The Test of Life
Summary: When Karin runs away on the eve of her wedding to elope with a lifeguard, Sakura steps in for her sister and is forced into a marriage with business tycoon, Sasuke Uchiha. Sakura must overcome them while sacrificing the love of her life, Itachi. What would YOU do if life tests your very existence?
PROLOGUE
"Sakura!" Mekuki Haruno yelled out into the air. She could do nothing, but turn around and protect her daughter. All she saw was glass and light, and all she heard was her family screaming. Kizashi Haruno took one last look at his daughter and for her sake covered his whole body to protect his little girl and wife.
On a fine autumn night, eight-year-old Sakura Haruno lost her parents in a drunk driving accident.
"MOMMY! DADDY! WAKE UP! I KNOW YOU ARE NOT ASLEEP!"
;3
Sakura woke up with a jolt, beads of sweat running down her face. She was clutching her covers and stared at the ceiling; glow-in-the-dark stars were plastered across and darkness still consumed her room. Groaning warily, she gently propped herself up against her headboard, and grabbed the towel next to her on the dresser. She wiped off the sweat and stared at the clock.
"3:14 am," she inwardly thought. She stared out the window. "Today is the 15th anniversary since that day. No wonder I'm getting night mares," she sighed with contempt. With that, Sakura got up to get herself a glass of water from the kitchen.
"Hey, no sleep either huh?" Karin asked standing on the kitchen isle. She stared at her cousin –no, her sister. Karin twirled her vibrant red hair and noticed how Sakura filled herself a glass of water.
Only to miss the cup completely.
"Is Keiko Obasan awake? Is something the matter?" Sakura asked warily.
"No, she's asleep. Do you want to talk about it? Today is a harsh day sweetie. We can go get some hot chocolate or something."
"It's okay Karin. I think I'll just go back to sleep. I kind of want to be alone today. I'll visit my parents later in the evening and perform a small prayer at the shrine," she smiled albeit reluctantly. Karin sadly looked at her sister. The twenty-four-year-old redhead wanted to cheer Sakura up.
Sakura was a beautiful young woman blessed with soft pink hair, gorgeous green eyes, and graced with feminine curves that weren't outrageous. For the last few years, men have sought after the young med student. She always ignored them focusing her time into her studies, aspiring to become an ER surgeon as a tribute to her parents and with the urge to save lives. She's an accomplished young woman who sometimes forgets about herself while putting others first— a habit that's admirable, but also her downfall.
"I'm going back to sleep as well. I'll see you upstairs in a few. Ok?" Karin said.
"Ok," Sakura took her empty cup, a water pitcher, and went upstairs. As soon as she disappeared, Karin stared back at the kitchen. She was controlling her trembles for Sakura's sake. There, laying in black ink and all, was a letter from her daddy dearest. Karin took the letter, crumpled it, and lit it on fire. She let it burn until it turned into a black crisp.
Sweltering with emotions, Karin hugged herself and let out her silent tears. Nothing could stop the little small voice the kept repeating the last few words in her head.
'I'm coming back to claim what's mine, Keiko.'
;3
"Stay away from us you sicko!" Keiko yelled at her husband. She couldn't believe it. After a decade of marriage together, throughout all the complaints and rumors, after standing by his side when the whole world was against him, Keiko has had it. The documents in her hand were more than enough proof for her to finally open her eyes.
She couldn't believe how fucking stupid she's been all these years.
"I stood by you all these years. I helped you when no one else would. Heck, I refused to believe everyone else even when evidence was right in front of me! Shoot, even after all the horrible things you've done, I still stood by you, but this is the final straw!" she shouted. He just stood there with his cold and calculating eyes. The heartless bastard didn't even bat an eyelash.
"Keiko, I have my reasons. I'm a doctor and part of my job is to find answers. I'm simply putting in my contribution to this godforsaken world. This is purely for science," he hissed out. Little Karin simply hid behind the stairs as her family continued to argue. This wasn't something new. They argued a lot, but for some reason or another, Karin had an ominous feeling about this one.
"Bullshit! You just crave power through forbidden research. Fine, because I love you, I'll ignore everything else! But why? Why did you attempt this on Karin? She's your fucking daughter!" Keiko screamed. Karin froze in her spot and paid more attention. She's heard them fight about many things, which always ended up with her mom forgiving her father. It was just how things were, but this was the first time she was the subject. Karin just hugged her teddy bear harder.
"I could sacrifice my daughter a million times if it was meant for the good of the research. She's vital for my next one. It doesn't matter what you say or what you do... and that's final. She is the subject for my new drug. Had she been a boy, things might've been different," he replied coldly.
Karin flinched on that one. She's always been trying to please her father, but she knew nothing could be done to win his heart. It's no secret that he always wanted a boy. Instead, he was stuck with her. She did all she could to gain his approval. She dressed up and acted like a boy. She even hung out with guys more in her class than the girls. Her two best friends, Suigetsu and Juugo, did all they could to help her. It still wasn't enough; it was never enough. When she heard her dad say those words, she never felt so scared in her life.
Her own father wanted her as a lab rat.
"I've heard enough."
With that said, Keiko walked up the stairs. She stopped when she noticed red hair by the steps. She gently picked up the girl and walked to her room.
"Mom, what are you doing?" Karin asked.
"I'm doing something I should've down a long time ago. Pack your things Karin. We're leaving first thing in the morning. I will take any beating from your father quietly, but I will not stand for my daughter to be a lab rat."
"Ok."
She didn't know why, but for the first time in a long time she felt safe and happy. She was leaving the damn house. That night, she and her mom left everything behind: her friends, her family, and her hometown, Otogakure.
;3
The following morning, Keiko woke up and walked down to eat breakfast. She heard her daughters last night. She's no stranger to their late night rummagings. She also isn't surprised to find the kitchen isle a mess. However, one thing did catch her eye: burnt black pieces of paper. Keiko turned around and looked at the table. Karin may have burnt the letter, but she forgot to get rid of the envelope as well.
Written in neat cursive, on the corner of the envelope, sat Orochimaru's name.
Hey guys! So this is my newest story: The Test of Life. It's a potential multichapter and AU. I know I should be updating the The Avatar's Wedding, but I've stumbled across writer's block. So please be patient with that one! This story is something that's been bothering me for sometime now. I'll continue it only if you guys think I should. So, do you think this story has potential? This is a SasuSaku fic. There will be some ItaSaku and SasuKarin, but it's a little. NaruHina, SuiKarin, NejiTen, ShikaTema, and SaiIno are the other couples that will potentially come out if i continue.
So lovers, what'ya think? Yes, no, maybe so? Let me know in the reviews. Also, sorry if you see any inconsistent grammar, syntax, spelling, etc. I'll try to update with a better edit every now and then.
~Desifruit out.