You're cheerful today?"

"You say that as if I'm always grumpy! Where's Kankuro?"

Not back yet, I presume it won't take much longer. Along with Sasuke and Sakura."

"Oh drat! Fine … hey, where are the two girls and—"

Toshiko and Tori came running to Gaara.

"Niisan, is Neechan ok?" asked Toshiko.

"Ohhhh! My! Aren't you two the cutest things!"

To Gaara's amazement, Temari lifted Tori up and twirled her around.

"Oh what lovely ring you have!"

"Niichan gave me!" Explained Tori with a big smile, as if she had known Temari all her life.

"You are seriously cheerful today …" said Gaara, honestly puzzled.

"What? Can't I be happy about seeing my little brothers? I haven't seen you in ages!"

"I guess … So, what is this important message you need to tell me?"

"Oh, it can wait … where are the other girls? Oh! Is that a cake?!" She looked at Gaara confused. Gaara did not like sweets.

"It's a birthday cake for Tori," Sofia said, as she entered the hall.

"Ohhh, it's your birthday? How lucky!"

"But Neechan is sick," Tori said sadly. Gaara lowered himself to the little girl's level and gave her a smile.

"She will be better tomorrow. Wouldn't it be better to celebrate your birthday with everybody? She has something for you that she is very excited to give you."

Tori smiled and ran after Toshiko, following a maid to prep for bedtime. Temari observed him with a grin.

"What?"

"Nothin'!" she said, still smiling.

"Did you come alone?"

"Shikamaru came too."

She pointed outside and turned to Sofia, while Gaara went out to greet him.

"You look just like them! Well, you know, except you have Sunagakure's local clothing. It suits you!"

"Are you talking about Matt and Hazy? How are they?"

"They're good … no worries. Kakashi is already training them, ha ha."

"Training? For what?"

"They wanted to learn self defense, although it was our Hokage's idea … he's having Lee teaching them taijutsu! I'm Temari by the way, the eldest of the famous 'sand siblings'!"

Gaara walked out and saw Shikamaru and Chris stare at each other, both obviously forcing a smile. Gaara detected arrogance in Chris's. Shikamaru was observing, without breaking eye contact.

"It was nice meeting you," said Chris to Shikamaru before leaving. He crossed paths with Gaara.

"Is she gonna be ok?" he asked.

"...yes," he said coldly.

"Awesome! Thank you for protecting her … my Lord."

Chris gave a forced bow, without breaking eye contact, and left to join the girls.

The night was clear and full of stars. Gaara shivered as he remembered what almost happened.

She is having a strange effect on me, he thought.

The night was quiet and cool. They could hear the cicadas in the deep darkness of the sleeping village. They both nodded to each other as a greeting and looked back where Chris disappeared.

"... I don't like him," he told Shikamaru.

"I don't like him either."

"Right? I'm not crazy! There's something wrong with this guy!"

Shikamaru lit up a cigarette, using his old sensei's pocket lighter.

"I feel that I know this guy. I'm sure of it … I've seen him somewhere."

"Yeah, now that you mention it, he gives me that vibe of …

déja-vu. although it would be impossible since he is not from this world …"

They looked at each other as the same question passed through their mind, and went back inside where they were greeted by the group, except Aby.