Tortured Memories

PoD- "Alright! Third chapter! We're on a roll!"

Senior Gaara- "Flashbacks kick butt!"

Disclaimer- No own teh Naruto-kun!

Chapter Three

Sasuke and Naruto rushed to help me up and turned to Kakashi. I was too weak to go on my own. The question is how were we, or really, how was I going to get out? I gripped my stomach and hit the ground again. I could barely move. I was holding them up and if we didn't get moving soon, whatever was coming down that hall would get us, for sure. I glanced toward Kakashi, who was powering up for the Chidori and then I was lifted up again.

Sasuke cradled me in his arms and looked to Kakashi then Naruto, who pulled out a number of kunais and threw them at the window. It shattered and he leaped out of it, landing onto the ground. I wrapped my arms around Sasuke's neck as he darted across the room. He took a jump and we escaped through the broken window. I glanced back to only see Kakashi briefly, but I saw nothing neither beast nor being.

We landed for a short moment, though it was enough time to turned and see Naruto jolt off with Sasuke following. All I had to do was stay quiet and rest in Sasuke's arms as they ran. I looked over his shoulder hopefully. Why? Maybe I was hoping to see Kakashi, or did I want to see whatever was coming after us? What if it wasn't after us but it was after me, or perhaps it was coming for Sasuke's life?I looked up at Sasuke. His face was still and painted with a blank, serious expression, as was Naruto's, which rarely occurred.

Sasuke... Naruto... What's wrong? What's coming after us?

After about three hours of non stop movement, I was feeling worse. The constant motion made me uneasy and really dizzy. I had no clue where we were and I doubt anyone else did, but Sasuke and Naruto stopped. Sasuke sat me down against a tree and I leaned against it to keep me upright. I smiled and he sat down in front of me.

Naruto wandered around in circles while Sasuke went rummaging through his pack. I just sat there, staring out into the distance and trying to figure out what was after us, and if Kakashi was alright? I closed my eyes and wished that he was okay. I wished that this was a dream like before.

"Sakura," Sasuke whispered.

I looked at him as he extended his hand, which held a piece of bread, to me. I reached out and took it with a warm smile. He threw a piece to Naruto and it hit him in the face. He ate it in a flash, while Sasuke and I took our time. I had guessed this was all we were going to get until we reach the next village or found something in the wilderness.

I glanced around. This was not looking good; One: we were composed of one chunin, two genin, me, the chunin, being unable to move; that meant I had no jutsus. And two: the genin barely could tolerate each other. Three: we were practically lost and being chased by something. Not a nice thought.

"You guys made it," a familiar voice echoed around us.

I jumped; I was not expecting Kakashi to be here. I looked up and he was crouched in the branches above me. He leaped down and waved to us.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted as he pointed a finger in Kakashi's direction. "You said there'd be a house out here, but all I see are trees and more trees! You lied to us sensei!"

"Naruto, please. You're giving me a headache," I whined.

"Oh, sorry Sakura," he replied in a quieter tone.

"Calm down, Naruto. I didn't lie to any of you," Kakashi stated.

"Then where's that house you said-"

"Turn around, Naruto," Kakashi stated pointing past Naruto.

Sasuke and I looked to the direction he had pointed and Naruto flashed around. We all stared at a little shack on the opposite side of the river. Naruto sighed and I think he got angry.

"That..? That's a house..?" Naruto asked.

"Just follow me," Kakashi mused.

Kakashi began toward the river and didn't stop. He walked straight across the water and stepped up onto the opposite side. He turned and stared back at us. Naruto jolted across without hesitation, but Sasuke had to help me up. He didn't feel like walking so he jumped for it. I held onto him tightly; I really didn't feel like swimming in freezing cold water at the moment.

Once we were all by Kakashi, he led us into the so-called "house". Sasuke and Naruto helped me in and Kakashi led us down about three flights of stairs. He stopped and turned around to us. He pointed to a door on his left and smiled behind his mask.

"Okay. Sakura, that's going to be your room and Sasuke, Naruto and mine with be the other one. Got it?" Kakashi asked.

"Yes, sensei," we all replied in unison.

We all split up and Kakashi tucked me into the room which I'd be staying in. As he was leaving I couldn't help thinking about what happened after we had left and what was after us. So, I caught him.

"Sensei? Uh, what was it?"

"What was what?" he asked.

"Whatever you stayed back to ward off?"

"Oh, that's nothing to worry about," and he left.

I sat there on the bed with the thin sheets wrapped around me and so many thoughts in my mind. Why was this happening? What would have happened if I hadn't saved Sasuke? Well, he'd "die" and I'd be with Gaara. And what if I hadn't showed up at the training ground? What would have happened to our lives then?

Sasuke began to jump from the tree and Sakura tried to retrieve his arm but she was too slow. She lost her balance and began to fall. It had happened so quickly she hadn't time to scream. She sat up and felt the sand winding around her body and shielding her in a protective cocoon.

She was scared at first as the sand wrapped around her and the vision of Sasuke disappeared, but as soon as she calmed down and realized it was only Gaara her fear drifted away down a river. She relaxed-not moving; she breathed softly and slowly-as she was lowered to the ground and felt warm arms wrap around her and the sand release her.

"Gaara..?"

Sakura stared up at the red haired, aquamarine eyed boy and blushed. She looked away from his still face and tucked her head against his protective body. She smiled as she lay in his arms but as she heard Sasuke's scream she was drawn out of her comfort and pushed into fear and discomfort. She twisted around and stared at Sasuke.

"Sasuke..!"

"Sakura..." Gaara whispered. "Leave him be."

"But...he needs me! He needs someone!" Sakura whispered.

"All he needs is to die..."

Sakura's eyes went wide and she glanced back to Gaara. He had a demonic look on his face and Sakura could only feel hatred from him now. Was the only reason he cared for her because he wanted to make sure Sasuke felt pain? She pulled herself away from Gaara's grasp and went for Sasuke. Gaara's eyes locked onto her and he sent his sand after her.

Was that the life that truly awaited me? I brought my legs up against my chest and coiled my arms around them. My side began to burn and I winced at the pain. I gripped my stomach and clenched it tightly. Was the pain spreading through my body? Was the gash growing? I didn't want to think about death and pain anymore, so I shook it off.

I let out a soft scream. I begged that no one heard it and I sat silently in the room. No one entered, thank God. I sighed, taking off the blankets. I slid from the bed and snuck out of the room. I began to climb the stairs. At least some of my strength was back.

"Aaaahhhhhh!"