Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Façade ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

Title: Façade
Author: Illuma
Fandom: Naruto
Feedback: Feedback is always welcome!

Dream: Rawr. o.o Please excuse my use of music at the end. xD I couldn't help it. o.o I really couldn't. I promise. It doesn't even fit as filler. I was really bored... you forgive me right?
Itachi: No.
Dream: Nobody asked you. But hey. This is by far the longest chapter so far. o-O Including the songs it's 5,958 words. I didn't include this shit though. XD otherwise it'd be over 6,000.
Sasuke: Are you special?
Dream: Yeah probably. Why do you ask?
Sasuke: -Shrugs- I was just wondering. Ever ride the short bus?
Dream: I did once, but for the reason you're thinking. It was some field trip or other back in middle school. A couple of my friends and I got to ride in the short bus. xD Seat belts yay!
Sasuke: You're an idiot.
Dream: You're just jealous that you never got to ride the short bus.
Sasuke: Whatever you say lady.
Dream: Yeah yeah. Go play with your fishcake and leave me alone.
Sasuke: -Eye twitches and leaves-
Itachi: Little brothers are annoying.
Dream: I so wish I could agree with you, but I don't even have any younger siblings. Dx Life sucks.
Itachi: For you yes. I find it quite pleasant.
Dream: Tch. Whatever Tachi-kun. Anyways. Warnings and disclaimer.

Warnings: Is it just me or are they smarter than I gave them credit for originally in this story? xD But really, I love them all oh so very much. xD
Disclaimer: Well I managed to kidnap Itachi again, and I almost nabbed Neji and Gaara but I was seen and had to hightail it outta there with only Itachi. Ah well. Good enough for me. Oh, and I don't own the songs I used either. I don't even tap into having the ability to write even a somewhat decent songs. I tried once and I knew right away I should never try again. -Shrugs-

Chapter 7
- - - - - - - - - -

“That was weird,” Naruto said, watching Sakaye leave the class room.

“Yeah,” Sasuke muttered, watching her go as well. He'd only ever seen an outburst like that from her a few times in his life, and always when she was talking on the phone to someone. Whatever the person had said had made Sakaye pissed. Usually not a good sign.

“Wonder what it was about,” Naruto said.

Sasuke could only shrug. He could never find out what had made his mother upset. She would always disappear a few hours later and not return until some time after midnight tonight would be no different. He'd be asleep by the time she returned home.

“Hey,” Sasuke suddenly said. “You guys wanna stay over at the new house? We don't have school tomorrow so....”

“Eh? You think it's a good idea?” Naruto asked after Sasuke had trailed off.

Sasuke shrugged. “Why not? Itachi will be there and my mom won't mind. If anything she'll be happy about it.”

Naruto and several of the others all shrugged. “Okay,” he said. “We'll just have to ask our parents first.”

“Great. Just let me know.”

“W-what about th-the others?” Hinata stuttered.

Sasuke shrugged. “We can ask them too. Besides. If you guys do come you can finally see the new place and meet the other three dogs.”

“Wait you have three more?”

Sasuke nodded. “I'm positive my mother brought the other three with her. Her grandmother wouldn't have left them with anyone else.”

“Are they the same as that one?” Kiba asked, looking at the black dog laying at Sasuke's feet.

Sasuke nodded. “She only kept Borzoi.”

“Really? Why?”

Sasuke shrugged. “Don't know. She just really liked them I guess. I never bothered to ask.”

“So you have four dogs? That's cool.”

“Actually five.”

“Eh?!” Naruto exclaimed, staring at the Uchiha.

“My mother has an Akita, who's still back in Yuki. She's got more energy than the three Borzoi combined, so it wouldn't been a good idea to have her staying with us until she got back. We wouldn't have had the time for her.”

Kiba grinned. “Sounds like my family's dogs. They've all got loads of energy all of the time. Well the younger ones anyways. Like my dog Akamaru is always demanding to go outside whenever I'm home. Hey would you mind if I brought him along?”

“Sure,” Sasuke said. “Just don't get mad if the other three gang up on him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well Borzoi were bred for hunting, and when they go after wolves they'd take it down and hold it down by the neck until the hunter came along to kill the wolf. It's how they play though. I see them do it to each other all of the time, and they don't hurt each other. Usually it'll be two against one, so whoever runs first is the prey.”

Kiba shrugged. “As long as the don't hurt him, Akamaru can take it,” he said grinning.

“Might be four against one,” Sasuke replied.

Kiba started laughing. “Well if it comes to that then I'll just have to jump right in.”

Sasuke shrugged. “Suit yourself. Just don't blame me if they start going after you as well.”

Kiba kept laughing. “Yeah whatever dude. I can take it. So what'd you name the dog?”

Sasuke looked down at the sleeping puppy by his feet. “Ninochka.”

“What's it mean?” Ino asked.

“Graceful,” Sasuke replied, reaching down to stroke between her ears. The black head lifted and tired eyes looked at him. Sasuke smiled down at the Borzoi puppy. The animal slowly sat up and Sasuke pulled the three month old puppy up onto his lap. He pulled the leash Sakaye had slipped into his pocket earlier out and attached it to the white collar around the dog's neck. He could only assume that Sakaye had forgotten the puppy in her anger. He didn't mind, but it would be a little weird walking around with a puppy all day.

“So are you going to be staying at the new place?” Ino asked.

“Probably,” Sasuke replied with a slight shrug. “I know my mom would rather have me staying with her than Itachi. She knows I'd be perfectly fine staying with Itachi since his place is a lot closer to the school, but she'll insist and I won't argue with her about it because I'll end up losing anyways. Besides. I'd rather stay with her anyways. Itachi gets kind of weird sometimes.”

“What do you mean?” Naruto asked, leaning forwards towards the Uchiha.

Sasuke shook his head, not wanting to elaborate. What his brother did in the privacy of his own home was no one else's business. They didn't need to know. Sasuke shuddered involuntarily as a certain memory flashed through his mind.

“You okay?” Ino asked.

“Fine,” Sasuke muttered, removing the dog from his lap and setting her on the floor as the bell rang, signaling the end of third period.

They all grabbed their things and headed off to their next period, the black Borzoi puppy trailing behind Sasuke.

-

“Momo-chan,” Genma muttered. “Hey you don't thi-”

“Genma,” Raidou said, giving his lover a look that said shut up.

Iruka shook his head. “Can't be. They hated each other. She'd never associate with Momochi Zabuza. You know that.”

“But he's the only one she ever called Momo-chan,” Kotetsu countered. “And she did it just to piss him off. And remember that kid that looked like a girl that used to hang around Zabuza? He and Sakaye were good friends. She always called him Ha-chan.”

“That doesn't explain why she'd be asking about Zabuza though,” Kakashi said thoughtfully. “Unless she's been hiding something from us all this time.”

“She probably is,” Genma volunteered. “Remember those random days after she turned seventeen where she would leave class, and the Zabuza would follow? They both left school and weren't seen until the next day. And it was always right after another death had been reported. Hey you don't think they're murderers do you?”

“Genma, shut up,” Raidou said, smacking his lover over the head rather hard.

Genma whined and grabbed at his now sore skull.

“She must be involved somehow though,” Iruka said. “But what is it that those two could have in common? Sakaye swore that she would always hate Momochi, and that no matter what her feelings would never change.”

Kakashi shrugged and sat down on one of the desks. All of the teachers present had written on their white boards that the period was to be used as a study period.

“Maybe they're Yakuza!” Genma exclaimed loudly, yelping when Iruka whacked his head rather sharply instead of Raidou.

“Shut up or I'll shut you up myself,” Iruka growled.

Genma swallowed and nodded.

“I remember once,” Izumo said, “during class in second year Yakushi Kabuto got a call during the middle of a lecture and abruptly left. Later I heard that at the same time both Sakaye and Zabuza had left their classes as well.”

“Yakushi,” Kakashi said thoughtfully. “Didn't he go to work for that Orochimaru bastard in Oto?”

Raidou nodded. “He did. Right after high school he moved to Oto.”

“I heard that that Orochimaru guy has dealings with the Yakuza,” Asuma said, taking a drag from his cigarette. “That or he's a Yakuza boss. I forget which.”

Several of them nodded.

“There have been several incidents reported all originating in Oto,” Kakashi said. “All brutal homicides that police suspect was the work of the Yakuza. The Oto police claim there is no connection between Orochimaru and the deaths, but I suspect that those guys are owned by Orochimaru, and are told to say that when someone else die.”

“I heard that a secret organization has been going into Oto to investigate the deaths. I read a few reports on-line that suggest all of those deaths are directly connected to Hebi Corp,” Kurenai said, sitting on top the desk Asuma was sitting at. “Apparently they found several clues leading back to him.”

“I recently learned about a Special Ops force called ANBU,” Anko said. “Apparently they've been around for a number of years. How long I can't say for sure. I was found out before I could get anymore information form the database, but they didn't know who it was. I almost had a list of names, but that was when I was forced out. I tried getting back in, but they've upped security a lot. It's practically impossible for me now.”

“I could try,” Kakashi suggested. “I haven't done it in awhile, but I could try and get in.”

Anko nodded. “They're apparently indirectly connected to some assassinations, and the following cover-up of it all.”

“What does ANBU mean?” Genma asked.

“Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai,” Anko replied, looking over at him. “In other words, Special Assassination Tactical Force. I assume they don't only deal in assassinations, but that is part of it.”

“You serious?” Genma said, wide-eyed.

Anko nodded. “I found it at the top of one of the files. And you know that black truck that's been showing up every time they find a body? That's them. They've probably been looking for anything that could link back to Orochimaru. They've been after this guy for years apparently.”

“How could they have not gotten him then?” Iruka asked.

Anko shrugged. “These big business guys are all the same. They've got loads of connections and they always find a way to get out of the messes they create. My bet is that they'll end up going for a more direct route and just off the guy in the end. They've been taking down bases he's got in other countries. Just last week they shut down the one they had in Russia. Don't know how they managed it, but some Russian officer named Vlad Silvashko was a big part of it. He apparently had help from a special agent who was supposedly on vacation in Russia at the time. No name was ever given.”

“Who the hell would vacation in Russia?” Genma asked stupidly.

“Don't you get it?” Raidou said, hitting him over the head again.

“That special agent had to have been Sakaye,” Kakashi said. “It all fits. It is true she went to see her grandmother on her death bed, but no one else knows that. Especially not the press. If that Orochimaru guy found out about Sakaye's grandmother, then he could easily go after her.”

“Shouldn't you all be teaching?” said a voice in the doorway.

They all turned to stare wide-eyed at the blonde woman leaning casually against the door frame.

“Ah...” Iruka started, trailing off.

Tsunade sighed and stepped into the room, shutting the door firmly behind her. She stood in the center of their now half-circle.

“There are things you should and should not know. Sakaye's occupation high among those you should not. You've obviously figured it out so I can't hide it from you. Yes, she is a member of ANBU. She is also the current leader of the entire unit. She has been an active member since she was seventeen.”

“What about Momochi?” Kakashi asked.

“Sixteen. Those two were paired as partners shortly after Sakaye joined the ranks. They led you all to believe they hated each other with a burning passion. All of those fights they had were staged. I should know because I had a hand in their creation. It can never be known that partners ever associate willingly with each other, especially people like them. Momochi came to us from Kirigakure when he was fifteen. We enrolled him in Konoha High to finish his education. He became a member of ANBU when he was sixteen, and joined the active ranks a year later.”

“When did Sakaye join?” Asuma asked.

Tsunade sighed and scratched her head. “Six months after the death of her parents. She became active in the field when she turned seventeen, and was made Zabuza's partner. You remember Haku right? He's also a member of ANBU, but he was a part of it at a much earlier age. One of the member's found him outside the headquarters building at the time, huddled and shivering in the freezing rain. He'd apparently run away from the orphanage he'd been sent to, and the bastards refused to take him back. He became an active member when he turned sixteen, and before that he ran errands for us.”

“Why do you know so much?” Genma asked.

Tsunade rolled her eyes. “Because I was the Captain when Haku came to us, and I was still Captain when both Zabuza and Sakaye joined. I retired seven years ago when Sakaye succeeded me as the captain. However, I still play my part as a confidant.”

“Confidant? Why?” Iruka asked.

“You have no idea how hard it is to kill someone, and then go on with your life as if it had never happened. When all the stress starts building up, they come to either me or my idiot husband who seems to have disappeared on me again.”

“You're married?” Genma asked, staring dumbly at her.

Tsunade sighed and nodded. “Unfortunately.”

“Why is it unfortunate?” Raidou asked, tilting his head in confusion.

Tsunade rolled her eyes. “Because he's a perverted bastard who writes trashy porn books and peeks in on women on the bath houses. It's a miracle I even love that moron.”

“He writes porn?” Kakashi asked, eagerly leaning forward. “What does he write?”

Tsunade glared at him. “Icha Icha,” she growled.

“Wait... wait a minute!” Kakashi exclaimed. “You're married to the Sanada Jiraiya? Masterful author of the Icha Icha series?!”

“I wouldn't exactly call it masterful,” she scowled, “but yes. He writes that trashy shit.”

“It's not trashy!” Kakashi growled.

“Yes it is,” Tsunade said and swiftly changed the subject. “Now listen. You've all trespassed into territory you have no business being in. If Sakaye finds out any of you know, I had nothing to do with this, got it? I've got to many things I need to worry about without having her breathing down my neck. You will no longer speak of any of this in a public area. She and the rest of the ANBU members have countless enemies that want them dead, and if anyone of those enemies ever found out who she is and who the people she cares for are, they'd come after you and use you against her. They could very well take her life if it came right down to it, so do not risk it. They've come to close to taking that bastard down for you all to screw it up now. Am I clear?”

All ten of them nodded.

“Well I'm glad we got that settled.”

“So hey,” Genma ventured. “Do you know what she was talking about earlier?”

“Probably,” Tsunade replied with a shrug, “but I'm not telling you lot. It's not your concern, so do not even try to make it so. I'm warning you to keep your noses out of it. Especially you, Anko and Kakashi. Stay out of that database. You don't want them to find out you've been snooping around.”

“What would they do?” Kurenai asked.

Tsunade shook her head. “Some things are better left unsaid.”

“So what are they like?” Genma questioned curiously.

Tsunade eyed him. “The members of ANBU are dangerous people. You would not want to get in their way when they are working. They don't look kindly upon civilians that get in their way. I've seen it countless times. They will instantly turn on anyone who gets in their way if the mission is compromised in any way.” Tsunade's amber eyes lifted to gaze at the clock on the wall for a moment. She turned back to the teachers and narrowed her eyes. “I advise you all to remain in your homes tonight.”

“What? But why?” Kakashi asked, leaning forward towards the woman. “We were planning on going to a club tonight.”

Tsunade shook her head. “Do not go. I'm warning you as someone who cares. I can't say for sure, but I know something will be happening tonight. Something big. Stay at home. Please.”

They were all a bit surprised at the seriousness of her tone. Tsunade would never ask them to do anything like this if there wasn't a reason behind it.

“Better yet, go to the new house. That would certainly be safer than your homes.”

“I don't understand,” Iruka said. “What's going on?”

Tsunade shook her head. “Tonight is a turning point in this war. Sakaye's pissed and she'll be out for blood.”

“W-what?”

Tsunade eyed the brunet. “The person she was talking with before, Haku. He informed her that they had taken into custody a man named Yakushi Kabuto. That's right. An old class mate. He was in the hands of Morino Ibiki, a torture specialist capable of extracting information from just about anyone. Yakushi was at the breaking point when Morino was suddenly ordered to release him. Had he been at the ANBU Headquarters, Yakushi would still be in their hands. They hadn't wanted to risk a transfer from the Police Station, so Morino was interrogating him there. He was close to getting what he wanted when the Chief entered the room and presented Morino with a release document for Yakushi Kabuto.

“Sakaye will be determined to either get Yakushi or another higher-up. She wants Orochimaru's blood. She's told me countless times that the bastard will die at her hands and no one else's. She calls herself an avenger, and I fear that is what she has become. She has killed countless underlings of Orochimaru's in quest for his blood, and she will not stop until she has it. Her determination scares me. I sometimes see the blood lust in her eyes when she comes to me.

“She may seem so to everyone around her, but Usami Sakaye is far from sane. Most members of ANBU are. They crossed that line long ago. If you happen to see her passing if you do choose to go there, remember the look in her eyes. That will tell you everything you need to know.”

Tsunade left them with their option, giving them directions on how to reach the mansion.

-

Sakaye shifted as she stared at the mirror in front of her, Nadia standing behind her and doing her hair. Her hair was pinned up on either side of her head, thicker braids wrapped tightly in a cone shape with the rest of the hair falling out at the end. Nadia as adding gel to her hair so it would stick as she moved.

Hauntingly gloomy eyes watched as the hands moved, twisting dark hair into small braids. She shifted her gaze away, dark gray eyes staring back at equally dark gray eyes. She scrutinized her reflection, eying the clothes Nadia had chosen. The woman always chose something dark for her. Tonight was no different from any other.

The black material of her top clung to her skin, for straps connected to a thicker band of material secured around her neck, taught and hold the front of it up. Above her bust, two red straps connect the inner and outer straps. From her navel and up forming a 'V' was a rich red area made of silk. The rest of it was gray and a darker shade of gray.

The skirt she wore was mostly dark gray as well, the hem lined with red lace. On both sides of her, the skirt extended down in two separated layers, the dame dark gray and the edges lined with the same red lace. Attached to the back was a train, the outer part sticking with the dark gray, and the area behind her legs a deep crimson. Hanging loosely

She lifted a booted foot and admired the skirt, smiling only slightly at it. She was wearing red fish net stockings that went up to near the top of her thigh, held in place by simple black garters hidden underneath the skirt.

Her gaze drifted down to her black boots. They were knee high leather boots laced up with red strings. The only reason she liked these boots was mainly because they were also steel-toed. “Wasn't there another pair that could have gone with this?” she asked, eying Nadia in the mirror behind her.

“These were the better choice that went well with these clothes. The other ones looked kind of weird.”

“Ah. Well okay. You almost done?” she asked, silently mouthing the lyrics to the song currently playing loudly throughout the house. Itachi had left shortly after arriving, claiming he need sleep away from the psychotic woman. She had laughed at that. The dogs though were out exploring the yard, thankfully unable to jump the eight foot wall surrounding the land. She had to admit it was an excellent choice.

Sakaye herself loved places like this. It wasn't your typical modern day mansion. It was more like a large collection of one to two story building placed systematically throughout the area. Itachi had also acquired a large piece of empty land behind the house and had the wall extended around it. Nadia would set up something for the dogs probably tomorrow.

“Done,” Nadia said, pulling her hands away and stepping back. “By the way, Tsunade called earlier.”

“What did she want?”

“She said your wonderful friends found out and that they'll all probably be staying here tonight at her warning.”

“Fucking perfect,” Sakaye snapped. “That's just what I needed.”

Nadia sighed and ran a hand through her dark hair. “Well there's nothing we can do about it now. As long as they don't go snooping for more information and don't talk about it in public, they'll be fine.”

Sakaye sighed and nodded reluctantly. “I know that, but it still worries me that they know now. They've crossed into unknown territory here.”

Nadia nodded. “I am sure they will take the warning to heart and not pursue the matter further. It would be a dangerous thing for them to do so.”

“Yes,” Sakaye replied, glancing around at the digital clock sitting on a table. It red five thirty. “I've asked Tobi and Deidara to remain here tonight as an extra precaution. They should be here around seven or so.”

Sakaye turned and walked to the door, sliding it open and stepping out into the hallway. She glanced to her right before turning and heading for the stair case several feet away from her. She heard the distinct click of a lock and then the front door opening. She eyed Itachi as she reached the bottom.

“Sakaye,” he said, slightly loud over the music. “Sasuke wanted to know if it would be alright for his friends to stay the night.”

Behind him, Sasuke entered the house and toed off his shoes,l the black Borzoi puppy following him. Narrowing his eyes at the loud music. Sakaye looked up at Nadia. Nadia nodded and moved away to turn it down.

“That's fine,” she said, smiling warmly at Sasuke. She moved forward and hugged the younger Uchiha.

“Where are you going?” Itachi asked, looking her up and down as she pulled away from Sasuke.

“Out. I've some business to attend to tonight. I won't be home till late.”

“When?”

Sakaye shrugged and turned, heading to the back of the house. “You'll pick her up tomorrow for me won't you?” she called out.

“Your dog?” Itachi asked, following her to the kitchen. He found Sasuke leaning against the counter with a bottle of water in her hand.

“Yeah,” she replied. “I miss her.”

Itachi nodded. “What time?”

“The flight should come in at around two or so. Yuri's bringing her.”

“Yuri? Oh your other friend from high school right?”

“Yeah,” she replied with a nod. “She might be staying for a few days.”

Itachi nodded. “Okay.”

“Oh by the way, Tsunade told Nadia my idiot friends would be coming over tonight as well for whatever reason,” she said, shrugging slightly. “I advise you stay as far away from Genma as possible if he's coming as well.”

“Why?”

“You'll know why,” she replied, her head turning at the sound of a knock on the front door.

“I'll get it!” Sasuke yelled out, hurrying to answer it.

“Well I'm glad to see he's gotten better. I was starting to think he'd always be the scared little kid that needed to hold mommy's hand.”

Itachi looked at her and shrugged, running a hand through his black hair. “That Naruto kid did wonders on him,” he replied.

“He certainly did,” Sakaye said, pushing herself up onto the counter and glancing at the clock on the microwave. Five forty. She lifted her head when a song started playing. She hopped off the counter and started singing along in English, dancing a little as well.

“I'm gonna make you bend and break (it sent you to me without wings)
Say a prayer, but let the good times roll
In case God doesn't show (let the good times roll, let the good times roll)
And I want these words to make things right
But it's the wrongs that makes the words come to life
Who does he think he is (if that's the worst you got better put your fingers back to the keys)

One night and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Even though they weren't so great
He tastes like you only sweeter”

She left the kitchen and stepped out into the hallway, still dancing to the music as she watched Sasuke lead his his friends into another room.

“One night yeah and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Thanks for the memories
See, He tastes like you only sweeter
ooooooooh”

She grinned at Sasuke when he stuck his head out of the room and glared at her. She just continued dancing along the hallway and resumed singing when the vocals came back.

“Been looking forward to the future
But my eyesight is going bad
And this crystal ball
It's always cloudy except for (except for)
When you look into the past (look into the past)
One night stand
One night stands out!”

She glanced to the front door as someone knocked. Sasuke went to answer it, sliding it open and staring wide eyed at his teachers. Kakashi laughed and waved to the dancing woman. Sakaye waved her hand back at him and beckoned them to come inside.

“One night, and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Even though they weren't so great
He tastes like you only sweeter

One night, yeah and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Thanks for the memories
See, He tastes like you only sweeter”

She watched them pile in, taking their shoes off and leaving them in a row by the door. She shook her head and grinned when Genma moved to join her. She used him to her advantage, 'flirting' with him while dancing in front of the slowly angering Raidou. She couldn't remember how many times she done this to only have Raidou angrily drag Genma away from her and mark Genma as his in front of everyone. Always amusing.

“They say I only think in the form of
Crunching numbers in hotel rooms
Collecting page six lovers
Get me out of my mind
Gets you out of those clothes”

Sakaye's hands brushed the hem of Genma's shirt and lifted it only slightly before Raidou was on them, pulling Genma away. Only a few of them understood English well enough to understand what she had been singing along with.

“I'm a line away from
Getting you into the mood (wa-ooooohhh)”

Sakaye moved away and sung the chorus again, dancing to the music still.

“One night, and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Even though they weren't so great
He tastes like you only sweeter

One night, yeah and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Thanks for the memories
See, He taste like you only sweeter”

She glanced at a clock on the wall and noted the time. They'd be here soon.

One more night and one more time
thanks for the memories
even though they weren't so great
he tastes like you only sweeter

One night, yeah one more time
Thanks for the memories
Thanks for the memories
See, he tastes like you only sweeter”

The song faded out, Sakaye bowed and new one started. She moved her body slowly, closing her eyes. As the beat picked up she moved a little more, a few seconds passed before she started singing in English again, this time to an Evanescence song.

“You're too important for anyone
You play the role of all you long to be
But I, I know who you really are
You're the one who cries when you're alone”

Those that understood the words didn't seem to understand the meaning.

“But where will you go
With no one left to save you from yourself
You can't escape
You can't escape

You think that I can't see right through your eyes
Scared to death to face reality
No one seems to hear your hidden cries
You're left to face yourself alone”

Her eyes opened and seemed to gain a sad look to them before she turned away, her dancing stopped, but she still sang along with the music. She hadn't noticed Itachi entering the house and watching her. He understood the words. He understood everything.

“But where will you go
With no one left to save you from yourself
You can't escape the truth

I realize you're afraid, but you can't abandon everyone
You can't escape
You don't want to escape”

Her eyes passed over the clock and she noted the time.

“I am so sick of speaking words that no one understands
Is it clear enough that you can't live your whole life all alone
I can hear you in a whisper
But you can't even hear me screaming

Where will you go
With no one left to save you from yourself
You can't escape the truth”

She had about eight minutes left. She turned her body to hide her action, one hand moving to check that she did indeed have the handgun tucked secretly in her clothes, the bulge of it going completely unnoticed to anyone not looking for it. Extra magazines of ammunition had been tucked away into her boots.

“I realize you're afraid
But you can't reject the whole world
You can't escape
You won't escape
You can't escape
You don't want to escape

When the next song started playing, Sakaye scowled at Nadia. “Why is this on the disc?” she demanded, tapping her foot on the floor as the lyrics floated through her mind.

“I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the boulevard of broken dreams
When the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...”

She caught the slim black phone Nadia had tossed to her, slipping it into who knew where. She'd chose not to carry a purse tonight.

“My shadow's th' only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
Till then I walk alone

Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ahhh-Ah
Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line of the edge
And where I walk alone”

She checked the time again and narrowed her eyes only slightly, laughing softly when Kotetsu and Izumo had started dancing with her a few verses back. She coaxed Iruka into joining her and grinned at the scowling scarecrow with half his face hidden by the high collar of his dark gray turtle neck.

“Read between the lines
What's fucked up and every thing's all right
Check my vital signs to know I'm still alive
And I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a...

My shadow's th' only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish a someone out there will find me
Till then I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone!

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of broken dreams
When the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...

My shadow's th' only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
Till then I walk alone”

Sakaye rolled her eyes at Nadia as the next and last song began.

“Pay close attention
Don't listen to me from now
George'll be flying this one
And it's anyone's guess how he does
This is the right turn, wrong universe
Taking me in full bloom
Fireball, careful with that
There, see what you made me do

I must be dreaming, or
We're onto something
I must be dreaming, for
I don't fall in love lawlessly
I must be dreaming, or
Pinch me to waking
So undeniably yours
As long as I'm losing it so completely”

Sakaye's body moved with the slowish beat of the music, singing along with it.

Incendiary glance
Be, come, and collide in me
-zoom in- -enhance- -hold-
While I go helplessly sky high
Magic eye sugar rushing don't -stop-

I must be dreaming, or
We're onto something
Hey just watcha make me for
I don't fall in love lawlessly
I must be dreaming, or
Pinch me to waking
So undeniably yours
As long as I'm losing it so completely

Euphoria
I can't take any more of yah
Euphoria
I can't take any more of yah

Sakaye suddenly stopped dancing, her mouth closing as she turned, moving straight for the front door almost mechanically. The clock on the wall read five fifty-nine, and she could hear the vehicle coming up the drive.

The adults saw the look in her eyes. Every last one of them. She had gone from the happily singing and dancing woman to something completely different. Her eyes promised pain and possibly death to those who defied her, but there was something else there they couldn't identify. Something that seemed to say so much more but hid it all the same. They quickly scrambled out of her way, Nadia rushing forward to open the door.

“Lock all the doors,” she snapped harshly, her eyes passing over Nadia as she turned to look at them. She turned back and strode quickly towards the shadowy figure leaving the sleek black vehicle sitting on the gravel.

Nadia didn't close the door just yet, and they all heard the sharply growled, “Move!” from Sakaye. The figure hastened out of her way, opening the passenger side door and slipping into the seat. The lights from the porch caught Sakaye's eye as she looked back at them one last time, a disturbing image coming to their minds as she disappeared inside the car, the door slamming shut.

The car in gear, and gravel spraying, the vehicle sped down the opposite end of the drive, the red back lights the last thing seen as the car disappeared from view.

Nadia slid the door closed and turned, eying the eleven adults standing dumbfounded at the sudden change of events.

“We need to talk.”

Tbc...