Arashi and Kawauso were about to walk back to their rooms after dinner when Deidara stopped them. He had a worried glint in his eyes as he told them to go to the living room. Kawauso and Arashi exchanged worried glances as they followed the sculptor to the living room. Kawauso brushed his battleaxe protectively as the neared the room.

The entire Akatsuki watched them as they arrived. Arashi caught Hidan's eye and glared at him. No doubt this was his fault. Deidara leaned against a wall, avoiding Arashi's eye as Leader stood up.

"Arashi. We know."

'Shit!' Arashi thought-hissed. She glanced worriedly at all the members.

"How?" Kawauso spoke for her.

One word. One word and Arashi had it; "Hidan."

No one could stop Arashi from mauling him, or maybe they didn't want to. Either way, Arashi was tearing him apart in a second.

"… Should we stop her?" Konan asked.

"Nah." Kisame answered without taking his eyes off of the fight. Kawauso, however, ripped his raving mad partner off of Hidan, who smirked up at her.

"Thanks."

"THANKS FOR WHAT YOU-"Arashi stopped herself.

Hidan grinned and stood up, "I love pain."

'Great.' Arashi thought.

"Well, now that that's over… Arashi?" Kakuzu urged.

Arashi glared at Hidan one last time, "Okay, okay. You got me. I'm from the Fenikkusu Clan."

"The what?" Tobi asked.

Arashi raised an eyebrow, "I thought Hidan…"

"Well most of the stories are legends," Itachi pointed out.

"Right, right. Okay, the Fenikkusu Clan existed long before humanity had discovered chakra. Before that, we had believed in "The Will of Fire". You know Konoha's belief and crap. We were believed to contain it because of our intense determination. But anyway, we supposedly died out a long time ago. But exactly one thousand years after the last one of us died, my brother and I-"

"YOU HAVE A BROTHER?" The entire Akatsuki shouted.

"Well, duh." Arashi retorted, "His name's Iji. He wanders like I used to. Moving on. Each of us was born with a single transformation- an animal. Mine is the Phoenix and Iji's the Kangaroo. We were also told to have a single animal partner. Before we discovered some of our abilities, our animal partners were just regular animals. But later, we were able to alter their DNA. This was the time that some of Fenikkusu decided to give us more transformations. My brother gave himself two more while I gave myself four."

"Well it turns out that the Fenikkusu went into hiding instead of dying. They took refuge as nature spirits and then later made Iji and I. The Fenikkusu Clan's generally tight with the animals and stuff. There might be some of us still out there. Some people know of the Fenikkusu's existence. They plot to use our power to their own will." Arashi paused to shiver, "That's why Kawauso and I have always been on the run."

"Do you know anyone specifically that's after you?" Pein questioned.

"Yeah. That creep Orochimaru and…" Kawauso faltered.

"Lord Tanran of the Yokushin," Arashi finished, "A clan that also existed alongside the Fenikkusu thousands of years ago. Those guys are power hungry for everything. And it's partially the reason why we died out. The Yokushin wanted our strength for their own. Lord Tanran is the ruler of them now, people more about them than the Fenikkusu. Sagegami and Tenshinhige, the people who attacked me, are his generals."

"What ever happened to Iji, hmm?" It was the first time Deidara had spoken the entire time.

"I left him behind after I fled the village that tried to take me in. I still keep in touch with him and his partner Kashira." Kawauso made a face when Arashi said Kashira. She shot him a glare.

"And?" Hidan pressed. Arashi rolled her eyes. This was the last thing she wanted the others to know. The Fenikkusu sighed, "The Fenikkusu was allies to Jashinist for their violent natures." Arashi grumbled, barely audible. Hidan flashed her a grin. The Akatsuki fell silent.

"Anything else you wanna get out of us?" Kawauso mumbled.

"I think we've just discovered a way to kill Orochimaru," Pein announced. The Akatsuki immediately turned to their leader, interested for the first time. Arashi sneered. 'Oh god, not that creep again.'

"Orochimaru was after Arashi, obviously interested in her power. Therefore, we use her to lure him out and murder him. I'll assign a team right away. Arashi, Kawauso, you two are obviously going." Pein said, "Now, who else should go… Well Kakuzu and Sasori have solo missions so-"

"HELL. NO." Arashi, Deidara, and Hidan growled in unison. Kawauso, however, appeared to be excited to watch another fight broke out.

"You three need to fix this problem so I figured that-"

"Listen, Leader. If you think that I am going to spend more that three seconds with him." Arashi gestured to Hidan, "You're completely insane."

"I am not staying within twenty feet of that dumbass," Hidan protested.

"Neither am I, hmm!" Deidara glared at Hidan.

Kawauso belched. Arashi punched him. Pein sighed, "Just be ready within two hours. We need Orochimaru dead as soon as possible."

---

Arashi sulkily packed away her weapons alongside Kawauso.

"Geez, you should at least lighten up. We get to go out again, right?"

"Nng." Arashi replied. Kawauso sighed, "Look, you could at least fix one problem. Go talk to Hidan."

"… No."

"Arashi…"

"Fine!" Arashi walked out of the room and slammed the door. She stomped down the hallway, grumbling to herself into she stopped in front of Hidan's door. 'I can't believe I'm doing this…' She thought to herself as she knocked. Arashi leaned against the door as she waited. At that moment, the door flung open.

Arashi stumbled and fell, but Hidan caught her effortlessly. She scowled at him, but he merely smirked and shut the door. "So…" He began.

"Look, moron. I will not, I repeat, not. Ever in all eternity be your girlfriend." Arashi hissed.

Hidan sat on his bed, "And why the hell's that?"

Arashi glared at him, "Because you're an asshole, I despise your existence, I wish I could kill you, and I'm already with Deidara."

Hidan glanced at her shoulder. Arashi caught his glance and clamped a hand over it. He flashed her a grin. "I f-cking saw it." Arashi gritted her teeth.

"I know you're f-cking lying about the first three, you dig me, bitch, I know. We're practically partners in crime now because of my religion. But hey, can't you have two f-cking boyfriends, seriously?"

"Only if you're a whore." Arashi mumbled. Hidan grabbed her arm and pulled her onto the bed so that she sat next to me. She glared at him, but her draped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. Beneath her clothing, the tattoo glowed with a pinkish tint. "… Does it glow that much when you're with that dumbass Deidara?"

Arashi sighed, "Yeah, but it's usually red. He doesn't really notice it. At least he hasn't asked me." They fell silent. Hidan spoke up, "Listen how about that kiss…"Arashi stopped him, "Hidan, you are the stupidest person I have ever met, and if you were the last guy on Earth I would never bring my lips near y- okay fine." She grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into a kiss.

They stayed like that for a while before pulling away. Arashi glared at him, "Don't you dare speak a word about this to Deidara or I'll-"Hidan silenced her, "I won't, geez." He pulled her onto his lap, Arashi resting her head on his chest. "Ugh, I knew this would be a bad idea," she mumbled.

"It's really f-cking easy. All you have to do is go see that dumbass Deidara-chan and he'll never find out," Hidan suggested, wrapping his arms around her. Arashi sighed and closed her eyes, listening to Hidan's heartbeat.

That was the point that Kawauso burst through the door. "Arashi, we're done packing and we're set to leave- Oh. Oh I see." He leaned in the doorway. Arashi snapped her eyes open and jerked out of Hidan's grip.

"KAWAUSO, IF YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT-"She clamped a hand over her mouth. Kawauso glanced down the hallway. "… All clear. I guess I'll meet you outside."

Arashi groaned and got off of Hidan, "I'll take your advice." She leaned forward and kissed his forehead before leaving the room.

"I am such a whore," Arashi mumbled to herself as she approached Deidara's room. Deidara opened the door before she could knock, she ran right into him.

"Arashi? I was just about to look for you, hmm." Deidara dragged her inside of his room. Shutting the door behind him, he pulled Arashi into a kiss, but she dodged his lips at the last second. Deidara pulled away, stunned.

"I'll only kiss you if you and Hidan stop fighting," Arashi explained. Deidara narrowed his eyes and sat on the bed, arms crossed across his chest, "No, hmm."

Arashi sat behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, "Please?" she begged softly. He ignored her. Arashi frowned and released him and crawled over to the edge of the bed and sulked.

"That's not going to work, hmm." Deidara mumbled. Arashi sniffled. Deidara glanced at her as she wiped her face. "Aw, don't cry hmm." Arashi sniffled again. The artist sighed and pulled her into a hug. Arashi grinned as she buried her head in his shoulder, 'Sucker' she thought to herself.

"If it makes you feel better, I'll only attack Hidan if he starts it, hmm." Arashi's eyes snapped open and she pinned Deidara onto the bed. She brought her face closer to his, so that he blushed slightly. Her lips pulled back, exposing the pointed teeth as she growled. Deidara swallowed, "Okay, fine, hmm." Arashi replaced her irritated expression with a smirk, "That settles it then." She flopped down on top of him.

Deidara sighed and stared at the ceiling, "Settles what, hmm." Arashi mentally slapped herself. She wasn't suppose to mention that, "Oh, nothing," she snuggled into his chest, hoping to drop the subject. "What?" Grr. That stupid word. Arashi sighed, "Okay, fine. I uh… Kissed Hidan." She blurred the last words together. Deidara caught it; she heard his heart stop for a moment. "What?!"

Arashi pulled away, avoiding his eyes. "You did what, hmm?" Deidara shot up, anger burning off of him. "Look, I'm sorry." She whispered. Deidara groaned, "Does that mean you're giving up me for him, hmm?" Arashi's eyes widened, "No! Of course not." She brought him into a kiss to prove her point. She sensed his relief as he kissed her back. He pulled away, serious again. "So what then, hmm?"

Arashi flashed him a smirk, "I'll have two boyfriends, how hard can it be?"

Oh you have no idea.

---

At first, it had gone well. Arashi, Kawauso, Hidan, and Deidara were ready to leave the base. As they were leaving, a few bets were placed- Who would win over Arashi. Ignoring them, they set off, first flying on Arashi's phoenix form, then settling for walking as they approached civilization. That and darkness had fallen over the Earth.

They were to walk a little bit farther until setting up camp for the night. This was the part that Deidara glanced at Hidan and pulled Arashi closer to him. Hidan caught this movement and pulled the medic closer to him. Deidara glared and tugged on Arashi's arm. She punched both of them in the stomach with each of her fists.

Finally, they had decided to settle down for the night. Kawauso found a nice spot by the fire and curled up, falling asleep instantly. Arashi, however, had no such luck. She found herself stuck in between a very pissed of Hidan and an extremely jealous Deidara. Kawauso opened one golden eye and beamed at her. She glared back.

Hidan and Deidara had both fallen asleep. Deidara unconsciously wrapped his arm around Arashi. Hidan copied him at the same time. Arashi growled softly.

As the night passed on, an idea sprang into Arashi's mind. Hidan, still asleep, leaned forward for a kiss. Deidara's eyes wearily opened as he felt lips on his own. Too tired to register the image, he returned the kiss.

Hidan and Deidara's eyes snapped open when they realized they were kissing each other. They scuttled to different corners of the camp, retching.

"Oh my god, Arashi, you are terrible." Kawauso stated as they watched the chaos from a tree branch. The medic grinned at her partner, "I know I get it from you."

---

The next morning, they set off immediately, on foot. Hidan and Deidara kept their distance, still shaken by last night's incident.

"… Hey wait." Kawauso stopped. The other three turned around to stare. "Where the hell are we going?"

"… Good point." Arashi agreed.

Hidan sighed and leaned against a tree, "Orochimaru's hideout."

"And where is that, hmm?" Deidara asked, glaring at Hidan. The Jashin follower shrugged, "No f-cking i-"

With that, Hidan disappeared. A hole stood in his place. "Oh god," Arashi dashed over to the hole and knelt beside it, calling Hidan's name.

"Yes!" Deidara cheered quietly. Arashi shot him a glare, "Hidan? Can you hear me?" A muffled moan echoed through the hole. "Ow…" Arashi sighed with relief. She caught Deidara beaming. She pushed him down the hole.

"OW! DUMBASS! GET OFF OF ME! OW! YOU'RE CRUSHING ME YOU ASSHOLE!"

"I think I broke a rib, hmm."

Arashi groaned, "Come on, Kawauso, let's go get them." Kawauso nodded and jumped into the hole. Arashi sighed and leaped after him. She landed on top of Kawauso, who was lying on Deidara, who was crushing Hidan. All three groaned in unison.

"Thanks for the soft landing!" Arashi chirped, "And look, a tunnel." She crawled of them, Kawauso freeing himself from the jumble soon after her. Deidara climbed off of Hidan, who lay there.

"Come on, we have to check this out," ordered Arashi, "This could be something important." Hidan groaned and struggled to his feet.

As soon as they entered the tunnel, Kawauso wrinkled his nose, "Augh, it reeks in here!" Arashi sniffed and recoiled as well, "Yeah." Deidara and Hidan, however, couldn't smell a thing. "What's it smell like, hmm?" The sculptor questioned. "Like…" Kawauso stared, "Like…"

"SNAKE!" Hidan called. "Yeah, like a snake." Kawauso finished. "No, I f-cking mean it. A f-cking snake! A big-ass one too, at that!" He pointed down the tunnel. Sure enough, a mammoth serpent was slithering towards them. Arashi pushed the boys up to the wall, "Stay here, and try not to breathe too loudly." She approached the snake, flesh melting into violet scales.

Arashi's snake form and the massive green snake met each other. Snake Arashi's tongue flicked in and out as she hissed quietly. The snake answered her with its own hisses. After about a minute, it slithered away to exit the tunnel.

Deidara and Hidan let out their held breaths. "Did you just f-cking speak to it?" Hidan asked. Arashi, still in her snake form, nodded. "She said that she was going out to hunt. I asked her where this tunnel led. We're headed for the house of Orochimaru, guys."

Kawauso shivered, "Sounds like something out of a horror movie." Arashi hissed and started slithering farther down the tunnel, "I'll use this form to blend in. Just don't die when I'm not looking." She cackled quietly.

Kawauso shrugged and followed her, Hidan tagging behind. Deidara shivered, "I hate snakes, hmm." He ran to catch up with the group.

---

Arashi changed back to her human form as they stared at the large wooden door. There was a large statue of a snake on top of the doorway. Arashi shivered, "Oh god, I know I will not like this."

Hidan snorted and turned the doorknob, "Let's just get this shit over with." He slipped through the door. Deidara gave one last glance before entering, Kawauso scampering after them.

Arashi stared at the snake statue and into its cold eyes. She gave a final shudder and entered the house of Orochimaru.