Thank you to all who left feedback! Some more fanart to share before you read on. I have placed each contributing artists' work into separate folders in my Favourites collection on DeviantArt. Please visit my account (Butterfly-Chu) and click on the Favourites tab to view all artwork from now on (folders will be situated on the left side and are named 'Quietus Fanart – Artist's username'). Old individual picture links on my profile page will be replaced with artist collection links to make work easier to navigate through.
Note that I try to place art chronologically underneath names so the first picture on top of each user collection is the most recent.
Mitsukiyo-Tenyo has created even more wonderful artworks depicting Sakura and Sasuke as King and Queen of the Underworld. She has also drawn a lovely one of Sakura from Karin's point of view. Please visit the link on my profile page beneath her username. Remember to leave her a comment if you favourite. It's just polite, guys.
Ariadnia has also drawn a very hot picture of Sasuke and Sakura sharing a steamy kiss and another of the scene where Sasuke places the flower in Sakura's hair. Visit the link under her name and don't forget to leave a comment too if you favourite!
Maymie-K has kindly contributed a lovely picture of Sasuke and Sakura; thank you for the artwork, Maymie! Make sure you check it out and comment.
VampiretteKnight has created a great picture of a smirking, hot Sasuke enticing Sakura with a glass of ambrosia. It's fantastic, so please be sure to visit her name under my Favourites and leave her a comment also.
Mini-Stack has contributed a lovely piece featuring Sakura in a more realistic style. It's very good for a first attempt, so please make sure you check it out and leave her feedback.
DeviantManan has sketched artwork featuring a shirtless Sasuke! Visit and drool, people!
And last but by no means least; AnonymousInkBlot has drawn a beautiful Ino in her guise as Aphrodite, inspired by Sakura's flashback. Click the link on my profile under her username to visit, and leave a comment to show your appreciation!
TheLittleMonsters, who is writing unofficial prequels for the story, has written her take on what she thinks happened to Karin prior to the events of Quietus. She has also begun a set about Ino and Shikamaru. Make sure you check out the links on my profile page and leave her reviews if you do read!
Thanks again to all contributors; your wonderful pieces keep me motivated!
By the way, just a note to clear up any confusion; I'm using uchiwa to refer to the fan insignias that Sakura keeps seeing. Uchiha is the spelling for Sasuke's family name, which Sakura doesn't yet know. Hope that explains the spelling distinction.
Chapter XVII
Walk with him, maiden,
In a hall of kings,
Where queens are crowned,
And reverence paid,
Beneath the silver glistening trees,
With boughs, as diamonds, that ne'er fade,
And cast away the will to flee,
Resign to fate, surrender woe,
The light you bear, that lures, ensnares,
Sweet torture; how it afflicts him so!
The hall was unlike any other; a sweeping, crowning pinnacle of unadulterated and unparalleled grandeur. It outshone even the ballroom in its sheer, majestic beauty, an impressive feat in itself when Sakura had been quite certain that she'd already viewed the greatest architectural sights the palace had to offer. But the vision that solicited closer scrutiny before her made her realise how foolishly dense she'd been. She had never seen anything that could even begin to compare to the austere magnificence of the enormous space that seemed to sprawl out in all directions around her.
Black marble shimmered beneath the golden glow of candlelight, leaving Sakura uncertain of its precise hue. Colossal, midnight-toned pillars set upon gold-gilded, jewel encrusted plinths were stationed in perfect alignment like stone sentries along the flanks of the hall. They climbed up to a towering, arching, rib-vaulted ceiling. Eight enormous, golden chandeliers with diamond-cut droplets hung high from murals that glinted with purple and blue pieces of stained glass. Imperial gold tapestries bearing the red and white uchiwa fan emblem were strung symmetrically upon the left and right walls, separated by long strips of rich, midnight blue cloth. A long, wide stretch of deep cobalt, gold trimmed carpet paved a path that extended down the middle of the vast hall.
In distracted fascination, Sakura wandered toward the pillars, feeling the strange need to touch them. She was astonished to discover that the tiny veins contained within the stone were burnt gold in hue and was amazed by the impressive size and clarity of the precious stones set into the ornamental pillar bases. Sakura ran her fingers over the marble's cool, smooth surface as her eyes lifted to admire the luxuriously woven tapestries. She couldn't even begin to guess how many threads each large, square-cut piece of cloth contained.
A light, fleeting touch at her elbow drew her attention back to Sasuke, who tilted his head toward the northern-most point of the room. Sakura followed him, her gaze fixed on the impressive, fan-like protrusions formed by the intersecting points of the vaulted ceiling. Then her eyes lowered – and she drew in a sharp breath. The strip of carpet climbed up a set of seven steps, flanked by two more dark marble columns, to a raised dais that supported a large, majestic throne carved of pure onyx. Elegantly cut stiles, set with slender golden, filigree-like swirls and tiny gemstones, tapered off to form pointed spires. Sleek, high armrests were gracefully formed and the upholstered cushioning featured a slightly lighter shade of black. The striking head of the throne featured the same fan crest, set within a solid circle of gold. It was the final confirmation she didn't need of Sasuke's status as ruler and King of the Underworld.
Her attention was then captured by the dazzling, arched panelling that made up the wall behind the throne. Brilliant stained glass paintings depicting glorious seraphs were set within a frame of jewel-crusted gold. It was a striking backdrop, almost verging on outrageous in the degree of its splendour – but it was the perfect finish. Resting directly before the wall on a long table covered with cobalt cloth, was an elaborate black helmet, set with swirling, silver patterns that matched the intricate designs on the throne and tiny crimson gems. Behind it was a two-pronged silver spear. Curiosity demanded that she take a closer look at the peculiar items – but Sakura didn't dare to move toward them.
Sasuke, who had begun to ascend the steps, paused to regard her. Sakura's eyes were wide as they finally focused back onto him, and he felt a surge of pride as he looked down upon her awe-stricken features. She approved. Of that there was no doubt. He held her gaze for a moment before turning away to continue to the top of the dais.
Sakura exhaled quietly as Sasuke took his rightful place upon the throne. A part of her mind distantly registered that she was likely gaping at him again, but she couldn't help herself; in that instant she was struck by just how very regal he looked – and how deceptively young. Yet she knew he was far older and far more powerful than anything she could even begin to comprehend. He was beyond her scope and understanding. Unearthly. Immortal. Undying. The deliverer of all ends.
But… she couldn't help herself from thinking, as his obsidian eyes locked onto her, so beautiful…
Beautiful – like a cold, harsh winter morning. Like a distant, unattainable star. And somehow, against all lines of logic and possibility, she had caught this godly king's notice.
Sasuke raised a dark eyebrow at her, and heat immediately rushed to fill Sakura's cheeks. Quickly ducking her head, she frantically cycled through her mind for a suitable compliment to pay the incredible throne room - but was saved the trouble by Sasuke.
"It is time."
Confusion forced her attention back up to find him indicating for her to join him by the left side of the throne. After a brief moment's hesitation she obeyed, traversing the steps up to the dais, fully conscious of his eyes on her. Stopping by the death deity's side, she followed his gaze to the grand double-doors, which were now so far ahead of them.
"Enter," Sasuke's smooth voice echoed clearly about the hall, causing Sakura's stomach to form apprehensive knots. He had visitors? Seconds later, the doors parted to reveal the tall forms of two men who, to Sakura's utter astonishment, seemed to glide down the stretching carpet. One had long, pale blond hair that was pulled back in a long queue, the other, flame hair that was drawn into a short braid. Both men were clad in long, loose black cloaks and wore silver, elaborate masks that left only their mouths visible. In their gauntlet clad hands were long, pointed spears. Sakura then noticed someone hovering nervously between the men; a youth, cloaked in white robes, whose form seemed somehow intangible.
A soul…? What was going on? Sakura frowned lightly and her gaze darted questioningly to Sasuke. But the Death God continued to stare intently ahead, and as the three figures came to a stop before the dais, the soul fell onto one knee and respectfully lowered his head. The tall men bowed before their lord, then stepped back. Sakura watched as they turned away and swiftly exited the hall, the doors closing with a firm, resounding thud behind them.
"Aristas," Sasuke looked upon the spirit. It seemed to Sakura that the young man was trembling. "Speak."
"Great God of the Underworld," the youth's voice wavered. "I entreat that you permit my departure from the banks of Acheron and bestow your blessings upon my passage to the Asphodel Meadows."
The what meadows…? Sakura stared at the young man, Aristas, in puzzlement.
A long pause ensued. Finally, Sasuke questioned, "What lesson have you learnt?"
Aristas slowly raised his head, but continued to look at the ground. "I have learnt, Great God, that I was wrong to accuse my wife of infidelity. The century I have spent in woe has humbled me. I realise that I did her wrong, and there was no excuse for it. My jealousy blinded me, and I did a terrible thing. I can only beseech your forgiveness, to pardon the foolishness of my actions. I was young, and I did not fully comprehend the consequences. Had I known…" his voice choked off emotionally.
Sakura listened in fascination. Aristas had been married? He seemed even younger than she was. She glanced at Sasuke, who was staring hard at the soul. Not a trace of emotion was visible on the death deity's features. Her eyes returned anxiously to the brown-haired young man. He sounded genuinely penitent.
At length, Sasuke replied, "Your request is granted."
Aristas's head rose, and he smiled at Sasuke, a smile so joyful that Sakura felt her heart constrict.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you, most merciful of gods! I-!" he abruptly broke off, as his gaze suddenly fell onto Sakura. His jaw slackened. Sakura stiffened and reached out to grip the back of the throne, unsettled by the sudden attention.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. No doubt the fool was admiring the view over his left shoulder. His fingers on the armrests tightened in irritation. Coldly, he instructed, "Go. Before I retract my judgement."
"Ah!" Aristas quickly averted his gaze again. "Y-yes, Great God! Thank you! Thank you, most merciful, most wise, most just and exalted one!"
Sasuke scowled at the profuse use of praises and waved a dismissive hand, signalling that he had heard quite enough. The spirit rose and with one final, low bow, turned and floated back down the hall. Sakura gaped after him as the doors opened and closed, before shifting her attention incredulously to Sasuke.
He had just shown clemency to a spirit.
She opened her mouth to address him, when the doors parted again. The two men accompanied another spirit down the carpet – and this time Sakura had to fight to keep the alarmed gasp from escaping her lips. A girl, no older than ten or eleven, drew to a stop before the dais. As the masked men departed once more, the child raised large, pale blue eyes to Sasuke.
"Great God," she greeted, dropping into a clumsy curtsy. She had a sweet, cherub-like face that was marred with dirt. Her hair was a tangled mass of unkempt brown curls. Her semi-transparent form was clad in a simple shift-like, yellow dress. But it was the dark brown stains on the light material that caught Sakura's interest. How had the poor child passed?
"Well, Kiva?" Sakura glanced sharply at Sasuke. His tone was devoid of any compassion. It sounded even colder than the one he had used to address the previous soul, and she was overcome with confusion.
"I want to live again," the child implored.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "What have you learnt from wandering Phlegethon's banks?"
The little girl, Kiva, clasped her ghostly hands behind her back, and shifted on her bare feet. "I did a bad thing," she said in the pure tones of a child. Sakura had scarcely realised that her teeth were gnawing into her lower lip. Surely children were pardoned by default? Sasuke wasn't really judging an innocent little girl – was he?
"I did a very, very bad thing," Kiva sniffled. "But if I go back, I promise I'll be good this time."
Sasuke seemed thoroughly unconvinced. "What else?" he prompted.
Sakura wrung her hands restlessly, feeling the instinctive need to protect the child. She didn't understand why, when she knew nothing about the soul and her past life, but she had always had a hopelessly soft spot for children.
"What else?" Kiva echoed, blinking large eyes up at the death deity. "I'll look after my mummy. And my daddy."
Sasuke snorted. Sakura couldn't keep quiet any longer; her instinct to protect overruled her fear of questioning a god's sentence.
"Sasuke," she began, appalled, "please, she's just a-"
He held up a silencing hand, and shot her a warning look. To the little girl, he said, "You will not be the only child. Another will follow."
The child's hands closed to form tight fists. "I'll look after mummy and daddy," she repeated softly.
"And," Sasuke pounced, leaning forward slightly in his throne, "a sister."
"NO!" Kiva screamed, so suddenly that Sakura flinched in surprise. "I don't want a sister! Just me and mummy and daddy! Nobody else!"
The Death God sat back, as if he'd proven a point. "Hn. You have learnt nothing."
Sakura's jaw dropped as the child began to throw a tantrum. "Send me back! Send me back! I want my mummy and daddy! Send me back!"
Sasuke continued, unfazed, as if she hadn't spoken at all. "Return to the river's bank. Do not appeal to me again until you have conquered your jealousy and your childish petulance."
Kiva shrieked in rage – and dissipated into thin air a second later. Sakura released a trembling breath. Her heart was pounding and her mind was racing to comprehend what had just happened.
Sasuke's head shifted slightly to the left, as he disclosed flatly, "She slaughtered a sister."
Sakura gasped, horrified. Then the stains she had seen on the ghostly girl's dress…? Her lips floundered in disbelief, before managing, "But she's only-"
"A child?" Sasuke sneered disdainfully, as he rose from his throne. Directing a piercing look back at her, he added, "Do not be misled by appearances. In life, she craved bloodshed."
She could only stare back at him, stunned beyond words. Then, abruptly, Sasuke broke eye contact and descended the steps.
Sakura watched him, aghast. The thought of a child – any child – being evil was disturbing and so… wrong. Then she snapped out of her perturbed thoughts and hurried after him, her head buzzing from what she had witnessed. Despite the shock, she couldn't deny her amazement. She had witnessed a god passing judgement upon mortal souls.
Sasuke had granted forgiveness to the first soul and condemned the second to wandering the banks of a river, the name of which she couldn't recall. What exactly did wandering a river bank entail? Sakura was starting to realise that there seemed to be more to the Death God than what she had initially convinced herself to believe. It troubled her that she felt even more uncertain of and puzzled by Sasuke the more time she spent in his company. There had been another side to him as he had interacted with the spirits. She had never truly grasped his godhood – and the responsibilities that doubtlessly came with it - until that moment.
Suigetsu's words echoed in her mind again, causing her heart to flutter as she followed after Sasuke, her eyes fixed onto the fan insignia stitched onto the back of his blue tunic top. Whether or not the insinuation of the death deity holding some manner of genuine interest in her was correct, Sakura decided, was not the most pressing matter that required her attention. After all, Sasuke had certainly made no real effort yet to engage her in conversation - though he watched her a great deal. And if it were, somehow,indeed true, she supposed that the fact would quickly make itself apparent. Fretting over the matter would do her no good. Sasuke would read her as easily as she read novels and she couldn't risk him determining her intentions to escape.
Her priority was to find out as much as she possibly could about her captor. And it suddenly occurred to Sakura that the only successful way for her to do that, without directly questioning him, was to understand the Underworld, what it comprised of, and how it was run. Then, perhaps, she would begin to unravel the true purpose behind Sasuke's decision to abduct her from the land of the living.
Which meant that she really had no other alternative than to play the part of the subservient, compliant captive to perfection, and stop fighting – for however long it took her to steal the blade he carried at his waist.
She swallowed, and reassured herself that she wasn't partaking in complete and unashamed deception. She didn't want to escape – at least, not until she got her hands on the sword. Suigetsu had told her it would take time. And she was reluctant to admit that a tiny part of her was curious to try to learn more about Sasuke. He was an enigma, a contradiction, and so completely unlike the foolish preconceptions she had previously carried in her head about gods of any kind.
The cascading rush of her thoughts meant that the long walk down the carpet to the throne room's impressive doors passed in a blur. As she stepped over the golden threshold after Sasuke, she asked, "That room, where you judged those two souls… how often do you do that?"
He led her directly to the right, through another grand door at the back of the entrance hall's left side, which matched the one she had passed through when Chizu and Ume had taken her to the ballroom and the library. It opened up into a similar, wide, onyx corridor, lined with the same majestic blue carpet that featured throughout the palace. The hallway was ornamented by graceful, white marble statues and sweeping strips of gold and silver fabrics draping from the stone walls.
"When required," Sasuke answered ambiguously after a brief pause. He didn't break stride, nor did he stop to check that Sakura was keeping pace. She wasn't, and had to break into a light jog to catch up to him.
Sakura opened her mouth to follow up her question – but hesitated despite herself. What would Sasuke make of her sudden inquisitiveness? But surely he had to expect it? Any other person in her strange situation would desire to learn more. Wasn't it only human nature to aspire to gain knowledge? Yes, the notion of death still frightened her – but it was so different to what she had believed in before.
Casting aside her doubts, she ventured, "You call them? The spirits?"
"No," Sasuke uttered curtly.
"Then… they ask to see you?"
With Sasuke's back to her, she had no way of seeing the light frown that had settled on the death deity's brow. Had her curiosity finally been roused? He fought the urge to stop and curb her questioning with a withering glare. Was it so impossible to conceive that there was a chance that Sakura genuinely wanted to understand what she had witnessed in the throne room?
Yes, Sasuke thought to himself, when he knew that any other mortal would have likely frozen in terror at the mere sight of deceased spirits. Would have been disgusted by the link he shared with the dead. Yet she had watched him condemn a child's soul – and still chose to follow after him.
She was taking it rather well, considering. And Sasuke was silently surprised to find that he had underestimated her once again. He never misjudged, yet the mortal trailing after him was proving to be an even greater puzzle than he'd initially allowed himself to believe. Sakura's spirit was stronger than he had anticipated. She had once more shown herself to be capable of adjusting.
She was asking him something else, something wasn't paying any particular heed to, and Sasuke wondered how well she would adjust if he chose to turn at that moment and silence her lips with his own. It was maddening, the radiance he could sense even with his back turned. How he wanted to consume it!
"Sasuke…?" her soft, uncertain voice drew him out of the privacy of his thoughts. He decided that he didn't mind listening to her; whether he chose to answer, however, was another matter entirely. Blinking, he directed her through another pair of bejewelled doors. Sakura forgot to speak then, as her eyes took in the splendid sight before her. Six elaborate, golden chandeliers hung low from the idyllic, painted-mural ceiling, providing a rich, warm glow about the stretching hall. Large, golden framed paintings adorned the deep crimson, cornice crowned walls on both sides. Red velvet roped, gilded stanchions enclosing interesting statues constructed from marble and bronze were aligned on their pedestals at carefully spaced intervals down the centre of the long gallery, placed upon a long strip of gold-trimmed, crimson carpet.
Sasuke had slowed, and turned to gauge her reaction over his left shoulder, but a fascinated Sakura was already drifting toward the closest painting, which depicted a fantastical creature she didn't recognise. Her eyes darted to the next painting, featuring beautiful, pale-haired young women clothed in shimmering gossamer gowns. They stood around an azure river, wielding slender harps, their lovely faces captured in joyous song. The third was a portrait of a tall, proud figure that Sakura assumed was a hero of some kind.
This is amazing, Sakura silently marvelled, as she turned away from the wall to regard the line of elegant sculptures in the middle of the room. Sasuke waited before one, almost looking as though he were carved from marble also.
She glanced up at the imposing figure of a caped man wielding a spear and shield behind him. Another figure was of a shapely woman, dressed in a gown similar to Sakura's, holding an eagle. Sakura's gaze travelled further down the vast gallery. She knew that she would require a great amount of time to study the full selection of impressive works featured about the area in depth, and wanted to do so without Sasuke scrutinising her. Then her attention was snagged by the matching double doors at the far end of the hall.
"What's through there?" she pointed.
The death deity's eyes didn't leave her face as he answered, "The passage to the inner courtyard." Tilting his head in the direction she was looking, he ordered, "Come."
Sakura followed him, her gaze jumping to take in the paintings on the left and right walls. She wondered who had drawn the wonderfully detailed pieces. Did Sasuke paint? The notion struck her as ridiculous, but then, she would never have expected the Death God to be proficient at playing piano, either. At length they reached the doors, which parted silently before them to allow passage through a wide, white-marble laid passageway. Royal purple and gold swathes of material draped from the stone walls. Bronze lion head sculptures hung beneath the rich strips, glinting from the glow provided by candles in their ornate sconces. Sakura's eyes rose to regard the arched ceiling, lined with yet more crystal chandeliers. She glimpsed another arched opening to her right, which prompted her to slow curiously.
I wonder where that leads, she thought. Aloud, she questioned, "Sasuke? What's-"
"Nothing," he sharply interjected, startling her. Sakura stiffened, her eyes nervously darting back in front of her to find Sasuke scowling. Then, abruptly, he turned on his heel and continued ahead. Sakura swallowed, willing her heart to stop racing as she cast one final glance at the mysterious opening, before trailing after the stoic deity.
Burnt silver doors coiled with golden, filigree vine gildings opened out to reveal a vast, rectangular, impeccably kept stone courtyard. In the centre, surrounded by an ornamental, circular enclosure, was a lone, shimmering, milky tree, similar to the ones Sakura had glimpsed in the gardens. Its unearthly glow illuminated the area, and as Sakura walked forward to inspect it more closely, she was once again awed by the bark's diamond-like sparkle.
"This tree," she began, greatly desiring to touch it, but the pale grey marble enclosure, which almost reached to her hips in height, prevented her from doing so. "How does it glow like that…?"
She sensed Sasuke's presence as he drew to a stop directly behind her, and did her best to conceal the tension in her body at the proximity.
"It is fed by the chaste nymphs that dwell within it," the death deity explained.
"I can't see them." Sakura desperately wished that she could, for nymphs that were responsible for creating such an ethereal marvel were surely a sight to behold.
"No," Sasuke paused, before continuing, "Hamadryads do not reveal themselves to mortals."
"Oh," uttered Sakura softly, disappointed. When Sasuke said no more, she looked beyond the tree. The other side of the palace loomed up to a starry night sky. She glimpsed elegant balconies and dark spires that towered majestically like unconquerable summits.
The death deity stepped around her and gestured to the stone steps that climbed up to a landing leading back inside the palace.
"The courtyard serves as a passage between the western and eastern wings."
Sakura glanced to her left, in the direction her bearings informed her was surely north. A striking pair of silver doors, as elaborate as the ones heralding the throne room, caught her notice. Filigree swirls were once again bedecked with circular cut, precious gems. What was over there?
Sasuke's eyes flicked onto her. "My quarters," he stated.
Oh. She most certainly did not want to visit there, at least, certainly not in Sasuke's company. Sakura quickly averted her gaze from the impressive sight the doors presented and turned her focus to the right. A narrow, silver meshed archway gloriously laced with white flowers led through to yet another mysterious path.
Sakura was once again overcome with amazement. Just how large was the palace? And she was still only on the bottom floor. Were there basements and cellars too? And other levels? She hadn't even fully explored the one on which her bedchamber was located. How was she supposed to remember where everything was?
A rustle of fabric informed her that Sasuke was already heading toward the elegant archway. She cast one last admiring look at the twinkling tree before trailing after the deity.
They walked over a smoothly stoned path, lined with impeccably trimmed hedges sprouting yellow and white narcissus blooms, which seemed to stretch on forever. Incredible sweetness permeated through Sakura's nostrils, making her head feel giddy.
Eventually, Sasuke took a right turn, and the bushes ended, leading out to a large, dusty-floored area which featured three buildings of differing sizes. One was a vast, torch-lit structure that looked suspiciously like a stable to Sakura. Her suspicions were confirmed when she spied a stack of hay, a large, archaic-looking wheelbarrow, and pitchforks before it. Next to it was a smaller stone, thatched roof hut with a bolted, wooden door.
The third building, set opposite the stable, was also constructed from stone, and featured a rock-hard door that seemed to be wrought from solid iron.
"The forge," Sasuke stated, gesturing nonchalantly to the stone hut. "Stables," he nodded toward the largest of the structures, before inclining his head toward the impenetrable iron door. "The armoury."
Sakura's heart drummed. Sasuke had an armoury of weapons? Somehow, she wasn't surprised. He certainly looked the part of a smouldering, warrior god – even though he represented death. And Suigetsu honestly thought that he would consent to training her – a puny little human?
As if Sasuke didn't have anything better to do with his time – like heartlessly tearing souls out of bodies, for example.
She suppressed a shudder, and the words flew from her mouth before she had properly considered their consequences. "May I look inside?"
She was sure the moment she spoke the request that Sasuke would refuse it – but he surprised her by nodding curtly. She was certain that he could hear her pulse pounding as he effortlessly opened the door and they stepped into the torch-lit armoury. All manner of weapons were arranged neatly onto hooks on the stone walls; axes, hammers, lances and spears, clubs, swords and daggers in jewelled sheathes, graceful bows and arrow quivers, and many other arms that Sakura didn't even recognise. Shields of varying sizes and shapes rested against wooden barrels. To her immense relief, the sharp blades of the weapons were immaculately clean, and the room didn't reek of blood and death. Sakura couldn't deny that it was an impressive arsenal – even if, unnervingly, the amount available seemed enough to arm an entire division of soldiers.
Something glinted gold beneath the candlelight's glow, snagging Sakura's interest. She walked to the central wall, emblazoned with the uchiwa fan emblem. The long, slender hilt of a mounted sword winked at her. Sakura was entranced by the emerald stones set in it; by the way the firelight seemed to dance enticingly within the jewels.
Sasuke watched as she examined the blade. She was brave, he thought, or completely naïve and foolish, to enter once again into a secluded space with him. She stood before a golden-cloth strewn table laden with a selection of fine swords. Firelight danced upon her features, rendering them even softer and sweeter. His eyes trailed leisurely over the gentle rise formed by her breasts, down to the slender dip of her waist, accentuated by the pleated, golden belt. Ravenous hunger gnawed at him. How much he wanted to step to her, seize her by her tiny waist, shove aside the weapons on the table and claim her there and then-
He was snapped from the lustful thought by metal clanging against the floor. Sakura had drawn the sword from its casing, but her hand was inexperienced and clumsy. He scowled. She was holding the blade incorrectly.
Sakura flinched as the loud sound of steel smacking against stone rang through the air. The sword was heavier than it looked, and it didn't help that the muscles in her arms were practically jelly. She had no experience in wielding weapons – well, unless chasing Naruto with a rolled-up newspaper counted as one.
"S-sorry," she stammered as she tried, futilely, to hoist the weighty blade back up again. She couldn't keep from inhaling sharply when she felt warmth at her back and a hand close around her wrist to support her arm.
Sakura stared, wide-eyed, at the sword she was now holding upright before her, and her heart nearly leapt out of her throat when Sasuke's breath tickled the strands of hair over her right ear.
"Straighten your elbow," he murmured. When she remained frozen in place, he tugged gently on her wrist, forcing her joint to unbend.
Sakura exhaled. Her nerves were jangling agitatedly. His steady arm was curved around hers, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body. He was so close… too close.
Don't panic, idiot! Her inner voice screamed at her. This might be the only chance you get! Stay where you are. Stay calm. Stay calm!
But it was difficult to act unaffected. The Death God's presence was stifling, overwhelming. She could feel the fine tremors that were jittering up along her arm and down her spine. Heat flushed her cheeks. She couldn't think. Awareness of Sasuke devastated her senses, left her feeling breathless and disorientated.
"Umm…" she managed to gulp. "I… I've never…" her voice trailed off when Sasuke suddenly moved his arm and hers with it, to form idle, swiping motions in the air before them.
The tension that coiled her muscles was almost a tangible hindrance. Sasuke could feel it all too clearly, was all too aware of the unsettling effect his proximity had on her. He refused to believe that it was fear alone that paralysed her whenever he drew near. The fact only served to fan the flames of need that were at that moment threatening to engulf him entirely. He could smell the alluring, floral scent that clung to her hair and skin. His right arm was already touching against hers, and her back was brushing tantalisingly against his front. Without sparing a thought, Sasuke began to lift his left hand – and caught himself just before it snaked around her side.
He clenched his jaw tightly. No. It would be counterproductive to his plans, he knew, if he acted impulsively. Desire for her was a physical ache within him; he had waited for too long, and he couldn't trust his treacherous hands. Once they touched her - truly touched her – he didn't think he would possess the restraint to stop them from doing so again.
The god swallowed and abruptly relinquished his hold on her wrist, causing her to release a startled gasp as gravity's pull on the heavy sword yanked her arm back down. He stepped away from her, savouring the way even a little distance seemed to restore rationality to his mind. He couldn't allow a mere human to hold such sway over his senses. He was higher than common desires. He would enjoy her at his own pace; there was no rush. And the longer he waited, the sweeter the conquest would undoubtedly be, once he bound Sakura's body and soul to his realm.
"You are inept," he uttered offhandedly, which prompted Sakura's jaw to lower in bewilderment.
Inept…? She was stunned. How shamelessly rude he was to declare such a thing! Her inner self fumed. She wasn't a high, lofty immortal like he was.
Oh, we'll show him the meaning of inept, right up the-
She angrily crushed the voice of thoughtless audacity, and, after taking a moment to collect herself again, turned to regard the arrogant deity, with a much more sensible, "What…?"
Sasuke's eyes closed dismissively. "Hn. You heard."
Sakura stared. So it wasn't enough that he had kidnapped her and was essentially keeping her in the Underworld against her will – despite what he claimed about her not being a prisoner – he had to go a step further by insulting her too? It wasn't her fault that she didn't know how to wield a weapon. Most people saw no reason to learn an art form that was essentially considered unnecessary in modern society. After all, the police and army were responsible for protecting citizens. For him to label her incompetent when she'd never before even held a sword…
Irritation surged within her, flaring like a blinding flame that burned through the thick veil of fear that had, up until then, stayed her tongue. Her inner voice wrestled power from her politer, and smarter, self, and was the driving force responsible for her tossing back tartly, "Then teach me, Great God."
His eyelids flew open at that, onyx depths honing in on her like dark, programmed missiles. Sakura's stomach proceeded to turn somersaults when his piercing gaze narrowed menacingly.
She inwardly berated herself. Did she literally have a death wish, to address the supreme governor of doom in such a reckless manner? But she really hadn't meant for it to come out so sarcastically-
In a movement that was inhumanly swift, Sasuke unsheathed his own sword and advanced on her. The air arrested in Sakura's lungs at the sight of the long, slender, elegantly crafted - and very, very sharp – katana blade. She made to scramble backward, dragging the sword with her, her heart thundering riotously at the terrifying realisation that she had angered Sasuke, and he had changed his mind about not harming her – only to feel the table obstructing any further retreat behind her. Cool metal touched the base of her chin as the tip of Sasuke's sword angled her face up to look into his.
"And why should I do that?" he hissed. The intensity of his glare chilled her to the bone. If looks could kill, then she would have keeled over dead at that instant. Sakura's mind frantically raced as she sought to attempt to smooth over the effect of her imprudently chosen words.
Her breath hitched as the sword's edge lowered to trail lightly over the right side of her throat.
"No words now, Sakura?" Sasuke's silky voice stroked her name condescendingly.
Apprehension wavered, giving way to white-hot anger. He's enjoying this, Sakura suddenly realised. He was pushing her into a corner, presumably with the intention of seeing how she reacted – as if she were a scientific test subject. Tears burned at her eyes, which only caused her frustration with him and herself to intensify. He was a complete and utter jerk; far too stuck up for his own good, just as Suigetsu had informed her. How she had even entertained for a second that there might be anything more to him when she'd watched him play the piano and judge others…
She forgot all about being docile and obedient then. At that moment, he wasn't a god. He was just an arrogant bully whose intention it was to make her life miserable. Scowling up at him, she answered, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I'm such an incompetent human." She was dismayed to feel her lower lip quivering dangerously as she finished, "But maybe you should've thought about that before you decided on kidnapping-"
His onyx orbs, which had been watching her intently, widened fractionally, and in monster-fast reflexes, he quickly drew back his blade and lunged forward to close the distance between them, the sword whistling down to fall upon her. Sakura cried out, squeezing her eyes shut in anticipation of pain, and her body, fuelled by a sudden burst of adrenaline, moved out of pure instinct.
When she felt and heard nothing else, she cracked an eye open, to find Sasuke staring down at her with an unreadable expression, his sword lowered by his left side.
"Hn. Perhaps there is potential," he stated flatly, before sheathing his blade and turning abruptly away from her. She released a shaky breath as he exited the building, before turning her attention to her arms. They were trembling from the strain, but held defensively before her body the heavy sword that she had been unable to lift unassisted just minutes earlier.
Sakura relinquished her hold of the weapon, allowing it to fall to the ground with a resounding clatter. She leant back against the table, her head whirling as understanding slowly dawned upon her. Sasuke hadn't intended on striking her. She was oddly certain of that. He'd goaded her deliberately… but why? Was it simply only because he'd wanted to see her response – or had he intended on making an actual point?
She raised a hand to her throat. She could still feel the pressure of his blade against her skin. If the death deity had acted to show her that she could lift the sword, even if only in desperation, then why had he chosen to convey his message in such an intimidating manner? Didn't Sasuke realise how much he already set her on edge, without the need of purposefully terrorising her? Her heart was still pounding to a wild, erratic rhythm, and her body felt weak from the rush of adrenaline.
He'd said there was potential. What had he meant? Sakura's mind throbbed with confusion. Things hadn't unfolded the way she'd hoped they would. Sasuke hadn't offered to teach her how to fight using a sword; instead he'd called her inept and feigned an attack. How was she supposed to steal his blade away now?
She desperately hoped that Suigetsu's backup plan was a good one, because it suddenly occurred to a discouraged Sakura that she couldn't think of any other way to separate Sasuke from the katana he carried at his waist.
Sasuke didn't wait to see if she was following. He needed space, to be at a distance from her, to collect the myriad of thoughts weighing upon his mind. It was disturbing, that Sakura's personality was intriguing him even further the more time he spent with her. Her appearance certainly deceived; at first he had considered her to be nothing more than fragile and far too preoccupied with appearing prim and proper before others. But it was what lay beneath the surface of her courteous façade that held his absolute and undivided attention. He had glimpsed feistiness within her on more than one occasion; when she'd exhibited defiance in refusing to eat, when she'd confronted him about his intentions and hurtled the goblet at him in the banqueting hall; and just then, in the armoury, when she'd thrown a biting response back at him. A sarcasm-loaded reply which, had it been uttered by anybody else, would have resulted in literal bloodshed.
But not her. Sakura was an exception, and, Sasuke was uncomfortable to admit, she always had been. He exhaled. That spark in her eyes when she came out from the shadow of politeness caused his pulse to quicken so, made him burn. It excited him. He wanted to discover more of her, to chip away at her exterior until he unearthed the blinding flame within. He wanted to consume and be consumed by it. He wondered how she would react if he continued to provoke and push her beyond the boundaries of her patience. Anticipation of eliciting a greater outburst than the ones he had already witnessed flooded through his veins, a thrilling rush. He didn't want her manners or her mortal reverence; he'd had quite enough of humans worshipping him in the past. That was not the reason why he had Sakura in his realm.
The Death God had predicted when he'd abruptly chosen to attack the girl that she would make a move to defend herself. She had not disappointed him. Her instinct to protect herself had lent her arms the strength required to lift the sword in her grasp. It had been a clumsy, pathetic motion, but the fact that she had made it at all confirmed the theory he had been entertaining about Sakura. Fear and anger were the triggers that caused her to step out of her comfort zone. Understandable, Sasuke mused, as he stepped back into the courtyard. All he needed to do was engage her in an activity that would leave her feeling vulnerable and frustrated enough to retaliate.
And what better way to do that than to teach her the way of the sword – an art in which she so clearly lacked any skill or grace?
A small, knowing smirk graced his lips at the thought of sparring with her in the large, column strewn battle dome, located in the palace's basement floor. He would fulfil her request and teach her to sword-fight – and he would make sure that Sakura made the time and effort he invested in doing so very worth his while.
But it wouldn't do for her, he decided, to wield any of the blades in the armoury. No. She needed something else, something specifically forged to take into account her delicate bones and slight stature. An idea occurred to him, then, and he set it aside for further deliberation later. First he had to deal with a major inconvenience.
The amusement vanished from his mouth as swiftly as it had appeared as he blurred out of sight and alighted by the river bank.
"Well?" he questioned Juugo, who, after bowing in greeting, led him to the river's edge. He pointed, and Sasuke looked down to find a pile of amphibian carcasses lying on the gravelly ground. There were seven of them – eight, as Karin, who joined them, tossed another on top.
"They keep coming!" she exclaimed in disgust.
The Death God's hands tightened into fists as he made his decision then and there. Jiraiya would continue to send his spies, and he wouldn't stand for it. He crouched down, held his hand over the deceased creatures, summoning a slender black net to ensnare the bodies – before rising and turning his attention to his subjects.
"Slay any others," he ordered, before flickering swiftly out of sight.
Author's note
And so Sasuke goes to confront Jiraiya. Will he manage to bluff his way through the encounter? What do you all think? xD
Next chapter will feature more Sasuke and Sakura interaction. Shirtless Sasuke is coming very, very soon too, so prepare your tissue boxes for that. Other surface characters will also feature; I just thought I'd reward everybody's patience with a nice lone SasuSaku interaction filled update! There will be chapters like this which will help to develop their relationship. The descriptions are responsible for the slower update this time around; it really takes me ages to do them, and with so much more Underworld to see, I really have my work cut out for me! Keep in mind that description-heavy chapters will always be shorter than action-packed ones, because then it's just overload of detail.
Anyway, important question: do you guys want a list of which character is which god/goddess, or would you like to continue guessing? I don't mind writing it for clarification but there are some characters we haven't met yet, and I personally think it'd be a shame to reveal that. I'm asking because quite a few people have contacted me saying they don't know who is meant to be who, but if the majority don't want it spoiled, I won't do it (I don't really want to anyway, but I also don't want to leave readers confused, if that makes sense – maybe just a list of known characters for now, as a compromise?).
Oh, and favourite stats: currently on the fave list of five hundred and thirty three members. Thanks to all new readers who added this to their favourites! And yeah… seventy nine reviews for the last chapter. Wow. But I won't go into this again, as the numbers speak for themselves, eh?
Thanks to everybody who has contacted me on deviantArt expressing admiration/support for the story too; it's always nice to get messages on there.
See you next update; it may or may not be quick depending on time/feedback. Am starting a new job soon so things are a bit hectic for me right now. Thanks for reading!