Vigil of Sorrows

Chapter 9

"Sleeping Under a Tree"

…..

"We went to Churitsu and met with the Leader," Itachi began. "He informed us that the only way we would be able to return to our own land is to determine and overcome a trial in each Yokusei and Kanashimi." He paused for moment then continued, "and we've come to you in the hope that you might know what the trial here might be."

"There has actually been a recent development."

Sakura was starting to get a little impatient with the people around here not getting to the point. "Yes?"

She sensed Itachi's eyes on her and turned to him with a sweet smile. He merely sighed looked back to Gregor. Sakura smirked before doing the same.

"Well," Gregor continued, "in the largest settlement, due west of here, there has been an outbreak of a strange sickness. Word just reached us via courier this morning."

"Is that the town beside the dock near the border to Kanashimi?" Itachi asked.

"That is the place, yes," Gregor nodded.

"Do you know the symptoms of this illness?" Sakura inquired, her medic instincts kicking in.

"Hmm, not the specifics, unfortunately," he replied. "Just that it came on suddenly and without warning. I also understand that it is highly contagious, claiming nearly the entire population of the town. So far, it has not reached beyond but I suspect it might. It might be an air pathogen of some sort, or perhaps carried from one individual to the next, in which case," he sighed, "the courier may have brought it along with him into every single village he has visited so far."

Sakura thought over this information a moment before stating, "there's not much to go on, but that's a possibility. How long has the town had the disease? And how often does the courier deliver?"

"Overnight, it seems," the man replied gravely. "I don't know if it is fatal or how severe the symptoms might be but the suddenness alarms me as well as the rapidity in which it spreads." He shook his head, "the courier merely delivers as need be. Though lately it has been typical of him to arrive weekly."

That seemed to raise the possibility of it being passed from person to person, or even through the air. They couldn't protect themselves from it if it was airborne, but precautions should be made, in any case, to prevent the spreading of it. "I think you should send out a notice to everyone to remain indoors until further instructions are given. This won't help if it is airborne, but we don't even know if that is how it's spreading."

"Miss Sakura, that would certainly work if these were the sort of people to listen to a suggestion like that. However, as it were, I think accomplishing that order will prove much more difficult than you might expect," Gregor explained.

Sakura nodded. What was with these people? "I see. Then the only thing to do is create a cure, quickly, before it gets worse. To do that, I would actually need to know the symptoms and how to counteract it." Turning to the Uchiha, she asked, "What do you think, Itachi?"

He nodded in response, "I agree. We will probably have to go there ourselves and see what's going on. However, we will have to be cautious ourselves, as we may be exposed to the very thing we are trying to prevent."

Gregor nodded, "that is a fair point. I would suggest staying outside of the city and not partaking of any edible substance while there. It would be a problem if it is airborne but," he shrugged, "one can only hope."

"If it is spreading, "Itachi replied. "Then it is unavoidable that we encounter it at some point. May as well try and stop that from happening at all."

Gregor sighed, "Well, the only help I can offer you is to suggest that you seek out the city marshal, an insensible sort of man but nonetheless knowledgeable of his city. Also, I've heard of a herbologist who resides there, in a shack beside the dock. Perhaps he can offer you some help in identifying the various local plantation, as it may not be the same as what you are used to seeing."

Itachi sighed, "we should leave as soon as possible."

Sakura was about to reply when Gregor suddenly said, concern slightly evident in his voice, "If it's a full day's journey, you could stay here for the night if you like, or you may take me up on my earlier offer to borrow a pair of my finest horses."

After a moment, Itachi shook his head, "again, I thank you for the offer but I would simply prefer to walk."

"Wait a minute," Sakura began loudly, banging her fist on the table, "how far is the walk to the village?"

The other two occupants in the room looked at her. Gregor offered an understanding smile, "A day or so on foot, miss?"

Sakura rose an incredulous brow at Itachi. "We're going to walk a full day on foot?"

Itachi tilted his head, "we'll rest for a couple hours of course but, yes on foot is best. As we are both Shinobi, I expected you to be accustomed to this method of travel, Sakura-san."

The pinkette frowned. "Of course I am but that doesn't mean I jump with excitement at the prospect."

The Uchiha nodded, "there are few who would, I'm sure. However, my declaration stands: Perhaps I will get the chance to train you a little on the way."

'He's going to train me? I've been looking forward to this.' Sakura smiled excitedly, but instantly replaced it with a smirk and a shrug of her shoulders. "Well then, in that case, I suppose it'll be fine."

Itachi nodded then looked back to Gregor. "…are you sure?" the man asked.

"Thank you, yes," Itachi replied, offering him a small smile. "I appreciate the offer."

Gregor sighed and looked to Sakura. "Will you be alright, miss?"

Sakura grinned widely as she placed a hand on her hip. "Hell yeah!"

The Uchiha then directed his smile at her and Gregor nodded.

"Well then, I wish you both a safe journey and hope to see you again soon. Do come by and say goodbye before you leave for your own land."

Itachi nodded to the man, "Thank you. We definitely will. Before we leave however, I believe she has something to ask."

"I do?" Sakura looked at him in confusion.

"Yes, as I recall you were concerned about that stain there."

Sakura followed his gaze to the coffee stain still on her shirt and she pouted. "Yeah, I was. I guess I forgot."

"Hmm…perhaps I might have something that could remove that," Gregor offered. He lifted a finger before standing and rummaging through one of his cabinets. After a short while, he exclaimed triumphantly and turned, holding a jar containing a pale green liquid, "this will do the trick" The man held it out to her Sakura with a grin, "you may use that room behind you to clean that stain off. There is a faucet that you will have to pump, but you can simply wash it out there."

The Shinobi lifted a brow at this before she shrugged and slowly reached out to accept the strange liquid. "How do I use this?"

"Oh!" Gregor responded as he sat back down. "Forgive me, miss." He pointed to the cloth on the table as he demonstrated. "You will pour just a small amount over the stain, rub it into the fabric and let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing. The stain should come out with the formula."

Sakura sighed in relief. "Good. I was beginning to worry that I would instead have this weird green stuff on my shirt."

"I wouldn't do that to you, miss," Gregor said, clearly sincere.

She smiled gratefully at the man, "thank you, Gregor." She pointed to the other door in the room. "You said that room right there?"

He nodded, "I did, indeed."

"Alright, then." Sakura rose from her chair and walked toward the door. "I'll just be a few minutes, Itachi," she added, glancing at him, before opening it and stepping into the adjoining room.

"No worries, Sakura-san," Itachi said as she closed the door behind her.

Sakura looked around the bathroom with a slight frown. It was rather small in size and only had a toilet-like thing, a faucet and a mirror hanging on the wall above it. She sighed before proceeding to grab a piece of cloth beside the faucet and prying the lid off the jar. A strong, putrid scent came from the green liquid and she groaned.

"Ugh! Now I'm gonna smell like this all day." Her frown deepened along with a look of disgust as she remembered she had brought perfume with her. "Thank goodness I think ahead!" The young girl reached for her bag and was shocked only a moment when she realized it wasn't there.

She sighed again and quickly backtracked into the other room. She paused in her journey to the table only for a second, noticing she had interrupted a conversation, but simply continued to reach across Itachi and grab her bag. "Excuse me. I forgot something." She then pulled it towards her and smiled at her companion.

"No need to stop on my account. Carry on."

Itachi responded with a small smile. "What was it you forgot?"

Sakura laughed lightly before staring at him, seriousness in her expression. "My perfume."

"Oh! I apologize, miss," Gregor began, "I forgot to mention how foul that cleanser's scent is."

She waved it away. "That alright. I figured it out on my own."

The man nodded, "glad to hear it."

"Yep," Sakura agreed. She then shifted her eyes between the two of them and smiled. "I'll just go wash this stain off now."

Gregor nodded again while Itachi returned her smile, which made her smile widen. She then turned and hastily reentered the bathroom. Closing the door behind her, she leaned against it and felt her smile continue to widen.

The Shinobi shook her head with a determined look in her eyes. "Okay, first things first: I have to put that rancid green stuff on my shirt. Perfume will be my savior in all this." She then proceeded to pour the liquid onto the cloth and rubbed it onto the stain fiercely. Removing the material and placing it beside the sink, she slid to the floor and attempted to patiently wait for the necessary five minutes.

Her mind instantly drifted to a time when there was actually a line at Ichiraku's and her team was waiting in line, patient as always…except for Naruto.

"How many more people are there?" Naruto asked, jumping up in an attempt to look over the heads of the people ahead of them.

"Twelve," Sasuke replied monotonously.

Sakura smiled at him in admiration. "Sasuke-kun, you're so smart! I bet you didn't even have to count to know that!"

Naruto ceased his jumping and stared at Sasuke, his mouth agape in disbelief. "Twelve? Are you serious, Sasuke?"

Sasuke ignored Sakura's comment and turned to Naruto. "Did it sound like I wasn't, dobe?"

The hyperactive Shinobi narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to challenge me, teme?"

Sakura quickly ran between the two of them before they started anything. "Look, Naruto! The line moved again."

Naruto instantly glanced at the crowd and grinned, forgetting his anger from before, and crossed his arms cockily. "I knew it wouldn't take much longer."

"No you didn't, Naruto!" Sakura growled at him. "You've been complaining this whole time!"

"But Sakura-chan!" Naruto whined.

Sakura raised her fist to punch him, but Sasuke swiftly grabbed the blonde by his collar and dragged him in the direction of the ramen stand.

"Sasuke! Let go! I can walk by myself!"

"Are you coming, Sakura?" Sasuke asked, glancing over his shoulder at her as he released the struggling Naruto on one of the stools.

"Y-yes, Sasuke-kun," Sakura replied with an excited grin.

Sakura sighed happily at the memory."What a wait that was. Right guys?" she asked, though her teammates weren't present. Lowering her emerald eyes to her shirt, she concluded that it had been five minutes and proceeded to push herself off the bathroom floor and pump the faucet until water streamed out of it. She lifted her red top under it and watched in amazement as the stain and cleanser instantly washed off. "Just like Gregor said. I suppose I have to thank him again."

Clasping her hand on the door handle, the pinkette suddenly remembered what she went out there for before. Picking her bag up from the floor, she began rummaging through it until her fingers wrapped around the familiar plastic bottle. Upon its withdrawal, Sakura pulled off the cap before spraying herself with the perfume.

She inhaled the sweet scent in satisfaction. "Oh, my favorite! Thank you, Jasmine Vanilla. Once again, you've saved me," she cooed, replacing the bottle in her bag and zipping it closed once again.

Returning her hand to the door, Sakura grinned and walked out of the bathroom triumphantly. She held up two fingers in the symbol of victory. Glancing down at her fingers, a sly smile appeared before she ventured toward Itachi. The girl lifted the two fingers and poked Itachi on the forehead with a wink. "I'm ready to go."

Itachi blinked in response before relaxing and smiling. "Aa, Sakura-san," he replied with a nod, before tilting his head slightly. "Were you successful?"

Sakura lowered her arm and smirked. "Hell yeah! Mission accomplished, Partner."

"Well then," the Uchiha began before rising to his feet. He turned his attention to Gregor with a nod, "I thank you again, for everything."

Gregor stood and approached Itachi with a hand extended. "A pleasure, as always. Don't forget your promise to say good bye before leaving."

Itachi accepted the hand, "I won't."

The man then turned to Sakura and offered her his hand as well, "and you, miss. I look forward to seeing you again, as well. It was wonderful meeting you."

"Yes, it was wonderful to meet you, too. Thank you, Gregor," Sakura said, accepting his hand as well. She leaned in closer and whispered to where only he could hear her, "and don't worry. I'll make sure Itachi comes back."

Gregor smiled and patted her hand affectionately before releasing it, "I'm counting on you then, Miss Sakura."

Sakura smiled, "Miss Sakura. I like the sound of that."

The man chuckled, "glad to hear it."

She nodded before reaching up and pulling on the Uchiha's sleeve. "Itachi, let's go."

He nodded, "right behind you, Sakura-san."

"Like always." Sakura smirked, "Itachi-kun." She then waved a final goodbye to Gregor with a kind smile and walked out the door. As they started their journey out of the village, Sakura realized something.

The Shinobi snapped her fingers before looking at her partner. "Itachi, I bet this sickness is one of those tasks the Leader said we had to complete."

Itachi nodded, "Aa. I believe so too, Sakura-san."

Sakura grinned proudly. "I knew it. That means after this we're one step closer to going home. Won't it be wonderful being back again?"

"It will," he nodded again.

"The first thing I'm going to do when I get back," she continued, "is give Naruto a big hug. Then I'll congratulate him for saving Gaara."

"I'm sure he will appreciate that," he replied.

"Of course he will. He's Naruto."

Itachi smiled, "Aa, that's true."

Sakura returned the smile. "What about you, Itachi?"

"Hmm," the Uchiha responded. "I will have a cup of jasmine tea."

She laughed and slapped his arm playfully. "That sounds like something you would do. I can just see it now." The pinkette pictured Itachi sitting in a quaint café, sipping his favorite tea, surrounded by people who probably didn't enjoy the simple pleasure as much as he did. "You really love tea, don't you?"

"I do," he nodded. "It's always been my beverage preference."

"That's nice. Knowing what you like over every other drink. What food has that position, if any?"

"Well," Itachi began. "I suppose, that would be a slice of vanilla cake."

Sakura laughed again. "I should've known. I already knew about your sweet tooth, after all."

"Aa, you did," he replied before tilting his head, "how about you, Sakura-san?"

"Ice cream!" she replied immediately. "My favorite is the one served at the Dumpling Café in Konoha."

"Oh?" Itachi smiled, "I used to enjoy that place as well."

Sakura's smile widened, "we have something in common."

Itachi nodded in agreement, "we do." He then sighed, "I've been to quite a few cafes during my travels but," he looked at her, "that place was always my favorite."

"Yeah, it's great," she nodded. "I wish Naruto liked that place too. Maybe then we could've gone there rather than Ichiraku's every time."

"Hmm," he stated. "You have a difficult time convincing your friends to accompany you there?"

"Pretty much," Sakura responded before she tilted her head curiously. She wouldn't call the Uchiha her friend but, "would you like to go with me sometime?"

"Unfortunately, not the place in Konoha," Itachi responded. "However, perhaps we could stop someplace similar." He met her gaze, "so long as they have jasmine tea, any place will do."

Sakura opened her mouth to ask why but quickly shut it as the answer came to her. Of course he wouldn't be able to visit the one in Konoha. Why didn't she notice sooner?

"I'm one of those notorious criminals, Sakura-san."

The Shinobi shifted her gaze ahead, noticing they had walked into a field. It was strange how she could have a casual conversation with him, knowing that he was a criminal. Didn't she say she hated him?

Sakura glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, a slight smile forming. No. No matter how she felt about the Uchiha before, she didn't hate him. He was a fun person to talk to, after all. She was a little disappointed that he couldn't go to that café with her but she guessed he was much more than her. He had said it was his favorite.

She gingerly reached down and grasped Itachi's hand in hers, hoping to comfort him in some way. "That's alright. I think I'll get a jasmine tea as well, Itachi."

He met her gaze and smiled softly before she felt him gently tighten his hold on her hand. A silence ensued between them. Sakura simply observed how right he had been before. Her hand was small, looking especially so within his hold.

Sakura glanced up at him again at the sudden sound of his voice. "It's a date then, Sakura-san."

She recognized he was attempting to lighten the mood and nodded, her smile growing. "Hell yeah. You know, I think it'll be my first."

Itachi laughed softly, "Aa, mine as well."

"I find that hard to believe."

"Why is that?" he asked, tilting his head.

"W-well," Sakura began, dropping her gaze sheepishly. "Isn't it obvious? You've always been a talented Shinobi and it's nice talking with you. You're also…" she paused. "Handsome."

"Hmm," Itachi responded. "Seems as if you really do consider me beautiful. And it's still flattering."

Sakura lifted her eyes meet his, a smile forming. "Didn't I say I would personally make sure it wasn't the last time?"

"You did," Itachi nodded. "I just didn't expect it again so soon."

"Doesn't that make it even better, though? What's the enjoyment in knowing when everything will happen?" she asked.

"It certainly does, Sakura-san," Itachi replied sincerely. "There really isn't any enjoyment in that whatsoever." He sighed before redirecting his gaze to the night sky. "In any case, I was completely honest in what I said before." He glanced to her, "it really would be my first time."

Sakura nodded in agreement, "mine too. Oh, well. It doesn't really make a difference. We can just have some jasmine tea and another delightful conversation. Do you think vanilla cake should be added to that?"

Another smile formed as Itachi nodded, "oh definitely. Perhaps even some ice cream as well."

"Hell yeah! You can't say no to that. Cherry ice cream, without a doubt," Sakura replied excitedly.

"Is that your favorite flavor?" he asked.

"Definitely. It's the best flavor," she stated matter-of-factly.

"I won't argue with you on that account."

Sakura furrowed her brow curiously. "Really? I would've guessed it was jasmine. You seem to like it a lot."

"Ah, but we were speaking of ice cream, in which case I entirely agree with you," Itachi replied. "I do enjoy the jasmine tastes, but generally it's the fragrance I enjoy most. It's soothing."

"Oh, I see. I suppose I can agree to that. It has such a calming fragrance." Tapping her chin thoughtfully with her free hand, she mused, "the sense of smell is the most powerful thing for triggering memories. I think from now on, whenever I smell the scent of jasmine, I'll think of you."

Itachi smiled. "Aa," he again softly tightened his hold over her hand. "I might think of you too."

Once again, it was strange. Here she was, planning a tea date and saying she would think of him whenever she smelled jasmine, with the brother Sasuke wanted to kill. It was almost ironic. How would he react if he saw her now? What would she say? She honestly didn't know, but she didn't really mind either. The Shinobi liked spending time with Itachi.

Sakura was broken from her thoughts by the halting of Itachi's steps. "We should stop here," he said, looking to her.

She glanced around taking in their surroundings. There was a single tree not far from where they stood. Assuming that's where he meant for them stop, she replied, "okay. Come along then, snail." She then proceeded to tighten her grip on his hand and pull him along with her as she ran toward the tree.

The pinkette stopped abruptly once they were under the branches before dropping to the ground, pulling him down with her. Itachi looked to her with a small smile. "You're a rather demanding person, Sakura-san."

Sakura faked a pout. "It was the only way to make you move, Itachi-kun."

He tilted his head. "You could have just asked me."

She smiled and leaned beside him against the tree. "That takes all the fun out of it."

Itachi nodded, "Yes, I suppose it does."

Lifting her eyes to the mesmerizing sky, she was drawn to the thousands of twinkling stars. It was strange that, no matter where you are, stars will always remain unchanged. Whether she was looking up at the sky in Konoha or here, they would be the same. It was a tranquil thought.

Itachi sighed in contentment. "After a few hours of rest, if you'd like, we can begin your training."

Sakura yawned tiredly before she rested her head against his shoulder. "I'm looking forward to it. I've been wondering what type of teacher you are."

"The best kind, Sakura-san."

She smiled, "you sound so sure. I'll just have to confirm it myself. Feel free to use me as a reference in the future."

Itachi laughed softly beneath his breath, "I'll be sure to do that."

The Uchiha then slipped his bag off his shoulder before reaching over in an offer to take hers as well. Sakura hesitantly removed her hand from his and lifted her head. She took the bag off her shoulders and handed it to him. Itachi placed both on the ground beside him on his opposite side before he leaned back against the tree.

"You think about everything, don't you?" she asked, dropping her head onto his shoulder once more.

Itachi looked down at her and shrugged," someone has to, right?" A smile spread across his face and he offered his hand to her.

Sakura accepted it and smiled warmly at him. "You have a pretty smile, Itachi."

"Well," his onyx eyes held her gaze before he continued "you too, Sakura-san."

Sakura shook her head slowly. "No," she replied. "It's not even close compared to yours."

"Sakura-san," he began, "I won't endeavor that argument with you, as it might prove endless."

"You could just agree with me," she suggested playfully. "Or we can just call it a draw, if you would prefer."

He nodded, "a draw, then. Definitely."

Her smile widened, "that's what I thought." She yawned again and snuggled closer to him. "Itachi?"

"Hmm?"

She lifted her eyes to meet his. "I'm glad I got stuck here with you."

Itachi nodded before offering her another smile, "Aa, I don't think I would've preferred it any other way myself."

Sakura completely agreed. If they didn't end up in this strange land, then they probably wouldn't have met. She felt guilty for being grateful that he intercepted them during their rescue of Gaara, but she also had complete faith in Naruto. Honestly, she felt very happy here with Itachi and she wouldn't trade their time together for anything.

"That's good. I wouldn't want to be the only one who felt that way," Sakura replied.

The Uchiha shook his head, "no, that certainly wouldn't be pleasant."

"No," Sakura agreed. "Everything would've turned out differently if that was the case."

"That's true," he replied simply.

Sakura felt her eyelids growing heavy but she forced them to remain open, not wanting to drift off yet. "Is the future really determined by every single thing we do?" she asked drowsily.

She looked up at him and watched as he nodded, his eyes closed. "Aa, I believe it is."

"Then I don't regret anything," she stated. "If I didn't do what I did in the past, then I wouldn't be here. Right now."

Itachi looked down at her silently a moment before he smiled sadly, "I…don't regret anything either."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly in response to his statement. Saying she was surprised would've been an understatement but, she chose not to dwell on it any further. If that's how he felt then she wouldn't say anything about it. Her expression softening once more, she proceeded to smile and gently brush his bangs out of his face. "I'll remember you said that, Itachi."

He nodded, "I hope you do."

She scoffed teasingly, "it's not like I'm forgetful or anything."

"I wasn't implying that," the Uchiha defended. "Merely offering my acceptance of what you said."

Sakura shrugged, "I guess I'll take it."

Itachi nodded, lowering his eyes briefly and smiling before reclosing his eyes. "In any case, get some rest, Sakura-san. You'll most likely need it."

"You're just saying that because you want me to be quiet so you can fall asleep," she countered.

"No," he shook his head. "If that was the case, I would have said it."

She laughed softly. "Oh. Well then, I think I will, but you should get some too."

"No worries," Itachi responded. "I plan to. So long as you," he glanced to her, "keep quiet."

Sakura narrowed her eyes slightly but nodded nonetheless. "I promise not to make a sound."

"Hmm, we'll see."

She nodded and repositioned herself more comfortably before closing her eyes. "Oh, and I'm sorry about before."

"What are you referring to?" Itachi inquired.

The pinkette yawned once more before replying quieting, "being so mean to you and calling you a bastard all the time."

She heard him sigh. "You didn't know. I don't fault you for that at all."

"But that's the point, isn't it? I made an assumption and based everything on that alone. I didn't attempt to know you first," she responded.

Sakura felt him shake his head, "Sakura-san, it wouldn't have done any good. I would not have allowed you to do that before?"

The girl smiled, "it's almost impossible to believe how much that changed in a single day."

He nodded, "Aa, it is." He paused briefly, "Sakura-san?"

She tilted her head up as she opened her eyes. "Yes?"

Itachi opened his eyes and looked down into hers. He smiled and after a moment, leaned slightly closer to her ear, "Sshh."

"Ohhh. I'll be quiet now," Sakura whispered. After thinking it over a moment, she asked, "Can I say one more thing?"

Itachi simply nodded.

Sakura smiled and lowered her head back on his shoulder. When she was comfortable again, she closed her eyes once more. "Good night, Itachi," she whispered.

Hearing a smile in his voice, he said, "goodnight, Sakura-san."