Refuge
Scroll 14: Stress
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Naruto. They both belong to their respected authors.
Shocked silence was all that was in the air of the large and spacious office belonging to the Hokage. Every ninja in the room except Sasuke were either overwhelmed by the information or in a state of dumb shock. They couldn't believe the words that escaped the girls lips only seconds before. With a tense atmosphere surrounding them all the surrounding ninja could hardly move never the less speak. Kakashi and the other jounins were stuck in their spots trying to process the information that was spoken and even they were shocked.
Eyes wide and filled with disbelief Tsunade could only manage to say, "According to the records Deidara does not have a wife!"
"You better change the records then Hokage-sama, because it is true," Kagome calmly said in reply. Really she was partially fibbing due to the fact she wasn't Deidara's wife, yet, but she really wanted to try out her name with her future last name.
"It can't be!" Tsunade exclaimed rising from her desk slightly.
"It true, Tsunade-sama," Sasuke smoothly interjected causing eyes to turn to him.
"What?! Are you telling me that this girl is Deidara's wife?! You got to be joking me!" Tsunade yelled out.
"Trust me Tsunade-sama, I was there," Sasuke said again turning to Kagome with a unidentifiable look in his eye.
Kakashi then asked, "Tsunade-sama what will we do with her?"
Sighing, Tsunade knew she had to make a decision. Really she didn't want to send this girl to prison, but she knew the girl had to be interrogated by Ibiki, so she had no other choice. Clearing her throat and staring at Kagome's unflinching gaze she ordered, "Lock her up until she is interrogated, then we will meet again and discus what to do next. Dismissed."
Sasuke wasn't surprised at the least at Tsunades judgment for Kagome. He knew Tsunade wanted answers before making the final decision. Turning to Kagome he ordered for her to get up and follow him. Kakashi also followed behind them with two other jounins just for security. If that girl was really in league with the Akatsuki, there was no way in hell he was going to underestimate her.
Walking along the path to the prison, Kagome said nothing during the whole trip and did nothing but glare at the back of Sasuke's head. She was annoyed and really she was beginning to worry. Looking at the looming prison wall ahead she braced herself knowing that her stay here would not be pleasant. Adjusting her hospital gown she really wished she had her cloak.
As if reading her mind Sasuke threw something behind him that she caught easily. It was her Akatsuki fighting kimono and her cloak. Not turning around he explained, "It gets cold and dreary in the prison. We need you healthy and alive to question you."
Hardening her eyes Kagome said nothing as they continued on closer towards the prison. Draping the cloak over her shoulders she held her head up high and entered through what looked like the gates to hell. Beyond the twin door gates she saw a lava pit with a fortress looking prison in the middle looking like hell's own fortress. She couldn't help but feel a shiver crawl up her spine at the foreboding picture presented in front of her.
Kakashi watched the actions of the girl carefully. He heard about this girl and the damage she could inflict, so he wasn't going to take any chances. Also he was surprised by Sasuke's generosity to the girl. It wasn't every day that Sasuke would give a damn about anyone else but himself. Despite all the rumors about her he felt a bit of pity start to form in the corner of his brain. He knew the harshness of this maximum security prison was not exactly a fitting place for the girl to be in. Shrugging off the thought he remembered that he was here on a job and not to pity a criminal.
Akatsuki Fortress
Deidara groaned as he sat up from his bed. How did he get there? Brushing his hair back he squinted at the clock as he swung his legs off to the side of the bed. Rubbing his temples he hissed as he felt his back hurt like hell. Then all the memories crashed onto him causing him to stumble from the bed. Clenching his fists in pain he cursed the younger Uchiha and made a vow that if he ever saw him again he would stick a C4 up his ass and blow him to pieces.
Stumbling out of his room he continued to make his way to the leader's office. He had to save Kagome, even if it killed him he needed to at least know she was okay. Holding onto the walls for support he then slowly made his way to the office. He really needed to tell the leader and ask for permission to get her back.
Leaders Office
Uchiha Itachi leaned against the wall of the shadow filled office. He already reported to the leader about what he witnessed, but it seemed the leader wasn't in any way very surprised by the turn of events.
"Leader-sama it seems your assumptions were correct. My foolish little brother did do something stupid," Itachi calmly said, but in inside he really wanted to smack the dumb boy.
"It would seem so. You must be upset as well Itachi," the leader replied looking at Itachi with something akin to amusement.
"Upset?" Itachi asked turning his head to face the shadow in which the leader dwelled in.
"Yes, upset. Your little brother took the girl which you wanted as well. Love is such a strong thing isn't it? It can pit team members against each other, it can tear families apart, it can start wars, and it can make a man go mad," the leader explained as if talking about the weather.
"I don't know what you are trying to say," Itachi responded casually furrowing his eyebrows.
Chuckling the leader said, "You can lie to yourself Uchiha Itachi, but to me it is plain as day that you hold feelings for the girl. After Deidara proposed to Kagome you seemed more agitated and angrier than before. You can't fool me, but I did warn you."
"We have to save her leader-sama," Itachi swiftly said rapidly changing the subject.
Watching the eldest Uchiha in amusement the shadow covered man replied seriously, "Then go and destroy Konoha. Save her, because she is important to the groups success."
Smirking Itachi replied, "With pleasure, it's about time that village is destroyed, but I would like one thing to be known. After this whole situation is dealt with give me permission to fight Deidara for Kagome's hand."
Frowning at the Uchiha's stubbornness to court the Kagome the leader replied, "Itachi, Kagome belongs to Deidara, you cannot just take her away."
"She is the only suitable female that I know of that can uphold the Uchiha title," Itachi replied.
Sighing mentally the leader knew the stubbornness of the Uchiha clan and said, "I will think over it, now go and get ready to attack Konoha."
Nodding in understanding Itachi then teleported out, leaving the leader behind to gather the other members. The leader could only sigh at the situation he was placed in, but he was thankful. This was an opportune time to attack Konoha. He knew Kagome was a strong girl and could get herself out of there, but what was really the trump card was that she was like a hidden bomb. With her actually inside Konoha she could destroy it from the inside out while the rest of the organization distract the resident population on the outside. She was like a time bomb ready to detonate on time without a single soul knowing what she was. It was going to be a hard battle to win, but if fought right, the reward would be extremely valuable.
While pondering the situation at hand the leader noticed the door slam open and the injured clay bomber propped up against the door frame. Knowing the reason Deidara came to his office, he sat down and gestured to a seat. Watching Deidara struggle to reach the seat, the leader surveyed the amount of damage the clay bomber received. He had to admit the damage inflicted was not fatal enough to kill, but it wasn't a scratch either, noticing Deidara sit down he asked, "What can I do for you?"
Looking up Deidara hardened his eyes in resolve and answered, "Leader-sama please allow me to go retrieve Kagome."
Smirking, the leader stepped closer to the injured man and said, "Is that what you need? If so it's being taken care of."
Seeing Deidara's questioning gaze the leader continued, "It seems Uchiha Itachi is also intent on retrieving your fiancé as well."
"Uchiha Itachi?" Deidara grounded out clenching his fist unconsciously. He really hated that man and how he looked at Kagome.
"Yes, Itachi came and asked me the same thing a couple of minutes ago just before you came. It is time for Konoha to fall, and now is the perfect time to attack that flee bitten village. We will strike in a week, so in that time I want you to recover and regain your strength. With the condition your in you won't make it past the front gates."
"Leader-sama, a week?! You want to leave Kagome in their grasps for a week?! God knows what they could do in that time, un!" Deidara shouted struggling to rise from his seat in objection.
Whipping towards the blonde the leader coldly said, "She would be in more danger if we go now. If you want to put her life in danger then go, because without your recovery and without plans the rescue mission will come to be a failure. Sit down Deidara."
Sitting down Deidara sighed agitated with the current events, "Leader-sama please forgive me for my rudeness. I am just worried about her, who knows what is happening to her as we speak."
"Don't worry about it, just go recover and get ready. This battle is going to be a costly one, but remember Deidara if the game is played right the game is always won. Now go."
Nodding, Deidara then limped out of the office leaving the leader behind in the shadow filled office. Limping down the hallway he could only grimace at the next thing on his to do list. He had to tell Tachi about Kagome's capture and her being kept in Konoha. Sighing and thinking about what the child's reaction would be started to give him a headache.
"Deidara-papa!"
'Speak of the devil,' he thought as Tachi came running up to him happily.
Turning around he was attacked by the running child. Feeling the impact made him cringe as Tachi put pressure on a couple of his wounds. Patting Tachi on the head he strained a smile and asked, "Tachi, how are you, un?"
"Tachi is good Deidara-papa!"
As he responded Tachi noticed his father was covered in cuts and bruises. Tugging Deidara's torn up cloak Tachi brought the clay bomber down to his height. With his small hands Tachi touched Deidara's face in worry and anger.
"Deidara-papa. What happened? Who did this to you?" Tachi asked as calmly as possible while fuming inside.
Smiling at the child's concern Deidara looked at Tachi and patted his head with affection. "It's nothing Tachi, me and your mother went on a mission and well, I got beat pretty bad, but I'll be perfectly fine in a couple days, so don't worry, un."
Smiling in relief Tachi then exclaimed, "You beat them though right Deidara-papa? You and mommy are really strong so you killed them right?"
Chuckling, Deidara replied, "Not quite."
"Ano, Papa, where is mommy? Isn't she with you? Usually she sees me when she gets home. Is she sleeping?"
Flinching Deidara looked square into his son's eyes and said, "Tachi, your mother has been captured during the mission, un."
Backing away, Tachi cried out, "Deidara-papa, when will she be back?! Are you going to save her! What's going to happen to her! Deidara-papa!"
Standing up to normal height Deidara looked at the quivering boy and answered, "Tachi don't worry we will get her back. We will get her back in a week, ok?"
"A week?! Deidara-papa, a week is too long what is something happens to mama?! Deidara-papa go save momma now! She is going to die if you don't go right now!" Tachi yelled.
Snapping, Deidara snapped angrily, "I don't have control on when to go Tachi! I am trying my best to save your mom, but you showing weakness like this isn't helping anyone! With that attitude you are being useless! Everyone is worried, un!"
Taking a couple steps back in fear and surprise at his father's harsh words laced in anger, Tachi lowered his head. Bangs shadowing his eye's Tachi whispered, "Am I really that useless Deidara-papa? Is Tachi only in your way?"
Realizing what exited his mouth during his anger, Deidara widened his eyes. Stepping towards the boy Deidara could only manage to say, "Tachi, I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry."
Looking straight in Deidara's eyes Tachi said, "Deidara-papa, I hate you."
Eyes widening with hurt he stared at the child. The empty cold look made him look like the mirror image of the original Uchiha Itachi.
"Tachi-"
Before he could finish Tachi ran away as fast as possible down the hallway. Sighing Deidara let the boy have his space. Cursing at his outburst Deidara tucked his bang behind his ear. Turning around to walk down the opposite hallway he saw the last person he wanted to see.
"You scared him away," Itachi stated pushing off the wall and walking towards the blonde.
"It's none of your damn business Uchiha, un," Deidara snapped as he walked past the man.
"You know, by the end of this mission Kagome will be mine," Itachi threw out casually causing Deidara to stop and whip around.
Grabbing Itachi's collar he yanked it towards him. "What do you mean by that Uchiha, un?" Deidara coldly asked.
Knocking the hands off his collar Itachi coolly responded, "When we get her back and crush Konoha I am going to fight you for her hand."
"What the hell do you mean by that?!" Deidara yelled wanting to blow the smirk right off the bastards face.
"It means at the end of this mission I will crush you and Kagome will come to me helping me rebuild the Uchiha Clan," he replied smirking.
"What makes you think she would come to you, un?"
"Who says she has a choice?"
Stepping towards the Uchiha in anger Deidara growled, "We'll see about that, un."
With that Deidara shoved past Itachi and continued on his way. Itachi on the other hand chuckled cruelly and replied softly, "Yes we will see indeed."
Training Court Yard (Akatsuki Base)
Tachi sat on the steps propping his head on his hands. He really didn't mean to say that to Deidara, but it just came out. Sniffling Tachi didn't notice Kisame coming towards him.
"What's the matter runt?" Kisame asked looking down at the kid.
"Mama was captured and I said something mean to Deidara-papa," Tachi answered miserably.
Laying Samehada on the ground gently Kisame plopped down on the step next to Tachi. Really he didn't know why he cared for the kid at all, but over the course of time the kid was growing on him. Looking at the distressed child for some reason didn't bode well with him.
"What to talk about it?"
"Deidara-papa got mad and said I was being useless with the attitude I had," Tachi answered.
A bit surprised by Deidara's actions Kisame wondered what caused him to snap. Usually Deidara was an extremely patient person, and to say thing like that to Tachi meant Deidara was under a serious amount of stress.
"Tachi, I know for a fact that Deidara didn't mean it like that. I think what your dad was trying to say was that everyone is trying their best right now. Plus he's hurt right now and needs time to recover. If your dad went out to fight right away he would be too weak to fight and would die. You don't want that do you?"
Shaking his head really fast Tachi cried out in horror at the possibility, "No, I don't want Deidara-papa to die!"
Chuckling at the child's antics Kisame poked Tachi on the nose and said, "Tachi, we'll get your mom back, and when we do we will crush her captors."
"Ne, Kisame-san, I thought you didn't like my mama? Do you like her now?" Tachi innocently asked.
Blushing and waving his hand back and forth in denial Kisame shouted, "No way!"
Calming down Kisame then stuck his nose in the air with a small blush dusting his cheeks and said, "Your mom is annoying, no way would I like her! She tries to kill me every time she sees me! She's a psycho!"
Laughing at the shark mans flustered form Tachi got up causing Kisame to look at him. Smiling at the older man Tachi cutely thanked him. Hugging him, Tachi said, "Thanks Kisame-san, I feel better now!"
Letting the blue man go Tachi started to run down the path to go apologize to his dad, but was stopped when he heard Kisame call out to him. Stopping and turning around he waited for Kisame to say what he needed to say.
"Hey, kid, we will get your mom back so don't worry, ok?"
Smiling a radiant smile Tachi waved and continued down the path. Sighing Kisame leaned back on his hands and looked up. Seeing the Sakura fall from the trees he wondered. How would they get Kagome back, and how were they going to destroy Konoha while they have Sasuke and the Kyuubi brat? Kakashi and a couple other jounins would be problems too. Looking at the sun set between the mountains Kisame let all the stress go and admired the sun.
END OF SCROLL 14
Authors Note: Well here is chapter 14, because of the long wait I decided to make this chapter longer than intended as an apology. Also if you noticed the last scene, Kisame is actually being considerate for once. Sweat Drops I really can't imagine him like that though…. Anyway, moving on, thanks for reading! It's sad that there are only about 2-3 chapters left of this story. Cries Well you know the drill, if you have time drop a review for me!
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Tatsuyaka