Chapter 2: The Dreamer, Dance of Blades
Well, the second chapter... Never want to write this up again!
Anyway... I want anyone who reads this (Who would waste their time with this?) to submit a review.
Remember, criticism is accepted with slightly open arms, no flaming.
And all Naruto characters references, etc, etc, are all property of Kishimoto. Not me. Sadly.
Rated M for language... Violence (Even though it does suck...), and future lemon (Possibly). Enjoy!
- Vesuvan Smiffee
And as an FYI:
Italics Dreams, thoughts, those sort of things.
Chapter 2: The Dreamer's Choice
"I fight to protect my dreams, to fulfill the dreams of others. And to prove my worth to these assembled Shinobi, I ask no quarter and I shall give none."
-Haku, to Hoshigaki Kisame
The dream was the same as always.
It was a choir of angelic voices, one of harmony and unison, a choir of hope and promise. A choir that sang of the past, however, the notes soon became distorted and out of tune. The voices slipped into disharmony, and their voices turned to screeches. The once pure past became the dark and twisted reality that was his life.
He had to admit, they were correct in every sense.
As if the choir was not enough to make him regret everything, the same events unfolded in his mind every night… It was like a tape that no matter what would never cease. And Haku knew the exact reason why; it had been his hand that struck the people down.
The place was like liquid. Everything was constantly flowing and changing, a place without limits. A place where nothing was impossible a place where spectres and ghosts haunted him forever, hounding him for his deeds in life. And the scenes always started and ended in the same order. First the dream of his mother and fathers death, "I… Can't believe that an abomination like you could live! Once this is done, I can not live, you are worthless to me. No wonder I thought you were so terrible. A flaw like you can not survive; I will not allow a flaw like you to poison this area with your curse!" Curse, an odd way of stating your child's Kekkai-Genkai. Still, the dream had more to show, and to his eternal discomfort, it never changed the ending. Haku's eyes widened as he saw the blade begin its descent. He could see his father crying, the tears cut streaks down his cheeks they were tears of shame. Not tears of regret and the men that stood behind him had the looks of hatred and disgust. Not of pity and mercy. As the blade began to close the distance, Haku felt his pupils expand, and suddenly, where there had once been people. There was only ice. The blade had been stopped, and the arm holding it had been severed, the icicle had it dangling from the end. The man whose body the arm belonged too had also been pierced. An icicle through the main chest and abdomen, and one that had pierced the neck. There wasn't even time to scream, as the lungs had already been punctured by smaller silvers of ice. The man who had once been Haku's father began speaking, his words growing softer and softer as his bodies strength abandoned him. "Monster…It was a good thing your mother never saw this. The bitch deserved every bit of it… How dare she give spawn to such an abomination…Crawl back to the hell you belong to, I sincerely hope my spirit finds peace among the sky, for yours shall rot for this." And with a final convulsive shudder, the man's body went Rigor Mortis. Haku felt his body tremble and shudder as tears began dripping, a droplet, and then a torrent began. He realized what he'd done. He'd actually killed his own family, and not just that, others as well. Seeing the sight of his father's body, and the defiant hateful glare, Haku once more broke down. In secret, he prayed for death. For that was the path he had pledged himself too that day.
And the dream would always occur that way. And Haku had to admit, it was accurate. He stared at the clock on the desk in one corner of Konan's room. The little red digits read 12:59 AM, and he sighed. He was supposed to meet Leader soon, a few hours. But, he didn't know why he'd been selected, or what fate had conspired to do with him. Sighing, he pushed himself off the carpeted flooring in the little corner of the room that he'd used to sleep in. Feeling around for Zanbato, he grabbed the awkwardly shaped sword and managed to make his way to the door without too much difficulty. The door squeaked a little, but it was otherwise fine. He spared a backwards look at the woman sleeping in the bed; he felt a pang of sympathy. She shouldn't feel sorry for him, and she shouldn't shoulder the burden that was placed with taking him as a subordinate. He walked silently down the hallways of the great Akatsuki base, not even bothering a look back as he walked out the front entrance. No one should be stuck with something as worthless as he was. Nothing as flawed, as much of an abomination as he was.
Konan felt a hand lightly push her shoulder. "Konan-samaaaa, wake up! Leader-sama wants to see you. He says that your subordinate left the base without his permission, and he wants to talk to you." Konan cracked an eye open to look at Tobi. She was tempted to simply roll over and fall back asleep, but then he mentioned her new subordinate. The woman sat straight up, a look of concern on her face as she began to throw on her Akatsuki cloak. "Tobi-kun, where did my new subordinate go?" She asked as the masked man tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Tobi does not know Konan-sama! Though Tobi is to help look for him! You should hurry up Konan-sama; Leader-sama isn't too happy right now. Or at least, he wasn't too happy with Tobi." Konan sighed as she saw Tobi disappear in a puff of smoke, and she began to make her way towards Pein office. Taking a few seconds to adjust the flower in her hair, Konan pushed the door to the office.
There was six of him, as usual. The body that had once been Yahiko spoke first, "We are aware that the boy left. We must find him, he has seen far too much. He must be eliminated in order to make sure that the base's location is not made public. Already our disciples scour Amegakure, looking for him. However, he is to be your subordinate, and we must know: If it comes to where you must take his life, could you? Can you raise the weapon that will end the boy's life, and ensure the Akatsuki's survival?" The other five bodies had their gaze fixed upon her, for the first time in a long while, Konan felt very awkward in front of Pein and his clones. "I'm sure that Haku did not escape. You said he came willingly, perhaps he left to seek solitude and thought? If you'll allow me to look for him, I'm sure I can figure out the reason why. Perhaps he became nervous, knowing that we were to set him against a full member?" Konan asked the six Pein's appeared to converse with each other, though no words were spoken. Their very eyes seemed to convey the thoughts they were thinking. And Konan always found it unnerving; they never spoke unless they needed too. Instead, they seemed to only communicate through a complex series of nods and blinks. After a few minutes, the body that had once been Yahiko spoke again, "Very well. You are to look for Haku; we will make sure that he will not be killed. Shoulder he resists, our hand will not be found wanting… If he is not found by sundown, he is to be given the same treatment as any other enemy of the Akatsuki." Yahiko said, giving a nod, and Konan nodded back and left. She sighed deeply, Haku, wherever you are, you better be alive. She didn't want to have spent all this time for nothing, but her mind began thinking of places where he could be. She quickly found an answer, she pace speeding up, she hoped he was still there. It would be the beginning of a bad day for her if he wasn't.
The people of Amegakure were used to the sight of random shinobi from different villages hanging around. So none of them questioned when they saw a young man with a rather large sword staring out over the horizon. Of course, he was on top of a large maze of pipes, which carried various liquids in and out of the village. Haku sighed to himself as he looked Zanbatou for what must have been the hundredth time that hour, utterly flawless in every respect. It was only the wielder that felt flawed. It shamed Haku, that such a flawed weapon, such monsters like him with the power of the flawless Zanbatou, what an irony. The shattered and once flawless weapon, now commanded the once shattered and flawed weapon. In a different time and place, he might have laughed at the cruel jokes of fate.
He barely even noticed the sound of wings beating against the opposite end of the piping until a voice called out, "There you are Haku-san, I've been looking all over this place for you! I must say though, you picked a good spot to be found." The boy turned around to see Konan, plus the addition of two massive wings as she walked towards him. "Konan-san, since when were you able to make wings for yourself?" Haku asked he'd seen some weird things in his eighteen years of life. But a person with wings was new, Konan looked almost… Angelic.
The woman shrugged as the wings folded back into her body as she sat next to the boy. "So, why'd you leave? I never took you for the type to simply run away from a challenge." It was a good thing that he had the mask, because Haku couldn't stand to look Konan in the face. "I… I can't bring myself to fight knowing that I'll only fail a second time. I don't run from a battle unless the odds are too heavily stacked against me. You purposely set me up to lose; a person as pathetic as I am couldn't be expected to be in the greatness that is the Akatsuki." The silence was broken up by an odd sound. Haku looked to see Konan laughing, she was laughing so hard that he could see tears in her eyes. "What, you find everything I said funny? Insulting the departed is not what I'd expected Konan-san." The blue haired kunoichi continued her laughter for a few minutes until she finally regained her composure. "Setting you up to fail, a person as pathetic as you in the greatness of the Akatsuki? Please, forgive the laughter, but I found that the best irony in a very long time. We're giving you the best chance to succeed if anything, you're only to survive a ten minute bout against Kisame-san. Besides, you are not pathetic. And whoever told you that is clearly lying. With the amount of control you over Hyoton, one could consider you a prodigy."
"A prodigy in what, I've never heard the word prodigy used in the same sentence as my name."
There was a pause as Konan gathered up for a dramatic sounding effect, "A prodigy in the art of assassination. Now, are you going to come with me back to base and have a chance at glory…? Or do I have to kill you?" Haku nodded his head and stood up, "I suppose I should, after all, making death wait would be rude of me." Turning their backs to the rising sun, the Missing-nin began their way back to the base.
The training ground that had been selected for the initiation fight remotely resembled the coliseums of old. Easily five hundred meters wide, the training ground had a large amount of seats arranged in a circle around a large sand pit. Of course, the pit had two large wrought iron gates on opposite sides. Just for the effect of a truly gladiatorial experience. Asides from Konan and Kisame, the rest of the Akatsuki had been ordered to see the fight take place. "Can't believe that fucking dick head of a leader ordered us out to a godamn match between a fish and a cross-dresser, I'm going to fucking get him back for this." Complained one of the nine members, a man with a rather large scythe and silver hair, a large amount of blood could be seen dripping from his chest. Hidan, the Jashin fanatic of the Akatsuki. His companion, a masked man with the scratched headband of Takigakure rolled his eyes. "Oh suck it up Hidan. I'm just pissed that Leader-sama made me stop counting our taxes. At least your rituals can be restarted! I'll never be able to figure out our profit margins now." The four masks that had been stitched to his back made this one even more obvious. Kakuzu, the unofficial 'Treasurer' of the Akatsuki.
The six Peins were all seated underneath a canopy of black with red clouds, the Akatsuki's signature colors. "The others do not believe in the boy's talent." One of the clones said one with a pony tail so long it almost defied gravity. "They shall accept him. Kisame is no easy member to defeat; his chakra reserve is quite large. Konan shall see to it that they accept him." The clone that had formerly been Yahiko said, drawing another round of nods. "Still… What if the boy lacks the conviction we thought he held? We must be wary of his activities; Konan shall need to keep a tight leash on him." The man who had once been the boy named Nagato said. Pein's five clones nodded their heads as they settled in to watch the show.
It had been several hours since he'd returned to the base, and Haku wasn't feeling any better about his odds. Even the body armour he had under his battle dress didn't make him feel any better. Still, the thousand and then some senbon throwing needles comforted him. "Haku, you need to relax. I've seen springs that are more relaxed then you are." Konan said from the corner of the little room that served to prepare the fighters for their match. Haku would've replied, had a nearby church bell's pealing stopped him. "Time to see how the condemned's last meal is." Haku muttered to himself as he blinked against the sudden appearance of the sun.
In the middle of the impromptu arena, Hoshigaki Kisame and Haku stood face to face for the first time. "So… You're Zabuza's apprentice, eh? Tell me, how is the old shark doing?" Haku looked away, atypical of his newly acquired habit. Haku had left Zanbato back in the preparation chamber. "Zabuza-san's dead." Kisame nodded his head, clearly troubled. "I see. Well, I expect for you to give me a good show! And remember, ten minutes, otherwise, you're a dead man." With that, the match began by Kisame swinging Samehada in a slashing motion. Haku backpedalled away from the simple attack, throwing a few senbon in a cursory attack, which was blocked by Samehada. "Hmph, so maybe you might make a good opponent after all. So be it, Water Release: Exploding Water Shockwave!" In the blink of an eye, both the shinobi were standing on a lake's worth of water.
Kisame lunged forth, Samehada swung out, hoping to catch Haku. It looked like a killing blow, the sword nearly connected, and Haku disappeared into a puddle of water.
A water clone, Kisame ground his teeth together in mild annoyance. There was slight splashing and he turned around to see the real Haku behind him. "So, there you are, now hold still this time. I want to end this now." The sword swung out again, and Haku jumped back, one hand forming the seals for a jutsu. He can use one hand for jutsu's?! Not even Leader-sama is that strong! Something's not right here…Kisame thought to himself as he settled into a defensive crouch.
Haku's right hand finished the last sign, "Thousand Flying Needles of Death!" And on cue, hundreds of particles of water flowed up, froze into long hard icicles. And en mass sped towards Kisame. There was a small explosion of mist and water, obscuring everything. After several tense seconds, a large shark made completely out of water rushed out of the mist, and slammed into Haku. The shark slammed the young man into the wall of the arena, and dissipated into droplets of water.
Haku's vision swam as he realized the irony taste of liquid in his mouth. Blood, and if his eyes were telling him the truth, he was bleeding rather badly. A shadow fell across him as he looked up to see the triumphant features of Kisame. "That was a fun three minutes kid. And you showed some real skill in that stuff. One handed seals, pretty damn impressive. But hey, I still gotta kill you. Sorry kid." Haku barely heard it all. You failed. A second time, at least you died like the coward you rightfully are. Kisames fist sent Haku into the inky blackness of unconsciousness. With a feral grin of triumph, Kisame picked Haku up by his throat, he was going to enjoy himself with this one. He'd squeeze the life out of Haku, minute by minute, and he'd drink in how much he wanted the boy to start screaming. Sure, severing his arms and legs would've been fun, but he felt like something clean today.
The six Peins were all in conference with each other. "He only lasted three minutes." The Yahiko clone said, most of them agreed, but there were dissenting opinions. "However, he has great potential and strength. We should not allow this to slip by us. True, he might have not lasted the full ten minutes. But then again… Did we truly expect him to win? Haku must be shown that this defeat was a sign, a sign that he has higher purposes. Loyalty like the type we saw should not be passed up." The obese Pein clone pointed out as the rest conferred with each other in quiet.
Kisame didn't even notice Pein's chakra signature until the hand was on his shoulder. "Kisame-san… Let the boy down. His death is not to come this day." The one that had once been Yahiko said. "B-But Leader-sama, the rules… He's supposed to di-"
"We choose who lives and dies, not you. Let him down or we shall rip your hand off." Grudgingly, the shark man let Haku fall from his grasp. With a simple nod, he slunk away to enjoy his victory, and complain how he didn't get to kill the opponent. Konan appeared in a flurry of origami next to Pein. "Will he live Pein-sama?" The blue haired woman asked as she picked Haku up, he was surprisingly light. The orange haired man sighed once and averted his gaze to the wall behind his closest friend. "If his faith is strong enough in his god, then he shall recover. And his heart shall find a divine purpose; however, you will have to see to his recovery. He trusts you more then anyone else here." Konan nodded and disappeared into a flurry of origami, "That is, if he even does live…" Pein muttered to himself as he disappeared as well. Work required his attention, and he could not let doubt take root in his mind.
Later…
Konan looked at Haku from her perch on top of a stool next to his bed. She'd had to use the Akatsuki's small version of a hospital, which only had three beds, but the full array of medical equipment. Various pieces of equipment showed his heart rate, breathing, all of the necessities for medical staff. It had been almost three days, and the only thing that showed his life was unaided breathing, which had Konan secretly worried. "Konan-samaaaaa! Tobi has been looking all over for you; Leader-sama wants to see you." A loud and rather high pitched voice said from behind her, nearly causing Konan to fall out of the stool in shock. Of course, Tobi gave a massive hug, which Konan grudgingly returned; sure, he might be a bit of a hyperactive idiot. But he was one of the few people could stand, another being in the bed she was watching over. "Yes, hello Tobi-kun. Tell Pein-sama I'll be there in an hour, I just need to make sure Haku is fit before I leave him." Konan explained as Tobi detached himself and began staring at Haku, pacing around the young mans bed. His head cocked to one side, the one visible eye having a curios gleam to it. "Is this Konan-sama's next subordinate? What's his name? Is he a girl?" Tobi asked quickly as he poked Haku's chest. Konan chuckled as she put a hand on the Akatsuki's member shoulder. "Tobi-kun, leave Haku alone. And he's a boy, I can tell you that much. Hopefully he's still alive…" Tobi's small mind must've recognized the answers for he didn't ask anymore questions. "Very well Konan-sama, Tobi shall leave and inform Leader-sama immediately! I'm sure he'll be glad to see Tobi again! Ja neee!" The orange-masked man said in his trademark high pitched voice as Konan winced slightly. The blue haired woman sighed, and resumed her place on the stool. "Haku, if you're listening, and you probably are… Don't die on me. Seriously, your one of the few people who didn't try any pickup lines on me. You're polite, not like most of the other people in this damn place… Look, just don't die, got it? I'll be right back, don't worry, I'm talking to Pein, he might know something." Konan got up off the stool, her heart finding some solace in the fact that at least she'd told him something. Now, why would Pein want her now of all times? She honestly didn't have a clue, but assumed it had something to do with an upcoming mission.
Pein looked up from the mission report he was about to give his approval of when someone knocked on his door. "Konan-san, I know it's you. God's Angel should not need to ask for permission to enter the chambers of her lord. However, you may enter." Konan opened the doors and took a seat in front of Pein's desk. The orange haired man coughed lightly as he looked over his friend. "Konan-san, is there anything I should be made aware of?" Konan nodded once as she told Pein of everything, "Well, Haku's alive. That I know for sure… Still, I do not know what his mental state is. I'm worried Pein, is there anything you could do to speed his recovery?" Pein raised an eyebrow before thinking. "Yes, I believe there is one thing I could do. Though… It shall not be pleasant."
Konan leaned forwards to listen to her friends idea. After nearly an hour of talking, the two stared at each other. "Take me to him, if I am to bring his mind back, it must be done in person." The two rose to leave when a familiar black haired orange masked blur flew into the room. "LEADER-SAMA!!" Tobi screamed at the top of his lungs. Both the Akatsuki members covered their eyes from the supersonic attack. Who knew Tobi could yell that loudly? Pein had the look of annoyance as he answered, "Yes Tobi? What is it?" Tobi clung to Konan as he began to spill his tale…
"Tobi was just in the medical room, to see Konan-sama's new subordinate. And then, Tobi saw the little machines beeping and whirring, with some red lines and dots showing. So, Tobi thought that he'd done something wrong, and when he shook Konan-sama's subordinate… He opened his eyes! Tobi was so scared… Does this mean he's a zombie?" Konan and Pein shared a mutual 'this guy's a nut job' look between each other. "Tobi, Konan's new subordinate is not a zombie… He must have recovered from his healing. You should go and see him Konan. Inform him that I want to see him as soon as he's able to walk." The blue haired woman pried Tobi off of her and went to see to her newest comrade. Tobi turned around to look at Pein, "Pein is this really such a good idea? Will this boy truly help the Akatsuki's goal, and mine, by helping to find the Bijuu? We do not want to have worked so hard for something that is so… Flawed." Pein simply sat back down at his desk, and contemplated the question for a few minutes. "Do not worry Madara. I have a feeling that young Haku will soon see his purpose with us. Besides, he shall soon become a warrior of divine purpose, and nothing quite like faith empowers a person." Madara gave a short of half-shrug before disappearing as well. Pein sighed to himself as he looked at the mission request.
"An assassination, how fitting." He muttered to himself as he showed a ghost of a smile, everything according to his plans was proceeding perfectly. And with someone as loyal as Haku with him, he'd soon have his goals realized.
World peace, no matter the cost.
