hello...how is everyone? good i hope. ugh. i have work tomorrow. at least it's a four day week, but still.
oh star-princess14 i hope this clears up the confusion...sorry about that. this story doesn't exactly flow like other ones huh?
sage, i'd like my own shino....wait who am i kidding, i really want kiba.
pearls, i did have a great Christmas, and did you? and my oldest was nice enough to tell the other two they could play the wii when he wasn't playing super smash bros. brawl. sweet isn't he....mom may have to step in soon.
anyway on with the story. and characters that don't belong to me.
CHAPTER FOUR Visitors and Goodbyes.
Night continue to creep through the window of Sakura's room. She had been awake for quite sometime thinking of her family. Aidric had promised to bring them here for the ceremony, but she was sure he could not be trusted. Although he had not attempted to touch her, she still was uneasy of the ruler.
A soft knock on the door, and Sakura encouraged the person on the other side to enter.
Two of the guards that were posted outside her doorway came into the room. The shorter one had pale skin and dark hair and eyes. His expression was blank, and he stood to the left of the other. The taller of the two had dark round eyes, but brown hair, and wore a headband that framed his face.
"My, lady, Kakashi is preparing for the tomorrow," the taller of the pair spoke. "I am Yamato and this is Sai. We are in the service of Kakashi, and therefore here to serve you."
Sakura nodded at the information. She had become accustomed to the silver haired guard that was normally posted at her door. These two she was unsure of, but in the last few days, she had come to trust Kakashi more than she'd expected.
"Thank you," she answered.
"If there is anything that you need," the elder man spoke. Sakura could see he was trying to convey more in his message. "We are here for you, should you need anything, before the ceremony. And afterwards, we are still in your service."
"I wil let you know," she nodded to the men.
"We will leave you then." Yamato turned to leave.
"Wait." Sakura called, her face hopeful. "My parents and brother, do you know if they are here."
Without saying a word, Yamato slowly moved his head, stating no.
"Thank you," she whispered, turning quickly to the window with tears falling.
The beginning of the end of her future came three months after Shino had given her their future home. Sakura was walking to the tavern with the new curtains and tablecloths for Tsume. The day had just started, and she was anxious to see Shino in the evening at the celebration of the Naruto and Hinata's engagement.
Sounds of several horses caused her to turn her head toward the village entrance. A party of twenty six horses and their riders entered the village. Sakura looked in awe as the party rode to the town hall. Quickly, she entered the tavern to alert Tsume.
Tsume came from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Sakura, what is all that commotion?" Tsume asked and joined Sakura at the window. The brunette woman bore the same family burgundy, triangular, birthmarks on her cheeks as her eldest child, Hana, and Kiba. She was able to speak with animals, but could not transform as Kiba. Though feared by many as a fierce fighter, she held her own against any man.
"There are men within the village," she spoke quickly. She frowned and looked at Tsume. "I've never seen them before."
Tsume glared out the window at the approaching riders. The original twenty six horses joined by fourteen more.
"Well, they aren't travelers that's for sure," the brunette checked the sword on her side. A short whistle and a large black wolf trotted to her side.
One could not think of an Inuzuka without thinking of the wolves that followed them around. Akamaru was a cub when Kiba rescued it from a threatening bear, and has been loyal to the male since. With Tsume being able to speak to animals, Kuromaru showed up on her doorstep wounded, and has been her fighting partner since then.
"Stay here." Tsume ordered. "We shall return."
"Tsume," the sixteen year old reached for her arm. "Don't go out there. Something does not feel right."
"It will be fine," she reassured her. "Stay put, and if they come this way, leave out the back and go home. The last thing we need them to think is that you are a bar maid."
Tsume left the tavern, and Sakura watched as the she was joined by men from the village. Sakura's hand grasped the fabric tightly when she saw her father walking with the group. Ignoring Tsume's warning, Sakura snuck out the back door heading for her home. Surely her mother would be worried at her father's absence. And Ganelon, needed to be kept inside. At fourteen, he was as stronger as any other fighter they had, and would not want to be left out.
Were they really under attack? She, Ino, and Hinata had noticed the extra caution their fathers given each of them. Tarek would not allow Sakura nor her mother away from the home without Ganelon, Shino, or himself. Even during the meetings the town elders held in secret, the girls had noticed all the males of their age group being included.
A broken branch caused Sakura to turn quickly, drawing her sword. A wave of relief paused through her at the sight of Shikamaru.
"Shikamaru, you scared me." Sakura panted, and returned her sword to it's holder.
"I should have," the former Nara now Inuzuka answered her. "There are a large number of outsiders in the village, why are you outside?"
Shikamaru was normally very laid back, and hardly angry unless at Kiba for some embarrassing public display of affection. The voice he currently spoke in took Sakura by surprise.
"I was on my way home," she answered. The petite girl looked him over with curiosity.
"Then make sure you go straight there. We don't know who these people are and if we have to fight, it would be in Shino's and your father's best interest that they are not concerned with your getting captured," he ordered. Then his voice softened. "We need you and the other women we love to be safe, but Sakura if it comes to it, and you have to fight, no mercy understood? Just like you have been taught."
He extended his hand, and touched her cheek, while she nodded her response.
"Go, I have to make sure Kiba hasn't done anything rash. If he were hurt." Shikamaru did not finish the sentence. Pain came and left in a flash on his face. The pair had been mated for almost a year. "I will let Tarek and Shino know you are home safe. Do not make me a liar."
He waited till Sakura moved toward her home. Sakura saw her mother pacing in the small family room through the window.
"Mother," she spoke when she entered. Her eyes scanning the room for her brother. "Where is Ganelon?"
"He has left with the other men for the town hall." Reina's eyes filled with worry. Her small hands kneaded nervously.
"I'm going to get him." Sakura said with determination. She checked the weapon on her side.
"No you will not!" Reina shouted at her first born. "I will not have you leave this house."
"Mother, he is fourteen!" Sakura yelled back.
"I know that! He is just a child, my child, but what will happen to you if you walk into that room," she questioned. Looking for a distraction she spoke, "We will work on the dresses for the girls in the festival."
Sakura conceded to the silent plea that was in her mother's expression. Though neither was very productive in the hour that they were alone. A very loud sigh was exhaled when her father and brother entered the home.
"What has happened?" Reina stood quickly embracing her husband, then son. "Why are they here?"
"They are simply passing through," the Haruno man answered. His wife unable to see the worry that was covered on his face. "The elders have suggested a banquet in their honor tonight. Please go to the tavern to help Tsume both of you."
Sakura's eyes did not leave her father's face. She could see through the lie he insisted on telling his wife.
"Father," her voice shakily began. "Is that."
Her question cut off, by the man. "Ganelon, please walk over with your mother and sister."
"Father," she continued.
He stood and walked out of their home. Sakura glanced at her mother, but received no acknowledgement to the query she wanted to ask.
"We should take plenty of tablecloths," the eldest woman said, going into the room the sewing was done in.
"Tell me," she turned to her brother. "What is going on?"
Stern blue eyes turned to her, "I can not say. But you will not wander the village alone, understood?"
"Ganelon!" Sakura was the oldest, but Ganelon was her brother, and in the absence of their father considered the head of the household. Never had Sakura heard his voice sound this serious.
"Sakura, please do as father says for once." Ganelon left the house to wait outside.
The evening began, and Sakura was more nervous seeing the number of men that were included in this party. They easily outnumbered the men of the village two to one. Not just Sakura was preoccupied, but the entire air of the dinner was heavy with the fear of the women and children, and the anxious pre battle emotions of the men. Sakura, Ino, and Hinata whispered as much as they could at the possible reasons for their appearance. Desperately, the pink haired maiden wanted to talk to her betrothed, but he was currently with his father, Kiba, and Shikamaru.
Aidric the leader of the band of men stood after the meal was finished. His long blonde hair flowed past his shoulders. His was as tall and built like a warrior should be. The wide spanse of his chest looked strong and powerful. His green eyes sparkled like that of a predator looking out at the crowd.
"What a wonderful feast held in our honor," the bass voice filled the meeting hall. "How lovely to see the people of this community here."
He strode the length of the floor. Searching the crowd, Sakura was sure of those he felt that were a threat.
"I have spoken with the elders of this village concerning our purpose here." Aidric stopped in front of a table of women. "I am here to find a bride. Every king needs a queen at his side, and I, Aidric am no exception."
Sakura felt her stomach tighten. A bride, surely that would not include her. She was already promised to someone. Without thinking she found herself searching the hall for Shino's. His expression was blank as he caught her gaze.
"Please each of your unmarried maiden, come forth." Aidric ordered.
None moved forward from hear. His soldiers moving through the crowd inspecting the fingers of young women for wedding rings.
"You there, you are not married," a brunette pushed Sakura's shoulder.
Quickly she turned to her mother, "Mother,"
"He don't want you mum, get out there," the soldier pushed Sakura forward with the other young women.
She could hear her brother grumble in protest, but she shook her head quickly to silence him. She did not want to start a fight.
Standing beside Hinata, she gripped the brunette's hand in hers for support. To Sakura's left was Gracia, Ino's sister, and Ino on the other side of the blonde.
"I understand there is one here in your village who can manipulate the flowers and vegetation." Aidric looked among the young women. He walked down the line looking at each of them.
Sakura felt her body heat up as his green eyes fell on her. Relief washed over her when he walked past her.
"Which of you is from that family," he asked.
Deep inside her Sakura felt relief, but was also disgusted with herself. How could she be so happy that he wanted a Ino her best friend, or Gracia, the girl her brother was sure to confess to one day.
"I am," the blonde's voice answered proudly. "I am, daughter of Yamanaka Inoichi, Ino."
Without being able to see him, Sakura was sure that Inoichi was proud of how his first born stood her ground.
"Ah yes, you will do nicely," he grinned walking back to her. "You shall be my bride. My country has a problem with drought, and you will solve that."
Sakura prayed that their male friends would keep silent long enough to figure a way out of this.
"I am her father, and Ino is already betrothed," a voice equally as commanding filled the room. Inoichi spoke with authority despite the number of men Aidric had. The Yamanka's voice held no fear.
"Really," the intruder snickered. "Then perhaps her."
His face turned to Gracia, who was an exact replica of Ino. "Surely she is the younger sister of this one."
His hand extended to touch the face of the youngest blonde.
"NO!" Ino shouted. Panic on her face, but she stepped forward in between Aidric and her sister. "She is a child, and I will go in her place. She does not possess the power to manipulate flowers."
Gracia cried at her older sister's sacrifice. Ino turned to embrace her.
"Just as I thought," he snickered and moved away. His eyes still lingering on the younger woman. "Your Ino has saved your village from total destruction. Now let us continue this feast with the presentation of the desserts."
He started back toward the head table. "Though, I would like for you to come with me tonight, younger Yamanaka maiden. Your sister has saved you from a life as my bride, but I will insist on taking you back with me to ensure she does not do anything foolish."
A cruel grin covered his face, and Sakura was sure she heard her brother's cry of protest mixed in with Ino's.
"You will not treat my sister as some common whore!" Ino charged at the man.
Aidric stood facing her and lifted the index finger of his right hand. From it a bolt of lighting flashed and struck the blonde directly in the chest.
"INO!" Sakura cried with the other voices of the villagers. The pink haired girl raced to her friend.
Without thought or hesitation, the green glow took over her hand to heal the open wound in her chest.
"SAKURA NO," her mother's voice shouted above the chaos.
The damage done by her actions, and Aidric's eyes twitched with desire at the young healer. Shibi and Kiba both held Shino's arms to keep him in place.
Sakura could not hear any other activity around her. The only noise she focused on was the sound of the black creatures threatening to overtake Ino's body. Harder she worked through the tears that fell from her cheeks to keep the demons from taking over her best friend. Sakura had spent months with Tsunade training her over the last two years since her powers had surfaced, but none of it would matter if she could not protect someone so dear to her.
Ino gasped loudly and fell silent. Sakura's eyes rose slowly and fixed on Ino's mother. Both women struck with grief, and oblivious to the noise surrounding them. Aidric pulled Sakura to her feet.
Unaware of who was touching her, she pulled away to comfort her best friend's mother.
"A healer," the sinister voice broke through Sakura's consciousness. "This pathetic country held within it a true healer."
Sakura's stomach dropped seeing her mother on her knees, held by Ganelon, and her father's pained expression. Reality hit her hard.
"She will do much more nicely than the other," he sneered. He turned her petite frame toward him. "Yes, she will."
"I am, I am betrothed," she replied quickly, her voice shaky.
"Oh really, and your betrothed, where is he, so I may relieve him of his duties," he laughed, scanning the room.
Shikamaru, held Lee, Kiba, Naruto, Neji, and Shino in place with his shadows. He just needed to think of a way out of this. But the noise was too much in the room.
"He is away from the village with his father on a hunting trip," she lied. This she was sure would anger Shino, but she was sure she could not have Shino stand up to the mad man.
"Then I guess he should hunt for a new bride. However I am a generous man and he may keep the dowry promised to him," the cold voice snapped. "Now, serve me the delicious dessert that has been prepared for me."
"I will not marry you, unless you honor the decree to have neither you nor those who work for you to harm anyone in my country," she shouted at him. Knowing that killing her would prove to be harder because of her healing abilities, she wanted to ensure the safety of her family and friends.
A loud laugh echoed through the hall.
"You are in no position to make deals," he stared at her.
A set look of determination on her face told him otherwise. The glow flowed over her skin and began to heat up. He shoved her to the ground when his skin began to feel as if it were on fire.
"You witch!" Aidric rubbed his hands. "You have an agreement, as long as you are prepared to serve me for life."
Sakura was allowed to remain in the village for two months before she would be taken to Aidric's home for the ceremony. The somber mood was broken when her brother entered their home.
"Are you happy, you have destroyed our Mother!" Ganelon's voice shouted at her. "How could you do that without thinking of the consequences!"
Sakura looked at the swollen green eyes of her mother. Guilt filled her heart at the pain she must feel.
"I am truly sorry Mother, Father," she apologized, falling to her knees before her mother. "I had to try to save Ino."
Her brother's rant continued until her father took him away. Sakura laid her head in her mother's lap crying with her.
"Sakura, he only lashes out, from fear of losing you," her mother whispered. "I think you were very brave."
Sakura lifted her head, "Mother, I must speak with Shino."
"Go, child," she kissed her daughter's forehead.
Sakura tossed in her sleep trying to push the next part of the memory from her dream. Waking with a start she sat up and looked into the night sky.
"Shino, my love. If only you were here with me," she sobbed softly.
Shino sneezed and walked toward the edge of their campsite. He allowed Kiba to continue to sleep through his watch time, knowing it required a lot of energy for the male to transform. Trying to think of a way to convince her to leave with them, he tried to focused on a happier time with her instead of the last time he'd spoken with her. Though his heart could only go back to when he was sure he had broken her heart.
Sakura rounded the corner of the tree in the field the boys used to practice. Walking forward she stopped to watch them. Ganelon and two of his friends were there as well. Her brother did not speak to her for three days since Aidric, and his men left the village. It was worse with Shino. The boy refused to speak with her when she visited his home each day. Aidric's men were arriving the next morning to take her.
Gathering her courage, she called Shino's name.
The clank of metal stopped and all eyes turned to her.
"Shino, may I please speak with you." Sakura asked. She stood firmly in place. "I will not leave until you do so."
Shino pulled the chain on his scythe, gathering it back into it's holster. He crossed the small patch of land to face her.
"Speak then," his voice cold and distant.
"Please forgive me," the words spilled from her mouth. Green orbs were unable to meet his eyes.
"It has been done," he answered. Looking down in her, he turned to walk away.
"Is that all you have to say?" Sakura's voice raised an octave higher. "You promised me your heart, and that is all that you can say?"
"What more do you want of me? You denied me the opportunity to stand up as you future husband, and you expect me to have more to say?" Shino's voice raised.
"I did that to protect you! He would have killed you!"
"I am fully capable of defending myself as well as you, but you did not give me the chance!" Shino was angry and the emotions that he had tried to reel in the past month were bubbling over.
"I gave you your life!" Sakura continued. She stood on her tiptoes to try and equal his size.
"A life that is meaningless if you are married to another man!" Shino regained his composure. "I think it best if you leave now Ms. Haruno. You are promised to another, and it would be inappropriate for me to be alone with you."
The curtness in his voice was like a slap in her face. Tears streaked her face, and she unhooked her sword from her side and tossed it back to him. Turning she slowly began to run from the clearing. Ganelon could no longer bare the anger he held at losing her, without a fight, and took off after his sister.
"Shino, you were a little harsh no?" Kiba asked standing beside him. "Why couldn't you just tell her you loved her?"
"Because none of that matters anymore, she belongs to another man." Shino snapped and turned to walk away.
"But her heart belongs to you, it always will." Kiba argued back. "She is about to leave and submit to someone because she feels it was best for our village. She and Ino both had only that to give and you make it seem as though, it was an easy decision. We have each other here, and what will she have, no one not even the memory of the man she loves."
"Kiba do not speak of things you can not understand," he lashed at the other. "You have your husband to return to each evening!"
"And do you think I would let him leave not knowing how I felt!" Kiba temper flared. "You are being stubborn and foolish Shino. She would rather march to her death than know she's caused you harm, and that's exactly what she's doing!"
Shino refused to listen to anymore, and left the field in a fury of metal spikes shooting in the air. That night, he made his decision. He would leave for Aidric's village and bring her back. Of course not to their home, but taking her would mean they would have to live life on the run, until Aidric was dead.
Little did he know that Hinata had other plans, and when the thought surfaced in his mind, the Hyuuga made sure to tell each of their companions. The night he moved to leave, he was confronted by the others, and Shikamaru convinced him of a plan to win back the freedom of their village and his beloved.
Shino lifted the tent of the Hyuuga. "Neji, if you don't mind taking a shift."
"Sure Shino. I am having trouble sleeping without Lee's chatter in my ear." Neji sat up and stretched.
"I will watch till dawn, sleep. This will work, Shino."
"Thank you," Shino unhooked his sword and laid in the spot Neji had occupied.
hope that clears up a few things....i hated killing off ino. it's not that i like her or anything, but i hate character deaths. so if you are an ino fan, please accept my apology, but she did die the way i expect ino would....defending someone she loved.
let me know what you think.
terri