The Forgotten Ones

Chapter 2

I awoke to the soft crackle of fire. I opened my eyes, blinking quickly to clear my vision. Hidan and Kakuzu were still asleep, Hidan propped up against a wall, Kakuzu stretched out on the floor.

We hadn't made it to our destination, deciding to make camp in a small cave. I quietly stood up, picking up my cloak I had used as a bed mat. I dusted it off, warping it around myself as I snuck away from the men.

It was still early in the morning, the sun having just risen. Hurried away from the cave, finding a secluded spot to do my business. When I finished, I made my way back, only to find Hidan calling for me.

"Hey! Girl!" He yelled.

"It's Yui!" I said, coming from behind the foliage, "sorry, I had to pee."

Hidan chuckled some, "well don't stray too far. Can't have anyone snatching you away."

"Not for free at least. We're gonna get some money out of you." Kakuzu said, finally emerging from the cave.

"Good luck. Unless some one needs a strong man, I doubt anyone would pay a dime for me." I said, sighing some.

"Then just let me send you to Jashin." Said Hidan. I couldn't tell if he was joking or not.

"Uh, I'd rather not die. Thanks." I answered, backing away from Hidan.

The man chuckled, "I'm kidding. You wouldn't even be fun to kill. I could easily chop your head clean off."

My eyes widened some. I didn't trust either of these men, but they were all I had at the moment.

"We better get going. I want to be back before it's dark." Said Kakuzu, leading the way.

I still wasn't entirely sure where they were taking me, but I didn't want to ask many questions. We walked along quietly, I trying to keep up. Hidan and Kakuzu were a lot more well built than I was. They both had muscles and proper builds, while I was so thin you could see my cheek bones poke out.

Because the village was so afraid of me, I was never helped. I was left to fend for myself. I'd spent years on the outskirts, salvaging whatever food I could. I wasn't sure how I managed to survive as long as I had.

Every time the wind blew, I tried to wrap my cloak tighter around me. It felt like it was blowing straight through me. I began to shiver, trying to keep my teeth from chattering.

"Yui, are you okay?" Hidan asked suddenly.

"Y-yeah. I'm just cold." I said, trying to stop shivering.

"Well, you are wearing pretty skimpy clothes for the middle of winter." Replied Hidan. Skimpy? I was wearing a t-shirt, pants, my sandals and a cloak.

"Says the guy who's shirtless." I snapped back, making Kakuzu chuckle.

"Shut up!" Hidan yelled at Kakuzu, "all I'm saying is for a girl as skinny as Yui, she needs something heavier than what she's wearing."

"Then buy her some clothes if you're so worried about her." Kakuzu retorted.

Hidan let out an annoyed sigh, "fine. Maybe I will."

Hidan then grabbed my arm, pulling me ahead of Kakuzu,

"Where the hell are you going?" Kakuzu called after us.

"To find Yui some clothes! I know the way back!" Hidan yelled, not even bothering to look at his partner.

I struggled to keep up, my frail body unable to match Hidan's pace.

"Hidan, can we slow down? Please..." I asked softly, almost tripping over my own feet.