The sequel to Akatsuki: Occidio, Eradico. I recommend reading that before reading this, or you may become lost in later chapters. This chapter contains violence and strong language.


Akatsuki: Vita, Letum

Phase 1

Praeter

He has fallen into a trap. He lays on the cold cave floor, flat on his back, barely able to lift his head. His arms have been pinned to the ground with large, sturdy knives. He can barely see the man who did this to him through his long, blonde hair, obscuring his vision. He feels something warm trickle down his face; blood. His own blood. He received a blow to the head previously, upon entering the trap. He doesn't dare move his arms; the pain is too immense. He looks at his assailant with one hate-filled eye. He isn't afraid, or, at least, he won't admit it. He is filled with rage at this sudden betrayal.

Man: You bastard! You're making a huge mistake! When I get out of this, I swear I'll fucking kill you!

His assailant says nothing. As the pinned man speaks, the blood from his head makes its way into his mouth. He spits it out, disgusted. The assailant reaches into his long, black cloak and pulls out a .44 caliber magnum. He presses the barrel against the wounded man's head. The wounded man winces in pain. Despite his current agony, he attempts to pull himself up.

Assailant: If you struggle, it'll only hurt more. Stay still.

Man: Don't give me that shit! You can't do anything! You won't do anything! I know you! You couldn't kill me!

Assailant: ... Sorry.

The assailant pulls the trigger.

The blonde man's name is Deidara.

Deidara is dead.

The City of Sand, 11:16 AM, 3 weeks previous. Two men stand outside the main gates of the city. The taller of the two wears a long, black cloak, with red clouds embroidered upon it. His mouth and nose is covered by a black cloth mask, and his head is covered with a white cloth.

First man: I seriously doubt that Leader would approve of this plan.

Second man: You think that, even though you heard the words straight out of his mouth?

First man: You must have persuaded him somehow.

Second man: No persuasion, I assure you. Just a bit of luck on my part. You should thank me, really.

First man: Yeah, no.

The first man's name is Kakuzu.

The second, shorter man has silver hair slicked back from his forehead. He's wearing a black pinstripe suit with a matching fedora. He looks up at the city gates, his violet eyes gleaming in the summer sun.

Second man: Come on, don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

Kakuzu: I don't. I hate you because you're an asshole.

The second man turns to Kakuzu and gives him an irritated look.

Second man: Fuck off.

His name is Hidan.

The two men walked through the main gates. A dark-skinned man wearing a turban approached them.

Man: Welcome to the City of Sand, Hidan-sama. We have been expecting you. I've been sent here by the Ambassador to escort you through the city to your destination.

The man looks toward Kakuzu and becomes uneasy.

Man: And this is...?

Hidan: Don't worry about him, he's my agent. He ain't gonna hurt ya... Not unless you give him a good reason. Yep. Agent and bodyguard, all in one.

Hidan turns his head to Kakuzu and winks, signaling to play along.

Hidan: Let me just have a word with him really quick.

Hidan turns around and faced Kakuzu.

Hidan: So, do we have everything figured out?

Kakuzu: Yes, it shouldn't take long. When I'm in position, I'll phone you and Lestat. We'll leave while he takes care of the rest.

Hidan: Right, right... That's a shame, though. I wanted to have some fun.

Kakuzu: We need to bring the Jinchuuriki in alive, you know. If he's dead, Shukaku dies with him.

Hidan says nothing, but he expresses disappointment in his face.

Kakuzu: Just don't take long with your... Business.

Hidan: Yeah yeah, I got it...

Hidan walks toward his escort.

Hidan: Lead the way, good sir. Festino. I've got other business to take care of.