I wanted to post this last week but I was having problems with the chapter update thingy, then I went away for a week. . .so here it is.

Hellbent

Chapter5: On staying focused.

" Impressive Sakura, you seem to heal relatively fast." Itachi passed her side taking the head of the group. To this the said kunoichi tilted her hat slightly, covering her colorful face which was covered with hues of blues, greens and pink. She couldn't tell whether it was sarcasm laced in his tone or if he was being serious but either way she dismissed it as it only made her headache worsen.

Still sore and weary she lagged behind the two criminals.

As expected she was tested to the leader's desire. His curiosity was her pain as she fought for the name of Akatsuki and her life. Disciplined for her insolence, and brutally shown her place Sakura was anomic that she wasn't killed. As her body collapsed beneath her she came to the conclusion that if she was going to be any use to the Akatsuki then she was better off alive. After all they were composed of individuals who worked toward a common goal and with Sakura there would be one more person to aid in the capturing of the bijuu.

To prove her worth they were going to infiltrate Orochimaru's base and destroy it. Because Orochimaru was a former member he was a threat. Upon hearing the reason Sakura's first thought that popped into her head was the proverbial 'if you're not with us then you're against us' motto which she then laughed to herself. At the time the surrounding figures ignored her bizarre giggles and only accounted them for the tide of her conscious flowing out or perhaps insanity; which wasn't alien to the compendium of criminals.

Sakura drifted off soon after.

It was a chance to prove her worth and to be one step closer to securing her goal. Leaving Konoha was difficult and because she was still emotionally attached she knew it would only decay her over time.

One part of her wished she would never wake up from the cold stone floor.

The feeling, the pain, everything would leave her hollow.

Fallen from her thoughts, Sakura gripped the sleeve of her robe in comfort. However the irony hit her and she bit her lip instead. When she noticed that they were closer than before she realized that she was running dazed as their destination was near. Sakura immediately noticed the reduce in speed.

" Itachi scares the shit out of him so this should be easy." Kisame humorously commended breaking the heavy silence. Sakura turned her head to Itachi's reaction but like always he kept a stern face, focused on the objective. Just once she wanted to see him show emotion as proof that he was somewhat human. That he wasn't as cold as he was portrayed to be.

After all he didn't kill me for being a bother. . .

" I'm going after Sasuke." Sakura said straightforwardly. " When he sees us he'll immediately go after you Itachi-san." Sakura knew that sounded loyal but she along with the two Akatsuki members knew that she was just protecting Sasuke. In an air of indifference both men said nothing because it was none of their concern. Sasuke was the one with the grudge, with the will to hate and to be vindictive. But if they did ever meet again Sakura knew that Itachi would humor himself with the sight of his little brother and to avoid any unnecessary wounds quickly kill him.

" Make sure you know what you're doing." His tone was slightly off, as he calmly humored her in babysitting his little brother. Sakura nodded, slightly more determined then before.

I'll just have to break every bone in Sasuke-kun's stubborn body then.

" Oi, we're approaching Orochimaru's base."

Sakura tilted her straw hat, further covering her face. The base was a perimeter of solid stone and blended in with the surrounding environment. Running ahead she kept an eye out for any traps but failing to notice anything she stopped at a stone wall.

Kisame and Itachi casually approached, the former smirking at the enthusiastic youth. " The kid sure is eager to see your brother. Her idealistic thoughts are inspiring, I almost don't want to see her break when she finally realizes."

" She already knows because I've told her before. . ." Itachi watched Sakura's mannerisms as she avidly examined the stone palisade.". . .What she's doing and how she's acting so desperately, even more than before. . .she wishes to prove me wrong."

"Heh. ."

Placing a hand on the smooth surface of the cold stone she pulled back, focused her chakra and released it in a swift punch. The fissure crumbled the wall into boulders at her feet. She glanced curiously into the dark entrance before turning around to the sound of Kisame's annoyed growl.

He held a boulder over his head as Itachi stood nonchalantly to his side. " Next time be more mindful of those around you before you do that." Itachi muttered. Sakura smiled and tilted her head at her own foolishness. In her haste she forgot about her fellow Akatsuki members.

" Sorry." she said lamely.

" You're a subordinate kunoichi, remember your place." Kisame threw the boulder to the side and followed Itachi inside.

It was dark, it was quiet and Sakura felt like she was being watched. Unfortunately she was the only one that had a problem with it.

" Sakura, Orochimaru's base contains numerous cells and broken hallways. Kisame and I are going to find Orochimaru." Taking the hint she went off in the opposite direction of the two. Already calming herself for the confrontation that was ahead she maintaining her emotionless gaze through the blackened mask which she had slipped on for such an occasion. Itachi's voice echoed through out the walls which made her sprint faster.

"I'm sure he'll be glad to see you. . ."

Ignoring the comment she continued down the dark hallway. Sasuke would never understand the purpose of her leaving Konoha, of joining Akatsuki and acting affable towards Itachi. Like Itachi, Sasuke was stubborn and indifferent to emotion especially if it didn't concern him. In the end he would never comprehend her reason for leaving and her allegiance to Akatsuki and would easily fight her for interfering with his vendetta.

Even as she tried to justify it in her mind their were countless quagmires she failed to considered.

It's not suppose to make sense, it's irrational, hasty, and imprudent but if it gets the job done then so be it.

Nothing made sense anymore. Everything was lost. She was already gone.

Down the numerous hallways she ran the dark fueling her search, she refused to fear. Her neck twitched slightly and she gulped and licked her lips nervously. The presence was near and images of her past trials seemed to come flooding back in the presents of one particular room. Perhaps it was a sense of connection she had but opening the door she expected to find her reason for everything. This was her true test, in openly betraying him she would truly be detached.

Once upon a time she loved him, cried for him.

And now she would drag him back to Konoha, against his will and half dead if needed. For his sake. . . and hers.

Her lips ceased to move and all muscles became taut in her vehement thoughts of uncertainty. It was tempting to say his name which was taboo for so long.

It lingered then faded.

Sasuke. . .

. . .-kun.

Hugs to all my reviewersof the last chapter while I was away: Stoictimer, Reiyuka Yumikoto, Zukokrazy, FaitaGirl, Magical-Inkable-Pen-Of-The-Rubber-Duckies-Who-Lives-On-Durly-Lane-With-The-Muffin-Man-Duck-And-His-Muffin-Friends-Who-Rock-Solid-Rock-And-Hate-Michael Jackson, Mysteriya, Lady Inari, XUchihaSakuraX, PuNk-RoCkEr713

Review!