Itachi opened his mouth to reply when a firm voice rang out. "No."
All eyes turned to see Tsukiyo enter the room.
"Wha- Tsukiyo?!" Kabuto exclaimed in surprise.
Sasuke was no less surprised but relieved nonetheless. Any chance he had of being allowed to live rested with her. He watched her tensely.
"No." she repeated, her attention directed at Kabuto. "You will not finish him. Not without my permission." She turned her cold, catlike eye on Itachi. "And you have no right to give him permission. Sasuke is my slave, not yours!"
"Of coursssssse he issssss my dear." Orochimaru hissed. "I'm sssssure Itachi never intended to let Kabuto kill Ssssssassssuke."
Sasuke was inclined to disagree and Tsukiyo appeared to share his opinion. "I should hope not Orochimaru sama. I should have been very disappointed to have returned and discovered my slave had died." Her voice was cold and sharp as a newly crafted, steel blade.
A flash of irritation flickered across Itachi's features. It was gone instantly and he replaced it with a sickeningly amiable smile. "That is to be expected, Tsukiyo san. I too would be irked in that situation."
"Hn." Was the only reply Tsukiyo gave before she turned back to Kabuto. "Let him go."
Kabuto instantly released his hold on Sasuke, letting him drop to the floor. Sasuke inhaled shakily. That was too close! He thought.
Tsukiyo eyed him momentarily before turning to Orochimaru. "I have fulfilled my mission. I will give you a report a bit later. For now, I will retire to my room as I have a bit of a headache. Good evening gentlemen." She walked over to Sasuke and pulled him up by his hand saying, "Come on Uchiha." She then turned on her heel and marched out with Sasuke in tow.
~ * ~
Tsukiyo stalked into her sitting room and slammed the door. Sasuke flinched. "I swear!" she exclaimed suddenly, causing him to jump slightly. "I'm gone for a couple days and everything goes insane!" She pointed to the sofa. "Sit!"
He did so and she shot him a surprised look. "You're actually cooperating?" He bit his lip and she smirked. "A couple of days with Itachi had it's effects I see." She remarked. He remained silent and a small sigh escaped her. "It was pretty bad wasn't it?"
He glanced up at her and shrugged. She walked over to him and slipped the shock collar off of his neck. He sighed and rubbed the red mark on his neck, caused by the tight collar.
"Thanks."
"For what?" She asked carelessly as she tossed the offending collar into a nearby trashcan.
"For… for not letting them… kill me." came the quiet reply.
She looked over at him and frowned. "Would Itachi really have let him kill you?"
Sasuke nodded. "I have no doubts."
She sighed and shook her head. "You humans, you're a bunch of morons! Here you have the chance to live totally wonderful lives, but no, you go and throw it all away in exchange for a life filled with bitterness and hate! And you can't even keep it in your own race; you have to go and make everyone else's lives a living nightmare as well!" she spat.
Sasuke looked at her in bewilderment. "What are you talking about? You live the same kind of life."
She rolled her eyes. "I live the same kind of life as you do, but not by choice." She told him. "If I had my way, I'd live with my people and stay as far away from you people as possible! The only reason I don't is so that I can hopefully save what is left of my people, and perhaps someday, revive my race."
Sasuke's eyes widened. "You mean… there are still some Anthros alive… besides you of course?"
Tsukiyo sighed. "A few. But it won't be that way for long if I can't accomplish my mission."
Sasuke stayed silent, mulling over this new information. Suddenly, his stomach growled loudly.
Tsukiyo glanced at him over her shoulder. "When was the last time you had something to eat Uchiha?"
"Not since you left." Came his reply.
Tsukiyo whirled about. "You're kidding!"
Sasuke shook his head.
"Well, the cook is probably asleep by now." She mused. She groaned in irritation. "Come with me." She grabbed his arm roughly and pulled him to his feet.
"Where are we going?" Sasuke asked.
"Don't ask questions, just follow me!" she snapped.
He nodded and followed her into the bedroom. Sasuke glanced about in silent curiosity. This girl sure seems to like depressing colors… he thought as he took in the (in his opinion) gloomy and dismal decor.
Tsukiyo told him to sit on the bed, then knelt beside an old trunk. She opened it and pulled out a box of crackers, some cheese and some jerky. Sasuke's mouth watered. He was ravenous!
She tossed to the victuals to him. "Eat." He needed no second urging. "I'm going to go talk to Orochimaru. You stay here; do not get off this bed until I return. And don't be snooping around in any of my stuff, remember, I can hear your thoughts."
Sasuke nodded and she left.
(Half an hour later…)
Sasuke glanced up as the door swung open and Tsukiyo entered. She walked over to the bed and sat down.
"Now," she said firmly as she took her place beside him. "Tell me what happened while I was gone, and don't you dare leave out a single detail!"
Sasuke began to relate all that had gone on during the period of her absence. Tsukiyo listened carefully to his words, quietly processing the information.
"…And then they had me fight Kabuto and he started to strangle me and that was when you came in." Sasuke finished finally.
Tsukiyo nodded. "I see…" She said thoughtfully. She frowned. "I'm leaving again on another mission tomorrow Uchiha." She said suddenly.
Sasuke's head shot up. What? No! If she leaves I'm a dead man for sure! "But-"
She smacked him lightly on the cheek. "Don't interrupt me!" she glared at him. "As I was saying, I'm leaving on a mission, but this time, the mission is for my own purposes. Orochimaru and I have an agreement, that I will be his apprentice, but I can leave at any time to seek out my quarry." She sighed. "And as you can't seem to stay out of trouble for even a day, I'm going to take you with me."
He looked at her in surprise. "Me?"
She nodded. "I don't have the time to keep checking on you, so it'll be easier if I just take you along. But don't get any ideas about running, because I'll have my eye on you and plus, Kabuto and Keiji will be coming along as well." Her voice grew threatening and she looked at him harshly. "I'll warn you right now, this mission is of utmost importance to me. If you mess it up, I swear I'll make the remainder of your life hell! I'll give you to Itachi. Got it?"
Sasuke flinched at the idea of belonging to Itachi. "Hai."
Tsukiyo nodded and eyed him contemplatively. "I'll have to find something for you to wear, what you have on now will never do." It was true, Itachi's whip had reduced Sasuke's already torn clothes into nothing more than ragged strips that could barely be considered cloth.
"I'll have something by the time we leave tomorrow morning, for now, you should get some sleep." She told him. "Come on."
He stood and followed her into the sitting room and over to the cage. She opened the door and he stepped inside, hearing it clang shut behind him. Tsukiyo locked it securely then turned and went back into her room. "Night Uchiha!" she called over her shoulder as the oaken door swung shut…
~ * ~
Sasuke awoke the next morning to see Tsukiyo standing over him holding a bundle of something black. He glanced at the window and saw that the sun had not even come up yet.
"Come on, get up Uchiha." Tsukiyo snapped impatiently. "We don't have all year."
Sasuke climbed to his feet and eyed the bundle in her arms. "What's all that?"
"Your clothes." Came the reply. "Come here, I need to be sure that this fits."
He sat down on the sofa and she proceeded to sort through the articles of clothes she had selected. "Lets see…" She handed him a long sleeved black shirt, a pair of black pants, socks and ninja sandals. She pointed to the bathroom. "Go try those on."
He did so and reappeared three minutes later wearing the clothes. She eyed him reflectively. "That'll do I guess." She said. "Here." She tossed him a black hoodie, a pair of gloves and a belt. "Put those on."
"What is with your obsession with black?" Sasuke inquired as he slipped the hoodie over his head.
Tsukiyo shrugged. "I just like it. It's simple, serious, and not overly obvious." She replied.
Sasuke pulled on the gloves and fastened the belt about his waist. "I suppose I don't get any kunai or shuriken or anything like that?"
"Correct." She affirmed. "If something happens, just stay close to me. Oh! I almost forgot…" She held up a strange device that resembled a wristband of sorts.
"What's that?" he asked, eyeing the device suspiciously.
"This," she said as she snapped it onto his wrist. "Is a tracking device so that I know your whereabouts at all times. And don't even think about trying to take it off. If you do, it will electrocute you just like the shock collar did unless I deactivate it first." She looked him firmly in the eyes. "I won't shock you if you are obedient; but if you aren't, I will do what I must."
He nodded, showing that he understood. He had learned to be very cautious around Tsukiyo; she was only half human and he could never predict how she would react to any situation. And since the seal prevented him from being able to fight against her, his only way to not be in a constant state of torture was to stay in her good graces.
She nodded. "Okay then, let's go."
~ * ~
Sasuke swatted yet another fly away from his face and wiped the perspiration out of his eyes. Behind him, Keiji prodded him along with some stick he had picked up. "Keep moving kid."
Sasuke cursed quietly in order to keep from being overheard by Kabuto who was walking just ahead of him. At the front of their mini procession, walked Tsukiyo. She was completely oblivious to Kabuto and Keiji's remarks as she made her way through the dense underbrush.
Sasuke frowned, He had no clue where they were, as a matter of fact he was pretty sure Kabuto and Keiji didn't know where they were either. Tsukiyo was the only one who knew where they were going or how to get back. One thing Sasuke would say for the jungle they were now traipsing through though, it made the forest of death from the chunin exams look like a simple walk in the park!
Sasuke kept his eyes on Tsukiyo's back and ignored the jibes and taunts of the Kabuto and Keiji. Once in a while, Tsukiyo would tell them to shut the heck up, but most of the time, she too simply ignored them.
Sasuke sighed, his feet hurt and his head ached from the humidity. I really am weak. He thought miserably.
Tsukiyo halted abruptly and held up her hand for silence. Everyone froze, watching her. Her piercing, cat-like eye scanned the forest. "You guys stay here. I'm going forward."
"But, we don't want to stay here!" Kabuto protested. "It's dangerous!"
"The farther in you go from here, the greater the danger grows." Tsukiyo told him. "If you want to die, then by all means, come along."
Keiji and Kabuto exchanged looks. "We'll stay."
Tsukiyo nodded. "Sasuke, you are coming with me." Sasuke nodded and stepped forward to follow her.
"Why are you taking him?" Keiji asked.
"That is none of your concern." She replied. "Stay here. We will return for you in a couple of days."
She motioned to Sasuke. "Let's go Uchiha." Sasuke followed her deeper into the depths of the jungle.
~ * ~
Sasuke gazed about him. He was sitting on the forest floor next to a crackling fire. Tsukiyo sat across from him, her sharp eyes gazing out into the night.
"Um… Mistress?" Sasuke cautiously ventured.
She looked at him and raised an eyebrow as if to say 'yes?'
"Um… I was wondering… why are we here?" he asked.
Tsukiyo frowned. "We're here in order to find someone so that I can accomplish my purpose."
Sasuke nodded. "I know, but… why are we here? And who is it that we are supposed to find?"
Tsukiyo eyed him, as if weighing how much she should reveal to him. "I suppose I could tell you a little." She mused. "We are meeting someone by the name of Daichi. He lives in this forest."
Sasuke glanced about. "These aren't the greatest of living conditions."
Tsukiyo shrugged, "It's not a problem for him."
"So, why do you need to find him?" Sasuke inquired.
Tsukiyo sighed and held up her pendant. "You see this? This is an ancient charm that has been passed down through my race for generations. It holds unimaginable power. Daichi knows much of the ancient times. He may be able to tell me the secret to unlocking the pendant. If he can, it will greatly benefit my people." She explained.
Sasuke nodded. "Oh. So where is he?"
Tsukiyo shrugged. "It's hard to say. He roams the forest, never staying in one place for long."
"Then how will we find him?" Sasuke asked.
"He will find us." She replied. "Undoubtedly, he already knows we're here. He will come to us when the time is right. Now go to sleep, we must rise early tomorrow."
Sasuke wanted to ask her more, but he simply nodded and slid into his sleeping bag, while Tsukiyo got into her own.
"Night Uchiha." Tsukiyo called softly.
"Goodnight." Came Sasuke's whispered reply…
~ * ~
Sasuke was jolted awake suddenly in the middle of the night. He lurched up into a sitting position. "Wha-?" a hand was clamped over his mouth.
"Put a sock in it Uchiha!" Tsukiyo's voice hissed in his ear.
Sasuke relaxed slightly and Tsukiyo removed her hand. She motioned for him to be silent and stood up, her eyes penetrating the brushwood that surrounded them. She seemed to be searching for something.
Sasuke stood behind her, watching. His senses, though alert, could not compare with Tsukiyo's and he depended on her for any warning of danger.
Tsukiyo inhaled sharply and her eyes blazed with a strange look.
"What is it?" Sasuke inquired.
"He's here." Came her reply.
Sasuke didn't need to ask whom she was speaking of. A chill ran up his spine. Daichi had arrived! Sasuke glanced about, looking for any sign of a human form. There was none to be seen. "Where is he?"
Suddenly, a deep, rumbling sounded. "I'm right here, young human."
A massive black shadow dropped down directly in front of him and Sasuke let out a yelp of shock and jumped back, tripping over his sleeping bag and falling to the ground with an, "oof!"
Sasuke looked up and gasped. A large creature towered above him, one that was anything but human. In fact, the creature resembled a black jaguar more than anything else, but was at least three times the size of an average jaguar. Blazing, golden eyes gazed fiercely down on Sasuke. The full moon shone down upon the creature's shiny black coat, emphasizing the toned muscles of his sleek form, which flexed impressively with every graceful movement he made. His claws were sharp as daggers and his razor-like fangs gleamed like white blades. He had a mane, somewhat akin to that of a horse but shorter and shaggier, which was a reddish color like that of smoldering embers, and seven intertwining tales, four black, and three a deep crimson color. A set of golden wings sprouted from his back, giving him a surreal appearance.
"W-W-Who ar-re y-you?" Sasuke's voice shook.
"I am Daichi, Protector and Defender of the Great Forest." Came the powerful reply.
Sasuke looked at Tsukiyo with wide eyes. "He's Daichi?!" he asked incredulously.
Tsukiyo nodded. "Yes."
Sasuke looked back at the Forest Protector. "Uhhh…ummm…"
"You have much anger in you Human boy… and much fear as well. It shows through your eyes." The creature said. "Am I so terrible that you can not even look upon me without terror and hatred?"
Sasuke frowned. "Had I seen you a month ago I should have said no; but lately it seems that everyone is out to kill me. I have no choice but to be cautious and as for my anger, it is well warranted."
Daichi nodded understandingly. "Yes, you have many enemies, though not so many as I. But not all wish you dead, if that were so, you would not be alive this moment." He motioned with his paw towards Tsukiyo.
Sasuke shook his head. "She hates me too."
Daichi looked at him. "Then how is it that you are speaking this night? Tell me young Human, if you hated someone, would you go out of your way to keep them from dying?"
Sasuke frowned. "Well… probably not… wait- how do you know about that?"
Daichi sighed. "There is much I know." He turned to look at Tsukiyo. "Ahh… a chosen Anthro." He said. "The one in a century."
Sasuke shot him a confused look. "Huh?"
Tsukiyo ignored him. Her eyes were focused on the golden ones of Daichi. "I have come to you, seeking your aid." She said.
He nodded. "I know; I have been expecting you."
Tsukiyo suddenly dropped to her knees.
Whoa! What the heck? Sasuke thought.
"Please Forest Protector, I beg you to tell me what I must do to access the power of the pendant given to my people by the Ancient creatures like yourself as a gift."
Sasuke had never seen Tsukiyo look this desperate. As a matter of fact, he had never seen her look concerned over anything at all. He sat quietly watching in amazement.
Daichi stepped forward. "Indeed. I will tell you what must be done, but it is up to you to accomplish the task."
Tsukiyo nodded. "I understand."
"You must go to the Tsuchi no furui o chuushin." Came the reply.
"The center of the ancient earth?" Tsukiyo repeated. "Where is that?"
"It is about three days travel from here." Daichi replied. "I will take you and the boy there. Once you reach your destination, you must enter the ruins of the ancient stronghold of the creatures of old."
"What will I find there?" Tsukiyo inquired. "Will you come with me?"
"No, you must discover for yourself, the secret of the Ancient world, you must find the Hi no Kihaku. Only once you have captured it, will you be able to unlock the power of the pendant."
"Hi no Kihaku…" Tsukiyo repeated thoughtfully. "The Soul's Flame."
Daichi nodded. "Hai. Come, we will go."
Tsukiyo nodded and began to gather up her belongings. Sasuke would have preferred to get a few more hours of sleep, but, remembering Tsukiyo's threat to give him to Itachi, should he cause any trouble, he followed the cat-girl's example and began gathering his own possessions.
"We are ready." Tsukiyo said at last.
"Keep up with me young ones." The creature said as took off into the forest.
Tsukiyo and Sasuke sped along after him. Tsukiyo's feline eyes permitted her the luxury of night vision, and her advanced ears allowed her to pick up what little sound Daichi made. By this, she was able to follow him, her graceful, catlike movements allowing her to maintain a speed similar to Daichi's.
Sasuke on the other hand, did not posses these traits; his Sharingan was the only thing he possessed that allowed him to see where he should go. Unfortunately, due to his weakened state, he was unable to keep up with the fast pace, set by Tsukiyo and the Forest Protector and he soon fell behind so far that he had to strain to catch a glimpse of them. So intent, was he on keeping them in sight that he failed to notice a root sticking up from the forest floor, and he tripped, falling flat on his face.
Sasuke picked himself up and glanced about urgently for any sign of his traveling companions. There was no sign of either of them. "Tsu- I mean Mistress…? Forest Protector…?" He whirled suddenly as he heard a sound behind him. "Mistress?" a bit of nervousness swelled up inside of him. Tsukiyo had said that this place was dangerous and in his present state, he didn't have much chance of defending himself. "Mistress… is that you?"
Sasuke reached out and pulled aside a large branch that was blocking his view. The Raven teen felt his blood run cold as he found himself gazing into a large, multifaceted, orange eye. That definitely was not Tsukiyo! "W-Wha…?!" The owner of the eye who suddenly uttered a blood-curdling shriek cut his startled exclamation short.
Me: Bwa ha ha ha ha! Cliffhanger! I know, I'm evil!
Orochimaru: As if we didn't already know that!
Kabuto: Where's Sasuke?
Tsukiyo: He's out back fighting Itachi.
Me: Psssht! You mean getting beaten by Itachi!
Tsukiyo: Yeah basically.
Orochimaru: Please review so that Midnight will update!