Sakura froze. Whatever it was, she had to think quickly. She pulled back trying to make it to higher ground. Her feet kicked sand, as she pushed her legs deeper into the unstable ground. The rumble of the mass stopped Sakura. She wobbled in place realizing it was under her. She watched as the ground below her began to rise like a wave. The Sand ballooned; A wave of beige mineral rising to a horrifying height. Sand began to fall as that wave crashed back down. The sheer force launched her, sending her tumbling down a sand dune.

She rolled, unable to slow her momentum. Sand pounded onto her frame, some even getting in her mouth and nose. She desperately tried to stop but couldn't. Her world was spinning, and she didn't know which way was up or down. She just knew she had to get away from whatever that thing was.

When she slowed, she popped up and began running in the opposite direction. Her feet struggled to carry her. It was so hard to run with the sand fighting against her movement. Each stride made her push harder, her legs were burning from pushing against the resistance of the sand.

Sakura ran for what felt like miles. Only stopping when she could no longer feel the rumbling of the ground beneath her. She felt like she was dying. Sakura gasped. She was bent over huffing, completely out of breath. Even though she was covered in sweat, her entire body was on fire.

What the fuck was that? With her hands still on her knees, she scanned her surroundings for the threat. Then it hit her. She had strayed from the path and now she did not know where she was. Sakura straightened and did a 360 looking for any sign of where she came from. Bringing her hand to her brow, she scanned over the vast sea of sand dunes. She didn't know where she was. Maybe she could retrace her steps she told herself. She could backtrack and start running in the direction of Suna. She faintly saw her steps. The strong gusts of sand wiped her tracks. She watched as they disappeared like they had never been there.

Sakura's head rolled back as she closed her eyes. She inhaled deeply, repeating this for a couple of breaths. What was she going to do? She was miserable. She was tired. She just wanted to go home. Her thoughts were all over the place trying to formulate a solution. Then it came to her. This was it. She was going to have to use her last pill.

A breathy sigh escaped her lips. She prayed that this plan would work. Normally there would be at least two shinobi, minimum when traveling to Suna. The feeling of anxiety and regret hit her. Maybe she should have just stayed in Konoha a while longer and taken the escort. If she hadn't been so impulsive. If she wasn't so emotional..She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. No time for what-ifs. That doesn't help her now.

Sakura pulled up her goggles and reached into her pocket. It took her a moment to process what was happening. Her heart sank. The pill case was gone.

Her other hand immediately checked her other pocket. Nothing. In desperation, she went to pull her bag, but she was met with only air. Her hands patted her body, then she desperately scanned the surrounding area.

"No, No, No, No." Sakura chanted. She could feel her eyes begin to swell with tears. She lost her gear. It must have come off when she was rolling. What was she going to do? It was one thing to not have the pill, but now she had no supplies or anything she packed.

"Damn it." She cursed under her breath.

She patted her thighs and became slightly relieved that her kunai case was still there. On the other hand, what good is a weapon if you are too dehydrated to use it? It wasn't looking good. Sakura hated to admit it, but she was fixated on not having her last military ration.

She had promised herself once she got to a certain point, she would take it. Why didn't she just take it earlier when she had the chance. In frustration, Sakura tore her cloak off with a guttural grunt. She smacked it to the sand and began kicking wildly. A scream of frustration escaped her throat.

"Hello!" She screamed.

"Anybody!"

(Naruto)

Naruto made his way through the emergency department of the hospital. Many of the nurses stopped, giving a nod, while some seemed shocked to see him there. Naruto walked up to the nurse's station where three nurses were seated. Immediately, they stood upon seeing the Hokage.

" Hokage Sama". They each said addressing the blonde in front of them. Naruto waved his hand with an empathetic smile.

"No need for any of that." He chuckled.

An older woman, closest to Naruto, spoke.

"What is it that we can do for you Hokage?"

"Is Shizune in today?"

The woman nodded. "She's actually back in her office. Would like for us to call her?" An older woman with glasses asked.

"Oh no, I can go back and see her." Naruto smiled.

"Chiza." The older woman said loudly. A tiny-looking brunette came from out of a room. She was pulling her gloves off.

"Yes.. Oh! Hokage Sama." She bowed.

The older woman turned to the girl. "Will you take the Hokage to Shizune's office please."

The girl nodded, then began walking towards a hallway parallel to the nursing station. "This way Hokage Sama." She sang.

Naruto followed the girl down a long hallway, doors became sparser the further they went down. The young girl in front of him kept a brisk pace and slowed when they came to the end of the hall; in front of a black door with Shizune's name on it. The girl hesitantly knocked, waiting for a response.

"Come in." A voice said behind the door.

The girl opened the door, peeking her head in. She murmured something faintly and pulled back outside.

"Shizune Sama is ready to see you." She bowed and left, leaving Naruto in front of the door.

He made his way into the office, greeting the woman behind the desk.

As he closed the door, he was ambushed by an overly excited pig.

"Oink! Oink! Tonton screamed.

Naruto crouched down, picking the pig up and in the air. Tonton squeed, making Naruto laugh.

"Someone has been eating good!" Naruto chuckled. He looked at Shizune. "What have you been feeding this girl Shizune?" He gave a toothy grin.

Shizune giggled. "It's Kakashi, he spoils her."

Naruto stood, releasing the plump pig. Tonton ran back to Shizune, plopping on her open lap with an audible thump.

Shizune rubbed Tonton's ears, making the pig lean into her touch. "Because someone has some babies in her belly." Shizune cooed as she continued to stroke Tonton's ears.

Naruto stretched his arms behind him, caressing his head.

"Geez.. even the pig's pregnant."

Shizune laughed in response. She motioned for Naruto to take a seat. He crossed the room, sitting directly in front of her.

"How's Kakashi doing these days?" Naruto asked.

Shizune sat back in her chair. "Same old same old. He's wanting to write his own make-out paradise novel." Shizune smiled. A warm glow appearing on her cheeks. Naruto was surprised when it came out, they were a thing. They never seemed affectionate. Everyone told Naruto he just wasn't paying attention. How was he supposed to know?

"Anyway, what brings you here today. I know you didn't take time out of your busy schedule just to chat.

Naruto's replaced his smile with a tight line. He took a moment to gather words before he spoke and then decided to just get to the chase.

"So, you know that Sakura- Chan came to me about the teaching position in Suna." Naruto started slowly. "She was supposed to have an escort accompany her this morning and she never showed."

Shizune immediately stopped petting Tonton and placed her on the floor. She brought her full attention back to Naruto. Shizune's jaw tightened ever so slightly, but Naruto caught it.

She forced a half-smile. "Where is she?"

"We don't know," Naruto said. He clasped his hands together and began rubbing his palms.

"Did Sakura Chan ever mention that she thought someone was watching her? Or coming into her apartment while she slept?" Naruto could feel the air change in the room.

Shizune's brows furrowed. "No. She never mentioned it." She said flatly. "She did mention that she wasn't sleeping well. I didn't press further than that." Her tone was cold. Colder than what Naruto was expecting.

Naruto nodded his head slowly. " Have you noticed a change in her behavior lately?"

Shizune tilted her head to the side like she was pondering. "I've noticed somethings." she said in a high-pitched voice.

"Well. "Naruto started. "I won't bullshit you. I'm worried about her." Shizune looked away from Naruto's gaze.

"Yeah." She nodded. "Me too."

They sat in silence for a moment. Naruto debated on if he should push. He felt Shizune was not telling him all that she knew.

"I came here to ask if you possibly knew anything going on with Sakura. Something I should know."

Shizune pursed her lips and shook her head. "I can't think of anything right off. If I do, you'll be the first that I notify Hokage." Shizune gave a reassuring smile, closing her eyes.

Naruto knew there was definitely something now. He just didn't know what. He stood and thanked Shizune. Giving Tonton a quick pat. He grasped the door handle but turned one last time to Shizune.

"I have one more question." He stated.

Shizune nodded her head.

"Do you know what happened between Sakura and Grandma?"

Shizune's face was unmoving, but Naruto saw something in her eyes. He just didn't know what it was.

Shizune took a moment to find her words. Her eyes were back on Naruto, that look still in them. "I will just say that there are three sides to every story." She paused. "And I just know that. That whatever happened was an accident."

Naruto knew that was all he was going to get out of Shizune. He nodded his head. "Yeah. I hear ya there. I'm sorry to run but thank you for all the info."

Shizune nodded. "Please let me know if they find Sakura" she said. He nodded and said his goodbyes.

Naruto left the office. As he walked, he found himself lost in thought. What was it that Shizune wouldn't tell him? What happened with Sakura and grandma? This concerned him even more. Naruto was near the nurse's station when someone called after him.

He turned and found the girl from earlier who guided him to Shizune's office.

"Chiza, right?" he asked.

She nodded, avoiding his gaze. Her hands pressed together as she stood there awkwardly in front of him.

"Umm can I help you with something?" He asked.

She looked at the floor and shook her head. "I." she started. She looked down the hall then at the nurse's station.

"Can I speak with you outside?" She asked. Naruto looked into her brown eyes and could see something troubling. He nodded and followed her to the front of the building.

The girl let out a shaky breath, still unable to look at Naruto.

"Is everything okay?" he asked in a concerned tone.

She shook her head. "It's about Dr. Haruno."

Naruto's face grew serious. She had his attention.

She bit her lip, then met his eyes. "I want to tell you what I know." She paused. "She's in danger."

Sakura felt hopeless. Her feet were now dragging in the sand. There seemed to be no end in sight. She dropped to her knees then plopped back. Pressing her back into the hot sand, she was at the sun's mercy. The rays were beaming on her. She could feel her skin sizzling. That was going to be a painful sunburn. If she made it to Suna..

Sakura rolled over, her body absorbing the heat of the mineral. She looked down at the vast sea in front of her. Dehydration was starting to get to her. Everything looked fuzzy. Maybe she would get lucky, and a scout would find her. Or Naruto would come to save her like he always did. This brought a smile to her face.

Her smile faded when she remembered her last day in Konoha. She really should have gone to their baby shower. Ino's too. That lump began to form in Sakura's throat. Her lip trembled and she could feel her eyes brim with tears. She pulled her goggles up and wiped her eyes with her hands. The leather of her gloves felt like sandpaper on her skin.

She sniffled, trying her best to hold her tears back. From this moment on she was going to do better. She was going to get better and be there for people, she promised herself. Sakura wiped her eyes, collecting herself before she stood. Her legs wobbled. On instinct, held her arms out to steady herself. She swayed in place until she found her footing.

She looked over the cascading dunes and for a moment she felt peace. A huge gust blew sand, making her turn. On instinct, she shielded her eyes. The tiny movement was enough for her to see something from her peripheral.

Sakura focused in, squinting her eyes. The heat waves from a distance had some formation to them. The longer she looked, the more the form began to grow. She began to walk towards it. Soon, she found herself running. Her emerald eyes focused on what she thought it might be. Sakura slid down the dune, stumbling at the bottom. She couldn't contain herself.

A hundred yards from where she stood, her eyes focused on the green foliage that surrounded a small body of water. Sakura had never known of an oasis being out here. Then again, she never cared to ask.

She found herself walking, then sprinting towards that small haven in this unforgiving desert. Sakura practically dunked her head in the water once she made it to her destination. It felt so cool on her skin and in her mouth. She couldn't help scooping handfuls to her lips. She drank till she felt like she was gonna be sick.

Sakura went to scoop another handful of water when she noticed something floating towards her in the water. Her eyes widened in surprise. A tiny container bobbed up in down on the surface. It was the military ration. Excitement swelled inside her, and she eagerly began to reach for the container, then stopped. The feeling of dread pierced through her. She felt a cold chill run all over her body. Something wasn't right.

Sakura scanned back over the area. An oasis in the land of wind? Her eyes looked back down at the water. The reflection of herself bore back into her. She continued to stare at her reflection when she noticed that the reflection began to change. The water began to bubble and with it, her features changed to her having white hair and purple eyes. Sakura stared transfixed. She couldn't look away. That's when the reflection flashed a grin, revealing shark-like teeth.

Before Sakura could react, her head was pulled into the body of water. She could feel hands holding her. On instinct, she tried to pull back. Bracing her hands against the edge of the pool, she pushed back as hard as she could. The sand seemed to break off, leaving a mushy foundation consistent with mud. Her hands dug into the muddy edge, making her hands slip with each flail of desperation.

It became a tug of war between her and the water. She couldn't hold it. She needed to think fast. Think Sakura think she told herself. Then it hit her. Bubbles escaped Sakura's mouth as she struggled to sit up. She widened her knees. One by one she struggled to get to a crouched position. She put her body weight in her hands. In a quick movement, she brought her knees up. Loading her feet with chakra, before she slammed them down in the sand in a stomping motion.

Her boots dug into the earth, giving her momentum to pull her head back. She struggled against the resistance. Her eyes opened as she gritted her teeth. Tiny bubbles escaped her lips as she fought with the force. The water had followed her from the pool like sticky sap and was still around her head. She didn't know how much longer she could hold this. She brought her hands up to form a sign.

Release!

The oasis had disappeared, but the water was bubbled around her head. She stood in the desert facing off in front of a white-haired ninja. His arm was connected to the bubble, as it took the form of water. Sakura remembered him. But from where?

The man flashed his teeth.

" Damn. Thought I had you there for a sec pinky."

Sakura pulled back struggling against the resistance. Her lungs were beginning to burn from the lack of oxygen.

The man tilted his head, looking at her under his brows.

"Don't fight it. Just accept it and this will be all over." He mused.

Sakura pulled hard in desperation, which made the man pull her to him. She immediately stopped resisting and flowed with his power. She lurched towards him. In that fraction of a second, she loaded up her fist with the little chakra she could muster and aimed for the ground.

Sand exploded into the air, sending a massive shockwave in the area. Sakura was sent flying back and rolled to a stop. Pink locks clung to her face as she feverishly tried to get oxygen into her lungs. Green orbs narrowed in the direction of her aggressor. The sand was still raining down around them. Sakura breathed heavily waiting for movement from the dust settling. She stiffened when she heard a voice.

"That was slick pinky." A voice said behind a cloud of dust.

The man walked forward, an annoyed look on his face. He eyed Sakura before speaking. Sakura took a guarded stance ready to fight.

The man held up his hands and chuckled. "Look, I don't want to hurt you okay."

"Fuck you." Sakura spat.

The man before her laughed showing his pointed teeth. He gave her a devilish look.

"See I don't think my boss would really like that." He began to advance towards her slowly, taking steps in a playful manner.

"Ya see.. I'm gonna need you to come with me. I'm a little annoyed because I was supposed to have you 3 days ago in Konoha. "

Sakura's body went rigid. Then the realization hit her. "It was you." She murmured.

The man stopped, eyeing her curiously. Sakura gave no response. She looked lost in thought, seemingly transfixed by some idea in her head. The silence was palpable until Sakura did something that surprised the man. She began laughing.

What had started as a soft chuckle soon turned to maniacal laughter. She was laughing so hard that she felt tears begin to form in her eyes. She couldn't stop herself. She continued to howl and this made the man uncomfortable.

He eyed her confused. He turned around and looked behind him then back at Sakura. She continued to laugh, now hunched over in a full belly laugh.

"He..Hey! What's so funny!?" The man demanded in anger.

Sakura held her side wiping her eyes. She let out a sigh then finally was able to speak.

"I'm not crazy." She declared.

Her wide eyes bore into him. Sakura found herself still laughing a little. " Here for the past month I've been second-guessing that someone was coming into my house, and it was you!" Sakura exclaimed.

The man's brow furrowed. His confused look didn't sway Sakura.

"Ughh.. look lady, I think you've been in the sun too long." The man said in a hesitant tone.

Sakura's demeanor immediately shifted. "Why can't you just admit it?" She pressed.

"What?" he asked, genuinely confused.

Sakura became angry and visibly annoyed. She pointed her finger at him. "Admit you've been coming into my house you freak!" She shouted.

The man held a dumbfounded look on his face. He seemed almost caught off guard by Sakura's interrogation.

"Are all you leaf ninja just fucking batshit?" The man shook his head, clearly annoyed. His lips turned into a thin line as his eyebrow seemed to twitch. "I have been tailing you and walking in this fucking desert…" The man stopped himself, clenching his jaw. He narrowed his eyes, a look of contempt plastered on his face.

"You know what?" he paused pointing his finger back at Sakura. "If he wants you, he can come get you!" The man screamed.

Sakura began to feel woozy and fell to her knees. Her body all of the sudden felt very heavy. Heavier than it felt before. She looked at her hand and back at the man under half-lidded eyes.

"What.?" She stammered.

The man let out a sigh. "That water that you got in your mouth is a special brew that one of our medical ninja has been working on." The man said in a harsh tone.

Sakura placed her hand on the ground to steady herself. She felt like she couldn't control her body.

"Poison." Sakura huffed.

"Not quite. But kinda." The man grinned at her. He took this opportunity to make his way towards her.

Sakura began to panic, her body felt so lethargic like her energy was draining by the second.

She gripped into the sand to steady herself when she felt it. She felt that bump again. She looked up in horror towards the direction of the pulse. The man stopped in front of her. He was towering over her when he noticed her face.

"What?" He asked.

The ground rumbled and the sand moved like velvet. A form began to rise, shifting the sand and sending everything off balance.

"The fuck!?" Sakura heard the man say before she was pushed back, buried under the sand that washed over her like a wave. She struggled to breathe as she felt the weight of all that sand on her. She couldn't move. This is it was the last thought she had before she passed out.

(Naruto)

Naruto found himself pacing around his office. He couldn't sit still after his conversation with Chiza at the hospital. He was already concerned about Sakura, but now he was absolutely scared for her. He waited anxiously when a knock came to his door. His secretary peeked her head in.

"Hokage Sama, Shikamaru is here to see you."

Naruto gave a waving motion with is hand signaling for her to send him in.

Shikamaru came in, hands in his pockets. He held his usual bored expression as he cleared the distance between them.

"The guards at the village gates said she left last night and verified it was her. Said she was in a hurry." Naruto nodded at his words. Hearing that didn't make him feel any better about all of this.

"What did you find out?" Shikamaru asked.

Naruto gave him a concerning look.

"I need to ask something of you." Naruto said.

Shikamaru sighed. "And that is?"

Naruto's eyes became hard.

" I'm going to need you to break into Shizune's office and take a file that involves Sakura."

Shikamaru crossed his arms.

"Can you not just ask for them?" he sighed.

Naruto shook his head. He positioned himself to lean against his desk. "When I talked to Shizune today she was hiding something."

Naruto focused on his thoughts and began rubbing his chin between his fingers.

"I don't know what it is, but a nurse told me that she overheard part of a conversation between Shizune and Sakura."

Shikamaru nodded, waiting in anticipation.

"Apparently it was bad."

Shikamaru's eyebrow furrowed. "That's it. No more detail than that." He questioned.

Naruto shook his head. "I want to make sure it's true before I say anything." Naruto's eyes held a sadness behind them.

"What a drag." Shikamaru said placing his hands behind his head.

"There's something else."

Shikamaru sighed.

"I want a unit sent to Suna as soon as possible to make sure that Sakura- Chan is there."

Shikamaru grimaced. "That may take a bit longer."

Naruto gave him a questioning look. "why?"

"There's a huge sandstorm about to hit Suna. It's supposed to hit in the next two days."

Naruto became rigid. "That means that Sakura-chan."

Shikamaru interrupted him. " If she is keeping a good pace, she'll be in the middle of it."

Naruto clenched his fists in response. His eyes focused on the ground. "How long till we can send scouts?" He said in a cold tone. Naruto found himself molded to his desk, unable to move.

"Four days at the earliest." Shikamaru replied.

Silence washed over the room. There was a tension building. Naruto removed himself from his position and walked towards the window looking out at the village. With his back to Shikamaru, he spoke.

"Plan a squad to head out four days from now."

Shikamaru agreed.

"Shikamaru." Naruto said.

He turned his face looking at Shikamaru from his peripheral.

"We need those documents. I don't care how you get them. Get them."

Shikamaru nodded. Naruto's seriousness seemed to put pressure on the situation. It was evolving into something. Something that their peers may not be able to fathom. It was bad. The urgency in his tone said it all.

Naruto continued to stare out the window long after Shikamaru left. He found himself looking over the village, watching the residents go about their daily lives. Then he thought of Sakura. How she was the last time they spoke. He imagined that Sakura all alone in the land of wind during a Sandstorm.

His jaw clenched at the thought. He had to shake his thoughts. Sakura- Chan was strong. She was smart. If she got caught in the storm… No. Naruto didn't want to think about it.

She was going to be okay he kept telling himself. She was going to be. Please be okay. Please be safe Sakura- Chan.

A/N: I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to read this story, as well as become invested in it. It makes me smile when I receive notifications about people enjoying the updates, as well as seeing how many of you are reading something I have written. Again, thank you.

I just started my first semester as a graduate student, and I work full time. Whenever I am not busy, I will be updating this story. I am aiming for weekly updates, but if it is too stressful then it will be biweekly. I hope you all are doing well, and I can't wait to let this story unfold.

P.S if there are errors I apologize. I wrote most the day and edited and will look back over this chapter with fresh eyes.

Xoxo

Ghostie