A Whole New Twist

Oh, Blood So Sweet

They found a small shop with just enough supplies to refill what they needed. Itachi had now gone in search of another who would take them across the other side of the lake. Though he said he would most likely not be successful at this time of night. Everything was dark, save for a few trash fires started by the homeless to keep warm. Kitsune slouched against the side of a porch railing as he waited for Itachi who was inside making negotiations. He had a small piece of wood in his hands, as he carved it down with his knife. He wasn't really turning it into anything, he was just shaving off the sides here or there. The sound of a trash can falling over distracted him from his work. He stared long and hard into the dark alley across the street, something was moving in its shadows, but through the dark and mist he couldn't see it all that wall. He glanced back at the door to the shop and through the window he could still see Itachi deep in conversation. Taking hasty steps he darted across the thin road, he took cover just off the side of the alleyway, behind a building. Peering into the alley he tried to make out a figure, but there was none, not that he could see. Nevertheless something was coming closer, he could feel it. Just as it got to the edge of the shadows he flicked his knife ready to strike. Kitsune jumped slightly when the creature emerged, but then chuckled to himself as he put his knife away.
"We'll look at you."
He said, reaching out to pet the rabbit between it floppy ears. The little white rabbit didn't seem intimidated by him at all. Hopping closer it's nose shifted up and down, sniffing Kitsune's hand, his arm, his foot, and so on. He laughed as it's whiskers tickled his arm.

"Kitsune!"
He looked to see Itachi distending the steps of the porch.

"Tachi-San look!"
He called as he scooped up the rabbit and came running over with it in his arms.
"Isn't it cute!"
He held it up close for Itachi to examine.

"Indeed."
He nodded as they started to walk down the street.

"So did you get them to boat us across the street?"
Kitsune asked as he cradled the bunny.

"Yes, so we must hurry and meet him, little one."

~~~~~~~~~~

"What shall we do master?"
A masked boy asked as he watched Kitsune and the Uchiha walk away from the alley.

The tall man beside him seemed to think for a moment.
"We'll wait on the other side of the shore for them to cross. We strike when they are alone."
The boy nodded and turned to walk away.
"And, Hey!"
The boy turned again to his master.
"Don't ever do that again! If the kid had come any farther into this alleyway he would have seen us!"

"I apologize."
He bowed.
"The creature slipped from my hands, I did not mean for it to cause a seen."

The man grunted.
"Yes, well, that creature's presence did become useful, but I'm afraid you'll have to part with it for now."
He waved the boy away as he watched the much smaller boy beside Itachi happily play with the floppy eared rabbit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the boat sailed farther and farther from the village the mist seemed to clear. Even Itachi could see the shore, just mile or so away. Beside him Kitsune nodded off almost falling off his seat. He had every right to be tired, it was already midnight, and Kitsune was still a child. As strange as he was, he was only fourteen, a child in the Akasuki's eyes. Kitsune's head slowly fell and the weight of his body started to go with it. Itachi caught him by his shoulders, pulling him closer to rest against him.
"As soon as we reach the shore we will make camp, then you may sleep, but try to stay wake for now."
The blond groaned but nodded as he sat up again.

Not long after did the boat hit the shore. Itachi held tight to Kitsune's arm as the boy stumbled from the boat. Itachi paid the man then he was gone, back across the black water of the lake.
"Come little one, Let us make camp."
He said, motioning for Kitsune to follow him. The boy did, dragging his feet as he went and grumbling about his exhaustion. He took off his satchel and began to lay out his sleeping mat. His ears twitched as the sound of a whistle grew louder from the trees. A moment later Itachi spun around.
"Kitsune!"
He yelled, though his warning was unnecessary. Kitsune had heard it long before he did.