The Ripple Effect

By: Sweet Bliss

………

The sun sank below the horizon ending another day of training for Sasuke. How long had he been away? Around two months, but it felt like it had been longer. The mornings he trained he could think of nothing but his task at hand. But when the nights came, she was all he could see.

He hadn't seen her since that night and he was trying hard to forget it. Just a little longer and he could forget them all. He could finally forget her. No more dreams of that night. No more getting that lustful feeling back from thinking about that time. No more of this at all.

But would that really help at all? Wasn't he, by doing all of this, a coward? Isn't he just running away from everything? Was he so terrified as to if those nightmares would come true? Wasn't he being conceited as to think that he might be the only one hurt by his actions?

Watching from inside his room, Sasuke traced the path of a falling star. What did Sakura used to say? Make a wish and it would come true. Then there was the part that if you told then it wouldn't come true. Well, he didn't really believe the whole thing but he wished anyways. Maybe it'd come true. There was always a chance of it happening and it not happening.

He stepped away from the window slowly, his eyes never leaving the night sky. He had to get to sleep, tomorrow he had to wake up early again. But for some reason he couldn't find it in him to sleep. He then remembered a song Sakura used to sing to him when they were back in the village.

Watashi nara, daijoubu

Sasuke yawned as he rested his head on his pillow. Maybe if he could at least remember the rest of the song he'd be able to fall asleep. Maybe if he remembered her, then it'd be okay?

Isogashiku shiteru kara

Eye lids shut over ebony colored eyes. Spiky raven locks fell onto his milk white face. Maybe tonight, he could enjoy a peaceful sleep without the disturbances of nightmares.

Sighing to herself, Sakura brushed back the locks of pink that fell into her line of vision. "Maybe you should call it a day, huh?" The female looked around to see Itachi standing three feet away from her. The cherry blossom moved away from the front gate of the hideout reluctantly.

Over the two months that had gone by, it was no secret what had gone on between the Uchiha heir and the flower. A dead giveaway was the slightly round bulge she had received due to the life from growing inside her. But it was embarrassing at first when all of her friends found out. Especially when the clueless Naruto pestered her about it.

Itachi eyed the girl. She looked a little fatigued from her constant worry over Sasuke and the thought of having a child in seven months. The older Uchiha began to concern for her health since she ate little now, even with the fact she should be eating for two, and had somehow lost her glow.

But her words betrayed how she looked. "Maybe tomorrow, and he'll be here. Sasuke will be back." She gave the Uchiha a bright smile and her whole face lit up. She was quite strong even at a time like this. He admired her optimism.

Ganbatte iru yo

Hinata sat in her new bedroom, just beside her friend's. Sakura had been moved to Sasuke's old room so she wouldn't be so far away from everyone else. Hinata also had voluntarily moved so that she could be close if Sakura ever needed any help. Only a thin wall separated them and Hinata was beginning to regret it. The words Sakura sang in the sad melody bled through and Hinata couldn't help but feel horrible.

Sou, yakusoku shita kara

The words were hopeful, but the way they described the current situation was what made it heart wrenching. There was little faith in the subject of bringing Sasuke back. What little there was had been provided by the love struck Sakura and the vampire's best friend, Naruto.

Demo kyuu ni, nakitaku naru keredo

Maybe she should go over into the next room and comfort her friend. Would Sakura be grateful that someone was still there to hear what she had to say other than Naruto and Sasuke? Probably, but Hinata didn't know what to say. She hadn't been through everything the cherry blossom felt. The Hyuuga placed her head on her knees as tears streamed down her face. There was only one thing that she could relate to that resembled Sakura's love for Sasuke. The Hyuuga felt the same way towards the blond mage just a few rooms away.

TenTen screamed inside her pillow. What the heck was that pampered Hyuuga thinking when he kissed her? Was he trying to get under her skin? Sure it had been two months, but her brain was about to explode from thinking about it. She hadn't even talked to him normally since the incident. The girl pounded her fists on the bed repetitively. Why did he have to do that? "Spur of the moment" her ass.

"I hate him," she mumbled into her pillow. Sitting up in her bed, TenTen sighed. Her long chocolate locks had fallen loose from the buns she wore regularly. The female raked her hand through her hair untangling some of the mocha strands. Training wouldn't do any good at the moment due to the fact he'd be there.

Talking to Ino wouldn't be beneficial, for the girl would ramble on about things that didn't matter to the brunette. Hinata was sweet girl, but way too similar in looks and that would bring her back to Neji. Sakura stayed in her room mostly or helped out in the search for Sasuke. Naruto and Kiba were too loud. Shikamaru was too lazy. Choji only worried about food. Sai and Anko had there own thing going on. Shino was way too creepy.

Gaara and Itachi were working on plans to retrieve Sasuke. Temari and Kankuro weren't exactly the people you'd expect to carry on a decent conversation with. Tsunade had people that needed her care. Rock Lee was her last hope. But somehow, she didn't dread talking to him one bit.

Ino leaned her ear against Sakura's bedroom door. The fairy's eyes were downcast as she listened closely to the words. Sakura was taking it well, although she rarely left her room. When she did, the cherry blossom always went to Itachi who also feverishly worked to find his brother.

Kimi to wakarete kara

The fairy slumped down against the door. Her baby blue eyes watered. Sakura was the one that made the decision for Shikamaru and Ino to be with them. But the first few things Ino had said to her, were the meanest things she'd ever said to anyone. Sure the cherry blossom had fought back, but then dropped it completely with a smile. Even now, though, Sakura would just smile.

Subete ga kawatta mitai de

And now, there was no more laughter from the girl. Even when there was a laughter, it was for show. Naruto was the only one that she ever really joked with. He was the only one who could make her smile now. It was all Sasuke's fault and there wasn't anyway the pixie could change it. No taking it back after it had already happened.

Anko signed the pieces of paper and sighed. "I'm sorry, Lady Anko, but some of us have families we need to worry about," one of the men said as he bowed before his superior. "Don't worry about it, I understand," she said politely motioning him out of her office.

Out of all her troops, most of the enslaved humans were begging to leave. She thought that it was fair enough, now that everyone wanted to side with them just to keep Orochimaru's plans from happening. The slaves had already helped out enough and been long overdue for leave, besides they did have people they loved.

She wished she could be like that. Live happily, fall in love, and maybe die with that person you loved. The only way she could live happily is if she were to kill Orochimaru herself, but she knew Itachi and Sasuke were the ones who had to do that. The only way she could love was if there weren't all these rules. And the only way she could die wasn't with the one she loved. She'd die on the battlefield with a stake to the heart. How romantic.

Glancing out the window and into the darkened night, she saw the only person in this whole place she actually cared for. The way he really didn't show the emotions he felt or one should feel. Sai had been her friend for a while now, or as close to a friend that one could be. Brushing back her dark bangs she smiled. She'd go to hell and back just so he'd maybe someday smile back to her. A true smile, not the forced and fake ones he always portrayed, but a heartfelt smile.

"Toori sugiru kaze no nioi mo. Chikatetsu no zattou mo," Sakura sang to herself as she sat atop the desk in her room. Her eyes were glued onto the silent night sky as tears raced down her porcelain cheeks. Fragile hands slightly brushed against her lower abdomen as a new life grew inside. "Machigai ja, nakatta yo ne? Kasaneatte ita setsunasa mo subete. Ima wa mada, omoide to yobenai."

Soft jade orbs closed and more tears formed along her eyelashes. Her throat was dry and scratchy like it had been every night for these past two months. The only thing she did was sing this song. Sasuke had told her once that it might of held hope but it was too depressing for her to sing.

'Maybe he was right. All of this was pointless. If he had loved me then he would've stayed.' Her conscience told her over and over again. 'You're strong, and Tsunade did give you the option of abortion. Do you really want to have his child and be reminded of him every single day for the rest of your life?' Her mind was screaming for her to be logical but her heart was still begging for her to continue believing in him. What should she follow: heart or mind? Oh, she wished that she could be less gullible and hopelessly romantic. But some part of her did want to have this child- his child.

"Kuchibiru ni nukumori ga kienai uchi wa…" she trailed off and decided not to finish this song. She'd sang it enough and waited for too long. She had to face it without tears, he wasn't going to come back like he used to.

The next time they met, she wasn't going to cry for him. She'd always love him, but this was his last chance. Either he'd come back and stay with her, or he'd come back and live without her. But… was she willing to leave him forever if he did choose to be with out her?

"Hurry, Kabuto, hurry. It has to pull through. There is only a little time left."

Itachi slumped in his chair as he eyed the picture. "Damn it, Sasuke. What the hell were you thinking?" His blood red eyes blinked away from the picture to his window. "Itachi?" a small voice came and he turned his attention to the pink haired neko whose eyes were downcast. The vampire lord straightened his posture as he allowed her to sit down before him.

"What is it?" he asked trying to fake the sympathy he felt for her. Here she was, carrying a child- Sasuke's child- as a favor to her love. Her fingers intertwined with each other as she said, "I want- I don't want to wait for him anymore. I want to be the one that rescues him for once."

The Uchiha king was slightly surprised by how determined she was. "Well, you might be able to help us," he said as his Sharingan orbs darted across her face. She flashed him a small smile in gratitude. "But… whatever you do. Try not to be rash. You have another life to worry about." Sakura nodded and stood from her chair. Thanking her love's brother, she turned and left.

Naruto removed his hat from his spiky hair tiredly. He'd been trying to cheer up Hinata earlier, but it was no use. He was curios as to why she had become gloomy all of the sudden anyways. Maybe she was sad that Sakura was stuck with a bastard's child. Naruto knew that if he were Sakura, he'd be crying up a river. Who'd want to give birth to Sasuke's kid?

Okay, so maybe if he was one of the random girls that had a thing for the young vampire, then maybe he'd want some kind of relationship with him. But he wasn't one of those girls, and thinking about it confused him. He was Naruto, who was sick and tired of the bastard running away from everything like a coward.

"Stupid bastard," Naruto muttered his blue eyes becoming cold. He was really wanting to bring the vampire back. Number one, he wanted his longtime crush, Sakura, to be happy. Number two, he wanted to kick Sasuke's ass. Number three, so he could kick his ass harder than ever.

But this whole ordeal with Sasuke was getting on his nerves. He had other tings to worry about. It was pointless to cheer Sakura up, the only way she'd be happy was if Sasuke came home. He really wanted to make Hinata happy again. Her smile brightened his day way more than the sunshine ever could.

Neji sheathed his sword as he sighed. Training wasn't as fun without TenTen around. He had to admit that he had begun to look forward to sparring with her on a regular basis. He assumed, however, that she was shocked by the kiss two months ago. Even if it had been a while since it had happened, he also had to admit he was a little nervous. They hadn't sparred in those few months ever since that day.

The Hyuuga was confused by his actions also. He merely brushed it off that day as it being upon impulse. He didn't really want to kiss her, did he? He ran a hand through his dark locks. Maybe he could find her in her room. He needed to make sure that the kiss hadn't affected anything between them.

Neji nodded to himself in agreement, which was ridiculous to other soldiers' eyes. But he found a logical way to get out of this mess. He just did it because she was right there at the time. He had no intentions of a relationship and that he wished for them to return to hating each other. It made his life more interesting that way.

Moonlight streaked across Shikamaru's face, disturbing him from his nap. He was surprised that Ino hadn't already barged in and talked nonstop about unimportant subjects. Sitting up in the chair, he realized he had dozed of on some of his own work.

He had been helping strategize ways to break into Orochimaru's lair without causing a disruption. He stretched his arms above his head as he looked at his bed. Bundled up in his blankets lay his fairy friend. She wasn't her small version much to his relief, knowing that he'd probably crush her without realization.

Her blond locks splayed across his pillow and eyelids covered her light blue orbs. Shikamaru might have not had very much interest in other girls, but Ino was one of a kind. The elfish boy smiled as he went to place a short kiss on her cheek. Maybe being with her wasn't as troublesome as he had believed it to be.

Sai stifled a yawn as he read over the books on his desk. He had to do something to pass the time, and this was all he could think of at the moment. But it was hard to think since the stupid grandfather clock was ticking too loudly.

He had managed to get rid of Danzou, but he was still slightly dissatisfied. He wanted more than the pleasure of knowing that he had killed the man who promised him lies. The young vampire was over the fact that he'd never rule over his race. But what could he be missing?

"Sai, you really need to rest," Choji said as he stood from a nearby desk in the library. Sai looked up to meet the larger male's eyes. "I'll turn in shortly." The auburn haired Akimichi nodded to him and turned to leave. Sai then spoke out to Choji, surprising them both, "Choji… do you fell somewhat incomplete?"

Choji faced his friend and knitted his eyebrows together. "What do you mean 'incomplete'?" Ebony locks fell over the slimmer male's eyes. "Just… forget that I mentioned it." Choji placed a hand on Sai's shoulder as he said sincerely, "You'll find out what you are looking for, Sai. I'm sure that you will."

Sunlight streamed through the dusty glass windows of the hideout. All was quiet for these few tranquil hours as Sasuke made his way through the corridors. He didn't hear the chirping of birds that he had been so accustomed to before he left his friends. Should he really consider them friends anymore? They were just mere acquaintances now, if not enemies.

"Was it really wise… to leave them?" he asked himself aloud, expecting no answer. But he then got a reply from Orochimaru's right hand man. "Of course it was. Itachi killed your family. Itachi was also responsible for the death of your beloved Hana." How many people had died just because of those he had met on his quest to kill Itachi?

Kabuto smirked as he saw Sasuke clench his fists. His eyes were shielded by the glow reflected by the sunlight, so Sasuke could not be sure as if he was sincere about it or not. "Just think about it, Sasuke. If it weren't for Itachi then all of your most cherished people would not have died." The Uchiha's onyx orbs flashed to the pale yellow and the curse seal started to make its way across his face. "You're right," he hissed out as Kabuto smirked.

Neji sighed. TenTen was not in her room at all. Where could she be? Maybe Lee knew. After all the mermaid was a good listener with helpful- if not odd- advice. Nearing the pool area, Neji heard some laughter. Assuming it was TenTen and Lee, he stayed hidden so as to not interrupt. and hear what they were talking about.

"He just kissed me, and brushed it off like it was nothing!" the female said as she relaxed her feet in the cool water. Neji clenched his fists. She still hadn't let that go and it had been eight weeks! He saw Rock Lee brush her hand softly and slowly. The Hyuuga deemed the movement to be an intimate gesture.

Where the hell was that mermaid getting off touching her like that? Neji curse himself mentally for letting it get to him. But still, TenTen went to the dark haired boy for advice, not to be hit on! "Maybe Neji is insecure about his feelings," the male said his bowl-cut hairdo matted down to his face form being in the water.

"Insecure about my feelings? Fuck this," Neji said aloud, startling the other two in the room. Neji stomped over toward TenTen and dragged her away from the mermaid… uh man. "What the hell is going on, Neji!" TenTen screamed at him when they were out of hearing distance. The Hyuuga folded his arms over his chest and said, "Maybe you should tell me."

The female bit her bottom lip and glared at the man. "Well, I just went to Lee to talk, something that I can't do with you.." She was about to continue but Neji cut her off. "Then why couldn't you have gone to one of the females?" TenTen shook her head and shoved passed the guy who had kissed her not too long ago. "I don't really have to tell you. Goodbye, asshole!"

"Is everyone ready?" Itachi asked as he overlooked the countless of people who were willing to fight for them. He saw Tsume and the werewolves, the human race, the vampires, Lee's people, some elves that Shikamaru had rounded up, and King Asuma's own soldiers and other neighboring places. Everyone was here to help kill Orochimaru for good.

He then caught the eyes of the people who were there to bring back Sasuke. Sakura was in the front along with Naruto, both had determination flashing in their eyes. Itachi nodded to them and turned around to face the blood colored horizon.

Tsume's people were already on there way, followed by the humans. Itachi waited until the Sasuke rescue team was right beside him to start walking out. They were so determined and he wished Sasuke wasn't so hard headed. The boy had great friends that were risking their own lives just to bring back the vampire prince.

"Sakura," Itachi called out to the neko. Her emerald orbs landed on the king as she turned to him. "We'll bring him back. I know we will," the Uchiha spoke, his black orbs softening. Sakura nodded with a true smile this time.

The snake man smiled wickedly as one of his soldiers told him of the incoming warriors. So Itachi did have a soft spot for his little brother. The pale man couldn't wait until they saw the new Sasuke. "It's time, my angel of death, for us to rule over this cursed place. Test your new strength on these pathetic fools who are headed our way," Orochimaru spoke as he watched his creation step into the room.

Black boots softly stepped onto the marble floor, a dangerous aura spreading throughout the building. Long cloak fluttering with every step the male took. Spiky black bangs framed his milk white face. Light gray orbs stared lifelessly around the large room. A smirk etched its way onto his porcelain skin as he said, "As you wish." As the words eased their way off his lips, Orochimaru's smile grew wider. Then the man whispered to the reigning vampire king as if he were there, "Itachi, your making a mistake even coming here. Sasuke belongs to me now, and you can't save him now…"

TO BE CONTINUED

A/N: Well, I know this was pretty short, but I have a new story that I'm writing on. I would really like if you all would read it and review. It's called "Crossing Borders" and my profile contains info on it. The next chapter is the last. Oh and the lyrics in this were from the song "Are Kara" by Mikuni Shimokawa. The translation can be found at until the last chapter then. Any suggestions should be left in a review and I'd greatly appreciate it! Good bye. Read and Review

Sweet Bliss