Chapter V

"Sasuke!" Sakura is the first to spot me. A shimmer of bright hope and relief shines in her green eyes. Naruto's blue ones soon follow her gaze, spotting me sitting upon my snake's head leisurely. We stare at each other, an almost familiar fire burning in our eyes; we both smirk. I the traitor, and Naruto the believer.

"The Akatsuki is searching for you, Sasuke," Naruto says. "Seems like now we're in the same boat," he tells me, his familiar grin spreading over his lips. I can see the happiness that lines the gesture. I give him a smirk, showing my own kindness towards him.

"Perhaps, but that doesn't mean we will reside in the same village," I tell the blonde. Sakura's heart drops at the statement.

"Well at this point you don't have much of a choice," Naruto calls out. I jump down from the purple snake I've summoned. He's here solely for defense. I plan on driving them away. I will not let Konoha cage me. I am not turning back when I have the world spread out in front of me. When there is so much I must still do. A plan I still need to carry out, though that plan is vague. Even if my former intentions have shifted, Itachi still needs to be punished. I cannot let my missing-nin status interfere with that. I will not go back. I do not care if Konoha sees me as a traitor; if most of the population considers me selfish. Are they not selfish in their own way? Just like Sakura? What drives her to come for me? She must know that there's no future for me in our leaf village, but still she wants me to turn back. Just like that night I first left.

"I'm not going to be bothered with either you or Akastuki," I tell Naruto.

"Yeah, but we're going to be bothered with you," He tells me charging. I pull out my sword ready to receive him. "It's for your own good. Just come with us!"

"No," I say coolly and so the dance begins. The others attempt to jump in. But Naruto soon separates us. Obviously we are thinking on the same level; this is our fight. If anyone in this group can understand me, it is Naruto. I leave my summoned snake behind to keep the rest of the group busy. Wanting to keep them away; however Sakura gets past him with minor injuries.

"Sasuke, we still care for you!" She calls to me. She falls onto the floor while stumbling past an attack Naruto dodged only minutes before.

"I am a traitor to Konoha, Sakura. Your emotions do not matter," I tell her. She looks at me hurt.

"I don't really think Tsunade ever saw you as a threat to our village's safety."

"Then why label me a missing-nin? Why haunt me?" Sakura bites her lip.

"Because we still think you're part of our team," Naruto says charging towards me again. I jump out of the way landing on a tree branch.

"It can never be the same," I tell the boy. He seems to get angered by the statement, and our fight becomes more intense.

"Stop being such a selfish bastard," he tells me. The earth shake with the force of his words, or so it seems. On the other hand it could be from the force of the blonde's attack. Trees fall, and get uprooted; the forest is becoming a fine mess.

"Stop taking my actions so very personal," I tell him, looking him straight in the eye as I push him away with my sword; cutting him slightly. Naruto doesn't even seem to be aware of the injury.

"How the hell were we suppose to react? You just left, and you weren't' planing on telling one damn soul either!" he yells out and I get hit by his fist, which sends me flying into a tree trunk. The wood cracks as my back rams into it. I get to my feet quickly, and charge.

"It was my own decision. It had nothing to do with you, or Konoha! It had to do with my family!"

"And now what Sasuke! We know damn well you didn't kill Itachi!" I freeze for a moment. Then violently smack Naruto across the face; the sudden skin to skin contact stuns the boy.

"Don't presume to understand."

"I won't, after all I never had a family. I wouldn't understand would I?!" We glare at one another for a moment before starting our battle again. Not caring when we rip the ground apart with our heavy steps, or cut down an unnecessary amount of trees. We are both consumed with rage, as the words sink in. Are we both being selfish? Prophase, but I'll be damned if I'm going back to that village. I won't let them restrict me; let myself become weak. I don't know why it is that the Akastuki has taken an interest in me, but I believe my teammate. He wouldn't' lie about such a thing. That doesn't mean I need an ally. I can see how it would be harmful to Konoha if I were to be captured by Akatsuki. Or rather I know what sort of threat they see me as if I were to be captured by or join Akastuki.

For a moment it seems like Naruto is going to be consumed by fire. "Naruto calm down!" Sakura calls throwing herself between us. She glares at me for a moment, before her gaze turns to pity. She looks at Naruto, who is shaking trying to keep himself cool.

"Don't overreact." She looks past Naruto's shoulder to see the rest of the group approaching. Some have injuries, and I notice my snake is no were to be found. I take this opportunity to hide in the trees. But I can still see them in the distance.

"Lets retreat for now…we'll get him one day," Sakura soothes Naruto. The blonde says nothing, but simply looks over at the others; feeling defeated.

It can never be the same…but change isn't necessarily a bad thing…

I walk into the cave, to find Karin by the Hot Springs cooing over my brother—who's gotten himself out of the spring and located a towel to cover himself with. The white towel drapes over his hips, and he sits on the stone floor, ignoring the girl who's slowly reaching out to touch his hair. Whispering sweet nothings about how very beautiful he is. My eye twitches a little. But soon a crimson gaze greets me.

"Sasuke," Itachi says softly, as if only wanting to draw Karin's attention to my presence. The girl jumps away from my brother and gets to her feet. A blush runs over he cheeks and she adjusts her glasses.

"How'd it go?"

"We will not be bothered with them again. However Akastuki has decided to make an enemy out of us," I explain looking at my brother. He doesn't respond to the statement.

"Karin please refrain form speaking to the prisoner," I tell the girl with slight warning.

"Oh, I'm sorry Sasuke," she says bowing her head, and retreating back to the staircase.

Itachi squeezes out the water his hair has absorbed. "Get up," I tell him coldly. For a moment he ignores me. Then he adjusts the towel around his waits, and slowly stands. I push him towards the stairs. He walks with every push, not once stumbling.

Once in Itachi's' room, I hand him a Kimono. One that was left in the room that I've given to him. It is a black kimono with white cranes and red flowers on it.

"Put it on," I tell him, throwing the article of clothing at him. He obeys, and I busy myself with gathering his other clothes. So that they can be washed. My eyes glance at my brother as he discards the towel. I look away, and gather his pants, slipping them over my arm. I walk towards the door to leave, with the clothes. But I look back yet again, checking on my bother one last time before I take my leave. The dark kimono covers his skin and he ties it. It's to big for him, it hang on his effeminate form, his shoulder peeking out as the silk falls down. He quickly fixes it, and sits back down on his bed. Intending to leave, I walk towards the sliding wooden door; however I am stopped.

"What will you do, little brother?" Itachi asks me softly. I turn to look at him. His eyes are directed at me. His strange gaze causes me to turn around. I look into those blank eyes. Empty of sight and emotion. Yet his voice was so soft, almost brotherly. Almost like the Aniki from my childhood, giving me an apolgy with the tap of my forehead. I step closer to his bedside, and Itachi looks down at his lap.

"What do you mean?"

"Madara is not a reasonable man…what do you intend to do?"

"Don't' worry yourself Itachi. No one, other then me, will kill you," I mutter out.

"So thoughtful," my brother muses. I sneer at the fact that he's taking the threat as a complement.

"Why are you worried about this Madera so much? What would he want from you, now that you've fallen so far?"

"It's not I…" Itachi looks at me a smirk on his lips. "Which one of us is really the blind one?"

My temper flares for a moment and I lean down. Making my face leveled with Itachi, he's unfazed but I know he can feel my breath wisp over his flesh. He knows I'm close.

"You dear brother," I tell him, poison lacing my tone. Itachi chuckles slightly. It is such a low sound that I can hardly hear it. But it annoys me greatly and I shove Itachi against the bed frame.

"What game are you playing?" I question him.

"Sasuke…you still know so little…But you will be fine…after all you are all that I wanted you to be," Itachi smiles at me. The action unnerves me, because it is not a smirk; it is not a grin. His lips are only slightly curled up in the simplest smile. A sort of gesture a geisha might give you, as she peeks out from behind her fan. Her mask…

I let my hand slide down his shoulder before I pull away. I let a "Tsh," escape my lips as I walk towards the door again.

I enter my room and emptiness consumes me. I sit upon my bed, and try to decode Itachi's' cryptic clues. I am not blind. I am aware of my environment, but I simply 't concern myself with a lost member of the Uchiha clan; whom I've never even met. I run my hand through my hair and let out a sigh. Change sometimes is good…but that doesn't mean the transition cannot be overwhelming.


I walk down he hall, breakfast in hand. It's intended for Itachi. Suigetsu spots me and he gives me a toothy grin.

"Don't bother, Karin already brought him breakfast," I raise an eyebrow at the statement. "Yeah and she hasn't come out of his room ever since." The boy goes on to tell me. He takes a couple of steps closer to me.

"Guess she's found a new target to push all her worship on," I shove the tray of food into Suigetsu chest. This causes him to stubble back a little. I push past him and enter my brother's room. I hear Suigetsu footsteps as he comes to stand in front of the door. I slide the door shut, but this doesn't stop him from eavesdropping.

I find Karin on the bed braiding Itachi's hair while cooing complements to him. Complements stating how beautiful his hair is, and what a handsome man he is. How he's almost as becoming as I am, but rather dull in comparison.

"Karin," I hiss out lowly. Itachi looks in my direction. I notice he has a bowl of rice in front of him and he was indeed eating. He puts down his chopsticks, and Karin puts down the hair she was styling.

"Sasuke, good morning," she says shyly, nervously. I walk closer to her, taking her by the collar.

"Didn't I tell you, not to come near him? He's a prisoner, he doesn't need pampering," I tell her, and push her towards the door. Karin has always been annoying, but only right now have I ever felt true aggravation because of her. I can deal with her strange obsession, but I will not have her ruin my plans for Itachi. Itachi is mine alone, and no one else should have access to him.

"I'm sorry Sasuke, I didn't mean any harm. It just seems you're always so tense after dealing with your brother. I though I might give you a break."

"Just leave," I mutter and the girl doesn't come up with any more excuses. No, instead she simply leaves. I look at Itachi, an unnamed feeling shoots through to my heart. I step closer and sit on his bed, reaching out to undo the hideous braids that adorn his otherwise flawless hair. It's bad enough that Itachi doesn't' seem to break under the verbal pressure I put on him. I do not need Karin or anyone else undermining my action or capability. I can take care of my own prisoner, I will make him fall…I will make him crumble. He should suffer, that is all he deserves, he needs no attention from anyone but me. I don't' want him to have contact with anyone else. He is my responsibility, he is mine to conquer.

I get aggravated, as I can't correctly untangle the braids in his hair. I give up and simply stand. Itachi raises his hands, and effortlessly gets rid of the mess in his hair.

"Why didn't you get rid of her?" I snap. He doesn't replay. "If anyone other then me enters this room, you call, you hear me? You don't deserve to converse with reasonable people. Sane people. I'll have you isolated; with only me as company, and I'll make sure my visits are unpleasant," I say letting out some of my irritation.

"So vary possessive," Itachi says.

"Shut up," I tell him. "Don't try and turn this on me. Try and build that wall around your heart to block out my words. I know you can hear me just fine. You're my responsibility, I will kill you from the inside out," I threaten. "So why not make it easier and stop trying to twist my words to suit your sick meanings." Itachi doesn't respond and I take the bowl of rice from him. I walk out of the room. My blood feels like it's boiling. Though I don't see why I'm over reacting like this. I suppose I am just getting tired of Itachi. But still I can't bring myself to kill him. I don't want to give up; I want to torture him. I want to have him submit to my ever command. I want the mighty to fall.

I know my words affect him, I know it will take time. Therefore I cannot let his little games get to me. He may act superior at times, but he's far from it. He's blind, useless, and weak.

I spend the rest of the day explaining to Karin what she's done wrong, by boosting Itachi's self esteem. Even after I am done speaking to her, she insists on following me, and letting her 'make up for her mistakes'. Which somehow includes sexual favors I am not at all interested in, the very idea makes me cringe. To no surprise this is all very amusing to Suigetsu.

In the end I start to block out the voices of my companions around me. I start to avoid the door that I know leads to Itachi's room. Though I will not give in, I also don't need to check on him every minute. I want my time away…away from everything. However I cannot accomplish this completely. Instead I'm forced to retreat into my mind. A save haven…yet my id tempts me. Calling in a silent voice, reminding me of basic instinct. It seeks for immediate satisfaction, yet I do not understand what it wants. What I should do to satisfy it. So I take pleasure in knowing that id resides within the part of my ego that I do not need to acknowledge. The part of the mind that humans listen to almost automatically, unaware of it. Or they simply suppress it. So why should I bother with the important secret it's trying to tell me? Obviously it's something I that will solve itself. Basic instincts always solve themselves…

But still it bothers me, and I am restless. I walk around the complex, only sitting every ten minutes. Only opening myself up enough to the outside world to catch a sliver of the argument Karin is having with Suigetsu. I want to be on my own. I want to think of a way I can approach Itachi and break him. Possibly I should enter his room. Be close to him and then pull myself away after letting Itachi think he's gotten the upper hand. Give him false hope…wouldn't that be torture? Yet it doesn't seem good enough, and again the iceberg that is my mind tries to rise. The hidden part not seen under the water controls me for but a moment. I'm protecting myself, yet at the same time I walk towards Itachi's door. Wanting to cause pain…because right now even though I'm hardly aware of it, my subconscious is in pain.

Is it old memories? Is it because of Itachi? Of course it is. I glare at my brother as I enter the room. I know he can't see me but I hope he can feel the annoyance and anger radiation off me. I want him to know how much I hate him. I want him to cry and beg. I want him to know how sick he really is. But he won't accept this. He won't understand. He plays his game. Even know as I look into his blind pathetic eyes, they hold an artificial life. A sparkle of playfulness. He wants to play a game, and I want to be the winner.

He's entirely too comfortable. He has a room of his own and a nice bed. It's too nice, too pleasant. His condition is stable, and I don't believe he will suddenly die on me. He's weak yes, but I want him to stay that way. I don't have to treat him so kindly, in fact I shouldn't. But this hideout doesn't have a dungeon, no torture chamber. However it does have a medical unit. Knowing Orochimaru that means there must be cages, chambers, were he kept his test subject. In fact there has to be chambers. As I recall Suigetsu told me he freed some people from this hideout. I step towards my brother, the though of relocation tasting sweet upon my tongue.

"Get up," I tell him, and he looks at me emotionlessly. However he does obey, though he's sure to take his time. Seeing that he's doing this on purpose I try not to let it irritate me. His slow movement is rather elegant. I have to wonder if he knows that by sliding of the bed like that it's making his robe rid up. The skin of his upper thigh is being exposed. I look away, my eyebrows frown with anger. "Hurry up." I order.

Itachi finally gets to his feet and he adjusts the silk kimono that covers his skin. He's sure to hide away the snow-white flesh, and he comes to stand next to me. He seems so very small, not in height, but in figure. An air of femininity flows around him; an air of seduction. I feel sick for a moment; the air turns into poison. Sick disgusting unnatural poison swirling around Itachi. Trying to lure me in, but I won't let it. Unlike my Itachi I am not someone who goes against nature, who lusts after his own brother like some whore.

I find myself pulling Itachi behind me, trying to make him stumble. However he keeps perfect balance, mocking me with his grace. We reach the end of the hall. It looks more like a cave now. The stone isn't as smoothed out and well lit as the other part of the hall. A metal door is in front of us, and I push it open.

The room is full of test tubes and a sliver of green artificial light glows throughout the room dimly. I step in, but don't close the door, it would make the room too dark. I look around and soon locate a small hall leading to a back room. I look around in the dark room, and soon find a lamp, I turn on the gas, and the flame shines. I look around the gloomy room, and see cells craved into he wall covered by bars. I inspect all of these cells; the largest one has handcuffs attached to the wall. I smirk; it's perfect for reducing Itachi down to a dog. A caged animal. That's what he should be, because only an animal would kill with out remorse.

I push Itachi into the cell, slamming his back up against the wall. He lets out a gasp, for a moment losing his ability to breathe. I ignore him for the most part, and chain him to the wall. I step away to look at my work. Itachi's hands hang loosely beside his head. His robe is skewed, and sliding off one shoulder, exposing part of his chest. Strands of silky hair drape over his blind eyes, which stare at me steadily.

"Does it please you to see me like this, little brother," Itachi asks, sounding almost innocent. But his words are far from innocent. No, they have a hidden meaning, trying to persuade me that I am just as sick as he is.

"Stop acting like a slut," I tell him. Itachi smirks.

"You're being so very defensive Sasuke. Why is your mind wondering to such things? It was just a simple question," Itachi defends himself. I glare at him.

"You deserve to be in here, alone. Tied up like the worthless animal you are." Itachi's head rolls elegantly up, to stare at the ceiling he cannot see. His hair slides out of his crimson eyes.

"An animal…really. I wonder if it runs in our family Sasuke…to act uncivilized."

I slam my hand against the rock next to Itachi head. To alert him of my close proximity. I can feel his breath on my skin, I know he can feel mine as well. He acts as though it doesn't faze him that I'm only an inch away form his nose. "What exactly do you mean by that?" Itachi doesn't reply.

"I am not like you, don't you ever compare yourself to me."

"I wouldn't dream of it," he says softly, but the tone wasn't mocking. He was simply agreeing. So what does he mean? What was the earlier comment for? Is he simply playing his games again? Specking in his riddles, not that I care to listen to him. He is worthless, therefore not worth listening to. I push myself off the cave wall.

I look At Itachi as I retreat; I close the cage door. He l looks at nothing in particular, his eyes glow blood red in the dark.


My mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Madara. The Akastuki is after me…when Naruto first told me this, I assumed it had something to do with Itachi. However Itachi seems to believe the man is only interested in me. I can't help but wonder why. These thoughts –strangely enough—are less troubling then my thoughts on Itachi, as of late. Madara is a threat I can handle, that I do not fear, because I am confident in my strength and abilities. If I am able to surpass my brother, then I can surly take this man down as well. It doesn't bother me. The only thing that annoys me is that is seems everyone has plans for me. Plans that I do not know about, but I'm sure I don't' agree with. Itachi had plans for me, what exactly they were…I am not so sure anymore. However he still tells me I am everything he wanted me to be. I push those thoughts aside quickly, I don not want to think about my brother too much. The next person who wanted to use me was Orochimaru. I smirk proudly, as I run through the memory of his defeat. Now I have this new person, this Madara, who also seems to have plans for me. Does everyone think I am some sort of puppet they can use? I have a mind and a will, and I will not let anyone take advantage of me.

I walk down the hall toward the metal door, intend on interrogating Itachi. I want to know more about my new enemy. So that I can live freely. I wont' be caged, I am no ones puppet.

I step before Itachi, who's hidden away by stripped shadows. His eyes are the only things clearly visible as they peek out form behind the darkness. "Sasuke," he greets me.

"Who exactly is Madara?"

"An Uchiha," he says teasingly, though his voice doesn't hold a playful tone.

"I know that, but what makes you think he wants something from me? Why the hell do you distrust him!" I ask.

Itachi looks at the floor. "I do not know everything, he lies, just like all powerful men do," Itachi says plainly. "However, he wanted you alive for a reason. He didn't have me spare you because it would benefit me alone, I am no idiot," he mutters out, his voice serious. I let my hand wrap around one of the cool metal bars, as I look at Itachi. No more words pass my brother lips.

"That's it?" I ask in disbelief. Is that all the information Itachi has to give me?

"What do you expect?" he questions me. A long silence spans between us. "I was not part of the 'inner circle'. I know very little. But I kept close. Keep you friend close, your enemies closer," he mutters out.

"To bad you killed the only friend you had," I say, taking the opportunity to inflict an emotional wound. However Itachi only smirks.

"Friendship…or rather, love…can be one sided," he says looking up at me. I glare at him.

"I hate you," I remind him. He says nothing, only nods slightly. "So you have no idea? You just have your suspicious? How can you be sure he's after me then?"

Itachi glares at me. "He fueled the tension between us. He purposely put me into positions were we would meet. Why else would he have me trail Naruto? Don't be naïve little bother, it doesn't suit you."

"Shut up," I hiss at him. However he does have a few good points. After all Itachi is practically useless, and I have no connection to Konoha anymore. So I'm hardly a threat to Akastuki. I am, most likely, the target…actually it would be more reasonable. After all, when I fought with Deidara, it seemed most Akatsuki members would gladly die, rather then be reduced to a loser. Or maybe it was just this one man. However I cannot take that sort of risk. I suppose I will have to be watchful. I'm sure Karin will sense anyone approaching, so if that Akastuki do find me, I will know in advance.

Feeling more confident, and less bothered, I turn my attention solely to Itachi. I've been avoiding him ever since I've locked him in this cell. I've brought him food twice, in the three days he's been locked in here. It seems that a part of me doesn't want to be around him, it has good reason. For now though, I should make him miserable. I should show him I'm still in charge, and that I'm not afraid of him. I can't let him know that I've avoided him.

"You're right," I say coldly, opening the jail door. I step in closer to my brother, who's still chained to the wall. "Madara is interested in me. After all what would he want with you? You've fallen far from you pedestal. A false pedestal, which was practically handed to you. Everyone though you were something," I lean down next to Itachi's ear. "But you were never anything but a tool. Is that why you wanted me to become everything you wanted me to be? So that you could feel that you had some sort of control over someone? Because you were used for so long?" Itachi doesn't react to my insults.

"But I followed my own plan. I listened to my own heart, not the praise of others. I didn't snap, break like a pathetic child under pressure, and then kill everyone. Then justify my actions."

Itachi's blind eyes look up at me, "I do not regret anything," he whispers out emotionlessly.

I let my fingers play with black tresses. I feel sick knowing that Itachi is probably enjoying it, but at the same time I know I can torture him like this. I can be close to him, have him enjoy it, and then pull away and leave him cold and reminded of my hate for him.

"Of course you wouldn't," I say pulling away. "I've said before devils don't regret their sins. You are a fine sinner. Anything that is slightly immoral you latch on to, you want to commit. That's why you lust after me," I whisper. "Do you like being tied up like this? Do you enjoy the idea of me having power over you?" I touch my brother face. Itachi doesn't pull away.

"It sounds like you're the one who enjoys it, little brother." Before I even register the action, I strike my brother. The sound of the smack, the only thing alerting me to that fact that I hit him.

"You're sick, really. Is this some sort of game to you? Are you trying to hold on to some sort of dignity, some sort of leverage. You want to twist around words so that you can't be hurt? I'm no idiot either Itachi. Your game won't last forever, and you'll still be sitting here with your repulsive infatuations. Don't think that your pale disgusting body could ever seduce me." With that said, I get up and walk out of the prison. I shutter a little, and the urge to throw up comes over me.

I walk into my bedroom, the moon hangs in perfect view of my window. I stare at it for a moment before sitting on my bed. I feel awkward, out of place, and dirty. Something within my subconscious bothers me. But I don't' want to acknowledge it. In all honesty I want to think of Madara, and other problems. I want to keep my mind riddled with situations I might have to handle, but instead I wonder to thoughts of Itachi.

In my childhood I really did love and admire Itachi. I wanted to be like him, I wanted to make our father proud. Even after the massacre, I wanted to hold on to that image of my brother. I wanted him to stay that sweet thoughtful Aniki that carried me on his back. That would occasionally spend time with me. Who would flick me on the forehead and apologize for not having the time. After my clan's death, I discovered new things. But I didn't discover hatred. Even then, I wanted to believe that maybe Itachi was still good. I wanted him to come back, and tell me it was just a joke. But slowly as loneliness sank it, so did hate. I wanted him to die. I wanted to kill him, because he killed a part of me; he killed my innocence. I was forced to grow up fast from that moment on; I had to take care of myself. He took everything away from me…including my brother.

So why has he come back? Why is it that the story changes so drastically over the years? I still hate him, distrust him, but a part of me knows everything he's told me is truth. Along with that knowledge, is something else. Something that I'm hiding in the back of my subconscious, something I don't want to deal with. I want to hurt and torture Itachi, because he's hurt me. He's tortured me, making me believe in things that aren't real. Or maybe they were real..I do not know anymore. This story has become to complicated, and I want to ignore it. I want to simply believe that Itachi is the murder I use to know. But with every passing day my resolve crumbles. I cannot even bring myself to think of killing him, but I still want to cause him pain. I still want to reduce him to a shell of his former self. He still deserves to suffer, because I suffered. He killed many people, he killed my childhood, and he says he has no regrets. Then he claims to love me. He's sick and twisted, and probably doesn't even know what the definition of love is.

A/N: Poor little Sasuke, he is the one who's really being tortured. Your thoughts and opinions are highly valued, thank you for comments and reviews you have given me.