A/N: If you've read the previous chapters a long time ago, I strongly suggest re-reading them for I made a couple of changes. Chapters 2-4 are not of major importance. 5 is highly recommended to be re-read, at least, the very last part with Deidara (now Asukawa).
.:Beyond What My Eyes Can See:.
Chapter 6- Love vs. Hate
"I'm going to give you a fair warning, Aizawa." Asukawa told me, making me look at her in question. "STAY AWAY FROM 'MY' ITACHI!!" she shouted, letting me know she meant business.
I only watched her nonchalantly as she impatiently waited for my reply. What did she expect me to say? That Itachi was mine and we'd just have to fight for him? Disgusting. Or that I would listen to her words and keep away from him? Which was highly impossible since he wouldn't even let me out of his room. And besides all that, what would I even tell a girl who thinks a boy was her boy friend when he didn't care the slightest for her?
"Bear in mind that I won't let you take Itachi-san from me! He's MINE!" Asukawa said possessively.
"You want Itachi so badly? Then you can have him!" I told her indifferently. "He's all yours for all I care." I added apathetically.
"Humph!" she moaned, annoyed by my lack of seriousness towards her words as she stormed out of the room, mumbling very colorful curse words as she went.
Finally, some peace and quiet; I was starting to think she would never leave. I sighed as I free fell myself unto Itachi's bed, both my feet still firmly placed on the floor. There were a lot of questions clouding my mind and yet I didn't seem to get any answers; I felt utterly baffled. Subconsciously, my right hand made its way on top of my lips where Itachi had kissed me moments before. Without really meaning to, my lips curved into a smile. Was my family really the reason for me to accept their invitation? Or was it the fact that I enjoyed his company? I should have pushed him away from me, right? That way I wouldn't have to feel this way right now! I should have never allowed him to do such a thing, right? Oh someone please answer my questions! I hated him, didn't I? But how come every time he kissed me, it always felt so...right.
Every time I see your face, I want to cry...
Why didn't you just let me die?
Wasn't it bad enough?
That you hurt me with your stupid bluff?
Why did I, of all people, fall in love with him in the first place? It's not like he's the most handsome man in the world but why do I act like he was the very best? Why couldn't he be like all the other boys who I tend to easily forget? Why was it that I felt happy whenever I saw him? Shouldn't I feel anger and resentment? I mean he tried to end my life for crying out loud, why shouldn't I be mad? My emotions have been making a fool of me these past few days. They have been showing themselves at the wrong moments although that had never happened before in my life. They were acting upon their own will, almost naturally but I could not let that transpire. I must gain control over my emotions. Unless I wanted to end the world, I should be more vigilant about my sentiments. It only occurred after I met accidentally with Itachi outside of the Hidden Flame Village so what did he have to do with all of this?
In your loving arms, I wonder...
Why must you make me suffer?
Why couldn't you just let me be?
Why couldn't you just set me free?
My hand trailed down to my neck where I traced the words engraved upon my necklace repeatedly. Why did he come back into my life? Why couldn't he leave me alone? He just made me even more befuddled than I already was in the first place. At the time I felt utterly bewildered. For once in my life, I was unsure of what to do. I knew staying here in the Akatsuki would puzzle my mind all the more but it could also mean the fulfillment of my revenge.
"What am I supposed to do?" I asked myself, full of uncertainty.
I knew I had loved him though I regret those occasions where I thought he was the one for me. But did I really hate him? I mean I had all the reasons to do so, so why didn't I? He was a traitor, a liar, and a killer! He lied to me; he betrayed my trust; and he tried to kill me!
"Thinking about it will only make it worse than it already is." I told myself as I stood up from the bed.
I was about to leave he room but then a thought crossed my mind. Itachi had indisputably told me to stay inside his room. I hesitated for a moment, considering my options acutely. But then again, why would I even listen to him? He had no right to tell me what to do. I might have agreed to join this organization under his terms but he still wasn't the one to order me around.
No matter how hard I made an effort to think of anything else but him, every other thought would lead right to him one way or another; it became quite bothersome after the umpteenth time that had happened. My face remained blank though as I walked along the dark corridors, presumably lost in the winding halls. I was starting to get a headache from all the thinking I had been doing and a painful sensation was running up and down my thigh.
'Not again...' I thought, bearing all its pain.
And to whom would I have the misfortune to bump into but the obnoxious Asukawa. She eyed me treacherously and I returned that favor.
"Didn't Itachi-san tell you to stay in his room?" she questioned, both her hands high upon her hips.
"Hai. So?" I answered her; what did I care if Itachi had said so?
"Why you little..." Asukawa mumbled, grabbing a hold of my neck and pushing me unto the wall. "Don't you ever disrespect Itachi-san like that!" she added threatening me.
"Hey, if you want to have a cat fight, take it outside." A very stern looking redhead told us, surveying me with those crimson eyes of his as he passed behind Asukawa.
"Good idea, Sasori." she muttered, releasing my neck and then dragging me by my arm.
"I'm not stupid. I can walk on my own." I said, pulling out of her grasp quite easily.
She seemed irritated by this but did not give me one of her snide remarks. She led me down flights of stairs and into what I assumed to be the training grounds. It was a fairly vast clearing with the evidences of past training sessions clearly seen by the both of us; kunais and shurikens were stuck in random places and in every tree that stood and pale black scorch marks littered the grounds.
Asukawa got into position; she seemed to be serious about this but I really didn't want to go through with this. It would just be a stupid way to waste my time and energy. So, I just stood there, staring up at the clear blue sky, lucratively annoying her like crazy.
"Don't think I'll let you off that easily, Aizawa!" Asukawa said, rushing toward me in an attack. "I will not tolerate your misbehavior!" she continued, attempting to lash out my face.
I grabbed her ankles with one of my hands to stop its assault on my face just in time. I stared at her right in the eye and said: "If it's a fight you want, then, it's a fight you'll get!"
"That's more like it, Aizawa!" Asukawa retorted confidently.
It was pointless to answer her taunts. Alternatively, I pushed her away from me and I stood prepared in my fighting stance. She immediately conjured another attack on me but I easily countered her with my own. An indescribable pain had been weighing me down since we began our little fight but I got to end this stupid quarrel about that no-good Uchiha Itachi over with once and for all. If she loved him then she could freely have him, why let me be a part of it? It's not like I want him or anything. I hated him, didn't I?
It seemed like a walk in the park to spar with Asukawa. Not that I was bragging; I knew for sure that she was strong, it was just that her anger and ignorance had taken control over her. In a battlefield, emotions were weaknesses I couldn't afford harboring. They would prevent me from unleashing my full potential. And besides, I have grown accustomed to the heat of a skirmish since most of the years of my life were spent in the battleground, trying to protect the ancient Crest.
I kept on the defensive approach, patiently waiting for a prospect in her line of defense. To tell you the whole truth, there had been a great deal of opportunities to strike her though I was waiting tolerantly for just the right moment. She was, to my surprise, aware of this plan of mine so she cautiously kept her distance. I surveyed her carefully, now fully sentient of her capabilities and limitations; this was a S.O.P. (standard operating procedure) I've always done with my opponents and she was no exception. I watched her every move keenly, quickly noticing her unsteady breathing as she continued her attacks on me.
"I cannot believe that you're already tired, Asukawa." I taunted her; I wasn't able to resist. "I haven't even warmed up yet." I added, activating my infamous kekkai genkai – the Eyes of Chaos.
There it was again; the pain that cost me my fight with Itachi. I'd give anything to rid myself of this pain but no one came to heed my cry. What did I ever do to deserve this? He should be having this punishment, not me; I haven't done anything wrong! He's the sinner so why must I suffer? Haven't I been through enough? Why must life persistently be cruel to me?
Once more, I ignored the ache from my thighs. I could not, should not, and would never show an enemy that I had a weakness. Never would anyone else see me susceptible and live to tell the tale. I refused to show signs of vulnerability.
It was my turn to attack. This was my chance to shut her up for good. Right before her very eyes I vanished. This was not "Mind Concealment", that would've been much too wearisome and time-consuming. It was simply my stealth. My speed and agility was incomparable with those known to mankind. Only those who had very keen eyesight (perhaps due to their bloodline trait) could have seen where I went. I have hidden myself well; she knew not my whereabouts despite the fact that I was only right behind her. The velocity of each of the hand seals I made was quick and precise as they were formed without her knowledge.
"KATON – RYUUKA NO JUTSU!" I yelled, a hand over my mouth to complete my technique.
Fire streamed out of my mouth in the stature of a dragon, shocking my naïve opponent. This technique I had just used was adopted from the Uchiha clan although it was modified with a few personalized alterations. It was a skill I had learned from who else but Itachi. He had taught it to me when we WERE friends since we would normally exchange techniques back then.
Asukawa, knowing that she could do nothing to dodge my attack, simply gave me an evil glare as she waited for its painful impact. Her loss was obvious to the two of us but the thing was, I missed her by a few millimeters. She sighed, somewhat relieved that she was spared from death but my technique wasn't through yet. Abruptly, the dragon-shaped fire changed its course and headed back toward Asukawa. Her eyes dilated as she watched the dragon split in half, avoiding her completely and instantaneously dispersed into nothing. Of course, I had meant to do that.
"Why did it?" she muttered, shocked that she was spared.
"Hot...wasn't it?" I simply replied; my learned attacks were at most thrice as powerful as the original.
Silence. Multiple heated looks were sent right at me from my adversary but she didn't give my words any reply. Her annoyed yet frightened gaze was enough to satisfy me though.
"That, Asukawa, was JUST a warning shot." I told her mockingly; I just couldn't help myself. "Don't think that my next attacks would MISS their TARGET." I added.
Her eyes twitched and I knew how irritated she was with me. Actually, I had done it on purpose to give her a taste of her own medicine. I NEVER, I repeat, NEVER give warning shots unless I see it fit; I guess showing off my power was something I found necessary to a misjudging foe.
Asukawa charged at me, pretty much aggravated. I was back to my defensive strategy, waiting yet again for an opening. She was planning something destructive; I could see it in her eyes, but what, I did not know. Since that dmn poison weakened my bloodline, making them useless in this battle; what use were they to me if they couldn't even read minds properly?
"Let's end this right now, Aizawa." Asukawa stated, smirking mischievously.
My blasé look was enough to get her infuriated. What she was planning must have been something very inhuman since she was only able to hit me once. She must've realized her futile attempts.
"Devil's Blade, come forth to thy master, Emiko..." She started, her hands stretching wide in front of her as her eyes hid behind their lids.
'This should prove to be interesting...' I thought as I watched her chanting.
"...By the blood that stained my hands, grace me with your strength!" she finished the incantation and a slim sword appeared out of thin air in between Asukawa's out-stretched hands.
She grasped the familiar silver leather handle of the rapier and stood at an abnormal fighting stance. Her smirk grew wider at the touch of her beloved weapon. I sighed as blow after blow from Asukawa's blade hurtled toward me, not one was prolifically able to get even just one scratch on me. I would evade each attack she made and it became quite boring.
She never seemed to mind that I couldn't be beaten. But it wasn't because she was weak. In fact, I could sense a pretty powerful aura emitting from her 'Devil's Blade' as she called it. If she wasn't letting her anger get in the way, she would've stood a better chance.
Just then, I felt my legs grow numb as a monstrous pain erupted from my injury. I flinched, giving Asukawa the chance to perform a lethal strike against me. I concentrated my chakra to my right arm, using it as a shield to protect myself from the incoming blow. Luckily, it had worked but I had realized at that attack, the real power of the 'Devil's Blade'. It managed to cut through my skin even after focusing my chakra on it. It wasn't just any ordinary sword. At that moment, I understood how Asukawa was permitted to join the Akatsuki.
I then felt a pair of hands grab a hold of the ankles of my feet, rooting me unto the spot on which I stood. I grinned in apprehension that the Asukawa I had been struggling with was merely a decoy. The shadow clone had led me into the trap and I fell for it. I would not panic; there was still a way I could get out of this mess. I turned my attention to Asukawa's double handling my ankles roughly and my lips curved into an amused smirk.
'Earth Decapitation...' I thought, knowing the kind of technique she was using against me.
Another clone appeared from behind me all of a sudden and pinned me unto a master lock. Her hands slipped under my armpits and twirled back behind my neck; it was painful. I allowed her to do this to me. She was starting to become more of a challenge for me.
"Say your prayers, Aizawa!" the real Asukawa stated as she stepped up from her hiding place behind the dense trees. "Consider yourself lucky, because you're about to witness the ultimate potency of the Devil's Blade!" she added, her impish smile back on her lovely facade.
"Give me your best shot..." I muttered in my detached tone of voice, shocking her a bit.
She thought I would be frightened but she didn't know me, I wasn't that kind of girl. I managed to overpower her twin and it loosened its grip on me. Now was my chance!
(Itachi's POV)
I was sent to the Leader's administrative center for reasons I knew so well. Judging from the current assignment he had asked me to accomplish, he would probably ask me about Syrrine and whether she had agreed to join Akatsuki or not. He would be glad to know that I easily got her approval in associating with us.
"Come on in, Itachi." He had told me somewhat excitedly even before I had knocked upon his door.
Without another word, I entered the dark abyss that was his office and stepped up in front of him.
"Has she decided?" he asked in a voice so deep and ominous though it held a hint of excitement.
All I gave him was a quaint nod.
"What did she say?" came his reply to my actions.
"She accepted your invitation on the condition that I. . .abide by her requests." I answered him, expressionless.
"You're really positive about this girl," he had stated, his voice sinister. "Enough for you to threaten her?"
"You would be surprised that a girl with such demeanor can be so stubborn." I simply replied; everything I said was nothing but the truth.
"None of your tricks will be able to annihilate me!" I recognized Mizuki's voice as she yelled down from the curtained window.
The leader walked over to where he had heard the cause of our conversation's disturbance and opened the aperture, shedding some light in the darkened room. I followed his example and peered through the glass casement. Surely, Mizuki was down three floors below sparring with none other than Asukawa.
"I see what you mean, Itachi..." the leader whispered, quite amused. "She really is resolute..."
I gave him no answer as I quietly watched her battling. Asukawa's shadow clone held onto her and yet she still grinned and said it was nothing. Was she being serious? Or was she just intimidating the gullible Asukawa? Asukawa then muttered another spell, and buried the tip of her sword unto the ground. At that moment, there came a completely devastating explosion and thick smoke enclosed the area.
"There goes Emiko's supreme sword technique..." Rei-dono muttered, sneering.
Blood was splattered everywhere and Mizuki's body was nowhere to be found, most likely obliterated by the sudden blast. Was she really gone? Did Asukawa really eradicate her? It couldn't be, could it? Even I - the Uchiha's Prodigy - wasn't capable of that feat.
"That was easier that I thou-" I heard Asukawa boast to herself but she unexpectedly froze as if paralyzed.
Then, I knew.
(Back to Mizuki's (My) POV)
The discharge was perfect! She really bought my disappearing act and so did those two eavesdroppers up in the third (3rd) floor of the headquarters; they really believed I was dead. They fell for one of my most powerful genjutsus and it would take a while before Itachi's Sharingan would penetrate through it. I stood in front of the immobile Asukawa, watching her reverie about my death as I prepared one of my most favorite jutsus to exploit on her.
"Brace yourself, Asukawa." I whispered, making the correct hand seals for my next technique. "LIVING NIGHTMARE TECHNIQUE!" I continued, sending Asukawa into a parallel universe.
Everything was in black and white and time seemed to have slowed down without prior notice. This was a world of dreams and nightmares – my world. I controlled all that was in it and time and space was mine to bend.
"Where – where am I?" Asukawa murmured, uncertain.
"Welcome, Asukawa!" I greeted her in an emotionless voice as I suddenly appeared in front of her.
"Ai – Aizawa?" Asukawa stuttered, nervous. "No! You're – you're dead!" she yelled.
"You seriously believed that?" I laughed at her ignorance. "It was all just a genjutsu. I told you, you wouldn't be able to terminate me, didn't I?" I added, mocking her stupidity.
"You little b'tch!" she cursed irately. "Where is this place? Take me back, NOW!" she continued to yell at me.
"You could say that this world is like your Itachi's Tsukiyomi. But of course, since it is my specialty, it's a lot more vigorous." I explained, my voice somewhat echoing. "It feeds off your chakra as you visualize your worst nightmares. You will hear, feel and see it as if it was real. Pain and mental torture, that's what the Aizawa clan is famous for." I added as I was slowly fading away from her sight.
I gazed at her with slight delight as she relived a nightmare in her life. Her face showed anguish as she fell to her knees yelling for the torment to end. My chakra was low and I couldn't bare both the pain and the treachery of my actions to Asukawa thus I disabled my jutsu and deactivated my Eyes of Chaos. The sudden release of power caused a great amount of pain to vanquish; I felt the ache lessen gradually.
I helped Asukawa up and led her limp body back inside. She seemed to be bewildered by my sudden kindness but was too exhausted to even mumble a single word of complaint. I saw Itachi staring at me questioningly, wondering why I was suddenly helping the infuriating fan girl of his and I couldn't help but give him a small smirk.
"She didn't deserve it, unlike you do, Itachi..." I had informed him telepathically. "I hate you so much!"
'I just had to ask her...' Itachi thought discouraged, making my smirk grow even wider.
... Reviews are always welcome...