C8 - The Enemy Of My Enemy
Sunlight shone through the window of the bedroom lighting up the room, as the light hit Shiv's eyes she rolled over to escape the glare of the sun. Reaching out to her lover, she found his spot empty and she opened her eyes to see where he was. As she looked around, she sat up noticing that she was the only one in the room.
"Nagato?"
With no answer, Shiv swung herself from the bed and on to her feet. Dressing in nothing but her cloak she began to walk around the room towards the window, closing the curtain she heard the door open from behind her causing her to turn instantly.
"Ah you're awake, good. I brought you some food"
Before Shiv stood Pein, as she looked down she noticed he was holding a tray with food on it.
"Thanks, I'm starving"
Shiv took the tray from Pein and sat on the bed, Pein followed and sat beside her.
"How did you sleep?"
"Fine thank you. Well better then I thought I would of"
"Me too. It might interest you to know that Itachi is out of hospital now"
The sound of his name made Shiv stop eating; she couldn't't believe how fast he'd gotten out of hospital.
"How long has he been out?"
"Well I got his message around lunch time"
"Huh?! What time is it?"
"Around 2pm. You've slept right through today"
"Seriously?"
"Yep. I didn't want to wake you up. I thought it best to give you some rest considering all the hassle and worry must have drained you"
"Hmm, I suppose. Listen we need to talk to him"
"About what? Granted he's said sorry and given you an answer on why he's been a total dick to you but you can't really trust him. Besides given the reality of Tobi and the rest of his renegades I think we should just concentrate on this first"
"I… I suppose"
"You said that Sasori can still be trusted?"
"Yes, he's the only one that they didn't get on their side"
"Good, I'll bring him around today"
"You should bring Itachi around"
"Why? He can't be trusted"
"Because if what he says is true, then we can trust him. If he cares as much as he said he does then he wouldn't lie to me at a time like this. Besides, we could use all the allies we can get. Four is better then three"
"Hmm you give a good argument. Okay I'll call him around with Sasori. I hope your right because if he's still working for Konan and Tobi then everything we say in this little meeting will get us killed should they find out"
"I'm vouching for him and I guess I'm going out on a limb for him. We can trust him"
"This is where you could say the enemy of my enemy is my friend; just don't be surprised if you notice me keeping an eye on him"
"Oh don't worry, I will be too"
"Then it's settled, you finish your meal and then I'll call them. This is it Shiv, we have this small meet up and then we have the meeting in three days. Most of which will be training"
"Training?"
"Yes, your training. I'll make you near immortal by the time of this meeting"
"Thanks. I could use all the help I'm going to get"
"If he's telling the truth then it's four against seven. Personally I like them odds"
"You would" Shiv laughed
Pein stood up from the bedside as Shiv resumed eating. As Pein walked towards the bedroom door, he couldn't help but think about Itachi, knowing that if he betrays them now it would mean death for Shiv.
Ten minutes later Shiv had finished her meal, deciding to see how Pein was she left the bedroom and journeyed downstairs. As she descended she heard Pein's voice in the distance. It didn't take a genius to know that he was on the phone to either Sasori or Itachi, with this in mind Shiv stopped on the bottom step and sat down. Wanting to hear what he was saying she tried her best to make out his words.
"I need you here in an hour, tell no one where you're going. If they ask then say you want to go and hone in on your skills. When you arrive state your name as you knock. See you soon"
"Hmm from the sounds of that conversation, he was speaking to Sasori. I guess he'll ring Itachi now" Shiv muttered to herself
From the kitchen faint sound could be heard, Pein was indeed ringing a number off his phone as the sounds from it could be heard. Shiv had a thousand thoughts fly through her head at what Pein could possibly say to Itachi and nearly all of them weren't pleasant, eager to know what he was going to say to Itachi she listened carefully.
"Hello it's Pein. I guess you didn't think I'd call you but given the circumstances I suppose you've been expecting this call. If you are still loyal to me then I want you here in an hour, Sasori has already made a move. I suggest you do the same. When you arrive state your name as you knock that way I'll know you're here and its actually you. Don't disappoint me"
"Well that went a lot better then it could of gone" Shiv muttered to herself
Standing up Shiv decided that she'd face Pein and ask about the calls but all her thought where of Itachi coming to Pein's home. She could never of pictured him sitting in Pein's living room and after all that had happened between Itachi and her she couldn't see Pein getting along with Itachi very well. Regardless of her thoughts she continued to walk into the kitchen to ask Pein about the calls. Upon entering Shiv saw Pein sitting at the kitchen table with the phone on the surface, he looked towards the door to see Shiv standing there in front of him.
"Ah Shiv, I've made the calls. They'll both be here within the hour"
"What did they say?"
"Well Sasori only agreed and that was it. Itachi on the other hand, well he didn't say much. Can you blame him? While he was probably expecting the call I don't think that, at the same time he ever thought I'd call him. But despite surprising him he's agreed to attend"
"Good, I thought he would. Hell it was him that said we could call him if we needed him"
"Thinking about it now I guess having both the Rinnegan and Sharingan in one team dramatically increases our chances in this"
"See I told you he was useful" Shiv said smirking
"Well we'll see. But it doesn't mean I trust him"
"Same here"
"Well we have plenty of time until they get here. I'd say around fifty minutes"
"Hmm well maybe you want to, you know"
"What?!" Pein said shocked
"Yeah… are you saying that you wouldn't?"
"Not so fast I didn't say no, I just wasn't expecting it"
"Well you should know that when you're with me, you should expect the unexpected"
"Hmm, wise words to live by. What's made you so, so amorous?"
"You for one. Just looking at you, you're very sexy in the morning"
"Its past lunch time"
"Well technically I've just got up, so to me its morning. You going to sit there all day or are you going to kiss me?"
"Yes miss" Pein said smirking
Pein stood up from the table keeping his eyes locked on Shiv, as he watched her she slowly walked backwards out of the kitchen into the main hallway and to the foot of the stairway and like Pein kept her eyes locked on him. Pein walked slowly out of the kitchen following Shiv, watching her smirk at him then spin around finally breaking the eye contact and slowly walking up the stairs. Pein approached the foot of the stairway and looked up to see an empty staircase.
"Wow, talk about moving quickly"
Pein slowly walked up the stairs following Shiv, once at the top he saw her cloak on the floor of the landing. Moving towards it he picked it up realising that he was really going to enjoy this. Pein approached the bedroom seeing the door had been closed over, slowly opening it he peaked his head through first and his eyes widened for what lay on the bed was Shiv. Her pose was enough to take Pein's breath away as she lay naked on the bed eyeing him as he entered. Pein instantly dropped her cloak on the bedroom floor as he lay in awe of Shiv's body. For the first time since he discovered the truth he was looking at Shiv not his Animal Path and the idea of her being like this with him was overwhelming. She wasn't his rape victim nor his prisoner she was in fact his lover. Shiv herself was enjoying this all the same, all she could see was Nagato, not the man who imprisoned her and mistreated her. That man didn't exist in her eyes and just like her hope for Itachi, her hope for Nagato to be a better man kept her love intact.
"Glad you made it" Shiv said brushing her hand down her chest
"Oh I wouldn't miss this for the world"
"Well are you going to kiss me or aren't you?"
"Just watch me"
Pein sped towards Shiv and without seeing tripped over her cloak that he earlier discarded. He fell directly on the bed and right on top of Shiv. Realising what happened Pein instantly pulled himself up and looked at Shiv.
"Sorry, are you okay?" Pein asked concerned
"A bit eager aren't we?" Shiv said giggling
"Well you did ask" Pein laughed
At that moment, Shiv and Pein's lips met while moving their hands all over each others bodies. Pein slid his hands across Shiv's skin relishing in the moment. Pein pulled from the kiss and looked down at Shiv's body, enjoying the sight Shiv felt something against her leg.
"Oh what's that I wonder. Are you happy to see me?"
"Hmm, I don't know. I think I might have to take my pants off though"
"No. let me"
Pein moved back from Shiv, sitting on his knees while Shiv sat up. As she sat up she saw what was digging into her leg and smiled.
"Nagato! You naughty boy"
"Are you going to tell me off?"
"No, I'll punish you instead"
Shiv slowly crawled over to Pein hiding her best bits and as she approached him she could see his bulge in all its glory. Smiling at the sight she lifted her hand and placed it on the belt of his pants leaving Pein in a state of complete awe. He loved every moment of her touch and knowing where her hand was going made it all the better. Shiv lowered her hand down from his belt line and ran it across his crotch, she could feel his hard bulge move in reaction and she heard Pein gasp from the touch.
"How much do you want this hey?" Shiv said teasingly
"A lot" Pein answered
"Good" Shiv replied
In an instant, Shiv ripped down Pein's pants reviling his hard dick and through him on his back. Climbing on top of him she looked directly into his eyes.
"You really are liking this aren't you?"
"Oh yes" Pein answered
"Then you'll love this"
Shiv lent back slightly and brushed her hand against Pein's leg. Touching his bare skin made him jump slightly but she was waiting for it. His reaction was all she wanted to see to make her day, knowing it was real and sincere. As Shiv moved her hand closer to his pulsating dick Pein groaned, he was waiting for the moment, his moment. The moment when he would yell her name by the simple touch of her hand. Finally her hand came into contact with his area and with the slightest touch from her fingers he groaned. Shiv welcomed his groans and then a dirty thought entered her mind. As she looked at his dick she curved the rest of her hand around it, slowly sliding it up and down his hard piece of meat. With each pull he groaned more and more and then it was time, Shiv saw her moment to make Pein yell out. Shiv slowed her handwork and looked Pein in the eye, raising an eyebrow Pein waited anxiously to see what she would do next but he didn't have to wait long. Shiv positioned herself directly above Pein's waiting dick and lowered down on him. Pein groaned loud at the touch of her wet hole against his dick.
"Well, you want this?"
"Ye… Yes" Pein groaned
At the sound of his voice Shiv lowered herself completely on Pein and swallowed him whole, the result was a moan from both as the connection was more then each expected. For the first time since discovering the truth Pein and Shiv shared a moment of intimacy. As the two showed their love for each other they failed to notice the time flyby. Over two hours had passed leaving the two exhausted and as Shiv lay on top of her lover she looked down at his face seeing the sweat dripping from his forehead. Pein looked up to see Shiv's chest moving fast, trying to catch her breath after all the excitement she had endured over the last forty minutes. Not wanting the moment to end he pulled her down to his chest and gripped her tight. Shiv closed her eyes at their embrace, savouring the moment and hoping it wouldn't end. As she lay on Pein she could feel his breathing, how relaxed it was, how peaceful. Suddenly she heard his voice speaking calmly.
"Shiv… I love you"
"I know, I do too"
"You don't know what you being here means to me"
"I have a pretty good idea, because it means just as much to me"
They both continued their embrace and after five minutes of silence they knew that as much as they wanted it, it wouldn't last forever. Shiv opened her eyes and pulled from Pein slightly.
"They'll be here soon"
"Yeah… I know"
"We should get ready"
"Yeah I know that too"
Shiv lifted off Pein and sat up on the bed as Pein pulled himself up with her and swung himself round to the edge of the bed. Once up they both gathered their clothes and redressed, preparing themselves for the arrival of Sasori and Itachi. Leaving the bedroom they both went downstairs to wait, as they approached the living room door they saw it was open. Curious about this Pein looked inside to see Sasori sitting on the settee.
"Sasori? How did you get inside?" Pein asked confused about his entry
Sasori turned to face Pein and stood up.
"Once I arrived I knocked, stated my name and then waited. But with no answer I bypassed the lock and seals on the entrance thinking that you where in trouble. Once inside though I heard that you were fine"
Pein's face went a pale red at Sasori's words realising that he'd heard him and Shiv during their encounter upstairs. Pein didn't know what to say in response but luckily Sasori continued to talk.
"After I realised that you where fine I came in here and sat down, looking at the cloak though I saw that I was a bit early so it was really my fault and I'm sorry for the intrusion"
Pein felt slight relief at Sasori's words but knew full well that he was just trying to take some of the embarrassment away as Sasori arrived exactly when he was told to. Shiv crept from behind the living room door hearing all the conversation, her face as red as Pein's. She gave a simple nod to Sasori and sat down on the small settee. Sasori sat back down followed by Pein on the large one.
"Well now we only have Itachi to wait for" Sasori said
"Yes, he should be here any minute" Pein answered
"At least he wasn't early. That could have been really embarrassing" Shiv commented
"I suppose" Sasori answered
As Sasori finished his sentence a loud knock could be heard from the front door. Pein immediately looked towards the living room door. Shiv suddenly got a cold shiver down her spine knowing that the next few minutes would be awkward. Suddenly a voice came from the door.
"I'm Itachi Uchiha!" The voice said
"Well I guess we're all here" Pein said standing up
Pein left the living room and went into the hallway to meet the final guest. Now everyone was here and the meeting could now begin. As Pein approached the front door he could sense Itachi's chakra, knowing it was definitely him Pein opened the door and before him stood the Uchiha he was waiting for.
"Itachi Uchiha"
"Leader"
As the two stared at each other Itachi began to feel awkward, realising that Pein would of known everything that he'd done to Shiv, including the sex. On the opposite side Pein felt slight resentment towards Itachi, he was the man that kept Shiv from definitely choosing him but on top of that, Itachi was also the one who hurt Shiv emotionally. Realising that staring wasn't achieving anything Itachi finally worked up the nerve to speak.
"Shall we begin this meeting?" he asked quietly
"Yes, come on in"
Pein moved to one side and let Itachi pass him into the house. Once inside Pein closed the door behind and followed Itachi into the living room. Suddenly Itachi's heart sank at the sight of Shiv, the last time he saw her he was in hospital discussing Sasuke's death. Shiv didn't look at him knowing that this was going to awkward enough and didn't need Pein thinking that she was being mesmerized by Itachi's presence. Pein entered the room behind Itachi and moved past him.
"Take a seat" Pein said aiming towards Itachi
"Thank you" Itachi answered
Itachi sat down beside Sasori who gave a small nod at Itachi. Itachi nodded back in acknowledgment and then looked back at Pein. Pein moved towards Shiv and sat beside her on the small settee.
"Okay, we're all here so lets get started" Pein stated
"Why have you summoned us here?" Sasori asked
"Because the rest of the Akatsuki cannot be trusted and the only ones that can be are currently sitting here" Pein answered
"Why can't they be trusted?" Sasori asked
"Well Itachi here knows more. As does the Animal Path" Pein answered
"Basically Tobi and Konan have gathered the rest and convinced them to betray Pein, He wants his Rinnegan and Konan has some personal vendetta against the Animal Path for some reason" Itachi answered
"To be fair Konan did want me to go against your orders and give all captured Jinchuriki to Tobi instead of Pein" Sasori said
"Hmm that would slow down my plans considerably. Especially if I didn't know where they'd gone. It would give Tobi more time to complete his plans" Pein explained
"So whys Konan got a personal vendetta against you?" Sasori asked Shiv
"We go back along way. We used to live together with another friend as children. She got jealous of me and him being close. It lead to her killing my parents and then framing me so my friend wouldn't love me anymore. He died thinking I betrayed him" Shiv answered
"Okay so why does she still hold a grudge against you? I mean if your friend is dead then what threat do you pose to her now" Sasori asked
Itachi looked at Shiv thinking of what she just said, about her past and why Konan hated her. Things just didn't add up and Sasori's question was valid. With her friend dead there wasn't any reason to still hold a grudge against her.
"Is it because she likes Pein? And that you and him are close?" Itachi asked
"Itachi's right, which answers your question Sasori. Because I'm Pein's Animal Path she's jealous of me." Shiv answered
"We're getting a bit sidetracked here. We need to discuss what to do about the traitors" Pein stated
"Your right of course but what can the four of us do against seven S class ninja? No offence but even you leader, can't fight all of them should they all attack at once" Itachi said
"That's why we're having this meeting, we're going to plan our attack. I have the perfect time but without planning we'll all get killed" Pein said
"When's the attack?" Sasori asked
"I've called a meeting in two days, all members will attend. We will position ourselves amongst the rest on each side of the meeting table. With two or three members on each side between us, the four way assault will surely be flawless. But for the troublesome members we'll need a plan" Pein said
"Troublesome members?" Itachi said
"Yes, Deidara, Hidan, Kisame, Tobi, Konan and Kakuzu" Pein said
"Eh that only leaves one member that isn't classed as troublesome" Shiv said
"That's true, which just highlights the need to plan this attack out" Pein answered
"So what are we going to do then?" Sasori asked
"When the meeting starts I will go through some small points, basically nothing important. However I'll be blunt and straight forward to Tobi, I'll drag out his secrets and reveal his mutiny. I'll play on his reactions and then question everyone's loyalties, seeing who really wants to throw their life away for him. Hopefully we'll get some supporters." Pein answered
"If fighting starts, which is probably more of a when the fighting starts, what's our targets?" Shiv asked
"Well that depends on who we're fighting. Its up for grabs if they all want to betray me. But Tobi's mine" Pein said
"Well I guess that covers all the bases" Itachi said
"Yes, but before this meeting I want all of you to train up on your skills" Pein said to the group
"What? Training, why?" Itachi asked
"Because we only have one chance and I want this to go in our favour not theirs" Pein answered
"Okay fair enough. Shall we go back to the hideout and train?" Sasori asked
"No, you'll all stay in Hidden Rain for now. Animal Path will be receiving training from me for the time being. Then she will join you as a sparring partner. Use each other to train, but don't severely harm each other. You need to be one hundred percent for this S class mission" Pein instructed
"Nice way of putting it" Shiv commented
"Okay, training will begin immediately. Use the surrounding area to your advantage and remember that this meeting will be the fight of your life" Pein finished
Pein stood up followed by Shiv, Sasori lent back on the settee thinking of what Pein had said. Itachi turned to look at him and nudged him to get his attention.
"Come on Sasori. We'll go out of sight" Itachi said
Sasori watched Itachi stand up and sighed.
"Okay then, but first we're getting some food" Sasori said standing up
"Fine, I guess you didn't get lunch then?" Itachi commented
The two Akatsuki members walked past Pein and Shiv into the front hall and headed towards the door. Without looking back they exited the house and headed to the shopping district of Hidden Rain. With both gone Shiv and Pein remained in the main hallway of the house and Shiv finally felt her stomach ease.
"Wow, that was stressful" Shiv said
"I didn't think it was. Well not as much as I thought it was going to be" Pein said
"I suppose but it was still hard. The last time I spoke to him was in hospital and that was about Sasuke"
"Hmm, well anyway our plan is near its final stage. All we need now is a training session"
"About that, what are you going to teach me?"
"How to completely master those eyes of yours"
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course"
"Why doesn't Tobi just try and take my Rinnegan? I'm not as powerful as you and I've been an easy target over the last few weeks"
"The answer is simple. Your Rinnegan are a by-product of mine"
"Meaning?"
"You only have them because I wanted you too"
"So there… fake?"
"Yes and No at the same time. There real Rinnegan but they only contain power because I want them too, if they where removed then they would just be normal eye balls again. Only mine will remain Rinnegan if they are removed from my skull."
"Oh, fair enough. Come on lets get this training underway" Shiv said starting to walk towards the kitchen
Pein followed Shiv into the kitchen and headed to the back door, she opened it and headed outside. Pein followed close as they entered the back of his house. Shiv looked around and saw the back was a wide open space and good for training purposes. With a simple look at Pein she knew that this training session would be hard.
"So where shall we begin?" Pein asked
"Well whatever can be taught quickly would be a good start. Then we'll get to tougher things" Shiv said
"Okay we'll begin with your Fire Ball jutsu. Lets get this improved, now put your hands together and show me what you can already do"
Shiv followed Pein's order and placed her palms together
"Fire ball jutsu!"
In a flash, Shiv cast fire from her breath and fired it across the area. Pein watched as the fireball flew past him and hit the surrounding area.
"Good, that was pretty impressive. You have good control over its size and how far it can go before it extinguishes itself. I'd say you've mastered that jutsu well enough. We'll move on to your summoning"
"Okay, this should be easy" Shiv said smiling
Shiv placed both her hands down on the ground and in a puff of smoke she was gone. Pein looked around to find where Shiv had summoned but all he could see was an empty area. He started walking around to see if she had ended up on the edge of the training area. Suddenly Pein's sight went dark, all he could feel was two hands covering his face.
"Guess who?" A voice said
"Hmm, I wonder who could have such a cute voice and small delicate hands"
Pein placed his hands around the persons and pulled them from his eyes. Lowering them he turned slowly to see Shiv smiling before him.
"I did it"
"I'm proud of you. I really am" Pein smiled
"What else are we learning then?" Shiv asked
"Hmm, well there's nothing much left to look at. Nothing majorly important anyway"
"So what should I do now?"
"Well you can keep training with Sasori and Itachi if you want. I'll be indoors meditating, thinking and looking over the plans to make sure they're perfect"
"You sure?"
"Yeah, they should still be in Hidden Rain"
"Okay I'll head down there now and find them, they can't be far"
Shiv and Pein started walking towards the house, each with their own plans. Once inside Pein saw Shiv to the front door and the two kissed passionately, Shiv broke their connection and headed out the door leaving Pein alone to his devices. As she left the grounds of Pein's home Shiv travelled toward the shopping district of Hidden Rain in search of Sasori and Itachi. She knew that times ahead would be tough and that she needed to be strong and she wouldn't pass down any aid or training to do so.
As Shiv entered the market centre of Hidden Rain she couldn't help but be distracted by the many stalls and various people. For years she had been away and now after so long she was home, the appeal of just looking around her home town was strong but she had to keep focused. Remembering what Sasori and Itachi had journeyed to the market for, Shiv started looking for any food stall she could find and while she didn't know what Sasori enjoyed to eat she knew Itachi all to well. Shiv began her search for any ramin stall in Hidden Rain hoping to find Itachi and Sasori but all her thoughts where of what to say when she met them, how to approach them and ask to train with them.
Shiv couldn't help but feel slightly awkward when it came to talking to Itachi given all that had happened between them in the past and then when it came to her feeling towards him she was unsure of what to feel. On one hand she cared a great deal about him but on the other hand she had found Nagato after thinking he was dead. Shiv couldn't help feeling torn between the two and in the end she knew she would have to make a choice. Nagato or Itachi. Feeling like the whole Nagato and Itachi trail of thought was sidetracking her search for Itachi and Sasori Shiv decided to give searching a small break and find something to eat herself. Coming close to a bakers Shiv decided to enter and get herself some food only to notice that at the end of the bakers, in the café section was Sasori and Itachi.
Forgetting about food Shiv walked over to the pair.
"Well I didn't expect to see you two in here" Shiv said
Both Itachi and Sasori looked up from their food to see Shiv standing at the table side
"Well I didn't expect to see you here either, care to join us?" Sasori asked
"Well if you wouldn't mind. I don't want to intrude on your meal" Shiv said
"Please, we're almost done anyway" Sasori said
"I was looking for you two anyways. Pein suggested that I train with you" Shiv said
"Really?" Itachi said surprised
The sudden sound of Itachi's voice froze Shiv as he remained silent even when her presence was made known to the pair. Not allowing the sudden sound of his voice affect her any further Shiv answered
"Yes, he said it would benefit me. Especially seeing as we all need to be ready for this. The failure of one could bring the failure of all of us and I for one don't plan to be the cause of our deaths"
"You make sense… I suppose. Okay you can train with us" Itachi said
"Well I didn't see a problem anyway. You're one of the only loyal members of the Akatsuki left, we need to stick together" Sasori added
Shiv smiled at Sasori's words, feeling like she was excepted she could relax a bit. However the way Itachi was made her feel uneasy. Ten minutes past and finally both Sasori and Itachi were done with their meal, getting ready to leave Shiv stood up with Sasori as Itachi paid the waitress for the food. Once they were ready the three started walking back to Pein's home. The walk was quiet with only the odd question and answer, Shiv could see that Sasori was one to normally talk whilst walking as he looked awkward. Wanting to ease the awkwardness Shiv gulped and started to talk.
"So… What type of training are you two planning?"
Seeing the opportunity to finally talk Sasori was the first to answer
"Well I'm going to be using puppets obviously" Sasori smirked
"I'm looking forward to seeing both of your Jutsu's in action. I've heard a lot" Shiv commented
"Really, well I'd normally like to consider myself an artist in puppetry, in both their construction and operation"
"Oh you mean like Deidara?" Shiv asked
"I suppose, he's more into clay art, explosive art. One of the reasons we are team mates is because of our love of art. We even had the team name of artists" Sasori answered
"Hmm, I don't suppose Deidara would be willing to join us?" Shiv asked
Itachi suddenly shot a glare towards Shiv, almost like he was offended by the question
"Deidara hates Tobi. The amount of times he's wanted to kill him is unreal and given Tobi's true power and not the one he shows to everyone else, Deidara's been forced to take orders from him" Sasori continued to explain
"So does that mean that he'd be willing to fight against him and join us?" Shiv asked
"In all honestly I don't know, how Tobi got Deidara's support to begin with I'll never know. Why Deidara in particular?"
"I was just wondering, five would be better than four and seeing as Deidara hates Tobi I would of thought he was the best choice"
Itachi turned to look at Shiv finally joining the conversation
"I don't think adding anyone else to this plan would be a good idea. The last thing we need is a betrayal on our one shot" Itachi said bluntly
Shiv suddenly felt like the conversation came to an end the minute Itachi spoke, seeing Sasori thinking if he should comment on Itachi's words only made her feel more awkward but in an attempt to ease the awkwardness Shiv spoke back.
"Well back to the original topic, I can't wait to see your jutsu Itachi. I've heard that you have a deadly Fireball jutsu" Shiv said thinking of Sasuke
"Yes" Itachi said coldly
"Well… what else are you planning to practise?" Shiv asked
"I don't know, I suppose I'll train my Sharingan and use some substitution Jutsu's" Itachi answered
"Oh is that where you turn into crows?" Shiv asked
"Yes" Itachi answered
"Yeah what is it with the birds Itachi?" Sasori asked
"I like them" Itachi answered
"I didn't take you as the kind of man that liked birds" Sasori said
"Well you don't strike me as a puppet fan either but you are" Itachi replied
"Hey look we're here" Shiv said thankfully
Finally the three had arrived back at Pein's home and the training could begin. As they approached the door Shiv knocked awaiting Pein to open the door. The three stood at the door for another five minutes before another word was spoken.
"Do you think he's in?" Sasori asked awkwardly
"Yes, where else would he be. He told me that he'd be meditating in his room while we where out" Shiv answered
"Hmm… Look at the bottom of the door, there's a note" Itachi said looking at the floor
Shiv picked up the note and flicked through it, looking back at the other two she spoke
"Well guys its for us, here I'll read it - For the Animal Path, Itachi and Sasori, I've had to leave on an errand. I'll be back shortly, you can enter the house only if Animal Path summons you in. It's the only way in due to the increased security. Once you're in resume training, by the time you've finished I'll be back. Do not answer the door to anyone. I have the key so you'll know its me. Pein. - Well I suppose all we do is wait until he returns. I hope he's okay" Shiv said
"He'll be fine" Sasori reassured
"Well I suppose I should get us in then" Shiv said
Shiv placed her hands together and pictured herself, Itachi and Sasori inside Pein's home. Then spoke.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
In a flash all three went from outside the building to inside the living room. Shiv felt proud of herself for getting a multi-person summon right first go. Finally understanding what Pein meant by the need to train. Itachi and Sasori where used to it however and simply saw it as everyday travel should they need it.
"Well that was good" Shiv said out loud
"Yeah, thanks" Sasori said
"hmm" Itachi commented
"Well I'm going to start now, I'll be in the training area if you want me" Sasori said walking out of the living room
Now Shiv was alone with Itachi, what awkwardness she felt before was now multiplied by one hundred and her stomach started to feel uneasy. In an attempt to break the silence Shiv began to speak.
"Can I ask a question?" Shiv said nervously
"Sure"
"If the training area is out back, why did we summon inside, couldn't we of gone around and leapt over the fence?" Shiv asked
"I'm guessing that Pein has defences set up for intruders that try and sneak in from the back way. The only way it will be safe to enter the training area is from inside the house and through the backdoor. I personally don't want to know what will happen to anyone that tries to climb over the fence"
"Wow, talk about scary" Shiv said
"Are you okay? You seem on edge" Itachi asked
"I'm fine I suppose"
"Meaning?"
"Well what I say, I'm fine" Shiv answered
"So you don't find this awkward?"
"Of course not" Shiv lied
"Really, because I wouldn't blame you"
"In all honesty I have found it awkward. I just don't know what to say to you. Given the last time we spoke you were in hospital discussing your brother, the time before that you where holding me against my will in your home"
"I know everything that I've done recently hasn't been good to you but still care about you" Itachi said
"Itachi I don't know, me and Pein we…"
"I know you care about him, you're apart of him now so you will care, but I love you. Everything I've done is for you"
"Does that include hurting me?"
"I've made mistakes I admit that but I'm willing to change, I want you in my life. I want your love"
"I… I don't know, I do care about you but Pein. I don't want to hurt him. I…"
"Just kiss me you babbling fool"
Suddenly Shiv felt Itachi's lips press against hers, realising what was happing she wanted to pull away but her body didn't obey, she was still kissing him. The longer it lasted Shiv felt the twist in her stomach fade, the awkwardness disappear and her mild hate for him dwindle away. Shiv found herself enjoying the moment and everything didn't seem to matter. It was their moment, and nothing would change that but then her mind started to think of Pein, of the fact he was Nagato and her life long love. Suddenly Shiv felt unbearable guilt causing her to break away from the kiss, Itachi looked directly into Shiv's eyes and smiled
"So, did that take you down memory lane?" Itachi asked
"It did, it was nice" Shiv said in an uncertain tone
"Well would you consider us again?"
"I… I couldn't do that to Pein"
"What! Why, I thought you said you liked it?"
"I did, but it didn't make it right"
"What hold has he got over you?" Itachi asked
"He hasn't got any hold over me, we just have a bond, I can't explain it"
"Please try"
"Look, its to complicated. We have a bond… I'm his Animal Path"
"There's more to it then that though isn't there?"
"I don't know what you're talking about"
"Tell me! I think I deserve to know"
"Tell you what? What do you want me to say?"
"Tell me why you won't be with me and choose the one who changed your appearance, kidnapped you and raped you"
"It doesn't matter what he did, I've forgiven him"
"And fallen in love with him"
"What's it to you, its not up to you who I love. Besides I've loved him a lot longer then you"
"Huh? That's not possible. You've known me longer"
"Never mind, I have more important things to deal with. Like training for the meeting"
Shiv walked away from Itachi leaving him standing in the living room and headed to the training area out back. Finding Sasori training outside made her smile, at least she wasn't going to be alone with Itachi now.
"You okay?" Sasori asked, turning towards Shiv
"I'm fine, that was good. What jutsu was that?"
"One of my many puppet jutsu's. If we end up in a fight then this will certainly be one big show"
"How do you mean?"
"Think about it, we're all S rank ninja. We're all trained to the extreme and ready to kill without thinking twice, hell some of them enjoy it. One things for sure, this fight wont stay contained to the meeting room"
"You're expecting a massive fight?"
"Its safer to assume a big fight, plus its more then likely it will be considering there's eleven of us fighting at once. Yeah I think its going to be big. Pein alone will most likely blow half the base up trying to kill Tobi, their fights going to be a pretty impressive one"
"What about the others?"
"Well Kisame's one of the famous swordsman so that's going to be impressive to see, Kakuzu's got four hearts so he'll be hard to take down, Konan can turn to paper making hitting her almost impossible, Hidan's immortal so I have no idea how to deal with him"
"Hmm, what about Zetsu and Deidara?"
"Well Zetsu can only drain chakra and has no real combat experience so he's not going to be much trouble. Deidara on the other hand can be, well deadly"
"Because he uses explosives?"
"Yes, like I said this fight isn't and I mean it, it isn't going to stay confined to the meeting room. To think it will just means you're not going to survive long and you probably won't make it out of the meeting room alive"
"I was hoping to try and get Deidara on our side?"
"Well in all honesty I'm hoping to, he is my partner after all. Plus he could make this fight very easy for us. We'll just have to hope that Pein can get more supporters when we're there"
"Yeah. Anyway I've kept you from training long enough"
"No problem, you need anything just ask"
Sasori turned away from Shiv and began training with his puppets once more, Shiv herself decided it was best to start training and looked at what she could practice on. Seeing a pile of old logs Shiv placed her hands together and started moving them to perform a fire jutsu.
"Fire style: Fireball jutsu!"
Suddenly fireballs came shooting from Shiv heading directly for the logs, each log was hit perfectly causing Shiv to smile. Moving to the next target Shiv shot more fireballs towards another bunch of logs, again hitting them perfectly.
"Good hit" A voice said
Shiv turned to see who spoke only to find Itachi a few feet away.
"Thanks, you come to train?"
"Yes. Want a sparring partner?" Itachi asked
Thinking about his offer Shiv did want to practice on something with more movement knowing that anyone she would fight wouldn't just stand there and let themselves get hit. Knowing it would benefit her training she agreed.
"Well I suppose we should just get to it then. Hit me… if you can" Itachi said
"Oh I will"
A slit second after Shiv finished speaking she threw four kunai at Itachi, catching him off guard he quickly jumped out the way and threw several kunai back. Shiv wanted this, a target that fought back. Quickly pulling a kunai from her belt she stood her ground and let the kunai come at her. As they hit she moved her arm to block, successfully blocking them all. Smirking at her hand-eye-coordination she was ready to counterattack. Placing her hands together she placed her palm on the ground.
"Summoning jutsu!"
Shiv popped into a puff of smoke before Itachi's eyes, not knowing where she would strike from he slowly walked around the battle area. With his kunai in hand he was ready for whatever she had in store for him when suddenly a slight sound came from the nearby bushes. Itachi looked in the direction of the noise only to have three massive fireballs come at him. Acting quick he jumped out the way and fired his own back hoping to draw Shiv from hiding. As he watched the fireballs head to the bushes he felt a kunai appear around his neck. Itachi turned his head slightly to see Shiv standing behind him.
"Got you" Shiv said
"No… Got you" Itachi replied
Suddenly Itachi popped into smoke before Shiv's eyes only for her to feel a kunai around her throat.
"How Ironic, You used a substitution jutsu on me. I'm guessing you used your Sharingan to see through my summoning jutsu" Shiv said
"I win. But you did a good job" Itachi said
"Hmm… No, you don't"
Like before Shiv disappeared before Itachi's eyes once more revealing to be a substitution jutsu. Shiv once again appeared behind Itachi with a kunai at his throat.
"Well done, you used your Rinnegan to its full extent and saw right through my illusions" Itachi said
"What can I say, Pein taught me well" Shiv replied
"Indeed. Satisfied with your victory?"
"I actually am. I finally beat you, it was fair. You tried and so did I, in the end I guess the better person won"
"I have no doubt that you'll look after yourself when the fighting starts. Its good to see your ready and able" Itachi finished
Shiv lowered her kunai from Itachi's throat allowing him to turn around, as he turned he saw Sasori walking towards them. Shiv turned to greet him.
"You okay?" Shiv asked
"Yeah just tired. Some of those jutsu's really take it out of you" Sasori answered
"Well Pein should be back soon. I'm heading in now to see if he's here anyway. I think I'm done for training now" Shiv said
"I'm done too" Itachi said
"Well I could use a rest, mind of I join you two and wait inside?" Sasori asked
"Sure" Shiv answered
The three of them started walking towards the door leading back into Pein's home heading towards the living room to rest and relax as they waited for Pein to return. As they entered the living room Shiv smiled at the sight of Pein sitting on the settee with a map of the Akatsuki base on the table next to him.
"Ah you've finished training" Pein said taking notice of their entrance
"Yeah it was useful in the end" Shiv said
"When did you get back?" Itachi asked
"About an hour ago, I came in and saw the three of you in the back training. Not wanting to interrupt I started planning for the meeting"
"How's the plan?" Shiv asked
"Well its safe to assume that the fighting won't stay confined in the meeting room. Just by who's fighting tells us that, so we need to be ready for a battle that covers a lot of ground. Take a seat and we'll discuss it further" Pein explained
Shiv looked slightly to the left seeing Sasori, realising what he said was true she felt glad that she did some sparring with Itachi. The three moved into the room and joined Pein as they sat down on the settees and started discussing the plans.
"Well the meetings in two days, we have plenty of time" Sasori said
"Not exactly, I've changed the meeting to tomorrow" Pein said
"What!? Why?" Itachi stated
"To put it simply, the longer we leave it the more likely they'd find out about our plan. To catch them all of guard we have to plan it and then take action" Pein explained
"Well that makes sense, besides I'm looking forward to this actually" Sasori said
"Why?" Shiv asked
"Well the Akatsuki as a group have always been arguing on who's stronger. This fight will show who's stronger out of all of us. Who can beat who" Sasori said smiling
"Good point" Itachi said
"Any chance of any other supporters?" Shiv asked
"Well I'm going to ask the question tomorrow but today I was out because I want Deidara on our side" Pein said
"Why him?" Itachi asked
"Because even though we can do this without him, I'd rather have him fighting with us then against us. He's very useful to the Akatsuki and a very talented ninja. It would be a waste to kill him" Pein said
"To be fair me and Sasori were hoping to get Deidara on our side. We where speaking about it before we started training" Shiv said
"Well I spoke to him today, it looks hopeful. I got him alone and I'm confidant that he won't tell anyone about our plan but that's another reason I've forwarded the time of this meeting, encase his does" Pein said
"Okay then, go over the plan of tomorrow" Itachi asked
"Well we'll arrive at hideout and all enter the meeting room. As I said earlier we'll position ourselves amongst the group so we have two to three between us. I'll address the group, publicly highlight Tobi's betrayal and ask the rest of the group if following him is worth dying for. Depending on the answers that are given will determine who we fight. Hmm we might get lucky and fight only Tobi but that's not likely. Any questions?" Pein finished
"Eh… no, not really" Shiv said
"Nope" Sasori answered
"No" Itachi replied
"Good, then rest up. Its late and now its dark outside. We'll be leaving bright and early so I want everyone to be asleep by midnight. I'm sorry for punching a bedtime on everyone but I want to make sure that you all aren't fighting your own fatigue while fighting everyone else" Pein explained
"Okay. I take it we're staying here tonight" Itachi asked
"Yes, you and Sasori can go in the spare room." Pein answered
"Well I'm tired now anyway so I don't mind going to sleep now" Sasori said smirking
"Same, I really could use some sleep" Shiv said
I'll be in here for a few more minutes then I'm heading to sleep myself. You can all go and settle down now if you want" Pein said
"Mind if I stay with you until you go to bed?" Shiv asked
"Not at all" Pein responded
Both Sasori and Itachi stood up and started walking out the living room heading upstairs to the spare room, as Itachi walked out he gave a small glare at Shiv. Knowing where she was sleeping without even asking, Shiv caught sight of the glare and saw Itachi smile. Smiling back at Itachi she suddenly felt as though a great weight had been lifted, almost like the sparring was what the two needed to finally get along and for him to finally understand her. Itachi knew Shiv had made her choice and as he continued walking to the staircase he gave one last look to Shiv and wished her goodnight.
"Wow, looks like you've resolved your issues with Itachi" Pein commented
"I suppose, I feel a lot better now" Shiv said smiling
"Does that mean that you've… you know?"
"Made my choice? I suppose it has" Shiv said reaching for Pein's hand
"On the eve of the biggest fight you've given a reason to live" Pein said
"So I wasn't a reason to begin with?" Shiv said jokingly
"Of course you are but now you've given me something to think about, something to really fight for. A future with you" Pein said smiling at Shiv
"Be honest. How tough is it going to be tomorrow?" Shiv asked
"Well I'm not going to lie to you, I don't expect all of us to come back tomorrow. Even Itachi and Sasori as good as they are, this will be a hard fight. For me as well, but hopefully we'll have luck on our side. Besides you know the old saying, fortune favours the bold" Pein said
Shiv let go of Pein's hand and stood up, walking to the window she looked out to the dark of night. Turning around she faced Pein.
"I don't want to lose you" Shiv said, tears forming in her eyes
Pein stood up and grabbed her tight, holding her to his chest he felt her starting to sob.
"Hey, I'll be fine. You know me. Remember when I first brought you here, all that talk about how I can't die?"
"Yeah but you wouldn't of called it a hard fight if you couldn't die" Shiv sobbed into his chest
Pein knew she was right and lying to himself was pointless, he knew he could die in this fight. It would take a lot but it is a possibility. Thinking about Shiv gave him hope, thinking of her gave him a reason to live and fight with all his power. Thinking of Shiv caused Pein to smile.
"Don't worry about me, I promise that nothing bad will happen to me, it would take an awful lot to kill me, and I mean an awful lot. Besides like I've said you've given me something to really fight for, that being you. I love you"
Shiv lifted her head from his chest and looking into his deep purple eyes, seeing the man she loved from childhood despite everything he'd done to her she knew her heart belonged to him and like him, she would fight with all her power for a future with him.
"Come on, lets get some sleep. We've got a long day ahead of us and we need to get some rest" Pein said kissing her forehead
"I love you Nagato"
Pein looked Shiv in the eye and smiled, turning towards the door he held Shiv's hand as they started walking towards the stairs. Once upstairs they entered the bedroom and headed to sleep, holding each other tight knowing that the next day would be the fight of their lives.
The next morning Pein awoke to see Shiv already awake and sitting up in bed. As he moved to sit up she looked down at him.
"Good morning, sleep well?" Shiv asked
"As well as I could do, you?"
"I slept fine… eventually, it took a while"
"Thinking about today?"
"Yes, I kept me awake for, well I don't know exactly how long"
"Well we should get ready. Sasori and Itachi should be up by now"
"Oh they are, I heard them both talking downstairs. I think they raided your kitchen" Shiv said
"Hmm, well I hope they enjoyed my food. Anyway we should get ready"
Pein leapt out of bed and walked over to his wardrobe, opening it revealed a number of pants and cloaks. Pulling an Akatsuki cloak from the rack he put it on followed by his pants. Moving over to the end of the bed he picked his shoes up and put them on. Shiv herself got her clothes and dressed herself, preparing for today. Once ready both Pein and Shiv left the bedroom and headed downstairs.
"Sasori, Itachi lets go!" Pein yelled from the main hallway
"We're here" Sasori answered
The pair appeared from the kitchen and joined Pein and Shiv at the door. Now all ready Pein opened the door and walked out followed by Shiv, Itachi and Sasori. Leaving the grounds of Pein's home they all started walking to the edge of Hidden Rain, Shiv felt sad thinking that this might be the last time she would see her home town. As they reached the edge of the village Pein stopped walking, he turned to face Shiv and started to speak.
"Okay, we'll summon to the base from here. Animal Path" Pein said
"Okay. Bare with me" Shiv replied
"WAIT!" A voice yelled from behind them
All four turned to see who yelled only to see Deidara running towards them
"Deidara, you've decided to join" Pein said smirking
Deidara stopped running, panting as he did so. Looking at Pein he replied
"Leader… yes I want to join you. I don't want to fight you, besides I hate Tobi"
"Good choice Deidara" Sasori said
"I was going to join anyway un" Deidara replied
"Wow I wasn't expecting you to join us so easily" Itachi commented
"Yeah well I thought I was better off with the actual leader of Akatsuki, not some freak that never takes his mask off" Deidara replied
"Well our chances have improved, should we all make it out of this you'll all be rewarded for your loyalty" Pein said
"Good to have you along, despite what happened the last time we met" Shiv said sternly
"About that, I'm sorry female leader un" Deidara said sincerely
"Yeah well, consider yourself forgiven if you pull through and don't change your mind when we start fighting" Shiv said
"Well now we're ready. Animal Path, at your convenience" Pein said
"Okay" Shiv answered
Shiv placed her palm on the floor and envisioned the Akatsuki base. Speaking suddenly
"Summoning Jutsu!" Shiv called out
In a puff of smoke the five left Hidden Rain and headed to the Akatsuki base, now the final confrontation with the traitors would begin.
End of Chapter 8
Animal Path Saga