Eyes in the Dark
By SMYGO4EVA

Sakura stood still; she couldn't move, not from this exact spot, the room's chill drifting over her.

She felt two hands on her arms, strong and firm, feeling his presence behind her.

"So, Sakura Matou, are you ready, my dear?" Kirei Kotomine asked, his deep powerful voice like a lightning bolt, his body pressed against her back.

Sakura nodded, a small "Yes" her only answer.

"Excellent."

Sakura closed her eyes, well aware of Kotomine's gaze upon her. His hands slid up her arms to her shoulder; she winced, her heart pounding erratically but she had to go on.

They were not the only ones in the vast room, the place where only Magus of great power and promise were to congregate. She remembered the man who had blonde hair, eyes crimson like blood, and an arrogant smirk on his features.

Gilgamesh, he was called; he knew he was there, leaning against the wall just to the side.

She remembered her grandfather Zouken Matou; his eyes black and his old form hunched over, his gangly hands clasped over his walking stick. He stood a good distance from her and Kotomine.

She kept her eyes shut, she couldn't bear to look at her "grandfather."

"Why do you hesitate so? By all means, proceed." Zouken's dry voice broke the silence, his tone impatient.

"This ought to be rich." Gilgamesh spoke aloud, and Sakura swallowed.

All she could see was black, a more comforting sight for her; better than to see the men looking upon her, judging her, eyes roving over her body with intentions far from good.

A jagged hitch of her breath escaped her as she felt one of Kotomine's hands lift from her shoulder, his fingers grazing down her face, her skin turning pink.

Sakura heard Kotomine chuckle as his fingers rested on her throat, no doubt feeling the throb of her pulsating heartbeat. His other hand slid down, moving her arm from her side and raising it upwards. He held her arm outward, his fingers wound around her wrist, steady and firm.

Sakura hadn't realized how close Kotomine would be to her; her body felt warm, her cheeks pink, and a familiar aching between her legs. She dared not to open her eyes, as Kotomine held her arm out, and she knew to unclench her fist, an open palm outward.

The man's other hand trailed down to the small of her back, just above her backside, and she straightened herself by pure instinct. Her cheeks reddened, and her nethers throbbed, becoming sensitive.

She could see nothing but darkness, but she heard them loud and clear.

"She's doing well." Zouken spoke finally, an affirming noise ending his words.

"Hmm, she might be worth something after all..." Gilgamesh added, his voice tinged with intrigue.

Their eyes were all over her, and she dared not open her eyes for a minute.

Kotomine stroked the back of Sakura's head, as if to comfort her, and leaned in, his breath warm by her neck.

"You're doing very well, just keep focusing," he murmured, pressing his other hand to the hollow of her hip.

His touch, the feel of his hands, it all but consumed her.

Sakura nodded again, moved her hand, just little, the palm of her hand starting to burn, akin to a brand upon her flesh.

"I-I'm trying," Sakura said aloud, getting her teeth, the painful magic bolting up to agony faster than she could blink.

Her palm burned, and she wanted to stop, but she couldn't. This was the unmistakable magic she gained from all she had been taught, and all she had endured.

The Command Seal, the sigil etched itself onto the back of her hand.

She was worthy.

"Eyes open."

Sakura gasped aloud, her eyes readjusting to the light, and her legs threatened to give way, but Kotomine wrapped his arms around her, his front against her back.

He guided her hand towards her with his, and she saw it: her command seal, the magic of absolute obedience, only given to the most powerful of Magus.

"Well done, Sakura. You still have much to learn, but I have a feeling you are indeed worthy." Kotomine told her, his eyes soft, and his voice soothing in its admonishment.

Sakura let a small smile pain her face, just long enough to feel the man gather her exhausted body in his strong and capable arms, long enough before darkness clouded her sight once again.