Oh look an update! XD Here we are another chapter to my Love, Blood, and Sand story. Only took me forever to get this out. You'd think I'd be able to move faster seeing as I'm rewriting something from before rather than pulling it completely out of my ass as I go. Anywho read on and let me know what you think! More to come soon..ish..

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, only my made up characters and added plot elements.

Kyuu paced around her room. It had been two days since that night with Gaara. She stepped out to buy a new door and a few new pieces of furniture to replace the ones she broke but beyond that she hadn't left her room. She refused to eat anything and ignored all of Haku's attempts to talk to her. Mitsune tried and was also ignored. She didn't want to see or speak to anyone. Kyuu spent those two days in a bal on her bed crying or exploding into fits of rage. On occasion she tried writing to express her overwhelming emotions but it didn't help much so she returned to crying or pacing back and forth in agitation.

Currently it was nighttime and Kyuu was pacing around her room. She paused and looked back over at her desk before walking back to it. Earlier she had tried to write but hadn't succeeded in getting anything decent out. The song she had tried to write was obviously about Gaara and covered in places where she crossed things out and changed verses until she eventually had given up. She glared at the attempt of a song, fighting back the urge to cry again. "You're such a piece of shit." She hissed and wiped away a tear that managed to fall. She tore the failed song out of her journal and crumpled it up before throwing it away.

Kyuu then began flipping through the journal, there was another song she needed to rip up and burn now.. She paused in confusion when she turned the pages to where it should have been. The song she was looking for had already been ripped out...

"Hmph, say and do all that shit but still steal my song?" She scoffed, throwing her journal back on the desk. She wasn't sure when he might have taken it or why considering, but she couldn't bring herself to care.

"Kyuu? Kyuu are you hungry?" Haku called through the door, knocking twice.

"No." Was all she replied, back still to the door.

"You haven't eaten in two days... You need to eat."

"Not hungry." That was a lie, she was dying of thirst..

"You need your strength. The final exams are tomorrow..."

"I'll be fine. Leave me alone... please.."

After a moment's protest Haku finally left her alone. Kyuu sunk down on her bed and stared at the floor. Tomorrow she'd have to see him again. They couldn't avoid each other with the exams taking place. She'd have to show herself to everyone.. She wanted to hide away, yet a fight would be a great way to release her anger...

Kyuu brooded for awhile until a painful twisting sensation erupted in her stomach and her eyes flashed red. She was ravenous. She glared at her bedroom window, eyes flashing red again. Well Haku did tell her yesterday that fresh air would do her some good...

Kyuu grabbed her shoes and headed to her window, opening it up and slipping out into the cool night air. She stalked around town glaring at anyone who gave her an odd look. Which were a lot of people. She supposed, somewhere in her mind, that she looked like shit. She was out in the same sweatpants and tank top she'd worn for two days, her hair wasn't the least bit brushed, falling in a tangled mess all over, her skin paler than ever, and heavy bags under her eyes. Eyes that were now glowing red from her hunger. She attempted to keep a grip on her hunger while she walked. Her negative emotions and thirst made her want to start ripping people's throats out. Still she tried to control the urge. She wouldn't hurt people, she wouldn't kill humans that didn't deserve it, she wouldn't be him.. She needed blood though and to hunt something.. animals would do.

Kyuu left the village and went into the woods to hunt. Two hours later she returned, receiving even more fearful glances as she was now covered in blood. She didn't care though, her hunger was now satisfied. Kyuu paced around the village now rather than heading back home. She just let her feet take her wherever they wanted with no destination in mind. Her mind was far away again. Soon though she realized her feet had taken her to Gaara's hotel. She glared out at nothing, mad at herself before sighing and looked around. Gaara was up on the roof as usual, facing away from her.

Kyuu watched him sit there. She couldn't decide if she wanted to walk away, scream at him, cry, or punch him. She took a hesitant step forward but stopped. Gaara stiffed up, realizing he was being watched by her. Yet he didn't turn around and look at her. After a moment where neither did anything Kyuu turned to leave, figuring he wasn't even going to acknowledge her, but paused again. Was he singing? She turned back to look up at him and listened.

~~~~~Walk Away by Five Finger Death Punch~~~~

I'm sorry for the demon I've become
You should be sorry for the angel you are not
I apologize for the cruel things that I did
But I don't regret one single word I said

Just walk away make it easy on yourself
Just walk away please release me from this hell
Just walk away there's just nothing left to feel
Just walk away pretend that none of this is real

Could you forgive me if I told you that I cared?
Would you be sorry if I swore that I'd be there?
Please forgive me for laughing when you fall
I'm so sorry but I never cared at all

Just walk away make it easy on yourself
Just walk away please release me from this hell
Just walk away there's just nothing left to feel
Just walk away pretend that none of this is none of this is...

Gaara trailed off in his singing, finally turning around and bringing his gaze to her. She looked like a total disaster, completely unkempt and bloody. Her eyes were swimming in tears and her face looked broken. He ignored the lurch of pain he felt in his chest and continued to sing. He needed her to leave. He couldn't handle her near him now. It was all too late. He needed her to understand and to break her even more.

Just walk away make it easy on us both
Just walk away there was never any hope
Just walk away you already know the deal
Just walk away, pretend that none of this was, none of this was real...

Gaara finished the last lines of the song and continued to glare down at her. He held his glare not saying a word, until finally, with tears running down her face, she turned and left without a word. Once she was gone he lowered his gaze to the ground below him and his face fell. He couldn't wait to be rid of this place and rid of her. Tomorrow would be the final piece, everything would come to light and it would all be over. He hoped the ache he felt in his chest would leave after that. He couldn't change to what she wanted, not now. Going through with this mission, killing the emotions she stirred up, shattering what he built with her, destroying her and everything she loved, it would be the final push. He'd give himself completely to his darkness after this and be free. It was just too late now to stop it. There was never any hope for him..

Kyuu burst into her apartment. Her tears had stopped on her walk back but her mood was dark. She felt broken all over again. Haku, who had fallen asleep watching TV on the couch, jumped awake as she entered. "Kyuu? I didn't know you went out... Is that blood?!"

"It's not mine." She answered, already trying to head back to her room.

"That's not reassuring... "

"It's not human either. I went hunting in the woods." She replied.

"Kyuu-

"I'm going back to my room now. I'll see you in the morning." She cut in.

Kyuu ducked into the kitchen on her way to her room and grabbed two more blood packs before locking herself in. Once inside she looked at herself in the mirror. She was a wreck... Kyuu glared at her reflection and drank the blood she brought. Then she gathered up a clean set of clothes and went to her bathroom to shower and clean herself up. After her shower she sat down on her bed and worked on her hair. It took awhile to get all the tangles out but once she had, she tied it back in a long braid down her back. She let her bangs and side bangs frame her face. She then looked at herself in the mirror again. She looked somewhat decent now, minus the dead look in her eyes. She replaced her usual fighting kimono. Her new dress was black. It folded and tied shut in the front near her hip, creating a v-neck from the fold. It was split at the hip on both sides. The dress itself went down to her ankles and along the edges of the dress and down the neckline was a red border/trim. She had a red obi tied around her waist without the huge bow in the back. Though her swords, she still fastened back there with her belt. She wore a black mess sleeveless shirt under the dress and black shorts. The shorts were solid black cloth until midway down her thighs, then it switched to mess the remainder, stopping a few inches above her knees. She then put on black fingerless gloves and tied her headband around her right thigh above her kunai pouch. She also put on a pair of solid black sandals rather than her old shoes. Finally after refastening her choker she deemed herself ready and her new look acceptable. When she bought the clothes originally, she had the intention of changing her style with the hopes that Gaara might like the new look. As well as to be more practical in battle. Her old dress trailing and getting in the way all the time. Now however it was just to be practical and the heavy amount of black fitted her mood.

Kyuu sat around her room ready to go until it was finally morning and time to head out. She had already opened her door before Haku had a chance to knock. "I'm ready, are you?" She asked bluntly after seeing him standing there.

"Yeah, but grab some breakfast before we leave." He replied, a bit taken back.

"I don't need it." Was all she replied and they headed off.

"Your new look is nice." Haku tried as they walked but she didn't say anything. "Kyuu, listen to me. Seriously, are you ok?"

"I'm fine."

"You don't seem fine. Are you sure you want to do this today? You can just not compete. No one would hold it against you. "

"I. Am. Fine. I will compete. I'm not forfeiting my match just because I'm a little moody."

"A little?"

Kyuu shot him a dirty look. "Besides, fighting will do me some good. Lets me release some rage."

"That's what I'm worried about..."

"Well don't. I don't need you to worry about me. Focus on your own match."

"Just don't lose control of yourself..." He sighed.

When they arrived to the arena they took their places in line. Kyuu glanced around, Naruto and Sasuke were both absent. Her glance then turned to Gaara and his siblings. Kankuro and Temari were making a very obvious attempt at avoiding her gaze and Gaara glared out in front of him. He seemed on edge though. All three of them did in fact. She mentally shrugged it off and looked at her opponent. She was a little surprised to see her glaring at her already. She glared back then faced forward.

Finally Naruto showed up with a stupid entrance and joined them all. It was then that the ref made an announcement. The fighting order would be rearranged. Sasuke's match pushed back while they waited for him and one of the sound ninja had been removed (she noted it was the one Gaara killed). Naruto was going to go first now. Then Tsuki, then Kankuro, she'd be next, then Haku, Shikamaru, and finally Gaara, if Sasuke showed.

With all that decided Neji and Naruto remained in the ring while the others headed to the designated waiting spot. Kyuu wished Naruto good luck briefly and then went to wait and watch.

While they stood and watched the fight Kyuu noticed Haku, Tsuki, and Shikamaru all putting themselves between her and Gaara. She wasn't surprised Tsuki had heard what happened nor for Shikamaru's behavior since he was at the hospital too that day.

Kyuu watched Naruto's fight with interest. She couldn't stand that Neji for what he did to Hinata and his attitude. She was eager to see Naruto kick his ass and take him down a notch. Naruto struggled a lot but finally managed to win the fight. She now watched him in growing curiosity. She noticed the shift in his chakra's color and intensity. She knew it was the fox's chakra again, but he had full control over it this time. In his fight with Haku it was triggered by rage and pain and it took control of him. Yet here he called on it on his own and wielded it himself. When Naruto finally joined them after celebrating she looked him over. "That frog training pay off?"

"Yeah! Just wait and see what else I can do!" He grinned.

"Summon tadpoles?" She smirked, despite her mood.

"No. Something way bigger than tadpoles." He winked.

Haku and Naruto cheered for Tsuki when she was called down. Beyond her initial words of encouragement though Kyuu couldn't bring herself to do the same. She couldn't muster up any excitement. She stole another look at Gaara. He seemed very agitated, more so than usual and his siblings' demeanor still seemed off. She was curious but told herself not to care. When Tsuki won her fight there was still no sign of Sasuke. She was growing more curious about his whereabouts as well. Kankuro was called to fight Shino but outright forfeited his match, declining to fight. Kyuu stared at him in suspicion. Why wouldn't he fight Shino? What was going on? It didn't feel right.

She didn't have time to dwell on it though as the ref accepted his refusal and her match was called. Shrugging off her suspicions and focusing on the fight about to take place she jumped off the railing and into the ring below. Her opponent followed in the same manner.

"I'm surprised you even showed up." She spoke when they both reached the center.

"Why's that?" Kyuu demanded.

"Rumor has it a little vampire girl got her heart broken.. She could be seen running through the streets in tears a few nights ago and just last night roaming around in the dead of night looking like a total train wreck. It must have been you." She mocked.

"Fuck off." Kyuu growled.

"So who was it that broke poor vampy's heart? Was it that dreamy Sasuke everyone is so interested in? Oh I know, it's that redhead up there who you followed around all month like a little puppy."

"I'm warning you..." Kyuu growled, fists clenching.

"Well, doesn't matter anyway. Rumors got a big thing wrong after all. A monster doesn't have a heart to break. "

"That does it!" Kyuu snapped and flung herself at her opponent. She threw a punch at her face but she narrowly dodged it.

"Struck a nerve did I? Can't see why you're so upset. Getting turned down shouldn't be a surprise for you. Nobody would love a monster." She taunted.

"Shut up! Shut up!" Kyuu shouted and this time landed a hit. Her opponent was sent flying by the force of Kyuu's punch.

"Got to hand it to you, Kiraa was right, you are strong." She stated as she got up off the ground and stumbled with her footing. "But that's not going to be good enough."

"We'll see about that."

"Will we? You should know, hunting monsters is a little hobby of mine. Can't tell you how excited I was to hear about you and to be picked as you opponent too? It's fate. Clearly I was sent here to put you out of your misery."

"I'm going to suggest you stop talking if you want to keep your tongue."

"See that's what I want to hear! None of that sob story shit you spun on my sister. Show your true colors. Show who you really are. Let them all see the monster hiding among them! Oh wait.. your village already hates you doesn't it?

Kyuu shook in rage, her eyes flashing red. "Be careful what you ask for." She hissed and charged at her. Kyuu drew both her swords and swung them at her but she blocked them both with ease. Kyuu didn't even see her draw her sword.

"Tell me, do you know how fast the speed of sound is?" She asked with a bored glance. "I wonder how your speed compares..." She mused and drew her second sword before Kyuu could even blink, piercing it into her stomach.

Kyuu jumped away from her, sword still running her through. "So you're not all talk then." Kyuu hissed in pain.

"Not at all." She replied, smiling under her mask. She then snapped her fingers and Kyuu cried out in pain as the sword in her sent electricity shooting through her. Kyuu screamed as she fell to her knees, ripping the sword out of her and throwing it aside. She glared up murderously at her opponent, eyes blazing red.

What followed was a battle barely anyone could see. The two moved too fast to follow. All that could be heard was the clashing of metal and crackles of electricity. However, when each one paused in their attacks the audience could see the damage. While Kyuu was getting in shots and doing damage it was clear she was taking most of it. She was bleeding heavily from multiple slashes and several stab wounds. Her arms, legs, and torso were all cut up and she had been stabbed in the shoulder, thigh, and right side of her chest as well as a second blow to her abdomen. Though her rapid healing kept her going, it did nothing for the pain and the electricity repeatedly sent through her was agonizing. She was feeling herself grow weaker and weaker.

Kyuu's opponent managed to knock her to the ground and while Kyuu was on her stomach, stabbed her in the other shoulder as well as her leg opposite to the shoulder. She was pinned into the ground with both swords and electricity shot through her. She screamed in agony. It was torture. All her muscles tightening and spasming, her organs feeling like they were ripped apart, heart like it was going to explode, but her regeneration kept her from passing out, let alone dying.

"Stop it! Stop her fight!" She could hear Naruto scream from where he watched.

"She's torturing her! Call the match!" Haku shouted as well.

"I'm not forfeiting!" Kyuu hissed at the ref with what little strength she could muster. "I'm not done yet."

"Still got some fight in ya? Well by all means, get up and come at me!" Her opponent taunted. "I'm having a blast little monster. So please get up so my fun can continue."

'Damn it.' Kyuu cursed mentally, she tried to pick herself up but couldn't move. Every part of her felt like it was on fire. The pain never lessening and the amount of blood loss she sustained left her even weaker.

'You're pathetic' A voice rang out inside her head.

Kyuu's eyes widened in surprise, bewildered by the voice she just heard. 'Who-

'So much power and you have no idea what to do with it. You're a disgrace to us. Let me show you what you're truly capable of. A taste of the power you've locked away...'

Kyuu suddenly silenced her screaming. Her body stopped spasming form the pain and black chakra began to flow around her. The swords pinning her down flew out of her and she slowly began to stand up. Glowing red markings covered her body. They looked like sealing symbols. Her eyes were now glowing a solid red, no pupils, or anything, just masses of energy.

"What the hell is this!?" Her opponent cried, taking a few steps back.

"I thought you asked to see my true colors? Wanted to see what I really am? Well what do you think?" She hissed before vanishing. Kyuu materialized in front of her and grew a sadistic grin.

The fight began again. This time her opponent completely on the defensive. Kyuu threw punch and kick after kick at her relentlessly and with no mercy. Her strength able to break bones with ease and all too fast to follow by anyone with normal eyesight. Finally she allowed the girl to fall to the ground. She made a quick glance around the arena and in the blink of an eye she grabbed two of the fallen swords. She pierced one into each hand of her opponent, pinning her to the ground that way. She then crouched down on top of her. She stared down with a sadistic smile.

"Hurts don't it?" She taunted.

"Please..." She begged, barely conscious at this point.

"Oh? You're asking me the monster for mercy?" Kyuu spat, digging the swords in deeper. "I should kill you. I should drain you of all your blood to replenish what you took from me."

"Please don't..."

"It's a pity I can't do that little electricity thing you did. Give you a taste of your own medicine." She mused before grinning. "But you know what I can do? Check this out." She stated eagerly and rammed her hand into her chest. Kyuu's hand gripped her heart and she grinned down at her. "Wonder what would happen if I just squeezed..." She mused, squeezing gently. Her opponent merely gurgled in pain as blood pooled in her mouth.

"Enough!" The ref shouted and Kyuu shot him a dark look, not letting go of her heart.

"Kyuu stop it! Please! Don't do it!" She heard Naruto call down to her.

Kyuu turned her gaze up to Naruto. Her features began to relax and her eyes slowly turned to normal. The markings on her body disappearing. She gently let go of the girl's heart and got off of her, clutching her head with one hand.

"I'd get medical attention to her fast if I were you." She muttered to the ref. Medics ran out to get the girl and Kyuu was announced the winner but the ring was dead silent. Nobody in the audience uttered a word. Kyuu grabbed her swords and stumbled out of the arena without looking at anybody.

Kyuu made it half way back to her waiting point before collapsing. She lost too much blood and was too drained of energy to make it any farther. She fought to stay conscious as she laid out on the stairs. Before she blacked out however she saw a body fall in front of her. Lifeless. She blinked in confusion but gave into instinct and threw herself at it, feasting with the last of her strength. While she drank she heard the sound of somebody walking away.

When Kyuu finished feeding her strength returned to her. Or some of it did anyway. She shakily got off the corpse and looked at it. It was a random spectator, no one she had ever seen before. She glanced around, unsure of what to do with the body. After a moment's thought she dragged it away from out in the open and stashed it in a nearby room. She also used a kunai to slash at his neck, destroying her bite marks and making it appear as if his throat was slit instead. "Sorry body." She muttered and began to head back to the others, she'd come back and get rid of the body later when her absence wouldn't be noticed.

She was severely confused as she walked. She had no idea who brought her that body, the only person she could think of who'd kill so easily was Gaara but she couldn't understand why he would've done that for her. She was even more confused at what happened in the ring. The voice she heard inside her head and what happened to her, they weighed much more heavily on her mind.

Before Kyuu could get too far she heard footsteps coming from ahead and looked up to see Naruto running her way. "Naruto..." She turned her gaze to the ground, guilty for what she did.

"Kyuu! Are you ok?" He asked worriedly.

"Fine.." She replied and took a step forward but stumbled a little. She was still very weak after all.

"I gotcha." Naruto stated, grabbing her and steadying her. He swung one of her arms over his shoulder and positioned her so she leaned on him and he could help her walk. "Come on, Haku's match is about to start." He added.

"Why are you being so nice?" She muttered as he helped her walk along.

"Uh we're best friends aren't we?" He replied as if it were obvious.

"Naruto I almost ripped that girl's heart out!"

"Almost! But didn't! Kyuu, I've seen the dark part of you, maybe not to that extent before, but I know the darkness you fight to control. I know that wasn't really you down there. You listened to me and spared her."

"Yeah but she still might die.."

"And you would be dead if it weren't for your abilities. She would have killed you. She was torturing you. She's hardly innocent."

"Well I doubt many others will be as understanding as you."

"Fuck 'em. Ok? Don't worry about it, it'll all sort itself out."

Naruto helped her walk the rest of the way to their spot to watch and leaned her against the railing while still holding onto her. Kyuu noticed the visible distance everyone was keeping form her now. "Haku said to let you be for a bit, that's why he went to fight his match before you came up here. He thought you needed to be alone. But when I saw him suddenly disappear I went to find you." Naruto whispered to her and nodded to Gaara.

"Oh.. I didn't see him on my way up..." She replied, now wondering if it really was him that brought the corpse or someone else.

"Are you ok, Kyuu?" She heard Shikamaru hesitantly ask, coming over to them.

"Yeah, I'm fine now."

"Don't look fine. You look horrible." Tsuki stated, coming over as well.

"I'll be ok. All the wounds are closed now." She replied, at least they were speaking to her still..

Kyuu stole a glance at Gaara and the other two. Kankuro looked like he was trying to hide the fact that he was very uncomfortable and nervous and Temari looked at her apprehensively, as if she was trying to process new information and didn't like the results. Gaara refused to meet her gaze but his tense posture told her he knew she was watching him. Shino also remained silent in the corner away from her but she couldn't read any body language from him.

Kyuu turned her attention back to her brother's fight and watched him win it. His fight was much more well received. People actually cheered. He returned up to them and asked if she was ok. Once satisfied with her answers he relaxed. Shikamaru was called next to fight and while he contemplated forfeiting too Naruto knocked him into the ring to fight Temari.

'At least Temari's not forfeiting her match. Wonder why Kankuro bitched out..' Kyuu thought while she watched Temari. It wasn't like Kankuro to avoid a fight, especially an examination at that. Maybe he was just that freaked out by bugs.

Kyuu watched Shikamaru win his fight. For someone who didn't want to do it, he was really doing a good job. Temari proved to be extremely smart but he still out brained her and he won the match confidently. In his excitement over his friend's victory Naruto jumped down into the arena.

"Wait Naruto you're still supporting meeeeee!" Kyuu cried as he dragged her with him. They both crashed into the ground.

"hehe sorry, Kyuu." Naruto grinned, helping her back up.

"Geezzz you're such a pain." Shikamaru sighed as he watched the two.

Sasuke's match was called once again and after waiting and almost canceling his match he and Kakashi finally appeared in the middle of the ring.

"Sorry we're late." Kakashi apologized.

"Sasuke! It's about time you showed up!" Naruto exclaimed, relieved he made it in time.

Sasuke turned to look at the two and stared at Kyuu, taking in her ripped clothes and bloodstains. As well as the fact that Naruto was supporting her. "You look beat to hell Kyuu." He stated.

"Yeah well you should see the other girl." She tried, shrugging a little. "I won my fight. Naruto beat Neji too." She finished.

"That's right! I'm way stronger now." Naruto grinned.

"I doubt that."

"Enough banter kids, there's a match to be had." Kakashi cut in.

"Come on, let's get out of the way." Shikamaru spoke to the two as the ref called Gaara and Sasuke to the center of the ring. Kakashi disappeared into the stands.

Naruto helped Kyuu walk and the three headed out of the arena. On their way back to their spot they heard footsteps up ahead. "Hide. Now." Kyuu barked at them and they ducked behind some cover on her orders. They watched Gaara come their way as well as two spectators. In mute horror they watched him slaughter the two and proceed on to his match without a word or second thought, though they all knew he knew they were there.

Kyuu watched him closely as he went by. She wasn't afraid like the other two, but he didn't look right. He felt more unstable than that day at the hospital. Something was wrong. The creeping worry that had slowly been building all day worsened.

Naruto pulled her out of her thoughts declaring he needed to talk to Kakashi and started dragging Kyuu with him while he ran to the stands, leaving Shikamaru behind. Naruto dragged Kyuu to where he found Kakashi. He was with Lee, Sakura, and Gai. Kyuu half listened to them talk. Her attention was on the match below while also trying to ignore all the fearful looks she was getting by everyone around them.

"Kyuu?" Kyuu looked away from the ring when she heard her name. She saw Kiraa standing before her. Kyuu quickly looked at the ground, unsure of how to face her after nearly killing her sister. "Kyuu can I talk to you for sec?" She asked, she didn't look angry, she looked scared and worried, but it didn't seem directed at Kyuu.

"...Yeah." She agreed.

"Kyuu-" Naruto started, holding her tighter.

"I'll be fine Naru." She cut in and broke from his grip. She was a little wobbly on her feet but her strength was rapidly returning. She could walk on her own now.

Kiraa lead her away from the others and to the back of the stands. The fight below still visible but they were out of people's way and earshot. "What is it?" Kyuu asked once they were alone. "I'm sorry for what I did to your sister." She added.

"You need to leave." Was all she replied.

"What?"

"You need to go. Get out of here. Get out of your village." She stated again. Kyuu's eyes hardened.

"I'm not leaving my home. I don't care what the villagers think of me now. And an outside has some nerve telling me to get lost. I spared your sister. The one who tried torturing and killing me." She snapped.

"It's not about that." She replied. "Also.. my sister is dead.."

"Oh... I didn't..."

"You didn't kill her..."

"What?"

"...I went to check on her after your fight. There were two ninja in the room with her. Sound. They were talking to her and I overheard them. They said she failed, she was supposed to kill you not piss you off and make you more dangerous. That setting you off like that could ruin the mission. Then they killed her... I ran... I don't know what mission they were talking about. She did say something weird this morning though. She said something big was going to happen and I needed to be ready. I failed earlier so I didn't need to know the specifics only to be prepared to prove my loyalty."

"Loyalty? To who? What kind of mission was she on? Why did I need to be dead for it?"

"I don't know. Something big is going down though I know it and I'm worried. Like most of the sound is involved in it, big. I was left out because I lost to you, apparently I'm not important anymore. But I do know who she was referring to for loyalty.." She paused and Kyuu watched her grow more nervous. "I didn't know who he was at first, our leader, not until recently. I didn't know who I was getting mixed in with but she did. She sought him out and joined him willingly, dragging me along. I never trusted the others or liked them and they never trusted me either. I was always left out or in the dark, only given enough information to get my jobs done. I was never kept in the loop of bigger things. I mean I literally just found out this morning who I was really working for. If I had known from the beginning... Now I'm under some type of test to prove I have what it takes? There will be some sign and I'll 'know it when I see it' and I'll 'know what to do'. I'm supposed to have blind loyalty to him?" She shook her head. "I don't like it."

"Who is your leader?" Kyuu demanded, eyes narrowing.

"His name is Orochimaru. He is the leader of the sound village. The real leader."

"What?" Kyuu's eyes widened, mind reeling with questions.

"He's plotting something. Some big mission everyone else is in on. Yet I'm expected to follow that man? The man who just had my sister killed for failing to kill you? I can't do that. Whatever he's up to, you need to get to somewhere safe."

"I'm not who Orochimaru wants. He wants Sasuke. Though I can't see why he thinks I need to die to get to Sasuke, or even how he knows who I am."

"Why would he want Sasuke?"

Their conversation was interrupted when they heard a scream from the arena. Kyuu turned back to look at the fight. Gaara was in a ball of sand hurt. Sasuke broke through it and Gaara was the one who screamed.

"Blood! It's my blood!" She heard Gaara scream from within.

"Gaara!?" She exclaimed, not able to hide her worry despite what happened.

Sasuke's arm seemed to be stuck in the sand ball then he looked petrified in fear by what he saw inside it and jumped away as the sand attacked.

The ball crumbled away and revealed Gaara bleeding from the shoulder and looking completely unhinged.

"He's hurt..." She muttered, hating that she was still so worried about him.

Suddenly things started all happening at once. Kankuro and Temari jumped into the ring to get Gaara and carry him away, the area where the Hokage sat exploded, and she dispelled a genjutsu she felt creeping up on her. One that had put nearly the whole stadium to sleep. Then Sasuke was chasing after Gaara and his siblings and commotion could be heard from the village, sounds of fighting.

"What the hell!?" She exclaimed, looking around. The leaf ninja in the stands, who dispelled the genjutsu, were now engaged in fights with Sound and Sand ninja.. She ran back over to Kakashi and the others. He, Gai, Sakura, and Naruto were awake.

"Sensei! What's going on!?" She exclaimed.

"We're under attack." Kakashi replied, pointing out the obvious.

"Where did Sasuke go?!" Naruto shouted.

"He ran after Gaara and the others." Kiraa spoke, following Kyuu.

"This that big plan you talked about?" Kyuu demanded.

"It must be. But, why is the Sand attacking as well..." She replied, bewildered.

"It's obvious an alliance was formed against the Leaf, but who orchestrated this?" Kakashi mused.

"Orochimaru." Kyuu answered darkly.

"What?" Sakura blurted.

"That's who Kiraa said is in charge of the Sound Village. He must be behind this attack." Kyuu explained.

"Great." Kakashi sighed, though not surprised. "But there has been no sign of him anywhere. Where could he have been hiding?" He muttered. Just then a few ninja headed their way to attack. "Right first things first. Naruto, Sakura, Kyuu, I need you to go after Sasuke. Get him back to the village asap. I have a sneaking suspicion Gaara was to be their trump card. He could be in a lot of danger now."

"Right." They agreed, Kyuu a little hesitantly.

"This is a S ranked mission, be careful." He reaffirmed. "I wouldn't send just you three if I had a choice."

"Kiraa," Kyuu turned to look at her. "Find my brother and Tsuki, tell them what you told me and tell them where we went but not to follow us. Tell them to help the villagers instead. If you're not with Orochimaru you're with us so pick a side and help or stay out of the way." She ordered and Kiraa nodded.

"I'll help where I can." She replied. "Those bastards killed my sister and will kill innocent people here. I won't standby.."

"Let's go!" Naruto shouted and the three headed off.

Kyuu tried to process what was going on in her mind while they ran. Suna was attacking her home. Gaara was attacking her home. He and his siblings betrayed her.. He not only broke her heart but now planned to destroy everything that she cared about. This was their plan all along. They were never her friends. He never cared about her, just like he said... Or did he say all that because he knew what he was about to do and having her hate him would make it easier... She didn't know what to think. All she knew now was he was a threat to her, her home, and her loved ones. No matter how much it hurt, she'd stop him.

"Kyuu, are you up for this?" Naruto asked while they ran.

"I'll be fine." She answered. Then, catching a scent in the air she skidded to a halt.

"Kyuu? What is it?" Sakura asked concerned.

"Something's coming..." She replied, scanning the area.

"What is?"

"Just go. I'll hold them off." She replied instead.

"You're not strong enough to fight right now!" Naruto protested.

"Just trust me. Get out of here now." She demanded and hesitantly they agreed and left.

"Bravo, you noticed me." A voice stated and a woman came out of the shadows. She looked to be in her early twenties or late teens with short black hair. What caught Kyuu's attention though were her red eyes with slits for pupils. "So sweet of you to let the others escape me. Though they'll die soon enough I'm sure." She smiled.

"You're another vampire..."

"Correct, but don't tell anybody. Even Lord Orochimaru doesn't know my little secret. But when I saw you fight I just had to reveal myself to you." She smiled.

"...Were you the voice I heard in my head?"

"Voice? God no. Honey, if you're hearing voices you should go see a shrink." She laughed. "But a kid like you with so much untapped power running around playing with her food. I just had to say hello, so here I am."

"How are you out in the sun?"

"All kinds of vampires sweetie. Your brother is a daywalker too isn't he?"

"What do you want?"

"To drink as much blood as I can while we take down your village. Oh and orders to cut off your head." She laughed, a glint of madness in her eyes.

"Why do you want to kill me?" Kyuu demanded, drawing her swords.

"Me? I don't want to kill you. Higher ups do. They figure taking out this village would be a lot easier without you around. You need to be dealt with." She answered with a shrug.

The two began to fight. Kyuu's strength still hadn't fully recovered so she struggled to hold her own. She could also tell this girl was much stronger than she let on. She was toying with her. And so their game dragged on and carried them throughout the streets of Konoha. Eventually though, despite having the clear upper hand, the girl disappeared on Kyuu. Confused and suspicious Kyuu remained in the village. It was too late to go after the others. She'd have to trust Naruto. So instead she ran around helping where she could, fighting off Sand and Sound ninja and always on the lookout for that other vampire.

Try as she might though, Kyuu couldn't stop worrying about the others. She climbed up a telephone pole and looked out into the surrounding forest. She knew which way they ran. She scanned as far as her eyes would let her and gasped in shock as two giant creatures appeared in the distance. One was a giant frog with a sword. The other a giant tailed beast, tan and blue. She knew it had to be Gaara. So that meant that had to be the demon locked inside him. So where did the frog come from? She then remembered Naruto's training and his claim that he could summon something much bigger than tadpoles. So Naruto was fighting Gaara now? What happened to Sasuke? Just what was happening over there? She watched the beasts do battle and then watched the frog turn into the nine-tailed fox.

"What the hell is happening over there!?" She exclaimed in worry and frustration.

"So which one are you worried about? The fox or the raccoon? Best friend or boyfriend.. err ex now I'd suppose." A voice called out and she saw the vampire girl sitting on the roof next to her.

"Back for round two?" Kyuu demanded.

"Please, if I wanted another fight you would already be dead." She replied. "If I wanted to follow my orders in the first place, you'd be dead at least a dozen times already."

"Why are you here then?"

"Our plan seems to be going south I'm afraid. Orochimaru still hasn't dealt with your Hokage, village isn't falling easily, and our trump card seems to be extremely distracted. So I'm just waiting to see how this plays out." She answered with a shrug.

"If you're not going to fight me then get away from me."

"Well that's no fun. So tell me, if I let you run to help the others, who would you help? I imagine you're very worried about both."

"You seem to know a lot about me."

"It's my job to know things."

"Oh yeah? Why is Suna betraying us then?"

"Oh that's a good one. See, Orochimaru has been pretending to be the Kazekage for ages now. He tricked their whole village into doing this by making them think it was on their leader's orders. Their Kazekage has been dead for some time." She grinned. "It's almost sad what a ninja will do in the name of duty. A mission is a mission. Carry it out whether you'd like to or not. Betray an alliance or friend just because orders tell you to, never question. You know that kind of blind loyalty is hard to get from humans. Unless we enthrall them." She laughed. "But manipulation is easy."

"They have no idea they're being tricked..." She wasn't sure if this news made her any less angry.

"Now don't go all soft for them. They didn't know it was a trick sure, but they still willingly attacked your home. You should be furious at them all. I bet that demon boy's blood would taste amazing. Get revenge on him and drink it."

"Uhg!" Kyuu threw a kunai at her in anger. "Shut up! Who's side are you on anyway? Telling me to kill your trump card!" She snapped.

The girl caught the Kunai with ease. "I bet you'd love to know the answer to that one... but not yet." She grinned.

"The hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Let's just say not all of my higher ups wanted you to die today."

Before Kyuu could say more another girl appeared. She was dressed entirely in black, not a bit of skin showing and wore a hooded cloak that shadowed her face, but here extremely long turquoise blue hair fell in front of her on either side casting a strong contrast to the black.

"Sui, we're leaving. " She spoke, looking at the other vampire.

"What already?" She asked surprised.

"Yes. Their Hokage is dead, but Lord Orochimaru is falling back, as are the Sand. The mission is a failure." She replied.

"Joy. Well until next time Kyuu." Sui stated, standing up.

"Wait-

"Oh don't worry. We'll run into each other again soon enough. In the meantime you better get a lot stronger." She cut in and vanished with the other girl.

Kyuu stared at the spot where they disappeared. The Hokage was dead? Quickly she spun around and ran back towards the stadium. She ran to the spot on the roof where other Leaf ninja had gathered. "Kakashi-Sensei! Kaji-sensei!" She shouted, spotting them both.

"Kyuu? Are you alright?" Kaji asked.

"Is it true?" She demanded, shoving her way to the center of the crowd. She saw the Hokage's body then. "He really is dead.." She muttered.

"Where are Naruto and Sakura?" Kakashi asked.

"They went on without me. I got tied up." She answered, not taking her eyes off the old man.

A numbing sensation ran through Kyuu. The old man was dead. The one who took her in, took her father in, took her brother in. The man who helped set up blood banks for her, who ordered the villagers not to come after her if they found out what she was. The man who gave her a chance at a second life and the man who knew about her heritage. Gone forever. And all she ever did was mouth off and be rude to this selfless old man. She felt tears start to fall down her face. She'd never be able to apologize for her rude behavior or ask more about her family. She never had a chance to show him the respect he deserved.

"Why did all this happen..." She cried. Kyuu let herself sink to her knees and silently cry. She cried for the Hokage, for her village, from the wounds of her betrayal, from the hurt Gaara left her, all she could do was cry.

Kyuu found out later after the funeral was held that it was Naruto who defeated Gaara. Sasuke was too weak to do it and Sakura tired to save him and got hurt. Naruto jumped in to save them both and beat him. She could tell this bothered Sasuke a great deal. A rift was starting to form. Still, news of Naruto being the hero spread fast. He was the subject on a lot of people's mouths in the days that followed the battle. All the chaotic events caused most of the villagers to forget Kyuu's match and violent outbreak but Kyuu didn't. An uneasy sensation dwelled over her now. She could feel something stirring inside her and her negative mood only made it worse. She also discovered Kiraa did what she could to help the Leaf like she promised. Betraying Orochimaru and surrendering herself after the battle was over. The Leaf had her arrested and interrogated, but ultimately left her free to go. She opted to stay in the village after that, having nowhere else to go. She hoped to become a leaf ninja, but that wouldn't happen until a new Hokage allowed it. So instead she just helped around the village with the aftercare efforts.

Elsewhere in the world a girl was kneeling on the floor in front of her master. Her turquoise hair fell in front of her face like a veil as she looked at the floor. "Forgive my lateness master. I was unable to leave right away or Orochimaru might have grown suspicious." She spoke.

"It's fine, Sui stayed behind I take it?" A man answered. He was sitting in a large stone throne, one leg crossed over the other and his chin propped under his fist, elbow resting on the arm of the throne. The other hand held a chalice filled with dark red liquid. His blood red eyes studied the girl kneeling before him and his long black hair fell freely around him.

"Yes, I thought it would raise more suspicion if we both left."

"Always so cautious. That's what I like about you. Sui runs her mouth too much, but you, you're a genius spy. Did things go as planned?"

"Yes my Lord. The attack on Konoha failed like we hoped and we were able to gather information on her. She demonstrated some of her powers during her match. She hasn't yet fully taped into her powers, but she is strong."

"Interesting. I heard that the village's Hokage died as well, another emotional blow to her."

"It's true sir, she's quite unstable now with all that has happened."

"Good, if things go as planned Orochimaru will make his next move in the near future. That will set our own plan into motion. She will be ours within a year."

"Forgive me Master, but couldn't we get her now?"

"She's not ready yet. She has just barely begun the awakening process. We cannot make our move until she is fully awoken. Only then can we control her."

"I understand."

"Good, now go back to your post. Keep me informed of all of Orochimaru's doings."

"Yes sir, though, I do hope you will pull me from this assignment soon. Sui can handle that madman, I am better suited to serving closer to your side."

"All in due time. I'll pull you out soon. Now leave."

"Yes sir." With that the girl vanished.

The man looked down at the drink in his hand, swirling the liquid inside. "All the pieces are beginning to fall into place..." He mused, taking a swig.

So there we have it! The battle at the Chunin Exams. Gaara's betrayal comes to light and a darkness creeping over Kyuu. As well as mysterious forces working in the shadows! Dun Dun Dun! More chapters to come soon. As always reviews are loved! Tell me what you think!