Chapter 4
Creep along.
"I'm living a nightmare."
-3 Days Grace
Sakura would simply not allow them to get the better of her.
Was she in a genjutsu?
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The Yamanaka heiress didn't comprehend her teammate's call for her from the living room. Sakura had the knack of keeping precious letters, jewelry or sentimental value in that little red box of hers. She admits that she also has a precious collection but to intimately get involved with her inner most thoughts was an invasion of privacy unless Sakura allowed the people to do so, which weren't so many. But this was a life and death situation. Sakura's life. Was she being interrogated till she passed out from blood loss? Is she being dragged to death's door? The blonde halted her thoughts; she had to put faith into her best friend's value of life. She would not betray Konoha.
Cautiously and hesitatingly, Ino placed the red box on the top of her knees. Tracing the outline of the design, she clicked the golden lock upwards and opened the box. As expected, photos and letters were revealed. She read small snippets to confirm the relations to Sakura; friends, family, ex-boyfriends and heirlooms. Ino didn't pry any further – despite her curiosity - to read the full content of the box; she needed to see anything out of the ordinary that Sakura could have hid. No, anything the Akatsuki could have done to raise Sakura's suspicions' the slightest. The blonde was rather suspicious of it, Sakura had traps set everything and she could easily deactivate it with the flare of her green chakra every time she can home.
Not that Ino would blame her; after all, Sakura lived alone. A woman living alone had to look out for herself. In this case, the medic was a kunoichi which would make the traps even worse for any regular burglar. Though the heiress was pretty sure her bed had no traps, except finding a kunai lying innocently behind the pillows and a baseball bat in the corner of the room, most traps were deactivated or avoided carefully. She gently laid out the documents on the bed and immediately examined the box.
Her hands felt around for any bumps and bright azure eyes checked every corner. It took a while, but it was success when she found a hidden, crimson tracker that blended well with the crimson shade. Narrowing her eyes, Ino immediately set out to the Hokage's tower, jumping out off the window, ignoring Chouji's confused shout.
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Ino winced at crack of metal as the device was crushed from harsh pressure between the Hokage's fingers. "They were monitoring Sakura?" the words were gritted out. "They infiltrated Sakura's room…much less even get passed Konoha's defense!" The Yamanaka girl was still, from years of training, as vulgar obscenities sounded the office of the Hokage's tower. She noticed that Sakura must've inherited the trait while she was under the busty Sannin. "How long has Sakura kept that box?"
Ino paused, thoughtfully, "About four years ago."
Tsunade grimaced, "Shizune!"
The door hastily opened to see the short dark-haired assistant breathless, "Y-yes, Tsunade-sama?"
"Look in the archives. See for Team 7's last encounter with the Akatsuki. Include any of Sakura's solo missions. Anything involved."
"Yes!"
"Dismissed."
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Sitting among the single, flourished chair sat a light-haired man with several rings piercing his face. "They know."
A woman sat across of him. She nodded, "Konoha is on the move." She paused, "What do we do, Pein?"
The leader of the Akatsuki stayed silent, "…nothing. More or less, Konoha will never reach us."
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He caught the slender leg that attempted to hit his face. Without looking at the enraged kunoichi, instead staring blankly in the room, he quietly commented, "You shouldn't do that." Itachi tightened his hold, subconsciously noting that her legs were slim enough that his long fingers were able to wind around the flesh and reach his palm again. Enough to snap the bones. He didn't acknowledge the growl and burst of chakra from the female prisoner.
"What do you mean, I shouldn't? I'm trying to escape like any sane person would have in this hell hole!" she drew back her leg, having using a bit of strength when he wouldn't let go, before huffing and stalking to the comfy bed. She scowled something fierce when he continued to stand, unperturbed in the dark room. – Examine him - she thought– but his chakra is too hidden for me to read - He wouldn't even react to her taunts and physical attacks, instead by quietly – but the underlying threat present when she pushed the boundaries – stating she shouldn't attempt to do it again. Not that she would listen of course. Sasuke was just like him, older brother and all, but she had a harder time reading the lines of his face and the darkness of his eyes when she spoke not too kindly to him. Sakura knew not to push the line too much; she was a prisoner after all. What punishment would await her if she were to continue? Exactly why she made sure it happened not often, just openings. "What's going to happen now?" she asked quietly. "Another attempt to kill me to see how long I can last?"
She was sure Deidara didn't like her first – or was it third – impression when she sliced off a precious strand of blond hair when she feigned sleep. He expressed it well when she was prepared for another assault when she roamed the dark hallways. In return, he blew off a few strands of hair from the front of her face when his artistic exploding birds trapped her. Not that it matter, it was uneven, yes, but it framed her face nicely. Sakura drew back into reality when she noticed he was closer. She bared her teeth in hate; he didn't react.
"What am I really here for?" she questioned less harshly. The medic was mentally assessed the situation, finding loopholes, mistakes and motives. She was thankful she managed to control her emotions that could cost her life, "Are your intentions Naruto?"
He examined her with obsidian eyes again; she stared directly at him, not bothered by the weight and intensity of his stare. Finally, he spoke, "…Think what you will." Itachi watched with blank eyes when the female stomped the ground with one foot and the ground cracked under the pressure. He knew she didn't use any chakra. With her explosive temper, he learned, she could easily be pushed off the edge with the right words. Sakura had the tendency to clench one fist while the other rested tightly on her hip; one small foot would tap the ground with her toes lightly when she was irritated and would bite the inside of cheek when she was in deep thought. Or if she was really pissed off, she would subconsciously damage the ground or wall. He would absorb the information and file it away with each action. Every time she spoke was different; she would harshly insult him, despite the spin of the Sharingan and since she knew she couldn't physically harm him, she would still punch or stomp with intense pressure to vent out her anger.
Unlike most kunoichi or shinobi that was ruthlessly taken as prisoners or slaves, they would submit entirely. Or at least pretend to until their last strike of their kunai. The ones that would fight for their country cracked beneath his pressure. He's forced them image upon image, pain mixed with humiliation until their last dying breath.
The Uchiha line was proudly feared and his depraved actions intensified the fear. So far, this kunoichi – with pink hair – had defied him in many ways and even attack him. Sakura still lived. With such insolence, he kept her. Despite having the ability to kill her if the mission was poorly handled when she would not cooperate – as she was now – he allowed her to live. For now. Later on, he would slowly destroy the pieces of her mind.
She was just a curiosity.
How long can she last in the Akatsuki lair before she can finally break?
" I swear to the Hokage's name that I will escape from here and Konoha will kick all your a-"
"Kunoichi, go risk the outdoors if you seek it" – until you met your death – words that silently hang in the air. It was a taunt. His long coat billowed when he swiftly turned to leave, his powerful presence still lingering; hearing her snort with mistrust as he left. One time he had said that, Kisame has greeted her with a swing of his large sword and toothy, maniac grin.
"Konoha will not easily bend to the Akatsuki," she snarled, "Naruto will never be in your hands."
Quite loyal too. It was foolish. Itachi quietly shut the metal door. He stood out for a while to hear her huff in frustration before proceeding to leave the lonely area. He came across Deidara after two steps as the blonde Akatsuki member curiously watch as the metal suddenly dented outward. He grinned cheekily, poking the side of the dent before another punch sent the metal bending outward again, his finger twisting in an awkward angle. "Shit!"
Distinctly, the two male S-classed criminal could hear the feminine smirk of triumph. He watched with dark eyes as they ensued to taunt each other with insults and screaming profanities. Itachi walked away, disinterested.
Yes, she was already valued and would be pointless if they killed her. She cost too much.
The abused metal door was an example.
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Sakura kept eyeing the door with wariness. The elder Uchiha had visited – more like piss her off – less, despite being stuck in the forsaken room for how long. – In fact, - she thought irritability – I've already lost count of how many days I've been here. – It was very infuriating. After Sasori had walked away, Sakura was still able to feel the shivers and the prickle of her skin when his hearltess eyes would lay on her. She snorted, like she would give herself freely to the Akatsuki, much less Uchiha Itachi. That man had killed his family, leaving his younger brother to live a nightmare to avenge his family by all means possible. He was the reason Sasuke left.
Sakura huffed, plopping to the bed. She had to admit that something had change; she couldn't quite put her finger on it, it was difficult and it bothered her. The heat of his hands and the powerful aura he emitted was always present and when they were in close proximity, something just flickered. – Tch – she clicked her tongue – He must've used the Sharingan on me again. – Green chakra warmly flowed to check any damage or abnormalities but found nothing. Not that she expected to, but she was dealing with Uchiha Itachi. Nothing was ever right. Before she collapsed, she had seen the three tomoe that had crisscrossed and merged in the center to form sharp edges. Mangekyou Sharingan. Yet she hadn't experienced the living nightmare he put on like the last time.
- It wasn't until a few days later had she began to have nightmares. -
Sakura put her medical and kunoichi knowledge to the test. The medic nin tested on herself, meditating most of the time. She was beginning to lose her mind. Patience and planning was all she could do to calm her nerves. A few times when she slowly snapped out of the blank state of mind she put herself in, she would be surprised to see Itachi watching her. It irked her, she decided, that he can easily do that and remain stoic. Sakura forced herself back on the situation, "The Akatsuki is willingly to wage war" she mused, "for the Jinchuuriku, despite the limited number of forces inside this fortress?"
Pink tresses swayed in the air when his hand appeared and shot out to hover over her jaw, up to her eyes. The medic in her calculated the damage if she were to move; she honed her senses to remain still. He traced his hand down to her neck, tilting his head slightly. Those dark eyes flickered up to her and Sakura cursed the harsh beating of her heart. He crouched in front of her and moved closer, learning her. A fascinating creature that he rarely examined thoroughly. The Uchiha decided now as the time to act. His fingertips barely touched the front of her shirt when he intently held her gaze. Her jaw clenched.
She tensed, noting the strong lines of his face and large hand. Sakura put up her defensive barrier and stared back. His hair was longer than his younger brother, and the marks beneath his eyes would often mistake people for his actual age. How many had he slaughtered? It was tension in the air and him that distracted her when he quietly stated, "This is all I'll need." The man pressed his fingers a little more forward to touch her breast for emphasis. He made sure she knew it. She inhaled sharply and lashed out. But he was already gone, leaving the heat of his touch thrumming through her.
A trembling hand rose and settled in front of her chest. She wasn't stupid. Sakura realized now what he meant. It wasn't romantic or literal at all, and she'll be damned if he tried to control her.
She cursed. The least she could do was to stall as much time to distract them or hopefully get information and relay the message somehow. She was a kunoichi. Deception was a skill.
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One dream.
Blood violently exploded outward from its fallen body.
Sakura stood, weapon in hand.
There was a fierce urge to kill everything in sight. The strong beat of her heat echoed with her body, needing to do more. Everything was in layers, she realized. Peel them back and see the ugliness they've hid.
It was their fault. They were too late.
She tried, tried so hard. Resisting and fighting but she had no more control.
Every day of fighting, his poison had worked its way around her body and mind. He was right. It was human nature of survival. This was hers.
How many cuts on her wrists and body was her proof? They didn't let her go at all. But her she was, out, and like a puppet, slashed the flesh of her brethren. She screamed and shouted but the anger grew and so did the number of bodies.
Finally, the screaming and pounding of her thoughts quieted slightly when she saw a familiar face. Kiba. Sakura licked her lips. She tightened her grip, adrenaline coursing strongly like a drug and lunged forward –
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There was a few times when she witnessed another – they weren't human –stabbed the sharp metal into another body. It was that cursing, silver-haired man. When she melded with the shadows, creeping along the side of the wheels – because there was no blasted vent to enter – she expected to see another black-cloaked member. She didn't know she's see a sight like this. Sakura was acutely aware of him; she knew he sensed her but didn't bother to do anything. It was almost fascinating, seeing him design the stone cold floor with blood in intricate, precise patterns.
"Get the fuck out."
She almost stumbled, holding fast. The man on the floor was still alive, gurgling. Self-preservation was important. Sacrifice meant everything.
"Just kill the man," Sakura whispered softly. It hurt her to say it.
"Not any of your damn business." Hidan, she remembered, finally spared her a glance. Something passed over his face until a maniacal grin came over his mouth. "This is the beauty of sacrificing for my god." His large scythe remained near him as he gripped the bloody hair of the man's head up to face her. "See this man, Konoha bitch? His blood will please Jashin."
"What's the use of keeping him alive?"
A jagged piece of glass reflected the light, "No begging mercy for him? I'd like to kill you; but your blood is too damn worthless."
Sakura gritted out the words, "Kill him."
"And let him die so easily, so peacefully?" Hidan let out a sharp bark of laughter, "This man is not worthy of it. You forget how many people he kills in his line of work."
"It's his duty to protect and honor his village." She couldn't move, it would take them both. "You do the same." A quick brush of her chakra-laced hand on the man while she distracted Hidan was the only chance of his survival. Sakura didn't move a muscle.
Life was draining out of the man, his eyes almost dulling. Hidan jerked his hand and the man collapsed in the center. He grunted, standing up naked to the waist, "He kills people. Takes more than one life, kunoichi. I'd congratulate him for that but I have use for this shit once it's done." He directed his gaze to her, crazy with bloodlust, "You have done the same, you hypocritical bitch. Any thoughts to the wife and kid when you took their father's life?"He bent to lift the scythe, hands lovingly gliding along the length.
Sakura flinched.
Hidan's fanatical grin split his face, "Damn well, remember that. You're dirty, too."
And he swiftly rotated the scythe and plunged it into himself.
She jumped and rushed away from sight. Sakura knew all too well she wasn't clean. But not as dirty as what the whole Akatsuki practiced. The edge of her thoughts whispered something to it that she couldn't deny
'You didn't even try to stop him.'
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She had already broken two important codes.
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The plain sheets twisted around her grip. A whimpering noise escaped dry lips and sweat soaked the bed. There was desperate panting and a quiet gritted scream. It was the second time it happened. Sakura couldn't fight through the mist of her dreams – illusion? – as she was condemned to see her sins.
'Your fault, your fault, your fault! See what you did! What's the harm in doing more?'
White. Black. Red.
'See their skin lighten, their eyes dull, and what drapes their body.'
'It's all she can only see. It's what surrounds her all the time.'
Cold fingers nimbly passed over her fist. A murmur and the mist thickened slightly. – Let me, let me, let me – 'Do what?' the medic questioned the echoing voice. For once, she let the dark abyss cloak her as she closed her eyes tiredly. Darkness was black, black she can only see. No white or red.
'You have already began to betray'
Her body trembled at the whisper as she finally registered the heavy pressure in the air. Someone was here. To kill her. But she was tired. Sakura let it be. It didn't matter, any information leaving her mouth would be her last, she made sure. She couldn't afford to say anything even to get her out. And the nightmares of taunting voices grew louder until she screamed and kicked. It wouldn't let go of her. What were they saying? She didn't know. It was a multitude of murmur, accusing her. Her free hand clenched her hair, legs tangling along the mattress. Where was her chakra? She needed to remain calm. She couldn't.
All the while, black wheels twisted round and round in scarlet eyes.
"I think pet doesn't like me."
"If you weren't trying to eat her, un, she would like you better."
"Easy for you to say, Deidara. There's enough energy bursting out of her she's pulling back."
Leader silently took in the information. "Calm her." With Blood. "Show her the way of the Aktasuki." Kill, Kill, Kill. "And let Itachi handle the rest." Destroy, puppet, mind in pieces, listen, control, betray, wound, - she would obey willingly soon enough.
It was only a matter of time.
Been a while, but even if people forgot this story, I'll still continue it. It's the least I can do. Hm, this seems to be a mess of a chapter. Damn my inability to fit things in. Well, I'll start to change twisted relationships and meeting other and all next time.