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Chapter Fifty-two
In the end, even if Sakura had encouraged Gaara to let his sister speak, his order still stood.
"Don't come back if you mess this up," he had warned Kankuro.
The brunette nodded in understanding while the blonde hung her head low and hid her worried eyes. Sakura, meanwhile, stepped forward to give the departing his goodbye. Even if she was against this fight, she had every intention of wishing Kankuro well and quick, safe return home. After all, it could be the very last time she…
'No,' she quickly brush away the idea. 'He'll be fine.'
Yet, Kankuro gave Sakura no gaze and did not stop from turning away from her approach. He left in silence, head held high as he promised his little brother that triumph would come soon. His glance never even shifted towards Temari, who continued to keep her head down and remain silent in Gaara's presence. They were siblings and with Sakura, friends, yet Kankuro's goodbye was nothing more than a somber move with silent, wistful voices. And it was all because of the redhead who gave his brother's departure no second thought. The aftermath was instead a turn by Gaara towards Temari's sunken head.
"You will watch Sakura while I go freshen up and attend on a few other matters," Gaara speaks, with a hint of distaste for his own words. "Help her to do the same, and attend on whatever matters she wishes."
"Yes, Gaara-sama," Temari whispers.
There is a pain in Temari's voice Sakura catches with ease, yet Gaara chooses to ignore, or does not interpret through her tone. Gaara instead approaches Sakura, his face passive as he studies her for a moment before speaking.
"I needn't remind, or display, once again what will happen if you try to run," Gaara begins.
Sakura cuts him off with a shake off her head and her back turning towards him while she speaks.
"Go. If I never see you again, it will be all too soon. Just because I can only use one arm does not mean I can't manage on my own."
An uncanny silence follows and Sakura realizes quick that the new tension stems from her words.
"If I never see you again, it will be all too soon."
Sakura speaks out sentences that begin through the emotions she feels at the moment. Yet, she is quick to be the first to realize her words may have Gaara interpreting her in a wrongful manner. That, or she is trying to hint to him a double meaning. It's not enough to make the rosette turn and face Gaara and she stands silent still with a promise to her words, but blind to the sour grimace Gaara sends her way.
"Make sure she doesn't escape," Gaara practically hisses at Temari before storming out of the room.
At the sound of departure Sakura hefts out a breathy sigh before turning to face the only door out of the room. In her mind is both regret and curiosity. Kankuro had told Sakura that Gaara would be a pushover when it came to her, and going by how he had listened to her moments ago and allowed Temari to speak after her suggestion, Sakura continues to humor the idea.
'Maybe I'm pushing it though...' she thinks while chewing her bottom lip. 'As much as I want to I can't be snapping at him left and right. He's probably pissed after that comment...'
She can push as much as she likes, Sakura knows. Too many things, including how she treats Gaara now, she finds herself justified to do. Yet…
'I can't push and give nothing. He'll never trust me if I do that, but...' Sakura's mind travels as she straddles her thumb between her teeth. 'It's so hard to act that way towards that conceited bastard.'
She bites a little harder when the little boy, Gaara once was, comes back to mind.
"Shall I run you a bath, Sakura-sama?" Temari mutters.
Though deep in her thoughts, Sakura hasn't forgotten the other woman's presence. Even if Temari has witnessed the distaste Sakura sends in Gaara's direction, the rosette chooses not to hide it and even waves her hand almost dismissively towards Temari.
"I can run my own bath," Sakura sneers.
Her acrimony words stem from Gaara's suggestion than it does Temari's offer and presence. There is still the idea that Temari is guilty in all of this mess just as much as Gaara, yet the question still remains for Sakura where the blonde truly stands. Does she follow her youngest brother blindly like Kankuro does, or is there a fear instilled in her Sakura believes Gaara uses to gain his followers?
'She was going to kill me back on that platform had Gaara said to,' Sakura thinks, her eyes narrowing more. 'She even suggested to Kankuro to do the same before Gaara learned I was here.'
Though Gaara orders Temari to do as he pleases, Sakura is almost positive that Temari now is still hostile to her forthcoming presence.
'She may not even think me the real Sakura...' Sakura thinks.
Kankuro accepts who she is, Gaara teeters on who Sakura really is depending on his mood, and Temari thinks her presence false. Sakura almost wants to smirk at the idea that all three siblings view her so drastically different now, but instead turns gentle eyes towards Temari.
"Also, drop the name. I'm just Sakura, remember?" Sakura says with a warm smile.
She is disappointed to see Temari's eyes fall fast from her own gaze and instead keeps her head lowered towards the rosette.
"If that is your wish, Sakura," Temari mutters.
Sakura had once mentally praised Temari for her spirit. In her younger years, she walked with her chest held high and a declaration to Sakura that she was as capable as any other ninja in Suna. She meddled with the adult world, despite her age, and had revealed a song to Gaara that forever changed his view on his mother and her love for her children.
Now, seeing Temari coiled in the corner with her head low and an obedience that would make her loyal at the snap of Sakura's finger is a new, and another of many, disheartening displays Sakura witnesses. Temari wasn't the most welcome upon Sakura's arrival, so it makes the rosette ponder again at Temari's current feelings.
'She trembles...' Sakura remembers.
Her emerald orbs travel up and down Temari's frame and Sakura narrows her eyes as she watches the other woman be as still as a rock. It speaks silently to the rosette and she is able to easily interpret.
"You're scared of Gaara," Sakura whispers. "You shake when you're near him."
Her voice is loud enough for Temari to hear, she had meant it to, and her words are more of a statement than a question. What surprises Sakura the most is the reaction she suddenly gets. Temari's eyes and head shoot up to stare at Sakura in wide eyes, as if what Sakura claims is bewildering. Yet, her words almost contradict her round eyes.
"I stand next to that which I fear. I serve that which I fear. I cling to that which I fear. I stand next to that which I fear, for only then do I learn to overcome. I fear him, because he is my sovereign and powerful."
Temari recites this in monotone and she speaks highly of Gaara much like Kankuro does. Despite the meaning of her words though, her eyes are still wide and finicky and they even shift towards the door from time to time.
"Your sovereign is your own little brother. A man who, at any minute, could kill over like any one of us," Sakura says while shaking her head. "You shouldn't fear a man who could be so easily killed."
The room falls silent for the moment and Sakura hopes she has spoken some sense into Temari. Alas, the blonde's next words only aggravate her more.
"Please, don't speak that way about Gaara-sa-" Temari begins, but stops when Sakura sighs and turns heel.
The rosette waves her hand dismissively again.
"I got it. I got it. Gaara is so great," Sakura scoffs. "He kills innocent men and threatens yours, and Kankuro's, life. He is such a prominent leader."
Sakura turns in the direction of the bathroom, ready to abandon Temari and her hyped praise for her youngest brother.
"I'm afraid of him."
It's almost like the wind speaks, but that sentence does find Sakura and it's more than enough to make the rosette stop in her tracks. Once she turns to face Temari, Sakura is met once again with a downcast look and bowed head. Silence follows, and Sakura is about to ask Temari to repeat herself before the blonde does so on her own accord.
"My fear of Gaara has never left me..." Temari trails, bringing her guilty eyes slowly up to Sakura.
The hidden message than becomes all the more clear, and Sakura practically scrambles to get close enough to hear Temari's echoes, as well as hide her own whispers.
"You fear Gaara?" Sakura asks this time in question, almost in shock and awe at Temari's confession. "All these years, and you still…?"
A sad thought for Sakura, Temari's fear of her little brother at her young age wasn't entirely cast aside. Like Gaara and his anger, Temari's fear seems to have grown over the many years than dissipate. Love was suppose to blossom between siblings, instead Sakura is witness to the torn family she tried to tie together.
They stare at one another, both wide-eyed and in wonder at the other. For Sakura, listening to Kankuro and even some of Temari, made her feel as though she would meet no one anytime soon that would see Gaara the way she has been witnessing. For Temari, the feeling is mutual, yet unlike Sakura, the wait has been for years and years, and she has felt Gaara's anger and claws many, many times. Their eyes reveal to one another a sense of understanding, relief, even if Temari harbors the idea that Sakura is a new person in her life, there is comfort that settles in her frame.
Still, one thing differs entirely from the two.
"I will probably always be afraid of my little brother," Temari confesses, her eyes dulling as she says this.
Yet, Sakura is desperate. Desperate not to be alone in this fight, and she startles Temari by clasping her free hand onto one of Temari's own.
"Tell me, Temari," Sakura begs, her voice trying to keep quiet. "Please tell me you see all this fighting senseless as well! You have to realize what Gaara does is wrong!"
Bravado returns in the blonde. Sakura's words shake Temari and her eyes brighten and clear, but her next words do not ease Sakura's heart.
"Of course I know!" Temari hisses with angry eyes. "But this is what Gaara wants!"
Her final words make Sakura take step back, confusion morphing Sakura's face as she stares at Temari's own stern look. Temari recognizes the vagueness in her words, and may even feel a little guilty as to what she will say next, for she downs her eyes once again away from Sakura.
"I don't understand..." Sakura speaks then, eyes still wide. "If you know this fighting is wrong, if you understand that something dark is happening to Gaara than why are you allowing this to happen?"
Temari's lip purse then and they quiver as she refuses to speak.
"Temari!" Sakura booms.
Narrow eyes return to Sakura and Temari grounds her teeth at the thought of Sakura not understanding her own plight. After all, she could never be placed in the shoes of a loving sister.
"I fear Gaara. I have feared him my whole life..." Temari spits back, shaking. "But he is my brother."
It's Sakura's turn to feel guilt weigh on her to such abrupt words. Before she can even get a say in, Temari continues.
"I am his sister. His oldest sibling! I am the only one of the three of us to even remember our mother's face!"
Sakura swallows hard at the mention of Karura and some small instance of understanding begins to turn the wheels in Sakura's mind.
'She does this out of love. For the sake of the family they were suppose to be...'
"Do you see it now?" Temari questions with a skip of desperate laugh. "It's my job to make sure Gaara and Kankuro stay safe. It's my job to make sure my little brothers are happy. It's my job to fix what my father ruined and what my mom wanted so desperately from us."
In some light, Sakura can agree with Temari. After all, she wants just the same for Gaara and Kankuro, and even more for hoping Temari to have just as a happy outcome. There was a responsibility she placed within herself the longer she spent time with these children. A need built in here to see these children succeed, prosper and love. Even if she knew their outcome was exactly that already, she pushed to teach these children to love one another early on. Perhaps, Sakura wonders now, that was her downfall and what led Gaara down this destructive path. Either thought, Sakura agrees with Temari. The blonde feels it her duty to basically finish what her mother wanted of her children. Yet, for Sakura, that duty is fervent in her heart even more seeing the young woman in despair in front of her.
If these children were meant to have a happy outcome, the one their mother had wanted for them, Sakura can see now that fruition may not come to be. She feels bad at the idea, and that not only has she let the siblings down but also the wish of their mother. Temari, possibly, feels the same. Sakura understands Temari's turmoil now, she is stuck in a situation both out of fear from Gaara but also because she will only feel accomplished if Gaara finds happiness through winning this war. She does as her brother's want, Kankuro included, for their happiness is her own. Their success is her own, their love is her own, their peace is her own. She has fought a war she hates, all for the sake of her brothers.
'That is love...' Sakura thinks.
Sakura's hands slumps then and she stares long at Temari who seems almost on the verge of tears. Pity in Sakura's look, yet she realizes what strength Temari must have carried out throughout all this mess. Another realization dawns on Sakura then.
'There's no way I could convince her to go against Gaara...'
In the end, Sakura realizes she can convince no one in this house to step back and aim their blade at Gaara. The two oldest siblings hold on to a powerful love they began for Gaara in their childhood, but also a deadly fear of the power he has. He can hurt them at drop of a dime, yet they each follow in hopes he will turn once again towards them with gratitude, and love.
'This is so cruel...' Sakura thinks, biting her quivering lip. 'How in the hell did a future like this happen?!"
Another question comes to Sakura's mind then, one she has been anticipating to ask.
"You're afraid of Gaara," Sakura comments, pausing and waiting for Temari to look up at her once more. "And Kankuro...You tremble when he is near as well."
Temari's moist eyes widen and her head whips fast to look again at Sakura with shocked eyes. A long pause follows and her wait makes Sakura eyes narrow at the message conveyed. Temari is scared of Gaara, and that quaking fear follows towards her other brother as well.
"He..." Temari begins before shaking her head. "I don't even know why I'm speaking to you about these matters. I don't even know who you are."
A sneer from Temari forms and she casts her head to the side with angry eyes.
"Fine," Sakura comments, her heart still light to the other woman. "You don't have to believe me as the Sakura you knew in the past."
Temari's eyes turn back up towards Sakura. Curious from the rosette's words, but also mindful that this may be a declaration on Sakura's part for not having any connection to the Sakura she once knew. Sakura, meanwhile, takes a step closer to Temari and surprises the woman more by offering her a smile.
"If I have to, Temari," Sakura begins, "I don't mind starting over. I don't care who you perceive me as..."
Temari is startled once again as Sakura makes a reach for her hand grasping it gently in her own. Before Temari can pull away, she is stolen once more by Sakura's approach and words.
"I just want to be your friend still. We may not spend the days coloring, eating cookies, or playing with each other's hair," Sakura's smile grows before she presses, "but I'm sure we can find new ways now to grow that friendship we both remember we started all those years ago."
Temari's eyes are still round but they moisten once again from recognition of their shared past, as well as the gentle kindness Sakura offers Temari now.
"I...you-" Temari fuddles with words, before clearing her throat.
Temari gently slides her hand away from Sakura and her eyes bat away whatever water left before her stern face returns to look up at Sakura.
"I am here to serve," Temari speaks professionally.
At this notion Sakura sighs in what, she assumes, defeat. Yet, Temari's next words make her eyes round this time.
"Information regarding the war, or Gaara-sama, can only be discussed when he is present. However, if it's a...friend you wish me to be than I must obey."
Sakura grins as she sees Temari smirk. The older woman is tough, even in Sakura's own world she knew not to get on the blonde's wrong-side. It comes as no surprise, then, that Temari doesn't outwardly convey that she shares Sakura's feelings on remaining friends. However, the twinkle in her eyes is just enough message for Sakura to understand that, whoever Temari perceives her as, she is grateful for her then. If there is a blade that is needed pointed at her or Gaara, Sakura is more than certain Temari will stand in front of her brother in defense and do what she can in her power to strike Sakura down, but Temari is willing to convey to her that bond she is willing to strengthen.
Her love for her brothers is a great one. It has become all the more evident that Temari puts herself in harms way to keep Kankuro safe. With Gaara, on the battlefield, Sakura is certain Temari watches out for him as well.
Sakura's quick thinking disperses once Temari speaks again.
"If you are asking me a question in regards to my feelings for Kankuro, that I can answer you. Some things regarding Kankuro and I may be ones I can answer you. Depending on the question that is," Temari states.
Sakura ears feel like they perk to Temari's words then. Though it is Gaara she'd rather learn more about, Kankuro's own situation is a curious one as well. Though continuously kind to her, Sakura has seen the brunette's unstable mentality. War can take its toll in many different ways, but Sakura grows unsure if fighting is what made Kankuro the man he is today. Not to mention, Gaara's own warning still stews in her mind.
"Then..." Sakura murmurs. "My previous question…?"
Temari's eyes fall immediately and she inhales deeply. It is a question she can answer Sakura realizes, yet…
"If it troubles you then I don't want to pressure you, Temari. Just because I ask, and your allowed to, you don't have to answer me if you don't feel comfortable."
Sakura stares as she watches Temari shake her head and let out the giant breath she drew in.
"Gaara-sama has asked me to do which you command," Temari speaks, stern eyes returning to Sakura.
Sakura opens her mouth to rebuttal, to remind her she is a free woman that follows no one. Yet, she pauses when a thought comes to her.
'Perhaps,' Sakura thinks. 'That is Temari's excuse to reveal her inner feelings...'
In odd, therapeutic method for someone, Sakura thinks. There are feelings and heavy weights on Temari's chest she would like to convey to Sakura. Her sisterly duty has kept these emotions and worries to herself, and that product of her would continue on were it not for the opportunity she has now. The opportunity she feel she can't back out of due to Gaara's orders.
"I love my brothers both so much," Temari continues. "I...I also fear them both."
Admittance. It shakes Sakura to hear Temari speak of Kankuro this way and the blonde seems shocked as well as her eyes widen at Sakura. Temari is probably in awe of herself, but nonetheless watches speechlessly as Sakura in turn shuffles uncomfortably in her spot. For the rosette, another mystery is is growing and for the moment, as her curiosity peaks, she wonders if this is how Rasa felt those many times he cornered Sakura into telling him her secrets. Sakura even licks her dry lips in anticipation for the next answer for her next question.
"Why?"
Temari's round eyes widen more to Sakura's question. It may be because Temari now realizes the seeds she plants elaborating how she truly feels, that, or it may be Sakura's hungry eyes that remind her that the rosette may indeed not have her, nor her brothers, best interest in mind. Slowly, Temari shakes head.
"I cannot say without Gaara's consent," she mumbles out.
Yet, the answer is not good enough for Sakura, and she is desperate that her appetite of answers be quenched. Even if it means pressing the blonde woman endlessly.
'What is Kankuro doing...' Sakura thinks. 'What does he do to garner Temari's fear as well? To have Gaara claim he is much worse than himself...'
Sakura feels a lump in her throat when the bodies the brunette keeps come to mind.
"Temari," she calls the blonde again. "Kankuro told me about the cadaver he keeps now-"
Sakura pauses as Temari's face flushes white; her reaction now is already an answer for Sakura. Yet, the rosette presses on, hoping to hear otherwise.
"-He told me about the bodies he takes up from the battlefield. Ones that no families claim, just to prepare them for burial himself. Is what he says true?"
Temari's eyes downcast once again and the sigh makes Sakura heart drop. The blonde takes a moment to breathe deep before closing her eyes and whispering her peace.
"I love Kankuro very much," she whispers. "I would do anything to keep him safe and make sure he is happy. Yet...the one thing I cannot save him from is his own mind."
'His mentality...'Sakura thinks as her eyes shift.
Sakura is already very much aware of Kankuro's strain in his mind.
"I cannot tell you what it is he uses those bodies for unless Gaara allows it," Temari whispers, eyes still closed.
The blonde's fist suddenly tighten around her chest and she seethes and winces as if her next words cause her physical pain.
"But what Kankuro told you is not the truth," she finishes.
It's hard, but Sakura swallows the giant lump in her throat.
'Of course,' she thought. 'He hurried me out. He tried to hide the body from me even though the smell was strong. There was something more to those cages!'
These three lives have altered completely and Sakura is still wondering how her presence, her love, had done all this.
'No,' she berates herself. 'I did nothing wrong!'
War, fighting, young lives tossed into bloodshed, a boy who listens to the monster inside his mind...these are the things that brought upon this future, not Sakura. The heavy, guilty heart is still solid in her chest however, and the rosette's mind begins to sway that, if she had a choice, she may have chosen to never meet these three as children.
'No,' she tells herself again when Gaara's young smile appears in her mind. 'I can't sacrifice him now.'
"Temari," Sakura begins, a demand in her tone and angry eyes on the blonde. "You need to tell me what he-!'
Sakura pauses her voice the moment she takes in Temari's appearance. The blonde is trembling once again, her fist still clenched on her chest, and she looks away with wavering eyes. Sakura's voice, obviously, is lost to the older woman as she instead delves into past instances that make her shake like a cornered cat.
And Sakura recognizes this.
In her heart, the rosette realizes to subject Temari anymore to her pressure in learning about Kankuro is heartless on her part. She has seen the physical harm Gaara threatens her with, as well as emotional heartache both brothers cause. To pressure anymore may be met with dire consequences. Something Temari does not need in her life right now, and one Sakura can't find the heart to pressure her into. Her answers, the ones she truly needs, will have to be pursued through Gaara.
"I'm sorry," Sakura comments, not surprised Temari's eyes are still distant from hers. "I won't push you into telling me things that pain you, Temari."
Finally, jade meets emerald, and Sakura offers a sympathetic smile to Temari's frightened features. As if her mind tells her that her trembling now is an unworthy sight, Temari straightens back out and clears her throat. She masks everything she has shown Sakura perfectly, and no one would think the wiser as she continues her facade.
"The one who needs to apologize is I, Sak-" Temari begins, but stops when Sakura motions her to do so.
"I think...it do us good to get some fresh air," Sakura offers.
Temari nods, with a warning they can only venture so far and with certain areas restricted. Yet, as Sakura steps out into the warm sun, and fresh, humid air finally clears her senses of the dark and dust, the rosette sulks none to Temari's words. Instead, she takes a moment to soak in the outdoors.
"The prisons?" Sakura begins to inquire.
Temari, who stands in front of her, turns her head in the direction of the mountains,
"Not without Gaara-sama's permission," she phrases.
Sakura sighs, but is not too disappointed. She anticipated an answer just the same. Instead she moves forward towards the lush jungle, sunlight grows hidden from the tall trees, and the calls of wild animals echo in the thick air. Temari trails behind her, and as many times as Sakura stops and hopes the young woman will come march by her side instead, Temari only matches Sakura's footsteps from behind. Eventually Sakura gives up, and walks in silent under the impression Temari will speak up when she treads too close to a territory she is certain Gaara would keep her from.
"In those prisons," Sakura speaks after some time, turning her eyes to look at Temari as she does so, "was a blue-eyed girl who shared a cell next to mine."
Sakura is surprised to see a hint of curiosity spark in Temari's eyes suddenly. The blonde only remains quiet and nods that she has heard Sakura, and that she may continue.
"She offered me fruit while I was there-" Sakura stops her words and movement once Temari does the same.
As much as she tries to shield her emotions, confusion and questions suddenly riddle with Temari's eyes and even morphs her face some. She may not admit to it, Sakura thinks, but for the rosette, she can easily catch that something suddenly catches Temari off guard. Sakura pretends she notices nothing and continues to speak instead.
"Can you thank her for me? When you travel to the prisons again."
Temari swallows hard but nonetheless nods.
"Of course, Sakura," Temari speaks with a slight bow of her head.
They are silent, but Temari's stare draws Sakura in and eventually the blonde speaks out.
"Did...Did the woman mention anything to you?"
Suspicion, Sakura suddenly thinks. Something about the blue-eyed girl makes Temari curious. Sakura half wonders if she has gotten the blue-eyed girl in trouble, and even if the girl offered Sakura comforting words and pried for answers, the rosette merely shakes her head.
"No. We did not share words. The guards made sure of that," Sakura answers.
Relief washes over Temari and it is Sakura's turn to be filled with curiosity and suspicion.
'Perhaps, there is more to that girl,' Sakura thinks.
Just another mystery she hopes to solve in time, but alas, she feels the only one capable of helping her out is Gaara. She has yet to figure out if he is the one most willing to help her find answers, or the most defending. In the end, Sakura knows Temari will offer her nothing right now and instead turns her head back to take a step forward.
A low rumble, followed by a small tremor, is what stops Sakura from taking that step. She feels Temari at her side instantly, her fan out and ready to defend the rosette. Yet, as soon as the shaking stops, it is a billow of smoke off in the distance and cries and shouts of men that make the two women stare up towards the mountain prison.
"What do you think that was?" Sakura asks Temari.
To that question, Sakura turns to stare at Temari. Anxiety suddenly plagues the blonde face and she shuffles on her feet while staring up at the mountain. Sakura realizes Temari is drawn in by what is happening, but lingers back for the sake of all that Gaara has told her to do. For Sakura, it's a welcome opportunity.
"Probably a riot," Temari answers her, and even takes a few steps forward in hope to listen in better on the distant shouts.
Alas, they are too far to make anything out, and the smoke is barely visible through the many, giant leaves. Temari looks out in the distance but Sakura's eyes are trained entirely on Temari's fidgety nature.
"You can go," Sakura offers Temari.
The blonde spins on her heels to stare at Sakura in disbelief. Temari's duty is to Sakura now, yet the rosette sees a calling the blonde would much rather answer.
"You can go," Sakura offers again; this time with a soft smile. "I will wait right here for you."
Temari swallows hard and stares back momentarily towards the mountain.
'Got you,' Sakura thinks.
"I will not leave this spot," Sakura ushers Temari along.
It is then the blonde woman groans but does in fact fold her fan and slide it onto her back.
"I won't be long, Sakura," Temari explains before jumping to the trees above and racing away.
Sakura gives the other a woman a minute just to be sure she won't sense her.
"I'm sorry, Temari," Sakura smiles in the direction Temari has ran. "I just have to take every chance I can."
This time, Sakura runs in the opposite direction. It doesn't take her long before dirt becomes sand and she slowly treads her way down the beach before she stops as the small waves brush against her shoes
'I can't use my chakra,' she thinks, staring out into the wide, blue ocean.
She takes in a deep breath of the sea breeze, recalling the many islands in this country. She deciphers their distance, which direction she would need to take if she chose to swim instead Yet, in the end, since she is unfamiliar as to where she is, she would be leaving herself up to chance reaching another land.
Her fists clench tight and she almost feels a burn in her back where the seal is.
'I may not get another chance,' Sakura thinks.
She lifts her foot, about to bring it down into the water next. Yet, a presence makes her suddenly still and voice calls out to her before she can take a step back.
"You must have been made for flight, Sakura. Intended for fleeing. While I, the pursuer."
