Sum-Vampires have needs. Too bad for Sakura that she's one of those needs. And vampires don't give up easily. When Sakura moves to a new town, she must start a new life as well. The town she now lives in is rumored to have vampires wander the streets at night. Sakura hardly believes in tall tales, but when she moves there, she learns to believe the hard way…especially when she's in love with one.

a/n: updated!! woot-woot! loving the way this story is turning out...i keep getting ideas (on how to go on) and end up making more chapters! haha...it's both a gift and curse to me...lol. i intended with four more chapters since chapter...19 i think...maybe earlier but now i have at least...six more...i think. so yeah, almost but not completely over. Sorry for making Temari evil (for those that like her) but it's just to add cuz her bros are evil too...(sorry for those that like gaara and kankuro) Thanks for putting up with me and all that jazz and enjoy!!

CRIMSON MOON

CHAPTER 21: NIGHTFALL: CRIMSON MOON RISING

Deidara kept looking back at Sakura as she kept her space between her and the remaining four. Her eyes avoided his and stared at the ground in front of her. Two, Kisame and Itachi, walked behind and the other two, Deidara and Sasori walking ahead. She had no shackles tied to her, no ropes, or chains tying her to them.

So why didn't she run? Simple. She couldn't.

She wouldn't know where to run. And if she did, he'd chase. She couldn't out run him and even though he couldn't touch her, he could long enough to make sure to tie shackles on her. There were two others who hadn't touched her yet and would find no problem in quickly tying her up.

Another point, Sasuke was probably coming. And if she left, Itachi would kill him in rage and she'd have killed someone she loved for her own life. Still staring at the ground she walked slowly. The sound of dirt and stones getting kicked around under her feet. She stared at the dismantled graves that were once standing so proudly.

The souls were probably saddened by the sight. She knew she felt sad when she stared at the surrounding. She idly wondered how such a place for remembrance got so messed up. So dishonored in such a manner, as if no one cared for the dead anymore.

Was it when the whole kidnapping started and some started blaming that, that they themselves haven't really witnessed? Did they really dig up graves just to find a coffin with a vampire in it? Or was it young riff raff that were one day bored? Maybe it was just simply forgotten and in the past when those grieving moved on, with only little grief in their hearts?

Would her grave be so long forgotten that it'd one day, her grave that represented her, be broken and lost? Passing by the grave she let a silent pray go out to those who were deceased and crying.

Naruto's pupil changed into it's more demonic stare. He growled suddenly and the vampires stared out the window. Their eyes changing, glowing noticeably. Iruka shifted his gaze from the window to the clock. It was dusk…of course.

Anko cocked her gun and nodded at her two comrades. Silence filled the room and a slow sigh was heard, breaking the concentrating and eerie silence. Sasuke groggily sat up, his eyes shifting to everyone that was staring at him. His nose twitched and he glared out the window, his muscles tensing up but still feeling drained.

Kakashi tossed Sasuke a pack of blood. Sasuke gave a curt nod and pierced the bag, sucking on it as his stamina jumped back to normal, if not more. Tossing the bag into the nearest trash can, he glanced up at the two foreigners that were in that room.

Ms. Kurenai, the life skills teacher and Mr. Gai, the history teacher. Shifting his gaze to Anko she shrugged and he searched her mind for the answers he was hoping for.

"Their ex-vampire/demon hunters here to help." she thought deliberately towards him.

Sasuke closed his eyes and leaned back. "Why would you two help us?" he asked, he smirked, "How do we know you won't go against us and kill us too?"

Iruka, Kakashi, Naruto and Anko glared at him, "Sasuke! Don't be rude, they-" Anko was cut off by Kurenai's hand as she put it on her shoulders.

Kurenai shook her head and Anko only nodded. Gai rubbed his head and than smiled brightly, at least his attitude at school wasn't a show.

"Well, that's a good point Sasuke. We won't kill you because Anko here told us of you all. We were going to hunt you, but once Anko knew of the plan Kurenai and I had, she intervened. Saying that you were only trying to live here and we didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Except for Sakura and Sasuke always being together." he smiled, "Than I realized it was puppy love!" he laughed, "Aw, to be young again…"

Kurenai coughed to cover the awkward comment, "Um, I understand how you'd be not so trusting of us, but we want to help. This town is ours now too."

Sasuke shrugged, "Fine. But were not responsible for deaths that may come…"

Kurenai glared, "Don't worry, we've been in this business before…"

"Ignore his tough guy act, he's just crying inside because Sakura's out there." muttered Kakashi with a smile.

Sasuke glared but looked away. He couldn't deny it and trying to deny it would be a lie. Naruto shifted his weight and tossed Sasuke his weapons. Lazily, Sasuke caught it. Quickly strapping the holster to his leg he slipped on his black fingerless gloves.

His hand ran through his hair and idly sat by. His arm tingled and his cold finger slid up his arm, from his elbow to his wrist. He could feel a line from the attack earlier, it healed cleanly but it would take another minute or so for the scar to go away.

He was ready to go but the others seem to wait for something more. He closed his eyes, "Why aren't we leaving yet?" he muttered.

"In those clothes?" asked Kakashi with a sly smile.

Sasuke's eyes snapped open and he looked himself over. He honestly didn't notice he was still wearing his suit from the night before. Of course, the coat that went with it was discarded, but his slacks were ripped and dirty. His once white shirt ripped from wrist to passed elbow. Blood stained, dirty with the soil and particularly burned. His tie, comically, was still in tact.

Hooking his finger in the tie, he loosened it and tossed it off his neck. Much like a business man would do upon arrival from a harsh meeting. With a slow pull, he stood up.

"What does it matter?" he asked, "It's a war…"

Naruto rolled his eyes, "Normally I'd agree with you, but…in slacks? Those aren't proper attire for battle Sasuke…you'd be slower than usual with those…odd and all, it's true."

Sasuke closed his eyes, contemplating. "I'll catch up myself, go." he muttered.

Kakashi glared, "No way." he muttered.

Naruto nodded, "Were your brothers and if we don't stick together than what's the point?" he crossed his arms, "If you think your going to be the big hero by acting like that than your wrong!"

Sasuke again closed his eyes.

"Help me!"

"What's going on?!"

"…no…!"

Sasuke gritted his teeth in frustration. He could see Naruto, Iruka, and Kakashi slightly shaking. They could hear the screams, could smell the blood and death going on. Sasuke glared and clutched his fists.

"Go." his eyes began to glow, "Go or more innocent lives are going to parish for our foolish waiting!"

Slowly, Iruka nodded in agreement. "Alright. But hurry, night is approaching." Sasuke gave a curt nod and tried to block out the screaming last thoughts that rang in his head.

With quick speed, he ran up the stairs. Raiding his closet for something else that was 'suitable.' Something caught his eye and he dragged it out. His signature colors were chosen with a symbol that was known as his clan.

This day wasn't only to rescue, but to avenge. For both his love and his kin.

"Ino!"

The blond haired teen held off the demon that held her at bay. Her arms shaking as her kunai held his sharp teeth from making contact with her skin. Placing her foot between her and the demon she pushed him back. As he staggered back, she slashed at his chest and plunged the kunai deep into his chest.

It howled with short lived pain and fell to the ground. She didn't stick around to make sure it was dead. She stepped over his legs and joined her other friends that were in the same current situation. All of them in a semicircle, protecting Sakura's mother and grandma from hungry vampires and demons.

"I'm fine…" whispered Ino as she joined the circle.

"I told you all," muttered Sakura's Grandma, "You should listen to your elders!"

"Mother, not now!" whispered Sara.

"I guess, we should have listened…" muttered TenTen to no one in particular.

They all raised their weapons as more came by, all the ones that were hurt, coming back for seconds. Their semicircle grew smaller as they got closer together.

"I don't understand!" yelled Ino.

"Me neither! I thought ninjutsu was going to defeat vampires!" yelled Lee back, just as angry.

"It helps but not it does not kill them." said Sakura's grandma with a definite attitude.

"How do you know so much?" asked Shikamaru with a loud sigh.

"I've been around long enough…I've lived through the first Vampire Era. Of course I was young, but it's a blur somewhat. I just remember the signs of it and the rest I learned…" she smiled, "From spoken truth…"

Before any could ask what she meant, one demon lunged forward towards Hinata. She raised her kunai shakily. She didn't get to feel pressure build to push her back, opening her eyes, she noticed a woman standing in front of her.

Part of the gun in the mouth of the demon. With a smirk, she uttered, "Go to hell." pulling the trigger, the sound echoed and the bullet plunged in his mouth and out of the other end. The demon fell to the ground without another move.

"A-anko-sensei?" they muttered.

She turned and cocked her gun, "The one and only." she smiled. "Good job on holding them off, you can all go hide now."

Ino glanced around. Kakashi and Gai were holding off the rest of the vampires and or demons. She didn't see Naruto, Iruka, or Sasuke. She looked back at Gai and blinked. The others must of have caught what she was gawking at for they stood stunned as well.

Lee smiled, feeling teary eyed at his idol. "Gai-sensei!" he uttered with joy, "You are the best…"

Ino opened her mouth but Anko cut her off, "I'll explain later, but you all have to go hide!"

Ino glanced down at her feet, "They…they do have Sakura…don't they?" she whispered softly.

Anko glanced at them all, all of them were staring at her with the same anticipation to the question. Sighing, Anko nodded.

TenTen stepped forward, "Then, we want to go along…right?" she looked at the others who hesitated but stepped forward.

Ino nodded, "Right."

Anko's shoulders slumped, glancing at Kakashi whom stood a couple of feet away. He finally nodded and turned on his heel.

"Those weapons will do no good to a vampire or demon…" muttered Anko taking their weapons.

"We've noticed…" muttered Shikamaru in that bored tone.

"Follow me to my house, we'll get you situated." she glanced at Sakura's mother and grandma, "You two, will stay at my house. It's safe there."

Kakashi and Gai went on ahead as Anko kept her gun loaded in case for any that tried to attack them.

Sakura glanced around at the town she loved for as long as she knew. Sure she wasn't too happy when she received the news of having to live there, but inside, she missed coming back.

The town was being run by demons and vampires with bloody hands and mouths. Sometimes one carried a dead corpse in their arms as they continued to snack on their flesh or blood. She felt a shiver and crossed her arms around her.

The screams were growing and the houses were being destroyed with the vampires or demons powers. Some were making a game out of it. Four houses in a row were frozen over. A poor dog in the yard frozen solid on the spot.

Another group of houses looked like a tornado had blown it away, nothing but debris was still there. The rest, were still being decided on how to destroy. The world really looked like it was coming to an end.

The sky all dark and clouded ominously hovered over the town. Shadows were accented greatly and no light seemed to shine. Not from houses, or street lamps, signs or cars. Humans were running all over the place, trying to out run their foe that sought after them.

And Sakura followed the two vampires in front of her like she was royal and walking down the street, awaiting her peers. Her heart picked up it's pace as she saw a student from her class walk straight into the arms of a 'charming' vampire.

Her eyes were pupil less, meaning she wasn't in control of her body, the vampire was. He made her his puppet and then, he sunk his fangs, her will back again in time for the pain. Sakura squeezed her eyes closed as the ear piercing scream hit her ears. The tears worked their way down her face.

Her eyes reluctantly opened and she noticed a little girl running down the streets from a masochist pedophile vampire. His tongue darted out of his mouth and licked his fangs in anticipation for young blood. The little girl held a teddy bear in her arms as she yelled desperately for her mother or father.

Sakura saw as the girl tripped and fell. The vampire hovered over her as he prepared to attack. On a whim, Sakura ran towards her. Her bare feet hitting debris of sticks and rocks. Luckily no glass. Her heart pumping faster and faster as she prayed they wouldn't stop her.

She placed her hands out in front of her as she pushed the vampire that was about to attack the girl away. The shield crackled and gave him a good burn on the shoulder. It ripped through his blood stained fabric and he hissed, rolling on the ground as the burn marked him.

Sakura wrapped her arms around the little girl and hugged her. The little girl shaking with fear as she clung onto Sakura for dear life. Sakura cooed to the girl and told her it would be alright and she was safe. Standing up, Sakura carried the girl.

Kisame stood in front of Sakura, his eyes narrowed her at. He reached out, intending to take the girl away but Sakura twisted her body and he touched her shoulder, the shield burned his hand and he wretched it back with force.

Before he could make another attempt, Deidara appeared in front of Sakura and held Kisame's wrist. Kisame glared at the interference from him. No one stopped him except for Itachi and Deidara knew that but he was willing to make the challenge.

Sakura smiled as she tried to soothe the child's crying. Kisame pulled his wrist away from Deidara and glared. His hand going to the handle of his sword. Sakura's eyes widened, was he really going to attack a member of his gang?

"Stop it Kisame." muttered Itachi. "We are wasting time. Leave the girl alone and Deidara keep your place."

Deidara nodded and gave Kisame a glare. Kisame went back to Itachi's side and Sakura followed Deidara back to them. Sakura got the girl to quiet her loud wails to a soft sniffle or two.

"Thank you." she whispered to Deidara.

Deidara only gave her a curt nod. She knew he couldn't act so friendly around them all, it could get him in trouble and Sakura didn't want that for him. She began walking like she did before and held the girl closer to her. Her face buried in Sakura's shoulder for comfort.

Sakura noticed they were heading for the center of Konoha. It was the place where the moon could be seen so brightly and full. That's what he wanted, when the moon was at it's highest, it was right over the center of Konoha.

With a frown, she realized it was coming closer. She shifted the girl in her arms as a nervous reaction. The girl sniffed again and Sakura glanced down at her. Brushing her bangs out of her face, Sakura smiled down at her.

"You'll be okay…" she whispered to her. Comforting the girl, yet…comforting her self as well.

Iruka glanced up as Anko entered her house. Anko gave him a nod and led the group of teens towards her weapon's room.

Ino glanced towards Iruka, a good over half of the town's people were in her house. Iruka was rounding up the humans in her house. Anko's house was small but pretty big inside, it gave the whole deceiving look and another plus was the fact that it was hidden away from the town. Not far but you'd have to look around to find.

Candles were burning lightly in random parts of the house. All were huddled together and Iruka led Sakura's mother and grandma towards them, mumbling something as he led them. Ino entered the room and Anko tossed her two guns.

The rest chose their weapons and she gave a quick how-to on the weapons they had chosen. Giving them quick tips and handing out smaller weapons such as daggers that she seemed to have an endless supply of.

After all had something other than two guns, they went to the other room, searching for their parents to say bye in case they didn't come back. As they slowly kissed and hugged, said bye with a small twinkle of regret in their eyes they went to Anko.

The sounds of a mothers sobs echoing in the room. When all assembled at the door, Anko nodded. Glancing back at them she warned, "You can't turn back now…" she whispered, "We battle for this is real."

Choji gulped but Shikamaru held him by his collar so he wouldn't leave them.

Anko nodded since no one backed down. "Alright, but one last thing…" she stared at them, "Don't die!"

She threw open the door and out they went.

Sasuke jumped from the tree and slammed his kunai into the vampire below him. Taking it out, a trial of blood flowing the kunai. Shoving the vampire against the tree, he glared.

"Zaku…tell me where Itachi is." he gritted.

Zaku coughed, the poison slowing his abilities, "…I-I don't know…" he managed. Sasuke growled and sliced the kunai back into his previous wound. Shoving it deeper than last and pulling it down to make the wound longer.

Zaku yelled, Sasuke could feel the blood on his hands, his nails piercing into his other shoulder that pinned him to the tree. He glared at him, waiting for an answer before he killed him. When he didn't say anything, he took the informal way, he zoned out all the other panicking thoughts and focused on his.

"--------"

Sasuke opened his eyes, the sharp noise startled him and he noticed Zaku smile arrogantly.

"Try as you might Sasuke…uh, the sound power I possess will not allow you to read my mind so easily." he muttered with a smirk.

Dragging his kunai from shoulder, he sliced around shoulder, towards neck. The tip of the blade at his throat, immediate puncture of his vein with poison when poison was already in his blood would kill him in a matter of minutes. Even if it was just poison, too much did kill.

"The-the…" he swallowed slowly, "where the moon is able to be seen…" he whispered.

Angered at such a vague answer, Sasuke took his nails and slashed at his neck. A gaping wound appeared and the body laid on the ground. Sasuke licked his bloody fingers and turned. A girl cowering as she fell on the ground.

Her eyes wide as she stared at Sasuke licking the blood of his opponent off his fingers. She shook her head, tears falling down her petite face, Sasuke could hear her pounding heart.

He extended her hand but she flinched and cowered the other way. Sasuke knelt down and touched her shoulder.

"Your safe, I'm not going to drink your blood…someone will be around to get you." he stood back up, "by the way, your welcome. I saved your life, instead of acting scared, you should be grateful. I could be bad. But I'm not."

The girl stared up at him, fear still evident but she nodded. "Thanks…Sasuke."

Iruka came by and Sasuke nodded towards the girl. Iruka placed his hand on Sasuke's shoulder reassuringly as he passed. Sasuke ran, trying to find another that may give him answers or another to take out his aggressive feelings on.

"Yo, Sasuke!"

Sasuke looked up and stopped, nodding at the new comers.

"About time you all showed up. It seems that Itachi set out earlier this time." muttered Sasuke.

"Yeah, unfortunately we noticed." muttered Genma.

"Genma, Asuma and Ibiki, lead our vampires in town. Anywhere they hear screams or smell fresh blood. If any of you see Itachi, tell me. Surviving humans lead them to the house a bit in the forest. Leave some vampires to protect that place too." Sasuke nodded at them.

"Wait Sasuke." muttered Asuma, his cigarette hanging lazily out of his mouth, "Genma and I are coming with you."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes but agreed, he didn't feel like arguing. "Let's go." whispered Sasuke.

Genma and Asuma glanced at each other, surprised that he didn't put up much of a fight. Ignoring that, they followed him.

While, Ibiki led the group of vampires around town.

Sakura sat on the cold ground. The wind was blowing fiercely, threatening to spill rain at any point, but she could tell it was dark out. There was a huge clock tower a ways behind them and it felt awkward to sit on the empty road.

She could see fire and smoke. She could hear things being destroyed and peoples lives passing as they ate them. The girl had fallen asleep in her arms and was peacefully awaiting death or to reunite with her parents and live.

Sakura was fighting for her, so she could live longer. She had so many years ahead and if she could see all the young ones grow up, that'd be okay. She noticed Itachi glance at her and than the clock that said ten o'clock.

Deidara continued to stare at her as well. Something in his eyes told her that he was contemplating many things. Sakura heard something and she noticed Itachi was standing before a group of vampires. None that Sakura recognized but they all bowed before Itachi, so she knew they were allies of his.

"Itachi-san. We've run into a problem…" muttered the blond haired vampire.

"Of…" he muttered.

"All the humans have gone into hiding, we can't smell them anymore and others have arrived. Were slowly losing our allies, Zaku is dead…along with others." muttered the guy that was next to her.

"Gaara? Kankuro?" he asked.

The blond vampire shook her head, "No. They are still out there, probably fighting those who oppose." she spat to the side, "Against your younger brother and his friends."

"Sasuke…" whispered Sakura.

Itachi glanced behind him and back to them, "Join them, Temari. Hold them off until the hour is over."

Temari glared at Sakura, her eyes sharp and then she closed her eyes. As if, unsatisfied with something.

"Sakura!"

The pink haired girl looked up, "Ino…?" she whispered shocked.

Temari turned, and glared. Anko appeared behind her, as well as the other hunters.

"Attack." muttered Itachi.

Temari led her group of vampires towards them. Sakura saw Ino raise her gun and begin shooting them as they came by. Sakura felt her heart speed up as they all began to fight with the skills they learned. Sakura closed her eyes, hugging the little girl again.

"…no…" she thought. "Please…Tsunade, protect them all…"

Naruto jumped off the tree branch and landed on another. Glancing behind him, he looked at the hunter that was with him.

"You sure I'm not going too fast?" he asked. He had taken the scenic route while Kurenai took the route that she could, on ground.

She hunched over and sucked in a long needy breath, smiling the best she could she nodded. "Uh-huh, just…just keep going!" she encouraged.

Naruto shrugged and took her word for it. Before he could go on, he jumped back, several weapons landed in the spot he was standing in. looking up he smiled, Kurenai took out her gun and aimed it skillfully upward.

Waiting, she too knew something was wrong. Naruto dived to ground level with Kurenai. Standing back to back with her, they looked around.

"You ready?" asked Naruto.

"Born ready." she answered.

"Come on out, Gaara. Kankuro." yelled Naruto.

A sly smirk appeared in the trees above, the other was a monotone face that was as placid as stone. Danger had found them.

a/n: Kay, so a little cliffie there and all. R&R for me, thanks. umm...any confusions tell me, the little girl isn't anyone specific...just some random person. oh and some unrelated news i watch Triston and Isolde (I Luv James Franco!!) and thought it was a good movie. Back to real news: i should be updating May 5th. (wow, may already?!) so yeah, any Q's? Ask me, i really apprecaite your comments so fire away, kay? later.