AUTHOR'S NOTE: Okay, first things first, if you haven't read my side story, Demonology, you should probably do so now and then come back to this chapter. There are references made here that might not make sense if you haven't read it.

Right, so with that said, now comes a little chapter explaining. Originally this was just going to be a little small thing to show some of Emiko's travels while searching for her grandfather. As it stands right now, with a little over 20 pages single spaced, this could almost have been it's own side story. :sweatdrop: Anyway, when I first got the idea for this chapter I wishy-washied back and forth about whether or not to write it. Why? Because I was afraid it would add to Emiko's Mary Sue-ish tendencies in a negative way. However, the more I thought about the events of this chapter, the more I realized I needed it for other reasons, too. So, hopefully I've managed to pull this off in a way that doesn't seem too OOC for any of the characters involved and also give you some further insight into Emiko and her journey.

As always, please feel free to review and critique; I'll happily respond to whatever you've got to say...although it might take me a couple of weeks; I tend to be a bit of a procrastinator *sheepish grin*

Also, a quick thank you to all of my new watchers! :hugs: I hope you enjoy the story!

Chapter Ten: Of Improbabilities and Healing

Eight Months Later

The dream is not entirely my own; I recognize that fact almost as soon as it begins. There's a dark-haired boy with goggles – laughing and smiling…something so familiar about him…and then blood, nothing but blood. Faces begin to appear – some familiar, some not. They hover around me - begging, jeering, weeping, laughing - and I'm engulfed in an overwhelming sense of grief.

Then everything goes dark and silent. Suddenly a quick, hollow knocking sound begins, coming from everywhere at once. Running through the emptiness, I search for the sound's source; the knocks become more frantic. Suddenly, a light appears ahead – there's a small fire…and the silhouette of a man. Kakashi? I try to speak, but my voice is nothing more than a whispered rasp. Reaching out to touch his shoulder, my hand finds nothing but air, his form slowly drifting away like smoke on the wind.

Without warning, several pairs of cold, invisible hands grab me from behind, jerking me backwards, holding me down. The knocking continues, getting louder and picking up speed as the fire flares, sweeping through the darkness. I struggle against my unseen assailants, but it doesn't do me any good. The flames are everywhere…I can't breathe!

Stifling a scream, I jolt awake just in time to keep myself from rolling off the bed. Slowly, reality begins to return - I'm not being held down in a pit of fire; I'm at an inn somewhere along the Kusa/Ame border – all because of some stupid long-shot tip that didn't pan out. Then, just as quickly as I realize I'm not in any real danger, I notice that the knocking hasn't stopped, and the innkeeper's voice has joined it.

"Mistress Apothecary, please open the door! I know the hour is late, but our need is urgent!"

Rising, I rub the sleep from my eyes and call out, "Just a moment!" as I hastily throw a robe on over my rumpled bed clothes. I'm just securing the knot when my door bursts open and a large blue-skinned man dressed in a strange red and black cloak stalks into the room; the innkeeper cowers behind him.

"We don't have time for you to be doing you hair!" the man growls, walking up and grabbing me roughly by the arm. "He needs help now!"

And with that, I'm dragged out of my room and down the hallway, with the innkeeper protesting feebly behind us. Suddenly another door is opened and I'm shoved into a room lit only by a single lamp on the night stand. There's a form lying on the bed, but I ignore it as the cowardly innkeeper anxiously closes the door, abandoning me to my fate.

Whirling on the man who dragged me here, l shout, "Who the hell do you think you are?! And what makes you think I'd do anything to help you after being treated like that?!"

He's standing between me and the exit, but I brush past him and tug on the door handle - it won't budge. Beginning to get angry (and just a little scared) I jiggle the knob harder, with no success. Turning back to the man who started all of this I find him grinning at me with eerily sharp, pointed teeth, and notice for the first time that he's sporting a missing nin headband. Not good.

"Let me out. Right. Now."

His smile disappears as he shakes his head. "You're not going anywhere."

I'm about to argue, when the form on the bed shifts, rising up slightly, but still hidden in shadow. A deep, yet boyish voice calls out softly, "Kisame…if she doesn't want to help, don't make her. It's not that bad…"

I don't need my Sakujitsu to know that he's lying – his shortness of breath, the slight wheezing in his lungs, and the bubbly sound in the back of his throat all tell me he's not in good shape.

Looking at the man I now know as Kisame, I reply, "Your friend needs a doctor, not an apothecary. I…I can't help you." Inwardly, I wince at the lie.

A bit of the boldness from earlier fades as the blue man replies, "The innkeeper said there wouldn't be one in town for at least two more days. He won't last that long. Do whatever you're capable of."

What I'm capable of…it's so much more than what he realizes. Without a doubt I could help the figure lying on the bed, but if I do it will give me away… and if word were to get out…Sighing inwardly, I walk anxiously to the bedside, where the lamp is glowing across a poorly bandaged wound that covers most of the boy's torso.

Kisame responds to my scrutiny of the inadequate wrappings almost defensively. "I was more concerned about escaping…" He trails off, and for the first time I notice that his face and hands are covered in small scrapes and cuts, as well.

Taking a deep breath, I make my decision and reply, "I promise to do what I can, but you'll need to retrieve the pack from my room. I also need a pan of boiling water and as many clean bandages as you can find."

Kisame nods and exits as I carefully begin undoing the blood-soaked cloth. The top layers practically fall away, as do the rest. It's not a good sign - the blood's not clotting the way it should. Gently, I remove the last few layers, getting my first good look at the injury. It's obviously not a normal wound; the edges are black, rimmed with a feverish red, and the gash is already filling with a greenish goo that I can only hope is puss. I curse softly under my breath, trying to decide if I should do anything else before Kisame gets back with my supplies.

My patient chuckles, making me jump; I'd completely forgotten he was conscious. "You don't have a very good beside manner," he rasps.

"Sorry, I…" but the words catch in my throat as I glance up and get my first good look at his face. It's Itachi Uchiha – the boy who wiped out his entire clan a little over a year ago! Before I can prevent it, my hands falter - the decision to heal him just got way more complicated. Recovering quickly, I continue, "I don't believe in supplying my patients with false platitudes. Although, I suppose if it'll really make you feel better…"

"Not really…why did you stop working?"

"I need my supplies."

"So…it's not because you recognized me? I recognize you…it's Emiko, right? But you've changed your hair...and you weren't a healer when we knew each other."

I think he intends for his words to sound menacing, but the effect is ruined when he starts to cough and has trouble stopping. He's obviously in a great deal of pain, and suddenly, despite knowledge of his past actions, all I can see is the boy I used to know, desperately in need of medical attention. Would Ameko forgive me for walking away now? Would I forgive myself? No…I can't bring myself to abandon him.

"You probably shouldn't talk…you'll only make it worse. And…for the record...I gave my word to help you, so that's what I intend to do. I suppose we'll worry about the rest if you survive."

"If…?"

"I'm good at what I do, but, as you said, I haven't always been a healer - I'm still learning…and I can't use a cell regeneration jutsu until the wound is cleaned out, which is why I wish your friend would hurry up…Although, I suppose it might help if I knew what attacked you."

Itachi shakes his head. "I can't say."

"Can't or won't?"

He hesitates briefly. "Can't."

"Alright…is there a possibility you might have been poisoned?"

"Probably not."

Beginning to feel a bit annoyed by his less-than-helpful responses, I grumble under my breath, "Could you be any more vague?"

"I could try."

I snort before I can stop myself. "Well, you've still got a sense of humor…I guess that's a good sign."

At that moment Kisame arrives, arms full of supplies. I step over to the room's small table and begin preparing the tools I'll need to clean Itachi's wound while instructing Kisame on how to open and arrange the contents of my pack so that I'll have easy access. The cleansing goes on for much longer than it should. Every time I think I've cleared out all of that oozing green goo, no matter which herb combination I use, it comes seeping back in from somewhere. I'm in the middle of creating yet another blend, chopping furiously away at a dried mushroom, when the knife slips, slicing deeply into my left thumb.

Cursing under my breath, I decide I've put off using my ninjutsu for long enough. "Change of plans," I say to Kisame. "I need you to hold him down…" When it looks like the man is about to protest, I growl, "Don't waste my time. My regular techniques are getting nowhere. If you want him to live, you'll do what I say." Kisame looks angry, but doesn't argue, placing both hands firmly on Itachi's body.

I wanted to save all of my energy for cell regeneration, but it looks like a chakra scalpel is going to be the only way to completely get rid of the infection. Ignoring the blood flowing freely from my thumb, I begin to summon all my energy to the tips of my fingers, quickly bringing the blade into focus.

Kisame makes a surprised noise in the back of his throat. "You're a medical ninja?!"

I ignore his remark. "I need him as still as possible; this is going to hurt…a lot."

Slowly, carefully, I begin to slice my way through the infection. Although the work goes slower than I'd like, I eventually succeed in cutting it away at the roots. Kisame's strength does him credit; although Itachi involuntarily tries to jerk away, I never have to adjust my path to compensate. What amazes me even more is the boy's willpower; he never makes a sound, although I know the pain must be excruciating. Finally finished, I immediately begin reforming my chakra for cell regeneration.

"You can release him now," I tell Kisame, still focused on reshaping the energy circulating through my hands. He complies, but eyes me warily.

"You gonna rest?"

"There's not time, if I don't start regenerating his cells now, the infection could return," I reply, placing my hands directly over the wound. Kisame settles himself on the floor in a corner across from the bed and makes no pretense about ferociously watching my every move.

Thanks to Shikaku-sensei's training I've learned to pace myself; the amount of chakra flowing into Itachi's injury stays smooth and steady – not too little, not too much. Regardless, it's not long before my strength begins to falter; the chakra scalpel drained me considerably. Pausing, I examine the wound - its edges look much healthier now and I can tell the skin is beginning to knit back together.

Feeling a little light-headed, I go to my pack and quickly mix a poultice to numb the pain and speed his healing so I can take a short break. Kisame's eyes continue to follow me throughout the process, but he doesn't say anything until I've dressed Itachi's injury, doctored my aching thumb, and sagged into the corner closest to the bed and adjacent to his own.

"You finished?"

I shake my head wearily. "No, I'm drained. A little rest and I should be able to do more."

We sit in silence for a few minutes and I'm just starting to drift off when he speaks again.

"So…you're really a ninja, huh?'

There's no reason to deny it at this point, so I nod and say, "I'd appreciate it if that fact stayed between us."

"Hn…Bet your village wouldn't be too happy about you revealing yourself." His mouth parts in a toothy grin. "Especially to a couple of missing nins."

Shrugging, I eye him cautiously. "It doesn't matter…my mission has nothing to do with the two of you."

Kisame's eyebrow rises minutely. "You sure? You don't even know the kid's name," he says, nodding toward Itachi.

I'm quiet for a moment, trying to decide how to answer, but Kisame is more perceptive that I anticipated…or I'm more transparent than I knew.

"No…you DO know him, don't you?"

I remain silent and Kisame quickly places his hand on the hilt of the insanely large sword lying by his side.

"Don't be so melodramatic," I sigh, rolling my eyes at him, trying to put on as much false bravado as I can muster. "If I were going to do something, don't you think I would've done it by now – like when you were gone, for example?" He doesn't make any attempt to heft the sword, but doesn't remove his hand either.

"Then why did you help him?"

Exhausted and tired of his questions, I mutter, "I don't have to explain myself to you."

Kisame smiles again, pointed teeth glinting in the sparse lamplight. He taps heavily on his scarred headband. "Better be careful…or you'll wind up like us."

"I didn't see you, you didn't see me – I'd say that's fair, wouldn't you?"

Grunting softly, his only response is, "Get some sleep."

Neither of us speaks again, and I lean my head back into the corner telling myself I'm just going to rest for a minute or two…

I'm awakened by the sound of two voices arguing softly, and immediately the previous night comes rushing back. Keeping my breathing slow and steady, I stay relaxed and hope they haven't noticed me stirring.

"It's too risky…we should kill her."

"No. She didn't have to save my life…"

"The girl was scared; the only reason she helped you is because you recognized her."

"…maybe…but she wasn't a medical ninja when I knew her. She didn't have to use her jutsu to help me; I wouldn't have known the difference."

"I still think keeping her alive is a bad idea."

"This isn't up for debate, Kisame. Leave her alone."

"Hn…whatever…"

As the two continue to talk, I try to decide what my next move should be. Itachi obviously has sway over Kisame – definitely a good thing. But now that he's getting better, what should I do? I know I can't take them both, I'm nowhere near that strong – even with Itachi's weakened state. Besides…to do something now, especially after Itachi defended me, would feel like a betrayal…but the boy murdered his entire clan…Ameko nearly died, too. Can I really sit by and do nothing while he simply walks away?

I can still remember the shock I felt, the surprise when I heard what had happened. I couldn't believe it - the Itachi I knew was a quiet, subdued young man who came in occasionally to buy books for himself and his brother; he wasn't someone who would carelessly take the lives of so many innocent people…not without reason. Even Ameko, who still bore the scars of his attack, never truly believed his guilt. I can still remember her words as we sat together in her hospital room - she told me it was as if she'd fought a stranger – as if the Itachi we both knew had vanished completely…

Coming to a decision, I shift noticeably in my corner, making sure they realize I'm awake. Kisame and Itachi's conversation dies away as I stand and slowly stretch out the kinks I received from sleeping in the floor for most of the night.

Glancing at them both, I decide to play dumb to their earlier discussion for the time being and simply say, "Good morning." Then I look to Itachi, who's sitting upright in bed, propped up by several pillows. "You're looking better than I expected. May I take another look at your wound?"

He nods slightly as I step over to the bedside and carefully begin unwrapping his bandages. When the injury is revealed I'm amazed at the amount of healing that's taken place during the night; the gash has almost completely mended!

"This is…wow…"

"Not what you were expecting?" Itachi asks, slight curiosity in his voice.

"I told you before - I'm good, but this…umm…can I ask..? Does your Sharingan give you some sort of abnormal healing ability?"

He quirks an eyebrow at me in slight amusement. "Not that I'm aware of."

"Well…I didn't do anything special…at least I don't think I did…okay, let's go ahead and re-apply the ointment I mixed up last night. Better safe than sorry, I suppose."

I've just finished re-bandaging the wound when there's a quick series of raps on the door. Kisame answers, revealing a somewhat relieved-looking innkeeper on the other side. The perpetually nervous man bows slightly and says to me, "Mistress Apothecary, the man you said you were seeking…I may have found someone, a traveling merchant, who can help you. He's waiting in the tavern."

"I understand; thank you. Please tell him I'll be there shortly."

The innkeeper bows again and leaves as Kisame shuts the door.

"Well," I say, beginning to pack things back into my bag. "Looks like it's time for me to go." I put what's left of the salve I mixed up into a small jar and hand it to Kisame. "Keep using this on his injury. I don't think there will be any complications, but it can't hurt to be careful." Turning to Itachi I clear my throat a bit and say, "I hope we can agree that it would be best if this meeting never took place?"

He shakes his head slightly. "I can't agree to that."

I stiffen as anxiety thrums through my veins, but he continues.

"If our rather improbable meeting had never taken place, I'd be dead. You saved my life; I won't forget that."

Smiling softly, I reply, "Don't take this the wrong way, but I wish you would. We both know the trouble I could get into if anyone were to find out I helped you…and I'm not exactly on the Hokage's top ten list at the moment, so…" I shrug, trailing off as I zip up my pack and sling it carefully over one shoulder.

Itachi nods. "I understand."

"Thank you." Turning back to Kisame, I cup both hands together in front of me, and say, "One last thing before I go." The jutsu, one of my own creations, forms quickly - a small ball of sparkling light. It scatters, breaking into smaller pieces which all begin dancing, like fireflies, toward Kisame.

The blue man immediately has one hand on the hilt of his sword. "What..?!"

"Calm down; they're not going to hurt you," I answer softly. "Just watch."

Each tiny orb of light gravitates towards the cuts and scrapes on Kisame's face and hands, hovering and then landing gently. There they rest for only a split second before being absorbed into his skin, healing each small injury as they vanish.

He looks at me with slight incredulity as I open the door and step out into the hallway.

"It's a thank you," I reply to his unanswered question, allowing a small smirk of knowledge to flit across my lips. "For not killing me."

Kisame's eyes go wide with surprise as I close the door to their room and head back to my own to get dressed, already anticipating the information that hopefully awaits me in the tavern.

This early in the morning the bar is practically empty; it's not hard to locate the man I'm looking for. He's sitting at a corner table sipping gingerly at a steaming cup of coffee and scribbling in what looks like a ledger. As I walk towards him, his eyes never leave his work, but when I arrive at the tableside he says, "You must be the apothecary; you took your time getting here."

My gut reaction is to snap back a response, but I swallow my retort and simply say, "There was an emergency that required my attention. You're obviously a busy man; my apologies for making you wait."

He gives a curt nod as I join him at the table, but he continues to write. Inside, my nerves are humming – I want him to stop what he's doing and look at me, to answer my questions! But I remain silent and wait for him to finish; something tells me this man isn't used to being interrupted and getting on his bad side is the last thing I want. Several minutes later he finally sets his pen down and looks at me appraisingly.

"You've got patience, young lady; I admire that."

If he only knew…

The merchant extends his hand across the table. "I'm Yuuto Kurokawa. The innkeeper tells me you're looking for a book vendor – Hiromasa Nagataki. Tell me, what's your business with him?"

I grasp the man's hand firmly in greeting and begin the same story I've told everyone else. It's so well-rehearsed at this point that I'm almost starting to believe it. "My name is Shizuka Yamatani. I have reason to believe Hiromasa possesses an extremely rare book of herbs and medicines. It's a volume I've been seeking for quite some time…"

"And if he won't sell it to you?" Yuuto interrupts.

Smiling ruefully, I reply, "Although I would prefer to purchase the book, my hope is that he will at least allow me to examine it and take notes..."

He nods, accepting my answer. "To be honest, I haven't seen Hiromasa in almost two years, but we've crossed paths more than once…and the innkeeper did say you were looking for any information…"

"Yes; it seems I've run out of leads since arriving here. The last tip I received was obviously inaccurate – and then you appeared."

Yuuto gives a small smile, taking a gulp of his cooling coffee. "Mmm…well, I don't know how much help I can be…in fact, all I can really tell you is that when we last spoke he mentioned returning home."

"Home? Are you sure?"

His eyebrow arches curiously. "You seem surprised."

"Well…I was under the impression that he didn't have any desire to return to Taki."

Yuuto chuckles. "You've really done your homework…that must be some book - there are lots of small towns that surround the ninja village…I'd suggest you start your search there."

Although I'm anxious to begin planning the next leg of my journey, the two of us chat for a bit longer. I can't bring myself to pass up the opportunity to hear the merchant's stories about my grandfather. Over an hour passes before I'm reluctantly forced to excuse myself. If I don't leave now I won't make it to the next village by nightfall, and this isn't the best area for any traveler to be camping out in. Thanking Yuuto profusely, I exit the tavern and head off to pack.

Back in the privacy of my room, I gather my few belongings with haste and then sit at the desk to quickly jot down some final notes in my journal, working out my next destination. I've just finished a rough analysis of the safest route to take when suddenly I sense a presence behind me. But the door's locked…only a ninja could…!

Slowly, not wanting to alert my observer, I ease into the first level of my Kekkei Genkai. Although my powers themselves won't be of much use, my training with Kakashi taught me something useful - the ability sometimes enables me to see through genjutsu techniques – definitely helpful during a fight (when it works, of course…)

Standing, I pack my journal away, casually slipping four senbon into my right hand as I do so. Giving the small space a thorough glance, the room appears empty, but there's a slight distortion by the wardrobe. Immediately one of my senbon is flying through the air; it doesn't strike flesh, but as intended, forces my watcher out of hiding.

I'm about to launch two more when the figure shouts out, "Emiko, wait!"

It's Itachi! I halt my attack, but leave my senbon visible and ready to use. We both stand there staring at each other, but saying nothing. Tired of the silence, I ask, "Well…where's that bodyguard of yours?"

Eyeing me almost warily, he replies, "Waiting outside of town."

"Then why are you still here?"

He looks…nervous about something. "I wanted to ask you…" His words falter. What is this? Is he actually fidgeting?!

When Itachi stays silent, I sigh softly, trying to prompt him. "I'm listening."

"It's…about Ameko…"

Almost unconsciously, my eyes narrow. "Yes?" I respond, re-sheathing my senbon and crossing my arms over my chest. I don't think I like where this is going.

"The last time I saw her…"

"The last time you saw her she was nearly dead!" I interrupt. Why did we have to talk about this? Why couldn't he just let it be?

"Then she's okay?" he asks, looking relieved.

"No thanks to you." Is it really possible Itachi still cares for her?

Anger flashes in his eyes. "I didn't have a choice! I…!" he stops mid-sentence, apparently surprised by his own reaction.

Suddenly, my Kekkei Genkai takes over - a fuzzy, tingling sensation whispers across my temples, showing me what my emotions don't want to acknowledge…he's telling the truth!

"Why didn't you have a choice?" I ask, cautious and yet wanting to know more.

But Itachi only shakes his head. "I've said too much. Just…tell Ameko I'm sorry." And then, as silently as he appeared, he's gone.

Sighing, I sit down on the edge of the bed and release the Sakujitsu, rubbing at my temples where a mild twinge of pain lingers. There will be plenty of time to decide whether or not I should say anything to Ameko about this meeting, but already I'm starting to worry. Even if I don't tell her…should I tell someone else? The Hokage…or maybe the Council? After all, if Itachi didn't have any choice when he fought Ameko, maybe he didn't have a choice during the massacre either…and if that's true…

Still lost in thought, I gather up my pack and head downstairs to check out of the inn. Why wouldn't he have had a choice? Was he forced…blackmailed? As I set out on the road again, those questions are dragged to the back of my mind. If I don't focus on my own mission, something important might get missed. Still…I have no intention of forgetting Itachi's words. Once my mission is complete, one way or another, I'll uncover the truth.