Author's Note: Hey everyone sorry for the delayed update. I've been enjoying my winter break; it's nice to have all this relaxation you know? Are a lot of you back in school yet? Don't worry, I have not been neglecting this story; I've actually been sitting myself down and writing everything out. That's important! Well no more of this chit chat, time to read!
Chapter 12: Dawn of an Ill-Fated Day
The cool midnight breeze kissed my skin while making my way towards Kikyo Castle. As my feet carried me over, the shrine slowly came into view. How enchanting and mysterious it looked. The way the moonlight shined upon the structure made it look even more sacred then it was thought to be.
After subconsciously turning my head, I spotted a garden east of the shrine and walked on an intricately designed bridge over looking a pond with a plethora of lily pads floating on the crystal clear surface. As I walked closer, I couldn't help but notice the abundance of flowers and colorful humming birds buzzing around. Before observing anything else, my enthralled emerald eyes caught sight of Uchiha Sasuke meditating peacefully near a bed of roses.
My lips etched a smile while staring at his tranquil figure.
"It's been a while since I've relaxed. All this stress isn't good for my health. Why don't I join him?"
This time there were no conflicting thoughts from either myself or Kobato. I quickened my pace and quietly made myself comfortable on the ground, mimicking his cross-legged form. My eyes closed while inhaling and exhaling in unity with the surrounding environment.
The calm and soothing gust of the wind came howling as my long tresses fluttered about. I couldn't help but feel so liberated. It felt like I was flying amongst the other birds!
Speaking of birds, the nightingales perched high atop the trees sang a harmonious and whimsical melody, one that I could spend all night listening to. The aria performed by these tiny critters provided the garden with a heavenly atmosphere, yet, something about the tune was haunting. Almost as if the creatures were yearning for something. In a way, I could relate. It seemed as if the powerful melody of the nightingales could be translated into the following question:
"What are you longing for, Haruno Sakura?"
This could be easily answered in one word.
"Freedom…"
"Freedom?" Kobato repeated, reading my mind as usual.
My eyes shifted towards the big, bright moon hovering above me while telepathically answering her question.
"If I were free, I would be able to do anything I wanted. I could become strong and courageous by my own free will. I could fall in love with whoever I desired, allowing me to express my feelings easily. If I could do all of these things, this would ultimately lead to my happiness. I would have no strict boundaries. I would have the freedom to fly swiftly into the deep blue skies like a dove, and sing my heart out just like a nightingale."
As my mind lingered on these thoughts, the sound of Sasuke's breathing put me at ease. All of my sorrow and negative feelings washed away completely while gazing upon his serene face. He was completely undisturbed and deep in thought. It seemed as if all the turmoil that went on in his life had vanished, and instead, a clear and pristine aura radiated from his untroubled soul.
"Concentrate on yourself. Slowly begin to tune everything out around you."
Briefly I cracked an eye open and directed my attention to Kobato, who situated herself next to me on the soft patch of luscious green grass.
Without answering her, I shut my eyes again and travelled deep within myself possibly searching for answers I've been looking for all along.
"Kami, I feel like Bhudda…"
"Concentrate!" she reminded me.
"Alright, Dobato!"
She really hates it when I call her that.
The intrapersonal journey was a bit tiring. I certainly commend the monks and others alike who partake in meditation. It's not easy to concentrate solely on yourself. There's so much mental strength involved, and it probably took them years to master meditation.
As all sorts of images appeared in my mind, one struck me in particular. In fact, it wasn't just a mere image. It felt like I was living this entire experience. I could see my body standing frozen, staring at something.
"Return what is rightfully mine", the 'something' demanded.
My feet magically began to move and walk towards the voice. I made it through the fog and avoided the malicious eyes peering at me through the lifeless trees.
The source of the voice spoke again, repeating what they said in a more threatening tone.
Finally, I stopped and raised my head to look above me. The fog cleared and the wind grew powerful. I held onto a tree trunk for support and stared ahead to see what would happen.
There he was with his jet black wings opened wide, ready to attack. His deep purple eyes narrowed at the sight of me as he began to crow harshly. It truly was a deafening sound. I covered my ears and shut my eyes in agony, hoping to block out the noise.
"It will be mine, Haruno Sakura…" he seethed.
The rinnegan he possessed was frightening, yet at the same time, mesmerizing.
"K-Karasu-sama?" I questioned.
The demonic raven king responded by glaring menacingly and flapping his wings violently, destroying everything in his path, and sending me back to consciousness.
My eyes reopened and immediately after, I rubbed them, startled by what happened.
"Oi, Dobato. You just broke my concentration."
I turned to face Uchiha Sasuke, staring at me with irritation evident on his once peaceful face.
My face flushed, "Gomen, Sasuke-kun…I didn't-"
"Wait a second…I didn't make a peep. How did he know?"
As if reading my mind, he answered, "I sensed the dramatic change in your chakra levels."
"Amazing!"
"So…you knew I was here the whole time?"
He smirked, indicating a sure fire, "yes."
"Why are you here? Go to bed."
"What is he, my father?"
I shrugged my shoulders, "I'm not sleepy."
Sasuke raised a brow suspiciously, "So you're just wandering around aimlessly in the middle of the night?"
Briefly I sighed; annoyed with all the explaining I had to do.
"Well sort of. I mean, I could ask you the same thing. Why are you here?"
Without hesitation, he replied, "I meditate in these gardens every night, to bring my mind at peace. When I do, flashbacks of my early childhood come back to me. Such simple times they were. I'll never forget them."
That statement brought sadness to my eyes, never recalling a moment of happiness over the course of my life.
"What was your favorite memory?" I asked the musing Uchiha.
He sighed as I watched his onyx orbs drastically change within a wide range of emotions from anger, to sorrow, to fear, to contentment.
"Fireflies…" he whispered.
"Pardon?" I inquired with confusion.
Finally his eyes fixated on me, elaborating on his most cherished memory.
"My mother and I used to sit outside on our porch every summer evening, watching the fireflies."
"How wonderful." I couldn't help but picture in awe.
"Did you ever run around and attempt to catch them?" I asked with continued interest.
He nodded, "No."
Nothing but a long silence filled the air, until Sasuke spoke again, engaging me in the conversation.
"Kaa-san used to tell me that fireflies bring hope in a time of darkness and despair. The light they emit is self-created. She reminded me that I'd eventually encounter hardship in my life. Once this happens I must remain positive, walk the path of righteousness, and avoid falling into darkness at all costs."
We remained quiet as my eyes watched the fireflies dance around us. Although enchanted by the sight, I grew uncomfortable of the distance of one of the insects closing in on me.
I was never, and will never, be fond of bugs.
Two of them made their way towards the top of Sasuke's head, and one climbed onto his nose. He looked so silly! It took all of my willpower not to laugh. Of course it didn't work, and instead, a small chuckle escaped from my lips as the embarrassed Uchiha became aware of my amusement.
Sasuke scowled, but shortly after, his expression faltered and I noticed a slight smile making its way onto his gorgeous face.
This time it was his turn to ask.
"What's yours?"
It took a while for me to sort through my memories since all I could remember were times of unhappiness. Soon after, a small flower planted right in front of me caught my eye. I examined it closely and realized it was a white rose.
Then, I recalled my flower symbology lessons with Yamanaka-san and Ino. Those were such fun times. As Yamanaka-san introduced a new flower to us, she would discuss not only the meaning behind it, but also, how they each pertained to her life.
"Going out on picnics with my friend Ino and her mom."
My statement did not seem to satisfy Sasuke as he asked about my grandmother.
"Do you have any special memories with her?"
My lips pursed after remembering all of the bitter moments I had endured because of the old woman.
"…No…"
He didn't say anymore regarding her, and I was thankful. She was a sensitive topic for me to handle.
"Ano…Sasuke-kun?"
He directed his attention towards me looking as indifferent as usual.
"What do you know about this symbol?" I asked while retrieving the amulet from my bag and handing it to him.
Sasuke studied it carefully and his eyes grew wide at the sight of the amulet.
"Where did you find this?"
"Someone gave it to me," I simply said.
"Quickly ask Sasuke-san what the symbol means, Sakura-chan!"
"So…any idea what it means?"
Truth be told, I felt like a complete idiot. It seemed as if the entire village was aware of the meaning behind this amulet excluding me.
Yeesh…where have I been?
"Locked away from the world in a dungeon known as your house."
I nodded with Kobato in agreement. She was definitely right about that.
"This symbol was worn by Akatsuki members. It was their identity," Sasuke informed me.
"Akatsuki…?"
My mind briefly rolled back to earlier in the day when Shikamaru and I explored the Konoha Archive Library and to the moment when I laid eyes on that wanted poster.
"Akatsuki…the cloaked men with those red cloud symbols?"
"Your brother was an Akatsuki member?" I couldn't help but utter.
I regret that I did after seeing the look on Sasuke's face. He was heartbroken and angry. His bangs covered his eyes so I could no longer see what he was feeling. However, it was evident that the young Uchiha was upset.
"G-Gomen…Sas-"
"Don't. Mention. Him. Again." Sasuke ordered.
I was taken aback. Suddenly fear overcame me. There was no way I planned on experiencing the monster inside of him as I did a while back when the two of us were stuck in the Uchiha compound because of the pouring rain.
He possessed a killer intent which I had no intention of provoking.
Avoiding the subject of Itachi, I asked specifically the purpose of the Akatsuki and who its members were.
"The Akatsuki was Konoha's most formidable opponent, consisting of an elite group of S-ranked ninja," Sasuke apprised.
I nodded my head, signaling for him to educate me further.
"And yes my brother, Uchiha Itachi, was an active member. He partnered with a man named Kisame, who hailed from the village hidden in the mist."
My eyes merely blinked, comprehending everything he just told me, in turn allowing me to infer something very important.
"So…you mean to tell me that these Akatsuki members betrayed their villages?"
He replied with a yes and I couldn't help but feel appalled.
"Who would do such a terrible thing?"
"Apparently these people," Kobato affirmed.
Momentarily the man before me looked down towards the ground while tightly clasping his scarred and calloused hands.
"Of course, I shouldn't be talking. I was a criminal myself, betraying my village. Everyone I knew and loved despised me. It was then when I realized what it was like to be in Itachi's place."
Sasuke's ice cold eyes immediately mollified. His guard was let down, leaving him in a vulnerable state. A tear slowly trickled down his pale cheek, and although it was tiny and could barely be detected, it was still a tear even if Uchiha Sasuke was the one who shed it.
"I-I'm sorry…about everything…"
Finally his eyes met mine.
"It was the past. What happened, happened."
This time, I refrained from delving into the subject anymore, and directed my interest towards Uchiha Sasuke other than the Akatsuki or the supposedly "wicked" motif adorning the amulet I placed back into my bag. Before I could say anything, he beat me to it.
"Have you sorted out your little problem with Naruto yet?"
As soon as Sasuke mentioned Naruto's name, I couldn't help but frown. Feelings of regret and guilt clouded my mind. How could I have been so stupid and selfish to let him go like that?
"No." I confirmed, nodding my head dejectedly.
"In fact, no one has heard from him," I quickly added.
"Strange…" Sasuke murmured.
My hands involuntarily rose, scrunching my hair as I lamented in frustration.
"I love Naruto dearly. How cruel was I to flat out reject him like that? He's been a close friend of mine all these years, and now everything's ruined because of me. I don't blame him if he hates my guts. I'm not worthy of his friendship."
Sasuke slightly leaned forward, "Since Naruto is a close friend of yours, you should know that he doesn't resent anyone."
I breathed slowly for a moment, taking in the Uchiha's words of wisdom.
"But what about everyone who's mistreated him? As much as it pains me to say it, Naruto was one of the most hated people in Konoha." I pointed out.
Sasuke's face remained calm, unfazed by each question.
"Naruto knows how to forgive and forget and that's how he maintains his optimism. Rejection is something he's been used to all his life, and since there was no one to care for him, he made it his ambition not to live miserably any longer. I know he'll make a great hokage someday."
My heart melted after hearing that last sentence. Uchiha Sasuke was now a different person in my eyes.
"I wish I could take back all the mean things I said about him. Deep down, Sasuke really is a caring human being."
"So, you admit that you have feelings for Sasuke-san?"
I narrowed my eyes after listening to Kobato's ridiculous statement.
"No way! I realize now that Sasuke isn't an emotionless jerk, although, sometimes he can be. Now that I've witnessed another side of him, I will never see him differently again."
"I could see the two of you become friends!" the dove beamed.
"Hai…I think so too. Sasuke isn't like anyone else in the village. He has so much potential to do great things, and I could learn a lot from him."
As seconds, minutes, and hours passed gradually, I found myself unable to function properly as a result of sleep deprivation. Hoping that by opening the book I set out to study in the first place, I'd be able to put my need for rest aside and make progress.
Needless to say, that wasn't working out for me. Mimicking the mannerisms of a canine, I settled cozily on the soft bed of flora. As I lay my head down, Sasuke informed me that he was ready to leave.
Of course, since I was exhausted, it took a while for my brain to process what he just said.
"Oh…I-I'm coming too," I mumbled, tagging along.
In the mean time, I struggled picking myself back up. Once I did, my feet stumbled forward and a medium-sized rock stood in the way before I was able to break my fall, instead causing me to plummet head first onto the ground.
"Oh…that looks painful! Are you alright, Sakura-chan?"
Slowly, I lifted my head and placed it on its side facing Kobato who stood by, smiling coyly.
"What do you think?" I snapped.
"Dear, Kami! You really are cranky without any proper sleep! Remind me never to catch you in a foul mood again."
"Get up, Dobato," Sasuke adjured while hovering above me mysteriously.
I turned with my back against the ground, locating his onyx eyes which blended in alongside the night sky.
"Five more minutes…." I pleaded incoherently.
From the tone of his voice, I could tell Sasuke was smirking.
"Fine, if you want to be eaten alive by the blood sucking worms, then-"
He didn't have to say anymore. I forced myself off the ground and tried to keep my balance while literally dragging myself behind the smooth and steady Uchiha.
"How is he not tired yet? It's two in the morning!"
"From my observation, it seems as if Sasuke-san has trained himself to function on a certain amount of sleep."
"How is that possible?"
"Simple! He spends a large portion of his day training and building up stamina."
"Well good for him…"
Kobato didn't respond. I didn't expect her to. After all, I was ready to give out, leading to grumpy behavior which she most likely didn't feel like dealing with at the moment.
Suddenly, Sasuke stopped in his tracks, turning his body to face me.
"Something wrong, Uchiha?" I asked sullenly since he was interrupting my desire to find a place nearby and crash.
"I don't think you should walk back home alone. Konoha isn't the safest at night."
"Wow, so now the inconsiderate bastard is showing some concern?"
"Control yourself, Sakura-chan!"
I rubbed my eyes, trying to focus on our conversation.
"I…don't want to go home. I don't want to spend the night there…"
Sasuke held the same emotionless façade, waiting for me to say more.
"Ano…It's just that my oba-san snores a lot. She's really loud. Even I can hear her, and my room is at the opposite end of the upstairs hallway."
His expression was rather difficult to decipher. Part of me wanted to think that he believed my fabricated excuse, but another side of me thought the opposite. Uchiha Sasuke was a smart man and could easily see past a notoriously awful liar like me.
Whether he believed me or not, Sasuke said nothing of the matter.
"At the rate you're going, it'll be dawn before we reach the Uchiha compound."
He said nothing else and stepped forward whispering a, "Oyasumi nasai, Dobato."
"Sakura-chan?"
"Ugh…my head…"
"Sakura-chan, you're awake!"
"Just ignore her and go back to sleep."
"Sakura-chan!"
"I'll just keep my eyes shut so she'll have to go away and stop bothering me…"
"I heard that, Sakura-chan!"
My eyes flew open, wondering why she refused to let me enjoy my beauty sleep.
"Hurry! The sun is rising, look how beautiful it is outside!"
Positioning my body face up staring at the ceiling, I scanned the room and familiarity hit me, realizing I had woken up in this same vicinity before. Except, I was in a different room this time."
"We're in the Uchiha compound, aren't we?"
"Hai…Sasuke-san said you were walking too slowly. Instead he knocked you out temporarily and carried you over his shoulder all the way back here, and yes, you were sleeping in one of the many guest rooms the Uchiha compound has available. You should certainly thank Sasuke-san for his kind gesture."
She saw it as an act of kindness…I saw it as an act of spiteful arrogance!
"After intentionally knocking me out like that? How obnoxious of him! You can forget it, Kobato."
I buried my head back into my pillow, concentrating on anything other than Kobato's noise.
"Kudasai, Sakura-chan! Please come and watch the sun rise with me."
Exasperated with her nonstop pleas, immediately, I jumped out of bed and followed the starry-eyed creature out onto the wooden porch, watching the vibrant colors painted onto the brightening celestial canvas.
Before I could take it all in and enjoy the scene any further, the sliding door behind me caught my attention.
"Slept well?" The voice asked, most likely not caring whether I did or not.
I didn't have to turn around to figure out who was addressing me, but did so anyway to be respectful.
Sasuke wore attire that was entirely meant for combat, indicating that he must have been training. To answer his question, I nodded plainly and turned back to watch the sun rise.
The Uchiha stepped forward and sat nearby, close enough that we could make conversation but far enough so he could keep his distance, and I was perfectly fine with that.
"Did you get any rest?" I questioned, breaking the silence.
He nodded as well, continuing to stare out into the periwinkle blue skies.
"Were you training earlier?" I asked again.
This time, he made eye contact, making me feel somewhat important.
"It's part of my morning routine. I sleep for a couple hours, train, and sit on this very spot watching the sunrise."
"Wow…" was all I could utter, unsure of what else to say.
"How about a thank you?"
I smiled to myself, ruminating over how much of a mother Kobato has been to me. Many times she's been oppressive and pushy, but all the same, I loved every bit of her overpowering warmth and affectionate nature.
"Ano…arigato, Sasuke-kun…for generously allowing me to spend the night."
Sasuke's eyes flashed feelings of appreciation and gratitude, even though I couldn't see them clearly on his face.
"Douitashimashite…Dobato."
My lips formed a pout while averting my emerald eyes, annoyed with this newly pronounced nickname of mine. I figured it'd be rude to tell him to stop calling me that, so I didn't say anymore concerning the matter. Maybe the less I mention it, he'll eventually forget.
"So…has this always been your morning routine?"
I noticed his facial features relaxed after asking the question.
"No. I didn't start until I was about nine."
Then, his visage hardened.
"For years I pushed myself to train as hard I possible could, to avenge my clan. The more I slept, the more I wasted my time. Life's too short; I needed to quickly devote myself to get stronger each passing day."
Sasuke paused as the both of us observed a raven disembark onto a cherry blossom tree branch. The striking colors of black and pink did not mix, it was unnatural. Something that was so delicate and pure as a flower alongside this ominous-spirited creature? Now, somehow that didn't sit well with me. Especially after watching the vermin tear the blossoms apart and dropping them onto the ground. Just seeing the animal rip the elegant flowers into pieces made me shiver in disgust, as if it were slowly picking apart my insides.
Alternatively, I turned my attention towards Uchiha Sasuke who continued his tale, trying my best to rid the disturbing image from my mind.
"As for watching the sun rise, I see it as the only form of hope I can look forward to in my life. It helps me to look forward instead of sulking over what happened in the past and achieve my long awaited goal."
You know, I didn't quite agree with his mission in life, to avenge his clan in this way. Sasuke says this is important to him, but I don't see an inkling of happiness his eyes. It wasn't my place to say anything, for it was his business. All I could do was listen attentively and support him.
"I hope you achieve that goal someday, Sasuke-kun."
An ear-piercing crow sounded from the raven, which descended from the cherry blossom tree and made its way over to Sasuke and me. It waddled more towards my direction and leaned forward, stretched out its chest, and thrashed its wings stormily.
Instinctively, I scooted myself up a step on the porch trying to get as possible. It wouldn't leave me alone, and I was scared to death.
The raven screeched again, calling upon more of its kind, frightening me even more.
"What's going on here, Sasuke-kun?"
He seemed calm about the whole thing, as he usually was.
"They're not used to seeing visitors, don't worry, they're harmless."
I couldn't help but stare at him like he was a complete moron.
"You call that harmless, Sasuke!" I countered, alarmed by the group of birds beginning to surround me as I stood and made my way towards the inside of the compound.
"You better start running, Sakura-chan! They're dangerous!"
"You think I don't know that!"
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
I peeked back outside, watching Sasuke summon a roaring flame, shooing the birds away.
"You can come out now. There's not need to be frightened."
Slowly, I slid the door back open, amazed by what the Uchiha was capable of.
"Kami, that was incredible!"
He raised a brow, most likely surprised by my reaction, "It was just a simple technique. I don't see why you're so excited about it. Then again, you're just an insignificant civilian who can't fend for herself."
"If Kami would only give me the strength to punch the living daylights out of this guy!"
"Well…it's time I leave. Thanks again."
As I exited the Uchiha territory, Sasuke spoke one last sentence, allowing me to ponder all the future possibilities I hoped to encounter sometime soon.
"Good luck in all your future endeavors."
Author's Note: And there you have it folks! That was chapter 12! Hope you liked it! Please let me know what you thought, what you liked/improvements that could be made/anything else. I'd like to know how you're all doing, and what you're up to! PUH-LEASE I would really love it if more people reviewed, I put a lot of time into this chapter. If more of you do, I promise to make the next chapter extra long!
Love you all!
Tootles,
~Sweetness
