Psychic King: *yawning* FINALLY... The week from hell is over......... I
survived...
Sakura: What are you talking about?
Psychic King: You may have noticed that I haven't been around much recently...
Sakura: *nodding* Not that I'm really complaining...
Psychic King: *tiredly* hai, hai... Well, there are actual reasons for that, you see... The first is, of course, still going through and hanging out with people and talking to people about my birthday. I mean it was only last week, and in my family birthdays have a tendency to last for a lot longer than that... But the OTHER reason is that this week is known as hell week for college students everywhere. Well, maybe not this EXACT week. But this week is the week that falls dead in the middle of the semester for me. Any college student knows that that equals every professor deciding to have a major test and/or project due. I'm taking FIVE classes. TWO of those five classes had a major ΒΌ-1/5 of my entire grade style test. TWO more of my classes had GROUP presentations due this week, and ONE of my classes had a major quiz (not as important) and assignment due this week. *SIGH* I'm in need of a major nap, but I RAELLY wanted to get this chapter out before I take a couple vegetation days, you see?
Sakura: *nodding* yeah, that makes sense; you writers are always so pathetic. Worry about yourself before you write for the fans next time, idiot. You look like the walking dead.
Psychic King: *waving Sakura away* Well, since I've been so out of it, I can't say if this chapter is the best, and of course on top of that I don't think action is my strongest thing to write... Anyway, that means that I'm just gonna make these author's notes short and sweet, the only important info for this chapter that you need to know right now is this: I DON'T OWN NARUTO. Thanks. *falling in a heap onto the floor snoring*
Sakura: *poking at Psychic King* Ano... Psychic King-sama..? Did you forget? You were gonna tell the readers one more thing before they read... *giving up* Fine! I'll just tell them. *looking at the readers suspiciously* I KNOW you people have it in for me, I KNOW you all want to see me dead... But, I'll still tell you the important information... 'cause I'm a good person. Doesn't that make you want to stop asking Psychic King-sama to kill me? *looks at readers blank faces* Right... So, what you need to know is this; this chapter has Rin's mind reading abilities surfacing, so when he reads minds the text will be in italics so it will look like this: "This is when Rin is reading someone's mind."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Embrace of Solitude
Chapter 18
Gin looked around carefully, glancing with equal distrust at Kentaar as he looked at the dark forest. WHY did all these ceremonies seem to have to take place at night? And why did he get the distinct feeling that he was the only person that was really hurting from low visibility? Not that he was hurting MUCH, but... He sincerely hoped that when the pink haired girl's friends showed up that they would realize that things were NOT how they seemed. That would make his job ridiculously simple. All he'd have to worry about in that case was making sure no one knocked Sai-sama's body or disturbed the ceremony.
He had a feeling that things would not be that easy, however. Not that it really mattered, when it came down to it, the only person he really cared about, the only thing that was important in all of this was Sai- sama's safety. He was more than prepared to kill even an innocent to protect that. This wouldn't be the first time.
Kentaar leaned back in a luxurious manner, a sneer on his face. Gin sighed, he had the distinct impression that the man was trying to taunt him or mock him. Of course, maybe he was just thinking about his brother, he didn't seem to have his eyes focused on anything in particular and his back was to the part of the forest that the rescuers were most likely to arrive. He seemed to be intently staring at rock wall behind them, in fact. Gin spared a glance behind him to look at looming wall. It would be a major pain and completely slow the heroes down to come that way; the chances of them choosing to take that route were slim to none.
Shaking his head in annoyance he turned his attention back to the forest. The corner of his eyes caught on the empathic boy, who was carefully edging himself towards the candles, eyes open in an almost innocent, curious manner. "I wouldn't touch that if I were you. Breathing in too much of the fragrance could have an adverse long lasting effect on your 'gift.'"
Rin glanced at the shaman's servant; he hadn't been able to read anything from him since even before the candles were lit. It was making it exceptionally hard for him to feel comfortable around him. "I was just curious what it was made out of."
Gin smiled, feeling a genuine sympathy for the boy. "You'd probably love to get a break from other people's minds, eh?" He walked over, patting the boy's shoulder, hand brushing his arm. Rin recoiled a bit as a sudden inflow of Gin's thoughts and feelings entered him. Gin removed his hand from the boy's shoulder with a grin. "But it's not completely powerful enough to block everything at close contact, is it?"
Rin moved away from the man, wrapping his arms around himself defensively. Gin's mind was... focused, strong, almost innocent or pure. He knew what was going to happen to the pink haired human girl and he wasn't pleased with it, but regardless of whatever was going to happen he was steadfast in his resolve to protect his master. His feelings were very strong when it came to that woman. It was obvious from just watching them that they were closer than master and servant, but the depths of his feelings were not something Rin had ever seen or felt before. Not even the brief family life he had known was comparable.
"Look, when this is all over, if you really want, Sai-sama might be able to come up with something to help you at bit at least, would you like that?" Gin smiled down kindly at the boy.
Rin nodded mutely up at the man, mesmerized by his emotions. Now that they had touched he could feel all sorts of slight waves from him despite the candles; the man, Gin, must have willingly opened some sort of connection between them. He smiled slightly, eyes wide.
Gin grinned and once again patted Rin's back. "Great. You're a decent kid, you know that?"
The darkness man snorted, face blank. "You haven't seen our little Rin fight, boy. It's hard to think of someone like him as a decent person after you've seen that kind of merciless carnage."
Rin shot the man a dry look, "That's enough Keitai." His voice held more than a little edge to it, and Gin watched in surprise as Keitai bowed his head, apologizing. Rin shook his own head. "No, he's not scared of me," the boy said, answering the question that was going through the top of Gin's mind. "He's just being annoy-"
All eyes attention diverted from their conversation as Kentaar stood, eyes alight. His face was in rapt attention at the solid wall of rock before them. "Stop bickering boys, we've got important company."
"Aw, you saw right through me..." A voice called from far above. Suddenly an orange and blonde blur was falling quickly through the sky, landing with a thump just outside the bone circle Sai was chanting over Sakura in. "We'll be taking Sakura back now, you bastards!" Naruto stood firmly before them, a dark smile twisting his face, his eyes focused solely on Kentaar.
Kentaar moved forward, towards Naruto, his attention as fixated on Naruto as the blonde's was on him. "It's been a long time, brother..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Sorry it took me so long to catch up, Iruka." Tenmar said, allowing his eyes a long moment to travel down the brunette's body. "You're alright?"
Iruka nodded, eyes wide. "But that fox's really hurt. I told him to stay down, I told him I'd be fine..."
Tenmar pulled his eyes away from Iruka, moving to Aidan he gathered the fox into his arms. "Geeze, you're a lot more trouble than you're worth, making Iruka worry and everything."
Aidan wheezed, blood falling from his mouth as he took in a labored breath, "So stop summoning me then, brat."
Tenmar laughed, carrying the fox over to Iruka. "I would, but I'd miss your pleasant company too much."
The fox wheezed again, Iruka thought perhaps the fox was trying to laugh, but it was hard to tell, every time he did it he convulsed in pain. Tenmar gently lay the fox down next to Iruka. His body still looked... part fox part human. "Are you going to be OK by yourself?" Iruka asked, feeling guilty for his drugged state.
Tenmar's foxish face turned sharply towards the Kakashi-doppelganger which was beginning to slowly rise to its feet. "Take care of Aidan, Iruka. I'll get rid of this monster, just leave him to me; I'll be fine without your help. And..." He trailed off, Iruka swore that he was blushing under all that fur, but maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him. "And, watch me. I'll protect you for sure."
Iruka blushed, nodding. Even though he looked like a freak of nature right now, Iruka wasn't sure he'd ever thought anybody (except perhaps Kakashi) was as cool as Tenmar was to him at that exact moment. "Yeah. I'll watch you."
The Kakashi look alike was now standing, moving slowly towards Tenmar. "Isn't that sweet? You've got a little crush, eh Tenmar? Well, maybe you'll get lucky and be allowed to die with him, how does that sound?"
Quicker than Iruka's eyes could follow Tenmar was suddenly standing before the man, punching him hard in the face then chest. "The only one that's gonna die today is YOU, bastard."
The doppelganger flew backwards then twisted his body into a flip, landing gently on his feet. "That talk doesn't mean much unless you've got the power to back it up... or the will." The Kakashi clone grinned, hurtling himself head first towards Tenmar. He landed a head butt square in the center of Tenmar's chest.
Tenmar coughed as the air rushed from his lungs, then he grabbed his opponent by his silver hair, holding securely onto his head he slammed it roughly into the ground and then straddled the man, pinning his arms behind his back. "I've got more than enough power to take care of something like you."
"Oh really?" The doppelganger replied, his body shifting. Iruka feared what form would be next, obviously this creature somehow knew what face to take on to upset his victims, how else would he know to take on the form of Sakura's mother or Kakashi? But the creature remained Kakashi; just instead of being on his stomach he was now suddenly on his back. "Then why don't you kill me? I'm totally vulnerable right now." He tilted his head back so that he was completely exposing his throat to the man on top of him. "If you slit my throat and separate my head from my body I'll die, you know that, don't you? After all, you've fought my kind before..."
Tenmar snarled, jumping off the man and releasing his hands. He quickly pulled four crude looking kunai out of a flap in his pants, snarl on his lips. The doppelganger laughed as Tenmar put space between them. "Afraid of a little contact? Or are you worried that your little Iruka-san will find out about-" His words were cut off as the kunai hit their target, slamming into his side and stomach.
Tenmar snarled. "I'm just warming up."
"Good. I won't hold back, then." The Kakashi look alike darted high into the trees. "Come get me, fox-boy. If you dare."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"It's been a long time, brother..." Kentaar's voice rang through Naruto's head. He was vaguely aware of Uzu and Sasuke landing quietly behind him, and he knew there was a woman standing near Sakura, someone familiar... But beyond that his attention was focused on Kentaar, his brother, his enemy.
"Daddy, you'd better let me handle that half-wolf bastard. You and Sasuke just worry about getting Saku-" His trailed off as Naruto ignored his comments and walked slowly towards Kentaar.
Eyes already red in hue, Naruto growled softly. "I've been waiting for this for twelve long years."
"As have I, brother." Kentaar's eyes were suddenly glowing yellow, also walking forward. They reached each other and stood in solemn silence for a long moment, looking at each other, measuring each other.
Uzu's face took on a desperate look as he watched his father face contort in anger and rage and Kentaar's smirking face, mocking the blonde's rage. It was just like that day; the day his mother and father were both taken away from him. "Daddy, please! You're not thinking strait! We have to save Sakura-chan!"
Sasuke glanced around as Uzu screamed. There were four of them besides Kentaar. Three men and a woman, but she seemed to be occupied with some sort of chanting over Sakura's body. If Naruto was flaking out during this fight they would be in BIG trouble. "Oi! Get a grip, dobe!" Sasuke grabbed a stick and launched it at Naruto's head.
Naruto screamed and tripped a bit as the stick connected with his head. He turned angry blue eyes towards Sasuke. "What the hell'd you do THAT for, Sasuke-bastard?" He demanded, stomping his foot.
"Keep your eyes on your enemy, idiot!" Sasuke snapped back, rolling his eyes and moving into a more defensive manner as two of the three men began closing in on him and Uzu.
"Keitai, Rin, teach those two interlopers not in interrupt a reunion between brothers." Kentaar said off handedly.
Naruto grinned at Sasuke and Uzu, face returned to normal. "Hey, show 'em who they're messing with and beat them down!"
"I'd do that without you telling me to, dobe." Sasuke replied smirking as Naruto bristled a bit.
"Big words, asshole." The younger of the two men said, reaching out and grabbing Sasuke by the collar. "But I think you need a lesson in manners, you see Kentaar-sama was talking to his brother just now; you shouldn't interrupt."
"I don't see why I should take lessons in manners from an evil bastard such as yourself." Sasuke replied, aiming a punch at the boy.
Rin laughed and jumped easily away from Sasuke's fist, but inside he was worried. This was NOT a good situation. The candles were disrupting his ability and unless he could actually find a way to remain in constant contact with Sasuke's skin he wasn't going to be able to maintain a link with the boy. It was not until this moment, when his powers were cut off, that he realized just how much he relied on them.
"You're hesitating." Sasuke said annoyance clear on his face. He glanced over to see Uzu already circling the tall plain looking older man with the dark cloak then he noticed that the third man had already seated himself back down outside the bone circle, ignoring the fighting going on around him. Sighing, Sasuke turned back to Rin. Why was he stuck with the weak opponent?
Narrowing his eyes, Rin turned, glancing over his shoulder he called, "You shouldn't underestimate me, kid. If you want a fight follow me." That said he jumped into a nearby tree and started jumping away from the clearing. He continued to do so until his mind was picking up clearly thoughts of the forest, behind him he could also hear the thoughts of an annoyed boy wondering if the idiot he was following was ever going to actually fight him. Rin turned as those thoughts reached his mind, smirking. "You sure you want to do this, kid?"
Sasuke returned the smirk, crossing his arms. "Are you sure you're done running?" "I want to get this over with, damn it... I wonder how Naruto's doing."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Whoo..." Uzu's voice dripped sarcasm as his opponent pulled on his hood and his face disappeared into the darkness. "That's one fancy cloak ya got there, buddy."
Keitai snickered. "You're pretty fancy yourself. What's with those red eyes? Must run in the family."
Uzu turned his head quickly to the right. Was the man's voice coming from a different direction as his body? He glanced back towards the man, suddenly realizing that the man's body was perfectly blended with the night. He looked back to the direction the man's voice had been a moment before, but there was still only darkness. "Naw..." Uzu replied looking around. "It's like a predator having a bright coat; it's to warn my prey to stay away from me. Of course, it's not often that I get prey that's not smart enough to run away..."
"Oh?" The voice replied from behind Uzu's head. Uzu turned, but the voice had already moved around to his left. "I must be pretty stupid, then. Or maybe I'm not the prey..."
Uzu nodded, continuing to turn this direction then that as the voice moved from spot to spot. "Yeah, I guess that's possible. You look too bony to be worth while meat anyway, so I could turn my attention to that other guy leaning against the tree, but..." He shrugged, circling. "I'm not the kind of guy that can easily shift my attentions once I've got my sights set on something."
"I can see you must be a terror to the ladies, then." Keitai replied directly in Uzu's ear.
Uzu immediately grabbed for the source of the warm breath against his cheek, but even as he did so the man was gone. "Wouldn't know, I've never met a lady worth my attention."
"Really?" The voice held surprise. "I guess more than the eyes run in the family. Is it true that your father is favoring that young dark haired boy these days? Your mother must be rolling in her grave."
Uzu stood still for a moment, face down, eyes shut. His hands were balled into fists and his shoulders were shaking slightly.
"Of course," Keitai continued, "I can't really blame your father, what with your mother being so miserably weak. At least one can only hope that THIS one is a little more useful. Don't you think?" Keitai looked down at the red head, noticing that his fists were shaking. "Oh dear, did I hit a sore spot?"
Uzu un-balled his hands, looking up, in a voice filled with rage he screamed, "DON'T TALK ABOUT MY MOTHER!"
Keitai moved quickly away, cursing under his breath. He wanted to provoke the red haired boy, yes, but he was suddenly realizing that Uzu had gone strait past 'provoked' directly to 'murderous rage.' Luckily the red head still hadn't been able to find him-
Uzu's face took on a sinister smirk as his hand grasped firmly around Keitai's arm. "Caught ya."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Naruto watched with concern as Sasuke disappeared behind the strange looking boy. The sound of snickering caused his attention to shift back. "You always did have an eye for beauty." Kentaar said, stretching his arms above his head. "You were never very subtle about hiding your emotions, either."
Naruto narrowed his eyes as his focus went back to his brother. "I don't want to hear that kind of compliment from you." He replied; voice even. "Are we gonna do this or should I end your miserable existence right here and now?"
Kentaar smiled, moving closer. "I don't know... You remember what happened the last time you tried to fight with me... also, YOU are a lot weaker than you were before, but I have spent the last twelve years getting stronger for this very moment, are you sure this fight is completely fair?"
"Fair?" Naruto said, his body shifting stances to a more offensive pose. "You want to kill me, Kentaar? Come on; let's see which of us has the stronger will."
Kentaar threw back his head and laughed, "You haven't changed at all..."
"We'll see." Naruto said, dashing forward, fist raised. Kentaar spun easily away, grabbing Naruto's arm and flinging the small blonde roughly against a tree. "Ow." Naruto rose easily to his feet, sheepish grin on his face. He straitened his expression, once again preparing to charge.
"You know, this reminds me a bit of watching you fight against Tagen- niisan way back when..." Naruto jumped above Kentaar's head and disappeared in the trees. With a laugh Kentaar jumped to follow him. "Trying to hi-" His words caught in his throat as Naruto's foot connected with the back of his head, sending him hurtling towards the ground.
"Let's get one thing strait, bastard. I don't want to reminisce about the past with YOU at all. As far as I'm concerned you are NOT my brother." Naruto replied jumping back from Kentaar's body as the man rose slightly shakily to his feet. "So shut up and fight."
Kentaar wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth as he moved towards Naruto. "Have it your way, just don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're small, brother."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, asshole." Naruto replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Gin watched with interest as Naruto performed some sort of hand seals, calling out, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Suddenly there were twelve Naruto's each one screaming out, "OK, here I go!" And then they jumped at the wolf man.
One by one Kentaar knocked them down. As each copy was hit they disappeared in a small puff of smoke until only one Naruto remained. Gin smiled. Just because Sai-sama was working for Kentaar did NOT mean that Gin wanted him to win this fight. In fact, both he and Sai were rather hoping that Naruto and his family would rid the world of Kentaar's evil taint.
Gin had never met the fox demon before he became the young boy before him, but he had heard many stories from Sai-sama. Apparently she had been friends with his wife, Illia both before AND after the woman's untimely demise. According to the stories he was unrivaled in raw power, and clever enough to come up with plans completely on the fly. Despite his duty and desire to remain attentive to his master, he found himself constantly flashing his attention completely back to Naruto and Kentaar's fight.
That was why he almost missed the red streak that flashed from the corner of the clearing, strait towards where Sai-sama was still chanting over the pink haired girl; almost. Acting quickly he jumped towards the fox, managing to catch the creature just as it was jumping over the circle of bones; luckily before the animal's feet managed to touch inside the circle. "I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to disturb them at this time." He said, hand clasped tightly around Kasai's neck.
Kasai's eyes widened as he looked at his captor. He rolled his eye towards the circle where the shaman's canting was growing even more urgent. "You two?"
Gin bowed his head, "I apologize Kasai-san, but as I said, I can not allow you to interrupt the ceremony."
Kasai's sharp claws snaked out and slashed at Gin's arm, causing the man to release the fox. "I see. Well, if that's how it's gonna be..."
Gin nodded, taking a defensive stance in front of the circle. "I hate to do this, but if you're going to persist I'm going to have to fight you."
"Yeah, well, I hate to do this, too, but I told them I'd get the girl back, you see. I'd hate to disappoint the runt on the first mission he's given me since his return, you know?" The fox did a motion that seemed kind of like a shrug.
"Fine." Gin shook his head in a slightly disappointed way. "Let's just make this look good, OK?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Psychic King: *lifting head from nap and looking at readers; yawning* Well, please tell me what you think and leave a review. If you have any suggestions on how to make next chapter better please let me know that, too. I wanted to thank EVERYBODY that gave me a happy birthday review; it was great and made me feel special! An extra special thanks to Abby-chan who sent me a great happy birthday picture! I think there was something else I was supposed to mention, but I'm way too beat... If you'll all excuse me I'm gonna sleep for the next couple days, OK? *head falls back down onto the floor and snoring resumes*
Sakura: *peeking head into room and laying a blanket over Psychic King* Oh yeah, if you guys want to e-mail Psychic King-sama, please do it at Psychic_King@hotmail.com
Psychic King: *popping head up suddenly* I remember!!!! This chapter marks the point in my story that is very special. This chapter is my over 100,000 words chapter!!!!! Hurray!! *holds hands up in a victorious manner, then drops head back down, hitting the floor with a thumping sound*
Sakura: *shaking head* GO TO SLEEP, IDIOT! *stalks away*
Sakura: What are you talking about?
Psychic King: You may have noticed that I haven't been around much recently...
Sakura: *nodding* Not that I'm really complaining...
Psychic King: *tiredly* hai, hai... Well, there are actual reasons for that, you see... The first is, of course, still going through and hanging out with people and talking to people about my birthday. I mean it was only last week, and in my family birthdays have a tendency to last for a lot longer than that... But the OTHER reason is that this week is known as hell week for college students everywhere. Well, maybe not this EXACT week. But this week is the week that falls dead in the middle of the semester for me. Any college student knows that that equals every professor deciding to have a major test and/or project due. I'm taking FIVE classes. TWO of those five classes had a major ΒΌ-1/5 of my entire grade style test. TWO more of my classes had GROUP presentations due this week, and ONE of my classes had a major quiz (not as important) and assignment due this week. *SIGH* I'm in need of a major nap, but I RAELLY wanted to get this chapter out before I take a couple vegetation days, you see?
Sakura: *nodding* yeah, that makes sense; you writers are always so pathetic. Worry about yourself before you write for the fans next time, idiot. You look like the walking dead.
Psychic King: *waving Sakura away* Well, since I've been so out of it, I can't say if this chapter is the best, and of course on top of that I don't think action is my strongest thing to write... Anyway, that means that I'm just gonna make these author's notes short and sweet, the only important info for this chapter that you need to know right now is this: I DON'T OWN NARUTO. Thanks. *falling in a heap onto the floor snoring*
Sakura: *poking at Psychic King* Ano... Psychic King-sama..? Did you forget? You were gonna tell the readers one more thing before they read... *giving up* Fine! I'll just tell them. *looking at the readers suspiciously* I KNOW you people have it in for me, I KNOW you all want to see me dead... But, I'll still tell you the important information... 'cause I'm a good person. Doesn't that make you want to stop asking Psychic King-sama to kill me? *looks at readers blank faces* Right... So, what you need to know is this; this chapter has Rin's mind reading abilities surfacing, so when he reads minds the text will be in italics so it will look like this: "This is when Rin is reading someone's mind."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Embrace of Solitude
Chapter 18
Gin looked around carefully, glancing with equal distrust at Kentaar as he looked at the dark forest. WHY did all these ceremonies seem to have to take place at night? And why did he get the distinct feeling that he was the only person that was really hurting from low visibility? Not that he was hurting MUCH, but... He sincerely hoped that when the pink haired girl's friends showed up that they would realize that things were NOT how they seemed. That would make his job ridiculously simple. All he'd have to worry about in that case was making sure no one knocked Sai-sama's body or disturbed the ceremony.
He had a feeling that things would not be that easy, however. Not that it really mattered, when it came down to it, the only person he really cared about, the only thing that was important in all of this was Sai- sama's safety. He was more than prepared to kill even an innocent to protect that. This wouldn't be the first time.
Kentaar leaned back in a luxurious manner, a sneer on his face. Gin sighed, he had the distinct impression that the man was trying to taunt him or mock him. Of course, maybe he was just thinking about his brother, he didn't seem to have his eyes focused on anything in particular and his back was to the part of the forest that the rescuers were most likely to arrive. He seemed to be intently staring at rock wall behind them, in fact. Gin spared a glance behind him to look at looming wall. It would be a major pain and completely slow the heroes down to come that way; the chances of them choosing to take that route were slim to none.
Shaking his head in annoyance he turned his attention back to the forest. The corner of his eyes caught on the empathic boy, who was carefully edging himself towards the candles, eyes open in an almost innocent, curious manner. "I wouldn't touch that if I were you. Breathing in too much of the fragrance could have an adverse long lasting effect on your 'gift.'"
Rin glanced at the shaman's servant; he hadn't been able to read anything from him since even before the candles were lit. It was making it exceptionally hard for him to feel comfortable around him. "I was just curious what it was made out of."
Gin smiled, feeling a genuine sympathy for the boy. "You'd probably love to get a break from other people's minds, eh?" He walked over, patting the boy's shoulder, hand brushing his arm. Rin recoiled a bit as a sudden inflow of Gin's thoughts and feelings entered him. Gin removed his hand from the boy's shoulder with a grin. "But it's not completely powerful enough to block everything at close contact, is it?"
Rin moved away from the man, wrapping his arms around himself defensively. Gin's mind was... focused, strong, almost innocent or pure. He knew what was going to happen to the pink haired human girl and he wasn't pleased with it, but regardless of whatever was going to happen he was steadfast in his resolve to protect his master. His feelings were very strong when it came to that woman. It was obvious from just watching them that they were closer than master and servant, but the depths of his feelings were not something Rin had ever seen or felt before. Not even the brief family life he had known was comparable.
"Look, when this is all over, if you really want, Sai-sama might be able to come up with something to help you at bit at least, would you like that?" Gin smiled down kindly at the boy.
Rin nodded mutely up at the man, mesmerized by his emotions. Now that they had touched he could feel all sorts of slight waves from him despite the candles; the man, Gin, must have willingly opened some sort of connection between them. He smiled slightly, eyes wide.
Gin grinned and once again patted Rin's back. "Great. You're a decent kid, you know that?"
The darkness man snorted, face blank. "You haven't seen our little Rin fight, boy. It's hard to think of someone like him as a decent person after you've seen that kind of merciless carnage."
Rin shot the man a dry look, "That's enough Keitai." His voice held more than a little edge to it, and Gin watched in surprise as Keitai bowed his head, apologizing. Rin shook his own head. "No, he's not scared of me," the boy said, answering the question that was going through the top of Gin's mind. "He's just being annoy-"
All eyes attention diverted from their conversation as Kentaar stood, eyes alight. His face was in rapt attention at the solid wall of rock before them. "Stop bickering boys, we've got important company."
"Aw, you saw right through me..." A voice called from far above. Suddenly an orange and blonde blur was falling quickly through the sky, landing with a thump just outside the bone circle Sai was chanting over Sakura in. "We'll be taking Sakura back now, you bastards!" Naruto stood firmly before them, a dark smile twisting his face, his eyes focused solely on Kentaar.
Kentaar moved forward, towards Naruto, his attention as fixated on Naruto as the blonde's was on him. "It's been a long time, brother..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Sorry it took me so long to catch up, Iruka." Tenmar said, allowing his eyes a long moment to travel down the brunette's body. "You're alright?"
Iruka nodded, eyes wide. "But that fox's really hurt. I told him to stay down, I told him I'd be fine..."
Tenmar pulled his eyes away from Iruka, moving to Aidan he gathered the fox into his arms. "Geeze, you're a lot more trouble than you're worth, making Iruka worry and everything."
Aidan wheezed, blood falling from his mouth as he took in a labored breath, "So stop summoning me then, brat."
Tenmar laughed, carrying the fox over to Iruka. "I would, but I'd miss your pleasant company too much."
The fox wheezed again, Iruka thought perhaps the fox was trying to laugh, but it was hard to tell, every time he did it he convulsed in pain. Tenmar gently lay the fox down next to Iruka. His body still looked... part fox part human. "Are you going to be OK by yourself?" Iruka asked, feeling guilty for his drugged state.
Tenmar's foxish face turned sharply towards the Kakashi-doppelganger which was beginning to slowly rise to its feet. "Take care of Aidan, Iruka. I'll get rid of this monster, just leave him to me; I'll be fine without your help. And..." He trailed off, Iruka swore that he was blushing under all that fur, but maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him. "And, watch me. I'll protect you for sure."
Iruka blushed, nodding. Even though he looked like a freak of nature right now, Iruka wasn't sure he'd ever thought anybody (except perhaps Kakashi) was as cool as Tenmar was to him at that exact moment. "Yeah. I'll watch you."
The Kakashi look alike was now standing, moving slowly towards Tenmar. "Isn't that sweet? You've got a little crush, eh Tenmar? Well, maybe you'll get lucky and be allowed to die with him, how does that sound?"
Quicker than Iruka's eyes could follow Tenmar was suddenly standing before the man, punching him hard in the face then chest. "The only one that's gonna die today is YOU, bastard."
The doppelganger flew backwards then twisted his body into a flip, landing gently on his feet. "That talk doesn't mean much unless you've got the power to back it up... or the will." The Kakashi clone grinned, hurtling himself head first towards Tenmar. He landed a head butt square in the center of Tenmar's chest.
Tenmar coughed as the air rushed from his lungs, then he grabbed his opponent by his silver hair, holding securely onto his head he slammed it roughly into the ground and then straddled the man, pinning his arms behind his back. "I've got more than enough power to take care of something like you."
"Oh really?" The doppelganger replied, his body shifting. Iruka feared what form would be next, obviously this creature somehow knew what face to take on to upset his victims, how else would he know to take on the form of Sakura's mother or Kakashi? But the creature remained Kakashi; just instead of being on his stomach he was now suddenly on his back. "Then why don't you kill me? I'm totally vulnerable right now." He tilted his head back so that he was completely exposing his throat to the man on top of him. "If you slit my throat and separate my head from my body I'll die, you know that, don't you? After all, you've fought my kind before..."
Tenmar snarled, jumping off the man and releasing his hands. He quickly pulled four crude looking kunai out of a flap in his pants, snarl on his lips. The doppelganger laughed as Tenmar put space between them. "Afraid of a little contact? Or are you worried that your little Iruka-san will find out about-" His words were cut off as the kunai hit their target, slamming into his side and stomach.
Tenmar snarled. "I'm just warming up."
"Good. I won't hold back, then." The Kakashi look alike darted high into the trees. "Come get me, fox-boy. If you dare."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"It's been a long time, brother..." Kentaar's voice rang through Naruto's head. He was vaguely aware of Uzu and Sasuke landing quietly behind him, and he knew there was a woman standing near Sakura, someone familiar... But beyond that his attention was focused on Kentaar, his brother, his enemy.
"Daddy, you'd better let me handle that half-wolf bastard. You and Sasuke just worry about getting Saku-" His trailed off as Naruto ignored his comments and walked slowly towards Kentaar.
Eyes already red in hue, Naruto growled softly. "I've been waiting for this for twelve long years."
"As have I, brother." Kentaar's eyes were suddenly glowing yellow, also walking forward. They reached each other and stood in solemn silence for a long moment, looking at each other, measuring each other.
Uzu's face took on a desperate look as he watched his father face contort in anger and rage and Kentaar's smirking face, mocking the blonde's rage. It was just like that day; the day his mother and father were both taken away from him. "Daddy, please! You're not thinking strait! We have to save Sakura-chan!"
Sasuke glanced around as Uzu screamed. There were four of them besides Kentaar. Three men and a woman, but she seemed to be occupied with some sort of chanting over Sakura's body. If Naruto was flaking out during this fight they would be in BIG trouble. "Oi! Get a grip, dobe!" Sasuke grabbed a stick and launched it at Naruto's head.
Naruto screamed and tripped a bit as the stick connected with his head. He turned angry blue eyes towards Sasuke. "What the hell'd you do THAT for, Sasuke-bastard?" He demanded, stomping his foot.
"Keep your eyes on your enemy, idiot!" Sasuke snapped back, rolling his eyes and moving into a more defensive manner as two of the three men began closing in on him and Uzu.
"Keitai, Rin, teach those two interlopers not in interrupt a reunion between brothers." Kentaar said off handedly.
Naruto grinned at Sasuke and Uzu, face returned to normal. "Hey, show 'em who they're messing with and beat them down!"
"I'd do that without you telling me to, dobe." Sasuke replied smirking as Naruto bristled a bit.
"Big words, asshole." The younger of the two men said, reaching out and grabbing Sasuke by the collar. "But I think you need a lesson in manners, you see Kentaar-sama was talking to his brother just now; you shouldn't interrupt."
"I don't see why I should take lessons in manners from an evil bastard such as yourself." Sasuke replied, aiming a punch at the boy.
Rin laughed and jumped easily away from Sasuke's fist, but inside he was worried. This was NOT a good situation. The candles were disrupting his ability and unless he could actually find a way to remain in constant contact with Sasuke's skin he wasn't going to be able to maintain a link with the boy. It was not until this moment, when his powers were cut off, that he realized just how much he relied on them.
"You're hesitating." Sasuke said annoyance clear on his face. He glanced over to see Uzu already circling the tall plain looking older man with the dark cloak then he noticed that the third man had already seated himself back down outside the bone circle, ignoring the fighting going on around him. Sighing, Sasuke turned back to Rin. Why was he stuck with the weak opponent?
Narrowing his eyes, Rin turned, glancing over his shoulder he called, "You shouldn't underestimate me, kid. If you want a fight follow me." That said he jumped into a nearby tree and started jumping away from the clearing. He continued to do so until his mind was picking up clearly thoughts of the forest, behind him he could also hear the thoughts of an annoyed boy wondering if the idiot he was following was ever going to actually fight him. Rin turned as those thoughts reached his mind, smirking. "You sure you want to do this, kid?"
Sasuke returned the smirk, crossing his arms. "Are you sure you're done running?" "I want to get this over with, damn it... I wonder how Naruto's doing."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Whoo..." Uzu's voice dripped sarcasm as his opponent pulled on his hood and his face disappeared into the darkness. "That's one fancy cloak ya got there, buddy."
Keitai snickered. "You're pretty fancy yourself. What's with those red eyes? Must run in the family."
Uzu turned his head quickly to the right. Was the man's voice coming from a different direction as his body? He glanced back towards the man, suddenly realizing that the man's body was perfectly blended with the night. He looked back to the direction the man's voice had been a moment before, but there was still only darkness. "Naw..." Uzu replied looking around. "It's like a predator having a bright coat; it's to warn my prey to stay away from me. Of course, it's not often that I get prey that's not smart enough to run away..."
"Oh?" The voice replied from behind Uzu's head. Uzu turned, but the voice had already moved around to his left. "I must be pretty stupid, then. Or maybe I'm not the prey..."
Uzu nodded, continuing to turn this direction then that as the voice moved from spot to spot. "Yeah, I guess that's possible. You look too bony to be worth while meat anyway, so I could turn my attention to that other guy leaning against the tree, but..." He shrugged, circling. "I'm not the kind of guy that can easily shift my attentions once I've got my sights set on something."
"I can see you must be a terror to the ladies, then." Keitai replied directly in Uzu's ear.
Uzu immediately grabbed for the source of the warm breath against his cheek, but even as he did so the man was gone. "Wouldn't know, I've never met a lady worth my attention."
"Really?" The voice held surprise. "I guess more than the eyes run in the family. Is it true that your father is favoring that young dark haired boy these days? Your mother must be rolling in her grave."
Uzu stood still for a moment, face down, eyes shut. His hands were balled into fists and his shoulders were shaking slightly.
"Of course," Keitai continued, "I can't really blame your father, what with your mother being so miserably weak. At least one can only hope that THIS one is a little more useful. Don't you think?" Keitai looked down at the red head, noticing that his fists were shaking. "Oh dear, did I hit a sore spot?"
Uzu un-balled his hands, looking up, in a voice filled with rage he screamed, "DON'T TALK ABOUT MY MOTHER!"
Keitai moved quickly away, cursing under his breath. He wanted to provoke the red haired boy, yes, but he was suddenly realizing that Uzu had gone strait past 'provoked' directly to 'murderous rage.' Luckily the red head still hadn't been able to find him-
Uzu's face took on a sinister smirk as his hand grasped firmly around Keitai's arm. "Caught ya."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Naruto watched with concern as Sasuke disappeared behind the strange looking boy. The sound of snickering caused his attention to shift back. "You always did have an eye for beauty." Kentaar said, stretching his arms above his head. "You were never very subtle about hiding your emotions, either."
Naruto narrowed his eyes as his focus went back to his brother. "I don't want to hear that kind of compliment from you." He replied; voice even. "Are we gonna do this or should I end your miserable existence right here and now?"
Kentaar smiled, moving closer. "I don't know... You remember what happened the last time you tried to fight with me... also, YOU are a lot weaker than you were before, but I have spent the last twelve years getting stronger for this very moment, are you sure this fight is completely fair?"
"Fair?" Naruto said, his body shifting stances to a more offensive pose. "You want to kill me, Kentaar? Come on; let's see which of us has the stronger will."
Kentaar threw back his head and laughed, "You haven't changed at all..."
"We'll see." Naruto said, dashing forward, fist raised. Kentaar spun easily away, grabbing Naruto's arm and flinging the small blonde roughly against a tree. "Ow." Naruto rose easily to his feet, sheepish grin on his face. He straitened his expression, once again preparing to charge.
"You know, this reminds me a bit of watching you fight against Tagen- niisan way back when..." Naruto jumped above Kentaar's head and disappeared in the trees. With a laugh Kentaar jumped to follow him. "Trying to hi-" His words caught in his throat as Naruto's foot connected with the back of his head, sending him hurtling towards the ground.
"Let's get one thing strait, bastard. I don't want to reminisce about the past with YOU at all. As far as I'm concerned you are NOT my brother." Naruto replied jumping back from Kentaar's body as the man rose slightly shakily to his feet. "So shut up and fight."
Kentaar wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth as he moved towards Naruto. "Have it your way, just don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're small, brother."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, asshole." Naruto replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Gin watched with interest as Naruto performed some sort of hand seals, calling out, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Suddenly there were twelve Naruto's each one screaming out, "OK, here I go!" And then they jumped at the wolf man.
One by one Kentaar knocked them down. As each copy was hit they disappeared in a small puff of smoke until only one Naruto remained. Gin smiled. Just because Sai-sama was working for Kentaar did NOT mean that Gin wanted him to win this fight. In fact, both he and Sai were rather hoping that Naruto and his family would rid the world of Kentaar's evil taint.
Gin had never met the fox demon before he became the young boy before him, but he had heard many stories from Sai-sama. Apparently she had been friends with his wife, Illia both before AND after the woman's untimely demise. According to the stories he was unrivaled in raw power, and clever enough to come up with plans completely on the fly. Despite his duty and desire to remain attentive to his master, he found himself constantly flashing his attention completely back to Naruto and Kentaar's fight.
That was why he almost missed the red streak that flashed from the corner of the clearing, strait towards where Sai-sama was still chanting over the pink haired girl; almost. Acting quickly he jumped towards the fox, managing to catch the creature just as it was jumping over the circle of bones; luckily before the animal's feet managed to touch inside the circle. "I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to disturb them at this time." He said, hand clasped tightly around Kasai's neck.
Kasai's eyes widened as he looked at his captor. He rolled his eye towards the circle where the shaman's canting was growing even more urgent. "You two?"
Gin bowed his head, "I apologize Kasai-san, but as I said, I can not allow you to interrupt the ceremony."
Kasai's sharp claws snaked out and slashed at Gin's arm, causing the man to release the fox. "I see. Well, if that's how it's gonna be..."
Gin nodded, taking a defensive stance in front of the circle. "I hate to do this, but if you're going to persist I'm going to have to fight you."
"Yeah, well, I hate to do this, too, but I told them I'd get the girl back, you see. I'd hate to disappoint the runt on the first mission he's given me since his return, you know?" The fox did a motion that seemed kind of like a shrug.
"Fine." Gin shook his head in a slightly disappointed way. "Let's just make this look good, OK?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Psychic King: *lifting head from nap and looking at readers; yawning* Well, please tell me what you think and leave a review. If you have any suggestions on how to make next chapter better please let me know that, too. I wanted to thank EVERYBODY that gave me a happy birthday review; it was great and made me feel special! An extra special thanks to Abby-chan who sent me a great happy birthday picture! I think there was something else I was supposed to mention, but I'm way too beat... If you'll all excuse me I'm gonna sleep for the next couple days, OK? *head falls back down onto the floor and snoring resumes*
Sakura: *peeking head into room and laying a blanket over Psychic King* Oh yeah, if you guys want to e-mail Psychic King-sama, please do it at Psychic_King@hotmail.com
Psychic King: *popping head up suddenly* I remember!!!! This chapter marks the point in my story that is very special. This chapter is my over 100,000 words chapter!!!!! Hurray!! *holds hands up in a victorious manner, then drops head back down, hitting the floor with a thumping sound*
Sakura: *shaking head* GO TO SLEEP, IDIOT! *stalks away*