The Light in His Life(Gaara romance)

The Seige, Tricked, and a Change of Heart *Part 3*

Aris watched Gaara war with himself. She bit her lip, knowing he was talking to Shukaku, but about what? She wondered. Either now it was Kankuro and Shino's match. Aris smiled at them.
"Good luck guys. Your both going to need it." Aris said.
"Thanks." Shino said. But Kankuro looked uneasy. Aris stared at him before deciding to read his mind. I can't show my moves to the enemy. If I fight that guy...... Kankuro looked at Shino then at Temari, who nodded. Kankuro looked back at Genma.
"Uh hey Procter, I withdraw!" He said. Gaara narrowed his eyes at the ground. Shino looked a little upset. Naruto and Shikamaru looked shocked. Kai rose an eyebrow. Aris even widened her eyes for a split second. But then she knew why he withdrew. The attack was coming, and Aris would do everything in her power to protect Gaara and his Siblings, as well as her own sand the village. She looked at Gaara. He was trembling, waiting for his match. Aris gave him a worried look. Gaara felt torn. One part of him wanted to fight Sasuke, another part didn't want to. He remembered the looked in Sasuke's eyes. Sasuke was just like him. It excited Gaara that he had to fight Sasuke, it also saddened him. Over the month, Gaara got to know him and now Gaara was torn. Where is he? I know he'll come. I want to fight him, and yet I don't. What has happened to me? I've been so different since I came here to the Leaf. The villagers look at me so differently. There's no hate or disgust in their eyes. And Aris....... Gaara turned his gaze to Aris who looked at him. I saw her again for the first time in years. And what she saw in me never changed. She still cared about me. I even kissed her and smiled for her. Aris is.........Is my reason for living. I couldn't imagine a world without her. I......I don't want to lose her. I don't want her to look at me with eyes of fear and hate. I'm so confused. Next thing he knew, Aris hugged him. Gaara hugged her, a little confused.
"Thank you, for thinking that." She said. Gaara wasn't confused now. He forgot she could read minds. He buried his face in her hair and neck. She hugged him tightly.
"I will never look at you with fear or hate. You'll never lose me. I'm always here. And I will always care for you deeply." Aris said. Gaara smiled.
"Thank you." He whispered. Then Shikamaru had a fit.
"Wait! Aw great, that means my match is next. Why are the moving up the matches. Maybe I should withdraw too." He grumbled. Aris smirked. Then Naruto came up behind.
"What are ya waiting for Shikamaru?" Naruto said. Then him and Aris grined evilly and both hit his back, making Shikamaru lose his balance.
"Show 'em what your made of!" They said at the same time, as Shikamaru fell into the arena. They both laugh while he gave them a half hearted death glare. Gaara grabbed Aris's hand.
"Can I talk to you for a sec?" He asked. Aris smiled and nodded. Gaara dragged her out of sight of the others. She rose a delicate eyebrow, until he pushed her against the wall, a hint of lust in his eyes. Aris giggled.
"I guess you didn't exactly want to talk." She said. Gaara smirked then kissed her. He held her closed, by the waist. She wrapped her arms around his neck, running her fingers threw his red hair. Gaara licked her bottom lip asking for entrance. Aris let him in, and moan as he mapped out the area. Eventually the need for air came and they pulled away, staring into each other's eyes. Gaara pecked her lips, then kissed her jaw, then down her​ neck. He kissed her soft spot making her gasp. Gaara sucked on her soft spot making her breathless. He pulled her leg to his hip, pulling her flushed against him. Gaara moved his lips back to Aris's. Aris cupped his cheek as he kissed her gently.
"Gaara, Temari's match is over. We should get back." Aris said. Gaara hid his face in her neck and groan. He looked back at and nodded.
"Alright." They got back to the others and saw Shikamaru, Kai, and Naruto in the arena. Sasuke hadn't arrived yet. The crowd started to get excited. They were getting impatient though. Aris could here the Fuedal Lords betting on who was gonna win. Most bet for Sasuke, because he was an Uchihas which ticked Aris off. She looked at Gaara and he seemed to be getting impatient to or, Shukaku was. She put a hand on his shoulder.
"He'll come. It'll be okay." Aris said smiling. Gaara nodded. Aris looked at the Hokage and Kazekage, and decided to easedrop on their conversation.
"Lord Hokage, I'm afraid there's still no sign of Sasuke Uchiha. He has arrived at the arena." said the Shinobi next to him. Hiruzen looked down.
"Right, then we have no choice. We'll just have to proceed, we've kept these good people waiting long enough." He said.
"Ten more minutes." The Kazekage said. Aris furrowed her brow, does he really want Gaara to fight Sasuke? Or is this part of the attack.
"Surely we can give him another ten minutes." He continued. Wait, he sounds different from what I remember, why?
"My Lord?" The Shinobi asked.
"This is what the crowd's been waiting for. It would be a cruel blow to cancel, they may even turn ugly. After waiting this long, surely another 10 minutes won't hurt." The Kazekage said. Aris looked at him in disbelief. Since when does he care about that? Why's he so interested in Sasuke?
"Guys, something's wrong." Aris said. She quickly told Naruto telepathically about Suna's plan to attack, and how Orochimaru was involved. He stared at her in shock. Aris then told him what to do. He nodded back. Aris connected Gaara.
Listen, I told Naruto what going on. Gaara looked at her.
What did he say?
He took it better then expected. I'm sorry I couldn't keep it from him forever. Look, Naruto's gonna come after you to help with Shukaku. Try to hold on until then. We both know what Sasuke trained in so be careful. I don't want either of you getting yourselves killed. Gaara nodded. Aris turned back into the Kages conversation.
"Uh, Lord Hokage?" The Shinobi said. Hiruzen looked thoughtful. The crowd started to boo. This is gonna get ugly. Aris thought.
"There is something in what Lord Kazekage says, I must admit. Very well then, we'll give Sasuke another ten minutes to appear before​ canceling the match." The Hokage decided. The Kazekage looked absolutely thrilled. That's it, something's wrong, and I can't leave Grampa Hokage defenseless. Aris link to Kai to tell her the plan. Kai nodded then did the jutsu, as did Aris.
"Blood Shadow Clone Jutsu." They both whispered. Immediately two clones of Aris and Kai appeared by the Hokage. Clone Aris linked him in.
Don't worry Grampa, we're here to protect you. These are me and Kai's clones. They're linked to us so we can keep an eye on you. Don't object. It's like being in two places at once. Aris said. The Hokage smirked as she told him the rest of the plan. The clones would stay behind to protect him, while the originals would stay with Gaara and the others except protect the village. Yes, Aris told the Hokage what was gonna happen. Clone Aris glared at the Kazekage who looked deathly afraid if her. The Hokage looked back at the Shinobi.
"Go. Tell Genma my decision."
"Right." The Shinobi stepped back and disappeared. He reappeared by Genma.
"Lord Hokage wants to wait ten more minutes." He said then he came back up. Aris linked with Genma. I see, a ten minute reprieve, huh? Aris replied, Yep, don't worry. It's part of the plan. We need Sasuke to participate. I just hope he gets here soon. Just go along with. Genma looked at and smirked. Jeez kid, your starting to act like a Jounin. Tell me the plan when you can. Aris smirked then nodded. Genma took out his watch for the countdown. Naruto started growling in frustration.
"Man I swear if he doesn't show, I'll kill him! I swear I'll kill him." Naruto said.
"I'll help ya!" Kai said. She was getting irritated too. Even Aris felt a bit annoyed. The crowd was getting annoyed to and started chanting Uchiha, Uchiha over and over. Aris sense two new chakras, not Sasuke and Kakashi but Hai and Lee. She turned to Gaara.
"It seems Lee and Gai came to​ see your's and Sasuke's match." Aris said smiling. Gaara looked surprised and smiled a bit. The crowd was jeering. Aris made a quick conversation with Lee. Hey Lee, glad you could! He replied. Yes! Sorry I missed your match and Naruto's. Aris chuckled. Don't worry I'll show what happened telepathically. So who are you gonna cheer for in this last match. I don't know, Lee said, but it will be an exciting match. Aris smiled, then showed him the matches. She turned her attention back to the arena. Dammit duck but! Where are you?! Temari came back up.
"Temari! What's going on? What's up? Is he really not gonna show?" Kankuro asked.
"He'll be here. He'll definitely be here." Gaara said. Aris nodded. They practically have the same relationship, like Sasuke has with Naruto. I can feel Gaara get excited. But I wonder if he can hold off Shukaku.
"Take it easy Gaara. It'll be alright." Aris said. Gaara's​ breathing calmed​ and he nodded. The crowd continued to boo. Kai bit her lip.
"This is getting bad." She said. Naruto nodded.
"Man, this crowd'll tear him apart if he doesn't show. And if they don't, I will!" Naruto said. Shikamaru sighed.
"I don't blame ya, man what a drag." He said. Thirty seconds. Genma thought. Aris facepalmed.
"If you don't kill him Gaara, I will! This is starting to piss me off. And I swear if he gets here and makes up a lame excuse like, 'I got lost in the path of life' or 'A black cat crossed my path, so I had to take the long way.' I'm gonna tear him and Kakashi apart!" Aris yelled. Gaara looked at her nervously.
"Easy Aris. I think it's you who needs to calm down now." Gaara said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Aris giggled sheepishly and scratched her head.
"Sorry." She said. The crowd still booed. Everyone was on their last nerve. Naruto was pacing.
"What's he thinking? I bet he's planning some big entrance or something. Well I'm not gonna be impressed." He said. Kai sighed.
"Maybe, or maybe dad started rubbing off on him. You know how our sensei is." Kai said. Naruto's eye began to twitch.
"Lazy and perverted! That's how he is!" Naruto said.
"That's dad for ya." Kai said annoyed. Times up. Genma thought, So that's that.
"All right the time limit has expired. So I'm officially calling this match....." He didn't finish, as the leaves formed a hurricane. And there standing was Sasuke and Kakashi back to back. Sasuke was wearing black clothes and instead of his arm warmers her wore elbow gaurd and bandages like Lee's almost, and his hair was longer. Aris got a tick mark.
"Well it's about bloody time! You friggin idiot!" She shouted down. He glared at her, but she glared back and hers was scarier​, making him gulp.
"I told you he come." Gaara said. Aris sighed.
"Yeah but he's fucking late!" She said, utterly annoyed and pissed.
"Sorry we're late. You wouldn't believe the traffic." Kakashi said. Naruto grined at them. Kai looked annoyed.
"And you are?" Genma asked. Sasuke looked at him.
"I'm Sasuke Uchiha." He said. The crowd cheered. But Kai punched them both in the shoulder.
"Ow!" They both said.
"What was that for?" Sasuke asked. Kai glared at him.
"Your late! And almost got disqualified! Your such an idiot!" She yelled. Sasuke smirked at her.
"I make it up to ya later." He said. Kai rose an eyebrow.
"Oh really?" She said. Naruto grined.
"Huh, so you decided to show up after all. I was betting you wouldn't come, 'cause sooner or later you'd have to face me!" Naruto said. Aris smirked, Sure, that was it. Sasuke smirked.
"So what about you? Did ya win?" He asked.
"You know it! So did Aris and Kai!" Naruto said. Sasuke smiled.
"Heh. Well, don't get to full of yourself. Your still a loser." He said. For once, Naruto didn't take offense, he just stood there smiling at Sasuke, who smiled back. Kai grined at both if them.
"Sorry if we kept you waiting, but, um, how late are we? I mean it's not like Sasuke is, well, disqualified or anything, right." Kakashi asked, scratching the back of his head. Everyone looked at Genma questionably.
"Like master, like pupil, even down to your lousy sense of time." Genma said. He glanced at Aris who smirked and nodded.
"Well, what about it?" Kakashi asked. Genma smirked at them.
"You know, you were so late that we extended the deadline for you, twice in fact. And it's​ luck for you we did, you just made it. No he's not disqualified." He said. Kakashi sighed.
"Oh, that's a relief! You had me worried there for a minute. So we're okay, hm?" Kakashi said. He saw the Sasuke was staring at Gaara who was staring back.
"Just make sure you don't lose to this guy, but becareful, Aris might kill you if ya hurt him to badly. Remember she can feel what he feels." Naruto said. Aris smiled and nodded greatfully at him.
"Got it." Sasuke said. Naruto looked back at Sasuke.
"Hey, Sasuke!" Naruto said. Sasuke looked at Naruto.
"Don't lose, 'cuase I want to fight you myself." Naruto continued. Sasuke stared at him.
"Got it." He said. Kai smirked.
"Do your best Sasuke. I'll be cheering for ya." Kai said. Sasuke smiled at her. The unexpectedly he kissed her, making her eyes go wide before she kissed back. The crowd oo'd and Aris chuckled shaking her head. Sasuke pulled back still smiling.
"Got it." He said. Kai grined and nodded. The crowd cheered loudly. Gaara chuckled to himself, he waited long enough. He wanted to fight Sasuke now, more then ever. But there was the small part of him who didn't want to. But there's no backing out now.
"Alright Gaara, come down here." Genma said. Shikamaru walked away, Kai followed.
"Come on Naruto they don't need us here." He said.
"Oh, uh."
"Let's go. And I'm gonna take the stairs this time, if ya don't mind." Shikamaru said. Kai laughed.
"Come on, are you still upset that me and Aris gave you a little push! You ought to be grateful." Naruto said. Gaara was breathing heavily and grinning like a maniac. Aris rubbed his back to calm him down.
"Okay, listen, Gaara, don't let him throw off the plan--" Temari covered Kankuro's mouth before he could finish. Aris and Gaara walked away to the arena.
"Now's not the time to talk to him, not unless you want to get yourself killed." Temari said. Aris grabbed Gaara's hand and smiled.
"Good luck out there. Do your best." She said. Gaara looked at her, that crazy look gone. He smiled at her thankfully. She could hear Naruto and Shikamaru up ahead. They both walked down the hall until two ninja stopped them, probably hired by a Fuedal Lord.
"You puny kids think this tournament is about you, but it's really about the people who bet on you, or against you in your case. You see our master's got a lot of money on the other guy to win." One said.
"Got it? That means you gotta lose." The other said. Aris sighed.
"They never learn." She said. Aris stepped forward to block them from Gaara who kept his eyes closed.
"Back off. You don't know who your dealing with. Me and Gaara are two genin you don't want to mess with." She said threateningly. One of them grabbed her then held a kunai to her throat. Gaara opened his eyes and glared at them. Aris heard Naruto gasped and get ready to step in. Naruto stay out of this! She said, telepathically. Thankfully he listened. She kept her gaze on the ground as she spoke.
"You don't want to do that unless you have a death wish." Aris said to them. The just chuckled stupidly.
"Well, so what's it gonna be kid?" The first one said. Gaara's gourd trembled angrily.
"Maybe he's to scared to talk. You don't lose, and this bitch gets it. Got that?" The second said. Aris shook her head.
"Dumbasses." She said. Aris looked at Gaara and nodded. His sand burst out of his gourd, and Aris's eyes changed. The lights began to burst making the hallway dark. The sand grabbed the first dumbass and dragged him to Gaara, as he screamed, crushing him in the sand. Aris elbowed the one holding her making him let go and stumbled back. She then kicked him in the chest making fly backwards. The idiot looked at her and Gaara afraid. She glared at him.
"Run." She said. And he did, he ran for his life but Gaara's and Aris's sand chased after him. The sand caught him and dragged him back, while Shikamaru and Naruto watched afraid. The thug begged.
"No! Please no!" Then he screamed as the sand killed him. Naruto and Shikamaru couldn't see a thing in the dark hallway, to be honest they didn't want to. Gaara breathed heavily and held his head. Aris held him close.
"It's okay. Sh, it's okay. We're fine, we're alright. We're safe." Aris knew what triggered that. They threatened both of them. And Gaara always protected both of them, he always had to from those who'd hurt them. And threatening Aris was crossing the line.
"I'm sorry." He whispered. Aris smiled stroking his hair.
"No it's alright. There's no need to apologise. You were in your every right. They threatened both of us, they should have known better. I just wish Naruto and Shikamaru didn't have to see that." Aris said. She pulled back and kissed him. He looked into her eyes uncertain.
"Just hold in a little longer okay? We'll get through this, I promise." She said. He gave her a quick smile at that. She took her hand and they walked to the stairs. Naruto and Shikamaru stood, not daring to move. Kai leaned against the wall unconcerned. Aris and Gaara just walked between them down the steps to the arena. Kai looked at Shikamaru and Naruto.
"If you guys keep your faces like that their gonna stick." She said. Gaara and Aris stopped and looked back concerned. They looked at each other then continued walking. They walked the entrance and Gaara stepped into the sun light and looked up smiling. Aris smiled and crossed her arms.
"Good luck Gaara."she said. He looked back and nodded. Aris then ran off to so Shikamaru and Naruto p, seeing them sit down on the steps. Sighing in relief.
"If we'd have come up the stairs even a second earlier, that could have been us just now. I've have never in my life seen anyone kill like that, without even batting an eye. Things don't look so good for your friend at all." Shikamaru said. Aris furrowed her brow.
"You judge him too harshly. I'd probably be dead now if he hadn't killed those thugs. You know Gaara's story. Honestly I wouldn't have bat an eye either at the likes of them. They aren't worth, being sorry over. But I'm sorry you guys had to see that." Aris said hugging them both when she finished. She let go and went up the stairs.
"I'm gonna go watch the match, don't be too long." Aris said. Kai shrugged and followed. They met up with the others.
"Hey Lee. Good to see ya up." Kai said. Lee saluted.
"Yes! I'm sorry I wasn't here for your guy's match." He said. Kai grined.
"Don't worry about it." She said. Kakashi looked at Aris.
"I heard about your match Aris. From what everyone described you attained Sage Mode. Your practically above Jounin level." He said. Aris looked at him emotionless.
"Your not the first to think that." She said. Aris stared at the match about to begin. Please kill don't each other. She thought. The whole arena was silent as they waited.
"Alright. The rules in this match are the same as in the preliminaries. The match continues until one of you or dies or admits defeat. However, I can stop the match, but that's solely my decision." Genma said. Gaara began laughing under his breath. Sasuke just Hmed.
"Listen Sensei. You know that there was a mark on Sasuke's neck, right? Well, is it...?" Sakura trailed. Aris sighed.
"I guess you didn't listen during the preliminaries. It called a Curse Mark." Aris said.
"And it's nothing to worry about. So that's that." Kakashi said. Aris smiled and nodded. Sakura looked relieved. Kakashi looked around and noticed the ANBU.
"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Eight of them. Eight members of the ANBU Black Ops in an arena this size? That's nowhere near enough. What could Lord Hokage be thinking?" Kakashi said when he finished counting them. Aris turned her attention to him.
"Well, not knowing how the enemy's going to act, the ANBU Black Ops have probably been disbursed and stationed around the key parts of the village." Gai said. Aris smirked.
"Your correct on that Gai. Don't worry, me and the Hokage know what we're doing." Aris said. They both looked at her in shock.
"You and the Hokage?" Kakashi asked. Aris looked at him emotionless and nodded.
"Yes. We've both planned the best way to protect the village, after knowing what's coming. But I'm worried." Aris said.
"About what?" Gai asked.
"About the Kazekage. Something is off about. He's not acting like the Kazekage I remember." Aris said.
"You know him personally?" Kakashi asked. Aris sent a glare at the Kazekage.
"He's Gaara's father, I ought to know him." Aris said. Kakashi, Gai, Sakura, Lee, Choji and Ino gasped in surprise.
"He's Gaara's dad?" Lee asked. Aris looked at Lee.
"It ain't all it's cracked up to be trust me." Aris said. She looked back at the Kazekage.
"But still, he not acting the same as when I knew him. The Kazekage I know, wouldn't be so interested in Sasuke. And with Orochimaru about, it too suspicious." Aris said. She furrowed her eyebrows in thinking. Then she remembered what happened in the Forest of Death. Orochimaru was wearing the face of another to disguise himself. Aris's eyes widened and she gasped. Everyone looked at her questionably. Could he have? And with the Kazekage too? That jutsu kills the person he steals a face from. So if he used it on Gaara's father, then he could just easily cripple not just the Leaf with the invasion, but also the Sand with Yodaime Rasa's death! I may not like him but still, part of me thinks that there could have been a chance for Gaara and his father too.......No I can't think about that right! I must tell the Hokage. Clone Aris looked at the 'Kazekage' and scowled then activated the mind jutsu. Gramps, we have a problem. This invasion is bigger then we thought! Hiruzen looked at Clone Aris sceptically. The man beside us is not the Kazekage! It's Orochimaru! Hiruzen's eyes widened. Are you sure Aris? She replied, Yes I'm sure. He used that face stealing jutsu! This isn't just about destroying​the Leaf, he also plans to cripple the Sand too! That's the reason this whole thing seemed off! I may of hated Yodaime, but I know he'd never endanger the Sand by starting a war! Orochimaru has tricked all of us! Aris explained. The Hokage nodded thoughtfully. Aris, I know you care about Gaara and you family and comrades. So I want you to protect them. But make sure to get the villagers to safety if you can. But above all else you must keep Shukaku under control and help Gaara. Aris nodded. Alright Grampa. Me and Kai's clones will stay with you, to help you fight. The real us will help the village. Kai will stay with Naruto, Sasuke and the others, because I know Sasuke will go after Gaara. I spilt from them for a bit to get the villagers to safety then meet back up with them. Hiruzen smiled at Aris. You are worthy of being a Jounin Aris. And your planning is almost as good as Shikamaru's. Clone Aris smiled at him and nodded.(a/n He's talking to Aris threw the clone. Half of Kai and Aris's consious is in the clones, so it literally like beging in two places at once. They see what the see and hear what they hear, that's it. Just to let you know in case you got confused.) The crowd began to cheer, as the real Aris turned her attention to the fight. Aris immediately relaid the plan to Kai, Kakashi and Gai, who all nodded in understanding.
"It's starting. We can't afford to let our guard down, but for now at least, we need to watch this match." Gai said. Wow he actually sounds serious. Aris thought
"Kakashi, I'm gonna be carefully watching your pupil to see if your training was any good. After all I'm still your rival." Gai said smiling.
"Huh? Sorry did you say something?" Kakashi said. But Aris knew he did that to annoy Gai, who sort of anime fell. Then he held his head and started anime crying.
"Oh, you make me so mad, Kakashi! Why do you always have to act so cool?!" Gai said. Standing on a rock with waves crashing into it. Where did the rock and​ water come from? Kai wondered. Aris sweatdropped, I take it back, Gai's not at all serious. She turned her attention back to the fight.
"Both of you, to the middle." Genma said. Sasuke cracked his neck then walked to middle. Gaara leered and followed. Both stood facing each other their fists clenched. Gaara smirking, Sasuke glaring. It got quite, the silence almost agonizing. Most of the crowd gulped.
"Begin!" Genma said then he jumped out of the way. Sasuke took a battle stance, but Gaara didn't move, he only stopped smiling as his sand came out. Sasuke jumped back trying to stay out of range. All of the sudden Gaara gasped, and held his head. Aris's eyes widened.
"Shit! It's starting!" She said. Gaara groaned holding his head in pain.
"Please, I beg you, stop!" Gaara said. Aris put her hand over her heart, clutching the fabric above it.
"Don't get so made at me.....Mother." He said. Aris gasped then scowled.
"Shukaku! You bastard how could you! Using Gaara's mother against him you son of a bitch! I'm definitely gonna put you under that genjutsu when this is over!" Aris growled knowing Shukaku could hear her. She tried to reach Gaara telepathically. Gaara! It's me Aris! It's okay. Gaara grunted, Aris, I- he grunted in pain again.
"Early, early....I know, I made you taste such awful blood. I'm so sorry. But this time, I'm sure, that it'll taste so very good." Gaara murmured. Gaara! Listen to me! This is Shukaku! Not your mother! Shukaku is getting into your head! Don't listen to him! Your mother would never make you say such things, she protects you in the sand! She doesn't ask for blood! Shukaku does! Gaara please calm down! Don't forget, not just your mother's, but also my will is in that sand. I also protect you. Please calm down and fight Shukaku! Gaara groaned painfully as he tried to fight back against Shukaku. The sand that was hovering above him fell to his feet. All the while Aris whispered soothing words into his mind to help. Gaara was gasping from the pain in his head. Aris quickly explained to Sasuke what happened. Gaara looked back at Sasuke expressionless, his non-existent eyebrows furrowed.
"Come on." He said.
"Here goes." Sasuke said. Then he threw two Shiriken. But the sand caught them, then turned into a sand clone of Gaara. Sasuke rushed forward and the sand shot towards making him jump in the air to get out of the way. The sand clone threw the shiriken at Sasuke, and Sasuke threw two more to block. He launched a kick which the sand clone blocked. Sasuke then landed in his hands and turned, hitting the sand clones neck, but the sand clone trapped his wrist grinning. Sasuke grunted then hit the sand clones head making it disperse. He then rushed to punch Gaara, a sand wall came up to block. But Sasuke smirked and then disappeared, and reappearing behind him, surprising Gaara and everyone else. He's as fast as Lee! But that means, uh oh. Aris thought. He's fast, just like that other one, Lee. Gaara thought. Sasuke reared back then punched, just like Lee did and hit Gaara's cheek. Gaara was nocked back by the blow and his sand rushed to cushion his fall. Aris's head jerked to the side and she put her hand on her cheek, as she felt the hit.
"Ouch." Aris said. Everyone one looked at Aris in concern.
"So there's your sand armor, huh Gaara?" Sasuke said taking a Taijutsu stance. Gaara glared at him as his sand armor cracked of his face.
"Come on!" Sasuke said. Aris breathing heavily after that hit. Damn he packs a punch just like Lee. I hope he remembers what Naruto said. Aris thought.
"Aris are you alright?" Gai asked. Aris looked at him still holding her cheek.
"Remember the preliminaries." She said. They nodded.
"Wait does that mean-" Kakashi asked but Aris stopped him.
"Yeah, this is gonna hurt." She said. Sasuke stood their smirking at Gaara.
"Come on Gaara." He said. Gaara just kneeled where he was glaring at Sasuke.
"If you won't do it, then I will!" Sasuke said, charging. Gaara sand came up as the back away. Sasuke came from behind, the sand tried to stop him but he was too fast. He got under the sand, twisted the kicked Gaara in the chest nocking him back as his sand caught him. Aris grunted and held her chest at the blow. Sasuke stayed like that his foot raised.
"What's the matter, Gaara? Is that all you've got?" Sasuke asked. Aris was breathing heavily, as Gaara got back up. Sasuke took the Taijutsu stance again.
"I'm gonna tear off, all your armor!" He said. Sasuke ran at Gaara, as his sand raised around him to protect him. Sasuke ran around Gaara like Lee did for the primary Lotus. Uh-oh Kai thought. Gaara looked at Aris and she had that fear in eyes again. She can feel my pain! He realized remembering the preliminaries. Aris grimaced as she realized what Sasuke was gonna do.
"This is gonna hurt like hell." She said. Everyone stared at her wide eyed. Sasuke then went under the sand and back kick Gaara's chin. Aris grunted and grabbed her chin in pain. Sasuke turned and grabbed Gaara's sash and strap then kneed his gut. Gaara and Aris both grunted in pain as Aris fell to her knees holding her stomach. Sasuke was panting from the loss of stamina. The sand surrounded Gaara in a circle as he kneeled there panting heavily, his armor cracked. Aris was kneeling on the steps panting in, a line of blood dripping from her mouth.
"Aris!" Kai exclaimed kneeling beside her rubbing her back. Everyone turned looking at Aris in worry.
"Are you alright?" Lee asked. Aris grunted.
"I've been threw worse, though I'm glad Sasuke doesn't know the Primary Lotus or Hidden Lotus. I don't think I can handle another round of that. It hurts but I'll be okay. I just hope Gaara doesn't get seriously injured. For his sake and mine." Aris said. Kakashi gulped. Aris looked at him suspiciously.
"His training, what did you two do?" Gai asked.
"Hm?"
"To get to such a level, in a mere month." Gai said. Aris stood back up.
"Sharingon." Aris said.
"Sasuke has copied Lee's Taijutsu with his Sharingon. So during the Taijutsu training I did with Sasuke, I simply had him imagine Lee's movement and copy it. Sasuke mastered that Taijutsu only because he knew Lee. Of course Sasuke had to work very hard to master it, even with his Sharingon." Kakashi said. Gaara looked from Sasuke to Aris and saw the blood form her mouth. Doesn't she notice she's bleeding? Does she really feel the attacks that badly? I can't let this continue, if this becomes anything like the preliminaries, Aris will be in much more pain. I couldn't bare to hear her scream like that again. It hurt so terribly last time. I need to use that jutsu. I'm sorry Aris. He turned his gaze back to Sasuke and formed a hand sign. The sand obliged and started to form into a shield like sphere around him. Aris heard his thoughts and wiped the blood away and looked at it on her fingers. What the? The bond I have with Gaara is getting stronger. Whenever he bleeds I bleed, and that last blow could've done just that. I need to learn to control this, so it doesn't get to the point where I start to bleed. Gaara becareful. Aris thought. Her gut still hurt from that last blow. Sasuke ran at the sphere as there was but a hole left showing Gaara's eye. The hole closed up as Sasuke's fist connected and sharp spikes form cutting him but not hitting anything vital. The sphere was harder then the normal sand defense so Sasuke's hand started to bleed. Aris bit her lip. Please Gaara, don't use that jutsu. Sasuke backed away, activating his Sharingon, and the spikes disappeared back into the sphere.
"The sand, has covered his entire body." Lee said. Aris started sweating, Gaara was afraid.........For her.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto yelled running to them.
"Naruto!" Both Lee and Aris said. Naruto and Shikamaru were both panting from running.
"What.....What is it, Naruto?" Kakashi asked.
"Sensei please! You just have to stop this match, right away!" Naruto said looking afraid. Aris furrowed her brow, honestly she'd have to agree with him right now.
"What?" Kakashi said.
"The guy Sasuke is fighting, is completely different from the rest of us. He's about as far from normal as you can get." Naruto said frantically.
"Naruto, slow down. What are you trying to say?" Ino said.
"Naruto, Gaara is a Jinchuriki like us. Of course he's different. We far from normal too." Aris said looking at Naruto with sad eyes.
"He thinks his point in life is to kill people. Don't ya see? If this continues, Sasuke will die!" Naruto said. Inside the sphere Gaara was chanting. The Third Eye appeared outside of the sphere. Aris growled and looked at the ground her expression pained.
"Correction, if this continues both Gaara and Sasuke could die. Their gonna kill each other! Kakashi, Naruto is right! This match needs to end." Aris said.
"You've gotta believe me!" Naruto said.
"This is getting bad. Gaara's losing control." Aris said frantic.
"Relax. No need to panic." Kakashi said. Everyone looked at him questionably.
"You know Sasuke and I weren't just goofing around. There's a reason we were so late getting here." Kakashi said. Kai smirked.
"Oh so a Black cat didn't cross your path making you take the long way?" She asked. Aris chuckled for a second.
"Very funny." Kakashi said. Aris looked back at the fight, her heart pounding. Sasuke ran at the sphere yelling. He threw kunai then attacked from behind. That didn't work so he attacked from above while dodging the spikes. All the while Aris could hear Gaara's chanting. Sasuke unbutton his arm guards, smirking. What he planning? Aris wondered.
"Sensei, you said there was a good reason you were late. What were you doing?" Sakura asked. Aris looked at Kakashi, that's something she'd like to know too.
"Hm, well, it's kind of a long story." Kakashi said.
"Oh come on! Will you please do something!? This is no time for talking!" Naruto yelled.
"You're right, so shut up and watch." Kakashi retorted. Aris narrowed her eyes.
"Keep your eye on Sasuke. He's about to surprise you." Kakashi said. Sasuke back flipped on to the arena wall, using his chakra to stay on. He made very familiar hand signs the put his hand against the wall. Aris furrowed her brow, that isn't what I think it is, is it? Lightning began to form in Sasuke's hand. Aris gasped.
"Kakashi, you didn't!" Aris said afraid.
"Yes Aris I did." Kakashi said.
"You taught him Chidori?! But that jutsu could......It could kill Gaara!" Aris said. Naruto and Kai gasped and looked at each other. Two and Kakashi began to explain the jutsu. Kai stared at Kakashi in horror.
"If that jutsu kills Gaara, who knows what it'll do to Aris!" Kai said. Everyone looked at Aris who was trembling in fear, not for herself but for Gaara. Sasuke charged the sphere from the wall with his chidori. Sasuke yelled as he headed the sphere. Then he penetrated the sphere and Aris froze. She stood there wide eyed trembling, a sharp excruciating pain in her left shoulder.
"That's a dangerous technique not to be taught lightly." Gai said. Kakashi gave him a look like 'Seriously?'
"Yeah, your one to talk." He said. Then he chuckled.
"Right Lee?" He asked Lee. Aris made a small noise in pain, drawing everyone's attention to her. Naruto looked at her shoulder and gasped.
"Aris are you alright?" He asked. Aris, breathing heavily, shakily raised a hand to her shoulder and held it. She whimpered, eyes still wide and in shock as tear streamed down her cheeks. Gaara whimpered at the same time. Then, Aris started screaming. Her scream was so loud it filled the whole arena. At the same time another scream was heard, from Gaara.
"Blood! It's my blood!" Gaara screamed. Aris fell to her knees whimpering and screaming to the top of her lungs. She clutched her wound in agony as her and Gaara screamed. Tears flowed from Aris's eyes like no tomorrow, and blood flowed from her shoulder. The pain Gaara was in was to much, and it hurt her heart just as much, making her scream both their agony. Sasuke's arm was stuck, he couldn't get loose so he reactivated Chidori, making both Aris and Gaara scream louder. Gaara could hear Aris scream and it did something to him. He lost control. Aris screamed and cried, unable to stop.
"Aris!" Everyone yelled. Sheika, in human form, though her was hair was red and eyes fox violet, also wearing a kimono like Sakura's, came out and held Aris. Aris and Her have definitely been practicing since the preliminaries.
"Shit, the bond got stronger!" She said. Sasuke got free, making Aris stop screaming, but brought a huge monster like arm with him. Aris was breathing heavily when she looked up and saw that arm.
"Oh no! Gaara!" She yelled.
"What's that?" Gai said. Sheika grit her teeth.
"Shukaku, that's what! He's so gonna get his ass handed to him!" Sheika said. The arm retreated back into the sphere, and everyone could see Shukaku's eye inside it. Everyone stared at the sphere in horror and fear. Aris saw the looks and felt panic. No, those eyes. The fear. All directed at Gaara to, but I can't bear those looks even on others. Aris whimpered and held her head feeling Shukaku pounding Gaara's skull and Gaara's fear.
"No! Make it stop! Make it stop! Make it stop!" Aris said breathing heavily. Sheika rubbed her back.
"Easy kit, calm down we'll get threw this, together." She said. Aris looked at her and nodded. Shukaku roared from in side. Aris got up from the ground still holding her wound and growled, her eyes turning into the violet fox eyes. Sheika growled along with her. The sphere began to crack, then collapsed and revealed, not Shukaku, but an injured Gaara breathing heavily like Aris. Blood stained his hand as Gaara held his wound, he stared at Sasuke. But in Gaara's eyes was fear. The look in his eyes was a primal fear, like when the Kazekage sent assassins after him. It was an animalistic fear. Gaara began to sway.
"No! Gaara!" Aris yelled jumping down. She ran to him and caught him before he could fall. Aris stared at everyone her eyes still the Fox Violet. Fear was within them as she stared at everyone.
"Her mate was hurt. That's the reason for that look." Kai said. Sheika nodded grimly.
"I've never seen a look like that in Aris's eyes!" Naruto said. Then a genjutsu began to fall upon the arena. Aris furrowed her eyebrows and bared her canines.
"Oh no. It's begun." She said.