A/N:

Well, I'm happy to say that I'm not dead. I am so, so sorry about taking so damn long to post this chapter. Life has just been hell recently. My mom's car was broken into and the asshole made off with my backpack. And guess what was in it? Yup, my laptop and my notebook. So, not only did I lose the story completely, I also lost all of the notes I had for it.

Plus, to make things even worse, much worse, one of my best friends was in a car accident. Some asshole drunk driver plowed right into her car. She was in a coma for about two months and just woke up early last week. So, really, the last thing I felt like working on was a story that contained so much death and destruction. I hope you all will understand...

Anyway, I really want to thank Jaime (text me hun! My phone was in my backpack T-T), lovepeacebre, Sharklover101, Death-Angel-of-Anime, kibahina-narusaku4ever, elviella, NejiLuvver117, ShadowOfAShinobi, and xSugaryTearsx for your reviews! Thank you so much guys! Your kind words really helped in pulling me out of my slump and getting me to write again!

Running Scared

Chapter 10: Apocalypse

He watched her closely from the corner of the cafeteria. Amidst the loud music that pounded in his ears, and the flashing lights that hurt his eyes, he saw her clearly. Her brilliant blue eyes sparkled in the multicolored light, her black hair catching the different hues. His heart ached as he watched. When she danced, her body seemed to move in one fluid motion, her limbs working together, extensions of a flawless machine. She was beautiful.

An aching hunger clenched his heart as he looked on. Despite his many advances, she had shown no sign of caving. Earlier that night, he had confessed his feelings. She had laughed it off. He wanted her, the one girl whom he could never have.

Yet he had to have her. His need had become too powerful for him to satisfy by any other means. It was her, and only her. Saeki Sachiko.

His jaw set in determination, he crossed the dance floor with long, confident strides. He placed a hand on her back and whispered in her ear, "I need to talk to you."

Sachiko turned, her expressive eyes filled with confusion.

"Please," it disgusted him to have to beg, but by the look that crossed her face, he knew that the pleading sound in his voice had its desired effect.

"Ok," She nodded, letting him lead her away from the lights and music.

Neither of them spoke as he led her across the moonlit camp and through the trees to Lake Dekishi. The full moon hovered in the dark sky above them, its reflection casting a silvery light over the lake. The forest was silent save for the cheerful chirping of several crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl. The scene was painfully romantic and it twisted his heart in ways that he could never have expected. His resolve slipped and very nearly crumbled. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and kiss her. To make her love him. He was so lost in his internal struggle that he didn't realize Sachiko was talking until she rested a hand on his shoulder.

"…and I'm sorry," She was saying, "But, as I said before, a relationship would never work. I like you, I really do, just not that way."

Her tone was gentle though her words were firm. He could see in her bright eyes that she was serious and that nothing he said would change her mind.

"But," She continued before he could say anything, "I would love to be friends, if that's alright with you."

He saw his chance; and he took it.

"Ok," He replied, faking a smile.

He pulled her into a hug while simultaneously drawing the butcher knife he had stolen from the kitchen earlier that night and plunging it into her stomach. Sachiko gasped and went ridged in his grip.

"Friends?" He hissed in her ear, pulling back and grabbing her throat, throwing her to the ground then pinning her down with his heavier weight, "If I can't have you, nobody can!" Blood gushed from her wound, soaking through his shirt as he pressed against her. It was a painful wound, yet not fatal. He was going to take his time with her.

Sachiko recovered swifter than he had anticipated.

"HELP! SOMEBODY PLEASE! HELP –"

He moved his hand from her throat to her mouth and quickly quieted her.

"Shut the fuck up," He growled, digging through his pocket with his free hand. When he pulled out a needle and thread, she began to thrash strongly against his grip, despite her injury. He dug one knee firmly into her stomach and snapped, "Sit still!"

When she refused to do so, he picked up the knife again and drove it into her left thigh. Her scream was muffled by his hand. He could feel her breath coming in pained gasps, warm against his hand. He removed it experimentally. She didn't take her chance to scream. Her eyes were glazed over with pain and she was obviously in some state of shock. Knowing that this would be his only chance to silence her completely, he took it.

She didn't even move as he began to sew her mouth shut. However, about half-way through, she seemed to regain her senses and began to struggle against him, her screams muffled from the already-present stitching. He quickly stabbed her in the shoulder. Her body tensed beneath him as she wailed in pain. Dazed, she remained relatively still as he completed the job.

With a small feeling of satisfaction, he sat back to admire his work. Tears were streaming from those beautiful eyes and Saeki Sachiko had never looked more vulnerable. He leaned back down so his face hovered just above hers.

"See what you made me do?" He asked, a twisted grin forming on his face, "If you had just stayed quiet…"

With a muffled, furious sound, Sachiko lunged upward at him. Her fingers found their way into his eyes as her knee connected with his groin. He snarled and grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head.

Horrible anger consumed him. He had never wanted to hurt someone as much as he wanted to hurt the girl lying prone beneath him. Red clouded his vision as he dug his nails into her wrists while using his free hand to pull up her dress.

"I was just going to kill you," He growled, slipping a hand beneath her underwear and ripping them away, "But, you just had to go and make everything harder for yourself, didn't you?"

She whimpered and more tears escaped her eyes as she realized what he was about to do. Her scream as he entered her was successfully muffled by the stitches. But he could still hear it. Somehow, her stifled screams and wails made his blood boil and urged him harder, faster.

It was over sooner than he would have liked. However, with his release came a moment of clarity. Shaking, he sat back and stared at the broken girl beneath him.

'What have I done?' Was the only thought that ran through his mind as he stared horrified by the sight before him.

Sachiko was breathing heavily, her sobs stifled by the stitches. Her entire face seemed to shine with her tears.

Then, the moment of clarity was gone, replaced by uncontrollable anger.

"Look at what you made me do!" He snarled, "This is all your fault!"

Gripping the butcher knife tightly in his hand, he plunged it into her body until her blue dress was completely red from her blood. Her once expressive eyes were clouded as she stared into nothingness.

Sachiko was dead.

Breathing hard, he leaned over and carefully gouged out her eyes. Even in death, they were still so beautiful. He slipped them into his pocket as he stood up. For a few minutes, he merely stared down at the body at his feet. Then, he moved as if in a daze. He threw the knife far out into the lake and carefully dragged the body into the water, walking out with it until the water reached his chest. She continued to float as he let go and waded back to shore. He looked back only to see that she had disappeared in the darkness.

With a satisfied smile, he turned and began to make his way back to his cabin to change into dry clothes. He had a party to go to, after all.

A scream tore from his throat as he regained consciousness. He sat up quickly, cold sweat breaking out across his brow, his heart hammering in his chest.

'What have I done?' He asked himself, running a hand through his hair.

'Why?' Another voice echoed in his mind. He gasped as Sachiko's face swam into his vision. She looked just as beautiful as she had on that night.

"S…Sachiko…" He breathed, tears flowing freely down his cheeks.

'Why?' The young woman asked again, her own beautiful eyes glistening with unshed tears.

He looked away, unable to meet her gaze. Guilt tore through him, taking his breath away. His chest hurt.

'Look at what you've done,' Sachiko whispered.

He shook his head, gasping as more tears leaked out of his watering eyes.

'Look at what you've DONE!' Sachiko screamed.

His eyes snapped open in his surprise and, at the sight that awaited him, he let out a cry of terror. Sachiko's beautiful face was marred with scars. Her mouth was stitched closed and her eyes were gouged out. She was just as he had left her, adrift in the lake.

"I…I'm…"

'You're not sorry. Not yet.'

He shifted backwards until his back was pressed painfully against his headboard as she pulled out a butcher knife. A watery choking sound escaped his throat as he realized that it was the same knife he had used to kill her all those years ago. Fear rendered him motionless as he realized what was to come.

"Sachiko…please…don't…"

She brought the knife up and he closed his eyes tightly, bracing himself for the pain. Minutes crawled by quietly. Fearfully, he reopened his eyes. He was alone, once again, in his moonlit bedroom, tears cascading down his face and tremors running through his body.

'What have I done?' He thought, withholding the pitiful whimper of fear that was building in his throat, 'What have I done?'

*K*I*B*A*H*I*N*A*

Takashi, Kyoko, and Daisuke arrived at the Akatsuki headquarters at exactly six o'clock, as instructed. It was a miracle really, as Daisuke and Kyoko were definitely not morning people and, in the previous years that they had worked together, the group had never managed to be on time for basically anything. However, they had never had a task such as the one which stretched out before them this time. This time, people's lives were at stake. This time, there was no room for failure.

They were greeted at the front door by a silver-haired man who didn't seem to be much of a morning person himself. He introduced himself as Hidan as he led them through the building to the back lot, where the rescue helicopter awaited. As they stepped outside, Hidan began muttering curses under his breath, complaining, mostly to himself it seemed, that the sun shouldn't have been up at that ungodly hour of the morning.

The launch pad was full of activity. Two men, one with long black hair and the other with blue, were loading several crates into the helicopter while shouting something Takashi couldn't make out at the small group huddled by the front of the chopper. Takashi recognized Pein's vibrant orange hair almost immediately. He was talking to a redhead and a blonde, making wild gestures with his hands that Takashi would have found highly entertaining had the circumstances been different. Pein must have felt Takashi's stare for he nodded to the men with whom he had been conversing and made his way over to the group.

"Right on time," He commented, "I like that."

"The more time we waste, the more danger our daughter can get into," Kyoko said, her expression bleak.

"Right, well, we're just about ready. Itachi and Kisame just finished loading the rest of the gear into the chopper, and I just sent Sasori and Deidara to check up on the controls. We should be good to go in about five minutes."

"Woah, you guys really know what you're doing huh?" Daisuke asked.

Kyoko whacked him on the back of the head, rolling her eyes at his stupidity. Takashi groaned in embarrassment and started to apologize when he caught the amused glint in the Akatsuki leader's eyes.

"It's a rare occasion when I get to meet someone who is so inquisitive," Pein explained, as if sensing Takashi's discomfort, "Is he your son?"

Takashi had to stop himself from openly gawking at the man. Sure, Daisuke was several years younger than him, but, dammit, he didn't look old enough to be his father!

"Ah, no," He said, "Nephew. But he stays with us most of the time."

Pein smiled but before he could say anything, the redhead and blonde returned.

"The controls are set," The redhead announced, "Ready whenever you are."

"Good," Pein inclined his head, "Sasori, Deidara, this is Takashi, Kyoko and…I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name," He said, gesturing toward Daisuke.

"Daisuke," He said, shaking hands with Sasori and Deidara, "Nice to meet you."

"Alright, Itachi, Kisame, get your asses out of the way, we're leaving!" The blonde, Deidara, shouted.

The two men Takashi had seen loading crates into the chopper jumped down from the cabin and backed up quickly.

Pein climbed into the pilot's seat and started up the helicopter. The blades above Takashi's head began to spin slowly. Sasori helped them climb into the cabin and get seated while Deidara took his place beside Pein.

"Alright, everybody ready?" Pein asked, putting on his headgear. He received nods from his passengers and smiled and he began easing the chopper into the air.

Takashi shifted in his seat. The cabin was fairly small and felt slightly cramped, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. All he could think about as he watched the town disappear out of his window was the horrible fate that awaited the innocent kids over at Camp Ayakashi should they arrive too late.

*K*I*B*A*H*I*N*A*

Hinata was alone in the cafeteria when she woke up. The quiet murmur of voices which bled through the walls, however, kept her from becoming worried as to the whereabouts of her friends. Silently, she slipped on a pair of shoes and followed the voices outside.

Everybody was gathered in a group by the entrance of the camp. As Hinata drew closer, she recognized Iruka's voice over the whispers of her friends.

"Hey Hinata-chan," Sakura greeted her as she reached the group.

"What's going on?" She asked, peering over her friend's shoulder.

The group was facing Kotetsu and Izumo, who were in deep discussion with Iruka.

"Iruka-sensei is sending Kotetsu and Izumo for help," Kiba explained, smiling warmly at Hinata.

Dread clenched Hinata's heart, "What? Does he even realize how dangerous that is?"

Kiba shrugged, but Hinata could see a faint glimmer of worry in his dark eyes, "I guess he does. But, if you think about it, he doesn't really have any other options. We can't just stay trapped up here. Not only will our food supply run out eventually, but, as I'm sure you know, there's a killer on the loose. The cleanup crew isn't coming. We know that just as well as he does. If Kotetsu and Izumo manage to make it to town, they can get help."

"You know…as well as I do…that this is a bad idea," Hinata argued, "Sachiko haunts this forest, every tree, every bush, every blade of grass. Their chances of making it out alive are nonexistent."

Kiba sighed, "I know," his eyes betrayed his sorrow, "But, what can we do about it? Do you really think Iruka's going to believe us?"

"No…" She whispered, "I just…wish there was some other way."

"I know," He murmured, pulling her against his side and draping one arm over her shoulders, "I don't agree with it, even though I see the sense in it."

Iruka turned away from the two counselors and addressed the campers, "Kotetsu and Izumo have kindly offered to hike back to town to see if they can get some help. If everything goes according to plan, they should reach town by tomorrow morning and you all will be safe at home by tomorrow evening."

Whether Iruka didn't notice the skeptical looks he was receiving or he was simply pretending to ignore them, Hinata didn't know.

Kotetsu and Izumo looked embarrassed under all of the attention. They actually seemed anxious to get going, shifting uneasily, their eyes darting across the crowd.

Iruka started up again, "Well, we wish you both the best of luck." He clapped a hand on one of each of their shoulders, a warm, albeit forced, smile gracing his features, "Hurry back."

Kotetsu snorted at this but Iruka didn't seem to notice. Izumo just inclined his head in a silent farewell before grabbing his friend's arm and pulling him towards the blocked entrance of the camp.

Hinata watched them go, a hard knot of uneasiness in her stomach. She couldn't help but feel that this journey would be their last and, judging by the glassy-eyed look that Izumo shot back over his shoulder, she wasn't the only one. All she could do was watch helplessly as their lithe figures disappeared into the trees, trying desperately to push back the rising sense of dread that she felt beginning to surface.

*K*I*B*A*H*I*N*A*

"Hinata! Come one, the boys are starting a flag football game!" Sakura called, crossing her arms as she waited with Kiba by the door. She, Hinata, and Kiba were the only campers left in the cafeteria. They had just finished lunch and Naruto, unable to continue being inactive, had decided to organize a flag football game in the main clearing between the buildings, where the counselors could easily keep an eye on them.

Hinata realized that she had been spacing out at the wall facing her and stood quickly, stumbling over her own feet as she rushed to join her friends.

"Are you ok?" Kiba asked, worry creasing his brow.

"Just daydreaming," She lied, forcing a smile and hoping that he didn't notice how pale she was.

He obviously didn't believe her, but shrugged and sent her a we-will-talk-about-this-later look before turning to follow Sakura outside.

Hinata was at the door when she heard it again.

"Hinata…"

She froze, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up. The whisper had started during lunch, and she seemed to be the only person in the cafeteria who could hear it.

"Hinata…"

It sounded like it was coming from the kitchen.

"Hinata? Are you coming?" Kiba asked, poking his head back through the doorway.

"Ah, yeah, I just forgot my…cell phone," She stammered, hoping that he would buy the excuse, "I'll meet you outside."

"Are you sure you're ok?" His voice was heavy with concern.

"I'm fine," Her smile felt slightly less forced this time, "I'll be right back."

Kiba grudgingly left, a frown forming on his face.

Hinata sucked in a deep breath before turning away from the door and making her way to the kitchen slowly.

"Ayame-chan?" She called, stepping into the dark room.

The room was almost completely black, making it hard to see anything. By sheer chance, Hinata managed to find the drawer where Teuchi kept his lighter. The flame, though small, cast enough light for her to navigate the room.

A wave of déjà vu hit her as her gaze rested on the empty knife rack. Swallowing audibly, she called again, "Ayame-chan? Teuchi-san?"

A crash resounded throughout the room, coming from the hallway. Horror gripped her as her legs automatically carried her toward the completely black, gaping mouth of the hallway. About fifteen feet away, she could barely make out a figure in the darkness.

Hinata's heart pounded painfully in her chest. It was just like her dream. Cold sweat broke out across her brow as she tried to take a step back. But her body wouldn't budge and she was left staring in utter terror at the emerging figures.

"Who…who's there?" She whimpered, her voice cracking.

The figures were advancing seemingly without so much as moving a finger.

Hinata's breath caught in her throat as her dream seemed to replay right before her eyes.

…She could make out their faces…clouded eyes, bleeding mouths, noses, and eyes…pale-grey skin covered in various wounds…

'I have to get out of here!' Her mind screamed.

A too-familiar shriek tore from her mouth as she whipped around and threw herself through the doors of the kitchen.

Her eyes watered as the harsh sunlight hit them, but she kept running, her heart beating so fast, she was sure it would burst from her chest.

Suddenly, her feet came across something solid and she was sent flying, sprawling in the dirt. Scrambling quickly to her feet, she looked down in horror at Sasuke.

Unlike the dream, Sasuke was still alive. Numerous gashes covered his torso and a long, deep cut marred his neck. He looked up at her with dark, pain-filled eyes and reached a hand out to her.

"H…e…lp…m…me…" He croaked, more blood cascading down his throat.

His hand fell limply as the light in his eyes dimmed. With a chocked sob, Hinata turned away, feeling a cold sense of dread at the sight she knew was awaiting her.

In her dream, when she arrived outside, her friends had already been dead. However, she seemed to have made it outside earlier this time. She couldn't tell what was worse: seeing her friends' corpses strewn carelessly across the clearing, or seeing the bloody, dismantled creatures who had once been human ruthlessly attacking the screaming campers.

'No…' Hinata thought, tears collecting in her eyes as she watched one of the creatures grab Sakura's head and wrench it violently to one side. A loud crack someone reached Hinata's ears and she sobbed as Sakura slumped lifelessly against the wall of the building behind her.

She turned away, unable to bear the sight of her best friend's body. Then, her heart froze.

'Kiba-kun!' She thought frantically, scanning the clearing for the brunette. Relief sent more tears to her eyes as she found him, standing back to back with Lee, fighting off the reanimated corpses with a pocketknife.

She started to make her way toward him, determined to keep him save, no matter the cost. She had almost lost him once; there was no way that she was going to lose him again. A familiar, scarred face, however, stopped her in her tracks.

"Sachiko…" She breathed as her eyes met her nightmare's eyeless sockets.

Though Sachiko's mouth was stitched closed, Hinata had a sinking suspicion that the girl was grinning maniacally at her.

"Why?" Hinata whispered, hearing someone, who sounded awfully like Temari, scream in pain. "Why are you doing this?"

Sachiko stepped closer, idly twisting the butcher knife in her hand. She was so close now that Hinata could smell the horrible stench of decaying flesh and blood.

"You think I wanted this?" Sachiko asked, leaning in so that she was speaking directly into Hinata's ear, "You think I had a choice?"

"There's always a choice," Hinata argued, trying to ignore the way her body was trembling violently.

"If you think that's the case," Sachiko hissed, "Allow me to show you just how wrong you are."

Hinata didn't even have time to protest as Sachiko grabbed her head between her hands, squeezing tightly. An icy chill seemed to wrap itself around Hinata's body as her vision darkened.

Everything faded away as her world turned black.

A/N:

Well, the chapter turned out shorter than I had planned, and I'm really sorry about that :( But, I hope it was worth the wait! I promise that it won't take me anywhere near as long to post the next chapter! I've already started it and, if things go according to plan, I should have it up within the next few weeks.

Thanks for reading! Please review! Your feedback means the world to me