In Kaida's Mind- a Dark Little Hole of Madness

Kaida- Hey people, sorry for the loooong wait!

Sasuke- Show more atonement, it's been over a month!

Kaida- *sniffs and bows down* I'm sorry, please forgive me!

Naruto- Okay, that's enough. I forgive you but I don't know about the readers.

Sasuke- I hope she lost all her readers!

Kaida- I was in this program that took up most of my time! I got home around 9-10:00 and went straight to bed! Then woke up at 5:00 and started all over!

Sasuke- No excuses! You should've thought of your readers!

Kaida- *snifflez* I'm sowwy! Sasuke, you do the disclaimer.

Sasuke- Kaida does not own Naruto, enough said.

Naruto- Kaida appreciates everyone who story alerted/favorited/reviewed her story. By the way, this will be a somewhat sad chapter. He will be included, so when you see the words He, him or His, then you'll know who we're talking about. Anyways, enjoy the story!

"Bow down before the Almighty Kaida!"- Talking

'Bow down before the Almighty Kaida!'- Thinking

"Bow down before the Almighty Kaida!"- Kyuubi talking

'Bow down before the Almighty Kaida!'- Kyuubi Thinking

Chapter 9: Call Me…

"What do you mean?" Sasuke queried, getting a little uneasy of the conversation.

"You don't call me by my name anymore. Why is that?" Sasuke's answer was eerie silence. 'I knew I was avoiding him but never even calling him by his name? There's no way.'

"What else did Naruto say to you?" Sasuke asked, avoiding the question.

"You're changing the subject. Answer the question first," Naruto demanded, his face growing cold. Sasuke didn't reply.

"I think I know why." Naruto said, breaking the silence. Sasuke looked up at Naruto, only to find that he was looking down at the floor.

"Your consciousness refuses to acknowledge me as Naruto. When you hear the name Naruto, you automatically think of the one you know. So, you're pretty much rejecting me unintentionally."

"Hey, don't think that way…" Sasuke whispered.

"It's okay, it's not like I haven't been rejected before. And from the memories I've seen, it seems like the other Naruto has been rejected too."

"I didn't mean to-"

"I know you didn't. It's not your fault. It's hard to accept the person who has imprisoned your best friend." Naruto's voice started to waver

"I just want you to know that I'm trying so hard to bring him back so you'll be complete."

"Complete?" Sasuke questioned. Naruto nodded

"Ever since I met you, you seemed like you were missing something. And when you learned about me, it got even worse." Tears welled up in Naruto's eyes.

"The way I am made me think I was trying to replace him. My appearance, my name, my actions are all similar. And I once thought that, what if I could replace him? Then I realized that I was just a copy only here to bring him back. So I made that my goal, but I can't seem to reach him, I'm close but I need… I don't know what I need. I need something. I think I need you. But-" Naruto stopped when he felt something warm embrace him. Sasuke's hair brushed past his cheeks. He held Naruto tight, wrapping his arms all around him.

"Don't worry," Sasuke whispered into Naruto's ear, "You are not a copy. You can just be you. You don't have to do something you don't want to do. Don't hold this burden by yourself… Naruto." The name flowed into his ear so gently. It sounded so heartfelt and caring like when his mother called him.

Naruto let a small gasp as he felt himself going back inside his mind. He could see pictures of Sasuke and Naruto already flashing through his mind. Naruto could feel all kinds of emotions running through his body. He knew that he was close to freeing Naruto if he could feel his emotions.

Suddenly, Naruto found himself in a dark room. Instead of the usual watching a video, it felt like he was in it. Slowly, the room faded into a scene. There were two statues standing across from each other and in the middle was a huge waterfall. Floating in midair, Naruto glanced around quickly. 'No one's here?'

"Oh, I wouldn't say that." Naruto whipped around to find Sasuke standing across from him, smirking.

"Sasuke," Naruto called and started towards him then stopped. Something seemed wrong about Sasuke, he seemed different.

"Sasuke?" Naruto questioned cautiously.

"What's wrong, Naruto? Come here." Sasuke held out his hand.

"Why are you here?"

"To help you."

"Help…me?" Naruto was confused. "Help me do what?"

"I've found a way to free Naruto and save your mind." Sasuke started to laugh. Naruto looked uneasy but stepped towards Sasuke anyway. The closer Naruto got, the louder Sasuke laughed. Finally, when Naruto was close enough, Sasuke stopped and glared down at Naruto. His eyes flickered to red as his skin started to darken in color.

Naruto shrank back and turned to run but Sasuke grabbed his hand, holding him in place. Slowly, Naruto turned back to Sasuke and cried out. Sasuke's skin had turned gray and two ugly hands were protruding from his back. His eyes pierced Naruto's heart. 'Sasuke shouldn't ever look that way.'

"Sasuke?" Naruto stared up into his hurtful, soulless eyes, making Sasuke sneer.

"What are yo-" Naruto suddenly felt a great ache in his chest. He stared down to see Sasuke's hand piercing his heart. His eyes grew wide as he looked back up to Sasuke.

"Why?"

"If you had died the first time, this wouldn't have happened," Sasuke replied, twisting his lodged hand. Naruto coughed up blood.

"You… you were the one who… killed Naruto. You be-betrayed… him."

"No, that brat just wouldn't leave me alone. He was always trying to bring me down with his stupid emotions. Crying about how much he loved me, that baka(1)." Naruto gasped for breath as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Now, I get to kill him twice. I guess it isn't too bad." Sasuke laughed, slipping his hand out from Naruto's chest. When he pulled out completely, Naruto started to fall back. He felt like he was sinking in his own despair. His body grew cold and numb. Falling but Naruto didn't want to stop. He wanted to continue falling and never feel the pain again.

Sasuke panicked as Naruto started gasping for breath.

"Naruto!" Sasuke cried, shaking the blonde boy. He relaxed when saw Naruto's eyes open. Naruto blinked a few times before staring up at Sasuke. His mouth opened and Sasuke thought he was going to say something about what he saw. Instead, Naruto let out an ear shattering scream. He wrenched himself from Sasuke grasp, crawling to the farthest corner of the room. Before Sasuke could say anything, Naruto started shouting at him.

"You! You killed Naruto! You murdered your best friend!" Sasuke stiffened, a look of grief washing over his face. Naruto's trembling increased when he saw that Sasuke wasn't denying it.

"And now… now you want to kill me…" Naruto whispered. Sasuke moved forward, hoping to comfort the young child.

"No, Naruto… I can explai-"

"GET AWAY FROM ME, Y-YOU MONSTER!" Naruto screamed, running out the room. Sasuke didn't chase after him. He just stood there, shocked. He raised his now quivering hands to his face.

"A monster? Naruto called me… a monster?" Sasuke whispered, ignoring the faint sound of the front door opening.

Naruto was running blindly. He didn't care where he ended up, as long as it was away from Sasuke. Tears slipped down his cheeks as he ran. 'Why? Why would Sasuke kill Naruto, his best friend? Was everything an act?'

"Ah," Naruto cried out, falling to the ground. He found that he had tripped over a root. Looking around, Naruto discovered that he had run all the way to the forest. He didn't bother to get up from the ground. He lied there, sobbing.

"Naruto, what's wrong?" A small, soft voice floated out to him. Naruto sat up quickly, getting to ready to run.

"It's okay. It's me, Moriko." A woman stood in front of Naruto. Her long black hair stretched down her back, her green streaks shining in the sun. Cold, brown eyes stared into gloomy, blue ones.

"You're not Moriko. Moriko's smaller," mumbled Naruto.

"It's okay if you don't believe me. I just want to help you." Naruto's eyes widened.

"No… N-No more help. You're going to try to kill me too, aren't you?" Moriko chuckled.

"I'm just going to let you sleep for awhile. I promise not to hurt you," assured Moriko, nearing Naruto slowly. The blonde boy made a small sound of protest but didn't fight back as Moriko placed her hands on the side of his face.

"It's alright, Naruto. No one will try to hurt you anymore."

"No…more…pain?"
"No mo-" Suddenly, the hands on Naruto's face disappeared. He looked around slowly. Moriko was a few feet away from him, glaring at something over Naruto. Glancing behind him, Naruto saw Kiyoshi. Veins were popping out at the side of his eyes.

"Kiyoshi, what are you doing here?"

"Naruto, get behind me."

"But-"

"Naruto, this woman wants to kidnap you." Naruto's eyes widened.

"Well, you're not as dumb as you seem," Moriko chuckled, "That's right, I'm here to take Naruto to Orochimaru." Naruto gasped as his head thumped. He could hear Him hissing in his mind. Crying out, Naruto clutched his head and snapped his eyes shut. Kiyoshi bent down beside him.

"What's wrong?"
"He-He's…coming…" Opening his now dark gray eyes, Naruto stared at Moriko.

"Hello there," Naruto said, grinning evilly, "Why, if I may ask, does Orochimaru want me?"

"Na-Naruto, are you okay?" Kiyoshi asked, seeing Naruto's eyes.

"Shut up," he replied, punching Kiyoshi in the stomach. Kiyoshi slumped to the ground, unconscious. Moriko smiled and walked over to Naruto.

"You seem different."

"Do I? That just shows how much you or Orochimaru don't know about me," Naruto replied. "So what does he want?"

"He hasn't divulged that to me right now but I can't probably see why," Moriko said, grabbing hold of Naruto's chin and tipping it upwards. "You're so cute when you're like this." Naruto smacked Moriko's hand away.

"Don't touch me," he growled. Moriko hesitated then put her hand back to her side and frowned

"We've got company," Moriko said.

"I've already noticed. Who wouldn't with all that angry chakra flaring around? Come on out, Sasuke." Suddenly, three kunai flew towards Moriko. Asshe was moving out the way, a foot connected with her side, sending her into the bushes.

"Get away from him! You're not taking him away," Sasuke said, his Sharingan blazing. He continued to attack Moriko while Naruto sniffed the air. Smiling, Naruto backed into the woods. A few feet away hid Soroka, ready to try and sneak Naruto away. 'He's gone,' Soroka thought, craning her neck to get a better view. A hand rested gently on her shoulder. Soroka turned, meeting the gray eyes of the Itamigan.

Sasuke and Moriko were in the midst of their battle when a huge gust of wind blew past them. Moriko took that distraction as an opportunity and lunged towards Sasuke. Sasuke dodged and slammed her to the ground. 'I don't see Naruto. I hope Soroka has already taken him to Lady Tsunade.' Sasuke frowned as he saw Moriko get up to her feet.

"Why don't you just stay down?"

"Lord Orochimaru wants that boy and if I can't fulfill that wish then I don't deserve to be his servant," replied Moriko.

Sasuke's frowned deepened. 'How does he have so many devoted people?'

In Naruto's Mindscape-

"Are you ready?" A voice called out, "This is really going to help both Naruto and me." Hearing the name Naruto, Soroka woke up only to find herself strapped to a wall. Naruto stood in front of her with a sword resting in his hand. But Soroka knew it wasn't Naruto, it was Him.

"What-What is this? Why are you doing this?" Soroka choked out. He rolled his eyes.

"Don't act like you don't know the rules," He scoffed, "This was bound to happen sooner or later." Soroka felt her heart stop.

"You can't! He needs me! Just wait-"

"No! If I want to go against this Orochimaru person, I need a sacrifice. You knew it was coming, so why are you so afraid?" Soroka didn't reply and just looked down.

"Is it because it's me? Are you afraid of me?" He asked, sliding his finger down his sword. "Okay, I'll make it easier." Suddenly, another Naruto appeared. He looked dazed.

"See wouldn't it be better if your son did it?" He slid the sword into Naruto's hands. "You know what to do, right?" He breathed into Naruto's ear. Stepping behind Naruto, He guided that sharp sword to Soroka's heart who, in turn, breathed in sharply.

"Just push it forward and it'll be all over. She won't be here to interfere with our plans anymore." He said softly, nudging Naruto forward a bit. Soroka felt the tip of the sword cut her skin. She braced herself, knowing what was about to happen. Naruto… I love you.'

"Then we'll move onto Sasuke and the others," He continued, "You won't have to worry about disappearing or the pain. The pain will disappear itself."

"No more… pain?"

"No more."

"But one must experience pain to understand pain. Pain cannot disappear," Naruto said. And, before He could protest, Naruto flipped the sword and stabbed his own heart with it. He cried out for it had pierced his heart when it went through Naruto.

"No, why-"

"Pain cannot disappear but love can help you persevere," Naruto replied.

"You'll regret this. This won't do you any good. It won't help-" He faded away, his voice silencing. Naruto coughed and fell to his knees. Blood poured out of his wound as he pulled the sword out from him. Feeling tears drop on his head, Naruto looked up. Soroka was crying.

"Naruto… Akachan (2), kill me."

"No Mom, I-"

"I don't care. I don't want to leave you alone. I have to protect you," sobbed Soroka, "Besides how else can the other Naruto defeat Orochimaru. Please, kill me." Naruto didn't argue any further and struggled to his feet. The straps suddenly disappeared and Soroka dropped to her feet. Gripping the sword, Naruto aimed at Soroka's heart and gently pushed forward. Then, he pulled the sword out and fell towards Soroka. She caught him, hugging him to her chest as they both sank to the ground. Blood spread to the floor and mother and son died together, embracing and smiling.

To achieve the third level of the Itamigan, one must kill their most important loved one with the Itamigan.

Sasuke knocked out Moriko and lugged her onto his back and started to leave. Hearing a rustling noise, Sasuke stopped and turned back towards the bushes. Slowly, Naruto walked out. His shirt had been bloody and torn, revealing a rapidly healing wound on his chest. But that was not what made him gasp. It was the fact that Naruto was dragging Soroka's lifeless body behind him. Naruto's eyes were blank of any emotion when he stared at Sasuke.

"Sasuke, is that-?" Naruto suddenly dropped to the floor.

"Naruto, what happened?" Sasuke asked, falling down next to him. Naruto could faintly see tears forming in the raven's eyes.

"It's… okay, Sasuke. I'm… back…" With that, Naruto slipped into the darkness.

Baka means idiot, fool, or stupid.

Akachan means baby.

Kaida- Thanks for reading! If you find any grammar, spellings, or punctuation mistakes, please notify me! *Blows her nose with Sasuke's headband* Again, I apologize.

Sasuke- Hey, you-

Kaida- *stuffs headband in Sasuke's mouth* Hush, I'm grieving.

Naruto- Di-Did I just die?

Kaida- Eh, in a way.

Naruto- *sobs* Why me? That's twice!

Kaida- You're fun to kill off.

Naruto- *sobs some more and runs away*

Kaida- *runs after him* I was kidding! Bye, you guys!