A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back!
Thank you for the comments thus far. It makes me happy
Just so you all know, same Naruto characters, I just twisted around some of their relationships.
Rated: "M" for gore / adult situations / yaoi
So, without further delay, Chapter 5 of "The Collector"
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It had been a good two hour hike through the dense woods and powdery snow until Sasori could see the silhouette of a small cabin just on the edge of a tiny lake. Gazing up, he thought of all the time he'd spent there, times both good and bad. He fingered the box in his jacket pocket and clenched his fist. "Maybe I won't have to use this," he tried convincing himself. He let his amber eyes roam the view, hoping for a distraction.
The sky had finally cleared and the lake's clean surface was reflecting the light of the moon. Its waters were cold to the touch, but full of life. Trees grew thickly around the quaint spot, protecting it from prying eyes. Bushes and shrubs encircled the lake, then trailed up to the quiet cabin. The cabin itself was simple, had four small rooms, and was made of sturdy logs that were interlocked together with the corners squared off. Huge boulders surrounded the base, keeping the wood in place. A few windows dotted the sides while a slightly slanted roof allowed for any snow to slide off.
Sasori made his way to the front door, noticing the flicker of light coming from the rear of the cabin. "Ahh…he must be working in his studio tonight," he thought to himself. "He could probably live in that one room for the rest of his life and be completely happy," Sasori chuckled. Shaking his head, his face suddenly sobered. "This is not a casual visit," he scolded himself. "I have a job to do." Taking one last glance over his shoulder to make sure he was alone, he raised his gloved hand and knocked. He waited patiently, listening for the opening of multiple bolts and locks to be released from the other side.
A chill suddenly ran up Sasori's spine. Blinking his eyes, he swung around. He had the distinct feeling he was being watched. Narrowing his eyes, he scanned the dark brush, looking for signs of movement. His body tensed as a 'rustle' was heard directly in front of him. A white snowshoe hare had leapt from the underbrush. Twitching its ears, and innocently preening itself, it was certainly no threat. Its dark eyes soon caught a hold of Sasori, and it quickly scampered away. Sasori sighed, "I need to relax. No one but me and him are out here."
Clicks, Clacks, and rattling chains were heard, as the wooden door was slowly pulled open, the bright light causing a sharp contrast to the darkness of the night. "Hello, Deidara," Sasori smiled warmly at his friend. He still couldn't believe how much Deidara had changed since he and his sensei had brought him here. Deidara stood tall and lean at age twenty-four. His long, dusty blond hair was pulled back in a half ponytail. He wore a black tank top and gray sweats that were too long, as the cuffs trailed on the floor. Paint and clay strokes dappled his arms and face. He blinked through large, expressive blue eyes. Eyes that held a deep mystery and were darkened by the deep, dark circles which were constantly beneath them.
"I'm surprised to see you, Sasori," he said, voice rough and strained. "Usually check-ups don't come until the week's end."
"Thought I'd drop by, being I was in the neighborhood and all." Deidara rolled his eyes; this place was hardly a neighborhood. "May I?" Sasori gestured towards the door.
"Of course, do come in," Deidara replied, pulling the door open further, allowing enough room for Sasori to enter, yet closing it quickly once he had successfully crossed over to the inside. The redhead bent down to untie and remove his boots. The warmth of the fire covered him like a blanket and he hurriedly discarded his coat onto a rack that was nearby. Sasori took a look around; making sure everything was all in order. The table and chairs still sat off to one side close to the old-fashioned iron stove, and a green couch sat opposite them, facing the fire. Cabinets and drawers lined the far side of the cabin. In the back, there was the bathroom, bedroom, and studio room. Rooms that he'd have to check later to make sure there was nothing amiss. "So?" Deidara asked, breaking the silence.
"Well," Sasori hesitantly began, running his fingers through his hair. "There's something we need to discuss," he finished slowly. Deidara shrugged, making his way towards the bathroom to clean up. "Don't let me interrupt your project," Sasori quickly interjected. "Finish what you're working on and we'll talk then." Deidara nodded and headed back into his studio. Sasori quietly followed him and took a peak into the blonde's safe haven. It was littered with clay, paints, water buckets, and brushes. Deidara drew inspiration from the woods around him, and these days birds were a popular topic for him. The blond made his way over to an owl sculpture he was currently working on and silently began to bury himself in the project. Sasori soon found himself to be jealous of the pale flesh colored fowls staring back at him, for it was with them that Deidara spent all of his time.
Feeling his face heat up, Sasori turned away, heading back towards the couch and taking a seat. He flopped onto it, stretching his long limbs. Glancing at his wristwatch, he noted it was almost 3 in the morning. Normal hours for Deidara to be up, but Sasori should have been asleep hours ago. He stifled a yawn and his eyes began to droop. Staring into the hypnotic flames of the fire, he felt himself drift to sleep, his thoughts thinking back to when he had first met Deidara, ten years ago.
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"Hurry along, Sasori. The night grows dark," a young man called to the thirteen-year-old redhead. Sasori had just finished collecting the herbs and plants for his sensei's new medicines and was hastily making his way back towards the edge of the woods, the large wicker basket banging against his legs as he carried, half dragged, the heavy load. He was so absorbed in running and trying to beat out the darkness that he collided with the leather clad body of his teacher.
"Oomph!" The basket flew up into the air. "Oh no!" Sasori cried. He closed his eyes tight, waiting for the contents to spill all around. When nothing happened, he slowly cracked open an eye, and looked around. "Whew!" he sighed in relief as the basket hovered above him, balancing precariously on one of his teacher's palms. The basket slid away and Sasori found himself staring up into stern gray eyes. Spiky orange hair ruffled slightly in the soft breeze, the sun's disappearing rays glinting off the man's multiple facial piercings. "I'm sorry, sensei," Sasori bowed his head, "I should have been looking where I was going." He stopped as a big palm playfully ruffled his shaggy red mane of hair.
"How many times must I tell you, Sasori, quit calling me sensei and call me Pein." The man rolled his eyes, "Calling me sensei makes me feel like some old guy who should be living in mountain somewhere drinking tea all day," he muttered. "Besides," he puffed out his chest, "I'm only twenty-five, still in my prime." He smoothed out his leather tunic and pulled on his leather half-gloves.
Sasori stood and crossed his arms. "Well, the ladies back in the village know that if you were to choose them or your work, your work would win."
"I suppose you're right," Pein sheepishly agreed. "It's not easy being the only doctor here," he sighed. "But that's why I have you," he said happily, gesturing to Sasori, "to train, and take my place, so I can go vacation somewhere warm and get away from all this snow. Nice job on gathering these herbs and plants though. You have a detailed eye." Sasori beamed at his sensei's comment. "Well, we better get going. We don't want to be out here much longer," Pein stared at the sky.
"Why must we always turn in so early," Sasori wondered.
"Unusual things have been happening at night and we don't want to be caught up in it." His gray eyes narrowed. "However, one day, I will decipher what's really been going on."
"Konan," Sasori thought sadly. It had been weeks since she had gone missing. She wasn't the only one either. For almost three years now, people were being 'taken' as the term was now coined. Taken by what or who and to where, no one knew. Sometimes people claimed to hear screams of terror from deep within the Dark Woods, but when authorities had gone to investigate, nothing was ever found. Frustrated, Pein clenched his fist and slammed it into a nearby tree.
Sasori shuddered. He did not want to be on his sensei's bad side. The two silently began the hike back to the village when Pein abruptly stopped. "The wolfs bane," he said flatly. Sasori raised his eyebrows quizzically. "I forgot I was going to make something for Jiraiya."
"I'll go back and get it," Sasori called over his shoulder, thankful for the change of topic. He grabbed his pack and took off quickly down the path and across the snow.
"Wait up, I'm coming with you," Pein called, shifting the basket to a better position atop his shoulder. He could barely see the young redhead as he made his way over a hill and down the other side. "Kids," he muttered.
"Now, I know I saw some wolfs bane around here somewhere," Sasori mumbled to himself. He shivered and put his hands into the pockets of his navy pants. He warily glanced upwards, seeing the first stars come out to shine. "I better hurry." His amber eyes lit up as he saw the purple plant growing on a nearby vine. He hurried over to collect the precious petals and seeds and was about to leave when he spotted a small dark opening behind some of the vines. "A cave?" He stared at it for a moment. Curiosity got the best of the young teen as he soon ventured inside. It didn't seem like anything special, just the usual rocks and dirt. That is until he slipped on something. "Water?" he wondered. Reaching down, he ran his fingers alongside his boot and felt a warm, sticky substance. "Blood?" He gulped, and reached cautiously back into his pack to retrieve his lantern. He felt feebly around for the switch to turn it on, hoping it would bring ease to his rapidly beating heart. It didn't.
What he saw, he wanted to gag, scream, then get the hell away from there. He would have done all that too, if a familiar half-gloved palm didn't cover his mouth. "Shh!" Pein hissed into Sasori's ear. "Be quiet." Pein strained his ears, hearing footsteps and muffled voices just outside the cave.
"He must be around here somewhere," one man's voice spat in disgust. "It's your fault he got away," he spoke accusingly.
"Mine?" a deep voice replied. "You were the one on duty."
"Details," the other man muttered. "No matter. The kid won't survive out here for even a day. He's as good as dead. Though it would have been more fun to watch him die," he added wickedly.
"She's going to be pissed," the deep voice replied solemnly. "That kid was one of her favorites."
"Who cares, she got what she wanted, end of story. We'll just tell her the kid didn't make it and we dumped the body out in the woods. She's got other toys to play with. Let's get out of here." With a snap of purple chakra, the two were gone.
Pein loosened his grip on Sasori, who ran out of the cave and heaved. Taking a hold of Sasori's abandoned lantern, he saw what caused the redhead to react in such a way. Against the wall laid a huddled, shivering, frail mass. A thin, gray blanket was wrapped around it. There was no mistaking the pool of blood that it was nestled in. Carefully lifting back the thin shroud, Pein's jaw dropped. It was a young male, probably similar in age to Sasori. He lie curled up, his knees to his chest. Dusty blond hair lay disheveled about the boy's face and trailed down his back. He was wearing the tattered remains of a gray tee shirt and crop pants. Around his feet were strips of cloth, tied together into makeshift boots. His skin was pale, stretched taut across bones that were clearly visible, even in the poor light. Frostbite and hypothermia had set in, leaving the boy with traces of blue and purple in his skin. Reaching down to check for a pulse on the boy's wrist, Pein was sickened by what he saw. A bloody, infected mass of twisted muscle, tissue, and bone lay at the end of each of the boy's arms. They were crudely wrapped up with dirty, old bandages. "My God," Pein muttered.
The boy began to mumble and shift, turning onto his stomach. Pein swallowed, leaning in closer. He wanted to check the boy's pulse, and reached his fingers slowly up to his neck. Two ice blue eyes popped open and slid slowly over to look at him. Pein paused, caught in the depths of those soulless eyes. The boy's survival instincts took over as he bit down on Pein's hand, and then backed away. "I'm not going to hurt you," Pein spoke softly while rubbing the soreness out of his hand. The boy only glared back, his dusty blond hair falling over his left eye and around his shoulders. He lay in a low crouch position, never breaking eye contact. Tears streamed down his cheeks and anger filled his eyes. "I'm a friend, I'll help you," Pein continued gently, reaching out again.
"NO!" the boy cried hoarsely though raw, bloody lips. "Stay the hell away from me! You're one of them, come to take me back there! "I'd rather be dead than go back to Hell!" the boy spat fiercely. It was then Pein saw the edge of a blade that the boy had pulled from one of his boots.
The two faced off at one another, neither backing down. The hate and spite that filled those icy blue eyes was enough to make even Pein shrink back for a moment. "There's no time for this. Every moment that goes by threatens this kid's life," Pein thought bitterly to himself. The sound of a rock skitting down the cave caused the boy's eyes to shift and that was enough of an opening for Pein to get the upper hand. He leapt at the boy, pinning him down to the ground. The knife flew from the sheets and clattered across the stony floor. Exhaustion, fear, and pain had zapped the boy of what was left of his strength. He fell limp and slipped into unconsciousness. Pulling an excess blanket from his pack, Pein carefully wrapped the boy in it, then lifted the boy bridal style into his arms. "Sasori!" he barked out.
"Yes, sensei," Sasori called meekly from the cave's edge.
"Let's go." Pein strode purposely from the cave, carrying the mysterious boy.
Sasori stared wide-eyed and quickly tailed after his master.
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They quickly made their way back to Pein's office inside the Village of the Trees. It was already well after dark, so the streets were deserted. So much the better. Sasori pulled the keys from his pack and fumbled with them getting the lock to open. He was terrified. This was one lesson that could not be learned from books. Finally, he was able to get the key to 'click' just as Pein approached the threshold and entered. He carried the boy down the hall, past the waiting area and into one of the narrow hallways. He chose the last room on the left. Sasori darted around Pein's body and pushed the door open, flicking on the lights. The room was small, and contained a steel table in the middle, with a bright steel light fixture hanging above it. Drawers and cabinets lined the sides. Pein gently laid the boy on the table and adjusted the lights.
"Pein, look, around his ankle, a medical bracelet of some kind," Sasori pointed out.
"What's it say?" Pein asked hastily, discarding his coat.
"Deidara. Male. Age 14." Sasori reported back. "There's more here, but I can't make it out. It's all smeared and waterlogged, probably from the snow."
Pein took a quick glance downwards and noticed heavy blistering and purple welts by the boy's temples. He frowned deeply. "Sasori," he said steadily. "I'll need you to help me with him." The redhead blanched.
"Me?! But I'm…" Sasori stuttered.
"You're my apprentice, and a damn good one. Time to go to work," Pein ordered. Sasori nodded and left the room to retrieve hot water, blankets, and bandages. While he was gone, Pein retrieved a pair of scissors from the drawer to cut away at the tattered shirt to get a better idea of what he was working with. He saw more of the same welts and blistering across the boy's neck and chest. It was then he shifted his focus to the boy's 'hands.' He carefully had begun to unwrap the soiled bandages from the wounds.
"Who the hell still does vivisections?" he swore angrily. "There's no way that the kid would agree to something as severe as this. And what's worse, they try to cover it up with a sloppy cauterization technique?" He carefully studied the mangled mass of flesh and bone and sighed warily.
Sasori ran back into the room with his load of supplies. He paled at the sight of the bloody mess that was Deidara's arms. "What are you going to do?" Sasori gulped.
Pein stared hard eyes at the teen redhead. "I'm going to have to sever them off further to prevent the spread of infection. If I don't, the boy will die."
Sasori swallowed back bile that had risen in his throat. "How much more?"
"Right now, these cuts were made in the center of his forearms. I'll need to take it back a few more inches, leaving him with a small section beneath the elbow on each limb." Pein hated to do this to the boy, knowing he'd already gone through so much. But his life was on the line, and Pein didn't have the luxury of time to sit and think about it. He went over to one of the drawers, lifted out a clear mask then snaked it over to a breathing apparatus. He dragged the device over to the boy and placed the mask over his mouth and nose. Having just picked up the oscillating saw (a device used for cutting through bone) he turned around and found himself staring into those same ice blue eyes. They were hard as steel, but instantly changed to panic when they saw the surgical tool. Horror spread across the boy's features and he started to squirm and thrash. Pein tossed the saw aside and rushed over, pushing down on Deidara's chest. He shouted to Sasori, who nodded, then grabbed one of Deidara's ankles, securing it with a strap to the bed. He quickly did the same with the other. "Sasori, bring me the needle," Pein called, grunting against the struggling teen. The redhead raced to one of the cabinets, pulling out a long thick syringe. He brought it over and Pein, who wasted no time bringing the sharp tip to the pulsing vein in the boy's neck. Deidara slumped back onto the table, his eyes glazing over. Pein carefully laid the boy back down and pulled a thick leather strap across the boy's chest. Then, he turned on the machine, and was relieved to see the small fog of breath from the boy on the clear plastic. He returned to pick up the saw and gather other various surgical knives. "Sasori, this isn't going to be pleasant," he hesitantly began.
"I want to stay," Sasori whispered.
"Fine then. We'll begin."
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The sun had risen the next morning, changing the darkened sky to soft hues of red and orange. Pein and Sasori had finally emerged from the office, weary and exhausted. Their eyes were bloodshot and their clothes were disheveled. Sasori stared wide-eyed at his sensei. He had never seen such amazing work, everything was so professional, quick, and precise. Pein quirked an orange eyebrow at the teen. "Don't go idolizing me. That kid has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Not to mention all the other pain and infections he has." He took a seat on the steps and ran his hands through his orange locks. "Where did that boy come from? All those wounds were inflicted by someone, but who and why? Surely this kid didn't deserve any of this, heck, no one did. Pein's mind whirled with questions. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes and grew lost in thought.
"Sensei," Sasori began tentatively, "I have an idea." Pein opened his gray eyes and stared quizzically at the boy. "I can make him new hands," he offered.
"New hands?" Pein raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I work with puppetry at home." Sasori was growing excited with this new project. "Let me try. I know I can do it."
"Hmm…" Pein was thoughtful. "Well, there's a lot of work I have to do on those arms and it'll be awhile before we can attach anything to them. But, you may go ahead and do so. I'll take measurements for you a little later."
Sasori bowed low. "Thank you sensei."
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Sasori awoke when he heard the water shut off in the bathroom. He checked his watch. 5am. He ran his fingers through his mane of red hair and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Deidara pushed open the bathroom door and stood, dressed in a pair of navy sleeper pants, his hair dripping trails of water down his chest and back, creating small puddles near his feet. He seemed to be expecting Sasori to say or do something. The redhead cleared his throat. "Why don't we go into the bedroom." Deidara nodded and padded inside the tiny room. Sasori stood, retrieving the small wooden box that contained the syringe, and followed in after his friend.
Deidara was already seated on the twin bed and was staring out the window at the rising sun. Sasori loved the way the colors reflected off Deidara's hair and body. The blond looked warily at the box. "Never mind this, Dei," Sasori said, dropping the box on the top of the dresser. He sat down gracefully next to Deidara. Turning to face him, he laid his palm on the blonde's cheek. Soft amber eyes stared into guarded icy blue ones. "Come now, Dei. What's with that look?" Dropping his hand, he leaned forward, resting his forehead on the blonde's. "After all this time too."
"I..I...don't deserve this. Any of this," Deidara replied, averting his gaze.
"What, you mean those?" Sasori glanced across the way taking in both plastic hand prosthetics that sat propped up on a wire frame. "Or perhaps you mean this cabin that Pein setup for you. Both are quite substantial gifts aren't they? And to someone I still don't fully understand." Deidara instantly shifted his eyes and locked them with Sasori's, sweat breaking out across his brow. "Pein always believed that you were special," Sasori continued, gently brushing Deidara's hair behind his ear. He thought there was something hidden inside of you, something that could change the course of this village."
"But I told you, both of you, that I don't remember anything," Deidara countered.
"So you did," Sasori replied softly, sliding his soft lips across Deidara's ear. His breath was sweet and sent chills down the blonde's spine. Sasori moved in closer, kissing the tender flesh that ran down Deidara's neck. He brought his hand up and pushed down firmly on his friend's chest, who fell back into the bed. Sasori maneuvered himself to sit comfortably on top, his thighs sliding down and nestling between Deidara's. A soft hum was heard echoing through the room. Sasori rolled his eyes. "That is so annoying." He reached out to douse the small lantern with the fluorescent light bulb that sat constantly in the 'on' position directly next to Deidara's bed.
"No!" Deidara said quickly. "Leave it on."
Sasori quirked an eyebrow. "What is it with you and this lamp?" he thought curiously. Even since they had set up a home for him here, this lamp had to always be on. There were a few times that the light bulb had gone out, and Sasori had to make trips into town immediately for a replacement. Deidara would be restless without it. "Alright, alright."
Sasori pulled his green tunic over his head, revealing slick contours of lean muscle. Tossing it aside carelessly, he brought his lips crashing down on Deidara's. He held them there, for a long, sweet moment, before regretfully pulling away. A smile of content graced his lips as he ran his fingers gently through the blonde's hair, twisting the ends. Deidara watched enviously as Sasori's thin slender fingers entwined into his hair. "What is it?" he asked softly. Deidara looked away quickly. Sasori gave a knowing look. He took his fingers and slid them caressingly across Deidara's face then down his chest and down his arms. They stopped at the blunt ends and proceeded to massage the sensitive mounds.
"Sasori, I.." Deidara breathed.
"Shh." Sasori whispered, taking each mound up towards his lips. He delicately kissed each one, and then brought them to his own face. "Go ahead, I know you can still feel with them. You can explore my body just as I can with yours. It's really nothing to be ashamed of," Sasori chided. Deidara let his 'hands' slide past around Sasori's neck and lock behind it. He pulled Sasori down to him and kissed him with such desperation and gratification. He wouldn't be alive if it weren't for him and Pein. Through all his problems of the past ten years, neither had ever given up on him. They gave him new hope, a chance to pick up the pieces and start new. He released his hold on the redhead, allowing him to rise back up again. A smile had spread across his lips but quickly turned into confusion when he saw his friend's amber eyes narrow in annoyance.
"A new type of therapy, Master Sasori?" a bland voice smirked from the window. Deidara tilted his head back to see a young man with onyx colored eyes and short black hair staring at Sasori. He was hanging off the window's ledge, his half gloved fingers draped over the side. They tapped lightly on the wooden pane.
"Sai," Sasori stated flatly. He was seething on the inside. "How the heck did he follow me and I didn't notice?" he thought angrily to himself.
"I see you remember me, how flattering. I must say though, the patient-doctor relationship certainly takes on new meaning here, doesn't it? And with an outsider too. Tsk, Tsk, you should know better. Pity how it would be a nasty smear on your reputation and credibility. One that Pein worked so hard to build for you," he continued with a sneer. "As for your friend, an outsider, well, he'd be put to dea…"
"What do you want, Sai," Sasori spoke through gritted teeth.
"A chance to come in and speak with you and your friend," Sai replied with a wave of his hand. "Is that so much?" Sasori narrowed his eyes, then dropped them to check on Deidara. The blonde's eyes had grown huge and wary.
"Don't worry, Dei, I can handle him," Sasori muttered calmly. "I hope," he added silently. Sasori reluctantly got off of Deidara and went to pick up his shirt. He threw it over his head, and shoved his arms through the sleeves furiously. He stormed out of the bedroom, heading for the front door. Unlatching the many locks, he held his temper back as he opened the door, revealing a very smug Sai. The dark-haired boy entered the cabin, dragging in slush from the snow that had started to melt from the morning sun. Deidara had put back on his prosthetics and rounded the door. Sai took his coat off and tossed it onto the table. He casually walked over to the couch and flopped onto it, sprawling out his limbs.
"This really is some cabin," Sai said blandly. "Quite a nice spot for people with information to hide," Sai added in an accusing voice, his eyes filling with hate. He slammed his fists on the table in front of the couch. "I don't have time for games! Back at the Boar's Head you and Itachi were hiding something. If it has anything to do with Ino's whereabouts, you must tell me, NOW!"
Sasori stood heatedly in front of the fire. "How dare you march in here, threaten both me and my friend, and then accuse me of hiding information."
"I'm not a fool, Sasori," Sai spat back bitterly. "Tell your friend to come over here." Sasori hesitated. "Do it!" Sasori slid his gaze over to Deidara, and the blond came forward. "On your knees," ordered. Dropping to his knees, Deidara glared viciously at the intruder. Sai pulled rope from the tan pouch he carried at his hip. "Put your hands behind your back," he commanded. Deidara looked over at Sasori. "Don't look at him," Sai slapped the blond. "I'm the one you need to listen to." Deidara shot daggers at the teen. He hated being treated like this, but he didn't want anything to happen to Sasori, so he grudgingly did as he was told. Sai stepped behind the blonde, binding his arms. Sai then reached forward quickly, taking a wad of Deidara's ponytail into his fist and yanked his head back.
"What are you doing?" Sasori shouted, taking a step towards his friend.
"Shut up," Sai retorted flatly. He was searching for something. "There, you see," he said, pointing to a small tattoo of a crow's foot that was on Deidara's neck. "I can't believe you kept him here hidden all this time when he could have the answers," Sai growled. "Where did you get this?" he snarled at Deidara. The blond merely glared back and said nothing.
"I asked you a question!" he shouted, pulling back harder on the blonde's hair.
"He doesn't remember anything," Sasori interjected. "He wouldn't have done the village any good if I brought him to them."
"Then make him remember!" Sai cursed. "I know you can. I've heard rumors of a drug that Pein was working on before his death. One that could control and let the user into a person's deepest thoughts and memories." Deidara's eyes filled with shock. So that's what this was about. He turned his icy gaze onto Sasori. That was the reason for this unusual visit. Sasori paled at the vicious look that his friend was giving him.
"It's not like that," Sasori pleaded. Deidara only closed his eyes. Trust. How stupid. All this time, Sasori didn't give a crap about him. It was what was in his memory that was the true goal. He had information to those that were taken, and they had kept him around until they could get it from him. Merely a tool, meant to used, then discarded.
"Get the syringe that you bought, Sasori," Sai ordered the redhead. "We don't have all day," he snarled. Sasori unwillingly moved to get the wooden box from the bedroom. He returned seconds later, opening it and revealing a thick wicked looking needle. "That's more like it," Sai said, his voice returning back to its calm, bland tone. Sasori hesitantly walked over and knelt beside his friend.
"I'm sorry, Dei," he whispered. "It wasn't supposed to turn out like this." Deidara only stared back angrily. Sasori felt for the pulse on the blonde's neck, and slid his fingers gently over it, looking for just the right spot. Once he found that, he brought the needle up, pressing the sharp tip into the pulsing vein. He pushed down, watching as the greenish liquid drained into his friend, severing the trust and friendship he'd worked so hard to build.
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Naruto awoke to the sound of dogs barking and a man calling out to them. "Is someone else out here?" he wondered. It'd been three days. Three very cold and tiring days. If there was a chance to get out of this damn place, he was going to take it. He scrambled quickly to his feet and sneaked over to the entrance of the cave. Squinting his azure eyes, he saw a thin, lean man and counted eight huskies, parked nearby. He glanced back at Sasuke, who was still asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. Satisfied that he'd be alright for a quick minute, Naruto stepped lightly from the cave's entrance and bounded up to the stranger.
"Would you happen to be a doctor?" Naruto asked quickly. The man turned around to find an anxious blond staring at him. Naruto stepped back, taking in the unusual man that stood before him. He had sharp pointed teeth, shoulder-length light blue hair, and deep purple eyes. He was wearing a long pale blue cloak and dark boots.
"You seem to be in fine condition," the man replied.
"No, it's not me, but for my friend," the blond added, pointing over to the cave.
"I see. I'm merely but a lowly apprentice, though I can take you to a real doctor."
"Really? That's great!" Naruto pumped his fist, a smile spread across his face.
"Let me bring my sled over and we can load your friend onto it. It's much easier to travel by dogsled through these woods than walk on foot."
"Right, I'll go and get him," Naruto turned and then paused. "What are you doing out here anyways?"
"Merely doing some hunting," the man replied casually. "Though I feel as though I was very lucky today."
"Lucky?" Naruto thought to himself. Placing his hands behind his spiky blond head, his brow furrowed. He didn't see any bags or animals on the sled.
"The winds are picking up, we better get going," the man urged.
"Oh, right." Naruto couldn't believe his luck. Someone had found them. They were saved! He headed back into the cave and couldn't wait to share the news with his friend. "Sasuke, Sasuke!" he shook the raven's shoulder.
"Go away, dobe," he muttered sleepily.
"We're being rescued," Naruto said happily. Sasuke's eyes were fully opened now. Who even knew they were out here? He was skeptical, but didn't want to rain on Naruto's enthusiasm. "Come on," the blond slid his arm under Sasuke's and slowly lifted him up. "I can't wait for a hot cup of ramen!" Sasuke winced at the pain that shot up his legs. They buckled briefly, stiff from the past three days of not being used. A wave of dizziness washed over him and he closed his eyes, waiting for it to pass. "You alright?" Naruto's concerned voice reached out to him. He opened his onyx colored eyes and nodded. They shuffled over to the cave's entrance and ventured outside. "Look, there he is," Naruto pointed excitedly. Sasuke placed a hand over his eyes, shielding out the sun and trying to get a glimpse of the man at the sled.
The man smiled wickedly back at Sasuke. He could see why Karin was so interested in the young teen. His skin was like porcelain, thick ebony colored hair adorned the top of his head, and his body was lean, strong, and powerful. And then there were those intense eyes, truly unique. His crocodiles had done a good job with him, injuring him enough to render him helpless, but not damaging what she wanted from him. "Very nice," he added smugly. The pay would be good this time. "And how wonderful that he has a friend with him."
A slow recognition washed over Sasuke as he studied the man. His eyes widened and he jerked back, struggling to break free of the blonde's grasp. "What the heck, Sasuke?" Naruto said annoyed.
"No, keep him away from me," Sasuke frantically whispered.
"What are you talking about, Sasuke? Naruto replied, his blue eyes staring curiously at the raven.
The man had approached the two teens. "Well, here's our patient now," he smiled sadistically at Sasuke.
"Yeah, this is him. His legs and back got cut up pretty badly and we got caught up in this fight with crocodiles," Naruto explained. Sasuke continued to resist. "Stop it Sasuke, this guy is going to help us. Quit messing around."
The man reached over, taking Sasuke's arm into his own. "Time to go, friend," he leered. He reached his other hand behind the raven's neck and tapped hard enough to knock him out.
"Hey, was that really necessary?" Naruto pouted. "He can be quite a pain, but he would have come along."
"It's easier this way," the man replied offhandedly. The two loaded Sasuke onto the dogsled swiftly, tying him down with thick ropes. Naruto laid his hand gently on Sasuke's cheek.
"Don't worry, you're going to get better." Leaning in, he kissed his friend's forehead softly. "I'll follow by hoping through the trees," he told the man.
"Of course," he curtly nodded. The blond leapt up onto the nearest branch.
"By the way, I'm Naruto," he said cheerfully.
"Suigetsu," the man replied.
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A/N: A bit of background here, I know, but there's lot to set up for future events. So hang in there guys!
Stay tuned for Chapter 6 coming next week.
Please comment and let me know what you think.
Thanks!