DISCLAIMER:

NARUTO © Masashi Kishimoto

KUROSHITSUJI © Toboso Yana

Single Approach

Naruto/Kuroshitsuji Cross Over

Sakura Haruno and Sebastian Michaelis

Romance/Adventure/Humor/Angst

Rated T: for Language

Chapter 2 – 2nd Step: Branding

Author's note:

Waahh.. It's been long, since I last update. The truth was I was supposed to update next month but I can't help myself. I'll thank all of you in advance for reading this fic. Tell me what you think. I was seriously debating myself if I should get this beta-ed.

Poll on my profile. Please vote. :)

"Talking"

Sebastian's thoughts

Inner talking /thoughts

Sakura's thoughts

When she accepted the mission, she was hoping Tsunade would stop her, would tell her to reconsider it, and would scold her for making stupid decisions. But she didn't, she simply stare at her, tossed the scroll, and then dismiss her. She didn't even brief her mission. A simple "Leave when you're ready" was given. Not even good luck, hell she wanted her to shout at her or something. She even purposely slowed her walk to the door, still hoping she'll call her name, and hug her. Tell her to take care and such, but it didn't happen.

As she closed the door, she lean her head on it and sigh. A single tear escape her eyes. What had happened? Where was the Tsunade that she loves, the Tsunade that taught her things, the Tsunade that acts like her mother? She shook her head. Thinking about it won't even stop her, but she really wanted Tsunade to see her again, to acknowledge her, even for the last time. She glared at the scroll hoping it would catch on fire, hoping it will turn to ash and let the wind carry it away. But then again, it won't, unless she fries it herself via Katon jutsu. Laughing at the thought, she grip the scroll tightly, moved down the stairs, her strides in hurry. She wanted to leave the tower fast. She wanted to leave the damned place quickly, she felt suffocated.

Like there's a rope that was slowly tightening on her neck.

It's like she's slowly drowning on Nakano River's gentle flows.

She wanted Tsunade to show some emotion, yet she hasn't. It's like she's not the Hokage at all. Sighing for the umpteenth time, she walked down hastily while thinking what her mission would be. She didn't bother reading it at all, since it's a S+ mission, one thing is sure – she'll die.

On the last flight of the stairs, she was greeted by last person she wanted to see. Mentally scolding herself once again, this time for not paying attention on her surroundings, she was sure that she's already dead if he was an enemy. Well, she didn't expect him here anyway.

Dried blood was staining his ANBU vest, clearly not his, hair a little messy and hands shoved on his pockets. He was just taking his first step upstairs when he saw her. Stopping, he stares at Sakura then to the scroll in her hands. Seconds past then Sasuke moves, he didn't even bother asking nor talking to her. Was she invisible, or did he thought she's not there or maybe, she's not even worth to talk to. As he passed to her, she smiled gently, and then walks outside. If she waited a little longer, she might have seen Sasuke look back at her and mouthed the word "Why?"

She ran. Sasuke's sudden appearance or coincidental appearance almost breaks her. His eyes share the same void emotion she saw with Tsunade's hazel eyes.

Since when? Since when they were this heartless? Was it because of the war? Was it because of— suddenly stopping, she laughed, surprising herself and scaring the ANBU guard that was patrolling the area. She's getting all crazy about it. She will forget about them when she dies anyway, so what's the point of thinking? Looking at the starless sky, she smiled. All she wanted now was to make her last days in Konoha in peace. She never dreamed of being happy before dying, she knows it's impossible, after all everything had changed.

Walking slowly, eyes absorbing all the contours and designs of the houses she will surely miss, she suddenly remembered her last conversation with him. It was the same, the darkness haunting the night, the moon blooming so flawlessly and a starless sky was staring back at them. Thinking about it, they only talked about Sasuke and Konoha, nothing else. He didn't even talk about himself, much to her disappointment.

"I have nothing to tell you." he said that before she can even ask. She wondered if he can read minds. He just chuckled when she talked about it. She kinda misses that chuckle; it gave her merit and comfort.

"Promise me."

She frowned, hating the fact that she made such promise. She shouldn't have, but she can't really help it. That time, his eyes, those onyx tainted eyes, staring nostalgically at her as if telling her that he was not Itachi the S-class missing Nin but Itachi the loving brother and loyal Nin of Konoha. Sighing, she wished that he was with her right now. She really needed someone to talk to. Inner would be good but she left her too.

"Don't cry."

I will not cry.

"Stop wasting your innocent tears."

I'm not innocent anymore.

Glancing at the sky for the last time, she performed a few seals then disappeared, completely unaware about a pair of black eyes that watched her every move.

Casually sipping his favored tea of the day, the Earl of the Phantomhive Manor sighs blissfully. It's not every day you'll have this kind of silence in the manor. The absence of the constant explosion in the kitchen, the sound of glasses breaking, the trees suddenly falling or that huge demon dog, howling was pure heaven. He really needed this silence. This is his time alone, alone with his tea and a cart full of sweets. Sebastian might say he'll get fat, but he knew that his butler was just annoying him. Sometimes, he wanted to kill the demon, but he's not that stupid. Giving him mundane tasks was enough punishment for him. He can clearly see that it annoyed Sebastian to the core.

Sighing, he returned his attention on the letter in the table. After reading it, – early in the morning he might add, – he ordered Sebastian to investigate the case. That was 3 hours ago, and his patience is wearing thin. Sebastian must be getting old. He scoffs at the thought, if demons really got old.

But where was he anyway? Usually he'll be back after an hour, or sometimes half an hour. Something must have happened. He reclined on his seat and read the letter once again. It appears that someone from no one knows where illegally brought slaves, not just slaves but women slaves. The Scotland Yard never even knew about it until someone found bodies of women branded on their backs in an abandoned warehouse near the port. How the authorities missed it was a mystery to him. He already asked the Yard for information and they gladly give it to him. He's the queen's dog after all.

A photo of a young woman caught his eye, her age, probably 24 - 26, her eyes blindfolded; waist-length blonde hair dirtied; dried blood staining her white dress, hands and feet bound and has a clear slit on her neck that instantly killed her. The other victims were killed the same way. And the way all of the women's appearance look the same also intrigued him. The culprit must have waist-length hair fetish, he noted. Not only that, they weren't treated bad at all. That's a big question to him though. If they were really slaves, why does all the victims' skin still flawless. There is not a single scratch on them as if they were treated like dolls. Except for the fact that they were branded, it appears that they took care of them gently. The biggest question of all is: Why kill them?

A knock on the door, interrupt his thoughts. Watching the door open, he smirks as Sebastian strides in, but it quickly disappeared as Lau literally bounce in behind along with his so-called sister Ran-Mau.

Seriously, what is wrong with them? Can't they be normal at least for once?

"Report."

"Ah cruel as ever, Earl." Lau commented as he makes himself comfortable at the chair adjacent to Ciel's table, Ran-Mau following suit settling on his lap.

"Tch." Completely ignoring the two, he shifts his attention to Sebastian that was amused for a reason he didn't know. Following the direction of his eyes, it landed on the cart of sweets he asked from Mey-Rin, a while ago. Crap. He totally forgot about that.

"Bocchama, I think eating a lot of sweets will affect not only your teeth but also your built." He said feigning a concern look.

"Shut up! Just report what have you found."

"Hai, unfortunately I got nothing."

He looks at Sebastian, as if he had grown another head, which he knows, possible. "Then, what have you been doing for 3 hours?" he asked, still can't believe that Sebastian wasted 3 hours, for nothing. Is that even possible? Don't tell me, he's really getting old. The thought disgusted him; at the same time he can't help but smirk. So, he can't do anything I ask eh? That's new.

"Before you think that I'm getting old or something," Ciel flinched when he heard that "I have a good reason why, you see."

"Expl –"

"It was because of me." Lau interjected.

"Would you like to clarify what he meant, Sebastian?" he asked eyeing his butler.

Sebastian sighed; the brat was really testing his patience. He's enjoying every part of it. He can see it, though he was annoyed, he's also smirking inside. The brat was freaking happy. Oh, how he wish he can devour his soul right now. But then again, demons don't wish.

"It appears that the culprit done a good job covering their tracks." He looks at Lau and nodded. "Well, you se—"

"Cut to the chase, Sebastian."

"There are only 2 people who might have information about them. One, was the Viscount of Druitt himself and" gesturing his hands to the man seated in front. "Lau here." When the earl didn't reply he continued. "I know you'll rather kill yourself, than inviting the Viscount here or even get close to him." Ciel's lone eye widened when he heard that, bringing a little joy to his heart, if he had one. "So, when I found that Lau also knew about it, I look for him, which was a hard task."

Shifting, he looks at the mentioned man "And, what is that information you know, Lau?"

"Ceylon tea would be fine, thank you." Ciel sigh. Getting information from Lau really comes up with a price. He signaled Sebastian to prepare tea. He walk to the door bowed then left them. Once they were alone, Lau talked. "Those woman, were illegally brought here." Ciel nodded. He already knew that. What he wants to know was – WHY? "Have you ever thought who are they?"

He shook his head as an answer.

"Those women were prominent in terms of profession back in their countries." So that's the reason why they were taken care gently.

"So, they were all foreigners. Prominent, professional foreigners." Interlacing his fingers together, he saw Lau nodded. "Why then?"

"They were sold. Not only they were professionals, they are exquisite." Ciel's lone eye widened at this. So that's it. But, why kill them? If his deductions were right, these women, if sold will give such huge amount to the seller. But instead they were killed. There is another thing that disturbs him. The fact that they are foreigners and professionals at the same time, convince him that they were not forcefully brought in London. But they have no records of these women in the immigration indicating their entry.

"The woman with blonde hair nsamed Sandra Berr" Ciel look at the photo "a doctor from America, she's an Ophthalmologist. The light brown-haired one" Shifting his gaze he found what he's talking about. "Anzhelika Borzakovsky, Russian, a surgeon. The black haired one, Chinese, Hua Lei Cheng, Orthopedic."

"They were all doctors?"

Lau just nodded.

"How did you know about this?"

"I had the list you know." He grabbed something on his pocket and waves it to Ciel. "Names, photos, age, nationality and profession. Everyone had this list."

Ciel eyed Lau. "Everyone?"

"Yes. Everyone" He said/sang it while nodding his head, while petting Ran-Mau like a cat.

"Give it to me." He motions his hand forward, but Lau didn't move.

"Tea first."

"You were sold."

I know.

"You were useless to them." He grabs her chin and forces her to look at him.

I know.

"You were nothing."

I know.

When the whip touches her back, she winced but she didn't even scream. She can't, no, she won't. That man, that evil man, that conniving evil bastard, is enjoying every bit of her pain. He enjoyed every tear she shed; every wince she make, and every whimper that escaped her lips.

How much more she can take? How much more she can endure? How much long she can last?

She was thinking of giving in, thinking of screaming the loudest she can get, thinking of – NO, she won't lose; this, maybe the last time she'll fight. No matter what they did to her, no matter the torture they give her and no matter insults they throw at her. She'll win. She hated losing. After all, Tsunade drilled that attitude on her big forehead, including her head. She smirked, might as well annoy the sadist, at least she'll die entertained.

Another hit connected her back, interrupting her thoughts. She slowly looks up to found an amused face staring at her. The bastard. The constant whipping already numbed her bloodied back. She didn't know how many days have passed. Was it days? weeks? months? Or was it already a year?

Her bloodshot eyes glared at her captor. The blonde haired man notices it, and simply smirks. What can she do anyway? She's drugged and no longer can move as both her hands and feet bounded. He moved towards her, gloved hands raised to reach her chin. Another smirk, plastered his face.

"Scream." He said almost happily. "Scream for me."

Sakura simply smile. His eyes widened at this. Oh, she's testing her precious patience and time. Why can't she just scream? After all, that is what he wants. Screaming girls energize him. Their screams make him happy, make him excited, and make him feel alive. The last few girls he had killed bored him. It appears that taking good care of them nullifies their capacity to scream. Though they are branded as slaves and can be sold as one, the money will not be enough. He doesn't need it at all.

He'll live with their haunting screams, their fearful shrieks and their calls for help.

"If you don't scream, I'll kill you. Just like them."

Them, the girls he left on that warehouse. The girls that was not enough to satisfy his satiating hunger for screams. He sighed, this woman is strong. The first time he had encountered such stubbornness and toughness was when he tortured his mother. Such a shame she screamed after she was branded.

Ah. That's it. He didn't have a chance to brand her earlier. The nobles took a liking of her, specially the Viscount of Druitt, so he had forgone the branding. However, when she manages to escape his hold on her and almost killed the Viscount, Aleister Chamber, disapprovingly told him he won't buy her anymore. It annoyed him but he can't help but feel blessed as the exotic woman was still on his grasp.

"I guess branding you would be fun." He muttered more to himself, but he was sure that she heard him, as a sharp gasp echoed the room.

Happy with his decision, he called one of his servants and ordered him to get what he wants. Leaving him alone with the pink haired woman, he regretfully looks at her battered form. Her waist-length pink hair that used to glow tremendously turned dull, her emerald eyes that sparkles like a diamond itself, vanished and her angel like voice, disappeared. He let out a disappointed sigh. He really wanted to keep her, but he's hungry.

Hungry for screams.

He was annoyed at her too, so he won't keep her anymore.

When his servant returns, he let himself laugh. The urgency to brand her was fascinating to him, and excites him at the same time. It's like having his first kill, having his first scream. 'Ah, he's really sick, he can admit that'. He grabs the branding iron and shows it to Sakura. She snarls "Fuck You!"

"Watch your language, dear. It doesn't fit you at all." Putting the branding iron on the fire, he waited. "You know if you have just screamed I wouldn't do this to you. I rather keep you, but your stubbornness irate me to no end. " He sighs and faces her once again. "Such a shame, I really, really wanted to keep you." Eyeing her as he stressed the word 'really'. He got the reaction he wanted – she trembled. 'Was branding really scary?' A servant whispered that the iron is ready. He smirked, and then grabbed the iron. Its fiery red color illuminated the darkened room as well as Sakura's eyes.

The thought of being branded was not what she feared. It was the sadistic bastard's capability to torture her. If only she can only move, if she can only kick him on his crotch, it won't matter even if he brand her 100 times, she just have to make sure he'll have no children. The thought of the sadistic blondie crying over something he lost, sounded fun to her.

But, she's so fucked up. Right now, all was left was to wait, pray that she won't scream and give in.

All of the sudden she was turned over. Now, lying on her stomach, she manages to get a glimpse at what he's trying to do. He torn what was left on her dress, and then quickly press the heated iron on her chest, right above where her heart laid.

To his joy, he saw tears, pain and of course he heard her scream.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Sakura suddenly rose up from her sleep; cold sweat marred her forehead as she touched where the mark lay. She clutch her blankets hard as she continuously sucks air in a fast pace. It's been a long since she had a dream. She shook her head. It's not a dream she thought. It's a memory.

A memory she hopefully forgets.

A memory she hopes to disappear.

That bloody memory that keeps on haunting her. She wanted to forget about it.

"I hate this. I was hoping the mark would be cool."

Chapter 2 – 3rd Step: Name Calling

"Physically? No."

"This mark, indicates my birth. The Sakura I knew was dead. "

"Give me, give me a name. I don't care what you'll call me as long as it not hers."

Hello, minna!

Sorry for the lateness, I keep on trying and trying to finish this chapter for the past few days but fate hated it. Hahaha. We have experience power outage for the last few days and everytime I try to write and update, the stupid power dies. Seriously, are they like angry at me or something? LOL.

For those who review, thank you very much. To the readers and authors who put this story on favorite and alert list. Thank you. Your reviews shed me light from the darkness of stress and brain toasting machines. hahahaha

Thank you for reading my fic again. I put up a poll for the list of names that can be her name on the next chapter. Please vote. If you're interested on putting your own tell it to me via review or PM me and I'll include it on my poll. Thanks

Read and review.

No flames please

Thanks

~2008roseelixir out