Silence

Though not where Sasuke was going to start his search for Naruto. A sense had been tingling for years now to go back to the Valley of the Ends. Never knowing why. He had never gone back even when he headed back to Konoha. Now as he head towards is he couldn’t stop the feeling of something being different here. Stopping on one of the giant figures he looked around. There was a feeling that he couldn’t put aside. Looking at the surface of the water he saw the images of himself and Naruto fighting so many years ago. He could feel as he ripped out Naruto’s heart. The memories still fresh in his mind. He jumped down onto the surface of the river.

Both large holes in the rock still stood open but one held an occupation. A slightly familiar face and a familiar set of red eyes stared back at Sasuke. The being sitting there growled like an animal when it saw him. The male entity stood up. Pale skin with orange red hair and a set of wide whisker like marks across his cheeks. Yet Sasuke knew that this was not Naruto. Even when the Fox took had given him strength had he looked like this. This was a different being, but then it wasn’t. A face quite similar to Naruto’s but different. Nine red tail spread out behind him and two long ears perked up to listen. This was not Naruto. This was the Fox.

“Fox! What have you done to Naruto?” Sasuke could feel a rage grow towards the Fox. So this is what had become of Naruto.

Lazily the Fox slipped down from the edge and walked up to face Sasuke. “I have done nothing.” His voice was deeper and had a thick growl to it. “I am here protecting my Kit, your Naruto.”

“Then where is he?” Sasuke followed the Fox finger when it pointed to the center of the lake. When Sasuke gave him a disbelieving look, he snorted. “I didn’t drown him if that’s what your thinking. If he dies, I die.” The Fox walked down to the lake and then started across the surface. It turned to look at the Uchica. “Well, come on.”

Not really trusting the Fox, but knowing that the demon was his best bet to find Naruto he followed it across the water to the center. Beneath the surface of the water curled into a ball was the blonde ninja. In the six years since Sasuke had seen him he’d grown taller, more muscular but not bulky. Almost a feminine quality to him. His blonde hair was well past his shoulders and his blue eyes were closed. “What is he doing down there?”

“Trying to heal. He’s never told anyone what three Chidori’s to the chest did to him. I can speed his healing but I can’t stop the side effects. It was a weakness. One that was exploited by that disgusting Snake Summoner.” The Fox spat the name as though it tasted foul. Sasuke knew immediately who he was speaking of. He was instantly enraged at the man all over again. “He used that against him in a battle and even with my help there was nothing he or I could do.”

“What did he do to Naruto?” The Sharigan wielder growled.

There was no answer for a while and then the Fox pushed his hand under the water. Using one hand he cradled his blonde head, pulling him to the surface of the water. Once bright blue eyes opened and it shocked Sasuke to see the murky grey depths that were revealed to him. “Young One, who’s Umazaki Naruto?”

Before Sasuke could protest the blonde answered. “I’ve told you before he’s lost.”

“Your Umazaki Naruto!” Sasuke yelled before he could think.

Grey eyes turned on him. Not really looking at him, just in that direction. “But I’m not lost.”

“All right, that’s enough. Go back to sleep.” The Demon being pushed Naruto under the water and he went back to sleep. Peaceful and calm. Standing, the Fox glared at Sasuke. “That it was he did to my Kit. I don’t know what exactly he did to him. But from that point on he’s started drifting further and further away from being who he really is. That night it struck full force. He looked in the mirror did not recognize who he was He went insane, knocking that picture into the wall and running away. He could see his reflection in his forehead protector and twisted it until he could not see himself in it anymore. I do not know what he did to his own eyes.

“He’s been here ever since. I was able to use his body when he slept to form this clone so I could protect him. Now.” Angry red eyes that rivaled the Sharigan locked with Sasuke. “While I despise you and would love to rip you limb from limb. I refrain because you may be they only person who can save him.”

Sasuke looked down at the boy that he’d returned for. The one being that had ever formed a strong bond with him since his brother betrayed there family. It made his very soul ache when he thought of the pain Naruto went through. To wake every morning and not know yourself. “How can I save him? I once tried to kill him.

The Fox snorted. “I do remember. I was there.” He shook out his long hair, one ear flipping back and forth a bit. “You maybe half the reason he’s the way he is, but he found you in the Darkness of your own soul. I think that maybe you can do the same for him. I will also tell you that if you don’t fix him, I will enjoy chewing the meat from your bones.” It growled at him. All nine tails fanned out.

“Of course, I’ll help him. We have to take him back to the village though.” As Sasuke said it, the Fox drew Naruto out of the water. If he’d never been told that was Naruto looking at the blonde now. He’d never have guessed. His tan skin has become a pale to rival Sasuke’s own milky skin. The grey eyes like mercury and the blank stare he now gave off. This wasn’t Naruto, at least not Sasuke’s Naruto. Nodding they both started the journey back to the Village. Tsunade would have to look at Naruto

The Fox and Sasuke could not cure Naruto alone. They needed help. Neither one spoke to they other. Naruto was silent, not seeming to care where they were going. They entire trip back thoughts swam through Sasuke’s mind. All of them confusing him more. Any thoughts he had of revenge against Orochimaru were put aside. Naruto would deserve to help, so he’d wait. Wait to rip that Snake Bastard’s cold heart from his borrowed body.

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There! New Chapter before I leave. Thanks to all the people who reviewed the first chapter.

I don't own Naruto. I wish but I don't.