a/n: Hey guys. (cut out the sum cuz of this intro)Sorry i've been sort of busy this week! lol, but i haven't forgotten about you guys!! Sorry if i haven't responded to alot of your guys PM's if you've send any, i haven't checked my email and all but i will and i'll try so if i answer to something that was like a month ago or something...yeah...sorry about that. But hey, i'm now 15!! (I'm hispanic so in June i'm having my Quincernara!! woot woot!) Yeah, i'm a Feb. baby and all...it was on a monday! Can you guess? (2/12) uh-huh! President Lincoln's birthday is my birthday too!! Anyway, i'm rambling...i do beleive that i owe some fans out there a certain cheer from last chapter! (sorry for those that don't care...bare with us) here it goes:
Like totally, for sure...I just got a manicure
The sun, i swear...it's messing up my gorgeous hair
24, 34? i don't even know the score...Go! Go! Fight! Fight!
Gee, i hope i look alright.
Yeah, just a reminder, that was when i was young...sadly, i always recited it...ANYWAY your free to read and sorry for the long intro of a rambling author...
CRIMSON MOON
CHAPTER 14: THE PAST, THE PRESENT, THE FUTURE
Sasuke stretched. "Iruka, why can't I go back to my normal self now?" he asked.
Iruka shot Sasuke a glare, "You know exactly why."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "But staying this too long will make me weak."
Iruka sighed, "You knew this. But you've got to meet Sakura soon. I give it a good couple hours until Sakura will come home. I'm sure they'd allow me to bring them here to live with us for a while."
"I wonder where Kakashi and Naruto are. Itachi is here, I think they know that." mumbled Sasuke.
"I bet they're coming soon." answered Iruka.
Sasuke slouched in the chair, "So, do you sense Itachi?" he asked him.
Iruka shook his head, "No, but his scent comes in and out." Iruka sighed, "I think he's starting to perfect hiding his scent to others." he mumbled.
Sasuke sighed, "How could we let this happen?" he asked, "Why couldn't we just destroy him? Why didn't you destroy him when you had the chance Iruka?"
Iruka glared at Sasuke then his face softened, "I'm sorry. But, I didn't kill you, and you turned out fine. I guess I had the same hope for Itachi."
Sasuke sighed, "Hn." he muttered. He glanced at his watch. "You said Sakura's grandma is in E.R.? right?"
Iruka nodded, "Yeah, it's about two to three hours before she's done and can come here."
Sasuke nodded, "I should be there, with her." he muttered.
"Yes, and you will, with Kakashi and Naruto. So you must wait." he muttered.
Sasuke glared, "Why? Why can't you just come with me?" he asked.
"I have to do some research still. I only know so much about the vampire angels…information like that is rare. It's not exactly a topic on current events." he sighed.
"What do you know? I mean, besides what you already told me?" he asked.
Iruka picked up a book that was placed along side others. He opened it to were it was marketed and handed it over to Sasuke. Sasuke stared at the picture, it was similar to the angel definition picture, except she didn't have wings or a light shining on her like the other.
The woman in the picture was posed as if leading a battle. Standing tall on what seemed like a hill, her eyes serious. The caption under it stated: Tsundae: Angel: D.O.B.-D.O.D.: The rest of the information on the date she was born and died was blurred or smudged.
Sasuke noticed a short passage about Tsundae on the next page. It was a short passage before it moved on to another subject into the book.
Tsundae, known as the very first angel of her time. She was believed to have descended from the heavenly being to restore peace to the broken village of Konoha.
"That's helpful." he mumbled, "There's barely anything in here. It's all a bunch of theories."
Iruka nodded, "But does it give you a brief explanation of who she is?" he asked.
Sasuke shrugged, "It's Sakura's her reincarnation, right?" he asked, not showing much care for the woman in the book.
"Right." answered Iruka.
Sasuke stood up, "I'm going to see if Sakura's okay." he muttered.
Iruka sighed, "Wait, your missing my point of showing you this." he told him.
Sasuke quirked an eyebrow but sat back down, "Then make it." he answered with a sigh.
Iruka left out a sigh as well. "Teens." he thought.
Sasuke glared, "I heard that." he whispered.
Iruka ignored him, "You've heard of the expression, 'Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it' right?" he asked.
Sasuke nodded, "Yeah."
"Well, this is exactly the case." Iruka leaned back in his chair, "Years ago, this very land was under great poverty. We had just exited a war and our government had mindlessly left our town in rubble. Those who were able to stay rich, didn't care for those who were suffering on the streets. Even in this time, I showed no weakness for my needs. It had been two years since I last had human blood and I was doing good. I worked as a doctor who came from England, I treated those sick and couldn't afford to visit a clinic. I saved millions of lives with this small business. My right hand who helped with this was Tsunade. She was a rich daughter who's adopted father was a general in the war. She was probably the only exception to the rich lifestyle."
Iruka closed his eyes, "I remember it…"
--flashback--
"Working with filthy peasants again? Don't you get tired?"
The blonde woman glared back at the snake like man she had known as step-brother. He laughed at her reaction. Iruka glared at him as well, his stench filtering in and out of his nose. His scent was disgustingly perfumed. For someone with money, it seemed like he bought really cheap cologne.
"Orochimaru, leave. You have no business in what I do, so be gone. Besides, the only person I am tired of seeing is you." she glanced at the girl who held a clip board, "Shizune, please escort this…man, out of here." she gritted her teeth but held her chin up high.
He only smiled, "No need to worry, I am gone." he bowed mockingly, "Wouldn't want to 'ruin' your…business." he cackled and walked on.
Tsunade held back the object she wanted to propel at his head. She shook her head, "I do not see the reason why he keeps coming here." she muttered. "It's none of his business!"
Iruka placed his hand on her shoulder, "Do not freight Lady Tsunade. He is just finding a way to, how you say, hurt you." he said, his accent clear.
Tsunade laughed heartedly, "Yes. Now…" she looked around, "Oh bother, where did that patient go?" she whispered looking around the tent.
She sighed when her patient didn't return.
"Jiraya, you aren't prompt!" whispered Tsunade sternly at her other step-brother. His white hair uncanny to his youthful face and attitude. His clothing casual but showed the great power he had.
He smiled, "Oh I'm here, I'm here. But the way, where is your beautiful assistant?" he asked looking around.
Tsundae shook her head, "Get to work." she mumbled before walking away. She smiled kindly at her patient.
"Thank you. You're an angel." murmured the lady. Tsundae smiled. Everyone had said that to her, either 'Saint or Angel'
Iruka watched as Tsunade applied some medical herbs together and then on the wound. Iruka soon learned many medical techniques from her. Iruka's nose twitched with the familiar, disgusting smell. Tsundae noticed the look on his face.
"What ever is the matter?" she asked.
He glared, and she followed his gaze and found herself glaring as well. She put her herbs away and walked towards him. Her fists clenching and unclenching every time.
"What is that you want now?" asked Tsundae before Jiraya could.
He also glared at Orochimaru. "Let me guess, now you've got dear brother to help out?" he laughed, "So let me guess who's next, dear Saroutobi?" he asked.
"Father, can do what he pleases." muttered Tsunade.
"Yes. He would most likely want to work with one's who work with such lowlife." he laughed again.
"The only lowlife I see here is you, Orochimaru." answered Jiraya.
"Huh, I guess we know who's going to get father's inheritance, right?" he smiled wickedly.
"Father isn't dead yet. Respect the man that adopted you when no one else would." she glared at him, "Sometimes, I wonder why father puts up with you."
He smiled, "You are, too kind sister." he waved, "It's almost the night." With that, he was gone.
She shook her head, "I don't understand him." she mumbled. Jiraya began to talk to Tsunade, telling her not to worry.
Iruka noticed a girl walk out of the tent shortly after. Curious at where a sick girl would go, he followed her. She stumbled down the dirt path, her face pale and the look of death heavily etched on her face. But Iruka sensed she was healthy before, in fact, just a while ago.
He continued to follow, blending with the shadows until she stopped. She took out a blade and he watched as she slashed away at her wrists and then knelt down before someone. He focused his eyes and finally someone came up.
He narrowed his eyes angrily. "How did I miss it!" thought Iruka angrily. Orochimaru smiled, once again showing his snake side. The girl raised her bleeding wrists up to him, like if he was some sort of god. He slowly took one of her wrists and put it to his mouth.
He sucked hungrily at her blood as if he never drank anything before. It send a shiver up Iruka's spine, how awful he had once been. Maybe not so fierce but it was still killing. He wanted to jump out and kill him. He immediately cursed to himself on how he hadn't seen it before.
The cologne was to disguise his scent from others, like himself. To protect from harm's way, it was a terrible trick but a good one. To hide your scent with an already disgusting smell.
Once he was done drinking blood from both spilled, wrists, he picked her up off the ground. Her body limp but still had life in her, Orochimaru smiled. He pulled her hair away from her neck and right before he sank his fangs into her pale, smooth neck, he snapped his fingers.
With one fierce movement, he sank his fangs into her neck. The force alone could kill an elephant, but the blood sucking felt like an eternity of pain. He felt bad for her. Her shriek was loud and ear pounding as she was slowly drained of life.
Iruka finally understood why Orochimaru came to the clinic. He was stealing patients away and leading them to their own deaths. Did he know about Iruka being a vampire? If he had, would he really risk it?
Iruka had spend the last five years in U.S but pretended to have been an immigrant from England. No one really knew, but then again…nothing gets by a vampire and he didn't exactly have cheap cologne to hide his scent.
Was he trying to get rid of them all and then finally his own sister? He frowned, he didn't know why he felt that Tsunade was endangered.
He had to tell her. But what? How? He shook his head and ran off back to Tsunade and the others. Something had to be done…or it'd be too late. He heard Orochimaru laugh. He knew.
"Iruka, what's wrong?" asked Tsunade.
"Uh…nothing." he felt his stomach clench, "Nothin' at all."
She nodded, but Iruka was unsettled.
A week later…
Iruka settle down, Orochimaru hadn't come back since he saw him in the woods. Was he planning? Or did he find another source for 'food.' For the time being, he would keep a look out. Vampires didn't give up easily, and Orochimaru wanted something.
"Lady Tsunade!" yelled Shizune as she swept the past the tent.
Tsunade looked up, "Yes? Oh Shizune! Is Jiraya around?" she asked.
"No ma'am. But, your…your father is…" she stammered over her words.
"Is what Shizune? Go on, tell me."
Iruka tuned in to what they were talking about.
"Your father was…was found dead a while ago."
Her face seemed to whitened and then she burst out of the tent. Iruka placed the blankets on the bed and followed her out.
Something didn't set right in Iruka. He narrowed his eyes, trying to find that scent. Tsunade quickly ran up the path and finally she made it to her house. Iruka jumped up on the tree, the large windows giving anyone who climbed that tree access to the room.
He noticed Tsunade burst through those doors at the far end of the window. The tears in her eyes unmistakable, but the look wasn't one of grieving. Her face was set in a scowl, like something wasn't right. Iruka smirked, he knew she was smart that way.
Tsunade walked around the scene of the crime. The blood still wasn't removed and the body had a white blanket over him. Other's were in the room talking, police. She studied the room a bit more and she walked out of the room without so much as talking to anyone around.
Iruka stood up but noticed something on his fingers. He raised it and frowned, blood. There were small drops on the tree, he furrowed his brow. It was Orochimaru. He noticed Tsunade exit and disappear down the path.
He followed her, to make sure she was safe. He knew he couldn't let Tsunade see him in the light, but she was being chased, of that he was sure of..
He had deiced that walking with her was a better way to protect her. "Lady Tsunade!" he yelled.
Orochimaru jumped down out of the blue then, and knocked Iruka off his feet. Iruka slammed into the nearby tree with such force that it cracked the tree in half. Tsundae yelled as Orochimaru picked her up and carried her away. It took a while, but Iruka realized he was stabbed with poison.
Enough to kill a human, but not a vampire. It did, however, slow Iruka down a bit. He cursed under his breath for not seeing this attack earlier. Hadn't he even noticed his scent. He inhaled.
No. He didn't wear it this time, this time, it was faint and he somehow blended with things around. Iruka noticed the flowers that gave off a strong smell. He growled.
The sky began to darken, dusk over the horizon. He knew he shouldn't have been out at all, but no one would notice him in the shades of trees. Iruka walked on and on but still hadn't seen or smelled anything new. He knew it was due to the poison.
Up ahead, he noticed the white haired man, Jiraya. His face showed no leisure look to it like normally displayed. His eyes were stone cold, he guessed it was due to his father's death. Jiraya stopped in front of Iruka and knelt down in front of him, Iruka watched carefully as Jiraya looked up at him.
"Iruka, please. Turn into one." he muttered.
Iruka winced, "What are you talking about?" he asked.
Jiraya furrowed his brow, "I can tell. Why aren't you ever at the clinic during day? And even when you are, why your always inside? Or why your unusually pale? Why you don't eat as much yet you don't get sick. Your accent isn't real a real English accent. Your much younger than you say you are and yet you never age or change. And…" his eyes glittered, "Why you didn't die when Orochimaru slammed you into that tree and stabbed you with a knife."
Iruka narrowed his eyes, "I'm impressed, but I can't."
Jiraya stood up, "You have to! Orochimaru…he's a vampire on the loose! He's kidnapped my sister and killed my father! He's a terrible horrible man that needs to be stopped. You can't do it alone."
Iruka sighed, "How did you know about Orochimaru?" he asked.
Jiraya shook his head, "Don't bother. I want you to change me."
Iruka clenched his fist, "It's not as easy as you make it. It can be painful when you don't go through the ceremony of togetherness. At first, it's going to be hard to resist the blood of humans and your appearance is going to change." he closed his eyes, "Going out in the day time wouldn't be wise. And at times your blood lust can get the better of you, you'd be on a killing spree and not know it until you woke up with the victims blood sprawled on your hands. Black outs are most common for new vampires."
Jiraya looked pensive for a moment, then locked eyes with Iruka. "I don't care. I want to help Tsunade and avenge my father." he was slightly shaking but his eyes were set.
Iruka sighed, he did need help. But what if Jiraya did something he regretted? It'd be Iruka's fault for not preventing it. He knew he could help Jiraya later. One problem at a time.
He nodded and led Jiraya to the clearing in the forest. The process didn't take too long. A loud grueling cry was heard by no one but Iruka and the forest.
"How do you feel?" asked Iruka.
Jiraya rubbed his neck, the bite was closed, a small scar forming. "This won't leave a mark will it?" he asked.
Iruka shook his head, he should have known Jiraya couldn't be serious for long. "For a day yes. It'll be gone by tomorrow." he muttered. "So…" Iruka sighed, "Do you smell him?"
Jiraya looked thoughtful, "Yes. He's not far, we'd better hurry."
Iruka agreed.
Iruka and Jiraya stopped on top of some trees that were above Orochimaru and Tsunade. She glared hard at Orochimaru.
"Damn you. How dare you kill father and-and take me like that?" she asked. "How dare you hurt Iruka and become…this creature!"
He only laughed, "If only you knew." he looked up in the trees Iruka and Jiraya were in. They both froze in their spots and he shook his head.
Iruka closed his eyes and jumped down from the tree. "I should have known better than hiding from you in a tree."
Orochimaru glanced up there and then back at Iruka. "Who have you brought with you?" he asked interested, "Have you…turned anyone lately?" his tone was amused.
Tsundae stood up, "Iruka, your okay?" she asked. "Thank goodness."
"Tsundae, stand back. When I tell you to, run." he muttered to her.
She furrowed her brow, "You don't understand Iruka, Orochimaru's a vampire."
He glared back at Orochimaru, ignoring Tsunade's protests. "Why Tsunade?" he asked angrily. "She has nothing to do with your sick feedings!"
Orochimaru shook his head, "Your naïve Iruka. Especially for a vampire. I've been searching for a way to gain power. Dark power, more than the one I already possess. To become, almost…" he chuckled, "Holy."
Iruka glared, "What the hell are you talking about." he growled.
"Tsunade is the key to power, to Crimson Moon. She's a vampire's angel." he pointed to the moon that was full and almost at it's highest point in the sky. "It's the night."
Iruka pushed Tsunade as Orochimaru dove for her. Iruka slashed at Orochimaru's face but he caught it. He smirked, the moon casting shadows on Orochimaru's face. It made him looked demented and full of evil.
Tsunade sat on the ground, baffled. She noticed Jiraya enter the scene as well. The fighting went on, blood was shed and words were exchanged. Before any could reach her, she took a knife spilled her blood on the ground. Said knife found its way into Orochimaru's back.
He staggered and for some unknown reason, his body began to burn away. Tsunade went shortly after. Her body in praying form the look of serene on her face. Jiraya smiled sadly at both bodies and turned to face Iruka.
"You know, he never did say why he killed father." he mumbled. He grabbed the knife out of the bubbling blood of Orochimaru's. He tossed it back and forth, from one hand to the other.
"You know, I'm fighting." he told Iruka. "Fighting myself from going over to Tsunade's body and drinking the remaining blood…if there is any…" he chuckled, "I really didn't know what I was thinking of when I asked you to turn myself into a vampire. I didn't think that after this was all done, then what? What would I do? Could I really control myself?"
Iruka looked down, "I've often thought that myself, like when I'm done with something or when I've out lived my friends. Then what? I could make new ones, but I'd only lose them later. Sometimes, it's hard to wonder the earth alone, living but not alive, dead but still wondering, it's sad. Our gift is a curse to us, with no cure to help us rest."
Jiraya shook his head, "There is," he looked at him, "Death, I guess being in this form, we've cheated death. But…Orochimaru died. So…why can't I?"
Iruka's eyes widened, but before he could stop Jiraya, he stabbed himself. Tsunade's blood still fresh and Jiraya winced at the pain. He smiled decently at Iruka.
"I know I'm free, to join my sister and father. Thanks."
Iruka stood in shock. He didn't know if he should have followed or not. It was probably his only chance to actually find a way out. But he ended up taking Tsunade's body back to town. Jiraya and Orochimaru's bodies weren't there, only ashes remained.
---end---
Iruka frowned, "It all happened so fast, I guess you could say. I really don't know much of Tsunade's past, but I can tell you that I knew something she didn't. And she paid with her life. I felt that if I could tell her, she could have been saved somehow."
Sasuke looked away. "That won't happen." he muttered, "You're here, Kakashi and Naruto."
There was silence that ensued. Iruka had managed to kill a few hours. It took a lot longer for him to tell the story, he had paused many times, remembering was painful and he knew he couldn't do it again.
"You left some things out." muttered Sasuke. "Am I right?"
Iruka eye's widened then lowered to ground level, "Yes, I haven't recalled that memory in centuries. Some parts are foggy I guess, but it's accurate." he glanced at the clock, "Why don't you go get Sakura?"
Sasuke stood up and walked out of the room. The front door, budged then burst open. Sasuke stood in front of the opened door, his eye brows furrowed. Kakashi and Naruto burst through the doors like maniacs. They ran past him only to reverse and run back.
They both heaved out and then finally burst into words. "Thegangishere!itachiescapedusandheresherewithawholebunchofothers!" They blurted super fast. If Sasuke was in vampire form, he could have made that out. But to his human ears, it sounded like a bunch of mush.
"What?" he asked.
Naruto sighed, "Itachi is here!" he yelled. "He escaped us and is here with his gang! The Akatsuki! It's a gang of rouge vampires! There somewhere in this town!"
Kakashi nodded. Sasuke sighed, "You're a bit late. Have you seen Sakura's house?" he asked.
Kakashi sighed, "You mean the fire? So it did happen…is Sakura ok?" he asked.
Naruto tilted his head, "Your not angry, or a vampire…not yelling, or…angry. So I'm guessing she's okay."
Sasuke nodded, "But her grandma isn't. She's in the hospital and their out of a home. I'm going to go pick them up and bring them to live with us here."
They nodded, "Do you know who caused the fire?" asked Sasuke.
"Yes. It was Itachi." muttered Kakashi.
Sasuke sighed angrily, "Right. Naruto, go tell Iruka about this and Kakashi."
"Hm?" he asked.
"Take off that cloak, you look ridiculous." Sasuke chuckled a bit before walking out.
Kakashi's shoulders slumped and Naruto laughed lightly. Kakashi hit him across the head.
a/n: Yeah, long story? Or just with the intro? idk. Guys have to wait a bit longer for Grandma news (next chap)My stories have alot of flash backs in it...geez...anyway, i don't know if I spelled their names right...i hope i did. Jiraya and Sarutobi are the ones i had trouble remembering how to spell...and do any of you guys know where i can get info on the Akatsuki gang members? (wink.wink.) i need them for future reference...thanks guys!! My exams went great actually, of course i failed algebra (the exam) but passed the 1st semester with a solid B-!Oh and Happy Belated Valentines Day! I went to go watch Blood and Chocolate, good movie but i was depressed on how it didn't follow the book...o well. i still loved it. Anyway, until next time. Thanks for withstanding my babbling. bah...bah...bah...lol.