The Path of Destruction
Chapter 10
By: Aireonna
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. A girl can dream.
A/N: Yay! Another update, and not MONTHS later. At least it's still relatively closer than my usual updates. I do apologize for the slightly long wait- but as promised, here we go!
Reminder: This chapter is set in Sakura's POV and backtracks to the point leading up to the woods scene in chapter 7 and continuing on to catch up with Tenten.
Thank you for reading! Enjoy!
I dedicate this chapter to my best friend SlytherinKunoichi.
"This is meaningless to me. I grow tired of this stupid game."
I watched as Sasuke stalked off leaving me behind in quit a hurry. This mission was going to be harder than I thought.
I turned once more to face my clueless friend and smiled, bringing my hand to rest lightly upon her shoulder. Such innocence, if only I knew a taste of that.
"Show em tiger." Winking, I waved one more goodbye to Tenten and turned to follow my prey.
He pushed and shoved against the growing crowd of village people and I could still hear his grunting even with a distance between us.
I took in a deep breath and began to try and mentally prepare myself for what was to come. Tsunade–sama knew that sending me after such a target was risky for who and what they were, but it was worth the risk. I was just praying to anyone who would listen that he was not too far gone and was stronger than the battle within.
Bumping into a few myself, I bowed my head and whispered soft apologies for our rudeness as I bustled after him.
Before I knew it, I had followed him to the edge of the woods-the last place that I wanted to follow such a person.
My eyes searched frantically along my lines of sight both inner and outer, scanning for any danger. I sensed none, yet, anyways. But Kami knows I had my way of dancing into danger.
Nodding my head, I gripped my fists tightly at my side and pursued forward. There was no way I was going to lose him this easily.
I opened up my mind and allowed my other senses to track him. A small smirk played across my scarlet lips and I remembered to toss aside the god-forsaken accessories to my lovely outfit-the parasol and the very expensive kimono. Just had to remember to backtrack to pick them up later- if there was a later.
I was grateful that the yukata I had decided to wear was short, and fit under my kimono. It barely covered my thighs, but it would have to work. I have worn worse in my time. Besides, it might work out for the better.
My hands went for my hair instantly and grasped the chopsticks that I had managed to work in as a simple hair accessory but they were anything but. At least I had a real weapon outside of me if needed.
I could feel the branches tingling along my skin, wanting to brush against me in anyway possible. It was hard to mask my call to the forest. Every living thing could feel the difference in the air and the trees weren't any different.
I moved briskly through the brush seeking out my target. He couldn't have gone too far.
My emerald eyes widened when I felt his presence before I could see him and I slowly halted my pursuit knowing he was only feet out of my reach. I allowed a pulse to begin faintly, my will calling to him.
"Sakura. Why are you following me?"
His voice alone sent chills down my spine and I could feel the electricity buzzing across my bare flesh, warning me. His eyes burned holes into my very soul and I knew he was standing behind me. I could feel him breathing.
"Don't act innocent. You know the answer." I closed my eyes and breathed in my surroundings, mapping out every possible situation and getaway.
"Funny, normally I would say I do. But I can't seem to wrap my mind around why a small, harmless girl, like yourself, would be sent to be involved in such dangerous and trivial matters."
I scowled at his tone. He was talking down to me in a way I had grown to hate. Men. The way they looked at me, sizing me up just by appearances. How stupid they were. All more the pleasure in the end. I was going to enjoy this.
I allowed my call to heighten, the air thickening around us instantly. I could feel the catch in his breath as he experienced the change. Even if I was still learning, I knew the basics and then some. This wasn't going to be too hard.
I turned, slowly, to face him and not to startle in any way for an attack. My eyes were met with a deadly, dark cold stare.
His eyes were as dark as night and they were locked onto me. It was almost intimidating. But I wasn't going to allow him to have any control over me. This is what I did for a living. I knew this dance more than he could even dream.
This is how I survived.
My eyes lowered, taking in all that was the man before me. He no longer wore anything to cover his chest. Only a pair of black slacks, leaving his shoulders and chest completely bare to the eye. I couldn't fight the urge to rack my gems over the perfection of each and every muscle that rippled with each breath he took. A small smirk turned the corners of my lips.
I could sense right away the difference of him. There was no masking it. My ability to read men was like breathing; it came so naturally that it was impossible to not know I was right. But knowing was also dangerous.
The wind stirred around us, luring his scent to me and pulling my hair to dance around me in circles. The air continued to grow thicker and I didn't plan on stopping it until the task was finished.
I could feel his eyes taking in my form. Like so many others, he allowed my appearance to not only fool him, but also allure him, calling to him in a way he did not know how to fight.
"You have no idea what forces you're meddling in." He growled lowly in his throat, an action meaning to frighten me, to force me to stand down.
I couldn't suppress the giggle from my lips and my hand danced along the electricity of the air, twisting it in my fingers and willing it to obey. My fingers inched closer to his sculpted face, brushing ever so softly against the warmth of his flesh. It was warmer than any man I had ever felt, almost burning at contact.
"And you have no idea what kind of woman you are messing with." I laced my voice tenderly, teasing the air more to his ears.
Another growl reverberated down my spine, his features tightening in response. It was animalistic for sure, calling to the night. He was trying so hard to fight against my call.
I turned it up another notch, my powers dancing around us, lulling him to my every whim.
"Why do you try to resist something you cannot?" My voice tangoed along his flesh, velvet to the touch.
"You do not want to further your actions." His voice was monotone and harsh, trying to bite back.
Funny, that was exactly the opposite. I was so enticed by this being before me; I almost forgot the reason for it.
"Sasuke, what are you afraid of?" I tried to lace my voice once more, tying in any emotions I could manage. He knew me, before all of this, before the change, deep down; he had to remember some sort of normalcy from his life before. He would never have been able to resist before the change.
And yet, for some reason I was glad of the encounter now. Like this was some sort of challenge I was to overcome, a test.
He grunted gruffly, "You need to walk away now."
His voice was demanding as he took a step back from me, but my hand would not falter from the touch. It dropped to his bare chest, and I had to take a deep breath at the contact. It was like a pure shock from my fingertips to my shoulder.
"I do not fear you." My head dropped as I whispered, my call overpowering my voice. My mind pushed harder, trying everything to break his will. My breathing came faster and deeper, almost as if I was running from something.
How could he continue to fight?
I could feel my power reaching its limit of the night. I had wasted too much time playing with him. I should have went right in.
"Then you are stupid. I fear me." I could faintly hear the harsh tone but brushed it aside. It almost sounded more like a call for help. My heartbeat quickened in a manner I was not accustomed to. His hand brushed across the side of my face, his fingers rough at first then softer than the finest silks to the touch.
"I will get what I want, I always do."
I would not allow a simple man to tempt me in such a way.
He jumped back from me swiftly with a growl, the air brushing across my now heated flesh. I could feel the beads of sweat trailing down my alabaster skin.
My eyes opened widely, my mind sending out one more power surge, the call screaming at its peak.
I clutched my hands to my sides once more, my fingers tingling from the feel of his warmth and my face flushed.
My eyes fed off his figure one more time, drinking in everything they could.
"I will not lose."
Sasuke only grunted at me and turned so quickly if I hadn't of been staring I would not have seen him disappear instantly in the night. The branches of the forest before dancing back and forth from his departure.
I growled and clenched my fists tightly, my lungs gasped for air and my mind buckled, the power ceasing instantaneously almost as if had never even been.
I fell to my knees, clutching my chest as I inhaled deeply. My lungs screamed at me in protest of such stupidity. Never had I gone so long with using the compulsion. I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did, and yet it did nothing.
I could feel his tendrils of anger fighting against my mind. It was an intrusion I did not like and would not mind if I ever felt again.
But I had a feeling this was only the beginning of the rough road to conquering Sasuke Uchiha. And yet, my heart raced at the idea.
I took one last breath before standing, brushing the dirt from my knees and turning to return the way I had come.
I would leave it as is for the night, but tomorrow was another day. I needed some rest before I continued with my mission, I had drained my sources of strength and it was time to feed for more.
Too bad Sasuke had left in such a hurry; I would have loved to take some of him.
Tracing backwards, I picked up my dropped accessories and rushed home before anyone would notice me being out in the woods alone.
I faintly could sense Tenten behind me, but I knew she was not alone. I smirked softly; there was definitely something between her and the Hyuuga. Boy did she have a lot to learn though.
There was something strange going on around Tenten that I could not put my finger on. Normally I could sense these things a mile away, but it was almost as if there was some big ball of secrecy protecting it from my knowledge.
Tsunade-sama didn't feel like I needed to know, as I had questioned her more than once. But there would come a time I would figure it out. There was nothing anyone could hide from me.
I crashed onto my bed without a second thought and my eyes felt a lot heavier than only moments before. With one last image of dark eyes flashing before me, I smiled and allowed sleep to succumb me for the time being.
I could feel the rays of morning waking me. The suns heat tarnishing my flesh with moisture.
My whole body ached and throbbed reminding me of my recent activities.
A loud growl echoed through my bedchambers and I couldn't stifle the laugh at the realization that it was my stomach.
"I don't think I have ever been this hungry."
Now the trouble was, it wasn't just for food.
I tossed and turned a few times trying to fight the urge until I knew there was no fighting it.
If I was this hungry, I knew it had to be because of my dormant state. Sometimes when I exhausted myself I managed to sleep more than just the night but days.
I yawned and stretched once before I pushed myself from the comfort of the mat. My hair was tousled around my head, sweat sticking it to the sides of my face.
If only Tenten could see me at moments like this. All the compliments were nice sure- but I was far from perfect all the time.
Dressing quickly, I washed my face and combed my hair to make myself decent enough for public.
When I went into the kitchen though, I was met with a sight I didn't expect.
"Where have you been? Tsunade-sama has been trying to contact you!"
"Naruto, how lovely of you to stop in." I pushed aside him and searched the kitchen for something to eat. Even though currently something else smelled much more enticing. I would not allow myself to sink that low without permission though.
"It has been two days Sakura-chan. We were very worried."
See, Naruto had this sort of duty to Konoha since his lineage was part of the reason we were here.
"Two days? What?" I knew that I had slept longer, there was no way I could be this hungry.
It was always nice to know I was wasting my life away.
I took in a deep breath, which didn't help matters and turned to my friend once more.
"Naruto, I do apologize for any worry. But as you can see, I am fine. And since you so kindly informed me that I have cut my time in half for my mission, I must be on my way."
I didn't give him a chance to respond, I needed to get away now. It was hard fighting the urges especially when it smelled so wonderful. My skin was already tingling at the sensation. Sometimes it was against my will, I couldn't control it at all times. I could tell from his abnormal stupor, even for him, when I exited that it had almost gone that far.
My eyes glanced to the sun seeking its position.
It was past three in the afternoon, way to go Sakura.
Sasuke could be anywhere as of now.
Grabbing a quick bite to eat at the Ramen stand, I smiled to the villagers and continued on my way.
I knew where to find him. Kakashi would not allow anyone under him to go without guidance and help. Sasuke would seek out his mentor and they were probably still working through what had happened.
And yet, I bet they both were baffled at what the hell I wanted from Sasuke. They could barely piece together the clues now; I only made it more suspenseful.
I found the dojo with ease. I had come here many times as an adolescent, seeking help to control anger and fight back. Kakashi was a good teacher.
And I still had managed to hide my secrets. Only Tsunade-sama knew what was within me.
A loud grunt caused me to halt my steps. I could feel the tension in the air. My eyes scanned briefly, locating my target just outside the dojo, practicing under the large cherry blossom tree that grew in front.
How ironic.
I smiled sweetly, preparing myself for the lies and such.
"Sakura."
His voice was quiet but rough. A tone that expected answers right away. A tone that I brushed aside and continued forward like I heard nothing.
"Why have you come?" He sure did know how to be short, sweet, and to the point.
I halted before him, making sure there was enough distance between his limbs and me as they ran through the steps of his lessons.
It was almost as if he was fighting an imaginary opponent but more so like it was a battle from within displaying outwards.
I knew the feeling.
I inhaled deeply and placed a small barrier of power around us, just enough to get what I wanted.
"I do not come to fight like you assumed before. I come to be the eyes and ears. I know what has happened to you. It is my job to be sure of the outcome."
His eyes widened and he immobilized his movements.
"Hn. I know not what you speak of."
My eyes narrowed and my lips pierced in a scowl. I hated being lied to even more so a lie like I was stupid enough to believe and not question.
"I am much smarter than that. I am well informed. And even if I wasn't, I am well equipped."
I knew he could not sense what I was talking about. Even with his heightened senses from the change, there was no way for a man to tell what I was.
The beauty of being me.
His skin was bare once again, calling to me. It was almost ironic sense I was here to do the same. And yet here we were our rolls switched.
Why did this creature have such an affect on me?
Besides, he was an animal. Lycans did not know how to be human. It was striped from them. They only knew the change, the pain, anger, and hunger.
Hunger was something I knew a lot about.
Considering his very life source was calling to me, my body aching to drink the elixir Maybe sending a siren wasn't the brightest idea. A man was one thing. But a man that I was attracted to was hard to come by.
Wait a minute. Did I just admit attraction?
I shook my head; the internal battle would have to continue later, even though I'm sure it was putting on an amusing show for my watcher.
"I am not sure I understand you. You come after me. You question me. And yet you admit to knowing already. Why? What is your purpose?"
He stepped closer to me, almost as if he knew what he was doing to my heart.
Of course he did, he could hear it quicken at his every word, his every movement. I was allowing myself to weaken. I was allowing myself to feel.
"A Siren has but one purpose."
My words were quietly spoken, and if you didn't have a heightened sense of hearing, it would have fallen unheard. My body went slack against him, collapsing in pure exhaustion.
I felt dizzy and confused. Almost as if something had just drained the life from me.
His arms were around me before I could hit the ground. I could feel the beads of sweat sticking to my bare skin from his.
And that's all it took. My body went into overdrive and my shields fell, my mind buckling under the pressure of having such a delicacy waved before it.
The touch of his skin against mine was like nothing I had ever felt. The warmth waved around him is waves that I could feel brushing against my core. The tendrils of my mind reached out, attaching to him and wrapping around him silently.
I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling. He fell to his knees with me in his arms, holding me against his chest.
I tried to push against him but I could not.
My body felt ablaze, and the air was so electrically charged, I could feel my hair standing on end. My eyes widened as I gasped in the mouthful of energy that spun off my prey. I could feel the glow surrounding us, he unable to fight off anything that was happening.
The call echoed in my ears, reaching out to his mind.
And that's when it happened.
I felt his lips before I seen him move, they crushed against mine so hungrily, I don't know how I had ever survived before this moment. I could see flashes, moving quickly clouding my sight. Everything scrambled by so fast, I couldn't piece it all together, but I knew I was seeing Sasuke. I was witnessing everything leading up to now.
And as soon as it begun, it ended. A large jolt of electricity flashed between us, sending us both flying backwards.
I landed easily upon my feet, the power surging through my lungs and veins.
My heartbeat was racing so wildly, I felt as if it would burst through my chest.
I felt a power I have never felt before. My skin tingled from the contact and burned at the loss.
My eyes found him laying upon the ground feet before me, his chest heaving for air and heat still radiating off of him.
And yet somehow, he was still alive.
Never before had I felt such power and my victim survived from it. That is why I didn't feed with touch anymore, I couldn't control it, I didn't know how.
I rushed forward, and I could feel the sun begin to set behind me, the rays kissing my skin goodbye for one more day. Already it was becoming night.
I fell to my knees, reaching out to him as his eyes opened.
I don't know why, but tears stained my cheeks and I found myself weeping.
"Sasuke! My god! I am so very sorry! Please, say something. Anything."
I'm sure that is what I planned to come out, but it all was muffled through sobs that now tore at my form.
My hand found his and he sat up staring at me like he was only just seeing me for the first time.
"It is you. I have dreamed of this moment. And yet, I never survived. Never a face, just this moment."
I didn't know what his words meant, but to hear him speak, knowing I did not kill him was all I needed. I launched myself forward and wrapped my arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder.
It didn't matter that before this I was battling him in every way. It didn't matter that this went against everything I knew. It didn't matter that Tsunade-sama would kill me if she knew what had happened.
All that mattered was I had not killed him.
His hand found the small of my back, tracing circles to calm me. It was like this whole moment had changed everything. Almost like we had bonded quicker than anyone would ever understand.
And just as I was feeling calm and safe, a scream ripped through my senses, echoing through the woods surrounding the village and tearing through my heart.
I knew that scream anywhere.
"Tenten…"
------
Eyes watched from afar, smiling a sly smile.
"Was there a reason why I was ordered to drain poor Sakura-chan of her energy? You know how I feel about her."
"Lee, don't question your orders. You know Tsunade-sama would never ask for something without a purpose."
"Hai, Kakashi-sensai."
"It has begun."
Kakashi watched the two before him, knowing what was happening. And yet he was excited, so long had he waited for the war to end. He knew his part, and he had executed it precisely. Sasuke was turned completely, Sakura was stronger and the two were stronger together.
And soon, they would complete the team.
------
"Sakura?"
I felt his concern and knew that there was no way I was leaving without him, but I knew where I had to go. Tenten was in trouble. I would not allow something to happen to my friend.
Although, I felt like this was a beginning to something bigger than me.
Grabbing onto him once more, I stared into the darkness of his eyes as I felt the moon shining brightly, tickling his skin and calling to him.
"I need you to come with me."
He only nodded in response, still not knowing how to handle the situation.
I stood swiftly, the power still surging through me. I knew that somehow this was meant to happen. I could feel the difference within me. No longer did I question my strength.
I turned, knowing he would follow, and dashed towards Tenten's home.
I made it there quicker than I ever thought was possible and I noticed there were no lights on.
My heart raced, fearing the worse.
Sasuke stood beside me, sniffing the air.
"This way."
I didn't question him, only followed.
I knew where we were heading before we arrived. Tenten loved the clearing, that's where she always was at this time. It was close to midnight, her birthday. How could I have forgotten?
And yet I could sense far more than just her ahead.
Sasuke slowed before me, but I continued past him, I could just make out the forms before us.
Shizune stood over something and Gai was at her back.
Tsunade-sama was in a corner of the open brush, watching on at a distance.
"What the hell is going on?"
I leapt forward just in time to see Shizune holding a large wooden stake in her hands and she was sobbing.
My eyes widened and I held back a scream as I realized Tenten was bounded before them, struggling to break free.
Just as I was about to break through the opening, strong arms circled my waist and pulled me backwards roughly.
I screamed, struggling to get free, kicking, throwing my fists, and crying out for my best friend. But it was to no avail.
I watched unable to do anything as Shizune brought the stake down faster than I have ever seen and stabbed it through my best friends heart.
My world shattered before me, my heart broke and I was no longer able to fight my restrainer.
That's when I felt the one person that could do no harm to this god forsaken world slip through the veil of life and death.
I watched my friend die, and the people she loved stood around her, witnessing and doing nothing to stop it.
A/N: End of chapter! I hope you enjoyed! I will update soon. Sorry for the cliffhanger. Hope you didn't mind the Saku/Sasu.