Wow, so many reviews for the last chapter. I guess that's the power of a shirtless Sasuke. Thank you so much to each and every one of you wonderful people who kindly took the time to leave feedback. I really do appreciate it, and hope that other silent readers will follow in your stead. I'm glad you all enjoyed the forge scene so much.

About a list of which Naruto character is which god/goddess, I am going to create separate Quietus Appendices listing the current obvious and revealed gods. It will be posted soon and updated accordingly. You will then have the option of viewing this (or not, if you don't wish to spoil). You have been warned everyone. DO NOT read the appendices if you don't want spoilers on characters that you're not yet sure about… out-takes may also be added to it and any other information that will help to clear up parts of the story. The appendices will essentially serve as companion reading for the fic.

I am also going to set up a question and answer discussion area on the Quietus deviantart group page. If you haven't joined the group yet, please consider doing so. Random previews will now be exclusively posted on there. The link to the group is on my profile page. Please join to show your support for the story! You'll also have the added bonus of being alerted whenever new artwork is submitted by the talented artists who kindly contribute to the fic. The question and answer area will allow readers to clarify any points they're unsure about relating to the plot (provided it isn't spoiler material).

Please visit the following artist folders in the group gallery to view wonderful new artwork (including shirtless Sasukes!) from mitsuki0tennyo, cheesyporridge, ariadnia, Angel7EagleWolf and inshayne. Many thanks to these awesome contributors who continue to help bring the story to life.

A few quick plot notes; Kore is the name Persephone was referred to as a maiden, before her descent into the Underworld. Also, regarding eating food in the Underworld, in the context of this story, only the food of the dead will specifically bind Sakura to Sasuke's realm. She can eat any other food as usual; the only effect is that it fills her up for longer than surface food does. I'm aware this deviates from the myth but in this way the pomegranates hold greater significance.

To NightRaver, who asked when Itachi will start appearing; he's one of the last (if not THE last) character to join the fray, so it will be a while yet. However, he will be referred to in flashbacks and in a certain major upcoming incident, where he will be seen by a character – but not in person. I don't really want to spoil anything; I have such epic plans for my favourite of all favourites, Itachi.

Witchk7, there will be more tender Sasuke and Sakura moments, in good time.

animeXtenshiXhime829, the mention of Diana's name last chapter was actually a mistake on my part. I've been doing so much research about Greek deities and reading about their Roman equivalents, and that just kind of slipped in there by accident! It was quickly edited once I realised the error. Sorry about that! See above for note about the name Kore. As far as I know that's the only instance I've used a Roman name (I've never written Pluto; it doesn't even sound as sexy as Hades, haha). Thanks for pointing it out, though.

Kiiki Hayes, Demeter did not curse her daughter because of love. Thank you for submitting an interesting theory, all the same! : )

I love how almost every review had the words 'shirtless', 'Sasuke' and 'hot'. Lol. You guys are all epic for posting such genuine reactions.

And well done to all who correctly guessed that Sakura gets the dreams after drinking ambrosia! You all get a shirtless Sasuke… plushie as a prize. Sorry, I can't give you the original, he's standing right behind me, seducing me into updating- er, I mean, he's still in the forge, making Sakura's sword (coughs).

To all others who submitted questions, I'll do my best to get back to you! Please bear with me.

Important note, be certain you listen to the amazing track listed under chapter 19 on my profile, when you get to the part where the harpies begin to move away from Sakura. Around about 40 seconds is when a certain Death God enters the scene. This tune builds atmosphere, so don't miss out on it! If the link doesn't show up, please check back at a later point, but make sure you hear!

So what will our dear Sakura do now that she knows Sasuke intends to engage in training with her? Read on to find out!

Chapter XIX

Beware the baleful, woeful nest,

That lusts with thirst for mortal blood,

There her tears shall fall to rest,

And spurn within him wrath's great flood,

That hand that hath ne'er been stayed,

Ever a whisper from her aid.

Sakura panted as she burst into the bedchamber, slamming the doors shut behind her. She stood for a moment, wild eyed, gazing unseeingly into space, before her legs buckled, causing her to slide slowly to the floor. She was troubled by the rapid pounding of her heart and swallowed down deep gulps of air, trying desperately to regulate her thundering pulse.

The image of sweat-sheened, gleaming skin was singed into her skull. Sakura blinked, and the imprint of Sasuke's sleek and well-defined body, silhouetted against the forge's blazing furnace, remained firmly in place. She lifted her palms to her cheeks, to discover that they were as hot as flame.

"Oh, God," she choked, squeezing her eyes senselessly shut, only for them to fly open again in alarm when a vision of tantalisingly perfect pectorals and abdominal muscles flashed behind her closed lids.

Sakura raised her fingers to grasp at her hair, the gesture mirroring her inner distress. She was thrown by the intensity of her internal reaction to glimpsing Sasuke in his shirtless glory. It had happened instantaneously, without thought or intention. And Sakura was left disturbed and confused beyond reconciliation. What, exactly, had she been expecting? Of course Sasuke's body was as perfect as his infuriatingly flawless face. He was a god! Why was she so affected by what she had seen?

Why was her heartbeat refusing to settle?

Sakura swallowed thickly, her throat feeling more parched than ever. She knew what the reality of the situation was; yes, being cornered against a wall by a bare-chested, smouldering Sasuke had sent her composure splintering and panic escalating, along with her stupid, stupid hormones. But it was what he had said to her that unleashed even greater pandemonium upon her overwhelmed senses.

'When your blade is complete, we spar.'

Sakura released a trembling breath. The Underworld's King, the God of Death, had consented to tutor her in the way of the sword - precisely what Suigetsu had urged her to convince him to do. But was he playing right into their hands, or had he somehow already figured out what they were planning? What else could have possibly caused him to change his mind about training her?

I can't do this, she silently despaired, her mind buzzing in agitated, jumbled turmoil. When she had tried to refuse, Sasuke had informed her that she had little choice in the matter. But surely he knew that there was no way she could possibly, conceivably, take up his offer? It was outrageous, and his efforts would be doomed to fail. The death deity was far too powerful and superior, far too graceful and skilled to relegate himself to the level of a clumsy, inexperienced novice.

A sudden thought spurned Sakura's pulse to quicken even further; what if Sasuke went about sparring with her shirtless, as a way to test her discipline and focus? The very idea stained her pink cheeks with a fresh, furious blush. She released an unhappy groan, once again cursing fate for landing her in such an impossible fix. How could a thoroughly unremarkable mortal girl like her hope to match a great god on any level?

Alright, get a grip! Sakura blinked as her bolder inner voice broke through the discord of her dejected thoughts. Maybe he knows, and maybe he doesn't. Keep freaking out like this and there's no way you'll find out for certain! Besides, if he did know, don't you think Suigetsu would've warned you? Think!

Sakura's fingers loosened their talon like grips on her tresses as the voice of reason slowly began to ward irrational panic back. What use was there in losing focus? So she was up against an immortal god who made everything he did look effortlessly sexy, a god who also happened to be the most dangerous and intimidating entity she had ever encountered. But hadn't Suigetsu insisted that Sasuke was interested in her? The cogs in Sakura's head began to race as the fog of anxiety finally dissipated. Her thoroughly uncomfortable encounter with the death deity in the forge had served to consolidate Suigetsu's belief. Sakura's jaw clenched tightly as she recalled how Sasuke had asked her what was wrong, when he had already known the answer. There was no other way to interpret his words; he had plainly enjoyed her obvious embarrassment and sought to increase it by mocking her. Surely if he hadn't been interested in witnessing her reaction, he would not have bothered to haul her into the forge in the first place – unless he just took pleasure in mortifying her?

How arrogant, she fumed to herself, glaring angrily at the side of the luxurious four-poster bed before her. But was Sasuke really that kind of a god? No, she shook her head. He struck her as the type who wouldn't act unless there was a reason or gain for him to do so. Which begged the question; what had he gained from forcing her against the wall? Apart from the smugness of watching as his captive got all flustered? She'd been far too preoccupied and distracted by the sight of his naked chest to notice at the time, but Sakura was certain that his eyes had been on her the entire while.

Sasuke had displayed, on more than a few instances that with her, that he had no regard for personal boundaries. He always watched her so intently, and with absolute attention, as if waiting to see what she would do, what she would say. Which could only mean…

Sakura's heart skipped a beat. It was insane for her to even entertain the idea, to dare hope that it was somehow possible. That maybe, just maybe, the fact that Sasuke seemed to be so interested in gauging her reactions meant that she had at least some tiny degree of influence over her situation, in the sense that she was in control of the reactions she chose to show him. She raised a fist to her mouth, biting nervously down on the knuckle of her index finger as her thoughts followed through. He hadn't consented to training her for her own benefit, or because she had requested it of him, of that she was sure. Sasuke had his own motives.

But what, exactly, were they…?

Frowning, Sakura rose from her hunched position by the doors, and headed straight to the bathroom. She could smell the smoke and coal from the forge clinging to her hair and skin. She needed a hot, cleansing bath to soothe the lingering agitation in her body. Firstly, though, she had to communicate the new development to Suigetsu.

Locking herself in the toilet once again, Sakura filled up the marble basin and called urgently to the Sea God. To her immense relief, the water deity appeared almost instantaneously. Sakura immediately felt better and more reassured, remembering that she had another immortal on her side.

'What's up, Pinky?' Suigetsu greeted. 'Is this a business call, or did you just miss me?'

Sakura, as usual, ignored his attempts at flirting, and answered, 'Sasuke's agreed to train me.'

Suigetsu blinked up at her, perplexed. 'Huh?' he mentally replied. 'I thought you said he disagreed?'

She nodded. 'Yes, but… he changed his mind.'

The water deity raised a pale eyebrow, looking completely unconvinced. 'Something's fishy. Alright, out with it! Tell me what happened.'

Sakura took a deep breath and filled him in, choosing to leave out the fact that Sasuke had been shirtless and had cornered her against a wall – although the warmth she could feel in her face was evidence enough of her embarrassment. She desperately hoped as she finished explaining her encounter that Suigetsu wouldn't notice her blush, or make nothing of it.

But of course, fate was never kind to her. Once she was done, Suigetsu immediately and perceptively commented with a toothy grin, 'Uh, your face is as pink as your hair. You sure that's all that happened?'

'Yes!' Sakura telepathically rushed to respond. 'It- it's just the light!'

'Uh huh,' Suigetsu raised both eyebrows this time. 'You know you're a hopeless liar, right?'

Sakura scowled. 'The most important thing is that he's agreed. That's what you wanted, isn't it?'

'Yeah, but why?' Suigetsu mused, his teasing visage quickly replaced with a thoughtful look as he contemplated the reasons behind Sasuke's altered decision.

'I thought about it too,' she offered. 'I don't think Sasuke would agree just because I asked him.'

'You're right about that,' the water deity nodded. 'As far as gods go, Sasuke's about as selfish and self-centred as you can get. No gain, no pain, as far as he's concerned. The bastard won't do anything unless he deems it worth his while.'

Sakura swallowed. Suigetsu's words were a confirmation of her earlier thoughts.

'Then…' she dared to begin, but stopped abruptly at the sudden glint she detected in Suigetsu's lavender eyes. Wary of what might be passing through the mischievous god's mind, she prompted, 'What…?'

'Your workout with him won't involve a skimpy outfit, will it?'

Sakura's eyes widened. 'You-!' she glared, closing her hands to form angry fists. 'You're such a pervert!'

Suigetsu snickered with amusement. 'Hahaha! And you're so easy to wind up! Maybe that's why the asshole's agreed; let's face it, you're cute, and your reactions are pretty priceless.'

Sakura inhaled sharply. Hadn't she considered that, also? Suigetsu noticed her odd expression, and rolled his eyes.

'Seriously, Pinky, I already told you; he's interested. You think he'd pass up a chance to get you all hot and bothered? Man, I wouldn't!'

A flushing Sakura opened her mouth to verbally protest against this, but the Sea God waved a dismissive hand at her.

'You can deny it all you want, but isn't the fact he's agreed proof enough? Yeah, he's got an ulterior motive, but if you're smart, you can work this to your advantage. You'll toughen up. He won't make it easy for you, but I'm sure you can find interesting ways to make him sweat, too.' Here Suigetsu offered her a deceptively angelic smile.

Sakura fought against the overwhelming urge to punch the surface of the water. How shamelessly lewd the ocean deity was! Every other sentence contained suggestive, embarrassing innuendos.

"Great," she muttered sarcastically under her breath.

'Heh.' Suigetsu grinned. 'You'll be fine. Just wear a push up bra and a low cut top and he'll-'

'Suigetsu!' Sakura mentally hissed, mortified by the very idea. 'That isn't funny!'

'Whoa, okay, okay, relax!' he held up his hands defensively. 'Geez, I'm only teasing you, Pinky. Just don't mess this up; it fits with our Plan B perfectly.'

Stressed, Sakura rubbed at her forehead. Not messing up was easier said than done.

'Hey,' Suigetsu added thoughtfully. 'You said Sasuke's busy forging you a sword, right?'

'Yeah,' Sakura communicated distractedly.

'So… why not use this chance to snoop around the Underworld?'

Sakura glanced down at the water's surface. 'What…?' she answered irritably. 'I don't even have a map-'

'Perfect. That way, if you go wandering to any place you shouldn't, you can just tell that bastard that you lost your way.'

Sakura stared at his rippling reflection, and was reminded of something. 'Wait, I wanted to ask you; you've been inside Sasuke's palace before, haven't you?'

'Unfortunately,' Suigetsu yawned. 'Long time ago, though. We haven't exactly been chummy in centuries.'

Sakura's eyes widened with surprise. 'Wait, he was your friend?'

'Pfft,' the Sea God scoffed. 'He wishes! Anyway, Pinky, trust me; that bastard's gloomy little haunt is nothing compared to my underwater palaces. Maybe I'll show you, someday.'

Sakura's eyes averted at that, prompting Suigetsu to chuckle again. 'Don't worry; I won't hold you prisoner there. Well,' he added flirtatiously, 'not unless you wanted me to. Heh!'

Sakura relaxed. An underwater palace sounded magically wonderful, and appealed to the part of her that had always been fascinated by myths and legends. But she stored the possibility away for later consideration. First they had to escape from Sasuke's realm. She shook her head, returning to the point she'd had in mind. 'There's this door, to the right of the corridor after the art gallery. The corridor that leads to the courtyard and Sasuke's quarters?'

Suigetsu looked puzzled.

'It's a locked door. I asked a kitchen boy about it, and he told me that only Sasuke has access to it. Do you know what's in there?'

The water deity slowly shook his head. 'Sorry, Pinky. I don't remember any locked door. Why don't you try asking Prince Charming about it?'

Sakura shot him a nervous look in response. 'You really think he'll talk about it if it's off limits?'

'What have you got to lose by asking?' Suigetsu drawled lazily. 'You either do that, or you find the key and open it. But since you're so scared of making Mr. Sour-pants angry, I'm guessing you'll do nothing.'

Sakura bristled indignantly. Was that the low opinion Suigetsu had of her? That she was some kind of timid kitten who didn't dare go against Sasuke's wishes? Didn't the fact that she was plotting against the God of Death prove otherwise?

'I'll find that key,' she thought out resolutely to him.

'Heh,' Suigetsu winked. 'Good girl.' And then, 'Like I said, go look around. You never know, maybe you'll find something Sasuke doesn't want you to see.'

With those words, his face rippled out of sight. Sakura was left gazing at her reflection – and with a new sense of resolve instilled in her.

"You sure your dad isn't home?" Naruto questioned, as he pulled up before the Yamanaka household's driveway.

Ino glanced down at the crystal-encrusted designer watch her mother had gifted her on her previous birthday.

"It's one thirty. There's no way he'll be home now," she assured her blue-eyed friend.

"And there's no way we should be out of lessons right now, either," Shikamaru muttered underneath his breath, as he stepped grudgingly out of Naruto's black and orange convertible, wondering how he had allowed himself to be strung along for the ride. A quick, surreptitious glance to his left reminded him of the reason. Ino wore pale, stone-washed skinny jeans that accentuated her slender legs, and baby-blue ballerina pumps which matched the shade of her cardigan and handbag. Her long hair was pulled back to form an intricate braid. She looked chic, effortlessly stylish, and, well - nothing short of beautiful.

"Oh, Shikamaru, you worry too much," Ino scolded, waving a perfectly manicured hand at him. "I disabled the security cameras this morning after dad left. We're all set!"

Shikamaru's eyes shifted away, as he brooded momentarily to himself. Not much had changed, he told himself. Ino still possessed the uncanny ability to draw him into situations that his better judgement knew for certain were sure to end in complete and utter disaster.

As Ino tapped in the security code to grant entry past the solid front gates to the Yamanaka residence, Naruto turned his face up to the afternoon sky. Although the sun was shining dutifully, thermometer readings had taken a turn for the worse in the last week. Temperature readings were markedly colder, even more so than the average figures expected for early spring.

A bleeping sound signalled that the code had been accepted, and Ino led the way down the neatly-laid tile path, followed leisurely by Shikamaru, a nervous Hinata, curious Sai, and finally a determined Naruto, who allowed the gates to close after him.

They stopped before the large front door, and watched as Ino used her fingerprint to unlock it.

"That's so cool," Naruto enthused, grinning. Prior to Sakura's disappearance, he hadn't called often at Ino's house; but then, he'd never had a reason to do so. Their present visit, however, was more than a mere social call. They were there on important business. He stepped aside, gesturing for Hinata, dressed casually in grey skinny jeans, flat ankle-boots, a white top and a loose grey cardigan, to enter the house before him. Her sweet perfume lingered in the air after her, and Naruto found himself absent-mindedly thinking that he quite liked the light, floral scent.

"Let's keep our shoes on," Ino advised her friends, who nodded. In the unlikely event that either her mother or father returned home from work early, they didn't want to leave any evidence of their visit.

"Anyone want a snack or something to drink?" Ino asked next, as they approached the spacious kitchen.

"Let's just get this over with quickly," Shikamaru answered on behalf of them all.

"Y-yes, I must return before Neji-san notices my absence," Hinata agreed anxiously.

"So what if he does?" Ino demanded. '"I'll just tell him you were with me." But she obligingly led them past the kitchen and toward the stairs that climbed down to the basement.

Naruto couldn't help the snort that escaped his lips. "Neji should lighten up. If the winds change, his face might end up looking that serious forever."

Hinata began to giggle, but quickly caught herself, and coughed, flushing embarrassedly. Naruto shot her a sly grin, but said nothing else on the matter. Then he turned his attention to a solemn Sai.

"Oi. You're quiet," he said, nudging the pale youth in the side with his right elbow.

"Hmm?" Sai turned inky eyes to the vocal blond. "Ah, I apologise; I am merely admiring the interior of the architecture."

Naruto rolled his eyes at that. "This is nothing compared to-"

Ino stopped at the basement door, and whirled, pointing a censuring finger at Naruto. "If you mention Olympus one more time, Naruto-"

"Ino!" Shikamaru said sharply. She blinked, shot another glare at an apologetic Naruto, before swiping the basement door open with another code and the key-card she had stolen from her mother's purse the previous night. Ino flipped the light switch, and they made their way down another short set of steps, before setting foot in the large basement area. Different kinds of furniture were arranged tidily in the wide, rectangular storage room, covered in protective bubble wrapping; dining tables, chairs, sofas, mirrors; Sai even spotted an elegant white grand piano.

The heels of their shoes clattered loudly upon the wooden floorboards. The basement had three small windows, which allowed natural light to stream through. The air didn't smell stuffy as Naruto had expected it to in a basement. In contrast, a pleasant lavender scent filled the well-kept space.

"Dad stores ambrosia in a safe," Ino stated, marching purposefully up to the far wall to their right. "It's somewhere here, I'm sure…"

"Huh?" Naruto scratched his sunshine head. "I don't see anything. Sai?"

Sai's eyes trailed along the wall. He shook his head. "Nothing."

Shikamaru frowned, folding his arms impatiently across his chest. "Ino, are you sure-?"

"There!" Hinata exclaimed softly, pointing to their left. They glanced at her, to find delicate veins surrounding the outer corners of her eyes. Her pupils had vanished, completely overcome by silvery, glowing irises.

Naruto swallowed. Even the ever-cautious and compliant Hinata had taken the risk of tapping into her sealed powers for Sakura's sake.

Hinata… he thought, feeling pride swell deep within his chest.

Ino moved in the direction she had indicated. "Here?"

"Yes," Hinata answered. She closed her eyes, and the veins faded from her skin, as she channelled her power back into the seal.

"A secret storage area behind the wall," Shikamaru commented, impressed. "As expected of your father…"

Smiling, Ino reached out to push against the wall – and frowned when it didn't budge. "Eh? It won't move-" she pushed harder. The wall remained firmly in place.

Naruto stepped forward, and steered her firmly aside. "Stand back," he warned them.

"Wait!" Shikamaru frowned at him. "Don't use too much power. If you smash the wall, you'll give us away!"

Naruto flashed him a mischievous grin. "Do you really think I'm that much of a knuckle-head?"

"That much is evident," Sai stated seriously, prompting Hinata to gasp in dismay.

"Say what?" Naruto was aghast, and turned angrily on Sai.

Ino glared at both young men. "Will you quit it? Just hurry up and open the wall!"

Naruto sent one final scowl at an innocently blinking Sai, before turning his attention back to the wall. He raised his right hand, and closed his eyes, focusing intently. They watched in silence as golden light began to radiate from his arm. When Naruto's eyes opened again, they were no longer blue, but luminous amber.

"Not too much!" Shikamaru reminded him harshly.

"Heh," Naruto grinned confidently. "Don't sweat it. I've got this!" He placed his palm against the wall. A second later, it depressed inwards, and with a rumble, lifted to reveal a secret compartment, in which was stored a solid iron safe.

"This is it!" Ino exclaimed excitedly. She peered inside and reached out to the security dial, and began to twist it. "Hmm, let's see now," she said to herself.

They waited as Ino turned the dial to varying codes – with little luck. After several unsuccessful attempts, Shikamaru sighed exasperatedly, "You do know the code, don't you?"

"Of course I do!" Ino flushed. "I just forgot the order of three middle digits. Give me a second, alright?"

They stood by as she twisted the dial a few more times, and perked when three consecutive beeps signalled the input of the correct code.

"Bingo!" Ino said gleefully, and four pairs of eyes turned expectantly to the safe door as it slid soundlessly open – to reveal another inner door - with another lock. Ino's face fell. "What?" she screeched, dismayed. "Dad didn't mention another lock!"

Shikamaru rubbed stressfully at his forehead. It figured that Inoichi would be so cautious; after all, ambrosia was extremely valuable and difficult for them to acquire.

"This is just great," Naruto mumbled, leaning against the wall.

Ino stared at the lock in dismay – then turned hopefully to Hinata. "Could you use your eyes to decode the mechanism?" At Hinata's hesitant look, the blonde girl pleaded, "Please! We have to get hold of this if we want to help Sakura-"

"It's useless," a new, displeased voice cut in. "Our supplies of ambrosia are all but exhausted, but that isn't the issue at hand, here."

Ino gasped, and her friends tensed, as they turned their faces toward the steps. Shikamaru was the only one to release an inner sigh of relief, secretly pleased that their foolhardy plan had been thwarted before it could escalate to catastrophe.

"The issue at hand," Inoichi continued brusquely, "is why you would sneak in here behind my back and attempt to obtain ambrosia."

Ino met her father's stern, angry gaze, and blanched.

Kakashi sighed as he entered his square-shaped office, closing the door firmly behind him. Classes were over for the day, and he had the afternoon free. The last thing he wanted to do was lecture teenagers on the wonders of Biology, but he knew that keeping up appearances was of paramount importance in the search for Sakura. He dumped a clipboard full of hastily scrawled notes on his solid oak desk, which was rapidly accumulating paperwork – and sank into his leather chair with another heavy sigh. He spun slowly and idly around, closing his eyes tiredly, his mind plagued with endless worries.

Tsunade was growing increasingly agitated and impatient, and he was starting to fear the worst for her. She needed to go back to work, to reassure the people who depended on her, but of course, he knew there was little chance of the strong-willed woman consenting to do so. Sakura had always taken precedence over everything else.

"I don't think I've ever seen you look so dejected," a deep voice remarked. Kakashi's lone, visible eye flew open and he twisted in the chair, to face the unexpected visitor who was stationed by the blind-shuttered windows, next to a tall plant in a large black pot.

"Jiraiya. I didn't see you there," Kakashi relaxed back in his seat.

"Losing your touch?" Jiraiya teased lightly, prompting Kakashi to sigh for a third time.

"We're all on edge," Kakashi answered. "This situation is completely unexpected…"

In response, Jiraiya plucked a small glass bottle out of thin air. "Ambrosia?"

Kakashi was tempted, but shook his head. "No." He cast a meaningful glance at the elder god, before adding, "You know that you're supposed to be preserving our supplies."

Jiraiya waved a hand and released a hearty laugh. "Of course, of course! But a little goes a long way with this delightful drink, as you well know, Kakashi. You do not mind if I do?"

Kakashi shook his head, knowing that he couldn't dissuade the white-haired deity anyway, and watched as Jiraiya took a long, leisurely swig from the bottle. "I don't suppose you've heard anything more?"

Jiraiya peered out through the blinds. He was silent for a moment, before disclosing, "We must tread carefully, Kakashi. He is watching us."

Kakashi instantly straightened. "You say it as though you are absolutely certain."

Jiraiya paused, before replying, "I am. Orochimaru assured us as much."

Kakashi leapt out of his chair. "You saw him!" he uttered, his eye widening in alarm. At Jiraiya's solemn nod, his masked friend pressed, "When?"

Jiraiya shook his head. "Not two days past… I confess that I expected Tsunade to share this news with you."

"She didn't," Kakashi answered. Then, after a pause, he continued, "That he would appear after all this time…"

"My thoughts exactly," Jiraiya replied gravely. "What's more, he is aware of Tsunade neglecting her duties at the hospital. He would have no way of knowing this unless somebody within the building relayed the information to him."

Kakashi silently exhaled. "A spy," he murmured.

"Precisely. And what do you think that blasted woman did when I tried to warn her about it?" Here Jiraiya gestured theatrically toward the window. "Shut me out, as always! She still holds me to account for something I had no control over. As if I would purposefully abandon those I consider my kin; as if I would have ever intentionally left Minato to fight alone!" He broke off, glaring broodingly into space. Kakashi stared, silenced by the uncharacteristic outburst. Then Jiraiya sighed loudly, and scratched at his chin. "Women," he concluded in disgust.

His friend proceeded with caution. "No word yet from your subjects?"

Jiraiya released a scornful snort at that. "Nothing underwater. And as for the others; young Sasuke has seen to them."

Kakashi's stomach tightened with sudden and unexpected dread. "Sasuke?" he scarcely dared to speak the death deity's name aloud in such a public place. "What do you mean-?"

"I decided, as a precaution, to send my subjects to the Underworld," Jiraiya casually explained.

Kakashi stepped around the table, overcome with a burst of anger. This wasn't the correct way to approach Sasuke, and Jiraiya knew it! "You did what?"

"Of course, Sasuke, being the hospitable and noble god that he is, slaughtered each and every one of my subjects," Jiraiya continued as if Kakashi hadn't spoken.

Kakashi raised a hand despairingly to his silver head. It came as no surprise to him that Sasuke would react in such a way; he had likely interpreted Jiraiya's actions as an accusation of him being actively involved in Sakura's disappearance. "Jiraiya, that was unnecessary; I already told you that I ventured to the Underworld-"

Jiraiya cast an unreadable look at his friend. "Why so distressed, Kakashi? If anyone has the right to be saddened, I do! That rascal massacred all twenty seven of my subjects. That is no small crime."

"You asked for it," Kakashi muttered. "You still don't understand Sasuke's nature-"

"On the contrary. My meeting with him earlier confirmed one very important point."

"You met him?" Kakashi exclaimed incredulously.

"Well," Jiraiya replied, taking another gulp of ambrosia. "It would be more accurate to state that he, in fact, came to meet me; with the carcasses of a few of my poor toads in tow."

Kakashi shook his head, stunned. That Sasuke would ascend to the surface, to confront Jiraiya directly… how angry had the deity before him made the Death God?

"What," he asked tightly, "did you learn?"

Jiraiya met Kakashi's gaze directly, and answered, "That Sasuke truly does not care for our troubles. He made it transparently clear that if we were to contact him about Sakura again, he will find and kill the girl."

Behind his mask, Kakashi's jaw clenched. Unbidden, his hands curled to form frustrated fists.

Sasuke… he thought, overcome with a twinge of guilt.

"Is this the same boy you knew, Kakashi?" Jiraiya enquired, noticing the tension in his shoulders. "The same youth who used to spar with you? Would you deny, even now, that he is beyond redemption?"

Kakashi's eyes lowered. He was silent.

"Sasuke holds us accountable for what happened to his family," Jiraiya went on. "He does not know that he orchestrated their demise. And the fact that he was so defensive in the face of what he believes to be accusations against him made one thing very clear to me."

Kakashi's eyes rose and met the elder god's again, as Jiraiya declared firmly, "That we cannot trust Sasuke. And unless I search the entire expanse of his Kingdom with my own eyes…" his dark gaze narrowed pointedly, as he finished, "I am disinclined to believe a word he says."

Sakura drew her cloak more firmly around her shoulders. After soaking in delicious smelling bath oils, hastily drying her hair, and changing into fresh clothes, she had chosen a black hooded cloak and waited for Ume and Chizu to depart with her laundry before sneaking out of her room and out of the palace. Her heart had thundered the entire way, and she'd half expected a still-shirtless Sasuke to intercept her. Thankfully he hadn't, and she'd been able to successfully slip out of the colossal, mist-warding gates without detection. She'd taken Suigetsu's advice to 'snoop' around, as he'd called it, as she'd realised that she had hardly investigated the wild terrain surrounding Sasuke's grand palace. The problem was that without a map, she had absolutely no semblance of direction, or where she was heading. Stepping out of the freezing white mist always felt like a gamble, whereupon Sakura had no idea where she would end up. The vast, rocky caverns all looked so alike.

She wandered along the silvery path, optimistic that her cloak helped to at least conceal her form in the dimness, even if just by a little. She hoped that she would soon come across one of the blue-fire torches she'd spied around in her previous walks along the winding path. But her eyes were quick to adjust and Sakura had the odd feeling that her sight even seemed a little sharper than usual. Was it the strange food and drink she was consuming? She debated whether she could ask Sasuke about it at some point. Her expression fell as the thought of the death deity crossed her mind once again. She roughly guessed that it must have been at least two hours or so since she had encountered him in the forge, if not more. The memory was still so vivid in her head. Unhappily, she kicked aside stray stones, lost in a sea of contemplation.

She found herself wondering once more just what it was that was so interesting about her. Sakura was baffled. Even if she cast aside all humbleness, she couldn't fathom just what had succeeded in snagging a great god's curiosity. Apart from her unnatural hair colour. That hardly warranted kidnapping, though, did it?

Maybe I should ask him, she thought, in an attempt to amuse herself, as she trudged along the path, grateful that this time she was wearing sandals with solid soles that prevented rocks from digging through into her feet. To pass the time, she began to make up silly exchanges, ones she knew she would never articulate in Sasuke's presence – but it was fun to privately entertain them, all the same.

So, Great God, has my marvellous mind caught your notice? Because you know that's pretty much my strongest feature; even though you haven't seen much of it… yet. I understand that maybe you're bored with only these dead spirits for company but… abducting someone isn't exactly the greatest way of making friends. Unless that's just your own personal way of making friends, in which case, we really do need to work on your social skills…

A faint smile touched her lips, as her mental dialogue continued. You know, if my mother was here, she'd show you a thing or two. I know you're an almighty god and everything, but if there's any human who can take you on, it's my mother. She isn't scared of anything. Not even death. She's braver than I am. Do you even know how to smile? I guess you have nothing to smile about; I mean, this place outside your palace is pretty depressing, isn't it? Ever thought of decorating? Flowers would work.

She walked onwards, lost in the flow of her thoughts. And what's with your staring, anyway? It kind of freaks me out. Actually, it freaks me out a lot. I know my hair's a strange colour, but really, it's rude to stare, and it's especially bad-mannered to corner a girl when you're shirtless, and- she frowned, you're such a stuck-up jerk, and even if I understand now that I can't actually send you to prison, I'll always hate you for kidnapping me. You think the fact you happen to be so good-looking will change that? I'm not that kind of girl, you bastard!

Sakura's brows drew together. It was alarming, how erratic her thoughts toward Sasuke were. But the shameful truth was that a small part of her genuinely wanted to find out more about her captor – and not just, she was starting to realise, for the purpose of escaping from him, either. She acknowledged that a significant reason behind why Sasuke frustrated her so much was because of his clipped, standoffish nature, and how it contrasted so greatly with how intently he watched her. He seemed to make a conscious effort to place verbal distance between them – but those rules went out the window when it came to physical proximity. And that fact unsettled Sakura to no end.

It was normal, she reassured herself, for her to be curious. Wasn't it? It didn't mean anything. She was thinking too deeply into it, otherwise. Hadn't gods created humans to seek knowledge and greater understanding? It was only natural that Sasuke fascinated her as much as he frightened her. He was a Death God, who had chosen to snatch her from her home, her family and her friends. Of course she wanted to find out more about him. How had he come into existence? Did gods have mothers, and families? She had so many questions, but she didn't hold much hope that Sasuke would indulge any of them.

It wasn't fair, she decided, as she carried on walking forward, so distracted by her musings that she only realised she'd strayed from the path when she looked back and saw it glimmering faintly far behind her. She scowled unhappily. Had her mind really been so engaged by thoughts of that jerk of a god that she'd lost focus of where she'd been heading? Sakura sighed, turning her head to examine the area she'd drifted into. She couldn't see anything remarkable at first glance, but more careful inspection revealed a cave-like structure to her far right. It was set snugly into a rock-face, and as she approached it, Sakura found that the inner walls of the structure glowed faintly red, then orange, and finally gold in hue, before repeating the magical colour cycle.

Her curiosity firmly captured, Sakura lifted one of the two blue-fire torches resting conveniently in holders on either side of the open rock face and ventured into the cave. She released a little gasp of delight as she turned her eyes to find a naturally formed roof that glinted with green stones of some kind. Were they real gems? Fantastic stalagmites protruded from the uneven ground, each one unique in its shape. A limestone cavern, Sakura recognised, as she walked deeper into it, trying to be as quiet as possible. The rock walls shifted colours like rainbows around her, and she wondered whether anything inhabited the cave.

Unlikely, she told herself. She was in the Underworld, after all. Unless some manner of mythical creature lurked within, but the cavern looked so bright and inviting, and Sakura's intuition wasn't warning her to run. She followed the winding path, which seemed to grow narrower, and when she glanced back over her left shoulder, she realised that the mouth of the structure was now far behind her. Shrugging, she continued onwards. The colours eventually faded off to reveal normal, grey rock, and stalactites hung from the ceiling, signalling that Sakura was heading deeper into the heart of the cavern. Her ears strained to hear a sound, other than the scraping of her sandals as they crushed over stone and natural debris.

I wonder where this leads, Sakura thought, as she followed the route left and straight to find herself at the entrance of a large, circular area, illuminated by blue-fire torches attached at regular intervals on dark walls that seemed to glint with silver-like composites.

Wow, Sakura drew in an appreciative breath, pushing back her hood to allow her an unhindered view of the impressive sight. Stalagmites towered around the expanse of the area. They glowed with unnatural blue light. Boulders were scattered about, as well as strange, hay-like piles and… feathers? Lots of feathers, she suddenly realised, and of varying hues. Did some manner of exotic bird dwell further within? She thought she heard the trickle of water, but it was too faint to discern exactly where it was coming from. The cold, damp air smelt strangely of… what was that? Sakura sniffed, unable to place the scent. She spied an opening to her far right, was just about to contemplate whether to walk toward it, when the torches on the walls abruptly flickered out, plunging the area into darkness.

Sakura immediately froze, listening intently. Silence. She slowly raised the torch in her hand, trying to glimpse her surroundings. At first she couldn't see anything. But the more she stared, the more her sense of paranoia heightened. She heard seductive, feminine laughter above her, and her heart leapt into her throat in alarm. Dreading what she would see, Sakura turned her face upward, toward the stalactite populated ceiling. At least a dozen glowing, cat-slanted eyes stared down at her, causing the blood in Sakura's veins to chill to ice.

It didn't take much brain power to discern that she had walked right into trouble.

She began to turn, moving the torch frantically in an attempt to find the point where she'd entered the circular area, meaning to make a hasty dash toward safety, when the light bestowing flame snuffed out in turn, leaving her in total blackness. A choked, panicked sound escaped her lips. After death, being alone in darkness was her greatest fear. She remained perfectly still, goose-pimples surfacing on her arms, bare beneath the cloak.

Stay calm, she willed herself. She was in Sasuke's kingdom. Everything residing within it obeyed his law. Nothing would hurt her. Would it? Stay calm. Stay calm, stay calm…

"Sisters," a voice that Sakura could only describe as airy breathed somewhere close behind her. She spun to face it, but when the female spoke again, she had moved to Sakura's left. "What hapless little creature has stumbled upon our nest?"

Another chorus of velvety laughter filled the air. The torchlights hanging against the wall flared abruptly back to life, and Sakura caught her breath, the sight before her descending her heart into a frenzied and chaotic beat.

She was most definitely in very big trouble.

Tall, voluptuous, winged women, dressed in gossamer gowns of varying hues and lengths, bound by plaited cord belts at the waist, surrounded her. Each woman possessed long, silky tresses, in shades that seemed unearthly in the blue candlelight. And that wasn't the only thing strange about them. The tips of their fingers and their toes were alarmingly sharp. Claws, Sakura registered nervously. Large wings sprouted from their backs, twitching as they stalked closed toward her, hips swaying seductively with every movement. Their eyes were strange, luminous, and their faces almost feral in their beauty. These were no angels, Sakura knew. Women with claws and wings; she'd read about harpies in mythical tales. And they were by no means amiable creatures.

I don't believe this, Sakura thought numbly. It wasn't that she didn't believe what she was seeing, although it was always a shock to encounter a new species of being that humans on the surface resigned to fairy-tales and myth. She'd had to quickly acclimatise herself to the fact that supernatural entities like sirens, nymphs – and now harpies - actually existed in Sasuke's world. But Sakura had a hard time accepting how bad luck seemed to follow her around like a bothersome shadow, just waiting to spring an unfortunate situation upon her. Of all the places in the Underworld she could have stumbled across… she'd unwittingly wandered straight into the heart of a harpy nest.

"I know her, sister," another harpy fell from the roof of the cavern, landing with predator-like grace upon the rocky, feather-strewn ground. She had pale, silvery hair and smiled at Sakura, baring razor-sharp teeth. Sakura swallowed, calling upon all her willpower to remain in place. She wasn't certain how to handle the situation she was in. Perhaps, if she remained calm, and polite, and simply apologised, they would allow her to leave unharmed.

Three more descended from the roof from they had been hanging like bats. Sakura stiffened as she felt a clawed hand scratch lightly across her shoulders, thankful that she'd had the sense to wrap a cloak around her body. The thought of those talons scraping against her skin made her shudder with disgust.

"And I," another harpy cooed, slinking forward, her violet eyes a little too bright and interested for Sakura's liking. "She is the mortal maiden we lured into the field."

Sakura's gaze widened as the harpy released a velvety giggle, before transforming before her very eyes in a sudden burst of mist. Sakura found herself staring at a very familiar, innocent looking child; one of the little girls who had snatched her bag and led her into the forest. Led her away from the safety of her friends and toward the flower field.

Led her straight into Sasuke's waiting hands.

As if being kidnapped wasn't bad enough; now she had discovered that Sasuke had also resorted to deceit to acquire her! He'd used her soft spot for children against her.

Suigetsu had been telling the truth when he'd warned her that Sasuke was manipulative.

For an instant, all she could see was red, as she gasped angrily at the child-disguised harpy. "You!"

"It seems you have upset our human guest, sister," another black-haired harpy remarked, as her companion swiftly shed the childish image and retook her true form.

"We must find a way to please her," another frighteningly beautiful blonde sighed.

"Oh yes, let us please you," another murmured into Sakura's right ear, sending a jolt of fear down her spine. She wanted to snap at them not to touch her, but was afraid of provoking them. There were at least fifteen of them surrounding her now, and she could feel more eyes boring into her from above. Her mind raced as she mapped out possible courses of action. If she turned and tried to run, would they stop her? Would they go so far as to physically hurt her?

"Or if we cannot please her…" a curly red-haired harpy continued, smiling maliciously at Sakura, "…perhaps she can please us…"

A chorus of approving giggles met the suggestion.

"Oh, yes, please us…"

"Such pretty hair…" the harpy who was lingering at Sakura's ear cooed, and reached out to stroke Sakura's rosy locks. Sakura swallowed back her nausea when the tip of a claw scraped against her scalp.

"Such a pretty girl," another joined her, trailing a hand down Sakura's cloak-concealed arm.

"She is favoured," another golden-haired one stopped before her, breathless with an excitement that disturbed Sakura to her very core. "Favoured by the Master…"

"Stop!" another voice suddenly exclaimed. Sakura's eyes darted hopefully to the source. A smaller, younger harpy, with short, choppy chestnut coloured hair, stepped forward. She wasn't as curvaceous as the others, and one of her wings seemed misshapen. But the look on her face was markedly different to that of the other women who were slowly closing in on Sakura. "Don't harm her!"

"We shan't harm her, little Lirith," the others spoke in unison.

"We just want to play with her…" the redhead smiled, sharp teeth glinting in the flickering torchlight. "Just a little…"

"Yes, play. She came so sweetly to us…"

"How pleasant she smells; just like a flower."

"Such captivating eyes…"

"I wonder what she tastes like."

"Sister…" another whined. "I am so famished…"

"We all are, sister…"

"Hungry…"

"Hungry for mortal flesh…"

Sakura felt the blood drain from her face. It was time for her to leave. Now. She cringed away from the harpies at her shoulders, and nervously apologised, "I'm… sorry for intruding. I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll go now-"

"Go?" the voices chorused in dismay, wings flapping, feet scurrying to surge forward at her attempt to retreat. Sakura backed into three other creatures, who reached out to grasp onto her cloak.

"Do not go," they implored.

"Stay with us."

"Yes… stay with us and play."

"Please let go," Sakura tugged at her cloak, but their grips were firm. Her heart pounded. Fear was starting to trickle into her legs, making them feel precarious and unstable beneath her.

"Just a little game," another harpy pleaded, brushing a sharp claw against Sakura's cheek.

"Just one…"

"Stop!" the same voice objected. "The Master instructed us not to touch her!"

"She shan't be harmed," the harpies around her cooed once again. "We will please her…"

Sakura gasped as she felt claws slip beneath her cloak, scratching against the skin of her left arm. "Don't touch me!" she cried, feeling panic, which had been steadily simmering within her, begin to overflow.

"Stop it! Isla, let her go! Get out of my way!"

Sakura snatched back her arm and shoved a stubborn harpy aside. Shock rippled over her recoiling companions' faces, giving way to immediate outrage. Their features suddenly contorted, became even more feral and terrifying. Sakura didn't stop to consider what this undoubtedly meant for her. She saw an opening – and dove straight through it, past a cluster of winged women who shrieked furiously after her.

It was the most awful sound Sakura had ever heard – but she didn't stop running toward the entrance, which her eyes had finally, blessedly, spotted again.

"She has rejected us, sisters!" one of the creatures cried.

"Ungrateful little wench!" another hissed.

"Sister, she struck me!" the harpy Sakura had pushed aside moaned.

"No! Stop it!"

Sakura cried out as she was abruptly jerked back by the hood of her cloak. She lost her balance and toppled to the right, arms flailing in a futile attempt to regain her footing. Pain exploded behind her eyes and in her calf as her leg caught against a boulder's jagged edge. The momentum of the fall meant that she couldn't keep her ankle from twisting as another hostile hand snatched at her cloak, causing her to land on her left side, grazing her elbow in the process.

She choked back tears. Her right leg felt like it was on fire. Her searching fingertips brushed against warm liquid, and Sakura dizzily registered that she was bleeding. She frantically tried to get back onto her feet, but her injured leg and sprained ankle only resulted in an onslaught of agony upon her screaming nerve cells. Panting breathlessly, Sakura turned her face up, to find the harpies closing in, their features cruel, predatory. Hungry for bloodshed.

Sheer panic froze her in place like an invisible magnet, acting upon her body. Pure desperation swelled within her, and a name fell from her lips before she could comprehend it. It was instinctive. Senseless. An urgent, trembling sob for aid.

"S-Sasuke…"

The harpies inched closer. Their razor sharp claws extended to her. Seconds away from sinking into her. Ready to slit her throat. Ready to tear her galloping heart out of her chest.

Sakura opened her mouth, and screamed at the top of her lungs.

"Sasuke!"

Sasuke gazed absentmindedly into the mirror as he secured the final button on the collar of his top. After completing Sakura's sword, he had returned to his quarters to shower and freshen up. Snapping filigree embossed silver gauntlets into place over his arms, the death deity turned away from his reflection and exited the black-marble constructed bathroom. He crossed over to the colossal, lavishly strewn four-poster bed and picked up the jewelled scabbard he'd specifically customised to accompany the sword. Intricate swirls encircled golden flowers, their central heads set with rare, pink topaz stones. Both sheath and blade were fitting for the woman who would wield them; lightweight, beautifully wrought; an exquisite creation of nature.

Yes, it would do nicely, Sasuke thought to himself, as he took a moment to admire his handicraft. He reached out to draw the weapon from its case – and froze, every muscle in his body tensing as a frightened voice reverberated through his mind.

'Sasuke!'

His immortal senses placed the pleading voice with its owner immediately. Sakura. She was in pain. He extended his thoughts, seeking her location through the link forged between them by the shackles bound to her ankles – and when an image flashed in response in his mind, Sasuke inhaled sharply.

In a heartbeat, he vanished.

Sakura slapped seeking, hungry talons away, but they were replaced with others. Cruel hands snatched at her tresses, pulling painfully. Her thoughts boomed in time with the racing of her heart. Terror was clouding her vision, stealing away her ability to draw oxygen. They were all around her, everywhere, their faces no longer beautiful, but twisted and ugly, cat-slanted eyes shining with feral intensity.

I'm going to die. He isn't coming. I'm going to die, I'm going to die, I'mgoingtodie-

Suddenly, the creatures surrounding her tensed. She heard them hiss, and they began to recoil from her, slowly disbanding, their attention drawn toward the opening Sakura had tried so desperately to reach. They continued to retreat, their movements uncertain, when one of them suddenly shrieked, a high-pitched, wailing sound that was neither human nor bird.

Sakura heard the beating of wings, and a deafening chorus of alarmed cries as the harpies flew up to the roof of their nest, shedding feathers everywhere. Trembling, Sakura dared to look up, toward the exit point – only for the air to catch in her heaving lungs.

Sasuke stepped into the cavern.

Immediately, his dark eyes locked onto her - and held fast. Sakura's body shuddered more violently beneath the devastating weight of his gaze, as relief flooded through her.

Oh, she thought senselessly, trying to swallow back grateful sobs. Thank God. Thank God…

His face betraying nothing, Sasuke walked calmly over to her, and looked down, silently examining the state of her; dishevelled locks, a tear-stained face, the shallow scratch on her left cheek, the shredded ends of her cloak. For a heart-stopping moment, he remained perfectly still, his eyes lingering on her injured right leg.

"Sasuke," Sakura began to stammer, her nerve-endings tingling from the static-like, overpowering aura of menace she could feel radiating from his body, an alarming contrast to the unreadable expression on his features. "I-"

Wordlessly, he stepped around her, not permitting her an opportunity to explain. Sakura twisted her head, biting down on her tongue to prevent the whimper of pain from escaping her lips as she watched the death deity move unhurriedly to the centre of the circular nest.

Then, with no manner of warning save for the abrupt plunge in air temperature and the flash of crimson eyes, blinding bolts of blue-white electricity encompassed the death deity's form, snaking jaggedly around him, shooting predominantly upwards, accompanied by a terrifying and strangely melodic sound akin to a thousand birds screeching in unison. The lightning energy sent stalactites flying into the air, reducing rock matter to sizzling debris. Feathers rained down around Sasuke, as the horrifying sound of harpies screaming in agony reverberated deafeningly about the cavern. They fell from the roof of the cave like hail, writhing in anguish on the ground. Some were struck by fresh tendrils of electricity, and convulsed violently, their screams ear-splitting, heart stopping.

Sakura covered her ears, sobbing, nearly retching as the stench of charred flesh and plumage, mixed with the coppery scent of blood, filled the air. Her pulse was racing wildly, her mind thrown by the startling demonstration of the sheer, terrifying power Sasuke commanded.

The Death God spoke coldy and clearly over the riotous din, the fury in his voice chilling Sakura to the bone.

"You disobeyed me."

"Master!" the female creatures howled, their voices now almost demonic in tone. "She rejected usss…"

"Have mercy…!"

"Spare us!"

Sakura choked back a scream as a fresh wave of electricity pulsated from Sasuke's body. She was filled with horror when she noticed that some of the harpies were no longer moving on the floor. A few who tried hysterically to fly from the nest were stabbed mid-flight by crackling lightning.

The screams eventually began to quieten, reducing to tortured moans and groans. Finally, blessedly, the unnatural energy enveloping Sasuke spiked and ebbed – but not before he noticed one final, smaller harpy, trying to crawl away to safety. Electricity screeched into the palm of his right hand, and he drew it back, meaning to impale the youngest of the creatures – when Sakura's pleading cry caused the muscles in his arm to tense.

"No! Sasuke! She tried to help me- please, don't-!"

"M-mercy, Master," the brown-haired little harpy wheezed, shaking uncontrollably in fear. "Mercy!"

Sasuke's luminous, crimson eyes narrowed at the injured creature as he considered Sakura's words, before slowly lowering his arm.

"Get out of my sight," he hissed at the little harpy, who wasted no time in making herself scarce. Then, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, Sasuke's bloody irises faded back to charcoal and he pivoted around and made his way nonchalantly back to Sakura, who stiffened as he knelt beside her, her eyes glassy with fear.

She had just witnessed him kill an entire nest of harpies. And those who were not dead lay seriously mutilated. All because they had disobeyed his instruction not to harm her. Such raw, devastating power... Stunned, she could only stare in stupefied, muted shock as he swept her up into his arms, and began to walk out of the cavern. Sakura squeezed her eyes shut as a fresh surge of pain shot through her right leg – and when she opened them again, she was surprised to find herself in a large, unfamiliar room that was even more resplendent than her own.

It took her dazed brain a few seconds to realise that she was in Sasuke's bedchamber, but she wasn't given an opportunity to dwell on the fact, or to pay much attention to her impressive new surroundings, as Sasuke gently lowered her down onto something soft and comfortable. His bed, Sakura registered, trying to swallow back her anxiety. Then another jolt of stinging pain drew her attention back to her leg, and as Sasuke untied her cloak, she was able to view the full extent of her injuries for the first time.

What she saw caused her stomach to tighten with dread. A deep, ugly gash marred the smooth skin of her calf. She whimpered as Sasuke sat down on the side of the bed before her, and reached out to examine the wound with cool fingertips. The contrast of the carefulness of his touch with the massacre she had seen just minutes earlier made Sakura's head spin.

"Sasuke-" she began again, and was answered with a stern, silencing scowl.

"Be still."

She gulped. He seemed angry, but she couldn't figure out whether his displeasure was directed fully at her – or at the fallen harpies. She quietened, and watched in fascination as his hands glowed with an eerie, pale blue light. Warmth throbbed in her leg, and Sakura's breath hitched as the skin slowly began to mend at the brush of Sasuke's fingers. Sakura's own gripped tightly onto the dark crimson satin sheets beneath her as she stared at the healing wound in amazement, her galloping heart-beat never settling. It suddenly struck her that gods had the power to reverse all ailments and injuries. In Sasuke's case, he even possessed the ability to ward off death – if he wished it.

The gaping gash was soon reduced to a scar, which in turn faded away to leave nothing but soft skin once again. A tingle ran through Sakura's leg and her heart unexpectedly jumped as Sasuke's right palm slid slowly up her calf, a light, tantalising touch that caused her to inhale sharply. His eyes rose, locking piercingly onto hers, and for an awful moment, she couldn't look away. Then his gaze abruptly lowered back to her leg, the palm sliding down again, moving to the golden bangle around her ankle.

Sakura held her breath, as with a casual flick of the deity's wrist, the clasp fell obediently away. His left hand supported her sandal-clad heel while his right trailed over the injured muscles. Sakura felt warmth seep into her cells once more and when Sasuke had finished, the pain had vanished and she was able to move her ankle again. She drew her leg back toward her body, quickly yanking the tattered hem of her dress back down over her knee.

But Sasuke wasn't done. He reached out and brushed his glowing fingers against her left elbow, and Sakura was reminded of the graze she had sustained when falling to the rocky floor. Believing herself to be fully mended, she opened her mouth to dutifully thank him, when the feel of a hand gripping her chin caused the words on the tip of her tongue to dissipate. Her heart leapt as he tilted her face to the right, fingertips trailing over her left cheek. Warmth flooded through her skin, informing Sakura that she'd been injured there too. When it faded, and when Sasuke's index finger idly traced the curve of her cheekbone, Sakura froze, caught off-guard by the unexpected gentleness of the touch. She felt heat, unbidden, pool to her cheeks; the fingertips brushing along her jawline seemed to leave a blazing path in their wake.

She didn't dare to turn her eyes to him. Now that the agony of pain was no longer distracting and inhibiting her senses, Sakura was all too aware of his proximity once again - as well as the fact that she was in his room, sitting with him, on his bed. Her heart pounded, and a strange sensation had broken free in her stomach. An odd fluttering, as she wondered what he was doing, and why he had yet to pull his hand back. She was just about getting agitated, and ready to leap away from him, when Sasuke's hand finally lowered.

An awkward silence ensued. Sakura could feel his gaze burning into her. It was like a magnet that absolutely commanded her to look at him. She fought against it, keeping her attention fixed firmly onto the satin sheets as she whispered thickly, "Why did you hurt them…?"

Another heavy pause fell between them, and Sakura, unable to resist the pull of his eyes any longer, turned her face to him. Dark orbs captured apple-green as he answered flatly, "They harmed you."

Sakura's heart skipped a beat as the weight of his words settled over her. Something flickered in Sasuke's eyes, a guarded look she couldn't quite discern. He seemed to reconsider what he had said, for he swiftly amended, "They disobeyed me."

Sakura silently exhaled. Her mind chose that moment to examine him. He had freshened up, was clad entirely in black, save for the deep grey sash draped across his chest, tied at his left shoulder by an onyx-set silver brooch. His outfit was further accessorised by burnt silver gauntlets and a plaited silver belt. The silver circlet earring in his left ear glinted beneath the warmth of the candlelit chandelier hanging somewhere above them, and silver sandals were secured over the lower legs of his trousers. He wore dark colours well, and black best of all.

Sakura, who had changed into a silver pleat-strapped, navy coloured gown earlier, was certain that her hair looked as dishevelled as her dress. Feeling horridly self-conscious, she blurted out, "Thank you. I didn't mean to cause any-" she abruptly broke off as he reached out, tugging her right leg toward him again. Sakura's muscles immediately tensed at the contact.

"You were trying to escape," Sasuke stated quietly, his eyes fixed on the slender ankle now firmly in his grasp.

Something twisted unpleasantly in Sakura's gut. "No," she shook her head, feeling strangely troubled by how little he trusted her. "I just wanted to look around-"

Dark eyes lifted to meet hers, as he snapped the golden bangle pointedly back in place, in a gesture that wordlessly confirmed that he did not believe her.

Sakura swallowed miserably. "I swear," she insisted. "I wasn't trying to-"

"Hn. Enough," the death deity curtly dismissed, and released her ankle. Before she could protest any further, he leaned forward, causing Sakura's breath to catch in her throat at the sudden, unnerving proximity. He was near enough for her to smell his warm-spice scent. Her pulse drummed erratically as his eyes lowered to her lips. She tensed as his left arm lifted to snake around her, and he drew closer, his mouth just inches shy of touching her own.

Oh God, she thought frantically, unable to tear her gaze away, unable to function, unable to do anything as panic seized her body. He's-

With unruffled nonchalance, Sasuke pulled back, producing something in his left hand, an object he had retrieved from behind her. Sakura looked stupidly down, to find the scabbard of a sword in his grasp. It was beautifully formed, featuring filigree swirls and golden flowers, set with deep pink gems.

Sasuke pressed it into her hands. Sakura gulped, reminded of their encounter in the forge. So he had completed her sword. Which meant…

"Please," she began, "I don't want-"

But he had already risen from the bed. "You will return to your chamber and change into something more…" he paused briefly, dark eyes trailing over her clothes, before finishing "...suitable."

Sakura blinked down at the encased blade, and then back up at Sasuke, finding no room for negotiation in his unforgiving eyes, as he added, "Then we spar."

Author's note

Sasuke is mad! If you're wondering why the harpies attacked Sakura, they're wild creatures and their anger kind of bypassed orders. Plus they're a little jealous that the Underworld's hottie god favours a mortal. More reaction and thoughts from Sasuke next update. Training also begins next chapter. Are you all drooling with anticipation? xD You should be, because I plan to load these scenes with copious amounts of sexual tension. Kukuku. I hope you all enjoyed Sasuke's badass rescuing of Sakura, here. Please leave me reviews! That'll make me super happy and motivate me to start working on the next one as soon as I'm able. Thanks for reading!