((Okay, my computer's weird or something because chapter 16 was put on yesterday but today, it actually was in public view just... maybe 10 pm or so? Anyway... two reviews due to my comp's strangeness.))

NeferNeferi:

I'm glad you updated; I've been waiting for this chapter. )
This is quite interesting; we get to see a little bit of Chikage's
personality and the effect Gaara has had on her. I'm looking forward to her
coming to prove to Kankuro that he's a coward. And he is; he's passing on all
of the responsability to her, instead of accepting some of it himself (despite
the fact that he can't do much anymore). I hope she proves him wrong and that
she brings Gaara back. Please update soon!

((He admitted that he was a coward. It's not that he's passing on all of the responsibility, it's just that he knows that whatever he tries won't make much of a difference. Chi is the only one. lol that sounded so sci-fi :P))

LadyAmazon:

if kankuro's little sppech doesn't inspire confidence, nothing will. I for
one will love to show gaara my love, even if he tries to kill me i can forgive
him. Forgive and forget, that's how ninjas roll.
Keep it going i mean it! Cha!

((A new reviewer! Nice to meet you, LadyAmazon! And yes... I second that. If you're going to die anyway, might as well die happy, eh?))

((Okay so now... we all know that Chikage's gonna go to Gaara, right? But the approach will be difficult... and she will smell of rotting wood. How romantic, eh? Let's read what happens... cuz I honestly don't know until I put it on the screen. Computer muse, be my guide.))

Chapter 17: The Stand-off

Gaara stood in his room, looking out into the darkness. He could relate-- the scene felt so comforting to him at the moment. It was just like old times. All alone with only the still black blanket of night to caress is shattered-glass body. He refused to let anybody in. But he had been close... Chikage almost broke him. He had been confused for so long-- this was better. He knew what he was doing now. Without her, everything was black and white. Chikage was grey.

'All of this is the truth... and yet... I feel emptier than usual. That will come to pass. Just like the hurt from those kids all those years ago. They didn't want me so I don't need them. They're only purpose is to make me feel alive, to give me a reason to live. They must die in order for me to live. That is my only connection to them. So why don't I want it to be? Why am I suddenly so lonely that my eyes burn?' He sighed, gaining control of himself. He'd get used to it again. By now, it was almost second nature. Or it would have been if not for the purple-eyed girl.

Yes, Gaara blamed Chikage for his confusion and the fact that it had cleared up after their confrontation only served to back up his accusation.

He took a deep breath of night air and caught a strange scent upon the breeze. It was moldy and old... wooden if he wasn't mistaken... and directly below his balcony. Looking down, he saw the object of his confusion. He glared and asked, "Why are you here? I have nothing more to say to you. You can't love me and I can't love anyone but myself."

"So why do I get the feeling that you're only saying that?"

"Because I'm saying it. It's true."

"That's what other people told you. They said it so much that you believe it. It's your protective spell."

Gaara took a good look at the young woman. Her hair was a mess, her skin seemed to be powdered with dirt, her clothes wrinkled. She had been on some sort of self-finding adventure and now despite her dishevelled look, something about her seemed stronger. Some sort of power seemed to radiate off her skin. Or was that the moon's light? Either way... she looked almost as a goddess of vengeance.

"You cannot fool me, Chikage. I can see once more. I won't go back into the grey."

"Even though the grey is a place that you felt happiest?"

He glared even more. "I feel happiest in a place where I know what's going on. You are nothing but a mass of confusion and chaos for me. Now go away." He turned way from the balcony to go back inside.

"I'm not leaving you alone."

That single defiant phrase caused a flash of anger to course through his spine. He whirled around, the sand at his feet kicking up at his fury. "What did you say?"

"I made that mistake twice already." Her eyes flickered softly. "Don't tell me to make it again."

"I'll make you cry."

"They'll be tears of joy."

"I'll hurt you."

"My life-blood is yours to spill."

"I'll kill you."

"I'll die happy."

Gaara's eyes widened from their glare. He couldn't do it anymore. His signature move that struck fear into the eyes of all had no effect upon Chikage. She stood tall, her eyes bright but no tears to show for it. Her body shook but it it seemed to be only from the cold. "What can I do to make you leave me alone?"

"Nothing. Even in death, you cannot get rid of me. I love you, Gaara-san." Now her body was shaking from fear. The fear of rejection. But that emotion didn't reach her eyes. And she still stood strong.

((I love the part where Gaara's trying to threaten her and she's just brushing it off. Funny thing is, she totally means every word. Chikage is the goddess of vengeance in this chapter. She was scared and she ran away. Vengeance knows no fear and although she cannot physically hurt Gaara, she knows exactly how much her words affect him. Review please.))