The Next Chapter is here! Probably a couple more to go! Review as always!

Three Months Later…

Gaara had just finished his last meeting and was happy that he didn't have any more that day. He walked out of the tower to get some fresh air. He stopped when he heard his wife calling his name and turned around quickly.

"Sai-chan, what is it?" he asked nervously seeing the look on her face.

She grabbed his hand quickly and placed it to her stomach. He was confused at first but then felt it.

"What—" he didn't finish.

"—the baby's kicking," she said smiling with a faint blush on her cheeks.

He smiled softly looking down at her stomach as the baby kicked again.

"I'm going to find out if it is a boy or a girl. Do you want to come?" she asked softly and he nodded.

They walked to the hospital and Sakura greeted them happily. She had come to Suna for a couple of months to help train the students while Saya was out with the baby. Saya lay down on the table and Sakura put her hands over her friend's stomach. A green glow emitted from her hands and Gaara couldn't help but tense a bit. Saya chuckled softly and Gaara relaxed. Sakura smiled wide and the glow faded.

"Okay…last chance…do you still want to know the sex?" she asked excitedly.

Saya and Gaara both nodded at the same time. Sakura squealed in delight.

"It's a girl!" she said loudly and the couple's eyes widened.

Saya smiled happily and Gaara was in shock. They were going to have a little girl. When they left the hospital they were greeted by Shikamaru, Temari and Kankuro.

"Hey, I'm starving, please let's get some food!" Shikamaru begged and they all nodded.

When they were sitting around the table waiting to be served Saya and Temari kept giving each other looks.

"So…how was your trip to the doctor?" Temari finally asked.

Saya smiled softly.

"It was pleasant," she said calmly.

Temari furrowed her eyebrows in frustration.

"Oh I see…so…then—" she never finished because Saya finished for her.

"—it's a girl!" she squealed and Temari squealed with her.

They hugged tightly and Kankuro ruffled her hair. They both hugged their brother while Shikamaru leaned over to Saya.

"Congratulations Sai-chan, we're all excited for you and Gaara. A little girl is totally different from a little boy. Be prepared…they can be troublesome at times…" he said smirking and Saya giggled.

They all ate while discussing some things about the village and the new baby. A noise outside caused Gaara to look up from his food quickly and stare at the glass window a short distance away that gave the small diner a beautiful view of Suna. Saya looked at him questioningly.

"Gaara what was that?" she asked softly.

Gaara kept his eyes locked on the window and didn't blink once. She knew he was sensing the force and concentrating on figuring out what it was. The others in the room seemed to be doing the same thing. Before Saya could concentrate on the force she saw Shikamaru's eyes widen and he grabbed Temari roughly throwing her to the ground and falling on top of her, shielding her. Kankuro hit the floor simultaneously and Saya felt Gaara grab her arm and wrench her to the floor with him putting his body over hers protectively.

No sooner then this had all happened then did the large glass window shatter into millions of pieces and an inhuman screech was heard throughout Suna. Saya gripped onto Gaara's robes tightly while keeping her head down. Soon the shrieking died down and Saya felt the weight lift off of her and two hands pull her up carefully. The grip wasn't so rough now.

"Are you alright?" Gaara asked in a calm tone but she could tell he was worried.

She nodded quickly dusting herself off. Shikamaru and Temari stood up with Kankuro also dusting each other off. Everyone seemed okay except for some minor scratches.

Gaara looked at Saya and then at the other patrons at the diner.

"Stay here with Temari and Shikamaru. Kankuro come with me…" he said sternly.

Before he could leave Saya grabbed his arm and he turned to look at her.

"Be careful…" she mumbled, worried for his safety.

He offered her a small smile of reassurance and headed out with Kankuro. Saya wanted to follow him but she stood back and let him do his job. Gaara stepped outside. The village looked okay but many people were outside looking up at the sky. Gaara looked up and his eyes widened.

"Hey it might be the side effects of this new face paint I'm trying out but…is that a fucking huge fire bird above our village or is it just me?" he asked not looking away from the sky.

Gaara nodded slowly.

"It's not your new face paint…" he said slowly.

Kankuro nodded.

"I didn't think so. What the hell is it doing just hovering up there?" he asked curiously.

Gaara finally looked away from the bird.

"She…" he said and Kankuro looked confused.

"What?" he asked confused.

Gaara looked at his brother.

"She is hovering over the village. I don't know why…but I think we should find out…" he said and Kankuro stared at him.

"You don't expect me to jump up and down to volunteer to talk to the huge fucking beast up there do you?" Kankuro asked shocked.

Gaara furrowed his eyes at his brother's fowl language.

"No…I'll do it…" he said as sand formed around his feet.

Kankuro grinned guiltily.

"See you soon…" he said and Gaara sighed as sand pushed him up towards the great Phoenix.

He reached the top and came face to face with the legendary bird.

"Ren, where have you been these past three months…what is going on with you?" he asked softly and the bird looked at him.

"I've been preparing for the fight with the other legendary beast that lurks in the woods. He lives where no light shines and hides deep within the caves where the shadows cannot reach him…" she murmured almost in a trance.

Gaara furrowed his eyes.

"There is another legendary beast among us?" he asked quietly.

Ren closed her eyes.

"He is my counterpart…he is…the Fire Dragon named Hiryuu. He is my greatest enemy…though we are supposed to be allies…" she murmured softly.

Gaara took a breath. He couldn't be dealing with this…not right now of all times. He couldn't have a war with two legendary beasts over his head…literally.

"So why are you here? What do you want?" he asked calmly.

Ren seemed to sigh and Gaara knew he wasn't going to like her answer.

"I need Saya to let me reenter her body and take her as my host again…" she said in almost a whisper.

Gaara's eyes widened but then regained their composure.

"Absolutely not…" he stated firmly.

Ren huffed.

"I figured I'd get that response from you…good thing it's not your decision…" she said descending towards the ground some.

Gaara growled lowly and his sand fell to catch up with her.

"You will not ask her to do this! She's carrying our child. If she takes you back inside of her she could put herself and the child at risk. I will not allow that to happen. Leave her alone…" he seethed.

The bird groaned.

"If she doesn't take me back…you're all at risk. This Hiryuu is no laughing matter. He is looking for a host and when he takes one he will be unstoppable. If I get to Saya and find him while he is out in the open I can kill him before he claims a host…you must trust me when I say that nothing will happen to the child…or Saya…" she said softly.

Gaara shook his head.

"I don't believe you…" he said, his voice dripping with malice.

Ren glared at him.

"Gaara-sama, stay out of it. This is her decision…" she said landing on the floor.

Gaara's sand dispersed and his feet hit the floor softly. He was shaking at the fact that he had no power in this situation. He did know he had influence on Saya though. She would hear him and listen to reason. Ren let out a soft cry and Saya instantly came out of the diner with Shikamaru and Temari. Her eyes were wide.

"Ren, you came back!" she shouted happy to see her animal friend.

Ren smiled down at her host and then she became serious.

"Saya I have come to ask something very important of you—" she said but was cut off.

"—Saya may I have a word for a moment?" Gaara asked quickly.

Saya looked at her husband. He looked conflicted. Ren almost seemed to growl in frustration. Saya looked at her husband questioningly.

"Is everything alright Gaara?" she asked soothingly.

Gaara mustered up a faint smile and nodded.

"I just have to discuss something with you before Ren asks you for the favor…" he said trying to sound calm.

Saya nodded and walked over to the side with him. When they were clear from anyone's hearing range Gaara spoke.

"Saya, whatever Ren says…do not accept the favor…" he said calmly.

Saya's eyes widened some in surprise.

"Why should I not accept her favor? She's always helped me and I want to help her anyway I can in return," she said kindly.

Gaara's stoic expression cracked slightly.

"Saya…do not accept this favor…" he said as Ren called her back.

Saya smiled and grabbed his face softly in her hands.

"Don't worry about it. I won't accept anything without seeing you first okay?" she said kindly.

Gaara let out a sigh of relief and nodded. She smiled and ran back to Ren. Gaara walked back with her. Ren explained the favor and Saya was in shock. She touched her stomach gently and went deep in thought. Gaara was nervous.

"What about our child?" she asked quietly.

Ren smiled.

"She will be fine…I will make sure she's unharmed…" she said softly.

Saya thought about it.

"Can I think it over?" she asked quietly and Ren nodded.

"We don't have much time though…I need to know by tomorrow midday…" she said gravely.

Saya nodded and Ren flew up into the air and out of sight. Saya turned to Gaara seeing his face. She knew he was upset and worried. The crowd separated and soon only the family was there. Kankuro was still trying to comprehend the large bird's arrival and departure while Temari was talking to Shikamaru about going to Konoha for help. Saya walked over to Gaara who was looking up at the sky. When she neared him he looked down at her softly. She offered him a small smile.

"She needs a host…and I can do it…" she started softly and Gaara closed his eyes.

He felt soft lips press against his cheek and his eyes opened.

"…but if you really don't want me to do this…then I won't…" she finished quietly.

Gaara nuzzled her neck softly.

"I really don't want you to do this…" he said into her neck.

She almost shivered feeling his warm breath on her neck.

"Okay…then it's settled…" she said simply.

He never really asked all that much from her anyway. Gaara's eyes opened and he pulled away slowly looking at her.

"Thank you…" he said in almost a whisper.

She smiled.

"Let's go pick up Ryuzaki and go home. I'm tired…" she said softly and he nodded.

They headed back to the tower and soon Saya fell asleep comfortably in her husband's grip. It was only when Gaara heard glass shatter and a small thud that his eyes snapped open. He immediately smelt blood that was familiar to him. He sat up careful not to wake his wife and headed out of the room towards the smell of the blood. His pace quickened when he realized it was coming from his son's room and he threw the door open. He turned on the light and his eyes widened.

"Ryuzaki, what happened?" he said alarmed, seeing his son on the floor holding his bloody hand.

Glass littered the floor around him. Gaara scooped his son up and left the room into the bathroom. He sat the boy on the sink and grabbed a small first aid kit. He turned on the faucet and took Ryuzaki's hand in his.

"It's okay father. It will heal…" he mumbled quietly and Gaara stared at him.

"Ryuzaki, this was an accident right?" he asked softly.

Ryuzaki stood quiet and looked down. Gaara stared at his son wide eyed.

"What did you do?" he asked shocked.

Ryuzaki still stared down at his bloody hand.

"I broke the mirror. I did not like my reflection," he whispered almost inaudibly.

Gaara watched his son carefully.

"You didn't like the reflection…why not?" he asked on while cleaning his son's hand.

Ryuzaki sighed.

"Please don't tell mom…" he said quietly.

Gaara stopped cleaning the wound and looked at his son.

"Why did you do this Ryuzaki?" he asked again.

"Because I'm weak. I'm not strong enough to help anyone. I'm just in the way. I'm tired of being weak. I want to be strong!" he said flexing his hand causing it to bleed more.

Gaara hit the side of his head lightly.

"Cut it out, you're making my job harder…" he said sternly and continued to clean the wound.

Ryuzaki stopped flexing and stood still watching his hand. Gaara pulled out bandages once the wound was cleaned and started bandaging it.

"You did some extensive damage to this hand. You're lucky you didn't cut any major veins. What were you trying to prove Ryuzaki?" he asked firmly.

Ryuzaki sighed softly.

"Jiro said his dad did the same thing to his hand when he was younger…to prove he was tough and could take the pain. I will be tough now too. I will fight for our family and our village. I'll make you and mother proud…" he said lowly and Gaara's eyes softened.

"Ryuzaki, you already make us proud…and being afraid…it shows you're human…everyone's afraid of something," he said quietly and Ryuzaki nodded in understanding.

"What are you afraid of father?" he asked quietly.

Gaara hesitated before answering.

"Can I get back to you on that?" he asked sincerely.

Ryuzaki nodded and hugged his dad tightly. Gaara hugged him gently and walked him back to his room. After he had tucked him in and cleaned up all the glass he returned to his own room and lay down next to his wife, who he thought was sleeping. He felt her shift in his hold and she looked at him.

"Gaara is everything okay?" she asked in a whisper.

Gaara nodded.

"Everything's fine. Ryuzaki just cut his hand…" he said softly.

Saya went to get up but he stopped her.

"It's alright. I handled it…" he said but she still tried to get up.

"He shouldn't have to sleep uncomfortably with a swollen hand," she said quickly.

Gaara shook his head.

"No…stay here. Let him sleep with the bandages," he said and Saya's eyes widened.

"Why?" she asked surprised.

Gaara sighed.

"He wants to know what it feels like…let him learn…" he said quietly and Saya couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Gaara are you on something? He got hurt! I can heal him!" she became louder.

Gaara sat up quickly.

"He wants to know the pain then let him know the pain…" he said quickly.

Saya wanted to yell.

"I don't want him to learn pain!" she cried out and Gaara's eyes softened.

"He shouldn't know what pain feels like because we should be protecting him. When he gets hurt that's our fault!" she cried angrily.

She didn't want to yell at him but she was scared and hormonal. Gaara watched her reactions carefully.

"He is a strong boy and he will learn through his actions. Let him do this by himself…it will benefit him in the end," he murmured softly.

Saya calmed down some and stared at her husband.

"How are you so sure?" she asked in a low voice.

Gaara sighed lowly.

"I only know of two people who learned of pain in this way," he started but hesitated.

Saya waited for him to continue.

"They each took separate paths but in the end they found the same calling. One is Uzumaki Naruto…and the other is…me…" he said slowly.

Saya's eyes widened. Gaara continued speaking.

"So I know both paths that he could take. He's a good kid Saya. He will not be like I was…and hopefully he won't be exactly like Naruto either…but maybe somewhere in between…like you…" he finished and looked up at her slowly.

Saya's eyes were wide.

"Okay…if you think he'll be alright then I'll let it go…" she said about to lay back down but stopped abruptly.

Gaara stared at her watching her movements. Saya's hand trailed up to her stomach and rested there. Gaara's eyes widened a little and he looked at her quickly.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Saya nodded and looked at him smiling. She took his hand slowly and placed it on her stomach. Gaara furrowed his eyes but waited. No sooner then he had placed his hand on her stomach then did a small kick come from her stomach. Gaara's eyes widened and he looked up at Saya nervously.

"It shows she's awake and active," she said smiling.

Gaara relaxed and kept his hand there. Saya lay back down with him and cuddled next to him. He kept his hand on her stomach and they fell asleep.

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