Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A/N: Ya, this is my excuse to not play F.E.A.R. For a while. Alma is scaring the crap out of me.

___________________________________________________________________________

Rennik's Pain

Chapter Seven

Loneliness

This morning Ino was the first to wake up. She was so happy, and snuggled up tightly against Rennik's hard body. She felt so secure, So loved... Ino yawned and snuggled even tighter if which seemed impossible with how close she was to the sleeping wolf-nin. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and decided to get breakfast ready so when he woke up he could have something to eat right away. Anything she could do to thank Rennik for the amazing time she was having with him. Soon enough she was cooking up some breakfast. Thinking of what she had to do today. No flower shop, she had installed and auto water system which Rennik had tweaked and made even more effective. It was Saturday so no need to run it. Her mind began racing.

“I have the whole day to myself. Just me and Renni-kun,” Ino cooed happily. Then an anvil fell on her head. 'Wait, Shikamaru needed me to come over today as soon as I could manage it...,” Ino thought to herself in wonder about what her best friend could possibly need to talk about. He wasn't the talkative type so it had to be something intense. Ino finished preparing breakfast and decided to have breakfast in bed with Rennik. She gathered up a couple of trays and walked into the room with the breakfast. Rennik was still sleeping peacefully, grasping at a nearby pillow his body apparently subconsciously searching for her presence. She suddenly felt horrible like she was depriving him and climbed into bed with the food. Rennik's body, as soon as it felt her warmth grasped onto her.

Ino smiled and gave Rennik a kiss. “Wake up Renni-kun. I have breakfast,” she said holding the plate close to Rennik's nose. His super-sensitive nose immediately shook him wide awake sensing the food and wanting it, now. Ino kissed Rennik a little so he would wake up happily, and wake up happily he did. He looked around and once he got his bearings he smiled.

“You really know the way to a wolf's heart,” Rennik said eying the food. It was common for people among his clan to always be hungry. There animalistic natures though caused them to burn up the energy quicker though so they didn't fatten up like the Akimichis. “Wow, I could get used to this,” Rennik commented digging into the ever delicious meal in front of him.

“Get used to what?” Ino asked already knowing part of the answer.

“Waking up to a lovely breakfast, and having a woman who cares about me on my arm. Not to mention the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” Rennik explained eating some more food. Rennik was actually shocked out how comfortable he had gotten around Ino. He was used to being a missing-nin on the run. Constantly alert and scanning his surrounding for threats even in his sleep. It was easy with his senses but even the slightest things would wake him up. A slight change in weather like the wind blowing a little harder. An insect on a nearby tree going about his life. Even with that Ino didn't even stir him.

Ino could tell Rennik was thinking. He seemed always to be deep in thought about something or another. “You know, I could get used to waking up next to a handsome guy like yourself too,” Ino smiled giving Rennik another kiss on the cheek. They had both taken their baths the previous night and were ready for their day to begin now that breakfast was finished.

“So to the flower shop then?” Rennik asked trying to anticipate the day.

“Nope, it's Saturday,” Ino replied.

“I see... Well then, what do we do today?” Rennik asked.

“It's up to you,” Ino stated.

“Hmm, I should help your father with his sword techniques if he is serious that is,” Rennik decided sensing something on Ino's mind but not sure quite what.

“Actually, that sounds like a good idea,” Ino agreed. With that the two got dressed and left for her father's house. It didn't take the two long to get there and when they arrived Inoichi had just now started with his sword training. Ino and Rennik greeted Inoichi and he was happy to see them. Especially since he needed to talk to Rennik. After a brief talk Inoichi decided to cut the shit.

“Hey, Ino, I need to talk to Rennik. You know, man to man, guy talk. Could you find something to do for a few hours?” Inoichi asked his daughter.

“Of course!” Ino quickly replied not having forgotten about Shikamaru's need to talk to her privately about something. Ino gave Rennik a kiss on the cheek and was off to Shikamaru's home. No doubt the lazy ninja was still sleeping, especially if he had nothing to do today.

Rennik stood there watching Inoichi train waiting for the other to start the talk Rennik knew was inevitable. Inoichi remained silent though and went through various sluggish sword motions. Rennik shook his head, he was such an amateur.

“What?” Inoichi asked noticing Rennik shaking his head.

“Smooth out your motions. You are flailing about like a buffoon,” Rennik said. Inoichi eyed Rennik.

“Oh ya? What would you know about it?” Inoichi asked.

“My father was once one of the seven great swordsmen of the Mist. He of course passed along all of his knowledge to me,” Rennik replied. Inoichi eyes opened a little. Then Rennik would know a lot.

“Okay then sword saint,” Inoichi began mockingly, “show me your skill.” Rennik wheeled up to Ino's father and adjusted the way he was holding the sword and brought it down to his hip. Inoichi knew right then by the way it felt that Rennik knew what he was doing. It was so comfortable, so right...

“My father told me being a swordsman is like being an artist. This,” Rennik said tapping on Inoichi's katana, “Is your paintbrush. If you just flail about aimlessly like you do then your picture will turn out like a blob. In the same effects try too hard and your picture looks rough, and uncut. You need to be relaxed, and smooth, but have a purpose to your motions. You have to make smooth transitions combining all your motions into one long drawn out motion. You should have a basis of defend and counter.”

Inoichi nodded, “What about offense?”

“You need to get the basics down first. Offense should be the last thing on your mind. Now practice blocking then transitioning into a counter.” Inoichi nodded going through the motions and fighting off invisible foes.

___________________________________________________________________________

Ino walked through the village. She wondered how Rennik and her father was doing, but more so she wondered what was going on with Shikamaru. She made her way to his house and knocked on the door. She waited for a few moments not expecting the lazy shinobi to answer. He was probably sleeping. Ino reached for the door knob. Suddenly it opened and Shikamaru was standing there shirtless, his hair down. Shikamaru didn't seem sleepy for it being so early. Well early for him, and he never answers the door.

“Shikamaru, what's wrong?” Ino immediately asked sensing a massive burden on Shikamaru. Shikamaru stepped out of the way, gesturing that she should come in and sit down. She without a second thought worried gravely about her best friend's well being. Shikamaru shut the door as Ino sat down on his couch. 'Why does she look so pretty today,' Shikamaru wondered. His mind didn't remain there long as other things were occupying it. He sat down next to Ino.

“Ino... Temari and I had a big fight,” his voice was strained and desperate, “I don't think her and I are together anymore.” There was a lot of hurt in his voice as he said this and Ino took her close friend into her arms feeling his pain. Shikamaru had hoped for this and just let her hold him as he explained everything. Ino let him lean on her and soon enough he let out everything. He was just ranting. Spilling out everything he had left unsaid for years. How he had secret feelings for Ino all those years, and how he thought shouldn't get involved with a team mate and used Temari to add distance between himself and Ino. Ino was shocked that after all this time he had in fact secretly loved her back. Ino didn't know what to say or do. Shikamaru feeling out of character never having really talked to Ino like this before decided he need to stop thinking for a while.

“Ino, I need to take my mind off things... Would you mind playing me in Shogi and Go?” Shikamaru asked. He loved the game but knew Ino hated it. However, under the given circumstances Ino quickly agreed and actually was gladdened by the change of topic, not sure what to do. She pulled out Shikamaru's Shogi board and the two set it up. She knew he would likely destroy her like he always did when they played but played anyways. Shikamaru's mind tried to remain in the game as best as possible.

___________________________________________________________________________

It was about mid day now. Inoichi was sweating. “How do I know when I've got it down?” He asked.

“Well,” Rennik said sitting well off to the side, unknown to Inoichi by the weapons. Rennik threw a volley of Kunai at Inoichi suddenly, each one flying at a vital point on the older ninja. He fell into motions swinging his sword, blocking a kunai, and unleashing a counter attack slicing into another knocking it harmlessly to the ground. In a few fluid motions the blade was at Rennik's neck.

“That's when you know you've got it,” Rennik replied, “You are still sluggish though, you need to practice more but you've definitely got it down. I am a little impressed.” Inoichi was really surprised removing the blade from Rennik's neck.

“What if I wasn't ready?” Inoichi chuckled sheathing his sword.

“You think I am that careless,” Rennik replied laughing a little too.

“Well, you do know your blades well,” Inoichi admitted. Now for the real topic... “Let's go inside and get something to drink eh?” Inoichi asked wiping sweat from his brow before pushing Rennik inside. He pushed Rennik up to a small table and fixed something for the two to drink. He sat own across from Rennik sliding a drink to Rennik. It was alcoholic, but he figured Rennik was definitely old enough. Rennik sipped on the drink while Inoichi removed a Shogi board from under the table and set it down setting up the game.

“You ever played before?” Inoichi asked.

“A few times with my father a long time ago,” Rennik answered setting up his side of the board.

Inoichi cut to the chase finally, “So you have taken a liking to my daughter?” Inoichi made a move. Rennik made his own move effectively blocking Inoichi's quick win strategy immediately.

“I can safely say that, yes,” Rennik replied.

“You know she is my daughter and I would do everything in my power to protect her...” Inoichi needlessly declared making another move. Rennik once again playing defensively effectively stopped another of Inoichi's strategies. Inoichi sighed, he had expected to at least win Shogi but this was likely to be a long game.

“That was kind of rhetorical,” Rennik shot back.

“I will be straight forward with you. She has clearly taken a liking to you too. I have never seen her like this with anyone... I don't like the fact that you are a missing-nin though, and your past is foggy at best... At the same time you seem like an alright capable guy,” Inoichi began, “If you aren't serious about her back out now.”

“I can't back out now. My heart is set,” Rennik stated making another defensive move cutting off several of Inoichi's attacks.

“I thought you would say that... I don't know what has happened in your past, but you need to leave it behind you. My daughter is still young and innocent and I don't believe she has ever even killed anyone. You however seem to have a past full of killing and it may have turned you into a cold-blooded killer.” Inoichi explained making more aggressive moves.

“I have done some horrible things,” Rennik confirmed darkly. He wasn't going to lie to Ino's father. He had found hidden respect for the ninja.

“I know. Despite it all you are a very upstanding, wise, powerful man for being such a young age. What I am trying to say is if you are serious about my daughter, then if you can promise me that you will care for her and love her with all your heart and leave your past well behind you. Well you have my consent. If you ever hurt her though. I will murder you,” declared making another powerful offensive maneuver mirroring the course the conversation had taken.

Rennik smiled, “You have my word and honor as a shinobi, that I will never come to harm Ino. My past will be buried for as long as she will have me.” Rennik lowered his hood allowing Inoichi to see the five long scars on Rennik's face for the first time. Rennik traced his fingers along the scars. “These scars each represent someone dear to me.” Rennik pointed to the highest one. “This one is for my father.” Rennik pointed at the one under it. “This one is for Rei-sensei.” Rennik again went to the next one skipping over the deep one in the center of his nose. “These two are for Skara and Katsuma.” Rennik finally pointed to the one he skipped over and the most apparent of the five.

“This one is for Ari. My first only love besides Ino. I have no more room on my face for anymore scars so I can promise you that on my life I will never personally allow Ino to come to any harm if it is in my power. The day she dies will be the day I have been long since deceased.” The tone of Rennik's voice indicated his seriousness. Inoichi felt more secure that his daughter was in capable hands. Rennik made his last Shogi move and his first aggressive move. “Check mate,” Rennik announced.

Only now did Inoichi realize that all those defensive moves had drawn his king into an ambush. “Then it would be an honor to have you in the family.” Inoichi announced still unsure if marriage was even a future possibility but he would be proud if it was ever the case. “Phew, you are great at Shogi... You know, I need to introduce you to Shikamaru, he loves this game. You may even provide him a challenge.” Rennik was relieved at Inoichi's decision.

“I would very much like to meet this Shikamaru. Ino speaks highly of him as well,” Rennik said.

“Well, why wait,” Inoichi said climbing to his feet, his heart was at ease. Ino would finally have someone there to care for her. She needed that with her mother gone.

___________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile at said Nara's house Shikamaru grew a little more frustrated. He was dominating Ino in Shogi like always and despite her best efforts she wasn't enough to draw him out of his mind. He needed it so much.

“I'm sorry Ino, it's just not working...” Shikamaru said.

Ino stood and sat back next to Shikamaru. “I am sorry... Is there anything else I could do?” Ino asked grabbing Shikamaru's hand comfortingly. Shikamaru appreciated the touch.

“Yes... There is something,” Shikamaru suddenly kissed Ino on the lips and pushed her onto her back on the couch. Ino didn't react out of shock and Shikamaru thought that meant he could continue. He was acting entirely on impulse, desire to get away from his thoughts, his love for Ino, and six years of sexual tension. Ino was just too shocked for her mind to react, so her body reacted for her. Her arms wrapped around Shikamaru and she returned the kiss. Her body's need to male attention on a sexual level finally driving her into a lustful frenzy. Her mind shut down as she gave into hidden desires. Shikamaru's hands crept up Ino's skirt and he fondled her buttocks. He used he leverage on her buttocks to pull her closer. Ino's physical desires gave in, added in the sexy look of Shikamaru with his hair down an his being shirtless, her body never stood a chance.

Inoichi was nearing Nara's door. He pushed Rennik right up to the door. Rennik lifted his hand to knock.

“Pfft, don't both, he is too lazy to answer the door,” Inoichi explained fishing a key from his pocket, unlocking, and opening the door. Inoichi pushed Rennik into the room and looked up towards Shikamaru's couch. The small key clattered to the floor drawing the couple's attention to the uninvited guests. Inoichi's mouth was wide open.

“Shit!” Shikamaru mumbled removing his hands from Ino and sitting up, glad that he was caught now instead of later. Ino saw Rennik just glaring at them. She began shaking. Ino quickly sat up and opened her mouth ready to explain everything, as her mind finally regained control over her body. Thousands of words rushed towards her mouth at a blazing pace only to get caught in her throat. She felt herself begin to choke on her words as tears began to stream down her face, as she realized the extremity of the situation. She found no words possible of explaining the situation and merely sat there dumbly.

Rennik's reaction was the most dangerous however. He was gripping the bars on his wheelchair so tightly the hollow steel caved under the pressure of his hands. Foam began to drip from Rennik's mouth, adrenaline, hate, and rage, seeping from his body. His eyes began to shift from their white gentle crescent moon, to the violent black moon. Fur started to grow rapidly all over his body. Rennik suddenly through his head to the side growling loudly fighting back the evil chakra seeping from his body. The fur retracted as swiftly as it had come, the foam stopped pouring from his mouth, but the adrenaline didn't stop pumping.

The adrenaline, hate, and rage gave Rennik's legs the fuel they needed to help him stand. He did so easily. He quickly spun about knocking his wheelchair into Nara's wall with enough force to cause cracks to spread across the entire wall. Rennik stomped from Nara's home pushing right by Inoichi who offered no resistance, mouth still wide open in shock to his daughter's current predicament. With that Rennik was gone. Rennik had already set in motion one of the many plans in his head, improvising on it and altering it to accommodate the sudden betrayal.

___________________________________________________________________________

Back at Nara's Ino and Inoichi stared each other down, both two shocked to speak. Shikamaru dared not make eye contact with either of the Inos feeling shame spread throughout every inch of his body. His mind for once stopped. Shikamaru had no idea what to do.

Inoichi was the first to break the silence after what seemed like was an hour but actually only ten minutes, “Ino... Ino I gave him my consent to be with you! I-,” Inoichi was lacking words but soon found the appropriate word, “I am so disappointed with you right now I can't see straight.” With that said Inoichi turned and left as well. Ino's lip was quivering as her face became drenched in tears and sorrow.

“What have I done?” Ino asked herself.

“Ino, I-,” Ino cut him off quickly.

“Shut up Shikamaru! Just shut up!” Ino yelled standing up and rushing from his house and into the streets. She knew she needed to find Rennik as soon as possible.

She ran throughout the village calling out, “Renni-kun! Renni-kun! Renni-kun!” In a desperate search for the wolf-nin.

___________________________________________________________________________

Rennik was at the entrance to Ino's house. He force the door open and made a beeline for the bedroom grabbing the small bag that Ino had brought with them from the hospital. With that he hopped out of the window just in time to escape Ino. Ino walked into the bedroom looking around. She knew Rennik had come here but for what and how long ago, she had no idea. Ino had no idea, she just barely missed him. Ino sat on her bed, her face in her hands. She was shaking uncontrollably still finding it hard to breathe. It all happened so fast she was still in shock.

Rennik had known of the ANBU that had been tailing him for the past two days and used his vast experience as a shinobi to give him the slip. Rennik knew he wouldn't be able to escape the village in his current state but he only need a few moments of time to himself. He had hoped after a little bit the ANBU would report Rennik's absence before continuing the search but Rennik had no time to waste. Rennik rushed to the training grounds. Soon he collapsed against a tree strength leaving his legs. As he sat slumped against the tree he got to work. From the bad he located his supply belt and pulled a very small piece of paper from it. He placed this on the tip of his finger and pulled a very very fine brush from the belt as well. He began to draw minuscule seals onto the scroll. Once he was finished he used his rage, and hate to summon up every ounce of chakra he had amassed over the past three days. He pulled his katana from the bag and shoved it into the very small scroll. Luck was on his side, the sword began to enter the tiny scroll. In record time Rennik has sealed away his sword into the scroll and he rolled the nearly invisible scroll up and tucked it under his fingernail, or more like it his claw. Once he was satisfied that it was concealed well he just sat there waiting.

The ANBU had relocated his target quickly and dropped down in front of Rennik. “The Hokage will see you now.” The ANBU declared walking up to Rennik tapping the wolf-nin on the shoulder knocking him out. He picked Rennik up and took off towards the interrogation rooms. By walking Rennik was now well within law to be interrogated. Another ANBU was already informing Naruto that they were bringing Rennik in. Naruto finished up his paperwork and got headed off towards the interrogation facility. When he arrived Rennik was just returning to consciousness.

Naruto took a seat in the small interrogation room, across from Rennik with a small table separating the two. Rennik was restrained for safety reasons even though it was kind of unnecessary. Naruto, having been concerned about it for quite some time, cut to the chase.

“Rennik, how many Konoha shinobi have you killed.” Naruto asked. Ibiko was on his right.

Rennik leaned forward a sadistic smile creeping across his face, “About thirty-three”

Naruto grimaced. Rennik said it so easily, and carelessly, proud about it. Something had changed since the last time Naruto had seen Rennik. However, Rennik's plan to anger Naruto was already working as the Hokage clenched his fist.

“Where are they? They need a proper burial,” Naruto asked keeping his cool.

“There's nothing left to bury,” Rennik was going to pull no punches. He wanted Naruto to be in a blind fury when he was done. “I raped the women right in front of the men. When I was done I cut them apart piece by piece making their team mates watch. When I was satisfied that I had caused you shinobi sufficient pain, I ate them raw to satisfy my own hunger.”

Naruto's eyes swiftly changed from blue to red as he slammed both of his fists into the table splintering it. “You son of bitch!” Naruto growled standing up. Ibiko put a hand on Naruto's chest.

“He's trying to piss you off, you need to keep your cool Hokage-sama,” Ibiko said trying to read the strange mixture of Rennik's actions. It seemed almost as if there was two of him in one body. His actions mixed together making him very hard for the professional interrogator to read.

Naruto continued with his questioning, “Where are my ANBU?!”

“What ANBU?” Rennik asked back.

“The ten fucking ANBU I sent north! They were supposed to be where you were found, what the fuck did you do with them?!?!” Naruto growled. Rennik thought about this. He had no idea.

“I never saw any ANBU up there,” Rennik replied.

This was the first time Ibiko was able to read Rennik, “Rennik speaks the truth.”

“Ya right! He just doesn't want to give them the respect they deserve! They had families you sadistic fuck!” Naruto yelled Kyuubi's chakra trying to surface from all the rage building in Naruto. Rennik needed to get to a cell quickly before Ino had time to find him. “What were the names!” Naruto demanded wanting to know the names of the thirty-three shinobi Rennik killed.

“Why don't you just throw me in a cell already!” Rennik demanded.

“Why we do that?” Ibiko asked much calmer than Naruto used to this sort of thing.

“Because if I'm not responsible for the disappearances of you ANBU, then who is?” Rennik asked trying to shift the conversation in his favor to gain some rights out of the whole entire thing.

“What do you know about it?” Naruto demanded.

“Can't say much. However, if I were to be given a private cell with full rights to training equipment to regain my strength before Kiri executes me I might have an idea of what happened,” Rennik implied.

Ibiko and Naruto shared a glance. They nodded to each other. “Fine. What do you think happened?” Naruto asked much calmer.

“I encountered a group of shinobi from Oto in that region several weeks before I encountered the team that brought me in. They were none to eager to fight me clearly having something important to do in the region, so we parted ways without a fight,” Rennik revealed, “I didn't stick around to find out what they were doing though but if anyone knows what happened to your men it would be them.” Rennik felt he had mixed up the conversation enough to cause them to think Rennik unpredictable.

“I recommend we imprison Rennik in a high security facility until Kiri comes and picks him up,” the ANBU assigned to tailing Rennik commented. Naruto and Ibiki nodded.

“He is to see no visitors and his demands are to be met,” Ibiki finished leaving with Naruto to discuss this new information they had just been told. Hidden behind the ANBU's mask was a smile. Things couldn't have worked out better for him. The ANBU jerked Rennik from his seat violently and practically dragged the wolf-nin all the way his cell. Rennik knew it was clear that this ANBU hated his guts for some reason. A reason Rennik was sure he would find out soon. Rennik was locked in his cell. Soon enough training equipment, such as a bench press and other such machines were also put into the cell as Rennik requested. There were only two ANBU present but Rennik could smell that he was deep in an ANBU facility somewhere. One of the ANBU was the one that was showing so much hate towards Rennik. The other appeared to be his good friend. Rennik had expected the two to leave him but was wrong. As a matter of fact, the one displaying hostility started laughing and stepped closer to Rennik removing his mask. It revealed completely white eyes.

“Do you notice anything from my face?” The Hyuuga asked Rennik.

“No but I assume I kicked your brother's ass and your pussy ass wants revenge,” Rennik replied memories of killing a Hyuuga several years earlier coming back to him. The man in front of him in sudden fury slammed his fist into Rennik's face knocking the weak wolf-nin who could barely walk to the ground. Rennik only laughed at the much welcomed pain. It was taking his mind off of the other pain Ino had caused him several hours earlier.

“You son of a bitch. I will have vengeance for my brother!” The Hyuuga declared predictably. “His name was Kyuushuu by the way.” The man said.

“Kyuushuu? Oh ya, that wimp. I believe his last words were. Oh please don't kill me, oh Kataki save me save me. He was a really bitch,” said sadistically remembering vividly his encounter with the Hyuuga. After all, details were Rennik's thing. This incited anger from the man in front of Rennik now identified as Kataki. The Hyuuga unleashed his fury on Rennik beating him severely. Slamming his fist into Rennik's face over and over turning it into a bloody mess. Rennik laughed through the whole thing.

“Is that the best you've got!?” Rennik growled making the Hyuuga madder and causing him to hit Rennik harder.

“Jeez, this guys doesn't know when to shut up does he?” Kataki's friend laughed. Soon enough Kataki grew tired of beating Rennik and replaced his mask.

“I will be back,” Kataki declared, clearly still angry. Rennik just laid there laughing as the two ANBU left Rennik in his cell locking the door behind them. Rennik just laid there a bloody mess for several minutes. Rennik found the pain comforting and welcomed it.

___________________________________________________________________________

Ino was running through the streets looking for anyone who had seen Rennik. Soon she found her best bet, in a pink haired shinobi leaving the Hokage's tower.

“Sakura!” Ino yelled desperately causing the medic-nin to turn and greet her panicked friend who only recently stopped crying through sheer concentration on finding Rennik.

“Yes, Ino? What wrong?” Sakura immediately demanded sensing the urgency in Ino's voice.

“Rennik! Have you seen Rennik?” Ino asked.

“Yes, Naruto sentenced him to prison until Kirigakure comes to pick him up,” Sakura replied.

“Where?!” Ino demanded.

“It doesn't matter, it's been declared that Rennik is a security risk and is unable to see visitors,” Sakura said feeling the pain seeping from her blond friend. Ino's face dropped, her head hanging low.

“Thanks Sakura...” Ino said turning around and running away to her home as quickly as possible. She needed to get away. She needed to reflect on what had happened.

“Wait! Ino!” Sakura yelled trying to stop her friend worried about her well being. Sakura decided it was best just to give her space and didn't pursue her friend hoping to Kami everything would be alright. Ino quickly found herself home. She slammed the door behind her and locked it tight. She went to her window and drew the curtains closed and made sure her house was as dark as possible reflecting her mood. Ino soon found herself on her bed crying. Her heart was shattering into a million pieces. Ino just now realized what true love was. She was only now realizing how much Rennik had come to mean to her in only that short time. Ino knew Shikamaru would never be as big a part of her heart as Rennik was. Ino knew she had just made the biggest mistake of her entire life. She curled up into a fetal position on her bed. It felt so cold without Rennik. Her body ached for his touch. Every fiber of her being cried his name. Their cries went unanswered. Ino couldn't stop crying, her bed directly around her face becoming sopping wet just from her tears. Ino laid there. It was only now, that she knew what it truly was to be lonely.

Ino just cried and cried. She cried so hard she coughed uncontrollably. It made her so sick she had to scramble to the bathroom to throw up twice. She cried so long she ran out of tears. Then she cried some more curling up on her bed. Ino cried herself to sleep that night.

___________________________________________________________________________

Rennik sat there. He felt no pain anymore. He only heard that voice again. His voice.

(Everything in bold is the evil voice and everything between the “” is Rennik's true self.)

'I told you she would hurt us!'

“Shut-up! I just misunderstood things!” Rennik yelled audibly. No one was there to hear him except for the night watch.

'I told you she hated you!'

“No she doesn't!” Rennik yelled defending Ino from himself.

'Then why was she with the Nara? You have to come to grips with reality. It's just me and you. Nobody else cares!'

Rennik clutched his chest in pain again thinking about Ino, “But she has to care...”

'Or did she just want you to think that, so it would be more fun watching you fall? She knew you were destined to die, she want to make you suffer as much as she could before Kiri comes to kill you!' The voice antagonized.

“It can't be true...” Rennik assured himself.

'But you know it is!' Rennik didn't have anything else to say in Ino's defense. 'See. It's just me and you. No one else. You have to be thinking about number one here! Kiri is going to come and kill us. We must get revenge on the Nara first and I have just the plan.'

Rennik nodded in defeat, “What should we do?” Rennik asked himself.

'We must grow strong! It was good of us to get the training equipment. Use it, NOW!' The voice commanded angrily.

“Yes, we must grow strong,” Rennik agreed in sorrow. With that the weak shinobi scramble to his feet and began basic exercises. In several moments he was too tired to continue but some hidden force drove him on. He pushed past his limits and worked his body beyond human boundaries.

The night shift shuddered at the missing-nin arguing with what seemed to be no one... And losing...

Rennik gave into his Loneliness, and set himself down the dark path once again, his heart torn. Rennik had lost his fight to the madness... Again.

___________________________________________________________________________

A/N: A brutal chapter in my story... I have to know what you guys think! Please review!

Back to FEAR for me /cry