Captured
And suddenly, the nightmares that kept on haunting her were back in cruel reality. Purposing her death the moment it was relived from distant memory
A soft breeze blew the lingering heat off the still air. It was somewhere near afternoon as far as she could recall, being occupied by continuous supply of errands that was nowhere near done since she stepped foot upon the military camp months ago. She couldn't remember a moment like this, where she could just sit back and inhale a deep breath of unreleased exhaustion burdened by responsibility that she had willingly accepted. Other than the radiating heat wave going throughout the country, it was a rather pleasant afternoon.
The sky was cloudless that day, emphasising the summer heat that had limited almost everything in process. Not far from her, Sakura could see some patrol guards sitting by a shady tree, seeking refuge of the unforgiving heat. It had only been a short period of one month since they had resituated the base and Sakura finds this place to be as hot as what the rumours heard before. Though she would never complain as long as she was able to lend a hand to those who needed. Again she was around the camp to treat the wounded victims or soldiers from small riots of the villages not far.
It was located at the crossroads of three countries, Senju, Uchiha and the sand, Suna. The latter played no part in supporting nor opposing both the former countries but maintain a diplomatic relationship mostly with Senju, hence making Suna another dependable alliance. As much as it brings a peace-like security to everyone, none could stay unguarded since the other country, Uchiha was involved as well. Without anyone spelling it out, the attacks that came from Uchiha as a way of trying to breach into Senju in order to provoke yet another war, was enough to confirm Sakura's logic much to her distaste.
She couldn't find a way in her heart to spare the said country as her age matures. There were simply too much of an aftermath for both ways' good and she had witnessed enough lost for the past six months of serving as a camp medic. Much to her chagrin, everything seemed to have worsen as another war takes place. Countless warriors and innocents were sacrificed in its wake, too much to even bear a possible peace in the future. It had seemed that the future was simply too far to be reached despite the efforts the Senjus had put into trying to avoid any possible war. And since that only came from one side of two warring countries, it never worked out.
Judging by Sakura's own eyes, things could be worse if the attack continues frequently. It wears out patience as much as faith in everyone as how they had put it into words during the short meeting yesterday. She hated it but she could tell that the soldiers were itching to play offense, leaving the idea of peaceful defence at the far back of their mind. Of course she couldn't say anything last night and Naruto ended up dismissing the meeting earlier than supposed, probably noticing Sakura's utter discomfort. Not to mention the fact that Naruto himself supported the idea of working out a diplomatic exchange with the said country for the better of both despite being born in the midst of the war like Sakura, a war orphan since he first opened his eyes to the world.
Heaving a long shaky breath, Sakura closed her eyes for a brief moment in an attempt of chasing those unwanted thoughts away even if it worked for a short fleeting moments, she appreciated it nonetheless. At times, she yearned for a quick escape from the place she stands even if her position as a medic meant little to the country's warring system. She's just too exhausted to face all these again.
"Faith," she whispered to herself, casting a longing glance towards a faraway kingdom.
Mind buried back to the memory she still holds dear without much of an effort, the stranger that saved her life and vice versa a few years prior. The fact that he came from the rivalling country. She couldn't spot the hateful reality in him no matter how long she had tried to reason herself. Even for the fact that he could be a top warrior with vengeful skills of killing whomever interfering his way just like back when they had met for the first time and those crimson eyes that were filled with hatred.
Sakura might not know him but she could tell that he might different from her own interpretation of the Uchiha citizen. Might. 'Might' is simply a word too strong to be sure of and Sakura knew the effects of having such a thought. It was as if falling prey for a white lie when the latter is a true murderer only to notice after being hunt down by the latter. And guilt that comes right after.
Having these second thoughts didn't settle well in Sakura and that would be the perfect reason for her to get back to her unending works. With a heavy sigh, she turned her gaze to the opposite way and walked without casting another glance back to whatever she had in mind, wanting to leave the thoughts as they were forever.
"And that marks the last patient for my shift." Sakura noted to herself as the faded white blinds was pulled down.
Her hands were tainted by a mixture of ointments and dried blood. Nothing big or serious, much to her relief. Washing her hands, she scanned the room for any sign of patient needing her help. It was less crowded as days passed but the number is still at a depressing state, a total of thirty patients since a week ago. There were kids too among them and it simply drowns Sakura in a heartfelt way at each state. They were simply too young and innocent to even try to live in situations as bad as this.
She shook her head. Well at least she tried to make a difference to these people by releasing their pain-stress. At times like these, she hoped that the short-lived ceasefire would extend just a little longer for them to heal completely before moving to another temporary haven to shelter their families. Again, she was stuck by the silly idea of hope.
Sakura hated war. But realisation quickly dawns in her that war was inevitable. The blood and sacrifices made in order to defend the country is just a small bargain upon a bigger picture, to conquer the entire land until there is no more. There was no escape to this and she came to understand it now.
"Sakura," her reverie stopped shortly by a gentle tap on her shoulder. It was Naruto and his presence alone aroused a series of questions in her head. "It's late and you should be getting enough rest." Her childhood friend's voice sounded hoarse, both from commanding orders and exhaustion that takes toll on everyone.
She smirked at him. "Says the one whom does the same routine."
The latter walked to the wall and leant against it. "I'm getting restless. It's impossible to sleep when I'm restless." Sakura smiled in acknowledgement at his deadpan statement.
At least there was someone out there whom understands her state of mind. And knowing that the said person is Naruto, she was flooded with relief of being able to speak her truest thoughts right now. Especially when less ears walked around to note discomfort or possible spies. Not that she has been overthinking towards the new faces around, but simply taking a cautious measure.
As the two walked out of the infirmary tent, they were greeted by the sudden coldness of the night breeze, as if suiting the theme of their current conversation and their strained-friendship.
"Do spill your thoughts." Sakura encouraged.
Naruto was a man or words back then, stating almost anything that comes to his mind which draws a tinge of annoyance towards Sakura though it now became the quality that she appreciates most now. She had to admit that they used to be so close that there were no secrets kept between them. As times wears out, more things were sealed away in their deep mind but not without another noticing their attempts, but nothing can be done about it. How two close friends had become estranged as they grow, it all felt like a distant memory now even when their ages are still nothing but young.
Sakura smiled at the thought, how things has changed. How she missed those simple days that were long gone. She felt guilty somehow, knowing that she had hid important things from him now. Even if it was something that almost calls for her life. The encounter that went unknown even by those close to her. Sakura was confused by her own thoughts now. Did she not trust them, her own family, enough to hear her out? Situations change, but feelings rarely fades.
"Things might take a worse turn after this." He noted grimly, earning a stare from Sakura.
The medic somehow noticed things that remained the same amidst of the face-pacing world. Like how Naruto hated war then and judging by the reluctance in his voice, he still feels the same way. Everyone might have mistaken that voice as a command from a respectful leader such as the crown prince himself, but it takes Sakura almost effortlessly to note the discomfort that he tries to bury deep in his heart. And for once, she was glad that they still shared the same thought even after walking through paths that parts from the other without their realisation.
"I know." She tried to steel her voice, as much as her swaying feelings. A forced smile made its way to her lips, catching Naruto's peripheral view causing the latter to be caught in a mixture of emotions.
The Sakura he knew never agreed to his words. Be it true or not, the girl back then would just find her own way to oppose him. At times she would be the one whom inspires him during his weakest and to be able to stand tall for this long, Sakura played a major part in it without the girl realising it. And seeing her broken-state simply takes it by his heart entirely, engulfed by the clouds of emotion in his already loaded mind at the moment. Sakura has carved a rather deep impression in him and it took no stranger to know his feelings towards her, though she insisted that it was just the familial connection they have.
"Hey," he nudged the dazed medic. "Have faith." He offered her his signature grin and was quickly replied by a smaller but genuine smile from Sakura.
The two started to descend downhill to another alleyway linking to a flowing river, the main water supply for the camp. The sound of river gushing was nearing as the two engaged in a light conversation only to make the two stop short at their tracks. There was a commotion. Passing each other a knowing look, they blend in with the tall dark shadows to further investigate the unusual noise that came from the river bank.
"Hurry before the fire spreads!" a voice hollered, shaking Sakura by surprise.
She craned her neck in the dark and made out the said sight, a part of the main tent has been burnt to the ground as the soldiers panicking to and fro the river in an attempt of putting out the fire. Her eyes searched for the general in-charge only to notice the said person missing in action.
'That was strange.' Her brows furrowed instantly as Naruto approaches her from behind.
"No one was around to guide and guard them. What's happening?" the last question sounded heavy with double meanings. This could mean another declaration of war, a planned sabotage.
"At this rate, anyone could breach in the line of defence. And I meant anyone from inside and out." Sakura analysed. Her eyes went wild in search of a possible solution for the pre-disaster they are now facing. "I'll inform the others." She dashed out of the shadows only to be pulled by the arm by Naruto.
"Wait. That will be too dangerous. The enemy might already be-"
"And that is why I need to move out quickly, to warn them about what is to come before it's too late. Naruto, I'm no longer the girl whom yearns for protection nor can I stay in the protection circle of the others. They need me in return, especially at times like this and there is no way I will back out from this battle." Her eyes shone in pure determination that had caused Naruto to naturally let go.
He smiled bitter-sweetly. "But be careful, Sakura." He squeezed her arm in assurance.
"You can count on me." She replied hastily.
And just like that, she left.
Sakura was astounded by her sight the moment she sneaked into her comrades' tents. There was no sign of them waking to the commotion, as if their senses had been blocked by total obliviousness. There was a sudden chill down her spine as the worst case-scenario played in her mind. She almost ran up to each of them to check on their vital signs, trying to assure herself that they are indeed alive to which she heaved a shaky sigh of relief, unshed tears welling her eyes.
"They're alive. They're just asleep." She whispered to herself to calm her nerves, now busying herself checking each and every one. But none bothered to budge even a bit upon her touch.
In a haste, she went to Ino's bed, shaking the girl awake only to fail shortly. Her mind spun in deep thoughts, trying to make sense of the situation amidst of the growing commotion. If they continue to stay unconscious, the next thing will get them all murdered in their sleep and Sakura tries her best to push the dreaded thought away.
Pacing back and forth for a few seconds, a thought popped up. "Drugged."
Sakura went to the bedside counter, inspecting the glasses that littered on each counter. A sharp smell pierced Sakura's sense, clicking another thought in place, confirming her inspection. There are betrayers laying around the camp, playing pretend.
'Ointments.'
She told herself, stating the obvious way to wake them from their unwanted slumber only to remember that she was not equipped with medical supplies at the moment and the infirmary was a good walk away, not enough time to spare for that.
The next thing she rummage through was Ino's bag. Being a fellow medic in-charge, she was always equipped with medical supplies and luckily she found some. She exhaled in short relief.
Rubbing the medical ointment near her head and nose, the blonde stirred. "Hm?" was the only reply she came up, rather groggily.
"Ino, open your eyes. It's an emergency." Sakura shook her by the shoulder in which succeeded in making the girl wide awake.
"What happened?" her voice was still thick with sleep.
"We might be under attack. The tents near the borders are set on fire. Naruto's on the case now and we, on the other hand, need to wake them up." She sensed Ino's confusion over the matter. "All of you are drugged to sleep and the ointment is only enough for you hence we'll need to find another substitution for the medicine which I'm still working on-"
"Sakura, calm down!" Ino burst, standing up and tying her hair in a ponytail. "Nervousness will get you nowhere, so stay calm. You perfectly knew the substitute for it. A simple one, indeed." She smiled and walked over to a pail of cold water.
Only then Sakura's face brightens up. "Cold water." The medic scolded herself internally.
Having cold water splashed in each and every one in their faces, plus the sharp shouts from the two had all up and in full alert-mode. Ino helped Sakura in explaining the current situation to the others and some even had left to aid Naruto. Though only Ino stayed behind when the others had regrouped.
"What's next?" the blonde asked readily.
Sakura peered outside the tent and towards the infirmary. "I'll go and evacuate the injured."
"I'll come with you."
Sakura nodded and the two went straight out of the tent, both not forgetting to retrieve their weapon of choice in hand before hiding it away from the public. When drastic measure calls, they will resist it and give out their best. They might be medic but they too, will post danger to the unlucky crossovers.
Sakura and Ino managed to evacuate all the injured in record time, right before an expected ambush to happen any passing minute. Sakura noted that they were simply lucky that there were a few that had stayed behind to help aiding the group to a better shelter. She rounded from tent to tent in order to ensure that everyone has escaped the soon-to-be battleground, savouring every remnants of medical supplies she spotted. All and every bit of it is needed to cure the patients especially when another wave of battle is approaching.
The camp supplies started to run low, but that was the least of her concern at the moment. As long as they could make it onto the end of whatever storm that is to come, they could bust out a way to overcome the lack of supplies. They must.
Sakura sighed out of frustration and rush. Her hands reached up to her face to brush away the loose fringes of hair as she checked the first-aid kit in the other hand only to meet with the total absence of poison-curing ointments. Her brows furrowed as she stooped underneath the bed in hope of finding those, though failed miserably. It was just a day ago when she had replaced the empty bottles with freshly made ones and it felt as if they had vanished through thin air.
"Sakura? Is everything alright?" Ino entered the tent and walked towards the other girl.
Still dumb-founded, Sakura stood up and dismissed the topic in mind. "Yeah, all fine here. Have you gathered the medical supplies from the other tents?"
"About that, not much left." Sakura turned to the blonde whom looked as confused as herself.
Though the conversation was forced to cut short by a series of loud shouts not far. In a brief moment, the two sprinted out of the tent and trailed the injured, guarding them until they were safe from sight, moving stealthily under the shadows to mask their appearances. Sakura's eyes does not linger upon a place too long, almost skimming through everything they stalked into. To have served alongside the military camp had heightened both her offensive and defensive skills though none are put to a test, yet.
A creeping shadow caught her swift eyes. Sensing that something went amiss, she followed the figure to the burnt-down site.
"All done." The figure approached a masked-man that seemed to be morphed out of the wilderness, too sudden and out of nowhere. "The others are unconscious as well."
The masked-man nodded in approval. Sakura shifted to another spot to gain a better view of the betrayer. And she had to bit her lip in utter distaste the moment she recognised the face as one of the victims of the attack before, falling prey to a rather complicated mix of poison in his system though survived anyway. To think that Sakura spent days and nights to come up with the cure that he now passed to the masked-stranger. A spy without anyone noticing.
"Surrender!" a familiar voice shouted, causing Sakura to take a peek again. It was Neji.
The two strangers flinched at the voice as they started running to which Sakura pursued in the dark, focussing more on the mysterious man rather than the betrayer. The others will find a way to capture and interrogate him later and that is for sure. Right now she needs to make sure of the identity of the man.
Her eyes were fixed behind the man as her feet brought her closer to the said figure, a dagger readied in her hand. The figure threw a few glances towards the girl and raised his hand in the air, waving somehow. Before anything could make sense to Sakura, an arrow dived pass Sakura's leg, injuring it enough to make her fall behind. Rolling in the dirt, her mind spun as fast as her momentum before her head smashed upon a large boulder.
Without seeing her forehead, she could feel the blood already dripping along her hair. Sakura tried to get up only to have her neck pinned down by a long sword, catching her breathless over the fall. There were about six men surrounding her, an ambush and she was alone. It took her endless disasters to remind herself that she does not belong to the woods though she was stubborn enough to go through it one after another. The tip of the sword dig deeper into the skin and Sakura can only wait for the kill to be done. Hers.
"Don't kill her!" The seemingly leader commanded. "There is no order of wanting her dead, hence there is no use of her by then. Too precious to be killed." A sickening laugh fills the air and Sakura forced herself to shut her eyes in pain from the sword-inflicted wound on her legs.
As much as she wanted to demand for one particular question in her mind, the growing pain from the wound spreads almost too quickly for her to cope. Hence shutting away her voice and thoughts, slowly making way to her breath too. In just mere moments, she was gasping for air. Hands clawing over the dirt in an attempt to regain consciousness as well as more air into herself though it worsens.
The conversation that comes later came unheard as her eyes blurred. It felt as if the world is shutting her down in a slow yet painful burden to her senses. And suddenly, the nightmares that kept on haunting her were back in cruel reality. Purposing her death the moment it was relived from distant memory but much worse this time and she would rather surrender to the cause rather than letting herself to fall into the wrong hands, what more of being tortured for information later on.
As her senses came to be useless, the cloudy view before her came to yet another change. The last thing that registers in her mind was a pair of crimson eyes and the strong breeze that followed. Whatever or whoever that might come to her aid, she was sure that it was not her comrades nor enemy.
And with that, she hoped her life to end as her eyes blinked in finality.
A/N : And that marks the end of yet another chapter that I hoped all of you had enjoyed. The idea alone took me longer than supposed, hence I'm making this story a series of one-shots while developing a storyline. Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas about it. ;)
Thanks again for sparing the time to read this story.
-Callester-