Disclaimer: See first chapter.
AN: This is chapter 10 from Orochimaru's point of view. It is very short because I didn't want to allow too much insight into him- his motivations should always be ambiguous, but I felt the need to explain his actions at least in part. They're not fuelled, perhaps, by what you might think.
Ghost of Love: Chapter Twelve
Strange how I am not enjoying this as usual. Toying with my followers and prisoners and other various acquaintances is normally so very satisfying. I wonder why her fragile hope does not amuse me? Why the thought of crushing it does not rouse the usual rush of brutal glee? I am aware that I lack the humanity that I was born with - that I am called a monster by many – but I have never regretted my choices. I still don't, but this lack of feeling is unusual and – disturbing. Perhaps I have grown so distant that I have lost the ability to experience humour? That would truly be a shame. Still, it wouldn't do to disappoint the girl when she has come to expect such cruelties.
"Yes, but they won't remember anything except finding miles of forest completely devoid of Sound ninja."
Well, at least I managed to still sound amused at the situation. That's something. Oh- she's going to cry. I feel like I should be laughing- a chuckle at least.
"I'm sorry, little Sakura."
Not laughter. Faux sympathy.
I pause for a moment, considering something that should never have crossed my mind.
I am living a rather pallid existence; my hunger for power has been waning lately and I rely on small amusements to motivate me. This is unacceptable. I will feel again- after all, what is the point of victory if you feel no triumph?
With less thought than I have given anything since I was a child, I reach out and pull the pink-haired creature into a hug. She is soft and human. It takes all of my will not to crush her for her weakness.
I will keep this girl alive and she will be the catalyst that will make me feel again. I don't care what it is that I feel- as long as this boring, debilitating emptiness is gone. She will aid me in destroying Konoha whether willingly or not. Knowingly or not.
So motivate me, little Sakura- make me feel something.
AN: Short, I know. Anyway, it's a little glimpse into his head. Not as deranged as I would normally write him, but this story requires him to be a little less sadistic than is probably considered canon.
Thankyou to ReginaSlytherin for her wonderful, thoughtful reviews; you are awesome, my lovely :)
Also to Echo Uchiha, Yuchi1994 and Little Retard many thanks- you're very inspiring, guys!