"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

A/N: Tada! I'm back with another chapter! Seems like I'm on a roll again guys. Thanks for always supporting me with your reviews

The Caged Raven

Chapter 15: Captor

Hinata groggily opened her eyes, only to see nothing but darkness. She could feel the warmth and the sound of fire crackling next to her.

'What happened?'

Memories slowly began to flow into her head. She should've listened to Sasuke, why does she have to be so stubborn? He's probably worried sick by now. She mentally scolded herself for letting her guard downs so easily and attempted to betray her trust on Sasuke by going to the clinic.

'I'm the worst…'

"So you're awake."

Hinata jumped at the sudden raspy voice of a stranger. She attempted to get into her fighting position only to find her hands tied to her back. Was this man one of Midori's henchmen? Noticing her distress, the man made an attempt to explain himself.

"I didn't expect the Uchiha treasure to be a woman. Tell me, who is this Uchiha and what is your relationship?"

Hinata remained silent.

'This man, how does he know about the Uchiha name?' Sasuke has warned her before that they have many enemies; this man is most likely to be one of them. Well if the kidnapper wanted information of any kind, she isn't going to give him any. She'll keep her mouth clamped shut. She is not going to make another mistake; especially one which could potentially endanger her husband.

He walked over and grabbed her chin roughly. Hinata winced in protest.

"Not going to answer eh?"

She remained silent. The captor released his grip on her delicate skin.

"Hmph, so be it."

"You must be really important to be considered an Uchiha treasure. Doesn't seem like you're willing to sell 'em out. Must be a loyal servant to your master huh? I can understand because I have a master too ya know."

Hinata stared at the man's direction blankly. Yet, she's thinking whether the man is actually out of his mind. He seemed to be talking to her with such familiarity. He doesn't even seem to care if he's talking to himself! What is wrong with him?

"…I saved you ya know."

Her mind snapped back to reality.

"Seemed like someone was trying to sell you off"

Savior or not, she's still not going to let her guard down; she has already learned her lesson. She was beginning to wonder when or if he'll even take off her blindfold. It's annoying to talk to someone who she can't even see. If he's really a good guy like he implied himself to be, then why won't he untie her and take off the blindfold? The man seemed to be able to read her mind.

"I don't want you to be doing anything funny so I kept your hands bounded. As for your eyes, I think they did something funny to it that's why your eyes are discolored. It's temporary don't worry about it. I already confirmed that it was a drug similar to anesthetics; although I don't know why they did it."

The obvious reason why her eyes were 'discolored', like he mentioned, is because of her byakugan. Hinata remembered her previous captor mentioning about selling her eyes for a high price which is probably why she did something to her eyes. She nodded at the man in understanding.

The ground she is sitting on is rough and cold as well as slightly moist. The familiar sound of the man's echo bouncing off the walls gave her the familiar feeling of her home. Their home. The cool breeze and the crisp smell made her relaxed. The smell is different though; it smelled more like the earth compared to her cave which has a more damp, flowery smell. The gentle sound of dew dripping from the cave ceiling made a soft yet comforting splash against the rocks. Oh, how she badly wanted to go home and apologize to Sasuke.

"Many people would be uncomfortable residing in a cave, but you seem to enjoy it."

She continued to keep silent and lay down with her back facing away from the man's direction, trying to lull herself to sleep. She could hear the gentle sound rustling fabric above her head before it gently descended on her body, securely covering her cold skin.

"It gets cold in the cave. I'll lend you my cloak for the night."

She could smell the damp earth and forest on his cloak; its the smell of a traveller. The smell reminded her of Sasuke; the familiar scent that normally lingers on his body after a long day's training.

'Sasuke…'

She brought the fabric closer to her face, nuzzling in it. She didn't know if the man is an ally or foe but the way he has been treating her so far, she could safely assume that he is an ally for now. In any case, she's too tired and hungry to think about it. The man made a low chuckle as her stomach made an awkward protesting sound.

"It's almost dinner time. You stay put like a good girl while I get us some food alright?"

Hinata didn't bother to make any sign of response because she's already slowly drifting off to sleep.

His bright crimson eyes gleamed as he attempted to follow what little remains of the tracks there is left after the rain. Dusk is approaching and it will be dark soon. He knew he needed rest as well as food as much as he hates to admit it. He can't go on like this or it will be harder for him to find her with his exhaustion. Once he retrieves her, it is dead set that they're moving to a different location. With two enemies already abducting the Hyuuga, who knows how many others have already discovered their nest. Many thoughts rushed through his head, even the worst case scenario that could happen to Hinata, but he willed himself to shove those thoughts away. He will bring her back safe and alive no matter what. He would even walk through the flames of hell and die for her if it meant securing her safety. The thought of that made Sasuke surprised. Never in his life has he ever thought like this, much less in regard to a woman. Never in his life, has he ever searched frantically for someone like this. He felt like it would be the end of the world if he is to lose her. Heck, if has the power, he would rip the mountains, drink the ocean until it is no more, and destroy all the villages there are until he could find Hinata. He is madly obsessed with her…or is he really? He thought about it again.

'Obsession huh?'

But this is a different feeling from what he used to feel when he had been obsessed with finding and killing her brother as well as destroying the Leaf. The feeling of loneliness, anger and entrapment have always associated themselves with his obsession. Like a chain on his neck, forcing him to obligate to its every command. But with Hinata, it's different. He feels that it's right to be protecting her form any evil clutches. He felt relaxed and contempt just by being with her. Ever since they started living together, he no longer has those horrid dreams of his past. For once, he felt clean when he's around her. It made him irritated and confused every time he see her tears because he doesn't know how to stop them. It was that day when they had their last fight that he had considered buying her flowers as an apology. Maybe she wouldn't cry and have that beautiful smile back on her face. He's always learning new things about himself and how to see things differently each day that he's with her. Who knew that the Uchiha would buy flowers, much less for a woman. Without him knowing, Hyuuga Hinata is slowly changing him into something more human. This is not obsession that he has towards the woman nor is it infatuation, but rather love. Then, the last thought left him smirking in amusement.

Uchiha Sasuke is in love with Hyuuga Hinata. Perhaps he should buy her another bouquet of flowers to make up for the one he dropped earlier.

A small dribble of dew from the cave ceiling slipped down her porcelain skin, awaking her up from her light slumber. Then followed soft footsteps heading towards the direction of the fire.

"I got us a nice boar."

Hinata groggily sat up rubbing her tired eyes. She still couldn't see anything.

"Don't worry about your eyes too much. Believe me, your sight will come back."

The sound of fire crackling is the only thing keeping away the dead silence. The man decided to hum his own imaginary tune while roasting the meat. It smelled sinfully delicious but Hinata refused to show any kind of weakness to this stranger.

"I've been thinking."

Hinata glanced at him, which made her captor rub the back of his neck sheepishly out of discomfort. She's really really beautiful.

"I'm going to help you get home. You were taken away against your will and I'm sure you have family and friends who are worried about you."

If not, then at least her master would.

Hinata thought for a moment. Yes, her husband must be worried sick by now.

But, did this man just offered to help her after kidnapping her? Well, she didn't really know if he really kidnapped her because he claimed to have saved her earlier.

"I'm not that much of a bastard! I mean you're beautiful and you seem to be well sheltered. I'm sure you have a lover who's probably searching for you like a mad man right now."

"…Yes."

The man made an exaggerated gasp.

"Y-you can talk!"

Hinata ignored his reaction and proceeded to lower her head in an awkward bow with her bounded hands.

"Hang on, what are you doing?"

"I have a home I need to return to. Please, your kindness shall never be forgotten."

Now he's confused with the sudden turn of events. Well, he shouldn't be because he already made the decision earlier. He did thought about presenting her to his master as a gift, but knowing his master, he would ravish such a lovely innocent looking flower. The girl has done nothing wrong; he can't just throw her into a den with a hungry wolf. Whatever, he'll just have to act like none of these events ever happened.

'Okay so I never met those bandits; never heard of another Uchiha; and definitely never met this woman.'

"err…right then, I guess I'll take you to a clearing tomorrow and hopefully someone will find you there. Sorry to be dumping you out somewhere random, but I can't let anyone see me."

He will just have to leave a few trails easy enough for someone to find her. Of course, he won't leave her alone because heaven knows who might kidnap her next. He would simply wait with her in the shadows until someone safe comes to get her.

"You're a good man. Will you tell me your name?"

"Sorry I can't tell you."

"I understand."

He removed the meat from the fire, putting it on a makeshift plate made from a large leaf. He cut them into smaller pieces and warning her that it's hot. Then he noticed that her hands are still tied. He contemplated on whether he should untie her. Seeing that he just made a truce with her by promising to help her she would be harmless. Moreover, she's temporarily blind what harm could she do to him.

Hinata cocked her head to the side in wonder as she felt him move behind her.

"I'm going to untie you," he mumbled.

They ate in silence until Hinata asked, "Where are you from?"

The man kept chewing his food slowly; he seemed to be deep in thought.

"I don't know. My master told me that I was born from darkness and he created me. I'm the embodiment of his legacy."

His answer baffled her. Could he be an experiment born in a lab?

"If he created you, then that makes him your father right?"

"I wonder about that," he hissed. "I never liked the old man because he treats me like his slave. A father wouldn't do such a thing. That's why kept wandering off on my own and doing my own thing."

Hinata understood, he's like a boy who would do mischievous things to get approval and attention from his parent. The familiar feeling of déjà vu surged through her.

She blinked.

"Your meat is getting cold."

Hinata blushed slightly, mentally scolding herself for spacing out for a moment.

They slept soundly that night after the rain has subsided. Hinata slept at her usual spot, whereas the man propped himself against the cave wall closer to the entrance to keep guard.

Dawn has barely arrived when Hinata has been nudged gently awake.

"Miss, we the sun is almost rising. We should leave."

Hinata rubbed her blurry eyes while stifling a yawn. He gently grabbed her arm to help her as a guide.

"You can hold on to my arm," he said while placing her hand on his lean arm. The sun is already beginning to rise by the time they are nearing their destination.

The walk seemed long and silent. Hinata became excited at the thought that she will finally meet Sasuke very soon. She made a mental note that she would apologize to him and make up for all the wrong she has done.

The man noticed a small smile creeping on to her features.

"Are you thinking about home? Or a certain someone?" he joked.

Hinata flushed with embarrassment, which only made the man laugh even more. Before she should come up with a retort, they came to a halt.

"I guess this is it. Well, I should take my leave now." He turned to leave until he felt a small tug on his cloak.

"Thank you so much. I don't know how to repay you for your kindness."

The man laughed heartily.

"You can return the favor by not getting yourself kidnapped again next time."

She didn't seem to take the joke.

"I hope we can meet again."

"Ha! Even if we do meet again, I doubt you'll notice me because you can't even see me right now."

Hinata frowned.

He can't afford to stay any longer because he could feel a strong surge of chakra coming their way. It was hungry, brutal and he could almost taste the electricity and fire emitting from it. Whoever is coming would make a formidable foe, but now is not the time to fight, unless the person who is heading this way is really an enemy. If possible, he would want to make as little scene as possible. He already made a big scene just the other day.

"This chakra,"Hinata started.

He glanced at her curiously. She seemed to be familiar with it.

"Do you know this person?"

"Yes, I do."

"Having a prince charming save his little princess is a little cliché don't you think?"

It seems like it's safe to leave her now, unless he wants to get discovered. He could feel the chakra growing stronger and closer at a rapid rate.

'Oops, better leave now.'

"One more thing, don't tell a soul about me okay? If you can do that, then we're even."

He found it strange that just before moments ago, he couldn't get a trace of the perpetrator, but now he has a lead. He could feel a dark and menacing chakra up ahead and decided to follow it. He didn't know whether it would lead him to Hinata but it's worth the try. With how desperate he is, any clue would suffice. He noticed that the chakra has vanished instantly as he got closer.

'Is this a trap?'

He slowed down and cautiously went towards the direction of where the chakra had been before it vanished. Sasuke is led to an open area in the middle of a forest to see a lone figure standing.

"Hinata?" he rasped.

The figure looked up at him with her doe eyes.

"S-Sasuke-kun?"

"Hinata!"

He ran towards her as fast as he could mindlessly and brought her into a passionate embrace.

"Oh god, Hinata I'm so, so sorry I—"

"Sasuke, I'm the one who should apologize. I did so many wrong things and I'm sorry for not listening to you. I was selfish and I tried to betray you I'm the worst, how can I ever be forgiven?"

Her trembling voice broke down into a wave of sobs. Sasuke has promised before that he would make her smile. He swore that he would stop those tears instead of running away.

Sasuke smoothed her hair while whispering comforting words to her, promising her that he will keep her safe from now on.

"We were both wrong. But this is just part of the process of learning about each other, remember that. I'll always love you no matter what."

After her sobs died down, he distanced himself a little.

"Are you hurt?"

He took her soft hands in his gently. Her wrists were raw from the markings of a rope. Other than that, she doesn't seem to have any other injuries. He sighed in relief.

"How did you get here?"

She remembered the promise she made to the man.

"I don't remember. I woke up moments before you came, in this place," she lied.

Perhaps the perpetrator has changed their mind? Whatever the reason was, Sasuke is relieved that Hinata is safe and that she's unharmed.

He held her hand securely.

"Do you have enough strength to travel back?"

She nodded.

"But Sasuke, there's something I have to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I can't see."

'Oh, hell.'

The cloaked figure tossed his cloak aside as he made his way into the hideout to where his master resides. He has been gone for too long and it seemed that his master has been agitated to get him back to do some dirty work.

In he went to his master's dark chamber. A figure sat lazily on what seemed to be a throne with a gloved hand propped under his chin. Upon seeing his servant, the master didn't bother to hide the irritation in his voice.

"Where have you been this time, Menma?"

Menma shrugged nonchalantly.

"Taking care of a stray."

His master rose and stalked towards him, emanating a powerful demeanor.

" I need you to stop it with your foolish whims. I have enough of this! The more you wander around, the more you are delaying my plans you useless servant!"

Menma wanted to kill his master, but he knew that he couldn't. The man standing in front of him has the power to bend him to his every will.

He grabbed his head roughly with his gloved hand and yanked his hair.

"Do not forget that I created you. You are the embodiment of my legacy," he warned.

"Do you hear me?" he barked.

Menma grunted when his back made an impact with the ground. He sprawled to his knees in shame.

His master stood with his arms crossed while glaring down at his servant.

"Yes, Madara-sama."