[AKI POV]
There was something about the clouds today that was absurd. It would darken up, signalling rain. But in a few minutes, the sun would shine again. "It's a good day for outdoor training," Itachi-nee suggested. Itachi, Sasori and I stood in a triangle, out in the clearing near the forest. Everything was so still, and we were waiting for a sudden reflex. Deidara kept a close watch, mostly on Sasori. It all then happened so fast. Sasori was easy to take down. He chuckled slightly as he watched us fight. My right forearm blocked Itachi's left hand. I blocked his right hand with my left forearm. I gasped slightly as the tip of his kunai glinted in the sun. His eyebrows furrowed together in concentration. I focused, searching for a vulnerable spot. "Ey, what's that?" Deidara suddenly asked. We turned our heads to the east. My jaw dropped. It was a colossal white snake. Our hands lowered down. In an instant, I knew who it was.
Orochimaru.
Out of nowhere, Sasuke and his team appeared. Orochimaru stepped forward, out of the shadows. An evil smile formed on his lips. "Aki," his rugged voice called out. My heart raced and my breath hitched. As soon as he mentioned my name, the sky darkened. His eyes turned to Itachi. "Uchiha Itachi. You've trained her well," Orochimaru grinned. Itachi's fist curled into a ball, almost crushing the kunai he held in his hand. "I'm here to take back what is rightfully mine," Orochimaru said. "This one?" a familiar voice asked. I felt a hand on my shoulder. Pein. "I believe this one is ours," he said as he smiled, bluffing. Orochimaru chuckled. "I created her. She is rightfully mine," Orochimaru smiled. Heavy tension filled the air. "Why don't we settle this the traditional way?" Sasuke smirked. Pein's smile turned it a serious face. Everything happened so fast. Kabuto tackled Itachi, and the others followed. Rain poured down from the sky. The fight was going well, until Kimimaro had Deidara down. Sasori was caught in Tayuya's flute nightmares, and Kabuto had brought Itachi down. Sakon had Pein in a tight arm lock. I ran for Itachi, but Sasuke caught me. He locked my arms at my back, and one of his arms was around my neck. I was gasping for air. "This battle is over," Orochimaru laughed darkly. Sakon and the others retreated. "Aki—" Pein trailed off, exhausted. "Pein!" I managed to scream before I blacked out.
[PEIN POV]
"Aki—""Pein!"
I tried to move. It was no use. I sent a mental message to my six paths. I felt numbness at my left side, and I was exhausted. After they left, my six paths came. We all went back to the base. My thoughts were on Aki. I was so stupid! Orochimaru got her, and it was my fault. "Are you alright?" Zetsu asked. I didn't answer. I had no idea on what to do or say. "What do we do now?" Kakuzu asked. "I say we go and get her back," Deidara suggested, suddenly flinching at the cold compress on his shoulder. "Are you crazy?" Konan shrieked. "I agree with Deidara," Kisame said. Many nodded. "But how?" Sasori asked. I grinned devilishly as all eyes turned to me.
"I have a plan."
{later}
It kept on raining the whole day. Once in a while, there would be thunder and lightning. I sighed heavily. Aki, I wish you were here with me.