Inverted Cross

Ayane Selznick

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XIV. Reunion

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An average woman with dark hair and black eyes stood beside a long red haired young woman. They gazed upon the supposedly hideout of the underground vampire slaying group, the threat of their existence.

"They should be fucking killed tonight." The red haired lady placed her hands on her hips.

Her black hair accomplice grinned sinisterly, pushing out a tongue to lick her lower lip.

"Yeah, they should be. Heh. An extension of blood festival, isn't it?"

Upon the red haired lady's signal, her troops dove inside the building.

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Four speeding motorcycles passed by a noisy and busy district.

The citizens don't care that much for they all think it's normal to find people in a hurry.

They were all mistaken.

They were all oblivious to what's happening at the moment. Vampires were closing in and yet here they are, loitering and having fun with drinks and noises.

Neji and Tenten, riding on one motorbike, were leading the small field group. Alongside them were Naruto on his own bike, Sasuke and Sakura, who were riding on one motorbike. Sai was trailing behind with his own bike. Tenten was negotiating with provincial branches to watch out their positions. Soon she even called the southeastern branch to check the manor by the shore.

Unfortunately nobody's answering the call.

"Perhaps they've been killed." Sai suddenly commented after hearing Tenten's worried announcement regarding the call.

Sakura was monitoring the map locator. The targeted location has been identified despite the short span of researching. She must admit that their research team is truly skillful.

"We're nearing the port. Once we pass the cargo area we'll be able to find the shore." Sakura reported.

Neji then told Tenten to call HQ via party line.

Instantly, Ino answered. "They've come here now. We're keeping them at bay."

Tenten inquired, "How's everybody? Are they alright?"

Ino chuckled. "No worries, Ten. HQ is built akin to a battle fortress. More and more vampires are coming from the shore but I don't think the clan that they were talking about has arrived."

"She's right." Sai interjected. "It'll take hours for them to arrive at the shore. They may have heightened abilities but it's all useless in water."

"How are we supposed to know when they're going to arrive here?" Sasuke quickly asked.

"They're on the way now. They left their main hideout when those vampire troops attack HQ. It's a simple strategy. First line of attack holds the frontline to give damage to the opposing troops. The second attack will be the final blow. They'll take the advantage of the enemies' weakened state." Sai calmly explained.

"So we're here to stop the second attack huh?" The blonde motorist asked from the line.

Before Sai was able to answer, Sakura's voice came in with haste. "Targets located… and… shit! They're going to head on in front of us!!"

As Sakura alarmed the field team, most of them have taken their weapons from their pouches. Sakura took one of her guns and prepared herself for the incoming attack. Sai took also his gun from his belt. Sasuke could not bring his sword since he might accidentally hit Sakura when he'll brandish it. Neji would let Tenten do the job while he's driving. And Naruto, since he couldn't bring himself to shoot accurately, prepared for the worst.

"They arrived pretty soon!" Naruto yelled while purposely driving towards his targets.

Several gunshots were heard as Sakura and Sai fire their weapons. Tenten was doing pretty well as she threw darts and mini-balls, both of which contained Holy Waters. The ones who were on driving have to be aware of the next attackers seeing as the one they are attacking now are all part of the second squad of vampires.

Neji then suddenly located their target location. "We've arrived at the spot!"

Before they charged in and start stealth mode, Sasuke double checked the ones who have attacked them just recently. "All moving targets are annihilated."

Upon declaration, Sai noticed the growing number of presence coming from the shore. He instantly lowered his voice as he gave his orders.

"Leave the vehicles and spread out in fan pattern quietly."

They all followed his orders without retorts not just because their Director told them to follow what Sai would say, but also they all think it was the best way they could do. After minutes of preparation to form the said formation, they all hid their presence very well as they will have to observe the scenario by the shore.

It was of great timing that the number of vampires arrived by units. They all came from a ferry with an unknown company name. It could have been bought and re-painted to not let them trace the buyer. But even if they try to trace it, there's no time to do it.

All of the Cross' eyes were set to observe what is happening before them. But they weren't just looking ahead for they are also sensing their surroundings. The one whom seemed like a leader to the newly arrive unit, clad in dark red cloak, started speaking. Luckily, the Cross' distance weren't too far or too near from the vampires. They could hear the conversation very well.

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Once they have arrived at the manor by the shore, the vampire clad in dark red cloak looked over the surroundings. His underlings, known as his clan, were walking behind him.

"Yashino, inspect the manor. Get your own squad." He ordered.

"Yes, sir." The young vampire who was called Yashino gave his signal to his unit then dashed towards the manor.

The remaining undead people standing by the shore waited patiently. Most of them looked at the scenery before them, while the others observed beyond the manor. They didn't have any ideas if their enemies are already around. In just about few minutes, Yashino and his unit walked away from the manor.

Yashino extended his hand which holds a cellphone, towards his master.

"As Kabuto-san instructed, they have left a phone for us to call them."

The appointed master of the entire undead clan that has arrived took the cellphone from the young man. He inspected the said device before pushing the hood of his cloak away from his head just so he could speak and listen very clearly.

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Cross' had been quiet the entire exchange of the vampires. Since they weren't talking or anything to disrupt the concentration for the mission, they easily heard the shivering wheezes coming from their devices. Narrowing down the voice, it was all clear that it came from Sakura's.

Instantaneously, Sasuke stared as his girlfriend while he covered the transmitter on his lips.

"Sakura, what's going on? Are you okay?"

He got nothing for an answer for she had just continuously wheezing on the other line. Sasuke was able to monitor her physically since she was hiding near his spot. Her eyes were staring widely at the shore, but he didn't exactly know where she was staring at.

"Oi Sakura." He tried once again.

I've never seen her like this during our missions. What has gotten into her? She was acting like she has seen a ghost…

A pause.

Shit…

Sasuke immediately looked at the undead people by the shore, locking his eyes at a particular vampire that he knew was Sakura's cause of shivering and fear. In an instant, several flashbacks came before him as he recalled her series of hints.

(Series of Flashback)

"I miss my family being complete…"

"You're overprotective. You're just like somebody I knew."

"The very reason I'm close to guys like you and Naruto is because I grew up with my brother."

(End of Flashbacks)

Without the consent of their chosen captain, Sasuke carefully left his spot to join his girlfriend. Naruto was about stop Sasuke when he accidentally created a short small sound. It may not be heard by normal people but because they were dealing with vampires, they all know that it was a grave mistake.

Oh shit.

They instantly dropped themselves to the ground. Weapons already pulled out of their sheaths. However, Sakura was still in daze. Sasuke even have to help her hide her presence for she was, in fact, shivering.

"Sakura…" Sasuke called out in a sweet and soothing manner. "Get a hold of yourself and tell me what's wrong with you."

By reflex, Sakura grabbed Sasuke's front vest and pulled herself close to him. Sasuke could only resort to comforting her. His right hand held the back of her head while the other was rubbing down her back.

"I…I thought I can do this. I thought I can face them already… but…" Her voice was breaking – already near to sobs. "I can't do it… I can't do this."

Sasuke was clueless. He couldn't understand what she was trying to say. "They're vampires, Sakura. The ones we usually target every night. Everybody knows that you're skilled at killing them. You were never like this Sakura."

Unless that guy was related to you… Sasuke added in his mind as he looked at the man who was holding the phone.

Her grip on his vest tightened more as he unexpectedly heard the truth that she has been keeping for so long. "I can't kill my family, Sasuke!" She seethed between clenched teeth, still aware that she needed to keep her voice down.

As the information was told, Sasuke could not do anything but look rather shockingly at the top of his girlfriend's head. Besides which, he started putting all the puzzle pieces together. Sakura and her mother went to London after her father and his brother were taken by the vampires. Sakura might have heard about the organization that fights against the vampires. From there on, she and her mother agreed that she'll join the organization.

By the looks of it, her brother and her father are transmuted into vampires. Knowing that, why did they agree to fight alongside with us?

His thought was interrupted when he heard several dropping comments from his team while they dodge and counterattack gunshots that were hailing on them.

"You're such a stupid dickhead, Naruto." The comment was from Sai.

"It wasn't my fault you bastard!" Naruto retorted.

"Sasuke, get Sakura firing now!" Neji ordered.

Sasuke put on his transmitter to respond. "I can't do that now, she's still fazed."

There was a curse but he never guessed whom it belonged to. Neji's voice came in the line again.

"Then get her out of here if she can't do anything."

No matter how indirect yet nasty Neji's order was, Sasuke has to oblige. If a member can't do anything during missions, he or she should be taken into safe zone as soon as possible. Just like him however, Sasuke couldn't believe what has gotten into his once fearless girlfriend. But then again, her sudden insight of her past made him understand her situation.

Pulling her body close to him, Sasuke slipped his other hand under her kneecaps to pull her up from the ground.

"Sakura let's go. You can't fight like this. We have to get you out of here."

The way she clung to him startled him greatly.

She was never this afraid before. She never showed her weakness to anybody before. But now, in that instant, just one look at her haunting past it finally broke down her defenses. Sakura, in conclusion, was just like a fragile girl with immense fears. Her trembling hands reflected her traumas and her shaky voice spoke of her unending denial.

At that moment nonetheless Sasuke was in a tight spot. He was confused. He even hesitated a bit. If his opponents were Sakura's kin, how could he possibly harm them? He wouldn't want to hurt any of Sakura's loved ones.

But…

They're undead… they died long ago…

"Sasuke what do you think you're doing?! Get her out of here now!!" Neji shouted from his earpiece, finally bringing back to his senses.

Glancing quickly, he checked if the perimeters are safe. When he got the chance, he scooped her up and dashed away from their hiding place. As if on cue, Sai rolled to the side to cover their escape by shooting bullets to the incoming attackers.

Unbeknownst to them, a certain vampire was able to get through Cross' defenses…

Sasuke's eyes widened for a moment but later seen glaring towards the pale young man in front of him. His hand on Sakura's shoulder tightened in tension. He halted in front of the young vampire. Despite being cornered, Sasuke's guard was increasing gradually.

"I'm sorry but I won't let you get away."

Just as when Sasuke was starting to activate the blade underneath his boots, he detected a surprising expression coming from the pale faced young man. He carefully stepped backwards while his eyes were still holding at his observation.

Why are you looking at Sakura like that? He voiced inside his mind as he continued observing the vampire that stopped their escape.

What happened next was truly shocking. The continuous revelation of her past will soon be assessed any moment at this time. But as Sasuke stood with keen defenses, he quietly observed the scenario before him.

There in front of him was a stunned young vampire. Sasuke couldn't find his own reaction but the way the young vampire stood shockingly before him made him stop from stepping back. He was even able to stare at the vampire's eyes, only added another shock, as it shivered towards the young woman in his arms.

"Wha… what are you doing to my sister?"

One simple question made Sasuke petrified on his ground.

The young vampire's eyes were still shivering yet his vision was totally trapped at the sight of his long lost sister. His hands were itching to hold her, to feel their forgotten embrace. His footsteps were drawing closer. Silent… but slowly.

"Where… where are you taking my sister…?"

How could someone as he, a brother as Sasuke referred, be possessive towards Sakura? Sasuke was clueless to Sakura's past. Nobody knows her family and the past that haunts her till this moment. Still, he shouldn't be hesitating to fight against the vampire that claimed to be Sakura's brother. Truthfully, this one major event might turn a traumatic scenario for Sakura. Nobody knows why she joined Cross and his hypotheses might not be possible as well.

What's important now is…

I have to get away from this place now!

Sasuke glanced to the side where his motorbike was idly waiting. Immediately, he turned and dashed away from the vampire's attempt of touching Sakura's arm. Just as he was going to get on his bike, the vampire came with fueled anger emanating from his aura.

"You dare abduct my sister!!"

The vampire pulled out a gun and aimed towards Sasuke's head. With a loud bang, the normal bullet shot towards the aimed direction. Sasuke immediately rolled to the side but his hold came into loose when another bullet shot towards his direction. Sakura was freed from Sasuke's safe grasp.

"SAKURA!!"

Sasuke was extending his hand in order to reach Sakura's back, but…

Thud.

A pair of unfamiliar shoes blocked his reach. He looked up at the person who blocked his path with eyes seething wildly.

The vampire spoke, "Why are you taking my sister away?"

Despite being lodged on the ground, Sasuke still held his position. He chose to wait what's going to unfold sooner.

It's really possible that this is Sakura's brother… but what am I going to do? I don't want her loathing me when I killed this vampire…

There were tears forming in the eyes of the vampire. No matter how many times he wiped it away, it keeps coming back. The gun that he has been holding was aimed towards to Sasuke's head.

"Don't you know it's hard for me to be parted from my sister? We grew up together, you see…"

Sasuke's grim look was held towards the Sakura's brother and yet he kept glancing towards Sakura, worried at the possibilities that might occur when he's being cornered away. Then again, the brother vampire turned annoyed when Sasuke refused to answer any of his inquiries. And so, the vampire pulled up Sasuke by the vest using only his one hand. The other hand was still aimed at Sasuke's head.

"Why aren't you answering me? What have you done to my sister!?"

BANG.

A loud gunshot echoed to their ears.

Naruto attempted to leave his position. He was worried at the current situation that his friends had gotten into. Surprisingly though, a small meek command stopped him from doing so.

"Stay in your post and do your task."

Naruto wasn't the only one who heard her voice for it was directed to party line, where everybody heard what she said. The field members were both stunned yet relieved to know that their member has returned to her senses after her short frozen state which happened just earlier.

Sakura, who finally returned to her normal state, pushed herself away from the ground. One hand holding the customized gun with its hole still smoking from its previous strike. The target she aimed her gun with was flabbergasted, similar to the one he tried to kill before.

"I purposely missed. But the next shot will be aimed to your head. I'm serious… brother."

To be continued…

Author's Note: I really am sorry for a long break. I really needed that, especially after two Cosplay events and one major school requirement. The Cosplay pictures are located to my deviantart (DA) page. The DA url is located to my profile – registered as home or webpage.

So as to reduce confusion, Yashino and Sakura's brother isn't one person. Yashino is just one of vampires and Sakura's unnamed (soon to be named) brother is a different person. I guess it was possible to even freeze at the time of the mission especially when you are reunited with someone you are closed to…before. But now that Sakura has come back to her killing status, what will happen next?

Please Read and Review!

P.S. When I used the title of this chapter, I keep on remembering Kadaj saying Reunion in FFAC.