Shadows of Dawn

Jedi Goat

Disclaimer - I don't own Naruto; I do own my four girls.

Author's Note - A new POV? Yes, it is! :D

Attention all SoD readers: also check out the not-so-serious short story accompaniment, Inception, which deals with the girls adjusting to their life as Akatsuki... ;P

Part 14 – Past Demons

-*-Itachi-*-

Sunset: fire licked at the sky, the sun's rays burning low over the trees and setting the forest aflame with orange light. The first stars were appearing above, dotting a hazy canvas that was yet not quite dark. Before me, the thick forest was cut by a gently rushing stream, the waters reflecting the sun's fire. I surveyed it all, unblinking, my eyes as red as the fiery sky.

The rock at my back was cool; the wind was picking up, whistling through my dark hair and robes. It registered distantly with me but did not deter my observation of the sunset. My companion crouched quietly on a rock beside me, occasionally shifting but knowing better than to disrupt me.

I blinked. There was a commotion in the bushes and an animal stumbled down the far bank, gracelessly splashing headfirst into the river. Creamy fur submerged; the creature let out an irritable growl before her head disappeared beneath the rippling waves.

Kisame stirred. In a few long strides he crossed the surface of the stream, reaching down and hefting the animal up by the scruff of her neck. A considerably wet lioness hung limply in his grasp, fur matted, head drooping, a Leaf headband glinting around her neck. She made no sound as Kisame nonchalantly dragged her to shore.

He dropped the feline in a mess of fur, grinning toothily as he remarked, "Interesting way to take a swim, Toramura."

The lioness growled faintly; she was transforming, fur melting seamlessly into skin and soaked fabric, black-and-blond hair matted to her forehead. "Shut up," she growled roughly when she had the ability to speak. Nevertheless she lay there a long moment on her side, chest heaving, coughing out a mouthful of water.

Kisame knelt beside her, holding her shoulder steady. "What are you doing out here alone this late?" he asked considerably more kindly. Reinen raised herself up on her elbows, wincing.

"Long story short, everyone ditched me," she sighed.

"'Everyone' meaning…?"

"Sasori-san and Deidara-sensei," she said with a growl. Pain flashed in her expression. "That bastard did something to my leg. It hurts like hell."

"Where?" Kisame asked, scanning her for signs of injury. She pointed to her right leg, which was bent slightly away from her body. "I don't see any blood," Kisame noted, gently probing her leg. "And it doesn't feel broken." Reinen hissed in sudden pain and he drew back.

"If it's Sasori-san's doing," I said expressionlessly, "he probably severed a muscle. You can't move, can you." It wasn't a question.

Reinen grimaced at me. "That sounds like him, all right." She closed her eyes, forming a hand seal. "I'm tired and I'm hungry… So if you don't mind, I'm heading back to the lair." Fur rippled down her arms.

"Wait," Kisame said, chancing a glance at me. "You're in no shape to travel. We'll take you back."

I gave a tiny nod. We were finished here now; I closed my eyes, releasing my hold on the Sharingan. Reinen seemed too tired to protest Kisame's offer. She simply closed her eyes, reversing the changes to her body.

"I'll carry you on my back," Kisame decided, reaching over his shoulder to move his giant sword.

I stepped forward. "I'll do it," I contradicted, making Kisame glance up in surprise and Reinen narrow her eyes at me.

"You sure, Itachi-san?" he asked. "She's not that light, you know."

Reinen growled faintly, "Hey."

I ignored her. "It's not my body that's growing weaker, Kisame-san," I uttered quietly, an edge to my tone. He nodded.

"Right, then." He offered his arm to Reinen, helping her to her feet. She leaned heavily against him, panting, face streaked with pain. She clearly wasn't altogether pleased with this treatment, but in her state she had little choice. I turned around. Kisame hefted Reinen onto my back and I caught her behind the knees, stumbling a step forward at the sudden extra weight. Her arms looped around my neck loosely, her breath hot on my skin.

"Got her?" Kisame asked.

I said nothing, taking a careful step forward unheeded. My mind flashed back, suddenly, to another evening like this, a small boy perched on my back. "Nii-san, will you train with me again some time?" the voice echoed in my mind. Wide, innocent eyes peered around my shoulder, the black hair so like my own framing his face.

"Sure…" I remembered my smiling reply. "But I'll start getting assigned missions soon, and you start at the academy tomorrow, don't you? We won't have as much time to ourselves anymore…"

That was another lifetime ago. I shook my head slightly, discarding my memories of childhood.

I shifted my grip slightly. Even if I didn't have Kisame's stature, I could easily take Reinen's weight. I carefully traced a path along the rocky shore; Kisame fell into step beside me, and I didn't need to look to know he was eyeing my every movement, poised to take over if I so much as stumbled. My eyes flashed red – I wasn't about to lose my footing now in the growing darkness.

"Itachi-san?" a voice murmured in my ear. From the corner of my eye, all I could see of Reinen was a shroud of wet blond hair. "…thank you."

I said nothing, though a tiny smile quirked at my lips. I walked on.

She leaned her head against my shoulder, breathing soft; were it not for the slight shift of movement before she spoke again, I would have thought her asleep.

"…What were you doing back there?" she asked quietly.

I paused thoughtfully before answering. "Watching the sunset."

She twisted around, regarding the fiery skies above. Her wet hair brushed my neck and I nearly flinched – it was like ice. "It is pretty," she concurred, "like…an explosion." Her voice was distant.

"I thought you and Deidara-san never agreed on anything," I commented wryly.

She tensed slightly at my words; then, giving in to exhaustion, she slumped back against my shoulder. "I guess you heard us arguing, too, huh," she mumbled. "I didn't really give him a good first impression, did I?"

Her question required no answer; we lapsed into silence, traveling through the forest.

"You must be tired, Lioness," Kisame grinned across at us. "I haven't heard you yell at Itachi-san once."

"Hmm," she merely growled at his teasing. "Maybe I am. At this point I'm beyond caring about anything, really." She paused. "I'm honestly surprised you're being so nice to me. Everyone else seems to hate me right now. I thought you would, too, especially after…" She trailed off. She was referencing our battle, I knew.

"I must apologize," I said. "By all accounts, you were supposed to fight Deidara-san. Even I…thought that was for the best. After he was wounded, however, a fight was out of the question."

"He was hurt?" Reinen asked in surprise. She swallowed hard and glanced away. "I shouldn't have…"

"Deidara, he's a good kid," Kisame said to bolster her. "He'll bounce back in no time."

"Are you sure?" she mumbled. "I mean, I think I really ticked him off…"

"Heh, he's always fighting with Sasori-san anyway," Kisame said. "This is nothing to him. Those two are at each other's throats every day over their difference in opinion about art – next thing you know they're patching up each other's wounds and speaking civilly again."

"He did say something about art," Reinen concurred softly. "I don't really remember what it was – I just yelled it was stupid and worthless, I think."

"Ah, there's your mistake," Kisame grinned gently. "Never insult an artist's work, that's your first lesson around here. Mind, he and Sasori-san aren't the worst – Kakuzu and Hidan are always trying to do each other in. You should consider yourself lucky you have someone reasonable."

Reinen remained silent, thinking this over. She stirred slightly. "You might be right…he said something, before he left, and it was bothering me… I didn't understand." She shook her head, sighing. "I think I do now. I acted like a total bitch. Not just to him, either… To Minako-chan," she blushed, "to you two."

Kisame shook his head, "Don't worry too much about it, Lioness. We've all been there, adjusting to a new life as a fugitive."

"Hmm. Problem is, I'm not sure I want to be," she sighed. "I'm not ready for this. Being around all of you makes me feel so inexperienced. Minako – she's too young to deal with this. I'm just…" She trailed off. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be telling you all my problems."

"Considering you were yelling them out to the world this morning," Kisame smirked.

Reinen buried her head against my shoulder, her eyes closed. "Forgive me, please," she mumbled. "I just wish I could start this over."

"Lioness," I spoke up softly, "we're not the ones you should be asking that."

She paused a long moment. Then, so quietly I nearly missed her next words,

"…I know. Thank you."

She exhaled softly against my neck, and as we approached the Akatsuki lair I sensed by the evening out of her breath that she had finally succumbed to sleep.

-*-Reinen-*-

"Satoshi-nii-san," I murmured, "please, don't do this."

The angular features of the blond teen turned in my direction, his blue eyes hardened. The look on his face scared me then; he was so impassive, cold as the steel knife that hung from his belt.

"Then what do you propose, Reinen?" he growled, his voice ice. "We have no choice. The village is counting on us to eliminate this band of criminals. The only way is to assassinate their leader – take off its head, and you kill the beast."

"Nii-san," I snapped, fire flickering in my eyes; I shook my head vehemently. "It's impossible – going in there is suicide!"

"Are you not ready to die for the village?" he growled back. "Mind your manners, sister. I was put in charge of this mission, not you."

"And you're the one who messed it up!" I nearly screamed. "You might have been made chunin for your strategic skills, but you're still an arrogant thirteen-year-old!"

Fury suddenly flashed in his eyes. "What do you know?" he hissed. "If we don't act now, the village will suffer. Is that what you want, Reinen? Disgrace and the responsibility for so many deaths? The Toramura clan could never show its face again!"

I stepped back as though slapped. "Nii-san," I murmured. "This isn't like you. Maybe you or I can take that sort of direct combat, but not Naoki-kun! Please, at least, send him away. I don't want him to get hurt!"

Without warning a burly paw snapped out, long steely claws glistening inches from my cheek. "Silence," Satoshi growled, amber eyes flashing. "Don't let your feelings for your teammates distract you from our goal – haven't you remembered any of your training?"

His sneer invaded my mind. Seeing red, I lashed out. "Satoshi-nii-san, if we go in their camp, we won't make it out alive! You know that. Are you willing to sacrifice your teammates, your own sister and your best friend, for that?"

He regarded me stonily before turning away. "The question is, are you?"

I was breathing hard. "No. I won't let you do this. I'll go in there myself if I have to – alone. I won't let you sentence him to death!"

A breeze rose in the evening air, whipping Satoshi's spiky bangs across his eyes and bringing a familiar scent this way. He was coming, I thought, my heart skipping a beat as it always did at the familiarity of his scent. I turned away, smiling to greet the small figure racing toward us. I didn't miss Satoshi's last words.

"Then do it."

He strode away, hand gripping the hilt of his knife; I forced aside our argument and my rage as Naoki slid to a stop beside me, raising brown eyes flecked with gold to my face. Lengthy brown hair framed his gentle features, the bold Inuzuka fangs almost garish on his cheeks.

The Inuzuka and Toramura clans had always had a rivalry similar to cats and dogs. However, there was something different about Naoki – he was quiet and gentle, unlike the rest of his boisterous clan; and we – along with Satoshi – had instantly bonded from the moment we were assigned together as genin. He was my best friend, and yet I wished we could be…something more.

Naoki had always been fragile; his clan had hesitated to give him a nin-dog of his own, fearing his body couldn't take the stress of their signature combined physical techniques. Despite this, what I admired in him was what made him different – his compassion, his intelligence, the way just seeing his face brightened my day.

"Do we have a plan?" he inquired. Hikaru, a speckled brown and white puppy, bounced excitedly at his feet.

"Yeah," I said carefully. "We attack tomorrow. For tonight, we should set up camp and rest…I'll take first watch." I avoided his gaze, already planning what I would do. I prayed he didn't hear the thunder of my heartbeat.

I would pull off this assault alone if necessary…to protect him.

Sunset: my mind flashed forward to the fiery night. Alone, I lay in wait on the edge of the enemies' camp, peering in from the bushes. A fire burned low in the center of the clearing, beside which crouched a tired man poking at the flames. Cloth tents lined the clearing, dark and silent.

Soon the lookout was drifting off, and I found my opportunity. I crept into the camp, low to the ground and soundless; I prowled into the tent I knew to house the leader of this band of criminals.

My golden eyes flashed as I searched out my prey in the dark; a startled gasp rose in my throat as movement flickered from the corner of my eye, and bright light burst through the darkness.

I brought up my right arm in time to block as a voice cried, "Lightning Fury!" My skin burned; I screamed, feeling electricity effortlessly slice through my skin. My arm dropped uselessly, blood welling from a dozen jagged stripes; I stumbled, blinded by pain, and my opponent lashed out. A fist connected with my chest and I went flying backward, reeling from the tent out onto open ground. I rolled onto my stomach, gasping for breath, clutching my right arm to my chest. In a daze I saw thieves rising up from their tents, weapons at hand, greed in their eyes; the broad-shouldered leader stared coldly down at me.

"What do we have here?" he sneered. "A puny genin trying to stop us?"

I spat out blood, saying nothing.

"All right lads, you know what to do." The crowd advanced, faceless shadows in the gloom. I growled. "I'm warning you-"

A sharp cry cut me off. "Fang over fang!"

A whirlwind cut through the surrounding crowd; the thieves fell back, shouting, some tumbling limply to the ground. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of the twin twisting turbines.

"Naoki-kun…" My heart swelled. We were safe now – his surprise attack had essentially dissolved the opposition.

I rose unsteadily, good hand gripping my katana. "Naoki-kun, over here!" I shouted. He switched direction in midair and landed beside me on all fours, panting, hair draping his eyes. He coughed slightly before raising his head.

"Rei-chan, you all right?"

I nodded; Hikaru skidded to a stop beside him with a small yip. Their combined presence gave me confidence, and I straightened my shoulders.

"Surrender," I said fiercely, "or else we won't hesitate to kill all of you!"

The leader chuckled. "Big words for one who's outnumbered. Is this the best Konohagakure can send after us? The Akuma clan should be offended." He raised his burly fists, forming hand signs.

"Farewell, little genin."

I gasped, remembering the strength of his first assault. We couldn't take anything more. "Naoki-kun!" I screamed. "Run!"

We took off, darting through the crowd. I slashed wildly at the shadowy thieves, snarling, katana red with blood. I searched desperately for a way out, but they were closing in on all sides, blocking off any escape. I heard the hum of lightning behind us; the leader of the Akuma clan was gathering pure electric energy in his fist, a maniac grin coating his face.

"Die!" he roared, charging after us, fist drawn back. I screamed, seeing lightning jaggedly leaping from his hand. We were trapped, surrounded -!

Hikaru howled, the sound lost in the high-pitched scream of crackling energy. With nowhere to go I turned, facing down my attacker, bracing myself. Then at the last second a dark blur passed in front of me – I gasped as Naoki flung himself in front of me as a shield.

I couldn't do so much as scream. A blinding flash of light – then sudden repressive darkness. The Akuma leader stood back triumphantly, fist raised.

"N-Naoki," I whispered, staring wide-eyed at him. The next instant my expression changed to horror; he crumpled, coughing up blood, his chest torn open and bloody.

I fell to my knees beside him, gently cradling him. "Naoki-kun, no!" I gasped, my mind and body frozen. Do something, I screamed at myself, but I was too stunned to react.

"That's one down!" roared the leader, summoning more energy to his fist. I tensed – a shadow appeared suddenly above him, and Satoshi dropped silent as a tiger behind him. A flash of silver – the man hadn't even the time to cry out as he thrust his blade through his neck.

The leader of the Akuma clan fell, leaving Satoshi soundlessly standing. His eyes were ice; I couldn't look at him, my eyes on the weak boy in my arms.

Naoki somehow managed to smile through bloody lips. "Rei…I'm sorry…"

"No, don't talk," I choked out, seeing him struggle for breath. "We'll get you a medic, Naoki-kun, just hang on…you're going to be okay."

"No." His hand closed around mine, gently, weakly. He coughed, rasping, "Leave me, Rei. I just…I just want you to know…" His voice was growing fainter.

Tears were running freely down my face; Naoki's hand dropped from mine just as he murmured, "I...love you..."

It was though I'd taken the blow, lightning gouging through my chest. My heart had been viciously torn to shreds. I threw my head back, screaming my agony at the full moon; Hikaru joined me in a mournful howl for his lost master.

In my daze, I lost track of our surroundings; the thieves had disappeared into the forest, fleeing the death of their leader. Satoshi approached me, alone.

"Reinen," he said quietly. I snapped at his words.

"Leave me alone," I hissed, eyes flashing golden. "It's because of you he's dead, the only one I could ever love!" I took a step back, trembling, blinded by emotion. I couldn't stay – I couldn't face him!

I ran into the forest, branches whipping distantly at me, a trail of tears glistening in my wake. An animalistic scream tore from my throat as I raced on, alone.

"Naoki-kun!"

I sat up, panting, soaked in sweat; wildly I scored my surroundings, disoriented by darkness. I had been lying on the floor. A tangled blanket lay at my feet.

A dream… I curled my knees to my chest, struggling to control my breathing. I was shaking, clutching my legs, haunted by my own screaming.

Why…why here, why now?

Something stirred in the darkness and I tensed, head jerking up. My eyes flashed an animalistic gold; I growled faintly as a figure rose and padded across the room, crouching beside me.

"Lioness?" A familiar scent – Itachi. "You screamed. Are you all right?"

There was another figure fumbling in the darkness, and a moment later I blinked as candlelight burst through the gloom. Kisame was seated in bed, staring blearily over at us. "Something wrong?"

"No," I gasped, trying to gather my composure. "I'm fine…sorry for waking you." I pressed my hands to my forehead, struggling to dispel the memories assaulting my mind. I didn't want to think of them, my teammates. They were nothing to me now; then why did they haunt my dreams so?

Kisame got up and stumbled out of the room; Itachi remained at my side, staring unblinkingly at my face. I glanced away, uncomfortable.

"A nightmare?"

I nodded slightly.

"You spoke a name…Naoki, I believe." His words weren't a question and I was glad; I couldn't answer him. Itachi finally looked away.

I sighed, lowering my hands. "Can I ask you something?" I murmured, exhaustion tainting my words. He didn't dissuade me, so I went on: "Have you ever done anything you seriously regretted – and had it, you know, come back to haunt you?" I wasn't even sure if my question made sense.

Itachi tensed. "Yes," he replied guardedly. Silently he considered a moment longer, before softly continuing, "Listen, Lioness." He shifted onto his knees, regarding me with his piercing stare. "Every shinobi has seen and done things they can never speak of to anyone. Such is part of our duty. It doesn't matter if we be Akatsuki or the Hokage."

I shook my head slowly. "This is different," I murmured. "Naoki-kun…he was my best friend and I…" I swallowed dryly, clenching my fists. "I killed him," I whispered.

My words hung in the air; it was the first time I fully admitted it aloud, and my heart beat faster at the revelation. Itachi stared at me, emotionless.

He closed his eyes. "A long time ago," he murmured, "there was a man I could say the same of. He is dead, by my hand. Reinen…we may not be able to forget their faces, but wallowing in regret will only bring you down. A shinobi must always live in the present; the actions of yesterday are gone forever, and in our line of work we never know if we will see tomorrow." He raised his eyes to me.

I nodded. His words bolstered me, as unexpected as they were. Itachi… I smirked. I had thought him a cold wall designed to obstruct my path. He was, in the end, still human. We all were.

I combed my fingers through my bangs. "Well," I said with a quiet laugh, "I never thought you would be the one to turn me around."

He offered what might have been the thinnest trace of a smile. I grinned back, tiredly, before gathering the blankets around me.

"See you in the morning, m'kay?" I mumbled, leaning back against my pillow.

"Good night," he concurred, and the last thing I saw before I closed my eyes was him heading back to bed.

-*-Deidara-*-

Sunlight blazed brightly in the kitchen. I squinted against its glare, stumbling about in a painful stupor. My wounds – still healing – ached brutally after yesterday's battle. With a groan I flopped down at the table, mumbling thanks as Minako handed me a steaming mug of coffee.

She smiled gently. "Any sign of Rei-chan yet?" Concern edged her tone.

I yawned. "No, didn't see her come in last night, hmm. If anything happened to her," I grimaced, "danna's gonna kill me."

Minako's eyes widened, and I hastened to correct, "I don't mean anything did happen to her. This is the Lioness we're talking about, after all, hmm."

"Yes," she agreed softly, "the Lioness." She lowered her eyes and I wondered at her sudden change in demeanor.

"Minako-chan? Something wrong, hmm?"

She glanced up quickly, flushing. "N-no, it's just that…" She sighed. "I really hope she starts acting like herself again. I'm worried sick about her."

"I'm touched," a voice stated wryly from the doorway. We both whirled; Minako let out a tiny scream.

"Rei-chan!" She flung herself at the blonde, who only smiled and wrapped her arms around her smaller form.

"Hey, Minako-chan, long time no see," she joked, embracing her tightly. She drew back then, eyes falling on me.

I offered a guarded grin. "Hey."

"Hey," she echoed, approaching. She stared down at me a long moment, unspeaking, chewing on her lip thoughtfully. Finally she lowered her gaze with a sigh. "I know I've been a real bitch to you," she muttered. "You probably don't believe me, but I'm not always like that…"

I glanced at Minako; her eyes were shining at her friend. "It's not as hard to believe as you think, hmm," I murmured.

"I'm sorry, for everything. I just wish I could start over from the beginning…" she trailed off, sighing.

"Okay."

"Huh?" She glanced quizzically at me.

I extended my hand, repeating, "Okay. Let's start over, hmm." I flashed a smile. "I'm Deidara, pleased to meet you."

She hesitated before taking my hand. "Toramura Reinen. But you can call me," she smiled faintly, "the Lioness, if you want."

"You got it, Lioness-chan," I chirped; she cast me an exasperated look and laughed.

Itachi appeared in the doorway, observing the scene as he pulled his hair back in a ponytail. "This isn't something you see everyday," he commented.

"No, it isn't," Minako agreed, a broad smile playing at her lips.

"Nani?" I protested, mock-glaring at them. "What are you talking about, hmm?"

Minako giggled. "You two, not killing each other."

I exchanged a glance with Reinen; we both burst out laughing. Suddenly our war seemed so stupid – what had we been fighting about, anyway? We were partners now; hating each other wouldn't change that fact, so why bother?

The Lioness flicked back her hair, still smiling, and ventured over to the counter. She set about making herself some coffee, adding over her shoulder, "Coffee, Itachi-san?"

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Reinen, acting civil to Itachi? I glanced at the Uchiha, wondering what I was missing here.

"No, thank you," he answered. "Is there any tea?"

Reinen glanced around. "Um, not yet. I can make some, though." She gestured to Minako and whispered something urgently to her; Minako pointed her in the direction of the kettle.

I sniggered quietly at the Lioness's lack of culinary knowledge as Minako helped her prepare some tea. Meanwhile Itachi took a seat next to me, his eyes boring into my head. I wasn't eager to be angry this early in the morning, so I merely grinned at him.

"She's forgiven both of us in one day. Think she hit her head or something, hmm?"

Itachi didn't even blink at my joking banter. "She has changed since yesterday," he murmured. "She has finally begun to let go of her past."

"What are you talking about, hmm?" I asked, glancing over at the distracted girls. They were apparently debating types of tea leaves. I turned back to Itachi.

He stared steadily at me. "She may be your age, but in ways she is still very inexperienced. More than anything, I think, she needs someone to understand her."

"How-?"

"She spoke to me last night. Kisame and I were the ones to find her – after you abandoned her."

His words stung; I glanced away, muttering, "Not like she gave me a choice, hmm…"

"Deidara," he said quietly, "she wants you to trust her. She needs someone like you to rely on."

"And if you know all this," I snorted, "why can't you be that person?"

He didn't answer immediately, as Reinen set down a cup of tea in front of him. "There you go," she muttered. "You're lucky I didn't burn anything this time."

I snorted. "Lioness-chan, you can't burn tea, hmm."

"Shut up," she mumbled, but her eyes were nevertheless bright as she took a sip of coffee. Setting down the mug, she headed off to prepare her own breakfast.

Itachi glanced back at me, lowering his voice. "Because that is the difference between us," he murmured. "You both thrive on emotions. That is why the Leader and I both placed you together. For as much as I can read her mind, I could never be a part of her world." He absently ran a finger around the rim of the teacup, silent; then just as abruptly he rose, taking up the drink before drifting out of the room.

I shook off the absurdity of his words. Itachi never spoke to me like that – as though we had some sort of mutual understanding. Surely he knew I hated his guts…! I shook my head, bemused.

It wasn't often Itachi dropped his veil of cold indifference. I didn't know how she managed it, but somehow the Lioness had pierced his defenses and made him actually concerned about her well-being. I set aside the matter for contemplation later: I would badger her into telling me, if I had to.

For now, though, I only smiled and surveyed my crazy new comrade.

To be continued...

But will the peace last? :D

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