Chapter Fifteen;
Almost five weeks had passed since Itachi, Deidara, and Sasori disappeared. The girls had long given up hope that they would return.
Evelynn was on her way north. There was a rebel camp north east that the wanted to get to the southern camp. It was a little more dangerous, and the only reason they had the camp there was because of the fact it was enemy territory. They hopes that since it was, the enemy wouldn't suspect a rebel camp to be around. Evelynn was currently hiking through a swamp area.
Shoto was at the rebel camp. She was throwing out orders, and compiling strategy after strategy. They had about three thousand soldiers in the area, and two thousand more would be on their way with Evelynn. So, Shoto kept watch over the camp with Oki, while she also did her job as the strategist. They were going to make a medical team in the south west that consisted of nothing but women. Once Evelynn brought the north rebel troop, she would have to go completely south to retrieve those who wished to aid as medics.
Mira was preparing the medical camp. She had Tau with her, only because she was alone at the moment. The three great spirits as asked that they remained a secret until the war actually began. Shoto had agreed, simply for the surprise attack strategy. Mira and two other women would be field medics, and the rest of the medics would stay behind in the south west. It was also Mira's job to teach everyone as much as she could before the war started.
-Hanzo-
The spider known as Kumo was hanging above Hanzo's head. It was waiting an order from him. He had heard that Evelynn, the rebel leader, had been traveling by herself lately. Seen by bandits, and a few gypsy tribes. Of course, most of them respected her, and Hanzo had to torture the information out of them. Why she was traveling alone was an enigma. Perhaps they were rallying the rebels together? It was possible.
"Kumo." Hanzo turned to the spider. "Send a subordinate after Evelynn. Don't have her killed. If she's alone, she should be easy to capture. I'll send twenty men to follow. Dismissed."
"As you wish." Kumo replied.
Kumo was, in fact, very soft spoken and kind. He had taken pity on Hanzo when he was a child, thinking that Hanzo was unloved, and now regretted it. Still, Hanzo was his human, and he his spirit. So, Kumo obeyed him. Scuttling out of the castle Kumo ordered a spider that was half his own size to locate the rebel leader, and then give word to Hanzo's men where she was. The spider bowed to Kumo, and went off to do his mission.
-Konoha-
The Akatsuki were gathered in the Hokage's office. Finally, the month was up, and the jutsu was ready to be used. Hinata had finally confessed to Naruto her feelings. With a red face, Naruto asked her out. The Hyuuga girl could have fainted, and she and Naruto had been dating two weeks. After Hinata and Deidara told Tsunade about their deal Tsunade gave Deidara one of her slugs to take with him. The slug would be summoned back after he admitted to Mira his feelings.
Sasuke and Sakura, much to everyone's surprise, had already been dating for a year. So, after his talk with Itachi, Sasuke asked her to marry him. She agreed, and Itachi gave them both his blessing.
It was odd for the Akatsuki, really. As well as Konoha, that they were all getting along. I suppose, for the sake of a comrade, you're willing to do anything. Even if it means playing nice with the enemy for awhile.
"Take care of yourselves, now." Pein said.
"Have lots of babies!" Kisame teased and winked at Deidara teasingly. Deidara just grinned sheepishly.
"Don't get yourselves fucking killed, I guess." Hidan shrugged.
"What Hidan said." Kakuzu remarked.
"P-please t-take care." Hinata smiled shyly at Sasori, Itachi, and Deidara.
"Don't forget to dress for the weather." Konan reminded the three of them as she hugged them. "Also, eat healthy, and make sure your weapons are always sharp. Oh, and don't go breaking those girls hearts."
Konan more or less scolded the last part, and Pein had to pry her away from the boys. To Konan, the Akatsuki was like a family. Her and Pein were the head, and the rest were like her children. It was a little heart breaking to see three of them leaving.
Tsunade stepped forward, and placed a small slug on Deidara's shoulder.
"Thanks, un." Deidara bowed slightly.
"You three take of yourselves." Tsunade ordered.
In the month they had been there she had grown rather fond of the Akatsuki. It turned out they could be rather helpful, when needed. She was actually considering trying to offer a peace treaty. The other nations wouldn't like it, but they could just deal with that when it came.
"You as well." Sasori bowed respectfully.
"Please, take care. It was a pleasure to reside in my village again." Itachi said as he bowed.
"Of course." Tsunade nodded.
Three ANBU pulled out the scrolled that contained the jutsu's. The performed the hand signs, and placed there palmed on Itachi's, Deidara's, and Sasori's chests. There was a bright flash of green light, and the three men were gone. Silence rang in the air.
Itachi, Deidara, and Sasori were going home.
-Evelynn-
The red-headed woman kicked a bit of mud out of her sandaled boots. She hated swamps, and almost preferred traveling in the desert. As long as she had the water to do so. Alas, she did not, and so she had to hike through the swamp to get to the north. A jolt ran through her body, and Evelynn froze. They were back. She could feel it. A slow smile started to spread on her face, but was cut off when an arrow shot at her.
Evelynn barely managed to dodge, and the arrow scraped her cheek. She wiped the scratch with her arm, and looked in the direction it came from.
"Sedative." One of Hanzo's men smiled. "A scratch was all I needed."
The young woman looked confused for a moment, but then realized what he meant when she started to feel drowsy. Damn it. Evelynn fell forward into the mud. The men on horse back gathered her onto a horse, and they took of the north east. There was a prison there that they would chain her up at. Hanzo, no doubt, would be pleased.
-Shoto-
Shoto's head snapped up from the strategy map. She had sensed the men's return, and not too much later she sensed Evelynn in danger. Quickly, she ran out of the tent, and went to search for Oki. She found him talking with one of the rebel soldiers.
"Master Oki!" Shoto called out to him as she ran to him.
"What is it, Shoto?" He asked in concern.
"Evelynn's been captured, I can feel it. Also, Itachi and the other two are back. I'm going to grab Mira, find them, and then we're going after Evelynn." Shoto explained quickly. "Watch over the camp, and don't do any kind of fighting unless Hanzo's men find you."
"Very well. Go quickly Shoto." Oki nodded.
"Thank you."
Without another word Shoto ran off in the direction of the medical camp. When she was out of sight of the rebels, she ran even faster, at blinding speed. She had to hurry quickly, she knew that much. If she didn't, they might lose Evelynn, and that was something Shoto couldn't live with.
-Mira-
Mira, like Shoto and Evelynn, had sensed the boys return. She had been so overcome with joy she almost cried. That joy was quickly replaced by fear. Evelynn had been captured. Her stomach churned anxiously. Tau had sensed everything too, and turned to Mira. She looked up at him.
"What are your orders?" Tau asked.
"You go back to Hebi and Ryuu. Hebi will need help getting Ryuu c-calmed down. I know Shoto must have s-sensed it as well, and I have no d-doubts she'll be here to get me. After that, it'll b-be all her lead." Mira stated.
"Very well, take care of yourself." Tau said as he nuzzled Mira. She ran her fingers genly over his nose, and Tau took off.
Mira looked into the horizon. She knew Shoto would come, without a doubt. Her only hope was that Evelynn would be alright until they arrived.
-Sasori Deidara Itachi-
The three men landed on their backs in the woods. It was the exact same spot the first time they had been teleported to this world. The warmth of Cadonia rushed into their hearts, and Itachi cracked a smile. They were home. Quickly, they got to their feet.
"Something doesn't feel right.." Sasori muttered.
"What do you mean, Danna, hm?" Deidara asked. Sasori just shook his head.
"Should we start looking for them?" Itachi asked.
"Yeah, let's head south. It's been over a month. No doubt Evelynn already has most of the troops gathered at the southern hideout." Sasori replied.
With determination, the three started running. They were once again without chakra, but that had long since learned how to use the weapons of this world. It would be a six day trip, and they had opted to try to make the whole six days without stopping, hopefully speeding the journey up. They had no idea the girls already knew they were home, and Sasori couldn't shake the uneasy feeling from his mind. Whatever had happened, they were going to find out.
-Hanzo-
There was a knock on his study door, and Hanzo looked up from his battle plan. He figured if they managed to catch Evelynn they castle would be attacked, and he was going to be prepared. Already he had troops at his south, east, and west borders.
"Enter." Hanzo drawled. A solider stepped in and bowed.
"Evelynn's been captured, Lord." The man said. "She's currently at the north east prison, chained up."
"I'll be heading there shortly, prepare her for my arrival." Hanzo chuckled.
"Yes, sir!" The soldier bowed, and exited the room.
Hanzo smiled darkly. So, they had caught the little wench. Good. He got up from his desk, and made his way to the door. Without hesitating he made his way to the stables, and had his horse prepared. It was only a days ride to the prison, and Hanzo wanted to get there as quickly as possible. He mounted his steed, and took off to the north east.
-Time skip!-
Evelynn whimpered as she awakened. She could feel her hands tied about her head, and her feet were barely touching the floor. In this position she couldn't gain the leverage to break the chains. Not to mention the strong sedative kept her weak. As she slowly came to her senses she noticed she was incredibly cold. After another moment she realized it was because she was nude.
"Damn them." She hissed as she tried to move, but to no avail.
She heard a door open, and footsteps started to approach her cell. Her eyes squinted as she tried to peer into the dimly lit prison. Two men stopped outside her door. One looked to be young, and had soldiers armour. The other appeared to be in his forties. He had a twisted smirk on his face, and was dressed very elegantly.
"Evelynn, leader of Cadonia's rebellion." The man chuckled darkly.
"Who the fuck are you?!" Evelynn snapped. Her voice was weak, but she would put up the best fight she could.
"Tsk, you shouldn't speak to your king that way." Hanzo taunted her. Evelynn glared.
"You are no king of mine, for I do no serve a forced king." Evelynn growled.
"Open the cell." Hanzo ordered in a bored tone.
The soldier complied, and Hanzo entered. In his hand was a whip, and attached to the end was a small, razor sharp blade.
"Where's the rebels?" Hanzo asked.
"Go to hell." Evelynn replied. Hanzo cracked the whip, and Evelynn winced as it cut across her flesh.
"The camp."
"Go to hell."
Another crack. Again, Evelynn winced as it cut into her skin. She could feel the blood dripping, and tried her best to push the pain out of her mind.
"This could be a lot easier if you just told me." Hanzo stated nonchalantly as she slashed the whip across her again. The blade at the end was already coated in blood. Evelynn whimpered at the burn of the whip, and the sharp cut of the razor. She didn't respond. "Cadonia is already mine. If you accept that, you might just live."
Another slice into her skin. Evelynn gritted her teeth, and shifted uncomfortably.
"I'll never tell you anything." Evelynn said quietly. "For four years I've gathered rebels, and I've kept them safe. Even if you kill me. If you tear me limb from limb, stick hot pokers in my eyes, and cut me open. I will never tell you. You know why? Because Cadonia is brave, Cadonia is home, and Cadonia will survive. The others will come after you. You will be defeated. Yes, Hanzo, you can go ahead and kill me, because I am not afraid to die."
Evelynn glared up at him from under her bangs. The glint in her eyes sent a chill through Hanzo. There was something about that look he didn't understand. Just what it was, he didn't know. In his agitation he cracked the whip across her face. Evelynn winced, but no sound came from her lips. There was a red mark across her face from the whip, and her forehead was slashed open from the blade. Still, she continued to glower at him, even when the blood from her forehead dripped down into her eyes. Her green orbs never faltered in there gaze, even as Hanzo approached her. He grabbed her face roughly with his hand, and his eyes met hers. Still, her glare held.
"You can play brave all you want." Hanzo spit at her. "When it comes down to it, you're just a little girl. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm going to break you, Evelynn of the Outlaws. On way or another."
As he finished speaking he took his other hand and fondled her breast. Evelynn let out a growl, and tried to bite his hand. He pulled away with dark chuckle, and Evelynn managed to gain the strength to kick her leg up. She managed to kick him in the jaw, and he ended up biting his lip, drawing blood.
"Little bitch." Hanzo slapped her across the face. He turned, and walked out of the cell. "I'll be back to finish you later."
Evelynn watched him leave. She paid him no mind. It didn't matter what he did to her, or if he killed her. All that mattered was that he was defeated. After all, Evelynn herself was not afraid to die.
-Shoto Mira-
Shoto had reached Mira within two days, just as Mira figured she would. Now, the two were taking off in the north west direction. Shoto figured that if the men had been teleported back they would end up in the same area as last time. So, the two comrades were running as fast as they could. They had only stopped to eat one day, and were going on their fourth day of no sleep.
"Do you think E-Evelynn's alright?" Mira asked as they jumped over a fallen branch.
"I believe so. Evelynn is a strong woman. Hanzo isn't going to break her." Shoto said in a determined tone. "Though if it turns out she's not I'll fucking kill him."
"Agreed." Mira nodded.
She was a bit surprised. Shoto hardly ever swore so harshly. Then again, it was their long time friend that was in danger. Shoto only insisted on getting the boys first, because the extra fighting power would come in handy for breaking into a prison.
"What's that?" Shoto stopped running, and listened. Mira followed her example.
They could hear footsteps no far to their left. Cautiously they crept towards the sound. Hiding behind tree trunks, and keeping as quiet as they could. When they were closer to the footsteps, they climbed a tree. Carefully walking onto the branches they heard the footsteps stop, and in their place came muffled voices. The two stopped on the branch just above the voice, and peered through the leaves. They saw three men, one with red hair, one with blonde hair, and the other with black hair.
"Deidara!" Mira cried, and jumped down.
The three men jumped, and got into a defensive stance. Until they saw who it was. Shoto jumped down as well. All five of them looked at each other for a moment, and without a word being said Deidara ran forward, grabbed Mira around the waist, and drew her into a breath taking kiss. Everyone looked at them surprised. Mira let out a soft squeak, but then threw her arms around him, and kissed back.
"I missed you, yeah." Deidara said sheepishly when they pulled apart.
"I m-missed you, too!" Mira said as she wiped away a few stray tears.
"Where's Evelynn?" Sasori suddenly spoke up.
The two girls got very quiet. They looked at each other, and the at Sasori. Sasori me their eyes, one at a time. Without a word being said, he already knew what had happened. The pain and distraught look in their eyes was enough to tell him. She had either been captured or she was dead. Sasori felt his heart clench up, and he gritted his teeth as he waited for an answer.
"She's been captured." Shoto finally said. "We sensed your return, and came to find you so we could get her back."
"Then let's go." Itachi stated.
They all nodded, and started running north. They would go around the northern kingdom by the south border, and then head up to the north east. From there, they would make a plan to break into the prison. It would take a little over a month to get there.
'Please, Evelynn, just hold on.' Sasori pleaded to himself.
-Ryuu Hebi Tau-
Ryuu let out a mighty roar, and his tail slammed into the ground. The mountain near the three great spirits shook dangerously.
"Calm yourself, Ryuu!" Hebi hissed.
"She's been locked up three weeks, and you want me to clam down?!" Ryuu growled back. "Her spirit is diminishing, I can feel it!"
"The five comrades will be there shortly!" Tau tried to reason. "They'll arrive shortly as save her, just calm down."
"If she's not free within another two weeks, I'm going after her myself." Ryuu snarled.
He spread his wings, and flew off to his cave. More than ever lately he had been agitated, and Hebi and Tau had to stop him from leaving the mountain numerous times. Not that they could blame him. Their souls were connected to those girls, and the thought of one of them being captured and tortured was tearing their hearts into two. Still, they couldn't leave the mountain just yet. With worried expressions Hebi and Tau looked over Cadonia.
"Please, be safe.." Tau murmured.
-Hanzo Evelynn-
Evelynn was panting as Hanzo put the whip away. Every day for the past month he had come to her, questioned her, and sliced her up when she refused to answer. She had little water, and even less food. In all honesty, she was barely alive. Never before had Evelynn wished for death so badly, but she held her tongue. No mercy cries would fall from her lips.
"It's a shame you refuse to speak. You would have made a good ally." Hanzo drawled as he approached her again.
Evelynn didn't respond. Hanzo, put two fingers under her chin, and made her look him in the eye. Her green orbs still held their defiant look. He had not broken her. The thought alone drove him mad. He didn't know what made her so strong. She had been here a month, and no one had come for her. It was possible they didn't even want her back. Every day he taunted her with this thought, but still Evelynn refused to speak. Stating that even if Cadonia turned its back on her, she would not turn her back on Cadonia.
Without any warning Hanzo slipped a hand down her body roughly. Evelynn winced as his fingers dipped into her womanhood. Fondling her roughly, he chuckled darkly against her ear.
"You're a tempting little bitch, you know that?" Hanzo sneered. Evelynn spit in his face. He glared, and shoved two fingers inside of her. Evelynn cried out, and her womanhood clamped around his fingers. "You should feel how tight you are. It's really quite alluring."
Again, Evelynn didn't respond to his taunting. He removed his fingers, and wiped what little blood was on his fingers onto her body. He hadn't completely broken through her virgin barrier, but he had come close. The young woman tried to ignore the throbbing from her lower regions. Hanzo reached up, and unlocked the chain that held her. Evelynn fell to the floor, but refused to move. Even if she could move, she was too weak to do anything. Hanzo kicked her roughly, and then made his way to the cell door.
"We'll continue this tomorrow." He drawled as he left.
Evelynn didn't respond. She didn't move. Though she did feel a single tear roll down her cheek. She was far too weak to even wipe it away. So she laid their, and only hoped that her comrades were alright.
-Shoto Mira Itachi Deidara Sasori-
The five were hidden among the trees and bushes around the prison. They had made it safely, and completely avoided Hanzo's men if they could. They wanted all their energy to fight the prison guards. They took two days to study the place, and learned that only four guards stood post at night, and that there was one guard that watched from a distance in a tower. Hanzo left every day at four in the evening, and returned at five in the morning the day after. Which gave them plenty of time.
"Deidara, Itachi. I was you two to take care of the tower guard. As soon as you do, some back. When you return, all five of us will attack the prison. Four of us will fight, while one of us breaks down the door." Shoto ordered. They all nodded, and waited for nightfall.
-Time skip!-
It had been two ours since Hanzo left, and the sun was setting. Already, Deidara and Itachi were on their way to the guard tower. They moved quickly and quietly. When they reached the tower, Deidara scoffed.
"There isn't even a door, un." Deidara whispered.
"Let's just get moving." Itachi nodded, and they headed up the stairs.
The man inside the tower room was actually very obese. All he wore was a tunic, a rope for a belt, and tights. The vision made the two shinobi cringe. The man caught sight of them, and scrambled out of his chair to ge to the warning horn. Deidara laughed, and tackled the man. He slammed him against the wall, and Itachi walked up calmly.
"We're very fond of Evelynn you know." Itachi stated.
"E-Evelynn of the Outlaws?" The man asked.
"Mhm, that's the one, un. Isn't she a charmer, yeah?" Deidara grinned.
"I hope that bitch rots in hell! Hanzo's law reigns!" The man snapped, and spit in Deidara's face.
"Ah, wrong answer, hm." Deidara replied dryly as he pulled away to wipe off the spit.
Before the man could move Itachi slit his throat. The two watched as he choked on his blood, and gasped for breath. He slowly slid down the wall, and collapsed to the left. For extra measure, Itachi decapitated him. His blood squirted all over the walls, and Itachi let his head roll to where ever it pleased. With a last look of disgust at the man, the two men left to rejoin their comrades.
By the time Itachi and Deidara rejoined the others it was finally dark. Shoto gave the signal, and Itachi, Sasori, and Deidara swiftly crept towards the prison. Itachi came up behind on of the guards and slit his throat. The man dropped to the ground with a gurgling sound. Another guard heard the two, and came at Itachi as he yelled for help. The guard drew his sword, and swung at Itachi the Uchiha jumped back, and ducked down.
As he ducked Shoto came up behind him, swung her septum, and cut the guards chest open. The guard looked in shock, and touched the wound. Almost as if he was trying to push the blood back into his body. To end his misery, Shoto swung again, with such a fury that it decapitated the man. Blood squirted from his neck, and splashed onto Shoto and Itachi. The two paid no mind as they headed to the prison door, where Mira was currently picking the lock.
Deidara went face to face with the guard at the door. He blocked the guards sword with a dagger, and pulled out a mini dynamite. Mira lighted the wick for him, and Deidara grabbed the guard by the arm. Deidara shoved the dynamite into the guards mouth, letting the wick stick out. The man man a muffled sound, and before he could spit the explosive out it exploded. With it, the mans head exploded as well. Mira frowned as she wiped brain matter off her face.
"Gross." She stated.
"Sorry, hm." Deidara rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
Mira smiled back, and then went to work picking the lock. Meanwhile, Sasori went head on with the final guard. Sasori dodged the sword by ducking down, and then came upwards with a dagger. He impaled the man under his chin, and when the man tried to open his mouth Sasori could see the dagger blade inside. With a dark glint in his eye, Sasori pulled the dagger forward, and completely split the mans lower jaw in two.
The man made a disgusting noise, and Sasori finished him off by stabbing him in the temple, letting him bleed to death. Sasori then joined the others at the door. Mira had just managed to get it unlocked, and it swung open with a loud creak. The prison was dimly lit, and had about fifty dirty, blood drenched cells inside. It was enough to make the five sick. As quickly as they could they went from one cell to the next.
It was Sasori who found her, and what he saw made him sick. In the twelfth cell on the right was Evelynn. She was laying on the floor nude, covered in bruises, burns, and deep gashes. About ten of them looked fresh, and were still bleeding. Her skin was pale, deathly pale. She wasn't moving, and it looked like she was hardly breathing. Her once fiery red hair was dark, matted, and tangled from her blood and from the dampness of the cell. Sasori felt bile coming up in his throat, but he pushed it down.
"She's here!" He called.
The others ran over. When they got to the cell they froze. Mira let out a soft gasp, and tears rose in her and Shoto's eyes. When he recovered from his shock Itachi unlocked the cell with a key he had gotten from one of the guards. Sasori ran in, and tenderly turned Evelynn over. She was awake, and her breathing was labored. He expected to see her eyes dull and broken. Instead, his hazel eyes met her fiery, defiant green ones. She mouthed his name, because she couldn't speak.
"That's right." He said softly. He pulled his shirt off, and gingerly wrapped it around her torso. Evelynn winced as he did so, and as he lifted her up into his arms. Gently, Sasori carried her from the cell. "Go to sleep, Evelynn. We've got you now."
A small, content smile made its way to Evelynn's face as she closed her eyes. They had not forgotten her, and they had not abandoned her.
She was safe, and she was going home.