Two Loves, One Fate (Itachi & Sasuke Uchiha)

№.21 :: Unfaithful Decisions

Chapter Twenty-One

My gaze leveled out with Rei-dono's just in time to see the smirk reappear on his face, amused with my restraint to keep myself from shouting out another insult. I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to cover my anger with some form of pain. It didn't work as well as I wanted it and I was just left with blood slowly filling my mouth. My face grew wary as I suddenly became tired of fighting the Akatsuki's influence over me. I didn't have the strength to keep going like this, and I just knew that I would end up falling into pieces. I stared at the ground as whispers began to fill the room, the Akatsuki members talking among themselves in hushed voices. I couldn't catch a single word or phrase, and I was slightly disappointed with myself. I wasn't fully recovered from the matches and now I was suffering because of my lack of rest. My gaze lingered on the floor and for just a moment, I was blinded by my own tears. A small gasp escaped my lips as I quickly wiped my tears away, hoping that no one witnessed my breakdown. I was suffering in front of Rei-dono, mentally that is and here was my proof. I usually didn't cry unless I was being put through such agony that death was better than suffering that pain, but here I was, crying because of the way I was being treated. During my whole life, I was degraded because I was a woman and because I was royalty. And the Akatsuki was just another continuation of this treatment, and I was actually starting to wish that my body did run out of chakra earlier...

Wishing upon my death was not a solution to my problems, knowing that my country depended on my survival. The lingering gazes on my body became uncomfortable and I just knew that Itachi's gaze was among them. I picked my gaze off the ground, looking in Itachi's direction for reassurance. I soon began to regret my decision, just wishing that I kept my gaze focused on the ground. The expression that was lingering in Itachi's eyes was so fierce that I literally took it as if he were reading my mind, as if my thoughts were exposed to everyone in this room. Was I that obvious to read? I feared that look in Itachi's eyes, my body beginning to tremble as I knew that I had nowhere to go. I was cornered and everyone knew it. I looked away from Itachi, feeling the misery and disappointment within slowly eating away at my thoughts. A cough brought me back into reality, actually forgetting that I was having a conversation with Rei-dono; the expression that was plastered on his face seemed amused. I could only guess that everyone was aware that I was nearing my breaking point. "My dear Princess; I'm surprised to be saying this, but I actually enjoyed watching your performance in all three matches. I wasn't expecting to see you handle all three with such focus and concentration, and I was blown away by the variety of ninjutsu that is in your knowledge. Not only was I able to witness your power, but you granted me the chance to witness the power that could be mine! You are an extravagant kunoichi, but I have another task for you to endure." Rei-dono's voice held ferocity as it faded into our surroundings. I stood quite still, waiting for an explanation. Just wonderful, another grand challenge...

"Well? What type of task do I have to participate in now? A warning if I must, I refuse to fight anyone else that is associated with the Akatsuki. I am not a toy that you can ordered around and I'm not going to risk my life again just for your enjoyment." I replied, those words escaping through my lips after Rei-dono grew silent. My narrowed eyes scrutinized the man in front of me and I wondered why he wasn't responding. Now that I realized the state of my surroundings, I noticed that everyone had grown silent... especially Itachi. My gaze landed on the eldest Uchiha, a dangerous glint residing within my eyes. For no reason whatsoever, I felt some form of betrayal for the second time in my life as if Itachi had something to do with what Rei-dono wished to speak about. It was ironic that the only two people that have ever betrayed me both came from the infamous Uchiha Clan. My eyes darkened as my gaze continued to stare Itachi down. He didn't flinch under my intense gaze; I rather say that he didn't react at all and that was probably what hurt the most. His emotionless expression showed me nothing, and it hurt that he still refused to let me past the wall that he built around himself. I felt the growing tension in the room and I suddenly felt oppressed by the people that were surrounding me. I hid it well, but I couldn't help the panic that was rising inside of me, alerting me of the challenge that was to come. "Why is everyone so quiet?! Can someone please tell me what's going on?"