1st game | accidental video

[xroyal_bratx]

[His collar must be gold at present.

That is the first thought running through his mind when Gaara awakens. He hears grumbling from Shukaku, and answers back somewhat absently. Once he regains his mental bearings, he realizes the darkness surrounding him. Gaara extends one arm forward to push at the unknown restriction, not expecting his sand powers to work in this state.

Outside of the cocoon, he inspects the room with blatant curiosity. A new F3 location, he instantly assumes. He needs to check in with Sai, his siblings, and his friends, and then figure out what this week’s challenge will entail.

However… the communication device doesn’t seem to be in his possession at the moment. Frowning, Gaara steps out of the room to begin his exploration. His senses are on high alert, in anticipation of monster attacks.]

[ Ishtar brushed off some of the leftovers of the cocoon as she woke up and pushed herself out of it. Sidia rested at hers side unhappily and no one else she knew was here. She tugged at her hair and furrowed her brows. Where was here? Did the Facility vanish again? It’s not another one of those 3rd Facilities right? It can’t be. She just fought with everyone to get rid of them.

What the hell is going on?! ]

[As Gaara is walking down the hallway, he keeps searching for the device, as well as any signs of the other inhabitants. His movement is swift, and after a few dozen strides, he begins calling out in an even, but audible tone.]

Sai. Temari. Kankuro. Ishtar.

...Gaara?

[ Ishtar raised a brow catching sight of red hair that stood out in the room of cocoons. ]

H-Hey….what the hell. GAARA!

[ Ishtar started pacing quickly towards Gaara, and trying to make sure she wasn't delusional when her eyes darted towards Gaara and realized it was Gaara but she might be seeing things. The Facility did that to people! ]

[His head immediately turns toward the source, his breath briefly catching in relief. So they had simply been separated. He will find the others, after ensuring Ishtar’s safety.]

Ishtar.

[Gaara heads toward the princess, his expression soft with concern. She is armed, fortunately.]

Have you been able to locate your communication device?

N-no but this-- it shouldn't be happening, and you--you’re not suppose to be-- GAARA.

[ Ishtar throws her arms around him the minute she realized he was the real thing without even giving him a warning but she did it discreetly so that the shield didn't smack her in the face when she wanted to hug Gaara. ]

…?

[His eyes widen with surprise at the ferocity of her reaction, but because this is Ishtar, he allows her to hold him. He doesn't understand why she seems so worried and upset, when they are already accustomed to this routine. It takes a moment for the Suna ninja to recover, before he slowly lifts his arms, and wraps them around her slender frame.]

Are you all right…?

[ She squeezed him tightly against her form. It was Gaaa, in the flesh and bone. He wasn’t fake and he was still alive. She kept squeezing him, fighting back tears that were welling up in her eyes. It was so saddening when she lost a lot of her friends. To see them again, she was so happy. There were no words to describe how happy she was. ]

Gaara...Gaara...

Gaara
Ishtar

Comments

[Action]

[no_dreams_for_you]

[He can read his sister’s movements, of course. She seems intent on attacking Ishtar. Gaara doesn’t want them to fight each other – it would serve no purpose. If they were sparring or training, he wouldn’t protest. But not like this, when they appear antagonistic.

He nods slightly at her report, in acknowledgement. Temari is… more attentive than he remembers. Normally, she would find Shikamaru before asking for her brothers. Strange. He doesn’t know what to think, just yet. There is insufficient information to make an assessment.

Her unexpected inquiry draws a frown of concern and confusion over his brows.] I had thought two of you interacted before… over the network. [He’s told Temari about Ishtar a number of times… unless she wasn’t listening to him. That was… certainly a possibility.]

Ishtar…

[Gaara doesn’t understand the sudden swell of emotions in his chest, from her words. He shifts a bit uncomfortably, still displeased with himself for remaining so inept in this area. It’s been over a year. He should be more knowledgeable, by this point.

His gaze returns to his sister, unsure about the change in her behavior.] She is telling the truth. We are physically unharmed, Temari. Ishtar is a precious friend. Why are you… Is Shikamaru not with you?

[Action]

[tessenjounin]

[Who was this woman and why did she speak as if she knew so much about her baby brother?]

[Even with her words, she did not let go of her stance, neither did she let go of her weapon. In fact, she was starting to examine the current state of her chakra reserves - identifying if it will be enough to save her little brother from this woman. She doesn't appear to be much of a threat to her, but it still remained that she was not a Suna-nin and she was holding onto her brother too closely.]

That is precisely why I was asking you to identify yourself. I remember all my acquaintances, enemies and allies in all the villages, and you are not one of them!

[Who was this woman and why was she playing this game with her. Temari examined the very depths of her memory and she could not remember a dark haired girl in her past with the same green eyes as she owned.]

[Friend? Who are you trying to fool? Gaara has never even spoken of that word or that sort of relationship since we were kids.]

[Gaara spoke of being physically unharmed. True enough, she cannot sense any restrictions in his breathing nor can she identify any external injuries. However, she knew he was still weak after his resurrection. Aside from this, Gaara's words confused Temari. Precious Friend? When and how did this even happen?

The advantages of being Gaara's sibling is the fact that she does not need him to say anything to study his thoughts or feelings for the most part. Gaara had moments when he had an excess of aggressive emotions but for the most part he was always silent. So she tried her best to study his movements, his eyes and his body positions so she'd have a glimpse of what he was feeling - the things he didn't have the words for. So she gave him a meaningful glance. Her eyes asking only one question against his clear sea foam green eyes: Are you really okay, Gaara?]

Shikamaru is not within the surveying perimeter.

[Her brows furrowed a bit at the question though she gave her honest answer. Last time she had seen him was during her ambassador duties to Konohagakure. That lazy nin earned her respect during their battle. She was always two steps ahead, and yet he was three steps ahead of her in battle. A noteworthy enemy and ally. But until he gets the same position as she did, there is no room for Shikamaru in her thoughts. The person in front of her right now is miles more important.]

Why would Shikamaru be with me when I ran from their village to ours just so I could find you?

[Action]

[xroyal_bratx]

I'm not going to do anything unless I have to, Gaara. You have my word. Haven't I already? I don't see why I need to remind you, unless your memory is really messed up. It's not surprising what the Consortium can do to people.

[ Ishtar was already prepared to counter her. She's not letting Gaara get hurt if this girl decides it was more important to fight her than her brother's safety. Ishtar hated being forced to answer things while being threatened with a potential attack. It made her less obligated to answer her question but because she was Gaara's sister, she deserved to know what was going on, she supposed. The former Princess parted her lips and spoke firmly to her. ]

I am not from your world. That's what you need to realize first off. My name, it's Ishtar. I am a magic user and a healer. I am also the Princess from the world I cam from and I would appreciate if you would stop threatening with your weapons. Do you want Gaara to get caught in the crossfire when you decide that you want to attack me, Temari?

[ She replied narrowing her eyes. Ishtar was not the same girl who would run away or let her friends be hurt. She would stand up to it all. ]

Just because you're siblings doesn't give you the right to question people he hangs around. He's important to me, and I'm going to warn you right now, if you do anything to harm him. I will return it. He's someone I hold dearly to and I will do anything to protect him, even if it means I have to hurt someone he knows because they're threatening his life by threatening me.

[ Ishtar was Ishtar regardless of what was happening. She kenw that Temari looked confused but she was not going to put her guard down when there's a weapon still ushered towards her. ]

[Action]

[no_dreams_for_you]

[He has already sensed that something was off. He just needs to figure out exactly what.

Their eye contact is meaningful, despite the lack of words. His features remain calm, and although he still feels hesitant, he harbors no ill intent toward his sister. Gaara can see confusion clearly reflecting in her eyes, and he’s starting to piece the puzzle together. Now, to choose a method of delivering the information…

Carefully watching her expression, Gaara calmly states.] Because Shikamaru is your boyfriend. You developed a romantic relationship with him, at the facility.

[He pays close attention to the information she divulged, and ventures a guess.] You have no memories of your time at the facility. [Did Temari return home, and… somehow lost some of her memories? From the last update she gave, the five nations were on the brink of war with Madara Uchiha, and the rest of the Akatsuki…

He falls quiet after that, and listens to Ishtar speak, in such a passionate tone. For an inexplicable reason, he feels his throat suddenly tighten up, as if restricting his ability to breathe. Again, he doesn’t understand this emotion, and why it’s so strong, leaving him… confused and lost.]

…No. [He finally finds his voice again.] It would be a waste of time and energy for the two of you to fight, at this moment. I won’t allow harm to befall either one of you.

[Action Forever]

[tessenjounin]

[Temari was silent as the other girl spoke. She carefully monitored Ishtar's actions while monitoring their immediate surroundings for any additional threats.]

Then you have no idea of our Kazekage's true fighting potential!

[Her answer was brief as she took out her fan and allowed it to land on the water by her side. Her hands clenching around the cold metal. Her face was now angered by Ishtar's next words.]

It is precisely because I am his older sister that gives me the right to question people trying to pursuit him and develop affiliations with him. It is my sworn duty to protect him at all cost and to eliminate anyone who dares to try and invade his personal space!

[Then her brother spoke. Her eyes pulled wide open and she almost drops her fan due to pure shock. However, she easily catches the fan and pulls it close to her waist.]

F-facility?

[She had to ask about that first. After all, it was a more important detail. Though she was sure that the light reddening of her cheeks were now evident to both Gaara and Ishtar.]

[Boyfriend?]

[She has never entertained such a superfluous idea. Her life was devoted to both her duty and her family. There was no space for love or even having a slight infatuation with a fellow ninja. She had no need for it. Emotions like that were unbecoming and would inevitably cause her demise in battle. It clouds judgement - hence she had no need for it.]

Can you hear yourself talking?

[Her words a bit more shaky than confident. Even now, the thought was already proving to be a distraction for her.]

You're clearly not thinking straight if you think I'd even entertain the idea of him being my boyfriend. You and Kankuro are my world!

sobs

[xroyal_bratx]

I've seen enough of people's destructive power to realize what they're capable of. I'm not stupid to start a fight I can't win but the point is-- I'm not fighting you. I'm telling you stop trying to start a fight. It's pointless.

[ Ishtar is so tired of people using violence as an answer to all questions. She doesn't like it. ]

Frankly, you have no idea what I've done or what I will do. Don't assume things just because you think it's dangerous. You sure as hell didn't act like one in Facility, so don't start giving me this shit. You can protect him fine. You need to guard him fine, but that doesn't justify violence or false accusations. Obviously if I wanted to hurt him, I wouldn't stand here talking to you. It's called hugging not invasion of personal space. It's how you show affection to people you care about.

I'm not a very smart person but underestimating your opponent and making assumptions could lead to recklessness.

[ Ishtar stayed grounded, in front of Gaara. She didn't trust many people in Facility. Temari may be Gaara's sister but she only spoke to the girl once or twice. Those times she didn't seem mildly interested in Gaara's situation. She may not know what had happened but she could see it because Gaara was sometimes in pain over certain things he never told her about. ]

He's not lying. We both have been through a lot and we both know that this place likes to play games, if it's even Facility to begin with.

what no why are you crying D:

[no_dreams_for_you]

[Temari is… different.

The last time she had said anything of that nature… it was when they were back home, in Suna. Since the duration of their stay at the facility, however… Gaara presses his lips together, to mentally get over the shock.

This isn’t… the same Temari. The one he had been used to interacting with, throughout the past year or so. The one that-

He has to clear up a misconception immediately, to avoid any future mishaps.] She is not an enemy, Temari. I trust Ishtar with my life. [And really, there are so few people he would say that about. Sai, his siblings, Ishtar, Naruto… perhaps other friends from the facility that he can’t clearly remember right now. Coming to this new location has affected his mental state, somehow.]

I was taken to the facility against my will. As were the other residents, like Ishtar herself. You… were there as well. The Doctors must have erased your memories before they returned you to our home world. [Brief pause.] If not present in this world, then Kankuro is likely in Suna.

Within the facility, we were not your world. [But Gaara quickly stops himself after that. This isn’t something he wants to discuss in a public setting. He doesn’t want to hurt Temari’s feelings, after all.

To Ishtar, he raises a hand and places it upon her shoulder, squeezing gently. He isn’t very good at expressing himself, and just wants her to know, somehow, that he appreciates her support. She has always been there for him, and she isn’t even obligated to.] You are a smart individual, Ishtar. Don’t discount your abilities. However, I have reason to believe that Temari has no recollection of the facility. She can’t be held accountable for actions that she is unaware of.

Don't cry bb! >.<

[tessenjounin]

[Gaara's words shook her for a while. She still didn't trust the other woman, but the intensity of her gaze had now softened. The tension in her muscles and the way she was holding onto her iron fan were no longer the same as it was before. Almost as if she was just clutching onto her fan to keep it from falling.]

I know what a hug is..!

But..Who are you?

[Her question was asked in general and not really directed towards the other girl. Because there was no way she'd let herself believe that Gaara would accept such affections so easily. She's been with Gaara since he was born prematurely and yet, any touch coming from her must be a necessary one. If Gaara was wounded or was in pain, or was unable to move with his own legs, that was the only time she was able to gain such a close proximity to him.]

I don't know what this Facility is, neither do I know its exact locations. But reading the box I was given and the flier I found outside..

..this place is called Genessia. I don't know how you know my name. Neither do I know that person whom you think was me. But my name is Temari of the dessert village Suna, and Gaara, our Kazekage is under my protection.

You have to understand this. If I threaten you with any attacks, it is because nothing is more important to me than my brother's safety. I will use any and all methods to keep him safe.

[Her teal eyes then fell onto her brother with a measured gaze she listened to her silently. If he tells her that she could trust Ishtar then she might just give her a chance. She'll still be wary of the other woman, but she will have to trust her if Gaara trusted her. Still she will have to keep a watchful eye. But for now, she can believe this Gaara because he looked different from how he was a few moments ago. There was less fear or apprehension in his eyes and movements.

Each words he spoke tugged on Temari's heart. What was this place he was talking about? She did not know why the two of them were talking as if they met some evil twin of hers. Perhaps it was someone's genjutsu trying to fool them.]

[Of course he'd be in Suna. We were all in Suna before we got here.]

[Before she could say anything on the matter, she had to rebut his statement. She had to correct him.]

Then you know it should have been an illusion! You should have checked if someone was trying to fool you with their genjutsu! There's simply no way that could happen! Because there's no one else that matters more to me than you and Kankuro!

I don't know anything about this facility you're talking about! Perhaps this is an effect of what the Akatsuki did to you. But the three of us, we may have friends, but we are everything to each other!

ljasgdhs kgs feels yo feels

[xroyal_bratx]

[ She was too on edge. Ishtar kept herself grounded and only softened her gestures as Gaara squeezed her shoulder. That still didn't mean that she didn't keep a defensive stance by him. She knew the question was asked but it wasn't anything that was directed towards her in general. She had a good idea of what Temari was and her role. She was different than the one Ishtar knew and somehow, it might be a bit easier for her to maybe trust the girl for now. ]

I know, but I don't like violence and you know this.

[ She replied giving Gaara a serious look. At least, the weapon didn't seem like a threat to her anymore and she was fine with that ]

You can call it an illusion or whatever you want, but by the end of the day, we have scars mentally and physically to prove it. There are things done to us that you could never possibly imagine. It's not in our heads, and it's not anything illusionary. I've confirmed it many times.

[ She replied calmer, and a bit more controlled. Her tone softened to a regular almost typical tone that Ishtar was fairly used to giving people answers in. ]

Gaara, I know what I'm capable of and I know I am not a match for your sister. I wouldn't start petty fights anymore and you know. I also will defend to the best of my abilities.

[ She turned to Temari's rhetorical question. ]

Someone who's always lending him an ear for his concerns, his problems and someone who he can feel comfortable talking to and not always be wary of what to say. I know it's rhetorical but these are my true feelings.

That's who I am and that's who I'll stay. If this isn't Facility, then we might have been taken through another dimensional rift and this is not cool. I just want you to know that you shouldn't shoot and ask questions later. Sometimes surveying what is going on will give you the answers you need. I want to protect the people I care about. If you want to protect your brother, I am not opposed to it. Just be careful.

[ She seemed a bit bothered because she probably never experienced something like this before and Ishtar made sure to clear it for her. ]

It may feel like that but you'll see how real it is when you get used to it.

all aboard the Feels Train!

[no_dreams_for_you]

[Gaara’s lips curl in a somewhat twisted smile, one absent of humor. He understands Temari’s confusion, and the degree of her denial. He had felt the same way, when he was first taken away. But after days, weeks, months, a year and longer… He couldn’t lie to himself. He refused to. There was little sense in running from the truth.]

It wasn’t an illusion… [He replies in a low tone.] We had resided at the facility for over a year. [He turns his face to the side, not wanting to reveal the conflict in his emotions.] I can explain the situation to you more thoroughly… at a later time.

[He wants Temari to know something right here and now.] Regardless of your feelings toward me, I will never stop caring for you and Kankuro. I intend to protect both of you with my life.

[The negative emotions are warring with the lighter ones he feels, derived from Ishtar’s comforting words. She is holding the darkness at bay, when confusion threatens to send him spinning into turmoil at a moment’s notice. Gaara sighs under his breath, and murmurs quietly so that only she will hear him.] Ishtar… your kindness and concern are unprecedented. I will continue to protect you, in this setting.

[In all honesty, he doesn’t feel like he deserves Ishtar as a friend. That is why he keeps trying hard to prove himself to her, so he can feel worthy. He hopes she and Temari can get along, because he will not choose between them.]

/*denies these feels*

[tessenjounin]

[Temari swiftly returned her metal fan on her back and strapped it on her obi. A measured look greeting Ishtar before she suddenly appeared 2 feet in front of them. There were no traces of her movements, save for the line of water which splashed towards the two.]

[Everything they were talking about was confusing for Temari, but securing her brother's safety was her priority at the moment. So for a while she was silent as she examined the two people in front of her. She took note that she'll have to ask the two of them on separate occasions the multitude of questions she harbored inside.

For now, she had to find a safe location for them. Gaara was right, there was time to talk about it later. It wasn't an emergency after all. So for now she looked upon Ishtar's body at a closer distance and examined her for injuries, traps or any thing that might cause trouble for Gaara and herself - happily there was none.]

[She then silently glanced at Gaara for a short while to give him a close examination. She took a deep breath to gather some courage, before she placed her hand over Gaara's shoulders. Hopefully it was a welcome touch.]

Are you hurting anywhere? Do you need me to help you walk out of this place?

[There was genuine concern on Temari's eyes as she gazed back at her baby brother. It felt comforting to hear Gaara say such thoughtful words. These were words which the kunoichi thought she would never hear in her lifetime. However, she had always known it. Gaara did not speak often but his actions proved his loyalty and love for both Kankuro and herself.]

[For a moment, she gazed back at Ishtar. A smile adorning her face. She understood Ishtar's words, and in truth she wanted to hear more about the other woman. Rarely did Gaara have friends or acquaintances outside of his council and his siblings, so she really wanted to know more about Ishtar. Her tone was lighter, though her eyes still had a shadow of pride in them.]

I have many questions for you, but I suppose it could be asked at a later time. But I need to tell you this. I will forever be protective of my little brother. I may use harsh and brutal tactics, but if you've known him like I assume you do, you would know that protecting him is a top priority. All his life, people whom he had trusted with any form of affection betrayed him. Every single day, people dream of getting close to him and then plotting behind him to simply use him. For so long, he was treated as a tool for war. So forgive me if I may seem harsh. But I deeply care for our Kazekage and his emotions.

/basks in it.

[xroyal_bratx]

[There were things that Ishtar was unable to tell him at the moment, but the former princess would talk to him eventually, because he was her important friend, and he deserves to know what is going on and what they were. Right now isn’t the time, however. Ishtar didn’t say anything this time and watched the two of them warily. ]

Gaara has been there for a year. I however, have been there for over three years now. There’s a lot we need to catch up on but Gaara’s right, there’s no time for it.

[ She mused quietly. ]

I can protect you too now as well. We’ll protect each other.

[ Her gaze softened to him as she patted his head. She stepped away from him, knowing that there wasn’t much potential danger anymore. Gaara needed to stop that. He was important as anyone and she wanted to prove it to him that she could protect him and care for him unconditionally. Ishtar’s expression remained unchanging. All the people she’s associated with—there were a good handful that often surprised her. She eyed Temari as she was right in front of her.

It was nice to see that he was being treated well from this version of Temari. She didn’t trust her completely, but she was Gaara’s family, so Ishtar wasn’t going to argue with that. Family was important and Gaara had said that aloud already, how important his siblings were to him. ]

We can talk later I don’t have anything to hide, so I’ll tell you everything I know, at least, the ones that are relevant.

[ she offered a brief smile. ]

I’m not saying you aren’t. I can tell that his life is important to you and you will do anything to protect him, but you might get hurt and he might not be happy with that. I haven’t betrayed him. I don’t intend on betraying my friends, or family. They are important to me. I’ve heard a little bit from him. At least, the things he wanted her to tell me. There is nothing wrong with harshness. We’ll just have to learn to trust each other, since we both value him very much.