I have no rights to Naruto.
Enjoy.
O0o
As quick as the turning of the tides the seasons changed and once again Kakashi stood within the clearing in which Sakura had last been seen. The leaves created an abundance of colours, the orange, red, yellows and pinks filling the canopy enriching the forest around him, a beautiful scene except to those who saw the clearing as it truly was.
The crunching of fallen leaves next to him heralded the arrival of his former student, slowly turning his mask covered face towards the younger man he nodded in greeting not speaking a word, his gaze returning to the clearing.
"It is late for flowers to be growing."
Nodding his head in agreement the silver haired sensei responded to his student's query. "Morning Glory, Amaranth and Marigold, according to Yamato and Ino, flowers of death, pain and regret."He paused looking over the blooming white, gold and deep pink blossoms before continuing "Flowers that Ino has to order from Rock, Mist and Snow growing in a Konoha forest continuously for the last known four months with no sign of wilting or decaying."
"Hnn" the raven haired youth grunted a reply that to his former Sensei was filled with emotion. His eyes blazing red Sasuke swept his gaze over the colourful clearing, looking for what he was uncertain, perhaps a lingering Chakra signature, a piece of cloth or signs of a struggle.
"ANBU have been out a dozen times as well as Aburame and Inuzuka, anyone who could be of the slightest help. Nothing has been found, not even a single strand of hair."
Finally turning to face his former Sensei, Sasuke was momentarily taken aback at the fact that Kakashi now only stood a couple of inches above him rather than a foot and half. When aiding the search for the pink haired Kunoichi who loved him the raven haired youth had made it a point to only stand next to Naruto, Naruto who always stood next to him defended him and looked for him. But now standing next to his Sensei he felt a tug of longing deep within himself, he understood that this was what he missed, his team who were also his family. The ones who stood by him and made him laugh and welcomed him each in their own way into their hearts.
"When are we searching again?"
The slight crinkling of Kakashi's lone visible eye was the only evidence of his smile and he proudly read the Uchiha's intentions clearly – We are not giving up. Unfortunately this was the part he was not looking forward to, the reason he had ordered Naruto to stay in Konoha and made him decide to meet up with the raven haired youth beside him.
"The Hokage is under pressure to stop all searches for her."
"Hn"
"They do not believe the information trustworthy."
Red eyes swirled in anger as understanding dawned. Why would the Elders or Councils believe any word from Uchiha Itachi, the youngest ANBU captain and teenager who massacred his entire family apart from one lone boy child, him.
"Do you?"
Kakashi narrowed his eye at the question, impressed by the maturity shown in those very words.
~"We met her in the clearing three miles south of here.....nearly a year ago." Itachi stated his voice barely heard over the wind. But the disappointment in the young, blonde man's face and body was loud and clear.
"Why are you telling us this? Why not just attack?" Kakashi questioned as his suspicions rose and the warning signals in his head blared as loud as the thunder around them.
"Even we do not always wish to fight.....and it is a matter of honor." Itachi slowly stated remembering his unspoken promise to the young kunoichi.
"What did ugly say?" Sai asked as he walked up to them, his curiosity peaked for the woman who had helped him with his emotions.
"Tell them...I was still alive when you saw me."The quiet unassuming words had Kakashi bowing his head in pain and sadness as he felt his eyes fill with tears.
"Dattebayo, I knew Sakura-chan would be okay!" Naruto's joy-filled voice filled the swiping the tears away with the back of his hand, Kakashi saw Yamato briefly close his eyes before meeting his in silent and painful understanding. Sai had completely closed off his face, utterly blank and eyes empty. Looking at the Akatsuki, Kakashi thought he saw...pity in Kisame's eyes as he looked at Naruto with Hidan shaking his head and Itachi...with a lesser man, he would say he sighed, but Itachi was a conundrum and normal standards could not be used for comparison.~
"Yes"
That simple word echoed through the clearing, filling the air with hope as the two men stood side by side looking out upon the ill fitting bed of flowers clustered in the middle of the autumn hued clearing. Above the birds thrilled their songs and within the vegetation animals could be heard foraging for food to prepare for the winter hibernation.
"The Elders in particular want her to be declared dead. Out of the generosity of their hearts they are allowing her name to be engraved on the Cenotaph even though she did not fall in battle."
Sasuke snorted at this statement, marvelling at the pomposity of the egotistical group that felt they ruled over the small insignificants that were the Konoha Shinobi.
"How is . . . how are they coping?" He questioned not comfortable with the feelings of worry that were tugging inside him. He was an avenger and had a plan to carry out, this brief hiatus would end in time and he would return to his path once his debt to a certain pink haired young woman was repaid. A young woman who never once stopped believing in him or caring for him despite everything he did to her.
"Angry, worried, afraid." Kakashi sighed. "The Hokage is getting missions from other countries for aid against a new cult that has no patience for those who do not bow down before them. Naruto resents that he is being pulled away from searching as are her friends, most vocally Ino. But I think they may be losing hope."
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the admittance before quickly narrowing in thought, Team 7 had never given up on him no matter how many times he had cursed them for it and always in the back of his mind it had been a slight comfort for him.
"Tell the dobe I'll keep looking."
Kakashi smiled fully underneath his mask as he admitted "Mmmm for some reason a lot of the rookie's and teams that knew Sakura are being delayed a day or two in completing their missions."
Watching the youth smirk out of the corner of his eye Kakashi nodded his head towards the clearing "If she went willingly we may never find her."
"Never stopped you from trying to find me." Sasuke smirked his eyes blazing in determination as he continued "It's Sakura, if we take too long she'll find us."
"With a punch into the nearest tree" Kakashi chuckled as Sasuke remembered the stories Naruto had shared about their pink haired team mate's new abilities.
The wind blew the autumn leaves into their faces, the colourful leaves rustling overhead as the flowers swayed in the clearing. Death, pain and regret. To a Shinobi the clearing represented death and loss.
There were no goodbyes, only a quick nod at another and a silent promise to send a scroll with any information gathered to the other party. In a blink of an eye Sasuke stood alone. With a deep breath he controlled his emotions and slowly took a step forward, then another and another. Until finally he stood in the middle of the flowers the dark pink, white and golden petals surrounding him like a heap of confetti.
He expected to feel pain or fear, perhaps he thought that the emotions Sakura last felt would touch him, like a ghost clutching onto the living world. But it was determination, pride and strength that coursed through his veins causing him to clench his fists and grind his teeth, closing and opening his eyes clearing all distractions from his mind his breath caught as a ghostly image of Sakura stood before him.
Was he imagining it or was it real, was he succumbing to insanity or was she trying to communicate with him. She too stood within the clearing surrounded by the negativity of the flowers; she stood out like a rose among the brambles, the last blossom of the spring, her hair swayed gently behind her and her eyes possessed a look of power behind them that not even Orochimaru could have claimed. A black cloak adorned her body, a single pale slim arm coming out to push a strand of pink hair behind her ear, with that he noticed how much longer her hair had gotten, to her shoulders and he shook himself for focusing on that particular feature. His eyes latched onto her lips as they started to move, his ears strained to hear her, frustrated he stepped forward only to back pedal when her image started to waver. Her lips never ceased to move and slowly the soft melodious and ominous tone filled the clearing, echoing gently around him as he reached out in vain to try and touch her. Just centimetres away she gave him a sad smile and repeated her words before softly fading before his eyes.
The woods are lovely dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
And miles to go before I sleep
Looking around the haunted clearing Sasuke briefly closed his eyes in pain before silently promising that like Naruto he would not give up, even if ghostly images were telling him to. With a final sweep of the area he disappeared leaving the clearing empty and the animals to once again awaken from their frightened stupor.
Slowly the area filled with noise, the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds and the foraging of animals, for it would take time for all to know that the clearing with the forests of Konoha, the furthest away from the village, the one filled flowers of Morning Glory, Amaranth and Marigold was haunted and longer still for people to shy away from it.
Oo00o
The large Hall was empty of its usual occupants the stone walls and floor emphasized the emptiness of the room, the tapestries and furniture were of no avail as the room exuded despair, emptiness and death. The Lord's and Lady's most trusted Guards stood to attention at the doorways, alcoves and dais, no one would enter without first dealing with them. They were chosen for many reasons, their unwavering loyalty to Jashin was foremost but also their loyalty to their Lord and Lady but most importantly was their ability to keep secrets even from each other for once the matters in this room were spoken the Guards would plead amnesia even under torture, such was their loyalty.
Up on the dais the elderly High Priest loving called Grandfather by the Little Hime, was weighed down by worry and fear, his eyes no longer held their usual sparkle nor was his face warm and welcoming. For once he took advantage of his position and with no regards to etiquette sat down heavily on a chair brought forth by one of the Guards without prompt from the Lord or Lady. He paid no mind to his robes or even his medallion which he would usually treat with reverence, his eyes spoke of pain and loss as his face seemed to age before the Lord and Lady's eyes showing every bit of his 160 years. He was not immortal like Hidan but Jashin had granted him longevity until his time was at an end.
His dark pain filled eyes fell upon the worried faces of his Lord and Lady who in the presence of their most trusted dropped all formalities and held each other as they waited for the High Priest and their most trusted advisor to speak.
Sighing heavily he pinched the bridge of his nose before delivering the news that had brought him down.
"The heretics that preach of the One Power have no tolerance for other religions, for years they have campaigned against other religions persecuting, torturing and burning people for their beliefs. A dash of fear is healthy but these priests rule by fear. Jashin is harsh but fair he sees the truth within us, we see evidence of his power every day and we sacrifice to him to show our love and devotion, that is our way. We exist in a time where there are many Gods and many Powers but these Heretics do not acknowledge any of them.
They are self righteous in the belief that they are the true power and woe be anyone who stands in their way. The rich are richer and more powerful and the poor suffer for it, they gather the wealth from their people and those they destroy, their armies are fuelled by greed and hatred.
While many outside our religion do not understand our ways or the sacrifices we perform I have never in all my years been so repulsed than when the bones showed me a vision of a One Power priest cutting down a child similar in age to our Little Hime because the child said she believed in Kami.
Releasing a shaky breath the High Priest looked up and meet the lady's eyes before telling her "When your Mother was a child my Lady the Court travelled, you Mother was feared as a follower of Jashin as were we all but while we call other heathens we never forced Jashin upon them. One day a woman questioned your Mother about her beliefs and your Mother replied "We each believe different things, we celebrate with blood, pain and death but so do you in your own way. We could question each other all day but then I would miss dinner and Mother would not be happy."
The Lady smiled at the old Priest's memories and watched him expectantly as he continued.
"And while it is true that many revel in the blood and death of Jashin, many others are gentle and kind, using vermin or animals for sacrifices. Jashin sees within their hearts and knows who truly follows him.
But I digress my Lord and Lady"
The High Priest apologized and collected himself before he delivered the true news.
"But now it seems that the Priests of the One Power have turned their eyes on Jashin and his followers. I have consulted the bones numerous times, called upon Jashin and sacrificed the purest of the pure but the readings never change."
Eyes full of pain meet the now worried faces of the Lord and Lady as the tension from the guards filled the room.
"Unless we act they will descend upon us like a plague of locusts devouring the crops, they will destroy every man, woman and child regardless of age, health or occupation. They will leave none alive."
By the dais the Commander of the Guards stood forward and offered his Lord and Lady his life "In Jashin's name we will strike down any who think to destroy us!" His promise was followed by the thunderous footsteps of all the guards in the Hall as they too stepped forward and in an echoing smack pounded their hands against their hearts in a similar promise. The Lord nodded his head in approval of the young Commander only to stop and raise a questioning eyebrow at the shaking head of the old Priest.
"And when they rally all who fear us against us and outnumber us a hundred to one? Jashin is powerful but even the Gods, the Demons and the Monsters have rules when interfering in the lives of mortals.
"Then what shall we do?" the soft gentle voice of the Lady filtered through the Hall as her solemn eyes looked upon her husband, the old Priest and the faithful Guards in the room. Meeting the dark eyes of the old Priest she let out a shaky breath instinctively knowing she would not like the answer.
"I have consulted bones and prayed to Jashin and there is only one plausible route for us to take. In a month's time the heretics plan to attack us in the summer court, to level a heavy blow to us, thinking it is our permanent base, we will take our Guards, warriors and any more who volunteer. The heretics must think they are truly fighting us, destroying us, in the heat of battle they will not notice the lack of youths and children.
We will hide away here sequestering ourselves from the world until the time comes for us to reveal ourselves once more."
But my Lord and Lady each turn of the bones show one or both of you dying, you are one of their main focuses."
Closing her eyes the Lady fought the tears as the truth filled her "Our Daughter"
Nodding his head gravely the old Priest bowed his head "Yes the Daughter of Jashin. They have heard of her and believe that killing her will thoroughly demoralise the followers of Jashin, destroy us and kill our beliefs."
"How shall we protect the Little Hime?" the young Commander questioned as like everyone within the walls of the Castle he loved her dearly.
"She will die" the old Priest said, putting up his hands to stop their protests he continued. "To the world she will be a tragic casualty of the heretic's madness, she will be placed with a family and taken far from here to be brought up as a normal girl."
"But how will that be possible Jashin speaks through her" the Lord exclaimed, as a true parent worry of his own death was pushed aside and he focused on saving his daughter. She would survive, their name would survive, their belief in Jashin would survive and their people would have someone to lead them.
"Jashin shall withdraw from her, becoming an inner voice or an imaginary friend. He has shown me the ritual I must perform to protect her. It will bury her knowledge and understanding of our world until her sixteenth birthday when she will be called back to Jashin's arms."
Watching as the old Priest felt silent the Lady felt the stirring of misgivings within her and voiced her concerns "But what of her Protector? Hidan . . ."
"Hidan must believe the little Hime is dead as well."
"But the bond?"
"Hidan is the body the heretics use to abuse our beliefs using his immortality and sacrifices as a sign of evil, they believe killing the Immortal demon spawn and his child whore will purge the world of our evilness and corruption."
The words the old Priest had been reluctant to utter stiffened the bodies of everyone in the Hall, putting a fire in their eyes and bitter taste of repulsion in their mouths. The words only served to fuel their determination and hatred of the heretics; none would touch their HIme or her Protector.
Slowly standing up, his old bones creaking the old Priest motioned to a Guard to support him, leaning heavily on his arm he addressed the Lord and Lady. "On the night of the battle I will perform the ritual; it will also cut the bond while Hidan is distracted. Only those within this room and a select few shall know the truth."
Turning he shuffled towards the large doors showing a weakness that had never before been seen within him.
"It will kill Hidan."
Looking back at the Lord who as the Lady's protector when she had been young knew what he was talking about the Elderly High Priest gave a sad smile as he left the Hall saying.
"Jashin will not allow it."
O000o
Dia Duit,
Well another chapter done and I think I am proud of this. Sorry if it's lacking a bit of detail but lots of talking was done here. This is unbetaed so sorry for the mistakes I just really wanted to post it so I will send it off and when I get the nice mistake checked one back I'll swap.
Please let me know what you think and thanks so much to everyone who reviewed and alerted this story.
Lots of love,
The Rose and the Dagger x x xx