Chapter 6
During the walk back…or maybe to the walk of my death, I feel the intense heat of the sun beat down through the trees. Even the cool shade from the trees is unable to do much about the heat. Thinking about it makes me thirsty so I let my mind wander, not wanting to be much of a burden than I already am. I'm reminded of the cloaks the Akatsuki wear and that makes me thankful for the clothing I have. Their giant cloak has to be suffocating in the heat. It doesn't last long and I think of other things.
What will happen when my absence becomes known to my parents? What will they think? Will they search through the door? Part of me wants that but another part –a selfish part- thinks they need to stay home away from here. If they don't search there though and are unable to find me, how will they explain my disappearance to the cops? Would my mom constantly be pestered with questions? Would my father be the possible blame and cause for me "running away?"
Many questions with no answers and yet…I can't bring myself to care much. Oh, I will hate any of the agony my parents may go through; the tears that would spill from my mother. But my desire for adventure is stronger than the worry I should feel about the pain I will cause my parents for being gone or the trouble I would go through if I go back. I want to see what this world offers and so many other things. I should make a promise, a promise to not allow any sort of attachments, that way if I'm ever given the chance to go back home I won't need to worry about being sad at saying goodbye.
As the long, seemingly slow day progresses, I feel the traveling of the sun across the sky. It feels like it travels the same way it does back home and that brings my some comfort as weird as that is. Konan, even if she is part of the mafia group Akatsuki is kind, though I have no doubt she can be ruthless if the need should arise. She had us stop every once in a while and would share some of her water with me. I made sure I was very careful to not inhale her water, but take slow counted sips.
I was grateful for both the breaks and the water. Though the breaks only lasted for about five minutes. I wanted so badly for them to continue but I never asked for more. I've read enough books, and seen enough movies to know that I shouldn't push my luck.
By the time we get back, the heat of the day is gone being replaced with the cold fingers of the evening…or night. I really hate not being able to tell with the blindfold on. The birds have stopped their chirping and are being replaced with the nocturnal creatures. Konan announce to me in a soft voice that we're back, but doesn't remove the cloth. As irritating as that is I keep my mouth shut. Eventually one day I'll get to see the stuff I shouldn't see...or I can at least hope.
"Okay," Konan says and then the blindfold is removed.
I blink my eyes a couple of times since they don't need that long amount of time to adjust. What surprises me is that we're already back inside the unknown building and standing in the middle of the living room. My nose wrinkles from the smell of something awful burning as my stomach starts twisting.
"What the hell stop cooking, un," Deidara's voice shouts from the kitchen.
"That doesn't look tasty to Tobi."
"Well I'm fucking hungry from the damn fucking mission and who knows when that fucking bitch will come back."
"You're wasting food. You can pick up groceries next time," Mr. Green Eyes says.
Konan sighs and mumbles something under her breath. Taking a deep breath I make my way to the kitchen. Inside I start coughing from the amount of smoke, and my eyes start burning. Futilely, I wave the smoke away from my face as I watch Hidan trying to do something at the stove. Mr. Green Eyes is pushing him away. Tobi is sitting on the nearby counter swinging his legs back and forth without a care and Deidara has a look of disgust on his face.
"I am not eating that, un."
"What is going on," I choke out.
"Ayano-chan," Tobi yells cheerfully as he jumps off and runs towards me. He gives me a bone crushing hug and I just slightly chuckle as I pat his arm.
"Hey," I reply having even more trouble to breathe. Tobi then quickly drops me to my feet.
"Great you're fucking back bitch. Fucking make us something to eat; I am fucking starving."
"You're back, un," Deidara says with disdain.
Ignoring Deidara I say, "Everyone out of the kitchen please; I'll make dinner once the smoke is gone."
"I don't want to fucking wait."
"Out," Mr. Green Eyes growls as he shoves Hidan towards the exit. "You're the cause of this so you will wait."
"Don't fucking push me," Hidan growls.
Mr. Green Eyes glares and shoves Hidan again. The two of them leave the kitchen, Hidan being forced by Mr. Green Eyes. As they leave Hidan continues yelling at him and an argument starts to break out, thankfully out of the kitchen.
"Will Ayano-chan also make desert," Tobi asks bouncing on his feet.
"That's not a problem," I reply with a small smile.
"Yay! Tobi will inform the others," said man says as he runs out leaving me with Deidara.
Deidara says nothing, and goes to walk past me. While doing so, he shoves his shoulder into me causing me to stumble backwards. Clenching my jaw tight, I keep myself from going off on him. It won't do me any good to let my anger get the best of me; at least I will try not to let it.
Walking over to the stove I turn it off while removing the skillet and then go put it in the sink turning the cold water on. My nose crinkles at the awful smell as I quickly draw my hand back from the steam. I wait a moment then turn the water off. Wanting to have the ability to breathe smoke free air, I leave the room.
I let out a sigh in the empty living room. There are a few options for me. I can read some more of The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi, do some cleaning, or I can take a very small nap. My eyes roam around the barely lit room, ignoring the smoke coming from the kitchen as I think through my decision. Reading would be nice but I would lose track of time. Cleaning means putting my muscles through more work, something I don't want to do at the moment no matter how helpful it would be for me. Taking a small nap would be…something that can't happen because that small nap would turn into me not waking up until morning.
Sighing my eyes continue to roam. I walk over to one of the candles and carefully take it into my hands. Slowly, using the small flame, I walk around the room to determine how much cleaning it would need and to permanently brand it into my memory. My left hand traces over the rough wall, feeling for nothing in particular just helping with the memorizing process.
After some time passes and there's plenty of cool dried wax on my hand, I place the candle back and head into the kitchen. Too tired to be bother with cooking an elaborate meal, I make chicken noodle soup. When done, I set the table then walk out. As I'm heading to my room I yell that dinner is done. One of the doors open and I almost walk into Kisame.
"Sorry," I say with a suppressed yawn.
"Hey kiddo," he replies with his shark grin. "Where are you going?"
"Bed," I reply. "I've got work in the morning and I'm going to need all the rest I can get."
Kisame chuckles then heads off in the opposite direction. Other doors open and more members walk out of their rooms. I ignore them heading to mine giving each one a hello and a small smile or nod as I pass by them. Once in my room I quickly take a much needed shower than get into bed –after making sure the door was locked- with just my undergarments on. The moment my head touches the pillow I'm out like a light.
I wake up the next day with a groan. Rolling out of bed I stretch as my face twist in discomfort from the pain of my sore muscles. Rubbing my eyes with a yawn, I grab a pair of shorts and a tank top as I head to the bathroom. Inside, I place the clothes down on the sink as I head to the tub. Turning the water on, I make sure it's more on the hot than warm then place the stopper. I get up heading to the mirror.
My usually straight chest length coppery brown hair is a mess but my aqua eyes are bright from a good night's rest. Taking a small step back, I ignore all negative thoughts about my weight for the moment. Nothing has change with my body shape, it's still a column…rectangular shape; my shoulder width is the same as my hips with a slight waist and hardly any curves, longs legs, and a small bust and I'm still five feet and two inches. Shaking my head I look away not wanting to think about my weight this early.
Taking off my undergarments, I head back to the tub and get in. Inside I turn the water off and lay back relaxing. A sigh escapes from the warm water helping my sore muscles.
For a while I stay in until the water starts cooling and then I go through the whole washing routine. When out I dry off put on my clothes and start searching for a toothbrush only to find none, which brings a small pout to my round face. I'll have to pick up a toothbrush, tooth paste and mouth wash when I get the money.
Walking out of the bathroom and my room, I head to the kitchen; when there I search for cleaning supplies finding them within moments. I'm not sure about everyone else's sleeping habits, and so since I know it's dawn –because that is the time I always wake up- I'll wait a few hours before making everyone's breakfast by cleaning. And that's what I do.
I clean both the kitchen and living room since I don't really know this place that well. Constantly I have to change the water from scrubbing everything. My hands are actually burning and are a bit red, but I deal with it. When I finished with scrubbing, I go back to the kitchen and arrange everything to where I can find it.
All food is first place in alphabetical order, and then while I try to stay close to it being in alphabetical order I also arrange it in size. The top shelves are boxes, middle shelves cans and bottom shelves seasonings all from largest to smallest. With the cabinets over by the sink I arrange all dishes from largest to smallest; cups on top, plates in the middles and bowls on the bottom. In the drawers I arrange the silverware how it would be set up in a fancy restaurant. Then with the fridge, all liquids and dairy are on top, leftovers in the middle, bread and eggs on the bottom and any jars went onto the side of the door. Once again it is all arrange by size and alphabetical order.
By the time I finish arranging everything in the kitchen it's time to make breakfast, so that means fixing the bookshelves in the living room at another time. For breakfast all I make is scrambled eggs with toast. Stealing glances to the doorway I also eat a little of the food, hungry from all the cleaning. Just as I put the last piece of my toast into my mouth someone walks in. Acting as if nothing is going on, I turn to see who walked in. I mentally sigh in relief when I see Konan and start chewing the toast. Quickly with the food being half chewed I swallow.
"Good morning," I say to her with a smile.
"Morning," she replies with a small nod.
"Can I get you anything," I ask finishing up with cooking.
"No thank you," she says heading to the cabinets over the sink. She opens the cabinets and goes to reach in only to stop for a moment. After that small moment passes she reaches in and pulls down a cup closing the cabinet and heading to the fridge.
"I hope you don't mind that I organized everything," I say as she opens the door.
"I don't mind," she replies filling up the glass with some milk. "But with the other members it won't stay that way forever."
"That's fine," I reply pulling down plates. "It will give me something to do when not working or training."
Konan doesn't reply and I turn back to the food. I pile on food on all of the plates then set up the table. As I finish setting the table Mr. Green Eyes and Deidara walk into the room while Konan takes a seat.
"Morning," I say politely.
Mr. Green Eyes grunts in reply taking a seat and Deidara flat out ignores me. Shrugging my shoulders I walk out to the living room area. Going over to the archway leading down to the many halls I take a deep breath.
"Rise and shine," I yell as I walk down the hallway. "Breakfast won't stay hot forever! Get it before it's all gone!"
A door opens revealing a shirtless Hidan. Growling he asks, "Are you going to be fucking yelling every Jashin damn morning?"
"Um…no," I reply a little unsure. Is it so bad that I inform them breakfast is done? I don't think so; I mean I'm just being nice by letting them know. I would want someone to do that for me.
"You better not or I'll rip out your vocal cords," Hidan growls as he walks out of his room and slams his door shut. I place my hand over my throat as he walks off in the direction of the kitchen.
"Tobi is awake," said man yell as he comes flying down the hallway.
I quickly jump to the side so not to fall to the ground. Just as quickly Tobi came he is gone. A large hands falls on top of my head and I look up to see Kisame. I step away from him to straighten out my hair.
"Don't worry about Hidan ripping out your vocal cords, Leader won't allow it," Kisame says. "Though from now on I think you shouldn't worry about making everyone breakfast we all usually go without or sometime we make ourselves something when we wake up."
Widening my eyes I shake my head in disapproval. "None of you should be doing that," I say. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And to miss breakfast is bad for your health."
Kisame raises his brow then starts laughing. I look at him confused wondering what is so funny. My eyes scan around the area but see nothing to be laughing at. I wait patiently for him to say what's so funny but he says nothing. So I start moving away from him, because when people start laughing for no reason they're a little crazy and well…I slightly fear for my life.
"That…that was a good laugh," Kisame says a moment later after getting his laughter under control. "Worrying about our health…never thought anyone would do that. Kiddo, there is a bunch of people out in the world that don't care about our health and if missing our breakfast will get us killed faster than they'll be happy for that fact."
"Okay," I reply with a nod of understanding. "But you guys allowed me to live and it's only fair that I worry about that since I'm sort of the maid," I say unsure now.
I understand they're some sort of mafia and so it is highly possible they're criminals, but they let me live…I don't know anymore, I'm starting to think I have some really screwed up morals and logic. I shouldn't be making them three meals a day and telling them to not miss a meal just because it's bad for their health. Kisame has a valid point.
You should really start thinking things through, Fukatemono says. I mean, you didn't think about escaping before I mention it to you and now you're realizing that you're worrying about the health of criminals. If you're not careful you might get Stockholm syndrome and you don't want that. Remember now creating bond and worrying about health is a step down the path of forming attachments.
"You're a weird one," Kisame says with a small chuckle as he pats my head. "But then again you are from a different world."
With that said Kisame turns and walks away. I frown watching him disappear. Kisame…and I hate to say this, but Fukatemono are right. With a sigh, I rub the back of my neck and head for my room. I'll just be me and let this chips fall wherever they do, it's not like I'll be able to do much anyways.
I pass Itachi on my way to my room that was given to me. I wave at him but say nothing. My thoughts are too busy running around. Reaching my room, I open the door and walk in. Inside I see Leader standing in the middle of the room. His eyes soon land on me and I stand up straighter so not to be dis respectful, but I do not remove my hand from the door knob.
"Konan has informed me about the type of job you got and the hours required for it," Leader says and I nod in reply to let him know I'm listening. "Today Konan will be the one to take you and bring you back, but after that she will no longer be available and I'll be sending a different member every day."
He stops and looks at me. It takes me a moment that he wants a reply. "Okay that's fine," I answer resisting the urge to rub the back of my neck.
"Good," he says his eyes never leaving mine and never blinking. It's kind of freaking me out. "While you are away you are to not mention us to anyone. If you do I will know and will have no problem killing you before you make it back here. When you get paid you will only keep a small amount to pay for any necessities you may need, the rest of your money will be given to me for purposes that don't concern you."
"Okay," I reply hiding the fact that I'm a bit upset on not being able to keep most of the money I make. "Um…can I at least pay Konan-san back the money I owe her before giving any money to you?"
Leader's brow slightly quirks upwards, and if he didn't radiate this aura of being…who he is I would half expect him to chuckle at what I said. The words that leave my mouth can't be that bad. But they probably don't expect someone to be acting/behaving the way I do. Is it really that bad if I even do half of the things I do for these people? Is there even a certain way I should be acting?
"You may do that," Leader replies a moment later.
"Thank you," I reply with a smile as I give him a bow.
"As for your training you will be doing it an hour after dinner. If you are unable to then your training will be on Sundays. When you get back from your job today, Konan will also be handing you a list of what base cleaning…chores you will be doing that you must get done before leaving to your work every day."
"I understand," I reply. "I will try my best to get my training done in the evenings and chores done in the morning. And after paying Konan-san back I will make sure to give you the money I make."
Leader nods then says, "That is all."
I move out of the way to let Leader walk out of the room. Closing the door I go and pull my duffle back out from under my bed. Unzipping it, I pull out the books and go to place them on the empty bookshelf. I don't want to have a plain room while I'm stuck here until I can figure out a way to escape this place and travel to explore, to experience more adventure. But that will be a while before it happens. I'll probably stay here until I can learn all I can from this place and then escape. It will be luck if I ever get out. So until then this room will be decorated to my pleasure.
Looking around at my room I tap my finger against my chin thinking of what to do to the walls. That front part of the base looks like it belongs to a cave while the rest of the walls are smooth but still stone-like. Painting the walls will be…useless so I guess that means buy wallpaper. Maybe blue-green or a teal color…yeah that will be perfect.
Now for the floor I'll get some carpet so my feet don't have to touch the cold stone. The carpet will be a dark blue. I'm going to have to find a measuring tape to get the measurements so I can buy the right amount. As for the bed I won't worry about the sheets, but I will have to get a bigger and fluffier pillow and thicker blankets because it gets freezing at night. Depending on how much money I will be able to keep for myself, I'm going to have to do a lot of savings. The decorating will have to wait until I can buy supplies that I really need.
Happy with the plans I have made, I go over to my bookshelf and pull down one of the fantasy novels. Opening to the first page, I start reading as I walk over to my bed and then flop down. As the time ticks away and my eyes soak in the words my mind dives more into the story plunging into a different reality. It seems only just a few minutes later that there is a knock on my door that causes me fall back into this reality and jump startled.
Marking my page, I place the book back on the bookshelf then head to the door. Opening the door I see Konan. I smile in greetings and she nods in return.
"We'll leave in five minutes," she informs me.
"Okay, thank you," I say. "I'll be out in a few moments."
Konan nods then walks away. Leaving the door open, I head over to the closet. Opening it I pull out the shoes Konan bought for me yesterday. I think she was the one to place all of my new clothing in this room since she did have the scroll. I'll have to remind myself to ask Kisame if he could teach me on how to use them.
Placing on the shoes, I go to grab the map that Honoka made and then head out of my room closing the door behind me. I head down the many hallways until I reach the living room where Konan is waiting for me. I walk over to her, turn around then close my eyes. Within seconds I feel the blindfold being put over my eyes and being tied.
Konan gently takes hold of my wrist and starts walking. It's not long before we're outside. We walk for a while before she brings us to a stop. Having an idea of what she's up to I spin in a circle as fast as I can without falling over. After spinning about ten times I stop and bring my hand up to my head feeling really dizzy.
Once giving me a moment I feel Konan's hand on my wrist. We start walking again with the usual many twist and turns…possibly walking in large circles a couple times. But after about doing this for fifteen minutes the blindfold suddenly comes off blinding my eyes.
I bring my hand over my eyes to block out some of the light so my eyes can adjust quicker. My eyes scan over the area to see we're in the woods. Confused I look over to Konan to see her walking. Quickly, I follow after her to catch up and walk beside her.
"Why did you take the blindfold off," I ask a moment later.
"We will get to the village faster with you being able to see and not stumble around," she replies casting me a sideways glance then looking ahead again.
"Oh," I reply, not knowing what else to say.
We fall silent and I spend my walking time looking at the forest life. I can tell that this place isn't like it is back home. They have no cars here, that I have seen so far, which I find it totally cool yet a bit disturbing. Walking all over the place is very time consuming and to walk great distances seems like such a daunting task. Don't they have horses and or wagons to use? I just might eventually get used to it though that when…and if I get back home I might just do the same. Walking is good for your health. It's something I'll figure out if ever given the chance.
Though there are differences there are also similarities. The scenery of the place doesn't look that different. So far I only know about one village, but I'm sure once I start learning more about this place I'll find out more. Maybe they have big bustling cities like New York or Tokyo…but I have a big hunch that they don't. I wonder if I'll learn about the geography of this place and who will teach me or should I teach myself. If I have to teach myself then I am hitting the library. Okay I need to calm down before I get excited about spending time in a library.
We get to the village but Konan doesn't continue walking. I stop walking and look back at her. She turns around and starts walking away. I look back to the village then back over to her. Running over I go and stand in front of her.
"Where are you going," I ask.
"This is where we depart," she replies. "I'm sure you can find the place you need to go on your own. I will be waiting here for you later."
"Oh," I say and rub the back of my neck with a small chuckle. "Alright then take care I'll see you later."
Konan nods in reply and I move out of her way. She walks over to a tree. I watch her jump about twenty feet into the air onto a tree branch then take off. My eyes widen in shock then I grin in amazement. That is cool; no one can do that back at home. I wonder if they'll teach me that.
Turning away, I pull out the map I brought. Walking into the village I open the map. I follow the directions on the map looking up to get my bearings straight and then looking down at the map every few minutes. I finally get to my destination after about ten minutes.
I look at the grey door in front of me then knock on it since there is no doorbell. They probably don't even have doorbells here. That's completely fine; I never really understood the use for doorbells.
Anyways, a few seconds the door opens revealing Honoka with a little boy beside him. The little boy has dark brown hair and blue eyes just like his father. I notice that he's the same boy from yesterday that I kicked the ball back to. I smile at him then turn my attention to the father.
"You made just in time," Honoka says stepping away from the door allowing me entrance. "Close the door behind you."
"Okay," I reply walking in then close the door behind me as instructed.
I follow Honoka into what seems to be the dining room. A little girl with light brown curly hair looks up as the three of us walk into the room. Dark blue eyes looked to her father and brother than bore into my aqua eyes. She looks me up and down then looks away and goes back to eating the food in front of her. The little boy runs over and goes to sit next to his sister.
"As you can see they are eating lunch so you don't have to worry about feeding them," Honoka says. I nod in reply and he continues. "That is my son Kei and my daughter Hotaru. They're both happy when playing outside just make sure to keep an eye on them they tend to run off a lot. Kei, Hotaru this is Ayano she will be watching over you while I'm at work. Do as she says and try not to cause any trouble."
"Hai," Kei replies. Hotaru looks over to me then back to her father and nods. Honoka then starts walking out of the room and I follow him.
Now that we're alone he softly says, "Hotaru may give you a hard time and speak back to you. She's been like that ever since her mother walked out. I know it can be hard to deal with when she is like that, but I would prefer if you don't punish my child…at least not by spanking her, if you have to send her to the room or into time-out. When I come home just inform me what happen and I will take care of the rest."
"That's perfectly fine," I say.
"Alright," he replies with a nod. "They're allowed one small snack at two. I have things labeled in the kitchen for what can be given. And if you're willing to cook or start dinner at five I have that labeled as well."
"Okay," I say as he walks over to the door and slips on his shoes. "What about school?"
"They were home school until their mother left. It's too late in the year to send them to the academy so for now they're staying home."
"I understand," I reply with a nod.
"Kei," the Honoka yells "Hotaru I'll be back later, so behave!"
"Bye tou-san," Hotaru yells back.
Kei comes running into the room and slams into his father wrapping his arms around him. Honoka smiles softly as he wraps his arms around his son. He then ruffles the boy's hair before pulling away.
"I'll see you when I get back home," Honoka says.
"You promise to come back home," Kei asks.
"I promise," he replies.
Honoka then turns and walks out of the house. Kei pouts as the door closes. I squat down as he turns and looks at me. I give him a small smile and pinch his cheeks.
"Don't worry your father will come back," I say. "In the meantime you should finish your lunch and then we can all have fun."
"Okay," he replies softly as he walks to the kitchen.
I sigh sadly; it must be hard having your mother walk out. The kids probably blame themselves…at least that's what I hear kids do a lot back at home when something like this happens to them. There isn't much I can do for them, but I will try to be the best and fun-est babysitter they have ever had. This is going to be one hell of a job.
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I apologize for the late update but at least it is here now. Most of my time was spent on other stories that I had put this off to the back burner. But now I am starting to manage my time and stories correctly that I will try to update this every Wednesday.
Yeah, this chapter is probably boring and maybe not really worth the wait but I'm not sorry. This chapter was more of an information giving chapter. It was meant for Ayano to do a lot of thinking and questioning. It was also meant to give readers the information about what Ayano looks like since I'm sure you all had wonder. So you now all know what she looks like and the body type she has. If it makes you wonder about her reasons of not being happy with herself/weight that will be revealed at a later time. Another thing about this chapter was to let you know more about Ayano to make her seem more human and hopefully not a Mary-sue.
Some of you may also be questioning about hearing her boyfriend Fukatemono's voice in her head. Think of him as her inner-self. The person she talks to in her mind, which I'm sure, a lot of people talk to themselves mentally, but they hear their own voice. The voice is her own, but sounds like him because of the negativity she feels about herself, and since he has spent most of his time being negative towards her she hears his voice instead of her own. No, he is not a demon or tailed beast inside her. No, he is not mentally talking to her; he doesn't even know she is in the Naruto world. The inner voice only knows what she knows, nothing more and nothing less. I hope that clears things up with hearing his voice and if not just ask in a review or pm.
The poll is still up for whom Ayano should fall in love with. You can pick anyone in the Akatsuki with the exception of Leader/Pein and Konan.
If you have any ideas or would like to see something happen, go ahead and tell me. I'll be happy to add it into the story. I like making my readers happy.
Anyways, the Akatsuki and entire Naruto world belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. I only own Ayano, any other OCs and the plot. Thank you to everyone who has been reading this as well as reviews, adding this to their favorites/alerts and voting. Thank you to anyone who is continuing to stay with this story as well, remember updates will be on Wednesdays. Reviews are much appreciated, until next time. ^.^