AN: Alright, so this I almost made into a full fledge story. But I just can't. You'd be waiting forever for updates on it, and I'm just not ready for that kind of commitment. Though, I love the concept of them and I will definitely be writting a TON of ItaTaka (which is an OC obv.). Through these short stories you'll learn a lot more about Nagano Takara. So yeah, just wait for it. She's amazing, believe me, :].

Fyi: This is from Takara's POV.

My feet barely grazed the earth beneath me as I ran. If I had not been in such a hurry, I'd probably have checked to see if the ground was really there, but because nearly all my chakra was pumping into my legs I knew it had to exist. Though, I could barely believe I was capable of moving so fast.

Then again, if the one you love is moments away from death, how could you go about it any other way?

We were close now. The other member of my team, was still keeping a decent pace, only forty metres or so behind me. But we weren't moving fast enough. He was hurt. He was letting Sasuke win. What a selfish bastard.

"Take a longer route, stay near but do not interrupt unless I give you the signal." Even forty metres behind me, the brat heard my instructions clearly. With a slight nod of his head, that I could not see, he disappeared, doubling back to come from the north.

This was it.

I flew into the clearing, barely realising that my actions were too bold. My mind knew I should stop, to take the time to formulate a proper course of action. But sadly, my mind had no say, I was currently operating purely on heart.

I saw him fall. His cloak billowing in the breeze as he fell, making him appear as though he was floating. I was surprised yet again that my mind could catch such an insignificant detail as I sailed through the air, catching Sasuke's wrist before he could deliver what would have been the final blow.

For a single moment, time seemed to stand still…

I was hyperactively aware of everything around me. Itachi, lying almost dead beneath me, blood leaking out of both corners of his mouth, with his eyes wide open, but too dull to be truly coherent. I knew he would survive the injuries obtained today, he was unbelievably strong. He would make it.

Although, he would need to hold off by himself for just a little longer, because before me stood his younger brother. His wrist still firmly held in my hand. In his eyes laid an insanity that I could not comprehend. I could barely stand to gaze within them. I feared he would bring me down with him.

When the moment of calm before the storm was over. His vivid red eyes flicked up from his brother to meet my own silver ones. He looked so angry. His anger made me smile.

"You bitch." His tone was pure acid. My smile grew more pronounced.

"I see you're a little displeased, why so angry, Sasuke?" I cocked my head to the side, only to further taunt him.

He ripped his wrist from my grasp. The movement was lightning fast. I then realized that perhaps this would be harder than I'd thought. I did not let my doubt show.

My arm fell limply to my side as I awaited his reply. My body was coiled tightly, ready to strike.

"You traitor. You pathetic girl! Futilely in love with a monster. You truly plan to defend him?!" His tone was mocking but it did nothing to my state of mind. I was as calm as ever, fully aware of Itachi still beneath me, now fully conscious, staring up at me. Perhaps in shock? I did not turn to look.

Sasuke had moved back, once again with blinding speed. He now stood ten metres away. Ready for battle. If I should chose to engage him.

After nearly a minute with no reply he piped up again.

"Well?" Our gazes locked, but only more silence.

"Do you plan to defend him, Takara?"

I finally allowed myself one look at Itachi. His onyx eyes stared back, how much he could see at this point, I wasn't really sure. Perhaps he was already fully blind. The confusion within them was clear. But something else lay there, hidden just below the surface. Was it fear? For himself? For me? I did not take the time to figure it out. Instead I straightened up. Locked my eyes with the youngest Uchiha once more and replied.

"To the death."

And so the battle began.