Yeah i know! I know...i know...but here it is :)

The sun was bright yet the sweltering heat that usually accompanied such exposure was not present. It was one of the few things that Sakura actually enjoyed about her stay in the Sound Daimyo's palace. They were located in a large valley surrounded by small mountains; not too rocky yet it was a pain to travel them by civilian means. The location was beautiful. The last of the remaining snow from winter was still adorning the tops of the peaks but the bitter chill wouldn't come until night fall. It was windy, which at times made things difficult, but with the wind came the low thrumming echoing through the multitude of trees in and around the property. Hence the name of the new city.

Carefully dipping her brush into pallet of colors to her left, Sakura returned her attention back to her canvas. Today was the start of her second week in Sound. Ironically enough the Daimyo's palace and the Hidden Village were one in the same. She had even seen Orochimaru wandering the halls with some of his minions. She was lucky enough to stumble upon a large and obvious slave trade group. Once she ascertained they were headed to Sound Sakura set up her scene and they found her the next day lying limply on the side of the road. They entered the Hidden Village three days later and Sakura was immediately elevated from working slave and hidden servant to beautiful servant. On the inside Sakura was seething that she had to dress to impress the leering gazes of the visitors to the palace but when she wasn't promoted to pleasurable servant her attitude changed. Luckily her scars got her out of that one. Apparently Oto men were just as vain at Konoha about how they wanted their women to look and feel. It was odd to actually be thankful about being scarred and blemished.

So her schedule consisted of cleaning various areas of the mansion and attending classes where she would be put on display to make the palace look as picturesque as possible. She and a handful of other girls of varying age would complete the tasks of cleaning in populated areas wearing bright colored yukatas and were instructed to keep themselves looking impeccable, which was almost impossible! Then once their daily chores were finished they were to attend their afternoon classes of painting, embroidery, gardening, and reading.

Sakura would have been pulling her hair out by now if it wasn't for the odd sense of peace she found when painting. It was a skill she never knew she had but she also wasn't surprised to see how easily it came to her. Her precision and observation from all of her shinobi training came in quite handy with the detailed art works she would lose herself in. Her favorite scenes to draw were still-life and large landscapes.

"Your work keeps improving." A low masculine voice said. "If you continue the master may display some of your work in the palace."

Sakura didn't bother turning around since she knew who it was her instructor. "So I've heard."

He walked around so he could look at her face instead of the back of her head. "It's seems unusually interesting that you picked up this talent so quickly."

Sakura glanced up briefly meeting dark gaze before returning to her work. "Obviously it's a talent I never knew I had. I also enjoy it. If I didn't have to do chores I would be painting all day."

He nodded yet kept his face perfectly blank. "Why do you not draw people?"

"People aren't interesting."

"No?"

"Nope."

He folded his arms. "But to draw the human body is the most praised accomplishment of art."

She sighed and swirled her brush around in a cup of discolored water. "What do you want Sai?"

"I want to expand your knowledge of art."

She let go of her brush and dabbed her hands daintily on the cloth on her lap. "I have to go. I'm overdue for embroidery." As she stood she took one more glance at his too pale face that was the perfect contrast to his dark hair and eyes. To her, Sai looked like he stepped out of a traditional black and white ink drawing. His perpetual blank expressions unnerved her at first but now she gave him little regard. The only thing that bothered her about Sai now was his persistence in expanding her knowledge of art. Every day she would paint and every day he would walk up to her and try to convince her to draw a human. At first she thought he had a fetish or crush on her considering he always offered to model. But he had no other indicators to her two theories. Now Sakura realizes he's really genuine when he pesters her relentlessly about it. Unfortunately for her there is only one human whom she would ever consider drawing.

Itachi.

She sighed internally. Her mind seemed to be on a continuous loop of memories from the first time she met him in the Hyuuga Compound, his spying at Tsunade's home, training for war, and always ending on that scorching kiss. And she knew that if she were to venture into drawing or painting a human, no matter who the subject was, it would undoubtedly turn into Itachi and then she'd blow her cover and the mission would be ruined.

Walking up the stone steps to a large gazebo Sakura took her seat quickly and quietly, professionally ignoring the pointed look from her instructor.

"I was wondering if you were going to show up today?"

Sakura smiled at her friend while threading her needle. "I got caught up Tenten, as you very well know."

Tenten smiled as she continued her needle work, not looking up. "Sai bothering you still?"

"Sai is always bothering me."

"I still think he likes you. And I'm willing to bet that if you ever agree to have him model you'll end up in his bed."

That comment sufficiently wiped Sakura's smile off her face. "Gag me. I'd rather take ten lashings."

Tenten snorted finally looking up at her friend. "So would I."

Sakura didn't miss the lingering sadness that had been present since she arrived in Oto. Tenten didn't have the fortune of being a beautiful servant. She was a pleasure servant. Every day, whether her master was in the palace or not, she was required to be in his room from five in the evening to nine in the morning as his bed mate. During those times she was to wear nothing but a simple silk robe and be ready for her master whenever he wished. After her allotted master time was finished she cleaned the room then attended the lessons with the other beautiful servants. At all times when out of the room she had to be immaculately put together; hair, make up, and a long, flowing furisode. Tenten's master was one of the generals of Oto's shinobi armies, a ruthless and hateful man. The only thing keeping Sakura from killing him was that Tenten would be implicated. But she swore if she ever saw a bruise on Tenten's face or any other ailments on her body, she was going to kill that bastard and run away with her.

Tenten came from a small farming village in Hot Water. Her father was a blacksmith by trade and was kept in regular business considering Hot Water's lands were very fertile and perfect for growing rice and other plants. Tenten and her older brother worked alongside her father in his forge repairing equipment and making tools for the farmers that they sold in their shop that her mother ran. They also crafted crude swords and other weapons for the civilian guards. Oto men had invaded their village and Tenten lost her entire family in the bloodied skirmish. She was taken in the slave trade and immediately placed as a pleasure servant and she had been servicing the same man for over two years now.

Tenten was also Sakura's main source of information concerning Oto's armies.

Late night spying was a lot more difficult than Sakura had originally anticipated. Every evening after dinner all the servants and slaves were locked in their rooms until they were woken up the next morning. The first night Sakura got up and checked she could detect chakra indicating a seal being placed on the door. All the windows in the spacious community sleeping area didn't open and the vents were all too small for a human body. There was literally no escaping without causing a scene. Luckily for Kigechu he could shrink into many different sizes and was still able to slither around undetected to deliver Sakura's reports.

When Sakura first met Tenten they were instant friends. Sakura had dreaded participating in embroidery and when she saw how easily Tenten handled needles she almost thought the girl had some type of shinobi training. So she sat next to the brunette and the rest is history. It was only after careful questioning, and some tears from both girls, that Sakura revealed who she was and her mission. Tenten was immediately on board wanting nothing more than to get out of this life and be free again. Luckily for Sakura and the mission Tenten was currently under the hand of a General. He conducted business in their room and Tenten often had to clean up his messy desk in the mornings. He always worked after bedding her claiming to working off the extra energy from their tryst.

The only thing Tenten hadn't been able to find out was the "monsters." Sakura had been able to report on their troop sizes and abilities and the number of each rank within the entire corps. But Tenten couldn't find any mention of the experiments that Orochimaru was conducting on his shinobi. It was frustrating to the point that Sakura wanted to break into this General's room to look herself. Tenten forbade her from the task stating her master would know if she'd been in there. Sakura agreed just so that Tenten's help could remain anonymous. Besides with the failure of finding anything about the experiments Sakura had requested additional orders and was currently waiting for Kigechu to return from Itachi.

Itachi… she sighed focusing back on her embroidery. Out of everything she had to do this was by far the worst of it all. Even learning the mediocre skill under her mother's tutelage she still hated it. It was tedious and arduous and the end effort never turned out as she wanted. It was so very annoying. But even though she hated it sewing intricate designs kept her mind off of the one man who was always occupying her thoughts.

"Are you going to tell me his name today?" Tenten asked.

Sakura huffed with a small smile. "I don't know…why do you always ask?"

"Seeing that light in your eye whenever you think about him, it makes me kind of jealous. I'd like to aim my jealousy at something or someone else besides you. You know…considering you're my friend and all."

Sakura chuckled then turned to face her friend. "If I finally tell you, will you promise not to bother me about him?"

"Hmmm," Tenten put a finger to her lips in contemplation, "That depends. After I have a name a description because I'm sure I won't think up the proper person with the name you tell me."

Emerald eyes glared. "You are treading on thin ice. Don't you have your own men to fantasize about?!"

Almost immediately the playful nature in Tenten's dark brown eyes went out like a light. Her smile was lost and she turned away.

"Tenten…Kami…I'm sorry. That was heartless of me."

She shrugged. "It's alright. It's only fair you would finally snap."

Tenten fiddled with her needle keeping her eyes downcast. "I've liked a few guys in my time but none ever paid any type of attention to me. I never held onto my crushes for long. I was always covered in dirt and soot from working in the forge. Undesirable. I had one boy even say that if I were to cut my hair short I could pass for a man. And well…those comments on a young girl just coming into her body…it was a blow to my fragile self-esteem. Then the attack on my village and my placement here. Even if I were to ever leave this place with my hair cut short and everything…I scream whore, prostitute, courtesan. I'll be undesirable again. I'll be undesirable for my whole life." Tenten ran an unsteady hand through her hair that hung right next to her chin. It was shorter than Sakura's now that hers had grown a bit. Tenten had stated that once a pleasure servant was selected their hair was cut; short enough to denote their station yet long enough to still give their masters a grip. They were required to attend weekly or bi-weekly haircuts to keep the length short. It was very demeaning.

"I used to wear it with two buns on top of my head!" Her eyes filled with unshed tears. The General hated it when she cried so she learned to control it. "My daddy used to call me his little panda bear!"

Sakura instantly reached over and hugged her tightly; her calloused hands stroking her short chocolate locks in a placating manner. "I'll get you out of here Tenten. I promise. I'll take you back home with me where you will be happy, safe, and loved. Your hair will grow out again and you can tie it up like you used to. I'll protect you from nay-sayers about who you are. We'll find you a man who can love you like none other if that's what you want."

"I do!" she whispered fervently. "All I want it to be loved and cherished by another man as much as my father and brother loved and cherished me while they were alive!"

"We'll find him," Sakura promised kissing the top of her head. "I'll help you search to the ends of the earth."

Tenten blinked back the tears and quickly got her riotous feelings under control.

Sakura gripped her shoulders holding her firmly. "Hey. I know your life has been hard and sucky beyond compare and reason, but I just want to say don't let it consume you. Once we're out of here you get over it and move on. If you let it consume you…bad…things will happen. I've learned that lesson the hard way."

"Your scars?"

It was Sakura's turn to smile sadly. "I let that define me for years. It pushed me to become the person I am today only once I was confronted with my past head on, I snapped. Literally snapped and I would've committed cold blooded, revenge murder in front of dozen of witnesses it I hadn't stopped in time. Don't become what I was. Deal with it, then let it go."

Tenten nodded wiping the underside of her eyes with her ring fingers. "Thanks Sakura."

"Anytime."

The small chime of the bell signaled the end of the lesson as all the women made their way to the greenhouse for gardening.

Sakura was getting antsy. Actually antsy wasn't the right words to describe her current frame of mind. Anxious would be the correct term. Her anxiety was getting to the point that she would shake while performing menial tasks. She really needed to get herself under control. Kigechu came back early in the morning and Sakura slipped into the large bathroom to read her message. Her orders were to stay put until ordered otherwise. From the amount of ink spillage on the scroll and the rips as certain places it was obvious that Itachi was greatly against and distressed at writing her orders. If she was being honest with herself Sakura was less than pleased. Apparently they were hoping Orochimaru would turn up again soon so Sakura could watch and study him and his subordinates. The only problem was nobody knew when he would show up.

Kami-sama! This waiting game seriously sucks! She growled to herself.

Never the less she had to stay put and wait just a little while longer. She quickly used the facilities and washed her hands, keeping the cover of an early morning bathroom run. Judging from the light outside their wake up call was coming in a couple of hours.

It was during Sakura's lunch break that Tenten found her and pulled her aside for a quick word.

"Sakura-san I require your help with something please." Tenten's smile was obviously forced putting Sakura on high alert.

"Yes Tenten-san."

Sakura followed her friend out of the servant lunch room and quickly into an adjoining closet. Her friend's hand flew to her chest as she attempted to control her rapid breathing.

"Tenten…calm down. Take some deeps breaths and tell me what happened."

The brunette steadily exhaled through her nose. "The General received word yesterday. Orochimaru wants more of the General's men but he doesn't want to give him anymore. He was grumbling about losing too many to his insanity already. Apparently he should be arriving in a few days to pick some people."

Sakura couldn't believe her ridiculous luck. Finally she could do some seriously scouting. "Thank the good Kami above. I was about to go crazy. He didn't say when Orochimaru was arriving?"

Tenten shook her head. "No he was just mad and ranting about losing more men to him. Apparently this isn't the first draft where Orochimaru has taken some of his guys for…well whatever he uses them for."

"Hmmm…well this is good. The sooner he arrives the sooner I can figure out what in the hell is going on. For now though, we need to get out of this closet and keep up appearances." Sakura grabbed a can of carpet cleaner and opened the closet door. "Here Tenten, this will get the ink out of the carpet. Pour enough to cover the entire spot, let it sit for a minute then scrub with a brush and then wipe clean with a rag."

Tenten smiled and bowed. "Thank you Sakura-san."

He's here. That wretched snake arrived late last night after the servants had been locked away. Their wake up call came an hour earlier so they could primp and oil themselves to perfection because the Otokage was at the Palace. The real work was just beginning.

The mornings were very routine. Sakura was given the easy and mindless chore of dusting the already immaculate sitting rooms. Then she would have to fluff the pillows and vacuum the floors and finally air freshener. Mindless, menial, ridiculous work. All meant to keep her looking beautiful as she trudged through the halls. This round of jobs never took her long so she had to work slowly in order to prevent mindless wandering around the estate.

Afternoon couldn't come soon enough for Sakura. Lunch was cut short so that the beautiful servants could be put on display for the Otokage. Once Sakura seated herself on her stool she picked up her pallet and refreshed her colors.

"You're early." Sai commented walking slowly up to her.

"And you've already come to bother me before ay colors have appeared on my canvas." Sakura replied glancing up at him.

"Have you reconsidered?"

"No."

"May I make a small concession?"

"You may, but I may not agree to it."

"Draw a landscape and add a person into it."

She sighed, "Why draw a person? People are complex by nature. How can you capture the person in one drawing?"

"Ahh," Sai gave her a small smirk before pulling up a stool to sit near her. Sakura thought it odd to see such an expression on his face. "Now we're getting somewhere. Humans have rules. Humanity has rules. As you said people are complex. How can one artist possible capture everything in one picture that completely defines that one person?"

Sakura didn't respond but turned her gaze to her blank canvas.

"They can't." Sai responded. "Artists can only capture moments. Moments when one person is feeling one thing at one point in time."

"Noted." Sakura whispered and began dipping her brush.

"I will be following this new piece closely."

Sai took his leave and began wandering around to the other women who trickled in during their talk. It was surprising enough that Sakura was going to take his advice and draw one moment, one feeling. She just hoped that once she got into the painting zone she wouldn't blow her cover. But Sai's advice…for the first time she was going to take it.

The only question now was what moment did she want to capture?

His room overlooked the luscious gardens that adorned the Sound Village. Granted it wasn't a big village but most of the world is underground away from enemy eyes. He designed it this way on purpose; one reason for containment, and the other for secrecy. He brought his successful experiments here for more ninja training and he also came here to scope out any new potential among the Sound ninja and the new slave women.

Orochimaru stood on his balcony and watched the young girls take direction from their art instructor. He personally recommended all of the afternoon activities for the women. They were his way of evaluating potential among these women. Who could be most receptive to his special curse seal? Those who excel in these areas were always on the top of this list for experimentation. Focus, precision, immunity, and intelligence. He praised himself for being quite brilliant in selection process.

"Orochimaru-sama, the General is ready to take you around." Kabuto walked up to his master and stood by his side.

"Mmmmm, is he still cross with me?"

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, "Quite."

"Then let us make our stay here as…uncomfortable as possible shall we?"

"Hai. We can do our best." He replied while his eyes focused on small brunette pleasure slave sitting near the pink haired servant. "There are a lot of new faces here."

"Yes…and some of them are ripe for the picking. I can't wait to see what new potential the slave traders brought in these past couple weeks." His long tongue slithered out and licked his lips. "Some even look so…delectable."

"How many shall we take this time?"

"We need some more women, the last batch of bitches was rather unfortunate. We will observe for the next couple of days then make our selection. Just make sure General Raga's bitch is in the pack. He's been getting on my nerves and needs a reminder as to who is in charge." Orochimaru ordered.

"Hai master. It will be done."

Tenten shivered causing her brush to splash against the small canvas. She knew she was being watched and she also knew that whoever was watching her was walking closer. Her hairs began to stand on end so she quickly placed her brush in a small cup of water so her picture wasn't ruined beyond repair. While wiping her hands on the cloth she stole a glance at Sakura and admired the girl's focus on her craft. The end of the world probably couldn't break her concentration as her brush steadily moved. Sai was standing near her, scrutinizing her work. But it was the three men standing behind her that were the cause of Tenten's tingling.

She recognized her master General Raga and quickly averted her eyes from him. He hated it if she looked at him too long for anything. Next to him was the Otokage, but she couldn't remember his name. Tenten had seen him around a lot in her two years here as well as the Otokage's right hand man. How Sakura could remain so focused with those three intimidating men standing behind her she would never know. Tenten could only hope they don't come near her because her nerves would be shot to hell.

o0o

"What admirable focus young one," Orochimaru stated with a snake-like slur, "And quite extraordinary if I might say so."

Sakura didn't reply and it was taking everything in her not to react at all to the four men surrounding her. Focus on the painting. Do NOT stray! Remember the mission. Everything is for the mission.

"This is her first experience drawing a human in her art work," Sai interjected, "She prefers landscapes and still-life."

"And what is the name of this fine piece of art?" Kabuto asked leaning closely over Sakura's shoulder.

Sakura took a steady breath then dipped her brush into the black paint. With her final strokes she created an all-black figure on his knees arms outstretched amidst a swirl of color. "Chaos."

"Ahhh, a stirring representation to be sure," Orochimaru crooned. He lifted one hand and slowly weaved his fingers through her hair. Hmmm, soft like the most delicate of silks. "You are a very beautiful girl. Tell me do you experience such chaos inside of you?"

"I think everyone experiences internal chaos in one form or another." She replied sitting very, very still.

"Indeed. One must always find an outlet for chaos, would you agree?"

"Hai Otokage-sama."

"Tell me Sakura-chan," he leaned in inhaling her floral scent, "How is such a delicate blossom not enjoying the fruits of a pleasure slave? You have the face for it."

"While my face may be unblemished my body is not." She answered in a subdued voice.

"A pity to be sure. Still you may be useful."

With that final statement the three men left leaving just her and Sai.

"You may have passed his test." He told her with his typical blank expression.

"What test?"

"You'll see when the time comes."

Sakura was stressed the rest of the day and the day after. After that initial encounter she hadn't seen anything of Orochimaru or his servant Kabuto. It was unnerving and considering Sai's words to her she wondered whether or not she had actually done anything to try and get into his inner circle, or at least get chosen to participate.

But fortunately she didn't need to wait any longer. There was a special meeting being called today where a select few would be chosen to accompany the Otokage to train for the Special Forces. Sakura sat next to all of the other servant girls holding Tenten's hand in a firm grip. On the other side were the Sound Ninja Corps under the command of General Raga.

The General stood up and began addressing the populace. "As many of you have seen gatherings such as this before it's time for the drafting for the Special Forces. If I read your name you are to accompany the Otokage to his special training facility, so pack your bags immediately after the end of this gathering and meet at the front gate. Those of you not called will continue with your daily routine."

Kabuto stepped forward and handed General Raga the scroll of names. "Starting with the male recruits: Tamichi Roshin, Hanayo Orin, Lumosa Karuk, and Arago Sai. For the female companions: Cheesha, Sakura, and Tenten…" Raga's fingers curled at the end of the scroll after he read his slave's name. It was obviously a message about Orochimaru's power over him and he hated it.

Sakura couldn't believe her luck. Sai was right, she passed whatever test he had and now she was in. Her mission was about to get more dangerous but also more lucrative. Her excitement almost drowned out the fact that Tenten was now trembling in her chair. The few names that were called were starting to move and Sakura knew they couldn't sit around.

"Come on Tenten," she whispered, "We have to go."

"I-I don't want t-to," Tenten whispered back, "I want to stay here."

"We can't."

"I c-can't go. I'm terrified."

Sakura interlinked their arms offering her a small reassurance. "I'm here with you Tenten. I promised to protect you and I will do so in our new place alright."

She nodded then broke off to pack her meager belongings.

Sakura hurried to her quarters and packed in record time. Once she finished she rushed to the bathroom and composed a quick note.

Orochimaru is here. He picked four men and three women to join the Special Forces. I was chosen. I'm heading to an unknown training facility. Send Kigechu back quickly so I can relay new information quickly.

Her snake poked his head out and swallowed the small folded paper before disappearing to send the message.

Sakura met up with the others at the front gate and immediately went to Tenten's side. The poor girl was still shaking like a leaf but Sakura couldn't blame her. Considering their conversations on Sakura's mission it seemed only natural that wherever they were going they were going to be experimented on and become monsters. The eerie creepiness that Orochimaru and Kabuto exuded definitely didn't help matters. Cheesha the other servant girl didn't interact with anyone. She was one of the hidden servants due to her harsh appearance and stocky build. Obviously she's a good candidate for monster experimentation in build and Sakura couldn't only assume that the evil men were comparing the two; beauty versus brawn.

"Now that we're all here we can begin our journey," Kabuto stepped forward and adjusted his glasses. "The walk is not far and once we reach our location you will be shown to your new accommodations and given dinner. On the morrow you will be given new assignments and put through an exercise regime. Be ready in the morning by eight. Someone will come collect you from your rooms. Are there any questions?"

Nobody spoke.

"Then let us go. Please keep pace."

Tenten didn't let go of Sakura's hands or arms for the duration of the walk. Aside from the chirping wildlife the walk was made in complete silence. For Sakura it was ideal considering that she was able to go over the instructions Kabuto gave.

Exercise regime. She thought to herself. That is going to be a huge problem. My stamina, flexibility, and musculature are way greater than whatever a typical servant girl's should be. I don't know how to fake it considering I can't change my heartbeat. Fake labored breathing, easy; fluctuate my heartbeat…increasingly more difficult. I could use medical jutsu but Kabuto may sense that and it could have long term effects on my health in general. I'll just have to play everything by ear.

Not two hours later they left the trail and headed into one of the surrounding mountains. Sakura was relieved that the walk wasn't very long just like they had stated. It was nice to see know that they would get to rest tonight before their evaluations began tomorrow.

Suddenly four shinobi fell from behind rocky crags and fell in behind the group. Tenten jumped releasing a terrified squeak as she turned around. Three terrifying men and one woman were behind them; one man looked as if he had an odd growth sticking out of his neck while another had eight arms. Sakura turned as well her eyes and demeanor less threatened as she took in their welcome party. Tenten immediately turned herself into Sakura's comforting arms as they continued to walk in silence.

The tunnel was dark with odd spiral drawings lining the walls. It was all very nondescript which would make a quick escape difficult without all the minute details difficult. Small lit torches appeared at regular intervals and it did nothing to quell the sense of fear in the small brunette. Their footsteps echoed easily and the eerie silence got heavier and heavier the deeper into the mountain they went. When they came to a junction of four tunnels they were led down the right most one. Doors began appearing on the sides and Sakura knew this is where the accommodations were held.

"Ladies first please," Kabuto's voice echoed.

Sakura, Tenten, and Cheesha stepped forward.

"Cheesha this is you. Your roommate is name Ayako." Kabuto opened the door and indicated for her enter. "Dinner will be brought to you shortly." Cheesha nodded and entered without another word.

"This way."

They resumed walking and turned a corner where Kabuto stopped at another door. "Sakura, Tenten. You will be rooming together. Dinner will be brought to you shortly."

Sakura nodded and escorted her friend into the dimly lit room. The door shut heavily behind them. Tenten breathed an immediately sigh of relief clutching Sakura into a firm embrace.

"I swear if I had spent another minute in their presence I was about to go mad." She whispered.

Sakura chuckled lightly pulling out of the embrace. "If you hold any tighter you're going to squeeze the life out of me."

"Sorry!" Tenten chuckled with her then turned to explore the room.

Two lanterns sat atop two night stands. Against the opposite walls were two twin sized beds. A wardrobe stood at the foot of one bed with another door at the foot of the other. Sakura walked over and opened the door. It was a small wash closet that barely fit a toilet, small one person shower, and a sink.

"Five star accommodations." the kunoichi snorted keeping the door open. "Well which bed bug infested bed would you like to claim?"

Tenten smiled at the jest. "Either is fine. I'm sure they both have the same amount of lumpiness."

Sakura took initiative and plopped down on the closest bed. "So dinner, what kind of gruel do you think we're going to get?"

"Hmmm," Tenten played put a finger to her lip, "Mush or soup that is severely lacking in any type of spice with stale bread and a small glass of water.

Sakura laughed, "I agree with the soup. Mush will be reserved for breakfast."

Tenten lied down on bed and adjusted her position to try and get comfortable. "You know…despite the fact that I hate General Raga his bed was super comfortable."

Sakura laughed again. "I bet this is a significant downgrade." She punched the hard mattress a few times. "Well it's about the same as in the servant's quarters at the Palace. But it definitely sucks against my bed at home."

"Home…" Tenten sighed staring up at the ceiling.

Sakura didn't speak just waited patiently while Tenten grew lost in her memories. It allowed Sakura to think about her home, her parents, and her master. She wondered how Hinata was doing and if Tsunade had told her about Sakura's departure. Tsunade knew of Sakura's close relationship with the Hyuuga girl so she could only hope that she had been filled in on her absence. Then her thoughts turned to her parents; how were they taking her snap decision to abandon them and join the army. She knew that they figured out where she'd gone. Tsunade would also be keeping helping them cover her absence.

"Tell me about your home," Tenten said with a shaky voice, "I can't see my home anymore. All I see is blood and fire. I hear people screaming in fear and the gurgle of their last breaths. I can't see the beauty anymore."

Sakura took a deep breath drawing on some of the good memories she had of her home. Something that she knew would take away Tenten's melancholy thoughts.

"Konoha is perfect in the spring. I was born on the same day the cherry blossom trees bloomed for the festival. My mother told me once that it was the first and only spring festival she ever missed. So naturally she had to name me after the beauty of spring. The air is a perfect temperature with a slight breeze that carries the loose petals around the streets. It's the most fragrant time of year." Sakura closed her eyes and took a deep breath imagining the smells of spring. "I love to visit my best friend's house. Her family is huge and they have the most exquisite garden in the whole village. Stalls line the main street where merchants bring out their wares and specialty foods to sell to everyone. Everyone dresses up and many of the richer families like to show off their pretty daughters and eligible sons. I would usually indulge my mother and dress in a casual kimono. Lights light up the streets at night and at the center square a large wooden platform is placed for dancing. I've never danced on it but I've watched others do so." She took a deep breath opening her eyes to look at her friend. Tenten was staring right back at her. "It's definitely something I regret now that I'm here. I tried so hard not to bring attention to myself and not to enjoy the small things in life. I was so focused on training that everything else took a back seat. If I live through this that is something I now want to change."

Tenten smiled at her and turned on her side. "If we live through this I want to see Konoha. I want to walk those streets and smell those smells. I want happy memories again instead of heartache."

"You'll live Tenten. If there is one thing I'm sure of on this mission it is that you will live. I promise you that."

Ya ta! There's the next chappie. I hope you liked it. I've been binge watching Mulan to keep my muse going and fresh. Having a toddler running around getting into everything is really annoying! Lots of love!