Chapter 6

Break the looking glass

"Hope is just a dream in the end..."

-Evanescence

She felt too uneasy with this man.

Perhaps she shouldn't.

Then again, she wasn't just that with the two monsters catching her unaware during that time. This time, she was very much aware.

His past was a shaded recollection; he vaguely recalled his childhood consisting mainly of preparation and training when he would become the Clan Head. Unlike Sasuke ((-...who was so naive and innocent to know...)) – he was always on guard around family members. Given a task and rising ranks, Itachi knew from the start that his life would never be pleasant. He didn't know what it was like to have a mother's affection and playing mindlessly in the fields. Maturity in a child's body with the quiet strength to annihilate a clan. He knew from a time ages ago that he was born to be the best hunter, a prodigy, heir to the clan but it all came with a burden. Morals and sacrifice were hammered into his young mind and he rejected all feeling, just to make the hurt dull.

The Third Hokage used to sigh heavily and murmur how too young he was that he should know this. He didn't mind, information was knowledge. Stress was ignored and he operated his body dutifully and filled his thoughts with tactics. The old leader would place a hand on his head during his academy days, when he passed his exams and grin widely and congratulate him sincerely. That was the only time he felt pride swell in his chest, that he did something on his own and the Hokage acknowledge it, before his parents would take him away and instruct another order. Just a nod and saying, "It was to be expected."

But then, while walking down the street, young Itachi would see white robes striped with red and he would detour to the ramen stand where he would find the Third Hokage. The old man would turn, exclaiming with a smile, and invite him to rest and eat with him. He considered this for a moment and sat down next to him. He didn't think that time was wasted because he was looking for an outlet to relax his thoughts while the Hokage rambled on for him. When he would come home, everything would come rushing back and accumulate to that day. He immediately distanced himself from the clan and they excluded him, whispering that he would turn traitor and sabotage their plans. It would work out.

So when he had informed the Third Hokage, the old man shook his head sorrowfully and with great reluctance, asked – ((he was never ordered by him, he remembered)) – if he had any attachments to the Uchiha clan, if he'd do it or another would be tasked. Timid eyes that were always waiting for him at the door to help/play/spend time with him appeared. His only younger, innocent brother. The Third understood his silence and was about to order a shadowed, elite shinobi when he interrupted. He would be hated, cursed by everyone and shunned by the very village he'd protected and swore loyalty to against his own blood kin. He didn't care. No one would know, and this great task was executed by him. As long as the Third Hokage knew about his sacrifice and that his brother would be safe – he would be hated by him too, but that didn't matter – it would be alright.

His last memory of the Third was when he was about to take off in the night, but was stopped. Not many words were exchanged but sorrow and regret was in the air. The old man reached to his height to adjust his slashed Konoha band and collar before providing more materials that he would need. A sad smile, a ruffle in his head then he was invited later in the future to have another meal with him. The last time he would see the Third was when Orochimaru would fight him till death. Far away, he had thanked the Third for everything back in his childhood.

Sasuke had grown stronger, as did his hatred, and determination for gaining strength led him astray. That was the only drawback. Older, Itachi had committed more sins. Soon it would amass to the point where he'd meet Sasuke again in unpleasant circumstances.

But he'd caught a glimpse of that familiar sensation when green eyes would flash in his direction and his thoughts would ease.

The past needn't matter. What remained left was now. And that his salvation for the sake of his...

No. That man – he was just a boy when he was recruited and took the ill-fated mission – no longer existed. He'd bide his time with his current mission.

He moved, disrupting the still puddle and ruined its reflection.

He needed to find that woman.

Kakuzu sighed.

Somewhere outside their base was their captive. With pink hair. It was utterly ridiculous. Why Leader would take a chance on this woman with Uchiha Itachi assigned as the 'puppeteer' – as Sasori sulkily muttered once – would bring them inside intelligence. But he wouldn't go against Leader if he wanted to keep his head. He shook his head. He didn't give a damn, but that woman had been problem in his profits. To repair damage property, the slight increased cost of resources, just everything. Torture was cheaper and less time-consuming. And it seemed half of his collaborators were insane with something when it came to her. It was like it was their first time seeing a woman. He snorted, as if. He knew they fucked somewhere in nameless towns, just not regularly. What was the difference with this woman?

Hidan was more crazed than usual, tightly clasping the scythe in his hands and swearing long streaks. His face morphed occasionally to that skeleton mask with whatever the man was thinking when he impaled himself. Sasori wanted her as part of his collection; Kakuzu thought of it as revenge. Deidara was intent on creating her as 'art' or whatever the hell that meant. In one of his failed attempts, it was like Deidara had a keen eye on detail because the proportions were exactly as the woman. He wondered how Deidara was able to wander his eyes without getting a single punch.

All he knew was that the faster she was caught, the better. His temper was rising with each of loss of money; it's what motivated him to search earnestly. Getting into a fight with Hidan was pointless; the man was immortal.

He walked away from the corpse with an empty heart that tried to buy out his information on the 'fucking gorgeous chick that ran like a mad woman through the road.' As if that man would gain anything from him. His temper spiked at the attempt and at another shown interest in her. As far as he could tell, she was a disadvantage for him with the drain of accounts.

If he could confront everything now, he would do without the audience of Uchiha Itachi. Especially when it came to that woman.

It was an endless abyss staring by the opening of the crevice. Sakura didn't take the chance to venture out in the open any longer, so she stumbled her way into the area until she felt safe enough to collapse again. A quick run through and she was relieved when her wounds didn't sustain too much damage from her run. Her wounds had almost completely healed. Because of that man.

That short period of time, Sakura was afraid. Not of death, but of the man.

She had gone days without bathing. It didn't bother her; it was part of being a kunoichi after all. Comfort and hygiene no longer mattered. But, damn it, she was exhausted and probably beyond sane. But her wits were grinded into her instincts enough so she can try to navigate her way into the forest away from the enemy base. With only a limitation on chakra use and wounds, she had very few options.

She tossed her clothes into a pile and her naked body walked through the small lake till waist deep. Her kunai were still strapped in her thigh just in case. She could use her body as a distraction; it worked with Deidara after all.

A shadow passed over. Sakura would have acted on instinct, but she was so tired. A sigh left her lips.

((-...or maybe she knew that this would happen again...

and let it be...-...-))

She twisted but never completed her turn when his arm knocked her back. Air left her lungs and her leg kicked out in a last attempt.

He moved again, this time forcibly holding her down.

She gritted her teeth against the ragged surface on the rocks she was pinned against. At least the smooth surface cushioned her cheek. Her front had been pushed painfully against the rocks while her hands were pinned neatly behind her back with a calloused hand. She tested his grip and he warningly tightened his hold. She bit her tongue when her wrists started to throb and he slightly eased his grip. "Get your hand off me," she breathed, the cold air lapping against her. With this awkward position, her backside was completely bent in submission, she noted, completely ignoring the way her bottom was raised.

"You have caused many difficulties,"

Her chest was starting to hurt at the pressure. She squirmed and pushed back. He allowed a small movement but she had to be dependent on his grip with his knee crushing a leg.

"And you haven't with me?" she shrieked. She struggled, "It's your fault I'm in this mess! What do you want with me?" All the stress built up for weeks – days, months? ...she didn't know anymore... – poured out of her mouth, "I've been harassed, my space invaded without my say! You haven't even attempted to torture me for any information which is crazy looking at your-"

"It was my intention to detain you. I have no interest in inflicting harm until you force my hand," she snorted at that, "It was your responsibility to have resisted if you refused to be taken."

"Then I'll do myself the favor of doing it right this time."

"This is meaningless. Do not fight. You are in no condition," he gave her a thorough examination down her body and up and looked back at her, expression unchanged. "...nor are you dressed suitably to attempt to fight me." She snarled. He stared, letting it sink it. "You will not win."

She would have struggled like a wildcat to annoy the damn man more but the deep markings were already setting on her skin. "Get off, you brute," she grunted. The damn rock had some rounded tips that still hurt when pressed against. She applied chakra to her arms quickly but another hand paralyzed her efforts and her chakra lines were temporarily closed. "You will listen, Sakura." She gasped at the loss of energy heating her body but her body quickly wandered off to another source.

It was just a sense of preservation, she reasoned. That was why her body anticipated the heat, coiling in her lower parts, from a mere touch. He seemed to be aware of it as well because he briefly pressed against her and she stifled a gasp, feeling herself burning before he pulled away completely. She swayed to her feet, refusing the itch to rub her bruised parts to show that it didn't hurt – fuck, it did – and walked to her clothes. Itachi leapt to a tree, watched with detached interest and Sakura resigned to herself.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The heart of a kunoichi was a difficult process to understand. She knew when she accepted the distinct thuds of bodies of allies and enemies falling around her and the blood staining her hands with each mission. The mental strength of it all had been exhausting.

"This is meaningless."

She didn't tremble, but her resolve shook. "They will live. You wouldn't understand."

He was quiet, but Sakura could tell the inner mechanisms of his thoughts were working and analyzing the situation. "Perhaps. Have you ever wondered if they wanted this choice?" Sakura froze, the biting words she would snap stilled her tongue. She gaped, words babbling until she composed herself. "You wouldn't know the first thing about caring for people."

Shadows moved deep in his eyes, "Perspective, kunoichi. This world doesn't see it the same in your pretty head."

She hated it when he talked down to her. He was hitting all her sore spots, "For my country. I wouldn't expect you to understand."

"That man whom Hidan killed. You did nothing." He was suddenly close. "I never knew you were so cruel, Sakura." Those fingers touched her jaw. Fingers that could easily snap her neck. She locked her jaw and didn't look up. She knew the Sharingan were spinning lazily as he waited patiently. And then she understood what he said. 'Still not understanding the life of a ninja. Death is always expected.

"It's their choice to fight. That man was better off dead than alive here," the words were bitter on her tongue. She jerked to the side and stepped away. The oath of a kunoichi pounded her head. She was still recovering, slower than usual with all her energy spent, and wounds hindered her movement. Her eyes flickered to the floor where the weapon slid. "To die serving our village is already a given-"

"You are mistake it by heroic acts."

"Mind your own fu-"

"You don't give them a choice, Sakura. You assume."

"Is that so wrong?"

It began a strange ritual.

When she bathed, his presence would always be nearby right where she could see him. Or just right there in plain sight. The flimsy material she used as a towel was being used as a blanket, effectively stalling her from getting it.

The worst thing was that she didn't mind. She looked up at the sky. She's rather look up than down at her accusing reflection in the clear depths.

She was afraid to see what she looked like.

-((...shamefulpleasedworried – contentguilty- green eyes stared straight back...))-

A large cloak draped over her shoulders, instantly warming her. She gripped it and turned to watch a tall form blending with the night. She was a fool to think the empty space was safe. That she could escape. And that he cared.

She was a fool, indeed.

"She needs to be spanked," Hidan muttered beneath his breath. Anticipation was a drug, racing through him. He had her blood in his hands, flowing rich, and it was an insane desire feel it again. It was warm, just like her chakra. Endless, flowing, like a stretching river. It was on his shit-list to do which was near impossible with that asshole who wouldn't allow it. He would be in deep shit when that bastard Uchiha found out. Still, he licked his lips. She needed to be caught, punished and returned alive. He grudgingly accepted that she was a bitch in a fight.

When he caught her, she would be cornered. He'd make use of his hands, this time, caressing the soft skin before forcing her to the ground. Yeah. On her hands and knees, ripping her clothes – with his scythe? No, he wanted to feel – until those essential parts of her showed. He was sure as hell she wouldn't be still. Under his hands, she'd probably squirm and resist against him. That didn't matter; he'd easily subdue her by breaking her delicate wrists, arms, until she was flat on the cold floor. Precious blood everywhere, he'd make sure this was the most sacred of rituals he'd performed.

She should have been honoured he choose her.

His pace quickened, eyes scouting sharply for the noticeable flash of pink in the dark. The night concealed her, still. Fuck!

He allowed the thought of finding her to comfort him again.

Perhaps he would allow a battle, each slash of his scythe carefully marking her skin and drive him crazy from the slow process. He'd do that, it sounded good. A thin black line then red seeping through it, running a path down the skin. That would ruin the flawless figure, ground her to reality and force her to acknowledge her the other monsters lurking in the dark, vulnerable to all. All wanting her for their own selfish desire. Blood, sex, loyalty, body, mind and –

((...-heart-...? ...ahahaha! ...haha!

...fuck no!...))

– soul. He wouldn't hesitate at all. She was special, whatever. He didn't give a damn. But that didn't mean shit didn't happen sometimes. If the bastard wasn't so close, he would do it. He had to find her first.

Before the biggest monster found her again, wrapping her around in his dark cave and directing its predatory gaze at anyone who dared approached.

Bloodlust clouded his thoughts and the surroundings faded to his nightmarish fantasy until all was left that he could see was wide, frightened ((-...most beautiful shade of emerald-...)) eyes staring back in horror.

She was deprived of physical touches. Sakura was known to be an affectionate woman, friendly hands and body brushing out to comfort, enjoy, and just to feel another person in the lonely world of a shinobi.

The only time he had to touch her was to subdue her when her well-aimed attacks targeted him. He assumed that she was learning what came from him, but his guard lowered when she didn't react to his presence. He briefly wondered if she was already drained. She was usually weary of him. So when he approached her on the water and she only acknowledged him with a half-turn then moved further in, he expected to fall into her devious ways. He saw the barely visible thread of chakra, but her delicate skin was a diversion she used to the fullest.

He dismissed the thought.

Hours passed and she was beginning to learn that he was the only one – most sane one compared to the rest, at least – who she could rely on to have someone there to keep the silence. She jumped when he joined her, above the water as he easily moved her – he dodged her flailing hands - to examine more marked skin on her back he'd glimpse nights ago.

So when he petted and stroked her, she melted into his touch. Her body was limp, while her muscles were soothed. He slowed his ministrations, sensing her relaxed state. Then she seemed to realize it as well; she stiffened and pushed away. He was there, crouched on the water, hands still wet and sleeves rolled to his elbows to show defined muscles on his forearms. She looked at him. He blankly looked back. As if this was an everyday occurrence and she interrupted the script.

"What are you doing."

He merely gestured a hand toward her. She tried to understand him, already used to his intense stare even when unclothed, and then, "I don't understand."

He studied her, as he always did. She was genuinely confused at his actions. Vulnerable. This wasn't her domain and he took his time to reply – ((-...chance, she's just there...)).

"You feel fatigue. I will assist you in your needs."

Needs.

Sakura would've gaped, flung water straight at his strict form and stare. It caught her off guard but this was Itachi's way of phrasing something else. Average people wouldn't understand. No, forget that. Itachi would always say something out of context than the usual, expected words: "I'll help you." But it wasn't that. She tried to grasp her mind around it and failed miserably. Meanwhile, he had ignored her stunned look and settled for assessing her condition.

"Your bruises have healed well." He followed the path of lightly darkened skin from her shoulders blades. He watched closely as her hands hovered over the area and that green glow mended the remaining scabs. Her chakra was pulsing weakly but enough to do the work. He disappeared suddenly and she looked around. She wasn't about to relax. When she looked up at the trees, he stared down at her.

"Again?"

He looked away when he perched on a branch. "There is no use of this place to the Akatsuki." For her haven, he would keep them away. She seemed to understand and leaned back. At least he hadn't knocked her out this time.

((-It's not right.

I know.

It isn't my fault.

It's theirs!

I know.

...my important people...

Who?

Konoha.

Yet...that man,

he-...

And.

I just-))

XXXXXXXXXXX

Throughout the entire journey, Itachi led. Subdued her again. She might have thought he reached his limit with her but he merely stood. She wanted to push. She needed to recover fully.

Kisame flashed his sharp row of fangs at her, "Look who's back." She turned her back on him in mid-sentence, equivalent of giving him the finger. A low rumble of laughter and sound of air being snapped, then he said, "Still having the attitude after what you put us through? Heh." He made a sound something akin to wonderment, "Expected Itachi to mark you somehow. He doesn't like it when something fails." He sniffed the air, "Hell, I smell him on you. Least he did something about it."

"With the sense of a dog, I'm surprised you don't yip when you saw us."

Kisame licked one sharp fang, "Only when I see the gold, kunoichi."

She snorted. Of all places, they had chosen to rendezvous in a ghost town. At least Kisame was one of the least vicious of them all. Well, except when he opened his mouth. Other than that, Itachi's presence dampened the killing urge they had for her. As if they couldn't risk it with him around. He moved forward, dispelling the conversation. "Kisame," he murmured, "We stay until the next sunset."

Kisame appraised him, "You actually need rest?" He didn't answer and the shark-man grumbled, "Yeah, whatever. Leader wants us back fast. I need to hunt anyways," and stalked away from them. Leaving them standing there.

Sakura, feeling ease with trepidation, waited for his next instructions. Maybe they should scout. Then again, Kisame was waiting when they arrived. She was about to speak when she noticed he was intently surveying their surroundings. "I could go look," she said. "But I don't feel anyone around." He inclined his head once. "I'll need to gather my supplies." She waited for a long glance but he didn't do anything. His tall physique flickered around the spaces nearby; top of the roof, atop a tree, on the lake where she had to squint. Always close. She raised a brow at his swiftness. "It's not like I can run off with broken bones," she said, caught herself and continued bitterly, "Not with two watchdogs around." He turned to look at her for a long moment. She flushed, feeling petty weighed her down. Then she scowled, feeling chastised.

"Sakura."

"What," she gritted out.

"Rest."

Her body drained at the rush of emotions and could only watch him walk away.

Then realized what she had done.

"Report."

"Found. Current rendezvous in an abandoned town 211 miles north east. Estimated arrival will be tomorrow night," he paused, "Kisame sends his regards." With a hole punctured by one his fangs, no doubt.

She made a sound. Exhaustion gnawed at her bones that she blindly followed orders for her own health. She could take advantage of that.

((- fools in... - foolsfools- fooling herself-

FOOOOOOOOOOOOOL))

Sakura restlessly moved around her make-shift bed. The blankets were itching her skin and she kicked them off. Her eyes flickered around the room, searching the dark. No sign of him. Why would he be, anyways. It was a secured location and he knew her health status. Still, she felt unsettled. The whispers were gone but her head felt heavy. Still disturbed from her obedience in that one moment, Sakura let out a breath. For that one moment, it felt like a team. One who would decide. The other to follow. It unnerved her. A glance to the window showed the moon high up.

She tried to sleep.

It was too late when she opened her eyes to see crazed eyes, "Found you, bitch."

"I haven't heard from pet for a while."

"She's been quiet."

"She's actually been good?"

"Yes."

"Give her a new toy."

Footsteps shuffled, then, "Which?"

"I speak of a present, not your dick, asshole."

A snicker, then, "Dumbass, she already got a gift."

"..."

"Uchiha's got something."

"She must be desperate to relax when he's around,"

"Then it means everything's going well."

I don't even mind that people don't read this story as much but am thankful for your time! I made a resolution to finish the story no matter what. I already know my plan and where's it headed so for now, snippets of Sakura's time in the Akatsuki.