Chapter 47
Departure for the North

The red gates marked her passage under the softly falling snow of morning.

As a human, Nomasaki entered Yamagakure - the tiny mountain hamlet sheltered from the harsh cold winds by the towering pines that guarded it. Her muscles felt tired, her mind on edge from her mysterious attackers, and her heart shattered by betrayal. Some of the villagers were awake and doing their business with the merchants and all had froze to see who entered alone. Although the village had been restored through blood, sweat, and tears with the Suna-nin who arrived and the Yamamori clansmen who emerged from hiding, the civilians who returned were still hesitant of the purple-eyed people who changed into wolves. By this point, Nomasaki had grown used to it. She wondered if they could see what marked her eyes - maybe they could tell from her face of the news that she carried.

Soon enough, Nomasaki sensed the Yama-nin scattering and the wolves growing alert.

"Nomasaki-sama!"

Her footsteps crunched in the snow as she stopped to see a Yama-nin and clansmen meet her on her path. The shinobi knelt to greet her, while the clansmen was in wolf-form with their Ōkamitoko. Their form was not near as large as hers - it was a young one, she realized. And their violet eyes looked curious and not in any way beast-like.

"My lady!" The Yama-nin greeted, wary of her arrival. "You're back so soon? The clansmen sensed your chakra and assumed something was wrong -,"

"There's been a change of plan. I had to come back." She spoke, firmly. "Where's my father?"

Her request alarmed him. "At the chieftain's manse. What is it? Did something happen on your travels?"

With an expression as crisp as winter ice, she met his glance. "I was hunted."

The Yama-nin and the young wolf escorted her to her father's residence, opening the great wooden doors encased in black iron as she entered. A handmaid met her in the porch and led her to her chambers where she made her home for the last two years. Taking off all her clothes belonging to her life of Sunagakure, her handmaid prepared a hot bath and took her old garments for washing. After soaking the aches away amongst the steam, Nomasaki brushed the knots from her hair and dressed herself in a blue and white kimono she made, wearing a black pair of wool pants underneath to keep warm in the unforgiving cold. Leaving her procelain mask and katana by her bedside, she slipped on her shoes and started for her father's audience hall.

Guards saw her in their sights and immediately moved aside.

They knew better than to get in the way of a beast.

Kyō was seated upon the high altar that overlooked the great chamber and its crackling hearth. Skipping the formalities, Nomasaki cut to the chase and told him all that happened in Sunagakure, her assignment, and of the strange foes who appeared as if from nowhere and attacked out of the darkness of night and the blindness of snow. He listened intently to her tale, a firm and dignified caution resting upon his bearded face. When she was done, even the guards who stood by her father's side were just as disturbed as she was.

The news was indeed dire.

"And you couldn't determine who they were?"

She shook her head. "No. They got away." Contemplating the chakra once more in her mind, her glance drifted to her lap in possibility. "It's... strange, almost. They're chakra felt almost like mine, yet... ominous in a way. I can't put my finger on it, but they don't have ordinary chakra...-,"

She suddenly froze.

Seeing her expression grow distraught, Kyō leaned forward in his seat. "What's wrong?"

A shudder passed through her shoulders, marking the burning memory into the forefront of her mind. Fire and blood circled in her eyes, screams rang throug her ears, and she remembered being a scared little girl who could do nothing but run away. Anger boiled in her blood, the wolf inside her writhing for release to rip her foes to shreds. She spat the words with fanged teeth. "It... It was them!"

"Who?" Her father narrowed his hazel eyes. "Nomasaki -?"

Raising her head, she met his glance. "The ones who burned down Yamagakure seven years ago, and destroyed the village - them."

"How can you be certain?"

"It's the same chakra I felt that night, no mistaking it." She insisted. "I think they're after Yamagakure again, or at least... my clan." Standing from the audience floor of tatami, she eyed him as stern as any leader. "Father, you should summon your arms and guard the village perimeter. I can warn my clansmen and they'll take care of the rest."

Kyō nodded. "And what will you do after?"

"Wait for them to arrive. There's nothing much else I can do, but defend my people and this village."

"Should we write to the Kazekage?" He asked, pondering his options. "Perhaps he can send some of his shinobi to help our forces."

"He can't." She answered curtly, turning on her heel towards the doors leading outside. "He's betrothed."

And she opened the large doors and embraced the cold that greeted her.

Blinding sunlight stretched over the desert horizon.

By their sheer luck, the Suna-nin entered their village without causing a stir. The main guardsmen were at their posts, but the day was so young that hardly any villagers traveled the streets and shinobi were a scarce sight. After their three-day journey from Konoha, the Kazekage and his elder sister reached the desert crater of Sunagakure in a path of haste and silence. They scarcely spoke to another during the return, with any conversations relating to the council or to what would become of the wolf of the north. Temari changed the subject once, however - saying that she meant to return to Konoha as soon as possible. When Gaara raised the question, she reluctantly revealed the Nara they stayed with. "Shikamaru needs me," she told him, "And... I need him, so I'm going to divide my time equally between Suna and Konoha for as long as I need to... before settling down". Gaara wondered if that would be his future with Nomasaki, going between Suna and Yama - if only he was not burdened with the title of Kage.

But also, she had to forgive him first.

The Kazekage estate was as silent as the village streets. Entering the residence, they briefly went their separate ways so that Temari could freshen up and Gaara could keep tabs on what he missed while gone. After grabbing some breakfast, Temari went to his office and met only shadows and silence. Climbing the steps to the Suna Aviary on the top floor, she walked past the caged rookery of hawks and falcons until she saw a glimpse of red hair. With a large brown hawk perched on his arm, Gaara fastened the satchel tied to its back and let the bird take to the skies from the balcony. Its wings flapped strongly against the desert winds that rose in the morning dawn, and the hawk soon disappeared from his view.

"Do you think she'll read them?" Temari asked, entering the balcony beside him. "That's what you sent, right? The letters?"

Gaara stood firm, his glance locked to the skies ahead. "At this point? I don't know... but still, I want her to have them."

"Are you nervous at all?"

"In a way, yes. But overall, no." A brief glimpse of a smile etched its way onto his lips. Amused, nearly. "If anything, I'm looking forward to silencing them."

"Ah," She sighed. "I knew you'd come to your senses sooner or later. Just remember - you're the Kazekage. They must listen to you above all else."

He nodded, and turned on his heel towards the chamber's descent. "I know."

Together, the two siblings made their way towards the council chambers. By now, the elders were already gathering and eagerly awaiting the return of their esteemed ruler. And waiting to force him into a marriage with a total stranger. Old desert gods, if you even exist... give me the strength to silence them once and for all. As they reached the final corridor, Temari paused. Noticing, Gaara stopped and turned to her with an air of curiosity.

"You go on ahead." She spoke. "This is a matter you have to sort out alone. You're the Kazekage, after all. You can handle this."

"And what will you do?" He asked. "Do you have much time in Suna?"

Her usual gesture, she looked to him and smirked, folding her arms across her the light grey armor on her chest. "I have to prepare for the Chunin Exams that are coming up in Konoha. They're approaching fast, so I should start working." Starting down the corridor without him, she briefly paused and shot him an assuring glance from her emerald eyes. "Good luck with the council. Let me know how it goes. I'm sure Nomasaki will tell me everything next time I see her."

"Temari,"

"Hm?"

Pondering his choice in words, Gaara looked down for a moment, his ringed-eyes closing halfway in preparing his thoughts. Looking back towards her, he nodded, a genuine smile visible on his pale features. "…Thank you. I've never really said this out loud, but… I highly value you as my sister. Thanks for talking some sense into me back there... in Konoha. I would've reached the same conclusion regarding this, but I just needed a… push."

Noticing the evident gratefulness in his eyes, she smiled back – humbled by his expression towards her. "I'm sure," She acknowledged, a slight chuckle on her tone. "But I think you still would've needed my help. A woman's say is always needed, especially in times like these. Honestly, Gaara... you should really try to understand situations like these better - or else you'll have struggle in your relationships from here on out." Shrugging to herself, she let out a sigh in dismay. "'Arranged marriage'… how ridiculous! Who do those senior advisors think they are, anyways? I know it's the norm, but it's so old-fashioned."

"Actually… part of the reasoning was because of…" He averted his glance for a moment, knowing it was a touchy-subject. "…You and Shikamaru."

Jolting, she flinched in her stance towards him. Her cheeks reddened but it was unclear if it was from anger or embarrassment. "W-What?! You can't be serious…?!" Brushing her embarrassment aside, her shook her head to rid all signs of her blushing and to refocus her energy towards her task at hand. Meeting his gaze, she gave a sisterly smile in his direction. "I'll be seeing you, little brother."

After a shared glance, she made her way further down the winding hall until she was no longer within his sights. And he was alone. Standing before the aged wooden doors of the council chambers, he waited. This was his one and only chance to avoid a life sentence with a person he never once met – and he was sacrificing his blood-obligation to do so.

They'll get their heir, but it won't be from my blood - or a forced arrangement.

Taking a calming breath, Gaara turned back to face the aged and worn doors of the council chambers. Thanks to his clause and iron-will, he felt confident in what was to come. Would the council have no choice but to listen to his wishes - or would they rebel with further tenets? That was for him to find out – and he was adamant in making his case. Ready to come clean and make evident his iron fist - by any means necessary.

He was the Kazekage and they were his council - they bent their will to his, not vice versa.

And his hesitancy fled.

The door creaked and closed with a faint rolling thunder while he entered.

"G-Gaara-sama!" A senior advisor stammered, witnessing the young Kazekage make his way towards his seat at the round table. "You've returned!" Asserting his authority, Gaara stood his ground behind his chair - refusing to sit. With raised brows of his motives, the other councillors in the chamber took notice. "How was the Summit? Have you anything to report in addition to your status message?"

"I'll speak about the details following this meeting." He answered, sternly. "What's important is settling things... nothing more."

The council was silent in caution.

"May we remind you that you're very late! We postponed this meeting twice already!" An advisor jeered. "So… as we've requested during our last meeting…" Examining the documents before him, the elder was once more ready to secure yet another political dynasty with the Kazekage clan in power – the chamber growing silent as he rifled through his paperwork. "Are we ready to discuss the arrangement put forth from the Hōki Family? Their heiress and your future bride-to-be will be at the oasis located within the middle of the desert in a fortnight. The Hōki Family said they would like to introduce you to your bride there, so you can get to know each other before the wedding set to take place in a few weeks. They request that a very generous dowry be paid for their heiress'–,"

"That won't be necessary. I won't be going to the oasis."

Promptly, the advisor stood up, his expression in confused anger. "I beg your pardon, Kazekage-sama? What did you just say?!"

Locking eyes with the elder, Gaara's glance grew serious in nature as he firmly stood his ground. "I reject the arranged marriage proposed of the Suna Council and the Hōki Family." He answered, loud enough so all in the chamber could hear. "I will not be proceeding with it, after much consideration and thought about the matter. My clan is all but disappeared, that's just the way it is. Sunagakure should embrace the future… and not be absorbed in outdated thinking such as this. Reto-sama can't live forever... and this talk of 'legacy' is as pointless as waiting for rain in this desert."

"What?! Are you mad?!"

"No," He spoke. From seeing the elder's furious reaction, his expression softened – and the heavy weight of the arranged marriage lifted instantly from his shoulders. "I'm standing my ground as Kazekage, that's what I'm doing. I refuse to accept the Hōki Family's offer. If I do choose to marry, it would be when I see fit." As he thought over his words, he felt heartfelt and content. Choosing his words carefully, he faced the council with a soft smile upon his lips – remembering the warm and unwavering affection of the woman he admired. "And… with someone I love and care about."

"And have you found a suitable bride, Kazekage-sama?" From the sound of his voice, the other councilmen and Kazekage directed their attention to the elder at the opposite end of the encompassing table. Zarō. "To reject this bid put forth by the Suna Council and the Hōki Family, you must have a bride decided to secure the Kazekage clan's future. If not descended from one of the noble families of the Land of Wind, a bride with the blood of Suna would be acceptable."

"I… believe I have."

"You have?"

As he thought about his past assistant and bodyguard, he felt comforted – warm. He knew he was making the right decision. He wanted to be with her. He loved her. Eyeing the elderly councilman, he nodded, his expression grateful. "Thanks to this mission, I opened my eyes to what was in front of me all along. I know who I choose... should they choose me as well."

The furious advisor suddenly deciphered his words, his dark eyes widening as his clenched fists shook with anger. He knew the Kazekage meant her – the outsider from the far mountains, the tracker-nin they assigned on his recent mission to Konoha, and their fatal mistake. The wolf from Yama. The half-blood.

"You don't mean…!"

"That's not the council's concern." Gaara retorted, sternly. "Further, I declare my elder brother Kankurō as my heir should I die without issue. That way, you elders can sit satisfied knowing a Kazekage clansmen still reigns control over Suna. But in terms of arranged political marriages, I refuse any and all arrangements. This is the last we're discussing this matter."

Glaring at him bitterly, the advisor returned to his seat – crossing his arms against his chest in disgust. "Why you…!"

"To be fair," A neighboring councilman whispered to him from his side. "If it's the foreigner he's referring to… she was fathered by one of our own…! In that sense, our Kazekage-sama is still following the request from the council… the bride is of the village… so there's nothing we can do about it. What's done is done…"

"Damn him…!"

"Well, that's settled." Baki finished, sighing in dismay. "This shouldn't have been an issue from the start, but due to the senior advisor's persistence about the clan's legacy, it couldn't be helped. We, as the council, apologize, Kazekage-sama."

Taking his seat, Gaara lifted his palm at him – closing his eyes as he prepared himself for the council briefings on their schedule. "No need." His stoic nature evident in his expression after the confrontation was dealt with, his face turned stern and expressionless - collected. "Being that this topic has been dealt with, we'll begin moving on to other issues… such as the upcoming Chunin Exams in Konoha -,"

"Forgive me from interrupting, Kazekage-sama," Zarō entered, drawing his ringed-eyes. "Being that these are peaceful times among us, the news of a potential attack from the Ōtsutsuki and rogue groups is nothing short of unsettling. Therefore, we the council have decided it was time to reinstate ANBU-protection of our leader upon his return." Hearing a knock echoing upon the grand doors, the elder nodded. "You may enter."

Gaara turned, his expression dismayed. "I don't need a bodyguard."

"We're well aware," A disgruntled councillor answered, smugly. "But figured it would be better to be safe than sorry. After all, you hadn't forgotten your clan's curse, did you?"

Every Kazekage met their end prematurely from either talking too much, talking too little, or going against what the elders want, Gaara reminded himself, And I've already met that fate. The comment irked him, leaving him to glare back in retaliation.

"Gaara-sama," Baki spoke, turning to the young leader beside him. "This is a fairly standard practice. The reason we largely avoided the ANBU was due to Kankurō and Temari being your entourage since your inauguration. But being that their services are no longer available as needed, having a permanent ANBU guard would serve adequate protection for all in-village affairs, while your siblings can serve their duties should you need to leave Suna."

"So it seems." Gaara's glare eased, and directed his attention to the veiled shinobi who knelt from across the chambers. Clad in the standard Suna-nin garbs and flak jacket, he noticed their dark onyx hair that swept their headband and the blade that was strapped to their back. As if from a mere glance, he knew who lay beneath that veil. "You there, who do you serve?"

The shinobi's dark eyes rose to meet his glance. "...The Kazekage of Sunagakure. My blade is yours."

Silence entered the chambers.

"Leave us." Gaara commanded. "This meeting is adjourned."

With parting bows from Zarō and Baki, the elders and councillors soon made their way out of the room to leave the Kazekage with his new bodyguard. When the chamber doors sealed shut, the brief rumbling thunder shattered what silence remained. Standing from his seat, Gaara made his way to face his new confidant directly. The ANBU stayed knelt on one knee, their dark eyes appearing near grey from the sun that entered through the curtained windows.

"I don't require an ANBU to tail me and watch me from the shadows, but with the council's word... it seems they have convinced me otherwise." Gaara's glance narrowed. "I know who you are... Shinto."

Shinto scoffed under his veil. "What gave me away?"

"Your eyes," Gaara said. "All I see is contempt. You and I have never quite saw eye-to-eye on things, even in our days in the regular troops. Tell me... why do you wish to serve orders that directly benefit me? I'm aware of your dislike for me. So why agree to such a task by your commanding officers?"

"I'm of the Sunagakure ANBU." Shinto revealed, his eyes firm and reluctant. "My duty is to my village."

That was an answer Gaara accepted.

"Fair." He nodded. "Well to start, I need only require you to make sure I don't suffer an ambush or assassination. You may keep tabs on my movements throughout the day, and you're more than welcome to switch shifts with another willing ANBU so you can get your rest."

"Yes, sir."

Hesitating, Gaara eyed his bodyguard with a pleading look to his ringed-eyes. "I have a question for you, and... I may require your help." Seeing the curiosity mark itself in Shinto's eyes, he pushed himself to ask. "Do you know where Nomasaki lives? I need to pay her a visit."

The stunned look in Shinto's dark eyes soon turned to anger. "Why? You haven't wrote back... even I know that." He averted his glance and bit his tongue. "She was hurt when you stayed silent. I could hear it in her voice when she returned... she really cares about you and still - you treat her like she's nothing."

This isn't the conversation I want to have with my new bodyguard. He would sooner cut my throat than help. "I didn't mean to come across that way. That's... actually one of the reasons why I need to speak with her. And sooner than later." Gaara pressed. "Will you help me, Shinto?"

"...It doesn't appear I have a choice. Saying 'no' to your Kazekage is the same as committing treason."

Time dragged on.

Once the meeting was over and the evening began to make its approach over the desert cliffs, Gaara ventured into the confines of the village undetected by passersby. Shinto directed him from the shadows, and he appeared at the beginning of the alleyway within a gust of winds and sand. Outside of the main village plaza, he looked down the silent alleyway near the housing district and saw elongated stucco buildings carved with wooden doors. He remembered the area - it was where he stopped those genin from attacking Nomasaki near seven years ago. Those years had all but passed and he was entering the alley a stranger. Shinto appeared and lead the way, directing the Kazekage towards a flight of sandstone steps to an apartment building near its end. When his ANBU bodyguard paused, he realized that they reached the place. A tiny one-bedroom on the third floor in one of the village's poorest districts.

Nomasaki's apartment.

In front of her door, he waited patiently with a nervous and guilt-ridden tint to his eyes and expression. He was coming clean, no matter what the cost. Taking a deep breath and thinking over this decision, he knocked. After waiting several minutes, nothing. Despite there being no answer, he kept trying as Shinto watched with his hands in his pockets – knocking on the door several times more times, but it seemed no one was home.

Scratching the back of his head in uncertainty and confusion, his eyes narrowed at the locked door. "I'm sure this is where she lives…"

"I'm surprised you didn't know." Shinto scoffed, turning. "She was your assistant for how long? Two years?"

Gaara ignored the jest. "Being the Kazekage is time-consuming... even for someone with insomnia."

As he looked at her windows, he noticed that they were still closed and were concealed by faded red curtains. As he looked down by his feet, he noticed something shoved underneath the door – mail, and lots of it. Picking up the letters and examining the envelopes, he realized something – they were all post-marked dates after the start of their mission together. She has not returned home since.

Where did she go…? Could she have…?

He jolted.

She went to Yamagakure.

In Suna, there was only one other person aside from Shinto who would know her whereabouts - and could confirm if his suspicions were true. Not anticipating going out in public, he braced himself – as the one he was looking for was not someone he knew very well, at all. Having only minor interactions during his second attempt at the Chunin Exams many years ago in Kumogakure and the war, he decided to take his chances.

"What is it?" Shinto questioned. "She's not home. Best that we go back, she might return later -,"

"No," Gaara said, his eyes wide in thought. "...I think I know where she is." Turning on his heel, he desended down the steps. "But I need to check with someone first. Where is your other teammate? The medic-nin."

"Meiyumi?" Shinto followed. "She's probably returning from her assignment."

"Take me to her."

Evening approached faster than he anticipated.

Walking out into the village streets that darkening evening with Shinto as his guide, Gaara saw the person he was looking for. Never the best at approaching others, he had no choice but to reach out for help. Stepping towards the dark-haired young woman at the dumpling shop, he paused - double-checking to make sure it was the correct person. Sitting at the table with her squad-mates, she drank the sake with a reddened face and a wide grin. Her weapon of choice sat beside her feet on the ground – a war fan with red markings, and a stack of medical textbooks lay next to it. This young woman was a medical-nin – one of Nomasaki's closest friends and past teammate.

Meiyumi.

Stepping forward with his veiled bodyguard, he startled the group with his sudden presence. Before them stood the village's most powerful shinobi wandering throughout the town unannounced, and at an odd hour at night. Although they admired his leadership, they were also highly nervous to see him – not only for his legendary prowess, but also not wanting him to think the Suna shinobi were slacking off post-duty. Seeing the young Kazekage as a casual at night was definitely a strange sight, especially since he hardly left the mansion due to his workload and prestige. With friendly, yet surprised drunken faces, they welcomed him into the street-side shop with praise.

"You're... Meiyumi, right?" He asked, pausing before her. "Nomasaki's past teammate?"

"Oh," Surprised, she turned around. "K-Kazekage-sama?! What are you doing here?" Realizing his question, she remembered. "Y-Yes, we're quite close. We talk every so often, usually after our assignments… unless she hermits herself. She sends letters, too. When she's away, that is."

"Did you happen to talk to her recently?"

She grew curious from his urgent-sounding tone, raising a brow at his questions as she tried to control her state of stupor. Strange – the Kazekage cornering her in a dumpling shop, asking her questions – it was indeed quite peculiar. "No, not really. Why? I thought you were close, weren't you?"

Concern entered his expression, although subtly. Averting his glance, his face turned stoic and contained. "I can't find her anywhere, and I really need to talk to her." Meeting her gaze once more, his eyes appeared calm. "Do you have any idea where she might be? Is she in the village?"

For a moment, she pondered to herself, placing her palm under her chin as she tried to think of their most recent interaction with her hermit of a friend. Surprisingly, she remembered a key detail. "Well, if she's not home, she might have gone to visit her dad in Yamagakure."

"Her dad?"

"Yeah!" She spoke, with a smirk and a nod. "He's in Yamagakure. He left to rebuild it with some other Suna ninja when the war ended. I think he's the leader, too… the chieftain. But you probably know all about that since you're the Kazekage, right?" Pondering her thoughts again, she attempted to coherently remember in her nearly drunken-state. "Now that I mention it... she did say she wanted to visit again. She said she missed the snow, even only after being here for a few days... so I think she was planning to visit soon."

She was in the mountains. "Of course!" He spoke to himself, his eyes widening in surprise from the realization. Turning, he walked off from the cover of the restaurant stall on the street-side as in a hurry. He knew what he must do next. "Thanks."

"Huh? What–?" Meiyumi reached, confused by his sudden departure. "You're welcome?"

Continuing on his path, he disappeared into the village streets as the night enveloped the desert lands around him. Once he had his thoughts planned, he started for the puppet corps. He knew what he had to do, and he needed backup.

"What will you do with that information?" Shinto questioned, following beside him. "Are you seriously going to leave Suna to find her?"

"If that's what it takes." Pausing, he met his bodyguard's wary eyes and created a clone in his own likeness. Watching the sand clone walk to Shinto's side, Gaara gave a slight smile. "This is my Sand Clone. It has a limit of three days. I need you to cover for me, and make sure my clone is unbothered by the council. See Baki-sama, he will help you with that. He'll understand."

Shinto narrowed his eyes. "And what if i say 'no'?"

"Then I'll gladly face the consequences for leaving. Will you do this for me or not?" Seeing the hesitance in the ANBU's eyes, Gaara stepped forward. "I know she's your friend and you also care for her, but please understand where I'm coming from. I need to talk to her and apologize for all I've done. I don't care if she comes back or not - that's her decision to make, not mine. So as someone who is also Nomasaki's friend, can you do me this favour?"

Thoughts quarrelled in Shinto's mind.

Giving in to his commands, he reluctantly submitted. "Fine... I'll do it." Leaving with the clone at his side, he paused and looked back to the Kazekage. "But I'm doing this for her... not you. Let's make that clear."

Gaara nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Thanks, Shinto."

Within a swift wind, the ANBU and his clone had vanished.

Leaving him to seek out the final piece to his plan.

Nighttime jeers and drunken laughter hummed against the cooling desert winds.

Keeping to himself, the young Kazekage maneuvered himself throughout the streets in desperate search. The stunned and curious eyes of villagers glanced as he passed by, weaving into the crowds and disappearing as nearly as suddenly as he appeared. Kankurō was not at the estate, leaving Gaara to search every storefront and tavern in the hopes he would catch a glimpse of his older brother. Not even the puppet corps knew his exact whereabouts when asked – but they did mention that a group ventured to the village's red-light district.

Gaara hesitated.

The red-light district was a place he never dared to go.

Although a known part of the Suna nightlife, the red-lantern adorned alley was a haven for brothels and debauchery. Gambling was well-practiced – as was the seeking out of womanly escorts. The Kazekage would know better than to be caught in such a place – but he did not exactly have a choice. Seeing the backs of puppets and their scrolls tucked away in the porch as he quietly entered, he looked beyond the exquisite screen-covered entrance and saw a trio of flak-jacket clad ninja enjoying sake and conversation. Women wearing silken kimonos were with them, taking part in their words and flirting back – paying no mind to the floating eye hiding in the corner of the room.

The Third Eye Jutsu was useful for many things, the war included – but for it to be used for spying on his brother was another. Scanning the red-adorned room of cushions, tapestries, bonsai trees, and escorts, he caught a glimpse of a man with purple markings on his grinning face.

Found him.

Conversing with a slightly timid smile while a dark-haired escort listened, Kankurō told her of his recent mission effortlessly while the other ninja jeered loudly beside him with another. Silently the sands swirled around the eye behind the screens, forming into the shape of its caster. Stepping out from his shelter, he soon found himself standing behind his brother. Whether it was appropriate or not, the Kazekage made a formal appearance at a village brothel.

"Kankurō," He interrupted, catching the escort's stunned eyes. "I need to talk to you–?"

"G-Gaara!?" Kankurō turned. "What are you doing here?! This is the red-light district! A Kage can't be seen here!"

Gaara's ringed-eyes narrowed in slight annoyance. "I should be asking you the same thing."

"Is there a problem, sir?"

Catching their attention, a cross-faced woman smoking from a pipe approached from the back. She was older, appearing near sixty, and had a scowl that looked as if it could shatter stone. The other clients went silent from the noise of the brothers, all eyes focusing on the Kazekage who suddenly appeared. All the escorts awed longingly with their eyes for him to stay, vying for the chance to get to him first. By his arrival, he accidentally disrupted their business dealings.

"N-No, no problem here." Kankurō stood, placing coin onto the counter. "I'll just be on my way, here's my tab..."

Shamefully, Kankurō walked outside with eyes averted from his younger brother. To say he was embarrassed would be an understatement. As the door slammed shut behind them with a crack, the two paused at the red-light district's boundary. The red glow of the lanterns hovered above them, swaying from the cool winds of the desert beyond. It was a strange cold.

Ending the silence, Gaara glanced to him. "Were you seeing... an escort?"

"I-I was only drinking with a few buddies! Nothing sinister, honestly!" Kankurō coughed. "By the way – why are you here? You couldn't wait until later to talk?"

Gaara shook his head, looking down. An urgent and guilt-painted tone tinted his eyes, his thoughts running. "No. I... There's not much time." Meeting Kankurō's raised brow expression, his face turned stern. "I need you to do something for me, as my brother."

Kankurō was intrigued. "What's that?"

Midnight.

Under the cover of darkness, two silhouettes of shinobi stood before the towering village cliffs that marked the exit to the desert sands in the distance. With a warm cloak on his shoulders, Gaara stood before the village gates with Kankurō, who was poised and prepared for the journey – dressed as well with a cloak over his puppeteer clothes and his signature purple markings drawn over the cover of his face. Tightening the strap holding a wrapped puppet to his back, he turned to his younger brother at his side, adjusting his cloak while he stood. "I can't believe you managed to talk me into this... especially after crashing that brothel! Are you sure about this, Gaara?" He asked. "It's a long way to Yama from here, about a day's journey north."

Gazing towards the desert ahead, Gaara's glance became solemn – sadness and nervousness tinting his seafoam eyes. "There's no other way… This is something I must do. I should've done this from the beginning, when I had my chance. This will be the hardest mission I've ever done."

Smirking at his response, Kankurō gave a smug smirk on his lips - knowing what he truly meant. Since she was once Gaara's assistant, he knew that there was some sort of connection between her and his younger brother that transcended friendship – there was love. Although his brother failed to adequately express his emotions, he knew he was making the right decision, or at least a good first step to right his wrongs.

"Even more difficult than the war?" He chuckled, turning to him. "It won't be that bad, you're just going to talk to her."

"I… have to make things right and be honest with her." Gaara spoke, closing his eyes as he turned away - masking his concern in the moonlight. "It won't be an easy feat, but I'll try my best to explain myself to her."

With a shrug of his cloak, Kankurō let out a sigh. "If you say so. This better be worth it, if we're traveling all that way! I'm already dreading that horrid weather!" He shuddered, thinking about his worst nightmare – the snow and the cold. He knew of the stories of that land from his comrades in the puppet corps and from Nomasaki herself – all left him uncomfortable and dismayed to enter the lands covered in frost and snow. "The Land of Iron was brutal… I'm really hoping the Land of Mountains is at least milder."

Brushing off his comment of her homeland and their destination, Gaara started through the gates towards the moonlit desert sands before them. Luckily, no one was around to witness them depart. "We should go now," He said, his tone stern. "Before the council realizes I'm gone. Baki is covering for me and so is my new bodyguard, so we can't afford to waste any time making irrelevant comments."

Smirking at his response, Kankurō gave a nod. After a long solemn day, his quick tongue was coming back, indicating that his mood was returning to its normal and stoic state. Following in his tracks, Kankurō sighed, and stepped through the sands behind him.

"Right. As you say, little brother."

Silently and without notice, the two brothers departed into the desert that night - on their way to Yamagakure in the far reaches of the Land of Mountains which lay north of the Land of Wind's border. His glance determined and stern, the young Kazekage walked onward towards the desert horizon as the cold winds blew past.

It was a long way north.

The snow entered with a gust from the sliding doors as she returned.

Nomasaki spent the entire day in silent meditation before her clan's small stone shrine in the heart of the forest. The red winter trees that surrounded the meadow provided little comfort, reminding her of the shade of Gaara's hair. When she would have those thoughts, she hardened her focus and shut her eyes tighter. She tried to listen to the chakra of all living things on her mountain, but her thoughts of anger and sadness were too noisy.

She was utterly distracted, reeling from the hurt she felt in her heart.

When she could not meditate anymore, she changed into her wolf-form and thundered into the forest ahead. Her large paws cracked through the layers of snow and ice as she scaled the peak, reaching the summit against the frigid winds that dared to bite through her fur. She let out a powerful howl, and soon many howls answered. Her pack were out for a hunt further south - reminding her that she had not eaten. She picked up the scent of a great elk, following it to an ice-covered lake before taking it down amongst a flurry of white. Her fanged teeth sunk into its flesh easily, and the taste of raw meat and blood filled her senses. The blood was hot on her tongue, the flesh thick and gamey, and the marrow was rich in flavour as she cracked its ribs with her fanged teeth. She had not tasted a hunt in days, and it only took one snap of her jaws on the elk's neck to claim it for her own.

But it was not long until a pack of normal wolves soon appeared from the thicket to claim the scraps.

The pack was of five - a an old mated couple and their three offspring. The large she-wolf with piercing purple eyes saw them, whipping her blood-soaked jaws to them in a rumbling snarl that meant dominance. The male wolf cowered his ears, stepping forward hesitantly as his muzzle snarled back in return. When the she-wolf saw him inching closer, she solidified her stance in the pink snows and snapped her jaws. Unthreatened by the pack, she continued eating. She heard their paws hesitantly crunch closer on the snows at her back, and then she heard the grumbling of the pups' stomachs. When the female wolf tore off a piece of leg to bring to them, the large white wolf did not bat an eye. After finishing the liver, the she-wolf decided to leave the remnants to them. As soon as she started for the frosted trees, the pack hastily ran to the elk and began licking apart the scraps. They were lucky she was the wolf they were dealing with - her other clansmen might not have been as kind.

By the time she descended the peak, Yamagakure was coated in a fresh blanket of snow and the dark plume of night.

She changed back into a human the moment she stepped through the gates - a habit she carefully practiced in her two years of living amongst her villagers. Hardly anyone was on the road when she passed through, only the banter and shouts from the sake bars that were still open that late night. As she walked under the dimming lantern light, she felt her heart grow heavy from the thoughts that bothered her. The mission, Gaara's confession of a betrothal, and her abandonment of her post. She convinced herself that he can take care of himself, but she did not know how she would ever face him again.

Maybe he'll do me a favour and not invite to the wedding, she thought.

But not even her thoughts of humour could lift the sting of betrayal.

Perhaps I deserved this for all I did... Kage don't end up with those who betray their trust.

"My lady, you're back!"

Her handmaiden raced for her cloak as she entered, taking it and placing it near the hearth to get warm. Sayuri was her handmaid since the village elected her father. She was two years her senior, and was the closest friend she had away from the desert. Her auburn hair was tied into a well-kept bun, and her eyes were a calming sea-green. Nomasaki shuttered the door behind her, brushed the snow from her dress' lap, and started for the hearth to warm her cold hands.

Sayuri turned. "I was wondering where you went! Your father was looking for you. Visiting the Yamamori clan shrine again?"

Nomasaki sat on the carpeted floor, feeling the warmth of the stone hearth melt away the frost. "Yes, I was."

"Want me to draw you a hot bath?"

"Yes, thank you."

When Sayuri was gone, Nomasaki retreated to her room and was left to her thoughts. She sat and watched the snow softly fall from the window, wishing her life could be more simple. Perhaps she was not meant to live amongst two villages. She was of the snow, and the sand made her feel unwelcome. She may have been a half-breed, but it was obvious which half claimed her. It must have been a while since Sayuri left, as by the time she heard her handmaiden approach in the corridor, the moon rose higher in the night skies. Quietly, Sayuri pulled the sliding door open and peeked through. Nomasaki did not react, except for a nod of her head which signalled for her to enter. The handmaiden began gathering her towels and robe for bathing, neatly folding everything into a pile.

"You've been awfully quiet since you returned, Nomasaki-sama." Sayuri spoke, breaking the silence. "Is something wrong?"

The words hesitated on Nomasaki's lips. Keeping her composure as best as she could, she kept her attention focused on the snow. "I'm a fool..." She uttered through grit teeth, holding back any emotion that dared to coat her tongue. "I don't know why I expected anything different... I should've known better."

"My lady?"

"Tell me, Sayuri," Nomasaki said, turning around to meet her face. "What would make me more of a fool - falling in love with a Kage, or thinking a Kage would fall in love with me?"

Sayuri's face grew surprised. Timidly, she sat in front of her. "What are you saying, Nomasaki-sama? Is it about the Kazekage?"

"He's betrothed... He told me yesterday..." Nomasaki replied, lowering her gaze to her lap as she felt the sorrow creeping its way into her throat. Her heart sank at the mere memory. "I thought there was something more between us than our grown friendship, but...-," She scoffed. "I was a fool... about everything!"

"My lady... I'm sorry." Sayuri said, understanding. Trying to lift the mood, she gave a cheery smile. "'Men are difficult things' - you said yourself when those suitors arrived, remember? You bested every one!"

Nomasaki bit her lip.

Finally, the tears built up. She fell face-first onto her futon, burying her sobs into the blankets and furs. "He told me he was thinking of challenging my hand...!" She wept, clutching the blankets tightly. "And I would have let him...!"

"Oh,"

Sayuri could not believe it.

Smoothly, she placed a hand on Nomasaki's back and rubbed gently to soothe her sobs. She heard Nomasaki speak of the Kazekage before, but she did not know the gravity of the relationship until now. To think her lady was interested in such a man was startling - unheard of, even. And from the sounds of her muffled sobs, the answer was clear.

She loved him.

Sayuri's eyes closed halfway, sympathy flooding her caring glance. I never saw Nomasaki-sama cry before. She must be really hurt. She feigned a smile to comfort her. "I'll go get that bath ready for you."

Without saying anything, Nomasaki nodded into the sheets and her handmaid stood and left the room.

As the door slid closed with a faint creak, Nomasaki sniffled as her sobs soon came to an eventual end. She opened her eyes, glancing up to the snowy window with her sight fogged with tears. Her heart ached. Hanone, I should have listened to you. You told me to stay away - that snow doesn't mix with sand, She thought bitterly, I should have never trusted the words of a man from the desert.

And her heart was broken.