The Ripple Effect

By: Sweet Bliss

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Sakura's eyes flooded with tears. Why did he hate her so much? Maybe it was because she'd lived a pretty good life for the most part. She wasn't judged by race since the non-discrimination treaty her kind had signed. But that meant…

No, she wouldn't think of her past. All that mattered was the boy beside her. "Sasuke, you don't know what you're saying," she cried hugging him to her. All he did was stiffen under her touch. "He's been like that since we brought him here. The side effects of the drug we injected into him. It'll wear off later," Irakih said simply walking towards the cell.

Snapping up her porcelain face, Sakura queried, "But… does he mean what he's saying? Is any of it true?" At this the hooded man shrugged. "I don't know exactly. If it were true then don't you think he would've gotten rid of you a long time ago?" The green eyed girl pulled away from the boy to stare in his drooping, dark gray eyes. "He's a little drowsy. Are you going to stay here?" The neko nodded to him and without another word Irakih was gone.

Irakih stood next to the bouncing blond who was frantically waving his friends off. The shy girl next to him shifted her hand side to side in a very slow manner. Then there was the fairy. She had tears in her eyes as she waved to her one true friend.

"You better come back you lazy ass!" she shouted which made him turn around. The elf nodded to her a smile tugging his lips upward. Hinata then got attention from her cousin by saying loud enough for him to hear, "Come back safely!" Naruto, inspired by the others' words, felt compelled to give Ten-Ten some words of encouragement. "Yo, Bunny, I wanna see you kick the pampered prince's ass when you get back, so stay safe!"

At first Ten-Ten looked irritated. Bunny? But then she smiled to the mage. Turning her back to her friends, she walked out with the rest of the soldiers. This was going to be a heck of a long battle.

Emerald eyes fluttered open as something brushed against her cheek. Her eyes locked onto onyx ones immediately. But it seemed as if he weren't looking at her so much as he was seeing through her. That thought sent chills down her spine.

"Sasuke," she whispered inching closer to him. Was it her or did the room get hotter? His breath tickled her face and she tried to suppress the giggle threatening to come out. His hand, now ungloved, was placed on her cheek. It traveled down slowly to her chin as Sasuke murmured, "Sakura, promise me that you'll still be with me no matter what."

The pink haired girl had no clue as to where he was going. But she thought nothing of it as she answered, "I promise, Sasuke." He then sat up, his eyes never leaving hers, as he spoke, "Even if… I did something bad to you?" He seemed nervous now. Sakura lifted herself from the cold, stone floor to sit beside him.

"What do you mean?" she asked resting a hand on his shoulder. He flinched as he said, "I'll tell you later." The emerald eyed girl stared at him not completely convinced. They both dropped the subject and turned their attention to the man standing in front of the cell.

"Good. You two are awake. I am Choji and I am here to guide you to Master Irakih and Miss Anko," the slightly large man said. His all black outfit was different than that of Temari and Kankuro. His top was a long sleeved turtleneck top and he had regular black gloves. His boots zipped up on the outer sides and his pants were baggier than those of the other two.

"Who's Anko?" Sakura asked when Choji turned around. He then answered with a simple, "Irakih and Anko are heading this mission. Temari and Kankuro are under Irakih's command. Anko oversees me and my partner. You'll meet my partner and boss shortly." Sakura nodded and held Sasuke's hand firmly in hers. She didn't really notice when he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Irakih? That name sounded familiar to the raven haired boy who was quietly following the man who'd appeared earlier. His mind drew a blank when he thought of the word, but he remembered that when he was younger that he and another vampire played together. But his memory left the boy's face a big blur.

"What the hell, Irakih! We have to do something about all of this!" Screamed a furious dark haired lady. She threw the dart into the board hitting the target dead-on. "Don't be rash, Anko. The mission will succeed. Everything is in our favor," the collected man said. Anko sighed and fixed the barrette holding up her dark locks.

She turned her attention to the other male in the room. His face held no emotion and he seemed uninterested in the whole ordeal. "Why should we even waste our time on a spoiled prince like him?" His voice gained Irakih's attention and the cloaked man turned to him. "We're getting paid double our regular amount and would you rather Orochimaru rule?"

The obsidian orbed teen sitting on the couch twirled the kunai in his hand and then threw it to the dartboard across the room. It cut into the dart Anko had just thrown. "Nice," Anko mumbled looking at the split dart with a kunai jutting into it. The bored male sighed getting up. "I'll be back later," he said from over his shoulder.

"What crawled up his ass and died?" Irakih inquired looking up from the paperwork on his desk. The female assassin sighed and answered, "You know he really doesn't like the fact that he'll never gain the throne. He's the branch family to the Uchihas. If Itachi and Sasuke both were to die then he'd be next in line. But since Orochimaru is the family's friend and advisor they chose him to be the ruler if something were to happen to Itachi and Sasuke."

"They are in here," Choji said motioning to the door on his right. Both went inside and Choji excused himself to go back to his station where Temari and Kankuro were. Sasuke was the first to enter followed by the hesitant Sakura.

The first thing his obsidian orbs adjusted to was a brightly lit room and two figures in the middle of it all. "Hello, Master Sasuke," the female said bowing to him. He followed suit absent-mindedly, his gaze focused on the kneeling hooded male. "You must be, Irakih," Sasuke acknowledged the male. He nodded and stood from his position. "Yes, that's my codename, but I'm sure you'd know me better as…" his words trailed off as he reached for the hood of the cloak. It slowly tumbled from his head and onto his shoulders revealing a mass of spiky red hair. The Uchiha stood in silent shock until he choked out, "G-Gaara…"

The person, now known as Gaara, nodded. "It's good to see you, Sasuke," he spoke in a slight friendly tone. Anko turned to him and snapped, "Gaara, you're not to address Master Sasuke like that!" Sasuke shook his head no and spoke, "It's fine, Anko. Gaara's a… he's an old friend of mine." The dark haired lady nodded and softened her gaze on the emerald orbed man.

Gaara titled his head a small smirk of some sort plastered on his face. "How long has it been? One hundred and nine years, maybe?" The heir to the throne nodded and said, "Ever since the incident. So you've been working with Itachi…" The last part wasn't so much as a query as much as it was a random statement. The man nodded to the question/statement. "Sakura, would you allow us to steal Sasuke from you for a moment or two? We'll promise to return him to you safely," Anko said as she turned to the silent neko. Her face seemed worried at first, but then she agreed, reluctantly making her way outside.

Humming softly to herself, the cherry blossom ran her fingers along the marble walls of the castle. It was nice to have a chance to explore this place. But she really wanted to do this with Sasuke. Thinking about the boy made her smile droop slightly.

He'd never return her feelings. She'd read the rules before when she was bored at their home back at the village. Vampires were never to fall in love. But did that mean they didn't? Uchiha Mikoto seemed like the kind of person that did love their family when she had flipped through old photos one time.

She had sometimes wished she'd gotten to know her real mother when she used to see people with their parents. Her father was strict but he could be kind when he wanted to. That was until the accident that placed him in a coma. Now he slept soundly while her uncle used her as his own guinea pig.

The flower frowned remembering the day she turned sixteen. As tradition went in her village, all girls at the age of sixteen were to see the oracle. This determined their futures, whom they'd wed, children, all things going to happen sooner or later. The memory confused her and pained her both…

Flashback

Making her way up the steps of the temple, the birthday girl placed on a bright smile. Not only was she considered an adult, but she'd be able to know what all would occur in her life. He uncle followed closely behind, for he too wanted to see what life would bring the girl. Sakura knew he was in this for money, as she was the princess and most likely the one to seal the treaty with marriage.

"Oh, dear Princess," the old lady said kneeling to show respect for the sixteen year old princess. The woman stood up quickly when she received a glare from the man taking the place of the real king. "Let's see what this life will bring you." Sakura smiled politely knotting her fingers together nervously.

Her heart beat sped up when the lady frowned. "That's strange," the woman mumbled to herself furrowing her eyebrows. The impatient king narrowed his gaze and hissed, "What's strange, woman?" The sapphire orbs of the oracle fixated onto the cherry blossom.

Smile nor frown graced her features as she said, "Your heart will belong to no man of our village. A prince of his own kind, a man that will be said not to love you. His kind is cursed and he lives only for one reason."

Sakura cocked her head to the side completely confused. A cursed kind. A vampire? Her uncle also guessed that and he immediately went red with rage. He opened his mouth but the wrinkling woman continued. "You'll find yourself in a war where no one may win at all and you'll constantly call the whole event into question. In the end there will be both bad and good things taking place, things not even I know…" Her words trailed off as she stood stunned.

End

That was the day her uncle had banished her from the village and lied to the villagers speaking of her death. Rumors spread that she was murdered by a vampire; others of her being poisoned by the cook (who was put to death later under the accusation); some said that she was a bad omen to the whole world. But no matter the rumor one thing was sure: she couldn't go back.

Her uncle had left her to die. He'd hired men to get rid of her in any way they saw fit. But then Sasuke came. She remembered it quite clearly because it was the day she'd made her two closest friends.

Flashback

"Umph!" she huffed falling hard on the ground. She grabbed her throbbing arm in pain. When the man had grabbed her by the wrist he'd twisted it, most likely breaking the limb. "Tsk, tsk, tsk." She heard one of the men say. Emerald orbs blinked tears away as one of them grabbed her roughly by the hair.

"You're about as bad as a traitor, 'Princess'," the way he said her title made her cringe. The third one got into her face and hissed out, "Vampires are bad people and they won't care anything about you, but… nobody does. You're basically only wanted for your wealth and that cute little figure of yours." Sakura let go of her sore arm, and with her right hand she slapped him.

A growl escaped his mouth and he got ready to exact his revenge when he tumbled over. The other two men looked at their fellow kind on the ground. Looking up they saw blood red eyes and ran- rather stumbled- off without their friend. Sakura dropped to the ground on her knees clutching her arm. Her savior stooped down beside her and took her arm in his hand.

"You're hurt," he said it bluntly and without any care. Soft green eyes watched as the boy checked over the cuts and bruises. His ebony locks fell over his face, shielding his eyes from her view. He stood up when he was done checking over her and Sakura followed suit, but soon regretted it as she started to topple over. The last thing she remembered before blacking out was looking into two deep pools of onyx. And if she didn't know any better, she could've sworn she saw concern in those eyes of his.

End

Sakura sighed to herself. Sasuke concerned about her? Ha! Yeah right. Brushing locks out of her face, she opened a door to the last room in the hallway. The door creaked open and as it did so, Sakura was met by a cold breeze.

It was the size of a ballroom. A glossy floor stretched out ending with two giant sized windows. Bookshelves lined the walls, millions of books stacked to the ceiling. Two chandeliers hung, one nearer to the door the other to the windows. But the most breath-taking was the domed top. A hole was cut into the concrete dome but was framed with glass, enabling the moonlight or sunlight to burst through, but kept out the rain or snow at the same time.

She spun around on the floor her feet padding softly with every step. Her shoes were abandoned at the side as she ran barefooted to where the moonlight poured onto the floor. This was the first night on their journey in which they had clear skies. Stars were splayed onto the midnight sky and a beautiful three-quarter moon hung around the other heavenly bodies. Dropping to her knees the neko smiled. She'd enjoy this place.

"But, Hi-na-ta," the blonde whined his booted feet thudding against the floor. His gloved hands held onto the hat as he chased after the Hyuuga. "Man, she can run," he huffed, stopping to catch his breath he heard a giggle.

The young boy walked to where Hinata hid behind the wall. "Gotcha!" he said loudly, startling the girl. She jumped and collided head-on with the fox-boy. "N-Naruto," Hinata said, her ivory orbs still wide with shock.

The boy smiled at his friend. "Y'know I could never do this with Sasuke. He's too old!" At this Naruto clutched his back and used his staff as a cane. The dark haired girl giggled into her hand and asked, "What about Sakura? I'm sure she'd play with you." The blonde shook his head and grinned. "If Sakura and I play together Sasuke gets mad. He gets all jealous! It's hilarious."

The Hyuuga heir smiled softly. A tint of red stained her pale cheeks as Naruto hugged her. "Hinata, you're the best-est friend ever!" He said loudly, then smiled nervously afterwards when she'd cringed. "S-sorry about that," he whispered causing her to grin and flush crimson.

Gaara sighed running a hand through his reddish locks. "Gaara, is it odd for you to see him again?" The emerald eyed male turned his attention to the king of his race. "Lord Itachi!" he said dropping to one knee. Vermillion orbs briefly shut but opened once more. "Gaara, are you sure that you want to go through with this?" he asked eyeing the red head.

Gaara sighed. "No, I'm the one who's going to do it. It's the least I can do for you and Sasuke." A frown found its way on Itachi's handsome face. "Gaara, you're the only person who ever understood Sasuke…" At this the shorter man shook his head. "That's not true, Lord. He's come along way and he's found friendship and love with his group."

Itachi smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then I wish you luck, Gaara. But do remember that you've got a home here." Gaara bowed his head. "I will never forget you, my lord. I will come home one day, just not now. There are too many that need me for me to give up on them, but once finished I'll return." The king nodded and said, "I will return to our homeland right now. I await you and Sasuke and we'll go from there. Good night, Gaara."

It was way past midnight when Gaara had finished the details of the mission. Not like Sasuke believed them. So, why did he stay? He didn't know the answer to that himself. But as he made his way down the hallway and into his room, he saw lights flickering in the library.

Pushing the door open with his boot, he was slightly surprised to see the little orphan girl he'd found earlier that year. She was curled up in the soft glow of moonlight sleeping soundly. He approached her slumbering form quietly and he lifted her up.

She shifted a bit but then buried her face into his chest. He carried her outside of the room and into his own. When he'd placed her on the bed her emerald eyes had fluttered open. "Sasuke," she whispered as she sat up. He placed his gloved finger over her lips. His face was emotionless as he said, "I leave to see Itachi tomorrow."

The neko shook her head no. "I won't a go with you!" she cried wrapping her arms around his neck to keep him from leaving. The heir to the vampires untwisted her limbs from him and stated calmly, "You're not going, it is too dangerous."

"But what about you?" Sasuke placed on a small smile which Sakura could tell was forced. "Remember earlier? I have to ask you of something, Sakura." She leaned in to him. His obsidian orbs blinked shut only to open red. Black wings sprouted form his back as he asked, "Sakura, will you come somewhere with me? We'll come back." She handed him her hand and he pulled her up.

"Orochimaru, sir!" came a calm voice. The snakelike man turned to the voice and saw his right-hand man, Kabuto. "How'd it go? Where is Sasuke?" Kabuto lowered himself to the ground and stated, "We were ambushed by the resistance group. Dosu was killed, Kin and Zaku are prisoners, and Sasuke was taken with them."

The yellow orbs of the older man flashed with fury as he hissed, "Why didn't you fight them?" The white haired vampire closed his eyes, "There were only three of them, but they moved so fast. We couldn't see them, sir." Orochimaru stomped toward his follower and queried angrily, "Did you get a glimpse of who they were?" Kabuto shook his head no and avoided the gaze of his master.

"Orochimaru, unhand him!" Both turned their attention to the king who leaned against the doorframe. "Itachi, you're brother was taken by that pitiful resistance." Itachi smirked and stood from his leaning position. "Now, Orochimaru, I wouldn't call them pitiful. They did manage to defeat you're strongest men." A growl escaped the Uchiha's advisor lips. Itachi made his way around the two and said, "Leave him be for now. Come, Orochimaru, we have things to discuss."

"Sasuke, where are we going?" Sakura asked wrapping her arms tighter around her friend's neck. He touched the ground not answering her query. "Sasuke- mmph!" His hand clamped over her mouth. He removed it shortly afterwards saying, "Wait a little bit." He took her hand in his and led her into the woods.

Upon reaching a clearing he left her. She waded through the weeds, her bare feet feeling the wet mud underneath. The weeds reached up to her waist. She could barely make out Sasuke but she found the spikes of black among the green.

"Sasuke, what do you need?" she asked softly. Sasuke smirked as she sat down on the wet grass.. "You already know that," he sated simply glancing up at the moon. The pink haired neko frowned and nodded. "Yes, you want revenge." She heard some shifting beside her. When she turned to look at the boy his face was only inches away from her.

"No, Sakura, there's something I want more than anything in the world, but for right now… I just can't have it," he said a smile working its way to his lips. The girl blinked in confusion. "What is it you want, Sasuke?" she asked puzzled by the smile he wore. He leaned in closer to whisper in her ear…

A/N: I am so sorry I took so long. I've been working on so many things. Like an upcoming test to determine where I will go for college and other crap of the sort. And you won't know what Sasuke says until later. Sai will play an important role later. And if you haven't already figured it out: Itachi isn't the bad guy in all of this. Um… I guess this is all for now! Ta Ta! Love ya and don't forget to review!

Sweet Bliss