(A/N) This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Naruto world, which is owned by Masashi Kishimoto. I do not claim any ownership over any of his characters or the world of Naruto. This story is my own invention and is for entertainment only. This is rated M for a few reasons: language, violence, themes of abuse, sex and more. Thank you for reading, please enjoy!

Nimbly she made her way over the familiar rocky terrain, she had lived in Iwagakure her entire life scaling the borders mountain range was child's play. As she reached the summit, her spirits quickly took a turn for the worse. Gnawing her lip anxiously Yatsuko picked up her pace hoping she would be able to outrun the ominous black cloud that shrouded the forest beneath her.

She wasn't dumb and certainly no stranger to lightning storms, she knew the last place she wanted to be was in a soaking wet forest surrounded by trees. Yatsuko had made that mistake once before and almost paid for it with her life. She quickly shook the thought from her mind. It had been years since the incident, the fact that she was still haunted by the experience humiliated her beyond belief. If there was one thing Iwa-nin wouldn't tolerate it was cowardice.

Towards the bottom of the mountain, she nearly lost her footing, another embarrassing moment. It was just another reason to be thankful she was alone on this mission. She paused for a second catching her breath. The air was thick, the smell and feel of imminent rain permeated her senses. Her anxiety began building as she heard a loud rumble of thunder extremely close by.

Yatsuko slowed her pace as she reached the outskirts of the woods, there was no outrunning it now and no longer any point to exert her energy. She had traveled through these woods enough times to know there were a few caves she could seek shelter in. A scream slipped from her lips as a loud crack of thunder rang through the sky. Lightning pierced the sky moments later.

She placed her trembling hands out on either side feeling for rain glancing nervously up at the stormy sky. Seconds after the first drops hit her face the heavens opened up. She was soaked through before even entering the woods. Since a storm was raging she knew it would be better to stay on the ground, the last thing she needed was to be pierced with a bolt of lightning. He clothes clung to her, already soaked through.

Without even realizing Yatsuko had begun to run through the slick muddy forest. Her heart pounded in her ears as she desperately tried to remember where the nearest cave was. Shivers crept down her spine as another crack of thunder rang out. Yatsuko quickly paused shielding her eyes from the lightning that struck after.

Quivering slightly for a moment Yatsuko tried to regain her nerve her cold, wet clothes sticking to her chilled flesh. What was she doing? She was a well respected Jonin whos physical strength put many men her senior to shame, how could she still let some dumb thunder and lightning continue to terrify her? It was inexcusable, only children had such irrationally intense fears.

Yatsuko paused as she heard two voices arguing close by she couldn't help but feel hopeful that she had found somewhere to wait out the storm. Who knew they could be some lovely traveling merchants who got stuck in the rain just like her. Maybe they were arguing about their cut of profits? Money often was the root of disagreements.

She quickly made her way towards the voices and paused when she was just outside what appeared to be a small cave. A soft crackle of fire set a small smile on the edges of her lips as relief filled her. Not only would she be dry but warm as well. Maybe she could finally stop flinching at this damn thunder. Yatsuko didn't care who was in there, she would make it work somehow.

"I told you I have no clue when this crazy storm is letting up. Trust me I want to get out of this stupid boring cave as badly as you do, hmm." Yatsuko paused outside the entrance to the cave at the sound of a sickeningly familiar voice. She closed her eyes and pressed her back against the opening of the cave. It just couldn't be him.

"I told you to hurry, but no you just had to stop and eat. You know how I feel about waiting or making others wait, now we're going to be late reporting in all because of you." Another unfamiliar voice replied followed by a loud clanging sound. A chill ran up her spine as she heard that disgustingly familiar sneer. Her stomach began to churn violently. The more she focused, the more she seemed to sense his chakra inside that cave.

Yatsuko tired to steady her breath not wanting them to notice her yet, she wasn't ready. Most likely she just imagined it was him, she could see no reason why Deidara would ever come back to Iwagakure. It wouldn't make sense if he were in there, the odds were in her favor. They just had to be. She brought a shaking hand up to her forehead, rubbing her throbbing temples.

"Yeah, yeah I know Sasori-no-danna,." There was a long pause, "It appears we have a visitor. See waiting here doesn't have to be a complete waste of time. I say we invite them inside and let them have a look at our art, hmm?" Tears began to pour at his last comment, the man in the cave was undoubtedly Deidara. Yatsukos heart began to pound out of her chest as she readied herself to attack. "Oy!" He called out to her, "What do you think is true art transient or eternal, hmm?"

Of course, she knew it was her duty to kill him on site, that was what the Tsuchikage ordered after his betrayal. It was too late to turn and run he had noticed her. Yatsuko shook her head resenting the fact that she now had no other choice but to attack him. Not just attack him, she had to kill him and his partner if need be. Yatsuko breathed deeply trying to center herself if she lost focus this fight was as good as over.

He body continued to tremble endlessly, the mix of cold rain and nerves was making her weak. The man inside that cave was not the man she once loved. He was an imposter, a monster it was her duty to dispose of him. Onoki had never given her the exact details of the kinjutsu she helped Deidara steal, but he did say it had monstrous side effects.

She knew his fighting style was from a distance using all sorts of explosives. Whatever the kinjutsu had don he surely hadn't changed that about himself. It was a cowardly way to fight, but effective.

"It seems our weary traveler is shy. No worries stranger, I'll send something to show you in, hmm."