Chapter Two

It was raining. The pitter patter sound it made when it struck my window woke me. I yawned before I stretched, arching my back to get myself alert. When I slid out of my cozy bed, the warm carpet greeted my bare feet. I stretched once more, to clear up the remaining drowsiness before I headed out of my room. I felt refreshed and energized.

After living in this apartment for so long, I got used to where everything was, so I didn't need to turn on the lights. I stepped into the kitchen and pulled open the refrigerator. Light flooded into the small space, illuminating everything. I grabbed a random piece of fruit and bit into it. Its juice dribbled down my chin; a peach.

I shoved the door closed and was engulfed in darkness. Eleven to seven was the hours I had to work. I looked at the clock on my stove. 10:37 it read. I sighed and hurriedly finished the peach before I raced back into my room to change. I wasn't going to be late. Not once in my whole career had I been late. I sure wasn't going to start now.

There was a short moment of silence.

"So you're saying that if I don't get rid of this child, I shall die?" I knew from her tone that this wasn't going to be easy. She had just finished taking an exam, not only finding out she was pregnant but that she couldn't keep it.

"Hai. Both you and the child will parish should you try to give birth." I rested my chin on my interlaced fingers. "The child would shatter your hips in birth since your hips are to narrow. The baby would suffocate." I watched as she splayed her fingers on her already slightly bulging stomach, stroking it lovingly, and saw her tears build up. I wanted to reassure her, but I couldn't do it. I knew the chances of the survival for either one of them was low, should she carry out the pregnancy to full term. Under five percent. But I couldn't. I just couldn't give her false hope. It was either the baby or both of them. I may be cold and emotionless but I wasn't heartless...was I? I wasn't so sure of my answer to that anymore.

"Fine." She spoke after a moment. She was really upset about this. "Just get rid of it."

"I'm very sorry for your loss. I'll schedule in a date for the termination of your pregnancy." She nodded as she bit her lip and rose. A tear strayed down her cheek as she turned and left the room. I turned to my paper work but didn't get much done before a nurse rushed in out of breath. I lifted a brow.

"Dr. Haruno, your medical assistance is needed immediately." I nodded as I followed her out of the room. "An Anbu member, unknown poison, slipping into unconsciousness." She informed me.

"Hai!" I raced off into the emergency room and upon seeing him on the ground I got beside him on my knees. I leaned over him, listening to his heart hammer in his chest. At least it was still beating.

I looked into his face. One of my own squad members. Damn. I pulled back his eye lids and saw that his pupils were fully dilated.

"Nurse!" Someone stopped beside me. "Get me hot water, lots of it!" They rushed off to comply with my order. I stared at his face, watching him grimace in pain. It was unnerving.

"Here's the water!" The nurse called.

"Place it next to me." As soon as they did so, I took a deep breath before I started my attempt to save one of my squad members.

I wiped the sweat form my forehead before it could reach my eyes. I was exhausted and my chakra reserves were drained. It had taken several grueling hours to get rid of the poison, but it was gone. Not a single trace was left in his system. He would recover and I wouldn't have to find a replacement for him. It would take up too much of my time. I was on my way home.

"What is wrong with me?" I couldn't help but wonder out loud. Then I realized something. Today is my birthday. It had been a completely random thought, but it was powerful enough to stop me in my tracks. I was now nineteen.

"Huh." A sadistic smile appeared on my face just as the rain started to pore. I continued on my way, not in any hurry at all, so by the time I got there, I was soaked, my clothing like a second skin.

When I walked into my apartment, I was met with a wave of darkness. It felt so empty and void even as I closed the door behind me. It was then that I noticed an object on my dining room table. I flicked one the lights and picked it up, hearing only my shoes squeak for the water.

A charm bracelet. It already had several cherry blossom charms. My eyes flickered to the note that was beside it on the table. Its familiar scrawl made me grin. I snatched it up.

"Happy 19th birthday, dearest student. Meet me at 'Shinobi Bar' and well celebrate. I'll be there at 8, waiting for you. Kakashi." My eyes flickered to my clock. 7:15 it read. I still had time to get change. I smiled and slipped the bracelet onto my small wrist. It sparkled against my skin.

I still had Kakashi-sensei. He hadn't replaced me with her. He knew what she was up to, thank god. At least I still had someone. She hadn't taken everyone away from me, no matter how bad she wanted too. The thought made me really happy. It was to bad I was going to betray the village. A frown appeared on my face at the thought but I shook it off. Even he wouldn't be able to make me second guess my decisions.