He couldn't understand it.

Gaara walked quickly without looking back, wishing to just disappear. Why did Neji have to act like that? Each time he talked to him, it seemed like he wanted to lure Gaara in, give him hope. Over the months they have been together, he had watched the disinterred lord grow softer to him, help him, offer his hand when he did not do so to any others. His lips on his skin only to forget….

Gaara's fists clenched hard. It served him right for allowing others in. He knew better, knew it would fail, and yet he still chose to give in. This really was the only logical outcome.

He kept his eyes down cast until he reached his room, opening the door and slowly looking up only for his face to pale at the sight. His brother stood in the center of the room, the tatami mat moved and his secret diary entries in his Kankuro's hands.

His brother would not meet his gaze, eyes fixated on the letters with an unreadable expression. Panic gripped Gaara's chest, feeling exposed, his secrets out for everyone to see. "Brother, I can explain," Gaara said, his voice tepid.

"Is what is written here true, my brother? Are these truly your thoughts not written by others?"

"…Yes." Gaara thought of lying, but what purpose was there to do so. His brother would not believe him. What other person here could write it, know the information in them like Gaara did, speak in his voice, write in his hand. His brother was intelligent, meant to take over the throne. An unprepared lie would not work on him.

"Do you understand the severity of what you have just admitted, Gaara? You speak of blasphemy. You speak of wishing to engage in sacrilegious practices. Do you wish to be labeled a heretic?" Kankuro spoke with a mixture of emotions. Concern. Confusion. A little anger. He wished for Gaara to hear his words, so he tried to keep his tone calm, but Gaara did not say anything, opening the lid to his anger. "Has living with infidels made you lose your sanity, or do you seek death? Mother almost succeeded in killing you. If I had not caught wind of her plot, I would not have been able to track you as I had. Now you wish to engage in homosexual practices and get yourself executed. Mother and Father are waiting for an excuse and now you willingly give them one?"

Ah, so that was how his traveling party had been captured and killed. He suspected it was Kankuro's mother's doing. She always hated him and saw him as a threat. She was his father's favorite wife and loved Kankuro dearly. She was clever and had strange connections despite being a woman, making what should be a negligible factor into a viable threat. The news she had been responsible for all this did not stir any emotion as he simply took it as fact and nothing more. Having survived many of her assassination attempts had made him numb to it.

When Gaara still didn't respond, his brother's voice lowered into a growl. "Did that heathen touch you?"

He thought of Neji's lips on his neck. "No."

"Do not lie to me. Did that heathen touch you? I will make sure he knows the wrath of—"

"He did not!" Gaara snapped, cutting off his brother. "You have read my thoughts. I wish he had. I approached him. I tried to seduce him, but he never touched me. After all, I am just a cursed child. Who could ever want to lay with me?"

"My brother," Kankuro looked at him with pity in his eyes as he searched for something to say. "You are mistaken. Being in this foreign land for so long as a slave has confused you, made you think you are not worthy. You are worthy of our people's praise and love, even more so after you dedicated almost half your life to military service."

His brother really did care for him. Rather than disown him or berate him or be disgusted, he was pleading for him. But like Neji, he did not believe his feelings had legitimacy, thinking it was being in a land where their religion did not touch was the source. "Then tell me this, brother, when the people heard of my disappearance and capture, when my wife heard, what was their reaction?"

Kankuro had no answer for him. Gaara did not need one. He already knew the answer. There had been false reports of his death on the battlefield before, had faked his death once to flush out his father's spy and assassin, and he heard how people reacted, seen it with their own eyes. Relief and joy.

"Do not worry. I will repent for my sins and ask for punishment from Allah so that he may guide me back on the right path before we set foot on the soil of our homeland. I have learned my lesson."

They were silent for a while, Gaara staring at a wall while Kankuro kept his gaze firmly on his little brother. He approached, placing his hands on Gaara's shoulders. "We will leave in a day after we have rested. I will help you Gaara get back to your old self, and we will put all of this behind us."

His old self? What was his old self? He didn't even know. He fought to survive, avoided people and connections when he could just to make sure he wasn't assassinated by people working for his father and his third wife. He ate alone and kept the things he enjoyed hidden. He didn't go home, outcasted to the battlefield at a young age. He lived in Egypt longer than he had in the palace in Constantinople. He had a room there he rarely used since he left, only using it when he was invited back to the capital to celebrate their victories. What did he have? "Going home… I cannot wait."

His brother smiled at him warmly, kissing his cheek before leaving to his assigned room. His brother was so convinced that Gaara will be happier back home. He did not want to disillusion him. His brother had always fit in, was welcomed home with celebration and song. He had his father's love, the people's admiration, and had a positive look on the world and what it had to give while Gaara was hated due to false rumors and coincidences that were conceived as bad luck and punishment from heaven following his birth.

Haru entered the room, carrying water to wash him down with. He helped Gaara undress and wash him. Gaara could admit he was going to miss Haru. Though his own servant had come far from their homeland to find him with his brother, Gaara could not bring himself to trust the old man. He had never wronged Gaara, but Gaara felt like he did not go out of his way to ensure Gaara's safety or happiness if he thought his life may be endangered, citing his family for a reason to hesitate or stay behind. It was a reasonable concern, but it kept Gaara from relying on him. Haru had proven himself, shown he was willing to take risks for Gaara, even standing up against his master to do it.

"Haru-kun… could you finish the story?" Gaara asked as he slipped into bed. "I want to know the ending."

Haru sat at Gaara's side, as a mother would for a child, to tell his story, picking up where he left off flawlessly. "The creature was falling in love with the human. Slowly but surely, the creature wanted to get closer and closer to the human but was too afraid. He weaved a beautiful veil, its thread made up of illusions, so he could pull it over his eyes. If he could see nothing but what he wished to see, he could get closer without guilt, not realizing his fantasy was hurting the human he loved so dearly. Though this creature was strong, his heart was very weak, and did not have the strength to approach the human otherwise.

"Because he wanted to be by his human's side no matter what, he would weave a new illusion if a hole appeared in his fantasy. However, when the creature tried to force his fantasy onto the human, the human became sad, for the creature would not see the human without the veil. The human decided to rip away the veil from his eyes and force him to see the human in front of him. However, unable to accept him without the veil, the creature pushed the human away. Heartbroken, the human decided to leave.

"The creature did not know what to do. The human who he so desperately wanted to love was going to leave him, but when he found out that the human loved him back, he could not bring himself to take a step forward. His scars ran too deep, fearing his own judgment because of a betrayal that happened so long ago.

"Alone, the creature slowly went mad, crying and praying for the human to return to his side. However, because he would not leave his past behind, the gods did not find it fit to answer his prayers. The gods told him, if he wished to see his human again, he would have to face the demons in his heart. The creature hesitated for a long time, but missing his human, he could no longer stand the loneliness and did as the gods commanded and faced his demons.

"He emerged victorious and went to seek out his human, planning to beg for forgiveness. Unfortunately, he had hesitated too long. When he found the human once more, the human had grown old with not much longer to live.

"The creature cried, holding the human's now wrinkled and weathered hand. The human, however, did not hate nor blame the creature. The creature was gifted a warm and loving smile from the human for the human had waited for the creature to come find him. After so many years, the human had continued to wait for the creature to realize what the human had known already for so long. Even if the time they could spend together was only a day, the human would not regret waiting for him.

"The creature cradled the now old and fragile body in his arms. A small kiss to the forehead made the human smile lovingly at the creature. The smile eased the creature's heart, and soon after, the human died. The creature who could not die held the body tighter and discovered he had found peace. After so long in pain, he had no more desire for revenge, only wishing to be with his love. The gods heard the creature's wish, and blessed him with the gift of death, allowing them to be able to reincarnate together. In the next life, the moment they found each other again, they recognized each other immediately. From that moment on, they never separated, devoted to each other for the rest of eternity with the gods' blessing."

So the story had a happy ending. If next lives were real, it would be a comforting thought. Another life to hope for something better. "Haru-kun…is that story us?" he asked quietly.

"It is whatever you want to believe, young master." Haru stood. "I will be staying with you until you board your ship home. If you need anything, please find me, and I will serve you."

"Thank you."

Haru gave a deep bow, telling him goodnight. If he asked, would Haru come with him? Probably not. Haru was loyal to Neji, and he had his brother here as well. For someone who had never left the country, going to Gaara's homeland would be a difficult adjustment. Still, it would be nice if he said yes.

Closing his eyes, he curled up in his bed, picturing Neji beside him. "Maybe the next life," he whispered, falling asleep.

The following day, Gaara did not leave his room much. His brother, however, did come to him. Kankuro, talked to him, catching him up on events at home, how they came to find Gaara's location, the journey to get into the country, and his plans for when they returned. If Gaara had to guess, his brother did not want to leave him alone, knowing the feeling he possessed towards their host.

Seeing the koto, his brother already lightly lectured him about it, saying he thought Gaara had stopped his childish hobbies. It was a polite way of saying Gaara was shaming himself. He did not say anything when Kankuro removed it from his room.

The only time Gaara left his room that day was to spar with his brother. Honestly, though it was the most fun he had with his brother, Gaara did not feel challenged. 7 years on the battlefield, full of experience and skill, found little benefit in sparring with someone who only had instruction within the safety of the palace walls. Kankuro did not know what it meant to fight with all you had, to dig your nails in until they fell off and still continue in order to survive. His brother's hands lacked blemishes and were relatively smooth while Gaara's were callused and scarred.

He had a little fun because it was the only thing Gaara could gloat over his brother. His brother was skilled in politics and very intelligent, charismatic, and lucky. Even if it was something like this, he wanted to have something over him, especially when his brother was trying hard to pretend he did not know Gaara's secret. His brother was doing him a favor by doing so. After all, if it was found out, Gaara could get the death penalty, but it made him feel invisible and isolated.

He was used to people ignoring him. He was used to doing things he did not like, saying things he did not mean, giving up things he liked and loved to conform and avoid scorn and hatred. His brother was the closest person in Gaara's life, and Gaara loved him deeply, but Kankuro did not know him. He did not understand him. Kankuro tried to sympathize but how can someone loved and want for nothing understand him.

Neji had looked at him, and though they came from different places, Gaara knew Neji understood his pain, the pain of feeling worthless and needing to prove oneself. The pain of hiding your emotions and thoughts to fit in. How draining and tiring it became over time.

Kankuro caught Gaara's mind wandering and attacked him when he wasn't prepared. Judging by his brother's expression, he knew who Gaara was thinking of and was not happy about it, but rather than call him out on it, he suggested a break and a smoke.

Gaara refrained from smoking, but he was used to keeping those who did company. As a servant brought and prepared the hookah Kankuro brought, Gaara read as his brother talked.

Haru had been at his side all day. He said nothing and kept his presence minimal in the room, but it did not keep his brother from noticing, shooting insults towards the boy every now and then. Gaara supposed it was a good thing Kankuro did not know Haru's religion. He would never allow Haru to serve him then. Gaara probably would not have either if he had discovered the truth early in their relationship. Rather, he did feel a little protective and offended at his brother's occasional insults towards Haru, specifically when it was time to pray, drawing his attention to Haru as a byproduct who stayed in the room quietly during the prayers.

Normally, Kankuro would not have been so blatant with his insults, but his belief Haru knew nothing of their language had him more vocal with his displeasure. Gaara knew Haru understood a decent amount of what they were talking about. While nowhere near Naruto's ability to absorb and learn another language, Haru practiced whenever he was not serving Gaara. He claimed to study to better serve him in the future as it was his job to make Gaara as comfortable as possible.

But Haru never showed any signs that he was insulted or could even understand the conversation, remaining quiet and unmoved as he went about his duties to serve. So Gaara stayed quiet, not speaking up either, letting his brother rant and continue on with his belief of Haru's ignorance.

Finally, his brother left him alone. The day had come to an end. Gaara was filled with different emotions. The pain of being near Neji but not having him was severe but the thought of going home did not offer comfort. Without his brother's mindless chatter and attempt to guide him onto the right path again, he was filled with thoughts of Neji. What was he doing? Was he eating well? Had he been too harsh with his words? Would Neji try to stop him from leaving?

"Haru-kun, when Neji… Hyuuga-san takes us to the gates, you give him a message for me?"

Haru's expression changed subtly, his head tilting down slightly to hide the brief emotions on his face. "The master has left the estate. An urgent issue appeared, so he had to attend to it. He will not be able to see you off."

"Oh." What else could he say? He knew Neji was a busy person, knew Neji only took time out of his schedule to humor Gaara because he had been kind to him. Now that he knew Gaara's twisted desires, he no longer had to extend that kindness to him. "Why… you never think my like is strange? Don't I disgust you too?"

Haru was quiet for a long time, thinking of what he should say. Gaara let out a soft huff of air. Wasn't his silence saying that he too was disgusted? Maybe he had helped Gaara because he wanted Neji to become angry with him.

"I... I do not think the master likes women… I do think… I believe he prefers men."

Haru's statement caused Gaara to snap his head in surprise. Haru did not look up, but shame was on his features. Gaara was confused as to why at first, wondering if it was because he was ashamed that his master liked men and was embarrassed. Naruto's teaching about the culture of Japan eventually made its way to the forefront of his thoughts, and he understood. For Haru to speak on his master's behalf on something Neji had never stated whether it had been insinuated or not, was improper in this society. To speak about one's master behind their back even more so. The servants here did not gossip like they did at home. None of them ever complained about Neji though they did complain about Gaara. For Haru to do this was essentially gossiping about Neji as well as insinuating that he knew Neji's thoughts and desires.

Haru's hands shook, and he tightened his hands into fists, as he continued. "I have served master for a very long time. He does not enjoy the company of women and often dislikes them touching him. His patience with them is lacking. There are few he does not mind, but they do not act as women should. He does not like weak and frail creatures and does not bother with them unless he has to. His heart nor eyes soften when he is with them, but since the young master has come, the master has changed. He is gentle with you, favors you."

"He is kind. I mean little to him," Gaara replied, but Haru shook his head.

"Master raised Natsu and I. I know of his kindness. In our eyes, he is a master, father, and divinity itself. We know of his kindness, but he has never shown gentleness. Master would not give me to just anyone. Master would not stay with someone who was sick far past when they were no longer in danger or allow someone to cry on him. Master loathes weakness, but for you, he has allowed an exception and has comforted you."

That did not explain why Haru thought he preferred men though. Haru was younger than him. Though he said he served Neji for a long time, how long could that be? "And yet he ran."

"I cannot tell you Master's history. It is not my place, but Master is afraid. Past nightmares haunt him and guide his hand. I only wish for Master's happiness. If being with you helped his nightmares cease, then how can I ever hate or be disgusted by the young master?"

"I see," was all Gaara said.

He sent Haru away. No longer feeling tired, he pulled out the koto, running his hands over it lovingly. He was lucky Kankuro had not destroyed it. He would have to leave it here after tomorrow. His hands moved on their own, going into a song. His brother might hear him, but he would not come out to scold him now. Guards would stop them from approaching if he had tried anyway.

He let the music wash over him and let his mind wander. Father. Master. God. He could see Neji being all three of those things to Haru. Haru was good at concealing his emotions but not perfect. When he spoke of Neji, it was always with a hint of pride and reverence. He worried about Neji like a loved one would and did not fear Neji would do him harm.

Haru's confidence in Neji could just be nativity. He was 14? 15? Even if he was 17, he could still have hope in people, especially if he felt he owed his life to him. But Haru did not come off as naïve. He was meticulous in his work and could anticipate something he or Neji wanted to the point of clairvoyance. Only the oldest and most skilled servants possessed those traits. And those traits could not come about without years of learning how to read others and interpret their intentions.

Even in camp, when Haru was new to serving him, Gaara noticed a look in his eye when unknown soldiers approached him. The moment Gaara thought the soldier might be there to cause trouble, Haru stepped in while those Gaara found to be tolerable and even friendly were oddly left alone.

No, Haru was not naïve to the world. But if he were to believe Haru's words, the problem laid with Neji himself. He claimed Neji had a history, that Gaara could believe. He would like to believe Neji treated him differently, but he was afraid to get his hopes up again.

His playing slowed as his mind drifted further and further away until his fingers stopped moving. He should go to bed. Dwelling on it was not doing him any good. His fingers brushed over the strings one last time before settling down for the night.

Haru came to wake him early. Gaara could not have been asleep long. The sky outside was still very dark, but if they wanted to avoid too much attention, they would have to leave while the sun was down. The boat would be waiting at the docks to take them to their main ship off the coast.

Gaara did not speak so Haru did his work in silence, but today, Gaara dressed himself. His brother had brought him clothes from home. His clothes were a matching set to his brothers, but rather than black, his were red. Haru did not know how to help, so Gaara just did it on his own. He adjusted his turban, peeking at himself at the mirror box Neji had bought him, the first of the many gifts he had received from him.

The silk felt strange after wearing cotton yukatas for so long. It slid easily against his skin, and he was not fond of it. It felt too thin and luxurious. These expensive clothes were wasted on him. What was the proverb here? Gold coins to a cat?

Haru tried to offer him a haori to ward off the cold, but Gaara refused it, walking out into the cold night air. He did not want to bring anything that would remind him of Neji. It was difficult enough to pretend leaving meant nothing to him.

His brother waited at the gate for him, smiling at him, asking if he was ready to go home? With a curt nod and no words from Gaara, they were off.

He almost turned around, almost dug his heels in and stayed. Had he ever felt an attachment to any place before? Had he ever felt reluctant to leave? It was not like he had great memories here, but they were not all bad for a change either. He was even a little fond of some of those memories.

But he was not wanted here, he reminded himself. It was the only reason he didn't stop and forced himself to keep going.

They followed their escort, Tobi. Something about the servant made him uneasy. He had never seen him before but he felt oddly familiar. He spent his time trying to recall where that familiar feeling came from. He watched the servant speak respectively towards Kankuro, acting humble and unbothered by the condescension aimed towards him. He kept that polite and pleasant expression as if he was being complimented rather than berated. Something just did not seem right.

Tobi led them to a shack where he told them to wait. They were informed the captain would be coming soon and wished them a safe journey back.

The shack was a little tight, but given the situation, staying out of sight of the general public was the logical thing to do. Neji had been concerned about Gaara being discovered since his arrival. He knew that Japan was not welcoming of foreigners. He leaned against the wall, waiting.

He heard his brother making comments about how primitive this place was and about their rude behaviors. His brother was correct in some ways, Gaara thought they were rather backward sometimes, but as he had stayed, listened to Naruto's tales, watching Neji every day, he saw beauty in their way of life.

The Japanese seemed to value elegance and beauty no matter the gender, appreciating art, music, calligraphy, poetry, and Go. Although Neji was not the picture of masculinity with his gentle and almost feminine features and lack of facial and body hair, the people around him did not seem to think anything of it. Even Naruto had been confused when Gaara had asked. Their concept of masculine was so very different from home.

He exhaled heavily. He already missed Neji.

"Shall I get or do anything for you while we wait?" Haru asked.

"No, I am fi—" Gaara paused as something sweet crossed his nose. This smell… This smell was familiar.

He covered his mouth and nose with his hand, doing the same to Haru. He had smelled it before, just once. The night he was kidnapped.

Quickly, the people around him started to fall unconscious as Gaara tried the door. Locked. He rammed the door with his shoulder, but it wouldn't budge. He was starting to see smoke from the outside. Inwardly, he cursed, about to ram the door again, when Haru pushed him aside.

Lifting his foot, Haru delivered a swift kick to the door, splintering the wood. Gaara gave Haru a quick look of surprise. Haru was much smaller in size and showed no signs of ever doing physical labor. How did he have so much power in such a small body?

He did not have much time to dwell on it. The shack was being quickly devoured by flames. He was not sure if the sleeping gas was still lingering but he needed fresh air before he could go back to save the others.

He grabbed Haru's wrist, pulling him out of the shack. "Go get help," he ordered Haru. It could have been Neji behind this, and yet, Gaara did not even consider the idea. What mattered was getting Haru someplace safe and get help. The culprits could not be too far. He had to send Haru away.

"It is my duty to stay. Your safety is more important." Haru held on

to Gaara, his grip bruising.

"Can you protect me?" he asked.

Haru hesitated, letting Gaara get a chance to pull out of Haru's grasp. "Get help." He didn't have much time to get his brother out. He started to head back to the shack, but Haru rushed inside first before he could.

He couldn't let Haru do it alone. The shack must have been dosed in something flammable. It was entirely covered in flames. He had to get him out. Just as he was about to follow after him, a part of the shack's roof's collapsed, blocking the entrance.

He tried to keep calm as his eyes darted around trying desperately to find an entrance into the building, but he didn't see a way in. Keep calm, he kept telling himself, pulling on his experiences of war to keep his mind steady, but he never had to worry about people he cared about before. There had to be a way to get them out of there.

He circled around, looking for an entrance into the building until he saw someone. Obscured by the smoke wafting off the shack, a silhouette of a person approached him with a casual gait. That had to be the perpetrator. Gaara reached for his sword, taking a step back. Something felt wrong.

"You really should have stayed put, young master." Gaara recognized the voice instantly. The calm, playful, mocking way he spoke, Gaara had grown familiar with it over the months of captivity. Gaara had been blindfolded most of it, but that voice accompanied him the last month. He had spoken Japanese at the time, and though Gaara could not understand him, it always made him uncomfortable. Like a cold knife trailing up his spine, putting him on edge, afraid to move. Gaara unconsciously took another step back.

"Who are you?" Gaara demanded, raising his sword.

Tobi seemed amused at Gaara's antics, his smile widening into a smirk. "If you had just gone to sleep like you were supposed to, you would have died painlessly, but you have been more trouble than expected since the beginning."

"Why?" he asked.

The man sighed. "You were only supposed to be a pretext for me to enter the Hyuuga household. My master was not happy to learn you were his mate." He drew his sword as well, dropping the sheath. "My master does not like it when his things wander away from him."

What was this man talking about? Gaara had a difficult time dissecting his words, but it sounded like it involved Neji somehow, that he was the one targeted.

The heat of the flames at his back reminded Gaara that he could not waste time. He needed to get rid of him and help Haru and Kankuro.

He took a deep breath, slipping into his warlike mindset as easily as slipping off a cloak. The urgency of the situation was pushed to the side as he regarded the enemy before him. Kill. It was the only thought to occupy his mind.

It should be a quick fight. Spies were skilled in fighting but usually avoided direct confrontation if possible. Gaara should have had the advantage. His stance and willingness to fight only made the man chuckle. Faster than what should have been humanly possible, the man closed the distance between them within a blink of an eye, Gaara's reflexes saved his life, barely blocking the attack from the sword.

The speed almost took him by surprise, almost made him falter for a crucial moment that would have given his enemy an opening, but the attack reminded him of Neji's movements. Fast and swift, using slashing motions.

He blocked it, but barely. The force of the blow made his arms numb and he almost let go of his sword. It was only because of his sparring matches with Neji that he knew how the man would likely counter, but even knowing, he barely stopped the next attack, knocked off balance and his sword falling from his hands. He jumped back, his opponent's blade barely missing his stomach, then dived and rolled for his blade during another attack, not without injury. The blade grazed his leg, but he tried to ignore the pain as he picked up his weapon and turned to face him.

"Not bad for a human," Tobi praised. He almost sounded sincere rather than condescending. His eyes held a low glow, similar to the way Neji's would glow, but seeing his playful gaze, Gaara knew he was being toyed with. A sense of déjà vu washed over him. Similar to when he sparred against Neji at night, he felt overmatched, like he was a child picking up a sword for the first time facing a master. Tobi was faster and stronger, and it felt like he had been in countless battles despite appearance.

He was in trouble. He was outmatched skill-wise, and they both knew it. When the man's playful eyes grew serious, Gaara knew that playtime was over. The man had played around just long enough for Gaara to know he was not going to survive this encounter which sadly happened with just one exchange, hastening his death sentence.

He tried to think of a way to gain the advantage, even if temporarily. Tobi seemed to wait for the moment Gaara blinked, for when he did, the man was right in front of him, the sword already in motion. Gaara parried, but he was overwhelmed by the strength of the blow even when the katana cracked from the force. He fell back, and Tobi took the chance to pin him through the shoulder to the ground.

Gaara gritted his teeth through the pain; however, he could not stop his cry of pain when Tobi stepped on his injury. "Very few humans can block me. It is quite impressive. I can see how you drew that young lord in with that talent of yours."

He lifted the sword only to stab his shoulder again, a small smile flitting onto his lips when he twisted the blade. "Unfortunately, that's why you have to die. Blame your poor luck."

"Talk too much," Gaara growled, throwing sand into Tobi's eyes. It temporarily blinded him and for a slight moment, the pressure on his shoulder lightened, and the sword was removed in an attempt to finish Gaara off, giving him an opening. Swinging his sword, Gaara cut into the man's knee, severing the ligaments, and rolling out of the way to put distance between them.

Rather than cripple the man, it only enraged him. Before Gaara's eyes, the leg healed, and the glare thrown his way was all the more chilling.

No more talking. No more posturing. Tobi was going to kill him this time. This man was not human. He was a demon.

Gaara raised his sword again, but his left arm was useless now. The next attack was going to kill him. He had faced death in the face so many times, but he never had any regrets before. If only he could check on Neji one last time to make sure he was safe. If only he had not said those words at their last parting. If only he had at least left him a letter to tell him how deep his feelings really were. If only…

Tobi moved. Despite the speed, it felt like slow motion. He could see the movement, but he lacked the ability to move fast enough to dodge or block. Even at his best, he would not be able to keep up. This really was the end.

He resigned himself to death, but he did not expect a blur in front of him, blocking the blade. Haru, coming out of nowhere, threw his body in front of him. The blade sliced through the body like water from the shoulder diagonally down. Hot blood sprayed on Gaara's face and body.

Gaara stared in shock even as Haru's body fell against him, catching the boy reflexively.

Tobi huffed, annoyed that his attempt was interrupted yet again. "Always getting in my way," he sneered.

Gaara barely heard him, seeing and feeling Haru's limp body in his arms. Why would Haru do that? Haru could have run. He would have been safe if he had left him.

"His sacrifice was pointless. There is nothing left to save you." He removed his sword with the sickening sound of metal against bone.

It was Haru who responded much to Gaara's surprise, his voice barely audible with the blood flooding his mouth and his body almost cut in half. "J-just … needed… a little time."

Tobi did not have a chance to ask him to clarify. A red/blue flame engulfed his body as if he was made of tinder, the heat forcing Gaara to look away to protect his face. The flames were hot and intense. Tobi's screams were ear-piercing as he burned alive until he was silenced, and his body fell. He continued to burn until there was nothing but ash in its wake, and the red/blue flames fizzling out.

Slowly, Gaara turned his head back, seeing the pile of ash where his attacker had once been. What had just happened? Tobi had been reduced to dust with merely a handful of seconds.

"Good. You're still alive."

Gaara's heart was pounding in his chest, still shocked at the spontaneous combustion that had happened in front of him. A man approached him, one with long flaming orange hair that resembled fur, golden eyes that resembled a predator's, and a yukata that was mostly open at the front showing off his chest. His eyes were not the only animalistic quality he had. His nails were long and sharp like claws, on his head, hidden within his mane of hair poked out two fox ears, and a long bushy orange tail swinging back and forth lazily. In the palm of his hand hovered the dual-colored flame.

Gaara clutched the sword tightly in his hand as he held Haru closer. He was surprised at the man's appearance, but he had seen these creatures before. Just like before, this man had a similar aura to that man Gaara had once questioned if he was Allah himself, but this one came off as more dangerous than the last one, and his animal features made him more demonic than heavenly.

The creature's eyes drifted down to Haru's body, clicking his tongue in annoyance. He approached, his presence making it hard for Gaara to breathe and there was no Neji to alleviate the pressure this time. "Do not come!" Gaara warned.

The creature scowled at him approaching him anyway. There was little Gaara could do to stop him with his injury, but he tried to put on airs and bluff. It did not work.

He grabbed Haru by the collar pulling him away from Gaara. Gaara's grip had been weak, but Haru had been gripping onto his clothes tightly. So tightly that Gaara's sleeves ripped when he was pulled away.

"No!" Gaara yelled, reaching for him, but all the creature did was stop him with his foot to the face.

"I'm trying to save you, you ungrateful brat," he snarled. He held Haru away from Gaara with a single arm outstretched as if Haru was just a small kitten. "Or would you prefer to keep a rabid wolf in your arms?"

Gaara had no idea what he was talking about, but as Haru's clothes had been ripped due to his injuries, he saw that his injury was healing, the large gash mending together before his eyes.

"Right now, you are nothing more than food in front of a starving man. If he was not so loyal to Hyuuga, he would have torn into your neck already."

A low growl emanated from Haru's chest. His lips parting, showing a fang.

Gaara became weary as his mind tried to piece together what was going on. The man he fought was not human, neither was this creature before him and now Haru as well. Then Neji was probably….

He thought of Haru's story, about a monster who was not human or demon, who lived for centuries and never aged, who fed off human blood but had no ill intention towards humans. Perhaps the story was not a story after all.

"Why help me?" he asked in a quiet voice.

The creature gave off the impression he did not want to be there, his posture slouching a bit as his eyes darted to the side. "Your mate is the sponsor of my kit, and the kid is very fond of you. I thought I may as well pay them both back for the help in one go."

"…Thank you." Gaara stood up, stumbling a bit from the blood loss. He looked back at the burning shack which had collapsed a long time ago. His brother—

"If you're looking for one of your clansmen, he's up the hill, hidden from view. He'll be fine with some rest." The creature said. He pulled something out of the satchel on his hip, tossing it to Gaara who caught it out of habit. In his hand was a small bottle no bigger than his palm. "Take that, it will heal your wounds quickly."

Hoisting Haru onto his shoulder, he added, "That should settle my debts. You should head back to Hyuuga's house and wait for his return."

"Where is he?" Gaara asked, unable to help himself. "Is he okay?"

The creature shrugged. "Mt. Hiei perhaps. He was near my mountain heading east. I did not ask, nor do I care about what he does."

Mount Hiei? Where was that? Was it far? If his theory was right, Neji may be in danger, but should he even care? Neji rejected him, and he may not even be human. He was not god, and he was not an angel, so did that make him a demon? A devil? It would make sense. Neji had made him stray off the path from the teachings, but he could not say Neji was evil. He was could get scared and embarrassed, caressed him, comforted him when no one else would. If that was evil, would it not be better to give up his soul for that truth than the truth that made him miserable?

His lips thinned. Bringing the bottle to his mouth, he used his teeth to pull the stopper out, spitting it out to the side then drowning the contents. The medicine was very bitter, but he forced it down anyhow, resisting the urge to gag.

The pain in his shoulder intensified then like magic his wound began to mend, the bleeding stopping. "Where is Mt. Hiei?"

The creature's fox ears twitched. "Rude little bastard, aren't you?"

Gaara got to his feet, sheathing his blade. The pain had turned to a dull throb. Whatever potion he had been given seemed to have worked. "Just tell me how to get there. I find my way."

The creature smiled, showing his sharpened canines. "No wonder the kid likes you. You're just as stubborn as he is." He jostled Haru on his shoulder.

Mist gathered around the creature's feet, condensing until it became a grey, fluffy cloud. The cloud raised into the air, the creature still standing on as if it was solid. "I can have Hyuuga owe me for a change." He whistled, and the wind blew, leaves picking up off the ground, swirling in a small cyclone. In the center, a small white fox appeared, sitting with a red cloth around his neck that was similar to a bib.

It ears twitched, and with its small paw, it rubbed its eyes. The wind dissipated and the fox stood up, turning to the creature and bowing its head in respect.

"This little one will lead you and only lead you. Treat him well." The cloud he was riding rose higher into the sky until he was above the tree line. Looking down, he threw a carefree, "good luck," and then he faded out of existence.

Gaara looked down at the fox who stared back. He had met many beasts over his lifetime, but none had such intelligent eyes that stared back at him. "I will take my brother to a safe place. Then we leave."

Gaara was not sure what he was waiting for, if he was waiting to see if the fox would speak or show some sort of acknowledgment that he understood. He merely stared at Gaara until it made him uncomfortable. He had to assume the fox understood. As he walked, the fox would follow, keeping close to his heels.

His brother was on top of the hill as the creature had said. Kankuro had minor burns, but he appeared fine, only unconscious. It was a relief as it was one less thing to worry about. He carried his brother on his back, heading into town to Naruto's house.

Naruto was more than happy to accept Kankuro and watch over him. He had ushered them both inside and offered his futon for Kankuro to rest on. He asked Naruto if he would watch his brother so he could go check on Neji, and Naruto replied that they were brothers, that Gaara did not even need to ask. How could someone like this ever be considered tainted or bad?

Gaara did not stay long. He wanted to leave before his brother woke to try to stop him, and he still was unsure if Neji was safe or not. His brother's sleeping face reminded him of what he was doing, who he was siding with. Going after Neji after promising his brother he would give it up, going to save someone he knew was likely not human but a devil instead, he could not even imagine what type of heresy he was committing by doing these things, but he already placed his bet. He had lived his life with little regret, he did not wish to start now. Even if Neji could not return his feelings, even if he was sent to hell because of his choices, he wanted to save Neji.

With one last look at the house he was leaving his brother behind in, he strengthened his resolve to follow this thorny path. "Alright," he told the fox, pulling the cloak he borrowed from Naruto, closed. "Let's go."