There are not many women with chivalrous spirits matching those of men…"
-Chiyo to Sakura Chapter 279 page 10 of "Naruto"
A/N: Soon everyone this story will be drawing to a close. This is why I'm choosing to update this one over the others. It was fun at first writing three different stories but it easily turned into a bit of a fiasco for my brain. Keeping up with my mental notes was something else and trying to not get confused or crossing over the plot points by mistake. I learned my lesson. (probably not, but we will all pretend that I have) This chapter is for you HarmonyRose. Remember I promised you that this spar would eventually take place. Enjoy.
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 18
"Kick my ass," Sakura told the black haired dragon who arched a brow at her in the rosy early morning light.
"Excuse me?" Itachi tilted his head to the side regarding the strange human female in front of him as she drew her swords.
"You heard me. There isn't really all that much time left until I have to fight Lord Lucied. I need to be able to kill him. He's yokai. I'm human. I realize I'm at a disadvantage. You've been a great teacher, but I'm still not anywhere near your skill. I need you to come at me more seriously. Ruthlessly like I know he will be. I must be prepared... otherwise I will die," the woman explained coolly, her green eyes glinting with barely concealed emotion.
The Uchiha's chin dipped and after a moment he said, "I understand. However, I will do my best not to injure you overly much because you will need to be in top form for this ordeal."
"Thank you," the pink haired female said softly as she moved into position, her swords pointed out.
He blurred and came at her so quickly her eyes barely registered that he was coming at all. She allowed her instincts to come to the forefront as she did in the war. It was one of the things she had learned on the battlefield. She brought her swords up, and crossed them crouching and bending her knees slightly. She already knew that the blow was going to the throw her. When it struck, the sparks and the sliding of metal grated against the sounds of early morning. The power would have shattered the swords in her hands had they not been forged been masters.
Just as she knew she would, her body pitched back, and she made sure to position herself to fall correctly. Rolling, and as she was rising, her eyes caught the glint of metal and she brought a sword up to block the blow coming for her skull. When metal met once more, she felt him literally pushing down on her. A dragon's strength was definitely no joke, she thought as she felt him increase the power behind the push. Wincing, Sakura knew when to cut her losses and sucking in a breath, she quickly rolled to the side and kicked at his ankles. He smirked down on her when such a move did nothing to offset him as her toe connected with her intended target. Itachi's black eyes met hers for what seemed like a minute but was actually only mere seconds.
Sakura decided she was going to have to keep moving, and try allow his strikes only to be glancing, because head on, she was at an extremely severe disadvantage. Experiencing this fight, she realized that even Neji had not come at her truly serious in the Grasslands when she had challenged him. It had probably only been her experience and skill that had kept her from a crushing defeat, even then. She was on the balls of her heels, and dancing around him as swung at her, the tip of his blade whirring past her skin only be mere centimeters. There was no time for her to move him through her katas, and her variations there of, it was only by pure instinct that she moved.
Ducking and swinging, almost blindly at times, he easily met her blow for blow. She bit her lip, this was no good, she was mostly on the defensive. Green eyes widened when he suddenly came at her, zig zagging, and her breath left her body when his shoulder connected with the center of chest her swords flying out of her gloved grasp. Gasping, she felt a hand wrap around her throat as he lifted her bodily off of the ground and slammed her against the wooden wall of the Uchiha weapon's shed. Sakura looked down into bleak, flat black eyes, that were surveying her with a complete, icy and emotionlessness that made her want to shiver beneath their regard.
"So what will you do little girl?" the frigid texture of his voice was an attempt to fill her with fear she realized.
The pink haired female only smiled and remained silent, tongue furling as she tasted the coppery flavor of her own blood in her mouth. She felt his clawed fingertip settle over her throat and rest there for a few moments. She felt the graze of his claw as it carved a small line on her neck drawing the warm crimson liquid to the surface. She could feel it dripping down her neck, but she refused to let herself panic in this situation. Instead, she allowed her eyes to settle on his, keeping all emotion from her visage. He smirked at her, and his face drew in closer to hers, noses nearly touching to taunt her further.
Exactly what she was waiting for. Twisting slightly, his hand loosened just enough, and Sakura brought her head back and hit her forehead against his in a jarring slam that left her feeling dazed. His release on her was immediate and he staggered back clutching his forehead. Her vision swam and her steps faltered but she pushed herself, and with a burst of energy she quickly retrieved the nearest sword. She gazed at his head, noting that she had actually managed to bruise him. Sweat glistened against her skin. She didn't allow him to stand still for long, with a feral war cry she charged him, blade out.
He merely slapped her sword away with his own off setting her balance. Her eyes widened, as his other hand shot out and he back handed her across the face ruthlessly, sending her flying back. Sakura believed she actually spun in the air in a complete three sixty from the force. So much for not breaking any bones, she thought to herself. When she hit the ground, she tried to roll but she hit hard, the jarring causing her to cough. This fight was making her very relieved that she'd never met this male on the battlefield. She thought she heard him utter an apology but she wasn't certain, and then he was on top of her, pinning her down with his body.
"What are you?" she asked him but he merely looked up and away and she realized he was making certain not to touch her inapproapriately.
She felt her neck tingle, the mark began to burn and she felt her mate's sudden blinding rage. She gasped and turned her head to follow the direction of Itachi's eyes, and her own widened when she saw the prince standing on a balcony over looking them. She mumbled, "You're goading him..."
"He is going to have to come to terms with watching you being thrown around and beaten. If the enemy suspects that you may have bonded, he will utilize it to his advantage. Even if it comes down to just groping you to draw a reaction. It is allot to ask of a male dragon as we are not keen to just stand by and watch our females being treated in such a brutal manner," His eyes were still on the cold silvery orbs of the prince's, and Sakura was certain that it was a gaze full of challenge.
Sakura could feel Neji's desire to maim and kill, to render and tear. She gasped beneath the onslaught of the strong emotions. Itachi added in a clinically detached voice, "And you will have to learn not to be distracted by the emotions coming through the bond. Unfortunately it is a lot to ask but you cannot allow yourself to lose focus due to his natural instinct mechanisms kicking in. It might cost you your life. He knows and understands this, and it's the only reason why he is not attacking me this very second..."
"I understand," she responded, and turning her head, she really didn't understand how the bond worked but she attempted to send a warming wave of reassurance.
Immediately his eyes flicked to hers and she continued to do it until she felt him calm. She hadn't realized that she could use the bond this way. There was so much she still needed to learn, she thought bemused. Itachi didn't allow her up, until Neji turned around and walked away. When he moved away from her, Sakura slowly sat up, and realized that once her adrenaline drained that she was a mass of aches and pains. Coughing, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, "Well I definitely got what I asked for."
Wordlessly he reached down and clasped her upper arm and helped her to her feet. She felt his fingers grasp her chin and he lifted her face and looked into her eyes. He murmured, "Bashing your head against an opponants is really not a good idea. It seems you haven't sustained a concussion fortunately."
"You're just sore because I caught you off guard," she returned coolly as he released his hold on her.
"Hn," the corner of his lips twisted with wry amusement at that remark, "I admit that I was not expecting such a move on your part. I will take care to avoid such recklessness in the future."
"You do that," she smirked at him and then went to retrieve her scattered swords. She made a mental not to arm herself further, a dagger on her leg, and her arm hidden beneath her clothing couldn't hurt. Kakashi had taught her that there is no such thing as dirty moves when your fighting for your life. Grasping the dusty hilts in her hand, she pivoted on her heels, her eyes growing as hard as flint, "Again..."
Itachi's eyes widened slightly at the ferocity in her tone, "I don't think that's wise... you should..."
"If I can't deal with this pain while fighting I might as well curl up into a ball and beg for mercy. I cannot be lacking," Sakura met his onyx orbs with sheer resolve.
His head dipped, his eyes shadowing veiling the emotion there for several seconds before lifting his head, "As you wish."
She barely had time to parry because he rushed her just as he murmured the last word. Gritting her teeth she resolved to work on her offensive skills, as she whirled on the balls of her heels with a fierce cry, bringing her blade in down in a wicked slash. It went like this for hours, with short breaks in between to give her time to catch her breath. She'd be damned if she'd seen Itachi winded even once. Every so often she felt her left arm tingle and her grip slacken but she forced the muscles to accept the punishment she was putting them through.
By the time afternoon rolled around, Sakura was amazed she could move at all. As promised Naruto showed up, and not suprisingly with Sasuke in tow. The younger Uchiha sibling remarked after his eyes roamed from the tips of her feet to her blood stained forehead and bangs, "You look like shit..."
She only grimaced in response because she knew it was the truth. Naruto lifted two large checkered cloth packages in his hands, "I brought everyone lunch from the kitchens! You ready for a break?"
Sakura turned her eyes in the blond's direction and she knew despite his cheerful face, he was concerned for her. The pinkette smiled in appreciation, "Thank you. We'll have lunch and then I'll work on kicking your ass in that duel."
He just gave her a feral grin that Sakura was beginning to associate with dragon kin. She sometimes caught it on Kakashi's or Rin's face once in awhile as well. It must be a predator thing, she surmised dryly. They all sat in the afternoon shade to eat. Normally Itachi would opt out and just come back later, but he stuck around to eat with them. She lifted the lid and methodically began to eat all the meat she could, deciding that protein would be better than filling up on the rice. She needed to build up her strength and muscle, even if just a little. She had to grasp for any edge that she could.
She could feel their eyes on her but she didn't look up. Sakura had to concentrate on chewing with a swollen jaw. When she was done, she sat the empty tray down, and rose to her feet. The pinkette lifted her green eyes, "Whenever you are ready captain..."
"So what's it this time? First blood, best two out of three?" Naruto asked her, an easy grin on his face.
"Until one of us can't get up," she went to the ring, ignoring his flabbergasted look.
He followed behind her, "Sakura... that's just too much... you shouldn't..."
Turning her head, her eyes were cold when she met his taken aback azure, "I need someone who will push me... If you cannot... then perhaps Sasuke would like to duel me instead..."
He gaped at her like a fish for several seconds and then shook his head his visage becoming serious, "Alright Sakura I'll do as you ask..."
Wordlessly she unsheathed her blades, her hilts tapping against her legs from the swift movement. Naruto unsheathed his sword, a thick blade that was as wide as his two legs put together and just as long. He was a passionate fighter, who seemed to rely more on instinct and very little on proper footwork, which in its own way made him a dangerous opponent just for the simple fact that you couldn't guess what he would do next. Which was exactly why she had wanted to fight him again, but with him being more serious this time. Breathing she shut her eyes a moment, focused her mind and then opening her eyes prepared for battle.
Sakura could tell by his body posture and face that he was serious. Twisting her wrists she fell into stance, and when he charged and she blocked and parried, she felt her ankles tremble beneath his strength. A groan left her lips as she slid back readying herself in time just for another slash. Sakura learned exactly why he was an elite captain. His cheerfulness though sincere, hid the fact that he was still a very dangerous predator. She had actually thought that he, out of all the dragons she met was most human like. It had been a naive assumption on her part.
From the sidelines the brothers watched the pair go at each other giving no quarter. Sasuke said to his brother, "I don't know how she's staying on her feet... I would never have thought you'd ... be so hard on her, even with the circumstances being what they are."
"Hn," the taller male started, "She requested that I... in her exact words 'kick her ass.' I could not disrespect the serious nature of her demand. She understands better than anyone that she needs to be ready..."
Sasuke winced when Naruto's foot connected with her chest, and she reeled back, her mouth opened in shock as she fell back. He thought she would be down after such a blow from a dragon, but she was back on her feet, his sharp eyes caught the sight of her right ankle wobbling, but it was so slight that it was barely noticeable. The blond dragon was also shocked she was up and in his face within moments. A smirk filtered onto Sasuke's face, "Maybe she has a fighting chance..."
"There is no maybe. It must be a certainty," was Itachi's cryptic reply.
"You're acting like she might die in that battle if she doesn't... it's just a," Sasuke broke off when his brother's black eyes coolly met his and he breathed out slowly, "I see..."
"The best thing that we could do is honor her request and push her forward. She not only fights for victory and honor but also to right wrongs," the onyx eyed dragon explained to his younger sibling, "I have faith that you will grow into the mantle of being the king's champion when your time comes. You can learn much from her..." at Sasuke's startled look at his sibling's admission Itachi continued with a tiny smile tugging on his lips, "Yes she is a woman and our kind does not believe that fighting is a female's place, but if there is something I learned over the years on a battlefield... it is that the true spirit of a warrior knows no sex or race. She has this, and she carries herself with honor. Do not let yourself ever believe that you are just humoring her by dueling her when she requests it."
"I can accept this, however I've never just humored her as you so put it. Maybe the first time we fought, yes, but I'd be an idiot if I didn't learn what I can from her knowledge of battle... She's fought in wars, whereas I haven't. I just would have never believed that I would hear such a thing coming from your mouth," Sasuke arched a brow at his prideful brother, "Your respect is truly difficult to earn."
Itachi didn't respond because there was truth in his younger sibling's words. He merely kept his eyes on the battle between the two combatants. His sharp eyes could see that Sakura was tiring, even though she was doing her best to hide it. In moments he moved between them, hard black scales forming beneath his sleeved arm as he moved with exacting precision, while he also drew his sword. He was between the two of them before either realized he was even there. He'd caught Sakura's sword against his arm and held Naruto's blade against his own. His voice was hard and firm, "Enough."
"But," the pink haired woman wanted to protest.
"I understand your need to push Haruno but it is not good to force yourself too beyond your natural limits. You need to go to the medics office and get some of the strongest salve they have and make sure to take care of your bruises and open wounds. If you do not, your eyes well swell shut, and you will not be able to move out of bed tomorrow. It will set you back too many days," he said the very thing that he knew would cause her to relent.
Her swords lowered and she stepped back, "I understand. Thank you. I should not let my desire cloud my common sense."
Turning she said as she sheathed her swords, "Thank you Captain for taking the time to come this afternoon. Itachi will we be continuing tomorrow?"
"I have business I must attend to," he shook his head in the negative.
Sakura's face fell at this news.
"I will come in the morning if you'd like," Sasuke shocked them all by offering stoically.
Itachi turned his head and met his sibling's eyes. Silent communication seem to pass between them. However Naruto was oblivious to this and he announced not wanting to be left out of the excitement, "I have no pressing duties tomorrow. I could come down here as well if you'd like Sakura."
Sakura shocked all three males when she looped her arms over the shoulders of the two young dragons her chin dipping low as she did so until they could see the crown of her head, "I would like that very much. Thank you."
"Um Sakura," Naruto murmured a tad uneasily.
She lifted her head, "What's the matter?"
"You may want to stop ... err... touching us... before the prince kills us," the blond rubbed the back of his head nervously, his eyes shutting as he did so.
Sure enough she felt the warning tingle in her neck. In slow motion she lifted her head and on the balcony that he had used to come out and check on her before earlier, Neji stood. Even from this distance she could feel the weight of his gaze and knew that his eyes were narrowed. Immediately she removed her hands and took a step back before imitating Naruto's nervous head scratch and smile. Sasuke stiffened and looked between Sakura and the prince several times, his eyes widening. Itachi just looked more amused than anything.
"Wait! Are you?" Sasuke started to ask.
"Bye! See you tomorrow morning," she waved cutting him off and ran in the direction of the entrance. As soon she made her leave, Neji went back inside.
"Don't tell me that they are..." the younger Uchiha blinked his eyes a couple times.
"You just noticed now teme?" Naruto smirked at the other male triumphantly.
"Then that means that," the weight of realization lay heavy on his brain, "she will be our future..." he cupped his chin trying to wrap his mind around it. He had heard like everyone else that she'd become a court courtesan and strangely enough he'd never believed it from the get go, as her temperament was far too prideful and honorable for such behavior. Sasuke had dismissed it as soon as he had heard it. He remembered clearly her threat of castration in regards to that mutt, Lord Kiba. It must have been the cover used so that rumors wouldn't start and the enemies wouldn't know to use it against them. It was no wonder his older brother respected her, to keep such a secret under accusing eyes was admirable certainly.
"Do not speak of your suspicions to anyone. It is a subject that is to remain in secret until after the tournament," Itachi said for Sasuke's benefit but his eyes fell on Naruto as well with a clear warning in them, "If you hear the maids speaking about things in the halls, say whatever you can to change the course of the gossip... even if you have to tell them that she warmed your bed the evening prior..."
Both boys blushed profusely at this announcement and looked at Itachi as if he'd lost his mind.
"Well maybe you shouldn't do that. It is obvious by your reaction that you are both innocent of females... and no one with any intelligence would believe you and you may cause more suspicion by doing so," the older Uchiha smirked in amusement when the embarrassed looks turned into bristling glares.
The two younger dragons continued to glare until he walked away with a dismissive wave in their general direction.
After he was gone Naruto spoke up suddenly, "You know I've just learned something..."
"What is that?" Sasuke asked despite his better judgement.
"Your brother... actually has a sense of humor..." the blue eyed male replied, his eyes wide with stupefied shock at his most current revelation.
The Uchiha simply gave the male a sharp look and responded by smacking the blond in the back of the head.
-o-
Sakura nose wrinkled as she uncapped the salve the doctor had given her. He hadn't been too happy with the state of her body and after a long lecture on the proper care of one's person he'd given her a whole tub of the salve with the instructions to apply liberally. But after getting a whiff of the stuff, the woman wasn't too keen on that idea. Her chin lifted when the door to her room open, her eyes softened when she met her mate's eyes.
He shut the door behind him and strode over to her in short, swift strides, and stared into the purpling skin of her face. Both her eyes were blackening with bruises. She was covered in scrapes and bruises, her jaw was swelling and her forehead had a wound on it that he knew came from the head butt he'd witnessed earlier that day. Sakura had literally taken a beating and the fact that he knew that she most likely had given nearly as good as she got didn't make him feel any better. And all this was because of a stupid duel, she shouldn't even really be participating in.
"Are you alright? Shouldn't you be about on business today..." Sakura interrupted his thought with her soft query.
His nostrils flared when he could smell the scent of the other male dragons on her, and it was starting to drive him crazy. After that display that Itachi had forced him to endure, which he knew had been done purposely for his own good, he had been edgy all day. Sakura's face, when she had looked at him, while bleeding beneath the other male, had sent such a calming reassurance to him. Though it had brought his senses back with clarity, it had also made the desire to go down and to help her worse.
"Neji?" the pinkette reached up and grabbed his sleeve with her hand.
The dragon's voice was short and clipped, "Undress..."
"What?" Sakura eyed him startled by the blunt command.
"You need to bathe your wounds before you put that salve on..." he added when he caught the question in her voice, "I will help you..."
"I don't need..." she started to protest.
The dragon fixed her with a stern look, "I did not recall asking your permission."
Her lips thinned in irritation at his uppity demeanor but stood up and began to do as he said. She'd had given him a piece of her mind if she wasn't already aware of the fact he was saying it out of concern. Once he was satisfied with her compliance, he went to start the bath for her and when he came back in, he sucked in his breath at the purple and green mottling bruises on her pale skin.
Sakura reddened at his piercing appraisal. She knew was he unhappy with all the wounds she had. The woman tried to joke, "You know I was thinking... maybe I should take this salve and stick it under Lord Lucied's nose..."
She never got to finish her corny punchline. Neji's nostrils flared with agitation as he interrupted, "Get in the bath..."
"I'm not three my liege. I understand what needs to be done," she stalked past him or at least she tried to. When her knees wobbled, he just picked her up and carried her in, before setting her in the hot liquid himself.
He removed his shirt and set it aside before grabbing a cloth and with surprising gentleness began to rub it against her skin. Sakura winced at the stinging but she knew she'd better to learn to deal with it. Neji said softly, "I felt your determination all day. You do not need to push yourself so hard..."
Her lips quirked, "I'm afraid I have to disagree. I do."
Neji reached over and grasped her chin gently in callused clawed fingers forcing her to look into his eyes, "I know that you will do your best in the tournament... I expect no less... however," his upper lip curled, "you should know that I will not allow anything to happen to you... and I do not merely mean because of the repercussions of the bond."
"But the treaty..." Sakura gasped, eyeing the stern eyed male.
"Do you think that concerns me?" He raised a brow at her shocked visage, "If the damn snakes want a fight on their hands... then they'll soon be sorry they started one..."
Lowering her head, "I suppose I knew you felt that way and I have no right to ask you not to interfere," and then she lifted her head, her small frame shuddering under the sigh, "But I will do my best... so that won't have to happen. Every day after this will be the same. I will continue to push myself. I apologize if it makes you uneasy, but it is something I have to do..."
His lips thinned, unhappy with her response, but he accepted it for the time being and finished helping her clean her wounds. He handed her towel as she stood to get out and he went to go wait in the room for her, grabbing the canister of salve. When he opened the lid, his eyes nearly rolled back into his head at the sheer strength of the smell. He was starting to see possibilities in Sakura's joke. Once she emerged from the bathroom, he went to her and after dipping a clawed hand in the goop, he helped her apply it in the areas she couldn't quite get to.
Within a few minutes, Sakura could feel the tingling warmth and the pains in her muscles began to subside as it seeped into her skin. Within moments her eyes began to grow heavy. Neji helped her into her bed and covered her, "If you rest and allow the medicines to work into your muscles, you should be able to move decently tomorrow. The doctor gave you some very strong ointment, your bruising shouldn't hurt and the swelling should go down..."
Sakura tried to stifle a yawn but failed, "But it's only mid afternoon... that's..."
Neji brushed aside her pink bangs, before leaning down to kiss her on her lips, "Sleep mate."
In moments she was out like a light.
-o-
It was in a similar fashion that Sakura's month timer began to tick at an alarming speed. Certainly she knew there was twenty four hours in a day, it just didn't feel that way. In hindsight, she wished that her recovery from the poison dagger wound had felt like it had passed in this manner. It was only because she knew she was pressed for time that she felt pressed for time. She sparred with the dragons daily, whomever was available to assist her at that time, with an almost edgy urgency that worried them all. Sakura had also expected an attack on her person within that time frame but it was eerily silent on that front.
It was probable that because she was human, she was not truly considered a threat but only a nuisance that needed to be squashed and brushed from their chosen path of power. It could also because the two Uchiha siblings and the Uzumaki captain kept a very close eye on the female in question, whether she was aware of it or not. Sakura worked at first on building her mass with protein, and though she did feel herself strengthen slightly, she realized that it was a waste of time with her slight build. Every day, before the sun rose, she ran laps around the training yard with weights on her limbs to help her stretch the capacity of her energy.
And each evening, the prince would come to her room to help her bathe and apply the medicines to her body. The salve took away most of the ache and most of the bruising would be only a light pink against her skin, but then she would somehow re-bruise herself in nearly the same location. In what seemed like a blink of an eye three weeks passed her by, and suddenly the castle was thrown in a sudden rush of busy anticipation. The Konoha citizens had known about the tournament as it had been officially, but hadn't cared overly much about it once they learned a human woman was participating, and not a dragon or even an elf. Yet as soon as the king sent in waves of workers to clean up the shut up arena, the local populaces' interest began to pick up. Even if they didn't expect much from the woman, it was something to do. The citizenry found it unfair that Suna was going to have a powerful yokai to represent them, and they were going to be shamed by having a little girl fight in a position where only a true warrior belonged.
The king had suspected that his subjects would react in such a way but there was literally nothing he could do about it. In retaliation for being backed into a proverbial corner by an enemy he refused the request to allow the emperor and his champion to stay in his castle. They would have to find their own lodgings as far as he was concerned, King Hiashi was done being cordial. However he did relent to his nephew's request and had sent an escort with an invitation to the Grassland Chiefs. They had not only agreed to come, but they had also accepted his query about them taking the half-giant still currently in the cells back to their homeland once went to return to their homeland after the tournament finished. At first the servants didn't know how to react to having so many humans in the castle but it was obvious Sakura was happy to see that her kinsman had come to support her.
Neji was displeased to see his mate withdraw as the week began to melt away all too quickly for his tastes. She'd come out of her shell for short intervals when Chief Jiro or one of the other chiefs spoke with her but he could see that even though she was unable to practice her sword skill as hard as she had prior, she was mentally preparing herself for the upcoming battle. It was another one of those times he could see the reason why, she had risen against all odds and had become a high ranking captain in the Grasslands army.
Sakura kept an eye out for Kakashi-sensei or Rin, but neither had returned to the castle, and the pinkette couldn't help but wonder what they were up to during such an important time. She had hoped that the kitsune couple would be there to witness her battle. The young woman was infinitely grateful that the king had refused the Suna royalty the right to stay on the premises. It helped to ease her mind that she wouldn't be forced to come face to face with the horrid snake yokai before the tournament.
The hushed murmurs of the servants grew louder each day. Her patience with them finally came to an end. A group of dragon females were crowded into a shadowy corner and she caught the whispers of, "Human woman... understand why her... prince... pathetic..." and though the young woman normally ignored such drivel she was not in the mood to over look it today. Someday, ancestors willing, she would become the next queen of this land and she be damned if she'd allow the disrespect to continue from this day hence forth. If it only shed a bad light on her, she'd ignore it, but it was a dishonor to her mate and that was something she could no longer turn a blind eye to. She had too long turned her cheek to their insidious and rude whispers. Sakura hated when individuals just didn't come out and say what they wanted to say. It was cowardice pure and simple. Sakura had long figured that the source started at one person, it hadn't taken long to narrow it down who it was but she had chosen to ignore the female and her poisonous words.
The women nearly jumped out of their skins when she approached. Her voice was cool and crisp as she nearly came nose to nose with the suddenly pale faced instigator, "Do you have a problem with me?"
"W...w...what are you talking about?" the green haired female's yellow eyes narrowed on her, her nervousness all too apparent. It was no secret in the palace that though they thought her odd for a woman, she went toe to toe with not only the elite guards but the king's champion on a regular basis.
"I've ignored your idiocy for nine months. I understand all too well my culture is nothing like your own, however speaking ill of another behind their backs is nothing but cowardice. If you got something to say," even though she lifted her chin to meet the female's eyes her posture was relaxed as she turned her eyes to span the other servants, "say it. If you continue to wag your tongues in such a disrespectful manner... thinking to hide your pathetic nature... I will call you out and we will settle it in the practice yard..."
The dragon's eyes flashed with temper at the woman's direct challenge, "If that's the way you want it.. .then," the dragon's pale green braid swished as she tightened her hands into fists, "I just don't understand why you... a pathetic human woman... who is little above the station of a slave... and I won't bother with the fancy title to hide what you really are... a slut with loose morals... no one can understand how you can keep the prince's attention fixated on you. He has not looked at another female since you've arrived... and now you have three other nobles attention as well..."
"So jealousy is your issue. I should have known this to be the source. How pathetic can you get?" Sakura folded her arms against her chest, "You are jealous because I receive attention that you obviously want for yourself. And so... you whisper poison in the halls to get back at me. If you were so concerned about all this... then why didn't you just attempt to change your fate? Those who seek to tear down others to conceal their shallow nature are nothing more than simply a worthless waste of space..."
The other females gasped at the human's coldly delivered words. There was a ruthless edge to her that made them leery of setting her off. However the yellow eyed dragon had no such qualms, "So you say... but this is coming from a worthless slut..."
The pinkette turned her back on the woman, "I see. After the tournament... I will make certain that your position as a servant is eradicated. Do not take this as a threat... because it is not. It is fact. So you best hurry and spew out all the poison that you can... because I will soon put a stop to it."
The rumble that was threatening to become a roar emitted from the woman's chest. Her voice was gravelly with a bestial growl, "How dare you threaten me? You're just a slave... it's obvious you will die in the tournament no matter how good you think you are in battle. You will lose! Did you not learn this when you fought the prince? You," the woman's body was trembling with suppressed anger, "You are a black mark on my country's pride..."
Sakura would have walked away, but the moment the female laid a clawed hand on her shoulder to hinder her movement was stepping over the line. The diminutive pink haired warrior moved and without warning simply punched the other woman in the face. It was brutal but she had decided to make point. It would create more gossip but it would pave the way for her future position. The servant reeled back, her hand going to her nose and gasped when there was blood staining her fingers. The green eyed woman glared at the rest of the cowering females, "Do any of you have anything you wish to say to me as well?"
They all shook their heads in the negative. The pinkette spoke as she strode away, "Do not bother to attempt petty vengeance. I will draw my sword to deal with the next issue that arises between us."
At first she thought there would be whispers following in her wake, but there was nothing but silence. A small formed on her face, the first true one in fact that had adorned her features that week.
From the shadows in the hall Captain Naruto who had been waiting to accompany her to the practice yard emerged to walk in step with the fierce young woman his blue eyes narrowed with amusement, "Don't you think that was a little too harsh Sakura?"
"No. The moment they brought my liege into it," she kept her eyes straight ahead of her, "was the moment it needed to be stopped. I've ignored their wagging tongues for so very long... but the season of tolerance is done."
Naruto shook his head changing the subject, "Three more days Sakura ... Do you feel ready?"
Green eyes flitted to the side to roam over the black clad blond male, "As with any war Naruto," her lips curled into another smile but it lacked the warmth of a true smile, "The hardest part is the waiting..."
-o-
A/N: This chapter was more of a glimpse of just before the battle, I suppose. The next chapter will be the final installment to this fic. It was definitely a fun little ficlet. And also, as for the gossip wenches, you know they are in nearly every friggen book, manga, movie or whatever, and I always feel that they never get what they deserve... like a good punch in the face. So I fulfilled that little fantasy. Regards. Oh yes, read and review~!