EDIT 072013: A few typos corrected. No major changes, even the last notes are untouched.
Enjoy!
(a/n: Fair warning, I won't be making fight scenes here. I just don't know how. I'm sorry. Please bear the lack of action in this chapter. Sorry, again.)
CHAPTER 7: CRACK
Exiting through the backside of the castle wasn't exactly the best decision they've made.
They were shinobi assigned to escort the princess, to make sure she was safely returned to her island and to make sure that she was safe. Staying overnight was not in the plan, but it was a harmless offer and in the end they accepted the royal hospitality. They were then told the next morning that if they planned to leave early, they could. Only, the condition was to not disturb the guests who would arrive earlier than them.
The back door was the only exit.
And boy, it was not the most pleasant kind of departure.
They couldn't hurry up with their journey for various reasons. First: the trees were tall enough to hide them, yes. But oddly enough, they were too tall to have branches. So the team couldn't resort to jump on them.
Second, was that Takaaki was with them. Even though this wasn't his duty, he had told them that he felt a bit responsible on forcing them to stay overnight, which meant he also had the primary duty to send them out himself. And even if he was the princess's personal guard, he was still a civillian; he couldn't run as fast as them.
Plus, for some weird twist in fate, a certain pinkette shinobi managed to convince him to go with them and escort them to the port.
And the last reason, wasn't really a big deal for all of them—except for Sasuke. It wasn't that nerve-wracking to walk to the port without their pink-haired teammate. She was a shinobi, after all, and a future medic nin; she can take of herself. It just felt a bit wrong, and odd... and annoying.
Awkwardly annoying.
Sasuke couldn't stop thinking of her, not that he wanted to stop though. He'd be asking himself of her location, of what she was doing, of her situation, of her safety. Where was she? Was she fine? Did she hurt herself on the way? Did Gisuke flirt with her again? Oh, the nerve of him.
Yes, he was dead worried by now.
And he swore he'd give her a piece of his mind once she catches up with them.
Sasuke kept mumbling—thankfully, the leaves' sounds were loud enough to block his own noise—and inwardly cursed himself to stop worrying and just keep walking. He looked at his teammates in front of him, Takaaki beside Kakashi, Naruto muttering, complaining the distance they had to take from the back of the castle to the port. And his ears perked a little when he heard the jinchuuriki ask where Sakura was.
Not that he was going to visibly react, though.
But his eyes did concentrate on a certain boy that had the same hair color as he did.
The Uchiha knew what Takaaki was thinking of. They had more similarities than their physical features. One of them was that they were both thinking of pink-haired girls. And how anxious Takaaki was, was something very noticeable—especially after the night before when he promised himself that he would finally admit his long-time hidden feelings for the princess.
But how was he going to do it when he was there, escorting a bunch of ninjas that could take care of themselves, while the princess was at the castle, probably with another pink-haired lady, about to be wed to someone else?
People today were really stupid, Sasuke thought to himself.
As stupid as Sakura Haruno.
After minutes of debating with himself, careful not to show on his face, he was finally courageous enough to voice out a simple question that he'd been asking in his head—where the hell is that girl?—when a sound of moving bushes caught their ears and made them stop, stepping into cautious crouches for the incoming attack.
They were silent for a few seconds, eyes practically burning the bushes behind them, waiting for a figure, or an army, to show up.
Takaaki was behind Kakashi after he pulled him there, behind his protective stance. Naruto and Sasuke had kunais in their hands, one had his teeth gritted and one about to active his Sharingan.
The sounds came louder and louder, until a flash of a familiar color popped out of the plants.
"Sakura-san?" Takaaki spoke in surprise and relief.
Finally, she was there. In her red ninja clothes, her bag, her wide emerald eyes that held... fear?
The pinkette blinked at them as if she saw ghosts, but quickly dismissed a thought in her head and formed a smile that somehow didn't feel right.
"O-oh! There you guys are." Sasuke could've sworn that he heard a crack in her voice. "I was worried I wouldn't be able to find you."
"Wow, Sakura-chan. You scared us there for a minute!" He eyed his blonde teammate from the corner of his eyes, but only for a second.
He stared at Sakura again—an intense stare.
"Well, what are we standing here for?" Her eyes were scared; and he knew. "Let's go."
Sasuke Uchiha was worried for what seemed like an eternity walking through this annoying and stupid forest. He admitted to himself that he couldn't stop thinking of her whereabouts just minutes ago, and he knew that he promised himself that he'd give her a scary lecture, enough to let her know how late she was and a little hint of how nerve-wracking it was to wait for her.
But no matter how much he wanted to scold her, he couldn't. It wasn't because he didn't want to. But something in his chest was pushing him, scolding him back, telling him that something was wrong. He suddenly remembered how suspicious he was of her when she told them that she was going to say goodbye to Suzuna.
He let go of it at first. But the tiniest doubt remained.
Sasuke kept his eyes at her; she was in front of him now. Something was wrong, and he clearly felt it. Was it because he was curious of the two pinkette's last conversation? Was it because he was still worried? Was it because he knew Sakura might be sad to leave a friend? Was it because...
His eyes narrowed at the girl's hand.
Why was she trembling?
Something popped into the prodigy's brain—Sakura's promise.
People crowded and filled the royal church. Noise and chattering with a mixture of clattering shoes and nervous voices, either from the maids or guests, of royalty or just has a high position in the society were the sounds that any human being can pinpoint in a special occasion such as this—especially a wedding.
The church was somewhere in the middle of the castle grounds, had the same size as Suzuna's palace, and could be occupied by almost half of the island's whole population. White walls were decorated with golden silk, flowers everywhere, long chairs shining from its recent cleaning. The hall was long, that it seemed endless from the main door's view.
The altar felt far, but she could clearly distinguish where Gisuke was, wearing the cleanest tuxedo, a color opposite from his evil personality. She squinted at the sight of him, emerald orbs narrowing in disgust and fear and anger.
Suzuna, their beautiful and angelic princess, was finally getting married. This was what everyone in the hall thought of as soon as they sat on their stools, waiting for the wedding bells to ring.
And when it did, all their eyes and happy faces turned to the giant wooden door, searching for the royal angel they've adored since her birth.
She wore a veil that wasn't too thick, enough for everyone, even Gisuke, to spot the pink hair she was born with. The untainted color of pure lilies surrounded her hair, her dress, the small bouquet in her tiny hands. The strapless gown showed her fair skin, making it obvious at how young and fragile the princess was. From the first second eyes were laid upon her, everyone inside the church concluded one thing:
Princess Suzuna looked perfect.
Except, for her, she wasn't.
The pinkette remembered the last time she checked the mirror from her room, eyeing every single detail of her reflection, reminding herself to stop her hands from ripping each fabric off of her skin. She sighed, and felt the crown of flowers being placed on her head by the maids that smiled as if it was the last time they were able to.
Apparently, it was the last time for her too.
Her memories went further back to a conversation with another pinkette, a mirror as well. They were both looking at each other, staring both into their own eyes; she could spot so many emotions in those green pupils of hers. The girl before her was sorry, and guilty, and just wanted to breakdown. But the bride told her to be strong, to be happy of where she was, to be thankful of her life.
The praise didn't work as much as she wanted to. But things don't always go according to plan—if there ever was a plan to begin with anyway.
Her mind travelled further and further back to the team of shinobi, who she knew was almost out of the island. She remembered the silver-haired adult, the one named Kakashi. She remembered the blonde idiot Naruto that annoyed her through his loud voice, but a voice she would truly miss. Her brain flashed a dark color, black hair that made her smile. A resemblance of Takaaki, really.
Uchiha Sasuke. She was pretty sure he'd find happiness soon.
"I'm sorry." No one heard her.
A thump of her heartbeat woke her up into reality, blinking, trying to clear her sight and taking in the view of thousands and thousands of guests and visitors watching her every move. As soon as she took the first step, she no longer heard anything but her pounding chest, saw nothing but the altar that seemed like a mile away but felt like it was at arm's reach. She couldn't even appreciate the wedding bells, the pretty dresses and clothes the guests wore, the heavenly decors around the church.
The bride's eyes tried moving themselves, just to show to the audience of how happy she was. But even she did, it only felt wrong. How?
She couldn't smile. Not even a fake one.
The pinkette didn't know why; she was supposed to be a pro in making fake smiles. But just the thought of getting married to someone she wanted dead was enough to bring her to immeasurable fear, traumatizing to the point where she failed to make a proper expression.
Inside her mind, she prayed again—prayed that someone would save her from that situation. But she knew better.
And the moment her feet stopped, she blinked, realizing where she was. Her emerald orbs could measure the small distance between her and the altar. Her eyes rolled to her right, catching the sight of the man she was destined to spend the rest of her life with, in sickness, in terror, in nothing but lies and sorrow.
She took the hand he offered her, still wearing the cunning smirk on his face. For a second, she thought she'd find another rose from his other hand.
They both walked closer to the holy table before them, a priest smiling at them as if there was nothing wrong, as if he knew how happy the couple was, as if there was no tomorrow.
The priest started the ceremony. Inwardly, she smiled at how long the introduction was taking. At least she had to time breathe herself in calmness.
From the corner of her eyes, she eyed Gisuke, staring at how he dressed. He actually looked good in a suit, the streaks of his brown hair standing out too much. She then looked at his face, and invisibly thanked any god listening to her of how the veil covered half of her face, enough not to let the man beside her know she was looking at him. But it didn't completely comfort her—not one bit.
She then brought her eyes back to herself, looking down at the beautiful lilies in her hands. If the groom was someone she loved, she'd really agree to everyone telling her how lucky she was.
Yes. She would've been the happiest bride.
But she wasn't. Because she wasn't supposed to be marrying Gisuke. She wasn't supposed to be there, even. She wasn't supposed to be wearing that wonderful wedding gown, feeling like the royal bride she looked. She wasn't supposed to be afraid, or in sorrow, or in pain.
The priest signaled them to face each other. She didn't know why, because she didn't pay any attention anymore. She felt tears welling in her eyes, not because of happiness, or in anger, or anything else.
She felt sorry.
Because she didn't have the right to be standing in front of those royal guests and visitors, or in front of the happy priest. She didn't have the right to be today's lucky bride.
She closed her eyes and whispered to herself again.
"I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun..."
And there, she let one tear drop.
The sound of leaves continued to echo through their ears, but Sasuke gave no recognition to them. He didn't even concentrate on his surroundings anymore. Although he was still as alert and cautious as a ninja should be, his dark and angry eyes were stuck on pink hair.
He knew the port was getting nearer, but he had no intention of getting on board a ship until he knew what happened between his female teammate and the princess they escorted overnight.
"Sakura."
His voice was low, he knew. No one heard him, not Naruto, not Takaaki, not even Kakashi. But his eyes narrowed when he witnessed no reaction from this girl before him, as if she didn't even hear it when her distance from him was merely a heartbeat away.
"Sakura." He repeated, louder this time.
He was sure Kakashi heard him, because he saw the silver-haired man tilt his head only an inch to make sure that his students were alright. But the person he was trying to get attention from still didn't turn her head around.
Sasuke wasn't mad, but something was boiling inside of him, something that made him more annoyed than he always did. He reached for her shoulder.
"Sakura." He wasn't even bothered when Naruto turned his head before the girl did.
His onyx eyes met her wide emerald ones, and there he saw two things: shock and fear.
He was about to ask her what was wrong, when he suddenly pushed her away as he jumped backwards. Naruto caught her just in time, and all of them followed the sound of a breaking bark of tree and saw a kunai on it.
The shinobi quickly grabbed their kunais and shuriken, as Kakashi ushered Takaaki to his back. Team 7 readied themselves for the attack, but Sasuke didn't fail to take look at Sakura.
She was trembling again. Visibly, this time.
The Uchiha's eyes widened once more as he witnessed this abnormality that is Sakura. Why was she trembling? It was as if she never knew how to fight, or at least be ready for it. He wanted to shout at her again, but the enemies showed up and launched themselves at his team.
He heard her lightly scream before he shoved her backwards and formed a protective stance in front of her.
"Get back, Takaaki-san!" He heard Kakashi's voice.
They formed a circle, their backs facing each other. Sasuke activated his Sharingan; he knew Kakashi did too. There were at least fifteen people coming, excluding the ten in front of them. He recognized one of bandits though.
He had a scar on his face—he was one of Gisuke's companions.
"I knew it." He heard himself curse under his breath.
The rogues before them were smirking, as if they knew the ninjas were their last fight. But Sasuke knew their chakras, and knew nothing was going to kill him and his team. Except for the scar-faced man; he was the most powerful among his men, it was quite obvious why he was the leader.
The Uchiha's mind went into gear, and thought that if one of Gisuke's men were ordered to attack them, it only meant that something bad was bound to happen in the castle as well. And something unpleasant was waiting for the princess—who, unfortunately, was about to be wed to the wretched bastard himself.
Idiots, he inwardly scolded them. They could've just let them get out of the island peacefully.
Predictably, the scar-faced man's team attacked first, and it was quite easy for the shinobi. Kunais and shurikens flew all over the place, but Sasuke didn't use his Fire Technique—he still had mercy for the trees after all.
One by one, the enemies fell down as the scar-faced man charged after Kakashi. The Copy nin shouted at one of Naruto's Kage Bunshin to protect Takaaki, who unfortunately didn't have a weapon with him. Sasuke, however, couldn't let a certain pinkette out of his sight, or even a meter away from him.
Whenever the Uchiha fought, he had to be careful not to send someone at his back or even get them near her. In the middle of it all, he concluded that Sakura was not being herself. She was shaking behind him, leaning on a tree, her arms in front of her and no kunai in hand.
He kicked the last of his "share" of enemies—well, that was boring—and eyed his teammates, who were meters away from him. He spotted about seven or eight blonde Kage Bunshins everywhere, then he tried sensing more chakra. Yup, that was the last of them.
He looked at his right, and he knew Kakashi was winning against Gisuke's companion. It took longer than expected, but he didn't mind. He had to clarify something, and turned around to face the pinkette, her eyes closed, hands still trembling.
He felt Takaaki with a Kage Bunshin approach where they were.
Sasuke reached for Sakura again, not even bothered by how harsh he was grabbing her left hand. She could feel every piece of her skin trembling, shaking in extreme fear.
"What's wrong with you?"
She opened her tear-filled eyes, a sight familiar to the Uchiha. But it had been so long since he'd seen her cry, especially in a fight. This wasn't right at all.
"Sakura-chan? What's happening to you?"
"Why didn't you fight? This isn't like you at all, Sakura. You didn't even reach out for a weapon."
Sasuke stared at her emerald eyes, searching for an answer to his unvoiced questions. All he found out was that she was scared to her life, traumatized, as if she hadn't seen a fight before, as if she was never a ninja, as if this girl in front of him wasn't Sakura at all.
Wait. Hold up.
Something clicked into his head.
He continued to stare at the girl beneath him, trembling, begging to be released, and there he saw guilt in her eyes. Always guilt.
"I... I'm..." Her cracking voice revealed everything he was wanting to know. "I'm not..."
He felt Kakashi coming over to them; his fight must've been over already. Good for him.
"You're not Sakura." Sasuke muttered.
Takaaki gasped, either in shock or in fear, he didn't know. He knew his teammates' reactions were the same as the boy. Of course, who wouldn't be surprised? He had to congratulate the princess for being a great actress though. But her acting skills could only last for so long.
Sasuke had to slap himself too. How could he not recognize the chakra difference. Perhaps, he had to blame his annoying anxiety over the pink-haired girl. He swore once more that she'd get more than a lecture from him.
"Wha-what do you mean she's not Sakura-chan?!" Naruto flailed his arms around.
"Are you saying she's...?" Takaaki barely breathed his sentence.
The prodigy narrowed his eyes once more at her, shifting them to the girl's right ear, spotting a tiny jewelry. He found his evidence there.
The girl he was currently holding was Suzuna.
"I'm... I'm sorry..." The princess bowed her head, finally letting her tears flow down to her face.
Suzuna kept sobbing, her face on her hands, head still lowered. Sasuke let her go and moved backwards, facing in a different direction. He heard Takaaki's footsteps slowly approach the pinkette, and he knew the mixed emotions the boy was feeling.
"Suzuna... Why?"
"Sakura-san said—"
And the mention of her name was enough to perk the team of shinobi's ears up. The Uchiha's head tilted, silently begging her to say anything.
"Sakura-san... Sakura-san said that she would keep her promise..." She sniffed. "Th-that she would do anything to keep her promise to me."
Sasuke gritted his teeth. He knew it all along. He just refused to believe.
"I told her not to, but she just didn't accept it..."
Every syllable felt like a numb stab of a knife at his chest, reminding him of how stupid he was, how careless and weak he was.
"I didn't know about the attack, but she did. And I didn't want to believe her... until now."
He closed his eyes and pictured the pink-haired idiot in his head. His fists clenched, knuckles slowly becoming white in frustration.
But wait. If Suzuna was here, then... Sakura was going to be wed.
Oh crap.
The image of having that brown-haired bastard beside her was enough to send him on his feet, completely ignoring his mentor's voice. He knew Kakashi had no choice but to follow him, and he knew the Copy nin also knew the situation at hand. After the attack, it was quite obvious that Gisuke had an evil scheme. It was either kill the shinobi, or kill the princess—or in this case, Sakura.
Most likely, it was both.
Sasuke ran for his life, for his teammates' lives, for Takaaki's, for Suzuna's, for this island.
He didn't want to leave the island knowing his female teammate was going to be killed by that sick man. And he definitely didn't want Sakura to be wed to anyone. The thought of Sakura wearing a wedding dress was something he was expecting soon, but the idea of having that sick wretched bastard that is Gisuke as her groom was something he'd kill himself for.
He was probably regretting not burning the prince earlier when he had the chance.
And the moment he saw the castle's door, he knew he had only one purpose of living:
Sakura's life.
OMG HAHAHAHAHAHA The climax is finally coming! Hurrah! Hazza! Woot woot.
Okay, I'm humiliating myself now. Hahaha. I'm sorry. I was just excited in writing this. But I failed at the fight scenes. Sorry again. LOL. But to be honest, I'm happy about this chapter. It might've been easily predicted that the two pinkies were going to be switched. But I gave this plot a chance. So yeah, thanks for reading. And sorry if I haven't given so much moments for SasuSaku in this fic. I'm just having a hard time. But I promise you, there will be a bit fluff between them after everything. Wahaha, spoiler alert much. Sorry.
So, yeah. I wanted to ask everyone what they think about the manga this week? Isn't Kishi-sensei very confusing? Haha. Oh well, let's all hail the mighty Troll King that is Kishimoto Masashi. Cheers.
Been having trouble about school enrollment this week though. Not that anyone cares. LOL.
Next chapter, next week. That's a real promise. I'm actually excited writing about it. I'm not sure if it's the last chapter, but I'm sure I'll be able to finish it before exactly 7 days after.
REVIEWS please? Thanks so so so much. Mwah mwah x
