(2021/09/28) Author's Note:

Hey everyone!

I think I'm sorta back on my regular writing schedule again. I am drafting a few fics that have yet to be posted so it has drawn up some motivation to come back to this one so I can finish it and move on to Red Iron (I'm so excited to get back into writing that one!). I am currently recovering from a head injury (concussion) so I've been trying to limit my screentime as much as I can - but it's very hard when you want to binge watch Mindy Project and the Office in HD - and play the new Mario Golf game (sigh).

In the meantime, I'm going to have the next chapter up sometime in October so you can expect it before Halloween possibly. Also this is the first chapter with my OC as the POV so I hope you enjoy what this chapter has to offer!

As always, thank you for reading! xx

Chapter 5
Nomasaki I

Her eyes were heavy with a longing for sleep by the time afternoon came and went.

Nomasaki's back ached as she sat in Gaara's chair behind his carved desk. She had been there for hours that day, listening to the complaints and requests of the villagers and shinobi who came to seek audience with the Kazekage. Confusion met most of their faces upon seeing the wife of their leader seated before them early yesterday morning, her foreign eyes watching their every move as they made their concerns known. The young genin and their commanders did not care for the difference, but some of the higher-ups were disconcerted and kept their visits short and curt. Still as a tree in the garden, Meiyumi stood at her right-hand. Even when fulfilling Gaara's duties, her friend-turned-medic refused to leave her out of her sight despite the known presence of the ANBU lurking beyond the doorway. She might as well have taken up the position of bodyguard, but Meiyumi huffed at the idea and Nomasaki giggled at the notion.

Already at nearing four months of her pregnancy, Nomasaki could feel the growing weight of her swollen belly push into the small of her back. While her morning sickness subsided, the random aches and pains from the child growing inside her were enough to make her wish the child would be born quicker than intended. And to think women who were jinchuriki were pregnant for ten months… Surely that's a death-sentence. Reminding herself, sitting in Gaara's crude and aged chair for two days did nothing to help.

"Meiyumi, I'm going to stand for a moment."

Carefully, she eased herself from the chair and paced about the room. Looking out towards the open window, she paused upon seeing the dead of the market square. Since the attack, the street had been barred off by the ANBU. It seemed as if the entire village were in lockdown from some unknown enemy. Civilians still roamed the streets nearby, but the quiet amongst the winds caught her off guard. Although her senses were not nearly as sharp, the lack of chakra she sensed alarmed her. In a way, it reminded her of when she rampaged as a giant white beast, destroying everything in her path in a blind rage and instilling fear into the villagers.

Once again, I caused the village to panic… Only this time from my carelessness.

"What are you looking at?" Meiyumi approached. "Do you sense something?"

Nomasaki turned, her expression calm. "It's nothing."

Returning to the chair at the desk, she noticed the uneven legs and blinked away the rising urge to laugh. Irony. I wonder if the councillors ever clued in to what happened, she mused, Better that they didn't – or else it would render them heart attacks. They probably frown upon premarital sex.

Slowly, she eased into the thinly cushioned seat and tried to ignore the dull pain that radiated from her spine. She did not know which was worse – the back pain or her remaining tasks. The journey to the Hōki Family settlement was a day away, yet there was no telling how long that heiress was willing to keep her husband. She hoped he would return by tomorrow – so she could sleep the aches away rather than succumb to more clerical duties in a harsh wooden chair. She found herself longing for the soft cushions of her father's audience hall warmed by the great hearth, and soon the memory of snow struck and her heart began longing. Looking at her situation, she lamented in thought. While under the binding genjutsu of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, she dreamt she was chieftain of Yamagakure. And here, she sat as a leader – albeit temporarily and in trust only. Advising her father on matters with her reformed clan was one thing – governing Suna's menial tasks while Gaara was gone was another. Gaara told her he could have seen her as chieftain if not for the fate that brought her to the southern desert lands, but she wondered if she lacked the power to follow through. Surely, the task he entrusted her with was a test to that thought – yet doubt still clung to her mind. She took a long, slow breath and exhaled.

"Did you want me to bring you another cushion?" Meiyumi leaned in. "We can postpone the remaining requests until you have a chance to rest more."

Nomasaki shook her head, feigning behind a soft smile. "It's okay, really! I can do this."

Unconvinced, Meiyumi brought her a cushion anyways – and Nomasaki hastily put it at her back without hesitation, nearly snatching it from Meiyumi's hand as a dog would snatch a bone. Once adjusted, the pain slowly subsided and she leaned back and placed her folded hands upon the desk's worn surface. Five more hours to go.

"My lady," A Suna-nin entered. "The next citizen has the floor, if you're ready."

Nomasaki nodded. "Very well. Send them in." Hesitantly, the small man hobbled into the room. Clutching his worn bamboo hat against his stained garbs, he paused at the room's centre and forced himself to meet her strange purple eyes. A farmer, she thought to herself. Sensing his discomfort, she gave a light smile. "You can come forward. I don't bite."

"Yes, milady." The man coughed, his gaze dropping to his feet. Swallowing his fear, he forced himself to meet her face. "I have come to request that… You see, someone has been stealing my livestock. I lost four sheep – four! I have found no sign of flesh or wool, or even tracks left behind by the thieves. I have to ask for help. As you can tell, I'm too old to chase after these criminals myself… so I beg for assistance."

"I see." Nomasaki sighed, fatigue clouding her thoughts. Bringing her palm to her mouth to hide a yawn, she moved her hands to her lap and nodded back. "Your complaint will not go unnoticed, I assure you." Glancing to the Suna-nin by the door, her expression turned firm. "Compensate the man for his losses in ryō or sheep, whichever he prefers. In the meantime, I would like to assign a D-rank mission to a willing genin team to catch these livestock thieves."

Surprised, the man flinched and bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, my lady!"

Once the farmer exited the room and the door closed, Nomasaki breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, none of the requests were outlandish or outright combative. Sheep-stealing was so far the most exciting of the requests – far better than asking if a genin team can retrieve the missing dog of a nobleman. And she absolutely hated dogs – especially now. Is this truly what Gaara deals with on a daily basis, she asked herself in humour, How troublesome… I almost feel sorry for him. At least in Yama, matters concerned the tumultuous border and the protection of the gold and iron mines. Those who sought audience with her father had more urgent matters to attend to – missing livestock was a concern no one bothered to voice. Again, the memory of the mountains ached in her chest.

Glancing down, she placed a hand gently over her small bump. Five more hours… five more months.

While she attended to the remaining paperwork, a knock came upon the door and the same Suna-nin entered. "Sorry for interrupting, Nomasaki-sama." He bowed. "But you have someone who requests your audience."

Pausing the pen, she looked up and straightened her back against the chair and its cushion. "Very well. Who is it?" She asked, her heart clinging to hope. "Has my father arrived from Yama?"

The Suna-nin shook his head in regret. "No, my lady. It's the honourable Genji-sama of the Kurogane family of the southern desert."

The name caught both her and Meiyumi by surprise. "Genji-sama…?"

Before she had a chance to ask more, the Suna-nin departed to retrieve their guest. Cupping her hand over her mouth to whisper, Meiyumi leaned in close with her brown eyes narrowed towards the doorway. "I don't know who he is… a noble of some sort, at least…"

Nomasaki agreed. "It seems as much."

Already, her stomach began to churn in a hasty ball of nerves. Carrying a child was worse as it was, but dealing with a disgruntled noble was something she desperately wished to avoid. She had dealt with enough of them over the years – even still she was subject to their judging glares and snide remarks. But she had Gaara to defend her against their words with his quick tongue and strong diplomacy. The position of Suna Ambassador was a new territory for her, but she knew her anger would be her greatest enemy should the noble speak foul of her presence.

Don't bare your fangs, she told herself, Be calm… be human. Be a wolf in sheep's clothing, like they think you are.

When the visitor entered, the room fell silent. His steps were straight and narrow on his path, echoing off the walls and breaking the quiet that swallowed the office in his wake. Although dressed in the simple sand-coloured robes of the Suna nobles, the man who entered drew Nomasaki's ire and suspicion as he paused in the room's center with his own personal guard at his back. His glance was locked upon her, his dark eyes meeting hers of a foreigner. Resentment was present, she was certain. He was middle-aged and tall with not a mark of facial hair or wrinkles, save for the scar that was drawn under his right eye. Dignified, stern, and unmoving. She could not even distinguish his chakra with her senses, her wolf's blood choosing to stay dormant. Without realizing, Nomasaki's hand tensed on her knee.

"Good afternoon, sir. I understand you are not from these lands. I hope your journey was a pleasant one, in these times." She greeted, her face calm. "What can we of Suna do for you, sir?"

The man snorted. "I can tell you're not from these lands either, judging by your lack of etiquette." Seeing her expression narrow slightly, he glared back in visible anger. "I came to see the Kazekage and here I see his foreign bride… what's the meaning of this?"

"Gaara-sama is away on an assignment." Meiyumi entered, saving Nomasaki from risking her temper. "Nomasaki-sama is here in his stead listening to the concerns of the villagers, being that she sits on the council."

The man's expression did not change. "…and just as we feared, outsiders weasel their way into our midst."

"Sir," Nomasaki cut him off, brushing aside his comment. "I understand you came all this way to seek audience with our village. What is it you would like to discuss?"

He huffed, folding his arms behind his back. "Address me properly, my dear – then we can talk."

"The nerve of him…!" Meiyumi tsked under her breath. "Nomasaki, should we -?"

Nomasaki kept her glance firm on their guest, paying Meiyumi no mind. "Alright then, sir." She spoke, sharply. "Genji-sama, is it? I beg for pardon. As you've noticed, I'm not from these lands and I'm not the Kazekage. He's away on an assignment that needed his attention, so you'll have to accept me as his proxy for now." She placed her folded hands on the desk's surface, her purple eyes exerting a firm and strict nature. "If you wish to wait and speak with him, he'll be back tomorrow… but for now, I will have to do. What brings you to Suna, my lord?"

"Such insolence… no matter," Genji began, his face stern as stone. "I have come to bid a warning."

"A warning?"

Genji nodded. "Our people of the Kurogane family are of the southern coast, with many of the freshwater oases of the Land of Wind within our territory. There is also a blood connection to the Kazekage line, as his mother Karura was of our family's lesser branch… so we owe at least some allegiance. As of late, the roads have become too dangerous to travel to transport water to the land's holdings, which includes Sunagakure. The dry season is upon us, but it appears that whoever is attacking our clansmen doesn't want the water to travel far… especially to Suna, it seems."

"Who is attacking your supply?" Nomasaki questioned. "Have you seen anything?"

"Not personally, but some of our men who survived mentioned black armour."

She felt her chest seize at the memory.

It's them. "I see… and what do you suggest we do for you?" She asked, her glance firm. "We can assign some of our shinobi to guard your settlement and escort your men as they travel, if that could be of any help -,"

"I want what my people deserve." Genji retorted, his tone as sharp as a blade. "Our alliance between us and the Kazekage clan has maintained power for near all generations of Suna's leaders… but the cycle has been thrown out of balance following Gaara-sama's recent and disrespectful defiance."

There it is. Keeping her anger at bay, she placed a hand over her bump where he could not see and narrowed her eyes at him from afar. "And this defiance you speak of… I have something to do with it, I presume?"

"You're sharper than you seem." The nobleman scoffed. "But I'm afraid what we want cannot easily be undone, as it appears you're currently with child… if the news upon the desert winds is anything to go by. What we want is Kazekage-sama to honour our alliance through an arrangement."

Both Nomasaki and Meiyumi flinched.

Nerves prickled up Nomasaki's spine, her anger rising in her blood. It took all of her composure to stay calm, her wolfishness rising to her throat at each breath. Staying human, she shot a glare and felt the sudden urge to stand and face him directly. Being a wolf in sheep's clothing was easier said than done, it seemed.

"Forgive me, Genji-sama – but are you suggesting Gaara-sama take a second wife?" She shot back, her voice as harsh as ice. "I may not be from these desert lands, but in my culture plural marriage is forbidden -,"

"We are asking for the brother to wed one of ours." Genji corrected. "It is my understanding that Kankurō-sama is not yet married. If our alliance is to be honoured, it would be in the Kazekage's best interests to agree to this arrangement."

His words surprised her. He wanted Kankurō, she realized, Everyone is trying to grasp at this clan's power like a crow picks apart a corpse. Glancing to her right-hand, she saw Meiyumi standing still as a statue but her soft brown eyes were wide with shock and hurt. Blinking as she averted her eyes, Nomasaki turned her attention back to their guest. "Genji-sama, I can't speak for Kankurō-sama – as he is not here. If you want an answer on this matter, you'll have to approach him on this yourself. This is something he must decide – not me, or my husband… or the council. Surely, you must understand."

"Clearly you don't." Genji fumed. "I travelled far for an arrangement and I will get an arrangement! Sunagakure needs our water and our strength, and we need their protection – so honour my request and bid me leave."

"I will bid you leave when I see fit." Nomasaki spat through fanged teeth. "There will be no marriage, but you are welcome to bargain for a different sort of agreement. I offered you shinobi for safe passage. What could you possibly gain from forcing Kankurō to marry one of his own cousins?"

"Such disrespect!" The nobleman fumed, turning on his heel in anger. Pausing before the open doorway, he glared back at her from the corner of his eye. "You will regret this day… mark my words, my lady."

Seeing Meiyumi take a step forward, Nomasaki held out her arm to block her path. "Let him leave. We're done here." After the nobleman and his guards took their leave, Nomasaki let out a long-awaited sigh. Falling back into the chair and cushion, she deeply regretted their chance meeting with every ounce of her being. I turned the Kurogane family against us, she realized, No doubt Gaara will be disappointed. "That did not go how I had hoped…"

"Kankurō will thank you." Meiyumi jested.

"Gaara might curse me." Nomasaki scoffed back, the tension in her expression easing into humour. "I might have created a new enemy."

"My lady," A Suna-nin entered, abruptly. "Sorry to interrupt, but the entourage from Yamagakure has arrived earlier than scheduled."

Hope swelled into her chest, easing in her breath as she stood from her uncomfortable seat. "It's a welcome interruption. Thank you, sir." As Meiyumi joined her on her exit, Nomasaki turned to the messenger as she departed. "Tell the council they are to hear the remaining requests. I am retiring for the day."

The Suna-nin nodded. "Yes, m'lady."

She left for her home near hastily with Meiyumi close behind.

Entering the porch and removing her shoes once Meiyumi departed for a shift at the hospital, Nomasaki's heart leaped when she caught a glimpse of her father standing in the large living room amongst his entourage. Judging by their fur-laden and cloaked appearances, it was clear that they had only just arrived.

"Dad!" Seeing her father turn to greet her, she ran up and hugged him, burying her face into the fur of his cloak. Happy tears near escaped her, her hormones winning against her calm demeanor. "It's so good to see you! I'm sorry I couldn't visit."

Smiling warmly, her father held her tightly. "It's alright, Nomasaki. I'm just glad I can see my daughter again, after such a long distance." Releasing her from his arms, he looked upon her fondly and almost teary-eyed. Age was visible on his expression, his hazel eyes warm and his beard near completely white. "You look lovely, my dear. I'm glad to see not much else has changed… and soon I'll be a grandfather." After seeing her soft smile, he scanned the room in confusion. "Where's Gaara? Isn't he supposed to join us for a supper?"

"Oh…" She said, reminding herself. "He's on an assignment right now, it was a last-minute arrangement. He'll be back by morning so we can meet then when he's back."

"Ah, I see." Kyō sighed, taking a seat upon the couch. "I suppose we can postpone our discussion on the Suna-Yama relations until he arrives." A thought passed him by, causing him to abruptly cough into his closed fist and gesture to the bodyguard beside him. "Have you met Sana of the Kumatsume clan? She's under Ekashiba's wing and learning his way of the blade."

Curious, she followed his gesture and met the soft green eyes of a young woman standing dutifully close by. She was tall and slender with dark hair tied into a bun, and wore the garbs of a Yama-nin and a brown fur cloak over her shoulders. A katana was slung to her hip, its handle thin and needle-like. Striking her memory, Nomasaki remembered. Sana. Only months before the wedding, the young Kumatsume departed across the treacherous silver waters to liberate others shackled by chains of slavery. Seemingly, they fulfilled their task and managed to return to the shinobi lands in one piece. It felt as if a lifetime ago when Nomasaki first saw her within that dark cave of oily black stone and saw her lifeless eyes nervously watch her as she departed into the darkness to seek justice against her captors. Sana appeared a new person, with her green eyes full of essence and the skill of a kunoichi. Strangely, it made Nomasaki have a small sense of pride.

Smiling softly, Nomasaki nodded. "We have, actually. A long time ago."

"Not too long, my lady." Sana smiled back, resting her hand on her blade's hilt. "You freed me and my people from enslavement of Tenbu. That, I can never forget. I only wish to be as skilled as a shinobi as you."

Humbled, Nomasaki smiled back. "How was your journey? You sailed across the Silver Waters, right?"

Sana sighed, taking a seat on the couch besides her leader as she stretched her arms behind her head. "It was unlike anything I had ever seen… We freed so many, and some even came back with us to live amongst our folk on the tundra." Her eyes brimming with excitement, she near jumped from her seat in her eagerness. "The Land of Mountains is as vibrant as it ever was! The clans are getting along, the harvest was bountiful, and the Five Great villages even asked Yama to be in the next Chunin Exams! It's a truly peaceful land, I feel so much at home there." She leaned forward, her green eyes gleaming. "When will you come visit? My clansmen would like to learn more fūinjutsu. Can you teach us? Some have even entertained the thought of unlocking the Kumatoko, if that's possible."

Surprised at first, Nomasaki gave a warm smile and placed her hand over the small growing bump of her kimono. "After this little one arrives, I'll be back as soon as I can."

"I know I shouldn't be surprised, but I still can't believe I'm going to be a grandfather." Kyō sighed, a heartfelt smile visible through his beard. As Nomasaki sat beside him, he became lost in thought and his gaze drifted to the rug-covered floor. "It's amazing… After all I've done, these old desert gods still give me graces like these…"

Catching her off guard, Nomasaki saw her father begin to tear up. Hiding his happy weeping, he averted his glance from Sana and his daughter and wiped the straying tears away with his strong and callused hands. Seeing him in such a way near drove her to tears as well.

Comfortingly, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Dad,"

"When you sent me that letter I could not help but remember a time when Mikomi was pregnant with you all those years ago." Kyō spoke, fondly. "She had a sweet air around her, and a ferocity as well. She couldn't hunt so I took it upon myself to bring her back boar, venison, and pelts of any kills I made with my bow and blade. She made a quilt from those pelts, and you came into the world swaddled in them." The tears returned, even as he managed a laugh. "It feels as if a lifetime ago…"

Nomasaki's glance saddened. "I wish she were here…" She said, her voice near a whisper. "She would've been a wonderful grandmother, with all her stories…"

"Like the Princess of the Moon or the ōkami legends?" Her father smiled, meeting her glistening purple eyes. Upon seeing her nod, he smiled warmly and placed a strong hand on her shoulder. "I miss her, too. Every day."

He meant it.

Just by the fatherly comfort of his hand, Nomasaki could feel the truth within his touch. It felt as if eons since she last saw her mother – and not the ghastly reincarnation that ripped Hanone away from her in a haze of sand and blood. Upon her funeral pyre, she was still beautiful. Even with her golden hair gone white and her face gaunt from illness, the wolf-woman of the mountains still put the snow lily itself to shame. Mikomi was born into the head family of the Yamamori clan, the last wolves who remained after the Great Purge long before her time. She was the clan's heiress, their hope – and most importantly, she was her mother. Nomasaki's fondest memories of her mother were of her stories of the moon, the wolves, and the Sage of Six Paths. As a child, she would often be wrapped within a thick blanket of furs by the rumbling hearth during a great snow as it crackled to life while her mother would tell the tales passed down from their ancient people.

A story Nomasaki vaguely remembered was the one of her clan's origins.

One night, her mother told her the story of the 'purple-eyed people'. Thousands of years before shinobi or samurai – when the first people roamed the lands, there was a race of humans who had pale skin and violet eyes that lived within a great desert. The people possessed a bloodline that connected them to nature, allowing them to sense the very essence of life itself. One day, a great calamity occurred – the desert gods splitting the lands into canyons, craters, and plateaus as they fought amongst each other for power – and the purple-eyed people were cast out for their gifts and banished by the gods they once worshipped. A young child of these purple-eyed people sensed a voice calling them to a new land north, so these ancient people left their desert behind and migrated to the snowy mountains. It was the mountain gods who called, and they accepted these strange people as if they were their own flesh and blood – sheltering them under their divine protection and bestowing upon them the blood of a beast.

Another story she remembered told the origins differently. One snowy day thousands of years ago, a young hunter with purple eyes happened upon a wolf trapped within a snare. The beast struggled to retch its way free, but the more the beast tried to escape the tighter the snare became. Taking pity on the wolf, the young man cut the beast free. To his surprise, he freed a creature – a god, the Yama-inu. In exchange for his kindness, the god blessed the young man with the blood of a beast – Ōkamitoko – beginning the line of the Yamamori clan. In another tale, it was the Sage of Six Paths that was the beast – blessing the hunter with the clan's ancient bloodline.

But like all stories passed down through the generations, they were just that – stories.

Since arriving in Sunagakure, Nomasaki wondered if the Yamamori originated from the desert lands at all – or if that ancient tale even held a fragment of truth. As a young adult who lived amongst sand and snow, she realized that if there was a truth, only the desert gods would know. And the truth would never be spoken. If the old desert gods and my mountain gods were real, we would surely be living in a world of monsters and men.

"Any word on the attackers?" Kyō leaned in, his hazel eyes cautious and stern. He appeared more chieftain than he did as a father while he spoke. "Did you manage to gather any intel?"

"None." Nomasaki shook her head, regretfully. "Not since they tried to assassinate me in the market. Gaara attempted to interrogate him, but he blew himself up before he could be questioned further."

Kyō grumbled, taking a long sip of his tea before clattering the cup onto the table. "The bastards are crafty this time around. Our shinobi are keeping a watchful eye on the tundra, with the Yamamori clansmen patrolling the village perimeter. Those who swore their lives to Tenbu certainly won't go down without a fight, even with their leader executed."

Silence overcame her thoughts, her mind wandering as her father's words soon fell on her deaf ears. With her cautious glance fixated on the floor, her hand tensed on her knee where it lay upon her dress' lap.

"What's wrong?"

His voice drew her back in. "A part of me isn't convinced that Kōga and Kenzō were the only ones controlling Tenbu." She spoke aloud, her voice firm in its convictions. "They claimed to be part of that organization, but… the more I think of the situation we faced in the Land of Claws, the more I'm growing convinced they may have simply just been pawns." The imagery of the slain traders entered her mind, then the assassin who she found in the marketplace. "I think there is another… one who doesn't want to be found out – and with their true goal in mind."

Sana's eyes widened in shock. "Wha -? Really?"

"There has to be," Nomasaki persisted, standing from her seat. "Kōga and Kenzō's goal was to overthrow Sunagakure and cast out the Kazekage clan… the ones who banished all those with Kekkei Genkai from the desert long ago. But… -," Her tongue hesitated on the words, her mind trying to piece her thoughts together. "They failed in their plans, and yet those swearing allegiance to Tenbu still exist. Why is that? If they're both dead, shouldn't the organization be as well? The dead of the snake has been clipped – Tenbu should be gone. No, I don't think so." Her eyes sterned, meeting the glances of her visitors. "It wasn't a snake that we killed in the grass – it was a hydra. We need to stab at the heart, not at the head… if the body can be found, that is."

Kyō froze, his expression turning to a blank. Gritting his teeth, he averted his eyes to his lap in frustration while Nomasaki turned and paced the room. "I have to admit, I have the same intuition as this… the bastards! So they are truly the Orochi…" Swallowing his anger, he met his daughter's face with tact. "How do you suggest we proceed, then?"

"Tenbu's men seem to be rather persistent, coupled that with the fact that their actions haven't slowed down since their escape from custody in Ishigakure. More mercenaries and missing-nin could be joining them now as we speak, meaning time is of the essence." Nomasaki began, pausing before him. In the dimming light of the lamps that night, her purple eyes gleamed with pleading from her anxious heart. "Please tell the Yama shinobi and the clansmen of the Yamamori and Kumatsume to be on their guard. They very well could be targets again." Sorrow swelling into her throat, she placed a gentle hand over her bump and looked down upon it with guilt burned into her violet gaze. "Me, as well… and the little one." She near choked on her own words, the sobs daring to rise to her lips while tears glistened in her sorrowful eyes. "Are those carrying bloodlines doomed to be cursed their whole lives? It seems this running never ends."

Standing on his feet, Kyō met his daughter and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It will end eventually. I have no doubt in my mind that they'll be stopped." As she rose her head to meet his face, he feigned a light smile. "You should come back to Yamagakure. If you're worried about any attacks, the mountain will protect you – as your clansmen gladly would, the Kumatsume, too."

"I can't leave Gaara." She spoke without hesitation. "I must stay here – with him. He's my husband."

"Surely he'd understand." Her father pressed, his expression turning stern. "You'd be safer in Yama… especially given your current state -,"

"I know that." She cut him off, a hot anger rising to her lips as if a snarl. Taking herself aback, she softened her expression to despair. "I'm unable to defend myself, but… he needs me, and I need him. I can't just leave – not now, as much as I want to."

With a reluctant sigh, Kyō surrendered. "I understand." Taking her in his comforting arms, he held her close. "Just know that if you need anything, your old man will always be there for you – and Gaara, too."

Smothering her face into the fur of his cloak, her tightened eyes prevented the escape of tears. If only her trembling fingertips could rest at bay. "Thanks, dad."

As the two parted, she watched as her father managed to sit upon the couch without the aid of his cedar-crafted cane. From the corner of her eye, she saw Sana flinch from her near rest and lurch forward in anticipation. "I think the Kazekage is here," The young kunoichi exclaimed. "I can sense a strong chakra getting closer."

Nomasaki's heart sank.

And yet I can't even sense the Yama shinobi here in front of me.

From the clatter of the doorway, she turned and saw her husband return home with his brother in tow. Gaara's expression was empty, exhausted, and mired with insomnia – and Kankurō did not seem like himself in the slightest, his usual cocky demeanor replaced by a similar emptiness and regret. Judging by their grim faces, something had to have occurred on the mission. She felt her stomach jump at the thought.

"Ah, Kazekage-sama!" Kyō greeted as Sana stood to be by her leader's right-hand. "I thought you weren't returning until the morning. We arrived early, we made for a good journey and passed the blizzard before it could strike. We hope we didn't interrupt anything important. Are we still meeting tonight to discuss relations?"

"Change of plans." Gaara said, walking past the porch in thoughtless haste. "We can discuss things tomorrow. I'm… quite tired from traveling."

"Understandable." Kyō sighed, gathering his cane and pack. "My entourage and I will take our leave to our rooms. I'll be seeing you two in the morning when you're well-rested." As her father and Sana departed for the door, he placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned in for a whisper. "Keep an eye on him… Something seems wrong… I know you sense it, too…" With saddened eyes, she nodded and she felt the warmth of his hand leave her as she watched the visitors from Yama enter the wide corridor with Kankurō escorting them.

Once the door clanged shut, Gaara stood before her. His expression was tired from insomnia, but there was something else. Hurt, she realized. Perplexed, she stood in frightened silence as she looked up into his frantic ringed eyes.

"Are you alright?" He pressed. "Did anything happen?"

She shook her head. "No, nothing happened. I'm fine." Catching her off guard, Nomasaki felt a pair of eyes staring at her from across the room. Standing in the shadows of the porch, a shinobi clad in black garbs with a katana stood near as silent as the stillest water. Their figure was petite such as her, and held a slight femininity in their stance. Once again, her blood refused to stir. "Who is -?" Upon meeting their dark eyes as they stepped closer, a memory suddenly struck her. It felt as if only yesterday she discovered the woman in the basement of the Hōki household with her blade against hers, the two ready to do battle in the weakened candlelight. "I remember you! You were with Hakuto-sama -,"

"This is Shijima of the Hōki Family." Gaara said, gesturing to the young woman as she stood at his side. "She is sworn to my service… and by extension, you. She will be your personal bodyguard from here on out."

With eyes filled with duty, Shijima knelt before her. "It is an honour to serve you, my lady."

"Gaara," Nomasaki objected, confused and worrisome. "I don't think I need a bodyguard -,"

"You do." He countered, his tone harshened by his tiredness. "Trust me, it's inevitable. You're my wife and you're carrying our child. I can't allow anything to happen… not ever." Sensing her worry, his expression softened. His drained turquoise eyes near appeared pleading to her, sleep eating away at his psyche. "Please."

With a quiet sigh, she gave in. "Alright." She said. "I understand your concern – really, I do. I just have to be more careful, is all." Hesitantly, she pressed further and stepped closer, reaching out to touch his arm. "But are you… sure about this?"

Averting his face from hers, he answered. "Yes."

She recoiled her hand, stepping back. Hurt swelled into her chest, confusing her from the man who stood with her in the room. Turning towards the Hōki woman, Nomasaki put on her best fake smile and bowed her head. "It's nice to see you again, Shijima-sama."

"Don't use that title with me, my lady." Shijima corrected. "My sister deserves the honour as the heiress and clan-head. I don't. I am just 'Shijima'."

"Forgive me." Nomasaki apologized, giving a curt nod. Meeting the woman's eyes, her glance firmed. "And you're willing to follow the orders and commands of myself, a person not of your clan? The Wolf of the Desert?"

Shijima lowered her head as she stayed kneeling. "By command of my sister and Kazekage-sama, I do not have a choice." With the kiss of steel, her katana was drawn from its scabbard and held out for Nomasaki to see before placing it onto the floor. "I am sworn to you from this day forward. My blade is yours for you to use as you see fit. I serve you, my lady."

"Very well." Nomasaki accepted.

Sensing Gaara's quiet and lingering stare upon her, she pretended as if she could not feel him staring. He reeks of insomnia… and something else I can't bring myself to ask. Her senses may have been cloudy from her pregnancy, but her instincts still remained strong. A strong unspoken hurt lingered within the room, worrying her to no end.

"Shijima – if you would be so kind, can you escort me to my sleeping chambers? I would like some time to think about the day's events."

Shijima nodded and rose to her feet. "Yes, my lady."

Calmly, the Hōki kunoichi led her down the darkened hall of their residence to the bedroom that waited beyond the shadows of night. Nomasaki felt Gaara watch her as she entered the darkness, remaining in the empty living room in a still quiet. Deep in her heart, she hoped he would join her for a night's rest – but doubt soon lingered. Entering the bedroom alone, the door closed behind her after Shijima vanished within the shadows.

And she greeted the night alone.

Notes: Genji's name comes from the Japanese literary classic "The Tale of Genji" (源氏物語, Genji monogatari), and his name means "two beginnings".

The Yama-Inu (山犬, Yama Inu) is a Yōkai in Japanese mythology which is a wolf-like mountain spirit that can either be benevolent or malevolent to travellers, and was the inspriation for the wolf-god legends in this fanfiction series.

Also, when Kyō mentions "Orochi" (大蛇, Orochi) it refers to the monster in Japanese mythology which is slain by the storm god Susanoo. The name can also be translated to "eight-headed serpent" in Japanese.