Orochimaru woke up hours after falling asleep, his head pounded mercilessly and he tried to comprehend his surroundings. He vaguely remembered getting drunk, he decided the horrid pounding must have been from the over indulgence in vodka. After a while he wondered whether it was or not as the pain increased and he felt light headed. When his vision blurred and he felt the pain increase he realized it must have been exactly what happened last time. He looked for Jiraiya in hopes of getting his medication. He couldn't see him nearby, he got up to find a dog laying beside him. He didn't have much brain capacity to consider the weirdness of the situation so he ignored it. He slipped off the bed but didn't get far. He fell and held his head leaning on the bedside table he was now beside.
"Jiraiya." Orochimaru said, his voice was hushed despite him trying to project it, "Jiraiya."
He realized his choked whisper would never wake his sleeping friend. The dog had woken up and was sitting by his side, sniffing around him and glancing up worriedly. Orochimaru tried pulling himself up using the table and felt something cold slip over his hand. The feeling was familiar, instead of retracting his hand like the normal person would have Orochimaru lightly took the small creature down. He was pleasantly surprised to see a little snake coiled around his arm hissing around his face. He didn't have much time before the pain took over again.
"Jiraiya." Orochimaru said again, managing to be a bit louder. The snake slipped onto the floor as the Sannin put his hand on the ground hurriedly. The dog backed away from the Sannins quick movement then leapt back to his side, wondering what the problem was. It whined in confusion as it watched Orochimaru desperately try to get back on his feet. After a few more minutes of struggling the dog barked in a small high pitched cry, not understanding what was going on. This caused a much louder noise than the Sannin could have mustered and someone stepped into the room. Orochimaru looked at the new person, he didn't recognize the man at all and he was startled. He tried to back away but found the bed was right behind him again. The man raced to his side and bent down helping the Sannin forwards despite his pulling away.
"Princess what's wrong, sit up, what's wrong?"
"Where's - Jiraiya?" He panted out, the man spun around his hand resting on the Sannins shoulder lightly.
"Jiraiya, get in here!" The man yelled, a few moments later Jiraiya appeared by the door blurry eyed. He snapped awake when he saw his friend and rushed towards him, rummaging in his pants pocket he located the small bottle of pills. He hurriedly handed it to the snake, the dog continued to barks and whine in confusion. It's fur was raised as it sensed the mood of the room as it spun in circles. After taking the pill Orochimaru found his breath return and his head clear. He combed his fingers through his hair out of habit and then looked around at the weird surrounding. Finally taking in the truly bizarreness of it all. The dog calmed down and he noted another snake beside him.
"Where are we?" Orochimaru asked looking at Jiraiya for affirmation.
"Not a surprise you can't remember anything from last night." The man said.
"I remember bits. Where are we?" Orochimaru said, he recalled the bar slightly, a few flashes of random individuals he could only just make out a face for, as well as a window... A broken window he... climbed through?
"You made a friend last night and we are staying at his place." Jiraiya said, "Till tomorrow where you'll do your little job and get us money to use on inns for the rest of our journey."
"I lost then..." Orochimaru mumbled irritably although only to himself, "is this your house?"
"It is indeed Princess." The man said.
"I'm a boy." Orochimaru corrected.
"I know Princess." The man replied.
"Then why are you calling me Princess?" He said.
"Because you act like one." The man said.
"Well someone's met some rough stock princesses." Jiraiya laughed.
"I'm not rough stock." Orochimaru said offended.
"Well you don't scream royalty." Jiraiya laughed.
"He thinks I do." Orochimaru snapped.
"It's just an enduring term. Believe me the last guys we met were far more correct in the labeling of you." Jiraiya said, Orochimaru sorted though his last memory in an attempt to locate the last label he had been placed under. His eyes snapped up towards Jiraiya, golden slits even more sinister in his angered motion.
"A whore?" He snapped.
"What? No not them!" Jiraiya said quickly.
"Woah, nice one man..." The man said, a few knocks were heard and the dog ran to alert everyone barking and sniffing around the edges of the door, "I'll get it, sort Princess out will you."
"Yeah okay." Jiraiya said, he attempted to help the other Sannin up to sit on the bed but Orochimaru pulled away claiming the medication was enough. He managed to get up and sit down by himself with no difficulty noting how effective the pills were. Jiraiya then made an effort to show some sort of attempt at redeeming himself. He scooped up one of the snakes as cautious as a deer might be approaching a sleeping lion. After a few minutes of trying to make himself do it Orochimaru laughed.
"What exactly are you doing?" He asked.
"Trying to pick it up and give it to you." Jiraiya said, the snake gave him a weary look.
"Then just do it, she won't bite." Orochimaru said.
"She? How can you even tell?" Jiraiya said.
"Her colour, her size. Her appearance shows it if you know what to look for." Orochimaru said.
"Well my luck with woman is terrible, so I best leave this to you." Jiraiya said deciding to try the other one.
"That ones male yes." Orochimaru said, scooping up the female. Jiraiya didn't see the difference in them, the female was slightly more faded, maybe a bit smaller in size, nothing notable.
"Apparently I'm not that good with guys either." Jiraiya said although more to himself, he had a vision of Orochimaru earlier that morning. Laughing at the thought of the two of them, even the thought of them being friends. Jiraiya shook his head from the thought, he then glanced up to see the snake Sannin staring at him intently.
"What do you mean by that?" Orochimaru asked, "something the matter?"
"No, well yes..." Jiraiya stumbled for the words, wondering what exactly he wanted to say. Did he love Orochimaru? The thought fit in his mind well. Far too well for that matter, it almost unnerved him. He could safely say he loved him and not be lying. Could the snake say the same thing though? Jiraiya wasn't sure about the snakes feelings, but with their kiss in the snowy forest Jiraiya had thought he had a chance. A chance he never knew he wanted. But he had it, but then after breaking his word despite its necessity had caused the snake to resent him again and grow distant. He took a few moments before deciding what he wanted to say.
"Orochimaru I-"
"Hey it's for you guys." The man said entering the room, another person entered beside him, Orochimaru couldn't help but feel the tension rise. The cloaked visitor entered and when he was standing in the room blocking the only door out he removed his hood.
"Orochimaru. Jiraiya." Giara said, "You have committed a crime against Konoha and the ANBU. You are to report back immediately under our supervision. Any act of disobedience will go punished."
Orochimaru stared in disbelief. They had found him. He looked at Jiraiya nervously then back at Giara. The man who had let him in looked across the room, finally remembering the snakes words previously. He had mentioned committing many crimes before.
"What did you do?" The man said skeptically.
"Stay out of this. Who all is here?" Jiraiya asked.
"A group of ANBU shinobi. Enough to take you back by force dare you step out of line." Giara said.
"Where is Danzo?" Orochimaru asked.
"He is waiting at the meeting, we will meet him there. He had a job for you and you will not leave until that job is complete." Giara said, he the approached the two shinobi.
"Wait, you can't take me under arrest." Jiraiya said, "I had an agreement with the Hokage himself, Orochimaru is under me, I had every right to act as I did."
"He did not however. If you wish to return to Konoha Jiraiya you may. We have sent a request to the Hokage in which he has confirmed, that he is no longer under you but strictly in Danzo's care." Giara said, " You are dismissed. The Hokage asked for you to return home immediately."
"I'm not leaving him." Jiraiya said.
"If you stay it will serve no purpose. You may follow us, but when we reach Danzo he will be taken away from you anyway. Don't waste your own time, it is a long journey. Go home while you are still close." Giara tossed a small pouch over to Jiraiya, the white haired Sannin opened it cautiously glimpsing over to make sure the other shinobi didn't make any sudden moves. He discovered money inside the bag.
"That should be enough to get you home, you will only need another two or three stops from here. Travel safely Sannin." Giara said, "come Orochimaru."
"I'm not leaving him-"Jiraiya said quickly.
"I have been giving orders to kill if need be. Go back, perhaps your beloved teacher will spare you both and send a request for his return. As for now he is under our care." Giara said, Jiraiya contemplated, fighting the ANBU was pointless, they would be outmatched maybe killed. It was a high risk for a poor outcome, however if he decided to go home and ask the Hokage for a request, explain it from his view he might be able to save the Sannin.
"Orochimaru, I'm going back to Konoha," Jiraiya started and noticed the panic rise in the snakes eyes, "don't worry okay, I'm going to explain everything to Sensei, from our side of the story. Then from there we can get you out."
"Jiraiya- goodbye." It was clear Orochimaru had wanted to say something else but he refrained. He then walked up to Giara almost confidently, his eyes hollow and unfeeling. Cold as they had been before being captured, back to being unwilling to back down, or at least unwilling to accept defeat.
"I'm glad you two decided to make this easy." Giara said leading the snake Sannin off, "thank you." He said directing the last part to the man, the dog growled but allowed them to leave. Once outside Orochimaru stared at the group of ANBU men standing outside, cuffs were slipped onto his wrists once more. He felt desolate and terribly vulnerable but he did not show it. He could do nothing but what these men said at this point, he was powerless after all. There was a horse and cart waiting at the exit of the village that he was ordered into, he got in as instructed and sat down in between Giara and an unknown but large ANBU man. The horses were about to be commanded to proceed forwards but were halted as footsteps sounded next to the cart.
"Wait- take this he needs it!" Jiraiya said handing the pill bottle over to the snake, Giara took it and analyzed it.
"For what?" Giara asked.
"It stabilizes the broken chakara. So that he doesn't die, it won't heal the damaged chakara don't worry. But make sure he has it when ever he needs." Jiraiya said, Giara nodded and pocketed it.
"Alright, you may leave now. Safe trip Sannin." Giara said, Jiraiya watched as the horse came to life and pulled into the harness moving the wheels and pulling the cart onwards. The two snakes were still tucked away inside the Sannins coats pocket, they bundled together messily and slightly confused. Although they had a weird attraction to the snake summoner, they were not summonings and had no idea why they were on the move. The cart treaded forwards through the snow and increasing winds. Orochimaru saw the small figure of Jiraiya in the distance, the figure got smaller and smaller until it was out of sight completely. Until the last bit of hope had finally fallen from the captured snakes eyes.
The journey seemed to be endless but that was due to the clear awkwardness, although Giara had kept his distance so far Orochimaru didn't trust it would stay that way. The other ANBU that were with him seemed almost robotic, they hardly seemed human or even alive as they sat there still and composed. Unlike Giara who moved around to get comfortable or lazily leant against the side of the cart the men sat still every now and then sharing a brief word or two with another. The conversations never varied from Danzo, "Who has Danzo assigned as guard" "where will Danzo be during the meeting" "what has Danzo ordered for us to do after we return" the men were only ever speaking of their job as ANBU never anything else. Orochimaru minded his own business staring out the window or brushing his slim fingers through ebony hair. He didn't say a word even when asked a question, he would simply nod or shake his head and then return to gazing around outside the window. Orochimaru felt the snakes get restless and slipped a hand into his pocket stroking the rough little reptiles, they settled again and burrowed deeper into the pocket for warmth. Giara looked at him skeptically he had clearly sensed something, Orochimaru wasn't sure what but he wished to stay far out of the mans bad books. He needed to constantly keep out of his way and in return hopefully he would be left alone. The journey continued onwards until the cart jerked to a stop, the horses stomped their front hooves on the ground with a thud. They restlessly squirmed in their harnesses, the men all got out one of the ANBU politely offering a hand to the Sannin to guide him down. For an unknown reason, most likely since the other ANBU didn't seem as friendly, Orochimaru stuck to the polite mans side. The ANBU man didn't mind it seemed and he allowed the pale ninja to be as close as he felt safe. They walked into a dark looking building, they were not any where close to a village. He wondered what this building was and whether or not he should enter willingly or the most likely outcome fight and end up being dragged in. Deciding he didn't feel like being violently pulled he entered with out question, the guards seemed to tense as they entered and Orochimaru glanced around nervously. He wondered whether or not Jiraiya would bother try get him out, the most likely answer to that next question being no.
Orochimaru calmed himself down, he had new ally now... He no longer needed his old team mate.
Jiraiya flew as fast as he could up the path towards his home. He no longer had the chakara less snake with him and he found travel to be way more effective. It was no wonder the ANBU had made it to them so quickly. He didn't feel the need to stop once running purely on adrenalin. Jiraiya didn't know how safe Orochimaru was there in the hands of Danzo and his men. He refused to waste a second contemplating on his next breath of air. He and Orochimaru had been so close to returning home together Jiraiya cursed. Only two or three days away had they picked up the pace. Instead however he decided that he had to get there soon, and by soon he meant right away. Jiraiya never knew himself to be the impatient kind but in this situation he seemed to be the most on edge he had ever been in years. He passed by multiple stops but didn't bother even spare a glance. He wished he had a faster means of transport but toads were the only thing that sprung to mind. They were not the fastest of creatures either. He found himself running out of breath quickly and forced himself to slow down. He paused and took a few moments leaning on a tree to regain himself.
In his moment of calm he analyzed his current location. He knew the place, not well but he had passed it many times on missions. Jiraiya slammed his hand into the tree he was leaning on in frustration. He didn't know where Danzo even was, he could return home and confront his teacher, he could get permission to take Orochimaru away from Danzo and even to have the seals redone so he was not at risk. All of that however would most likely have to wait till Danzo had returned, that was unless the Hokage knew of exactly where Danzo was going. If he knew his where about Jiraiya could simply have gone there are returned the snake for good. That was if his teacher would even agree. Cursing again he pushed himself off the tree and began a brisk walk up the path. Why did Orochimaru have to commit such crimes against Konoha to begin with. If he had just left the people alone and done as their teacher had taught them none of this would have happened. The snake would have been safe at home and so would Jiraiya. Instead the two were on a race for time, and Orochimaru's might have been cut short. The path was getting thicker and thicker with snow but Jiraiya didn't even notice it. He carried on wondering about what he was exactly hoping to achieve when he returned to Konoha. The village was not in Orochimaru's favor. Either way he decided he had to go home. He would have to convince his teacher to allow his terms, if not... He would set his old friend free. Whatever the penalty.
The young twelve year old swung a kunai around on one finger lazily. He cursed the small trickle of blood running down his arm. Narrowly being spared from a fatal shot Jiraiya noted the redundant scene. Once again he had messed up and nearly been killed, and once again Orochimaru had jumped in and saved his life. It seemed like every mission ended up the same. Jiraiya messing up, Orochimaru saving him. And then of course the lecture he would receive from his teacher and the ridicule he would get from the blond girl on his team.
"Nice Orochimaru." Jiraiya said, "they could have killed me."
"Idiot be grateful! They could have killed you and he saved your pathetic life!" Tsunade snapped angrily, the young blond girl swatted hair out her face, blond pigtails bouncing behind her.
Orochimaru didn't reply, he never replied, he then proceeded back towards their village the young medical girl following pursuit.
"Hey wait up." Jiraiya called back, he glanced down sheepishly before mumbling an apology to the raven haired boy.
"Yeah whatever Jiraiya." Orochimaru replied, not being one for taking gratitude. He hardly took any form of praise it seemed… or criticism, he remained unmoved by any word thrown at him.
"One day I'll pay you back okay?" Jiraiya said, "you know when I'm the best ninja and all. I'll save you."
"I'd love to see that." Tsunade laughed.
"I will!" Jiraiya snapped offended, his moments of being nice always got mocked by the blond girl.
"Sure thing." Tsunade said as she took the lead, Jiraiya ended up by his pale team mates side.
"I will be the one saving you one day..." Jiraiya said, "and I'll be the best."
"I hold you to that." Orochimaru said, Jiraiya looked at him smugly, the pale Sannin looked over to him and gave him a sly smile, "the first part idiot. Not the second."
"Oh yeah of course... Cuz I'm kinda already the best ninja." Jiraiya said, he then laughed the snake like boy rolled his eyes and carried on. Jiraiya watched his two team mates walk off unsure of what he would do if any man on that team was ever lost. Unsure of what he would do when someone on that team was lost.
Orochimaru threw his eyes around the new room he had been put in, there was no window and the door only had a handle from the outside. He remained in the dark box, a dim light swinging loosely on the ceiling. He sighed and leant against the wall in the corner summoning chakara to his hands and trying to control it to slowly flicker around in a controlled manner. The chakara spun out of control and he pushed it away again, his head spun and he closed his eyes in pain raising a hand to lightly rest on it. He cursed and took a stabilizing tablet, it calmed his inflamed chakara and he felt himself become more aware again. He cursed the lack of control he had. He needed his chakara, he would at that point have done anything for it. He had fought his entire life to make himself less fragile, less human. Although clearly according to the public he had achieved being less human he had surely failed at becoming less fragile. He heard the door click open and his golden eyes fell to the figure in the door.
"Danzo has work for you." Giara said as he entered. Orochimaru gave him a curious look. Since he had realized the fact that one day, some day soon his Uchiha ally would come and return his chakara he was more content. He almost wanted the ANBU men to try something, he wanted to know which men he would make suffer the most when he finally returned to himself. When he was no longer the victim. He had fought a long time to not be the victim, he had fought then and won, he would fight again. He assured himself the out come would be the same.
"And what is that?" He asked, Giara gave him an unimpressed look.
"Before we get there. I must bring to your awareness that whenever you get this little confidence boost you seem to act irrationally. You act like some sort of superior God like creature. Well let me put you in your place now, a little favor if you will. Stay down snake. Try anything and it will be your last. You can not escape let alone beat us. Jiraiya is gone and is not coming back and if he does so help him it will achieve as little as your confidence gets you." Giara said, "we have all had enough of you. As admirable as being completely unaffected in the harshest conditions is I must tell you it will also be your death. You want to live forever snake? Then listen to your superiors. You nave committed crimes far beyond the norm and no one is willing to hear your plea. It's up to you what you endure here."
"You gathered all that off me asking what you want of me did you? Well let me raise your awareness as well. There are times where a man should stay down and there are times when he shouldn't. It really depends on what the person is trying to achieve in the long run. So before you hand out advice as such Giara perhaps you would like to check where it is exactly you stand. As of now you are handing out second hand information. I know how things work here, I know what you will do, I know what it is you are willing to do. I know far more about Danzo than any man here, so yes Giara I am a bit over confident, but when someone knows to much they tend to be. Before you accuse me of crimes how about you do your research a bit better? You would be amazed as to what you find." Orochimaru moved long dark strands back revealing his slitted eyes. They lit up in the dark room and dauntingly peered into the mans depths. Giara felt for a fleeting moment as if he had walked straight into a cobras lair as of the snake was already rearing up and ready to spit poison at the invader. For a prisoner Giara couldn't help but feel the snake was a bit too much... in control.
"What are you saying exactly Orochimaru? If you are trying to test me you are succeeding. One last chance snake, I have orders to do what I need." Giara said.
"Are you going to kiss me again? That truly would be the worst punishment." Orochimaru sneered his voice almost hiss like. It was either lucky timing or bad timing, Orochimaru wasn't sure, one of the snakes he had in his pockets slipped up his shirt and appeared around his shoulders. As they usually did when he summoned them. Giara took a shocked double take, assuming the man had most likely returned his jutsu somehow, assuming that his confidence had come backed up. Giara stumbled away and then placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Orochimaru wondered what he should do next, go with it? He was good at lying but if the man decided to attack in fear which was clearly written on his face he would simply get seriously hurt. Orochimaru decided not to push his luck. He laughed mockingly and scooped up the snake placing it gently on the small single bed. It slithered and looked lost. Giara looked equally as lost.
"I do not have jutsu Giara. That is simply a little pet," Orochimaru said, "he is harmless."
"We can't say the same about you now can we?" Giara scoffed he took his hand away from his sword and threw a large stack of papers at the prisoner. Orochimaru caught it a little of guard and placed it on the bed by the snake.
"When I return we will try doing those seals again. Since you liked it so much last time hm?" Giara said closing the door behind him, he left the hold of the golden eyes shutting the door and putting walls between him and the readied cobra.
Second last chapter! R&R ~Hourglass8