Ari: Hey, guys, thanks for the reviews, and I'd like to let you know, I plan to update this story, at least…. Daily? I am updating,

Sakura Haruno couldn't believe her eyes; in the arms of Hinata was Kiba's dog, Akamaru- who was dying. As a medic-nin, she'd seen many deaths, and the dog didn't look as if he was dead. The body may have been limp but as her green eyes scanned the dog's body, from its fluffy coat, to adorable nose. That was the moment when Sakura took charge.

"Ino, go back to camp, gather a few medical herbs, bandages, and a towel."

"Yes." Ino said, gravely- she was already acting as if the dog was dead, a lost cause.

"Hinata, I want you to scan the area. Nobody attacks, a dog this bad. And Kiba could be near. Use your Byakugan."

Hinata nodded, sobbing. In Sakura's opinion, she felt like an older sister towards, Hinata, she was just so innocent and sweet… and sensitive.

She pulled off the red vest she had with the Haruno symbol on it, for now she would just try to stop the blood loss, the dog had lost quite a bit of blood. Pressing the vest against the dogs wound, she tried to detect what had happened to the dog. Scanning the body, a few bruises, on the side and a big wound, most likely from a kunai. She sat there, and sympathized with the animal, such a loyal companion to Kiba.

Ino rushed towards, camp. She may not have known, Kiba much or the animal for all that's sake, but she knew her Shinobi way, and she also knew what happened when Sakura was in that mood. The mood, where she takes control. She reached the clearing, but something was… eerie, about it? She didn't have time to think much, she needed to rush to the medical supplies- if she didn't, Sakura would have her head. Reaching the medical kit- she opened it to find it… empty?

Hinata scanned the area with her Byakugan. Her chakra wasn't much but she had one thing. Determination. She couldn't see anything, for now but she would be able to soon. She knew it. Something was not right. Something was not right, at all. Lost in thought, Hinata was lifted up with a pair of arms.

Hinata let out her mouth to scream, but found that she couldn't. She wanted to desperately, yell for help but her lips wouldn't part. Her body was bound. All she could do was, hope. This was what she had feared. Being captured.

"Sakura!" Ino's voice, filled, Sakura's ears.

"Ino?", Sakura asked alarmed.
For a slight second, Jade green met Sky blue.

"Someone's here."

***
Sakura felt as if her nightmares were becoming true. She felt as if she couldn't separate reality, from, fiction. She couldn't be afraid, she was a shinobi. War was coming. It was to be expected.

"Ino… are you sure?" Sakura asked hesitantly. She was almost afraid to hear the answer. She wished she could just lock herself up and close her door to truth. To shut it all, out. Because, not knowing, she wouldn't have to deal with the pain. She wouldn't have to-

"Yes." Ino answered trying to calm herself. She could see the pure shock, in Sakura's eyes.

Sakura turned around for a moment, "Hinata?" she yelled.

They waited for a moment, when no one replied, Sakura's breathing fastened. She took a few steps, "Hinata!" she shouted a little louder.

When nothing but the sound of birds, filled their ears, Ino began to join in.

"Hinata!" Sakura screamed, her pace now fastened to a sprint.

Sakura ran to the place where Hinata had been scanning the area, where a huge tree stood, and under it a single stone placed. Sakura looked for any sign of her, but none was found.

"Sakura." Ino called sadly, "Over here."

Sakura turned to see Ino looking directly at the stone. A few of Hinata's weapons were placed under the rock.

On the rock, a few words were etched;

The angel sleeps at dusk.

Followed by a bloody handprint.

"We're too late." Ino said, shaking her head, tears dripping down to her chin.

Sakura appeared, lost in deep thought.

"No." She said, gravely. "No we're not."