A/N: Please leave a review, I want to know if you guys like this, cause I have a lot of great ideas for this plot but I need you guys, my awesome readers to let me know if it's any good!

I may not update for a while since school is starting in two weeks, also I'm traveling away for a trip to Prince Edward Island! Freaking awesome! Hopefully I'll update Empty Intelligent Heart before I leave for the trip.

Until next my lovelies! Adieu!~

Chapter three

Birds sing in glee.

As they fly, they understand how free and joyful they are.

The wind brushing pleasantly against their feathers, almost like a chaste kiss.

Then they are shot down, and their wings of freedom are covered in their own blood.

Clipped wings.

Left to die.

The warm hands that treated me like a fallen soldier, cradled me in it's grieving voicing, calling my nickname.

"Akane...!Akane...! St...! Me...! Akane...!"

Chanting it over and over, as if to revive me.
But I knew very well this was the end for me, that this was my death. I was to die in the arms of the person I loved. Though the pain consumed my limp, algid body. Unconsciously, my body trembled from the shots of pain that would leave numbness in it's wake.

"Akane...!" Tingling drops of sudden, pleasant, water soaked into my feathers, the pressing of something soft felt like I was covered in a blanket. I was at peace, the sensation of death crept over to me, draining away the life that was left.

"Aka...ne...!"

And I couldn't have been happier.

"A...ne...!"

Everything was far too blurry for me to recognize where I was, the smell of spicy apples eased me.

"Hmmm...That didn't turn out so well did it now? How about another go? We know you're not satisfied. How about another round Sasuke?" the voice offered

Yes.

"A..."

Time to close my eyes and rest.

"SASUKE...!" A different, but a familiar voice called in a blood-curdling scream.

Naruto.

Naruto was still in danger...!

Closed eyes shot open, adrenaline boiled and raced in my veins, giving my withered body a new life. My head looking up.

A new life, as in a new body.

I met a frightening, unfamiliar pair of darkened eyes. They were round as the moon, clear as fog, and very green.

There were slit, vertical pupils.

A cat's eyes. Alluring, but unfamiliar. The fur was short, sleek, and resembled the color of the night sky.

It was a cat no doubt, my reflection in the window had told me that.

I was a kitten. Out of pure confusion, I ran. A urge to throw up my insides developed as I passed the scraps of rotting flesh, and trash. The suffocating, humid, polluted, air began to choke me. Looming skyscrapers seemed to tower over and threaten to fall to crush me flat like a gooey bug.

Evading the large, clicks of feet, I lowered myself, leaning back to hurdle myself to a safe space to avoid the colorful array of shoes to avoid being stepped on by ignorant, humans, engrossed in their own world to care about a feeble, worthless, animal. I didn't mind though, my life growing up as a young child, I was isolated.

This was the same, only I must jump around to avoid people.

Living on the streets is everything you expected. Merciless, unkind, and scarce.

The weather was even a cruel bitch.

Especially for animals like me. Especially for cats. Why? Feral mutts. Dogs were generally bigger. Cats are sly, sneaky, and quick. But trapped between tall, brick walls, was nearly impossible to escape.

The dog's eyes would gleam in intimidation, growling viciously, looking at me as if I was the filth of the world. Drool would drizzle and absorb into the mud beneath our feet.

His unkempt, black hair seemed to capture an aura of death itself.

The darkness caused by shadows made me feel alone, exhausted, and hungry. My legs barely held my thin body up. It's been weeks since I started on the streets, and I barely lived on the bugs and revolting, vermin.

Sharp, strong, jaws would themselves grasping my limbs. Searing pain would pulse at the tearing skin, I would screech and slash at the mutt's eyes to allow me to land into the unpleasant, mud.

I looked around for openings as the dog attempted to recover from it's wound. The thick brick walls were chipped away from age, but were stable enough to cage me. The only opening was past the dog, so I took my chances after silently praying and bolted underneath the dogs legs.

My front, right paw caught into a dent in the ground, making my body crash forward, my skin sliding against the rocks below me, bringing rapid burns and cuts.

Ignoring the new bleeding,I attempted to stand upright so I could run farther away but instead, I felt a unbearable pain travel up my paw; my wrist throbbed in.

I sprained it. Shit.

Out of limited options, I tested the damage by shifting all my weight to it in a small step.

The insufferable agony ricocheted throughout my muscles made me howl in pain, flinching from the ground.

There was no way I could run in this state, so I limped forward, hopping on my three feet, carefully not to trip in the mud. My body froze when I felt the hot air of a doh's breath right behind me.

I turned my head to the dog, he bared his ugly teeth, his black eyes fixated on me. He approached me in slow, prideful steps. The dog was savoring this moment before he would tear my frail body to pieces, his growl grew in unnerving threats.

I was scared. So very scared for my life.

I don't want to die. Not yet, not again.

My body curled close together, my hands found themselves clutched in my chest,I tilted my head below. Everything curled inward to possibly increase my chance of survival. Fuck, if only I was human...

Waiting for the savoring dog to leap forward to rip my to pieces made me wait in anticipation for it's fangs to meet my shivering flesh.

But instead, I heard blusterous, crashing, growling, and pitched whimpers. Soon things were silent, a faint whimper had faded with the light prodding noises.

Haltingly, after a few seconds, I lifted my head to examine what had happened.

A great big, white, dog with browned ears, and sharp teeth was before me. It was a new dog that seemed to scare away the original dog that chased me.

My ears twisted back, pressing against my head as my fear returned.

I expected for the dog to growl, but instead, it prodded forward in a friendly manner. It stared at me with its big eyes. I couldn't help but wonder what the dog must be thinking, probably thinking of how to kill me.

It lowered its neck to sniff at my head, a surprising moist nose had nudged me gently. Because of fright I jerked my head forward to conclude what he was doing. There was no malice in his eyes.

Just sincere worry. His mouth slightly parted to lick at my bleeding ear, as if to comfort me.

I spoke, but instead a soft "Meow." had escaped my lips. The dog circled me for a few moments, until it settled itself to lay beside me, cuddling me against its warm belly.
The dog had protected me and was now comforting me.

Accepting the affection, I meowed softly, as if I was crying, because in a way I was. I felt lost and heartbroken. I wanted to see Naruto.

The frigid puddle was ice cold, and the wet leaves I sat on were no assistance to my bone chilled body.

My cries only grew louder when the bitter rain began to drizzle heavily; it was almost winter, so the rain was a cruel bonus that made me begin to believe frostbite had developed inside my bones, freezing away the bone marrow.

To my surprise, the cries of mine were not unheard nor ignored. A tall human, whose appearance was obstructed by the bright light from the streetlight approached us.

The dog seemed to recognize the human when its eyes brightened and tail that swayed cheerfully.

"Akamaru, do you have any idea what Kiba would do if I lost you during a walk?! He'd probably hang me using dirty underwear! Get over here," the human ordered with annoyance.

I was distressed at the idea of the dog leaving, but to my relief the dog did not budge, instead he looked at me and then to him, and whimpered softly at me.

A flash of blond was revealed when the human approached us, the human seem to be rubbing the back of his neck when he knelt down to us. My eyes were fully focused on the human's face.

Bright, topaz eyes with many undertones, tan skin, blond hair, and his trademark scars on his cheeks. The rough, long, fingers reached out for the dog to rub its head.

It was Naruto.

"Man, Kiba is gonna be pissed that you're dirty again...Bath time buddy when we get back." Naruto chuckled as the the dog let out a protesting whine. Then the eyes that I always found endearing, met my shaken eyes.

The sometimes, mischievous but compassionate eyes, seemed to soften and glimmer in kindness to me. His mouth turned small and worried.

I must have looked horrible for his expression to take such a saddened look.

"What do ya got there Akamaru? A kitten? You...want me to bring it home?" the blond human asked in his familiar husky voice. Naruto's long hand had soothed my injured head, the touches were soft like a feather. So kind.

Soon I felt my body weight being lifted from the puddle of mud I had laid in, his eyes never tore from mine, as of he was examining me.
The sapphire eyes that seemed to glow, had slivers of recognition in his eyes for a curt moment.

"Poor thing, you must be freezing, a kitten like you won't survive the upcoming winter...Your shivering..." the hand continuously stroked my head, slowly reaching to my back to bring friction and warmth back to my body. My limbs immediately eased against his touch when I was pressed against his shirt.

Even though he was fairly muddy, the smell of clean laundry was emanating from the pores of the material of his shirt.

The dog barked in agreement, as if Naruto understood Akamaru, the dog returned to watch me, as if afraid I would run away, when the friendly dog had realized I was nuzzling into Naruto the dog seemed to relax.

Warmth began to return to my skin, I could feel again, so the warmth was a welcomed the habitual feeling.

Sleep had begun to dig its way into my body the way my eyes began to droop as my head rested against his warm chest, the rhythm of his heartbreak was a curious beat, it was soothing.

In every physical and mental way, I was exhausted. Physically my body was drained of sleep, food, and energy.

Mentally, this long journey I had sold my soul for, was beginning to wear my heart and soul down.

Soft pattering of rain hummed a sedative lullaby that covered me in slumber's blanket. My eyes closed when it tucked me in its peaceful darkness.

Could I rest in peace now? Had I fulfilled my purpose by allowing myself to be cared for by Naruto?

Apparently not.

Arising from sleep, I was surrounded by the warm air, and met grey walls.

No longer was I cold. Only the raw skin on the bottom of my paws were the proof that reminded I was trying to survive on the cold streets.

But I knew I was safe, the soft feel of satin cloth made me feel I was lying on a bunch of delicate, clouds.

The faint rumbling of thunder was muffled above the roof. I scanned the room, oddly it reminded me of a dorm.

It was a bedroom that consisted of a large window, a bed where I was resting, a small shelf that was vacant of books, and a worn our desk that was decorated with littered paper and textbooks, and a dresser.

The door that I had not noticed creaked open. Expecting to see a bright lock of hair to peek through, I saw unruly, wild hair that resembled a wolf's mane. It was dark, chestnut.

A boy looking around the age of sixteen approached me. Underneath his eyes quaint, upside down triangles adorned his cheeks. Birthmarks?

He wore a loose yellow-green shirt that had a horizontal strip on the bottom of the material.

His jeans were dark blue, with a rip or two, they were loose but seemed to fit well with his legs.

Kiba, I remember him. Even he refused to rest in peace when the world had ended. The last memory of him was still clear in my head. It was rainy just like today.

But I could not hear the rain because of the bombs that detonated themselves around us.
Everything was eaten away by fire, even the raindrops reflected the bleeding flames. We were chased through the fields of fire.

We weren't going to escape, Kiba knew it. So he made us run while he stayed behind.
He promised he would catch up, but the reflected light on his eyes told me otherwise.

He knew very well he was going to die, but he wanted us to live. So we left him, the lightheaded feeling of relief haunted me as we moved forward to hide; I felt guilt, but I always had a way of dealing and hiding my emotions, Naruto was never able to hide guilt.

With a untamed smile, the reincarnated boy stepped forward to sit on the green bedsheets, beside me.

"Well, good to see you're awake, I'm afraid to tell ya that Naruto is giving ya bath now." he winced at the thought when he gently curled his fingers around my belly to lift me, it was a bit disagreeable but I resisted from squirming. Instead, I hissed sharply, wanting him to let go of me.

He seemed relieved that I didn't scratch or bite him but he still flinched.

"Jesus...Mangy cat..." he mumbled to himself. Kiba never did like cats, but I still took it slightly personal.

I was pressed to the side of his shoulder, his hand supporting my back and lifting me like a baby.

With a smooth stride he headed to the door. I had nearly forgotten how small dorms were. Before I knew it I was in a small room that was was filled with humid steam.

He gently placed me in the bucket of shallow water that faintly touched my belly.
It was about lukewarm and I barely felty he water since it matched my body temperature.

Not sure what else was going to happen, I sat down in the water so I wouldn't slip, and to relieve the pain that lingered on my paw.

I looked down to the clear water, already, the mud was beginning to wash out my fur by soaking in it.

My head lifted to look at Kiba. He was gone, there was brief muffled chatter before Naruto stepped through the door, he was in some shorts and a loose orange shirt.

"Hey there kitty, time yo meet your doom!" he joked, approaching me with his bare feet.

He took a seat and grabbed what was labeled "Pet shampoo." and squirted some apple scented liquid on my back and head. His wet hands lathered into my muddied fur.

Creamy, soap bubbles were beginning to fill the tub of water. To be honest every part of me wanted to claw out of the bucket of water and somehow become dry again.

Naruto paused his lathering hands and began to snicker "You look like a drowned rat! Ahaha! And I thought Akamaru looked hilarious when he was soaked!"

His snicker turned to giggles. I felt my face heat up from the star I was in, I really did look like a drowned rat.

When I couldn't be humiliated any more, I was wrong. The water began to feel cold, I trembled a little.

Naruto brought his hand to search in his back pocket to slip out his phone to take a picture. Anger slightly rose in me and my dark eyes glared at Naruto.

After he took the picture he smiled at him.

'You happy now?' I asked him through my glare. As usual he gave me, as if he knew I was pissed "Sorry, I promise I won't do it again." he apologized in earnest kindness. I growled and turned my head away from him.

The rest of the day consisted of him drying my fur with a blow drier. The blow drier had Akamaru's scent, it was probably usually used for him when he had a bath. The drying part was quite pleasant, the feel of warm hair brushing against my fur.

I hummed in approval, but it came out as a deep purr. Naruto's hand would brush against my fur to get a better area to dry it.

"I'm guessing you were abandoned like me huh?" He began to converse, not sure why he began to speak, but I wasn't against it, I enjoyed the soft shades of baritone in his voice.

I wasn't sure if Naruto lead the same life as his last one, so listening to him now would be a new story for me to know.

He set the blow drier down. And bruised the hair behind my ears.
"I never had parents... I'm not sure what happened to them or who they were..."
His hand glided up to my ear to press down to brush any lingering knots.

Naruto never knew his parents either growing up in the last world, he was adopted by Iruka until the end began.

The brush began to head down my back.

"But Iruka came, and he adopted me, I admit, I've always been a pain in the ass as a kid, hell, even now I'm still a pain, but Iruka he never abandoned me..." Naruto finished up the brushing and lifted me up.

"In any case, I guess I'll be keeping you since you're by yourself." he lips turned into a toothy smile, his eyes met me with adoring eyes.

"I guess I'll call you...Kuro! Seems good as any other name."

I almost wanted to roll my eyes "Really?" is what I want to ask, but I guess even in another life Naruto was still simpleminded, after all, his name did mean Fishcake Spiral.

I suppose Kuro is a better name than Akane.

Once I recovered from the trauma of that night, I swore I would not leave his comfort, I would remain lingering in his room to watch over him, although it was hard for me to watch him depart for school, I knew he would return; So instead, I would sit by the sill of the window, and observe him as he disappears at the turn of a street. Out of concern, Naruto often offered me to wander out sometimes, but I would sit there, in front of the opening, and stare at him like he was an idiot. I would ignore my cat instincts telling me to go.

Then I would retreat to his room, where his scent was strongest, at times, Akamaru would join me.

I didn't hate the dog, he was tolerable. He didn't chase, or growl at me but he did sometimes follow me.

Each day I would close my eyes and sink into slumber, and I would awaken to the familiar voice calling my given name. Kuro.

Kiba more or less avoided me, he would pet me a couple of times but I would pull away before I ended up purring, I would only purr for Naruto.

After a few weeks I noticed Naruto was working hard to pass his classes, it was funny watching him, when he was frustrated or stuck on a question his nose would scrunch and he would mumble something about it making no sense.

But studying wasn't the only thing he focused on, he still loved Sakura. I saw it in his eyes.

The cobalt blue in his eyes would bloom to a deeper shade that is adorned with affection and a gentle, familiar smile would brighten upon his face whenever he spoke of Sakura, which was often.

Staying by his side I listened with utmost devotion. But it hurt, so much, to see the love in his eyes, he loved her, not me.

His eyes no longer looked at me with the intense passion, instead it was a much more weaker love.

He still cared for me, but never in a way as we once were. When I saw her conversing with him just outside the dorm, sharp tingles made my chest burn.

It felt like fire had taken away the love between us. The place where love was meant to bloom, it had disappeared, and was now replaced by the bitter anger of jealously.

But I must hold my peace. For his happiness.

On the occasion, I was allowed to wander for a bit, so I was familiar with hidden spots. Like holes in the wall. And they were useful for hiding from wild dogs, and unfriendly humans.

Or even for a moment like this.

It was nighttime, the sky had dyed itself a dark blue, but had taken the appearance of a black shade. The whole city was so quiet, it made me wonder if everyone had left. It almost seemed as if it was just the chirping crickets and I, but it wasn't.

Just as Naruto claimed, yesterday, he was going to ask Sakura out. As I had expected, Sakura indeed turned into a pretty woman.

Her hair was once very long, but it see,red she grew out of it and cut it short, evidently, it looked better that way, more mature.

Eyes were the same, and her face was much more ladylike, even her temper seemed to grow, but so did her kind heart.

The most painful thing was not the love Naruto held for her; what hurt was that Sakura was not perfect, but her heart was.
Very much unlike myself.

I am possessive, jealous, selfish, and prideful. Compared to her, I didn't deserve to be with Naruto.

She was what Naruto deserved.

Like the clumsy idiot Naruto can be, he was faltering over his words, he didn't stutter,he was trying to find the right words.

Sakura remained curious, using her intelligent brain to have a certain idea of what he was trying to portray. She always kept a gentle smile though, she seemed almost as anxious as Naruto.

I sat there, waiting for this scene to play before me, and feel my heart break over and over.

"So...what I'm...Trying to say is that I really like you...and um... Would you go out with me Sakura Haruno?" He finally managed to asked, glancing up to her occasionally as the wind blew faintly.

Sakura kept the same expression. The soft, earthy, eyes smiled at him, the bright pink lips curled in a tender manner.

"Yes."

Then she sealed things with a kiss.

The kiss she had initiated was soft, and when she pulled back, Naruto gave a satisfied sigh before gazing lovingly at her.

With excitement, Naruto smiled, he leaned forward and tilted his head down so his lips would return back to Sakura's.

Both began to kiss back eagerly, he tilted his head to get a better angle to kiss her, both of their eyes fluttered closed, as the passion of their kiss and soft touches that left lingering want overtook their minds.

Their fingers trailed slowly to each other's waist in attempt to become intimate. I couldn't watch any longer, so I looked away like a coward.

So I silently pushed the pain and tried to fill it with happiness, but the bitter feelings could not leave no matter how hard I tried. I was that selfish.

Maybe I should have remained dead.

It hurts watching him love her. Ugly things grew inside me, anger, spite, and jealously.

Nighttime was quiet, the smiling crescent moon bestowed light, illuminating the sleeping city as they departed. It was mocking me.

Death filled the atmosphere, a familiar smell of dead ash consumed me. A speeding car, the driver no doubt drunk, promised unclean death to the crossing woman Naruto loved.

What do I do?

I don't have a right to be with Naruto, not since I broke his last promise. Our promise.

But that didn't matter, as long as he was happy. If he found happiness in this woman, then I would gladly die for him again. Sakura loved Naruto, and Naruto loved Sakura. I don't have a right to interfere.

I would die a thousand deaths for him to smile at me. This is my redemption. This will be the final resolution.

So this one time, let me be selfless.

And let me save the woman he loves.

So let this be the end!

I took a deep breath to ready myself, I began to bolt towards Sakura, then I jumped to push her far enough from the over speeding automobile.

The force of the car was agile and ruthless when it threw my body against the painted roadway.

My lungs felt like they were punched when the oxygen was forced out of my body, then when my back met the ground, I felt and heard some thing crack.

When I realized I was hit and was bleeding, I couldn't move my body. It seemed that my nerves were damaged. I felt numb at first, then sharp pains traveled to every muscle of my body, making me want to cry out in pain; but instead I meowed pitifully for help.

I looked up to the sky and realized the streetlights were blurring in my vision, they looked like glowing lanterns. The pain made me whimper when they grew in areas. My life was seeping away with the blood that was escaping from the gaping wound on the side of my stomach.

I'm dying again.

So many things were becoming blurred, and it seemed as if the lights were dying. The pain that lingered was now only numbness. I felt numb, and tired. Death was here, and I knew I was seconds away from death.

But I was terrified, so very scared of dying alone, I wanted to be comforted...

I wanted to see Naruto again.

I want Naruto.

...

"It's a shame Naruto couldn't be there to comfort you for your death, it would have been entertaining watching him suffer by being forced to watch you die."

...

"Now, now, we know you want to die Sasuke, but third times the charm, and besides, we're not quite done with you, so whether or not you want to say anything, you're going to have one last chance before we eat your soul. The more pain it feels, the better tasting for us."

Fine.