As night fell and the cold started to set in, Gemini ventured out from her little shelter to search for something to burn. She knew that wildlife usually started to stir at night in the desert, so she figured she would catch something to eat and use it's leftover parts to start a fire. She was happy when she came across the shed skin of a large snake, as it would be perfect to start up a fire. "Now I just need to find food." She said happily, going back to her shelter and starting her fire.

The ANBU would wait until after she fell asleep before starting the first challenge. After that, a different ANBU member would continue to track her progress as well as issue the second challenge to her.

Gaara wouldn't admit it, but he was getting a little worried, though he had a feeling his siblings could tell that he was worried about Gemini.

Gemini decided to turn in when the moon was just rising. Walking the desert all day had tired her out considerably, sos he fell asleep quickly. She had a vivid dream about Gaara, who was very happy to see her alive. Very happy.

(*sarcasm* How subtle of you there...*/sarcasm*)

As Gemini slept, the ANBU member placed several tags around her body. Once he was finished, he got out of the way before releasing the trapped inhabitants of the desert.

((Hehehe))

Gemini woke to the feeling of something crawling on her. Sitting up, she nearly screamed when she saw snakes, scorpions and other horrifying creatures all around her. Swallowing her terror, she stood up and looked around. "Okay, either chose a really bad place to sleep, or this is a test. First thing's first, kill a few and save them for food. Then, I need to get the heck out of here..." She said to herself, pulling a kunai from her weapons pouch. Silently, she thanksed her luck that she slept with the weapons pouch still on, or else she wouldn't have anything at all. Then, she lunged at one of the bigger creatures, getting ready to kill it.

The ANBU member watched silently as she took care of the inhabitants within the cave, nodding lightly as she took out a kunai in order to kill some of them. 'Smart. If nothing else, she definitely has a recommendation for being a kunoichi' he thought.

After killing two or three large scorpions, and two snakes, Gemini got out of the cave and started traveling. She couldn't stay in the cave, and she didn't have the energy to kill all the creatures, so she had to move. It took her only a few hours of careful searching to find an oasis. The large rocks surrounding the pool of water provided perfect shelter, not to mention she had water now. She set up camp there, and started the process of cooking and preserving her food. "It's probably better to sleep during the day, so I don't get too hot..." She muttered.

'Pretty good, and good, she found the oasis,' the ANBU thought to himself as he kept an eye on her, honestly surprised that she was already at the halfway point. Most Genin had a terrible sense of direction and only got here after a few days of wandering.

Gemini silently thanked her sense of smell, as it was the only thing that had led her to the water. Shivering in the subzero cold of the desert night, she started up a nice fire and stayed close to it. Hours later, as the sun rose, Gemini put her fire out and ate a little bit to tide herself over, then lay down under a larger rock so that she would remain shaded, and fell asleep.

((We should probably skip to the next test, as Wolfie can't think of anything else to have Gemini do.))

(We could skip to the next test or to her back in the village, either is fine with me)

((Hm...back to the village. It's just easier that way.))

By the end of the third day, Gemini had completed three tests, finished all her stored up food, and her fire had gone out for good. She had only needed her fox form once, during a particularly windy evening. She was just starting to wonder when the test would be over. Little did she know, it already was. Most genin hopefuls took at least a week, but Gemini had finished in three days- the fastest time since the sand siblings had taken the test.

(Works for me)

Gaara was wandering the village, a little lost as to what to do. He had woken up early and already did some training, both in taijutsu as well as his sand ninjutsu as well. While it wasn't a shadow clone, the sand clone technique did help him well enough when it came to training with one's self. He was bored...and worried about Gemini. Unknowingly, he made his way toward the gates of the village before seeing a tired, and worn out, Gemini. "Gem-chan!" he shouted in surprise and relief.

Gemini's ears perked and her head whipped around as she heard the voice she had been hearing in her sleep. "Gaara-kun!" She shouted, running towards him. "Gaara-kun, I'm so happy to see you! I missed you so much!" She said, throwing herself into his arms.

Gaara chuckled lightly for a few seconds, glad that his girlfriend was back safe and sound.

"Excuse me, Gemini Starr?" An ANBU member asked as she came up towards the vixen.

Gemini reluctantly let go of her boyfriend and turned to look at the ANBU. "Yes, that's me. Can I help you?"

"The Kazekage would like to see you. Please, follow me. Gaara-sama, you are also welcome to accompany her as well if you wish," the female ANBU member said as she waited for them to make a decision and to follow her to the Kage Tower.

((The Kazekage is dead in this period of time. It will have to be someone filling in temporarily.))

Gemini glanced at Gaara, then back at the ANBU, and nodded. "Understood, I'll report immediately." She said. She really hoped Gaara tagged along, only because she was so tired, and a bit nervous about what would be said.

Right. Phoenix was going under the assumption that Baki is acting Kazekage until Gaara takes over later, whenever the two of us decide to do so. Though would Gemini approve of Matsuri or not...)

"Don't worry Gem, I'll come with you," he whispered to her. He could see that she was tired, nervous and probably wouldn't make it all the way there without some type of assistance. Besides, it would be nice to see Baki-sensei for a change.

((No, Baki is fine. We'll have Matsuri still be his student eventually, just to create a rivalry.))

Gemini smiled and thanked him quietly. Then she turned headed towards the Kazekage tower.

(and maybe a threesome later. Maybe)

Baki waited patiently for Gemini to arrive, knowing that she arrived safely back into the village a few hours ago.

((Oh God no.))

Gemini knocked before entering the room, and bowed politely to Baki. "You asked to see me, sir?"

(*laughs* I figured as much, but couldn't resist, just to see what you would say)

"I did. After taking our Genin test here in Suna, I would like to formally welcome you to Sunagakure, Gemini-san," Baki said before handing her the headband that all Genin of Suna wore.

Despite her exhaustion, Gemini felt her expression break into a wide grin that almost hurt her cheeks. She reached forward and took the forehead protector, tying it securely around her head. She then bowed again. "Thank you, sir." She said. She wanted to jump up and down and squeal, but she held it in out of a desire to not be disrespectful.

Gaara grinned, glad that Gemini was now officially a kunoichi of his home village. Though if anyone else excused him of grinning, he would vehemently deny it. "I guess I can now officially say 'Welcome to Sunagakure Gemini-chan,'" and knew that she wanted to be jumping up and down like a little girl...not that he would have blamed her.

Gemini turned her smile on Gaara, and couldn't contain herself any longer. She squealed, and glomped him. "Thank you! I'm so happy!"