AN: Hi! It's me again! So sorry about the lapses in updates. I just have been extremely busy. I know it sucks. Thanks to all of the people who reviewed! I would appreciate it if more people did. It motivates me more. Anyways, this is not the last chapter; I repeat that this is not the end of the story. This is simply the chapter for which the story was named. I am also surprised that there are no nejisaku lovers. I was originally entirely a sasusaku fan only, but dang for a cartoon neji is cute lol. Enough of my ramblings, I'll let you enjoy this installment.

To Remember You

"Die…"

Haku could only pray that the pain of the nin's claws shredding was quick before he descended into the dark abyss of death.

"Stop…" Miracles exist. They had to, because in that moment, a weak whisper was carried on the wind. However, miniscule, that weak feminine voice held tremendous power. An example would be the sheer fact that the single word stilled the hand of the raging naga. In fact, our blonde hero resembled a shattering clay jar, as his grip on Haku's neck went slack, and the broken boy fell to the ground.

"Go…and never…return…consider her your salvation." Naruto's voice was hoarse with restrained emotion. Haku's eyes were wide with shock. He was letting him go?! He didn't question mercy, and with the pitiful remainder of his chakra he vanished into the woods.

Not even waiting till he was gone, Naruto appeared at Hinata's side. The sight before him caused fresh tears to well up in his eyes. She was alive. Her pale eyes struggled to stay open as she gazed exhaustedly up at him.

"Hinata…" Naruto had never felt so happy in his entire life. Someone could have told him that he would never become Hokage and still his joy would not be diminished. His love was alive, and so our hero's heart was born anew as he cradled her into his embrace.

"I…I love you…I was so scared …. I thought… I have to get you to the others I….oh I love you so much." Naruto rambled on in flustered emotion. Hinata smiled as he picked her up and started to sprint towards the others' chakra. Now that she was with Naruto, she knew that she was going to be just fine.

"I love you too Naruto," she whispered and the beaming smile he gave her almost made her feel like she was physically better….

Ugh…That was the primary thought running through Kakashi's mind as his body warred with itself struggling to stay conscious. Everything ached. Even the scales on his tail protested in pain. He hadn't been ready for the attack. He and Neji had pursued after Sakura's captors only to find out that it was Kabuto, Orochimaru's trusted second in command. No matter how powerful he was, he was no match for the combined forces of him and Neji, especially if Kabuto wanted to keep his hold on Sakura. Kakashi blamed himself. He should have known better than to rush into battle where Orochimaru was concerned, but his instincts had taken over. Sakura was the treasured mermaid princess and it was his job to protect her. Just as he was about to reach Sakura something had struck him from behind rendering him unconscious. Orochimaru…The next thing he remembered was waking up to see Sasuke sprinting towards him. He could only pray that the princess was okay.

But now suddenly he just felt a surge of a very familiar chakra. He has returned. Kakashi didn't know whether to tense in panic or to collapse in relief. The only thing that he knew for sure was that it had to do with Sakura. A few moments passed, and the surge calmed down to its normal powerful pulse. Kakashi craned his neck in attempt to see a sight he knew he would never forget, a sight which would make all of the pain, suffering, deception, and hardship all worth it.

Out of the sacred meadow and down into the ruins, the future monarchs came forth…

It was a beautiful sight, at least to Kakashi. Others would find the scene to be insignificant. But no, if you knew their story, you would know that this, this was what true love looked like. The battle weary ninja looked up, tired but eternally grateful.

The present youngest prince and one day ruler that would unite both of the undersea kingdoms, walked steadily forth. His clothes were bloodied and torn, his body covered in mud, sweat, and minor wounds. But Kakashi knew at once that this was not the pupil that he had been training for the past few months. This was royalty, this is the one he pledged his life to protect, and this was the crowned prince of the naga kingdom. His aura and stance radiated it. Although he was not completely in his true form, Kakashi knew…

But that was not what made the scene breathtaking. It was that they were together. The prince had discarded his white shirt and had wrapped it about his beloved's broken body. It was much too large for her so it looked like a dirtied blanket that she was wrapped in, the only clothing showing was her boot-like shoes. But even that was not what made the sight beautiful. It was the fact that despite the rain, and the mud, and the pain, they had regained who they once were, the love that was thought to have died the night that Orochimaru attacked. The couple's gazes were locked on each other. The princess was caressing the face of her mate to be softly, whispering sweet nothings into his ear, as he carried her bridal style with the greatest of care. It almost brought a tear to the jounin's eye.

"You…have…returned…" Kakashi tried to keep his voice steady and clear from undignified actions such as wheezing or wincing in the presence of the royals. Upon sight of the broken man, Sakura began to squirm in Sasuke's hold.

"Kakashi! You're hurt!" However, Sasuke's hold would not loosen. Couldn't she see that she was wounded herself? No…of course not…her heart blinded her far too much when someone dear to her was in less than adequate condition. Kakashi's eyes crinkled in a tired smile.

"Don't worry about me so much, Princess I…" His excuses died on his next breath, for she had escaped the prison of her lover's arms and was now using her healing magic to sooth any wound crying out for attention. In mere moments, a broken man was whole once more.

"There all fixed." Her confident weary smile warmed the older naga's heart. She would make a fine queen one day. For it is those who know how to truly serve their people, that make the best rulers.

"Thank you, princess," Kakashi answered although his eyes were not meeting hers, they were locked onto that of her future king. One glance told him exactly what or better yet to say who he was staring at.

Neji… Sasuke's solemn gaze weighed heavily upon the unconscious heap that lay twenty feet away. A mixture of emotions passed through him, now that he gazed upon him in his awakened state. Neji was obviously seriously injured. He needed medical attention immediately, but it was the hatred and jealous envy of what he possessed that kept him cemented to his spot. Sakura's other consciousness belonged to him. He had taken what was rightfully his, so it was with an icy countenance that he stood and continued to stare at the unconscious form.

The frigid mood must have affected the atmosphere because both naga sensei and the beloved sought after princess looked to the silent prince in question. Eyebrows rose in confusion until they followed the gaze. Breath hitched and Sasuke watched as his love made to bolt but froze a second later. In a painstakingly slow moment the prince watched her rain drenched head as it turned. Painfully confused emeralds searched his countenance for an answer. What should I do…It was clearly marked on her features. She was gifted in the healing magics but it was the symbol of her going to him, that made the action questionable.

Sakura was so torn. What can I do? I love Sasuke so much…but Neji needs me and I do care for him. But…I don't want to hurt Sasuke. I don't…It was all so complicated. Neji had been one of her closest friends, but now feelings were revealed and the other part of her was falling for him, but she herself loved Sasuke. And now, looking into his solemn gaze made her heart ache. Behind his carefully crafted countenance of ice, she could see the pain in his eyes. But she knew what he was about to say. H e would tell her to go to him. Because, even if it meant losing all of her, he only wanted her to be happy.

"I'll take care of him." Kakashi's whisper was barely heard above the rain that continued to pour around them. The royals both jerked as they looked at the jounin in surprise. Kakashi gave a soft knowing glance as he easily moved into a sitting position and then rose into a standing position.

"I think…that you two deserve some time. Much has occurred in your absence." Locking gazes the silvery haired naga gracefully bowed.

"Welcome back you highnesses, your presences have been sorely missed." Twin gentle smiles appeared appreciatively, and Sasuke strode over to stand at his mate to be's side.

"Thank you," the young prince whispered. The two males locked gazes, and Kakashi knew all of the hardships were worth it when he saw the clear emotion on his face. His infamous crooked grin erupted behind his mask.

"Go now, enjoy yourselves." But Sakura's face scrunched in concern.

"But what about Naruto and Hinata?"

"It's ok, I can feel their chakras approaching as we speak." Sakura hesitated.

"But…"

"Go…everything will be fine, and…he needs you now most of all…" Kakashi murmured gesturing toward the obsidian eyed prince. Sakura gasped and turned to gaze at his stony features. Slowly she nodded. Stepping into his embrace, Sasuke lifted his beloved into his arms effortlessly, and bounded away.

It was at that moment, when Naruto entered into the clearing with Hinata in his arms.

"Hey! Where are they going?!" Naruto shouted clearly confused at the situation presented. Kakashi simply chuckled.

"They'll be back, but for right now they're enjoying so much needed alone time…" Naruto cocked an eyebrow but soon a slow grin began to emerge…

In the span of five minutes, the two traveled through the lush unknown forests until clear fresh looking wide, river was spotted opening up into a clearing showing that they were entering into a mountain pass. Thick green grass and wild flowers shone like diamonds in the sparkling rain. Upon sighting the river, Sakura was puzzled with her lover when he did not stop. Instead he continued to run along it in silence. Content to simply be in his strong embrace, Sakura remained silent trusting in his calculating judgment.

And in moment's time, she was eternally grateful that she had remained silent. Because now, they stood in a massive clearing that was dominated by a gigantic crystal blue lake, that resembled a spring. The crowning glory was the breathtaking waterfall before them. It was vast and steady, pouring over the rocks in a sheet of white majesty. Surrounding the lake were mighty oaks with great twisting branches. The continuing light rain made millions of tiny circular ripples on the surface of the water.

Sakura gasped in awe.

"Oh Sasuke…this place…it's just…oh we have to show this to the others…"

"Later." Sasuke cut in setting his most beloved treasure on her feet. Sakura looked up at him in confusion only to be blissfully silenced by the sudden sensation of his rain kissed lips.

Ohhh…

It had been so long. Too long… almost a forgotten memory. But now…there was a whisper of a thrill…a pleasure waiting to be resurrected and tasted. And oh, how she longed for it with a building passion.

His kiss was cautious at first, a mere soft pressing of his lips to hers. But in that moment it lit a stifled flame. She knew why he was hesitant. He didn't know if she still wanted him. Inwardly she smiled. Well, she would just have to educate him on how much she had missed him.

Taking initiative, she stepped closer to him, and broke off his question of a kiss. Thinking it rejection, Sasuke, looked away hurt. But a chilled hand softly guided his face back to her gaze. She was smiling softly. Gently she placed both of her hands on his face so that she could lock gazes with him.

"I love… you…" she whispered the emphasis on "you." Hope was lit into the prince's heart, but he couldn't contemplate because slowly she reached up on the tip of her toes and with parted lips gave him a soft kiss pouring her feelings into it, hoping with all of her heart that somehow he would know exactly how much she really did love him. The kiss was sweet and the feeling of how well their lips fit together, only added a spark that lit the fires of their passion.

She absolutely adored the feeling of his lips on hers. His lips were like the key that were made for her lock. Slowly, he moved his lips against hers, setting a slow agonizing pace of bliss. It wasn't rushed and hurried, in attempt to satisfy himself; he was kissing to please her because…she was worth taking the time.

It was with hooded satiated emeralds that she gazed up at him when they broke for breath. But true happiness blossomed in Sakura's heart when she saw the same emotion reflected back at her. Looking back at the paradise behind her, Sakura smiled. It was time. Slowly she stepped backward, finding resistance when Sasuke would not let her out of the circle of his arms. It still made her want to giggle like a school girl when he would have to touch her. He hadn't lost it. She gave him a look of reassurance as she stepped back even further. A look of confusion was given in response that is until he saw where she was going.

Silently, she walked down until she reached the lake's edge, the small ripples of clear water crashing against the sandy shore. It was with a concerned countenance that she faced him again.

"You remember what I am. Does my true form truly repulse you?' Her voice shook with uncertainty and hurt. Sasuke felt his heart sink. She had not forgotten. But now, he could explain such a costly misunderstanding.

"No. You could never repulse me. Sakura I fell in love with you before we were ever brought here. It was Sakura the mermaid that I fell in love with. My other form was repulsed with my claws. He couldn't understand that he wasn't human. It was never you. Even my other form finds your mermaid form exquisite. The only monster he saw was me."

Sakura's eyes widened.

"Really?" Her soft voice echoed on the wind. Her heart had leapt at his proclamation. All this time she had thought that he had found her true form hideous but all this time, he was only afraid of himself.

"Really." His voice rang through her ears like melted honey. It rang with deep sincerity and his onyx orbs conveyed what his heart was trying to say. A soft smile splayed on her lips. This was her prince, the one she fell in love with, the one who fell in love with her, whatever her lower half was. It didn't matter what species they were. It seemed like no matter what form he was in, she would fall for him over, and over again.

So this is love…time to put it to the test…

With practiced ease, she knelt and started to undo the clasps that held her boots together. After, the final clasp was unlocked, creamy white legs and feet were revealed and toes met the soft sand of the shore. It was when then that she waded into the lake up to her knees.

Sasuke was mesmerized. She looked like an ethereal goddess as she stood in the lake, the moon's rays giving her pale skin a soft glow. His gaze was glued to her form. It became clear what she was doing when her hands drifted to the ties of her skirt. Immediately, he turned away. Though naturally, mermaids and nagas wore no lower clothing, at the moment, Sakura was very much in human form, and it would be very inappropriate if he did not look away. However, a few minutes later, he heard a splash, and he couldn't help but turn around in search of her. Was Sakura in danger? Had something happened to her? Did she need him to rescue her?

Worried, he rushed to the water's edge. And then he saw her. Under the surface she swam toward back toward the shore in all of her glory. She had reverted back into her true mermaid form. Her long sea foam green tail reflected and glittered in the moonlight. Each of her scales glistened like a tiny diamond. Her fins looked like transparent lace flowing gracefully through her natural element. Yes, she was beautiful as a human woman, but a human form could never compare to this exotic sea nymph. He found her tail to be extremely attractive. It appealed to him especially since he was a naga.

With the grace inherent to her kind, she broke the surface, and rose until her shoulders were bared.

"Join me?" Her voice and facial expression was so warm and inviting compelling the naga prince to come and join his princess. Who wouldn't? The scenery was gorgeous, what with the multiple ledges and waterfalls and depthless crystal clear water. Unconsciously, he looked down to his right hand and wistfully gazed at each deadly claw that adorned each finger. Why was he hesitating, when this was what he really was? Oh that's right… Sasuke's cheeks colored minutely.

"How?" His voice was meek and unsure. Sakura's brow rose in puzzlement before she caught him pointedly staring at her tail.

"Oh…well…I don't really know how I change back…I kinda just…will it to happen…you know?" Sasuke sighed in frustration. That explanation wasn't exactly a lot of help, but Sakura was trying her best so…

Resolving his determination, Sasuke nodded to himself and slowly proceeded to peel the soaking white shirt from his shoulders. An audible gasp from the water alerted him to the fact that a female audience was watching. A smirk adorned his lips. So…she had missed the view of his body…well he would have to oblige her now wouldn't he. He slowed his pace and Sakura was tortured with the slow reveal of pale velvet skin which covered the lean muscles of his shoulders. Sweet torture indeed. The water weight of his cloak caused the shirt to slide down his arms and rest in the crook of his elbow, the cloak leaving tiny water droplets against his skin, causing Sakura's mouth to go dry. He looked like something out of her personal wildest dreams and fantasies. Slowly she raised her gaze to his, and she felt her body tingle at the intensity of such a basic intimacy. It was all she could do to stay still. Even her tail wanted to rebel and quiver in anticipation. But no…she would continue to be still…and watch.

She was mesmerized, watching as the raindrops fell upon the messy drenched onyx spikes; drop down to run of the tip of his nose, and hen to fall agonizingly slow onto the broad now exposed plane of his chest and then, further further down. Dropping his arms, the shirt fell to the grassy bank with little more than a sound. Solemnly, he stood before her, his upper body exposed to her sight.

She was not disappointed.

He was so distinctly masculine. His broad shoulders ran down into finely muscled arms, and he had a firm chest indicative of a man, and his hard work. Chiseled abdominals each so well defined, and lower to the "v shape" that made up the lower stomach where his soaked black pants hung low. He was perfection. Mirroring her previous movements he knelt and undid his sandals as well as set his kusanagi (sp?) down alongside them. Without breaking eye contact he strode purposefully down to the water. The first feeling of the water as he stepped in sent a rush of tingles throughout his whole body.

Was this what she felt? What was he supposed to feel in order to change back? But first things first. Slowly he reached for the ties of his pants. Sakura blushed scarlet and turned away. Quickly, he discarded his pants, feeling rather self-conscious as he threw them back to shore. So what to do now…Waist deep in the water, he stood and concentrated on what his true form looked and felt like…

Sakura felt incredibly embarrassed. Sasuke was standing behind her and…and …he didn't have any clothes on! It was enough to color her cheeks ten shades of red. When was she supposed to turn around? What if she turned around too soon? What is she saw…

The she felt it…

There was a shift in the chakra signature. It was Sasuke's that had changed. It now felt like how she remembered it…Hesitantly she turned around. Sasuke was there just as he had been a moment ago. Had anything changed? She couldn't bear to look.

"Sakura…" Immediately, she met his gaze. He was smiling. Actually smiling, and yes it was the adorable smile when one of the tips of his fangs peeked out over his lip. But had he changed fully? Her question was answered. Slowly he swam back until he was revealed when he stood on the sand. There before her was her naga prince. Pale white scales melded with fleh an inch or two below the navel, and covered the underbelly, while majestic dark blue scales ran along the hips downward, the same blue scales melding with flesh at the lowest part of the lower back. The dangerous black barbs were there as well as the diamond pattern on the back of the tail. He had always been an exotic creature, but seeing him there at his full height, his powerful tail curled about him peaceably, was truly a breathtaking sight.

Sakura couldn't sop staring.

"Do you like what you see, my princess?" Sakura blushed and turned away embarrassed for being caught.

"Maybe…" She hoped her playful response would mask the way she really felt whenever she saw him. Slowly, he slid into the water.

"Hmm…does my body really displease you so?" She couldn't see the smirk that graced his lips as he made his way toward her. Sakura smiled.

"I think you know very well how I feel about you," she whispered turning only to come face to face with him. How had he gotten so close? His close proximity always put her on edge and did funny things to her head. One part of her desperately wanted to swim run or escape far away from his heated stares. The other part wanted nothing more than to gaze at him until she was consumed completely by his essence. Boldly, she looked up and met his smoldering gaze. There was something in the way that he looked at her. It was like, she was water, and he had been thirsty for days, like she was food when he was starving. But moreover, like she was home, and he had been wandering for years.

"Really?" What? What was this? Sasuke was uncertain? He never questioned anything and now…this? But then again…there was Neji…and that other part of her was falling for him. There was reason as to why he would have reasonable doubt. Well, she would have to squelch his fears. Reaching into her shirt, she revealed a leather cord necklace with a single fang at the base.

"A long time ago, you asked me to become your mate. I gave you my answer that night, and it has not changed, nor will it ever. I love you Sasuke Uchiha. I will love you and only you for as long as I have breath in my lungs."

She had barely uttered those words, when his lips came crashing down upon hers. His lips were harsh and demanding, his hands feverishly wandering the expanse of her back before crashing her body to his. She loved it when he was a little rough. It made her feel more feminine. Cautiously, he began to suck gently on her lower lip nibbling it occasionally, teasing it with his fangs. Gasping for breath she opened for him, allowing the access that he so desired, and she craved. Lovingly, he massaged his tongue against the length of hers creating a delightful friction, that was simply intoxicating. But it was the spark the excitement, the total rightness of them being together that made the experience all the more right.

Unconsciously, they sank beneath the lake's waters, enjoying the feeling of weightlessness. With Sasuke's arms wrapped about her, Sakura was lost in bliss. This was where she was supposed to be. She was totally out of control and…really it was ok…because…he was there….and he was hers. So, she wished the night would go on forever.

Like I said, this is NOT the end. Sorry I haven't updated, just went through a bad breakup. Trying to heal and it's hard to write about love when you thought you had it. Now that that's over I'll have more time to write. SO PLEASE REVIEW! I will not update unless I get five! Thank you! Enjoy till next time!