02/15/07

A/N: This is just a short little drabble I wrote in a futile attempt to get rid of my writer's block, but I would love feedback, good or bad, on it.

Disclaimer: ... as sad as it is, I'm far too poor to own Naruto. If only my parents would give me that damn raise in my allowence...


Running.

One mangled, crimson-stained foot after the other.

Ino's waist-length hair was plastered to her scalp with sweat that flowed like a water-fall down the matted mass of pale blond upon her head. The offending liquid stung as it found it's way into her numerous wounds and once vibrant sapphire orbs. The chuunin's wide, baby-blue eyes had lost their child-like naivetivity and trusting long ago, and now held a far more primitive look in them: FEAR.

The kind of fear that blinded even the most stubborn and strong-willed .

The kind of fear that numbed the skilled Kunoichi against real feeling, both physical and emotional.

The kind of fear that kept Ino running through the woods in the dead of the night, stumbling on her broken bones, trying vainly to escape the predator in his sick, twisted game of Cat and Mouse, in which she had unwillingly participated.

'WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!' he released a precise flood of shuriken, each sailing through the air with effortless ease and killer intent.

'…drip…drip…dr-iiiip…' the blood from her multiple kunai injuries still flowed, even in death.

Caressing Ino's cheek with what one could assume to be an almost loving touch, Itachi's mouth curved into a bitter-sweet smile, something akin to regret shining in the depths of his obsidian eyes.

And then the image of affection was shattered, as he unexpectedly jerked her neck back.

"Why'd you try to leave me?" Itachi said, his question snarled out viciously. "You should know by now that the prey can only run and hide for so long,"


Press that cute little button... you know you waaaaaant to!!