Chapter 66
Against All Odds

By the time they made it back towards their home, nightfall had already approached.

A brisk draft filled their residence that night, sneaking through the crevices between the hastily placed boards over the broken window's frame. The damage to the window dealt from the wolf appalled and stunned the housekeepers who managed the estate, disgruntling them as they scrambled to repair what was destroyed before the day's end approach. The rest of the repairs would have to wait until the morning. Near asleep on the couch, Temari rose when she heard the door creak open. Stepping through the doorway her widened green eyes saw the shadows of her younger brother and his partner emerge into the lamplight. Hours later, the Kazekage had finally returned with Nomasaki in one piece. Drawing her attention, she noticed something was very off about them. Standing close beside her brother, Nomasaki's eyes were dulled in shame as she stood trembling upon the cold floor, her only shield of her nakedness being his shirt that she covered herself with.

She appeared broken.

"You're back–," Temari said, shocked by the sight. "Nomasaki–! What happened to you?" Glancing to Gaara beside her, she noticed his shirt was missing. "And you - where have you been? Everyone is looking for you! The council -,"

Walking towards her, Gaara paused, his eyes worn and tired. "I'm drawing her a bath before I see the council," He spoke, his voice low. "Can you stay with her, for me? I don't want her to be left alone…"

Glancing to her friend, she saw that Nomasaki's gaze was painstakingly locked towards the floor. The violet in her eyes was strained, its vibrance mired in her inner strife. Not once in the seven years that Temari had known her had she seen her in such a state. Her once well-put-together friend and comrade was dirtied, naked, and trembling. She wondered if there was anything she could offer her, but she knew that her friendship would be a reasonable support. Keeping her calm would be the best option.

Turning back to face Gaara, she was surprised by the tone she saw within his ringed-eyes. Their usual stoic appearance was tinted with exhausted emotion, any essence of calm replaced by saddened empathy and pleading. The way he glanced towards his sister indicated his internal plea for a peaceful night. It worried her. "Alright," She nodded. "I'll be here as long as you need me."

Relieved, he gave a subtle nod, his messy head of crimson falling slightly. As he started for the hallway and disappeared from their view, Nomasaki watched the muscles shift on his back as he left, her chest light and shaking. Bringing herself to sit beside her friend on the couch of the living room, she trembled as she rested upon the warm cushions beneath. Even in the calm silence, her knees and hands still shivered from the cold that invaded her. The draft to their backs was not helping either. While Temari waited for her to speak, Nomasaki averted her glance, her pain-stricken eyes locked upon her shivering lap of pale skin.

"I'm sorry, Temari…" She spoke, her lips quivering in silence. "For what happened…"

"About what?" Temari turned, meeting the dulled glow of her gold strands. "The window?"

Giving a light smile, she tried to dissipate the sadness she sensed from her friend beside her, pushing aside the memory of the large white beast that shattered the glass. "It's not my window anymore. The housekeepers have to worry about that–,"

"What I did earlier… I didn't mean to lash out like I did…" Nomasaki whispered, hanging her head low. "I didn't see you since Naruto's wedding and this is how you come home… you see me thrashing about like some sort of… beast…"

"Don't worry about it," Surprised, Nomasaki looked up to meet her calming green eyes. A sly smile curving on her lips, Temari let out a small laugh in her approaching drowsiness. "I've seen worse, believe me," She smiled comfortingly. "Gaara would decimate houses if Shukaku emerged! A window from an overwhelmed wolf is nothing." Her eyes becoming concerned, her smile faded. "You're feeling better, aren't you?"

Glancing down at her scratched fingers spread before her, Nomasaki's dulled eyes examined the cracked skin that clung to them. She could feel her bones shiver underneath the pale skin of her frail hands, any trace of warmth abruptly leaving as the draft behind filled the room. Although summer was days away, the cold desert nights still grasped the to the winds. Strangely, her pink scar on her forearm had not pained, but from the mere sight of it she could feel a faint pulse from the chills that pounded through her.

"Somewhat, I'm… not sure." Hiding her shivering hands into the burgundy clothing that covered her, she gazed ahead towards the bookshelf on the other side of the room. "Temari, can I… ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Do you ever… get homesick? Since you moved to Konoha, I mean."

"Homesick? I suppose so," Temari replied, sighing as she relaxed on the couch. "I more so miss the family and friends I left behind, not the lifeless void of desert. Konoha is growing on me, surprisingly. Seeing trees is a lot more breathtaking than seeing nothing but sand."

"I see…" Nomasaki spoke, her voice quiet as her gaze drifted to her lap. "Homesick…" Sorrow began to enter the glint of her drained eyes, her thoughts remembering the white lands that she dreamed of every night. The cold that chilled her only made the void in her heart stronger, yearning to be in her mountains of snow once more. Perhaps leaving Yamagakure had been a mistake, she thought. If she stayed with her father and her scattered clan, she may have avoided her current strife altogether. Then she remembered – she stayed for him. It was love why she chose she remain in the desert village, and she felt the happiest she ever had in her life.

But with the sacrifice came the burdens, not just for her – but for him as well.

Should she have chosen duty instead?

"That's why I…"

Her voice trailed, unable to form the words at her lips. She could feel the building sorrow swell into her throat, her dried eyes sensing the tears that were forming, prepared to weep once more. She could not keep it at bay any longer as the memories of the snow and frost she craved entered her mind in a faint calm. Her scar on her arm relished in the sentiment.

"Why do you ask?" Temari asked her, noticing her silence. "Something on your mind?"

Averting her eyes, Nomasaki kept her gaze upon the floor while a chill traveled down her spine. "No reason… it's just…–,"

Startling her, she saw the glint of Gaara's eyes appear from the hallway. His face was slate-like and his eyes drained. Insomnia was marked within his gaze. After sharing a worried glance with Temari, Nomasaki slowly stood from her seat and walked towards him. What unnerved her the most was not his dulled eyes but the fact that she had not sensed his chakra at all since he appeared.

Her and her senses were once again separated.

From the turn of the tap, the pipes heaved behind the walls.

As the hot water poured from the faucet into the bath, he examined it carefully. Steam enveloping the room, Gaara pulled up his sleeves, feeling the rising temperature with his fingers while he watched the water fill the aged cast iron tub. The water was near scalding to the touch. Sitting at the far side of the room, Nomasaki sat against the wall in a thick white towel, hoping that the incessant cold would leave her. Guilt painted her eyes as she watched him inspect the temperature thoroughly. His expression could not be clearly seen from where she sat, but she knew it was just as emotionally exhausted as hers. The day was not kind to either of them.

As the final droplets of warmth fell from the spout, he carefully guided her shaky steps to the tub from the comfort of the towel wrapped around her. He had not uttered a single word to her, but his tired eyes conveyed everything. Even in his protective grasp, her fingers still trembled from the chills that passed through her. His warmth was nothing compared to the cold that gnawed at her from within, that was certain. Falling from her scarred back, the towel pooled behind her on the damp tiled floor as she stepped into the bastion of hot water. A wince escaping her lips, she felt the steaming liquid make its way into every wound from her legs to her shoulders as she retreated into its scalding hollow. Her broken skin burned from the sensation, instantly being numbed as the heat from the water enveloped her. Clinging to her like a veil, the heat hovered around her and thawed the cold that tinged her insides, melting it away.

Watching her closely, Gaara sat silent on the edge of the tub. He could see the pain still present in her eyes, and its lilac gleam was dulled with guilt. He knew the feeling. Never had he seen her so helpless and he could not bring himself to leave her side.

Not now.

However, the reminder that the council were waiting for him gnawed at his thoughts – and he was late. He hoped that the bath would at least bring her some relief until he could return. Standing, he tried his best to feign a light smile. "The bath should be good, it's hot but it should help warm you up." He said, catching the glimpse of her violet eyes. "I'll be back soon." Upon seeing her fractured expression, he paused. "What is it?"

Touched by his gesture, she averted her eyes from him. Her mind was painted in the thoughts and memories of the snow of Yama, the void she felt from her wolf-side being torn from her, and the inner conflict of love and duty quarreling in her psyche. His kindness towards her during the ordeal only made her guilt worse. Despite seeing her in such a monstrous state, he still went out of his way to comfort her as he did. He sacrificed so much for her – the blind faith of his council, the honor of his ancient and powerful clan, and his desire for a simple life. All she offered as compensation was herself – and she felt as if it were not an even trade. The sadness she pushed down into her chest was rising once again, swelling into her throat as her eyes grew heavy with tears.

It was no use to keep hiding them anymore.

"Gaara…–," She sobbed silently in the bath. "I… I'm sorry…"

One by one, her tears struck the hot water as she cupped her face with her palms. Her body shook as she did so, her fragility exposed to him as it was earlier. Seeing her that way caused his heart to sink in his chest. Having only seen her cry a few times since knowing her, this time was by far the worst – and most dire. He could feel every ounce of hurt that cracked through her muffled weeping, striking him with the raw emotion that cut through her voice.

It scared him to see her that way, propelling him to protect her at all costs. In the midst of her sobs, he carefully wrapped his arms around her. His fingers intertwined with her golden strands, his head of thick crimson rested against hers of dulled gold as he held her close. Closing his eyes while he touched the broken skin of her damp shoulders, he begged internally for a moment of silence, sensing the rising sobs within him approaching closer.

"No," He said, quietly. "Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong."

Comfortingly, his hand strayed to the back of her gold head, gently soothing the wet strands that danced around his fingers. The other hand was at her scarred back, pressed lightly into her bare skin as his protective grasp became tighter. Even still, her body still shuddered from her silent crying while she was in his arms.

"I'll always be there to protect you, I promise…"

The chamber was heavily guarded by the silent ANBU that night.

Sitting before the stern-faced councilmen, Gaara and Temari listened carefully to their questions and words of warning. The shadows of the past Kazekage loomed over them as the dark of midnight approached, their statues burgeoning and silent. Narrowing his tired eyes, Zarō folded his hands on the table's worn surface. "I see," He said. "And the Konoha shinobi were able to decipher this substance?"

"Yes," Temari nodded, sternly. "I've received word first-hand from Shizune-sama and Haruno Sakura. Tsunade-sama also confirmed through messenger hawk." Pushing the scroll across the table, the elder grasped it, pulling it towards him in exchange. "This is the scroll containing all of the knowledge they've gathered. I've been instructed to make sure it ends up in the right hands, within the Sunagakure Intel Division and ANBU."

With an aged smirk after briefly viewing its contents, Zarō gave a subtle nod. "You may have rescinded your allegiance to Suna, but even now you're proving to be quite a valuable asset. Thank you, Temari-sama."

"Also," From her satchel, Gaara watched from the corner of his eye as she placed the faintly glowing ginkō ore onto the table for all to see. Its menacing aura astounded the council, striking their curiosity instantly. "This is the substance in question," She finished. "Ginkō ore, a rare material from the Land of Claws. It may look like nothing, but it's highly dangerous and can be used as a weapon."

Disturbed by the ore, one of the elder councilmen turned towards Gaara, who sat silently with eyes irked by the sight of the glowing shard. "Kazekage-sama, are you certain of your conclusions from this… ore?"

"Yes." Gaara nodded, directing his stoic glance towards him. "I am."

Eyeing the rest of the council, a stern expression washed over him, masking any concern or uncertainty that lay hidden in his ringed-eyes. Attentively, the council listened as they watched their leader stand from his council seat at the front of the table. A brisk silence entered the chamber as he did so, the tension weighing heavily upon his shoulders.

"We recently faced a tragedy within our lands, regarding the incident at the Sunagakure Prison," He began. "We lost many lives due to an unidentified explosion… and the puppet corps is still dealing with the recovery of the fallen…–," Directing his glance towards the ore, he narrowed his eyes. "The substance here before you all was the same material found amongst the rubble, and it was also the weapon that injured Yamamori Nomasaki during Tenbu's attack in Konoha during the Chunin Exams. The ginkō ore contains nature energy, as described in the scroll's contents. It produces an adverse effect when in contact with those who use nature energy… and can be manipulated into producing a blast."

"With all due respect," Baki entered, his dark eyes narrowed. "What are you suggesting, Kazekage-sama?"

"This material is essentially an explosive," Gaara answered, turning to him. "Therefore, if Tenbu has such a weapon at their disposal, we must eradicate it before those terrorists can use it against us." With a serious tone to his eyes, he looked back towards the council. "The previous Fifth Hokage mentioned a mine in the Land of Claws that may be the only rumored reserve of ginkō… I propose we send scouts to that location, and destroy it."

"How can we be certain it exists?" A councilman stammered, appalled. "Do we know for certain its within that country?"

"All the more reason to be searching for it." Temari spoke, drawing their attention. "Sunagakure is on peaceful terms with the chieftain of Ishigakure, and their daimyo wants Tenbu destroyed as much as we do. If anything, it would serve to benefit two lands if we acted now – the Land of Wind and the Land of Claws."

Grateful for her speaking out, Gaara nodded in agreement. "This hidden mine could be the key to undoing Tenbu once and for all… and as Kazekage, I intend on destroying them," He said, facing their stern expressions as he stood. "The crimes they've committed against Suna put the very existence of our village in danger… and I'll see to it that they are put to rest."

"How soon do you intend on going through with this?" Zarō asked. "It would take time to organize–,"

"In three days' time." Gaara replied shortly. "We will be swift and resilient."

"What?!" A councilmen sneered, taken aback. "That won't nearly be enough time to–!?"

Turning to the elder, Gaara gave a serious-eyed glance. "We don't exactly have a choice." He said, meeting his disgruntled gaze. "While we sit here mulling over decisions, Tenbu lies in wait. We have to act swiftly to deal with this threat, or else we'll be in for another war."

"A war?! Would Tenbu be bold enough to even think of such a thing?!"

"They could, who knows. They seem to have a vendetta against our lands and will stop at nothing. I wouldn't put it past them."

"Very well." Zarō sighed, meeting the stoic gaze of the Kazekage across from him. "We'll send word to the ANBU and the Suna Tracking Unit, surely they can meet our demands in time."

"I'll send a messenger to Moro-sama," The younger councillor joined in. "I'll have him know it's urgent."

Watching the man rise from his seat with a subtle bow, Gaara's eyes followed him as he left the room. The time has finally come to deal with Tenbu – and it was long overdue. Shortly, he would be able to sleep soundly, he thought – knowing that the organization would no longer be threatening his home or loved ones. Insomnia gnawing at his mind, he felt his heavy eyes plead for sleep.

At last, the meeting was over.

Before he had the chance to adjourn, the grunt of an elder caught his attention. "What's more… Moro-sama's right-hand has certainly caused a ruckus this afternoon." Meeting the elder's narrowed glare, Gaara felt his body tense at the mention. "She ran through the streets as a wolf blind by feral rage," The elder sighed. "Terrifying the villagers and instilling a panic. It was almost reminiscent to when Shukaku was still a thorn in our sides, only without the bloodlust. It was certainly unexpected from her, knowing her position within the tracking unit."

"Should we press charges?" Another elder joined in, curious. "She ravaged a market area."

"That won't be necessary," Gaara objected, his expression stoic. "It was an isolated incident, it won't happen again – I assure you."

Sensing a hidden shame, Zarō gave the young Kazekage a sympathetic glance from his dark eyes. Remembering the sight of the shifting woman only months ago, the memory was burned into his thoughts as he was reminded of her snarling muzzle and loss of control. Although her record of service to Commander Moro had her in high regard, he wondered when he would hear of another incident where she became unhinged. Having her be a shinobi of such a rank could become a gamble – especially if her blood was to be mixed with the Kazekage clan someday. Once again, he was willing to put his trust in the Kazekage to keep his word.

"Kazekage-sama, as we're aware of your relationship with the Yamamori woman," He began, his voice calm. "Can we trust in you to make sure this doesn't happen again?"

Gaara turned towards him, his once serious gaze mired in guilt. "It was an accident. She didn't mean to act the way she did."

"How so?" Zarō questioned. "Do you mean to tell us something caused this?"

"It was the ore," Gaara answered, glancing towards the eerie glowing material. "Being in contact with the ginkō shard caused her to transform… because of her scar. She would never deliberately try to frighten the villagers, I can promise you that."

Sitting beside him, Temari gave him a glance toned in empathy, understanding the toll the day had placed on both of them. While the meeting was adjourned and the councillors emptied from the chamber, Gaara hoped that Nomasaki would be asleep in their shared bed by the time he returned. Craving an end to his recurrent insomnia.

"Temari, are you sure you must leave?" Gaara asked. "You only just arrived, you could stay in the guest room."

A light smile of assurance visible in the darkened hall, Temari nodded. "I should be on my way. Hokage-sama's orders, I'm sure you understand."

That was what troubled him.

He did understand – but he wanted not to.

Just briefly he wanted to forget about the events that befell them, Tenbu who were waiting to strike, and the tears he seen fall from his lover's drained face. All he wanted was a day's peace, but it was out of his hands. Not even Kankurō was around to brighten the mood, his squadron still dispatched to the Demon Desert as they collected the scattered bodies of the dead. All he had for company was his troubling thoughts and his restless mind.

"When will you return next?"

"Not sure," She answered low. "But when I do, I hope it's under different circumstances."

Giving a tired nod of his shaggy head of auburn, he bid her farewell. "Safe travels, then."

Noting his drained gaze upon her, she nodded back. Her green eyes visible in the dimmed corridor, her expression was concerned and sympathetic towards him. It seemed as though as soon as she left, things have taken a turn for the worst – or were just beginning to do so. Being a Kage was already a heavy burden, but what waited for him inside the door behind him was an even more daunting struggle. Taming a beast – a beast that was being hunted from the dark. For a moment, she thought of her late father before taking her leave, wondering if the burden of controlling such a beast broke him as well.

Gaara's eyes were no different than Rasa's that night.

Both of them were tired beyond their years.

"Goodnight, Gaara."

Watching her march silently down the guarded corridor left him empty.

As quickly as his sister arrived, she was gone.

Her new home of Konoha beckoned her, but her allegiance remained loyal to her place of birth. If he had convinced her to stay, it would have brought upon him a peace of mind. Braving his approaching night of insomnia, he stepped inside the doorway and retired. Locking it behind him and removing his shoes, he started for the hallway only to be paused in his steps. Surprised, his ringed-eyes looked on with hurt at what he saw. Sitting silently at the table with her knees up to her chin as she sat on the aged wooden chair, Nomasaki pulled the needle through the fabric slowly. He could not see her face, only the long gold hair and glimpse of her dulled nightdress. She appeared to be sewing together the ripped cloths of her robe she tore earlier that day. The fabric was beyond repair and should have been discarded, but her stubborn mind clung to hope that she could fix it. What saddened him more was the fact that she did not even notice him enter their home at all, not even a stir.

Approaching her carefully, she paused her nimble hand as she heard his footsteps upon the floor. Lifting her head from her knees, she did not turn to face him. Shuffling silently, she relaxed her position and let her feet touch the cool floor. It was past midnight, sleep drifting through her mind one breath at a time. Her senses did not even tell her he was close, his chakra undetectable to her from how near he was to her. Unlike the last time, nothing lingered. Her sense was gone entirely. Under her cold skin, her wolf's blood did not dare to boil as it once did, staying silent for the first time since she was a child.

The wolf was slain.

"Where's Temari?" She spoke, her voice quiet and empty. "Did she...?"

Nodding tiredly, he pulled out the chair across from her and took his seat. "Yeah. She returned to Konoha."

"I see," She sighed, glancing down at the fabric laid out before her with saddened eyes. "I... hope she has a safe journey back."

"You don't have to, Nomasaki. We can get you another."

Looking at the blue and gold material of the torn robe before her, she felt her gut twist. "This was my favorite one..."

As he looked into her dulled eyes of lilac, something struck him that night. It were as if the life left her body, along with its warmth and vibrance. She seemed cold despite the lack of a shiver, and her pale hands continued to push the threaded needle through the blue cloth at its broken seams. What happened to her, he thought – watching her sew the robe with drained eyes. She sat before him as if she were a ghost – a ghost with dulled gold hair and empty eyes of a dead spring. It was Tenbu's doing, he reminded himself – and he wanted to kill every single one of them for what he saw seated across from him that night.

"Gaara,"

Lifting his head from his averted glance, he saw her eyes gleam with tears in the scarce candlelight that surrounded them. "What's wrong?" He asked, noticing her pause on the thread. "Are you cold again?"

Placing her hands at her lap, she closed her eyes and shook her head. Perplexed by her wordless answer, he rose a nonexistent brow. Clutching the fabric of her nightgown, she balled it in her fingers as a tremble swept through her. "I... am a wolf no more," She confessed, lowering her head as the strands of gold curtained her expression. "I'm broken... I can't even sense your chakra as you sit so close to me... Nothing. Not even my skin begs to change..." Refusing to cry any longer, her closed eyes tightened, her back shivering in held emotion. "The snow in my blood has melted away! I am nothing but a miserable pile of bones... a human." Her throat choked back the sobs. "My ancestors should curse me for my foolishness... It was my fault. I allowed myself to get hurt in the first place..."

"It's not your fault," Gaara said, his eyes firm. "It's no one to blame but Tenbu. They're the ones who did this – not you."

"Yes, but–," She breathed, bringing herself to look him in the eyes. "There was a time where... I wished to be fully human. Perhaps karma served me..." She remembered the day well. She was a child of the mountains then, lost amongst the snows as she fled to the meadow to cry. Her mother was alive then, she recalled – and later found her curled up within a bed of snow lilies. The tears were near frozen to her flushed cheeks, muttering over and over again "I will not be a wolf, I'm not a wolf" until her mother scooped her up in her arms and took her home, warming beside the great hearth upon her caring lap. The children who bullied her that day shouted cruel things to her, terrible things. Every word pierced her like ice, with her wanting nothing more than to have a different clan name to call her own. Not once had she wanted to be a normal human so desperately – wanting to be whatever human her unknown father was. "I shouldn't have said those things..." She lamented to herself. "And now there's nothing I want more than...–,"

Her words stopped as she felt his hand touch hers.

It was so warm and comforting, soothing the cold that lingered upon her lap. Rising to meet his eyes, his expression was gravely empathetic. He appeared as if the sorrow struck him as well, just as he looked while he watched her cry in the bath. But she was not crying now, albeit forcing herself to hide it.

"Against all odds," He began, his tone strong. "You're of the snow and sand. You will always be a wolf, you will always be you." Surprised, her glistening eyes of violet looked into him through the scarce moonlight that entered. She saw sincerity in his ringed-eyes, clear enough for her to see in the surrounding darkness. She felt so fragile in that moment, so vulnerable. Her fluttering humanity almost grew hopeful, his warm touch soothing her troubled mind. "This will pass, I know it will. I'll try as much as I can to help... if there's anything I can do, I promise."

Placing her palm over his, she smiled warmly. "Thank you... but I'm not even sure what I can do at this point." She sighed. "Perhaps I just have to accept it."

She was lying to herself and she knew it.

There was no way she could possibly accept the fate thrust upon her. Pondering to herself in silence, she wondered if she should arrange to see her father again. The shrine of her clan would be good company, and maybe it would listen to her pleas for normalcy.

She could only keep her hopes to herself.

After comforting Nomasaki enough for her to finally sleep from her ordeal, Gaara left the room as silent as a shadow.

He felt empty leaving their bedroom, leaving her behind. Insomnia throbbed behind his heavy eyes, propelling him to lead his way further into the surrounding darkness. The corridor was bleak and the guard could not see the small flecks of sand flow upon the air towards the confines of the Kazekage's office. From the sands, Gaara emerged beyond the locked door and his bodyguard soon met him in the shadows. Shinto stood to his feet, the glint of his dark eyes shining in the night - near as crisp as the gleam of steel. When Gaara met his glance, his ringed-eyes turned away tiredly.

"Shinto, you have to guard Nomasaki." He spoke, his tone low. "Tomorrow you will be officially assigned as her bodyguard while she's in Sunagakure. I don't need the protection... but she does."

Something struck the ANBU, irking him. "Protect her from what, herself? You think I didn't see what happened? She destroyed the market and hardly had any control over her own powers!" He snapped. "Besides, I'm assigned to you - whether we can agree on it or not. The council won't approve of me switching those I'm sworn to serve so rapidly."

"Shinto," Gaara said again, meeting his veiled face with a pleading glance. "Please. Do this... for me."

"Why should I?" Shinto stood firm, suspicious of his intentions. "I'm not objecting to the idea, but Nomasaki doesn't need someone to follow her around -,"

Thinking over his words carefully, Gaara looked down in silent thought. Since the appearance of the black-armoured foes to the wolf he saw burst through the window, it all pointed to one fate. Guilt pushed him to confess, his heart aching with tension. Raising his glance to meet his bodyguard's face, the Kazekage gave a looked mired in iron and hurt. "It's her they want - Tenbu." Shinto froze, his dark eyes gone wide in shock. "The intel I gathered alluded to that fact, but the meeting with the messenger confirmed it all. They intend to use her blood for a forbidden jutsu of some sort... and they need a wolf's blood to do it."

Shinto's eyes appeared blank, shaken by the words. "You can't be serious..."

Gaara stepped closer, his expression exhausted and pained. "I'm asking you as your Kazekage - please protect her. For my sake... I know it's selfish, but I won't let her get hurt because of me... or my damned ancestors for that matter. If the First never purged those with Kekkei Genkai from the village, perhaps this might not have even happened. I can only do so much without drawing her suspicion... so I need you to watch over her for me."

"Are you telling me she doesn't even know they're after her?!" Shinto barked, irate strong on his tongue. "Does she?"

"...not yet." Gaara replied, his voice low with guilt. "And don't mention anything to her... I'll be the one to tell her the truth."

"What is it with you and keeping secrets?" Shinto hissed on his breath. Giving in to the demands, he gave a subtle bow. "Fine. Consider it done."

Vanishing within his sands, Gaara retreated from the night.

Reforming through the shattered window of his home, he silently made his way back to the bedroom. In the space where Nomasaki lay amongst the blankets, a shell of her former self slept. Dried tears shone on her cheeks, and the way her body curled to hug her pillow made his heart sink from the sight. It tore him completely to see her in such a state, shattering him. At least now she'll be safe should she stay here, he reminded himself. Inching himself closer to his place on the bed, he softly ran his fingers through her stray golden hair. A troubling thought crossed his mind, evoking his hand to flinch back. The tracking unit... she has a duty to them - a sworn oath. She wouldn't... - he stopped himself. He decided that conversation with Moro could come daybreak, should it graciously arrive if he got a chance. Choosing to sleep instead of further worry, he begged for his insomnia to grant him at least a few hours of rest.

Only to find a night of sleeplessness waiting for him...