You've... changed. (naruto fanfic)

Chapter 20

---3rd person---

The fight hadn't been going on for long yet, but Gamabunta was getting tired. 

Kiyomi could tell that as well. They all knew what they needed to do. 

"Interesting!" grinned Gaara in his now full Shukaku form. "Interesting! Not bad Naruto Uzumaki!"

Kiyomi only narrowed her eyes. He's not even taking any notice of me anymore. All he wants right now is blood. What if-

But Kiyomi's thoughts were cut off when she saw the sand on the beasts head began to create a hole before Gaara's body from his hips up appeared. 

"What the-?" started Naruto. "What the heck is that?"

Kiyomi gave a look of confusion; she too wanted to know what was going on. 

"A spiritualist medium." said Gamabunta. 

"To thank you for entertaining me here today,” started Gaara. His voice was cold but excited, filled with hatred. "I'll show you the true power, of the manifestation of the Sand!"

Gaara looked up, his entire eyes were white, and the expression on his face struck fear inside her. 

"The circles under his eyes." started Gamabunta. "They’re signs of insomnia."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Kiyomi's eyes widened. 

"Evidence that the medium has been possessed by the Shukaku."

"Huh? Insomnia?" questioned Naruto.

Kiyomi's eyes never left Gaara as she continued to listen to the Toad. 

"Those possessed by Shukaku the Sand spirit, are no longer able to sleep soundly through the night. The terror is too great. If one does sleep, the Shukaku will eat away at you. Until the person you once were will cease to exist."

Then and only then, did Kiyomi remember.

---flashback---

"Gaara!" she giggled as she saw him walking towards her. 

"Hey, K-Kiyomi." he smiled slightly nervous at seeing her again.

It was only around a week ago when they had become friends, and he was still a little nervous around her. 

"I missed you!" she laughed as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a hug. "Sorry I couldn't see you yesterday! Mom made me help her clean up the house."

"It's fine!" Gaara answered with a shy but cute smile. "It's just nice to, have a f-friend.."

Kiyomi only giggled in response before grabbing Gaara's hand and pulling him along with her. 

 ~

They spent the day playing and having fun, neither of the kids seemed to have a single care in the world. 

It was only on their way home when Kiyomi saw the rings under Gaara's eyes.

"Gaara?" she asked.

"Yeah?" he answered, turning to look at her.

"Why do you have rings under your eyes?" she asked innocently.

Gaara's eyes widened slightly before he stopped walking and looked down at his feet, unsure of what to say. 

Kiyomi too stopped as she stared back at him.