A/N: This story has been rolling around in my mind for a while now, so it's nice to finally put it down on paper. I hope you enjoy what I write. The story takes place before the Rescue Sasuke Arc and leads up to it, so it is partically AU, since we don't know what happened in Sound prior to the invasion. Do not expect quick updates, I am awful at -progressive- chapters. Beta Version!!

"Tayuya hates him because he's so graceful, hates him because she'll always be ulgy and underfed and clumsy and weak compared to him, and Kimimaro always gets everything." - Rubix, Bite to Break Skin

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The dark damp rooms of Otogakure have no natural light.

There is only the flickering flame of candles, which cast a golden halo.

At first Tayuya finds it strange, standing alone before Orochimaru, in her ragged clothes and with her hair in flaming chaos. She had tried to pat it down on her way here from the training grounds. There is still spit on her fingers.

In her mind, there should be a blinding light, as there is one in her first memory of Orochimaru.

Beside him stands Kabuto, partially hidden in the shadows with the light gleaming off his glasses, a reminder that maybe he is always watching. And Kimimaro, bathed in the holy light of the candles.

"Tayuya…you know of the Kaguya clan, correct?" Orochimaru says, his words slow and decisive.

She gives a slight nod.

"A very interesting clan," he continues, "but there isn't much known. I would like to perform experiments…" There is a pause, and his eyes darken.

"However I would prefer not to use Kimimaro as a test subject. Instead, it would be best to use something as close as possible. Kabuto has attempted unsuccessfully to recreate the bloodline many times." There is another pause, more thoughtful as his brows knit together.

"We have considered the possibility of a more natural means."

Tayuya doesn't understand, 'What does this have to do with me?' Her face frowns in concentration as she continues to listen.

"You have been chosen to bare the next child of the Kaguya."

There is a sickening silence that follows. And an audible gulp, thereafter.

"Are you willing-" Orochimaru begins, and Tayuya swears it is mockingly, because it is not as if she has a choice.

"Yes." She breaks in, absently. Tayuya is not ready nor is she willing to comply with what they ask of her.

There is a slow grin from Orochimaru and a slight frown from Kabuto.

"She really is a lovely girl, Kimimaro."

There is no answer.

Tayuya glances in the direction of Kimimaro when she feels him looking at her. She straightens her shoulders and stares right back, feeling him measure her worth with his cold calculating eyes.

---

"Because I am more special than you."

Tayuya is sure this wasn't his first, or his last, time telling her this. She decides to ignore it, the bastard always acted like he was better than everyone else. And he hasn't even been here a week.

She stops struggling underneath him, it was no use. Although they are only children, Kimimaro is bigger and stronger than her.

Angry at her current predicament, Tayuya tilts her head back and she spews out a gooey glob of spit.

"Fuck you." She sneers at him.

Enjoying the surprised look on his face, Tayuya grins. What she enjoys more is the tremor of anger she feels running through him sparking her own adrenaline.

But when his eyes turn dark, she feels a pang of regret.

Grinding her teeth together, Tayuya tries to swallow a scream as Kimimaro's sharp blade of bone punctures her. The blade penetrates through her flesh and tears the muscles beneath her abdomen. The blood seeps through, drenching her clothes and his.

Kimimaro pulls her up, grabbing her by the hair.

"Listen." He says, his voice low.

She struggles again. He pulls harder.

There is whimper that escapes. She clutches her side in an attempt to apply pressure.

"I am more special than you." He hisses.