Author's Note:

Due to work and school this Chapter took longer to write then I wanted it too! Thankfully I got it done! Warning for very minor fluff because Sakura and Sasuke are both stubborn sometimes. Hopefully next chapter will be up in a few days!

It had to only been for a second, but he could have sworn that someone had been standing there. Sasuke shook his head before he turned back towards the kingdom. Perhaps he was just seeing things, only his family had anything like that from what he knew… it couldn't be. Could it?

Chapter 3: Awakening

The Kingdom was a little quiet upon their return, most were sleeping in their homes but there were lights on every now and then to signify that some shops remained open even though dawn hadn't even broken out of the land. Sasuke stopped with the group in front of the stables looking towards Asuma who carefully took Sakura into his arms and cradled her softly, "Who is this girl? She is so light." He muttered surprised as he turned his head up to face the prince who peered down at him before getting off Nobu allowing the stable boy to take him in with the other horses as Naruto and Shikamaru joined Sasuke's side awaiting an explanation. "It is a long story, come, I will explain it to you and my parents, knowing them they are awaiting our arrival." He scowled a little before he took ahead of Sakura again letting her lean against his shoulder, he made sure she was okay from their trek before he sauntered ahead with an elegant stride into the palace towards a large throne room. To say it was extravagant would be an understatement. He looked up towards the large red doors that blocked the way in, lined with golden trims in beautiful intricate designs and adorned by the Uchiha Fan in the middle, the symbol of his family.

It split apart as the door opened and he walked along the red carpet that protected the black and white marble floors leading up towards two thrones that awaited them. Behind the thrones was a stained-glass window that was also designed as the Uchiha Fan with two smaller windows surrounding it that displayed the Sharigan eyes, it was their bloodline ability, one he feared he saw earlier today. He lowered his gaze quietly to figures situated upon the thrones as he passed by the marble columns that lined the room decorated with flags and golden trims, he stopped just before the stairs leading up to their thrones and bowed his head respectfully. "Sasuke!" The Queens voice spoke as she rose from her throne, much like Sasuke she bore raven black hair and soft onyx eyes, she raced over to him hugging him tightly before she realized he was carrying anything, she moved back and raised a brow seeing the girl in his arms, hesitantly she reached out and pushed off her hood and gasped seeing her pink hair. "Sasuke? Explain yourself!" She demanded seeing the girl was out cold. Sasuke looked up into the eyes of his mother, Mikoto Uchiha before he trailed down to Sakura's sleeping face. "Her name is Sakura. She needs our help." He explained before he looked back up towards her, Mikoto raised a brow softly and looked back to her husband who remained on his throne. King Fugaku held short black hair with piercing onyx eyes that kept a stern look upon them as he slowly rose from his place and stepped towards his wife.

Mikoto frowned and waved her hand towards a servant, "Please come take her to a guest room, have her cleaned up and changed so she can rest." She beckoned the maid who rushed over and carefully took Sakura in her arms before bowing her head and leaving the room. Mikoto's eyes landed upon Sasuke once more as she and Fugaku stared him down, he swallowed lightly as all eyes fell upon him including that of Naruto and Shikamaru, "Hn." He mumbled, "I got lost in the forest on my own, after getting separated from Naruto and Shikamaru, Nobuyuki got injured and I ran into Sakura in the forest who healed him. We ran into some shady looking guys, and she brought me to her village. Her grandma or something let me stay for dinner and then later that night asked me if I could take Sakura away from the village right before it was attacked. On our way home we caught up to Naruto and Shikamaru and ran into one of the shady guys who attacked us, Kakashi and Asuma saved us and now we are here." Sasuke explained swiftly, avoiding to many details regarding it since it was a long story. "Her village was attacked?" Mikoto asked as Fugaku seemed to be processing the info before he nodded his head, "Explain the shady men? Why did her grandmother ask you to take her away considering she would have barely known you?" He questioned sternly as Sasuke slipped his hands into his pocket he blinked a bit feeling not only a map but another paper within in other pocket.

Silently he pulled it out and blinked seeing it was a letter for the King and Queen, he held it out to his father warily, "Maybe this will explain better than I can, it happened so fast." He murmured as he looked up as his mother softly took the letter from his hands, she opened it without hesitation and glanced it over carefully before her eyes widened and she showed it to Fugaku who took it scanning it quickly before both of them looked at Sasuke a hint of concern crossed their faces, "We will await Kakashi's return before we speak further, we will talk to you later in the morning Sasuke, please go get some rest all of you." Mikoto said as Fugaku walked to Asuma whispering something under his breath as Sasuke felt a tense air around the room. His eyes moved from them back to his mother before he bowed respectfully nodding his head, "Yes Mother." He said softly before he turned to Naruto and Shikamaru who also bowed before following after Sasuke in tow. "What was that about?" Naruto asked rather confused about the matter, "I don't know but I don't like it." Shikamaru said warily. "What did you get yourself into Sasuke?" The blonde exclaimed loudly before Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Hn. I don't even know anymore honestly; all I know is that Sakura is safe, and I am tired." He mumbled to himself before he headed towards his bedroom with a yawn, "Me too! I can't wait to meet her in the morning." Naruto beamed happily, Shikamaru frowned, "She might be overwhelmed considering she has been out cold this entire time, it would be wise to ease her into things and you can be… a bit much." Shikamaru said as Naruto's jaw dropped.

"Can you believe what he just said?" Naruto scoffed looking at Sasuke who casted him an annoyed glare, "I agree with Shikamaru, now please be quiet and go sleep. I'll see you later." He grumbled as he walked into his room closing the door behind him leaving the two to squabble it out themselves before he walked to the bed and flopped onto it. His mind drifted to Sakura as his eyes slowly closed falling into a deep sleep.

X~x~X

Soft green pools fluttered upon feeling the warmth of the sun against her delicate skin. Sakura stared towards large windows that shimmered in the light, she felt velvet like material under her fingertips and gripped it tightly as she drew in a sharp breath, she felt like her chest was being crushed by an heavy weight, her eyes trailed down to the strange bed she was laying in, the new gown she was wearing felt more extravagant then anything she owned herself, it hung loosely upon her thin pale body as she carefully managed to drag herself out of bed bracing herself against it. She swallowed painfully looking around the unknown room with bewilderment. She has never seen anything like it before, but it reminded her of something out of a story book. She spotted a velvet covered chest at the end of the bed where her bag was, she wandered over to it carefully and opened it up.

Her eyes widened in shock seeing it was filled with letters all addressed to her, she swallowed silently with her hand shaking as she grabbed the one with Grandma Chiyo's writing upon it, she opened it up hesitantly and allowed her eyes to gaze upon it. "Dearest Sakura, No doubt you have woken up in a strange place and you probably don't feel so great, I wish I could be there for you, but you are there because it is safer. Sasuke and his family can protect you and I bet my life on that fact they can find a way to break the curse upon you and discover who is after you. Before you put the blame onto Sasuke, I asked him to do it, please do not get mad at him. Sakura, I love you so much, having you in my life has granted me the greatest blessing an old woman could ever ask for. I don't know if I will ever get to see you again, but I hope I can, you are a brilliant young lady and you will be a marvelous doctor. Please do not come looking for us, not until after the people who are after you are stopped. I don't know how long that will take and I don't know what you will find if you come looking. Please take care of yourself Sakura, tell Sasuke about your curse and ask for his help. You can do this I believe in you. I love you to the moon and back my little cherry blossom, goodbye. P.S. If you need anything while you are there, please see out Lady Tsunade, she was my apprentice once upon a time and if she is still within the kingdom you can trust her to help you too." It read, it was signed by Grandma Chiyo and Sakura felt the pain subside inside of her only to be replaced with such an immense sorrow as she gripped the letter.

She dropped to her knees choking back a harsh sob that rattled her entire body as she leaned her head back and cried silently before she slumped onto the ground she banged her fist onto the ground before she felt her body tremble and convulse, her eyes widened as she looked up at her bag, she reached up weakly but she couldn't grab it, she was too fragile as her body spasmed again being ravaged by a terrible pain as she started to cough and gasp for air silently. The door flew opened as two maids rushed in hearing a noise, "Miss what happened?" Onol;e asked surprised dropping to her knees as she the two of them struggled to get Sakura to calm down. "Amai! Go get Prince Sasuke! Perhaps he can help her?" She asked, "Yes Tohru!" Amai rose her feet and nodded taking off swiftly, Tohru picked the small pink girl up and carried her to bed carefully laying her down worriedly.

x~x~x

Sasuke was sleeping soundly when a racket woke him up as a maid dared to burst into his room, he grumbled and sat up glaring at her, her face red as she saw his bare chest, "What?" he snapped crudely uninterested in her blatant stares. She gasped as though snapping back to reality before she shook her head frantically, "Your majesty! Please come, it is the young miss, something is wrong." Amai begged softly to him concerned, Sasuke paused for a moment slicking his hair back in though before his eyes widened, he jumped out of bed slipping his shirt on and then a pair of pants. "Lead the way." He beckoned followed her swiftly to Sakura's room, he walked in with haste as Amai opened the door before rushing towards the girl, Sasuke's eyes widened as they landed on the pale sickly girl, her body twitched, her eyes were frantic and her hair clung to her face as she was covered in a cold sweat, her cheeks were flushed as though she had broken out into a fever, he moved to her side and recalled what the old woman had told him, "Tohru go make tea swiftly, any kind." He ordered before he moved to the end of the bed reaching into the bag and riffling through it until he pulled out her medicine. "Sakura you have to take this." He ordered looking down at her as he returned to her side. She looked up at him despite the pain that radiated through her body she could feel the fury of him taking her away from her home welling up inside of her. He had taken her away from everything she loved, she couldn't forgive him for that, she did not get to say goodbye and she may never see them ever again. Sasuke paused staring into her hurt eyes, he felt the sickening pang of regret as his heart rumbled seeing her like this. "S-She begged me Sakura! What did you want me to do?" He snapped at her lightly, she turned her head away from him refusing to take the medicine.

"Hn." Sasuke hissed before he let out a breath, "Look, she said you could die... without this so please take it, you can be mad at me all you want after that. I will not break my promise to her." Sasuke said boldly to the sick girl. Sakura refused to look at him, she closed her eyes tightly as she kept her mouth shut. "Stubborn girl." Sasuke tsked undeterred from his goal as Tohru came back with a fresh tray of tea, she looked at Sasuke who softly blew onto the cup, if Sakura was going to be stubborn so was, he. He took out a pill and popped it into his mouth before taking a nice sip of the tea. He straddled onto Sakura getting on top of her, her eyes flew open as she gazed up at him shocked as she weakly tried to push him off her. He cupped her cheeks with his hands before he leaned down and kissed her passionately. Her eyes widened in surprise as he did, he moved his hands from her cheeks and held onto her wrists, she shivered in surprise as he wormed in his way into her mouth and forced the tea with the medicine into her mouth, she wanted to spit it out but she was in shock from what was happening, he softly reached his hand up lacing his fingers between hers as he kissed her again she swallowed without thinking before she melted into the kiss softly kissing him back.

Sasuke felt very victorious as he got the stubborn Sakura to take her medicine but then felt an incredible shock as her soft lips returned the favor, he felt an odd heat raising through his body as she squeezed his hand, he pulled back for air and gazed down at her as she sobbed silently under him. He frowned softly as he wrapped his other arm around her and laid beside her, "H-Hey I am sorry... I didn't... want to but you weren't taking the medicine." He murmured lightly as he avoided looking into her eyes as he felt the trembles dissipate. Sakura nodded silently, she knew Sasuke wouldn't understand her if she tried to speak, she was frustrated and full of sorrow and yet she also felt a light tingling sensation from the kiss, she had never felt it before in her life. She reached her hand up and brushed it against her lips as she still felt the lingering warmth of his against hers. Amai and Tohru glanced at one another, "Perhaps is this the young lady's first kiss?" Tohru dared to question watching as Sakura's pale cheeks turned a rosy red and her ears burned with the idea that Sasuke stole her first kiss.

Sasuke blinked surprised and looked back at Sakura realizing their fingers were still entwined he pulled back swiftly clearing his throat. "S-Sorry!" He apologized as he moved away from her managing to crawl out of bed, his face was a little flushed himself as he rubbed his neck, "Mhm... ah Amai and Tohru will assist you." He mumbled tentatively before he nodded his head towards them and left swiftly, "See you at breakfast." He added as he walked out the door leaving Sakura stunned by what transpired. She looked down quietly at the letter that lay crumpled beside her and picked it up tenderly gazing upon it with a soft gaze. She was still rather upset by the whole ordeal, but she wasn't sure there was anything she could do about it. She looked down at the words written too her, if she could break her curse maybe she could go back. "Miss, may we help you shower?" Amai asked gently, Sakura blushed looking up at them, she shook her head swiftly, she felt much better now and was certain that she could do it on her own. She slowly slid off the bed taking in a deep breath before she made her way over to the bathroom they gestured towards. She wandered towards it and walked inside, her eyes widened in shock seeing such a large room with a bath like pool inside already steaming and ready for her, she looked towards the wall where a glass door was. She walked towards it curiously and opened it up and blinked seeing a very fancy looking shower, it was like nothing they had at home. Sakura bit her lip a bit as she looked towards the large bath, that seemed safer to use compared to the shower, so she wandered towards it and softly took off the down she was wearing and folded it carefully before she tied her hair up gently and slipped into the bath carefully.

x~x~x~x

Sasuke had gone to his room to shower and change himself swiftly before breakfast, he soon made his way down the hall and stairs towards the dining hall where he figured his parents would be waiting for him. He wandered inside as the servant announced his arrival and he looked around carefully seeing his parents at the end of the table, but he was also surprised to see them talking to his older brother. Itachi and him bore an uncanny resemblance to one another, they both took after their mother and if it wasn't for his height and different hairstyle it would hard to tell them apart. Sasuke rolled his eyes softly as he walked over, "So are you going to explain what was in that letter or not?" He questioned without hesitation, he wasn't going to take any excuses this time either, his eyes narrowed watching the three of them carefully for subtle changes they might imply a lie. Mikoto smiled at him softly, "Oh Sasuke, please sit down, we will tell you what the letter says, we never planned to hide it, but we wanted your mind rested and clear first." She explained promptly to him, his eyes scanned towards her before he slid into his seat and sipped the tea that had been awaiting his arrival. He thought about it and nodded his head, "My mind is rested and clear now, please tell me." He asked more calmly this time. Fugaku looked at him lightly before he let out a low sigh, "The letter was addressed to us directly from a woman named Chiyo, she said she was a healer from Hikari village, and that Sakura was adopted by her. It said that when Sakura first arrived upon her door, she was given a letter of warning that suggested someone of dark power would be after her. These men in black cloaks with red clouds would come for Sakura one day and she is asking us to protect her from them." Fugaku explained lightly, Sasuke nodded his head, that was about what he knew from Grandma Chiyo as well. "However, we believe this to be far more dangerous than the one named Chiyo realizes, after talking to Kakashi we have determined they belong to a group known as… The Akatsuki." He explained.

"The who?" Sasuke asked unsure as his eyes trailed to Itachi who frowned lightly, "I've heard of them, they are a dangerous group of powerful ninjas who seek to rule over all the kingdoms." He said, "It is said that they have been around for generations pulling all sorts of evil deeds from the shadows." Itachi murmured lightly as he glanced towards Sasuke who mulled it over in his head, "What would a dangerous group like that want Sakura for?" He questioned and hated the uncomfortable silence that followed his question, the room grew tense as Mikoto and Fugaku looked at each other concerned. "Mother? Father? What is they are after?" Sasuke questioned once more looking at them expectingly. Moments past before Mikoto sighed shaking her head, "I don't know son, honestly it sounds as though this Chiyo didn't know much on it either, whoever left Sakura in her care didn't want her to be found again. I doubt Sakura knows either which means we will not be able to ask her." She spoke thoughtfully as she rested her cheek in her hand softly leaning against the table. Sasuke frowned lightly he didn't like the sound of this at all, Sakura was so sweet and innocent she wasn't used to this kind of world she had been forced into it and he had no idea what he could do to keep her safe. Fugaku sighed, "It will be a pain to protect her honestly, but if they want her, we must do everything we can to keep her out of their hands while attempting to uncover why they want her." He said stroking his chin before his eyes wandered to the end of the room as the door opened and Tohru slipped into the room and bowed softly, "You Majesties, she is awake and ready for breakfast." She said, "Let her in." Mikoto said softly waving her hand as Tohru nodded, "Announcing Lady Sakura." She said before she opened the door, "Come in dear." She explained softly.

Sasuke looked over towards the door, his eyes widened in surprise seeing Sakura walk in, she wore a simple but elegant red dress, her hair was tied back into a braid that fell over her shoulders softly and she wore a soft pink hibiscus flower from the garden in her hair, she swallowed nervously before she bowed softly towards Mikoto and Fugaku swiftly. Sasuke felt again like his breath was stolen, he couldn't explain the thrill of his heart racing every time he gazed upon her beautiful pale face, it was like staring at an angel. "Welcome Sakura, my name is Mikoto, and this is my husband Fugaku, we are pleased to have you be our guest." She said softly as she smiled at the small pale girl who bowed her head again, Amai softly ushered her towards the table gently as Sakura approached, she touched the chair carefully and looked towards them, she wasn't sure she was allowed to sit and dine with royalty. "Please sit." Mikoto beckoned her softly, Sakura slowly nodded her head before she tenderly sat in the seat gazing at them a little nervous and unsure of what she was supposed to do. "How about an introduction?" Fugaku murmured lightly finding it a little rude Sakura had not addressed herself at all, Sakura blinked and looked over at him softly before she lifted her hands and started to sign softly. Mikoto and Fugaku blinked surprised, "She is mute." Sasuke muttered lightly finally snapping back to reality as his parents adjusted themselves before nodding their heads, "Tohru, go fetch Ino please immediately." Fugaku ordered briskly.

Tohru bowed her head and left the room swiftly, Sakura blinked and looked back at them, she wondered if they understood her at all, everyone in her village knew sign language so she never had needed to worry about it once she lost her voice. Her gaze trailed down to her plate silently as her eyes saddened as she missed her home terribly. Since she had lost her voice, the villagers had been nothing but supportive, everyone learned sign language so she would be able to communicate with them easily. She stared quietly down at her plate remembering walking through the forest with the animals and returning to the villagers smiling faces. The children running towards her happily to pull her into a game of kick the can or ball. She didn't realize that would be her last walk in the forest, her past time smiling towards the villagers or the last time she would ever eat Grandma Chiyo's food or hear her voice. Sakura shook softly no longer feeling hungry she just wanted to curl up and cry honestly until she felt a warm hand upon her shoulder, she looked up quietly seeing Sasuke smiling at her almost comfortingly. Her soft pools batted softly before her face heated up again, she turned her face away softly. She blinked again once her eyes landed upon another handsome face, raven black hair and playful onyx orbs, she thought at first, she was gazing upon Sasuke until she squinted a little realizing there was a difference between the two of them. "Hey there beautiful Cherry Blossom. My name is Itachi, now before you fall head over heels for me, I have to let you know I am happily taken." He said with a mischievous tone gazing into her eyes.

Sakura bit her lip softly as she raised her brow confused by his words, Sasuke grumbled under his breath before he glared at Itachi, "She isn't interested in you, brother, she hardly knows you!" He protested, Itachi's gaze moved from Sakura's adorably confused face to Sasuke's pissed off one and smirked a bit at him, "That had never stopped girls from swooning before little brother. There are girls in town that worship the road you walk." He laughed softly, "Besides I was merely trying to cheer her up." He said defending himself with an innocent hum. Sasuke was about to accuse him further once the door opened and Ino came in swiftly, her hair was platinum blonde which was tied back neatly into a ponytail, her blue eyes landed upon pink hair and widened with curiosity, "You summoned me my lord?" She asked Fugaku as she bowed to the floor dipping her head. "Yes, I will be taking you off Sasuke's guard temporarily, you and Anko will be on Sakura's personal guard team." Fugaku ordered lightly, "I also come to understand that you can translate sign language so you shall act as her voice." he added before he sipped his tea and ate softly. "Yes of course your majesty." Ino said as she bowed her head then blinked surprised and smiled faintly at Sakura, "Hello there. I am Ino." she said.

Sakura smiled up at her sparsely, 'Pleasure to meet you, my name is Sakura Haruno.' she signed politely as she had been raised to be. Ino stared at her softly, "It is an older dialect of sign language, but I can roughly translate, she can let me know if I mess up." Ino said, "She says her name is Sakura Haruno and it is a pleasure to meet us." Ino translated, Sakura nodded her head a little relieved she could understand for the most part. "Pleasure is ours." Mikoto hummed softly smiling at the small pink haired mistresses that her youngest son was obviously interested in. Sasuke looked over at her lightly and casted her a look before his attention fell back onto Sakura. Silence filled the room once more as everyone waited upon her to continue on, she grew nervous with them staring at her intently, even if they were not intending to they came off as a little intimidating. She tried to think about what to say or what to ask, though she really wanted to ask if she could go home. Instead she found herself thinking of something else. Sakura smiled at them warily, 'Is there a Lady Tsunade here?' she signed looking up at Ino, Ino's eyes widened with surprise, "Do you know her?" She asked swiftly, Sakura shook her head, 'No my grandmother trained her, she said I could meet her here.' she signed. "Who?" Sasuke asked annoyed Ino wasn't translating it, he figured this would be a pain so he was going to learn sign language himself so he wouldn't need to rely on the other useless blonde.

"Oh! Sakura is asking if Lady Tsunade is here, apparently her grandmother trained her and told her she could find her here." Ino said thoughtfully. Mikoto's eyes widened, "Oh is that so? Tsunade is here in the castle, but I am afraid however that she isn't here right now. She has gone in search of an herb that the merchants weren't selling, she should be back in a few days' time though." She said gently. Sakura's eyes saddened and nodded her head gently, she had hoped meeting Tsunade would help her understand everything that had happened, however it seemed this was not the case. She looked down quietly at her plate once more her eyes trailed over the strange intricate patterns that distracted her slightly from her glum feelings that were welling up inside of her, she reached out and softly traced over them as she thought about her homeland once more. She could hear the others talking but she held no more concern for them as she became lost in her own world letting a few tears escape her eyes as she stared down at the plate. Mikoto looked at her concerned before she glanced at her husband, they looked to the door as Asuma, Anko and Kakashi walked through calmly bowing their heads softly. "Sasuke, you and your guards along with Ino will take Sakura out to the garden, she might feel more comfortable out there. We will talk to you at dinner, for now we have other matters to attend too." Fugaku mumbled softly as he dismissed them. Sasuke frowned, he didn't like that his parents still seemed to be hiding stuff from him but when he noticed his mothers gaze towards Sakura, he could clearly see the concern in her eyes and he wondered if this had to do with her village.

He got up lightly and looked at Sakura, "Come let's go." He said stealing the muffin on her plate and walked out quietly, Sakura blinked surprised as she got up and followed after him timidly keeping her head low as she noticed the three knights near the door, they each looked serious and held an air of power around them that made her feel a little intimidated, the woman in the middle bowed to her taking her hand softly, "My name is Anko, from this day forth I shall be keeping an eye on you and protecting you so long as you are in the stead of the Uchiha Family, I shall serve you with my life." She promised and kissed her hand gently, Sakura blinked surprised by the strange gesture before she looked at Sasuke who looked away grumbling softly to himself. Sakura smiled meekly at Anko drawing her hand back, 'Thank you.' She signed towards her, Anko smiled at her softly, "It is my honor to serve you, please go relax and enjoy yourself, this palace is well guarded, you shall be safe no matter where you go." She promised as Sakura gazed into her eyes, they held a regal air of their own but also, she could see the truth in her light brown eyes.

Sakura nodded her head softly as she felt she could trust this woman before she followed after Sasuke who led the way out of the room carefully heading down a hall that was lined with beautiful paintings, tapestries and large windows that lit up the entire hall in a majestic glow, her eyes widened with curiosity as she took off ahead to look at all the interesting things she had never seen before. Sasuke blinked surprised by her child like reaction, but the smile on her face made him feel a little better about bringing her here. Sakura skipped down the hall softly and her eyes widened in surprise as she looked towards a large tapestry on the wall down the center of the hall, she paused and look at it curiously, it appeared to be a map of some sort with a large pink tree in the middle of it, she could see this piece of fabric was very old and likely treasured but there was something about it that seemed so familiar that she couldn't place it. Sasuke walked to her side, "Oi, space cadet, the garden is down at the other end of the hall." He said, Ino frowned, "I think she was just admiring the lovely tapestry your grace." She said lightly, Sasuke paused and looked at Sakura, "Do you like it?" he asked, Sakura thought about it silently and looked at him nodding her head, she did like it though the pattern seemed far too familiar to her, and she couldn't place it. She walked down the hall with them escaping out the door as the warmth of the sun hit her pale face, she squinted her eyes before they finally adjusted, and her eyes widened in shock.

Flowers of all kinds surrounded them from all sides of the garden, bushes in unique shapes some of which were animals, fruit trees in full bloom decorated down the paths and arches covered in gorgeous flowers of all colors lead the way deeper into the garden. The amount of dazzling flare shot though Sakura igniting her excitement as she had never seen anything so incredibly breathtaking before, she beamed with delight and went right away to a group of pink flowers to admire them point to them inquisitively. Sasuke followed her towards the flowers and glanced down at them, "Those are called Azaleas, they are nice looking I guess." He mumbled softly, Sakura beamed with delight nodding her head as she softly stroking the petals carefully feeling the soft touch under her skin before she looked up at Sasuke who seemed to hold little interest for the flowers, he probably got to see them every day, but she wished she could see it everyday honestly. She got up gently as she looked at him and then wandered through the eloquent garden finding it all remarkable, she paused in surprise seeing a large pond in the middle of a group of flowers, it had a bridge over it heading towards the next part of the garden, she wondered if this was the center of the garden as she ran out onto the bridge and smiled seeing beautiful and large koi fish circling underneath. Gold, orange, black and white molded together as the majestic fish swirled under the water like an exquisite vortex her eyes worked to trail after them as she watched them swim gracefully through the water as through, they were flying. She smiled with delight as her eyes landed on a small turtle sunning itself on a rock, she reached into her pocket but frowned when she remembered she didn't have anything to feed them.

Sasuke and Ino leaned against the rails looking down towards the water softly before Sakura looked around gently her eyes widened in surprise seeing a variety of birds on the shore across the bridge, she took off to go check them out, her footsteps almost non-existent as she snuck away without meaning too. "Teme!" Naruto called from the other side of the bridge causing Sasuke to look over there with a groan, "Hn." He mumbled softly. "We've be looking all over for you!" Naruto whined as him, Shikamaru and another guy walked over holding a bag of chips which he was eating happily. Shikamaru nodded, "We heard you came out into the garden." He mumbled softly, "Yea so we came looking for you." The guy laughed softly crunching on another chip. "So where is the pretty girl?" Naruto asked curiously. "Choji do you have to eat those out here?" Sasuke glared, "She is right beside me." He said looking over and blinked surprised to see Sakura was gone, Ino blinked, "Ah! Where did she go?" She asked shocked, "Weren't you supposed to watch her?" Sasuke hissed at her, Ino flinched, "I didn't even hear her leave your majesty." Ino said panicked before Choji pointed lightly, "She is over there with the birds." He said nonchalantly. Everyone's eyes swiftly scanned over to where the pink haired girl was upon the shore surrounded by all kinds of birds, Sasuke's eyes widened knowing how aggressive some of them could be, he ran towards her and slowed down as he neared the group, Sakura was giggling silently as the long tailed ducks were laying all around her comfortably, a mute swan was nestled beside her with it's head against her neck, a beautiful pheasant was resting in her lap with some small quails, a partridge was resting calmly on her other shoulder nuzzling her head curiously. A peacock was walking along around her showing off his majestic feathers, she smiled lovingly as more ducks came to join the group resting all along the shore around her as though they couldn't resist her charm. She pet the quails and pheasant softly as a goose waddled over and nestled down on the other side of her.

"I don't think I've ever seen anyone get close to those guys aside from the gardener herself." Sasuke said rather impressed, "It is like they are flocking towards her." Ino admired curiously, Shikamaru tilted his head, "It… looks to me like something you'd read about in a fairytale or some shit like that." He mumbled lightly. Naruto's eyes sparkled, "That's amazing!" He called out, Sakura turned her attention towards them and waved happily, she was feeling a lot better surrounded by the animals who came to comfort her when she wasn't feeling great. She hoped she could visit them as often as possible; it would make living at the castle easier. She slowly nudged the birds off carefully giving them soft smiles and pets to assure them she would be back later. She walked over to Sasuke and smiled blithely feeling much better about it. She looked towards Naruto and others curiously tilting her head, Sasuke blinked and glanced at the others and tsked lightly, "This is Naruto, Shikamaru and Choji, they are Anbu Knight Guards for the royal family. Despite their age they are very skilled but aren't full knights yet." He explained. "Anko who kissed your hand is a Anbu Knight Captain." He also added to show to level of difference. Sakura blinked and nodded her head gently, 'Pleasure to meet you all.' She signed gently looking up at them.

"She says it is good to meet you all." Ino explained to them, "I understand, in case these dolts don't." Shikamaru mumbled lightly, "Good to meet you, when we were first met, you were fast asleep." He said offering his hand, she blinked surprised but softly took his hand and shook it gently before she gasped silently as Naruto hugged onto her, she shivered feeling how warm he was, he was vibrant and loud, the opposite of Sasuke. "Sakura-chan is one of us now! Welcome to the group." He grinned playfully, she blushed faintly and nodded her head gently, "Get off her baka!" Sasuke hissed pulling him off Sakura with a sharp glare, "Woah! You said you weren't dating her!" Naruto bickered swiftly, "I'm not! I am just keeping you from suffocating her with your stupidity!" Sasuke retorted with a snap, "I-I would never! It was a harmless hug teme!" Naruto countered with a huff, Sakura blinked surprised to see them fight about a simple hug, she blushed and waved her hands gently. "Oh don't worry Sakura, they are always like that. Want a chip?" Choji asked offering the bag to her gently, she blinked examining the bag curiously before she tenderly reached in and grabbed out a chip, it smelt good honestly. She softly popped it into her mouth crunching softly before her eyes sparkled with joy, she bobbed her head, 'It's so good!' she signed excitedly. "Huh she actually likes them." Ino chuckled.

"Of course, they are delicious!" Choji laughed softly before he looked at Sakura with a grin, she smiled softly at him, she had to admit it was nice here, the air felt so fresh in the garden and while it was nothing like the forest it wasn't terrible either. The palace however would take far more time to get used too, she noticed something out of the corner of her eyes, she looked towards the end of the path under the arches where something lay still and silent… she walked towards it quietly, Sasuke noticed this time and fell in line with her so she could explore the garden more. Naruto, Shikamaru and Choji followed behind him as Ino fell in line beside Sakura curiously, "Oh no." She said noticing the cat as the got closer, it was one of the stray cats that liked to try and get the birds, it looked like it had gotten severly injured, it didn't look like it was breathing. "Maybe the goose had enough?" Naruto question as Shikamaru and Choji shrugged softly, "We can bury it." Sasuke mumbled but paused when Sakura walked to the cat and knelt carefully in front of it. He moved closer and his eyes widened as he saw her crying over the dead cat, his eyes softly as he placed his hand on her shoulder, "It happens…" He mumbled but instead she shook her head and placed her hand over the cat softly, his eyes widened in shock as she attempted to heal the cat. "I am pretty sure it is dead Sakura, it would be a wast-" Shikamaru started but blinked surprised when the cat's body started to twitch, everyone cried out and jumped back as the cat let out a loud yowl before shaking it's body and slowly getting up as Sakura picked it up into her arms and cradled it gently nuzzling it's head as it mewed and purred for her gently as thought it had never been hurt in the first place.

"H-How the hell did you do that?!" Naruto cried out surprise pointing at her, Sakura turned to face them, Sasuke watched as her green eyes held a deep green glow, she tilted her head confused as they looked at her in shock. "S-Sakura… your eyes?" Sasuke asked, Sakura turned to face him, her green eyes met bewildered onyx before she saw a flash of fire and a burning tree, someone screaming her name, she let go of the cat who jumped down and took off as her body dropped, Sasuke slid towards her and caught her pulling her into his arms, he looked at the others quietly, "… I think… I think I know why the Akatsuki are after Sakura." He said stunned as the others slowly nodded their heads as all eyes fell once more upon the sleeping pink beauty.