Obsession
Summary: Kakashi Hatake. Brilliant. Cunning. Psychotic. Sociopath. In his mind lies the clue to catching a ruthless killer. He's requested for help by Japan's force and works together with detective Iruka Umino, who is forced to trust Kakashi's reckless actions in order to succeed in finally catching Japan's newest tormentor.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned in this story. I also do not make any money off of this in any legal or illegal way.
A/N: Chapter 9 is up and ready for reading! I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 9
''Iruka! What a pleasant surprise…''
Iruka tensed his shoulders and grit his teeth. He spent all morning trying to avoid that creep and just as he let his guard down for a few minutes, the guy founds him in the middle of a deserted hallway. Wonderful.
He forced himself to smile and noted that he's been doing that a lot lately, before he turned around to meet the hungry gaze of Orochimaro.
''Count Orochimaro, just the person I was looking for.'' Iruka said with fake happiness and Orochimaro looked delighted.
''Oh what can I do for you, my dear?'' He purred and came closer, forcing Iruka to take a step back.
Iruka shuddered but kept his composure.
''I wanted to tell you that…'' The young detective hesitated, trying to think of a valid reason. ''That… Tsunade is looking for you.'' He finished quickly and almost started laughing at the disappointed look on Orochimaru's face.
''Oh… I see. Thank you, I will go talk to her.'' He said sullenly before he turned around and left.
''Good riddance.'' Iruka muttered softly and went his own way, searching for staircase that's suppose to lead to the underground floor where the twelve… Well, eleven, worst criminals are currently kept.
Finally, after a few more minutes of walking about, he found it and almost ran into Neji upon entering.
''Neji, here you are.'' Iruka said slightly out of breath as he leaned against the wall. Neji cocked an eyebrow.
''You got lost?''
''Lost? No, of course not!'' Iruka lied and smiled nervously, still breathless.
''Hn.'' Was all Neji said before he motioned for Iruka to follow him down the hall. Iruka glanced over his shoulder and then back to Neji.
''Wait, aren't we suppose to do the interview now?'' He asked confused as they walked in the direction away from the last floor.
''Yes. We're going to do it in a different room this time. Got your shot?'' Neji asked and turned to Iruka, who held the injection up in reply.
''Good, keep it with you at all times, got it?''
Iruka nodded and proceeded to follow Neji in silence. It was their second meeting with the Scarecrow and this time he wasn't going to be behind the thick glass barrier. No, he was going to be in the same room as Iruka, with a table being the only barricade. At least he was going to be cuffed and there will be four armed guards present at all times, but still, the thought of it was nerve-racking. Even though he and Neji went through everything yesterday, he still felt very unprepared. Like he was going to a battle without a sword. Iruka had been reciting the words he needed to learn to communicate with the guards all morning.
He's also been practising his patience, the one key element that is required to work with Hatake. Neji explained to him a few things and it amazed Iruka because not even Orochimaro, his keeper for the past five years, seemed to have noticed these things. Neji spoke from personal experience and it got him pretty far. Rule number one, treat him with respect. If you treat Hatake with respect, he'll treat you with respect. Number two, don't test his intelligence. He's extremely smart, not only when it comes to knowledge, but when it comes to human behaviour as well. Be honest with him unless you planned ahead in lying. Telling Hatake that they were going to send him to an island if he helped them was luckily a lie planned ahead, otherwise he would have surely noticed. But a quick lie purely told on impulse is never a good idea, as it can very effortlessly be picked up by him. Number three, never underestimate him. He has ways of making himself look powerless. He's not. He never is.
Neji and Iruka entered a room where there was a few people, each busy with their own thing. Iruka looked around. The room was pretty much empty except for the wooden table in the middle and the four chairs in front of a big glass window, which Iruka recognised as the other side of the mirror in an interrogation room. So Hatake must be on the other side, he thought since the glass window only displayed darkness. He looked around the room and then groaned inwardly. Great, Orochimaro is here too. As if on cue, Orochimaro turned to them.
''Iruka, Neji, you're here. Excellent. Lets start, shall we?'' He hummed and looked at Iruka, who shifted nervously and glanced back at the dark room.
''Oh don't worry about that. He just prefers it if light are turned off. Why, I don't know. Must be some kind of mental problem.'' Orochimaro hissed and glared at the dark glass.
Iruka's eyebrows shot up. There he did it again, the flaw he keept making, according to Neji. Treating Hatake with disrespect.
''But never mind that,'' He continued.''Hatake's suggestibility is relatively fair so this shouldn't be to hard.''
Iruka glanced at Neji who explained. ''Suggestibility is how willing he is to answer. They may have taught you the term Malleability in Miami. It's the same thing, we just prefer to use suggestibility.''
''Oh, okay. Thanks.'' Iruka said and smiled at Neji, who shrugged, not knowing why Iruka always thanked him for everything.
They went to Orochimaro, who was yelling at one of the two guards present n the room.
''Is there a problem?'' Neji asked and Orochimaro turned around.
''Not at all.'' He said through clenched teeth and glared at Neji, who returned his glare with a bored, deadpanned look.
Iruka's eyes flicked between the two of them and he got the feeling that they don't like each other very much. Go figure.
''Now Iruka, you can go in after a while. Hatake is already there, as is four guards. Remember, they don't speak English so use your word sheet. I take it that you still recall the rules?''
Iruka nodded and quickly scanned through them again in his mind.
''Good. I will keep watch over you at all times. Neji and two back-up guards will be here too, so you have nothing to worry about.'' He said and gestured at the chairs in front of the window before he turned to the control panel and flipped the light switch, which made the room on the other side explode with light.
Iruka's eyes immediately searched the room for Hatake. He frowned and searched again, but gasped when he finally saw him leaning against one of the walls, the one facing the glass window. Great, bigger than he imagined, he thought and brushed his fingers over the shot in his pocket. Hatake looked more awake and aware than he did last time. He was wearing the signature white hospital clothes of the Bluebyrd Sanctuary, except for the top that was missing. He now only had the black shirt on with the sleeves pushed up halfway. He looked completely at ease, plus his hands weren't bound and he had his arms crossed in front of his chest. He gazed lazily at them, but Iruka knew that he couldn't see them. The glass is one way, as in 'we can see you, but you can't see us.'
In each of the corners stood a heavy armed guard, just as Orochimaro had said. They were all watching the Scarecrow closely and he seemed undisturbed by their presence from where he was still leaning against the wall in an unthreatening, indifferent stance. His head was tilted slightly to the right, the sign of a manipulative person, Iruka remembered.
He felt a small shiver run down his back when he shifted and Hatake's eyes followed the movement. Iruka watched him closely and shifted back. His eyes followed again. The rest of the people in the room watched this in silence, hesitantly glancing at each other and then back to Hatake. Iruka gave Neji a worried look and Neji shook his head.
''Are you sure?'' Iruka asked, his voice soft.
''Yes. He can't see you.'' Neji assured him and Iruka took a deep breath.
It's only been the first few minutes and he's already on his nerves. Just like the first time. He walked slowly to the door and placed his hand on the handle. Everybody watched him in silence, with Neji being the exception as he kept his eyes on Hatake. Hatake was watching the door, as if he knew Iruka was there. Iruka gathered his confidence and picked up his professional apparel before he entered.
Hatake dragged his eyes to one of the guards as the door opened and obediently held out his wrists. The guard approached him slowly and then took one of his wrists and cuffed it before moving it around his back where Hatake brought the other wrist on his own. He then leaded the Scarecrow to the table and motioned for his to sit, which he did. Then the guard returned to his corner and kept a watchful gaze on Kakashi.
Iruka stepped in and closed the door behind him, keeping his eyes on the door handle for a little while before he looked at Kakashi, who watched him intently.
''Good evening, Doctor.'' He said, surprised that his voice sounded normal.
''Good evening, Officer.'' Hatake replied, mocking the practiced tone of Iruka with a smirk.
''Not an Officer…'' Iruka muttered under his breath before straightening up. ''Dr Hatake-'' He began but the Scarecrow cut him off, which seemed to happen a lot.
''Now, now Officer. We have restricted time. Let's not waste it with unimportant matters and aimless interrogations. Lets skip to the point. Did you fathom my statement?'' He asked and offered Iruka a seat with a gesture of his hand. Iruka softly thanked him and took the seat across the Scarecrow before he replied.
''If you mean, did I solve your riddle, then yes Doctor. I did.'' He said and looked back up with a defying look to Kakashi who smiled approvingly. Iruka couldn't help but feel a slight admiration for the Scarecrow. He planned everything ahead and knew how to handle any situation. If he didn't want Iruka to figure it out, he certainly did not show it.
''That's very good. But are you sure you have the right solution to my so-called riddle?'' Hatake asked and leaned slightly forward.
''A trophy.'' Iruka said without hesitating and Hatake gave him a lazy ovation.
''Well done, Officer. Please continue.'' He said and leaned back again, waiting for Iruka to explain.
Iruka began with his theory and with every word, Hatake seemed more and more impressed.
''The Sandman is taking totems from his targets to remember them. That's not strange at all since the totem phase is the sixth psychological phase a serial killer goes through and he would want something to remind him of his victims. The Sandman killed the victims in their own homes, meaning that he could have taken something in there. If we could figure out what it is then maybe we can figure out how the Sandman ticks. We already know that he kills his victims according their fears. What he's taking from them could differ completely from what he uses against them, but at least we finally have a lead.'' Iruka said and paused, watching Hatake's reaction.
''That's all very well Officer. Now that you have determine that he takes trophy's, can you tell me why he kills?''
''No… I can't. We haven't figured that out yet.''
''We?'' Hatake asked and narrowed his eyes dangerously.
Iruka mentally slapped himself for making that mistake and he silently hoped that Hatake would forget it.
He didn't.
''Who is this 'we', Officer? Because I know that you know very well that I'm only helping you and not 'we'. '' He taunted as he shook his head disappointed. ''Well then, I guess our deal is off and you are dismissed.'' He called one of the guards in the corner and told them something in Spanish.
The guard nodded and went to him, taking him by the shoulder and leading him to the doorway. Kakashi smiled and looked at Iruka, who was stunned.
''Goodbye, Officer.''
''Wait!'' Iruka called and got up, his mind searching fro something to say. They can't loose the Scarecrow's cooperation. ''Dr Hatake, let me explain. Please, we- …I, really need your help with this case.'' He said desperately and Kakashi cocked his head.
He thought carefully before answerin. Iruka decided that lying would only get him in more trouble than he already is.
''Dr Hatake, I did ask the help of my partner but not because I disrespect your rules, but because I don't have the experience level needed to work this out alone.'' He said honestly. That was true. Well, mostly.
Hatake gave him a smile which Iruka couldn't grasp the meaning of.
''Very well. I don't mind if you ask his help but remember Officer, it is ,without question, vital that you do this on your own.'' He said in a thought-provoking tone.
Iruka frowned slightly, and wondered what Hatake meant by that. He chose to ignore it, convincing himself that Hatake was just trying to mess with his mind. And there was no way he was going to let that psychopath inside his head.
Hatake murmured something to the guard. The guy took him back to the chair across Iruka and went to his place in the corner. Hatake then turned to Iruka, who watched the whole scenario in shock, before he took his seat again, scraping his feline like nails against the metal of the chair.
''Something wrong, Officer?'' He purred and chuckled when Iruka gave him a stern glare.
''You spoke to him in Spanish.'' He said and Kakashi shrugged one shoulder.
''But of course. That is after all, the only language he knows.''
''You're not suppose to be able to communicate with them.''
''I'm aware.''
Iruka narrowed his eyes and then flicked them to the guard before looking back at Hatake. The Scarecrow gave him a mocking smile.
''Let's not mention this to the Count, shall we?'' He drawled in a soft voice.
''I'm sure they overheard you.'' Iruka said and nodded in the direction of the mirror, the other side of the glass window.
''They did not. This case is what you would call, confidential. The interrogation room is sound proof and the speakers are turned off as well. The camera's does not record sound and I doubt your friends would be able to read my lips beneath this mask. To them it just looked like one of the guards wanted to take me away, and not because I asked him.'' Hatake said and smirked, giving Iruka a challenging look.
Iruka sighed and ran his hand through his hair. The Scarecrow was always a step ahead of him. He knew he should probably tell Orochimaru, but that could only make the Scarecrow mad. After all, he already slipped up once and he had a feeling that he wouldn't get off so easy next time. He decided to let it go.
''Doctor, what did you mean when you asked me if I know why he kills?'' Iruka asked, ignoring the satisfied smirk he received. That's what seemed to work the best.
''Officer, the key to solving problems is to know what caused them. But enough of that. Quid pro quo.'' Kakashi exclaimed happily and leaned forward, making Iruka shift nervously under the piercing gaze.
Hatake noticed this and his eyes softened but the smirk didn't disappear.
''Do I scare you?'' He whispered as he leaned in more and forced Iruka to look into his eyes.
Iruka couldn't really avoid Hatake's gaze and had no choice but to look straight into the Scarecrow's miss-matching eyes. He saw a small flair of interest spark. Of what, he didn't know. Iruka quickly broke the contact and decided that staring at the table is safer.
''What question do you want to ask, Doctor?'' He asked and glanced up through his lashes, noting that the Scarecrow is back to his current position of leaning back in the chair with his calm and in control attire.
''Tell me, Officer,'' He began and closed his eyes. ''Who is your partner?''
Iruka's heart stopped for a millisecond as he almost exclaimed to Kakashi Hatake that Neji Hyuga, the person who is responsible for the capture and re-capture of the Scarecrow and the cause of his five years suffering in jail, was his current partner. Luckily that was a lie he had planned ahead.
''Shikamaru Nara.'' He said, without even batting an eye.
Hatake stared away thoughtfully before he finally answered.
''Fine. I approve.'' He stated and glanced sideways, lightly tapping his foot on the floor. He looked back again.'' To get back to the previous conversation, you need to find out why the Sandman is committing these murders. As I said, find the problem before trying to find the solution. It won't be as easy as just finding a pattern and tracking him by that.''
''What do you mean, Doctor?'' Iruka asked confused. Of course they can track the Sandman by a pattern, why wouldn't they? They just have to find out what it is.
''The individual you are looking for is much smarter than that. He will keep changing his pattern to throw you off guard. To confuse you.'' Hatake finished and cocked his head, watching Iruka closely with his miss-matching eyes.
''So… what you're saying, Doctor, is that these murders aren't being caused because of something such as, at a guess, childhood trauma?'' Iruka asked.
''That, Officer, is the cause. Yes, it would be because of such a factor. Let's say our Sandman for example hated his pre-school teacher for something she did to him. He would only target people reminding him of her. Being under thirty years old can work as a connection as well. But what you're searching for is the reason.'' Hatake said then shifted so that he was facing Iruka sideways.
Iruka forced himself to keep his mind clear. It didn't really make sense to him yet but Hatake seemed to be getting to a point and the information he's giving is very important. He has clearly a very good idea of how the Sandman's mind works and this could help them track him down.
''The reason,'' Hatake continued, ''can be to get rid of anger, revenge, to feed an addiction, to get attention, the list goes on and on. You need to find that reason to complete the puzzle. Our puzzle has three pieces.'' He said and smiled when Iruka gave him a sceptical look, debating whether the Scarecrow was joking or not.
''O-kay… What puzzle, Dr Hatake?'' Iruka asked.
''The puzzle that only you and I know about. Our puzzle has three pieces. It consists out of two crescent shapes, facing each other and then the one piece filling the middle.'' Kakashi drawled and chuckled when Iruka sighed his 'this-guy-is-a-maniac' sigh.
''Dr Hatake, may I ask what on earth you are talking about?'' Iruka asked drained. ''To me it sounds like a picture or some sort of game.'' He said in a aggravated tone.
''Illustrative envisaging is very healthy for the mind, Officer. Imagine the puzzle.'' Hatake continued, unaffected by Iruka's dispirited look.
''Fine, I'm imagining the puzzle.'' Iruka said, finally giving in.
''Good. See, you need all three pieces to complete it. Find the two outer ones, and the middle will be easier. We are going to call this puzzle the Sandman's mind. The two outer pieces are called Cause and Reason. The middle piece is called Solution. Find Cause and Reason, then Solution will be easier to find.''
Iruka was astonished. That actually made sense. To solve the problem, find the cause. The cause gives reason and if you put those two together, you get the solution! Now all he needs to do is figure out what these are.
End of Chapter 9
A/N: Hey guys, thanks so much for reading! I hope you liked it, please let me know if you did or didn't so that I can improve. I want to thank all of you who read Obsession and a special thanks to all those who reviewed.
Shadowlord-Ookami, Ralys Lleuad, Temeti, Stalking Slashdukke, KakashiFanGirl17, , spinner of stories, Heart's Promise, NoOne and Fantasi Liar, a thousand thanks for reviewing!
NoOne: You'll find out soon! Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Okay, back to typing. Enjoy your week!
