Chapter 10:

Red River

The night hid her body perfectly in the dark alley.

Blood dripped softly from her fingertips onto the gravel ground.

Her chest breathed heavily, as snow-colored eyes stared at the surrounding blood. Each breath released became a heavier burden for her to sustain consciousness.

It was foolish to shout for help.

But the feeling was becoming more painful— tearing up her body and throbbing in her mind like a time bomb about to explode. It was soon to consume her as she struggled to keep her eyes open. She could see people beyond the dark alley—all unaware of her state of silent suffering.

Barely breathing, her vision grew weaker. Her knees suddenly turned lifeless. Closing her eyes, she allowed the pain to overtake her as she collapsed onto the muddied ground.

Are you coming for me? Hinata thought helplessly. Yet, the answer was so apparently clear.

Sasuke would not come for her, reminding her of the events that brought her to this current situation…

Hinata sat comfortably in her seat inside the train while she gazed at the passing scenery. Daylight from this morning had now turned into night. The train ride had been eleven hours long and was nearing its sights on Tokyo. This news was a rude awakening of what awaited Hinata in this great city.

No more would she be returning to Lady Sayori's boardinghouse. No more would she be able to watch over the children. Saying goodbye to Maki and Katsuya had been a difficult thing for her to do. Maki could not stop hugging her and Katsuya had reverted back to silence. It pained Hinata to say good-bye on such a short notice, but it was better to separate this way than leave room for what there could never be again.

However, Hinata was not as tired as the other people around her. Though she would not be allowed to see Sasuke, there was comfort in knowing that they would not be so far from each other anymore. What if they happened to run into each other by accident?

This hope sustained Hinata at least for now as the real reason for her return brought dread. Gaara…she thought to herself. The name even gave chills to her just thinking about it. He had been a thought that transcended all others during this trip. Her mission was not something she was proud to be doing, but to honor Lady Sayori's wish Hinata would give her best effort.

Lady Sayori's trust would give her strength to succeed in Tokyo. Lady Sayori had not even ordered a guard to accompany Hinata in order to make sure she arrived at Gaara's home. Hinata could not be grateful enough for Lady Sayori's trust.

"Attention, we have arrived in Tokyo. Please make sure you have all your belongings and thank you for boarding the last stop with us!"

Hinata stood up from her seat and followed the long line of people out of the train. People around her stretched their arms and yawned as they exited the train either by themselves or in groups. Hinata was by herself as she walked up to a worker at the train station and showed him a piece of paper in her hand.

"Excuse me. Do you know where I can get to this location?" asked Hinata politely. She stood near the worker as he peered down Hinata's shoulder. The lights from the train station helped ease the worker's eyesight on the paper as he scratched his head upon reading it.

"Hm…I've never heard of it," he muttered. "Sorry, Miss, I'm really bad with directions."

Hinata shook her head and thanked the worker before walking out of the train station. She soon entered a ramen shop nearby for assistance. Yet, the same response was given to her. Was it really hard to find this place that even those who lived here had no idea?

After an hour of asking, no one had an idea of where the destination she was looking for was located. Hinata could do nothing else but continue trudging on in hopes that someone would direct her to the location.

Tokyo…had this city always been so crowded?

"Run a perimeter."

"Yes, Sir."

The VWU disappeared into the night as one figure remained in the darkness.

White Fang stood in the dark alley, his arms crossed as he waited for his vampires to return. He was dressed in a gray cloak and his messy silver hair was tied back in a low ponytail. His figure stood close to the artificial light made from the bright lights of stores around him. Their criminal was here somewhere in this city, preying on humans carelessly for the past few days. The human television news had already reported ten deaths in three weeks. Skepticism had been raised over all the victims' deaths in Tokyo and it was obvious this news was reaching the national level. It was no surprise therefore that after much investigation and confirmation, Hatake Sakumo the acclaimed White Fang, was leading his unit to catch and kill the vampire before the humans grew more suspicious.

Unlike the VPU, regardless of a vampire's birth right, social status, or character, exposing the vampire community to non-vampires had the punishable result of death.

In twenty minutes, the unit returned, and bowed their heads in the presence of their leader.

"There are no bodies, but a trail of blood was seen on our way back," spoke a female. "He must be faltering from the injuries we've sustained on him."

Sakumo nodded. His cold black eyes were crisp and hard.

"Unit, spread out and when you find him, kill the bastard. It's about time we finished this."

"Yes, Sir!" answered all of his subordinates, including Gaara, before disappearing into different directions in pairs.

It was intensely quiet except for the sound of crickets.

The pressure on Hinata's feet had increased and it was becoming painful to continue walking. However, what drove her to walk this quiet path was the smell of vampire blood. The delicious smell had taken her away from the middle of Tokyo and onto the unusually quiet outskirts. The smell brought her to a quiet neighborhood where all the lights from the homes had been shut off. Cautious, she entered the path of these dormitory suburb homes. No movements heard, but the smell was growing stronger.

"What a treat."

Hinata gasped and turned around to face a hideous creature with sharp white teeth with blood all over his face and short brown hair. His clothes were torn and his hands reached out to grab a strand of Hinata's long ebony hair.

"After two meals this week I can't believe I'm still hungry," it spoke tauntingly.

Hinata remained silent as she moved back, with the creature taking steps toward her in return. Blood cloaked this injured vampire so much, more than Hinata had ever seen before. Weren't vampires supposed to be invincible? Why was he so battered up?

"W-what happened to you?" asked Hinata nervously.

The creature laughed.

"A stupid human shouldn't worry about me, you should worry that you're about to die," it replied. "What is a female human doing out so late here?"

Hinata bit her lip," Who did this to you?"

Her eyes caught sight of his limping legs. He was incapable of running, which would allow her a chance to escape. Whoever did this to him had struck him at his vital points. About to turn around she shrieked as the creature caught her arms tightly in his bloody hands. His hands squeezed Hinata's arms while one suddenly moved to slash her stomach. Hinata bit her lip from the searing pain. Her eyes watched in outrage as the vampire ripped the sleeves of her brown yukata, bearing her skin for him to see as he pierced her skin with his sharp nails. He had her chained in his death grip and he licked his lips at the sight of her. His legs kicked Hinata's immediately afterward, increasing the level of injuries upon her.

Blood gushed out from her swollen pink lips. A burning sensation triggered her senses as she fell to her knees. The vampire laughed at Hinata's pitiable state and quickly moved his head to strike at her neck for the final blow.

"Get away!" shouted Hinata as she pulled her arms away from his grasp and pushed him away from her with all her force.

Her push sent the creature flying away a good number of yards and slamming against a rack full of bikes. The creature gasped upon the force, his eyes widening as he lowered his head at being struck with the front of a bike through his body.

Hinata fell on her knees as she stared at what she had done. It was a grotesque sight. She speechlessly watched the cricked smile form on the vampire's lips.

"A vampire…what luck… I swear your blood smelled human," he muttered and his body became dead soon afterward.

Hinata's hands shook profusely, raising her bloodied hands to be confined to her chest as she remained staring at the creature's dead form. She had killed a vampire. Was she to be punished now? Murder was wrong, wasn't it?

But, he had wanted to kill her first and had mistaken her for a human. Was it okay that she fought back in self-defense? Hinata released her arms and realized that she had only stained herself with more of his blood. Whimpering, she released tears from her frightened eyes.

Slowly getting up, Hinata winced with each body movement. Letting out a painful moan, her hand covered the gash on her stomach. She was bleeding and if not treated, the gash could become wider and infected.

Limping, with her hair in disarray and her clothes torn up, she left her luggage behind as she struggled to find shelter. How would she be able to find help without bringing up suspicion?

"Looks like someone got to him before us."

The two vampires in gray cloaks pulled the bike out from the dead vampire. One dismantled the bicycle and threw it in the nearest dumpster. The other, carried the body over his shoulder.

"Let's report back to White Fang with the body."

"Wait," the female replied.

"What is it now?"

"Don't you smell it? It's blood and it smells fresh."

A few seconds of silence rolled in before the male answered back.

"You're right."

"Let's follow the scent. I have a feeling we'll find the one who killed our criminal."

The two disappeared into the night.

Hatake Sakumo stared in irritation as the numbers of his cohorts who returned shook their heads. So far, none had been able to track their criminal.

"Dammit!" he hissed with his arms crossed.

He would wait until each and every vampire returned before turning in for the night.

The distant sounds of talking awakened her. Opening her eyes she gasped at the sight before her.

"Who are you?" asked a male voice.

Hinata sat up from the muddied ground and her face contorted into one of fright as a foot shot down to pin her shoulder to the asphalt ground.

"Hn," winced Hinata, her hand reaching for her stomach. Her eyes quickly widened as she felt a soft cloth wrapped over the gash on her stomach and the pain was less frequent than earlier. Looking around, she was staring at a large group of vampires.

There were so many…vampires in gray cloaks. Some stood on the same ground as her, while others were atop buildings or outside stairwells of the buildings. Who were they?

"I-I…" hesitated Hinata," I didn't mean to k-kill him."

"Answer the first question." The voice was more annoyed as he pushed on.

"H-hinata."

"Surname?"

"I don't have one."

"Hmph!" grunted the male vampire. "Impossible! Grab her. She must be taken to the Council."

Hinata's eyes widened," What? Wait!" She tried to get up again, but the foot on her shoulder dug deeper into her skin causing Hinata to let out a yelp of pain.

However, they ignored her as two vampires appeared before her and locked their grip around each of her arms. Hinata winced in pain again, but there was nothing she could do. There were, as she counted, thirty of them against her.

"What about him?" Hinata asked weakly. Lowering her eyes," I killed him."

The vampire who held onto Hinata's left arm snickered, "He was a criminal to the vampire community. He was going to die anyway. You should not be concern with this matter. For now, we must take you to the Council."

Hinata's eyes rose, "No, I-I can't go to the Council!" Her head shook violently as she tried to pull herself away from them as injured as she was.

"You don't have a choice!" snapped a female voice, the one that held onto Hinata's left arm. "Your identity is suspicious."

"Enough!" shouted Hatake Sakumo in outrage. He walked over to Hinata and slapped her. "How dare you speak irresponsibly in front of the Vampire Watch Unit!"

"No, y-you don't understand!" shouted Hinata and quickly her mouth was shut with a cloth. A vampire had sped by and closed her mouth shut with the cold cloth.

"What a nuisance," remarked the other female vampire who held her right arm.

Sakumo sighed as he saw Hinata's face look at him in tears. "You have no choice but to adhere to the laws of-"

"White Fang, if I may, I wish to look at her."

Hinata looked away, her eyes in shame at the voice who interrupted. one of the females had also removed the cold cloth from her mouth. Look at her? What was she…an object to observe?

Hatake Sakumo turned around, his eyes staring into those of icy blue.

"You were the one who retrieved her along with Ruka, Gaara?"

Hinata's eyes widened. Her heart began to race unevenly as her breathing increased. But she tried to remain calm as footsteps were taken towards her.

"We found her," spoke Gaara coldly. "Outside in a dark alley with blood around her body." You don't know how hard it was for me to restrain myself, he thought as he neared Hinata. In the presence of so many vampires, surely he could control himself. But, it was difficult enough as it was to even breathe in the same place with her.

Sakumo remained silent. Gaara was a skilled and most mysterious subordinate. Therefore, when Gaara came back with Ruka carrying the criminal vampire, Sakumo was not surprised. But with this female vampire now in their capture, Sakumo was curious to see what Gaara was interested in her.

Gaara approached Hinata and stood over her. Removing the grey hood, he stared down at her. Nevertheless, Hinata refused to look up.

"Look up," commanded Gaara, his voice more tense. Sakumo raised an eyebrow after noticing the tenseness in Gaara's voice.

Gaara's eyes glared angrily at Hinata as she continued to remain unmoved.

"Get up!" he shouted angrily, causing the rest of the vampires in grey cloaks to take a step back. It was not very often that they heard him yell so loud.

There was still silence. Sakumo narrowed his eyes. Your temper, Gaara. Watch your temper. However he knew Gaara was already irritated. Sakumo shifted his attention to Hinata, Look up or else he'll beat you.

"Get up or else!" snapped Gaara as he pulled her up by her ripped sleeve, making the two female vampires release their hold on Hinata's arms. With one stroke he had lifted her up with his strength with so much force that Hinata winced in pain at her left shoulder being held up. She was dangling on her feet now as her snow-colored eyes stared straight into his icy blue.

Fear was in her eyes as she faced him directly. Dry tear drops stained her cheeks. This is the monster I am to take care of, she thought to herself despicably.

"You," Gaara spoke hoarsely. "What are you doing here?" When he found her injured body in the deserted alley, he had been surprised that it was her. Even the scent of her blood haunted him so that his bones rattled, causing his body to feel radical sensations.

I won't speak to him, Hinata thought, but her trembling hands revealed the weakness of her words. She was scared of him, his violent anger.

Gaara knew he was not going to get an answer easily from her. Upset, he released her and Hinata fell to the floor on knees.

Hinata winced in pain.

"Let's go back. Bring her with us," commanded Sakumo in a serious tone. His eyes turned to Gaara harshly. "You have looked at her, Gaara. Let your temper cool."

"To the Council?" asked one of the female vampires who had held onto Hinata.

"No," replied Gaara coldly. He turned his head to look at Sakumo; an icy stare on Gaara's expression. "She's coming home with me. She belongs to me."

Sakumo narrowed his eyes at Gaara. "What is she to you, Gaara? Do you know who she is?"

Hinata lifted her head.

"I," spoke Hinata slowly. She winced as the two female vampires grabbed her arm and pulled her forcefully up. "I am his servant."

Gaara's eyes widened as he turned to look at Hinata.

Hinata continued to stare at Hatake Sakumo," I-I am Hinata and I had worked in Lady Sayori's boardinghouse for twenty-five years. I have been ordered by Lady Sayori to be G-Gaara-sama's servant and that is why I have come to Tokyo."

"How can we trust you?" questioned Sakumo.

"M-my luggage…I left it where the dead vampire was initially found," replied Hinata. "Inside the luggage, contains the l-letter Lady Sayori has written addressed to Gaara-sama—Ah!" Hinata felt the gash in her stomach burn more reverent than before and the searing pain returned.

Gaara turned to Hinata and his eyes widened at the blood oozing from her midsection.

Hinata could say no more as she fell unconscious once again.

Blood…I want his blood.

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"Uchiha-sama, even though we patrol each night, it is very rare that we meet up," spoke Hatake Sakumo who was preparing his unit to leave the area.

Sasuke bowed to Hatake Sakumo. He had heard stories and legends of the White Fang—the fierce leader of the Vampire Watch Unit. Tonight, they had crossed paths unexpectedly in Tokyo. Usually, they were often patrolling opposite of each other in order to avoid confusion. And less often did they meet for their purpose to the vampire community were opposite of each other.

Sakumo bowed in return to Uchiha Sasuke. Hatake Sakumo had heard stories about the young vampire. Stories detailing Uchiha Sasuke's tragedies and the overwhelming success he's had as the youngest leader of the Vampire Protection Unit. Uchiha Sasuke was a genius, just like the deceased Uchiha Itachi.

"My unit and I were patrolling especially in this area because of the recent killings these past three weeks. We wanted to make sure no hunters would kill any vampires out of suspicion," spoke Sasuke coolly. His onyx eyes returned to look at Sakumo with an expressionless face.

Sakumo nodded in understanding," I understand. The criminal has been disposed. We have already confirmed the identity and have destroyed his body."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow," By who?"

"A young vampire," spoke Sakumo, releasing a small smirk," The vampire got injured heavily though." Sakumo turned around and pointed to Gaara holding the grey-cloaked body. "And has passed out."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at body that was wearing a gray cloak. Looking up to face the red-haired lad, he raised an eyebrow.

"What the hell are you looking at?" spoke Gaara coldly.

Sasuke turned to Sakumo," He has a fiery mouth. Do you allow your subordinates to disrespect their elders like this?"

Sakumo sneered," Let me worry about my unit and you worry about yours."

Sasuke smirked, as he stared at the body," You mean to tell me the one who killed the criminal was not even on the VWU?"

Sakumo sighed and nodded," You are correct."

"Now I see where Kakashi-sensei gets his looseness from," spoke Sasuke, remembering his old teacher.

Sakumo smirked at Sasuke," You may be a genius, Uchiha-sama. But your arrogance is unbecoming. Because of us, you don't have to worry about rampant vampires."

Sasuke raised his eyes," Because of us, you don't have to worry about the Hyuga vampire hunters."

The two leaders locked eyes in a fiery stare.

Sasuke was the first to look away, his eyes lowering," I hope we do not meet very often like this." He walked past Sakumo and his unit. Sasuke's cohort followed.

Sakumo agreed, and closed his eyes," I, too. We should not let minor differences get in the way of safety for the vampire community."

And very quickly, both units had vanished like a gust of wind into their respective areas.

Tonight, he had come head to head with White Fang's VWU on purpose. He had intended to meet up with the unit in order to make sure his fears were either true or false. And he was relieved to find out that the dead criminal had been a male vampire.

Sakura was there to greet him by the door as usual. She always stayed late to wait for him. But he only nodded to her. Tonight, he was too tired to speak. Entering his room, he immediately undressed and entered the bathroom. Getting into the bathtub, he turned on the water.

The water from the shower head ran down his naked skin. As the water touched his bare skin, the water washed off tonight's dirt.

Tonight, while his unit was patrolling, he had smelled Hinata.

Even though he had tasted her blood only once, the taste was instantly forever to him. Her scent thus was unique and smelled faintly of flowers. And it was this scent that had led him to the VWU tonight.

But her presence was only a pigment of Sasuke's imagination. There was no way Hinata could ever be in Tokyo.

Sasuke lowered his head as the water continued to run down his hair and skin.

Wash away these foolish thoughts.

Even after all these years, he still found himself pondering about her. Must his senses turn mad as well even with Hinata not by his side?

Hinata opened her eyes slightly and immediately she felt blinded by a penetrating light. Turning her head, she opened her eyes once again in order to adjust to the light. The light which she now concluded as the suns' rays filtering through a window in the room was not as blinding anymore and it was clear to her now that she was in a bedroom.

Tired, but still curious, Hinata turned her head further. Her fingers felt soft satin and gray covers covered her body. A fluffy pillow was under her head. She was on a bed, Hinata concluded.

It was extremely comfortable and Hinata maneuvered her body slowly so she could sit up.

Immediately two hands pushed her back down on the bed. Gasping, Hinata looked into icy blue eyes.

"What do you think this is?" hissed Gaara. Pressing his face a few centimeters away from Hinata's.

Hinata continued to look at Gaara. It's him.

He held up the letter to Hinata's face.

"Do you think I don't suspect anything? Did she want you to spy on me?" spoke Gaara angrily.

Hinata shook her head. I've lost so much blood. I'm so…tired. Her eyes stared up at him weakly.

"Answer me!" Gaara shouted angrily, almost desperately, as he threw the letter to the floor. He needed to know if Hinata was really going to be his servant. What was Mother thinking? Why wouldn't Hinata answer him? He hated how Hinata made him waver. He was always a calm character and never reacted easily to things. Yet, with her now so close in his sights, his mind was going haywire. Now, when he was angry at her, his expression showed angry. Not hidden as it usually was.

Blood…I want his blood.

Hinata shook her head.

She didn't want to think of him. His ebony hair, lonely onyx eyes, pale skin, and pink lips. His solitary expressions and cold touch. Yet, he continued invading her mind. Her body was weak and it needed nourishment. The blood that she craved for was only Sasuke's.

"Dammit, Hinata, answer me!" shouted Gaara. His grip on her shoulders increased causing Hinata's face to strain.

Hinata shook her head.

She wanted these thoughts to go away. Yet, with her body now in deprivation mode, she was hallucinating. The memories they shared; him reaching out a hand to her in the water after pushing her in; him embracing her on the sand in the sunset. His fingers running through her long locks of hair that day as he whispered the heart-wrenching words.

"Forgive me, Hinata, for being greedy."

Hinata had no idea why there had been so much pain in his voice. It was as if he had felt guilty for saying those words.

"I will kill you! I will kill you if you don't-"

Please, don't leave, thought Hinata as she raised a hand to touch Sasuke's guilt-ridden face. Her tired eyes stared up at him consolingly as a small smile appeared on her chapped lips.

Gaara stood frozen, his eyes calm. Hinata's actions surprised him.

I missed you, so much, thought Hinata. She closed her eyes as she brought his face close to her lips. And without any hesitation, she turned her head and aimed her lips at his neck, biting down on his skin.

Your blood is like a river. No matter how much I want it to be an ocean, I can only take so much in fear it may run dry. No matter how thirsty I become, it can never fulfill me. Yet, it is precious, so precious that I want it all to myself.

My red river…I am home.

Author's Notes: Hi Readers! Thank you to everyone who has read this story and posted reviews so far!!! I am very thankful! Please leave a review! And most of all, Thank you for reading!