Hellu again! Thank you Brightly Dim and Yuti-Can for reviewing. As promised here's another chapter I tend to write these things on my weekend at work cause I have nothing to do cause it's so dead. Naughty but oh wells. So I hope this chapter is a little bit longer. I'm trying to continue the descriptiveness here. Also my better is at Uni today, I have read this chapter over four or five times now. I think everything is ok, but if there are a couple of small mistakes, I apologise, everything shall be good again next time. Enjoy!

"Lets go." She whispered.

Deidara must have heard her because the bird soared upwards, and as it flew away towards the mist. Ino could only continue to stare downwards at the man whose heart she had broken.

"Sir! I've found Shikamaru!"

The head of the Yamanaka clan turned and the heavy build of Inoichi strode forward at an exceptional pace. He and several other Jõnin had been dispatched earlier by a very impatient Hokage. He and Shikaku had been on edge, since Kakashi had returned with news that Deidara had flown off with Ino and Shikamaru. It had been Shikaku who had deducted where they were heading. Coming to the clearing which had once been the tomb of Hidan, he surveyed the area in disgust. The area had completely been annihilated in Deidara's wake. Not a tree or boulder was standing, there had been no sound from nature for miles. His eyes finally fell upon the injured teenager.

Shikamaru's Flak Jacket was in tatters, his T-Shirt had been blown to shreds and through the remains of the fabric mesh; Inoichi saw numerous bruises, cuts, scratches and more evidently large burns. He spoke to his partner as he approached the feminine form. "Shizune, can you tell the extent of his injuries?"

"Burns mostly." She deducted running a hand loosely over his chest with her eyes closed. A soft green glow was emitting from her slender hand. "A broken arm..." She deducted, continuing, "And some internal bleeding; but nothing life threatening. However we must get him back to the Hospital. Tsunade-Sama must attend to him immediately."

"Shikaku must be informed also, he must join us at the hospital. Then I must find out what he knows of my daughter."

"Shizune assessed the area before her mentally. "It looks as though Ino-chan has been taken, and that Shikamaru-kun gained these injuries protecting her." Shizune bent down and in spite of her small frame lifted Shikamaru effortlessly onto her back. "Sir, I'm sure Ino-chan is fine."

Inoichi's face had fallen as he returned to casting his gaze across the area. "I hope so Shizune. I really hope so."

Shizune nodded and followed the worried father at speed back through the Nara land to Konoha. It was bad enough to lose a friend or a student. To lose a daughter was simply unfathomable.

Ino sobbed quietly to herself as the giant bird flew north. Deidara remained silent; offering no words of comfort or support. Not that she expected him too, but even if he jeered at her, at least it would make her stop thinking for a moment. Hidan also kept silent. Although this was due to Shikamaru's headband lingering in his mouth. Ino was trying not to think of her friend or her family. Though it said true in her heart that she had done the correct thing, it still hurt too much to think about. She wondered vaguely if she was going to die, and thought personally that dying may possibly be an escape. The pit in her heart kept growing every moment and Ino would rather die than let the guilt and pain consume her but hoped feverishly that no one would waste time and energy trying to save her. They were safe for the time being and Shikamaru was at least alive.

For now she would act strong for her village and put up with whatever was going to be thrown at her. At worst Hidan would use her for a ritual. Then she would be dead and would have nothing to worry about, it would all be over.

"I've been told to keep you safe, yeah." Ino looked up. Her face was still hot and blotchy. Deidara hadn't turned to face her but added, "Our leader doesn't intent to hurt you, un."

Ino wasn't particularly comforted by this statement and buried her head back into her knees, no more reassured than she had been moments ago. She just couldn't believe him. She was of no use to Akatsuki, they were a group of S-Class Ninja criminals. She was a lowly Chūnin from Konoha who just wasn't powerful enough to assist them in any way. She didn't want to help them either, she would never help them get to Naruto. She would never forgive herself is she betrayed one of her close friends to a death sentence, over her dead body. Which was somehow convenient as she figured that's probably what would happen if she didn't assist them.

There was no way of knowing what their leaders plan was. But it was nothing she was prepared to be a part of.

Deidara spoke no more, and left Ino alone to think, although she tried desperately not too. Every so often a small mumble would emit from the sack. Eventually Deidara kicked it in frustration. Ino couldn't say she didn't appreciate the gesture, even if it wasn't for her personally.

The sun ultimately began to set in the far off distance and the young girl couldn't help but stare at it wondering if it would be her last as a free girl. She had never really appreciated how beautiful and splendid it was before, realising horribly how spoilt she had been.

"It's beautiful, un."

Recoiling a little shocked from the statement, The Yamanaka teen nodded none the less, not wanting to displease the Iwagakue Missing-Nin. "Yes."

"The sun is pure art, un. It's always changing, un. Everything is so quick and over in seconds, yeah."

"Um, I guess so." Ino replied quite bemused that he had an opinion on anything at all, let alone something so pretty and peaceful as art. "I just like the colours I suppose." Ino disclosed, having not really thought about it before.

Deidara sniffed. He couldn't really say he agreed with her judgment. It was somewhat vain and naive to say the least, but at least she had an opinion.

He wondered why she was crying. He hadn't killed the interfering squirt she had been accompanied by. He hadn't even maimed him. The blast was not intended for anything other than shock and awe. he would heal in time. Deidara didn't understand what it was to have a family or friends. His closest relations were Akatsuki. He couldn't really call them friends either. They were simply business associates or working partners. Well, Tobi was alright he supposed, a moron most of the time but as subordinates went he was better than most. He hated Itachi, Kisame was untrustworthy, Konan never spoke so he had no idea what she was like. The leader was his boss and nothing more, Deidara did as he was told and gave respect, that was all that was necessary. He wished Hidan was still down the hole and whilst Katsumi was smart and polite he wouldn't trust her as far as he could throw her.

Perhaps Ino would be different. He would just have to wait and see.

Shikamaru awoke groggy, tired and slightly confused. The blinding white of the hospital furnishings hurt his eyes and wearily he closed them. Like before when he failed to retrieve Sasuke, the pain he felt on the inside was more overwhelming than the physical pain he was experiencing. He was so worthless. Ino was supposed to be protected and he'd gone and let her down badly. Her silly dribble about betraying Konoha was as believable as his mothers dye - job. Or at least he hoped. He didn't want to believe that Ino was so vain and selfish she'd let everything go for her own desires, but in his heart laid deep dark doubts that he couldn't push aside. He had no idea how to tell Inoichi that he had lost his one and only daughter. For all the moaning he did, he knew that he really loved his daughter more than anything else. Anger welled up inside and he roared in frustration.

Is this how it felt to Naruto and Sakura? The only difference was that Ino had been kidnapped, Sasuke had left of his own free will.

The door burst open and Sakura's worried face appeared at the door. "Shikamaru are you alright? You were yelling!" she stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She was wearing her white hospital uniform and he couldn't help but notice the look of sympathy and understanding on her face. She walked towards his bed slowly and sat down quietly beside him. "You can talk about it if you want." She spoke softly "Out of everyone I should know how it feels."

"It's different Sakura." He began. "Ino never wanted to leave. She can't hold her own like Sasuke. She works better in a team and I let her down!"

"Akatsuki won't kill Ino. They want her for something." Sakura deducted thoughtfully. "Maybe as bait for Naruto? Or maybe they think she can heal Hidan? She is stronger than we think of her!" Shikamaru stared at the pink haired girl. The determination in her eyes was the same as when she thought of Sasuke. "You protected Ino as best you could. She just had a bigger will to save you, than you for her. That must be why she lied."

"How do you know that?" He asked somewhat miserably.

"You were mumbling when I healed you." Sakura explained softly. "Also, whilst you were unconscious Inoichi looked into your head with his mind technique. He is very strong..." She trailed off and looked out of the window absent mindedly. "Shikamaru, I spent months hating myself. Unable to tell Naruto I was sorry, and now..." The pink haired girl turned her head and he noticed a small forced smile upon her pretty features. But behind the smile her jade eyes were glossy with tears. "He won't give up on his stupid promise to bring Sasuke back home, and even I can see that Sasuke is becoming too much of a threat." She started to sob but continued, "I was blinded by-by a silly crush. I want to b-bring Sa-Sasuke back but not at the-the cost of all my other friends." Tears streamed down her round cheeks.

"Don't cry Sakura." Shikamaru's anger wavered and he clasped Sakura's hand. The girl wiped her eyes and squeezed his hand back.

"The thing I regret most is losing my best friend - who cared and looked after me, over a stupid boy. It was me who told Ino we could no longer be friends."

"Ino knew better." Shikamaru said. "She knew secretly you still wanted to be friends."

"That's why I am determined to get her back!" Sakura nodded.

The door slid open once more. This time Inoichi, Tsunade and Shizune were at the door way. Sakura flew up, standing to attention as her Sensei walked into the room. Inoichi looked grim, a tern look upon his usually calm features. Behind them was another figure. One Shikamaru knew better than the others. "Dad!" He tried to sit up, but Sakura placed a small hand on his shoulder.

"Shikamaru." Shikaku nodded. "You did well, Son."

"How?" I let her get kidnapped."

"Don't be stupid." Inoichi stated. It was Akatsuki you were dealing with, you did well to get the pair of you out alive. We think... that they want her for something. Judging from the images in your head. But my telepathic abilities won't reach her. I can't connect that far."

"The priority is to attain that she is safe. I want to send ANBU to go to all known Akatsuki locations to search for Ino." Tsunade stated. "You will stay here in Sakura's care until I deem you fit enough to be released."

"But-!" Shikamaru started. However before Tsunade could tell him off, his father intervened.

"You are no good to Ino if you're less than one hundred per-cent fit." Shikaku growled. "Do as you're told."

Shikamaru fell silent, he was not foolish enough to argue with his father at any cost.

"Sakura!" Tsunade snapped. "Keep me informed!"

"Yes Sensei!" Sakura replied as the blonde woman strode from the room, her pigtails and coat swinging wildly behind her. Shizune bobbed her head and scuttled after her, clutching Tonton and her heels clicking under her feet.

Sakura sat down as Shikaku turned to Inoichi. "We must leave to go and meet with the elders."

Inoichi nodded uncomfortably. "Get better soon, Shikamaru. Sakura stay safe."

Both men left the room and Shikamaru sighed. There was nothing left to do now but wait.

Inoichi couldn't help but feel apprehensive about meeting with the council. Their allegiance laid with the village and not with the villagers. Ino was a good girl, but with Sasuke defecting what would they think Ino had done? His wife had been in tears for days. He couldn't take having to explain to her that Ino had betrayed them, he refused to believe that she had turned her back on the village.

She was a kind, loving girl with no ill thoughts towards anyone. She worked hard in training, the family shop and on her appearance. She had good friends who cared for her and a loving home. She had no reason to run from the village. A hand laid rest on his shoulder. "Stop thinking so much." Shikaku said. "From what you gathered from my son with your technique while he was unconscious tells us they need Ino for a reason."

"but for just how long?" The devoted, yet distressed father responded. "What if they want her for something that she can't perform?"

"If it was anyone's daughter or son, we would all come together to do what is needed to be done." Shikaku explained. "Tsunade is quick to act. ANBU are probably preparing as we speak."

"You're right." Inoichi sighed. "I just can't help but worry, she's my daughter. My only child. I love her."

"Ino knew the dangers of accepting the mission. We need to put faith in her. She is smart and cunning we don't know that she hasn't got a plan."

The pair stopped in front of the main double doors and Shikaku raised a hand to knock forcefully on the door.

"Enter!" A shrill voice commanded.

Inoichi pushed open one of the heavy oak doors and both walked inside. Both bowed deeply to the Daimyo who was seated in the center at the back of the room. He waved them in impatiently. "The meeting shall begin." He announced.

Tsunade was leaning against the wall, her arms folded, looking angry. Inoichi knew she hated the council for constantly meddling in her affairs and decisions as Hokage. "Why are we even here!" She snapped. "I have ANBU preparing to leave, this meeting is meaningless. As soon as Shikamaru is well I can deploy a squad-"

"No." Homura declared. "You will not waste any more men on Akatsuki, you were stupid sending them to begin with. This should have been an adults mission-"

"It was a mission they were quite capable of!"

"Clearly not!" Koharu interrupted defiantly.

Tsunade glared at the other woman in contempt and anger.

"Please," Inoichi pleaded speaking up, None of this is Ino's fault, she didn't mean for this to happen."

"The point is that this could be anyone and none of us trust a sixteen year - old girl to not leak information in exchange for her life." Koharu elaborated. "ANBU's Root alone will handle this problem."

"What!" Inoichi cried.

"Ridiculous!" Shikaku added. "If this is left to Danzo, Ino will some second whilst his own goals come first!"

"They are the best trained and equipped to infiltrate Akatsuki. I see no reason to endanger Ino Yamanaka any further. Any disturbance and they could kill her." Inoichi looked crestfallen even though he knew she was right.

Tsunade spoke up. "Again you insist on interfering with my decisions. I will not allow Danzo to take care of my apprentice alone. If you will not allow a Shinobi to go then I demand he sends Sai who will be accompanied by Katsuya!"

"I think that is a worthwhile argument." The Daimyo stated before the council could argue. This was Tsunade can be, and keep Inoichi, informed. Presumably Katsuya can heal on this mission as well Tsunade-Hime?"

"Of course." She added still staring at the elders.

Ignoring her anger the Daimyo turned to Inoichi. Of course as long as this is alright with Inoichi-San?"

The head of the Yamanaka clan didn't feel as if he could say otherwise, and all the arguing was time wasted looking for his beloved daughter. "Of course, Sir."

"Then this meeting is dismissed." The leader of the Fire country announced.

"What do you think the outcome will be?" Shikamaru asked the pink haired Chūnin, as she redressed his wounds carefully, quickly and efficiently.

"I think they will let you go as soon as you're better." She replied. "But that might not be for a while. I trust ANBU though. If Ino has ANBU looking for her then she will be fine. I saw them leave when I went to get your fresh bandages. They are very quick... Sai was with them."

Shikamaru nodded, but offered nothing more. Sakura was the perfect companion. She seemed to suck out all the anger and hurt he felt and he honestly believed her when she said to put her trust in Ino. Though she could not rid him of the guilt and worrying; being around her gave him a slight ease and made his resolve stronger. Whilst all he ached to do, was pull Ino into his arms and call her an idiot, he knew first he had to get well and strong again. There was still doubt in his mind as to where her allegiance lie and he just couldn't help it.

On one hand he just could not believe that she wanted to work with Akatsuki for her own selfish goals. But on the other hand, at least if she was, they would treat her as an ally and this would keep her safe. She was one of the smartest girls in class, she would know how to act if her life depended on it. Sometimes your life was worth more than honour. For his friends, Shikamaru knew what he would have to choose.

"We're here, un." Deidara eventually announced, as he wordlessly controlled the bird lower to land.

Ino's stomach suddenly filled with butterflies. The bird landed with a loud thump in front of a very dingy, very dark and very damp looking cave. The younger blonde gave a shudder as she peered noiselessly into it. Deidara held out a hand, a bit reluctantly she took it and naturally he pulled her up. On her feet, Ino remained controlled regardless of her legs wanting to turn to jelly. He helped her off the bird and with an extremely disgruntled look pulled the sack off roughly.

Ino followed him into the cave and as they entered, Deidara held up one free hand. What Ino wasn't prepared for was a sudden tremendous bang that made her clutch her heart in shock and fright. Around them the rubble started to fall and seal the entrance tiny bits of dust and small debris flying everywhere. Ino coughed as Deidara said "Zetsu will do the rest, un." He continued onwards unperturbed.

Still trying to calm down Ino barked at him angrily. "Did you have to scare me like that!"

Deidara chuckled the grin on his face infuriating the female. "I forgot, yeah."

"Bastard." Ino growled.

Ultimately the passage way opened up into a huge cavern that even Ino was in awe at. At the end of the room encrusted into the wall was a large face covered in what looked like eyes, some of them were open others had the rocky eyelids intact. Before this huge wall was two massive statue's of hands. Ino wasn't sure what either were used for but she knew it wasn't going to be good. Her marveling at the construction was cut short when a smooth voice cut her thoughts short. "Took you long enough."

The Kunoichi's skin crawled as she recognised Kisame who was perched lazily on top of one of the finger tips, his gigantic sword still strapped to his back. "We were waiting for you Deidara-san."

"We?" Deidara questioned suspiciously.

"Yes." Another voice affirmed from afar. Through the dim light of the candles, Ino saw Katsumi walk towards them. "Ah Ino is well, that is good. Now we can begin leader-Sama's wishes."

Ino was about to find out what Leader-Sama's wishes were, and really she would rather have not.

Well I hope you all liked that chapter. An update will be due as soon as I have time!

Wiggle xx