Hajimemashite and Konnichiwa, dearest reader-san! Apple Fairy here! . Thank you for the reviews again. They are what fill my heart with joy!
Snowbird-It's sort of a mix of both, hun. Y'see when I was watching Naruto after being a full-fledged SasuSaku, I always thought, "What if this happened?" or "Maybe if things were different and stuff happened when they skipped parts..." Eventually, I found fanfiction and decided that my ideas could be created into fanfiction. : D
It's like the things that happened between them when the anime didn't show certain events (like the month they trained for the Chunnin exam, alot of things could've happened). I guess it could be called a regular SasuSaku fanfic if you want to, but it's more like a behind-the-scenes. I hope that cleared up confusion, sweetie. : )
Ah...yes, people are asking about when Sasuke leaves the village and how that will play out. My friend even asked about it and gave a suggestion of what could happen instead. Well, that was the first thing I thought of when I became a SasuSaku. I've already plotted out what will happen and no, he will not stay with the village and end up staying with Sakura until they get married and die together. No, I'd rather not think that way. In fact, the way he left I think is a major part in their relationship. She still loves him after three years and he is afraid to face and acknowledge her when the two see each other after the time-skip. Why else did he ignore her? ;D
(Nah, I'm just kidding...but that is a nice thing to say to those SasuIno's, neh?)
Anyway, the plot for when he leaves has already been planned and it will still hint SasuSaku big time. But you'll just have to wait for the chappy, dear.
And yes, I realize Sasuke is OOC in the fanfic. I apoligize deeply for it. It's just no matter how hard I try I always make him slightly OOC...I'm very sorry for that. -.-;
And of course I'll keep writing, hun! And now...no non-waiting for you! x3
Ur2tRoUbLeSoMe90- Old-man bomb! XD
But seriously, I cried too hun...May he rest in the hearts of his fans forever. T.T
Aw...he held her when she was sad...Sasuke's one big sweetheart! x3
-gets hit by kunai- O.x;
Thanks for the compliment and...look there glowing on the screen!
It's an update! XD
sasukes1fangirl-Well thanks for the compliment, dear! Nice to hear you think it's wonderful:3
Ah yes...they were always in love...the anime just never showed it. x3
xweaponsxmistressx- Would your name be possibly related to Tenten? ; D
J/K, Yeah, sorry you almost cried, I intended for it to be emotional and I guess it worked...-.-;
Thanks for the compliment...and if I stopped writing then I would be shot...O.O
Not really, but I bet alot of people would be dissapointed. XD
Aya Marie-chan-Thanks, sweetie, for the compliment. I heard once how there's too much romance fanfics and never any action or friendship ones from people on the internet and I thought: "I don't want to be repetitive!" So that's why there was action. :3
Love your optimism, hun! Let's see that shining sun behind the rain clouds: D
And congratulations! You didn't cry! You get a cookie! -gives you cookie- And I'll cry with you anytime you want, hun! (Wait...I probably shouldn't be hoping for that...O.-;...)
Ah yes...the sweet hug...that scene is what made me a SasuSaku in the first place. x3
I thought: "He's all better...cause she hugged him...she stronger...THEY MUST BE IN LOVE!XD" After that I always squeeled and smiled when the two talked or were with each other. x3
Then I discovered fanfiction and decided once and for all...
I am a proud supporter of SasukexSakura. x3
And you go off and watch those videos, hun. :3
kunoichi alchemist-Sweet Sarutobi may you rest in peace. T.T
Ha ha...Silly Naruto. XD
Sasuke and Sakura: -holding each other-
Naruto: -walks up-Hey, what are ya guys doin'?
Sakura: -blushes- Ah! N-Naruto, you see, um, well-!
Naruto: Is Sasuke keeping you warm or something? You should wear a sweater for this time of season, Sakura-chan. It keeps you warmer.
Sasuke: No, you idiot. Me and Sakura are in l-
Naruto: Lots of cold and keepin' each other warm? Duh, I know that.
Sasuke:No, she's my girlfri-
Naruto:Freezing? Yeah she probably is.
Sasuke: NO, YOU FOOL! I'M IN LOVE WITH-!
Naruto:Yourself? Tell me something I don't know. Well, I gotta go now. See ya! -walks away-
Sasuke: -hangs head down- Idiot...
X)
Naruto tis a silly fool with adorable baby blue eyes. He is so fun. :3
And now you can stop non-waiting! This is an update! x3
Cuning Angel-Ah...lots of people are crying for my fanfic. Oh goodness...sorry about that...-.-;
Most grateful for the compliments, hun.
And look...
down there...
and down here...
is something that you will probably be happy for...
...it's an update. XD
Sarah Rebecca-Aw...sorry I made you cry, hun! Aw...well...smile cause I updated, okay: )
rainingblood666- Mmm...actually since this is along with the series I will only go with the series and I will do no predictions of what could happen.
I'll let Kishimoto-sensei decide on that one. I trust the guy. : )
But yes, the second arc will not be made into another fanfic, but will continue with this fanfic. :3
But it's not as if I'm going to skip the three years. No, in fact alot could happen with that time, and even with Sasuke gone I still have plans to make it SasuSaku. Just know that I've already plotted out some stuff during the three years and will write them when I get there. :3 But thanks for your suggestions, hun! I still appreciate the fact that you wanted to help. X )
pinkrazor-XD OMG! You're funny and silly, I like you. x3
Oh goodness...I didn't know depressing could be a good thing. XD
Ah...thanks for the compliment, dear. I was just writing what I thought could've happened behind the scenes. My friend, Lauren, says it's very original. I guess it is good, yeah: )
Yes...Weasel boy's in town! Hide you children and livestock and hide into your bomb shelters!XD
But...stab her? O.O
Wow...that'd be a very random thing of him to do. XD
Itachi:-walks up to Sakura- I'm going to stab you!
Sakura: O.O Why..?
Itachi: -shrugs- Because I want to crush my baby brother's already traumitized heart.
Sasuke: You stop right there, Itachi! I'm not going to let you touch my Sakura!
Itachi:-laughs- Oh yeah? And what are you going to do? Throw tomatoes at me?
Sasuke: You forget I have...THIS! -holds up video tape of when Itachi sang Barbie Girl with a fish-
Itachi: O.O NO! CURSE YOU, SASUKE!
Sasuke: -smirks-
Sakura: -.-;...It must be an Uchiha thing...
XD
How silly...
01sweetxpnaii-Aw...sorry you cried! -gives you tissues- And nah...if Itachi liked the color blue his nails would be blue; not purple. XD
Or maybe when he went to the store they were all out of blue nail polish, so he killed the store owner and got purple? O.O
Thankies for the compliment! You're funny too, you silly little crazy-head. x3
Yesh, he luffles his sweet cherry-blossom.x3
Apple:-pokes Sasuke- You like her!
Sasuke: And?
Apple: And come back to the village and marry the dang girl, you lovesick fool!
Sasuke: -blushes- Stop making fun of me!
Apple: x3
I mean, if he didn't who would he love? Ino? XD
Aw...thanks for the flowers, hun! x3
Silverstar871- -gives you a box filled with tissues- Don't worry, sweetie. I'm crying with you. T.T
And, yes, Sasuke is a real softie on teh inside if you get him to open up...
...like a teddy bear!x3
Naruto: I say if he was a Carebear, he'd be Grumpy! XD
Sasuke: -glares-
Naruto: See? He's already got that pouting and angry face down! X )
Ah! Chan? O.O
Well...I guess that means it's okay if I can call you Silverstar-chan...okay: )
sakura 1567- Thank you, hun. : )
Ah...never watched the Tsunade eps, but once again the love of my fans pushed me. And how exciting it was! O.O
Ah! A battle between the Three Sannin! How exciting! Gets your blood boiling! x3
Oh my...how I love the fight scenes...XD
And also, this chapter is very suspenseful. O.O
Just letting you know:3
And thank you goes to my sister, Michelle! She helped me think of this chapter's idea! Everyone tell her thank you! x3
Memories
Story by Apple Fairy
Save me from the darkness...
Save me from the pain...
Protect me from the evil...
and let me smile again...
I honestly do think she saved me again...
She protects me and saves me with every chance she has...
So why...
Did I hurt her?
The clouds rolled by softly and lazily. A light breeze flew by and his midnight tresses moved with it.
Sasuke Uchiha, clad in his new black outfit, laid on his back, watching the clouds go by.
But why, people must ask, is he not training?
Well...persuassion from his girlfriend would explain that...
Sasuke kicked the training post repeatedly, his breathing ragged and strained. He had gotten up at three a.m that morning so as to get stronger.
His life long ambition, and his life-goal, it was.
So much was he devoted to it, that the lack of sleep and the pain courseing through his body did not bother him.
But it did that intelligent kunoichi.
Sakura Haruno walked to the training grounds with a bento, or Japanese lunchbox, in her hand. She knew he would be there, for he never seemed to take a day off.
And sure enough, the cherry-blossom named girl was right.
"Sasuke-kun!" She called out his name. Sasuke stopped and turned his head to her.
He blinked and although his face was emotionless, his eyes gleamed surprise.
"Sakura, what're you doing here?" He asked as she stood in front of him with the bento hid behind her back.
"I came to give you...this! Ta-da!" She smiled as she held it out in front of him. Sasuke smiled a bit and took the lunchbox.
"Thanks. I'll eat it later okay?" He reassured her as he put the lunch down, next to the post, and continued his training. Sakura looked at him annoyed.
"But it's already lunchtime..." She told him. Sasuke was surprised to hear this.
Had he really been training that long?
"I'll eat it when I'm hungry then." He explained to her. Sakura hated when her boyfriend did this to himself. Training nonstop and never taking a break. She knew why he trained of course, but sometimes she worried a tad bit too much then she should've.
"Sasuke..." She addressed him seriously, dropping the usual 'kun' honorific. Sasuke stopped and turned to her looking into angered jade eyes.
He wasn't sure why, but whenever she got angry or sad, in his mind her eyes weren't shimmering emerald, but dull jade.
"Sakura, I told you already; I can't take a day off. Every second I slack could be hours to gain strength." He explained to her sternly. The couple always fought over this.
"But the more you train, the more your body is pushed to the limit making you more medically weak. If you train too much, Sasuke, without a break every now and then, you'll only put your body in danger." She explained in a stoic tone. Sasuke hated when she did this, too.
She would use that intelligent brain of hers and list medical reasons why you should rest when training.
He started to loathe her new liking of health care.
"Fine, I'll take a break later; okay?" He agreed stubbornly. Really, he was lying, but anything for her to get off his back. Sakura sighed loudly.
"You say you will, but never do." She pointed out. Sasuke flinched.
Oh, she was good.
Sasuke thought for a moment for a good comeback. The Uchiha-heir smirked.
"Doesn't matter. It's not as if you can force me to take a break, anyway." He said in a smug tone. Sakura smiled to him.
"You're right. I really can't, my sweet Sasuke-kun..." She told him lovingly. Sasuke looked at her horrified.
He didn't like where this was going.
"...but since I can't stop you, then you can't stop me either..." She continued as she walked toward him. Sasuke backed away from her until his back was to the training post. Sakura's body was only inches from his. This made Sasuke's cheeks redden.
"...Stop you from what...?" Sasuke dared asked. He saw the mishief in her eyes and was worried.
"From turning back into my old self, Sasuke-kun. You wouldn't mind if I turned back into that bubbly fangirl...would you?" She asked in a flirtatious tone and wrapped her arms around his neck. Sasuke flinched.
Oh...she was very good.
Now really, Sasuke would rather not date a bimbo fangirl. He much preferred his sweet, intelligent, and mature Sakura. He knew there was nothing he could do if she changed her personality, unless he abided by her rules.
"...Fine. I'll take more breaks." He agreed in a defeated tone. Sakura's eyes went back to glimmering emerald.
"So you're saying if I come back here tommarrow in the afternoon, you won't be here?" She asked hopefully. Sasuke nodded.
"I'm glad we reached an agreement, Sasuke." She stated cheerfully. Sasuke's eyes took on a look of annoyance.
"Agreement my a-" He began until Sakura smiled to him and kissed him on the lips softly.
Sasuke was a bit shocked, but kissed her back as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
And the arguement was forgotten by sweet kisses.
Sasuke sighed as he finished the memory. He actually liked when she did that though. Whenever they got in a fight, one of them would apoligize and she would be the first one to deliver that make-up kiss. The two were still new to the whole thought of being a couple. It would take some getting used to.
They might of been intelligent and stragetical on the battlefield, but the two had absolutly no clue on love.
Sure, Sakura would go to either magazines or Ino for advice (mostly the magazines because Ino began to become suspicious) and Sasuke would risk a question to Kakashi (who would then ask about his dream girl and be rebuked by an annoyed 'hmph'), but it was still sort of hard for the two, which led to them to just speaking their minds.
Either way, the two were in love and they never forgot that. They would have their Lover's tiffs, but never dangerous enough to a break-up.
Heck, that never crossed either of their minds anyway.
Sasuke soon tossed the thought of their relationship as he spotted a brown bird circling above him.
Kakashi was calling.
Sasuke scowled. Damn...I was actually enjoying this relaxation, too. He cursed his teacher as he got up. Sasuke actually admitted that taking a break was very relaxing and helped him think of things he hadn't thought of in awhile.
"Kakashi...What does he want?" Sasuke wondered glumly.
Sakura walked through town happily as she held the purple-sashed bento boxes in her arms.
For Ino-chan, her mother said.
Now, Sakura got annoyed by her mother from time-to-time but she still loved that woman for she was her mother; she couldn't possibly always dislike her sweet mother. And for that love for her parent did Sakura do the task willingly. Not to mention, there was still rebuilding to be done in the village. Sakura suddenly felt a small weight of shame on her shoulders.
Oh darn...I said I was going to go check Sasuke if he was actually relaxing for once...Oh well...the act I put on should of scared him enough... She thought playfully. Sakura smiled as she looked down to the bentos.
"I know. I'll bring some for Sasuke-kun later, too." She said, thinking he would deserve a reward for his cooperation. "Does he like sweets?" She wondered. Well...he never said he didn't... Sakura recalled. Sakura looked straight ahead remembering a certain aspiring ninja.
"And some for Naruto. He'd probably eat anything." She included. Sakura thought back to a talk she had with Sasuke.
Team seven stood on a roof, rain puddles everywhere from a shower that occurred the other day. Naruto was fussing with his sensei to teach him the chidori as well. Sakura looked to the two with amused emerald eyes as she stood next to Sasuke. She turned to him with her hands clasped behind her back in a simple and cute pose.
"Sasuke-kun, thanks. You saved us from the Sand again, right?" She congatulated him simply. Sasuke stared ahead with those cold obsidion eyes.
"No." He denied. Sakura looked at him confused.
"Naruto saved you." He informed her with a half-lie. I was too weak to...He thought in his mind ashamed. Sakura looked to her blond teammate who was trying to immitate the Chidori.
"Now, now, Sasuke-kun, you don't need to be modest. It's true Naruto's gotten stronger, but he can't-"
"It's true." Sasuke stated, cutting her off. Sakura looked to him stunned. Not only was she surprised Naruto had actually saved her, but also because Sasuke was acting so cold.
In reality, Sasuke was much too ashamed and sad that he couldn't of helped his sweet cherry blossom. He didn't want her to know how weak he was...how pathetic he was that he couldn't of saved her from the sand's hold...He didn't want to face her like that, so he overexaggerated Naruto's victory and said he had saved her...
Even though Sasuke had also helped by saving her from a plummeting death.
"He fought with everything he had to save you. He even showed power's he's never shown before." Sasuke stated, saying the truth this time.
It was true. Naruto had faced death to save his dear friend. Sakura looked to him stunned.
"He did? For me?" she asked in a whisper. Sakura turned her pink head to her baby blue-eyed friend. Salura's eyes softened and smiled warmly.
Sakura smiled at the memory and looked at the bento before her.
"Okay, I'll bring some for Naruto, too!" She decided happily and continued walking to Ino's house.
Blue chirping energy blasted a hole in the boulder and the one who used the technique jumped back.
The smoke cleared as Sasuke looked at the damage he had done. Sasuke glared at nothing in paricular again...just out of anger.
I... He thought ...I couldn't do anything... He remembered angerly.
He recalled the fight Naruto went through with Gaara.
He was strong and selfless in the fight...He had victory and he had proved how much he had changed...
While Sasuke just acted as the audience and watched him fight with amazed and stunned eyes. While Sakura suffered and Naruto did everything to save and protect her...
And Sasuke just sat there watching it all...
He was no help to the fight or...to her.
Naruto's getting stronger and stronger... Sasuke thought sourly ...Compared to him, I...
An image of Itachi flashed in his mind and Sasuke left the thought unfinished and summoned another Chidori.
He recalled that look in Sakura's eyes as he convinced her Naruto had saved her.
Her eyes had softened and gleamed...
...it was as if she had fallen in love with him.
Sasuke's heart ached badly. He felt the jealousy and anger knaw at him...
...but there was also a feeling of hurt and rejection in his emotions.
Sasuke rushed as fast as his legs could take him.
Itachi...the ninja who had killed his clan...the man who had scarred Sasuke for life...the brother he had once trusted...
...was in Konoha.
And was after Naruto.
What is he doing here? Why didn't they tell me? What does Itachi want with Naruto? Thoughts rushed through Sasuke's mind.
Sasuke finally arrived at Naruto's apartment and opened the door.
And Sakura stumbled out, a pack dropping at her feet. Sasuke's midnight eyes widened and Sakura raised her pink-petal head and she looked at him with a mix of confusion and surprise in her emerald eyes.
"Sasuke-kun-" She began.
"Where's Naruto!" He demanded in a rushed tone. Sakura took a second to realize the question. She looked down, confused.
"I-I just got here..." She told him quietly. "I wanted to give Naruto some ohagi-" She began to explain, but Sasuke was already running off in a panic before she could finish. Sakura blinked a few times, confused.
What's wrong with Sasuke...and why does he need Naruto...? She wondered as she picked up the ohagi. Sakura had an urge to go after Sasuke and ask him what was wrong...but that look in his eyes...
Sakura knew that look. It was a mix of hurry and panic. If anyone would try to stop him, he'd soon kill them there on the spot if he had to.
Sakura sighed.
I hope everything's okay...She thought worried.
He hit his forehead lightly, but still enough to leave a red mark. Sasuke looked up to his forehead as it stung. He pouted at his older brother.
But when he looked to him, Itachi was looking down and seemed to be deep in thought. He stood up.
"I have no time to help you out today." He stated simply, turning down Sasuke's request of help with his training. Sasuke, feeling confident with himself and a little annoyed of his brother, held his head up and rubbed the mark.
"You always say, "Forgive me, Sasuke", and hit my forehead. And you don't ever help me out, not just today." He pointed out in irritance. Itachi ignored his seven-year-old brother and walked out the door; not a word spoken. Little Sasuke mearly smiled at his brother, at his idol he so cared for.
He had asked his father why Itachi did not care for him as much as a regular older brother would for their younger brother. He was only answered with an explantion of how Itachi did not like socialization and how his own father did not understand him completly.
This still left Sasuke clueless as to who his brother was.
But Little Sasuke just shrugged it off as any curious child would and left for the academy that morning with determination on his mind and supporting words from the woman he lovingly called Auntie Shizu.
Sasuke ran home that night under the sweet white pearl and felt a chill go up his spine.
He didn't know that Itachi had chose him that night to live. He was young and he would be more inflicted by it. He was young meaning he had more time to develop his skills. He was his brother making his revenge all the more deeper and hate-filled.
The perfect candidate.
It was when Sasuke ran around the corner was when he finally noticed.
The lights were out in the Uchiha district...but it was much too early for sleep.
When he walked further he smelled and saw the blood.
Dead courpses of his relatives...
Dead.
Sasuke's eyes widened as he saw the gruesome sight.
"What's going on...?" He wondered and ran forward. Little Sasuke didn't like this...
He didn't like this at all.
Sasuke panicked as he saw Shizu's corpse dead as well. His mind suddenly turned to his mother and father and he rushed to his house feeling unsafe and vulnerable. He opened the door to his house and called out weakly for his mother and father.
No answer.
He looked in every room he came across and he still found no mother and father...
He recieved cold comfort for all of the empty rooms he found.
Then he heard a loud 'thump' and decided to look there. He ran hurriedly across his porch toward where the sound had come from. He came to the room and reached out for the door...
...but stopped.
A great feeling of horror and fear overcame Little Sasuke. He didn't know why, but he didn't want to open that door.
He felt if he did he would never be the same again.
He also felt a prescence. Someone was in that room.
The murderer? Perhaps.
But no matter the fear and uncertainty, Sasuke willed himself to move and open that door.
He never should of.
But, regretfully, he did and found his parent's dead courpses ontop of each other. But what scared him the most that night was who stepped into the innocent moonlight.
It was Itachi, his idol, his family, his brother.
Sasuke tensed and tried to tell his brother what happened.
"Who would do this? What happened?" He asked scared. A shuriken flew past his head and landed on the door behind him. A cut appeared on Sasuke's shoulder. His mind clouded with disbelief.
"Brother, what're you..." He began to ask. Then he realized it as Itachi mearly looked at him with cold Sharingan eyes.
It was him.
He was the murderer.
Itachi used the Mangekyou Sharingan on the innocent little boy and showed him how he had killed every member of their clan.
"Stop! Brother! Don't show me this!" Sasuke pleaded, his mind going crazy with sorrow and grief.
"Why...Why did you do this brother? No...No...Don't, brother...!" He screamed sadly as he showed them every single on of their deaths...and how he had sliced the sword and slautered their parent's.
Little Sasuke screamed out of anguish, collapsed on his knees, and held his head from the unbearable torture.
He collapsed on the floor, breathing struggled. He couldn't believe it.
It hurt much too much to be believable.
He asked his brother why he would do such a thing.
"I wanted to see what I was capable of." He stated simply.
Sasuke couldn't believe what he was hearing.
The clan perished and died...fought back with all they had...were slaughtered mercilessly...
...because he wanted to test his stength?
Sasuke cussed at him angerly and charged for a punch...
...only to meet a harsh jab to the gut.
Sasuke collapsed right there and stared into the faces of his deceased parents...and cried.
He was scared.
Frightened at what would happen to him. Scared at what Itachi might do to him.
He ran out of that room, no destination apparent, but he just needed to leave that room.
Away from that cold-blooded monster in the room.
Away from death.
He ran and cried as he did. Terrified at what could happen to him. Terrified at what was going on all together.
"Don't kill me!" He pleaded pathetically and frightened.
Itachi appeared before him with those same cold obsidion eyes. Sasuke looked at him with fear.
"Don't kill me..." He whimpered. Itachi did not move and just stared at him.
"...You are not even worth killing." He stated harshly. Sasuke felt an ache in his heart.
And that was how Sasuke's hate and revenge against Itachi began.
There he was. The man he had sworn to kill years ago. The man who had ruined his life. The man he had once trusted and idolized. The man who had killed those hopes and dreams and betrayed him with no shame.
Uchiha Itachi.
Sasuke stood there, looking at him.
The hate boiled up inside him. The feelings of anger and despise rose.
He hated him.
No, he loathed him.
Sharingans activated.
Words of hate spoken.
He charged his chidori, threw back his arm, and charged for the man he detested.
But Itachi caught his arm and the chidori died down.
Naruto, wanting to help Sasuke, gathered his chakra and suddenly became the attention of the Akatsuki members.
Itachi broke Sasuke's wrist cruelly with the only excuse of "You're a nuisance".
Sasuke screamed in anguish as the pain seared and burned on his wrist.
Sasuke gritted his teeth as Kisame began to bring down his sword.
Once again, he was only the audience.
But, Jiraiya came just in time, saving his apprentice.
Sasuke couldn't believe his ears.
A little into the conversation, he heard it true.
They wanted Naruto. They would be defeated if need be by Jiraiya.
Sasuke wouldn't have that.
"Don't interfere..." He rasped as he struggled to stand up. His wrist was still in immense and excruicable pain; but that would not matter.
His pride and hate was the only thing holding him up.
Sasuke stumbled and his voice filled to the brim with a determined tone.
"The one who is going to kill him is me!" He told them and looked up with cold obsidion eyes.
Itachi looked to his little brother with emotionless and annoyed eyes. "I have no interest in you now." He told him sharply. Sasuke flinched.
"Shut up!" He commanded and lunged for a punch. He was soon rebuked by a kick to the stomach sending him flying back into the hallway's wall and slumping over in pain.
"Sasuke!" Naruto called out to his rival worried. He rushed over to him.
"Naruto, I told you not to interfere!" He yelled at him irritated. Naruto stopped in his tracks after hearing the intensity and anger in Sasuke's voice.
Sasuke struggled up, leaning on the wall for support.
"I told you...I've lived up until now...for this moment...For this day!" He yelled and summoned those deep crimson Sharingan eyes.
Memories of a sweet pink-pearl haired girl vanished from his mind as it was buried by the hate.
Sasuke screamed as he lunged for his hated brother. Itachi turned to him with those same cold eyes.
This was beginning to annoy him.
Itachi grabbed Sasuke's hand again before he could punch him, as intended, and smacked him across the face sending him flying and slamming against the wall harder. Sasuke's body stung and ached all over. He was in more pain then before.
"Sasuke..." Naruto called out scared for his teammate.
"I'm not done yet..." Sasuke struggled to whisper as the wrist Itachi had broken earlier shook violently. Itachi noticed it.
He cannot even form seals anymore... He noted.
"This is my battle..." Sasuke convinced. Itachi glared at him.
"Very well." Itachi agreed and walked over to his fallen brother.
Jiraiya would've probably stepped in...had not Kisame stopping him.
Sasuke looked up to the figure he loathed. He stood up.
"Bring it on, then!" He yelled, but was his kneed in the stomach cruelly. Sasuke coughed up blood as Itachi beat him without mercy.
Why... He thought helplessly ...The difference between us has not shrunk since then...What is the difference? He continued and collapsed on the ground.
What have I been doing up until now? What have I... He thought pathetically and closed his eyes.
He was ashamed and disgusted with himself.
So weak...how could he have thought he had gotten stronger?
How could he had thought he would've gotten stronger?
Itachi grabbed Sasuke's collar, picked him up, and slammed him against the wall. Sasuke was forced eye-level with him.
"You are weak." Itachi told his brother coldly. Sasuke coughed and his heart panged.
"Why are you weak? Because you lack..." The Akatsuki member trailed off and leaned closer to Sasuke. "...hatred." He whispered in his ear smugly.
Sasuke felt his heart fill with sorrow and then felt the Mangekyou Sharingan activate.
He was thrust once again into that sick world and found himself in that room.
The room that left him scarred for life when he entered it. He looked down and saw he was seven again.
And Itachi made him watch it all over again for twenty-four hours.
Their deaths...
As he watched them, Sasuke screamed out of terror in the real world. He watched more and more and let out more anguished scream.
His head slumped and he felt all hope and strength drain out of him.
And all went black.
Sakura rushed inside the hospital after she recieved the news from Ino.
Sasuke was in the hospital.
She wasn't sure why.
She was afraid, for the last time she saw him he was in a determined panic.
Sasuke...please be alright... She prayed worryingly. Luckily, the nurse let Sakura go in.
And antispectic rushed to greet Sakura's nose again as she walked into the room.
Room 103.
The same room he had confessed his love to her in.
Do you love me, too?
The unanswered words rung through Sakura's head softly.
She saw Sasuke, lying in his bed, a cast around his wrist and bandages tied around his ribs...
...at least, she guessed they would be there. Ino had said he had a broken wrist and ribs.
Sakura walked over to where he slept.
The look on his sleeping facade was unbearable.
He seemed to be in immense sadness and grief.
Sakura sat down in a chair that rested beside his bed.
Oh, Sasuke...What could of done this to you...? She asked in a scared tone.
Sakura spent the rest of the day at his side, worrying and fretting.
She was not bored though, for she had left his side for a bit to get some books and scrolls to read from the nearby library.
Sakura finished her fifth book and glanced nervously to the troubled, but sleeping, Sasuke. She sighed and closed the book.
It certaintly wasn't helping for it was a romance telling of how the boy died from disease in his sleep, leaving his lover alone and heart-broken.
Darn book... She cursed ...Now it has me even more worried then before....
A nurse opened the door and looked to Sakura with apoligetic brown eyes.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but visiting hours are over." She informed her. Sakura looked to her panicked.
"I-Is it alright if I can at least stay a little longer? Please...I need to!" She pleaded despreratly. The nurse sighed and smiled at her.
"You love him very much don't you?" She asked her playfully with a wink. Sakura's cheeks reddened and the nurse giggled.
"Of course you can." She agreed and closed the door behind her. Sakura looked to the door uncertain and turned back to the sleeping boy.
Her eyes gleamed worry and paronoia.
The nurse never did come back, so Sakura stayed there even with the half-pearl hanging in the sky daintly.
Sakura wringed her hands nervously. Sasuke... She fretted once again.
Sakura yawned loudly and noticed she was sleepy. She glanced to her pained boyfriend and felt her heart ache once again.
I'll stay here for the night...I'm sure mom won't mind... She proposed, knowing she would explain to her mother why she was out so late. Her mother would get angry as usual, but would soon shrug it off as 'Teenage Foolishness'.
Sakura laid her head on the edge of Sasuke's bed.
Sakura never remembered falling asleep. Only the feeling of drifting and falling. The feeling of soft strength on her eyelids. The feeling of warm
pearl-light on her and the comforting diamonds she saw outside the window soothing her.
The feeling before one sleeps.
Sakura opened her eyes to a town at night. She was dreaming.
She glanced around and looked at the dark houses and the full moon in the sky.
Where am I...? She thought confused. She noticed the Uchiha fan-symbol scattered everywhere. On buildings, on lamps, on doors, everywhere.
Ah! I know! I must be in the Uchiha district in town! She realized. ...Or...I would be... She corrected herself, remembering the district was cut-off by Anbu for what happened.
The slaughter of the Uchiha family.
What am I doing here though...? She wondered cautiously. Sakura walked through the street nervously and smelled something strange. She turned a corner and saw them.
Courpses. Everywhere, scattered and brutally murdered.
Sakura began to scream, but silenced herself. She remembered what her teacher, Kakashi, had told her.
Sakura, you must know that in dangerous and suspicious situaitons, no matter how graphic or gruesome it is, a kunoichi mustn't ever scream. That only shows the enemy you're afraid and they will use that to their advantage. A ninja must be strong and couragous, no matter the gender. Understand?
"Yes." Sakura whispered to herself. Be strong, Sakura. You have to carry this out like the shinobi you are. She convinced herself.
Sakura walked through the dead bodies, seeing most of them wear the Uchiha fan-symbols on their backs.
What happened here...? She thought. This couldn't be...that night...could it?
The Haruno girl dared herself to look for life. She came to a large house and opened the door. It was unlocked, a bittersweet comfort, and Sakura ventured in gingerly.
It was dark and deathly silent. Sakura felt vulnerable and frightened.
"Hello! Is anybody in here!" She yelled hoping to grab attention of someone or...something.
"Hello! Anybody!" She yelled after silence met her other question.
Silent once again.
Sakura willed herself to move and walked further inside; not bothering to take off her sandals. She checked every room she came across and found no one. She walked onto the porch.
Feeling lost and frightened at the same time was a strange feeling. A feeling of freedom, but confinement at the same time.
Sakura soon heard sobs and decided to check out the source.
Someone's crying...but who...? She thought to herself.
Sakura came to a pair of doors and willed herself once again to open them.
She saw a scene of moonlight spilling and washing through constricting binds of window bar shadows. In the middle of the light laid the bodies of a man and a woman. Sakura hadn't need to suppress a scream for she was stunned instead.
Those two... She commented as she examined their features from where she stood at the doorway ...the woman...has the same face as Sasuke... Sakura's emerald eyes widened.
No...it couldn't be...
But, as she heard once before, sons will take more after their mother in looks.
Sakura heard crying and looked down finally spotting a dark lump of sorts.
It was a small boy with black hair, sporting a dark blue long-sleeved shirt, white shorts, and bandages tied around his calves. He was hunched over and shaking.
It seemed he was crying.
"Why...why, brother? Why did you kill them...?" He whimpered. Sakura looked up and spotted a man walk into the pale light.
A man with long, tied-back black hair stood there with cold Sharingan eyes, wearing an Anbu uniform. He stared hard at Sakura. The little boy realized the direction his brother was looking at and looked up with him.
All eyes were on Sakura; and she wasn't sure what to say.
But she sure knew what to do.
"Interferance..." Itachi sneered at the kunoichi, making her flinch with fear.
She was in danger. She was unsafe. She wasn't imagining things.
...She was sure as well afraid...
She had to get out of there. She had to go anywhere else but this terrible room...
...and she had to take him with her.
Sakura scooped up the little boy and ran out of the room.
The boy was surprised, but much too frightened to react.
"I'm taking you away from here!" She told him; panic half-hidden in her voice. The boy nodded and held on to Sakura; his arms wrapped around her neck fragile-like.
Itachi did not like the interferance. He was to torture Sasuke for twenty-four hours...
...he had no choice, but to kill her.
And so he chased after her in cold blood.
Sakura ran hurriedly, not sure where she was going, but away from that monster this boy had called "brother".
The little boy buried his head into Sakura's shoulder and whimpered with fear. Sakura looked to the boy sadly.
"Brother killed mother and father...he's going to kill me next, isn't he?" He asked with a terrified tone. Sakura thought for a moment.
"No, I won't let him. I'll protect you; okay?" She cooed in his ear motherly-like. The boy turned his head to her and stared at her with big, scared midnight eyes.
"Promise?" He asked her shakily. Sakura mustered a smile at him and nodded.
"Yup. I swear my life on it." She told him cheerfully.
Sakura wasn't sure why, but she felt like she had to save this little boy. She had to take him away from here and away from that heartless fiend.
The boy leaned against Sakura as she ran.
"...guardian angel?" The boy whispered weakly. Sakura glanced at him confused.
"What?" She asked him.
"Are you...my guardian angel?" He asked innocently. Sakura wasn't sure what to say.
"...Maybe..." She responded. The boy leaned in closer.
"I always knew my guardian angel would be pretty..." He whispered gently. Sakura blushed at the compliment.
"Ah, so, what's your name, little guy?" The intelligent kunoichi asked him attempting to change the subject. The little boy took awhile to answer.
"Sasuke. Sasuke Uchiha." He responded. Sakura's emerald eyes widened.
She couldn't believe her ears. This boy was...Sasuke...?
So it was that night...
Before Sakura could ponder the subject further, a kunai flew past her shoulder. Her heart beat fast with terror, but she ran faster to a sprint. Her legs ached, but the fear kept her running. Sakura dared herself not to look back at the person who pursued her. The person who's feet were pounding on the ground after her.
For she already knew who was chasing her.
Itachi.
Sakura sped faster and turned a corner, looked around panicked, and went behind a group of trees; knowing the shrubbery wouldn't save her, but only buy her time. Itachi came into view looking for the kunoichi and the little boy. He glanced around with those cold Sharingan eyes as Sakura and Little Sasuke held their breathe. Sakura knew if she was found it was certain death.
Itachi turned his head and stopped dead on the trees which Sakura hid behind. Her breathe caught and her heart pounded panickly.
He walked toward the hiding place and looked behind it. He was looking at Sakura, back-first on the tree, with Little Sasuke held in her arms.
"Found you." He said emotionlessy and grabbed for his katana. Sakura was frozen with terror. She couldn't move.
The sword sliced.
Sakura willed herself to run, but not soon enough as the blade cut her leg. Sakura cringed at the unpleasent stinging in her leg, but sprinted as fast as she could, while the blood streamed. Sasuke clutched onto her tighter and looked behind her head.
His brother was approaching faster with his ninja-like running.
Sakura came to a dead end and turned around. Itachi stood before her with a look of annoyance and anger in his face.
He wasn't happy.
Sakura backed to the wall and looked around paronoid. Escape had abandonded her.
She was stuck with that heartless monster.
Itachi pulled out some shurikens and Sasuke shook.
"He's going to kill both of us..." He whispered. Sakura shook her head slowly.
"No...he won't kill you...because I'll protect you. I'm your guardian angel...remember?" She asked him rhetorically reassuring him.
Itachi threw the barrage of shurikens and she turned her back to him; covering Little Sasuke with her body and bracing herself for the hit. Sakura closed her emerald eyes.
Sasuke...don't be scared...I'll protect you...
Sakura heard the ninja stars puncture skin, but felt no plain. Her mind clouded with confusion as strong arms held her.
She looked up with caution and gasped.
A grown-up Sasuke held her, the Sasuke she knew and loved. His arm was before her back, holding most of the shurikens on it that were meant for her death. Sakura couldn't believe her eyes.
"Sasuke..." She tried to whisper, but no words came out. Itachi furrowed his brow.
"Little brother..." He sneered. His plan was falling apart.
It wasn't meant to be this way.
"I'm not afraid of you, Itachi." Sasuke told him in a defiant tone. "You can't scare me with your fake illusions. I don't fear you, I hate you! I will kill you Itachi and I won't let your sick mind destroy me! I'm not afraid of you!" He yelled as the scenery around them disappeared and a flash of immense white light shone everything. Itachi glared at Sakura with cold eyes.
"I won't forget this..." He whispered and disappeared with a flash of light. Sakura felt a shiver go up her spine.
She wouldn't forget that evil look.
Sasuke held Sakura tighter and she turned her attention to him. He looked to her with soft midnight eyes.
"You tried to save me..." He pointed out. Sakura's cheeks reddened.
"I..."
"Thank you." He told her gratefully. Sakura smiled to him warmly.
Sasuke leaned down and kissed her simply, softly, and sweetly.
Sakura's blush deepened and kissed him back. When Sasuke broke apart the light was consuming everything.
Their time was almost up.
"I love you..." He whispered and the light flashed brightly...
...and then darkness.
Sakura startled awake and felt a cramp in her back. This is what she got for sleeping strangely.
Sakura looked around the room and wondered what she was doing there. Her mind finally registered all of what happened the day before.
She had decided to spend the night by Sasuke's side. She sat upright and felt something tug at her hand. She looked down and saw Sasuke's hand intertwined with hers.
When did that happen...? She wondered. Sakura remembered back to that dream.
What a strange dream... But was it really only that? A dream? It felt so real... Sakura pondered and felt a stinging pain go up her leg. She looked down and saw a violent red line streak on the back of her calf.
From the katana...
Sakura felt a shiver go up her spine. It really wasn't a dream.
Sakura looked to Sasuke's arm and saw various slashes.
From the shuriken...
It was defiantly not a dream. Sakura gulped and let go of Sasuke's hand.
She looked into some drawers and found a first-aid kit. Better to tend to their wounds then worry about that twisted world she was thrust into. Sakura tended to Sasuke's arm and noticed something different.
It wasn't large and obvious, but it was still there...Sakura looked up and down Sasuke's body and knew something was different...she just couldn't figure out what.
Ah. There it was.
Sakura looked at Sasuke's sleeping facade and...it wasn't as troubled as before...it was...glad-looking.
His face still looked a tad bit sad, but he didn't wear that same suffering and pained look. Sakura stared in amazement and smiled.
She continued to bandage up his arm and held his hand as she did.
And he squeezed her hand.
Sakura jumped up in surprise and quickly looked to Sasuke.
But he still slept. Sakura leaned over to him.
"My...guardian angel..." He whispered hoasrly and breathed rythmically and softly once again. Sakura's face reddened and she looked at him stunned.
Sakura kissed him on the forehead and looked to him sincerely.
"Forever, Sasuke-kun..." She whispered lovingly.
But sadly, when Sakura came back, his face looked sad...the gladness died that night as the nightmare came back eventually.
Sasuke, without support and help from his first love, gave up and succumbed to Itachi's illusions and Sakura, tried as she did, was unable to enter that dream world again.
Sakura felt despaired, but she would've been a little bit more calmer if she knew what he had dreamed when she woke up from the visit.
The nightmare temporarily gone, Sasuke had dreamt of lying in a field of sweet daffodils looking up to a star-filled sky with a girl with pink and white wings lying next to him. She wore a simple white sleeveless dress and had pink-rose hair and soft emerald eyes...
She held hands with him and called out the constellations to him. Sasuke felt comfortable and relaxed with her.
He felt as if he was in love with her simple looks and her sweet warmth...
He was in love with her.
With his guardian angel...
Sakura...
So she saves him once again, that young boy...but she still worries.
Will he wake up soon?
And if he does...will he be the same or...different?
What is to become; only little know.
But that story will be read later. The time has escaped us, it seems.
That's the end of chapter 9! I hope you liked it. :3
And all thanks go to my sister, Michelle. She partly came up with Sakura's visit to Sasuke's nightmare and I took the idea of saving him as a child from a book called 'Goddess of the Night.' Very good book, and highly reccommended. : )
Well, thank you all for reading! Goodbye and I hope you have a most wonderful day!
-Apple Fairy