SNOW GLARE
CHAPTER 6
Why does my face feel stiff, and why is my back throbbing? Sakura wondered as she felt a hot surge of pain trace up her spine. Slowly opening her eyes, her frost covered lashes sparkled in the morning sunlight, her pupils dilating as she adjusted. That's right, she notes silently, her gaze resting across at the forest beneath her; He wanted me to leave so I did. I probably should've chosen a safer place to rest other than this on second thought, but I was exhausted.
Slowly rubbing the frost from her facial features, she sighed; I'm very lucky I didn't get frostbite…Someone must be looking out for me up there. Looking up at the sky she smiled sadly, raising her right hand to shield her eyes from the glaring light of the sun directly before her. That would have to be the first time though, she notes as she bitterly. A soft yawn slips from betwixt her lips as the kunoichi sat upwards, stretching her arms outwards as she tried to warm her muscles up a little.
I revealed my feelings far too soon and I didn't even see his expression or response. I should know better than that by now. Casting her eyes down, Sakura dropped her arms into her lap; I can guarantee he knew how I felt. The fact he knew was clear from the beginning, emerald orbs slowly narrowed as she glared down at her lap. It was difficult to admit the truth, but if she had learnt anything over the last few years it was that admitting things to yourself was half the battle. "No matter how strong I really am, I feel as if I revert to being that young girl that he found annoying and weak when I'm by his side,"she whispers, her voice trailing off as she spoke the words she had been thinking since they had been reunited.
The truth as she saw it hurt, but at the end of the day it was but one view of an overly complex situation; and although Sasuke was a man whose views were relatively easy to predict, there was a chance, that he would dare to disagree with the truth she was struggling to accept. A stray snowflake drifted through the chilly air, flickering past her face and melting before her eyes as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her left ear. He is my weakness.
Yawning she rose to her feet, staring out at the glorious sunrise before her,"I can't go back yet, forgive me." Jumping out of the tree she disappeared into the thick foliage below.
Staring at the entrance to the cave, Sasuke sat in silence a knowing expression masking his face, If she was returning then I would be able to sense her presence by now. Does she honestly think she can change this situation? Why do you have to be so annoying...
"We're moving. Pack up everything, we move out in two minutes," he ordered just loud enough for his subordinates to hear; it was clear where she was heading and he was not about to let that happen. Sighing heavily, he picked up his backpack and turned to face the entrance of the cave; We have to beat her there or it will ruin everything. I shouldn't have allowed her to return on her own, I was too trusting of her feelings towards me. I won't make that same mistake twice.
Sensing the urgency in Sasuke's voice Karin rushed the remaining two around, Something's happened. But what?
"If you don't want to be left behind I suggest all three of you hurry. I'll be going with or without you…" the Uchiha growls, his boots grinding impatiently into the earth beneath his feet, his dark orbs flicking to a nearby tree. It looks like we have more company, today keeps getting better and better…
The shrill of birds filled the air as Zetsu smirked, watching in the distance as Sasuke emerged from the cave. "I've finally found you, Sasuke-sama. Now what are you hiding from us," he whispers softly, "We don't like secrets."
Racing through the trees Sakura's hair flowed serenely behind her, How do I even speak of what Sasuke told me when I don't want to face the fact that it is the truth? How on earth did he become an Akatsuki member let alone leader? Her lips quivered as she came to an abrupt stop. How do I even explain my absence? I didn't think this through properly… I need to speak to Naruto before I decide what to do next. Taking a deep breath, the cold but aromatic air stung her nostrils as realisation set in; It needs to be said.
"Sakura?" Kiba called out in disbelief, landing on the branch she was standing on. Swiftly lifting his ANBU mask upwards, he smiled toothily at the pink haired woman before him; "We were sent to see what Sasuke did to you. Did he actually let you leave?" he asked in complete disbelief while scratching his neck.
Exhaling heavily Sakura felt a knowing smile creep across her lips; He planned for this didn't he. He let them know he took me so they would cross paths. Perhaps it was slightly inappropriate to admire his intelligently thought out plan when he kidnapped her but it was almost beyond her control.
"Sakura? What's with that expression?" Kiba whispered once more, placing a worried hand on her right shoulder as Hinata and Sai landed on the branch behind him.
Shaking her head she smiled more sincerely, "Sorry, I'm just a little out of it right now. I left on my own, and he didn't harm me. But I do need to speak to Naruto immediately, it's urgent."
Untying her mask Hinata watched her friend unsurely, the sun's intense light illuminating her delicate concerned visage. "Sakura, we know Sasuke wanted you for some reason, why didn't he pursue you?" she asked unsurely, her voice usually meek voice remaining strong and unwavering.
It's probably because I said I love him. That's why. Now he's lost what little respect he had for me once more. Running her right hand through her hair she pushed it out of her face, "He needed to pass on some important information concerning the Akatsuki's movements." At least that is a little more believable…
"Oh?" Kiba noted in surprise, "Well we better head back, we're not too far away. We've been circling every square inch of this snow-covered area looking for you so we didn't get too far."
Smiling sympathetically, Sakura nodded in agreement; "Thank-you. I'm sorry for causing you all so much hassle," She chided as she cracked her wrists. I wish I didn't have to choose sides but if it has to come down to this then there is no possible way for me to support his actions whether he attacks Konoha with the Akatsuki or if he tries to end his life, I must protect the village. If it comes down to it I will do whatever is needed in order to save the village. Sakura's eyes narrow as she clenched her fists tighter, her fingernails digging into the palms of her hands causing blood to trickle down her tainted skin. I will do everything in my power to save him from his bloody fate.
"Sakura!" Hinata shrieked as she raced forward lifting her friend's hands, "Don't hurt yourself. It will all be ok, I know Naruto will know what to do about whatever is worrying you, Tsunade-sama will too."
Snapping out of her trance-like state Sakura nodded as she healed her hands, wiping the blood on her skirt; "Let's go then, before we're too late." Hinata your faith in Naruto is too strong; he knowingly endangered all our lives and did nothing to notify Tsunade-sama. Jumping forward, Sakura felt her heart race, I bet that Sasuke knew I wouldn't return, that makes me nervous. Could this all be going according to his plan?
"Relax Sakura," Kiba chided as he reached her side, "I know it will all work out." It always has and always will. Honestly what could be so bad that you're this worried?
Huffing, Sakura raised an eyebrow, "I don't know if you're right this time Kiba," She replied simply as she noticed the iconic entrance to Konoha up ahead. We're so close.
Hinata grinned. Look we're already home Sakura, she thought to herself as she came to an abrupt stop along with Sakura, Sai and Kiba as they noticed 4 shadowy figures standing before the massive red gates.
Biting down on her tongue Sakura's eyes narrowed, concern flooding her senses in a matter of seconds. Sasuke…Shifting her feet uncomfortably on the frost covered branch she reached down for her kunai on the left side of her attire as she turned to Sai, "Please lend me a weapon, you don't need more than your ink and parchment," she stated coldly looking away from him as soon as his gaze met hers.
The sun glared down upon the scene below as the 3 ANBU members and Sakura stared ahead, unphased physically but shocked mentally at Sasuke's nerve to approach Konoha so soon after his recent actions.
Hesitantly handing Sakura his kunai Sai met her eyes, "Don't be foolish."
Whipping her hair in his direction she whispered her thanks before jumping outwards towards the next branch. "You guys deal with the others," she stated boldly as she tightened her grip on the kunai's in either hand, "Sasuke is mine." Flicking her arms backwards, she raced forward jumping from branch to branch, injurious rage clouding her senses. You idiot! Why did you come here!
Grinning Sasuke flicked back his overcoat and unsheathed his katana in the same motion, Sakura's kunai clashing with it as soon as it was raised to shield his neck. Pushing against her blade with one hand on the blade Sasuke prevented himself from stumbling backwards, blood trickling down his blade due to her resistance. A direct attack is never wise, you know this, so why even bother? Smirking Sasuke intricately stepped in an obscure motion trying to cause her to slip on the icy pebbled path below their feet. "You're scowling. Does this mean that you seriously believe you can take my life?" he mocked openly as he pushed back against her suddenly with all his force causing her to jump back in order to not slip and loose her balance. Weak…This is what openly loving someone does to you, Sakura. That's why I keep emotions to myself, I will never allow them to control me.
Shit, he's better at close quarter weapon combat than I thought, she noted as she wiped the cold sweat from her brows. Her heart pounding wildly in her chest as she swept her form into a low closed stance, I need to take my time. If I rush I will get sloppy.
Mimicking her, the Uchiha followed suit soon after; his eyes narrowing as he watched her carefully, quickly raising his Katana to his upper left side. "Why do you dream of something so unattainable such as peace?" Sasuke asked coldly, his hot breath forming small vapour clouds as he spoke, "It's useless. Give up. You will only die in pursuit of something so ridiculous."
Looking up at him her expression remained stern as clouds from above captured the sun's bright glow, holding it captive as small snowflakes descended from the sky once more. He's just like winter, tiresome and cold. However, at the end there is always the warmth of the next season to melt away the snow leaving its original form behind, water. I want to be his warmth, I want him to become water once more.
Eyes softening, Sakura lunged forward, vanishing into thin air and reappearing millimetres from him, knocking him to the ground, her sex pressed up against his chest pinning him down. Taking a deep breath, she drew her kunai closer, hovering the blade above his throat as she felt his heartbeat quicken; "I don't believe in peace as a whole. I know that I need to be realistic," the medic notes softly, the loud crashing of metal against metal sounding from behind her as she spoke. "But I want to save you from your cold fate Sasuke," Sakura notes in a hushed tone, her striking eyes filled with tears as she inched closer to her beloved's stoic visage. "No matter what you say to me, no matter what you try to do to me or the people of this village, you will never be an Akatsuki in your heart. I know that you can still be kind like you were when we were growing up, I saw it in the last few days. It's not too late to walk away from this…"
It is too late Sakura. They're watching this conversation as you speak. I can sense them. Suddenly vanishing, Sakura hit the ground heavily, a small log appearing in front of her.
Letting out a low growl, Sakura's eyes narrowed. "If you want to play that game Sasuke, so can I," she replied as multiple forms of herself appeared by her side as she pressed her eyes shut, deep in meditation as she searched the surrounding area for his true chakra.
Shadow clones, really? She thinks she can defeat me with them? He snickered to himself as he looked down at her from a not too distant grandfather tree, "Such an idiotic woman."
"Really?" Sakura whispered as her lips brushed against his ear, her left fist smashing him in his left cheek, knocking him out of the tree. Dropping to all fours, Sakura smiled as she watched him land in a graceful but cat-like manner.
Slowly rising to his feet, Sasuke rubbed his left cheek, his eyes ablaze with excitement and anger as he looked up at the scheming woman above him. Smart, but not smart enough, sprinting up the side of the tree Sasuke jumped back onto the branch he was previously on, his katana swirling above his head as severed tree branches showered down around them as Sakura dipped and dodged his attacks.
Sweeping her feet under his Sakura lunged forward once more, one her kunai's being knocked out of her hand in the process by the hilt of Sasuke's weapon. "Why do you work for them, Sasuke?" she snapped as she flipped over his form, landing behind him as she pressed the tip of her kunai gently against the curve of his back.
Sasuke remained still, his Katatna now resting over his right shoulder, pressed up against against Sakura's neck. Slowly turning around, Sasuke remained expressionless as he tried to read her torn expression, "I'm not scared to die Sakura."
"That's a lie," she whispered as she moved forward, the katana nicking her neck as fresh blood oozed down her neck. Ignoring this, her arms hesitantly encircled his waist, her head resting on his left shoulder, "Would you really be able to die without regrets? There are people here who love you."
Sasuke's eyes remained solemn as he gazed down at their friends fighting below their feet. "When you stated that you loved me, was it true?" he whispered in a barely audible voice.
A strong wintery breeze smashed against the tree, loose shredded leaves showering down past their forms carrying with them the last of the snowflakes from the morning. How exactly was she supposed to answer that? Twisting her lips nervously, the kunoichi's eyes started to tremble, a simple answer rolling from her lips as she met his gaze directly; "Yes."
He knew her answer before she had even parted her lips, was there even a soul alive who wasn't aware of the love this woman held for him? Such a feat was hard to believe. Gazing down into her eyes all he saw was hope, a concept he had long forbidden himself from having; and yet no matter what happened and how hard he tried to distance himself from it, from her, they were drawn together. I don't deserve this, she's as ridiculous as ever. Lips parting the raven haired adonis lowered his blade, his eyes softening a fraction as he averted his gaze; "I do too."
"Is this a trick?" Sakura whispered in reply, her eyes widening as she followed suit, lowering her blade.
"No," came the simple reply as he shrugged her off him. "That's why I can't let you tell Naruto about the Akatsuki," he replied simply, "I have a plan."
"Oh really? Well so do I Sasuke…and you won't like it," Zetsu smirked before vanishing from a nearby tree.