Since a couple of people asked for this...

[maldoror_gw]

I mentioned at one point that the chapter 23 which I posted last weekend had two majorly different versions. I posted the more straightforward one, the one which makes the most sense and worked best. But a couple of people said they'd love to see the other version, just out of curiosity. So here it is! You do NOT have to read this to follow DR; in

Comments

[hime_no_nishi]

I rather like the first ending that you posted. More flowly and realistic. If that makes any sense. This seems a bit more jilted than your regular writting style. The reaction though seems like post Chuunin exam Gaara in the fight with Kimimaro though in characterization. I don't like that Rasagi person though.

[voxem]

Wow, that Rasagi bastard. I almost wished Gaara would coffin him. And I really liked this, but then again I am very fond of drama... But couldn't you pleease put up the rest of it? Please? 'Cause I really wanna see more of this...

[ragingvirgin]

This is really random---but I love your icon. (how could anyone NOT adore the Twins?)

[voxem]

Thank you :)

[maldoror_gw]

That's all there is, I'm afraid, apart from some other stuff which is essentially a repeat in different format of the rest of the other chatper (discovering the rumour, and Gaara and Tsunade bargaining). The tone was a bit too dramatic for DR, and when I was writing it, I realized that logically it would be a bit iffy for the situation to get that bad, without either village realizing it. It just didn't work as well in the end; but I still like it, which is why I posted the snippet ^_^

[kiyakotari]

I'll echo voxem on this one - I'd LOVE to see more (or even the elusive 'rest') of this.

And I do like it - it's not polished off, but I'm pleased by it. The other option you decided to go with WAS better, but this one wasn't bad. It just wasn't as fully in...flow.

[kinsugi]

I loved this fragment, and I do hope to see more of Gaara's darker side through Maldoror's pen. I've been enjoying this story tremendously, but the light humor seemed almost "fluffy" at times, at least for you. Not complaining, mind you. Love the story, beginning to end; brilliant. But I'm glad you shared this piece, because it's right down my alley.

I'm looking forward to future tales where these darker tones can be expressed. I know they will come eventually, as you work with other shinobi, and return to the fragments and other stories you've already posted. I'm patient; I've mellowed; I only check your site every few days now, looking for anything at all from you. I'm trying to be reasonable, but one can never get enough Maldoror.

[maldoror_gw]

Fluffy Mal...the end of the world is nigh ^_~

You might like the new fic I'm posting then, it's from Gaara's POV and it is darker, though I don't go to the dregs of what Gaara could be, that'd be really hard to write...