A/N: I would like to thank you all who reviewed. You all made my exam week so much more fun. Serisoulsy you did.
Anyways so far the story is a little confusing so I'll jsut recap a bit.
At the moment there is a disease running rampant in Canyon Country (this country actually doesn't exist in the Naruto arc, I had come up with this country before I found the maps they had of all the countries...sigh so Canyon country it stays. Anyways so far we don't know who made this disease, but it seems Raidou and Iruka suspect Orochimaru...We also know the effects. It destroys the brain and causes the victim to lose all sense of self and seek out blood to spill. (Someone once told me it reminds them of resident evil, except here the infected are still alive.)
Lets see Akane and Kakashi seem to be dancing around each other, Kakashi is trying to figure out what she's hiding. Akane is trying to hide her identity much like Iruka...but Kakashi never picked up on Iruka's secret...yet. At this point he's pretty sure who she is.
Now here's the chapter everyone has been waiting for.
Please review. I love feedback and the more I get the better I can write these chapters according to what you tell me. If you want you can tell me what you think personally would happen. Those of you who are not members, i don't have a block up like mnost members, so feel free to review and if you like email.
Enjoy!
Chapter 18: Hung Up
A lone boy sat under a cherry blossom tree. He wasn't doing much, just keeping to himself and enjoying the quiet clearing. He liked quiet times like this when he could sit back and watch the birds sing and the grass wave. The serenity of the moment made his hectic and tragic life seem so insignificant.
He was depressed yes, but when he sat like this everything melted away.
Just a few years ago, to the day his father, the only man he looked up to committed suicide. Still the sound of birds and the rustling of the leaves in the wind made all those emotions melt away. Right at this single moment nothing could ruin the serenity he felt not only for that second but also in his heart.
He was now chuunin and soon to be jounin. He couldn't wait, in a way he wanted to get it…
"Hey kiddo, what'cha doin'" It was his annoying sensei. Did the man ever slow down? It drove Kakashi crazy; Yondime always seemed to act like a child.
"Nothing." He snapped.
"Hey now it's a nice day and I can see you were enjoying it, don't ruin it." He said this as a joke and smiled. He was rarely serious.
Kakashi had known Yondime for most of his life. He liked him, and thought of him as a father figure, even more so now that he had none. Despite the carefree attitude his sensei carried he knew when to be serious. Right now though was not such a time, no it certainly wasn't, Kakashi just wanted him to go away and bug Obito instead.
"Can't you tease Obito and not me?"
"Oh but where's the fun in that, besides if I got him to talk to you, you'd chew him up." Well that was true; he would, and enjoy every second of it too. The boy was the weakest link. He was whiney, clumsy and chronically late. Rin was better, she was weak in strength but even she came out more useful in the end.
"I'd have more fun if you bothered him." He wasn't going to win this one but he couldn't stop himself from trying.
"So what are you doing out here all by yourself."
"Thinking."
"About?"
Kakashi sent his sensei a rather nasty glare.
"What! I'm just making conversation, besides I think its about time you stop being alone over here, so if you're not going to tell me anything maybe I'll tell you about my day."
"Oh goody." Kakashi mumbled.
"Hey now, it was a good day!" He snorted. To the fourth every day was a good day even if it poured and his house burnt down.
"I met a really nice girl."
"Nice, good for you."
"She's around your age…I think she's a bit younger though…it was hard to tell. Very pretty though and full of energy. It's been a long time since I've seen a new face like that."
"Humph" He just wanted to enjoy the weather not the story.
"She was soo funny!" He laughed. "Some boys pushed her in a mud puddle."
"Let me guess she cried."
"No no, she laughed at them."
"She's weird then."
"And you're not? Let me remind you how glum you look right now on such a nice day, now that's weird." His sensei snorted. Kakashi knew of course, inwardly his sensei was laughing at his own lame joke.
"I'd be happier if you left me to enjoy it."
Yondime just sighed and looked to the sky.
"Hmm you still don't like girls…you will one day you know."
"I doubt it. They're weak, they whine and I wish they'd leave me alone."
"You know you just described Obito there." Yondime laughed.
Kakashi looked shocked. He did, he really did. "Well he does act like one, it may explain a few things."
"Heh…your humor never ceases to surprise me. I'm sure like the girls Obito will grow out of it. As will you."
"Whatever."
"You know I spoke to that girl, you know what she told me."
"What."
"Well I asked her why she wasn't upset and you know she said 'Why should I cry over mud on my clothes, I can take them off and get some fresh ones.' I though that was very brave of her."
"Humph, It makes little sense to me why that's important."
"It's very simple, Kakashi. What she basically said is 'if someone hurts you, suck it up. No one can change what you think just by pushing you around. Even if they hurt you here." As he said this he poked Kakashi's chest. "You can still move on. Only past the grave can youtruly feelsorry for yourself."
"That was a load of nonsense."
"Was it? Hmm. Okay lets say this. If I cut you with my Kunai would the wound heal?"
"Yes."
"If I told you, you were ugly would you be able to change how you look."
"Not entirely."
"If I took Rin and killed her in front of you…does it hurt."
"Maybe."
"What good would crying do you?"
"None, no one would care."
"My point, people feel pain. Without pain we can't feel joy and without joy we can't feel sorrow. She basically said her clothes are a shell, much like her body. If I cut her, her wound would heal. If I killed her there would be no way for me to truly hurt her…because in essence it's her body I hurt not her, I would have only hurt the shell that protects her true self." Kakashi wasn't stupid he knew where all this was going, and it infuriated him. His sensei just never knew when to give up!
"So you mean to tell me that because my father committed suicide that I should hold him as a hero. Pfftt you're nuts! He took the coward's way out. I can never forgive him."
"It's not him your not forgiving Kakashi."
"Who then?" Kakashi was getting annoyed. His sensei thought he knew everything.
"It's you. You're blaming yourself. I don't know why you are or for what but Kakashi, he didn't mean to hurt you. Sometimes people think it's the only way to stop themselves from feeling pain, they forget about the things that make them happy, and the things they care about. All they see is their own pain."
"Like hell you know. He ruined his reputation and killed many people, because he didn't follow the rules." Kakashi stood up, he was mad; he wanted to get away from his sensei. "What can you know?" With those words he ran in to the forest to find a place where no one would bother him.
"More than you know. More than you know." He heard his sensei mumble as he ran.
Why did he have to remember that day? Yawning Kakashi looked around him. They were in a clearing two days from their destination. Iruka had decided it best to take a rest before they continued. It baffled Kakashi since he chose to stop at night, which was when they were usually on the move. If the cycle were true then Iruka had a good reason for this and he wasn't going to tell him.
Hmm… It must be about two in the morning…why is he still awake? Something must be bothering him.
Wrapping his cloak around him even more Kakashi moved to the fire and sat across from Iruka who looked rather frazzled still.
He never did calm down since we left. If this keeps up I might have to tie him up and leave him behind. I can't have him die on me just because he's to wired.
"Can't sleep?" Iruka asked as he looked up. Kakashi could see the worry in his comrade's face.
He's probably worried about her. I just need to know a few things about her; it might make facing her easier.
"How long have you known Akane-san?" He winced when he saw the startled look on the chuunin's face. He hadn't meant to scare him.
"Hmmm? Why are you asking about her?" Iruka now looked suspiciously at him. It seemed he had been asking Iruka too many questions about her lately.
"Okay lets start with something else. How many times have you been to this country?"
"Only twice, both while on mission." Iruka looked back to the fire.
Only twice? He acts as though he knows the forest by the back of his hand. He's lying. He's been here more than that.
"Oh, that would make sense then." Kakashi watched as Iruka shifted. The uneasiness was clearly visible.
"Heh, yeah." Iruka rubbed the back of his head and sighed.
"Why are you still awake?" Kakashi was curious. After all he had originally told Iruka to wake him up hours ago. The extra sleep was enjoyable but he would have rather been in a lighter sleep so he could avoid dreaming.
"Oh I have a lot on my mind." Iruka fiddled with the zipper on his chuunin vest. It seemed he found it really interesting at that very moment. Kakashi found that annoying and distracting.
"Naruto?"
"Yeah some of it. I'm just a little worried about him. I mean sure he's improved leaps and bounds from how he used to be." Iruka then sighed and clasped his arms around his legs. "I can't help but think something bad will happen. I mean what are the chances Sasuke-kun would come back willingly? The last time I saw them both they were just about even in abilities."
I should have known he was worried about him, but that's only what he wants me to hear. He's more worried about Akane-san than Naruto.
"I wouldn't quite say that."
"You didn't see Naruto defeat Mizuki, two years ago. He was starting to use his head. I seriously doubt he's as dumb as we make him out to be."
"What makes you say that?" He knew the truth. Naruto was in a way a genius in battle. In everyday life though, the boy had the tact of a doorknob.
Iruka glanced at him and gave a mischievous grin.
"I used to be the same way. I wasn't stupid or slow. I just got bored easily and needed attention. Naruto was the same way. He fell asleep during theory but when pushed into a dangerous situation he pulls through in ways none of us expect."
"Well if you put it that way then he should be fine." Kakashi smiled allowing his eye to make the happy arc it does when it's sincere. "Sakura-chan is with him, she'll keep him on track."
"There's still something you're not telling me though, you know something don't you."
"About?" Kakashi wasn't to sure who he was talking about. Was it Akane or Naruto? Both had secrets, Naruto's he knew for sure; but the younger woman, he had no clue for sure if she was who he thought she was or just someone similar.
"Kakashi-san! It's about Naruto…what was it that they had to talk to you when you could barely eat a bowl of soup?"
Does he have to say it that way?
"Oh that." Kakashi wasn't going to tell him, not yet not until he was sure Yamato could control Naruto's 'new' power.
"Well?"
"Oh it's nothing." Kakashi waved a hand in a dismissive manor not missing the glare he had just received from across the fire.
"You're never going to tell me are you?"
"Uh…well no."
"Why is it you do this? You treat me like I'm ignorant or like a child. I'm no idiot. I may not be a jounin but I'm no slouch either."
"Oh aren't we getting ahead of ourselves." Kakashi snorted.
"Hey! I can think what I want."
"Yes but letting it get to your head is not healthy. I doubt you're as skilled as I am. After all you've never advanced."
"Maybe I don't want to. I like the life I made for myself."
"I'm sure you do."
"You're the one with the ego."
"At this point I'd say you are. You're assuming you're better than me."
"Well I am, at least by habit. I'm not lazy, I don't read porn in front of my students or the public and I tend to be on time." Iruka's argumentative side was voracious. He was looking for a fight, verbal or other wise. Of course Kakashi wasn't going to disappoint,
"Ahhh you see that's only what makes me different from you." Kakashi was starting to like this little mind game, Iruka was far easier to manipulate, unlike Akane, who usually played back at the same tempo.
"Oh ho no it doesn't. Don't think I don't see you twisting all this around on me."
Okay scratch that. Iruka was more up front about it.
"Prove it."
Okay lets see what he does.
"Fine."
Damn I wasn't thinking he'd take the challenge.
"Maaa too bad…we need to conserve our strength." Kakashi shrugged, at the same time he was trying not to laugh.
Iruka gave him a dumbfounded look and sighed. "I knew you'd do that."
"He says after the fact." He couldn't help adding that to rile him up more.
"Hey!" Iruka growled; fixing his comrade with a glare that could rival even that of Tsunade.
"Anyways what about Akane-san? Are you worried about her?"
"A little. I don't need to worry too much for her. She's an adult and a very good shinobi. She's never failed a mission once yet."
You lie. She's the one you're really worried about. You mixed them up. When you describe one you make the same description of the other.
"Hmm. Where is she really from?"
"What, you knew she's not from here?"
"It wasn't hard. She speaks differently and her clothing, although it's the same; she wears it a little bit differently as well."
"I should have known you'd notice."
"Where is she really from?" He lowered his voice. He needed this piece of information, it was the only thing he was missing.
"Fire country."
Then it must be her, it's the same answer from before, everything seems to have come together.
"I thought so."
"Then why'd you ask?" Iruka growled, he was getting annoyed with Kakashi for all his questions.
"I was just wondering if you knew for sure yourself."
"Your insufferable you know that!"
"Hmm I seem to get that a lot." Kakashi laughed. Iruka had to be one of the few people who had the guts to tell him what they truly thought of him.
Iruka then yawned and sighed. "I should get some rest if we're to get there anytime soon."
"I agree go get some rest."
Watching Iruka go, Kakashi noticed the tired limp. Iruka was pushing himself just to show him he could match him. It seemed the chuunin was still holding the same grudge about him being the weaker out of the two.
I already know he's above most shinobi in skill. I just wish he'd stop trying to prove he's better than me, anyone can see he is. He cares for everyone around him, everyone can see his emotions, what he feels and thinks. I'm the real coward.
Watching the fire Kakashi waited for Iruka's breathing to become more regular. The way Iruka slept amazed Kakashi; he watched as Iruka's whole body relaxed.
His ability to sleep like that is incredible. I hate doing this but…
There was that weird feeling again. The one where the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
She's close by. This is my chance. I might be endangering him but I suspect he's fine on his own. His level of skill is above most. Even I have trouble relaxing like he does.
Reaching behind him Kakashi pulled his summoning scroll out from his pouch.
I hope I won't have to use them. I want to make this quick and painless. The less trouble I have the better.
Kakashi looked up as he heard Iruka whimper. It wasn't a surprise he of all people had nightmares. After all he was the one who witnessed his family being killed by the Kyuubi. He was the only onewho seemed to helafrom such a tragedy, still Kakashi knew he still felt the pain of losing those who were close to him. Kakashi himself still felt responsible for all his own mistakes.
He'll be fine. As long as I'm gone he'll be safe. I don't want to have to answer for another death.
Getting up Kakashi strapped the sword to his back, slipped off his cloak andmade a final glance to the chuunin sleeping against the tree.
I should be back before he wakes. If I am he'll never know. I could leave a clone…no that would be worse. He might notice.
The air was cool. He was going to have little troubles finding her like this. There was plenty of light and few sounds. He knew she was going to be trouble either way. Surprising her was doubtful and even finding her quickly slim but if he had troubles he could summon his hounds to capture her.
Shadowing her Pakkun moved as silently as he could. He wasn't having a good time with it though. The woman was indeed as skilled as the man who summoned him. Kakashi giving him that warning was a godsend.
"How much more closer are we?" He heard the familiar voice of Shiranui Genma, one of Kakashi's closest acquaintances.
"Not much more, I'd say maybe ten minutes…wait stop." The woman held out her arm.
Everyone stopped. Pakkun froze on the spot. Did she find him?
"Someone's coming." Another man said, this one Pakkun did not recognize.
This is a shady group. Most ANBU are lithe like Kakashi…some of these are short and even large men. This is strange why does she command two teams like this?
Suddenly the woman made a long loud whistle. Pakkun cringed. She had done that countless times and each time the pug was hoping he'd pass out. How she could attain such pitch was beyond him.
He was right. This definitely is that woman from years ago. It's that same nasty whistle. I should tell one of the hounds to bit her throat out for me. Then there would be no more whistle. What I want to know is what can Kakashi possibly want with this woman?
"Damn it."
"What is it?"
"I know that chakra, it's him."
"Who?" Shiranui seemed rather confused lately.
Normally that one is top of his game. What has happened here? Why is he clueless?
"It's Hatake." At this point Pakkun wished he could read the woman's face, but it was impossible since a mask covered her entire face.
"You're sure?"
"Yeah, I can sense it. He's the only one with chakra like that. Instead of using his senses he uses his chakra to find me."
"Cleaver. I guess that would work since you mask your scent."
So that's why it was so difficult to find this woman.
"Either way I want you to be with the others. I'll lure him away."
"You sure about this?"
"Yes. I have to do this, he'll just ignore you."
"Good point. All right I'll go get them to finish the platform for your jutsu. Hopefully it's going to get us there first."
"Good then go."
"Be careful…watch out for his sharingan."
"Oh that thing, don't worry about that,"
Pakkun watched Genma leap into the trees and leave the woman alone.
I have to admit Kakashi seems to pick his opponents well. This one is strong, she knows she is and she's sure of herself. I doubt she'd be easy to defeat.
Pakkun's attention was captured when the woman pulled out her blade from her back.
"Damn bastard. You never give up do you? I should have known it was you who was living in my house and eating my food. I was hoping so much it wasn't."
The reply was something again Pakkun wasn't expecting.
"Well you never did ask me."
Behind me?
Akane froze.
Okay, don't panic he's not really there.
She knew better than to let that bother her. Instead she remained still and focused on the chakra she had sensed earlier. There was no killing intent, at least not yet so she still had some time before things got out of hand.
It has to be him. The chakra is the same; even how he moves is similar.
(Flashback)
She sat high in a tree watching the ANBU from Konohoa as they disposed of her target's body. She didn't care what they did to the man; it was what he had that she needed.
"I'll take this back to the Hokage, he'll want to see it personally. The rest of you are to report back to HQ and wait for me there." This was the one she was dreading. It was the stupid hound ANBU, the one who kept chasing her and dispatching her targets.
He was good though, she had to admit. His skills were as good as hers, which meant he'd been a shinobi for either the same amount of time or longer.
"Make sure…" He stopped in mid sentence and glanced in her direction. She remained as still as she could. Her Jutsu would keep him from seeing her.
"There's no evidence." He finished as he leapt off. Akane couldn't have him leave. So she left the others behind, they weren't her problem it was the hound and after all this was their country.
Following him was easy. He left a very clear trail. A scuff mark here a broken branch there, even actual footprints. Of course she knew he was leading her on. There was no way he'd be that obvious, not if he were ANBU.
Reaching a clearing Akane could clearly see him waiting. Of course it wasn't the real one. No the real one was off to her left.
"I'm not a fool Hatake. I can sense you." Running straight at him Akane used a replacement and came at him at the very same moment from his right.
"Neither am I." He answered with a monotone voice. This usually meant he was in the middle of planning something.
The man she thought was him; had disappeared in a puff of smoke. She was expecting that. Turning to her left and running across the field she ran straight through the clone she had first seen and followed the chakra as it flew off out of the clearing.
"Damn it, when did you get this good."
"When I learned how you use your chakra." He answered clearly from behind her, this time he was really there.
Swinging her arm out she came to a solid version of the ANBU. This was really him. Still pressing her arm against his she started to add pressure. Of course he pushed back. The more focus he had on her arm the better.
"I won't lose to you and you know it."
"Same goes here." He spat.
"Fine then we'll see won't we?"
The scroll she wanted was strapped to his side. All she needed to do was reach for it with her free hand and pull as hard as she could to get the cord to snap. With a little bit of chakra this feat should be easy.
Trying her best to keep his attention on her arm Akane used her free hand and…missed. He now had both her arms in his hands.
"This I have to admit is getting interesting." He sounded as though he were grinning.
"Oh?"
She had one last chance left.
Moving her foot as fast as she could she tried to knee him. Again she failed somewhat. Both moved at the same moment and because of they're already off balanced state this threw them over even more. Both fell into the leaf litter.
"Ahh!"
Kakashi seemed to be shocked but knew better than to move. If he had Akane would had found a way to get out of it, and a way to do so she was already thinking about.
"This is a little compromising neh?" He grunted trying to keep himself as far away from her as he can but still pin her at the same time.
"Ha ha if your men could see you now." Akane laughed. She couldn't help it.
"No kidding." As he gazed at her Akane could just barely make out his eyes. One was blue, the most brilliant blue she had ever seen. It wasn't bright like the sky but deep like the ocean. The other was red, like blood. She shuddered at what could make his eyes be so different.
He must have noticed her stare and turned his head. It just made her stare more. She always did like his hair. It seemed to move in any which direction it pleased. And the color, that was another thing she liked. His hair was a shocking silver color.
"You want the scroll don't you?"
"Yeah that would be nice, care to give it to me…it can be a present." She joked. She knew he didn't find it funny.
"Nice try."
"Damn, well it was worth checking." She smiled. His grip was loosening. Soon she could escape.
"Why do you want it?" He seemed to be second-guessing himself.
"It's from my country, it belongs to my family. Please I really am asking you this time to give it back."
He seemed to be mulling all this over.
"What's in it?"
"Oh I dunno, I think it was some old legend…Look I can't return until I get it back. If I have to I'll steal it back from your village."
"You want it that bad." He looked back to her."
Kakashi watched her, as she made no move to defend herself from his clone.
What is she thinking; I can kill her easily like this.
He now knew for sure that Akane and the ANBU from years ago were the same people. The evidence stood in front of him. What was he to do now though?
He remembered years ago when he last saw her. Things had changed between them. His hunt to kill her turned into a game of skill and talent. Neither one could truly defeat the other. There was always a way out. And then one day a single scroll changed it all.
(Flashback)
"Yes. If I don't get it I can't return to my country and neither can the men and women working with me. They have families there and so do I. I don't want to lose what I just got."
"You're?"
"No, my siblings and my parents."
"Oh" He felt bad. Here he was holding this woman down when all he had to do was hand her the scroll and lie to the Hokage…if only it were that simple.
He looked to her face. What he could see were only her blue eyes. He'd seen them countless times when he chased her. Never once though did he see what she really looked like.
"The scroll is it?"
"Yes. I didn't care about the man who took it; he was just a simple missing nin. He made that decision and he knew the consequences."
"It's not that easy."
"No it never is. Please let us go home. We've been out here for weeks." He could tell. Her clothes weren't torn but he could see the signs of wear and tear. A few stitches lose, a rough spot here and dirt marring her armor there. He himself didn't look to great but he had just been though a quick and bloody battle. She on the other hand had been roughing it, for what looked like weeks.
For the three years he had known her, if he could even say that. This was the worst condition he had ever seen her in.
"If I give it to you, will you stay out of this country." For some reason those words hurt him more than he expected. A lump slowly formed in his throat as he tried to swallow it back.
"I can try."
"No, you can't, never…just stay out. I don't want to see you here."
"What the hell!" She was mad at him. He couldn't blame her for it. He felt as though he were rejecting her. How could he feel like that even though he wasn't in a relationship with her, or anyone for that matter?
"I…it's to dangerous. There's already a team out looking for you."
"How do you know that?"
"I'm to join them starting tomorrow." He looked away, he couldn't look at her. For some reason he felt like crying.
"You?"
"They know I've engaged you in battle a few times…I don't want to kill you. Not once have you given me reason to. Everyone thinks I do but I can't do it. I tried for three years…"
"So, you're telling me this because you want me to live?"
"Yes damn it. Are you that slow? I want you to live, I don't know why…there's something about you, some strange way you are, it just makes me want you to live."
"Oh." He just madelittle sense and he knew it.
"Look I'll give it to you, but seriously stay out, at least for a few years, when everything is quiet I'm sure you can come back, but not now."
She glanced at him once and looked away. "Fine, give it to me."
Untying the cord Kakashi gave her the scroll. He watched her as she took it from his hands. He felt stupid kneeling over her and watching her, as she looked it over.
Something changed in him. He had no clue why he did it but he felt it best for them both. Carefully so as not to scare her he gathered her up in his arms and held her close.
"What are you doing?" She wasn't really startled, more confused.
"I don't really know." He tightened his grip on her. Now he didn't want to let her go. "Don't die okay."
"What?"
"Don't die I said." He let her go and held her at arms length, her mask still had that weird glow to it, the one that made him feel as though everything would work out.
"Of course I won't." She sounded pretty sure of herself.
"Promise?" He said…he felt stupid. He never did the things he just did.
"Yeah I promise…"
"We'll see each other again, after all, you seem to get your nose into everything." He said this as he bopped the beak of her mask. "Stay safe." He said as he left her sitting alone in a pile of leaves.
That was a day he could never forget. Especially now. Here before him was the very woman he had made promise him she'd live…was it so he could see her again or some other reason?
What the hell do I do now? I'm not here to kill her. I can never kill her…damn it…I sound like I like her…no I can't.
He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts. Sadly none of them would leave.
Ahhhhh! Stop thinking about her…Maybe I should just follow her for a bit.
His choice seemed to be made up for him.
"If you're not coming out I'm just going to leave." She called out. Sure enough she turned to leave, just as she had said.
What the hell do I do? Do I come out? No that would be stupid, I'm not really sure what she's going to do. Maybe I'll just do as I planned and follow her.
Racing after her Kakashi felt a familiar presence.
"I was wondering where you were."
Pakkun matched his pace and gave him a sharp look.
"I was doing as you told me to do."
Kakashi didn't doubt it.
"So what did you get?"
"Well I can tell you that this Akane character of yours is the same woman from years ago, you know the one."
"How could I forget."
No I can never forget her.
"Well I'm going to tell you to be careful kid, she's no push over."
"Did you see any of her abilities?"
"No, but they were setting up some kind of platform for a jutsu of some kind. Something about getting to a destination on time."
"Okay so it's not a small jutsu…A summon maybe." He was losing her. She was still faster than him.
"It's possible."
No I'm sure it is. Iruka let it slip that she can summon birds…this means she can summon a very large bird. It would get them to where they want to go in less than a day. So they were planning on meeting us.
"Good job my friend…I'm going to take it from here."
As he said this Pakkun disappeared.
Sure enough she brought him to…nowhere.
Of course, she'd do this. She's like that…I have to admit it's a nice view.
He watched her as she walked towards the lake and tested the water with her hand.
She was a strange ANBU…she always was. One arm had the full-length glove, while the other didn't. Not once did he see the practicality in it, it made her stand out. Was that what she wanted?
Akane wasn't to sure what she was doing. She had led him to a lake near by. She made sure to stay as far as she could from the others, yet close enough in case help was needed.
Kakashi had followed her like she had hoped, but now what was she to do?
Hmm Is he still like he used to be? Stuck up? No not like that, he's much nicer now. If I remember clearly…I used him as a pillow.
She chuckled at the thought. Later that day Nariko told her how she and Iruka had found her. Needless to say Nariko was jealous.
I could play with him for a bit. Or I can lure him out…but how do I do that?
She glanced around and all she could see was water…something was bothering her.
Damn that's nice water…I know I'll just ignore him and take a swim…Iruka's going to kill me for this…but it looks so nice…I don't really want him to be there now though…What the hell am I thinking?
Akane kicked a rock at the water and watched it as it splashed in and made several ripples.
Instead she took off her mask and stared at her reflection.
Man if I did what I was thinking of doing…who knows what would happen…I hate this…I hate having all these stupid secrets I have to hide from everyone.
Glancing at her face Akane fought the urge to release the genjutsu on her face. It wasn't hiding much. She looked the same either way; it was what was on one side of her face that she wanted to hide.
"Hmm I think that's a beautiful face." A deep voice announced. Startled, Akane fell face first from her rock, into the water with a loud splash. "Oops." The voice said. She knew he didn't mean that.
"Help me out." She growled
"Why? I think you look cute." The hound mask was bugging her. It made him look almost comical and frightening at the same time.
"Please?" She whined knowing he'd listen eventually; it was the right thing to do after all.
"Nope!" Akane's face fell.
I'm going to kill that jerk!
Stepping closer to the edge of the rock she had been sitting on he knelt down and watched her.
"I think you wanted to be there anyways." He was smiling, she could tell. It was not fair.
"Hey!" She said as she stood. The water was at least waist height.
"Hey what, you fell in, it's not my fault your balance sucks." He said without flinching.
Reaching for his mask Akane tried to pull him in…only she got the mask instead…
Geerrrr… stupid thing.
She was not going to lose, after all these years she was not going to lose to him. Throwing the mask to the shore Aakane sent Kakashi a death glare.
"Hey, you should be careful with that." He whined.
"You should keep it on your face." She retorted as she stuck out her tongue.
"Oh now aren't we mature now." He was teasing her. Usually it was her to tease not him.
"More than you."
"Oh really." He leaned forwards…just what she wanted.
Grabbing his silver hair she pulled as hard as she could and pulled him into the water with her.
Of course he fell on her again.
"We need to stop meeting like this." He muttered. The water was cool, she was sure he was feeling it.
Ah! That's cold, how can she stand this?
Kakashi wasn't expecting her to pull him in like that. Not in the least.
She's too smart for her own good.
"Well now look who's soaked."
"Oh I think you'll be more soaked." He laughed as his hand crashed down on her head pushing it under the water momentarily…or rather longer than he wanted.
…Where'd she go off to?
He wasn't holding her down…she had swum off…
She went to the deeper water…
Using his chakra Kakashi stood up. His clothes were soaked but thanks to the material they were made of they'd be dried quickly by his body heat.
She can't swim forever like that…where is…
A loud crash brought him back as a large dragon madeof water came lunging at him. Kakashi was shocked.
Did she learn that from me? No she can't she'd have to be Uchiha and I know she's not. She must have learned that on her own somehow.
Letting himself fall into the water Kakashi avoided the brunt of the blast. Now he was at a disadvantage. Below the water he couldn't see what she was doing or was he able to make a proper retaliation.
Moving from where he had fell in. Coming up in a different location was safer. Still something seemed rather sinister about the lake. Still swimming Kakashi felt something brush gainst his leg. Expecting to see the woman he turned and suddenly let out a breath of air in shock.
I should have expected this. That disease seems to have affected the whole forest.
There before him was a body of a man, he had been there for a while. His face and body were bloated considerably and he could clearly see the symptoms of the disease.
He moved away as carefully as he could so as not to disterb the dead body. He had to locate Akane and get out. If he didn't he'd panic.
Closing his eyes he focused on her chakra…it was gone.
Okay here we go again. She keeps doing this. I know what's going to happen. I'm going to come up and she'll his me again. She's just masking it, I have to admit she'd the best at it but what can I do? I have no choice but to get above the surface, I can't even see her feet.
Breaching the surface, he saw that the woman had dispeared.
"Where…"
'SMACK' A fist hit him hard in the face sending him sprawling on the water. However he was expecting this and used enough chakra to keep him above water.
She has a good punch, even for a woman.
The force of the blow was such a surprise to Kakashi that he stared at the woman totally stunned.
"I have to much to do to have you get in my way right now, go back and help Iruka-san, don't fight with me."
"I…" He wasn't able to finish, a foot came from behind and he had to fully submerge himself again to keep from getting hit.
Was she always this strong? I need to keep my distance, she seems to be good with hand to hand and close range battles. If I can keep my distance then I can have the upper hand.
Using his chakra again Kakashi got himself on the water and ran for the trees. The second he reached them he felt a familiar tug on one leg.
You have got to be kidding me. Not again, I should have seen this.
Feeling his weight being taken out from underneath him Kakashi just let the rope pull him up off the ground. Fighting it would have made matters worse. What he was to do now he really wasn't sure.
I can't believe this. This has to be the third time I've wound up like this. I need to figure out how she makes them so invisible.
Either way he was stuck and he had to work out a way to get out, before she came at him or before she fled, he wasn't sure which she would do.
A/N: Nothing seems to be working out for Kakashi. Well he's now figured it out...about time. But still she's hiding something else as we have just seen. Why is she holding a genjutsu over her face?
Personally I like the Yondime, he seems like such a happy guy. That particular flashback was one of my favorites. Just the way Kakashi's sensei teased him about his mood.
Well I don't have much time so please review, the more reviews the better. I also accept emails. so remember to review Please!