Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter XII: Inner Turmoil
It was silent. Taking a deep breath, her eyes fluttered open but tiredly fell shut again when seeing how she was surrounded by darkness. Just a little more… Stirring lightly, she tried to change her position but felt an ache going through her body, making every movement hard and every limb heavy.
…Why? Why can't I move? She tiredly asked herself. The memories flood back, making her head spin. The gruesome information of what had happened, made her gasp for air.
In spite of the pain she was feeling, she hastily got up from where she was lying, her eyes wide open. Only bare walls surrounded her. Except for the bed, there was nothing. Letting out a groan when feeling her body protest to the idea of moving so abruptly, half-defeated she leaned back on her elbows while taking note that there was some light making its way into the room. She glanced around and saw at her left that there was a small narrow window, all the way up, near the ceiling. Too tired to move any more then she already had, she tried to take a look from where she was sitting. Only the grey sky could be seen, it seemed to be early evening. She could hear people talk. Am I still at that village?
She was somewhere down below, a basement of some sorts. There was no way, she was going to be able to get out. Her body felt strange, her heartbeat was slightly up. I'm still drugged. Or maybe I was drugged again when I was out, she thought to herself. Kakashi… I hope you are alright… But what if Anji said was true… No one around to help you… She felt tears pricking her eyes. He just left you to die! And there wasn't a damn thing I could do! How did we end up in this messed up situation?
Feeling her body shake, she wrapped her arms around herself. Fear was seeping in and making its way to her mind and heart. For the first time in years, she felt like that little, pretty useless, girl again.
I can't believe it. There is no way this happening again. The bloody image of Kakashi flashed before her eyes, reminding her that her savior wasn't going to be arriving anytime soon. Probably not at all.
Lying back down, she started to silently cry. Whatever he had given her, it was emotionally messing her up too. Sakura wasn't the type anymore to cry so easily but she felt so very defeated. Above all, guilt seemed to make its way into her head. If I never said… And we never took step out of Konoha, none of this would've happened. Then you'd be safe, Kakashi.
A part of her wanted to scream at hearing her thoughts. Liberate herself from the dragging feelings she was having inside. This wasn't like her! This wasn't like her at all! I don't want to be like this! I have to keep my head cool. I need to think of a plan. I'm not going to wait around like always! I just can't!
Ceasing her tears, her body started to obey and calm down. So was her mind. The more strategic, mature Sakura was capable of took over. What does he want to achieve by getting me here? If I want to figure him out, I'm going to have to talk to him. The enigmatic redhead appeared before her eyes. Though he uses kind words, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach, reminding her of what he had done earlier, he's brutal and emotionless.
His plan involving the take down of the, as he called it, capitalistic-system, she hadn't forgot about either. He was serious threat to the world they lived in today. He's strong, intelligent. He was one step ahead of us. He knew everything there was to know. He knew of my strength and the loss of your Sharingan… What do we do, Kakashi?
She vowed herself to think that Kakashi wasn't dead until she saw his body getting buried into the ground, only that way she could keep her emotions in check. For now he was her guidance, wherever he truly may be, in her mind, he was with her. The strange thought oddly kept everything in place and she slowly turned herself back around, becoming her true kunoichi self again.
I can't let him see that he got to me. I need to keep my emotions blank until I figure out what to do.
As optimistic as her mind was, her slow movements were great reminder of how much of a disadvantage she had in the situation. He seemed to know how to keep her inhuman strength in place, making it clear he was in control and having the upper hand in the situation. Above all, she was still locked up in an unknown location. She made her hand turn into a fist, holding on to all the anger and frustration she was feeling.
Suddenly there was light shining at the end of the room. Only now she could see the frame of a door. Small rays of light slightly shone through the cracks, making her able to see a bit more in the sea of darkness surrounding her. Taking another glance at the window, she noted how fast the sky had darkened, meaning it was much later then she had thought.
When hearing the door getting unlocked, she defiantly sat back up, vowing to not let herself be seen as a tired, defeated little girl. Meeting, whoever it was with a bold look.
'Oh, good, you're awake,' Anji said, greeting her with a smile.
Sakura couldn't help but lift her eyebrow at him, while taking note that, though she had wanted to keep a stoic expression, there was a frown on her face that she couldn't conceal. Anger was a dangerous emotion.
'Where am I?' she immediately asked, though keeping her tone calm.
'My residence,' he answered, not giving her anything more than that simple answer. He wore the same bored expression as when he had talked to her before. She took note that he too was probably hiding his emotions, and he was doing a fine damn job compared to her. Unless you have no emotions at all, of course, she grimly thought to herself.
'How did you sleep?' he asked lightly. 'I figured you must've felt quite fatigued after…' he halted a little and she could see him suppress a grin. 'All that has happened.'
'After you attacked me and my partner?' Sakura retorted. 'You drugged me, it wasn't exactly a fair fight.'
'I didn't want you to get hurt… too much,' he answered her monotone, stepping closer into the room. His eyes stayed on her form, though he seemed to be ignoring her green eyes angrily staring at him.
'Why? What is the meaning of all this?' she then asked. 'Why drug me again?'
'Hm,' he snickered amused. 'I can't fool a medic, of course. Not that I would ever dare to doubt your capabilities, Sakura.' His smirk widened a little and she could tell he was mocking her slightly.
'But just as naïve as I thought you'd be,' he then said, his expression turning a bit cold again. 'I'm afraid… I have no real reason, it is simple selfishness.'
'What?' she asked confused. 'Is this some sort of payback? I didn't… I…' She didn't know what she wanted to say. She hadn't taken revenge, she had been forgiving towards him! She didn't expect anything from him, in fact if they never had seen each other again, that would've been fine by her. After her talk with Kakashi, she was finally at peace with herself and the past. She was ready to let go.
'Don't,' he hushed when seeing the distraught on her face. Seating himself next to her on the bed, he arrogantly kept his eyes on her, not the slightest bit wavered by her fuming expression. 'Like I said, selfish reasons… I'm not going to explain myself since I'm not a very sentimental person.'
'So I just don't get to know what is going on? What is going to happen to me?' Sakura asked hotly, meanwhile cursing herself for not being able to control her temper.
'I don't know what is going to happen to you either,' he simply answered. The cold gleam she caught in his eyes made her shudder and aware that this wasn't textbook-situation. She wasn't a captive that was going to be used as leverage in a future situation. She was simply at the mercy of a man, who was not going reveal any of his true intentions. Perhaps he was unpredictable even to himself at times.
The thought made her mind grow wary of the situation, as did the proximity they suddenly shared when he had come to sit next her. Taking a distance from him until her back met the headboard of the bed, keeping her eyes locked on his. The intense stare they shared made her go into some sort of trance, were fear, frustration and anger met one another. Though she could feel her emotions being on display, his red eyes stayed slightly unfazed. All she caught was a devious glint of some sorts, it send shivers down her spine.
'So, Sakura, are you still up for dinner?' he politely asked. His words made her snap out of her train of thoughts. Unwillingly, she let out small gasp. His formal way of speaking didn't manage to cover up his cold and rude personality. He wasn't truly asking her a question.
But this might be my chance to figure out what to do…
Even though she was telling herself to listen to the rational voice speaking in her mind, and stay calm, she couldn't ignore the somewhat sinister undertone in his voice had. She couldn't hide from herself how it was effecting her.
Suddenly the already dubious, dark atmosphere between them worsened when he moved in closer. Sakura felt her body stiffen in reaction. She tried taking short breaths to calm herself down but couldn't help but feel fear when feeling she couldn't move her legs. Out of nowhere, Anji's hand appeared and grabbed the blanket that was covering her. 'What the..?' she brought out in surprise. The thought of yelling at him for making such bold move, dried down in the back of her throat and her eyes stayed widened at the sight.
Strange chakra-chains were wrapped around her legs, with seals here and there to tighten up her disability to move. Without warning, or permission, he picked her up, his hands going underneath her immobile body. Immediately she let out a cry of protest, 'Let go of me!'
Feeling her body leave the matrass, she tried to push him off but it seemed her body no longer held the capability to use inhuman strength. He had drained her of it.
Anji himself simply gave her a blank look in response. 'You're not going to be able to walk,' he pointed out. 'So you might as well behave, angel.'
Unable to do anything, she defiantly kept her eyes on him, giving him a foul look at the same time. Without another word spoken, he walked with her out of the room, keen on ignoring her eyes burning onto him. She couldn't help but notice how cold and uninteresting he looked compared to the first time they had met.
He had looked so different back in the store… Arrogant but… after he apologized, I thought of it more as mischievous. He seemed kind and sincere when he asked me over for dinner. It frightens me how well he knows how to summon feelings without actually feeling them… I can't read him at all, she admitted to herself.
When they stepped outside of the dark room, Sakura squinted her eyes a little at seeing so much light. Though it was only for a several seconds, it appeared the room was dimly lit for her. She didn't make a sound but she was shocked when seeing her surroundings. Luxurious furniture and accessories, mixed with rich colors and dark undertones, made the room feel like it was made for a king.
Sakura had been staring so intently at it all, she hadn't even take notice of him seating her down at the table. Food had not been served yet but the fine silvery was a promise of what was to come. Unwillingly, she could feel her stomach ramble, signaling her that she was indeed hungry. Placing a hand on her lower body to calm it down, she took a glance at the tall man to see if he had heard anything.
For the moment, he was with his back towards her, pouring himself a drink. He turned around and gave another one of his deadly calm looks, while taking a sip from his drink. The dim room made him look even more dangerous. Feeling an uneasiness come over her, she looked down and fidgeted with her hands. I have to play it cool but I can't seem to mask my emotions today…
'I'd give you drink but… you'd be flying, angel,' he snickered, while licking his lips to flavor the alcohol that remained on them. Moving up from his spot at the bar, he slowly walked towards her and came to sit in front of her. Lazily staring at her, in a slouching position, he took another sip of his drink.
'I don't drink…' she stiffly said. 'Good…' he nodded in amusement.
It stayed silent for several long moments, making her nervousness hit the ceiling. What was with her?
'What did you give me?' she whispered, beginning to feel drowsy suddenly.
'Something to sleep… something to make you… relax a little.'
'It's messing me up,' she answered harshly, while giving him a glare. I also don't feel calm at all.
'You'll be fine,' he said dismissively, sitting up and placing his drink to the side. 'So,' he started. 'Are you still not interesting in hearing my story?'
She narrowed his eyes at him, angry her discomfort didn't even bother him the slightest. He seemed to be narcissistic, it was the second time he wanted to talk about himself. Though she didn't want to say anything more to him then she already had, she couldn't help but blurt out her thoughts about hearing his story. 'What is there to hear? You made your way up in the underworld…'
He gave her a fake pout, pretending to be disappointed by her reaction. 'Ah, angel,' he sighed. 'There is so much more to it.'
'Fine, tell me…' she sighed in defeat, while trying to control her inner turmoil. 'Tell me your story.'
