'thoughts'
"talking"
'inner Ryuu talking'
∞Recap∞
The rain that had once fallen lightly now came down heavily as the others watched and cried at the heartbreaking sight. The angel among them had gone home to heaven, leaving a big vastness in all their heart no one else could fill….
'Sakura… you lied.'
∞End of recap∞
Everyone watched with pain in their hearts as the, now last, Uchiha cradled Sakura's body close to him. Naruto averted his gaze from the heartbreaking scene.
'Sakura… you achieved many great things in life, you even managed to befriend the Akatsuki and melt Itachi Uchiha's heart.'
He clenched his hands.
'It isn't fair! You deserved happiness the most, but instead you died and I couldn't do anything to stop it. Once again you were ripped away from us…' Naruto was now clenching his fists so hard that his nails were drawing blood. He looked up when he felt a hand on his and saw Hinata look at him with tears streaming down her face.
"Naruto-kun… it wasn't your fault." She said as if reading his mind. Naruto pulled her to him and held her close as his tears started to fall.
-
Deidara stared at Sakura's limp form.
This couldn't be true, this wasn't right, this just wasn't fair! Itachi didn't deserve this, they didn't deserve this and Sakura most certainly didn't deserve this so why the hell was this happening? Was this the punishment for all the lives they had taken?
"It is just another cruel trick of fate." He heard Sasori say as they all stood there gases glued on the pink haired kunochi's pale body, that everyone in the Akatsuki had come to look upon as their little sister.
-
Kakashi tried, oh Kami how he tried to find one thing, one good thing about Sakura's death that could maybe ease this burning pain he felt inside at the sight of his daughter like student's dead body, but no matter how hard he rummaged his mind he couldn't find anything, not a single thing even close to good about her death… not one.
-
When Sakura had left Konoha Ino had hated her for leaving them, but now that hate started to gradually disappear and was replaced for self-loathing.
She should've known better than to doubt her friend, her best friend, but now that she's finally aware of her mistake and she wanted to apologize for everything there is no Sakura anymore who could hear her apology.
-
Shikamaru was seldom wrong in his conclusions. He was always looked upon as 'the genius'; it had been what had made him useful, made him special, but somehow right now it didn't matter. For right now as he tried to console a crying Ino while fighting back tears he could've, without a second thought, given away his priced 300 IQ:s for a chance to have Sakura back. He felt like scum and a real idiot for having participated in making Sakura, a close friend, suffer so much, he utterly despised himself for it…'
-
Lee stared, just stared. How could he when Sakura had needed him, a friend, the most, go against her and thereby throw away years of friendship and taking a traitors word over her own without questioning; yes he wondered, how could he?
-
Itachi looked at Sakura's face as if waiting for her to open her beryl eyes and smile one of those heart warming smiles of hers, but that was impossible.
He felt so lost, so hollow now that she wasn't here anymore. He gently caressed her cold cheek.
'I'd do anything to have you back Sakura.' He thought.
'Uchiha, do you really mean what you speak?'
Itachi's head shot up and he noticed that he was no longer in the clearing but in a light place and he was kneeling on water. He looked to the one who had spoken and saw Ryuu a couple of feet in front of him.
'Answer my question.' Ryuu said.
"Hai, I do."
'There is still a way to bring he back but we must act fast.'
Itachi's eyes widened and he felt his heat skip a beat at the thought of having Sakura back.
"How is it possible?"
'Her soul has yet to cross over or I'd not be here. Her love for love for you, is keeping her from leaving this plane.' Ryuu explained.
"How could I bring her back?"
'A kind of ritual would be performed that would bind her to you in every possible way, meaning that if you would for example die she'd also die.'
Ryuu paused for a while.
'For the seal that binds your souls to remain you would have to love her unconditionally but if your love isn't true she would slowly wither like a cherry blossom and eventually die. Should that happen your soul would be ripped out of your body slowly and painfully before being sent to the depths of hell where you would be tortured for all eternity.'
Itachi remained quiet and listened carefully.
'So if you're absolutely sure that you love Sakura with your whole heart and soul accept, but if you have the slightest of doubts I'd advice you to let her soul rest in peace.' Ryuu let all this sink in. Itachi thought about what Ryuu had said and then looked at Ryuu with determinedness and said:
"I want her back."
'Are you completely sure, for this decision will not only affect you but also Sakura in this life as in the next.'
"I can't live without her." Itachi said. Ryuu looked him in the eye but Itachi stared right back.
'Very well.' Ryuu said before glowing a blue hue. Itachi's shoulder also started glowing and when the glow faded there was a strange symbol there.
'That symbol will bind your souls, Sakura has an identical one on her shoulder. The physical binding you will have to perform yourself.'
Itachi nodded.
"Arigato Ryuu-sama." Ryuu nodded.
'Take good care of her.' Sakura then started glowing a white color before light exploded out from her body and Itachi shielded his eyes from the bright light. The light suddenly decreased and Itachi removed his arm and saw two figures standing in front of him. A man in white pants and shirt as well as a woman in a white dress. The woman smiled warmly at him while the man looked at him with a serious expression.
"I see that your love for Sakura is true and strong." The man said and his features softened.
"We entrust you with her happiness." He finished.
'Who are these people?" He wondered.
"Take good care of our Sakura." The woman said. That was when Itachi noticed the white wings on their backs.
'This must be Sakura's parents.'
"Hai I will." He said. He blinked and when he opened his eyes again he was back in the clearing.
'Did it work?' He thought and looked down at Sakura, but she was still lying unmoving and none breathing in his arms.
"Sakura." Itachi said in but a whisper and then lowered his head to hers and kissed her softly on the lips.
There was no wind, no rain, no sound of birds; it was like the whole world was holding it's breath. Itachi pulled away and suddenly Sakura drew in a large breath as if she had been under water for a long time. Her breath calmed down and she looked at Itachi.
"I-Itachi?" She asked. Itachi looked into her eyes and stroke her cheek and Sakura leaned into his touch.
"Do you want to know what heavens like?" She asked with a smile as she looked into his eyes.
"Nothing without you." He replayed smirking before he leaned down and kissed her lightly.
-
The others just stared at them, not understanding what had happened.
"Sakura?" Naruto asked stepping closer to her and Itachi. Itachi and Sakura broke apart and Sakura turned her head towards him and smiled.
"Konnichiwa everyone."
"Sakura!" They all called and rushed to her.
"But how's this possible? We saw you die?" Deidara asked still a little shocked. Itachi got up and gave Sakura a helping hand.
"I honestly don't know. All I remember is that I was in a bright, warm place, but I couldn't stop thinking about you. Then I was suddenly enveloped in a bright light and I didn't know what to do before I heard a voice call my name so I followed it and the next thing I know I'm back here." Sakura said.
Neji walked up to Sakura and bowed.
"I'm truly sorry Sakura-san I didn't mean-"
"Neji-san, I forgive you." Sakura cut him off with a smile.
"By the way; what was it that made you all ignore a direct order?" Naruto asked in a hard tone, staring coldly at them. They all lowered their eyes and looked ashamed.
"We thought you and Kakashi had been put under a genjutsu or something so when we arrived we immediately attacked." Shikamaru explained.
Naruto opened his mouth to give them the scolding of the century for jumping to conclusions, but stopped when Sakura laid a hand on his shoulder.
"I think they have suffered enough." Sakura said.
"Sakura, what's with you and Itachi?" Kakashi asked. Everyone looked her expectantly. Sakura laced her fingers with Itachi and flashed him a smiled.
"He's-"
"I'm her fiancé." Itachi cut her off. Sakura stared at him a little confused before she smiled. All their jaws dropped and they stared wide-eyed at her.
"Sakura." She looked over her shoulder at Leader who had spoken.
"It is time to leave." He said. Sakura nodded and hugged all the rookie-nine and Kakashi once more before going to stand by the rest of the Akatsuki.
"This is where I take my leave." She said.
"Sakura why don't you come with us back to Konoha? We could explain to baa-chan and-"
"No Naruto, my place is here." She said and felt Itachi give her hand a light squeeze.
"Well promise to come and visit frequently!" He said.
"I'll come when I can, but remember I'm still a traitor to Konoha." Sakura said.
"Sakura…" Sakura turned to Kakashi who had spoken.
"…don't hate Tsunade for what she did; she didn't know what she was doing." He said.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Sasuke must have hypnotized her with his sharingan because she thought you had run away from Konoha as did we all. She only remembered promoting him to Anbu because of his assistance in killing the Mist-nins and because he was in charge of your guarding he managed to keep it all a secret seeing as he erased Tenten's, Lee's and Shikamaru's memories about arresting you." He said
"How do you know this?" Sakura asked.
"Because earlier today Lee, Shikamaru and Tenten kept having these weird flashbacks about arresting you and they were just confirmed by your story." Kakashi said. Sakura thought about this and it made sense.
"I have never hated her, how could I? She was like a second mother to me." She looked at him. "Tell her that."
"I will." Kakashi said. Sakura smiled at him and then shifted her gaze to the Anbu before her who were all shifting nervously, trying to say something. Sakura only smiled.
"I forgive you." She said. They all looked up at her shocked before they smiled.
"Good bye everyone, take care." She said before she and the whole Akatsuki disappeared in smoke.
"She seemed so happy." Ino said.
"That she did." Shino said and they all nodded in agreement.
- With the Akatsuki-
The Akatsuki appeared a few miles away from the Konoha Anbu and continued to foot from there.
"How are you feeling?" Itachi asked as they were jumping through the trees.
"A little overwhelmed." She confessed. Itachi remained silent as a sign for her to continue.
"I've just learned that Konoha didn't betray me after all, Sasuke is dead, I have been dead and I just learned that I'm going to be an Uchiha." She said smiling at the last part. Sakura could see a microscopic pink color cover the great Uchiha's cheeks. She couldn't help it and gave a heart filled laugh, making the rest of the Akatsuki look at them questioningly before quickly focusing their attention elsewhere when Itachi gave them a warning glare. Sakura calmed down and smiled warmly at Itachi and stopped, making him stop as well. She walked up to him and placed her arms around his neck and pecked him on the lips.
"And I'd be happy to." She said. Itachi smiled, not smirked, smiled at her before kissing her passionately.
"You coming lovebirds?!" Kisame called. They broke apart and Sakura smiled at him.
"We'll continue this later." Itachi said huskily before he grabbed Sakura by the waist and ran to catch up to the rest. Sakura saw the lust in his eyes and knew that they would be back at the HQ earlier than expected…
When they arrived back at the HQ Sakura and Itachi went directly to their room and as soon as the door closed they were kissing each other. Itachi broke one of their passionate kisses and looked at Sakura as they were lying on the bed.
"Sakura there is something I must tell you before we do this." He said. Sakura looked at him, silently telling him to continue.
"When Ryuu asked me if I wanted to bring you back I had to agree-" He was interrupted by Sakura's finger on his lips.
"I know all about the binding, Ryuu told me about it." She said.
"So now that that's out of the way, shall we proceed with the physical binding?" She asked teasingly. Itachi smirked.
"Gladly." He said before he picked her up and lied her down on the bed and started kissing her, it didn't take them long to remove their clothes and Itachi now hovered over Sakura.
"Ready?" He asked and Sakura nodded in reply before turning her head to the side, exposing her neck. Itachi smirked as he saw all the love bites he had given her. He then lowered his mouth to the junction of her neck and carefully sank his teeth into it. Sakura winced slightly. He then continued to pour some chakra into the wound and a few seconds later he pulled away. On her neck there was now a bite mark, his bite mark. The physical binding was now complete, but they didn't stop quite yet.
-A few hours later-
Itachi collapsed beside Sakura, both panting and covered in sweat.
"Mine." Itachi almost growled possessively, drawing her flush against his chest.
"Only yours." She said kissing him.
"I love you." Itachi whispered, nuzzling her neck.
"And I love you." Sakura whispered back before they both drifted of into sleep.
∞The next day∞
Sakura slowly opened her eyes and came face to face with Itachi's sleeping one. Flashes of last night entered her mind and a smile graced her lips. She kissed him lightly and carefully slipped out from his hold, she was getting quite good at that. She wrapped one of the sheets around her naked body before she grabbed some clothes from the closet and entered the bathroom. She took a quick shower before she dressed in her green turtle-neck top and black pants. She noticed it was still quite early as she slipped out the window and onto the roof. She had taken her Akatsuki cloak with her and she wrapped it around herself, that's when she noticed it wasn't hers but Itachi's by the scent on it. She shifted her attention to the rising sun. She felt so happy and content right then.
'I love him so much.' She thought, thinking about Itachi.
'I'm happy for you.' She heard Ryuu say.
'Thank you… for everything.'
'Your welcome, I'm just happy you've finally found love and happiness.' Ryuu said. Sakura smiled and started to sing what she was feeling.
(A/N: Jennifer Lopez-Again)
Like an angel out of the sky you came
Clearing up all the clouds, the sadness and the rain
So pure and healing was the love you bring
I knew inside... it felt so right
Itachi woke up to the sound of someone singing.
For me, I've struggled all my life
To find the that thing that makes it right
With you it seems I may have found
Some other kind of love
He noticed the empty spot beside him and looked towards the open window.
I will love you all my life
Always be by your side
And I will give you all I have
'Cause you gave me peace and joy…again, again, again
He put on some pants before he jumped onto the roof, smiling as he listened to the words she sung.
I was scared to let go and trust your love
After what I've been through I had had enough
Whispering through your eyes you never said a word
But something said…your heart's safe
He saw his Blossom a couple of feet away, wrapped in his cloak. He snuck up behind her had wrapped his arms around her waist.
For me, I've struggled all my life
To find the that thing that makes it right
With you it seems I may have found
Some other kind of love
Sakura smiled as she sang and leaned into his embrace while Itachi placed his chin on her head and closed his eyes, listening to her sing.
I will love you all my life
Always be by your side
And I will give you all I have
'Cause you gave me peace and joy…again, again, again
A friend is what you'll always have in me
I am so grateful for the man you turned out to be
And it doesn't matter who you happen to meet
You'll forever be… a sacred part of me
I will love you all my life
Always be by your side
And I will give you all I have
'Cause you gave me peace and joy…again, again, again
When the song ended Itachi nuzzled the bite mark.
"Who was that man you were singing about?" He asked teasingly. Sakura smiled playfully.
'Two can play that game.' She thought.
"Oh, just some guy I know."
"Does this handsome guy have a name?" He asked, smirking.
"I never said he was handsome…" She said turning around in his embrace and brushing her lips over the shell of his ear.
"He's drop dead gorgeous." She whispered. Itachi smirked and pushed his lips onto her before she settled back into his embrace and Itachi rested his head on her shoulder as they watched the sun rise.
'I must've done something right in my life to get you.' Itachi thought as he held her closer.
'And I promise I'll do anything to make you happy…'
The End
A/N: Chapter 15 is up! This is the last chappie of 'Strength from within', I feel so sad T.T, but note: there will be a filler-chapter!!!
I have had so much fun writing this story and all your great feedback have made it even more fun, thank you. When I posted this story I didn't think it would be as popular as it did I was positivly surprised.
Many have wondered if I'm going to post any other stories. The answer is: Yes I will. I have a few stories I'm writing and I will probably post at least one of them during the summer holidays. So look out!!
Will there be a sequel to Strength from within?
No. I haven't got one planned and I think that this is a good place to put the dot mark so to speak.
I loved the time I was writing this story and it have a bittersweet feeling now that it has come to and end. I'm glad I finally finished the story but a part of me would still want to continue writing, but I guess it is like they say: one should end it when it makes the most fun.
I want to thank everyone who has reviewed and given me ideas and advice, thank you everyone... YOU'RE THE BEST!!!
Chapter 15:s revewers have made A NEW RECORD!!
42 reviews
38 have me on favorite author madde
6 C2 have 'Strength from within in their communities
82 have it on favorite stories
104 have it on alerts.
THANK YOU ALL SOO MUCH!!!! XD XD XD XD
I feel so happy for all the great feedback I've got from you all, you're really great!!!
Now to answer your reviews:
Mistress of the Wolf ClanThank you, I'm glad you like it and Thank you for the 10 stars!!
Ammiterasu: Thank you :)
Chimiri Thank you I appreciate you understanding. I'm glad you liked it :D
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SpeedDemon315: It was a pleasure killing Sasuke off for you all. Glad you liked the explanation, I wanted to have a reason that could have been "real". Thank you xD
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ElementalAries:I'm glad you liked the poem. I do have some stories I am planning on posting during the summer break. Thank you :D
Vu-Girl Thank you 8)
Tari Shiro I'm glad you liked I. I know it was a little, as you said, OC but I think that it just fit there xP I think it's a very cute nickname. Thank you.
BlackPetals: Thank you for the compliments, it really means a lot.
Charlow Haha!! I just loved your review. Thank you ;D
XxDeidara's-Little-StalkerxX:Thank you :)
KuRoYuMeX Ok. I read your story and I think it was really nice :D Thank you.
PinkxxxReaper Thank you x)
psalmofsummerI tried to find the song on youtube but I couldn't mfind it :(
Glad you liked the chappie :) Thank you.
coolicegirl: Thank you 8D
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Milly: Glad you like it and thank you for your encouraging words, it means a lot :) I've also noticed that many Ita/Sak have the same plotline so I wanted to do something a little different. Thank you xD
Blood BlossomThank you :)
O.O: Thank you :D
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tru-viet: Well in ch. 13 Sakura promised to Itachi that she would never leave him and now that she died she broke that promise. Thank you :)
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Thank you really much for all the reviews, I really appreciate it!!!
I have but one request from you guy's, I would really much like to have 300 reviews before I end this story, you would make me the happiest person in the world!!! XD
So please push the 'submit review' and tell me what you think :D
Hugs 'n' kisses
-Wounded angel