Just a note: Last chapter was more of an indication of what the future holds, meaning the war isn't going to be the main subject (yet). Nor is it my aim to make it a similar war that is currently present in the canon.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter XIV: After Nightfall

'W-what do you mean?' Sakura stuttered. The information had her nailed to the floor, her heart was suddenly pumping harder. Anxiety took over, she didn't know if she felt relieved or terrified by what he had just said.

'Zabuza…' It was obvious that to Haku this was no new information but yet he seemed startled by the fact that Zabuza had made his decision known.

'I cannot keep a captive…' Though he started the sentence in the a rather sincere tone, he quickly stopped using it and continued in his usual cold manner of speaking, 'We are even.' He said dismissively, obviously not wanting to waste more words on it.

'Even?' She repeated, still not understanding.

'I'm letting you go, kid. You should run off and be grateful.' He spoke the last words harshly and made a gesture for her to get a move on.

'B-but why?'

'Did I not just explained?' He barked, agitated by her timid behaviour, 'Or would you still rather have me kill you?'

'I don't understand… why would you let me go?' Sakura whispered the last part, as if she was more asking herself then him. He gave her an annoyed look and turned around, readying himself to leave.

She could see him turn around his head, catching a glimpse of his face, he seemed to hesitate, as if he first wanted to say something but then dismissed the idea. She looked at Haku, who seemed to be hesitating too. His eyes frantically moved from Sakura to Zabuza's back.

'Haku.' Was all he said and in one move he jumped back up, not waiting for his partner he immediately began to run again, without looking back once.

Haku stared at the figure for a few seconds, until he suddenly shook his head as if to wake himself. Heaving a sigh he turned around quickly, as if he only now realised that he shouldn't still be standing here.
'Goodbye, Miss Sakura.' He nodded politely, bowed respectfully and jumped up, following his sensei.
For the first time he wasn't smiling and his voice had sounded rather dull. Not that he had spoken much to her since the fight but she couldn't ever remember him being so quiet towards her, or anyone for that matter.

'Haku.' She had wanted to shout but just end up saying his name out loud. She was utterly lost, what had just happened? And why had Zabuza decided to dump her here, in the middle of nowhere?

Realization dawned upon her, that she was indeed in the middle of nowhere. She had no idea where exactly she was and they had been running so fast and had taken so many turn she had no idea on how to return to the village they had left hours ago. He had said Land of River, but she wasn't even certain of that.

Why would they just leave me here!? What has happened that suddenly made me a free person? Is someone following us? Is it Konoha-nin?

Her heart fluttered at the thought and she turned around anticipating a familiar face to show up soon. Then she shook her head at her own stupidity, it was very unlikely that they had already pinpointed their location and would just let them, her captors, leave.

I can't just stay here all by myself! Angered at her strange abandonment, she jumped up and moved in the same direction as her two captors. With every step she took her the wheels in her head turned faster, trying to understand what could be going on. Why am I always two steps behind? She gritted her teeth angrily and stepped up her pace, noting that, ironically, she was actually physically a good few steps behind as well.

If we were getting followed, then why bother leaving me to get find? What about his feud with Kakashi-sensei? I thought it wasn't all that simple!? Thinking back at the conversation she had had with him on the ship.
And now it seems as if it doesn't matter anymore! What has changed? She tried to retrace her steps, maybe something had happened in the village when they had arrived? No, nothing out of the ordinary. Besides they hadn't stayed long enough for something to actually happen. They hadn't even said anything to each other! Well, obviously Haku and Zabuza had but that must've been back on the ship when they were-

For a split second her feet stopped moving when her head made the connection.

…Zabuza doesn't know how to handle you kindness… I don't think he is used to it…

Because I helped? Is that it? He got annoyed by it so he decided to dump me in the middle of nowhere!? He…

'Argh!' She screamed in frustration since her mind could not word her feelings. Would she never be able to understand!? Were all Shinobi so complex and difficult? Annoyed by it all she ran faster until she finally got a glimpse of the two.

'Wait!' Sakura's scream did not slow them down, neither even looked behind them to acknowledge her.

'I said wait!' She tried again, this time Haku turned his head, he gave her an apologetic look and then turned his head to Zabuza. Haku was speaking to him but she couldn't tell if Zabuza was responding or not.

She huffed when it was obvious they were not going to slow down, 'Will you, please, stop?'

Zabuza's pace seemed to slow down at the plea but they were still out of reach. Picking up her speed, she finally closed in on them. Haku stared at her and then at Zabuza, who was simply ignored both of them.

'Stop, you…you coward!' She finally yelled. That however made him stop abruptly to the point they almost clashed.

'What?' He barked, turning around with an annoyed expression. 'You are so utterly pathetic! Following me, like some lost dog! You can't even stand on your own two feet, can you? Would you rather have me decapitate you and end your sad little life? Do you want to die?' He hissed.
She ignored his rant and kept staring at him, her green eyes burning into his. Taken back a little by her expression, and how she did not react at all to his words. He shrugged, placed his usual smirk on his face an asked her in slight sarcastic tone, 'Enlighten me. How am I a coward?'

Sakura took a breath, it wasn't as if she truly wanted to be captured again or anything. But she was becoming utterly frustrated with the label "kid" instead of Kunoichi, she had proven her worth, had she not? She deserved some respect. But that wasn't even the point.

'We had a deal.' She stated, thinking back on when they had said during that conversation. Things were indeed a lot different back then. But that didn't change anything, a deal was a deal!

…I'll spare your life, I'll let you live until Kakashi arrives….

So far Kakashi hadn't arrived.

…You'll have to give something in return. I also expect your loyalty, for now you are to listen to every word I say. You do not try to escape and you fight my enemies as your own…

He wanted her to be his tool… Like Haku. And she had, she had fought and she done everything he had asked for.

…Or don't you want Kakashi to save you?
…Do you not care about all the effort he's put into you?

'I said I would and I would do everything you expected from me.' Her voice came out a lot calmer and cooler then she had expected, inside she was trembling and felt anxious to speak her feelings and thoughts out loud to him. But by repeating the words from earlier, she could tell by his facial expression, he hadn't forgotten at all.
Though her exact words were; I'll do everything you want, she had decided to not remind him of that specific detail.

'Until Kakashi saves me.' She reminded him. 'I did what you asked of me.' She paused, waiting for some type of reaction but his facial expression was now blank. She couldn't tell if he was angered, impressed, frustrated or simply still annoyed.
'Don't you dare leave me here! It has nothing to do with standing on my own! I'm all by myself in a foreign country, I don't even know where exactly I am and which direction I should head out!' Before he could react, she kept speaking, her tone slightly harsher, 'I don't want to be around anyone.' Referring to his earlier words, 'But I do think I deserve to be left with some type of direction! At least leave me behind in a village so I have a chance of finding my way back! I'm a Genin, I'm not even allowed by the village to normally travel on my own!'

He sneered, then snarled at her, 'That doesn't explain me being a coward.'

'Just because we are even,' she had figured it was because she had indeed somewhat saved his life, he had decided to spare hers, 'Doesn't mean you can abandon our deal. You said you'll let me live until Kakashi arrived. Believe me, I would much rather not stay with you until he does, but that doesn't mean I want to be left so someone else can finish the job for you! You,' pausing a little, 'and I, know very well that I won't make it on my own.' She swallowed, 'That's what makes you a coward.'

'You think I think like that?' He laughed, 'I don't care about you! I can kill you anytime I feel like and I don't feel obliged to return any type of gesture towards you!' He hissed, 'I was being merciful towards you, you pathetic girl! I just gave you a chance and you blew it!' He took step towards her, his hand on his sword.

Suddenly Sakura did not feel so brave anymore, perhaps the last few days had given her the false idea of trust between the three of them. Clearly, neither had much honor. She looked at Haku, who stood tense between the two of them, staring at each of them, waiting if one of them would make a move or not. Through it all, he had remained completely silent.

She glared at him for split second before turning her anger at his sensei. She had somewhat half expected him to be more than that. To at least react or give his opinion.

'Anything else to say, clever Kunoichi?' He hissed, the clever part being obviously sarcastic.
'Kakashi—'
'Isn't going to save you!' He cut her off, taking out his sword and with one swift move aimed towards her. In blink of a second she had seen the massive sword merely inches away from her and now she was standing at distance looking at the man and the sword, who cut through the branches as if they were made out of water. Zabuza stared at the empty spot where the pink-haired kunoichi had stand a few seconds ago.

'What do you think you are doing?' His voice sounded rougher than before.

'I believe Miss Sakura,' Haku said calmly, 'Has a point.'
He softly let go of her, her feet meeting the solid branch they were currently standing on, his other arm was still around her waist, holding on to it, as if he was ready to repeat the movement if needed.
'I have never doubted your decisions, Master Zabuza,' He said politely, 'But I do believe this time you are…' He hesitated for a moment but bravely continued, 'Incorrect.'

Sakura's mouth hung open, making her this time stare from Haku to Zabuza, who had yet to respond. Or move. Her eyes had widened when he had openly defied a command from Zabuza, she didn't know if this was a first but she was definitely certain it was something that did not happen often.
'Haku…' She started but didn't know what else to say, he gave her a small smile in return.

'Haha…'

Both Haku and Sakura turned their head immediately at the sound, staring at Zabuza, whose shoulders were shaking violently.
'Hahaha…' A loud laughter erupted from his mouth. Haku looked stunned, Sakura had a half bemused, half terrified expression on her face.

'I guess… You'll be coming along.' He turned around to look at the pair. Though his face was cruel as usual, and a small part of Sakura suspected both of them were going to pay eventually, he did seem, in his own way, sincere. 'I can't believe…' He paused to laugh again, 'The two of you decided to team up against me. I guess I am pathetic…'

Sakura quirked up her eyebrow at his behavior and his words but remained silent, too stunned to actually speak. Haku on the other hand seemed to have recuperated faster than her.

'Master Zabuza…' His voice sounded somewhat worried but he got cut off by Zabuza again.
'Enough of this sentimental nonsense. We should move if we want to sleep in a bed tonight. Once we are at the next village, you can have your decent parting, Kunoichi.' He hissed the words venomously at her and then put his attention to his pupil, 'I'll deal with you later.'

'Zabuza.' Haku clearly still wanted to say more but had no chance since Zabuza turned around and ran, at an even higher pace than before, on top of the tree branches, not sparing either of them another glance.
'Haku—' Sakura started but was pulled away abruptly by Haku, who was pulling her with her wrist forward.

Her feet could hardly follow, she puffed and sweat dripped of her back. She had wanted to say something but found no energy to actually speak while running. Haku clearly couldn't find the energy to speak either, since he too was having a hard time following. She suspect this was Zabuza's way of making them pay, well a little, she knew deep inside he would not let them off so easily by just making them run. She stared at his back and wondered how he could not be tired, he had that humongous sword on his back.

In the distance she could hear an owl and some other foreign noises but none alarming. There was a cold breeze in the air and the grass felt damp underneath her. She had goose bumps all over but ignored her discomfort and enjoyed the rest her body was getting.

Looking up at the starry night sky, she decided that she was glad it was a full moon tonight. Though it was hard to hide with so much light around she was grateful. She didn't think she could sleep well without it, at least not tonight.

Turning her head, she was startled by Zabuza, who was still giving her a murderous look. He was leaning with his back to large three, his sword resting beside him.
No matter how hard he tried to conceal it, he was just as beat as them. Turning her head to the other side she noted that Haku was still trying to find something to eat, she could see him standing in the distance, picking something up.

She knew eventually she would have to move again, she doubted they would be sleeping in the open and regretted that they had not made it on time into the next village like he had said. She just hoped she would find enough energy to drag herself along.

He hadn't spoken since and only glared at her and responded with a gruff noises to Haku, who in return had answered in his usual cheerful matter, as if nothing was going on. She smiled towards Haku, she was grateful he had decided to interfere and voice his opinion. She had felt a tad bit ashamed of accusing him of being the same as Zabuza. Not that she actually thought Zabuza was a coward either. She had just wanted him to listen to her. She sighed, and yet somehow the situation collapsed and turned against her.

'We should find a place to sleep.' Haku commented, returning with some type of death animal in to his one hand and a few branches underneath his other arm. 'A more secluded spot.'

Sakura simply nodded and managed to lift herself from the ground, noting that her entire body ached. The energy she had when she woke up on the ship seemed to be long gone, it felt so distant it made her think she might have imagined it.

Zabuza got up and put his sword back on his back, sighing, he slowly walked deeper into the woods. Sakura had to suppress a grin from spreading on her face, something told her he was semi-regretting his action since he too was suffering from it. When she felt Haku's stare on her she moved her head to look at him, her lips turning into a smile when she noticed that he too was aware of Zabuza's condition. Both remained silent and followed, making sure not to look at each other again.

"The secluded spot" was underneath a huge endlessly long tree, where the large roots of the tree stood out on the ground and surrounded them, giving them a feeling of security.
The warmth of the fire was welcomed by all three of them. Making Sakura sit so close, she could feel it almost burning her skin. Haku did the same though, he did it more for the purpose of dinner, making sure to turn the meat once in a while. Apparently they would be having rabbit. It was a bit small for the three of them but it would have to do, she mused.

She rubbed her hands and opened them, holding them in front of the fire. Patiently waiting for them to warm up, they had been so cold they were becoming numb. Well, at least they had wood for the rest of the night now, she noted looking at the pile.
The only person who had refused to help was Zabuza, who was still stubbornly sitting with his back against the tree again, sitting furthest from the fire.
He was staring at the flames, she noticed he must of have been in deep thought if he wasn't noticing her stare. Normally he would always answer her with warning glare, which made her immediately turn her head.

I wonder what he could be thinking… Is he really that mad? I never thought he would care about the situation that much. He's rather indifferent about everything. Or maybe I'm still not good at reading him. I definitely didn't see his attack coming... Recalling the memory, she noted that if it weren't for Haku she would have probably responded too late.

Tearing her eyes from the sight, she let out a small gasp of surprise when she noticed that Haku had been staring at her and had probably noticed her staring at Zabuza. All he did was give his usual meaningless smile. She didn't know why but suddenly felt heat rise up to her cheeks.

'Dinner is ready.' He stated. Sakura simply nodded, not really feeling like speaking anymore.

Haku just kept smiling, taking out a kunai, he cut the animal into pieces, giving a small part to Sakura and an entire leg to Zabuza, who accepted it but roughly pulled it out of his hands. Sakura gave him a small glare, which he ignored.
Haku didn't seemed bother by it and just started to eat his own piece.

After a long period of silence, and simply staring at the fire, Haku announced he was willing to stay awake for the first round while they slept. Sakura knew he was just as tired as her and probably wouldn't have the energy tomorrow to run in the same pace as today if he would not rest accordingly but decided to remain quiet and let them make the decision. Not wanting to gain attention.

Zabuza dismissed the idea, nodding his head, 'I'll take the first round.' Not bothering to say anything else he looked from Haku to Sakura, watching them settle for sleep. Haku didn't argue back and obeyed, obviously glad he would be able to get some rest. Sakura remained silent.

Though out in the open was never comfortable she was grateful for the sleeping bags they had, although did not protect her enough from the cold air that hung in the night. She shivered a little and turned around until she was comfortable. Staring at the fire before her eyes, embracing the heat on her face, she tried to relax and close her eyes.

The past events did not seem to give her any peace of mind, haunting her whenever she closed her eyes and had time to actually think. She had tried to place everything but it seemed she never had the chance to recuperate on time for the next event, or rather, tragedy that took place in her life.

When she opened her eyes again, she looked at Haku, who was sleeping across from her, a bit further so the fire was between them and both could enjoy its warmth. He was asleep. Probably deeper then she had ever seen him sleep, for once the mere sound of a branch creaking would not wake him. Her eyes then traveled to Zabuza, who was obviously alert of his surroundings since he seem to know she hadn't been able to sleep.

Slowly getting up, she sat straight looking at him. 'You can sleep if you want to.' She suggested, 'I don't think I'll be able to sleep anytime soon… There is no use of both of us being awake.' Her voice was soft and a little uncertain, not knowing how he would react. He was rather unpredictable.

'I'm fine.' He answered gruffly, 'Sleep.'

'I can't.' She confessed. He didn't respond and resumed to ignore her.

Swallowing, she dared to speak up again though without looking at him this time, 'I keep seeing… those men. And although they were mean and awful I can't help…' She silently muttered, her voice faltered a little. She kept staring her hands, who were responsible for their deaths.
'Do you ever get used to it?' She whispered, though not really expecting an answer.

After a moment of silence, he answered, his voice sounding less arrogant and mad, 'Eventually.'
She looked up in surprise, noticing his hard features had softened a little and his temper had dramatically decreased. She stared at him for a moment, him mimicking her.

'You said we would talk later.' She pointed out, waiting for his reaction.
He kept staring at her until he resumed looking at the fire, 'I was just making you shut up.'
The harsh words made her flinch, making her temper rise.
'Can't you for once be… kind!?' She hissed angrily, her voice above a whisper but quiet enough not to wake Haku. Annoyed she got up, his eyes followed her warily but made no move to follow her example of getting up.

'I'm just going to get some water.' She informed him, her voice being softer already. She noted that she did not want his anger to rise again, in his own way, he was being rather tolerant towards her.

Stepping up, she walked towards the small creek that was a few meters further away. When branches of the bushes met her skin, she angrily kicked them out of the way, cursing to herself silently.

When she stood above the water, she stared at the girl who reflected her. The bright moon made it possible for her to see herself rather clearly. Her hair was rather long, braided, as usual but she noticed her eyes were rather dull and tired, nothing like the girl she had been a few weeks ago.

That girl hadn't killed.

Crouching, she let some water into the palms of her hands, ruining her reflection and sending ripples throughout the small creek.
Splashing the cold water on her face, she continued the action but now putting her lips to her palms instead, greedily drinking the water. Feeling refreshed she got up.

She watched her reflection return, she gasped when she noticed who had joined her. Turning around, Zabuza did not give her the time to react, snatching both of her wrist with his hands.

'I don't believe I gave you permission to leave and do as you please.'

Gasping at the roughness and his sudden appearance, she didn't utter a word back to him.

'You are still my captive.' He informed her, his voice sounding threatening cold. 'And you seemed to forgotten why you used to tremble at the mere sight of me.' Taking a step, closing the distance between them, he put both of her wrist in his one hand while his other snaked up to her hair, grabbing it roughly, pulling her closer so his mouth would meet her ear.

'I do intend to make you both suffer for pulling that stunt. Haku is my loyal tool, so I can't be too rough on him until we have settled somewhere temporary. However you are disposable and therefor I don't really have to think of how this could be a problem.'

This echoed in her head, making her gasp in reaction he roughly pulled her hair again. Increasing his grip on both her hair and her wrist, making her wince in pain.
'I don't own you anything, as I recall you still own me something, or did you forget?' He hissed into her ear, 'I believe my exact words were, you'll give me something in return…'

She started to struggle but to no avail since he just hardened his grip on her, 'And I believe your response was I'll do everything you want.'
Struggling more violently, she tried to use her chakra but failed to focus enough to do so, making her put all her energy on pushing him down, making her fall in the progress as well. He twirled them around, him being on top her now, placing her hands above head.

'Get off!' she hissed, 'Get off!' she now shouted. 'Stop it!'
'Get this into your thick skull; you are nothing, you are a pathetic human being! A girl! and your sole purpose in life is to be underneath men.' He spat the words at her, making her so angry she managed to pull her wrists loose and placed her hands on his shoulders, desperately trying to get him off.
'You are disgusting!' She shrieked, pushing him this time so hard he finally fell aside from her but when she tried to get up he was faster than her and pulled her back down, trying to get back on top of her.
'You are a vile—'
'Now, you listen.' He hissed, his hand on her throat, grabbing it so hard she couldn't utter another word. Making her cough, she grabbed with both of her hands his, trying to make him stop.
'You might have Haku wrapped around your little finger, and I'll forgive him because he still rather naïve when it comes to the opposite sex but if you think that for even a split second you are safe, you are sadly mistaken. His loyalty lies with me. And your life depends on my mood. Kakashi isn't coming anytime soon because it is going take him a while to figure out where we are. So if I were you, I would make sure I am pleased with you instead of Haku, who doesn't decide anything.'

Tears were whelming up in her eyes but not because she was frightened or sad but because of the lack of oxygen. Grabbing his shirt in respond, a rather failed attempt to let her go, he responded only when she began gagging. The force around her neck left making her cough violently. Scrambling away from him, disoriented she placed both hand on the ground and tried to regain her senses.

'Am I being clear, Sakura?' He asked icily.

Breathing heavily, she gasped a few times for air before she answered but he could hear her grit her teeth and hear the venom in her voice when she spoke, 'Crystal.'
He grinned in approval of her answer, 'Good. Now get up.'
When she didn't react he pulled her up to her feet, making her contact with the ground temporary vanish, and pushed her back towards their small camp, following closely behind and pushing her once in a while when he decided she wasn't moving fast enough.

Haku was still sleeping, blissfully unaware of what had just happened. Sakura wonder for a brief second if he was unaware of everything else that had happened between the two of them.
The fire was slowly diming, signaling it needed more wood.
When she stopped walking and stared at the scene, Zabuza passed her by and grabbed her arm dragging her along. Not letting go, he grabbed with his other hand some wood and put it on the fire, making it burn brighter again. He then pushed her towards her sleeping bag, well actually his, and pushed her down.

'If you can't sleep, that's your problem.' He let go of her and sat back down on his own spot, leaning again on the trunk of the large tree. She didn't immediately lay down, staring at him, when he gave her a warning look she defiantly glared back but obeyed and lay down.

Her throat burned and she was certain that his hands had left a nasty mark around her neck. She was fuming, how could have she been so stupid? So careless? Every word he had said made her tremble with fear and anger. Disgusted by his words and his message to her, everything she had thought and felt the last few days evaporated into thin air and made room for a consuming rage.

Extra-long chapter because I made you wait (sort of)… Actually it was going to be even longer but I decided to split it because it would have ended up being too long.

I just wanted to say thank you everyone who pressed the follow/favorite and review-button, no actually, everyone who is reading this! Thank you really, I'm kind of going through a bad time (right now life seems a bad time on its own) and this really helps me pull through. I love writing this story and I love updating and hearing your thoughts. So thanks!