Chapter 4: Rationality

Warnings;

A/N: So so sorry for the long wait! I'll be honest here; no I wasn't busy with classes, work, etc.
I was dawdling around & doing nothing, really. I'll try my best in the future
to avoid doing this, but I never was the best at keeping my word. X3

I'd also like to thank my subscribers, readers & reviewers! I wasn't expecting as many of you to have
this story on their alerts! Thank you so so so so much! o3o

Enjoy!

Bang!

"Ngrhhh..." The Yamanaka drawled, sleepily. Her arms reached outwards, stretching and flexing as her eyelids fluttered open. Bang! She lurched in shocked panic as the noise grew stronger, more vociferous... closer. "H-hello...?" She bit down on her lower, plump lip as the doorknob twisted edgily. It gaped open as Deidara peered in shadily. Ino felt a ripple of distress break at the sight of him. Her stomach strained tautly with weltering weariness. Better him than any other perilous Akatsuki though, right? Or maybe I'm dropping my guard...

"What is it, un?" He probed in skepticism, cocking a thin eyebrow.

She shook her head."I was just wondering what that noise was..."

Deidara liberated a sigh, a mixture of bother and gratification, "That was my art..." He uttered with budding sentiment.

"A-art?"

He nodded and began,"Hn..." Hesitant on the selection of words, they were laced accordingly, "Remember this - art is an ephemeral existence; fleeting and transient before eradication overtakes the true beauty." His eyes flitted harmoniously. "The aesthetics once existing, now gone with nothing but memories to contain the beauty. Within that, har- "

She coughed.

His gaze immediately darted to hers, in surprised resent. It wasn't like I meant to... She inwardly sulked. "Well," he wrinkled his nose. "you're a mess, un." She felt a cold breeze brush against her skin at the sudden swerve of conversation. And it wasn't a good one.

The Yamanaka squirmed unnervingly, uttering her own bland words. "...Y-yeah, obviously. I've been in this dump for a while now, haven't I?" I feel like one too... Her lips were betraying her. She shouldn't have been speaking to him. She should've been yelling. She should've been protesting. She should've been clamoring. She should've defied his statements. At the very least, she should've kept silent. But no. It was rather disgraceful to be so craven when the will of her village would've achieved different.

"Perhaps you should get cleaned up, un?"

Her breath stopped short. Clean up? They were going to let her clean up? What kind of imprisonment was this? They want something from you, remember? Came a mental reminder. She drew a shallow breath, before glimpsing at him. "I can do that...?" She queried, smoothing her aubergine skirt out.

"Yeah."

She rendered with hope. "Mrm... shower?" What are you doing? Are you nuts?

The blond Akatsuki member studied her and faltered, "Alright. Follow me, un. Be quick though, the leader wants to see you."

The kunoichi felt her stomach constrict, stiffening and tightening at the words. Still, she didn't know what they wanted. They were allowing her to live -at the moment, at the very least- but for what? Ino shook her head; Why did she keep thinking about this without doing anything? Over and over, she thought but never acquired answers. Her head snapped up as Deidara cleared his throat edgily. "Oh," she muttered, scuttling after him. The walls and floor began to transition into tidier, smoother slates as they progressed through the corridor. It piqued her curiosity to compare the differences of where she was a moment ago and where she stood now.

"Here," Deidara gestured to the door. "Towels are provided inside, un." She bowed her head in a nodding gesture before ambling into the tiny room. Gently closing the door from behind, her eyes grasped the essence of the diminutive bathroom. Creamy, vanilla walls were scathed in color by rusty dirt, stains and scratches. The flooring wasn't any better; a flat, white floor was now blanketed by a layer of dust, debris and grazed with scrapes. Her nose wrinkled in revulsion, It's better than nothing...

Leisurely, Ino shrugged out of her skirt, stripping her shirt and removing her fishnets. Lastly, she tugged the hair tie out, allowing her tufts and strands to reach freedom and fall over loosely. Not in the best condition, but still soft. Churning the faucet of the bath, she let it run and ascend to her desired depth. Her foot dipped into the lukewarm levels, before she slowly dunked her whole body in.

The balmy sensation met her skin, tingling it's way across, flushing and refreshing her being. The contortion of muscles and bodily functions soothing itself, curative whilst loosening. Her eyelids slowly descended, as she sunk deeper into the water.

The girl lurched awake in bewilderment as repetitive clouting reverberated through the door. Perplexity furnished her thoughts as she cast a sweeping gaze around herself. B-bath? "Dammit! Yamanaka, what the hell's going on in there, un?" The ruckus continued to plummet into the door. "Hurry up!"

"Uhm..." Her dawdling hands rose, Ino staring at her now squelchy, wizened skin. A foray of incredulity smacked her, badly. "I-I..." She managed, clearing her throat. "I'll be out in a bit!" She endeavored. The call was wearily raspy. She had fallen asleep, hadn't she? God, I'm stupid... Swallowing the truth, whilst brushing off the pressure of time, her hands spurred into action hastily; purifying, scrubbing, cleansing, lathering... Inundation took place once more, before the drain was quickly released to gutter the remains. Her hand flew out to snatch a towel.

The paranoia skirmished Ino's thoughts. "I-I'll be out in a bit!" She notified with mistrust, for she did not want to feel his annoyance, or rage.

Inside, the movement of fabric and clothes chafing echoed across the atmosphere. A repugnant sigh discharged from Deidara's lips as he stiffly lingered in the area. He was no Sasori, but with his patience came limits. "What the he-" He began but was interfered by rupture of the door swiping open.

Ino blinked her eyes away as she mumbled, "Sorry." Her damp hair decently based into a ponytail radiated a soap-like aroma as her clammy skin pressed to her sides.

Impudent. "Whatever, un." He shook his head, leading on forward as they sauntered through the halls once more. Returning to the grimy hallways, Ino shuffled meekly behind, fear and anxiety entangling throughout her nerves. An eruption of horror came about as she entered the large, rocky opening, her eyes being greeted by a devastating colorful hologram. I-It's... this guy! The kunoichi could recognize the circular patterns the silver orbs contained.

"Behave," Deidara hissed leading her to the front.

"Yamanaka Ino," His formidable voice approached, the shudders breaking across her skin. "The intent of your presence within our hands is for you to assist Deidara on a mission. He will explain the course and procedure to you later."

M-mission? She blinked. Th-these bastards... Why would I do something like that? came her mental hiss.

"A few warnings before you depart, however. Do not defy us, Yamanaka." The apparent leader narrowed his eyes. "You are too weak to oppose the Akatsuki, and attempting to do so may take your life... Additionally, your mission must be a success. If results that differ are concluded... this too will lead to your execution." The blatant warning caused her to lean back. "And it may threaten the lives of those important to you." She froze. Important... to me?

"Dismissed." The hologram wavered, before vanishing.

People important to me...

It's not like I did objected before, but I can't now... I have no choice, do I? Shikamaru, Choji, Asuma... Everyone else. What if what he says is true? What if he does try to kill them if I do something wrong, or if I don't succeed? Tears began rushing to the corners of her eyes, but she was able to hide it by keeping her eyes fixed to the floor.

The blonde shrieked, "W-what are those!" Deidara's eyes flitted to hers as he frowned. The tension that radiated from his statuesque figure was angry with rage.

"These," he held up his hands for a clearer display, revealing the mouths that had just frightened Ino, "are how I create my art." Ino leaned closer to peer at it inquisitively, before she scuttled away in scornful fear.

"They're...kinda scary..." She commented honestly. Afterall, he should know what people thought. He looked at her, that fuming expression spread on his face. Ino watched as hedug his hand into one of the pouches that hung from his belt. Pulling it out, the mouth began to chew as Ino watched carefully. A little time died, and the mouth opened, patruding its tongue out, a white, wet glob on top. She grimaced once more, disgust scrawled disdainfully on her face. Deidara, however, smiled, obviously pleased, and curled his fingers, forming a fist.

He released his fingers, revealing the white clay bird that stood on his palm. The strokes and walls of it were smooth and flawless, abstract holes for eyes carved into the head. His felicitous smile of satisfaction was prominent. Her perceiving orbs roved over it once, before the recognition began to swamp about her. The bird, familiar, was identical to those of which Deidara had transported with - and abducted her with as well.

"Well?" He probed expectantly.

The realization smacked her that he was waiting for her to say something. "Ah," This was not a time to be discussing this. Her friends were in danger. "it's... a nice sculpture."

Deidara shut his eyes, absorbing the praise as he sported a delighted smile.

"B-but..." She continued, "it's a little plain... Needs more spark and variety. It needs something to truly intensify the beauty itself..." Ino's pensive thoughts entangled viciously. Some between aspects of art, others between the position she was in, and another about the fact that she was interacting with this killer.

The Akatsuki member fixed his eyebrows. "Plain? Everything about this sculpture is equal to perfection, un. Not lively? The aspects of this masterpiece add up to something very lively, un." He glowered, his eyes turning darker. "Besides," His lips twitched. "you haven't seen the true beauty yet."

"Well, I-I'm a florist; it's just my opini-"

"Watch, un." He cut her words, as he tossed the bird off gently and performed a seal. Within seconds, a large puff of pale smoke submerged the clay sculpture, but once dispersing, she scrutinized the larger bird -the same size of the bird the night before- taking its place. As the kunoichi examined it a little more, the details were so distinct the that one small sculpture - it had to be the same thing.

"The...size doesn't...change mu-" Ino began, but was stopped when Deidara raised his hand, urging her to halt her words. Abruptly, he pulled her onto the large bird, ignoring her loud squeal. The large, statuesque wings spanned open, ascending into the sky.

"Do you still find this tedious, un?" He probed haughtily, a crude laugh slipping from his lips.

Ino couldn't scope for her lips. She tremored, the thought of falling off haunting her. The breeze may have been soothing, but it still wasn't enough. Deidara churned his head, her shuddering figure supplying him with a flood of satisfaction.

He smirked, "That feeling of adrenaline...Does this still seem arid to you, un?" He mused, peering at her as a wicked smile twisted on his lips.

Ino glimpsed at him, "I'm... not sure."

His eyes flickered maliciously. Surely she's not artistic... The degrading shadow of his eye pierced briefly, before he turned away with a brisk grunt.

Ino stole this chance to ask, "...Well, what is this mission?"

"What?"

Her cornsilk eyebrow instinctively cocked, as she valiantly repeated, "What's this mission?"

"Oh, right, un." He wasn't fond of the sudden swerve of conversation, but proceeded to speak nevertheless. "Well, you're a Yamanaka, someone who uses jutsus that affect the mind, un. Recently, there have been a few people who have...information that would help us with... our objective." He nodded, pensively. "Our mission is to go retrieve the rest and learn how much they know, before killing them. So far, we have one out of four, un. Quite simple, really."

A lump bunched in her throat, but she forced herself to speak. "And where do I come to play here...?" Her eyebrows furrowed, a provoked impatience touching her words.

Touchy now, are we? Deidara exuded a sigh. "You really don't get it? We're trying to gather their information, un. The leader can also use telepathy, however, he's paralyzed from using it, at the moment." The blond's shoulders rolled into a nonchalant shrug. Little did he know how his words strangulated the girl behind.

The contortion was cruel and deleterious as she swallowed the words. Her breathing climaxed, speedy as the air whiffed heavily around her. "I-I..." She managed, but her senses throbbed and all she was capable of doing was reach for her breath.

Telepathy...

So her purpose was to read someone's mind. The Akatsuki's leader was disabled from doing a task, and now they were using her as their tool. How oblivious of them... They got their info wrong about my clan... A solicitous, light laugh fusilladed from her quivering mouth as she shadily hid behind her lengthy bangs. Not all of us are capable.

He eyed her, bewildered by her echoing response. "Do you... understand, un?" He inquired curtly.

Yeah... yeah, I do.

"Well?" Her head lifted as she confronted his impatient frown.

Keep your mouth shut, Ino! Don't tell him that you can't! "Uh, yeah..." She croaked.

Deidara arched a golden eyebrow, but dropped it. Ino opened her mouth, vacillating, but proceeded. "W-what exactly... happened to...your leader?"

He himself hesitated. "Sasori no Danna told me that he sometimes he uses his chakra in a strange way for too long; it damages his chakra system, un. It happens quite often, in fact. Nothing too serious. He's still able to perform jutsus, but nothing too excessive, so he can't use..." Human path, was it? His lower lip curved just the slightest bit, contemplative. I shouldn't reveal this information. "A phase that holds the ability to read minds, I'm sure. His chakra system will recover in a little while, un, but it's best if we get our information now."

"Oh."

The reticent silent that dawned on them was eerie, and Deidara labeled it as a peculiar atmosphere. He could take her bitchiness, he could take her hostility, he could take the provoking edginess and timidity, but the silence was too atypical for someone like him. At least, without his art too distract him, he was simply fumbling with the awkward emptiness whilst a prisoner sat behind him.

"Hm, you're awfully quiet, un." He chuckled.

The airborne nausea had set in, and she had adapted to the chilling heights of their flying. The haunting thoughts of falling somehow still besieged her at times, but as a notion, it was well enough for her to handle. "What, I can't shut up...?" She mumbled; her thoughts were occupied by a different matter that he was oblivious to.

Ah, so the attitude, huh? A devilish grin tugged on his lips. "Don't let your bravery get ahead of you; I'm still willing to crush you, un." He said with a cruel laugh.

Ino swallowed. Bravery? Is that what you think this is? Her throat cleared as words mustered from her delicate lips. "I haven't forgotten." She murmured.

His eyebrow quirked. "Is something distracting you, un?" A simper plastered his face. "Perhaps you shouldn't let this bring you down, as you don't want anything to happen if you screw up, hn?"

"Shut up." The growl was low, deep, but filled with malice.

"Remember who you're talking to," His eyes narrowed. "I don't care what the hell happens to you, so don't push your limits, un."

This was yet another thing that chilled her to the bone. The kunoichi silently obliged, for the potential affliction wasn't worth it. Much to his surprise, she did, in fact hush herself up quite well. Ironic, it was though.

If they find out... what'll happen? I'll die, I know. But... Shika? Choji? Dad? Mum? Oh my god, would they make Dad do this too? If I wouldn't be able to... they'd try something else, wouldn't they? Unless they're leader... - Geez, what if they do use Dad though...? He's... the leader after all. And he's capable of doing this. But with the machines and all, it wouldn't work and- but what about me, what's gonna happen, and-and!

"We're landing. It's dark out, so we should get some rest, un."

"Alright, let's settle here, un." Deidara worded.

Her eyes cast a sweeping gaze of the land and surroundings, the dark sky shadowing the mossy grass. "Here?"

"Where else?"

She repressed a grimace, but it didn't seem to be a success. It wasn't something she had adapted to - going on a mission, prepared -sorta-, but sleeping on the ground? Things had been worse before, but her comfort laid in the use of tents and shelter. The fact that this Akatsuki member would be vulnerable wouldn't repel danger either. "Yeah, alright..." The reluctance woven with her words were prominent, but he chose to disregard it.

Ino selected a tree, one that was thick and would support her figure as a whole. She set her body against it, pulling her knees to her chest as she hugged them, demanding all the warmth she could rally. The rough, textured bark of the tree bit into her skin coldly, but her lips pressed together. No complaints. She'd need all the sleep she could gather, if this would be anything near a success.

"Kch!" Deidara muttered, provoked by the ferocious wind that scattered and roared past them. In such conditions, sleep was a difficult thing to achieve. Forcefully, his eyes shut as he leaned back against the rough tree, but was soon disrupted by a thud. And he knew where it came from. Peering over, he glimpsed at the suspect. Her sunny hair, tinted a darkening silver by the moon, swept iniquitously over her full, yet angular, cheeks. She would wince and murmur at times by random sort, but her eyelids would never open.

Ino tossed, stirred and spoke. Troubled. Anxious. Worried.

And Deidara wondered. Did she learn to realize how dangerous the Akatsuki were?

A/N: Not a very compelling ending, in my opinion, but I'm hoping the next chapter
will turn out better. :3

Thanks for reading! Review please. xoxo.