In a dark thick hidden area, in a cavity of a deep cavern the muggy moisture from the water dwelling there forming a small raven. Two dark figures walk through one wearing a mask and the other it was hard to tell since they took the appearance of Venus fly trap, one was quiet disgusted by the area. While the other seem to enjoy it."Now, now we should not be rude."a calm voice voice tells the other.
"I don't see the need to be here."a dark voice spoke."How did you hear about them? And what are they, from what I've been able to obtain on the little information, they are not-how should I say it. Human."
A eerie soft chuckle echos slightly through the cavern."Am I?"
A smug smile comes to the other behind their mask. Quickly three figures drop from up above, alarming them slightly. Taking out a kunai when something fires at the weapon, knocking it out their hand. Shocked onyx black eyes look to fine their kunai encased in ice. A low growl turns them back around. Feeling the presence behind them, the onyx eyes turn to find a massive skeletal like figure, they couldn't make it out. But one thing for sure it wasn't human.
Hearing it sniffing, snarling lowly. Unsure what to do, normal calm sweat started to come. A deep gruff chuckle was heard."What's the matter boy?!"a deep raspy gruff asks in amusement."I can smell your fear..."
Sensing this, the other with golden eyes humbly and politely greets the strange creature."I've come to introduce myself to your master. I've come to offer my assistance. I do believe we have some common interest."
Temari chuckles watching you busy at work, cooking. The main thing you did, since returning back to the village. Though she would have preferred to find a mission for the two of you. You choose to cook and cook. Like a busy bee, going back and forth. Chopping, cutting, mincing, shredding, stirring and so much more. Your movement in the kitchen, almost made it look like you had had shadow clones helping. But she knew you didn't. When you where doing something else, the kitchen utensils moved on their, through you. Opening and closing the fridge and oven. Taking things in and out. She was amazed how you managed to find a place for what you made.
This new found energy that came on you, clearly showed, you where glad to be back in the village. Or at least back to her family's residence. The aroma from your cooking, filled the air. She had to admit to herself, it was good to be back home. She did miss this really, she could hear her stomach slightly growling. Smirking to herself.
"Temari."she hears you call to her, looking she finds you holding a spoon infront of her filled with looked like stew or sauce."Please, can you taste this for me?"
Nodding her head, she takes the spoon tasting what you wanted her to."Wow, this really good."she swallows."The best I've tasted from you."
Smiling you return back to the pot, getting another spoon to replace the one used with Temari. Humming silently to yourself, Temari could see you where really caught up in what you where doing. Wanting to give you, your space she leaves you.
The sun was almost done setting, ending the day. And you finally finished, well almost done. Just one more thing, while it was baking you tended to the cleaning the kitchen, everything you made and setting the table. The amount of food you made, made you think you went overboard. But you didn't care, it was nice to be back, though looking at this food made you kinda of miss Naruto back in the village. You cooked once for him, when Temari was gone. When you found out he lived by himself, prompting you make him something to eat. The amount of food you made, he ate it heartily.
Thinking about his village, put a slight damper in your mood. But not too much, remembering how they came to see you off. Brought your spirits right back up, their words echoed in your mind. Besides, they were not that far away, just a two to three days tops. So, you could go back and see them or they could come here. Which you hoped.
Done cleaning the kitchen, you take out the last thing in the oven, and set it to cool on the stove to cool. Opening the cabinet, you find a decorative container, opening it and start to nicely put some food in it. Grabbing another one, you put in the dessert you had. Hearing the front door open, along with footsteps. You finish packing the containers.
"Well, this is a surprise."Kankuro voice behind you, turning around to him. Smiling. He gives you a half smile back. Looking at everything you had on the table and still in the kitchen."Someone's been a busy bee. Figured you where back, the only one I know that can make this place smell like a home."
"Mr. Kankuro!"you call him, which of course irked him."Welcome, I hope you are very much hungry."
"..."he grumbles to himself, but forces himself to smile."Might as well be. So, you finished your training?"
You nod your head, grabbing another container and start to fill it up."Yes, Miss Tsunade has relieved me of my training."
"Really? Well, I shouldn't be surprised."he chuckles to himself.
Temari came into the room."Oh, Kankuro you're home."she somewhat greets her brother, surprised a bit.
He turns to her. Greeting her back, before taking a seat at the table."Yeah, I'm surprised you two are back. Wasn't expecting the two of you to return so soon."He grabs a plate. Temari takes a seat too."May told me, the Hokage ended her training."
"Yeah, she's done."Temari conforms it."She's officially a Genin."
"So I see, didn't want to go on any missions?"he starts to put food on on his plate and some rice in his bowl.
Temari shakes her head."No, she wanted to come here. But don't worry, we will be starting some."
"It's a good thing, though that May finished when she did."Kankuro drops his voice low, eying you leaning in close to his sister. Temari could see there was serious information he needed to tell her."I'm sure you've heard about what's been going on?"
Knowing what he was talking about, she nods her head."Yeah, I was sent on a reconnaissance mission while in Konohagakure. I didn't find much, but I am aware of it. People from other villages are being kidnapped, shonibi are not really returning back from missions. There are rumors of some sort of skeletal creature and some metal man with a strange creature in their torso that might be control them. But, that's not all...it's either jutsu or some sort of weapon. No one's ever seen nor heard of."
"Yeah, everyone's on high alert. But trying to keep it at bay."Kankuro lowers his voice more."Gaara has issued, from now on medic nin have to accompany others on their mission. To increase their survial rate. Plus double up on missions."
"It's that's bad...I heard many suspect Orochimaru."Temari tells him.
Kankuro shakes his head."I don't think so, it's close on the same line. But personally, not his style. This new...enemy seems different."
"Still..."Temari looks over at you, you had finished packing what you where doing."So it's a good thing then, May became a medic-nin then."
Kankuro knew what she was thinking."Whoa, you think she's ready?"
"She's my genin, she has no choice, plus May has this...I don't even really know hos to explain it... I'm going to find us a mission, to recover some intel. There has to be more out there."
"..."
You tighten the last knot, done with packing."All done."you pick them, and start to walk out. The two noticed this, Kankuro was about say something when he remember that, after you came back from your training, you had free range in the village. But luckily you informed them."I shall return, I am just going to deliver these. Please do not wait up."Turning to them, smiling, opening the door, you walk out and fly away.
Coming to the first stop, you land down infront of a large door. Knocking on it, the wind blew the most here. But you didn't mind at all, not hearing anything you push it open and go inside.
Sitting by the small pond, Elder Ebizo fishing like always. Like what he use to do with his sister, looking down at his reflection. When he felt the presence of another, a warm smile came. He didn't have to look up, he knew who it was. Gliding over to him, he heard their feet touch the ground. Sniffing the air, he smelled something succulent.
"Now, what has this old man done, to be blessed with such a visit and hearty meal?"he jokes, hearing that innocent giggle.
"Ebizo Sensei. I have returned."you tell him, setting one of the dinners you had down for him."I have completed my tutelage under Miss Tsunade."
He looks up seeing you standing there, smiling down at him. He noticed you wearing your forehead proctor in the most interesting spot. Not like many over their forehead. But over your chest, pretty much sewn in. He smiles proud and pleased to see you.
"You've grown, I can see it."his wrinkle face kept smiling at you."...It is good to know, my sister's knowledge is safely with someone so kindhearted. I am glad you have become a shonibi."
"Thank you."you bow to him."I hope you are hungry, please I know this not enough. But it is thanks to you, that I was able to go and further my skills. So, enjoy a warm meal."
He looks at the wrapped up container."You are very kind...thank you."
After spending some time with Ebizo, you left him and head to drop off the rests. Coming to another door, though this one was normal size. The sun already set, the stars high above the sky. Giving the village light, the moon added more. Knocking on the door, the lights where on and you could hear and sense they where home.
"Coming."Kai calls, waiting a few seconds he opens the door."May! Well this is a surprise."he greets you. He notices you holding the wrapped containers in your arms."What is this for?"
Handing them to him, he takes them."I know, this is not much really. But I wish to repay you, for your kindness. Just like Ebizo Sensei, because of you I was able to become a shonibi. I know it is late, but please take this. It is just a meal really, for you and Kaito...is he here?"
Kai was touched by your gesture."Thank you, and yes he is. But right now he is sleeping."he looks behind him towards the room of his son."He missed you so much, you have no idea. Without you here, it was so hard...he did make it difficult."he lightly chuckles."You're very important to him, so I should thank you for bringing light back into my son's life. It's been so hard since..."
Your eyes soften from what Kai was saying. Sensing how emotional he was starting to become, even with his best efforts to keep his spirit high. His green eyes look at you warmly. Reflecting something inside of him, a memory of some sort. That almost brought tears to the man's eyes.
"Thank you, May. Truly, thank you."was all he said.
"You are welcome, Mr. Kai."you turn and walk away. Wishing him a good night. He waves to you, before shutting his door. Inside he walks over to a picture he had on his wall. It was with him, his son and another. The last time, he saw his son smile, truly smile.
With one more thing to drop off, you would be able to head back home. Flying through the village, the cool air felt so good on your skin. It was so relaxing and comforting. The wind gently blew through your hair, though you liked Naruto's village, Sunakagure gave you something you didn't know what it was. But it made you feel in a sense free, like the wind. Smiling to yourself, unaware of envious eyes watching you.
Looking all around at those still up and those on patrol. You wondered something. Thinking about doing something, stopping your eyes looked around. A thought came to your mind. Just a thought. With that thought you continue you on your way.
Gaara sat in his office going over the intel from the ANBU. Going over every single detail acutely. Every report was the same, nothing was different. There was very little information on these sudden kidnappings and ambushes. Even from the sights that it happen, it was like nothing was there. Not a single trance, which seem impossible, even the best sensory shonibi could not find anything.
He had sent word to Tsunade about the minimal findings, hoping she might have more. He was lucky enough that one of her shinobies made it back, but not in the best conditions. They where mutated, and there was some sort of ooze with them. Test where still being run on the corpse and ooze. He just had to wait for now. Knowing their numbers on shinobi where slowly growing thin, he didn't want to risk their lives but money had to be brought back to the village. Only those heavily trained could do the more dangerous ones.
Closing his eyes, his mind was whirlpool of fear, worries, questions, a bit of anger, and so much more. Even though he remained calmed on the surface. It was eating away at him from the inside. Lives where precious to him, and they where being taken away. Without a care in the world. He needed to find some sort of clue of who was doing this.
Separating his own emotions to think this through logically. An irritating tapping interrupted his thinking. He did his best to block it out, assuming it was the wind, but it didn't go away. Remaining calm, yet irritated, he sharply at the tapping noise. Surprised to find May outside, one of his windows. Waving gleefully at him. He noticed her holding something, she points to it. He gets up, and goes to the window. Opening it, and the girl comes in.
Landing down, in Gaara's office fixing your hair laughing to yourself. You place greet him, walking to his desk like it was nothing. Untying what you brought, taking out the containers, placing them nicely on his desk with chopsticks. Telling him, that you made a huge meal and delivered it to Ebizo, Kai and his son, Temari and Kankuro where home. Though you ended up staying longer at Ebizo, apologizing for Gaara's food if it was cold. Looking around for something to heat up with.
Which you instead saw the flowers you sent him, touched and amazed. Though some where withering away, you go over to them putting a small stasis cocoon on them. They slowly started to heal back to themselves. Smiling.
"There, is that better?"you finally look at Gaara who was still by the window. Looking at you puzzled and shocked. You walk over to him, pointing to your forehead protector."Thank you, Mr. Gaara so very much. I will definitely repay you back for your kindness."Looking at your protector."I was told, by Naruto to wear this proudly, and I hope to wear it as such. There is a good reason, why I wear it over my chest...did you enjoy some time to yourself. Mr. Gaara?"
Gaara finally comes back, he looks over at the food you brought for him, then to the flowers you brought back to life and lastly you. He heard your question, he had much on his mind and things to do."..."
He didn't answer, you pretty much figured it out. Your eyes drop lamentably."I wish you would have taken time for yourself..."you weakly smile, shaking your head. Thinking, you quickly levitate one of the containers to you and the chopsticks. Opening it quickly, and in one quick motion pretty fast for Gaara you, feed him putting some food in his mouth. Taking the Kazekage off guard.
Chuckling silently, he looks at you. You get some more food inbetween the chopsticks and feed him again. Before he could protest. Realizing he had not swallowed his food."Mr. Gaara, you must chew you food."you instruct him. Demonstrating it to him, laughing at what you did. Gaara chews his food and swallows, happily you get some more food and feed him again."Shall I tell you, about my time in Konohagakure...it was most enjoyable. Everyone there is so kind, I was able to see Naruto, Lee and Hinata. They introduced me to their other friends. Quite a big village."you just kept talking, not at all minding feeding Gaara, just wanting him to take a break. And Gaara just let you do it, seeing you where not going to stop. Your mouth just kept going, telling him everything from your first day through Tsunade's training to your very last day.
"A wonderful village, it truly is."you admit to him."But it is nice to be back...oh, thank you again for Onyx. I was not expecting such a gift. He is truly adorable."Seeing you finished the food with him, you go and place it down."The other holds dessert, I am sure you can eat that on your own."you turn to him with a small smile."Is your mind at ease now, Mr. Gaara?"you asks. You saw the look of surprise on his face."I am sorry, I was able to sense your uneasiness and stress. I do not really know what it is, but you should take a break. Just know whatever it is..."you walk over to him. Looking up at him."You will find it, your heart is in the right place."you place your hand on his chest where his heart was."My Master Splinter, use to say if your heart is in the right place then you will find it."Patting it comfortingly."...You seem tense, still Mr. Gaara."you snap your fingers remembering, quickly grabbing his hands in your."I did this once, with a friend of mine, back home. Come and dance with me."you tell him.
Pulling on a him a bit, realizing there was no music. Putting a little damper in your thoughtful idea, prompting you stop."...I am not sure where to get music from...still.."you pull him to the center of his office. Looking up at him brightly."We can still trying, now relax and follow me. Ok? Relax."you tell him.
Gaara slowly nods his head, though he wanted to get back to his work. He slowly does so, relaxing. Feeling he was not as tense, you slowly start to move telling him to follow you. Remembering that night you danced with Raph. It was somewhat the same, though under different pretenses. Smiling proudly at him. He followed your footing. He was pretty heavy footed, he stepping on yours a few times, mumbling his apologizes, though you didn't mind.
Outside not to far away, angry eyes spy into Gaara's office watching him dance with May. Who seem to be gladly enjoying her time, though mistaking it as something else. Puffing up with jealousy, lividly wishing to do something to the happy go lucky girl. Tightening the fist, taking out a kunai. They could easily throw it, but then it would be consider a threat upon the Kazekage, and that was the last thing they wanted to do.
Biting their lip, just like they would bite their time. Dagger eyes upon the unsuspecting pink haired girl, they would find a way to exact their own revenge. Knowing there where others who felt the same, they would have to devise their own plan. Scuffing venomously they turn their backs and leave.
Back with you and Gaara, not having music was a issue. But you did your best to just imagine it. Pretty much humming, was all you could think of. Feeling you had eaten up enough of Gaara's time, finally stop and give him back his hands. Satisfyingly smile at him."Did that help? Does it not feel good to take time for yourself?"
Though his eyes remained stoic to you, they soften kindly at you. Nodding his head."Yes...thank you."he looks back at his desk, you look as well.
"I shall let you get back to work, Temari might wonder where I am."you tell him, walking to the window. Opening it up, the wind blew a gentle breeze on you. Inhaling it, smiling contently."Oh, I almost forgot..."you turn back around and place something in his hand."Ino, told me this flower will mean something I believe later. She did not specify what kind of flower it was. It is a surprise, I believe. Tend to it well."With those words, you wave bye to him, wishing him a good night."Good-night Mr. Gaara."with a quick smile, you fly out of his office and back home. Gaara stood there, he looks at the window for a few more seconds, remembering what you just gave him. Looking at the small pouch, he places it on it his desk. Picking up the container that held the dessert. Finding Yokan, along with a note.
Picking it up, he starts to read it. When he heard that familiar tap on his window, only half way through the note he looks up finding you there. Waving to him, he goes and opens it. Wondering what it was you wanted."I did not fully give you thanks."you lean to the side of his face, remembering what April told you about this gesture. You give him one, it was the same feeling he felt you give him, when you came back to hug him. Before he left. Leaving him speechless.
Smiling at the auburn hair Kazekage, wishing this time for real good night. And fly off into the night. Gaara touches the side the of his face, he wasn't sure if you knew what kind of gesture you just gave him. But it was one he knew. Looking back at the letter he finishes reading it.