Well, I had intended to get this out earlier, but since my spell check wasn't(and still isn't) working I had to wait a bit before giving up and uploading it anyways. So if you find any spelling mistakes please tell me and I'll fix them as fast as I can.


Souta stalked through the market with barely concealed impatience. He had never intended to linger this long and his companion was neither helping the situation nor doing anything to dissuade Souta's angry wanderings. Shoving a hand through his hair he paced through the crowds of people towards the outskirts of this pathetic little town. Not even worthy of the title of town, more like a village, Souta mused and felt a stab of pain through his heart at that thought. Kagome had been missing for weeks, almost months and here he was stuck waiting for permission to leave it.

A flash of pink out of the corner of his eye, along with the sudden rise of chakra drew his attention away from the search he had started for his partner. Turning to face where it had come from more directly he cut across the street heading for the small group of what appeared to be shinobi. They huddled close together with their backs to the wall of a store heads bent towards each other and even as Souta rapidly approached they did not look up.

Well, at least not until he stood before them and with a low voice said, "What the fuck are three shinobi doing in Higurashi territory?"

Souta was almost surprised at the vehemence in his voice before he shrugged it off, saying that they deserved it for being stupid enough to wander out of their own territory and into his clan's.

"We're hunting one Kagome Higurashi who as a former member of your clan is representing yourselves in the shinobi world. We also where told that your clan was granting us safe passage through their territory to search for her whereabouts." The smooth voice of the silver haired man slightly to the side of the group sent a sharp zing of danger through Souta. He looked like one who had killed a lot of people, shinobi or otherwise.

When one of the others began to speak Souta scolded himself for that carelessness and tuned back into the conversation only to feel something he had not felt in the longest time. The instincts inside of him recognized the chakra of kin. Blood kin.

It can't be. Not here.

But it was, and without a second glance at the suddenly alert group Souta raced off towards the feeling.


Kagome hummed happily as she glided along the cobble stone streets towards the outside of town. Itachi had allowed her to go to the market here for a short time while he conducted some business with his partner.

She stopped humming at that thought and began frowning, her steps slowing as she recalled how this 'Kisame' had smirked when Itachi left her at the edge of town with orders to return within the hour. In fact, a sharp twinge between her neck and shoulder had her stumbling to a stop and clutching said spot. These twinges had been happening occasionally throughout the past week since Itachi… well, since he marked her. The term was not her own, but merely the one Itachi had used when she asked what it was- a mark to show to the world who protected her.

Kagome blushed even just remembering what had transpired. The brief feeling of pain faded from her body as she recalled that event and it's pleasant repercussions. Itachi let her do as she pleased as long as she was within his protection- which, with his mark placed upon her neck, was forever.

A clatter from behind her drew her thoughts from pleasant memories and into the present. Turning, Kagome assumed that someone dropped something and had her offer of help ready, when she came face to face with the noise causer. Almost literally too. The person, who with short black hair and dark-ish eyes looked only to be a few years younger than her, grabbed her elbows and studied her intently. His eyes seemed desperate and almost fearful as he looked at her so she pushed away her own reservations and opened her mouth the offer springing to her lips readily, "Umm…can I help you?"

The stranger drew back and dropped her arms. He seemed almost hurt. With a frown at that though Kagome drew forward and pressed on.

"I mean, you startled me, but you seem nice. So can I offer some help with…" Her voice trailed off as more people suddenly drew into view. They appeared to know the man before her by the tense looks they exchanged, and even stranger still, one of them- who looked almost similar to Itachi- started forward before being held back a silver-haired man who had appeared with the group.

Suddenly there was a flurry of movement as the new comers all drew weapons from holsters and settled into defensive- well, she thought they where defensive, since some part of her pointed out that they where very weak ones and not at all practiced- stances.

A warm chill seemed to roll over her and she let out a squeal as she realized who had come. Itachi with his partner stood just to the side, starring at the others. Kagome, before she could contain herself raced towards him and hugged him tightly, her voice high and excited as she told him of what transpired. She stopped mid-sentence though, when Itachi did not answer her question. Tilting her head to better see his face Kagome watched as he shared a look with 'Kisame' before speaking.

"There's no need to worry about what I did today, Kagome. It's time to go irregardless."

Kagome nodded her head in acceptance before twisting slightly to get a better grip on his waist. She called out just before they sped away, "Bye! It was….nice to meet you!"


Souta watched in stunned agony as his beloved sister left in the arms of a man she had professed to hate. His mind couldn't comprehend this: that the Kagome he knew, who was strong, and powerful, and his sister damnit could have done something like that. Something deep inside him cracked and broke as he stared at the basket she had dropped in surprise. He blinked in shock at the sight of little liquid splatters on the ground, sending more tears pouring down his cheeks. A sob caught in his throat and he almost wished he had the power to curse someone. Because right now, that was the only thing he could think of that was a fitting enough punishment for the monster that had done that to her sister. Corrupted her and twisted her mind until she no longer knew who she was.

A howl echoed in the afternoon air and Souta was only mildly surprised it was his own. He wanted to crumple into a little ball and never move, forever mourning the loss of his sister, but something deep inside his demanded that he hunt down this disgusting piece of wasted humanity and drive his blade through it's heart. Uchiha Itachi would die by his hand and his hand alone, if he had to abandon the clan to do it.

Struggling to regain his composure, Souta closed his eyes and mentally centered himself. It was easier to see the situation for what it was without having to fight his instincts in this. Taking a deep breath, he held it for three beats of his heart before releasing it. He did this a few times before opening his eyes and looking around.

The shinobi from before were looking at him expectantly. With a mental sigh Souta turned and began to lead the way back to his hotel room without a word. A slightest bit of anxiety left his form when he heard the shinobi follow him. At least they weren't completely stupid.


Mmmm, what to say..... what to say. Ah! I hope you liked it and if you did please click the button below and leave a review ^^