Cookies to anyone that spots the almost quote in this chapter, obviously you too are a die hard Guy Ritchie fan. XD
Oh and for the record, despite Des' musings on the nature of Zabuza and Haku's relationship, in this fic there was/is no ZabuHaku. Not that I'm against yaoi (just look at my home page!), but I'm afraid I don't particularly like that pairing – no offence to any ZabuHaku fans out there!
Chapter 4: The Diary
After about an hour's uneventful journey deeper into the forest, my new boss held up a hand, indicating me to stop. Following his lead I slowed my pace to a halt and dropped silently to the forest floor. Landing lightly on my feet, I quickly straightened up and glanced round me at our surroundings, trying to discern the reason for our sudden halt.
A few moments of study later, I concluded that there was absolutely nothing even vaguely interesting about this particular patch of forest. Raising a sceptical eyebrow I turned to face my guide.
The Demon stood several meters in front of me, head bowed, eyes closed and forehead furrowed in intense concentration. Frowning I quickly tried sensing for any chakra patterns. Nothing. What the hell was he doing? Folding my arms I continued to silently watch his bizarre behaviour.
A few minutes ticked by in silence before I became irritated enough to risk his annoyance by asking him what was going on. I had just opened my mouth to speak when his sudden movement caused me to start. I watched in wary surprise as his dexterous hands began to move quickly through a complex series of signs.
He was casting a jutsu?
My body tensed as my eyes scanned our surroundings and I sensed for chakra once more. No. Nothing. I was sure of it. Utterly perplexed I returned my gaze to the former Kiri shinobi before me and contemplated all possible explanations behind his strange behaviour.
Technically, it was possible that he had sensed something that I had not – but it was unlikely. Yes, alright I may have just had my ass handed to me twice in one sitting, but I was still a hunter-nin, and a damn good one at that (ignoring recent events). I'm sure if there were enemies around I'd be able to sense it.
So what did that leave? I eyed Zabuza suspiciously as he continued his sequence of hand seals. There was always the possibility that the jutsu was for me… but wasn't that needlessly convoluted for someone who could have simply lopped my head off an hour ago? So scratch that idea.
I paused to consider the (highly plausible) idea that I was simply in the company of a mad man. I watched as the preparations for his elaborate, mysterious jutsu continued. It was seeming increasingly likely.
Slowly and soundlessly I began to edge away. I had succeeded in moving several feet before I was startled by a gravely voice barking out a command:
"Kaihou!"
Whipping my head round, I turned to face the lunatic in guilty apprehension, an excuse ready on my lips. But what I saw soon wiped my head of conscious thought. There right in front of me, where there had just a moment ago been a dense patch of forest, was now a wide clearing. Utterly astounded I blinked as I tried to make sense of what had just happened.
Obviously there was some sort of genjutsu cast over this area… but I had never even seen one of this high standard before… Not that I had any particular talent in genjutsu, but as part of our training, all sections of the ANBU are taught how to cope with them. Even if I couldn't dispel the jutsu, I ought to have at least had an inkling that it was there… especially considering the size.
Zabuza leaned on a tree, arms folded idly across his broad chest, one of his trademark evil smirks on his face as he watched my stunned silence. Flushing slightly as I realised how foolish I must look, I picked my jaw up of the floor and turned with a scowl to interrogate the smirking shinobi.
"What is this place?" I demanded, eyes narrowed. Carelessly shoving himself of the tree he had been leaning against, the Demon brushed by me.
"For now consider it 'home'," was all he bothered to say as moved towards the small log cabin situated in the centre of the clearing. Letting out a growl of annoyance I moved swiftly to catch up with him.
As I fell into step beside him, I wanted to ask about the genjutsu which covered the area, but a quick glance at the scornful expression on his face soon quashed that idea. I was not about to let him treat me like an ignorant genin. Clenching my jaw, I forced myself to stay silent, despite the aura of mocking amusement I felt seeping of my companion.
A sudden tingling feeling ran down my spine causing me to shudder. Turning round, I watched in veiled amazement as the genjutsu around the area closed itself, encompassing us in a hazy dome. I itched to investigate, but a incoherent growl of annoyance told me that my dallying was not appreciated. Gritting my teeth to prevent myself from spitting out a mocking comment that would no doubt get me killed, I turned back and trotted back to my "master's" side.
As we reached the cabin, Zabuza shoved the door open, letting the moonlight filter into the small building. I raised my eyebrow at him. The place was much… homier than I would expect from the infamous Demon of the mist. Ignoring my smirk, my companion walked in, tossing his blade on the large oak table in the centre of the room, before throwing himself onto one of the comfortable looking armchairs. Shrugging, I followed suit, setting my Kusari-gama on the table next to his Zanbato as a sign on good faith before selecting the chair opposite him. I had to bite back a sigh of relief as I felt my abused body sink into the cushioned seat.
Lounging contently in his own chair, the Demon studied me carefully. Forcing myself to ignore his scrutiny, I instead opted to close my eyes and just enjoy the rest. As much as I was loathe to admit it, fighting with him had really drained me.
"Now its time for you to prove your worth girl," his growling voice dragged my attention back towards him.
"What exactly do you have in mind?" I asked cautiously, eyes narrowing. That earned me an amused snort.
"Information," he elaborated, "You're going to tell me everything you know about the Copy-nin and your mission orders." My eyes narrowed further at the commanding tone.
"And if I refuse?" The Demon raised a mocking brow at me.
"Than I kill you," he stated simply, not even bothering to shift into a more threatening pose. I contemplated this for a moment. He had a point, he had already proven twice over that if he wanted me dead there wasn't a whole lot I could do to stop him, particularly tired as I was. And what loyalty did I really owe Kakashi? After coming to a decision I inclined my head in grudging agreement to his terms.
"I can't tell you much outside rumours and commonly known facts when it comes to Hatake. We have little to do with one another, and I am rarely in the village," I began with a shrug, "but I'll tell you what I know." I fell silent for a time as I tried to determine how best to start.
"From what I understand Kakashi is currently working on further mastery of his sharingan," reading the curiosity from Zabuza's face I quickly shook my head, "and no, before you ask I have no idea what that entails. Only that he is."
"I believe it has something to do with retrieving his former student Uchiha Sasuke, who defected from the village last year and is now under the tutelage of Orochimaru, one of the three legendary Sanin." A look of slight surprised interest flickered over the Demon's face, but he did not interrupt me. "Kakashi is presently without a team, his former members all having been taken on by the remaining Sanin. Hanuro Sakura is currently the only remaining one in the village, studying to be a medic under Tsunade, our Hokage. The Kyuubi container Uzumaki Naruto, is travelling with the final Sanin, Jiraiya, as his apprentice."
"Huh. So the rumours are true then? That little loud mouthed brat really is the Kyuubi container?" Zabuza muttered, a look of vague amusement on his face. I let out a snort of a laugh.
"Hmm, yes, unlikely as it may seem, he is the one." Mirth suddenly vanishing, cold brown eyes locked onto mine. I fought the shiver that threatened my spine as I held his soulless gaze.
"So what you're telling me is that Kakashi is completely alone." It sounded more like a statement than a question, but I inclined my head in agreement anyway. Slowly the Demon nodded, obviously contemplating the implications of the information I had just revealed. After a few seconds silence, his gaze flickered back to meet mine.
"Now, explain to me your orders for my assassination," he commanded softly. I shrugged.
"Not really much to tell. I had just gotten back from a mission when the Hokage summoned me to her office. She informed me of your encounter with one of our ninja teams and that you were most likely here to claim your revenge on Kakashi and possibly any of his remaining team members. Then she gave me your last known coordinates and sent me on my merry way." I felt my body tense slightly as I watched a dangerous glitter enter Zabuza's eyes.
"And have you been in contact with anyone from your village since accepting this mission?" he growled at me.
"No. I'm not much of a team player," I explained as I shook my head, "The Hokage knows that and leaves me to my own devices." Zabuza observed me for a few moments – obviously debating whether or not to believe me. After a time he must have decided to accept what I was saying because he gave a brisk nod and pulled himself to his feet. I involuntary felt my eyes glide appreciatively over the gleaming muscles of his torso as he gave a lazy stretch. I had to swallow back a mouthful of drool at the sight.
On realising what I was doing I quickly dragged my reluctant gaze upwards, only to find him watching me through mocking eyes. Shit. Had he seen me looking? Damn my perverseness! The last thing I needed to do was to let a psychopathic murderer let him know I found him attractive. After all, perverse though I may be, I'd really rather not get raped in my sleep.
Then again, maybe if it was a hottie like Zabuza doing the raping… NO. Bad thoughts.
Snarling at myself I lurched to my feet, as I once again shoved my inner pervert back into her cupboard. Damn it all! I was really going to have to find a way to deal with her before she came out to play for real and made me do something stupid like try and molest the Demon. I eyed him warily, taking in his well muscled physique and cold, pitiless eyes, before flitting to that damnable sword of his. Yep. That would be a pretty good way to get my head detached from my body.
Although all things considered, you had to appreciate the irony of that.
Another irritated growl rescued me from the insane ramblings of my mind. Zabuza stood directly in front of me, arms crossed over his chest as he glared at me in annoyance.
"Come with me," he snapped as he turned round and grabbed his zanbato from the table, before moving to the door at the far side of the room. Pausing only to snatch up my own weapon, I followed him through it into a narrow corridor. The Demon came to a halt in front of the first door in the hallway.
"This," he rasped in his usual harsh tone as he gestured at the door, "is where you will be sleeping." He flicked his hand towards the door at the opposite end of the corridor.
"That, is my room." Zabuza turned to pin me with a dangerous glare. "You will never enter my room without my permission." His eyes narrowed threateningly. "If you do, I'll kill you." Raising an eyebrow I nodded.
"If you attempt to leave without my permission I will kill you. If you fail to meet the standards I set for you I will kill you. If you do anything without my permission, I will kill you." I gave him a look that was somewhere between amusement and irritation.
"So in short, I'm going to have to work very hard just to stay alive?" I asked him flippantly. His eyes glittered with cold amusement at my impudence.
"I'm glad we understand each other," he growled softly before he turned towards his own room. "Get some sleep," he ordered, "tomorrow we begin your training." I blinked in shock.
"Training?" I asked, feeling marginally insulted. Snorting a mocking laugh, the Demon turned back to face me, mirth evident on his face.
"You didn't think that you were really of any use to me the way you are now?" he sneered at me, making me want to slam my Kusari-gama blade into his eye. Deciding that would probably just get me killed, I settled for giving him a death glare.
"I have taken you here because you have potential. Nothing more. If I want you to become a tool that I can use, I must first craft you into one," he continued. "Training starts tomorrow. Now sleep." He stood and glared at me until I (grudgingly) opened the door to my room and entered.
Closing the door behind me, I grumbled to myself about crazed murderers with control issues as I made my way to sit on the edge of the bed. As I flopped down, my eyes fell on the window to the right of me. The moonlight filtered through the glass, illuminating the small room. For some reason I found that comforting, but I had always felt safer at night. I guess it had something to do with my genkai. Sighing I closed my eyes and contemplated my situation.
Here I was, Suatomi Desdemona, feared hunter-nin of Konoha, shacked up with a demented missing-nin who wants to turn me into his 'tool'. Oh how the mighty have fallen. I suppose this is my punishment for allowing myself to become complacent. Overconfidence is a bitch.
So what are my options?
My eyes flickered to the window again. I could make a break for it. Disappear without a trace. Assuming I managed to escape. Or I could wait until my dear mentor-to-be fell asleep, slice of his head and return to Konoha like a good girl. Again, assuming Zabuza didn't wake up and kill me first. I thought about that for a moment.
I can't say I like my odds.
So door number three it is then. I stay here and take what I'm being offered. At least until I can find another option. Preferably one that does not wind up with me dying a bloody death at the hands of the Demon.
Letting out an annoyed sigh I hauled myself to my feet. Well, if I was gonna be here a while, I suppose I may as well look round my room.
I idly glanced around the small, sparsely furnished room, my eyes coming to rest on an empty cage that sat by the wardrobe. Frowning slightly I made my way over to investigate. Crouching down I glanced in to find hay strewn around on the floor.
From the looks of it, it was a rabbit hutch at some stage, but I'm guessing that there hasn't been an animal in there for a while.
I wrinkled my nose at the though of Zabuza having a pet rabbit. Somehow, it just didn't fit. Shrugging off the mystery for later, I rose and walked over to open the wardrobe instead. What I found disturbed me greatly.
Kimonos. Female kimonos. And in a box on the floor, hairnets.
Stepping back in shock I began to pray that Zabuza was a secret cross dresser. Disturbing a revelation as that would be, I much preferred it to the alternative – that my new friend was in the habit of kidnapping women. Now I could get over the whole 'this means I'm not special' bit no problem. It was the 'what possible reason would a dangerous criminal have for kidnapping women, and what the hell does he do with them when he gets bored with them (since they obviously aren't still here)' bit that worried me.
So yes. Living with a transvestite would definitely be the lesser of the two evils. However closer inspection proved the kimono's to be too small to fit the Demon.
Damn.
Feeling distinctly uneasy now, I knelt down on the floor to have a better look at the box containing the hairnets. In it I also found a hair brush and… senbon needles? Slowly I rocked back on my haunches. This was getting weirder and weirder. Why would Zabuza let his captives have weapons?
'Like the way you still have yours?' whispered a voice in my head as my hand fell to the Kusari-gama in my belt. Did he leave them to remind his captives how little threat they posed him? My frown deepened. Although I wouldn't put such a thing past the sadist, for some reason I felt I was missing something. Something about those senbon needles kept niggling at my mind.
I was about to put the box away when I noticed that for some reason it felt heavier than it ought to. Hmm, now that was odd. Raising an eyebrow I swiftly emptied it of its contents. It was then I noticed the small groove in one corner.
A false bottom perhaps?
Hooking my nail in it, I attempted to pry it open. A smile of satisfaction flickered over my face as the inner surface popped out, revealing a hidden storage compartment containing a black, leather bound book. Cocking my head to one side in curiosity, I carefully lifted the book from its hiding place.
A brief skim through it revealed it to be a diary of some sort. Intrigued, I quickly reassembled the box and returned it and its contents (sans secret diary) to the wardrobe, before settling comfortably on the bed to look leisurely through my find.
It was then that the mystery of the room was revealed. Haku. This was Haku's room. These were Haku's things – never having seen him before it was easy to forget that the youth had a petulance for wearing girly clothing. My eyes fell on the empty hutch. That had been Haku's rabbit (I felt a slight pang as I wondered what had happened to it now that its master was dead. After a moments deliberation I decided Zabuza had probably eaten it. Teme.) And this was Haku's diary.
Hmm, the innermost thoughts of a boy devoted to my new mentor? Was it immoral to be invading his privacy in such a manner..?
Eh, what's he going to do? Come back and haunt me? Besides, he hung out with a murderer. I sincerely doubt that his standard of right and wrong is the same as most. Shrugging away my misgivings I settled down read.
The book proved to be surprisingly enlightening, in many ways.
It explained to me the things that I had been wary of asking – starting with the genjutsu that surrounded this area. Apparently it had been set up during the Great War as a place for Kiri-nin to use as a safe house. From what Haku said it was only one of many dotted around the five great countries, which had been abandoned (and all but forgotten) post war.
The illusion hiding it was so strong as it had been erected by six genjutsu masters, making it of the highest possible calibre – explaining both why it was so damn hard to detect and why it had lasted this long intact. It seems the jutsu Zabuza had cast was the opening spell, which caused a doorway to open temporarily allowing the caster entry.
Originally I had intended simply to skim the book, selecting titbits of information that I found relevant (such as the part on the barrier), but instead I found myself drawn into Haku's story simply for the tale. It detailed his sad beginnings, his adoption by the Demon and his life as Zabuza's weapon.
As I read I felt pity well up in me for the boy. Here was a boy that had been traumatised and abandoned, someone so desperate for acceptance and human contact that he had clung to the first person who offered him even the barest kindness. Even if that person saw him as nothing more than an object. Even if that person demanded he do things that went against his gentle nature.
Even if that person was a demon.
I clenched my teeth as I read, feeling my hatred for Zabuza intensify as I followed his corruption of a boy who was devoted to him.
But after a time, I felt my anger lessen as it became increasingly apparent that Zabuza did in fact care for the boy, even if it was against his will. I read Haku's documentation of the rare tender moments the two had shared with mixed feelings. For the kid's sake I wanted to believe that his observations were correct. After all, who knew Zabuza better than Haku? But then again, the boy was obviously so desperate for his mentor's acceptance that it was also conceivable that he saw what he wanted to see.
Leaning back against my pillow I considered this. Had there been more to the two shinobi's relationship than the student mentor one? Was it really more along the lines of the father-son bond that Haku seemed to imply in his writings? Or was it something a little more sinister entirely? After all, Haku had been a very pretty boy…
I wrinkled my nose in disgust at that. Zabuza a paedophile? No, I doubted that. There certainly had been no hints of a sexual relationship in the diary.
'Still' I mused to myself, 'somehow I think that there was a little more to their relationship that the Demon would let me believe. Is it possible that Haku was right? Could the Demon actually have cared for the boy?'
I could not help but recalled the story I had heard being passed around the genin shortly after the bridge incident – that Zabuza had wept over his partner's body. At the time I had dismissed it as emotional nonsense, but what if it were true? Was that what this revenge plot of his was really all about?
I had always assumed that Zabuza's obsession with Kakashi had been as a result of the Copy-nin's defeating him in battle, a way of 'saving face', but this made more sense. Zabuza wanted to kill the man that had killed the only person he had ever cared for.
I felt a swirl of unease in my stomach as I considered that.
What did that make me? Was I really just intended as a means to an end? A tool to aid him in killing Kakashi? Or was he, on some level, looking for a replacement Haku? A new companion?
Part of me scoffed at that accusation. But another part of me couldn't help but draw similarities between me and the dead boy. We had both been cast aside by our villages when he had given us his offer. Haku time and time again mentioned how Zabuza referred to him as his 'tool' or 'weapon', both of which he had already used to describe me, and hadn't I heard that Haku was known for wearing a hunter-nin mask? Not that I had mine anymore, it was still wherever it had landed in the forest when Zabuza hit me in the face with his sword, but still...
Letting out a deep sigh I firmly told myself to stop worrying. Whatever his motivation was for making me the offer, didn't change mine for accepting it. I had been given a chance to get stronger – to be trained by the legendary Demon of the Mist, and I would have my chance to find out why the people I have trusted had thrown me to the wolves (or the demons as the case may be).
Shaking my head I thumbed through the diary, back to the part that detailed Haku's training. I couldn't help but be fascinated as I followed his mastery of his abilities. Most of them were irrelevant to me – being connected to his own ice genkai, but I was careful to fold down the corners of the pages that held techniques of interest (that single handed signing for one looked extremely useful).
Once I had done this I reluctantly slipped the diary under my pillow, along with a kunai (for emergencies) and began undressing for bed. From what I had gathered from Haku's description of Zabuza's training methods, I was going to need all the rest I could get.
After tossing my clothing to the floor, I crawled beneath my blankets clad only in my tank top and pants (1) and was asleep in minutes.
Japanese translations:
Kusari-gama: a form of chain weapon, see chapter 2 for full explanation
Zanbato: A type of sword
(1) Oh just a pick note to point out the differences in Scottish and American - here the term 'pants' is used to refer to underwear ('panties') not trousers/combats
Please review and thanks for reading!
Friglit