Chapter Four: Sand Siblings
Sakura had fallen asleep on the couch after Angel and her talked. She feels like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and for the first time in months she sleeps without nightmares. Instead she dreams about what Angel had told her to do.
Sakura's Dream
Sakura is standing under her favorite cherry tree. She has her face towards the wind, allowing it to blow her light pink hair away from her face. Petals from the cherry blossoms fall all-round her and she feels at peace.
"Sakura?" a masculine voice calls out to her. It sounds sad and full of regret. Sakura doesn't have to turn around to see who it is, never does.
"
"Sasuke-kun." Sakura whispers in her sleep, her lips forming a smile.
Angel watches from the window and smirks when she hears Sakura talking in her sleep.
'So, she even smiles in her sleep…'
'Something tells me this is the soundest she has slept in months' Angel nods mentally, agreeing with the voice.
'WHO CARES ABOUT HER SLEEPING PROBLEMS'
'I do. And since you are actually a part of me… you do to. Now silence.'
Sakura had shown Angel the guest bedroom. It is nice but it would take Angel awhile to feel comfortable enough to sleep in a bed. Being inside just made her feel really constricted, so she made her way towards the window and is relieved when she sees the giant tree next to the house. Without a second thought she opens the window and leaps into the tree.
Angel makes her way towards the area where the branch and the trunk meet. She sits down and leans her back against the tree. Now this feels better. She lets one leg dangle from the branch while she rests her right arm on her propped up leg. She tilts her head up towards the stars and thinks about how quickly her life has changed since the moment she decided to rescue the blonde hair man.
'They accept me.
They did not scream when I told them what I am. Instead they take me to their home.
They ask their leader to allow me stay, and not only for a few nights, but permanently.
Sakura did not run in fear when I told her a little more about my abilities. Yes, she was shocked and confused, but it only made her want to learn more.
Yes, people still stare at me but their stares were not full of hate but of curiosity.'
'HOW LONG DO YOU THINK THIS WILL LAST. A COUPLE OF DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS? ONCE EVERYONE LEARNS WHAT YOU ARE, IT WILL BE THE SAME. THEY WILL SHUN YOU! HUNT YOU DOWN LIKE SOME KIND OF RABID ANIMAL. WE SHOULD NOT LINGER. WE SHOULD GO, NOW!'
Angel winces at the voice. She almost wants to agree but her heart is telling her no, it is telling her to stay and see were fate is leading her.
'I have already made up my mind. These people have my curiosity peaked and I want to learn more. They are different…'
Angel close her eyes and begins to meditate. She seems to have lost the ability to sleep years ago, not that Elves or Demons sleep much to begin with. Too many people hunted her so she learned how to rest her mind in other ways. Usually when she meditates her mind would be completely blank but this time…
'Angel stands in a middle of a desert, the sun is setting and it is turning the sky shades of red and purple. She watches the sun sink further down the horizon thinking that it is the most breath taking sight she has ever seen.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Angel snaps out of her daze at the unfamiliar voice. She can easily tell it is a man but she does not recognize the voice. She feels a presence behind her and her eyes widen in shock. 'How did someone get this close without me knowing?'
Angel spun her body around to confront the intruder and her sapphire eyes meet with a pair of sky blue. Angel studies the man before her. The first thing she notices are his eyes, they remind her of her own but she could not explain why. Then she sees that the man's eyes are outlined in black, like he has not slept in days, maybe years. Angel allows her gaze to continue to study the man's face. He is almost as pale as her; he, surprisingly, has no eyebrows, and his hair is the darkest of reds. She has never seen such a dark red. He is taller than her, but not by much, and his body is well toned, fit for a warrior, not too much muscle but what muscle there is is sculpted to perfection. The last thing Angel notices is the man's strange tattoo, the one located just above his left eye. In Angel's opinion the man's features make him quite handsome.
"Do I know you?" Angel questions putting on her usual demeanor to hide her interest in the stranger.
"No. What is your name?" the man questions her. Angel doesn't look at him and it gives him a chance to look her over as well.
"I do not have to answer one as rude as you." Angel snaps. 'Who does he think he is?'
"Hn," is the only response he gives her.
Angel felt something start to slitter around her legs, like a cat rubbing on this master's legs for attention. She looks down to see the sand moving around her. She manages to keep the shock from appearing on her face but on the inside she is slightly panicking.
"What is this!?" she questions the man. He is now starting at her with amusement shining in his eyes.
"This is my home. The sand is mine to command." The man with red hair informs her.
Angel feels the sand tighten around her legs and arms. "Why are you doing this? What wrong have I caused you?"
"None as far as I know. I don't dream because I don't sleep. But if this is a dream I would like to enjoy it to the fullest." The man steps closer to Angel. She just merely stares at him. No emotions showing in her eyes or her face.
"You remind me of myself, or how I use to be." The man is so close to Angel that their noses are but a breath away from touching. "You are beautiful. Never in my life have I seen someone so fair."
With that the man takes a chance and brushes his lips against Angel's. He waits for her to flinch or turn her head but she doesn't. She merely looks at him. Since she doesn't protest he brings his lips back to hers. He really didn't expect her to respond, which is why he captured her in the sand to begin with but to his surprise she starts to kiss him back.
When the man kissed Angel it was like fire exploded inside her. Never has a man done this to her and she couldn't help but melt into the kiss. She can feel the sand begin to loosen around her and every logical part of her is telling her to run as soon as she is free but instead she wraps her arms around the strange man's neck and he in turn put his hands on her waist and pulls her closer. She feels his tongue brush across her bottom lip and she allows him access. The kiss is gentle and slow. They each explore the others mouth, trying to take in every detail. When he pulls away Angel almost cries in protest but logic kicks in as soon as it is over.
"Who do you think you are!?" Angel hissed. She is more annoyed at herself for letting such an event happen but it was just a small part. She had never been kissed before, mainly because no one ever wanted to touch her. But this man wanted to touch her and now confusion quickly rushed in and she no longer could think logically about the situation.
"I told you. If this is a dream I would like to enjoy it to the fullest. I wanted to kiss you and so I did." The man smirks at her, he could see her confusion and he is quite enjoying himself for getting the woman all flustered.
"Well, I have news for you. This is not a dream. I am very much real and you have invaded my mind!" Angel couldn't believe she is telling this man the truth. This isn't a dream, no, this is merely another plane of existence where the mind can go to get some rest. She just never expected anyone else to be there.
Now it is his turn to be confused. But before he can speak he starts to fade out.
"Damn it Kankurou!" is the last thing Angel hears the man speak before he completely disappears before her.
"Angel-chan!" Sakura screams out her window. "Why are you sleeping in the tree?"
"It is more comfortable." Angel responds looking down at the pink hair woman.
"What if you fell out?"
Angel laughs a little at the comment. She has been sleeping in trees since she was old enough to remember. "I am use to it Sakura-chan. I have had much practice."
"Well, come inside. Someone had brought your things from Sorcha saddlebags. They thought maybe you would like your clothes and other things. You can wash up and I'll make us some breakfast." Sakura pulls herself through the window and was quickly followed by Angel.
"The bath is over there. If there is anything you need feel free to ask. What's mine is yours." Sakura leaves with a smile.
Angel turns on the shower. It has been years since she was anywhere were she could bathe like this. She had resorted to using rivers and lakes to cleanse herself. She quite enjoyed the hot water hitting every inch of her body. But when she closed her eyes, the man with red hair quickly appears in her mind and her lips begin to tingle.
She shot open her eyes. 'Why is this man having such an affect on me?'
Angel quickly washes her hair and washes her body. She turns off the shower and grabs one of the towels hanging by the shower. She wraps it around herself and looks down at the sink. A note catches her eye and next to it is a blue toothbrush.
'I wasn't sure if you needed a new one or not. But it is here if you need it. The toothpaste is in the medicine cabinet.
Sakura'
Angel couldn't help but smile at her kindness. She brushes her teeth quickly and rather liked doing it manually. Since she didn't get to go into many villages or cities, she didn't get to buy things like this very often. She had resorted to magic for most of her daily hygiene routines. After she is done she starts to make her way towards her room but stops short when she hears the familiar voice of the blonde hair man.
"Sakura-chan did you hear who is coming?" Naruto practically beams with joy.
"Who Naruto? I really don't want to play the guessing game right now." Sakura sighs. She is trying to finish up breakfast and Naruto is being more of a distraction than help. "Make yourself useful and peel the apples."
"Sure Sakura-chan. But they're coming! The sand siblings! It's been years since we last saw them and they are coming here!" Angel could practically see Naruto dancing with joy.
"Humm, Shikamaru is going to be thrilled to see his most troublesome woman again," Sakura burst out laughing.
Angel decides to stop her ease dropping and proceeds towards her room. She dries her long hair and the rest of her body. She then rummages through her bags to find something to wear that wouldn't make her stand out too much. But everything she owns is of Elfish design so no matter what she chose, she would stand out plenty. She sighs and put on a tight battle corset and black shorts. She finds one of her finest tunics and puts it on over her other clothes. She looks at her reflection and sighs.
'I should ask Sakura to take me to the local trade to buy some clothes that will not make me stand out so much.'
Angel walks down to the kitchen where Naruto and Sakura were still having a lively conversation about these 'sand siblings.'
"Oi! Angel-chan! Good morning!" Naruto ran up to Angel but stops when he watches her freeze up. "Oh yea, sorry, hehehe. Contact and everything still ify huh?"
Angel let out a sigh or relief and nods. "I am just not ready for all of that, Naruto. Maybe one day. Please be patient."
"For you, anything Angel-chan! Just make sure I'm first in line!" Naruto gives her his foxy grin and went back to his seat.
"Humm, Sakura-chan?" Angel calls out to her new friend.
"Yes Angel-chan," Sakura smiles and waits for Angel to respond. But her smile is replaced with concern when Angel doesn't respond right away. "What's wrong?"
"I do not really know how to ask this, but…" Everyone is on the edge of their seats waiting for what Angel wanted to ask. "Well, you see my hair is a little too long and I was wondering if you could cut it for me? If it is not too much of a inconvenience."
"Oh! Of course Angel-chan! I would be honored." Sakura gave a little bow and smiles towards Angel. "But lets eat first, okay?"
Angel nods and sits down next to Naruto, whom she noticed couldn't help but smile one of his goofy grins. They watch Angel eats the fruit and cheeses that were on the table and took special care to pick out which eggs she ate. But she never touched the bacon or ham that Sakura fried up.
"Angel-chan, do you not like the meat I made?" Sakura couldn't keep her question in any longer. "If you don't like them I could make something different…"
"It is not that. It is just that I do not eat meat." Angel whispers.
"WHAT?" Naruto yells as he falls out of his chair. "Why not?"
"I went through very rigorous training when the Elves allowed me to live with them. One part of the training is to become one with everything around you. To connect with the trees, birds, and even the tiniest of ants. You feel what they feel and you somewhat become a part of them. Which in turned allows me to draw energy from not only myself but from the things around me to perform my magic.
I tried once to eat a rabbit I had caught because I wanted to taste meat but once I was about to take a bite of it, I felt repulsed. One for taking the life of a living creature and in a way I felt like I was about to eat apart of me. It just does not feel right to eat meat."
Angel lowers her gaze as if she was ashamed. When she regained her composure and looks up and she is surprised to see Sakura and Naruto with the same look of shame.
"No. You two are not allowed to feel shame for something you do not understand. You were not raised the same way I was. I do not think people who eat meat are bad. It is they way of life. Animals eat other animals. That is just how it is." Angel tries her best to reassure them and thought for a moment she failed miserably but Naruto smiled and nodded.
"Well, now that I know what you eat that explains why you only ate the noodles out of the ramen," Naruto laughs. When the women had left yesterday they left their ramen bowls more than half full. Sakura had eaten a little bit of everything but Angel's had just the broth and meat left.
"Well, we will have to take a trip to the market to get more fruits and vegetables for you Angel-chan," Sakura beams. "We can even go shopping. I could use some new clothes and I sure you would probably like some new ones so you won't stand out so much."
'She is cleaver,' Angel nods and continues to eat.
"Hey! We are supposed to meet up with everyone to train today. Angel-chan would you like to join us?" Naruto asks, or begged as this case because he had gotten on his knees in a pleading position.
Angel couldn't help but laugh. "Of course. I would be honored to train with you all."
"YES! YES! YES! SAKURA-CHAN! ANGEL-CHAN IS GOING TO TRAIN WITH US! YAY YAY!" Naruto dances around the kitchen leaving Angel and Sakura to exchange confused glances.
"Gaara! Gaara! WAKE UP!" Kankurou yells at his younger bother. "Damn it Temari! He won't wake up. And is that a smile? Gaara is smiling in his sleep! Smiling and sleep are two things that Gaara doesn't do!"
"Damn it Kankurou!" Gaara growls. Gaara opens his eyes and gave his best 'you are going to die' look he could to his brother, but over the years that threat had become meaningless. He is close to his siblings but that didn't mean they didn't annoy him still.
"Gaara, we have to get going if we want to reach Konoha before noon." Temari broke in with a sigh of annoyance.
"You just want to get there so you can see that Shikamaru punk!" Kankurou mocks. But all that did was earn him a welt on the side of his head as Temari's fan collided with his head.
"That is none of your business!" Temari hissed.
Gaara rolls his eyes and stands up. "Let's go then."
They gathered their belonging and continued their trip through the woods. They walked in silence for a good two hours before Temari broke it.
"Gaara? Is there something brothering you?" Temari has gotten pretty good at judging when one of her younger siblings are in distress. Gaara hasn't seem like himself since Kankurou woke him up from his mediation.
"Hn. It's nothing." Gaara lies. He is still thinking about his 'dream'. He knew he wasn't sleeping. He did have a year when he could sleep without a care, that was until Skukaku escaped from the Akatsuki and threaten to destroy Sunagakure unless Gaara agreed to become his vessel once again.
He could remember his siblings' cries of protest. But what choice was there. But they should have known better than to think that the mighty Sabaku no Gaara would just willing give himself back to a demon. So he contacted the greatest sealers in the village and formed a plan.
They worked on a plan for weeks and Skukaku was growing angrier with each passing day. Finally they came up with a plan that Gaara could accept. Instead of just being a container to the demon he would merge with it. So instead of Gaara having two different consciousnesses in one mind, he would have one and would be able to control any 'demonic' tendencies. So instead of being human with a demonic presence in him, Gaara would become what they called a 'half demon'. A full demon merging with a human, Gaara didn't honestly like the idea but what choice was there. He would gladly give his life for the village. So they did just that and Gaara has been forever changed.
His senses were heightened once again, his speed and strength tripled, and what surprised him the most was that he didn't have the bloodlust like he did last time. This brought him some peace, it really wasn't him who had the blood craving but the demon inside him. His ability to control the sand intensified and he no longer needed to carry around his gourd but continued to do so none the less. It had become a trademark of his and he felt somehow comfortable with it around. Once again he didn't sleep. Mainly out of habit but it was more because of his altered body he didn't require much sleep, so he turned to mediation.
Usually when he mediates he pictures himself out in the middle of the desert during the sun set. He is usually alone but this time a woman was there. He is sure that he had never seen her before but he was drawn to her. Yes, she was beautiful but there was something more. It felt like she was the one he had been searching his whole life for. But because of her presence he was almost sure that he was dreaming and he wanted to make the most of it. But after he kissed her and she informed him that it wasn't a dream and that he invaded her mind, he began to doubt himself.
"It was only a dream," Gaara whispers out loud causing his sibling to exchange confused looks.
"Alright Gaara, tell your big sister everything!" Temari wasn't a mother but she sure know how to use that tone, the one that makes a person flinch back when it is heard. The tone that says 'spill it or else'.
Gaara sighs in defeat and tells his siblings about his dream. He waits for advice on how to handle this but only receives a response of laugher from Kankurou.
"HAHAHAHAHA! Gaara… you were …. Having …a … dirty dream! HAHAHAHAHA… How… far … did you… get?" Kankurou laughs but is quickly silenced by Temari's fist.
"Shut up you pervert! Gaara isn't like that! Baka!" Temari continues to lay into Kankurou and Gaara couldn't help but burst into laugher himself. After the two stop fighting, they see Gaara clutching his sides in laughter they join in.
Yes the sand siblings have become close, even if one of them is half a demon, he is still their brother and they love him.
"Okay we better get going. Konohagakure is only about 30 minutes away and I really need to take a shower," Temari straighten her robes and continued to walk. Kankurou and Gaara nod towards each other and follow their older sister.
"There! What do you think Angel-chan?" Sakura handed Angel a mirror so she could inspect her hair. "It isn't too short is it?"
"No. It is prefect. Thank you." Angel ran her fingers through her now shortened hair. It now falls just below her shoulder blades to hide her scars should she have to remove her tunic. "You do a lovely job. Is there anything I could do in return?"
"Just don't hold back when we spar today," Sakura winks and Angel is a little taken back. "Oh I guess Naruto didn't tell you. He told everyone about you and how you are going to train with us today. Let's just say there is a line forming to spar with you. You are a new challenger to us so we are excited to see you in action."
"I see," Angel whispers.
"Shall we go?" Sakura stands up and grabs her black gloves. Angel nods and stands to follow. "Oh, even Tsunade-sama wants to watch you in action. Apparently Naruto isn't the only beaming about you. Kakashi has been bragging about how he was barely able to block your kick, and the speed you displayed in her office when, uh.. You know," Sakura giggles. Angel just stares off into the distance.
"You don't have to you know?"
"Have to what?" Angel rose one eyebrow.
"Fight any of us. It's totally your choice…" Sakura is cut off by Angel.
"I would be a honored to fight whoever wishes too. But I warn you. I am not easily defeated." Angel smirks at her new friend who nods back with a look of determination.
"Well lets go and get Tsunade-sama. If we don't go and start to wake her now she will never make it to the training," Sakura giggles and takes off towards the Hokage's tower.
Angel pauses for a moment and thinks,
"Alright Naruto! We heard you the first thousand times. Angel-chan is beautiful, Angel-chan is strong, Angel-chan can do, what did you call it, magic? Huph, even Akamaru is getting sick of your rambling!" Kiba yells to shut the rambling Naruto up. Akamaru growls in agreement.
"He's probably making her up," Shikamaru yawns. "This woman sounds too troublesome to be real."
"Ask Sasuke! He saw her! She's real and I can't wait till she gets here to kick your lazy shadow manipulating ass!" Naruto growls.
"Don't get me involved in your arguments, dope." Sasuke says coolly as he leans up against the tree. Angel isn't the woman he had on his mind. 'Sakura… when will you forgive me.'
"You all just wait! Even Tsunade-baachan wants to watch her fight!" Naruto starts to stomp around like he did when he was 12 years old causing everyone to sigh a little.
"Naruto, I wish you would stop calling me that already!" Tsunade growls. It had become an endearment but she still didn't like when he called her that in public.
"Oi! Tsunade-baachan! Sakura-chan! Shizune! Eh! NO! NOT ERO-SENNIN!!!!" Naruto pointed out the long spiky white hair man.
"I'm only here to observe Naruto," Jiraiya sighs.
Naruto narrows his eyes at him. He isn't convince one bit that he wouldn't spy on the girls. Then a glimpse of brown and white hair catches his attention. "Oi! Angel-chan you came!"
"Of course Naruto, I would not miss a chance to train with you and Sakura-chan," Angel speaks and looks around at the crowd. Everyone is staring at her and she can smell the excitement from the men in the area.
'Can men not control their hormones.' Angel mentally shakes her head and sighs.
"See you guys! I told you see was real!" Naruto yells pointing to Angel who stood beside Sakura with her usual emotionless mask.
Angel felt something lick her hand and she looks down to see Faolan. "Cormamin lindua ele lle(1)," Angel whispers to her canine companion, who in turn answers her with a hearty yelp. Angel felt all eyes on her and she could smell the hormones intensify.
"Angel-chan, I've been meaning to ask you, what language is that?" Sakura spoke the question that was on everyone's mind.
"It is the Elvin language. I apologize for my rudeness. It is not polite to speak in foreign tongues, especially in front of those who do not understand." Angel bows as she apologizes.
"No, no, no Angel-chan," Naruto says as he waves his hands in front of his chest. "No! It's just such a beautiful language, we all kind of like hearing it. We just want to know what you said, hehehe."
"I shall try my best to translate. I told Faolan here that 'my heart sings to see thee'." Angel half smiles as she pets Faolan, who gladly leans into the affection.
"That's just.." Ten-Ten spoke, "amazing."
"Well, what are we waiting for!? Shouldn't we introduce ourselves," Ino finally brakes everyone out of their daze.
"I'm Yamanaka Ino," says a woman with long blonde hair, and ice blue eyes.
"Nara Shikamaru," a man with a spiky ponytail raises his hand, too lazy to actually stand up.
"Akimichi Chouji," a rather large man bows then continues to eat his chips.
"Aburame Shino," a man with black glasses nods. Angel notices that a good portion of his body is covered with clothes.
'He is a curious one' Angel mentally notes.
"I'm Hyuuga Hinata," a woman with long bluish black hair bows. When she straightens herself back up Angel locks onto her pearl eyes. This makes Hinata blush a little, being stare at, so she quickly turns her gaze.
"I'm Inuzuka Kiba and this here is my best friend, Akamaru," Kiba gives a wolf smile and to Angel's surprise Foalan trots over to Akamaru. The dog and wolf circle each other for a minute and then start to playfully chase each other. "Humm, seems like they've become friends."
"So it seems," Angel responds, still watching Foalan run with the strange white dog.
"Hey! My name is Ten-Ten!" a woman with her hair put up in two buns smiles. Angel nods towards her and gives her a half smile.
"My name is Hyuuga Neji," says a man with long brown hair. Angel notices that he had the same eyes as the woman with blue black hair, except his are different, like he tries to hide his feelings.
"Sai." Is all the young man said from his sitting position. Angel couldn't help but notice how much he resembled Sasuke. He is propped up against a tree with a drawing pad laying in his lap. Angel takes a quick glance at the pad and smirks at his work.
'He is quite good.'
"Hello Angel-san! My name is Rock Lee and I am Konoha's Great Green Beast!," a man with black hair cut in the shape a bowl shouts out. Angel is to fixed on how bushy his eye brows are she almost didn't notice that he started to run towards her. Lee had decided to give her a proper greeting and Angel took a step back once she realized that Lee meant to touch her.
"Lee! DON'T!" Sakura shouts but it is too late he is just a breath away from Angel but before he can grab her hand, she is gone.
"Huh? Where did she go?" Lee franticly looks in all directions.
"Please, do not try to touch me again," Angel spoke and everyone turns to find her in a tree about twenty feet away from where she was standing.
"What speed!" Lee proclaims holding his fist in the air. "You are truly are as amazing as Naruto-kun says!"
Angel settles herself into a sitting position in the tree. "If it is alright with you I would like to observe how you train before I participate. Is that alright, Hokage-sama?"
"That is Tsunade-sama to you and of course. But don't keep me waiting too long. I have things to do," Tsunade winks up at Angel.
Angel watches for a good hour before she jumps down from the tree, landing without a sound.
"Are you ready to join us Angel-san?" Kiba questions and Angel nods.
"Alright!" Tsunade brakes in. "I want everyone to take a chance to spar with Angel."
"But how can that be fair? All of us against one. She will tired out too quickly," Shikamaru questions.
"I get the feeling that it would take more than us to tired her out," Tsunade winks.
Angel can't help but smirk.
'FINALLY A HUMAN CAN SEE THAT WE ARE NOT JUST A HELPLESS WOMAN'
'Quiet and let her concentrate. She does not need as budding in every time someone talks to her.'
'I am right here you know. And yes I would like it if you all stayed in your corners for now'
"Alright! Naruto you will…."
"Hokage-sama!" Someone brakes in. Tsunade can feel her eye twitching. Just when things were about to get interesting someone has brake in.
"Hokage-sama! The Kazekage and his siblings have arrived." the messenger continued.
"Well, bring them here. I'm sure they would like to take part in this." Tsunade orders. "Angel, you don't mind having to wait a little longer do you?"
"Not at all," Angel responds. Naruto is crying in the background saying that he is his turn to fight Angel and it is interrupted. Tsunade laughs at his childish act. No matter how much he grows, he is still the impatient child she first met.
Three figures follow the messenger ninja to the training field. Everyone turns to look except Angel, she is staring up towards to sky watching the clouds go by.
"Gaara!" Naruto yells and runs towards to red head.
"Temari! Kankurou!" Everyone rushes over to greet them leaving Angel staring up at the sky.
'Kankurou? Where have I heard that name before?' Angel ponders. She knows she has heard it but then again she had met a lot of people recently.
'Perhaps I am confused.'
'You know you do not get confused on those matters. You have heard that name and recently'
"Naruto, who is that woman?" Gaara points toward the woman standing in the middle of the training field.
"Oh! That's Angel-chan! She saved my life yesterday!" Naruto beams. "Hey! Angel-chan! Come and meet my friends!"
Angel turns her head and looks at Naruto. If she would have looked passed him she would have seen the man with blood red hair but she only focuses on Naruto. But Gaara had a perfect view of her. His eyes widen in surprise at first but then narrow in on her.
'It can't be! The woman, she is real!' Gaara's head starts to spin. The kiss kept flashing in his head with every beat his heart took.
'You like what you see Gaara?'
'NO! Shukaku… you're not real! You are not a part of me anymore!'
'Het het, poor Gaara. No I'm not Shukaku. I'm a part of your mind, I only took on the voice of the previous demon because I knew it would catch your attention. I am you, Gaara. The new you and I shall be here to help you claim your mate.'
'Mate? What are you talking about? Never mind! I did not carry on conversations with Shukaku and I'll be damned if I talk to myself like this.'
'I can wait. You'll be seeking out my help soon enough…'
Angel walks over to Naruto and nods. "Naruto who is it that you wish me to meet?"
Angel looks over and sees untamed red hair. Her head shoots in the direction and before she can stop herself she shouts. "I'nik jabbuk(2)!"
"Hn," Gaara says as his eyes lock on to Angel. They held each other's gaze and everyone circled around them. "What did you call me?"
On the inside Gaara's insides burned with every word the woman spoke. Normally, he wouldn't have cared to ask any further questions but he wanted to hear this woman speak again, the woman he thought was just a dream.
Angel collects herself and puts on her usual demure, "I called you Sand Master."
"What? Do you know Gaara?" Naruto questions. He stands in between Angel and Gaara and watches stare down continue.
"I do not know this man," Angel says and turns her back to him. "Tsunade-sama, could we please continue."
"What's going on?" Temari asks Shikamaru.
He sighs, "This troublesome woman has to fight all of us one at a time. Man this is such a drag."
"I see. Tsunade-sama, can we participate?" Temari shouts to Tsunade. Tsunade smiles and nods her approval.
"Alright! Let's begin. Gaara-sama come watch with me. I think you will find this quite informative." Gaara nods and walks over to Tsunade. "Alright, Naruto! You shall be Angel's first opponent."
"YES!" Naruto leaps into the air and lands in the middle of the ring. "Hehehe, you ready for this Angel-chan?"
"Uuma ma' ten' rashwe, at tuluva a' lle(3). Naruto that means, 'don't look for trouble, it will come to you'.
What are the rules?" Angel looks at Tsunade.
"There are no rules." With that a smirk crosses Angel's features causing Naruto to back away slightly. "I will stop each match when I feel that I have seen all I need from each of you. Understand?" Tsunade looks at the two, they nod in understanding. "When you are ready then."
Everyone is focused on the two in the clearing. Angel is calm and collective, while Naruto is about to burst from excitement. He wants to see what Angel is made of and what else she can do.
"ALL RIGHT! HERE I COME!" Naruto screams and takes off towards Angel.
Elven Translation
1. Cormamin lindua ele lle --- My heart sings to see thee.
2. I'nik jabbuk --- Sand Master
3. Uuma ma' ten' rashwe, at tuluva a' lle --- Don't look for trouble, it will come to you.