Hello everyone! I am so sorry for not posting as usual last week. Things have been hectic with the christmas season and exams. I want to specially thank icyprincess1 who took the time to review my story. Thanks again. Also big thanks to Rena whom I can't remember thanking for her review last time and to midnight star237 for the favourite story. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter.

Pretty please review, authors, even fanfiction writers love and need them.

I sat quietly as Deidara contacted Pein with his magic ring. I was so tired my internal organs ached although that could be because of all the chakra I had expended. I smiled again. I had chakra. Yay!

I had been so bored just walking that I had started to think about my new found awesome chakra and all the wonderful things I could do with it. I tried gathering it in my palm like Naruto did for the rasengan but nothing happened. Well, my hand did start to tingle a little but no blue energy or anything. After walking for about three hours my legs had started to hurt like hell. All I could think about was how my muscles burned and the worrisome numbness on the bottom of my feet. I begged Deidara but the bastard did not stop. I was wishing I could do the tree jump thing when I decided to try channelling chakra to my legs. At first nothing happened, really nothing this time but then the tingling started and intensified till I was sure that something was wrong but just when I was about to stop...pushing(?), the sensation stopped and my legs felt better and stronger. I was able to keep walking. I felt so much better that I began to enjoy the walking and the wind, ok, not really all that much but I wasn't dying either so...

Anyway, it required focus at first. I needed to keep the sensation of tingliness in mind and the image of blue chakras running through my. After a while it was easier. It became a part of every step.

I was beginning to get tired again when I suddenly collapsed. It took me several moments to reconcile with the fact that I had gone from vertical to horizontal with no intention of doing so. Nothing could have gotten me up at that moment.

I sighed and rolled over. Looking at Deidara, I hoped that 'communicating with Pein sama' took at least another hour. I really needed a nap.

'Got him, yeah.' Fuck, I thought.

It was weird to see Deidara sitting and talking to himself (apparently at least). He apologised for not being back on time and went on to explain that, with a lot of f-words and death threats, Tobi had taken off with all their money and most of his supplies. The next part had to do with meeting me at the stand and hearing me mention his name and the Akatsuki (damn ninja hearing). He then went on to explain my abduction and interrogation and all the interesting information I had provided. It was weird to hear my lie recounted to someone else with me sitting right there. For one absolutely insane moment I wanted to tell the truth and beg them to let me go. Fortunately I caught my tongue before I killed myself with it.

'Leader wants to talk to you, un' he said grabbing my arm.

I was suddenly looking up at Pein as he stood in a large room. Outside a nearby window, rain poured in steady sheets completely obscuring the world outside. Hmm, he must be in Amegakure.

'What is her name Deidara?'

'Uhhh...'

'Hi, my name's Erica Savatananda but you can call me Erica. People have lost tongues trying to pronounce my last name. It's nice to meet you.' Well no harm in being polite, right?

'You are not a ninja?'

'Nope. I am not nor have I never been a non ninja.' Heh heh.

'What the hell does that mean, un?'

'Sorry, I tend to get a little silly when I don't eat, or sleep for that matter.' I looked at him pointedly

'Whatever, yeah.'

'Girl,' Pein intoned in his very, very deep voice. 'be quiet. Deidara... Kakuzu and Hidan are nearby. You will meet them in Mikan. Be there by sundown. We have no reason to believe her as yet but until her claims can be substantiated I will order the Uchiha to return to base. I want you here by the end of the week.' he turned to face me 'I want her here alive and able to speak, all else is left to your discretion. You are dismissed.'

We were suddenly in the little clearing again. I sighed, in other words, if I made a nuisance of myself he can hurt me but not kill me or endanger my ability to speak. Oh goody. I tried to remember why I thought the Akatsuki were so cool and badass but right then I was just too tired. I guess them blowing things up and threatening people were cool as long as it wasn't me on the receiving end.

'Get up, we need to get to the next village by nightfall, yeah.'

'Fine.' I muttered. I barely managed to get to my feet when I collapsed again.

'What have you been doing, yeah?'

'I used chakra to keep walking but now I feel all melty inside. I can't walk.'

'That's not possible. Yesterday you didn't even know you had chakra, now get up.'

'Can't. Sorry.'

I must have been falling asleep when I felt myself lifted and hoisted unto a surprisingly broad shoulder. The change in blood flow was not pleasant but I was too exhausted to care. I smiled when I heard him mutter

'You still smell but if I don't get to Mikan I can't get my clay, yeah.'

After that, I lost consciousness or simply fell asleep.