Chapter 7: Burning

.:Save Me:.

I hope you all enjoy!

On a bright, sunny day in Konoha, a group dressed in black gathered in the Haruno family house to mourn the loss of Toshira Haruno. The irony of the beautiful day for such a tragic occasion wasn't lost upon the mourners, but none voiced it. In fact, no one said much of anything. Not the Uchiha family, not team 7's sensei, not the co-workers of Toshira, not her children- no one.

The main family of the Uchiha clan quietly paid their respects to the small shrine of Toshira set up in the living room. Besides the occasional sniffle from Mikoto, you'd think they were mute. Not even the children of Toshira made a noise. Looking around, Sasuke Uchiha can honestly say that he doesn't know what he can do for his teammates- his friends.

Naruto stood stone faced off to the side of the room. Though he didn't say anything, the tears streaming down his face and the hollowness of his eyes spoke volumes. Dressed in his black attire, he looked more of a ghost then his normally rambunctious personality. The youngest Uchiha wanted to say something to him, but what? What words can he say to lessen the pain his best friend is feeling? However, the only sight more heartbreaking than his blonde haired friend, is his female teammate standing by the back windowing looking into the forest.

Knowing everything that he does about Sakura, Sasuke assumed that she would be the one to not show up. Even when they were toddlers, he knew how special Sakura and Toshira's bond is- was. No matter what happened- no matter how bad a situation was, those two always consoled each other. Sasuke can recall a few times he visited the Haruno house and found both of them curled on Toshira's bed simply talking while Naruto napped on the couch none the wiser. There are even a few cases of men who'd harass Toshira at work disappearing or going insane. He can't be sure that Sakura had anything to do with the incidents, but based on the mysterious things she's made happen in the past, he has a strong suspicion she had something to do with it. Even though she'll never admit it aloud, the pink haired girl is very protective of her precious people. So much so that she's made miracles happen. So why didn't she save her mother?

"I'm so sorry for your loss." Sasuke slowly slid his gaze to a woman with greying hair squeezing Naruto's shoulder. His bright teammate didn't say anything. It's almost as if he didn't notice he was being touched with the lack of reaction he showed.

I never thought I'd wish for his hyperactive tendencies to come back.

Silently, Sasuke watched the greying woman walked across the room to where Sakura stood. Even when she was directly next to the pink haired girl, Sakura never looked in her direction. Her gaze remained glued to the forest.

"I'm so sorry, dear."

"Thank you." Sasuke had to actively restrain himself from recoiling at the hollow tone his female teammate used. Should he say something? Will she accept it? Will she think he's pitying her if he tries to comfort her now?

"Your mother… she was a very, very special woman." Without thinking, Sasuke found himself gravitating towards the two women.

"Your condolences are appreciated." The woman looked shocked for a moment once she recognized him, but she quickly murmured a final apology before leaving. When she was out of ear shot, Sasuke turned his full attention to his teammate who still didn't look in his direction.

What should I say? Should I say anything?

Sasuke found his hand moving without his consent. When it rested on the top of her head, smoothing out her pink locks, that's when she finally looked in his direction. As their eyes connected, Sasuke can say he's never been so genuinely in shock.

Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot. The hue of her skin looked sickly while the only color on her face came from dark circles lying beneath her dull irises. Sasuke knew that she would be hurting, but he didn't expect it to be this bad.

"I'm here." He didn't know what he really meant with those words, but whatever he was trying to say, the sagging of her shoulders showed that she understood. She nodded her head before turning her gaze back out the window. Sasuke patted her head once more before sliding his hand back into his pocket.

He stayed there for a moment longer before moving across the room to his blonde haired friend. Unlike with Sakura, it was very obvious by just looking how badly this is affecting him. Even now, the tears haven't stopped streaming down his face. Taking a breath, Sasuke leaned against the wall next to him and looked out to the mourners.

Many of Toshira's co-workers left by now leaving only the Uchiha main family and their sensei. It seems as if they all decided to keep their distance from the two. Maybe they were trying to let the teammates work things out before attempting to approach. Maybe they just don't know what to say. Or maybe they don't feel like it's their place. Whatever reason it may be, they maintained their distance.

"I-"

"Why didn't she do something?" Blinking, Sasuke turned his head to look at him.

What is he talking about?

"Naru-"

"Why didn't she save her?" His voice was barely above a whisper, but Sasuke could hear him as if he was screaming.

He's talking about Sakura.

"Naruto-"

"Sasuke," frowning, Sasuke looked up to see his father standing before him. His face was in it's usual straight line as if he were bored. Sasuke's frown deepened the longer he looked at Fugaku.

The least he can do is show some emotion for the dead.

"Itachi and I are taking your mother home. Come home before dark." With that, he turned his back and walked out the front door. Mikoto spared him a tearful smile before quickly following behind him while holding onto Itachi's arm. Sasuke's frown only deepened when he noticed that the only other people left was his team.

Fitting the first time we're all together again in six months is at a funeral.

"Nii-kun," turning, Sasuke was almost shocked to see Sakura standing next to him. Her arms were folded in front of her as if she was trying to shield herself. "I'm-"

"Did you know?" Sakura's head lowered, her gaze dropping to the floor. Naruto never moved, his eyes still looking across the room with hollow eyes while his voice stayed in a low whisper. "Did you know about mother's disease before she got worse?"

"I don't know-"

"Bullshit!" The angered scream made Sasuke stand straighter and Kakashi to appear in front of the small group.

However, it was like they weren't even there for the two siblings. Naruto stood with his shoulders squared, a hard, tear streaked glare focused solely on the pink haired girl who he loves so deeply. Meanwhile, Sakura kept her gaze on the floor, her arms tightening around herself as if she were bracing herself.

"Naruto-" Kakashi tried to step in, but Naruto ignored him, pointing an accusatory finger at Sakura.

"I knew something was wrong! You both started acting weird even before she got sick! You both had to have known that something was wrong! And then on the night she-" His voice cracked as he took a sharp intake of breath as if he was drowning. Fat tears started to pour down his face but he harshly wiped them away with his sleeve. He closed his eyes tightly taking in a deep breath. When they opened, a dark glare covered his usually bright face. "Why did you let her die? Why didn't you save her? Or why didn't you say anything?! We could have gotten someone to save her! Why did you have to let her die?!" The tears came back in full force, flooding his face while his eyes shined with pure anguish. His hand clutched the fabric over his heart as he stared at the silent pinkett panting.

"There was no way to save her." the words were barely a whisper, but they heard it clearly.

"Bullshit! There's always a way!" Kakashi tried to place a hand on Naruto's shoulder, but the blonde haired boy violently knocked it off. Rage overtaking his sadness, he scowled hatefully "You didn't care enough about her to sacrifice your pride and ask for help!" Like that, the temperature felt as if it dropped ten degrees. Sakura lifted her eyes, a look that burned so bright with fury almost made it look as if her eyes were on fire. Her arms dropping to her sides, her fingers balled into white knuckled fists.

"Don't you ever question my love for our mother. You don't know the half of what I've had to do to keep all of my precious people safe. So don't you ever assume you know anything about how I feel!" To Sakura, all she can feel is the stabbing pain of her brother- the only other person that's stood by her even after seeing what she's capable of without fear- question her ability to feel emotions.

Granted, she doesn't show them often, but after spending all these years together, he should know better. He should know better than anyone how deep her devotion goes for those precious to her. So, in this moment, all she can see is someone questioning her love for the people who make up her world, but, when she blinked, the only thing she can see is her precious brother's fearful eyes staring back at her.

Why is he afraid?

Looking to her sides, she can see mirroring looks on the rest of her team. They all look horrified. As if they're looking at a monster. In that moment of realization, she noticed it. The scent of dew on freshly grown grass, the sound of the creek a few miles into the forest flowing freely, the feel of the brisk morning air drifting over her skin and the nine dark purple tendrils wiping wildly around the group in an enraged frenzy.

My eyes!

Immediately, she felt the itch of her eyes going back to normal as the tendrils disappeared. Horror filled her eyes as her hands raised to covered her mouth.

They know-

That you're a monster-

I scared them-

And you'll never be able to fix this-

It's over-

You should've let me fix her!

Squeezing her eyes shut, she couldn't even bring herself to care about the tear that slid down her cheek.

"S… Sakura, what…" Kakashi couldn't figure out what he wanted to ask.

Was what happened to her eyes the source of all the mysteries surrounding her? Does she have some kind of kekkei genkai? Is she a jinchuriki like Naruto? Should he even ask at a time like this?

"Sakura-"

"If you truly feel that mother's death is because of me, then I won't subject you to being around our mother's killer. I'll stay away from you from now on. I wish you happiness and that you fulfill everything that you've dreamed of." Turning on her heels, Sakura made her way to the door. Meanwhile, all Naruto could do was stand frozen in his spot.

What did I do?

"And nii-kun," turning his head in her direction, he saw something he's only seen her do once before: cry. "I'm truly sorry I scared you- all of you." Without saying another word, she walked out leaving the rest of team 7 dumbfounded.

Later That Night

Naruto's POV

Why do I feel like I've made the biggest mistake of my life?

My thoughts kept racing as I punched the tree before me over and over again. Sakura-chan hasn't returned home yet and it's nearly midnight. Where could she be? Is she even coming back?

Should she come back?

I punched the tree a little harder then I realized making a hole in the trunk and splitting my knuckles. Cursing, I held my bloody hand in front of me. The longer I watched the blood drip the angrier I became.

But why the hell am I so mad?!

I didn't do anything wrong! She was the one that knew mother was dying! She was the one that didn't say anything! She's the one with the secret abilities that could have saved her!

She's the one that did something wrong!

Toshira raised you better than this.

My mind reeled at the deep tremors of that monstrous voice. I haven't heard it speak since it told me to go find Sakura after the incident with Izumi-san. For some reason, it only speaks whenever Sakura is involved in something messy. Any other time, it sounds as if it's purring when mother or Sakura is close. However, today, it sounded like it was in pain with the way it whined.

Then again, there is good reason to be.

Swallowing hard, my injured hand dropped to my side as my other clenched the fabric of my shirt over my heart. Why hasn't the pain eased even a little?

I know Toshira raised you to be smarter than this.

Shut up!

Why does it even care?! It's some kind of monster- so why does it care about people?! Shouldn't it be happy that there's pain and misery?! That's what a monster is supposed to be!

You're better than this, Naruto-kun.

My heart skipped a beat. That voice was much softer. I properly wouldn't have been able to hear it if it wasn't in my head, but why does it sound so… human?

Remember, my precious Naruto.

Out of nowhere, a memory from far, far in the back of my conscious slammed into my mind.

I curled into as tight of a ball as I could, the ruthless stones beneath me scratching my arms and legs till they're raw. They stung horribly, but the assault of feet and fists hitting anywhere they could reach hurt far worse. I don't know why these two boys decided to attack me. All I wanted to do was suprise mother and Sakura-chan with ice cream tonight- what did I do to deserve this?

"Filthy monster!" One of the boys shouted. I think he's about 11 or maybe 12. Either way, he's much older then me.

"Why don't you fight back, monster!"

How am I supposed to fight you both off when I'm six?!

I can feel my blood boiling, but a harsh kick to the back of my hand covering my head quickly brought all of my attention to my crushed fingers. Pain shot up my arm and tears streamed down my face.

"Stop! Please- stop!" My whole body ached. All I want is for them to leave me alone.

Why is no one stopping this?!

"Hey!" Just like that, the beating stopped.

Thank kami.

Peeking from underneath my arm, I looked up to see who saved me. Itachi-san stood in the opening of the alley they dragged me into. With the way the setting sun shined around him, he looked like some kind of god!

"W-what do you want?!" One of the boys shouted back. He sounded tough, but his knees shook as if he's about to fall over. Itachi-san watched them for a moment before his his eyes met mine. Honestly, he looked angry- like- really angry.

"Do you think beating a defenseless child makes you worthy of being called a shinobi?" The two boys shrinked back, but one of them still felt brave enough to challenge him.

"B-but he's a monster! He has the beast that murdered my brother in him!"

I have a beast?

When did that happen? How? Is it even true? What is mother going to think of me if-

"I don't know where you learned that from, but know this. If I catch you repeating the actions I've just seen, you won't get off with a simple scolding." Itachi-san's eyes flashed red.

The two boys shivered as they quickly ran out of the alley. Itachi-san watched them until they disappeared around the corner. Slowly, he turned his attention to me, his eyes back to their normal dark color.

"Are you alright, Naruto-kun?" I nodded, pushing myself into a sitting position. Every part of my body ached, but I tried my best to ignore it.

"I'm fine." Itachi-san didn't say anything for a long time until he came closer and knelt before me.

"It's ok to feel hurt, Naruto-kun."

But then mother and Sakura-chan will feel bad because of me.

I wiped at my eyes harshly dropping my head.

"I can't- if I do then I won't be strong." He did say anything for a while until I felt his hand pat the top of my head.

"I remember a man that was one of the strongest shinobi this village has ever created. Whatever emotion he felt, he openly showed no matter who was around him."

"Really?" Lifting my head, I can see he isn't lying to me by the sincerity in his eyes. "Who was it?"

"It was your-" he paused, closed his eyes, then opened them, "it was the Fourth Hokage. The greatest man I've ever met."

The Fourth Hokage?

"So… if I can become as strong as him, then mother and Sakura-chan won't have to worry about anything?" He raised a brow, but he patted my head again.

"If that's what you want, then you should start training now. The Fourth was powerful enough to stop the nine tails."

Wait, I almost forgot.

"Itachi-san… what did those boys mean when they said I have a beast inside me?" Again, he didn't say anything for a while.

"We all have a beast inside of us, Naruto-kun. It's called the will of fire."

"What's that?"

"You'll learn about it when you're older." His hand slid from my head and he stood up, holding the hand out to me. "It's getting late. Toshira-san must be worried by now."

Yeah- mother can be a worry wart sometimes.

Grabbing his hand, he pulled me to my feet easily.

"I'll walk you home." He turned on his heels and started walking out of the alley.

"I-Itachi-san!" He stopped, looking over his shoulder at me. Dropping my gaze, I took a fist full of my shirt and squeezed it. "Can… can you not tell mother what happened? I don't want her to worry." I peaked up to look at him, but he already turned away from me.

"Of course, Naruto-kun." Without another word, we walked out of the alley and towards my home.

We didn't speak the entire way back. We simply walked in silence. When we reached home, Itachi-san asked again if I wanted him to explain what happened to mother.

"No, I don't want her to worry 'bout it." Straightening, I gave him my widest smile. Hopefully, he'll believe me more with that. "Besides, it's nothing that the next hokage can't handle!" Itachi-san looked at me for a long moment before patting my head.

Seriously- what's with him and petting me?

"Take care, Naruto-kun." Then, he turned and walked away.

Taking in a deep breath, I turned to the front door and walked in. Immediately, a warm pair of arms wrapped around my body tightly. The bruises lining my body ached painfully, but I couldn't show it. That would make it pointless in not telling mother.

"I'm okay, mommy." I felt her sigh deeply before pulling away to arms length.

"Where have you been, Naru-kun? I've been worried sick!" My heart tugged, but I swallowed hard.

She looks so tired…

"I'm okay, mommy- I promise! I-I just got a little lost is all." Her eyes narrowed as she looked directly into my eyes.

"Naruto Uzumaki, why are you lying to me?"

How did she know?!

"Bu-but mommy, I'm not-"

"He's probably tired, mommy." Looking over mother's shoulder, Sakura-chan stood watching us. "He must have fell too."

Oh no!

Just as I hopped wouldn't happen, mother immediately turned to me. Her eyes scanned my entire body getting wider the more she looked.

"Naruto- what happened?!"

"Nothing- I-I fell!"

"Naruto Uzumaki- you tell me what happened right-"

"It's okay, mommy." Mother snapped her head around, but from the way she paused, I guess she changed her mind. Sakura-chan came closer until she stood next to both mother and me. Her attention focused solely on me, she placed a hand on my shoulder. "Nii-kun never tells lies. He's too great of a warrior to do that." For some reason, the injuries covering my body slowly stopped hurting while tears started filling my eyes.

Why do I feel so… guilty?

"I… I'm sorry mommy." Lowering my head, I crossed my arm across my eyes to try to stop the tears from falling. I like to think I did good at it. "I… I wanted to get you and Sakura-chan something nice but these two older boys started beating on me. Itachi-san stopped it but I couldn't. I-I wasn't strong enough to stop them! I should have been stronger!" The tears started falling faster forcing me to stop talking or else they would know.

I have to be stronger! I have to be-

Arms engulfed my torso, but these weren't mother's. These were much shorter and warmer.

Sakura-chan?

Peering up, she pressed her cheek against the side of my head so I can't see her face, but I don't need to. The soft strokes of her head against the back of my head and the barely audible humming made me feel at peace.

"Saku-chan, can you give Naru-kun and I a minute alone?" I felt Sakura nod as she let me go. Her hand briefly squeezed my shoulder before she walked to her room and closed the door.

Turning, neither mother or I said a word. After a few more seconds went by, she opened her arms. Again, I felt the tears building in my eyes as the attack replayed in my head. Falling forward, I landed in mother's arms. She held me close to her as I cried into her chest.

What if they were right? What if I am a monster? I mean, why else would they want to hurt me? And what if Itachi-san was lying to make me feel better? He is a strong shinobi so he must be really good at it. And what about the beast? Do I have one of those?

The longer the questions floated in my head, the drier my eyes got. Eventually, I stopped crying all together.

"Are you okay, Naruto-kun?" I nodded. She must have felt it because she pulled away from me.

Kissing the top of my head, she stood to her full height, took my hand, and brought me to the couch. She patted the cushion and I sat on it. For a moment, she walked into her room, but quickly came out with a first aid kit. Kneeling in front of me, she opened it and started rubbing ointment on my bandages. It stung, but I didn't let it show. Once the ointment was on, she started to bandage my wounds. While watching her, all I could think about is all the questions floating around in my head.

"Mommy… am I… a monster?" She didn't even hesitate in her work. All she did was let out a deep sigh.

"There are monsters in this world, Naru-kun, but you are not one of them."

Well, that's not exactly what I was expecting her to say-

"I won't lie to you," she finished wrapping the last bandage and looked me in the eye, "they look just like you and me. However, monsters hurt others for their own selfish gain. Monsters try to make others think they're the evil ones to protect themselves. Monsters are unfeeling beasts that want to destroy others. Are you any of those things?"

"No…" I lowered my head, but she gently grabbed my chin with her fingers and lifted it to look me in the eye again. Her gaze was intense with an edge I've never seen in them.

"You are not a monster, Naruto. You care for those around you. You defend those you love no matter what the situation is. You are a loving boy and one of the greatest gifts I can ever ask for." A soft smile appeared on her face as she pressed her forehead against mine. "Keep that love close to your heart. Never let anything or anyone change that because you will go to great places with it, my sweet Naru-kun." The feeling that consumed me as I looked back at mother is something that I can't describe.

I felt warm, loved, cared for, strong, weak- too many emotions that I can't even name. I felt more tears build in my eyes, but I held them back as I smiled back at mother.

"I will- I promise." Her expression softened as her smile widened.

"Good."

"Nii-kun, mommy," We both looked up to see Sakura-chan standing in her doorway. "I apologize for interrupting, but I wanted to tell you that you don't have to worry about those boys anymore. They won't bother nii-kun anymore." What?

How does she know that?

"I'm sure. Itachi-kun must have given them a good scare." Mother laughed as she motioned Sakura-chan to us.

That night, we all slept in mother's bed. The words mother told me echoed in my head until I fell asleep with dreams of becoming the greatest hokage in the world.

I didn't realize I was crying till a gust of wind brushed against my cheek. A shiver ran down my spine as the air made the tear streaks freeze my skin. Wiping at them harshly, I stepped forward, slamming my head against the bark of the tree.

Why am I remembering this now?!

You can't be this dense.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I tried to block out that monstrous voice. However, I couldn't focus for long. My mind kept going back to that damn memory. To the pain I felt from the attack. To the confusion of trying to figure out why it happened. To the love surrounding me when I got home. To the words mother said-

The promise you made.

The promise?

That's right- I made a promise to mother to never change. I promised to keep love closest to me and care for those I love till the end.

And I just abandoned the last of my family.

Clenching my teeth, I tried to fight back the tears, but they fell anyway.

Why do I feel like shit now?! Yes- I probably shouldn't have treated Sakura the way I did, but she's still the one in the wrong! Even back then she did something with her secret powers to keep those bullies away from me. Why couldn't she have done the same for mother?

She's the one that didn't care!

You idiot.

Without warning, I was hit harshly with another memory I nearly forgot.

I stood in front of mother's closed door. My heart felt heavy and my eyes burned from unshed tears. How bad is she going to be today? It's like she just gets worse everyday no matter how much medicine the doctors try to give her. She still refuses to go to the hospital and she won't let a doctor do anything else but give her medicine.

Why does it feel like she knows she's dying?

The fact that she specifically asked me to come to tell me something is suspicious enough, but Sakura-chan is the biggest give away.

Usually when one of us gets sick, she takes care of us until we make a quick recovery. I think it has something to do with her secret powers, but I don't know enough to know that for sure. What I do know is that Sakura-chan has some kind of ability that lets her heal people quickly. With the amount of time she spends with mother, I expected mother to feel better in no time.

So why do they both look like they've given up?

Taking in a deep breath to calm myself, I knocked gently on the door.

"Come in." It was weak, but I knew to listen closely for it. Letting out a deep breath, I opened the door.

The room I once felt the safest in was cold and dark despite the lamps emitting light. Mother's large bed looked extra big with her small, frail body lying in the middle of it. Her nightstand that usually had books covering it now was covered in empty pill bottles.

I hate this!

"Naru-kun." Her once cheerful voice was now raspy with pain. "Come, sit with me." I nodded, walking around and sitting on the edge of her bed.

She tried to move to a sitting position, but a harsh cough sucked the strength from her. I quickly grabbed a tissue from her bedside and held it over her mouth as she coughed. No matter how sick she got, she hated seeing the blood stains on her sheets. Something about having a cleanly environment helping to calm the spirit.

Why does she care more about her bed then her own life?!

Closing my eyes, I counted backwards from ten as she slowly gained control of her coughing fit. I helped her lay back down as she panted, sweat building on her forehead as she tried to even her breathing.

"Sorry, Naru-kun." She whispered weakly.

"You don't have to apologize, mother." I mumbled, tossing the tissue into the trash can next to her bed. "I should get you some water-" I moved to stand, but her once warm fingers wrapped around my wrist, holding me in a surprisingly strong grip. Looking back to her, a determined frown marred her thin face. "Mom?"

"Naru-kun… I should have told you this a long time ago. You deserve to know after all you've been through…"

"Mom, what are you talking about-"

"I… I've been keeping a secret from you."

What?

I wanted to ask so many questions, but the way she fought to keep her breath even and the look in her eyes kept me quiet.

"I… I raised you, Naruto, but I didn't give birth to you." I blinked, my heart skipping a beat.

"Mom, what are you talking-"

"Naruto-kun, your parents died on the day Kura-" She paused, her eyes closing tightly. She took a deep breath before opening them again. "The nine tails came to the village. Your mother grew sick after giving birth to you and passed on that day. Your father fought with the nine tails and sacrificed his life to seal him away." Again, she stopped, but her eyes never left me. "You may not understand why I didn't tell you, but I want you to know that they loved you more than anything."

What am I supposed to say?

No matter how hard I try, I can't find the words to say what I want. Too many emotions clouded my mind for me to even think straight. Confusion, anger, hurt, sadness-

How am I supposed to process this?

"Why didn't you tell me?" A sad smile stretched her lips as she let go of my wrist to cover my hand with hers.

"I didn't want you to feel any less loved. You may not biologically be mine, but you will always be my son." I couldn't help but smile back at her. No matter what I'm feeling, the biggest thing I can't shake is the pure love I've always held for her.

She's been there for me since I was a baby. She raised me, cared for me, loved me unconditionally, and was always on my side even though she knew I was in the wrong. She's my mother- blood or not.

"I don't want you to ever forget that I love you." She squeezed my hand, tears pricking at the corner of her eyes. My heart tugged painfully, but I didn't dare interrupt her. "I will always love you. Even when I'm gone, I will still watch over you." Despite the tears sliding down her cheeks, her smile brightened making her eyes shine brighter. "I know you'll be happy, Naru-kun. You're surrounded by so much love already, but with your bright personality, I know you'll create even more strong bonds. Until then, your team will be there for you- especially Sakura-chan." 'Her eyes looked far away, but they stayed on me. "One day… one day all of you will see how much she truly loves you."

Why does this sound like a goodbye?

I swallowed hard as I placed my hand on top of hers.

"Mother-"

"Can you make me a promise, Naru-kun?" I blinked, taken aback a little.

"Of course, mother."

"Promise me… that you'll be patient with Sakura-chan. That you two will stick together no matter how tough things may get. No matter how bad a situation may seem, promise me you will always stick together."

She… she's saying goodbye…

"I promise, mom." I couldn't stop the tears from falling as I laid down next to her. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her close to me and cried into her shoulder.

One week later, she never woke up again.

Damn it!

Tears poured down my cheeks as I fell to my knees.

I screwed up.

You finally get it.

I'm such an idiot! All the promises I made- all the things mother told me, I threw them all down the drain. I did all of that because I was too deep in my own feelings to care about anyone else.

And now I won't get the chance to make things right.

My fist connected with the tree again. The pain that shot from my hand sent a shock to my brain telling me it was my already injured hand, but it wasn't enough to calm my raging thoughts.

Why am I such a failure?!

Don't give up, Naruto-kun.

It's too late!

It's never too late.

I ruined it!

Stop being such a dumbass and listen, idiot!

A wave of pure wrath washed over me, silencing all my wild thoughts leaving me completely calm.

Don't give up, Naruto-kun

Stop crying and fix what you screwed up.

Opening my eyes, I stared into the bark before me. A building sense of determination filling me.

I don't know how, but I'll find away to make things right with Sakura-chan. No matter how difficult it will be, I won't abandon her again.

I will keep my promise to mother- no matter what it takes!

Finally- you came to your senses.

Meanwhile…

Sakura's POV

The waning moon let out a scarce amount of light, but it was enough to see. As I sat in the highest branches of my favorite oak tree in the depths of Konoha's forest near home, I watched the dark clouds move across the sky. Despite the chill in the air, I didn't feel cold. In fact, a blissful numbness encased my body.

Is this what emptiness feels like?

You finally ruined every bond you had.

Taking in a deep breath, I slowly released it, watching the puff of mist dissolve a few feet away.

Would something like this have happened if mother were still alive?

She wouldn't have died if you'd let me heal her!

Eventually they all would have found out, but would it have been this bad?

Everyone hates monsters!

Monsters… that's right. Technically, my father is a monster so, by default, I am one too. Given what the academy teaches, everyone in the village hates my father and all the other tailed demons. So, when they know I am the daughter of one, they'll all hate me too.

Besides, monsters don't get to be happy.

The only person that was able to love a monster is gone.

That's right. Mother fell in love with father even though she knew what he was capable of. Despite everything she saw me do, she still loved me unconditionally. She even tried to change others into believing I was capable of being good- including me.

Sitting in the empty public park on a swing, I waited for mother and nii-kun to get back. Apparently, nii-kun tried to steal ramen again from the food store. Mother took him to make him apologize but she didn't want me defending him so she told me to wait in the park. Usually, it doesn't take more than ten minutes for something like this to be solved, but this time, it's been more than two hours. The sun is even starting to set and I can't sense either of them approaching. Even the few parents with their children have already started to leave.

Maybe the owner is really angry this time.

"Hey, you!" Blinking, I turned my head to see a group of three girls standing next to the swings.

Do I know them?

"We want to swing so you have to move." The one in the middle- a chubby cheeked girl with dark brown hair and brown eyes- demanded with her arms crossed.

"There are other swings." I turned away from them, continuing to swing slowly. Suddenly, my swing stopped. Looking up again, the same girl stood next to me, her hand gripping the chain of the swing tightly.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Annoying. Now let go." She looked shocked before a glare took over her face.

"You're just a stupid nobody with ugly hair! My mommy even says that your mom is a poor harlot that lives off of free money." My eyes narrowed as I slowly stood.

"Noone talks bad about my mother."

Show her how to really scare someone!

I felt the itchiness coming to my eyes as I balled my fist.

"Oh yeah? What are you going to do about it, forehead?"

Rip out her tongue!

I took a step closer to her, my eyes slowly starting to change as I-

"Saku-chan?" I blinked, the change immediately stopping. Looking past the annoying brat, I saw mother enter the park with nii-kun beside her. He looked worn out and a little dirty.

What did the store man do to him?

"Mother-"

"I said move- now!" Snapping my gaze back to the girl, I stepped to the side as she tried to push me.

She tripped and fell, banging her head against the swing as she went down. Immediately, she let out a loud, shrill cry as mother raced over. Mother knelt beside the girl, helping her stand and dusting her off.

"Are you alright?" The girl didn't seem to care that mother was trying to help her. She shoved mother's hands away and stamped her feet angrily.

"That stupid girl pushed me!"

"Hey- Sakura-chan isn't stupid!"

"You're just as stupid as her!"

"That's enough." Mother's stern voice silenced everyone. Her hard eyes held all of us still. The other two girls started to back away attempting to run. "You two stop right there!" Immediately, they froze, their bodies shaking as fear covered their faces.

Mother didn't pay much attention to it as she motioned all of us to stand in front of her. The three girls instantly started crying but did as she said while nii-kun and I followed without complaint. With all of us in front of her, mother looked over each person before she stopped her gaze on the ring leader.

"What made you say those mean things to Sakura?" Instead of answering, the girl just cried harder. Mother simply watched her do so until she placed her hand on top of the girl's head. Confusion replaced her tears as she stopped crying. Staring back into mother's intense gaze, the girl looked lost on what to do. "What made you say the things you did to Sakura?"

"I… I wanted to swing with my friends an-and she was in the way." Mother hummed, retracting her hand. She held her chin as if she was deep in thought, turning her gaze to the darkening sky.

"So, because someone is in your way, you should treat them badly?" She looked back at the girl who started fidgeting as if she was uncomfortable. "So, if you are in other people's way, they can treat you badly too and try to beat you up?" The girl's eyes shined with tears again as she lowered her head. "How would that make you feel, little one?"

"... Badly."

"If that would make you feel bad, how do you think Sakura felt when you did it to her?" Fat tears fell from the girl's eyes as she wiped them with the back of her hand. Mother finally softened as she placed her hand on the girl's shoulder. "You don't have to treat others bad like the way you've been." The girl cried harder, her sobs making her whole body shake.

"B-B-But Ami-san's mom owns the store my mommy works at a-and if I don't do what she says then mommy will lose her job an-an-and-" Mother shushed her, bringing her into a hug.

"I'm going to tell all of you a little secret." The girl's cries lessened a little while the other two girls leaned in closer. "No matter what Ami or whoever says, they can't make their parents do anything. Even if they did, Lord Hokage would never allow it."

"Bu-But why would Lord Hokage care about us?" The girl's muffled voice said from mother's chest.

"He cares for all of those who live in Konoha. We're all family and family protects each other." Her eyes raised to nii-kun and I, a knowing smile on her face. "Isn't that right?" We both nodded, a wide grin spreading nii-kuns lips.

"I'm going to get stronger so I can protect everyone! Believe it!" The girl hesitantly looked over her shoulder at nii-kun. His smile didn't dim in the slightest as he looked back at her. "I'll protect you too!" After a second, his smile turned into a small frown as he pointed an accusatory finger at her. "But you have to be nicer to Sakura-chan or else we won't be friends." The girl's eyes widened slightly as she looked between nii-kun and I.

"You… you want to be my friend? But, I was mean to her..."

"You were- and I won't forgive it until you apologize, but after that, I don't see why we can't be friends. Besides, it sounds like you need better ones, right mommy?" Mother smiled brightly back at nii-kun nodding her head. "Plus, you'll have loads of fun with me and Sakura-chan! Right, Sakura-chan?"

Who knew I would end up becoming friends with bullies.

You should've shown them what you really are!

"Right."

Today has been strange.

It should've been bloody!

"From now on," blinking, I focused my attention onto mother, her warm gaze scanning over all of us as she pulled away from the ringleader. "I don't want to hear about anyone being mean to each other, understand?" We all nodded making mother's smile brighten to a blinding level. "Now, how about you all introduce yourselves properly."

Like that, nii-kun and I made three new playmates all because of mother.

Back then, it was much easier to simply agree with whatever mother said. It always sounded like the right thing- the human thing to do. At times, it was almost like mother was trying to teach me what I was capable of becoming: the human I've always wanted to be and not the monster I was boring to be.

I guess I ruined even that in the end.

Just like a monster.

What am I supposed to do without her?

That may sound childish- as if I can't function without being cared for, but it doesn't change that it's a fact. Mother has always guided me to the best parts of life. Even when I was stuck in my own dark thoughts, she never failed to guide me out of it. Granted, nii-kun also did the same for me, but he couldn't always reach me at my worst. No- only she could.

And now she's gone forever.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I pulled my knees to my chest.

What am I going to do without her?

Even if there was someone else that could grow to care for me, how long would it be for them to turn tail and run? No one- no one- has ever stayed close to me after finding out what I can do. Not Itachi. Not Sasuke. Not Kakashi-sensei.

And not precious nii-kun.

The only person that has ever seen the horror I can cause and still stayed by me was mother.

I stayed within the shadows of the dark streets that winded through Konoha's market district. The restaurant mother worked at was across the street from my hiding place. Usually on especially dark nights like this, I would come to walk mother home. Granted, the presence of an eleven year old wouldn't stop a mugger, but I have more than enough power to handle such a situation on my own. However, that isn't why I'm here tonight. No, tonight I have to handle a rare incident.

"Come on- be reasonable! I didn't do anything to her that she wasn't asking for!" A middle aged man drunkenly argued as he was pushed out of the front doors of the restaurant by mother's boss.

The man isn't anything more than a civilian. Judging from the lack of a ring or a tan line on his finger, he isn't married. I don't know much else about him, but all I need to know is that he harassed mother to the point she nearly got hurt trying to get away from him.

Why not cut off his hands and shove them up his ass?

"Whatever, pervert." My gaze flickered to mother's boss.

He's an older man- probably in his late fifties if the grey streaks in his hair and deep laugh lines around his eyes are evidence. From what mother has said about him, he's a kind man who retired from being a shinobi after his wife fell sick. She survived after a long healing process and he decided to open the restaurant rather than return to being a shinobi. That was nearly thirty years ago apparently.

He's still in pretty good shape for being out of practice.

He only had a hand around the guy's arm, but the guy couldn't shake it off no matter how hard he struggled.

"Don't come back to my restaurant. If I catch you anywhere near here you'll answer to the authorities." He shoved the guy towards the street a little causing him to stagger. The disgusting man caught himself before he fell. He glowered at mother's boss before stalking down the streets towards the civilian district- empty streets.

Make him wish he's dead!

Sticking to the shadows, I followed him until the restaurant was out of sight. The civilian district was still a ways away with only empty shops lining the road.

Meaning no witnesses.

Get him now!

"Stupid bitch. Should've just kept her damn mouth shut." He grumbled to himself, stomping drunkenly. I barely noticed the itchiness in my eyes as I slipped out of the shadows a few feet behind him.

"Mother isn't a bitch." He jumped, spinning around sloppily. When he saw me, he sighed in relief, a bellowing laugh leaving his lips.

"I thought you were a police officer! I knew that old bastard was bluffing!" He laughed. I narrowed my eyes, three tendrils appearing around him.

Choke him to death.

"You attacked my mother."

Rip out his teeth and gorge out his eyes.

"I ain't do nothin' that bitch wasn't askin' for."

Better yet-

"Don't talk about her like that."

Destroy him!

"Or what- you gonna beat me up, pinky?" his obnoxious laughter was cut short as one of my tendrils wrapped tightly around his throat. Immediately, he grabbed at his throat, trying to pull off whatever was choking him, but he doesn't know that won't work.

"All you'll remember," I took a few steps towards him, staring deep into his bloodshot eyes, "is the pain from the hundred ways I thought about killing you with." Instead of drunk laughter, deafening screams echoed in the empty streets as my tendrils slid into his head. By the time the police arrived a few minutes later, he was a convulsing vegetable in the middle of the road, and I was walking mother home.

About a month went by without any leads as to who attacked that disgusting man. He couldn't say much of anything as he was kept in a coma in the hospital. They tried to keep him awake to ask questions, but, because of my tendrils, all he saw and felt where the different ways he could have died. From the reports, the pain was so severe, he would stress his heart too much and nearly have heart attacks. So, they kept him asleep. Without any witnesses or other evidence, the police have nothing to go off of. At this rate, it won't be long until they call off the investigation completely.

Let him suffer knowing no one cares.

Despite all of that, I think mother knows I did it. She's never directly asked me about it, but the knowing look in her eye whenever she would bring up the case told me all I need to know.

How did she even find out?

I made sure no one saw what happened- especially mother. There's no telling what she'd think of me if she knew I did something so… monstrous.

Maybe it's because he specifically attacked mother that day?

Would it have been less suspicious if I had dealt with him a day later? He would've probably felt more emboldened at being able to get away with it if I did, but then mother wouldn't know it was me.

And I won't let her see me as a monster.

Why not let her know what we really are?

Taking a deep breath, I ignored that demon's voice and focused at the task at hand.

Once again, I found myself staking out mother's restaurant. Again, a disgusting man tried to attack mother, only this time, it was much more violent. If mother hadn't have screamed, he may have done something unforgivable in the secluded supply closet in the back of the building. If mother's boss hadn't happened by the closet on his way to check on the cleaning staff, he may not have been stopped. If I had made it known that the first piece of filth that did this was punished because of his behavior towards mother, maybe this incident would've been avoided.

Maybe I can leave a message for the police?

Write it on the wall with his blood!

This time, mother's boss threw the man onto the street. He told him he'd call the police if he didn't scram, but this waste of functioning organs didn't seem bothered by the threat.

"And? Call the police- who do you think they'll believe? Some whore or a prominent member of his community?" mother's boss tightened his jaw at the man, his fists shaking in fury.

"Get out of here before I change my mind, bastard." The pig smirked before causally making his way down the street. Just like a month ago, I followed him.

When we were in that secluded area, I slipped from the shadows, My demon eyes already active since the moment I heard of the incident.

I've never been so grateful for my tendrils.

If I didn't regularly check on all of my precious people, there's no telling what could happen to them. How can I protect them if I don't know what's hurting them?

"Did you believe you're position will save you from justice?" Annoyingly unbothered, he turned on his toes, leveling me with a bored look.

"What are you talking about, brat?" At that moment, he must have seen my eyes, because his nonchalant facade quickly faded to confusion then pure fear. "What the hell is wrong with your eyes?!"

Good- he's afraid.

Now make him a corpse!

"You tried to hurt my mother." A tendril coiled around his throat, squeezing until his face blazed bright red. "You'll regret ever laying a finger on her." His face began to turn blue while I thought about what punishment would be appropriate.

"P-P-Please!" He begged, trying to pry the invisible tendril from his neck. I blinked at him, his bulging, bloodshot eyes pouring tears as his life was more than likely flashing before his eyes.

That gives me an idea.

"For every person you've hurt, I'll make you experiencing everything you did- or wanted to do to them." The last two tendrils slowly slid into his head as he struggled at the pain he surely felt from it.

Make him feel more!

"May you suffer knowing no one in this world will shed a tear for you."

"Sakura?!" My heart skipped a beat. I barely noticed my eyes shifting back as the man fell to the ground convulsing.

Mother?!

What is she doing here?!

Whirling around, before me stood my mother. Her work uniform still adorned her frame as her wide eyes looked between me and the man that nearly assaulted her.

She saw…

Why is she here?!

My vision tunneled.

She saw what I did…

She'll hate us!

My throat closed as she took a step towards me.

Mommy… please don't hate me!

Run!

I took a step away from her. Her lips moved, but I can't hear her.

Mommy-

Run!

I didn't register the moment my legs began moving, but when I blinked, the shops that lined the street were a blur around me, I didn't know where I was going, but all I know is that I have to go. To get away from that place. To get away from mother. To get away from her disgust in me.

Mother is going to hate me.

She knows you're a monster!

When I finally stopped running, I found myself in the second story of our home. Specifically, in the closet of the room father built for he and mother to share. I know what word best describes the feeling I get whenever I come in here, but, I feel warm and safe. I feel like whatever that's tormenting me can't find me in here. It's similar to how I feel when I'm around nii-kun, mother, Sasuke and Itachi-san.

Free?

When have you ever truly been free?

Squeezing my eyes closed, I curled into ball inside the closet. I shoved that demon's voice to the deepest corners of my mind, then, I let myself dream. How different would my life be if father was here? Would I be able to control myself better? Would I be as dangerous as I am now?

Would mother be happier?

Quick footsteps approaching made my body go rigid. I know it's mother searching for me, but I hoped with everything in me that she didn't find me. Even though I know she can't sense people, I masked my presence just to be safe.

"Sakura, I know you're in here." Her soft voice was breathy as if she'd been running.

Probably chasing after me.

"Baby, please come out." I wanted to.

With every gentle whisper of her voice, I wanted to go towards her and cry into her chest, but I can't. Not this time. The room was silent for a few more seconds before her soft steps came again, stopping in front of the closet. My heart stopped as I heard her hands rest on the handles.

"If you won't come to me, then I'll come to you." Before I can think to shunshin away, she swung the doors open.

To my shock, she was already crouched to my level. I stared back into her relieved yet stern green eyes. For a long time, we just stared at each other, neither of us moving or saying a word.

I really need a new hiding place.

After about a minute, her shoulders sagged as she shifted to sit cross legged in front of me.

"Sakura-"

"You think I'm a monster." She didn't look surprised in the slightest. In fact, she looked more like she was expecting me to say it. "Do you hate me now?" She blinked slowly at me, resting her hands in her lap.

"Many years ago," she began slowly, her eyes never leaving me, "I knew the most loving and caring man I'd ever met. Everyday, he would greet me when I came home from work with a hot meal and a warm cup of tea. He knew it always made me smile even after a horrible day. One night, when I came home from a particularly bad day at work, he wasn't there. I searched for him, but I couldn't find him. Eventually, I decided to go out to find him. After a while, I found him in the forest along with a man that had caused my terrible day, He beat that man until he was bloody but he still didn't stop. When he didn't feel like hitting him, he started snapping his bones and cutting his skin with a knife. The kind man I knew was covered in blood and didn't even flinch. When I called out to him, he looked at me with fear in his eyes- the same fear you had. Just like you, he asked me if I thought he was a monster after seeing him hurt someone. Do you know what I said to him?"

"No." Her eyes softened, a hand reaching out to caress my cheek.

"There's nothing in this world that you can possibly do to make me hate you. No matter how terrible it may seem, I know you'll never do anything that wasn't for the sake of someone precious to you. For that alone, I can never see you as a monster- so don't ask me again." She flicked my forehead, a small but blinding smile adorning her lips. I blinked, until tears wield my eyes.

Falling into her open arms, I cried into her chest as she held me, whispering soothing words into my ear.

In that moment, I didn't feel alone. I didn't feel the crushing weight of judgement nor the fear of someone precious to me hating me. All I felt was pure love and devotion from a woman I can only hope to be like.

She saw the absolute worst in me- she saw me nearly murder a man- and she didn't run. She didn't avoid me like Itachi-san. She didn't distrust me like Kakashi-sensei. She didn't fear me like Sasuke. She didn't hate me like nii-kun. Instead, she only loved me more.

And you repaid her by letting her die.

Hugging my legs tighter, I allowed the tears to fall once more as the crushing weight of loneliness suffocated me.

Alone… with only myself to blame.

I'm sorry for the late update. It's my final semester of college so I've been busier than I'd like. However, I've found ways to lessen my work load so I have more time to write. I hope you all enjoyed and the next chapter will be out within the next ten days! Only four more chapters left until the sequel! See you all soon. ~