Here's a story I had in mind. Don't worry I'll also update the other one.
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, not me.
Chapter 1: The Arrival
Sand, sand, and more sand; stretching as far as the eyes can see. An endless sea of tiny golden particles made up the entire country.
Wiping the sweat off her forehead, she forced herself to continue. Already seven days since their departure from Konohagakure. Her mission is to guard the ambassador to Sunagakure.
Lately there has been conflict between the two allied nations, gotten somewhat better after the rescue of the Kazekage- Gaara – from the Akatsuki's crutches. Now had spiraled down, at the last festival crowds of citizens from both respective villages broke into violent feuds, all started from the insults of being led and dragged down by a demon leader. Suna's request for back up against the bandits and rouges plaguing the outside walls was turned down due to attacks from Otogakure. Seeing the Land of Wind's daimyo cut back funding again, more than half of the land's mission income goes to Kohona.
Also, the country has terrible problems itself. But they were unsure what; being alone especially after surviving an Akatsuki attack, and trying to rebuild the destruction between now and then. She wouldn't blame them if they did.
In this chaotic time, if a Great Hidden Village has problems, and without allies, other counties would swoop in to take over upon its weakened state.
The only reason why both of them were still standing was their alliance between each other, for they can support one another if someone declares war. But, a recent document sent the Council into major panic. A parchment signed from the Kazekage himself, boldly stating that most of the elders in Suna wants to sever ties with the Land of Fire, and that he's trying to console them to the best of his abilities.
Now, here she was-the Hokage's prized apprentice-, guarding the man who can probably save this dreadful situation. He will negotiate with Suna's Council; financial problems, trade, mission income, etc, they have to make an agreement, they just had to.
The creaking wheels had stop. Both horses made a noise of excitement.
"We'll rest here, miss, for the horses to get a quick rest." The driver was untying the thirsty animals; both ran to the sight of water.
'An oasis?' She doubled check if the intense heat was playing mind games on her again, not wanting this wonderful delusion to break to the harsh reality of being trapped in the middle of nowhere.
"Only 15 minutes, we'll set off again." Her voice croaked, following the horses.
"Yes, miss." The young man's rely was short, but polite. He softly tapped on the reed screen; it opened, and held a canteen. A hand simply took it, and gave a 'shoo-shoo' gesture, the man bowed and left; the screen closed once more.
Sakura kneeled over the shining pool, her hands felt amazing in it, cupping them, and brought them to her face. Drinking the water as if it was the most sweetest thing she ever had. It soothed her cracked lips and parched throat.
The medic nin then stared at her reflection. 'Is that me?'
Yes, that was her. The girl whose hair was a rat's nest of sand and dried blood, whose eyes that had bags, weary from traveling ahead at night, whose skin with multiple scratches and splatter in layered blotches of crusty crimson from the enemy's corpse now, whose- ripples glide across the mirror, interrupting the reflection.
Taking in a deep breath, she delved her head into mirror. Viciously scrubbing her scalp- the water that surrounded her felt wonderful- getting rid of the sweat and blotches that stained the skin. Red swirls mixed and dispersed, diluted in the water.
Pulled her self out, and inhale the dry heat. Droplets fell from her face, some traced the curve of the neck; her matted hair clings to her, she loved the precious liquid sliding down her spine, tickling the feverish skin.
Refilling the canteen, she stood, and walked back to the others. The driver was almost done hitching on the horses. Sakura was passing him when he called out.
"Miss, you should some rest, walking right now can do strange things to a person." He was correct. It was almost noon, and the temperature sky rocket. Besides a little break will be good, just keep your guard up, after all, she is a shinobi.
"There's some food in the back as well." The brown-haired man gave treats of apples to the hungry animals. Sakura nodded in acknowledgement.
Taking a seat at the side next to her back pack, the carriage was on the move again. The wooden wheels creaked on the sandy road. The horses grunted knowing they were at work.
The transportation itself was plain, ordinary; no attention was needed for this. In fact, this vehicle was used for civilians. Hell, even the ambassador was dressed like one.
At the back was usually storage. The man's essentials were already prepared at the village. There were just two small barrels of food, a fold blanket, and the bag that she brought. They ran out of water yesterday, but dropped the barrel; wanting to lighten the load, risky, very risky. Luckily, they will be arriving in Sunagakure soon; maybe in several hours at most.
The cover helped a lot, so nice to be out of the glaring sun. Snagging an apple that fell and rolled over to her. She took a big chunk out and chewed. Once, twice, three times then swallowed. In a short amount of time, she devoured four apples.
How long was it since she ate her last meal? Yesterday? Or was it two days ago?
Licking her lips, wishing that the apples could have been savored; Sakura took another one, but this time chewed it slowly. This fruit was a bit bitter, yet still contained the full taste of sweetness.
Watching the tracks the wheels left behind was the only thing that was eye catching. Chew, shallow, another bite, and gone, the core was left. Tossing it away, she listened; the creaks and movement was a lullaby. The medic yawned from the lack of sleep.
The rhythm still continued; soft winds picked the sand, tiny particles curve, bend, swirl, creating movement. It was manipulated to form vague outlines of the traditional belly dancers. Their limbs flowed with the music; clothing swayed to the beat of the bodies. The tiny bells tied around the ankles chimed in tune the desert's song. It was so real; able to keep awake, she was lulled to sleep from the make-shift play.
What was that sound? Mutterings; cracking her sore eyes open, the carriage was completely in shade, two walls of solid rock were standing over at the sidelines, humongous they were, standing taller than the Hokage tower. They were at the gates that laid entrance to Sunagakure.
'The sun's so bright' Sakura squint her eyes, the scenery of the path they had taken was being disoriented from the intensity. Pulling out a beige long cloth- think of a long scarf- and simply wrap it around her head, covering everything but the eyes. Loose enough for the flow of oxygen, and tight enough so it doesn't falls off.
'Great idea, not only protection from the sun, now people don't have to gawk at our hair' The inner was right, she was in no mood to have crowds of people staring at her, asking questions if it was a natural color. 'It's called genetics, people, we all learned it.'
Seeing the driver and the guards having some disagreement, Sakura went over to solve it.
"I'm telling you we can't let anyone in without the right papers." A chunin barked at the man.
"We came a long way; we just can't turn back now." The driver was still trying to reason. "At least let us refill our provisions."
"No can do." Another answered; this one was getting his patience wear thinned.
The guards explained that the Kazekage ordered no unknown travelers to come through the gates. Sakura hand them the documents that were from Tsunade.
"I was directed from the Hokage to safely bring the ambassador here," voicing their reasons of a difficult journey.
He still seemed skeptical about the ordeal, "Identifications."
Scanning over their passports and papers, "Ah, Kazekage-sama had waited for your arrival; sorry for the inconvenience, orders are orders."
The guard gave back everything and let them through. Walking side by side with the carriage; the village was empty.
There were no villagers at all; many buildings were damaged, some less than others. Many stalls were left outside on the street, maybe to use later. Every now and then, shinobi would pass by, cautious, ready to spring in action at the wrong gesture.
It was strange to see a Great Hidden Village in a state like this; so different compared to her home, bustling streets, vendors yelling to buy, people laughing, children playing, but here…nothing. A small, empty ghost town.
Here it was, the tallest building, the Kazekage's Tower.
'Here we go'
It was now or never.
Okay now, tell me any comments. I'll try to update soon.