FicWad

Author’s Notes: The plot will now begin to unfold. There are many twists and turns in which will involve the Leaf Village and Orochimaru himself. That is all I’m saying on the matter.

Chapter 7
The Real Reason

The very second Orochimaru stepped out into the sunlight, Sarah had to squint. She was going to need time for her eyes to adjust to the brightness from being in total darkness. It took a few minutes for her eyes to adjust, but soon she opened them and a bright smile donned her lips. She took a deep breath, well as much as she could anyway, and smelt the fresh air. Her eyes closed again, this time in content with feeling the sun on her skin.

"So beautiful," she breathed. "The sun is so warm."

Where the meadow was not very large, the trees surrounding the area were high, making it harder to see the sky. The sun shone through the leaves, indicated the sun was not yet high enough. Not too far, sounds of running water gave hints of a stream or river nearby.

Orochimaru chuckled with her remark and continued to walk. Hearing the sound of water, he grinned before trekking through the trees, following it, until coming across a small clearing where a stream ran through. Noticing a large rock on the embankment of the stream, he carefully set her down to sit on it. Sarah leaned her head back as she could hear birds in the distance.

"In my village, we have artificial sunlight and nature sounds. I've always come to enjoy those sounds when I'm uncomfortable. And the artificial sunlight, it was always so warm like the real sun."

She surprised herself once more on why she was saying so much, but she couldn't help it. Just being outside she was able to calm down even further than before.

Taking a seat next to her on the rock, Orochimaru glanced around, happy he brought her out. "Kabuto used to enjoy this when he first got here," The snake answered, watching the water.

"Used to?" Sarah blinked, then her expression saddened as she leaned her head forward, looking at the ground. She understood why. "I will never learn to enjoy it here. So you can just forget about it. I may learn to like..." she blushed as she already did and was lying to herself, "your sexual advances..." she paused blushing more, turning her head away from him to try and hide the blush. "But there is no way in hell I will like my living conditions."

Her words made him chuckle as his eyes glanced at her. "I understand," he finally said. "You're used to dwelling in the light, while I dwell in the dark." He looked to the stream again. "I think he's just gotten so busy he forgets to enjoy himself."

It wasn't a secret in how loyal the medic was to him. Sometimes he would work so hard he would do nothing else. At times the Sannin had caught him asleep at his desk.

"Maybe," she agreed. "When I knew Kabuto as Buto, he was always so busy, but he did manage to find time to see me and be sure I was faring well. Now I know why. You had him ordered to watch me." She clenched her good fist as she turned her back fully away from him to look at the ground. From that angle, see the water of the stream.

“I did,” he admitted. “But I have my reasons as to why.”

"I so badly want to hate you," she whispered. "You basically raped me, kidnapped me, and now are constantly seducing me, making my body..." she blushed again, stopping herself in mid sentence. "Oh I probably could list more charges if I think harder just on me alone."

The snake nin glanced at her, a smirk still on his face as he listened. "Then what's stopping you?" His tone wasn't sarcastic, but had a hint of curiosity.

Sarah frowned at him. "And why do you want to know?" she asked, curious to why he was so interested.

"Heh, no reason," he said looking away again. The fact was not lost on the snake nin that she was lying to herself and it amused him. It would give him all the more satisfaction when she would finally tell him the truth.

"Well like I said, I can't think of any right now, but I know there is." She turned to see he was looking away from her. "What?" she taunted, getting some of her flare back, which she had no idea her spunky attitude was what attracted him to her. "I'm that ugly to look at now?"

He chuckled, looking at her again. He was very amused at her taunts. "Of course not," he smirked mischievously.

"Then why did you look away then?" She rose to challenge him once more, not knowing the dangers she was in. But with him, what more danger could she be in? She was already his sex slave, more or less, just with more freedom than most prisoners.

Her challenge only enticed him more. Leaning closer to her, he continued. "If you want to know so badly, you'll have to do better than that."

She saw he matched her challenge and challenged her in return. She whipped her head away from him. "Maybe I don't want to," she spat out, throwing a new challenge.

"Hmhm oh really?" She had no idea; her stubbornness was only further encouraging him. Reaching up suddenly his hand cupped her chin, forcing her to look toward him before leaning forward, claiming her lips once more.

Sarah tried to stop him by turning her head, but he was very persistent and stronger. Within seconds he was able to turn her head back to his direction. A gasp escaped her lips only to be silenced by his own lips. She gave a whimper of protest, realizing she just fell into one of his games once again. With him sitting on the side of her bad arm, which was snuggled between them, she was unable to struggle free from his grasp.

Releasing her, he gave her a grin. Never in the years since leaving the Leaf Village, had he ever thought of the joy in being around another woman again, not since that particular one from a long time ago. But she was gone now and his heart had hardened. Now there was Sarah, and she was quickly melting the ice around his heart. She was beautiful and he loved her spirit. He wasn’t going to let her go for anything. With that knowledge in mind, he would show her mercy since she was injured. If it had been anyone else he wouldn't have.

Sarah gasped surprised he didn't press further. But this time she kept her mouth shut, letting him win... of course he would always win in the end. Quietly she turned her head again and looked up at the sky. She couldn’t see the sun very well through the trees, but at least she could see above the treetops. "I've always loved the look of the blue sky."

Pulling fully away from her, he looked up as well. Throughout his 50 plus years, he had seen so much death and destruction; he never really paid attention to such small things anymore.

"Of course I'm sure with you being over 50 and all, you don't pay attention to trivial things anymore. Not to mention you were part of the second shinobi war and even the third." She sighed. "The Leaf warned me about you and I still wasn't prepared."

He chuckled at her remark as his eyes turned to her once more. Just then the wind blew the trees, allowing the sun to shine down upon them. Looking up, the sunlight shined on his face.

From the corner of her eye, she saw the sun on his face and immediately was reminded of that picture she stole. The sun smoothed out his features and in that instant he looked as innocent as he was back as a child. Thinking of the photo, she wondered what it would have been like to be a child during those days when war was constantly looming over everyone’s heads.

"What were you like as a child?" she asked suddenly, trying to make some small talk. With what freedom she did have, she did want to get to know the man who now held her future in his hands.

Surprised by the question he looked at her again. He hadn't thought about it in a long time. It was so long ago everything was different back then. The First Hokage, who was grandfather to Tsunade, led the Leaf village. The village was only fairly new thanks to the treaty signed by Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju.

Normally if someone asked him such a question, he wouldn’t have hesitated to make a rude remark or just plain ignore them. He wasn’t the type to speak about his past or answer such a question, but with Sarah, he saw no harm in it.

Looking back at the sky, he sighed. "You’re asking me something from nearly five decades ago.” His eyes gave a far off look. “I was a shy child, always quiet. I believe it was more due to the fact my parents died when I was young, leaving me an orphan. Back in those days and even still today, children are commonly orphaned." His expression did not change in the slightest as he began to think.

Sarah gave him a sympathetic look. "Sorry to hear. I was fortunate to have at least one parent. My mom died when I was really little. I barely remember her. But I have pictures... well had. I've lost just about everything now that you've brought me here."

At the mention of her losing her mom at a young age, his mind wondered. He remembered a time back to another girl, a child, who lost her mother. The girl had been on his mind as of late and he had always kept those kinds of thoughts at the back of his mind, which, rarely ever came to the surface. However, every now and then they did surface and it bothered him to an extent. 'What would it have been like if you survived, I wonder' he thought to himself.

Sarah blinked; surprised the man went quiet all of the sudden. “Orochimaru?” she called. When he didn’t answer her, she moved her leg and lightly nudged his. “Orochimaru.”

He shook from his thoughts and blinked, recomposing himself. His eyes moved to her as he immediately squashed down his thoughts so they were not evident in his eyes.

She quirked a brow. “You zoned out on me. Never thought the big bad snake sage could zone out. Guess there is some humanity in you after all,” she joked.

“No need for insults like that, my dear,” he teased, covering up the fact she was right. He did space out on her.

Seeing his usual charming self was back, she snorted. “What, you’ll kill me? I’ve heard anyone who insults you wind up disappearing and never heard from again. I wonder how that happens? No doubt you kill them and then either bury them or destroy their bodies.”

“Oh no, you’re too special for that.” He eyed her, licking his lips like a predator eyeing its prey.

“Go to hell!” she snapped.

“Been there,” he retorted, smirking. “But here with you is more appealing and satisfying.”

She rolled her eyes, turning to look at the water once again.

"And people say men my age can't perform. I think I do that very well, don't you?" he continued, knowing that would seriously upset her.

"You're sick you know that!" she yelled, wishing she could get away from him, but he’d have her pinned before she could even get her feet on the ground.

His smirk widened into a grin. "I'm not the one who moans very willingly when her body wants what I have to offer."

A rather large blush immediately crept onto her face, turning it into a bright red tomato. Feeling the heat in her cheeks, she lowered her head to her knees, trying to hide the embarrassment. Where they were in the open light, there was no way for her to hide it.

He lightly chuckled, knowing he had embarrassed her. Of course, he could see and feel the heat radiating off of her. Looking to the sky once again, he allowed her a moment to recompose herself. For several minutes it was silent between them, except for the sound of the leaves moving in the trees from the morning breeze and the birds chirping away.

Eventually, Sarah was able to get the heat down in her face, allowing it to return back to its natural peachy color. Her mind shifted back to them talking about her village.

“I wonder what my people are doing?” she asked, breaking the silence.

He looked upon her, seeing she was back to her normal complexion. “That’s something you don’t need to worry about. Just worry about getting better.”

Her head lifted as she turned her full attention to him. "Ok, Mr. Smarty pants. What's going to stop my people from looking for me? They will know I'm gone, after I don't return from my emotional leave."

The snake nin was amused by the question. "They may look for you but they'll be unsuccessful. No one has ever found my lair." Turning to her, he added, "Anything you need Kabuto can retrieve. I doubt they'll discover him."

"How can you say that?" Tears were nearly brimming to the surface again. "You've ripped me away from everyone I knew. Ok, so I didn't have really any friends but they are my people and you've taken me away from them."

She was completely oblivious to what was really going on.

He stared at her a moment, debating now if he should tell her the truth. He knew the truth would hurt her far more than any stab wound. However, he did want her to know and she did have that right. The more she thought everything was fine, the more she'd be upset for being taken from her home. Averting his eyes from her, he decided. "Sarah...you were in danger." His voice did not drip in any sarcasm nor did it hold amusement or a teasing tone.

Sarah blinked, confused. "In danger? What do you mean in danger? If anything I'm in more danger now with you than at home since there's Sasuke to worry about." She knew bringing up his name would upset him, but it was the truth.

The mention of the Uchiha’s name caused his blood to boil, but that was the least of his worries. His eyes closed, knowing she wasn't going to like what he was about to say next. "Your father’s death was no accident. The village had him killed. You were next."

Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "What the hell are you talking about? I know my father's death was no accident he was killed by an unknown enemy." She shook her head. "You're... you're lying. They wouldn't do that! No. It's not possible. I was considered to be one of the best ninja in my village."

Turning to her now, he slid off the rock only to take a seat on the other side of her so he could grasp her good hand. "Sarah, listen to me. I’ve been drawn to you since that night when we first met.”

“You mean the night after you killed the Third Hokage,” she frowned.

“Exactly.” He snorted. “That old fool had it coming to him and he took the ability to use my arms away until I took a new host.”

“Which is why you were in so much pain that night. If I had only known then…”

“Then you probably would be dead now.” He paused a moment. “There was something about you that made me want to know more. I had a few followers track you down. Apparently you have a bloodline that your people fear. Something your father already knew how to use. He was killed for that reason."

She shook her head. "No--No--No. You're wrong." she growled.

“You sure about that? Why did your father die? Why did they not want you to see him when everyone else was able to see theirs when they died?”

She shook off his hand and slid down off the rock. Being careful not to disturb her injuries, she stepped away from the boulder to the water. Slipping her feet into the stream, she could feel the cool liquid brush past her ankles, through the sandals. She never bothered to focus her chakra into her feet to prevent her from sinking.

He had watched her carefully when she slid off the rock. Knowing what was just said upset her, he allowed her to step away and stand at the water’s edge. He gave her a moment to process everything.

Tears tracked down her cheeks, not wanting to believe his words, but the more he spoke, the more his words made some sort of sense. And it got her thinking about the last year. Why they wouldn't let her see her father. Why there was no funeral service for him. Why she really didn't have any friends. It even now explained why he had Kabuto infiltrate the village and keep an eye on her. If what Orochimaru said was true, she no longer had a home to go back to, even if she were to escape his clutches.

In moments, he stood and he went to her, pulling her into a hug from behind. He wasn’t the type to give affection, but being around her, it felt natural for him.

She allowed her body to lean back into his as more tears fell. "Did...did they kill my mother too?" she asked, eyes closed, taking comfort in his arms. His methods were not proper but he was helping her. Though there was one particular question still on her mind that she wanted answered, and one only he could give her. She didn't know why each time he was able to force her into submission when they had sex.

"It's possible," the snake answered, unable to deny it. "There isn't much information on her."

He held her close to him, trying to comfort her. "I was hoping to spare you of this pain by not telling you."

"Why?" she asked, suddenly. "Why keep this from me? Don't I have a right to know or is it because I'm your prisoner..." she paused. "I'm not your prisoner. You've just been making me not leave because of this truth. But knowing the truth..." she paused again as she turned in his arms and buried her head in his chest. She was literally an emotional wreck and needed to get her strength back. She was a shinobi, not a cry-baby.

He wasn’t used to comforting emotional people. Normally, he would hiss at them, telling them to suck it up. After all, the person would be a shinobi and ninjas never cried like what Sarah was doing. For her, it was a different matter. He felt compelled to protect her. She was very capable ninja, and thanks to Kabuto, her file spoke for itself. But kunoichis were not trained for this sort of situation.

"I have nowhere else to go, so being here is the only place for me,” she muttered against his neck.

Running his fingers gently through her hair, allowing her to sob in his chest. He very glad they were outside. It literally allowed for them to be alone without interruptions.

For several moments she allowed her emotions to run away before they eventually turned into sniffles. Soon she lifted her head. "You probably think I'm weak because I can't stop crying lately."

"Not at all child," he replied, a small smile on his face. It wasn't menacing or devious.

She gave a small nod; a little happy to know he didn't think she was weak. "I want my mother's things before they are destroyed." She paused a moment. "My village won't come looking for me will they?"

"Nothing is absolute," he answered honestly. "Even if they do, I won't allow them to harm you. But they won't look for you here". Rubbing her back gently to soothe her. "I'll have Kabuto retrieve the last of your things tonight."

Hesitating a moment, Sarah leaned her head against his shoulder. "I think I'd like to go back in now." It was easy to see she didn't want to go back in but at the same time the news she was just given, soured her mood and she no longer felt like enjoying the warm sunny weather. There were going to be other days anyway. Sarah had a lot of thinking to do. Orochimaru didn’t kidnap her, he had actually saved her.

Seeing she was too upset to enjoy the scenery, he agreed. "We'll come out again another time." Like before, one arm went under her legs while the other wrapped around her back. Lifting her into his arms again as he made his way back to the lair entrance.

She gasped, body tensing, as once again she was in his arms. "I can walk you know!" she fussed, frowning, again showing her charm.

Feeling her tense he smirked "You'll get used to it in time."

The second they were back in the darkness, she leaned into his body. With her good arm, against his chest, she snuggled against him, allowing him to take her back to that dingy place he called home. She seriously hated being in that dark place, but knowing there was a target on her head, she found a little comfort. It would be indeed hard to find her in a labyrinth of hallways of Orochimaru’s lair.

After a bit they came to a familiar door. Using the hand holding her legs, he carefully opened the door and continued to carry her inside until reaching the bed before finally setting her down on it.

She released her hold on the man and looked at the familiar setting of the room. She frowned. "I hate the dimness of this room. I hope you can get to my request for more lighting." She looked down at her dress, remembering the first night with him. Scowling at his choice of clothes for her, she quickly turned her head away from him.

He then walked over, closing the bedroom door, giving them privacy. He then turned back to her.

“Just as soon as Kabuto returns from retrieving your things, he will give you some lighting in here.” He was amused by how much she disliked her clothes. “You know, that dress does look wonderful on you. I can’t help it if it attracts me too much.”

“Spoken like a typical man,” she spat. “All you guys mostly ever think about is sex. Speaking of which, you didn't have to force me into sex." Her stubbornness had fully returned.

He chuckled leaning close to her ear "I couldn't help myself." His hands clasped her shoulders. “You are a very desirable woman and like you just pointed out, I am a man, and a lonely one at that. It’s nice to have female companionship.”

She snapped her head in his direction, giving him the dirtiest look ever known to man. If she had the power, she would have wanted to bite his head off, like the snake he was. “Well I freaking well wonder why?!” she hissed. “All you have around here is lots of testosterone.”

He quirked a brow at her choice of words. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.” He teased. He knew exactly what she meant but just wanted to play with her a little more before leaving her alone. He had to see to Kabuto and find out how that boy was doing.

“Tch,” she snorted. “Always with a comeback. You’re impossible!”

“Always have to stay on my toes. Anyway, you should get some rest.” He went to reach down and grasp her legs but she quickly kicked them out of his way and up on the bed herself.

"I can do it myself thank you!”

“Just thought I’d help.” He backed away, not fazed by her attitude, nor her kick. Luckily for him His reflexes were still fast for his age. If not he would have gotten kicked in the face.

“You like that don't you?" she hissed. "You like seeing your women helpless to your mercy."

This only made him smirk more. He hummed; grabbing the wrinkled blankets and placed them up over her lap. “But only when I’m the cause of her discomfort.”

She wanted to scream at him at that moment as her annoyance was just amusing him. She turned her head again. "I hope I don't need to wait until tomorrow for another meal." She wasn't blaming him for that, but for the misfortune she had been having.

"No. Kabuto will probably make you something," the snake nin assured her. "Is there anything else you need before I leave to speak with him?"

She wanted to tell him 'yeah let me go' but she had nowhere to go. She carefully shook her head. "No. I just need some time to think."

"Hm, all right then." Gently moving the hair from her face, he then stood going to the door. Looking over his shoulder "You may go where you wish. Just be careful." With that he left, letting her lay down if she wanted to. He knew she had much to think about, especially when it concerned her well being and that of her deceased father.