"Chapter 14: Restart"
The duo entered the window like portal. The experience was like going to another dimension. Sure it still looked like the Earth, but some things are quite different. The moon seems closer and therefore looks larger. The soil is has more of a reddish hue when one would stare closer. The humidity is heavier and the wind is chillier. Normally flowers would die at this weather. However ahead of them is the blue field of shining Eternel. All they have to do head towards the field.
Sakura was caught up with her thoughts of why did Sai not see the portal? She was so sure that he was the one required to meet the fourth condition. Ever since she prepared for this journey it was him who was in her mind. But he was not able to come in the end. Thinking deeply she concluded, does the female voice speaking in her head have anything to do with it? Is this related to the person named Indra which was mentioned to her before? Who is Indra anyway? And why was Sasuke here? Did the entity called upon him too? What is his purpose of being dragged into this space anyway?
Putting together her thoughts her eyes widened. Could Sai's suspicions be true? Was Sasuke here to steal the opportunity of making the wish? Is he going to betray her like Sai expected him to? Her chest began to feel constricted at the thought. Part of her wanted to cry. With trembling hands she looked up to him with determined eyes and asked. "Why are you here and not Sai?"
There was a hint of anger in her voice, he could easily tell. So she really is in despair that the artist was not the one to accompany her. She is probably ridiculously thinking that he would steal her stupid wish. Well they have come so far to quarrel now. So he should put her mind at ease in order to get things done and over with. Shrugging and with a stoic face he answered. "I don't know, but I assure you can keep that stupid wish."
His annoyance made Sakura feel guilty. How could she think ill of him? She had a sudden feeling of needing to apologize. "I am sorry Sasuke. I guess my mind is in limbo due to the stress." The medic in regretful tone explained. "Honestly since we got here, a weird female voice is messing with head. It keeps uttering mysterious things that are nonsensical." The pinkette continued to share her thoughts.
Hearing the woman's predicament his heart raced. "Female voice?" The heir muttered could they be being contacted by the same person? "What does that voice tells you?" He pressed on with unmasked urgency.
Startled the rosette swayed her head. "Total nonsense, it keeps saying the name Indra." The lady chuckled. "I have not met a man with such a name." Breathing in deeply the girl continued. "The enigma keeps telling me: The mind might have forgotten, but the heart does not lie." Shaking her head again the female sighed. "What the heck does it mean? Is it implying I have forgotten something or someone I love? It's impossible. Everyone I love is in Konoha and all my life I lived there. Then it also praised me for being faithful. But faithful with what? It's all so messed up."
Hearing the hints in Sakura's speech the Uchiha's heart throbbed. He suddenly felt the urge to touch woman before him. If what she says is true, it means until now her feelings towards him has not changed. Despite losing memories, her heart still belongs to him. Is that the reason why her comrade is so worked up? Because they knew, that despite everything Sakura is his.
"Never mind all of that." The medic said and looked ahead of them. "The field of Eternel is waiting, let's go." The lady sprinted leaving a flustered Uchiha behind. He followed suit as he caught up with the girl he recalled the reason why he came along. As long as she is with him, Sakura will not die. She can hate him all her life because he stopped the sacrifice. Yes he will not steal the wish, but given that it will really kill her, it's definitely a different issue.
As they approach the field, a strange plant began to appearance on the grounds surface. It looked like huge Venus flytrap plants. However, instead of green the colors varied from black to white. As the entity continues to rise, the built surprised them both. After the Venus flytrap head, it has a body of a naked sexless human. What are those things? Are they the residents of this dimension? "Ku, ku, ku…" the beings muttered. "Mother's guest welcome."
"These things can talk?!" Sakura exclaimed. Sasuke activated his sharingan and surveyed the things if they are of flesh or mythical. "They are living beings, they have chakra." The heir confirmed. Soon the bodies began to swarm towards them. "Mother's guest welcome, ku, ku, ku…"
"Should we attack them?" Sakura questioned. "I don't like unnecessary killing." Sasuke huffed. "If we don't push them away, they will suffocate us." The male said with finality. "Step aside, I will take care of it." Performing hand seals "Katon Jutsu: Fireball" In one blow a path was cleared for them to run on. "Why are you incinerating them?!" Sakura screamed in panic. "We have no idea if they are friend or foe, but they are in the way. We need to reach your Eternel right?" The Uchiha pressed on. "Yes, but I had no intention of putting anybody to death." The pinkette explained. "Anybody but yourself right?" The man said sarcastically. The girl kept silent. "I will take you to your field without having to hit any of these shenanigans. Their blood is on my hands not yours."
Sakura decided not to argue with the sharingan user. She needs to focus on the mission and make the wish. It took five attacks for them to reach their destination. As they stepped on the field of blue flowers, their oppressors stop following/ "Mother's garden, we cannot enter ku,ku,ku…"
"Who are they calling mother?" The perplexed kunouchi uttered. "Is that the voice tampering with my head?" She thought out loud while walking further the field. The sight was beautiful. The blue flowers in full bloom clustered together shimmering due to the light of the moon. The scent from the flora is sweet, probably the most fragrant Sakura has ever smelled. It brought a sense of calmness in her.
Sasuke observed the woman explore the area in wonder. Her pink hair made her appear like lone blossom amidst the sea of blue. Her eyes were sparkling of happiness. She probably felt so accomplished. Soon a firefly like entity came towards them. It began to materialize to a human form as it goes near Sakura. There was a sense of dread in Sasuke that he ran towards the rosette. "Sakura don't let your guard down!"
Sakura looked back puzzled. "It's just fireflies Sasuke." The body's transformation was completed and floated in the air. It had a form of a female with silver hair. Her eyes have no black irises, which reminded him of the byakugan. A huge diamond shape seal adorns her forehead. A top her head is a pair of rabbit ears. Is this the rabbit priestess the legends were talking about? If she really exists then it means the wish myth was not a fake.
Coming to a realization he felt panic. "No, Sakura will not die." He strongly thought. "Sakura it's the rabbit priestess can't you see her?" The Uchiha explained. The woman just gave him a puzzled look.
"Are you alright Sasuke?" She walked towards him. "Maybe you spent too much chakra getting us here."
She placed a hand on his temple in order to examine him. The man gripped her wrist and pulled it off his face. "I am not delirious, she is right in front of us." The medic pulled away. "Sasuke there is only the two of us." The heir could not believe it. Has he gone mad and seeing things? Or is it Sakura who is in a trance.
The creature smiled. "Indra my child welcome." The foreign woman is getting closer and was about to grab Sakura but Sasuke dragged her to him first. Caught in the embrace, the pinkette's cheeks became the same as her hair. The Uchiha was sturdy and warm, his masculine musk scent sent chills to her spine. Her hand subconsciously touched his chest.
Her blushed intensified upon the realization of how well built he is underneath. To ease her embarrassment the lady decided to pull away. But as she did the man tightened his hold on her. "Keep your hands to yourself." He snarled. "What is all this nonsense Indra talk?" The male accusingly said. "Indra?" Sakura muttered. "The voice in my head keeps telling me I am bound to Indra."
She could feel the anger of his heart beat thumping. Did Sasuke also heard from the mystic voice? Does he know who Indra is? Is he someone she knew in the past but has forgotten? And what is Sasuke's link to all of this? Raising her head to meet onyx eyes the medic inquired. "Sasuke do you know who Indra is?"
Sasuke shook his head. This entity could it have mistaken him for someone else? Even in his clan there is no one he knew with the name of Indra. "What do you want?" Sasuke questioned the mysterious woman. "I am just welcoming you my child." The lady's eyes directed to Sakura. "And I see you came with the catalyst. Aren't you both here to accomplish something?" The lady teased.
The wish, the Uchiha heir recalled. This person will grant it? Is it the reason why she is going to grab Sakura? "Does the wish really need a sacrifice?" The onyx eyed man inquired. "Sasuke who are you talking to?" The pinkette said confused. The foreign being maliciously smirked. "Yes it is a requirement."
Her eyes redirected to the girl in the Uchiha's arms. "You have chosen well, I can sense immense chakra reserve." Hearing the reply Sasuke was shocked. What does she mean he has chosen well? He did not want to be here in the first place. He was not here to sacrifice Sakura but do the opposite. "I have no intentions of asking you any favors." The man spat out.
Sakura tried to break free. "Sasuke tell me what's going on?" As the medic inched away, he frantically grabbed her wrist and pulled back. "Stay close to me." He commanded with a hint of desperation.
"I am giving you a choice. If you decline, then I will accept her request with a fee of course." The avenger's hold on his companion tightened. He stepped in front and pulled the girl back. A clear signal of his refusal to let the rosette go.
"Indra, this realm was made for your desires actualization." The entity explained. "Honestly, she cannot get out of this place alive." It declared further. "So to compensate for her life, I might as well grant her wish right?"
Sasuke shivered at the revelation. No she can't die, he cannot allow it. Sakura deserved to live a full life. Her medical skills with be of great contribution to the world. She is a soul full of vibrancy. This is unfair, she is not supposed to be in this situation. "No, you keep that stupid wish. You can't have her." The Uchiha growled.
Hearing Sasuke speak the word wish, Sakura realized that the voice must be the grantor of the legend. The priestess of the temple who nurtures the fields of Eternel. Is Sasuke arguing that he refuses to allow the sacrifice for her wish to be granted? Her brows furrowed. She has worked so hard to get here. Her resolve has been settled since then. There is no sense of backing out now. "Sasuke, I have no issues paying the price. Let me do what I came for." Sakura stated and pushed herself forward.
"Priestess of the temple, please reveal yourself to me." The doctor in training pleaded.
"I am the Priestess you seek my dear. It's a pleasure to meet you." Sakura's eyes widened at the sight before her as the being revealed herself. Yes she does not fully look human but the presence is overwhelming. "You can grant my greatest desire right?" The girl inquired. "Your willingness has opened your eyes to see me. For that, yes I will grant what you ask."
Sasuke's heart constricted as Sakura was planning to seal a deal with the priestess. No she can't throw herself away. He thought with resolve. There is no way he will let someone precious die in front of his eyes again. His twelve year old genin sentiments began to haunted him. Recalling the desperation to keep her safe from Haku, the sound nins and an out if control Gaara. During those times there were chances of escape, he was willing to give to her. But now what can he do? Is there a way to keep her safe?
"Stop!" He cried out to stop a further exchanged from the two women. An idea came into his mind. She will definitely hate him for it. However he rather have her hate him than allow her life to be thrown away. "I have a wish which need to be granted." The priestess smirked. "So you came to your senses?"
The entity eyed the pinkette. "Apologies, but Indra's aspiration is my priority." Betrayal and shock was painted on Sakura's face. "You traitor!" She cried and looked back at Sasuke. "You selfish excuse of man!" She continued. "I worked hard to get here. How dare you take it away!" Angrily she began to infuse environment's chakra to her.
Witnessing the rosettes efficiency in infusing chakra, the priestess laughed. "Yes, absorb and take your fill. I want to have all of it." The medic in her fury wanted to hit Sasuke with all that she has. Sasuke made a stance to take whatever she is to throw at him. And as her chakra wielding hands reached the brim with tearful eyes the pinkette declared. "I hate you."
Those words constricted Sasuke's insides with pain before she can even physically hurt him. She was going to hit him with full force emotionally and physically. "I know." He uttered nonchalantly. "I know."
Susanoo appeared and enveloped the heir. He was going to bear what she wants to throw. And as her attack met his barrier, red eyes with remorse met tear glossed green irises. "Sakura…" he said in a tone above a whisper. "I will save you."
Her full force attack made her feel tired. Dizziness began to creep in together with a heaviness of her body. She could not find the strength to stand. As their aura filled attacks faded, Sakura fainted and fell straight in Sasuke's arms. Catching the rosette he pulled her close to check her breathing. It was softening and his heart feared it might made soon.
"Have you had your fill of chakra?" The sharingan user accusingly directed to the entity. "You have sensed that I consumed her chakra? Observant as expected of you Indra." That cursed name, Sasuke had enough of it. "I am not Indra!" he shouted.
He breathed in to calm himself. "But I will take you on your offer. I will make a wish. You can grant anything right?" The woman nodded. "Anything." The Uchiha longingly looked at Sakura. "But reviving the sacrifice in this realm." The entity replied haughtily. "You cannot ask me to vomit what I just ate."
"Anything but reviving the sacrifice in this realm you say?" The onyx eyed man calmly stated. "Very well, I have a desire. A very personal one at that." He continued. Smirking the being nodded. "Go on say it."
Sasuke placed Sakura's head on his lap. He brushed away the strands of hair blocking her face. She was turning pale, life was being drained from her. "I want .." Sasuke reluctantly stated as the shimmering blue Eternel flowers glowed in the moonlight. "I want to turn back time and live a life with her in the human world."
"Your wish is similar to asking her to be revived." The priestess replied. "You said you will give me anything." The Uchiha accused. The being crossed her arms. "Very well, since you are my precious son. I will make an exception."
The being moved closer and sat near so she can touch Sakura. "Since she is special, I will place a seal on her." The entity touched Sakura's forehead. "When the mark appears, then it is the indicator your time to unite has come." As she withdrew her hand Sasuke noted a small diamond shape mark drawn and her forehead.
It soon faded after a few seconds. "What have you branded her with?" He questioned in anger. "It is but a seal, a chakra one to be exact."
"What was it for?" He furthered queried. "It is but a mark that she is your chosen one. When the time comes that she awakens it, it is the sign you will be bound together." The man stared at his companion. "When the seal appears on her forehead, you will feel a great sense of pride. Even if you both will not recall what has happened here."
"What do you mean?" The avenger instigated. "Going back in time, this situation will not exist in the human world." The woman explained. "However, in this realm I will be watching to assure that your desire is met." The Uchiha touched the medic's forehead where the seal was spotted earlier.
"Is that there is to it? You are just going to make me live happily ever after?" He doubtfully inquired. "There is more to it than what you are implying I am sure of it." The Uchiha expressed.
The priestess was amused on how sharp he is. Of course there is something more to all of this. However, now is not the time to reveal it yet. "My dear Indra, in the new life you will thread. At the proper time my reason will revealed itself." She stood up and began to walk away. "As for now, I urge you to continue on living." Her body began to fade. "The grand reunion and reaping of the harvest shall come." As her body disappeared the last words she uttered to him was. "Until then, I shall meet you and your brother Asura."
After the words was said, Sasuke began to feel tiredness creep into him. Soon his eyes became heavy and his eyelids dropped. Relaxing his breathing, he surrendered to the slumber tempting him. His heart was hopeful that as soon as he wakes up the realization of his desire will materialize.
"Sakura, let's get this right on the second time."
Authors Note: Is it done? How will they start all over? I shall reveal it soon. Thank you to all who took the time to read this story. I really wanted to finish it given how much time has passed for me to complete it. But better late than never. Reviews are always welcome and hopefully I can come up with something again soon. And this time, it will not take eons to finish that original story outline needed to be changed.