Immortal Chapter 15: Frustration, a naruto fanfic

AN: Finals....ugh.....Finals! No matter how many times I say the word they won't go away. Damn!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

XxX Chapter 14 XxX

Naruto stood and stared at the dimming fire, seeing the flames dance and retreat. He had been doing this for the past hour, Sasuke had remained surprisingly still. Not one to bother with questions so soon, his too even breathing made him look. He looked fevered, and his eyes narrowed. He had questioned his state of being and Sasuke had just rolled his eyes at him, he had promptly let the matter die then and there.

He moved and Sasuke looked at him.

"Are you alright?" he asked suspiciously.

Sasuke gave a nod and he in turn gave a thoughtful frown. He inched closer, something he vaguely noted was becoming customary when dealing with him.

He pressed his hand on his forehead and instantly felt his hand warm. Sasuke gripped the hand that rested on his forehead

"Don't"

But Naruto was never one to listen.

"You have a fever." Naruto stated in awe, not really comprehending how it had occurred. Sasuke had been fine for the past few days in the rain and the cold. He had shown no signs of weakening and it was then that he felt the pulsating of his blood, how it throbbed more rapidly on his thigh.

His eyes stared at the spot where Sasuke's other hand rested upon, fingers clenched tightly over it. And in that moment Sasuke understood what Naruto was doing, what he was planning to do. And yet again his personal space was invaded without a second thought.

To Naruto's amazement there was a tear, a hole that let him glimpse at pale smooth skin. No marring to his skin, but when he brushed the tips of his fingers over it Sasuke reacted- he shuddered and a grimace overtook his features.

Naruto pressed his fingers down and Sasuke twitched in growing discomfort and pain.

'The firing had not ceased and only humans, he thought with relief, laid strewn down on the floor.'

"They shot you, didn't they" he said calmly not bothering to look up and meet stubborn ebony eyes. No instead he stared at the wound, invisible but completely real. He had to get it out, it wouldn't kill him- if it stayed there but the pain would never leave and neither would his fever. His body was working so hard trying to get the bullet out but the wound had closed up so all the pressure was building up in his thigh causing lightheadedness because his body wasn't completely circulating blood- not completely as it should.

"Yes" Sasuke said quietly, and Naruto was surprised that he had even answered.

"I need to take it out"

Sasuke gave a nod and looked away reluctantly.

"It will hurt, if only for a moment" Naruto explained as he lowered his head down, he tore open the hole more to give him better access.

His fingers encircled Sasuke's thigh keeping it steadily in place. His fangs protruded past his gums more prominently and they grazed his skin. He bit down quickly and felt one fang brush against the bullet. He detached himself and with quick fingers he glided them around the hole he had created and retrieved the bullet. Sasuke tightened his grip on his hair- and he vaguely wondered when Sasuke's fingers had glided into his blond tresses. He ignored the feeling and tossed the bullet- well what was left of it- to the side. He stayed in his hunched over position and noted that the wound wasn't closing as quickly as he was used to seeing vampires heal.

On pure impulse he latched his mouth once again on the same spot he had latched on mere moments ago. He sucked at the blood, trying to lessen the still prominent pressure, that didn't want to dissipate. He unclenched his mouth and licked the blood away from his lips and the edges of his mouth. Sasuke's fingers had not lessened their onslaught but he continued to ignore it because the wound still wasn't closing over and healing. He eyed Sasuke out of the corner of his eyes and as his tongue darted out and licked the wound as he spoke.

"Now, we're even"

Sasuke refused to look at him, he had felt the need to thank him but once his smiling face came into view he killed and buried the thought. Something about Naruto still bugged him, made his skin crawl and his fists itch to punch him, claw at his perfect face.

"What happened back there" Sasuke finally voiced out the question that had been plaguing his mind through the entirety of their escape.

Naruto was looking out at the opening of the cave, his back to him.

"What do you think happened?"

"They found us…"

Naruto made a motion of his hand, urging him to continue.

"….and they were expecting us"

It was then that Naruto turned to him, body in full view but he had not taken any step closer- just stared at him with critical eyes.

"Correct" he didn't let Sasuke speak as he swiftly cut off the question that would surely soon followed and continued.

"It was my fault. I was the one who brought Zaku with us"

Sasuke's jaw clenched "So it was his fault, he betrayed us"

"Not at all"

"Then how the fuck-"

"Sasuke, language. We may be monsters but we're not barbaric"

Sasuke let a breath of frustration "If you know that Zaku brought them to us how is that not a betrayal?"

"He didn't mean to"

"How can you say that? It's like a serial killer murdering someone in cold blood and then saying he didn't mean to."

"I can and I just did"

"This isn't a game; this is about all our lives in danger"

Naruto gave a sigh "He didn't- we didn't- know that it was Orochimaru tracking him"

Sasuke looked puzzled, how was Zaku even affiliated with Orochimaru and how was that a bad thing. Couldn't Orochimaru help them?

And Naruto, knowing where his thoughts had wandered gave a twisted smile. "Don't tell me that you believe that Orochimaru will be able to help us- that he is our ally. You have no idea of what he is capable of"

With clenched fist Sasuke breathed in deeply, it felt as if Naruto was intentionally trying to provoke him with his condescending voice and biting remarks.

"He's a murder" Naruto whispered angrily.

"We all are"

"He killed one of my other fledglings" Naruto said quietly turning his back to him once more.

He stared blankly and Sasuke suddenly understood, really understood why Naruto had reacted so violently when he had uttered Orochimaru's name and felt a sense of dread and guilt overtake him. He too knew what it was like to lose someone, family. He wondered what was holding him back though, if he knew -and he would find out- who was annihilating the last remnants of his family then he would take revenge. He would pay them back ten fold.

They stayed in silence for what seemed like an eternity until Naruto spoke, it might as well have been a whisper.

"I will kill him"

That feeling returned, the feeling that he wasn't suppose to be hearing this, that what he was speaking about so passionately wasn't meant to be spoken aloud. But when their eyes locked he knew that Naruto had wanted him to hear it.

"Get ready"

He looked at him with uncertainty, what did he mean by that?

"They're coming"

His eyes widened -and he was sure of this- and sprang up and readied himself. Arms taunt and adrenaline pumping through his veins. Anticipation coiling itself around the entirety of his frame.

"How?"

"I told him to lead them to us"

Sasuke looked at him with shock, why in the flying fuck would he bring them here. Was he trying to get them both killed!?

"If- if I" a pause, "…when they close in on me I want you to run, run and don't look back"

"What, you're speaking nonsense-"

"Sasuke, don't argue with me. There isn't any time after all they're-"

"Well hello there" came a mocking voice.

"-here"

They should have expected them to be armed. Better yet they should have known that they would shoot first and ask questions later. Naruto had anticipated this but Sasuke hadn't. There were five of them, not including Zaku. Luckily Sasuke had heard the click of the weapons and moved accordingly. They were spread out along the edges of the mountain. They were surrounded and it looked hopeless.

Naruto stared at Zaku, eyes filled with detachment and disregard.

"What do we do now?" Sasuke said quickly, back pressed against Naruto's.

"You won't do anything but run"

With clenched fists Sasuke eyed their opponents and in a frustrated tone spoke "You can't honestly expect me to let you fight them all by yourself, I am no coward"

With narrowed eyes Naruto glanced at him "You will live, you are not going to die on my watch"

"I won't and neither will you. So shut up and fight!"

Naruto gave him a wry look "Alright"

The sound of gun shots firing was the only sound they heard. And it didn't matter that they were outnumbered, what mattered was their promise. They would live, there were no if's and's or but's. They would.

Panting heavily Naruto cursed. When were they going to run out of ammunition? He had avoided many stray bullets and had managed to take out two of the five armed but it had come at a cost. They had lured him into a trap; one had injected him with a viscous liquid. At the time, with all the chaos and disarray he hadn't noticed. All that had mattered was the objective; kill them before they killed him- or close to it.

Sasuke was surprisingly -he had learned the hard way- quickly. Maneuvering in a way that made it look like he was dancing. They all were in a sense. Getting closer, dangerously so.

He stopped and a bullet hit his forearm, the female who had fired smirked in triumph.

He glared at her and Sasuke was drawing back. "Come on, Naruto we have to beat them"

"I know, but they injected me with something that's…slowing me down. My reflexes and speed are diminishing." Naruto said with frustration.

He had noticed that he had been slowing down when the first bullets pierced him. And suddenly he realized with narrowed eyes, they had been smiling in victory when they had arrived. Surely Orochimaru would send more of a challenge. Had he been wrong, in assuming that these were mere incompetent underlings?

"The bullets" he whispered urgently and Sasuke listened with a keen ear.

"I think they put something in them-", a pause and Naruto looked at his injured forearm in bewilderment, "and it's slowing down my healing rate"

Sasuke who had received only one blow - it seemed their main target was Naruto- looked healthy and strong enough. The poison wasn't spreading as quickly in him as it did in Naruto.

"We have to end it" Naruto said straightening himself as Sasuke pulled him away from bullets that would -in Naruto's weakened condition- hit their mark.

It seemed that the enemy had the same thing in mind. The only female still alive brought out what looked like a canon and took aim at the sky and fired.

The remaining three and Zaku leapt away, and all Naruto could do was watch in wonder. Sasuke had left, thinking that Naruto would follow but all he could do was stare at the glowing metal, his vision blurring and the image of someone formed in his drugged state. He lifted his arms beckoning that translucent person to come. He could hear his slow pulse ringing in his head.

Knowing that what he saw wasn't real, but wanting it to be.

"Naruto!"

The fantasy shattered and he felt himself being pushed aside. He let out a gasp of pain as many metal fragments pierced his skin.

Naruto opened his eyes and saw Sasuke's familiar face, twisted in pain but hiding it well. They lay strewn on the floor, they hadn't left unscathed. He had taken- it seemed- the brunt of it all. He couldn't move, and doubted that Sasuke could either. They were vulnerable and that's exactly what they wanted.

His limbs felt numb, heavy even. Sasuke wasn't doing so good. His body was taking on an unnatural shade of purple. His limbs were twitching, writhing in silent agony. Whatever had been inside those bullets were quickly taking their effect. He had to act; he needed to make a quick getaway with Sasuke.

"I'm surprised he lasted so long, but I wasn't in the least surprised that you did" came a snort.

He could barely see her but could see flamboyantly dark pink. She continued to speak as Naruto eyed her, soon she was standing right in front of him and all he had to do was look up.

"Tayuya, it's a pleasure" she introduced.

He narrowed his eyes at her seemingly passive tone, distrustful.

"Oh he did mention that you wouldn't talk" she bent down so close to him that he could kill her if he had the strength to even move.

"You don't know how long he's been dying to see you, he'll be so happy"

"I refuse" Naruto bit out.

"Pardon?" she said her face transforming into one of fury.

"You say that as if you have a choice in the matter" another voice supplied, drawing nearer until he came into view. Face framed with snowy locks.

He was lifted effortlessly "Its time, we must hurry back"

Naruto looked at the ground, where Sasuke lay. Trying and desperately failing to move.

"What about him" Tayuya said pointing in Sasuke's general direction.

"We were only told to bring him alive, he never mentioned to bring a second guest"

She waited until he spoke, the leader of the group apparently. "Finish him off if you like but do it quickly"

She gave a smirk and Naruto barred his fangs.

"Naruto" Sasuke said hoarsely, the mere act of talking looking painful.

He clenched his eyes shut and willed himself to move, to regain control of his unwilling body.

'Move' he whispered to himself.

Unbeknownst to him whatever control he had over his hearing vanished. Voices, pain filled voices were pouring in. Only those of people who were suffering came to him and among all the cluttered chaos that was forming in his mind one voice stood out. Sasuke's voice that was so desperately asking for his help. Something that he knew, that he would never ask aloud.

His body shook and he was reminded once more of the strange feeling he had had when Arashi and Sai had died. It was coiling all around him and his fists clenched. His eyes snapped open. He could move. He could move!!

His heart thudded so loudly he wondered if it would suddenly stopped. But he had no time for those thoughts. Right now he had to save Sasuke. And in that moment that was all that mattered.

He was quick to move, get free of his captor. Kimimaro is what he heard Tayuya shout. He acted fast, the one who was holding Sasuke up. Keeping him still for Tayuya's wrath was the first to go down. He never caught his name but it didn't matter as long as he was dead. Stayed dead.

He must have looked horrifying because the look Sasuke gave him was anything but calm. He caught hold of Sasuke and barred his fangs, his fingers aching to do away with that wench. Kimimaro was the only one who seemed to act. Drawing Tayuya away in retreat.

What looked like a standstill quickly changed when Kimimaro twisted Tayuya's arm, the loud sound of bone cracking being the only signal of his betrayal. He pushed her in front of him and when she fell to the ground she looked truthfully shocked as she seethed his name "Kimimaro, how dare you"

"It's about time that you were dismissed, permanently"

Her eyes widened and the fury that followed was immeasurable.

Kill her, he thought quietly to himself. He could still hear those pain filled cries and they all wanted someone to pay. Someone to hurt, that wasn't them. They all wanted her. Yes, they wanted her to die. He had her in his arms and all she could do was stare into crimson eyes.

"Tell me do you want to die?" he said so soothingly, voice thick with charm it betrayed what he was really asking.

Fear overtook her face, she was not fooled and he smiled at her. He bent closer, and his hand drifted to her unbuttoned holster and ever so gently slipped out her weapon.

"I thought you did" he whispered as he pulled the trigger.

And Naruto did not disappoint. He pulled the trigger over and over again, long after the bullets had ceased to leave the barrel.

With every shot he spoke "If you had wanted to kill us, you should have aimed for the heart, always the heart"

Her eyes had clouded over and Kimimaro had slipped away during the show. He felt a hand cover his armed one and quickly took aim and fired. No bullets came out and he looked at Sasuke's pain filled one's.

"Naruto", a pause and a harsh cough, "stop, she's already dead"

And suddenly all the strength and all the anger vanished. The gun dropped with a thud and he looked at the corpse. He felt nothing, so why had he killed her?

He looked at Sasuke, seeing his red irises reflected, and knew that it had been for him. And for himself.

He felt no pain as he stood, the bullets were still there but he felt no pain emitting from the numerous pieces of metal that surely clotted his blood flow. It was strange and normal. He would take them out later because right now Sasuke was the one in need of assistance.

He looked at Sasuke's condition, his ragged breath and he paid close attention to the way his skin continued to take on a purplish hue.

"Sasuke" the name was a mere whisper.

Sasuke made no move to talk, he couldn't.

Naruto dragged him close and laid his head on his lap, his way of trying to comfort Sasuke in his pain racked state.

He needed to do something, anything to help at this point. And he did the only thing he could do. He bit him, sucking out the poison that weakened him to a point that was unbearable. Sasuke did not protest, he couldn't.

It didn't take long before Naruto started to feel woozy. Whatever was in those bullets was anything but good. He unlatched himself from Sasuke's neck and clenched his eyes shut, breath ragged and fingers twitching.

"Are you alright" Sasuke hoarsely said with effort, his skin losing that eerie purple hue.

"Just give me a second"

His head throbbed and when he opened his eyes everything looked to be in a blur. He couldn't think straight and in his disillusioned mind he couldn't stop the words that slipped out of his mouth.

"You know, you look like someone I know"

Sasuke furrowed his brows, noticing the way Naruto's now blue eyes were unfocused.

"Were you afraid?"

"What are you talking about?" Sasuke asked not knowing exactly what Naruto was referring to.

"When you died"

Sasuke hesitated "What?"

And it was Naruto's turn to furrow his brow "I didn't save you remember."

"Yes you did"

"No I didn't, that's why you died"

Sasuke stopped "Naruto who are we talking about"

Naruto stopped, eyes focusing and his face froze "Never mind"

"No tell me, who you were talking about"

"That is of no concern to you" Naruto said with increasing irritation.

"But-"

And Naruto snapped, "Who the hell do you think you are, asking me, no demanding such answers to things that wouldn't mean anything to you"

"I just wanted to-"

"Just wanted? Is that so, because it seems that that is the problem with the modern vampire is it not? They want too much"

"Why do you keep doing this?"

"Doing what exactly?"

"You change, one moment your kind and it seems like you honestly care but then you ruin it by turning into this cold, ruthless monst-" and Sasuke stopped.

Sasuke wasn't about to lie to himself, he had been terrified of what he saw when Naruto saved him. In that definitive moment he understood who, better yet what Naruto was. What he was capable of doing. He wasn't just a pompous vampire but a terrifying one at that.

Naruto looked at him long and hard, not showing that he had caught what Sasuke had stopped himself from saying but Sasuke knew that he did when he looked into his eyes. His eyes did not lie.

"Well I'm sorry for not being what you want me to be, in fact I apologize for my failure to be whatever everyone wants me to be; their savior, their leader, their god. Why can't everyone just leave me alone" and in that moment Naruto put his hand over his aching chest and let himself fall.

Sasuke wasn't quick enough to catch Naruto as he fell with a look of confusion.

He spoke in fragments; his head throbbing unexplainably so "Leave me alone" the words were whispered.

"Everyone just leave me alone" and he closed his eyes, the world dying around him.

And to him it felt right for everything to just……die.

"Naruto, it's time"

Naruto looked all around him, everything looking so eerily calm and peaceful. He remembered this place and that voice.

"Naruto, look for me"

And he looked, and stopped when he found nothing but feeling it instead. The warmth in those words, that voice that he had forgotten. Had tried to forget.

"No" he answered.

"You need me"

"I don't, but you do" Naruto threw back.

"It's coming"

"What is?!" Naruto barked, someone or better yet something was always coming and it always, frustratingly so, wanted him.

"Our death"

"Oh please, you're already dead. So stay dead"

"If I am dead then, how am I able to communicate with you?"

"You are just a figment of my imagination"

"Naruto, I taught you better than that. Lift the veil that is in front of your eyes."

"Shut up! The last time I looked for you my fledgling died"

"A most unfortunate outcome, but didn't I tell you to come alone?"

"I don't need you, I don't need anybody. So you stay out of my head"

"I will not"

He didn't know where to go, or what to do in this horrid situation. He looked back and stared at the unconscious form that was Naruto. Definitely one of the sources, better yet the reason for which he was in this horrid situation in the first place. The dreadful situation being traveling to who knows where, with a very modish and unconscious pureblood while fleeing the scene from which their exhausting battle had taken place. Though that wasn't the mother effin cherry on top. He had to dispose of that demented vampire because it wouldn't bode well if anyone examined her remains. He had looked away from her glassy eyes that, even in death, bore holes into his skull.

Again he looked back, to reassure himself that he was alright. Naruto was so frustratingly complex to figure out. How Kyuubi could stand his shifting moods was beyond him but then Naruto had chosen him for a reason. And at the thought of that name he wondered how the others were doing, Itachi hadn't sent him any thoughts his way, was he really that far away or was he…. He shook his head to dispel such thoughts.

He heard a groan and muted words that were disjointed and fragments.

"Put me down" it wasn't a request but an order that he quickly refused to acknowledge.

"No, I will not"

He felt Naruto stiffen and felt the weight shift and soon felt nothing. Naruto was a heap on the floor, had fallen twenty feet and didn't as much as groan. With shaky feet he stood, clutching at the nearest tree trunk that he could grab a hold of lest he fall again. Naruto was panting, blood pulsating so quickly it wasn't natural. He felt guilty; knowing that the effects of his poison infused blood was the cause of it. The price Naruto was enduring for saving his life.

"Don't look at me"

It was painfully obvious that Naruto did not want him, or anybody for that matter to see him in such a weakened and vulnerable state. He didn't look away, something that quickly angered Naruto, and instead looked because he wondered if he would ever get the chance to ever see this Naruto again.

His hand reached forward and Naruto glared with all his might. His eyes furious, the warning that he did not heed; Stay away.

It started out small but it seemed that Naruto couldn't stop himself. Fingers aching, digging into the bark. The pain wasn't receding and it took a great effort from Naruto's part to stop from crying out. And then Naruto did something that would later have him wonder what burdens Naruto carried with such great power he possessed.

"Shut Up shut the fuck up!" Naruto cursed clutching his head in pain.

"What's wrong?!"

"They won't shut up, please make them shut up" with clenched eyes Naruto begged, never begged but pleaded with him.

"Who?"

"The voices in my head!"

Now Naruto was muttering, speaking in a tongue that he had never heard, so dark and ominous with its cryptic sound. With neck breaking speed Naruto's looked at him with wide eyes "Kyuubi, where is he?" and Naruto ran, with a strength he hadn't known he had.

"Wait! Your shouldn't be moving" and he followed after the retreating form

"Kyuubi!" Naruto shouted over and over again, the sound piercing the skies. Over and over the name was repeated with a sound so heartbreakingly desperate and lost.

"Naruto!" I shout, trying but failing to keep my voice from being drown out by the cries of Kyuubi's name.

All I can do is follow, watch the desperate expression mixed with pain that looks for his child. It's strange that I see a child looking for its mother.

Panting, the fight is almost over. It is obvious who will win, after all what could a lowly vampire ever hope to accomplish pitted against one of the pureblood's descendants.

"Arh-guh!" And that is the last sound the vampire makes as he falls and dies.

"Is that the last of them" Jiraiya asks

"So it seems" Kyuubi says voiced filled with restlessness.

It's obvious what the source of his unease is. Of course it was due to Naruto's absence. Moreover, because they had been separated during an ambush.

"And what about the others" Kyuubi asks, not because he really cares but because he needs to think about something other than Naruto. Because surely the worry would drive him to the brink of insanity.

"All accounted for except for Zaku and Sasuke" Jiraiya responds easily, not letting Kyuubi's somber mood affect him in the least. He had after all grown used to it over the years.

"Tch, they're probably with Naruto then"

"Kyuubi, careful your colors are showing" Jiraiya said so ambiguously that it made Kyuubi look at him with narrowed eyes.

"I don't need to hear that from you" Kyuubi started but stopped his whole body rooted in place.

"Kyuubi" Jiraiya questions, confused.

With great effort Kyuubi calmly gave a shake of his head and left. He waited until he was away from Jiraiya's prying eyes to slump to the ground.

Something was tugging at his body with such force that it took great effort to stay still. The insisting tugging did not relent. He stood and let himself be dragged forward, away from the city. The further he was taken the more the tightening in his chest increased. That feeling that told him that something was wrong left him uneasy. And suddenly the pulling force left him, but soon another force overtook him.

Screaming, screams that made him want to cover his ears ensued. It was calling him. These screams were….Naruto's.

He stood and followed the echo of them, knowing that they were in his mind because surely the others would have heard them if they hadn't been otherwise. Their mind link let him hear. He ran with quick frantic leaps. Naruto was calling him, screaming his name. He asked, more like shouted, what was wrong, where he was and the like but he never got a reply. Instead Naruto called out to him more frantically and drew Kyuubi over the edge. He didn't know where he was going but knew that something, that force, was guiding him to Naruto. For now he wouldn't ponder about such strange occurrences. What mattered now, and forever, was Naruto.

Naruto needed him, and even under these stressful circumstances he felt his heart warm. All he wanted to do in this world was to be needed by Naruto. And only Naruto, everyone else could just….

"Tell me Kimimaro, what news have you brought to our lord" Kabuto asked with an annoyingly eager tone.

Kimimaro disregarded Kabuto's words that were anything but encouraging. He strode past the man who wanted him to fail, head held up high and walked into the chambers. He didn't have to wait long until he was beckoned to speak.

"Kimimaro" Orochimaru spoke languidly, his tone giving nothing away.

"My lord, we found Zaku and something, rather someone special as well"

"Then speak, who exactly did you find?" Orochimaru asked demandingly, he wasn't in the mood for formalities it seemed.

"Naruto" the name was slipped out heedlessly, not from Kimimaro's mouth but from Zaku's.

"Ah, Zaku how nice of you to come back?"

"I never left, my lord"

"No?" Orochimaru said with a flick of his tongue.

Kimimaro, who had been rudely interrupted watched the two with guarded eyes. Right now they were dancing and Orochimaru was throwing blades. Would Zaku come out of this unscathed? He doubted it. To have a team assembled to hunt down one of their own brethren meant that they were traitors. And once a traitor, always a traitor. Surely Orochimaru wouldn't let Zaku go unpunished, he was lucky to even be breathing.

"So tell me, did anything interesting happen?" the question was directed at Kimimaro, and Orochimaru had a hard time veiling his excitement.

"He reacted as you had anticipated"

"Hmm, the results are promising but before we discuss more,….Zaku leave us"

Zaku turned and gave Orochimaru a leveled stare, bowed and left with ease but slowed his stride to a halt when a mocking voice sliced through the air.

"Before you go Zaku…. what did you think of Naruto?" even with his back to him he could still see, more like feel the smile that snaked onto Orochimaru's lips.

"Like a God"

Naruto truly was nothing short but a God. His God.

He looked at the countless bullets and their shells, saw the puddles of blood that had seeped into the earth. It must have been a grand fight, too bad he hadn't been here sooner to see the fireworks. A shame, he'd mention this little battlefield in his report.

He stood, running a gloved hand into red tresses. Again he looked at the spilt blood, whipped out a vile and scooped up some of the reddened dirt with the blood that had attracted him to this place in the first place. This piece of evidence would go off record.

"Gaara" a crackly voice called out from his walkie-talkie.

With a grunt he responded "What"

"You were suppose to meet squad A, at the rendezvous two hours ago, what's the hold up"

"I don't need them, I'll proceed with the mission on my own" Gaara said tonelessly not even bothering to answer to his commander with an excuse or respect for that matter.

"Gaara!-"

With ease he removed the batteries from the device, throwing them to the ground without a care. It wasn't like he needed any backup.

"So how'd you find him"

"Since he proved to be a slippery one, Tayuya placed a tracker right before we lost his trail. It didn't' take long to see him deviate from his previous course so we just hung back until he would be unsuspecting"

"Good. It's a shame though that the rest of the team was wiped out."

"It couldn't be helped, we were up against him"

"So am I wrong in assuming that you followed and found him with Naruto"

" Not quite. They did aid him but it must have been due to the fact that we were invading home. It could have just been a coincidence that they were there at the right time"

"I don't believe in coincidence, but do continue"

"We lost them though, they divided into groups and scattered. We did eventually get close enough to detect the tracker and we even assembled snipers to take them out, if not to flush them out. We hadn't anticipated the fact that the humans would -in the chaos- help them slip away. It was Zaku who was the one who actually led us to Naruto, apparently he gained their trust"

"Hm…"

"What troubles you my lord"

"Nothing, so how long did he last until the serum took effect?"

"Only a matter of minutes. He became sluggish and unfocused, but still as evasive as ever"

"So the bullets were what did him in, then?"

"Yes but those took a few hours to take effect, he was quite resilient to them he even took the brunt of the canon"

"Now why would he do that" Orochimaru whispered silently to himself, but Kimimaro heard it and responded to it.

"He was protecting another?"

"Who?, did he have red hair?" Orochimaru inquired, the only one who would be by Naruto, annoyingly so, would be Kyuubi.

"No, it was some young half-blood"

'What are you doing Naruto, associating with their kind' Orochimaru thought furiously.

"My lord?"

"What." Orochimaru said sharply.

"He, uh when we were going to get rid of the half blood, he got really angry. He changed, he could move and his eyes they…" Kimimaro trailed off, his whole frame was stiff, remembering the details of his encounter with those furious red eyes that promised death.

"Yes.." Orochimaru said with pleasure, he knew…he fucking knew what Kimimaro was going to say.

"They were crimson red" and as the words that Kimimaro had unbeknownst whispered left his mouth everything seemed to still in the air. A long pause until Orochimaru spoke.

"You may leave" Orochimaru said quickly, he wanted to be alone.

Finally, he was back. His power, that resonating pulse he had felt long ago would return, he'd make sure of it. Things would soon fall into place. Now he just had to find out what had triggered his awakening, what had been the reason for the unleash of his furious power. It seemed like he'd pay Europe a visit after all. And this time he wouldn't leave empty handed.

He looked at the bullets, at the tiny vials that were in its core. Containing a rich red liquid. This liquid, was potent, it had even made Naruto weaken. So much that he had looked away, unwilling to let himself see Naruto in such a hopeless situation.

He let his gaze fall once again to the bullets because these bullets had been designed to fight against him- to fight against Naruto. But they hadn't been strong enough, he shivered at the memory. Of seeing Naruto rise with so much power, how he killed Tayuya with pleasure- he had left shortly after her passing. That was the power he craved, the power that left his body aching for more. To feel it once again. That was the power that Naruto possessed, and he loved him for it.

He shook his head, now was not the time to be distracted, no matter how much he wanted to be. No right now he had to do some research and to prepare for his inevitable conversation with Orochimaru.

"You must tell him exactly everything that I tell you. You need his trust, even the tiniest bit of it because without it your dead."

That is what Naruto had whispered to him during the chaos of the ambush.

"I know what he wants to hear and how he likes to hear it. Trust me when I say that every word will ensure your safety. I need you, and I need him to believe that you still need him. I don't have much time so listen closely…………"

The rest was lost in his memories, because right now all he could hear was one thing, only three little words. "I need you" kept repeating itself over and over. He marveled at the words, those were the words that he wanted to hear- that he had unconsciously craved for. And Naruto had given him exactly what he wanted. Above all else Naruto chosen him, him and not Orochimaru. In his eyes, the one who had truly sired him was Naruto, with those three words he felt reborn and so…………alive.

His breathing was rapid, even he could tell that much. His head throbbed, the incessant voices just wouldn't stop. He couldn't remember a time where it had been so hard to control….well not in a really long time. His throat was sore, and he didn't know where he was going, he just had to move. Something inside him was coiling, waiting and restless…trying to get out. But what it was he didn't know and suddenly he saw flashes of Arashi and Sai.

The feelings he had felt before everything had gone red. These feelings, emotions so poignantly sharp- just like his nails, no his claws…….his heart thundered pulsating so hard and so fast his whole body ached. He was changing, reverting into the demon in him that had killed many. That power that surged to him, that felt so right but oh so terribly wrong. He would lose himself in his spiraling thoughts, the screaming voices that just wouldn't shut up! He had to stop, who knew how many lives he'd take if he lost control like before….but how. How!?

Kyuubi…..

Kyuubi, he could stop him, he would!

He continued to scream that name at the top of his lungs. Shout it to the heavens, because this time he couldn't save anyone even if that someone was himself.

"How is he" the words were whispered.

"Asleep, you can go see him…" he asked for you was left unsaid.

With a pause Sasuke took a deep breath and allowed himself in the sanctuary that Naruto now resided in.

Kyuubi looked at the spot where Sasuke had once stood and let out a huff of frustration. Now wasn't a time for that, it never was a time for petty grievances or childish possessiveness. For now he let his mind drift into his memories.

He had taken hold of Naruto as soon as he had sensed his approaching presence, and the shouts that thundered in his mind were audible in the real world. A wild look had overtaken Naruto's features, that was what surprised him. That look, sent chills down his spine- it was the same look that he had had the unfortunate chance of seeing. The look that was so desperate and nearing the edges of insanity, with piercing red eyes. It wasn't as crazy, as desperate and hopeless……the just plain mad look he had taken on when Sai had died but……it wasn't too far along.

"StopmestopmestopmeSTOPME!" Naruto had shouted.

It was hard to look away from those hypnotizing red eyes, his ears were ringing from the intensity of Naruto's command.

"Look into me, only me. Forget everyone else but me"

And Naruto saw, everything, his thoughts his whole life that they had shared. And he would have felt ashamed had Naruto not needed the distraction that was the world.

He felt like reeling because his life, his soul felt like it was being sucked out of him. It seemed that Naruto couldn't control himself, reading into him without making him feeling it. And Naruto had teetered for a second, eyes slowly regaining their intense blue before they rolled back and he collapsed.

Sasuke had been quick to catch him, and soundlessly they left.

Thinking back on it, the look of concern that Sasuke had let overtake his features was unsettling. It appeared that the two had bonded during their escape…and he didn't like it. Not one bit.

Sasuke paced, back and forth. Not knowing what to do with the silent and unconscious Naruto. He couldn't well speak to him without ending up talking to himself and feeling an idiot. He continued to pace, because that was all he could do and he couldn't very well just leave without speaking to Naruto. He felt compelled to speak to him, something- more like his gut- wanted to find out what exactly had happened when Naruto had been shouting. He intended to find out, but he couldn't if the only one who would tell him- Kyuubi was out of the question if his glares were anything to go by every time he attempted to talk to him.

With a big sigh he decided to leave, because he wouldn't be getting any answers anytime soon.

"Sit down" the words were muffled from the pillow.

He walked to the edge of the bed and waited, he wouldn't sit down. Not if he was being commanded to do so.

Naruto had his eyes firmly shut, but he continued to speak, head now turned to the side and a bleary set of blue eyes cracked open.

"You know you remind me of two very dear friends of mine" the sentence was drawled out with a flick of a tongue and Sasuke watched enraptured by the wistfulness of Naruto's tone. It threw him off balance.

How could you respond to that, he sure as hell didn't and gave a very unimaginative reply "Really?"

Naruto looked at him, and slowly sat up throwing his legs over the mattress and sitting with an air that was completely Naruto.

"Yes..", a pause "you really do" and Naruto stared so intently at him he felt a sense of intimidation wash over him.

He swallowed thickly, the room feeling suddenly so cold.

"I wonder if you were related to either of them?" Naruto interjected contemplatively.

Related. The word stuck deeply, strange how he had forgotten of his situation. Of his entire family's slaughter. An extermination. And suddenly he felt so angry. Right now all he could do was vent, since he couldn't act, and in order to vent he had to take it out on someone, anyone. It was convenient that Naruto was sitting there so close- only a few feet away.

"They're dead then if they're related to me!"

He didn't look at Naruto, just felt everything go quiet. Slowly Naruto rose, and he tensed himself. He didn't exactly know what he was expecting but he never expected for Naruto to walk away without saying a word. But he did, not even bothering to even look at him. Just left, and that left a sting so great that no words could have ever inflicted such damage.

'Why was it that the two of them could never have a decent conversation?!' Sasuke angrily thought.

"Naruto"

Silence.

"Naruto, look at me" Kyuubi pleaded.

And Naruto did, slowly, he stared into golden eyes that were pleading. Eyes that wanted nothing more than reassurance. A reassurance Naruto could not give, not yet…

"Its alright, I won't hold you against anything that you did…thought….wanted"

….but one which he would try.

"Naruto about Sasuke…"

"Kyuubi, just stop it"

"But, he…" a pause in which Kyuubi cleared his throat searching for the right words, "…he's no good for you"

"I'll decide what is best for me"

"Naruto…please he looks too much like them for it to be healthy for you to be in his presence"

"Do you find me so weak that I can't bear witness to the face that looks so similar to lost loved ones. Is that it?"

"No, never…its just your", a flash of crazed red eyes flitted through his mind, " nothing good will come out of it if we stay near those two Uchihas"

"Just the same as they being near me"

"But that's different, it not your fault that there are those after you"

"It's not theirs either"

"Naruto, just trust me when I say that we should leave the others behind…its not safe"

"Nothing is safe, no one is safe"

"Naruto…."

"No, I won't hear anymore"

"Naruto!" Kyuubi cried out in frustration and took hold of Naruto, pushing him up against the wall.

"Kyuubi, let go" Naruto said with clear finality.

"No. I need to keep you safe but I can't with so many others. I can't protect anybody else but you, I don't want to" the words were spoke quickly and Naruto looked on with amazement.

"Just let me. Let me protect you" Kyuubi whispered, forehead laying atop Naruto's shoulder. And Naruto let him because he knew that it was what Kyuubi wanted. And it would be cruel to deny him this heartfelt plead.

A sense of attachment overwhelmed him and he awkwardly wrapped his arms around Kyuubi's shoulders, in an attempt to comfort.

"Thank you" Naruto soothingly whispered.

Kyuubi's breath stilled, and they stayed frozen in place.

"It's a burden, isn't it? Staying by my side"

"Naruto-" Kyuubi responded, ready to protest.

"Shh…just listen."

And Kyuubi did.

"I am no good for you, for anybody"

"That's not true" Kyuubi said slowly.

"They die because I'm around" Naruto whispered lowly, a hint of despair lacing his words, frustration at the edges of his voice.

Kyuubi pulled back, and Naruto easily let his arms fall to his side. Eyes locked, they came to an understanding. An understanding that would bring no resolution, but a problem.

'You still can't forgive yourself' is what Kyuubi was saying.

'I will never forget my sins' is what Naruto was saying.

They looked on, and Kyuubi remembered what Naruto had once told, yelled at him, so long ago. A sentence that had been filled with such emotion he hadn't imagined Naruto capable of ever stating them aloud:

'"They died because I choose them…because I couldn't fucking stand being alone…...because I was selfish and wanted them to live forever!" Naruto yelled.'

"When this is over, I want to-" Naruto began but stilled as he heard a creak, this was no longer a private conversation.

"Naruto?" Kyuubi questioned, prompting him to finish his sentence, knowing that Sasuke had already stumbled into their conversation.

"Never mind"

Kyuubi turned and glared, frustration rolling off in waves wondering when, or even if, Naruto would ever tell him anything anymore. And just when he was getting somewhere, Sasuke had to interrupt. An irritating thorn on his side, that refused to be ripped away.

It seemed that Sasuke was looking more and more like Sai nowadays. Kyuubi wondered when he too would lie motionless upon the bloodied ground.

Tbc…

A.N: Well that's that. You can't imagine how hard it is to keep myself from just putting Naruto and Sasuke together, I'm getting there though. Slowly (grudgingly). There was a scene, in which I believe there to be hints of it, hopefully you don't have to quint your eyes too hard to see it.