The Diamond Family
Chapter 13: Family
Perspective: Snow, Kakuzu, and Itachi
Snow's Perspective
Snow's Dream
Blood trickled down my back. I couldn't move without pain. The smallest motion caused the deepest agony. The physical pain I can tolerate it the emotion I can't handle. Takumi is gone. I will never see him again. If I die it only means I'll be reunited with him once again. Only a week had passed since his death. During that time all I could do was cry. Today my tears had slow. A small pile of gems rested at my feet.
"THAT'S ALL!" yelled Master.
He slapped me across the face. I gave no response to the sting sensation spreading across my cheek.
"I'm out of tears", I said.
I don't think I'm capable of crying anymore.
"I have ways to make you give me what I want", said Master.
"What else could you possibly do to me? You already stole the one I cared most about", I said.
"Pain is a wonderful thing", said Master.
A servant entered the room. He handed Master a pitcher. I could smell the lemon. This servant was new. He mouthed the word sorry. Master poured the juice down my back. I will not scream, I will not scream! My hands fisted. My finger dug deeply into the palm of my hands. Rubies and diamond fell to the ground. Takumi, I'm not as strong as you. I'm not as strong as you.
"Rubies, you rarely give me these, Little Bitch", said Master.
All I could do was glare. I hate that I can't fight! He walked away. It over. I allowed my body to relax.
"You won't be let off that easy", said Master.
The shackles came undone. I was forced to stand. I whimpered. He shackled my wrists to the chains hanging from the ceiling. The crack of the whip was the only thing I heard for what felt like hours.
Kakuzu's Perspective
I woke to Snow screaming. Her hands were in tightly clenched fists. She curled into a ball. I held her small trembling body against me. All I could do was wait for her nightmare to end. Her eyes slowly opened. They focused on me. I won't push her to talk until she's ready.
"Let me see your hands", I said.
She did as told. They trembled in mine. There were deep crescent-shaped cuts on the palms of her hands. I took the first aid kit from my desk. I bandaged her hands. I kissed them gently and they stopped shaking. When I looked at her, there was a gentle blush on her cheeks.
"What was it about this time?" I asked.
No answer. Emerald trickled down her cheeks. A nightmare of her master was my guess.
"I know it scares you to speak of your nightmare, but you must tell me what's wrong or I won't be able to help", I said.
"I don't want to", she said.
"Snow"
She turned away from me and pulled the blankets over her head. Snow needs time. I pulled the blankets away. Her eyes were emotionless. I gently kissed her, but she gave no response.
"I love you", I said.
Snow's arms wrapped around my neck and tugging me down into a hug. I searched her eyes and saw they were starting to warm. For two days she's been like this. Completely unwilling to meet anyone. Only in time will show her improvement.
"Love you too", said Snow before she pulled the blanket over her head again.
What's wrong with my treasure? Konan stood outside my room.
"Is she ready to speak with me?" she asked.
"No", I said as tried passing her.
"Where are you going?" asked Konan.
"To speak with Pain", I said.
"How is she?" asked Konan.
"It's none of your concern", I said.
She grabbed me by the collar of my cloak and slammed me against the wall.
"It is my concern. She's one of my dearest friends", said Konan.
"What has the two of you arguing?" asked Pain as he came upon the scene.
"We were only having a friendly conversation", said Konan.
"Seems like a one-sided conversation", said Pain.
"We need to talk to you", said Konan.
"We?"
I glared at Konan this was meant to be a private conversation.
"Do you take issue with my presence?" she asked.
"Fine", I said.
We moved to Pain's office.
"What's wrong with, Snow?" asked Pain.
"She's fallen into a depression", I said.
"Has she made any attempts on her life?" asked Konan.
"No", I said.
"How deep is her depression?" he asked.
"She's unwilling to interact and refuse to leave the bed. The only times she show any sign of happiness is when I tell her-
They didn't need to know.
"When you tell her what?" asked Pain.
"That he loves her", said Konan.
"Those words hold great power but is it enough. Some of the happiest moments of her life are stolen from her, leaving her with such darkness", he said.
"The poor girl", sighed Konan.
"Are you sure you do not want my assistance in this matter?" asked Pain.
"Not yet", I said.
"You have the rest of the week. Then I must take action", he said.
I returned to my room. She was curled up in bed with the blanket over her head. I sat with her.
"Get up, Snow", I said.
"No",
"It's time for you to get out of bed", I said.
"I DON'T WANT TO!" growled Snow.
Anger, it's better than nothing.
"I'll take you for ramen if you come outside with me", I said.
"Ramen?" asked Snow.
"You don't remember. You practically lived on the stuff", I said.
"After that, we come back?" she asked.
I nodded. Snow got out of bed. Sunlight will do her good. Being stuck in a dreary cave all day must affect her emotional state of mind. She dressed, but her motions were slow and tired. Snow stopped at the water's edge. She hadn't followed me.
"You can do this", I said.
"I can't", said Snow.
"You can. I've taught you", I said.
I took her hand, gently pulling her toward the surface. She smiled as she easily stood on the water's surface. There's the smile I've hoped to see.
"I did it", she said.
"I told you", I said.
She blushed before taking my hand. Hopefully, her change in mood isn't temporary. Everything must seem, so new to her. I lead her to her favorite ramen shop.
"There's my best customer. Where you've been?" he asked
"Umm", said Snow.
I ordered two bowls of ramen she'd probably feel more comfortable if I ate too. Snow poked the ramen with her chopsticks.
"So, this is my favorite food?" asked Snow.
"What's wrong with my favorite customer?" asked the ramen shop owner.
"She's been sick for a while, so this a change for her", I said.
"Here this on me", said the owner.
The owner placed fish rolls on the counter.
"Does this taste good?" asked Snow.
I nodded. Snow only stared at the bowl in front of her. She's eaten little in this time.
"Only a taste. That's all I ask", I said.
She took a timid bite, before swiftly finishing off the entire bowl. I was relieved to see her eating.
"Have mine", I said as I pushed the bowl toward her.
"Are you sure?" asked Snow.
"Yes", I said.
"Thank you", said Snow.
We to the long path to the hideout. It's a chance for her to stretch her legs. In the distance, I heard Kisame and Itachi sparring.
"What's happening over there?" asked Snow.
"Members of the group are training. Do you want to meet them?" I asked.
Snow nodded. Another good sign.
Snow's Perspective
As the sound of combat grew closer I became nervous. My hold on Kakuzu's hand tightened. He stopped.
"You're nervous", said Kakuzu.
"A bit", I said.
"There's no need to worry", said Kakuzu.
"Will they be upset with me?" I asked.
"No", he said.
I focused on the ground.
"What's wrong?" asked Kakuzu as he raised my chin.
"Nothing", I said.
"You're lying to me", said Kakuzu.
There was an edge of anger in his voice. I shook my head.
"You lying to gives me cause to worry. Now tell me what's wrong", said Kakuzu.
A mix of frustration and concern took over his expression. To have such a wonderful life with him ripped from my memory its difficult to remain positive. Kakuzu tries so hard to be there for me, but for some reason, I struggle to put up the same effort. Something is holding me back. He gazes at me with such warmth. A warmth I trust fully. He pushed the hair from my face. He kissed me. I returned his affection. This is love. His tongue pressed against my lips asking for entrance to my mouth. I pulled away from him.
"What is it?" asked Kakuzu.
"What if I can't stay like this?" I asked.
"Try for me", said Kakuzu.
He pressed our bodies closer together. His warm breath tickled my neck. My face grew warm. He kissed down my neck. In the distance, a twig snapped.
"Are we interrupting something?" asked a blue-skinned man.
"Yes!" growled Kakuzu.
I moved from behind him. To get a better view of the tall blue man. He carried a giant sword wrapped in bandages. Next to him stood a handsome man with red eyes and long black hair. A light blushed touched his cheeks. He seemed uncomfortable with the whole situation.
"You're Kisame", I said.
"Yes, little one", said Kisame.
"I'm not little", I growled.
"You are", said Kisame.
"No, I'm not", I said.
"Then try to take this from me", said Kisame.
In his hand was a clownfish keychain. He held it above his head. I walked over to him. He smirked. I stood on my tippy toes and tried reaching for it. He laughed. I hit his chest sending him backward. I snatched the keychain from his hand.
"Don't doubt my strength", I said.
"You haven't called me that in a long time", said Kisame.
I went still as a memory came rushing forward.
Snow's Flashback
Two weeks passed since my arrival. For the first time in a long time, my wounds were being treated properly. How long will I be allowed to stay here? I've figured out who was a friend and who was an enemy. I was nervous. Kakuzu my closest friend was leaving. He is my safety and security.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"I have a mission", he said.
"Don't go", I begged.
"Nothing shall happen to you while I'm gone. You're safe here", said Kakuzu.
"It isn't me I'm worried about", I said.
"I'll be fine", said Kakuzu.
A soft smile crossed his lips.
"Do you remember the rules?" he asked.
"Don't open the door for anyone unless it's you, Konan, Itachi or Pain. And don't leave your room unless its an emergency", I said.
"Good girl", said Kakuzu.
I bit my lip.
"I promise your safe here", he said.
"Please be careful", I said.
He nodded.
"I always am", said Kakuzu.
"I need you to come back", I said.
"You don't need me", said Kakuzu.
"I do", I said.
"While I'm gone Itachi will keep an eye on you", said Kakuzu.
"When will you be leaving?" I asked.
"In the morning so we have some time left together", said Kakuzu.
Morning came far too soon and he left without saying goodbye. I don't think he meant anything cruel by it, but it still hurts. He's only unused to having someone to say goodbye to. I went to the bookshelf. Kakuzu said I was free to enjoy his collection and what a collection it was. After reading for a few hours there was knock on the door. Who could that be? Itachi already dropped off lunch. I opened the door. Kisame stood outside.
"Snow, don't worry I won't bite", said Kisame.
"With those teeth, I expect you'd want to bite me", I said.
"The girl made a funny", said Kisame.
"I promise we will do something fun. I might even let you go outside if you behave", said Kisame.
That grabbed my attention I haven't been allowed to leave the hideout the whole time I've stayed here. I've only gotten glimpses of the outside world when the door slides open. I opened the door and walked out to join him.
"We can really go outside?" I asked.
"Yes, but if you run away I might have to chop your leg off", said Kisame with a laugh.
I couldn't tell if he was joking, but I wasn't going to risk finding out. He threw me over his shoulder. Kisame stepped onto the water's surface. He stood on it as if it were solid ground.
"Cool", I said.
"Why did you open the door?" asked Kisame.
"You said we could go outside", I said.
"Even though I look like this", said Kisame.
"What's wrong with the way you look?" I asked.
"You're seriously asking aren't you", he said.
I nodded.
"Why aren't you afraid?" asked Kisame.
"I know the devil Kisame and you aren't him. Besides my favorite color is blue", I said.
Kisame laughed. His laughter was deep and loud, but it made me feel happy.
"You're a funny one, Snow", he said.
"I am? Is that a bad thing?" I asked.
"No", said Kisame.
I played with my fingers.
"What's with all the twitching?" asked Kisame.
"Huh, what do you mean?" I asked.
"We've been out here twenty minutes and all you've done is twitch", said Kisame.
"Kakuzu told me I wasn't allowed to leave his room. I broke a rule", I said.
"How will he know", said Kisame.
I relaxed.
"I'm not a child, Kisame. Why do you call me little one?" I asked.
"I wasn't talking about your height or even your age. There's something innocent about you. It reminds of kid", said Kisame.
I took off my shoes and dug my toes into the earth. I laid in the grass in enjoyed the smell.
"I don't understand you", said Kisame.
"What's there to understand? There's not that much to me", I said.
"You should be terrified of me yet here you are perfectly calm talking with a monster", said Kisame.
I sat up.
"I'm not a fool. I know you've committed horrible crimes that go against human nature, but never against me. And don't think you would harm me", I said.
"Shit, if I did Kakuzu would try to kill me. As thrilling as the battle is I don't need his wrath", said Kisame.
"Kisa, I think we are going to be good friends", I said.
"Kisa?"
"Do you not like it?" I asked.
"I don't mind it", he said.
He lifted me off the ground. I followed me.
"We are here", said Kisame.
I don't know how long he carried me. He'd taken me to a part of the forest where wild fruit trees grew. The air was heavily scented with the sweet smells of fruits and flowers. The smell made my mouth water and stomach growled loudly.
"Kisa, what is this place?" I asked.
"It's one of my favorite places in the forest", said Kisame.
"I can see why it's beautiful", I said.
"Help yourself it's safe to eat", said Kisame before sat down underneath a giant cherry tree.
I quickly climbed the cherry and picked some cherries for Kisame and I. I dropped back down the ground and put them in his hands. There was a fat sweet looking peach hanging from one of the trees. I stood on my tippy toes, but couldn't reach.
"I got it little one", said Kisame who easily reached the peach.
"I'm not little", I growled.
"You are. Snow you look like a midget compared your boyfriend", said Kisame.
"Boyfriend?"
"Kakuzu", said Kisame.
My face went red.
"How old are you anyway?" asked Kisame.
"Twenty", I said.
"Shit, he's robbing the cradle, but can't blame him", said Kisame.
I shook my head.
"He isn't my boyfriend", I said.
Maybe one day he could be.
"Then what is he? I've never seen him act the way he does with anyone else", said Kisame.
"A friend", I said.
He snorted.
"We both know that's a lie", said Kisame.
"Don't tell him, Kisa", I begged.
"Why would I? Knowing the old bastard he probably figured it out hours after meeting you", said Kisame.
I came back to reality and I was no longer on Kisame's chest, but under a cherry tree that was in full bloom. Kisame, Kakuzu and a man with black hair were staring down at me.
"Snow, are you okay?" asked Kakuzu.
I sat up.
"Lightheaded, but okay I think", I said.
"You're shaking like a leaf", said Kisame.
"I am?"
When I looked at my hands, I saw he was right. Kakuzu put his hand on my forehead.
"No, fever", said Kakuzu.
He checked my pulse.
"Pulse feels good", said Kakuzu.
I tried getting up and Kakuzu stopped me. He easily reached up and grabbed a peach from a tree and handed it to me.
"Eat", said Kakuzu.
"Not hungry", I said.
"You need the sugar", said Kakuzu.
I happily bit.
"Kakuzu, I feel better don't worry, so much", I said.
"You can't stop him from worrying about you Snow he loves you", said the man with red eyes.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Itachi", said the man with red eyes.
"Are you my friend?" I asked.
He nodded.
"We both are, but Itachi is more like a brother to you", said Kisame.
Like a brother? How could my mind so easily forget him? Kakuzu had started to leave.
"Where are you going, Kuzu?" I asked.
"Kuzu, I thought my nickname was bad", said Kisame who barely containing his laughter.
"Shut up Kisa", growled Kakuzu.
They were both glaring at each other.
"Please don't fight", I said.
"You're in good hands with these two. Spending time with the both of them will help your memories return", said Kakuzu.
"Where will you be?" I asked.
"Nowhere important", said Kakuzu.
He disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Bye", I said.
"What memory did you go to?" asked Kisame.
"The memory when you first took me to this place in the forest", I said.
"Thankfully, it was a good memory", said Itachi.
I nodded. I needed a good memory.
"Itachi, I'm going train on my own", said Kisame.
He left us.
"Shall we walk?" said Itachi.
I nodded and followed closely behind him.
"Is true what, Kisame said? That you're like a brother to me", I asked.
"Yes", he said.
"Why?" asked Snow.
"You treated me kindly so I saw no reason not to treat you the same. Such kindness is a rarity in this organization", I said.
Itachi seemed somewhat tense. As if he were afraid he might say the wrong thing to me.
"How do we normally spend our time together?" I asked.
"Most of the time we talk or I assist you with your jutsu", he said.
His voice was calm.
"Do you remember anything about me?" asked Itachi.
"Your teammate is Kisame and the two of you seem to get along well. And those eyes of yours are something powerful", I said.
"True", said Itachi.
"Do you have any family outside of the group?" I asked.
A brief sadness took hold of his expression, but it was quickly hidden again. I hugged him.
"Your still our Snow even without your memory", whispered Itachi in my ear.
"You haven't answered yet", I said.
"Most of the family is dead except for my younger brother", said Itachi.
"Why aren't you with him?" I asked.
"He's better off without me", said Itachi.
"Why?" I asked.
"I rather not go into that", said Itachi.
"Oh, okay", I said.
Everything went quiet for a while. I didn't mind.
"Ummm, can we go get ramen it's lunchtime?" I asked.
Itachi nodded and I followed him into the village.
"I can't pay", I said.
"It's alright", said Itachi.
I ate while Itachi sat quietly next to me. Why won't he eat?
"What's a pretty little thing like you doing all alone?" asked the man who had taken the empty seat.
Was the man blind could he not see Itachi?
"I'm not alone", I said.
"Who cares why don't join me?" asked the man.
"No thank you", I said.
"I didn't say you had a choice", said the man.
The man grabbed my arm with bruising force. I winced. Itachi got up from his seat and grabbed the man's wrist.
"Keep your filthy hands off my sister", growled Itachi.
"Little man you should pick your fights better", said the man.
Itachi didn't say anything and his face revealed no emotions. In his eyes was a glint of anger. The man bones cracked as Itachi squeezed. The motion was effortless.
"You will never come near my sister again", said Itachi.
The man ran off. Itachi paid the bill and we left toward the hideout.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine", I said as I rubbed my arm.
Bruises were already forming where the man grabbed me.
"Let me see your arm", said Itachi.
I gave him my arm. His touch was so gentle and carrying.
"Kakuzu won't be pleased. He'll blame me for this", said Itachi.
"Why would he?" I asked.
"How much have you forgotten so much about your lover?" asked Itachi.
I glared at Itachi. I am perfectly aware of Kakuzu extremely short temper.
"I know of Kakuzu bad temper", I said.
"An understatement", said Itachi.
"It wasn't your fault", I said.
I embraced him.
Itachi's Perspective
I hugged her close. She's so warm. As soon as we entered the hideout Kakuzu's attention went to Snow's arm. He examined the marks. I took the chance to leave.
"Where are you going, Itachi", said Kakuzu.
I froze in my tracks. Taking on Kakuzu in one of his worst moods is something I do not wish to undertake.
"What happened to her?" asked Kakuzu.
"A man grabbed me at the ramen shop", said, Snow, as she stepped in front of me.
"Why didn't you protect her?" asked Kakuzu.
"He did. If he didn't I would have more than just some bruises on my arm", said Snow.
That did little to calm Kakuzu.
"It wasn't his fault. Please calm down", begged Snow.
I'd never heard such sweetness in a voice. The anger left his body. Her ability to control Kakuzu temper is a powerful gift and weapon. I headed in the direction of my room. The boulder slid away from the entrance of the hideout. Deidara walked in. Snow's hands fisted. She shook with anger. This will end badly. She's still recovering. Kakuzu may need backup to get things under control again.
Snow's Perspective
Anger overtook me.
"What's with that face?" asked Deidara.
"YOU LIED TO ME!" I screamed.
Smoke bombs went off. I couldn't see a thing, but I could sense his chakra.
"Don't run from me!" I growled.
I trusted my body. Deidara placed a kiss on my neck. I punched out. My fist crashed into the cave wall.
"Close but not close enough", mocked Deidara.
There was excitement in his voice. He's enjoying this. He craved my attention. If it were negative.
"Stop hiding and face me", I said.
"Is that what you want?" asked Deidara.
The smoke faded. Behind Deidara was a giant crater in the wall. I did that.
"Hello my muse", said Deidara.
"Don't call me that", I said.
"Why are you so angry?" asked Deidara.
"Isn't it obvious?" I asked.
"What is it that you want from me?" asked Deidara.
"An apology", I said.
"No", said Deidara.
"Why not?" I asked.
"I don't regret what I did. So why apologize?" said Deidara.
"You toyed with my heart as if it were nothing", I said.
"Your heart isn't nothing, Snow. It's of great value to me", he said.
"Then why did you hurt me?" I asked.
"If I hurt your heart that means you actually cared for me", said Deidara.
"SHUT UP!" I yelled.
I charged at him, barely missing him. He was backed against the wall. Diamond blades erupted from the walls. His battle style became more defensive. He's now taking me as a serious opponent. He isn't a close combat fighter. It became more difficult for him to avoid my attacks. I hit him a few times.
"You've lost your sharpness", mocked Deidara.
"Why won't you be quiet?!" I growled.
"Make me", he said.
No, more I won't hold back. He had no right to take advantage of me like that. My speed increased. Clay birds came flying toward me. Flashes went off blinding me. I shivered. No, I won't lose control!
"Fucking asshole!" I growled
"Fuck!" yelled Deidara.
Diamond blades irrupted from earth, but this time I had control. My movements became graceful as the battle continued. My diamond blades formed a cage around Deidara and me.
"I've got you now. You only have to apologize. That's all I want. Then this can be over", I said.
"I don't have any reason to apologize", said Deidara.
My leg turned to diamond and I kicked him in the ribs, causing his ribs to break. He crashed into the stone.
"I won't go easy on you anymore", said Deidara.
I didn't believe him. He set off a bomb. I crashed into the other side of the hideout.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Snow went flying across the room. Rubble fell on top of her. Did her skin react in time? I rushed over to her.
"Snow",
She burst rubble. Her diamond skin sparkled. She collapsed. Her skin returned to normal.
"You fool doing this to her while she's in such a state!" I growled.
"I didn't see you trying to stop her. It was her who started it", said Deidara.
"It wasn't my fight", I said.
There was no other way of putting it. She earned this fight.
"So childish. Your actions prove just how unready you are to have someone like her in your life", I said.