I just wanted to say first that all my adoration goes out to the people who left both nice and mean Reviews on the last chapter to my Author's Note about all of the negativity I was getting about my story/grammar/etc. Everyone who was honest about their opinions went straight to my heart sweetly and I don't think I could have asked anything more from all of you; even to those who hasn't Reviewed or done anything, thank you to from the deepest pit of my heart. If I could literally thank every individual who took the time to read my message, I would, but...there is too many and I am limited on my time ;w; You know I love you all right?
I was actually surprised I got this one negative PM about my whole message in general, pretty much saying I was being naggy. It doesn't hurt me, but I was glad that at least one person was willing to be totally honest with me. I like that the person was willing to open up with my work about what they didn't like, but it was short. Not wording all of my mistakes, so I was simply alright with that. But! Other then that, everyone was just amazing and I wish I could hug you all. I would seriously dress like a Pikachu and hug you all senseless (I'm such a nut).
Another quick note to a PM that came to my attention of the inspiration I got to make this story. Yes, I have said AngeLhearteD was the one to inspire me to publish this story on ; but I was mostly inspired for the story by the book Red Riding Hood and the amazing shojo manga of Black Bird. To what extent, I have no clue of what, but I am truly pleased with what the story's unfolding. My Oma and Grandma (Oma is my German grandmother and Grandma was born in America) both told me folktale stories and tons of amazing tales that I took to heart even to this day. So, I guess as I think of it, my elders were great into helping to make this story.
REPLIES TO REVIEWS (that need answers from Kitty)-
momoXvolturi- I would like to openly thank you for your upmost honest opinion about the whole situation that I unfortunately brought into the light. Your encouraging words have helped put a smile on my face and I appreciate all that you do as a simple reader just taking time to read my stories nontheless. I know for a fact that I could use improvement in grammar, but I thank you most for your light response of certainty that I'm doing just fine in your eyes. And, if it's okay if I say my opinion, you don't do any unecessary bitching; you simply state your opinion and I grant that as a right in your hands. Your opinion of my reaction to all the negativity was grand to me too. Honestly, I did want to burst a bubble and let Hell loose, but I saw no point in what power I posses -which isn't too much since I'm still in classes for Literaturing Majors- so I took it with too much sugar(?). BUT! I know if I ever need to rant about anything that upsets me, I think you would think the same thing and do what I wouldn't do. So, to tip my hat off in appreciation, I wish you a wonderful day and I hope you will enjoy the chapter!
.Fire- First off, 'cause I haven't noticed it before, your icon is sexy D;~ -lawl, I am so unprofessional- All your questions will, hopefully, be answered in this chapter or the next; but I hope you will still enjoy the story as it continues to go one! Your kind comment has put a smile on my face when I read it with all the smiley faces, so I will give you one too! ;D Wah-la!
Lucia Tsukiyomi-hime- Your kind words of encouragement have made me feel all warm and tingly on the inside ;w; Thank you very much for your sweetness made me giggle. I was happy that you were completely honest with why you are reading my story, and to be honest with you, my kind reader, I am truly honored to have you read it. And your grammar? I think it's just fine, so I will think of you as a hero for being honest with me!
Lady Shizu- ;D... Eh xD I dunno yet -gets smacked with chair-
harusaki-tsukiko- I certainly wish I can give you a big cupcake to show how much I appreciate all that you do for me as a reader ;w; Pretty much with all my stories, I don't think I can thank you enough. Judgemental people are people I am used to, with classes and work, so I wasn't...all too unbelieved by it? (is that even a word?) Thank you so much, dear and I can't believe that you're such a sweetheart to someone like me ;w; And I would have to agree with the flirty-Sasu...not my favorite. Chiyo's character will definitely play an interesting part in the story, so she's plays a character that I hope to confuse readers and get them thinking.
Lady Rini- I thank you so much for your enouraging words of bravery and I hope that I will please you with my writing in the future C; You're sweet and I find that your opinion to send them somewhere hot as a boost to brighten my mood about the whole situation. I wish I can give you a cookie. You're not mean, you're just honest and I thank you for being 'serious' about me not having to stand up for myself.
SasuSakuKawaii- I thank you for admitting my little mistakes of grammar and wording, and that you're willing to take the time to read my note and Reviews that caused me to play such a mindless role. You're being very nice to me nontheless and I don't think I can ask anything more from someone as polite and kind as you. I hope that you will enjoy my future improvement and keep up with the honest Reviews! C;
ImmaPiratte- OwO...That was a very long Review, my dear friend xD I thank you for detailed letter and how nice you are being and honest. To point it out quickly, just so I don't forget, it is not that I don't care if you Followed/Favorited or not, I just simply don't find a goal for people's approval or 'allowing' to be acknowledged by them if they don't want to. Yes, yes ;D I do reply to PMs if they need answers, such as your last one about Sakura's self-concious personality. Any questions you have in regards to the story will be answered before every chapter (since I do not know how to properly reply to Reviews on here, this is my most comfortable way) so I hope that helps you little cloud. I hope you will enjoy this chapter and have a wonderful day.
Culpa- -gives more and moreee- ;A;~! You're too sweet!
Naraku's Phoenix- I'm glad that I got a good author like you to become a regular C: (and, as I am shy to admit this, I have read your stories in my freetime and I adore them to heart). I usually prefer to keep my stories like that, to ease the problems of timeskips or even switches that would bother the reader, in my opinion. I hope your curiosity isn't bothering you ;w;! I would apologize but...I was actually going for that xD And thank you for the kind words about the negtive responses I have been getting, it will keep me up like the other kind Reviews people have given me! I hope you will stay comfortable wherever you are as well, as I already made my igloo in my yard... I love winter! So I shall share my good snow with you.
Anonim(Guest)- Uh-huh...yes, I am aware that I speak too much in my Author's Notes, but I felt like I had my own right to say what I wish before I got into the story. And, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I will not be getting a blog or twitter C: Sorry if my 'damn annoying' things bother you so much. I hope you will enjoy this chapter and have a good day.
Anonymous(Guest)- I am glad that you are enjoying how the plot is moving, and I hope you will be so kind to stick around to see how it will unfold C; I am trying hard for this story to be questionable, but also entertaining the reader's mind with 'what-if' ideas and see how their reactions will play out.
Elsa(Guest)- Hey and welcome to my story! :D I'm happy that you're here. And, to respond to your kind words: Thank you for adding into the readers who actually like my writing ;w; You're too sweet, you know? I hope you won't lose the bookmark and will enjoy the story! (And yes, there is no shame in liking lemons... We all do!) And thank you for wishing me luck for my classes!
To all others that have Reviewed and I didn't reply to them in this message, please take note that I adore everyone who have opened up with their opinions and took the time to say whatever they wished for me to know. I adore all my readers and I hope you all feel the same for my story; as I hope that someday I can somewhat inspire you to try and take on the challenge of making your own story. You're all amazing and, I again, cannot thank you all enough for how much I appreciate every word. AND HOLY SHNIFFLES, 100+ Followers and it's not even that old?! ;w; PUDDING FOR EVERYONE xD
Danke! Viel Glück.
(Thanks a lot! I wish you all luck.)
=xxx=
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Every kiss she had from him tore away her pain.
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Every touch he gave her made her sane.
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She will dance in the night, with the spirits calling her name;
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As the Prince will fight off the Hell she will have to pay.
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Fruit has flesh and Fruit can bleed...
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The Demons' thirst for her Forbidden Flesh will become their need.
Tasting Flesh
Chapter Three
Chiyo walked alongside her little make-shift fence of stone, glaring with the pierce of a knife as she dominated with all the watchful eyes that stared at her in pure hate on the other side. She smirked to herself, the wise old-looking woman did, as her hand easily reached out of her brown cloak, her nails oddly grew in the short time given into claws as she actually stabbed at the air. A electric spark shattered a few foot on either side of her hand, causing shrieks and cries of anger from the black faces of hungry demons lining up against the wall. As Chiyo drew her hand back, she took note of how strong the shield was becoming despite the time that was itching closer and closer on the clock. She hid her hand back into her covers and went back to walking along the fence, ignoring the cries and shrieks that were mute to human ears.
'So thirsty, Priestess..! I need energy for my thirst!'
'He can't keep her... We are dying!'
'I smell her. I smell her blood, Priestess! Bring her here so I may smell her better!'
'My elders are suffering...just a drop, please?'
To make Chiyo inable to lash out with her demonic fury, she swept her claw-like hand against the invisible shield once more to cause troubled creatures to scurry back a few distances, as well as humming a melody to herself that she would hear from a certain someone sing to a little girl whenever she asked for it. The old, gruffy accent of her throat proved somewhat worthless for entertainment, but the softness in her eyes and lips forming to a relaxed pose proved helpful for any crying child. There were no children crying.
Demons outside of the Haruno territory began fighting with one another; whoever deserved Chiyo's attention or who should be in front to yell at her. The usual treatment she would see to her old species to shame everynight before Sakura's birthday. They would just wait there, for Chiyo to come prancing up in her little cloak to scare them off, saying they are not welcomed into Holy territory. This used to be a group job, Chiyo remembered, as Sasori and Chiyo's other child would partake in showing the worthless scum who they are.
Truth be told, Sasori was Chiyo's only child that she gave birth to, centuries upon centuries ago and in a total different world. Her only bloodborn kid before the Haruno family was under attacked by rogue demons and killed off a great number of the clanmembers, including Chiyo's husband. Being heartbroken, Chiyo found no reason to keep her youthful beauty of pink hair, as it wilted into a dark grey and her flawless skin wrinkled to match her aged mind of wisdom. Sasori aged oh-so-slowly to comply to the lack of attention people were giving to Chiyo, a child want for the higher head to soothe and pamper.
And then Chiyo and Sasori found Kizashi, abandoned in a human orphanage and left to wither away and die from neglect.
Pushing away the memories of the little human boy with pastel hair in the rain, Chiyo opened her mouth to exhale a banshee scream at one particular demon that was clawing against the electrical current, ignoring the own self harm they were getting from the deep burns that will hurt for hours on end with no soothing lotion. Chiyo growled out and turned her back onto the stoned wall, hurrying in a inhuman speed to finally touch her home's door. The Haruno Shrine always kept Chiyo at ease with a aurora of what used to linger here in solid form, now memories of spirits that dance blindly infront of Sakura's eyes.
Walking into the dark prayer room, she could just feel the energy of the child that would run around in her little dresses, being chased by the redhead son who adopted Sakura as her little cousin, and running into the arms of the tall, dark and strikingly handsome figure with unruly black locks and coal eyes. She remembered well that those particular eyes would not be soft or comforting unless Sakura was in the room, let alone relax a single muscle unless she smiled. Chiyo sniffed rudely at that memory, finding Sasuke's particular attitude...rather annoying.
It's not that Chiyo didn't want Sasuke around her grandchild. Granted, if you will, she wanted nothing more then for Sasuke to come back and whisk Sakura off her feet like a princess she deserves to be. But alas, when the incident came into form, it has been rather impossible for Chiyo to put trust into anyone. Everytime the sun sets in Konoha's calming town is when the demons lurk out of the forest or homes to come and beg, beg and beg! And, with what happened to the poor human girl and protective savior of hers', Chiyo just can't find the time to take down the barriers properly.
Poor Sakura's mind was blocked and too fragile to take down all at once.
Sensing Sasori and Pakkun upstairs, Chiyo slowly made her way up the stairs and entered the kitchen area where Pakkun sat infront of the stove, his obvious dust of magic enchanting a pot and spoon with what looked like ramen ingredients. Raising a questionable brow, she turned her head to look at her bloodborn son to find him tying a giant red bow around a wrapped present of white wrapping paper.
"What is that, Sasori?" Chiyo asked out of the long period of silence. She has been standing there and wasn't acknowledged in greeting, meaning that Pakkun and Sasori were still against her. She wasn't trying to be the bad guy, she was just...too scared.
"This is Sakura's birthday present for tomorrow," Sasori replied with a soft smile, looking up to his own mother with a hint of sly play into it. "You have...no idea how annoying it was trying to open your bedroom door."
Chiyo bristled. "Why did you go in there?" she asked in a shrieking growl. She was so close to lunging out to Sasori and try to strangle him, but she held herself back.
"To get something that belongs to Sakura, Chiyo," Sasori answered calmly, instantly giving Chiyo the chance to relax when she realized what it was. Seeing how his mother now calmed, he got up from his spot with the gift in his hands. "Will you...be able to take down the barrier in time?"
Silence hit the room; the only noise was the stove gas bursting blue flames under the pot that Pakkun's spell was stirring. Chiyo bit her lip before answering in a very aged tone, as if she was cracking into dust. "I won't be able to take off the whole thing, but...a portion of it will be removable with my power."
"It's better then nothing," Pakkun added in his voice on his own. His words let the two other demons look at his back. "What I hope will happen tomorrow is that those annoying brats out there will hide for a while. They always think he's coming back and yada yada."
Chiyo was keeping her silence now, unable to reply without getting into another arguement with either Pakkun or Sasori. She was sick of fighting now; absolutely tired of it all, and all she wanted now was for the door to open for Sasuke's return and taking all the protection, all the danger that threatens an average demon's life to protect this one girl. It wasn't that Chiyo didn't love Sakura, on the contrary, she adored Sakura like one of her own as she did with Kizashi all those human years ago. She simply took a seat on the kitchen table, taking the idea that Sakura was sleeping now, and the shield surrounding the whole territory that belonged to her and her family, she's finally taking a rest. But, before she would take the rest for the first time in years, she must say one last command for the good of her dear grandchild.
"She must not leave the property after six at night."
=xxx=
Sakura saw a beautiful shade of red. Similar to the pretty flower of a rose, the kind Sakura would grow up adoring in the Yamanaka Flower Shoppe; deep and rich with the warmth of light seeping through the fabric. Then again, Sakura was reminded the color of blood or silked ribbons Ino used to decorate her hair with when they would grow up into liking the idea of 'looking pretty'. She reached to shrinked hands up and out to touch, feeling the smooth cloth that was thick but comfortable. Pulling it away from her face, she was entranced with the beauty of winter in her backyard; she gasped brightly and reached out to touch the falling snowflakes that danced around her.
She was a child once more in her dreams. Memories? She didn't know.
She knew herself being a child would have her bursting with energy, and with that said, she laughed out loud and bound over the deep snow. Being little, snow went up to her mid-thigh, being in the mountains drifted the snow downward to the Haruno Shrine and gave a thoughtful amount to Konoha. She loved snow so much as a kid.
Sakura embraced one of the sleeping cherry blossom trees, hugging it and giggling wildly as she spotted a black figure a distance away. She knew this figure really well, the spikey top and tall, this was her imaginary prince's back she was looking at. He always wore this black cape. He used to have a dark blue colored cape, but this black one suited him...even though she doesn't remember his face.
Being careful to scoop up as much snow as she could, she formed a snowball in her chilling hands. She closed one eye to accurate her distance and how much strength she would need to put into her arm; pulling that hand back, she prepared her launch of her little weapon.
"Cha!" Sakura squealed as she threw the snowball and landed right on his head, splattering frozen water all over his black hair and the hood of his supercape. She twirled herself around and made a break for it for her house, where Chiyo never allowed dripping people into her prayer's clean floor.
Too bad he was standing infront of her in the matter of seconds.
Colliding with the warm body of her imaginary friend, Sakura cried out in a fuss when he scooped her up into his arms. Cold, melting snow from his hair was dripping onto her face as he growled playfully and nuzzled her face to share the remains of her snowball; making her giggle and hug his head with her little arms, she snuggled her head against his. His black hair was sooo soft and chilled, it felt nice against her flushed face. She felt a gust of wind as he dropped to his rear onto the snow, settling them both on the ground before the tickling fight began.
"Stop it!" Sakura squealed happily as his long fingers tortured her skinny belly, tickles in all her weakspots as she rolled in her red jacket, trying so hard to get away from them. He held her there, pinning her against him until she tried to tickle him back. Needless to say, he didn't have a tickle spot for her to find. She pouted when he finally stopped his attacks and sat her up, leaving his firm body and in the open air like a prey to the snow. She looked down at her boots shyly and began swishing her hips with no more words to say.
After a moment, his bare, large hand cupped her right cheek and he kissed her other, causing her to giggle again and smile. She looped her hands to the back of his neck and allowed him to pick her up again, cuddling to his warm chest as he began walking towards the warm house, where Chiyo would always have hot chocolate ready for her in the kitchen.
"Hn, my hair is all messy now, Sakura," he muttered in a fake displeasure. She knew he could never get mad at her for anything. "Just look at it, I look so foolish now."
Sakura pulled her head away from his shoulder to look at-
Opening her eyes, Sakura encountered a wet, cold nose of a little dog against her cheek. Groaning, Sakura looked over to see Sasori shoving Pakkun's wrinkled face into hers, making cooing noises until Sakura growled back at him.
"Goodmorning, beautiful lady," Sasori chuckled teasingly, pulling Pakkun away from her rising form. "Happy birthday, Sakura!" He held out the boxed present wrapped in white wrapping paper and red ribbon under Sakura's nose. He smiled at her reaction when she rubbed her eyes tiredly at it.
"Isn't it early for presents, Nii-chan?" Sakura asked in a simple yawn before taking the present into her little hands. She set it on her lap and rubbed Pakkun's ears generously, since he had this pissed-off look on him.
"Nah, it is never too early for presents on a special girl's eighteenth birthday," Sasori purred in a mocking tone. "Say, you were sure sleeping like the dead there when I walked in. What were you dreaming about?" Sasori took the time when Sakura was yawning to glance at Pakkun, who didn't bother to meet his gaze.
"I don't remember, honestly," Sakura answered in a soft voice. Her fingers lightly touched the ribbon ontop of the neatly wrapped gift, minding how perfect it looked on the outside. "Nii-chan, should I open this now or later?"
Sasori's tradition with birthdays for Sakura was that he chosed the time when she can open them, each gift had to go with some kind of situation with her and it would make it...better. "Later, I haven't decided when exactly, but don't you dare remove that pretty ribbon until I say so. Okay?"
Sakura nodded in understanding. "Okay, Nii-sama. Is breakfast ready? I don't want to be late meeting Ino either."
"You won't be late to see me, cutiepants!" a familiar voice of a certain blonde girl called from the doorway. Sakura bolted out of her futon bed to see Ino primped and perfect; wearing a baby-blue babydoll shirt and white shorts that was stitched in black thread. She had her long hair up in the usual high ponytail and her makeup was softer then usual.
Sakura glomped her best friend and cuddled her. "What are you doing here at this time, Ino-chan?" she cried out in a laugh as Ino kissed her cheek. "You're usually aren't up until a half hour, or something!"
"Now, I can't miss my baby's eighteenth birthday, can I? I got up before the sun and bust my butt over here to see you with bedhead for the first time ever!" Ino let go of Sakura's skinny body and twirled around, taking a few steps back to examine her friend's pajama attire. "Bubblebath and rubber duckies? Unruly hair and some drool stain on your chin?" Ino bit a laugh when Sakura checked to find no spittle on her face and got a glare in return. "This shall go into the history books!"
"Pig!" Sakura cried out when Ino dashed down the hall. Sasori stood up with Pakkun in his arms, walking past the pink haired girl again as she yawned.
"Be down in a few before Ino eats all the good stuff," Sasori mentioned in a secret before following the singing blonde to the kitchen.
Sighing softly to herself, Sakura rentered her bedroom and opened her drawer that was filled with her good weather dresses. Picking carefully, she slipped out her violet colored sundress with silver stitching of lines on the skirt's rim. She dressed quickly and brushed her hair roughly before hurring downstairs to find Ino scarfing down eggs with ham bits and toast all at the same time; having no shame in her eating habits by using the fork and knife while Chiyo elegantly nibbled her food by picking them up with chopsticks and watched Ino as if she was a pest.
Sakura smiled. 'It's my birthday... It will be a good day.'
Breakfast was all of her favorites: Eggs with ham bits, sweet dumplings, pomergrante-grape juice, bacon and sweet buns. It was all delicious and homemade, which was amazing to Sakura that Chiyo and Sasori found the time to make it all before she woke up at her usual time; less then said, Sakura kissed Chiyo's wrinkled cheek before being hauled out by Ino and her monsterous strength. She only had the moment to pat Pakkun on the head before leaving the shrinehouse, then was running with her best friend off the property and on the dirt trail to Konoha, where everyone seemed more...lively then usual.
People were walking up to Sakura and wishing her a happy birthday, some she didn't know they were aware of her birthdate, but she guess that Ino had something to do with it. Inoichi, Ino's father, prepared a headpiece of twigs and flowers of cherryblossoms and little daisies and gently put it ontop of Sakura's soft hair. He wished her a wonderful day with Ino at the shopping stores, causing Sakura to stiffen.
"You're not going to school?" Sakura asked flatly, turning her decorated head to glance at the not-so-innocent girl. "Why are we going shopping, ne?"
Pulling the scolding birthday girl away from her father, Ino discussed her plan into Sakura's little ear so people won't overhear. "We're shopping for your dress for the party tonight. I want to find you the perfect dress for the bonfire that will make men turn their heads! It has to fit you becoming an adult and ready to be out in the world; for too long has my little baby been kept in the dark, so I, Yamanaka Ino, will take the liberty of getting you ready!"
"But you're missing schoo-"
"Daddy is alright with it, so shut up."
The store that Sakura ever shopped at was a little dress store that was next to the bookstore that she would waste all her freetime in reading fairytale stories for the hundredth time. Ino knew that the other stores wouldn't have anything that would fit Sakura's figure appropriately, and she was alright with that; dragging her into the dress store was simple enough...
The trick was trying to get her into the dress Ino reserved with the store's owner.
The dress was a pretty color, no doubt, going to the length of above her knees and the color of a deep red. Close enough to the color of blood, now that Sakura thought about it, it reminded her of something but she didn't know what; the fluid swish of the the skirt was enchanting and seductive. The waist was decorated in black ribbons to mock the style of a corest, yet it would hold no purpose into forcing curves on Sakura's already slimmed waist, the top was strapped in a thin hold, frilly hold for her small chest, but it would cover pretty much everything.
It was showing way too much for Sakura.
Backing against the dressing stall's wall, Sakura shook her head constantly as Ino made the puppy eyes. "No, no, no! It's pretty, but nooo! I can't wear something like that to a bonfire in the middle of the forest with other teenagers!"
"Sakura," Ino sighed sorrowly, "you're way too pure for your own good. Every little thing that seems out of your character of a well-to-do-shy shrine maiden. Have you ever wanted to...wanted to put down your barriers?"
Barriers...
When Sakura's face spaced out for a moment, Ino took the chance to reach her pretty hand out and touch a lock of Sakura's pink hair; her fingertips smoothed against the silky strands as her baby-blue pupils slowly vanished. A comforting smile lingered on her face as Sakura sighed tiredly.
"Your barriers are too thick, Saku-chan," Ino whispered gently, her fingers graced up to touch her friend's soft cheek. "For too long you haven't been your original self... Don't you miss being adventurous and daring?"
Her mind was clear, yet her voice was slurring. "Yeah... When was I like that?"
"I think it has been a long time, Saku-chan," Ino pouted lightly. "So tonight, with all I can do without Chiyo skinning me alive, I want to try and take them down a little bit. Just a little so I wouldn't hurt your poor little head, but you know." Ino shrugged and placed the dress into Sakura's hands, making the pink haired girl snap out of the thoughts she was having. "Try this on and show it to me out there, okay? You have three minutes!" Leaving Sakura to start undressing, Ino closed the curtain and put her back to it, looking out the shop's window to see some people walk by.
Some walked by without a glance, but some did not. Dark, lingering figures of dirty people with lack of cleansing slowed their pace down to stare into the store; targeting the changing stall what Ino was standing guard by, crossing her arms over her busty chest as she glared violently back at the watchful eyes. She knew they wouldn't dare to come into the store, not with Ino around, but she knew that they will continue to watch from a distance for the rest of the day until she did something out-of-the-ordinary.
'If only Daddy would put up that freakin' shield around town before sunrise,' Ino huffed through her nose. 'But I suppose it was good to use most of it behind the monument heads... Whatever!' Ino bared her pure white teeth at the window, which now had five people standing infront of it and staring blankly inside, their jaws lightly open as their hot breath steaming the glass. They jerked back at the face she made, but they didn't go away like she wanted them to. That's fine, she can always chase them with her heels later when Sakura needed to use the little girl's room...
"Ino-chan, how does this look?" an adorable voice that Ino grew to adore caught her attention. She twirled around to see Sakura pulling off the outfit like it was made for her; motioning her hands to command her to give a pose or a twirl, which the birthday girl complied shyly.
"You look like a princess in a cupcake costume!" Ino smiled warmly, getting Sakura to scowl with a blush. "Aweh, don't make that face, baby. You look so perfect, you know that? I wish I looked like you."
Sakura blinked. "Like m-me?" she stuttered lightly, her fingers starting to fidget with the rim of the skirt of the dress. She puffed her red cheeks and glanced away from looking at her. "Shut up, Ino-chan..."
"Oi, looky here," Ino purred with a cat-like smile. She wrapped her arm around Sakura's soft shoulders and faced her to the window, where the male watchers flushed in fear and scurried away. "See those guys? They were watching you in that dress. See Saku-chan, you are very pretty and I wish I had the looks the boys fall for."
Sakura blushed lightly and looked at her sandaled feet. "Sure..."
"It's just too bad you're taken by your imaginary hottie," Ino said simply with a shrug. When she saw Sakura's face beat red, she giggled and apologized. "Besides, what are you going to name him anyway? Every imaginary boyfriend deserve some kind of name, ne?"
"I guess I gave him a name a long time ago...but I forgot it long ago," Sakura mumbled blankly. She looked into the full-mirror to examine herself carefully. She would admit that this was a nice change to her figure, hiding her arms and legs for the longest time with long and warm dresses to hide all her exposed skin. But this...seemed right.
"Sakura-chan? You okay, pretty lady?" Ino purred when she totally spaced out in her new look. She was happy that Sakura was liking it, even though she's not showing it right now. She'll thank her later about it for sure. When Sakura didn't respond quickly enough, Ino took the moment again to guide Sakura out of the store, causing the small crowd to disperse in a jolt of running and scampering down the street; since Ino already paid for the dress and Sakura's previous dress in her bag, she went on to take Sakura out for a day in the town...
Minus some of the people who followed Sakura and Ino from a distance.
=xxx=
Sakura was spoiled by Ino on the expense of Inoichi's credit card. Going to the fancy cafe and pigging out on sweets of chocolate sundaes and cakes; then going to the bookstore where Ino picked out a new book (wrapped on behalf of the bookstore of course, knowing their best costumer's birthday) and was told to open it before going to bed on a rainy night, which bothered Sakura because she wanted to read it now. Afterwards, Sakura got her hair done by Ino and Chi, Ino's mother, wrapped her long hair into a braid, fixing in the flowercrown Inoichi took the time to make more little perrywinkle flowers into her locks. Sakura was practically glowing in spring colors and scents, she could literally smell all the flowers around her head.
Holding her wrapped book and holding Ino's hand as they walked with smiles on their faces; it was only five-thirty by the time Sakura was to head home for a family dinner with Sasori and Chiyo. Ino and Sakura shared gossip from the high school's recent goddies of who-is-dating-who and what sports games were coming into season, simple things like that Sakura would wish could last longer then a limit of a curfew.
"Now remember," Ino whispered to Sakura's little ear once they crossed the stoned fence that surrounded the property of Sakura's home, "the signal will be given to you when I think it's safe for you to sneak out, so you will need to keep your bedroom window open."
"What's the signal? You never told it to me," Sakura asked softly as she glanced at her dear friend.
"You'll know, trust me," Ino winked casually. "Then, once the signal has been aware to you, sneak out of your bedroom and hightail it to the prayer room! I'll be waiting in the front door."
"You're making this sound so much easier then it actually is, Ino-chan," Sakura grumbled. "Chiyo-baachan would nail me down if she caught me."
"And the magic word for today, children, is 'if'! Ding, ding, ding! Chiyo-sama wouldn't be catching you tonight," Ino announced. "She will be on break as of March twenty-eighth of this year. You would be able to sneak out from Chiyo's wrinkly hands."
"Mn..." Sakura didn't seem so convinced.
Looking at the Haruno Shrine, Sakura looked up to the lighted windows of the second and third floor. She worked her head as hard as she could to think back as far as her mind could; to when she lost her last baby tooth and Sasori ruined the Tooth Fairy myth, when she went swimming in the lake in the small woods of the backyard and caught a fish in her bucket, and to the point when she woke up from a very bad illness that made her sleep for the longest time...
Anything before that was just a blur.
"So, I suppose I'll be seeing you later?" Sakura guessed lazily as she let go of Ino's cozy hold, looking at her somewhat tiredly. "I don't know what kind of confidence book you've been reading, but we will see each other soon..."
"Until we meet again, my love!" Ino squealed as she tip-toed away and blew a simple kiss with her pretty hand; twirling away as she sang a lovesong that was playing in the store a while ago, leaving Sakura to giggle lightly and shake her head before entering the prayer room.
Pakkun, as he always has done, waiting patiently on the red and gold rug that is set before the prayer-well, looking at her with those big eyes and wrinkled face. His long tongue was hanging out in greeting as she smiled down at him and pet his head before standing straight with confidence of her own.
"Look at this new dress, Pakkun," Sakura said as she lightly gripped the skirt of the dress and twirled around. She twirled her skirt perfectly and held onto her braided hair to make sure the flowers wouldn't fall out. "Ino bought this for me. Don't I look pretty?"
A grunt was the answer as she picked up the dog with her free arm and began to carry him to the second floor. "I know I look very different, but I will always pet your ears like I do everyday, would you prefer that, Pakkun? I promise I won't wear make-up, though...I just can't do that." Pakkun just hang there like a good dog when they entered the dining-kitchen room, startling both Sasori and Chiyo with her change of attire and bright smile.
"Hubba hubba, where did my baby cousin go?" Sasori laughed and clapped. He got up from his seat and hugged Sakura before taking the grunting dog. "You look really pretty, Sakura. Did Ino really buy that for you?"
"With Uncle Inoichi's card," Sakura whimpered sadly. "But! She got me this book that I'm suppose to read on a rainy day... I'm not sure if I have the patience for that though, it's been a dry spring, ne?"
Sasori shrugged and turned his heels. "We'll see. It's time for dinner!"
Sakura smiled to herself and followed Sasori to the traditional Japanese table, sitting down with the wrapped book on her lap as she clapped her hands together alongside with him in a prayer as Chiyo silently came around the table to serve the bowls of steaming ramen. The sight of the perfectly done bowls of ramen with ham slices and eggs caused Sakur's eyes to widen and gasp lightly.
"You guys made this today? That's amazing!" Sakura laughed wholeheartedly. She glanced up to Chiyo with a bright smile to share with everyone. "Thank you, Grandmother. This has been a wonderful birthday."
"Um..." Chiyo agreed with a blank nod. She set her own bowl down and carefully walked over to the desk by the window. She carefully picked up a wrapped present in blue and held it up as a presentation for show. "I want you to open this tomorrow, alright? It is going to come in handy; I'll put it in your bedroom." Chiyo then waddled out of the kitchen to deliver the package to Sakura's bedroom.
Being alone from the elder gave Sakura the chance to look at Sasori. "What is it, Nii-chan?"
Sasori smiled with his teeth flashing. "I can't tell you."
"It seems that all my presents are given today, but I can't open any of them... What's the deal with that, huh?" Sakura faked a groan and waved her hand in dismissal. "Nevermind that either, Nii-"
"I can't tell you that either, Sakura."
The given words Sasori told Sakura made her attention snap. She looked at her older cousin with an obvious confussion expression on her pale face. Her brows furrowed a little when he kept smiling, being serious about his said words as he ruffled Pakkun's face, making the pug create gurgling noises of nasial conjestion; scrambling in his hold until Chiyo walked back and sat down in her spot. The old woman sighed and clapped her hands together in a silent prayer before picking up her chopsticks. Not speaking of anything more of anything else, Sakura carefully picked up her own utensils and began eating.
After a long half hour of silence, Sasori broke the discomfort by asking what Sakura and Ino did today, and she complied with an excited smile as she went through everything in detail; pointing to her hair and how Ino and Chi arranged it perfectly and how much she loved it, the cafe lunch and the spoils of gifts and stares from strangers. The mention of the unknown people caused Chiyo's chopsticks to clang against her bowl, making Sakura jump.
"Chiyo-baachan?" Sakura swallowed.
Chiyo didn't look at Sakura, glaring at Sasori in a threatening way as she spoke in a low voice. "Sakura...what did these strangers look like?"
Thinking it was just her motherly instincts kicking in, Sakura figured she was good to go. "Uhm, well they were dressed pretty interesting, I guess; really modern clothes and short lengths? I guess they came from the city. They had interesting hairstyles and choice of make-up, both boys and girls, and-"
"Did you speak to them?"
"No, I didn't," Sakura's brows furrowed in question. "Chiyo-baachan...is everything alright?"
The wrinkled hand clenched her chopsticks, straining the strength the wood had until it splintered under her palm. "Those people are not to be spoken to, do you understand? Sakura, I don't want you going outside of the Haruno territory for a while."
"Why?" This was uncalled for.
"I know what Yamanaka is planning, Sakura," Chiyo's eyes pierced into Sakuras'. "Following her example will get you into trouble, and I will not have you in danger."
"Ino wouldn't let anyhting bad happen to me, Grandma-"
"You can't trust anyone outside of our family. You must obey my rules, Sakura," Chiyo picked up her spare chopsticks as she spoke through her teeth.
Sasori finally cut in. "Chiyo, it's Sakura's birthday, so how about we just let this go and-"
"No, Sasori," Chiyo hissed. "Sakura is always going to be in danger and nothing will stop to harm her, you know that. If she ever disobeyed me, she would be a dirtied mind; unable to know what fear is like and just be so vunerable-"
"I'm not vunerable."
Chiyo's skull faced Sakura, who was looking down onto her lap. "What did you say?"
"For so long I have felt...sheltered by your rules, Baa-chan," Sakura's emerald eyes looked up, a coat of unshed tears lingered. "For so long I have feared of what would happen if I didn't follow your rules, but I was a child. I'm eighteen now and I want to see the world!" Fists clung to the sexy fabric of the dress she wore. "I want to go outside at night and see the stars during a party; I want to meet new people and dance the night away, meet my soulmate and get married someday- have babies and grow old knowing I did something: Go out and have adventure. Your rules...they kept me in the dark! But I don't want that anymore. Maybe in the past I was weak, but I'm not anymore."
Sakura stood up, clutching the wrapped book to her chest as she looked down to her grandmother. "Why can't you see that I want to fit in for once? I can bet you money that people here in Konoha think I'm a weirdo-shrine maiden who follows an old woman's orders to live a pure life. Well, I'm not going to listen anymore... Chiyo, I'm an adult and I want to be treated like one!"
With that said, Sakura stormed out of the room and stomped up the stairs, leaving Sasori's face in shock while Chiyo went back to eating like nothing happened.
Sasori's eyes narrowed into angry slits as he dropped his voice into a whisper. "Mother, why aren't you doing anything? Isn't this what you expected for the worst?"
"Aa, but it's not the worst that can happen, Sasori," Chiyo slurped up a noodle and pat her lips with a napkin. "If you haven't noticed, my dear son...a fraction of the barrier was torn down."
Sasori blinked, his eyes widening. "H-how-?"
"When I served her bowl, I could sense that Ino found cracks...so I took down that fraction," Chiyo explained simply as she poured herself another cup of hot tea. "Believe me, I am upset by her smart-mouth remarks, but I am quite surprised how much she changed within moments. I'm not going to stop her from leaving, Sasori, but I want you to be aware that she is still a target from the journey from the fence to wherever Yamanaka is draggin her off to; I just hope there is a shield surrounding the area."
"If I remember right, it's at the head monuments." Pakkun went back to cleaning his face with his paws.
"Oh ho ho," Chiyo twitched a laugh. "Then...that should be interesting..." Chiyo looked at the framed picture of Kizashi and Mebuki, both dressed in ceremonial kimonos and holding flowers together in their hands, smiling like today was the best day of their lives; and it was, when Mebuki found out that she was pregnant, and Kizashi actually fainted into Sasori's arms. Chiyo finally smiled, a toothly smile as her teeth sparkled against the light. "Interesting, right Kizashi?"
Sasori's shoulders slumped down when Pakkun jumped out of his lap, padding over to Sakura's half-finished ramen and finished up the rest. "But...what about the bonfire?"
"Let it be a party...to remember, Sasori," Chiyo said casually, her skin looking less aged as she smiled of true happiness.
Sakura slammed her shouji door shut and tackled her bed, her face buried into the blankets as she bit back a sob. She wanted to cry, no doubt, but she couldn't. She can't explain it, but all she wanted to do right now was scream curses and break something. She never felt like this before...
Sitting up on her bed, Sakura made sure her hair wasn't messed up from the beautiful 'do Ino and Chi spent a while on and fixed her skirt back onto her legs. Her bedroom window was already opened and allowing the cool night air to come in silently; her little green lamp was on and she saw Sasori's present sitting on the floor under the lamp way-too-innocently. Blinking a few times before scooching to the edge, she slowly picked up the gift and placed it on her lap.
Looking at how careful Sasori was in wrapping the bow perfectly, Sakura took a moment to admire her cousin's handiwork on wrapping gifts; for so long she wanted to have the talents of Sasori and yet he tells her that her own talents are just as fine. But what can she do, ne? Sighing, Sakura's fingers touched the red ribbon that was made into a perfect dollbow and gripped carefully at one of the ends...
And pulled.
Sakura was careful to unwrap the gift, taking the cut edges of the white paper and pulling it away from the tape; every unwrapped corner was cared for and folded like simple paper as Sakura wrapped the red ribbon around it for safe keeping before finally looking at the revealed gift.
A black wooden box with carved lines from a chisled-craftsman, perhaps. Sakura's pale fingers graced the top as she took in the feeling of the top with the designs of leaves and vines, little flower petals decorated the corners and it would repeat on the other sides. It was truly a breathtaking piece of art.
'So pretty,' Sakura exhaled. She lifted the box around and found a little golden nob about the size of a penny; looking like a key already pushed into a keyhole, it was designed perfectly to match with the design of the box. A twirling vine with a flower leaf hanging out innocently. Her middle finger lightly caressed the whole box, admiring the handiwork of every detail and such before turning the little key three times.
Excited to hear the song that was set into the box, Sakura carefully held the edges of the box with both hands and prepared to open the box-
A gust of wind hit the back of Sakura's head, causing her to turn her head to a noise of something landing on her bed. She found a ball of white flowers wrapped with a ribbon layed simply on her quilt. Furrowing her brows, Sakura was careful to set her gift back under her lamp and turn her attention to the little bundle of flowers; picking it up carefully before crawling on her knees over to her window.
Looking out of the window, Sakura could easily see Ino's bleached hair stand out against the moon's light. Her emerald eyes widened as she motioned her hands around to tell her to get away, that Chiyo and Sasori were still in the dining room. Ino's response was shaking her head and jumping up and down with excitement.
"Party! Party!" Ino mouthed happily as she skipped to the door of the prayer room, just waiting for her friend to come down without her consent.
Looking at the music box that Sasori had given Sakura for her birthday, she finally noticed the gift Chiyo placed in her bedroom, right on the dresser untouched. The words Chiyo has said about Sakura being vunerable and how Sakura claimed she was now an adult...
'I don't need protection...' Sakura swallowed her guilt down and stood on her own two feet. She squared her shoulders and marched silently to her bedroom door, hesitating a moment before gripping the wooden frame of the shouji door and slowly slid it open.
'I'm not vunerable.'
=xxx=
AUTHOR'S ENDING NOTE- My Christmas gift from me to you C: I hope you enjoyed the cliffhanger and such. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday with their close friends and family, and I wish everyone a wonderful celebration with whatever beliefs or culture they're from. Everyone be safe and show some acts of kindness to strangers, okay? ^-^ If I don't update this story before New Years, I wish everyone a happy end to 2012 and best wishes for 2013!
What do you think will happen at the bonfire? You think Sakura's sudden change in personality will be a good or bad thing? Is someone going to stop her? Does your opinions or thoughts about Chiyo changed?...
Any questions..? ;D
For a Christmas gift to Kitty, if you wish it, you may Favorite, Follow, Review or just never come back; anything you do to your own pleasure is alright for me to smile! Everyone just do what they like and be happy!