The Curse

Chapter Nineteen: The Twisted Valley (Part II)

Sakura pursed her lips as she glanced up at the darkening skies, pushing her legs faster with a burst of chakra, her lithe figure easily hurdling through the Tri-Point Forest, her breath escaping her in quick puffs. She could hear Dai keeping up with her at her left and four paces behind. The occasional shadow passing overhead reminded her that Souta was airborne – atop Torio – his chocolate brown eyes on the lookout for their specific destination.

"We're running out of time," Dai stated, brows furrowed together as he examined the setting sun, "It's likely we'll be staying in the Rain Border Village tonight."

"As long as we have the protective ofudas," Sakura answered, determination pushing her faster, ducking under low branches, taking advantage of her flexibility as she squeezed through tight obstacles, "We can't turn back now, we're too close."

Dai sped up to match her stride, a smirk touching his lips, dark brown hair whipping around his face, "Now, who said anything about turning around?"

Sakura quirked a brow at him, slightly surprised by the sudden appearance of the witty side of his personality. In fact, she noticed a light shining in his navy eyes – something she could only discern as excitement and eagerness. Turning away from him, the medical kunoichi could only suspect that this new direction they were taking – this new lead – was giving the Bird Chuunin a newly revived sense of hope.

A slight frown pulled her lips. Memories of the previous day – the discovery of the lonely house marked with the name Makoto – still plagued her. This hope she was seeing, Sakura didn't know where it was directed and that uncertainty kept her tightly wound with wariness.

Secrets always haunted Sakura. It caused chasms between people – distrust, suspicion, tension. Secrets had caused Sakura to make stupid decisions – like heading out to kill Sasuke on her own. Secrets left Sasuke in the dark about his family's – his brother's – past. Secrets made Naruto an outcast in the Village he was born and raised in.

The outcomes of kept secrets – in Sakura's experiences, at least – made her understandably cautious. And when it came to complete strangers it was difficult for her to create some sense of security and reliance.

Makoto Daisuke was keeping something from her and her teammates. Until he shed light on whatever shadows he kept tucked away, Sakura couldn't find it in herself to be comfortable with him.

'Should I just say something?' She thought, torn; she bit her bottom lip, unsure, 'Say something and risk some kind of argument or disagreement? Or stay quiet and let him tell me when he's ready? Is he even going to tell me? What could he be hiding? Kami, this is so frustrating!'

Sakura's inner musings were disrupted by an eagle's cry which was immediately followed by the static of her communication's radio, "Target is spotted; I see the location, guys! Wow, Sakura-nee-chan, you really did some damage."

"How much farther, Souta?" Dai asked, pressing into his device.

"…Eh, I'd say about another mile," The youngest responded, "Pretty close to the Rain Border Village…Strange, we're almost at the end of the Tri-Point Forest and we haven't run into Shin-nii-san…"

A slight cackling overlapped Souta's transmission, lasting several seconds before a smoother voice filtered through, "Souta? Dai? What are you doing in this section? Is something wrong?"

Before Dai could respond Souta was quick to answer for them, "Shin! Hey, hey! Guess what! We found a way to get through the Twisted Valley! Sakura-nee-chan is so cool! She can break through! I saw it! And now we're heading somewhere that might be a possible entrance! And it's in your section, Shin! Where are you? Where are you? Come meet with us!"

"That kid," Dai muttered as he shook his head. After a soft sigh the brunette tapped into his device, "Hey, Shin. How's your progress?"

"We've got nothing;" Isamu answered shortly, his breathing a little labored, "Fire Jutsu are useless and even Takeru-san's Earth Jutsu aren't giving us any breaks – literally!"

"Your signal is strong," Shin noted, "You're nearby."

"Yeah!" Souta exclaimed, "Where are you guys?"

"The Rain Village Valley – where they built their new Bridge," Isamu answered, "Thought there might be clues, or maybe an opening. No such luck. But you guys said you have a way to get through? Sakura-san, you're awfully quiet; you figured it out?"

"Heck yeah, she did!" Souta interrupted eagerly once more – prompting Dai to roll his navy eyes, "Head over to where we are; we have a new plan!"

Sakura couldn't help the amused smile that twitched at the corners of her lips. Splintered bark and the beginnings of a pathway towards destruction caused her to slow in her running, breaking through a final wall of loose foliage into a clearing where Souta was excitedly speaking into his radio. Torio sat readily at the younger boy's side, eyes trained on the Twisted Valley's edge, brown and white feathers fluffed with attention.

"We're on our way," Shin stated, "Don't do anything until we get there."

"You got it!" Souta affirmed, clicking off his device and fervently examining his surroundings. He narrowed his brown eyes on the arrows Sakura had created into surrounding tree trunks days prior, pointing towards the dense greenery. He took a step towards the downward sloping darkness only to be stopped by Dai's firm hand on his shoulder.

"Hold it, kid," He asserted gravely, "Your excitement is getting the better of you."

"But–" He began to protest.

"Souta," Surprisingly, it was Sakura who had spoken the boy's name sternly. Dai's and Souta's gazes immediately snapped towards her, unnerved by the piercing, emerald stare she gave them. Her eyes shifted to Souta – the younger gulping when her glower narrowed, "Just because we have a new lead doesn't make it any less dangerous," Her features softened slightly, "I know you're excited, but don't let it cloud your judgment."

Souta pouted but still looked ashamed, so he nodded his head and stepped up the slope, back into the safety of the sun-lit clearing. Sakura exhaled heavily as she placed her bag against the trunk of a nearby tree, staring up at the sky while blowing stray strands of pink hair out of her vision.

"We have an hour and a half, at most," Sakura declared firmly as she looked straight through Dai's navy eyes, "And we're not going to make this trip out for nothing. I vote for initial exploration – two people only – and one of those two includes me."

Dai frowned, "Isn't that a little…dangerous, Sakura-san?"

The Medic shook her head, "It's dangerous sending everyone in there in one-go. That's a bloodbath waiting to happen."

"But they want you, Nee-chan," Souta pointed out, "That's like giving them what they want on a silver platter…"

"It's a risk, I know," She agreed, walking towards the downward slope and inspecting the thick verdure, "But in an hour and a half, I'm quick and small enough to cut through, and my chakra control is an advantage also."

"Then let Shin do it," Dai suggested, "At least he's fought these things."

"I'm doing this," Sakura responded firmly, leaving no room for argument, "You asked for my help and I'm giving it. Let me do the job you called me here for."

Sakura would admit that it was her earlier frustrations towards Dai that was making her so adamant on the decision. She understood his reasoning – the logic – there was for Shin to go into the Valley to investigate. But she didn't want any more secrets. Being directly involved gave her some ground – maybe even some leverage – and it could also put her own revolving questions at a halt also.

Souta and Dai remained silent for several moments. The youngest looked back and forth between his elders and Dai scrutinized Sakura critically before taking a deciding breath, "…I'm going with you."

Sakura shook her head, "No."

"No?" He questioned, slightly challenging.

"Souta stays," Sakura elaborated – earning a pout from the boy – she pointed at the floor, "Shin stays just in case something bad happens and a Medic, other than myself, is needed. Takeru stays because I doubt he'll willingly work with an outsider like me. You stay, Dai, because not only can you activate ofudas but…" She sighed, "…But because everyone looks to you as a leader. This may be a lead, but like we've established before, it's a dangerous lead…I'm not going to let my idea, my position as the creatures' fixation, be the reason for you getting killed."

Everything stayed silent for several moments. Sakura didn't want to meet their stares. It was the truth. A part of her knew that distrust in Dai was also a factor for her to not choose him but a larger part, a part that hated that these creatures wanted her, didn't want anyone to be dragged down – killed – because of her.

Perhaps it was because Naruto had fought for years – fought to make a promise come true – for her. A selfish part of her didn't want to be the cause for people's pain, and Dai was a source of people's happiness and hope. She wouldn't – couldn't – be the reason for that hope to be distinguished.

"…Then…" Souta started softly, "…Then that leaves, Isamu-san, right?"

Sakura nodded her head, "…Right."

Dai ran a hand through his shoulder-length locks and looked down the slope into the darkness beyond, "…Fine. We'll do it your way," He turned his head, regarding her seriously; "You'd better make it out of there, Sakura-san – alive."

The Medic gave a half-hearted smirk, "I wouldn't want to leave that place any other way."

Akemi wouldn't stop fidgeting.

…It was annoying.

Sasuke's Summon hadn't been gone half the time allowed, yet it seemed like hours since the Uchiha had sent the slithering reptile on its errand. The team had chosen silence while waiting. Raiden had walked off to stare into the foreboding darkness of the Valley, arms crossed over his chest and lips pressed firmly together with thought. Sasuke stood a little ways behind the white-haired male, leaning against a low branch of a tree, left hand stuffed in his pocket and right hand resting against his Kusanagi hilt.

The red-haired kunoichi had perched herself atop a large boulder, rhythmically tapping her fingers against her knee, right foot shaking with impatience, and olive eyes darting frantically between the Twisted Valley and the swiftly setting sun, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. Occasionally, a sigh – or some noise of frustration or unease – would emerge from her person, and Sasuke fought the urge to roll his eyes or glare at her.

"Twenty minutes…" The teenager muttered under her breath as she stared at the maze of shadows and branches, "Ten minutes left…Come on little snake…" She looked up at the sky and her brows creased together in concern, "…Less than an hour…Until night falls…" Her head whipped around to look behind her, crimson pigtails flying, "Everyone should be on their way back now…" She looked back towards the sun, "…Less than an hour…" Another quick, albeit shaky, exhale left her, hands wringing together, "Come on…"

"Akemi."

Her head immediately snapped up, dark green eyes wide, entire body tensed for fight or flight, fingers already curled tightly around her twin sai. Sasuke turned his own head to regard Raiden, the older male's body slightly twisted to face the youngest of their team.

"You need to calm down," Raiden stated, though his dark eyes were softened, his lips curled fractionally in a reassuring smile, "You're getting yourself worked up over nothing. It's still daylight," His gaze flickered briefly to Sasuke and his grin widened a little more, "And you're in the company of Uchiha Sasuke."

Sasuke looked away from Raiden, decidedly ignoring the older man as he searched the Valley's edge for any movement from his Summon.

"I'm not getting worked up!" Akemi denied, snatching her hands away from her weapons' holsters to cross her arms over her torso, "And daylight is dying if you haven't noticed! A-And…" Her stare waveringly flitted to Sasuke and then back to Raiden, "And being in Uchiha-san's company doesn't mean anything – u-um, no offense…"

Sasuke continued to ignore the pair and their pointless conversation.

"It actually does mean something, Akemi," Raiden commented offhandedly, "Sasuke-san is quite a formidable shinobi. I'm sure you learned about the Fourth Ninja World War a couple of years back. He, Haruno Sakura, and Uzumaki Naruto played an integral part in its conclusion."

"I heard," Akemi defended herself, olive eyes flicking uncertainly between the silent Uchiha and the teasing Akiyama, "…But this isn't a war. This is different," Her voice, Sasuke noted, had become a little stronger – a little more firm, "…They haven't shown me anything impressive yet."

"Yet," Raiden pointed out with a smirk, "You haven't seen anything impressive yet."

"…Why do you put so much faith in these outsiders, Raiden? You and Dai," Akemi asked, giving no care for subtlety or the fact that Sasuke was only feet away from her, in clear listening range, "I admit that outside help is necessary for our case but maybe Takeru is right – you're putting too much trust in them."

Sasuke's onyx eyes had gone unfocused, his sense of sight disregarded in favor of listening to the change in the Bird shinobis' discussion.

Raiden merely shrugged, dark eyes still trained on the Twisted Valley, broad arms still crossed over his chest, back still turned to the curious teenage girl that stared at him with question, "Tell me this, Akemi: How many time have our calls for help been answered?" When silence was Akemi's response, Raiden turned his head, smirk once again lifting his lips, "I know you asked yourself those same questions, Akemi. Why did they stay once they found out Daisuke's intentions? Why did they stay even after witnessing and interacting with this – with our – Curse?" He rolled his shoulders and balanced on his heels before grinning and turning back to the tangle of twisted tree limbs, "…Their answer is why I trust them. Simple as that," He shrugged again, "Maybe it shouldn't be so simple…But I'd like one thing to be since everything else isn't."

Sasuke shifted his gaze slightly to glance at Akemi only to find her staring at her lap, looking thoughtful and reminiscent. Transferring his attention to the sun, Sasuke took a step forward, removing his hand from his pocket only to be stopped by a soft, hesitant voice.

"So…" Akemi started, olive eyes piercing through his dark ones, reminding the Uchiha of similar irises, only lighter, brighter, a lot warmer, and more trusting; she bit her lower lip, "…What is your answer?"

He continued to stare at her and she bravely met his gaze. In his peripherals Raiden was also glancing back at them, curious.

After several silent moments Sasuke broke his gaze, bit into his slightly healed thumb, and knelt down, palm flat on the floor.

"We have work to do," He stated simply, already pouring chakra into the fanned out seals under his outstretched hand, "It's been forty minutes."

He didn't notice the way Akemi's lips curled into a hopeful smile and how Raiden's smirk widened a little more. He allowed chakra to course through his fingertips and determination to harden the lining of his jaw.

Uchiha Sasuke didn't have a solid answer.

"Dismiss."

But he had a solid reason.

These creatures were out for one of his teammate's blood and his other teammate's demonic chakra.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu."

Uchiha Sasuke wasn't going to let them have it.

Naruto glanced up at the darkening skies, squinting against the setting sun as the dying light painted the heavens purple and orange. He frowned with the knowledge of their limited time before panning his gaze towards Akio and Kasumi.

"We all understand what's happening?" Naruto asked seriously, "We all know what to do?"

Akio nodded firmly as he lifted his two scythes in preparation, brows drawn in concentration and olive eyes hardened upon the Twisted Valley, "Got it."

Kasumi nodded once, her icy blue eyes also observing the darkness of the Valley, one hand removing a silver rod from her belt while the other removed a sack of water from her back, "Yes."

Naruto watched the older woman extend the narrow rod until it was a few meters long before impaling it in the opening of the water sack. With growing fascination, Naruto examined as Kasumi gestured a string of hand seals, mumbling quietly under her breath before removing the rod from the canvas container. One slender hand performed a graceful flourish and the water followed and swirled around the freed rod's tip before it glowed a bright blue and crystallized into a solid sharpened point.

Blinking, Naruto shook his head before switching his stare beyond Kasumi and Akio towards a group of shadow clones, standing ready for instruction. Behind him, the blonde knew another group of his copies were awaiting orders also.

"Alright," Naruto grunted as he turned to face the maze of tree branches, "We've got one shot at this. I just hope it works."

Crouching low, Naruto outstretched his right hand and could see his clone begin to mold chakra above his opened palm. In pairs his other duplicates began to copy his actions until the amount of wind chakra being utilized in the area began to affect the shift in the natural wind currents.

When the chakra in his hand was completely formed Naruto was quick to leap forward, dangerous hand cranking forward, his clones at his immediate left and his clones farther down at his right – passed Akio and Kasumi – following his lead, "Rasengan!"

Impact immediately met resistance; however Naruto's eyes began to take on a golden hue as the clones left behind – after creating the Rasengan – gathered natural energy for his Sennin Mode. He could see the chakra begin to swarm towards his and his clones' simultaneous attacks, the bark breaking a little more quickly than times tried before.

His golden eyes darted to his right, watching the chakra continue to separate through the trees' many branches – one path towards the group he was with and the other path towards the group on the other side of his comrades. Just as he suspected, the chakra dissected – divided – until the path remaining – the path in front of Akio and Kasumi – was completely freed from chakra.

Naruto's unlimited – powerful – supply of chakra was a diversion.

"Now!" Naruto yelled, pushing his hand further into the repelling bark.

Akio only gave a short nod before darting forward with raised sai, slicing through the first layer of twisted branches with ease, earning a smirk of triumph from the younger male.

"It's working!" He shouted, already hacking away as much as he could before Naruto's attack wore out.

Sweat began to bead on Naruto's forehead as he fought to keep his Rasengan alive, though he could feel the chakra waning at his fingertips. His clones were struggling also. He would have to pull back to create another Rasengan since it could only hold for so long, especially when he was also concentrating on multiple copies and their respective Rasengans also.

Kasumi had joined Akio at the Valley's edge, cutting through the foliage with her ice blade, her eyes narrowed, darting around warily against the darkness as she and the red-headed male continued to cut further in.

"Alright, I need to pull back!" Naruto warned over the sound of chakra slicing slowly against bark.

Both Akio and Kasumi nodded with acknowledgement before they pulled back, watching Naruto and his clones move away from their barely damaged sections. They shifted their observations to Akio's and Kasumi's progress, uplifted to see that they had cut through at least a solid ten yards.

"Okay," Akio urged as he danced on his feet, rearing to continue, "Let's try again! We'll get through in no time!"

Kasumi rested her hand on his shoulder, halting his movements, her light blue eyes regarding the sun, barely touching the top of Earth Country Mountains, "We don't have time, Akio," She turned her head, wavy, platinum-blonde hair swaying with her movements, "The sun is setting and Shin, Raiden, Dai and their teams should have been at our position by now if they had left at their required time."

Naruto frowned, already concerned, "Do you think something went wrong?"

Kasumi looked a little troubled herself as she continued to gaze eastward, "…It would have been no surprise if Shin's team and Dai's team did not arrive – they are closest to the Border Village in Rain Country. Raiden's team, however, would have returned to Bird Country since they are only two hours away."

"If that's the case, why isn't Raiden's team here then?" Naruto questioned, worry settling deeper in his stomach.

"Shin and Dai would have sent word through Summon communication if they were to stay in the Rain Village," Kasumi replied, "The other options are if they found a pathway through the Twisted Valley or they or Shin's team have run into trouble…"

"So what do we do then?" The blonde questioned; not feeling comfortable, especially since he was separated from his teammates.

"We return to our Village in Bird Country," Kasumi responded simply, "We stick to the initial plan. We can't offer any help when nightfall is so close and we're still hours away."

Before Naruto could verbally protest, Akio stepped forward, "Or we can keep cutting through! We still have enough time, we'll only have to pick up our pace heading back. Come on; let's see what's on the other side, guys!"

Akio's eyes were glued to Kasumi, hopeful, and Naruto's stare was also directed at the older woman, trying to read her. He watched as her light blue eyes traced the Tri-Point Forest towards the east, where the rest of their comrades were also searching, before panning to Akio, her lips opening to answer before her eyes quickly darted to the side and her arm reached out, curling around Akio's shoulders and spinning him around so that her back was to the Twisted Valley, hand free from her spear already moving into the obi of her kimono that both confused and alarmed Naruto.

Naruto's royal blue eyes switched to their newly created pathway, heart leaping against his ribs as he discerned a dark silhouette standing beneath the darkened alcove, quiet and staring. The ground – at the entrance – was littered with shadows from the trees' canopies but the blonde could see movement. He could see shadowed hands slowly inching towards them with the sun's setting.

Before Naruto could do anything, Kasumi's free hand emerged from her kimono, throwing with impressive accuracy a kunai attached with a sizzling paper bomb. The projectile entered the niche of the Valley, landing at the foot of the shadowed newcomer, exploding seconds later with a flash of bright light.

Slightly disoriented, Naruto felt a firm grip on his arm before he was tugged away, feeling his Sennin Mode fade away with the forced dismissal of his shadow clones.

"Our time is up," Kasumi stated as she led both Naruto and Akio in the direction away from the Valley.

"But the sun hasn't even set!" Akio countered – disappointment clearly laced with his words.

"The Valley protects them, the shadows protect them," Kasumi replied grimly, "The further we go in, the further we enter their domain."

"And do the others know about this?" Naruto growled as he looked over his shoulder – the Valley and the creature far behind, "They could be in trouble!"

"We all speculated this," The woman answered, "They are aware," She looked up at the sun, a quarter of it covered by the mountains, "We are done for today. Soon the Tri-Point will not be safe."

Sasuke's frown deepened as he stood from his crouch, onyx eyes intently staring down at the unmoving form lying on the forest floor. Akemi, who had hopped off her perch on the large boulder, leaned over, resting her hands on her knees as she studied the two objects that had appeared upon the Uchiha's summon. The black and brown-spotted scales were pale and dark crimson was smeared across it in thin streaks.

"…It's…dead…" Akemi whispered as she stepped away from the reptile, unconsciously taking a stand beside Raiden, arms crossing over her chest protectively.

"Poor thing," Raiden uttered softly, "Ripped apart," He looked up to the quiet ex-Avenger, who was staring at the deceased snake silently, "Apologies, Uchiha-san."

Sasuke blinked before crouching again, hovering a hand thoughtfully over the snake's body from end to end.

"I wonder what happened in there…" Akemi whispered as she stared unsurely back at the entrance of the Twisted Valley, "I wonder what it found…"

"Fingerprints," Sasuke examined as he traced the streaks of blood, "These blood tracks are tiny, smaller than if I had made them."

"A Corpse child?" Akemi offered unsurely.

"Or the Little Girl herself," Raiden suggested.

SNAP!

Three heads immediately whipped towards the Twisted Valley. Akemi's hands were quick to her belt, pulling her sai free as her olive eyes darted around the darkened landscape. Raiden's arms uncrossed from his chest, black eyes narrowed as he examined the dense foliage, concentration evident on his expression. Sasuke slowly stood from his crouch, right hand resting on the hilt of his Kusanagi, his dark irises also tracking for any movement.

"Do you see anything–?" Akemi started in a soft, fearful tone, only to be interrupted by Raiden's silencing hand.

Another wave of Raiden's hand signaled for Akemi to stay back before he began to edge closer towards the darkness, scanning the tree line with necessary caution. Sasuke unsheathed his weapon a fraction as he shadowed his comrade at the slightest indication of the older male needing any help. For several seconds everything was completely quiet – completely still.

Sasuke could feel his shoulders begin to coil with mounting tension. Raiden took another step forward. The wind shifted – cold and fleeting.

"…Northwest…" Raiden directed, barely above a whisper, "…One hundred and twenty degrees…Fifteen paces…"

Sasuke followed the low-toned instructions, another fraction of his Kusanagi removed as his eyes adjusted to the unsettling darkness.

"See it?" Raiden asked softly.

He did. Sasuke could see the startling, pale white against the shadows of the Valley, covered by twisting limbs and branches and the thick trunks of the withered trees. Narrowing his eyes he traced the faint shape of the object, jaw clenching tightly as it shifted, confirming his suspicions that the mysterious object was indeed a hand.

One blink and the hand was gone, a flash of white their only warning before Raiden was quickly shuffling backward, keeping his body in front of Akemi's and brandishing one of his broadswords.

"I see movement!" The white-haired male shouted, "Get back! Get back!"

Sasuke removed his Kusanagi fully, the adrenaline beginning to pump through his veins which caused his Sharingan to activate. The white form moved quickly through the tangled trees and stopped behind the first barricade of branches, staring at them intently, watching as the group of three stopped a good distance away from the darkened area.

"It's the Little Girl…" Akemi stated with a tremble, her right hand clenched around the back of Raiden's shirt, "The sun hasn't set yet. How is she here?"

"It seems it's dark enough," Raiden answered, "The sun's setting so the light isn't as strong. The darkness of the Twisted Valley is helping it also."

'Blood…' The wind seemed to whisper. The Little Girl smiled a wide blood-stained grin and Sasuke glared at her, not doubting that the blood probably belonged to his unfortunate summon.

"There's nothing more we can do," Raiden stated, taking another step back, prompting Akemi to do the same given her tight hold on him, "It's already beyond the time we were supposed to head back…"

Sasuke's brows furrowed, "Then where are the other two teams. Their arrival would have signaled our own departure."

Raiden frowned, "That's true," His eyes never strayed from the Little Girl still staring at them, but his hand blindly followed his collar before pressing into his radio, "Dai? Shin? Do you copy? Are you on your way back?"

Silence was their troubling response. Sasuke knew there was the possibility of any of those teams heading to the Rain Border Village to take shelter for the night. Another part was concerned that they never arrived at their safe haven.

"Dai?" Raiden tried again, "Shin? Do any of you copy?"

'They won't answer you…' The child whispered with obvious amusement, 'They will be ours soon…' She giggled gleefully.

"Yours?" Akemi asked, worry pinching her expression.

'Yes!' The Little Girl exclaimed, "Ours! Soon. Very soon!' She turned her head to look at Sasuke, her grin widening even further, eyes swimming with insanity, 'We're going to have her. You have lost.'

The Uchiha instantly knew who she was referring to and his Sharingan spun with increased anger, his hands already moving hastily into several hand signs before bringing a hand to his lips, "Katon: Gouryuuka no Jutsu!"

As opposed to the large fireball he had practiced for hours on with Sakura, three consecutive dragon head-shaped fire projectiles emerged from his mouth and collided violently in the general area of the Little Girl's position. He ignored the child's outraged screams as he turned towards Raiden, expression severe.

"We're going after them," He snarled – his rage directed at the situation rather than his comrades, "They're in trouble."

'You'll be too late…' She whispered above the roaring flames mockingly.

Raiden frowned, his gaze switching quickly from the setting sun to the blazing inferno in front of him, then to Akemi's fearful eyes and Sasuke's intense ones; after several moments he nodded decisively, "Alright, let's go."

"They're hours away," Akemi started, "It'll get dark. And what about Kasumi-san! What if they go after us?"

"She won't," Raiden assured as he led Akemi further away from the Valley's edge, "We went over this, Akemi. And it might get dark but we've survived it before."

"Barely!" Akemi screeched.

"There's a faster way," Sasuke stated, biting into his thumb and crouching down, eager to get moving as he watched an array of symbols fan out beneath his palm once more, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu."

"What can a snake do?" The young girl cried out, clearly in a panic.

"Not a snake," Sasuke answered calmly, standing up as the smoke began to clear.

The three looked up at the massive figures, two pairs of dark eyes regarding them silently before two pairs of wings spread wide, dark brown feathers ruffling as the winds shifted.

"Hawks," Sasuke stated bluntly as he hopped on one's back, signaling Raiden and Akemi to mount the other's, "We fly."

"Are you absolutely sure about this, Sakura-san?"

Sakura pocketed her gloves before placing her long hair in a high tail, making sure her vision was unobstructed. She blinked up at Shin who had taken her bag and was staring at the downward slope into the Valley with a concerned frown.

"If I wasn't, would I volunteer myself?" Sakura asked, smirking in assurance as she glanced at the sun, making sure she still had an ample amount of time to do an effective exploration.

"If something goes wrong…" Shin started.

"Isamu-san has flares, we'll send a signal," Sakura responded, "We'll head back at the first sign of trouble," She paused and then looked straight through Shin's grey eyes, completely serious, "If we don't return in the given time…Leave without us."

Shin looked reluctant to confirm their deal but nodded his head nonetheless, "Yes, as we agreed."

"Good."

Isamu walked forward, pulling up his long sleeves before running a hand through his shoulder-length golden locks; his grin was full of excitement, "Ready, Sakura-san?"

"This is a bad idea," Takeru grumbled, his hardened features disapproving as he glared at Sakura, Shin, and Dai, "We don't need their help! Do they know what they're looking for? Do they know how to fight these things off? No. They're going to die."

"Well, thanks for the vote of confidence," Isamu laughed half-heartedly, earning another glare from the oldest shinobi.

"This was Sakura-nee-chan's idea," Souta muttered under his breath, annoyed, "It's not your call."

"Stop fighting," Dai sighed, "We're running out of time."

"We're going," Sakura responded briskly, already descending the slope, followed closely by Isamu. The kunoichi was freed of her heavy bags and large scrolls for better movement, armed only with necessary medical supplies, kunai, and explosive tags.

"I've got your back," Isamu added with a smirk, "Just say the word."

The medical ninja offered a grateful smile before reaching the foot of the slope and the first barricade of branches. She raised her hand, allowing chakra to mold along her arm up to her fingertips where green chakra sharpened into long scalpels. After a deep, readying breath she sliced through the first obstacle, grinning triumphantly to find the same successful results as before as well as earning an impressed whistle from her blonde companion.

"Souta was right," He commented, "You sure found a way to cut through."

Sakura raised her same arm, clenching her hand into a fist and allowing the green chakra to shift into a deep blue, "And we're just getting started."

Taking a deep breath, Sakura raised both her arms, concentrating a majority of her chakra into her clenched fists, and let loose a flurry of jabs and punches, occasionally throwing a chakra-laden kick. Her eyes darted in keen awareness, scrutinizing every splintered branch, every shift in shadows, and every increased meter of progressive distance. Behind her, Isamu trailed close, keeping track of her blind spots just as they discussed.

Sweat began to bead at her temples and Sakura blinked green eyes against the darkness, especially since they were now submerged deep within the Twisted Valley with very little sunlight breaking through the thick canopies above them.

'This maze is never-ending…' Sakura thought dismally as she felt her knuckles snap easily against bark.

"Twenty minutes in," Isamu updated, hand on her shoulder as she continued pushing forward, "And you've already cut through almost a hundred and fifty yards," He chuckled, "Amazing."

"How deep do you think this Valley is?" Sakura asked, grunting as she punched another few meters forward.

"…Who knows?" The Rain Ninja responded thoughtfully, "From all the patrols I went on in the air all that can be seen are trees…I guess it's just a matter of what's hidden under them…"

"Well," The Medic growled with frustration as she worked in a harsh uppercut, "All we've found so far are just trees and it's getting pretty freaking annoy–Whoa!"

Sakura pitched forward, her right fist hitting thick branch and then nothing, her body moving on momentum with the loss of expected resistance. Isamu's grip on her shoulder tightened, steadying the kunoichi as she stumbled, her left hand flying forward to hold onto an intact branch for balance.

"What is it?" Isamu questioned hurriedly, looking over her shoulder.

Sakura narrowed her eyes, brows drawn together as she adjusted her vision to the blinding blackness in front of her. Only a few branches obstructed her entire body from moving forward and it took no effort for Sakura to snap them in half, allowing her one final step into the darkness. She lifted her foot, curious, but was stopped by the hold that remained on her shoulder.

"It could be a trap…" Isamu whispered and Sakura realized just how silent their surroundings had become, "It could be anything."

"That's what we're here to find out," Sakura replied just as softly.

"And you're going to risk your life doing it?" Isamu reasoned, "We only have another twenty-five minutes left until the sun sets completely."

"Ten minutes is all we need," The kunoichi pressed, impatience crawling up her tense spine, "We haven't found anything substantial yet. We should at least go back to the others with something."

There was silence as Isamu's piercing grey-blue eyes stared into determined green before he sighed in resignation and removed a rope from his belt, "Fine, ten minutes Sakura-san, then we go back," He rolled her eyes when she smirked triumphantly, "If I die because of you, I'll make sure to haunt your ass."

"Your threat is noted," Sakura acknowledged as she took one end of the rope and wrapped it around her waist, tugging it securely after the other end was wrapped around his.

Taking a steadying breath Sakura removed a flare from her pouch, lit it, and held it in front of her with a precautionary kunai knife. After a quick tap of readiness from Isamu, Sakura stepped forward into the darkness and felt her heart pick up as the winds shifted, howling loudly in her ears. Ignoring the wails of the surrounding trees, Sakura continued, the flare breaking through the blackness, mapping out a clearing with several large branches that she and Isamu had no trouble crawling over and under. It was only a few minutes of walking before they noticed a soft blue glow a few yards ahead.

"What could that be?" Isamu questioned, blonde hair whipping around his face from the persistent wind currents.

Sakura picked up her speed, the rope around her waist going taut against Isamu's more cautious steps. Climbing over the last thick root of a tree Sakura stopped, examining with growing astonishment a new clearing, lit up by the light blue glow of – what looked like – mushrooms. They grew only a few inches high but were clustered in groups, lighting up the area more so than her small, red flare. She panned her gaze, noticing a wall of foliage as their new obstacle and a pond of water a little off to the side, beside the towering wall of vines and branches.

"That…doesn't look as easy to get through as the first time," Isamu observed, frowning, "Please don't tell me this was all for a dead end!"

"It looks like it," Sakura sighed, clearly disappointed as she walked up to the wall and touched it, noticing packed earth and tightly twisted limbs of bark, "This is way too dense for me to break through. There's not enough time and if I punch through it and there's earth, then the rocks and dirt can easily collapse on top of us…"

Isamu ran a hand through his shoulder length locks, frustrated, "Then I guess it's back to home base then, huh?"

"…I guess…" Sakura agreed in reluctance as she knocked against the wall before turning back towards him and their exit, "Damn it…" She sighed, "Let's go."

Isamu turned and began to lead the way back, igniting his own flare to help light the way. Sakura followed him, her lips pressed together tightly, brows sharply furrowed, eyes sweeping across the clearing, examining the clusters of glowing mushrooms and the still waters of the pond.

"Wonder how this news is going to affect The Group…" Isamu muttered, shaking his head, "You know, this really sucks–oof!"

Isamu whirled around, heart spiking with worry for the dead weight that prevented him from moving forward, grey-blue eyes immediately narrowing with confusion to see Sakura standing firm, hand holding the rope – to effectively stop him from moving – and eyes trained intently on the slightly illuminated pond.

"Sakura-san?"

"…We should check in there."

Confused, Isamu switched his gaze between the kunoichi and the pool of water, "Um…What?"

"Haven't you noticed?" Sakura asked, soft enough that Isamu believed she could be talking to herself, "Wet trails…Left behind by the Creature. It's not just blood, it could be water too."

"But…water?" The Rain shinobi pointed out slowly, "A pond of water? And you're going to just…jump in?"

Sakura looked at him, expression blank, "Why not? We've got ten minutes left. I can do it in five."

"You're pushing it, Sakura-san," Isamu warned gravely.

"Risks need to be taken," She answered just as seriously, already walking towards the small body of water and tightening the rope around her waist, "You stay here and be my anchor, this rope is a good fifteen feet long, enough just to explore what could be down there."

"It's probably just a hole filled with water," He pointed out, following after her grudgingly.

"Then there should be nothing to worry about," The Medic countered wittily.

"Nah," Isamu replied with an exaggerated flick of the wrist, "It's you actually being right that I'm worried about."

"Three minutes," Sakura stated as she stepped into the sloping pond, wading deeper towards the foot of the wall of foliage, "If you don't feel a tug or any signal in three minutes, then you have my permission to forcefully pull me out."

Isamu sighed but spread his legs in a firm stance and held the rope ready with both hands, "Fine. But if anything suspicious happens back here with me," He looked around the glowing clearing wearily, "Then I'm pulling you back out, regardless of whether it's been three minutes or not."

Sakura nodded, "Alright."

"Don't die in there!" He warned, his hands around the rope tightening with anxiety.

Sakura smirked, "I won't."

And then she held her breath and submerged herself in further darkness.

A/N: Hi Everyone! So I apologize profusely, a million times forever for making you wait so long for this measly 15-page chapter. I AM SO SORRY! Yeah, as I've stated so many times before, life has just been a whirlwind of activity. I recently moved and was promoted at my job so writing hasn't been a priority. It also doesn't help that I was at a writer's block for this chapter. But now that I've gotten through it and I'm sorry if this chapter sucks, hopefully updates will become more frequent. Because after this chapter, the pace of this story definitely picks up. So thanks everyone for your patience and support despite my long absence, I really appreciate it and thank you! You are all so AMAZING!

Note: Along with The Curse, stories also taking priority for me will be Vengeance, Psychotic, and Rehabilitation. I may be looking for beta-readers for other stories like Missing in Action and False Façade but that's not as high on my list at the moment. I also want to finish my mini-series The Road of Touch; The Road to Feel ASAP. It All Started With is officially on HIATUS and Forbidden Bonds is on the backburner. I have a few one-shots in mind as well as a series called Teamwork coming out – but I might need some help with that too if anyone wants to PM me. We'll see, since I'm starting to get back in the thick of things.

And YES, I DID sign up for SASUSAKU MONTH 2012 but EVERYTHING became too hectic to finish up my fictions, but I'll post up my stories of the same prompts as soon as I can, even if not in the month of July. :)

I look forward to hearing from all of you though, it's been so long!

Next Update: Chapter Twenty: The Twisted Valley (Part III) I am aiming within the next seven days. Because I'm writing more after I post this! YAY!

Thank You to all readers and reviewers! You're the BEST!

I have a Tumblr now, called SincerelyLen. It's more of a personal blog if you're interested, but I have a few fiction recs and quotes I will put up and reference also. My Twitter was a fail since there's only so much I can say in a small box. Blogs are more my thing. Add me if you'd like?

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and Co.

Please Check-Out My Other Fictions!

Updates Soon to be POSTED!
The Curse
Psychotic
Missing In Action
Vengeance
False Façade
The Road of Touch; The Road To Feeling
A NEW STORY – Confinement
AND EVEN MORE TO COME!

Thank You To Those Who Read And Review! You're AWESOME!

LotzaLove!
Len83
aka
Luvinukag83