This one is dedicated to HasIVA for being so suportive of all my works and especially Crow's Feathers.
Thank you :)
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“Taryn-sensei! Taryn-sensei!” Daro ran up to the house, “I can do a new jutsu. Check this out…” When it stayed quiet, he knocked on the door. “Sensei?” The door slightly opened. Confused, Daro stepped inside and found the house empty. ‘That is strange,’ he thought, ‘if she had a mission, she would have said something.’ Alarms went off in his head. She wouldn’t, would she?
Observation. That was one of the first things she had taught him. And not just observing what you see, but observing what you don’t see.
Slowly he walked through the room. Everything was tidy. There was a small pile of books on the table. Her weapons were gone. Of course that could mean she was just in the training grounds if not for the fact that he had passed the grounds on his way here. And her cloak was missing.
Daro’s unease grew as he noticed a folded piece of paper on the table next to the books. He picked it up, almost afraid of what it would say and read the first line.
“I’m sorry for what I am about to do.”
‘Oh no,’ Daro gasped, ‘not again.’ He folded the note and put it in his pocket. Quickly he left the house.
***
“There seem to be some delays,” Madara said while looking at his guests. Across from him sat Konan and Pain. It was the latter that answered.
“I had an unexpected guest.” “Hm,” Madara mused, “no wonder Jiraya was called one of the legendary ninja if even Pain had trouble with him.”
“I finished him off though,” Pain answered, “now I can get back to hunting the nine tailed fox.”
Madara slowly rose from his chair. “Konoha will be looking out for you now that you killed Jiraya,” he said while pacing the room, “the more time passes, the more chance there is of them coming up with something. Move now, before things get harder.”
“Pain is invincible,” Konan said, “he’ll get the nine tailed fox, no matter what happens.”
“There are only two tailed bests left,” Madara said, “I’ve sent Sasuke after the Eighth.”
“Can he do it?” Konan inquired.
“I can vouch for Sasuke,” Madara said.
On the other side of the room, Pain stood up. “Get ready Konan,” he said, “we’re heading for Konoha.”
***
It was painful being in the ruins again. The place where Itachi had died. She had decided to come here first, before moving to the nearest hide-out. Perhaps she could find some clue here. What would Madara want with Sasuke? It couldn’t be just about Danzou. It had to be bigger than that. Itachi had spoken of war. But why would Madara want to start a war? According to Itachi, Akatsuki strived for peace. Unless of course that had been a lie.
Taryn kneeled in the spot where Itachi had fallen and placed a hand against the ground. How long would it take for the pain to dull enough to be able to bear? ‘What is it you want me to do Itachi?’ She could never stop Madara by herself. Itachi must have realized that too. So what was all this leading to? There was one man that held the answers. But she had to be careful. If Madara found out her secret, she was in danger. Her hand moved to he stomach and she bit her lip. ‘No. He must never find out.’
***
“It’s good that you came straight here,” Gaara said. He sighed and looked at the boy before him. He wasn’t much of a boy anymore. He knew Taryn had given him responsibilities in the squad. The boy could lead. He was a fine shinobi and had great respect for his sensei. Still… He didn’t want the boy involved in this. If this note meant what he though it did…
“Is Taryn-sensei in trouble? I know she shouldn’t have left the village without permission, but she would never…”
“I know full well what my sister is capable of,” Gaara interrupted, “She has chosen her own path.”
“But…”
“Daro.”
The boy’s breath stocked under Gaara’s stern look. “How much did she tell you about her relation with Uchiha Itachi?” Gaara asked.
Daro thought for a moment and lowered his gaze.
“She loved him very much,” Gaara continued, “I am well aware of that. If I understand Kakashi of Konoha, there is a longstanding promise between Itachi and my sister. A promise regarding Uchiha Sasuke.”
“Do you… do you think she went after him?” Daro dared to ask. “I do not know,” Gaara said, “but it might well be the case.”
“To… kill… him?”
“She will do what is needed,” Gaara said. He looked at Daro. “You will tell no one about this. If anyone asks, she is on a mission. Do you hear?”
Daro swallowed. “What about Hiro and Kuro?”
Gaara sighed. “They are smart enough to figure things out on their own. Until then, you will keep quiet.”
Daro nodded solemnly.
“And Daro… you are not going after her. You won’t leave the village without my permission, understand? That goes for your teammates too.”
Daro was about to protest, but Gaara cut him off. “Do I make myself clear?”
Daro clenched his fists. “Yes Gaara-sama.”
Gaara nodded. “Alright. You may go now.” He watched the boy leave and sighed. ‘Taryn, what are you up to? I can’t protect you forever.’ He unfolded the note and read it again in the hope of finding a clue, but he knew already he wasn’t going to. Whatever it was she was doing, she wanted to do it alone. She had always been like that.
Gaara frowned. After everything that had happened, did she still feel guilty about something that wasn’t her fault? Their father was the one that had given the command. She had protected him, giving up everything to make sure he would be safe. ‘I wish you’d keep yourself safe too.’
***
Taryn took a deep breath before entering the cave. This was the location where she knew Madara to be. She didn’t try to hide her presence. A good chance that they already knew she was here. And if not, they’d find her out. Besides, she would need all her chakra she had if it came to a fight. She wasn’t sure what she was trying to accomplish here. She knew she could never sway Sasuke to go home. Perhaps she just needed to see that he was still alive.
It didn’t take long before she saw a figure approaching her. “You took your time,” Madara’s voice said, “I expected you a lot sooner.”
“I didn’t come here to chat,” Taryn told him.
Madara chuckled softly. “Don’t tell me you came to join us?”
“Don’t mock me Madara.”
“Is it such a strange assumption then?”
Taryn narrowed her eyes. “Where is he?”
“If you mean Sasuke, then I have to disappoint you. He already left.”
“I don’t believe you,” Taryn said.
You can look if you like,” Madara smiled amused, “but tell me, why are you so interested in him all of a sudden? I thought we had an agreement. I got Sasuke, you got Itachi’s body… Everybody happy.”
This time it was Taryn who chuckled. “Ah Madara… you don’t know me very well, do you? I never said you got to keep him. I merely chose to give you something I could retrieve. Now that I buried Itachi’s body, I’m taking Sasuke back.”
“I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way,” Madara growled, “besides, like I said, he’s not here and even if he was, you know he’d never go with you, isn’t hat right?”
“We’ll see about that,” Taryn answered.
“Hmmm,” Madara mused, “I must say I am a bit surprised that you’re here. I would have thought you’d go straight for Konoha… and Danzou…” Taryn narrowed her eyes. “But perhaps Sasuke will beat you to it,” Madara continued, “he seemed very determined.”
“You’re lying,” Taryn growled.
“He must have loved Itachi very much,” Madara said, “he took it rather hard when I told him the truth. He swore he’d wipe out the entire village to avenge his brother.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Believe me or not. It doesn’t matter to me, but it’s the truth.”
“What did you tell him?!” Taryn hissed.
“I told him the truth,” Madara said, “that Konoha used Itachi as a pawn to eliminate the Uchiha clan. Ah… don’t look at me like that, Taryn. You may act all high and mighty, but you wanted him to know, did you not? You just couldn’t tell him. You promised, isn’t it so? I know both of you well enough for that. You wanted me to tell him or you would never have let me take him with me.” He chuckled. “Well, now he knows. Did you expect him to do nothing?”
“What is your purpose in this?” Taryn asked, “What do you gain by it that Sasuke knows?”
Madara’s one visible eye glimmered with hatred. “Revenge,” he said, “I have my own scores to settle. But I don’t like getting my hands dirty. It’s so… messy.”
“You’re despicable,” Taryn bit. She focused her chakra and leaped at him, but Madara grabbed her and pushed her against the wall.
“Careful,” he warned her, “or you might get hurt. That would be a real shame.” He paused, “especially in your condition.”
Taryn glared at him an he chuckled. Slowly he let go of her and turned to leave. He cast her a smile over his shoulder. “You might still catch up with him,” he said, “that is… if I was telling you the truth.” His dark chuckle haunted her long after he was out of sight.
***
Karin gasped when Sasuke was thrown back by the Eight Tails, but Juugo caught him mid-air. Carefully he placed Sasuke on the ground.
“His neck and chest are completely blown away,” Juugo gasped.
Karin kneeled beside them. Her chakra had healing powers and she had used them before to heal Sasuke, but she was stopped by Juugo.
“It’s okay, Karin. I’ll do it. You don’t have enough chakra right now. I’ll fuse with his body and give him some of my own flesh and chakra. Since he’s compatible with the cursed seal, he should be able to handle it.”
Both of them jumped when a large presence came closer.
The Eight Tails had turned himself into a large bull.
“A monstrous bull huh,” Suigetsu said from a pool nearby, “so that is his true form.”
“His level is impossible,” Karin stated, “if we stay here, we’re dead. Juugo, aren’t you done yet?” She sighed relieved when Sasuke stirred and slowly opened his eyes. Juugo however was a different story. He was panting heavily and seemed a lot younger now. One of the side effects of his talent.
“Juugo,” Sasuke whispered stunned.
“I can’t… let you die…”Juugo panted, “you’re all… I have left… to remember Kimimaro.”
“Come on hurry!” Karin urged, “we need to get out of here!” An attack was already coming their way, but it was blocked by Suigetsu.
“So you’re a water ninja,” the Eight Tails commented, “you have the advantage here.”
“I’ll handle this guys,” Suigetsu told is comrades, “get out of here while you can.”
Karin hoisted up Sasuke. “Come Sasuke,” she said.
“Suigetsu,” Sasuke called.
“I won’t let you get away!” the Eight Tails roared.
‘I can’t believe I’m protecting him again,’ Suigetsu sighed and leaped at the Eight Tails. A large explosion of water followed as the two collided. Suigetsu fell unconscious.
“Damn,” Karin muttered, “there’s no way we can run. What should we do?”
Sasuke gasped for breath. He hadn’t recovered yet, though his earlier wounds had been healed. He looked at his comrades one by one, thinking of how they had jumped in to protect and save him without hesitation. He had experienced that before. In a different time. When he was a different person. An image shove in front of the scene before him. Different people. A different team. It seemed so long ago. A strange feeling of loss washed over him. He closed his eyes and tried to push it aside. When he opened them again, his Sharingan had changed form, a small trace of blood came from it. ‘Amaterasu.’
He focused on the Eight Tails and black flames started to consume it.
Sasuke’s teammates could only stare as the large beast screamed in pain. They were completely absorbed in the battle and none of them noticed they were being watched.
The Eight Trails went down and Sasuke grabbed for his eye. With a groan, he dropped to his knees. Not far away, the Eight Tails was desperately trying to extinguish the flames. One of the tails swung towards Karin, who stood close by.
“Karin! Run!” Sasuke shouted. But it was already too late. The flames hit the girl and Karin fell to the ground. “Dammit,” Sasuke said.
“Karin’s done for,” Juugo said, “let’s get out of here before it gets us too.”
“Wait,” Sasuke said and focused on the flames again. Slowly they diminished until they were gone completely. Sasuke grabbed for his eyes again. His vision became blurry and his head hurt.
‘I put them out,’ he thought. It had cost him a lot of effort. How had Itachi been able to perform this jutsu? But it wasn’t over yet. The Eight Tails was still squirming and he was coming their way.
“Quick Juugo!” Sasuke called, “get Karin! Hurry!”
From a distance, two lightning ninja had watched the whole battle. “Did they really defeat Killer Bee?” one of them said.
“That’s impossible,” his comrade said, “who are they?”
“Members of Akatsuki. And pretty accomplished ones at that… wait a minute… that’s the Uchiha crest.”
“Uchiha?”
“No time to stand around chatting. We’d better go tell Raikage.”
“They defeated his brother. There’s no way Raikage will just let this go.”
***
The sounds of battle reached her long before she reached the village. Was Sasuke already here? What was going on? There was a large explosion and the she saw… ‘A giant centipede?’ Taryn stared at the creature that arose shortly above the village. A feeling of unease made its way through her body and she sped up. The sooner she’d each the village the better.
When she reached the gate, she stopped dead in her tracks. Konoha had always been a prosperous village. But now it looked like a tornado had hit it. Or a bomb. Buildings were destroyed, people were running. The village was burning. And the sound of fighting was everywhere. It was the Kyuubi attack all over again. But there was no tailed beast running havoc now. This had Madara written all over it.
She clamped the first ninja that ran by. “Iruka,” she said, “what’s going on? Who did this?”
“Taryn,” he gasped, “why are you here? Did Suna send aid?”
“No,” Taryn disappointed him, “no.. I was… looking for someone. Tell me what’s going on.”
“Akatsuki,” Iruka said, “they’re looking for Naruto.”
“Who is?”
“Some guy named Pain. Do you know him? You were in Akatsuki, weren’t you?” Pain. Him again. “There’s six of them,” Iruka continued, “they all seem to have some special ability. Do you know how to defeat him?”
Taryn shook her head distracted. “I’m sorry. I can’t help you… is Sasuke here somewhere?”
Iruka blinked at her. “Sasuke? No why would he…”
A large explosion made both of them look up. Then another one in a different direction.
“That’s where the Academy is!” Iruka gasped. He started running and Taryn followed after him.
“Are there still students in there?” she asked when she caught up with him.
“No, they have already been evacuated….” He glanced at her. “Why were you asking about Sasuke?”
“You said they were after Naruto,” Taryn changed the subject. Iruka nodded. “Where is he?” she asked.
Iruka stopped running and stared at her. “Why do you want to know?” His eyes turned suspicious.
Before she could answer, a cry for help drew their attention. No far away, a little girl kneeled next to a younger girl who was trapped between the remains of a house. Iruka and Taryn hurried towards them.
“Please help my sister,” the older girl cried, “I can’t get her out.”
Iruka kneeled next to the girl while Taryn tried to find the best way to remove the stones without crushing he girl. It was too heavy to lift, that was sure, even if Iruka would help her. ‘Lightning or wind?’ She mused. Her wind blades were sharp, but less accurate. She didn’t want to risk harming the girls. “Iruka, shield her,” she said as lightning revolved around her arm.
“What are you gong to do?” he gasped.
“Hold very still,” Taryn told the girl. The child looked at her with tear struck eyes and nodded. Taryn took a deep breath and focused. She only needed a minimal amount of chakra.
Iruka ducked and protected the child from shards that might fly around.
“Once the bolder breaks,” Taryn told him, “you have to be very quick.” Iruka nodded. Taryn sighed and hit the bolder hard. The impact of the lighting made it crumble and the girl came loose. Her sister gave a relieved sob and hugged the younger girl.
“Careful,” Taryn said and kneeled down. She examined the girl for any injury. Everything seemed to be okay, but she was no medic. “You should take her to the hospital,” she said to Iruka.
He gave her a sad smile. “There is no more hospital,” he said.
Taryn gave him a pained look. “Where are al the medics?”
“They’re everywhere. All around are people that need medical attention.”
“Find one,” Taryn said. Another explosion sounded. The children jumped. Taryn narrowed her eyes and turned around. “Find a medic,” she told Iruka.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“I’m going to find Pain,” she growled and ran off.
“Taryn! Wait!” Iruka called after her, but she ignored him. If she followed the explosions, she would find him. And if not, then he would certainly find her. She didn’t feel Sasuke’s chakra anywhere. So Madara had lied to her after all. Not that she was surprised. She just wondered where was instead. Madara must know her well. At least well enough to know she wouldn’t leave Konoha now that it was under attack.
She let out a scream when a building close to her collapsed. That road was now blocked, so she took another direction. Buildings lay everywhere. It was hard to recognize anything. Her only point of orientation was the mountain with the faces of the Hokage. And also… Her steps faltered when she arrived at the gate that was once the entrance to the Uchiha quarters. For a moment it distracted her from her search for Pain and she walked further inside and lingered for a moment. There was nothing left of this once proud place. Only broken pieces. It hurt more than she would have thought possible. So much time she had spent here. It was all gone…
***
“You visit here quite often.”
Taryn looked over her shoulder and found the Hokage eyeing her curiously. He came closer to stand beside her. Taryn returned her gaze over the abandoned houses in the Uchiha Quarters. “I didn’t know this place was off limits,” she said.
Sarutobi watched her amused. “The boards barricading the entrance weren’t enough indication for you?” he asked,
Taryn shrugged. “I didn’t see any boards,” she said innocently.
“Hmm,” Sarutobi mused. He too looked around. Seeing the abandoned buildings made him sad. Things could have been so different. He felt regret over Itachi’s fate. And regret that this girl had ended up in the middle of it, even if she wasn’t aware. “You two were very close,” he suddenly said, “ever since you were children. I still remember.”
For a moment, Taryn didn’t answer. When she did, she formulated her words very carefully. “Would you take Itachi back, the way you did with me?” She didn’t look at him and her tone was cold.
Sarutobi picked his words with even more care. “There is a lot to take into consideration before making that decision. I would have to act in the best interest of the village.”
“Meaning no.”
“He wouldn’t be welcomed, Taryn. No one would trust him.”
“You let me come back.”
“You committed no crime against Konoha.”
“As far as you know,” Taryn muttered.
“And there is Sasuke to think of,” the Hokage continued. He glanced at her, but she gave no reaction. He knew the two’d had an encounter not long ago. Was that why she came here so often? To meet him again? But to what purpose? She could save herself the trouble. As long as she was here, the boy wouldn’t show himself. He avoided her. Sarutobi was aware of the boy’s growing hatred towards Taryn. It concerned him. He wasn’t sure yet about Taryn’s intentions. Until he was, it was better if she and Sasuke didn’t cross paths again. Sarutobi nodded to himself. “He won’t come back, Taryn,” he told her.
Taryn’s jaw tensed for a moment. She didn’t look up when the Hokage walked away. She knew he had spoken the truth. But to know something and to hear someone say it out loud were two different things. Taryn sighed. In the few weeks she had been in Konoha now, she hadn’t made any friends. The few friends she used to have had all turned her backs on her. Except Kakashi. And a few days ago, Hayate had started greeting her in the marketplace. It wasn’t much, but it was something. She knew it was her own fault. A lot had happened in the time she’d been away. She didn’t blame them for not trusting her. But she was lonely. She missed Itachi. She wished he were here. But he wasn’t. There was only Sasuke, who hated her. His words still rang in her head.
“I’ll kill you. And then I’ll kill him”
Taryn’s eyes saddened. ‘Do you know what has become of your little brother, Itachi?’ And she had promised to keep an eye on him. She knew he watched her when she came here. She ignored him. After seeing him that first time, she didn’t really want to get involved with him, but she would keep her promise.
Taryn shook her head and headed towards the river, all the while ignoring the pair of child’s eyes that followed her every step.
***
Shouting and clashing of weapons broke her thoughts. Someone was fighting not far from here. Taryn made her way over, but was cut off by someone blocking her path. She looked up and found herself face to face with one of Pain’s carnations. She knew the legend of the Sage of Six paths. All the aspects that came from it. Wish she had paid more attention. What she knew of the Rinnengan was not much. And although she knew Pain, she had never fought him. It didn’t seem like she had much choice now.
‘There’s six of them.’
She remembered what Iruka had told her. She didn’t know which power this one had.
“Where is the Nine Tails?” he asked her.
“I don’t know,” Taryn answered “but even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”
The Pain in front of her raised his hands to prepare an attack, but Taryn was faster. She ducked and pulled a kunai dagger, lashing at her opponent’s side. He whirled out of her reach, grabbing for his injury. Before she could attack again, he performed a summoning jutsu. Al large three-headed dog appeared and Taryn barely managed to get away before his paw came down.
Suddenly she was grabbed from behind, her arms wrenched behind her back. She gasped.
“Taryn Desertstorm,” the new Pain said, “always sticking your nose in someone else’s business.”
Taryn struggled, but it only caused her arms to almost be pulled out of their sockets. ‘I didn’t even sense him,’ she thought confused.
“Now die,” her captor said. He raised his hand, but the strike never came.
“Now gently let go,” a new voice said and Taryn fell to the ground. She gasped and glanced back.
“Shikamaru,” she said.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yeah.” She crawled to her feet. “Watch out!” she yelled when the huge dog attacked him.
Shikamaru broke his shadow binding jutsu and jumped out of the way.
The dog’s paw slammed into the ground, crating a large crater. Taryn looked around. Where had that other one run off to? Even with her Byakugan she couldn’t locate him.
More shinobi had joined the fight. But Pain didn’t seem interested in fighting. He was here in Konoha for one goal. And that was the nine tailed fox, Naruto. And in every corner of the village he didn’t find the boy, he caused destruction.
Taryn hurried through the village as well, not even sure who she was looking for. She stopped when she reached the river. The ground started trembling. Another explosion. Another building crumbled. And she found herself face to face with Pain again. This Pain she remembered. The leader. The one who had murdered her brother. She narrowed her eyes. He cast her a mocking grin.
She saw the attack coming from the other side. The insensible one again. She noticed him one second before he would strike and dodged him.
Unfortunately, another one was in the way hand he managed to strike her. Taryn buckled and fell to her knees. Rolling sideways, she evaded the next attack and she managed to get back to her feet. She wasn’t fast enough to block the attack after that though. And this time she wasn’t as lucky. She was thrown off her feet and staggered. The force of the blow sent her flying and she hit the ice cold water beneath the platform.