Chapter 9- Break in/Out

Shikamaru and the others weren't far from the hideout now.
"where almost there!" Naruto shouted form the front.
"We can finally save her" The look of relief lit up Shikamaru's face.
"We have to think, the hideout will be full of Akasuki members" Kakashi responded.
"Not if she's already thought of a way to escape" Shikamaru grinned.
"Guess his spirits are high" Genma chuckled.
"Haa, she's a smart girl" Shikamaru laughed.
They all jumped down from the tree to the path.
"She got kidnapped a few times when we were kids... But Orochimaru is something else" He sighed.
"Sounds like we don't have to worry too much. We're about a mile off. There's no way to tell if they know we're here" Naruto pointed.                            
Ha! He's here. Guess this is where I make my escape. I slowed my flow of chakra right down.
Kabuto walked into the room and made his way towards me.
"Low on chakra today? Your life will disappear anytime" He chuckled holding my chin up.
"Don't... touch me" I muttered.
"It's not like you can do anything in your condition" He whispered in my ear as he caressed me.
I endured his touch for a moment, I increased the chakra flow at my wrist breaking the chain setting my right arm free. Putting as much power as i could, i drove my hand into the crease of his neck knocking him out. I broke the rest of the chains and searched for my clothes and shoes. I could only find my trousers but no mind, I began to creep around looking for an exit. As I walked around a corner I could hear shouting... Something about art, Anyway I found myself walking down a long hall way. It began to get colder and soon I was walking through shallow water. It was difficult for me to detect vibrations since I've never trained myself for water conditions.

"It seems like we have company... I'll go and give them a warm welcome" Orochimaru chuckled licking his lips with his disgustingly long tongue.

"How are we meant to break in?" Genma asked.
"There is a chamber somewhere" Naruto said drawing a map in the dirt.
"I think we should wait a minute..." Kakashi said sighing.
"Why? We might not have any time left" Shikamaru angered.
"Analyse the situation properly or your love for this girl will turn you into a fool" Genma sighed.
Naruto looked at Shikamaru's frustrated expression.
"Okay..." Shikamaru sat down.
I began shuffling my feet around under the water. I touched someones foot, I quickly jumped up lifting my foot to strike but was quickly blocked.
"You wasn't joking when you said you would break out within the day" Kisame chuckled.
"Oh it's you, and of course. It's not the first time I've been kidnapped" I said with my leg held in the high position.
"Oh really?" Kisame raised an eyebrow.
"Can you let go of my leg?" I smirked and he did as I asked. "Are you gonna let me go?" I asked in a serious tone.
"I could..." He smirked.
"But?" I raised an eyebrow.
"You can get me in alot of trouble" Kisame stroked the back of his head.
"You aren't going to are you?" I took a stance.
"Well... No-" I cut him off by splitting him in half.
"Fucking waterclone" I stood listening, ready for battle.

"Am I the only one that can feel that?" Shikamaru whispered.
"Feel what?" Genma questioned.
"There's something wrong with Shizuka..." He rested his hand on the floor.
"What is it?" Kakashi watched his posture.
"Shizuka's chakra...its coming in short bursts... Shes down there behind that wall" He stared down.

Kisame was strong, even for a water clone. I weakened and found myself restrained.
"Please just let me go" I panted loosing energy.
"I can't do that, then I'll get in trouble" Kisame began to walk back into the hideout.
"I have no choice" I said freeing my hand and bit into my fingers using a summoning technique.

"This chakra..." Kakashi widened his eyes.
"We need to get her now!" Shikamaru jumped down towards the entrance.
luckily my summon Ryuu protected me.
"You really do have the blood of the dragon" Kisame said as Ryuu wrapped his tail around him.
I smirked at him as he was destroyed.
"Ryuu, Please make an exit" I said breathing heavily.
He drove his body into the wall only to be obstructed by another wall.

Orochimaru went to the lab only to find Kabuto on the floor. He slithered to him and Kabuto shot awake.
"How could you let her escape!" He coiled his body around him.
"I'm sorry I thought she was weak enough to play with" He said being squeezed.
"Didn't I say not to underestimate her!?" He said throwing him into the wall.

Ryu bursted through the second wall.
"Shizuka!" Shikamaru shouted lifting me off.
The rest of the team came to help.
"Thanks Ryuu I can take it from here" He nodded his head and disappeared in smoke.
"Don't think you can escape so easy!" A snake coiled around my ankle pulling and dragging me to the floor.
"I don't think so" Naruto sliced the snake in half.
Orochimaru charged at Shikamaru forcing a kunai through his hand. Shikamaru grabbed his wrist pulling his hand away. Orochimaru jumpped back ready to attack again. Naruto ran throwing two kunai at Orochimaru, just as his earth wall blocks them. Orchimaru let out and evil chuckle angering naruto he growed and formed a Rasengan. He sprints straight at the Sannin.
"A frontal assault? Are you serious child?" Orochimaru laughed.
I was hoisted up by Genma.
"We need to get you out of here" He said putting his arm around me.
"I need to help the others!" I argued. Genma began to walk away from the fight.
"I'm not done yet" Orochimaru's clone appeared knocking genma down and sliced my throat.
I grabbed my neck to stop the blood flowing out.
"Too shallow?" Orochimaru's crazed face twisted.
I ran back a little falling to the floor.
"I will finish this experiment" Orochimaru stepped forward only to be obstructed by naruto.
"Shizuka you're in no state to fight" Kakashi said jumping at Naruto's side.
Genma helped me back up "Think about your Conrad's" he said pointing.
As Naruto drew back for another strike, Orochimaru leaped away. After he had some distance between them, the snake started shedding its skin. Orochimaru's mouth opened wide, with a sickening sound of skin ripping and bone snapping.
I gave Orochimaru a fierce glare. "I'm done playin' around!" I pushed Genma away. I shouted at them all to move. I tore the wound in my neck a little summoning Ryuu again, using ever last bit of chakra I had left. I didn't even realize what I did but when it ended i could see Orochimaru's lifeless corps but I knew he wasn't gone for good.
"Shizuka..." Shikamaru called my name before I blacked out.

Chapter 8- Pursuit

"Goddamn it! how could i be so stupid" Shikamaru began to shout.
"Don't blame yourself, Tsunade is doing everything she can" Kakashi sympathized
"It's not enough, they could be doing anything to her" Shikamaru raced in the direction Itachi and Kisame went.
"You're not thinking Shikamaru" Genma protested.
Shikamaru stopped running "We only got together the other day and bullshit like this happens!" He punched a tree in anger.
"We'll save her, I know we will" Genma said placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Knowing isn't good enough!" Shikamaru answered.
They began to run again.
"Naruto will be joining us soon" Kakashi said.
After a while Naruto joined them.
"You know where the hideout is right kid?" Genma asked.
"If they defiantly went in this direction i can find her.... But it will take at least two days..." Naruto frowned.
"Two days!? Are you fucking kidding me!?" Shikamaru lost it.
"If we travel at a good pace, i think we make it in a day and a half..." Genma suggested.
"We could... Maybe" Naruto observed.
"We could be too late" Shikamaru worried.
"Not with Orochimaru's twisted mind we wont" Naruto grinned.
"What do you mean?" Genma raised an eyebrow
"He'll more likely play with her... Enjoying the trill of torture, Her humiliation" Naruto informed.
"Sick bastard. He better not touch her" Shikamaru flew up into the trees.
"This would be quicker" Kakashi jumped up, the rest of the team following.                                              
I was chained back to the wall, beginning to feel faint. My struggling became weaker.
"Don't worry my lovely" Orochimaru stroked my face.
"How long have I been here?" I struggled to talk.
"Since you've been captured two days" He chuckled.
I could feel my strength weakening. Fading away.
"Please... just let me go" I panted.
"Not until I get that Blood out of you" He hissed.
"I swear... When I get out of here, I'll kill you" I growled.
"How do you plan on getting out of here?" Orochimaru's lip curled up
"Taking off my blindfold.... Revealing my disgrace as the failed daughter of the Aijin clan. I will get out of here... Don't you worry your pretty little head" I spat on the floor.
"You..." He grabbed me by the chin, assuming he was looking into my eyes.
"I really love that sharp tongue you have, I might just keep you as my little pet. There's no way in hell you're going to kill me" He hissed licking my neck.
"You piece of shit!" I began pulling on the chains again.
"Well, that certainly was a good session. I will be back bright and early tomorrow to start again. Sleep well" Orochimaru walked off laughing.
"She's a fighter isn't she? Bet no other experiments caused you as much trouble. Let alone threaten you" Kisame stood in the door way.
"I love it. She'll be staying here the night. Making hand seals is a no no" Orochimaru mocked, officially leaving the room.
"How long do you plan on staying here?" Kisame wondered.
"I'll be out within the next half day" I smirked.
"How can you be so sure? And dressed like that?" He folded his arms.
That's right I almost forgot, I was stripped to my underwear.
"Ahha, I'll be out within the time. Don't underestimate me shark," I jiggled the chains around.
"Too cocky for my licking" Kisame turned around about to leave.
"When I'm out come and find me yourself, congratulate me if you must" I smirked and he left the room.                                                                    
Kakashi and the rest of the team were tired but Shikamaru pressed on.
"We need tor est!" Genma shouted but Shikamaru ignored him,
"Shikamaru,  think logically, If we get there and have to fight do you really think you can save her in this condition!?" Naruto shouted words of wisdom.
He stopped on a branch panting.
"We know you're worried but... We've been at this for a full day" Kakashi stood next to him.
"We can camp down there, I'll set traps around us" Shikamaru jumped down with the others following.

Chapter 7- Held Captive

Itachi and Kisame entered the base. Walking to Orochimaru's lab. He wasn't there so they waited.
I woke up chained to a wall. two familiar chakra's I've come in contact with. Itachi and Kisame.
"She's awake" Kisame chuckled.
"Shizuka Aijin... What makes you so special? Why has Orochimaru taken such an interest in you?" He held my chin up.
"Don't We have her file yet?" Kisame leaned back in his chair.
"No..." Itachi answered as cold as ever.
I stayed silent gently pulling on the chains that secured my hands and feet.
"I asked you a Question" He growled squeezing my chin.
"Actually you asked me two. Which one would you rather me answer?" I replied smirking.
He pressed a kunai into my throat. hard. And my smart arse comment defiantly didn't help. I choked when I felt the warm dribble of blood begin to trickle down my neck.
"Fine..." I chocked past the kunai.
"Good" The kunai relaxed a little enough just to let me talk
"I don't think anything makes me special.... I don't know why I'm here"  He released my chin.
"I'm going to find Orochimaru... Wasting our time like this" Kisame got up and left the room.
I pulled against the Chains until they cut raw into my wrists.
"Stop struggling you're not going to escape any time soon" Itachi said leaning up against the table.
I could hear the conversation travelling closer, assuming Kisame bought the famous 'Orochimaru' with him.
"Did you find her?" The voice echoed.
"Yes, I brought you the experiment as told" Kisame opened the door.
"She's already chained up... As expected" He said.
 My strength was coming backing back to me.
"Lord Orochimaru." A person said kneeling before his master.
"What do you want with me?" I shouted  with a hint of bitterness in my voice.
"Orochimaru-sama! Our spies have reported that Konoha has sent out the Copy Ninja's team. They are moving in the direction that your subject was picked up from" His kneeling comrade informed.
"Kabuto... You're going to help me prepare this experiment" He chuckled.
I began to scream and curse Orochimaru.
"Watch your mouth" Kabuto snapped.
Orochimaru didn't say a word. He just stood there still smirking. "Now now, no need to get upset"
I began to growl
"You have a sharp tongue Shizuka. I like that. But let me tell you one thing. You ARE going to help me, against your will or even if you freely accept" He said flicking a strand out of his face.
I wanted to test his reaction,
"And what if I don't want to help you?" I grinned.
Orochimaru Laughed. Sending shivers down my spine, "You have no choice in the matter my dear" He said, grabbing My face and flicking his long tongue out drawing it up my neck.
I pounced forward only to be restricted by the chains.
"Kabuto... Please prepare the Tables" He chuckled turning away.
With a blood curdling roar that even made the emotionless Itachi falter for a moment in surprise.
A lot of noise was made, It left me wondering what exactly they were preparing. I struggled to my feet, making orochimaru look at me with curiosity. Somehow i managed to get a shoe off, then stomping my foot on the ground. Where Kabuto stood were scalpels, knives, syringes and needles.
"Kisame, Itachi. I need you to restrain her" Orochimaru commanded.
They both obeyed, Undoing the chains, quickly securing me to the table.
"What do you want from me!" I screamed, fighting against the newly replace chains. they were much stronger than the previous ones.

"Not many people have abilities almost identical to mine. So, I decided to find a shinobi That can complete my form" He said, examining the syringe he was holding.

"What are you talking about!?" I rattled the chains.
"The blood that runs through your veins.... Are that of a dragon" He said tracing a vein down my neck to my forearm.
"Are you fucking crazy?! I'm... Not a dragon" I squirmed under his touch.
"Now. Why don't we have a wonderful time collecting what belongs to me" He tore away my clothes draining the blood from me.
I whinced at the pain.
"Why don't we look beyond that blind fold?" He began to pull at it.
"No don't" I screamed.
"Inform me of that copy ninja's movements. Do not attack them, If necessary we'll take hostages." Orochimaru stared at the syringe filling with blood.
Kabuto smiled "Yes" and he left the room.
"Your friends are looking for you. Will they find you? The anticipation is delicious. Continue to hope. Continue to struggle. You can't escape. It makes this so much more enjoyable!" Orochimaru laughed hysterically. 

Chapter 6- Taken

The next morning came.
I could hear Naruto whining about how hungover he was. I just laughed.
"Soooooo what happened between you and Shikamaru" Naruto said nudging me.
"Yeah fill us in" Sakura winked.
I must admit she annoyed me but... Whatever, sometimes she isn't too bad.
"Nothing..." I sighed.
"Really!?" Naruto and Sakura said at the same time.
"yeah... I need to go..." I said running to my house. 
I quickly got changed into my Anbu uniform and made my way to the forest where i always train.

I began to create a new Jutsu using my Kekkei Genkai, hoping to surpass anyone along my family history. And there I began to practice. Hours later there was the slightest bit of progress. I sat on the floor meditating.
"Shizuka" Shikamaru called out.
"hey.." I blushed remembering what happened last night.
"What have you been doing to work yourself this much?" He sat next to me.
"Creating a new technique somehow..." I said leaning on his shoulder.
"No wonder you're so low on chakra, The rest of our team should be with us soon..." Shikamaru said adjusting his mask.
"Spoke too soon my friend" Kakashi said jumping down from the trees with Genma and Iruka down at his side.
"ah, Hello" I said raising up.
"Here, this is where we have to go" Genma said twirling the senbon in his mouth.
Shikamaru took the scroll. "okay, Shall we make a move?" he said standing up.
"If we go now we have a better chance..." Kakashi said pulling down his mask.
Shikamaru offered his hand and I took it hoisting myself up.
"We need a moment so Shizuka can regain some chakra" Shikamaru voiced.
After that moment pass Genma broke the silence with an awkward question.
"Soo... Are you two an item now?" Genma said smirking before pulling his mask down.
I blushed.
"Pretty much" Shikamaru chuckled a little tightening his mask.
Iruka stayed silent, his mask already on.
I had trouble getting my mask on so Shikamaru done it for me. After it was sorted we began jumping through the trees.
"Are you fit enough to fight? After your little drinking session?" Kakashi laughed.
"I'm fine" Iruka answered.
"He's just sulking because Shikamaru won her over first" Genma smirked behind the mask.
I rolled my eyes and ignored him, adjusting my mask. 
"Any idea who we're up against?" I glanced over at Kakashi, frowning under my mask when I noticed he seemed more alert than usual. 
He let out a low growl.
"What is it?" Genma asked.
"Someone's following us" Kakashi muttered.
"How many of them are there?" Iruka said facing forward
I stopped hard on one of the jumps to sense how many followers we had.
"There's just one… But it doesn't look like he's planning on going away anytime soon" I said pulling out a kunai.
"I guess we'll just have to try and go faster than him. Maybe we can shake him off-" Genma said with a chuckle.
"Shizuka, BEHIND YOU!" Kakashi shouted.
I was suddenly knocked out of the tree tops and to the forest floor. I groaned as I picked my kunai up and stood tall in a stance. 
"It's the Akatsuki!" Shikamaru shouted out to me.
"Shit! Which ones?" I could sense another person.
They jumped down and surrounded me.
"It's seems like it was their plan to lead you out here" Genma said drawing out kunais.
"Me!? What in the hell for?" I questioned.
"Well, we're about to find out" Kakashi said activating his sharingan.
Kunai began to fly in our direction. Shikamaru started to use his Shadow gathering Technique.
"Itachi Uchiha..." Kakashi muttered.
Shit we're in trouble now.
"And his partner Kisame Hoshigaki" Genma deflected a kunai.
"We want the girl..." Kisame said taking his sword off his back.
"Girls aren't allowed in the Anbu" Iruka protested.
Aw thanks guys. But I knew it was from my protection.
"Don't treat us like Idiots we know who each of you are..." Itach said coming out the shadows.
"What do you want with her?" Shikamaru asked extending his shadow.
His shadow returned to him and he stayed silent. He was trapped in Itachi's Genjutsu.
"Damn it!" Kakashi charged at Kisame, "Iruka guard Shizuka"
Kakashi and Kisame began their battle.
"What do you want with me?" I said throwing Shuriken at Itachi.
I created Shadow clones before jumping into the trees. Iruka followed.
"You can't trick me so easily girl" Itachi said following behind.
Genma stabbed a kunai through Shikamaru's hand.
"Fuck!" Shikamaru shouted "I got caught so easily... Where's Shizuka?!" He said rising.
"She took Itachi away, Iruka's with her" Kakashi shouted while in battle.
"He wont save her" Shikamaru said chasing after them Alongside Genma.
"Hey,Hey,Hey. You're battling me!" Kisame said successfully hitting Kakashi. 
"I don't have time for this" He said using earth release boxing-in Kisame.
"Is this copy ninja a fool!?" He screamed before using Subterranean Voyage.
Before he knew it Kakashi was jumping through the trees.
Itachi destroyed every Clone in sight.
"What are you gonna do when he catches you?" Iruka asked.
"I don't know, I'm just hoping this will buy everyone some time-" Something sharp Hit me form behind and I didn't even have enough time to scream before a gushing wind was against me.
"Shizuka-!" Iruka screamed before being pinned to a tree by multiple kunai.
I Fell hard, into good old solid earth. 
Everyone caught up to us.
"Shizuka!" Shikamaru came running towards me.
"Stay perfectly still," said a cold voice. I could very well hear the 'Make one false move and I rip your throat out'.
The faint smell of blood caught my attention.
"Who got hurt?" I groaned, and the metal pushed further against my neck.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me" Shikamaru yelled.
"What's your real motive?" Kakashi shouted.
"Orochimaru ordered us" Kisame said following behind Kakashi.
Kakashi's eyes widened "What could he possible want with Shizuka?!" He screamed.
"We're just following orders...." Kisame chuckled.
I felt the kunai loosen. This was my chance. I managed to attack Itachi but he quickly dispersed into many crows.
"Don't move too fast" Itachi held Shikamaru by the neck.
"Shikamaru" I pulled out the kunai that was in my back.
"Kisame" Itachi called.
Kisame chuckled making hand seals. The final one with his Hands spread in front with his palms out, I was engulfed in water.
"It's the water prision justsu!" Kakashi shouted.
I couldn't move at all. 
"Let them go!" Genma took out Senbon's ready to attack.
"Not If you want these two alive" Kisame chuckled in victory.
"Let us take the girl..." He pressed the kunai into Shikamaru's neck enough to draw blood.
I couldn't hold my breath any longer, I began to struggle.
"Don't fight it you'll loose more oxygen!" Kakashi shouted instructions. 
So I stopped.
"We're going to take her regardless of what you guys want" Itachi's cold voice echoed.
"Take her..." Kakashi gave in.
"Wise choice" Itachi let Shikamaru fall to the ground, "you can release her"
Kisame released me.
I gasped. I breathed in as if oxygen was a drug and i needed my fix. I struggled to get up. I felt myself being picked up and thrown over Kisame's shoulder. 
"Go back to the Village…let them know what's-!" I felt something hit the back of my neck and then darkness took over from there.

Chapter 5- Just Confess

Everyone ended up having a drink. Sai, Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, Ino, Choji, Hinata, Kiba Shino, Neji, tenten, Rock Lee, Kankuro,  Gaara and Temari, The lot all drinking and having fun... Well except for me.
"Here!" Naruto shouted shoving a drink in my direction.
"Naruto I don't want any" I said pushing the foul smelling drink away.
They all started yelling, "Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink!"
"NO!!!" I screamed, then I quickly covered my mouth.
"Shizuka..." Iruka muttered.
"S-Sorry" I lowered my head.
"try a little..." Iruka said handing me a drink.
"Okay..." I took the drink and examined it.
Everyone stared at me in anticipation. So I took a swig.
Everyone cheered.
Then the party went on. I sat talking to Iruka most of the night.
"Shizuka..." Iruka called me.
I turned around to face him.
"What do you think of me?" Iruka said over the ruckus Kiba and Naruto were making.
"Well, you're an amazing teacher for one, You're a great ninja and friend..." I chuckled gently.
"Friend?" He leaned back chuckling.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Shizuka... Don't be clueless, I like you" He chuckled again.
I blushed "Shut up Iruka, You're drunk"
"I'll tell you when I'm sober too" He tried to kiss me.
"Iruka-" Suddenly I was yanked up. Taken out the room by a very firm grip, Yet I couldn't make out who it was.
"It was about time he did something about her" Rock Lee said.
"I wonder what they'll get up to" Hinata's innocent mind wondered.
I was taken into a cold room where my hand was released. Pulsating from the pressure.
"... S-Shikamaru" I said holding my wrist.
"You're a troublesome girl..." He said chuckling.
"What do you mean?" I raised my head, 'looking at him'.
"You..." Shikamaru turned and walked towards me.
"Shika-" I backed into the wall.
"You're the most troublesome girl I've ever met..." He was now face to face with me.
"Shika... I don't understand" My breathing became heavy and more frequent.
"Yes, you do" He whispered before kissing me.
"Shika..." I moaned pulling out the kiss.
He touched my hair lightly, sliding each strand between his fingers.
"You don't understand how long I've been holding back from touching you..." He continued to whisper. 
The warmth in his tone... A tenderness I never expected to come from him. He ran his fingers down my leg, undoing the button to my trousers. It seemed like hours had passed before he touched me. I was flushed and breathless, my heart fluttering in my chest.
"Shikamaru... You really feel this way?" I held his hand.
"Yes..." He kissed me again.
I began to move his hand down to the wetness between my thighs.
"Shika-" I was cut off.
A bird started squawking.
"The Fu..." Shikamaru stopped, "It's Tsunade's bird...." He looked at me, then looked at the bird.
That was the worst timing every. Fucking whore. I pulled his hand form under me and we both fixed our clothes.
Shikamaru took the message from the bird, "It's another mission for tomorrow evening, The elders think the village is about to be attacked..." He sighed.
"Ahh, I better get Iruka before he drinks too much" I said opening the door.
Shikamaru grabbed my arm, "I'll see you in the morning then?" He flushed red.
"S-sure..." I flushed too.
Shikamaru kissed me. A strong, passionate one. I opened my mouth, he understood and ventured inside my mouth.
Shikamaru pulled away, "That's enough for today..." He chuckled, slightly blushing.
I chuckled leaving the room and went back to where everyone was drinking.... Nearly everyone was wasted. Even Gaara let go tonight.
"Iruka!" I shouted over the drunken laughter.
"Hey!" Iruka shouted back.
He wasn't as drunk as I thought he'd be.
"We have another mission" I said throwing his arm over my shoulder
"So soon?" Iruka sight with disappointment.
"We need to go..." I began to drag him out.
I walked him home and lay him on the couch.
"I really do like you... But your eyes are only for Shikamaru..." Iruka said shading his eyes form the light.
"S-sorry" I turned the light off... "Just sober up then we'll talk about it..." I said leaving him.

Chapter 4- Mission Blues

After the mission me and Shikamaru started to get a little distant.
It worried me. But as usual I continued with my Village duties. I went to the academy to see the kids. I went into the class.
"Ai-Sama!" They all shouted.
For me 'Shizuka-Sensei' was way too formal, and 'Aijin-San' seemed to young for them to use, so they came up with that name for me. How cute.
"Where have you been Ai-Sama?!" One of the more hyper kids shouted while hugging my legs.
"Ahh I went on a very important mission" I said forcing a smile.
"Now, Now. Don't be giving them any sugar!" Iruka walked in all smug.
"Oh no Iruka-Sensei found out!" The class whined.
"Don't worry I'll talk to him" I smiled and the kids cheered.
Me and Iruka went for a walk talking about the mission.
"I hope you didn't mind me picking you up all bridal style" He said chuckling nervously, scratching the back of his head.
"... Don't worry about it" I said leaning over the bridge listening to the water pass underneath.
"You were really quick with reacting to the situation, No wonder they picked you for Anbu" Iruka complimented.
"Yeah... I was too naive thinking of joining without knowing the consequences..." I said with no expression.
"Like what?" Iruka raised an eyebrow.
"The fact that I can't always save people.... Especially a child" I said slowing my speech.
Iruka kept silent but seem as if he had something to say.
"God Damnit!" I screamed scaring the fish away.
"It's not your fault. You're pretty amazing in what you do. don't take this too hard" He said brushing my hair back.
"I've already lost everything... And now I'm about to loose someone else" I said Facing away.
"...Who are you about to loose?" Iruka said pulling my arm a little.
"Shikamaru..." I snapped a little.
"What happened?" He let go of my arm.
"Nothing... Just leave it..." I said as I started to walk away.
"Tell me what happened..." He raised his voice, it made me stop in my tracks.
"Shikamaru kissed me okay" I said turning to face him.
Iruka's face twisted. An expression I've never seen him make the years I've known him.
"You know what, come and have a drink with me tonight" He said breaking out a smile.
"You know I can't drink..." I said facing the water again.
"You need it..." He said sharply.
Shikamaru was walking towards us with Choji.
"Fine if it makes you happy" I scoffed.
"what's gonna make you happy?" Choji interrupted eating as usual.
"Ahh, I'm taking her out for a drink. Do you guy wanna come?" Iruka offered.
"Sure" Shikamaru said in a laid back tone, yet seemed so sharp.
I turned to face Iruka immediately.
"Invite the others as well" He said with a smile.
What ever he's planning it might not even work. I wish I could see into that tiny brain of his.
"I will!!" Ino popped up out of nowhere.
"Wow.. Everyone is bound to come now" I giggled.
Everyone then stared at me in surprise.
My shell had cracked a little, God only knew it wasn't a good sign.
"I-I've gotta go" I ran straight away, heading to my house.
"What's her problem?" Ino said giving a dirty look.
"What's happened?....." Shikamaru looked straight at  Iruka.
"Nothing... I asked her about the other day" Iruka said changing his expression.
"What did she say?" Shikamaru had a slight smirk.
Iruka paused for a minute. He defiantly knew what it was about.
"Well seen as you know what you're doing... Don't mess it up okay?" He said directing his speech at Shikamaru, and meaning it.
Choji and Ino looked at eachother then looked at Iruka and Shikamaru.
"What's going on here?" Ino said folding her arms.
"Nothing..." Shikamaru and Iruka said at the same time.

Chapter 3- The Anbu Mission

Suddenly the door to Tsunade's room opened and a Anbu member came in,
"You have been summoned by Hokage-Sama"
With our new masks on, me, Shikamaru and three others entered, closing the door behind us. Tsunade explained the mission in detail.
"Any questions?" asked Tsunade.
No answer came from either of us.
"Good. And for this mission you are to use different names" She said pointing at me, Giving me the name Emiko  Hitomi. Then pointing at Shikamaru giving him Haruka Utsuro. Then naming our other team mates.
Tsunade looked down at her papers before continuing, "You are all to go undercover as civilians, then traders on the way back home. You will leave at dawn break"
No objections were voiced. And so Tsuande dismissed us.
"Hitomi..." She called me by my new name.
Everyone else left the room.
"You play and important role here, please do all you can to gather Intel about this new organisation" Tsunade said softly.
I nodded and left. I started packing for the mission
We assembled at the meeting point and made our way. We jumped through the trees having general mission chit chat. Shikamaru didn't speak to me at all after what happened on the stairs, even when we were so close.
We made it to our destination without any interruptions.
We stayed in an Inn undercover just as we were told. One of our Anbu team mates hinted that they wanted me and 'Haruka' to play as husband and wife, which was rather awkward since we had that incident not long ago, we unpacked a little in silence.
"Do you have any clue what we're looking for?" I broke the silence.
"Something that seems out of the ordinary" Shikamaru replied

A day into our investigation and I was the first to go.
I walked around the market, in my new disguise, long navy hair and dressed perfectly as a civilian, blending into the scenery. Cautiously watching everyone's moves.

A big muscly man bumped into me, knocking his groceries onto the floor.

"I'm sorry..." I began to pick them up.

He grabbed me by the collar "You better watch where you're going" He growled.

I bet  this guy was acting like a big shot around here.
"Sorry my wife is blind... Please let go of her" Shikamaru asked politely.
The guy let me go and I picked up what was left and passed it to him. I can't believe I'm being treated like a fool.

"You're not from around here are you?" The big guy asked us.
"No, My wife and I are travellers" Shikamaru's acting skills were expertly done.
I don't know why but I blushed like crazy.
"Really? You don't look like a couple" He put his arm around me, quickly snatched away.
Shikamaru pulled me into his chest "Don't touch her" He snapped under his breath.
"Prove that you're together..." He said suspiciously.
What!? What was this guy thinking? Before I knew it he was kissing me, I've never felt this feeling before.
He pulled away, "Does that answer your question?" He shot a glare towards him.

"You better keep an eye on her, not alot of people will let her off so easy" He advised.
"I'll keep an eye out, thank you and sorry for the trouble" Shikamaru said pulling me away.
I must have been a striking vermilion pigment.
"I hope you don't mind me kissing you..." He said pulling me through the crowed.
"I-It's okay..." I said enjoying the feeling of our hands locked together.
At the end of the day we managed to get enough Intel.
"hey Wolf, have you got any idea where they'll strike?" I asked him, while Shikamaru read out the scrolls we had all the information on.
"Mid town, here" He said pointing at the fountain where people often gather.
The room got really hot and I felt the need to take my mask off.
"They'll probably attack round about noon, when its most busy" Shikamaru pointed out.
"I can't take this anymore!" I pulled my mask back, taking in a deep breath.
"Shizuka!?" The team member wearing a bear shaped mask, "It's me! Iruka" He took his mask off.
"Oh my God! How did I not know it was you!?" I face palmed my hand.
"Since you took off your mask, you spoilt the mystery" the other member said  taking off his crow mask, it was Genma.
"Shika, you might as well taker yours off too" I chuckled, and he took his off.
We all directed a stare towards the last member still with their mask on.
"Me?" He acted surprised.
We all shrugged our shoulders.
"If I must..." He said taking his time.
"Kakashi-Sensei!?" We all said.
I should have known, no wonder we were so successful.
"Did any of you have any trouble since we split up?" Kakashi asked.
"Yeah, I got a warning to be more careful. Guess some one close here is giving a few people the heads up" I confirmed.
"Okay we need to move tomorrow at the latest" Genma said.

It was noon when the centre of the village begun to get crowded, we were still in our civilian clothes.
"It's a little too quiet..." Kakashi muttered.
He spoke too soon as people began to die.
We stripped ourselves of civilian clothing into our Anbu uniform.
Above the screaming and murder a child ran out from the crowed. Iruka, Genma and Kakashi were dealing with the enemy.
A weird sound and smell attacked my senses.
The child ran up to Shikamaru, crying and tugging at his sleeve. The child rubbed away his tears... But behind the tears a smirk appeared.
"Shika get away!" I grabbed him from behind and threw him. I pushed the child creating a vortex between us...

He Exploded.

My vortex absorbed most of the explosion. Right before my eyes a child was killed or sacrificed... maybe it was just to fuck with me I don't know. I was covered in his blood. I fell to the ground staring at the child's discarded body parts that were scattered.
Genma, Iruka and Kakashi managed to gather information about everyone involved and eliminated them.
They came back to get us.
Iruka saw the scattered flesh and picked me up straight away covering himself in blood too.
He knew, I knew, We all knew. We understood how this was the life we had to lead.
The main thing was that the team was safe.
I got in the shower with the boys, it wasn't anything sexual I couldn't careless at that moment. We washed the blood away, our sins went down the drain. Iruka helped me wash the blood out my hair.
After that. we put on a new disguised as we left town, calling ourselves traders, they checked us out and we had the all clear. Luckily.
We're going home safely. The first thing we had to do is log EVERYTHING that happened. It's going to be a pain, but it's gotta be done.

Chapter 2- Advancing

After our first meeting, over the years we became good friends. At this time we were 17/18. It surprised most of the village for me to be opening up to shikamaru as much as I did, but it shocked me the most since I never trust anyone.
Tsunade gave me a day off, she claimed that I was overworking myself, no matter how much i begged her. It was final. She wouldn't give me a mission, so we left each other pretty angry.
"So... Tsunade-sama wouldn't give you a mission?" Sakura said cautiously approaching me.
"No she wouldn't" I grumbled.
"Do you want me to talk to her?" She asked.
"If she won't listen to my logic then she sure as hell won't listen to you" I snapped and walked off.
After that I went somewhere and trained my ass off throwing kunai and shuriken against my shadow clone.
"Shikamaru..." I said with a smirk.
He walked from the shadows.
"One say I'll be able to sneak up on you" He laughed.
"i know your chakra well" I smirked throwing a kunai at my shadow clone making it disappear bullseye on a target behind it.
"I still find it fascinating how you do that" He said observing my every movement.
"Ha! I never used to be this good, you should have watched me from when I first started" I stood away from my stance, wiping my forehead.
"Anyway, you train too hard, let me treat you to lunch" He said turning around.
Huh? Shikamaru getting me lunch?
"What's the special occasion?" I said raising an eyebrow
"no reason..." He said blankly.
So we went to a restaurant and ate, talking about out most successful missions. We had a laugh then a message came from Tsunade, for us to come to her office talk about some classified stuff. We both looked at each other.
"what do you think it could be?" I said finishing off my drink.
"probably something troublesome..." He said standing up, "well we better get going, I'm not in the mood for a lecture".
We were in Tsunade's office.
"I've decided to make you both members of the Anbu" Tsunade said handing us masks and uniform.
without hesitation Shikamaru took his. Mentally I was running in circles, screaming like hell, but I remained calm.
"Those elders had it in for you at HQ because you are the first girl we've ever allowed in Anbu... You are capable. I pulled at  lot of strings to keep you two together as a team" She said shuffling papers.
Shikamaru exhaled.
"Is there a problem?" Tsunade raised her head from the papers.
"... No" I picked up my uniform.
"Your missions can start at any time, so be prepared" Tsunade said with authority.
"wait, don't we get to decline?" I blurted.
"Decline? hmft, no one ever declines" Tsuande continued.
Shikamaru just stood listening.
"Will i be able to hold up to your expectations?" I stuttered.
"Your doubts are coming from no where" Shikamaru broke the silence, "but if  you think you're not fit enough I won't help you,just get the job done or go..." Shikamaru's Harsh tone rose.
"What will you do?" Tsunade asked.
I hesitated for a moment, I've got to do it now.
"Fine, I'll do it..." I raised my head.
"Good..." Tsunade began explaining how the Anbu system works.
I couldn't believe what I've gotten myself into. Maybe... If I start doing high level missions... I can find out the trust about my families massacre.
Tsunade shuffled the papers again "... Your first mission will be set at midnight" Tsunade's voice caught up to me. She handed us scrolls.
We both nodded and left. We walked together, but the silence was pissing me off.
"What the hell do you call that!?" I direct my anger at Shikamaru.
"Nothing, I was just telling the truth" He said stretching his arms.
"You didn't have to be so harsh about it" I replied.
"You took the job didn't you?" He said all smug.
"... For one reason only" I turned serious.
"And what's that?" Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.
"My families massacre..." I clenched my fist.
Shikamaru stayed silent.
"Will you help me eliminate every single one of my weakness..." My speech slowed.
"And those are?" He questioned.
"Well... For one I can't help myself if someone I care about gets hurt... All logic goes out the window" I bowed my head slightly.
"Try not to get attached to people" Shikamaru said shrugging his shoulders.
"It's hard when I have people like you..." I blushed a little.
"Don't worry yourself, I'm capable.... Any other weaknesses?" Shikamaru stopped on the stairs.
I stayed quite, taking a few steps down from him.
"We've been friends for years... And, I want to help you if you really want to beat your weaknesses" His expressed his worry.
I didn't face him, "Blindfold" I muttered.
"What?" Shikamaru said confused.
"Blindfold" I repeated.
Suddenly I was against the wall with Shikamaru above me.
My heart was racing and my cheeks hot.
"What's so bad about your eyes?" Shikamaru questioned.
"The shame of my weakness and stupidity  left me blinded and bound to this scar..." my heart felt like it was going to explode.
"Show me..." Shikamaru pinned my arms up.
I turned my head away from him "Please don't..." My voice Shaky.
"Shizuka..." He leaned in.
I could feel the heat coming from his cheeks then he backed away  continuing to walk down the stairs. I thought he was about to kiss me. I stood speechless. What the hell was that!? I.. Huh? He left in a moment like that?...

Before we left I went for a walk and met up with Iruka. I probably wouldn't have any time to do this kind of thing for a while.
"The children were terrible after you left yesterday" He said smiling at me.
I smirked, "I give them candy before I leave" 
Iruka shot a glare at me, "That's just cruel. So when it's my turn to teach them, they're all strung on sugar!?"
I shrugged grinning to myself, "With my personality... You wouldn't think I'd have a soft spot for kids"
Iruka hummed.
Who would suspect someone like me working with children to be a secret assassin in her spare time?
My point exactly.
When I joined I had been so naive. I had no idea how very much I had to lose.