A/N: Hey everyone! I think I got this out in record time for you all. Sorry about having left the last part in such an awful spot. I thought it would be the best spot though....turns out I was wrong there.

Well here is what I plan to be the last chapter. Unless I get a response otherwise from you all. But enough of that. This chapter uses Roxanne as well. Have you all listened to it by now? You should.

Disclaimer: As usual I don't own any of the characters. Just the story line.

Warnings: Yes this chapter is a little more out there. So all the children should leave now please. And bear in mind that the characters are OOC. 'Kay?

~~~A~~~

The stage that they all now stood on was completely dark. But the area where the Clients and Guest sat was dimly lit to allow them to move about freely. Itachi could make out the outlines of the guards who stood at the stage's edge- to keep excited clients from breaching the privacy of the Companions.

He peered out from behind them into the crowd- scanning the many familiar faces- trying to pair those whom he thought would be picked tonight. There was Zabuza- so Haku was no mystery to anyone with a working brain.

Itachi snorted softly and continued around the room. And it seemed as if Ino was already claimed. The renowned strategists Shikamaru had just sauntered in - in his usual nonchalant manner of course. If what Itachi could gather from Ino's subtle hints- it seemed as if Shikamaru came here strictly for intellectual conversation. Why he would choose a Companion house for that sort of thing was beyond Itachi's understanding. As long as he could pay- no questions were asked.

There was one man Itachi had seen often- always in Tenten's company. So perhaps that is where she was heading for this week.

His eyes next found the young master Kiba. From the reports that came in from Pein- he was the son of the house of Inuzuka. They were the wealthiest clan of Animal Tamers on this side of the hemisphere. Any kind of animal knelt down before their skill. The horses that pulled the Akatsuki carriage were from the house….even the lowly strays that littered every town.

But from what Itachi had heard- the son was reluctant in all things… especially romantic things. His mother- being the dominate and intimidating woman she is- had forced him hear to become the man she had always wanted in a son. But the boy was gentle-even going so far as to cart around a small dog he had raised since it was a puppy. He had it now- tucked down in his jacket. He fidgeted around nervously.

Itachi could feel Haku come to stand next to him- observing the boy as well.

"Hinata?"

Itachi nodded and Haku smiled- backing away and nodding in understanding. He would assure that the two met tonight.

Elder Companions always took care of their charges.

His gaze continued on. There in the back sat another new client- the Gambler Tsunande. Word was she liked her boys young and talented- show offs. And she had so much money to blow on the wasteful things of life- that her being here was really no surprise. Itachi looked back at the Charges- then at Ino. She caught his gaze and tilted her head to the side in question. He pointed obscurely at the blonde woman. Ino nodded and shifted over to stand next to Naruto- whispering in his ear. His own gaze searched her out- then he too nodded. Itachi was satisfied that the boy took to this easily…and not in his normal manner.

Itachi continued- but saw no one that suited Neji right off. He signaled Tenten over. "I don't see anyone for Neji. Tell him to make his own decision . He's capable of that more than the others."

She nodded and trotted off to do as he requested.

Now…for Sasuke.

Itachi could not help the smirk that snuck onto his face at the sight of the man who had entered into the room next. Orochimaru. If it wasn't for his ridiculous amount of wealth- and Pein's insistence on claiming that wealth- Itachi would have chased him out long ago. Orochimaru had pursued Itachi persistently through the few years he had been here. And he would have won out too….if it wasn't for…

Itachi froze as that very person walked confidently through the door- pushing past Orochimaru- who scowled at him. Madara strode to his reserved table in the room's front and center. His gaze pierced up through the darken shadows of the stage- as if searching for Itachi himself.

With practiced ease Itachi stepped further back to stand with the others. Ino looked over at him worriedly. She choose not to mention the other man who had just entered. "So.. anyone for little Sasuke?"

Itachi was silent. He would certainly not allow Madara near him. Anyone was better than him. Even Orochimaru.

His mind raced as the performance time drew near. He wasn't unreasonable. There would be no way for him to hide Sasuke from that man… But perhaps he would still chose Itachi…perhaps he would stay focused completely on him…

He felt a soft touch to his right- looking down his red gaze met that of the younger man.

"I'll be fine."

With those three words a heavy weight descended on the older man. This was wrong- everything about this place... these people. This whole establishment shouldn't even exist in a world where a young boy had to tell someone it was alright that he was about to sell himself to the highest bidder!

Itachi grabbed onto his hand to squeeze it- but his words where drowned out but the heavy beat that descended into the silence. On his other arm he felt the rough tug of Ino- breaking his hold on the younger boy.

Believe me when I say

'I love you...'

Her voice filled his ear- a bit harsh. "Itachi! You know you can't!"

He fell into the mechanical performance- still slightly at ease with the Charges still hidden away in the shadows. He felt the heated gaze of Madara burning into him- but only briefly. Itachi chanced a glance at the normally vigilant man. His heavy gaze was now tilted towards the stage's edge- into the shadows he had just emerged. A cold sweat enveloped him.

He knew.

How? No one knew that the new Charges were performing tonight. No one.

But Madara always seemed to know everything that happened here…

Itachi began to breath heavily- something that never happened to him from his performances. Tenten looked over quickly in surprise.

He must have paid for the information…Pein certainly wouldn't object on giving out something that for him was trivial. Madara was the highest profit for the Akatsuki…

The provider in some cases. He always won.

Always.

Itachi gritted his teeth in frustration. He would devour Sasuke- and strip him of everything that made the boy who he is today- just like he did to Itachi those few years ago. Sasuke could still dream…still live his life with hope.

For now.

The music change and Itachi felt himself gently herded to the stage's opposite edge. It was now time for the Charges to show themselves. Most of the Clients were sporting the most confused looks at the short performance- all except for Madara. He merely leaned forward resting his hands on the table before him- a smirk in place.

Neji was out first- and the crowd was overjoyed at the sudden and new edition to the cast. Pein always did this with new Companions. Just put them in unannounced- it keeps clients coming back.

He did his now steady routine and was bowed out to applause. Next the shy Hinata stepped out. She did a quick curtsy and jumped into a beautiful ballad that had many near tears. She seemed to glow in the dim lights- her pale skin making her seem otherworldly.

Naruto was next to saunter out. He routine was saucy and sexy- all in one. He had perfected Ino's moves and made them his own. He caught more than a few glances and calls during the performance.

Itachi was being held now by both Haku and Tenten. It was time…he would see. And he would take and destroy.

His eyes upon your face…

Sasuke floated out onto the stage- every bit the grace and composure of a talented prodigy. His song was fast paced as a sort of waltz… and his steps and moves followed suit. The crowd sighed in appreciation of the talent before them. Madara leaned forward- his mouth slight open…as if the mere sight was too much.

It was then that the signal came that all were to join him on stage…

The choosing time had come. Everyone followed the boy example- falling into step next to him. The air was thick with excitement from everyone gathered in that room. Whispers could be heard amongst the clients.

'So many new ones…'

'All in one night too!'

'I was lucky I came tonight…wow…'

Itachi 's stoic gaze followed the brief exchange between Madara and Pein. A simple exchange of nods. That is what doomed the boy.

Ino had found her match- he had joined her on the stage- watching her with an amused gaze on his features. Haku had found Zabuza…they falling into step with one another.

It was expected that they would finish this song before going off with their matches. But…nothing ever applies to Madara…

He had come up to the stage in front of Sasuke. He held out one hand- the other tucked back behind him. He smiled encouragingly up at the boy.

Sasuke looked down…knowing that Itachi was watching. He seemed to consider the hand before him. Madara's gaze hardened.

His hand, upon your hand…

'Take it! It'll be worse if you don't!' Itachi heard Tenten as she nudged the boy. He nodded and plastered on a very fake smile. A stiff thank you was uttered as he was helped off the stage- still mid-song. Itachi watched- panic once again setting in- as Madara lead Sasuke up one of the flights of stairs to the upon balcony.. He wasn't even going to wait…

This was wrong! It was all wrong!

He saw the door close- a candle lit…No….no not Sasuke…..

He began to make his way- pushing between the entwining bodies. The song was picking up in tempo…things were becoming heated.

Suddenly Itachi froze as a familiar voiced hissed into his ears- and unfamiliar arms were wrapped around him. "Finally Itachi…..we can be together at last…"

Itachi had no eyes for the despicable man that clung to him. His gaze was focused above…he could hear nothing- but he knew what he saw…

His lips caress your skin…

The larger shadow of Madara leaned down to the slightly struggling figure beneath him. When it seemed Sasuke moved to much- a large hand was brought down on him forcefully. Itachi cried out in place of the silent scream he knew the boy issued upon the assault. All was unheard- in the moving world of night.

It's more than I can stand

The smaller frame was flipped over- cold hands slid down and around Itachi. It mattered not to him. This small discomfort mattered so little to him now…

Why does my heart cry?

Feelings I can't hide

Bodies swarmed around him now- even as he pulled and struggled against Orochimaru. It was if all of them were set on him remaining below. Madara's shadow reared up- as if in sudden exclamation. Then one blow…followed by another and another.

It will drive you mad

"Sasuke!" Itachi now pushed roughly- uncaring of who he bumped into or interrupted. Their voices….the music….everything was drowned out to him- all he could hear was the silent screams of the boy above. Angry and concerned shouts rang in his ears- he ignored them- continuing his struggle to the level above.

Kisame had run into the room- taking in everything at one glance. He was joined by Sakura and Sai. They jumped into the crowd- trying their best to prevent the mayhem that was beginning to stir.

Itachi growled and clawed his way through. He had to get him…had to stop that quaking the threatened to tear him apart. The same way that Madara was tearing into Sasuke…fury evident in the man's outline.

Those horrible evil hands….touching his beautiful and perfect Sasuke.

The last thing he saw was the small figure arched- head thrown back in a cry of pain- then darkness.

The familiar darkness that had become the Night.

~~~A~~~

A/N: Wel my dears...it draws to a close. Most likely a frustrating ending for some. My sister certainly hates me for it. But if it's that much of a bother...I do have a sort of epilouge in mind...

Reviews are appreciated and loved. Have a good day now.