Orochimaru's POV:

I stared up at the words, Usade Inn, and sneered. What a stupid name. I dug my fingernails into my palms in frustration. I wasn't precisely happy with the current change of events. Kiki was being careless and I suppose she always was, to an extent. I wasn't sure what exactly happened to her, but it had to be something odd. . . She was diffferent somehow. I guess I'd have to talk to her.

I had left to go into the worse part of town, hoping to find information on the demon, but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Instead I found a beaten, bloody Kiki almost being raped. Or was she raped? I was going to ask her but she was asleep for now. As soon as we got to our rooms though, she would have to take a shower. A horrible experience, rape is. In Konoha, I met quite a few rape victims. None were ever right in the head for a long time. They'd jump or scream at any and every creaking noise they heard. They broke down crying for the littlest things and some committed suicide. Their husbands got it bad too. They were utterly screwed, or in this case, not.

I smirked. She didn't scream though. She called for help, but never screamed. That meant I still had the pleasure of wringing it from her slender neck, all on my own. It also meant this didn't affect her so horribly she'd go crazy and do some foolhardy action that could expose us. Luck was on our side, I suppose.

Shaking my head, I walked in and headed straight to our rooms. However, apparently I wasn't moving fast enough. In the middle of the hallway, three feet from our room, we were stopped by none other than Croatoan. It was annoying how he appeared where ever Kiki was. It was like. . . It was like. . . It was like. . . they were an item. The bastard loud mouth was trying to talk to me and her now! "What happened to you, Kiki-chan? Koto-san is she okay? She looks a little sick."

I had to get passed him before he noticed the obvious abuse. I tried to think of an excuse, but I kept getting sidetracked by the way that man continued to look at her. It was the final straw when he reached out to touch her face. I felt his hand brush my shoulder as his thumb glided over her lips. She began to stir. "Well, Kiki couldn't handle me as well as she thought she could. I guess she bit off more than she could chew. But considering she was a virgin, she wasn't half bad." I pushed past him and entered my room.

It sure didn't end there though. That would have been too easy, ne? He grabbed the door before it closed and forced his way in. "You sure she'll be fine? I mean, she looks really beat up."

"Yes, now lea-"

"Well if you need anything, I'm in the room next to you."

"Nani!?" When did that happen? It sure as hell wasn't like that yesterday!

"Yeah, quite a coincidence! Come visit me anytime!" I so planned to. I slammed the door shut, but it wouldn't close. "mY FinGERs! TheY're IN tHe DooR!" His voice sounded weird, raising and lowering of it's own accord. I reassured him I'd get them unstuck. I pressed the door harder in and listened to the wonderful hissing he made. I managed to torture him a little bit, while still seeming kind and concerned before I decided to get back on track.

I opened the door with worry in my eyes. Croatoan's knuckles were badly bruised and bleeding. I grabbed his hands and inspected them closely. "Should I go get some bandages or anti sep-"

"No. It's fine. I have plenty in my room. Ja ne. I hope Kiki-chan gets better." I watched him retreat to his room. My eyes hardened as I quickly became sick with being kind and gently with bumbling idiots. I turned back around and headed into the room absently licking my finger clean of the exotic blood. It tasted. . . different. The flavor was thicker, sweeter.

"Koto-sama, What happened to Kiki-san? Will she be fine?" Kimimaro looked up from the tea he was staring at when I left him.

I gave a small acknowlegding nod. "She'll be fine. Help me. Open the bathroom door and start running some hot water." As soon as Kimimaro left, I was surprised to learn that Kiki was fully awake. She muttered something under her breath. It was hard to make out but it sounded like a poem of some sorts. It wouldn't blow me away if she was. She did like poetry. I quieted and strained my hearing.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.

She was reciting the lord's prayer. The lord's prayer wasn't exactly the 'Now I lay me down to sleep' prayer. It was something people said as a final right. "Idiot," I hissed (I couldn't help it)," You're not going to die anytime soon. Pull it together." I turned my head towards her. When I finished my lecture, she kissed me. It wasn't much; just a light peck, but hey it was something. The only problem is her lips tasted... tainted.

I hurried her in the tub. This tub was only big enough for one, meaning I couldn't join her this time. It was plain white and contained a dozen hair-lined cracks. The ground it rested on were tan tiles with no picture or design on it. There was no window or curtains. The sink resembled the bathtub but was even smaller. The bathroom itself was fairly small and archeic. Nothing stood out. It was decorated in such a manor that Orochimaru himself would enjoy it.

Taking a washcloth into his hands, Orochimaru scrubbed at Kiki's skin until it was red and raw. Kiki was still awake, but not talking. She had her mouth shut and her head up facing forward. She didn't even flinch, even though I knew what I was doing was way uncomfortable for her. In simpler explaination, she acted like a corpse. The one time she moved was towards the end to mumble her gratitude.

She never made a move to get out of the tub, so he never made a move to leave."Why didn't you fight back?" I was no idiot. I knew Kiki and she was strong enough to defend herself against a civilian of that caliber.

"I wonder." Two simple words. Oh, how she could amuse me at times.

"Why is it you never show emotion? You never listen to others unless you like what's been said. You're such a weak fool. You're a mockery to all ninja and especially as one that serves me, the most feared. You're so strong and smart and independent and that's what makes you so damned irresistable." I kissed her lips more forcibly than necessary. I let my hands wander, but it made Kiki flinch. I didn't let up. I don't remember her being that strong, but in a second she was.

Her hand was around my neck pushing me against the wall even though I was already against it. She was out of the tub now. It was fun to watch her try to kill me, especially when she's naked. Her grip loosened suddenly and she pulled away. "Leave, now." I chuckled, but all the same left. I needed to do a little research on something...

Orochimaru unconsciously fingered the ring in his pocket.

Kiki's POV:

I quickly put on a pair of clothes and rushed out to the main room. Orochimaru was already gone, but Kimimaro was sitting down looking into a tea cup. I'm not sure why or how long he had been doing that, but it probably meant something was bothering him. "Kimimaro-kun? Doushita? Are you sick?"

"Iie. I was just wondering about Orochimaru-sama. . . What are you doing to him?" He stared up at me and when our eyes met the impact of the question hit me. I don't know what he meant exactly. Something is wrong with Orochimaru? It didn't take a genius to figure that out.

"I don't understand what you mean."

"Well, he acts differently around you. He pays a lot more attention to you. And he's always touching you. Even when your asleep. You are always treating him like he's the trash and yet you are still kept alive. What have you done?"

"Nothing. . . It's complicated to explain. . . Have you asked Orochimaru-san about it?" He slowly shook his head in the negative. "Well. . . If you're so concerned, ask him. I'm sure he'll have an answer."

"Hm." My intentions weren't that pure. I was secretly hoping that if someone brought this up Orochimaru would tone his actions down a bit. I had a right to dream. Kimimaro probably wouldn't bring it up, though. I knew him. He wouldn't want to upset his master.

I left to next door after giving a quick call to Kimimaro to say I was going to my friend's room.. I was awake to hear the whole fiasco with Croatoan, but due to my tiredness, did nothing to save the man's fingers. I would so apologize for that. I stood in front of his door and knocked. "Where are you going?"

Who was behind me? Who else, but Orochimaru! "Koto-san, I was going to have a little visit with my friend. Is there a problem with that?" Orochimaru never moved from the wall he was so nonchalantly leaning on. His eyes remained closed and his arms were folded across his chest.

"Maybe I do." He opened his eyes and moved towards me. "Maybe, I know what'll happen if I let you go. Once a slut, always a slut. I won't say much, but if I find out that he touched you, I'll kill him. I'll kill him slow and painfully and in front of your eyes that will be forced open. Do you understand?" His arms worked as bars as his body pinned me to the wall. His voice held such danger and vigor I thought it best to listen.

"Hai."

The door opened behind me and before I could move, Orochimaru was touching me. His knee pressed between my legs, his hand was grabbing my ass, his other hand was fondling me, and he was violently kissing me. Croatoan stood watching dumbfounded. I continuously struggled against Orochimaru with no avail. Partly because he was acting like my rapist, and partly so Croatoan wouldn't get a wrong idea. Too late, ne?

Suddenly, I was released. "Ja ne Kiki-chan. I'll come to the door to pick you up if I need to." He gave a small nod to Croatoan and walked into Fuiro's room. Five seconds later Nana was forced out the door. She picked up a blanket and pillow that were tossed out beside her and made a neat bed outside the door.

I blinked. "Ummm Nana-"

"I'm fine. Please don't worry about me."

"Okay. . . You might want to move your makeshift bed over, away from the door. Otherwise you might get hurt."

"No, I won't."

"If the door opens, it will slam right into you."

"Oh yeah. . ."

I turned and walked towards Croatoan's room. "Ya know, you should stand up to that loose priestess." I ran inside before Nana could respond.

I stared at Croatoan as he poured the tea into my cup. I had only been in here for fourteen minutes yet already something was off. I just thought I might be feeling a bit akward because I told him the truth. About what had happened in town, not about Orochimaru or Otogakure. He had stayed silent and went to get me a drink. The silence hurts so bad, but I have no idea why. A horrible feeling crept inside of me. In a way, I had a sense that told me he was like Orochimaru. I couldn't lose the feeling. I was afraid of him for a brief moment. "Sugar? Cream?" He handed me a cup of tea.

"No thank you. Sugar and cream? That's odd stuff to put in tea. . ." I gave a stout, nervous laugh. Croatoan did nothing. His hands stayed wrapped around his cup, obsorbing the warmth it held. His eyes were casted down onto my hands gripping the tea cup in such a way. Reaching over, he took a spoon, dished out some sugar, and stirred it in his cup. He took another container and poured a little cream in it, too.

Quietly, he spoke. "It isn't a way the Japanese prepare it I suppose. I'm not exactly from around here if you haven't guessed." More time passed of akward silence. "Why didn't you go to the police? Or the hospital? So he just brought you here after you were traumatized and thought 'well she'll be fine!?' And then he goes and ravishs you in the hallway like nothing was wrong? What's the matter with that man!?"

"Nothing. Croatoan-kun, you wouldn't understand." I wasn't sure what to say. There wasn't much I could say. One little slip up would jepordize the mission or reveal too much. Both wouldn't go well with Orochimaru. "Listen. It's very complicated and I don't think you need to get involved or burden yourself with my problems. It's not like they're important." I took a deep breath. "I should go now." I stood and tried to turn away.

Clinking and the sound of splashing slowed me down, but what stopped me was the hand that grabbed my arm. Croatoan had leaned over the table, knocking over the cups and kettle of tea, and latched on to me with concern in his eyes. "How could you say that to me? You are very dear to me. I know we haven't known each other that long, but still I trust you. Don't you trust me? And you can't just leave. If your psycho, possessive boyfriend isn't going to help you, then I sure as hell will. Please stay."

He sealed the discussion with a lingering kiss. In case you're wondering how this was accomplished, he pulled me down onto the tea-soaked table and our lips met. When I pulled away, I was dazed. I had forgotten to breath. "I trust you...If you think I'm together with Koto-san, why would you touch me like that? Why do you care so much?" I felt so sad and confused and slutty. I felt like I was his property! I felt like I was betraying him! With my mind twisted, I sat down and cried. Damn tears!

Warmth encircled me. At first I was startled, but then I relaxed and let it take over me. The hug Croatoan had forced me into was so calming. "Maybe, I was living on the fantasy you would leave him for me? Maybe because for some unknown reason, I fell in love with you the second I saw you. Maybe because you're so good to touch..." His hand roamed up my shirt and rested on my stomach. His lips skidded across my neck as I leaned away to give him access.

He stopped and brought his hand to my face. "Don't cry any more. I can protect you, if you let me." Gently, he wiped away my tears. I finished my meloncholy a while ago, but the tears had still stained my face. "Possesive bastard." Something rough brushed against my neck. Across the floor, a cat collar was tossed. It was a dark purple and held a circular tag that said: Property of Hibana Koto. I stayed still for a second. My body was killing my mind. I couldn't think straight through all my yearning. Maybe, it wouldn't kill me to succumb...

Mentally, I slapped myself, over and over again. What was I thinking? I promised to hold out for marriage! But it's sooo nice to have a snack before dinner... NO! An argument went on inside my head for five minutes before I felt spiking pleasure surge through me. Croatoan found my breasts and kindly thought enough to play around with my hardened nipples. It felt so nice. I stood and absently repositioned my self ontop of him. Now I was straddling him while he still sat. My tongue darted around his mouth, fighting with his, as I threaded my fingers into his soft hair.

This was going to happen. It didn't matter whether or not I was caught in the moment or was ready. Something in my head said this was my last chance to be with him and I would regret it otherwise. I took a plunge as I moved my hand down and grabbed his cock. His body went completely rigid. He was so hard. I began to take off his pants. When I did I pulled down my underwear, not bothering to remove my skirt, but he stopped me. "No. Is this really how you want it? A quick fuck on the floor?" His voice came out as panted breaths. He was trying to sound kind. Partially

"N-no but please! I need it so bad! You do too. Guys can't every deny it." I grabbed his cock and gave it two good pumps. He moaned so loudly, before he pushed me away. He stood, pulled up his pants, led me to the bedroom, and sent me to the bed. When I sat down, I quickly undressed. I laid there naked as he tried not to stare or jump me and talk to me, all at the same time. I waved my finger at him, hoping he would listen to the beckon. He didn't. Part of me was relieved at the thought that he held morals and self-control. Even better was his respect and understanding of me.

"I'm not like him. Okay? We should get through this like adults. Like uhhh... talk about your sexual history. I need to know if you have any STDs. And ummm... there's birth control... And there's... are you bi? Not that it matters... And then I should tell you about mine... Umm. I am perfectly healthy. I once had gonnorhea, but you know I'm good now. Ummm... I don't have any condoms. Or birth control pills...because... yeah..." It was so cute watching him squirm around like that. I gave a laugh at his expense.

I quited down as I began rattling off useless details. "Well, let's see... Where to begin... I know I'm a virgin...Unfortunately, I'm only three percent sure that I don't have a STD... I'm pretty much sterile... the chances of me bearing your child is slim. Yes, I am bisexual. Mostly, it's just men, but once there was a woman. Satisfied?" He nodded vigorously.

"V-vir-virgin!?" Sudden realization hit him in the face like a ton of bricks. "You're a virgin!? How? Why? He- you- said and what?" I was so tired of the questions. Plus he was speaking so incoherently, I didn't understand him at all. I pressed my lips to his, dragging him onto the bed and then it began. Croatoan's body hovered over Kiki's. At first it was only kissing and a few carresses here and there. Things started getting serious after six minutes.

When he finally penetrated her, she screamed. It was an odd pain she had not expected. Sex for what she had been told, was good. A thought in her head told her it ws because she was a virgin. After a little time passed, the pain turned to ecstasy(somewhat), but enough to encourage her to be more active. She began to push her body closer to his and grinding her hips in a steady rhythm. Blood poured from her legs. There goes my innocence. Croatoan didn't seem to mind. Kiki tried to keep her composure as she dug her claws into his back. She didn't want to worry him, but it still hurt. A lot. The pleasure was fading away again.

Hands groped her thighs, forcing her legs apart more. A bite on her neck made flinch and hiss out his name. As his teeth retracted from her skin, he began sucking. Unknown to Kiki, he was leaving his mark for Koto to see. "St-top!" Croatoan happily ignored her Everything was beginning to become painful. Fingers entangled in each others hair. Rough, bruising kisses were forced on her flesh. Kiki pulled Croatoan's head down to her breasts and called out his name as he sucked them. He took everything the wrong way.

Kiki was tired of not doing enough to help out and pushed Croatoan on his back, taking control. If she was having sex she was damn well gonna make it right. She forced Croatoan deeper inside her. She nipped at his lip, drawing blood. She took her finger and wiped it away. She moved back and stroked his cock. When he shivered, he went animalistic and took control all over again.

Through all the moaning both did, neither heard the knock on the door. When it got demanding even to the point of not being able to ignore, a breathless Croatoan merely brushed it under the carpet. "Don't worry. I wasn't expecting anyone or anything. It's probably not that important." Kiki looked up into his eyes and for a second saw Orochimaru's face with a mixture of sadness and anger. She blinked and it was Croatoan's smiling face.

The night continued for four hours until Croatoan finally came. The whole night was actually klumsy and uncomfortable, but I pretended to be on the top of the world. When it was over Kiki got dressed and excused herself. Outside the room, Orochimaru sat on the ground and tossed shuriken at the opposing wall. Eyes lazily trailed over to her. Anger flashed through them and he turned away in disgust, throughing the weapons with more manevolence. Kiki walked silently by. She was tired of justifying herself.

"Slut. I told you so."

"Gomenasai."

I sat on my bed and wondered. I wondered about the people living in such a mechanical world, running like clockwork, who long ago lost the freedom of thoughts. Thoughts that mattered. Thoughts that made no sense and had no place. I wondered about the woman who sat alone and dreamed. They dreamed and dreamed, but never would they think to take action, leave the warm, safe cacoon they built their lives as just to venture into such a cold, unforgiving world.

I wondered what freedom was. I wondered if we are free, or have we just trapped our mind and forced ourselves to work like the ones around us. I wondered to stop from wondering about Orochimaru, but my thought kept leading to him. Orochimaru is free. Orochimaru and Kiki. That's how he wanted it. Reality. Kiki. Orochimaru. Both alone. I couldn't argue the truth.

Last night I lost my virginity to Croatoan. Orochimaru has abandoned me in his own way because of it. He's colder, avoids any if not all conversation, and he has no acknowledgement of me now. I crossed the line. I have always belonged to no one. Where do I belong? Small racing thoughts of me outside on such a beautifully sunny day sitting happily on a grassy hill, watching little children run by and play with each other. Reality. I sit alone in a cold room collecting guilt for loving a man, other than one who lov- wants me. Such a stinging pain. I pulled my knees to my chin and hugged them, hoping to find a warmth to melt the ice that formed from the gathering emptiness and confusion. It didn't help. Nothing could help because I could never understand. I could never let these feelings, emotions, and thoughts free, for the fear and cold refused to stop restricting me.

I'm the lost lamb of the sheperd, curiousity leading me farther away, fear forcing me onward. Susume (1), Kiki. Nothing's left behind you. What was left? Memories. Memories of a woman who died a long time ago. I was a sad, pitiful shell of a woman who would go forward or back if she pleases, who loved whomever she wished, who had unwavering faith. I was broken. In his displeasure, his hate, torture, and abuse he broke me down into this hollow ghost I am today. Nonexistant. You were given your own hell. Hell. I have created my own hell. Drowning in your sins. Forgiveness. Absolvement. Your virtues? Kindness. Humility. Temperance. Patience. Charity. Diligence. Chastity? Chastity opposes Lust. You aren't pure of body anymore.

I was bleeding. Blood seeped through the cloth covering my arms. I couldn't feel the pain from my nails digging into my flesh. It's numbing to not know yourself anymore. I stood and headed to the bathroom, spending the duration bandaging my arms. I wanted forgiveness, but I would never recieve any from Orochimaru so all I could do was try going to next best thing. I changed into a wool, (or perhaps cashmiere) turtleneck sweater. It was so soft to touch that I ignored the dreary color of gray that matched the mood. My pants were long and black. I walked out of the inn into the cold night. It wasn't precisely night, but the sunset was almost over and the usual explosion of colors long faded. I walked foward, staring at the small clouds I blew mix in with the densing fog.

I headed to the cathedral. I was planning to absolve my sins by relieving myself through the confessional. I stayed still for a second to watch the only tree that was left with a blend of orange and golden leaves. The light that was left from the sun glittered onto it, creating the small flickering equivilants to a candle's blazing flame. God made Moses' destiny clear when he spoke to him as the burning bush. A burning tree that would not burn. I trudged forward to the church with uplifted spirits and stronger hope. Sacrament of Penance. Why was I low on faith in the first place? My thought sounded so rebellious as I stared up at the archaic building in awe. His house was truly the most beautiful sight in the world.

A tan brown was the color of the slowly disintegrating brick that towered at least three stories. Wooden shingles neatly were lined up at the top as were the windows. A display of art was written on each different stained-glass window. Colors of blue, red, yellow, and green highlighted the saints that guarded His home. There was no threat here. There was no black or white, but the beautiful combination gray. I walked up the steps, somewhat surprised to see that they had no cracks or crevices.

The inside was just as miraculous. The saints were still seen, leaving me reassured for some reason. Mahogany pews stretched for what seemed a mile. That came as no surprise though. I felt so very small here. At the very front, behind the place where the priest delivers his sermon, a large crucifix rested peacefully. He died for our sins. Candlelight not only brightened the shadows and darkened corners in here, but illuminated the serenity. Spotting the rows of confessionals near the top right corner, I treaded lightly on the red carpet outlined with gold. The inside of it was small, but after settling on the kneeler, I could fit better. The curtain from which I entered was black while everything else was brown.

I heard the sliding of wood and stared at the "window" that showed a brief look of what the priest's outline was. "Forgive me Father for I have sinned. It has been..." I hesitated because for the life of me I couldn't remember. Suddenly, everything was a blur. I took a few deep breaths and calmed down. "It has been about one year since my last confession. I'm not completely sure why it's been so long. Perhaps it's because before, I never doubted myself or God." I stopped. I would risk a lot talking to this man, but I came for a reason and nothing could make me lie or withhold myself from Him. "Father, please promise me that no matter what I tell you, you will NOT break the sanctity of the confessional. And promise to believe me! I cannot nor would I ever want to lie to God or a man who serves Him."

"My child, I choose to believe in the best of people. I will believe what you say. I let others confide in me and send God's grace to the ones who truly have regret and wish to atone. And breaking the sanctity of the confessional. I am only here to serve as the lords apprentice." He had such an enthusiastic, trusting voice. He was a good man. Will you carry the burden of his death? I shook my thoughts away. It would be as simple as this: Orochimaru would never find out.

"The concept of time has long left me. Maybe it began months ago and maybe weeks. But I do know it all began when my original home, the Village Hidden by Wolves, was attacked and then burned to the ground by a man named Orochimaru..." I calmly spoke the whole story, holding back all my building up emotions. I calmly stayed still and spoke the story. Even through the intimate parts. Even through my demon phase. Even about my current mission. I finished by telling him a vague antecedent of my experience with Croatoan.

I broke down sobbing. "Dear God! Please forgive me! I told you this story only so you would be able to better understand what I'm about to tell you. I feel so lost. I don't understand myself anymore! What's worse, I'm so tired. I keep going, but I'm so tired! I'm starting to give up. Nothing makes sense anymore. I'm always surrounded by people, yet I'm always alone. Dear God, dear God..." I trailed off, no longer able to speak coherently through the sobs.

A speechless priest stayed still on his side, not even breathing. When he exhaled, he spoke in a calm yet horrified voice. "I believe there are no coincidences, accidents, or mistakes in the world. I believe God has a plan for all of us. God put you there to do a job, but you must figure out your purpose yourself... Maybe, if you don't mind me saying so, the hell you're living in, is one you've made yourself. Maybe your trapping your own mind." Nonexistant. You were given your own hell. The words echoed back until I pushed them down. "Guilt is a horrible feeling that can devour you. God will forgive you, but you need to forgive yourself." A pause. "Suffer through and the lord will protect you. He will always be with you." The priest finished up, and I left. The confessional, not the church.

I sat down on the pews. My back was hunched over so my head could lean on my clasped hands that rested on the back of the pew in front of me. Somethig broke. All my frustrations, all my anger, all my emotions were finally released in a steady stream of tears. A smile broke out on my face and I prayed. I prayed for everything and nothing. I prayed for everyone and no one. I prayed to thank the lord for letting me find myself. I sat like that for what seemed like hours, feeling better than I have for years.

Noises didn't bother me, but the shrill voice of some preppy girl on a date did. "OI! Isn't it pretty here. Ya know, there's a lot of history in here. You see..." She rattled of meaningless information like when the church was built or who built it and why. Apparently she didn't see me because she accidentally hit me with her handbag. After hearing me groan, she tossed out endless apologies that quickly became annoying. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you! You should really let people know when you're around!"

"It's okay." I wiped away my tears. "I- Fuiro-san!? Doushite kimi wa koko desu ka. (2)" Yes. The couple on the date were none others but Koto and Fuiro. How lucky. Koto stared at me like I wasn't important, but that was fine. (3) I had moved on and refused to look back. "I am very sorry. You and Koto-sama are obviously on a date, so I should leave you alone." Koto's eyes widened at my nonchalant attitude. I walked past him without faltering once.

Outside it was dark. The starry sky shone bright enough to light the quiet town. The fog was long cleared, but the air I breathed out still looked like clouds. It was fun to try to see pictures in them. I stared intently at what looked like a bunny, until I heard someone hacking up blood. Blood. Suddenly I noticed the all-to-familiar scent of blood that clung to the air. (About 14 hours ago, I regained some of my demon powers back. They aren't all there because Orochimaru still holds my necklace.) I ran to it because it was so familiar. This scent... I know this scent...

I didn't need to run far. After only five minutes, I reached the center of a cobblestone road. Right off the bat, I recognized two people: Kimimaro and Croatoan. Kimimaro was three feet away lying in blood, while Croatoan sat against the wall just like in my vision. But it wasn't..."Kiki-chan? You should be here..." He began to stand, but something was off. His splintered bone in his leg, wasn't in his leg. It was in his hand and it looked more like a splintered sword. There were so many others scents of blood that didn't match. Bodies were hidden in the shadows. Croatoan smiled sweetly and said with that same voice that told her he cared for her," Go home, Kiki-chan. I'll join you soon."

"Dear God, Croatoan! What have you done!?"

Orochimaru's POV:

She wouldn't shut up. I was praying and praying since I was in a church, but it wasn't working. I was trying not to kill her so I could keep my cover, but I was about to snap. I misread her slutty signals she sent me. Apparently, she doesn't want mindless sex, she wants a relationship. Who could have guessed. It would be fun killing her. I came here because bloodied money was dropped into the collection box on the night of each attack. A religious demon? I only knew of one before. It came as a total shock, when I saw Kiki there.

Kiki. When we returned, I would make sure it wouldn't be all roses and candy for her. She will have a real punishment, and will learn her place. She will know she's my property! "Koto-kun! There collections haven't been gathered yet! Money with blood on it is in here!" I moved my thoughts from my rantings on to the yen in between her fingers. I ran up to her to inspect it. The blood was still wet so it was put there recently. Something else in the box caught my eye. I lifted it up and everything clicked into place.

"Fuiro-san, hayaku! I figured it out! We have to get to Kiki before she does something stupid."

Kiki's POV:

"Croatoan! Answer me!" I was trying to stay calm. I was trying to understand everything but it was so hard. Croatoan! He- What do you know about him? Nothing. "Croatoan. . . At least answer me this: How much of it was a lie?" A miko. The one hunting him. His lover. Was I a cover up? Was I just being used? Or was it my demon chakra he sensed and was attracted to? Maybe he was just attracted by the power. Honest-to-God, I loved him. I know it. I wasn't just attracted to his power because when I met him, I couldn't sense it.

He smirked at me. "Kiki-chan, go ho-"

"HOW MUCH!?"

He began walking towards me. I was scared of him, but I didn't run. I stayed there and planned to fight him, if it came to that. "Kiki-chan... How could you ask that?" His blood-covered hand caressed my face and pulled my head towards him. "Kiki-chan..." He was kissing me and I was kissing back. His tongue licked at my mouth and I granted him entrance. His second hand landed on my hip. He pulled away and stared at me. For a second I thought he was going to say something, but instead he just leaned back in to lick the blood from my face. "Kiki-chan, I can't stop now. I've tried but I can't. I did something bad. I accepted a deal with a demon. Now I can't stop. Kiki-chan kill me? I'm not human anymore. Kill me."

"I can't! Please, don't make me!"

"Do you know what it feels like to lose control. No. To not have control? I don't want to live like this. You don't know how it hurts. The pain. It's what keeps me killing. Stop the pain. Please sto-" The needle went into his neck. "Kiki-chan please know, I love you." He put something in my hand. "Don't forget me?"

I was crying, because I was so weak. I felt so selfish. I sat down and rested his head in my lap. Tears fell onto his face, washing away the blood. That's how Fuiro and Koto found me. "Congradulations, Orochimaru-sama. Mission complete."

"Orochi-" She was cut off by the snake himself. Her confusion to soon be answered.

"I asked you to catch him alive. I said only as a last resort should you bring him dead."

"He's not dead, he's just sleeping. The sedative will wear off in eight hours." I stared at his inert body. In my head I still heard his frantic pleas for me to kill him. I closed my eyes and stared at the ring. Bokuno Hatsukoi (4) . It was an engraved wedding ring.

Yeah... Real ansty, preachy, and Sorry. Well one thing I need to mention. Review.

(1) - Onward

(2) - Why are you here?

(3) - This doesn't mean she's now out of love with him. It means she not feeling guilty anymore.

(4) - My first love

Yeah Kiki's a bit screwed up in this chapter but we still like her, ne?