Chapter 25: Plight at the Snow Country

KAKASHI'S POV

"A-Akemi…?"

I grabbed Akemi's arm and something pulsed around her, creating a large explosion. I flew across the floor, breaking my arm. When I saw Akemi and Naruto it seemed like their connection ended.

Akemi began growling, so did Naruto. I heard roaring from opposite directions.

"Wh-what is that?" asked Sakura. I saw Sasuke fending off the attackers.

Akemi roared and silver chakra flowed from her body. It hit all of the men that were coming to our ship and also blew up their ship. A mass explosion ignited, and I was forced to take Sakura and Sasuke into cover.

Akemi and Naruto began clawing each other. They weren't human anymore… the beasts are fighting.

The crowd of people behind us screamed and headed towards the safety life boats.

"Sasuke, Sakura," I said. "Take the people into a lifeboat and get yourself in one as well."

"But—."

"I'll be back!" I said.

I saw Akemi and Naruto fending each other off. All of the people had gotten into their lifeboats

"Naruto!" I yelled. "Akemi!"

I ran towards them and prepared my seal. I caught Naruto, but Akemi dodged.

"Rgh… NOOOOO, STOP!" she screamed, slashing my chest. Blood instantly spurted from my chest. I gasped in pain.

"Agh!"

I grabbed Naruto and fell off the ship.

"Kakashi-sensei!" cried Sakura.

I saw Akemi on the ship. A large outline of a wolf appeared on her. She bellowed and the ship exploded. Many people from the lifeboats and away form the ship cried in horror.

"Akemi-chan!" I yelled.

"Kakashi-sensei?"

I saw that Naruto had awoken and looked at me. He helped me run towards the ship across the water. The seal was on his forehead, he was back to normal.

"Akemi…"

I saw a body fall from the ship.

I saw that Naruto's condition was serious; his entire body was burnt. I stopped and made a gesture for Sasuke and Sakura to come. They immediately came to my side.

"Sasuke, Sakura, watch over Naruto and the other passengers," I said. "There might be more of those ninja."

"Wait, Kakashi-sensei, what about Onee-chan?" yelled Naruto, as I ran towards the sinking ship.

"Stay there!" I yelled back.

I ran quickly across the water to where the body had dropped. It was Akemi for sure because around the body that had dropped in the water was silver chakra. Akemi can't swim, which meant bad news.

I dived into the water near the sinking ship. Everything was burnt and smelled of dead bodies. Once I dived into the water, the water temperature itself was super hot.

"Agh…"

I saw Akemi just several feet away.

AKEMI'S POV

I remembered that I saw Naruto in my head. The Gin Urufu was chasing after us. I also remembered that Naruto was suddenly disappearing and I was all alone again, running for my life.

And then I saw… another me.

She spoke to me… to come to her.

Was that… Sai?

"Sai is that you?" I asked.

"It'll only hurt you," said the figure before me. "If you stay…"

I woke up to find myself in a room. This time nothing was swaying.

"Wh-where am I…?" I asked.

I felt my glasses given to me by someone.

"Kakashi-chan?"

"Nope."

I opened my eyes to see a Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura around me.

"Onee-chan you okay?" asked Naruto. "We're at the Snow Country; you were asleep for two days."

I saw several burns on his face and hands. He wore a ton of bandages. Sakura handed me a cup of water.

"I'm fine," I said. "You guys?"

"Yeah…" said Sakura.

Sasuke and Sakura were covered with bandages also, but not as much. Naruto and I had the most severe injuries.

I saw my own hand covered in bandages. Once I touched it I heard a small sizzling sound. The pain was going away… almost if I was healing. But… I never healed myself before. (A/N: She did get hurt in previous chapters, but she did NOT heal herself)

"Where's Kakashi?" I asked.

"He's… recovering," said Sakura.

"Recovering?"

"Kakashi was badly burned, especially around his body," said Sasuke. "Not only that, but he inhaled too much toxic fumes."

"What good is his mask then?" I asked.

They shrugged.

Naruto was coming over to me but I yelled out as his finger touched my cheek. A pain shot out from my entire body.

"DON'T!' I said. "Don't… come near me."

He looked at me with remorse. So did Sakura.

"This is for your own good," I said. "If I touch you again… I'll cause more danger to everyone."

"What was that?" asked Sakura. "Why did you and Naruto…?"

"I don't know," I said. "It never happened to me before."

"Never happened to me either," said Naruto.

"The voice…" I whispered.

Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto stared at me quite oddly.

"Neh, never mind," I said. "Let's go visit Kakashi."

"But—."

"C'mon!"

"Neh…"

"Onee-chan, you're still sick though," said Naruto.

"Naruto…" I said sternly.

"Okay, okay fine."

KAKASHI'S POV

When Akemi and Naruto were in contact, their demons had been driven out for several moments. The seal on Naruto is probably still secured, but Akemi's…

I sighed as I looked at my bandaged arms, stomach, and thigh. I wore a sleeveless shit because the doctor insisted.

I was burned heavily by trying to save Akemi from drowning. The ship fire didn't burn me, Akemi burned me. It seemed her chakra output was immense… it burned some of my clothes off, (not everything you dirty people). My mask, thank gawd, was still on my face when I returned to the lifeboats with Sasuke and Sakura.

Akemi is in danger, everyone is. That demon in her is thriving wildly. I don't think her seal will last for long.

"KNOCK KNOCK!" yelled Akemi, outside.

"Akemi-chan, you woke up already?" I asked, as Team 7 busted the door and ran inside the room without my permission.

"Whitey-chan!" said Akemi, staring at me.

"Ah, I'm okay," I said quickly, trying to cover most of my burns. "Just some burns, that's all."

Akemi looked at me worriedly.

"Well, we made it," said Kakashi. "Those ninja who attacked us were trying to—."

"Kidnap me right?" asked Akemi. "They wanted me… right?"

"They looked like low-class ninja," said Sasuke. "I didn't see any forehead protectors or any ID on them."

"In any case, we have to take safety measures everywhere," I said. "I've already asked Yukie-san to enforce some protection."

"You mean the actress we had to meet?" asked Akemi.

"Yeah," I said. "Speaking of Yukie-san, we get to see the movie today!"

"I packed my snowboards!" said Naruto. "Can't wait!"

"Eh, skiing and ice skating!" said Sakura excitedly.

"…" said Sasuke.

"Lucky bums," said Akemi dully.

"You can't go because you're sick Akemi-chan," I said. "The movie will be fun, trust me."

"But going out to watch a movie is like going outside," said Akemi. "Same thing."

"But the theater would be warm, unlike having to stay outside for long periods of time," I said wisely.

"You're just saying that because you want to watch your damn movie," Akemi retorted.

"Heheh."

"We're gonna go right now Kakashi-sensei!" said Naruto. "These burns won't stop me!"

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura sped off outside while I was alone with Akemi.

"Those ninja who attacked you—."

"Were probably from the Akatsuki, I know," said Akemi. "Eh… I promised Tsunade-sama that I wouldn't do anything public anyway, other than watching the damn movie."

I laughed as Akemi pouted.

"Well," I said. "It's better than doing nothing."

"I guess."

I looked at her for a moment, seeing her bright red face it looked like she was getting worse.

"Akemi-chan," I said. "You should—."

"Okay, let's get going," said Akemi, grabbing the biggest sweater she can carry. "The movie is going to start in thirty minutes."

"We have lots of time," I said, surprised.

"But… I want to get there so I have more time to sleep," said Akemi.

I grinned at Akemi who had a hard time wearing the big sweater, especially when it caught her glasses. She's getting cuter every second.

I walked over to her and helped her put it on, ignoring her even when she said she would handle it.

"Thanks Akemi-chan," I said.

She elbowed my stomach.

"You owe me, TURD!" she said, grabbing her bag.

I looked outside to see Naruto and the others playing. Eh… I feel kind of bad that Akemi had to be put through this.

"Yo, Whitey-chan, get moving!" she said, punching my arm.

"Ah."

AKEMI'S POV

Kakashi and I were going to see the actress after we saw the movie. I didn't really care about the actress and movie part, just the sleeping part. But then again, I owe Kakashi and he'll probably pay me back again later. I have nothing better to do anyway.

I saw some couples near us kissing already. Bleh…

"Hey Akemi-chan," said Kakashi playfully, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

"ACHOO!" I said, (faking of course). "You have to stay away if you don't want to catch the cold Kakashi-chan."

"Eh, you feeling worse?" he asked, feeling my head again.

"I want something to pass me out," I said dully. "Got any pills or something?"

"I can go get some for you."

"Eh… don't bother."

I coughed again, this time it felt like my throat was being ripped off.

"Agh…"

"Akemi, you should really stay back at the hot spring hotel," said Kakashi. "You seriously don't look too well."

"I'm fine!" I said. "Geez…"

"Akemi-chan…"

I saw Kakashi look at me worriedly. He's probably going to ignore me during the movie anyways.

"Look, I'll just sleep here while you watch the movie," I said. "So it'll be good for both of us."

"Akemi-chan," said Kakashi sternly. "We're going back."

"Wait, wha—?"

He took my hand and made me walk outside with him. It was freezing… I think the only warm part of my body was my hand that was touching Kakashi's. Why the hell did he suddenly get mad for? I mean… not mad but… serious?

"Akemi-chan, I'm really worried about you," said Kakashi. "It seems like you don't care."

"I… I care."

I sighed as we reached our inn.

"But your movie—."

"I'll see it next time," said Kakashi, grinning. "Today isn't the only day it'll have its premieres."

"Kakashi-chan…"

He led me to our room and helped me get tucked inside my bed. I was still wearing my sweater but I was still cold.

"Kakashi-chan I'm fine," I said.

"No you're not."

Someone knocked on our door the second I was trying hit Kakashi with his book. Kakashi walked over to the door and opened the door.

"Oh, Kakashi-san?" said a voice

I looked up to see a young woman with blue hair. Whoa… blue hair. She looked older than me… but again she also looked younger, which was weird.

"Ah, Yukie-san!" said Kakashi. "Please come in!"

Yukie…?

"Isn't she that one person we had to meet?" I asked.

"Yup," said Kakashi cheerfully, as Yukie came in the room. Kakashi sat next to me as Yukie grabbed a seat next to us.

"Er, mission," I coughed, hitting Kakashi on his stomach with my fist.

"Y-yeah," he coughed, but by the pain.

Yukie laughed.

"Well, I guess this beautiful young woman isn't your lover, neh Kakashi-san?" she joked. "My name is Yukie, Yukie Fujikaze."

"Oh… you're that actress," I said. "My name is Akemi, and no he's not my lover. Kakashi-chan is my slave."

"She's a part of my team," said Kakashi, massaging his stomach. "She and I both won the contest, but Akemi-chan is sick so…"

"But, you call yourselves in those honorifics—."

"Oh no," I said. "I only call Kakashi with a "chan" because he looks like a girl."

Yukie started laughing and Kakashi sighed. I coughed a big one again.

"You don't look so good," said Yukie. "Would you like some medicine? My staff can provide some for you."

"That will be… awesome," I said, sneezing.

"Well, I'll call one of my staff members up to take the medicine to you," said Yukie, smiling.

"Thanks…"

"Er, weren't you guys going to watch the movie?" asked Yukie. "It's starting in ten minutes."

"Eh, well, I want to take care of Akemi—."

"Why don't you go with me instead?" asked Yukie.

I stared at Kakashi while he looked at Yukie, a bit surprised.

"Uh…"

"Good idea!" I said. "I'll just rest up."

"You sure Akemi-chan?" asked Kakashi.

"Yeah…"

Yukie smiled at me again.

"I know Kakashi won't be able to enter without you," said Yukie. "I'll just take your place, if that's alright with you."

"Yeah… it's okay," I said. "I need rest… Go Kakashi or I'll kick your ass."

Kakashi patted my head like I was some small kid. He gave me his sappy grin.

"Feel better when I come back, okay?" said Kakashi.

"Yeah, whatever… have fun," I said, waving at them. "Later guys."

"Bye Akemi-san," said Yukie. "I'll go on ahead."

She walked out the door and gave me one final grin before she left.

I noticed that Kakashi's hand was still on my head. It was very cold… which was odd because before it was very warm. He was moving around my forehead until it rested on my cheek. It felt… very good.

"Kakashi-chan?"

He was looking at me in a strange way. I gently grabbed his hand to wake him up to reality.

"Yo, Whitey," I said.

He blinked and smiled at me; giving me one final squeeze on my hand and letting it rest on my blankets.

"Hope you feel better," he said, giving me a small wave.

"Th-thanks…" I said, still blushing.

After Kakashi left I felt my face. It was burning hot.

I kinda wished Kakashi's hand was still on my hand.

KAKASHI'S POV

The movie was starting in five minutes. Neh, I can't wait to see it anyway.

I was concerned about Akemi and Naruto today. They both reacted into their demonic beasts inside them when they touched each other. But why did it happen today? Naruto and Akemi, so far, hug each other everyday. Something must've happened.

"Something wrong Kakashi-san?" asked Yukie.

"Eh… nope," I said. "Er… how's the Snow Country anyways, being a princess tough?"

Yukie smiled at me and laughed.

"Well, my director is complaining that I'm more concerned with my people than my work as in actress," she said.

"I think you're doing a great job," I said.

"Heheh, thanks," said Yukie.

I looked at the snow we just walked on. It seemed like the spring of it all had gone away again. The project still must've been uncompleted.

"Hey Yukie-san," I said. "You help me on something?"

"Hmm?"

AKEMI'S POV

I thought the movie ended already; about two hours past so I'm guessing they're just hanging out. Not that I'm jealous…

The book I "borrowed" from Kakashi wasn't so bad after all. I know it's a perverted book, but once you get the idea and everything, it's pretty damn good, like a Korean drama. Good thing I had it with me for two boring hours.

I was already finishing the book within two hour. But I always see Kakashi with the same book everyday; is he a slow reader? Or maybe he's trying to savor the graphics of the book. Friggin' perv…

I heard the door open and thought it was Kakashi… but…

"Kakashi-chan?"

I looked over to see three midgets. My guess is that they're Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura. I quickly hid the book in my sweater pocket.

"Onee-chan?" said Naruto. "Weren't you supposed to…?"

"Yeah, but that actress Yukie-san went in my place," I explained. "I can't go, my fever is really bad."

"EH?!" said Naruto.

"Akemi-chan that was your guys' chance!" said Sakura.

"What do you mean chance?" I said.

"Uh…"

"Look, I'm tired," I said. "You can go ahead and continue playing or snowboarding or whatever."

"Get up Akemi-chan!" said Sakura. "We have to track them down!"

"Why?" I asked. "And why did you guys come so early?"

"Because… well…"

"Aren't you jealous?" asked Sasuke.

We all stared at Sasuke; partly surprised he spoke and partly surprised he was here.

"Me?" I asked, laughing. "Jealous?"

"Yeah, because he's hanging out with another woman," said Naruto.

"Guys, this is stupid," I said. "He's only hanging out with Yukie-san; they are just watching a movie!"

"Are you sure?" asked Naruto sternly.

I sighed, and then, without thinking, patted Naruto on the head. We didn't react as before; what a relief. Sakura and Sasuke noticed too but stopped their yells when nothing had happened. Naruto was oblivious.

"If it'll keep you guys out of my peace, then fine, I'll go," I said dully.

Sakura and Naruto grinned while Sasuke just looked… plain. It looked like he didn't care much. I don't think these three realized I have a bad cold.

Outside in the snow…

"I can't believe you guys put me through this," I said, my teeth chattering. "Just to spy on Kakashi-chan and Yukie-san…"

"Not spying," said Naruto. "Just… seeing what they're doing."

"Same thing!" I snapped.

"Look, there they are!" said Sakura, pointing.

I saw Kakashi and Yukie talking outside of some store.

"What the hell?" I said.

Next to it was… guess what? A book store…

"He's probably gonna get a new book or something," I said. "C'mon, let's go back."

"Look!" said Naruto.

I saw Yukie and Kakashi laugh.

"They're… just laughing…" I said dully.

"It might mean something!" said Naruto. "Let's go investigate further…"

"How about no," I said, walking back. "Nothing's happening between them!"

"But—."

I felt faint again. No… I can't. Kakashi will catch us. I… couldn't help it.

I fainted.

"Akemi!" said Sai.

"Wh-wha…?"

"You okay?"

"Wh… what happened?" I asked.

"You fainted!" said Sai. "What a dork…"

"Neh… again?"

I felt something really hard on my arm. Like something was poking me.

"Stop…" I mumbled.

"Ah, she's awake," said a familiar voice.

I woke up to see Kakashi and the others smiling at me (again, maybe not Sasuke). I was back in my bed, sweater and all. Apparently I really did pass out.

"Why are you guys here?" I asked. "What happened?"

"You fainted on the snow again," said Kakashi.

"Eh…"

I saw Yukie smile at me.

"You okay Akemi-san?"

"Yeah…"

"Why were you outside?" asked Kakashi.

"Uh…"

I saw Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura turn away from me. Traitors…

"I had to get some fresh air?" I said.

I saw Kakashi look at the three kids for a moment, and then back at me. He looked disappointed.

"We'll leave you two alone," said Yukie, leading the kids outside.

"But—!" said Naruto, but Sakura punched him to shut up.

As soon as the door closed I tried a maneuver to keep Kakashi from questioning me further.

"So… how was the movie?" I asked.

"Eh, I couldn't see it," said Kakashi.

I stared at him. Did he really… go out with Yukie or something? Like a date…? Oh my gosh… what if those three were right?

"So…?"

"I was too busy trying to save you," he said, grinning at me.

"Oh…"

Damn…

"Um, I read your 'Come Come Paradise' series," I said, giving him his book back and trying to change the subject. "Sorry I stole it."

I wanted to see his reaction when he realized his book was gone, but actually I felt worse when he told me he didn't get to see the movie in time.

If you guys are all wondering "Why can't he see the next hour?" it's because he won't be able to see it until available seats are open again (since the movie was so popular, people already pre-ordered their seats).

"Wow, I didn't notice it was gone," said Kakashi, as I gave him his book. "Thanks Akemi-chan."

"Wah, serious?" I asked. "You didn't even notice?"

"Well, maybe it's because I was worried about you too much," he said.

Wow… corny line.

"I see…" I said, not believing one second of it.

"I kid," said Kakashi, grinning.

I rolled my eyes at him.

"You want to tell me why you were outside?" he asked.

"Uh…"

Damn… now he's gonna make me feel bad.

"Er… I was…"

"Oh yeah, about your Birthday and Christmas present," said Kakashi.

"Huh?"

He took out a small red boxed package. It was pretty and it had a tiny card on it.

"Um…" I said, as Kakashi handed the present to me.

"Happy Belated birthday," said Kakashi happily. "And an early Merry Christmas."

"Thanks…" I said.

I opened the small box to see what looked like a small crescent moon shaped locket. The color was somewhat silver… silver gold?

"Aww, so cute," I said, smiling. "Kinda fits, with the wolf and everything."

"Neh, as I said," said Kakashi. "We won't be around Konoha in Christmas either…"

I placed it back in the little box.

"How much was it?" I asked.

"Do I have to tell you?" asked Kakashi nervously.

I laughed.

"Thanks Whitey-chan," I said. "Maybe I should give you something too."

"Nah, its okay," said Kakashi.

Kakashi didn't even allow me to answer that one question about why I was outside. Maybe he knew I was stuck for an answer.

"I forgot where the stores were, so Yukie-san helped me out," said Kakashi. "Just in case you were wondering when you watched us."

Keh… never mind he knew already.

"Heheh," I said. "Right…"

"I didn't get to watch the movie," said Kakashi, brandishing what looked like a video tape. "But Yukie-san did give me a copy of it!"

"Eh…"

Great…

He sat next to me on the bed after he put the tape in the VCR. Ah, I was gonna sleep too, but I owe Kakashi a lot.

"Kakashi-chan?" I asked. Keh… I blushed. I wanted to feel his cold hands again. It really did feel nice.

"Hmm?" asked Kakashi, as he sat real close by me, bringing me a fresh cold cloth to put on my forehead.

I blushed as I clutched my pendant.

"Thanks," I said.

To be continued…