Disclaimer: Honestly. If I actually owned Naruto do you think I'd be here? No. Masashi Kishimoto owns Naruto, not me.
A/N: Thanks to my few reviewers! I really appreciate the fact that you took the time to do that. It's nice to know that some people are considerate enough to tell me what they think. If you plan on putting this story in your favorite or alert lists, would you mind reviewing? It's not that hard. Really, I've done it. Leave a single word for all I care. Just say S-O-M-E-T-H-I-N-G.
Special Thanks: Special thanks goes out to:
shortslover911
Bethany (anonymous reviewer)
Sorami-san
Thank you guys so much for reviewing! You all really made my day. This chapter is dedicated to you three!!
Everything in Between
Chapter Three – Nightmarish Realities
"So where are we staying?"
Yutaka stopped and looked down at Tenshi. "At a hotel."
"Well no duh! Which one are we staying at!" Kyo shouted in exasperation.
Sayaka trailed along behind her sensei and teammates, barely listening. Aquamarine eyes and a killing glare danced through her thoughts, making her shiver despite the warm night.
"Sayaka?"
Sayaka blinked, shook her head, and looked up. Looking at her team, she realized that she had stopped walking. Tenshi was facing her, concern in her eyes.
Sayaka gave her a quick smile, running up to her teammate and linking their arms together. Worry still creased Tenshi's brow, making Sayaka sigh.
"I'm fine! Just tired, really."
"Yeah, but you've been spacey all day," Kyo joined in.
Sayaka shook her head again as she took the lead and began walking aimlessly through the streets of Konoha.
They had entered the great village of Konohagakure that morning, their spirits soaring. Immediately upon arrival, Yutaka had informed his three genin that they had to register with the Hokage.
Sayaka liked the old man straight away. Laugh lines and age spots along with sun damage and crow's feet had decorated his aged face. His voice was hoarse and deep, like he had to yell all throughout his life.
The young kunoichi had been surprised that someone so old could rule such a powerful village. But when he had turned his old eyes on her, she knew why. There was wisdom in them that made her stand up straighter, look him in the eyes, and end all her sentences with a 'sir'.
"Can we just find a place to stay? I'm tired and I need sleep," Sayaka said as she released Tenshi.
"All we have to do is choose one. Hokage-sama said that, for the duration of the chuunin exams, applicants from other villages don't have to pay for the cost of the hotel rooms," Yutaka said wearily.
"Alright! Let's see… I choose… That one!" Kyo said, running into the nearest hotel.
"How in the world did he become a ninja?" Sayaka asked.
"I wouldn't know," Tenshi said fondly.
Sayaka looked at Tenshi as the small girl gazed fondly at Kyo. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what was going on there. Since the team had started, Sayaka had realized a mutual crush had developed between the two. Personally, she thought they would make a perfect couple. But, of course, the two would never admit their feelings.
"Sayaka, hurry up!"
Sayaka smiled slightly to herself as she ran into hotel. Yutaka was already checking them into a suite with two bedrooms; one for Sayaka and Tenshi, the other for Yutaka and Kyo.
Sayaka and Tenshi talked as they got ready for bed. Silly things such as boys and makeup and clothes never entered the conversation. Often, the conversation strayed towards their village but never once did it touch the subject of family.
"'Night, Tenshi," Sayaka said as they turned off the lights.
"Sweet dreams, Sayaka," Tenshi replied sleepily.
Sayaka turned onto her side, a wince crossing her face.
If only that were possible…
--
Sayaka stood in her clan's complex, watching as the flames overtook the houses. Red fire and black smoke crossed and uncrossed with each other.
Not again. Please no, not again…
The scariest thing about the scene wasn't the enormous fire, or the pools and splatters of blood, or even the mutilated bodies. It was the silence. There was no screaming at all.
I don't want to see this again.
A little girl huddled against the wall separating the complex from the rest of Getsu. She was covered in soot and blood, tears streaming from her eyes.
Please, somebody stop this!
Sayaka watched her younger self cower against the wall, trembling and wide-eyed.
"What an adorable little girl," said a smooth, deep voice.
Sayaka's eyes widened as she turned to the voice. There he stood, the demon in that plagued her every sleeping moment.
In all honesty, he unbelievably handsome in his own way. If he had been a man in the first place, that is. He was very tall, his body muscled beyond the human norm. His ash colored skin was smooth, like it had been sculpted from granite. His blood red eyes were slanted ever so slightly, accentuating his slanted pupils. His teeth and nails were wickedly pointed, giving him a devilish look.
The man kneeled down in front of the eight-year-old Sayaka. An evil smirk marred his inhuman beauty. The child's eyes widened as he reached down and placed his bloody hand on the top of her head.
"You look just like your mother," he said, his voice low.
"Get away from her, Kokuei!"
Without taking his hand from the girl, Kokuei turned to face Akahana Sayuri. She was bruised and bloody; her left arm hung at her side, broken and bleeding.
Sayaka turned when she heard her mother's voice. Tears started to from in her eyes. She knew what was going to happen
Mother! Stop! Don't go any closer!!
"She's beautiful, Sayuri. Just like you. I don't think she's your only child, is she?" Kokuei asked, his tone malicious.
"No, and you're not going to take anymore of my family from me!"
Kokuei turned away from the young Sayaka, standing up and walking confidently towards the broken woman.
"Your clan attacked me, Sayuri. I was only defending myself."
Sayuri lifted her good arm and waved it towards the complex. "This is what you call defending yourself?"
Kokuei grinned. "You know it is. For me, this is mild."
"You're sick!"
"Maybe. But, rest assured, I will complete my revenge on your pathetic family."
Sayuri fell to her knees, placing her hand on the ground. Seals shot out from under her hand, encircling her and Kokuei.
No!! Stop it!
Kokuei frowned. "You'll just kill yourself."
Sayuri glanced towards her daughter. "Yes, but it's worth it to stop you!"
Sayuri grabbed a kunai and, closing her eyes, plunged it into her own heart. Blood poured from her body and into the sealed circle. The seals turned a burning white color. Kokuei screamed furiously, reaching out to take hold of Sayuri.
"Mommy!"
Sayuri looked at her daughter as she ran towards her. The little Sayaka hit the circle and was blown back.
"S-Sayaka… St-Stay… Stay back!"
Kokuei snarled furiously at the woman. "Damn you, Sayuri! I will get my revenge! You can't keep me sealed forever. Someone else will want my power, and they'll be willing to undo your seal! I'll destroy them, Sayuri. I'll destroy your children!"
NO!!
Sayuri gasped as Kokuei started to fade, her heartbeat slowing.
Someone, anyone, stop this now!
Turning to her child, the older kunoichi smiled slightly. Both Sayaka's watched in horror as she fell over, her body lifeless.
"MOMMY!!"
--
Sayaka bolted straight up in bed, her face dripping with sweat. It took a minute for her to slow her breathing and heart rate.
Not again…
She looked at the clock beside her bed.
Ugh, why me?
The dream always ended at twelve. She wouldn't be able to go to sleep for at least two hours now. It had been the same every night since she was eight. Ever night since the night she had watched her clan, her father, and her mother die at the hands of a demon.
I hate my life…
Getting out of bed, Sayaka dressed quietly. Being careful not to wake any of her team, Sayaka quickly left the hotel.
I'll just take a walk. That'll calm me down.
Closing the door behind her, Sayaka looked up at the sky. The moon was the only constant comfort Sayaka could count on.
It's a full moon tonight…
As she walked down the road, Sayaka sighed.
It's going to be one of those nights.
--
A/N: Okay, so in this chapter, we learned more about Sayaka's past. Hope everyone like it! And remember, R-E-V-I-E-W!! Ja ne!!
