"I suppose you've heard of my daughter."
Karasu hid his smile, his black eyes empty of the amusement he felt as he face the ever beautiful, Lilith II, better address as Lady Satan. She demanded that title from those she did not like. Or those who served her. But Karasu was her equal, so her title was his choice. Her red eyes were dimmed but he could tell she'd been crying, probably in fits of rage that her daughter had so easily left her.
"Talk of the town," Karasu replied, crossing his legs.
Lilith II drew in a deep breath.
"Have you come to ridicule me as well?" she asked.
Looking at her mother, Karasu could almost believe he was talking to Ariha. The conversation was certainly heading the same direction.
"No," he replied, finally. "I haven't come to ridicule or to pity you. I've come to help."
"And why would you do that?" Lilith II demanded.
Karasu gave her a smile laced in secrets.
"I owe your daughter a debt of gratitude," he replied. "Think of this as my payment."
Caleb barely dodged. His student was fast, something she liked showing off, both on the training field and off. She was also disobedient and seemed to remain impervious to his tools of seduction. Because that was the only way to destroy headstrong women. Through their emotions. This was how their week had passed. Sparring as well as a few pointers in stealth. She was a quick study, learning everything so much faster than Caleb had when he had just been starting out. And he hated her for it. Her smugness was because she thought herself better. He would show her how wrong she was. Caleb felt eyes on him and glanced over his shoulder, catching the glare of Kabuto's glasses. That was another thing that put him on edge. The four eyed freak. Always watching and lurking around corners, tsking over every bruise left on Ariha's skin. She was always healed by the next day, leaving no trace of Caleb's handy work. Broken bones healed as well. And she barely seemed to register pain. It was infuriating! Even now, with her lip bleeding, she stared at him, eyes locked, sipping a scolding cup of black coffee, a smile in her golden eyes. He fought the urge to scream at her that she was a harlot, that her manner of dressing was a mockery to the kunoichi before her. He kept his words to himself, watching Lord Orochimaru who sat between them, studying them while acting like he was completely engrossed in his book. Ariha lowered her mug again, looking at Orochimaru before speaking. The language she spoke in was unfamiliar to Caleb and Kabuto. He could tell because Kabuto tensed, probably annoyed that he couldn't understand the exchange. Orochimaru smiled at the words, the expression a cross between amusement and disapproval. Of the language, perhaps? It didn't stop him from responding, in the exact same language, though it sounded like he was speaking with marbles in his mouth as if he hadn't used the language in a long time. Ariha seemed delighted, shooting back a response. Orochimaru shook his head and her delight darkened. She spoke again, different sounding words but obviously the same sentence. Again, Orochimaru shook his head. Caleb felt a sick joy, hiding his smile by tipping his head back and running his fingers through his dirty blonde shoulder length hair. Despite his glee, he almost jumped out of his chair when Orochimaru rose, fast, his chair toppling over. He whirled on Ariha, his entire body ready to strike and the second that hand rose, Caleb's hopes soared. Last second though, Orochimaru froze, his golden eyes locked on Ariha's. All expression was gone from her face and she stared back into his eyes, meeting his challenge with the same look she gave Caleb. One that said that what he was about to do or what he had done did not exist in her world. The kitchen was quiet, so quiet that Caleb picked up on the sound of a snake slithering across the floor.
"Hit her!" he yearned to say.
The girl deserved it. Needed it. She needed to be put in her place. Yet Lord Orochimaru just lowered his hand, backing down, surprisingly. She rose, no longer in her painless world, and left, as calmly as if none of it had ever happened. Orochimaru watched her go before escaping the kitchen himself. Caleb glanced Kabuto's way.
"What was that about?" he demanded.
Kabuto just smiled.
"I told you," he mocked. "He cares about her."
"My father can still speak the Tongue," Ariha wrote.
The admission filled with her with sadness.
"He can speak, but not well," she continued writing. "Not as well as I suspect he use to."
She wanted to close her book but felt compelled to stare at the words, written in the very language she was accusing her father of not being able to speak anymore. At least that ensured her secrets would be safe.
"Also, I am suspicious of my new sensei."
Those words were written in the best mocking tone she could manage, without actually speaking. She wanted to laugh at herself a bit. As if anyone would actually read her words.
"I think Kabuto has recruited him specifically to torture me so I'll leave. Only he would tell father that I was still a genin. I will not be deterred."
Orochimaru stood within his rooms of memories, his eyes forever on those last two letters. The first was from Lilith II, a promise that she would leave behind the world she was birthed into and would join him in Konoha. Her joy was contained in the letter, at their future together with their baby. The second was also from her, telling him that she could not leave Hell, could not cast aside her duties. And thus, she'd broken his heart. Only to reappear years later with their daughter, demanding that he not only train her but that he keep their blood ties a secret. And he had. He'd met her every demand, watching his child fail and try and fail and try. And it had killed him to not scoop her into his arms and hold her and encourage her. No, such things were reserved for a parent and that honor had gone to Lilith II.
"Not anymore," he said, speaking directly to the letters.
She was his now. And he had no intention of letting her go. Not easily. Not like Lilith II had. Because the only way for Ariha to be with him now is if her mother had let go.
Noon rolled around yet again. As usual, Caleb waited outside, the wind blowing his dirty blonde hair. Orochimaru's snakes slithered, alert, ready to chase him if he ran. He wanted to laugh. What could they do? Then again, he didn't want to test it. He tasted the poison Kabuto slipped into his food, knew it was supposed to reduce his power. But he couldn't let them know he knew. And they used it on Ariha as well. He'd switched bowls with her, only to taste the same poison. It made him wonder if they feared her as much as they feared him. He didn't understand what was so great about her. She never landed a punch, always dodging his attacks or throwing half assed attacks his way to keep him in motion and forever unable to properly land an attack on him. But the attacks she threw never caused that flare in power that he'd felt that first day when she reinforced her door. What game was she playing? The shuffling of booted feet alerted Caleb and he glanced over his shoulder. Ariha, for once, wasn't dressed in pajamas. Caleb's jaw dropped at the lack of skin she showed.
"Problem?" she asked.
She was smiling, as though she'd expected his reaction. And Caleb had played right into her hands. He found himself angered by that and focused on using it to fuel their training. Ariha seemed to have other plans, raising her arm and pointing, revealing wrist cuffs over the black fishnet gloves she wore.
"There's a small village just over that rise," she informed him. "I intend to go."
She looked back at him, smiling still.
"Care to join me?"
Caleb narrowed his eyes at her.
"What could possibly be there?" he demanded.
"Is that a no?" she inquired.
Caleb merely crossed his arms.
"Suit yourself," Ariha relented with a shrug.
She started walking, humming to herself as if pleased to leave him behind. In two steps, Caleb was at her side, his hand wrapped around her wrist. And in that second, he felt her power flare up as she looked at him, her gold eyes flashing to a deep violet. Caleb could only stare, grasping at the mysterious power as it slowly settled into hiding again. Was that the secret? Surprise? Ariha was watching him with a cold stare, her eyes telling him to let go. So he did. Without a word, Ariha continued walking.
"Perhaps," Caleb began.
Ariha paused but didn't look back.
"I will go with you."
He tasted that familiar power, his senses heightening instantly. But who could blame them? It was hard to resist such power when it was laced with both suppressed bloodlust and an almost animalistic rage. His black eyes sought out the source though his own power kept telling him that said source was not to be found. Not so close. Despite that, he had to force himself to stop. It was her. It had to be. Which meant she'd slipped up. There was no other explanation. She had to know that sooner rather than later, he'd be sent to track her and bring her home. And he probably never would have found her had she managed to keep her power in check. Then again, she could be in danger and forced to use her powers. The idea of her having to take on such a foe sent him running again. If she'd been pushed to this extent in a battle, she probably wouldn't last long.
He watched her, wishing to trigger the same response again but not wanting to be so obvious in his attempts. She was, after all, smart, despite his denial. They had reached the town, which was full of bothersome people, who, despite their obvious chores, took the time to gawk. Caleb glared back but Ariha threw out smiles and waving back at a mud covered child when he waved first.
"Don't encourage them," Caleb growled lowly.
"And why not?" Ariha demanded.
She glared back at him, her dislike for Caleb all over her face.
"Children should be encouraged. It makes them grow," she argued.
"These children won't grow into anything but scum and test subjects for Lord Orochimaru," Caleb mumbled.
"No, they won't," she said with certainty.
"Your confidence in him makes you blind."
Ariha said nothing in reply but slowly sped up, desperate to leave him behind. Caleb allowed her to do so, if only to gain a chance at freedom, even if only for a little while. He had no intention of leaving Orochimaru's lair so soon but the illusion of his freedom, especially one he'd cast for himself was just so sweet. He could have easily allowed himself an evening of bliss, free of his pesky "student" but found himself following Ariha. He needed to know how to stir her powers from their dormant state. Perhaps even harness them. If they scared Kabuto enough that he drugged her, then it was too good to pass up.
Her golden eyes scanned the street, looking for some trace of the source. The source of the smell filling her nostrils. That had been filling them since she'd reached the village. It was the scent of death mixed with the ever present pinch of blood. It usually didn't bother her too much, despite what she said. But this time, it bothered her immensely, because it could only mean one thing. As if sensing her thoughts, a strong hand seized her chin and neck, drawing her back.
"Found you."
Ariha looked into the black abyss with hatred, knowing full well she'd come out but still hating the owner.
"My mothers loyal pet," she growled. "Come to drag me back home?"
Karasu chuckled.
"But of course," he began. "You would call me her pet. But haven't I proven to be more like your pet?"
His eyes danced with mischief but Ariha could feel the hand at her throat tighten just a bit. He was mad. She smiled.
"Call yourself whoever's pet you want," she challenged. "But you are no pet to me. I desire my pets to be loyal."
That did it. Ariha felt the wind leave her as Karasu slammed her againt the wall, the amusement gone from his eyes, his hand still restraining her throat.
"Give up this foolishness!" he snarled, revealing his fangs. "It is time to come home."
Ariha shook her head, still trying to regain her breath.
"Why not?" he demanded.
"He's my father," she managed. "I cannot… I cannot just act like that doesn't mean something!"
Karasu drew back a bit, letting her breathe.
"You need to come back," he said. "You're little escape act has seriously jeopardized the already shaky alliance between Hell and Konoha. The Council of Clan Heads is trying to convince your mother that Konoha sold you to the vampires. They're trying to start a war."
"What else is new?" Ariha asked. "They're always trying."
Karasu sighed.
"Can you at least think of me?" he demanded. "I won't do good in war."
Ariha smiled a bit, swatting away his hand. She knew for a fact that he could have easily snapped her neck but he didn't, instead withdrawing. So he was playful again?
"Are you trying to imply that you're just another pretty face?" she asked.
"But of course not. I'm also great in the sack."
He smirked at her and she knew what was coming, sighing inwardly when his hand met the wall beside her head and he leaned in close.
"Which reminds me, have I flirted with you today?"
Ariha rolled her eyes.
"And have I turned you down cold today?"
"Very," Karasu replied. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to leave you here. You're going home."
He took hold of her wrist and began pulling. Ariha tensed, really digging her heels into the dirt. She wasn't going without a fight and she hoped Karasu saw that.
"You really want to unleash your full power here?" he asked, leaning close to her.
He was one to talk. Behind those black eyes, she already saw the side of him she'd dubbed Psycho rearing his ugly head. Ariha immediately caged the power she'd released, knowing that, while she could stay in control long enough to not hurt innocent people, Psycho could not.
"Please," she begged. "Just give me some more time. And then I'll go with you."
Psycho reluctantly retreated, or was pushed back as Karasu realized she had chosen not to fight
"No," he decided.
"But!" Ariha began.
Karasu seized her other wrist, yanking her enough that she had no choice but to look him straight in the eye.
"I've heard of Orochimaru. And I've seen, up close, the things he's done! He's messed up!"
"So am I!" Ariha objected.
"Yes, but not like him. His brand of crazy, thank god, is not genetic," Karasu went on. "But it can be spread through exposure. And if that happens to you, there won't be any you left for me to take back."
"If you force me back," Ariha declared, meeting his eye. "There won't be any me period."
Karasu's eyes narrowed as he dissected her words.
"I knew you were a drama queen," he said, voice a growl.
"That's my ultimatum," Ariha continued. "You can drag me back now, kicking and screaming, and mommy dearest can lock me away, like she will, but I won't stay quiet and submissive. Take me back now and I will kill myself."
Karasu slowly released her wrists, sighing in obvious defeat. He looked at the sky, as if to ask why, before returning his attention to her.
"Just because he's your father does not mean he won't hurt you," Karasu began.
"He hasn't yet," Ariha reasoned. "And he came close."
She had to say something to convince Karasu, had to show him she'd be all right. Gently, she reached for his arm, catching hold of his sleeve.
"Trust me," she begged.
Karasu crossed his arms but she kept her grip, smiling a bit. He was unwinding a bit.
"I promise you, I'll be fine. If anything happens, I'll leave. I'll go home," she promised. "And I'll admit you were right and I was wrong."
If he'd been a dog, his ears would have been perking up right now. A slow grin etched its way onto Karasu's face.
"Oh, now that would make my millennium," he admitted.
His black eyes zeroed in on her.
"Do what you have to," he said, slowly, making Ariha realize how painful it was for him to say those words. "But be safe."
She rolled her eyes again.
"Please," she laughed. "No one at that place knows I'm Orochimaru's daughter. I couldn't be safer."