Chapter 9

Sasuke and Kakashi raced from building to building in a desperate attempt to find Sakura. They went everywhere. Including the Hokage's office.

" Where do you think they could be?" Kakashi asked.

" Think, Kakashi, where was the the last place you would find someone like him." Sasuke sneered at the term. who could blame him.If there was anyone was worse than Orochimaru, It would be Itachi.

" You don't think...," Kakashi trailed off, " Would he have any reason to go home?"

"Only one." The sneer turned into a growl.

Kakashi swept an irritated glance at the black-haired boy. " And what would that be?" Sasuke sighed in agitation.

" Did Sakura have something with her for some unknown reason?''

" Just an old flag from... your... village." Kakashi hesitated. " Why would he want the flag?"

" It has.. value." Sasuke said, closing the subject. Kakashi was far from asking questions, but decided to let it go for the time being. His only priority now was getting Sakura back. Alive. An image from the previous night flashed through his mind. " You're too late. By the time you reach her, she will be dead."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!" Kakashi yelled.

" Shut the hell up. Do you want to alert him, you moron!" Sasuke hissed, but stopped suddenly. Kakashi had doubled over, unmoving. " Kakashi, this is no time to be funny. " Sasuke was slightly hysteric now. " Damn it to hell.

--

" What do you want with me?" Sakura was on the extreme right and against the wall. Away from him.Not somewhere she wanted to be. She was easing a kunai out of here pocket, trying to be inconspicuous.

" I wouldn't try that if I were you." He said catching what she was doing. damn.

" What do you want?" She repeated.

" When you finish it, you'll remember." His red eyes shown in what little light there was. Sorrowful. This confused her. Why would he be upset? A strange ache emanted from her chest. Why would she feel the same? For some reason, she felt the urge to hold the man. To comfort him. To tell him it was alright. She took a hesitant step towards him. He froze and watched her feet. His eyes narrowed slightly. She took another step, cautiously. She watched him, to see his reaction. He stretched his arms out towards her. She took another step, almost an arms length away now. She stretched out her hand and took his. They stared at each other for a moment, waiting for each other's reaction. What would happen next.

" Itachi." Sakura said it like command. His eyes opened wide then he tugged her hand, grabbing her into a tight hug. Sakura was motionless with surprise.

" I'm sorry," he whispered, " I'm so sorry." Sakura was stunned and confused. Why would he apologize? The her eyes widened as a whole new wave of memory crashed through her barriers.

" I won't do it, Sakura. I won't."

" Why not?"

" What more do you want of me? I won't erase your memories, I'll give anything else."

" Take this then."

" Why? I don't want any reminders of that life."

" It doesn't matter. It won't do you any harm. I fixed it. It has my seal on it. Though I may forget, you won't."Sakura remembered then. Pain seared across her head again, lapsing into darkness.

" Sakura?!" She fell limp in his arms. Itachi nearly dropped her in surprise. He watched her, sensed what she had just seen. He knew it wouldn't be long now. She would remember and they would be together again. It was why he left the Akatsuki. " I won't give you up, Sakura." He held her tighter as if he would never see her again. He held her in his arms, cradling her unconscious form, on the dust ridden bed. " I won't." A single tear fell from his red eyes.