The Ripple Effect

By: Sweet Bliss

………

The Last Sunrise

………

"Shit," Itachi cursed to himself as a barrage of arrows and other sharp objects rained down upon the group. The Uchiha didn't know how Orochimaru had already known about the planned invasion. He was sure that no one had betrayed them and informed the snake-like man of their plans, but Itachi had no other theory to put into play at the moment.

Sharingan eyes scanned the area, he sensed no one that worked for Orochimaru in the dull green leaves. "We fell for a fucking booby trap," he hissed to himself as realized that he had just walked into Orochimaru's traps. "I would have thought you'd be better than this…" Red eyes widened at the sound. Itachi recognized that voice, but something was different about it.

"Not even going to say hi to your little brother? Not that it matters, you can greet me later and we can test this new power I have." Sasuke. His voice was much calmer and more confident than it ever was. No feeling behind the words. They sounded so hollow coming from the younger Uchiha. "Damn it, Sasuke, where are you?"

Itachi could feel green eyes turn to him, even through the mass of leaves and weapons. By now the trap had ended, leaving some of his army in a pitiful state and the rest injured barely. A chuckle resounded through the forest, one that held no emotion and sounded somewhat creepy. "I'll be waiting."

Sakura kept her eyes on the ground as she walked in-between the two blondes, Naruto and Ino. Worried sky blue orbs of the young fairy glanced at the girl's facial features only to see tears stinging at her eyes. "Sakura," was all Ino said as the girl turned to her with a smile. The mage placed a gloved hand on her slim shoulder as she turned to him a with a smile also.

"I'm okay. Don't worry about me," she whispered to them both her jade orbs brightening up, just a little though. Naruto and Ino returned her angelic smile, but didn't exactly believe that she was okay. 'Please, let us get to Sasuke before it's too late,' Sakura prayed as she stared up to the heavens where dark clouds had accumulated.

Kabuto looked towards the young Uchiha heir with a growing frown. That smirk was wicked, as if he knew something bad was to happen before anyone else. "What's wrong, Kabuto?" Sasuke asked, even without turning around he could feel the eyes of the older male.

The white haired vampire kept silent as he watched Sasuke turn to him, those pale black orbs staring into his own. "Nothing is wrong," Kabuto finally managed to spit out, his black eyes narrowing at the 'angel of death'. Sasuke nodded to him, his eyelids covering those lifeless orbs that seemed to stare right through you. "Well, that's good. But if there is, you won't have to worry anymore soon enough."

TenTen really didn't feel like even looking at the arrogant Hyuuga at the moment for the events that had happened earlier. Rock Lee was slightly confused by the way Neji had been treating him, but TenTen reassured him it was nothing. Chestnut colored orbs turned their gaze only to lock onto pearl ones.

She was ready to hit the Hyuuga but paused when she noticed that it was Hinata. "Oh, I'm sorry, Hinata. I thought you were someone else." The younger girl smiled at her and nodded, clearly understanding what she was saying. The weapon mistress only turned crimson when Hinata stammered out, "He t-tends to get o-overprotective of those w-who he cares f-for."

The dark haired girl excused herself and walked a little faster to catch up with Naruto. TenTen sighed as she ran a hand through her brown bangs. Just thinking about the guy was making her a little ticked off. "Um, TenTen?" What was it with people and them startling her?

Her brown orbs looked at Rock Lee who only smiled at her. "I was wondering that if, and when, we get back… Would you like to come with me for a little celebration dinner, just as friends?" His tanned cheeks heated up and his eyes were averted elsewhere. She placed a hand on his shoulder and answered, "Sure, Lee, I'd love to."

Neji couldn't believe his pretty pearl eyes. What the hell was she thinking when she said that? What could bushy brows -no offense to the guy since Neji thought he was okay- offer her that he, the Hyuuga Neji, didn't have? There she was, though, agreeing to "join" Lee on some "celebration" dinner.

That was when his hand shot out and grabbed hold of hers, pulling her to his side. Lee noticed and turned to them, a bewildered look on his face, but faced the other way when Neji glared at him. TenTen's look was furious but the Hyuuga didn't seem to notice. He thought she looked even better when she was pissed.

"Like I said before, Hyuuga, keep away from me," TenTen said threateningly her eyes flaring. The male just ignored her warnings of staying away as he asked, "What are you doing agreeing to go on some date?" He noticed out of the corner of his eye that she had a disbelieving look on her face.

"What the hell are you doing eavesdropping?" She snapped back at him, not caring if she gave way their position to the enemy. Neji placed a hand on his heart as he retorted, "I prefer calling it overhearing." The brunette just faced forward, her eyes on the road. "Well, you still have no right butting in."

The Hyuuga's eyes went downcast immediately, a frown making its way on his face. "It's just that I- oh, never mind," Neji said, wiping away a few wisps of raven locks from his face. TenTen sighed, she had already gave up hope that maybe he did have some feelings for her. Then suddenly an onslaught of weaponry hailed down upon them. Only an hour earlier had the first attack begun leaving their troops tired, now there was another.

"TenTen, move!" she heard someone cry and seconds later found herself pushed to the ground. When brown eyes snapped open she saw Neji with a large knife embedded into his shoulder and others defending themselves. "Neji, your wound," she said softly as she watched him guard her and himself.

His white orbs locked with hers as multiple objects dug into their skin. She blocked a few of the items and crawled quickly toward her wounded partner. Why hadn't she been on her guard? Then the Hyuuga wouldn't be injured with his blood seeping onto the ground below. "I'm sorry," she whispered out as the trap died down.

Neji smirked as he stated, "No need to be sorry. I'm just trying to make it up to you for what happened earlier." Chocolate orbs softened as she watched the male topple over into her arms. "Let's make camp here and tend to everyone's wounds," one of the mission leaders called out to the struggling group. Were they ready to take on such foes?

The new Sasuke, much more intimidating than the old Sasuke. Itachi kicked the dirt beneath his feet in disgust. Whatever happened to the boy who hated blood? The one who'd kill those around him, but regret it soon afterwards? "Sasuke…" he voiced his name, his voice sounding like that of a father.

It seemed as though Itachi was the closest thing to a father he had. It was ironic that the person who had grown up with you as your brother, killed your own parents, and then you end up considering yourself -the murderer- the father figure now. "Thinking about him, as well I see." Ruby orbs met with concerned pools of pale green. Gaara. Sasuke's once-upon-a-time friend, that was until Itachi had killed his family and tore the best friends apart.

"He sounded so…" his words trailed off leaving Gaara to finish it. "Bloodthirsty." The older vampire nodded, stoking the fire with a stick. The red head sat down across from his lord a small frown tugging at his lips. "I feel sorry for her, though." Two pairs of eyes caught sight of the little neko, so fragile and yet so strong. Her weary eyelids had closed over her emerald depths, letting them rest until morning. Her hands protectively sitting atop midsection, a new life stirring inside her womb.

"She's determined and obviously doesn't want anybody's pity," the Uchiha said, propping his chin on his palm. The moon no longer was shining with the borrowed light it held. Dark, storm clouds had blocked it, and Itachi was sure that they'd still be there by tomorrow morning. "I'll take watch now, along with some of our men," Gaara said with a reassuring smile on his face. Although he wanted to protest, Itachi gave in and bid the male goodnight, knowing tomorrow would be the final battle.

Orochimaru stood form view as he watched the blood scatter amongst his marble floor. The battle had begun and he had yet to deploy his prized possession in the battle. Sasuke had kept quiet, not knowing what his master planned, but was sure that he'd get to have his fun later. Kabuto stood opposite Sasuke, his brows knitted in confusion, confused by Orochimaru's actions.

"Kabuto, get everything ready and send in the others." The order was silent -barely above a whisper- and Kabuto sensed some excitement in the older vampire's hushed words. Sasuke also seemed to have that same bloodthirsty glint in his eyes. He nodded and pushed up his glasses. What the hell was Orochimaru planning?

Sakura had snuck in around back, along with Itachi, Gaara and his siblings. Itachi had to settle things with the snake man and Sakura needed to find Sasuke. Gaara, Temari and Kankuro were to eliminate anyone who got in their way. So far there hadn't been any soldiers, leaving Itachi suspicious. "Temari and Kankuro, I leave you here to defend this spot. I will go on ahead and look for traps," the red head said as he also suspected something was up.

The blonde and auburn haired vampires nodded to him and they leapt into the trees above, checking the place for guards and traps around that area, setting up their own traps as well. "C'mon, Sakura, we have to hurry," Itachi said, grabbing hold of the female's arm and rushing after Gaara. Soon both were engulfed in darkness and separated from each other as they wandered aimlessly around the back area of the hideout.

Sakura fumbled through a dimly lit hallway, already giving up her search for the elder Uchiha. "Sa-ku-ra," a voice taunted her, sending shivers down her spine. "Are you trying to find me?" It had asked her the question, so should she answer it. "Yes, I'm going to find you and kick your ass, knocking some sense into you so you'll come home."

A chuckle echoed throughout the narrow space and then said, "I have no home to go to." The neko kept on walking, the voice leading her the way. "You're wrong, Sasuke. You have a home, and it's with us." The voice grew quiet as it asked softly, "It's all a lie, you're just using me." The green orbed girl found a soft glow coming from the room at the end of the hallway.

"We're not using you, Sasuke, Orochimaru is," she said finally, opening the door to reveal a completely white room. Sasuke stood in the middle of it all, but he was so different from the way he used to be. "Sasuke!-" she screamed his name out, but when he turned toward her, she felt the room start to spin and fade away. "What the-"

Her words were cut off when she felt herself pushed against the cold wall, his hand placed around her neck. She squeezed her eyes shut, but when she opened them it revealed the area where everyone was killing one another. She turned her eyes away from it all. "You don't want to see it, do you?" His words were sharp an cold. "If you had left me alone, Sakura, then this wouldn't be happening."

Tears rolled down her porcelain cheeks as she whispered, "No, Orochimaru would've killed us anyway and when he was sure he was to rule, he'd kill you." Sasuke's grip tightened around her neck upon her words, but she just smiled down to him, confusing him more. "W-why?" he asked, his now gray eyes gained a little of their color as he said the words. "Because… I love you more than anyone in the world…"

His eyes widened in shock, but his grip around her tightened a little more. "You're lying, no one can fall in love with a monster like me." Sakura felt her head going fuzzy and her breathing slow down. Sasuke loosened his hold, not wanting to kill her at the moment, but he kept a firm grip on her.

Orochimaru was having the time of his life as he watched Sasuke slowly kill the mother of his child. The Uchiha didn't know yet, which made it even more interesting. "I always knew you were a coward." The man turned around to face the eldest Uchiha. "I'm just enjoying the view, I want to fight the stronger ones. I'm waiting till the weaker ones die."

Itachi narrowed his eyes and stretched his arms out wide. "Well, Orochimaru, here is your match! It should be interesting." The snake man, his tongue licking his lips in anticipation, just nodded. His eyes shown with amusement as he drew his blade. Itachi, determination splayed across his features. " Fighting the king again? I feel so honored!"

"Anko, get the hell away from there!" A voice shouted out to her, distracting her from the oncoming attack. When it was about to strike, she squeezed her eyes shut and waited. But nothing ever came.

The first thing she saw was her black haired companion's back, and noticed that he had just killed the man. She was about to thank him for saving her, but he stumbled backwards and into her arms. He had been hit… near his heart…

"Sai!" she cried out, shifting his weak body in her arms. There were no soldiers where they were at the moment, leaving her time with her friend. His coal orbs blinked open ever so slightly, the stake that pierced the flesh around his heart containing the buildup of blood that threatened to spill. "H-hey, Anko," he said sadly as his hand gripped hold of the wood.

She stopped him from pulling it out, her shaky hand placed upon his. "W-why?" She had asked him, voice cracking up in between steady tears. She shouldn't have been sad, isn't that what the rules had said? No emotions should be shown for that would mess up the mission. He just looked up at her, his eyelids slowly giving, but he had willed them to stay open just to see her. Just to be with her for a little longer.

"I did it because… you're my best friend and I," he said stopping mid-sentence, unsure of whether or not he should continue. She silenced him though, vision blurring through her many tears, as she scolded him rather shakily, "You shouldn't have done that just to protect me." The raven haired male sighed as his hand gingerly touched her cheek. "I'd live unhappy forever if I hadn't."

She shook her head, the tears flowing freely now. "Don't leave me," she pleaded as his eyelids slowly descended. He looked up at her through half-lidded eyes and did the one thing she always wanted. He smiled for her. Through the blood and tears, he had managed a smile that held so much emotion. Then just as quickly as it came, it faded away, and Sai was gone.

Anko sniffled and shook his lifeless body. She didn't want to believe what had just happened. "S-Sai," she sobbed his name into his chest. "You were my best friend, Sai." She wiped away her tears and caressed his cheek. "I'll try my best to win this fight, for you."

Sasuke was having an inner battle with himself as he held onto the sobbing girl. Should he believe her? Was Orochimaru just using him to get what he wanted? Then he felt her hand wrap around his free one. She moved their intertwined hands to her mid-section and she smiled. "It's our child, Sasuke," she said trying to bring back the one she had fallen in love with.

She succeeded and slumped to the ground when he let go. "That bastard," he hissed under his breath as he dropped in front of her. His orbs locked onto hers, a soft smile gracing her features. "Sakura…" he whispered her name as she placed a slim hand over his gloved one. "You didn't know any better, Sasuke…"

He shook his head saying that he didn't mean to do it. He stood and watched as his brother and the snake-like man both fell from an upper level and onto the platform before him. "Orochimaru!" his voice cried out echoing through the bloody room. "Ah, Sasuke," Orochimaru said as he smiled wickedly.

The younger Uchiha stepped forward, Itachi wondering why Orochimaru wasn't shocked that his puppet failed him. "You think you can defeat me, don't you?" Sasuke smirked at the question as he retorted, "I don't think, I know." Itachi blinked back to Orochimaru, knowing all too well where this would lead.

"But with any injury I inflict upon you, it may lead to your death. Oh, but you didn't know that, did you?" The Uchiha heir sent him a quizzical look and Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Sasuke, you're not a full vampire. Itachi killed your parents before you were ready to become one completely… We all knew, but you didn't. You can live forever, but die like any mortal could."

Sasuke looked at his brother, his look clearly asking whether or not it was true. "He's not lying. I didn't want you to live by all the rules that were forced upon us," the male spoke out, his eyes to the ground. The snake bastard smirked and said, "But that's not all. You were to be given to me, they already had their heir to the throne. Just like the prophecy written in the Uchiha castle."

Sakura, who had been listening, then remembered the scripture that she had stumbled upon. Was that really what it meant? Sasuke seemed to be confused as he held onto his head. Orochimaru took this time to kill his failed project. "Sasuke!" Sakura screamed out, but Sasuke didn't notice until last second.

The only thing that came was his brother's body. He was alive, the wound not fatal at all, but that didn't keep Sasuke from getting extremely pissed off. He clenched his fists and his wings furrowed out, but not the same black, demonic wings he once had. They were now pure white angel wings, feathers fluttering about.

Orochimaru was the most surprised, not expecting this at all. "B-but this… this was not your fate!" The warriors had all stopped their fighting at the spectacle. "There's something you should know, Oro-bastard! People can change their destinies." With that, Sasuke grabbed hold of Orochimaru and flew him out of the hideout. Itachi helped Sakura up, who's neck was bruised from Sasuke's hold. "I guess you were the only one who could knock some sense into him." Sakura forced a smile on her face, knowing how this would all end.

Sasuke stumbled into the hideout, his wings yet to draw back inside of him. His bleeding body was weary from the fight, but he had won in the end. Now all that he needed was to see Sakura again. All his friends cheered him on, and Orochimaru's once faithful servants bowed before the winner. In the midst of all the celebration, Sasuke couldn't help but notice the half-hearted smile Sakura gave him.

Itachi gave his brother a small smile. Then he said, "When we get back, I'll get everything ready for your coronation." Sasuke nodded to his soon-to-be retired brother. The man patted the younger on the back and Sasuke was about to head toward Sakura, but Naruto jumped in the way. Sasuke watched Sakura slip herself through the thousands of celebrating people as Naruto talked animatedly amongst everyone else.

"Are you sure you can't set your dinner date with Lee until some other time?" Neji asked the brown-haired girl beside him. "I'm not going to set it for later, but…" Her eyes became dangerous and seductive as she trailed her fingers up the Hyuuga's chest.

"When I get back from that little dinner with Lee, you can have me all to yourself." Neji cocked his brow, and with a smirk nodded. Then he did what he longed to do for two months now. He kissed her, and this time he meant it entirely.

Shikamaru smiled to the group, his tired limbs glad that the war was over. He then turned to his pixie friend who just smiled in return. "So what do we do when we get back? Do we go back to our hometown?" Ino nodded but then asked, "But we'll keep in touch with the others, right?" The brunette nodded to the female and laced his fingers with hers.

"Hey, Shikamaru, good job!" Naruto called out as he pumped his fist into the air. The Nara just chuckled and said, "But I was nothing compared to you." The young mage just smiled and shook his head. "Yeah, we definitely need to keep in touch with them." The fairy leaned her head against his shoulder and sighed. Now things could go back to normal. But were they ever really to begin with?

Naruto turned to the shy girl who stood behind him. "Hinata, it's finally over. I get to go home now!" At his words, her smile seemed to fade, which didn't go unnoticed by the boy. "What's wrong, 'Nata?" She shook her head, brushing it off as nothing, but he persisted. "I won't go if you don't want me to leave. That way I can see my favorite person in the whole wide world again!"

With his words, Hinata flushed crimson and stuttered out, "Y-you don't h-have to move on m-my account." The blonde shook his head with a goofy grin. "But I want to see you everyday for the rest of my life! I'd die if I didn't get to talk to you, you've really helped me out these passed few months."

Without an further words, Naruto had lifted the girl up and spun her around, only stopping to plant a short kiss on her lips. "I love you, Hinata," he whispered in her ear, and she felt fuzzy on the inside. Mustering up every ounce of confidence inside of her, Hinata then replied, "I-I love you, too." That earned her a warm smile form Naruto and another sweet kiss.

Sasuke had managed to make his way out of the crowd -thanks to his brother's help- and was now searching for the girl who'd brought him back to reality. The mother of his child, the girl who'd helped him so much, the one he had fallen in love with…

The Uchiha stopped suddenly upon realization. Hadn't he said it before? Yes, he knew he had, but this time he was willing to accept that fact. He walked through the doors, only to see her standing with raining pounding down on her. "Sakura," he called out to her, not sure as of whether or not she had heard.

She turned around to him he face void of any expression, a mirror image to his past self. "Sakura," he said, onyx orbs searching her face for some kind of reassurance. She held no love or kindness in her eyes. The cherry blossom just forced a small smile on her face.

The neko twisted her fingers together just above her abdomen. The rain pounded on the ground in its own rhythmic pattern. Heavy tension guarded by an eerie silence surrounded them. Neither one attempted to break it. A moment had gone by and she first to speak.

"Orochimaru is dead, I'm pregnant, and Itachi has left you the throne. Your dream -rather goal- has come true," she stated sadly, green eyes meeting black. He wanted to grab her hand. Hug her. Hold her. He found himself, however, not being able to do those things.

She turned around, her back to him. "Along the way, I decided that this isn't where I belong. I'll stay until the baby is born, then you won't have to see me again." Sasuke stepped forward, almost as if he wanted her to stop. Then he realized, he did want her to stop. "The rain washes away all sins. This is where we will begin again… without each other."

She began to walk away, and instinctively Sasuke's hand grabbed hold of her wrist. "D-don't… please, don't go." He knew it was uncharacteristic of him, but he didn't want to lose her. Not now, not ever. "You mean everything to me… I love you." Even though it was hushed and the rain had drowned it out slightly, she still heard it.

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she stated, "I love you, Sasuke." His mouth, which was nuzzled against the side of her neck, twitched slightly as a smile struggled with him. "I don't want anyone else here with me besides you." And Sasuke meant every word of it.

The End

A/N: First off, sorry for any erorrs, I didn't get much time to edit. Secondly, I know it wasn'tthe bestchapter in the world(don't flame me please) but I really tried hard to get this done. It seems as though I kind of ran out of ideas, and I wracking my brain for every single possibility. It seems to be missing something, but I won't do anything else to this story unless you seem to think it needs another chapter. Despite me not liking it, I hope you enjoyed. I'd really like it, also, if you were to read my new story "Crossing Borders". It has plenty of SasuSaku-ness in it and a super scandalous love between Sasuke and another woman! gasps Well, read and review! Love you all!

Sweet Bliss