Uwaah xD I've been watching a lot of movies online recently :) Such as Matrix Reloaded, Yes Man, 17 Again and Forrest Gump xD OMGGG I just have to say that I had low expectations, but 17 again was a really sweet film :) Naturally, Matthew Perry was awesome and I never realised that Zac Efron was an alright actor. :D

Donnie Darko remains simply the best movie ever though.

OH. I forgot - apparent there actually IS ten tailed demon in the Naruto manga called Jubi. But bear in mind, this fic was started WAAAY before this 'Gobi' appeared.

Yummy.. Tea and biscuits xD

"... Blah ... " - Speech

" ... Blah ... " - Thoughts, flashbacks and Bhadra.

" ... Blah ..." - Kyuubi and Haekeri

Betrayal 3: Destiny's Darkness

Chapter Eleven: Nibi, the Two Tailed Cat

-&-

For the past couple of weeks, it had been raining down.. hard.

And obviously, trekking through thick forests and sleeping on the mushy ground most nights, didn't exactly help the mood of the group. Nevertheless, Cairo acted as if he'd been through this thousands of times and stayed positively in high spirits as they edged closer to the Cloud.

Aside from Cairo, the only other one who seemed to be the most comfortable was Shu - who spent most of the day curled up in their bags and only ever ventured out when there was a chance of food.

Sakura hardly talked and whenever there was a conversation, it was mostly about trivial matters or the task that lay before them. She couldn't help but feel a little annoyed that neither Naruto nor Ashi could directly help her out - so therefore the burden fell on her shoulders to get rid of the demons plus keep everyone safe. She also couldn't help herself but to steal little glances in Naruto's direction when he was occupied, wondering if he could hear the damn fox making plans..

You shouldn't be so suspicious. Haekeri said softly. He was curled up in a warm corner of her mind, his yellow eyes wide with innocence. When Sakura chose to ignore this, she could see his lips curl into a smile, showing his pointed teeth. She kicked the mud moodily and refused to look up at anyone after that.

A couple of days later, they were finally across the border and now scouting the area quickly for a place that they could fight the demon cat safely. And after many effort-filled and aggravating days, Ashi returned to their makeshift camp to report that there was a large space of land, East of the Cloud village that would be perfect. So after a quick detour to inspect this spot and settle there for the night, their plan was nearly set.

"We go into the Cloud tomorrow," Cairo stated quietly and gazed into the blazing camp fire that Ashi had just produced. "As I have said before; we are on enemy territory now and as soon as they are aware that we are there to attack Yugito, they will not hold back on us," he closed his eyes. "We'll have to go through our roles now and ascertain the plan."

"Sakura and I - posed as newly weds on our honeymoon, will enter the village," Naruto reported. "As soon as it's safe and we've found out where the target is, we'll lead Yugito Nii out, and try to lead her here."

"Wait," Ashi interupted. "Nibi is going to sense both Kyuubi and Haekeri isn't he? He's also going to see them through Naruto's and Sakura's eyes. You can't pass it off as a coincidence - three demon containers in one place?"

Cairo sucked on his teeth quietly, contemplating and stared into the crackling flames.

"That is a good point. Sakura - does Haekeri have any way we can get around this?"

"No," she sighed. "Nibi is stealthy and observant. As soon as we walk into that village, he'll probably sense us and tell Yugito to escape."

"We'll need a new plan." Ashi grunted.

Cairo closed his eyes and intertwined his fingers in such a way that it reminded Sakura of Shikamaru, when he tried to concentrate on something. With a pang, she remembered all of her friends back at home and forced down the sudden nausea with a gulp.

"It looks as if Ashi and I should enter the village," Cairo decided. "We will pose as Grandfather and Grandson and find some way to get to Yugito." He looked to Ashi for clearance.

"Works for me." The Uchiha shrugged.

"So what should Sakura and I do in the meantime? If we can't get in there with you?" Naruto asked.

"I suggest you both find places to hide until Yugito enters this clearing, and then when she is distracted - come at her from different sides," Cario replied. "It may also be a help to us if you could both find some way to mask both your chakra and your demons chakra as well. There is no sure way that Nibi would still not sense it, but if it helps..."

We'll have to practise that then.

The conversation fell silent and Sakura stared hard into the orange flames that reminded her horribly of Kyuubi's fur. She felt guilty that for the past few days, she hadn't allowed herself to be close to Naruto, but now that the group were apparently splitting up for a little while - she had to find some way of being with him.. And not shying away from the evil fox at the same time.

She mentally cursed - she'd known that Naruto held the Kyuubi for years.. So why was it bothering her this much now?

Because being close to Naruto is more dangerous now, she thought miserably. If Kyuubi gets wind of our goal - he'll kill Naruto.

But that was stupid. Hadn't Kyuubi already heard that they were going after all the demons already? With a small leap of her heart, Sakura realised that there may be some chance for Naruto just yet. After all, Haekeri had said that the reason why Kyuubi hadn't hurt him yet, was perhaps of Naruto's mental blocks.

So there's still hope yet. Haekeri answered her. We will just have to fight my comrades one by one, take each day as it comes. When it gets tough or difficult - and you want to give up.. Well, you aren't exactly alone are you? He arranged his scaly expression into a grin. I'll do everything I can to make Naruto safe. If you'll just trust me.

I do trust you.

Then stop worrying about it.

Easier said than done. She grumbled. But.. thanks.

"We will be leaving for the Cloud at sunrise." Cairo turned and spoke to Ashi. The young Uchiha nodded and continued to absent-mindedly bite his fingernails, from boredom or worry - Sakura couldn't tell.

"Be careful old man." Naruto chuckled.

Cairo grinned. "There is still life in me yet."

Sakura had enough and bid them a quick goodnight. She turned and spread herself out on the ground - away from the fire and the stares of her friends. Especially Naruto's gaze boring holes into her back. She feigned a yawn and drew her sleeping bag tightly around herself, squeezing her eyes tightly shut until she heard the fire being put out and her friends climbing into their identical bags.

Hardly comforted by the presence of her friends or the sleeping dragon in her mind, she couldn't help but wonder if they would all be together like this again in a few nights time.

-&-

When Sakura blinked open her eyes in the bitter morning light, she noticed that Ashi and Cairo had already disppeared and started their short journey towards the hidden village. She tiredly rubbed her face, feeling the sweat at the nape of her neck and on her forehead. There had been nightmares again.

"Morning."

She unconsciously groped for her kunai at the sound of the voice, until someone's hand shot out to stop it and Naruto was suddenly above her.

"A bit jumpy today, ne?" He grinned and leaned down to kiss her head, then getting up to roll away. Sakura pouted and avoided her eyes.

"Don't we have to be from now on?"

"I guess," he shrugged and shoved a soldier pill in his mouth. "Whatever happens, happens."

Sakura's eyebrows rose. "You're strangely optimistic today."

He pouted. "I'm always optimistic.. Anyways, there are four of us plus Shu."

Sakura sighed and raked a hand through her lanky hair. She made a mental note of finding a stream somewhere nearby so she could wash it and get the mud and grime out.

"No Naruto - only Haekeri and I are supposed to fight the.. thing." She didn't want to say 'demon' - a useless effort since Kyuubi probably already worked everything out.

He smirked. "It doesn't mean we can't get in a few punches first."

"You'd hit a girl?"

"It would depend on her.. I hit evil ones," he gulped down a couple more soldier pills and began to pack away his little possessions in his pack. "So what do you wanna do today?"

She shrugged. "Battle tactics I guess. Plus we need to work out what we're going to do when Yugito gets here and how to ambush her."

"She'll be coming from the West," he murmured. "Cairo, Ashi and Shu will have it covered - we'll have to take up positions in the North-East and South-East to even get a shot at boxing her in."

She nodded. "So then how do we know when we should ambush her? A signal wouldn't exactly work - she'd see it."

"We have demons. They'd sense her wouldn't they?"

Sakura blinked, not expecting him to bring Kyuubi into this. "I-I guess." She mumbled.

"I reckon they'd take about two or more days to get her here," Naruto continued quietly. "The old man seems like he's good with words - Ashi too.. Although I don't have any idea what the heck they're gonna say to Yugito to get her here. Geez.. It'd be a miracle if we managed to pull this off."

"And this won't be the first," Sakura pointed out as she reached for the soldier pills. "I guess we'll get plenty of practise though."

"It'd be good for helping me become Hokage to learn how to kick demon's asses," Naruto smirked. "I'd be the best kage ever!"

"The kage with the most inflated head." She teased.

After their slightly pathetic breakfast of nutrient pills, Sakura sprinted towards the calming sound of a bubbling nearby stream and quickly stripped off her clothes and slipped into the water. At first, she nearly swore a string of curses as soon as the icy water enveloped her pale skin. But after a few lengths of non-stop swimming, she was considerably warmer and washed quickly, dipping her pink locks under the surface and flicking them up again so droplets were sent sprinkling everywhere.

She quickly put on her clothes again and returned to their makeshift camp, where Naruto was shirtless and practising taijutsu on a rather damaged tree.

"That necessary?"

"Yup," he grunted. "No one else to practise on."

Sakura coughed deliberately. "Hellllo? I'm here."

Naruto stopped, mid-kick and raised his sandy eyebrows up at her. He snorted. "I'm not going to fight you, Sakura."

"And why not?" She challenged. "Scared I'll win?"

"Suuure."

"I've been training too," her voice turned smug. "I reckon I could get my fist through that thick skull of yours-.."

"Dream on," he chuckled and stopped to look her up and down. He clicked his tongue. "Ok, I'll fight you.. Don't start trying to seduce me when I win though.."

"Winner gets what they want," Sakura declared. "Anything they want." She raised her eyebrows suggestively and smirked.

"You're on."

Sakura grinned triumphantly and fell back into a defensive stance, slightly shaking with anticipation and excitement. She could hear Haekeri growl approvingly at the thought of a fight, his talons twitching.

As both young adults flew at each other - their minds became one as they read every predicted movement and technique. Sakura even found herself not needing to take Haekeri's advice and just focused on her instincts. Naruto did not admit it out loud, but she really had gotten much stronger. Even of their days in Akatsuki when they trained almost daily with Deidara - Sakura had faults. But now it seemed different. She was.. Flawless. He watched closely as she waited until the last possible second to evade every attack he threw her way. She even managed to pick the real Naruto out of about ten shadow clones. She dispersed them easily and and gracefully landed back on the mushy ground with a dull thud. He narrowed his eyes and quickly scanned her body for any scratches or cuts.. Nope.. Nothing. How did she get so strong?

He hissed as Kyuubi made a crude comment, the fox's cruel laughter ringing around his head. He could see Sakura frown, brush herself off and stand up straight.

"Everything alright?"

"Fine."

Kyuubi. Haekeri just offered as an explanation.

Sakura gave a small smile and replaced her kunai back into the pouch around her hip. She stepped forward tentively and wrapped her arms around the boy's neck, gently kissing his temples.

"We don't have to fight any more, if you don't want to."

He snorted. "We need to save our strength for the big ol' beastie anyway. Geez Sakura - you didn't even break a sweat!"

She shrugged and slid down the damaged tree, sitting on the trunk. Naruto smirked and sat beside her, tossing a glistening arm around her shoulder. She wrinkled her nose playfully and then snuggled into his chest.

"That poor woman has no idea what's going to happen to her." Sakura murmured.

"She still has a chance," Naruto reasoned. "It can go either way can't it?"

She nodded numbly. "It kind of sucks that I have to do it and stand the consequences.. You, Ashi, Shu and Cairo can walk away with free minds-.."

"Hey!" Naruto said sharply. "Idiot - you are not in this alone." He held up his left hand and fingered the wedding ring. "We're married. We're in this together."

"You make it sound so simple."

"That's because it is," he sighed. "Sakura. You've been chosen to do this by powers we can't even comprehend. Would you have been picked if you wern't strong enough to live up to this? Eh?"

".. No.."

"Exactly," he smiled triumphantly. "You need to deal with this - and we'll help you as much as we possibly can.. Whether Yugito or any of the others lives or dies.. Well it's their own destinies.."

Sakura caught the undertone in his voice and her head snapped up - eyes boring into his thoughtfully ones. She clenched her fists angrily.

"We aren't just talking about Yugito any more are we?"

"No." He looked as if he was hesitant to say any more but seeing Sakura increasingly get more irritated, he closed his eyes and averted his gaze to the mossy floor. "It may be my own destiny."

"NO," she snarled, her lip curling back over her teeth. "You. Will. Not. Die.. You hear me? Do you hear me Naruto Uzumaki?"

"We can't be sure of that," Naruto said calmly. "However - I'll do my best to stick around." His tone almost sounded bitter.

"Your best isn't good enough Naruto!" She hissed. "You have to promise me - PROMISE me that you'll be with me for eternity - if not longer! I will not lose the love of my life.. My existence, over something so stupid." It was blatantly obvious that an emotional outburst was the last thing Naruto expected. His cerulean eyes were wide with surprise and he blushed slightly and took her in his tanned arms.

"Sorry," her murmured into her hair. "I'm so sorry Sakura.. I promise with all my heart and soul - I'll live for you, alright?" He grinned. "There's nothing to worry about. We'll be together forever. I love you."

"I love you too." She sniffed and willingly stayed in the warm embrace of his arms for what felt like a very comfortable eternity.

-&-

It had been three days - or four? Sakura had lost count.

There had still been no word from their friends. For all she and Naruto knew, they could have been in serious trouble or worse.

I can't keep thinking so negatively.

She's been trying to keep herself as busy as possible by training hard - sometimes with and without Naruto. Even though neither voice it aloud, she could tell by the pained expression on her love's face, that he hated it when she pushed herself too far. He wanted to take away some of the pain.

Haekeri had been sleeping a lot too - mostly due to the fact that she'd used up a lot of his chakra with her training skills. When he woke up again, he demanded that she take it easy or she'd be totally useless when the real battle came. She grudgingly accepted.

It was mid-morning and the weather had turned bitterly cold with rasping winds shaking their makeshift camp. Due to Kyuubi and Haekeri, both Naruto's and Sakura's temperatures worked a little higher than normal, which came in handy and kept them warm and alive. The nights were usually spent climbing into one sleeping bag together and recalling past memories of their childhoods together.

Sakura sighed and watched almost hypnotized at the dancing flames, the orange and yellow hues meshing carelessly into each other until they were completely lost. She averted her gaze to the sodden grass and began to make subtle trails with her fingernail.

Seeing a flicker in her peripheral vision, Sakura's head whipped towards the object and gritted her teeth.

"What's that?" She growled.

Naruto abandoned his daydream and followed her gaze across the clearing. His brow furrowed.

"Looks like.." His eyes grew wide. "Sakura - it's Shu!"

"Shu?" She gasped.

And sure enough, as the ferret scurried closer, she could made out his tiny dark head and his brown and tan fur. Her heart leapt into her mouth.

"SHU!" She yelled.

The ferret made a few excited-sounding squeaks and settled near the fire. His hackles were risen and his fur was in disarray. Sakura silently wondered to how long he was actually running to get to them..

"He's trying to tell us something." Naruto hissed and sank down onto one knee beside the animal. Sakura inched closer and adopted a grim expression.

Shu waited before opening his tiny mouth. "They will be here soon, pink one."

Ahh Bhadra. Sakura ignored the confused/horrified expression on Naruto's face and concentrated on the small, panting animal.

"So Cairo and Ashi succeeded? Tell me everything." She commanded in Bhadra.

"They found out where she was staying," Shu gabbled. "Lied to her to get her to follow them out here - dunno wha' they said.. Pink one, Cairo told me to specifically tell you.. The girl-.."

"Yugito Nii?"

"Yeah. She can change into the cat demon at will!"

Sakura gasped, her jaw falling open. "What?"

"He said she underwent some special training years ago. She can change into the demon in a flash.. He said 'be careful'."

Sakura closed her mouth and gently caressed her aching temples. How the heck could this woman be able to change into the demon at will? Without dire consequences and yet be able to still have control?

It's possible, Haekeri mused. This 'training' she took - it must have been incredibly gruelling. She may be pretty tough to beat, Sakura.

Sakura bit her lip hard until it began to bleed. She rose to her feet and paced around the fire - deep in her thoughts while Shu shook with cold and crawled into her sleeping bag. She was just about to ask him about Yugito, when Naruto blocked her path and stared incredulously at her.

"Excuse me," he said. "But do you mind telling me what the hell is going on?"

"Didn't you hear?" She said, exasperated.

"I heard you and the rat speaking some language - that I don't even know!" He glared. "Tell me what to think."

Right.. Bhadra.

"Well, I was speaking Bhadra.."

"And that is?"

"Dragon language," she sighed. "Naruto - we really don't have time for thi-.."

"Oh we do," he hissed and took her by the shoulders. "I swore I'd protect you - even if I'm not allowed to fight directly. Now your telling me you can speak this weird whole new alternate universe language and that the damn ferret can supposedly speak it too? I'm lost, honey."

She sighed. They didn't have time for this.

"Basically - they're coming," she said quietly and as calmly as she could. "Shu said so. Now if you want - we can stand here and waste time talking about this all day - or we can get prepared!"

Naruto looked as if he was about to argue, but Sakura had the most dangerous look he'd ever seen and decided to drop the subject. He'd get answers later anyway.

"Stay here Shu." She commanded the small huddle under the sleeping bag. He squeaked back in agreement.

Sakura grabbed Naruto's hand and began to run, pulling him at enormous speed towards the centre of the clearing. She could barely feel the bitter wind rushing against her face and bare arms. Adrenaline was beginning to coarse through her veins and her heart thumped loudly in her ears.

At the centre, she suddenly stopped and turned towards the confused blonde.

"Just in case this is the last time we get to talk like this-.."

"Sakura! We'll be fine!"

"Naruto," she said quietly. "Just humour me." She ripped something from around her neck and pressed it into his cold fist. Opening it, Naruto's jaw dropped. It was the small, blue crystal necklace that Tsunade had given him a decade ago.

"I remember the moment when you gave this to me," she whispered. "It's my good luck charm now. It's always been with me."

Naruto swallowed a very painful lump in his throat. "I'd forgotten about this." He admitted. "It was so long ago."

"You asked me to marry you, seconds after," her voice cracked with emotion and she looked up at him with watery eyes. "For as long as a live or die.. I'll never regret saying yes. Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Naruto pulled her into his arms at once, and kissed her. The kiss was a little frightening. There was too much tension intermingled with passion, too strong an edge to the way his lips were crushed to hers, moulded. She could tell he was afraid that they'd run out of time. There wouldn't be any goodbyes.

They broke apart for air, but stayed close as close as possible, his lips caressing her cheeks and kissing her watery eyelids. She choked back a sob and a few tears escaped. His cerulean orbs looked wet and shiny.

"I'll follow you wherever you go," he whispered against her mouth. "Life or death. I don't care."

"So chase me," she smiled. "As long as we exist. This life or the next."

She unwillingly backed away from his warm embrace and began walking to the North-East. She allowed herself one last look at the beautiful boy still standing. When she blinked, he'd already turned and was running full speed to the South.

That may have been the last time I'll speak to him ever. Kissed his lips. Felt his arms around me.

You'll both live through this, Haekeri said quietly. He'd respected her enough to look away and stay silent till this moment. She could see him crouched in her mind, subdued. He could feel the utter ache emitting from her heart. The way her pulse jumped and faltered.

I'm scared, Haekeri.

I know. It's scary for me too.. Killing my old friends. My comrades.

She had no idea how much time had passed by already. He pace was consistent and every step racked her body with emotional pain. Every step took her further away from.. Him.

Stop here. Haekeri said finally. We're far enough. Now we wait.

Sakura slumped miserably against a tree trunk and slid down towards the bottom, landing in a puddle of mud which made her clothes sodden. She neither noticed nor cared. A bit of mud didn't effect the gaping black hole in her chest. The hole that was ripping her skin, muscles and bones apart. She bit her lip and brought her knees up, hugging them and curling into a ball.

She could sense that Haekeri wanted to say something that would stop her hurting or something! He stayed silent and closed his huge yellow eyes, stepping forwards to the front of her mind and staying put.

It was only then that Sakura realised she was shaking hard, her entire frame vibrating until her teeth chattered and the whole forest seemed like it was wobbling from side to side. She heard a strange ripping sound that seemed to bounce of the trees and echo all around her surroundings. With a startled gasp, she realised that these strange sounds were coming from her! Rasping sobs emitting from her mouth and shaking her entire body.

Deep down, she knew it was stupid to act like this. She and Haekeri were undoubtedly a stronger team than Nibi and Yugito - plus Naruto, Cairo, Ashi and Shu were going to be hanging around and distracting the demon cat. It would be an easy first battle and they would walk away.

So why was she so upset?

The first battle, she realised. Would that mean they'd walk away from all their demon battles totally unharmed and still living? Surely.. Someone would wind up dead and she'd have to carry the responsibility on her shoulders, for letting it happen.

Cairo, Ashi, Shu.. Naruto.

Her temporary family.

She couldn't let them fight and die. She couldn't.

Then we'll have to fight extra hard. Haekeri said gently.I promised you - I'd do everything in my power to protect them. I am not going to back out on my promise. He grinned wolfishly. Just think; after Nibi - we'd be one down towards our goal. Towards becoming free. Towards achieving our destiny.

Our destiny, she mused. They're both intertwined aren't they? Mine and yours?

Yes, the victories.. and the losses.

Sakura felt a little warmer at that thought and roughly wiped away her tears with the back of her wrist. She eased herself out of the mud and brushed it off as best she could.

The sky above had darkened considerably. It wouldn't be long now.

So how's this going to work? How exactly do we fight the demon?

The rest of the group are going at act as distractions - Nibi may be clever but he gets very stupid when opportunity presents itself. I'll release a little of my chakra to you in a similar way that Kyuubi does with his tails.

Sakura shuddered.

Towards the end of the fight - I'm going to need you to trust me to take over your body. He murmured. I need to cast the sealing technique in order to incapacitate Nibi, and then send him where he belongs.

She inwardly gulped. A demon controlling her? Regardless that Haekeri was the good guy in the situation - the thought still terrified her. He nodded in her mind.

It's natural to be scared - especially after seeing Naruto becoming victim of it so many times.. Haekeri opened his huge jaws as if to say more, but he snapped it shut again and raised his snout, his yellowish eyes narrowed. Sakura was just about to ask what was wrong, when the dragon reared up to his full height and paced to the front of her conciousness. She could feel him inch as close as he could and squeeze into her whole body. She could feel his eyes looking through her own emerald ones.

It's time. He growled.

A rush of adrenaline caught Sakura and she shot forward like a bullet back to the way they'd come. The trees seemed to peel away and melt into the background - a rush of green like a blue to her eyes. With Haekeri so close to her consciousness - her sense of smell was considerably heightened and her eyesight better. If she really concentrated - she could pick out every single hue of the passing leaves and identify the insects crawling on the trunks. But there wasn't time to fully embrace it.

Do you hear that? The dragon snapped.

Sakura grimaced. There were sounds of a metallic screech and far away thunderclaps that Sakura could only guess were growls and roars.

"Naruto.." She choked.

Fighting. Haekeri snarled. We need to get there quicker. A strange floaty feeling overcame Sakura, as her legs were suddenly acting of their own accord, propelling her way faster than she'd ever gone. With a small smirk, Haekeri said; I'd get us there quicker.

The sounds got louder - they were almost to the clearing. Pushing haphazardly through the last of the thick forest, Sakura's body was forced into the air and she quickly scanned the ground for a quick update.

Sakura uttered a low cry.

Down below, there was a huge blue and purple object running at high speed, dodging attacks that an old man, a black haired boy and a blonde man were inflicting..

As Sakura landed swiftly, merely twenty paces away, she could clearly see the full extent of the cat's power. He turned his one yellow and one gleaming green eye towards her tiny frame, his smirk stretching out across his face at the size comparison between them. He raked his claws along the ground - the source of the metallic screeches, and turned towards the girl.

Out of nowhere, a flash of yellow collided with the side of the animal's huge head and sent it half sprawled to the ground, Sakura had to dodge quickly to avoid the spray of mud and dirt.

"Nice to see you Sakura!" Cairo called cheerfully and brandished a pointy sword.

Sakura? Haekeri asked.

Yes. She didn't even need to hear the question - she could already see the dragon hunched in anticipation in her mind. He grinned wolfishly at her answer and nodded.

Her body temperature began to rise and a the sounds of ripping filled the air as bits of her clothes fell to the ground. She felt her lips being pulled back into an ugly snarl and a growl escaped from her pointed teeth. She could feel the chakra engulfing every cell in her body, as they gladly gave into the demon's control and responded to the new found power. Somewhere behind her, she could feel the swishing of air as one pointed tail wound it's tendrils around her body. She hunched to the ground, prepared to leap, her clawed hands and feet itching to rip into Nibi's throat..

Jeez, when did she get so bloodthirsty?

Sakura felt herself be pushed to the back of her mind, gladly being the one to watch as Haekeri let out a hysterical cackle at the cat staring fearfully at her.

"You," the demon roared. "YOU.. You have found me."

"Yes," Haekeri said, his tone caused Sakura's voice to become somewhat more manly. "I was biding my time, waiting for my vengeance."

Nibi snorted. "The vengeance of a fallen king," he taunted and shook his fiery blue head. "The King wants his kingdom back, ne?"

"Damn right," Haekeri smirked. "I'm sending you back where you came from.. For good."

Nibi let out a huge giggle, writhing on the muddy floor, his body racked with laughter. "You're.. Sending me back?" Nibi composed himself and raised up to full height again. He cast a look at Naruto, Ashi and Cairo - looking fearfully at the scene before them. "And I suppose the mightly Haekeri has his army of humans to defend him?" His lips tugged up at the sides for a second.

"Indeed. Weak or not - you aren't a match for them."

Nibi's jaw dropped. "For them? Thin-skinned little parasites who feed off of our power? I see time has made you insane, master."

"Speaking of time," Haekeri grimaced, "It's almost over for you. Any last words?"

"Do not worry," Nibi smirked and spat on the floor. "I'll etch them onto your gravestone when I'm done with you."

Haekeri wasted no time and leaped at the giant feline, only veering off to the left with Nibi attempted to swipe Sakura's body with his huge claw. Haekeri roll-barrelled in mid air and doubled back, aiming for the cat's unprotected flanks. Nibi was all too alert and managed to skip happily out of their way, nearly striking them with his tails.

Sakura had never seen anything like it.

Two creatures - meeting like this after who knew how many decades - both with such a strong urge to kill each other that the whole clearing was filled with this murderous intent. If not for her friends and Haekeri keeping her sane, she would seriously contemplate taking her own life, just to get away from this horrible atmosphere.

Sakura tried not to move or talk much - Haekeri was concentrating and after all, it would be her body that would suffer the dire consequences.. She desperately kept looking to the right to see her friends safely on the sidelines - only able to stare and gawk at this moment. With every kick and swipe that came too close for comfort - she could see Naruto visibly flinch and clench his knuckles.

Don't join in. Don't join in. She silently pleaded.

Her breath was suddenly knocked clean out of her lungs and she found herself hurtling into the sky like a human rocket. Down below, she could here Naruto worriedly roaring her name and cursing. Sakura let out a small yelp and looked down to find a long gash in her leg - one of Nibi's long claws protruding out from her thigh.

Sorry, Haekeri growled. Damn cat. OUCH. As the wind swept by them and gravity started to pull again, Haekeri had seized the broken claw and tugged it roughly from the flesh - sending blood spurting everywhere. She felt dizzy at the sudden rush of scarlet.

Wondering why Nibi hadn't suddenly joined them in the air to slice them to ribbons, Sakura glanced down to see the damn cat crouched patiently on the ground. He opened his huge jaws and intimidatingly pointed teeth - there was a small orb of light within the back of his throat.. Growing lighter..

Haekeri almost lost the whole of Sakura's left side as he rushed off to the side - painfully close avoiding the rush of heat that the fireball gave off. He stood panting for a few seconds and forced some chakra to Sakura's fist. He forced it into the sodden earth and sent a wave of destruction towards Nibi. Who of course, danced out of the way.

Haekeri landed them swiftly on a nearby tree and had to sink to her knee - her whole leg was covered in crimson.

Don't focus on the blood, Haekeri grimaced. It looks worse than it actually is. We heal fast.

I'll take your word for that.. She muttered.

Sending a rush of chakra to Sakura's feet, Haekeri shot forwards and rammed hard into Nibi's side. Nibi swore loudly and tried to crush them with his weight, ducking his huge head to the left and rearing up onto his hind legs, only to come crashing to the ground and sending a wave of mud their way.

"YUGITO NII," Haekeri roared and avoided Nibi's snapping jaws. "Regain your control! I don't particularity have any desire to attack either your or your village!"

"She says; 'BULL'," Nibi giggled. "Me and her - we're a team." And in a flash, Nibi had bounded up to them, and with a sick smile and a last laugh, Nibi skidded behind and caught Sakura's body between his two mighty claws.

"Got ya." He chuckled.