A/N: Okay for some reason I can't make my usual dividers in the story so don't be alarmed (DA went funny again.) Anyways it's been a while since I last posted and hopefully this chapter is a treat. I tried to add as much into the chapter as I could ad make it exctiting.
I don't want to babble at you guys all day so I'll leave you with. Please review. Also I know some of you say you like it...okay okay I get it but what about the chapter do you like. I would love to hear some opinions. I like it is getting old lol I'm sure you'll find something else...ha ha anyways I love all the wonderful reviews I have recieved so far and keep it up.
Final Note: I'm going to mention this a few times just in case people don't see it. I have noticed these 'spelling errors' people keep telling me about. Okay I know it's important to write good stories without error. I do have a Beta and we've both gone through it thoroughly there were no errors when I posted it. Here's the funny thing. I post on anohter site as well. I found that some words are put togehter and messed up. This was NOT ME!
Okay so please no more about my bad spelling. I'm working on it, it takes practice (I should know being a third year college student). If you see anything major please tell me though. I may miss something big; however if it's a missing coma...get over it; it's a dot and a squiggle. Ha ha okay I'm not trying to offend, I'm almost laughing at myself now. Just keep all that in mind and REVIEW...my email is empty and sad. I need a pick up between major papers and this once in a while.
Enough of me please enjoy the story.
-OOOOOO-
Chapter 22: Things turn for the worst.
"You know I'll always love you."
"I know you will but I can't say I love you enough to live my life by your side like that. I'd want to kill you by the end of the day."
"I still think you found someone else." He scrunched up his nose
"Why are you always so jealous."
"Akane…I…I want to keep you safe. I may not be the best shinobi but I still want to protect you. I feel I have to. Is it a crime to want to protect what's important to you? You're the only person I had left after my parents died, even Kaji was a little distant after that."
"I know…"
Akane rolled over enjoying the cool feeling of the mountain air. They had finally made it to the base of the highest peak in Fire Country. The mountain was magnificent. She remembered when they first approached it.
Kakashi had promptly dropped his bag and left them to set up. Akane spent the entire time staring at the peak. She desperately hoped her brother hadn't gone to far up yet.
"Ah… you're awake." Iruka's voice drifted over from the fire. "Hurry up it's getting cold."
"Marph…." She mumbled as she rolled over lazily only to be startled by a pair of mismatched eyes.
"You're in my country now and I decided you don't get to be any lazier than me." He said as he let his burden drop icily onto her face.
Akane shivered as the cold water did what it was intended to. She was awake, very awake and not happy.
"KAKASHI-SAN…I'M GOING TO…. what the hell is this?" Completely forgot her anger and picked up a small dart.
"That's mine!" Kakashi took it back with lightning reflexes.
"Damn are you fast. Weapons like that aren't you specialty, I should know you tried it once..." She stopped there, she would have said more but the icy glare stopped her.
"You know…. What! I didn't tell him to do that; he came up with it on his own. Mind you I thought it was funny…you should try to get him back." Genma smiled as he nearly dropped his breakfast on Iruka. Who flailed momentarily before shoving the man's arm back into his own personal space.
"Maybe later, you were saying?"
"Ah yeah…what was I saying? I'll remember in a sec." Genma laughed, this wasn't anything new to her he did that at times.
"So sleep well?" Iruka asked trying to break the strange mood.
"Sortta, I'm getting a lot of old memories going through my head lately."
"Yeah tell me about it, I just wish mine were good." Iruka sighed as he took in another mouthful of the porridge he had made.
"Yuck!" She muttered.
"It carries well and you're not hungry for hours, stop complaining. My students are better about it than you are." He rolled his eyes and continued his meal.
"Yeah only stubborn fools could handle this slop."
"Good thing you're a stubborn fool then." Iruka said matter-of-factly.
Meanie, you're always right…I hate that!
"He's been here, I think a few days ago." Kakashi voice announced behind them.
"A few days, but you said…."
"Akane-san, they're not always accurate. I can tell more from his campsite. He still has all his men and from the looks of it they were only making a quick assent and planned to come down to the same spot."
"So we can just wait there." Iruka added happily.
"I doubt it. The chances of him seeing us or noticing are higher. He'll be able to see this camp if we stay here. It's best to just continue and meet him half way, or better yet come up behind him when he's focusing on something else." Akane nodded he was right. There was no way her brother would let them catch him.
"Okay well the good news is he's definitely here. I have the ability to track him here so you can let your dogs rest."
"Good to know." He said, somehow this all seemed out of place. Kakashi never agreed with her, at least not openly, he usually had one up on her, but not this time. "Either way we've got him and there's no way I'm going to let this go on for another month, one is enough." He finished sitting down.
One? It's been at least one and a half; he would have said it that way not shorten it. He's too anal to be like this.
"Wow, so set in on that are we?"
Kakashi nodded. Akane rolled her eyes. Kakashi usually made do with what was happening around him. This guy, who ever he was, had routines and if anything fell outside that then he was unhappy with it and worked to fix that error. Too bad for him his mistakes were to many to fix.
"Finish eating and we'll continue."
"You know it's really funny…Iruka, you're the leader and he still leads." Genma chuckled.
"Oh that…I just let him. I don't mind. If there's anything I need to do you'll know. So far Kakashi-san has done everything I told him to."
Akane watched her friends as they argued over the mission. Then she glanced to Kakashi. For a moment he seemed as a part of the team, but now; now he seemed to be separate. The real Kakashi usually had something to say to the two of them when they got like that, but not this time. Was she right in thinking this wasn't him. Some of the things he had said were contradictory to what he had told her days ago.
"Hmm…I should come back here later. I forgot about this place." Kakashi suddenly spoke up. Akane smiled.
"Yeah the lake is so pristine it's hard to keep focused on this mission."
"Yes but that's why we have to complete it. Konohoa needs this and without it we're hopeless. Time is short and I know for a fact in a few more months Orochimaru will attack Konohoa for sure."
Wow a for sure. He never says stuff like that. He knows things can change at anytime. Orochimaru is too unpredictable for that.
"Yeah that's not very fair is it? Orochimaru and Akatsuki at the same time. It must be hard for everyone to keep up."
"Hmm. Some. I haven't seen much change in my missions really. Tsunade-sama trusts me with the more difficult missions."
Ha, another mistake. His missions have gotten more involved, and he rarely has time to stay even one day in the village between missions. This is a fake; it has to be.
"I understand. That's why your pack seemed to be so well packed." She smiled as he glared at her, she mentioned it intentionally.
Hmm he didn't know that, actually there wasn't much in there. He had run out of a lot of supplies before he got this mission and had no time to repack.
"When exactly do I get it back?"
"Once my brother is home at least. Then you get it back and that includes those smutty books."
"I guess I can wait." He smiled back. "I like our conversations, they're entertaining and enlightening."…That was not right some how…he would have never said that. If there was one thing Kakashi had no patience for it was his books. She knew he avoided mentioning it over the past month since he knew she'd give it back eventually.
Akane glanced around her. "You know I was thinking the same thing." She said as she glared at Iruka who seemed to be having the same thought. "Say, Kakashi-san when did you wake up?"
"Oh…hmm." His mannerisms where all wrong for this type of question he would look literally as though he were thinking, here he wasn't. "I'd say six or so in the morning."
"Not early enough." Iruka's whisper drifted to her.
"Hmm yeah okay and you said it would take us a few more days to find him?"
"Yeah…a few more days…isn't that what I said." He looked at her rather accusingly, again totally off; Kakashi would have at least tried to look confused.
"Okay that's really strange." Suddenly Iruka stood and in a flurry of movement the man was on the ground, blood pooling from his chest.
He did it! He summoned a weapon! That is amazingly fast.
"Wow…. you're going to beat me soon with all those techniques you seem to be acquiring lately."
"Ahh it was nothing. If I didn't get him Genma or you would have. I was lucky he thought I was weak. He never saw it coming."
"Considering my position though I would have been injured." Genma added. "You were the only one who could act without being seen first."
Akane stared. Iruka had summoned the sword as he was moving; meaning he was further in his training than she had anticipated.
Glancing to the mountain she noticed a small trail. One person had to find Kakashi the others had to keep going. She was probably the only one who could find him. Iruka and Genma were going to have to keep going and following the trail she had spotted, Kakashi and her were just going to have to catch up.
"Hey Iruka?"
"Yeah!" His head turned to her a worried look filling his eyes.
"Don't worry about me. You see that trail there?"
"The…yes I do."
"Fallow it. Take Genma with you. I believe you'll find my brother at the end of it. It's too fresh to be from anyone else and too old to be from this guy." She said as she kicked the imposter.
"And you?" Genma asked accusingly.
"I'm going to find the missing perv…I mean person."
Iruka laughed, "That was such an obvious joke that it hurt."
"Yeah I know I try. Get a move on already." She smiled.
"Sheesh yes ma'am" Genma muttered. As they turned she could hear his departing words. "She sounds like Tsunade-sama, If I didn't know the other I'd get them both confused all the time."
She heard Iruka snort and laugh. "I don't think you could confuse them Akane and Tsunade-sama look completely different."
"Well they sure boss us around the same way."
Akane chuckled. Sometimes they were a little too frank with her. Other times they tried to hard. This time they just forgot she was there and gave her something to pay them back with later. Kakashi in this situation would have come up with some flattering comment and end the whole thing. But he wasn't and even if he was just stuck in a trap Akane found it strange to not have him there.
It's odd I've known him for a month and a half and it's almost as though he was here with me forever. I almost forget he's from Konohoa. If only he wasn't. Damn, there I go again…Why is it I sound like I'm falling for him more and more. Oh when I get my hands on you Kaji I'm going to use you for a …something…I'm too mad at you to come up with anything but damn it I will.
-OOOOOO-
She decided to look for any clues. The first place she looked was his bedroll. She knew for sure he was still there when she last went to sleep. She knew this mostly because of the constant feeling of being watched she had learned to endure ever since he had joined up with her men. It was nothing new to her; Iruka did it too, but not as much. Kakashi meant well by it. He didn't know her well and trust for him was hard to come by. Still she knew the truth about those moments, she caught herself doing it.
Is it possible it's the both of us that are acting weird? Is it possible I'm falling for him? And is it possible he fell for me? Nah, that's too coincidental.
Looking around she found nothing at first. It was strange Kakashi would usually stay in the same place until early morning, usually around five. Glancing around she could see no sign of him moving that night, except the weird mark by a bush.
Walking closer she became aware it wasn't a mark at all but rather blood. Since the man Iruka had killed showed no sign of injury, this blood must have belonged to Kakashi.
Jackpot! I can find him in seconds now.
Crouching low Akane pulled out a senbon and dipped one end in the blood. Next she preformed an array of seals, once finished the senbon turned a silver white.
No way! This is rare in itself. To think his blood could be that pure.
Deciding against examining it she suddenly thrust the needle into the ground. Single handedly she went through a different set of seals this time the needle sank into the dirt and a small silver metallic glob appeared.
So far so good. Once I give the order though I need to move fast and keep an eye on it. Damn I can't believe I have to do this.
Pulling out a kunai Akane made a tiny slit in her thumb and ran it down the right side of her face.
Slowly she could feel the effects as the chakra in her body increased phenomenally. She would be lucky if no one noticed. Chances were Kakashi would be unconscious which was good for her.
Opening her eyes, which she hadn't realized she had closed, Akane focused on the small dot on the ground.
"Go!" Just as the words left her mouth the blob moved through the trees. In her current state she was able to follow it without trouble. The technique she had used made her vision ten times better than what it was originally. If she wanted she could do better but she needed only the ten percent.
In moments she came to a clearing near a small cliff face. Lodged under a ledge was the body of the man she was searching for.
Letting the first jutsu drop Akane approached the scene. There was more damage than she had thought. He wasn't just injured; who ever it was beat him as well. To think she hadn't noticed.
Kneeling down next to him she ran her hand over his face. She was going to have to pull him out anyways. Grabbing his arms carefully so as not to break them she pulled him out slowly.
"Damn you're heavy. What the hell do you eat? Man I should talk you into a diet."
Once she had him clear of the cliff face she looked over his injuries. Not only was his shoulder sliced open but also the left side of his head was bleeding. Bleeding was a good sign in her eyes. It meant the body was still functioning.
"If I had watched my brother more closely this would have ever happened." She mused as she ran her hand over his face. She could feel his breathing. So he was alive after all. Still she couldn't get over the urge to pull his mask down.
Why is it I want to do that? That's not fair to him.
Oh but he could have been hurt…
What a dumb reason forget it, he hasn't done anything to me for that to be fair.
"Now what…I can't leave you. I guess I can take you back to camp." She sighed. This was going to be a long day. Kakashi was taller than she was and weighed a lot more than she did. It was one thing for him to carry her, but her carry him. It was ludicrous!
Oh you owe me big time. Good thing I didn't drop the other jutsu…or whatever the hell it's called…that is weird I never called it anything.
Lifting him carefully Akane began the long walk back. Even though it didn't take her long to find the spot she was a considerable distance away from camp.
"Oh do I ever have blackmail now!" She laughed as she walked into the trees.
Halfway there she felt a few muscles in his arms and chest constrict as he slowly came to only the reaction she got was something she wasn't expecting to say the least. Normally the person would stay quiet until they knew what was happening or they would thank the person who saved them. Kakashi though...he had to be different.
Landing on her back with a kunai; her kunai, shoved at her neck was not fun or even worthy of entertainment.
"Kakashi-san it's me…Akane…please give it back."
"Like hell you are, you don't look much like her, your eyes are all wrong."
Realizing her mistake Akane dropped her jutsu and watched him closely.
His reaction was understandable but yet a little over the top.
"Who and what the hell are you?" He asked this time more viciously.
"I'm who I said I was now get the hell off me…I was trying to be nice you know." He glared even more now.
"She's nothing like that. She has blue eyes not yellow ones." He answered sternly.
"Uh huh and they're blue now…oh yeah like hers." She muttered. Kakashi was so stubborn it drove her nuts.
Put two and two together already.
"She has an attitude."
"Asshole let me go." Grinning she suddenly jammed her knee where she knew he'd feel it. She watched as he recovered amazingly fast and glared daggers into her. What she had done was rather low but she had no choice he wasn't going to listen. "Don't make me knock you out and drag you back to camp. Once we're there you can see that I'm who I said I was."
His confusion was understandable, after all it wasn't everyday you were knocked out by yourself, and then find yourself being carried by someone who technically shouldn't be and looked like someone you knew. It was hard to know what to believe.
I can't blame you.
"Will you be civil?"
"Do I have to?" He snorted. She could see he was catching on but he still didn't want to believe her.
"Yeah you do, I have enough extra chakra flowing through my body to be able to knock you out easily." It was true but hard to do.
"Fine. Lets get going then."
"You're going to need some help you know."
"Fine." That was all he had to say and that was as far as it went.
After a long walk and an exhausting amount of annoyed 'fines' Akane flopped over in her bedroll.
"Where is everyone?"
"They went ahead. I found his trail and sent them that way. I'm pretty sure Genma and Iruka-san will find him and bring him back. You on the other hand need some patching up before you can go back to helping" It seemed he had gotten over his initial shock and remembered who she was.
"Why did you look like that back there?"
"Oh that…um well I have a neat ability to use blood as you guessed."
"Yes that's what the Akahoshi do." He snorted. It seemed Kakashi hated it when she stated the obvious. However she knew it was years since he had even seen such a jutsu nad the fact was, he still hadn't.
"Yeah one is a tracking jutsu. Most people ignore it and never use it. But combined with another jutsu I can follow it. It goes pretty quick. Very good for emergencies. Look if I hadn't gotten there you could have died."
"Hmm. So that streak of blood activated it." He pointed to her right cheek. Absent-mindedly she touched the spot he was asking about.
"I'm not telling you. You'll have to see me do that one day." She grinned almost wishing him to stay longer than she knew he would.
That trail was pretty fresh I doubt we'll be here longer than three days.
Kakashi winced and grabbed at his bloodied shoulder. It seemed the pain was now getting to him.
"I need to look at that."
"Like hell I'll let you." That was what she was expecting. He was able to move properly and speak. Back at her home he knew he was helpless; now he knew he could get away with being stubborn.
"Well fine then don't blame me if you lose all your blood turn pale and die." She sighed as she pick through her pack and pulled out a granola bar. "Want some?" She asked.
He reached for it and pulled back hissing. She grinned.
Oh poor thing, I guess you'll just have to do as I say now.
"Want me to stitch it up?"
"No I can do it myself."
"So you're a contortionist too…wow you're talented." Akane teased. "Common don't be a fool I know you need help, part of that goes behind you. I doubt you can bend like that and stitch it safely. Besides I'm not bad at it."
"Akane-san please let me do this." He asked. That was a first but she wasn't going to listen.
"Take the armor off." She ordered.
"No!"
Stubborn fool!
Getting up Akane jammed her finger into the wound earning a yelp of pain.
"Please do as I say Kakashi-san. I've never done anything to deserve this."
"I don't want you to!"
"Fine want me to go and send Iruka back and I go ahead…he's pretty rough with stitches."
Kakashi's features became pale. He knew full well what she had meant. She remembered the day Iruka was helping Kakashi take a bath. Neither of them knew she was listening in, but she heard him grunt in pain as Iruka's jealousy complex came into play.
"Okay okay fine but…" Before he could finish his armor was gone. "Akane-san I…okay you know what this isn't fair let me do this much at …" She glared at him.
-OOOOOO-
I want Iruka, I want Iruka to help me…she's scary. Even Tsunade-sama is nicer.
He knew he had set her off somehow but he really wanted to avoid this. The closer she was to him the worse his feelings for her got.
"Akane-san." He grabbed her hands. His heart picked up, and for a moment he was unsure if his action was even a good idea, he was positive it wasn't.
"I…I thought you were dead." She sniffed.
"Don't cry." He said as he pulled her to him. Of course this was Akane and one thing he learned was crying was rare. She wasn't going to let him see her get that way but somehow he knew she was close to it. He just wasn't sure why she was like this. "I don't think that was what it was about. Relax. I'm here now and I'm still alive, so please slow down."
Akane looked at him and for a moment he could feel his control slipping. Pulling her away he turned around and pulled off his shirt. It hurt a lot since most of it had scabbed over into the fabric.
"I'll need the extra one in…my pack…which I don't have…damn it."
"Don't worry I took the extra stuff with me, I thought there was a chance something would happen." Relief ran through his senses. She was clever and paid enough attention to him to understand him.
"Thank you."
"Not a problem, I'm not mean enough to do that to you." She smiled he could feel it.
Jumping he felt her cold hands touch his back.
Why the hell do women always have cold hands…although I have to admit it does feel better around the wound.
As she probed the skin along the edges of the wound he gradually became glad for them being cold. The skin there was so hot and angry it was a relief and refreshing.
Ohhh I like this now…too much for my own good though.
Trying not to lean into the touch Kakashi then became more curious.
"I don't remember much about last night…what does it look like?"
"Red…angry…damn…"
"What?"
"Nothing. They got you good they cut through part of the muscle there. I'm going to have to fix that as well."
"How the hell will you do that?" He'd never heard of it being done before. Muscles had to heal on their own, even Tsunade tried to avoid that at all costs.
"Well I don't have any supplies so I'm going to have to try one of my sister's techniques."
"Try?" Somehow that worried him.
"Heh well do I look like a medic?"
"No not at all." He was worried now. He also wasn't good with healing jutsu; actually he was pretty bad at it.
"My proof then!" He chuckled. Akane said things in the weirdest ways. Even if it was confusing at times she always came across as kind and even as far as innocent. Of course the latter was impossible. She wasn't it was plain as day. She was a killer like him, and even once loved someone, which he didn't. She had done more in her life already than he had even tried to accomplish.
"I'm sorry…Do what you can then. I don't mind I'm sure what ever it is, if it's bad can be reversed."
"Yeah it probably could be but I doubt I'll make a mistake."
-OOOOOOO-
Common Katon tell me now what was the final seal.
'You are this desperate for this man to try something so dangerous? Akane this can heal by itself."
I know but even with just stitches his mobility would be down without this technique.
'You care for this man don't you?'
What? No no I don't.
'Foolish human I can hear every thought you have and even your emotions. He makes you stutter and your heart races when he looks at you.'
Shut up and do as I told you. If you don't he will die and you said so yourself a long time ago that he can't die.
'Okay okay, your so demanding.'
Don't make me summon you in front of him.
'I said you win, you know you're the most stubborn human I have yet to have as a host…can't you just loosen up a bit.
May I remind you they were all male and most were just lazy?
'Okay you win there, I'll give you what you need.'
Akane gritted her teeth, it had been a long time since she had asked for help from Katon. He was her closest friend; much like Iruka was, and the wisest person she knew.
"Okay Kakashi-san this will feel weird for a moment." He nodded solemnly. She knew how much he hated this. It seemed they were doomed to need each other. She saved him; he saved her now she's at it again. Why was it they just couldn't avoid these situations?
Pulling off the seals she knew, she waited as Katon took control of her hands and finished the combination ending with Ryu the Dragon.
This made sense the technique she was using wasn't one of her sisters but rather one of Katon's. She couldn't tell Kakashi the truth, she wasn't sure how he'd react and to find that she had a creature living in her body since birth, it would be a hard thing to swallow. Sure she could block him out from time to time but other times he became a nuisance.
Sure enough once the chakra reached her hands she could see the flame red chakra take hold. Lowering her hand to the wound Kakashi stiffened and hissed.
"Why does it burn?" He asked between gasps.
"Well at the same time I'm cauterizing the outer wound. Don't be to surprised if I have to wait a few minutes before doing the rest."
"You know this really isn't a normal jutsu is it?" He was quick but she wasn't really paying attention anymore.
In minutes the damage was fixed and all that was left was the layers of skin that the kunai from the enemy had sliced through. Unfortunately for Kakashi she really did have to wait a few minutes. Firstly to let it cool and secondly to let the nerves there slowly die. He'd regain feeling in that shoulder but he'd have to get used to it being numb for a few months.
"Okay we'll just wait for a few minutes. While we're doing that I'm going to look at that head injury."
"Not the same jutsu I hope?"
"No no…Are you nuts that might kill you." She laughed. It could, that was the theory. The jutsu she had used was fire based even though she hadn't used the tiger seal. Rather it was a healing jutsu used mostly by creatures like Katon; much larger and more powerful creatures. Kakashi was in essence very lucky she had learned to control the power behind it.
Oh crap he has no mask now what?
"How do you want to do this?"
-OOOOOOO-
Kakashi froze. He hadn't thought of that. He didn't want to face her in the state he was in.
"Well tell you what, here if need be use this." Handing him a scarf she waited until he finished. Kakashi knew he looked really stupid, and hated it since the second Akane looked back at him she burst out laughing.
"You look so funny!"
"Lets just get it over with hmm? The sooner you're done the sooner I can have my other shirt."
If I don't get rid of these feelings soon I may just as well get rid of this and show her my face…why the hell do I get the feeling she doesn't really care? I don't really either but I can't trust what's hiding in the trees either. I'm pretty sure she can sense it.
Kakashi winced as her hand touched the wound on his head.
"Well it's not bad enough for stitches I don't think. Just don't get hit in the head over the next forty-eight hours and you'll be fine."
"Then that means you can't slap me?"
"Um…no I can still do that."
"Liar."
"Yeah I know." She smiled. Kakashi felt his heart melt for a moment. He knew his control was now hanging by a thread. If she made one move one false movement or said anything that would cause it to loosen more he would be done for and he knew it.
I can't let this win. I need to stay with it. I need to keep these emotions away.
Slowly she cleaned out the wound meticulously. He was surprised just how gentile she was with him. It was as if he were made out of glass.
"Akane-san? Please I won't break I can handle the pain if you need to get deeper. I know it's worse than you're telling me."
She winced. He wanted her to stop that. Pain was a normal part of his life, however, Akane seemed dead set on avoiding causing him pain.
"Okay but seriously it's going to hurt…a lot."
"If it needs to be done then do it." He was getting tired of this.
Time passed, as Akane did nothing. She just stared at the wound and blinked.
"Just give me the cloth, I can do this if you can't."
"No!"
"Akane-san, it's obvious you can't. I can." Nodding slowly she handed him the cloth and gave him the bowl of water. Thankfully it was cool.
Placing the cloth in the water he tried to get it as soaked as he could. Beside him Akane just watched in total worry.
She's this scared? I must have been hit pretty hard then.
Reaching to his forehead he winced. There was no way stitches could work the gash was too large. He would be able to get rid of the scaring just by leaving it as it is more or less. Akane was right to be worried.
Leaning forwards and squeezing the cloth over the wound Kakashi tried his best not to make any sign of pain. If he did Akane was sure to stop him from doing what he was doing.
Once he felt he was done he handed her back the cloth and smiled. She had spent the entire time watching him and hadn't realized he was finished.
"Akane-san?"
"…" Sighing he grabbed her shoulder and realized his mistake as she grabbed his hand and glared.
"Sorry…." He stammered as she looked away.
"It's okay you just scared me. Let me finish this and you can have your other shirt." She got up but he couldn't help but feel she was upset over something.
I guess I scared her pretty bad…poor thing she didn't need this…neither did I.
When Akane came back he couldn't help but feel she was mad at him. As she stitched his shoulder he wound up spending most of his time with his face scrunched up in utter pain. Not only was she making sure the stitches were in good but she was also making sure he was feeling every single one.
"Slow down. I'll be feeling all those for days."
"Well I guess it's a good thing then. You'll only have them for a few days. Now sit still and let me finish. The sooner I'm done the sooner you can go and find my brother, and the sooner you can leave." That hurt. He hadn't missed the last comment.
"Akane…"
He felt her finishing of course by the time she was done his whole shoulder had no feeling in it anymore. She had done what she had said she would and he had to admit she did a great job on it.
Getting up she stalked over to her pack and pulled out the black tank top he had kept originally in his pack. Throwing it at him she left to get fresh water.
"Looks like it was something I said." He muttered as he lifted his shirt over his head and froze.
Damn, it smells like her now…this is not going to be fun. It'll take a few hours before that goes…and longer since I have a better sense of smell than the average person. This just isn't my day. I get knocked out, beaten; Akane-san saves me but scares me as well. She stitches me up and now this. I'm going to go crazy.
Still the last thing she had said to him had still reverberated through his mind. Was she mad because he didn't want to be near her or was she mad because he wanted to leave so soon?
I need to fix this. It was my fault for being so distant with her. I had planned on trying to get closer but now that I look at it in the end I would seriously harm her. Can I do what I had planned?
He wasn't sure. When he had spoken to Pakkun he had decided the best way to protect her was to stay as close to her as he could and to learn as much as he could. Somehow all this just didn't work out quite the way he had planned. Not only was he unable to get close enough but he managed to get her mad at him. Was this what a relationship would be like? If it was he wondered just why people bothered. Someone was always getting hurt.
Either way I have to talk to her. I need her to understand…and in that way I have to…
Kakashi stood up. Something set off his senses. There was a large amount of chakra in the air for a moment.
Glancing to the lake he could see Akane walking back calmly. Apparently she hadn't sensed it yet. He wasn't sure just what it was yet but he was sure it would appear as soon as he turned his back.
"I had better stay near her now…"
-OOOOOOO-
Akane grumbled to herself. She had seen through him easily enough. He had only been nice to her to learn what he needed and that was it. He was playing with her emotions to learn what he could about her and her people. He was brilliant but she wasn't going to lose to this. She wasn't going to let him in anymore there was no way.
Why me? What did I do? He's used me all this time. I…I was hoping there was more to this than…
"Let me get that!" Kakashi took the container from her and smiled.
"Uh…no give it back."
"Right now let me help you…" He glanced behind him for a moment and looked back the same fake smile on his face.
Something's up. He's nervous.
Walking next to him Akane still couldn't help the feelings welling up whenever she looked at him. He was a smart man, and a very good shinobi; better than most. She also knew he had a heart which many were lacking by the time they reached his age.
"What is your problem?" She asked as they reached the fire and Kakashi placed the container on the rock next to it.
"I didn't like what you said before. You seriously think I…I want to leave like that?"
Akane looked down. That was after all how she felt. Was there a crime in speaking one's mind?
"Yeah…I don't know."
"Akane-san…I…" He glanced back at the water. She had no clue just what it was that made him so worried but it was starting to bother her. "I…would never…what I want…damn it." He looked away annoyed with himself. This only made Akane feel worse. He was trying so hard to defend himself.
"You thought I was using you didn't you?"
"Yes…I guess I had that thought."
"I'm not, I have no reason to. There's nothing for me here to use you for."
"Look I can't help but feel you're using my emotions…" Once this spilled out she could see the worry in his face.
"No…I would never do that…Why?" He wasn't sure what to do she could see it.
"You confuse me, you'll say one thing and do the opposite. Or you'll be really kind one minute and the next you act like you don't know me…it's not normal!"
He looked to the ground and for a moment she was worried she had hurt him somehow.
"No…I never could do that to you…I…care…" Suddenly the lake seemed to explode behind her.
Akane froze in shock when she saw what had come out of the shower of water. There in the middle of the lake stood a giant purple snake. Akane didn't like snakes much and she certainately didn't like ten-foot high snakes either.
How…Orochimaru…he must be nearby…this is not good.
Fear was one thing Akane tried to avid but in this situation she was definitely ready to swallow her courage and run away as fast as she could. Feeling Kakashi next to her seemed to help.
-OOOOOOO-
Kakashi had never seen a snake quite so large. He had heard of it when the village was attacked but otherwise he had never laid eyes on such a frightening sight.
For moments he just stared at it unsure of what there was to do.
I have no summons large enough to fight this…nor does she I doubt. And if she even does we're to close to have time to summon them.
Grabbing her arm he pulled her behind him.
"Run, I'll catch up as soon as I can."
"No…you don't have a defense against that! I don't really have one either. Please Kakashi that's suicide."
He glared she wasn't going to win this one there was no way he'd let her. He was going to have them all go home alive, even if it meant without him.
"I won't let it get past me. Trust me."
"No…I don't trust you. It's suicide!"
"AKANE!" He glared.
"I heard you the first time."
Turning her to face him Kakashi held her at arms length he stared into her wide eyes. He could see her fear and even her worry for him. Somehow he saw something else.
"Akane-san ….I…I won't die…I promise." He smiled. "Now go. I'm sure there's a few jutsu I have up my sleeve that could help me. I've survived the war…this should be easy enough."
"You don't get it…this is Orochimaru's summon…his main summon, not an underling; even he fears this thing."
Kakashi froze. If that was true chances of survival were slim to none. How was he to survive that?
What do I do? Do I stay and fight and let her get away or do I run with her…the latter would mean both of us have a chance…I guess I made up my mind already.
Sighing Kakashi let her go and glanced at the snake.
"Okay here's what I can do. I'm going to create an illusion. But before I do I need you to run. He wouldn't want you anyways. I'll be right behind you so just keep going to. Meet up with the others. I should be there after you."
He knew she wasn't buying it.
"Please Akane-san."
Nodding slowly Akane turned.
"When I give you the signal"
"Right!" He knew she hated this more than anything, but he had to do it. He made her promise she would live, and now he did the same. He was going to have to make it out somehow, she knew that.
"Now!"
He didn't waste a second as soon as Akane took the first step the snake was rushing at him. Forming the seals he needed in seconds, which only a lifetime of practice could grant him he activated a complicated genjutsu.
With this my opponent, no matter how big he is will not know the difference between the real the illusion or me. Luckily it's designed to hide my prescience and allow me to run.
How ever this wasn't the case. For some reason the snake saw through the trick.
"Foolish human. I have to admit it was a clever trick but I have seen this many times. You will not escape me."
"That's what you think!" Kakashi added stoically.
He still had enough time to do one last attempt. If this failed he was sure he was done for.
"Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!" Around him several real life copies appeared.
"I doubt you've seen this one before."
Doing the same seals once more he activated the genjutsu one last time.
I need to work fast my chakra is running low and I've already lost all feeling in my left arm.
The snake was now only yards away. Kakashi could see the drool dripping from it's fangs and tongue. If he pulled this off he was sure he would teach it to Naruto as soon as he saw the boy.
Now for the moment of truth.
Each clone and himself all took off in different directions. He made sure to keep several going the way Akane had gone that way the snake would avoid him and chase his clones. He knew by this time Akane was long gone, he couldn't even sense her aura anymore.
Please make it don't do anything foolish like come after me.
Somehow he knew he wasn't lucky this time, not like he had been in the past.
Again he felt the cold shiver go down his spine. The snake had turned and noticed him.
"Very clever. I have to admit you e correct. I have never seen someone able to think so quickly. You will prove to be very appetizing."
Kakashi could feel his face blanch. This was not what he had in mind for a mission.
"What does Orochimaru want with this country?" He had to ask somehow. The snake seemed more willing to have a battle of wits with him than a battle of stomachs. Kakashi was sure he was going to lose his last meal as it was anyways. He never did like snakes in the first place.
"Why should I tell you."
"Well you're convinced I won't make it out alive why not grant me what I ask you?"
The snake seemed to consider this but then lunged for him. Kakashi jumped as far out of the way as he could but the shockwave in the air caused by the snake's impact sent him flying several feet into the air. Luckily he landed on his feet.
"I suppose I could grant you that."
Kakashi waited patiently for any signs of movement. Unfortunately he found it rather difficult since snakeskin didn't move like that of a human's. The muscles were arranged in a different array causing him a lot of annoyance.
Okay he shows no signs with his eyes or his body…there must be some place that he tenses up before all others. There has to be. I don't really feel like being someone's lunch today. Wait a minute, what about his tail. He needs to move the tail in a certain way to move his entire body. It has to go in one of two directions. The chances of that working are slim but a promise is a promise.
"Orochimaru is after a power much greater than that of the jinchuuriki."
"What can possibly be more powerful than a demon?"
The snake made his move but only wound up eating his shadow bunshin. Kakashi was only feet away, and was seen.
"You are annoying me." The snake roared as it shook it's head in annoyance.
"I bet! You're annoying me too. Why don't you forget about me and return to your master."
"HOW DARE YOU!"
Oops wrong thing to say…I guess he calls the shots every now and again. No wonder the bastard doesn't use him much.
Jumping up onto a ledge of a cliff Kakashi tried once more to create a genjutsu. Something wasn't still making sense to him as he did this.
"Tell me, is this power inside the woman who was with me?"
"Yes." The snake hissed.
All this was confusing. Was this the secret she was hiding from him?
It would explain her stamina and chakra.
"How much more powerful is this power exactly?"
"Enough questions." He had stalled the snake as much as he could. Unfortunately he hadn't had time to finish his trap. "Orochimaru would be very pleased to hear I had eaten you."
"Wouldn't he!" Kakashi rolled his eyes. They were all the same. Everyone had this odd idea that Orochimaru really cared about this sort of thing. He knew full well the monster didn't give a damn if he was dead or alive. The man knew he was no match for him, not alone anyways.
Jumping down the cliff and running as fast as he could Kakashi could feel the snake's aura directly behind him.
If I make it through this I'm going to tell her everything I swear I'll tell her about it all.
Suddenly the snake was gone. Kakashi knew better than to fall for that trick though. He had observed many carnivores in the wild and used this technique himself when hunting missing nin.
I've done it now. This thing is so big ten feet is like an inch to it. How the hell am I going to get away from it or even have time to hide?
He could feel the blood from the shoulder wound running down his back. This was not a good sign. He was losing blood and also giving the snake something to track.
The lake? I could go there; wash as much of the blood I can off and use some of the algae as a sponge while I try to get away.
Making that his plan Kakashi took off through the few trees he could find to the lake. Unfortunately the surrounding area was partially arid and had few trees he could use for cover.
Diving into the water Kakashi tried his best to move as slowly as he could. If he swam quickly he could leave a wake at the surface and give away his position.
Finding what he was after Kakashi pulled the bandage Akane had made and stuffed the wound as best he could. He knew he was going to pay for it later, and he also was sure Akane would give him a mouthful about what he had just done to himself. If it meant living though, then he was fine with that.
Okay phase two, clone runs with scent. I leave the lake in the brush to the left. I should be able to make another clone there and make him run to the cliff once more. There are caves there; it can hide there as well.
Ripping the bandage into several pieces; Kakashi created the first clone and sent it off in the opposite direction with a fragment of the bandage. Swimming to the grassy shore he crawled through the grass slowly until he reached the trees. Leaning against an old tree he created the next clone and sent it off with another fragment to the cliffs.
Gasping Kakashi pulled out a small bag from his pouch and placed the remaining pieces there incase he needed them.
My chakra is low. I need half an hour to regain my strength. At this point I'm desperate for some inspiration.
"My that was very clever!" The sound came from behind. Kakashi's head flew up in utter surprise. How was it he was found out so fast?
-OOOOOOO-
"IRUKA! GENMA!" Akane was out of breath. She had run for two hours and still she hadn't found them. Finally making it up a steep cliff and over a ledge she had found them. At this height she had seen the snake moving about below and she knew Kakashi hadn't gotten away like he had planned.
With tears streaming down her face she ran to the nearest person, Iruka.
"Akane…what happened?"
"Kakashi…." She choked…she was tired, exhausted and emotionally confused. This was not what she needed, and she really didn't need Iruka's confused look either.
Genma walked to the edge and looked down.
"He's down there?"
"He had no choice. I…he told me to go, he said he'd be behind me."
"Okay." Iruka nodded he understood right away what happened. "Ass he's playing hero down there and not letting anyone else have a chance!"
"Oh man that was so not you!" Genma chuckled.
"Yes I know that but it's true he's playing hero right now and it's about time we help him right."
Akane nodded. She'd help him even if it meant her death.
"You know the summons we need?" Akane asked as she regained her composure.
"Sure do. Personally I like these two the most."
"Um I'm confused." Genma asked, or rather stated.
"They're a type of hawk that loves to eat snakes. Just watch you'll see. With two I think we'll be fine. Otherwise it would have to be both summons and Katon, I'd rather you not use him with Hatake down there."
"No that would be risky."
"Okay lets go for it then." Akane laughed. Up high Iruka was fine but she knew as soon as they got close the man would have his doubts.
"Just no freezing okay!"
"Okay…I can try." Iruka gulped.
Both stood a few feet away and made the same seals.
"Kiyuchuse no jutsu!"
Before them two large hawks appeared. They weren't nearly as large as the snake but together they made up for the difference.
"Shou!" Iruka smiled, "You look…older…" The hawk glared. "Ahem…I mean much wiser." The hawk then took it back and crouched low. "He's not much of a talker anymore." Iruka looked worried.
"You ninny!" Akane snorted, "You never summon them anymore."
"I guess that's a good point. I'm sorry shou…I'll summon you more often. We can go to the canyons out in Fire Country."
Akane giggled.
For Iruka this whole situation is awkward. He hasn't summoned them since I left.
"Mai..We. need to chase that snake away."
"Is there a reason?"
"There's a comrade of ours down there. He's a foolish one!" Iruka answered seriously. "So we need to exercise as much caution as we can."
"We leave now then." The bird said.
"Why is it I can't get over the feeling these two think they summoned us?" Iruka whispered to Akane.
"Because they're bigger than you," Akane whispered back getting an annoyed look.
"I'm not sure who I hate more, you or Hatake." Iruka muttered. Akane laughed.
"You don't hate me…" She left it hanging and was awarded with an awkward gag.
Oh ho I so got you good there.
-OOOOOOO-
In the air Iruka could see the damage more clearly. Kakashi was a good shinobi, one of the best. It definitely showed where their camp used to be. Strewn about were holes, scrapes , and gashes in the earth. It seemed the snake was determined to eat its prey alive if it could and was willing to knock over any rock in its way. Even a large amount of trees were overtrned, obviously the creature was trying to get rid of any hiding spot or escape route possible.
"Akane! I don't see him."
"Let the birds look. We want to keep an eye out for the snake."
"Understood."
Akane was right. The two birds had ten times the eyesight they did and could easily spot Kakashi. He stood out enough. Still he had a bad feeling about this.
"I spotted a shinobi. He's near the lake." Shou stated calmly.
"His condition?" Iruka had to ask.
"Hard to tell." Shou looked to Mai.
"I see large amounts of blood. We may be to late."
Akane froze up.
"Please Akane-sama…this may not mean anything." Mai pleaded trying to make the young woman more comfortable with the situation.
Iruka knew better than that.
"Akane-san. I need you to take Mai and try to beat off the snake without me for now. I'll be there as soon as I can. If he's alive I'll send Shou in to help you without me. He can pick us up once it's over okay?"
"Right." He couldn't help but see the tears running down her face.
"Be careful. He did this to save you. Don't do something to put that all to waste."
"I won't." She sighed. "Mai lets go tear that monster to pieces.
Please for her sake Kakashi be alive.
Reaching the spot Shou had seen him Iruka tried hard not to lose his stomach. Kakashi wasn't in any shape to fight back anymore. He was barely conscious.
"Kakashi-san!" Iruka ran over despite the ball lodged in his throat.
"Iruka-san…Akane?" Blood was welling from a wound on his head and Iruka could see one leg was broken. How the jounin was still alive was a miracle. Iruka just hoped he could get the fool to help before it was too late.
"She's fine. She's trying to keep that…that thing busy."
"Good…"
"Don't you dare!" Iruka slapped him hard.
Kakashi winced back the pain but managed to open one eye. Iruka was worried. He was losing blood from a deep gash in his shoulder.
"I'm sorry I probably shouldn't have hit you so hard." Iruka felt bad Kakashi had a sever concussion that was very clear.
Iruka tried to check for more wounds but the poor man was covered in so much of his own blood that it was hard to decided what was a wound and what wasn't In a way he was worried Kakashi would die if he tried to move him. However he knew better, it they stayed where they were, they would be killed for sure.
"I'm going to carry you out of here okay." Slowly Kakashi nodded. His hair even acted half dead. It didn't stand up like it usually did but rather it hung over his face.
"Umino-san I should leave and aid Akane-sama." Shou stated flatly.
"Go then. I'll be heading up the mountain. You'll probably have to return to bring me to Genma-san but worry about the snake first."
"Understood. Good luck. I look forward to seeing those canyons."
"I'll be sure to show you as soon as I get back there." Iruka waved as the bird took off.
"I don't get it…" Kakashi started to talk once more.
"Yeah neither do I…. you never talk this much!" Iruka sighed.
"Akane-san…she never listens to me…" His head sank, for a moment Iruka thought he had gone unconscious.
"She was worried about you. She cared so much that she was crying when she found us." Iruka was nearly knocked over when Kakashi straightened up.
"What?" He noticed the slight wince. Getting up like that was painful.
"Yeah she was upset. It took her a while to get it together. We decided to help you since you decided to be the stupid hero you are." Iruka ground out the last part. He wasn't angry with Kakashi for being who he was, he was more upset with himself for not seeing it coming.
"Thank you…"
"Hey no problem. She's like you that way; she never leaves anyone behind, even if they're killed. She still works hard to get them home. I guess that's why you two survived longer than most."
"You're the same way." Iruka was now at the base and stared at the man he was holding up.
"Me? I don't know…"
"You are. You taught my team this before I even met them I saw it from day one."
"I'm sure you did. How about we focus on the problems at hand hmm." It seemed Kakashi was losing his focus. He'd rather talk about nonsense and forget what was happening. "Akane-san will be fine she's leading the summons into this. They'll try to keep her alive even if it kills them. She's very important to them."
"I noticed." Kakashi coughed afterhe pulled his mask down. Iruka frowned. It wasn't a good sign; Kakashi was down to caughing up blood and the amount was enough to scare the chuunin out of his skin. How someone could survive that punishment was beyond him.
Reaching the end of the easy part Iruka set Kakashi down for a moment. The valley they were camping in was now a haze. Dust had flown up from the battle between the three summonses. From the looks of it there was no sign of it ending.
Common Akane…work fast he needs you. As much as I hate to admit this he needs to see you alive before he even thinks about getting better. I can't do this forever.
Grabbing Kakashi's arm and helping him up Iruka made his way up the rugged path trying to keep Kakashi's injured leg away from any rocks jutting from the ground.
"The leg…that's newer than the shoulder?"
"Yeah, the shoulder was from this morning. This is new." He tried to move his leg but winced. "It's useless for now…we need to stop and splint it before we even think of going further."
Iruka nodded. Kakashi knew more about being in the field than he did. Sure he had been on quite a few missions but this sort of thing he let Kakashi decide on what to do. As the leader he had to know when to take lead and when to accept other's views. Kakashi normally would have been the leader but somehow Iruka felt Tsunade was testing him. He was only hoping she wasn't going to promote him after this. He'd have to ask Kakashi to put in a few words to keep him where he is. If he was jounin he could kiss being an academy sensei goodbye.
"Okay…I'll be back…no moving got it!" Kakashi nodded.
-OOOOOOO-
Akane felt the wind pass over her as a scaly tail passed over her head.
"SHOU TO THE LEFT." The bird responded in seconds. Moving to cut the large serpent off before he could even make a run for the trees.
"WE CAN"T LET HIM GET THERE! IF HE DOES WE'RE DONE FOR." If it was one thing she knew it was strategy.
"MAI! WE NEED TO SEND MORE DUST FLYING IN HIS FACE. THE LESS HE CAN SEE THE BETTER FOR US."
Sure enough Mai understood and send a cloud of dust flying into the snakes face. Not only getting the stuff in its eyes but also giving it a mouthful.
"GOOD. NOW THE CLIFF BEHIND HIM WE WANT HIM THERE. IF HE GETS THIS HE MAY DECIDE TO LEAVE."
This was the worst battle for her summons she had yet to see. Mai was all right but a little worried for her mate Shou who had been bitten once already.
I need to end this the sooner I get Shou out of the air the sooner he'll be better.
"ALRIGHT LETS GUDGE HIS EYES OUT, THAT SHOULD BE INSENTIVE ENOUGH."
She could feel her voice failing. She had no choice but to yell her orders over the sounds of grating stone, wind and flesh. This was no normal battle and it showed.
I hope this wasn't in vain. I need to know he's okay.
-OOOOOOO-
"Ow! Do you always have to be so rough?"
"What do you want to do it?"
"No…Akane-san is better at this than you…" Iruka glared at him. He hadn't hoped he would do this to him.
"Well I'm not her."
"No kidding I can tell. You doing this because she likes me more?"
Okay he's definitely back to normal.
"Kakashi-san please stop this…it's not that I'm jealous…I just know what your like that's all. I want only what's best for her."
"I gathered that. However, I can assure you I wasn't trying."
"I know…"
Kakashi stared at him.
Oh god if you stare at me any longer like that I'm going to smack that thick skull of yours.
Finishing the last binding Iruka helped Kakashi up.
"Well it's better than before and I have to admit I don't think I need to worry about feeling it anymore."
"Well I guess that can be a good thing…you can't feel it?"
"Not really…I think it's a bit tight."
"It should be fine until we get up to Genma."
"I'm sure you're right!" Kakashi turned his head and smiled at him.
"Don't you dare think for a minute that would work on me like it does Akane-san…because it doesn't"
He didn't hear him. Instead he was watching the battle.
"Will she be okay?" Iruka watched his eye as worry crossed it. He felt the same way but knew the woman better.
"Yeah…she's tough. She'll make it out without a single scratch knowing her."
"Ha ha she's like Naruto in a way."
"In a way. Except she's far more intelligent. The brat needs more time to grow up."
"Yeah as do you at times." Kakashi laughed as he dodged a sloppy punch.
"I resent that!"
"Do you now."
It's funny I actually missed this.
"Okay lets just get going shall we?"
"Lets. I don't want to see that lake anymore!" Kakashi sighed. Iruka agreed.
TBC...
-OOOOOOOO-
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this. Ha ha I was editing it and I couldn't stop reading it...breakfast would have been a better idea.
Unfortunately I don't have time letft to say much else since class is starting so just remember to review and tell me what you thought...thoughts are good.