Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with the Naruto world, plain and simple.

Volume One, formally known as The Beginning.

Rating: M, for violence and sticky situations.

Setting: Author's Universe.

Aurthor's Note: I liked writing this chapter, because I love writing about evil girls like Keiko. They're always fun to hate, right? I changed the title, because the other one was boring. Anyways, review at the end, please.

Volume One - Revealing

Chapter Three: "BANG!"

"Think that you've worked it out, then BANG! Right out of the blue, something happens to you to throw you off course... and then you break down." – Jem "Just A Ride"

"He's where?!" Sakura flinched, Ino's shriek erupting through the entire house. Choji shrank ten sizes in the chair he was sitting in, inside Ino's kitchen, his eyes wide.

"Keiko's party," he repeated. Sakura sighed, closing her eyes, knowing Ino's timer was reaching its end... it was only a matter of seconds before the bomb inside her would explode.

Ino was pacing, her eyes wild with anger. She was panting and her checks were flushed red. Sakura watched her stomped between the fridge and the island counter where Choji and herself were seated. "Calm down, Ino, you're scaring us," Sakura said after a moment. Ino stopped in her tracks and glared at the pink haired girl.

"Don't tell me to calm down," she hissed. "That bastard is out there, flirting with Miss My-Thong-Is-So-Far-Up-My-Butt-I-Can-Only-Care-About-Myself, while I'm here playing Scrabble!" Sakura held her head in her hands, her elbows propped on the counter, watching the steam rise from Ino. "The nerve of that lazy, know-it-all, jerk!" She growled, stomping her feet as she began pacing again.

Choji dug his hand nervously inside the bag of Cheetos, his beady eyes following Ino. "I told him not to go." Sakura bit her lip. That probably wasn't the smartest thing to say.

Ino stopped again, her light-blue eyes narrowing in on Choji. The only sound in the room was the crunching of Choji eating. Sakura was holding her breath, waiting for the blonde to erupt like a volcano.

"You told him not to go, did you?" Oh, no. She's acting sweet, that's not good. Sakura eyed the other girl. Choji kept munching, nodding his round head in reply. Ino rubbed her chin, her eyes fogging over with thought. "How interesting."

"Please, Ino, don't do that."

"Do what, Sakura?"

"That! You're acting all calm and under control, but really you're plotting Shika's death." Ino smirked, her eyes narrowing in brilliant delight. Sakura really hated that look, the look of a mad man. Ino dropped her hands and slid over to the counter gracefully.

"Oh, no, no, Sakura. I'm not plotting Shika's death." She picked up an apple from the wicker basket that was set between the two girls. All that was separating Sakura from a crazed, jealous Ino was a basket of fruit. She placed the apple to her lips and grinned devilishly. "I'm planning Keiko's." She took a bite, the juice wetting her lips. Sakura frowned.

"Ino..."

"Don't Ino me, Sakura." She turned away abruptly. Sakura crossed her arms over her chest. "That prima donna asked for it the minute she dug her five hundred dollar nails into Shikamaru," she sneered. She clutched the apple in her hand, digging her nails into the thin layer of red skin. The juice dripped from the wounds in sticky trails. "She wants war, she'll get one."

Sakura knew Ino like the back of her hand, they were like twins. They even finished each other's sentences from time to time. But at this moment, Sakura had no clue what Ino was thinking. Ino always bossed Shikamaru around, and whenever he didn't do what she wanted, she got angry. But this was different. And why it was, was over Sakura's head.

Choji sifted in his seat, the bag of chips still in his lap. He was holding something back, Sakura sensed it. There was something on the tip of his tongue but he wouldn't push it out. She watched him carefully, searching him for signs.

"I should go there," Ino said, musingly. Sakura turned her head in her direction, forgetting completely about Choji. "I should stomp all over her little parade."

"That's suicide, Ino. That's what she wants, she wants you mad. She just wants to embarrass you in front of all those people." But Ino wasn't listening. She was twirling the apple in her hand, her mind far off in a distant galaxy where Keiko was dead.

"She always gets what she wants, well, not this time. I won't let her." She narrowed her eyes dangerously. "She won't win this time." Sakura groaned.

"Ino! Listen to me, this isn't worth it. Can't you just talk to Shikamaru tomorrow?" Ino turned, glowering at Sakura from over her shoulder.

"And let Keiko once again claim victory? I thought you were on my side, Sakura!" Sakura's eyes lowered into slits, she placed her hands on the counter and leaned towards the other girl.

"You know I'm on your side, stupid. But I'm not about to let you do something so ridiculous as storming into her house like some nutcase!" Yelling seemed to get through to people more than calmly discussing matters, or so Sakura hoped. She was running out of options. Ino wouldn't listen to her when she tried to reason, so yelling was all she had left.

"You don't understand! I have to do this! It's the only way!" Ino was fully facing Sakura now, leaning over the counter just like she was. Sakura glared at her, her lime green eyes hardening.

"What don't I understand, Ino? The only way for what? Will you just stop screaming like you're PMSing and talk to me!" Ino met Sakura's glare with equal intensity. They stayed like that, testing the other girl, seeing if the other would back down. It was Choji who finally broke the silence. Standing up, he grabbed Sakura and lowered her to her seat. Then he pushed Ino slowly away from the counter.

"She's right, Ino." Ino shook him off her and glowered. "She's right about everything. You can't just show up and cause chaos, it's what Keiko is betting on. And... you need to tell her." Sakura's eyebrows arched.

"Tell me what?" Ino huffed, not saying anything and refusing to look at either of them. Sakura rolled her eyes. "Grow up, Ino. You can tell me." Ino's shoulders dropped and she finally turned around. Her eyes were scanning the countertop, as if the answers to some question were written on the smooth surface.

"Sakura, the only reason I didn't tell you was because I didn't want you freaking out." Sakura grunted.

"I'm freaking out already."

"I know, I know." Ino sighed, her hands cupping her face. "I'm sorry, but you have to understand –"

"Oh, sure, I get it. I've only been your best friend since elementary. I can understand perfectly why I'm the last to know whatever it is I'll freak out about." Sakura didn't meant to snap, but she wasn't used to this. Ino used to confide everything in her. They were attached at the hip. What Ino had to say, Sakura knew first. She wasn't sure she liked the sudden change between them, the sudden rift.

"Sakura! Just listen!" Ino dropped her hands to her side and placed them on the counter's edge for support. "I'm sorry, okay? Will you just listen to me?" Then added, after Sakura made no further objections, "I was afraid you would freak out because I..." Ino's face distorted, she was trying to find the right words. Sakura's impatience was growing thin, and she didn't hide that fact either. "Because I'm in love with Shika."

Okay, that really wasn't what I was expecting. Sakura stared, unsure of what to say, or to even do. Should she hug her and say congratulations? Should she be mad that Ino kept it from her? Or should she feel guilty that Ino was scared of her reaction? And what reaction was Ino so afraid of anyways? Why would Sakura freak out, and why did that frighten Ino so much she kept it secret? That rift just grew a few more inches, and it was threatening to drag Sakura down.

"Oh, Ino..." She didn't know what else to say. She felt her eyes fill with tears, blurring her vision. Ino smiled weakly, still wary of her best friend. "Oh, Ino, I would have understood," Sakura added, blinking away her tears. She was always such a crybaby, such an emotional roller coaster. Maybe that's why Ino was scared to tell her.

They met eyes, Ino's full of worry and guilt, and Sakura's brimming with shame and forgiveness. How could she have gotten so mad, when poor Ino was struggling like this? No wonder she was so hell bent on destroying Keiko's plans to snatch up Shika. Sakura's face suddenly fell.

"Ino, we have a party to crash."

Keiko lived the fantasy of every girl. She even rivaled Barbie. Sakura stared at the mansion as they slowly approached it. It made her apartment seem like a cardboard box in comparison. Even Ino stood in awe, her eyes swallowing every detail. The house was three stories, the windows were as tall as the ceilings and arched elegantly, and Greek pillars stood guard next to the French double doors. The garage hugged the side of the house, the two sliding doors shut tight, hiding Keiko's custom BMW (with pink interior and matching rims) and her father's collection of Italian Alfa Romeo Breras. An eight foot, wooden fence separated their yard from the rest of the world, shielding away their luxuries.

Choji stood in between the girls, gaping just the same. "Remind me why I'm helping you." Sakura smiled, wrapping her arm around his shoulders, steering him towards the house. Ino followed suit, still staring.

"Because of the all you can eat buffet we promised you," Sakura whispered.

"The things I do for food..." Choji mumbled as they neared the massive front doors. Sakura glanced at Ino and smiled.

"The things we do for Ino." Ino meet her gaze, her blue eyes sparkling with appreciation. Sakura winked at her and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "But I guess she's worth it, right, Choji?"

"She's worth an all you can eat buffet? Of course." Sakura and Ino laughed warmly as they all interlocked arms and strode towards the party.

By the time they crossed the lawn and reached the doors, they could hear the throbbing music and the cheers of teenagers. Sakura glanced inside a window with its curtains pulled back to see two boys guzzling down beer through a tube. She grimaced and turned away, disgusted. She still hoped this was a good idea.

There wasn't a doorman to stop them for entering, so they awkwardly made their way from the main hall and into the living room. Each of them were standing on their tip toes, leaning in all sorts of directions, trying to look over the heads of the dancing bodies to find Shika. After a couple of uncomfortable minutes, Ino groaned.

"Maybe we should split up." Sakura was leaning against Choji, trying to get a good look at a group of kids huddled in the opposite corner. She hardly heard Ino over the pulsing techno.

"That's not a good idea," Sakura half shouted back. Ino put her hands on her hips and gave Sakura a stern look. Sakura mocked her. "What if you find him and can't find us?" Ino rolled her eyes.

"I can handle Keiko on my own." Choji turned to face her, his unruly red hair poking Sakura slightly in the shoulder. He was shorter than her, but when he had that determined look in his small eyes, he grew a couple of inches magically.

"Then why did you drag us here?" Ino didn't have a comeback. Instead, she pouted and crossed her arms. Sakura sighed and pulled Ino close so she wouldn't have to yell over the music.

"Ino, we're here to help, so let us." Ino slid out of Sakura's hold and stepped away, almost getting herself swallowed by the mass of dancing, sweaty bodies. Sakura yanked her to safety, tugging her back into the main hall. Choji followed close behind.

"Let me go, Sakura," Ino demanded, shoving Sakura's hand off her elbow. Sakura frowned and cornered Ino easily.

"You promised you wouldn't do this. Choji and I are trying to help but you refuse to let us. That's what friends are for, dumby. Now, let's find Shika, drag his butt out of here, and go back to your house where my ears can heal." Ino tensed, but didn't complain. Sakura led the way to the kitchen, the next place for their search.

It was outside, by the pool with the popular kids, that Ino spotted Shikamaru. At first, all she could do was stare at him from behind the kitchen doors. His brown hair was pulled back in the usual ponytail, his eyes half open, and his posture slouched in the lawn chair. But there was one thing new about him that Ino couldn't get over. It seemed Keiko had attached herself to his lap, and he didn't look at all displeased with it.

Sakura followed her hypnotized gaze and found herself staring as well. This certainly wasn't good. Getting Shikamaru out of here was going to be harder than she had hoped it to be, but it couldn't be avoided. For the sake of their foursome, Sakura had to find a way to get Keiko away from him so Ino could convince him to leave. She glanced at Choji, but he was no help. He was eyeing the rows of snacks like a predator stalking his prey. She would have to do this one alone.

"Sakura... he likes her, doesn't he?" Sakura snapped out of her plotting as she heard Ino's frail voice. Oh, no, you don't, Ino! You're not giving up now! Cha!

"Of course not, he's just too lazy to push her off." That sounded pathetic, Sakura thought. Her attempt to reassure Ino failed. Her face fell, her eyes brimming with tears, and her shoulders slacked. Sakura quickly grabbed her and forced her to look her in the eye. "Trust me, Ino. I'll get rid of that plastic bitch and you grab Shika, got it?" But Ino didn't look like she got it.

"Let's just go home, Sakura." She turned back to look at Shikamaru through the sliding glass doors. "Look, he's have fun... with Keiko... so let's just go before we ruin that for him." She sounded defeated, and that wasn't the Ino Sakura was used to. Taken aback by the lack of confidence in the blonde, Sakura dropped her hands and glared.

"I thought you weren't going to let her win? What happened to, 'If she wants a war, she'll get one.'?" Ino looked away, a few tears rolling down the side of her face. Sakura pulled a piece of hair behind her ears and thought.

"I'm sorry for bringing you here, Sakura, but I want to go home." Sakura's eyebrows raised, her vivid green eyes widening.

"No way. Ino Yamanaka doesn't just give up, especially to Keiko!" This seem to spark something. Ino suddenly straightened and faced Sakura, her eyes still lined with tears. Sakura gave her a grin. "Now, let's get this over with."

Sakura started her way through the throng of drunk and overly excited teenagers, her eyes fixed on Keiko. Her heart began to pick up pace as she closed in the distance between them, reminding herself that Ino was worth all this aggravation. Why couldn't she be best friends with someone a little less complicated?

Keiko was laughing a little too loud, throwing her head back, and placing her hands on Shika's chest. She was obviously showing off, like always. Shika merely stayed in his seat, watching the people around him, not really being involved. She wondered what really possessed him to come here, he stuck out worse than a sore thumb. He wasn't even talking to the other kids circling around them, just watching them with his usual bored gaze.

Until he happened to see Sakura strutting towards them. His eyes lit up, but not in the friendly, "Hey-I-Wasn't-Expecting-To-See-You-Here" way, but more like "What-The-Hell" way. Sakura grinned and waved, realizing that more of the crowd noticed her. Finally, Keiko turned to see who everyone was staring at. Her face fell instantly, and that only made Sakura grin wider.

"Hey, Shika, I've been looking for you everywhere. It was like a real-life Where's Waldo." Shika didn't look amused, and neither did anyone else. Sakura was not welcome, she could feel it from each pair of eyes.

"Is there a reason you're here, Haruno?" Sakura narrowed her eyes as she glared at Keiko. Her red hair was curled in thick waves, her dark eyes sending daggers straight at Sakura's head, and her full lips pinched together in irritation. Her tan, long legs were crossed, her dangerous manicured hands were now resting on her knee. She looked like a fierce queen perched on her throne, which happened to be Shikamaru Nara at the moment.

"Didn't I just say what I was here for? I was looking for Shikamaru."

"He's busy," Keiko snapped, challenging Sakura mutely. Sakura narrowed her eyes even more and then smiled.

"Then maybe you could help me." Keiko wasn't expecting that, in fact, she looked rather shocked at first. She quickly regained her confidence and laughed coolly, leaning towards Shika and wrapping her fingers around his shoulder.

"Help you with what, finding your way back to Chubby and Miss Pig and the rest of the misfits?" If Sakura were a cat, she would have lunged straight for Keiko's smug face and scratched her skin off. But Sakura was human, and even if her parents taught her how to take a grown male twice her size down with a single blow, she had to control her urges. But calling her friends nasty names was really pushing her limits. Sakura looked at Shikamaru, expecting some sort of rage, but only found a blank stare. Fine, Shika, I'll defend our friends myself.

"Actually, I already know where they are. They're currently hiding from the police who are starting to get angry because they can't find the hostess of this... little get together." Keiko faltered for a moment, her eyes searching Sakura for any signs of a bluff.

"You're kidding."

"No, not at all. I came here to find Shikamaru so we could high tail it out of here before everyone gets arrested. Underage drinking, disturbing the peace, and I think I even saw a drug deal on my way out here... you sure are breaking a lot of laws tonight, Keiko." Keiko stood up slowly, blocking Sakura's view of Shikamaru. Keiko's heels made her even taller than she already was compared to Sakura, making her loom over the pink haired girl. Her eyes bore into her with such fierceness, Sakura wanted to shrink away into the crowd. But she wouldn't, she couldn't. She was doing this for Ino, that's all that mattered.

"You better not be lying, Forehead, or you're going to see what kind of authority I have around here." Sakura shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, but was really screaming with panic inside.

Keiko shoved past her, her shoulder slamming into Sakura's, causing her to stumble backwards slightly. She followed her closely, the rest was up to Ino.

Inside, Keiko had the affect of Moses in the Red Sea. The oceans of teenagers parted for her without question, and then hurried to fill the space again, almost sucking Sakura into them. But she stayed close to Keiko, she had to stall as much as possible to make sure Ino and Choji had enough time to get Shika.

Her hair was getting pulled, her feet stepped on, and sweat that wasn't even hers was staining her nice shirt. She glared, annoyed, as a boy bumped into her, spilling his drink on her jeans. Great, now I smell like beer. How do I explain that to Mom and Dad? She shoved him back, angry and full of pent up emotion. She was tired and desperately wanted to go home, but she was stuck at this stupid party trying to help Ino hook up with Shikamaru while stalking Keiko. Wait, stalking Keiko... Sakura panicked, she couldn't find Keiko anywhere!

Her heart racing, Sakura pinched her way through the closely packed crowd, trying to look over their heads and find that red headed devil. But somehow, she had escaped Sakura. Feeling extremely drained, she used the last of her strength and made her way towards the main hallway. She finally reached the hall and stumbled out of the crowd, breathing in air was wasn't smoke and body odor.

But Keiko wasn't there, Sakura quickly noticed. This wasn't good, this was terribly horrible. Sakura spun around, hoping that maybe she just overlooked her. She cursed and walked towards the kitchen. She growled in frustration when she found that annoying hostess wasn't there either.

"Sakura?" She turned to see Choji walking towards her, his face worried and confused. Sakura's stomach flipped. What more could go wrong?

"I lost Keiko, I think she knew I was lying and is heading back outside."

"It wouldn't matter, because Shika and Ino left and I can't find them." Sakura's mouth dropped slightly.

"What! Well, that's just great." Choji took a bite of the sandwich he was carrying, his eyes narrowed.

"You smell horrible." Sakura sighed and buried her face in her hands.

"That's the least of my problems." Sakura had had enough. She was beyond her limit. All she wanted was to get out of here!

"Officer, there they are." Sakura spun at the sound of Keiko's shrill voice. She saw her pointing a clawed finger at her, smiling in triumph, standing next to a police officer. Sakura's heart skipped a beat. No way... "Those are the ones who are trespassing." Sakura's mouth dropped. There was no way this officer was going to arrest them with all the scandalous things going on around him!

But he would, and he did. He escorted Sakura and Choji off the property, but not before Keiko got a change to gloat in glory. "I told you, Forehead. I have authority." Sakura yanked herself free of the officer's grip as he led them to the end of the block. He warned them to not go back or they would face a punishment instead of a warning. Sakura was too worried about Ino to really pay attention to him.

"I can't believe she paid that officer to do that..."

"I can't believe you were right about the police being there." Sakura smiled, but didn't feel too happy.

"Luck, well, I guess not. Look where it got us." She hugged her arms, feeling the cold breeze nip harshly at her exposed skin. She should have worn a jacket or something.

She stared at the mansion, knowing they would have to wait for Ino. She hoped Keiko didn't find her and have her thrown out, that would only spark up a sense of revenge inside Ino. And frankly, Sakura wasn't sure if she could handle dealing with Keiko any longer.

Finally, Sakura made out a blonde figure half running, half walking towards them. She was wiping at her eyes. Sakura's heart plummeted to her stomach.

"Ino..." Ino bolted past her, her long ponytail wiping past both Choji and Sakura.

"Leave me alone," she responded in between sobs. Sakura grabbed her elbow, forcing her to stop and turn around.

"What happened?" Ino yanked herself free and glared at Sakura with heated eyes. Sakura stared at her, confused why the anger was directed at her.

"He said I shouldn't have come to stir up things. He called me troublesome!"

"He always calls you that," Choji stated, but Ino ignored him.

"He said I should stop trying to control his life and being so bossy! He said Keiko doesn't tell him what to do all the time! He compared me to Keiko, Sakura!" Sakura watched as she rubbed at her eyes violently. "If you had just let me leave, he wouldn't be mad at me." The words stung Sakura like needles.

"You're... blaming me?" Ino glared at her from behind her eyelashes, a look of pure loathing. Sakura's heart skipped more than one beat, it stopped all together.

"It's your fault! You made me go to him when I just wanted to go home! And now he hates me and likes Keiko even more!" Sakura couldn't move, she couldn't even wrap her head around what Ino was saying. "If you had just let me leave like I wanted, none of that would have happened! Shika would still be talking to me instead of calling me a troublesome pain in his ass!" she hissed harshly. That was it, Sakura's anger starting boiling in her veins.

"How dare you blame this on me," she retorted, her voice shaking, "When all I did was try to help you with something you didn't even trust me to know!" Sakura spat. Ino stepped back, her eyes in slits and hands clenched in fists. Sakura's face flushed with heat, her eyes burning with raw anger. "You're the one who was so determined to come here and ruin Keiko's plans! This was all your idea!" Sakura was sucking in air like gasps. "All you think about is yourself and what you want. Maybe Shika isn't in love with you! Maybe he's sick of you bossing him around all the time! Maybe he's better off with Keiko!"

Idiot, Sakura thought the second the words left her mouth. Ino froze, all her muscles shaking with hurt and anger. "I hate you, Sakura Haruno. And I never want to speak to you again." Sakura didn't even give her words time to sink in. She shoved past Ino, stomping down the sidewalk, her heart pounding inside her chest so much it hurt.

"I hate you, too! And trust me, I won't talk to you again! I don't want to talk to someone as selfish and pig-headed as you!" She heard Choji call after her, but she ignored him. She had enough, all she wanted was to go home and hide in her bed for the rest of her life.

By the time she was home, she was sobbing and regretting everything. All her anger was drained and now she wished she could take it all back. She forced open her door and slammed her back against it, holding her face as she cried. Her whole body was shuddering as she slid to the floor. She didn't even notice she wasn't alone.

"Sakura Haruno, I presume?" Sakura let out a cry of shock and bolted to her feet, her back scraping hard against the door. Her eyes widened as she stared at the figure sitting on her favorite chair, his legs crossed, his glasses glowing like white lights in the dark. Sakura could feel her pulse in her wrist and throat, fast and unsteady. She was panting, from fear.

"Who—who are you?" Her voice cracked, her throat had swelled and her mouth was incredibly dry. He laughed, cruel and threatening. Sakura's body tensed, her muscles squeezed, her eyes alert to every move he made.

They were alone, her parents weren't expected back for a couple more hours. She was doomed. There was no way she could take this guy, she didn't stand a chance. She quickly glanced around the small apartment, trying to find some sort of plan to escape. Maybe she could make it out the door and down the stairs without him grabbing her, if she were fast enough. She swallowed, noticing he was watching her closely.

"No need to be afraid, I just want to talk." Sakura slowly placed her hand around the doorknob. "Step away from the door, I don't want you getting ideas," he said, smiling menacingly. "Plus, it's not like you could outrun me," he added in a smooth but creepy tone. Sakura shuddered. He knew her plan.

"My parents will be here any minute—" He laughed, rolling his head over his shoulders. Sakura was still panicking, her mind screaming all sorts of commands, but her body refused to react.

"We both know that's not true." He motioned with his hand towards the couch. "Have a seat, relax. I just want to talk, promise." Sakura didn't move, not even an inch. She held her breath as fear swam through her like a hoard of frantic fish. He sighed after a moment. "You're scared of me," he stated disappointingly. Sakura still refused to budge.

He stood up in one fluid motion and that made Sakura's breath hitch. She quickly slid down the wall until her hip banged against the counter that divided the kitchen and the living room. Her eyes wild with fear as she watched him make his way towards her. She whimpered, corned like prey. Her body was shaking and she realized she was crying.

"My, my, you're as terrified as a little rabbit." Sakura closed her eyes and began to pray to every god she heard of, hoping one of them would answer. Her hands were clenched tightly, her nails digging into her clammy palms, and her jaw was so clamped shut it hurt her teeth.

"Puh—puh—please..." Sakura stammered, more tears spilling down the sides of her face. Her lips were quivering and she felt extremely numb. She heard him stop in front of her and she shrank to the floor, holding her knees to her chest. "Just leave!" She shouted out of fear. He laughed.

"Don't be so pathetic," his voice was harsh, unforgiving. He grabbed her harshly dragging her to her feet. Sakura cried out in surprise. "I told you I just wanted to talk." Sakura stared at him, unable to truly believe this was happening. Was there really a strange man in her house, or was she just tired from everything that happened tonight? He didn't give her another moment to think, but pulled her to the couch.

"You look like your mother," he said softly. Sakura stared at him in disbelief.

"You...you know... my mother?" He laughed and forced her to sit, and then sat next to her. Sakura tried to scoot away but his fingers wrapped around her wrists bruising.

She finally got a good look at him, with the dim moonlight pouring from the window and hitting his face. He was young, younger than her father, and had silver hair that was pulled into a loose ponytail. His dark eyes were slanted with both charm and malice, making Sakura feel scared and enthralled all at the same time. Who was this man? Why was he here? How did he know her and her family? And most importantly, what was he planning to do with her?

"Yes, I know your mother. She was a sweet girl. Stupid, but sweet." Sakura swallowed a gasp. He grinned at her expression. "I suppose you're wondering how I could possibly know her, know you?" Sakura nodded, feeling a daze take hold of her mind. He smiled, his eyes shining with something Sakura couldn't put her finger on. Joy... or insanity? "She's an old friend, so is your father. They'll be thrilled to see me once they come home." Sakura didn't believe him, his tone was too mocking for it to be true.

"You and me have lots of time to get to know each other, don't we?" he added curiously. Sakura's heart sank fast. She didn't like where this conversation was going. She said the first thing she could think of.

"My parents told me not to talk to strangers." Stupid, idiot, girl! Why couldn't you say something threatening, like, I know karate and can kick your ass?! Sakura bit her lip as he laughed heartily.

"You're quite entertaining," he said, half laughing. "It's a shame I have to kill you." That's my cue, Sakura thought as her instincts kicked in. She wasn't stammering, fumbling, scared Sakura anymore. She was purely running on adrenalin and practiced movements.

She thrust her wrists free, scrambling away from the couch as fast as she could. He grabbed her violently, hissing in her ear words she couldn't quite make out. She was focused on getting away. She twisted in his grip, facing him as they fell to the floor, and slammed her palm into his chin, sending his head jerking back. I actually hit him! Sakura didn't have time to gloat, he had her pinned and punched her middle in the next second.

Sakura coughed, feeling his knuckles digging into the soft flesh of her stomach. Her mind went blank for a moment, black dots blurring her vision. She struggled against him with futility, trying just about anything to free herself. And that's when the door banged open, her parents panting and bolting into the room.

The man was off her in a blink and standing above her like a giant. She moaned and looked at her mother and father. She had never seen them like this before. Both of them in stances she had seen a thousand times in the studio, but it seemed so different. This was real, that was practice. Sakura's heart raced.

"Nice to see you again," the man sneered. So, he does know my parents. But...how? Sakura looked at them, slowly rising to rest on her hands.

"Don't touch her again, or we won't go so easy on you." Was that really her father speaking? It didn't sound like him at all. His happy-go-lucky smile was gone, his eyes were narrowed instead of large with simple joy, and his booming voice was more threatening than goofy. He was transformed from father to warrior.

"We're serious, Kabuto," her mother added. She was transformed as well. Her slender legs parted in a stance, ready to take this Kabuto if she had to. Her hands were in fists, raised to her chest, and her face wasn't soft and motherly, but fierce and scary. Sakura stared at them in awe. She had no idea her parents had this side...

Kabuto smirked, his lips curling upwards. Sakura glared at him over her shoulder. Her mind was thinking of all sorts of ways to tear him limb for limb.

"I wasn't expecting such a rude reunion. Your daughter here is hardly what I would call friendly, she didn't even ask me if I wanted tea." Kabuto seemed amused with himself, chuckling at his own joke. But no one else was.

Ryuu drew back his firsts and narrowed his eyes on Kabuto. The silence among them frightened Sakura. She knew what was going to happen next, she saw it happen a million times in the movies. They were going to fight.

And just like that, her parents leapt over the couch, aiming for Kabuto. Her mother rolled over the couch and pulled Sakura aside, dumping her in a safe distance before aiding her father, who was fully engaged in battle.

Kabuto punched for her father's face, but he ducked, crouching like a cat before swinging his leg in a 360, hoping to catch Kabuto's legs and drag him down to the floor. But Kabuto jumped back, quickly blocking a kick to the side by Ayame. Sakura watched, in a trance, hardly believing what was going on in her living room. This stuff only happened in fiction.

Kabuto had a hold of her mother's ankle, and flung her across the room. She hit the wall hard and fell to the floor in a heap. Sakura cried out, hurrying to her side. Her father barely glanced over his shoulder before attacking Kabuto again.

Her mother moaned as Sakura helped her sit up. She didn't even look at Sakura, but watched as her father and Kabuto blocking each other's advances, as if in a dance. Her mother frowned and then finally met eyes with her daughter. She fished inside her pocket and handed Sakura a small, black object.

"Take it and run. Use it to signal help." Sakura blinked, staring at her mother with so much confusion, she could hardly make out what she was saying.

"Mom...?" Ayame shook her head, hushing Sakura with a finger pressed to Sakura's lips.

"I said take it and run. You need to get help, okay? Run, Sakura. Run!" Ayame grabbed Sakura painfully and shoved her towards the destroyed door. Sakura stumbled and caught herself in the doorway, staring at the older woman with wide green eyes.

"Sakura, run!" her father shouted as Kabuto kicked him in the side, sending him crashing into the couch. Sakura cried out, covering her mouth with her hands. Her mother leapt to stop Kabuto from further advancing on Ryuu. "Get out of here and get help!" Sakura didn't hesitate any further. She turned around and ran down the wooden staircase into the cold night, her heart racing and her mind in scrambles.

She made it to the park before stopping, out of breath and her heart throbbing against her ribs painfully. The pine tress hovered over her, blocking the bitter, September wind. She fell to her knees and brought the black object her mother gave her to her face. Call for help, her mind reminded her. It was some sort of walkie-talkie, Sakura noticed after a brief examination. She pushed the thick button on the side and brought it to her lips.

"My name is Sakura Haruno, I need help. I just got attacked, and I need help. Please, whoever this is, help me. Please." Sakura began to sob, holding the walkie-talkie in her hands as if it alone was her life support. "Please! Help! Please!" It crackled, and Sakura could hardly contain her wails.

"How did you get this frequency? Who is this?" An unfamiliar voice, male, asked with mild impatience. Sakura felt so relieved, ignoring the fact she had no idea who exactly she was calling help to. Her body was still shaking with nerves as she lifted it back to her mouth.

"Sakura Haruno! Please! Help me!"

Author's Note: And then comes our hero!