Summer is here-
*Pauses with a grimace* ugh.
-And the amount of times I had to rewrite this was not funny.
(... this hasn't been the best time for me, with all the writers block.)
(I don't own Naruto or any references)
Have I mentioned how much I hate summer?
O.o.O
Naruto's eyes widened in tandem with the girls, regarding her with apprehension and a small blush.
He watched her shake her candy colored hair, eyes darting to the cracked mask near him and to his face, lingering on the six even strokes of black. Her strange toned orbs clashed with sea-blue.
Who was she?
Sadness washed over him as he saw her take a step back, or rather, scooted away from him just barely. His sharp teeth sunk into his lip, anger replacing the twisting feeling in his heart. Why? The blondes hand reached to cover the blooming mark on his eye from the mask. Suddenly, looking down at himself, he seemed a lot dirtier than he felt. Paint was slowly drying and crusted over his beige shirt. His hair now an ashen blonde than it's usually sunny yellow, due to the flecks of red that smells metallic(read:blood) and dirt.
"No way," he could hear her say. His brows knit, no way what? No way that he was a demon? Yeah, right he thought bitterly. He could feel the gazes of the adults looking at him blankly or with anger and disgust. The looks branded his skin daily, like the whisker marks on his face. He clenched the dirt on the ground into a tight fist.
But that didn't matter.
He would show them all.
Mark my words, because I'll become Hokage.
He had to.
~O-O-O-O~
No.
No. No. Nonononono. What had she gotten herself into?
She knew the person in front of her all too well, even if they didn't exactly know her.
Uzumaki Naruto was a blonde that was labeled for something he didn't even know about and had absolutely no control over, making their actions completely unjustified because of it. On top of that, he was a child. Not some hyperactive knucklehead ninja yet. Seeing him all vulnerable on the ground, eyes down cast and lips formed into a frown, made her feel sick. She could hear the civilians shouts increase, and the vendor yelling things she wouldn't dare repeat out loud. Her stomach twisted and her head pounded, catching a glance at his cornflower blue irises once more.
Just a child, her mind whispered. A child harboring a nine-tailed, Earth shattering fox.
The last time she had even seen this show, was when she was around seven years old. She remembered bits and pieces of it(she had stopped at around episode forty). It wasn't much, but she still knew a few things. That show was her most favorite thing in the world, until her step-father had forbade her from watching it ever again, saying that she was wasting her time watching things like that and should be studying. Of course, her mother had been told differently that such amounts of violence would taint her 'impressionable' mind.
But that was the past, and would be staying there if she could help it.
And it was, but...if that was the case, why this particular world? Because of personal attachment? Her face softened at the skittish boy in reassurance. What now?
Simple enough, Sir. Complete the mission provided. Would this boy be getting in the way of that? Sakura shook her head to the side. That was a too broad a question, and only time could tell. The choice is yours, Sir, I can only follow behind.
You.. the hesitation was clear in her thoughts, we're..partners, right?
Yes sir. He voiced lightly. I am to guide and assist, your weapon until the last tick of Chronos' clock.
Sakura slowly got up shakily, rubbing her side. The crowd turned silent, staring at the girl with rose-colored hair. What she did next was completely unexpected, and even the surly vendor was losing his composure.
Kids were always cute when shy. There was no doubt about it.
Time to turn on the charm, she thought dryly.
"E-excuse me?" Sakura said, brushing off the dust on her top. She clasped her hands together, bowing at the man. Her voice rose in pitch, becoming more childish. "M-may I have two mask's?" Her eyes scanned over them. They were nice mask's, and made out of carefully crafted porcelain. Some halved, others fully shaped in scary likenesses of different animals.
Sea-jade fell to the fox mask on the ground. It was hauntingly beautiful, with it's dark red strokes on the corners of its face and eyes. The ears were long and pointed, filled with the same crimson as lined on the eyes. A black swirl that looked like an upside down question mark was poised between the eyes, three rows of small red dots in each side. Crack's started to split from above it's hollow eyes, traveling down it's angular face, making it appear more sinister.
What unnerved her the most was the smirk painted on its mouth streching across widely.
The mask is clearly expensive, so why would he just toss it away? Because of how it looks? Sakura thought. She cocked her head to the side. Come to think of it, it is kind of creepy looking.
Sir, may I inquire something?
Ask away.
You seem to know that human, but he does not know of you. Can I ask as to why that is?
She nodded at the vendor who asked as to which ones she wanted on the wall so he could bring it down. Pointing, she received it and surveyed the mask in her hands. It has something to do with my past life, so I'll explain when we get home. And then you can explain the supression potions you were talking about.
Yes Sir. Bardiche agreed.
The mask would only cover half of her face, curving over her nose. It had dark blue paint forming the visage of a smirking cat. Gold spiraled it's cheeks, and lined the eyes that were narrowed.
Her eyes shifted back to the man in front of her, hardening at the sight of his actions. How disgusting."-What else would you like, Miss?"
She unclasped the pouch and placed a some bills on the table, unsure if it was enough. "That's it." Sakura said, reverting back to her normal persona. She didn't need much else. But him on the other hand...
"But didn't you say-" He cut off at his eyes gleamed in greed at the amount before sneakily eying her purse unkown to her. She's wearing some fancy clothing, and she's a brat. I doubt she even understands how much she's giving me. He would be a fool if he didn't take it. And by the looks of it, she has a lot more.
But what would some noble brat be doing hanging with the demon?
"That's it, because I-," reaching down to pick up the object, dusting of the dirt. "-am taking this as well." She flashed the mask behind her before walking to the small boy. She hefted him to his feet, seeing shock ripple through his features. "Let's go." she muttered, dropping her hand to tug his wrist.
"W-what are you-!?"
"Let's go somewhere." She said, dragging him away from the now desolate streets.
She didn't care.
And as she left, a lone old woman stood outside her shop, watching the exchange with sharp eyes. Her eyes closed, taking a deep breath before opening with a icy white glow.
That girl, I sense it something strange within her...
She could hear the wind blow gently as her lips turned into a frown. Does she have it?
O-O-O-O
"U-umm..."
Sakura stopped swinging, teal eyes peering at the boy with a scrutiny. He's so quiet, she mused, seeing his face turn away from her for the umpteenth time. Not at all what she expected of someone that seemed so boisterous to others. She had taken him to the park, and all he was doing was staring at either the mask or her. She pursed her lips at the cuts on his hands, eyes flicking to the bruise on his face. Releasing the chain, she got up from the swing with an idea.
"Wait here a sec, I'll be back."
With his eyes trailing after her, she disappeared from sight.
When she returned, she came back with a small kit and an ice pack. She kneeled in front of him, not seeing his eyes widening at her.
She placed the box on the ground and opened it, taking out a small cotton swab and some a bottle of something clear.
"Fair warning," She starts, watching him back away in fear and confusion. "This might sting a bit." Sakura warned.
"I..I know." He said softly as piercing sea-jade snapped up to him. He shrunk back at the flash of rage in her eyes, sighing.
"Well, what do you know," Sakura muttered at him. "So you can talk." Gingerly taking his hand she inhaled with a sharp hiss, inspecting his bloody hand.
Maybe he doesn't even need my help.
Unnoticed by him, she could see his skin starting to bubble up and stitch together with a faint tinge of red in it's wake, leaving behind only freshly renewed flesh. It was still raw, but it started to regain a hint of his normal tan. Her lips parted in awe at the sight. It's amazing how he can heal so easily. The fox was clearly helping him, but that made her question something. This is such a minor injury, and sure it could turn into an infection..
Pausing, she glanced upwards once more in consideration. That was it, she had already said it herself.
It was a minor injury.
So maybe...
Lil' ol' foxie is getting soft?
Shaking her head with a snort, she returned the items to the kit and instead brought out a roll of linen bandages. She shoved the ice pack on his hand with a "put this over your eye" and when she wanted a pair of scissors there were none.
"Ugh," She groaned, "just my luck." Guess she would just have to make do. She carefully wound them around the already healing skin, making sure to not make it too tight. Next she tore the bandage with her teeth with a sharp yank, threads fraying almost instantly. It ripped clumsily and she knotted the ends together.
Sakura's lips tugged upwards. Decent enough, right? Sakura thought, surveying her handiwork. Glancing at her hands, she jolted in rememberance. Wait a second, how do I still remember how to do that? Knitting her brows, she bit her tongue. Her memory worked strangely at times.
Most of the time, she couldn't remember things on her own even if she wanted to. The little things had to jog it, and even then that wouldn't make sense. From what she remembered (no pun intended) about how memory worked, memories were sorted into long-term and short-term, other categories and then muscle memory. Since it was an ability she learned how to do, it would be counted as muscle memory, right? But since this was her body(sorta), it shouldn't transfered to this one because she learned it in her other one.
It was an interestingly enough, something she should look into. I'll come back to that later, she thought, pushing it away.
Rising to full height, she observed him. No other injuries, but a bit dirty.
All she wanted now was a hot shower, and she could bet her life he wanted the same.
There were scuff marks and dirt matted on his clothes and taking a closer look at herself she didn't appear to be looking so good either. She swept a hand over her qipaō in an attempt to magically make a clean.
It didn't work.
She was dead.
She huffed while Naruto stared at her, perplexed by the sudden change.
Noticing him, Sakura sighed. "It's nothing." At his hesitant nod, she fought back a groan. I'm no good wih kids. "So," plopping back down on the ground, she tilted her head. "What's your name?"
His cheeks suddenly puffed out, taking her by surprise. "Uzumaki Naruto! Remember it because I'm going to be Hokage someday!"
Guess she wasn't a threat to him, by the way he was so readily spouting out his dream to her. Sakura nodded at his words, seeing his face turned stunned. Because really, it's not like he couldn't become Hokage, anybody could. It's going to be especially hard though, she felt bad suddenly. Since he has a furry problem.
Is he only this way to people who are nice to him? He was shouting up a storm at the man earlier but stopped when he was called a monster.
Because I fixed him up?
A beat passed, then: "What your's?"
Cocking a brow, she challenged him. "It's 'what's your's," Sakura corrected. "But guess." She was curious to what he would come up with. She got up, walking over the soft grass. She could hear him trail after her, what, with the loud rustling of grass.
"Saki?"
"No."
"Hana?"
"Nope."
"...Tsubaki?"
A pause, before she glanced up from the large flowers she was picking. "Are you going to keep guessing flower names?" Tsubaki was a nice name, but it wasn't hers. She knew it would throw him off if she said that, seeing as hers is one.
"Amaya?"
"Try again."
"Izumi?"
She shook her head.
"Akari?"
The game continued for the next few minutes. With him rattling off every name he could think of for a girl and her sitting there saying no. Anyone could tell he wasn't giving up that easily, so he kept at it. He knew there was at least one name out there that was hers.
"Want me to say it?" She said, not taking her eyes off the flowers for a second.
Naruto fixated his eyes on her hair for a second, getting an idea of her hair and eyes. Kinda reminded him of...
"Sakura?" He wasn't giving up on a flower name just yet.
"Hmm? Give me a sec," She knotted the stalks, presenting the marigold and daisy crown to him. It only registered to her a second later that he already said it. "Ding ding ding, we have a winner." She said dryly, hearing him splutter at her tone. She smirked, lowering her hands to place the crown on his golden hair.
"Huh?" Naruto blinked, unable to see until she pushed the dangling flowers away from his eyes and onto his hair.
There was an awkward silence before she spoke, taking her own mask to tie it around the side of her head. Naruto caught her actions, eyes falling to his.
"Why...why would ya.." He trailed off, unsure of how to continue. She motioned him to sit down, and when they did she started to kick her feet lightly. "Why aren' ya scared of me?"
"I don't know. I mean," Sakura shrugged. "Would you want to see someone on the ground all depressed looking?" Twas true, and she was going to be blunt about it. "Besides, you should be the one who's scared of me."
"Scared of ya?" Naruto frowned like the very thought wasn't possible. He pointed to her hair, "but... your hair is pink."
She eyed him in disbelief. "That's your logic?" It didn't matter what someone looked like, but she could have still very well have been out to get him.
He blanched at that. "Just forget it," he grumbled, kicking up dust. The pained way his eyes shone irritated her.
"Here," she gestured to the porcelain in her hands, "take it."
"Whatever." The blonde grumbled, reminded of the way she paid for it. He ran a thumb over the crack with a scoff. Why would she anyways? "It's all broke 'n stuff anyways so who freakin' cares?
"Besides," She grabbed the mask from his hands, ignoring his cursing, grammar, and lack of tact. She felt a grimace rise up before her lips twitched into a grin. "I think it gives it... character?" God, that sounded weak to my own ears.
He called bullshit on that, and it got to the point where she had to ask where on earth he got his language from. He grudgingly said the streets, but then refuted that he couldn't and didn't know how to read.
"How nice," she had said dryly. "I can't either.
He flopped on the lush grass in response, sighing.
Lying on their backs, she put her hands behind her neck and she dis the same. It was peaceful, she could admit as she closed her turquoise eyes. The wind blew gently, drifting aroma's of flowers and street food to her nose. Peace and quiet, and as an added plus no screaming children running around, she thought wryly. Unfortunately, it was broken by a large growling sound.
Her eyes opened slowly and she turned to look at the boy next to her who was holding his stomach with a sheepish expression. Must be hungry.
She sat up and twisted in relief at the sound of her back cracking. Naruto peered at her blearily at the sudden movement and sun behind her.
"Where ya goin'?" He asked but she detected an undertone of nervousness.
"Relax I'm not ditching you," she said, reassuring the boy and rolling her eyes. "I'm just grabbing some food." She turned around and stopped, "you are hungry, right?" She didn't eat much to begin with, but if he was hungry then she should at least get him something. She sincerely doubted he had money on him anyways.
Besides, with the way those villagers were acting? Not a chance in hell.
At that he shot up in surprise. "You're buying me food?"
"Yeah," Sakura shook the grass from her hair before looking at him quizically. "Why wouldn't I? It would be impolite not too." Well, if she could find her friggin wallet. She cursed quietly when she rifled through her pockets and found nothing.
"C'mon, where the hell is it.." Sakura froze. "Wait a second." She frowned when she reached in her right pocket. Hold on, didn't she put it in there? Her pockets were small, but they could still fit her wallet. It couldn't have slipped out so easily.
Sir, I believe you left it at the stall.
Her eyes widened.
Oh shit.
She didn't miss that guys look when she pulled her wallet. Just how much had her mother given her??!? More importantly, how much did I give him? Her mother was not going to be happy with her. And she got swindled on top of it? Not good. Angry mother's were always the scariest, no matter how old she got.
She spun around and faced Naruto with a grimace. "Okay, I think I left my coin purse at the mask stall. Come to think of it, that guy had a certain look in his eye." Her face lit up in horror as she recalled that she left on on the counter." I bet he thought I didn't notice."
"It's okay Sakura-chan I'm sure-actually no I'm not, that guy was really mean." Naruto's face scrunched up as he patted her shoulder awkwardly.
"Chan?" She blinked as his face turned pink, shuffling his feet and looking anywhere but her face. It sounds too cutesy. But I guess just this once. She sighed, "call me whatever, I don't care."
Naruto instantly brightened at her mutter.
Well at least he was warming up to her a bit, albeit slowly.
"Now then, I don't know how long this will take. Soo..." Sakura sighed, shoulders dropping in assent. This time she offered an awkward sort-of smile at her rant. "See you in a bit?"
"Yeah," in her eyes, she could hear the hesitancy in his voice and the way he paused before letting her go.
She spun around again, stopping to throw a wave over her shoulder before bounding off.
O-O-O-O
"What do you mean," Sakura started with gritted teeth, gnashing together as her lips curved into a repressed snarl. Her hands were shaking and distantly she noticed the man sorting absently through his cash register and was completely ignoring her. "You haven't seen my wallet?!!" You were right fucking there!
Sir, perhaps-
Oh don't perhaps me! You didn't see the way he was looking at me! She swallowed. If it was one thing she hated, it was being She despised it, being tricked like some fool. A flood of images trickled into her head of the past at how similar it was to before. She started to feel an unfamiliar burn in her eyes, and started to blink at the sudden wetness. Sakura's turquoise eyes were glossy with unshed tears filling up her eyes. She blinked again and felt something wet trail down her cheek.
Tears?
She bit her lip in an effort to stop. Why.. the hell am I crying? Her lip quivered as more tears spilled out of her eyes. She reached up to rub them away, but only made her eyes redder. Her vison began to blur and she could faintly see the stall man start to panic at her state. Oh so now he's sympathetic? She thought bitterly.
"Are you alright, kid?" A small, frail hand was placed on her shoulder, rubbing it gently in an attempt to soothe her. She nodded faintly with a cough, stepping back to watch in fascination as an old woman a foot taller than her in a uniform tear into the man, asking why "-there was a child crying in front of his stall-"she could tell the woman was refraining from smacking him in public and making a scene "-have you no shame?!?" she shrieked as he held up his hands in surrender, beads of sweat dripping of his tanned skin as he shrunk back in horror.
Meanwhile, she stepped closer to the woman to make it look like she was comforting her, but she was actually discreetly looking over the counter for her wallet. Her eyes trailed over the metal box, narrowing at it. That's where he keeps his money if I had to guess.
What are you planning to accomplish, Sir?
She felt a smirk creep up on her mouth as she hid her mouth with her sleeve. Oh you'll see.
This was going to be oh-so gratifying.
"Baa-chan?" Sakura whispered quietly, tugging on her dark sleeve, the woman bent down slowly, still glaring at the man but acknowledging her at the same time. "What is it gaki?" She murmured back, dark gray catching her own sea-jade eyes in contemplation.
"He has something the belongs to me." She muttered, trying to notet the fact that she called her a brat get to her.
The graying woman's orbs narrowed at him. "Is it money?"
Sakura's darkening irises told her all she needed to know. But then her jaw dropped open at what happened next.
The old lady had walked over with her cane and walked behind the counter to confront him. She was completely ignoring the man's squawks as she rifled through the metal box. The pink haired girl sweatdropped at the manic glee in her eyes at revenge. Oh lord.
"Girl!" She said suddenly, and her eyes snapped to her to try and catch the object sailing through the airwith a yelp, the purse falling and bouncing off her head. "Ow!" she groaned at the heavy coins hitting her skull.
It hurt.
"Sorry gaki," She apologizes not even looking sorry in the slightest, then turned around to adresss the man. "And as for you, I hope you will never do this again, are we clear?" At this point the man looked like he was about to pee his pants in fear at the cane swinging dangerously close to his face.
"Y-yes!"He stuttered, falling on his back as people started to mutter at the spectacle.
"Was he really stealing from a child?"
"Poor girl, look at those dried tear marks! Shame on him!"
"That's no man!"
He paled rapidly into a sickly color as Sakura lifted her sleeve to hide her smile.
Now that is what I can call karma!
Karma? Bardiche stopped momentarily, thinking about something. I see. Karma; in Hinduism and Buddhism it is the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
Yeah, in a sense. Sakura agreed, lowering her hand. I like to think of it as cause and effect, but that sums it up. That man has done something wrong, but he got what's coming to him because of his actions.
So, I believe this then befits the expression 'just desserts'. He corrected.
Pfft, yeah. Different wording, same context. She had to stop herself from laughing at his correction but immediately thought of something. Wait a damn second, was that the dictionary definition?!
"-Oi, gaki!" A pair of bony fingers snapped in front of her pale face and she blinked. "Yes?" She asked politely, bending to pick up her dark red coin pouch. "What is it?"
When she got back up, the woman's eyes were narrowed, sweeping over her figure. She felt strangely self-conscious at her staring.
A minute, and then a :"You look hungry, gaki."
Her eye twitched at the nickname. "Well, I'm not." She furrowed her brows, curling her hand beneath the long crimson fabric. She certainly didn't feel hungry, and she had places to be.
The old woman wasn't bothered by her tone, but her eyes had a off glint to them. "I see. Are you sure? Then perhaps a friend?"
"What are you-" Sakura stopped, fixing her with a suspicious look. "How would you know that?"
This was getting a little too creepy for her tastes.
A finger beckoned her to follow and her feet did, slowly but surely. A single thing was going through her mind.
Who was this woman?
And why did she have this knowing look in her eye?
They didn't get far, because the place she was leading her too was just a little ways off. Sakura squinted up at the sign, unable to read the characters on the small building. The woman chuckled before openeing the door with a jingle. "It says 'Jasmine Dragon', gaki."
Sakura glared at her, stepping inside with a snort. "I'm not a brat, but i guess it takes one to know one." Her snide remark earned her a jab to the ankle by her cane.
"Don't get too personal with me, brat." As the woman disappeared into the back room, Sakura inspected her surroundings with grudging approval. The place was nice, and it was a cafe styled tea-shop too boot. It looked bigger than it did on the outside, with it's alternating beige and cream colored walls. Behind the counter, there was a large crimson dragon painted along the wall, near the large bulletin of orders and sticky notes for changes. Each table had either four seating cushions the colors of light green or teal, four chairs made of dark furnished wood, carved with a floral design that looked like a lotus flower. The lower tables were primarily situated near the back of the shop and the ones with chairs near the front. The floors were made of the same dark wood from the chairs, shining and looking newly cleaned.
All around her, workers were bustling and collecting orders, some at the counter. They all(most, she could see a few scowling)were wearing smiles on there faces, greeting and leading some to there seats. A blonde woman beamed at her as she walked by, resulting Sakura to wave back hesitantly.
Wow. She hadn't seen that many people happy with their jobs in a long time.
Sakura inhaled, smelling the scent of pastries and and tea with a small smile. This place has a really nice atmosphere.
"Nice place, isn't it girl?"
Sakura jumped, looking at the old woman in front of her holding a large cloth covered box with a dark look to which she returned with a smug grin. She answered her with a nod, glare receding.
"Yes, do you work here?" Apparently that was wrong thing to say because she started to laugh.
Sakura gave her a look that said 'tell me what's so funny-stop laughing' and arched a brow in question.
"I own this place."
Oh.
Well, that at least explains why she walked in like she owned the place.
The old woman's chuckles died down as she shoved the bento in her arms. "Take it, gaki. It should be enough."
Sakura stared at the large box in her hands incredulously. She could feel her arms were shaking from the sheer weight of it alone. What the hell is in here? And why would she give me lunch? Morever, how would she know that Naruto was hungry?
Perhaps you should give her the benefit of the doubt, Sir?
She pursed her lips, before dipping her head towards her. On one hand, she was only an old woman, why would she attempt to kill her. Still, I should say thank you. She didn't have to give me this. "Thank you for your hospitality, er-"
"My name Chihoko, girl." Chihoko surveyed her with approval, most likely because of her manners now.
"How much should I-"
"It's free." She interrupted, but gave her a remark, eyes flashing in amusement. "Knowing you though, you would mess up the currency. And practice your kanji, girl."
The pink haired girl flushed at her audacity. I'm only five! Cut me some slack! This language is too damn complicated! Was what she wanted to say, but simply settled for a:"I'll be going now." She bent her head one last time and turned to leave. She struggled to open the door, but the pretty blonde from before swiftly ushered her through onto the streets, sending her another smile.
"Come back soon! Oh wait, do you know your way home?" She asked politely.
"I'm fine," the Haruno shook her head, grateful for her concern.
Chihoko snorted. "She'll have to come back to return those, that's not cheap, girl."
Well wasn't she just a bucket full of sunshine?
Not.
Sakura spun around enough to give her an annoyed look. "I know, I know. And my name's not 'girl' or 'brat, it's Haruno Sakura!"
"How... fitting." She raised a brow, surprised by the sudden wrinkle of her nose."What now?"
"Are you going to make a jab at my hair color too?"
Chihoko's brows raised even higher. She didn't seem like the type. "Oh? Do I sense self-esteem issues?"
"Obaa-chan! That's rude!" The blonde was frantically waving her hands in distress. "Please don't say those kinds of things to impressionable kids!"
"Don't be ridiculous Sayuri." Chihoko waved her off, which set the girl off at her dismissal. The two bickering until she answered.
"No." Sakura said, not offended in the slightest, she didn't blame her. Everyone treated her like a fragile flower that could do no harm. "All I'm saying is my hair would just become a target for some in the future."
The pair paused their arguing. "Do you wish to be a ninja?" Why else would she complain about it?
"Don't jump to conclusions." Sakura retorted. "That statement can be taken any way."
"Why don't you dye it then?" Chihoko asked at the girl who was starting to walk away. "If it's giving you so many problems?" She was genuinely curious as to why. What will your your answer be?
Sakura stopped abruptly. Turning her head to the side, her sea green eyes piercing them. "It's my pride." She replied briefly before walking off.
Sayuri's head tilted in confusion. "Her...pride? Huh?"
Chihoko smirked. "Interesting." She won't let others dictate her actions, even subconsciously.
O-O-O-O
When Sakura arrived back at park, she didn't expect to see the blonde asleep against a tree with his knees pressed to his chest, the flowers still on his head. She quietly put the box down, stepping forward to crouch in front of him.
Aww, how cute. Sakura had to close her mouth in order to not squeal. His sapphire irises were closed, soft, spiky blonde hair falling over his eyes. A stray pink petal was on his cheek, fallen from the flowers above. Well, except for the fact that he's drooling a bit. Should wake him up though, he must be hungry.
She lightly grasped his shoulder in an effort to shake the boy awake, tone quiet. "Hey, hey Naruto wake up. Naruto?" Ugh. Why did he have to be a heavy sleeper?!
It took a few more minutes of that before the blonde finally caved and barely woke up. Naruto blinked at the blurry pinkish red figure in front of him and just closed his eyes again for blissful sleep, curling in on himself. He wasn't dealing with this for right now.
Sakura heaved a breath, eye twitching furiously. She steeled herself, getting up and moving closer to his ear. Cupping her hands over her mouth, she screamed:"Wake up Uzumaki!" The reaction was instantaneous and she had to move back from the blonde who jolted forward with a scream.
Naruto peered at her groggily, yawning in to his hand. "Sakura?"
"Hi." She said dryly, a smile tugging in her lips. "Do you even know how hard it is to wake you up?"
He looked down. "I thought you left me," Naruto said quietly.
She didn't want to admit it, but her heart broke a little at that.
"Like I said before, I wasn't going to leave you here. That's not the kind of person I am." Sakura said nonchalantly, reaching over to untie the cloth on the bento's.
Sakura choked at the glossy wooden boxes the food was contained in. No wonder she wanted her to bring them back. The were a beautiful polished dark brown, one with an engraving of a cherry blossom, and the other with a lily. It's so pretty!"Here," she passed him one and he just cracked open the lid, putting it on the grass. He snapped the two decorative chopsticks apart and dug in.
I wonder what's in mine? She opened the lid, and blinked. The were three onigiri wrapped in seaweed, an array of steamed vegetables, and off to the side were two sticks of colorful dāngo. The chopsticks were decorate with small flowers, similar to Naruto.
Sakura's mouth watered at the sight of dango. Those are the best! They were her best liked sweet around here, but it still couldn't compare to the ones back on Earth. What I wouldn't give to have some of that again. But the sad reality was she couldn't, because she didn't have the recipe and exact measurements.
So you desire the recipes, Sir?
Yeah, but it's not like you can do anything about it.
On the contrary, if you retrieve my device, there are many things I would be capable of doing.
She popped a dango into her mouth, chewing and then swallowed. Like what?
Holographic and digital assistance, spell and catridge storage, and summoning and sealing to list a few, Sir.
Really? That must come in handy. One thing she didn't understand was... Cartridge storage? What kind do you mean?
My information on that is currently limited, forgive me Sir. Cartridges would be used in my weapon form, with spell created in them for easy access. Think of it as.. an instant meal for example. However, those can only be acessed when I have been upgraded.
Like a power up?
In a matter of speaking, yes.
Speaking of weapon form, where are you anyway? I don't know how I am supposed to find you. You could be anywhere!
Hmm. I am currently somewhere where darkness lingers, and with...water? I cannot be sure.
Well, at least it's something. Thanks for trying. Sakura cut off their link and returned to eating. After finishing, they could tell it was getting a bit late. She glanced at her watch. It's four o' clock already?
She lightly connected the boxes and stacked them, noting how she would have to wash them and bring them back sometime this week. Covering them with light blue cloth, she rose to full height.
Eyeing Naruto, she asked if it would be okay if she left early, stating that she told her mother she would be back soon, but didn't stay for lunch.
He nodded vigorously, she didn't have to stay because of him. "Go, it's fine!" It's a miracle she stayed this long.
With a jerk of her head, he watched her leave before remembering something.
"Ah! Sakura-chan! Wait!"
She twisted to the side to see him waving at her. "What is it?"
"Thank you!"
Heat rose to his cheeks, eyes widening in awe at her smirk at him softly, sparkling the color of shining turquoise in the sunlight. Her eyes are so pretty! Naruto almost missed her next words.
"Hey, Naruto!"
He shook his head, looking at her in question. "What's up?"
"If you ever need anything, look for pink hair. It stands out a lot in this dull place!" She joked, winking at him and turning around. "Later!
"Bye!"
That was awfully kind of you, Sir.
Trust me, he going to need it. Originally, he didn't, but he went through hard times to get stronger. Poor kid.
May I ask how you know of him?What do you mean by that- oh wait I remember! She remembered now. How was she supposed to answer that though? Oh yeah, sorry but he's actual an anime character of a show she used to watch? That wasn't going to work! She walked leisurely, taking a deep breath. Well, that's kind of hard to explain.
If you do not wish to tell me, you needn't to, Bardiche said hearing her hesitation.
It's not that, okay he's an important person in this 'legend' in my world, part of a story. Sakura explained, it was easier to say then 'manga'.That's why I was so surprised earlier. If this is a story that shouldn't exist, why am I here?
I would not say that, Sir. All legends have some basis of truth to them. Or perhaps this is simply another world?
That shouldn't exist, but we're dropping this, it's making my head hurt. I know I'm never going to figure this out. Sakura sighed.
Affirmative.
Unless...Does Akihiko know?
I would believe so, but currently you do not have the required strength to do so, or materials. You have not even unlocked your own power yet.
About that, do I seriously need to be on the verge of death. Sakura cringed, shifting her hand to knock on the door of her home. Knocking, she waited for her mother to answer. I... I'm to-
She placed a hand in her heart. The afraid- was unspoken. An image of a knife through her chest, blood spurting out in a wicked crimson sprung up in her mind, shuddering.
Sir, Bardiche said, his voice notably quieter.
Forget it. She thought icily. I'll figure out my own way.
As you wish.
"Sakura!" Her mother gasped as she opened the door for her. " Welcome back! I though you would stop by for lunch!"
Sakura bent down to slip off her black shoes."Things got a bit... complicated?"
Meruna gave her a stern look, hands jutted on her hips and all. "Haruno Sakura what did you do? And look at yourself! Your all dirty!"
"Actually, it wasn't my fault. A guy robbed me blind!" Sakura exclaimed, pausing briefly to add something. "Oh but don't worry, I got it back, see?" She shook the bag, hearing the clinking of coins against bills.
Unfortunately that did nothing as the blonde woman's jaw dropped at her daughter's attitude. "What happened! You were robbed? How?!?" Her voice shrieked loudly making Sakura cup her hands over her ears with a wince. "Kaa-sama!"
"I'm Sorry," Meruna finally sighed. "Just give me an explanation at dinner, and what is that your holding? Leftovers?"
"It's empty, and I need to clean it and return it to this n- old lady." Just because she gave her food with a snark demeanor does not mean she was going call her nice.
That garnered Meruna's attention. "Oh? Who?"
Sakura shrugged. "I think her name was Chihoko or something, she didn't give me a last name."
"Well, tell her I said thank you for looking after my clumsy daughter."
"Not with that wording! And I'm not clumsy!" Sakura said affronted.
"Hai~hai~ Now go change," she shooed her upstairs with her deep red kimono sleeves then picked up the box from the floor. I'll have dinner ready by six."
Sakura yawned, walking up the wooden stairs of her home accompanied by cream white walls. She turned and went past her mothers room into her own.
She twisted the gold knob, stepping inside, shutting it and flipping the light switch on. Her room (much like the rest of their home) was different shades of red and whites. Her pure white bed was against the wall, a pink cat plushie on the pillow as a gag gift from her mother a year back, saying she had a smirking facial expression of a cat of all things.
What blasphemy, she did not.
The walls were a bright red with white lining along the walls and were bare with no decorations. Beside her window was a a bookshelf filled with a few books ( some were picture). A simple wood dresser with a few trinkets here and sitting there once again she noticed with a groan was a pink smiling crystal cat head that her mother had placed there as another joke that was getting real old. No matter where she put the damn thing it always came back.
Her mother was insane and loved messing with her.
One of these days, I'm going to throw it out the window, she swore, ignoring it to grab a white embroidered flower shirt and shorts. She changed quickly and set her new mask on her beside table, then looked at herself in her full-body mirror.
She was a mess, with her eyeliner smudged and fading into the pale red eyeshadow she had put on a few hours ago. Sakura left her room to wash her face thoroughly, coming back in fifteen minutes later with a clearer face and no dirt smudges.
Sittibg down on the edge of the bed, she called on Bardiche. I have something to ask you. Her tone filled with guilt. And I'm sorry for snapping at you before. Just because she was scared didn't mean she had to take it out on him.
You have reason to be disturbed, Sir. It is a very risky thing to consider. Where you meaning to ask something of me?
Yeah, what's in a surpression potion? If I don't find the book by the time I'm eight, what then?
I am not certain, but because you are affiliated with hope, I suspect rather dark ingredients.
Why? Dark ingredients? What could be considered 'dark', she wondered. Blood? She discarded the thought immediately, no way.
In the end, it all comes down to balance. You alone will subside the darkness within the potion, making it neutral and safe for you to consume.
Well that's good to know.She scooted back to lay on her pillow, engrossed in her own thoughts. Her eyes kept closing briefly before opening once again, yawning. Sakura hugged her cat plush tighter, curling into herself to try and fall asleep. So sleepy...
Rest, Sir.
Hai~ She yawned again, blinking with watered eyes. It felt like only minutes passed by when Sakura's eyes flickered open, she could barely hear her mother callings drifting up the hall.
"-akura! Dinner time!"
"I'm up, I'm up!" She yelled back, tangling in her sheets accidentally and sliding off her bed. "Ouch my back! Damn it!"
"Language!"
"Ugh," Sakura flopped back exasperatedly, pain shooting up her limbs. She cracked open an eye to look at her watch. "5:57 already!!"
Why did it feel like lately...
"Why the hell is time slipping away from me!"
"Sakura!"
End.