A/N - Wow, *tears up* you guys are the best! I love you all so much that I have decided to overtime and hustle on forward with the third chapter. This chapter is a bit longer but I really didn't enjoy writing this one too much. I really don't know exactly what's up with the stitches other than that he uses them in jutsu and to sew Hidan's dirty mouth up *giggles* but I am not quite sure what's up, so I winged it. Anywho, on with ze chapter!
Chapter Two: Saved?
Hinata awoke to the sound of pots and pans clanking around somewhere far off, the noise not at all helping to ease the massive pain radiating at the back of her skull. From the softness of the surface she was lying on, she presumed it was a bed. There was just one problem with this: she had no idea who's bed she was on! She brought her hand up to the back of her head to possibly massage the pain away with a little chakra, but found she couldn't move her arm. Well that was just fantastic, not only was she bound to some total strangers bed but she had a massive headache.
Hinata flopped her body back against the surprisingly comfortable surface and sighed aloud, hoping someone would hear her and maybe come and untie her. As soon as she let this thought simmer for a moment she groaned, a new thought resurfacing in it's place. What if she did manage to attract some attention, and what if it was the wrong attention? What if whoever it was who had captured her decided to have his way with her?
Hinata shuddered at the thought of what Kyoto did. She didn't think she could handle going through that again.
No, she knew that she wouldn't be able to go through with that again.
Hinata began to feel the all to familiar sting of tears surfacing under her eyes, and she bit back a sob. She didn't know what she was supposed to do, and the probability of getting out of here-where ever here was-was unlikely as of the moment.
Some greater power must have been incredibly angry with her, to make her life a living hell like this.
A tiny stream of light was pouring in through a tiny crack in the window, allowing her to make out some of the room she was being held in. It certainly wasn't a prison of any sort, and a little deducting-including the bed-allowed her the realization that it was someone's bedroom. She let her eyes wander around the room, taking in the sparse furnishings that included the bed, a dresser, and a desk. There was also a table that held all sorts of strange cabinets that seemed tightly locked, and scattered around the table were-from what Hinata could make out-many different types of chemicals. Under the table was a safe, and some kind of metal box that Hinata assumed held money or some other type of precious object. She looked over to the slightly opened dresser, where some kind of black cloak spilled out. That was when she noticed something very peculiar about this cloak, it had the strangest red clouds embroidered on it. Hinata couldn't help but feel that she knew these clouds from somewhere, so she wracked her brain for some clues. The conclusion caused her heart to drop into the lowest pit of her stomach.
That strange black cloak with those strange red clouds, belonged to none other than a member of a dangerous criminal organization known as Akatsuki.
Oh Kami, they were going to kill her! They were going to kill her and probably rape her and there was nothing, absolutely nothing that she could do about it. She had never met any Akatsuki before but she had heard stories-terrible stories-from Naruto, Sakura and Neji. She knew for a fact that most of the members were presumed to be dead and she knew that the remaining members were incredibly dangerous, but that was all she knew. She knew next to nothing of their fighting styles-although she presumed that it was different amongst each one-and she knew nothing of their bloodline traits.
Needless to say that when the door began to creak open, well Hinata was just downright shivering in fear. She saw through the stream of light slivering in through the open door a man about her height who was wearing a strange orange swirled mask and covered from head to toe-other than the mask-with black. He stood there for a moment before slowly walking towards her, and pulling something out from behind his back. He handed it to her and then quickly realizing that she couldn't move her arms, set it on the bed and stepped a little closer.
"Tobi brought Hinata-chan some clothes. If Hinata-chan promises to behave then Tobi will untie her."
Hinata was a little puzzled at his way of speaking, but she managed a small smile and muttered out a quiet, "Thank you."
The man named Tobi began to carefully untie her arm restraints, but not her leg restraints. Hinata decided to be thankful for what she was given and didn't argue or protest. She was just happy that he held no hostility towards her-not any that she could see anyway-and gave him another small smile to which he giggled happily.
"Tobi is happy that Hinata-chan didn't try to attack him! Hinata-chan is a good girl!"
Hinata allowed herself a giggle. This Tobi was quite the uplifting type it seemed.
"Is Hinata-chan hungry?"
Hinata nodded and said, "Y-yes. Very."
Tobi began to untie her leg restraints and helped her up after he was done. "Tobi is glad that you are alright, Hinata-chan. Kakuzu-san didn't think that you would make it. He worked for nearly a week to make you better. Tobi had never seen Kakuzu-san so worried about something other than money."
"Kakuzu? Who...who is that, Tobi?"
Tobi seemed thoughtful as if choosing his words very carefully before finally speaking, "Kakuzu-san is the one who saved Hinata-chan,"
--
Kakuzu ran his hands through his black hair and sighed, coming to the conclusion that the numbers just were not adding up. If there was one thing that irritated him, it was the fact that there were missing funds somewhere in this organization. He laid his head down on the table and grunted, his mind wandering back to the violet haired girl still unconcious in his bedroom. He would be lying if he said that she wasn't beautiful-she was, probably one of the most beautiful he had ever seen-but that didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. She was a hostage and as her hostage taker he should not be thinking about her. Basically, if you wanted to look at it logically-which Kakuzu always did-they hadn't even met and here he was having impure thoughts about a woman who would not think twice before turning him down. He pushed the thoughts away, because that didn't matter either. The only thing that mattered was that the jinchuuriki would come running after her, and fall directly in their trap. Kakuzu pulled down his mask and absently fingered the stitching lining his mouth, afterall no woman, no matter how deep she was, would never look past that. Not that it mattered. It didn't, or that was what he kept telling himself.
Kakuzu heard the tell-tale signs of a very effervescent Tobi saddling down the stairs and most likely into the kitchen where Kakuzu would have to watch Tobi pour endless amounts of money...erm food into that bottomless trap hole he called a stomach.
"Kakuzu-san! Kakuzu-san!" Came the voice of the hyperactive man, floating through the halls into the kitchen, causing Kakuzu's head to ache even more than it did before. He really should have thought twice about joining this organization, the stress caused him to feel much older than he was. Tobi popped around the doorframe, to find Kakuzu pouring over his paperwork, not looking up.
"What is it, Tobi? I am incredibly-"
There she was, indigo hair and all, in the flesh right before his eyes. She was clad in a tight fishnet top that only covered the bare essentials and a pair of Tobi's pants. Her pale lavender eyes glinted in the harsh fluorescent lighting of the kitchen, and she was apparently very interested in his face because she was staring directly at him, a light blush staining her pale yet slightly olive tinged skin.
"Look Kakuzu-san! Hinata-chan is awake!"
Neither said a word, apparently very intrigued in the other because a four minute staring contest ensued, being broken by a very hard thud and a slam. These noises were followed by a string of swearwords and a fuming Hidan entering the kitchen.
"Motherfucking shit! Tobi! Where the hell did you put my alter candles?? I know you fucking had them last so don't tell me that you fucking didn't. You little piss-" Hidan ceased his swearing to smirk at the girl and his partner. Finally Kakuzu broke the gaze between the two.
"So she is. I will take her to see Leader-sama now. Tobi, help Hidan, okay?"
He walked past the two men and the woman and out of the door, holding open for a moment to allow her to follow his lead.
"Y-You are a medic-nin?" Hinata asked, staring down at her feet as they walked through the first set of the apparently never ending corridors and hallways.
"Something like that," He grunted and pulled back up his mask and hood, shielding her from staring at him like a circus animal. He motioned to her to take a right and walked ahead of her as far away from her as he could, he knew he had to keep as much distance from her as possible if he wanted to keep control. Unfortunately for him, she didn't seem to take the hint and sped up to keep herself in stride with him.
"I just wanted to..thank you..for you know..helping me."
Damn her! Why did she have to be so nice? He was just doing his job afterall, no gain to her whatsoever. Greedy ol' Kakuzu just as it should be. Of course he knew that wasn't true, but as long as she didn't know well there was no harm.
"I did what my job merits me to do. That's all." He snapped, harshly and Hinata recoiled a bit. Neither said a word to the other the rest of the way and finally they reached the huge double doors that lead to where the Leader could be found. Kakuzu placed his hand on her shoulder and pushed her forward into the room. It was incredibly dark and Hinata could see nothing but a pair of sienna colored eyes with rings in the irises. Hinata fought down the fear rising within her and stepped forward.
Finally the eyes spoke, "Kakuzu." The dark and smooth voice echoed throughout the room, shaking Hinata to her very core.
"Hai, Leader-sama."
"I see she is fine, all is well I take it?"
"Hai."
"What of Konoha?"
"They were unaware of our actions when the plan was initiated, what they are doing now I cannot say. I assume they have found the body and have sent out search teams but I can't be sure."
The body? What body? What on earth was he talking about? Hinata just looked puzzedly at Kakuzu who was avoiding her gaze.
"And of the Kyuubi? Are you certain he will come after her?"
Naruto... Hinata felt her heart drop, she should have known better. She should have known that this was all a ploy to lure in Naruto, but she didn't really think about it when everything was going on.
"He most likely will, Leader-sama. The boy has never been one for abandoning his friends."
The Leader seemed to think on this for a moment, "I see. Kakuzu, leave us for a moment. I wish to speak to the girl in private."
If Hinata didn't know better she would think that Kakuzu was looking a bit nervous at the moment, but he just bowed his head and exited through the double doors. A lengthy period of silence followed his departure, and Hinata felt sweat begin to form on her skin, her hands were becoming clammy and her stomach churned. She did not want to be alone with this 'man'.
"Hyuuga Hinata, age 22, blood type AB positive, Special Jounin ranked Konahagakure shinobi. Is this correct?" Those strange eyes were baring into her own and Hinata shifted uneasily, "N-no. I no longer carry the Hyuuga name. I married outside of my family,"
The 'Leader' seemed to think that what she just said was funny because he let out a menacing laugh, confused, Hinata looked up at him.
"Yes. Of course, of course. You were married, but no longer I am afraid."
Hinata was confused, what did he mean she wasn't married? How the hell would he know about her private affairs?
"I...I don't understand."
"Ahh, no you wouldn't would you? Well I suppose I have to explain. You see my dear, your husband has been terminated. His life is no longer a matter to you."
Hinata couldn't believe what she was hearing. Kyoto, dead? That made absolutely no sense, unless...
"H-how?" She stammered. Even if he was a good for nothing bastard, he was still her husband and unfortunately she still loved him. She didn't know why exactly she harbored such feelings for a man who brought her so much pain, but still she didn't take a vow so devoting such as that of marriage so lightly. When Hinata loved, she loved with all of her heart. That was the way it had always been, and that was the way it would always be.
"Those details are of no concern to you, Hyuuga-san. But if you truly wish to know, than I think you should ask Kakuzu. He may have some information on that for you." The 'Leader' let out a knowing laugh, as if he was joking at Hinata's expense.
"Anyway, back to the matters at hand. I am sure you know why you are here, and you will remain here under the...care...of us until I see fit for you to...leave. Do you understand?"
"Yes. What if I decide I do not want to remain here?" Hinata snarled, a bit aggravated, in a tone that wasn't completely her own. She didn't really care what he would do to her for her subordination, she just knew that she couldn't handle staying in this place any longer. She had to get out, and she had to do it soon, before Naruto came running to his demise.
"You will be disposed of. That is all. Meet Kakuzu outside and have him escort you back to his quarters, you will be staying with him until I can find a more suitable place for you. Good night Hyuuga-san."
Hinata was fuming, that...that Kakuzu killed her husband and now she had sleep in his bedroom with him! She swung open the heavy double doors and started down the long corridor in some unknown direction. She didn't care, as long he didn't follow her. He did of course, but that didn't mean she would talk to him.
"Hey...Hey! Where the hell are you going??" He bolted after her as she made long strides to get farther away from the man approaching her.
"Away from you." She snapped.
Kakuzu was confused, he figured that she would be happy that he gave the order to end that miserable punk's life. After all, who would care for someone who did things so terrible to them? It didn't make any sense to him, and come to think of it neither did women. He shook his head and finally caught up to her before she made to somewhere that she definitely did not want to go. Hidan's sacrificial grounds. If Kakuzu had a hard time stomaching that place, than surely she would too.
"Wait..Wait." He snatched her arm and pulled her to him, her face colliding with his chest, causing a strange bolt of electricity to flare in his body. Weird. She tried with fervor to pull away from him, but he held steadfast, trying to calm her anger.
"No! What the hell do you want from me? What do all of you want from me?? You...You..killed-"
"Yeah, I did. And he deserved it too." Well technically he didn't kill him personally, but he did allow it. She expected him to feel guilty or something? "You know what? You should be fucking thanking me for taking that shithead out of your life, but no here you are mad at me about that! You aren't mad that I kidnapped you. No. You are mad because I killed the sick fuck that violated you." Kakuzu swore to himself, she wasn't supposed to know that he knew about that.
"You...You were watching me? Spying on me?!"
"Well...yeah. I had to. Look, lady I had no intention of getting involved in your marital affairs, but we had to take him out to get to you. It was a mission, I completed it. Nothing less, nothing more." More lies.
Hinata untangled her arm from his and looked away from his burning gaze. He watched as her features softened and she returned to the demure, quiet girl he saw before. "I see. He..he said that I had to stay with you."
Kakuzu nodded, wondering what kind of hell Leader was trying to put him through. Afterall, Leader did know just about everything that went on in this organization, so he must have known about Kakuzu's new development towards the girl, even he himself would never admit it.
"M-may I ask you something?" She nearly whispered, reminding Kakuzu of a little mouse. Kakuzu nodded silently and she just stood there for a moment as if pondering how to say what she wanted to say. Kakuzu had a pretty good idea as to what it was, and he began to get a little nervous with each passing moment.
"W-what...I mean...How...did your face..get like..that?" She winced as soon as the words exited her mouth, as if waiting for a blow of some sort, verbal or physical.
Kakuzu sighed and rubbed his temples. He hated answering questions like that. He hated his appearance and he hated how people always paid attention to that instead of other things. It had been that way for as long as he could remember, through his academy days and when he became a genin. It had been the reason for the teasing he used to recieve in Takigakure and was the reason his parents resented him. He hated it, and he hated them.
Somehow though, he knew that this girl didn't mean for it to be rude. She was just curious, he knew, but it still didn't cease his aggravation. He sighed before continuing, "It's been this way for as long as I remember. Is that all?" He snapped, making his way down the other side of the corridor to his room, knowing that she would follow. Despite his aggravation his body gave a little shiver when he felt her hand touch his shoulder, effectively halting him in his tracks. When he looked back at her, she could have sworn that the previously look of irritance and anger in his strange but alluring eyes was gone and replaced with something akin to sadness. He looked tired, and hopeless and despite the fact that he was a criminal and that he was apart of this evil organization, he was still human if not a bit altered. She felt sympathy for him, having to go his entire life with what she was sure included all kinds of prejudice. Most of all though she found that maybe she could forgive him for what he did.
It was a start right?
A/N - Okay, not the best chapter but it was needed. Still the next should be okay. I have decided to sort of skip a few weeks ahead, or else the story would be unnecessarily long. Anywho! Thanks to everyone who reviewed - ShadowOwl, Milket Poppi, Rimas, Cheeky Half-Demon (love the name by the way ^v^) El Corazon del Frio Fuego, and big special thanks and a ton of cookies and ramen to my first reviewer Kami-Inu! Thanks a ton guys! Next chapter should be up by tomorrow!
-Ny-
