Chapter 2: The Full Truth

The next thing I realize, I'm on top of Kakashi with a kunai raised above my head. I release my grip of the kunai and it plummets into the grass. Its peak piercing the ground sharply. I slowly back off Kakashi and look at my surroundings. Sakura was unconscious on the ground with Sasuke weakly standing his ground. Naruto remained tied to the log, squirming in attempt to break free of its grasp. A sharp pain stabs from within my skull. What just happened?

Mai: What's going on?

Sasuke glares angrily at me.

Sasuke: What happened? You're asking us what happened?! Please! You tell us what happened! You attacked us!

Mai: I what? When-

Naruto: Hey! Let me out of here!

I ignore him completely and turn to Kakashi, whom of which was just rising to his feet.

Mai: Is this the truth? Did I attack you all?

He stares at me with a cautious yet watchful glance, as if doubtful of my genuine cluelessness. As he decided, he nodded his head yes.

Kakashi: Yes.

Mai: When?

Kakashi: Only a few minutes ago…

The sharp pain throbbed once more. I remember Kakashi pressing the kunai to my throat and then… nothing. It was as if my mind had erased the memory... I attacked them? But why?

Naruto: CUT ME LOOSE!

I turn back to Sasuke, who was lifting up a groggy Sakura from the ground.

Mai: Is she ok?

Sasuke: She was just –

Naruto: LET ME OUT NOW!

Fed up with his yelling and bitching, I dig into my ninja pack and grab a shuriken. I spin around and propel the shuriken into the log, severing the ropes. I sharply turn my back to leave. I start towards the village, but hesitate when passing Kakashi.

Mai: I think practice is done for the day. Don't you think?

It's been two days since the incident with Team Seven and I haven't been back since. Don't get me wrong, I'm no coward, and if I could face them I would. No, I've been held captive in the Hokage's office, forced to work night and day.

Mai: This is ridiculous. I've done this paperwork eight times. It's perfect. Has been since the first two times you made me do it. Let me go train with my team.

Hokage: You will do as you're told. Besides, do you really wish to return after the incident you caused?

Mai: I would have found a way to explain myself…. Eventually.

Hokage: You almost killed your entire team.

Mai: I know! It was a mistake.

Hokage: And a dangerous one.

Mai: Please just let me return.

Hokage: That's impossible. They've left on a mission.

I stand back, shocked at his words.

Mai: They're what?

Hokage: I sent them on a mission about a day ago.

Mai: You sent my team on a mission without me?!

Hokage: They are not your team.

Mai: Excuse me?

Hokage: You've officially been transferred to Team Eight. You are to report to them tomorrow morning.

I slam my fist on the table in front of him. Items piled on his desk, rumble beneath my fury.

Mai: First you keep me away from my team, and then you have the audacity to switch me without my knowledge or consent?!

I turn my back to him in frustration, completely betrayed. I walk towards the door.

Hokage: Where do you think you're going? You still have work to attend to.

Mai: Finish it yourself.

I close the door behind me and leave; vowing silently to myself to never return.

The next morning I did as I was told; I reported to Team Eight continuously for days on end. I can't say I hated it for that would be a lie. My Sensei was kind and patient and my Teammates were all welcoming and kind, especially Hinata Hyuuga. I don't know what it is about her, but I feel closer to her than the rest.

As for the Hokage, I kept my promise. I never returned, on my own accord. He made empty threats against me in attempt to make me return, but I strongly ignored them. There was one occasion where he had sent off duty Anbu members to forcibly bring me in, but I managed to slip away after a multitude of attempts. Sadly I was caught the next day and brought in anyway.

Mai: I demand to know why you forcibly kidnapped me and brought me into this… this... prison cell?!

Hokage: You're asking me why? You have refused to come back on your own, so I was forced to do what needed to be done.

Mai: Oh take a hint. I. am. Done.

I take a step towards the door only for an Anbu member to obstruct my way.

Hokage: You will not be allowed to leave. Do not forget you owe a debt to me, Mai Mikazuki.

Mai: What could I possibly owe you anymore? You've take control of my life for seven years! Seven Years! What debt? You mean my home? Take it! Or perhaps you mean my stay in the village? Fine, I'll leave.

Hokage: Mai!

Mai: What?! Don't you get it? I'm an outcast and everybody is aware of it! They look at me as if I'm a freak in a show already. Can you imagine their faces when they heard the rumors of what happened with Team Seven? They twisted with disgust. It was as if it was solidified that I was a freak.

Hokage: Mai...

Mai: No. Maybe I could have fixed this before, but as soon as you chose to switch me off, it verified the fact. Now I'm not saying you're entirely at fault, I was carless enough to let this happen, but you played your part, quite well.

Hokage: Mai, I-

Mai: That's enough. Now if you do not mind, I have practice to attend.

I try for the door once more but find the Anbu still obstructing my way.

Hokage: All me to explain Mai.

I swing around angrily.

Mai: No.

Hokage: You will not be allowed to leave until I do.

I quickly turn for the door but the Anbu stands his ground.

Hokage: Mai.

I whirl around and dash for the window. The Anbu member attempts to grab my wrist but misses in the last moment. I crash through the glass and begin my descent down. Shards of glass fly by and crash around me as I land on the path below.

Hokage: Get her!

I didn't waste any time. I dashed down the road, leaving nothing but dust in my wake. My first instinct was to advert to the forest but, from previous experience, that would be the first place they would look. I then decided to take a risk. I headed off to practice.

Upon my arrival, Hinata anxiously ran to my side.

Hinata: Mai you're late! If Kurenai Sensei found out-

?: Oh I know.

We spin around to see Kurenai with her hands folded across her chest. He red eyes fixated on me as she took a step forward.

Kurenai: Care to explain why you're late, again, Mai?

Mai: I'm really sorry I was…. Held up.

Her stare relentlessly concentrates on my eyes. She could tell I was purposely leaving something out. She also knew that pressing the matter further was futile.

Kurenai: I'll let it slide this time, but don't let it happen anymore.

Mai: Yes Ma'm.

She returns her gaze to the others. I take the moment and check for any unwelcomed followers I may have.

Kiba: Yes! Rematch time Mai!

My attention quickly shifts to Kiba.

Mai: Huh?

Hinata nudges me softly.

Hinata: Sparring matches. Kurenai paired Kiba and you together.

I knew I liked this girl for a reason.

Mai: Oh thanks Hinata. I owe you one.

She smiles softly and shakes her head.

Hinata: No we're teammates. It's only right to look out for each other.

Kurenai: Mai. Kiba. You're up first.

Kiba: OH YEAH

Mai: -sigh- Yes Sensei.

As we step into the middle of the clearing, I steal one final glance around. I was still in the clear, but for how long…

Kiba and I circle around another before either attacked. He, from what I suspect, was surveying my every movement, predicting when and how I may attack. I focused more on our surroundings. Still no Anbu, but now they were surely on their way.

Kiba, fed up with waiting, attacks first. He lunges forward, aiming at my chest, and catches me off guard. He tackles me to the ground and rolls onto me. I easily shove him off and jump to my feet.

Kurenai: Don't take your eyes off of your opponent Mai!

Kiba takes the little time before attacking once more. This time he lunges with a kunai firmly in his grasp. I quickly counter with another kunai and push him back.

Kiba: Enough playing! Let's do this Akamaru!

Akamaru barks in response.

Kiba: Go!

Kiba increases his speed and begins to enclose me in a circle. I spin the kunai in my hand and track his movements. Each time he attempts to leap from his path and attack, I block with my kunai. Kiba's speed made him a considerable foe for many ninja our age, and for that, I would humor him and flatter his ego. Not now. Now I only had moments to spare before the Anbu found me.

As if by some villainous cue, my time ran up. Two Anbu ninja emerged from the bushes behind.

Mai: Dammit.

Kurenai: What's going on?

I quickly pick off Kiba as he halts for a split second, confused. I slip behind him and knock his feet from under him. I stab a kunai through his hood and smile.

Mai: Game.

I quickly dash into a thicket of trees before anyone could register what had just occurred. The Anbu soon caught on and trailed closely behind at my heels. I take a hold of a branch and pull myself off the ground before making a sharp left. From there it was a series of turns in a random pattern.

It was not until another series of complex patterns that an opportunity to evade my pursuers appeared before me. After a sharp right, I noticed a small hole between the roots of a tree. I launch myself from the branch and fly in the hole. My escape was narrow as my bandage was ripped off on impact. I quickly snatch the remains and press myself into the back of the nook. I muffle my breathing with my hands as I press back further into the hole.

In a way this reminded me of the game I used to play with my father. I use the term game quite loosely. Essentially it was hide-n-seek. The rule was to remain hidden for as long as you possibly could. I was given a certain amount of time to hide which would substantially decrease each time we played. My last time limit was 10 seconds. My father would then relentless hunt me down. He was not the only pursuers though. Often off duty "specialist" would join in. Villagers were also involved, often being used as informants. It was safe to say that I never won. There was no way to win. Eventually you would be caught. Denying that fact was futile. You could only prolong your capture.

The Anbu soon rushed by, unaware of my presence. My heart raced with each moment they remained in sight. Will I be caught? Just as soon as they appeared, they vanished in seconds. I sat in silence. The threat was still ominous. Another Anbu ninja slowly creeps through the bushed before the tree. I quietly flatten myself into the firths nook of the small cavern. The soulless painted eyes of the porcelain mask pierce deep into my little haven, as if aware that I hid myself within its chambers. I slow my heartbeat in fear that if allowed to beat, the sound would be audible.

After what seems like hours, the Anbu member finally left and once more it was safe to breathe. I lower my hands and gently allow my lungs to fill with fresh oxygen. I stretched out my legs and prepared for a long stay. It was still unsafe to leave and would be for the next few hours. At first I attempted to amuse myself with simplistic drowning I carved into the wall. That easily wore out my amusement and I was left to interpreting other carving along the wall. I was not first to discover this cavern. As my fingers traced along an unknown carving a rush of water begins to flood every corner of the nook. My lungs began to gasp for air. In a panic, my arms cling to the wall, desperately climbing for the air pocket above. Just as my face was inches from the surface, a sight tugging held me back. My head quickly snaps in the direction of my foot. A root had tied itself around my ankle. Any and all efforts were futile as each tug only tightened its grasp.

My lungs scream for air with each second ticking away. I fumble for a kunai to severe the root but it slips from my grip. Before I could catch it, the kunai plummeted into a small opening between the roots. I scramble for another only to find my ninja pack to be empty.

Desperate, I grab the root and begin yanking. It worked to no avail. I was as good as dead. Water rushed into my lungs and I slowly began to lose consciousness. In a last attempt of survival, I clawed at the back to reach the entrance. I could feel my heart slowly die as my mind drifted into a deep sleep.

Just as soon as the water flooded in, it was gone. Air violently filled my lungs as I gasped for breath. I frantically scramble to my feet and lunge toward the exit. As soon as my body left the hole entirely, I escape through the forest, uncaring about neither pursuers nor safety. I only wanted to put as much distance from me and that hole as my body will carry me.

By the time I realized my surroundings, I slam face first into a chest of a man. The force of the collision sends me tumbling to the ground.

Mai: Sorry. I wasn't looking.

I quickly pick myself up and whisk past him. Yet before I could fully escape, the man grabs my arm. Angrily I yank my arm back.

Mai: What's your problem I ap-

?: Mai. Is everything okay?

I lift my gaze to see Kakashi look at me cautiously. Completely surprised I take a step back. It was only then that I noticed Sasuke draped over his back.

Mai: What happened? Is he okay?

Before he could respond, a group of Anbu members appeared behind me. They grab my arms and hoist me over their shoulder.

Mai: Dammit! Not now! Put me down!

Kakashi: What's going on here?

An Anbu member turns to address him.

Anbu: Orders from the Hokage.

Mai: Dammit!

I attempt to break free, but their grip remains tight.

Mai: I'll be expecting the full story when I get back! Wait for me!

They force me into a chair before the Hokage's desk. Before I could rise, a forceful hand presses my shoulder.

Hokage: You're not going anywhere this time. We need to-

Mai: Stop right there. It seems you have a bit of a hearing problem, so I'll explain it again. We are through. No more pointless tasks. No more talking.

Hokage: Mai-

Mai: Listen. No matter what you say can undo your actions. No matter the intentions, you've alienated me. If you want me to leave the village, fine. I won't stay where I'm unwanted. But us, this thing between you and me, it's done.

I take a deep breath before looking him in the eyes completely serious.

Mai: Now I'm leaving. Whether it is the door or the fucking window. Your choice.

A moment of silence falls over the room.

Hokage: I'm afraid you cannot leave, Mai. I have not-

Mai: Window it is.

I slip off the chair and dash for the window. The Anbu, expecting my escape, steps between me and the window. I slide through their legs and crash through the window. The newly fixed window.

I crash down and hit the ground hard. Without bothering to looks up, I make a break for it. Hospital here I come.

Anbu: Shall we fetch her again sir?

Hokage: No. Let her go. She will only escape once more. Stubborn child.

He sighs heavily. Sorrow heavily sets in his eyes.

Hokage: I have wronged you greatly Mai…

As I approach the hospital, it comes to me that I may not be able to just walk in through the front doors. I take a minute and weight my options. I could either scale the building and enter through a window, or just try my chances at the front door.

Considering I've already made two window exits today, I would rather try my hand at an actual door. If, by chance, I had to make an exit, I could do so as a normal person.

I throw open the doors and make my way over to the nurse station in the center.

Mai: What room is Uchiha in?

The nurse looks up at me quickly before resuming to look through a stack of papers.

Nurse: No visitors.

Mai: I'm not here to visit. I need to speak to Kakashi. He came in here-

Nurse: There are no visitors allowed. Please come back when he wakes up.

Before I could respond any further, the nurse stood from her seat and left.

Mai: Walking away isn't going to do shit, Lady.

I tear down the hall agitated, which only added further importance to my mission.

Mai: Where would he be…?

I turn the corner to see a number of doors on either side of the hall.

Mai: Most likely they would place their precious Uchiha in a single room...

I pass a couple of doors.

Mai: Most likely….

I pause at a door and reach for the handle.

Mai: Not this one.

I swing around and open the opposite door. As if by a stroke of luck, there laid Sasuke in the room before me.

Mai: Oh I'm good.

I gently close the door behind me.

Mai: Well, well, Uchiha. We meet again.

I saunter over to him bed and lean over him.

Mai: What you do now? Perhaps more glaring? Didn't you learn your lesson from last time?

I lower my gaze onto him. He laid there motionless. Only the sound of the machine and his breathing filled the room. I sigh heavily and sink into a chair beside him.

Mai: I'm sorry, that was bitchy of me…

I let out another sigh.

Mai: You know when you're asleep, you look less annoying.

I play with a stray hair in his face.

Mai: Still don't get what the girls seen in you though.

As I pull my hand back, I accidently brush against his skin. A flash of light floods the room.

Blinded by the brightness I shield me yes from its glare. As my eyes adjust to the light, I lower my arm to see mirrors surrounding me. A figure jumps from mirror to mirror as reflections fill the rest. Each time the figure moved, a multitude of senbon would be thrown in my direction. I turn to see Naruto on the ground, helpless at the oncoming attack. I rush to his side and cover him. I could not lose him. The next sensation was pain. Pure pain covering every inch of my body.

?: What are you doing.

My head automatically snaps toward the voice's direction. Kakashi stood in the door way, his eyes fixated on me intently and viciously.

Mai: Oh Kakashi, I was waiting for you.

Kakashi: Is that all you were doing?

I rise from the seat and pull my hand back.

Mai: Ah, no. I was just checking how serious his wounds were.

Kakashi: For ten minutes.

Mai: You caught me, I was actually day dreaming.

From the intensity of his stare, you could tell he was not buying my story. The smile soon slid from my face.

Mai: That's right. You were Anbu. Then you know all about me don't you. Or, perhaps, that was past your time?

Kakashi: What were you doing?

Mai: Nothing. Despite all the rumors you may hear, I've never harmed a single person in this village. Ever. Well except if you count Uchiha's ego then…

Kakashi: Enough games Mai. I want you to tell me the truth. The whole truth.

Mai: I. Just. Did.

Kakashi: I'm referring to before.

The room grew tense at his words.

Mai: What before? There are many possibilities as to what you-

Kakashi: Since the beginning of that day.

Mai:… What do you want to know?

Kakashi: Everything.

Mai: Well that's impossible. Nothing personal, but everyone is entitled to their secrets. Besides, not everything can be told.

Kakashi: Then try.

I sigh heavily.

Mai: Pushy. Then we need to go somewhere more…. Private.