Sakura couldn't do anything, she couldn't hear anything. It was as if time has stopped. She could only stare at the light that grows brighter and brighter towards her.
While staring at the lights, her memories suddenly started to come back to her.
"Sakura, honey, you cannot get close to Itachi anymore okay?"
"Sakura! Hold on tight!"
"Someone was sent to assassinate her whole family!"
"Oh my gosh, that is so harsh! Who have they offended?"
"I heard that it is the Uchiha Clan."
"Sakura!" The deep voice which Sakura hated and loved the most called out to her frantically.
She remembered it now. She remembered how her precious family died, and how she has always love Itachi.
Feeling hot tears rolling down her cheek, she slowly close her eyes, waiting for the impact. Why? Sakura couldn't understand how she can still love the person who had murdered her family.
Even now that she might die any moment, she could only think of him. I'm sorry mom, dad. I might have to come and meet you without revenge.
"Sakura! No!" That was the last thing she heard before everything went blank.
Xx
(ps. We are currently travelling in the past so don't get confuse~)
"Mommy, daddy, where are we going?" Sakura poke her head at the front seat to get a better view of what is in front of them.
In front of them was a vast hill and an ocean. Right in between is a huge mansion. Sakura stared in awe as they got closer to the mansion.
"Daddy's boss has some things for daddy to do so he has to come here for work. So let's stay here for a few weeks okay?" Sakura's mother explained slowly.
Feeling satisfied with the answer, Sakura sat back at her backseat and pet the sleeping Vanilla. (in case you forgot, it's the dog. That rhymes!)
They soon arrived at the mansion. Countless of men is black suits came to greet them, which frightened Sakura a little. Out of instincts, she hid behind her mother.
"Fugaku-sama has told me to show you your accommodation. Please follow me." A rather old and strict looking man spoke.
When their eyes met, he narrowed his eyes. "A girl with pink hair? That is not very appropriate." He reached out towards her hair but Sakura got scared, she jumped away and ran off to the other side.
"Sakura honey!" Her mom called out to her but she just kept running with Vanilla in tow.
"Huff, huff…" Sakura tried to catch her breath after running quite a distance. When she has calmed down, she looked around to find herself in the middle of the forest.
"Arf!" Vanilla barked and started running away again. "Vanilla!" Sakura immediately got up and chase after her.
After crawling through countless bushes, Sakura got to an open field that is filled with blooming flowers. "Woah…" Sakura was awestruck by the beautiful scenery.
Vanilla's bark broke her from her trance and she immediately got to where she is. It was then that she found someone lying on the flowers.
Sakura got closer to find a boy sleeping soundly. She noticed that he has long black hair and lashes. She was captivated by his beauty. "Arf!"
"Shh Vanilla!" Sakura whispered and pulled Vanilla into her arms. The boy stirred and Sakura held her breath. When he stopped moving, Sakura's hand unconsciously reached out to his face.
However her hand was stopped by his firm grip which startled Sakura. He opened his onyx eyes and stared at her. "You're so pretty!"
Vanilla barked as if she's agreeing. "Who sent you?" He spoke. Sakura tilted her head to the side to show that she doesn't understand. The boy furrowed his brows and tightened his grip. "Ow!" Sakura winced and tried to pry her hand free.
Vanilla started to growl at him. "I asked who sent you?"
"I-I don't understand…" It was then, Sakura's mom appeared looking relieved. Sakura got her hands free and jumped to hug her mom. "Mommy!"
"Are you hurt?" She look at her worriedly while checking for wounds. She noticed the red marks on her wrist and the boy right behind Sakura.
"Who is this Sakura?" Sakura turn to look at him before turning back with a grin, "My friend!"
"Is that so? Well you have to say goodbye now, let's go Sakura." Sakura's mom picked her up while Sakura waved goodbye to him.
Xx
Sakura woke up to the chirping of birds and the scent of salt. She opened her eyes to find an unfamiliar ceiling. Sakura then got up excitedly after remembering that they are currently near the sea.
She ran down the stairs to find her parents but they were nowhere to be found. After searching around the cabin for a while, she found Vanilla on the sofa.
She then noticed a note on the coffee table: I will be out with daddy for work, I have made breakfast make sure to eat it okay? And don't go towards the forest. Love mommy.
Sakura pout when she know that no one is going to play with her. "I guess it's just you and me Vanilla." After finishing breakfast, she sat near the window with Vanilla cuddling beside while looking out towards the forest.
A wild bunny hopped out of the bush, Vanilla suddenly perks up and jumped out of the window to chase after the bunny. "Vanilla!" Sakura yelled to get her to stop but to no avail.
Jumping out of the window, Sakura started to chase after Vanilla.
"Vanilla!" Sakura walked around looking for her but she soon found herself lost in the forest.
She searched for a long time but she just couldn't find Vanilla. Sakura felt her eyes burning. "Vanilla…" Sakura accidentally tripped on a stone and she felt her tears flowing uncontrollably.
The bush rustled and the same bunny from before jumped out with Vanilla and the dark haired boy in tow. The boy looked surprise before walking to Sakura and picked her up.
"Don't cry..." He squat down to wipe the tears and dirt off of her face. Sakura sniffed and stopped crying before hugging the boy tightly.
Due to the sudden weight, they both fell back onto the grass with Sakura on top of him. Sakura burst out laughing while Itachi laughed softly. Vanilla then started barking which made them look towards her.
Xx
Itachi found himself in an unfamiliar, yet warm and cozy surrounding. "What is your name?" The blond lady, probably the little girl's mom asked.
"Itachi…" He was reluctant to give his name, since he is always the target for kidnapping due to his family's status. And trusting strangers is not a smart thing to do. But something about this family made him wants to trust them.
"Itachi-kun, please take care of our Sakura." She gave him a warm smile and started to fixed him up.
"There you go, good as new." The blond lady helped to clean the wound on his legs before turning to the little girl known as Sakura.
"What did I say about not running around?" The lady tapped on the wound on Sakura's face, gaining a yelp from her. "Sorry…" She apologised meekly.
He was just out to get the bunny that has escaped from their garden. He spotted the bunny and slowly crept forward to catch it but the puppy from yesterday popped out suddenly, scaring the bunny.
Itachi had to chase them both into the forest before finding Sakura who fell over and was crying.
When they heard a bark, a wild boar appeared out of nowhere and started to chase after them. Itachi hurriedly picked Sakura up and started running before tumbling down into a small ravine, injuring themselves in the process.
Itachi had somehow got both of them along with Vanilla back to her house safely, except for a few wounds. They have somehow ended up at her house.
"All done, I should prepare dinner now. Stay here and play alright?" The lady packed up the first aid kit and stood up.
"Mommy, can Itachi-nii stay for dinner?" Sakura asked her mom with puppy eyes. "Will you be able to Itachi-kun?"
"Uh…" Itachi hesitated a little. "I think I should leave soon." After all they are still strangers and he shouldn't let his guard down too much.
"Please stay Itachi-nii!" Sakura cling onto him while looking at him pleadingly. Itachi was a little taken aback by how attached she had became to him.
Maybe, maybe he could enjoy this moment just a little. "Okay…" He agreed to stay for dinner and Sakura jumped to hug him.
After dinner, they had to persuade Sakura to let Itachi go home and he find it cute as to how she was reluctant to let him go. Promising that he will return tomorrow, Sakura agreed and let him go.
That day, Itachi went to bed early praying that tomorrow comes quickly.
The next day, Itachi went back to the cabin to look for Sakura. Knocking on the door, he patiently waited for someone to open the door.
Sakura's mother came out to greet him, "Itachi-kun! Sakura is playing in the forest, you should be able to find her if you go that way." She pointed towards the way to the lake.
After bowing politely, Itachi left in search for Sakura. When he got closer to the lake, he heard her giggles and Vanilla's bark. He picked up his pace, wanting to see her sooner.
Xx
When he finally spotted her pink hair, he heard her scream and Vanilla's bark before it stopped abruptly with a whimper. Holding his breath, he watch the scene unfold before his eyes.
Sakura was being captured by two large man in black mask and clothes. Itachi could only stand there rooted in place, staring as they dragged her away.
Itachi swallowed the lump in his throat and look around to see if he could find any clue as to who they are, but he only found Vanilla lying unmoving on the ground.
Xx
Sakura was shoved roughly into a car, blindfolded and tied by her hands.
"Are you sure she is the one?" A rather hoarse voice said out timidly.
"She is the only kid in the Uchiha compound. Who else would it be?" Another guy spoke out rather annoyingly.
"But isn't the Uchiha eldest a boy with black hair? She is a girl with pink hair…"
"I can see that for myself, I'm not blind you idiot!" He roared loudly, which caused Sakura to flinch a little.
"Stop arguing already would you?" A voice from the diver seat spoke out. "Yes…" Both of them replied simultaneously. It seems like the guy at the driver seat is their leader.
Sakura heard the car engine stopping before she was forcefully dragged out of the car by her arm. "Ow..!" Sakura winced at the strength of the man's grip.
"Don't handle her so roughly. We only brought her here for the money." Their leader hissed. "Let's go little girl." He grabbed onto her arms and pulled her along.
After walking for a little while, they seem to have arrived at their destination. She was made to sit down with both her arms and legs tied. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes.
"You better behave yourself if you don't want to get hurt." the hoarse voice from before warned her. She heard the door clicked and she was left alone.
Xx
"Itachi! Itachi!" Mikoto called out to him frantically while searching around the forest. When she finally found him near the lake, she ran to him and hugged him tightly. "Oh thank god you're safe!"
"Mom… Mom, Sakura she was kidnapped..!" Itachi cried out while holding onto her tightly. "Please save her!"
She lets go of Itachi and looked at him in the face, "Who? Ah! Sakura-chan? Oh dear…" Holding Itachi by his hand, she hurriedly head back towards the mansion.
"Honey!" When Fugaku saw Itachi, he breathe a sigh of relief and hung up the phone.
"What about Sasuke?"
"Sasuke's fine but I think they got Sakura-chan." Mikoto explained the situation to Fugaku. He looked stern once again.
"Does Kizashi and Mebuki knows?"
"I don't think so…" Mikoto eyes Itachi worriedly before looking back at Fugaku.
"They might have mistaken Sakura as an Uchiha." Fugaku pinch the bridge of his nose while sighing. "Fujiwara-san."
The old and strict looking butler came in and bowed politely. "Fugaku-sama, you called?."
"Inform Kizashi and Mebuki of the kidnapping of Sakura and tell them to get here as soon as possible." The butler bowed politely once again before leaving.
"Let's not worry too much Itachi." Mebuki pet his head softly to comfort him.
Itachi sat by his window while looking out into the cloudy sky. He felt useless for not even being able to stop Sakura from being kidnapped. He felt guilty.
There was a soft knock on his door before it slowly opened. "Itachi-kun." Itachi looked towards the door to find Mebuki.
"Mebuki-san… I'm sorry that I couldn't save Sakura." He felt his vision turning blurry and he looked down to not let it show.
"Itachi-kun, it's alright. I'm sure Sakura wouldn't have wanted you to risk your life to save her, knowing that you are being targeted." Mebuki bent down to match his height and petted him on the head.
That was when all the tears he has been holding back all came down at once. "It will be fine."
Xx
"You idiots! You got the wrong kid!" Sakura could hear the commotion just right outside the door. "You had one job!"
The door slammed opened and she felt them coming in. Sakura shrank back in fear. She felt someone approaching before grabbing her chin forcefully. "She could maybe bring us some money."
Sakura could feel his unpleasant hot breath on her face as she shuddered at his previous comment.
"Kabuto-san, the Uchiha has agreed to pay a ransom to get back the kid!" One of the subordinate came rushing into the room while yelling. She felt him moving away from her.
"How many times am I suppose to tell you not to call my name in front of others?" Kabuto hissed at him which made him cower back a little. "S-sorry…"
"But they are willing to pay for this girl?" His tone sounded incredulous. "Is there anything special about her?"
He moved back towards Sakura, "Hmm... Pink hair..?"
After staring at her for a while, he stood up. "Orochimaru-sama should be contacting us soon. Let's go meet him." Sakura was once again left alone.
Xx
Itachi felt restless sitting around, he decided to get out of his room to look for his father. When he got outside of the room, he heard his father speaking. Not quite able to make out what he is saying, he placed his ears nearer to the door.
"…how much are they demanding?" He recognise that as his father's voice.
"They said however much you are willing to pay." That voice sounded like Fujiwara-san.
"Trying to play mind games, that Kabuto." His father's voiced turned a little angry. "Where are they holding her?"
"It's at a small hut deep in the mountains, Fugaku-sama."
Itachi back away from the door and sneaked out of the mansion. He searched the mountains for what seem like ages before he finally found the hut. Sakura!
He slowly approached the hut, making sure that no one sees him. He spotted a small window and peeked into it. To his relief, he spotted the familiar pink.
I have to make sure it is safe to escape. Please be a bit more patient Sakura.
He started to scout around to make sure the kidnapper is not around. The kidnappers were nowhere to be seen, even though it's a little suspicious he has to take the chance.
He got into the hut and quietly got to Sakura. He saw Sakura flinched when she noticed his presence. "Sakura, it's me. Don't be scared, I will get you away alright?"
Sakura relaxed when she heard his voice and Itachi quickly removed her blindfold. He finally saw her beautiful green eyes, shiny from tears. He felt guilty and hurriedly removed the ropes around her hands and legs.
"Can you run?" He asked her gently. She bit her lips and tried to stand up, but her legs doesn't seem like there is any strength left.
He smiled to reassure her, "It's alright, get on." He bent down and turned his back to her, Sakura hesitated. "Come on." He prompt her and she slowly climbed onto his back.
"Good girl, now we will get you away from here. Hold on tightly so you won't fall." He held onto her legs, it felt so thin like it would break. Since he was kidnapped multiple times before, he knew how the kidnappers treat them.
Her frail arms wrapped around his neck tighter as he started to pick up his pace, determine to get her to safety. However, luck isn't always on their side.
"Stop right there!" Itachi looked over to find two of them chasing after them. He scowled at them and carried Sakura deeper into the mountains.
They ran for a while with the captors chasing behind. "Think Itachi… think…" He mumbled while looking around. He spotted a small entrance to the cave and ran towards it.
After getting Sakura into the cave, he gave a last look behind to make sure they still are not chasing before hiding inside.
"Shit, where did they go? Search there!" Itachi and Sakura breathe a sigh of relief when they are out of sight.
"I'm sorry, instead of getting you to safety I think I've brought you even more danger." Itachi laughed nervously.
Sakura shook her head softly and hugged him tightly. "I am happy that you came. I was so scared…" Itachi stroked her head to calm her down, "Sorry… Let's wait a while more before leaving."
They were getting ready to leave when the sky started to rumble. They have no choice but to spend the night at the cave.
It started getting colder and Itachi felt Sakura shivered. He hugged her close to keep her warm, even he himself is feeling cold.
He can only hope that they have realised he was gone and send someone to look for him.
Xx
"-Tachi! Sakura!" Sakura could faintly hear her mom before passing out.
Sakura opened her eyes suddenly. She looked up to find an unfamiliar white ceiling. She then sit up to look at her surrounding to find herself in the hospital.
She remembered almost getting run over by a car, but before she felt the impact, she felt something warm engulf her.
The door opened suddenly and the nurse came in, she seems shocked to see her. "You're awake! I'll get the doctor!" After leaving those words, she left again.
The doctor came in after a while. "Sakura Haruno, do feel any pain?" He immediately shot questions at her after entering. Sakura shook her head.
"You were lucky to survive this incident. You were lucky someone saved you just before the impact…"
Sakura's head only revolved around one person: Itachi. So it's true that we have met before…
"…you will have to stay for a few more days to make sure there is nothing wrong with you to he discharged. Do you have any questions?"
Sakura looked at him, "How long was I out for?"
"For about two weeks." He answered all the while looking at her chart.
When he was finally done, he started speaking again. "Oh and the person who saved you is at the room right beside yours, you can go thank him since his injury is quite serious. There was also someone who kept visiting you, so-"
"Doctor, there is a patient that with a serious head injury that you need to attend to. " The nurse broke in, cutting off the doctor.
"Sorry to bother you and please rest well!" The nurse bowed politely and dragged the doctor away, closing the door behind.
A lot was running through her mind but first she must thank her saviour. She could feel a dull ache on her head and back slowing coming in. After waiting for the pain to subside, she exited her room.
She knocked on the door that the doctor mentioned softly and waited for a reply. "…Come in." She immediately recognised the voice.
She opened the door and her suspicion is confirmed. "Kiba…"
The moment he saw Sakura, he sat up so fast that he hurt his broken arm. "Sakura! You're awake! I'm sorry I didn't open the door, I thought it was that long winded doctor." He tried to get out of bed but Sakura stopped him when he wince in pain.
"You do realise you're seriously injured right?" She put him back in bed and sat on the side of the bed. "You could have died you know."
"I wouldn't mind if it's you..." Kiba looked at her in the eyes seriously. "I…"
"Kiba!" Someone who is loud and yellow barged into the room. He paused when he saw what happened: Kiba's hand was making its way to her cheeks and Sakura looking very troubled.
"What are you doing to Sakura-chan!" He ran towards them and push Kiba's hands away while he pulled Sakura away from Kiba protectively.
"You idiot!" Kiba yelled at him while blushing furiously. "She's hurt and you're pushing and pulling her!"
Naruto looked at Sakura and back at Kiba, "You looked more hurt than her. Are you sick? Do you want me to call the doctor? Your face is re-"
"Shut up you idiot!" And they start their normal bickering again. Sakura looked on with a troubled smile.
Xx
Okay if I don't it end here, I don't know when am I going to end this. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Just a little flashback on her childhood memory.
Now I'm stuck in between Kiba and Itachi, their both charming don't you think so? •/• Ugh why do I have to make life so hard for myself.
Also sorry for the shorter chapter, i will make it up to you guys in the next one since I'm having my break soon!