Another Nine-Tails?!

End

(This chapter involves angst and major character death)

"And how did the poor pup fair?" Orochimaru questioned the girl as she appeared behind him.

"She's fine. Alive. Naruto fought the dying girl, even though he nearly died."

"And what of the sacrifice?"

"She didn't make it."

"Is her body salvageable?" Akiko's eyes moved to her boyfriend, her head cocking to the side.

"I suppose. But her heart... she removed it from her chest." She shook her head, trying to get the gruesome scene out of her mind. "Why?"

"Cadavers are useful, Aki. They can be used to throw off your enemy."

She hummed, a darker thought entering her mind. "That better be all."

He looked... insulted. "I may be a little deranged, but I wouldn't stoop that low." Kabuto put his hands on his hips, his eyes narrowing. He became defensive, ready to throw a smart comment back at her at a moments notice.

"But you've killed someone in cold blood."

"She attacked you. She deserved it. And I've killed more than one person 'in cold blood'." The Jinchuriki opened her mouth, but nothing came out. "What? No come back? Shame."

"Oh, screw you!"

"Glady. But you'll have to wait for 3 years."

Akiko's face turned a deep shade of red, much like her hair. "That's not- that's not what I meant and you know it."

Orochimaru chuckled, stopping the couples squabble. "That's enough, you two." The hideout suddenly shook. Akiko grabbed onto the back of her masters seat, her eyes shutting tightly. "I believe that's our cue to leave, don't you think, Kabuto?"

"Yes, sir." The pale man stood up, glancing back at the redhead. She looked at him with worry. He smiled, allowing his soft-spot for her to show itself.

Akiko looked around, yelping slightly as the hideout shook again. "Where's Maru and Uroko?" Barking came from behind her, answering her question. "Oh, good, you're okay." She picked up her dog, noticing her black and white snake had wrapped herself around his neck. "Kabu, where are Hai and Waka?"

"They're dead. The ceiling crashed down on them." Maru spoke for the medic, shaking his head. His partner stopped in the middle of the hall.

"They're dead. But... no."

"Akiko, we have to go." She looked at Kabuto, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Now."

"But-"

"It's too late. We have to go." She placed Maru on the ground, Uroko slipping up her arm at the last second. The hall behind them collapsed in on itself, sending the group running.

A piece of the ceiling hit one of Maru's legs, sending him flying into a wall. His yelp caught Akiko's attention, making her stop again. She spun around, spotting her pup. "Maru!" She rushed to him, putting pressure on his injured leg. "No, no, no! Please!!"

"Go."

"No, Maru. I'm not leaving you."

"Go!"

"Akiko. Let him go." Kabuto grabbed one of her arms, trying to pull her up.

"No!" He refused to loosen his grip. "I'm not gonna let him die! I can't lose him too!"

"Go, mother." Every ounce of energy in the girl disappeared. She was pulled up by her arm and pulled down the hall. She looked behind her one last time. Maru gave her a smile as the ceiling and walls crushed him. A silent scream left the girl, the feeling of her heart being riped out of her chest and torn to pieces.