"Chapter 13: Realize"

Deep sleep was foreign to Sasuke Uchiha. However, under the warmth of the earth igloo Sakura created together with his fire sound slumber came to him. Tonight as it enveloped him in its depth a voice spoke. "Indra, my child I have been waiting for you." A gentle female tone reached his ears. He could not see who the speaker was, there was only darkness. "Finally you have searched for me." The Uchiha breath hitched in his slumber. "Come to me my son, I will grant all your desires." His heart began to beat faster. "Anything Indra, I will give it to you." The heir began to feel cold sweat coming out from him. "Come, I am waiting my gifted son."

"Sasuke, Sasuke wake up…" A familiar female voice cracked through his senses. The sharingan user opened his eyes and immediately sat up. "Are you okay? Were you having a nightmare?" The medic continued worriedly. "I am fine." The male mustered. "Would you like some water?" the rosette inquired and offered a cup. Pushing away the offer he reiterated. "I said I am fine. Leave me alone."

The words surprised the lady but decided to honor that request. Backing away she muttered. "I will prepare breakfast, after this we depart for Angalchi Kali."

Sai observed the rejection and decided not to comment. The Uchiha was being an ass so early in the morning he thought. However, the farther the doctor to be is from him the better. Sakura does need a person like him. What matters now is for Sakura to survive this mission. He is willing to do what it takes for her existence to stretch as far as it can.

Breakfast was spent in silence. Once all were done and things were kept, they exited their abode. Are you going to keep it there Sakura?" The painter questioned. "Someone might need it in the future. So might as well leave it." The pinkette answered.

Shrugging her shoulders, Sakura raised her hands to perform a scanning jutsu. Midway Sasuke halted her hands and placed it down. "Allow me." The contact brought warmth to Sakura's body that she felt her face was flushing.

"I can do it better Sasuke." The girl contended. "I can use the aura of the environment to be more efficient."

The Uchiha remained stoic and released his hold on her. "No, I will do it." The onyx eyed man insisted. "This chakra you are searching, I can find it."

"What are you saying Uchiha?" Sai said exasperatedly. "Have you been leading us on all this time?" The anger in him was very evident.

"No I am not betraying you. But I have a strong feeling I can deliver." The other replied bluntly.

"Bastard…" Sai was about to hit him when Sakura stopped him. "Now is not the time to argue."

The emerald eyed pinkette stared into Sasuke's eyes. "I believe you. Be my guest Sasuke." That said she backed away as Sasuke did his hand seals.

The aura he exuded was tremendous. And as the scan spread Sasuke felt the familiar chakra he sensed in his dream. He felt a pang in his heart, the energy spike was huge. It was definitely what they were looking for. "I found it, we head further North."

"We are not walking to a trap right?" Sai said with malice.

"What would I gain by doing that?" The Uchiha inquired. "I have no desire to make a wish. I shall kill my brother with my own hands. What is the glory if I cannot do it on my own?"

Sakura felt the tension between her two comrades. So she spoke to break it off. "Sai, let's trust his intuition. We are teammates here." The alabaster skinned man decided not to comment. It was too early to be stubborn so he let the Uchiha have this round.

Taking Sasuke's word, the trio threaded north for hours. After half a day they have reached the foot of a mountain. "What the heck traitor-san, this is a dead end." The illustrator accused. Sasuke lifted his hands and began scan the area again. "This is not a dead end. Across this we will find what we seek."

"How can I trust you? What are we going to do? Dig through it?" The illustrator questioned. "No we flight over." The heir stated flatly. "I refuse to draw and waste my chakra to follow your misguided directions." The painter pressed on.

"Sai please be reasonable." Sakura tried to reason with the artist. "We need to take this chance." The pleading in her eyes made it hard for him to say no. Defeated he stated. "Sakura, I am doing this for you."

He took out his brush and created his chakra beast. "You better be not pulling my leg Uchiha." Sai said threateningly. "Threat all you want. I can take you on any day." Sasuke climbed up the drawn bird. "But to make this clear, when I offered my help it is the truth. I will see this through."

Sai huffed and ignore the man. Sasuke looked up the sky. "We have to go over. So get ready to challenge high altitude."

As they moved upwards Sasuke positioned himself by the beasts head. Activating the sharingan, he proceed hand seals to again scan the area. "Head west, it's going to be bumpy we're on track."

"Oxygen and temperature will drop as we go up." Sakura declared. "If things go dire, I will utilize my chakra to support us."

"Just don't overdo it ugly. You often sacrifice too much." Sai reminded. "I have a mission to finish Sai. Give me some credit."

As they went higher, the conditions were beginning to go bad. Sakura dutifully placed both hands on the chakra beast. Her aura with comforting warmth began to spread to her comrades. This cordiality not only relaxed Sasuke's body. It felt that it reached beyond his flesh. For some reason he began to feel calm for the first time since the massacre. This feeling he does not want to bask in it.

"What are you doing Sakura?" Sasuke exclaimed. "Save your energy for later." He declared.

"I have no intentions of letting you guys die due to frost bite." The rosette declared. "We all need to be in one piece to maximize the chances of success."

"If he does not want help, let him freeze." Sai said nonchalantly. "Honestly for a guy, your mood swings and reasoning is beyond me." The Uchiha ignored the oppressor. That guy doesn't like him and will continue to mock him in whatever way possible.

Sakura suddenly let out a gasp. Her chest began to hurt, it was as if she was drowning. She could feel an intense energy source ahead. The force is overwhelmingly strong. "Sakura are you alright?" The artist asked worriedly. "Just a bit dazed, I will be okay."

Closing her eyes to calm down, she reevaluated her physical condition. "So you came too?" A woman's voice whispered. The rosette was surprised, is this a hallucination? "Indra has chosen well." Who is Indra? The pinkette thought. "It's going to be difficult." The unknown speaker continued. "But do not fret, your destiny is stable." Sakura began to feel light headed but conscious enough to keep supporting her comrades. "You are strong, a fitting bride."

The word bride surprised her. Did the mystery lady mean she is to wed Indra? She never met him. Does he even exist? "In time, he will come to you willingly." The voice reassured. "Until then, continue to be by his side."

Sakura felt two strong calloused hands touch her face. As she opened her eyes, two gleaming red eyes with swirling tomoes met her gaze. There was a hint of worry in them though the holder refused to utter a word. "I am fine Sasuke. Thank you." She smile at him reassuringly. "I think we are close." The medic explained. "The chakra emanating is strong, it's sort of drowning me." Taking a deep breath. "To a point it feels like I am hallucinating."

The details she said made Sasuke's eyes flinch. If she is feeling the same aura, did the voice talk to her too? He wants to know but asking the question, it would confirm that he was hearing voices too. He does not want to share whatever vision he had. It could jeopardize since his dream might be misinterpreted that he will steal the wish. The wish, if what Sakura believed was true. Then she really can make it. But if she does, as Kakashi said, the consequence would be death.

His reverie was cut when her small hands touched his. "I am sorry for making you worry." The female continued. "Everything will be okay." She pulled his hands down and backed away. "After this mission you can go your way." Her emerald glistened with emotion. "You need not concern yourself with me anymore." She smiled lightly and added. "But keep in parallel with Konoha's best interest. As I shared before, the conditions remain even after my death."

The Uchiha's heart felt like it will burst with Susanoo's flame. How can she smile while declaring her death? A sense of desperation crept to him. Then he realized, no he cannot allow it. Sakura will not die here. That is reason why he came to this mission in the first place. "Shut up, you're not going to die here."

Sai kept his distance and observed the scene. He can't put a finger on it but the two's connection seems to be getting stronger. Though they tried to be subtle, it was obvious. The rosette and their want each other but refuse to admit it. Then it dawned to him. Kakashi probably knew. That is the reason he manipulated the traitor to come. Sakura maybe strong and genjutsu immune. However, the Uchiha's genjutsu is far advance and almost reality like. Now, he is staring into her with those cursed red eyes. Is he starting his trick? As much as he is against it, but if it will keep Sakura alive so be it.

The have reached the point the even Sai could sense the mythical chakra. "What is this feeling?" the artist inquired. Sakura redirected her gaze to him. "Sai are you alright? The chakra deposit here is dense. Don't let it overwhelm you." Nodding Sai calmed himself. Instead of blocking it, he allowed the sensation to flow through him like the wind. "Just be one with it." The pinkette encouraged. "Everything will be alright."

Sasuke looked over the surroundings again. It seems they have finally found it. A descend should be in order. "Sai, we can start to lower altitude." Their female companion spoke. "We are here aren't we Sasuke?"

The sharingan user was caught off guard. Looks like she is very familiar with this chakra signature. He nodded in agreement. With that settled, Sai directed his beast to go down.

After a few seconds, they noticed a huge crater. As they neared the surface, it was noticeably not flat. It kind of looked like an avalanched cave in the spot. "Is this Angalchi Kali?" the artist asked. "Most likely." The medic confirmed. "Once we reach the ground. I will survey it as planned."

The trio were surprised as soon as their feet touched the ground, chakra just splurge everywhere. "It's like a mine of natural energy." Sakura declared. "I am going proceed now." The female eyed the artist. "Sai just in case I will be in the verge of collapse cover for me." The illustrator nodded. "You can count on me ugly."

Smirking at her least favorite nickname, the female proceeded with the action. Due to large amount of aura, it was so hard to detect the temple. It was as if the energy was deflecting her advances. The cycle went for a while until she started to feel dizzy. "Why can't I find it?"

"Maybe we should change to another spot?" The painter suggested. "This is the twentieth location." The girl said frustratingly. "Why can't I find it?"

"It could be buried deeper." Sasuke blurted out of the blue. "If you would allow me. My sensing can go deeper."

"You're being high and mighty again Uchiha. It is irritating." The illustrator snorted.

Sakura tried to catch her breath. "I am a bit tired and I promised Sai not to overdo things." With a welcoming and thankful smile the pinkette urged on. "Be my guest Sasuke."

From where he was standing with sharingan active, Sasuke started to scan the area. He felt the aura from the vicinity pushing his force back. But the Uchiha will never have any of it. He shall persist. Releasing a bit more he felt his chakra go deeper. But this coverage is too small. He needs to increase his physical range. An idea came to his mind and called out, "Susanoo!".

Upon his cry the legendary summon was appeared. With the increase of scope, Sasuke dug deeper to the ground. "Where are you? You said you would give me anything." He muttered in his thoughts. "Show yourself." He commanded in his mind.

As he delved deeper, his chakra seemed to have collided with another strong entity. "Indra, my child you have found me." Sasuke kept his focus on the direction they are to go. "Come, let the ground crumble at your feet." As the words were said, an earthquake shook.

Instinctively with Susanoo's hands, Sasuke grabbed Sakura and Sai. As the ground beneath them collapsed, the summon stood afloat and shield them from injury. Once the coast was clear, Susanoo descended to the abyss created by the quake.

Sakura's eyes widened. Underneath the rubble, was a temple. They have really found it, Angalchi Kali. What she believed was true all along. It means she is a few steps closer to the field of Eternel which will grant her wish.

The wish, to be honest she doesn't know what it is either. She made it before her memory was lost. The scroll where it was written will only open if the presence of Eternel is within the area. Soon it will be revealed, what was she working hard for all this time?

"Finally Indra has brought you here too." The mystical voice rang in Sakura's head again. "You have been faithful." The medic thought she was faithful with what? The mission to get her wish granted? "The mind might have forgotten, but the heart does not lie."

"Are you alright Ugly?" the question broke her from the trance. "Yes, I am." Her eyes searched the surroundings. "Should we go in the temple?" The illustrator followed up. "No, we will as planned." The medic replied. "Sai can you create a drawing of a man?" The artist nodded. "No need for that, I am goin in." Sasuke offered.

"It's too dangerous, the temple is too old the structure might not hold up." Sakura discouraged. "I can use Susanoo to shield myself."

"You don't need to exhaust that much chakra." The pinkette reprimanded. "You're a medic, I expect you to do something about it."

Shrugging the Uchiha headed towards the entrance. "Leave him be Sakura, he is a grown man." The lady sighed. "He did not need to get involve in this." The words coated with regret came out of her mouth. "He is now and you're the one said to trust him." The painter walked closer to his companion. "Sakura, now he is away. Tell me what is your wish?"

Shyly the medic swayed her head. "To be honest Sai I don't know. I only have a scroll, it will open when it is fused with Eternel." The man furrowed his eyebrows. "You know besides the story of you going through incubation to free your memories. No one has ever explained how it got you to that. What really happened Sakura?"

"I don't remember Sai." Sakura kept staring at the temple. "All I know is after the incubation I made a note to myself." Sai nodded. The note content was simple. Harness nature's chakra, find the Eternel fields and make a wish. "Sai you knew me for quite a bit." She smiled at him meekly. "What do think would I have wished for?"

The illustrator folded his arms to his chest. "If you were being selfish I have an inkling that it is to get someone or his whole family back." Sakura's heart began to clutch at the words. "Someone a wish for someone?" She whispered. "But if your being patriotic it can vary from peace to perfect health."

"I see it could really be anything right?" The woman looked at the temple before them again. "Do you think Sasuke can find what we are looking for before it gets dark?" Sai shrugged his shoulders. "Let's prepare to camp out." He suggested. "If gets into trouble inside, you will know it right?"

"Yeah, I guess we should prepare, it has been a long day."

Sasuke walked the cold interiors of the temple. He was careful into bumping into anything since the building might collapsed with a wrong move. Using his sharingan to scan the dark he thought on how to do search more effectively. The coordinated could be in an archive. But if its sacred its probably in one of the main shrines. Using chakra to scan the area, the temple only has a single floor. The structure is really basic but due to the simplicity looking for the coordinates could be tricky. After searching thoroughly he managed to get some scrolls but none had the information he needed.

Using his sharingan for quite a while he decided to rest and noticed the moon's light peaking trough the window. Night has fallen, made his comrades had already set up camp. Curiosity got the best of him and decided to approach the lighted area. Reaching the spot, he observed the window was overlooking a valley. The valley was showered by the brilliant light of the moon. Sasuke took in a deep breath. It seems that field they have been looking for was closer than he imagined.

He exited the temple in a hurry and found his companions set up camp. "I think, I know where the field is." Sakura stood up with hope filled eyes. "Really is it far?" he swayed his head. Its nearer than we think. All we need to do is get in the temple and exit by a window. "Sound's too easy." The painter doubted. "Go see for it yourself." The other male challenged.

"We don't have much time, let's go for it." The lady uttered excitedly. "What do you mean we don't have much time?" the artist inquired. "The full moon will be only present for three days starting today." The rosette explained. "Until this time limit we need to find the Eternel field."

"Enter the temple with caution. Its very old." The Uchiha reminded as the trio entered. As Sasuke said their is an enlightened part where the light of the moon enters. But to Sai's surprise there is no window. "You said there is a window? I can't see it." Sakura's eye widened at Sai's statement. "Sai there is a window can you not see it?"

"You mean the two of you can see it and I can't?" The painter said exasperatedly. Is this some type of a lame joke the two have ganged up on him? Seeing the disbelief in the medics eyes, he suddenly felt worried. "What does this mean Sakura?"

"Sai, I think only two people can enter the field of Eternel." The statement was said in sorrow. "What do you mean? You're going there with him?" the alabaster skinned man question. "You cannot go alone with him. For all we know he might harm you." The Uchiha huffed but decided not to speak.

Sai's began to feel the emotion called worry. If Sakura comes with Sasuke and makes the wish she will automatically die. He just could not bear the thought of having to let her go like this. What would dickless say? Can the fifth and sixth hokage let him off with this? Sure they know her willingness to sacrifice but until the end he was hoping to change things. Confused in reverie, gentle hands touched his face. His head was pulled up to meet the gaze of the face he began to fell found of. "Sai it's okay. Thank you for coming all this way." Tipping on her toes, the female placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. "I am sorry we cannot see through it till the end. I actually thought it was going to be with you."

His face suddenly felt flushed. He grabbed the girl into an embrace. "I .." He stuttered to keep his mind together. "I actually though it was going to be me. For awhile I was confident it was me." He continued.

Sasuke stared at the sight before him. He was quite irritated of them being touchy. Something in him stirred but decided to let the two have their moment. If things do get wary, Sakura might get caught up in grave injury. And that's all she is going to get grave injury because he is not going to let her die before him. Not in this life time. He has no idea why he had such feelings and resolve like that. But he was going to make sure she lives no matter what.

The two pulled away and once again whispered there good byes. Sai eyed the Uchiha signaling him he wants to speak. The Uchiha nodded to agree and the artist approached him. "I entrust her to you. Make sure she survives." He decided not to speak of promises but instead offered a handshake. "What is this for Uchiha?" Shrugging the onyxed eyed man answer. "You have yourself a deal."

As their hands met in agreement the illustrator smirked. "In the end, even without memories, it seems she still choose you." The Uchiha decided to no comment.

Sasuke turned to look at Sakura who was very puzzled. She could not understand why Sai could not see the window. The fourth condition, she was sure he would fit it. But why was it not him? Why in the world is it Sasuke Uchiha a man she never met? "The mind might have forgotten, but the heart does not lie." She recalled what the voice said.

Sasuke looked her way and she paled. Chest palpitating with a shivering body she stood in disbelief. How could this be? In the light of the moonlight the proud Uchiha stood tall. He is beautiful beyond words. Fleeting feelings began to confuse her. If the fourth condition is true, then how could it be? To make a wish, the sacrifice must be with their most precious person. The most precious person will be the one to utter the wish. Is Sasuke that type of person to her?

Sasuke held out his hand. "We must go, as you said we don't have much time." Uchiha's were never the affectionate type. He did not know why he offered. But when she accepted relief washed over him. Together they approached the window towards the field they seek. What truth awaits them beyond is still a question. But with hands held together, as if their hearts are in sync, both felt everything will be okay.

Sai stared at the couple as the disappeared from his sight. There was a really passage which he cannot enter into. It seems exclusive only for the two. Was that the reason they were acting strange since this morning? After all this that happened he still could not believe it. The Uchiha still beat him in winning the rosette's affection. They might not have realized it yet. But sooner that later it will reveal itself. Sai touched his chest, a feeling of hurt was thumping on it. After what he witnessed he feels that the wish Sakura is to make is involves the Uchiha. Did she go through all this trouble to save him? Would she wish for a scenario where the traitor is not a walking time bomb? He smirked bitterly, yeah in the end Sasuke did not keep his side of the bargain. But Sakura validated he contempt and all he could do is step back.