Title: Retribution
Summary: Uchiha Sasuke was stripped of everything he ever loved - it was only fair that he return the favor.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Theme: AU
Prompt: "What are you so desperate for?"
Rating: K+
Comments: Uh, first time writing in the present tense. Previously posted on my LJ for SasuSaku Month, hope you enjoy!
It's nearing dusk when Sasuke emerges from the forest, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness while he's - slowly, slowly - bleeding; blood seeping through his poorly bandaged wounds, done out of the urgency to escape the soldiers of that damned king.
Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Three, keeper of the forbidden scroll.
A scroll containing secrets to the infamous Sharingan, a technique passed down through the generations in his clan - the Uchiha clan. But his beloved home and family were all but a distant memory now; the information containing the Uchihas' power lying in the hands of the very king who ordered the massacre.
To think he was going to die on the grounds of that tyrant.
Seconds after his eyes fluttered close - waiting for death, his death - Sasuke feels a presence beside him and soft hands are instantly on his chest, a flash of warmth spreading throughout his body as strength begins to return to him. Before he realizes what he's doing, he grabs the stranger's - cool, petite, and feminine - hands, his eyes opening to a world of caressing pink locks and bright emerald orbs.
She is shocked and beautiful, and he inwardly wonders where he has seen her before.
"You're alive," she breathes out, hands emitting a green glow, eyes filled with relief and a hint of joy for saving a life.
Her happiness is short-lived, however, as he uses his renewed strength to knock her out - hearing the approach of footsteps and voices.
"Thank you."
There is no remorse when the blood-curdling screams echo throughout the kingdom, no hint of fear as he - without hesitance - swiftly brings his sword to the necks of his foe, his eyes - finally, finally - blazing red with swirling black tomoe.
The cleansing of his clan has never felt so satisfying; the new birth of power flowing within him.
Sasuke makes his way down the seemingly endless corridor - the lifeless bodies lining the walls - excitement pumping through his veins, knowing that he would commit the ultimate revenge upon the kingdom's beloved King Jiraiya.
.
He's standing before the country's leader - towering and malevolent and his sword is raised - anticipating, anticipating. Jiraiya is weak, hopeless, powerless against the ability of the Uchiha clan - and Sasuke thrives on it.
Even knowing that he is at a dead-end, Jiraiya does not bat an eye; his eyes narrowing into slits, holding his arms out to protect the love of his life cowering behind him.
"Uchiha Sasuke," he says calmly, fearlessly making eye-contact with the spinning Sharingan. "It was only a matter of time."
.
Sasuke smirks to himself, sheathing his sword as he uses his leg to kick the door open, startling the princess.
"You," she whispers, eyes traveling behind him where countless bodies are lying in heaps of blood. Her eyes widen - in shock, fear, anger - and she brings her trembling hands to cover her mouth in a silent scream. "What have you done?"
.
"What are you so desperate for?"
.
"Haruno Sakura," he states, eyes smoldering with longing for the innocent woman who dared to save his - the enemy's - life. "You're mine."
Taking away the only daughter to King and Queen Jiraiya.
The ultimate revenge, indeed.