Chapter One: Whatever It Takes
Thoughts and emphasized words or phrase
Inner
Normal
Kyuubi
Jikan on Sakura's Mind
The cover of this story is not mine by the way, I'm really really sorry but I have no idea how to ask permission because I rarely use my computer. If you are the owner and you are reading this and you do not want me using the pic, message me okay? I will change it immediately. Can anyone please teach me how these things work? T_T
Disclaimer: Naruto's NOT MINE! HE'S NOT MINE! T_T Must you all make me dwell in it?!
It hurts...
That was all she could ever think about but now running seems to only be instinct. Something was wrong, something was very wrong. She was gasping for air and her body was starting to numb and she knew to herself that she was close to her limit. Her chakra was dangerously low, a wide gash on her stomach and burn marks on her back, 3 broken ribs, a concussion, a broken arm, she was broken and she didn't know if she can still be fixed. She was running... no limping through the forest as fast as she could because she knows that they need her. They never said it to her, but she just knows.
Tears tickled the corners of her eyes as she blinked back to fight them, a determined gleam in her eyes. No she couldn't possibly stop now, she has always been trying to get to them for so long that she couldn't bear to stop for even a second. She knows that if she stops she would collapse and she would never get to them. She would never be able to see them for the last time before closing her eyes in eternal slumber.
Sakura was no fool. She was shallow and weak and annoying and naive but she wasn't a fool. She knew what was happening... she knew she was dying and it will only be a matter of time before the others do too. But she wants to see them... she had seen many of her comrades fall... Ino, Tenten, Neji, Lee, Kiba, Shino, Temari, Gaara, Shikamaru, Tsunade, Shizune, and many else... even Hinata. A tear fell from her eyes when she remembered the devastated roar of agony from her blonde teammate when he saw the broken body of the girl who loved him ever since she could remember. She remembered how his eyes turned red as the Kyuubi's chakra exploded from his body, it was so strong that the trees wilted and was set on fire and the ground turned black because of the ashes. She still feels the burn on her shoulder even if it happened 2 years ago.
It's been 2 years now since the war ended and... they lost. they lost the war, they lost Konoha, they lost everything and they only have each other. The three of them, their broken and messed up and patched up family... like puzzle pieces that belongs to different kinds of puzzles but the three puzzle pieces were just too damn stubborn that they packing taped and glued themselves to each other. Yeah that's what they were, and no one was going to say a damn word about it.
They've all been through so much and she was getting tired. Tired of running, tired of fighting for her life every second of the day as if if she would her eyes for a minute someone will jump out of no where and kill her. By this time, her lifeline, her last thread of sanity was a over a mile away from her now, their chakra was low and she could only guess what their condition is, a powerful presence that can be felt miles away was there too but she'd be damned before she could be stop going to them. The end was near and her last wish in this world was to see them. Her boys, her Sasuke and Naruto... oh no one would not believe how much they've grown. How much they've matured and how strong they are regardless of all the pain they felt.
Sasuke returned to them 2 years ago during the war. He was as cold and as handsome and as arrogant as the day they lost him but they wouldn't have any other way because he's their Sasuke. And Naruto... their loud, and cheeky, idiotic, mischievous Naruto has matured... sure he was still the same but there was deep understanding in him, he was better, she guess but He's their Naruto. They are the ones keeping her alive, preventing her from giving up and succumbing to the darkness that was tempting her more and more every step she take. If only she could turn back time... if only she could give them a much better life because she would do anything for them that when she realized how much she was willing risk she was surprised herself. She didn't know why but she was willing to lay down her life for them. It was stupid yet it was right because the world always only needed the two of them while she faded in the back ground. She was just their female teammate, she was just the girl from a second generation ninja family, she was just the girl who worked hard to be a ninja but has no Kekkie Genkai, she was ordinary compared to her boys and she didn't really mind... no... not anymore because she loves them so and she wants them to shine so bright with all their might... but of course now their light is dimming.
Everything just hurts so damn much. She was aching and tears were streaming down her face, she was covered in blood and dirt and sweat and she was just so damn tired but she was still standing. Yes, at last she was here.
Uchiha Madara was laughing manically on the other side of the field. His eyes no longer contained the Sharingan but it was now the Rinnegan. He had a feral look in his face as he gazed at the two bodies that laid in the middle of the field. They were beside each other, they looked so broken and alone that she managed to find the only remaining strength she have to walk... limp... crawl towards them. Just a little more... just a little more...
"What a lovely scene... so lovely that it's pathetic..." she shivered at his voice. The devil, the destroyer, the murderer. She fell on her knees near their heads and she did her best to ignore the walking man... monster towards her. She was crying, she was breaking down as she stared at two of the only strings she have in this world dying in front of her.
They were now both pale, and the ground was now covered in blood. Each had a hole in their chest, she let out a shaky breath when their eyes landed on her. Deep black soft eyes and Ocean Kind blue... she closed her eyes and started sobbing, she gritted her teeth pathetically trying to keep herself together. It felt like hours, days, years but really only seconds that she sat there until she felt cold hands wrapped around her own. Sasuke held her right while Naruto her left. She looked at them and she could only guess that they saw how much of rotten person she was becoming inside. She cried and cried and cried to the heavens and prayed to Kami to let all of this just end because she didn't think she could take any more.
The pain was gone, she didn't even feel angry anymore. She felt numb. She squeezed both of their hands to somehow reassure them. Naruto smiled while Sasuke let out a shaky breath.
"S-s-sa-k-ku-ra-chan."
"W-what is i-it Na-r-ruto-kun?" she then coughed and she felt the bitter taste of iron in her mouth and she spit it off.
"A-are y-you -o-okay?" he asked. Sasuke let out a grunt.
"S-she l-looks l-l-like shit you I-idiot. D-do you th-hink she's o-okay?"
"I-i'm trying t-to l-l-lighten u-up the m-mood y-y-you bas-tard."
"W-hy is i-it t-that until t-the very m-moment t-that w-were d-d-dying you t-two s-till f-fight?" she asked them, a smiled was on her lips, her whole attention on the two boys in front of her. They smiled too, yes... even Uchiha Sasuke smiled. There was a moment of silence.
"Do y-you h-have any reg-rets s-sakura-chan? s-s-sasuke?" - Naruto asked as he stared at the sky. It was dusk and the sky was dark. It was going to rain soon.
"Y-yes... l-living m-my life worse t-than a blind man... a-and n-not a-app-reciating w-what I h-have." It was Sasuke who answered first, there was a serious look in his face but then there was the smile again.
"B-but I'm g-glad I-im here." - he said.
"I-i'm touched t-teme." Naruto said jokingly.
"D-d-don-t p-push it D-dobe." Naruto only chuckled.
"I-I also h-have s-some... n-not t-trying h-harder to g-get you b-back... n-not r-r-realizing S-sakura-c-chan w-was l-left b-behind w-while I-I was busy g-get-ting you back... n-n-ot telling H-hinata-chan.,... I-I love her.." - he said, a tear falling from his eye.
"Oh Naruto." she whispered.
"I'm going t-to b-be seeing H-hinata-c-chan soon and y-y-you k-k-now wh-hat makes i-i-t e-ven better?"
"W-what?" Sasuke grumbled out.
"BB-because y-y-you g-guys a-a-re w-w-with me." he said.
It was as if on cue the rain started pouring and she suddenly remembered that they weren't alone. She raised my head looking up and she felt Naruto and Sasuke's grip tighten around her hand. She also felt the cold metal pressed on her neck.
"I-..." she blink owlishly, it was time. She can feel it. It was ending.
"I r-r-reg-ret n-noth-ing N-Naruto-kun, Sa-suke-kun... i-it w-was b-because of a-all t-those things t-t-that I-I learned so much."
"You Stupid Little Girl... you regret nothing eh?" - he was behind her. His voice cold and void of emotion, it sent shivers down her spine but she wasn't afraid anymore. It will end soon, she had nothing but her fading life to loose and she was welcoming it.
"N-nothing... I-I f-formed b-b-bonds... I-I can't t-turn back time... It's e-enough... w-what ab-bout y-you Uchiha M-Madara...?"
Her eyes widened and she gasp as she felt the blade leave her neck and pierce her on the back so deep that it came on to her front. She coughed blood and it poured out of her mouth, dripping on her lap. She didn't fight it. She suddenly couldn't breath. She was drowning, she doesn't remember how to breath, why is everything so blurry? Why is it that she can't feel anything?
"S-sakura-chan."
"S-s-sakura."
"I regret nothing." she smiled.
"Y-y-you d-do.." - she whispered. He twisted his katana around and she closed my eyes.
"Y-you d-d-d-do." he then pulled it out off her.
She fell on the ground. She was laying in the middle of Sasuke and Naruto, she was still holding their hands, she didn't know how she was still alive but she is. She smiled once again when she felt their grip tighten for a fraction of a second. Naruto's was first to slacken and then Sasuke soon followed. She stayed like that for a few minutes, allowing her tears fall because she was the only one left but they were waiting for her... she knows they are.
"I don't." - Uchiha Madara said once more.
She could only smile. She pity him truly because he doesn't understand...
Her eyes was beginning to close, they were heavy and she couldn't breath. This was it... This was really it... So this is how she dies. She was laying on her side, so she could see the blurry figure of her killer. She smiled at him.
'Oh yes you do."
'I'm coming... Sasuke... Naruto...' she closed her eyes.
It felt like she was floating. She didn't open her eyes, she didn't say anything, she just laid there taking in the feeling of... well death maybe? Was she dead? She just wanted to rest so bad that she just don't care anymore. It wasn't warm in here nor was it cold, she doesn't feel any pain from her wounds. Is death like this? She wanted to see the others so bad but right now she was going to let herself take down her guard for the first time ever since the war. Living was tiring really, it has it's moments were your thankful you are alive but it also has it's moments where it hurts you like a bitch.
Yeah... life's a bitch...
She took a deep breath and started listening to her surroundings to calm her thoughts. It was like the wind at first but then she was sure that it was there. Someone was... singing... It felt familiar, it felt like it was real, it actually felt like her Mom.
Hush little Baby don't say a Word
Mama's gonna buy you a Mocking Bird
She shivered when she heard that... It was her, she was sure of it! Tears gathered in her eyes. It was her mother, her sweet, loving, caring, always there for her mother. But why was she here? The last she heard news of them was that they were still in Konoha. Madara took over Konoha and killed off all ninjas who lived there but decided to not touch the civilians. How can you be King of the World when you have no people to serve you?
And if that Mocking Bird won't sing
Mama's gonna buy you a Diamond Ring.
She then heard a groan beside her and she froze. What the fuck is happening? She snapped her eyes open and immediately regretted it because everything was so damn bright. She closed her eyes once more and slowly sat up and she waited for the pain to come because of moving... nothing came. She felt... normal, which she hadn't felt for a very long time now. She took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes.
...
The first thing she noticed was there were 2 figures laying beside her. Her heart hammered as she looked at them and she blinked a few times and even scratched her eyes to make sure she wasn't hallucinating... she wasn't. They were real... they were there... why were they there? Blonde hair and tan skin, whiskers on his cheeks, Naruto was there. Black hair and pale and flawless face, Sasuke was too. Both were wearing white shirts and slacks and that was when she noticed that she was wearing a white dress. It has a bow on the waist and was tide behind her in a ribbon. They were all barefooted, she noticed. Her immediate instinct was to check them for any wounds but then she realize that she can't feel her chakra... it wasn't there.
And if that Diamond ring turns brass
Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass
She frozed yet again when she heard that and then she snapped her eyes to see where it was coming from. They were laying... in a meadow. The green grass reached about half way to her knee if she stands up and it seems like the meadow could go on and on and on since she couldn't see it's end. The wind blew and she closed her eyes and took a breath. Every things was peaceful and there were no signs of danger. She opened her eyes once more and then slowly stood up. Her legs felt like jelly and she struggled to balance herself, it was as if she was asleep for a very long time. It took a moment to balance herself and when she was sure she wasn't going to fall down, she relaxed. She then looked at her hand and flexed her wrists, her hand was creamy white and was flawless, she wondered how the hell that happened because her hands never felt like that. Her hands had scars and it was calloused because of years of training.
And if that looking glass gets broke;
Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat,
Sakura then felt a strange feeling of nostalgia. Her mother always sing that song to her when she go to bed every night when she was younger. She remembered when she was 9 she told her mother to stop singing it to her because she was now a 'big girl'. She smiled bitterly... what she would give to have that back...
And if that billy goat won't pull
Mama's gonna buy you a cart and bull
It was as if she was snapped back to reality and she remembered how unusual the whole situation was. Granted that the whole situation is unusual but seriously... what the hell is happening? And who was singing? Why does it sound so much like her... Mom?
She started walking and nearly fell down because her legs still felt like noddles. She ended up with her front forward and was crouching a little bit to avoid getting off balance. It was then a strand of her hair fell from her back and dangled. She stared at it at first, then she straightened slowly. Her hair was still the same pastel pink but.. since when was her hair this long? It can easily reach her butt. She could have sworn that her hair was shoulder length. Wait... enough about the hair and other things and start thinking about the more important ones. She shook her head. Didn't she die? Why isn't she dead? or maybe she is? then where the hell is this?
She scanned the area and noticed the tree standing a few yards away from her, since when was there a tree there? She squinted her eyes to try to see it more clearly and noticed two figures standing near it. She held her breath and waited for a moment, staring at the figures that she somehow find familiar.
And if that cart and bull turn over
Mama's gonna buy you a dog named Rover.
She froze when the song continued and then her eyes widened when one of the two figures raised an arm and waved. Her breath hitched and then she started walking ignoring the weak feeling my legs were giving her. She then jog, trying her best to go as fast she can possibly can. She tripped and nearly fell over but continued her jog, determined to see if the figures were who she thinks they are.
'Is it them? Is it them? No. It couldn't be... but how?'
Her eyes watered when she got close enough to make out blonde and pale pastel pink. The woman was fair skinned with shoulder length blonde hair and had a single bang that falls down into her face. She wore a white qipao dress and underneath she wore a 3/4 tight pants and also brown sandals. The man on the other hand had dull pink hair, his skin was darker than the woman's. He wore a green loose fitting kimono shirt and he wore pants and some sandals.
And if that dog named Rover wont bark
Mama's gonna buy you a horse and cart
She was nearly there when she stopped to stare at them. She don't know what to feel... happy to see them? or miserable because they are here?... where ever here was. She was panting and she felt cold and warm at the same time, she was shaking and she did not know what to think because her mind seemed to not work properly. The woman smiled at her and the man winked and saluted in a casual way. A choked sob escaped her and the woman looked at her in understanding before opening her arms.
She was crying before she even landed on the woman's arms.
And if that horse and cart fall down
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town
She was crying on her shoulder and it was the only thing that can be heard in the surroundings save for the woman's constant shushing to calm her down. All the emotions that she built up inside her was now pouring out. All the emotions that she wanted no one to see was being shown so freely in the presence of the only people who she can say she desperately needed right now.
Sakura was neither a Daddy's girl or a Mommy's girl since she loved them both so much that she couldn't pick. They sometimes don't understand what she's going through because they were only chunins and then they decided to live as civilians but they always know what to say and what to do and they help her as much as they can.
This man and woman in front of her is her Mother and Father and she didn't want to let go. Mebuki and Kizashi Haruno is the most insightful couple that she knows of. They seem to know what was going on at all times and there are times when they are the first to warm her of what was about to come and they always tell her exactly what to do to help her. The weird thing about it actually is that... what they say always come true, it always ended up helping her or saving someone. She was at a loss of what to say... she wasn't even sure where her voice was at right now.
"Sakura... Sakura darling, please let go. We need to talk and we don't have much time dearie." Mebuki Haruno has always been the more aggressive and the dominant of the relationship. She rarely spoke gently as she was always the one who would give you a lesson and she doesn't care if it hurts you or not as long as you learn from it. she love every bit of my Kaa-san, but this side always makes her nervous because it makes her feel like what they are about to say is going to change something big time.
She let her go and she felt her hands hold her face. She was smiling and her green eyes twinkling, the same exact copy of the green eyes that Sakura had.
"Oh it's amazing how much my little girl has grown!" She looked at her Father, who was looking at her with pride in his blue eyes. Her mother stepped aside and then her Father hugged her.
"Your so strong my blossom... so so strong and you shouldn't let others make you think otherwise. You endured so much and you bend and stretch yourself but still manage to be this beautiful girl in front of us." Her Father's gentle words touched her heart and she hugged him in return as tight as she can.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry for leaving you two." - she cried and her father let go of her.
"You did nothing wrong sweetheart." he said
"You did the right thing.." - her mother then took her hand. She suddenly felt the atmosphere tense and her heart beat faster.
"What is it Kaa-san? Is something wrong?" that was when they gave her a sad smile.
"I'm so so sorry that we have to ask you this but it is the only way." - her Father started. His eyes were sad but there was a smile on his face. She gave them both a confuse look and then nervously laugh.
"What is it with you two?" - her mother took a deep breath and then looked at her straight in the eyes.
"We wan't to ask you to let us go a second time blossom." It was as if time slowed and she couldn't process what her mother said and so it took her a few moments to answer.
"W-what do you mean? I-i j-just had you b-back!" she had trouble saying what she wanted to say. Her mother smiled.
"Yes... and someday we will reunite again, but as of now please let us go okay? You have to choose the right thing."
"The right thing? What?" - her mother then leaned in to kiss her forehead. She was frozen in her place.
"You died Kura- chan, together with your two team mates. Madara brought you bodies to Konoha and announced you three dead. We were devastated but he brought you to us and gave you to us. What did you say to him Sakura-chan? He said that you were a stupid girl." - Her mother said with a chuckling in the end but her eyes remained sad. It was then that she was overlooking many things around her as of now.
She was dead.
Naruto was dead.
Sasuke was dead.
They were in a Meadow.
Her parents were here.
She was alive and moving here.
Where was here?
Was she dreaming?
No she was dead, how could she dream?
What is happening?
Since when were they here?
How are they here?
Is this Heaven?
What is happening?
Her brows were furrowed and she was suddenly looking at her surroundings trying to make all that is happening make sense. Her breathing was fast and she was panicking. The hands holding her own tighten and her attention was back to the woman in front of her.
"What's happening?" she ask and her mother smiled.
"Everything will make sense soon. Sakura, in a few moments you will be given a chance to make everything better. Will you take it?" her mother ask her slowly.
"Of course." - she said. The answer was set before she could even think about it and looking at her mother and father she knew that they know it too.
"Then if you were ask to choose between making everything better and us, who would you choose?" She looked at her mother, wide eyed and shocked at what she asked.
"You of course. Kaa-san what are you asking me? What is th-" she cut her off.
"Let me change my question a little bit. If you were asked to choose between changing everything for the better by standing by Naruto-san and Sasuke-san's sides or being with us. What will you choose?"
She opened her mouth and then closed it again. Sakura was ashamed to realize that she couldn't choose. Naruto and Sasuke... they were... they were... she don't know actually. It's like.. it's her nature to want to stand by them, to protect them, to give then a better life, to help them. She loved her parents but she knew she wouldn't choose them over her two boys. It was shameful but that was the truth.
Naruto was... he was funny, protective, and always optimistic. He sees the best in people that others cannot see. He will always stand by your side. He will always be there cheering you on and giving you hope that everything will be okay. He rarely breaks his promises and he treasures the bonds he have. He was an idiot and he's annoying. He's reckless but he's strong. Naruto... Naruto was always the one giving her the will to live in that 2 years of darkness and running for their lives. It was so easy to give up but he will cheer you on.
Sasuke on the other hand... he was cold and passive and silent but he was caring in the most subtle of ways. He was strong and brave and he will grumble and tell you the plan you were proposing is stupid but he will still get on with it because he will always be with you. Sasuke may have left us once but now that he's here, he is the most loyal person you could ever meet. He will not help you with your problems but he will be there by your side. He doesn't tell you how important you are to him but he will show you. Sasuke was her strength... her source of courage.
Both were so different from the other yet at the same time so the same. During those two years they depended on each other. Trusting no one but themselves, treating each other's wounds, comforting each other though Sasuke's way of comforting usually consists of "Suck it up your better than that." or "Idiot stop sulking it will end soon." or "Shut up and eat or you'll be weak, we need you on full strength." They were her grasp in reality and without them she would have lost her mind there.
She was now shaking. She felt angry at herself. She felt as if she betrayed her parents but she also felt like she was doing the right thing every time she stand by her two boys' side. She didn't know what to choose. She couldn't bear to look in their eyes.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of Blossom." - her Father soothed her. Her chest tighten and she took a step back letting go of her mother's hand. She fell on her knees.
"I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry. God Kaa-san, Tou-san you deserve a much better daughter than me. I'm sorry, I'm sorr-"
"You are all we want Blossom." Suddenly they were kneeling in front of her also.
"You are doing the right thing. Choose them Sakura-chan, they need you even more than we do. You're family remember?" Tears were furiously streaming down her face by now.
"But why do I have to choose Kaa-san? Can't I have both? It's not fair! Your my parents and I can't even choose you!"
Slap.
Her right cheek was stinging. She was wide eyed and shocked and so she wasn't able to react.
"Haruno Sakura! You have to toughen up right now because all of Konoha needs you! It is fair! You have to sacrifice some things to get other things! Stop being this pathetic girl because my daughter isn't like that! She's strong! And she managed to live without us for years! What is a few years more? You need to stand by those two boys' side because it is the right thing to do and you have to do everything you can possibly can to help them, to save them even if it means sacrificing us because saving them means saving the world Sakura! Don't you see? The world is in ruins! There is no hope there! Everyone is dying! YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE THEM!"
Her mother was breathing hard and her eyes were blazing. It actually reminded Sakura of herself. Her mother always told her to control her temper and here is her mother now, temper flaring. The moment was bittersweet. She didn't know what to react to that. Who would? Your mother is asking you to sacrifice them and choose your friends.
She was such a terrible daughter and she could do nothing but wish her parents doesn't suffer because of a child like her. Who was she kidding? they already are. She was at a lost of what to do. Her tears were still streaming down her face and she was still shaking. The next thing she knew, she was laughing.
The sound that came out of her was... broken. She was laughing yet she was angry and sad and frustrated and disappointed and tired and scared and pained and... she was going crazy. Yes, she was. All of this was too much. She's not even sure if she 's still sane since the war. Maybe she really was not sane... but she wasn't insane either. She was somewhere in between and this was proof of that.
Her mother and father was watching her with a pained expression on their faces. She was still laughing and she knew that her pathetic display of emotions were hurting them. They didn't understand what she's been through and they never will, not that she want them to. She doesn't want them to see how much of a messed up person their daughter has become.
She was now crying... no wailing. She thought of all her friends that were dead. The ones who would never be able to have a family. The ones who deserved a better life. The ones who's lives ended too soon. Ino with her wide eyes and shocked expression as the enemy nin slit her throat. Hinata with a hole in her chest taking a blow from Madara to Naruto, she was laying in a pool of scarlet. Tenten and Lee caught in a middle of an explosion. Shikamaru sacrificing himself to help save some civilians from getting crushed by a boulder and in turn being crushed himself. Tsunade with a katana on her chest. Shizune and Temari and Shino whose bodies were burned beyond recognition. She was jaded. She saw many things and she don't know if her parents will still accept her as their little girl if they know. Would they still see her as innocent little sakura? The one who is always asking for cookies and bedtime stories and who cry because of a scratch. She could kill now in a blink of an eye. She was different... that Sakura was dead. Could she tell them that? Would they be horrified when they know just how much blood is in her hands? She was scared to know the answer to her question. She wanted them to see her just the same.
She smiled up on her parents, it was fake and her eyes were dull. She wiped her tears away and then slowly she stood up. She took a deep breath.
"Aishiteru Kaa-san, Tou-san... but I have to choose them." she said slowly.
It took them a few moments. Their eyes were showing how hesitant they were but there were smiles on their faces.
"I-it's okay Sakura-chan. We're going to be fine." - her mother said and then proceeded to hug her, this time without a moment of hesitation.
She loved this hug so much and she never want to let go. Never... if it weren't for the fact that she knew Naruto and Sasuke needed her. Her mother's hug was tight as if her mother was trying to pull her hard enough together so she wouldn't break anytime soon. There are many things her Mother knows not to ask questions about and this is one of them. She never ask when Sakura comes home in the middle of the night in her white healer outfit covered in blood after being gone for the past 78 hours. She never ask when she comes in Sakura's bedroom after a long and hard mission while the said girl is asleep, she would find Kunais and Shurikens lying around. The clothes that she wore during the mission has dried blood and the tiles on the floor on her bathroom had blood in between because it wasn't washed well while she was showering. Her Father also know not to ask when he sees her blankly staring outside their window the day after she comes home all bloodied up. He never ask when he hears her sobbing in her room. He never ask when she would sit in their garden for hours and hours of doing nothing but staring at the sky, at the ground, at the trees and then crying.
They were more than she deserve.
"What do I have to do that I have to choose?" - she asked. Her mother let go of her and her parents looked at each other and then took a step back, holding each other's hands.
"Our time is up Sakura-chan." - her mother's voice was soft once again. She was saying good bye.
"You should go back to you them now. All will be explained by her."
"Who are you talking about?" she asked.
"She is the one who brought us here. Remember your choice Sakura."
"Remember we will always be here for you. We are standing by your side always and we will never leave you. Your our daughter and nothing can change that not even you. Stand by them Sakura but please take care of your self and it's okay to break down once in a while. Be sure to stand up though and never give up because the Sakura I know never gives up." - her Father said.
She stood straight. Her eyes were now determined and her fist were clenched.
"I will make you proud." - they smiled.
"You always do." - her mother then motioned her to go.
"Go now Sakura-chan. This is good bye for now. Go back and promise us not to turn around and look again here okay?"
She wanted to say no but she complied. She then turned around.
"Now start walking dearie." - her mother's voice broke. Sakura closed her eyes, willing herself to walk.
"We will always love Sakura. Please take care of yourself. It's okay to be selfish sometimes." - She took a step and another and another and another and she knew that with every step she took towards the two was a step away from her parents. She wasn't going to fail them with this. She was going to make her proud. It was the only thing she could do since she can't go to them.
She heard a distant sobbing of a woman but she didn't dwell on it. She knew that if she did she might turn around and she was said not to do it so she wouldn't.
'One step at a time. One step at a time. One step at a time.' She chanted in her head like a prayer. Keep walking. Keep looking ahead. Keep your head straight. Keep thinking about Naruto and Sasuke. Keep doing what they want. Keep walking.
A tear feel from her eye and she furiously wiped it away as her pace grew faster and faster until she was running. She was running again. Always running, running and running... when will it stop? Will ever stop? Her eyes were now fixated on the ground and she didn't even know if she was running in the right direction, she just want to go as far as possible because it hurts.
She was still running, she must be near now. She was panting now and she shook her head furiously to avoid the tears. She wasn't paying her surroundings any attention at all and that was when she hit a very hard wall and fell on the ground.
"Are you blind girl?" the wall hissed. She closed her eyes and then opened them again before looking up slowly to whatever it was she face planted on. It hurt. Really it did.. she thinks her nose might be bleeding and she knew that it was her fault for not looking at where she was going but she looked up and glared at the 'wall' that hit her. Yes, she was blaming it for her current predicament.
Instead of a wall though, a pair of dark blue eyes stared back at her. It was mesmerizing that she stared at it for a few moments. It had a hint of green in it but most of it was the darkest of blue that she have ever seen in anyone's eyes.
She blinked at few times before frowning and then standing up. She took a look around and sighed. She really was running in the wrong direction, well you can't blame her for wanting to get out of there as soon as possible. She then looked back at the guy she bumped into. He had dark chestnut brown hair and he was pale. He was about a head taller than her and he wore a dark blue and black yukata. He was handsome but she'd seen a lot of handsome guys before that she was immune to them. She mean... She's been sleeping next to two handsome guys for the past year or so, how can she not be used to it?
She knew better than get into a fight with an unknown person in this unknown place so she bowed.
"Gomen." - she then looked at him in the eye and nodded and then started running to where she knew the two are located.
She could feel the guy looking at her back but she continued going to where my boys are. They were still unconscious and she wondered why she wasn't. She frowned at the two of them but didn't make a move to wake them up. She just stared at them with a soft smile on her lips.
She was willing to take down villages and kingdoms for their sake.
She was now sitting between their bodies that was face towards the sky. She got into all fours and crawled to sit next of either their shoulders and then took a deep breath. Yes, she would do anything for this two. She had always been the mediator, the one who would stop the fight before it could go much worse. She took both of their hands, the same hands she held as she was dying. She then brought their hands to her and she kissed each one and rested it on her lap. The wind blew and her hair flowed with it. She wondered whether or not to cut her hair. Her mother and father always liked her hair long... she closed her eyes. Yes, it would stay long. She wasn't going to cut it, she didn't even know if she will ever have a chance to.
Thinking of her parents hurt. They were behind her... somewhere but she wasn't going to look back. She didn't understand what they want her to do. She didn't understand why they made her choose but she knew her choice even without understanding the whole situation. It would always be her choice and she knew they knew it very well and they just wanted to be sure. She was sorry for hurting them and she was also sorry for not being sorry for her choice. They knew... but how come they do not hate her? How come they're still there?
She was a ninja and she doesn't regret it even if her profession brought death and pain to her in the last years of her life. She always loved the thrill, the adrenaline rush when your chasing someone or someone chasing you. She loved the fact that she could protect and defend but her parents doesn't understand that. They see every little scratch on her as if it was her life being cut off. Maybe it was but that's what being a ninja is, you would always end up having scars. She and her parents grew apart. She saw them less and less until she never saw them at all and she wasn't even worried for them because they knew they were there somewhere in Konoha.
She was such a terrible daughter and no one can tell otherwise because she knew it to herself.
She didn't know how long she sat there. Maybe a long time since her legs was starting to feel tired with the way she was sitting. Her feet below her as a resting place. Her eyes were closed throughout the time so maybe that was why she hadn't realize that there was someone in front just 2 or 3 meters away from them. She didn't hear the footsteps or the movements.
"You are Sakura." - She flinched, surprised as her eyes flew open to look at the owner of the voice. Sakura could have sworn that she nearly had a panic attack, being sneaked past at wasn't a good thing in those 2 years and she has been doing it for so long that she got used to it.
It wasn't a question. It was a statement. There was a Silver haired woman in front of her standing with poise and elegance that can make any woman green with jealousy, even her. She was beautiful with her purple eyes and heart shaped face. She had creamy skin and pout lips. She was wearing a Purple Kimono and her hair was tide in an elegant bun. She was beautiful, but she was still a stranger.
She instinctively moved closer to her two unconscious companions that went unnoticed by her but very much noticed by the stranger. The woman gave her a ghost of a smile which she returned with a suspicious stare.
"You are Sakura." - The woman repeated and Sakura hesitated to answer.
She slowly nodded.
"Yes. I don't believe we've met?" - She said unsure of what to say. The woman chuckled.
"No, we haven't met at all. But I met your parents, they were lovely." - Sakura eyes widened when her mother's words came back to her.
All will be explained by her.
That was what her mother said. The woman gave her a small bow and then she smiled again.
"I am Jikan... the goddess of Time."
It took me a moment to comprehend what she was saying. I looked at her weirdly after blinking in surprise at her declaration.
"What?" - she only smiled at me kindly.
"My name is Jikan and I am the goddess of time."
Her head was spinning again, probably the nth time of the... well the whole... situation. She was pretty sure it wasn't just a day that passed.
Goddess.
Time.
Dead.
She closed her eyes again, willing herself to not loose herself in her overwhelming thoughts. So much has happened that she didn't even know if she should be surprise of meeting a goddess. Why is it that even in death she was still suffering from head aches? Was she going to spend her whole afterlife like this?
She groaned.
"Aren't I dead?" - she ask, more to herself than to the woman in front of her. The woman... goddess... chuckled.
"Yes, you are child. If you accept my proposal though you will have another chance."
"Another chance, another chance.. What is it with that? What chance?! I'm dead! The world's in chaos and I'm going crazy and I'm dead! Others will find that fact very disturbing! Forgive me for acting this way but this is all terribly confusing just what the hell is happening here?!" - She was now yelling and breathing hard. She was unstable for the moment and the woman seem to know because she didn't say anything but she just waited for Sakura to calm down.
"It must be hard..." - the woman started and Sakura looked at her with Jaded dark eyes that seemed to have flashbacks of her past. The woman's purple eyes were sad and understanding that Sakura softened.
"I'm sorry for asking I will be asking much from you to be able to make it all succeed." - Sakura's body sagged, she suddenly felt tired.
"What do you want me to do? What do you want from me? Why me? Please... just tell me." Her voice broke. The woman stared at her for a couple of second and then nodded.
"But first I have to ask you if you are willing to let go of some things. I was the one who brought your parents here and I have explained to them what must be done and they agreed. I didn't listen to your conversation so I do not know how it must have turned out. I am sorry child. You saw your parents again... did it please you? I do not know how to lift your spirits more than that." the woman said in a hesitant manner and Sakura looked at her blankly.
"Yes. We talked and..." she didn't finish what she was saying. She just looked at down at the lying figures in front of her and smiled fondly when she heard Naruto softly snore and she forgot for a moment why she was sad in the first place when she saw Sasuke move. He was waking up already.
Sakura looked up to the woman.
"Forgive me for being rude goddess... but yes we have talked and... my choice is here." - she said and to that the goddess smiled.
It was as if on cue that someone called her name.
"Sakura?"
Before she could even look though, a pair of arms were wrapped around her and all she could see was raven hair.
Sasuke couldn't believe his current situation as of now.
The First thing he felt when he was finally regaining conciousness was that he was laying on the ground. It wasn't uncomfortable, it was actually calming. He also felt relaxed as if he just slept in a long time and it was as if he wasn't covered in wounds and it was as if he hadn't died...
Wait...
He was dead.
He was dead?
Sasuke found himself not caring for the moment. Naruto and Sakura were with him, he was sure of that, he can feel them. No, really... he can feel them. It was as if it was instinct that he can feel their presence and of course it was also the fact that he could feel small hands on his own. It was Sakura's he was sure. He know her hands just as much as he know his because of all the times she held them. She always did like holding their hands.
He felt at peace. He only felt like this when he was with these two and he first felt it two years ago and he knew to himself that he was never going to let this peace go. Sasuke never really understood just how much the two meant to him and he came into that conclusion when Naruto pushed him out of the way of a blow that might have killed him and ended up being in a tangled mess on the ground with the blonde giving the enemy an angry sneer and a loud yell of "I'm the only one that has a right to kick this bastard's ass!" and also when Sakura took a blow for him and nearly dying of blood loss, if it wasn't for Naruto's endless chakra supply and his average chakra control and Sakura's excellent Healing abilities, she would have died and Sasuke would have lost his mind.
He was willing to destroy armies for their safety.
Yes they were important to him and they knew that, he wasn't going to tell them that he cared any time soon though.
"Forgive me for being rude goddess... but yes we have talked and... my choice is here."
Sasuke froze when he heard that familiar voice and his eyes snapped open. The light was bright at first so he squinted his eyes to be able to see a little better. The first thing he saw was pink hair and green eyes though they weren't looking at him.
It was Sakura.
"Sakura?"
He was up and he was hugging her the next millisecond. He was going to think about the embarrassing teasing later, right now she was here.
Wait... weren't they dead?
He then felt her hug him back and all thoughts were set aside for the moment. It was the weird thing about his bond with the pink hair medic and blonde haired idiot. All rational thoughts will just fly out of the window if it was about this two's safety. He doesn't know why though and he find himself not caring.
He then let her go and began looking at her from up to down checking her for any signs of injuries that got her chuckling at him. He blushed in embarassment but nevertheless kept on checking.
"S-sasuke! I'm fine! S-stop!" She was giggling and he frowned at her. She gave him a smile that only made his mood darken.
He failed in protecting her. He failed again. Why is it that he always does?
He felt a hand on his face and he looked up and was met with piercing emerald orbs.
"I'm fine. We're fine." she said. The first thing he noticed then was that she was right, the second was that she was wearing a white dress and he was also wearing a shirt and pants that was also white, the third on the other hand caught his attention, her hair was long. He furrowed his brows and reached out to touch a strand.
"Yeah, it's long once again. Are you feeling okay?" - He looked at her.
"Hn." she scowled at him but then sighed.
"Yep, he's fine." - she nodded to herself.
"I'm glad."
Sasuke's head whip around to look at the source of the voice, and instinctively moved closer to his pink haired teammate just in case the owner was dangerous. It was a woman with silver hair and purple eyes and she was smiling. He narrowed his eyes.
"Who are you?" - He used the voice he usually have when he was suspicious of someone. The dobe always said that it was creepy and cold that if he didn't know Sasuke for a long time he would be freaked out. Sakura or Bookworm as he always calls her on the other hand said that if he ever use this voice at her she would punch him. He didn't like that one bit because the girl's punch is to be avoided at all cost or else you die. He hear Sakura sigh while the woman bowed slightly.
"I am Jikan, goddess of time." - He raised a brow at her, for a second he was unbelieving... and then he realized that he was supposed to be dead but he was here somewhere. Is this the afterlife? He didn't think so, it was different than he imagined. At a loss of what to do or say, he looked at Sakura who shrugged.
"It's ok Sasuke-kun, i've been talking with her for while and she hasn't tried to kill me yet... well you get my point." Sakura sighed, once more realizing that she was dead. That thought alone was depressing.
"Your not dead." - they looked at each other and then to the goddess. She smiled at them and then gestured to their blonde Ramen loving idiot who was snoring still deeply unconscious.
"Let's wait for him to wake up." she said. Sasuke looked at her deadpanned, the idiot wouldn't wake up even though there's going to be a thunderstorm at this moment and Sasuke wasn't a patient person... no... so he decided that he wasn't going to wait instead he leaned his body to the blonde and boink him in the hand.
To Sasuke's dismay the idiot didn't wake up. Sakura giggled and he glared at her.
"Let me." - Sakura said as she too leaned closer to the blonde and then whispered in his ear.
"Naruto... Sasuke's eating your ramen." - almost as if on cue the blonde's eyes snapped open and he sat up.
"NOOOO!" Naruto was panting and had a hand on his chest. His eyes found Sakura's and he held her on both shoulders and started shaking her slightly.
"Sakura-chan!n I had a bad dream! Teme was eating my Ramen! NO! He isn't eating it is he Sakura-chan?!" Sakura was giggling.
The Blonde.. still panicking search for his Raven haired teammate and when he took sight of him, he immediately jumped and then wrestled like his life depended on it.
"TTEEEEMMMEEE! WWWHHHEEERRREEEE"SSSSS MMMMYYYY RRRRAAAAMMMENNN!"
Sasuke was beginning to question his sanity since he was able to spend time with this two for the past 2 years. Damn, even in death they were annoying the hell out of him and he, for the life of him, can't seem to leave them.
Sakura, damn her, was just laughing.
"Damn it you idiot get. off. me!" - he yelled before pushing the blonde off of him by his feet that sent the poor boy a couple of meters away from them.
Sasuke was pretty damn sure his hair is going to turn white very early if situations such as this continues. To his dismay, he realized that there was going to be much worse situations than this for the sole reason that those two were his team mates. He groaned internally but then glared darkly when Naruto sat up from where he landed.
"Damn it, Teme... that hurt." - he pouted and Sasuke stared at him in annoyance.
Naruto rubbed his head for a few moments before noticing that it wasn't just the three of them there. His eyes brightened in the typical Naruto way and grinned.
"Hey! Who's the pretty lady?!" Sasuke sighed while Sakura face palmed at his antics.
"Hello Child. I am Jikan... the goddess of time." - The two watched their blonde companion's expression to that. Naruto shrugged.
"Cool. So what's up?" - He said.
They both looked at him incredulously while the goddess chuckled once again. Naruto, who soon noticed their look, gave them a pout.
"What? It's not like this is the first time something out of ordinary has happened in my existence you know! I do have Kyuubi inside me!" - he exclaimed.
Sasuke merely looked away while Sakura thought he had a point. It really was wasn't the first time they come across things that usually doesn't happen and here they were... defying reality once again. Sakura could only rolled her eyes.
"Oh you three are amusing when interacting with each other... Your bond is something to envy." The three looked at the woman.
"Ahhh Arigatou Lady-san but aren't we dead? Is this the afterlife? Do you have Ramen here?" Sakura took a pebble that was near her and threw it at the blonde so fast that he wasn't even able to dodge.
"Ow Sakura-chan I was just asking?!"
"Is Ramen the only thing you ever think about?!" Naruto pouted.
"Shut up both of you. I want to hear the answer." - Sasuke snapped and they both went silent.
The Goddess was silent for a moment as she looked at them as if she was analyzing them. Her purple eyes held curiosity and interest and when she smile it was as if she found everything amusing even if they were acting very rudely in front of her; a goddess.
"Your are not dead..." - she started.
"I remember dying." - Sasuke said deadpanned.
"Yes, your bodies died but you are alive. You are here in my and my brother's haven. You are trapped as of now in time." she explained.
By now Naruto already went closer, he was already sitting beside Sakura as he too listened. His expression was serious, it was one of the few times where you will see that Naruto wasn't just the idiot he seemed to be. He was also one of the most observant people you will ever meet.
"Why are we here?" - Sakura asked the question that she was wondering about ever since she woke up. The woman was silent again for a few moments like she was thinking about what she was about to say.
"You... you are here because the ending shouldn't be." - the woman said then her brows furrowed and then she rephrased what she said.
"You are here because the ending is not how it is originally written... the world I mean... It wasn't suppose to end this way." she said.
"But it did, did it? I remember dying, I remember slipping away and I remember they were too." Naruto stated while the woman nodded her head.
"Your deaths wasn't suppose to be like that you see. Something messed up the... story line... you can say. There were things that wasn't suppose to be there and there were things that weren't suppose to happen. Lives were lost, ending in a way that was very different from the original."
"What do you want us to do? It's not like we can do anything... were dead." - Sasuke crossed his arms on his chest. He looked at his team mates and they too had the same confuse look he had. What did the woman want them to do? Go back in time?
It was as if every thing came in slow motion... everything suddenly fell into place and he felt light headed. His eyes were wide and when he looked at Sakura she was wide eyed as well. She understood, Naruto on the other hand was looking at the ground like he was thinking. This woman... the goddess... has the power of time. Is that really what she wants them to do? Go back in time? Was that even allowed? Sasuke couldn't help but doubt but he couldn't help but hope also.
"It seems like you already know what I wan't you to do. Yes... I want you to go back in time." - she said.
Sasuke realized he wasn't breathing.
Naruto already knew where everything was leading to. He also knew that his teammates do too. He couldn't believe it... they could save many lives... Tsunade, Jiraiya, Gaara, Shikamaru, Neji, Ino, Tenten... there were so many who fell... even Hinata-chan.
His heart clenched as he thought about her. Her beautiful dark blue hair and lavender eyes. How she looked at him with happiness of seeing him okay as she laid there in a pool of her own blood. How she caressed his face for the last time, how her hands became colder every second. He remembered how she slipped away. How the spark in her eyes faded into nothingness and then her hand slipped away from his face and it fell limply on her stomach. He remembered her whispering that she loves him before death took her. He didn't had the chance to tell her how he felt, he was foolish to think that they had more time then. Now, he had the chance to see her again.
He had the chance to protect his teammates. Sakura and Sasuke... his brother and his sister. What a messed up family they were.
An orphan, an Avenger and an outcast. He knew that most wouldn't view his Sakura-chan as such but when they were younger he would always see her crying because she was being bullied by other kids. He was just too scared to approach her because she might be afraid of him too. He wasn't going to let anything happen to his precious people this time around. He would protect them with all his might. He raised his head and looked at his dark haired team mate first and then his Pink haired one and he smiled a smile that was ready to sacrifice anything for the ones that it was for.
He was willing to start a war for to fight for them.
Through thick and thin they were going to be stuck with each other.
He then looked at the woman with the silver hair and purple eyes, the one who introduced herself as Jikan, the goddess of time and he grinned.
"Who am I to deny an adventure for a second chance?" - He asked and the other two looked at him surprised. He looked at them determined and he nodded at them and they understood immediately... they always do.
"Well... it's not like I have anything to do." - Sakura muttered from beside him.
"Hn." Sasuke was being his usual Uchiha-I'm-too-cool-to-even-talk-to-you-in-full-sentences self.
He grinned and looked at the woman again who was also smiling at them brightly.
"I hope you will make a better future Naruto-san, Sasuke-san... Sakura-chan." - the woman paused for a moment as she looked at Sakura and Naruto wondered why. Sakura-chan's face saddened for a moment before she smiled again.
"You will find many things changed as you return to your younger selves' bodies. The bodies you will return to is young, people will find it suspicious if you suddenly became strong so it is better if you start young. Many things will change such as the date of your birth Sakura-chan. Everything would make sense as to why it is the way it is when you are already there." -She said and they nodded.
"People who are suppose to be dead by that time will still be alive, the sacrifice has been made. You will be strong, and when people will begin to notice you, you shall tell them you are "Atarashi Hajimari" which means A new beginning."
The goddess' face grew serious as she stepped forwards and she went in front of Naruto first.
"Uzumaki Naruto shall be known as "Atarashi Taiyo" or "A new Sun" because he gives light and he gives Purpose. He is loyal, the comrade that is willing to start a war to fight for his brother and sister." Her hand caressed his cheek and he felt the back of his left ear burn, he flinched but he didn't feel as if he was endanger so he relaxed. He didn't know how the woman knew the lengths of what he was willing to do for them but she does. The woman moved next to Sasuke who was on his right while Sakura on his left.
"Uchiha Sasuke shall be known as "Atarashi Tsuki" or "A new Moon" because he gives determination and he gives strength. He is brave, the Warrior who is willing to destroy armies for his brother and sister's safety." Her hand caressed Sasuke's cheek the same way only now it was on his right. Sasuke tensed also but a few moments later relaxed.
She then looked at Sakura and she made her way towards her and they stared at each other for a moment, silently having a conversation. The goddess smiled warmly.
"Haruno Sakura shall be known as "Atarashi Towairaito" or "A new Twilight" because she gives balance and she gives hope. She is resilient, the girl who everybody said was ordinary that is willing to lay down her life and also willing to take down villages and kingdoms for her brothers." She leaned in and gave Sakura a kiss on the forehead and immediately the two boys saw a few strands of their pink haired teammate's hair became red by her bangs.
"The three of you will be stronger together and the three of you will change the future. You three are by far one of the bravest people I have ever met." - she said.
"Is that it then? Are we going?" - she nodded.
"I will be in touch soon, you are allowed to share where you have come from with the people that you trust in that time but be sure to make a right choice because one wrong move would make the future exactly the same." - she warned and they nodded. Sakura then moved and inserted herself between her Naruto and Sasuke and she grabbed their hands.
"There is not much to be explained because all we come to your understanding if you are already there."
The three of them exchanged glances, they all had determined looks on their faces.
"We are ready." - It was Sakura who spoke for them.
"Very well then... I wish you success." - the goddess spoke.
It was as if they were sucked in a black hole and everything became a whirlwind of colors, that made them dizzy that they closed their eyes. They felt like they were slipping away from each other but they could also feel each other. It was being pulled up and down and left and right and being the way they were at the same time.
The meadow was long gone and they were somewhere and no where. He felt Sasuke's presence flicker and he felt much farther, it was only a moment after that that he too was flickered away and then everything went black as he felt himself falling down.
.
.
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I hope you all like it! This is my first ever Naruto fan fic and I just really love team seven very much so I tried my best making this. I love their story and their bonds is really something to be jealous of. Please post your comments and review and please be polite with your comments and honest. Wow seriously! It's a long ass chapter with 11, 681 words... Whoooooooooooooo! By the way... the picture that I used in this story is not mine and I am not sure how to ask permission because I rarely even use my computer to actually know these kind of stuff... sorry for being such a cave woman but if you are by any chance the owner of the picture and if you do not want me using it, please send me a massage and I would take it off.. Promise!
ForgetMeNot...
Because no one wants to be forgotten..
Later luvs... 3