so i totally forgot to post this sorry. i wanted to go back and re-write it, but i just don't have the muse to do so. it's not at all like i want, but i don't have any muse/desire...etc...whatever.
i don't own naruto.
Rescue and Massacare.
"My lady, you are beautiful." Keina stated after putting down the colors used to paint Sakura's face.
Sakura looked in the hand mirror at her reflection. A soft color was on the lid of her eyes, that made the green orbs sparkle. Her lips were just a shade of pink that made them look plump and soft. Had she not been holding a mirror in her hand, she would not have believe that she could look so beautiful.
Blinking quickly, she forced the tears back, and nodded a gesture of appreciation to the younger woman.
"If only you would smile, my lady," she requested of Sakura. "It is your wedding day."
The other two women in the room scoffed at Keina's words.
"As if marrying that man would be anyone's choice." Therese grumbled. The heavy set woman was separating flowers for the bouquet.
A look of shock passed the younger attendant's face. "But she is getting a princess for a day."
"A princess for a day, followed by a life of hell," the large woman countered. A look of pity turned her mouth downward, when she saw the young bride.
"Therese, please," the elder lady pleaded. "His ears are every where."
The gray haired woman stood from the bench she was sitting and kneeled before the bride to apply cream to Sakura's legs.
"My lady, your legs are so smooth." Genevieve complimented. Her heart griped with the pain Sakura felt. For her entire life she'd been gifted with the ability to feel others' emotions, as though they were her own, and change their mood. The young woman with the pink hair's sadness was too great for her to even attempt.
"I don't care Genevieve." Therese rebuted. "Poor child taken from her home people as if some prize. She's just a baby."
Therese's emotions, Genevieve could control, and the anger started to subside in the large red headed woman.
Sakura looked at the woman on her feet placing oils there.
"Can you not help me?" Sakura pleaded. She needed something, anything to help her get through this ceremony. The grief was overwhelming, and she could not promise herself that she would not break down sobbing, or flee.
"My, child, I wish that I could," the elder lady softly spoke. Her wrinkled hand on Sakura's knee. "It is too strong, and I have tried the entire morning. As it is I am barely able to contain my own tears."
Sakura sighed and could only shake her head at woman. Therese came to them with the dress ready.
Ino and Sakura looked over the drawing for the hundrieth time. The beautifully laced dress would be Ino's wedding gown. Sakura and her mother would begin work on it soon, in order for it to be ready in four months for the service. Just a little jealous over her friend, Sakura fingered the picture, then looked at the material on the table for the dress. Her own dress would be much simpler, but her mother would ensure Sakura would be breathtaking.
The coolness of the satin made Sakura shiver when the dress was pulled over her head. She stood to allow Therese to button the garment. Sitting back down, Keina started brushing her hair. Sakura looked down at Genevieve to see her wiping away a tear. The sixteen year old worked hard at containing her emotions.
"My lady," the red head held up the mirror to Sakura's face. "Your hair is lovely."
Her head turned to looked in the mirror being offered. The pink locks were swept up into curls with baby's breath weaved into her hair. Her shaky hand went to touch her hair.
Shino smiled as the pair sat watching Ino create a flurry of blossoms in the air. Sakura knew petals were falling her hair. She reached to remove them, when Shino's hand stopped her. Her skin heated up when his was placed on top of hers.
"Don't, your hair looks pretty this way," his quiet voice spoke to her. "The white flowers fit perfectly with your hair color."
Sakura pulled the flowers out of her hair, "NO FLOWERS! Get them out!"
"M'lady, please," the younger girl pleaded, reaching to stop Sakura. "Your hair!"
"Now, get them out now!" Sakura screamed. Her hands desperately pulled at the blossoms, yanking strands of her hair out in the process. Shino's voice in her head would not stop.
Keina and Therese tried to restrain the bride, but Sakura's strength threw the pair across the room causing Keina to crash into the wall on the other side of the room, and Therese landed on the other side of the bed. Both women yelled in pain.
"Oh my stars," the elderly woman leapt to her feet.
The door to the room slammed open, and Kakashi raced inside his sword drawn. Behind him followed Yamato and Sai, equally ready.
"My lady, is everything okay?" Kakashi asked, scanning the room. His visible eye connected with Sakura's frantic ones.
"I don't want flowers in my hair," she repeated. The tears streaking the make up placed on her eyes.
"Then you do not need to have flowers in your hair," he looked to Genevieve. "Woman, make use of your abilities, and do something!"
"Sire I am trying," the woman tried to focused on getting the bride calm. "Her emotions are too strong!"
Sai and Yamato stared closely at the other two women, not sure if they were a threat or not.
"My lady, please, calm down," she begged. Aidric would not be forgiving if word got back to him with this incident. Keina and possibly, Therese would be punished severely, if not killed. She had to get Sakura quiet.
"My lady," the silver hair man reached for her hands, and pulled her focus to him. Their faces within inches of each other. "You do not have to wear the flowers. You may go without them."
Sakura began to calm at the sound of the man's voice. Soft and stern, it reminded her of the tone of Shino's voice.
"Yes, you are correct," she reasoned. Her breathing began to relax, and she looked into his eye.
"I think I need to be alone."
"Then we will make it so," he stood and nodded to his two charges.
Sai and Yamato left the room, returning their weapons. The pair still kept a close eye on the women as they left.
"Ladies," the guard ushered the women from the room.
Each one looking at the small maiden with shock at her strength.
Sakura placed her head in her hands and began to sob uncontrollably. There was no way she was going to be able to do this.
Shino and the others approached the village quietly. Outside of the castle's eye they dismounted and gathered.
"Lee should be joining us soon with Akamaru and Destiny." Shikamaru commented. Lee could travel at a speed unimaginable, and he stayed in the village as a precaution. Kiba's wolf, Akamaru, and Neji's hawk, Destiny, were also with Lee. "Just to ensure that we are prepared. Neji you will take Hinata and get any of the supplies we will need, plus three extra horses."
Shikamaru continued to go over their plans as they each made sure they were prepared. Shino could tell the stress in Shikamaru's voice, but it was to be expected. Kiba could be hot headed, and Shikamaru was justified in worrying over his mate.
Sakura and Ganelon walked to the field where the younger villagers gathered. It had been nearly two months since Sakura had seen Shino, and she was practically dragging her brother to get there. The Harunos had been away to a neighboring village for Sakura's father and mother to design the bridal gown for the heiress there. It had been painful for the pair to be separated, but all Sakura could think of was returning to Shino.
"Akamaru!" Kiba's voice boomed over the field at the sight of the wolf. Kiba sent Akamaru to protect Sakura and her family and to ease Shino's fear. The roads had begun to turn dangerous, and Kiba was sure that Shino would be ready to follow the family.
The wolf bounded over to it's master, licking him.
"You have returned," the Aburame smiled at seeing his future bride. He crossed the field and embraced her. "I have missed hearing your voice and the sweet smell of magnolias that you have."
"I missed you also," she leaned into the hug.
Shino released her and looked to her brother. Ganelon would not make eye contact with the metal wielder, which worried Shino.
"Your trip fared well?" Shino examined her. He searched for some clue as to why Ganelon was so distant. Physically there wasn't a scratch on her, but he needed to be sure. In the background Kiba, had transformed into a wolf and was steady speaking with Akamaru. The sound of their barks were agitated and growing louder.
"Yes, it was! I brought back gifts for everyone," she beamed. Her green eyes wandered to the two wolves speaking. "I can't wait to give them out. I learned so many things, and the village of Riku is so large."
"Is that so?" Shino smiled at her excitement. He could hear the distinct change in the way Kiba and Akamaru spoke to one another. "Maybe we should have everyone together at the tavern. Ganelon, was your trip nice?"
Ganelon simply nodded before beginning to walk through the field. Kiba let out a howl, then a groan.
It was enough for Shino to know that something was wrong.
"Sakura, you are now safe within our borders," he began. He slowly started to walk the same path that Ganelon was taking. "It is not necessary for you to be burdened with your sword, I will take it."
Sakura gave Shino a confused looked, but handed her sword over. Shino promptly unsheathed the weapon, examining it. His face made a frown, and he looked at Akamaru then Kiba for confirmation.
"Sakura this weapon has been used in a fight," he turned the sword over. "It is nicked and smells of blood."
Sakura's face blushed at the discovery of her secret.
"We were attacked," she meekly answered, and bit her lip.
"Go on," her betrothed brow wrinkled.
"There were five attackers" she shuffled her feet, not looking up at the man. "Ganelon could handle two. Akamaru was dealing with one, but my dad is in no condition to fight off two men. He could handle one, but I could not let him fight the fifth."
Shino believed her story, but he sought confirmation from his future brother in law. Ganelon simply nodded his head in agreement to his sister's story. Akamaru gave his best bark to agree. Kiba began petting the animal with pride.
"Had you been hurt or kidnapped, I would have sought vengence." Shino's voice was full of concern. "I would be forced to live without you."
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I had to help protect my father."
"I will accompany you on your next trip," he stated softly but with a larger sense of authority. "My father will understand."
He stopped her from protesting by raising his hand in the air. "I understand you have gifts to share."
Shino pulled away from that memory. Sakura was adamant about protecting those she loved. How would he be able to convince her that leaving was her best or only option? She was her to marry that villain with the idea she was protecting her family. A female protecting her family was the most dangerous of all animals. Would his plea of love be enough?
"Neji, can you find her?" Shino asked looking at the castle to see where she might be residing.
Neji concentrated and looked through the castle.
"Second room on the left on the second floor." Neji continued to scan the area, consulting his findings with Hinata.
"Shikamaru, I am going for her," the Aburame stated to the natural leader of their group, Shikamaru.
"We will be on the east side," the tanned man spoke. "Fare well."
Sakura was in an all out panic. The fabric of her dress nearly ripped as she tugged it over her head. She replaced the gown with the black pants and a pink top that was long enough to be a dress but with a split on each side.
This was not how her wedding day was to go. Trying to regain her resolve would be the only way to survive. She sat on the bed and closed her eyes, trying to find the meditation point that Tsunade taught her. Being a healer was more than just healing a wound. It also involved many of the duties similar to the priests and priestesses. Deep breaths entered and exited her chest. The burning sensation of her powers started to subside under her skin.
The pink haired girl reached a place of calm, and quickly turned her head to the sound of the window opening.
Quickly she stood, and looked for anything that could be used as a weapon. Aidric wanted the knowledge of her abilities kept a secret out of fear of an attack to kidnap her. With the exception of three advisers, he'd ordered all other soldiers who had witnessed Sakura's powers executed.
Slowly stepping into the room Shino scanned for a guard.
Sakura's heart jumped and she stumbled backwards at the vision her eyes took in. "Shino?"
Shino looked at the frantic expression on Sakura's face. Her green eyes swollen and red. The small frame looked worn and tired.
"Sakura," he swallowed. He crossed the room and embraced her. "How I've missed you."
The familiar scent that was his former bride filled his nose. Her body once more in his arms, and it all felt right.
"What are you doing here?" Sakura nuzzled deeper into the shirt he worn. For the first time since leaving, Sakura felt home.
"I've come to get you." Shino answered. He pulled her body away to look into her eyes. "You do not have to marry him, and we can be together."
"What," she stepped back once more. "I can't leave here. I made a promise. I can't let down the village or my family."
"Sakura, the elders know where I am. Our village is prepared to fight for out freedom." Shino removed the extra sword that hung at his side and placed it in her hand. "But we need you. You are a part of our village. And I need you. You are a part of my life."
"My lady, are you ok?" Kakashi's voice sounded when he knocked while entering the room.
Pink hair twirled quickly at the sound of his voice. She moved quickly to hide the sword from the guard. "I'm fine."
A trained eye lingered on the sword and went back to her, "I thought I heard voices. Are you sure there is nothing that you require? The ceremony will be in less than an hour. Would you like to send your attendants back?"
Sadly, she shook her head no. "I can manage myself, and my parents, have they arrived?"
Kakashi did not answer, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I will walk you down the aisle, if that is you desire."
"That will be fine," blinking back tears.
"My lady, remember, if there is anything else you desire," the silver hair guard continued. "Yamato, Sai, and I will be here for you. Once Aidric assigned me as your guard, I serve you, and you only. Yamato and Sai are the same. If you decide today should go differently, we will make that happen."
Sakura could understand the message in his words, and sat back on the edge of the bed. "Thank you Kakashi, but I need to do this to protect those I love."
"It is understood," he bowed and left the room.
Shino reappeared from behind the large wardrobe.
"We do no have much time," he ordered. Stepping to take Sakura in his arms.
"I was serious, Shino. I can not go."
"Sakura, I will take you by force if necessary," he threatened.
She moved to the bed and pull the sword from it's holder.
"Then it shall be that way," her voice was set and determined. She had surprised her self, pulling the weapon on the man she loved. "I will not place everyone else in danger for my own happiness."
Shino watched how her grip on the hilt went from shaky to firm. "Sakura, I do not wish to fight you."
"Nor do I," she grunted. "Please, Shino, this is all I have to give to my parents. I have already hurt and to cause them to grief. I do not wish to have my father or brother fight in a war."
Shino looked into the green eyes that had given him so much happiness and found only grief and resolve set there now. The time frame that was allotted to retrieve her had expired. If Shikamaru's plan were to work, he would need to leave her, for the moment. The Aburame was not lying when he stated he would not leave without her.
"I shall take my leave then." Shino moved back toward the window. A pause and he turned back to her.
His tall frame leaned over hers, and his hand lifted her chin up for their eyes to meet. Softly he pressed his lips to hers. The warmth of her touch moved over his body. His tongue ran across the expanse of her lips asking for entrance to which she complied. Her first kiss taken by the man she loved, made her smile into the action.
The familiar bird call of Kiba rang in his ear, and he pulled away. "I could not let him have the first kiss that was rightfully mine."
With a swift turn he disappeared from the window. Sakura could feel the tears fall from the bottom of her jawline.
Shino moved to the point where they were to meet before the attack. Shikamaru looked up from the spot where he crouched looking over the land. Kiba was perched above him on a branch on the tree, with Naruto beside them.
"Hinata and Neji look ready on the west side," the blonde noted. He had been nervous since parting with his bride.
"I think I see Akamaru, Destiny, and Lee approaching," the inu added. "Where's Sakura?"
"She refused, thinking she is still protecting the village," he answered in a flat tone that stated not to press the matter anymore.
Kiba was correct as Lee and the two other animals came to a stop before them. On Akamaru's back was Ganelon.
"What are you doing here?" Shikamaru asked, irritated. The Nara hated coming up with a plan to have someone else disobey. "You were to wait with the village."
The solemn look on Lee and Ganelon's faces could not be completely understood by the other men.
"What has passed, Ganelon?" Shino asked.
Kiba and Naruto landed on the ground softly.
"They attacked in the middle of the night," he started to speak. The heaviness of his voice pull them floated in the air. "They started with the houses on the outskirt of the village. Then the homes of men they knew could fight. Then the others of the village."
"Neji," the Nara spoke. He knew the Hyuuga would tap into Ganelon's mind to see what the younger male had. Naruto made a similar call to Hinata to do the same.
"What happened?" Kiba demanded. His mother and sister were both still there.
"There were twice as many men as before," the ice user closed his eyes at the memory. "So group Aidric had to have hired. The left none alive, and I barely managed to survive."
"None?" The four males questioned. Their parents.
"None," the grief was still so fresh in his voice. His fists clenched tightly. "They left me for dead, and when I awoke, Lee was there."
"Our families?" Kiba felt as if the breath had been knocked from his chest. His body began to shake and shift, and in an instant a large wolf appeared before the group. Howling and growling fiercely. Kiba had a great control of his shape shifting abilities, unless he was angered severely or shaken with grief.
"Kiba, please get control," his mate pleaded with him. Shikamaru knew better than to approach the other in this state, but continued to plead with Kiba to return to a less aggressive creature until they attacked.
Naruto watched the expression on Ganelon's face. "Chouji, Gracia?"
"Chouji is now with his betrothed, and Gracia with her sister." Ganelon indicated the subject of his love was closed. "And where is mine?"
"She stubbornly refused to leave, but we shall get her back." Shino answered.
"As if I need to say this," the Nara stroked the top of wolf Kiba's fur, malice lacing his voice. "No mercy."
Her pink hair was pulled into a ball, and the paint that was used to decorate her face was long gone. She did not look like the picture perfect bride, yet this was not her perfect wedding. Her nerved had already begun to fade, but seeing Shino made her desire to run scream louder. Though his presence also fueled her desire to protect those she loved.
Kakashi knocked softly, and entered her room. His visible eye scanned the room, lingering on the spot that Shino had hid earlier, then the window.
"My lady Sakura, are you prepared?"
"As I will ever be," she closed her eyes tightly to fight back the weakness in her.
"I would like to make a suggestion," the guard closed the door behind him. "Aidric has several people after his life. Becoming his bride makes you a target. That is why we were assigned to serve you. There may be men within his own ranks that wish to harm him, by us working directly for you, it keeps you safer."
Sakura watched the man talk, and he leaned against the door to ensure no one would be able to walk right in.
"For this, I would also like to ask you to always make sure you are prepared, and armed." Kakashi waited for her to process what was said. "Do you have a weapon?"
Sakura looked toward the bed, which held her swords tucked away under the pillow. "I do."
"And you are familiar with how to use it," he questioned. "Please show it to me."
"Yes, I am skilled at my weapon." Sakura stood, and gathered the wedding dress to cross the room. Removing the weapon, she handed it to Kakashi.
"This is a magnificant weapon," he admired the work, then handed it back to the bride. "And you are sure that you can wield such a sword?"
"I am." Sakura stated with confidence. "Do you need a demonstration?"
The cool tip of the sword lay against his neck.
"No, I must be sure," he pushed the blade away. "I will however continue to train you. A healer must be ready for any challenge."
Green eyes grew large at his statement. No one was to know of her powers.
"I have known since you entered this castle." Kakashi watched her reaction. "You are not alone in that category. I am able to use the powers of those around me, although I have never been able to master those of a healer. Yamato can control the elements of earth and wood. Sai can bring objects to life and under his command. Though Aidric, nor no one else in this place knows of our abilities."
"Then why am I being informed." Sakura asked.
"I have instructed you once before that we are in your service. It would not be fair to tell you these things." Kakashi stood from where he leaned on the wall. "You must trust us."
Sakura simply nodded at the man's comments.
"Your weapon, under your dress, please." He turned away from her to allow her time. "Hurry, the time has come."
Sakura walked down the hallway toward the ballroom that would act as her wedding chapel. Kakashi was in front of her. Just short of the doorway she stopped to gather herself.
"My lady," the man's hand extended to her urging her on. "Can you do this?"
Breathing deeply, she shook her head, "I can."
She stepped with him and entered the hall, his arm grasping hers as if he were the father of the bride. Gasps sounded at the sight of the bride, and Sakura was unsure if they were good or bad. The soft sound of the harp echoed the large room.
'Sakura,' a familiar voice sounded in her head.
'Neji,' she thought. 'Why are you here?'
The Hyuuga was using his power to enter another mind, 'You must be ready to attack when the word is given.'
'NO! I told Shino, I would not risk our village's safety,' she argued back. Her eyes scanned the crowd of guests for him or anyone that she recognized.
'Sakura, close your eyes,' he urged. Then flooded her mind with the images he had gather from Ganelon's recounting of the story.
"Oh my stars," she whispered. The vision of her village being slaughtered caused her to stop mid stride.
'Neji,' she cried out to him. 'My parents, Ganelon?'
'Ganelon is the only one in our village to survive, along with those of us here,' he whispered in her head. 'Are there any here who would aide us?'
Sakura could not think clearly to answer his question. She paused when she heard Kakashi's voice in her head.
'I along with two others are sworn to protect my lady,' he spoke. 'We will assist you.'
'Who else is here,' she desperately asked.
'Shino, Kiba and Shikamaru, Naruto and Hinata, Lee, and me,' the Hyuuga answered her. 'And we would greatly appreciate your help.'
A rage began to take over the small healer. Vengeance rose fast within her mind.
"Settle down," her guardian warned. "You must focus before the battle."
The music stopped, and the pair had reached the front of the room where Aidric stood waiting for his prize. A smirk on his face at the young maiden before him. The warlord took her hand and led her to the top where the priest stood to join them.
Anger rolled off the young woman, and electrified her skin.
"You look, interesting," he spoke into her ear. "I will have to speak to your hand maidens about their care for you."
"Where is my family, that you promised," she replied , trying her best to contain the rage that possessed her body. "I wanted my father to present me, not some stranger."
"I am sorry, but your family could not make it," he grinned down at her. The smirk still plastered on his face. "But you will have me now, and I am all that you will need."
He moved to kiss her, and an explosion rang through out the hall. A large gray animal, with horns burst through the wall. Aidric reached for the sword on his side, turning toward the creature barreling it's way through the hall before shifting into a large brown wolf.
"Sakura!" Kakashi shouted to her.
Sakura looked around her. Then the room went black, and she knew that Shikamaru was here. Panic spread and screams could be heard with the sound of swords being drawn. Sparks of light came from Aidric's hand, and he gathered the lightning prepared to strike.
Light entered the room once more, and Sakura could see the men she had grown up with fighting Aidric's soldiers. Scanning the room, she found the man she was looking for. A determined look on his face, as he fought his way to her at the front of her room.
"You treacherous, wench of woman!" Aidric turned to the pink haired girl. The glow from his hand increasing.
Sakura's eyes grew large, and instinctively she reached or her sword.
"You liar! You turned on my village!" Sakura hands shook with fury, facing her opponent. "Ino gave up her life protecting them, and you gave your word!"
Sakura felt blind rage consume her, and her body was on fire. An evil smile curled across Aidric's lips.
"You foolish child, daring to challenge me," he mocked her. Striking forward, he disarmed her in one strike.
Chaos surrounded them, but Sakura could only focus on the man in front of her. She braced herself for his lightning strike, but it never came. A shield of metal guarded her, and her frantic glance toward Shino gave her the answer. A mere ten feet from her, he shot out a spray of metal spikes toward the groom.
"Sakura, are you harmed?" Shino asked rushing to her side. He pulled her to her feet, and handed her the sword he crafted with love.
"Shino, is it true?" Sakura asked. She searched his eyes for truth in the vision that Neji placed in her head.
"Yes, it is. Everyone is gone," he answered softly. The grief that surrounded his heart was too great to vocalize. "We must face this first."
"You two hardly have time for a reunion," the ruler sneered. Charging his arm again.
Shino moved quickly to shield Sakura's body, but a bow of ice landed in Aidric's stomach, causing him to fall to his knees.
"Ganelon!" Sakura shouted.
Shino charged forward to finish him off.
"Sakura!" Kakahsi shouted. "Behind you!"
Sakura turned quickly and blocked the large man charging toward her. Experience gave him the advantage, and he sliced Sakura's arm. The pink haired woman lunged forward, driving the sword into the man's chest. Small, black, familiar, death demons began to quickly devour his body.
Shino landed a blow to Aidric's chest, but the man would not fall.
"Shino, I don't see them," she shouted. The blood on her arm quickly fading. "The death demons aren't there!"
"He's not close to death, if I understand what she's saying. We should fall back," the silver haired man, insisted to Shino. Kakashi was using himself as a shield to protect Sakura.
Shino looked around the banquet hall and agreed. More of the soldiers were pouring in, and they would surely lose this way.
"Agreed," he nodded, shooting a star shaped spike to Shikamaru.
Shikamaru understood the signal, and in an instant the room was surrounded in darkness once more. Form the outside, Hinata projected the way out to her party. Neji placed images of a fake battle in the soldiers' minds, to distract them even further. After all his friends were out, Naruto blasted the outer wall with fire.
The group ran to the meeting place for their horses, and gear. Kakashi, Sai, and Yamato appeared with there with their own horses and packs.
"My lady," he looked at Sakura. "You are well?"
"Yes, Kakashi," she nodded. Her hands working on healing Kiba. "And you three?"
"We are fine," he answered. "I understand the need to heal him, but we need to leave immediately."
"I want to go home," she firmly stated, not moving from her spot beside Kiba.
"It is too dangerous. We have risked too much now." Shino tried to end the argument.
"It's the last place he would suspect. He knows there's nothing there for us." Sakura snapped back, standing to face him. "I'm going home. I can't leave my parents there, slain. They need their spirits laid to rest."
"Sakura," her brother stepped forward. "I agree with Shino."
"I don't really care who you agree with," she continued. "I am going home, and any of you are welcome to stop me."
Hinata stepped forward, and joined her hand. "I shall go as well."
Naruto's blue eyes blinked in disbelief. "Hinata, I am your husband, and you will not go there."
"I am sorry, Naruto," she began, squeezing Sakura's hand for strength to continue. "I will love you for the remainder of my life, but my parents are the first love I have ever known. I can not leave them in such disgrace."
Sakura felt relieved that someone else to agree with her, even if it were shy Hinata. The pair nodded and turned to their respective horses, checking their provisions.
Shino, Naruto, and Ganelon sighed at the actions of the two woman.
"Sakura," Shikamaru stopped her. "We shall go there. I am inclined to agree with you. They will not look for us there."
Taking off to the west, the group headed toward the destruction of their home.
None of the travelers were prepared for the sight that was their village. Ganelon held Sakura as they entered their home. Sobs racked her, seeing her mother's corpse.
"We have to bury them all," she whispered into her brother's chest.
Gathering the others they began the task of laying to rest their dead. When evening approached, none could bare to sleep in their childhood homes. Tents sent up in a circle in the village square. The group sat around the fire finishing dinner.
"We may linger here for three days at the most," the silver hair man pointed out. "I suggest we gather the provisions that are needed."
"But why can't we remain here?" Hinata's soft voice questioned. Her small frame leaned into Naruto's embrace.
"The amount of power that Aidric has gathered, has made us wanted." Shikamaru answered. His hand traced over the scar on Kiba's arm. "We are now on the run until he's dead."
Sakura's eyes tightened, fighting back tears. Everything was loss.
"Excuse me," she stood quickly and walked away from the group.
Ganelon eyed Shino, who rose to follow.
The metal worker gave her a few moments of silence before he approached. "You do not have a weapon."
His statement did not receive a reply.
"Sakura, please understand your safety is of great importance to me." Shino touched her shoulder.
Her small body shivered under his touched, but remained silent. Shino could appreciate silence, but after five minutes, he became uncomfortable.
"Sakura, please," he pleaded for a response.
"I can't do this. I wasn't meant to live on the run," she shook her head. Her face fell into her hands.
"Listen," he turned her to face him. "We will kill Aidric, and return to our home. We, you, can do this. I can do this because I have you to fight for."
"Shino," she whispered. "They are all gone."
"I know, my beloved. It hurts me as well," he pulled her close. "Though we have each other. If I had lost you, I would not care for life anymore."
"Let us return to the others," he suggested. "We need to be with a family tonight."
After everyone settled into their tents, Ganelon reached across the space that separate his sleeping mat with Sakura's. He hand grasping hers.
"Sakura," he whispered. "Are you still awake?"
"Yes."
"Marry Shino."
"What?"
"Marry him." Ganelon repeated. "We are now going to live life on the run. If he is your husband, it will be much easier."
"And if I become with child?" Sakura questioned. "How easy will that be?"
"I never thought of that," the younger sibling pondered.
"I am sorry for Gracia."
"Me too, I was close to speaking with her father," he admitted. "I am sorry for the way I treated you before you left."
"It is okay," sleep started to take over and her hand got limp inside of his.
The next day was a repeat of the previous, and they buried more of the villagers. On the third day, their tasks were finished.
"Kiba," Sakura called to the shape shifter. "It is time."
"Yes," he stood from his resting spot beside Shikamaru.
The two faced each other and began a chant.
"What are they doing?" Lee asked Shikamaru.
"Ssh," he silenced the other man.
For twenty minutes the pair said various prayers, and before their eyes spirits of their parents appeared before them. Each parent reaching out to their child and then following the elders and a various animal spirits into forest.
Sakura 's body collapsed, but before it could hit the ground, Shino held her closely.
"What just happened?" Naruto questioned.
Shikamaru looked at the blonde, "We aren't able to remain here, but to protect the land that is ours, Sakura and Kiba called forth the spirits of our ancestors and the animals of the forest to keep anyone other that our bloodline from settling here."
"Once we have returned, from defeating Aidric," the inu continued. "The spirits will no longer protect this land."
"Rest up." Kakashi spoke to the group. "Tomorrow we shall leave. I know of two brothers and their sister, who will be willing to help us. They reside in the land of wind."
Shino walked to Sakura.
"I love you," he began. "When this is over, you will become my bride. Until then, I do not wish for you to doubt my love for you."
"I understand."
"I took your first kiss, because I felt it was rightfully mine." Shino leaned down toward her. "Though I can admit, I rather enjoyed it, and I might steal away the second or third before our wedding."
Sakura felt a blush cover her face, and quickly the metal worker moved in to capture her lips.
"Tomorrow we leave to avenge what has happened to our people, and to rid the world of a man who is a tyrant. My blossom, be strong and know that I will always protect you."
"And I you," she promised.
"Then let us rest for our journey together." Shino walked her to the tent she shared with her brother.
In the morning the band of twelve set off into the north to join forces with others to defeat a common enemy. Each confident they woud return to their village to start again.
so there it is. it was an experiment. i don't like it and will probably take it down. the ending...ugh.
terri