Chapter 26

The Cost of Defiance

Iruka continued to hear the screaming long after he'd figured out it wasn't from Kakashi. Now he was trying to fathom what was causing the sound. He'd always had and active imagination – and he couldn't help but think that the sounds were being caused because Kakashi had found a way to escape his captivity and was headed to rescue him...but that fantasy died with the realization that the screams never seemed to get any closer to his cell. So his mind grasped for other answers while he continued to pace the length of the small cell.

Perhaps this was how Orochimaru kept busy while waiting for whatever he was waiting for. It would explain the varied tones of the anguished screams – and Iruka knew firsthand how much the sick bastard enjoyed causing pain. He paused in his pacing and glanced down at his left wrist – which was still oozing blood, even though hours had passed since the torture. He frowned. Orochimaru placed the brand directly over his wrist – so every time he tried to move his hand the wound reopened. Without chakra to heal it outright, there was no saying how long the injury would be a problem – or how long before he could stop worrying about infection setting in.

Iruka felt tears begin to pool in his eyes when he thought about what would happen should his wrist become infected. In this dank and dark cell, without even water to rinse it off, he'd likely get an infection so strong that it might enter his blood stream and kill him outright. Or worse than that – it could turn putrid and result in him having to lose his hand! Iruka shuddered at that thought. Better to die than be left a cripple in the world of the shinobi. After all, his left hand was his dominant hand – a fact he was certain Orochimaru and Kabuto had taken into account when choosing the placement of the brand. Without use of that hand, he'd find it very difficult to perform his normal duties at the Academy or the Mission Desk.

He thought back to the many times he'd avoided being skewered by an errant shuriken or kunai during weapons training with the pre-genin, and wondered if he'd ever be able to maintain his record for no fatalities in his classes without two hands to pluck the weapons from the air.

Another resounding scream brought Iruka out of his thoughts, and he looked up just in time to see the door to his cell open wide. His heart raced in expectation. Had Kakashi actually managed to break free and come to rescue him?

That thought of freedom crashed onto the cold stone of the cell floor when Orochimaru stepped into the dim light. Iruka backed into the farthest corner clutching his injured wrist in his right hand and hoping the monster wasn't here to punish him any more.

"Now is that any way to greet me, Iruka-sensei – when I was going to offer you the opportunity to take a stroll outside of the confines of this cell?"

There was a grin stretched across Orochimaru's face that made Iruka very suspicious of the otherwise innocent sounding question. "Why would you do that?"

Orochimaru crossed his arms in front of him and narrowed his yellow eyes. "If you don't want to see Kakashi...I suppose I'll just leave."

The Sannin turned and moved toward the door. Iruka frowned. "Wait..."

Orochimaru turned to face him again. "Well?"

Iruka took a cautious step forward. "I want to see Kakashi...please."

The grin that now stretched over the Snake-Sannin's face caused Iruka's stomach to clench, but he couldn't pass up this opportunity. If nothing else, he would be out of the claustrophobic cell...and perhaps – if he was really lucky – even have a chance to escape. Plus – if the bastard was telling the truth – he'd finally get to see if Kakashi was really okay.

Orochimaru stepped to the side and motioned for Iruka to walk in front of him. Once they were both in the hall, the Sannin placed one hand firmly onto Iruka's shoulder and guided him down the corridor. He felt helpless within the grip, but held on to the hope that once he'd rejoined Kakashi that the two of them could overpower the bastard and get out of here.

They continued walking for awhile before he felt Orochimaru's fingers dig into his shoulder painfully and they came to a stop. They were standing in front of a door which seemed to be hiding the source of all the screaming he'd been hearing for hours. A low, deadly growl was also heard quite clearly from behind the door, and Iruka wondered just what creature Orochimaru placed in the room. Another blood-curdling scream – this time closer to the door – startled Iruka and made him try to step backward, but Orochimaru's steel grip on his shoulder made that an impossibility.

"What's wrong, Iruka-sensei? Don't you want to see Kakashi?"

Iruka's eyes went wide. "He's in there?" Another scream filled the air. "What are you doing to him?!?"

Orochimaru released his shoulder and chuckled. "See for yourself, Sensei."

With that, the door was opened and Iruka was pushed into the room. The first thing he noticed was the overwhelming stench of blood and death. It hung in the air and made him choke at its strength. The next thing was the carnage all around him. There had to be over a dozen bodies – in varying levels of wholeness – scattered across the stone floor of the large room, and Iruka found that his bare feet were actually half-covered in a small pool of what he hoped was just blood.

A low, bestial growl was the next thing to catch the chunin's attention. It came from across the room, and was followed by a deafening scream which was cut short – the wet sound of the shinobi's throat being ripped out nearly caused Iruka's heart to stop.

It wasn't that he wasn't used to seeing death – hell, he had survived the Kyuubi's attack – he'd seen more death in that single fight than most shinobi see in a lifetime...all because he'd refused to stay behind while his parents headed off to fight. He'd actually witnessed his father's final moments – after the Kyuubi's tail sliced him in two. Perhaps that was why this current scene was affecting him so much...it was far to close to the carnage of that night – when he'd lost everything.

A flash of silver and gray darted along the far wall toward another of the few shinobi still standing and Iruka was brought back to the seriousness of the situation. He frantically scanned the room – trying to locate where Kakashi was – and couldn't find any sign of him. Another scream – another body thrown to the ground – another life ended – and Iruka worried that perhaps Kakashi was among the fallen shinobi scattered across the floor.

He started to move around the outer perimeter – keeping to the shadows – avoiding the eyes of the other shinobi and, hopefully, the claws of whatever creature was let loose in the room. Every body he came to was glanced at as quickly and thoroughly as possible...all in the attempt to convince himself that Kakashi was one of the remaining shinobi still darting about the room and doing battle with the creature. Once he'd finished a full circuit of the room he found himself back near the door – which, of course, Orochimaru had closed tightly – likely hoping to rid himself of Iruka once and for all.

The chunin glanced around and spotted a kunai lying within another pool of blood. He grasped the handle and clutched the weapon tightly – trying to remember everything he'd ever taught his students over the years about the best way to use the knife in self-defense. He placed himself into a half-crouch and turned away from the door just in time to see the beast launch itself toward him.

Iruka's heart felt like it leaped into his mouth and the gray-skinned creature landed directly in front of him. It's lethal claws dripped with the blood of its latest victim, and he could have sworn there was matching blood staining the tips of the fangs that glinted in the light of the room as its lips curled back in a snarl. But it was the eyes that caught and held Iruka's attention...one a piercing yellow – so like Orochimaru's it was frightening...and the other...the other glowing a sickly red – just like it always had when not covered by a dented and slanted headband.

Realization struck Iruka almost like a physical blow. This creature – this whirlwind of death and carnage, that even now was sizing him up as its next meal – was the subject of his frantic search...his hope for escape. As the bringer of death approached him closer, Iruka pushed a single name past his lips, even as he dropped the kunai to the ground from nerveless fingers.

"Kakashi-sensei..."

-- --

He moved swiftly from one enemy to another – using his newly found agility to spring across the room swiftly enough that none of his attackers had a chance to do more than scratch him. It wasn't until there were only two bodies left standing that he was brought up short by the words which pierced through the fog of blood-lust that, even now, was urging him the shred the bare-chested man in front of him to ribbons.

"Kakashi-sensei..."

He blinked as something tried to push its way to the front of his mind...something important about the man who seemed more stunned than scared of him. Kakashi took a sniff of the air, trying to fathom what made him stop. There, under the layers of blood, filth, bile and fear...there was the subtle scent of chalk, ramen and spice that was unmistakably Iruka Umino.

Kakashi shook his head...it couldn't be Iruka. The chunin was being held captive somewhere far from this room...wasn't he? How could he be here? He took another deep breath of the air and was greeted with those same familiar scents under the carnage of the room...and then he smelled something else and he growled.

He took a step closer to the dark-haired man and cautiously rose from his crouch until he was eye to eye with him. He sniffed the air again – focusing in on the scent that seemed out of place amidst the smells he knew were Iruka. He stretched his hand out so quickly the chunin could only stand there and gasp when clawed fingers wrapped around his left arm and pulled it out until the damaged wrist was in plain sight. Kakashi lowered his nose to the still-bleeding burn mark and a sound closer to a whimper than a growl forced itself out of his mouth.

He felt Iruka tense slightly – but then Kakashi felt the man's free hand rest on the top of his head. "It's okay Kakashi – it'll all be okay."

He wanted to believe the Academy Teacher's words – truly he did. But how could it be? Here he was – barely human any longer...how could anything ever be okay again?

Seeming to sense his worries, Iruka's hand slid under his chin and guided him back up to standing. "Kakashi – I know you're in there. Please – just try to let it go."

Kakashi closed his eyes – trying to convince his brain that the Academy Teacher was indeed real. He slowly opened them again and was greeted by Iruka's smiling face.

"I'm still here, Kakashi."

With those simple words, Kakashi felt a swell of relief flow through his body. He looked down at the wrist still in his hand and focused on the music note discoloring the skin.

"He did this to you...because of me?" His voice sounded strange to his own ears – likely due to his fangs.

Iruka frowned at him and tried, unsuccessfully, to pull free. "It's not as bad as it looks...really."

Kakashi growled and shook his head – Iruka tensed. "You don't have to put up a brave front with me, Sensei."

He released Iruka's wrist and stepped back – expecting the chunin to start ranting about being underestimated. Instead, the shorter man cradled the injured wrist in his other hand and sighed heavily.

"I promise I'll break down when it's all over, okay Kakashi?"

"Heh – I'll hold you to that, Iru..."

A noise behind him caught Kakashi's attention and he left the sentence unfinished as he spun around at the last possible second and disemboweled the Sound shinobi who'd thought to catch him off-guard. Kakashi crouched low to the ground and scanned the room for any more enemies. Once he was satisfied that he'd dispatched the last threat, he took a deep breath and slowly let it out as he rose to standing. He turned back around to face Iruka once more...this time, willing the curse mark's powers back to dormancy.

The look of sheer amazement on Iruka's face made Kakashi chuckle. "See something you like, Sensei?"

The younger man blushed and grinned back at him. "Just glad to see you weren't stuck permanently like that."

Kakashi frowned. "Did I look that bad?"

Iruka laughed. "No – no...not bad...if you're into bestiality, that is."

Kakashi ran one hand through his sweat-soaked hair – relieved it had returned to its original length. He put his most serious look on his face and spoke in a quiet voice. "Seriously Iruka...how bad was it?"

The teacher looked surprised. "You mean you don't know?"

Kakashi raised his eyebrow and made a sweeping gesture with one hand. "Do you see a mirror in here?"

Iruka scratched at the back of his head and chuckled. "No – I suppose not. Let's just say I wouldn't expect anyone to swoon for you when you look like that...unless it's from fear."

Kakashi frowned. "That doesn't tell me much."

Iruka chewed on his bottom lip. "Okay – how's this...you looked like a cross between a snake and one of the Inuzuka's killer hounds."

Kakashi's eyes went wide. That put a rather unsettling picture into his mind. He ran his tongue along teeth that were no longer pointed and sighed. Before he could comment any further, the door to the room opened to admit Orochimaru and his flunkies...including Kabuto. Kakashi's eyes narrowed and he pulled Iruka over to stand behind him. The Snake Bastard grinned at them, even as a handful of the shinobi moved to surround them.

Orochimaru glanced at the carnage littering the floor of the room and licked his lips. "I see you've already learned to embrace my gift, Kakashi."

Kakashi glared at the Sannin. "I never asked for your gift...but I have no problem using it to kill you and every one of your followers."

A stern look settled onto Orochimaru's face. "And what do you think will happen to you if I die Kakashi? After all – just being a short distance from me nearly killed you the last time."

"I'd gladly sacrifice my life if it means taking you out of the picture too."

Orochimaru smiled then. "Heh – I don't doubt that's true Kakashi. But what about the life of the stoic sensei? Are you willing to throw that away as well?"

Kakashi growled while Iruka moved to stand at his side. "It would be my honor to die alongside Kakashi if it means you die too!"

Orochimaru smiled wider and laughed at them – causing Kakashi to tense and Iruka to take a step back again. "Why is it the people of Konoha are always so eager to throw themselves on their swords?"

Kakashi growled at the Sannin's choice of words and his retort left his lips without thought. "It must be that you bring it out in people."

Orochimaru's eyes turned cold and he took a step toward them. Kakashi stood his ground, although a shiver crawled up his spine at the Sannin's next words.

"I've told you before, Kakashi...that I would do whatever I needed to in order to keep you from escaping me as your father did."

Iruka's sharp intake of breath behind him made Kakashi cringe slightly. He hadn't wanted the chunin to know his father had ever been in Orochimaru's hands.

"What's he saying Kakashi? What does White Fang have to do with this?"

He ignored the Academy Teacher's questions for the moment, and aimed his anger at the Sannin...willing the curse mark to activate once more while lunging at Orochimaru. His claws tore through the snake-bastard's neck and stomach effortlessly, and a moment later Kakashi was standing over the remains of his Grandfather's body, breathing heavily. It was over...it was finally over...wasn't it?

Kabuto's laughter to the side caused Kakashi to tense and slowly turn toward the glass-wearing fool. "What's so funny, boy? You wanna be next?"

"Do you honestly think Lord Orochimaru didn't plan for this eventuality, Kakashi? He knew you'd attempt to kill him...and as such, was prepared for this possibility. Meanwhile, the more you use your new gifts, the closer you come to being his completely."

Kakashi growled and stared back at Orochimaru's carcass. "It doesn't matter anymore..."

That was when the body parts at his feet turned to sludge and sank into the floor, and he heard Iruka's sudden gasp of pain. Kakashi crouched low to the floor as he turned toward where he'd left the chunin. Orochimaru's thin white fingers were clutched in Iruka's loose hair, pulling the younger man's head back until his tanned throat was exposed.

"On the contrary, Grandson...it matters quite a bit." He leaned in close to Iruka's ear. "Don't you agree, Sensei?"

Iruka tried to twist in Orochimaru's grip – even going so far as to try to strike at the man – but his arm was pulled violently behind his body, putting an end to his escape attempt. But that didn't stop the teacher from speaking.

"Dammit Kakashi...kill him already!"

Orochimaru sighed dramatically while he tossed Iruka over to Kabuto's care. "Is that what you want to do Kakashi? Do you really want to kill me?" The Sannin spread his arms wide. "By all means, boy, try."

Kakashi knew there had to be a catch...but right at that moment...with Iruka struggling in Kabuto's arms and the rest of the shinobi closing in...he didn't care. He lunged at the man who'd destroyed his life – his father's life – with every intention of ripping him limb from limb. But before he'd made it halfway to the man, Orochimaru's arms transformed into writhing snakes which shot out toward him at lightening speed.

Kakashi ducked under the first one – slashed the second one in two, pulling a hiss from Orochimaru in the act – and jumped out of the reach of a third before a half dozen other reptilian creatures caught him at the knees. He tried to twist out of their constricting hold – tried to slash free of the scales and fangs – but his reactions seemed slower than the last time he'd transformed, and soon had additional snakes twining up and down his arms and around his neck. He growled and cursed – he eventually realized the futility of such an action and chose to remain still instead.

Kakashi watched Orochimaru disconnect from the many snakes holding him and cross to his side. By the time he was standing in front of him, the Sannin's hands had reformed into the pale fingers that were now reaching up to slide through Kakashi's long silver hair. He tried to pull away from that hand, but Orochimaru simply fisted it and tugged until Kakashi's head was tipped back – so his transformed yellow eye met two that looked the same.

"What's wrong Kakashi? I thought you wanted to kill me?" He leaned closer and smiled. "Or are you secretly enjoying the power I've given you?"

Kakashi felt his heart race and his vision started to swim. It hadn't felt like this the last time he'd activated the mark...what was happening to him?

"Ah – I see you haven't quite gotten used to my gift yet. A shame – this could have been much more fun otherwise." Orochimaru ran his free hand along Kakashi's neck.

"Leave him alone you bastard!" Iruka's frantic voice from across the room interrupted the Sannin.

"Kabuto...bring the Sensei here!" Orochimaru released his hold on Kakashi's hair and stood when his aide brought the squirming chunin to their side.

"What are your orders, Lord Orochimaru?" Kabuto's smirk made Kakashi's blood run cold.

"It seems my Grandson hasn't learned his lesson yet. He's misbehaved once again – so it must be time for another punishment."

Kakashi's eyes went wide when he saw Orochimaru reach into the folds of his robes and withdraw what could only be a branding tool – a conclusion which was confirmed when he saw Iruka pale and try desperately to break free of Kabuto's hold. The snakes encircling Kakashi's body tightened their hold as he tried to go to his comrade's help.

"Don't touch him!" His voice sounded desperate – and he felt the raw power granted him from the curse mark slip away – leaving him gasping within the scaly grasp of the snakes even as he watched Kabuto pull Iruka's right arm away from his body.

Orochimaru spared him a glance. "It's to late for begging, boy. You have already misbehaved. And you had already been warned of the consequences to the chunin."

Kakashi saw the tip of the brand glow red hot and turned his head to lock his gaze with Iruka's. The chunin was trying his best to be brave – but the way his breath was hitching made it obvious he was terrified. Hell – the brand on his other wrist hadn't even begun to heal – and now he was going to get another...all because of Kakashi. The Academy Teacher placed a ghost of a smile on his lips – as though trying to let Kakashi know it was alright – even as Orochimaru pressed the hot metal into his arm.

Iruka tried to bite back his scream of pain – Kakashi saw it in the set of the man's jaw and the trickle of blood from his bottom lip – but soon the searing of his flesh became too much to bear, and the room was filled with the chunin's yells. When it was over, Kabuto released Iruka and the man fell in a heap to the floor – lying amid the gore from all those Kakashi had slaughtered earlier.

Kakashi watched helplessly while Iruka was dragged from the room by two of the other shinobi – barely conscious. His worries for the chunin were soon washed away, however, with Orochimaru's next words.

"Now then Kakashi – it's time for your punishment."