Hey guys, thanks for all the reviews! I would thank you all personally, but I'm just too lazy for that. Consider my speedy updates compensation (even if there were only 4 last time I checked). But I still hold fast to my previous statement: If you don't want to review, I won't hold you to it. Though I found I rather like it when you do. Well, enjoy chapter 3!
Also, today I loaded up a poem I wrote at school in 5th period today. If you like agnsty stuff you might like it, it's called Two Way Street. Just link to my profile and you'll find it.
Disclaimer: Gandhi says that we should all make peace and not sue me because Naruto is not mine.
The Price of Freedom
Chapter 3
Early dusk was settling on the city of Konoha, the previously busy streets now beginning to empty as the once blue skies faded to a romantic hue of orange. Sakura tucked her stray pink locks behind her ear as her gaze shifted from the beautiful scene outside her window. A small burlap sac lay innocently on the white cotton sheets she found no comfort in. The unsightly bag sat there, mocking her, jesting that she hadn't the courage required to gather what little belongings she had left.
Slowly walking towards the armoire that took most of the space in the small room, she opened it and scanned for anything she might need. Picking up a photo of her mother and herself, taken some years ago, Sakura slipped it inside the pocket of the desert cloak she would be wearing to make her escape.
'Can I really do this?' She thought as she placed some clothing that she doubted would be any help to her at all. Ever since she had made the decision to run doubts had been running rampant in her head. 'What if I get caught? Would that really be worse that living this nightmare?'
'No!' She shook the thoughts from her mind, 'I would rather die than live this.' Standing up straight and proud, Sakura set her jaw firmly and walked out the door.
But she had to say goodbye first. Ino had been her best friend ever since they had been able to walk. Leaving her without answers was the worst punishment Sakura could force her friend to endure.
Silent as a mouse, Sakura tip toed down the hall cloak and sac in hand. Tapping on the door lightly, she let herself into the room. Fear ran through her spine as more doubts invaded her thinking, 'What if Ino doesn't want me to leave? What if she tells?'
"Sakura? What's going on, why are you dressed like that?" Sakura was pulled out of her thoughts as she looked down at the rough ugly brown cloak she wore.
"Ino," She gave a shaky sigh, "you know I'm not happy here, right?" Her blonde friend nodded. "Then you understand that living like this would be hell on earth for me, right?"
Ino crossed her arms, obviously puzzled, "Sakura, what are you getting at?"
"I have to get out of here." She whispered harshly.
"What! You can't just pack up and leave! What if you get caught!?" Sakura clamped a hand over her mouth.
"I already thought of that, and if I get caught, then I get caught. I would rather be dead than live to please that selfish, arrogant, spoiled brat!" Sakura hissed quietly.
Ino's eyes visibly widened, "But what about…" She trailed off at the look in Sakura's eyes; she hadn't seen this sparkle of hope and determination since Sakura come to the palace. "You really have to go don't you?" Sakura nodded. Tears filled Ino's eyes as she pulled Sakura into a tight hold, "I wish I had the courage to go with you."
"It's alright. I understand. It was hard for me too." Sakura mumbled into her shoulder.
"I'm going to miss you. I don't know what I'll do without you." Ino gave a shudder as she released her best friend, "Go quickly, please, if for my sake, get out safe. I wish you well."
A silent tear rolled lazily down Sakura's face as she walked out the door. Looking over her shoulder, she mouthed the words she was too choked up to say, "Goodbye."
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"Yes, I will relay the message. Goodnight sir." Shikamaru Nara bowed gracefully as he left the kings chambers. He was to tell one of the handmaidens of her nightly duties. Holding back the urge to spit at the ground in distaste, he clenched his fist. Sasuke and his whores, it was disgusting. Hoping to finish his task quickly, he rushed down the halls of the palace.
Shikamaru was at most, a lazy man; but above anything, he valued honor. And Sasuke's treatment of his 'handmaidens' was less than honorable. Being the General of his Majesties forces made it increasingly difficult to gain an honorable reputation. Though, his skill and infinite knowledge was of the most high importance, and the pay wasn't that bad either.
Hanging his head in humiliation, Shikamaru chided himself for being so shallow, 'Honor, yeah right.'
Walking quickly down the maiden's quarters he rounded the corner and saw a girl sneaking about. Coming to a halt, he quietly snuck back around the corner and watched her movements. She was small in build and had shockingly pink hair. She was dressed oddly, in a far too large desert traveling cloak and a burlap sack thrown over her shoulder. She looked oddly familiar, but could not place her or where he had seen her.
Just then she began tapping quietly on a door, then entered silently. For several minuets he watched the door and tried to hear what was being said, but nothing was distinguishable out of the soft murmurs.
"What! You can't just pack up and leave! What if you get caught!?"
It had been quiet still, but he had not heard wrong. This young girl was planning an escape. Who would want to leave the comfortable confines of the palace? Then it hit him. The pink haired girl! Sasuke had mentioned her shyness with him and how she had stated she wanted to leave. This girl must not want to be one of his maidens. 'I like her already,' he thought as a light smirk made it's way across his face.
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Softly making her way down the grand staircase, Sakura glanced around to make sure no one was there to stop her from leaving the palace. Seeing no one was present, she let out a shaky sigh of relief and ran to the massive grand hall doors. Luckily for her they had been left slightly ajar.
An ironic smile glanced across her features; she was lucky security was so loose here, coming down here she had had absolutely no idea what she would have done if someone had been there.
Now outside, she glanced at the sky. It was almost dark now, a purple canopy covering the city. Still a few people roamed the dusty streets, packing up their vending carts for the night. Throwing caution to the wind, Sakura ran down the front steps of the palace and out the giant golden arches. Her feet thumped lightly as she padded evenly throughout the cramped pathways. On each side of her the sandstone buildings towered over her, casting ghostly shadows over her dark form.
As she dashed in and out of streets and avenues, her heart raced with a wild passion. The feeling of freedom pulsing through her veins. Her legs were getting sore, but still she ran; not halting when her dark hood fell from her head, exposing her bright mane of hair. Her mind went blank as dust filled her lungs.
Soon, as the last rays of the sun began to fade from view, the east gate came to view. Slowing down to regain her composure, Sakura took deep breaths as she walked towards the gatekeeper. This she had counted on; having to prove her right to leave the city. And after nightfall the policies became stricter.
A large balding man stood on the ground holing a spear and slouching as if asleep. Sakura scoffed at how pathetic he looked; maybe this wouldn't be so hard after all. Walking slowly and silently, she approached the heavyset guard and waved her hand in front of his face. He slumbered on.
Releasing the breath she had been holding, Sakura continued to the gate, pushing on it slightly catching the attention of the guard that sat upon the wall.
"Hey there! What do you think your doing? Do you have the right of passage to leave the city?"
Startled, Sakura looked up and moaned in distress, now how was she going to get out? "Um… yeah, I have those papers…" she took her sack off her shoulder and pretended to rummage through it, "there right… um…"
"Papers will not be necessary."
Both the guard and Sakura turned their attention to the now dark shadows that were approaching them. Out of the darkness stepped the same black haired man from earlier that day. Sakura gasped in horror; she had been caught. But the General no less!
"General Nara." The soldier stood tall and saluted, "I have apprehended this girl who I believe is trying to leave with out proper documentation."
Shikamaru chuckled, "Well, it's good to know some of my soldier are alert." He said eyeing the guard who was still sleeping on his feet. Looking back up at the alert guard he continued, "But this girl needs no apprehension. She is under his majesties orders to relay a message to the nomadic Suna tribe east of here. I am to escort her. Please open the gates."
"Yes sir!" The soldier saluted once more and began to open the gate.
Sakura turned and looked at Shikamaru with confusion. Giving him a questioning look, he merely shook his head to indicate he would speak to her later. Turning back to the gate, Sakura watched it rise slowly, the only barrier between her and true freedom slowly receding.
As soon as it was lifted Shikamaru dismissed the soldiers and exited the portal next to the short girl. Glancing down at her he could see the confusion and anxiety written there. "I will not turn you in, you have no cause to worry," he said quietly in a low whisper. Sakura's face visibly relaxed as she walked side by side with the General.
No shadows were cast upon the dunes this night. Darkness had finally settled as the two made their way across the desert sands. The dusty city receded behind them as they headed towards the small speck of fire light they knew to be the nomad's camp. When they were a good distance away, Sakura spoke, "Why did you help me?"
Glancing down at the young woman he smiled gravely, "I know of your plight. Or what it had been. You are now free to roam as the nomads roam. And besides, I had always found the king and maidens to be quite a repulsive tradition. I do not blame you for wanting out of the palace."
She blinked a few times before responding, "But how did you know?"
"Let's just say his majesty is somewhat loose with his comments on his women. You were just another slip. He thought it was just shyness. When I saw you leave the palace, I knew your intentions."
Sakura looked up at him and smiled, "You figured me out that fast? I must have been easy to read."
Shikamaru shook his head, "No, no one else knew of your plans except that girl you told. She was rather loud though. I wouldn't be surprised if someone else found out because of her outburst."
"But then how did you…"
"The last general was instated at 35, I am only 20." He stated proudly, "I'm not the youngest General in history for nothing."
Alright! Another chapter down! I hoped you liked it, I had fun writing it! I have marching practice tomorrow, but I'm sure I'll have chap. 4 up after that. Or I might even start writing it tonight. I never know.