Hmmm, I see most of you are excited for this story like I am:) I'm glad you guys are! Finally, I can make a SasuSaku fic about Sasuke's cursed seal. I'm actually surprised no one else made one before me. Oh well, their loss XD
This might be a little darker or creepier than most of the other stories I write, so please try to bear with me. I blame Sasuke XD
Started on:11-26-10
Summary:Something—even though it was so small—happened to Sasuke during his curse mark transition from Orochimaru, and now the brooding teenager is now transforming in front of their eyes for everyone to see. The bite was a success, yes, but the only flaw is that for some reason the possessed Sasuke has a newfound interest in Sakura, who can watch helplessly as he merges with his dark, possessive side, still not sure if she likes it or not.
Disclaimer: IDNON. Hurrrrrplz.
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Of Dark and Light
Chapter 2:
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Sasuke panted, slamming his shin into the tree once more, feeling the thick bone hit hard yet not break due to years of sheer practice. His foot swiveled into the dewy grass, the liquid seeping into his open-toe shoes as he rocker-shuffled across the ground, eyes solely on his target. Swallowing with his dehydrated throat, he huffed, intensely staring at the worn log in his sights as he sent another front-right roundhouse kick, feeling a slight burn on his skin. The early sun peeked from his left, the reds, purples, yellows and oranges blending into the dark green vegetation, contrasting in the dark blue sky that was lightening slowly but surely. His breath puffed up a white fog in the frosty air, shivering slightly as his hot temperature all over his body welcomed the relief. The dark shirt with the famous Uchiha insignia clung to his flesh which was coated in a sleek layer of sweat and water. His eyes burned a bit from the salty liquid penetrating into his eyes, but didn't bother in wiping them away. In a real fight if he did so, he would find himself lying on his back, knife pressed at his throat and enemy on top, and then bleeding to death only a second later. Sasuke couldn't afford that; he needed power.
It has been about a week after the preliminary Chuunin exams, since the event concerning Orochimaru and his new curse mark. Absentmindedly he reached to rub the spot, only to wince at the sensitive flesh. Even after the intense had subsided, the junction between his neck and his shoulder had only gotten more responsive to every little thing that touched it, from jumping when someone lightly taps him to ripping away when they clamp down on his shoulder. Fortunately, nobody seemed to notice the change in him, shrugging it off as something the anti-social, physical hating Uchiha would normally do and perceive that it has something to do with hormones and his teenage years.
Taking a slight pause and glancing at the horizon, panting with his hands on his knees, he noted the light pink shade that dominated the sunrise currently.
Pink…
Sakura…
She had been acting out of character since the Chuunin exams, she seemed to only be interested in watching him from a distance curiously as if he would transform into something fascinating and fly off, though she did approach him for the frequent 'hellos' and 'how are yous' and 'do you want to go out sometimes'. He did notice her asking him out for dates has dissipated and she had gotten quieter, which worries him a bit, although he wouldn't prod her. He couldn't help but think about that event before the writing portion of the exams…
She looked so depressed, so out of it than usual, and it bothered him deeply. He turned his attention to her when she greeted him casually without a loving tone, but with more of a dreading one. He narrowed his dark eyes when the pinkette faced Naruto, noting the way a sweat drop cascaded down her pale cheek microscopically and the way her throat bobbed up and down, her emerald cat-eyes flickering back and forth to the things around the Uchiha. She never set her orbs completely on his form, which confused Sasuke greatly.
But, being the great Uchiha prodigy he is, he made a legitimate hypothesis: She was nervous that something would happen to her during the Chuunin exams, being the weakest link of the team. She had only started acting this way when they received their papers from Kakashi, falling back as they moved forward and daydreaming during their walks.
"Stop fooling around," He announced once they made their way to the sliding door that was guarded by two Chuunin nins, and a large crowd filling the small, narrow hallway. Everyone snapped their heads at the sound of his baritone voice, girls slightly swaying as he glared at the two arrogant-looking sentries. "We need to get to the third floor."
He registered the whispers of "What is he talking about, this is the third floor?" and "Is this guy crazy?", but all he could see when he glanced back was his teammate's lowered gaze, her emerald eyes like an open window to her emotions and soul where he could delve into her current feelings, and now all he could see was a gloomy, cloudy setting, as if threatening to rain in despair. Biting back his pride to himself, he asked, "You saw it too, right Sakura?"
"Huh?" She blinked and looked up at him, curious to hear him say her name and thoughtful when he sent her a crooked smirk.
"You always had the best genjutsu skills on our team, so you must have noticed," Sasuke continued as Sakura's eyes widened, before softening to a light, meadow green as she internally thanked him.
"Of course I did," She grinned, her self-esteem boosted and worries washed away. She never noticed Sasuke's hidden smirk underneath his bangs, or the twitch at his lips that would have made that half-smile into a full blown beam.
She had brightened up so quickly at that time, and he had been so proud that he was the one would had the power to make her snap back up into action with just a few words of encouragement. Cockily, he thought to himself that Naruto would have made her feel worse in some idiotic mistake of wording his opinion or just making her more violent. Sighing, he stretched his burning, sore muscles, reveling in the sensation of relaxation when the fire lessened underneath his flesh. The perspiration on his pale complexion had evaporated, leaving an itching, cool feeling in its wake.
He shook his head, drops that clung to his long locks flung to the floor as he stared at the sunrise that turned into a bright orange line that reminded him of his other teammate. Once it got to that, Sasuke turned away from the beautiful nature scene in disgust.
Glaring at the log, he thought about the upcoming Chuunin exams that would be the actual battles. He was up against Subaku no Gaara, of the Desert, that one that he wanted to fight in order to prove himself. He was so determined to defeat him, to get more powerful.
But, he was still weak, even right now, as Sasuke grit his teeth. He needed power. To get stronger, to kill his brother. Roaring, he darted towards the log, leaping and twirling in mid-air, cursing when his kick barely made a dent in the wood.
He needed it; now.
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The being stirred inside of Sasuke, reluctantly opening its eyes to its call.
His host wanted its power. But looking around, he saw that there was no one around to use it on. All his owner was doing was mauling the log and making a dent. Why would he need him now? He'd actually give it to him when he actually needed it.
It was about to ignore him, and leave him fuming at his weakness—although he was growing to be particularly strong—when the shadow was instantly reminded of its other goal in life.
Protect Sakura.
Immediately the being became restless. Sasuke hadn't been keeping tabs on her lately, but its influence seemed to rub off on him since the Uchiha found himself staring at the pinkette from afar, though it wasn't strong enough since it hasn't resided in his body for a long while; only a week or two tops.
Hesitantly, the being granted his wish—hoping that it would be able to activate its power since the Uchiha's sensei had attempted to seal him after his fight with his preliminary opponent. It took more effort, but the call was successful.
The shadow closed its eyes as its power spread throughout Sasuke's body, feeling itself become one with its host.
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Sasuke let out a shout of surprise when his curse mark pulsed in response to his wish, panicking when he couldn't hold it back and the seal Kakashi had used on him ultimately failed. His hand shot up to his junction, clawing at the strange sensation—he had been getting accustomed to the pain, but now he felt no pain for some reason. Why wasn't it being held back?
He tried to yell out so someone could hear him—he was in the regular training grounds he met with his team—or at least run to his sensei's abode, but he found his body immobile. The Uchiha was shoved to his knees by an unknown force, nearly snarling when he felt the same flow of purple chakra flood through his veins and the tattoos expanding across his flesh. Finding it useless to hold back against it, he relaxed and let it move. As soon as he did that, he force vanished so he could move again, and the strange sensation of pushing and pulling was now a soothing river, trickling inside of his limbs.
Emotionlessly, he stood to his knees, staring at the log that he had been working on for two hours after he woke up early to train. He speed stepped—disappearing only to reappear right in front of the tree, his leg locked into a chamber kicking position in the middle of the air. He was silent, the only sound being the rush of the wind against his body due to his speed, and released all of his power into one kick.
He landed on his feet, the purple chakra flowing around him dissipating into a light swirl around his body, Sharingan eyes never wavering as he turned away from the log when he felt something pull at him. He strolled away as the orange sun's fingers kissed his pale skin, as the log slipped off of its hinges, sliced into half by just one kick.
With the curse mark's power, Sasuke learned that he could do anything, even surpass Naruto.
He didn't know where he was going, but he could only feel one thing.
He needed to check on Sakura.
In a flash, his heel pivoted, and he was gone in a flurry of spring leaves. Winds gently brushed against the trees, having the vegetation gossip about the young Uchiha once he was gone.
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Sakura yawned as her feet dragged against the dusty road, her body slumped as she made her way to the Yamanaka's flower shop, the one store in Konoha that sold the best flowers which was inhabited by her rival, no less.
The bell jingled as she made her way in, and Ino faced to greet her with a smile, "Welcome-" Her smile faded. "Forehead girl?"
Slyly, the pretty blonde gave her a smug look accompanied by a cold smile, "What can I do for you?"
"I'm here to get some flowers," Sakura rolled her eyes at the obvious reason she could be in a flower shop.
"Ohh, I know what you're trying to do, forehead girl," The blue-eyed girl announced, her grin widening cruelly.
"Huh?"
"You're getting flowers for Sasuke-kun," Sakura fumed as the girl continued. "Well, since you're getting some, I might as well come with you so that you won't make a move on my man."
"Pig-!" Sakura seethed through her teeth as the blonde plucked a ripe red rose, the crimson petals pretty against the dull colors, beige, white and light blue, of the store. It would make a hospital room more attractive, and there was no doubt in the Haruno's mind that's one of the many reasons Ino chose a rose.
"A red rose resembles undying, beautiful love," The Yamanaka stated with a smile. "Sasuke-kun would absolutely adore me once I give this to him," She sighed and let her gaze trail to the ceiling, undoubtedly day dreaming of Sasuke thanking her, showering her with kisses and asking her to marry her.
Whilst the blonde was in her own lala-land, Sakura glanced around the store contemplating, beaming once she found a good flower that was simple and held a significant meaning to it. She strolled over to the area, gently pulling the flower from its confines, much slower than how Ino had. Smiling, she said, "A daffodil. This will be perfect; it represents for good will and hope for a downed person to get better soon. The flower stands strong, even in horrible winds and treacherous weather." Sighing, she held the flower close to her cheek in bliss.
"Hmmm? Two flowers Forehead girl?" Ino inquired, her eyes questioning yet piercing at the same time. "If you think that you can beat me by giving Sasuke-kun more flowers than me-"
"It's not just for Sasuke-kun."
"Eh?"
"It's also for Lee-san," The pinkette smiled bitterly at the memory of when he rushed in front of her when those Sound nins came for her teammate. She began to frown when she remembered when Sasuke woke up, the curse mark activated. His Sharingan eyes had been so intent with malice, purple energy breaking the ground around him by its sheer quantity and strength. She recalled how his gaze softened when he turned to her, his red eyes half-lidded and proximity looming close, the chakra around him a melting warmth flowing around them both…
She blushed heavily at the memory, cursing herself for finding a very violent Sasuke attractive.
"Oh," Ino said sullenly, serious at the mention of the taijutsu expert's name but oblivious to Sakura's inner conflict as she began to redden noticeably. "Sakura… About Lee… He…"
Sakura turned to her, her emerald eyes widening with every somber word that tumbled out of the Yamanaka's lips.
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The two rivals silently walked together in the direction of the hospital, the sun high in the air as activity rushed around the two, stores bustling with people as owners claimed the positives of their products. Loving canines barked as they danced around the crowd, small toddlers giggling as they chased after their pets, their mothers smiling softly as they watched their children happily play. Sakura halted when one of the pairs ran in front of her path, only to have the mom reprimand the little boy to not run in front of people when they are walking. Ino sent Sakura an amused glance, but didn't smile when she caught the serious glint in her cat-eyes.
Soon enough, around noon, they arrived at the hospital, strolling through the open doors as they stopped at the front desk, the excitement of the village lessening in the serious atmosphere of the building. The receptionist smiled politely, "Hello Sakura-san! Here to visit Sasuke-kun with your friend?"
"Yes," The pinkette affirmed just as politely as she nodded. "I'm also here to visit Lee-san."
"Alright," The older brunette flipped through the book that held the where-abouts of every patient held in the hospital. "Sasuke-san is still in his same room, but Lee-san's room number is 204."
"Thank you," The pinkette acknowledged.
"Here, I'll show you to Sasuke-san's room first," The nurse smiled as she left her desk to lead the two genin to their crush's room.
They winded through the long, grey halls of the hospital, Ino's glimmering eyes flickering back and forth to memorize the path that would lead her to her 'love' while Sakura was emerged in her deep thoughts, more worried about the events that had led up to Sasuke's residing in the hospital. The Haruno already knew the way to his room, she didn't really know why the nurse would lead her there, but she was glad since she would most likely become lost as she trailed around the building absentmindedly without a destination.
Soon enough, she found herself outside of his room with Ino at her side, the nurse opening the door to his room, "Sasuke-kun, you have visitors."
Silence greeted them as the nurse smiled nervously at the brooding boy in the bed, his face hidden underneath his long, midnight bangs that contrasted against the white room and sheets. The older brunette nodded at the two girls, "Take as long as you want, but please do not be too rough with him physically because he is still recovering. Also, be quiet for there are other patients around here sleeping."
"Of course," The Yamanaka nodded, her smile large when she learned she would be with her Sasuke alone. All she needed was for Sakura to leave to visit Lee and she would be ecstatic and alone with him.
Sakura said nothing, eyeing the unmoving Uchiha in his bed. She shivered at a familiar surge of power in the air, emerald orbs widening when her memories lead her to the Forest of Death. No, she told herself, the Curse Mark shouldn't be activated. Kakashi had assured her that it wouldn't be a problem anymore. His reassurances dropped low in her stomach as she spotted the familiar black flame prints splayed on his beige arms that were evenly laid in front of his figure. Ino didn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary as she jumped up and down in excitement once the nurse left.
"Sasuke-kun!" The blonde sang, skipping over to his side. The pinkette was rooted to her position, but hesitantly and cautiously made her way to his bed. "I got you a flower! A red rose," The girl wiggled her platinum blonde eyebrows suggestively. "The flower that represents true, beautiful love."
Sasuke said nothing, nor did he move an inch at Ino's voice. His aura, however, seemed to darken, but she didn't notice. With a smug smile sent a glaring Sakura's way, she reached over Sasuke's bed in order to get his attention, reached the flower over to the vase's direction on the other side. "I'll just put it over in this vase."
Originally, Ino had done this so that he would look at her since she was blocking his vision, but she began to stomp her feet microscopically when he didn't respond. Huffing, she stepped back a little as Sakura strolled over to his side nervously.
"H-hello Sasuke-kun," Sakura greeted anxiously as she fingered her daffodil. Swallowing down her leaping heart, she casually greeted with a smile, "How are you doing?"
Sasuke picked up his head slightly as soon as she opened her mouth, his aura lightening slightly as he moved. Slowly, his face was shown fully, the tattoos now very noticeable all over his face. His Sharingan was deactivated since he wasn't fighting anyone, but his onyx eyes had a crimson shimmer laid in them. Once his eyes were set on her, they locked on her.
Though he moved, he still did not respond. Ino, on the other hand, fumed when he physically replied when it was Sakura who spoke and not her. The blonde seemed to let her anger go once she noticed the tattoos on his skin, glancing at them in perplexity.
Sakura was terrified. She was sure that the curse mark was sealed so that it wouldn't be activated! What happened? Sasuke was slumping in his bed, but the way his eyes locked on her figure—even if she stepped a few steps away his gaze still followed her sharply, even if she averted her eyes, she would look up to see that he was still staring at her—the way his spiky hair seemed to sharpen due to his dangerous outlook, the way his emotionless façade seemed curious about her just sent chills down her spine. The look he was giving her was equivalent to the way he had watched her in the Forest of Death, during his first transformation. His lips were set into a tight line as they did not lower into a frown or lift into a friendly smile.
His eyes trailed her as she made her way to the bedside table that held the vase, her flower gently lowered into the awaiting water. She needed to act normal so that Ino wouldn't find out or become suspicious. The curse mark tattoos would be unavoidable to notice, but that didn't mean that she should act different so that the blonde would question her.
"I-I see you're getting better," The Haruno smiled, her eyes closed tightly in fear of the person in front of her. Sasuke's lips lowered into a frown, which made the girl panic more as he observed her more intensely.
Sighing out most of her fright, she smiled, taking a seat next to him. Gulping, she did what she usually did when she visited. She wrapped her arms around him in greeting, and Sasuke stiffened underneath her hold like he always did, but relaxed after a few seconds. She caught Ino's outraged expression and stuck out her tongue at her, as if this Sasuke was still the normal one that wasn't violent, as if the boy she hugged were still the one she loved.
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The being felt its chest leap and lighten when the girl wrapped her arms around his form. At first it was alert—physical contact for the shadow usually meant that the person would harm the host—but let its guard down once it realized that she usually did this in greeting to Sasuke as it filed through its host's memories.
For the first time in its creation—and for the first time in Sasuke's life after the massacre—they felt warmth. One that they both would cherish, fight for, and never let go.
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After a few moments, Sakura ended the hug, making Sasuke grunt once her heat left his body. The pinkette gave him a wavering smile as the curse mark activated Uchiha stared at her curiously, "W-well, I'm off. I have to go visit Lee-san before visiting hours are over."
Behind her, Ino snickered. "Forehead girl! How could you, you two-timer? You're pursuing Lee even though you say you love Sasuke-kun?"
Sakura ignored her, but caught the way her teammate seemed to narrow his eyes at the mention of Lee's name. Abruptly, she stood up and made her way through the door, sliding it silently as she bid the two farewells.
Ino grinned at the moment worthy of reveling in; she was alone with Sasuke-kun! No more distractions, no more forehead girls.
"Sasuke-kun!" The Yamanaka sang as she skipped back to his bed, only to have her eyes widen when she saw the empty bed, the sheets neatly folded as if he wasn't there. She cursed, pouting and plopping back in her stool as she realized her chance was gone. Though, she did wonder how he was able to leave so quietly and swiftly. Only jonin had the ability to do that.
How powerful had he really gotten…?
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Sakura power-walked her way through the hospital, making her way to the front entrance where she would exit. She inwardly apologized to Lee. She wasn't actually going to visit him, she was going to Kakashi to inform him that Sasuke's curse mark had activated yet again. She merely said that so that Ino wouldn't question her leaving, and since she had been planning to visit him already she decided that using that excuse would be a good way to leave suddenly.
The pinkette started to run as soon as she made her first step outside, filing through her mind to recall where her sensei's home was as she made a shortcut into the forest. The trees whispered as she darted through the woods, dodging incoming trunks of vegetation as she decided not to jump on the tree branches.
She brightened when she remembered where he exactly resided, making a sharp turn in the direction where she vaguely recalled, only to gasp when she felt something slam into her side, sending her world swirling above her, the ground becoming the air as it circled around. Blue, green and brown merged as she spun in the mid-air violently. She shut her eyes as she prepared herself for the pain of landing on either her back, stomach or side, but felt her stomach twirl when she felt herself hover before being settled on the grass softly.
Confused, she opened her eyes only to have the emerald orbs enlarge. Her eyes met crimson, flaring ones that spun swiftly. Sasuke loomed above her in the mount position, her legs on either side of him as his lower stomach brushed against hers. She attempted to move her hands, only to glance at her hands to see that he had successfully pinned her by brute strength. She could only move her fingers and curl her hand into a fist. Gulping down air in her dry throat, she slowly made solid eye contact with the snarling Uchiha above her.
Once she stared into his Sharingan, she let out a terrified scream that echoed in the small woods, undoubtedly heard in the village.
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Ohhhh, suspenseful. XD
OMG, I woke up at 3:30 PM this morning. WTF? I only slept at 1:00 AM, and I usually only sleep for 9 hours at the most! I slept half the day away! That means I only woke up 3 hours ago. It could be only noon right now, but nooo. Stupid body. -_-
How do you guys like this so far? I actually like it:)
Please review! I'll update after I update my other story, and once I get 15 + 10 = 25 reviews. If you guys give me 30 or 35 reviews, I'll make the chapter more descriptive and longer:)
See you guys later! I'm glad you're all interested in this!
~CiiCiinREX.
Date Ended: 12-5-10; 6:40 PM.