The mystic riders 11
A/N: Sorry for takin so long people. The fight scene in here really really sucks so don't hit me too hard on it.
Sakura held onto Shadow Dancer's mane for all that she was worth. She hoped that Alexial and the others were all right. The rumors concerning Hidan were very dangerous ones. There were very few that lived to tell the tale if they ever met Hidan across the battle field. Shivering at the thought she kept her eyes forward trying to focus on something other than the blood thirsty Hunter that she'd left her friends with.
Blizzard was running a good distance away parallel to them. His white coat flashed as he ran. Even though the pace was a frenzied one the gait was smooth and even. Her hands strayed to Shadow Dancer's side there was a small testament that they'd had a bad run in with other Hunters before. It'd been a minor wound for the stallion but it still left and impact on Sakura.
Bigger dragons she'd found had to flap their wings more times than smaller dragons did. There was movement coming from her backpack and her Hanryo Dragon Partner poked his head out of her bag. He managed to crawl out of the bag and into her lap where Sakura wrapped her free arm around him to keep him steady. She kept her eyes forward for a while before she looked down at her smallest partner to get a good look at him. Then Sakura realized that she didn't even know the name of the little black dragon.
"What's your name little one?" she asked softly.
'Nightwind,' the small dragon said in her mind.
"Well Nightwind welcome to the group. Some of us are missing but you'll meet them later."
The Hanryo nodded his head slowly in acknowledgement. Sakura was curious about something. She'd known there had been a possibility that she could have more than one partner, but she wanted to know why the Hanryo Dragon had chosen her.
"Hey Nightwind," she started.
His unblinking deep purple eyes met her to let her know she had his attention. "Why me?"
He looked at her for a moment as if considering her words.
'Why are any of us chosen for this kind of life?' Sakura had to fight the urge to chuckle.
Despite his newness to the world he still had the knowledge of his ancestors at his disposal. 'I chose you because you're spirit called to mine. We were meant to be partners.'
Sakura shook her head and looked forward. A smile graced her features as she looked at the blurring tree line as they passed. She stroked the dragon's neck slowly as she looked forward. Then suddenly he tensed and Sakura could feel it like panic race through her. At first with bonds like this the emotions came freely and unrestrained and Nightwind was so young that he had no control over it yet. One day he would be able to hide a lot of things from his rider not that he would when the time came. The sound of flapping wings made her gulp in panic. The dragon sounded huge from the beats of the wings. Without even having to voice her distress to Shadow Dancer the stallion's ground eating pace quickened. If he'd been a normal horse he would have floundered some time ago; though the stallion's neck was starting to get slick with the sweat of his run. The Dragon despite its huge size shot past them and landed in front of them and roared angrily at the unicorn. Shadow Dancer tried to stop but he skidded and tumbled to the ground throwing his rider. Sakura managed to roll as she hit the ground and came up in a crouch with minimal damage. The stallion fought to rise but Sakura realized there was a huge gash on the stallion's shoulder. Blizzard was standing before Shadow Dancer in an instant and rearing angrily to tell the dragon he wasn't allowed anywhere near the King Black Stallion. Sakura noticed the Hanryo Dragon was unruffled standing a few feet away from her. Sakura rolled her eyes as she rose unsteadily to her feet and rushed to Shadow Dancer's side. She knelt and checked him over. Thankfully none of the major arteries in the leg was hit nor did he break anything on his tumble to the ground.
"I've finally caught up with you girl," a man's voice echoed through the trees like the rattling of old bones.
Looking up she finally caught a glance at who'd stopped them in their flight. She recognized the midnight blue dragon with the white skull pattern on its scales. Then she looked up at Hidan, and he was grinning down at her sadistically as if he'd already won the battle that she was sure was about to happen. That made Sakura angry. She hated males that thought themselves better than her simply because she was female. Sasuke disliked her because he was forced to work with her because they were on the opposite sides of the war. Despite the fact that she should fault him for it, she really couldn't. So many families had ingrained in their children that when they became riders that they had to hate the other side. Thankfully there were those that the old teachings had no meaning for. There were so many of her friends that were looking for love on the opposite team and at that rate she hoped peace could ensue among them so that the blood of dragons and unicorns flowed no more. There would still be the Hunters to deal with but the fighting between Riders needed to stop. Sakura rose up her eyes hardened.
"Go back to Rain Hidan; you have no business here in Fire Country."
"I'm taking you back girl."
She snorted at his words. A sadistic grin stretched across his features at her defiant look. Sakura wouldn't let this idiot stop her from speaking with the Hokage of Fire Country. Sakura got into a fighting stance her hand clutching the hilt of her katana that was strapped to her back. She was prepared to fight with everything she had.
"You're a feisty little thing aren't you?" he taunted. "I'll enjoy breaking you before I take you back and I think I'll start with that Stallion. He is the last after all."
Blizzard reared angrily again in front of the Black Stallion daring him to make a move towards Shadow Dancer. She shifted her stance so that she was standing in front of her partner. Nightwind hissed at Hidan from Sakura's shoulder. She hadn't even felt it when he'd moved to her shoulder from the ground.
"Come near my stallion and I'll kill you."
"I'd like to see you try girl."
Sakura's hand tightened on the hilt of one of her katana. Her eyes darkened to a hard emerald. Her other hand came up and grasped the hilt of the other. Her enemy used a three bladed scythe which made her wary. He had the advantage over her with weapon reach. He was big but that didn't always mean anything. Brute strength was his thing, Sakura was sure of that. Most riders were fast when running but not all. The Dragon Rider stood there sizing her up too she knew. A sadistic grin was still tugging at his face and it made her nervous but not nervous enough to back down from this fight. His body tensed and Sakura knew this was it. Hidan leapt forward ready to rend her to pieces. Sakura barely dodged the swipe of his knives. Rolling on the ground she managed to land on her feet.
"Quick little bitch aren't you?"
"I've been trained well Hidan to fight idiots like you."
Before Sakura could move an inch Hidan was on her again trying to slice her into three parts with his scythe. He was trying to throw her balance off but it wasn't working. It was only mindless hacking with his scythe. Thus far she'd managed to keep herself out of his range. Somewhere along the line she'd heard that he practiced a blood based religion and that it was dangerous to shed his blood so thus far she'd only been on the defensive.
"Are you just going to dodge or attack me little girl?" he hissed.
"I know about your blood based religion Hidan."
"Don't speak about what you don't know about girl," he growled dangerously.
"Or what?"
"You're no match for me little girl," he growled. "And I'll send you to the darkest pits of hell to see your family, especially that wretched brother of yours."
Sakura's eyes narrowed dangerously as she heard him mention her brother.
"You…" she snarled.
Hidan just smirked confirming her suspicions. "You disgrace the name of Riders everywhere by being a Hunter."
"Your words don't phase me girl."
"My name isn't girl," she snapped. "It's Sakura."
"I don't care girl."
He leapt for her again ready to tear her to shreds. She barely managed to avoid the swinging arch of his scythe. Something shifted behind her at that moment making her tense before she could even resist Sakura was pushed to her knees by Hidan holding her hair. The Hidan in front of her vanished in a cloud of smoke.
"I got you now girl. You were no match for me."
He twisted her long pink locks in his fingers making her wince in pain. Her hands were wrapped around his wrist trying to get him off of her but nothing was working. Looking down she saw one of her swords was still in its sheath at her hip. Grabbing it she turned the sword she tried to ram it backwards into his stomach but he grabbed her wrist stopping the attempt. Reaching down again she grabbed a knife she kept on her and cut her hair. Without thought she drove her foot into his groin making him gasp in pain and let her go. Sakura raced to her feet and backed up her katana still in her hand. Panting softly she stood there watching Hidan writhe in pain. He managed to get up and go for her even though he was really unsteady. Sakura picked up the broken scythe he carried and moved forward. She pushed her energy into her arms to strengthen them and drove the scythe into his chest and pushed until the handle was sticking out of the other side of the tree and the curved blades of his scythe were pinning him against the tree. Hidan grunted in pain and blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, and he smirked at her. He tried to move it but it wouldn't budge and inch and a frown marred his features. Sakura smirked at him. She picked up her dropped katana and re-sheathed it on her back. Going over to her partners she watched her stallion rise to his feet. He was still hurting but he knew they had to move, and move now.
"Shadow Dancer can you keep up with us if I ride Blizzard?"
The stallion tossed his head in agreement. She moved to the white stallion's side and hauled herself up on his back. Nightwind perched on her shoulder as they took off into the darkness leaving a pissed off Hidan in their wake. Blizzard moved smoothly underneath her but she could tell the difference in the stallion's gates. Shadow Dancer's was smoother than Blizzards even though even the most inexperienced rider could stay on his back.
"I hope that Alexial is okay. She looked pretty banged up."
'Don't worry Sakura. Alexial knows how to take care of herself not to mention she has Deidara and Zetsu helping her.'
She nodded her head knowing that it was probably the truth. Alexial was exceptional at surviving tough situations. She knew the tiger would make it to the Temple of Fire. Her hand fisted in Blizzard's mane as she looked over her shoulder at Shadow Dancer trying to keep up with them. He was struggling but nothing and nobody would get in-between his partner and himself. They traveled a good distance before they stopped to rest near a stream. Blizzard purified the water before they all drank. Shadow Dancer lay down and rested underneath the shade of a willow tree. Sakura knelt down before her stallion and ran her hands over his body.
'I'm fine Sakura.' His soft mind voice rang through her head.
"I know but I'm still worried."
The stallion blinked lazily.
'I'm sorry that things turned out like this with Sasuke,' he murmured.
"Sasuke made his choice Shadow Dancer and I can only hope that he can come to his senses and help us when the time comes."
'We can only hope Sakura.'
She nodded her head and looked out over the landscape. Her heart ached wishing that they could settle their differences and get this over with. Her heart could only take so much more pain before it shattered beyond repair. Shadow Dancer rose and shook himself. Sakura knew he was ready to move on. It didn't take them long to reach the Temple of Fire. The head monk was there to greet her. He bowed low before her.
"We've been waiting for you Ms Haruno."
She nodded her head sadly.
"Have you seen two dragon riders carrying a woman with them?"
"Not yet. Come inside you four must be tired after your long journey."
Nightwind curled up underneath Sakura's shorter locks. Sakura followed the stallions to the stables. The two stallions were bedded down comfortably in an area reserved for riders of any type. A white unicorn with a silver hued mane and tail stood there watching the stallions. It pawed at the straw it stood on. Sakura looked up at the unicorn in confusion.
"Hello." She greeted the unicorn.
It dipped its head. "I didn't think there were many Unicorn Riders in Fire Country."
'There are a few,' the unicorn murmured in her mind.
Sakura knew this one was a female unicorn which probably meant that she had a male rider. Even though that wasn't always the case. In the stall next to her is what surprised her. It was a hulking Friesian stallion decked out in Ranger tack.
"Are you just passing through?"
She nodded her head. "I see your rider runs with a Ranger too."
'You also ride with a Ranger?'
"On occasion I do ride with a Ranger. When I'm in their areas."
The sound of footsteps drew their attention to the doors. Two people walked into the rider stables. One was definitely male but the other was a bit confusing. Shadow Dancer nudged Sakura's shoulder informing her softly that the other one was a male. Blizzard moved to Sakura's other side just in case someone was to get the wrong idea. The gruff older man looked at her warily while the other male smiled at her.
"Hello," Sakura greeted.
The older male only grunted in her direction before going to the Friesian and checking over the tack.
"Don't mind Zabuza," the younger male said gently. "I see you and Quicksilver were making friends."
"Just a little friendly conversation. I'm Sakura," she said as she smiled and offered the other rider her hand.
He took her hand and shook it.
"I'm Haku."
Haku looked at her and then at the two stallions. Sakura followed his gaze and realized what he was probably going to ask.
"Shadow Dancer is my partner. Blizzard is waiting for his Rider to come. She was delayed back at a hatchery."
"What would two Unicorn Riders be doing at a hatchery?" Zabuza growled.
"I was instructed by my allies in Fire to go there to seek help and rest. Until Hidan decided to make a nuisance of himself and separate us."
Both men looked at each other and frowned. She knew what they were thinking then too. "Now I'm waiting on my two Dragon Rider escorts to bring my friend back so we can continue on our journey."
"You must be a Haruno," Haku finally said.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I met your brother and he was just as spunky as you. I see Night Fury every now and then."
Sakura blinked. Her brother's partner was Night Fury and the stallion was supposed to have died with her brother.
"He's dead both of them."
"Then I might be mistaken. I've seen a Black Unicorn running around here lately."
"Shadow Dancer is the only one left. The one other out there died with my brother."
"It was dark I could have…"
"It was a Black Unicorn," Zabuza growled.
He brought his black horse forward and waited for Haku. Sakura didn't get her hopes up that there was another Black Unicorn out there. Haku smiled at her and hauled himself up on his unicorn's back.
"It was nice meeting you Sakura. Hopefully we'll meet again."
Sakura nodded her head as she watched the two riders leave the stables. She turned to Shadow Dancer.
"Do you think he's alive Shadow Dancer?"
'It's hard to tell Sakura.'
She nodded her head. The sound of heavy thumping outside the doors made all of them tense and pause. Sakura tensed as she waited for the people to enter the stables. Nightwind popped his head up scenting the air.
'Dragon Riders and the demon.'
"Her name is Alexial Nightwind."
The small dragon rolled his eyes as he waited. Sakura moved towards the doors and opened them and smiled as she watched Deidara help Alexial down off his dragon. The way they stared at each other made Sakura kind of envious, though she hid it well. Alexial was leaning heavily on Deidara as they moved.
"I see you made it in one piece," Alexial chuckled.
"So did you it seems."
Sakura moved forward. Alexial let Deidara go to embrace her. Then Alexial pulled away as she realized how short her hair was. Sakura blushed as she messed with her shorter locks.
"Come on Sakura I'll straiten your hasty hair cut once we get settled."
Zetsu stood beside his partner.
"We'll stay here for a day so we can give all of you time to recuperate from your strenuous journey."
Both girls heard the hesitation when saying strenuous. It was more emotionally draining then physically draining. They nodded their heads in agreement. A monk came out to lead them to their rooms where they'd be staying.