Inside, it was fairly dark apart from the dull light off the moon glinting off the weren't too far away now it had seemed.
It was almost now, the exhaustion probably setting in already. A collection of yawns were heard as well as sleeping bags being laid on the ground. Ayaka watched with sleepy eyes as everyone settled down without much words except the odd goodnight.
Thrusting her bag gently onto the wooden floor, she squatted down, pulling out her navy sleeping bag with her right hand. The twenty-six-year-old unfolded the creases and set it down, not far from where her team were now asleep. She stifled a yawn and slipped inside.
Tossing to her right, she couldn't help but envy on how easy it was for everyone but herself to fall asleep so instantly. Even at home, it wasn't as easy for her to do the same. Tucking her hair under her head, she eventually turned on her back, the quiet snores drowning out the sounds of the forest. Her grey eyes cast to the ceiling, making out the shadows cast by the moon. She make out shapes of buildings and even animals.
She almost chuckled if it weren't for the quiet room. She really was delirious from exhaustion. She clamped her eyes shut. I really must be tired she thought, trying to free her mind and just drift off.
Snapping them open after a few minutes she sighed. Why can't I sleep? she moaned as she folded her hands behind her head. Listening to the distant sounds of an owl in the background, it didn't seem to be helping her. It made her worse, her old fears of being alone setting in.
It made it all seem too real. That's it! she grumbled standing up quickly but careful not to wake her comrades at the same time. Ayaka headed outside, turning her head to see everyone still sleeping soundly.
Stepping into the dark forest alone wasn't something Ayaka did often. But she thought if she trained a little, she might completely exhaust herself. Yup, that would help.
The crickets chirped around her feet as she took long strides into the forest. She didn't want to wake the others so she'd go as far as she could.
Spotting an empty clearing, she whizzed past the trees, completing a couple of laps. It wasn't long before she landed on the ground with a loud thud.
Panting she hugged her knees closer to her face. Surely I'm tired now? Stumbling upwards, she attempted walking her way back.
Her pace was slower now, her arms lying limply by her sides. It was still in the forest as it was before, only the night sounds of the animals keeping the forest from seeming like an silent hell.
Her long black hair hung by her head, sweat pouring off her head. Maybe I should go take a dip in the river? she thought, her clothes sticking firmly to the beads of sweat on her neck.
Stepping firmly on the grass, her eyes set on the location needed when she froze.
Whoooshhhh
She stood completely still, the ripping noise sounding like it flew out of the air,
Just keep calm, calm she told her herself, her eyes on red alert. There was no denying it. She definitely heard something. It was also a sound she knew from years of experience.
Her thudded as her eyes spotted the metal object, glistening in the moon's glow. Pointing and sharp, it landed right at her feet.
She tried not to gasp at the thought of being ambushed, alone, by herself.. Damn! she cursed, trying to focus but before she could even breath or think another though, something sharp dragged on the side of neck, heavy breathing behind her.
"Don't move if you now what's good for princess" the deep thick voice whispered, her spine tingling and shivering.
Her chin was tilted as the intruder held the kunai tightly to her neck, in the typical bad guy fashion.
She took a rapid breath. I have to survive this, warn the the others were her immediate thoughts. She had been in sticky situations before but this had her first alone. She tried not to think of that though, knowing that she really needed to get this guys motives so a live capture would be essential. If only the others were here it would much simpler.
"I think I know what's good for me" she half smirked, a rush of confidence and shrill willpower ripping through her body. With a sharp blow of her elbow, her attacker stumbled, giving her the upper hand.
Remembering the sword tucked safely in her belt she didn't give him much time to attack as she ran behind him swiftly, her hand pulling out the long handled weapon, thrusting back and fourth as he started to retailate.
Squinted, she couldn't make his details exactly. He was taller than her, maybe about 6"ft and quite lean. It wasn't clear from where she was standing if she could make out a forehead protector, to concur if it was some rogue shinobi. Or perhaps someone more sinister. Related to their mission?
Well she was going to find out, hopefully. Ayaka was about to swing when the oddest feeling came over her.
When she tried to move, her feet would not cooperate with her body. Like they were glued to the ground. Panic rose to her throat, the sinister grin coming from her enemy.
In the dark night, she could barely see a thing. Glancing at her feet, nothing seemed unusual. But closer she could see swirls of dark cloudy mist grasping at her ankles, keeping her firm in place.
So that's what her enemy was up to. There wasn't much point of struggle as it made her stick faster and tighter to the solid grassy undergrowth. She didn't have a clue what this mysterious jutsu was but it gave a great indication on who she was facing.
The moon also helped her with her sudden realisation, it's glinting dull beams making the mist forehead protector on his left sleeve become visible.
So it was related to this mission afterall, she figured before he spoke again.
"There is not point in moving. Your stuck well and truly with my mist lasso jutsu. It's practically impossible to escape from" he grinned.
"Now my dear, I suggest you and your little squad turn back and head off home before something terrible happens" he menaced.
Ayaka tried to not to coke, thinking of her teammates in danger. "You wouldn't dare" she barked, her fierce strength in her eyes.
"Oh but I would" he snapped back, edging closer to her, widening his stride.
"Leave us alone and I'll let you free" he replied.
Us? There must be more in this scheme against the missing people she thought.
"No chance!" she snarled trying to break free. She needed to get out of this trap and capture him, get all the answers they needed. But there was no way this guy was going to let that happen.
He inched closer to Ayaka till his face stared directly at hers, his dark onyx eyes shadowing her face. Reaching behind his pocket he pulled his other hand, covered in a metal claw like contraption.
She winced, feeling terrible. Like it was all her fault. She should of caught him by now. The claws closed in on her face, her jaw tightening.
Realising her arms were still movable, she swung her sword against her face, the force sending him back, the jutsu faltering.
It gave her a very quick chance to break free as she ran behind him and stuck her hands in the spoil, causing an earthquake to occur.
It was small but it was slowing him down, which she needed at this point. He ran towards her from behind, his claws at the ready.
She jumped backwards into the air, her sword swinging furiously, clashing against the claws. The metal on metal sound was exrcitating although he couldn't really concentrate on that now.
Getting up some speed, she jumped in the air, swirling fast, her sword hand swinging. She landed with a huge kick, sending him crashing to the ground, with more damage than her earthquake.
He lay unconscious as she couldn't help but smirk. "Told ya I know what's best for me" she smiled, dusting herself off.
She found some old string, that happened to be tucked in her weapons pouch and tied the intruder to the tree.
She was rather proud and could not wait for the others to get here. Finally a lead.
Ayaka was about to turn back for reinforcements. It was risky leaving him here, he could break away.
She thought it was necessary. Surely he wouldn't be able to move in his condition. She was sure.
Turning into the thick forest, she needn't of worried as a small but familiar face turned up infront of her.
"Ah so I found you" the voice pipped up.
"Pakkun! Why are you here?" she queried, her face on the dog.
"Well Yamato woke up, hearing some commotion, he was sure. Then, he realised you weren't there. sensing something wasn't right, Kakashi sent me after you. and here I am" he replied simply.
"Well that's great. Perfect timing too. Could you go tell the others to arrive here immediately. We have a big lead" she pointing to the man behind her.
"Alright. Their on their way but I'll go guide them here. I won't be long, they are not too far away" he barked.
"Perfect! Ah Pakkun your such a smart doggie!" Ayaka cooed, bending down to stroke his fur.
Pakkun groaned. "I'd better go now" he replied, edging away into the dark night.
She couldn't help feel at ease at how things were going. Even with a strange guy tied up to the tree.
Glancing behind her, he was still there. She landed on the ground exhausted, leaning her head back.
But instead of hitting nothing but the pure night air, it landed on something hard. And metal. But it couldn't be. He was out cold, the last time she checked.
"Don't think your going to get away that easily" rasped a voice but not the same one. It was deeper, scarier even.
Her eyes tilting back, she stared at this uknowns face. Shit, she forgot that he could not be alone but have comrades.
"Ayaka, you there?" Yamato's and the other's voices echoed in the near distance.
"Don't say a word" the man menaced.
"I'm--" she was about to say when a tight hand clamped round her mouth, his eyes wild.
Her mind raced whether they would come in time. She knew they would, prayed they would.
Her eyes were faltering open and closed, fatigue setting in. I have to stay awake, I must. I can't let they get away she constantly thought.
She struggled against the heavy figure keeping her locked to the ground, her strength waning by the milli second.
Glancing into the distance, the stranger could see the famous silver hair in the distance.
"Crap!" he groaned letting his grip loose on Ayaka.
Finally she thought as the presence around her disappeared. But her eyes were getting heavy. It was sort of strange, like a numbing efffect really. She struggled to keep her eyes open.
Shew not even tell if they were still there, it was all too surreal. She was about to stand up, but something caught her eye.
Two long deep gashes on the side of her left arm. It didn't look serious. Nothing to worry ab-- she thought were her mind began to shut down slowly. Her eyes faltering, struggling to keep open.
The numbing was stronger and she could not keep up with the fight. She struggled with it, her instincts high. She could almost here them apporaoch. It was too late to givb up now.
Taking a look around, with her weary eyes, her heart sank. They were gone. It was all her fault.
As soon as she realised it, Kakashi and the others inching close, their outlines coming visble.
"I'm, so sorry I let them get away" she mananged to get out, not knowing if they could hear from there, it was barely audible as she struggled upwards, only for her eyes to shut for good, floating into a pool of utter darkness.
Finally she had fell asleep even if it were in deadly consequences.
(A/ N) So here's chapter five, hope everyone likes it! I wanted to act some sense of urgency and action so here it is! I Really want to add some sweet momment between Ayaka and Kakashi but I guess that will havr to wait till next chapter!
Oh and thanks to ILuvOdie for reviewing again! I like getting reviews, it helps me to see what I'm doing right or wrong and maybe helping me to write better chapters! So keep them coming in people! Please keep reading & reviewing!