The disappointment and rage that bled off of Hikaru was almost palpable, and as time continued to wear on, it only seemed to get worse. It's been two hours since the incident with Sai, and he has yet to so much as look in my direction.

At this point, my guilt was slowly turning into anger. I understand the fact that what I did was wrong, I shouldn't have reacted so badly. At this point in time, I should have a greater hold of my emotions....and yet? I do not. Still, the treatment towards me from Hikaru was uncalled for. It's been two hours, of the silent treatment, and we are mere minutes away from the meeting point.

How will I know that he will act accordingly if he's still angry at me? However, no matter how upset and angry he gets, I know one thing, and one thing only.

I was protecting my family name. Sai should just learn to keep his mouth shut.

Sighing in slight aggravation, I separate away from Hikaru and move towards the location in which Yamato discussed with us. Hikaru will watch the west and I would watch the east. North and South were taken up due to the meeting, so any mishaps can be handled by the rest of the team.

Taking my place in the canopy of a rather tall tree, I survey the area with a critical eye. Closing my eyes, I take in a deep steady breath before focusing on the area around me. Almost immediately colours burst into my vision, even as I sit here with closed eyes. The blue and green colours of Chakra show Sai and Sakura, while the orange and Purple chakra's show themselves to be Naruto, and Hikaru. I couldn't sense Yamato, but I know that he's there.

Goosebumps erupt over my skin as another lighter blue chakra signature comes into range. Clutching the branch beside me, I feel the wood slightly crack from under the pressure of my grip.

Kabuto.

Forcing myself to ignore him, I span out my senses even further but fail to find any other presence save for the wildlife around us. Nevertheless, I refrain from dropping my guard. I cannot sense all chakra signatures..I am not as skilled as I wish to be, which means I am unable to detect particularly strong enemies.

Kami help Yamato if there's someone out there hiding.

Opening my eyes, I pat my leg to make sure the flute was still there before adjusting my body on the branch once again. Once my spot was determined, I halted all movement. I may be a fair distance from them, but Kabuto is no fool.

He'll find me faster is I allow myself to be complacent.

With ease, I begin to eavesdrop on their conversation, the need to hear what was going on rather strong.

"-Sasuke Uchiha...where is he?" My skin crawls at the voice of Sasori. How I hate that puppet bastard.

"There are several hideouts...but these change from week to week so his location cannot be pinpointed. Some are in lands outside the sound...that Orochimaru's spies have infiltrated and maintained for us."

My brows furrow in confusion. How I wish that Mamoru would teach me his little trick with the lie detecting. He was able to zero in on the heartbeat of a particular person and tell if they lie depending on how the heart reacts to the words escaping their lips.

He has yet to teach me the difference, and it is becoming rather annoying.

"- We are currently lying low at a safe house on a small island in the northern lake...but we'll be moving in three day's time. Sasuke Uchiha is also there right now."

Sasuke....

I grit my teeth slowly. When I see that dumbass, I'm going to smack him so hard Naruto might just feel it. Then I'll give the idiot a hug for managing to stay alive for the past three years. Damn boy making us all worry.

"phew- it's just a rabbit.-"

Tension coiled within me at the tone Kabuto's voice took, and while I couldn't see him and his physical reaction, I know that he was startled by something.

Something was out there.

Kabuto should be skilled enough to know the difference between a rabbit and an enemy, so why in the world is he so jumpy...

Closing my eyes, I focused my senses, even more, distinct sounds sharpening, and chakra signatures becoming much more vibrant. Sweat begins to bead at my brow, frustration digging into me as I still failed to find anything.

However, right as I was about to give up, and conclude that there wasn't another enemy out there....the small flicker of a dark green chakra catches my attention. That, along with a sound I never thought I would hear again for a long while...

The hiss of a snake.

The tension in my body threatened to snap as I forced myself to stay in position. Shaking with exertion, bit my lips and dig my nails into my skin. Blood is drawn.

Images of Pandora's mangled body rise to the surface, and I feel the blood lust within rising to all new heights. Let out a shaky breath, I regulate my breathing as I focused on the mission. Orochimaru is out there right now, and the team is oblivious to it.

I need to warn them...but I can't move without alerting Kabuto of my presence. I can't use the summons....unless...

Looking down at my hands, I weigh the options delicately. Nymiria is far too big to be a normal bird, and she'll be recognized as my summon immediately. However, on the other spectrum. If I use Ghost...he's too large to go incognito anymore...and again, he's recognizable.

No, the summons is out of the option. Hikaru will literally turn into a ball of black mist, so I can't get his help either.

Breathing out, I close my eyes once again as I force my nerves to calm down. I need to act quickly. Orochimaru isn't going to wait for me to figure out a plan. Focusing on where I sensed the subtle spick of chakra, I inhale sharply when I find that he's moved.

He's almost right behind them.

I move without hesitation. Snapping my hand down, I grab the bamboo flute, and raise it to my lips, only pausing when I realize Yamato's instructions.

"Do not move until I give the signal."

Cursing quietly to myself, I lower the instrument but keep it in my grasp just in case. Shouts of surprise and protest fill my ears, indicating that Orochimaru has revealed himself to the others.

"Interesting conversation. Mind if I join you?" Chills ran down my spine, goosebumps spreading across my skin as I force myself to remain still.

I still remember the last time that I saw him. Hikaru, Mamoru and I came across him by accident one day when we were out on a mission. I wouldn't have known that it was him if it wasn't for Kabuto (who I didn't realize at the time was affiliated with Orochimaru.) The two were talking as they walked, and while Hikaru, Mamoru and I originally planned to simply ignore them. Kabuto mentioned the name 'Orochimaru', and the man standing beside him answered accordingly.

Needless to say. I acted stupidly and fought the two of them the moment I got the chance. We barely made it out alive. In the end, if it wasn't for the Genjustu's we possessed, we all would have died.

I won't act like a fool. Not like last time.

However, waiting for the signal is slowly going to drive me insane. What are you waiting for, Yamato!?

Silence grips me, and for once, it does not bring me any sense of comfort. The abrupt break of silence almost causes me to jump, as the sounds of a struggle reach my ears. With flute clutched in one hand, I reach into my weapons pouch and reach for my kunai. I force myself to remain still. Sometimes patience is needed, no matter how much I may dislike it.

"Kabuto...you're supposed to be an Akatsuki spy...under Sasori's sleeper jutsu...I-I don't understand!"

Kabuto lets out a low chuckle as he replies to Yamato. No doubt with a smirk on his face.

"I'm afraid your intelligence is out of date...Lord Orochimaru removed that problem a long time ago."

The conversation goes on, and my unease only increases. I don't seem to be the only one unnerved by what was transpiring. Hikaru's tattoo slowly begins to warm up, the purple hue of his eyes glowing to abnormal colours.

He too wants to go help. Still, we can't. Nothing has happened yet. and Yamato has not asked for our assistance yet.

"-You ruined our plans for Sasori."

"patience Kabuto. All will be revealed in due time. Starting with...the three baby rats hiding behind papa rat here." Hissed out Orochimaru, a dark tone taking root in his voice.

No... he knew that they were there from the very beginning...does he know we're here as well? I Pray to Jashin and Kami that this isn't the case.

"Well now...isn't this a pleasant reunion..and I see you've brought the nine-tails child. Excellent. I've been waiting for such an opportunity to see which one is stronger. Naruto...or Sasuke." I could almost feel Orochimaru's deadly aura from here, and as I wait for Yamato to signal us....the constricting feeling in my chest only seemed to worsen.

I loud and sharp whistle filled my ears, the sound almost giving me a sense of calm.

I'm finally allowed to move. From Hikaru's position, the familiar crack of purple lightning cut through the air as Hikaru headed for the others. I decide to do a more discrete method.

Running through the tree's, it takes mere moments for me to arrive, but those moments were enough time for Naruto to be completely enveloped in his Chakra Cloak. Staying towards the tree line, I assess the situation while Hikaru stands boldly beside Yamato.

"Where's Lorelei?" Yamato asks, his tone questioning, however, he refused to take his eyes off of Kabuto and Orochimaru. It would be foolish of him to turn around in search of me.

"Give...Sasuke back!" growls Naruto, his head down as his body shook. Red chakra circled him mercilessly, the cloak bubbling and popping as it slowly becomes more violent.

"Give Sasuke back? Sasuke came to us of his own accord. Because he wanted to. Why can't you accept the truth?" say's Kabuto coldly.

I slightly wince from his remark. What he said held truth to them, and although they may be true. Naruto has heard it countless times. he doesn't need to hear it again. Looking over the bridge, my eyes land on Orochimaru, and I feel the familiar sense of rage and sadness take over. My emotions seem to drown me and threaten to put me in some sort of haze.

A haze that will surely cause my death.

Kill him

Letting out a low groan, I clutch my head as the pain started to spread through my temples.

Avenge Pandora. Avenge her the same way I did for my sister. Kill him.

"Get. Out. Of. My.HEAD!" The last word comes out as a scream, my voice ringing through the air. Thankfully, no one has a chance to take notice, because Naruto has Orochimaru flying through the air and into the forest.

"The elders said that he would be in my head....but why....why must he-" my breathing comes out jagged and laboured, the pain continues to spread across my temples until it threatened to make me nauseated.

This is the reason they refused to perform the ceremony. This is why they refused to let him fully give me his Chakra shield.

It will drive me insane.

"ah...so the little Sairen is hiding here too.." My head flies up, the pain in my head increasing as I make eye contact with Orochimaru. Even from the other side of the river bank, he can still see me.

"Lorelei...Fitting name for her." snickers Kabuto.

The pain spread to my neck and shoulders. I needed that ceremony for a damn reason! it makes the transition easier on me!

Groaning out, I try and push the pain to the back of my mind, the seriousness of this situation taking coming back to my thoughts. Orochimaru turns his face away from me and looks back at Naruto.

"You're getting quite Jinchuriki like..little fox.."

NO! You stay the hell away from my little brother!

A loud growl ripes through the air, and this time, it was the combination of mine, and Naruto's. However, as his growl continues to resonate in the air, I quiet down as I lower the flute, and instead focus Chakra into my throat.

While I focused the chakra, the pain in my body only continued to increase. Why is this happening...his essence shouldn't fully transfer to me until...

The horrible realization dawned on me.

His essence will be completely to my disposal when I turn 16 years of age...My birthday is the week after the Pearl chase and the Ocean festival...

This is why I'm reacting so violently. He and I are almost one and the same...just two weeks till I will be able to hear him in my head. Two weeks till my anger issues and blood lust hit an all-time high.

The pain becomes too much, and I feel a small buzz ring in my ears. Hikaru...I need Hikaru. Where is he? I need him...

Kill them.

"Kill them.."

From the corner of my eye, I see Hikaru whip around and stare in my direction. His eyes narrowed dangerously as fist clench in anger.

"Don't start this again, not now," he says with a low, angry whisper, the fear of being attack absent as Naruto's chakra continues to run wild.

If only he knew..

"You don't know Sasuke...Don't talk about Sasuke like you own him! Especially in front of me!" Naruto's chakra flared, his spike in power reacting violently with my struggle to keep control of myself.

Why are you fighting back? Show them. Make them pay.

"I'll make them pay.." I gasp out, the fangs in my mouth elongating and biting into my lips. even the nails on my hands grow and sharpen to dangerous points.

Yes. Make them pay.

A loud scream erupts from my mouth, my head coming up so that I look up at the sky. Hysteria claws at me as I crouch and look back towards Orochimaru and Kabuto. Hikaru was swearing and looking at me with eyes of fire.

"Lorelei, what the hell are you doing!?"

I ignore him as I drop from my perch and flare my chakra.

Let the hunt begin.