The Ripple Effect

By: Sweet Bliss

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Chapter 2

Bolting upright in bed, Sasuke tried calming down his racing heart. Running a hand through his dark locks he looked around the room. Naruto was still asleep on his makeshift bed while Kakashi slept on the bed across from him.

He laid back down on the sheets and tried to get some rest, but images of his dream-rather nightmare- kept popping into his head. "Sasuke! Help me!" He covered his ears hoping to muffle the screams that echoed throughout his head. He was used to nightmares but none were ever quite like this.

The cries and pleas coming from the girl's bruised lips. Screams for the person hurting her to stop. Sakura wanted him to save her but he stood rooted in place watching the men hurt her. "Sakura," he sighed her name as he brushed back raven locks. He shifted onto his side while rubbing his neck. Two fang marks were carved into his pale skin, reminding him everyday that he was indeed a demon. On his back was a symbol that was embedded into the babies of his clan. This symbol gave him his wings and the Sharingan eyes, ensuring the baby was to be a strong vessel. A tool for someone else. Never to live their own life. Was this one fact why Itachi murdered everyone in the clan?

Whatever the reason, Sasuke didn't care one way or another. All the respect and admiration that Itachi received from his brother was gone now and replaced with hate and anger. But what did his brother want with Sakura? She was nothing but a mere cat humanoid and had no purpose what so ever. Or maybe she did.

He closed his eyes and placed his head on the pillow. Keeping his mind off the earlier dreams, the Uchiha tried thinking up ways to infiltrate his brother's plans. But no matter how hard he tried, images of Sakura were plastered everywhere in his mind. When he first met her up until the date of her kidnapping, then leading to future events that might occur.

"Ten-Ten, why do you not smile?" Sakura asked playing with bubbles in her bath. Blowing the bubbles out of her hand and watching them float off, Sakura let out a small giggle. The irritated brunette sighed then answered, "Because seven years ago, when I was twelve, vampires stormed into my village and killed many and captured the young girls. We were to either be used by Itachi and his men or made into servants. I was lucky enough to become a slave rather than a whore due to my late blooming." The cherry blossom frowned and kept silent for a little while. "But Sasuke would never do something like that! He's a good vampire that will come and save me and everyone else who was taken hostage," the green eyes cat humanoid said smiling brightly.

Ten-Ten blinked and kept her mouth shut. If Itachi or Orochimaru found out she was telling Sakura all these things then they would have their way with her. Just like numerous times before. She once held her purity dear then she thought of it as a burden. They humiliated the pure ones and hurt them the most. "I'm done, Ten!" Sakura said happily, unaware of the situation she was in. Ten-Ten flinched at the nickname the flower had given her. But she didn't say anything about it as she gave Sakura the new outfit.

Naruto fixated his hat and smiled. It was nice outside and it was best to enjoy it for now because in a matter of seconds they'd be gone again. Camouflaged by the night sky and guided by the moon's dim glow. He would only see traces of the sun and that would be rare. Best to enjoy them while he could.

This reminded him of his past. He grew up with special powers in him and he was banned from his village. His mother and father had already died in an accident, but one man took him under his wing and trained him to control his powers. But that man had disappeared and only left a note telling the young Naruto to head to the village where he met Sasuke and Kakashi. He later met Sakura and immediately liked her. She was different and didn't judge people at all. Sure she didn't know what certain things were, but she was a brilliant person that he had fallen for. But then again she didn't respond to the feelings because her heart and affection belonged to Sasuke.

"N-Naruto? Y-you should be inside and resting. We have a l-long journey," a voice called out quietly to him. The mage turned his head and smiled, "Hey, Hinata! Come over here and watch the sunset with me! I've been asleep long enough and I don't tire easily." If Sasuke heard that last part he would beat the magic wielder. The ivory eyed girl sat down beside Naruto and looked down at the world below. "Hinata, can I ask you something?" When the girl nodded slowly, Naruto continued.

"I overheard your father speaking to Kakashi about you. Are you really a geisha?" Hinata's cream colored skin was covered in red in an instant. "W-well, I'm really a geisha-in-training sort of deal. I haven't really m-mastered what a geisha knows. T-they don't just sleep with men, they highly resemble spies. B-but I'm not quite at the point where I would ever be considered a geisha. My little sister has already mastered most of the skills needed, but I've not." The blue eyed boy nodded and smiled, "Well, Hinata, we can master the things we want together! I'm not much of a magician, let alone mage, but if we work together maybe we can do it!" Hinata smiled at him her face turning redder by the minute. 'If only I had your enthusiasm, Naruto'

Sakura shifted uncomfortably in the seat. Before her sat a sickeningly pale, tall man. He wasn't Itachi but he still had a superior air about him. "Well, it seems to be that Sasuke has a good taste," he said staring with odd emotions in his eyes. She whimpered as the man neared her, his thin lips curling into a disgusting smile. "Yes, a pretty flower you are! How come Sasuke gets to have all the fun with you, when he should share his dolls with Uncle Orochimaru?" The man named Orochimaru was now sitting on top of the table looking down upon the table. His long, pale fingers revealed themselves from his cloak sleeve and they stroked her right ear. She flinched and avoided the inner part of her wanting to scratch the man's eyes out.

"Orochimaru, you're scaring her!" Orochimaru removed his hand and stood up from the table. "But Master Itachi, I was just-" The other person stepped out of the shadows and Sakura was surprised to see an older looking version of Sasuke. Uchiha Itachi. "Orochimaru, leave us alone. I want to talk to our dear cherry blossom," Itachi said his eyes never removing themselves from Sakura. The vampire whom resembled a snake bowed to the Uchiha and disappeared instantly. The crimson eyed Uchiha moved closer to the cat-like girl with such grace that Sakura cold have sworn he was floating.

"Don't mind Orochimaru. He hasn't gotten any from the servants lately and you could say he was 'sexually deprived'. Now, Sakura, do you know why we want you here?" The green eyed kitty shook her head no, scared stiff of the vampire before her Itachi smirked and said, "Because, my sweet blossom, Sasuke knows what he wants, and we all believe he wants you. My spies have been around and have seen the way he looks at you. Now if our hunches are correct Sasuke will come, and he won't enjoy seeing us toy with his sweet pet. And we will give him a choice." Jade orbs widened as Itachi stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. Sakura bowed her head and tears welled up in her eyes. Itachi smiled wickedly as he whispered in her ear, "Good kitty."

Sakura felt Itachi's fingernails dig deep within her neck. The blood trailed down her neck and she began to grow sleepy. Her vision blurred as her eye lids closed over her green orbs. Her strength faded as she slumped into Itachi's arms. "Good kitty," He murmured into the darkness once more.

Hopping from branch to branch the group stopped among a small building. "She'll most likely be held captive in that building for now," Kakashi stated peering at the small place. Neji furrowed his brows and whispered, "We'll need a plan." The group sat until Naruto jumped up startling everyone. "I've got it! Hinata and I will distract! Hinata can use her geisha abilities and I can use a new trick I've been working on!" They all stared dumbfounded at Naruto's expression. He whispered something and a poof of smoke appeared. When the smoke disappeared, Naruto no longer stood there. Instead was a blond woman that was… naked.

Sasuke turned his head away from the transformation and then said, "Sounds great, but please give her some clothes." The girl flashed them all a smile as she changed back into Naruto. Kakashi cleared his throat, blush evident on what little skin that could be seen, as he spoke, "Neji and I will hold them off while you, Sasuke, are to quickly find Sakura." Sasuke nodded and the group divided.

"N-Naruto, are you sure t-this will work?" Hinata asked, her voice quivering. The female version of Naruto smiled as she opened the door slightly. Inside sat some bored looking men as servant girls walked by serving the men. "Hinata, there's been a slight change of plans. I won't you to make yourself unseen and I'll take care of these guys." Hinata was about to object but Naruto gently pushed her into the shadows. Naruto mouthed 'I'll be back in a second' and she went inside the room.

Once inside, all eyes were on this new blonde. Naruto smiled evilly as she sat herself down between two of the vampires. They seemed to be drunk and Naruto could clearly sense the alcohol on their breaths. "Hey, babe," one of them slurred pushing his black locks out of his face and the other one's visible eyes was scanning her body. "I'm Zaku and this here is my friend Dosu." Naruto smiled as she grabbed the wine bottle off the table and three cups. Pouring the red liquid into the three glasses she slipped in a little extra ingredient in the boys' glasses. "Here have this," Naruto said seductively handing the two men their champagne glasses. Watching with the utmost interest as they drank the liquid, Naruto smirked. In a matter of seconds they'd be passed out on the floor due to the little sleeping serum he'd placed in the glasses. Standing up Naruto worked his way around and managed to get all the vampires on the ground.

Transforming back into his original body, Naruto motioned for Hinata to follow. "We need to create a black-out. Neji and Kakashi should be finishing up with their jobs, and Sasuke fights best in the dark." Hinata nodded as she ran silently alongside the magician.

"That's the last of them," Neji whispered to his comrade as he removed his blade from the man's abdomen. Kakashi agreed to this and soon they were engulfed in darkness. "Naruto and Hinata must have made it to the power system. We'll be covered by the shadows. This will also throw off some of the demons in here. Vampires will be able to see better right now so we have to move fast." The Hyuuga flicked back a strand of his smooth ebony locks and soon he and the silver haired ex-ninja were off.

Moving about the darkness, Sasuke easily found the room where Sakura was being held captive. Leaning against the wall near the door he peered inside and saw someone else in there with her. "Little brother, I know you're there. Why don't you come inside and admire your pet's beauty with me?" The younger Uchiha entered the room silently and hesitantly. Itachi looked over his shoulder and stated, "I expected you to come." The raven haired Sasuke narrowed his gaze and queried, "What do you want with Sakura?"

Itachi smirked and then replied, "Her name does describe her quite well. She'd be the perfect bearer of my children." Sasuke punched his brother but Itachi easily evaded the move. "Do you want her back?" Itachi asked. Sasuke ignored his brother and lifted Sakura up. "That's a very stupid move, Sasuke. Never turn your back on your enemy… they might just-" Itachi was interrupted as a smoke screen came through the furnace vents. "What the hell?" Sasuke asked silently and then realized. Naruto. 'I'll have to thank him later,' Sasuke thought as he fought his way through the smoke, but then found it odd that his brother didn't follow.

Itachi smirked wickedly as he watched the group from his room. "Very stupid move indeed." Leaning back in his seat he smiled. Orochimaru entered hastily and informed, "Your brother and the other intruders kidnapped Sakura!" Shifting his eyes upward, the red eyed Uchiha stated, "Give them time to find a good place to hide." Orochimaru was shocked and about to object but Itachi silenced him. "Knowing my brother as well as I do, I know where he will head. Sakura will come back to me due to the little serum I injected into her. It can't be helped. Then we'll capture Sasuke and his friends. You'll know the rest later." The snake-like vampire nodded and left Itachi's quarters.

He'd teach his brother to be less reckless. Sasuke let his emotions rule him. The scene earlier was a test. He was so worried about his pet that he didn't even realize that his brother wasn't really there. When the time comes, Sasuke will need to be stronger. If he wants to become a true vampire then he must know each and every emotion there is.

Looking down at the fragile body in his arms, Sasuke couldn't but feel guilty. She hadn't been captured but for a mere day but she was already hurting. "We thwarted Itachi in one day! Man we are kick ass!" Naruto said, arms folded behind his head as he walked straight and proud. Sasuke shook his head no and stated bluntly, "Itachi is up to something. He would've sent some of his subordinates after us if he was serious. He's playing with our minds and I'm pretty sure that he'll be back." Naruto slumped and frowned muttering 'party pooper'.

Neji walked a head, keeping a watch for anything suspicious. When he stopped in his tracks, the others grew worried. Standing before Neji was a brown-haired girl with buns on both sides of her head. "Stop right there!" Neji sent an icy glare her way throwing her off balance. "I-I can't let you take S-Sakura away." Sasuke stepped forward, Sakura's limp body in hand, as he questioned, "What do you mean?" The girl's hard chocolate eyes turned sad as she answered, "She's the only friend that I have had. Her cheerfulness has given me hope, but your destroying that hope! Either you take me with you or you give Sakura back!"

Neji stepped forward a few inches away from her body. She stumbled back as he queried, "Why would we want to give in to your wishes?" The girl's scared expression quickly disappeared as she stood back up. She didn't care that he was a head taller than her, as she grabbed his shirt color and said to his face, "Because I'll kick your fucking ass." The Hyuuga boy's mouth went slightly agape as Naruto shoved him aside. "Anyone who can stand up to that ass is welcome in our group. Congrats, your one of us now!" Naruto said shaking her hand, ignoring the glare both Sasuke and Neji shot at him. The girl smiled as she introduced herself, "I am Ten-Ten. One hundred percent accurate with any weapon you give me, and also a karate master!"

………

Later On

………

Sitting beside Sakura's motionless body, Sasuke finally got a chance to see what all damage had been done to her. A small mark was on the back of her neck and he was relieved that it wasn't fang marks. Everything else seemed fine until his eyes landed on a deep red coloring seeping through the dress she wore. "Hey, Hinata, come here for a second!" Sasuke called to the violet haired Hyuuga. She hurriedly came over and sat down on the other side of Sakura.

"Do you have anything to help this wound on her side?" he asked quietly covering up his concern. Hinata dug in her small bag and pulled out a few medical supplies. "I'm not much of a medic, but this should keep her from losing more blood and becoming infected until we reach our next destination," the female's hushed voice came. Standing up, Sasuke thanked her and went back to sit around the fire.

Jade green eyes opened slowly and when vision returned to her, she noticed hse was lying on the forest floor. Little streaks of sunshine found their way through the huge mass of tree leaves and brightened up the lush trees. Before her sat a raven haired boy beneath a tree's shade. "S-Sasuke," she croaked trying to get his attention. He seemed startled at first but he quickly dismissed the surprised look as his obsidian orbs rested upon her. She untangled herself from the shards of a blanket that covered her, as she made her way to Sasuke.

She sat down next to him and rubbed her side. It hurt a lot. "Let me see your side," Sasuke ordered as he removed her hands. Hinata had done a good job wrapping it up, but the bandages were now soaked with blood. Fortunately for Sasuke, Hinata left a few clean bandages with him. Unfortunately, Ten-Ten and Hinata were out looking for food while the other three were looking for a village close by.

Sasuke removed the old wrappings and he looked at the cut. Sasuke leaned in to get a better look at the cut and suspected it to be a cause of a sword. "Is it a bad?" Sakura asked worriedly. Sasuke shook his head no while he placed a new bandage over the injury. Sakura heaved a sigh of relief and fixed her dress back. "Thanks for saving me, Sasuke," the green eyed kitty whispered wrapping her arms around the boy.

"So what do you think?"

"They don't look too bright, but they do have a strong aura about them, Ino."

"But, Shikamaru, you don't even have to fight them! Just take their food!"

Resting his back against the tree trunk the boy sighed. Why did this girl have to be so troublesome? The boy known as Shikamaru held out his hand so that his small fairy friend could rest there. "That's all you've been saying for the past few hours. There are only two of them now!" The brunette shook his head at the fairy's whining. "If you've forgotten, Ino, I'm an elf. I don't stand a chance!" Shikamaru explained setting the mythical creature down on the branch.

Ino frowned and huffed. Placing her hands on her hips, the winged girl mocked her elfin friend, "'I'm an elf. I don't stand a chance.' See? Those pessimistic remarks of your are always getting in the way! You are also the smartest, sneakiest elf in our village!" The elfin boy finally decided that it was best not to argue and gave in to her. Picking up the winged female, he placed her on his shoulder. "Time for some food!" Ino sang happily, rocking her tiny body back and forth.

A/N: This is it for chapter 2! I'm glad you all reviewed and liked it! (excluding my friend's stupid flame) Now before you say it was a little rushed that they found Sakura that quick let me say: Itachi has something planned but I can't tell you! And before I bid you farewell I must tell you the species of the rest of the characters!

Shikamaru is an elf

Ino is a fairy (but she can fix her size to be small or regular height)

Shino and Choji are human

Kiba is a werewolf

Rock Lee is a mermaid (yeah, pretty scary, but his role is actually funny!)

Asuma, Kurenai, and Gai are half elves living in Shikamaru's village

I'll tell you other character roles later! Anyways, I'm open for suggestions and constructive criticism, but no flames! I hope you enjoyed! Please leave a review if you can!

Love You All!

Sweet Bliss