Author's notes:
Well ok, this is my first attempt at writing…anything. I'm not that familiar with the way fanfiction works either so I hope you all can help me make this an interesting read by providing your constructive criticism. It would be much appreciated! Also, English isn't my first language so I apologize for any awkward use of words or minor grammar mistakes.
P.S. This isn't a highschool Naruto AU or anything, so just bear with me a little.
_
Chapter 1 : Meidoku
It was summer break at last…I never thought school was a pain but the last few weeks where hell for me. I had just broken up with my boyfriend and seeing him in class every day was pure torture. I just needed to get away from it all so I guess spending the summer in the mountains in seclusion wasn't such a bad idea as it first seemed. My grandpa's brother was a monk living alone in a small temple and invited me to stay with him for a while and help him out with the temple's maintenance as his old age was finally wearing down on him and slowly made his usual duties harder every year. The first day we met after not seeing each other for almost 12 years I asked him:
"Great uncle, why don't you leave the temple and live with us? Doing everything alone at your age can't be easy"
"Ahh, Hana-chan life isn't always about convenience. This is a spiritual place where the barrier between our world and the other is very thin. I wish to preserve this place and protect it from corruption for the rest of my life. I don't know if there'll be someone to take my place once I'm gone but I intend to guard the passage between realms even as a spirit. This is where I'm meant to be."
"But why? No one will even know of your sacrifice or thank you for it, no one even comes here!"
He smiled softly at me then: "I am simply doing what I can for this world. Perhaps one day you'll understand"
I doubt that. People are selfish, if you only live for the sake of others you're the one losing out. I learned that the hard way. To him, though, I said: "So, what can I help you with anyway?"
Great uncle gave me a long stare but decided not to pursue our discussion any further
"Please assist me with cleaning the floors in the temple. I'm afraid my back isn't as flexible as it used to be…"
***
"I sense a great burden in your heart"
The polished floor was shining, slightly illuminated by the sunset creating a beautiful contrast of light and shadow. I stopped washing the cleaning cloth and looked up at the old man.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Your spirit is weakened, you have isolated yourself from your surroundings and are dwelling on negative thoughts. It is unhealthy, my child"
"I think I just need some time to sort things out in my head" -After all, I refuse to be fazed forever by that bastard who dumped me.
"Hmm, perhaps I can help you with that. But for now, get some rest, we will need to do a lot of walking tomorrow."
Looking mildly interested, I answered: "Thank you, great uncle"
"Please, you need not be so formal with me, child. Do you not remember how you used to call me Chi-Chi?"
Great. Now I'm stuck with thoughts about break up and embarrassing memories from childhood. Oh happy day.
"In my defense, I was six. How about grandpa Chie then?"
The old man smiled a sad smile and then said: "I always wondered what it would be like being a grandfather. Now, off to bed Hana, we both need a good night's rest."
***
Grandpa Chie woke me up at dawn the next morning and we started toward a winded path higher into the mountain. The quiet forest around us was a good contrast to the bustling city scenery I have grown so accustomed to. As we walked further up the path I realized I was slightly envious of the monk who got to enjoy this peaceful life surrounded by nature. But I was aspiring to become a medic and knew that a strong university was a must-sadly, the best universities are usually found in big cities so country life was out of the question for a while. But maybe some day…
"May I ask where we're heading?"
"The place I want to show you is called Meidoku. It is a place where the border between worlds is especially thin and it has been used by generations of monks for meditation purposes to achieve enlightenment. Select people are able to communicate with spirits or even visit distant realms there. For everyone else Meidoku is a place to connect with your inner self to purge your soul from all negative energy and bad vibes. You have always been good with meditation Hana, that is why I believe you are up to the task. But make no mistake: meditation within Meidoku can be dangerous if you decide to concentrate on the wrong thoughts. Whether to try this or walk away is completely up to you."
"Well, it sounds like the fastest way out of my depression so it's worth a try. I can always stop if doesn't go the way I want it."
"I'll keep an eye on you just in case but I doubt you'll have any problems, you are my grandniece after a-oh, it seems we have arrived."
Meidoku turned out to be a cave, the entrance to which was veiled by a waterfall. The stream from the waterfall also formed a small lake near the cave. Everything else was just rock and trees. I admit I was awestruck by the simple beauty of this secluded haven- it almost felt magical. Meditation or no- who cares, I'm staying!
"Well, I'll get going then"-I said as I headed towards the waterfall. The water felt icy cold to the touch and refreshing compared to the summer heat that was already starting to kick in, despite the early hours of the morning. "Good thing it's not winter or I'd freeze!"
"The cold is supposed to help you concentrate on your inner self but please stop as soon as you feel too chilled. Your father will never forgive me if I purposely let you fall ill"
"Don't worry, I have been practicing on meditation in cold showers for a few years now. It helps me keep my head clear after all the studying." I sat down on the wet stone under the waterfall and closed my eyes.
"Call me if you need me" the monk said but his voice was barely discernible through the sound of falling water and I already began my internal dialogue with myself to actually understand what he said.
Now…concentrate. Clear your mind of other thoughts…what is troubling you? Of course, it's him. 5 years together and he hasn't warmed up to me one bit. I thought we could gradually become closer once we started dating but that introverted prick never once let me peek into his own world… [If you can't keep out of my business I can't see us being together]… The coldness in his voice shattered my heart into pieces. Who would even want to be with that emotionless bastard anyway?! He kind of reminds me of Sasuke. How did Sakura put up with the selfish, revenge-crazed idiot for so long and even managed to end up with him in the end? I know it's just a piece of fiction but even fairy tales have some kind of life basis in them…Oh, not good, I'm becoming distracted…concentrate, concentrate….
Clearly, meditation this time around wasn't going as well for me as it always used to. Then again I'm also usually more composed than I've been these last few weeks. I no longer felt the water falling on my head and shoulders, instead it seemed I was enveloped in a comforting coolness , completely surrounded by darkness. Even the bright sunshine outside no longer penetrated my closed eyelids. Maybe my meditating efforts weren't a complete failure in the end. Only my thoughts remained a complete mess…
…I wonder if Sakura ever had moments when she just wanted to give up on Sasuke? And if so, what kept her going? Loving a missing-nin, who, at one point, wanted to destroy her home village can't be easy. If things where a bit different could she possibly bring him back with her own strength or was it destined that only Naruto had the power to do so? Even if they end up marrying each other I still wish I could see her having a bigger influence on Sasuke. He never really opened up to her either. Really, Sakura amounted to being a pile of wasted potential in the original story. If I was there I would definitely try to make her see that. Maybe she could even beat some sense into Sasuke too, instead of wasting her tears and words. Ah, I really wish I could change their story…
"…have to tell Konohamaru about my legendary feats!"
Konohamaru..?
"Then I will…Sasuke, how about a date when we get back?"
Sa…?! I opened my eyes. I was walking on a bridge with Naruto and Sasuke walking on either side from me.
"No thanks"
"B-but…" I caught a glimpse of a red Chinese-style dress around my legs. Sakura's dress…
Ok, what the fuck?!
"What was that?" I-err, Sakura said with a confused voice and look around. Her teammates also stopped to look at her.
Did I just say that out loud? And she heard me?! I'm in Sakura's HEAD?!
"Sakura-chan, is everything ok?"- Naruto asked, slightly concerned.
"No I…I guess I was just hearing things. Come on, I really want to get back home already."
"Hmmm…" he shrugged "so anyway, how about a date with me?"
"Hell no!" Sakura scowled at Naruto but as everyone continued walking she looked a bit puzzled. I could see her from the side now and also noticed Kakashi, who walked slightly behind his team. Ok, so I can view the world either through Sakura's eyes or beside her. I can't move away from her, though, and I also can't see my own body. Am I a spirit? Or just dreaming? Yeah, probably dreaming. So I guess meditation didn't work and I fell asleep. Oh well, grandpa Chie will wake me up sooner or later but I don't want to do it on my own~ this dream seems like fun! Naruto's world sounds pretty interesting, I want to see Konoha too… Oh, this bridge looks familiar! I think they just completed their mission with Zabusa. That means the chuunin exams aren't that far off either. I'd love to see it but I doubt I'll get to sleep that long.
As team 7 made their way back to their village I took in the unfamiliar scenery and listened to their conversations while deciding what to do from now. Apparently, Sakura could hear me in this dream so I knew what I would do for entertainment. But I'd rather wait until she was alone.
***
It was completely dark by the time they arrived into the village. Sakura waved everyone goodbye and hurried back home. As soon as she was in the comfort of her own room Sakura plunged onto her bed with a deep sigh.
"What a tiring mission."
And we're alone at last
The young ninja sat up immediately.
"Who's there? Have you been following me?"
Not quite. Or rather - not that I had a choice
"You…I hear you in my head, is this a genjutsu?!"
Well no, I don't think so. Also, you don't need to talk aloud, I can hear your thoughts just fine
"Get out of my head this instant, whoever you are! Shannaro!" As she said that she got up in a flash, ran to the wall and banged her head on it as hard as she could.
Owww, not a smart move, girl… Wait, that hurt?! As the kunoichi toppled to the floor clutching her head in pain I tried to quickly rearrange my thoughts. If I can feel pain this is probably not a dream. As if to check that I tried to wake up. Nothing happened.
Ok, calm down! Maybe my mind fell into some kind of trance. Regardless, Chie will wake me up sooner or later, so for now I should just go along with what's happening…Even if it is bizarre as hell.
Sakura, please calm down, I'm not here to hurt you. I actually don't even know how I ended up here
There came a knock on the door and a concerned woman's voice said "Sakura, are you alright, dear?"
"Yeah, mom, everything's fine, I'm going to bed now!"
"Ok then but call me if something's bothering you, honey"
"No, really, everything's all right, I was just practicing a new technique I learned" Uhuh, it's called Schizophrenia no jutsu.
"Well good night then, I'm sure you're tired from your mission"
"Thanks, good night, mom" ..Now YOU! Who exactly are you and what do you want from me?
Good to know you're not yelling at me anymore. My name is Hana, I'm an 18-year old senior high school student from Japan. And as I've said before, I haven't the slightest clue how I got inside your head - or your world for that matter
My world? I've never heard of a village or country named Japan..and high school? Is that like an academy for older ninjas?
Um no, we don't have ninjas in my world. We did at some point in history but not any more. A high school is basically where teenagers gain knowledge to be able to pursue different carriers later in life. Kind of like your academy but without all the ninja stuff and it also lasts longer. I always wondered what kind of screwed up morals your villages must have to throw prepubescent kids into potential life-threatening situations like it was nothing.
And you expect me to believe you just like that? If you're from some other world as you claim then how can you know so much about my world? Apparently, Sakura decided to ignore the morals talk for now.
If you think that what I've told you so far is weird wait till you hear this: there exists a story about your place – or, to be more specific, a story about Uzumaki Naruto and his adventures
Naruto? Seriously?! Your tale gets less believable by the minute..
Well, you know what they say: sometimes the truth can be crazier than your wildest imagination
"Sigh. I don't think I can deal with all this right now." And I have to wake up early too. I'm just going to try and sleep. Hopefully, when I wake up it will all turn out to be a bad dream. Without another word she quickly took a shower, changed into pajamas and slid into her bed. Yeah, I guess the rest of our conversation could wait.
Sakura awoke the next morning with a slight headache. She looked around her room as if expecting to see someone there but didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. It was eerily quiet too.
"Hey, are you there..?"
Phew, maybe I was just tired yesterday and imagined things..
Why, good morning, sunshine!
Sakura jumped, fumbling in her blanket and fell out of bed.
_
Meiso-meditation
Dōkutsu- cave
Meiso no Dokutsu= cave for meditationà Meidoku
Doku also means poison, hinting that the place can turn nasty if going unprepaired
Hana-flower
Chie literally means wisdom
Yeah, I'm so creative with names, I know -_-