Dream Skirmish

Chapter 14

Blacky hungrily wolves down her last serving of shrimp when her best friend Hell joins her at the table. They exchange a happy greeting before waiting for the young Uzumaki to finish her meal before starting their serious conversation.
"So, why do you want to talk to me about this?"
"Because you're my best friend and given what you went though I figured you'd also be the best person to understand where I'm coming from."
"Ok." Hell nods a little, her hollow eyes looking around the nearly empty establishment. "And why so far outside the village then? Afraid someone will eavesdrop and stop you?"
"Yes, actually... mainly Kakashi or my brother, they're both trying a bit too hard to talk me about of killing Kabuto."
The young Seishin's heart jolts at the mention of that name. "Yeah... that prick deserves to die... I mean I know it was Orochimaru who gave the order, but Kabuto is the one that tormented me."
"So you approve?"
Hell remains silent, contemplating her next words carefully. Her friend looks at her with curiosity, blowing a few strands of her green fringe out of her face as she patiently waits for a confirmation.
"This may sound selfish," Hell speaks softly, their eyes locked in an intense gaze. "but yes, I do... don't get me wrong. I don't want you to run off and become a rogue just to murder that asshole, because I also really want to see him die by MY hand... but since I shouldn't be fighting in my condition, that won't be happening."
Blacky let's a sad smile creep onto her face. "Honestly, I don't really want to go rogue either, but Kabuto and Orochimaru need to die..."
"They really do... and I'm not going to encourage you to do this, but I already know you made up your mind and even I can't change it... so just... be careful, Ok? Maybe if you play your cards right, you can come home after it's all said and done?"
"If that happens I am so inviting you out for ice cream."
They share a laugh and a cup of tea, trying to avoid the difficult truth of this possibly being the last time they can sit together so casually. As they talk about some of the funny moments they've had together, two shady people sitting near the back in a dimly lit corner, catch their attention.
The dark figures turn their gaze towards the young ladies, confirming beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are indeed watching the women. Blacky shifts in her seat, her green eyes finding Hell's.
"I can't help but wonder if those are the same guys that were apparently following us when I was out with Naruto and Jiraiya."
"You were being followed?"
"According to Jiraiya, yes... I thought he may have just been paranoid, but now..." she pauses briefly. "Maybe it's best if we leave now. You should return to the village, you'll be safe there."
"Yeah, that's what I thought before I got kidnapped."
The bitterness in the ghost's voice doesn't go unnoticed as they both leave the building. With a final farewell and a tight, friendly hug, they part ways. One heading back to Konohagakure and the other walking towards the vast unknown of the path to the Valley of the End, with the two mysterious pursuers following them both.

Hell comes to a stop when she sees the gates of the Leaf Village, resting her weary body against a tree. It's been a few days since she's been rescued, but the effects of her poor treatment are still taking a great toll on her. Her black and white eyes scan her surroundings for the person she knows has been staying hot on her heels ever since she had that conversation with her best friend.
Even with her Seishin abilities she can't see them, though she can feel their powerful aura very close to her person. The young ghost has been contemplating using her abilities to mold into shadows or walk through solid objects to try and escape, but for the oddest reason doesn't feel threatened by the unknown presence.
"Looking for me?"
The sudden voice startles the young woman and she takes a step away from them. "You nearly gave me a heart attack..."
"I apologize." They say softly, stepping out of the shadow of the tree, their hand placed upon the rough bark and aim a warm and welcoming smile towards Hell. "Sometimes I forgot just how good I am at hiding."
"Right... what do you want from me? Why are you following me and Blacky?"
"We have our reasons, though our interest in you has only surfaced very recently."
She raises a brow, looking the man up and down. He's tall with long black hair and hides most of himself under an oversized, dark robe, adorned with red and white clouds. After a few more moments of analyzing them, she finally realizes who she's talking to and takes another precaution step back.
"Itachi Uchiha, right?" He nods and hums in response. "What could possibly interest you about me? I'm just another ninja."
Though his expression is gentle, it seems sinister at the same time. "You're pregnant, right?"
Taken slightly aback by his knowledge about her predicament, she narrows her eyes a little. "Yeah... how did you know?"
"We have our sources... tell me, do you even want Orochimaru's child or would you be interested in perhaps altering the DNA into that of someone more desirable?"
"I think you can answer that yourself... I mean who'd actually want that creeps baby? He's ugly! And mental..."
Itachi walks closer to the young woman, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as he leans closer to whisper into her ear. "Then how about this... you come with me and we will change the DNA. You can even choose whose genes the baby will have and as long as you take good care of the child you will have no debt to pay."
"I get to choose anyone I wish?" The tall Uchiha nods, his dark eyes staring at her with a look that says he's offering genuine help. "Ok.... can I think about it?"
"Of course you may, just don't tell anyone about this." He pulls away from her, heading off into the opposite direction of the village. "I'll be back in a few days for your answer then."