A/N: I've had this for a while now... I just haven't found the time to upload it... I apologize if Itachi was OOC. It is in my opinion, that people change when they're in love... But of course, I'm trying to keep Itachi's character in check most of the time. Please have mercy on me. LOL.
.:Beyond What My Eyes Can See:.
Chapter 7- A Poisonous Secret
Back into the building we went. Asukawa's arm was over my shoulders as I escorted her back to her room so she could rest. Truth be told, my body was already so exhausted and it was screaming in painful protest as I trudged on, supporting not only my own weight but Asukawa's as well. I looked onward; avoiding the questioning stare my so-called adversary was giving me. My silence got her annoyed, which caused immediate struggling to break free. She was starting to feel inferior to me for I had to assist her in simply keeping her balance; her ego was being eaten away as every second passed.
"What's the matter with you?" she inquired after successfully pulling out of my grasp.
I simply stared at her, giving no answer to her inquiry. What was she babbling about? Her query was something my dizzied brain could not comprehend. There was nothing wrong with me except for my poisoned injury; she couldn't be talking about that, she was way too ignorant.
"I was defenseless; you were so close to doing it. So why didn't you finish me off?" Asukawa demanded some answers for my actions.
"People who have died in my hands were simply asking for death. But you, you have done me no wrong. I have no reason to kill you." I answered her nonchalantly.
"After all that I said? Even if I underestimated you, you still don't wish to kill me?" Asukawa asked further.
"Now its not the time to ask such stupid questions." I plainly replied as I took back her arm and slung it back over my shoulders.
She gave me no more objections when she saw the imposing look in my eyes. She kept quiet and just gave me heated glares even as I laid her down on her bed. All this I ignored and I was about to make my leave when Asukawa called me back. I stopped and turned to look at her, wondering what else was bothering her.
"Why did you help me?" she asked clearly straight to the point.
"Let me be the first to apologize for my actions. I shouldn't have agreed to fight you. Uchiha Itachi was a very silly reason to argue about. I never really had anything against you." I stated just before taking my leave.
'She's. . .sorry? But I was the one who had underestimated her, what is she apologizing for?' was Asukawa's last thought.
That vile Uchiha was a stupid reason to fight her. He is not worthy of being defended by Asukawa and even more so – me! I limped through the dark corridors searching for Itachi's room. Luckily the door labeled with the name Uchiha Itachi wasn't that far away from Asukawa's; I couldn't have taken much more walking even without having to support another's weight but mine. I entered the room and found it how it was when I left moments ago. . .empty. Itachi hadn't returned yet, not that I cared. I walked unsteadily towards the bed, hoping to sleep and then wake up feeling much better but before I reached it I fell on my knees as my legs gave in. I placed both my hands onto the cold floor and tasted a metallic substance rush up to my mouth. I coughed out the blood, feeling dizzy as I did so. My arms and legs were shaking violently and I felt really tired. I had to get to Akane before this poison actually killed me but I couldn't even move my legs; how in the world would I possibly get to her? I coughed out more blood and felt my face grow paler (paler than usual). The poison was taking its toll on me and I wanted someone – anyone - to relieve me from this pain. Tears stung my eyes and trailed down my pallid cheeks; the pain I felt right now was excruciating and it was sucking all my remaining strength.
"I – ta – chi..." I whispered as I collapsed to the floor, coughing out even more blood. "Please – save – me..." I managed to mutter before I completely blacked out, losing myself to the darkness.
(Itachi's POV)
Aizawa Mizuki – known for her exceptional beauty and prowess. She was famous for being the very first female possessor and a lot had been expected from her. She was the girl I thought I knew so well but then again I still had much to learn about.
"I am beginning to get fond of Aizawa-san. Whether it's her good looks or her extraordinary abilities, I can never tell. Which makes me wonder what exactly did you tell her that got her to concur to join Akatsuki?" the leader told me, an amused smirk on his face.
"Whatever it is that Mizuki and I agreed upon should remain just between us both if you don't mind." I answered him.
He seemed unsatisfied by my answer but nonetheless dismissed me from his office. Immediately I trod toward my room, hoping to have a word with Mizuki. I had remembered telling her not to abscond my quarters; did she dare disobey me?
"Mizuki didn't –" I started to say as I opened the bedroom door only to find Mizuki lying on the floor, a pool of red substance surrounding her. "MIZUKI?!" I had almost yelled (almost), quickly stooping down beside her to see if she was still alive.
I tried to wake her up but she was knocked out cold. This was very bad. I would've thought that she'd already done something about the poison; what was she thinking when she picked a fight with Asukawa? She would've lost to her if Asukawa weren't blinded by anger and confidence.
"What do I do?" I asked myself; it was pretty stupid to do so now that I mentioned it.
I distinctly knew that no one would respond to my query so why did I even bother asking? I wasn't at all myself today especially around Mizuki. I took a deep breath and sighed; why did Mizuki get herself into such troublesome situations like this? I closed my eyes somewhat wearily as one of my hands brushed through my hair out of frustration. I was immersed in my own thoughts when I heard a hoarse cough escape Mizuki's lips as more blood rushed out from her throat. Her whole body was shivering. After her coughing fit, I gently lifted her up from the floor and laid her safely down my bed, covering her with my blanket soon afterwards.
I had to know what kind of poison was used against her. Hopefully, one of my few books concerning medicine would have the answers to all of my unasked questions. Hastily, I strode in front of the wooden bookshelf at the far end of my room right beside my desk. One by one I read each label, pulling out all the books connected to antidotes and whatnot. I scanned every one diligently, attempting to find a possible cure to Mizuki's current state. I hoped that at least one of these manuscripts contained the information about the toxin but sadly; none of the enlisted venoms matched the effects done on her.
'This must be one of Orochimaru's newly invented poisons and only he has the antidote. Another one of his dirty tricks to get what he wants, I suppose.' I thought to myself.
"Akane..." Mizuki suddenly muttered in her sleep as her body trembled once more. "Akane, please help me." She continued somewhat desperately.
"Her name is Utama Akane and she has nothing to do with what you're looking for."
I could recall who that Akane girl was; she was the brunette who was with Mizuki that day when Kisame and I kidnapped the said possessor. As far as I knew, the Utama clan was famous for their vast knowledge on poisons and how to deal with them. She'd probably have some idea on how to cure her.
"If I take you to her, would you be okay?" I asked the unconscious Mizuki.
Of course, I had known she would not answer me; she wouldn't even know I asked. As I mentioned earlier, I haven't been myself lately. Maybe I was right to conclude that Mizuki had something to do about it; she had always been the one person who could make me act like the Itachi my younger brother had once known or even a completely different Itachi.
Finally, I discerned what to do. Surely, Akane would know how to help Mizuki. The only problem was that I didn't have the slightest idea as to where she could be. But I perhaps know someone who might. Without a second thought, I carried her unto my arms bridal style and swiftly left the hideout without the permission of Rei (Akatsuki Leader). He would understand; if Mizuki were to die, he would lose such a great asset. Mainly, the reason as to why he had ordered Kisame and I to capture Mizuki was because of her extraordinary skills and her ability to tame the 9 (nine) bijuu.
Most probably, it would take me 3 (three) hours to get to the Hidden Flame Village if I ran as fast as I possibly could. But would Mizuki be all right until then? I had so much to lose so I could not loiter around, not even for a second.
"Itachi..." Mizuki started whimpering, her hand grasping the shirt on my chest.
Every time she said my name (it wasn't just once, actually), I'd always move more rapidly. And with each time, I could feel that her grip on my torso was getting tighter and tighter even to an extent that her nail pierced through the fishnet part of my shirt unto my untainted skin.
In an unfortunate turn of events, rain started to pour down on us, making both Mizuki and I drenched. It only worsened the ill situation further. I dashed through the forest floor more swiftly. Accidentally though, I tripped over a loose root, throwing Mizuki upwards as a cause of reflex. She fell limply on top of me as I plummeted head first onto the muddy earth. What an embarrassing mishap for an elite member of Akatsuki.
'Stupid root. . .' I mentally told myself.
I sighed as I wiped the mud off of my face with my clean hand. Then, as gently as I could, I arched my back a little to get the sleeping Mizuki off of me. She rolled away slowly, lying on her side facing me when she stopped.
Despite her pale facade and battered form, I must admit, she still looked beautiful. Though, I hated seeing her this way. The Mizuki I knew was strong, not feeble and weak. I continued to stare at her, somewhat entranced by the serenity of her face's features. I just couldn't decipher whether it was Mizuki's angelic beauty or Syrrine's devilish powers that ensorcelled me in a way no one else could. It was just. . .her.
My coal black eyes surveyed her intensely, noticing every aspect of her girly features. My oculus rested their gaze upon her calm face. I could clearly recall all of the times I've seen her sleeping; those times when I had planned to kill her though a nonexistent force had always held me back. I had listened to that commanding force until the day I had realized my love for her.
FLASHBACK
My dull black orbs of sight met with those of the same hue. Her eyes showed utter shock and sudden insecurity while mine held such deeper emotionlessness, which seemed like an endless abyss. For a mere 5 (five) seconds she just stood there at a half step, staring at me quizzically as something that didn't quite belong. In turn, I gazed back studying her carefully as I remained still in my position of leaning on a tree's trunk.
After a split-second, she hastily retreated back behind the trees where she had come from. I smirked when I had realized that I had just found my target. She definitely matched the possessor's description.
'Short whitish hair, light black eyes, and a pale complexion – she certainly matched the leader's depiction.' I had thought.
I gave my body a slight push to make myself stand upright from my previous leaning position. Stealthily, I had followed in her footsteps. She seemed unaware of my presence though her chakra was most powerful. Was this really the possessor? I figured that she would be much more alert since she was most probably conscious about those after her but she appeared as though she didn't give a dmn. I guessed that my mission wouldn't be as challenging as I had thought earlier.
The girl led me to a wide and deserted clearing. With the mess of weapons here and there and the scorch marks instead of the lush green grass, one would distinctly clarify that serious training was done here.
'Let's see what this girl's got...' I had thought, my face didn't betray the excitement I felt deep inside.
As she stepped up to the center of the grounds, she yelled: "Give it to me, Senji!"
At an instant, kunais and shuriken came at her from various directions, all of which were aimed at her. For a girl, she was pretty agile. I activated my infamous doujutsu – the Sharingan – to get a clearer view of her every move. She shifted gracefully through the storm of weapons as if she was merely dancing. Her body curved smoothly, avoiding each of the sharp-edged artilleries; it seemed so hassle-free for her. Secretly, I threw one of my own kunais at her already busy stature. She caught it in mid-air as it soared toward her and skillfully used it to intercept the last shuriken bound straight for her chest.
"Okay, I've had my fun." She chorused as she sat on the ground with her feet stretched out using her arms for balance.
"Don't take things lightly, Mizuki." A growl was all I heard from a lone silver wolf who appeared from the bushes.
She folded her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them as she gave him a wasn't-that-enough look. The wolf howled once more and retreated, expecting her to follow. She merely sat there, waiting for him to go.
"Go." She told the wolf. "I'll work on my...uh...accuracy – that's right!" she stuttered, smiling convincingly.
The wolf eyed her somewhat questioningly, suspicious of her sudden actions. I presumed that he warned her before he left since Mizuki kept reassuring him. It was at that time, I doubted her capabilities. She didn't seem to take anything seriously.
"Now that Senji's gone, I guess it's safe for you to come out of hiding." She stated casually, our eyes meeting.
I was severely shocked at this though my face showed no recognizable expression. I revealed myself to her; there was no more point in concealing myself since she identified my exact location. I realized that I had been wrong to judge her moments before.
The next thing I knew, I was on the ground, tackled by a girl obviously younger than me. She had known all along that I was there watching her from the start.
"Will you tell me what you want from me?" she curiously asked as she sat on top of me.
END FLASHBACK
I am Uchiha Itachi – a man feared because of my power. That strength I had possessed in exchange of the lives of those who shared my blood. I was someone no one was able to understand or to even hear speak. I was a person hated for my murderous deeds.
But then I met the girl who knew not who I was and who I have become. She was gorgeous beyond all words. She was someone whose smile held so much power to capture your heart and soul. She was the girl I could never defeat – my weakness.
She changed me. How? I did not know. But whatever it was, I didn't and never liked it. It was a feeling of vulnerability and to kill was my last resort to remove that somewhat pleasurable feeling. I wanted her out of my life for good but I just couldn't do it.
Suddenly, a hoarse cough brought me back to reality from my impervious reverie. The sickening sound escaped Mizuki's pale lips as more blood came out from her mouth. Immediately, I got myself up and carried her up in my arms again. I had wasted time – a very stupid mistake.
Soon, I could see the entrance to the Hidden Flame Village. But, on the way, Mizuki had developed a fever and her condition was only getting worse with every passing second. As fast as I probably could, I ran into the house wherein Mizuki had once lived (before I took her away). Without even knocking, I entered the front door.
(Akane's POV)
It was the second day since Mizuki's forced departure and all the while I was concocting the antidote she needed. Senji had left early this morning in search of the very person he was entrusted to guard wherever Itachi might've taken her. I was almost done when I heard someone enter through the threshold abruptly.
'That must be Senji!' I thought, very much anxious. Walking out of the kitchen, I then said, "Senji, did you fi..."
I was cut short of my speech at the sight I just saw. It wasn't Senji who had arrived. I could almost be ashamed at the surprised look I had on my face then; I wasn't expecting to find him under the doorstep.
"MIZUKI!" I screamed, running over right away after Itachi laid her down on the couch.
"It was the poison." I heard a soft, emotionless voice tell me, perhaps to stop me from any bad accusations.
"I thought so." I said in response as I inspected Mizuki's ill body. "But I don't think it's too late to save her." I added, somewhat relieved.
He did not answer me. Mizuki had once warned me of his stoic attitude though I knew her as practically the same. I simply chose not to bug him as he sat down and rested himself; I imagined he ran at least 45 (forty-five) kilometers in about 3 (three) hours. He must really be tired out; he was still only human.
"Where are you going?" he questioned when he had noticed me leaving the room. "You're Utama Akane, correct? Can't you help your best friend?" he continued when he had gained back my attention.
"To the kitchen to get the cure, where else?" I plainly answered him; he was much too prudent even for his own good.
I did not mind abandoning a defenseless Mizuki alone with a very powerful missing-nin. If Itachi had really intended to kill her, he wouldn't have hesitated and she would have been murdered by now; I didn't think he would have had any second thoughts about killing any other person. Mizuki was special to him, somehow and that was probably the only piece of information I could acquire from him. In a few moments, I reentered the scene only to catch a certain Uchiha ogling at an almost lifeless Aizawa.
An eloquent smile crept up to my face, as I was obliged to interrupt such a serene moment. I gently placed atop the coffee table the tray, which contained the purplish pink substance that was the vaccine. I felt Itachi's unnerving gaze on me whilst I lifted Mizuki's head up so I could compel her to drink the bitter medicine.
"To tell you the truth, I wasn't expecting a certified missing-nin to come by and take one of his hostages where she belonged just for a imprudent toxin." I stated after successfully giving Mizuki the cure; she was going to be all right.
"I wouldn't really be here if I had the antidote myself." Was all he said.
I pushed a small glass containing a light blue fluid into his hands and told him, "You've had a long day today, I suppose. Mizuki likes to drink some of this after a long fight. This will replenish your strength."
He took it from me, quite speechless. I had nothing against him. I owed him a lot actually. Mizuki couldn't have returned and was most likely dead by now if it wasn't for him.
At that moment, I turned to face Mizuki again, happy to see that she was smoothly recovering. She would be up and about in a few days or even less.
"Mizuki is a smart girl." I suddenly declared. "But there are still things she doesn't understand. Or maybe she does but oftentimes she chooses to deny it." I continued while I grinned at her sleeping figure.
"What?" Itachi asked, puzzled yet he maintained his cool composure.
"I want you to take her back with you." I told him; my intentions were unclear.
... Reviews are always welcome...