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]

[Luke’s initial explanation elicits a blank stare from the redhead. Until he can make sense of the elemental differences.] I see. Similar to ninjutsu. [And the notion of fonons sounds physics-related, even if their worlds don’t use the exact same technology.

He frowns a little, but with understanding.] They allowed themselves to be controlled by this Score, rather than live freely. [Nothing short of dictatorship. It’s what his father tried to do with their village. He hungered for power, and paid the price with his life.

The girl’s name gives Gaara pause. It’s possible that this is just a coincidence, but…] There was a woman at the facility with that same name at the facility. She was a military officer, and possessed knowledge of offensive and defensive magic spells, as well as healing techniques. She was a formidable warrior. [Having fought by her side a few times, Gaara harbors respect for Tear. He had felt saddened by her sudden disappearance.]

A tanuki doesn’t seem to be a common animal in most worlds. [Because most worlds also don’t have large summon animals that can talk.

Gaara nods, his own expression softening. There is sympathy in his voice, as he states bluntly.] This… situation must be difficult for you. Being separated from them, that is. Did you… share any bonds that were stronger than friendship? [Normally, he wouldn’t ever think to ask about romantic relationships, but ever since Sai… he has started to expand his thought process.]

He doesn’t consider your attempt to be a failure. It wasn’t your intention to encourage his demise. Though, if he doesn’t learn proper self-defense, he will become a liability, in times of conflict. [Granted, Gaara plans to protect him, despite his harsh words. He won’t knowingly allow a civilian to die, if he is capable of providing assistance.

Not meant to live long… like shinobi. Their life expectancy is short, considering the dangerous nature of their work. He shouldn’t, but Gaara feels oddly disturbed to hear that tidbit of information. Death is common and natural. Everyone will eventually succumb to it. Even if Luke happened to be a regular human, that wouldn’t take his susceptibility away.

Why should any of this bother him?]

What does your body lack? In comparison to humans.

[ Action ]

[headfons]

Ninjutsu? [Pause.] And, yeah...some even depended on The Score enough to give up their lives for it. People were obsessed with knowing their fates. I guess...it made sense, since it could even tell people the exact day they'd die. Maybe it was the fear of not knowing.

[Luke blinks at the description.] ...Did she have light brown hair, blue eyes, and fight with a staff?

[He looks surprised at those words, before looking down, a sad sort of smile appearing. The question of a bond closer than friendship then has his brow tensing.] Stronger than...friendship?

[Tear's face appears in his mind and his face instantly turns red.] W-well, there's...one person. I was...going to tell them how I felt, but...I didn't want to tell her that, only to...leave her forever. I plan to tell her next time I see her, though...

[His face is probably as red as he hair as he can't seem to look Gaara in the face in that moment.]

...Yeah, I plan on trying to teach Takasu how to fight. I wish he didn't have such a problem with hurting other people, if even for his own safety... [He lets out a sigh.] But, at the same time, not everyone can be the same. It's what makes Takasu who he is, and...even though I worry, I wouldn't want to change him. That's part of being someone's friend, after all- accepting them for who they truly are, no matter what. And if he wants to live his life without hurting others, then I have to accept that.

[Then, Luke's expression is back to serious.]

...

My fonons...they're separating. Really, that just means my body's breaking down. The guy you reminded me of, Jade, he said it'd be best if I avoided overexerting myself by using too many Artes- my abilities... [He smiles, though it's sad.] But, like hell, I'm going to sit back and let other people protect me... Or waste an opportunity to protect someone I care about. What's the point in living, if it's while sitting in the background?

[Then, he gives Gaara a firm look, gloved hand tightening into a fist as he lifts it somewhat close to his face.] I'd rather live with no regrets, than die hating myself.

[ Action ]

[no_dreams_for_you]

…Ninja techniques. [Civilians had limited knowledge on ninja arts, and mostly everything else related to their profession. It’s considered more acceptable to reveal details to one’s own countrymen, but this isn’t that type of scenario.]

…Hmph. Has the validity of this Score been proven?

[Gaara nods.] Yes. You are acquainted with this woman as well?

[…This is an amusing reaction. After blinking with surprise, the Suna ninja tilts his head a little to get a better look at his face. Based on the context of their conversation, he has deduced that Luke isn’t suffering from a weather-related affliction.] You feel… embarrassment? Regarding your emotions toward this woman?

[There is agreement in his expression, despite the clear reluctance he’s elicited from Ryuuji on this subject.] Not everyone is capable of combat. Some shinobi never advance beyond the initial level, due to their refusal. If Takasu is one of these individuals, then he will require protection from others that are competent in combat situations. [Gaara isn’t looking to change the way Ryuuji is, either. He’s willing to protect him, like he would any other civilian.]

......

You are willing to fight, in spite of these criteria. [Respect can be heard in his tone, subtle as it is. Naruto has a similar philosophy, and Gaara will never forget that look of resolve in his eyes, even when pushed to his limits, and taunted with the murder of his two dearest friend…

Gaara turns his head to the opposite side, in silent reflection.] Death is an eventuality for all beings, humans and otherwise. When it will occur, no one can make that determination. If this is your dream, what you truly desire, then pursue it. Live, up until the very last breath you draw.

Perhaps, it could even… invoke feelings of happiness.

[ Action ]

[headfons]

Oh, I...see. [He doesn't see, but he's not going to pry. He'll drop it for now, at least. Luke nods, eyes shifting to the side as he recalls just how accurate the Score always was.]

Even Scores regarding the weather always came true. [He looks back to Gaara, brow tensed as he smiles in a faintly sad way.] There's a reason everyone became reliant on it, after all... Many things were accurate down to even the smallest detail.

[His face lights up in an obvious way as he smiles.] Yeah, that's Tear...from my world.

[And speaking of said woman.] ...W-well. It's just that... [Glancing in an almost shy way to Gaara, he looks away again.] ...She means the world to me. When I was at the hotel, without her, I felt this...conflict of feelings. Even though I missed her, I was...happy she wasn't there. All I could think to myself was, I'd be willing to miss her the rest of my life, if it's means that she's in a better place. And maybe even...happier. She's...everything to me. [Closing his eyes a moment, he smiles.] No matter what I did wrong, or how many times I stumbled through life...she was there. She stood by me every step of the way and...I plan to do whatever I can to repay that. [Pause.] Well...not just repay it. I want to give it all back... In any way that I can.

[He then blinks and looks away, turning red again.] Sorry, didn't mean to...uh...ramble. [He gives an awkward cough.

To the talk of Takasu, Luke nods.] Yeah, and I don't...have a problem protecting him, either. I'll do whatever I can to keep him safe!

[Then, back on the talk of Luke's condition, the redhead gives a solemn nod.]

Heh...I can honestly say there's no other way I'd rather live my life. Protecting the person I love more than...even myself, as well as all of my friends...For me, there's isn't any other way I'd rather be. And, even if...I don't come back, that's how I want to be remembered. Even if I don't have a choice in how my body's going to be, I should at least get a choice in how I use it, ...right?

[ Action ]

[no_dreams_for_you]

[That is a cryptic answer, one Luke wouldn’t be able to decipher too easily. Gaara knows this. If they continue to strengthen their bond, then he will him, at a later time. Not at first meeting. Above all else, he is a ninja. Being suspicious of other people’s intentions is part of the job description.]

Then, what would happen if one were to deviate from The Score? [Gaara finds something very unsettling about having his entire life already mapped out, pre-determined. What would be the point in living, if they already knew what was going to happen? There is no excitement, no mystery, and worst of all: no free will.]

You love her. [He deduces bluntly.] Romantically, that is.

[If it hadn’t been for Ishtar explaining to him what romantic love is, he wouldn’t know it, right now. It’s… somewhat similar to the way he feels toward Sai.

His expression softens a little more. He shakes his head.] You don’t need to apologize. I understand how you feel. I…

[Actually, being reminded of Sai compels him even more to go out and search for his missing companions. This may not be the facility, but surely the others were transported as well.

With their memories intact, preferably…

His features suddenly harden as Gaara lifts his gaze toward the vast sky. Over the past year, even that image has become a rare sight for him. Instead of the bland white walls, the promise of endless entrapment, they now have freedom… or is that simply another illusion?]

I must find him.

[ Action ]

[headfons]

[A wry smile.] Well, towards the end, that's what we were doing. It's how...we got rid of the miasma, and... [His voice trails off for a moment.] Well, I don't know if what we did saved the world, or not. I was taken away before I could...find out.

[The blatant observation has his expression freezing into one of obvious embarrassment.] L-love? [He looks down, then lets out a sigh.] I know that. I've known it for a while, but there'd been...no point in telling her.

[To the mention of finding "him", Luke tilts his head a bit.] Him?

[ Action ]

[no_dreams_for_you]

[Ah, future events, caused by the time distortion. Gaara nods and quietly encourages.] If Tear remembers those events, then you can ask her. I should think she would be willing to disclose that information to you.

[He almost feels inclined to smile, though he isn’t sure why. Witnessing others in the throes of love, this strong emotion that he is still struggling to understand… Until Luke speaks the last part, drawing a slight frown across his brows.] Perhaps… not in your home world. But you have the chance to do so, now. [Before he disappears.

Gaara turns his gaze back to the other redhead, his expression ever serious.] Sai. He is my boyfriend. I have yet to locate him.

[And while he does enjoy this conversation, he can’t waste any more time. He can’t even be completely certain that Sai had… No. It’s too early to make assumptions, one way or another.] We can speak at a later time, if you wish. I must depart, for now.

[ Action ]

[headfons]

[Nods in return.] I think I will ask her.

[There's a faint laugh, though there's underlying sadness to it.] Yeah, guess...being spirited off to this place was a blessing in disguise?

[He's only half joking.

To the talk of Gaara's boyfriend, Luke nods and gives a concerned expression. Yet to locate him, huh...] Well, uh...if you need help, feel free to send me a message on here. [He holds the device up, while making a mental note of the name.] If I come across anyone with that name, I'll have him contact you? Since...you never know what could be up in a new setting.

[Memory stuff, people from different times, different versions of the same person, ...Luke can think of many reasons. He's pretty sure he doesn't have to specify.] Anyway, good luck, okay?

[ Action ]

[no_dreams_for_you]

For some individuals, I suppose. [It's obvious to tell from Gaara's expression that he doesn't personally agree with this course of action. He wants to know when he will be able to return to his village. They have a war to prepare for... in the future.

Oh, and by the way, Luke. Guess what? Gaara has almost no sense of humor. Enjoy older!Jade.]

......

[He's... surprised by that offer of help. He stares at Luke in silence for a moment, and then nods.] Your assistance would be appreciated.

[Thanks to the facility, Gaara knows. Part of him still believes this city is an F3 location provided by the Doctors.

Gaara almost replies that he doesn't need luck, because it wouldn't yield him any results. Instead, he remembers the reason why people use that term, and nods once more.] Thank you. Until we meet again.

[With that, he walks out of the room, waiting until he's alone to take to the skies.]