Psychic King: *waving energetically at the readers* HI!!!! How's it going?
Well, FF.net has finally fixed it's problems, so here I am, with my
update! It's been ready for SUCH a longtime, too... It's a pity that
ff.net wouldn't let me sign in the last few days...
Sakura: *smacking Psychic King* don't you mean that you've actually just finished it??? Admit it; you were taking things easy this week because of all the problems ff.net was having...
Psychic King: *glancing around guiltily* SHUSH! I've been slaving the last few days! So what if it was over school work instead of the fic? I've still been working my butt off! AND my update is still up as soon as it possibly could be because I haven't been able to sign in the last few days, so there! *sticks tong out at Sakura*
Sakura: *rolling eyes* whatever... *muttering* you big baby.
Psychic King: *turning head darkly* WHAT was that???
Sakura: *holding up hands innocently* I said, this chapter looks interesting.
Psychic King: *getting excited* Doesn't it?? I was having a lot of fun writing this one, honestly. I just had so much to do that it took a little longer than normal. Sorry, but I think that school work may be more important than getting the chapter out in record time... Ah, the road to being a carrier woman is long and hard! *staring dreamily off into space*
Sakura: *shaking head* She's always the same... Stupid... *looking at readers* Well, since she's off in lala land... Psychic King doesn't own Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei or any number of other characters that actually ARE in the Naruto series. Somehow she came up with Naruto's children, his brother, my aunt, and any number of other villains that she's made up. *walking of screen* Don't know why I even bother with that, anyway...
Psychic King: *looking suddenly at readers* Oh, forgive me; I was just looking at my bright future as a Business Woman, after the long hard years of college (in other words, wishful thinking)... I do got a warning for you guys before you read the chapter, though. It is a Sakura-heavy chapter, sorry. But I felt it ONLY fair to warn you in advance, right?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Embrace of Solitude
Chapter 16
Tenmar dashed deeper into the forest, cursing as he did so. The trail was there, and it was completely uncovered, but HOW were they managing to stay constantly the same distance ahead of him. He knew in the forest he was able to run faster than any normal human and many animals, but whoever had taken Iruka was as familiar with the forest as he was, if not more so. Not only that, but they were keeping a steady distance between them. Someone was definitely tying with him.
The sound of Aidan catching up caused Tenmar to turn his head a bit. "Did you find the Hokage?"
"Of course!" The fox replied annoyance creeping into is voice. He slowed down, trying to fall into Tenmar's stride.
Tenmar grinned at him, "Good job. What did he have to say?"
The fox finally managed to slow to Tenmar's gait, panting he rplied. "He understood and is warning the villagers right now. He offered to send some assistance with me, but I figured if I were to wait that long I'd miss out on all the fun. I'm actually surprised that you haven't caught up to the guy yet. Your time in this village must have dulled your senses."
Tenmar glared at the fox. "We don't have TIME for playing or criticism. You can travel a lot faster than I can, so why don't you make yourself useful and go on ahead and see what the situation is?"
"Oh, yes SIR..." Aidan's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I just LOVE the idea of running headlong into certain danger to save some human punk that probably played a part in sealing the boss-man way back when." But even as he spoke he was dashing ahead. He looked as if he was grinning when he turned his head back briefly to Tenmar. "Don't worry, Tenmar, I'll slow 'em down enough for you to catch up with him."
Tenmar watched as Aidan dashed away, calling after him, "Don't do anything stupid! Just find out if he's OK." But the fox was ignoring him. "Shit!" Tenmar sighed, exasperated. He COULD go faster, but if he did he wouldn't be able to see as well or stop as well. The last thing that would help Iruka at this point was him knocking himself out by running into a tree. For a moment Tenmar wished he had sent Uzu... He was much better equipped for blind running in the forest, and their power level was almost exactly the same...
Tenmar shook his head as he dashed forward. It was too late to worry about that, he would just have to pray that Iruka would be OK once he finally caught up with him. If even one hair was missing from either Iruka or Aidan he would make the kidnapper pay it back double.
The sudden and sharp sound of Aidan whimpering in pain brought Tenmar to a suddenly halt. Aidan's voice reached his ears, "Don't come! It's impossi-" The words were cut off and the sickening sound of something thudding against what must have been a tree were all the followed.
In a moment of blind anger and rage Tenmar felt what he considered his human side slip from his grasp. He mind was boiling over in rage, slowly he felt himself transform.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Slowly, tentatively Sakura walked to the mouth of the cave that was her prison. The boy was still sitting there, gazing off into the distance. The wolves were there, too, one of them stood and growled as she approached. The boy, Rin, patted the wolf lightly and glanced at her. "Planning your escape?"
"I- I was just..." Sakura sighed as she sunk down to the ground. The cave floor was cold this far away from the fire, and there was a cool breeze, but she craved human company, being a prisoner wasn't something she was good at. Anyway, this boy intrigued her; he was so... different from what she thought he would be. There was also the fact that he was attractive and so cold and distant acting towards her. She blushed slightly, schlumping her shoulders. She was starting to have doubts about her choices in men.
"What do you want?" The angry voice snapped out, causing Sakura to quickly shift her line of thought.
"Why are you doing this? I don't think you're a bad person, so WHY are you helping that man? He's only doing this to hurt Naruto, he plans on KILLING a lot of people for his own selfish-" Sakura gasped in surprise as Rin moved faster than her eyes could follow, grabbing her arm and shoving her painfully against the wall.
"Selfish?" A twisted smile covered his face, anger and rage dripping from his voice. "A human has no right to lecture me on selfishness. I don't care if Kentaar plans on killing every single one of you creatures; in fact I follow him for that very reason. As long as I can kill all of you I don't care if I have to make a pact with the Devil."
"Ahh! It hurts!" The boy released her arm like it was hot lead and Sakura sat in stunned silence for a long moment, panting against the wall of the cave. There was something strange about when that boy touched her. It was like... his anger, his hate, his rage were all transferred momentarily to her. It had been overpowering, if he had held on any longer she probably would have slit her own wrist; the feeling was that strong. "What WAS that? What are you?" A fear and repulsion rose slightly, and she found her body backing away from the boy.
Rin threw back his head and laughed an empty hollow sound. "What's the matter, don't you want to save me from myself anymore? So much for human idealism. You're are all the same; disgusting. If Kentaar-sama didn't already have plans for you I'd have drained the blood from your body and fed your flesh to the wolves already."
"Rin, don't you think it's cruel to upset the girl so much on this, her last night alive?" The darkness shifted and suddenly there was a man standing there, wrapped in a cloak the color of the night, with piercing yellow eyes.
"Keitai!" Rin moved away from Sakura, slight smile turning up the corners of his mouth. "Finally. I was afraid I'd kill her if I had to baby-sit a second longer."
"As I can see..." The dark shape said dryly, pulling back the hood to his cloak to reveal an almost normal looking if not a little thin and pale face. He had a happy looking smile plastered on it. Something about the man reminded her of Kakashi-sensei. "Well, no matter, you did a good job restraining yourself until now and now she is my problem." The yellow eyed man reached out a bony white hand and grasped Sakura firmly. "Come along girl, we can't keep the shaman waiting."
"So she's really here?" Rin asked lowly, an excited energy pouring off him. Sakura looked at him in surprise. He was treating this man with respect and he was radiating awe and wonder at the prospect of meeting this shaman person. Why were these humans OK while she was a disgusting piece of filth to him?
"Indeed. She's preparing for the... ritual now with her assistant." Keitai, still clenching Sakura, walked casually to the mouth of the cave and jumped.
Sakura screamed as she fell for what seemed like an eternity. She had not realized that the cave was so high up. A hand firmly clamped over her mouth, muffling her screams and then... She was somehow standing on the ground again, alive and unhurt.
The man smiled down at her, hand still over her mouth. "I have your mouth covered not because I worry that your friends, who are valiantly searching for you, will hear and come running; they are quite a good distance away still. Rather, my hand is covering your mouth because your scream grates on my nerves and I have no desire to listen to it. I will remove my hand if you understand this and agree that until such a time arrives that your friends ARE near enough to hear your scream you will avoid such actions. Nod now if you agree."
Sakura nodded eyes wide. Fr a captor this man also seemed strange to her.
"Good!" He removed his hand from her mouth, although the one clamped around her wrist remained firmly intact. "Now, I am sure you have many questions, and I would be more than happy to answer them, there would be nothing quite so sad as dyeing confused, don't you agree?" As he spoke he pulled her forward quickly, leading her swiftly between trees and bolders.
Sakura nodded mutely. She was only now recovering from the stun of her drop and the stun of hearing that this was her last night alive was now kicking in. "So you ARE planning on killing me?"
"Hum... I know that's what it sounds like, but actually... Well, your body will still be intact. How could I explain this...?" He looked thoughtfully down at the girl. "Are you familiar with what a shaman is?"
Sakura nodded. "A shaman is some one in touch with the spiritual. Usually small tribes have one in place of a doctor and they often are revered by their people as the 'wise man' or 'elder', right?"
The man nodded, beaming. "You are such a clever girl! It's a real shame that after today you will be gone! What the shaman, Sai-sama, is going to do is take your soul, yank it out of you body and then take your aunt's soul from heaven and thrust it in. So, you see, it's not like you'd really be dieing, right? More like you're... making way for new life."
Sakura thought about this. It actually seemed like a reasonable statement, but... "Why am I taking this all so well? I mean, I KNOW that there is a big chance that I'm gonna die unless those idiots get here soon, so why am I so calm?"
The man's smile got bigger and his free hand patted her head. "So clever! Well, the answer is simple, really. You have real confidence in your friends to save you. Rin is currently working that part of your mind. He's empathic you know, that's why when he touched you back there it was so freaky. He's picked up on your confidence in your friends and is enlarging that feeling to keep you from trying to run away or acting like a frightened kitten, both of which would be rather annoying."
"So he- Rin, he's working some sort of mind Jutsu on me?" Sakura asked, confused.
"Oh no!" The man replied, acting shocked. "His mind powers differ greatly from your 'ninja' games. I'm willing to bet that you're clever enough that those 'mind jutsus' don't work on you, right?" Sakura nodded. "But Rin is different. It's more like he's... evolved than skilled. His whole family was like that at one point, but they were feared and hunted by the village he's from. He's the only one left. Sad, isn't it?"
Sakura's mouth was hanging open in horror. Was he really saying that people, NORMAL people, killed that guy's whole family? Just because they were scared? It was almost unbelievable. "So that's why he hates humans so much, why he's so full of anger and rage?"
Keitai shook his head, "that would be over simplifying the situation. You see, because of his powers he can pick up on someone's feelings as well as transfer feelings to others. So, whenever he's near someone, even if he doesn't want to, he automatically picks up on their emotions, if he wants to he can also gather their surface thoughts. Every selfish, destructive, ugly thought is open to someone like Rin. There's no way to block him out, either. Poor guy, eh? Well, but you can see why people wouldn't like his kind. But for people like us and for animals..." The man shrugged good-naturedly. "He's the best warrior we have, and his anger and passion is refreshing. Ah, we are already here... Time passes so quickly when you're having a good conversation."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Uzu sighed as they dashed further into the forest. This was too easy. They were obviously getting closer and closer to the den; the stench of wolf was getting increasingly thick in the air. He glanced at the others. Daddy, Kakashi and Ganten had similarly worried looks on their faces; Uzu was willing to bet that they were thinking along the same lines he was, that there was a trap waiting ahead. Mina's face was scrunched with distaste, obviously she could also smell the wolves' stench, but he doubted that she realized the trap they must be heading into. Sasuke was the only one that seemed unaffected by the situation, and if that was because he couldn't smell the wolves or because he simply didn't care Uzu was uncertain, either was he pulled to a halt, whistling to Kasai, who was ahead, to come back.
Sasuke sighed, looking annoyed. "Oi, why are you stopping us? We're making good time now that that thing's taking the lead."
Kakashi patted the impatient boy's head, shaking his own. "Because it's been going TOO easily. They're letting us get close."
Naruto nodded, punching a nearby tree. "Bastards." He growled. "They're messing with our heads. They know this'll slow us down, because it'll make us paranoid. Right now they could be doing terrible things to Sakura-chan!"
Ganten nodded. "We need to come up with a plan, something to turn the tables and use their game to our advantage."
Naruto shook is head, "I already got a plan, I'm gonna kick their sorry asses as soon as I see 'em. Then I'm gonna kill my bastard brother and take Sakura-chan home. The longer we hang back the bigger the chance that we'll be playing into their hands."
Sasuke nodded, eyes glinting. "That's what I think, too." He grinned at Naruto, and Kakashi shook his head again. He was hoping to use this exercise to test his strength, wasn't he? He wasn't even thinking about the fact that he would die if something went wong...
"Oi, Kasai, what are you waiting for?" Naruto demanded. "Let's get going." The fox looked a if it were grinning as it turned and ran ahead, following the trail quickly.
Uzu also grinned, balling his hands into fists. "That's all I wanted to hear." He replied jumping ahead, Naruto, Sasuke and Mina on his heels. He glanced back at Ganten and Kakashi. "If you two losers want to formulate a plan then you can meet up with us there. I can't promise we'll leave any prey for you, though!"
Kakashi sighed as his students dashed forward, towards a certain trap and therefore possible death. He understood their feelings, but rushing right into a situation as dangerous as this one was just stupid. Shrugging he glanced at Ganten, Kakahi would have to trust in their strength for now. "Got any ideas?" He asked, boredom in his tone.
Ganten looked at him in surprise. "I figured you be dashing off with the rest of them so you could go rescue Iruka-san." He replied in a tone that was just as dull.
Kakashi shook his head, "Tenmar's got it taken care of. I just need to keep Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura safe or I'll never hear the end of it from Iruka... Anyway, if they dash ahead then we can show up in time to rescue them from certain peril, right?"
Ganten nodded. "I could see that..." He sighed, looking up at the night sky, then he glanced at the tall trees and the vines hanging from them, picking up a vine thoughtfully he smiled. "I think I can come up with something that'll keep those idiots out of trouble..."
Kakashi grinned through his facemask, he liked this kid. "I'm all ears."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Time passes so quickly when you're having a good conversation." Keitai smiled again at the girl. "But now it's time for the shaman to prepare you, so I must take my leave... I do hope that I've been of service to you in these; your last few hours on earth. I very much enjoyed talking to you, little one."
"But..." Sakura looked around frantically. She was now the middle of a large clearing. In the center of the clearing was a circle made of what looked like bones; a skull was in the middle of the circle. Even with Rin heightening her calm feelings, it was a pretty freaky sight to see.
From the darkness of the night forest walked a small figure wearing a long brown robe, behind that figure was a much taller one dressed similarly. They walked slowly towards the two, and then the larger figure grabbed Sakura's arm, taking possession of her from Keitai.
Keitai grinned, pulling his dark hood once again over his head so the only thing Sakura could see in the darkness that had become his face was a pair of yellow eyes, glinting at her. Sakura had not question in her mind that the man was still smiling that plastered smile at her. He bowed deeply to the smaller figure. "Is there anything else you require?"
The larger figure answered in a deep male voice. "Mistress Sai has all she requires, you may leave now."
The darkness bowed even deeper and Keitai's voice responded, "I shall take my leave until the time of the ceremony, then." With those words his form vanished, blending perfectly with the night darkness. For a frightened moment Sakura wondered if he truly WAS gone. Someone like Keitai could be hiding anywhere in this darkness...
The two hooded figures turned their attention to Sakura. "I suppose the little empath is still wandering around nearby?" A female voice said, exasperated.
"I'm afraid so." The male voice from earlier replied.
Sakura looked desperately between the two of them. Neither of them were very close to her, she might be able to dash into the darkness and- A low growling sound disrupted her line of thought. Or maybe she should just wait here for Naruto and Sasuke... The growling sound vanished. Apparently Keitai was not the only one that could easily blend into the darkness, Rin was still nearby, reading her thoughts as well.
The smaller of the two figures, the Shaman, moved closer to Sakura, pulling back her hood. "Oh well, I guess it can't be helped."
Sakura gasped in surprise as the hood dropped, revealing a girl not much older than herself, probably the same age as Rin. The girl had her dark, almost blue hued hair neatly folded in a long slim braid and bright red eyes. On her face various symbols and designs were either painted or tattooed, Sakura couldn't tell which it was. The man also pulled back his hood, revealing a young, open face. Pulling off the cloak entirely, Sakura noticed that the man had short brown hair, an annoyed look in his similarly colored eyes. He was tall and thin, also older looking, at least in his mid to late twenties.
The shaman sighed, pulling her cloak off as well, and Sakura was surprised to see that the girl was practically naked underneath. She wasn't wearing a shirt, instead long necklaces with beads, bones and feathers hung around her neck, for the most part covering her more private sections of her upper body. Even when she moved in was that may expose her it would not have been easy to see much, as he whole body from neck down was covered in a complicated and intricate pattern like those on her face. Covering her lower half was barely two scraps of clothing attached by a strap around her waist. IN the strap was a long, curved ceremonial knife. She tossed a bundle of long candles to her escort. "Gin, set this up, I'll take care of her body."
The man caught it easily, with an expression Sakura easily recognized, nodding, and went about setting up candles around the circle. The expression was something that was a bit of a surprise to Sakura, considering the difference in their apparent ages (the man, Gin was at least 10 years older than the shaman looked), but it was definitely the look that Kakashi gave Iruka and vice versa, not to mention the look that Uzu's been giving Shikamaru and... She grudgingly admitted that it was also the way that Sasuke looked at Naruto sometimes; a look of pure love. She gaped as the shaman walked to her, grabbing her arm and pulling her into the center of the circle.
"Don't worry." The shaman was saying in a commanding voice, a serious, composed look to her face, "This part won't hurt you one bit." Sai smiled at Sakura and suddenly she found herself reevaluating her estimate of the girl's age. She suddenly looked much older than Rin, older than perhaps anyone Sakura had ever met...
Sakura found herself being laid out in the center of the circle of bones, next to the skull. She looked at the skull as Sai stood over her, chanting and waving her arms. She was trying desperately to summon some sort of feelings of terror or sorrow, but nothing would come. This was all Rin's fault. That bastard was toying with her mind, making her feel calm. It wasn't right, what kind of person got rid of the fear and sad feelings someone was SUPPOSED to have right before they died? In fact, the more she thought about it, the angrier she got. The more she wanted to get away from these strange people so that she could smack him a few times. She realized with a small amount of personal triumph that he was TRYING to calm her down, but it wasn't working. Anger was an emotion that Sakura was more familiar with than either fear or self-pity, Sakura thought, feeling a small amount of personal triumph... And that was the last thing she thought, as darkness took her body, and she fell deeply into slumber.
Sai looked up at Gin, a wary smile on her face as Sakura finally fell asleep. "She was getting worked up at the end there. I was starting to worry that she wasn't going to fall asleep."
Gin smiled at her, "Oh, I wasn't worried. You've been doing this since her mother was in diapers. A young thing like her isn't any match for you-" His words fell short as Sai whacked him hard on the head. He rubbed the top of his head, making pouting faces at Sai.
"Don't talk about my age, brat." Sai stalked back to Sakura's body, lying down next to it, on the other side of the skull and clasping Sakura's hand in her own. "Now, I'm going to enter her dream to have a little uninterrupted conversation. Light the candles once I seem to be in, that should keep our little empath out of the conversation for the time being."
Gin walked to stand next to his mistress, leaning over her as she started to close her eyes. "Just be careful in there, Sai-sama. If she realizes that you are in her dream and that SHE has control she might find a way to stop you from getting back to your body..."
"I don't need you to tell me that, Gin." Sai replied, opening her eyes and smiling at the man. "Like you said, I've been dong this since long before either of you were born."
Gin returned the smile, running his hand lightly over her lips. "I just don't want a repeat of last time. Don't forget, you have someone important to return to."
"Only if you think you're important." She replied lightly. Then she waved him away. "Just get the candles set up."
"Your wish is my command." Leaning down, Gin pressed his lips gently against Sai's before rising and quickly jumping out of immediate hitting range.
Sai settled for glaring at the man before closing her eyes. Slowly she feed her consciousness into the world of dreams, grabbing onto Sakura's hand a little tighter. If she could keep physical contact it would be that much easier to get into the girl's dream and get out once she was done.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Psychic King: *glancing anxiously at the readers* Well? What did you think? I know there was a lot of side and minor character stuff going on and not a lot of Naruto and the others, but this was an important chapter! Next chapter will have a lot more other stuff... I know I didn't need to get so far into Sai and Gin's lives, either, but I was REALLY enjoying that. I got the idea in my head that the Shaman and her protector be lovers and I wouldn't leave.... And then I got attached to the idea that she be really old, but look young and cute, and then I got attached to... Well, maybe too many things...... And then I added them all, because I have no self control...
Naruto: *shaking head* Shame on you!!!!!!! You BARELY had me in the chapter!
Kakashi: *also shaking head* And you had ME let my students run off to certain doom without me???
Psychic King: *shrinking back* Well, I thought that maybe you would have a little confidence in Naruto, now and anyway, Uzu's with them.... And... It's not like you let them get FAR ahead of you, right?
Iruka: *also shaking head* and HOW MANY chapters do we have to wait for Tenma to find me??? I mean, really! Have I been passed out all this time, or am I following someone?
Tenmar: YEAH! I'm really worried about Aidan, too! How could you leave me off there????? And NOT go back to me?????????
Sakura: And what about me? You have some freak feeding me calming emotions and then I finally find a way to fight against him and I pass out because of some stupid shaman?
Psychic King: *holding up hands* N-now... Calm down, all of you.... I had to write all that stuff so that next chapter I can have a lot of things happening! I promise you that next chapter will have a lot more fighting AND answer your questions, OK??? But for now...
*looking to readers* I have a few announcements to make!! First off, I have some thanks to give out. I have received fan art this week from THREE different sources. I haven't gotten a web page up yet to show them off to all you guys, but one of the people has it on her own page, so here's the link if you want to see it! I swear, all three have sent out AWESOME pictures and I am working on a website right now to show them off! It may not happen until this story is done, though... I can only do so much at once, and right now I am focusing my free energy into writing! Anyway, the one pic that currently is hosted on the author's webpage is here: (it's a really great representation of Naruto's children with Naruto, minus Tenmar, because she says he's taking the picture). *grin*
I really want to say THANKYOU to all three of you, but none of you gave me names to praise you by except for your real names... I know it sounds stupid, but I would hate to use your real names without permission, even if I am singing your praises! I usually avoid putting my own name on the internet, so I want to show the same respect to you!
ALSO! I do would like to now thank WindDragon0131 for providing the name Keitai! I didn't have your name last time, so I wanted to mention you now.
Anyway, please review if you liked the chapter! I'll get the next one out a lot fast this time (especially because ff.net seems to be working properly now!).
Sakura: *smacking Psychic King* don't you mean that you've actually just finished it??? Admit it; you were taking things easy this week because of all the problems ff.net was having...
Psychic King: *glancing around guiltily* SHUSH! I've been slaving the last few days! So what if it was over school work instead of the fic? I've still been working my butt off! AND my update is still up as soon as it possibly could be because I haven't been able to sign in the last few days, so there! *sticks tong out at Sakura*
Sakura: *rolling eyes* whatever... *muttering* you big baby.
Psychic King: *turning head darkly* WHAT was that???
Sakura: *holding up hands innocently* I said, this chapter looks interesting.
Psychic King: *getting excited* Doesn't it?? I was having a lot of fun writing this one, honestly. I just had so much to do that it took a little longer than normal. Sorry, but I think that school work may be more important than getting the chapter out in record time... Ah, the road to being a carrier woman is long and hard! *staring dreamily off into space*
Sakura: *shaking head* She's always the same... Stupid... *looking at readers* Well, since she's off in lala land... Psychic King doesn't own Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei or any number of other characters that actually ARE in the Naruto series. Somehow she came up with Naruto's children, his brother, my aunt, and any number of other villains that she's made up. *walking of screen* Don't know why I even bother with that, anyway...
Psychic King: *looking suddenly at readers* Oh, forgive me; I was just looking at my bright future as a Business Woman, after the long hard years of college (in other words, wishful thinking)... I do got a warning for you guys before you read the chapter, though. It is a Sakura-heavy chapter, sorry. But I felt it ONLY fair to warn you in advance, right?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Embrace of Solitude
Chapter 16
Tenmar dashed deeper into the forest, cursing as he did so. The trail was there, and it was completely uncovered, but HOW were they managing to stay constantly the same distance ahead of him. He knew in the forest he was able to run faster than any normal human and many animals, but whoever had taken Iruka was as familiar with the forest as he was, if not more so. Not only that, but they were keeping a steady distance between them. Someone was definitely tying with him.
The sound of Aidan catching up caused Tenmar to turn his head a bit. "Did you find the Hokage?"
"Of course!" The fox replied annoyance creeping into is voice. He slowed down, trying to fall into Tenmar's stride.
Tenmar grinned at him, "Good job. What did he have to say?"
The fox finally managed to slow to Tenmar's gait, panting he rplied. "He understood and is warning the villagers right now. He offered to send some assistance with me, but I figured if I were to wait that long I'd miss out on all the fun. I'm actually surprised that you haven't caught up to the guy yet. Your time in this village must have dulled your senses."
Tenmar glared at the fox. "We don't have TIME for playing or criticism. You can travel a lot faster than I can, so why don't you make yourself useful and go on ahead and see what the situation is?"
"Oh, yes SIR..." Aidan's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I just LOVE the idea of running headlong into certain danger to save some human punk that probably played a part in sealing the boss-man way back when." But even as he spoke he was dashing ahead. He looked as if he was grinning when he turned his head back briefly to Tenmar. "Don't worry, Tenmar, I'll slow 'em down enough for you to catch up with him."
Tenmar watched as Aidan dashed away, calling after him, "Don't do anything stupid! Just find out if he's OK." But the fox was ignoring him. "Shit!" Tenmar sighed, exasperated. He COULD go faster, but if he did he wouldn't be able to see as well or stop as well. The last thing that would help Iruka at this point was him knocking himself out by running into a tree. For a moment Tenmar wished he had sent Uzu... He was much better equipped for blind running in the forest, and their power level was almost exactly the same...
Tenmar shook his head as he dashed forward. It was too late to worry about that, he would just have to pray that Iruka would be OK once he finally caught up with him. If even one hair was missing from either Iruka or Aidan he would make the kidnapper pay it back double.
The sudden and sharp sound of Aidan whimpering in pain brought Tenmar to a suddenly halt. Aidan's voice reached his ears, "Don't come! It's impossi-" The words were cut off and the sickening sound of something thudding against what must have been a tree were all the followed.
In a moment of blind anger and rage Tenmar felt what he considered his human side slip from his grasp. He mind was boiling over in rage, slowly he felt himself transform.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Slowly, tentatively Sakura walked to the mouth of the cave that was her prison. The boy was still sitting there, gazing off into the distance. The wolves were there, too, one of them stood and growled as she approached. The boy, Rin, patted the wolf lightly and glanced at her. "Planning your escape?"
"I- I was just..." Sakura sighed as she sunk down to the ground. The cave floor was cold this far away from the fire, and there was a cool breeze, but she craved human company, being a prisoner wasn't something she was good at. Anyway, this boy intrigued her; he was so... different from what she thought he would be. There was also the fact that he was attractive and so cold and distant acting towards her. She blushed slightly, schlumping her shoulders. She was starting to have doubts about her choices in men.
"What do you want?" The angry voice snapped out, causing Sakura to quickly shift her line of thought.
"Why are you doing this? I don't think you're a bad person, so WHY are you helping that man? He's only doing this to hurt Naruto, he plans on KILLING a lot of people for his own selfish-" Sakura gasped in surprise as Rin moved faster than her eyes could follow, grabbing her arm and shoving her painfully against the wall.
"Selfish?" A twisted smile covered his face, anger and rage dripping from his voice. "A human has no right to lecture me on selfishness. I don't care if Kentaar plans on killing every single one of you creatures; in fact I follow him for that very reason. As long as I can kill all of you I don't care if I have to make a pact with the Devil."
"Ahh! It hurts!" The boy released her arm like it was hot lead and Sakura sat in stunned silence for a long moment, panting against the wall of the cave. There was something strange about when that boy touched her. It was like... his anger, his hate, his rage were all transferred momentarily to her. It had been overpowering, if he had held on any longer she probably would have slit her own wrist; the feeling was that strong. "What WAS that? What are you?" A fear and repulsion rose slightly, and she found her body backing away from the boy.
Rin threw back his head and laughed an empty hollow sound. "What's the matter, don't you want to save me from myself anymore? So much for human idealism. You're are all the same; disgusting. If Kentaar-sama didn't already have plans for you I'd have drained the blood from your body and fed your flesh to the wolves already."
"Rin, don't you think it's cruel to upset the girl so much on this, her last night alive?" The darkness shifted and suddenly there was a man standing there, wrapped in a cloak the color of the night, with piercing yellow eyes.
"Keitai!" Rin moved away from Sakura, slight smile turning up the corners of his mouth. "Finally. I was afraid I'd kill her if I had to baby-sit a second longer."
"As I can see..." The dark shape said dryly, pulling back the hood to his cloak to reveal an almost normal looking if not a little thin and pale face. He had a happy looking smile plastered on it. Something about the man reminded her of Kakashi-sensei. "Well, no matter, you did a good job restraining yourself until now and now she is my problem." The yellow eyed man reached out a bony white hand and grasped Sakura firmly. "Come along girl, we can't keep the shaman waiting."
"So she's really here?" Rin asked lowly, an excited energy pouring off him. Sakura looked at him in surprise. He was treating this man with respect and he was radiating awe and wonder at the prospect of meeting this shaman person. Why were these humans OK while she was a disgusting piece of filth to him?
"Indeed. She's preparing for the... ritual now with her assistant." Keitai, still clenching Sakura, walked casually to the mouth of the cave and jumped.
Sakura screamed as she fell for what seemed like an eternity. She had not realized that the cave was so high up. A hand firmly clamped over her mouth, muffling her screams and then... She was somehow standing on the ground again, alive and unhurt.
The man smiled down at her, hand still over her mouth. "I have your mouth covered not because I worry that your friends, who are valiantly searching for you, will hear and come running; they are quite a good distance away still. Rather, my hand is covering your mouth because your scream grates on my nerves and I have no desire to listen to it. I will remove my hand if you understand this and agree that until such a time arrives that your friends ARE near enough to hear your scream you will avoid such actions. Nod now if you agree."
Sakura nodded eyes wide. Fr a captor this man also seemed strange to her.
"Good!" He removed his hand from her mouth, although the one clamped around her wrist remained firmly intact. "Now, I am sure you have many questions, and I would be more than happy to answer them, there would be nothing quite so sad as dyeing confused, don't you agree?" As he spoke he pulled her forward quickly, leading her swiftly between trees and bolders.
Sakura nodded mutely. She was only now recovering from the stun of her drop and the stun of hearing that this was her last night alive was now kicking in. "So you ARE planning on killing me?"
"Hum... I know that's what it sounds like, but actually... Well, your body will still be intact. How could I explain this...?" He looked thoughtfully down at the girl. "Are you familiar with what a shaman is?"
Sakura nodded. "A shaman is some one in touch with the spiritual. Usually small tribes have one in place of a doctor and they often are revered by their people as the 'wise man' or 'elder', right?"
The man nodded, beaming. "You are such a clever girl! It's a real shame that after today you will be gone! What the shaman, Sai-sama, is going to do is take your soul, yank it out of you body and then take your aunt's soul from heaven and thrust it in. So, you see, it's not like you'd really be dieing, right? More like you're... making way for new life."
Sakura thought about this. It actually seemed like a reasonable statement, but... "Why am I taking this all so well? I mean, I KNOW that there is a big chance that I'm gonna die unless those idiots get here soon, so why am I so calm?"
The man's smile got bigger and his free hand patted her head. "So clever! Well, the answer is simple, really. You have real confidence in your friends to save you. Rin is currently working that part of your mind. He's empathic you know, that's why when he touched you back there it was so freaky. He's picked up on your confidence in your friends and is enlarging that feeling to keep you from trying to run away or acting like a frightened kitten, both of which would be rather annoying."
"So he- Rin, he's working some sort of mind Jutsu on me?" Sakura asked, confused.
"Oh no!" The man replied, acting shocked. "His mind powers differ greatly from your 'ninja' games. I'm willing to bet that you're clever enough that those 'mind jutsus' don't work on you, right?" Sakura nodded. "But Rin is different. It's more like he's... evolved than skilled. His whole family was like that at one point, but they were feared and hunted by the village he's from. He's the only one left. Sad, isn't it?"
Sakura's mouth was hanging open in horror. Was he really saying that people, NORMAL people, killed that guy's whole family? Just because they were scared? It was almost unbelievable. "So that's why he hates humans so much, why he's so full of anger and rage?"
Keitai shook his head, "that would be over simplifying the situation. You see, because of his powers he can pick up on someone's feelings as well as transfer feelings to others. So, whenever he's near someone, even if he doesn't want to, he automatically picks up on their emotions, if he wants to he can also gather their surface thoughts. Every selfish, destructive, ugly thought is open to someone like Rin. There's no way to block him out, either. Poor guy, eh? Well, but you can see why people wouldn't like his kind. But for people like us and for animals..." The man shrugged good-naturedly. "He's the best warrior we have, and his anger and passion is refreshing. Ah, we are already here... Time passes so quickly when you're having a good conversation."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Uzu sighed as they dashed further into the forest. This was too easy. They were obviously getting closer and closer to the den; the stench of wolf was getting increasingly thick in the air. He glanced at the others. Daddy, Kakashi and Ganten had similarly worried looks on their faces; Uzu was willing to bet that they were thinking along the same lines he was, that there was a trap waiting ahead. Mina's face was scrunched with distaste, obviously she could also smell the wolves' stench, but he doubted that she realized the trap they must be heading into. Sasuke was the only one that seemed unaffected by the situation, and if that was because he couldn't smell the wolves or because he simply didn't care Uzu was uncertain, either was he pulled to a halt, whistling to Kasai, who was ahead, to come back.
Sasuke sighed, looking annoyed. "Oi, why are you stopping us? We're making good time now that that thing's taking the lead."
Kakashi patted the impatient boy's head, shaking his own. "Because it's been going TOO easily. They're letting us get close."
Naruto nodded, punching a nearby tree. "Bastards." He growled. "They're messing with our heads. They know this'll slow us down, because it'll make us paranoid. Right now they could be doing terrible things to Sakura-chan!"
Ganten nodded. "We need to come up with a plan, something to turn the tables and use their game to our advantage."
Naruto shook is head, "I already got a plan, I'm gonna kick their sorry asses as soon as I see 'em. Then I'm gonna kill my bastard brother and take Sakura-chan home. The longer we hang back the bigger the chance that we'll be playing into their hands."
Sasuke nodded, eyes glinting. "That's what I think, too." He grinned at Naruto, and Kakashi shook his head again. He was hoping to use this exercise to test his strength, wasn't he? He wasn't even thinking about the fact that he would die if something went wong...
"Oi, Kasai, what are you waiting for?" Naruto demanded. "Let's get going." The fox looked a if it were grinning as it turned and ran ahead, following the trail quickly.
Uzu also grinned, balling his hands into fists. "That's all I wanted to hear." He replied jumping ahead, Naruto, Sasuke and Mina on his heels. He glanced back at Ganten and Kakashi. "If you two losers want to formulate a plan then you can meet up with us there. I can't promise we'll leave any prey for you, though!"
Kakashi sighed as his students dashed forward, towards a certain trap and therefore possible death. He understood their feelings, but rushing right into a situation as dangerous as this one was just stupid. Shrugging he glanced at Ganten, Kakahi would have to trust in their strength for now. "Got any ideas?" He asked, boredom in his tone.
Ganten looked at him in surprise. "I figured you be dashing off with the rest of them so you could go rescue Iruka-san." He replied in a tone that was just as dull.
Kakashi shook his head, "Tenmar's got it taken care of. I just need to keep Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura safe or I'll never hear the end of it from Iruka... Anyway, if they dash ahead then we can show up in time to rescue them from certain peril, right?"
Ganten nodded. "I could see that..." He sighed, looking up at the night sky, then he glanced at the tall trees and the vines hanging from them, picking up a vine thoughtfully he smiled. "I think I can come up with something that'll keep those idiots out of trouble..."
Kakashi grinned through his facemask, he liked this kid. "I'm all ears."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Time passes so quickly when you're having a good conversation." Keitai smiled again at the girl. "But now it's time for the shaman to prepare you, so I must take my leave... I do hope that I've been of service to you in these; your last few hours on earth. I very much enjoyed talking to you, little one."
"But..." Sakura looked around frantically. She was now the middle of a large clearing. In the center of the clearing was a circle made of what looked like bones; a skull was in the middle of the circle. Even with Rin heightening her calm feelings, it was a pretty freaky sight to see.
From the darkness of the night forest walked a small figure wearing a long brown robe, behind that figure was a much taller one dressed similarly. They walked slowly towards the two, and then the larger figure grabbed Sakura's arm, taking possession of her from Keitai.
Keitai grinned, pulling his dark hood once again over his head so the only thing Sakura could see in the darkness that had become his face was a pair of yellow eyes, glinting at her. Sakura had not question in her mind that the man was still smiling that plastered smile at her. He bowed deeply to the smaller figure. "Is there anything else you require?"
The larger figure answered in a deep male voice. "Mistress Sai has all she requires, you may leave now."
The darkness bowed even deeper and Keitai's voice responded, "I shall take my leave until the time of the ceremony, then." With those words his form vanished, blending perfectly with the night darkness. For a frightened moment Sakura wondered if he truly WAS gone. Someone like Keitai could be hiding anywhere in this darkness...
The two hooded figures turned their attention to Sakura. "I suppose the little empath is still wandering around nearby?" A female voice said, exasperated.
"I'm afraid so." The male voice from earlier replied.
Sakura looked desperately between the two of them. Neither of them were very close to her, she might be able to dash into the darkness and- A low growling sound disrupted her line of thought. Or maybe she should just wait here for Naruto and Sasuke... The growling sound vanished. Apparently Keitai was not the only one that could easily blend into the darkness, Rin was still nearby, reading her thoughts as well.
The smaller of the two figures, the Shaman, moved closer to Sakura, pulling back her hood. "Oh well, I guess it can't be helped."
Sakura gasped in surprise as the hood dropped, revealing a girl not much older than herself, probably the same age as Rin. The girl had her dark, almost blue hued hair neatly folded in a long slim braid and bright red eyes. On her face various symbols and designs were either painted or tattooed, Sakura couldn't tell which it was. The man also pulled back his hood, revealing a young, open face. Pulling off the cloak entirely, Sakura noticed that the man had short brown hair, an annoyed look in his similarly colored eyes. He was tall and thin, also older looking, at least in his mid to late twenties.
The shaman sighed, pulling her cloak off as well, and Sakura was surprised to see that the girl was practically naked underneath. She wasn't wearing a shirt, instead long necklaces with beads, bones and feathers hung around her neck, for the most part covering her more private sections of her upper body. Even when she moved in was that may expose her it would not have been easy to see much, as he whole body from neck down was covered in a complicated and intricate pattern like those on her face. Covering her lower half was barely two scraps of clothing attached by a strap around her waist. IN the strap was a long, curved ceremonial knife. She tossed a bundle of long candles to her escort. "Gin, set this up, I'll take care of her body."
The man caught it easily, with an expression Sakura easily recognized, nodding, and went about setting up candles around the circle. The expression was something that was a bit of a surprise to Sakura, considering the difference in their apparent ages (the man, Gin was at least 10 years older than the shaman looked), but it was definitely the look that Kakashi gave Iruka and vice versa, not to mention the look that Uzu's been giving Shikamaru and... She grudgingly admitted that it was also the way that Sasuke looked at Naruto sometimes; a look of pure love. She gaped as the shaman walked to her, grabbing her arm and pulling her into the center of the circle.
"Don't worry." The shaman was saying in a commanding voice, a serious, composed look to her face, "This part won't hurt you one bit." Sai smiled at Sakura and suddenly she found herself reevaluating her estimate of the girl's age. She suddenly looked much older than Rin, older than perhaps anyone Sakura had ever met...
Sakura found herself being laid out in the center of the circle of bones, next to the skull. She looked at the skull as Sai stood over her, chanting and waving her arms. She was trying desperately to summon some sort of feelings of terror or sorrow, but nothing would come. This was all Rin's fault. That bastard was toying with her mind, making her feel calm. It wasn't right, what kind of person got rid of the fear and sad feelings someone was SUPPOSED to have right before they died? In fact, the more she thought about it, the angrier she got. The more she wanted to get away from these strange people so that she could smack him a few times. She realized with a small amount of personal triumph that he was TRYING to calm her down, but it wasn't working. Anger was an emotion that Sakura was more familiar with than either fear or self-pity, Sakura thought, feeling a small amount of personal triumph... And that was the last thing she thought, as darkness took her body, and she fell deeply into slumber.
Sai looked up at Gin, a wary smile on her face as Sakura finally fell asleep. "She was getting worked up at the end there. I was starting to worry that she wasn't going to fall asleep."
Gin smiled at her, "Oh, I wasn't worried. You've been doing this since her mother was in diapers. A young thing like her isn't any match for you-" His words fell short as Sai whacked him hard on the head. He rubbed the top of his head, making pouting faces at Sai.
"Don't talk about my age, brat." Sai stalked back to Sakura's body, lying down next to it, on the other side of the skull and clasping Sakura's hand in her own. "Now, I'm going to enter her dream to have a little uninterrupted conversation. Light the candles once I seem to be in, that should keep our little empath out of the conversation for the time being."
Gin walked to stand next to his mistress, leaning over her as she started to close her eyes. "Just be careful in there, Sai-sama. If she realizes that you are in her dream and that SHE has control she might find a way to stop you from getting back to your body..."
"I don't need you to tell me that, Gin." Sai replied, opening her eyes and smiling at the man. "Like you said, I've been dong this since long before either of you were born."
Gin returned the smile, running his hand lightly over her lips. "I just don't want a repeat of last time. Don't forget, you have someone important to return to."
"Only if you think you're important." She replied lightly. Then she waved him away. "Just get the candles set up."
"Your wish is my command." Leaning down, Gin pressed his lips gently against Sai's before rising and quickly jumping out of immediate hitting range.
Sai settled for glaring at the man before closing her eyes. Slowly she feed her consciousness into the world of dreams, grabbing onto Sakura's hand a little tighter. If she could keep physical contact it would be that much easier to get into the girl's dream and get out once she was done.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Psychic King: *glancing anxiously at the readers* Well? What did you think? I know there was a lot of side and minor character stuff going on and not a lot of Naruto and the others, but this was an important chapter! Next chapter will have a lot more other stuff... I know I didn't need to get so far into Sai and Gin's lives, either, but I was REALLY enjoying that. I got the idea in my head that the Shaman and her protector be lovers and I wouldn't leave.... And then I got attached to the idea that she be really old, but look young and cute, and then I got attached to... Well, maybe too many things...... And then I added them all, because I have no self control...
Naruto: *shaking head* Shame on you!!!!!!! You BARELY had me in the chapter!
Kakashi: *also shaking head* And you had ME let my students run off to certain doom without me???
Psychic King: *shrinking back* Well, I thought that maybe you would have a little confidence in Naruto, now and anyway, Uzu's with them.... And... It's not like you let them get FAR ahead of you, right?
Iruka: *also shaking head* and HOW MANY chapters do we have to wait for Tenma to find me??? I mean, really! Have I been passed out all this time, or am I following someone?
Tenmar: YEAH! I'm really worried about Aidan, too! How could you leave me off there????? And NOT go back to me?????????
Sakura: And what about me? You have some freak feeding me calming emotions and then I finally find a way to fight against him and I pass out because of some stupid shaman?
Psychic King: *holding up hands* N-now... Calm down, all of you.... I had to write all that stuff so that next chapter I can have a lot of things happening! I promise you that next chapter will have a lot more fighting AND answer your questions, OK??? But for now...
*looking to readers* I have a few announcements to make!! First off, I have some thanks to give out. I have received fan art this week from THREE different sources. I haven't gotten a web page up yet to show them off to all you guys, but one of the people has it on her own page, so here's the link if you want to see it! I swear, all three have sent out AWESOME pictures and I am working on a website right now to show them off! It may not happen until this story is done, though... I can only do so much at once, and right now I am focusing my free energy into writing! Anyway, the one pic that currently is hosted on the author's webpage is here: (it's a really great representation of Naruto's children with Naruto, minus Tenmar, because she says he's taking the picture). *grin*
I really want to say THANKYOU to all three of you, but none of you gave me names to praise you by except for your real names... I know it sounds stupid, but I would hate to use your real names without permission, even if I am singing your praises! I usually avoid putting my own name on the internet, so I want to show the same respect to you!
ALSO! I do would like to now thank WindDragon0131 for providing the name Keitai! I didn't have your name last time, so I wanted to mention you now.
Anyway, please review if you liked the chapter! I'll get the next one out a lot fast this time (especially because ff.net seems to be working properly now!).