EDIT: Once again adding dividers.

You like me! You really like me! Many thanks for so many kind reviews on such a short chapter.

Naruto couldn't possibly belong to me because I don't have an original bone in my body.

I'm watching X-Play right now, it's very funny. "Fan fiction cost-players, can't live with them, can't shove them in a sack." D Well enough of my personal life...or lack there of...more mindless banter.

(I am SO a divider)

The smell of dirt and wood burning. The sound of a crackling fire with a background chorus of crickets chirping. Everything was black, then white. Then it rippled and fogged and cleared into a star filled sky. How did he get here? Why isn't he dead? 1 Gaara managed to force himself to sit up in spite of the horrible pain shooting through his entire body. Even his hair seemed to ache.

Once in a sitting position he could see who had brought him there. A young Leaf konoichi sat across from him on the other side of a small fire that was starting to die. Suna must have called Konoha for assistance in pursuing the men that abducted him. He recognized the girl's face but he couldn't put a name to it. Whatever. Doesn't really matter.

Something caught in his chest and he stared to cough violently which woke the sleeping girl. She quickly jumped to his side with a canteen of water. He took a small drink and started breathing somewhat normally again. He mumbled a small thanks and handed the water back to the girl.

The girl sat quietly for a moment looking him over till she broke the silence with "How are you feeling?" It wasn't the brightest question and Gaara's more sarcastic side wanted to tell her that he felt like dancing, but he opted for a silent reply.

Instead he asked something that he felt mattered a bit more. "What is the current condition of Suna? Why are Konoha ninja assisting in recovering me?"

She bit her lip. "Well, they didn't say anything about Suna being in bad condition. I can only assume that they wanted to keep village security as high priority while you're gone. A village without a Kage is in a very volatile position after all. There was one representative from Suna, though."

"Who?"

"An older woman. I think her name was Chiyo-ba."

What was Nana doing out of her hole! He frowned slightly. Was it that no one else wanted to come? In spite of the woman being slightly...odd, she had always treated him fairly. Wait, where is she now? "Where is the rest of the rescue party?"

"They stayed behind to deal with Akatsuki. I was sent to take you back to Suna because I have some medical training. Speaking of, you never answered me. How are you feeling? Do you think you can walk?"

Gaara hadn't really tried his legs yet. He moved his stiff muscles and tried to get up. Unfortunately gravity had other plans and he tumbled back to the ground. "Ow."

Something was not right. Why didn't the sand catch him before he hit the ground? Shukaku! Sanity check! Normally, this question is answered with a prompt "Genjutsu." or "No clue but it's not just you." and sometimes the ever worrisome response of "Dream." But not this time. This time there was only silence.

I apologize in advance for the "Sanity check" gag. But one can never be too careful! I also apologize for the uber short chapter but it just felt like a good place to stop. Anywho, C & C is always appreciated.

(Yep, still a divider)

1 Because the currant manga arc is a complete let down for me.