"It's like what we did last time, only now you have to tell me what to change. Try to make it how you remember." Itachi gave me a reassuring head nod. I sat several feet away, directly across from him. It was time for my "memory training".
I nodded my head as well, "Okay."
His eyes flashed from ash to fire and I suddenly found myself in a plain open field with nothing but lush green grass and a few clouds overhanging in the sky. They floated about lazily as if basking in the sun's glory.
"Hmmm, less clouds," I said as I glanced around, deciding how home would have looked to me. I stared up into the sky as they dissipated into nothing. The brightness of blue was overwhelming and I couldn't help but be reminded of Deidara's cerulean eyes. I dismissed the thought, it wasn't time to dwell on any past events other than where I had come from.
Itachi looked at me in waiting, a certain expectancy resting at the corners of his mouth. I took one more glance around me before wetting my slightly chapped lips.
"Trees... A lot of them, really tall ones," I finally said with uncertainty. I watched in amazement as the earth moaned, making way for massive trunks that spontaneously sprouted brilliantly green leaves from the branches. I felt slightly more comfortable being in the shade. I took another look around, scratching my head at what needed to be changed.
Nothing looked familiar yet, not even the trees. The size was right, but not the type. We played around with the color of the leaves and the how the branches twisted, the thickness of the trunks. I felt like I was grasping at straws the whole time. Itachi was patient with me though. We continued on like that for another hour, making little progress along the way.
"Are you ready to stop?" Itachi eventually asked as he stared at me blankly. I was becoming frustrated with myself and tired from being in the genjustu for so long. I pursed my lips slightly as I thought to myself whether I wanted to keep going or not. After seeing how strong all of the Akatsuki men were, I wanted to become stronger too, but it seemed so unrealistic. I just didn't want to be the one that always needed to be protected.
"It's alright if you want to stop for today, it's normal for it to take a toll on your body."
I smiled lightly before nodding my head with his reassurance. "Okay, we'll pick up again from here later," He said.
I let out a sigh as the fantasy faded and I found myself sitting on the ground in Itachi's room. I lifted my butt off the floor and patted the dust away quickly with my hands. With only a glance I could see that I was alone, Itachi had already left I guessed. I tried to push away the disappointment as I made my way to the kitchen, more tired than I expected.
"How did your training go?" Sasori asked listlessly from the kitchen table. He sat slumped with his elbows on the tabletop while reading the paper.
"It was alright I guess. I don't think I remembered very much other than the fact that there were trees everywhere. I'm pretty sure every forest has that in common so it doesn't really do me any good," I said with pessimism and a subtle sigh to my voice.
"Ah well, you have to start somewhere."
"I guess… Hey, do you know what's up with Deidara? He was acting kinda weird yesterday and I haven't seen him around since." I asked while heading towards the fridge.
A restrained, knowing smirk played on Sasori's face before he answered, "I think he's just a little troubled by what happened to you."
"That's not a very good reason to have a mood swing, it's not like he was the one in danger," I pointed out while opening the refrigerator door and letting my eyes scan its contents.
"I don't think it's so much about that as it it's how much he was able to help you—that being very little, in comparison to Itachi anyway. They have a bit of a rivalry you see…" Sasori explained.
I thought about it and realized that was probably true, Deidara always seemed to have some under-the-breath comment about Itachi. Itachi never had anything to say about Deidara though, but in all fairness, Itachi didn't have a lot to say about much.
"Well he shouldn't feel bad about that, it's not like I blame him for not having Itachi's eyes." I said.
"True, though I will let you in on a secret," Sasori began, suddenly hushing his voice, "Deidara's strong suit isn't exactly rational thought. Don't tell him I told you though... "
I had to laugh a little. "I didn't hear it from you. "
"That and the fact that he prioritized fighting Hidan who was miraculously trying to help you at first-so I'm sure he's feeling a bit embarrassed about the whole thing." He commented leisurely as he flipped the page of the paper.
"Oh… well that's weird," I sighed before grabbing the gallon of milk and pressing it to my lips. Living in a cave full of men made my motivation to drink out of glasses dismal at best. Sasori raised his eyebrow at me as I continued to chug down the milk.
"Shit," I hissed after I was done drinking, the liquid dribbling down my chin and onto my new shirt before I could catch it. Sasori's lips turned at the corners into a small smile that even I could detect.
"It's not funny!" I laughed as I capped the milk and put it back.
"I won't tell if you don't," Sasori said surreptitiously as he returned his attention to the paper.
"Oh and give the training some time, greatness can't be achieved overnight." He said in a lecturing manner from behind the black and white document. It wrinkled loudly as he licked his finger and turned the page.
"Yeah, I know," I mumbled as I searched the refrigerator for something delicious.
"You cooking?" Hidan's unruly voice chimed in my ears as his footsteps followed.
"I wasn't planning on it, but maybe" I said as I turned to face him, resisting the urge to be rude after finding out he had tried to help me. I could barely remember the details of what happened during that whole event but I vaguely recalled him being present and not terrible.
"What the fuck? Are you lactating!?" He asked in horror as he pointed at my shirt.
"No!" I shrieked as I covered my chest with my arms.
"Oh yeah, then how did that happen?" He asked as he came towards me in an attempt to pry my arms away from my body.
"Don't you touch me, Hidan!" I said as I skittishly stumbled backwards and put one arm out as if it could stop him. Sasori laughed lowly under his breath as he watched the scene unfold.
"Hidan!" I squealed as he grabbed my forearms and pried them away from my body. I fought as hard as I could, my face turning beat red with effort as my arms trembled. He smirked at me as I gritted my teeth and grunted loudly, as if my agonized moans would grant me superhuman powers to crush Hidan in an instant.
Not a chance.
"Ew, you are lactating! Fuckin gross!" He yelled purposely so everyone would hear him.
"No! I'm not lactating so stop staring at my chest, perv!" I yelled even louder. He began to laugh hysterically before a thud sounded over his head.
"Ow, what the fuck," Hidan hissed as he released me and turned around to see Kakuzu looking very unamused.
"Don't make me kill you, Kakuzu," Hidan warned, a low growl deep within his throat. I scurried away from him and hid behind Sasori, my eyes peeking over his shoulder and narrowing at Hidan.
"Izumi," Kakuzu addressed me while rummaging through the refrigerator as I had just done moments before.
"Yeah?" I hesitantly straightened up and stepped out from behind Sasori.
"Pain wants to see you," he said before uncapping the milk and tugging his mask down. I grimaced at his make-shift lips and mumbled an okay before leaving. I smiled to myself as I heard Kakuzu curse on my way out. At least I wasn't the only one who'd look like they were lactating.
"Hey Zetsu," I gave a little wave to Zetsu who stood contently in the hallway leading towards Pain's office.
"Hello Izumi, you look delicious," He smiled a toothy grin at me before explaining that he was taking me to Pain so I wouldn't get lost that time.
"Oh my, I have my own personal tour guide. I'm honored," I feigned admiration as I placed my hand over my heart. He gave me a smile and a nod before we proceeded down the many halls that I never bothered to memorize. I kept telling myself I would figure the place out eventually, whenever that would be. I had a feeling I wouldn't be leaving anytime soon, so I wasn't really in a rush.
"Here we are," Zetsu said as he gestured to the door. I nodded at him in thanks before he sank into the ground. I rapped my knuckles softly against the large wooden entrance.
"Come in," I heard Pain's voice more strongly than expected through the thick entrance-way. I opened the door and slid inside, shutting it slowly and quietly behind me. Pain and Konan sat at the table, they watched as I made my way towards the vacant chair that sat directly across from them.
"I heard about your little incident," he started before pausing to continue, "and we have received some news on the most probable cause."
"Okay," I said in a tone that urged him to continue.
"Zetsu was able to find out that the underwater base belonged to a man named Orochimaru. He used to be a part of this organization and is very dangerous. The man who has been following you is most likely one of his subordinates, whom we should also consider to be highly skilled."
I nodded grimly as I soaked in what he was telling me.
"Have you ever been in contact with Orochimaru before you came into possession of Akatsuki?" He asked me sternly with narrowed eyes. I stared into the spiraling vortex for a few seconds before answering.
"I… no, but… I feel like it sounds really familiar," I squinted hard as if it would help me dig into the archives of my mind. Where had I heard that name before?
"Please, Orochimaru-sama, we are grateful for the monetary assistance you've been able to provide us… and we've made every effort to keep the girl safe and secluded, but we live every day in constant fear with her in this house. If she ever lost control again… our children could be in danger. I must ask, when do you plan on taking her?" My mother's words had a tremble to them that I could hear even through the walls.
"Soon… very soon my dear. Keep her as you have been just a little bit longer and you will be rewarded," A deep, rasping voice cooed.
I looked from Pain to Konan with realization striking me as I recalled the conversation between my parents and the unknown man. I couldn't remember the details until hearing the name again but I was sure that's what she called him. Orochimaru.
"Izumi?" Konan prodded. It was clear I had something to say but I just sat there processing.
"Sorry…" I shook my head. "I think that's who my parents were talking to, who they were going to give me to."
Pain and Konan exchanged a look. One that said, "that makes sense but damn, that is not what we wanted to hear".
"Well," Konan began, "We are now under the impression that Orochimaru knows about your abilities, most likely to the extent we do, and he would like you for his own purposes. He is most certainly the one that caused your incident by using a forbidden jutsu."
Pain continued, "It is extremely powerful but very draining on the person performing the technique. He won't be able to do it without another piece of you. Be warned however, he only used a hair. If he gets his hands on your flesh or blood…" He trailed off and let me use my imagination. I visibly cringed at the thought before shaking my head of the thought.
"Okay…" I said, still trying to take it all in. "So is that all you wanted me for?"
"Not quite. Kakuzu requested you to accompany him and Hidan on their next mission so I'm sending you with them. They should be quite capable of keeping you out of harm's way."
My mouth dropped, "Are you joking?" I stared at him with wide eyes, desperately praying for Pain to jump up and start dancing on the tabletop and reveal that this was all some sort of prank. Confetti would also be flying all over the place.
My hopes were quickly dashed.
"No, you'll be leaving in two days." He had his serious face on so I didn't fight it and just resigned myself to slump in the chair a little more.
"Okay… Is that it then?" I asked, inadvertently rolling my eyes.
"Lose the attitude," Pain scolded.
Before I could even scowl, Konan interjected. "Izumi, if I might have a word."
Pain stood up and exited, leaving Konan and I alone at the table together. I suddenly felt overwhelmingly intimidated.
"I couldn't help but notice you've managed to create quite the bond with many of the men in the Akatsuki over the last month…" She started in, her eyes examining me closely. Too closely for my liking. I tried hard to maintain eye contact as she continued on. "And my understanding is you have no real knowledge of the world, especially not the life of a ninja."
Despite her weirdly accusatory tone, she hadn't said anything untrue yet so I just nodded slightly and continued to listen.
"Be careful." She warned bluntly. It didn't feel like a warning to protect me, it felt like a threat.
"W-what do you mean?" I asked completely confused.
"These men need to stay focused. Izumi, you need to understand that no one ends up in this group because they had a good life. They are all broken and they all serve a purpose under the Akatsuki. It's become abundantly clear that some of them have never known what it feels like to be cared for and experience something even as simple as being fed a home-cooked meal... I don't need them losing sight of their goals," She didn't sound mean but her tone was cold and her eyes unblinking.
"So you're worried they'll be like… I don't know… distracted by me being nice to them I guess? Because if so, I really don't think you have anything to worry about. I'm not even a thought in their heads I'm sure," I assured her, still uncertain as to what she was getting at.
"You really are naive, Izumi. Look at you. You are a beautiful, young, weak woman in the midst of a group of powerful but severely emotionally shattered men… and they may be discovering that they enjoy protecting something weaker than them instead of just protecting themselves like usual. There is a certain pleasure in protecting those weaker than ourselves, if you're lucky enough to have someone to protect. It is a slippery slope and one I advise you not to climb." Konan finished curtly and expressed that I could leave. I did so, absolutely dumbfounded.
Despite some of the things I had been feeling for some of those guys… I was certain it would not be reciprocated. I wasn't sure if I should be insulted or complimented by Konan but one thing I was sure about was that I was most definitely confused. What was I supposed to do, stop cooking or something? Would that really do anything?
The next couple of days went by quickly but not without incident. Of course.
I wanted to find Deidara before I left. I had been feeling bad about him feeling bad and I really just wanted to clear the air before I left for potentially a week, and with Hidan and Kakuzu no less. Part of me wondered if I really just needed a pep talk and that's the real reason I wanted to sort things out with Deidara. Though Kisame would probably give a pretty decent one too.
I did attempt to memorize the layout of the base but it was a process. Zetsu had explained it was like that on purpose. In case there was ever an intruder or someone disguised as an Akatsuki member, it would make it extremely difficult for them to navigate the complex. Smart idea, but bad news for me.
I wandered around for a while looking for Deidara without success. At one point I passed by a staircase leading down and recalled the subordinates I had seen that one night when I got sick. It sent a chill down my spine. I sometimes thought about the man with the leathered, red skin and the way his blackened eyes fell upon me.
I was absolutely mortified to see the door open as I stood in front of it, zoning out like an idiot. I jumped and stumbled backwards as soon as I realized what was happening. The sighing creak of door hinges sounded off in a high pitch as if a warning alarm. It preceded the man behind the door itself, and wouldn't you know with my luck, it was that man.
I had managed to put about 8 feet between us just by stumbling backwards before he noticed me. The same smile as before crept on his face. It was like he knew something about me and took great pleasure in it.
"And what do we have here?" he asked, his voice a low thunderous rumble.
As per usual, my ability to form full and coherent sentences was a crap-shoot so I squeezed out a garbled, "Sorry, I'm go" before turning quickly on my heel, speed walking around the corner and continuing in any direction that was away from him.
Is he seriously following me?
I went around bend after bend, turning and winding about, but I swore I could hear heavy footsteps always just a little bit behind me but there was never anyone there when I looked. My brisk walk turned into a full on run and then a sprint, but no matter how fast I went, the footsteps remained behind, though just out of sight. I wondered if it was all in my head but I didn't want to find out. There was no way I could outrun or hide from anyone in that place, especially not while I wore those ridiculous bells that chimed unceremoniously with each step. I had to risk it, I had to just do the thing.
Wincing my eyes hard, I concentrated with all my might and flung myself against the stone wall before me. My body cracked against it with fury and I found myself gasping for breath on the ground, holding fast to my ribcage which hurt like hell. "Ow…" I groaned, pushing myself to my feet. I was sure of it, I could hear the footsteps coming upon me with haste.
Come on, Izumi. Pull yourself together… and maybe just walk through it this time.
My stress levels were shooting through the roof as I tried to calm myself enough to focus on using my earth phasing ability. It got to the point that my entire face was red and shaking with forced concentration, a familiar warmth trickling down from my nostril.
Ignore that.
Finally, my hands pushing against the wall with all my might, they suddenly flew through it with my body following. I stumbled forward with a startled cry and found myself tripping and tumbling over furniture before ending up as a heap on the floor, breathing heavy and looking beyond disheveled.
"Oh my God!" I shrieked as I looked up to see a very irritated Hidan sitting in his chair with prayer beads in his hand. Of course I would end up in his room.
Thank you to all those reading this story! And a massive thanks to those taking the time to leave reviews, I appreciate them so much 3 There is lots more content to come!
