Sparks 31

"You are not the victim of the world, but rather the master of your own destiny. It is your choices and decisions that determine your destiny."

― Roy T. Bennett

Warning: Things are tense this chapter. Choices are made. I've needed several breaks to write this chapter (particularly Tami's POV).

"So - you're telling me there's another world, parallel to ours but totally different that knows our future." Tsunade said, swirling her sake. It sounded ridiculous; foolish even. It was late when Jiraiya told her the tale. Between cups of sake she chuckled as he told her everything they had found out.

"Yeah. Kinda crazy, you know? Worked out for us until now. Apparently more has changed than we know." Jiraiya said with a sigh. Tsunade quirked an eyebrow at him and he continued,"The girl we rescued knows everything. Tami knew very little."

Tsunade slammed her cup down and turned to him in shock, "You're kidding me? That little girl - she's a coward. She flinches at everything."

He shrugged. He'd been in a thoughtful mood ever since he returned from the hospital. Before, she didn't question it but now she was wondering what was going on in his mind.

"From what we understand they come from a world where ninja don't exist. She's more of a civilian than Walker was. From what I know from Tami, she's harmless even if her taste in people is questionable." He said.

"You contacted Inoichi, right? We can find out more about the future." Tsunade said, picking up her cup again. She poured more sake - with his silence she already knew the answer. She darted up a glance at him. Why wouldn't they be finding out more?

"Tami has requested that we not." He said quietly.

"You're kidding me. And you're listening to her?" She scoffed, but the man bowed his head. "I could overturn that decision."

"You could." He agreed, but didn't say anything further. She already knew he wasn't interested in finding out more. She never really did understand the friendship between Tami and Jiraiya. Even when Tsunade had first met the other blonde in that gambling town she knew something was odd about her. She had been protective of the older man. Even though Tsunade knew Jiraiya had been in that flower shop, the blonde stepped in and ran interference as if they had just run into each other on accident. She played her hand, keeping the angry Tsunade away from the man in question and even managed to deal with the woman in a way she didn't entirely hate.

"Do you trust Tami?" She asked.

"Yeah. She wouldn't put the village in danger. She's a lot like me. She might seem distant but she's loyal. Even to the girl. I don't think she'd threaten what she has here, though." He said.

Tsunade sat back, staring at the ceiling in thought.

"The girl - what's her name again?"

"Davis Maya."

She hummed, thinking to herself. "Alright. We won't have anyone poke around her mind. But Davis can't leave Konoha. She's barred from ever stepping foot out of this village. I'll assign someone to her tomorrow. I can't afford to put a regular Jounin to follow her. Maybe a Tokubetsu Jounin?"

"Ebisu is a good pick. He's smart. With his help she can learn our language. The only thing we don't have is a cover for her." Jiraiya offered.

Tsunade laughed hollowly, staring at the cup in question. She sighed and stared at the man across from her. She had an idea but knew he wouldn't like it.

"Well - since this is your mess, might as well own it." She said. He scoffed, taking a drink from his own cup.

"What do you mean?"

"You have a reputation. Might as well put it to use. Say she's your long lost daughter from some trist years ago." She said. Jiraiya scowled and downed his cup in one go.

"We can't do that - I don't want to be responsible for this."

"You already are."

He was. If this fell through and that girl ended up in the wrong hands - it was down on both Jiraiya and Tami. Even Tsunade had some responsibility in it.

He groaned and rubbed his face with his hand. He leaned against the desk, staring across the way listlessly. She already knew he was thinking about it. Debating about what it meant for him. The changes that he had made in the past few years was astounding. She may not love him like she had Dan, but Jiraiya was turning into someone who she was proud of. He even still had that playful attitude from when they were children. She had thought that she would get tired of it but she hadn't. It often helped her feel young.

"Okay." He said, "she's my daughter - for now. But keep it quiet. Keep her hidden and don't let this get out to many people. We have to treat it as legit. For anyone else-? She just happened to be there at the right time and place to be saved."

Tsunade hummed in agreement.

"Alright. We'll keep her here while you're away. But if things get as bad as this packet suggests, I'm using her as a consultant. Even if she doesn't want it."

"And we were able to get through without outside help. We're fine." Jiraiya huffed.

"With Naruto it seems. Looks like the kid was right too. He becomes Hokage after all." Tsunade grumbled, "however that's if we're the only ones who know. Orochimaru has to know now."

He hummed, staring down at his cup in thought.

"Remember when things were simple. I miss that." He sighed.

"Yeah. Good times." She said lightly.

Oliver no longer knew the difference between day and night. He did his best to mark the days that passed but after they took his watch it made it all the more difficult. So he spent his time keeping his mind busy, trying not to dwell on what could be happening. He focused on the tech he saw when he had been free and how he could use it to his advantage. He thought about how he'd ensure Orochimaru wouldn't get his hands on his niece or her friend again. The next time he awoke he had a visitor. The snake-man himself sat there with a wide vile grin on his face. He looked satisfied in a way Oliver wasn't happy about.

He slowly got up and stared the other man down.

"What? No - no you're so smart? No pleasantries? Really, I did enjoy them." The snake said smugly.

"People like you don't know what enjoyment is." Oliver said sternly.

The other man laughed, leaning back in his chair. He stared at the modern man. The grin on his face was slowly growing.

"My team is infiltrating Konoha. Soon I'll have what I want. Including that niece of yours. Because of her my attack on that village fell through. I'm going to get what I want - it might be late but worth it all the same."

"My niece isn't stupid enough to follow the demands of a terrorist."

"Such cruel words." He said slyly, "I'm sure once she sees your watch she'll be willing."

Oliver scowled at him.

"I'm not a terrorist, in any regard. Your type has always had labels for me as if I could be contained." The Sannin said proudly.

"Oh - so the little kids who lost their parents in your attack felt the warm fuzzies." He said flatly.

"A necessary evil, I assure you. I am on the brink of breakthroughs you couldn't believe." Orochimaru stated.

"Yeah." Oliver began, scratching the growing fuzz on his face. " Figured you'd say something like that."

That was when Orochimaru stood slowly, triumph visible on his face.

"You have a great morning. Or, is it evening? I guess it doesn't matter does it? Don't forget. It's only my kindness that's allowing you to stay alive. You don't need to be alive for this." He said in a superior tone. Although he didn't use his arms, he was able to leave quietly - clearly something had happened. Especially with how smug he was.

Oliver watched the other man go. He decided then he'd ensure, no matter what that Orochmaru would regret messing with his family.

Maya sat in front of Ebisu who looked nearly identical to his anime/manga self. Except this him looked to be real and was staring down at her with awe.

"To be given such a prestigious responsibility for the great Jiraiya-sama…." He muttered to himself.

Maya was already briefed by both Tsunade and Jiraiya about their plan. The idea of being the Perverted Hermit's daughter was unsettling. She did like Jiraiya, but she liked Jiraiya on the TV - not having the pervert that close. She supposed it wasn't bad, it wasn't like he would pull anything around her when the story was that she was his daughter. Although she hadn't seen him doing anything wrong like he'd do in the anime and manga.

But they put her with Ebisu. The Tokubetsu Jounin known for peeking into women's baths. It was a little cruel, really.

"I wonder why you don't know how to speak well though. It's definitely curious." He said simply, stroking his chin in thought. "Well! No matter! I will do my best to teach you!"

Maya smiled nervously. She didn't like this. So much of her situation was uncomfortable. Ebisu was just in a long line of strange things going on in her life. She was scared. Things already went wrong and she didn't know what would happen.

Was it like the Butterfly Effect? Or worse like Final Destination!

What if the wrong people died, or people who didn't die were supposed to die and then they died in a worse way?

What if her very presence messed up the entire story? What if Tami already had? Hayate was alive - he seemed fine. But what if he died in a worse way? What if things got harder? It was scary to her.

Tami always just did things. She reacted. She never really thought about the fall out all the time. What if things got worse? What if… what if Naruto never pushed himself to prove himself to the village because he was already accepted by his small circle?

Somewhere in her mind, Maya knew she was just a scared little girl. She knew it. She knew it would be okay. Naruto was far too head-strong to change his mind. Kakashi was too smart to not do what he needed to do. But the ideas kept coming.

At least she could be distracted by her current situation.

"So you do at least understand me?" Ebisu asked.

"Y-yeah…" She murmured.

Of all people, she still couldn't believe they stuck her with Ebisu. She guessed he did seem to be a good ninja. But if they only knew. Naruto knew but she doubted he'd make too much of a fuss about it.

"Don't you worry! I will teach you to the best of my ability!" He said with an excited passion.

Maya laughed nervously. At least she would get to see Konohamaru from time to time. He was cute. And his two friends too! She was looking forward to it (but not Konohamaru's tendency to transform into a woman via the Sexy Jutsu. She could do without that).

"Thank you very much." Maya said softly.

"You're doing so well already! Alright! Time to get started!" He patted her on the head and piled books in front of her.

Maya stared at them in horror. A few looked like children's books but the rest? The rest were really hard, difficult looking books. She stared at the stack in defeat.

Oh dear.

The next morning, Sasuke was getting ready to leave for the day when Tami had offered to let him go to see her work.

"No, that's okay." He told her.

"Are you certain?" She asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine." He said. It was true - he was fine now. His new family was safe.

She gave him a critical cursory look before letting him go.

Sasuke had a lot to think about. Choices to be made, things to be done.

No matter what, he was coming to the conclusion that he wasn't happy about; no matter what he couldn't stay in Konoha. Itachi had come to the hidden village and attacked his sensei without being stopped. So had Orochimaru. Over and over, he watched as the people he loved fell around him.

He was done with it.

If he stayed in Konoha, Itachi could very well use the people he was starting to care for against him. If Sasuke wouldn't kill Naruto or the others, would Itachi kill them in order to torture him further? To show how weak he thought Sasuke was? Tami's idea of strength was vastly different from his brother's. He did see her as strong - but not like the physical threatening presence his brother had. She was strong in her convictions.

Sasuke needed those.

Even his sensei had them.

He knew he couldn't be blindly consumed by rage or the need for power.

However, he did need it. He did need power. And he did need strength.

There was no one in the village he could learn from. None were on par with Itachi. Kakashi was taken out just as easily as anyone else.

Naruto had gotten exponentially stronger in a month. It was far more growth than Sasuke had ever thought possible. Especially from Naruto. He wanted to fight the other boy but he knew he was unsteady.

His world was shaking and he had to figure out what to do.

Naruto had Jiraiya, a legendary Sannin. The only other two available to be trained from was Tsunade - the drunk Hokage who specialized in being a medic or the power-hungry egocentric terrorist Orochimaru.

That Sannin already seemed to want him. The cursed mark that still whispered in his ear made sure he didn't forget.

He wasn't interested in becoming a medic. However - Orochimaru?

It reminded him of Batman - of Ra's al Gul.

His hero had been trained by a terrorist too. Maybe he should do the same?

But leaving Konoha like that would mark him as a traitor. That's what stopped him from searching out the man himself. He wanted to restore his clan and return justice to the village. He couldn't do that if he was branded a terrorist too.

However, if he got strong enough to turn Orochimaru in as well as his brother? He'd be branded a hero. He would be able to complete his goals. All of them.

He was wandering through the village on his own - thinking, planning. He had no idea what to do.

"Sasuke-kun…"

He turned and saw Sakura standing there staring at him. He didn't know what to do about her. While he was out he heard bits and pieces of her talking to him.

'I really admire you.' She had told him at least once.

He didn't know what he had that was admirable. At all. He could see she was afraid - hesitation was in her eye and she was clutching her own hands tightly. She was looking him over and he tried to send her an assuring smile.

"Hey." He said. Sakura turned her face for a moment before stepping close to him.

Sasuke waited for a moment. He wasn't sure how to talk to her. He had blown up at her yesterday and even the day before. She hadn't deserved it. He shouldn't have spoken to her like he had.

"Are you - are you okay?" She asked.

Sasuke shrugged. He was fine for now. It was as honest as he could get. Had he told Tami that he was just okay or anything less she would have never let him leave. She was protective of him.

Sakura gave him a weak smile and stared at the ground.

"Tami-san is a little scary. I can't believe she just…" She drifted off. He kind of agreed - his ear still kinda hurt. He couldn't say he didn't deserve it.

"Yeah. She can be." He said.

Sakura forced a giggle and then stopped short.

"We - we, uhm, missed you." She said and he turned away, "Naruto's been super annoying and loud and then Kakashi-sensei seems like he's been distracted too."

"Sakura - just… I need to be alone." Sasuke said.

She froze and he saw the hurt in her gaze once more. He didn't wait for her to reply. He left. Sakura didn't come after him - for once.

It wasn't until late that night he was found by three outsider Ninja that his decision was made.

He couldn't stay in Konoha. His very presence was a danger to the others. Itachi could return at any time and kill them all because of Sasuke.

He'd investigate this opportunity with the other Sannin. The outsider ninja called themselves the Sound Four. They were hidden behind cloaks and stayed in the shadows while they escorted him out.

As he was leaving they passed Sakura in the street. She was off to the side, speaking with Ino. They both stared at him as he went by, one of the cloaked figures guiding him.

"I'll see you later." He mouthed to her. The horror that flashed across her face was something he'd probably never forget.

He had to do this. He had to. He'd get strong enough to stop them both. He'd protect those around him. He had no other choice. He couldn't muster up the courage to say goodbye to anyone else.

When they finally left the village the three Sound Nin surrounded him. Another lept from the shadows and joined them.

"Did you leave the message?" Kidomaru asked Tatuya. The kunoichi in question grinned cunningly behind the cover of her hood.

"Easiest thing about this mission." She bragged.

Sasuke studied them questioningly.

"What are you-?"

"Don't worry about it. There's bigger things to be concerned about. Especially when all you want is power." Sakon said coldly.

The others cackled.

That was when they offered him the pill to fully awaken his curse.

He hesitated, knowing the need for power would grow. He'd need to counteract it as soon as he could. He'd remain in control - his goals would have to remain in sight. He was doing this for the greater good. For his Clan. For his new family. For everything that ever mattered to him.

With only a moment's hesitation he took the pill.

It was late when I finally made my way back home. The Suna Nin had arrived this morning, but with my workload I'd be checking in with them tomorrow. From what I was told they were settling in. Which was what I had hoped to be doing but wasn't able to. Instead of going straight home after work I had spent some time with Kurenai. I tried to find Sasuke but the woman had found me first and encouraged me to join her in the bathhouse. She seemed lighter than she had in the past few days and I needed a bit of that. Between the stress of what had happened with Sasuke and Kakashi - mounting pressure from my work, Maya's introduction and Uncle still being missing - it was a little much. I was waiting for Kakashi to find my Uncle, so in the meantime I had to find ways to keep myself busy.

I headed home, walking up the stairs when I found a kunai stuck to my door. It was used to pin a letter and a watch on the door.

The watch was a familiar one. I knew it like I knew my own face. With dread I pulled the kunai off of my door. I already knew the inscription on the back before I even flipped it over.

It was my Uncle's watch.

I couldn't even hope that it was a cruel joke Uncle would be playing on me. I already knew. It was either from Orochimaru or his people - it had to be. I unfolded the letter.

We have your Uncle and now we have Sasuke

We'll consider a trade in Oto

Sound

My dread shifted to full-fledged panic. Where's Sasuke?

I took off, racing down the path to Sasuke's home. I pounded on the door but there was no answer. I ran from street to street to try to find him.

Nothing.

Nothing.

Nothing.

He was gone. I couldn't find him. My heart sank and my throat squeezed.

I thought he was fine. He was being truthful this morning. Then again I rarely ever knew what was going on in his mind. Ever. He was an enigma in and of himself.

Maybe he had been kidnapped? That could have been it, but I doubted it. He would have made a scene.

I felt sick to my stomach. Every single moment that I couldn't find Sasuke felt worse and worse. That was when I found Sakura. She was staring at me like I had the answers to it all. She was clutching her hands, and I could see the fear in her eyes.

"Tami-san. Something bad happened!" She said. That was when she told me exactly what she had seen. Sasuke being escorted away in the dark of the night. A shiny metal plate that looked like the sound village.

I did my best to force the panic down. My heart was beating fast and I knew I had to move.

Orochimaru had both my Uncle and Sasuke.

I had to get them back.

"Tsunade-sama already formed a team to get Sasuke back." She told me.

"Alright." I muttered, "how long has he been gone?"

"A-a few hours maybe?"

I wasn't about to let Sasuke fall into Orochimaru's hands. Not him. And Uncle…? At least now I knew where he was. I knew.

"You're going after Sasuke-kun aren't you? Can I… can I go too? Shikamaru wouldn't let me." Sakura said.

I nearly dismissed her on the spot. She had no business getting mixed up in Orochimaru's plans.

"I can help." She said with an intense conviction.

The idea of letting a child help me was - it felt wrong. However seeing the fire in her eyes and knowing if I were in her shoes I'd go near mad I thought through the idea. She had been trained for years for this. To stop her or tell her no would be like telling a fish not to swim. I knew the feeling.

"If you come with, you're staying back. The minute I say that you need to leave, you go. I don't care what Kakashi told you. You leave and report back to Tsunade immediately. No stopping. No breaks."

Sakura nodded enthusiastically. I could see a tension in her shoulders lift. I licked my bottom lip, plotting my next course. What was at my disposal?

Not much.

I wouldn't go to speak with Kakashi's hounds. They were his team. I may be dating him but I had no contract with them. He wasn't involved in the slightest. And, he very well may need them as a precaution. So that left me with very little in the way to find Sasuke - even though I knew where the Land of Sound was located and even a rough idea of where Otogakure was.

The other issue was the lack of man-power. Sakura and I may be able to power through some things, I wasn't blind enough to think we could handle it alone.

Guy was busy with his student's health. I had a strong feeling Asuma and Kurenai were otherwise occupied. Ibiki wouldn't partake in something like this.

It left my pickings to the bare bones. This was about the time I wanted to grumble about my choice to be without a summon. I didn't have much of a choice. My options were limited and I couldn't drag anyone else into this. I couldn't.

"Come - we don't have much time." I told her. She nodded and we were about to make our leave when I saw a blur from the corner of my eye and a mask.

Owl.

I glanced at him, studying his stance and movement. Was this one - he had to be the correct Owl… right?

"What are you doing? Is something wrong?" He asked. His tone was as I remembered it. He was himself. He had to have been in the area. Who knew what he was up to?

"Sasuke's been taken to Otogakure." I stated and Sakura tensed beside me.

"Does Tsunade-sama know?"

"She does." The pinkette chimed in.

"Then let her deal with this."

"I'm not leaving this to someone else." I stated firmly, "you can either get out of my way or join us. I've no time for this. Orochimaru could already have him."

His head bowed only for a second before he made his decision.

"I'll come with. You may need help." He said.

"What's this about Orochimaru?" A voice asked.

We each turned and saw Anko standing there. Once again she had a stick of dango in her hand, but her face was pulled into a severe scowl. I wasn't about to tell her but Sakura did so anyway.

"We think Orochimaru has Sasuke-kun." She said.

Anko's face went even darker. The lines around her mouth were pulled taut and there was a tension between her shoulders that I'd never seen in her before. Mind, she and I didn't get along well but I knew she wasn't like this.

"We have to go." I said. I was trying to tell her I didn't want her there. Trying. She didn't seem to notice or at least care.

"Yeah. Let's go." She said with a slowly growing grin. I was about to protest when Owl put a hand on my shoulder.

"She's one of the best at tracking. We need her." He said to me quietly.

I eyed her critically but didn't argue.

Grand.

I didn't want to deal with her. But I did need her help.

With that we were off. I must admit, Anko was a more capable woman than I realized. Mind, she was always rather ferocious and quick to act but it often made me think she was not as competent. I was wrong. She rarely had to stop to find out where the groups had gone and from what she had said Shikamaru's group only had a half hour to an hour in front of us. She was indeed a credit to her profession and highly skilled.

When she lept to the ground to stare at the dirt, the rest of us joined her only after a moment.

"Those idiots." She snarled, studying the footprints and marks on the ground. "The groups split up here and each went off. I can't find Sasuke's footprints now. I think they took to carrying him."

I licked my bottom lip; maybe they had kidnapped him. Taken him and tied him up? But why had he been willingly walking with them before?

"Who was all here?" I asked.

"We're late to the party." She stated, "The four Sound nin were joined by a fifth. They have distinctive sandal marks. Shikamaru's group had five as well, including him. It looks like the Suna team joined into the mix. They got here with another one of ours."

"How strong are these Sound nin?" I asked.

"Knowing him? Strong." She said.

I had to think and fast. Suna wouldn't betray us this fast. Their Kazekage was dead because of Otogakure. I doubted they'd attack our people. That meant they all were spread out and I couldn't do much.

"We should check on ours. Make sure they're handling it well. Then round off and get Sasuke. He's their priority. They'll want to get him to Sound as fast as possible." I stated.

"Yeah? What if he's gone by the time we're done?" Anko questioned.

"I'll find him - keep them distracted. I can be annoying when I wish."

"But what about-?"

"You're a better tracker than I. So is Owl, I'm assuming. You both will be able to find each battle better than I. I've a better idea of where they're headed and where Otogakure could be." I reasoned. I didn't like our choices but because the group split it was all I could think of. "Sakura - you're with me. If we can separate Sasuke from them, you take him back. Immediately."

The pinkette nodded. I would have let her choose her own path but with how unsteady and upset she already was I didn't totally trust her alone. Not yet.

I cleared my throat and we parted there. Anko chose one set of footprints. Owl chose another - and Sakura and I picked the set heading north towards Oto itself.

We ran as fast as we could. I felt a surge of pride for the little girl behind me. She was keeping up with me well and although I knew she was emotional right now - she was together.

I heard the shouting ahead before I saw anything at all.

Naruto was up ahead. I glanced at the girl behind me.

We both snuck in close to see. Sasuke and Naruto were arguing, battling it out.

"This is my choice Naruto!" Sasuke yelled.

"What about our team? What will Sakura-chan do? Tami-chan? Kakashi-sensei?! You're abandoning us!" Naruto snarled. He was starting to look wild.

Sakura shuddered beside me, and jumped out to join them. I went to follow her when I was intercepted by another. Seeing grey hair narrowed down who it was. The round glasses reflecting in the moonlight? It narrowed the choice down to one.

"We've been waiting for you." Kabuto said with a grin.

He pinned me against a tree. He grabbed my neck, squeezing far too right.

"You're not getting Sasuke." I wheezed. He grinned wildly, his eyes shining with murderous intent. Him being here caused more problems than I cared to admit. If I ran from him - he'd go after me or fight Naruto - or anyone else. No one we had was up to par with him. Maybe Owl? Maybe Anko? I didn't know for sure. But it was down to me for right now. And I didn't like it. Not one bit.

"He chose us. No matter what you do, you're going to fail. Might as well just join us." He said.

"You're right." I said, struggling to get the words out, "You're right - I - I can't…"

I shuddered, staring up at him with wide scared eyes. I even threw in a helpless damsel whimper for good measure.

He loosened his grip for only a second - that was all I needed.

I punched him in the gut and elbowed him hard in the neck. I got away and hid as soon as I could.

The psycho was laughing, the sound echoing in the trees. I hid under branches, ignoring the pain in my neck. I needed to gain back ground and - and I'd have to - I'd have to do something. The only thing I could think of was to use the shadow clone jutsu. And maybe… and maybe the echoes. I completed the hand signs in a second.

"I'll admit - you had me for a second." He said cheerfully.

There was once a time I called Kakashi a Psycho-Silver. He wasn't. Everything I thought Kakashi was, I was wrong. Everything about him, or near enough, I was proven wrong about. This one, though, Kabuto - he was the insane one. The true psycho. He had that crazed look in his eye.

The only thing I could think to do was to play keep away. Bide my time. I'd use Kakashi's patented tricks and hide while my clones did my work. Spicy appeared in a plume of smoke, followed by Sweetness.

Sweetness went out first, heading in with kunai and exploding cards. She clashed with Kabuto, keeping her distance from his scalpel chakra attack.

With Naruto and Sasuke clashing in the background and Sakura's shouting - I knew I had to get this done with. But I didn't have the power to stop Kabuto. The last time we met, he dealt with me swiftly. This time I had to ensure that it wouldn't be the case.

Calm down, girl.

I started to focus as Spicy went out next, keeping Kabuto busy with wire and kunai as it was two against one. The man seemed to be having fun with the fight. Not trying to do much.

It was near insulting.

I focused as they fought. I could hear the echoes of the fights - the sound they made. I knew exactly where he was and my clone as well. I had to do more.

Sweetness was poofed first when I made my move. He had sliced into her, cutting through the clone with ease.

I supposed this was my problem - I was a one trick pony compared to the other man. I had few jutsus at my disposal and he had many deadly ones.

I had never needed to be deadly before. Not with him calling the shots and playing games.

If I was going to be a one trick pony - I may as well go down in style.

The moment I could I pulled him into an illusion. Slowly I knit the scene together so it blended in like a dream. When he turned and blinked to avoid Spicy the deed was done. I had to buy time. To keep him busy as the other fights raged. I could only hope Naruto and Sakura spoke sense to Sasuke. I could only dream that Owl and Anko would get there in time.

I was feeling particularly cruel - I chose a rave.

"Your village is all about sound, ah? Time to see if you can handle my village's sound." Spicy snapped at him as she disappeared into the crowd of pulsing, poorly dressed bodies. Lights flaring, people roaring, and the music pulsing.

I could see the disbelief on Kabuto's face as he tried to get a handle of his surroundings. The closeness of the others to him, the scantily clad women grinning at him, the shirtless men wearing glow-in-the-dark plastic jewelry. Bubbles were in the air, popping in front of him. It was a lot for me to focus on to weave together - I hoped it was just as so for him.

"Cheap tricks." He snapped, turning to try to find me.

"No; no classic rock here, ah?" I said. He tried to swing at me, but the scene had disoriented him enough I was able to dance away and pull back into the crowd. He tried to follow but he was out of his element here.

"That's all you are. No one of notable skill. Just smart enough to pass as capable." He growled.

"Clearly you have me so figured out." Spicy said, circling him too.

He turned to find her and I passed behind him. While he was distracted with the lights, thumping sounds and atmosphere I wrapped a wire around his neck and pulled him in - Spicy grabbed one of his wrists to stop him from doing any more clever jutsus. His other hand was protectively preventing my wire from doing more damage.

"Surrender." I whispered into his ear.

I may have issues with the thought of killing - but I could near make an exception for this one. He promised nothing but problems. I could only imagine the horrors he would do in the future.

Kabuto wheezed a laugh as the illusion fell around our heads.
"I just realized," he began, kicking Spicy away, "I don't need you alive."

He sliced through Spicy with his chakra scalpel and turned to me. The cold conquest shimmering in his eyes was terrifying. He advanced and everything I thought I knew about fighting went out the window.

I was down to pure instinct.

It was then and only then was I happy for the grueling taijutsu beating Ibiki gave me every morning for hours on end. Only then when I saw how fighting Kakashi helped me.

I was doing fine for a minute. Scraping by the skin of my teeth, trying not to overthink as I dodged and fought back.

It wasn't until Kabuto landed one hit that I went down. With that hit, he was merciless with the remainder.

My wrist, my side, my hip, that blasted scar-covered arm - I couldn't help the cry that came out from that as I crumbled to the ground. Pain flared up throughout my nerves, like fire to bone-dry twigs.

"Useless." Kabuto commented, staring down his nose at me. He had a sickening smile on his face, "I wonder what they would think of you here."

For once I couldn't form a reply. I breathed in to use my Canary Call but he struck my neck next. I fell to the ground, gasping for air.

I didn't know what he had done to me, but I couldn't move. My body was useless. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. My vision was growing hazy. My pain was turning to tingling numbness.

"I'm going to take immense pleasure in this." Kabuto said, standing over me. My vision flickered to black for a moment as I tried to focus on him. There was no way I'd back down now. Not if this was it. That was when I saw Sasuke standing there behind Kabuto. The Uchiha was breathing heavily and had multiple scuffs on his figure. There was a kunai in his hand but he was holding it to himself threateningly.

"If you kill her, I'll carve my own eyes out. I'll take my own life. Whatever you want me for - it won't happen." Sasuke said.

I tried to croak out something but I couldn't speak. He had to leave - to get away.

"Now, Sasuke-kun - surely you don't mean that. We can bring her back. She's far too much trouble alive right now." Kabuto replied easily. However Sasuke made a show of bringing the kunai closer to his face - to his eyes.

Kabuto was about to respond when he scowled.

"Fine." He said, staring in the distance.

The last thing I remembered seeing was a kunai a foot away while Kabuto and Sasuke fled. I could feel pressure wrapping around my form gently. The last thing I heard were unintelligible shouts. And then - then I was out.

Kakashi arrived back in the village early in the morning. It was a simple enough mission - killing specific targets and gathering up intel that would be sorted through later. He went to the Hokage's office first to drop everything off. He was looking forward to going home and taking a long rest. He wasn't sure what the rest of the day would bring; checking in on his team, going to see Tami again. He was looking forward to seeing everyone.

However when he arrived in the office - there was no one there. Not even Shizune was there.

He hoped Tsunade just drank too much sake and was snoozing somewhere with the other woman trying to wake her. As he left the building he ran into Guy. The compassion in the other man's gaze made him freeze. He'd seen that look before; each time after another person close to him died. He didn't even get to ask before the other man gave the answers he was looking for.

"She's okay." Guy said.

"She?" He asked.

"Tami-chan is just fine. She's being worked on right now." The other man replied. Kakashi's stomach dropped.

"What happened?"

"Sasuke-kun defected to Otogakure. We had two teams of ours out to get him back. They tried to get him back. Tami-chan fought against Kabuto personally. He was about to kill her when the others arrived to help." Guy explained. "I can take you there, if you-?"

"Please."

Guy showed him to the waiting room outside where they were working on Tami. Naruto was there, wrapped up in bandages with Sakura beside him. The pinkette stood suddenly, seeing Kakashi and Guy walking up.

"Kakashi-sensei!" She greeted. Naruto jerked up, seeing him. There was a scowl that fell on the blond's face nearly immediately.

"Why weren't you here?"

"I was out on mission." Kakashi snapped. "I couldn't be here. I would have."

Naruto turned his face away and Sakura conked the boy on the head.

"Stupid, don't snap at him! He didn't do anything to cause this." She lectured, "I'm so sorry, Sensei, he's just-... we're worried."

"I know." Kakashi said.

"She'll be okay. Tami-chan's fighting spirit will see her through." Guy said with certainty. While Kakashi agreed, it didn't stop the worry from rolling in his gut. He sat down heavily and waited.

It was Shizune who stepped out. When she saw them all, she gave a small smile.

"She's okay. We just discovered something. We thought you might like to take care of it now. She needs to recover anyways." She said.

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked, leaning over.

The woman glanced at the blond but focused on Kakashi.

"That.. scar of hers. We can remove it, fix her chakra path. Tsunade can, at least. It looks like it's been collecting lighting. We can't say what it was meant to do, but from the look of things it's causing her pain and interfering with her abilities." She explained.

Kakashi bowed his head - he knew that Tami wasn't fond of it. He had watched her rub her arm every time there was a thunderstorm. He knew it caused her trouble and put a limit on her abilities. He also knew she was limited on what she could do even without it. He would guess she would at best become a Tokubetsu Jounin without removing the scar. But if they did? She might have the option to become a Jounin. She would branch out to other jutsu. He knew she hadn't because with the delay it didn't mean much for her.
"What's the chance?" He asked.

"Eighty-five that it would go well."

He shared a look with Naruto who nodded. It took another hour for them to hear anything. She was set up in a room and Kakashi watched over her. Naruto and Sakura had left under his orders. They needed sleep - just like he did. It was strange to see her without that scar. There were faint lines on her arm but beyond that? Nothing.

He sat beside her while she was recovering.

Tsunade had come by after some time. She leaned on the frame of the door, watching them.

"I heard she fought Kabuto alone." Tsunade said.

Kakashi didn't answer. He had heard the same. He was just glad that she made it through. He wished for sleep but couldn't bring himself to leave yet. In fact….

"I'm not leaving for the night." He said.

The Hokage frowned at him, "Why? You still need to give your report."

"I can hand that in. But I'm staying here tonight."

She let out a slow sigh and walked into the room. "I'll set something up."

And so he was able to stay - even though he had to leave for a moment to turn in his mission.

It took a day for Maya to arrive to check in on Tami. She hadn't woken up yet.

The younger woman was staring down at her friend, twisting the hem of her shirt in her hands.

"She'll be fine." Kakashi said; but he didn't know who he was trying to convince.

Maya nodded quietly.

He knew very well that there was no one around when he brought up his next comment. He had to know. With Sasuke abandoning his village and Naruto being the star of the series, so to speak, Kakashi knew that it came with some foreshadowing.

"How bad does it get?" He asked.

The younger woman flinched and looked away to not answer him.

Oh.

That bad.

He breathed out a slow sigh and ducked his head. He told Tami he wouldn't question the girl and said he wouldn't get involved - but here he was asking questions. She'd probably be upset with him. But there was one last thing he needed to know. At least for now.

Although he was dating Tami, he'd seen the worrying glances she'd pass his way. He knew her book counterpart well enough to know she struggled with the idea of being abandoned or being not wanted. She even said as much when they decided to get together. What she still struggled with was if he would stay. He could see it sometimes. She never voiced it but it was there. He loved her. He chose her. However he knew Tami well enough to know if she thought he had someone else in the future - she'd keep him distant. She'd never ask about it. So he would.

"Since you're here, I only have one last question." Kakashi began.

Maya shrunk away, shaking her head.

She didn't want to answer him. He gave her his best eye-smile and tossed an arm over her shoulder.

"But, Maya-chan, you are my biggest fan. I should be able to count on you, right?" He said sweetly.

Her jaw dropped and she glared at him.

Apparently he was either lacking charm or she already knew about this part of his skill set. He bet on the latter. He didn't move and she grumbled to herself under her breath in that strange language she knew.

He'd have to learn it from one of them how to speak and read it. Even if all he could do is speak with them or read those books Tami had in her small camera… phone….

"In the original story, do I ever find anyone? That I really, really like?" He asked, watching her from the corner of his eye.

She didn't answer but the look of pure pity sent his way - he knew the answer.

Pity was one thing he hated. He knew what it meant. He turned his face and pulled away from the younger girl. Instead he watched Tami - laying there peaceful; breathing rhythmically. She was the definition of relaxed.

"I see." He said.

So his suspicions were confirmed. He was alone. He had a feeling that was the case. He kept to himself. He later became the hokage, apparently (he was hoping he'd be able to entice someone else to do the job). Between his mental state and Tami not uprooting his life like she had? He couldn't see himself dating. Not for a long time, at least.

When Ebisu came to find Maya she looked disturbed.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Closet pervert. Watches women bathe." She whispered to him before she left. She was dragging her feet and looking up at Ebisu with a pout.

Kakashi hummed - he really couldn't believe that Ebisu would -.

That was when he remembered years ago, when he found Tami at the market when she made that strange noodle dish for the boys. Back in simpler days (he missed those).

Tami had said that she had heard someone laugh distinctively - who had been watching Kurenai as well as her. Ebisu had been there. Kakashi hadn't said anything at the time, but he did seem to keep turning to look at the blonde's form. He didn't think much of it as Ebisu's sunglasses hid most of his face and the man didn't dwell too long. But now, with that information being presented to him?

Well. He'd talk to Asuma. They could possibly go and visit Ebisu later. Have a nice, friendly, calm chat.

It was after that Sakura had stopped by. She stood in the doorway until Kakashi acknowledged her. She quietly stepped in, staring at the woman who had yet to awaken.

"Has she..?" She began, glancing at him.

"No, not yet." He said.

The pinkette fell quiet; she went to the other side of the bed and sat down. She was quiet for some time before she started speaking again.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop Kabuto."

"It wasn't your fault."

"I was there. Maybe if I - maybe I could have done something if… if I tried more, like Naruto-kun. Or even Sasuke-kun." She said.

Kakashi bowed his head, taking the moment to just breathe. He wasn't in the right mindset but she was his student. He had to remain calm.

"She was… she was really amazing, you know? I saw her fighting him. She was in control the whole time." She said, turning to watch her hands twist in her lap, "I mean.. Until… But even though she knew she could lose she fought."

"She was focused on protecting you all." He said; he knew who Tami was. She was just as stubborn as he was when it came to the safety of their friends.

"Yeah." Sakura mumbled. "I felt so powerless there. I couldn't fight. I couldn't heal Tami or any of the others. Not when they needed me most."

"What are you going to do about it?" Kakashi asked.

"I want to… I want to talk to Tsunade-sama and see if I can learn medical jutsu from her. And - when Tami-san gets better I want to see if she'd want to teach me her process. She… she figured things out so fast." She said.

He bowed his head, knowing that meant his last student was moving on to a new teacher. Each of them seemed to find one of the Legendary Sannin. It was moments like these that he did really wonder about that story he was supposed to be a part of. Things just fit together far too well at times.

"Learn all you can. You have the best chakra control of the team- I know you'll do well Sakura-chan." He said to her. She didn't say anything but gave him a sparkling smile for his little trouble.

She stayed with him for a short time before leaving to find Tsunade. Then they were alone - for a time. Kakashi wished he could sit there and read to her. The few books he had were hobbyist books, Icha Icha, or her very own story. He doubted she would like to hear it. And she should be sleeping, not listening to him ramble. However he couldn't help making up a story about a scarecrow left behind on an abandoned farm who fell in love with a feisty blonde.

He'd never admit to telling her such a story; had anyone ask he'd pretend he had no idea what they were talking about. But there was a part of him that hoped she heard him.

Jiraiya and Naruto stopped by that night to see Tami (far after story-time, thankfully). They were leaving and she hadn't woken up yet. Naruto wanted to stay but he had to leave for his own safety.

"Tell her I'll be back, okay? When I get back we'll all go and get Sasuke together. All of us." He said with only the conviction Kakashi knew Naruto had.

Jiraiya hadn't said anything. Only patting him on the shoulder and leaving quietly.

It wasn't until the next day did she wake up. She wasn't alert by any means but Kakashi had never been happier to see those green eyes again.

AN: So here we are. I'm sorry this chapter took forever! I honestly had a hard time figuring out how this would go. This part of the story was fuzzy for me. As this is the end of sparks, it was harder for me to outline originally because the story kept shifting (I think I rewrote the outline like - 3-4 times? At least?)

So, like in Naruto - there IS a second part. Because Tami has other things to do, there won't be the 2 ½ year time skip. There's other things to look into and have fun with. Being the Suna team, Tami/Kakashi, Maya learning to not be as afraid, and Tami being curious about the mysteries around her (and there are some even Maya doesn't know ;) ). I do have to outline so I can't say WHEN the next "book" will begin, but I'm already in the beginning stages. I will post here when the new "book" and chapter is up.

So - I did have a plan for her scar from the get go. It was a shield for lightning attacks and she would be able to throw attacks back at the enemy. The idea was kind of put off to the side and I didn't find it interesting anymore TBH. So, as much as I'm sad to see it go - I think it's time to let it go ;_; I think I will keep the original idea that she can't use lightning release after this still. I like keeping her a little bit weaker because her mind is her greatest skill. She's a little plotter.

I hope you guys liked the final installment of Sparks. I hope THIS part of the story makes sense - although I know it needs work ;)

I know a lot of you didn't want Sasuke to leave, but I couldn't see any version of him actually staying as the story is. So he went. The funny thing is, is if Tami did return home - he wouldn't have left Konoha.

Love you guys so much and I hope you are all safe and sound. See you next time!