The King was beyond troubled hearing the voice of his eldest in distress. He should have not allowed him to go through with meeting with the traitor, more so, letting Sasuke join him. Fugaku did not really know what to expect. The possibility of assassination attempt, of course, was high, but he never thought that the elder would truly try murdering both of his sons right there and then.
Shikamaru even thought that the meeting would be most likely in attempt to threaten Itachi for challenging the elders in parliament. Good thing, they had a back up plan. God forbid if something bad happened to either of them. Not only Mikoto would kill him, he could not imagine the guilt and pain he would feel thinking his poor decisions harmed them.
Shisui, in the meantime, did not waste a second to instruct the royal guards to come to the princes' rescue after the call with Itachi. Shikamaru, hearing the phone call, had also came in contact with the policemen near the area.
"The princes' safety is the utmost priority, Nara!" The King reminded him. Fugaku then stood up from his seat in his office. He paced back and forth, unable to keep calm. The said officer nodded, trying to reach more reinforcements.
Two of the helicopters reported that a white van were trailing behind the princes' limousine. There was no plate number registered and it seemed like one of the men aboard was still firing away. Shikamaru clicked his tongue.
"How many men are there?" He asked through his earpiece.
"Around 5 aboard, Sir." The officer in charge of one of the choppers responded.
"Is that all?"
"There may be reinforcements coming from the warehouse, Sir. Policemen from the village are now closing in them."
"Good. Protect the princes at all cost. It is our prime concern."
But not even a minute after, the officer contacted Shikamaru again. "Sir, we have a problem." Fugaku stopped walking at the sound of that.
"What is it?" Shikamaru demanded.
The officer on the other line seemed to be having a hard time saying the next words. Shisui could hear the man swallowing his throat. "Forgive us, Sir. The royal limousine crashed into a street lamp. We've already trying to reach out the nearest hospital. An ambulance and emergency unit should be on their way to the scene within the next five minutes."
"Fuck!" Shisui exclaimed, not the least bothered that he was within close proximity with the King and that he could be heard by other royal guards stationed outside.
And The King-Fugaku could have sworn he stopped breathing altogether.
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It did not take long to disarm the ROOT members after the crash. The policemen and reinforcements units arrived at the scene cornering all of them. Naruto, on the other hand, felt like his heart stopped seeing the scene before him. Both of him and Asuma get off the car while the other royal guards secured the area, making sure there is no chance for the captured men to escape.
Before he knew what he was doing, he was running into the direction of the car crash. He could see Sai in the front seat, slightly disoriented. He turned his head to the back seat, the Crown Prince seemed to stir awake, but Sasuke- -Naruto could not even find words to describe how horrible it was.
As the ambulance rushed to the scene, Naruto tried to open the car, but Sasuke's side mostly sustained the damage. The emergency units worked on the other side, successfully getting Itachi out of the car. "No..Sasuke..help" The Crown Prince muttered while being transferred to the stretcher. Asuma was by his side in a second. "We'll get him out, Your Highness."
It did not take long before more medical personnel rushed to the younger prince's aid. They released him from his seat belt, and then carefully maneuvered him out. He was still unconscious and the medics had instructed quickly to prepare an oxygen mask. Suddenly, there were people all over him, touching him, feeling him, hooking him up with different machines in the ambulance. He followed them and got inside. Sirens wailed and then the ambulance sped up.
From a distance, he saw Sai getting ushered out of the car by two emergency personnel. There may have been no sustained damage from his part as he walked- staggered to the awaiting ambulance.
Naruto could hear his phone vibrating from his pocket. He reached for it and saw Shikamaru's name on the screen. He hesitantly put the phone to his ear.
"Uzumaki! Report!"
"We are able to get both the princes out of the car. We are on the way to the hospital as we speak, sir. I will message you the exact location."
"Right. Tell me all the details later." Shikamaru hanged up before Naruto could salute.
And then doctors, nurses came running towards them as they arrived. They sent the younger prince to the operating room in rush. Some of the nurses stopping him from taking any step further.
Sasuke, you have to be alright.
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Itachi stared in shock as Asuma tried to calm him down in one of the private wards in the hospital. Two nurses were dressing his wound to his head. One doctor was present as well, asking the prince if it hurt elsewhere.
Mostly everywhere, but he silently pulled his sleeve and a few more scratches came into the nurses' view. The doctor was nodding, seemingly satisfied that the prince was responding even if he was quite slow. He noted that he may have a concussion, but everything looked fine. He instructed the nurse to perform several other tests just to make sure. The doctor then advised the prince to stay in the hospital for a few more days for further observation while waiting for the test results.
However, the crown prince was still trying wrap his head about what happened. There was bright light and then he was reaching out for Sasuke. Then realization dawned upon him. Sasuke!
"Asuma, how is Sasuke?" He turned to his royal guard.
The said officer hesitated. "He was still in operating room, Your Highness."
The prince then tried to sit up, but the nurses held him down. "You must not push yourself, Sir." One of them reminded.
That was when his mother barged in the room, crying. She was followed by his father, Izumi, Shisui and lastly, Sakura. Asuma stood up in an instant, saluting. "Oh my poor son!" The Queen exclaimed. The nurses and the doctor then backed away slightly making way for the royal family. She sat down on the edge of the bed while the others stood by watching.
Mikoto carefully examined her eldest son's condition. She cautiously put both of her hands in each side of his cheek. More tears have gathered in the corner of her eyes. "Thank goodness you're okay." However, ever so slowly, she looked at the others in question. And then she asked. "Where is your brother?"
He averted his eyes guiltily. The Queen then turned to Asuma. Again, the officer hesitated. "He was sent to the operating room, Your Majesty."
Her eyes widened fractionally. "Oh God!" She slowly brought one hand to her forehead.
By that time, Itachi heard a quiet gasp from Sakura. And then she was running.
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Hours ticked by, and Sakura was getting more restless.
She stood there right outside of the operating room. Her royal guards on stand by. She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that maybe, just maybe, this was just another nightmare- that this will be over soon. Her hands clasped in a prayer. Ever so often, Tenten would ask her if she needed some water, but her words barely registered.
All of a sudden, memories of them together flashed before her eyes-their first meeting, their banters, their engagement party, their fights, her nineteenth birthday, their date on a cruise ship, the feeling of being safe in his arms, his voice. She could not help but feel like she's been a victim of another scheme. How unfair, she thought. It's not even a month after they saw each other again. They were just finally coming to terms with each other. Why did this happen? Why can't they just be happy?
That was when she heard familiar footsteps. Naruto slowly approached her. "Your Highness, please take a seat at least." Other royal family members had been ushered to a private room after all, while the Queen had been in the chapel for some time now.
"No, I can't." She hated how weak she sounded.
Naruto then tried to reassure her. "Your Highness, Prince Sasuke is strong. He will be all right."
"But- how- how can you be so sure? What if he's not?"
The young officer opened his mouth but was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. The doctor looked at Sakura in consideration before bowing slightly.
"How is he?" She questioned.
"We stopped all the bleeding and he is stable now. We will transfer him to a private room for his continuous recovery." The doctor then proceeded to tell her that he will be unconscious for a while since he lost so much blood. He also sustained some deep cuts that needed stitching, and even suffered a broken shoulder. The injury on his head had most probably caused him to pass out after the accident, but there are no apparent sustained damage in the long run.
That was when her legs lost their strength and she almost fell on the floor if not for Naruto catching her in support. "Your Highness!" He exclaimed in alarm. Tenten was also there by her side in a heartbeat.
She then looked at the royal guard and her personal servant. "Thank God!" She was breathing heavily now that it also concerned the doctor who guided her to breathe in and out slowly. Naruto ushered her to a nearby seat. "Tell Her Majesty quickly. And also the Crown Prince." She said afterwards.
The blonde hesitated to leave for a moment. But she quickly assured him. "I'm fine. I'm okay really." She waved him off. "We need to inform them of Sasuke's condition immediately. They must be worried to death." And with that, Naruto stood up from his seat and then he was running as fast as his legs could carry them.
Only then, Sakura's tears flowed . She cried-sobbed like there's no tomorrow. She hold onto Tenten who whispered reassuring words to her as she shed more tears.
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The media and other paparazzi made quite a scene in the entrance of the Leaf Hospital where the two princes were currently admitted. Moreover, it's been two days since the accident and this will be the first time the public will get to see the face of the driver.
Not a minute after, Sai, with a sling on his arm and a bandage on his left cheek, came out of the hospital. He was escorted by four policemen. Bright lights of flash and people rushing to the suspect had alerted the royal guards surrounding the area. It did not take long before the pale man was led to a police mobile.
Shikamaru watched in distance as the press tried to ask for his statements. He was rather surprised that the man cooperated with the investigation. He asked him everything during his stay in the hospital and the former ROOT member was rather feeling regretful of what happened. He revealed everything- Danzo's operation on various drugs, illegal possessions of fire arms, Danzo and Orochimaru's involvement in the car ambush that led to King Obito and His Queen's death, Danzo spreading misinformation about Princess Sakura, an ongoing revolution against the monarchy; the list went on. He also named four members of the parliament who he had seen in Danzo's secret meetings.
However, he strongly denied he plotted the car accident. He said that he was ordered to spy on the royal family but he never thought of causing them any harm. He just mostly reported their actions to the ROOT leader, but he took his job seriously which is to protect Princess Sakura.
He also stated that he did not know of the plan of the assassination attempt by the ROOT. He was only asked to bring the Crown Prince to the warehouse. He actually admitted that he thought Danzo would only threaten the future King of the revolution.
When asked why did he confess all of a sudden, he said rather in shame that he once believed and supported Danzo's teachings and ideals, but as he was assigned to the lost princess's special security unit, he learned that the royal family was not bad as he thought. There were times he wanted to comfort her when she was getting lonely, he even revealed.
He also acknowledged her kindness as he was designated to keep an eye on her at all times. She would even ask him if he was feeling a hard time whenever she made public appearances. The Queen would also acknowledge his presence and express her concerns whenever she visited the princess's room. He had also seen how dedicated they were in their charity events; the sincerity behind the princess's smiles as she waved to the crowd.
These made him lie to Danzo a few times too. The policemen and other investigators doubted him though, but not Shikamaru.
Shikamaru sighed muttering how troublesome his job was, but he could not help but smile as he agreed to all Sai had revealed.
After a few hours, the Imperial Officer received a call saying Danzo was finally arrested and the other leaders of the Five Great Nations currently in a meeting to stop Orochimaru all at once.
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It's been three days since the accident, and although the doctors reassured them that everything was fine, she could not help but be concerned.
Sakura almost never leaves his room. She clutched his left hand tightly begging for him to open his eyes. Other royal family members would also visit everyday. Prince Shisui smiled reassuringly to her whenever he visits. The Queen would bring various fruits and place it on his bedside table. But the King was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, he fell ill after learning Sasuke's condition; he almost fainted. It did not help that he had also been stressed for the past few days.
The Queen would hug her ever so often. "I have to be strong in times like these, but honestly, I do not know what to do, Sakura-chan. My husband is sick, my eldest suffered great trauma-he even blames himself for the accident, and my poor Sasuke. I'm beyond grateful to Shisui and Izumi who shouldered most of our royal duties."
The princess then would allow her to cry in her arms for a long time. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
Mikoto shook her head. "I'm sorry, my princess. I understand more than anyone what you're feeling right now. But can't you rest for a while? Will you return in the Palace even for a few hours? I'm also worried about you." The tiredness in the Queen's expression had her almost yielding to her request.
"Your Majesty, I must be by his side when he wakes up."
"I know, my dear. However, I cannot afford for you to feel unwell too. I've had enough of worrying as it is. You're barely eating; you haven't been sleeping properly. Think about how will my son react learning about that."
That was how she gave in and found herself kissing his hand goodbye.
She took a glimpse at him one last time before quietly exiting the room leaving the Queen to look after Sasuke.
But to her shock, she noticed the Crown Prince leaning by the wall outside of the room; he still has bandages on his forehead and his arms, but nonetheless fine. "Oh my God! You almost gave me a heart attack." She put a hand on her chest massaging it.
"How is he?" He regarded her with a solemn look.
"Why don't you visit him yourself, Prince Itachi?"
They began to walk along the seemingly long corridor of the hospital. "I can't." He muttered mostly to himself.
"I heard from Her Majesty that you're feeling guilty of what has happened, but I'm sure Sasuke is not blaming you. He looks up to you, adores you and loves you. He will be rather disappointed if you don't see him." She eyed him cautiously.
"You think? How can he forgive me after this? I almost caused his death."
"No one is at fault. Moreover, Danzo and Orochimaru were already sent to jail. We just need to keep praying for Sasuke's speedy recovery. And he's going to need us after this. So, please, stop thinking that Sasuke blames you- you and His Majesty. You were just performing your duties as the Crown Prince." Sakura was rather surprised those words came out from her mouth.
And then, Itachi smiled. "You've grown up, Sakura."
Tears gathered in the corner of her eyes as soon as the words registered. "I have to. For the royal family's sake. For Konoha's future."
The prince considered her for a moment before stopping in his tracks. "Thank you-for not giving up on him, for taking care of him, for loving him." He turned to face her.
Sakura merely shook her head in response, but her tears already rolled down her cheeks.
"Please call me Nii-san from now on."
"Eh? But you're the Crown Prince, the next King, it's not appropriate."
"It's fine as long we're not in the elders' presence. We're family after all."
She beamed at him. "Thank you, Nii-san."
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Sasuke woke up feeling like he came back from hell. It hurt everywhere. His body felt so heavy and his head ached. He squeezed his eyes shut, avoiding the sunlight that peaked through the blinds. He groaned alerting his brother in the process.
He slowly opened his eyes again and Itachi was by his side in an instant. He mostly asked him how he was feeling, and if he needed something. His brother then sort of sighed in relief after the unnecessary fussing. At first, he could not understand, and then it dawned upon him as his eyes registered that he was not in his room back in the palace. It was almost white everywhere-the ceiling, the bed sheets. He could also smell flowers all over the room.
"Where are we?" Sasuke asked after a while. He tried to sit up, but his body protested in return.
"Careful. You must be feeling sore." Itachi helped him to shift to a more comfortable position, adjusting the pillows behind his back. Sasuke winced in pain as Itachi offered his forearm in support.
"What happened?" The younger prince asked once more after he successfully adjusted. And then a few vivid memories flashed before his eyes. His eyes widened. "Danzo?"
"He was finally captured and behind the bars. They also caught Orochimaru the day after."
"Day after? How long was I unconscious?"
"Three- no, almost four days now."
Sasuke tried to recall the last thing he remembered. They were being chased by Danzo's men and then there were flashes of light; he could also remember Itachi shouting his name.
"We were involved in a car accident. You gave us quite the scare back then." Itachi proceeded to bring him water from the nearby table. He observed him for a moment, before he was pressing the button to connect to the nurses station.
"I will call the doctor to make sure you're okay."
"Wait- where is-"
"She finally listened to Mother and returned back to Palace to catch some sleep. She's been by your side all this time." He reassured the younger prince. "The others will probably here by the afternoon. They come visit you everyday." Itachi also pointed to Naruto standing in the corner who was almost bawling his eyes out.
Sasuke merely gave Naruto an incredulous look before waiting for Itachi to end his conversation with the nurse.
After that, Itachi sat at the edge of his bed. He slowly reached for the back of his brother's head and pulled him close, their foreheads almost touching; he was careful not to hit the bandage near Sasuke's left eyebrow.
"Nii-san?" Sasuke looked up at him confused.
Itachi closed his eyes and muttered. "I'm sorry, otouto."
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Sakura stopped in her tracks seconds away from seeing him. She breathed deeply before knocking. She opened the door to her fiancee's private room and was met with familiar onyx eyes. He was already seated comfortably on his bed, a huge pillow was by the headboard, on his hands was a book she recognized gifted to him by the King.
Eyes watering, she walked slowly towards him.
Time seemed to stop as she sat down on the only chair beside his bed. She did not avert his eyes for one second. She reached out for his hand, but he flinched. He looked at her in confusion.
And then, Sasuke questioned her. "Who are you?"
Her eyes widened and a loud gasp escaped her lips. She could practically her heart skipping a beat. "No..no..this can't be happening." She mumbled mostly to her self. However, when she looked up again, an all-too-familiar smirk was displayed by his lips. Suddenly, she was mad.
"You!" She stood up from her seat. "Ugh! You are impossible! I can't believe I wasted my time worrying about you!" She picked one of the pillows from the bed and hit him in the arm. He then hissed in pain. Sakura, in alarm, looked at him in distress. She automatically sat on the edge of his bed examining his arm.
"Gosh! I'm sorry. Does it hurt that much? I'll call the doctor right away!" She began in panic. However, before she could stand up, his arm held her in place.
"Sakura…" His voice a little raspy, but Sasuke all the same. He paused before continuing. "How can I ever forget you?"
And then, she was crying again.
"Don't you know how scared I am?!" She nearly yelled. "So many thoughts plagued my mind the past few days. What if- what if you're not okay at all? What if it's too late? What if we never had the time to correct our mistakes like we thought? But I have to be strong- for you, for the royal family. And then you had the audacity to joke about this?! You really-" She rambled, but was interrupted by the patient.
"Shhh. I'm fine. Everything still hurts, but I'm going to be just fine." He held her hand in comfort.
She then raised her right hand into his cheek. He seemed to lean into her touch. "I love you." She confessed. "I've been regretting not telling you that so often."
His eyes softened. "I know. Me too. I'm sorry. For everything."
"You better be." She whispered before she pecked on his lips and reached for his hand.
Mikoto and Itachi silently watched from the window of the door, smiling to each other. The other guards stationed by the door gave each other a look, while Naruto tried hard not to laugh at the prince's antics of pranking the princess.
Seriously?! What kind of television drama is the bastard watching? He thought.
In the end, Sasuke stayed for a few more days in the hospital before being released. Itachi mostly assumed his royal duties as the Crown Prince. And the King has been better than before after seeing his sons recovering well.
Sakura and Sasuke both decided to continue their studies in Konoha. Shisui carried on with his travels, but promised to visit frequently. Sakura also helped the Queen with charity events and public appearances while she was busy with preparations on Itachi and Izumi's wedding by Spring next year. Her mind becomes dizzy remembering different traditions she had to memorize.
Of course, it was a big deal, it's the wedding of the next in line to the throne, but she never expected this. Not only Izumi was asked to pick over a variety of flowers and menus, they also have to consider their guests. They nearly sent out a thousand of invitations across the globe, but apparently it was still not enough. How is Princess Izumi holding up? It was Sakura's only thought before she was ushered to fit in different dresses.
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It was indeed a fairy tale wedding with not less than 2,000 people invited to the grand celebration. Less than half of the guests that attended the wedding were family and friends of the couple. The rest included leaders of the allied countries and their families. Gaara and Pakura were also in attendance so is Princess Temari and the other prince, Kankuro. The media stationed themselves all over the Grand Chapel to take photos and even start a live stream of the event. The choir started singing and all eyes turned to the groom.
Itachi, the groom, clad in his royal blue military uniform with a cross-belt and gold waist belt with sword slings, stood straight in the altar waiting for his future Queen.
The King, wearing his full military dress and the Queen, with her stylish blue tunic style dress, made their way to the altar smiling lightly. Itachi bowed his head as they stopped right in front of him. Mikoto kissed his cheek and practically beamed at her eldest.
They were followed by the younger royal couple expected to wed after a couple more years. They walked down the aisle, Sasuke's arm around her waist. They were the best man and bridesmaid respectively.
Sasuke was also wearing his military uniform similar to Itachi's except for a few golden medals, while Sakura was dressed in an off-shoulder beige, lace gown with sequin appliques. There was teasing slit just right above the right knee and it clung to her body like second skin. She was breathtaking with her light make up and soft curls. But still, it took most of Sasuke's effort not to scowl as series of flashes almost blinded him.
"Our wedding will only consist of ten people max." He whispered lowly.
Sakura laughed at that. "Come on, smile for the cameras."
Sasuke nearly grunted; he wished for nothing for this day to be over and done with. He still could not understand how can his brother endure this. He watched as people he met only a few times offer their congratulations to Itachi. He actually thought he was already used to paparazzi and public appearances, but nothing could ever top this.
The prince could not further dwell into his thoughts as the sound of the trumpet echoed throughout the old cathedral signaling that the bride has arrived.
Izumi worn a ceramic white mixed-lace ballgown with sequin detail. Mixed floral details were embroidered creating a stunning lace work on its sleeves. A wide V-neckline with floating laces, delicate sequins placed thoughtfully over the top layer of the full skirt created a traditional and yet modern wedding dress. The veil, being held there by her late mother and previous Queen Rin's halo tiara, is nine meters long was embellished with pearls and transparent crystals.
Her hair was styled in loose curls and her look was best described as simple but elegant. She smiled and waved at the people before entering the chapel.
Sasuke seemed bored as usual as he watched Itachi guiding Izumi to the altar. Sakura, though, looked like she was thoroughly enjoying this. She even slightly waved at Shisui at the other side. He almost forgot there were cameras around as he rolled his eyes.
It took almost two hours for the ceremony to end. The newly wedded couple kissed and a round of applause and cheers resonated inside the cathedral. Itachi was all smiles and Izumi was practically glowing. They waved into the awaiting crowd as they were escorted in the open carriage pulled by six horses. They were followed by the King and Queen and then by Sasuke and Sakura, and lastly, Shisui with the little bridesmaids and page boys.
It is estimated a million of people stood by to take a peek on the royal couple. They flaunted tiny Konoha flags as the royal couple came into their view. The royal guards and policemen escorted them and secured the area.
It was not all bad, Sakura thought, to be part of the royal family. More than the expensive gowns, the one of a kind tiara she wears, the ridiculous old traditions, she found an extended family. And most importantly, she found her prince charming, her one true love. It may not be Cinderella-like, but she was happy.
She glanced to her side only to find her fiancee with a straight face fixed on his handsome features. She giggled at the sight of him suffering in the midst of a crowd. She slightly nudged at him with her elbow. If possible, his mood seemed to worsen.
But then, she smiled and muttered. "I love you."
As soon as the words came out from her mouth, his eyes softened and his scowl forgotten. "You really are annoying." He smirked.
Yeah, it was not all bad.
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A/N: Whew! That was one hell of a ride. Thank you so much for reading. Please me a review and tell me all about what you think. There will still be an epilogue as to explain what happened to others.
I posted in my profile the gowns' inspiration. The military dress uniform for the princes is close to Prince Harry's attire on his own wedding day.
Anyway, again, thank you.