Sakashi1217: I'm not in the mood for a dialogue so let's just start this quick (achoo! Gosh I'm still suffering from that wretched no-reviewer-sclerosis!)

Chapter 5: Trickles of sand

Sasuke and Kakashi came across the desert. Sasuke whistled expressively as he scanned the wide, empty (except for sand and some rubbles) desert, "So, where do we start?" Kakashi rolled his eyes, "Just follow me." They jumped down to the endless sea of sand.

Meanwhile, Gaara and Temari are practicing some kunai moves. Gaara is a fast-learner so Temari taught him with ease. Today, they are practicing shooting and dodging. After the fourth kunai, Gaara managed to rip out Temari's sleeve. They stopped immediately, "Wow! You're good! Wait… I hear something…oh, it's you Kankuro!"

A boy about an inch taller than Gaara, with a casket-like puppet strapped on his back, came ambling towards them. He carried a flask with some sort of water-like liquid in it (maybe it's water, maybe it's not), "Hey! Oh, so you got him back huh? Well brother (he turned to Gaara), do you want your memories back?" Gaara nodded, "Well, drink this (Kankuro is the one speaking; he gave Gaara the flask). Don't worry, it's not poison." Temari looked worried, "Are you sure that it's it?" Kankuro smiled, "Of course it's it! Do you think I would let him drink it if it wasn't it? Now, before you drink that, shoulder all of your weapons and everything you need for battle because, boy, you are surely to be gone for a very long time. Bringing memories back is not a terrifically easy business. And also take this (he gave Gaara a pendant), that will unleash your inner self." The pendant is a glass key, "Don't let any of the creatures you encounter take that away from you because that is the only thing that can help you escape. As I said, bringing your memories back is not an easy task. One wrong move will cost your life. Thank the writer for that! (hey don't look at me! I told you it would not be easy!) Now, listen closely; after you take a gulp of this potion, you will immediately start your journey. To where you are headed I don't know but please take care. Let's go in now, so we can make any necessary preparations."

Sakura and Shizune hurried towards the gate heading out of Konoha to meet Jiraiya. As usual, he has a large backpack and the same clothes (darn! Doesn't he take a bath or does he have multiple clothes?). He smiled at them as they got nearer, "You, ladies ready? Well then, let's start this darn mission and get it finished quickly. I have to finish my new Icha, Icha book." Sakura and Shizune sighed as they followed Jiraiya out of the village. Sakura looked back one last time then saw Naruto rushing towards her, "Sakura-chan! Wait up!" Naruto panted then gave something to Sakura, "Take this. It's a lucky charm. I got it from Neji and he said he found it somewhere and since then, he had good luck everytime he has this with him. Now I'm giving it to you! Good luck on your mission!" Sakura looked at the thing in awe, then smiled at Naruto, "Thank you Naruto! It's beautiful! I owe you one!" With those words, they rushed past him out to the woods too fast to be seen. Naruto smiled, I'm sure she will be okay….

Gaara sat down his bed then took gulps of the potion. It tasted like water and made him really drowsy. He slowly fell down to bed and closed his eyes. He opened it again only to find an envelope of darkness. Light flickered from afar. He walked towards it then it revealed a field full of trees and flowers. He stepped forward. As he did, a crystalline form of himself appeared reaching out, with a trickle of sand in its eyes as if it was a teardrop. Gaara took out the pendant and placed it around the statue's neck. Immediately, he felt a surge of pain in his head. He opened his eyes amidst the agony. His eyes widened in shock for he saw what was causing the searing pain. The statue is pressing its fingers into his head and his head is absorbing it (pain! Muahahaha!). After several minutes, the whole of the statue is inside of him. After that, he felt his memories surge around and in his eyes and mind like a damaged reel of film. He saw sadness, a bit of happiness, throb of hope, then sheer darkness. Then, he opened his eyes; he is in his own bed again, with fully recovered memory and the 'Ai' symbol on his head yet again, clear. Gaara of the sand is back again once more.

End of chapter

Sakashi1217: Now, the real adventure begins!

Gaara: Yeah! My memories are back!

Sakashi1217: That's what you think!

Gaara: What do you mean?

Sakura: I'm confused!

Sakashi1217: Think about it! Hmm… real brain-boggler huh? Well, wait for the next chapter okay?

Naruto: Hey, what is the thing I gave Sakura?

Sakashi1217: (singsong voice) I don't know! Find out yourself! So readers please R&R if you want me to still finish this story and cure my no-reviewer-sclerosis, kay?

Naruto: My head's gonna explode!

Sasuke: You're nuts! Well…that's no surprise. You're a dimwit anyway.

Sakashi1217: (looks like inner Sakura) SHUT UP! (becomes sweet again) okay! Nxt chapter! Hey! Give me porings! (I mean reviews!)