--
The sun was already beginning to set and just outside the dress shop she could hear the beginnings of the festival. Yuu was standing just on the other side of the folding screen, waiting for her to finish dressing. He was already in his formal robes purchased from the same store. Sakura felt embarrassed, making him wait. He was supposed to be at the festival fifteen minutes ago, but a popped seam in her dress had delayed them.
With the dress stitched back up, Sakura wiggled into it quickly. The moment the skirt fell over her legs, she realized it had been a long time since she had wore anything so… girlish. In fact, the last time she had worn something like this was when she was promoted to jonin rank. Hinata had thrown her a party, getting reservations at one of the nicest restaurants in Konoha.
Then she had worn a simple black strap dress. This however was something a girl would wear while playing dress up. It was far too flamboyant for any other purpose than a costume. Wearing it was even more awkward. She was so used to wearing shorts, it was weird feeling almost barren and exposed underneath.
"You almost ready, Sakura?"
"Um, yeah," replied Sakura, still very unsure of her answer. Sakura smoothed out the ripples in the long silver skirt. The material was soft to the touch, and was very warm. Yuu had told her to make sure she chose a fabric that kept heat well for the Festival of Dance went into the wee hours of the night. It would later grow cold and he didn't want her to freeze.
Sakura turned around and looked at the mask Yuu had purchased for her sitting on the chair. Since she was technically Yuu's date, she needed to wear something that was part of his house. Of course, that would be the wolf. But the mask only covered the top part of her face, allowing her to breathe easier. She had blatantly refused a full face mask, not at all interested in breathing in her own breath over and over, sweating like a pig in the process. No, a half mask was fine and besides, it was beautiful enough. Silver paint with shinning whiskers and a zirconium nose. The eyes were outlined with elegant black as were the insides of the pointed ears. It really was a beautiful peace of art almost so pretty that Sakura didn't want to ruin it by putting it on her face.
"Sakura, we need to get going."
"Right."
She picked up the mask and slowly turned towards the mirror.
There she was, standing in a silver and white dress, appearing almost innocent. Much to her pleasure, there weren't any jewels or expensive embroidery done on the dress. It did have a generous skirt and long sleeves though and the neckline was rather… low, to say in the least. Overall though, it was a decent costume. She looked down at the mask in her hands. The wolf stared back at her with all its silent magnificence. Tonight she would be the spirit of the wolf. She would be strong, cunning, and ever mindful of her surroundings. She was going to a festival, but she had to be careful.
"Here goes." She slid the silver satin band that would keep the mask on over her head. Her vision went black, then she looked through the eyes of the wolf. Once the mask slid into place, Sakura looked at herself in the nearby mirror.
The transformation was complete. She was the visual embodiment of the wolf, silver and beautiful. She was also on high alert and she wouldn't let down her guard.
She stepped out from behind the screen and looked at the gold and red wolf across from her. Yuu looked awfully uncomfortable in the heavy black and red velvet robes. He must be melting in here! thought Sakura, slightly embarrassed for keeping him waiting.
He looked the same as here basically except his costume was slightly more extravagant than hers. It was to the point that if she glanced at him from a crowd, she would have no idea who he was.
"You look beautiful," he murmured, finally breaking the silence between them.
Sakura blinked, then blushed. "No I don't…"
"You do," said Yuu firmly. He walked up to her, his expensive fabrics rustling against the floor as he moved. He continued to look at her, even after he stopped in front of her. Sakura couldn't hold his gaze and looked away, still embarrassed.
Yuu offered her his arm. "Shall we go?"
Sakura nodded, thankful that they were finally leaving the dress shop. She slid her arm around his and the two exited the shop and onto the purple and red streets of Unon.
The moment she stepped foot onto the cobbled streets, she knew that she had gotten herself into something far larger than she could handle for the moment they began their descent down the street to the town's center, they were followed by dozens, then clusters of people. Sakura kept looking behind her shoulder at all of the townspeople, dressed in their own costumes. Some carried food, others decorations. Some carried nothing. Either way, they continued to follow them.
When Sakura stopped and the procession of people behind them stopped as well, she decided it was time for answers.
Elbowing Yuu in the side, she whispered, "Why are they following us?"
"Because," said Yuu quietly, turning to the people and waving, "accompanying the young lord and his date is basically walking with the famous, is it not?"
"Yes," said Sakura slowly, nodding, "I suppose. But do they gain anything from it?"
"Of course," said Yuu, turning back around, "they get attention and fifteen minutes of fame."
"Well," said Sakura dryly, "not exactly what I would ask for my birthday, but whatever."
They continued down the street until finally once of the many followers gathered up enough courage to scamper towards Sakura to talk to her.
"You look really pretty," said the girl, shyly looking to the ground.
Sakura, surprised, looked down at the young lady. She couldn't be more than twelve years old. She had long brown hair and hazel eyes and was wearing a mask made of feathers. She looked very shy and almost weak, but Sakura could see she had a strong spirit.
Sakura realized that the girl reminded her of herself when she was twelve and nearly ignorant to the world's evils. She had fallen in love with someone who couldn't ever support her and had spent all her time trying to woo him. Only until the world had dealt her a great blow had she been knocked into sense. She could see the girl had been given this hit and she felt sorry for her.
"Thank you," said Sakura, smiling. "I like what you are wearing as well. It suits you well."
The girl blushed, but was smiling wide. The girl continued talking to her and as she did, other children around her found themselves inspired. Soon they were coming up with their own questions and comments until Yuu and Sakura were surrounded by children.
"Be careful of the skirt," said Sakura, looking down at the dozens of feet around her. "I just got it!"
The children backed up briefly only to come close to her again. Such was the attention span of a child.
"We're here," said Yuu, stopping suddenly. A child behind him bumped into his back but was so excited about the festival he quickly scrambled up from the ground and was already screaming towards the throng of people. The other children were quick behind him, laughing and skipping towards the party.
Sakura stood mesmerized at the sight.
"It looks like someone colored a zoo!"
Indeed there were hundreds of people dressed up like dozens of different animals. The extravagance of the costumes varied from giant and expensive to regular street clothes. There were some masks that had giant feathers that stuck out from the crowd and shook above their heads. The most popular though was the free white mask that was given to those at the entrance of the town square. Sakura could see the giant cart filled with those masks sitting next to the entrance of the area. A few of the children that had been with them made sure to pick one up before entering the fray of dancers.
These masses of people were dancing in the middle of the town square. Lanterns lined the outer edges of the area, giving warm yellow and orange light. There were stands lined up around the perimeter, giving out free food to all of those who wanted some. There was a performer of sorts surrounded by giggling children. He was juggling flaming torches in the air, much to their amazement. Coins clinked around at his feet as a seventh torch was added to his already impressive number.
The band was on a makeshift stage, men and women plucking strings, beating drums, or playing a woodwind. The song they were playing at that moment was light and bubbly, a tune that any age could dance to. A young girl was singing on the stage, smiling bright and loving the attention.
"Looks like not everyone can afford a mask," said Sakura, looking at all of the white dots within the reds and blues.
"No, not everyone is fortunate," said Yuu. "Such is the way of life."
Sakura nodded in silent agreement and they continued down the road to the festival. When they reached the crowd, immediately the people formed a gap so Sakura and Yuu could cross. Sakura could see Mari sitting inside a gazebo that was guarded by two men. Alongside her sat Atsushi. Both of them were in elegant costume, far more expensive then either Yuu's or hers.
Atsushi stood up as did Mari as Yuu and Sakura made their way up the steps.
"Sakura," he said, smiling, "is that you? You look beautiful but I must say you are far out of character."
Yuu and Sakura bowed in front of the lord and lady politely before both took their seats, Sakura next to Mari and Yuu next to his father.
Sakura fidgeted in her seat, feeling very uncomfortable in front of Atsushi and Mari. She knew that both of them had forgiven her for her little accident, but she hadn't talked to them much at all since then.
"Father," said Yuu, his happiness hardly suppressed, "you were able to make it!"
"I was able to get a break in my work," said Atsushi simply. "Besides, it has been a while since I have seen the festival."
Atsushi looked to Sakura who still sat silently. "What do you think of it so far, Sakura?"
Sakura looked up, slightly startled. "Well," she started slow, gazing at the many people who were dancing and eating, "I haven't done much, but it looks wonderful. There's so much color and life."
"That is why the Festival of Dance is so popular," said Yuu, gesturing out towards the dancers. "It's a time of dance and culture. Nobody has any cares in the world. All that matters is the moment."
Sakura smiled softly, liking the idea of such a festival. It was something that she could enjoy greatly.
Mari, however, ruined the moment.
"Where is that bodyguard of ours? Kakashi, was it?" She scoffed and sipped from her goblet. "We will not pay for someone who does not work."
Sakura bit back a laugh. Mari was still obviously upset with Kakashi making a move on Yuriko. What made it so funny was that it had happened so long ago and yet Mari was just as mad as the moment she first found out.
"Well," said Sakura, "he told me he would be at the festival. Although," she sighed, shaking her head, "he's known to be 'fashionably late'."
Which means up to two hours late…
Mari grumbled something under her breath and took another sip from her goblet. No more complaints came from her though and instead light conversation floated between them. Occasionally, they would look to the dance floor and watch the couples lead through many different face-paced steps. A few acrobats stole the spotlight, flipping their friends in the air and balancing them on their hands. Sakura couldn't help but clap when two more people balanced on top, creating what looked like an upside down triangle.
There were many couples standing on the sidelines, whispering and watching everyone else. They looked like they were waiting for something, but Sakura could pinpoint just what it was they wanted. Occasionally, she would see one of these couples go up to the band and ask them something and the musicians would wave them away.
Perhaps they're waiting for a slow song?
Inadvertently, an image of Kakashi sprang into her mind. Sakura flushed red and looked away from the aristocrats, trying to fan her face with discretion.
Where did that come from? Of all places…
Sakura calmed herself and scanned the crowd. She had yet to spot the lazy jonin, but within the crowd of people, it was nearly impossible to pinpoint anybody. Still, she kept her eye out for a familiar shock of hair.
They were served a light dinner consisting of a fish soup and soft bread. Sakura made sure to drink lightly, sipping from her glass only a few times. Mari on the other hand had already finished her fourth cup and was ready to go dancing.
"Come, love," said Mari, standing up and swaying slightly before grabbing her husband's hand, "let us go to the floor. I believe the Dance of Sin is beginning soon."
Sakura, confused, look to Yuu for an explanation, but he himself was slightly pink. The jonin saw with slight amusement that the young heir was trying to avoid their parent's eyes.
Atsushi seemed out of place and very embarrassed, but he let himself be led to the middle of the square. It was a strange feeling, looking at the lord and lady of Unon together, seemingly enjoying themselves. It gave hope to those who were struggling in their relationships; if those two could enjoy themselves, anyone else could.
"So what exactly is this "Dance of Sin," asked Sakura, looking over to Yuu. Behind him, she spotted the same couples she had been watching earlier. They were entering the square, smiling. Perhaps this is what they were waiting for?
Yuu looked at her briefly before turning his eyes back towards his plate.
"It's a dance," he said slowly, "that happens every year. It is the most popular because there is much… emotion, within it. The Dance of Sin is the highlight of the festival and is waited for with little restraint, especially between lovers." He met her eyes and gave her a small smile. "I, myself, like the dance for the music and the energy. It's one of the few times where I can really enjoy myself."
Almost immediately a series of instruments began to play a strong song that was quick and demanded expertise to play. Atsushi and Mari strode into the middle of the square, coming into position. The music was a perfect match for the powerful couple. When the humming of strings broke the air, the lord soon began to lead Mari in the dance.
As they danced, Sakura couldn't help tap her hand to the beat of the quick tempo of the solo violin leading the piece, bobbing her head to every strong note played.
It's so fast! thought Sakura with amazement. Indeed, the people moved so quickly and rapidly, they appeared to have briefly lost their minds.
Kakashi is definently not on the floor right now. Sakura sighed with aggravation. It requires too much effort on his part.
"Sakura?"
The jonin looked up to see Yuu offering his hand out to her, smiling softly. "Would you like to dance?"
Sakura thought briefly if going with Yuu was a good idea. Who knew what would happen to her if she went down on that crazy dance floor? It was a tempting thought and moving at all sounded excellent.
In the end she took his hand gratefully. The crowd widened slightly to allow dancing room for her and Yuu. As they began to move quickly through the fast paced music, Sakura found the reason why they ate such a light dinner. All of the twirling and foot stomping would have been too much for her if she had had anything bigger. She was having a good time though and spun around Yuu, laughing.
"You, sir, know how to dance!" exclaimed Sakura, twirling on the balls of her feet and she spun under Yuu's outstretched arm.
"You learn how to dance especially when you grow up in a family like mine." He brought her back in roughly only to let her leave again. His feet crossed beside hers and they swished against the ground, soles scuffing on the stone.
Sakura didn't understand why Yuu had told her to wear such a warm dress. She was melting! Then again, she was dancing fairly hard. Yuu looked like he had just stepped out of the dressing room, handling the exercise easily, or perhaps just ignoring it. Sakura briefly wondered just how sweaty and sticky she looked.
After awhile, Sakura began to forget about appearances, her mind totally focused on the footsteps and movements, all the while enjoying it. The song was growing increasingly faster and Sakura began to feel tired, but it was a good kind of tired. A large grin was on her face and she clapped loudly as her feet pounded against the ground along with the other hundreds of dancers.
"You holding up?" whispered Yuu heavily as he managed his footwork carefully, still keeping to the face paced music.
Sakura nodded and managed a small smile before Yuu spun her inwards and they exchanged places.
"I didn't know," said Sakura, gasping slightly, "how fast this song was at first! I don't think I can keep this up!"
It was true. Her throat was crying for water, but her mind was entirely enthralled with the dance.
"Don't worry," said Yuu, holding onto her hand, guiding her spins around him, "it slows down…"
The people around them obviously knew this. If Sakura had cared to notice, she would have seen the lust filled gazes of some of the couples as the violin stopped it's shrill play before being replaced by a deep thrum.
The song slowed to a primal drum beat and Sakura found herself moving against Yuu almost intimately. The deep rumbling of the drums shook the air around her, heating up what was an already intense dance. Sakura was slowly becoming intoxicated with the movements, Yuu's hands moving up her body without her even noticing. Yuu was speaking to her, but she didn't hear.
Those around her were also losing control, erotic exchanges being conducted between complete strangers. This, however, was completely natural in this dance. It was the Dance of Sin and it was the only time where lovers could publicly express any sort of intimacy. Everyone was involved, excluding the children who were ushered away for arts and crafts. Yuu had hoped he got the chance to dance with the female nin during this song. In fact, he had been looking forward to it since the first time he decided to ask her to be his date.
There were a few couples that could no longer keep their pent up emotions inside and quickly left the area to somewhere private. The song continued for most other people, especially the ones who were in it for the dance, not the intimacy. Sakura, thanks to her ignorance, was one of these people. Still, she couldn't reject the raw emotion of it all and was feeling the effects greatly. Her heart thundered in her chest and her hands roamed everywhere, trying to grab onto something to support herself. This was indeed a very intense dance, the most powerful and beautiful of them all.
The drums rumbled ferociously one last time and then things slowed down to an almost molasses like speed. Sakura's breath was heavy in her ears, Yuu's face close to her own. The lantern's lights were melding together and Sakura thought she might be drifting away into an alternate world.
I wonder if Kakashi made it. I bet he would like this dance. It's so much fun.
She closed her eyes and let herself sag against Yuu for a brief rest, copying many other couples. For a short time, she realized that the sun had disappeared completely and the night had grown cold. The sweat on her brow chilled quickly and made her shiver. Still, she moved sluggishly along with the song, joining the many others who moved, giving them the illusion that they moved like water. It was strange and it enthralled.
The violin was commanding the song once more and then the whole area was alive with energy, the sluggish and intimate dance burning away into almost animalistic foot pounding and spins. Sakura had never felt so thrilled and alive before and was laughing once again, loving every last moment.
Yuu grabbed onto both of her hands and they did a barrel roll, both spinning under each other's arms. Round and round they twirled, Yuu occasionally spinning Sakura in the air before bringing her back down to the ground. Their feet moved quickly, just barely grazing each other as they thumped against the ground. Grabbing her by the waist, he stepped to the side and lowered her parallel to the ground. He was granted a rather generous look at her chest before he pulled her back up and spun her out.
She twirled far right, leaving Yuu and was dancing with another man and another until her world was swirling with birds, cats, demons, and color. Everything changed so quickly and suddenly that Sakura had no idea where she was going. Her movements were commanded instinctively, causing her destination to become unpredictable. That was the nature of the dance. Her world kept spinning and spinning until the music finally slowed and stopped.
Once she finally stopped moving, she realized just how sucked into the song she had been. She was so tired, her breath coming out in near gasps. Her throat was dry and her limbs were heavy. She braced herself up against her new dance partner, trying to gather her breath.
"You alright?"
She barely heard his voice, but she nodded. She had nearly lost control. No, she did lose control. Looking back on it, she couldn't remember what exactly the dance had been like. All she knew was that she was tired and wasn't sure if she was still up to dancing.
Her vision whirling, she looked up at her new dance partner. This one wore the same white demon mask as the many others with only a few differences, but even so, this man was different than the others. He was intimidating, heart-stopping, and gave her the chills. Breathing in the smell of the forest, the new, slow music began, the female singer stepping up and coaxing a gentle ballad out of the charged air around them.
"I told you we would speak again," said Kakashi, guiding her through the slow dance. There would be no changing of partners this time, this song meant for only one dance partner.
Sakura was too tired for surprise, so she stared at him blankly. Her thoughts were still trying to unravel themselves after the crazy dance. Slowly, as each second passed by, she finally had a decent hold on her mind and sanity. Once she did, she realized that she was very, very tired. Eyes drooping, she let herself fall against him.
Sakura rested her head against his chest as they danced. All of the lovers and young couples had come onto the floor and were dancing together as well. There were so many people; the area was packed together, leaving hardly any room between couples. Many others were tired also after the animalistic dance and moved very slowly, each one trying to catch their breath.
Sakura was trying to gather her wits together, but she was slowly losing herself in the sensation of Kakashi so close to her. Deep within her mind, she knew there was something important she had to tell him, something that she just had to let him know. She couldn't possibly string a thought together though. She didn't even have the energy to be angry with him.
She loved being so close to him. It was wonderful. Her arms were curled around his torso, kept warm underneath his vest. His shirt was soft and held his wonderful, musky scent. She could focus all of her thoughts on him, Kakashi doing all of the moving for her.
"So Sakura," he murmured, guiding her through the steps, "what was it that you wanted to tell me?" His voice was deep and it rumbled in his chest. His hand was slowly sliding down her back, resting just above her bottom. She didn't notice, really, nor did she notice his fingers twitching against her body.
"Hm?" Sakura's eyes were closed and she was losing herself in the motion of their dance and his beating heart. It was almost surprising the effect he had on her. It was almost like he was a drug. She loved it and didn't care if she became addicted.
No Sakura, you need to tell him what you saw!
"Oh! Kakashi!" Sakura looked up at Kakashi, the urgency of everything ruining the moment between them. "Kakashi, I found something that you need to know!"
Kakashi stopped dancing and didn't reply but continued to stare down at her. Sakura had no idea what his expression was. His entire face was hidden behind his mask. She wanted to know though.
Suddenly, his arms were wound tightly around her and he was crushing her against his chest. Sakura's face flushed red, but she could not move. She could feel his strong muscles underneath the dark blue shirt he was wearing. Not to mention her stomach was flat against him, his body in complete contact with hers.
"Kakashi?" she managed with a small gasp.
"I'm glad…" he murmured softly, almost so softly that she couldn't hear, "I'm glad I'm not your sensei."
Sakura's eyes widened a fraction, then her mouth split into a smile.
She laughed lightly and they were dancing again, holding each other close. "Of course, but I should have stopped long ago."
Kakashi was silent, but it was obvious he was in a lighter mood. His steps were softer, his reactions quicker and his overall aura was bright.
"Although," said Sakura grumpily, "I am still angry with you for leaving me. You'd better not do that again or I might just have to be angry with you until I die."
Kakashi chuckled softly. "I do not plan on doing such a thing in the near future. And…" He stopped short, fumbling.
Sakura looked up. "Yes?"
He stopped dancing and was looking at the sky. Sakura waited patiently for him to speak, not at all minding.
As long as he says it, I'm fine..
"I'm sorry," he said finally, looking back down. "It was stupid of me. I won't do anything like that again."
"Good." Sakura smiled and hugged him tight, startling him. "Then I forgive you."
The two friends enjoyed their moment, both content after many long hours. It was a relief and Sakura was eternally thankful that they were able to get over it.
"Do it again and I swear to god I'll burn your books."
"Yes dear."
They laughed together but it was soon cut short by two siblings.
Sakura didn't need to see behind the pink wolf mask to know who it was. The sweet little voice and the plump red lips were all she needed to see to suddenly feel very sour.
"Well, well," said Yuriko, fisting her hands on her hips, "looks like the tomboy actually got dressed. Still…" She yawned and flicked her red locks. "I can see your lack of elegance. Your movements radiate manliness."
"Yuriko," said Yuu who had come up behind her, scowling, "you were lucky just to be able to get here. We wouldn't want another episode, now would we?"
If Yuriko's mask had been off, Sakura would have seen Yuriko go beet red. The moment passed soon and Yuriko was next to Kakashi, smiling at him.
"It's been a while," she said, smiling sweetly. Kakashi didn't answer her, only giving her a small nod. Yuriko looked irritated for a moment, but disappeared under a smile. "I haven't found a good dance partner yet," she said simply, gesturing to the crowd around her. "I was wondering if you would care to dance with me."
Kakashi almost immediately made a move to say no, but he stopped himself short. Sakura saw this and scowled slightly, but she knew why Kakashi refrained. There was no point in getting a spoiled heiress angry and whiny. That was bad sense.
Kakashi nodded and offered Yuriko his arm. She took it gratefully and led him into the throng of dancing people. With their departure, Sakura was left with Yuu who was happy to reunite with her after their split up.
"Thought I lost you," said Yuu as he and Sakura continued to dance. Louder music was playing now, meant for serious spinners.
"Nope, still here," said Sakura, twirling out and back into Yuu's arms. "That first dance sent me across the entire floor I think, not to mention sent me out of a sane mind." Sakura laughed lightly as Yuu spun her into the air. "That was a very intense dance. In fact, I really don't remember much."
"It's like that for first timers," said Yuu. "The Dance of Sin is the most intense and emotional of dances during the festival. I'm surprised you were able to last through it."
Sakura faltered, suddenly realizing the kind of dance she had shared with Yuu. Part of her was embarrassed while the other part of her was angry. She didn't want to share a dance like that with Yuu, she wanted to share it with…!
Sakura felt her cheeks flame red. There you go, thinking those thoughts again!
"You alright?"
Sakura looked up at Yuu and nodded slowly and continued to follow him through the traditional dance. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that I don't think I will be doing that again for a while."
Yuu laughed, but Sakura could tell it was more of a forced laugh. She ignored it and whatever implications lay behind it and continued to speak.
"I think I spun with nearly a dozen men after I was separated from you! I don't really remember much during that but I knew there was a whole lot of twirling. I would have gotten sick if it were not for…"
Sakura stopped and immediately she felt stupid. So, so, stupid.
"Dammit!" she cursed under her breath before pulling away from Yuu.
"Sakura?" Yuu reached for her, but she was already beginning to get lost in the massive amount of dancers. "Sakura! Sakura, where are you going?"
Sakura was trying to fight her way through all the townspeople, mentally berating herself over and over. She had been so caught up with Kakashi's body that she hadn't told him of what she had found that day!
God Sakura, you can be so stupid! Aurgh!
Trying to push past different people was proving to be hard though. There was so many different colors and voices that she couldn't make out which way was where. Quickly, she was losing her bearings.
"Dammit, screw this!" She took off her mask to allow herself better vision. "Kakashi!" She yelled above the crowd, but again her voice didn't carry at all. She tried again, calling on the top of her lungs. "Kakashi!"
No one paid her any heed, everyone drunk on wine and music. To her luck, she spotted a familiar shock of silver hair. She grunted and pushed a rather burly man out of the way so she could reach Kakashi and try to pair back up with him again.
There was a sudden scream, and then the whole area broke into chaos. Sakura had no time to react before she was brutally shoved to the side by a flung out arm. She fell to the ground, hitting the pavement with a loud smack. From her place on the ground, she could see an empty area through the hundreds of legs. She attempted to stand up, only to be knocked back down by a frantic woman pushing her way towards the far end of the square. Determined, she pushed off the ground and jumped high into the air. Below her, she could see a familiar head of silver. She landed and ran towards him.
"Kaka--" Her voice died and she stopped moving, staring in shock at the scene before her.
Kakashi was on his knees, his mask lying beside him. His shirt was stained with blood, the fabric torn at the side. Above him stood Yuriko, a dagger stained with blood in her hand. She was shaking and her mask was off, but her eyes were wild with adrenaline. Her front was splattered with blood, staining her pink dress.
"Kakashi!!"
Kakashi turned his head slowly towards her, his dark eye piercing hers. Then it closed and he fell forward to the ground, still.
"KAKASHI!!" She ran forward only to be stopped by Drein who had appeared to have come out of nowhere. She stared up at him in horror and he grinned at her.
"Well well, look what we have here." His grin widened impossibly, showing off tar stained teeth. "Glad you could join the party."
Sakura had just enough time to register Drein was about to swing out to clip her on the side of the face. She dropped to the ground, his fist swinging through air. Still crouched, she jumped backwards, skidding against the ground to stop.
Yuriko backed up far from her, clutching onto her dagger with a vice like grip. Sakura didn't spare a passing glance at her, her attention trained solely on Drein. Yuriko didn't pose as a threat, but she still fueled Sakura's anger. She would pay for what she did.
"So," said Sakura, clenching her fists, "you're working with Yuriko then, Drein? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The pathetic always seem to flock together."
Yuriko's face turned red with anger as did Drein. Yuriko made a move to come after Sakura, but the older man stopped her with a stern look. Yuriko came to a halt and moved back to where she was, but she still glared at Sakura with as much hate as she could muster.
"Say whatever you want," said Drein, "but it doesn't change the fact that you are outnumbered. You can't win."
He was right, she was outnumbered. She could hardly count Yuriko dangerous, but… Her eyes flickered to Kakashi's prone body, a pool of blood forming around him. A sudden rage consumed her and she turned to Yuriko, the urge to destroy burning within her body.
"I'll kill you!" she screamed, pushing off the ground into a run, chakra condensing around her fists. She would knock that pretty head right off her shoulders. Rocks flying behind her as she ran, she lashed out towards the red head, only to be stopped by Drein who had blocked the blow to the best of his ability. He was far from dead, but he was sent skidding across the clearing, nearly crashing into Yuriko.
Drein rubbed his forearms where the punch had connected. "I guess Vighan was right, you are stronger than you look."
Any coherent thoughts in Sakura's mind screeched to a halt. She paled at the name, memories swarming. Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"…Vighan?"
Drein smirked. Her defenses were down. "That's right. You know, he's been keeping his eye on you for a while now. He was surprised that you couldn't figure out it was him. He thought you were smarter than that."
Sakura didn't even have the mind to be angry at the insult. Her thoughts were focused on other things.
"But…" she fought for words, "but he's…"
There was no way! It can't be him, it just can't!
There was a movement and Sakura looked up to see Drein towering over her. Her eyes widened, knowing that she couldn't dodge any blow, even if she wanted to.
"Nighty night."
She had no chance. There was a sharp stinging, then her body became like lead. She fell to the ground, her body shutting down. Slowly, she felt darkness close in around her vision. The last thing she saw was the still form of Kakashi. Then, nothing.
--