I'm gonna change back up and write out my thanx again. It makes me feel so lazy when I don't, so here goes:
Amory-chan: Sorry about the cliffy. I'll try to do better this time. Thanx girlie for sticking with me. :)
InifinitX: Glad you've enjoyed reading so far and that you appreciate how I'm developing the relationship between Kakashi and Sakura. I've tried to remain faithful to Ino's character as well. Temari, on the other hand, well, I apologize for throwing you off guard with my characterization of her...but it seemed to fit with where she was working and all. :)
inu-babygirl: Thanx for being so faithful with reading, reviewing and kicking me in the ass, at least twice, to get this done! Although, I will say that motivational speeches never hurt. ;) haha I apologize to you and everyone else for the length of time it's taken me to get it written and hopefully it won't take as long next time. I hope to keep it interesting for you all. :)
In True Meanings: Kakashi and Genma ...who knew what they were thinking when Sakura took off...guess it was one of those they dropped their guard things. :)
sweet-cheeks87: Surprised were you? I'm surprised you're speechless, or close to it anyway. I'll try to keep the interaction between Kakashi and Sakura going...it's different for me writing them this way, trust me. And don't worry...I'll be giving you more... ;) hehe..
Chaerring Trinity: Sorry the update took so long! I'm so pleased you found my story both interesting and well written! Thanx so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts! :)
theonenameleft: You're right...Kakashi isn't as cold hearted as he thinks or would like to believe. :) You'll find out soon by what I mean.
ChibiTomoyo: Here's you're update and I'm sorry for making you wait. I'll do my best to make it worth it. :)
Disclaimer: Naruto and company aren't mine nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of this story. :) Standard warning for language, violence and adult situations apply. And for those of you who are ready for a little more than sexual tension between Kakashi and Sakura...pretty soon we'll have a little fun with those two. :) Just a warning...there is some citrusy goodness between a certain couple, although I'll not say who. :) Hope you enjoy it.
Shadowed Guardian
Chapter 3: Nothing's Ever Free
Sakura's legs ached, her lungs burned from the strenuous running. She wasn't certain how much time had passed or how far she'd run to escape her guards, but she had to find somewhere to rest...and soon. Spotting a small cave in a nearby wall of rock, she quickly ducked into the dark confines. Hugging her arms about her tight she rubbed them vigorously as she considered her options. First things first.
Whipping out her cell, she quickly realized she'd have to go back outside just to get any service. Not like signals were available through tons of rock. Gripping her phone she stepped outside and flipped the device open. Pressing one of her many speed dials, she murmured a prayer that one of them would be there. That one of them could answer.
"Hello?"
"Neji?" She breathed a sigh of relief. Thank Kami! Smiling, she assured him she was fine. "I don't have much time. Too much is happening." Her eyes carefully scanned the tree-line directly across from the cave's mouth where she stood. No sign of either Genma or Kakashi. Good! That was a very good sign so far.
"Where are you, Sakura? We heard that your guards had kidnapped you and taken you who knows where." Slight tones of worry laced his words, the most any emotion could possibly be admitted by the stoic Hyuuga.
Taken aback she asked, "What? How could you have heard this? And who started that ridiculous rumor? And they didn't kidnap me...exactly." Her mind began spinning in circles. How could he know about her situation already?
"Okay. Care to explain?" His quiet, serious voice waited patiently as sounds of sparring echoed in the background of his dojo.
Sakura went through the motions of telling him everything that had occurred up to this point and he angrily said, "Sakura, be careful! You don't know who you're messing with." He paused long enough to give a student an instruction before returning to their call. "These two guards of yours are elite. Nobody screws with them and lives."
Biting her lip, she muttered, "That bad, huh?"
"Yes. Although, I have to say that because of them a certain Uchiha has his underwear twisted clean up his ass with your disappearance. Especially when he discovered the culprits! He's still giving hell over it."
"Neji, sounds like you've had a few good laughs at Sasuke's expense", she admonished. Not that she could say she blamed him. Sasuke had rubbed Neji the wrong way on several occasions, and the two men stayed out of the other's way, forgoing complications and heated arguments.
"Damn right! I'm not the only one and I'm not afraid to admit it, either. And Sakura, before you go... be careful. I'll tell you a little something I learned from a reliable source. Both your bodyguards were used in experiments by a local, well-known family corporation. I won't say names or places, not over the phone, but I'm sure both will be made known soon. I just thought you should know in case they act strange or potentially dangerous at times."
"Experiments? Involving my bodyguards? But who would do such a thing? Who could be so cruel and callous? Not my father, surely", she protested. "Neji?" No answer. All background noises ceased, giving no indication if he was still there or not. His voice, his breathing had stopped cold. No sounds emitted from the speaker at all. "Neji?"
"I'm here", he replied, his mind distracted, which usually wasn't like Neji at all. Of course it wasn't like Neji to talk this much, either.
Hearing sounds not far from the cave entrance, Sakura sighed; her heart began to race again and she whispered, "Nej...I gotta go. I think they're here." She filled him in on everything else and hastily whispered goodbye. Folding up her phone and stuffing it back into her jeans pocket, she ducked back into the cave, away from the light, hoping she wouldn't be found.
Two manila folders landed with a smack on top of the overly large mahogany desk belonging to Sasuke Uchiha. With a carefree flick of his eyes he glanced up. "What's this", he snapped.
An eyebrow raised slightly at the impertinence of his younger brother's tone. Suavely dressed in an impeccably tailored dark suit Itachi glared coldly at him. "This is some information you need to reassess asap. You'll find that this pertains to your Sakura's future as your wife, and the ones that watch over her."
"Hn."
Two sets of eyes glowering at each other, animosity, a living entity flowing between them as they struggled to maintain a calm persona. Breaking eye contact, Itachi spun away from Sasuke's heated glance to stare out the window.
"You wanted to know why those two bodyguards were so familiar to us, " he began, voice soft, yet, hard as steel, "The answers you seek lie in those folders. Just be prepared for what you see." Spinning on his heel, Itachi headed towards the door, Sasuke's voice halting him.
"Don't be so fucking cryptic!" Onxy eyes narrowed taking in Itachi's tall, lean, yet muscled form. "Always full of riddles and puzzles. And you're always about staying cool no matter the situation."
Itachi smirked slightly, ice spilling from the cold, unfeeling expression. Taut muscles moved smoothly, a predator with the experience of hunting many a prey with a body suited for battle and hunting. His form often deceived clients as did his mannerisms. Itachi was first and foremost...a weapon. A body which held deadly capabilities if so provoked.
"Don't push me, Sasuke", he warned. " You won't like the consequences." With that said, he turned abruptly on his heel, leaving his brother to his work.
Leaning back in his chair folders in hand, Sasuke opened the first one and began to read.
Huddling in the dark, dank cave Sakura moaned lowly as her stomach growled for the umpteenth time since her escape. She'd already emptied out her purse, finding nothing nutritious or good to eat. Miserably she sat on the stone and dirt floor of the hideaway. Groaning at her stupidity for the millionth time, she leaned over planting her head against her legs, folded indian-style. She was so hungry! What she wouldn't give for a burger or something! Anything. Anything would do at this point.
Wisps of grey smoke wafted in slowly through the cave's mouth, bringing with it a mouth-watering smell. Fish? Who cares, she thought, it smells to good to resist. Sakura wondered if one of her bodyguards were the culprit as she quickly stood up, leaving her precious hiding place.
Surveying her surroundings as she stepped from the cave, her eyes swept over the rocks, around the trees, but never saw a hint of brown or silver hair watching her. But then again...would she really be able to spot them? They were professionals for pity's sake! They had to be watching her from somewhere. Somewhere she wouldn't think to look.
Treading carefully across the coarse grass in the field; heading back in the direction that she came, Sakura's taste buds longed for something, her stomach yearned for the delicious smell which beckoned her, summoned her. Continuing her trek, she realized her feet were starting to hurt somewhat, even with her wearing thick soled tennis shoes.
No matter how bad they hurt she pushed herself forwards, knowing that food awaited her somewhere up ahead; not to far in the distance. Licking her lips with eagerness she put on a burst of speed to carry her there sooner. Legs and arms pumping, she soon spotted the clearing which held the rustic cabin in its earthen grasp.
"Finally", she gasped, lungs burning for air. Head swiveling, checking for either Genma's or Kakashi's whereabouts, Sakura quickly forgot about them both as the delicious aroma penetrated her olfactory senses.
But then her bid for freedom struck again. No matter how hungry she became she refused to give in. That's exactly what they wanted. She knew their game now. Smiling at their twisted intellingence, the pink haird girl instinctively knew that this had to be one of Kakashi's mental twists to bend his charge to his strong will, making them surrender so easily, but she had no intentions of doing so.
Fire in her eyes, her own will, forged of iron and just as stubborn as Kakashi's and Genma's, reared its head and she silently turned back running to the cave and it's feeling of safety.
"So..you think she's gonna come back? Or do you think we'll have to go find her?" The brunette, illuminated by the crackling fire, asked his silently staring comrade. Personally, Genma thought a night out in the wilderness would do the spoiled princess some good. More than she could know. Her attitude needed some major skimming down.
"I think she's going to do what she wants, or try anyway. Not that we'll let her. Right, Kakashi?"
Sitting crosslegged and still, silence pervading his every move, the tautly muscular man said nothing. His posture, usually slouched and carefree, now held something akin to tension, his back ramrod straight as his one ebony eye stared into the flickering flames.
The two men had built a fire outside the cabin just in case their charge had gotten lost. If that was the case then she'd see the orange glow from her location, enabling her to find them with fair amount of ease. Kakashi had even gone fishing, bringing back several trout for their supper, cleaning them and cooking them to camp food perfection, due to the fact he had no access to spices to help flavor them.
They thought if she smelled the food cooking she'd come running, ready to eat. But their plan failed. Sakura never showed. Kakashi was worried. It was written all over his face and all over his body. The tall, lean bodyguard usually so laid back actually seemed nervous that she hadn't returned, although he tried to play it off as being worried over a charge; not because he liked her and wanted to bed her. He'd never admit that to Genma's face as the perverted brunette would never allow the tidbit to be forgotten.
Senbon bouncing between his lips Genma asked, "Okay, Kakashi, how long are you going to sit like a knot on a log? Get off your ass and make a call! Stay here or go get her. Your choice, but hurry the hell up! There's a bed calling my name in that cabin and I'm ready to get some sleep."
Stiffly, Kakashi rose to his feet, nodding his head and agreeing with his partner. "Alright," he grumbled, " you stay here. I'll go get her."
A lascivious light entered Genma's eyes and a knowing smirk crossed his face. "Yeah! I just bet you will. I know I would."
Silver hair shining brilliantly, illuminated by the moon, the quieter of the two in a moment of rarely seen anger hissed, "You know, Shuranui, I'm severely tempted to rip that needle from your mouth and mutilate a certain area beneath your waist. If you know what I mean."
Genma chuckled at his friend's empty threat, his body posture relaxed while inwardly laughing at the battle Kakashi waged inside. And it all came down to one woman. One with pink hair, a nasty temper, and a killer body to boot. If Kakashi hadn't laid claims first...he would've definitely made a play. But he wasn't that sort of friend. Never would be. Besides...he had a hot blond occupying his mind. One with attitude and a body screaming sex. He was still laughing as Kakashi stood to his feet and headed out into the darkness.
Set off by his friend's remark, Kakashi stalked off into the night to find an errant charge. He had a good idea of where she was hiding. He, Genma and some other guys of their longtime acquaintance had visited many times over the years and they knew the area well. Very well. Remembering a place they used to play drinking games, silver hair glinting under the moon, he smiled and switched his direction. This wouldn't take long, he mused, as he stalked the young heiress under the bright, full moon.
"Son of a bitch!" Dark eyes shining dangerously, Sasuke Uchiha gripped the papers in his hand tightly, their forms wrinkling up under the pressure of his anger. Evening had come and gone, as he'd read the documents his brother had recommended. Both manila folders, thick with interesting content, had taken some time to complete.
A smooth voice called out to him, "It is as I said, is it not?"
Itachi strolled in from the doorway, stopping directly in front of his brother's desk to have a seat on the black, plushy, leather sofa. Stretching his long legs out before him, he crossed them with a nonchalant manner, his handsome face relaxed, mannerism unhurried; his handsome face showing signs of unshared intelligence.
"What do you want", the younger Uchiha snarled. "I'm not in the mood for your damned mind games!"
A wicked light in his eyes, a twisted smile on his face, Itachi smirked, malevolence clearly emanating from his posture, an illusion to confuse those who didn't know better. To be truthful...Itachi loved to play games, to torture and cause pain. Those where the things he loved, what he lived for. No one else outside of their family knew this better.
But Sasuke did. He certainly knew better.
His brother was capable of evil even he couldn't comprehend, and possibly never could. Sasuke released the papers previously held in his grip, letting them fall back onto his large desk, demanding his brother speak his peace, or leave.
"Sasuke..." Itachi's eyes adopted a hateful, yet shrewd, intelligent, gleam, "Have you never wondered why father chose Sakura Haruno for your future bride? What made her so special? What could she possess that could possibly enhance the Uchiha legacy?"
Crossing the room to lean on the desk, his form towering over his younger sibling who sat seething, despising his unwelcome presence. For now he sat in silence, eager to hear the latest in a string of revelations his brother tossed his way. And of course he'd wondered why Sakura. What had indeed made her special enough to join their house and make them stronger? He was about to find out.
"Well, dear brother", Itachi spat, "here comes the train. Don't miss it", he hissed, prepared to shock Sasuke with his newest batch of information.
--
Neji sat staring stonily at his cell, wishing it would ring; wishing he could make it ring. It'd been hours since he'd last spoken with Sakura, and he was worried. He knew she could take care of herself but she wasn't aware of who she was up against, or who her two "bodyguards" were. But he did. In fact, he knew a little too much.
His thoughts were disturbed by a door closing and a feminine voice calling out to him. He answered, directing her to enter his bedroom.
"Neji?"
Gazing at her through pearly white eyes, lines of worry etched on his gorgeous face, he reached out, pulling her to him.
"Neji?" Dark eyes examined his face, searching for the cause of his silence. "You didn't answer my calls and I was worried." She left the rest unsaid. She'd been worried about him, for him. After the run-in he'd had with the Uchiha brothers a few weeks back she feared for his safety, for his very life.
A small smile crossed his face immediately lifting most of the worry from his face. "I'm sorry for worrying you. It's just that I'm concerned for Sakura."
"What's going on with Sakura?" Tenten felt her fiercely protective side rise to the surface. The pink haired girl just happened to be one of her best friends, and if someone was trying to hurt her...they'd pay a hundred fold.
The dark haired Byakugan user told her everything that'd come to pass, regretting the fear that leapt to life in the sparkling depths of her dark eyes. The very mention of Sakura's bodyguards caused her to be very afraid for her friend. Very, very afraid. For she, too, was well aware of what the duo were capable of. Tenten knew that despite their dangerous status...there was none better to protect her friend.
Kakashi and Genma were the deadliest of assassins. Both of them had been captured by Orochimaru's snake squad. The creepy, genius scientist had proceeded to experiment on them both, forcing them to adopt a distrust of their fellow humans, except for those they'd known previously to their imprisonment.
Hugging her lover tight, she whispered, "She's in trouble, isn't she?" Her whisper caught between fear and fury hung between them, a question in which the answer could be anything.
"I'm afraid she is", he admitted, resigned to the fact that he couldn't help her at this point. He'd have to sit tight and hope she'd contact him again.
Tenten took Neji's face in her hands, gently guiding their lips together, meeting in a timid touch, yet quickly igniting into a passionate yearning. A heat building between them, a fire soon to burn out of control.
Arms encircled her waist, toned muscles bunching under his white tee shirt, one arm quickly moving to support her back as he picked her up bridal-style, bearing her weight effortlessly, and making his way to his bed they frequently shared.
Placing her gently in the center of the mattress, he quickly joined her. She ran her fingers through his long hair sighing, "I love you, Neji."
To which he replied, "As I you." The mattress dipped under his additional weight and they both began to shed their clothes, removing the barriers keeping them from the skin to skin contact they needed, wanted.
Soon he took her to heights unparalleled, teasing her, urging her to cry out his name, her pleasure driving his own. Reacting to her, Neji lost the remaining vestiges of his control, spiraling with her, the hunger so potent, a driving force to be reckoned, the lovers wrapped in heat, and the moment, allowed themselves no inhibitions, and held nothing back.
With a shout they reached the pinnacle together, and fell back to earth, energies spent and sated. No words needed, their eyes closed, bodies exhausted, sleep claimed them and they clung to each other, dreaming in the dark.
--
Meanwhile, Sakura had returned to the cave, silent and hungry. She'd found some blackberries along the path; yet they weren't enough to assauge her growing hunger. Arms crossed across her stomach, she felt the cool air sweeping gently into the cave's opening.
Oh great! Just what I needed, she thought. I'm gonna freeze my ass off out here. Hungry and paranoid she fought to maintain cool and calm, just as Neji and Lee had taught. Close your eyes. Find your center. Breathe in deeply. Hold it for several seconds. Release the air slow and steady, all the while concentrating on a place of happiness and peace. Unfortunately, all the sounds outside of her shelter made concentrating difficult.
Opening her eyes, she flinched at the multitude of sounds assailing her ears: animals scurrying about while trying to find food, branches scraping against the rocks above, the wind blowing, sometimes adopting a rather spooky cry as it rushed through the trees and blades of grass. Through all this she wished to be at home, now more than ever. This environment, so haunting and foreign, caused her to feel completely out of her element, and she'd rather deal with her adopted father than this.
She had no way of knowing for certain if either Kakashi or Genma was hunting her. All of the caucophony surrounding her saw to that. All of their sounds would be swallowed up, never alerting her to their approach. Personally, her bodyguards scared her a hell of a lot more than either of the Uchiha brothers, not that she'd ever admit that thought aloud.
Outside, snapping twigs alerted her to a presence, whether animal or human. Steeling her will, and preparing herself for a fight, she swallowed hard, trying to banish the choking fear that had leaped to life in her delicate throat, muscles tense and ready, trembling slightly with the rush of adrenaline.
Without warning, a voice whispered into her ear. "There's nowhere left to run, Sakura."
Quickly, a pair of muscular arms wrapped snugly about her abdomen, pulling her flush against his chest , giving her little chance, or room, for retaliation. His breath, warm and steady, tickled her ear.
A shiver ran down her spine. The untold strength he possessed, currently leashed, yet simmering under his skin...she felt it. Magnetism. Heat. Sex. Strength. Her breath hitched in her throat at his closeness, the feel of his very maleness pressed into the small of her back. Heat pooled within the center of her being, and a stark need rose.
She wanted him. Despite the things he'd done, she wanted him. There was so sane reasoning. It just was.
Struggling to escape his grasp, her head swung rapidly from one side to the other, pink strands slapped her in the face while whipping side to side. Amidst her struggles, his position shifted. Turning her to face him, he backed her into one of the stone walls near the entrance of the cave.
A cry escaped her lips as her back slammed into the cool, hard surface. Hot. So very hot. Him. So close. She couldn't think, couldn't breathe.
"Relax, Sakura."
Low and masculine, his voice, proof of his desire, whispered to her. "I won't hurt you. I promise."
With him so close she wanted to deny him, but her body, her heart wouldn't allow it. Jade eyes opened wider as she watched him move ever closer. What was he doing? Surely he wouldn't, she thought. But it looked like she'd be wrong yet again.
Closing her eyes, she felt as if she'd melt the moment his soft lips touched hers, his towering form pressed firmly to hers. Willingly she wrapped her arms around his neck, her small whimpers and moans encouraging him to continue. At this moment, this time, she'd forgotten her anger with him and his partner. The spell he wove around them, on her, forced her brain to take a backseat and enjoy the pleasure being induced within her.
Suddenly, without knowing why, Sakura glanced up at him through heavy lidded eyes. The black patch adorning his left eye...gone. Black swirls spinning amidst a red iris greeted her.
Oh, no, not again, her inner self cried out, panicked at the very sight. "I don't want this!" But it was too late. She ought to have known Kakashi would use his body, his sexuality to get what he wanted. Just like a woman, in fact. He was the type to do whatever it took to get the job done. It was his profession, his life. In her opinion this was brutal and cruel. Trapped, she gazed full out into his seductive eyes, the spin of the Sharingan pulling at her, and blackness rushed up to meet her.
Sighing regretfully, Kakashi swung her up into his arms. He'd have preferred it not come to this, but he knew she'd have fought him regardless of how he approached the situation. When it came to her...he found himself feeling uncertain in so many ways. He'd never had to deal with a woman like her. One thing was certain, though. Her anger would return upon her awakening and he'd have to deal with them both then.
Stepping from the cave he walked purposefully, and quickly, back towards the cabin. His path lit by the bright rays of the moon, he stared at the beauty in his arms, appearing both angelic and ethereal. She was too good for him, too innocent for him. He'd never allow the blood on his hands to taint her, or another like her.
It looked like he and Genma would be up late again tonight, having a very long talk. They would have to make their move and soon, before Itachi and Sasuke discovered their location and took her back. There was so much she didn't know. And he'd rather not tell her, not yet. Not until he had to. For now he'd take one day at a time, hoping the next wouldn't be his last, for he'd be damned if he'd leave an pure soul, like Sakura, in the hands of the twisted Uchiha's.
A/N: Ok...I know this wasn't the best place to leave it, but I didn't want to give too much away... The next chap will be more revealing, I promise. I'd been meaning to update forever and a few people were really wanting an update. So it's done and I hope you liked it. Thanks for sticking with me this far! :) See ya next chapter.