Chapter Eighteen;
The next day Evelynn gathered everyone to the base of the cliff. They would each be given separate missions to speed up rallying the rebels together. The three girls had talked it over, and decided that while on those missions they would help the boys get rid of the seals. It was drastic, and all three knew it. Still, it had to be done.
"Shoto, I want you to head back south. Check on the rebels already together, and then head south east to the hideout there. Gather them up, and head back to the main camp. Take Itachi with you." Evelynn ordered.
Shoto nodded, and then her and Itachi took off. Evelynn turned to Mira and Deidara.
"You two head west. There's a lot of medical herd and roots in the trees this time of year. There's also a small rebel camp near the ocean line. Get the medical supplies, and lead that small camp to the main one. They're younger men, mostly. So teach them what you can medically. They'll be good field medics. Deidara go with her. Don't get yourselves killed."
"Right!" Mira smiled slightly, and then she and Deidara left as well. Evelynn turned to Sasori.
"You and I are heading north. I heard Hanzo had a spirit guardian. A spider named Kumo. She likes to dwell in a farm hour far north, past Hanzo's castle. Tokala will meet us there, and I want to get any information out of her as possible. After that, we have another main hideout in the east I want to gather, and bring to the other." Evelynn explained.
"Of course." Sasori replied.
"We'll need you soon." Evelynn stated as she tured to Hebi, Tau, and Ryuu. "So be on the look out. We're going to attack as soon as all the rebels are rallied together, and we get them trained a little more. About three months, I suppose."
"We'll be ready." Tau promised.
With a final nod Evelynn turned back to Sasori. He nodded at her, and the two took off to the north. Getting past Hanzo's castle would be difficult, but it was necessary they get to Kumo. After all, who would know more about Hanzo's plan, then his own spirit guardian.
-Hanzo-
Hanzo and his army generals were seated around the table in the battle chamber. Ever since the last message from the rebel leader he had heightened the defenses in the north. Knowing it was only a matter of time before the rebels finally attacked. His men were being killed off, and he really couldn't risk sending out any more troops.
"Well, what have you found?!" Hanzo barked at the generals. They all shifted uncomfortably.
"Nothing, sir." One finally spoke up. "We haven't heard or seen anything indicating any kind of movement from the rebels."
"Dammit." Hanzo muttered. "Kumo!"
The gigantic spirit spider came down from the ceiling.
"My lord?" Kumo asked in her soft voice.
"I want you to send out subordinates, and get those damned rebellion leaders. I don't care if they're dead or alive." Hanzo ordered.
Kumo simply nodded, and pulled herself up to the ceiling again. She scurried out of the castle, and to the farm house way north. She had purposely spread the rumour of her being Hanzo's spirit guardian. She knew the three great spirits were alive, and that they would surely kill her if she harmed the three outlaws. So, instead, she opted to help them. Of course, Hanzo didn't know this. He didn't know her betrayal. Nor would he ever, because once she betrayed him she would fade away. For disobeying her humans orders. Still, if she was going to die, she was going to do so on a good deed. Not an evil one.
-Shoto and Itachi-
Itachi and Shoto arrived at the rebel camp within four days. Shoto was currently checking over battle strategies, and adjusting the plans. She also looked over the weaponry, and ordered Itachi to check the food supply. He also went a little south west for a day, and checked on the medical camp. When all was well and taken care of he returned. That alone took another four days.
Finally, when Itachi returned Shoto went to the front of the camp to speak with the rebels. She stood on top of a boulder, and called their attention. They all stopped what they were doing, and looked to her. Their attention heightened at the serious look on her face. Itachi stood beside the boulder at her side. Shoto studied the rebels for a minute. These men and women who would fight for Cadonia, fight for each other. How brave they were.
"Evelynn wants us to attack Hanzo's kingdom soon." Shoto started. She noticed te uncomfortable shifts. "If any of you wish to back out, now is the time."
She paused, but no one spoke.
"The battle will be fierce. I wish I could tell you that you'll all make it out alive, but I simply cannot. Some of us will die, and we will all get injured. You need to practice. Build up your strength and stamina. Hanzo's men are no fools, and they will not show you mercy. Within a month we'll have the rest of the rebels here, and then we'll be taking two more months to train. I believe in all of you, and I hope you believe in us. For we will fight for you, die for you. We will not stop until you have your freedom!"
The rebels cheered and applauded Shoto. Her words gave them hope. They were aware of the cost, but they were willing to make that payment. After all, Cadonia was their home. They loved it here, and they would always fight for what they loved. When Shoto jumped down from the boulder the rebels went to work sharpening their weapons, working on their aim, and sparring with each other. Shoto turned to Itachi, and he looked at her expectantly.
"Are you ready to head out?" She asked. Her heart was beating faster then it should. She had decided that when they were a safe distance from the camp she would confess to Itachi how she felt. The Uchiha nodded.
"When ever you're ready." He replied.
"Let's go."
Without another word the two left the camp, and made their way to the next rebel hideout. Shoto kept stealing sideways glances at Itachi, but he remained oblivious. She could swear she felt herself trembling, but managed to remain calm.
-Time skip!-
The two companions were hiking through the trees. It had been two days, and Shoto still hadn't worked up the courage to talk to Itachi. He also seemed to remain oblivious to her attempts. It was incredibly frustrating. She could kill a thousand soldiers, take on any monster, and was willing to risk her life for the people of her country. Yet, she couldn't tell a simple man she loved him. How pathetic that was, in her eyes.
She cast another sideways glance at him, and opened her mouth to speak. Nothing came out. With a frustrated sigh she started walking faster. Itachi, truthfully, had kept noticing her looks at him. He had simply been waiting for her to speak. Realizing she wouldn't without him saying something first, he caught up to her. Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Yes?" She asked as she turned to him.
"You've been wanting to say something since we left the camp site. What is it?" Itachi inquired.
"Ah, well.. Yes, I've wanted to talk to you." Shoto said quickly as she started walking again. Itachi walked beside her. "We've known each other almost two years, you know."
"Indeed." Itachi nodded.
"I've grown fond of you." Her heart fluttered as she spoke, and her stomach churned in anticipation. "Very fond."
"Shoto." Itachi stopped walking.
Shoto stopped and looked at him. Her blue eyes met his dark ones. They shared an intense, heated stare. Then, in a matter of seconds, they were embracing. His lips crashed against hers, and their tongues were instantly in a battle for dominance. Shoto whined softly as his tongue won, and started to explore her wet cavern. After a moment, Shoto shyly pushed at his tongue with hers. He let her explore his mouth with her tongue, and groaned softly against her lips. The sound sent a shiver up her spine. Finally, they pulled apart panting.
"Evelynn will kill us if we're late." Itachi murmured as he brushed his lips along her jaw line, and nipped at her ear lobe. She shuttered, and gripped his upper arms.
"I'm sure she'll understand." Shoto gasped as Itachi trailed the tip of his tongue down her neck, and grazed over her soft spot. Itachi gently suckled on the spot, and Shoto felt her knees buckle. She would have fallen, if Itachi hadn't been holding her steady.
"You're sure about that?" He whispered against her ear. Shoto could only manage to nod slightly. Slowly, Itachi's hand crept towards her breasts.
"Wait!" Shoto stopped him. He seemed slightly disappointed, but pulled away nonetheless. "I have this."
Shoto pulled out the silken pouch that Ivanna had given them. She set to work using the faerie wings dust to make a star. Itachi raised an eyebrow.
"Did you plan this?" He inquired. Shoto flushed a soft pink.
"N-no! I brought it just in case. I like to be prepared." She responded.
"Of course." Itachi chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her against him again.
Once again he sucked and nipped at the soft spot on her neck. Shoto shivered, and gripped the front of his shirt. Gently, his hand crept to her breasts. She watched as he slowly unraveled her chest binding, revealing her breasts to him. Gently, he took her left nipple in his mouth, and swirled his tongue around it. Shoto gasped, and gripped his shoulders. Itachi chuckled as he pulled them both to the forest floor. He setled himself on top of her, between her legs. She looked at him, and tilted her head slightly. Who would have ever thought it would come to this?
"Are you sure about this?" He asked softly. He gently nuzzled his nose against hers. Shoto gave a soft smile.
"I'm sure."
"I love you. You know that, don't you?" He asked as he kissed her softly.
"I know, and.. I love you." Shoto murmured against his ear.
The pure softness of her tone, and the gentle truth behind her words was enough to make Itachi shiver. His hands gripped her sides, and he slowly ran one hand down to her pants. her breath hitched as he unbuttoned them, and slowly pulled them down her legs. He pulled off her shoes and her pants at the same time, and then came bck up to her.
Shoto tentatively trailed his fingers under his shirt. Her fingernails gently traced his defined muscles, and the soft touches put Itachi's mind in a haze. He growled softly against her ear, and Shoto let out of soft gasp. He pulled back so she could pull his shirt off, and then caught her in a passionate kiss. She whimpered softly as he nipped at her bottom lip, and pushed his pelvis against hers. Shyly, she ran her hands down his sides, and to his pants. Goosebumps danced up and down his skin under her hands. He watched her intently as she unbuttoned his pants, and she seemed to blush under his gaze. Like with her, he pulled his pants and shoes off at the same time.
Once again, he settled himself between her legs. She could feel his member pressing against her womanhood, and she shifted under him nervously. He placed one arm at the side of her head, and gently touched her cheek with his other hand. his thumb softly caressed her cheek.
"Are you ready?" He asked softly.
She nodded, and gritted her teeth. Shoto had heard that it hurt your first time. She wasn't sure how true that was, but she braced herself anyways. Slowly, Itachi slid himself into her. She shifted uncomfortably, but so far it didn't hurt. At her virginal barrier her paused, and looked down at her. Curiously, she looked up at him.
"Hold on to me, okay?" He murmured.
Again, she only nodded, and wrapped her arms around his torso. With a quick thrust he broke through her. Shoto gasped as pain, and dug her fingernails into him. Itachi groaned, but he held himself still. A couple of tears were in the corners of her eyes, but for the mos part she held herself together. Damn, it hurt. Still, she had felt a hell of a lot worse pain. Experimentally, she moved her hips. There was a slight sting, but she could manage.
"D-don't stop." Shoto breathed out.
"Are you sure?" he asked uncertainly.
When she nodded in response he slid out slightly, and then slid back in. He didn't thrust into her, in fear it would hurt her. The thought alone of causing her pain made him want to stop completely, but it was too late for that now. Shoto gripped him tighter, and wrapped her legs around his waist. Again, she slowly slid out, and then back in her. She moved her hips slightly, and realized the pain was gone.
"I'm fine, now." She murmured to him.
Itachi nodded slightly, and once again slid out of her slowly. This time, he thrust into her gently. Shoto gasped, but this time it was in pleasure. What the hell he hit inside her was unknown to her, but she liked it. Itachi smirked against her neck, and started to thrust a little faster, but still softly. Shoto was squirming and whimpering beneath him. He groaned softly, and started to pump into her a little harder.
A knot started to form in Shoto's lower abdomen. It was an odd sensation, and she couldn't place the feeling directly. Besides, all she could really feel was the pleasure Itachi was giving her. Judging by the low groans, and soft growls escaping his lips, she was doing the same to him. Experimentally, she moved her hips with his. Itachi's breath caught in his throat, and he let out a low, soft moan.
"Dammit, Shoto." He breathed against her ear.
"Itachi, I..." Shoto was cut off as he hit a spot inside her.
She cried in complete bliss. Itachi chuckled, and hit the spot again. Whimpering, she dug her nails into his back. Constantly, he continued to his her sensitive spot, and Shoto felt like she might explode from sheer pleasure. Itachi could feel how much tighter she was getting, and knew she was reaching her peak.
"Are you ready?" He whispered to her softly, and gently nipped her ear.
He didnt give her time to respond as he thrust against the spot once more, and Shoto saw stars. Itachi held her, and with a final thrust, he went over he edge, too. She gripped him tightly, as they both rode out their orgasms. When they finally calmed down she laid back. Both of them were panting heavily, and covered in sweat and dirt. The forest floor probably wasn't the best place to do this, but at the moment, she really didn't care.
"You're alright?" Itachi asked as he brushed her bangs from her face, and kissed her forehead.
"More than alright." Shoto assured him.
He chuckled, and helped her sit up. He pulled a couple leaves and twigs out of her hair. Then, the wo quickly got dressed.
"We'll have to double our speed to make it to the camp on time." Shoto told him.
"Mm, alright." Itachi agreed.
"It's gone." She remarked as she pointed to his chest.
Indeed, the seal mark was gone.
"In that case.." Itachi swept Shoto into his arms bridal style. "We can triple our speed."
Before she could reply he took off at ninja speed in the direction of the rebel camp. Shoto let out a soft yelp, but smiled as they ran. She could let him get away with it. Just this once.