The Diamond Family
Chapter 11: Memory
This chapter is rough sorry for the base grammar. I had to publish this before I went to the airport. Please enjoy and leave a review. I know I haven't posted a new chapter yet but I've been in South Africa so no internet sorry I will come with the next chapter as soon as possible I promise.
Perspectives: Kakuzu, Snow, and Orochimaru
Snow's Perspective
It was second day back. I'm still weak and can do very little on my own. I wasn't allowed to leave the infirmary. Even if I wanted to I was too sore to move properly. My memory hasn't recovered, which is a massive point of frustration. Every now and then I get a blur of a memory. Only Kakuzu, Tobi, Deidara, and Leader came to visit me. I'd caught glimpse of other people walking past the infirmary doors. I craved a changed of scenery. The doors opened and Kakuzu came in.
"Kuzu!" I yelled.
I jumped out of bed and hugged him tightly.
"Kuzu?" asked Kakuzu.
"Yep, do you not like it?" I asked.
"You should be in bed", said Kakuzu as he lifted me up.
He placed me in bed, pulling the blankets over me. Why is he avoiding my question?
"I've been in bed all day. I'm tired of sleeping and this bed", I said.
"There are many beds here feel free to try them out", said Kakuzu.
I stuck my tongue out at him. He didn't respond.
"You've broken almost every bone in your body. Bed rest is mandatory", said Kakuzu.
"X-ray me again. I feel fine. Only sore", I said.
"You can't take a few steps without getting winded", said Kakuzu.
"I want to see how much I've healed", I said.
"It's only been a day. Not much should have changed", said Kakuzu.
"Please", I said.
"Alright if only to prove I'm right and you need rest", said Kakuzu.
"Fine", I said.
Kakuzu lifted me from bed. I made no complaint. I enjoyed the close contact with him. He laid me down on the examination table. Kakuzu raised my shirt, exposing my stomach. The dark coloring along my abdomen had faded to a greenish brown.
"Amazing", he said.
He gently pressed on my stomach. I winced slightly, but the pain had gone down greatly. Kakuzu went over my body with the x-ray.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I took the film to the light it was amazing. The beginnings of hard callus formed around her fractures.
"You bones have entered the last phase of healing", I said.
"How is that possible?" asked Snow.
"Your body must be diverting your chakra into healing your injuries. That's part of the reason you're so weak", I said.
I helped her from the examination table. I lifted her. I don't want her expending energy that could be put toward her healing.
"You don't have to carry me", said Snow.
She cuddled closely toward me.
"You enjoy it", I said.
"You're right, Kuzu", said Snow.
"Why do you call me that?" I asked.
"I think it's cute. Do you mind?" she asked.
"No, but only you may call it", I said.
"Has anyone else called you that?" asked Snow.
"Not in a long time", I said.
"How long ago?" she asked.
"Seventy-four years ago", I said.
Snow counted on her fingers.
"So you were seventeen", she said.
"My age doesn't shock you", I said.
"No", said Snow.
A memory from long ago came rushing forward.
Kakuzu's Flashback
I returned from a successful mission. There was only one person I wanted to see. I rushed home and waited for her on the porch of my house. A pair of soft hand covered my eyes.
"Guess who?" asked a sweet voice.
"Amai",
I pulled her into my lap. She giggled.
"You're no fun, Kuzu", she said.
"If I'm no fun why do you love me so?" I asked.
She kissed me on the cheek.
"Let me see you", I said.
I brushed her wavy blonde hair away from her face. It seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. Her orange eyes glistened as she smiled. How did I ever get so lucky?
"How did I ever get someone like you?" I said.
She stared at me with those warm orange eyes.
"You were gone so long", said Amai.
"But I returned", I said.
"I don't know why you fell in love with a farmer's daughter. You could have anyone", she said.
"And I chose you", I said.
She frowned.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"My father. He's trying to push me into marriage again, but I love you", said Amai.
"Who does he want you to marry now?" I asked.
"The butcher's eldest son. If I marry him my family will never starve", said Amai.
"Why won't he allow you to be with me? I can support you" I said.
"You know why", said Amai.
Marrying a ninja came with a great income, but mortality rates were high. It left many women widowed and without an income to support their children. I shuttered at the idea of children. They're something I'll never be ready for.
"There one thing he has you that you don't", said Amai.
"Which is?" I asked.
"A safe career. Every time you leave the village I'm terrified I'll never see you again", said Amai.
"I love you. And will give you anything to make up for that", I said.
"Children?" she asked.
"Yes", I said.
"Really?" asked Amai.
"I'll do anything for you", I said.
"You would?" asked Amai.
"Anything", I said.
"Thank you!" she said.
"I love you, Amai. And one day I promise we'll be together", I said.
I was brought to reality when Snow pulled my cloak.
"Did I bring up a bad memory? If I did I'm sorry", said Snow.
"No, only a memory of someone I thought lost to the past", I said.
"Was it Amai?" asked Snow.
I tensed.
"How do you know that name?" I asked.
"You whispered her name", said Snow.
She frowned.
Snow's Perspective
"Are you hurt?" asked Kakuzu.
"No", I said.
I shouldn't be jealous. I'm with Deidara.
"Snow", he said.
"I'm hurting", I said.
"You can talk to me", said Kakuzu.
"I'm confused by own emotions", I said.
Kakuzu took off his hood. His long dark brown hair came tumbling down his shoulders. He leaned closer to me. My heart race. It wasn't caused by panic. This was something else. Attraction, maybe. No, it something more.
"Follow your instincts", he said as he tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.
"What if they're wrong", I said.
"Does this feel wrong to you", said Kakuzu as he caressed my cheek.
"No", I whispered.
I brought my hand to his mask.
"Can I?"
He nodded. I pulled down his mask. His features were familiar. I traced the thick black stitches that ran across his cheeks. He came closer. Our lips met in a tender kiss. The simple motion brought me such warmth. His tongue brushed slowly across my bottom lip asking for entrance to my mouth. I let his tongue explore my mouth and enjoyed every moment of it. An explosion went off. I went rigid. Kakuzu shielded me.
"Get out, Snow!" growled Deidara.
Kakuzu moved in front of me. I hated the tension. I took shelter under my bed. I put my hands over my ears. There was a crash as Deidara went flying through the wall. Kakuzu walked to my hiding place and raised the blanket.
"I'm okay", I said.
It wasn't convincing. I couldn't stop shivering.
"I can't stop", I said.
He touched my cheek and the shivering stopped. I was lost in his gaze. An explosive bird came zooming toward.
"KAKUZU!" I yelled.
Before he could respond a diamond dome formed around us, protecting us from the explosion. Blood dripped from my nose. I groaned as pain spread across my side.
"Snow",
"My side", I said.
He raised my shirt. My once faded bruises were once again an angry purple-green.
"You shouldn't have protected me", said Kakuzu.
"It just happened", I said.
The diamond disappeared. He stood. His demeanor completely changed.
"You could have sent her into an episode!" yelled Kakuzu.
The anger and pain were clear in Deidara's expression. I felt no guilt though. Being with him feels so right. My body trusts him.
"You have no right to kiss her she's mine", growled Deidara.
I'm free I don't belong to anyone. Why is Deidara claiming that I am his? I not sure who my heart belongs to.
"You don't own me, Deidara!" I yelled.
Kakuzu moved in front of me.
"You had no right to lie to her!" growled Kakuzu.
More explosions went off. Kakuzu was looked like he was going to kill, Deidara. My head was aching. I can't handle this tension!
"PLEASE STOP!" I cried.
Both of them looked back at me. They'd forgotten I was here. I grew lightheaded. Kakuzu caught me.
"I told you needed to be in bed", said Kakuzu as he laid me down.
He glared at Deidara with a newfound hatred.
"I'm sorry, Deidara", I said.
"You aren't the one should be apologizing, Snow", said Kakuzu.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I'll answer once I've seen your injuries", said Kakuzu.
He sighed.
"What happened?" I asked.
"The chakra you used to guard took us stole from what your body was using to heal", said Kakuzu.
"My ability acted on my own", I said.
"I know", said Kakuzu.
"What did you mean?" I asked.
"The truth is in your locket", said Kakuzu.
He left dragging Deidara behind him. I took off my locket. There was an engravement on the back. I couldn't see it through the thick layer of ash. I washed it away with my sleeve. It read:
To my most valuable treasure, Snow
Am I what was stolen from Kakuzu? How am I a treasure? What had I done to earn such a title? I ran fingers over the chain. It wasn't a chain at all, but one of Kakuzu's threads. I opened the locket. One the photos were of a man I couldn't recognize. He must be important to me. I wish I could remember why. The other photo was of Midnight. The last one was of me and Kakuzu together. I was asleep in his arms. Even in sleep, I was smiling.
Deidara lied to me! How could a friend lie to me?! Friends don't do that to each other. I was never in love with him. I've always been in love with Kakuzu. I would get back at Deidara for this. An explosion went off from outside. The intense noise of battle urged me to hide. After thirty minutes the battle died down. Kakuzu came in. There was some soot on his face, but he seemed uninjured.
"Come out from there", he said.
I came out from hiding. I hugged him tightly.
"I'm so sorry, Kakuzu!" I cried.
"I'm not upset with you", he said.
His fingers ran through my hair, calming me.
"I want to remember", I said.
"I believe your memory will return when your skull has healed completely", said Kakuzu.
"How long will that be?" I asked.
"It could be days or weeks only time will tell", said Kakuzu.
"I want to remember what we have, Kakuzu", I said as I entwined our fingers.
"Give it time", he said.
"Love you", I said.
"How can you say that when you don't remember what we had?" asked Kakuzu.
"I trust my heart", I said.
I kissed him. A flash of a memory returned. I was in bed with him above screaming out his name in pleasure. My face went red.
"Did you remember something?" asked Kakuzu.
"Yes",
"Tell me", said Kakuzu.
"It's embarrassing", I said.
He smiled.
"Ah, you remember when we first made love", said Kakuzu.
I nodded.
"Do you remember what I did to bring you pleasure?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"Do you want to remember?" asked Kakuzu.
"Yes",
Kakuzu lead me to the x-ray room. He placed me on the examination table. His kiss traveled down my neck. I moaned when he bit down on my neck. His hand softly wandered my body.
"You love it when I do this", said Kakuzu.
I bit my lip to hold back another moan as his threads worked their way up my body. They pushed against the fabric of my underwear. His hand moved to the elastic of my underwear. He kissed down my stomach. My heartbeat rang in my ears. Before he could do anything door of the room slammed open. It was Tobi
"GET OUT!" yelled Kakuzu.
"But, but", stammered Tobi.
"But what? If you know what's best for you will leave while you still have all your limbs!" yelled Kakuzu.
My mood was over. I pulled up my pants. Tobi ran from the room.
"I should check on him", I said.
Kakuzu gave a heavy sigh. I went to the door.
"Are you coming?" I asked.
"I need a moment", said Kakuzu.
My blush went a shade darker.
"Umm, okay. I'll be outside", I said.
Tobi sat at the end of one of the beds.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to umm well you know", said Tobi.
"It's alright, Tobi. It was an accident", I said.
"No, it wasn't really an accident. Deidara sent me here because he told me you want to see me", said Tobi.
My hands fisted.
"Will Kakuzu hurt me like he did, Deidara?" asked Tobi.
"He won't", I said.
"Are you upset with me?" asked Tobi.
"No, but can you go downstairs. Kakuzu needs some time to cool down", I said.
Tobi left. I was annoyed with him, but it wasn't his fault. Kakuzu came out of the bathroom. I kissed him on the cheek.
"Is there any way I can get my memory back faster?" I asked.
"I have some theories", said Kakuzu.
"Tell me I want to know", I said.
"I don't want to rush this. It best if we take this slow", said Kakuzu.
"Please", I begged.
"One is for you to be reintroduced to other members of the organization. You'll meet them over time, so you won't be overwhelmed. The options were more drastic and could have long-lasting effects", said Kakuzu.
"Why?" I asked.
"There's a risk, which I'm not willing to take with you until I'm sure its the only resort", said Kakuzu.
"When will we start?" I asked.
"Tomorrow", he said.
"In time", said Kakuzu.
Kakuzu left. I yawned. Sleep seemed like a good idea.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I returned to Snow around twelve am. She was curled in the fetal position in bed. Her small form shivering. Blood dripped from her ears. Diamond tears fell from her eyes. A night terror. Moments later she woke screaming. I held her, waiting for her to calm. She stopped shaking.
"Kakuzu?"
She huddled closer to me. Terror lingered in her eyes.
"You're safe", I said.
She scanned the room before further settling into my chest.
"I'm safe", she whispered.
"Yes", I said.
"Where's Master?" asked Snow.
"Dead", I said.
"Did you kill him?" asked Snow.
"No, my partner decapitated him", I said.
"I don't feel well", whimpered Snow.
"Tell me what's wrong", I said.
"Dizzy, the room is spinning", she said.
"Just lay down. You should be fine in a few hours", I said.
"Don't go", begged Snow.
"I wasn't planning on leaving", I said.
I connected an IV to her arm, before joining her in bed. I wiped the blood away from her ears.
"How's your hearing?" I asked.
"My ears are ringing", said Snow.
"That should fade by tomorrow", I said.
I ran my fingers through her hair. Blood stained her white hair. My treasure.
"What was it about this time?" I asked.
"A red beast with seven tails and white eyes was chasing me. I've never had a nightmare like that before", said Snow.
"It wasn't a dream", I said.
"What was it? How could it be real?" she asked.
"It was your battle against the Seven-Tails. Do remember anything else?" I asked.
Her brow furrowed in thought.
"I remember a young girl asking me to be her friend. The symbol on her headband looked like yours. Did I kill a harm a child?" asked Snow.
She was shivering.
"No", I said.
"What does that mean?" asked Snow.
Emeralds and rubies fell from her eyes. This was another reminder of just how unfitting she was for this group. Most of us wouldn't flinch at harming Fu, but for Snow, it would follow her for the rest of her life. I can't have her living with that guilt.
"The child is unharmed. I promise", I said.
Snow smiled. She'll likely never fully recall the battle. It would be best for her. Looks, like I might have to speak to the brat.
"Why did we want her?" asked Snow.
Even before this none of us explain our purpose the tailed beast.
"That's a topic best saved for another day", I said.
"Why?" asked Snow.
"It's complicated", I said.
"Can you at least tell me what a jinchurik is?" asked Snow.
"You won't drop this will you", I said.
She nodded.
"They are human with a tailed beast sealed within them. The beast within gives them great power. I won't go any further into it than that", I said.
"How did we meet?" asked Snow.
The tension left my muscles when she asked that.
"We met when I was given the mission to kill your master and take his funds", I said.
"Why?" asked Snow.
"He was the wealthiest man in your village. No one knew how he made his riches. How was I to know you were the source", I said.
She fell asleep.
"I love you", I whispered.
I left her and went to Deidara's room. I didn't bother with knocking. He sat at his desk repairing his scope. Deidara tensed in preparation to fight.
"I'm not here to fight with you", I said.
"What do you want?" asked Deidara.
"I'm here to speak of Snow", I said.
He put down his scope. His full attention went to me.
"Snow will never properly remember your battle with the Seven-Tails. It's best she never did. Do you agree?" I asked.
He nodded. I returned to Snow's side. I kissed her gently.
"I love you, Snow. More than you could ever know", I whispered.
I stayed up most of the night. At eight in the morning, I have to leave to capture a bounty. Before I could leave, she grabbed my arm.
"Don't go", said Snow.
"I'll be back in a few hours", I said.
"Kakuzu do-"
She cut herself off. Snow let her hair fall in her face. I lifted her chin so I could see her eyes.
"Do I what?" I asked.
"Love me?" asked Snow.
"I do, Snow. I don't know what I would do if I ever lost you", I said.
Snow's Perspective
"A kiss before you go?" I asked.
He smiled, before kissing me through his mask.
"What was that?" I asked.
"What you asked for", said Kakuzu.
"That wasn't the kiss I wanted", I said.
"When I return, I'll give you the kiss you. While I'm gone I hope you get plenty of rest", said Kakuzu.
He left. I wanted later to come already. I was alone. I smiled when the infirmary doors opened again, but it faded when I saw it was Tobi.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Better, still a bit sore though", I said.
"Want to play a card game?" asked Tobi.
"What game?" I asked.
"Blackjack", said Tobi.
"Okay", I said.
After many games blackjack later Tobi left. I'd won twenty dollars off him. I put it under my pillow. I curled up underneath the blankets. Ten at night I woke. I tensed when the doors opened. Aura of danger and evil struck me. A man with pure white skin stood out in the dim lighting. The purple markings around his eyes brought focus to his snake-like golden eyes. His long black hair went to his lower back. When he smiled, it showed off his pointed teeth. I pulled the blankets over me to keep myself safe.
"Do you remember me?" he asked.
His voice was silk.
"Kakuzu wouldn't like you here", I said.
"True, but your lover isn't here to protect you", he said.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"My name is Lord Orochimaru", he answered.
He's dangerous. Run, I have to run! I stumbled out of bed. He blocked the only exit. Where should I go? I'm trapped.
"You hold the truest form of immortality I've ever seen in all my years of searching", he said.
I was caught in his gaze. I can't move. A flash of my own death appeared in front of me. I went to my knees.
Orochimaru's Perspective
I lifted her. I didn't have the time to give this unique creature the thorough examination she deserved. Tears of emeralds fell from her eyes.
"I have no interest in your body sexually", I said.
I ran my fingers over her body to find anything the explain unique ability. There was nothing except an odd marking on her left wrist. If only Kabuto was here then get a more thorough examination of her. I took a scalpel and pressed against her skin. It instantly turned diamond. The blade shattered. Even like this state her kekkie genkie functions perfectly.
"Soon you'll be my most valuable pet", I said.
I moved Snow's hair away from her beautiful neck. I was about to sink my fangs into her soft skin when she screamed. I heard Kakuzu running toward the infirmary.
"There won't always be someone protecting you", I said.
I disappeared.
Snow's Perspective
I screamed. The doors slammed open. I was relieved to see Kakuzu. It was only a dream. Only in nightmares did I feel such paralyzing fear. I was shaking uncontrollably. My breathing was rapid. I couldn't breathe. Kakuzu rushed to my bed and hugged me close to him.
"Shh, it's alright Snow. I'm here", he said as ran his fingers through my hair.
After ten minutes I finally calmed. I nuzzled closer to him and breathed in his scent. He smelled lightly of earth, blood, and cinnamon. It was a calming.
"What happened, Snow?" asked Kakuzu.
"Night terror", I said.
"What happened to your clothes", said Kakuzu.
"I don't know", I said.
Kakuzu took off his cloak and handed it to me. I put it on. When he turned, I saw the masks sewn to his skin. I reached out to touch. Kakuzu tensed under my touch.
"You don't remember my hearts", he said.
"There part of you so I love them too", I said.
He kissed me on the forehead.
"Please, don't make me stay here tonight", I begged.
He lifted me from the bed and carried me out of the infirmary. Kakuzu opened the door to his room. The walls were lined with bookshelves. Papers littered the desk. It was cozy kind of messy.
"Can I use your shower?" I asked.
He nodded.
I walked to the bathroom. He followed me. The door shut behind us. My face grew warm.
"May I join you", asked Kakuzu.
"Yes", I whispered.
He took off his mask and hood. We kissed. My fingers tangled in his soft hair. I whined as we separated. He slowly undid the clasps of the cloak. The fabric pooled at the ground around my feet. He took my hands in his and kissed them.
"There's no rush", said Kakuzu.
He returned my hands to the waistband of his pants. This time I easily undid the button. The rest of his clothes joined mine on the floor. He picked me up and put me into the shower. The water poured down on us. I turned my back to him. I didn't know what to do. This is all new to me.
"Why do you turn away from me?" asked Kakuzu.
"I don't know what to do", I said.
His large hand caressed my sides. It's odd that someone of such strength could be so gentle.
"Let me bring you pleasure", whispered Kakuzu.
He kissed my neck. He softly bit my neck. I moaned. His threads massaged every part of my body. He pressed me against the wall. His eyes were focused on mine. I parted my legs.
"Are you ready Snow?" Kakuzu asked.
"Yes", I said.
He slowly thrust into me. I bit my lip. It hurt but also felt so good. He gently rocked into me, careful not to touch my bruises. My arms snaked around his neck, bringing him closer. Our lips met in a kissed. I could feel his passion and love. My muscles tightened around him. My toes curled and my fingers dug into his back. Waves of pleasure traveled through my body. Kakuzu gave a low moan as he reached his release. Our breathing was heavy. He pulled out of me. Kakuzu kissed me on the cheek. He helped me from the shower. Kakuzu wrapped a towel around his waist. He handed me a towel. I quickly wrapped it around myself.
"Love you", said Kakuzu.
He went the dresser and gave me clothes. Kakuzu helped me dress. I wanted to remember more. I've only had a taste of what our love is like. Kakuzu quickly settled into a peaceful sleep. He makes me feel happy to be alive. I was so grateful to be alive.
"Kakuzu, you will never know how much I love and what I'm willing to do for you. You will always have my heart", I said.