Yay! This story's going a lot faster now that I have a good idea for the plot! Another long chappy! What the hell... does anyone read the author's notes at the beginning of every chap? Cuz no one told me how old Kimimaro was in their reviews...waaaah...
Chapter 10: Danger at Every Turn
The fox-child thrashed and struggled as his captors dragged him down a great stone hallway and lead him to a dungeon heavily guarded and barred. There they threw him unceremoniously onto the cold stone floor and slammed the door with an air of finality. They posted a single seal on the door and strode out of the corridor, laughing maniacally. Naruto was left alone in the dungeon, his only source of light the torches outside. Two guards took their posts next to him, shouldering what looked like extremely sharp katanas strapped to their backs.
Naruto, knowing he didn't have a hope of escaping due to the seal and the guards, settled for second best and plopped down between the two men. He summoned up his number one talent he possessed, inhaled, and…
"Hey, how's it going?" The guards didn't even twitch.
"Do you know what I had for breakfast when I was five? It was the first time I had ramen and ramen is really really tasty cause it was the first time I had miso ramen and it's nice and spicy and it's good because it's a mixture of herbs and spices and beef and chicken ramen don't have the spices that miso does which is why I like miso so much because it is nice and spicy and gives my tongue a nice tingly feeling…." The guards winced. Uzumaki Naruto, the number one loudest chatterbox in Konoha Village, was off to the races once more.
"SHUT THE HELL UP, BRAT!"
"…and the first prank I played was when Hokage-sama was away and I splashed ink all over his documents and they were very important documents as well cause they contained something dealing with the fire lord and what not because I made sure to pour the ink on the most important documents and what is more important than the fire lord I ask you well anyway when Hokage got back…"
"SHUT UP!"
It seemed that the guards were in for a hell of a night with the kitsune.
Neji paced around silently, eyes weaving back and forth for any sign of guards. Finding none, he extracted himself from a shadow and melted into another on the other wall. Sensing no purple chakra, he assumed Orochimaru was off somewhere and snuck up to the guards protecting the door that lead to the rest of Orochimaru's mansion. Tapping each guard slightly on the neck, he slunk past the two men and watched in satisfaction as they crumpled soundlessly.
Kimimaro paced the grounds of the mansion, a troubled look on his face. The fox-child…why did his face trouble him so? Seeing those blue eyes contorted in fear and anger made the Kaguya experience a sharp pang in his chest. Even now it still ached, stinging slightly whenever he relived the vision of the blonde. The knowledge that he was a loyal follower of Orochimaru wavered slightly as he thought of the kitsune. It seemed that lately…whenever Orochimaru's amber eyes met his emerald ones…there was something lacking in the slitted orbs of the snake-sannin's that used to be there before. Kimimaro was sure of it, and even if it was the slightest change, the Kaguya still could perceive it.
Whenever Orochimaru used to look at him, his eyes would hold a strange energy, a glitter that shone and drew the Kaguya to the snake-man. Now, Orochimaru's eyes seemed strangely dull, just a plain yellow and not at all extraordinary as they once were. This deeply worried the Kaguya, and once again he felt the edges of his world crumble slightly. Could it be…come to think of it, ever since Sasuke was discovered, Orochimaru hadn't visited Kimimaro quite often like he used to. Rather, he'd been ranting about how Sasuke would become his new body.
Kimimaro started in horror, eyes filled with panic and worry. Kabuto had mentioned to him that Sasuke would become Orochimaru's new dream now that he was inflicted with this horrible illness. Did that mean…but no, Orochimaru told him that he would always view Kimimaro as someone precious to him. They were going to scour the world together, to find its meaning. Consoling himself with these thoughts, Kimimaro turned and strode down a nearby corridor with false confidence. On the way, he passed Kabuto, who nodded briefly before turning in the opposite direction the Kaguya was going. Kimimaro paused. That was the way to Orochimaru's quarters. If Kabuto was going to talk to Orochimaru…Kimimaro counted silently to ten, then followed Kabuto at a safe distance, expertly blending in with the shadows.
Kabuto turned down an adjacent hallway and walked with a measured pace up to the two wooden doors at the end of the corridor. Knocking briefly, he opened the door just enough to fit his lean frame and slid in, snapping the door shut with a snap. Kimimaro could hear the rustle of Orochimaru's bedclothes as he woke and acknowledged Kabuto's presence. Kimimaro masked his chakra and strained his ears, just being able to make out the muffled dialogue.
"You sent for me, Orochimaru-sama?"
"Yes I did. How is Sasuke?" Outside, Kimimaro bit his lip. Once again, Orochimaru was raving about the Uchiha.
"He is in good condition, and still doesn't suspect anything yet. But why the sudden change of plans? Weren't you originally after the Kyuubi?" There was a muffled chuckle as Orochimaru laughed.
"That was my goal, yes, but now that I've discovered that Sasuke bears feelings for the vessel of the Kyuubi, I have made a few alterations in my plan. You see, after the fox-vessel managed to snatch the Uchiha from my grasp, I'd given up hope for Sasuke. He was still loyal to the fox-vessel, if not Konoha. I thought I'd go after the Kyuubi next, since he is a formidable source of power."
"So why the sudden renewed interest in Sasuke-kun?"
"You know full well that my dream is to achieve and master every jutsu known to mankind, Kabuto. Sasuke's Sharingan will speed that up greatly, hence my interest in the Uchiha. You see, Kabuto, ever since I discovered Sasuke's little interest in our demon vessel, things have worked out far to my liking. So I thought, why not kill two birds with one stone, I can have the Sharingan I desire while using the container of the Sharingan to lure the Kyuubi out of its safe little hideout. It saves so much time, don't you see? And it worked so efficiently as well. Our Naruto didn't even see through the genjutsu you revealed to him in the form of a wounded Sasuke. Now that he's locked in the dungeon, all I need to do is to take over Sasuke's body. It can only be done willingly though, so do make your way to his room and call him over, please Kabuto."
"What about Kimimaro?" The Kaguya shifted slightly upon hearing his name.
"What about him?"
"What use is he now?"
"Dear me, Kabuto. Correct, he used to be the one I sought after the most, for the late Kaguya clan bore one of the most powerful advanced bloodlines in the world, but he won't last very long with his illness. I need a body with stamina, with fresh youth and strength. Sasuke-kun is the very likeness of that description. Kimimaro is nothing but a broken toy now that I look at him. He is of no use to me."
"So you wish me to dispose of him?"
"Correct, once he has another attack from his illness, you are to slip this poison into his feeding tube. It's quick and painless, so he won't feel a thing."
"But how can we be sure he'll have another attack? Is it really necessary to kill him? He is a formidable fighter after all."
"I do hate things that are utterly useless, as you well know. Kimimaro failed to bring back the Kyuubi when I told him to. Trash must be eliminated, or it will just become troublesome."
Kimimaro slid down the door, coming to rest on the cold stone ground. In the very moment Orochimaru called him nothing more than a broken toy, the Kaguya's heart had shattered into a million tiny fragments, each digging into his chest and tearing it apart with an excruciating amount of pain.
"What is this…my lungs…I can barely breathe…it feels like I've died…but…I've felt this before. Again…when my clan was killed…and again…"
Kimimaro gritted his teeth, trying in vain not to give in to the tears. The orbs of salty moisture fell silently to the ground. So it was true. Orochimaru didn't give a damn about whether he lived or not. He was just a toy…a tool to be used to its full extent and tossed away like a rag doll. Orochimaru now prized Sasuke in place of him.
Sadness and utter desolation turned to fury and blinding rage. Grinding his teeth so hard that they chipped, Kimimaro rose, emerald eyes blazing with fire. Jealously towards Sasuke. Anger towards Orochimaru. All the emotions swirled around the Kaguya and clouded his vision with bloodlust and pain. Kimimaro drew back his palm and extracted a bone, fully intending to kill Orochimaru right as he spoke.
Suddenly a pang of light flashed by Kimimaro's vision, and his hand faltered slightly. A swirling mass formed in his mind to reveal a vision of Naruto's face.
"You must know…you are never alone, and never will be again. If anything happens, know that you can rely on me always."
Mint-hued eyes widened, and Kimimaro gasped in realization. That was right. The blonde had given his word. Tears leaked down the sides of Kimimaro's eyes, and he smiled sadly.
"Naruto…thank you. You have saved my life…you have saved me in many more ways than even you know of. Because you consoled me, you have become precious to me, and I will do anything in my power to protect you at all costs. And this time I know…you will not betray me. Not now, and not ever."
Kimimaro stood with the grace of flowing water, a determined look in his normally frozen eyes. He walked briskly down the corridors and made his way to the dungeon.
"Orochimaru…you should have known. I'm not one to fall prey to your whims so easily."
Back in the dungeons
"…and that time when I said I liked Sakura-chan well I didn't really like her because her forehead was way too big and she was too pink and personally I don't like pink because it's such a loud color but she says orange is a loud color too but I don't care because I like orange because it matches my hair well anyway when everyone thought I liked Sakura I lead them on and fooled them all along because I don't like them so I made them think I liked Sakura well anyway she is too violent kind of like Tsunade-baachan and all so…"
Naruto plowed away, still wrecking havoc on the poor guards' ears. No amount of yelling could shut him up, and Orochimaru wanted him alive so they couldn't kill him. It was really quite fun for the kitsune; in fact, he rather enjoyed his stay in the prison, but the guards were ready to strangle the blonde, resurrect him, and strangle him again.
There was a sudden clanking sound, and a ray of light fell across the floor in front of the guards. They immediately straightened and turned towards the newcomer.
"Kimimaro-san!" The Kaguya padded softly towards the two men.
"Orochimaru wishes me to relieve your shift. You may go now." The men quickly bowed and departed.
Naruto looked curiously at Kimimaro. The Kaguya quickly made a long list of hand seals, and tore off the seal that restrained Naruto from getting out. Swinging open the door, he grasped Naruto by the wrist and yanked him out of the cell. The kitsune turned to face the Kaguya.
"Kimimaro…why are you helping me? Aren't you supposed to be loyal to Orochimaru?" Kimimaro's gem-cut eyes narrowed and his gaze took on a steel edge.
"Do not talk to me about that traitorous bastard." Naruto gasped.
"But I thought you lived to serve him!" Kimimaro clenched his fist, a remorseful look on his face.
"True, I loved him. True, I would do anything in my power for him, even if I didn't get anything in return. All I wanted from him was love, was the knowledge that he cared for my sake. And he did care…but he only wanted my body for his use. I knew that, and I knew his intentions to claim my bloodline as his, but I thought he would keep caring when I ran out of use. Now that Sasuke has been discovered…he has ordered to kill me, for he hates trash." Naruto stepped towards Kimimaro.
"Orochimaru…is truly heartless. He cannot be trusted or relied upon, no matter how much he shows that he cares on the outside. Inside, he harbors no emotions. You, of all people, should have known that." Kimimaro looked away, eyes full of pain.
"I knew…I had suspected it before when I first showed signs of my illness, but one cannot fight true loneliness. I didn't care what happened to me, as long as Orochimaru wanted me. He did want me, so I became his follower, his servant. Over time, as he still viewed me as someone important, I wanted him to see me as more than just a tool. I wanted him to hold a place in his heart for me. Now that I know he thinks of me as just being a hindrance, I must find someone else to go to." Kimimaro smiled and looked at Naruto.
"And I have found someone else. You, Naruto, are the one I shall protect with my entire being from now on. What you said to me on the day I kidnapped you will always remain in my heart and my mind. I know that you will not betray me, for you have gone through my pain as well. And because you bear a demon…what was hard for me was twice hard for you."
Kimimaro bent and enfolded Naruto into a hug, inhaling the blonde's heady scent. Naruto returned the gesture, burying his head into the Kaguya's soft gray yukata. Kimimaro nuzzled Naruto's unearthly hair, reveling in the feel of the white-blonde tresses. Bringing them slowly to the ground, Kimimaro knelt, content to hold the blonde as he pressed him closer to his body. Naruto curled into the Kaguya's embrace, rubbing his face in the crook of Kimimaro's neck. Kimimaro held the boy for a little longer before releasing his hold on Naruto.
"No more now. We need to escape and find a way to get Sasuke and your other companion out of Orochimaru's grasp." Naruto grinned and made a hand seal.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" A clone appeared in the prison cell. Naruto closed the door with a snap and re-stuck the seal on the lock.
"Kage Bunshin can come in handy sometimes. Now let's find Sasuke and get the hell out of here." Kimimaro turned and ran lightly out of the dungeon, motioning Naruto to do the same. Once outside, the Kaguya closed the door and turned to face the kitsune.
"You can't escape from here without masking your chakra and your appearance; the place is crawling with guards. You can disguise your chakra, can't you?" Naruto nodded.
"I can do a Henge as well, so that can buy us less suspicion."
"Good. Follow my lead as we go."
Naruto transformed himself into a guard, complete with armor and weapons. Together the two snuck quietly out into the grounds of the mansion, wary and alert for any signs of guards. Kimimaro pressed himself against a nearby pillar as a guard passed by, and walked with a measured pace to a nearby corridor. He came to a door and knocked tartly on the wooden structure. It opened, and a man appeared.
"Kimimaro-san, what is it that you require?"
"I have taken care of my business with the Kyuubi brat. You are to resume your guard once more with your partner." The man inclined his head and disappeared momentarily, coming out suited with his katana and his armor.
"I will do as you request." The guard made his way down the corridor, heading towards the dungeon.
Kimimaro pulled Naruto down an intricate network of tunnels and hallways, intertwining within each other with various traps to boot. He continued walking through the mazes until he reached a stone trapdoor set in the wall. Making yet another set of hand seals, Kimimaro pressed his palm against the door. It glowed briefly, then swung open to reveal a dimly lit room. Sitting in one of chairs was none other than Uchiha Sasuke. He looked up to see Kimimaro.
Naruto shifted slightly, eyes registering shock. Sasuke wasn't wounded? But how? He turned to Kimimaro, a questioning look in his eyes. Kimimaro mouthed "genjutsu" and indicated that this Sasuke was indeed the real one. Naruto clenched his fists. Sasuke…he had betrayed him yet again. Why was Sasuke here and why was he expecting Naruto? The kitsune failed to believe that Sasuke was here of his own free will. Had the Uchiha fallen prey yet again to Orochimaru's lures? Out of the corner of his eye, Naruto saw Kimimaro indicate not to give away his identity just yet.
Sasuke rose and stretched, coming towards the Kaguya. With an inquisitive look at the guard beside him, he couldn't help but notice something familiar about the guard. It was more in the way that he held himself…Sasuke shook his head, clearing the thoughts of a certain blonde out of his mind. Naruto wouldn't be dressed like that. No, the dobe would be in his ridiculously orange costume, making yet another ruckus as Orochimaru's minions chased him down the hall. Sasuke turned and addressed Kimimaro
"When will Naruto arrive?"
Naruto fought hard not to betray any reaction. So Sasuke was expecting him to come. It was clear the Uchiha had indeed turned traitor to Konoha yet again. Naruto used the last of his self control not to kill the Uchiha right where he stood. What Sasuke said next completely changed his viewpoints.
"When he comes, make sure he isn't hurt. I care about him, more than he knows himself, and I don't want anyone to harm him." Kimimaro's eyes darted ever so subtlety to Naruto before focusing on Sasuke.
"He has arrived and is safe, as you requested." Sasuke's eyes widened.
"He has arrived? Where is he?" The guard at Kimimaro's side spoke up.
"Right here, Sasuke." Naruto dispelled his Henge and stood before the Uchiha.
Sasuke gasped and clasped his hands over his mouth. Naruto was here…Naruto was really here, and he was alive and safe. Yet the way Naruto was looking at him…Sasuke guessed Naruto wasn't too pleased.
"Naruto…I can explain." A hand halted his speech. Naruto spoke, sadness and anger encased in his eyes.
"Sasuke…I trusted you. I brought you back from Orochimaru once, and still you run off on me again? Why did you betray me?" Sasuke started forward.
"No! I only went to Orochimaru because I cared about you!" Naruto snarled ferociously.
"If you cared about me so much, why did you sell your existence to a worthless bastard like him?" Sasuke closed his eyes and winced, taking short shallow breaths.
"Naruto…I only went to Orochimaru because I love you." Naruto gasped.
"What? I don't understand…" Onyx eyes met sapphire ones and held them with an intense gaze. Naruto found it impossible to look away from the midnight orbs.
"I…was wrong to go to Orochimaru. After our meeting in the alley, I would see you with Neji. You looked so happy…it pained me to know that I would never be the one you would look at with so much love. I would do anything to claim you as my own." Sasuke paused, then continued.
"Orochimaru came to me right after our meeting. He told me he could find some way to make you care for me. He sounded so sincere…I really wanted the chance to claim you in spite of the fact that I was practically selling my soul to the devil. But in fact, he wants to use my body, doesn't he?" Naruto nodded. Sasuke inhaled, then pressed on.
"I was the one who wronged you, Naruto. Ever since Aniki killed my family, I've been wandering deeper and deeper into the darkness. In fact, you surpass me by far, Naruto. You had a much darker past than I ever had, for at least I knew what love was. Yet you never gave in to the depression. You were always looking on the bright side. I've envied you, Uzumaki Naruo, because you were so cheerful when I could never be so. And I've loved you for that, because you never failed to lift me from the clutches of evil."
Naruto stepped back, faltering slightly. Sasuke's eyes remained locked with his, and they sent out a plea for the kitsune, imploring him to understand.
"I'm serious about this, Naruto. You've been my light when I've been in darkness. You've brought me from the depression my whole life has been. I feel that I actually have a reason to live other than to kill Itachi. Have you not noticed yet? All those times we spent together…" Sasuke looked away, eyes filled with emotion.
"At first I thought you were just a hindrance, just something getting in my way of killing Aniki. As we moved on, I began to open to you, just a bit, just to feel your warmth barely penetrating my coldness. You saw me as a rival, someone worthy to you, and that changed me completely." The Uchiha looked back, capturing Naruto's shocked gaze with his own.
"When I sank even deeper into evilness and my dark desires, you were the one who risked life and limb to snatch me from Orochimaru and return me to Konoha. How do you think that felt, having someone risk his life for you when no one ever has before? It was then that I realized I loved you, that I would give anything for you. You made me feel wanted, loved, and needed. You were the one who melted my cold walls of ice and released my emotions. Naruto, after all you've done for me, I've finally realized what it meant to be truly loved." Sasuke slumped down, spheres of moisture flowing freely from his eyes.
A long silence passed. Naruto was utterly dumbfounded, for this was the most amount of emotion that the Uchiha had shown and ever would. All because he loved him. All because he, Uchiha Sasuke, loved a demon that had been shunned all his life. The kitsune felt torn between the Hyuuga and Sasuke. Holding a hand to his heart, he bent over Sasuke and raised him up. Sasuke's face showed true longing and emotion, and eternal gratitude for Naruto. The blonde smiled softly and pulled the Uchiha into his arms, where the raven-haired boy sobbed freely. Naruto stroked his hair, running his fingers reassuringly through the midnight locks. The boys stayed intertwined like that for a long period of time before Naruto gently lifted up Sasuke's chin.
"Sasuke…" The kitsune paused, gathering his courage, then pressed on determinedly.
"I realized…that I do love you in return. I have always loved you, even if I didn't know it before, and I will always love you. But I don't know…I love Neji as well. Sasuke…I will always consider you much more than a friend. Despite the fact that I gave my heart to Neji, the two of you will never be worth more than the other in my eyes. Is that alright with you, Sasuke?" Sasuke sniffed and nodded.
"My only regret is that you couldn't have been mine." Naruto smiled sadly.
"Sasuke…I am yours as well as Neji's."
With that, Naruto bent and pressed his lips gently to Sasuke's in a chaste kiss. This kiss was unlike others, filled with sadness and understanding as well as love. Kimimaro watched on as the two embraced.
"How sentimental." The three whirled around to find Orochimaru standing before them, and what looked like three-quarters of the mansion's guards backing him up. The trio stood frozen as Orochimaru sidled nonchalantly up to them.
"What a surprise to find you three here. And with Naruto free as well; your doing I assume, Kimimaro?" The Kaguya stood staring steadily into the snake-sannin's amber eyes, his own displaying no emotion but utter rage. Orochimaru cocked his head to the side, an amused smile on his face.
"Dear dear, whatever is the matter, Kimimaro?" Kimimaro growled fiercely at the snake-summoner.
"Why did you cast me aside like a piece of trash? I thought you cared about my existence! I thought you would still view me as someone worth living, even after the discovery of Sasuke?" Orochimaru threw back his head and roared with laughter.
"Kimimaro, you know I hate useless things. You have seen my actions on past objects. Once an object exhausts its use, I simply discard it. You know all too well of my doings and my methods." Kimimaro clenched his teeth.
"I know all too well what you have done to past people of your…desires, but I thought you cared for me. I thought that I was an exception; you showed so much love towards me. Why couldn't you have found it in your heart to change your plans just once, just for me? You showed more love to me than anyone else of your desires."
Orochimaru had inclined his head, and for once he held an almost wistful expression on his face. No longer did his features hold the cold, evil glare; now, he looked like someone beyond hope, who had seen a lot of life in his past years.
"Kimimaro…you, of all people, should have realized…that I don't have a heart." Gone was the brief weakness from Orochimaru's face. It now held the tainted gleam of evil, and Orochimaru looked more snakelike than ever before.
"But now that you have betrayed me and helped my prey go free, I have no other choice but to kill you." The guards at Orochimaru's back raised their weapons and shifted with anxiety, itching to fight.
"You may kill them."
PLEASE TELL ME HOW OLD KIMIMARO IS! I NEED TO KNOW! Oh yes, and by the way...
MOMOCHI ZABUZA, MY REVIEWER, PLEASE TELL ME YOUR E-MAIL! I WANNA WRITE YOU BACK SO BADLY, BUT SOMEHOW IT DOESN'T GO THROUGH, EVEN THOUGH I USED THE E-MAIL ON YOUR PROFILE SITE! E-MAIL ME PLEASE!
If it's in bold print, underlined, italicized, and capitalized, it is worth reading, so please READ IT!