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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

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The Tail of Coralie (Prologue)

Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean

Genre: Romance, Adventure,

Pairing: James Norrington x OC x Cutler Becket (Triangle)

Rated: T

Warnings: Pirate Language, Pirate Violence,

Summary: Young Elizabeth Swann stumbled upon a young mermaid washed up on the beach of Port Royal. She convinces her father to take in the girl as her younger sister and she lives a life as a human for the next eight years.

(Bad summary I know. Follows movies, OC/Norrington then adding Beckett/OC when the second movie events start. Same OC)

(Pro)

Twelve year old Elizabeth Swann walked down to the beach in her night gown. She often went out at night for a walk if she could get away from the house without been seen and if the moon provided enough light that she didn’t need a lantern. Though she always had to be back before her maid came in to check on her before bed. Elizabeth had been living in Port Royal for a little over a year and had gotten used to her new life there but liked to get lost in her dreams and fantasies while listening to the ocean.

Elizabeth walked along an empty dock getting lost in her thoughts. She walked until she felt tired and started heading back. When she was walking back along the beach she noticed a figure lying on the sand, half in the water. She quickly made her way over and saw that the figure was a girl who looked close to her age. The girl was unconscious, lying on her stomach with her head turned facing towards Elizabeth. She had no clothes, her very long black hair went down to her mid-back and covered her face.

The water pulled away from her body to reveal a light, red-ish, purple mermaid's tail. Elizabeth gasped and looked around the surrounding area quickly for anyone before looking back at the girl. She quickly moved closer, grabbed the girl under her arms and pulled her away from the water, onto the dry sand. As the girl's tail began to dry on the sand her tail seemed to melt away to show pale, skinny legs. Elizabeth reached down and moved the hair out of the girl’s face. Suddenly the girl gasped as her vibrant green eyes flew open. She saw Elizabeth and immediately hissed as she pulled away. The girl went to flew into the water but when she found she couldn’t move she looked down at her legs with wide eyes. She looked back at Elizabeth briefly before trying to get up and get away but her legs weren't strong enough so she fell to the sand.

"Wait! I'm not going to hurt you!" Elizabeth called before flinching at how loud she’d been. The girl eyed her suspiciously. “I swear. I won’t hurt you.” Elizabeth repeated, softer, giving her a gentle smile. The girl stared at her silently for a moment before she spoke.

"How can I know that?" She asked, her voice slightly trembling as she kept her eyes on Elizabeth.

"Because I wish to help you."

"Help me?” The girl’s eyes narrowed. “How?"

"I've heard about mermaids. Stories.” Elizabeth added quickly. “If anyone else were to have found you here…" she trailed off. The girl swallowed.

"I would have been killed." Her voice came out just above a whisper.

"Exactly. So I pulled you away from the water and…” she looked at the girl’s legs. “That happened.”

"This helps me in one way… but not in another.” The girl stated.” I cannot use these..." she huffed, looking down at her newly formed legs.

“I can help you!” Elizabeth exclaimed with a grin.

"I have nowhere to go. I do not even know how I got here... where is here?" The girl looked around the beach, out over the ocean then at a few buildings of the town.

"Port Royal. And you can come and live with me." The young Swann said excitedly.

"And… who are you?" The girl asked as she looked back at Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth Swann. What's your name?"

"I do not have one," she said as she shook her head slightly.

"Would you be alright if I named you?" The mermaid frowned, looking wary, but nodded. "Alright, from now on your name is going to be-"

"Elizabeth!" Both girls looked up to find Governor Swann, Elizabeth’s maid, Lieutenant Norrington, as well as a few other people in Navy uniforms. The group rushed over to where Elizabeth was kneeling next to the mermaid who began to shake slightly. "Elizabeth, what are you doing out here?" The Governor said ignoring the other girl.

“Oh Miss Swann!” Her maid cried, putting a hand to her chest. The poor woman looked close to hysteria since finding the young girl missing from her room, her hair was a mess and she looked close to tears. Elizabeth stood to face the group as the girl behind her curled up a bit.

"Father, this girl washed up on the beach. She has no memory; I wish for her to live with us, I'll take care of her. She can be like a sister!" Everyone's eyes turned to the young girl who was clutching her legs to her chest, shaking quite visibly out of fear and the cold wind. The men looked away when they realized she was naked. Her long hair only covered so much. Norrington took off his coat as he walked over to the girl who leaned away slightly; she resisted the instinctual urge to hiss at him. He crouched down and wrapped his coat around her. She gladly pulled it tighter around herself, closing her eyes at the inviting warmth. Norrington stood as the Governor spoke.

"Elizabeth, we cannot just take in some-“ he gestured with his hand, pausing a moment, “some girl without knowing who she is." The Governor argued with a disapproving frown.

"But father, she has nowhere to go!" Elizabeth pleaded. “She doesn’t even know her name…” The Governor looked torn.

"Well, we can't just leave the poor girl...” he let out a sigh. “Fine, she can stay with us but she will be your responsibility."

"I am no pet," The girl spat, glaring up at him.

“Of course not!” Elizabeth said turning to the girl. “You’ll be like my sister.” She said with a smile before turning to her father.

“Sister?” The girl asked quietly. Governor Swann sighed.

"Well, come along then. It’s late." He said. Elizabeth held down a hand for the girl. Using one hand to hold Norrington's coat around her, she reached up and took Elizabeth's hand. She stood up shakily and took one step before her legs buckled causing her to hit the ground with a gasp.

"She can’t walk." Elizabeth said. The girl looked down embarrassed. “I think she hurt her leg.” Elizabeth added quickly. Suddenly the girl was picked up by Norrington. She looked up at him with wide eyes before lowering her head.

"Thank you," she said quietly as the group began to walk to the Governor's house.

"You're welcome."

Once at Swann Manor, Norrington placed the girl in a chair in the foyer while Elizabeth hurried upstairs; her maid followed after her. The girl went to take off Norrington coat when he stopped her.

"You can return it another day," he said holding up a hand. She nodded and pulled it tighter around herself. Norrington turned to walk away but then he turned back and looked at the her. "Coralie." She looked up at him, eye brows raised.

"What?" she asked. As Elizabeth rushed down the stairs with a blanket.

"It just came to me. Coralie." He said simply before walking away.

“That’s a great name.” Elizabeth said as she wrapped the blanket around Coralie and made sure to wrap it around the top of her head. Coralie gave her a slight smile.. “Don’t you think so?”

“I do…” Coralie said with a slight nod.

Next Chapter

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#pirates of the caribbean #Fanfic #fanfiction #james norrington #Norrington x OC #Becket x OC #Mermaid OC

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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

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Misplaced (Chapter 1)

Fandom: Lost

Genre: Romance, Adventure,

Pairing: undecided x OC

Rated: M

Warnings: Language, Violence,

Summary: She'd misplaced her courage, her independence and sometimes even her will to live; and that was before the crash. With her friend gone, surrounded by strangers, Melanie didn't know if her mind could handle it. It seemed like the worse thing to ever happen to her, but it might have been just what she needed.

(Sounds like angst but I swear there is minimal angst.)

A/N: I’m still debating with myself what pairing I want to do. (I’m not going to break up - Claire/Charlie or Sawyer/Juliet or Hurley/Libby or Kate/Jack.) I’m a sucker for villains/bad guys so I’m leaning towards Ben more than other survivors but that might change.

I’m doing this kinda like the show where it jumps back and forth between on island/after crash and before. I’m not gunna label them like “Past” and “Present” but there will be line breaks and it’ll be fairly easy to figure out which is which within the first few words to sentences.

(Ch 1)

Melanie swallowed a mouthful of salt water before she was able to break the surface and take a breath. The sounds of screams and an engine whirling hit her ears briefly before she went under again. Another gulp of water filled her mouth as she struggled to get back above the water. She managed to scream the next time she came up but in doing so emptied her lungs. As she went to gasp for air her head went under.

Her knee bounced as she chewed on her bottom lip. The man to her right looked a bit annoyed at the constant movement. Melanie stopped her leg and avoided looking at the man. Her seat belt was still on; as it had been on since she’d sat down. She hugged herself slightly and picked at the skin of her arm through her sleeve. The plane hit a small bit of turbulence and her eyes shut tight immediately. There was a soft ding as the pilot turned on the Fasten Seat belts sign. A flight attendant came on over the speaker a moment later to make sure everyone knew.

The Iraqi man who sat to Melanie's left, watched her a moment as she slowly opened her eyes.

“It’s only turbulence,” he said to her. She jumped slightly as she turned her head to look at him; she didn’t expect him – or anyone else for that matter – to talk to her.

“I-I know,” she said quietly.

“Is this your first time flying?” he asked. Melanie shook her head and held up two fingers with a weak smile. The man chuckled slightly. “It’ll be over before you know it,” he assured her. The plane shook again making Melanie gasp and grip the seat belt. She let out a slow breath.

“It can’t be over soon enough,” Melanie said with another weak smile. The man chuckled. More shaking and the plane creaked loudly as it shook some more. A few lights flickered. Melanie closed her eyes and tried her best to keep her breathing calm. Suddenly the plane lurched violently; a few passengers who weren’t buckled flew up and hit the ceiling before crashing back down along with luggage from the overhead compartments. Everyone was shouting as the plane continued to shake. An alarm was blaring and soon the oxygen masks dropped down. Melanie reached for hers but the plane falling made it hard for her to grab. The Iraqi man, who had already put his mask on, grabbed the swinging mask and put it over her mouth. Melanie squeezed her eyes shut tightly as she gripped onto her seat with all her strength.

Amidst the chaos of the crash, Jack ran up to a man, Boone, who was incorrectly administering CPR to an unconscious black woman, Rose.

“Stop! Her head's not tilted far back enough. You're blowing air into her stomach,” Jack said as he tilted Rose’s head

“You sure?” Boone asked. Jack started to give her mouth-to-mouth. “That's exactly what I was doing. I'm a lifeguard. I'm licensed.”

“Yeah, well, you need to seriously think about giving that license back,” Jack said as he listened for her breathing.

“Maybe we should do one of those hole things. You know, stick the pen in the throat?”

“Yeah, good idea,” Jack said sarcastically. “You go-“ Jack stopped as he heard a faint scream. He looked up and saw the woman in the water going under. Jack pointed and Boone turned around to see her. “Go! Get her out of the water!” Boone scrambled to get up before he ran into the water and swam out to her. She wasn’t moving when he reached her; her body had been sinking slowly. Boone lifted her head out of the water and swam her to the shore. He pulled her up onto the beach as the wing of the plane started to creak loudly. Boone heard Jack shouting as the wing started to fall. It hit the ground and exploded on impact sending Jack, a pregnant woman, Claire, and a large man, Hurley, to the ground.

“Hey!” Boone shouted as he pulled the woman further away from the water. He moved her long brown hair that was stuck to her face and put a hand above her mouth to feel for her breath. “Hey!” As Jack stood he looked over to see him. “She’s not breathing!” Jack ran over before Boone could attempt to revive her and started to administer CPR, the correct way.

“Come on,” he muttered as he pushed on her chest.

“I told you we should have booked our return tickets the same time we booked the ones to get here,” Melanie said before she bit her lip.

“Hey,” Stacy, a blonde woman around her age, said as she poked her friend in the cheek. “Stop that.” Melanie released her bottom lip before letting out a sigh. Stacy frowned apologetically. “I’m sorry, okay. You were fine on the way here though.”

“Fine? Do you not remember me crushing your hand the whole way?” Melanie asked. Stacy grimace and shook her hand out a few times.

“I remember,” she said. “I just meant you kept relatively calm. Besides this isn’t going to be your first time flying anymore.”

“I know but… I don’t want to sit next to random strangers.” Melanie felt pathetic as she whined but she couldn’t help it that she got nervous around people she didn’t know.

“Hey, strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.”

“I hate that phrase,” Melanie muttered as her hand went to her mouth, she started to bite her already short nails. Stacy rolled her eyes and nudged the younger girl’s arm with her own.

“I wish you would stop doing that,” she said. Melanie blinked and took her hand away from her mouth. Most times she didn’t even realize when she did it; it had become an unhealthy habit but it was better than other alternatives. “Here,” Stacy reached into her pocket before handing something to Melanie. “If you’re going to chew something at least let it taste good.”

“I’m not that big on gum,” Melanie said.

“You told me you don’t like mint gum, that’s not mint,” Stacy said as she pointed to the pack. Melanie smiled slightly.

“Thanks,” she said.

“Come on, we’re boarding soon.”

“Thirteen hours of hell, here I come,” Melanie muttered as the two started walking.

“Come on, grumpy gus,” Stacy said.

“I’d feel better if I could at least see you from my seat,” Melanie said.

“I know; I don’t know how you’ll survive without this beautiful sight,” Stacy said with a dramatic sigh. Melanie smiled and rolled her eyes.

“Well at least I won’t have to hear you snoring if you fall asleep.”

“Snore- Hey!” Stacy bumped the girl with her shoulder and the two laughed.

Melanie coughed up the water she’d swallowed, turning onto her side as best she could. A hand on her back helped her as she continued to cough.

“Hey. You’re alright,” Jack said. Melanie gasped for breath, a loud wheezing came from her throat as she got as much air as she could. “Hey.” She coughed more and grabbed at her throat instinctively.

“Do you use an inhaler?” Boone asked immediately. Melanie grabbed at her pocket and pulled out a plastic baggie, inside was a cell phone and a red asthma inhaler. Jack grabbed the bag and opened it for her before handing her the inhaler. She pumped the inhaler twice as she inhaled sharply.

“Better?” The man asked. Melanie nodded as she coughed a few more times, less violently. “What’s your name?”

“M-Mel… Melanie.” Her breathing calmed down and Jack helped her sit up.

“My name’s Jack,” he said. She looked around, saw the smoke, the plane and the other passengers. “What…?”

“We crashed... there wasn’t a storm… I don’t know what happened.”

“Do we know where we are?” Melanie asked. Jack turned his head to look out at the ocean before looking back at her. He shook his head.

“You’re okay now?”

“Yeah. I’m good.” Melanie nodded. Jack got up and left in search of something.

“Boone.”

“What?” Melanie turned to look up at him.

“My name,” he said.

“Oh.” Melanie looked around and saw a few bodies of the people who didn’t make it. “Where’s the rest of the plane?” She stood, with the help of Boone, and looked around. Boone shook his head. “You… Have you seen a blonde- short blonde haired girl with-“ She motioned to her shirt. “A Green Day shirt?” Boone shook his head.

“No, I don’t think so. Sorry.” Boone shook his head. “Was she sitting next to you?” Melanie shook her head.

“No… No we couldn’t get seats next to each other,” She said, her voice trailed off as she looked at the wreckage. “She was… at the back.”

Next Chapter

Tagged: ---

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#Lost #lost fanfic #fanfiction #original character #OFC

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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

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Blood Soaked Arrows to the Heart (Chapter 3)

Fandom: The Walking Dead

Genre: Romance, Horror, Tragedy,

Pairing: Daryl x OC

Rated: M

Warnings: Language, Violence, gore, etc.

(First) (Previous)

Later, Rick put his police uniform back on. He walked past Shane.

“So that's it, huh? You're just gunna walk off? Just to hell with everybody else?” Shane asked.

“I'm not saying to hell with anybody… not you Shane…” Rick said. “Lori least of all.”

“Then tell her that.” Shane said.

“She knows.” Rick said before walking away. Shane followed after him.

“Well, look, I… I don't, okay, Rick? So could you just… Could you throw me a bone here, man? Could you just tell me why? Why would you risk your life for a douche bag like Merle Dixon?”

“Hey, choose your words more carefully.” Daryl said.

“No, I did. Douche bag's what I meant.” Shane said to Daryl. “Merle Dixon…The guy wouldn't give you a glass of water if you were dying of thirst.” Shane said to Rick.

“What he would or wouldn't do doesn't interest me. I can't let a man die of thirst… me. Thirst and exposure. We left him like an animal caught in a trap. That's no way for anything to die, let alone a human being.”

“So you and Daryl, that's your big plan?” Lori asked. Rick turned to Glenn who made a face.

“Oh, come on.” Glenn said.

“You know the way. You've been there before in and out, no problem. You said so yourself. It's not fair of me to ask… I know that, but I'd feel a lot better with you along. I know she would too.”

“That's just great. Now you're gunna risk three men, huh?” Shane asked.

“Four.” T-dog said. Daryl huffed as he cleaned his bolts.

“My day just gets better and better, don't it?” Daryl said.

“You see anybody else here stepping up to save your brother's cracker ass?” T-Dog asked.

“Why you?” Daryl asked.

“You wouldn't even begin to understand. You don't speak my language.” T-Dog said.

“That's four.” Dale said.

“It's not just four. You're putting every single one of us at risk. Just know that, Rick. Come on, you saw that walker. It was here. It was in camp. They're moving out of the cities. They come back, we need every able body we've got. We need 'em here. We need 'em to protect camp.”

“It seems to me what you really need most here are more guns.” Rick said.

“Right, the guns.” Glenn said

“Wait. What guns?” Shane asked.

“Six shotguns, two high-powered rifles, over a dozen handguns. I cleaned out the cage back at the station before I left. I dropped the bag in Atlanta when I got swarmed. It's just sitting there on the street, waiting to be picked up.”

“Ammo?”

“700 rounds, assorted.”

“You went through hell to find us. You just got here and you're gunna turn around and leave?” Lori said.

“Dad, I don't want you to go.” Carl said.

“To hell with the guns. Shane is right. Merle Dixon? He's not worth one of your lives, even with guns thrown in.” Lori said before standing. “Tell me. Make me understand.”

“I owe a debt to a man I met and his little boy. Lori, if they hadn't taken me in, I'd have died. It's because of them that I made it back to you at all. They said they'd follow me to Atlanta. They'll walk into the same trap I did if I don't warn him.”

“What's stopping you?” Lori asked.

“The walkie-talkie, the one in the bag I dropped. He's got the other one. Our plan was to connect when they got closer.”

“These are our walkies?”Shane asked.

“Yeah.” Rick said.

“So use the CB. What's wrong with that?” Andrea asked.

“The CB's fine. It's the walkies that suck to crap… Date back to the '70s, don't match any other bandwidth… Not even the scanners in our cars.” Shane said.

“I need that bag.” Rick said. Lori looked away. Rick crouched in front of Carl. “Okay?” Rick asked. Carl nodded.

Kira walked over to Daryl who was in the back of the van waiting for the others. He looked over as she got up into the back.

“Yer not comin, get out.”

“I know I’m not going, chill out.” Kira said. Daryl was pacing in the back. “I just wanted to…”

“Ta what?” Daryl asked turning to her. Kira held her hands behind her back.

“To tell you to be careful; I still have a debt to you.” He shook his head.

“Ya don’t owe me nothin’.”

“You saved my brother’s life. I never did properly thank you.”

“Don’t.”

“Just be careful and come back alive, huh?” He glanced at her before looking away. Suddenly she was in front of him and he blinked. She leaned up on her toes and pecked his cheek. He backed up, his eyes slightly wide.

“Wha the-!”

“For luck.” she said with a small smirk.

“Don’ need luck.” He said with a frown and started to rub his cheek.

“Aw you’re rubbing it in.” Kira said with a smile. He glared slightly and looked away before going over to the front and putting his foot on the horn three times. Glenn, in the driver’s seat, leaned away.

“Come on, let's go!” Daryl shouted. He turned to Kira. “Get out.” She rolled her eyes but smirked before getting out of the back.

“Darwel!” Daryl turned around with a glare but blinked in surprise when he saw Lilly trying to climb into the back of the van.

“Where do ya think yer goin?” Daryl asked her as she managed to roll up into the back.

“Are you goin ta get Merwel?” she asked as she stood and looked up at him.

“Yeah.” Daryl said. Lilly motioned with her hands for Daryl to come down to her level so she could tell him something. Daryl sighed and crouched. “What?” Lilly cupped her hands like she was going to whisper something to him and he turned his head, leaning down a bit more. Lilly went on her toes and kissed his cheek before she started giggling. Daryl rolled his eyes. “You too, huh?” Lilly smiled up at him with a small giggle. Daryl shook his head with the smallest smile as he stood up. He jumped out of the back. “Come on.” He said as he picked her up. “Come on.” he put her down on the ground. “Go on, get outta here.” he said as he ruffled her hair before he nodded his head towards where Kira was talking with Andrea. Lilly grinned back up at him before running over to Kira who picked up the girl with a smile before she glanced over at Daryl. Daryl got back in the back of the van, as Rick got in the passenger’s seat, and pulled the back door down before the group took off.

Kira was approached by Carol.

“The other women and I are going to do the laundry, if you want to help.” she said. “Miranda can watch Lilly.” she added motioning over to where Morales’ wife was with her children and Sophia.

“Sure.” Kira said with a nod. The group of woman, Carol, Jacqui, Kira, Andrea, and Amy, went down to the quarry. Ed sat on the back of the Cherokee’s tailgate watching while Shane and Carl were trying to catch frogs nearby. Tyler sat a few feet away on a rock.

“Hey Tyler.” Shane said to the boy who was sitting nearby watching them. “Wanna give it a shot?” Tyler shook his head.

“Come on, Ty.” Carl said with a big smile. Tyler frowned slightly.

“No thanks.” he said. “Not a big fan of frogs.”

“Your gunna love ‘em soon.” Shane said. Tyler didn’t respond. Carl frowned. “Come on bud, more for us, huh?” Shane said with a smile making Carl smile too.

…

“I'm beginning to question the division of labor here.” Jacqui said walking over with Andrea as they watched Shane and Carl pretty much just playing in the water. “Can someone explain to me how the women wound up doing all the Hattie McDaniel work?” Jacqui asked.

“The world ended. Didn't you get the memo?” Amy asked. Ed watched the women washing the laundry from his vehicle.

“It's just the way it is.” Carol said. “I do miss my Maytag.”

“I miss my Benz, my sat nav.” Andrea said.

“I miss my coffeemaker with that dual-drip filter and built-in grinder, honey.” Jacqui said.

“My computer… And texting.” Amy said. Kira nodded in agreement.

“I miss my vibrator.” Andrea said. The women started to laugh.

“Oh!” Jacqui said.

“Oh my God!” Amy giggled.

“Wow.” Kira laughed.

“Me too.” Carol said. The girls continued to laugh even louder. Ed noticed and frowned before walking over.

“What's so funny?” he asked.

“Just swapping war stories, Ed.” Andrea said.

“Yeah.” Amy said. Ed came up to them.

“Problem, Ed?” Andrea asked.

“Nothin' that concerns you. And you ought to focus on your work.” He said to Carol. “This ain't no comedy club.” The woman went back to washing the clothes.

…

Lori walked over to Carl and Shane.

“Hey Carl,” She said. “What did I tell you about not leaving Dale’s sight?”

“But Shane said we could catch frogs remember?” Carl asked.

“Doesn’t matter what Shane said it matters what I said. Go on, back to camp.” Carl sighed and got up. “I’ll be right behind you.”

“I’ll go with him.” Tyler said. Lori nodded to him and the two boys started walking back to camp. Lori started to follow but ended up staying back and arguing with Shane. A few minutes later she joined them on the walk back.

…

Andrea stood up.

“Ed, tell you what… you don't like how your laundry is done, you are welcome to pitch in and do it yourself. Here.” she tossed a wet shirt at him and Ed threw it right back at her face. “Oh!”

“Ain't my job, missy.” Ed said.

“Andrea, don't.” Carol said.

“What is your job, Ed? Sitting on your ass smoking cigarettes?” Andrea said.

“Well, it sure as hell ain't listening to some uppity smart-mouthed bitch. Tell you what… come on. Let's go.” Ed said motioning Carol over. Carol got up.

“She doesn’t have to go, Ed. You’re not the boss of her.” Kira said as she stood next to Andrea and pushed Carol behind her.

“And I say it's none of your business. Come on now. You heard me.” Carol went to move but Kira stopped her.

“Carol.” she said.

“Kira, please. It doesn't matter.” Carol said.

“Hey, don't think I won't knock you on your ass just 'cause you're the little girl getting all nice and cozy with that Dixon guy, All right?” Kira’s jaw dropped slightly. “Now you come on now or you gunna regret it later.” Ed said to Carol.

“So she can show up with fresh bruises later, Ed? Yeah, we've seen them.” Jacqui said. Ed laughed. Nearby Shane noticed what was happening.

“Stay out of this. Now come on! You know what? This ain't none of y'all's business. You don't want to keep prodding the bull here, okay? Now I am done talking. Come on.” Ed said.

“No no.” Andrea and Kira said.

“Carol, you don't…” Amy said.

“Carol, you don't have…” Andrea said.

“You don't tell me what! I tell you what!” Ed said suddenly slapping Carol. “You think you can…” The girls started to protect Carol and they grabbed onto Ed. Ed was too big and none of them could prevent Ed from continuing to grab at Carol.

“Get off her!” Amy grabbed Carol and pulled her away.

“Come here! Come here!” Ed said. Andrea hit him with the wet shirt.

“Get off her! Get off her! Get off her!” Kira moved to block a hit to Carol and got hit on the side of the face. She stumbled and fell to the ground as Shane walked in and grabbed Ed.

“Get off me!” Ed said. Shane pulled him away and threw him to the ground. He went over and starting punching Ed in the face.

“It's okay. It's okay.” Andrea said to Carol. Jacqui helped Kira up and looked at her face. Her left cheek was sore and would probably bruise soon. Shane pummeled Ed’s face multiple times. Ed's face got bloody as Shane continued to punch him. The girls watched in horror as Shane mutilated Ed's face. Carol was sobbing. “Shane, stop! Just stop!” Andrea shouted.

“Stop it! Stop!” Carol sobbed. Shane grabbed Ed.

“You put your hands on your wife, your little girl or anybody else in this camp one more time, I will not stop next time. Do you hear me? Do you hear me?!” Shane shouted.

“Yes.” Ed moaned.

“I'll beat you to death, Ed.”

“Ed!” Carol sobbed.

“I'll beat you to death.” Shane said to him before he hit him one more time and then kicked him in the stomach.

“Oh God! No. God!” Carol sobbed running over to him and kneeling over him. “Ed, I'm sorry. Oh my God. Ed, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Ed. Ed, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Ed.” The other girls didn’t know how to react as Shane made his way over. He took Kira’s hand and made his way back to camp. He was breathing heavy.

“You okay?” he asked as he stopped outside his tent.

“I’m fine.” Kira said. He took her chin in his hand and looked at where Ed hit her. “Shane, really I’m fine.” He nodded and let her chin go after a moment. “I’m gunna go hunting in a bit…” she said.

“Alright. Be careful.”

“Would you keep an eye on Tyler?” Kira asked. Shane nodded. “He hasn’t had a chance to be a kid in a while. I’m glad that he can be around kids his own age.”

Next Chapter

Tagged: @101killer (Though you’d want to be tagged, let me know if you want to be tagged in future chapters)

If you wish to be tagged (or to stop being tagged) to know when a chapter is posted let me know via ask/messages/reply.

#the walking dead #fanfic #fanfiction #daryl dixon x oc

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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

Text

My Demons (Chapter 19)

Fandom: Naruto (Anime)

Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, FLUFF

Pairing: Gaara x OC

Rated: T

(First) (Previous)

Knowing that's never going to change That's what keeps me going Knowing I can just call your name And your arms will open It's all the strength I need, Just knowing you love me

-Just Knowing You Love Me - Jimmy Wayne

Everyone who had won their matches, minus Sasuke, stood in front of Hayate, Anko, and Ibiki who were standing in front of the Hokage. The genin were all in a line: Dosu, Naruto, Temari , Kankurō, Gaara, Shikamaru, Neji and then Shino. Everyone one else was still up in the balconies.

“I commend all those who’ve advanced to the finals for the third level of the chunin exams.” Hayate said. “Well there’s one person missing but still, congratulations.”

“And now I will begin the explanation of the final round.” The Hokage said. “In the final rounds each of you will put your battle skills on display. You demonstrate the power and control you’ve received in your respected disciplines. Accordingly the final battles will commence one month from now.”

“Wait, we’re not gunna do it right here and now?” Naruto asked.

“This is to supply a suitable period of preparation.” The Hokage explained

“What do you mean by that?” Neji asked.

“Simply this in addition to announcing the conclusion of the preliminary matches to each county’s leaders, we must also have some time to prepare and distribute the summons for the final selection. Not to mention that you examinees are going to need time to prepare for something that is this important.

“Look I don’t really get what you’re tryin’a say.” Kankurō said. “What’s the point of this?”

“I mean that to know your advisories and prepare yourself you need time. Even though up to this point all the battles have been real battles as I’m sure you can all attest. They were conducted on the premise that you were fighting an unknown enemy but that’s no longer the case now that you’ve battled each other. So in order to make the finals fair and just, we’re giving you this month. Each of you must embrace the opportunity to practice hard and learn some new tricks. Because by now everyone here knows your techniques, so using your own tired tricks is a sure way to lose in the finals. And remember to get some rest as well. Now, with all of that behind us, I’d like to begin winding things up. But before we can bring this to an end first there is one more important matter to take care of for the final round.”

“Let’s get on with it!” Naruto said. “I mean come one, how long do we have to wait until we start training?!”

“In a calm orderly fashion all of you are going to take one slip of paper from the box that Anko is holding.” The Hokage said.

“Everyone just stay where you are, I’ll just come to you.” Anko said. She walked up to Dosu. “Just take one.” Everyone took out a paper. Naruto opened his to see a one.

“Huh?”

“Good now everyone has one. Going from left to right tell me the number that’s written on your slip of paper.”

“I’ve got eight.” Dosu said.

“Number one of course.” Naruto said.

“Seven.” Temari said.

“Five.” Kankurō said.

“Three.” Gaara said.

“Nine.” Shikamaru said.

“Two.” Neji said.

“Six” Shino said.

“And that means Sasuke will be number four.” Ibiki said.

“Right.” The Hokage said. “Very good, Now I’m going to tell you about how the final selection tournament is going to work.”

“Ehhhh?” Naruto looked confused.

“Is that what the numbers are for? Drawing lots?”

“Ibiki, you may reveal which ninja have been paired up.” Hokage said.

“Yes sir.” Ibiki turned the clipboard her was holding around to show a chart. Naruto gulped. The order went as follows: Naruto vs Neji, Gaara vs Sasuke, Kankurō vs Shino, Temari vs Dosu and who ever won that match would go against Shikamaru.

“May I ask you a question?” Shikamaru asked raising his hand.

“You may.” The Hokage said. Shikamaru pointed one finger up.

“Alright if this is a tournament, does that mean that there’s only going to be one winner? I mean only one of is going to be able to become a chunin then?”

“Actually it’s quite the contrary. There are going to be several judges for the final rounds including myself, the shinobi leaders and the Kazekage, the lords from the various countries that ultimately will be assigning your missions to you. Through this tournament these judges will be able to make a thorough evaluation of your abilities. They will then decide whether any or all of you possess the qualities required of a chunin. Even if someone loses the first round they could still become a chunin.”

“So there’s actually a chance that every one of us who competes in the selection could become chunin.” Temari said.

“Correct, but conversely there’s also a chance that none of you will be chosen.” The Hokage said. Naruto gulped. “The advantage in fighting more rounds in the tournament is in getting more chances to display your talents in front of the judges who will decide your fate. Does that answer your question, Shikamaru? I thank you all for your patients. Now let us adjourn until next month.”

“I’m so tired.” Rin said as she sat on the hotel bed.

“You’re tired?” Kankurō asked. “You didn’t do a thing!”

“Cheering is hard work.” Rin said crossing her arms.

“Didn’t hear ya cheerin for me.” Kankurō muttered.

“I wished you luck and you said you didn’t need it so I figured you didn’t need my cheering either.” Rin said putting her hands on her hips. Kankurō rolled his eyes.

“But you thought Temari would need it?” Kankurō teased looking at his sister who was shaking her head.

“I won by a long shot.” Temari said. “Why did you only cheer for me?” Temari asked turning to look at Rin. Gaara, who was putting his gourd down at the end of the bed, started to pay attention. “I can understand not cheering for him,” she jerked her thumb at Kankurō who frowned.

“Well,” Rin looked down. “I was gunna cheer for Gaara,” Gaara turned his head to look at her. “But I didn’t want to embarrass him.” she shuffled her feet slightly. Temari started to smile and Kankurō rolled his eyes. Gaara let out a silent sigh.

She was cheering for me, he thought. He remembered hearing her scream his name whenever Lee got a hit in. She cares about me more than that green suited loser.

“Dibs on second shower after Gaara.” Rin said.

“The other room has a shower you know.” Kankurō said. “Use that one.”

“Temari’s using that one though.” Rin said. Temari smiled. One good thing about Rin pretty much sharing a room with the boys is that Temari got the shower all to herself.

“Thanks Rin.” Temari said before going to her room through the connecting door.

“You go ahead, Rin.” Gaara said. Rin blinked.

“You sure?” Rin asked. Gaara nodded. “Okay. I won’t take long.” she said with a smile before she skipped into the bathroom. Kankurō sighed.

“You forgot your clothes.” he said. Rin skipped out, humming, and went into Temari’s room to get her PJs. Gaara faced away from Kankurō and let a small smile slip through. A moment later Rin came back in and went into the bathroom. The door closed and Kankurō started taking off his jumpsuit. He tossed it on his suitcase and sat on the bed in his boxers and the white shirt he had on underneath. Gaara sat on his bed and watched Kankurō look around for something before he got up. Kankurō walked to the bathroom door and knocked. “Hey, ya think you could give me my-“ The door opened and Gaara saw Rin’s arm pop out holding Kankurō’s make up remover. “Thanks.” Kankurō mumbled as Rin shut the door.

…

A few minutes later Rin came out of the bathroom in her PJ’s with her towel around her neck. She looked at Kankurō, who was sitting on the bed, and shook her head. Rin let out a sigh making Kankurō look up.

“What?” he asked.

“You missed a spot.” she said. Kankurō frowned.

“Where?” he asked as he started wiping his hand around his face. Rin took a corner of her towel and held his chin so he’d stay still while she wiped the remaining purple from his forehead.

“You’re welcome.” she said.

“Yeah thanks.” Kankurō muttered. “Would’ve come off in the shower anyways.” He pointed out.

“Yeah but it could’ve run down into your eye and that would’ve hurt.” Rin said. Kankurō chuckled.

“Didn’t know you cared so much, twerp.” Kankurō said patting her on the head.

“Kankurō.” Gaara said making Kankurō tense. “Go ahead and shower.” Kankurō nodded silently before he grabbed his clothes and headed into the bathroom. Rin walked over and sat next to Gaara.

“What’s wrong? You don’t want to shower?” Rin asked. Gaara shook his head.

“Rin?”

“Mhm?”

“Did I… Did I scare you today?” he asked. He wanted to look at her but he didn’t want to see her expression.

“Why would you have scared me?” Rin asked as she tilted her head. Gaara glanced at her.

“My match… that boy…”

“Lee?” Rin asked. Gaara nodded. “You… you didn’t mean to hurt him that badly, right?” Gaara turned his head to fully look at her. “No one’s ever landed a hit on you in battle. It was a heat of the moment thing.” Rin said with a shrug. Gaara nodded.

“Yeah… that’s what happened.” he said. “I just didn’t know if you-“

“Nothing you do will ever change my opinion of you, Gaara.” Rin said with a smile. She slipped her hand into his that was on the bed between them. Gaara gave her hand a squeeze and nodded. “I’m glad you passed though.” Rin said before leaning over and pecking his cheek. Gaara allowed himself to smile at her as Rin let out a small yawn.

“You should get some sleep.” he said.

“I can’t sleep without my Gaara-bear.” Rin said with a small giggle. Gaara’s cheeks went pink and he looked to the bathroom door. The shower could still be heard running. “He can’t hear.” Rin said rolling her eyes. Gaara shook his head with a small smile.

“I told you not to call me that unless we were alone.” Gaara said quietly.

“We are alone.” Rin said with a giggle. “Don’t worry; I wouldn’t ruin your bad boy reputation.” Gaara raised his brow and stared at her.

“My what?” he asked. Rin started giggling.

“I’m just teasing you.” she said as she moved to get under the covers. Gaara shook his head and moved under the covers as well. “Whacha wanna do tomorrow?” Rin asked as she moved close to Gaara and put her head on his chest.

“I wasn’t planning on doing anything.” Gaara said. Rin smiled as his voice vibrated throughout his chest.

“I’m gunna see what kinda shops they have here.” Rin said. Gaara frowned slightly. “Don’t worry; I won’t make you come with me. I’ll bring you something back though. Maybe Temari will want to come with me. I overheard a woman talking about a hotsprings here. That sounds like fun, doesn’t it Gaara?” Gaara chuckled and put a hand on her head.

“Go to sleep, Rin.” he said. Rin giggled and snuggled closer before closing her eyes.

Rin walked through the village holding her hands behind her back as she looked around with a smile.

“Hey!”

“Huh?” Rin stopped and turned her head to see Naruto running towards her with a big smile.

“Hey!” He stopped behind her as she turned completely to face him.

“Good morning, Naruto-kun.” she said with a smile.

“G-good moring, Rin-chan.”

“Just Rin is okay.”

“Oh okay!” Naruto said with another big smile.

“What’s up?” Rin asked.

“Um.. I was just wondering if you might wanna maybe… if you’re not busy,” Naruto pushed two fingers together as he looked down at his feet. Rin tilted her head. “Do you wanna maybe get some ramen with me?”

“Sure! I haven’t had breakfast yet anyways.” Rin said.

“Great! Let’s go! I know the best ramen place it’s gunna be the best ramen you’ve ever had!” Naruto said as he started to lead the way to the ramen shop.

“I’ve actually never had ramen before.” Naruto suddenly froze midstep and Rin blinked as she turned to him. “Naruto-kun? Are you okay?” Naruto turned to her slowly with wide eyes.

“You’ve… never had ramen?!” he shouted making Rin jump and shake her head.

“It’s not that popular in Suna. Hot things in the desert and all.” Rin explained. Naruto suddenly grabbed Rin’s hand and started running towards the ramen shop.

…

Naruto watched Rin pick up her chopsticks as they sat in Ichiraku Ramen. Rin glanced at him as she picked up some noodles. Naruto looked excited and was bouncing in his seat.

“Go on.” he said. “Try it.” Rin nodded and turned to her bowl before taking a big bite. She blinked and Naruto leaned forward. “Well?” Rin swallowed the bite and turned to Naruto with a big smile.

“This is awesome!” she said before she started eating more. Naruto laughed.

“Ichiraku Ramen is the best!” Naruto cheered as the shop owner placed his bowl in front of him. Rin glance over and saw that Naruto was almost done with his bowl.

“Wow.” She said. Naruto stopped mid-slurp and glanced at her. He blinked and swallowed what he had in his mouth before sitting up with a nervous chuckle. Rin giggled. “You really like ramen, huh?”

“Yep!”

“Thanks for showing me this place.” Rin said.

“No problem.” Naruto said with a grin before he started to eat the rest of his ramen, a bit more slowly.

…

By the time Rin finished her bowl Naruto had finished his second and the owner had placed a third in front of him. Rin reached into her pocket and pulled out her wallet.

“This is on me.” Naruto said.

“Huh?” Rin blinked. “You don’t have to do that.” Naruto blushed.

“Think of it as a welcome to Konoha gift.” he said. Rin giggled.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Yeah!” Naruto said. “But only if you have ramen again with me later.” Rin smiled.

“Of course.”

“Awesome!”

“So what do you do for fun around here?” Rin asked.

“Uh I mostly train or eat ramen.” Naruto said scratching the back of his head. Rin chuckled.

“What do other people do then?” she asked.

“Well…” Naruto frowned as he thought. “There’s the hot springs.”

“I heard someone talking about those.” Rin said with a nod. “I think I’m gunna see if Temari wants to come with me later.”

“Uh… is that the blond girl?” Naruto asked. Rin nodded.

“Mhm she’s Gaara and Kankurō’s sister.” she said. Naruto simply nodded with a frown. “He didn’t mean to hurt Lee.” Naruto looked at her as she looked down at her feet. “He’s never been hit in battle, I think he got scared and his sand lashed out.” Naruto’s expression softened when he saw how tears were coming to Rin’s eyes.

“Hey, you should get some souvenirs!” Naruto said.

“You’re supposed to save souvenir shopping to the last few days of a trip.”

“Says who?” Naruto asked. Rin shrugged. “That’s stupid.” Naruto said shaking his head. “Come on, how about I just give you a tour that way you’ll know where every shop is when you want to get souvenirs.”

“That sounds great!”

Rin spent the whole day with Naruto and they ended up back at Ichiraku Ramen. Gaara thought Rin would’ve returned to the room by then so he went out looking for her. He heard her laugh and followed the sound to the ramen shop. Gaara saw Naruto with her and he frowned.

“Rin.” Gaara said as he walked up to them. The two turned around and Naruto frowned while Rin smiled.

“Hey Gaara, wanna join us? You should try this, it’s really good. I think ramen is now one of my top five favorite foods.” Rin said with a grin.

“It’s late.” Gaara said. Rin tilted her head and looked at her watch.

“It’s not that late.”

“You’ve been gone all day.” Gaara said.

“She’s been with me all day.” Naruto said. Gaara glared at him.

“I told you I was going to be exploring the village today.” Rin said. Gaara gently grabbed Rin’s wrist and started to pull her away from the loud blond. Naruto quickly grabbed her other wrist.

“Hey wait!” he shouted. Gaara turned to glare at him. “She doesn’t have to go with you!” Gaara’s face softened as he turned his head to look at Rin.

“Rin.” he said. Rin looked back and forth between the two boys. She frowned and settled on looking at Gaara.

“I want to hang out with Naru-kun.” she said. Gaara’s eyes widened a fraction and he let go of her wrist before he walked away without another word.

“Come on, Rin.” Naruto said as he started to pull her back to the ramen shop. Rin pulled her hand free. “Huh?” Naruto watched Rin run after Gaara and stop in front of him. He didn’t meet her eyes.

“You’re still my best friend and I asked if you wanted to join us. I want to hang out with Naruto cause we leave in a month. You see me every day; I don’t know when I’m going to see him again after the end of the exams. I don’t know why you’re upset but I don’t think it’s fair so I’m going to hang out with Naruto and… and you can just deal with it.” Gaara’s eyes were visibly wide. Rin was glaring at him.

Rin? Why?

She walked past him and back over to Naruto who looked between the two.

“Everything okay?” Naruto asked.

“Fine.” Rin snapped. She stopped and cringed. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay; ramen will make you feel better.” Naruto said. Rin let out a light chuckle and nodded.

Rin returned to the inn she and the sand sibs were staying at but before she could touch the door handle the door opened and she was pulled inside.

“Whoa!”

“What did you do?” Temari asked.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Rin asked.

“To Gaara.” Kankurō said. “He’s been on some roof for hours; he looked ready to kill someone.” He muttered. Rin frowned and lowered her head.

“It’s my fault.” Rin said. “I wanted to hang out with Naruto and Gaara got upset.” Rin said.

“Of course he got upset. You’re his only friend.” Temari said. “He doesn’t want to lose you.”

“But he knows he’s my best friend.” Rin said.

“Rin, he’s never had anyone but you besides…” Kankurō trailed off.

“Where is he?” Rin asked.

“Last we knew he left through the window and was jumping roofs.” Temari said. “Fix this.”

“I plan to.”

Gaara sat high above a roof, wind chimes below him sounded.

“Well well… look at this.” Dosu said as he approached. “Don’t you even sleep at all?”

“Why are you here? What do you want?” Gaara asked.

“I was planning on attacking you while you slept.” Dosu said. “If I fight and defeat you now then in the next round I can battle the one I really want to face. Sasuke. I already know all about your sand attack. I wonder which is faster, your sand or my sound.” Dosu said.

“When the moon is full... Its blood boils.” Gaara said as his sand came out of the gourd and attacked Dosu.

“Huh, wha- what in the world are you?” The sand attacked Dosu and killed him in a manner of seconds. Gaara was bent over on the roof, panting so heavily that he almost didn’t hear the gasp come from behind him. His head snapped to the sound and his eyes widened.

No, his mind screamed. Why? Why now? Why did you have come here now?! Rin stared at Gaara with wide eyes; her hands had flown to cover her mouth. Gaara felt his heart pounding in his ears. She’d seen him. She’d seen what he’d done, what he was capable of doing. He couldn’t breathe. All this time he’d managed to control himself around her when it came to killing. He never felt the need to around her. He didn’t want her to ever see that side of him and now she had.

“Rin.” He took a step towards her, expecting her to run but she stood there frozen. “Rin I-” She wasn’t moving, not even her chest. His eyes widened and he ran over to her. He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “Rin!” He couldn’t hide the panic in his voice. She sucked in a gasp and her legs gave out. Her hands moved to grip his shoulders as he lowered her slowly. “Rin?” She didn’t say a thing, couldn’t say a thing. Her throat felt dryer than Suna itself and when she tried to swallow it felt like there was a clump of sand in her throat. Gaara pulled her to him. She was tense against him but her arms had gone limp and hung at her sides. Gaara rested his forehead on her shoulder. “Don’t hate me.” He whispered, his voice cracking, as he gripped the back of her shirt tightly. Rin’s arms felt numb but she wrapped them around him.

“I could never hate you.” she whispered. Gaara’s grip around her tightened and Rin, in turn, pulled him closer. She kissed his temple before she put her hand on the back of his head and stroked his hair gently. “You’re my best friend. Forever and always, right?” she whispered. Gaara nodded against her shoulder.

“Forever and always.” he said, his voice coming out as a broken whisper.

Next Chapter

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#naruto fanfiction #gaara x oc #fanfiction #fanfic

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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

Text

My Demons (Chapter 18)

Fandom: Naruto (Anime)

Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, FLUFF

Pairing: Gaara x OC

Rated: T

(First) (Previous)

Time goes by so slowly And time can do so much Are you still mine? I need your love

-Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

A cleaning guy came in to clean up Hinata’s blood and Kankuro went down the stairs and walked up to Naruto who was standing by himself leaning against the railing.

“Ahhh! Now you’re talking! All you can eat! Bring it ooooooon!!!” Chouji suddenly shouted. Hayate coughed and everyone looked over at him.

“Now then, we’ll continue the competition.” He said.

“Alright! This time you’ll be picked I just know it.” Gai said to Lee giving him a thumbs up. “You ready Lee?”

“No.” Lee said turning away.

“Huh?”

“I have been waiting so long, I do not care. I might as well go last.” The names on the board started changing. They stopped Gaara used his sand to transport down. Rin leaned on the railing with a big excited smile. Gaara glanced up at her before looking forward and waiting for Lee to join him.

“Ahhhhhhh!” Chouji screamed. “Safe again!”

“Stop that!” Ino said hitting him on the head.

“You want everyone to know you’re a chicken?” Shikamaru asked also hitting him.

“Lee.” Sakura looked over at him after seeing his name on the board.

“It worked like a charm.” Lee said after kicking. “I knew if I said I wanted to be last I would be next!” He kept kicking the air. “I simply applied the principal which states that sometimes the surest way to hit something is to stop trying to hit it.” He started punching the air. “It is a form of reverse psychology!”

“Huu-ah! That’s my student.” Gai said.

“I was absolutely not going to be last no matter what! Ha ha! I sure fooled them did I not?” Lee asked.

“Now then, listen carefully.” Gai said. Lee stopped punching. “A piece of advice before you begin.”

“Sir.” Lee saluted. Gai leaned closer to Lee and whispered.

“Look, you see that gourd that Gaara’s wearing? Watch out, there’s something weird about it.”

“Good advice sir.”

“Don’t write it down!” Gai said when Lee started writing it on a paper. “What are you thinking? After all you’re not going to have any time to read any notes during the match are you?”

“Ah, more good advice.” Lee said before writing it down.

“Now Rock and Roll!” Gai shouted pointing.

“Yeah!!” Lee shouted before vaulting over the railing to the floor. Lee took up his stance. “I knew that sooner or later we would have to meet and I am glad it is sooner.” Gaara just started at him.

“I hope Gaara doesn’t hurt him too bad.” Rin said with a small frown. Temari looked at her.

“I’m sure the kid’ll be… fine.” Temari said.

“Why are you in such a hurry?” Lee asked after catching something. He dropped the cord to Gaara’s gourd.

“Alright then.” Hayate said. “If you are both ready… begin!” Lee ran at Gaara and jumped up.

“Ah! Leaf Hurricane!” He kicked but Gaara’s sand blocked it before getting bigger. “huh?” Lee jumped away while flipping to avoid it. The sand went back into the gored.

“What is that?” Ino asked.

“It’s sand.” Sakura said. Lee ran at him again and sand came out. Gaara remained motionless, his arms still crossed. Lee jumped and kicked but the sand blocked him. He kept attacking but the sand kept blocking. He heard it behind him and took out a kunai. He sliced at the sand as it attacked him then tried to kick. He rolled out of the way of the sand multiple times. Before jumping up and throwing kunai at the side of Gaara’s head. The sand stopped them.

“Wow.” Naruto said as he watched.

“Even as fast as he is, Lee can’t get anywhere close to him.” Sakura said.

“The sand, he’s using it as a shield.” Naruto said.

“He’s not doing it.” Kankurō said. “The sand is protecting him of its own accord.”

“Huh?”

“It’s almost like a living thing.” Kankurō said. “It’ll come to Gaara’s defense without his doing anything. That’s why Gaara’s never been injured. No one can get at him. No one’s ever even been able to touch him.” Kankurō said. Gaara looked up at Rin and saw her bouncing on her feet with a big smile. He couldn’t help but smirk briefly.

“Well, is that all?” Gaara asked turning back to look at Lee. “I hope you haven’t finished entertaining me. We haven’t had enough… fun.” Gaara lifted his head and the sand came at Lee. It grabbed him around his leg before swinging him around. It threw him against the wall and Lee slid down. It came at him again but he dodged to the side and ran at Gaara before trying to punch him. Gaara looked up towards Rin and expected to see a smile but Rin had her hands over her mouth slightly and looked worried for Lee. Gaara grit his teeth together. She was supposed to be supporting him; she shouldn’t care about some leaf ninja she barely knew. Lee back-flipped away from the sand but then he slipped on it and fell. Gaara heard Rin gasp and shot a glare at Lee. The sand came at Lee and covered him.

“It’s over.” Shikamaru said. Sakura looked up to see Lee flipping in the air way up high. He landed on top of the hand statue.

“A ninja who can do neither ninjutsu or genjutsu is certainly a rarity. Lee has only his taijutsu to rely on. Some might consider that a disadvantage, but that’s what makes him a winner.” Gai said.

“Huh?” Sakura sounded even more confused.

“Alright Lee, take’em off.” Gai said giving him a thumbs up. Lee look over and saluted.

“Uh, but Gai sensei, you said that was only as a last resort when the lives of very important people were at stake.” Lee said.

“That’s right I did, but this is an exception.” Gai said.

“Really?” Lee asked a smile forming on his face. “Really?” He sounded excited. Lee sat on the statue and pulled off his orange leg warmers to reveal leg weights.

“Huh? Are those..?” Ino asked.

“How old fashioned.” Shikamaru said.

“Totally cool.” Naruto said.

“Totally dumb.” Kankurō said.

“Ah that is better.” Lee said holding each leg weight and standing. “Now I will be able to move freely.” He dropped the weights. When they hit the ground it was like an explosion had gone off. The whole room shook. Everyone looked shocked.

“Alright! Now go!” Gai shouted.

“Yes Sir!” Lee said and suddenly he was gone. Gaara blinked and looked surprised. Lee was suddenly behind him and punched. Lee punched through the sand but didn’t hit Gaara. Gaara looked shocked and had uncrossed his arms. Lee was suddenly on the other side of him and kicked. Gaara’s head moved as Lee kicked because the sand had just barely stopped Lee’s foot. Gaara looked to where Lee had been and Lee suddenly punched coming an inch away from his face. Lee ran around Gaara and punched and kicked. Lee suddenly punched with a cry and his fist went past Gaara’s face.

“Close!” Sakura said with a smile. Gaara looked around as Lee seemed to blink around him kicking and punching. Temari looked over at Rin to see the girl watching with wide eyes.

“I could see that Lee had no aptitude for ninjutsu or genjutsu,” Gai said. “so we skipped them and focused all of his time and energy into developing taijutsu. That way we turn his disadvantage into a blessing. Now he doesn’t need those other things to win because he’s transformed himself into the world’s greatest taijutsu specialist.” Lee was running around Gaara who was trying to see where he was. Lee jumped up and brought his foot down and kicked Gaara’s head down which caused Rin to let out a squeak. Lee slide away and looked up with a smirk and Gaara looked in pain and annoyed.

“Wow, that’s scary.” Naruto said. “And I thought he was quick on his feet before. He’s been that fast all this time?”

“Yes Lee!” Gai cheered. “Let the power of youth explode!”

“Right!” Lee shouted and ran at Gaara. Gaara raised a hand and sand came up to block. Lee was suddenly behind Gaara and kicked. Gaara whirled around. “Over here!” Gaara couldn’t tell where Lee was. “No here!” Lee punched Gaara sending him to the ground.

“Gaara!” Rin shouted as she gripped the railing tightly.

“Good!” Gai said.

“He’s just, too quick.” Sakura said. “That sandstorm can’t keep up with him. Lee you nailed him!”

“That’s incredible.” Shikamaru said.

“I’ve never seen anyone that fast.” Ino said.

“Makes me dizzy just tryin’a keep track of him.” Chouji said. Gaara stood as sand poured out of the gourd.”

“Uh-oh.” Kankurō said.

“Yeah uh-oh is right.” Naruto said. “Your friend with the eye make-up is getting the stuffing beaten out of him.”

“That isn’t what I was talking about, kid.” Kankurō said.

“Huh?” Lee looked at Gaara, who was hanging his head, as sand fell off his face and onto the ground. He looked up and sand was covering him completely except for a few places were the sand had broken off. Gaara was grinning with wide eyes, showing all his teeth, and making a weird sound.

“Gaara?” Rin whispered.

“What the heck?” Naruto asked. “What’s going on with this guy?! His face is falling off.”

“It’s like a shell made of sand.” Kakashi said.

“Look there’s no a mark on the guy.” Shikamaru said.

“That is so weird.” Sakura said. The sand around Gaara swirled and went up to his face. The sand covered him.

“I don’t get it, is he made of sand or what?” Naruto asked. “All those blow and kicks Lee hit him with, did any of them get through?”

“No.” Kankurō said. “It’s like he’s wearing a suit of armor.”

“A what?” Naruto asked.

“Ordinarily those shifting clouds of sand are enough to shield him but in the event the shield is penetrated Gaara can also wear the sand like armor as a last line of defense.”

“This guy’s too much. He’s got armor now?” Naruto looked back at the two. “Does he have any weak spots?” Kankurō glanced over at Rin who looked extremely worried.

“Well is that all?” Gaara asked. Lee started to unwrap his arm wrappings until long pieces dangled from each.

“Get ready.” Lee said before he started running around Gaara in a large circle.

“What are you waiting for?” Gaara asked.

“Okay you asked for it.” Lee said. Suddenly Lee kicked Gaara in the chin sending him up.

“Gaara!” Rin shouted.

“Try this!” Lee kicked him in the stomach a bunch of times to get him up. The sand on the ground started to follow.

“What an incredible series of kicks.” Kakashi said. Lee gave a final kick then wrapped Gaara with his bandages before grabbing onto him and spinning them both extremely fast.

“Now take this! Primary Lotus!” They hit the ground creating a large crater. Lee landed safely next to it. The smoke cleared and Gaara could be seen in the middle of the crater. The sand armor on his made it seem like he was cracked all over. “It is over. I got him.” Lee said.

“Right on!” Gai shouted.

“Gaara!” Rin screamed. Temari put a hand on Rin’s shoulder afraid the girl was going to jump over the railing to run to him.

“Amazing. He really did it.” Naruto said.

“No… I don’t believe it.” Kankurō said.

“You did it!” Sakura cheered. “Way to go Lee!”

“Is he… that guy isn’t dead is he?” Shikamaru asked. Hayate walked over to look at Gaara’s body. A piece of sand fell in showing it was an empty shell. More pieces began to crumble away

“What?” Lee looked shocked.

“An empty shell!” Sakura shouted.

“But how? When did he do it?” Gai asked.

“It was when you closed your eyes to pray.” Kakashi said. “At that moment, Lee closed his eyes too because of the pain. That’s when he did it.” Lee turned around hearing sand behind him and Gaara appeared, sand falling down around him. He chuckled.

“Oh no it’s-“ Tamari said. Rin looked back, up at Temari with a frown.

“So it’s happened just as I thought; that look in his eyes it can only mean…” Kankurō said. “The demon inside him has been awakened.” Gaara made a hand sign and the sand swirled around him before attacking Lee sending him to the ground. Lee got up shakily grunting. He turned to face Gaara. A large wave of sand rose up.

“Run Lee!” Naruto shouted. Lee put up his arms to defend himself and a large wave of sand pushed him to the wall. The sand retracted and Lee slid down the wall. The sand came at him again and Lee put up his arms around.

“The poor kid is helpless he doesn’t have anything left.” Kankurō said. “Gaara’s just toying with him now.”

“I don’t get it, what’s Lee doing just standing there?” Sakura asked. “With his speed he should easily be able to get out of the way of those blasts. Why doesn’t he dodge them?”

“For a very simple reason.” Gai said. “He can’t dodge them.”

“Huh? Why is that?”

“The lotus is what you might call a double edged sword.” Kakashi said.

“What…What does that mean?”

“You know that it’s a forbidden technique, why do you think that is?” Kakashi asked.

“Well…”

“The Lotus isn’t ninjutsu or genjutsu it’s taijutsu requiring extreme physical energy, the strain it puts onto the body is unimaginable. No one can sustain it for long. Right now Lee is in so much pain that he hardly move at all. Isn’t that right Gai?”

“But-! But that means-!” Sakura looked back at Lee who was in a crater in the wall. He was holding his hands out and panting heavily. The sand attacked again and Lee jumped out of the way before rolling and jumping a few more times. Lee put up his arms in an X and Gaara made a hand sign. “No ninjutsu or genjutsu.”

“All he’s got is taijutsu.” Ino said. “And not much of that.”

“There’s no way he can win this.” Chouji said.

“Win? He’ll be lucky to survive.” Shikamaru said. Lee kept his arms up. Sand attacked him and he yelled out as he was sent to the ground. Gaara grinned and Lee stood up again holding up his arms. Gaara chuckled.

“What good to you think that’ll do?” Gaara asked.

“I pity the kid.” Kankurō said. “Gaara will just toy with him until he begs for mercy.”

“Well then,” Gai said. The three looked over. “Gaara’s in for a long match because that will never happen.”

“Huh?”

“Lee doesn’t know how to give up.” Gai said. The sand attacked Lee and he landed on his stomach the sand pounded into his back. Lee screamed. The sand retracted and Lee stood again holding up his arms. Tears came to his eyes as he looked up at Gai. Sand moved around and Lee got ready.

“He can’t go on, make him quit before he gets himself killed!” Sakura shouted. Lee took up his normal stance with one hand up. The sand attacked but Lee quickly moved out of the way.

“Lee!” Rin shouted. Gaara clenched his fists and teeth as a growl rose in his throat.

Why does she care about him? Gaara’s mind screamed. She’s my friend! Mine!

“What?” Kankurō looked shocked that Lee had dodged the sand.

“He’s still about to-“ Neji said.

“Move like that?” Naruto asked. Lee stood again with a smirk.

“Lee’s smiling, he’s running for his life but he’s still smiling.” Sakura said.

“Yes, but now it’s Gaara’s run to run.” Gai said. “The leaf village lotus blooms twice.”

“I’ve heard that somewhere before.” Sakura said. “Yeah. Lee told me that.”

“But no… Gai you didn’t.” Kakashi said.

“Yes Kakashi I did.”

“So that genin, that boy, is able to open the eight inner gates and use the hidden lotus?”

“That’s correct.” Gai said.

“Well if that isn’t the more….” Kakashi sighed. “Okay, so then how many of the inner gate is her able to open now?”

“Five gates.”

“Okay, what exactly are these inner gates you’re talking about?” Sakura asked. “And the hidden lotus?”

“The eight gates are like values or chakra limiters that must be opened if one is to… release the hidden lotus.”

“I’m still not following.” Sakura said. Kakashi explained where the gates were. Starting at the head: The Gate of Opening, The Gate of Rest, of Life, of Pain, of Closing, of Joy, of shock and the Gate of Death. The purpose of the gates is to limit the flow of chakra throughout the body.

“The primary lotus opens only the first gate.” Gai said. “The gate of opening, releasing the brains restrains on the muscles freeing a person to bring forth his body’s strength to its full extent. You’ve seen the results.”

“And the… hidden lotus?” Sakura asked. Lee was dodging all of Gaara’s sand attacks.

“At the second gate, the gate of rest, one’s strength is increased further. And at the third the gate of life one enters the hidden lotus.”

“Wait a minute; just the primary lotus almost destroyed him, he could barely move. What’s gunna happen to him if he takes it further?”

“Exactly.” Kakashi said. “By opening all eight gates you could obtain power beyond even the Hokage’s the only drawback is… you die.” Sakura looked shocked. Kakashi looked at Gai. “I don’t know what this boy means to you Gai, but I shouldn’t have to tell you that we never bring our personal feelings into play. I wouldn’t have thought you were capable of this.

“You have no right, you know nothing about him.” Gai said. “Nothing at all! That boy has something important to prove and he’s determined to prove it even at the cost of his life. And I am determined to help him reach his goal, not for his sake but because that goal is worth reaching.” Suddenly the hair around Lee moved and energy came from him.

“What?”

“I don’t know what you think you’re planning right now but this match is over for you.” Gaara said.

“You are right. It is over. One way or another. I am not going to be the only one to lose here!” Lee’s hair stared to lift from the pressure of the air around Lee. Gaara looked a bit surprised. “Gai-Sensei please let this work, it is now or never!” Lee brought his arms down as blue chakra started to glow. His hair was blowing straight up and his skin and face looked darker. “The third gate! Gate of Life open!” The ground around Lee rose around him as his chakra and the air mixed around him. His skin was changing and his eyes were wide and white. A green glow emitted from him.

“His whole body’s changing.” Sakura said.

“He’s turning red!” Naruto said.

“What’s it mean? What’s happening?” Kankurō asked.

“He’s opened the third gate the gate of life, now he’ll attack.” Kakashi said.

“Oh no, not yet.” Gai said.

“Hm?”

“The fourth gate! Gate of Pain!” Lee shouted as he was hunched over slightly. “Open!” He screamed.

“Incredible.” Kakashi said. Lee continued to scream and suddenly moved forward. Gaara’s eyes widened, as Lee moved the ground exploded. Lee kicked Gaara up in the chin, the force being sent up at the other genin and jounin watching. Everyone held up their arms and took cover.

“Gaara!” Rin screamed.

“Huh? Gaara!” Kankurō shouted looking around.

“Where’d they go?!” Naruto asked.

“Gaara!” Rin shouted, squinting to look through the dust.

“Eh huh? Up there!” Shikamaru shouted. Gaara flew up out of the smoke and dust.

“There’s Gaara but what happened to Lee?” Ino asked.

“He’s just gone!” Chouji said. Gaara’s sand hurried to get to him. Gaara’s sand armor was cracking.

“Hiding behind that sand armor again, ay?” Lee asked. “Well we will see about that!” Lee was suddenly above Gaara who sounded surprised. Lee hit Gaara down then back then all around rapidly. Gaara’s sand armor was cracking and falling away. “You are a tough one!” Lee shouted. “Try this!” Lee forced his hand into a fist.

“I can’t watch.” Rin whimpered as she covered her eyes.

“His muscles are tearing themselves apart.” Kakashi said.

“One more and we are finished!” Lee shouted as he opened the fifth gate. Lee disappeared when he was a foot away from Gaara. Gaara made a noise of surprise and suddenly Lee hit him in the stomach. Gaara went flying but Lee had a bandaged attached to him which stopped him. Gaara looked at Lee with wide eyes. Gaara’s sand couldn’t keep up and was far behind Lee. Lee pulled on the bandage which pulled Gaara up. “Hidden Lotus!” Lee shouted as he punched Gaara in the stomach. They hit the found sending a shock wave and smoke and dust up at everyone else. Gaara’s gourd started to turn to sand to protect him. Lee rolled on the ground.

“Unbelievable he did it!” Naruto shouted.

“Gaara!” Kankurō and Rin shouted.

“Is it over?” Sakura asked. The smoked cleared.

“Huh?”

“What’s that?” Ino asked. “Down there.” In the center of the crater lying on a protective layer of sand Gaara was groaning in pain. Rin covered her mouth with a gasp. Gaara weakly reached out his arm with an open palm. His sand started going after Lee.

“I know what’s coming now.” Shino said. Lee struggled to get up and move away. The sand went around his left arm and leg.

“Gaara no!” Rin screamed.

“Sand coffin.” Gaara said closing his fist. Lee screamed in pain. He hit the ground and looked to be unconscious. The sand move to attack again. “Now you die.” Gaara sat up as his sand was stopped by Gai. Gaara looked at him in shock. He grabbed his head with one hand. “But why? He failed.” He put his other hand on his head. “Why save him?”

“Because he’s… he’s my student and also because he is precious to me.” Gaara blinked and his eyes looked up at Rin who had tears in hers.

“He’s precious to him?” Tamari asked. “A student?” Gaara stood and his gourd reformed on his back. Gaara started walking away.

“Huh?” Gai looked after him.

“I quit.” Gaara said.

“He what, he quits?” Sakura asked.

“It’s too late for Lee. He lost the match the minute Gai intervened.” Kakashi said.

“The winner is…uh?” Hayate look over at Lee. Everyone made a noise of surprise causing Gaara to turn around. Gai looked behind him to see Lee standing, his left arm and leg bleeding profusely and his left leg was shaking.

“It can’t be.” Gai said turning to face him. Lee raised his right hand in his normal pose. “No Lee.” Gai went up to him. “It’s alright, it’s all over now. Anyway you’re in no condition to…” Gai stopped. “Lee…oh Lee…” Gai started crying. “What have I done? Look at you not even conscious and still determined to show the world what you can do.”

“He’s out cold.” Kakashi said pulling his headband back down. “Nothing keeping him up but sheer willpower.

“Lee… You’ve already proven it.” Gai said before pulling him into a hug. “You are a splendid ninja.”

“The winner is Gaara.” Hayate said. Gaara was looking at Gai and Lee. He glared at them.

“Lee!” Sakura was about to jump down.

“Sakura.” Kakashi said stopping her. “There is nothing you can do for him right now.” She looked down. “There are times when sympathetic words only make things worse.” Sakura looked down to see Gai lying Lee down.

“Hmph, I knew he couldn’t beat Gaara.” Temari said. Naruto vaulted over the railing and started running towards them. As he passed Gaara he turned his head to look at him. Gaara looked back then watched Naruto run over.

“Hurry this boy needs attention.” Hayate said to the medics who were coming. Naruto looked down at Lee.

“Bushy Brow…” Naruto stood by Gai as the medical ninja looked over Lee.

“You’re his teacher aren’t you?” One of the medics asked Gai.

“I am. What is it?” Gai said. The medic stood.

“Will you… come with me?” The medic asked before walking away. Gai followed.

“Careful with him.” The other two medics put Lee on the stretcher. “That’s right, easy.” Naruto walked over and looked at Lee.

“The boy’s breathing is faint but steady. There are bone fractures and muscle tares on is body. He’s facing a long and difficult rehabilitation.” The medic told Gai. “But I’m afraid it’s not the worst of it… his left arm and leg in particular have suffered massive damage. I’m sorry I know how much it means to you both but he’ll never fight again. His days as a shinobi are over.” The medic bowed before going over to the stretcher to help take Lee away.

“No… he’s wrong.” Naruto said, tears coming to his eyes. “It can’t be true.” His shoulders shook. Gai walked up to Lee. He was also crying. They took him away.

“Easy for you to say it’s over! What about Bushy Brow?!” Naruto screamed. “What’s he supposed to do now?! Failure! I thought you said we could win?! I thought you were gunna show how a failure can-! It was all a lie wasn’t it!” Naruto started to run after them but Kakashi appeared to hold him back and cover his mouth.

“That’s enough Naruto.” Naruto knocked his hand away.

“But sensei- It isn’t fair! All he ever wanted was to prove himself against Sasuke and Neji.”

“And maybe that’s what led to his downfall.” Kakashi said. “He was so fixated on that goal that he sacrificed his body, his future, to attain it. And now that goal is unattainable. But you’re wrong about one things Naruto, it wasn’t just Sasuke and Neji he was thinking of, it was you too. That’s right, he risked everything just for the hope of meeting you in combat. Remember that.” Kakashi put his hand on Naruto’s head. “Be worthy of his sacrifice.” Gaara watched Lee get taken away. Gaara transported back to Tamari, Rin and Baki with his sand.

“Good to have you back, Gaara.” Temari said. Gaara just looked at her for a brief moment before looking at Rin. She was wiping tears out of her eyes. Gaara’s hand gripped the front of his shirt as she looked at him. He must have looked in pain because her eyes widened and she rushed to his side.

“Are you okay?” she asked reaching out a hand but stopping before she touched his arm.

She doesn’t even want to touch me. Gaara thought bitterly.

“Gaara?” Rin asked as she gently touched his arm. Gaara looked down at her hand; Rin took it the wrong way and pulled her hand back. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” he said quietly. Rin looked towards the doors of the room.

“I hope Lee is okay…” she said. Gaara started glaring at the ground. Temari swallowed and looked between the two.

Next Chapter

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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

Text

My Demons (Chapter 17)

Fandom: Naruto (Anime)

Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, FLUFF

Pairing: Gaara x OC

Rated: T

(First) (Previous)

You can take everything I have You can break everything I am Like I'm made of glass Like I'm made of paper Go on and try to tear me down I will be rising from the ground Like a skyscraper Like a skyscraper

-Skyscraper – Demi Lovato

The nine teams stood in lines in a room of the tower. Jounin and chunin stood around and the Hokage was in front of the genin teams. Behind him were more jounin and large stone hands making a hand sign. Rin stood up the stairs on the left side of the room. Gaara glanced up at her without moving his head and she gave a small wave to when their eyes met and he nodded his head ever so slightly.

The order of the lines was Team Ten with Ino in the lead, Team Eight with Kiba in front and Akamaru still shaking in Kiba’s jacket, Team Seven with Naruto in front, Team Gai with Neji in front, Kabuto’s team with him in front, the Sand Sibs with Gaara in front, then the sound ninjas with Dosu in front. The ninja behind him had both arms in a sling.

“First of all, congratulations on finishing the second exam.” Anko said into a headset.

“I’m so hungry.” Chouji said holding his stomach.

“What a drag there’s so many left.” Shikamaru said. “This is such a pain.”

“Sasuke and his team have passed too.” Ino said happily.

“Well of course they did.” Shikamaru said. “After all the trouble we went through to keep them safe, they better have passed.”

“Hey look, all of the leaf village rookies are here too.” Sakura said.

“Whoa, everybody’s here: old man Hokage, Iruka-Sensei and even bushy brow. It looks like absolutely nobody got left out this time.” Naruto said.

“I don’t have a very good feeling about this.” Sasuke said holding his shoulder.

“Alright now pay attention.” Anko said into her headset. “Lord Hokage is going to explain the third exam to you. You better listen carefully maggots.” She turned to the Hokage. “Lord Hokage, they’re all yours.”

“Hm.” The Hokage stepped forward. He cleared his throat. “First, before I tell you what the third exam entails I want to explain something about the test itself; listen closely now, it’s something that all of you need to understand. I’m going to tell you the true purpose of these exams. Why do you suppose our country holds these exams in conjunction with our allies? To raise the ability levels of our shinobi and increase friendship between allied nations to be sure but it’s important that you understand its true meaning. The exams are, so to speak,” He took the pipe out of his mouth and blew out smoke. “They’re a representation between the battle between allied nations.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Tenten asked.

“Now, if we look at our history all the countries that we’re currently allied with were once neighboring nations that continuously fought with each other for power. In order to avoid destroying each other’s military strength meaninglessly those nations picked champions to do battle on behalf of their counties at a mutually selected location. That was how the Chunin Selection Exams originally began.”

“Well, that’s great but why do we have to go through these exams then?” Naruto asked. “I mean it’s not like we’re doing this to pick chunin to go fight.”

“Well actually, there is no question that part of the point of these exams is to select shinobi worthy of becoming chunin, that’s just not the whole story. These exams also allow for a place where shinobi can carry the pride of their nation on their backs and fight against other ninja for their very lives.”

“The pride of their nation?” Sakura asked quietly.

“Many leaders and people of prominence from various counties are invited to attend this exam as guests and also possibly to seek shinobi to work for them. This exam could determine the course of your ninja work from here on out, and more importantly those rulers will watch your battles and take notes of the strengths of each ninja and each nation is developing. If there is a gap in power between the countries the strong nations are inundated with job requests for their ninja and conversely the request to countries that are deemed weak decline. Therefore, the stronger our nation is the better our position when it comes to negotiating with neighboring countries. So it’s important to show how much military strength our village has.”

“Okay but even so why is it necessary for us to risk our lives?” Kiba asked.

“The country’s strength is the village’s strength. The village’s strength is the shinobi’s strength. And the true strength of the shinobi is only achieved when it’s pushed to its limits such as in a life and death battle. This exam is a chance for each nation to display the strength of its shinobi and hence the strength of the nation itself. It’s because this is an exam where your life is on the line that it has meaning. And it’s for this very reason and for the strength of the nation that your forerunners fought in this exam. It’s truly a dream worth striving for.”

“But then why did you use the expression friendship before?” Tenten asked.

“But you’ve only remembered half of what I said. You also mustn’t have the wrong idea of the exams meaning. This is a custom in which balance is preserved by fighting and dying. In the world of the shinobi that is friendship. The third exam is a fight for life with the pride of your village and your own dreams at state.”

“Hmph, well he sure convinced me.” Naruto said.

“Any test is fine.” Gaara said. “Just tell me what the details of the exam are already. I can handle anything you throw at me.” Rin smiled. Gaara glanced at her and actually had to hold make his own small smile at how proud she looked.

“Mm.” The Hokage nodded once. “Very well then. Now listen closely I’m going to tell you exactly what you’ll all be doing on the third exam.” He coughed. A ninja suddenly dropped down out of nowhere and was kneeling before the Hokage.

“Lord Hokage.” He said. “Before you do please allow me, Hayate Gekkō appointed as proctor of the third exam, to speak first.”

“So be it.” Hayate stood.

“It’s nice to meet you all.” He coughed. He turned his head to look at everyone. He had bags under his eyes. “There’s something I would like all of you” He coughed some more. “to do before the third exam.” He coughed. “Uhh, we have to have a preliminary exam before we can move on to the real one.”

“Huh?”

“A what?” Sakura asked.

“Preliminary?!” Shikamaru shouted. “Just what do you mean by that?!”

“I’m sorry, sensei,” Sakura said. “excuse me, but I really don’t see the point. What’s this preliminary all about? Why can’t we just move on to the third exam?”

“Uhh, well you see… the first and second exams might have been too easy. The fact is we never expected so many of you to still be here. According to the rules of Chunin exams a preliminary round can be held at any stage in order to reduce the number of candidates remaining.”

“But-! Is that fair?” Sakura asked.

“It’s just that at this stage we have to speed things up a bit. As lord Hokage said, a lot of important guests will be watching. We can’t afford to waste their time. They’ve come to see only the best. So if there are any of you who feel you are not in top physical condition, now’s your chance to-“ He coughed. “Sorry about that. As I was saying, any of you who don’t feel up to this now is the time for you to bow out. The preliminaries will be starting immediately.”

“Come on! You mean right now?!” Kiba shouted.

“We just finished barely surviving the last exam, don’t we get a break?” Ino asked.

“Man, what a drag.” Shikamaru said.

“Heeey, when do we eat?” Chouji asked. Naruto gulped.

“Oh yeah uh… the winners will be determined by one on one combat sudden death.” Hayate said. “So like I said if there’s anyone who doesn’t feel up to it, now’s the time to raise your hand.” Sasuke suddenly grabbed his shoulder in pain.

“Sasuke?” Sakura asked. Naruto looked back at Sasuke. Sakura whispered to him. The jounin and the Hokage were talking about Sasuke. Sakura was trying to convince Sasuke to quit. She started to raise her hand but Kabuto raised his.

“What the-?” Kiba looked over.

“Okay, ya got me.” Kabuto said. “I’m out.”

“But- Kabuto.” Naruto said. Hayate flipped through papers on his clipboard. He coughed.

“Kabuto Yakushi, the leaf village right? Okay you can go on and step back.”

“Gottcha.” Kabuto said and walked past his teammates towards the back.

“Kabuto! Hold on a second you can’t quit!” He stopped as Naruto shouted at him. “I don’t get this! What’s going on?!”

“Oh Naruto, I’m sorry, but my body is just too beat up.” Kabuto said. “I can’t hack it. The fact is, ever since orientation with that dust up with the sound village genin, I’ve had no hearing at all in my left ear. And now to have to put my life on the line? To fight again right away without a break? I can’t do it.” Naruto looked down. One of Kabuto’s teammates, Yoroi, whispered to him. They had a short and quiet conversation before Kabuto continued walking away. He turned to wave at Naruto with a smile. Some of the ninja watched him walk away. His steps echoed until they faded. Hayate coughed.

“Now then, does anybody else wanna quit?” He asked. Sakura started to raise her hand but Sasuke grabbed her wrist. Sasuke let go but continued to talk to her. Naruto suddenly yelled at Sasuke and Sasuke told him something that left Naruto speechless. Rin frowned as she watched the three. “Alright then, we’ll now begin the preliminary round.” Hayate said. “This round will consist of one on one individual combat at full battle intensity. This is not an exercise. The surviving candidates from these matches will advance to the third exam. As for the rules there are none; you will fight until one dies or concedes defeat or is rendered physically incapable of continuing the contest. Naturally those who are losing are urged to concede defeat promptly to avoid a fatal outcome. Furthermore, as proctor I’m given a certain amount of leeway in judging the matches.” He coughed some. “I might occasionally intervene if a match seems hopeless to save as many lives as possible. Now it’s time to reveal what fate has been chosen for you.” He looked back at Anko who nodded.

“Open the panel.” she said into her mic. A large blue panel in the top left corner was raised.

“The names of each pair of opponents are chosen completely at random. Before each match these names will appear on the display behind me. As there’s nothing more to say let’s begin. In a moment the names of the first two opponents will appear.” Everyone was looking up. The screen blinked on and circled through names until it stopped with a buzz. Sasuke smirked.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Yoroi said.

“Alright now those whose names have been drawn come forward.” Hayate said. Sasuke and Yoroi walked over then faced each other. “You have been chosen for the first match. Yorio Akado and Sasuke Uchiha are there any objections.

“None here.” Sasuke said.

“No.” Yoroi said.

“Uhh, alright then, let’s begin the first match.” Hayate said. He coughed. “Okay, everyone other than the two opposing candidates will now clear the area and move to the upper level.” Everyone turned and walked up the stairs. Naruto and his team stayed put and Kakashi walked over to them said a few words then walked away. The sand and sound ninja, as well as Kabuto’s team mates, went on one side and the leaf on the other. Rin smiled at the sand siblings before turning to look at everyone on the other side. She recognized Lee and waved at him. Lee waved back with a small smile. Gaara frowned and looked over from Rin to Lee. The jounin next to Lee was wearing the same jumpsuit and had the same haircut. He pointed over at Rin and talked to the boy. Gaara could hear them from where he was.

“Is that the blue haired maiden you told me about?” The man asked.

“Yes Gai sensei.” Lee said.

“Ah the beauty of young love! Have you asked her out yet?” Gai asked as he nudged Lee with his elbow.

“G-Gai sensei!” Lee’s eyes went wide. Gaara started glaring at the two. Gai laughed.

“I’m sure you’ll impress her today, Lee!” Gai said slapping Lee on the back. Lee’s face went bright red.

“No! It’s not like that!” Lee insisted as he held up his hands. Rin turned to Gaara after seeing the green clad boy freaking out across the room.

“What do you thinks bothering him?” Rin asked. Gaara didn’t answer.

…

Shino Aburame

Zaku Abumi

The sound ninja with the two broken arms smirked.

“Ha, which sucker is that?” He asked. Shino looked at him.

“Step forward please.” Hayate said. The two went down and faced each other. “Very good. Now if you’re both ready then we’ll begin.”

“How’s he supposed to fight with two broken arms?” Akira asked allowed. Akio shrugged.

“Candidates ready? Begin.” Hayate said backing up. Neither moved.

“If you fight me you won’t be able to recover.” Shino warned. “Forfeit and withdraw.”

“Heh, well what do you know, I’ve got a little movement in one of them.” Zaku said moving his left arm. “One good arms more than enough to beat you!” He ran at him with his left arm out of the sling. He swung but Shino blocked him.

“You couldn’t beat me using both your arms.”

“Yeah well I’ve got news for ya!” The thing on his palm started to make a sound. “Try this! Blastic sound wave!” There was a large puff of smoke as Shino got hit and rolled on impact with the ground. The smoke started to clear. “Alright fool, you had enough? Huh?” Shino was standing as the smoke cleared. “He’s there’s no way!” Suddenly there was a weird sound. “Hey… what?” Bugs were coming out of the top of Shino’s jacket and through three holes on Shino’s face. “Great, now that you’ve creeped us all out what happens next?” Suddenly Zaku heard the noise from behind him and saw a large swarm of bugs on the ground coming towards him. Rin shivered and moved closer to Gaara. He glanced down at her as their arms touched and he had to resist the urge to put his arm around her.

“They’re a rare species of parasitic beetles that attack their prey in a swarm, eating its chakra.” Shino said as he held one on his fingernail. “An army of this size will suck you dry in less than a minute. Your only intelligent option is to forfeit the match. You can’t fight two opponents at once. If you use your good arm against me my friends will swarm you from behind. Conversely, if you use your good arm to keep them at bay then you’ll have me on your blind side. Either way your defeat will be certain and unpleasant. It’s wise to always have an ace in the hole.” Shino made a hand sign and held it up. Zaku looked extremely angry and raised his arm, opening his palm.

“Now you’ve done it! Now you’ve made me mad!” He shouted as he pointed his other arm at the bugs. Shino lowered his hands. Zaku’s right arm shook his he opened his palm. “Like you said yourself, always have an ace in the hole. Right!?”

“What the-? I thought his right arm was shot.” Kiba said. Zaku let out an angry cry. “I’ll blow you away!” Suddenly the middle of his arms were glowing blue like something was leaking from them. “Arg! My arms! What’s wrong with them?!” He cried as he let his arms hang. He looked at his hands in shock. “W-what?!” Shino’s bugs were on his hands and in the hole on his palm. Shino was suddenly behind him.

“Earlier while I was distracting you with my helpful advice I was also sending some of my little friends to plug up those bothersome wind-holes in your hands. Both hands just to be sure. See while an ace in the hole is good, two aces are better.” Zaku went to hit Shino but Shino knocked him away to the ground. Hayate walked over and crouched by Zaku. There were holes in his arms where the wind had blown out.

“I’d say this one… has had it.” Hayate said. “The winner is Shino Aburame.” Zaku was taken away on a stretcher while Shino returned to his team. “Uh, alright everyone, moving right on to the third match.” Kakashi returned to his team. The screen blinked.

Misumi Tsurugi

Kankurō

Rin turned to Kankurō with a big smile.

“Good luck, Kankurō.” she said.

“Like I’ll need it.” Kankurō scoffed as he walked past her and down the stairs with Misumi. They stood in front of each other.

“I’m not like Yoroi; I don’t get careless, not even against kids.” Misumi said. Kankurō scoffed. “A piece of advice once I go into my jutsu give up, quick, if you do I promise to make it short and painless.”

“Funny.” Kankurō said as he took crow off his back. “I was about to say the same thing. Though I can’t promise it’ll be painless.”

“Alright if you’re ready let the third match begin.” Hayate said.

“Lemme do you a favor and end this battle quickly.” Kankurō said.

“You can’t end I if I end it first.” Misumi said. Misumi attacked but Kankurō managed to block him. Suddenly Misumi’s limbs wrapped around Kankurō’s and his arm went around Kankurō’s neck.

“Whoa! What’s up with that guy’s body?” Naruto asked. “That’s freaky! I wish I could do that.”

“I dislocate every one of my joints and soften my body then with my chakra I can control it perfectly. The more you struggle the tighter I’ll squeeze. I don’t know what you’re carrying in there,” Misumi said looking at the fallen crow still wrapped up. “but as long as I have a hold yon you it makes no difference. I could break your neck right now if I wanted to and I will unless you give up.” Kankurō smirked.

“You wanna bet?” he asked.

“You wanna die?”

“You fool, you’re the one who’s gunna die.” Kankurō said. Suddenly Misumi tightened his arm around Kankurō’s neck and Kankurō’s head fell forward.

“I think he broke... his neck.” Lee said. Naruto and Sakura gasped. Gaara rolled his eyes. Chips of wood suddenly fell to the ground.

“Huh?” Suddenly Misumi gasped as ‘Kankurō’s head spun around to reveal Crow’s cracked face.

“Now, it’s my turn so say goodbye!” it said. Its arms shot out and wrapped around Misumi. Kankurō’s arm popped out of the ‘crow’ on the ground and he unwrapped himself. One of his hands was glowing blue as chakra strings went from his hand to Crow. Crow’s arms tightened and Misumi groaned in pain.

“Enough! I give!”

“But if your bones are all crushed just think of how much more flexible you’ll be.” Kankurō said. Hayate coughed as Misumi fell over.

“Because his opponent is unable to continue, the winner is Kankurō.

“Two against one is hitting below the belt isn’t it?” Naruto asked. “I mean, is that thing even far, Kakashi-sensei?”

“It’s not really two against one; it’s a puppet, not another ninja.” Kakashi explained to him. Kankurō walked back up to stand with the others.

“Told you I wouldn’t need it.” Kankurō said to Rin as he came to stand next to Temari.

Rin looked down at Neji and Hinata. They were fighting hand to hand. Their Byakugan were activated. Hinata went to strike and the two stopped. Hinata suddenly coughed up blood.

“So that’s in huh? That’s all there is to the main branch’s power?” Neji asked.

“Wait what is going on?! I mean I saw Hinata hit Neji perfectly!” Naruto said. Hinata hit Neji’s arm away and went to hit him but he caught her arm and poked it with two fingers. He pushed Hinata’s sleeve up and there were red dots on her arm.

“B-But you mean-? All this time you…” She said.

“That’s right, I could see your chakra points the whole time.” Neji said.

“What is he talking about?” Naruto asked. Kakashi explained chakra points to him and Sakura. Neji hit Hinata and she flew back and slid on the ground.

“Look Hinata, I’m completely out of your league and that won’t change. This is what separates the elite from the failures.” Hinata sat up panting and looked at him. “You may not like it but it’s a fact. From the instant you said you wouldn’t run anymore your fate was sealed you were destined for failure. And now, you’re consumed with hopelessness.” He started to walk over to her. “Now this is your last warning Hinata, forfeit this match.”

“I…I…” Blood fell from her mouth and she clenched her fists. “I… never…” She struggled to get up. “Go back…” She started to stand. “on my word. Because that too is my nindo, my ninja way.” She stood completely and faced Neji.

“I had no idea that Hinata’s as tough as she is.” Naruto said.

“She is a lot like you.” Lee said.

“You know, come to think of it, she is always watching you.” Sakura said.

“Huh?” Naruto looked at her then back down at Hinata. Hinata was smiling then activated her Byakugan. Neji did the same.

“Bring it on.” He said. Hinata suddenly put her hands to her chest in pain and coughed up more blood. Neji got into a stance with one hand up.

“Doesn’t it seem like the difference in strength makes it unfair?” Sakura asked. “He’s just way too strong. It’s a mismatch, seriously.” Naruto was gripping a thing of medical ointment that Hinata had given him.

“Go Hinata! You can do it!” Naruto shouted. Hinata ran at Neji and they started fighting. They both went to attack at the same time and Neji hit her first sending a blast of chakra. She coughed up blood and fell over.

“You just don’t get it do you?” Neji asked her. “Your strikes were ineffective from the very start. You’re finished.” He walked away.

“It’s too bad, but after that blow to the heart Hinata is done.” Gai said. Naruto looked upset. Hinata wasn’t moving. Hayate walked up to her.

“Since she’s no longer able to continue this match-“

“No!” Naruto shouted cutting him off. “Don’t stop this match!”

“Naruto, what on earth are you doing?” Sakura asked. “Hinata’s had it. You can see she’s unconscious can’t you?” Naruto smirked and everyone looked shocked to see Hinata getting up slowly. She managed to stand but was still shaky and was holding herself with one arm.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Neji asked. “If you continue to fight, you’re going to die.” He activated his Byakugan.

“I’m far from finished.” Hinata said taking a few steps closer.

“Give up the tough guy act. I can tell you’re barely standing.” Neji said. “You’ve been carrying a very heavy burden having been born to the main branch of the Hyuuga clan. And you’ve cursed and blamed yourself for being weak. But look, people can’t change the way they are, that’s just how it is. Just accept defeat and you won’t have to suffer anymore.”

“No, you’re wrong brother, you’ve got it backwards. You see I can tell that you’re the one; you’re suffering much more than I.”

“I’m what?”

“You are the one who’s all torn up about the fate of the main and side branches of the Hyuuga clan.” Neji looked pissed and ran at Hinata.

“Neji no! The match is over!” Hayate shouted as he started running to stop him. Suddenly Gai was holding Neji back, Kakashi had a hand on his arm while Kuranai held his other and Hayate had two fingers on Neji’s forehead.

“Neji, get a hold of yourself.” Gai said. “You promised me you wouldn’t let this whole head family thing get you riled up.”

“Why are you and the other Jounin butting in? The head family gets special treatment huh?” Suddenly Hinata fell forward and started coughing up blood. Kuranai ran over to her.

“Hinata!” She put a hand on her back. “Hinata.”

“Hinata!” Naruto shouted as he, Lee, and Sakura jumped over the railing before running over. “Hinata, you okay?” Naruto crouched next to her. “Hey!”

“Na-Naruto…I just…I…do you…” She ended on a whisper before her eyes closed.

“Hey you, loser.” Neji said.

“Hm?” Naruto looked over at him.

“I have two pieces of advice for you.” Neji said. “First of all: If you intend to call yourself a shinobi, stop that stupid cheering of yours it’s disgraceful. And second: once a failure, always a failure. You can’t change that.” Naruto stood.

“We’ll just see about that.” Naruto ran at him but Lee stopped him. “What are you doing?”

“Naruto, I get where you are coming from believe me but, the rules say all fighting must be done officially in a match. A loser beating a genius through sheer willpower, now would not that make for an exciting match, even if I am the one who is going to have to fight Neji. Of course if you ending up fighting him that is fine too.”

“Alright fine, you win Lee.” Naruto said turning around and walking back to Hinata. Lee gave a thumbs up to Gai who gave one back. Hinata coughed up blood again. Kuranai unzipped her coat and put a hand on her chest and one on her neck. Kuranai glared at Neji.

“I wouldn’t waste your time glaring at me when you really should be taking care of her.” Neji said.

“Get a medic! And hurry up!” Kuranai shouted.

“We’re coming.” One said as they ran over. They rolled out the stretcher. “She has no pulse.” Naruto ran over.

“This is very serious. She’s got ten minutes at best. Let’s get her to the emergency room now!” They put her on the stretcher and started to take her away.

“Stand back.” Naruto watched them.

“Hinata.” He said quietly. “Hinata, I give you my word.” He crouched and put his fingers in her blood before standing up and facing Neji. He held out his closed fist and blood dripped. “I vow to win.”

Next Chapter

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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

Text

My Demons (Chapter 16)

Fandom: Naruto (Anime)

Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, FLUFF

Pairing: Gaara x OC

Rated: T

(First) (Previous)

I’ll be your keeper for life as your guardian I’ll be your warrior of care, your first warden I’ll be your angel on call, I’ll be on demand The greatest honor of all as your guardian

-Guardian - Alanis Morissette

“Where’s Rin?” Temari asked looking around as the three entered the tower.

“Hey twerp!” Kankurō called. Temari swatted his arm. “Ow! What was that for?” he grumbled.

“Hey guys!” Rin called as she ran over. “You did that so fast!” She said with a big smile. “I knew I wouldn’t have to wait long.” she smiled. “No one’s hurt right?” The two older siblings shook their heads. “Great!”

“So what do we do here?” Kankurō asked. Rin shrugged.

“Just hang out I guess. There’s a hallway of rooms for the teams that make it.”

“Sweet; I’m taking a nap.” Kankurō said. “Lead the way, twerp.” Rin rolled her eyes but lead them to the hallway with the doors. “There’re only five rooms.” Kankurō said.

“Guess they don’t expect a lot of teams to finish.” Temari said. She opened the first door and the four went inside. Rin sat down on the bed at the end of the room; it was the only unmade bed.

“This one’s ours, Gaara.” Rin said with a smile. Gaara walked over, put his gourd down at the end of the bed, and sat down next to her. Kankurō sat down on the middle bed but Gaara started glaring at him.

“Uh, Temari and I are gunna talk a look around and see what else there is.” Kankurō said.

“I thought you were going to take a nap.” Rin said tilting her head.

“I’m not tired anymore.” Kankurō said. “Come on.” he said walking past Temari.

“We’ll be back later.” Temari said before the two left, closing the door behind them. Rin shrugged and turned to hug Gaara.

“I missed you.”

“I saw you an hour and a half ago.” Gaara said one of his arms around her and a hand over one of hers.

“I know.” Rin said with a small giggle and a shrug. “But I still missed you.” She whispered as she closed her eyes.

“I missed you too.” he said quietly rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. Ai meowed and put a paw on Gaara’s knee. Gaara stared at it for a moment before he patted Ai’s head twice. The cat rubbed his head against his hand as it started purring.

“Ai missed you too.” Rin said with a smile as she took her arms from around him. Gaara frowned slightly. “I found a kitchen in the tower if you’re hungry, well, actually Hayate found it when he was exploring.”

“If you’re hungry.” Gaara said with a nod. Rin slipped her hand into his as they stood. He gave her hand a light squeeze and she smiled at him.

“Oh, I should make cupcakes for the teams that pass this part of the exams.” Rin said as her eyes lit up. Gaara frowned.

“Why?” he asked as she looked inside a fridge. The ‘kitchen’ wasn’t that big and had a small table with a few chairs around it.

“Cause I’m sure they’ll be hungry too and I feel like making cupcakes.”

“I doubt they have what you need here.” Gaara said as he sat down in a chair.

“Awe, you’re right.” Rin said with a frown. “I’ll just make them afterwards. Hmm… I wonder who would let me use their oven.” Gaara sighed silently and shook his head.

…

“Just like I thought there’ no other place to go!” Kankurō said.

“We’ve already waited half a day how much longer are they gunna make us wait?” Tamari asked.

“Think it’s safe to go back to the room?” Kankurō asked. They entered a room and saw Team Eight. “Hm?” Kankurō and Tamari looked over at the three for a moment before walking into another hallway. “That’s kid with the dog that chased Ai.”

“Great. Well, if Ai goes missing we just have to look for the dog.” Temari said. They walked a bit more and found Gaara and Rin in the kitchen. Rin was looking through cabinets trying to find something to make and Gaara was sitting at the table having a staring contest with Ai who was sitting in front of him. “Rin, Ai shouldn’t be on the table.” Temari said.

“Hm?” Rin turned to see them then looked at Ai with a frown. “Ai.” Ai looked over and Gaara smirked slightly. Ai looked back at Gaara for a few seconds before jumping down from the table. He walked up to Rin and meowed loudly.

“I think he’s mad you made him lose.” Kankurō said with a slightly chuckle.

“I could get Hayate.” Rin suggested looking down at Ai. Ai meowed again and jumped into the chair next to Gaara to lie down. “Didn’t think so.”

“What are you doing?” Temari asked.

“Trying to find something to eat.” Rin said. “Well… something I can make.”

“Let me help you.” Temari said. Kankurō and Gaara exchanged a look.

“Hey, Temari,” Kankurō said. “Why don’t we go drop off Crow and your fan in the room.”

“It was one time.” Temari said putting her hands on her hips.

“You blew up the microwave.” Kankurō said. Rin blinked.

“How’d you do that?” Rin asked.

“She was making popcorn.” Kankurō said. Rin blinked and frowned.

“But there’s a popcorn button.” she said before she looked at Gaara who nodded.

“She’s just bad luck in a kitchen.” Kankurō said making Temari roll her eyes.

“I’m not bad luck in a kitchen. You never let me make anything again; it could have been a onetime thing.” Temari said.

“We’re not taking that chance.” Kankurō said pushing her out of the room. “Let’s go.” The two heard Temari groan as the older two headed to the room.

“She can’t be that bad. Maybe the microwave was broken already.” Rin said.

“She also burnt tomato soup once.” Gaara said.

“Tomato soup-…how did she… Seriously?” Rin asked with wide eyes. Gaara nodded.

“Kankurō had the flu and she was trying to be helpful.”

“Yikes.” Rin said before turning back to the cabinets. Suddenly Ai sat up and sniffed the air before running from the room. Gaara blinked.

“Um… Rin?” he asked.

“Hm?”

“Ai just ran out of the room.”

“What?” Rin turned around. “Maybe Kiba and Akamaru finished the test.”

“Who?”

“Kiba; he’s the boy with the puppy.” Rin said with a smile. Gaara frowned. “I’d better go get Ai.”

“I’m sure Ai will come back soon.” Gaara said standing quickly.

“The two are most likely running around like crazy.” Rin said walking past him. Gaara’s hand shot out and grabbed Rin’s. “Hm?” She looked back at him. “Do you want to come with me?” she asked. Gaara nodded. “Okay.” Rin said with a grin. “Let’s go.”

Rin followed the sound of barking to a room where Kiba was trying to stop Ai who was chasing Akamaru.

“Hey! Stupid cat!”

“Ai!” Rin called making the cat stop. Akamaru stopped and turned to see Rin and Gaara. The small dog whimpered and jumped into Kiba’s coat. “Sorry about him.” Rin said picking up Ai. Kiba swallowed hard and tore his eyes away from Gaara to give Rin a weak smile.

“No problem, it’s fine.” Kiba said with a nervous chuckle.

“Kiba, right?” Rin asked.

“Ye-yeah.” he nodded. “You’re uh… you’re Rin.”

“Uh-huh!” Rin smiled. “This is Gaara.” she said turning to smile at him. Gaara quickly stopped glaring at the boy and turned to face Rin’s smile with his normal blank expression.

“Hi.” Kiba said. “It’s uh- it’s kinda late so-“

“Oh sorry, yeah you must be tired. Congratulations on finishing this part of the exam though.” Rin said with a thumbs up. Kiba blinked.

“Thanks.” he said. “I’ll uh… see ya around.” Kiba said before glancing at Gaara, who’d returned to glaring, before quickly leaving the room.

“He’s nice.” Rin said. Gaara didn’t respond. “I’m actually kinda tired too. Let’s go to bed.” She slipped her hand into his and Ai jumped onto her shoulder. Gaara nodded and gave her hand a squeeze.

“Let’s go see who else finished the test!” Rin said jumping up and down by the door.

“You go, we’re tired.” Kankurō said waving his hand from under the covers.

“We’ll catch up later.” Temari said into her pillow.

“Aw you two are no fun.” Rin whined. “That’s okay; Gaara will come with me.” she said turning to smile at him. Gaara blinked and opened his mouth to respond but Rin started giving him puppy dog eyes. He closed his mouth and sighed before getting up. Rin grinned and grabbed his hand before pulling him from the room.

“I don’t know how that girl does it.” Temari said.

“She’s the only thing he cares about besides himself.” Kankurō said turning over.

…

“I wonder who finished.” Rin said walking with her hands behind her back. Gaara walked beside her with his arms crossed. “I hope the leaf genin made it.” Gaara looked at her with a frown. They walked towards the entrance and saw Lee walking in, looking all beat up, with a female ninja and another boy. Rin gasped and ran over. “Lee!” The boy and the girl frowned and took defensive stances as Rin approached. Lee held up a hand.

“It is okay.” Lee said. “She is a friend.”

“What happened? Are you okay?” Rin asked. Lee smiled and nodded.

“It was nothing we could not handle.” Lee said. “These are my team makes. Tenten and Neji Hyuga.”

“Oh, are you related to Hinata?” Rin asked. Neji frowned and turned his head away. Rin frowned.

“What’s your name?” Tenten asked.

“Oh I’m Rin.” Rin said with a smiled. “and this is Gaara.” She turned to point to Gaara.

“I thought you said you were not competing?” Lee said.

“I’m not. My friends already finished; they were the first.” Rin said. “I think it was an hour and a half.”

“Impressive!” Lee said with wide eyes as he looked to Gaara. Gaara looked away with a blank expression. Rin smiled and nodded.

“I can show you where the rooms are so you can rest.”

“That’d be awesome.” Tenten said with a smile. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Rin said as she stared to lead the team to the rooms.

“How do you know Lee?” Tenten asked. Gaara glanced over as he walked beside Rin, he had to admit he was curious too.

“Oh my cat Ai ran away the day of the first exam and Lee found him.” Rin said.

“Where is Ai?” Lee asked as he looked around.

“Probably bothering Akamaru, Kiba’s puppy.” Rin said with a small shrug.

“You have a cat?” Tenten asked with a smile.

“Yep.” Rin said. “If I can find him you can play with him.”

“Cool.” Tenten said. “I can help you look for him if you want.”

“Sure.” Rin said with a big smile. Gaara glanced over at the two smiling girls and frowned. He glanced at Lee and Neji. Neji was ignoring the two and Lee was silently listening with a small smile. Lee leaned forward slightly to look around Tenten.

“Would it be okay if I joined you aswell?” he asked.

“Sure!” Rin said. Gaara frowned deeply.

Ai rubbed against Tenten’s leg as she pet his head. Rin and Tenten were sitting in the kitchen with Lee across from them and Gaara leaning against the wall, glaring at the floor.

“He’s so cute.” she said. Ai meow loudly and started purring as Tenten picked him up. “Awe!” Rin smiled. “Where did you get him?” Tenten asked. Rin opened her mouth but stopped and glanced at Gaara.

“He was a present from a friend.” Rin said making Gaara looked up from the ground and stared at her.

“Awesome.” Tenten said. Gaara pushed off the wall and started to leave.

“Yeah he is.” Rin said. Gaara hesitated by the door but then left.

Rin knocked on the door of their room before she peeked her head in.

“Gaara?” Rin called into the room softly. She saw him lying on their bed facing the wall. Rin closed the door behind her and walked over. “Are you mad at me?” Gaara didn’t answer but shook his head. Rin frowned and kneeled on the bed behind him. “You sure?” He nodded. Rin bounced a bit on the bed. “Gaara.” Rin smiled and gently pushed his shoulder. Gaara rolled over and looked up at Rin who was pouting. He frowned and reached up to touch her cheek.

“Smile.” he whispered.

“Why did you leave?” Rin asked. Gaara looked away. “I only said a friend gave me Ai because I didn’t want to embarrass you.” Gaara looked back at her with one brow raised. “You don’t seem like the kinda guy to give a girl a kitten.” Rin said with a shrug.

“If that girl is you.” he said quietly. Rin smiled and let herself fall onto him in a hug. He let out a soft ‘omph’ but wrapped his arms around her with a smile. “I’m not your pillow.” he said.

“Mhm.”

“Mm-mm.” he hummed shaking his head. Rin lifted her head and rested her chin on his chest.

“Yeah-huh.” she said.

“Nuh-uh.” he said shaking his head again.

“Yeah-huh.”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Yeah-huh.”

“Nuh-u-“ Gaara blinked as Rin kissed his nose before she giggled. Gaara looked away as his cheeks went pink and Rin snuggled her head under his chin again. She smiled and let out a content sigh making Gaara smile and put a hand on her head.

“You think Naruto is okay?” Rin asked. Gaara frowned.

“Who?”

“The blond boy with the really pretty blue eyes.” Rin said. Gaara clenched his teeth together. Rin let out a squeak as Gaara rolled them over. “Gaara you’re heavy.” she whined.

“Now you’re my pillow.” he said with a slight chuckle. Rin laughed.

“No.” she half whined. “Get oooff.” Gaara chuckled and turned them over again. Rin sucked in a big breath. “Air!” Gaara rolled his eyes.

“So dramatic.” he said. Rin giggled and moved off to the side of Gaara. Gaara frowned and pulled her closer to him. She smiled up at him making his chest flutter.

Next Chapter

Tagged:

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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

Text

My Demons (Chapter 15)

Fandom: Naruto (Anime)

Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, FLUFF

Pairing: Gaara x OC

Rated: T

(First) (Previous)

If I told you what I was, Would you turn your back on me? And if I seem dangerous, Would you be scared?

-Monster – Imagine Dragons

Rin waited outside on a tree swing for the first exam to be over. After about another half hour of waiting, people started leaving the building. She saw red hair and ran over.

“Did you guys pass?” Rin asked as she walked next to the three.

“Yep.” Kankurō said. “And you doubted us.”

“I doubted you. There’s a difference.” Rin said. Kankurō frowned. “I knew you two could do it.” Rin said to Temari and Gaara. Temari smiled at her. Rin cupped her hands around her mouth and went up on her toes pretending to whisper something to Gaara. He leaned his head down slightly and blinked when he felt her kiss by his cheek. Rin pulled back and smiled at him before looking at Temari. “When’s the next part?” she asked.

“It’s tomorrow. Baki’ll tell us where to go in the morning.” Temari said.

“Great!” Rin said.

“You can’t help with the next exam.” Baki said to Rin as the four walked up to him.

“I have no idea what you could possibly be talking about.” Rin said looking away. Kankurō face palmed.

“You’ll be waiting with me until they complete it.” Baki said.

“Okay.” Rin whined but smiled at Gaara. “I’m sure I won’t be waiting long.”

The next morning all the candidates who’d passed the first part of the exam met outside of a fenced off area with huge trees. On the fence gate was a sign that said ‘restricted area’ as well as many chains and locks keeping it closed. There was even a paper seal.

“Wow nice place, what is it?” Naruto asked.

“This is the location for the second phase of the exam.” Anko, the second exam proctor, said. “It’s the 44th battle training zone. But we call it… the forest of death.”

“Forest of…death?” Naruto asked.

“This whole place just creeps me out.” Sakura said.

“It should, they call it the forest of death, and soon enough you’re gunna find out why.” Anko said. Naruto made a face and mocked Anko.

”They call it the forest of death, and soon enough you’re gunna find out why.” He said in a high voice. “Do your worst you’re not gunna scare me away! I can handle anything!”

“So, looks like we’ve got ourselves a tough guy.”Anko said closing her eyes in a smile. She suddenly threw a kunai at him. It gave him a cut on his cheek as it sailed past his ear. She appeared behind him “You tough enough to handle this? You’re not afraid are you?” She put her hand on his face. “Tough guys like you usually leave their blood all over this forest.” She took out another kunai as a ninja with an extremely long tongue held out the kunai she’d thrown before with said tongue.

“I was just returning your knife.”

“Why thank you grass ninja.” Anko said. “You know, I really only recommend you stand his close behind me if you wish to reach a premature end.” Anko took the kunai back and the ninja’s tongue slithered back into their mouth. Rin moved closer to Gaara with a grimace.

“My pardon. With the sight of blood and your blade slicing through my hair, I’m afraid that I just became a little excited. I meant you no harm.” The ninja said.

“Likewise.” Anko said as the extremely creepy ninja walked away. Naruto looked around Anko, holding a hand to his cheek, and started sticking his tongue out to see if he could do it too. “Seems like everyone here today is quick tempered. There must be something in the air. This is gunna be fun.” She walked to the gate. “Now before we begin this test I’ve something to hand out to you all.” She turned around and took something from inside her jacket. “It’s just a standard consent form.” She said holding up a stack of papers. “Before the test all of you are going to have to read over this form and then sign it.”

“What for?” Naruto asked.

“Some of you may not come back from this test and I have to get your consent to that risk. Otherwise it would be my responsibility.” She laughed. Everyone muttered amongst themselves. “Now, I’ll explain what you’ll be doing on this test. Here pass these out.” She held out the papers to Naruto who took one and passed the stack to the guy next to him. “The first thing you need to know is that this test will test every one of your survival skills.” Anko held open a scroll with a map. “First I’ll give you all a description of the terrain on the practice field. The 44th battle training zone has 44 locked entrance gates; there are rivers and a forest inside. In the center is a locked tower located 10 kilometers from each gate. It’s in this confined area that you’ll undergo the survival test.” She rerolled the scroll. “The test consists of…” She put the scroll away in her jacket. “An anything goes battle to get your hands on these scrolls.” She held up a white scroll and a black scroll.

“Both of them.” Sasuke asked.

“Yes.” She showed the symbols on each. “You’ll be fighting to get both a heavens scroll and an earth scroll. All together 25 teams will be taking part in this test. So half of those teams will be going after the heavens scroll and the other half will be trying to get the earth scroll. I’ll hand over one kind of scroll to each team and that’s what you’ll be vying for.”

“Okay, so how do we pass the test?” Sasuke asked.

“Your entire squad must bring both a heaven and earth scroll to the tower.”

“That means at the very best half of us will fail.” Sakura said. “More if not every team is able to get both the scrolls.”

“No one ever said it would be easy.” Anko said. “Oh and one more thing, the test has a time limit. You must finish it within five days.

“Five days out there?!” Ino asked.

“What are we supposed to do for food?!” Chouji asked.

“Just look around.” Anko said. “The forest is full of things to eat, there’s plenty to feed all of you.”

“Yeah but,” Kabuto glanced at Chouji. “That’s not all the forest has plenty of; there are man-eating beasts and poisonous plants in there.”

“Oh maaan.” Chouji whined.

“Quiet down,” Ino said. “This is why they call it survival you know.”

“That means with these circumstances there’s no way half the teams will pass the test.” Neji said.

“With the days getting longer, the nights are getting shorter so we will have less time to sleep and less time to recover.” Lee said before smiling. “It is a challenge indeed!”

“Completely surrounded by enemies there won’t be time to rest we’ll have to keep a constant watch.” Sasuke said.

“Right.” Anko said. “This test also measures endurance behind enemy lines. This is designed to be a grueling test and I’m sure some of you won’t be up to the challenge.”

“So um,” Shikamaru raised his hand. “Let’s say mid-exam can we quit?”

“Of course not. In the middle of a battle you can’t say ‘sorry I quit’.” She smiled. “Well I guess you could but it’s probably gunna get ya killed.”

“Oh just great.” Shikamaru said. “This is gunna be a drag.”

“There are also some ways you can get disqualified. The first is simple.” Anko held up a finger. “If all three members of a team can’t make it to the tower with both scrolls after five days. Number two:” She held up a second finger. “If a team loses a member or if a member becomes incapacitated and cannot continue. But most important, none of you absolutely none of you may look at the contests of the scrolls until you’ve reached the tower.”

“W-What if it just happens to flap open and you read it?” Naruto asked.

“Let me put it to you this way young man: You. Don’t. Want. To. Know.” Naruto made a face and whined. “There will be times when a ninja will be asked to carry secret documents the scroll rule is to test your integrity. Okay we’re done. Each team take your contest forms and exchange them over there,” Anko pointed to a small booth with three ninja. “For your scrolls. After that, each team pick a gate and you’ll be let inside.” Anko sighed. “Oh and I have one more word of advice: Just don’t die!”

…

Everyone separated to read and sign the forms. The ninjas by the booth pulled a curtain closed around it. That way each team didn’t know which team had which scroll or who was carrying it and where.

“Alright everyone, we’re gunna start handing out scrolls!” One of the ninja at the booth called out before he went behind the curtain. Everyone stood and team by team went in. When the sand sibs got their scroll Rin ran up to them.

“I’m gunna walk with you to your gate.” Rin said. Baki cleared his throat. “I’m just gunna walk with them.” she whined with a pout.

“Trust me; Gaara won’t let her come with us.” Temari said. Baki sighed.

“Fine.” he said. Rin jumped up and down before walking with the trio.

“Listen up, all the teams have received their scrolls so everybody go to your gate and wait there!” Anko called. “When the gates open the test is on!”

…

The trio and Rin stood in front of their gate. Rin gave Gaara a quick peck on the cheek.

“Good luck.” She said. Gaara nodded silently. Rin walked up to Kankurō. “Don’t die.” Kankurō looked offended. Rin moved to Tamari. “Don’t let Kankurō die.” Kankurō rolled his eyes.

“Shut up.” Kankurō muttered before avoiding the glare Gaara sent him.

“I’ll see you guys later.” Rin said with a smile before walking over to Baki. The two transported away.

“Alright heads up you maggots the second part of the test has begun!” Anko shouted. The gates opened and the three ran in.

Gaara, Temari and Kankurō stopped in a clearing with three other ninja.

“Do you believe the nerve of these sand village ninja, Shibure? Challenging us head on?” One of the ninja asked.

“Yeah, they’re a bunch of fools.” The other said.

“Too bad, kids.” Shibure said. “You should’ve picked your opponents better. Now you’re all gunna die!”

“I’ve heard enough out of you.” Gaara said. “Let’s make this quick; I don’t wanna waste time on this guy.” Shibure’s eyes widened.

“Hey, Gaara.” Kankurō said. “Doesn’t it make more sense to follow these punks and gather information first? I-I mean if they have the same type of scroll as us we’re just fighting an unnecessary battle.”

“I don’t care.” Gaara said. “They looked at me the wrong way. So they’re gunna die.”

“If you think you can kill us,” Shibure took six umbrellas off his back. “then try it!” He threw the umbrellas into the air before putting his hands together. “And now, ninja art: Senbon rain storm!” The umbrellas started spinning and shooting out needles. “Up, down, left , right, no matter where you go I can get you. There’s no blind spot in this jutsu and it’s deadly accurate!” Gaara didn’t move an inch as te needles rained down. Dirt kicked up as they hit but as the dust cleared it was revealed that Gaara’s sand had shielded him. From the opening in the sand he glared at the ninja.

“Is that all you can do?” he asked.

“It can’t be! Not one wound. Impossible.” He put his hands together again. “Alright!” The senbon shot down at the opening but sand came up to block them.

“A senbon rainstorm, huh?” Gaara asked. “I have an idea; let’s make it rain blood instead.”

“He’s created a wall of sand.” Shibure said.

“That’s right,” Kankurō said. “It’s a defense and nothing can get through it. He carries around all that sand in the gourd that he has on his back and when he’s attacked he uses the power of his chakra to harden the sand. It’s a jutsu that only Gaara can do.” Kankurō said as the sand wall fell slowly. “And somehow it happens automatically, independent of his will, so any attacks against him are doomed to fail.”

“Yeah? Well we’ll see!” Shibure shouted.

“Just face it; you guys can’t hope to defeat Gaara.” Kankurō said.

“Give me a break!” Shibure said before running at them. Gaara extended his arms to his sides before bringing his hands together in a triangle. Temari and Kankurō smirked

“Sand coffin!” Gaara said extending his hand. The sand wrapped around Shibure’s leg and soon engulfed him, only his face was uncovered.

“I can’t move!” The umbrellas Shibure had thrown earlier hit the ground, the points sinking into the dirt, around the sand sibs. “Let- let me go!” Gaara took a few steps forward and grabbed one of the umbrellas.

“All I have to do it cover your big mouth and you’ll be dead.” He opened the umbrella and held it over his head. “But that would be too easy, too boring.” He extended his arm and the sand started to rise. Shibure grunted and tried to get free as he went higher and higher. Gaara closed his hand. “Sand burial!” Shibure screamed as his body was crushed by the sand, his blood rained down on his team mates and Gaara’s umbrella. When it stopped Gaara looked up. “There wasn’t any pain. I crushed him with more force than necessary so it was over quickly.”

“Just take the scroll.” One of the ninja said taking from his pocket and putting it on the ground before backing up. “Go on, here.”

“Yes, take it!” The other said. “Please spare us!” Gaara threw the umbrella to the side and extended his hands. Sand completely engulfed the two before he closed his fists.

“We got lucky, it’s a heaven scroll.” Kankurō said picking up the scroll. “Alright, now let’s head to the tower.”

“Just shut up.” Gaara growled.

“Huh?” Kankurō blinked. “Come on, Gaara, let’s go.”

“What? Are you scared? Coward.” Gaara said. Kankurō started walking over.

“Look, Gaara, I know this test is no problem for you, but it’s dangerous for Temari and me. One set of scrolls is good enough. It’s all we need to pass.”

“Losers can’t tell me what to do.” Gaara said holding out his arm. Kankurō grabbed Gaara by the strap that held his gourd.

“Alright that’s enough; sometimes you have to listen to what your big brother says!”

“It’s too bad I don’t think of you as my big brother at all. If you get in my way, I’ll kill you.” Gaara knocked Kankurō’s hand off him and held out his arm again.

“Wait, just hold on, Gaara.” Temari said with her hands up. “You don’t’ have to treat us like we’re the enemy. Look, do it as a favor for your sister, please.” Gaara extended his arm to face Kankuro then swung his arm out to the side again. Sand started to swirl. “Gaara!” He closed his fist and was holding the cork to his gourd.

“Alright, this time.” Gaara said before putting the cork back in the gourd. He started to walk away but stopped and turned his head to the side. “If either of you breathe a word of this to Rin,” Gaara growled. “I’ll kill you both… slowly.” The two older siblings audibly gulped but nodded. Gaara started walking again and the two let out relived sighs.

Next Chapter

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crimsonadri-fanfiction · 5 years

Text

My Demons (Chapter 14)

Fandom: Naruto (Anime)

Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, FLUFF

Pairing: Gaara x OC

Rated: T

(First) (Previous)

We fall down and we get up We walk proud and we talk tough We got heart and we got nerve Even if we are a bit disturbed

- These Are My People -Rodney Atkins

Rin was walking through the village holding Ai when suddenly the young feline jumped out of her arms and sprinted away. She gasped and ran after him.

“Ai!” Rin called. “Come back!” She turned a corner but didn’t see the cat anywhere. “Ai! Where did you go?” Rin jogged along-side a fence and around a few corners before she heard a meow. “Ai!” Rin went on her toes to look over the fence and saw the black cat along with a black haired boy in a green jumpsuit. “There you are!” The boy, who’d been crouched and petting Ai, looked up.

“Huh?” He stood as Rin vaulted over the fence.

“Why’d you run away like that?” Rin asked as she picked Ai up.

“So this is your cat?” The boy asked with a smile. Rin blinked at him as if just noticing him.

“Yeah.” she said with a nod.

“You are from the sand village.” he said nodding to the hitai-ate around her waist.

“Yeah, I’m Rin.” she said with a smile. The boy smiled back.

“My name is Rock Lee.” Lee said with a smile.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Rin said.

“And you as well.” Lee said with a nod.

“Thanks for finding my cat. I don’t know why he just ran off like that.”

“What is his name?”

“Ai?”

“Love?” Lee tilted his head. Rin nodded.

“Mhm.” Rin hummed. “It’s a thing between me and my friend.” she said.

“You are here for the chunin exams; I too am going to participate.” Lee said. Rin shook her head.

“I’m actually not taking the exam.” Rin said shaking her head. Lee frowned. “I’m here supporting my friend and his team.”

“Oh, I see.” Lee said nodding.

“I should probably go… uh… do you know where the first exam is being held?” Rin asked with a sheepish smile. Lee nodded.

“Yes, I will take you there if you wish.”

“That’d be great!”

…

“You’re not going right to the exam?” Rin asked when Lee told her the room number from outside. Lee shook his head.

“There is someone I wish to meet first.”

“Oh okay.” Rin said with a nod.

“I hope to see you again.” Lee said with a smile. Rin smiled back.

“Me too!”

…

Rin pushed open the door to the exam room and gulped when she saw all the ninja inside. She quickly scanned the room for Gaara and the others, spotting his red hair almost immediately. She went to head over when Naruto was suddenly in her face.

“Hey Rin!” he shouted.

“Whoa!” Rin jumped back.

“I thought you said you weren’t taking the exams.” Naruto asked with a frown as he leaned forward.

“I’m not.” Rin said leaning back as she shook her head.

“You’re only allowed in here if you’re taking the exam.” Sakura pointed out.

“Shh! I know.” Rin said. “I just wanted to wish them luck.” she said nodding over to the sand sibs. The two let her go past them and to the three siblings.

“You got past the fake door.” Kankurō said.

“It’s not that impressive.” Rin said. “I can count the number of floors.”

“Wonder what they’re doing.” Temari mused. Rin looked back at the leaf genin to see another boy with them with cards.

“Are they playing cards?” Rin asked.

“What the heck are those?” Sakura asked Kabuto, looking at his cards.

“It’s hard to explain but these cards have been chakra encoded with everything I’ve learned over the past four years.” Kabuto placed the cards on the ground and crouched in front of them. “I’ve got more than 200 of them. So you see I haven’t been completely wasting my time. They made not look like much to the naked eye, in fact,” He flipped over the first card, it was blank. “They appear blank. Don’t want just anyone seeing this stuff.” He spun the card around with one finger.

“What are you doing?” Sakura asked.

“You see I’m using my chakra to reveal their secrets, like this for example.” He brought his other hand up and the card suddenly changed to reveal a picture with the nations and their hidden village symbols. On each was a green bar.

“Awesome, a map.” Sakura said “Of what?”

“It shows the geographical distribution of all the candidates who have come to take the chunin exam, what villages they come from and how many from each village. Why do you guys think they all come here to take the exam together at the same time?” He looked around but no one answered. “It’s to foster friendship between nations of course. International brotherhood and all that, and it’s true enough as far as it goes.”

“But there’s another reason.” Sasuke said.

“Yeah, you see the important thing is that this way they can carefully regulate the total number of shinobi that end up in each village, thereby maintaining the balance of power.”

“Oh yeah, balance of power,” Naruto said.

“Balance of power, big deal, it’s all a drag.” Shikamaru said. Kabuto made the card blank again.

“If the balance isn’t maintained one nation could wind up with many more shinobi than its neighbors and it might be tempted to attack them.” Kabuto said. “So they try to maintain the status quo. Makes sense I suppose.

“Do those cards of yours have any info on the other candidates, individually?” Sasuke asked.

“They might.” Kabuto said. “You have someone special in mind?”

“I might.”

“Well I can’t promise my information is complete or perfect.” Kabuto put the one card back and straightened the deck. “But I’ve got something on just about everyone. Including you guys of course, so which one is it? Tell me anything you know about them, a description, where they’re from, whatever.” He held up a card. “Anything at all.”

“He’s Gaara of the desert and there’s Rock Lee of the Leaf Village while you’re at it.”

“Man that’s no fun, you even know their names, that makes it easy.” Kabuto said. He swiped his hand over the cards and held up two. “Here they are.”

“Show’em to me.”

“Okay, first up is Rock Lee.” Kabuto said as he spun the first card. It revealed Lee’s card. “Looks like he’s about a year older than you guys. Mission experience, 11 C ranks and 20 D ranks. His squad leader is Gai. In the last twelve months his Taijutsu has radically improved but his other skills are pretty shaky. Last year he got a lot of attention as a genin but for some reason he chose not to participate in the chunin exam. This will be his first time as a candidate same as you guys. His team mates are Tenten and Neji Hyuga.”

“Huh? Hyuga?” Naruto asked. Kabuto put the second card down.

“Okay, now for Gaara of the desert. Mission experience eight C rank and get this one B rank as a genin. There’s not a lot more information on this guy. He was a rookie from another land originally but there is this: he survived every mission without getting a scratch on him.”

“The dude’s done a B rank as a genin and has never even been injured?” Shikamaru asked.

“What’s the deal with this guy?” Naruto asked. “Um…What about the blue haired girl?” Naruto asked with a small smile. “What’s her card look like?”

“She’s not even competing.” Sakura said. “Why do you wanna know about her?”

“No reason.” Naruto said.

“Do you know her name too?” Kabuto asked.

“Rin Hayashi.” Naruto said. Kabuto nodded and took a card before waving his hand over it. “She specializes in medicine like me but she also specializes in the summoning technique.”

“Wow, that sounds cool.” Naruto said.

“She doesn’t have a team but she’s been on 12 D missions and two C missions.” Kabuto read.

“Doesn’t have a team?” Shikamaru asked.

“How’s that possible?” Kiba asked. Kabuto shrugged.

“She was never assigned to one.”

“What’s that claw picture?” Naruto asked pointing.

“That’s the weapon she uses, they’re called tekagi shuko.”

“You should know that Naruto.” Shikamaru said. “We learned about all ninja weapons.” Naruto smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. Shikamaru sighed and shook his head.

“Other than that she’s normal.” Kabuto said.

“Meow.”

“Huh?” Everyone turned to see Ai looking up at them.

“Who brought a cat?” Ino asked.

“It’s so cute.” Hinata said with a small smile. Kiba made a face and took a step back. Akamaru suddenly jumped down from his head and approached Ai.

“Akamaru, no!” Kiba said as the small dog began to chase the cat around the group.

“Ai!” The group looked to see Rin jogging over.

“Is that thing yours?” Kiba asked.

“Yeah and your dog is chasing him! Make it stop!” Rin said. Kiba turned to the two animals.

“Akamaru!” The dog stopped chasing Ai and looked up at Kiba with sad whimper.

“Ai!” Rin went to pick the cat up but it ran over to Akamaru and rubbed against him. Akamaru barked and Ai started chasing him.

“Huh?” The two pet owners looked on in shock.

“They’re playing.” Ino said with a laugh.

“Ai.” Rin said. “We’re not here to play.” The cat stopped and trotted over to Rin and rubbed against her leg before jumping into her arms. Akamaru walked up to Kiba who put him back on his head. “Sorry about that.” Rin said with a sheepish smile. “Um I’m Rin.” She said when she noticed there were a lot of people she didn’t know. They all introduced themselves, except for Sakura and Sasuke, even Naruto. Rin giggled.

“I know your name already, Naruto, we meet yesterday.” Rin said. He chuckled.

“Heh, I know.”

“You’re not participating?” Kabuto asked.

“Hm? Oh no, I’m just here to cheer on my friends.” She turned and pointed over to the sand sibs. Gaara was looking at her in a silent ‘come back here’. “I should get back to them.” She said turning to smile at the group. “It was nice meeting you all. Good luck in the exams!” She said before jogging back over to the sand sibs.

“She’s wishing us luck? She doesn’t even know us.” Ino said.

“She’s really nice.” Hinata said quietly.

“You’re going to have to leave soon.” Kankurō said to Rin.

“I know but I wanna hang out as long as I can.” Rin said.

“I’m not gunna be the one getting in trouble.” Kankurō said.

“Kankurō’s right.” Temari said.

“Is the world ending?” Rin asked with wide eyes.

“Ch- hey!” Kankurō growled crossing his arms. The two girls chuckled.

“Seriously, Rin,” Temari said. “You should get back to the inn. We’ll be done in no time.”

“Okay.” Rin said with a sigh. She went up to Gaara and cupped her hand around his ear. “I know it would embarrass you if I gave you a good luck kiss on the cheek so I’ll give you one after you pass, cause I know you will.” She whispered before leaning back to smile at him. His expression didn’t change but it didn’t need to. Rin looked at Kankurō and winked before leaving the room.

Rin walked down the hall, stood outside the bathrooms and looked around before slipping into the males. She entered a stall and locked it before letting Ai off her shoulder. She bit her thumb and made the hand signs for the summoning jutsu before slamming her hand on the floor. There was a puff of smoke before it cleared to reveal a brown cat about half the size of Ai.

“Yes?” A deep male voice asked.

“You know what to do?” Rin asked with a small smile. The cat seemed to smile back before nodding and giving a small salute.

“Of course. Do you want me to take the… recruit along again?”

“His name is Ai and no. This is a one ma- one cat job.” Rin said. The cat nodded and Ai laid down with his head on his paws. The cat looked at him and patted him on the head lightly.

“Next time, champ.” The brown cat said before running out from under the stall. Ai stood up and narrowed his eyes after the cat as if to say ‘I’m twice your size, champ!’ Rin chuckled.

“Relax.” Rin said petting Ai. “He means well.” Ai jumped into Rin’s arms.

…

A few minutes later the brown cat returned with a piece of paper in its mouth. He put it down in front of Rin who picked it up.

“Great work, Hayate.” Rin said. Hayate bowed his head.

“Of course, mistress.”

“That was fast.”

“It was not easy. It was heavily guarded and I had to fight off-“

“It was unguarded in a desk wasn’t it?” Rin asked with a smirk. Hayate sighed.

“Yes.” Rin pet his head. “I wish you would give me more challenging missions.”

“You’re a scout, Hayate.”

“I know.” Hayate groaned. “Is that all you need me for?” Rin shook her head as she took out a pen and a piece of paper. She started copying what was on the paper Hayate brought.

“I’m going to need you to put this back. Then you can go back.” She finished copying the paper and put the paper back in Hayate’s mouth. He turned to leave but stopped.

“Hum…”

“I have treats back at the inn.” Rin said with a smile. Hayate grinned around the paper before running away.

Rin sighed for the fifteenth time before she heard someone enter the bathroom. She jumped up onto the seat with Ai on her shoulder.

“Rin?” Kankurō asked in a whisper. Rin hopped down and opened the stall door. “You got it?” Kankurō asked when he saw her. She looked at Crow, dressed up as one of the sentinels, and poked it. “Rin.”

“Hm? Oh sorry!” She took the paper she copied out of her pocket and handed it to him. “Are you sure trying to memorize it is the best idea?”

“Yeah. Now shush I need to concentrate.” he said holding up a hand. Rin rolled her eyes.

“I’m done now right, I can leave?”

“Yeah yeah whatever.” Kankurō said waving his hand.

“Good luck.” Rin said. Kankurō made a face and waved his hand again. Rin shook her head and left the bathroom.

Next Chapter

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