"Speech"
"Thought"
"Demonic Voice"
"Bijuu thoughts"
Justu
XXXXXXX = Flashback
(A/N: Author Note)
Disclaimer: All rights reserved by the original creator this is a fan production.
Here it is by popular demand, well not popular, I think three people might've asked for this but that's enough.
To TigrezzTail: Thanks for the review I appreciate the feedback and I seriously contemplated changing this chapter because I realized you had a point, but the story didn't feel right unless I took it down this road.
To Wolfang21: They're will definitely be some sexy times involving Deidara.
Alright enough of that
XXXXXXX
Chapter 24: The Blind Man and the Sand Princess
"So are we going to talk about what the hell happened or just sit here awkwardly until I wake up?"
"There's always the third option."
"Third option?"
"You can open this gate and die."
"Hmm," Naruto fell to his back running a hand through his hair as he thought about this little predicament. If he was honest with himself there had been a hot ball of fury sitting in his gut each time he thought of Kyuubi's betrayal. He should be screaming his lungs out and cursing the fox with every damn word he knew but when he came down here and looked into the fox's eyes the air was taken out his sails. In all the time Naruto had known and spoken to the demon the fox had his own anger boiling under the surface now, however Naruto could see past the anger see where the fury and hate came from, "So you wanna talk about it?"
"AAAAAARRRRRHHH!"
CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!
The bars rattled as Kyuubi slammed against the bars finally reaching the breaking point of his patience with Naruto, who was still lying on his back not bewildered in the least. As his anger teetered off so did the energy to smash to his head against the cage. The stupid boy just wouldn't shut his damn mouth and it was infuriating to know that he could've been free of this blond annoyance. He'd been so close to, just like that night when his old container died, escape without the risk of death, but he'd missed his chance and now he was stuck waiting for his revenge. Time had never seemed so long to him before the murder of his wife. The years as a devil with her had been wonderful, they'd done great and horrible things together but none of that mattered as long as he was with her. Then he had come along, Shikkan, and he took her away and suddenly time felt longer, years didn't flow by like water, seasons didn't change when he blinked, and the days could never be over soon enough. For the first time Kyuubi could feel time and it was horrifying. So he sought out his own killer the person that could reunite him with his beloved and that was when he met the original Kyuubi. In that bijuu he saw his death and so he challenged him to a fight. The battle was grueling and the landscape was torn and ripped apart and in the final moments of the battle he was so certain that he was going to meet his end, but then the damn fox threw the fight to protect a village that was about to be destroyed!
(Flashback)
"Why?" he tossed his axes to the ground in anger, "Why give your life for some useless humans?"
The dying beast looked down on him and laughed, "It…wasn't…for them…"
"THEN WHY!?"
The beast laughed more as he felt his chakra beginning to fade away. It was an odd sensation to feel his body, a construct of chakra, slip away. What an odd feeling death was, "Hmm…how strange…I thought dying would be horrible…the way humans scream you'd think this was the worst pain imaginable…but what is this peace I feel?"
"DAMN YOU ANSWER ME!"
"Haha…right you're still here…that village is where I was…born…for lack of a better word…I wasn't saving the village I was saving my memories…my happiest times."
"Your memories, YOUR MEMORIES! You were supposed to grant me death to end my suffering!"
"Hmhm…suffering…suffering doesn't end because you want it to…it must be endured until you find the answer to why you suffer."
"I know why I suffer! My beloved was ripped away from me and her murder has escaped justice!"
The fox's eyes began to close and concentrating on the conversation became harder and harder, "That is where your pain was born...it is not the reason why you suffer…I can feel the emotions of others I can see why suffer…hahahaha."
"Tell me then, tell me why I suffer!"
"If you give a blind man a map what good would it do him?"
"Damn you!" He could feel his teeth about to break and the anger throbbing in his skull.
"But fortunately…the darkness…no longer covers…my eyes," a smile made its way across the foxes maw, "Now I see what the sa…my father meant for me…and my brethren…but it seems that…I won't be able to fulfill my role."
"Good," the vicious snarl carried the bite of his anger in it, "Now both of us suffer for the rest of our lives!"
"No we won't," the Kyuubi struggled to its feet but stood steady on its feet, "now I know what power my father meant…and my family needs me…and I will not disappoint them!" With a great roar the beast charged forward on giant clawed finger bearing down on him. With barely a second to spare he raised his axes and stopped the giant claw from running him through but the Kyuubi would not be stopped. His feet dug into the soil as the pressure of the claw began to rise and rise until he was forced to his knees and his axes began to crack. The Kyubi reared back his claw and drove it back down.
CRINK!SHILKT!
A manic look of happiness spread across his face as he looked down on the giant claw impaling him, "I got what I wanted!"
"Poor blind man," the Kyubi laughed. Wondering what the fox meant he looked and to his horror there was no blood flowing from the wound, instead a vile red energy was covering his body.
"What is this?!" he could tell this energy wasn't killing him and to his building fear he could feel his body began to change, "What are you doing to me?!"
"Like I said blind man my family needs me…" the Kyuubi began to shrink in size as the vile chakra covered his entire body reaching deep into his body.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
He struggled against the energy but it was no use the energy had already dug in too deeply. Slowly his body began to morph, his whole body grew in size and length, claws sprouted from his finger, his face grew into a snout, a pair of ears sprouted from his head, and nine enormous tail painfully shot out his back side. When the pain subsided and he stood on his haunches looking down at his hands he realized what had happened.
"No, no, no, NOOO!" he touched his face hoping that this was a hallucination but it was futile the truth was before his eyes, "I'm the fox…"
"How does it feel blind man?"
Looking down he saw small fox laying on its side struggling to breathe, "YOU! WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME?"
"One day…you'll stop stumbling…in the dark…blind man…"
"DAMN YOU!"
(END)
"When you're ready to talk I'm always here," Naruto's body began to fade as he felt his body begin to rise, "but remember we had a deal and I don't plan to go back on it." The unsaid question hung in the air.
Do you?
The fox just huffed and turned around in his cage, he didn't have anything to say to the brat.
XXXXXXX
"Ohh if this is a minor hangover I really don't want to drink ever again," Naruto winced as he sat up feeling the painful throb right behind his eyes, "Damn do I miss not having to deal with this." He rose out of bed and went about his usual routine of early morning habits. Once that was taken care of he stood out on his balcony with some tea watching the sun peek over the horizon and the village slowly coming to life. Naruto always let his mind wander during the early morning hours whenever he got the chance; it was relaxing thinking about everything and nothing. These thoughts tended to range from trying to imagine who his parents might be, what kind of ramen he would eat today, or wondering why the hell owls in children's books always said 'hoot', since when do owls enunciate the letter 't'. This morning however none of these thoughts crossed his mind, too much was going on for that to happen. His mind was more focused on what the hell might happen between him and the girls, not that he really wanted to think about all the horrible ways this little drama could end.
Looking down on the village he spotted a familiar mop of red hair, "Sand princess?" Right, how could he forget that Gaara saved him twice in one day, helping him and Tayuya take down the bone man and flying him back to the village with her sand. Realizing that he hadn't thanked since he came to, he raced inside slipped on his sandals and leapt out the window after her. Landing on top of a lamp post he scanned the streets until he spotted her, "Hey sand princess!"
Gaara kept on walking as she wondered who could be screaming this early in the morning, and whose stupid nickname they were shouting.
"Sand princess!"
"Wait a minute," she remembered whose stupid nickname that was, and who gave it to her. Turning around she saw the person she had been hoping to run into mostly because she had been walking this path every morning hoping that he would come find her, "Naruto?"
"Hey sand princess," Naruto replied happily, "pretty big coincidence running into you."
"Yes coincidence."
"And I know it a little late, but thanks for saving my life," Underneath her sand armor Gaara blushed, receiving thanks from anyone was still foreign to her.
"I-It was no trouble, I was glad to do it," Gaara replied uncomfortably while Naruto laughed a bit at her phrasing, "What so funny?"
"Oh sorry, it's just that the way you phrased that it sounded like I thanked you for helping me run an errand, not saving my life," Naruto chuckled a bit until he saw the look on her face.
"S-Sorry I-"
"No no it's okay," Naruto said quickly feeling a bit like a dick, "I used to be like that to."
"Like what?"
"Awkward when someone was thanking me, it wasn't an everyday thing for me so it was really strange at first," Naruto explained as they walked down the road passing all the shops and stalls that were opening up, "It took me awhile to get used to it."
"How did you do it?"
"Well it just took time and a lot of nodding so I would put my foot in my mouth, I can't-"
"No," One of the reason she had been so impatient to meet was to learn why he was who he was, "how, how did you not turn out like me?"
"Oh," He hadn't been expecting that but they were both jinchuriki so it was natural that she was curious about him, hell he was curious about her sudden turn around, "okay I can try and answer that but how about we find somewhere we can sit and talk?"
"Alright," so the two of them went off in search of somewhere to have this conversation of course this early in the morning places we're still setting up but luckily they found a small tea shop open near the hospital. The two took a table near the back ordered some tea and snacks and Gaara got right to the point, "So how did you do it, how did you not become a monster?"
"Well I guess part of that is because I was lucky," noticing the look she gave him Naruto elaborated, "someone offered me a way out, literally, I used to run away from the village all the time."
"Run away?"
"Yeah, the funny thing is that I thought no one knew about it but the Sandaime actually had someone tailing me all the time," Naruto laughed as he remembered when Kakashi had told him all about the surveillance the Sandaime had one him, "that's another thing to I had a few people who cared about me, but instead of hauling me back to the village my grandpa realized that I needed to see new places and people where I wasn't hated, and he was right. I needed that, I needed to see that everyone wasn't awful, that the whole world didn't see me as a monster. To see that I wasn't a monster."
"Hmm, I see."
"Did that answer your question at all?"
"Yes, I think I'm beginning to understand," all her life she had listened to the villagers fearful whispers and thought they were right, thought that that was who she was supposed to be. But Naruto went down a different road, he realized that he could decide for himself who he wanted to be, and he decided to be Naruto.
"Now can you answer a question for me?"
"What about?" Gaara was completely confused and wondered if she would be able to answer.
"What's with the big turn around?" Naruto had been a surprised and grateful for her actions, "last time we meet you were, and sorry if this is mean, kind of angry and murderous and now you so different you seem happier and a lot less angry it's a pretty big change."
"It's because of you," now it was Naruto's turn to look confused, "we became friends and you helped me see that my life could be different now I want to change the minds of my people show them that I'm not the person they think I am. It's my dream."
"Wow, I'm kind of flattered didn't think I could have that kind of effect on anyone," Naruto replied bashfully scratching the back of his head, "I just wanted to be friends."
"Why did you want to become friends?"
"Well…I saw the person I was in you, so angry and scared and lonely. I knew exactly what that person needed," Naruto said with a smile, "plus we're jinchuriki we have to stick together." His smile was joined by Gaara's, "you look prettier with a smile." This made another blush bloom under her sand armor. The two sat in companionable silence as they drank their tea both glad to have moment of peace, "Hey I'm off duty today would like me to show you around the village?"
"I would like that," the two finished their tea and Gaara let Naruto drag her to his favorite spots in the village. It was nice being in his company, and staying in her shell was practically impossible when he was so outgoing and enthusiastic. There were a few times that she managed to surprise even herself, like when Naruto pulled her to that foolish wishing well, "I don't see the point, it's idiotic to throw your money way."
"Well if you see it like that then yeah it's pretty idiotic," Naruto said as he put a coin in her hand, "but try to see it as an opportunity, you don't get anything in this world for nothing and if all you have to give to get your wish is give up one measly coin it doesn't seem like such a bad trade."
"I guess I can see it like that."
"Good now make a wish and toss the coin," Gaara watched as Naruto closed his eyes for moment and then tossed the coin down the well. Copying Naruto's actions Gaara close her eyes made her wish and tossed her coin down the well.
"So what did you wish for?"
"Isn't that supposed to remain a secret?"
"Aha so you don't think it's stupid."
"No I suppose it isn't," it had felt a bit silly but not in a bad way, still she'd rather not take her problems to a well.
There had also been some moments in which she'd felt rather embarrassed, like the market stalls.
Crowds had never been her strong suit since most people avoided her like the plague but here it was different, some people still moved away when they approached but their stares where directed at Naruto and she could admit it was nice not being seen as a homicidal killing machine. But the crowds still bothered her as Naruto showed her the market stalls where he promised to show her things she wouldn't be able to find in Suna.
"Ahh here they are jofu fruit, one of the most popular little snacks in the village," Naruto picked up two pink grape sized fruits and handed one to her as he paid the vendor, "I know for sure they don't have these in Suna, go ahead and try it." Naruto looked on giddily as Gaara shrugged and popped the fruit into her mouth. He knew what was coming but he couldn't help but burst out laughing when Gaara's usually stoic face began to pucker and she swallowed the fruit, the look on her face priceless.
"That was awful," Gaara glared at him as his laughter died down, "It wasn't funny."
"I'm sorry haha I'm sorry I just couldn't help it," Naruto said apologetically, "it's a little trick people always play with the jofu, but give it a second and you'll see why there so popular."
Gaara looked completely unconvinced until she began to feel a pleasant tingle on her tongue and then her mouth exploded in a multitude of sweet and tangy flavors, "What is this?"
"That's the reason people eat these little guys," Naruto said as he popped the berry into his mouth and just like Gaara his lips puckered as the salty bitter juice hit his tongue, "the juice leaves a delicious after taste that even makes your spit sweet, probably the reason for its nickname."
"What is that?"
"The Icha-Icha fruit," Naruto answered with a perverted smile, "because of what people tend to use it for."
That memory also caused her to feel odd and blush again, she hated how often she seemed to be doing that when he was around.
Now they were both sitting at the top of the Hokage monument watching the late afternoon hustle and bustle of civilian and shinobi. Gaara was happy to be here with him, she'd never show it to Kankuro and Temari but the political talks had been taking their toll on her. She knew how to be a ninja and a killing machine but politics were a different battlefield altogether and the constant walls she seemed to be hitting with in Konoha and her own village we're wearing down her resolve and patience. The only thing that had kept her going was her dream to show the people of Suna that she'd changed, but this little reprieve with Naruto had been very helpful in lightening the burden on her shoulders as well.
Naruto felt the same way as well, the past two months seemed to have thrown his life into high gear. The invasion, his imprisonment, Tayuya's rescue, his rescue, the attack on the village while he wasn't here, being told that a criminal organization was after him, leaving the village in a month, and his relationship woes. It wasn't nice being involved in crazy ass situations but having a friend like Gaara who he could be open with about being a jinchuriki, well it was a freedom he didn't know would feel this good.
What Naruto hadn't planned for was Gaara to have discussed her feelings with Temari. Frustrated from talking to the annoying council and the way Naruto seemed to wind her up Gaara decided to deal with the one she could do something about. She'd sat down with Temari and told her about her feelings but not who caused them. Of course Temari was pretty sure who Gaara was talking about and told her that if these feeling felt right then she should follow them, to just do what felt right.
Which was why Naruto was completely caught off guard when Gaara took his head between her hands and crushed her lips against his. The kiss wasn't exactly magical, Naruto's brain short circuited as it tried to figure out what was happening and why it felt like he was kissing a beach and while Gaara enjoyed the feeling the swelled in her chest the lack of skin on skin put her off a bit.
Damn sand armor.
When Gaara pulled away from Naruto he sat there still dumbfounded, "Gaara what w-urghk!" but being suddenly dragged to the ground finding a hand wrapped around his throat and what he was certain was a very sharp dagger against his baby maker did wonders for his brain. Of course the surprises didn't stop there as he stared into the chattering face of a three eyed puppet.
"What the hell do you think you're doing with my sister?!" Looking up he spotted the upside down image of a pissed off Kankuro.
Now in the span of a couple seconds Naruto ran through all his possible options. Option A: give the puppet a taste of his Blast Palm with his free hand which might or might not stop the dagger from turning him into a eunuch, so that was out. Option B: tell the truth but honestly what pissed off overprotective brother would believe the she kissed me defense, so a no go on that. Option C: the one he was most comfortable giving his career choice: lie, just flat out lie, in any tight situation just lie.
"I hit my head your sister accidentally kissed me while she was checking irrrkgh," Naruto choked as the puppets hand tightened.
"That was rhetorical," Kankuro's voice carried a deadly edge to it that told Naruto he didn't give a damn about his excuse.
"Kankuro stop this stupidity at once!" Gaara said in the usual murderous way, but was surprised when Kankuro completely ignored her.
"Gaara get over here right now we're heading back to the hotel!" Kankuro shouted as he pinned down Naruto's free hand.
"I will not!" Gaara did shout this time a new kind of anger filled her, the anger of a sister who was embarrassed by and infuriated at her brother, "and let Naruto go right now!"
"I'd listen the girl if I were you," everyone, except for Naruto who had just managed to pull the puppets arm enough to get some much needed air, turned to see Tsunade and Temari accompanied by a squad of ANBU, "and I would appreciate it if you would stop strangling my subordinate."
Kankuro didn't budge an inch after hearing the order. Seeing that Kankuro was having some trouble following orders Temari strode over to her brother and planted her fist right into his face, "Call Karasu off right now you idiot!"
"Damn it Temari!" Kankuro rubbed his nose as he called back his puppet, "I better not catch you around my sister again punk." With that Kankuro shunshined away while Temari walked over to Gaara and Naruto gulped down as much oxygen as he could. Meanwhile Tsunade gave the ANBU orders to follow and observe nothing more.
"Oxygen never stop making love to my lungs," Naruto thought as he stood up and dusted himself off, "So much for no drama." Walking over to Gaara and Temari he managed to catch the tail end of the conversation.
"-already bad enough let's not make it worse," Temari said as she shunshined away as well. Gaara bowed apologetically to Naruto as she followed her sister. Naruto sighed and figured that he might as well go grab some ramen that always cheered him up. He headed down the steps or at least tried to until he was picked up by his collar by an angry Tsunade.
"What the hell were you thinking brat! Making out with an ambassador from Suna!"
"She kissed me!" Naruto shouted.
Tsunade just sighed willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, "Alright I believe you but I don't want you hanging around that Gaara girl!"
"What?!" Naruto shouted angrily, "I can hang around with whoever the hell I want!"
"No you can't this is a tricky situation and getting involved with that girl will just make it worse."
"What do you mean?"
XXXXXXX
"I cannot believe you would interfere like that Kankuro!" Gaara spat.
"Me? You shouldn't be running around with that punk!"
"That punk is my friend and it is none of your business who I chose to associate with!" Gaara snarled, "I'll be in my room, meditating." The door slammed shut while Temari glared at Kankuro.
"Don't look at me like that Temari you think I like being the bad guy?" Kankuro huffed as he slumped into a chair, "you think I haven't noticed my little sister having her first crush?"
Temari stopped glaring at Kankuro and sat down across from him and sighed, "Then why are you doing this?"
"We both know she's being groomed for the Kazekage position and we both know the village needs her, and she needs the village to prove to herself that she's really changed. Do you think the council's going to give her the position if they get wind she's getting cozy with a Konoha shinobi," Kankuro rubbed his temple, "Do you think that they could even have a normal relationship. It's awful but if keeping those two apart can spare Gaara some heartache it's worth it, even if she hates me."
Temari hated to admit it but Kankuro did have a point, "Gaara…"
"And don't think I haven't noticed you and that Nara bum."
"W-what there's nothing going on there!" Temari said indignantly.
"Right just make sure it stays that way, I'd hate for both my sisters to hate me," what the two didn't notice was the floating eyeball in the corner of the room.
XXXXXXX
Hope you all enjoy the way this stories going and I apologize for the lateness of this chapter I just haven't felt pumped about writing this story the past two weeks.
As usual read and review your feedback does have an effect on this story and I do appreciate it.