DISCLAIMER: I do not in any way own Naruto or Naruto Shippuden…..even though I wish I did…haha!

Here is chapter 7. I have been waiting to write this chapter for a long time because I've got a feeling that things are going to start becoming more interesting. What will Layelle do now that Sasuke has broken her heart? How dramatically will she change?

Chapter 7

火

"I promise I won't let anyone ever hurt you again." Did you also mean yourself Sasuke? Because if you did, you lied. My heart, it hurts, it's so heavy.

"That's what happens when you become weak and let your guard down. Love, such a weak emotion, it only leads to heartache, such a useless emotion."

"What would you know about love, you're nothing but an animal?"

"Do you want to become stronger? Strong enough for that stupid boy to acknowledge you?"

"I…I don't know."

"What do you mean, 'I don't know.' Only a weak person answers with something as pathetic as that. Try again. Do you want to become stronger? Strong enough to make everyone who mocked you, everyone who hurt you kneel before you? Strong enough for that boy to acknowledge you? Remember how they would hurt you, throw rocks at you, and call you names? Remember those moments, remember how you felt. Let that hatred turn your blood into fire and give you power."

"But hatred and vengeance is what made Sasuke turn against us and join with Orochimaru."

"Yes it did. But if you work under my tutelage then I can teach you how to use that hatred and anger you feel and turn it into power. I will make you stronger than Sasuke could ever become. Throw away the rest of your emotions, and I will show you true power. Orochimaru might be a legendary sannin, but I am the nine-tailed fox. I have lived for eons. I have seen the rise and fall of empires. To me he is only a child that needs to be punished. Accept me and I will make you invincible."

"I accept. Make me strong enough for Sasuke to acknowledge me."

"Very good. The next time we speak, your training will begin." An evil laugh echoes off the stone walls inside of Layelle's mindscape.

火

Layelle's eyes open, blinking furiously against the bright sunlight, the sound of birds chirping leak through the open window, a warm breeze causing the leaves to rustle on the nearest tree. "Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital."

"The hospital…Sensei!" Layelle shoots up from her bed but the pain in her wrist and a weakness in her limbs cause her to collapse again.

"Steady there," Kakashi replies, helping Layelle sit up again, more slowly this time. "You've been unconscious for three days, take it easy."

"Sasuke! Sakura!"

"Sakura is doing fine she just has a little bump on her head. As for Sasuke, well you see…"

"Sasuke is gone, isn't he?"

"I'm afraid so. And there's something else. The hokage is dead, killed by Orochimaru."

"What! No, that's impossible!"

"Not as impossible as you think. His funeral was yesterday. Also the chuunin exams have been cancelled. But on a lighter note Shikamaru was promoted to chuunin because of the excellent tactics he showed during his fight."

"Th—that's good," a fake smile on her lips.

"Layelle there is something we need to talk about. It's about Sasuke." Layelle nods her head. "I fear that he is lost to us. Orochimaru cursed him, promised him power so that he can get his revenge on his older brother. In return Sasuke will give him his body."

"Why does Orochimaru need Sasuke's body?"

"Orochimaru is a sick and sadistic man…no I wouldn't call him a man, he's a monster. He transfers his soul into another person's body, takes it over and prolongs his life. He looks to be around in his thirties, while in reality, Orochimaru is older than fifty. He is seeking immortality, and power. I believe that he is after not only Sasuke's body, but also his sharingan."

"How long does Sasuke have until Orochimaru takes over his body?"

"It just depends. Orochimaru will wait until Sasuke is stronger, at his peak and then he will attempt to highjack Sasuke's body. Also, the jutsu that allows this transfer can only be done every five years. So I'd say we've got five years until Sasuke is completely gone."

"So I've got five years to get stronger so that I can defeat Orochimaru and make Sasuke come back."

"If that's how you want to look at it, then yes."

"Do you know where I can find master Jiraiya?"

"He's still in the village so I can let him know you're asking for him."

"Thanks sensei."

火

"What did you need kid?" master Jiraiya asks, leaning against the door frame of Layelle's hospital room with his arms folded across his chest.

"I want you to train me like you did for the chuunin exams. Only this time I need to get a lot stronger."

"Would this have something to do with Sasuke going off with Orochimaru?"

"Yes," her voice going very quiet. "I need to get stronger so I can bring him back."

"So you want to get stronger to save your friend, even after what he said to you."

"Yes."

"Well that seems like a pretty good reason. I was going to leave the village again to do some research for a project of mine, so I guess you can tag along. But I warn you, if you do decide to come with me, the training will be brutal and will push you beyond your limits. And of course I'll have you back in time to rescue Sasuke."

"I understand. When do we leave?"

"If you're up to it, meet me at the north gate tomorrow morning at noon. Bring only the necessities."

"I'll be there," a fiery determination blazing in her eyes.

火

The next day with the sun blazing, cicadas singing and her travel gear ready, Layelle waits at the front gate to begin her training.

"Layelle!" Sakura yells as she runs up to Layelle. "Good you haven't left yet."

"What's up Sakura?"

"I just wanted to say goodbye before you left to go train with master Jiraiya."

"Oh, well it's not like I'm leaving for good. I'll be back soon."

"I know, but I also wanted to tell you that I'm going to get stronger for Sasuke too. If you're willing to leave your home to train and get stronger, then the least I can do is to try my best to get stronger too."

"Then it's a deal. By the time I come back we will both be stronger. Sakura, I promise that I will get stronger and I promise that I will someday bring Sasuke back."

"Thank you Layelle. I know that you two had gotten close and the things he said to you hurt a lot, so to promise that means a lot to me." Both, no longer innocent girls stand there for a moment before they speak again. "Well I've got to get going, don't be gone too long."

"I won't. Say goodbye to everyone else for me." The two share a hug and then Sakura takes her leave. But several minutes later master Jiraiya shows himself.

"You ready kid?

"Yeah, but by the time we get back you won't be calling me 'kid' anymore."

"We'll see. Let's get going, we have a long and difficult road ahead of us." The two walk out of the gate, Layelle never looking back.

I have to get stronger. No, I will get stronger. I'm not going to be a weak, annoying girl who faints at the slightest feeling of pain. I will show them all that I am not a weak innocent little girl anymore. Sasuke, someday I will bring you back, I will keep my promise to Sakura, even if I have to drag you back here by your feet. Even if it kills me, I will make you see me.

Yeah I know this is short, but it felt right to end here. The beginning of the next chapter will start with the time jump, just over 4 years in the future. This is where Layelle becomes strong…practically a whole different person. So exciting!

Thanks again for the reviews! They really help me to improve my writing, so thank you very much!