Resonance (Kakashi x OC, Gaara x OC) -- Book 2

Chapter 22: Lab Rats

Keiko was panting now. She wondered if the bonds would stop sapping her at some point. Orochimaru said it was not his intent to kill her, but at this rate...

"Hmm," Sasuke smirked. He went through a series of hand signs and released the bonds. "I suppose at this point there's little point in you attacking me. You're almost drained."

She continued breathing heavily, sweat running down her temple. Her eyebrows were drawn close as she continued to glare fixedly at him, waiting.

"Well, either we can work together or I can kill you now. Your choice," he said folding his arms.

"I may have an idea," she said, "but we have to make it look good."

"I'm listening."

After she had the chance to recover overnight, Sasuke came to collect her. "Orochimaru is cunning. He very well may see through this ruse," he said.

"There's really not much choice. It's either we try this to buy us some time, or we have to take him on right now. I'd rather we be at full strength before that happens."

Sasuke nodded.

Keiko burst from the room, having transformed to her true form; diminished and smaller than usual. She definitely hadn't recovered. It might help their plan become more believable. Sasuke was close behind her, kunai drawn.

"You won't get away," he shouted.

Kabuto rushed down the hall hearing the commotion. He fell in step with Sasuke.

"What happened?" he asked sharply.

"The bonds were draining her at an alarming rate. I released her. Orochimaru wants her alive. I thought she was weak enough to not fight back."

"Fool, the bonds wouldn't kill her. They were designed to drain her until only a trickle of her chakra is left," Kabuto laughed.

In the main chamber, Keiko skidded to a stop and turned to face them. She lowered her head to the ground, preparing to spring after them. She roared in defiance, the sound deafening in the hall. She could smell Orochimaru watching them from somewhere hidden from view. Good.

Kabuto drew his kunai as well.

"I have this," barked Sasuke.

The tattoo spread across his neck and face as he transformed. The hands grew from his back as his hair grew wild and his eyes darkened. He gathered lightning in his hand and he charged as Keiko bounded toward him.

Orochimaru watched, grinning in the shadows.

After they had both exhausted themselves, Keiko took the fall. She transformed back into her humanoid form and lowered her pulse and breathing so she would appear unconscious.

"Well done Sasuke. Take her back to her room and put a seal on the door. We don't want anymore...accidents."

Sasuke flicked a glance sideways at him. It didn't seem like he bought it. Sasuke drug Keiko back to the room and tossed her again on the bed. He sat down next to her. She opened an eye.

"He didn't buy it, did he?" she asked.

"I don't know."

"So what's it going to take to make him believe you've beaten me into obeying?" she asked.

"If you actually obey," he said.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat up next to him, thinking for a moment. "I may have another idea. One he might actually believe."

Sasuke undid the seal on the door later that day to bring her food. Orochimaru followed behind him.

"Sasuke says you wanted to talk to me," he grinned. "Well go ahead, I can't wait to hear it."

She sighed, "You know my powers are weakened. I can't really put up much of a fight at the moment until I figure out whatever it is you're doing to me."

His grin widened.

"I will do what you want, but I have conditions. And if you don't honor the conditions, I will not honor mine. I will kill you regardless. It's up to you when."

Orochimaru laughed, "Such brave words for someone in your condition. Well come on my dear, let's have the rest of it."

"I want you to leave the shinobi of the Leaf and Sand alone...and that includes requiring your lackies to do the same."

"Fine. I have no use for them anyway," he said silkily.

"That includes Naruto, Gaara, and Sasuke. They are to remain alive and unharmed."

Sasuke shot a look at her in surprise.

"Hmh. Done," Orochimaru said airily. "Is there anything else?"

"I want to know everything you can tell me about the Akatsuki."

Sasuke had been sealed in the room with her from then on. They spent the days going over the information they learned. Sasuke tried to teach her more basic jutsu. There wasn't much to do but forms and handsigns with the seals on the room constantly sapping on their power. It only seemed to affect Sasuke a little from the long term exposure as it had been designed for her.

"You do realize there's going to come a point soon where they realize we aren't doing what they want us to," she said rhetorically.

"We just need to buy a little time. You have more to find out about the Akatsuki and I need to finish my work," he replied unnecessarily.

Orochimaru summoned them to dinner as he had been doing of late. In keeping with his promise, he told Keiko about the Akatsuki organization, the members, and its origins. He actually seemed to relish reliving his past.

"Well, I've shown you mine, time for you to show me yours," he grinned. "How are my love birds progressing?" he asked pressing his fingertips together.

Keiko almost puked. Hearing those words regardless who it was, sounded so perverse coming out of Orochimaru's mouth.

"Oh come now, surely with all the time you spend together you must be learning to get along," he laughed.

They both stared at him wordlessly.

"Of course I'm no fool. I was hoping that over the last couple weeks you would come together on your own. At least it would be a little more enjoyable for you if I didn't have to force you," he drawled, "but I'm certain Kabuto will be thrilled to have new lab subjects."

"Sleep," Keiko heard in her ear before her eyes were dimmed and she lost consciousness.