Chapter Two: Intensity

Hinata fell back, and the veins by her eyes retracted. The Sound ninjas also fell. Both were entirely worn out—Hinata was losing her chakra, and the Sound ninjas' chakra points were heavily damaged. Hinata had many incisions from the kunai knives; She was leaving a trace of blood behind her in the grass. The Sound ninjas stumbled up. The larger one grinned evilly. "This is it, you filthy Hyuuga." The ninja flung multiple kunai at Hinata. The raven-haired girl looked down at the ground.

Gaara watched as the Hyuuga put her head down. Time suddenly seemed to slow, as Gaara concentrated on her face. Hinata's hair flowed before her, and she was completely silent. Gaara heard the little boy she was protecting scream out to her. He heard Temari gasp, and saw Kenkuro clench his fists.

Let her die, Gaara. She isn't worth your time, nor anyone else's. Feel the pleasure of watching her die.

Then Gaara's eyes widened. He saw Hinata's eyes open slowly as the kunai come at her even closer. Her eyes flashed pale lavender as they reflected the moonlight. Gaara's mouth hung open a little. Hinata's eyes suddenly noticed his gaze, and turned to him. A tear ran down her cheek.

NO!

The Sound ninjas gasped. Temari and Kankuro shot stunned looks at the sight before them. Hinata looked up, and witnessed the wall of sand that had rose before her, stopping the kunai from killing her. Hinata turned slowly back to Gaara. His arm was raised and was pointed at her, controlling the wall that protected her. The demon's voice rang in his head.

You FOOL. What have you DONE! Why do you show compassion to others, when you can get profit in only loving yourself!

Gaara thought to his demon. I don't care for her—I don't want to protect her. I want her to DIE. But for some reason, my mind no longer controls my actions.

The Sound ninjas stumbled back. They shuddered, and ran off into the forest in surrender. Hinata stood up, relaxing her tired arms. She was beaten and tired. Hinata watched as her vision blurred into darkness, but she fell into someone's arms. Hinata got one last glance of her catcher before she faded. She smiled at the red-haired Chuunin and blacked out.

The next morning:

Gaara watched the Hyuuga as Tsundae and Sakura tended to her injuries. He closed his eyes silently, and disappeared in a wave of sand. Sakura and Tsundae turned to the door, and then turned back to Hinata. Sakura looked up at the Hokage. "Why do you think that Sand-Chuunin just stood there?" The Hokage stood up straight. "He could have been just taking a chancing glance," Tsundae smiled softly. "But I think he saw something in this girl." Sakura continued to tend to Hinata, but asked, "What do you mean he 'saw something'?" Tsundae stopped for a second, and then put her hand on Sakura's shoulder. "I really don't know, dear." Sakura looked up, and for a split second, saw a flash of worry in the Hokage's eyes.

Gaara walked silently from the building, back towards the forest. The red-haired Chuunin stopped and glanced towards the sound of footprints coming at him. Temari, his older sister, came up to his side. "Gaara-san—why did you do that back there?" Gaara continued to walk, but glanced at his sister. Temari continued to question him. "Dude, it's almost like you CARE for that Hyuuga." Gaara shot his glance back to where he was going, and slightly looked down. His whole world echoed with the thoughts between himself and his demon.

Why did you spare that worthless girl--! I taught you that you can only save yourself and love yourself, and that is what made this world wonderful. Why did you DEFY me!

Gaara thought for a second. I saved her—because I saw the same emotions in her eyes as I do mine. I felt loneliness and sadness both in that one moment she turned to me.

The demon inside him hesitated. We have to kill her now, Gaara. She is having some strange effect on you that could possess you in the end.

Gaara stopped to a halt. Temari stumbled from the sudden halt, and turned to him. "Gaara-san, what is it?" The red-haired Chuunin's eyes darkened. "I have business to take care of." Temari watched as he disappeared in a wave of sand, and stood silent. The Chuunin shrugged, and walked back toward the building.

YEEE! Chapter two! Finally! ARGH!...Okay I'm done with my moment there …Anyways, make sure you keep reading!