V4 ch 1
Daiya Overloads!
Daiya screamed to the top of his lungs in pain. His head was tilted back, arms in front of his body, hands turned into claws as he tried to control the electrical currents radiating throughout his body. Electrical surges flowed around him popping the ground and his skin. He was overloading.
Daiya couldn't control the electricity his body was producing. It was affecting his senses and ability to function. He was trying to direct the current flows towards the ground so the surrounding area wouldn't catch on fire. It was working, but it was draining him of his chakra- of his life. Daiya could no longer hear, or feel the pain emitting from his form. He wasn't aware how loud he was screaming or who could hear him. It was unstoppable.
Sasuke had tried his best to train Daiya to control his kekkegenkai – to learn how to handle the power surges. Sasuke had been a good sensei. He knew that, but Daiya was from the lightening country and his inheritance was unknown.
It was all over for him. Daiya knew it. He could never tell Sasuke how he looked up to him. Sasuke would never know. Ryu would never hear him laugh at his antics and Saori would never hear him give her approval. All of the faces he knew were flashing in his mind – every one of them were important – all people he liked and cherished.
Daiya could feel his heart beating erratically. It wasn't going to last much longer. The electrical flow around his heart was causing it to beat violently. His lungs were tightening and he was gasping for air.
"DAIYA," a voice yelled from the woods surrounding the area. He could hear him screaming – hear the electricity erupting. Idai, the jokester from Team six, Kiba Inuzuka's team, was running as fast as he was able to get to Daiya. Since he was from the sound village, it guaranteed that his hearing was intensified compared to most. He knew about Daiya's abilities and was aware why Daiya chose to be alone most of the time. Idai couldn't let Daiya suffer. He had to save him even at the cost of his own existence.
Idai practically flew out of the trees, his feet barely touching the branches. Standing in a small clearing, screaming in horrified pain was Daiya. Idai's heart stopped. His breath left him. He had never seen someone in so much pain before.
Idai's feet touched the ground as he ran at Daiya, his arms out. "Daiya," he yelled trying to get a reaction out of him. Daiya didn't know he was there. He was lost in his own torment. Idai, without care or concern for his own self, ran straight at Daiya. The lightening popped around him, barely missing his arms. When he came within range, Idai grabbed Daiya and held him to his body trying to cut off the electrical flow. "Daiya," he yelled again pressing him even tighter against his body. Daiya could not hear him.
Idai yelped in pain as the electricity started to direct its flow to the metal on his body. It went straight for his ninja tools and swords. Idai gritted his teeth trying to bear the pain of it. He felt like he was losing his mind. The tools and weapons were helping absorb some of the electrical flow. It was taking some of the voltage off of Daiya – but at what cost?
Idai was sure he was going to die with Daiya. The voltage was excruciating. As Idai's strength started to give out, the electricity abruptly stopped. Idai breathed hard, opening his eyes. Daiya was no longer screaming. Idai felt Daiya Eimino go limp. He held onto him as Daiya's head went back and his legs buckled underneath them. "D-Daiya?" Idai's eyes were wide. He fell with him. "Daiya?" Idai shook him. There was no response. Daiya was pale and there was no movement of any kind.
Idai laid Daiya down quickly. He checked his mouth for any signs of breathing. Idai put his ear to Daiya's chest and listened for a heartbeat. There was none. He searched frantically for a pulse. "Daiya," Idai said with his voice cracking. "DAIYA!" Daiya Eimino was dead.
"Where could he have gone," Ryu said. "This is ridiculous. I know he's mad at us for prying into his life, but training is a team effort."
"You can't keep poking at him to open up," Saori said. She worked on her puppet, Rose as they sat on the bench in Konoha. "There's a reason Daiya stays cool and collected a majority of the time. He probably has to keep himself in check for some reason – much like Gaara."
"But shouldn't we know what that reason is? I mean we are his friend," Ryu said rather annoyed. He was staring off in the other direction.
"How in the world does all of this dirt get in Rose?"
"I had no idea you had to clean those things," Ryu said absentmindedly watching her.
"Of course we have to clean them. It is a tool. Puppets get damaged and their mechanisms need adjusting and tuning all of the time," Saori said. "I wish Rose was as technically advanced as Crow."
"So why isn't it as good as the one your uncle uses," Ryu asked.
"Because Kankuro built Rose for me. His puppet, Crow, was built by someone a hell of a lot stronger than him. He wont' tell me who though. It's like there are things from the past that keep getting covered up by the adults."
"I wonder what the adults are hiding."
"You always think someone is hiding something," Saori said as she popped Rose's head straight.
Ryu jumped a little. Saori was twisted when it came to how she handled Rose. The way she jerked its head and arms around made him feel like she was breaking and snapping bones. "I wish you had other hobbies," he said distastefully.
"I do have other hobbies. Too bad you never take the initiative to find those out," Saori said as she jerked Rose's arm back into place. "Isn't that right, Rose? Ryu's a silly boy." She made Rose's mouth open and close. "Why, yes, Saori, Ryu is!"
Ryu watched her out of the corner of his eye. "Don't' assume you know everything about me. As much as you talk, you ought to try watching some time."
"Oh, listen, Rose. Ryu is scolding me. Should we call him Ryu sensei?" Saori made Rose nod her head. "Alright, Ryu sensei it is."
Ryu reached up placing his hand on Saori's head. "You're a silly puppet girl. How many of those things do you have? Are they the only things you talk to?"
Saori stopped. "Knock it off Ryu. My puppets don't hurt me like others do. They do what I want them to"
"Saori." She didn't look at him. Ryu turned his full attention to her. Her back was to him. She had stopped working on Rose entirely. "I didn't mean anything by it. I was teasing."
Saori shook her head. Why did Ryu notice things she didn't want him to? "Why do you always watch me when we train? We're not even on the same team."
Ryu tilted his head towards her, his chin on his hand. "Maybe I like to watch you," he said softly. "You're interesting."
"I'm not that interesting. I'm just a puppet girl that plays with her tools. It's all I have. It's what I'm good at," Saori said.
"That's not true. You have me, Daiya, Yanagi, and Takeru; among a few others. Aren't we enough?"
"I want everyone to like me. I'm not trying to get everyone to avoid me, Ryu. Not everyone has your attractive personality," Saori said. Saori gasped. She felt Ryu's arms around her waist, his chest pressed against her back.
"Not everyone is avoiding you. Some are actually trying to get your attention. You just have to open your eyes," Ryu said softly into her ear.
Saori's heart was beating funny. Ryu had never talked so sincerely to her before. It was like he was inviting her into his own world – the real one where he stayed locked away. "R-Ryu…"
"You think I'm toying with you, Saori Nara? Is that what it is? I can't make you see who I am unless you give me a chance. You're so worried about what everyone says and how they look at you that you're not really seeing who is really noticing you," Ryu said as he put his chin on the top of her head.
"And just who is noticing me," Saori asked wanting to know the truth. She felt Ryu move away. "You can't tell me someone cares about the loud-mouthed puppet girl who-,"
Ryu turned her around. He looked at her. "I notice you. Very much actually."
Saori's eyes widened. She saw Ryu. His face mask was lowered. Ryu was incredibly handsome. He was letting her see his face – but why? Saori absentmindedly lifted her hand up to touch his face. Her fingers moved over his cheekbones and down. Strangely, Ryu's face was soft. His eyes softened as she kept her hand placed on his cheek.
Ryu smiled at her gently. "I assure you that I'm real," Ryu said blushing. Saori's eyes had changed somehow. She wasn't mouthing off like she normally did. No, Saori was calmly watching him. He wasn't used to positive attention from girls. "Um, Saori? I'm sorry for losing my temper with you earlier this year."
"It's alright. I've forgotten about it," she said softly. She couldn't take her mind off of his face.
Ryu felt funny inside. His chest felt like it was swelling with ice water. He was incredibly nervous. He leaned towards Saori. She didn't tense like he had expected. "Saori, if I kiss you, will you slap me?"
"N-no, but why would you want to," she asked in return.
Instead of giving her a verbal answer, Ryu decided to give her a physical one. He pressed his lips to hers tenderly and closed his eyes. His heart was beating funny s he held the kiss.
Saori's total thought processes stopped. She was only aware of Ryu's lips touching hers. Saori kissed him a few times, not caring what anyone thought that happened to see them. Ryu Yuhi was the slacker and rough houser of Team Two. He liked to toy with people who were dimwitted and was overprotective of those close to him. And Saori liked him. She liked him so much it hurt.
Ryu parted the kiss, his eyes opening to focus on her. For a moment, he could only look at her. Something inside of him wanted to latch onto her and never let her go. He wanted to protect her and shield her; from everything.
Ryu wanted to be Saori's avenger. He wanted to be the one to set everything right for her. But what would she think if she knew his true feelings? He cared for her deeply; so badly Ryu just wanted to hold her and comfort her.
"Ryu, I don't know what's going on inside your head, but if you want to express yourself, you can. I won't beat you up for it," Saori said. She could tell Ryu was battling his emotions. She needed to know how he felt – if everything was real.
Ryu grabbed Saori instantly, pressing her close to him. He shielded her- guarding her protectively. He put his cheek on top of her head – rubbing her head with it. Ryu felt like a bunch of tiny suns were exploding in his body. "Saori, can… I keep you," he asked fearful of her answer.
Saori wrapped her arms around him, drawing him even closer to her. Ryu was real – along with his feelings for her. He loved her. He wanted her. And she wanted him. "You'll promise not to let me go," she said her voice cracking.
"I promise I'll never let my hand fall from yours," Ryu said seriously.
Saori clutched onto him. Ryu was the Legendary Coward son of the Copy Ninja. He was a turkey and a troublemaker. And he was hers.
Idai started to panic. He had to think! Daiya was dead. No, Idai couldn't give up on him like that! He tilted Daiya's head back. He started to give him mouth-to-mouth. Idai couldn't bear the though of Daiya not coming back. He had to try for his sake.
Idai placed his hands on Daiya's chest, pressing two times quickly. "Come on, Daiya!" He bent down again, giving him mouth-to-mouth in a repeat pattern. Idai looked at him fearfully. Daiya was not responding. His body was still limp and there was no motion.
Idai kept trying to revive Daiya. He wasn't stopping. "I'm not giving up on you! Wake up!" Idai actually looked up to Daiya. He thought he was the coolest guy he had ever met. Daiya was well poised, knew his strengths and weaknesses, and didn't let anyone get past him.
The only ways Idai was able to get Daiya to notice him was by teasing him, or acting silly. He was terrible at trying so hard to get Daiya to look at him, or make a comment. Idai wanted nothing more than to be friends with him. Now it seemed trivial and pointless.
Idai gritted his teeth, tears flowing down his face as he pressed onto Daiya's chest again. If only he could get his heart started. He didn't know what else to do. The thought of Daiya not returning – not lashing out at him – or giving him mean looks- was impossible to fathom. He needed Daiya to come back.
"Someone help me," Idai screamed at the top of his lungs. His voice sounded throughout the woods. "Anybody!" Idai kept trying. Daiya wasn't responding to anything. His form lay still on the ground.
Idai was getting exhausted. He had been trying to revive Daiya for a so long that he was panting. "I can't give up on you," he said breathing hard. "If I do, you'll never glance at me again." Idai pressed on Daiya's chest again and again. He felt like he was going to pass out. His head was spinning. Idai touched his forehead – he had to shake it off.
Not knowing what else to do, Idai screamed for help again. Someone had to be out here. They weren't that far from the village. Idai kept trying with Daiya despite the stars appearing in his vision. "Daiya,… come on..," he said pleading. "Please…"
Idai fell onto Daiya. His head as on his chest, panting. What was that noise? He looked up. A figure was running towards him. "K-Kiba sensei…?"
Kiba Inuzuka ran towards Idai. He had been out in the woods camping like he normally did on his days off. Akamaru's sharp ears had picked up on Idai screaming for help. "Idai!" he saw his student laying on Daiya Eimino from Sasuke's team. Kiba slid on his feet. "Idai, what
happened? Come on, kid! Tell me!"
Idai started crying again. "Daiya's dead! I saw him,-"Idai choked on his words as Kiba's eyes widened. Kiba started checking Daiya for a pulse. "He was screaming and there were popping noises from his electrical currents."
Kiba placed his ear to Daiya's chest, listening. "Idai, how long have you been trying to revive him?" Idai shook his head. The boy didn't know. Kiba figured Idai had been pushing himself for a long time due to his apparent fatigue. His student had never given up – he was loyal. Kiba placed his hand over Daiya's mouth, checking for any air flow.
"I didn't know what to do, Kiba sensei. I tried to stop the electrical currents from him hitting him, but they kept coming. Daiya went limp. I couldn't leave him. I should have sought for help. I didn't think," Idai coughed turning his head away.
"He's breathing, Idai," Kiba said softly. Idai looked at him in shock. The tears were still flowing down the boy's face. "His heart is faintly beating, but he is alive. You did the right thing by not seeking help and staying with him. If you had left Daiya, he wouldn't have been able to be brought back. Too much time would have passed."
"H-He's alive….?"
"Yeah, barely though. You saved his life, Idai. I have to get him back or he won't make it. He needs medical help now. Rest. It won't do any good for you to worry," Kiba said as he lifted Daiya's limp form. "Akamaru, stay with Idai. Make sure he's alright." Kiba took off.
Kiba Inuzuka leaned against the wall outside of Daiya Eimino's room. It had taken the medic-nin hours to get Daiya stable. The boy's heart was still beating un-rhythmically, but his heart wasn't as faint as it had been previously. He hoped he had gotten there soon enough.
If Idai had given up, or panicked, Daiya would not have made it. He knew that. Idai did, too. Kiba had sent word to Sasuke about Daiya. He was his student and he had a right to know. The boy's fate was out of their hands. Now Daiya had to fight for himself.
"Kiba, how is he," Sasuke asked as he walked towards him.
"For a kid that died and was brought back, I'd say he's doing as well as expected," Kiba said.
Sasuke Uchiha looked at the door. Visitors weren't allowed in for the time being. "Who found him?"
Kiba formed a small smile. "Believe it or not, but Idai. He held onto Daiya and took some of the voltage off of him. Not only that, but he kept attempting to revive him as he called for help."
"Idai? The kid that was abandoned by the Sound Village? The white-haired boy that teases Daiya?" Sasuke couldn't believe it. Idai seemed like the less likely culprit to save anyone.
"I know. He surprised me, too. That kid hides behind his childish taunts. It makes me wonder what kind of backbone he has," Kiba said.
"I was afraid this was going to happen," Sasuke said as Kiba looked at him. "Daiya has been keeping himself in check so much that it was only fitting for him to overload. It's been stressing him out lately. I tried to prepare him for what he'd have to face."
"Daiya's kekkegenkai is unknown, Sasuke. You couldn't have prevented what would happen to him. We all try out best to prepare those kids as much as we can for the future," Kiba said. "Sometimes, the stronger ones come out of nowhere during the worst circumstances."
"I have to tell Ryu and Takeru. They've gotten awfully close to Daiya since training occurred. I know how Takeru will react, but Ryu is a different story. He may erupt, or withdraw completely," Sasuke said. He sighed. "If Daiya gets worse, let me know immediately."
"I will," Kiba said.
"I guess we're not training today," Saori said as she holstered Rose back onto her shoulders. "I didn't think Daiya was the type to hold a grudge over something so trivial."
Ryu stood up. "I don't think he is," he said as he saw Sasuke walking towards them. "Something's wrong." Saori looked up at him before she turned her gaze towards Sasuke.
Sasuke stopped in front of Ryu and Saori. The looks on their faces told him they already knew something was up. "I need both of you to listen and not make any rash decisions. Ryu, that goes especially for you."
Ryu swallowed. His chest was tightening. "Where is Daiya? Why is he not here?" Sasuke held up his hand to stop him from speaking.
"Daiya lost control of his kekkegenkai earlier today. He overloaded. Ryu, calm down." Sasuke could see Ryu shaking. His breathing was quickening. Saori grabbed onto Ryu's hand to try and calm him. "Daiya's in the hospital. He's stable. Visitors are not allowed for the time being."
"H-How did he overload," Ryu asked trying to not let his emotions get the better of him.
"It just happened. Daiya must have anticipated it happening. He was found away from the village in a clearing with Idai by Kiba," Sasuke said.
"What does it mean that he overloaded," Saori asked. She didn't understand. She watched as Sasuke kneeled in front of her, looking up at her.
"Daiya is a lightening user. It's his inherited ability. And in saying so, he has to keep his emotions in check – much like Gaara- or he gets out of control. When that happens, Daiya overloads and he cannot control it. The lightening he uses flows through his body constantly and wraps itself around every vital organ with his chakra. As Daiya overloads, it causes his heart's normal rhythm to be thrown off and puts strains on his vital organs. If it's not stopped and he cannot regain control, h is body gives out and he dies."
Saori put her hand over her mouth. Tears were welling up in her eyes. Daiya was like Gaara, in a sense. He had lost control and died. She wanted to let her emotions erupt-scream- do something to show she saw him as her friend, but she couldn't do it in front of Sasuke.
Ryu put his arms around Saori. He held her tightly as she erupted on his chest and started to cry for Daiya. He looked at Sasuke. "Daiya died, didn't he?"
"Yes, he died. If it wasn't for Idai, Daiya would not be here," Sasuke said. He looked from Saori to Ryu.
"Idai saved Daiya? How," Ryu asked.
"Idai took some of the voltage off of Daiya when he was overloading. He let himself get struck. When Daiya died, Idai kept trying to revive him – never giving up as he called for help."
"Idai stuck to Daiya through all of it," Saori said through her tears. "He's braver than I would have though. He never shows his courage and determination."
"Yeah, it seems he's strong than he's letting on. Kind of like the both of you. You two have struck with all of your training and by each other – despite the rumors, taunts, or backlash from others. I'm proud of you both. Especially Ryu," Sasuke said as he stood up. "As long as Daiya is stable, he's alright. There's nothing more we can do for him. He has to fight for himself."
"When can we see him, Sasuke sensei," Saori asked wiping her eyes.
"Kiba will let us know, okay? Be strong for him, Ryu and Saori. Daiya needs you two now more than ever," Sasuke said as he started to walk away. The two were still holding onto each other as he parted from them.
"No, Onari, you're supposed to kick up," Takeru said correcting her. "You balance on one foot like this and then you grab an opponent's arm to hold them in place. Once they're in place, you kick up and it sends them flying backwards."
Onari titled her head. "Onari like Neji's move better than Sasuke's." She put her hand behind her back, crouched, and spun. "It fun, Takeru."
"Ri, martial arts isn't supposed to be fun. Besides, all you're doing is rotating. That doesn't do anything." Takeru shook his head at her.
"Takeru, move back," Onari said. She issued him to do as she instructed. "Takeru think Onari no pay attention." Onari rotated again, but as she did so, she formed hand seals quickly. "Fire rotation!" The girl blew fire out of her mouth aiming it away from the house, her body still rotating.
Takeru's eyes widened. "Oh, man. She's combining jutsus. Dad's going to think I taught her that." He sighed. "Alright, Onari, I get it. You can stop now before you make yourself dizzy."
Onari crossed her arms proudly. "Onari catch Takeru soon!" She pointed at him.
"I don't know, Ri. Maybe you will. Maybe you won't," he said smiling at her. That caused Onari to come running at him. He started running away from her laughing. "You can't catch me as it is, Ri."
"Takeru, you need to come inside," Izumi said. The two kids stopped. "Onari, you need to stay out here for a moment." She issued Takeru in. "Your father is in your room."
Takeru wondered what he had done. He stood in the entranceway looking at his father sitting on his bed. "Am I in trouble?"
"No, Takeru. Come in and close the door. It's serious," Sasuke said. Takeru did as he was told, not really understanding what was wrong. Sasuke exhaled. He waved Takeru over. He placed his hands on his son's shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes. "Daiya's kekkegenkai got out of control earlier today."
Takeru knew about Daiya Eimino's abilities. He was friends with him. He liked Daiya. "Wh-What…? Is he alright? Dad…?"
Sasuke's eyes softened. "He's in the hospital, Takeru. For now, he's stable. I think Daiya knew it was going to happen. He's been really stressed out lately."
"But-," Takeru paused. "You told me if Daiya ever overloaded- that if he lost control- it would kill him."
"It did. He was dead. However, someone you know took some of the voltage off of him," Sasuke said.
"Somebody took the voltage off of Daiya?" Takeru panicked. In order to do that, you had to be close to the electrical source. "Who? Who helped Daiya?"
"Idai from Kiba's team," Sasuke said. "He stayed with Daiya the entire time trying his best to revive him until Kiba got there." Sasuke knew Takeru was trying to be strong in front of him. He cupped his son's face in his hands. "Takeru, it's alright."
Not until his father told him he could, did Takeru let his emotions flow. The tears poured down his cheeks – his eyes closed. Sasuke kept his hands on his face as he cried. "Daiya's my friend," Takeru said through his grief.
"I know, Takeru. You and Ryu have gotten very close to Daiya. He needs you guys just as much as you need him. I think Idai needs him, too. He certainly has been trying hard to get Daiya to notice him."
Takeru wiped his eyes. He smiled some remembering a few things. "Yeah, he sure has. Idai calls Daiya 'lightening bug'. I like how the electrical currents go through Daiya's hair when he gets mad and his hair spikes out."
Sasuke smirked. "Yeah, I like that about him, too. Ryu causes Daiya to do that at least twice a day."
"What do you think he would do if he got around Onari, or Idai?"
"Hmm. We may have to test that theory," Sasuke said, thinking. Daiya wasn't going to be well – probably not ever. The effects the overload had caused were permanent. He had to keep a close eye on him.
"Dad, what are you thinking about?"
Sasuke tilted his head some. "I'm trying to figure out where I should place Daiya. Staying in the single dorms is not going to sit well with me. I'll worry he'll have another power surge."
"Is Daiya going to go away," Takeru asked.
"No, he won't go anywhere. He has no family. I'm just thinking for now. Be strong for him, okay?" Sasuke turned his gaze to the door. "Onari, you're not supposed to be eavesdropping."
"Onari no want Sasuke hurt Takeru," she said from the other side of the door.
"I'm not hurting him, Fire Bird. Good grief. She's like a watch dog. Any time I come near you, Onari's right there eying me. What have you been telling her?"
Takeru started laughing. "It wouldn't matter what I said. She only understands half of everything."
"Onari want game, too! No fair Sasuke play with Takeru!" Onari was jumping up and down, mad. She wanted to be included.
Sasuke rubbed his temples. "Should we let her in or wait until she puts a hole in the floor?" Onari was still bouncing.
"As light as her bone structure is, it might take a while for that to happen," Takeru said.
"Onari, come in already," Sasuke said. He watched the door slowly open. "Onari…" She peeked around the doorframe. Sasuke's eye twitched. "Oh, you're just asking for it."
Takeru looked at his dad then at Onari. Sasuke was easing off of the bed slowly. Onari came a little closer. Oh, he's going to get her. Too bad Ri doesn't know it yet. Takeru smiled.
Sasuke came off of the bed fast. He ran at Onari, his feet hitting the wooden floor, arms out to his sides. Just as he thought, Onari turned around as quickly as she could. She started to dart, her body crouching low as she slid- moving out of his reach.
Onari ran down the hallway with Sasuke chasing her. Takeru heard Onari scream, "Onari no like Sasuke chase Onari!" He heard a crash and then his mother. Izumi was yelling, but it wasn't at Onari.
"Sasuke Uchiha! There is no running in the house! You are in so much trouble," Izumi yelled. "I can't believe you broke that!"
"How come it's only me that's in trouble," Sasuke asked. "Onari ran into it, too."
"You were the one instigating it," Izumi said matter-of-factly.
Takeru looked around his room. He knew his dad was trying to lift the mood. However, his mind was drawn to Daiya's situation. Takeru flopped onto his bed covering his head with his pillow. He saw Daiya in the hospital – his form still and unconscious. Takeru clutched onto the pillow. He gritted his teeth. The tears were coming again. He couldn't let Onari see his weakness.