Chapter Two: Sweet Dreams

Smells came first. A crisp, grassy scent that told me I was home. Warm, almond wafted past. Musk and pine needles. The clean, empty smell of linoleum floors. Bleach. And bitter medicine.

Sounds came next. Soft clanking of metal. Rolling wheels and padded feet against hard floors. Whispers. Some from familiar voice. Others, strange and distant, yet unthreatening in their gentle tones.

I tried to open my eyes but a dark, shrouded weight shackled me down. It wasn't such a terrible feeling. Honestly, I accepted it. Almost wanted it, now that I think about it. I couldn't remember why but I didn't want to wake up. Something bad happened, something sad and scary. My worst nightmare.

Just thinking about it had my heart pounding. Sweat started to pool down my face. I could hear my haggard breathing get louder. It felt like I was trying to breathe tar. Stop. Stop thinking. Go back down into the dark sleep. Forget.

But how could I forget Sakura and what happened that night?

My eyes flashed open as a thousand images rushed into my head, painting a bloody picture that I couldn't ignore anymore. Sleep was kind but I had to face reality.

"Ah, you're awake." I glanced over to my right to see Kakashi Sensei sitting beside me, with his hand placed on my chest. "Calm down. You're safe." His cheeks rose in a smile, hidden behind his mask.

I tried to open my mouth to talk, but found that I simply couldn't move. Everything was numb. All I could do was look around the room. I was in the hospital obviously enough.

"And don't worry. The mission was generally a success." Kakashi's face tensed ever so slightly. I wanted to ask at what cost. How many did we lose? "We didn't destroy the demons like we wanted, but we pushed them back three miles off the border. That will give us time to regroup and rest."

Demons. They were never the forefront of our worries. I remember when we more concerned about other ninjas and enemy countries trying to take over. Now, that seemed like child's play in comparison to fighting off the demon horde.

"And Shikamaru's team came back alive. All of them."Kakashi patted my chest and sighed. "You were the only one who almost came home in a body bag."

I didn't realize my muscles where so tense until he said that. It was like my body melted with relief.

"Although, a few arrived a bit more disturbed. Also, Shikamaru is thoroughly depressed, I believe." Kakashi placed his elbows on the bed and rested his chin in his hands. He looked tired. No. Just worn. "Really I think everyone is a bit depressed."

Well, depression is the least of our worries. Demons were invading the Land of Fire, taking down any village that stands in the ravenous horde's way. Honestly, we don't know what they want or where they came from. Suddenly, one day they just started popping up everywhere, killing and maiming, thirsty for destruction. They only organize themselves for battles. Feuds between ninja villages and clans dissolved almost instantly when the threat arose, considering the demons attack anything and everything. They didn't care if you were of the Leaf or Sand. They'd kill you and dance on your grave just the same.

They already destroyed the Sand Village. Now, they were closing in on the Leaf. We were already sheltering over a hundred refuges from the Sand Village. Most of their ninja died in the fight to protect the ones who could only escape.

My lips pursed and tingled. Whatever the docs gave me, it was strong. I didn't feel a thing and I guess, considering my wounds, I should be thankful.

"Sak-kura." I managed to rasp. My eyes bulged in shock at my own voice. It sounded like my throat was filled with shattered glass.

"She's two rooms over." Kakashi tilted his head to the left and pointed. "She's pretty banged up, but much better off than you." Something in Kakashi's eyes told me he was lying. At least about the "better off" part. "Now, stop fussing over everyone else and try to sleep."

That wasn't about to happen anytime soon.

But it did. I passed out while Kakashi read his favorite parts of his perverted book aloud. My dreams were plagued with images of half-naked women and steamy hot-eh, maybe I should keep that to myself.

Hours must have passed, because when I opened my eyes, I saw nothing but darkness. My heart raced for a moment before I confirmed that I was still in the hospital. Safe.

I sighed and used my arms to push myself up to a sitting position. I groaned and had to concentrate on not throwing up as waves of intense pain hit me. Kakashi was slouched in a chair next to my bed. He was dead asleep with his pervy book still in his lap. I smiled. He sure was dedicated. My poor sensei. Having me as his student must be one hell of a stress.

I slid my legs off the bed and tested my strength. Shaky at best. Slowly, I tried to stand. My stomach lurched. I'm sure I turned green that very moment as all the soreness and agony hit me like a freight train.

Come on, Naruto. Enough sleeping.

I hobbled my way out of the room, snatching a crutch that was conveniently placed beside the door. The hallway was empty and silent except for the soft shuffling of the late night nurses, working in the office. I snuck my way two doors down, resting against the wall before sliding into the room. A sweet, gentle scent greeted me.

"Sakura," I whispered. There she was, sleeping in the hospital bed, covers pulled up nearly to her chin. I limped closer and saw that she was hooked up to an IV. I wasn't surprised, but seeing the bag of clear liquid and the tube leading to her wrist still made me cringe. There was a chair beside her bed that I allowed myself to fall in. I sighed deeply and leaned over to rest my elbow on her bed.

I couldn't help but notice how pale Sakura looked, even in the darkness of the room. She didn't seem like she was resting peacefully either. Her eyes were shut so tightly as if she was cringing in pain. Her breathing was harsh and sounded strained. I bit my lip and thought about what happened the other night.

The demons were pushing in closer and closer to the village. Too close for our liking. We decided to fight them off. In the middle of the battle I was dragged away by some humongous demon with red scales and a long pink tongue. Everything happened so fast. I thought I was done for when my team came looking for me. I assumed I was alone, taken away to be eaten in private. But no. I was tied up. Kept alive. It made no sense. Demons kill. They don't save their victims for later.

"Naru—to."

"Ah," I gasped and looked down to see Sakura tossing in her sleep. She was having a nightmare. "Sakura, it's ok," I crooned. "Everyone is safe."

She started to roll over, but that would pull her IV out. I grabbed her wrist and gently guided her back. Sakura didn't fight it but suddenly grabbed my hand and held it tight. My face grew red hot. Oh God. I didn't know if I should pull away or…Agh.

"Sakura," I mumbled and gave up. She had my hand and wasn't letting me go anywhere. I leaned down and rested my head on my free arm.

Oh, well. I smiled and drifted off to sleep.

Sweet dreams, Sakura. Hopefully we can wake up to a better tomorrow.

...

In The Next Chapter-

You can kick and scream and fight all you want, but sometimes there are things you can't stop. Fate—yeah, fate is one of them. And today, fate is being a serious bitch.

...