-----I got Captured by Deidara -----

----- By: Terrier.Z -----

----- Chapter Seven: The trick with success is to just lower the standards of what you need to accomplish -----

Humans strive to be happy. We go to extreme extents to be happy. And being happy and silly is good for you. Laughing, smiling it gives us a reason to roll out of bed each morning, but even when we are happy there are reasons to still be wary.

When I unfolded the blanket that Deidara, presumably, left for me, I was having trouble restraining myself from doing a little happy dance. Taking the blanket back to my corner I hunkered down in it, making a cocoon around myself. I should have assumed Deidara was doing this so I would survive until I was needed for their sinister plans or trying to make me trust him or for some other devious motives. I didn't. Instead I started to like Deidara and mentally started to plan what a conversation with him would sound like. I told you I was a total delinquent- I'm surprised they haven't locked me in an asylum by now.

Noticing a piece of paper flittering to the ground I scooped it up. Upon examining the paper torn messily from the corner of a notebook my lips twitched into a smile and my heart fluttered. A smiley face, with its tongue was sticking out, smiled back at me.

A down side from waking up from 'blob' mode was the boredom. Sitting in a dark, dank cave leaves you with not many options for activities. I came up with four solutions to cure the boredom.

Option one: Give in to will of evil and sit around as a blob.

Option two: Plan, prepare, or attempt an escape. Or create other plans that help you and your cause.

Option three: Think about things. Anything it doesn't really matter that much.

Option four: Commit suicide.

That last option was out of the question. I'm way too much of a coward to try that, and if anything I love being alive. I had already tried Option one. I was left with Options two and three. I was thinking, but what I was thinking about might fall under Option two. I'll say Option two that way I was being productive in some manner.

I mused about Deidara and analyzed our encounter for anything that might help save me later on. My brilliant conclusion? Make him laugh before he kills me, while he's caught up in laughing run for the hills. I would have definitely not made it as a shinobi for much longer. I probably can't even remember how to make a basic clone. Since I had nothing better to do I decided to try and see how many jutsu I could still perform. This would be going under Option two for sure.

After untangling myself from the blanket, I started to become uneasy. What if something went wrong? With my luck that was a very real possibility. Or what happens if someone notices and comes in to see why there are chakra pluses from in here? Though I had only met Sasori once I had an instinct to back away from him. Something about him I didn't like at all. He was…creepy, unnerving, and ugly. Maybe I was being judgmental, but hey, it's a women's intuition. Procrastinate was my solution. If I am going to be escaping successfully- I can escape all I want, but if I get two feet so what- I need to be in fighting condition.

First, I stretched all the muscles I could remember how. I even counted to ten each time to do it 'correctly'- and to waste the maximum amount of time. All too soon I ran out of body parts to stretch. Waste time, waste time…exercises! I moved on to basic maneuvers. Kicks: hook kicks, sidekicks, step-behind-sidekicks, jumping kicks, twirl-around-and-smash-their-face-kicks. I fell down a lot with the more complex ones, and my legs protested against so much violent use. I pictured myself battling Sasori- a super weak version that just sat there and didn't try anything. With relief I moved on to punches and arm attacks.

My punches and elbow jabs were better then my kicks and probably would be more successful to use in combat. My kicks didn't reach above my chest level. At least I can always kick their shins and make them angry! The trick with success is to just lower the standards of what you need to accomplish. For fear of my safety I didn't try to do flips and gymnastic moves; today at least, I promised myself I would try them tomorrow.

After wracking by brain for anything I might have forgot, I finally moved on to chakra drills. I started with the simple walking up surfaces. I walked over to a wall with a slanted surface several feet above the door.

Tentatively, I placed my right foot on the wall; I gathered chakra in the bottom and stepped forward. The weight of my body pulled me down- not enough chakra. I knew from experience that it was bad to put to much chakra into a surface when climbing; though a stone wall should be able to stand more then the wooden wall we trained on.

Thinking back to my genin-team days was bittersweet. Mori and Ishi were the two other members; they were twins though not identical. We had been a promising trio- great in the teamwork department. Ishi had been a Chuunin for several years. Mori…poor Mori had had an accident and was now permanently hospitalized with extensive injuries. I went to see him often; we were still good friends after all.

My heart painfully lurched when I realized I might never see them again! I might never be able to bring Mori flowers and smuggle him chocolate- which he was forbidden to eat by the hospital- or go to Ishi's inauguration as Jonin! He might already be a Jonin! Some part of my heart caught on fire and raged. I would see them again! Them and every one else important to me! It was a promise, cross my heart and hope to die!

With new inspiration I put more chakra in my foot and tried again. I tested my weight on the one foot- it held. I stepped forward with my other foot gathering chakra, for an odd second I was between being upright and sideways. I placed my left foot next to my right foot and it held. I smiled determinedly and stepped up the wall again, it worked. I confidently strolled up the wall then turned to walk around the room's walls, flexing and stretching my chakra reserves.

Gracefully jumped down and landed on my room's floor. I twirled around in sort of a victory celebration. I could still use chakra well enough that I didn't implode! I started to practice jumping and holding my landing on odd surfaces. After retiring from being a shinobi I had self decidedly stopped all practices of a being a ninja. Sometimes I missed that life style though and longed to have it back. If I really wanted to they would let me have-no, no stop that self destructive lie of thought right there! I missed getting to wear my forehead protector and flying through the forest. Maybe my real name was somewhat true of my nature…I loved flying and being carefree just like birds…Ok so maybe not, but I do like being able to fly through the trees at high speed.

Subconsciously I had been blocking out my real name and replacing it with 'Clary' ever since I made the name up as sort of a safety precaution. After spending years being called by something it is weird to be called by something else. Unnatural; my name isn't Clary and it never will be! Tori sounded much better, natural, because that's what my name always will be. Clary is all generic sounding. What an odd name for me to pick.

After finishing jumping around the room, I settled down and decided to attempt a jutsu. I started with the replacement jutsu; I would replace myself with my mirror shard…and hope that it doesn't shatter in the process…Sighing, and cursing about thinking ahead, I went to find something less breakable to use.

In the dim light it was even harder to find something to use in a room void of objects. I take that back since every time I tried to walk I'd trip over rocks. A rock would work well; not breakable at all. Dropping to my hands and knee's I crawled along the edge of my cave looking for a suitable rock. Careful not to put weight on my right arm I only used it for probing the floor for rocks in the darkness. I believed my arm was healing rather well considering the state of things. I became so absorbed in my task I didn't hear the door being unlocked.

Light –wonderful, bright light- flooded into dark room. They really need to invest on a lamp for in here. I spotted a large, round rock a few feet from where I was. It didn't register with me that the door had been opened by someone. Instead of standing up or sitting down I lopsidedly hobbled forward to get to the rock.

"What are you doing Clary, hm?"

My head flew up to see Deidara standing in my door way looking at me with an amused expression, but more importantly he was holding a tray of food. I was starving for doing all the exercises. My hand was mere inches away from my long, sought prize. My mind raced for an excuse. I panicked and didn't lie like I would have or make snide remark. Instead my reply was more of a state the obvious thing.

"I'm looking for a rock." I said it with a straight face and looked at him as if he were dumb or something. After a moment I raised an eyebrow at him for…dramatic effects.

After a few more moment of him not understanding he asked in dumb voice. "A rock?"

I sighed and rolled my eyes like it was obvious; something he should have figured out already. Was this guy really an S-ranked criminal? "To use as weapon against you, duuur!"

I snatched the rock and swiftly stowed it away in my hoodie's front pocket, then stood up to my full height; though I would have only come up to his chin if he had been standing next to me. His expression was changing to a shocked one, as if it was surprising that I was searching for a weapon, or maybe it was because I hadn't tried to lie or cover it up. Remembering that this guy despite all appearances and reactions was an S-ranked criminal and weather I liked it or not in control of my fate, I tweaked the conversational atmosphere.

"If it makes you feel better I could say I was playing a game of hide'n seek with the stone. I have nothing better to do." I casually shrugged grinning easily, and then hissed through my teeth as a shot of pain ran through my right shoulder. Ow! I plastered a silly grin onto my face and ignored the renewed throb in my arm. "Care to join in next round?"

It was Deidara's turn to roll his eyes and sigh at me. He set the tray of food on the stone floor and turned to leave. He was already half way out the door, a hand ready to close and lock the door on me once more. He had a distinctive smirk on his face. His signature smirk.

"Hey, wait!" I didn't really have a reason to become cross at him for leaving- I was being a bit silly,

"Why should I stay Clary, hm?" Deidara didn't sound antagonizing at all; his voice had a tone to it that made my stomach churn. I liked it and hated it at the same time.

"Because I now have something to talk to besides the walls!"

"You talked to the walls?"

"Maybe…"

He snorted and muttered something about incompetence test and then after a brief hesitation closed the door. I heard the door click locked and the room fell dark again. For my own safety I dropped back to my hands and knees; I had one too many experiences with running into the walls or tripping in the darkness.

I crawled over to where the door was- I had a pretty good mental map of my room by now-and found the tray when I almost landed my hand in it. I sat down and proceeded to eat my meal. It wasn't by any accounts graceful or well mannered. I had no utensils so I ate with my hands and fingers. Generations of humans did it that way with no shame so why can't I!

Flavor was something absent from the meals. These two really needed to by a cookbook or take lessons. A simple concoction of water, beef, and rice made what I supposed was supposed to be a stew. Accompanied with chunk of bread and a handful of berries. I was a picky eater before I had gotten captured and would have never eaten berries, but now I didn't care. Food was food and it had to be eaten.

I could have ate much more, but most of all I was thirty. I mulled over a way to tell them this. I wiped my face with my sleeve and moved back to my corner. On the way there I felt a different texture then the cold floor under my fingers- paper. I stopped crawling and picked it up. It was the smiley face that Deidara had drawn. Once back in my corner I examined it again and was about to place it under the rock I had just taken out of my pocket when an idea popped into my mind. I smirked when I thought the idea. I could write a note to him! It was something to do and I had nothing better to do so I would.

I had paper now, but no pen or other writing instrument. If I had soot that would work, but I didn't. The closest thing I had was dirt; that over the ages had seeped into the chamber. There was a fair amount of dirt to the right side of the door that lead to the 'lobby' area. I crawled over there. I felt around the ground and came across a pile. I rubbed my pinky into the dirt and wrote a message onto the paper. It was messy for I was writing in the dark, crouched over a piece of paper, and writing with an arm that was broken further up the limb. Pleased I looked at the smudge of dirt that read:

HI.

Satisfied that it was legible, I went over to the door and after a moment of to deliberating the chances of him actually noticing I slipped it under the minuscule crack under the door. My hope was that if he did see my note he would write back. Passing notes was always fun. In school it's easier to tell your friend about the newest gossip after class, yet we choose to write them notes because it is funnier.

Well waiting for a reply I wondered about the weather outside- this would undoubtedly be Option two- what day of the week it might be, if Ami once notified about the attack on my caravan would adopt my pet hamster. I had left Merc in her care since she was the one who got him (or her I couldn't tell) for me on my last birthday. I went off musing about the various pets I had had through my life- the ill fatted pet dog I had, the parrot that flew away when I took her outside. Only my family's pet cat had survived to die of old age. I am definitely a cat person.

I was counting the number of times that I had reminded Ami to take care of Merc before I left, when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a rolled then flattened piece of paper appear under the door. Absolutely delighted that Deidara was playing along I went to the door. I unrolled his note and found a piece of mechanical pencil lead taped to it. In much better penmanship it said:

Hey.

Smiling furiously I started to think of a response. It took awhile; mostly because I was over analyzing everything. Once finished I re-rolled and flattened the paper then I stuck it back under the door. It started a conversation via note that went something like this:

I'M THIRSTY.

Can't get water under door- sorry.

I GUESS IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS...

I get brownie points though?

SURE THAT RASIES YOU TO -4 POINTS.

That's not fair! How did I start negative?

WHAT A PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTION. I THINK WE MAY NEED A GENIUS FOR THAT ONE.

If I say sorry can I start back at zero?

ONLY IF YOU GIVE ME CAKE NEXT TIME YOU BRING FOOD.

There is no cake here.

YOU GUYS MUST HAVE MONEY- BUY SOME.

If you eat like that you will get fat.

I HAVE BEEN ON A SPEICAL STARVATION DIET.

Ok, fine next time I see a cake nearby I will steal it for you

REALLY? IN THAT CASE I DON'T MIND IF YOU MUDER THEM TOO!

Oh, cool. That makes it all the more easier. I promise I'll get you a cake.

MMM CAKE!

Hey, if I murder them would it be ok if the cake gets a little messed up?

YOU CAN JUST MURDER THEM WITH KNIVES! IT'S MUCH EASIER AND NOT TO MENTION MORE STEALTHY THAN FIREWORKS!

Yea, but then it's not art.

ART…?

What is art too you?

UMM…SOMETHING PRETTY? WHY? WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS?

Art is bang.

I GUESS BANGS CAN BE PRETTY …IF YOU DON'T GET HIT BY THEM THAT IS.

Does it hurt?

YES! ASK THE CORPSES; THEY'LL KNOW EVEN BETTER.

I'll be sure to ask the cake-seller.

CAN I FLY ON YOUR BIRD SOMETIME?

No. It would be too dangerous and I don't want you messing up my art.

AWW…BUT HOW CAN A BIRD BE ART IF BANGS ARE?

The bird can go bang too.

HOW'D YOU GET A ROCKET TO BE SHAPED LIKE A BIRD?

I use clay not rockets.

CLAY? IT'S ALL MUSHY AND STICKS TO YOUR SHOES THOUGH!

Infuse it with chakra and it can explode!

SWEET! WOULD THAT WORK WITH DIRT??

Maybe; it wouldn't be very efficient though. Why?

NO CLAY IN HERE… JUST DIRT AND ROCKS.

I guess that would be in an escape effort? You don't like it here then?

NO. IT'S BEEN MY LIFE LONG DREAM TO BE TRAPPED IN A DARK CAVE 24/7

….

…...

……

I NEED MORE LEAD!

Here. You ran out fast…

IT BROKE WHEN I WAS OUT DOTTING YOU. …….

Ok, fine you win.

HURRAY! BY THE WAY WHAT TIME IS IT?

2:45

AM OR PM?

Am.

WHY ARE YOU AWAKE SO LATE?

Habitat- and technically I am supposed to be guarding you. Why are you up so late?

UNFORTUNATELY I DON'T HAVE A CLOCK OR A SUN.

I will get you one along with that cake.

YAY! WAIT, THE CLOCK OR THE SUN?

Your choice.

CLOCK. I DON'T WANT TO BURN UP!

How old are you??

WHY? HOW OLD ARE YOU?

Just wondering. I am twenty-two

I AM TWENTY-THREE. HAHA! RESPECT YOUR ELDERS!

How old are you really?

WHAT? YOU DON'T BELIVE ME?

You don't look or have the maturity of a twenty-three year old.

FINE IM 25.

Maturity as in your lack of it. You're eighteen to twenty.

FINE, FINE. I'M NINETEEN. NEED A COOKIE?

Yes.

ERR…WOOPS… I ATE THEM ALL!

You owe me a cookie then.

FINE.

Fine.

A SUGAR COOKIE OR CHOCOLATE CHIP? AND CAN I BORROW YOUR KITCHEN?

Definitely chocolate chip and-Damn! Sasori got back! Go back to sleep and hide this! Bye!

I was genuinely upset when I got that last note. I wouldn't be able to risk sending a note out if Sasori was there to find it- just imagine his face! I was surprised that Deidara had actually responded to my first letter. I got more then just a promise of a cake out of the note exchanging I some what befriended Deidara- hopefully he was more sympathetic towards me. Or he might just be as bored as I am and was toying with me.

From outside the door I heard Sasori talking to Deidara. They both sounded sour. Interested moved closer to see, or rather if I could hear, what they were conversing about. I ignored Deidara's warning to go back to sleep- maybe what he called 'blob' mode. I pressed my ear to the door and strained to hear the muffled voices- a little too happy for my present situation.

-----End-----

----- Word Count: 3, 496 -----

A/N: I hope you have been enjoying my story so far! There should be a lot less mistakes after I've proofread, but I'm sure I have not entire eliminated them, so forgive me for any that are still present.

A pleasantly happy,

-Terrier

Here is a bio on my character. In a later chapter I'll update it and add some new facts.

Name: Tori. ( Note: In Japanese Tori translates to 'bird'.)

Alias: Clary Rusher

Age: 19

Birthday: April 7th ( Note: It is mid-May at start of story and during the time skip)

Height: 5' 4''

Weight: 114 lbs (At start of story; by now she has lost quite a bit of that weight.)

Blood Type: A

Hair: Brown and short was layered, but since Tori played hair stylist on it has no real order to it.

Eyes: Hazel.

Outfit: Kaki pants and black hoodie, both are baggy and too big. Underneath the hoodie she has on a green tank top with swirly purple designs going down one side. And a variant of Shinobi sandals colored black.

Village: Takigakure (Village hidden by the Waterfall)

Rank: Officially retired at Genin.

Profession: Sales agent for her Aunts medical herb business

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