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Shades of Crimson	By : Onileo Category: Naruto > Het - Male/Female Views: 2074 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; that honor belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. My fanfiction is for entertainment only and is not intended for financial gain.

Chapter List
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Chapter 4
          Sakura's eyes slid open as the gray dawn lightened the interior of her room. There was no bright sunshine, like there would have been in Konoha. Instead, the sky hung with dark clouds and the rain beat out an unsteady rhythm on the windowsill. Rolling over, she tried to slip back to sleep, without success. Being a shinobi and working at the hospital had her up early nearly every morning, a habit that defeated her exhaustion, forcing her into consciousness. She had slept deeply for about three hours, just enough for her body to get a little rest. Then she spent the rest of the night tossing and turning, and waking nearly every hour.
          Her emotions were to blame. Every time her eyes opened during the night, a yawning emptiness had consumed her. She assumed it was because she was missing her home and friends, an expected reaction to her captivity. But a nagging thought at the back of her mind told her it was something more. It was like half of her soul was gone, leaving behind a gaping hole. And the morning found her in the same state. Tears threatened to well up in her eyes, but she roughly pushed them back down. She was not a weak girl anymore. And she would not cry, no matter how confused and upset she felt.
          Sitting up to distract herself, Sakura forced a yawn. She let her eyes roam over the room. She hoped she wouldn't have to stay here all day. There was absolutely nothing to do. Not even a book to read. Not that she could complain much. As far as being a hostage went, she wasn't too bad off. They could have tied her up and tossed her into a closet somewhere. She ate the same food everyone else did and they hadn't tortured her or done any of the other horrible things she tried not to imagine. Pein was evidently sincere when he said they weren't lowlifes. Criminals, but not thugs.
          But even a nice cage is still a cage. So the next question was, 'what should she do?' What could she do? Her options were pretty much limited. She could either cooperate until the Akatsuki decided to get rid of her, fight them at the next opportunity, or wait and escape when the time was right. Returning to Konoha is what she would be expected to do. But as soon as she did, she would be in big trouble. Tsunade might understand her predicament, but the village elders wouldn't. She had just aided the village's biggest threat. And she just might have turned things in their favor by bringing back Hidan.
          Wearily, she climbed out of bed and walked over to the window to watch the rain fall. She didn't have much of a view. The side of a stoic brick building stared back at her from the other side of the street. There were no people out this morning, but it was still early. She had only been standing there a few minutes when she felt Konan approach and unseal her door. Opening it, the older kunoichi poked her head around the door and gave Sakura a small smile. "Breakfast time."

          Hidan trudged out of his room, slamming the door behind him. He hadn't slept one bit last night. He couldn't pinpoint what it was, but something had kept him irritated and restless. So he had spent the night cleaning his room. And he wasn't quiet about it either. Twice Konan had to come and tell him to keep it down or Pein would send him right back to the hole Zetsu dug him out of. He gave a small shudder at the thought. No way in hell was he going back there. Ever.
          His so-called 'final moments' at the bottom of that pit had been the longest, most painful experience of his life. And considering the amount of pain he could endure, that said a lot. After the earth had settled around him, the only thing he could do was hurt, think and pray. Dust clogged his nose and got into his mouth and eyes. The pressure of the rocks surrounding him threatened to drive him insane. Trapped by his immortality, the hours stretched into days, then into weeks, until time ceased to have meaning altogether. Eventually, he managed to transcend the pain of being dismembered. It had taken a long time, but he succeeded.
          While he lay immobile, he began praying to Jashin. He prayed for freedom. He prayed for revenge. He prayed for everything except death. His pride wouldn't allow it. As he communed with his god, his mind began to slowly slip away from his body. Each time he regained awareness, he found it more and more difficult to return. At last, he let go completely, remaining in a meditative state in the blackness. Then her chakra wrapped itself around his soul, dragging him back into the world of the living.
          Stepping into the kitchen, Hidan grabbed a plate and plopped into a chair at the table. Pein, Konan, and Sakura were already there, eating breakfast in silence. Looking around, he suddenly noticed how quiet the base was. Searching the area for chakra, the only ones he found were in the room with him, and Tobi's, somewhere upstairs. "Where the hell is everyone? And did you know Tobi was in your office?" he asked Pein, disturbing the stillness of the room.
          "This is all that remains of the members you knew, except for Kisame and Zetsu. They're currently out on missions. And Tobi is actually our leader, Uchiha Madara. So my office is really his office." Pein replied.
          "What? You mean that dumbshit is giving you orders?" Hidan asked in disbelief. "No wonder the place went to hell while I was gone."
          Pein gave him a chiding look. "You should be more respectful, Hidan. Madara was the one who thought to arrange for your retrieval and had Zetsu bring Sakura from Konoha so you could be revived."
          Hidan glanced over at the pink haired ninja. She had stopped eating and was staring at her plate with a frown. "So what, is she a hostage?"
          "For now. Although, after seeing her talent and determination firsthand, we're willing to discuss a permanent place for her here with us."
          Sakura turned to stare at Pein, who was looking at her, a slight smile on his face. He wanted her to join Akatsuki? Either he overestimated her skills greatly, or they were truly desperate. She wasn't even a jounin yet, and every one of their members was an elite ninja. There was no way she would be able to keep up with them. And besides that, she couldn't willingly betray Konoha. Ino and her team might never forgive her for what she did, but they were still her friends, and she wanted to protect them. And Tsunade would have a royal fit if she even thought of accepting his offer.
          Gathering her courage, she shook her head. "I can't do that."
          "Why not? It's not like you're going anywhere."
          Sakura stared at him. "What do you mean by that?"
          Pein hesitated a moment, then explained. "Certain circumstances have made your return to Konoha impossible." His expression became stern. "You can either spend your time here wisely, putting all you've learned to good use while training to become a better ninja, or you can stay in your room, alone. Escape will not be a possibility. Even if you were to somehow make it out of the building and back to your village, Zetsu would just be sent to fetch you again."
          Hidan watched as indignant anger swept across her features. Her bright green eyes narrowed as they flashed fire. The frown she wore deepened and she lifted her chin. He had to admit, he found her quite attractive when she was angry. "You can't do that!" she hissed at Pein.
          "I have little choice in the matter."
          Sakura just glared at him. Like hell he didn't have a choice. Then a realization hit her. Even though he figured she might escape, he only said he would bring her back. He never once threatened to kill her. He was obviously hiding something important from her. Something about her situation that prevented them from harming her, no matter how defiant she was. She needed to find out what it was. Then maybe she could deal them a heavy blow before her luck ran out and they decided she wasn't worth the effort anyway.
          Sakura returned to her food without speaking. Finishing quickly, she rose from the table, and took her plate to the sink. Turning back, she looked at Konan. "I'm ready to return to my room if you don't need anything else from me." she said darkly.
          Hidan let his eyes follow after the two kunoichi as they left. Once they were out of sight, he looked at Pein. "I need to make a trip today." he said.
          "Where are you going?"
          "I don't have my pendant or scythe anymore. I need to replace my shit before I can do anything else. The only place I can get them is at Jashin's temple." Hidan answered.
          "That should be fine. How long will you be gone?" Pein asked.
          "Two days. Jashin will require a sacrifice before I can return to his service." he said, eyes lighting up in anticipation. Pein nodded his approval before standing and heading out of the room. Alone now, Hidan finished his breakfast and left to retrieve his cloak.

          Dusk was just settling on the land when Hidan reached the temple. His trip had been uneventful, and by the time he reached his destination, he was bored out of his mind. He half wished Kakuzu was still around. Then he would at least have someone to talk to, even if the man was a callous prick. Coming to a stop, he gazed up at the building that had been his home many years ago. It was made of plain gray stone, set back into a cliff. There weren't any windows. The only indication it was a temple at all was the circumscribed triangle painted on the wooden door. Pushing the massive thing open, Hidan stepped inside.
          The familiar scent of blood and death pervaded the air. It was eerily silent, a hint of recent violence hanging in the atmosphere. Following a dimly lit hallway, he soon found himself in the main room. Memories of the time he lived in the temple flooded him as he paused in the doorway and took in his surroundings. It was massive and dark here, the only illumination coming from several hundred candles lining the walls and around Jashin's symbol in the floor at the other end. Several corridors split off in different directions. One led to private cells for the priests, another to the work areas and the last was where the rooms for the library and the performance of jutsu were located.
          No one immediately came to greet him, so Hidan walked to the middle of the circle and dropped to his knees. He removed his cloak and tossed it to the side. The candles around him flickered; soft light bouncing off the hard planes of his chest and making his silver hair seem to glow. Closing his eyes, he began to pray. He was there about fifteen minutes when he felt a familiar presence behind him. He opened his eyes, but didn't turn around. Low chanting broke the silence of the room, increasing in volume as more voices joined in. Tilting his head just enough to see behind him, Hidan gazed at the priests of the temple. They were sitting on the floor in neat rows, bare chested, and each one held a red ceremonial dagger. His lips tugged upward in a grin. It must be time for the evening ritual.
          A slight movement to his left caught his attention as Yaiba, the head priest, pressed a dagger into his hand as well. It was he who had introduced Hidan to the Jashin faith and completed the jutsu that secured his place as an immortal. He had been a young man then, fully in his prime. Now Hidan noted that time had started to take its toll on his longtime friend. His hair began to gray and the light from the candles enhanced the deep grooves in his face. Scars riddled his bare torso, a testament to his faith in Jashin.
          Hidan began to rise, but Yaiba placed his hand on his shoulder, returning him gently to the floor. Normally, the head of the temple would sit within the confines of the circle for the rituals, but Hidan had a special place among them. His thirst for death had become almost legendary. And because of his status as the only one to successfully gain immortality, most of the other priests treated him like a living treasure, favored by Jashin. With a nod, Yaiba gave up his seat and dropped to the floor on Hidan's left.
          Facing forward again, Hidan gazed upon the low alter set before him. It was carved into the shape of an onyx wolf with rubies for eyes. Its jaws were open and in place of a tongue sat the sacred collection bowl, the lip resting between the lower fangs. Raising his arm into the air, Hidan brought the flat of the dagger to rest on the inside of his wrist. Closing his eyes again, he loudly uttered the words he had heard every single evening while he had lived at the temple.
          "Jashin, Lord of Slaughter. Strengthen us, your servants, as we strengthen you with our offering of blood. Lift us up, beyond the pain to find solace in your presence. May we continue in your work until the day you deem our souls worthy to stand at your side in the next life."
          Turning the blade, Hidan dug the tip of the dagger into his skin, relishing in the burning sensation it created. Dragging it downward, he eagerly watched the crimson droplets well up in the wound. Joining together, the rivulets trailed down his arm to drip off his elbow and land on the stones beneath him, stained black by all the previous rituals performed here. Fire crawled up his arm as the wound made itself known. Letting it wash over him, he nearly groaned aloud as he embraced it, and pleasure replaced the pain. He heard gasps behind him as the other priests followed suit, and even a low moan or two. Leaning forward, he let the fresh blood pool in the bottom of the collection bowl before switching hands and raising the dagger once again.

          Sakura lay across her bed, green eyes staring at the ceiling. She had been in this damned room all day, only allowed out twice more to eat. She had tried everything she could think of to stay busy. She had devised several scenarios for escape, practiced taijutsu moves, mentally went over the processes of all her jutsu, she even tried meditation. But in the end, boredom found her anyway. And as the day wore on, the loneliness that had plagued her the night before returned full force.
          She had started pacing the room, her chest growing tight and her breathing becoming fast and unsteady. Panic pushed its way into her mind. She had to keep reminding herself that nothing was wrong, and there was no need to be so anxious. Then, fifteen minutes ago, it just disappeared. Vanished like it had never been. A strange, peaceful feeling replaced it. Confused, but relieved, she flopped onto the bed, pink locks fanned out around her, where she lay until now.
          Suddenly, pain shot through her right wrist. Jumping, she brought it around to see what was wrong. Even though it felt like she had been cut, her flesh was whole. She might have thought she strained it or something, but she had been completely still when it happened. Then pain began crawling up her arm. Molding her chakra, she sent it into her body to try and figure out what was happening. The chakra in the area of the pain was fluctuating and swirling, but she could find no physical reason for it.
          Then the pain ebbed away, replaced by a warm tingling sensation. A blush graced her cheeks as the feeling transformed to pleasure that swept through her body. After a moment, she felt a matching pain in her left wrist. What the hell? Bringing her other hand in front of her, she examined it as well. Once again, she found nothing. The feeling subsided and another wave of pleasure coursed over her. Closing her eyes and dropping her arms to the mattress, Sakura waited for it to pass.
          Ten minutes later it was gone. Sakura opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling once more. What was wrong with her? Was she going crazy? Deciding she needed to move, she stood up and walked into the bathroom to wash her face. The water felt good on her skin, and after drying off on a towel, she glanced at herself in the mirror. Once again, jade eyes mixed with violet stared back at her. Did that have anything to do with the strange way she had been feeling? Surely a mere jutsu wouldn't have such extreme side effects. But then again, high level jutsu were never without risks. That was part of what made them so difficult to master.
          Exiting the bathroom, she walked over to the window. The rain had let up, and a heavy fog had settled outside, making visibility difficult. She watched it curl around the top of the building across the dark street. She hadn't seen a mist this heavy since Kakashi fought Itachi's doppelgänger on their way to save Gaara. Suddenly she felt lonelier than ever. Would she ever see her teammates again? Her parents? She wiped at her watery eyes as anger overshadowed her despair. Damn this stupid situation. She didn't ask for it. She did nothing to deserve it. So, why her? It was nothing but unfair. She sighed as she reined in her emotions. Fretting would only weaken her. Returning to the bed, she crawled in and curled up against the pillow. Closing her eyes, she willed her mind to go completely blank.

          Hidan stepped out the door into the morning sunshine. Yawning dramatically, he stretched before strapping his new crimson scythe to his back. The triple blades held a deadly gleam in the sunlight. The other priests had sanctified it, along with his pendant, at the first sign of dawn this morning. After a lengthy prayer in the main room of the temple, he bid goodbye to his master. Now that he had what he came for, he was quick to leave. He hadn't slept again last night and he was tired. He still had a sacrifice to find, and as soon as that was done, he was going to return to the base for a long nap.
          Walking slowly down the road, he headed for the nearest village. It was a poverty-stricken place, reduced to its current state by civil war. There were sure to be plenty of candidates for a decent sacrifice. He watched the terrain as he walked, having nothing else to do. It was marshy here, the majority of the vegetation comprised of large trees with twisted roots. Aquatic plants grew around them in thick clumps. Moss flourished everywhere, clinging to the smaller rocks and the trunks of the trees. All the plants and water made the air humid, and soon beads of sweat popped out on Hidan's forehead.
          Several hours later, the village came into sight. But by this time, Hidan was fed up with the silence. He was hot, tired and bored. Plopping down on a nearby boulder, he ran his hand through his slick hair.
          "Jashin fucking damn it!" he yelled to no one. "I can't take this shit. At least with Kakuzu around there was someone to argue with." Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath to regain his calm. He was just about to stand when a loud noise made him jump and open his eyes.
          "Meow!"
          "What the hell?" Looking down, he saw a fuzzy orange kitten sitting next to him on the boulder. It had light green eyes and a fierce expression on its little face. It stared up at him expectantly.
          "Meow!" the kitten pleaded.
          "Go away cat, I don't have any food for you."
          "Meow!" it complained more forcefully.
          Gazing skyward, Hidan rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath. "You're screwing with me, aren't you? Seriously, a cat?"
          His only reply was the sound of loud purring next to him. With a sigh, Hidan stood and continued walking towards the village. The kitten followed along behind him, batting playfully at clumps of grass they passed. Hidan found himself looking back more and more to see if he was keeping up. The village entrance came in sight, and Hidan stopped to size it up. A sharp pain hit him as the kitten jumped on his foot, sinking razor sharp teeth into his toe.
          "Ow! You little shit!" Hidan snatched the kitten up by the scruff of the neck and glared at him. Green eyes glared back, completely unrepentant. He wanted to wring the little demon's neck. But he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead, he dropped him back to the ground and walked down the main street of the village, the kitten close on his heels.
          The place was a dump. Trash littered the street and several people sat slumped on the corner. Every pair of eyes that met his were shadowed with hunger and desperation. A little girl in a torn kimono came running around the corner and bumped right into him. He stared down at her. She looked back up at him defiantly, stuck her tongue out, and took off again. Two boys around the same age chased after her, laughing madly. Hidan grinned. This place was perfect for drawing out Jashin's next sacrifice. The air was practically smothering with violence.
          Making sure to catch the eye of several rough looking men, Hidan casually strolled into an alley. It wasn't long before his bait was taken. Three sets of footsteps followed him into the shadows. Turning, he grinned at the thugs. They were dirty and unshaven, their eyes as hard as steel. The one in the middle held a long knife. The other two held katana. Pulling his scythe from his back, Hidan beckoned them closer.
          "Look here boys, it seems that we've got a lost tourist." the one with the knife said. Hidan's eyes narrowed. He really hated that word.
         "Give us your money and any valuables you have, and we just might let you live." the one on the right said, stepping forward. The kitten, which had been standing behind Hidan, bounded forward, arching his back and hissing at the men.
          They erupted in laughter. "We'd better run, guys. He might send his little attack kitty after us." the third joined in. The kitten edged a little too close, and the man with the knife kicked him, sending him flying backwards into a garbage can. Hidan watched as the kitten picked itself up and limped back over to him, holding up a hind leg. His violet eyes hardened.
          "You know what's wrong with this village? There are three too many fucking assholes in it!" he yelled as he charged after them.
          The fight was over almost as soon as it began. These guys might be gutsy, but they were no shinobi. The first well aimed throw found his scythe buried in the neck of the man on the left. Blood sprayed his opponents as he withdrew his weapon. The one on the right charged. When he reached Hidan, he was roughly grabbed by the neck. He buried his katana in Hidan's chest, but soon found himself slammed into the side of a building, his skull caving under the force of the blow. Dropping him, a wicked grin crossed Hidan's face as he turned to the man with the knife.
          Hidan pulled the blade out of his chest, laughing when he watched his opponent's eyes widen in fear. Blood flowed freely down his chest. When it reached the ground, Hidan began drawing the circle for his ritual. Once completed, he charged the man, who still stood frozen in shock. Raising his knife, he blocked the first swing of the scythe. Knocking it to the side, he attacked. Hidan's heart was pierced as he brought his crimson blades down on the man's shoulder. Dragging back, he smirked as a large gash appeared and the man cried out in pain.
          "At last! The pleasure that has been denied me for five years will be mine once again. Come, share your pain with me, and I'll show you the true power of Jashin!" Hidan said as he brought his scythe to his mouth and licked it clean.
          Terrified eyes watched as Hidan stepped back until he was once again standing in his circle. Immediately, his skin darkened until it was black, the bone-like white markings standing out sharply. "What kind of monster are you?" he cried, taking a step back.
          "The last kind a piece of shit like you will ever see. Now," Hidan said, pulling his pike out "It's been awhile. Let's do this nice and fucking slow."

          Sakura's eyes flew open as a sharp pain pierced her thigh. She had just returned from breakfast and was lying on her bed, begging for some much needed rest. Once again, she hadn't slept, and exhaustion was beginning to take its toll on her. A gasp flew from her lips as the pain intensified. Sitting up in the bed, she pulled the fabric of her shorts up, trying to find the source of her discomfort. Once again, she could find no reason for it.
          She had scarcely let her leg drop to the mattress when her arm started hurting and she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out. Moments later, her other arm joined the first, and a painful moan found its way from her throat. It felt like someone had a knife and was plunging it into her over and over again. Then her stomach felt like it was being ripped open and she couldn't stop the scream that emerged from her lips. Tears flowed freely from her eyes as she rocked back and forth, trying to find some relief from the intense pain assaulting her body. Sweat broke out on her face and when another sharp pain hit her liver, she screamed again.
          Her mind grew hazy from the pain and she rolled out of the bed, landing on the floor with a loud thud. She had to have help. Now. Even if it was from her enemies. She thought she vaguely heard footsteps come running down the hallway. She tried crawling towards the door, until her lungs were hit, making her spine seize as she collapsed on the floor. Scream after scream was torn from her throat. What was wrong with her? Where was this pain coming from and why? Her vision blurred just as Konan came through the door.
          Sakura felt Konan drop to her side as her chest felt like it would explode from the pain ripping through it. Her muscles spasmed and locked up. She was rolled onto her back, and she thought she heard Konan yell for Pein. Then the world seemed to fall away. This was it. She was going to die for real this time, and she didn't even know why. Then, just as suddenly as it had come, the pain was gone. It its place was a wave of pleasure so intense, it rivaled the one she felt when Jashin had kissed her. It swept through her body, soothing her tense muscles. She moaned loudly an instant before her brain shut down under the force of feeling. Her whole body relaxed, and her eyes rolled back in her head as everything went black.

          Hidan grimaced as he came to and sat up. With a wince and a muttered curse, he pulled the pike from his chest, followed by the knife. He sat there a moment, catching his breath and grinning at the bloody corpse lying face down in front of him. Jashin must surely be pleased with him. That had been one of the best rituals he had ever performed. Either that, or he had forgotten how wonderful it was in the first place. He started to stand up when a blur of orange raced by his face and he felt a slight weight settle on his shoulder.
          Turning his head, he lifted an eyebrow in surprise. The kitten had jumped up on him and was perched on his bare shoulder, purring madly. He reached up to grab it when a lightning quick paw smacked his finger, leaving a stinging scratch behind. Glaring at the kitten, he tried again. He managed to grab it by the scruff, but when he went to pull it off of him, he had his claws dug into his skin, hanging on for dear life. Hidan pulled hard, but the kitten wouldn't budge.
          "Fine, you little demon, stay there. You'll get fucking bored of me eventually." he growled at it. Standing up, Hidan strapped his scythe on his back, stowed his pike away, and walked out of the alley, a satisfied smirk on his face. Now, time to get back to the base and get that much needed nap.
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Shades of Crimson