Ebizo never knew the village could feel so quiet and motionless, there was still life in Sunakagure just not enough, not like how it use to be. Yes, children ran around playing and being children. Laughing. People went about their daily lives, talking gossiping, meeting up with one another. Shinobis going and returning from missions. The sun beamed down high in the sky, the old man stops to look up at bright disc. It reminded him so much those eyes, those bright beaming eyes, always open, kind and happy. The small cloud that floated under the sun, reminded him of their smile. A smile that was given to everyone and anyone despite their attitude towards them. A smile he had grown enjoy, bringing warmth back to his old bones. Lifting his spirits every second, a smile just to smile.
With an attitude to go along with it, one he found enjoyable. In a place like this, in this harsh environment a flower actually bloomed and flourished. He meant what he said, calling them, the village's Flower. And now that flower...it just wasn't the same anymore. The strolls he took, weren't not as joyful. Fishing nether. After what happened, hearing they had been found and saved, he was relived. Good. He couldn't wait for them go come back, though when word came, they where wavering between life and death from all they had gone through. His hopes dropped. With everyone ounce of willpower he had, he kept his faith afloat. And it worked, they recovered. What a miracle. Lady Hokage proved she held her title as the medical-nin in the world. What came next was just the healing. After that, they would come back to the village and the village would have their flower back. Or so he thought.
He still couldn't believe the choice that was made. He didn't understand why, even if he did. Ebizo wasn't the only one who was expecting the Flower's return, surprisingly others where. Especially the children at the Academy and the teachers, when word spread around the village for their reason for leaving, it made those who thought negatively of them to regret their pass judgement.
Their absent presence seem to still effect others, he had noticed. Though one in particular, climbing the stairs leading to main building of the village. Where the council meetings were held. And other important matters where handled and the most important person reside during the day. Stepping inside, he proceeds down the hall, finding the stairs that laid upward towards the Kazekage's office. Stopping first to look into the council room. Thinking back to the many meetings that had been held about the Flower. Some good, though mostly bad and negative. There were very few who kept an open mind, Ebizo being one of them. It was a struggle really between the members. For it be defused by the Kazekage. Looking around, he ascends the stairs steadily.
It took him a bit longer to reach it, old age would do that to a person. When this happened, he was given assistance by them. They would be at his side, and lead him. Taking hold of his arm, allowing him to lean on them for support. They would match their speed with his, being so gentle and delicate. While concerned and worried. To lighten the mood, they would regal him with stories, jokes which they explained, tell them something new or inquire about him. It made climbing the stairs easier and enjoyable. He could feel their soft touch of their skin and touch on his arm. Holding him firmly, but not to firm. A few times they had offered to fly him, carry him all the way up. But he declined, he preferred walking, taking delight in their company. Such a respectable and considerate soul. When they reached the top, their laughter together would echo all through out. Now, no more laughter. No nothing.
Feeling empty again. First his sister, and now this...
In Kazekage's office, everything quiet. Orderly. Nothing really out of place, so nothing seemed to have changed. The plants in the corner, bookshelf to the right, filled with scrolls and books. The desk and chair right in the center, windows around the room to peer outside, the sun's rays shone through offering light. Illuminating the place. Nothing out of place. Except, the wittering flowers overhead. The petals and steams had begun to dry up. It only made sense really, they hadn't been watered in some time. Not because they didn't want to water them, no. The flowers where tended to and cared for everyday. It just circumstances came up, preventing the right care to be given. It wasn't out of neglect which some might assume, which Gaara never did. He tended to the flowers just as much as cactus. Though unlike cactus, that could survive on its own without care, the flowers could not. They needed all the care, love and attention. Such delicate plants. Compared to cactus. One soft, the other prickly. Yet he kept them side by side on his shelf. The arrangement was different, something beautiful by something not. Yet, they seem to go hand in hand. Despite all the flowers went through, they still managed to retain their color. Even if seem to be fading. Gaara never meant for it to get like that. When he came back, he tired to revive them, but had no such luck. He couldn't bring them back, it was his fault they had started to die. If only he had put in charge someone to tend to them, then they would be safe and flourishing. He would be able to return back home, to colors. Now, he didn't have the colors anymore. So, he had to do the only logical thing he could.
Get rid of them. Even if he didn't want too. If only his words could bring them back. A simple sorry. But, he knew it wasn't enough. Not after all the flowers had done. Brought something new. Filled him with something, he couldn't fully explain. Always surprised him. Reminded him things where never lost. Making every day something special. Bringing a smile to his face. Opening his mind to different things. So much from a simple plant, different meanings from each one, but all the same. When he thought about it. His eyes trail the plants one by one. Remembering each meaning to them. Reciting them to himself.
Joy. Kindness. Happiness, etc...until it feel on the last one. The last spot was left empty, it was to occupied by the flower he planted himself. Seeds given to him, remembering their words. This flower was to mean something really important, special. What it meant, they didn't know nor knew what kind of flower it was. Because it sounded to important Gaara had it planted in the Greenhouse. Where it would be tended to, by him though. It hand't bloomed yet, it was still a bud. He wondered kind of flower it bloom into. He would just have to wait to see. Though for the rest, he didn't. They had wittered away now. There was just nothing he could do. Except...let them go. It was wise, that way he wouldn't hurt them anymore.
Just like the decision, one he had his doubts about it and deeply regretted but made it seem like it didn't and it was for their best interest. They would be better off, and from what Tsunade told him, the conditions of Suna would be hazardous to their health. Sealed the deal. He expected much, what he didn't expect really was the reaction from his village when he came back. Questions came pouring in, asking him why, what, and when. So many he wasn't fully prepared to answer them. The decision he made had a ripple affect. All he could tell them was, it was for the best. No other reason that he could think of. And with that it wasn't brought up, for that time, he began to notice the actual affect his choice had. Getting word, those at the Academy the students cried and wanting to play games. Some of the kids didn't go for a few days. A couple even went to the now empty and vacant apartment. Knocking on the door, that had an open door policy to remain close and locked. Even those at the hospital, patients wondering about them. Wishing for their return, even the workers. Saying their presence made things better and easier. Not to mention enjoyable. They weren't the only one, his brother and sister where greatly bothered. Things at home seem stale, Kankuro commenting he missed the annoying way they would address him, and how they would come into his workshop. He didn't have any qualms with them being there, unless they started touching things they shouldn't. Their presence was rather refreshing, the puppet master admitted. Temari was a different story, she had shut herself off for awhile. Doing patrol checking, whatever she could to keep herself busy. Spending time at the restaurant, she had taken them to.
Gaara could only guess how his sister felt, no doubt she was upset at what he choose even if she understood. She had grown a deep bond with them, that was her genin it was only natural. Temari took pride in them. She knew they where strong, a genin who lived up her standards. And more. Though their personalities where different, it only made their small team better. Temari watched their growth. Gave them tasks to do, which where done. She always had her genin's back. And vice versa. Missions always completed unless for some other reason. Temari had protest against it, but once it was made she didn't bother to bring it up. Forcing herself to come to terms with his choice. Gaara had tired to apologize but it seem to have little effect.
Everyone was had their own way of dealing with this change, but out of them all Gaara was most effected. Taking to his office staying longer than he had. Though it had been weeks since then, his mind would go back to that day he made his choice. They say when a person is hesitant about something it means not to do it. And he had hesitated, but he still did it anyway. When it was set in stone, he had forced himself to accept it. Even if they would be affected by it. Remembering Naruto had wanted an answer why, one Gaara could not give him like his village. He just told his fellow jinchuuriki to please take care of them. As they belonged to his village now. They were better off there, quoting what Tsunade said. What else could Gaara say, before he left he did asks for one thing to be give to them. When they awoke and where well enough to handle such news. With that he left back. Though not before asking the Hokage if he could send another here, someone who had missing that person far longer than anyone. Tsunade allowed him to, once their health became better.
"..."Gaara sighs, his eyes glace at the door hearing someone approaching. He waited, watching the door knob turn, his heart skipped a beat with joy. Expecting someone, to see Ebizo there. The two look at each other, silence exchanged between the two. Sitting himself up straight Gaara address the honorable elder."Honorable Ebizo, is there something you need?"
The old man just looks at Gaara, then around his room his eyes stop at the flowers. Lingering there for awhile."...No. Nothing."Ebizo tells him, to turn it around on the young lord."But, it seems you do. Lord Kazekage."Stun by what he just said to him, Gaara was speechless."...To give up something, precious, causes pain. Pain that cannot be overlooked. Every puzzle needs it's finally piece." With those last words, he excuses himself and leaves the office.
Leaving Gaara to reflect deeply. Opening his drawer, filled with paper stars and flowers. On top of them, laid notes. He noticed an extra one, one that wasn't there before. It was on colored paper, folded addressed to him. Reaching down he picks it up, deciding whether to read it or not.
Night came across the sky, it was so clear the stars danced in the sky. Suigetsu eyes reflect the little lights as he stared at them. He remember a night just like this, the journey he took after a mission he failed to complete. It was the first time he meet them, he felt an instant attraction to them. So strong he decided to go against what his orders where and keep them. Taking them with him, to hide them away until the heat went down on them. Then he would come back and move them somewhere safer, that only he knew about. He could go and visit them anytime he wanted. It would be his own little secret, and no one else would know. A perfect plan. He enjoyed that journey, he had to carry them on his back or in his arms all the way to the Land of Waves, which he didn't mind. When they had to make camp once night came, it was a night just like this, that made him fall for them more. Of course he didn't believe it, until later. It was a special moment, the two of them gazed up at the stars which he found rather boring and stupid. Mocking them about it, but they didn't seem to pay much attention to it. When they spoke of the beauty of the stars. The way the described it was amazing. Making him see it in a different light.
Which got him curious to asks questions. He soon relaxed around them, and had a good time. Jokes where exchanged, he could be himself minus his murderous trait. He of course acted cocky, like a know it all. All to impress them, which they seem oblivious too. That night was just great but became better, after the fire began to dim and go out. Sleep over took them both, before he closed his eyes he felt pressure on him. He found they had fallen asleep right on him. This was unexpected, he wasn't sure what to do. But when he looked down at them sleeping peacefully. He knew he found something. Pulling them closer, he placed upon them a kiss before falling asleep himself.
That day, that evening held a special place in him. Though he wanted to keep them and hide them, that didn't go through they where rescued. So he had to let them go, even if he didn't want to. The same thing he did again, he set them free from the torment they had endured. It angered him when he saw and heard what was being done to them. He wanted to so badly act upon his feelings, cut down Shredder and his mutants. He would do it without batting an eye. But he couldn't, he had to hold his tongue and keep his feelings in check. While it happened. Disgusted with himself. He had to formulate another plan. Recalling that mutant who he knew could help, or at least go get help. Pleading with the mutant to go get help and save them. While he tired to figure out a way to save them on his end. And that he did, he managed to release them from their stasis containment, setting them free to assist those who came. Setting it up to happen. And again he had to let them go. They would be better off, somewhere safe. He was just glad they would, even if couldn't go to them.
Regretting the horrors he felt, he had put them in. Feeling himself a coward for not acting, feeling his life was worth more than their's while they suffered. He had to push his own fears aside and jump into the fire. To set them free.
And free they where now. Still looking up at the stars, the twinkle the stars gave off reminded him of the same one he saw in their eyes. Taking it as a good sign, they deserved much better than he could give. At least he would still have that warm moment. Smirking to himself."...Glad you're okay, May."