To my readers, please note on that from now on, I will be using Itallics to signal Tenshi's thoughts. Tenkiei's thoughts will be signalled with Itallic Underline. Simple enough? Enjoy!
THREE MONTHS LATER
Tenshi sat up on his roof, staring out towards the village entrance. His eyes surveyed the colors of the skies as he waited for nightfall. He had his first recon mission ever tonight, and couldn't wait to get started. Nothing major. A simple D rank. Life in the village had become increasingly difficult. The monthly attacks on his home, and the animosity from every person in Konoha. Even his dreams were riddled with loneliness. There was no one for him to turn to. Well…almost nobody. Shinase had been a constant source of support, though not the most understanding. Her constant scoffs had brought out a harder side to him. Sometimes in his dreams, two red eyes pierced him, followed by silence. He'd never seen them before and for now, he didn't understand why they haunted him. Often he'd look at crows and imagine a red pupil, but when he looked closer, they were black and cold. Hungry for undead flesh.
Don't dwell on it.
Through his loneliness, he had learned and increased his strength exponentially. He wasn't perfect. Yuki reminded him constantly of that when she did visit. The two had developed a small relationship due to the wounds she had inflicted him. Often times he snapped at her, driving her away from him. She regretted hurting him, and he felt bad for how he acted. Shinase tried to convince him that it wasn't his fault, but he himself could see his imperfections. The constant depression, various temper tantrums and complete lack of self control, caused more trouble than anything.
A sudden image filled his mind, and his jaw dropped in shock. A wolf…a female wolf, running at a fast pace towards Konoha. He recognized the patterns and the coloring. The scent of her filled his nose, causing his heart to skip a beat or two. He shook his head. It was just an image. He didn't have premonitions! Probably just a forgotten memory. He let out a soft sigh, dropping to the ground in a matter of seconds. Shinase greeted him with a deep kiss, before he pulled away. He noticed the disappointment in her eyes. She USUALLY loved long kisses.
"How are you tonight?" he asked, his eyes focused on her two brown ones. He was concerned, but no more than usual.
"I'm fine. You know I hate when you ask stupid questions like that."
His smile turned into a scowl at the comment.
"I'm sorry that I actually choose to feel something for you. I mean…it's not like you actually care, right?" he stated, turning on his heel.
"Not fair. I've given up a lot to be with you," she said, keeping up with his rapid pace towards the large wooden gate, which would signal the beginning of his solo mission. He was only a good five minutes away.
"Ch. Like what?" he demanded, speeding up more. It didn't distance them, as her stride was a little wider than his.
"Like, money. Time. Energy- Even my love."
He remained silent, his eyes focused. He sped up even more, his anger fueling his speed.
"Say something!" she said, grabbing his shoulder.
"What! What do you want me to say? WHY SHOULD I GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU WANT?" he yelled, turning on her. As she glared at him defiantly, he stopped. She was not the object of his anger and nervousness. He didn't have to take it out on her. He noticed the angry stares from the villagers, closing his mouth, and putting two fingers to his temples.
"You should watch how you talk to me," she said, her voice mocking him.
"Yeah, yeah," was all he could muster. She didn't have to state the obvious. He knew that he came off like a complete prick and often initiated the arguments. He let out a low sigh, before slowing his gait. They were almost there. Just a few more minutes and nightfall would come. He contemplated just leaving her behind, and not spending the last time they had together with each other.
They sat there for more than a minute, just silent and unmoving when a sudden rush of sound filled his ears. He watched as a wolf paced in front of the gate, calling out to him. Reality hit him like a weight and he rushed forward, stopping several feet away from his old friend.
"Tenkei?" he asked, aloud, barking his response.
"TENSHI! Oh my god! It's sooo great to see you. It's been awhile." Her bark was music to his hears, causing him to feel almost like he was on cloud 9.
"Why are you here?" he asked, the wind rustling against his back.
"I came here to -"
She stopped midsentence, and he watched her inhale deeply. He felt her mood shift from relaxed, to defensive. Her fur rustled, muscles stiffened, and ears flattened all at once. Tenshi watched her lip curl over her teeth, a deep rumble erupting from her mouth.
"GET AWAY FROM HER! She's dangerous, Tenshi. She's a-"
Time slowed as blade flew through the air, stabbing into the wolf's fur, penetrating muscle and skin. Red hair hung in the air, as Tenshi watched in absolute horror as his best friend was run through by his girlfriend.
Blood splattered the ground,the wet sound, snapping him out of his shock. Shinase's shirt was covered in blood, as she turned to face him. His eyes widened in shock, and he dashed forward, shoving his girlfriend aside. He would deal with her in a moment. His hands trembled as they touched the area where the blade penetrated his friend.
No! Wh-why did she? Shinase attacked her….WHY?
Tenshi's hands attempted to stop the splurting of blood which flowed from the wound, his eyes catching sight of blood coming out of her muzzle, staining the fur. He focused only on the wound, his heart pounding in his chest. He activated his kekki genkai, attempting to control the blood flow in her body, powerless to. His kekki genkai could only control the blood in HIS own body due to the poison. The wet gurgling sound filled his ears, and he yanked the blade out, and with a flick of his wrist sent it sliding over the concrete. He returned his hands to the fatal injury, his eyes misting up. Her breaths came in wheezes and he feared the worst.
I've got to stop the bleeding!
He watched the light start to leave her eyes, and fear pounded in his chest.
No! I won't lose her!
He closed his eyes, remembering the scroll he had seen from his father. He glanced left in time to notice Shinase, dashing to finish the job.
"Okami Kyōhaku-jutsu (Wolf Release: Intimidation Jutsu)!" He formed ram as he prepared the genjutsu. It rose in a single lump which filled his throat, awaiting his command.
Tenshi sat up, releasing a single growl which paralyzed the girl, as a giant wolf held her in its jaw. His genjutsu kept her immobilized, and gave him time to work.
Ok. Calm down. Time is short.
He saw his friend attempt to get back up, causing him greater misery.
"St-stay down. Please…I'm gonna try to fix this. Just, hang on, Tenkei." His vision blurred, as memories of the past seven years flowed through his mind. He wouldn't let this happen. Over his dead body!
Tiger, hare, rooster, ram, serpent, boar, horse, dragon, tiger, serpent, boar, horse!
"Kinjutsu: Tamashī no Baindo! (Forbidden Jutsu: Soul Bind!)" he shouted, slamming his palm to her chest as if performing a summoning technique. A bright green light filled the world blinding him. His strength and stamina left his body at once, leaving him breathless and tired. He could almost make out a shrouded figure who was hooded, with a sword in between his sharp teeth. Two red horns protruded from its head, giving it a ghoulish appearance.
What-what is this fear I feel? He shivered, as if death itself grasped him, before the green light which emanated from his friend faded, returning him back to his present location. He felt the fur between shiver one more time before becoming cold and still.
NO!
NO!
He turned his gaze towards the person who had caused this pain. This sharp torturous agony which ate at his being, making him feel colder.
He stood up and in a swift motion slammed Shinase against a tree. VIllagers raced to pull him off, and he ignored the tugging on his body. He was beyond reason and wouldn't move until he exacted his revenge.
"WHY SHINASE? WHY!" He howled, squeezing the soft tissues surrounding her neck. He bit his lip hard, before engulfing her in sphere of blood. He wanted her to die painfully. To take her out now before she could cause anyone else the pain he felt. He increased the amount of fluids, ignoring the throbbing of his heart he could hear in his own head.
Before he could finish his task, a hand forced him off the girl. Standing in front of him was the new Hokage, whose eyes were unsympathetic.
"Would you like to explain to me what you are doing?" she asked, her tone harsh. His jutsu continued to drown the girl, and he opened his palm, releasing the technique. Blood fell off the teen, hitting the ground with a sick splash. He was sure he could taste Tenkei's blood in her mouth but couldn't be sure. Perhaps that what was contributing to his rage.
"She-she-" he couldn't complete the thought.
"Tenshi- *cough* I didn't want to hurt you! I swear. I didn't know- I did it to protect my identity!" the girl said, her voice weak, and fragile.
He glared at her.
"LIAR!" he screamed jumping to attack her, the Fifth slamming and pinning him to the dirt. He struggled against her hold, his sorrow too deep for words.
"Why, Shinase?" he yelled tears pouring down his eyes.
Because she is an Yusrai. She did it because she didn't want you to find out that the woman who you thought cared for you, was an Yusrai. That the Okamikage had sent her on the mission to kill you. And that she planned to take you out.
The voice that echoed in his head, calmed him down to the point that he remained absolutely still. It sounded familiar, and was beautiful. It belonged to a feminine character, and was absolutely emotionless.
Are you okay? I wish I could tell you I'm sorry about her, but it is the truth.
"Who are you?" he whispered, scanning the crowds. No one he could recognize was speaking to him. He whipped around before a pair of eyes he recognized filled his complete view. Her smell invaded his nostrils and he felt the animal within himself fall back asleep. He laid still, and stared at the figure which stood a mere two feet from him.
"Tenkei?" he whispered, his voice hoarse and weak.
In the flesh. You know you could just reply via your thoughts.
H-how? When did you? The jutsu worked?
Perfectly. I'm sorry I worried you. Wow...a lot has passed in the time I have been gone. Man, you've grown.
Tenshi stiffened as he was suddenly filled with another presence inside himself. His mind suddenly was filled with memories not of himself...but of his life partner.
You came here...you came here because you cared for me. You always have. So much that you disobeyed my mother's order to stay with the pack?
I didn't think that would be the first thought that you dove for, but yes. That is the truth.
He smiled and glanced at Shinase, who had been washed off by the villagers. Her eyes were wide with fear. Of what he wouldn't understand until a second later. The Fifth Hokage, sensing his calmness, let him up, helping him to his feet.
"Tenshi. I'm sorry! Please...don't leave me! I'll do anything you ask. Forgive me! I only did it to protect myself! I neve-" her voice broke, as she got to her knees, crawling towards him. Helooked away slowly, his stomach sickened to its core.
Tenshi. What do you intend to do?
As he took a step forward, the villagers surrounded the girl protecting her from further harm. He clenched his hands together in rage, before razor sharp teeth tore into the skin of his hand. He winced before glancing down at his friend.
I know how you feel. But this betrayal was never intended like this. I can read her emotions truer than anyone other than herself. She cares too deeply for you. Let it go.
It's not fair! She gets to murder my village. Attack me personally. Break my heart and she's the one who gets off scotch free! It's not right!
Tenshi! Think of what Sarah-sama would say!
He unclenched his fist, and hung his head, awaiting his punishment.
"Tenshi Yudashi. Follow me now. We have much to discuss."
The two vanished, Tenshi's head hung in disgust. As they entered the Hokage's office, a pink pig let out a loud snort, and the assistant, waved to the Sannin.
"Before we even begin to discuss your actions, I am going to ask you a single question. How loyal are you to this village?"
Tenshi's mind wandered and he considered the proper answer to such a question. It came out of nowhere which only made him more suspicious of the question. Tenkei padded in after a second, sitting loyally by his side.
"I am loyal to the Hokage. To this village. To any ends…I will defend it with my life," he stated, his voice quiet. He watched her face for a reaction, only to watch her place her head in her hands.
"Hmmm. Very well. Shizune. Fetch the sealing scroll."
Tenshi watched as the other woman left the room, a hurried look on her face.
"I have a new task and mission for you. Not the easiest, but only you could accomplish a single mission like this without raising suspicion. The villagers already hate you, which gives you a better chance to infiltrate them from the outside. Your new mission is to become part of the Akatsuki. To infiltrate and assist them, gaining knowledge on each its mission. Whatever you must do to protect your cover, do without hesitation."
Tenshi's eyes widened. He didn't know exactly of what she was talking about, but she did know that this was no simple mission.
"La-lady Hokage?" he asked, his voice a mere whisper. He fell to his knees as the task hit him full force.
"We already have information that Itachi Uchiha returned to the village and has been spying on you."
His body trembled from head to toe, as he replayed the past three months.
Those dreams weren't nightmares, but premonitions, Tenshi! You were being watched.
I wish I had known that a while ago.
This task is a difficult one. A mission few shinobi could undertake. I know you well enough. You can do this.
Are you sure?
As sure that….never mind. You can do it and I believe in you.
Tenshi gathered his legs underneath him, standing up to face Tsunade.
"Can you do this?"
He nodded his head once, his eyes relaying the confidence and strength he now felt.
"Very well. This is a suicide mission, but I believe that we can help create a believable cover."
The Hokage smiled, and nodded as Shizune forced Tenshi into a kneeling position.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
The explosion reverberated throughout the village, shaking it to its foundations. Cries of fear and agony echoed throughout Konoha, as a loan shinobi landed on a rooftop, accompanied by a wolf. Fire and ash
Another explosion rocked the village bringing down several more buildings, as ANBU shinobi rushed to the scene.
Tenshi glared at them, his rage reaching a high point. His animalistic side came out as he watched them descend upon them. They covered him from head to toe, pinning him in place.
"RAAAAAAGHHHHHHH!" He yelled. Blood exploded as each shinobi was shredded, Tenshi's claws dripping with the blood of fellow shinobi.
"TENSHI! STOP! PLEASE?"
A single voice called out to him as she landed in front of him. Tenkei dashed forward, biting into the small tanto, attempting to rip it from her grip.
Tenshi! What are you hesitating for? Attack!
He shook his head, dashing forward, slashing at Yuki, who barely got her hand up in time to avoid the attack. Their eyes met in an instant.
"What's gotten into you? It's me! Can't you see that?"
Tenshi growled, kicking her backwards, and yanking out a kunai. He tossed it to his other hand, dashing forward. He threw a punch, than slashed towards her stomach, pressing her towards the edge of the roof.
"I don't want to do this! Stop it Tenshi!" Yuki said, their faces a mere inch apart. The kunai scraped against the tanto, sparks erupting from the two ninja tools.
"I don't care what you want. I'm done with this! DIE!"
He broke away, slamming a foot into her knee than an elbow through her jaw. The satisfying crunch of it dislocating made him sick, but he continued through, disarming her in a single movement, spinning to deliver a slash to her throat, jumping back as she was surrounded by a protective field of snakes.
He ducked under incoming shuriken, and kicked another ANBU away, jumping to another rooftop. He formed three handseals, releasing another massive explosion which rocked the village. The cloud of smoke was visible for miles and Tenshi smiled at his handiwork. He had one more conflagration to release
"Hey kid. You might not want to let your guard down so easily," Anko taunted.
Tenshi smiled as the Jounin drove a single kunai towards his throat. Tenkei appeared in that single instant blocking the attack her teeth driving deep into the skin.
Careful now.
Ok. Let's finish this!
He dispatched three more ANBU and jumped to the village gate, attempting to make his retreat. The Hokage though had other plans. She appeared in front of him, her hand raised to strike him down.
"NO YOU DON'T!"
Time slowed down allowing Tenshi to get the full effect of the following events. Yuki appeared in front of him, her back turned to ward off the attack. Before Tsunade could stop it, two shinobi emerged out of a cloud of smoke, grabbing Yuki by her throat, and warding off the Fifth Hokage. His friend was tossed aside, into the flames of the burning village, as the two declared their intentions. His heart sped up in fear for Yuki, but he kept his expression neutral.
"Well, well, Itachi. Seems like we might have a new ally. Someone who despises the village as much as we do," Kisame jeered, putting a hand on Tenshi's shoulder.
Careful. I know how much it disgusts you, but for now this is where we need to be.
I know.
He smiled, and let out a low whistle, chuckling.
"It sucks that I didn't get to fight a Sannin. That would have been a great pleasure," he said, with a purr.
"You two? What are you doing in the village?" Tsunade demanded, her eyes focused on the gennin.
"That is no concern of yours," Itachi stated, his eyes surveying the damage. Hundred of injured or dead shinobi were being rushed off the rooftops, as the village was eaten by flames and chaos ran amuk.
"I wonder how someone so young could cause this much trouble, eh Itachi?" Kisame said, with a low whistle.
"Forbidden Jutsu is fun to use," Tenshi said with a smirk.
"We're leaving, Kisame. Tenshi, you are coming with us."
He nodded in agreement, glancing towards Tenkei.
"Let's go."
Three explosions of smoke signaled their departure, leaving a weary and stressed Hokage standing. She only hoped the damage was enough to convince them to keep Tenshi alive.
