Hey everyone. I had some great help from my new beta, read-n-review. So give them a hand. If there anymore mistakes in the story, they're likely mine. Anyways, I don't own Naruto or the gods, we'll get over it. Thanks! Don't forget to check out the website: www. freewebs. com/ animemangafanatic.

Kazaya sat out in the palace's garden enjoying the good weather. He closed his eyes and listened to the quiet moment. He enjoyed it greatly because he had not had one in a very long time. The war had reached its final curtain, and everything was falling into place. Just like Sakura said it would. He opened his eyes slowly and thought he saw her sitting across from him. Kazaya rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to work sleep out. He realized what he saw was an image of Sakura from a year ago. He tentatively took a sip of his tea, before his memories began to pull him back. Back to a time when everything was not as complicated. Corruption played no part. Kazaya felt how tired he really was and slept.

Kazaya saw himself running down an all too familiar path. The path he took to escape royal duties. He was only six and it was the best time of year in Wind; summer. Summer was the only time that their friend Sakura came to play. Kazaya tripped on an upturned root. He tumbled the rest of the way down the hill, which was quite a lot. When he finally came to a stop, Kazaya found himself in an awkward situation. The young prince had literally tumbled into a street fight. Four older boys with bats and steel rods had been beating on two younger boys. The one defending the one on the ground looked about his age with brown hair tied in a ratty ponytail and the bluest eyes he had ever witnessed. His clothes worn and torn, but covered his skinny, bony body. The boy who was lying on the ground, beaten a lot worse than the older one, was just as scrawny but his clothes were nicer. His hair was short black with dark brown eyes. Everyone looked a little unnerved at Kazaya's appearance. The older boy clutched his stomach before busting out laughing.

"C'mon Kurai-sama, they've taken enough today."

"Yeah..." The leader of the small gang answered quite bored.

The boys watched them leave as the other boy calmed his laughing. He finally stopped and helped up the fallen boy. He patted his clothes off for dust and looked at his wounds carefully. Then he walked over and offered his hand to Kazaya. The poor prince was still stunned.

"Nice landing there, Ouji-sama."

The boy gave him a wide grin, and Kazaya felt a weird connection to this boy. Kazaya finally accepted the boy's out-stretched hand.

"How... How did you know I was the prince?" Kazaya stood shakily.

"Everyone knows who you are in this country Ouji-sama." The boy explained as he politely bowed then helped Kazaya straighten himself.

Kazaya blushed in embarrassment. The younger boy also bowed to show the prince respect. He hurriedly waved his hands around in front of himself.

"There's really no need to bow." Kazaya said as the boy continued pulling twigs out of his hair.

Once he was done, the boy began to walk away. The weaker boy reluctantly began to follow. Kazaya was uncertain what to do. The boy stopped seeing Kazaya still standing there not moving. He sighed seeing Kazaya turning his head in random directions.

"Hey, Ouji-sama!"

Kazaya turned to him.

"You could always come with us." The boy suggested shrugging his shoulders.

"Ouji-sama sounds weird." Kazaya commented when he caught up with them.

"Then what should we call you Ouji-sama?" The boy asked scratching his head.

"Kamiya, Kazaya." The young boy offered his hand to the other one.

"Hanryo, Shinrai." He said as he shook Kazaya's hand.

"Shinrai..." Kazaya said, having it roll off his tongue. "Shinrai-kun... Shin-kun?"

The boys looked at him strangely.

"What? It's easier."

They sweat dropped. Kazaya extended his hand to the other boy, who was practically cowering behind Shinrai. He timidly accepted it.

"Oku, Kei..."

Kazaya barely heard the soft-spoken boy.

"Kei-kun..." Kazaya looked at Shinrai weirdly. "Why isn't your name that simple?"

"What?" Shinrai grabbed Kazaya by his collar. "You shortened it to Shin. How is that not simple enough?"

"In the western language, it's one letter longer."

Both boys sweat dropped at the prince. He just shrugged his shoulders as if the knowledge were common. Kazaya didn't realize that Sakura had taught him a complicated language. The western language was not a privilege that many people were able to learn, just mainly translators.

"What are you doing Kazaya Ouji-sama?" The voice that spoke was angelic but small.

The boys turned to see a young girl smaller than them with the pinkest hair they had ever witnessed.

"What are you wearing Sakura-chan?" Kazaya addressed the young girl.

Sakura shrugged and looked down at her plain clean clothes. "What's wrong with them Kazaya-kun?"

Kazaya just shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing really, I guess I just expected something more fancy."

"Ah," Sakura answered understanding where he was going. "Hime-samas aren't here yet." She snickered seeing Kazaya's smile falter. "You really like Nasake-chan, don't you Kazaya-kun?"

"Shut up!" Kazaya shouted turning bright red.

Shinrai broke out laughing again. Sakura turned her attention to Shinrai and Kei. Kei blushed under Sakura's stare. Kei was mesmerized by Sakura's beauty and grace. She moved towards them and lightly bowed.

"Hello, my name is Sakura! What's yours?" Sakura extended her hand to them.

Shinrai was taken back a second. He released Kazaya's collar and politely accepted Sakura's hand.

"I'm Hanryo, Shinrai and this person behind me is Oku, Kei."

"The timid fire..." Sakura giggled. "I like your name Kei-kun." Sakura directed to the poor boy who blushed harder. "So what are you guys up to?" Sakura asked looking back at Kazaya.

"Nothing, I was just coming to meet you at the entrance. I got side-tracked though."

Sakura nodded. "No wonder you weren't there like usual."

"So we're off." Shinrai raised his hand and began to walk off.

Kei followed as well. Sakura and Kazaya looked at each other for a few moments. Then they sped up and caught up with the other two boys. They all walked in silence for quite some time before they came upon a regular sized cabin. They all stood there for five minutes. Kazaya and Sakura shared a confused look. Shinrai sighed in irritation. He abruptly turned around and scared Kei. Shinrai pointed towards the closed door and Kei finally got it. He slid the door open and walked in first. They all followed suit. An older woman who looked like she was only in her forties greeted them. She was a beauty for a middle class woman. She bowed extremely upon recognizing Kazaya. Sakura and Shinrai snickered when the prince turned a hilarious shade of red. Kazaya gave her the usual there's-no-need speech. Soon, Kei's mother had them all sitting on the back porch drinking tea.

"Shinrai-kun?"

They all turned to Kei's soft-spoken mother. Sakura and Kazaya now knew where Kei got it from. They bet his dad was just as soft-spoken.

"Yeah?"

"You know, my husband and I would still love to take you in as our own."

Sakura and Kazaya gave Shinrai a questioning glance before minding their own business. Shinrai was thankful for it.

"Obaa-chan, I'm fine. No need to have two sons when they're many women who have none." Shinrai smirked at Kei's mother.

She blushed in response then giggled at Shinrai's comment. She patted his head, which annoyed him a little before walking back inside. Her last comment made his smile though.

"You always have a room here though dear."

A couple hours later, Shinrai was walking Sakura and Kazaya back to the Wind palace. Shinrai was anticipating them to bombard him with questions that Oku-san would be a part of, but neither one said a single thing. Sakura and Kazaya would just comment on things in the street stalls that they passed. Sakura commented on the food and Kazaya would comment on knick-knacks. They filled the air with anything but that. It wasn't a stressful air either. It was a real conversation that they had going. So it put Shinrai in some ease, but the nagging feeling in the back of his brain wouldn't leave him in that peace. Therefore, he was just going to set it straight.

"You know," He said when he stopped walking. "Back there... with Oku-sama..."

Sakura tilted her head.

Kazaya just gave a shot to his shoulder. "Don't worry about it." He smiled and it eased Shinrai for some reason. "You can tell us whenever you want to. Thanks for walking with us Shin-kun. See you tomorrow hopefully!"

"Bye bye!" Sakura waved enthusiastically at him.

Shinrai watched both Kazaya and Sakura enter the palace's gates and he wished that he had been able to follow for the first time in his life. He felt a need to stay close to them. The first time in his life, Shinrai wanted something more than what he had, which was not a lot. Shinrai was perfectly fine with little until Kazaya and Sakura entered it. He would want the world after he met a certain Princess of Rock.

Sakura was running down the dirt road of the village holding onto Kazaya's hand. They ran past a certain oden shop before Sakura came to a screeching halt. Kazaya tripped and fell. He looked up at Sakura miffed. She threw her hands together and gave an apologetic look. Sakura apologized before walking into the oden shop. Inside, Sakura tapped a certain customer's shoulder. Kazaya came up from behind and Shinrai turned around in his stool at the counter. His mouth of stuffed with food. Shinrai choked on the contents from surprise when he recognized them. Sakura and Kazaya laughed as she patted his back trying to help dislodge the food. Shinrai took huge gulps of his water to flush it down. He finally got it down and began gasping for air. They all laughed, even timid Kei. Sakura waved to Kei, who blushed and politely waved back.

"We're going up to the entrance to wait for Nasake-chan and Yuu-chan. Do you want to come?" Sakura offered as Kazaya fixed her messy ponytail. She giggled knowing if she presented herself to Nasake with her hair in a mess, she would accuse Kazaya for not keeping a good eye on Sakura.

Kazaya sighed remembering last time. He liked Nasake too much to go through half the summer not talking to each other again. He became extremely gloomy remembering it and sat in a corner facing the wall. Sakura sweat dropped as did the two boys. She put down money for the food. Kei waved his hands frantically around.

"There's really no need Sakura-sama." Kei said.

Sakura thought he was going to start stuttering, but it just came off soft. She couldn't help think that his voice would be strong if only he spoke louder. Sakura smiled at him and just shook her head.

"I like paying for friends."

"We're... friends?"

"But of course," Sakura replied while looking at Kei as if he grew a second head. "Why wouldn't we be?"

"It's just that you're so..." Kei cut himself off and flushed a tomato shade of red.

"'So' what?" Sakura tilted her head.

"...pretty..."

Shinrai looked at Kei now like he didn't know him. Kei actually said something bold without fainting or choking. Kei was crimson but he said it without incident. Sakura smiled warmly at Kei then kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you Kei-kun. That was extremely sweet."

Shinrai couldn't help but notice that Sakura was well-spoken for a five year old. He wondered who she really was. He never had really asked. Sakura walked over and patted Kazaya.

"We're leaving now."

Kazaya stood and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. He gave a nervous chuckle as the small group left the oden shop. When the owner took the money, he noticed Sakura gave him an excessive amount of money again. The owner smiled at Sakura's kindness. She did it every time she ate there, at least once during every summer that she came. The group made it to the entrance just as the royal procession of Rock came into view. They watched it go by and by. Everyone bowed when the royal family came into view. The King and Queen noticed Kazaya and Sakura waving at them. They smiled at the kids and let Nasake and Yuu leave the procession, knowing they could trust Kazaya with their daughters. Nasake first hugged Kazaya before Sakura. Yuu had started with Sakura then Kazaya. Yuu was the first of the two to notice Shinrai and Kei, since Nasake focused more on Kazaya. Yuu politely walked over to the two boys and extended her hand. The boys stopped mid-bow and accepted her small hand. First it was Kei, who Sakura took note, they both were somewhat alike. Then Shinrai and Yuu shook hands. They seemed to stay locked for a couple seconds longer than necessary. Nasake then repeated the process.

After the introductions, the group made it down to the river. Kei's mother and father were there already. A watermelon was in the river cooling. Kei's father was tall and built solid. He looked strong and Sakura immediately knew he was a shinobi, even though there was no sign that he was. His smile disarmed her worries though. His smile was kind just like his wife's and Kei's. The next thing that happened surprised everyone but Kei and his mother. Kei shook his head in disapproval as his father attacked Shinrai. His kick knocked Shinrai a good hundred feet back. Shinrai recovered and pointed accusedly at the man.

"Baka! Were you trying to kill me this time?"

He folded his arms defiantly. "You would have been fine."

Kazaya and the girls sweat dropped at the weird behavior. Kei's mother laughed happily as Kei took a seat beside her. Shinrai quickly got up and disappeared then reappeared behind the man throwing a kick into his back. The man stumbled forward, and then smirked evilly.

"I see you've been practicing."

Shinrai sweat dropped and gulped nervously. He berated himself inwardly and knew he should have practiced harder, especially after the next line.

"I won't go so easy on you anymore!"

The two engaged into a fistfight. Nasake and Yuu began to talk with Kei and his mother. Kazaya and Sakura were watching the match intently.

"Hey, Sakura-chan..." Kazaya whispered.

"Yeah, I already noticed." She answered back just as quietly.

Shinrai was already on a Gennin level of fighting. He was beyond the academy and Kei's father probably already knew that.

Half an hour later, Shinrai laid down panting for air and Kei's father had to stop with his hand on his knee. Even though Shinrai hadn't inflicted a lot of damage, he still wore him a bit out with all the jumping around. He knew Shinrai was going to be an excellent shinobi. Shinrai struggled to get up. Kazaya appeared at his side and threw the boy's arm around his shoulder. Shinrai and Kei's father looked at Kazaya in surprise. It was probably because Kazaya's cousins were very rude to civilians and on occasion had done some appalling things. Now here was a member on the royal family not bothered by the fact that he was touching a regular civilian.

"It's enough Shin-kun." Kei's father's eyes widened. Kazaya had even given Shinrai a nickname. "Oku-sama is cutting up the watermelon." Kazaya helped Shinrai over to the girls and Kei.

Kei's father lacked behind a bit and watched the scene. Kazaya was very friendly for a royal and Shinrai was actually accepting someone without any crap. It had even taken his family awhile to breakthrough to Shinrai. However, here was the same boy, allowing a royal to help him. He shook his head and made it over to his family and their new friends. Sakura got irritated at something Kazaya said and spit a seed at him. Who in the process of poorly protecting himself dropped Shinrai. The boy landed hard next to Yuu, who was trying hard not to giggle at his misfortune. Kazaya clamped a hand over Nasake's mouth, who had been puckering her lips to shoot a seed at him too. She giggled at Kazaya's annoyed expression. Kei's father coughed. All eyes turned to said man.

"So I guess with the male-bonding..."

"More like torture."

Shinrai regretted the comment when Kei's father put him in a headlock. The poor boy nearly choked on watermelon seeds. Kei's father just shrugged as Kei and his mother helped Shinrai dislodge the killer seeds. The other four just sweat dropped at the dynamic in front of them.

"So like I was saying, I guess I forgot to introduce myself." He pointed at himself in a very manly way.

The poor group sweat dropped again.

"I am Oku, Taka. The most beautiful woman ever over there is Oku, Hana."

"There's nothing timid about you." Sakura commented bluntly while biting into her watermelon.

Everyone gaped at Sakura but Kazaya, who was obviously used to Sakura's bluntness. He just looked off to the side in shame. Taka began to act like he was crying. Sakura placed her finished watermelon slice down and stood up straightening her clothe.

"Well now that is done, let's get some serious workout from you, Taka-san. After all, shinobi go rusty if they don't continue to work."

"Huh?" Taka turned to the very small Sakura. "I can't hit you."

"But you can obviously dodge." Sakura replied shrugging her shoulders.

Taka saw Sakura's kick flying towards him but he just pushed it off as minor since he could see it. He was wrong. Taka was sent flying back and a few hundred yards before landing in the river. Which meant: he began floating down. He quickly swam to shore. Everyone was in awe of Sakura's fighting. The little girl just stood there miffed at Taka.

"Are you coming or what?" Sakura's small voice reached Taka.

"You cheated."

Sakura tsked. "Whatever."

Taka appeared immediately behind Sakura. He brought his hand down in a punch but Sakura flipped forward. Then she immediately flipped back onto his raised arm and kicked him in the side of the face. Taka went down lighter this time, since Sakura was restraining herself.

"Taka-san, what are you doing?" Sakura sweat dropped at him, knowing that he was holding back.

The man stood laughing before dropping some weight off him. "Guess I can't go easy on you huh?" Taka got into a fighting position.

"Nope." Sakura smirked as she as well got into a fighting position.

Five minutes later, the victor was clear. Sakura sat on top of a fallen Taka. She jumped down when Hana asked to play with her hair. Sakura happily obliged and sat in front of the gentle mother as she fixed Sakura's ponytail. Taka came over and took out a camera from the basket Hana brought. He set it up and ordered them all into position. They all obeyed. Taka quickly joined the group as the camera snapped. These would be one of the last good memories for all of them. The end of this summer would cause heartache for a very long time.

Sakura and Kazaya were at it once again. They were racing a certain path that Nasake and Kei had decided on. Currently they were somewhere in market street, avoiding people working and those shopping. Yuu was sitting by the river depressed. After all, the last couple of weeks, Yuu had become attached to Shinrai. However, the last couple of days no one knew where Shinrai was. Sakura came back into view long before Kazaya did. Sakura finished and fell to the ground laughing and clutching her stomach. When Kazaya finally finished both Nasake and Kei dropped their water bottles. Kazaya was covered in different bright color paints. He immediately tackled Sakura, who then ended up being a weird art piece too.

"Ew, Kazaya-kun you idiot! Now I need a bath."

Kazaya was already dreading returning to the castle so his nursemaid could kill him. "Me too."

They all set off for the castle. Yuu lightly tugged on Kei's sleeve.

"Kei-kun, where has Shin-kun been?"

Kei thought about it for a minute before shrugging his shoulders. "Sorry Yuu Hime-sama I don't know. I haven't seen Shin Nii-san in a couple days."

Sakura turned around and Kei blushed. "Kei-kun calls Shin-kun nii-san a lot."
Kei nodded. "We're just so close and he lives with us a lot so it's like he's already family." He stuttered.

"Oh." Sakura turned around when she almost tripped which sent Nasake in a giggle fit. Sakura scratched the back of her head in embarrassment.

Kazaya shook his head in exasperation and Sakura hit him in the back of the head. They entered through the castle's front gate not too long after. They heard the sound of grunting and weapons clashing coming from the training ground. They passed by on the way to the bathrooms. There they found Shinrai fighting an older trainer that Kazaya knew. He was one of the many trainers that helped prepare Wind shinobi for battle. However, the one training Shinrai was the most experienced since he taught only shinobi that would be directly under the King. These shinobi only had one job, protect the royal family. Shinrai expertly dodged another attack before his long hair got in the way and the trainer sent him flying across the field. The trainer turned to the group and immediately bowed to them. Shinrai seeing him bow turned to see them. He busted out laughing seeing Sakura and Kazaya covered in paint. Kazaya waved his hand and the trainer bowed again then left. They walked over to Shinrai, who began to rest under the shade of a tree.

"What happened to you two?"

"Saku-chan pushed me into..."

"He tripped over his own two feet into a paint cart."

"You pushed me!"

"Please, you just can't run."

The two were about to go at it again when Nasake dragged them away.

"Time to clean up you two, come along Kei-kun, you can help me hose them down."

"Hai!"

Yuu and Shinrai were left alone. Yuu blushed and Shinrai wondered why her face was red.

"Are you hot?"

"What?" Yuu turned to him in surprise. "Oh, no, I'm fine."

"Come sit down anyways."

Yuu did as she was told and silence ensued. She cautiously turned her head to observe Shinrai's hair. He was struggling to get it out of his eyes. Yuu liked his blue eyes.

"You should cut your hair."

"Huh?"

Shinrai turned to Yuu, but she was burrowing her head into her knees.

"You think?" He smirked at the thought.

"Ah."

"I guess I should. It has been getting in my way of training. I just don't know who should cut it."

"I can if you want." Yuu stuttered.

Shinrai looked at her in surprise. Then he smiled and handed her a kunai. "Sure. Go ahead."

Yuu took the kunai hesitantly at first. Then she dug in her small bag for a comb. The next few minutes, Yuu combed his hair to even it out and work out the tangles. Shinrai just sat silently as Yuu did her thing.

"Try not to make me look too bad." Shinrai joked.

"Of course not, unless you want me to." She joked back, glad that the weight that had been restricting her throat was lifting. "Why are you training anyways, Shin-kun?"

"Ah, that." Yuu began cutting. "I just wanted to do something more useful and have the power to prevent it this time."

"Prevent what?" Yuu was observing the cut more closely, debating on how short to cut it.

"Abandonment."

Yuu stopped instantly.

"My mother abandoned me four years ago. I was only two but I remember it somewhat clearly. It was the first snow of winter and she just walked out the door. I remember thinking, she'll come back soon. When she didn't the Oku family who lived nearby came and took me in. I really like it there, because it's warm. But I kept being pulled back to that place. When I met Kazaya-sama, I felt this connection with him, like with Kei. I realized that if I start now I might be able to prevent losing someone close to me ever again."

Shinrai turned to Yuu when she stopped cutting and silence once again surrounded them. He was shocked at Yuu's expression. Her eyes were large and rounded as tears flowed like rivers down her face.

"That's so sad!" She wailed.

Shinrai stood quickly and tossed his hands around in worry. "Don't cry Yuu Hime-sama! Your sister will kill me."

"But I really like Shin-kun! When you say stuff like that, I'm glad that you're still so kind." Yuu continued to cry.

Shinrai scratched his head and smiled contently. He sat and pulled Yuu into a hug. "Thank you Yuu-chan."

Yuu blushed uncontrollably. They sat with small smiles and a happy atmosphere. That was until then...

"You stink Shin-kun."

He immediately withdrew and pulled on her cheeks.

"I was training. What do you expect?"

"Itai! I'm sorry!"

He let go and grinned widely at her. "Good."

Yuu stared at his expression before smiling back at him. They then began to laugh together. When they finally calmed down, Yuu resumed cutting, and Shinrai sat smiling, letting her do as she pleased.

"Aw! Wasn't that cute Kazaya-kun?" Nasake directed to the other boy eavesdropping.

He nodded his head. "I couldn't hear a word they were saying though. Well I heard your sister shout while she was crying but other than that. Oi, did you hear what they said?"

Kei looked up at Kazaya and shook his head. Sakura got off the pole she had been leaning on, smiling contently. She began to walk off.

"Come on, we need to clean up. If we interrupt them now, they might not get together in the future."

Nasake's expression lit up. "You think they'll get together later in life."

Sakura slowed so Nasake could catch up and she shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows?"

Yuu gave Shinrai a small mirror. He admired her work. She had cut a lot off. He no longer needed the ponytail. Most of the hair in the back was gone. She left enough hair in the front that a little bit fell in front of his eyes.

"Wow! You're really good."

Yuu blushed under the compliment. She sat there very proud.

"Remind me to only let you cut my hair."

Yuu laughed.

"Come on." Shinrai extended his hand. "I need a bath."

Yuu nodded and they walked off to join the others.

Kazaya and Nasake were out in a field just enjoying the regular air. Nasake sat playing with some flowers. She twisted and turned the stems to make a crown. Kazaya lay with his arms behind his head. Nasake kept glancing at the ring around his neck.

"Kazaya-kun?"

"Hm?" Kazaya cracked open an eye to respond to her.

"What's that ring for?"

Kazaya looked down and picked the ring up. "Oh, this?"

Nasake nodded her head.

"It's the ring given to the heir of the throne. When the time comes, they will use it as proof of right. Why do you like it?"

Nasake nodded again. Kazaya chuckled. He took if off his neck and placed it around hers.

"Keep it safe for me. When I'm older I'll give you a different one so we can get married."

Kazaya smiled as Nasake blushed deeply.

"It's a promise to my future bride."

"Hai!"

Nasake placed her flower crown on Kazaya's head as he continued to relax and she began a new one.

The next day, Kei was walking down the path to join Shinrai and the others at the castle. Unfortunately, he must have not been paying attention, because he passed the older boys that had been giving Shinrai and him a hard time when they first met Kazaya.

"Oi, Kurai-sama, look what we have here."

The leader looked over to the frightened Kei.

"What don't have your friend to protect you?"

Kurai hit Kei hard in the stomach. The poor boy dropped to the ground, coughing up blood.

"Guess no one coming to your rescue." He hit him again.

All Kei could think about was Sakura's smile.

Sakura was miffed. Shinrai and Yuu were at the training ground. Kazaya and Nasake were there too but getting way too lovey for Sakura too take. They were only six. They needed to slow down. Sakura sighed. No way was that going to happen. Sakura ran down the path to see if Kei was around to play with. She figured he would come eventually but it was getting a little late and she hadn't seen him. The sound of bashing flesh caught Sakura's attention. She followed the sound. The sight before made her scream a sound that she didn't think she was capable of making. Because she was so close to the castle still, the four others heard her. They instantly began to try to find her. However, Sakura knew it was too late. Three boys hovered over the bloody and torn body of Oku, Kei. Sakura instantly went to his side.

"What's this? You had a pretty little girlfriend?"

One of the older boys pulled Sakura away with a yank of her hair.

"Let go!" Sakura hit the boy hard in the face. She heard a sickening crunch and she knew she broke something.

Kurai instantly grabbed Sakura and she spit in his face. He threw her to the ground. The air escaped her lungs. Kurai lifted her by her hair.

"Pathetic."

"Stop! Don't you dare touch Sakura-sama's hair."

All eyes turned to see Kei rising slowly. He appeared in front of Kurai in an instant. He pulled a kunai out of its hidden place and stabbed it into his arm. Kurai dropped Sakura and Kei caught her. The other boy instantly appeared and Kei was forced to place Sakura down to block the attack. They battled a bit away from her since the older one had pushed him back by weight.

"Stop!"

The two boys stopped hearing Kurai's voice. The other boy hit Kei hard and he fell to the ground again. He watched as Kurai took a kunai to Sakura's hair, cutting it short.

"You bastard!"

"It's punishment for what your little girlfriend did to my friend."

"Kei!"

They all turned to see Shinrai and Kazaya approaching. Seeing Sakura, Kazaya instantly performed hand seals and Sakura and Kei disappeared in smoke to be replaced by a log. Kazaya reappeared further away from the assailants with Kei and Sakura. Kei's wounds were deep.

"Nasake!" Kazaya shouted loud enough for her to hear. "Go get a medic nin now!"

"Hai!"

Sakura placed Kei's head into her lap.

"Kazaya Ouji-sama, please let me handle this."

Kazaya placed a hand on Shinrai's shoulder. "Sorry but Saku-chan and Kei-kun are my friends too."

That's when the two let the other two have it. Their rage fueled their power. Kei raised his hand to Sakura. She looked down and took his. He opened his mouth to speak.

"Sh. Don't waste you energy."

"Sakura-sama, I'm going to die."

Her tears fell onto his blood-smeared face.

"Don't say that." She choked.

"I wish I hadn't been so weak." He admitted. "Like my name." He added softly.

Sakura shook her heard. "Iie, just because your name means timid, doesn't mean you're weak. Timid means you are shy, just like you are. I like that about you though." Kei's eyes widened. "What you did to protect me truly shows that I was right about you. You are the strongest person I have ever met. There are many different strengths. You had an inwardly strength, and in the end... a physical one." Sakura placed her hand over her heart. She smiled down at him.

Kei smiled at her. "Thank you Sakura-sama. I really loved you."

Sakura felt his heart finally stop. Her eyes widened and she screamed. "Kei!"

The boys finally finished turned to Sakura before dashing to her side. Kei's parents arrived with Yuu. The medic finally arrived with Nasake. Their hearts broke as Sakura clutched the dead boy's body. His parents went to Sakura quickly.

"Kei wake up! Wake up!"

It changed all their lives forever. The King, who saw the change in his only son, was disturbed. Shinrai, Kazaya's most trusted new friend whom he had liked from the very moment he met him, cried. The two visiting sisters cried as well. But the one person that broke his and his Queen's heart was Sakura. The little girl that bubbled with life stared out at the world as if not really seeing it. Sakura was leaving the next day and they didn't know how she would cope. After all, Sakura had just lost her birth mother and a couple in the village of Konoha was adopting her. Seeing all this first hand, the King ordered that the boys be thrown into jail until the hatred of the parents had subsided. However, the King knew Taka personally, and Taka wasn't a grudge bearing person. However, the life of his only son had been taken away and Taka had changed. He told him that he would let him know when to release them.

The next morning, everyone was at the gate to see Sakura off. She looked so very sad as everyone took turns to hug her. She broke down when Hana, Taka, and Shinrai hugged her. She apologized over and over again. Taka gave her a small smile telling her to stop. Hana told her it wasn't her fault. Shinrai told her that she had done her best.

"Why don't you let me fix your hair before you go Saku-chan?" Nasake offered.

Sakura shook her head. Her hair was still in the uneven shape when Kurai had cut it.

"Sorry, but for now, this is my cross to bear."

No one spoke as Konoha Jounin approached but stayed a small distance away. Sakura turned back to them after having turned hearing them.

"Well it's time." She smiled sadly at them and waved. "See you all later!"

Everyone waved. Kazaya turned to his father.

"Why is Saku-chan being picked up by Konoha shinobi?"

His father looked at him sadly. "Because Saku-chan's okaa-sama has died."

Everyone's hearts dropped as their eyes widened. Sakura never once spoke of her pain.

Sakura was walking down the street of Konoha. She was on her way to training with Tsunade. A hawk approached Sakura and she instantly recognized it as a Wind hawk. Sakura offered her arm for a perch, which the bird took. Sakura took the parchment from its leg guard and read the note. She smiled and walked off to the Yamanaka Floral Shop. Sakura purchased a white rose bouquet from a puzzled Ino and sent it off with the hawk.

Yuu sat in her private chambers in a beautiful white wedding gown. Her veil was not yet attached to her head. Yuu sat in quiet silence. Her sister was outside the room beside the door, waiting for her to be ready. Today was going to be the best of her life. Everyone she loved and cared about was in attendance, everyone but her. She knew Sakura was busy in Konoha. After all, Sakura barely got the time to write them, but every year around their birthday, Sakura sent them a letter catching them up. Yuu was sad that Sakura wouldn't be in attendance, but knew her heart would be here for it. That always comforted Yuu when she missed Sakura. Just then, the sound of flapping caught her attention. She turned to the sound and saw the Wind hawk in her window. She tilted her head in confusion. Yuu didn't remember sending a Wind hawk out. She didn't remember even sending out a Rock bird. She walked over and noticed the white rose bouquet. Yuu detached it from the bird and read the note.

'In case you forgot, a beautiful bouquet for the beautiful bride.'

Yuu smacked her forehead. She knew she had been forgetting something important. Tears went to her eyes when she read the name of the sender. Nasake knocked and came in telling her that it was time. Seeing her sister, she quickly approached in worry. She slowed seeing the bouquet Yuu clutched to her chest. Nasake read the fallen note on the ground and tears came to even her eyes. She gently hugged her sister. Five minutes later, Yuu walked down the aisle with the bouquet to her anxiously waiting Shinrai. His smile brightened tenfold seeing Yuu in her dress. He offered his arm to the blushing bride and they both face the priest together. Everyone smiled on this day including a lone kunoichi in Konoha.

"What are you smiling about Sakura-chan?" Tsunade questioned, worried that her student finally cracked from too many blows. Tsunade shook her head; Sakura had always been good enough not to let any of them hit her after the first one.

"It's nothing Tsunade-shisou. It's just a good day for a wedding."

Tsunade tilted her head before resuming training.

Shinrai ran down the hall. The last two years had been filled with war. A few months after his marriage to Yuu took place. Wind had received word that Rock had killed someone close to the Royal family. Haruno, Sakura. Rock was also fed the lies. The war went on and on and many were hurt. Over the last two years, Kazaya lost both his parents. His mother to an illness and his father in battle. During that time, Shinrai cursed the war. Even though, he had decided to stay with Kazaya, he knew that the person Kazaya needed the most was Nasake. Yuu had gone back to Rock to keep an eye on her sister. She had let Shinrai go easily but with a heavy heart. Yuu and Nasake's parents were also dead. Both Kazaya and Nasake had both been forced to take the throne earlier than expected. But since the war needed their full attentions, a coronation ceremony for the title King and Queen was not decided on yet. However, both sides were tired now and both had agreed on a meeting. Hope of an end was in view. Shinrai arrived at the door and quietly slipped inside. He moved behind Kazaya as they waited for the arrival of Rock.

"They're late." Kazaya commented.

"Yes. I know." Shinrai placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm all the support you need."

"I know. Thank you."

Finally, the doors opened, and Nasake walked in with Yuu and her bodyguard Uragirimono. Kazaya had met him only a couple of times in the years before the war. He never liked the way he watched Nasake. Sometimes, he stood to close for comfort. Nasake always seemed oblivious and always took Uragirimono's side of things. Kazaya felt inferior to him in only that way. Only when Nasake didn't believe in him enough. Kazaya stood, as did his council. They all shared polite bows as they sat. Rock on one side; Wind on the other.

"This meeting is now in session. Quiet please." Shinrai stated.

"I don't believe for one second that Haruno, Sakura was killed by Rock." Kazaya pointed out.

His council went off as did Rock's. They were offended that they thought something. His own council shot back. Kazaya sighed and Shinrai screamed for silence. Kazaya instantly noticed that something from around Nasake's neck was missing.

"Of course, I don't suspect Wind either Kazaya Ouji-sama. However, your people have hurt ours greatly."

"As have yours Hime-sama."

The cold bitterness in Kazaya's voice started Shinrai, Yuu, and Nasake. She seemed scared for a moment as if the man in front of her was not Kazaya.

"I'm not saying we haven't." She stuttered.

Kazaya looked towards his council. "Leave."

"Your majesty!" They began to object.

"Now!"

"Ouji-sama's orders are absolute." Shinrai directed and the Wind council began to leave.

Kazaya and Shinrai looked back to the princesses and they directed their council to leave as well. Only five people remained; three were royal blood and the other two were sworn bodyguards. Shinrai was also Kazaya's right-hand man, his top shinobi.

"Hime-sama," Nasake didn't understand why he was still using the formalities. "Where is your necklace?"

Nasake instantly reached for her neck and gasped when she didn't find it. She looked around for it, praying she didn't loose Kazaya's precious ring. Uragirimono stepped forward.

"You left this in my chambers last night Nasake-chan." He put it back around her neck.

"Thank you." She smiled up at him.

All but Shinrai missed Kazaya's surprised, then hurt expression. It soon disappeared behind the cold mask as he stood. His blood was boiling and his composure was about to go.

"Kaz..."

"Stop! I don't see an agreement between our countries anytime soon."

"Kazaya!"

The prince stormed out with Shinrai not too far behind. He looked longingly at Yuu before leaving. Yuu was overcomed by tears as was Nasake. She didn't understand. After all, in their private letters, Kazaya had stated over and over again the end of the war. He hated how it tore them apart. He hated how he made Shinrai abandon Yuu, knowing his issues on abandonment. Nasake couldn't understand why Kazaya would want to continue. Neither princess saw the man that they trusted smirk evilly.

Nasake sat in the garden, staring out at nothing. Kazaya came to mind, as did the tears. The crunching of gravel had Nasake whipping around. She gasped in surprise. Her visitor raised her hand in greeting. She was taller with the short hair. Nasake instantly recognized the Anbu tatoo and her clothes were so different.

"Saku-chan?"

"Nasake Hime-sama."

There was aloofness to Sakura; a distance that Nasake knew held a huge burden.

"What brings you here?" Nasake was about to stand but Sakura's hand made her sit back down.

"Just to talk; I heard about the failed negotiations."

Nasake sighed. "Really?"

"I'm kept a loop on a lot of things. Konoha doesn't like to be ignorant to anything. I was also on a mission in the area."

"Oh I see."

Silence ensued as Sakura poured herself a cup of tea.

"Don't worry Nasake-chan, everything will work itself out."

"How...?"

"In time."

Nasake couldn't help but cry for the rest of Sakura's visit. She didn't even once ask about Sakura's new life because she couldn't. The sobs choked her back. Nasake had fainted from the exhaustion of crying. When she woke up, Sakura was gone and she was in her bed. Yuu was beside her in a chair with a book fallen to the floor forgotten. A japanese iris sat in her vase beside the bed and Nasake thanked Sakura's visit.

Kazaya had noticed it lately. Shinrai was displaying an irregular amount of chakra lately. He didn't understand it well but knew it might be bad. Shinrai hadn't noticed and Kazaya didn't want to worry his friend until he found out what it was. However, it was becoming more aggressive and Kazaya had no choice. He was on his way to speak to Shinrai. Kazaya knocked but received no answer. He opened the door to discover Sakura over him. Her hand was slightly above his forehead and weird white glow was scaring him. Kazaya instantly tried to rush to Shinrai's unconscious side.

"What are you doing?"

Kazaya was forced back by a wave of chakra. He helplessly continued to watch Sakura do whatever she was doing. He noticed a kanji character on Shinrai's forehead. It disappeared with the glow. Sakura stood and faced him.

"You need to keep an eye on him. Don't let anything extreme happen or that seal won't hold."

"Seal? What is it for?"

"You need to be careful from now on Kazaya Ouji-sama. You're his protector now."

"Protector?"

They somehow made it out to the garden for tea. Sakura sat across from him sipping her cup as he waited patiently for the answer. She put the cup down with a small clink.

"He's a god's descendant. You know very well what that means."

"He's an open target if anyone discovers his ability with god orbs."

"Yes."

They sat in more silence and drank more tea.

"His powers have begun to manifest."

"I know." Kazaya said while rubbing his forehead. "I've been trying to keep it secret. It's been hard though. I don't want Shin-kun to know."

"He will sooner or later." Sakura commented as she took a sip of tea. "You can't hide a part of himself forever Kazaya Ouji-sama. You shouldn't either."

"I know..." He looked at his reflection in his tea.

They sat in silence for quite some time.

"I've located that woman you've been looking for." Sakura commented as she stood to leave.

Kazaya looked at her in surprise. Sakura just sadly smiled at her childhood friend.

"Don't look like that Ouji-sama. After all, you have been looking for her for a very long time. My only question is, after meeting her, will you heart ease at last about this issue? Remember, he is the best person I have ever had the opportunity to meet. The same goes for you doesn't it?"

Sakura placed a scroll on the table before disappearing with a wave to him. Kazaya smiled lightly back at her before opening the scroll. The location listed on the paper wasn't far away. He tucked it safely into his sleeve. Kazaya went inside to wait for nightfall. Of course, it came, and the young prince snuck out without his most trusted guard and friend. He made quick footwork to the location. He came to a rundown cabin, but a light burned inside. Kazaya knocked on the door to receive a slurred answer. He shut his eyes in disappointment. He should have been able to guess. Kazaya walked into the cabin automatically running into an empty alcohol bottle. He saw her then on the other side of the small room, drinking from a large wine bottle. He quickly snatched the bottle from her lips.

"Look at me." He ordered deadly.

The woman glared at him. "Hey, give that back!" She slurred.

Kazaya threw it across the room shattering the glass against the wall. The liquid lay ruined on the ground as it soaked into the wood. He grabbed her chin and looked at her straight in the eye. She looked at him more closely.

"The prince of Wind is here because...?"

"I've had the pleasure of getting to know your son."

Her eyes widened at the sound of her son.

"He's a good man, despite the hurt you caused him. I hate you when he cannot. Although I hate you so much, all I can do is thank you for giving us such a wonderful person. Despite him coming from such filth, he turned out to be a better person than anyone I know." Kazaya remembered Sakura saying the same thing. He stood and left.

She sat and cried, thinking of that two-year-old boy's sad eyes looking up at her retreating form.

Kazaya quietly reentered his room without waking anyone. He sighed grateful he left and came without detection. He turned around and nearly screamed in surprise. Shinrai stood right in front of him now, currently having been behind, giving Kazaya a very flat look. Kazaya nervously chuckled feeling his deadly aura finally. Kazaya tried to side step but so did Shinrai. His flat look turned into a terrifying glare and Kazaya nervously chuckled again.

"Where were you?"

"I couldn't sleep."

Shinrai sighed. "Next time, please wake me. I will accompany you."

"I am not a child Shin-kun. I can obviously handle myself."

"I know..." Shinrai gave him a look that Kazaya knew all too well.

'Don't go somewhere I can't follow.' It was a message Kazaya was all too familiar with, but he knew he had to do what he did alone. After all, Shinrai might have not forgiven him for what he did.

"I'll go to bed now. Next time, I promise." He smiled at his friend who just sighed in irritation.

"Whatever you did tonight," Shinrai walked to the door. "I hope you're okay. It's alright if you never tell me, just make sure you don't let it weigh you down. You have enough on your mind with the war and Nasake-chan." Shinrai let the door quietly click close behind him.

"Thank you." Kazaya whispered to the man who swore to protect him.

"Kazaya?"

The said prince opened his eyes from the memories to turn to a concerned Nasake.

"Hm?"

"Are you okay? I've been standing here and you didn't notice at all."

It might have sounded like a small subject to outsiders but to these two it was a lot. Kazaya had always after all been able to tell where Nasake was. He had just been too caught up in the past to notice anything around him. It was as if he had been reliving it all over again.

"I'm sorry." Kazaya took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "I was just reliving some things. I guess I was more there than here."

Nasake nodded her head as she sat in the chair beside him. "I understand. After all, we've all been through a lot lately."

Kazaya chuckled. "You mean the last couple years."

Nasake sadly smiled. "Yeah... We wasted a lot of time on something so stupid huh?"

Kazaya scratched the back of his head. "I don't think Kei-kun or Saku-chan would see it that way."

"Really?"

"Knowing Kei-kun, he'd probably mumble something about moving on from here and forgetting what happened. Then when it comes to Saku-chan, she would hit us then say it happened for a reason. Our eyes were opened to all the lies and we will know the warning signs better from now on. It was a lesson needed to be learned."

Nasake laughed. "Saku-chan would definitely have hit you hard."

Kazaya's blood drained remembering her hits. "I don't want to think about it."

Nasake laughed again. They both looked at the framed photo taken that day a long time ago. Kazaya usually kept the picture in his office, but today he needed it here with him.

"You know," Kazaya had a far-off look again. "I think that it was best that we learned it now then later."

"Why?"

"Because in the future, I'm sure there would have been too much between us. Then, as we threw it away for something stupid, it would have been too late to fix it. There would have been too much pain to heal and the trust would have been too shattered to put back together."

"Do you really think we would have fallen?"

"Nasake," Kazaya gave her a very serious look. "We were too young to become the rulers of our respective countries. We were naive, and this lesson has taught us how to be stronger. If we hadn't it learned it now, we would have still been naive."

Nasake nodded her head in agreement. "It's such a sad thought that there was no way around it."

"I didn't say there wasn't. It's just that this was probably the most likely course of action." He reassured her a little.

Nasake sighed. "I wish Saku-chan was here. She would tell us."

Kazaya chuckled. "Only if we did everything she asked for like three days in a row. Doing 'every' little thing she want."

Nasake sighed. "We never could finish."

Kazaya chuckled again. "Only if we wanted to die..."

They laughed together.

"I miss her." Nasake said remembering Sakura.

"Me too."

They sat in silence for a few moments. Kazaya slowly stood and offered his hand to Nasake.

"Come on. The rest of our family is waiting for us."

Even now, Nasake still blushed when Kazaya would be kind to her. He was a naturally kind person when it came to her, but she felt embarrassed when Kazaya only saw her. It was during this time that Nasake actually felt like a princess.

"When's your coronation?" Kazaya asked as they walked along together; her hand safely tucked in his arm.

"Next week, then your's is next month right?"

Kazaya nodded his head. Nasake smiled.

"Then we'll plan our wedding."

Kazaya turned a deep red.

"We'll be King and Queen."

Kazaya sweat dropped. "You won't be Queen for long though. After all, you'll be moving here and Yuu will become Queen."

"Yeah," Nasake nodded her head. "I've been thinking it was kind of stupid. However, the people want it for the short time that I will be there. Then Yuu will of course take over. Are you prepared to let Shin-kun go?" Seeing Kazaya's expression, Nasake laughed. "He's not a little boy anymore. He's a man that needs to be with his wife."

"I know." Kazaya sighed. "It's just sad since we've been together for so long and through so much."

"I know." Nasake gave her future husband's arm a squeeze.

Shinrai knocked on the door of a very familiar cabin. He carried something with him and waited patiently. Oku, Hana opened the door and smiled at Shinrai.

"Welcome home Shinrai."

"Thank you Hana Okaa-sama."

Shinrai walked into the house and immediately went straight to the altar. He offered a prayer to his fallen brother.

"Hi, Kei-kun. I'm home."

Taka and Yuu came into the house to see Shinrai already saying hello to Kei. A little girl ran into the house and threw herself at Taka.

"Otou-sama!"

"Ah, Kira-kun. Welcome home."

"I'm home!"

Sakura and Itachi were sharing a rare quiet night. Itachi was reading a scroll while Sakura sat at the window looking out at the dark night. She turned to watch a tiny candle, seeing it's flame trying to die out. It instantly burned brighter when Sakura closed the window stopped the breeze from blowing on it too hard. The clock read a late hour and Itachi stood to blow out the rest of the candles.

"Stop."

Sakura's small voice stopped Itachi from snuffing out the just as small flame. Sakura was watching it intently and Itachi wondered why.

"Why can't I put it out Cherry Blossom?"

"Did you know Itachi?" Itachi tilted his head in confusion, as Sakura was once again somewhere other than there. "Even if a flame dies, another will continue to burn for it."

Sakura walked up and gently blew it out.

Shinrai and everyone were in the other room chatting happily with Taka. Kira lay against her father's knee sleeping. Kira had come to them when they decided not to have any more children. But it had been like Kei was telling them no. After all, he had told Hana he always wanted a little sister. He wanted her to grow up as happy and as beautiful as Sakura. Kira was a beautiful girl. Hana wished Sakura could come see her. Hana turned to the sound of wings. Hana saw the small bird lay a carnation at her son's picture at the altar. He flew off afterwards. Hana slowly walked over and saw a tiny note attached. Tears filled her eyes and she gently cried and thanked Sakura. Shinrai walked up from behind and gently placed his arm around her shoulder. After all, this happened every year. Sakura sent the carnation on this very day.

'Happy Birthday Oku, Kei, 'The Timid Flame'. You changed my world and touched my soul. You'll always be burning in our hearts no matter how strong the winds that oppose you.'