One day, I had the freakiest dream.
Itachi was standing over the Uchiha Estate, katana in hand.
"Itachi!"
I ran up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't do it. Please." I pleaded
He looked at me, his Sharingan freezing me in place. I shook my head and restrained his arms. We were both skilled ANBU captains. I was slightly better. I managed to hold him back.
"You can't kill your family! Itachi, listen to me! Please!"
Itachi shook me off, katana pointed at my neck. I gulped and looked at him.
"Please! I know you murdered Shisui. Itachi, I can't bear to lose you, please."
Itachi sighed and helped me up. He hugged me and kissed my cheek.
"I'm sorry, Akemi-chan."
I bolted up, breathing heavily.
"Akemi?"
Naruto stood in the doorway, rubbing his eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Naru-kun. Go back to bed."
Naruto walked off and I sighed. I got up and opened my window. I needed to find Itachi.
When I found Itachi, he was in our training spot.
"Itachi?"
He turned and looked at me. His eyes had the Mangekyo Sharingan and I flinched. I noticed a body and gasped.
"Shisui?!"
I rushed to Shisui's body and attempted to revive him.
"Akemi, he's dead."
"NO! Itachi, he was your best friend!"
"He died before I got here. He drowned."
I got up shakily and Itachi hugged me gently.
"It's ok."
I had been dating Shisui for almost three months. He was so sweet. Itachi and he had been like brothers. Itachi was clutching something in his hand.
"Itachi, what's in your hand?"
"Nothing. Let's go. Lord Sarutobi would want to know what happened."
I nodded and we walked to the Hokage Tower.
Itachi knocked on the door.
"Come in."
We walked in and Lord Sarutobi was going through paper work.
"Ah! Akemi, Itachi! To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"We just found Shisui Uchiha's dead body." Itachi reported
Lord Sarutobi seemed shocked and I swallowed. Tears prickled my eyes and I ran from the room.
I ran to the Mountainside Images and sat on the railing, the wind flowing gently.
"How'd I know to find you here?"
I looked over my shoulder and Itachi smiled. He sat on the railing beside me and I rested my head on his shoulder.
"When did you find Shisui?"
"A few hours ago. I just stood there like an idiot."
I smiled and looked at the village.
"Akemi!"
I saw Naruto waving and sighed.
"That boy. He better not be doing anything-"
I groaned when I saw the empty bucket of paint in his hand.
"I'm gonna kill that boy one of these days." I groaned
I swung my legs over the railing and ran down the ramp. Naruto was defacing the Hokage Tower and I whacked his head.
"You better apologize!" I snarled
Naruto grinned his goofy grin and splashed the newly opened bucket of paint on me. I felt my temper break and picked Naruto up by the front of his shirt. Naruto gulped and went pale.
"No ramen for a week."
"NOOOOOO!" he cried
"You should've thought twice before splashing me with paint and defacing Lord Sarutobi's tower. You will wash all of this paint off and you will apologize. Now or I might make it a month."
Naruto nodded and started cleaning. I grumbled at how long it would take to get all of this paint off my clothes and hair. I walked home and turned the shower on. A knock came at the door and I groaned. I answered it and Lady Uchiha stood there.
"Good morning, Akemi."
"Morning, Lady Uchiha. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Can you babysit Sasuke for me? Fugaku and I are going on a vacation and Itachi refuses to babysit him."
"Of course."
"Thank you, Akemi. I'll pick him up next week."
Lady Uchiha urged Sasuke in and he stared at me. Lady Uchiha left and I shut the door.
"What happened to you?"
"Naruto and a paint bucket verses me. They won." I grumbled
Sasuke laughed and I got into the shower.
I came out half an hour later and got dressed. Sasuke was waiting outside my bedroom door, looking at me closely. I felt a little awkward. He was like a miniature Itachi, only quieter.
"Do you want anything for lunch?"
"No, I ate earlier."
"Ok… What do you want to do?"
"I heard you and Itachi are prodigies. But no one, not even you, is better than my big brother."
"Really? Did he tell you that when we were your age that I showed him up in school a lot?"
"No. Because it wasn't true."
The vein in my forehead throbbed and it took everything I had not to snap on Sasuke. The door opened and Naruto walked in, soaked.
"Did you apologize?"
"Yes, Akemi."
"Good. Your restriction on ramen has been lifted."
Naruto cheered and stopped when he saw Sasuke.
"What's he doin' here?"
I placed a hand on Sasuke's raven colored hair.
"I'm babysitting for Lord and Lady Uchiha. You had better be nice, Naruto."
Naruto grumbled and I sighed. Sasuke crossed his arms and glared at Naruto. Naruto glared at him and I sighed again. There was so much tension between them. A knock came at the door and I was relieved to answer it.
"Oh, Itachi!"
Itachi came in and Sasuke hugged his older brother.
"Ani-san!"
"Sasuke, be quiet. I just came to talk to Akemi."
Sasuke seemed hurt.
"Naruto, why don't you and Sasuke go play in the park?"
"Okay, Akemi!"
Naruto and Sasuke ran off to the park and I exhaled, relieved. I shut the door and Itachi pulled me to the kitchen table. Nieta, now a full grown husky, barked happily and licked Itachi's hand. He patted her head and looked at me.
"You can't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you. Promise me."
"Itachi, what're you talking about?"
Itachi looked scared and clammy. I reached for his hand and he took mine tightly. I winced.
"I killed Shisui." He whispered
"What? No, you wouldn't. You couldn't."
My chest heaved and Itachi looked away.
"He told me to. Akemi, you have to believe me."
Itachi stood up suddenly and held his head in his hands.
"What the hell is wrong with me?!"
I stood and pulled his hands away from his face gently.
"Nothing is. Did you tell anyone else?"
"No, just you."
I was shorter than him so this next part looked a little wrong. I placed my hands on his shoulders.
"Itachi, why did Shisui want you to kill him?"
"He was sick of politics and having to lie to our clan."
He looked like he was about to break down. Itachi hugged me tightly. I patted his back gently and he kissed my head. I blushed and he cupped his hand under my chin.
"It-Itachi?"
He kissed me gently and I blushed twenty shades of red. He curled his fingers in my hair and pulled me firmly to his chest. I pushed at his chest and he grunted, yanking my head back. I yelped and he kissed my neck. Nieta barked and Itachi kicked her. She yelped and ran into the hallway. Itachi pushed me onto the table, his body hovering over mine.
"Itachi, you're scaring me." I whimpered
Itachi kissed me again and I pushed him away. He shook his head and I shuddered.
"I'm sorry, Ake-chan. I didn't mean to." He whispered
I sat up and looked away from Itachi. He caught my chin and leaned by my ear.
"I said I'm sorry."
His breath was warm on my ear and I blushed. He kissed my cheek and then my lips. He was really scaring me now. I pushed him away and looked down. The door banged open and Naruto and Sasuke ran in, yelling at each other. I sighed, happy for the distraction. I slid off the table and flicked each of their foreheads.
"Okay, what're you fighting about now?"
"Sasuke kept saying that Itachi is better than you! I disagreed and he punched me!" Naruto exclaimed
"Sasuke, is that true?"
"The punching part isn't. He punched me!" Sasuke replied
"So, this all started because Sasuke thinks Itachi is better than me? That's a lie."
"Let's test it then, Ake-chan ."
I looked at Itachi and smirked.
"Why not? Got nothin' else to do."
We traveled to the clearing in the forest and Itachi and I stood on opposite sides.
"Get her, ani-san!"
"Get him, Akemi!"
"So, you wanna take the first hit?"
"Nah, you're the girl."
Just as I pulled out a Kunai, another ANBU showed up, wearing a cat like mask.
"The Third Hokage wishes to see Itachi Uchiha and Akemi Kaneko."
I looked at Itachi and sighed. I put my Kunai up and looked at the other two.
"Go play. I'll treat you both to ramen later." I promised
Naruto cheered and the two little children ran off. Itachi and I followed the ANBU to the Hokage's tower.
When we approached the Council Room, The ANBU turned to us.
"Do not be surprised at what they ask of you."
I looked at Itachi and he looked at me.
"Okay."
Itachi POV
Akemi and I walked into the Council Room and were surprised to see the whole council. Lord Sarutobi, Elder Homura Mitokado and Elder Koharu Utatane. Danzo was there too. The door shut behind us and Lord Sarutobi smiled softly.
"Please, have a seat you two."
We sat in front of the council and Akemi looked pale. This was probably about Naruto. Again.
"These are your two most respected Jonin?! They are children!" Danzo spat
"Don't underestimate us. It will be your downfall." Akemi snarled
"Akemi, calm down." I whispered
Akemi shut her mouth, glaring at Danzo.
"Now, Danzo, when they were seven, these two were Genin. They watched their teacher die in front of them. They found out by themselves that their teammate was slaughtered. They were seven. Akemi, can you tell us what happened?"
Akemi chewed her lip and I looked at the Hokage.
"She doesn't-"
"We were setting up camp. Before we went to sleep, Itachi offered to take watch. We all slept and when I woke up, someone I didn't recognize was holding a Kunai Knife to my neck. We were away from the camp. The person we were escorting, Torou, was taking orders from him. He disappeared and a few minutes later, Baakia-sensei and Itachi ran up to the tree we were in. Most of it's a blur but the thing I remember vividly was Baakia-sensei's throat being slit. We went back to the camp and saw Miraku's dead body and-and-and-" Akemi started crying and I rubbed her back gently.
"I'm sorry for making you remember such a horrible night. Itachi, can you fill in the missing parts?"
"As Baakia-sensei and I ran up to the tree, the man holding a Kunai to Akemi's neck stayed quiet until Baakia stopped talking. Torou appeared beside him and they wanted to cut Akemi's arms off. She stomped on his foot and jumped down. The man threw a Kunai at me and Akemi blocked it, getting stabbed in the arm. Torou slit Baakia's throat and we ran. We saw Miraku's body and packed up camp. We walked back to the village and came straight to you, Lord Sarutobi."
"Anything else?"
"Akemi was scared that they'd come back and asked me to stay at her place."
Danzo stared at Akemi and I gulped.
"Akemi, I apologize for making you remember such a night. Forgive me."
Elder Mitokado hit the back of Akemi's neck, causing her fall forward. I caught her, glaring at everyone in turn.
"What the hell?!"
"We needed to ask you something. We were going to ask Akemi too but she is too weak hearted." Lord Sarutobi replied
"Was really necessary to do that? You could've just asked her to leave!"
"You need incentive. Her and your little brother." Danzo yawned
"That's why no one likes you in the anime." I muttered
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing."
"Anyway, we know the Uchihas are planning a coup d'état. We want you to talk them out of it. Otherwise…" Elder Utatane said
"You want me to kill my own family?!"
"If you can't talk them out of it. We know you would not ever think about doing that." Lord Sarutobi said quickly
"My parents are on vacation. They won't be back until next week. I'll speak with them."
"Good. And we couldn't find Shisui Uchiha's body."
I chewed my lip and looked away. Shisui trusted me to keep his secret. I can't betray him now.
"Who knows? A bear could've carried it off."
Lord Sarutobi chuckled and I gave a very weak smile.
"Take Akemi home. Tell her if you want. Only her."
"Of course, Lord Sarutobi."
I carried Akemi into the hall and shook her shoulder gently.
"Wake up, Ake-san."
Akemi's eyes fluttered open and I set her down.
"Did I fall asleep?" she yawned
"No. Elder Utatane put you asleep." I chuckled
"Oh. That explains why the back of my neck hurts."
I helped her up.
"We better go find the little ones before they kill each other."
"Good idea."
I followed Akemi, quiet. The words Elder Utatane said reverberated through my head.
"Tachi-san, is everything ok?"
I looked at Akemi, who was looking at me worriedly.
"I'm fine. I promise."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. Let's just find Sasu-kun and Naruto."
"'Kay."
I sighed, smiling sadly. One look at Akemi and you would think, Aww, she's not dangerous. Take out the boy first. Akemi hates being underestimated. Those who do usually end up dead. Akemi may look cute and cuddly but she's deadly. I've seen her in action and I literally wanted to hide under a rug.
"Sasuke, Naruto! Where are you?" Akemi called
I looked around and saw Naruto and Sasuke on the roof of Ichiraku's. I tapped Akemi's shoulder and pointed up at them. She groaned and jumped up there by them. I just waited there and she came back down with them.
"Control your little brother." Akemi growled
"What'd he do now?"
"He keeps mouthing off."
Akemi shoved Sasuke forward and I sighed.
"Sasuke, when will you learn?"
"When Naruto admits your better than Akemi!"
"That will not happen, Sasu-moron!"
"Both of you stop fighting now!" Akemi exclaimed
Sasuke and Naruto flinched and looked at Akemi.
"Just for that no one gets Ichiraku's!"
"No, no! We'll behave!"
"No, we're going home."
She grabbed Sasuke's and Naruto's wrists and jerked them home. I rubbed the back of my head, sighing. I needed to tell her but I didn't know how. She's always happy-go-lucky. It came to me and I ran to our training clearing.
Akemi POV
I marched the two boys' home and locked the door.
"Now, behave or you two will be on a one way trip to the corner." I growled
"Okay. Sheesh." Naruto huffed
"Don't get sassy with me, little boy. I hear your grades are the worse in your year. By the way, Sasuke, nice job in class."
"How come he gets complimented?! I try harder than he does!"
"I'm just a natural born Shinobi." Sasuke bragged
"Can you channel Chakra to your feet in the same amount of time it takes to perform a Substitution Jutsu?" I asked
"No…"
"Your brother could at your age."
"Seriously?! Brother is so cool!"
Naruto crossed his arms and scowled at the wall. I put my hands on both of their heads, smiling gently. They looked at me.
"Anata no saizen o tsukushite, daijobu?"
They nodded and smiled.
"Good. Now off to bed with your scrawny butts. School in the morning."
They ran off to Naruto's room and I sighed. I remember that innocence. Thinking you could do no wrong. That guy destroyed it though. Torou also. I swore to hunt them down and I'll hold that promise true. A knock came at the door, interrupting my train of thought. I answered it and Itachi held his hand to me.
"Come with me?"
"The boys…"
"Sasuke and Naruto are asleep."
"Ok. Why are you doing this?"
"Just trust me."
I shut the door and Itachi entwined his fingers with mine. He led me to our training clearing and turned to face me.
"Close your eyes."
I closed them slowly and I felt his hand touch my cheek tentatively. My heart rate accelerated, not like when Shisui touched my hand.
"Don't be scared." Itachi murmured
I nodded and felt his lips touch mine gently, as if asking for permission. I pulled away, breathing heavily.
"I'm sorry. It's too soon." He muttered
"N-no, it's not that. I'm just not used to it."
I felt tears prickle my eyes and wiped them away quickly. Itachi hugged me gently and I was shocked for a moment. Itachi isn't the hug-y type. I closed my eyes.
"It's ok. Everything that happens here tonight is our secret." He murmured
I buried my face in his chest and let the tears come freely. I babbled about the fight Shisui and I got into the night before and Itachi understood.
When I finally ran out of tears, Itachi and I were sitting in the grass. I was resting my head on his shoulder, eyes closed. I heard a rustling behind me and looked around.
"What's wrong?"
"I thought I heard something."
"Probably an owl."
"Probably."
Itachi suddenly pulled me to his chest and I blushed.
"I have to tell you something." He murmured
"What?"
"The Hokage gave me an important job. One I'm allowed to tell only you. I either have to negotiate with family out of the coup d'état or kill them all."
I pushed away from him, backing into a tree.
"Akemi, you know I wouldn't hurt you. In fact, I'm asking you to help me. If we can't negotiate, then you can go home and I'll do the dirty work."
"Are you crazy?!"
"Akemi, I can't disobey the Hokage."
"Stay away from me."
Itachi trapped me between his chest and the tree. My breath caught and Itachi stroked my cheek.
"I can't hurt you even if I wanted." He murmured
"Don't touch me."
I whacked his hand away and glared at him.
"I knew I couldn't trust you!" I screamed
"Akemi, look at me."
"I am."
"Right. I knew this would scare you but I needed to tell you. Will you help me?"
I sighed and debated it. I inhaled deeply.
"Fine. Only with the negotiating though. And if it comes down to the massacre, I'll stay home. But you will let me come with you, right?"
Itachi chuckled and nodded. He hugged me tightly and I patted his back.
"It's ok. I'd never let you do something stupid without me." I whispered
"Same for me. I still think you shouldn't have adopted Naruto though."
He pulled away, smirking.
"Now, you're just trying to start a fight."
"Maybe."
I pulled out a Kunai and flung it at his foot. He jumped back, smirking.
"Bring it on."
I ran at him, kicking at his face. He stopped my foot and pushed me back. I smiled and flipped him on his back. He jumped up and pushed me back.
"Don't hold back now." I purred
A kunai whizzed by my head and Itachi froze.
"I didn't do that." He whispered
"Then who did?"
"I did."
I looked up at a tree and saw the man from seven years ago. I froze and Itachi knocked me to the ground a kunai whizzing over us.
"You moron!" he snarled
Itachi helped me up.
"You again?"
"Shut up."
The man jumped down and I swallowed, terrified. Itachi stood in front of me protectively.
"Move, boy. I just want the girl."
"Never."
The man shoved Itachi out of the way, kicking the crap out of him. I couldn't move, I was so scared. Itachi was groaning, blood pouring out of his nose and I couldn't help him. The man turned to me, smirking evilly.
"Hello, Akemi. You're as stunning as ever."
"Who are you?" I whimpered
"I thought you of all people would recognize me."
"No, sorry. Was I supposed to?"
The man smacked his forehead, groaning.
It's me, you dolt! Miraku?"
"What?!"
Baakia-sensei jumped down behind him. They wore different headbands. I backed away and tripped over a Kunai. Miraku pulled me to my feet and jerked my head back. I gulped and he pressed the tip of a kunai to my throat.
"Why?"
"Why, little Akemi? Why what?"
"Why did you two fake your deaths?"
"We had to." Miraku purred
"Master told us to."
"And who's this Master?"
"You'll love him. Cuz, we're taking you to him."
I stomped on his foot and jumped back. I ran to Itachi's side and helped him sit up. He looked at me, his eye swelling.
"Tach-kun, you're hurt!"
"Go back to the house."
Miraku and Baakia looked at us, annoyed. I helped Itachi up and ran, his hand in mine.
"You can't run from us!" Miraku yelled
I gritted my teeth and kept running. I tripped and we both fell forward. Itachi's eyes closed, his breathing fast and light. I stood up, kunai in my hand. I had to protect Itachi. There wasn't any room for mistakes now. I saw a bush move and threw my kunai at it. I heard startled yelps.
"Sasuke? Naruto?!"
The two boys stood up, sheepish and Naruto rubbed the back of his head. I sighed.
"What're you two doing out here this time of night?"
"We could ask you the same." Sasuke said
"Watch out!"
I threw myself on the two boys and looked around. I looked down at the boys.
"Go home and lock the door. Pull Nieta into your room, Naruto."
Naruto nodded and the boys ran off. I got up and hooked my arms around Itachi's, dragging him. A kunai cut my cheek and I ignored the sharp pain. My chest heaved and Itachi groaned. I pulled him in a bush and set him down. I left the bush and felt a Kunai press into my throat.
"You're still so cute. Thinking you can protect everyone." Baakia whispered
I shuddered and gripped his wrist, flipping him. Miraku lunged at me and my foot made contact with his stomach. He fell into a tree and got up. Baakia grabbed my foot and I slammed the heel of my sandal to his groin. He curled up, groaning. Miraku went rigid.
"Master!"
I turned and the bald man stood on a branch. He jumped down and tilted my chin up.
"Hello, Akemi Kaneko."
I gulped and was paralyzed. The man played with my forehead band, undoing the tight knot. It fell to the ground and I whimpered.
"Torou!"
My arms were twisted behind my back and someone held a cloth with a sweet scent to my mouth and nose. I struggled and my eyes closed.
Itachi POV
I woke up only to find myself in a bush. The last thing I remember was falling. I got up, groaning. I saw Akemi's band and picked it up. I smelled chlorophorm and gagged. I gripped Akemi's band and realized what happened. She was kidnapped. (Shut up! I know I'm acting slow!) I ran back to the Village and straight to the Hokage.
"Lord Sarutobi! Akemi was-"
"What happened, Itachi?"
"She was kidnapped."
My throat closed and my chest tightened. Lord Sarutobi seemed surprised.
"Miss Kaneko? Kidnapped?"
"I may sound crazy but Miraku and Baakia aren't dead! They attacked us in the woods."
"What were you two doing in the woods?"
I gulped.
"She was upset over Shisui's death and I figured I'd comfort her."
"I'll send out a search party."
"No. If you don't mind, I'd personally like to go after them myself."
"Itachi, are you sure?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
I bowed and left the room.
I was tracking footprints in the woods, tracing them. I felt the Chakra remnants and heard a twig break. I stood up quickly and turned around. Sasuke and Naruto stood there, pale.
"What're you two doing out here?! Go back."
"What happened to Akemi?!" Naruto yelled
"Shhhh!"
I looked around and looked at Sasuke.
"Why are you two doing out here?"
"Akemi sounded worried last night, so we decided to come back out here to investigate."
I sighed at the fierce determination in their eyes.
"Fine. Come on."
They looked at each other excitedly and I gestured for them to come next to me.
"Sasuke, how do you track Ninja?"
"Ninja leave Chakra remnants in their footsteps and only skilled Ninja can track the remnants in the footsteps just by touching them."
"Very good. Show me."
Sasuke looked surprised but did it anyway. He concentrated and stood up.
"I can't."
"What about you, Naruto?"
Naruto nodded and placed a tentative finger on it. He yelped and stood up.
"What's wrong?"
"I-I think I saw the memories of what happened last night?"
He looked at me for explanation.
"Which way did they go?"
Naruto pointed onto the branch.
"Very good, Naruto."
I jumped up onto it and the boys followed me.
Hold on, Akemi. We're coming. I thought.
Akemi POV
I woke up tied to a chair. The wire cut into my skin and blood dripped to the floor. My chest heaved and I looked around.
"Miraku, Baakia-sensei?" I called
My vision blurred as the realization of my situation hit me.
"Help." I whimpered
"Oh, little stunner. No one's going to hear you like that. Louder."
Tears ran down my cheeks and I felt a Kunai cut my cheek.
"Help!"
"That's better. You see, I collect sounds. Ones of fright, death and horror are my favorites. But I save a special soft spot for girls like you."
I whimpered and the tip of the Kunai was dragged against my arm, leaving a welt. I bit my lip and closed my eyes. Itachi, help me, I thought.
"When a girl like you is entered, you tend to give a gasp, a sharp intake of breath. It hurts you." He whispered
"Stop, please."
"I remember Hisae. Hers was the best."
"You bastard." I whispered
He chuckled and walked in front of me, tilting my chin up with the flat edge of the Kunai.
"Six years I've waited for you. And now you belong to me."
His hand brushed against my lips and I shuddered. He smiled and licked my cheek.
"Stop, please." I whimpered
He pulled back and smirked.
"You're never leaving. Never. Hisae was merely an obstacle."
Tears prickled my eyes as I remembered my best friend's funeral. She died in my arms when I was ten. I thought I would never feel that type of pain again.
"You murderer."
Itachi's POV
I stopped to let Sasuke and Naruto rest.
"Ani-san, why were you two out here?"
"She was upset over Shisui's death."
"Why did she get kidnapped?"
"I don't know."
"Why did you let her get kidnapped?"
"Shut up, Sasuke! Just shut up for one damn minute!"
Sasuke winced and looked down.
"I'm sorry, Big Brother."
"I didn't mean to yell. I'm just trying to think."
Naruto jumped up and I heard Akemi scream. I ran towards it. I found the cabin she and I would hang out in after an important Mission. I kicked the door in and saw Akemi tied to a chair, crying. A kunai was pressed to her throat.
"Help me." She whimpered
"Stay in the doorway, little Itachi. She has such a pretty neck."
"You monster!"
"Big Brother?"
"Akemi!"
"Keep the boys away."
"Sasuke, Naruto. Stay outside." I mumbled
"No!"
"That's my mom!"
"Do you want her to die?!" I yelled
They walked about a mile towards the village and I relaxed.
"Good boy. Now, come three steps closer."
I obeyed and he nuzzled Akemi's pale cheek. It made me sick.
"Close the door."
I shut the door, sick of playing his game. It was then I smelled the blood. I turned around and saw a tiny pool of her blood on the floor.
"Oh yes. Tell him what I told you."
"Hisae is dead because of him, Itachi!" she exclaimed
I took another step and he put up a finger, wagging it at me. Akemi yelped as the kunai dug into her skin, a trickle of blood flowing down her neck.
"I still haven't introduced myself. My name is Morou. Torou's older brother."
Morou chuckled and his other hand pushed down Akemi's sleeve, exposing her bra strap. I felt my cheeks heat up and she yelped as he cut it with the Kunai. He looked at me, smirking.
"You've always wanted to get this far, haven't you?"
I felt my heart leap into my throat as she started crying. Her eyes had a deep pleading and fear in them.
"Stop it!" I yelled
"Stop what?"
"Leave her alone!"
"Why? When she is such a beautiful girl?"
"Is that why you kidnapped her? Just to rape the poor girl?"
I looked at Akemi, hoping she would understand what I was doing. She gave a discreet smile.
"Why don't you wait until she's older?"
"Because they taste better when they're younger."
"But Akemi's so little."
She glared at me and I shrugged.
"Ah-ah, bad girl."
The kunai was back at her neck and I gritted my teeth.
Akemi POV
My shuriken was knocked out my hand and I gulped. Itachi was looking at me, apologetic. The kunai Morou was holding dug into my neck. His hand slid into my shirt and I gasped.
"Stop it!"
Morou used the flat edge of the Kunai to pull the front of my shirt down, exposing my blue bra. Itachi was blushing. Morou leaned down by my ear.
"You see? No man can control himself with this much skin exposed."
I squirmed, the wire cutting into my skin.
"What are you doing?! Stop!"
I pulled my arms and the wire snapped. My arms were bleeding steadily, my blood spattering as it hit the floor.
"Akemi!"
I ran into Itachi's arms and he placed his hand on the top of my head. He pushed me out of the way and used his Fire Jutsu to set the cabin on fire. I fell, the loss of blood taking its toll.
"Akemi!"
Itachi picked me up, cradling me in his arms. He ran out of the house and the boys exclaimed in horror mixed with happiness.
"Mom!"
I shivered and smiled weakly.
"I'm fine. Itachi, put me down."
Itachi frowned but set me on my feet gently.
"See? I'm…fine…"
I fell forward, eyes closing.
"Akemi!"
I woke up in the hospital. I sat up, groaning.
"Oh, thank God! Ake-san, you scared me!"
Itachi hugged me and I winced. I shivered and saw the window open.
"Could you close the window? It's cold in here."
"Sure."
Itachi pulled the window shut and I saw a rose in a vase on the nightstand. I smiled softly, tilting my head to the side.
"Who left the flower?"
"Oh, I, um, brought it when I came to visit you a few hours ago."
I blushed and my smile vanished. It was replaced by my eyes blurring and the tears running down my cheeks. I cried into my hands.
"Akemi, what's wrong?"
"I know who killed Hisae and I couldn't do anything! I sat there like an idiot and let him use me! Maybe I should've died!"
"Akemi, look at me."
I threw the blanket off me and opened the window, jumping out. I ran to my parents graves and sat on my mom's grave, crying. I could almost hear her soft voice saying, Sweetie, it's ok. Calm down. I could hear Dad's voice going, A real Shinobi shows no emotion. They avenge and protect. I wiped my eyes and smiled softly.
"You're right. I miss you guys." I whispered
A soft wind came through and ruffled my hair.
"I guess I have to catch you guys up. My boyfriend died, Naruto attacked me with a bucket of paint and I'm watching Sasuke."
I heard a twig snap behind me and jumped up. Miraku was there, smirking. I gulped.
"Well, I knew I would find you here."
"Stay away." I warned
I backed up, shaking. I was still weak from blood loss and shock. I bumped into a tree. Miraku tilted my chin up and smirked. I whimpered and he pressed his lips to mine. I blinked and my eyes closed. He wrapped his arms around me tightly and I moaned. His arms were tight and I could barely breathe. I felt his hands slid under my shirt, pressing into my skin on my back. I pushed him away and saw it was Itachi. That would explain why the lips felt familiar.
"I'm sorry." I mumbled
"It's ok."
He stroked my cheek. I blushed, my heart pounding in my chest. Mom and Dad, I don't think I'll be visiting your graves for a while, I thought. Itachi kissed me again and I wrapped my arms around his neck. I moaned and he wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me to his chest. He grunted and pulled away, allowing us both to regain our breath. I smirked and jumped onto the branch above me. He smiled and I jumped to the next one. He followed me and I led him to the clearing. I bypassed it and eventually left the village. I started running on the ground and stepped in a pile of leaves. I was trapped in a net, at least thirteen feet off the ground. I struggled.
"Itachi! Itachi, help me!"
Itachi stopped below me and looked around.
"Up here!"
He looked up and shook his head. He ran up the tree and cut the rope holding the net. I fell on by backside and groaned.
"Ow."
Itachi helped me up and shook his head, stifling a laugh. I scowled and crossed my arms. I couldn't help but laugh too.
"Oh yeah. I nearly forgot."
Itachi pulled out my headband and handed it to me. I retied the knot and he placed his hand on my cheek.
"You make these ugly things look beautiful."
I blushed and he kissed me. I melted in his arms and he chuckled, holding me upright. He pressed me to a tree, kissing me harder. I curled my fingers in his beautiful midnight black hair, returning the kiss. His hands slid under my shirt and I blushed. He kissed me harder and was suddenly thrown to the ground.
"Itachi!"
"Akemi, run." He gasped
"Hello, again."
Morou pinned me to the tree, smirking.
"Don't." I whimpered
Morou licked my cheek, gripping a fistful of my hair. He pulled me with him, chuckling.
"Itachi! ITACHI, HELP ME!"
Itachi POV
I woke up on the ground, Akemi gone. I got up and a Kunai whizzed by my head. I looked at its owner and Miraku jumped down.
"Miraku, don't do this."
"I have to. I follow my Master's orders."
He lunged at me with a kunai and I parried. I landed a kick in his gut and he flew into a tree. I watched him carefully and Miraku turned into a log. A kick hit me in my chest and Miraku smirked.
"Take that."
I flew into a tree, getting back up. Miraku and I launched into a Taijutsu duel.
Akemi POV
"Let me go!"
I struggled as Morou took me to an underground base. I went berserk, wanting him dead. Morou held me tighter, pinning me to the wall. I felt something sticky and wet slide from my head and down the wall.
"You're bleeding." He purred
My vision kept blurring. He tore my clothes off and I struggled.
"You fucking rapist!" I yelled
Morou laughed manically and his tongue went into my mouth. I prayed for Itachi….
