Chapter Nine: "The Purpose of a Lost Man"

"As You Walk Along This Predetermined Line,
I Will Dance Among Many Lines.
And May You See Our Lines Intertwine In This Tapestry Called Life."
—She Who Never Relents With Fair Judgement, Leads The Way—
—The Abandoned Son of the Moon—

….

….

At the Castle:

Sakura sat in her usual seat on the dominating settee, dressed in a transparent silver dress that fell to her feet. Every movement glittered in the low light and the slide of fabric on skin felt like a dream. Her pink tresses felt weightless and fluffy, framing her face elegantly and she lightly tweaked a half-formed curl while she relaxed. It wouldn't be long until they arrived.

She felt their gazes first — a pleasant sort of searing that raised the hair on her arms and the back of her neck. With a lazy smile, she waved at the standing men, "Good morning."

A collective of various greetings replied and Sakura acknowledged each person with a smile. She stood up and stretched her arms high for a moment, not minding how the men gazed upon her barely hidden form, then said, "Ready for breakfast? I would love to chat with all of you." Slowly, but surely, she was getting used to this lifestyle and now she made sure to remember to give time for each person and really get closer to them. Kisame was right yesterday, even if this was the effect of the spell, right now they had these precious moments. It was impossible not to become fond of them and they returned the sentiment. She should embrace their brief time together and enjoy the present when she could.

Yes. She was going to enjoy every second she could while maintaining her urgency to complete the mission. She needed balance. After all, simply being in this enchanted castle was a miracle and a dream come true. At least for now, she could come home to people who loved her. It was a foreign concept at her old home and thanks to this dream, she would hunger for it when it was inevitably time to wake up.

She looked at each man and realized she had never truly taken control of the situation before. She simply reacted when it came to the mornings since she was shy and uncertain of her influence over the men and this castle. But now things were different. The old Sakura had grown. It was still a peculiar feeling — a mix between novelty and confidence. No one at court would call her a lady worthy of praise, but she didn't need their praise to survive anymore. Her worth didn't sorely rely on her title and so-called purity. She could honestly say she could take care of herself and had people who loved her. What more could she ask for in life? And so, she met each man's gaze with renewed vigor. It was a new morning! She was a new woman! Instead of depending on a lord or prince to support her, she had the power to support them. In fact, why doesn't she? She'd be the most un-ladylike noble in the entire kingdom! Yes, to take it a step further, why not support her men? Even if their deep feelings disappeared with the spell's end, she could still support them. Gaara, Kisame, Hidan and Itachi couldn't entirely go back to their old lives. Sasuke would follow Itachi. Kakashi looked free. Deidara and Sasori probably wouldn't return to their 'studios' after getting acquainted with fae magic. She could do this! Surely light mages of her caliber would receive tons of work!

So, as a result of feeling suddenly empowered and attracted to the evil attraction of destroying every expectation her cold parents' had of her future, she pulled back her shoulders and puffed up her chest like she was about to give a moving speech to her people and blurted out, "Yes, I will be responsible for you!" Realizing that the message didn't quite come out as intended, she coughed into her fist. "Ahem! I mean, I will act responsibly today." Her shoulders dropped. Of course. As soon as she started her epic moving announcement, she screwed up. This was embarrassing. Her ears burned red while her eyes roamed around the room like a mouse searching for an escape.

She realized that while a full-on mental pep talk for her self-esteem made her feel free, it didn't include instructions on how to think of witty and powerful things to say to a gathering of attractive, powerful men who seemed dead set on listening to her next words with rapture.

And so, Sakura did the first thing that came to mind and gestured towards Hidan, "Well! Moving on, this is Hidan. He is a powerful dark magic user and knows how to drink so maybe Sasori you have something in common. If you could please get to know each other then we can head to breakfast?" Tip for court blunders: never settle on the mistake and distract!

The mens' eyes twinkled as they caught her obvious ploy, but they let it go. Kakashi, Itachi and Kisame didn't bother to hide their smirk, however, and Sakura pegged them down as the Bad Boy Trio.

Sasori eyed the taller, bulkier dark magic user and frowned before he relented, "I am Sasori, a dark mage. Pleasure to meet you."

Hidan's eye twinkled as he said, "This is the first time I met a dark mage not related to Jashin. I would love to talk about dark magic later."

And with that, the rest of the men began to introduce themselves before they headed to breakfast. Along the way, Hidan observed his surroundings with a gimlet eye, looking at the enchanted place powered by light magic and fae with wonder. This was the first time he'd ever seen something on this scale and he gained a new level of devotion for his goddess.

When everyone sat at the table, Sakura relished the eggs benedict and a strange sweet purple pudding. While she munched on the heavenly breakfast in bliss, she wondered how is it that she never felt hungry in the dream worlds. But then, why was she trying to find sense within a dream? And so, she just kept happily eating in ignorant bliss with her eyes crinkled shut, looking remarkably like a kitten. She was unaware of the stares the men shot to her periodically as they gazed fondly at their adorable woman. How cute!

Hidan ate a bite of the fish and marvelled, "Hey Sakura! Even the fish taste like a miracle! I haven't had such fine food since, uh, since ever." The rugged man chowed down as he talked, "Huh. This is way better than a slab of meat and dry bread."

Sakura agreed with rosy cheeks, "Yes, I agree! You should thank the Fae though. They are the true masterminds behind this miracle."

"Thank you, fairies of the food." He made some superfluous sign that she assumed was supposed to signal worship then continued chowing down. "I'm glad they aren't holding grudges for my, uh, magic type."

"Don't fret. It was my fairy godmother that sent me to you, so I imagine they quite welcome you." Sakura reassured as she took a bite of a fluffy pancake. "Mm~!"

Deidara and Sasori glared at the taller, bulkier Hidan. While the two managed to snag the seats next to her this time, Hidan kept taking her attention away! Meanwhile the others rolled their eyes at the childish duo with amusement.

Deidara whined, "Sakuuura! I'm here, too! I miss you. Boo hoo." The blonde artist shed crocodile tears as he moved to feed Sakura another bite of a strawberry shortcake. His bright blue eyes glistened with tears, "It's been so long since I've gotten to talk to you…" He sniffled.

From the other side of Sakura, Sasori cut a piece of bacon and fed her. "Don't listen to that idiot. It's only been a few days yet he acts like a child. I have important matters to discuss with you on training your magic so we should find some private time — "

"Hey! Don't act all high and mighty, Sasori! You're just trying to steal the angel away!" Deidara cut in with a roar, simultaneiously moving a glass of water closer to Sakura in case she needed it.

"Tch. Shut up, idiot. You cry all day long when you're not holding bombs practice in the training room. Do you know how annoying it is to hear explosions go off everyday?! I was attempting to ponder the eternal arts of the night in peaceful solitude, but nooo, you had to choose the room next to me to do your cursed art!" Sasori argued as he buttered toast for Sakura.

"There is only one training room! What, you want me to blow up the garden?!" Deidara bit back, but in the midst of this, didn't forget to pass Sakura a new cup of tea.

The two argued like it was their daily ritual as they pampered Sakura and she had to giggle.

Sasuke raised a brow. "Are they always like this?" The dark mages he knew were the silent type. They would never let anybody insult them even a little without placing ten curses on them. So watching Sasori allow the explosives artist to do so was surprising.

Itachi nodded. "You'll find many miracles around the angel. This is one of them." He leaned in and whispered with mischief, "It also helps us. When they get carried away, they forget the true prize. We should keep this in mind later." The Uchiha brothers came up with an alliance over Sakura as they looked at their friends and rivals. Very soon, they would act. "Watch."

Sure enough, just as Kisame did yesterday, a certain sand mage-warrior sneered at Sasori before winking at Sakura. She smothered a smile and kept on eating her breakfast, only flinching a little when she felt a tendril of sand snake around her ankle and climb higher. Her chair was pulled backwards silently and slowly, then she felt the warrior's arms around her. And once again, Gaara had stolen Sakura out from under Sasori's nose. Stupidly, Sasori was busy trying to pummel Deidara with his fists despite having dark magic and didn't realize.

Gaara noticed the others looking at him as they walked away and he jabbed a thumb at Sasori then made a puking expression. Sakura rolled her eyes. It seemed the two had a rivalry as the only redheads in the castle.

Itachi and Sasuke snickered. Kisame wasn't jealous as he had his time already and he knew there would be opportunity later so he happily ate his steak. Hidan full on laughed out loud over the funny harem his goddess had. And Kakashi just lazily peeked at the pair before yawning — he also had plans for later so he wasn't worried. These men focused on the long game. These twelve nights in the spell world wouldn't be the last of Sakura — they would make sure of that. So they viewed this time as an introduction period.

Sakura laughed as Gaara swept them further from the arguing pair. She could only imagine what the artist duo would do when she came back. "Where to?"

Gaara smiled as he held her hand as they ran down the halls. "To the next dream. I never got to go in with you so I wanted to gain some time." Since he took some personal time the other day already, he knew the others would begin to act on their plans so this was one of the only opportunities he'd have for the time being. This time, he didn't want to focus on the sex. He wanted Sakura to get used to his presence and just have an outing. Since they couldn't leave the castle except in the dream worlds, this was as close as he would get to a 'date' in the outside world. "I just want to go on an adventure with you. I want to go out with you. I-If you don't mind." He blushed. He'd never imagined he'd find himself going on a date with anyone; romance was never in his cards until she burst into his life. This was their first date, and the first time he cared so much about another person. He wanted to do this right.

"Yes, I'd love to go out with you, Gaara." Her eyes softened as she pecked him on the cheek. "Of course!"

Gaara's blush spread down his neck and lit up his ears as he placed a quick kiss on her lips and squeezed her hand. Then they entered the room together.

Once in the room, a vision was primed to play out as usual when suddenly, the spell's voice rang out:

[Due to the complicated nature of this Soul, and the pity of the Fae who had a part in this matter, you will gain inside knowledge of the inner workings of the Soul's history in depth.]

After the announcement, the back story of the Soul unfolded.

A scene of an Eastern castle spread before her and the story began. Two children ran together into the trees and shrubbery, trying to hide from their families. Knowledge was whispered into her mind by an unseen narrator, revealing minutiae as she watched on.

The children were named Neji and Hinata. Raised as siblings, the two pale-eyed beauties were inseparable. While Neji was born to a lower branch of the Hyuuga family, Hinata was heir to the main family, and she never held it against him. Even so, the Hyuuga princess had duties to fulfill and if she made a single mistake in any part of her education, whether it be in art or literature, she was punished heavily. Her meals would be kept from her until she'd corrected her 'imperfection' or she'd be made to stand with books on her head for hours until she lost consciousness. As the future bride of the God of the Moon, her family trained her to equal a goddess in grace and beauty, but she knew she would never reach that standard with her imperfections. Neji hurt every time he saw Hinata's pain and Sakura could relate.

Sakura's blinked away tears as she recalled her own princess training and she felt a sinking feeling form in her gut. Even though there was nothing she could do about Hinata's situation since it was a vision, she truly hoped the two wouldn't suffer tragedies. Especially the poor princess. Please. Please tell me she isn't forced to marry someone despicable. With bated breath, Sakura could only watch the rest unfold.

While Hinata was trained, Neji was moved from his family home into the home of the guardian branches of the main family and endured his own strict training. As both servant and guard to the main family branch, he wasn't afforded any rights or the ability to express an opinion. That was the heirarchy of the clan. He and his family at the very bottom of the totem pole, estranged from each other and enslaved. Only Princess Hinata could dare to be merciful in the clan without receiving punishment. His training was a special kind of hell but he pushed through. He had no other choice than to die if he faltered. Eventually, the warrior learned to reign in his emotions and put on the appearance of the perfect stoic guard, unrelenting and unreactive — except for the times he served Hinata as her personal guard. Only then could he share her smile without consequence.

The years sped forward and all too soon, the princess was a nubile adult. She wore what looked to be a pure white priestess robe with a sheer veil above a large hood and through the opening of the robe, a simple white gown covered her from throat to foot in a manner that highlighted her innocence and charm. Her face was unadorned aside from a single white gem that was placed between her brows. She stood in a wide room with only two exits, one of which was closed.

Neji stood at her side, dressed in a white suit and stiff lipped, but tears fell from his face. "Sister. Don't do this. We can run away! I'll make sure you are safe. Do not sacrifice yourself!" He begged.

Hinata's lips lifted into a small smile as she gazed lovingly into her brother's face, but her trembling hands betrayed her nervousness. "It is customary for a bride to marry the celestials every 100 years."

"But that's not fair! Why would a god marry a mortal?! This tradition is ridiculous!" He roared. The two were alone in her room, but a knock came at the door.

Hinata glanced at the door and said, "It is time. I'm sorry, my brother. I'm sorry." She started walking to the door and cried out, "Come in!" Immediately the doors flew open and priests or shamans, Sakura didn't know, dressed all in white with an eastern fashion, bowed their heads. Hinata walked out toward them and they surrounded her to form a procession.

Neji cried out as Hinata began to leave the room, "Sister! Don't go!" He wanted to just snatch her back and run, but if he caused too much trouble, the shamans warned he would be condemned and imprisoned.

Hinata's lips trembled, but she held back her tears as she glanced back one last time. With a smile, she said, "It is my fate, brother. Please do not worry for me. Goodbye."

Neji's breath froze in his chest. She turned away quickly but he still caught the misery and resignation on her face. He rushed forward, trying to reach his hand out to her when two of the shamans took him down and pinned him with a swiftness that belied their old age.

One was an elderly man whose eyes were so pale that his pupil blended in with his sclera. His voice was clipped as he ordered, "Stand down, lower branch son. It is by the princess's will that you are allowed to attend the sacred ceremony at all. Do we need to leave you in the prison again?" He warned.

Neji paused then slowly shook his head. "No, my lord."

"Good. Now be good and be the guard you were trained to be. You wil stand to the side of the entrance when we enter, and you will secure our safety." He sniffed pompously. "To receive the honor of seeing a god at all is far above your status. Be grateful." They let him go and he followed behind the procession to the wedding hall.

Neji's head remained lowered as he walked. His thoughts swirled around his sister's future. What if the god was evil? What if he abused her? Maybe he could follow them to ensure her safety? His whole life was dedicated to the princess, but the god wouldn't appreciate a mere mortal guard as his wife's protection. Hinata was the only one who saw him as a human, but now she would be alone in the cruel world of the celestials — how could they not be cruel if they forced mortals to be their brides and sacrifices? He couldn't abandon her, not his only real family.

And so, a plan formed in his mind while the clueless shamans took their place in the ceremony.

Then a horrifying truth was revealed. As soon as Hinata recited her vows, the main shaman held out a long sword and said, "And so, with every hundred years, we offer the blood of the pure holy maiden to bless our family —"

Hinata's eyes widened in horror as she screamed, "You said a god would come! Why are you killing me?!"

"There is no god physically. Your spirit will marry him, free from your fleshy bonds, you will unite with the celestials as our representative in the stars." He answered coldly. Neji clenched his teeth and began to sprint forward, plan in mind. Kill the old man, get Hinata, escape —

FWOOSH!

A silver light emerged from the skylight above where the groom should be and a single white star passed through to hover in front of Hinata's surprised face. Then her face crinkled in pain as she let out a bloodcurdling scream. The shamans gasped in astonishment at the god's presence, but Neji was only focused on Hinata. What was happening to her? The god was hurting her! He needed to get to her!

Before Neji could react, shewas lifted off her feet by a silver energy that twisted around her convulsing form. Her back bowed violently in intense pain as she was forced to absorb the holy power that would make her live as a celestial. Neji couldn't keep watching, he ran towards her.

"If you are going, so will I!" He ran towards Hinata, knowing the consequences. He didn't care, she needed him! Neji darted towards the platform where Hinata floated above ground and leaped, aiming to grab Hinata's hand when, in a blinding flash of light, she and the diety disappeared and Neji plummeted. Hinata was gone, and his fate was sealed. For trying to ruin the wedding of a god, the punishment was death. For those of the Clan, however, death was too easy a punishment. According to scripture, the god demanded Neji's eternal service as his slave. And for a moment, Neji felt grateful through the haze of anguish. Even if he failed at rescuing Hinata, he could still be in her life as a slave. He was already a slave to the clan, what did it matter if his owner became a god instead.

What he didn't realize was that the clan head had begged to administer his own punishment. They couldn't allow him, a defiant slave, to serve the god he'd disrespected and instead damned him to a crueler fate.

When a god takes a slave, he strips him of his mortality, coverting him into something that would never exist naturally. Neither god nor mortal, but something in the ambiguous space between them. Neji was beaten within an inch of his life by his fellow lower branch members while the rest of the clan watched on; silent and condemning to the very end. He had been wrapped in chains and placed insidea glass coffin, and as the coffin was pushed into the cold depths of the lake, the shamans chanted above him, gradually fading out the lower he sunk. From high above, Sakura watched as the lone man seemed to sleep for an eternity, alone in this beautiful prison. Up until the moment Neji's coffin touched the lake bottom, she felt in her heart his regret and loneliness as well as the burning desire to atone for his sins, a desire that burned like a white fire determined to kill all of his bonds to the world. She felt her heart crack as he wished to disappear for his failure to protect his only sister.

The years fast forward again and Neji's wounds long healed, but he never woke. At one point, she watched as the clan grew and expanded — one year, they built a stone pillar near Neji's place of slumber, practically right next to the coffin. Another year, they started praying to it. Faster and faster, the years passed until finally battle erupted and soon the clan began to decline. The clan began dying and fading away until only one Hyuuga remained in this world — a lone soul chained at the bottom of the lake for eternity.

And so the dream's vision ended and all turned pitch black. Suddenly, Sakura felt she was falling in the darkness until she landed in something soft yet ticklish and opened her eyes. "…!"

…..

….

Neji had slept for a long time, but it wasn't a true sleep. He could 'see' the surface, but he couldn't take part in its events. Years became seconds in this cold, solitary place, the passage of time marked by the presence and absence of the dull light that reached the bottom of the lake. It was a strange sensation to feel. And yet, he didn't actually care. Nothing could penetrate the miasmic apathy that'd made a home in his heart. He'd already failed Hinata, so this was his punishment.

And so, once again, he watched the world pass by and expected this day to be no different. Soon, he'd forget its events anyway since it was all the same to him — strangers who lived and died and had no bearing on his own life. In the early days he'd tried calling for help. Days and nights and years spent asking for help until he fell silent. Nowadays, visitors were rare and so he could only watch animals…but then something unusual happened.

For the past few days, he'd been having strange dreams. The dreams weren't always clear, more like flashes of image and sensation. In the very first dream, he heard a woman's voice calling out to a godmother. Then he heard her secret wishes, her fears and dreams. Sometimes, she appeared to be fighting and then other times, she was moaning and he couldn't help his reaction. Never had he listened in on a woman so closely before, but unlike other days that passed by like seconds, the past few days felt the longest. Each second seemed to pass by slowly as he yearned to hear her voice again. He didn't know her name, face or even what country she was from, but he could somehow understand her language, which sounded like music to his ears.

Then one day, he heard her voice again but this time a woman appeared before him. Like a mirage, the mysterious woman with cherry blossom hair floated above him just out of reach and his heart pounded. Th-Thump. Th-thump.

A strange pull burned through his veins as he was sucked into those watery jade eyes. Her soft lips tempted him to bite. She was naked, and he could see her perfection surrounded by a faint light like a forbidden fruit he could only dream about. She was beautiful. So beautiful that it almost hurt to look at her and he couldn't tell if that was from her beauty or the fact that he had been chained inside an endless cycle of eternal loneliness and regret where the days merged and his emotions faded. Until now.

Around him, the water itself thrummed with power as her lips slightly parted and he wished he could touch them. She seemed to be calling out to the water itself as it danced to her call, but he knew she wasn't staring at him. From the snippets of conversation he could gather from her past words, she'd been talking with others. He knew she wasn't aware of his existence, but when her eyes looked straight into his, he wanted to — he needed to — feel like she was calling for him.

Currents surrounded the coffin as the woman moaned and his cold body warmed. Her expression of ecstasy, her pure aura full of freedom and vitality was so enchanting he couldn't look away. Her very eyes held him hostage more than his chains as he grew immersed into the fire that burned within them. The sacred lake responded to her call and Neji knew only beings with a high affinity for water could make the very environment react to them. The being would need to be affiliated with the element and be powerful as well. She was either nymph, merfolk, mage or a goddess, he deduced. And as one imprisoned in the powers of the lake and enslaved to it's rules, the water's power connected to him as well so he felt her power touch his. He knew it was her power that was flowing through this lake, but how? How was this possible? He'd never seen her come here before!

But what did it matter? He just wanted her here. Neji didn't want this dream to end, but he knew it was a matter of time. If only he could move, he'd be able to track her down! He struggled violently inside his glass coffin to no avial. Frustration tore at him. He wished —

Suddenly, an intense wave of power burst from within his heart as the lake began to settle and the woman disappeared. Against his will, his eyes began to flutter close as a warm feeling made him feel sleepy. This had never happened before. Sleep was a luxury for mortals and yet…

For the first time in a long time, the Hyuuga could finally truly fall asleep.

…..

….

The spell's voice called out:

[Soul: Neji Hyuuga. The last semi-mortal Hyuuga and cursed slave of the Hyuuga main branch. By disrupting a sacred ritual, he was sentenced to eternal imprisonment in holy water to appease the gods. But the gods of the moon still disappeared and the clan ultimately fell. Save the Soul from his enslavement and preserve the last direct bloodline of the moon.

Required: Break away all the chains that bound him.

Time Limit: One Night. Time is of the essence, Chosen.]

Sakura gaped at the sight that fell before her. A pristine lake spread before her eyes, glimmering under the pale moonlight like a dream, a beautiful silent refuge of solitude. The moonlight was strong enough that she could even see into the clear waters of the lake with no issue. In the center of this lake was a single stone pillar where Neji was confined.

Dressed in a simple sand warrior garb with scarves and knives lined at his hips, Gaara looked around curiously before his eyes landed on Sakura staring at the lake. While she gazed at it's beauty, he gazed at her — dressed in a blue suit that shimmered like a starlight, it conformed to her curves as it stuck to her skin. The fabric seemed to also be smoother than any cloth he'd seen before. And even when her body was mostly covered, he felt more aroused. He imagined ripping the smooth fabric apart like she was a present to unwrap, but he restrained himself. This time, he wanted to go on a date. He didn't really care about the mission, but he would make sure his Sakura got all the help she needed. It was fun — partnering up for a mission even if he was mostly back up. Hmm. What could he help his woman with? He peered out at the lake with a frown. Water wasn't his thing. Then he looked down at his feet and felt the sand with his toes. An idea came to mind.

Pleased to find something of use, he focused back on their 'date' and smirked, "So this is how it feels to travel across time and space. Hmm. I wonder how you felt when you landed in my arena and was forced to fight?" He blinked at her with curious innocence. "You must have felt shocked. Here, let me show my apologies." Without missing an opportunity, Gaara swooped in to hold Sakura between his arms and she giggled.

"Suave. Gaara, I'm beginning to think you are more conniving than Itachi at times." She raised a brow but hugged him back.

Gaara stuck his tongue out playfully, "It is all games. I adore you, Lady Sakura. Whatever I plan would always be in your benefit." He sniffed her hair. "How is it that you always smell like berries and flowers and…?" He sniffed again as he nuzzled against her neck. "Mmm. Yes, and whatever sweet intoxication that is purely you? I could just lay in your scent."

"Magic and good hygiene. Super convenient, right?" Sakura joked before she let go and walked up to the lake's shore to scan the area. "Neji must be near that pillar, but how would his body look? If he's been in a coffin for hundreds of years, would he be a zombie? A ghost? Would I need to do exorcism?" She wasn't sure what the dream wanted this time. She never dealt with a sleeping beauty inside a lake before.

"I sense a powerful magic there." He said as he connected his power to the sand beneath the lake like how a bat found it's location through soundwaves. With all the scattered sand in the water, he could sense faint images of coral, caves and sea creatures.

"I wish I could sense things like you, Gaara. I really need magic lessons." Could she track things with light magic?

"You are already very powerful, but I will aid in your learning process so you can remain safe. Unfortunately, Sasori is the mage to ask as my magic is from a spirit inside me, but I can teach you about sensing your power and using it to access elements to listen for you." As a sand mage whose power originated from a sealed spirit, he had different spells and abilities than those of the main elements like light and darkness. Manipulating the sand, he could feel certain objects within the cloud of sand as he scattered them all over the lake and he soon detected Neji's location and the general shape of a coffin. "I can take us there so you don't have to swim or waste power flying, but the coffin is very deep. You would need to be a fish to get down there in one breath."

"No problem, I can breathe underwater."

Gaara glanced at her in surprise. "What the — You know what, darling love of mine? I should be the one asking for tips. Since when did you learn that magic?"

"Um, Kisame." Sakura only said that. "Special bonding magic."

Enough said. Gaara nodded. "Hmm, that's good of him to bless you. Tch. I wish I could lend you my magic as well." He pouted. "The more magic the merrier to keep you safe and it would be a great honor to see you play around with sand." He said it like it was an innocent his suggestion, but the lust in his eyes gave him away and Sakura laughed.

"Hey, you're true colors are showing, Gaara! I think you dropped your innocent mask back at the castle." She ran a finger down his arm playfully with a suggestive smile. "Not that I mind. You are by my side so I trust you will protect me, sir warrior." She winked.

Gaara gave her a peck on her lips and said with a heated breath, "But my lady, if I could, I would love for you to conquer the enemy with my sand. It'd be…romantic, as the artists would say. Such a shame. I'll have to think of another gift in the future." Why did she suddenly feel like he wanted to give her magic like it was a present for a lover. Since when were magical powers that could make kings envy the same as roses and chocolates?!

"Truly, I appreciate the thought, but I am quite happy to just be with you, Gaara." Sakura smiled at him.

"Hm. Later, you must show me that appreciation." He smirked at her. "Intimately."

"Why, Mr. Innocent, I wonder what you mean?" Sakura smirked back. "Now, come on. We have a coffin to break into."

Gaara leaned into Sakura's body and wrapped his arm around her until she was snug against him. With a seductive grin, his green eyes lit up as he said, "Stay close." Then he raised an arm and sand from the shore rose until, like a small cyclone, it encircled around them and lifted the pair up into air. Gaara made the sand form a small boat that carried the two as they sailed through the sky toward the stone pillar.

Sakura marveled at the feeling of being lifted up like this. No matter how many times she saw her lovers' magic, they always took her breath away. Watching Gaara summon the sand like he was a maestro and seeing the way his lips tilted just-so with pleasure as he had fun with his magic felt intimate, as if she was peeking into his heart. The last time she saw his magic, he was fighting for his life in the colisseum. Now, he looked at ease, wild and free at the same time like a man unchained. As a court mage once told her: the way one performed their magic spoke volumes about the way they approached the world and so watching a mage's magic was a kind of like peeking into their heart. It was why most mages hated performing their magic for others just for the sake of it. But here, Gaara seemed to be having fun making a little boat just for the two of them and a warm feeling trickled in her heart at his unbridled enthusiasm as he perfected the boat's shape while he carried them over the water. This was the true Gaara.

Finally satisfied with his creation, he could understand why the idiotic artists grew so passionate over their crafts now. It felt like a dream — sailing over the water with his love in his creation. Gaara didn't notice Sakura's staring as he basked in the moment of holding his lady by his side as they gazed at the sight of the lake and mountains while he guided them to their destinatinon. The full moon and infinite stars reflected on the lake's surface with a million sparkling lights and it was like a dream come true. If only they weren't on a mission, he could take his time. After the dreams end, they would have more chances to go out like this. Once the spell ended, Gaara would make sure to keep Sakura by his side. If the spell tore them apart, he would find her without a doubt. That was a promise.

When they reached the pillar, it felt too soon. Gaara reluctantly let go of Sakura as she peered off the edge of the floating sand vessel to peer in the water and she could faintly make out a spark of light at the bottom. She said, "Thank you, Gaara! I'll take it from here."

"I'll be waiting for you here. I don't want to stand on that mysterious pillar so I'll float here until you're ready to leave. The place reeks with holy power, gross, so just send me a signal when you're done. I can hover here all day." He may be a sand mage, but his sealed spirit within him was of the demonic side so he didn't like to be near holy relics. He narrowed his eyes and the black eyeliner made him seem like a cute panda with fluffy red hair. "If there is an emergency, send me a signal and I will come immediately. Even if you can only send out a tiny spark of light, I will see it."

"I will. Don't worry, I'm just going to see if I can wake him up and figure it out from there. The fairy godmother wouldn't send me to a dream world I had no chance of completing. I trust her. I'll send a light ball or something if anything happens." Sakura replied then gave him a quick hug. "Thanks, Gaara. See you soon!" And with that, she dove into the lake like a fish to water. As soon as she hit the water, she felt Kisame's magic take over and breathed. Two hours. "Let's go!"

….

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Next part in next chapter due to having upload issues again.