"Well all right, we've got it now! Successfully stolen."
"And to think the Leader didn't even have to ask us to do it. He'll be pleased, for sure."
"You're right about that. Well anyway, since it's dark, let's stay here tonight. We can head for Konoha tomorrow."
"Oh, but the park rules say that civilians can't be within park grounds after dark like this."
"Well we're not civilians, are we?"
Casana laughed, shaking her head in agreement as she threw her arms around the blonde's neck. "Oh Deidara, you're gonna get punished one of these days."
"As long as it's by you." Deidara chuckled and kissed her on the forehead. "Then I couldn't ask for anything better."
Footsteps were heard off in the distance of the trees not far from them. Puzzled, they both turned, facing that very direction. It was pretty dark, and hard to see, but nothing out of the ordinary seemed to be there.
"Probably a squirrel." Deidara said dismissively.
"That wasn't a squirrel." Casana said, frowning a little. "This is a desert, and no desert animals are within the village boundaries. Even if it wasn't a desert, that is not a squirrel. It sounded bigger."
"....I think you're right. Wait here, okay? If anything happens to me, get the hell out of here." Deidara whispered to her, and then walked off into the trees.
"Okay." Casana said, watching him go and then anxiously going behind a nearby tree.
The foresty area of the park was dark, with some moonlight shining in through the branches, but it didn't offer as much light needed. Deidara's feet crunched in dead leaves as he explored, carefully fingering away any branches or shrubs in his way.
Normally anyone would call out "Hello? Anyone out there?", but Deidara didn't think that was the best option. So instead, he snuck around quietly, keeping his guard up just in case. Casana was right to be suspicious, something just didn't feel right about this. It was very quiet, and yet, noisy. Someone else was in here, that was for sure. But where?
Biting his lip, Deidara's stormy blue eyes scanned around him, adjusting them to the endless darkness that seemed to envelop the area. Nothing there, either. He took a few more steps forward, and then paused as he heard other footsteps with his. He looked behind him. Nothing.
"Get a hold of yourself, you're just imagining things." He said to himself. "No way anyone here could uphold the power of my art."
Turning back around to face forward, he nearly fell back as he saw that there was now someone standing behind him. Not to mention someone so tall, he had to crane his neck to look up at his face.
Jason stood towering over the blonde, his machete in his hand. Clearly looking down as if he disapproved of something. In a flash, he thrust the weapon forward with swift speed, and stabbed Deidara in the chest, pinning him to a nearby tree.
"...Run....C-Casana..." The blonde uttered, coughing up blood before his rolled into his head and went limp.
Clamping a hand over her mouth, Casana's eyes widened in terror and shock as she witnessed the entire scene. Small, quiet gasps escaped her as she tried to stifle herself, tears running down her face.
--
"Hey, Teah-nee-chan, good morning!" Naruto greeted.
Teah turned around from where she was walking, and smiled. "Oh, good morning, Naruto."
Nearly a week had passed since they'd returned to Konoha and had learned of the news of murders having been committed here. Not just any kind of murders, but for a change, very unsettling and mysterious rumours that no one could seem to piece together properly. The perpetrator they suspected was nowhere to be found in the village, no trace at all. And still nothing lead to the murders. Guesses were made, questions were asked, but nothing was coming together.
Tsunade had sent a few ANBU out beyond Konoha's borders to investigate in case the perpetrator had escaped, but it was confirmed by the gate guards that they had not seen the suspect, based on eye witness description, leave the village or go near the gate. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air, or was just hiding really well.
On that note, Tsunade also assigned the ninjas of the village to keep an eye out and report if anything happened. She didn't want to alarm the villagers, but made sure that they knew to be more careful and keep their residences secure. It did sure make Naruto a real nervous wreck, since he was on guard just about all the time and didn't know what to think of all this. He was also worried about his friends, always touching base with them and going to see if they were all right.
"You okay?" Naruto asked, concerned. "You didn't see anything, did the killer guy break into the mansion and try to kill you?"
Teah let out a little laugh. "No, no. I'm fine, Naruto. Nothing at all has happened. I can assure you."
"Well that's good!" Naruto grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "Hey! Tsunade gave us the day off today, and I wanted to know if maybe you, Sakura and the others wanted to go off to the Barbecue restaurant to get some ribs and steak? Chouji's got a special discount and he invited us all there!"
Well, if I'm with Naruto in a group, I won't be faced with urges to kiss him and I'll be able to control myself better. Teah thought. She nodded. "Sure, Naruto. That sounds like a nice idea. I have to go and train, so why don't I meet you guys there around noon?"
"Okay! I'll go spread the word and see you then!" Naruto gave her a thumbs up.
The Uchiha smiled and giggled. "All right, well I'll see you later Naruto." She waved and then walked off down the street.
That was another problem right there that had been bothering her lately. Since they had shared those kisses nearly a week ago, it had since plagued her and she didn't know what to do or say about it. She was worried about Naruto's feelings in this, and if it would really sabotage their relationship. She cherished his friendship more than anything, and if this ended it, she would never forgive herself. They had not spoken about it since it happened, it was always seemed they'd move on and as if nothing had happened.
I hope Naruto can forgive me...I never should have kissed him that night. ...And yet... She brought her hand to her mouth, recalling their kisses. I loved kissing him... He was so gentle, soft, and yet it took my breath away, leaving me wanting so much more...
--
"Boss! We have a report!"
Sighing, Fujisaki looked up from his notes. "What is it, Mokira?"
"Boss, the ANBU squad of Konoha are on Jason's trail in the Sand Village!" Said Mokira in panic.
"What?!" Fujisaki rushed to the ball producing his minion's image. "Have they seen him?!"
"Not yet, Boss. They don't know he's there. They know he's not in Konoha, and the Hokage sent out the ANBU to check beyond their borders." Mokira explained.
"I see....I see..." Fujisaki said, leaning back in his chair. "Then I suppose we best send him off their trail. Worry not, Himetsu will handle that. In the meantime, how about the Nine-Tails, and the Princess?"
"They have some time off, and are still in Konoha, sir. They know of Jason's trail of carnage, but they have no further information regarding anything of relevance. So we're safe for now. They suspect nothing further than what they already know."
"Right....good then. Keep you and your scout out there and get back to me if at all anything happens."
"Right, Boss!"
"Good then. Himetsu! Come forth!"
Moments after his summoning, Himetsu entered the room. "Yes, sir?"
"We will have to re-locate Jason for the time being now. This time, we will send him somewhere a little different." Fujisaki said.
"Where to, sir?"
Fujisaki smirked. "The Land of the Waves."
-~-
Hey guys, sorry this chapter is so short! No, this is not a sign of me giving up and writing shorter chapters. I just want to leave you all with a cliffhanger. XD And some stuff soon to come.