Flicker - [flik-er] - A brief movement; To move waveringly; To burn unsteadily or fitfully.

PIONEER

CHAPTER 2

SAKURA'S POV

I woke up at 7 in the morning feeling sluggish and tired. I hauled myself off the bed and went to the shower. The hot water relaxing my tense muscles and relieving tension on my back. I thought of possible diagnostics for Rin's sickness. My mind coming up with so many possibilities and is already giving me a headache. I stepped out of the shower and dressed up in my usual outfit. I grabbed some bread for breakfast and made my way to the Sokaro house.

The village was bustling with activity with so many people on the road. Different people of age and class came to. Some were children playing, some were hurrying to school, some elderly were gossiping and some were managing their businesses. I finally arrived at my destination and greeted the guards outside. As usual, the maids and nurses are waiting for me and guided me to Rin's room. His symptoms aren't getting any better and actually, it's getting worse. He started to vomit blood and I discovered that he has developed stomach ulcer so I had to heal his stomach with chakra.

Rin's sickness is taking a toll on him. His once healthy black hair was turned dull, his skin has gone sickly pale and when he is awake his blue eyes are lifeless. I mixed a concoction that will help with the stomach ulcer and made him drink it. I gagged a bit but still drank it. I took some blood samples and tried to isolate the virus that's causing him to be like this. I was writing down some ingredients for a possible cure when I heard my name being called.

"Hello Sakura-san," greeted Yama Sokaro.

Yama was one of the daimyo's of the Land of Waves. He is the only non-corrupt daimyo from what I've heard. He is a fierce and well-respected man with a soft heart for his only son. This served as my drive to cure his son's sickness so he won't lose him.

"Good afternoon, Sokaro-sama," I replied.

He handed me a scroll with the hidden leaf insigna, "This just came in for you,"

"Arigato," I smiled at him.

Sakura,

I would like to ask you for a favor. I would assign you another mission while you're still in the Land of Waves. A woman named Mizune has asked for a mission. She lives in a village 30 minutes from where you are. You are to bring her with you and protect her until your mission with Sokaro is done. You will bring her back her to Konoha safe and sound. Until then, take care Sakura.

Tsunade, Godaime Hokage.

PS

Kindly pick her up as soon as you receive this.

I sighed and started to arrange the papers and notes on Rin's desk that I was using and picked up my medical and weapons pouch. I checked Rin's temperature, pulse and blood pressure before leaving. I ordered a nurse to make Rin's drink the ulcer medicine every 30 minutes. I talked to Yama about another mission I was assigned to and was on my way.

I followed the path at the southern gate of the village. It was rocky and steep and certainly did not take 30 minutes to travel on. After an hour and a half, I arrived at the village and asked for a woman named Mizune. At first they were all weary when I asked for her location but after seeing my headband they told me. I arrived at her house, not too big and too small. I knocked twice and waited. The door opened and revealed a huge man. A bald, buff and tall man. I would've been intimidated but since I'm a kunoichi, I've seen people like him already. He glared at me and looked at me up and down. I must've looked like an ant to him considering his height and all.

"Who are you?" he asked as he glared at me even more.

I stood my ground and didn't cower in his stare, "I am the shinobi that will be protecting Mizune-san,"

"You? How can you protect her when you're small and weak?" he said harshly.

Weak.

Weak.

Weak.

That hit a spot. I've been called weak so many times in the past that's why I trained so hard just to be strong. Just to prove to the world that I'm not weak. That I'm strong and I won't bend. To prove to him that I'm not the weak little girl he left all those years ago.

It was my turn to glare, "Who are you to judge me so quickly?"

"I hit a spot didn't I? I know people like you," he smiled cruelly; "You've always been weak, so weak so you trained hard to be strong but in the end nothing has changed. You are still weak,"

I've been exhausted these past few days, mentally and physically so I decided I'm not taking insults in today. I didn't know what came over me but anger just flooded over me and attacked him. I threw a punch but he blocked it and kicked me back. I pounced on him and kicked him hard on his chest sending him flying to the wall. He was fast because he was right behind me after I kicked him.

"Is that all you can do pinky?" he sneered at me.

He bear hugged me so tight that I can barely breathe. I focused my chakra on my forearms and elbowed him as hard as I could. I tackled him on the ground and wrestled him but he was able to throw me off.

I threw a chakra laced punch on his chest that would've broken a few ribs. Then I swiftly came behind him and poked his back.

"I am a trained medic-nin. I know where to poke you on the back to paralyze you and make you internally bleed. So stop this right now," I whispered.

"You don't scare me pinky," he sneered as turned me around and forced me on a headlock.

I concentrated and focused my strength on my legs and lifted him on my back. I slammed him to the ground. I focused my chakra and made the right handseals for my genjutsu. Even since I was genin, genjutsu has been my specialty. I could do it with no problem because I have perfect chakra control. He slowly slumped to the ground as I casted a genjutsu of his worst fears.

"Miruki!" a girl's voice shouted.

She was wearing a black yukata with the same height as me with black hair, green eyes and porcelain skin.

"Are you Mizune?" I asked calmly.

"What have you done to him?" she shouted as she cradled his unconscious head.

I didn't answer but released my genjutsu instead. I slowly made my way to them, I crouched down to heal Miruki but Mizune pulled his body to hers so I won't be able to touch him.

"I'm a healer. I will heal your friend," I calmly said.

She contemplated what I said but decided to trust my word and gave Miruki's body to me. My hands glowed green chakra as I healed his broken ribs and pulled muscles.

"He is fine. He'll wake up in a couple of minutes," I said to her.

"Who are you?" Mizune whispered.

"I am your guard," I answered, "You will come with me to a village a hour from here and wait while I finish another mission and I will escort you to Konoha safe. I am Sakura Haruno."

"You are my guard?" she seemed confused, "but you're so pretty,"

I was taken aback by what she said. I never thought of myself as pretty so I was pretty shocked.

"Excuse me?"

"I do not doubt you after what you did to Miruki but I didn't expect someone so pretty be a cold-blooded shinobi,"

"I am not pretty nor am I cold-blooded,"

"I see," she said as she stood up, "would you like some tea?"

"No thank you. We must hurry back to my other mission, time is crucial,"

"Okay. We'll leave as soon as Miruki wakes up. He deserves my good bye after all," she said sadly.

"Who is Miruki?"

"Miruki is my guard and my babysitter since birth,"

Wow. A big muscular guy a babysitter. Haven't seen that one before.

"He may seem tough and mean but he's just looking out for me," she continued, "I've always been targeted by bad people since I was born and Miruki has served my family for years,"

"Then why did you ask Konoha for protection when you have Miruki who seems very capable of doing his job?"

"I don't think it's my story to tell. You should ask him. I'm going to get tea now," she said as she left.

Now I feel guilty. I just attacked a person because I was tired and he pushed my buttons when he's just doing his job. After a few minutes, his fingers started to move and his eyes finally opened.

He slowly sat up and looked around. He looked alarmed when he saw me so I reassured him.

"It's okay. I healed you so you're fine,"

He blinked, "Where is Mizune-sama?"

"She went to the kitchen to make tea,"

"What is your name, kunoichi?"

"I am Sakura. Sakura Haruno,"

"I am Miruki,"

"I apologize for attacking you," I started, "I was tired and you just caught me in a bad day. I don't usually attack people,"

"It's fine. I was provoking you. I needed to know if you were worthy to guard Mizune-sama," he said, "and you passed,"

I smiled gratefully and said "Why did you ask for Konoha's help when you're obviously capable of protecting her?"

It was his turn to smile sadly, "Didn't Mizune-sama tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"I am dying Sakura-san," he said like he's already accepted death.

"Dying? Dying of what? You seem fine to me,"

"That's the problem. I don't know,"

"Then let me look at you! I'm a medic-nin and I can help you,"

His eyes looked hopeful for a second before looking away, "I cannot accept your help. I am a nobody. I don't deserve it,"

"Then do it for Mizune-san," I said, "So you can always be there to protect her. You've done it her whole life, so why stop now?"

He didn't answer me and was startled me the door opened. It was Mizune with a tray of cups and tea.

"Miruki! You're awake!" she smiled brightly, "and you've met Sakura-chan as well!"

"Yes I have," he smiled at her. He looked different. He seemed happier when talking to her.

"We have to leave Mizune-san," I said, "Miruki is awake, ne?"

She sighed and looked disappointed, "Okay. I wanted to say goodbye to your first Miruki," she said to him.

"Who said anything about good byes?" I smiled.

"What?" they both said in unison.

I turned to Miruki, "I can help you if you just let me,"

He thought for it for a moment and looked at Mizune, "Alright,"

I smiled brightly at him, "Then we're all set!"

Mizune packed her clothes and Miruki offered to carry it. We started to walk towards the village gate when some elderly people greeted Mizune.

"Take care Mizune!"

"Always protect of Mizu-chan okay Miruki?"

They both smiled at them kindly and waved good bye. We walked up the rocky path with Mizune riding on Miruki's back because she fell once when she tried to climb the rocks. We arrived at the village where I was staying at after two hours. I brought them to the inn I was staying at and got another room for them.

"Sakura-chan, aren't you hungry?" Mizune asked.

"I'm fine Mizu-chan. You go ahead and explore the village. I'll meet you back here at the inn tonight," I said to Mizune.

"You know what to do, Miruki-san," I added.

He nodded and I made my way to the Sokaro house. It was nearing sundown already and I'll just do a last checkup on Rin before the day ends to see if his ulcer is getting better. I arrived at the house, greeted the guards as usual, the maids bowing to me and the nurses reporting Rin's condition this past afternoon while I was gone. He seemed to stop vomiting blood and his stomach is getting better. His fever is lower now and his chills have subsided.

Rin was awake staring at the sunset outside his window.

"Hello Rin-san, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"I told you, stop calling me that. Just Rin okay?" he looked at me blankly, "and I'm feeling better compared to yesterday which totally sucked,"

I smiled at him, "Alright Rin. I'll just inject you with an anti-biotic to help your fever and I'll see you tomorrow okay?"

He nodded at me and continued to stare outside the window. I proceeded to disinfect his arm and injected him with the anti-biotic. When I was done, I never noticed Rin's face before. How his skin contrast his black hair and how his eyes just captures your attention. How bright they were and how clear and beautiful and … looking back at me right now. I blinked and looked away and fixed his bedside table full of notes and medical supplies. I could feel the smirk in his face and it's totally not helping the blush trying to form in my face. He's in been sick and tired but still has the energy to smirk at me.

What the heck? Since when did I act like a "fangirl" towards my patients? The last time I like someone was when I was genin. I took my medical notes so I can study them tonight and packed my bag.

As I was about to open the door, I heard Rin say with a damn smirk on his face, "See you tomorrow Doc Sakura,"

I composed myself and looked back at him, "Be better Rin!"

I bumped into Yama on my way out of the house and I informed him of his son's improvement. He seemed pleased that something good was happening and bid me good bye. I was feeling good when I left the house, maybe because I was making progress with my mission, discovering and curing a new disease or maybe it's because of my patient, Rin.

I shuddered as I thought of having feelings for my patient. It's actually funny because he kind of resembles Sasuke. They both have dark hair and porcelain skin with an air of smugness and power. I shook away my thoughts and tried to think of my other mission. Why was Mizune being targeted since she was born? By the looks of her house, she was neither rich nor powerful.

I was in deep thought when someone bumped into me. I was about to apologize but when I turned around I froze. Chills running down my spine and I just couldn't move. I was speechless and shocked.

His dark hair and onyx eyes staring at me. A panicked look in his face was masked perfectly with his indifferent and blank face.

"S…s..sa.."

I couldn't finish. I could just stare at the person who bumped into me. He hasn't changed. His beautiful features have grown and made him look like a grown man. He was a lot taller than me and his hair has grown long enough to frame his face.

I mustered my courage and opened my mouth to speak but he beat me to it.

"Sakura."

SASUKE'S POV

I saw Sakura leave the village this early afternoon but without her bags so I knew she was gonna be back. I laid in one of the trees near the village gate, my hands behind my head with one knee propped up. Why was Sakura in my mind? She was just a fan girl right? No, I don't think so, if she was why would she feel my presence? No one can feel me. Even when she's not bothering me, she's annoying me. Annoying girl.

"Sakura-chan! We're here!" I heard a voice say.

I looked down at the path below me and I saw Sakura with 2 people beside her. One was a girl the age of Sakura and the other a bald muscular man alertly looking around. They continued towards the village and I decided to follow them. Sakura left them at the inn she was staying at and she walked towards the village center when the Sokaro house is located. She was going back to work apparently. So I stopped following her and wandered around the village. The streets aren't so busy anymore and the sun is coming down already. I could already see the moon and thought. In a couple of minutes after sundown, the streets would be empty with families spending their dinner indoors. Another day, another night. When will it all end? Is there a purpose why I'm here? It's really annoying. I do not like annoying.

I was deep in my thoughts when someone bumped into me.

Someone

Bumped

Into

Me

Someone bumped into me. Had physical contact with me. Was able to touch me for a second.

And it was the object of my annoyance.

At first, I was in shock that someone had bumped into me. Nobody has bumped into him in years. And that someone just had to be her. I quickly masked my shock with my usual indifferent face, but inside I was slightly panicking to why she was able to bump into me.

"Sakura," I finally muttered when she was too speechless to speak my name properly.

She swallowed and shakily said, "Sasuke,"

We said nothing after but just looked at each other's eyes. I haven't seen her face up close. She really has grown. He green eyes are brighter than before but no longer innocent because of her years as a kunoichi. Her face smooth and healthy with slight dark circles under her eyes because of lack of sleep. Her plump lips agape that turned into a frown.

"What are you doing here, Sasuke?" she asked after our staring contest.

"Hn," I was slightly speechless of our situation so I resorted to my old vocabulary.

Slightly annoyed at my answer, she repeated, "I said, what are you doing here?"

"Why can't I be here?"

She sighed and cast me a dark and alarmed look, "Is Orochimaru here? Are you targeting Mizune?"

"Orochimaru? God no. I haven't seen him in years. And who's Mizune?"

"Haven't seen him in years? Why? I thought you were seeking power by coming to him," she sneered.

"Hn,"

"Didn't do you good now did it?" she smirked.

"Who said I didn't become powerful? You just assumed that," I said as I took a step closer to her.

The sun has set and the moon is shining. The moonlight casting shadows everywhere. My hair casting its shadow on my face.

"You're the shadow I've been seeing!" she accused.

"Don't be stupid Sakura. If I was near you, wouldn't you be able to sense my chakra?" I lied.

"You haven't changed. You're still the pretty arrogant boy I once knew," she spat.

I smirked, "Pretty?"

She looked taken aback but regained her composure and glared, "I'm not the same girl you once knew Sasuke,"

"And I'm not the same boy you once knew Sa-ku-ra," I said as I took another step closer.

"I'm no longer weak," she glared.

"I've noticed. You're not trying to flirt your way with me anymore," I smugly said as I stepped another.

"I'm no longer a fan girl that thinks everything you do is perfect,"

"And I'm no longer the naïve boy who thought he can survive without bonds," I said as I looked down at Sakura, our bodies inches apart.

"..survive without bonds?" she confusedly said.

"You can see me right? It means I still have a bond with you," I said as the moonlight illuminated our faces, inches from each other.

"What's..what's that supposed to mean?" she stuttered finally noticing the very small distance between us.

"Nothing," I smirked as our noses touched and closed my eyes.

I was so close to her that her warmth radiated to me. It was comforting and warming. I wanted to be closer to her so I could finally feel the warmth I've been missing for these past few years. Suddenly, she stepped back and put a distance between us. The warmth suddenly turned off leaving me in the cold again.

"I..I don't know how to deal with you right now," she admitted.

I just looked at her and wished she'd just go back near me and make me feel warm again.

"I need to go," she said as she turned around and ran off. I didn't follow her and just stood there. I felt a tinge of disappointment when she ran off because I thought she'd be at least a little happy to finally see me.

Hah. Why would she be happy to see me? It's not like we had wonderful memories. That last time we saw each other I knocked her out and put her in a bench unconscious. A sudden weight came to my chest so I sighed deeply and walked the other way. Towards the forest where i'll be alone.

I'm alone again.

Alone and cold.

The moon shining so brightly with the stars twinkling. Even the moon has company.

Unlike me.

A/N:

Wow i finished this in just a day while watching American Horror Story. TATE LANGDON.

I was really excited to write the Sasuke/Sakura scenes. And i'll always be writing Sasuke's POV every chapter cause i feel like his point of view is essential to the story. I apologize for some confusion in the story but i intentionally wrote that. It's part of the story :D

Reviews please! and thank youuuuu :)

PS

While writing the description for Rin Sokaro, i was thinking of Rin Okumura from Ao No Exorcist (just so you could get an idea of his face)

PSS

I fixed my grammar with Sasuke's POV, thanks for pointing that out pockybandits89 :D