There are not many women with chivalrous spirits matching those of men…"
-Chiyo to Sakura Chapter 279 page 10 of "Naruto"
A/N: I am overwhelmed by all of your positive reviews. I honestly thought I'd get flamed to hell and back, with my crazy AU's. I've had critisism, and I take everything you all say into stride, I honestly do. I probably read each review at least twice just to make sure I get everything.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters there in. I just borrow them to torture them for my own amusement from time to time.
Summery: There once was a pink haired woman who was nothing more than a simple blacksmith's daughter. Yet none could match the ferocity of her spirit once the hilt of a blade was held within her grasp. An arrogant, cocky, self-assured dragon prince was certainly no exception.
- Sakura/Neji - -AU –
Rated -M- Because there will be lots of blood, violence, gore, and swearing. Ect. Ect. And possibly some erotic scenes here and there.
Chapter 14
Sakura blinked thrice at the mirror. An irritated snarl furling her lips. She couldn't believe the gumption of that overbearing male. Her reflection glared back at her. Curls sprung from her pink tresses, falling in a swathe down her back. The dress, that had been fashioned for her by her mate was enough to make her want to retch. It was a creation of raspberry hued taffeta and silk. Lace adorned the sleeves and the edges puffed out skirt. A dark pink bow decorated the bosom and it was positively the girliest thing she'd ever had the misfortune to wear. It was everything she hated. Frilly, lacy, completely uncomfortable and useless. She looked like a damned doll. She was going to kill him as soon as she laid eyes on him. Who cared what everyone else thought? Her white gloved fingers twitched as she imagined wrapping her hands around his muscular, deliciously masculine scented neck. Her eyes started glazed over as her thoughts started to stray.
Tenten was smiling at her, "You look lovely Sakura! It really is a beautiful. The wide, puffed out skirts are all the rage."
"People actually like to wear this crap?" the pink haired woman asked the servant raising a disbelieving brow. Tenten couldn't be serious.
Oh how she itched. She felt the undergarments slowly squeezing the breath out of her. Granted it made her waist look fashionably tiny but it was not something she'd ever worried about.
Tenten smothered a laugh with the back of her hand, "Yes Sakura. Most women think it is a beautiful style."
"They seriously need to have their heads examined," she sighed and she fixed a glare on the powder poof in Tenten's hand, "You are not touching my face with that..."
"But," Tenten started to protest, her hand halting midway at the venomous glare she suddenly found herself subjected to.
Sakura thanked the gods when a knock echoed on the door. She sighed in relief, "That must be my escort."
Before Tenten could react Sakura stood and immediately tottered to the side as soon as she tried walking in the matching heels. With a frustrated sigh, she opened the door and the smile that adorned her mouth was twitching when she lifted her chin to greet Itachi Uchiha, "Good evening my lord."
He was dressed in his usual kimono uniform of black, and silver, the Uchiha crest emblazoned on the tip of the pointed sleeves. He smirked down at the obviously agitated female. She looked absolutely adorable and so unusually feminine that he wouldn't have recognized her at first if he'd known any better. He could also tell that she hated every bit of it, which he couldn't help but find amusing.
"Are you ready Haruno?" was his cool query.
With a furtive glance at the servant eyeing the powder puff in her hands Sakura immediately turned her attention back to him and dipped her chin, "Yes I believe I am."
He offered her his arm, and she linked her arm through it, silently grateful. Perhaps by the time they reached the large reception room, she'd be able to manage to walk on the heels alone. Her immediate plan was to find a nice shadowy area, and stay there as she could manage. Her chin set in a stubborn line.
The Uchiha let out a small laugh, "You look like you're preparing to go to war..."
"Your perceptiveness never ceases to amaze me," she replied wryly.
"It is only a ball. But I must admit I also find them rather useless," his lip quirked slightly.
"It is indeed a waste of time," she responded in agreement, "I'd much rather be out practicing... I can't believe you've forced me to take a three day break, just so there wouldn't be any visible bruises on my skin..."
"I also did it so that your left arm would have a chance to rest. You've been pushing it too hard. You do not think I don't notice it shaking from the strain. Stubborn woman," he sighed and they both stopped in front of the open double mahogany doors that led into room where the grand party was being held.
The servants at the doors bowed to them both as they stepped past. Sakura's eyes roamed out over the colorful massive throng of guests. It was pretty much the same as the last ball, except there were no masks covering their faces. Dragons and elves in all their finery danced to the rhythm of the fine stringed instruments playing on a slightly elevated stage in the back of the large hall. Tables laden with rich delicacies that would tempt an elf or a dragon lay on fine silk blue tablecloths. As the two of them stepped down the grand rolling, thickly carpeted staircase, Sakura could feel what seemed like a hundred sets of calculating eyes on her person.
She muttered on her breath, "And thus the torture begins."
The Uchiha at her side had to smother a smirk, "Just mill around. Make sure the prince sees you. Then make your escape..."
Smiling gratefully at the foreboding male at her side as they reached the bottom, she went to remove her arm from his, but he grabbed her wrist to stop her, "It is proper we dance once, since I was your escort."
Sighing dismally Sakura allowed herself to be led to the dance floor. The male held her loosely as they moved to the flow of the music, her skirt swirling with the movement. She glanced over the male's shoulder, thankful for her heels, because without them, the top of her head barely reached his collarbone, her eyes flickering when they met the eyes of her mate from across the room. He was tense, she noticed immediately. When their gazes met, he pointedly glanced away, his nose in the air. He was jealous and pouting, she realized with a frown. The bond tugged at her, his despondency at the forced separation squeezed at her heart. Her earlier ire melted away completely forgotten as longing to go over to him and soothe him overwhelmed her.
"He is watching us isn't he?" Itachi's head tilted to the side, his eyes narrowing minutely as he caught the sound of her heart beat changing its pace.
"Yes," she replied softly, a little unnerved by his perceptiveness.
"Once we are done here. Try to avoid other males tonight. There is no reason to test his patience," the Uchiha whispered.
Sakura only nodded, already feeling tired and more than ready to leave. Once the song finished, he led her over to the tables laden with refreshments before bowing and taking his leave, his dark eyes meeting hers, a silent message passing between them before he stalked away, leaving her standing alone. Immediately Sakura did what she planned to do from the get go. Holding fist fulls of her skirts in gloved fingertips, she made her way to a far corner, away from the eyes of the other occupants. Once ensconced by shadow, she felt marginally better. She wasn't a warrior who used shields to aid her in combat, but tonight she would make an exception.
Her eyes narrowed when a very familiar female approached her. Lifting her chin, she met the blue eyes of the blonde woman, who this time, wasn't being followed by an entourage. Sakura's voice was hard when she spoke, "To what do I owe this displeasure?"
Lady Yamanaka's face darkened at the obvious derision lacing the other woman's voice, "I had to see it with my own eyes... your inevitable disgrace. You have sunk lower than a servant now... not that I'm overly shocked mind you... I'm glad the prince has finally seen you for the trash that you are..."
The pink haired woman really didn't want to bother with the dragon in front of her. Her chin firmed and then her face went completely blank. She wouldn't allow this idiotic female to witness any emotion from her. Her voice was encased in ice as she replied, "My opinion of you as incredible as it may seem... has fallen even lower than before..."
The blonde's nose scrunched angrily, "What did you say? How dare you!"
Sakura met her eyes once again, "You are a pathetic person if you take pleasure solely in the downfalls of others."
Immediately Ino's hand lifted to smack the slender human. Azure eyes widened when her wrist was caught in a bone crushing and unrelenting grip. She was amazed by the sheer strength that lay hidden within the diminutive human woman's hands. She sputtered indignantly, "Release me at once..."
Silently Sakura opened her hand and watched as the woman with flushing cheeks wrenched her arm away as if she'd be scalded, her breaths coming in angry gasps. She threatened the uppity human, "I will make you sorry that you dared to cross me human..."
The pinkette adopted the stoic look that the Uchiha's were so famous for, only raising a sarcastic brow, and watched with relief when the destestable woman finally removed herself from her proximity. Once the woman was out of earshot, she released a sigh of relief. She stiffened however, when a familiar male voice caught her attention not a minute later.
"Long time no see lovely," Lord Kiba's words drew her eyes to the left, "That was quite the little cat fight..."
Sakura's eyes narrowed when he licked his lips, his fangs glinting in the dim candlelight. Kami, help her, she was going to lose her mind before the night was over with. The pink haired female wondered absently if she didn't respond to his idiocy, maybe he would just go away. She had no such luck in fact, if anything, he took her silence as permission to move closer to her. She stiffened noticeably.
"So," he leaned to whisper in her ear, "Would you like to keep me company now that you're free to do so? I've been dying to taste your blood again..." His hand touched her bare shoulder, giving it a small squeeze.
Her eyes immediately went wintry with rage, her voice a low rasp laced with threat, "Don't touch me bastard..."
His finger only moved lower, inches away from the tops of her breasts, running a line over the soft skin. Suddenly she felt the telltale tug on the bond. She was still trying to get used to being so aware of Neji's emotions. When the bond was new she hadn't noticed it so much, but it was later explained to her that the mark Neji had given her had something to do with the emotions she was able to sense now. Something about ancient dragon magic and the recent completion of what was actually a mating mark on her neck. However it was something that was no longer utilized on mates but on personal servants as a way to keep track of their location, because it was so outdated. She still didn't quite understand all of it. She'd come to the conclusion that she would just learn as she went. Her throat tightened when she sensed Neji was growing more livid by the second. Eyes wide as she glanced up, the touch on her skin the furthest thing on her mind for the moment. Green eyes met icy silver from across the room. Her heart plummeted at the look in his eyes. Sakura realized that if she didn't do something quick, that the male touching her might find himself dealing with more than he could handle.
With a swiftness that shocked the lord in front of her, she reached up and grabbed his collar and brought him face level with her. His boyishly handsome features formed into a knowing smirk, "Want to go somewhere we can be alone vixen?"
A yelp of pain left him when the spike of her heel came down digging into his foot, she ground the footwear into the tops of his boot until he cursed. For the first time, the coarse language that came along with having been in the military presented itself to the forefront of her mind. Sakura had always felt above such language, but this male was just asking for it. Bringing her nose mere millimeters away from his she bit out, "Listen mutt..." she ignored his snarl, "Do not touch me ever again..." she paused and shook him to make sure he was paying attention. His eyes were dilated with shock at the suddenly vicious attention from such a tiny female, "If you however wish to continue with irritating me with your ridiculous behavior... I will have no problem ripping off your testicles and shoving them down your throat!" Releasing him with a shove, she watched him stumble back a couple steps, eyeing her warily, "Do we have an understanding?"
Swallowing, somewhat pale-faced the male took several steps back and he began to nod but when he began to realize that he was being pushed around by a scrap of a human female his face became visibly angry. A woman dare speak to him in such a way? A servant no less. He took an aggressive step forward to show her exactly what he thought of her threats. Sakura's fist curled at her side when a smooth, and completely unexpected voice interrupted the two of them, "There you are Haruno..."
Out of all people Sakura might have expected to butt in. The younger Uchiha sibling was definitely not one of them. Sasuke approached the two of them, his arms linked together, he halted next to the two of them. Sakura never thought she'd be so happy in all her life to see this particular male. She swallowed her pride and curtsied as politely as she could manage, her flushed face ducking with the movement, "Good evening my lord. I trust you find yourself well tonight?" Tenten would be proud of her, she thought to herself sourly.
The responding amusement in his eyes was almost more than she could take. He inclined his head politely, the spikes of obsidian tresses bobbing with movement. Then he shocked her further by turning two ice filled onyx orbs on the other lord. There was a blatant threat in them for the other male to stand down, and before she realized what she was doing Sakura's gloved hand went to her throat in reaction. Kami, these male dragons were something else. For a few moments there was hesitation on Lord Kiba's part, but then his ears flattened against his skull, and with a murmured nicety that obviously had no feeling behind it, he strode away, his back stiff with what little pride he had left.
Once the inuyokai was out of hearing range she said to the male with feeling in her voice, "Thank you my lord..."
He rewarded her with a smile of flashing fangs, "Do not get the wrong idea human..." he crossed his arms while raising an aristocratic brow at her in an overbearing manner.
With a sigh at his high-handed remark, she murmured, "Still... I thank you..."
Sasuke was about to turn and leave her, but Naruto approached them with a hearty wave. Sakura watched with amusement as Sasuke grumbled with irritation. The blue eyed male bounded over, his orange and black clothing bouncing with his enthusiastic movement. He looped an around the Uchiha's shoulder, "Hey I seen that. Impressive teme. Too bad you didn't get a chance to bloody your claws..."
"If you don't stop touching me, I might yet find the chance to do so," Sasuke's lip furled into an aggressive snarl.
So much for his dramatic exit, Sakura thought dryly to herself. She smiled at Naruto, somewhat glad for their company, "Good evening Captain. Are you enjoying yourself?"
Naruto eyed her curls dubiously, "I can't believe you let someone do that to you Sakura. And what's up with that gown? It's... so...."
"All I need is a sheperd's crook then I could go gather all my lost sheep," she murmured with no small amount of sarcasm.
"What?" Naruto scratched the back of his head, confused by the offhand reference.
She finally smiled a real smile for the first time that evening, "Don't worry about it. It's a human thing..."
"Oh," the male's grin widened with its normal cheerful vigor, "It's only one night Sakura..."
"How long has this thing been going?" the pink haired female suddenly inquired.
"Over an hour now," Sasuke replied, eyeing her drawn face curiously. Weren't females supposed to like this sort of thing?
Nodding gratefully she announced, "Well I think that's enough torture for one night. I think I'm going to ditch this thing..."
"Come on Sakura. It's not that bad. An hour is nothing," Naruto whined, not wanting her to leave so soon after having found her. She was one of the only females he knew that he could actually have a regular conversation with. Most of the women present made him nervous for some reason or other. The giggling unnerved him.
"I'm sorry gentlemen. If you would excuse me," she inclined her head politely before making her escape as quickly as her heels allowed her. Cutting through the crowd, she ascended the stairs. She knew she'd get a lecture later, but that was something she could handle.
Halfway up the stairs Hanabi caught up to her, "Running away with your tail between your legs servant?"
"Something like that," Sakura spared the younger woman a side glance. What was with everyone tonight? Did she looked like she was in the mood to be tortured tonight?
"You shouldn't be leaving so early you know? It is apart of your duty now to entertain the guests," Hanabi continued, following her steps doggedly.
"Really, that's nice," Sakura mumbled lowly under her breath. When she heard a soft growl behind her, she mentally cursed. She was never going to get used to the super sensitive hearing of the dragons.
Hanabi fell into step beside her as they walked down the corridor, "I still haven't figured it out..."
"What out?" the pink haired woman decided that maybe if she humored her she would go away, even though that plan hadn't seemed to be working tonight, however it was the best one she had.
"What makes you so special?" was the grudging question.
Suddenly Sakura stopped and turned to face the girl, her head tilting to the side, "You've said that before. Maybe if you clarify the question, I could give you an appropriate answer."
The girl crossed her arms, studying the older woman's face. With a soft sigh she said, "You're just a female servant and yet... you've gotten to attend council meetings... and I as a daughter of the king has never been allowed such a privilege."
It was as if a veil of understanding was lifted from Sakura's green eyes. Hanabi was riled up over something she saw as a slight. Sakura blamed it all on the egotistical uppity males. A small, grin touched her face then, "Let me ask you something..." she could see the confusion at her sudden cheerfulness on the other girl's face, "Would you like to listen to old men argue about the price of meat and potatoes for a good solid three hours?"
"No but what has that to do with anything?" Hanabi groused irritably at the strange human.
"Everything because that's all you've ever missed," Sakura smirked at the bristling dragon female, "Have you ever asked your father about attending? You never know until you ask... Anyways all I did, was inform my liege that it was my job to accompany him... and so he took me to one... and I almost regretted it... even though I do consider it my duty..."
"But then why are you going to represent my kin in the arena?" Hanabi changed the subject, her silvery eyes accusing, "You couldn't even beat my cousin in a duel... it should be a champion's job..."
Sakura put a hand on the girl's shoulder over the azure material of her dress, ignoring the dark look the girl sent the pinkette for touching her, "I couldn't agree with you more. Let's just say... the male's decided it... and I don't have a choice in it... so really I'm not special nor is it because I even want to do it."
The pink haired woman was surprised by the look of understanding that adorned the young woman's features, "They always make decisions for us like we can't think for ourselves. I hate it! My sister Hinata stutters and accepts whatever they say, even though I can tell she doesn't want to. I'm educated, I play several instruments, I'm smart. So is Hinata! Why aren't we allowed to decide what we want for ourselves?" Tears were beginning to fill the other girl's eyes. She swiped an arm over her face angrily, "I hate it so much!"
Sakura's eyes softened before she asked softly, "Would you like to have tea with me sometime? I know I'm a servant... but maybe we can talk about this at a better time..."
A slow nod and then, "I'd like that... I just thought that..."
Suddenly multiple screams interrupted the silence. Both of them stiffened at the sound. Hanabi said with wide eyes, "That came from the direction of the guest nursery!"
"Where are the guards?" the pinkette suddenly realized that there was no one stationed in their usual locations in the hall.
"That's odd," Hanabi looked around herself confused.
"Quick there's no time..." Sakura pointed back in the direction of the ball, "Go find the guards..."
Hanabi's eyes widened, "What are you going to do?" her lips firmed when Sakura didn't reply but instead started to run down the hall.
After running three steps down the corridor, Sakura came to the conclusion that trying to run in heels was only going to get her ankle twisted. Kicking the abominations off her feet, she lifted her skirts and continued to dash down the hall. Nearly stumbling she cursed, when the fluffy material almost made her trip. Her breath caught in her throat when she found a couple guards lying dead in a pool of blood. Sakura bent and mumbled an apology as she pulled the sword and dagger off of the deceased guard. Taking the point of the dagger, she quickly made a slit in the material at the height of her knee as she walked further down the corridor following the noises of fear and tore the taffeta away, freeing up her legs so she could actually move. She didn't know what she was going to find in the room across from her, and she'd be damned if she'd be hindered by a stupid dress.
Running through the open white doors following the trail of blood and the frightened cries, her eyes widened at the sight that greeted her. At least a dozen children were cowering in the back of the room, her heart squeezed at the fear in their eyes. The oldest boy stood in front of the others, his arms spread out as if to shield them, his chest rumbling with a low warning growl to the three, what looked to Sakura to be half-giants. How in the hell did they get in here without anyone noticing? She wondered in confusion.
She was going to have to be quick, the three intruders were beginning to lift their large wooden hammers and axes, the one that was probably the leader ordering with a fat finger pointed at the children, "SMASH!"
Taking the hilt of the dagger, Sakura threw it with everything she had, relieved when it struck the half giant on the right in the back of the neck. A pained groan emitted from the large male. He fell to the floor in a dead heap, and there was immediate silence in the room. The two half giants turned to face the intruder. Using their momentary confusion to her advantage, Sakura ran across the room, and placed herself in front of the cowering children, pointing her sword at the two enemies. The shaggy blond haired, blue eyed boy who had taken it upon himself to be the protector of the others snarled at her, "What are you doing woman?"
If the situation hadn't been so serious, Sakura might have laughed at his remark. She ordered tersely, her eyes never leaving the huge lumbering oafs beginning to close in them, "When I move to attack... everyone run for safety."
The response she got was fearful wails from behind her and so mentally she scratched that little plan off the list, taking it all into stride as she planned her next move. The two half giants lunged for her at the same time, and Sakura ducked beneath their hairy arms, their bulky weapons crashing against the white walls causing the children to cry harder. She lunged aiming the sword upwards, the tip sliced through the tender neck of the oaf on the left. She knew if she tried stabbing him in the chest, the hard bone might cause her sword to get caught, which was the last thing she needed. A pained shudder wracked his eight foot frame and she quickly withdrew the sword before he fell to the floor, a pool of blood spilling from the death wound. The nerves of his body gave a couple last twitches. The little girls behind her shrieked and she winced inwardly. If it wasn't a life or death situation, she would have felt guilty for forcing the children to witness something so brutal at such a young, tender age.
The leader had backed away, eyeing the small, dangerous woman with caution. His gray eyes flicked in the direction of the dead bodies of his comrades. Sakura knew that she should at least leave one alive for questioning. She found the male's sudden precaution advantageous, and she used it to her gain. Ducking low under his next lumbering and slow swing, she turned her hilt to the side, and struck him in the temple with all her might, causing him to stagger. The children screamed as he pitched towards them and scattered to the sides watching the proceedings with large, luminous eyes as he used the wall to brace himself.
She heard the sound of mail-clad feet hitting against the hard floor but she didn't turn. Her eyes were hard and intent on her prey. The half giant turned, cursing at her in gibberish as he charged her again. Easily, she side stepped him and struck him in the same spot as before. When he stumbled disoriented, she muttered something about giants and their hard skulls before driving the hilt once more into his unguarded temple. Finally, he collapsed unconscious to her relief. She opened her hand and the crimson stained blade fell from her palm clattering to the ground with a loud clang.
Sakura turned on her heel, her expression hard. She knew he was there, watching her. She could only wonder at the sight she probably made. Her expensive dress had been torn off up to her knees the material jagged and tattered, her pressed curls were bloodstained, and she was barefoot. Sakura heard Neji bark in a cool tone, but she could sense that he was shaken, "Captain, gather these children's mothers, and quietly take the children to them. There is no need to cause panic amongst the guests," and then turning his calm gaze to the remaining two guards, "Both of you, take this intruder to the dungeons for questioning later. Make sure to place him in a reinforced cell. Sakura felt his stare more than saw it, "Haruno... I will question you personally..."
She hardly noticed as the two dragon guards carried out the unconcious half giant as she nodded her head absently in understanding.
Lifting her head, she spotted a pale faced and wide eyed Hinabi staring at her. She gave the girl a feeble smile even though she didn't feel like it. Walking up to the prince, she tilted her chin, her green eyes meeting his, "Forgive me my liege but..."
He eyed her, emotion flickered in his glance but he didn't respond to her waiting for her to speak.
"I regret to inform you that I am never wearing a dress again. It appears that every time I wear one... something happens. It's an ill omen," she knew she was babbling, and that her little announcement was rather ridiculous.
Needless to say, the dragon prince was not amused.
Suddenly there was a couple tugs on the fragments of what was once a skirt, "Hey lady..."
Looking down, she found herself locked in the gaze of the blue eyed boy. Sakura looked around and realized that he had stayed behind. All the other children had followed the guard out to find their mothers.
"You... saved us. I was scared..." He admitted two large tears beginning to brim in his eyes.
Kneeling she put a gentle on his shoulder, her heart turning in her chest for the boy, "It's alright to be afraid sometimes," she then smiled gently, covering her emotions, "A wise and brave warrior once told me... that true courage is when you protect somebody precious to you... no matter how afraid you are," standing she ruffled his hair, ignoring his little growl at being treated like a child, "It was very brave of you to stand up to those bad men."
"Aki!" a feminine voice broke the silence as Ino Yamanaka came skidding into the room, panic in her large eyes. The blonde woman wrapped up the small boy in a tight hug, lifting him bodily off of the floor, "You're alright... What happened?" Ino lifted her head, her eyes widening at the sight of the dead bodies littering the back of the room, still dripping with blood.
"Of course I'm alright," Aki puffed out his chest and then pointed at the human woman, "That lady came in and saved us. I thought those giants were going to eat us..."
Disbelieving azure met turbulent emerald. Sakura watched her swallow and she could tell the words were sticking in the other woman's throat when she grit out hoarsely, "Thank you... for saving my little brother."
"I'm just glad I arrived in time to do something," the pinkette shook her head, and raising a dismissive hand.
Hanabi glanced at the crown prince. Her cheeks were bright with red spots as she announced firmly, "I'm going to go inform father of what has happened. I think... it would be best if everyone was sent home..."
Sakura watched as a muscle jumped in her mate's jaw, "It seems that would be best."
When the girl left, the pinkette realized they were alone. She swallowed thickly and ducked her head, "I best go get cleaned up. If you'll excuse me my liege... I will wait for you.."
His gaze was intense and she could feel his anger rolling beneath the surface of his outwardly cool demeanor. He nodded jerkily but then just as she was about to leave Kakashi arrived on the scene. He eyed the obviously long dead occupants in the room and then took in Sakura's bedraggled appearance releasing a low whistle, "What in the hell happened in here kit?"
Forgetting that she was supposed to be heading to her room and ignoring the glare of the dragon prince, she gestured behind her, "I could ask the same! How in the hell did three half giants... kill two... well trained dragon guards without them realizing that they were coming? I mean... how can you miss..." she pointed at the two eight foot something tall bulky males, "that? It doesn't make sense... And how in the hell did they get into a supposedly well guarded castle in the first place?!"
Sakura realized she was beginning to sound somewhat hysterical. She put a hand to her forehead, ashamed of the whimper that left her throat, "If I didn't arrive when I did... If I didn't leave the ball early... I..." Even if those children were yokai, dragon, and elf, they were still children. And the normally calm warrior, couldn't come to terms with what nearly happened and for what reason. What monster would target innocent children? It was bad enough two guards died for no apparant reason.
Before either male could respond the two Uchiha males along with Naruto arrived on the scene.
Three sets of eyes swept over the room and then the three occupants. Itachi announced coolly, "The king sent me to investigate and report to him. What has happened here?"
She looked away for a moment and gathering a hold of her wits, the pinkette only strode away silently. She didn't want to look anymore. Arriving in her room Sakura halted in the center next to her bed and waited. Sakura knew that Neji would come to speak with her. His pressing need was like a weight on her chest. A good five minutes had passed before she heard him enter his room. When he came through the door that separated their rooms, he wrapped his fingers around her wrist and led her to his room, and then releasing her he padded to his bathroom and started the water in the tub. Coming out of the lavatory he approached her, and it was with gentle fingers, he helped her strip down completely, tossing the torn material aside before tugging the bobby pins that held up her fancy curls. The pinkette for some reason, pinned a nasty glare on the now bedraggled pink bow for some reason needing something to blame this night from hell on.
Sakura murmured, "I thought you were angry with me..." and then, "You shouldn't have followed me ... they might..."
Silver eyes flashed with irritation at her obstinacy, "I sent Captain Naruto and Sasuke to report to my uncle. I informed Itachi and Kakashi that I would question you and get the information they needed," then in a softer voice he added, "I'm not angry at you... but..."
The pinkette lifted concerned green eyes to his, her fingers folding together nervously. It wasn't that she was ashamed of her actions, and she'd do it again in a heartbeat no questions asked, but the way he was eyeing her was making her heart flutter. Sakura smothered a sound of surprise when he lifted her and carried her to the bath. Gently he set her in the tub, uncaring when his sleeves dipped in the water. He shut off the knob and gazed down at her, "But... sometimes that courage of yours frightens me woman. You are forever running headlong into danger..."
"I don't do it purposely," she could hear her own voice rising in volume, but it still sounded hollow in her ears, "I just couldn't leave them like that Neji... I know we're bonded and it poses a danger to..."
He put a finger over her lips to silence her, "I know... I understand but that still doesn't mean it doesn't worry me..."
"I'm sorry," she sighed softly.
"Before I ask you anything concerning the bloody mess that is now the nursery," his lips thinned and his visage darkened, "Tell me why I shouldn't relieve Lord Kiba of his pathetic existence?" Sakura watched as he suddenly flexed his claws, the light glinted off the deadly tips. For some reason it amused her and she laughed softly.
The hot water was doing much to relax her muscles and she leaned back with a sigh. Tonight had really been a really cruddy night for her. It had been one thing on top of another. Sakura turned half lidded eyes to her mate, "And inform me why I shouldn't kill you for making me wear such an utterly ridiculous dress. I don't care if you take a whip to me, I won't wear such a useless garment again..."
"What was wrong with it? It was the epitome of the current fashion," he levelled a look at her.
"It had a bow on the," she pointed at her breasts for emphasis and then promptly turned red when she realized where she had directed his gaze, "Oh never mind..."
"As much as I would like to join you," she saw a flash of fangs as he smiled at her, the hungry glint in his eyes was all too familiar to her now, "I have information to..."
Sakura interrupted him in a halting voice, "There isn't much to tell. I left the party early, because I was irritated by the stupid thing. Hanabi, your cousin, had followed me to speak with me privately... and then we heard screams... I sent her to get the guards... and I went to investigate. I found two dead guards in front of the nursery. I apologize but I borrowed their weapons... and when I entered the room, the children were backed into the corner by three half giants. I proceeded to kill two, and I knocked out the leader so he could be questioned."
"How could you tell he was the leader?" Neji asked curiously.
"He was the only one that seemed like he could even talk. He was the one who ordered 'smash' so..." Sakura shrugged, sending the warm water into ripples, "I assumed he was. I could be wrong though..."
"I see..." his finger went to his chin, "you didn't see nothing else out of the ordinary?"
She shook her head, "No... but I still don't understand... How could the guards not hear them? Or even smell them? From what I've heard, giants are not bothered by little things such as hygiene..."
"Maybe a spell was cast on them to disguise their scent... or perhaps someone else killed the guards so they could get through..." Neji replied thoughtfully, his lips turning into a frown.
"But why target the children? They are not even apart of the royal family. Those were the visiting nobles' children from what I could tell," Sakura shrugged, the whole thing still didn't make much sense to her, "This is the second attack... that happened at a ball..."
"An attempt to simply discredit the royal family," Neji shrugged and his eyes widened startled as Sakura suddenly stood straight up in the bath. He could tell that she was still highly wound up by the whole thing.
"I want the chance to question that giant," she glanced over at her mate, "Now that I think about it... they are very far away from home. Giants hail to the west of the Grasslands... it's just too odd..."
"You will do no such thing," he gave a low warning growl, standing to his feet to meet her at eye level, "Finish your bath. I will speak with you later..."
Sitting down in the tub, Sakura stuck out her tongue at his retreating back, and crossed her arms, listening absently to the slosh of water.
"I know you are eager woman," he said without turning his head to look back at her, "but do not concern yourself. I will help you find a use for your tongue later."
Said appendage slipped back into her mouth, and she snapped her mouth shut. She was tempted to throw her sponge at him but refrained from giving in to the urge. Twin flags of red adorned her cheeks when she realized that his teasing had helped her calm down and he had probably done it purposely to take her mind off of everything. With that thought she set about finished her bath humming off-key. She knew it would make him livid when he realized she disobeyed him purposely, but she would find a way down to the dungeons, and whether he liked it or not, she would speak to that half giant. Sakura forgot for the moment, that even though her mate couldn't read her thoughts, he was quite aware of her emotions.
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A/N: On a side note. I have to tell you guys. I do not hate Ino or Kiba. It's just that... they make such good toys! So the plot thickens. I know some of you probably were hoping Sakura was going to get put into a lovely dress, and bedazzle half of the room, but... I just couldn't resist. Who wants to bet the next time a dance or ball is in the works... Sakura's going to go into hiding? Too bad Neji can track her down easily with or without the mark.