I have no rights to Naruto.
Enjoy.
X-x
X-x
She sat atop Hades watching as Hidan expertly mounted Marbh, Scythe strapped to his back, easy to reach and nowhere near Marbh to cause injury. She looked around noting the ANBU hidden in the trees, the Jounin at the gate openly watching them as they waited for the teams to arrive. Her ire growing as it swiftly approached twenty minutes past the designated time.
As agreed with Tsunade Team Kakashi and Team Shikamaru would accompany them on the return trip to the Lands of Jashin, Team Gai and Team Kurenai to follow in two to three days. This was due to the awaiting information from some teams posted at the border spying on the One Power soldiers. Information Sakura was uncertain they would need or would make much difference but she was glad for the time to get used to her old team mates and friends before more joined the merry band. She was still slightly fearful of what they would ask, what they would say. Naruto may have accepted her easily enough but she had no doubt Ino would make her ears bleed with questions and accusations.
But as Hidan had advised her she would deal with it later, she had her allies... with perhaps more to come, Sakura nodded to herself inwardly, what her Father had given her she tried to use well, but she could not know everything and had to be careful not to make too many assumptions. Now they had to focus on getting back to the castle, hoping everyone was in good health and that Daisaishi had recovered. With their new allies they stood more than a good chance and coupled with the Akatsuki – who were also late- they would hopefully have the edge over the One Power.
"Stupid fucking assholes, when I get my hands on them . . . "
Half an hour. Sakura had a feeling exactly who was to blame just as she spoke.
"Hush Hidan."
Hidan rolled his eyes at her, her own impatience and wish to be on the road not only blaring through the bond but obvious in her thinned lips and narrowed eyes. The meeting had been concluded quickly enough yesterday, the entertainment from the Konoha Shinobi thoroughly enjoyable as they had tried to collect themselves and continue discussing the alliance.
He had been more than happy to finally leave the room, disappointed when none of his former associates had been present, Sakura's pang of sadness at the absence of Naruto annoyed him. Thankfully one scared shitless ANBU that had seen him rake the idiots over the coals had been ordered to inform them that Uzumaki had received orders to meet his team and Team Shikamaru to discuss the mission. Apparently Uzumaki had regretted to inform them that neither he nor any of the other teams would be able to meet them that night – the mission briefing scheduled to last well into the evening included the gathering of supplies.
Hidan had quickly taken Sakura's arm, a toothy shit eating grin made the ANBU take a step back much to his pleasure when they left the room. The disquiet and pensiveness running through Sakura stalled Hidan, the silver haired man aimlessly leading her around the streets with no purpose in mind but giving himself a pat on the back when they ended up in front of the compound designated for large parties of visitors, storage and amongst other things held a large stable.
He had sat for hours simply watching her whisper to the fucking beast; Hidan swore that fucking animal was jealous. . but it was the only time she had laughed happily in days. Crystalline tears had fallen down her cheeks as she voiced her worries and fears to the large stallion, Hidan stepping forward to hold her, slightly hopeful for another kiss had been forced to jump back with a yell when Hades had snapped viciously at his hands. The scrap and his wrist throbbing when he rubbed it, unable to stay angry too long with Sakura's laughter filling the stable, Hades the fucking beast shaking his mane triumphantly and giving Hidan an 'I'm better than you' eye roll. Muttered curses under his breath had Sakura in peals of laughter. Hidan forced to shake his head smiled and when Sakura wasn't looking gave the fucking beast the one finger salute as he escorted Sakura out of the stables into the night air, the stallion's huffing and hoof stamping making him chuckle.
The silence surrounding them had been comfortable and accepting, no need for witty remarks or awkward questions, Sakura was more at peace now than she had been hours ago. He had enjoyed it, a fact that had slightly startled him, he had found himself simply enjoying the time he spent with her, as always he kept a look out for suspicious characters or actions, his role as Protector ingrained in him first and foremost along with all it entailed. But for once he wasn't with her to comfort her, to protect her, to guide her, to soothe her fears; he was simply spending time with her and enjoying every moment of it, unconsciously committing every aspect of her to memory. Her long silvery hair shone in the moonlight, her skin pale and glowing, her figure strong and slim from training and riding but still holding curves that drew his eyes time and time again, her lips were full and as he had learned earlier that day oh so kissable. She was ethereal in her beauty, she begged to be touched and caressed but looking at her he knew no mortal man would dare touch such perfection.
Hidan was unsure how long ago he had actually started to notice Sakura's beauty, his feelings had obviously evolved, and he no longer saw her as his Little Hime but as a woman grown. A woman who fit into his arms perfectly, who understood his blood thirst and did not condemn him, who sought him out for comfort and trusted him with her life.
Cursing to himself Hidan remembered the promise he had made to himself.
x-
He helped her to bed, reminding her not to talk and covering her with the dark purple sheets he walked over to the chairs and brought one over near the foot of the bed. Barely listening as Lana said her good nights he settled himself down in the chair, his feet propped up on the chest at the end of Sakura's bed, his Scythe resting in his arms, ready to be used in a split second. As Lana dimmed the candles and left the room Hidan watched Sakura, her eyes slowly closing, her breathing starting to regulate as she fell asleep, he could see the tenseness in her body, but knew she trusted him to protect her as she slept, and it was with that trust he made his decision.
He would go back to being the cursing asshole that he had been in the Akatsuki, as much as he stayed true to himself he knew he had toned down somewhat to fit into court and reassure his Little Hime – before all their fights and spats. He would no longer let his emotions have a handle on him so readily and he would return to being the feared Shinobi that had amassed such a terrifying reputation in the Bingo books. He would need both reputation and skill to deal with the trouble that was definitely coming their fucking God damn way, and to protect Sakura.
With a sneer on his face he stared into the darkness of the room a low chuckle rumbling from his chest as his eyes flashed pink. It was very fitting that the Daughter of Jashin, who's Father was the God of Pain, Death and Destruction, not to mention Suffering and Slaughter, would have a member of the Akatsuki for a Protector. A nasty smile made its way to his lips, she would be protected by one of the 'Zombie Brother's' and he would enjoy without reserve showing anyone who dared come near her exactly what he was capable of.
x-
His wants could not come first, no matter how much he wanted to do more than simply comfort her, no matter how much he wanted to repeat the kiss or feel both the softness and harsh texture of her skin and scars. Or how natural is seemed to do so.
The fact that he was silently waiting with baited breath for Jashin's punishment for kissing his Daughter notwithstanding.
A large clatter jerked him back to the present, the morning sun low and barely warm as they waited for the rest of their group to join them. Regal and beautiful Sakura sat atop Hades, Hidan releasing a string of curses at himself that caused her to turn and raise an eyebrow at him, forcing him to grumble.
"They have two fucking minutes to show their faces, or I'll shish kabob the whole fucking lot of the wankers."
About to answer Sakura's eyes hardened and her grip on the reins tightened making Hades shift and snort. The Akatsuki members and Team Kakashi along with Team Shikamaru finally arriving.
Seeing the non caring attitude of Kakashi Sakura bristled, of course he was to blame, her so called former sensei happily reading his beloved book, she could even see the outline of another within his jacket when he raised his hand and said 'Yo'.
It was - it seemed - as always Yamato who tied to diffuse the situation, the brown eyed man smiling at Sakura as he lied.
"Sorry we're late last minute equipment problem."
Sakura simply raised an eyebrow at the former ANBU, setting an icy glance over the rest of the group, ignoring the slightly unsettled looks Kisame, Deidara and to a somewhat extent Tobi was giving Hidan, Itachi stoic as ever was watching Sakura for her reaction, the slight tilt of his head the only thing that showed his interest.
"An leabhar, ceart?"
She barely caught the whispered comment, so low that Sakura was sure not even Kakashi heard it, turning to Hidan she saw the anticipating smirk and allowed a small smile to grace her lips, did everyone know Kakashi's love for his books.
"Tá a thios aige?"
"Gach duine, gach tír, gach rud."
Hidan snorted in answer, every bloody Shinobi, Academy student and civilian knew for fucks sake. Giving the fucking beast a glare Hidan sighed and Sakura nearly laughed at the veiled disgust on his face as he leaned down, cursing a warning at Hades clicking teeth and whispered something harshly to the large stallion. Righting himself he looked at Sakura his smirk taking over his face before he turned it into a sneer, directing it at the group, whispering to Sakura, hoping she wouldn't say anything until after.
"Féachaint agus ná habhair aon focal."
Curious Sakura composed her face into one of calm serenity, not letting anyone know her feelings on their tardiness and not mentioning a word on the Akatsuki's late arrival. She watched as Kakashi waved a hand at Yamato, adding.
"A black cat crossed the path so we were forced to go the long way then." He gave an eye crinkle to Sakura as he walked up to her ready to set on the road, explaining. "Bad luck and all, so . . . . "
"Argghh!"
His high pitched scream filled the air as Hades snatched his orange covered book from his hands, viciously chewing and rearing up in the air, Sakura poised elegantly on his back unaffected. Stomping back on his front legs Hades lashed out at Kakashi's grabbing hands, strong blunt teeth working furiously at the paper, unceremoniously spitting it on the ground and stomping it into the ground. Kakashi's pain filled yelp making both the Akatsuki and Konoha Shinobi wince when Hades stomped on his hand. The large battle trained stallion happily thwarting the Copy-nin's attempts to retrieve his book, not stopping until the book was battered into the ground, the pages chewed to pieces covered in spit and dust and undistinguishable from its former glory.
Inwardly laughing Sakura bit her lip, Hidan's own amusement nearly making her lose control as Hades stepped back a triumph shake of his mane showing his pleasure, Kakashi falling to the ground reverently picking up the tattered and unreadable remains.
Unsure if it was a trick of the light or actual tears Sakura looked at the shocked faces of her former team mates and amazed ones of the others. Her voice light and holding an air of finality.
"I trust we will have no problems with keeping to schedule from now on."
Without waiting for an answer Sakura turned, barely suppressing the shaking of her shoulders as she bit her lip to stop laughing, Hidan's final words forcing her to lift her hand and bite her knuckles, the spiking fear that came from the group corresponding with the tears of laughter that rolled down her face, Hidan's dark chuckles following.
"Never thought the fucking Copy-nin screamed like a girl, it's not like we tore out your heart."
Ino watched Sakura's back aghast at the flippant attitude the silver haired woman was showing, how easily she dismissed their lateness and talked down to them all the while looking at Kakashi as if nothing had happened. Ino looked at Shikamaru in disbelief, had they all seen the same thing or was she going crazy? Not to mention the fact the Hokage was sending them on a mission with Asuma-sensei's killer, it had taken hours for Tsunade to convince all of them to go along with the mission, but she made no promises that if Hidan did something out of line she would hold back.
It had been Shikamaru's quiet words that had stopped her – We don't have time to waste on revenge – but even Chouji had seen that the lazy genius was picking his battles and that when this alliance was done they would do what they had to.
"Troublesome."
Shikamaru's voice was laden with more than just laziness and annoyance; Ino was sure that a hint of fear or was it trepidation in his voice. Following the group as they walked Ino wondered why Sakura was acting all high and mighty, sure she had to be all cool and collected when she arrived but now she had an alliance so why was she still acting all haughty?
With a sigh Ino hefted her pack on her back and grumbled when she bumped elbows with the blonde Iwa Akatsuki member. Her apology was grunted, not really paying attention until she noticed that not a single person was talking, blonde hair swinging Ino made the sacrifice to save her sanity and let lose her annoyance.
"Why were you late?"
"Heh the black haired assistance was healing us a bit more, Yeah."
Head swinging up Ino noticed two things straight away, his blonde hair was styled eerily similar to hers and his face was swollen and bruised purple and red.
"Owww." Was all Ino offered, she had heard that Hidan had beaten them up as well as doing something so scary that even the ANBU that had seen it were staying mum. Shikamaru had told her that Shizune had healed them somewhat afterwards but to be healing them again this morning and to still look like this meant it had been very serious.
"Yeah." Deidara drawled, rubbing his wrist.
Ino took a shoulder length step to the side, away from the blonde Akatsuki member, giving him a side-long glance before dutifully huffing and whipping her head in the opposite direction. "I bet you deserved it, too." She mumbled under her breath looking around; they were all studiously ignoring each other. A line nearly divided the group down the road as they walked along, apart from the weird giddy orange masked guy – who simply annoyed Ino. He was jumping around like a hyper bunny, staying away from Hidan and Sakura but obviously annoying Kisame, the large blue skinned Shinobi letting out a growl and going for his sword before Tobi gave a giddy whimper and yelled.
"Sempai! Kisame wants to kill Tobi! Save Tobi!"
Ino rolled her eyes; seriously he was a feared Akatsuki?Unknown to her Deidara did the same thing both uttering at the same time.
"Idiot."
Exchanging a somewhat understanding look, they were surprised to see Tobi suddenly standing before them, head cocked to one side, looking them up and down.
"Sempai never told Tobi he had a twin!"
Everyone stopped, Ino just catching the winces from her teammates and Naruto out of the corner of her eye as she heard Kisame's and Hidan's loud guwaffing laughter.
All of which intensified.
"Do I look like a man?" Ino roared and punched the masked idiot in the face, kicking him for good measure as she stomped away and joined her team, swishing her hair behind her.
"Idiot, Un!" Deidara growled tiny spiders suddenly crawling over Tobi, stalking past him his hair swinging Deidara whispered viciously. "Katsu."
Tiny sparks nothing that would cause true harm but would definitely leave some marks came off the spiders as they exploded causing Tobi to jump and yelp childishly. Naruto and Chouji joining in with Hidan and Kisame.
Sai looked Ino up and down, a tiny smile on his face, his eyes devoid of humour."You do bear striking similarity to each other beautiful, are you sure you're not related?"
Ever tortured Yamato quickly intervened, grabbing the blonde and pushing her into the hands of her team mates, steering Sai away from her and catching up to Sakura and Hidan. Praying to any deity that he would not be playing the glorified babysitter the whole trip.
Quietly the group continued on their journey, no one speaking a word but each casting distrusting looks at the other, Tsunade's orders not to antagonise or bring up old history still rattling in their brains from her earth shattering roars.
Winding through the misty forest Sakura stopped abruptly, Naruto nearly banging into Hades backside, the dark stallion sending the blonde a snickering warning. Quick as flash, ignoring Hidan's questions Sakura dismounted and like a ghostly silver wraith disappeared through the trees.
"Fuck! Sakura!"
Hidan, Scythe flashing menacingly in the moonlight was after her immediately, paying no heed to anyone's questions. It was Yamato who suddenly looked around him, dismissing the mist and cold nip to the air, realising exactly where they were. With a sharp look to Kakashi and an unexpected nod of agreement from Itachi he spoke.
"The clearing."
Worried looks exchanged and questions waved off Naruto, Kakashi, Yamato, Sai, Itachi and Kisame were the first to follow, the only ones knowing the true meaning and weight Yamato's words had held, the rest following eagerly.
They spilled into a moonlight clearing, Ino not even bothering to repress the shudder that racked her body, grabbing Shikamaru's sweaty hand for support, double checking that Chouji was behind her as she gazed at Sakura, still as a statue within the middle of all the flowers - beautiful blooming white, gold and deep pink flowers.
Ino felt sick at the representation of the flowers and the stark look on Sakura's face, she looked lost, pained but still unapproachable and icy. The fog that had seemed to cover the forest was absent from the clearing but the moon's glow made Sakura shine like a creature from a fairytale or a goddess. Ino could feel the goose bumps that rose on her skin, a quick look seeing everyone's skin was covered, her breath caught in her chest as Hidan silent and deadly went to Sakura and took her in his arms .
Eyes widened when the silver haired man held her close and easily bent down to kiss Sakura's lips, the woman returning it sweetly, her hands grasping onto Hidan's arms like a life line.
Ino wasn't the only one who gasped in amazement, Shikamaru so surprised that he failed to comment with his trademark troublesome and Chouji stopped chewing the bar in his hand.
Team Kakashi were transfixed watching with a mixture of emotions on their faces, the Akatsuki – Itachi and Kisame, Ino corrected herself were looking around the clearing intently. Itachi meeting her eyes for a split second, just enough for her to see the gleam in them before he returned his gaze back to the couple who had stopped kissing to rest their foreheads against one another's.
"Tobi wants to know why everyone's quiet"
Deidara quickly shushed the idiot feeling the tension and emotion in the clearing, Tobi's loud exclamation going unanswered, everyone too busy watching or remembering.
x-x
The moon was high illuminating the forest with its silver sheen. The swooping of owl wings through the air permeated the quiet followed by a shrill little shriek and the snapping of bones as they watched the tawny owl fly back up to its perch and devour its prey.
Silently they made their way through the forest, blending in with shrubbery and trees despite the bright red patterns on their cloaks. They could hear the animals moving around them, the wind rustling the trees, but all this they ignored as they made their way to their destination.
Stopping suddenly, the older of the two cocked his head in question and looked down in puzzlement at his partner before turning his head back to the scene before him. For there in the middle of the clearing, standing in the light of the moon, stood without a doubt a woman, her cloak clinging to her body as its cowl hood hid her face and hair only allowing the slightest outline of her features.
Turning her head she nodded slightly, the moon causing the intricate silver brooch that clasped her cloak together to shine brightly. Acknowledging the two members of the Akatsuki, she did not move from her place. In fact, she seemed not to care.
Puzzled and annoyed at her lack of reaction the larger man hefted his sword from his back and swung it around to rest in front of him. They were near Konoha and he could see from the woman's stance that she was a Kunoichi, so why wasn't she running from him? Was she that stupid? Huffing in annoyance he blurted out, "Hoy! Girlie, don't you know who we are?"
His partner narrowed his eyes as he watched the woman give no indication that she had heard the question. She was motionless as not even the gentle breeze seemed to touch her. "It is dangerous for a lone Kunoichi to be out," he stated quietly his words carrying clearly.
Still she said nothing. Suddenly a strong gust of wind blew a slew of leaves into their faces, ruffling their cloaks. The men's eyes widened slightly in surprise as the wind opened the woman's cloak to show a glimpse of pale, naked flesh and bare feet before it whipped her hood down and revealed her face.
"You're on the Kyuubi's team."
"Hoshigaki-san, Uchiha-san." The pink haired young woman greeted causing eyebrows to rise at such a formal and polite greeting. Looking at her, Itachi noticed that her stance was ramrod straight, her weight slightly more on one foot then the other, her fingers slightly curled, and her head held high. It was the stance of a noble.
"You are far from Konoha this night, Haruno-san," he replied in kind ignoring the obvious gestures Kisame was making regarding her state of undress.
Nodding her head in agreement she turned her body away from them, closing her eyes and cocking her head. "You should leave," she replied simply, ignoring the indignant look that appeared on the blue skinned swordsman.
"I'm not taking any orders from some pink haired girl!" Kisame snapped annoyed that this slip of a girl would dare give him an order. His face blank and devoid of emotions, Itachi watched as she turned her head into the wind and hummed. When her eyes opened he was caught by the utter emptiness he saw inside them.
"They are coming, and you should not be here when they come," she warned again.
"HEH! Who is coming, what crack are you on?" Kisame interrogated quietened by the hand on his shoulder as he looked at the Uchiha standing next to him.
"Listen."
"Heh, I don't hear anything."
"Exactly."
And they were right. The animals had stopped making noise, burrowing deep into their dens, sliding into the nooks and crannies of the wood, scurrying across the streams. The clearing was empty as every living creature had gone or was deep in hiding.
"Leave if you want to live."
The quiet statement without emotion, embellishment, or pleading caught their attention quicker than a kunai.
"You are leaving," Itachi said equally uncaring as he looked at this pink haired girl totally opposite to everything she had been before—loud, emotional, quick to temper, physical. It was as if she was someone else as she simply nodded her head once more.
"Hoy! You're leaving the Kyuubi brat all alone."
As suddenly as it came it was gone: a flash of pain at the mention of Naruto. But in front of two Akatsuki it was seen.
"They do not know."
She did not respond, only turned her head and hummed with her eyes closed. Exchanging a glance the two criminals acknowledged the extremely faint sound of horse hooves in the air.
"You should leave if you wish to live."
It was added on as a half-hearted suggestion. Looking over her features Itachi came to a very simple conclusion.
"Do you have any message you wish conveyed?" He offered watching out of the corner of his eye as Kisame came to the same realization.
"Tell them...I was still alive when you saw me."
Nodding his head he watched as her eyes looked over the clearing committing it to memory as she pulled up the hood of her cloak.
Far behind her they saw a haze of fog, eerily illuminated by the moon, quickly cover the ground racing towards them while the sound of hoof beats grew louder.
"Leave. Now."
This time they did not disobey, but quickly doubled-checked that their chakra was masked and disappeared into the trees. Hiding in the cover of the trees they watched as shapes appeared in the rolling fog. Suddenly racing out of the fog came a group of armoured soldiers, their strong battle stallions surging strongly beneath them.
Coming to a halt, the horses breathed deeply with their shining armour glinting in the moonlight as they stamped their hooves impatiently and snorted into the wind. Their riders did not move, their old-fashioned armour glinting even brighter as Itachi noticed that their cloaks were clasped by the same broach as Haruno's.
The darkness rolled off of them in waves, their faces unseen and hidden by the shadows as they sat up straight on their mounts. The weapons on their backs and by their sides looked cruelly forged, well kept, and without doubt routinely used.
One soldier stepped forward from the back handing the girl a set of reigns, dissolving without a sound back into the fog.Without hesitation Sakura mounted the tall ebony stallion with ease, her cloak opening to show her naked body once more as her hood fell back. Arranging her cloak and clasping it with a pin handed to her by the solider that seemed to lead them she took a look around.
Kisame held his breath as her eyes seemingly pierced the trees and met theirs, the night itself echoing her words.
"Tell them...I was still alive when you saw me."
They watched as she turned her face up to the moon, one single crystalline tear falling down her cheek as she looked at its beauty.
Abruptly they turned their mounts and with a clattering of hooves rode back into the fog, disappearing as the beating hooves faded until they too were gone.
Slowly the sounds of animals returned and the leaves rustled in the wind as the two Akatsuki members jumped to the ground.
Exchanging a glance Kisame asked, "Think we'll ever see her again?"
"Perhaps," Itachi replied once more setting off for their destination.
x-x
Hidan's arms around her kept her steady, his kiss had settled her and stopped her from fainting, sending a thrill through her body that brought her back to the present but she still remembered that night with total clarity. How afraid she had been, how uncertain but how she had known deep within her bones what she had to do. The fog had soothed her that night, settling her frantically beating heart, the hoof beats had been a drum roll of anticipation both exciting and scary.
She had been worried about what would have happened to Itachi and Kisame when they had arrived, when they had refused to leave until the last minute, but she had still felt calm, as if her emotions were separate from her or locked up tight below the surface. Allowing her to say what she needed without alarming the two Akatsuki too much, sending them away rather than provoking them into a fight.
It was a weight off her mind or rather her heart when Itachi had offered to pass on a message for her, lessening many of her worries, allowing her to leave Konoha and her friends behind, the memories that had already started to fill her urging her forward, the need to go thrumming within her body.
Itachi looked around the clearing the flowers an unexpected surprise, Morning Glory, Amaranth and Marigold, flowers of death, pain and regret. His mother had loved to create arrangements for the reception rooms, spending hours in the morning with him explaining each flowers meaning and why certain ones went together and others didn't. He closed his eyes briefly. Even now after all these years her lessons came in use, she had shaped him so much.
Opening his eyes he raised an eyebrow at Kisame, the blue skinned Shinobi shaking his head in exasperation after staring at the normally stoic Uchiha showing some emotion.
A low growl filled the air, all eyes turning to Naruto, Kakashi and Yamato at his side trying to calm him just as his eyes sparked red and his nails lengthened, the fox laughing gleefully within his head, memories playing out before his very eyes.
X-x
The wind whistled by him as he sped through the forest, his clothes moulding to his body as his blond hair was whipped back while the wind and dust stung his eyes. He ignored the pain; he ignored how his chest heaved not completely from exertion but from fear and worry. He ignored the anxious yelling of his name from his team mates as he ran ahead paying no heed to his surroundings, his only goal was to reach the clearing, the place where Sakura-Chan was last seen.
And died.
The dark molasses tone of the demon fox filtered through his mind as the evil glee it entertained at Sakura-chins death rolled through Naruto momentarily stunning him, catching his breath and lurching his heart. Gritting his teeth he vehemently growled
'She is not dead!'
Foolish brat. She is dead.
'No Sakura-Chan is not dead! Shut up!' the blonde protested as the venomous voice chuckled at glee as it rattled its host. Naruto's bright cerulean eyes filled with tears as the fox played on his deepest fears.
You kill and hurt all those around you. Your Mother, your Father, Iruka-sensei, the Sandaime, Haku, and Asuma. So many more and now Sakura-chan. You are worthless.
Biting his lip to stop any retort Naruto closed his eyes as blood filled his mouth, swiping his tongue over his lips he winced at the sharp pain that made him remember who he was dealing with.
"You're lying'
Focusing on his journey Naruto hastened as he spied the clearing through the trees, the clearing that according to Uchiha Itachi, Sakura-chan was last seen.
And where she died. Her body mutilated and desecrated.
Entering the clearing Naruto skidded to a halt unaware of his team mate's arrival shortly after or how they walked the perimeter and scoped the area. He was caught, looking out on the clearing his eyes did not see the flowers growing in a cluster in the very centre, nor did he see the way the trees swayed gently in wind as the grass moved like the tide to and fro. He was caught by the demon fox and saw what the demon fox wanted him to see.
Her body lay face down on the bed of white, pink and goldenly flowers, colours that would have blended in beautifully with her clean hair, skin and clothes. Her clothes ripped and torn they frayed at the edges evidence of teeth marks clear to be seen. The various blood stains had dried into a rusty brick red colour on her beige medic skirt and red shirt. Her boots encased her legs but above them the skin was plucked, torn and open the redy brown muscle and tissue visible to the naked eye as flies darted from wound to wound. Her arms were dotted by the same wounds a putrid smell emanating from the body as he watched the flies and insects burrow in and out of the cuts.
Her hair was matted and dirtied bits of twigs, leaves and mud adorning it, the sight of her pale cheek and green lifeless eye that no longer sparkled or smiled was facing him. Turning her over he was greeted by the sight of her empty eye socket containing writhing maggots, lice and insects that ran up and down the chewed out right hand side of her face, her bottom lip and cheek were missing the sinew and tissue barely there as it hung torn from her cheek bone.
The final image wrenched him straight from the mindscape of the demon fox, focusing his eyes on the clearing he saw the colourful flower bed clustered in the middle, the trees that sheltered and the grass that swayed. An image of her eye socket full of writing maggots and lice superimposed itself above the clearing, making his stomach heave and his mind reel. He barely had time to put his hand against a tree for support before he started to retch emptying the contents of his stomach in a violent nauseating spew. He retched until noting but bitter bile was left burning his throat, his eyes watered and his chest heaved in desperation.
A comforting hand landed on his shoulder, looking up at Kakashi-sensei's knowing face Naruto gave a wobbly smile as Kakashi reassured him.
"Ignore the fox Naruto."
Watching his Sempai comfort his younger team mate Yamato looked over the clearing he had practised in as a Chunin. Skirting his eyes over Sai he focused on the ground. He had spent hours training his wood jutsu's both inside and outside Konoha and he believed he knew details of the forestry that no one else did. As such he could not stop the shiver that made its way down his spine as he looked at the delicate white flowering Morning Glory, the dark pink of Amaranth and the goldy orange of the Marigold that had never been there before, flowers that were not there over a year ago, flowers that should not be there unable to handle the soil pH and climate of Fire Country. The flowers that represented and signified death, pain and regret.
Flowers that now grew where Sakura was last seen.
~as she turned her face up to the moon, one single crystalline tear falling down her cheek as she looked at its beauty~
"We'll head back and report to the Hokage" Kakashi's voice cut through Yamato's thoughts as he saw Sai nod in agreement. Hearing him murmuring to Naruto as they left the clearing and headed towards Konoha Yamato agreed, at least now they had a lead.
x-x
"Death! Kill the Bitch."
Naruto clenched his head in pain, the fox louder than ever before. The bars of the cage rattling ferociously, shaking his entire body.
"Kill her, make her bleed. Destroy her before she tries to destroy you."
The dark molasses tone slithered through his mind, like oil covering his skin and refusing to come off no matter how hard he scrubbed. It made Naruto sick, his stomach twisting, the hands of Kakashi and Yamato seemed so far away, the fox taking over, the only thing he could hear.
"Release me and I will kill her, destroy her. She will kill you if you don't. Her and the silver haired demon will kill every last one of you. They won't be happy until they sacrifice you to their God. Until they have you bound and bleeding on their altars.
Kill Them Both!"
The snarling, howling venomous curses thundered through Naruto, the hate and anger driving him to his knees with a painful yell. Kakashi held him by the shoulders, Yamato readying his jutsu just as Ino grabbing her medical bag rushed to his side.
But Sakura appeared before him in a flash, falling to her knees, her face a calm mask of serenity, her hands cool and light as she held his face, emerald eyes searching before they darkened.
"You better remove your hands and step away." Hidan commanded, purply pink eyes watching Sakura, her skin beginning to emit a faint luminescent glow that startled them. "Unless ya wanna be fucking fried."
Kakashi, Yamato and Ino stood back, Hidan the only one closer than three feet, the glow from Sakura lightening up the clearing, faint black marks seeming to peek out from under her sleeves and collar of her coat. But it was the fleeting symbol of Jashin on her forehead that surprised even Itachi.
She saw silver. Breathing deeply Sakura waited for her vision to clear a relieved sigh escaping her lips when she saw Naruto before her on the wet ground huddled in a ball from the pain. Ignoring the dirty water that swirled around her ankles she walked towards him, her glowing skin lightening up the dank, dark cavern. The hissing, snarling caged demon fox with its glowing eyes and sharp snapping that cursed her no worry to her.
Tilting her head she regarded it, not blinking an eye until its snarls and snapping diminished to angry whimpers, the huge demon rattling the bars of its cage, pawing the ground.
Kneeling beside Naruto Sakura tenderly brushed the hair from his eyes, whispering his name. With a loving smile she pulled him into her lap and hummed to him, a prayer, the first prayer Daisasihi had taught her. Then she hummed her favourite childhood song – the one Hidan refused to sing to her and had used to comfort her.
Slowly Naruto's face relaxed, the lines on his face disappearing before he slowly opened his eyes. Sparing a glance to the fox Sakura was satisfied to see it lying down on the floor of its cage, head on its paws watching her.
"Sakura?"
Smiling down at Naruto she let him go, amused by his shocked head swinging to make sure they were deep within the recess of his mind before the demon fox's cage and that Sakura was truly there.
"You shouldn't be here. He'll hurt you!"
Always looking out for others, Sakura thought giving Naruto a kiss on the cheek, his blue eyes shocked at the sight of the fox lying down inside his cage. Naruto feeling a peace he hadn't felt or didn't realise he could feel gaped from the fox to Sakura and back again, his voice failing as he tried to speak.
"Wha . . .ho ?"
"It's okay Naruto, don't worry."
A kiss on the forehead and Naruto faded from sight. Leaving Sakura to stand up in the ankle deep dirty water facing the Kyuubi alone. Straightening her back she let the darkness fill her, let her skin glow, let the power fill her voice as she commanded the whimpering demon.
"You will not hurt him Kyuubi and you will not threaten me or mine."
Her voice was hard, grating like stones, her eyes narrowing as she stepped before the cage, head tilted as she watched the fox scuttle back away from the bars. Raising one hand she trailed her fingers playfully over the bars, a wicked smile on her face.
"Even demons fear Gods."
With that wicked smile in place Sakura gave a beautifully twinkling dark laugh, shadows covering her from sight as she disappeared from the demon fox's sight, her vision filled with silver white spots.
They had heard her words, the sweet humming strangely soothing to the group, Hidan the only one that had an inkling of what was going on. Her voice echoed, Naruto's finally joining, the fear and worry in his voice making Kakashi and Yamato step forward ready to stop the Kyuubi, Sai prepared behind them as were the Akatsuki. Team Shikamaru forced to watch helplessly having no experience with the damned fox.
Naruto glowed, his sun kissed skin glowing a bright gold, his nails returning to normal and his eyes opening to reveal the shiny blue they all knew.
Pressure and fear filled them, power radiating off Sakura for the briefest second a small wicked smile painting her lips, a dark tinkling laugh making them shudder and reach for the reassuring weight of their weapons.
Sakura opened her eyes, the glow receding and the clearing darkening, lit only by the moon. Taking Hidan's hand Sakura stood, cupping Naruto's cheek before walking away, her clothes brushing the flowers and grass, her hand trailing in them, sweeping through the blossoms with an enigmatic smile.
"What the fuck was that?"
Kisame muttered watching the retreating backs of Hidan and Sakura, Hidan's arm moving to her back as he guided her back to the horses.
"I thought she . . . . Un." Deidara stopped, unsure exactly what he wanted to say. What had happened was very different from what they had seen in Amegakure, the power itself had even had a different flavour.
"Troublesome."
Shikamaru managed, mind going at the speed of lightening trying to figure out and understand exactly what had happened, Sakura had shown power and new abilities in Konoha but to seemingly be able to subdue the Kyuubi was another story.
A bloodline limit? A new technique?
Seeing the unsettled looks of her former team mates, apart from Naruto Shikamaru sighed and shrugged his shoulders. They would get no answers for the moment, the group walking back the way they came, Hidan and Sakura back upon their mounts and setting off again.
Hours later they finally stopped and made camp for the night, watching the fog that settled around them and the frost that gathered on the grass, plants and trees. With a nod to Kakashi Itachi had created not one but two large roaring fires in an attempt to keep the cold at bay, extra grass lining the ground to keep the damp at bay.
"Where are all the animals? The birds . . . it's so quiet."
Ino's worried voice carried over the fire, no one feeling up to the challenge of answering her, all unsure of how to answer.
The Akatsuki mulling over their own problems sat around the camp fire, trying to figure out just how the hell Hidan had managed to kick the crap out of all of them, Itachi escaping the brute of the beating but still subject to Hidan's other . . form.
Fucking tip of the iceberg, Kisame thought going over what Himegimi had done his left eye twitching at Hidan. Deidara absently rubbed his right hand, checking to see if the teeth of his hand-mouth were healed properly and cringing slightly at the memory. Itachi sharpened a kunai, glaring at the flames as Tobi sat with his hand behind his neck, clicking his heals together like Dorothy in The Wizard Oz book he had finished reading before joining this mission.
They had seen Hidan performing his ritual before, watched as his skin turned black and his skeleton painted white on the black skin. But never before had they felt the darkness roll off him like water, terror had filled them where once they had felt nothing but distaste and boredom at watching him take that form and perform the ritual to Jashin.
Madara had in that moment acknowledged his own mortality; he had never known true fear or ever believed in Gods. But seeing the rage in Hidan's pink eyes, feeling the oppressive power, the darkness, and the power. Madara had felt fear.
The beating he had given them had been secondary, the physical pain nothing compared to what they had seen, words unable to fully describe it. The pain was only a reminder.
Noticing the Akatsuki's quietness and wanting an answer himself Naruto turned towards Sakura as she approached the fire, Hidan in the tree line loosening Marbh's girth.
"Sakura-chan, why did the Kyuubi listen to you?" Naruto looked around adding. "And everything disappears."
Surprisingly enough this was not a question Sakura had been expecting, none of the Akatsuki had asked it or even alluded to it when they travelled to Konoha. In Konoha again nothing was said.
She should have been prepared for it, especially after what she had done in the clearing, but she had left her emotions and memories get the best of her, sinking into Hidan's comfort and leaving herself open.
Looking deep into the fire Sakura spoke quietly, her words barely audible over the crackling flames, addressing not only him but all of them.
"Why do you stay quiet and hide when you are pursued by the enemy?"
"So I'm not caught." Naruto spoke matter of factly, nods accompanying his words.
She laughed humorlessly. "You hold your breath, try to calm your beating heart, hold as still as can be and sweat runs down your body because you don't want to be caught?"
She broke her gaze from the fire, slowly meeting everyone's eyes before falling on Naruto's.
"You fear death, you fear your life will end and it will all be over, you fear what will come next that is why you run, why you hide and why you pray that you will live.
That is why the Kyuubi listened to me, that is why the animals disappear and why the ground cools."
Sakura smiled mysteriously. "They fear death . . . . they fear me."
Her eyes flickered to the Akatsuki, knowing what they had seen and knowing what they had felt. With a soft swish of her coat she turned, her footsteps silent, the shadows caressing her, enveloping her just as she walked back to Hidan and into his arms. Leaving erratic heartbeats, sweating foreheads and gulps behind her.
x-x
Dia Duit,
Its freaking long so if there are mistakes sorry.
Big whooping thanks to kisukebenihime and fierynightangel -sounding boards, polt bunnies, partners in crimes galore. PrinceThe Second fro taking time out ofher busy schelude and checking mistakes.
Like i said freadking long so not too much complaining please lol.
Lots to talk about here so can't wait to see what you think x x x
lots of love,
The Rose and the Dagger x x
"An leabhar, ceart?" – the book, right?
"Tá a thios aige?" – you know?
"Gach duine, gach tír, gach rud." – every person, every country, everything.
"Féachaint agus ná habhair aon focal." – watch and don't say a word