Someone Screaming

Ayane Selznick

Fate can indeed be a cruel mistress.

No matter how many times you try evading it will surely come at your way. Penetrating all things you wished to protect, worst see yourself being captured by the hands of Death.

They never intended to meet him in this place, at this time. All they wanted to do was go back to Konohagakure and the woman beside him would save him from his own darkness. They believed that they would be encountering other S-class Nins or criminals or thieves during their journey.

During the night, Sasuke was pretty sure that he found serenity within, all because of Sakura's love and her endless faith in him. He was sure that everything will be okay if he's beside her.

But now, it's different…

As per say, there's always calm before the storm. To Sasuke, he was previously in Heaven but at the present he's facing the death bringer of Uchiha clan.

His only kin…

The one who also has the Uchiha blood running in his veins…

His brother…

…The one who led Sasuke to this path…

The path of Avenger…

Watching his little brother from below didn't make him flutter, however, worried him greatly. This was not shown outside but was digging him inside. Disregarding emotions, he felt nothing at the sight in front of him although he had definitely wanted to see his brother's improvement after their first encounter to which he thought that his little brother hasn't grown strong enough to have a face off with him.

What was he worrying about?

Foolish little brother…

The Cursed Seal that Orochimaru gave to his little brother.

Dropping his hat, his gaze didn't break to Sasuke's three swirling pins. His was a developed Sharingan, Mangekyou Sharingan, thus his pinwheel-like red eyes coldly gazed back to his little brother.

"I thought I would be meeting you with eyes like mine, Otouto." He voiced out and felt the fueled anger from his little brother's tensed expression.

"I don't need Mangekyou to defeat you, Itachi." He mocked to his brother while dangerously looking on the said person.

"I told you. I will only fight you unless you have Mangekyou—" Itachi tried to warn his brother but Sasuke insisted.

"SHUT UP!" The female beside him flinched at his angry scream. "I won't listen to any of your requirements! I once listened to you, but I never got stronger! I'll kill you with all that I have!"

Itachi closed his eyes in awe then turned his head to his right. He was disappointed.

"You're a big disappointment," Itachi dramatically opened his eyes and glared Sasuke, giving the receiver a little shiver inside, "Foolish little brother, you never learned."

"Learn from what? From the crime you did? From killing our family! Our clan!" He shouted the last words which turned him more tensed as his breathing grew faster.

Sasuke-kun…

Sakura was deliberately pushed aside since the conversation rounds only with these two remaining people of their own clan. She didn't need to put herself in their problem. But her strong affection to Sasuke would be the reason if the time comes when she decided to intervene.

If she did that however Sasuke will surely get mad at her. He didn't want any of those near to him now be tangled by the fate his brother gave to him. He wouldn't mind understanding her reasons because his mind is completely in chaos. Having Itachi in front of him would mean a real, serious, bloody battle.

As she went back to their current situation, she resumed listening to their conversation.

Itachi didn't reply when Sasuke remarked about something he just said and so Sasuke went on, "These eyes… these eyes make us all stronger in our clan… but from these eyes… you killed everyone… except me." Sasuke lowered his head as well as clenching his eyes while remembering the scene he saw during that day. "I followed your instructions and went down to the secret hiding place."

The elder Uchiha brother remained silent as he listened to his brother's statements.

"Just what the fuck do you want me to know!" Sasuke suddenly enraged as if his statements could have spat directly to Itachi's face. "What the hell do you want me to know!"

"…the disgrace of the clan."

Both Sasuke and Sakura twitched on his silent answer.

Recovering from the shock, Sasuke retorted to his brother, "What disgrace! Our family never had any disgrace in Konoha! Father always looks up to you for you will inherit his position in Military Police! But what did you do! You killed everyone! Now you're saying the fucking disgrace of our clan?"

Itachi jerked a little when Sasuke mentioned about their father's ambition for him, as the elder son of their family. But he entirely ignored the rest of the statements that Sasuke spat out.

"Such thick skull you have become, foolish little brother." The elder brother sarcastically commented as he ignored the glare his brother gave him. He shifted his gaze from him to the direction ahead. "I told you once and I'm saying this again, if you have the same eyes like mine, come before me. I will accept the fight you want if only you do what I wanted you to comprehend."

From Itachi's actions and statement, they both know that he's about to leave. But Sasuke wasn't going to let him leave without a fight.

"I don't need any of those." He stated firmly, while preparing his stance as if to attack his elder brother. "I'm going to kill you—"

Itachi then raised his eyes to level Sasuke's and replied, "Why kill me? Is it because I told you to kill me? If that's the only reason, then you're foolish. I left you with all those requirements for you to realize the situation we had during that time. But you, being so careless and foolish, wanted to have a fight without comprehending entirely behind my own reasons why I killed everyone."

"You're a psychopath!" Sasuke pointed accusingly at his brother while extracting all the fury inside which was kept from all those years. "You killed everyone without mercy! Elders, women and children! How would it be reasonable for someone so smart yet psychopath as you are!"

This angered the Uchiha prodigy, "Watch your mouth, Sasuke."

"You watch your mouth!" Obvious anger has descended upon his voiced as well as glaring daggers at his own brother. "Ever since that day you always tell me to hate you! And I do hate you with all my soul! Now that we meet again, you're telling me to piss off and understand you? You're insane?"

"Sa-" Sakura was going to calm Sasuke when the said person advanced forward while continuing his resentments towards his brother.

"How do you expect me to understand the situation now that I absolutely hate you? It's only hatred and vengeance that I could think of right now. And you can't stop me."

His final words gave Itachi a hint that Sasuke was about to attack. Truthfully, he could still read his brother's mind like the old times.

Sasuke launched himself while aiming his two-headed kunai directly to Itachi's head. As expected, the elder Uchiha easily evaded the attack as well as Sasuke's incoming roundhouse kicks. Catching his little brother's left foot with his right hand; his left hand however leveled his chin with his index and middle fingers up.

Sakura reacted at their contact as she unleashed her shuriken, fanning all ten to Itachi's location. Unsurprisingly though, the target easily dodged and caught some shurikens but at the same moment Sasuke was able to release himself from his brother's grip. He flipped back as he simultaneously executed a series of hand seals.

With activated Mangekyou Sharingan, Itachi was able to read entirely what his brother is up to.

Fire Element: Grand Fireball Technique!

Smirking, Itachi's hands flurry in action as he attempted to counter the technique his little brother just showed to him.

Earth Element: Rising Mud Barrier!

The blazing inferno rapidly assaulted the target but as the mud rose the fire swooned the moment it touches the barrier.

His speed never changed… he's still fast! Sasuke thought as he landed perfectly on one broad branch, further away from the target's spot.

Unbeknownst to the younger sibling, the elder one had been through to his next attack which was executed behind his mud barrier. The third party however seemed like alerted when the barrier was summoned.

"Sasuke, watch out!"

Alarmed from Sakura's call, he jerked from his position and watched how his brother's Ninjutsu zoomed towards his face.

"Sasuke-kun!"

The rain came pouring down on the small elite search party to which the captain instructed them to break the team to look out for any signs of ninjas within the range as well as the people they were looking for. They were down by pairs from six members of the team. The dog masked member and the other member launched towards south-southwest going to southwest, while the Medic-Nin with another member dashed towards southeast patrolling to east. Remained with the captain of the squad, Naruto and Neji covered the front areas as they headed northwest to look out the assigned destination only within limited range seeing as the forest of different countries had combined to get a larger scale of land areas.

Since the team originated from south-southeast, the rear portion needed not to be patrolled.

"Naruto." The captain called out while jumping cautiously yet stealthily from one branch to the other.

"Yeah?" Said person replied as he watched the captain from behind.

"This isn't much of a question but I'm just curious." He continued, sensing if Naruto would be able to give him a nice and decent reply when he gets to his point.

"Curious about what?" Old habits didn't die base from his tone of obvious curiosity as well as childishness.

"What would you do if we see Sasuke and Sakura together?"

The Hyuuga prodigy sensed the tension in Naruto upon bringing up his question. But his inquiry however turned Naruto into deep thinking.

Truly, their hidden friendship was the strongest bond they ever built during their Genin days. Although not being showed at all times, they always lend each other's hand to survive the day's trial. His loudmouth and carelessness, Sasuke's hostility and cool façade, and Sakura's loving yet wild behavior were somewhat combined in a strange little way.

Teamwork.

This term was first heard from their Jounin Sensei after the Graduation in Ninja Academy. They didn't value the term at first hand but from all the things they've been through from missions to Chuunin Exams and to Sasuke's betrayal – teamwork was present.

Thus, each one of them, probably, watched each other's individuality.

He watched each and everyone as they strive for the best of the team.

He also watched how Sakura's affection to Sasuke grew stronger, which resulted to a thing called love.

Impressive was he when all he could do is watch them silently as they create a little spark of relationship more than friendship. It was actually a one-sided relationship even without doing some deeper analysis. It has been always her who would give all the affection and the other instead of accepting, had been throwing it all away. If Naruto was in his shoes, he would say that he's the luckiest man in the world. A girl like her, Sakura, is one of the rarest people you could ever meet.

It's not because he couldn't understand Sasuke's case. In fact, he did understand him.

The young survivor experienced a very tragic event of his childhood days. He grew alone while building the so-called emotional wall to focus his heart, mind and soul for his ambitions which he vowed for the deceased clan and so his coldhearted behavior, seeing everyone but a burden to his life, begun brainwashing him.

It was alright if that's case…

…but it turned out worst…

Especially when he started seeking power not just from anybody but somebody who also had the same ambitions yet his goal was darker and evil. This however turned out as Sasuke's weakest core and this also was Orochimaru's bait to lure him to his hands in attempt to use his body and prowess to fulfill his selfish desires.

Instead of pushing Sasuke away or beat the shit out of him to realize what he's doing to himself, he and Sakura cared much for him. They would always assure him that no matter how hard his path is, he still have them to keep him safe… for him not to feel alone.

There were times that Naruto did want to beat Sasuke with all of his strength just to show how stupid and naïve he was. Strength isn't everything in the world. Strength is needed to protect the ones you love and to prove that you can stand by yourself. There were things much more valued than strength. But Sasuke considered strength as one of the most important things he must have while he's alive.

But Sasuke was selfish, stubborn and rigid that he let himself drowned in the depths of darkness hence brainwashing himself further.

Worst, he betrayed Konoha, the people of the village; Team seven… as well as his family and clan.

Sad as it may seem but Sasuke has a very poor sense of realism. Maybe he didn't know it yet, but the more he eats the fruit of the devil, the more he follows his older brother's footsteps.

Even without asking, Sakura realized everything. Of course, she's the most intelligent person of the team. She practically understood everything before he did. That's why she never left Sasuke's side regardless of his mistakes he'd done to them and to himself.

There was a ghostly smile to Naruto's face while concluding everything. When he focused to the captain in front, he decided to answer.

"In all honesty, I really want a pay back but if Sakura's with him I'd rather control myself before she gets mad at me."

"Hn." The Hyuuga smirked at his answer. You're incredible, Naruto.

Yet Naruto continued, "I remember you said about Sasuke being trapped in darkness. Maybe throughout those years in Hidden Sound, he became more dependable in darkness since the snake-bastard has been taking care of him."

"I don't think so."

Naruto's head shot up when Neji suddenly interrupted him.

"Shikamaru's viewpoint regarding Sasuke's disappearance and reappearance can be logically true. Relying from the investigations we received, albeit Sasuke wanted to escape Orochimaru's hands therefore vanished from Hidden Sound." Neji narrowed his eyes further when another possible reason occurred to his mind. "Or maybe, he destroyed Hidden Sound so that Orochimaru wouldn't search for him after his escape."

"But that can also mean…"

The captain slowly nodded, "Yes. You're right. It simply means that he already obtained the power he sought for his entire life… and that would be dangerous…"

The blond hair man simply lowered his head while trudging the path, resuming their patrol.

Sakura-chan… Sasuke…

A large black smoke enveloped three shinobis. The kunoichi who stood further away from the main battle arena was safer and could see through the thick clouds of smoke though she knew exactly that those two shinobis can easily see right through the smoke since they inherit an incredible yet mysterious eye technique.

The kunoichi's hands remained poised in front of her chest while she watched the black smoke disappeared bit by bit. She was hoping that the barrier she made is summoned at the exact time before it touches Sasuke's skin.

Itachi's Ninjutsus are quite impressive. She narrowed her eyes further and was glad that Sasuke was saved from Itachi's attack. I expect nothing from an Uchiha prodigy… especially his fire jutsus.

She watched Sasuke slowly stood up from his fall when she added, they are the masters of manipulating fire. Though I doubt Itachi's limited knowledge of Ninjutsu for all I know he knew every single one of Ninjutsus, Genjutsus and Ninja Arts…

She hastily looked at Itachi's previous location. But to her shock, she found none.

Damn… he's gone already.

Then all of a sudden she felt a very dangerous aura being emitted from behind.

"Quite impressive for someone such as yourself... Sakura-chan…"

She gasped when she fully recognized the voice from behind.

Itachi hastily stabbed her back only to hear a sound from the target.

Replacement Technique… He smirked more to himself.

He suddenly saw an arsenal of weapons being thrown directly to him. Itachi flipped backwards several times to evade all weapons and upon noticing that the person had stopped throwing objects at him, he stared at the target and hastily performed another technique.

Water Element: Water Needles!

He knew that he was at great advantage by using this element. They're just halfway to Earth Country but because of the climate, anyone who encountered battle will surely use the same element. The field was advantageous for each of them, but it would be more advantageous when one thinks beyond the normal.

Itachi just showed them one of the shinobi rules.

Sakura felt something pricked to her bare upper right arm. When she saw it bled and noticed where it originated, she looked above only to be greeted by needle-like shower.

SHIT!

Attempting to escape, she surprisingly found herself being captured inside Itachi's earth element prison. Panic rose to her mind when all needles came at her.

Itachi raised a brow when he just heard another evident sound of replacement technique. When he looked to his right, he saw the pink haired kunoichi being held by his own brother.

Not just a teammate indeed… The way his eyes flared fiercely showed it clearly…

The elder Uchiha just watched how everything seemed to be challenging especially that he encountered these two people who had improved in time.

"Sa-Sasuke-kun…" Sakura stammered while healing the injured spots she received from the previous scene.

But to her horror, she noticed the black flame-like markings all over Sasuke's body. Her eyes widened as she slowly examined him as well as feeling that she would be seeing the full power of the Cursed Seal…twice.

Sasuke won't hesitate to use anything that he knew.

This is the moment he'd been waiting for.

He will fully activate the Cursed Seal…once and for all.

To be continued…

Author's Note: So there goes Sasuke and Sakura versus Itachi, the prologue of the battle. I know I have to update soon because the manga won't wait for me because Itachi versus Team 7 is up and I don't really know what will happen next. Unfortunately though, I'll be having a vacation next week so my mind will surely rest from thinking for the battle scenario. I need rest too you know. I've been thinking for straight whole weeks as to how the talking and the fight will look like.

(sigh) Until now the Itachi's requirements is still a mystery for me, so I have to do some research and ask some Naruto fans the possible reason why he killed everyone. It's too silly to think that he killed everyone because of the Mangekyou Sharingan because he already killed Shisui. Okay I'll shut up for now… for the next chapter it'll be the continuation of the fight. Will Neji's search party come on time?

Author's Response:

Yuugi-chan – Thanks! Not just for reviewing but being an online friend of mine.

Crystalgail – Well this one was already done days ago, but because I'm back in Ragnarok Online, I almost forgot about updating this one. SasuSaku fluff here is reduced to average and from this chapter to the next… I don't think I'll be having SasuSaku moments, unless… (nishishishishi) Thanks for reviewing!

evil-mittens – Here's the chapter! I hope to see you reviewin' here, too.

aPpLecHeRrY – nope she's not. I just want to make her worry of some sort and that certain part where she's writing something is really important in the story. You'll find out why. I don't think it's a prequel… arrghh I have to ask what's the right term for that thing… Hohohoho…Thanks for reviewing! (hugs)

SoraKoi The Water Goddess – You can call me that n-n it's fine with me. And thanks for the comment dear, you really moved me to work with this chapter. I can't thank you enough… awww… (sniffsniff)

TheSunshineGirls – Another Itachi fan! Muwahahahaha! I, Ayane Selznick, am also a fan of Itachi… Wahahaha (Itachi appeared behind and pound my head) Okay, I'm fooling around… hehe sorry. Thanks for staying with me! (hugs)

E-chan Hidaka – (grins)You made me smile… this wide… (grins wider) I can't say much to what you said… you're flattering me (blush) I can't thank you so much for that! (bear hug)

izumi-17 – Yeah, tagal mo ng nawala! Namiss kita!

chelle – ABA! Kababayan! (hugs) Marami na ngang Filipino writers dito sa Naruto category and talagang magagaling SILA, yung ibang writers din oo. About sa request number 1 about sa ending nito, wala akong maipapangako. Set na kasi yung ending nito a year ago kaya nga gagawa ako ng isa pang Someone Screaming tapos malilihis sa daan si Sasuke, in other words, magkakaron ng ibang eksena. Sisiguraduhin kong mas maganda yon since walang mangyayaring masama. Sa request number 2 mo naman about sa updating… ang pagiging writer hindi madali. You have to think hard what will happen in one chapter and kung pano ang flow ng plot. You can't just sit and type then walang sense diba? Ako kaya ako minsan natatagalan kakaisip kung ano ang possible na mangyayari kaya ayon… (grins) Pero laking salamat ko sayo kasi you appreciate my story. I thank you so much!

angel-puppeteer – I've talked with you regarding the cosplay so… hay bahala na si Batman hahaha! You think the last chapter was long? I think chapter 8 is longer… errr… whichever of the chapter… hahaha! Regarding naman sa mga sinabi mo about tragedies… well tama ka nung huling text mo sa kin about that. Pero sa story ko dito, bahala na kung sino mamatay (evil grins) may isa pa namang SS eh, yon ay susunod after ng SS part 1. Anyway, nasabi mo na sa kin kung san mamamatay si Sakura sa story mo right? And about sa grammar thing, yeah conscious tayong mga Pinoy sa grammar natin kaya we're trying about best to make it good. Hahaha! Sometimes stubborn pa nga yung iba na tama na yung mga pinagsasasabi nila. Spelling din diba? Spelling conscious din tayo. Take care sa vacation mo! Magbabakasyon din kasi ako eh!