Chapter 7 – Another Way

"So close yet so far,
Wherever you are,
I'll come running,
And you should know."

Sarada knew reaching out to them, touching them, showed too much to the enemy about who she was. About what she cared about. But the Ōtsutsuki wasted no time from when he spoke to attacking. He was fast. She'd expected it, but that didn't mean she was prepared for it. Sarada shoved Mitsuki and Kawaki away just as the Ōtsutsuki appeared in front of her, his foot connected with her midsection, sending her flying back into one of the pillars and knocking her into it like a ragdoll. Sarada made a choked sound as his hand curled around her throat, long nails cutting into the sides of her neck, warm blood trickling from the wounds. The longer he touched her, the heavier her body felt, as if her blood solidified in her veins, turning her skin to stone. Something curled around her waist in a vice grip, yanking her away from the Ōtsutsuki with a force that had surprise flashing in his pale eyes briefly.

Mitsuki.

Sarada gasped for air as she struggled to stay on her feet. The strange heaviness stayed in her body, magnetized with gravity, pulling her down to the ground. Sarada grit her teeth, her knees shaking to stay upright as Mitsuki's arm unwound itself from her, but the moment his support left her, Sarada's knee cracked off of the ground. She made a strained sound full of confusion and effort and her eyes snapped to the enemy - but he was no longer there. The Ōtsutsuki appeared in front of her, elbow drawn back to strike again but the hit never landed. Kawaki leapt into the space between them, his arm transforming to knock the enemy back and away from where Sarada struggled to get back to her feet. She'd known Kawaki was good. She'd trained with him numerous times and had struggled to keep up with him on some days - a genetically altered body helped with that. But watching him keep up with an Ōtsutsuki fascinated her – the way he twisted and lashed out again and again.

Mitsuki grabbed hold of her arm, attempting to help her to her feet, he grunted at the effort it took but as soon as he released her arm, Sarada was pulled down once more, falling back to one knee.
"Sarada-"
"Don't let him touch you," she grunted. That had to be it. Sarada wasn't sure if it was when he touched her or when his nails cut into her skin, she just knew when her body started feeling this heavy. She kept her eyes on Kawaki as the wheels turned in her head. How were they supposed to fight an enemy without touching him? No. How were they supposed to escape an enemy whose very ability had the power to keep them from leaving? They couldn't seriously fight this guy, not when there was no chance they could even escape. She needed to focus on their escape. Somehow, they needed to create a diversion big enough that would allow them just a small window of opportunity. Mentally she began to run through their abilities and how she could possibly use them.
"This ability you have," The Ōtsutsuki said, momentarily drawing her attention as Kawaki transformed again, his arm morphing into a canon and Sarada could see the energy gather there. "I recognize this technology."
Kawaki didn't answer, his lip curled up slightly in anger as he sent the blast right into the Ōtsutsuki's face – but he was no longer there and Kawaki tensed at the feel of a hand on his shoulder. He spun around, sending a kick out that was easily shoved away.
The Ōtsutsuki looked angered as he attempted to corner Kawaki. "Why have you betrayed us, boy? You were created for our purposes-"
Mitsuki leapt in, sending snakes at the enemy from his sleeves and they curled around his ankles, biting in, red staining the pure white of his tunic. "Fuck off," Kawaki spat. "I belong to no one." And this time, with the enemy distracted, his fist connected with the Ōtsutsuki's jaw, sending him reeling back for a moment. Confusion splashed onto Kawaki's face as he glanced down at his body and Sarada saw it in that moment, droplets of blood on his shirt around his shoulder. Where the Ōtsutsuki had touched him.
Sarada grunted, pushing herself up again with renewed panic. This time, it was easier. "Mitsuki. We need to run-"
Kawaki made a harsh sound through clenched teeth as he fell to his hands and knees suddenly. The Ōtsutsuki didn't waste the opportunity, he moved – disappearing from view momentarily – and Sarada drew in a harsh breath, her eyes scanning the room desperately. She couldn't use her Sharingan, no matter how much she wanted to. She couldn't reveal who she was. And then he appeared. In front of Kawaki. His knee slammed up into Kawaki's chin with such force that he flipped back, hitting the ground and sliding back. Kawaki tried to force himself up but the Ōtsutsuki was already there, leaping down onto his midsection was such force that the ground cracked underneath them. Kawaki's eyes widened, blood splattering up from his lips, further staining the Ōtsutsuki's clothes.
"Kawaki!" the cry left Sarada's lips before she could stop it, and despite the heaviness that still forced her legs down, they moved – towards him. Kawaki had expected the attack though, his arm was outstretched, already transformed, and ready to attack – and this time, the blast hit home. Sarada slid to a stop as the Ōtsutsuki was thrown off, flying across the room as his back hit the pillar hard. He slid down, hair hanging over his face momentarily. Hands erupted from the ground below, wrapping around the Ōtsutsuki's ankles and sending lightning all over his body. The Ōtsutsuki made no sound as the lightning took shape, snakes wrapping around his body before Sarada heard Mitsuki's muffled voice, "Sen'ei Jasō!"
The enemy was yanked underground as Mitsuki leapt up, rearing back and away from where he'd buried the Ōtsutsuki underneath the ground.
"We need to go, Sarada."
Sarada nodded, hurrying towards Kawaki as fast as her legs would allow. He was struggling up onto his elbows, blood from his lips dripping down his chin. Steely eyes captured her gaze and Sarada did nothing to hide the worry and the panic from him. She heard the ground crumble as the Ōtsutsuki attempted to escape and she attempted to push her legs harder, faster. There was no way she could use Chidori in this situation. While it could be their only hope of at least momentarily giving him pause, she couldn't build up enough strength in time to deliver the blow effectively. He would see it coming.

He erupted from the earth, sending debris flying towards them. Pale eyes found Sarada first as he took off with alarming speed, even faster than before and for a moment, Sarada lost sight of him.
Sarada's fingers formed the seals blindly, hoping she would make it in time. "Raigeki no Yoroi!" Lightning exploded from her skin, enveloping her body just as the Ōtsutsuki appeared in front of her, hand poised at her throat. Fingers twitching to strangle her.
Thick snakes curled around his body, yanking him away from her. Sarada could see what Mitsuki's intention was. He was aiming to slam the Ōtsutsuki into the wall again and again. But the enemy twisted mid-air, his arms gripping the snakes as he yanked Mitsuki up towards him, his fist connecting with Mitsuki's cheek – the force of it sending Mitsuki to the floor.

Sarada watched Mitsuki go down, cuts in his cheek bleeding sluggishly where the Ōtsutsuki's nails slashed into him before hitting him. It had happened so fast her eyes hadn't seen the movement of it. Her eyes went back to Kawaki, he'd managed to sit up now but it would be a few minutes before he would be back on his feet. Mitsuki couldn't move from where he was pressed into the ground, his eyes wide as he stared at her.

Sarada knew even with his ability's effect on her lessening by the minute, there was no way. This was on her. Getting them all out alive was on her. And if they died – that would be on her too.

The Ōtsutsuki turned back to her, "I thought you would entertain me for a while longer. But I've grown bored of this. Even toying with someone at your level no longer entertains me."
He lifted a hand towards her, palm up – fingers spread wide.
"Die, shinobi."
Sarada saw the blast coming but there was no way her legs could move fast enough to get out of range. For a moment, as the blast drew closer, its light blinding her eyes – she saw something. Team 7, together again. All of them, alive. She saw Kawaki at the training grounds, soft breezing rustling his hair, something she would almost call a smile tilting his lips as he stared down at her. Her parents, their arms around her. Sarada hadn't been afraid of dying. She'd known her death was a done deal since the fall. And she'd know it would be at the hands of an Ōtsutsuki. But somehow, she'd wanted to do more. Say more. Somehow, she was taken back to that moment at the outpost, when Kawaki had finally said what he'd been thinking. When he finally exposed his heart to her. And she'd said nothing. She'd let him walk away.

The attack never hit her.

Sarada's eyes snapped open. Kawaki was there. In front of her. How had he-? His body was transformed to somehow absorb the blow. Sarada reached for him half-crazed to somehow stop him. To pull him away. But she was too late. The bright light faded around them and Kawaki stood very still in front of her.
"Kawa-" she croaked his name out, hands shaking in the space between them. Her eyes were drawn down, to the blood pooling at his feet. His blood.

Kawaki fell to his knees. Sarada made a pained sound as she went down with him, her arms automatically going around his waist as she pulled him to her. Warm blood wetting her skin.
"Kawaki?" Sarada pulled him to her chest, her eyes blurry with tears as she stared down at him, blinking rapidly to see his face. He was unresponsive.
"Kawaki?" Sarada called to him, her voice pinched and panicked as she shook him softly. "Please."
Kawaki's head fell, his chin hitting his chest. Sarada's arms tightened around him but she couldn't feel the rise and fall of his chest anymore and she tensed, pressing her hand to his chest. It didn't move.

A scream rose in her chest rapidly, turning into a sob when it escaped her lips. Something came around her waist, yanking her away even as she continued to cling to Kawaki.
"Sarada," hands gripped her shoulders, "Sarada, look at me." Cold hands cupped her cheeks, turning her head up.
"Mama?"
Sakura's thumbs wiped at Sarada's tears. "I need you to let go of him so we can escape, okay?" Sakura's voice was gentle, but commanding. Sarada turned her head back to the building. Inside she could see Mitsuki and –

And her father.

They were fighting the Ōtsutsuki.

"Sarada," Sakura said again, drawing her attention back. "Let go of Kawaki."
"I'm not leaving him behind." Sarada said fiercely.
"I know. We won't. But we need to escape. I'm going to help you carry him."
"But papa-" Sarada drew in another sob that threatened to rise. "Mitsuki."
Sakura brushed Sarada's hair back. "They'll be right behind us, okay? Now, I need you to let go of him."
Sarada nodded, arms stiff as she released Kawaki. Sakura wasted no time in grabbing one of his arms. "Take the other one, quickly."
Sarada took the other, pulling it over her shoulder.
"Don't look back." Sakura said, and Sarada didn't.

x-x-x-x-

Sarada wasn't sure where they were going or for how long they travelled with Kawaki being supported between them, but her mother knew exactly where she was going – leading them through the trees and caves and tunnels until eventually they stopped at an old building, the Konoha leaf etched onto the door. Sakura shouldered her way in first, turning them to the side slightly as she did. They went down a dark hallway and for the first time, Sarada took a breath, they weren't safe – she knew that. But if her mother was stopping, that meant – at least for the moment – she could relax. But as soon as she did, all Sarada saw was Kawaki in front of her, his blood, his body going down. "I'm sorry," it was a broken whisper as her hand tightened where she held his wrist. Sakura glanced at her but said nothing as she turned into a room and led them to a single bed.
"Lay him down here, Sarada."
She helped her mother to position Kawaki onto the bed and Sarada stepped back to look down at him. He was pale, his blood a stark contrast to his skin. More blood stained the sheets and Sarada stepped forward, unsure of what to do, but feeling like she needed to do something. Tears blurred her vision.
"Sarada, I'm going to do what I can, but I need you to step back."
"I don't want him to die." Sarada admitted out loud for the first time. Sakura stared at her for a long moment before turning her gaze to something behind Sarada. "Sasuke-kun, please,"
A hand landed on Sarada's shoulder. "Come on, Sarada."
Sarada looked over her shoulder, "Papa…"
Sasuke's hand slipped down to her elbow and when he gave her a slight tug, she went, allowing him to lead her from the room.
"Mitsuki," Sakura was saying, "Bring me some water and cloths from the other room."
Sarada leaned back against the wall, titling her head up to the ceiling. "He can't die papa," Sarada inhaled sharply, "There's so much more I want to say to him."
"Sakura will do what she can."
At the mention of her mother, the scene she'd seen in that room suddenly made sense all at once. It had taken her mind some time to piece everything together into an image she could understand and now – she did. Her mother was standing over Kawaki, but that's not what Sarada had struggled to come to terms with. It was something else entirely.

Her mother's body was different. Her belly was swollen.

Sarada's eyes opened and she pinned her father with a look. "What's going on?"
"Sakura's pregnant." He said deadpan but a tired look came over him and he ran his hand down his face. It made sense now – why her mother hadn't been able to heal the wound that Sarada no saw on her father's shoulder. Bandage peeking out from underneath his shirt. Pregnancy hormones messed with chakra control. Sarada knew that much, but she'd never expected it. Her first instinct was to ask why – but that really wasn't a conversation she needed to have with him.
"I'm guessing this wasn't planned." Her voice was still hoarse and she cleared it to get the words out.
Sasuke looked away, looking more than a bit uncomfortable.
"Well, fuck."
The corner of Sasuke's mouth kicked up and he shook his head. "That was more or less my reaction as well."

x-x-x-x-

When Sakura finally emerged from the room she was pale and her hands shook as she wiped Kawaki's blood from them. Sasuke went over to her immediately, a slight frown drawing his brows together.
"Kawaki's body heals fast because of the alterations. I've done what I can…if he makes it through the night, he'll be fine."
Sarada turned away, stumbling slightly down the dark hallway. Sakura called out to her, worry evident in her voice, but Sarada didn't turn. She followed the hallway down to where a door opened up. The moon was bright enough to light the area around her as Sarada went towards the stream. She sat down on the wooden deck, legs dangling down, cool water tickling along her toes. Her gaze dropped down to her arms where they rested on her lap. Kawaki's blood was caked along them and Sarada squeezed her eyes shut. There was no denying now that the heartache she felt was because of Kawaki and it was even more painful than before, making it hard to draw breath.

Do you hate me now?

Sarada bit down on her lip. Why had she said nothing? Why had she allowed him to think that?
"Coward," she whispered into the night.

She wasn't sure how long she'd sat there but Sarada jumped at the sound of a grunt, turning towards the door. Kawaki was there, leaning against the doorframe weakly, his torso and arms covered in fresh bandages. Drops of sweat stood out against his pale face.

He'd come to find her.

Sarada turned her face quickly, but not fast enough to hide her pain from him. "Idiot." she whispered. Kawaki had the energy to scoff, limping into the spot next to her. Sarada's eyes remained away, on the water, listening to him grunt as he sat down. "What the hell did you do, Kawaki?"
Kawaki's head tipped back, towards the sky. "I guess I didn't want you to get hurt," he admitted it easily, but to her ears, it sounded almost as if he was smiling.
"But now you got hurt."
"Do you care?" he asked immediately.
Sarada's mouth snapped shut before she could deny it out of habit. Because Kawaki had been conscious enough to have seen the unshed tears in her eyes. So, without saying a word, Sarada leaned into him, her head falling onto his shoulder. She fully expected Kawaki to push her away and ask what the hell she thought she was doing.

But he didn't.

And when he didn't move, Sarada turned her face into him, "Idiot." she whispered again and this time, Kawaki said nothing.