Author's Note:
Hey everyone! I'm super sorry for the extended update! I wanted to try and sneak another one in before August ended, but time just wouldn't allow me to do it. However, I have amazing news! I am now OFFICIALLY DONE with my master's degree and school for a long while. So, I do have more time for weekly updates! I did start a new job, but it offers a more flexible schedule so that works more in my favor. I'm hoping that things become more stable from here on out, especially since I have less pressure off my plate! I would like to thank everyone who is staying with me through all this time. I can't say how much I love you guys and your support. Thank you and I hope you enjoy this week's chapter. As an apology, I would like to get a longer one out. Let me know what you guys think!
Reviewer Shoutout: I-Love-Trucks1
Chapter 61: Hopeless Romantics
Normal P.O.V.
"Let's see… Medical supplies? Check. Weapons? Check. Extra Stamina Pellets? Check? And I'll get Sasuke-Kun's chart and scrolls from Lady Tsunade when we meet her before leaving. Alright, I think I have everything," Sakura sighs while standing up. She checks herself over onetime in the mirror. The tips of her pink hair reach the top of her shoulder blades. For this mission, Sakura chooses to wear a red sleeveless qipao top that crosses over her chest with white trim, matching red medical armband on her left arm, a black waist trainer with two snaps on her left side, black spandex shorts, her pink skirt with the slits running along both sides, and her black, knee-high boots.
She walks over to her vanity and leans over with her manicured nails spread on the oakwood. Looking down, she noticed that a few of her nail tips are slightly chipped, "I'll have to make an appointment with Ino, Karin, and Hinata when I get back," she mumbles before clipping them. Then she looks at her hair and white bunny ears. She brushes the loose strains of hair out of her face and into two side bangs to make her appearance look neat. She does the same for her ears and cotton looking tail. When she's finished and after tying her headband at the base of her neck, Sakura sighs again at her flushed cheeks before slapping them hard, "Pull it together, Sakura. Lady Tsunade is counting on you. Sasuke-Kun and Naruto are counting on you too. You must do this. You said you didn't want to be weak anymore and that you needed to prove yourself. Why are you so nervous?!" She slams her head onto her vanity in frustration. Suddenly, her doorbell rings, "Coming!" She goes to open the door and is shocked to see Lee smiling at her, "Oh Lee, what are you doing here?"
"Good day Sakura-chan! I came to see if you were busy, but it looks like you're going on a mission,"
"Yeah, Lady Tsunade is sending me on a special mission. I shouldn't be gone for too long though. Is something wrong? Did you need something?"
"No, no, no. Nothing's wrong. I just, well you see. I um…" he stutters, causing her to giggle.
"Would you like to come in? I have a few moments before I must meet to go to the Hospital to meet Lady Tsunade. Maybe… you can walk me there?"
His cheeks heat up at this, "Uh, sure,"
She steps aside for him to enter her apartment. He moves to sit on the couch while she brings her backpack into the living room. Her apartment is a comfortable one bedroom, one full bathroom, with an open concept look. It makes it easy for her to entertain her guests.
"So, Lee. I know you said you didn't need anything from me, but why did you stop by anyway?" she asks, throwing a curious look over her shoulder.
"Well, I was actually going to ask you out for dinner, but that's out the window for now, huh?" he chuckles while scratching one of his cheetah ears.
"Ready to lose to me in another drinking game again?" she teases with a flirty smirk.
"I'll take you up on that offer anytime, but I actually wanted to ask you something else tonight,"
"Yeah? Well, why don't you ask me now? You have me right here now, why can't you ask me now?" she asks while finishing her packing.
"No. This is something I want to do another time,"
"Whatever, weirdo,"
"So, what's the mission you're going on?"
"I can't tell you. It's a special one,"
"A special one. Lady Tsunade really must trust you to send you on those kinds of missions,"
This causes Sakura to blush as she pauses for a moment to realize Lee's statement, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Lucky me, right?"
"What's wrong? You don't sound happy,"
"It's not that I'm not happy. It's more so that… maybe I lack confidence… in myself?"
"Are you serious?! Sakura-chan you're like the best medical-nin I know, besides Lady Tsunade. And I'm not the only one who thinks so! How could you not have confidence in yourself!"
"I don't know! Maybe because of how important this mission is, and I'm scared I'm going to fuck something up royally and it could cause someone to die," she nervously says while pulling on her bunny ears.
He stands up to grab her hands off her ears, "I know you're nervous, but you know you shouldn't pull on them. You're going to hurt yourself,"
"I know," she sighs, "It's just… I'm scared. Being a medical-nin requires so much responsibility from me and sometimes I'm scared I'm going to crack under the pressure. What if I'm not strong enough?"
"But you are strong enough, Sakura-chan. Your friends and senseis believe in you. Why else would you be given all this responsibility and pressure. The point is to see if you're going to crack or if you're going to become stronger from it. I know it's a lot, but you don't have to go through it alone. You have me, Naruto, Sasuke, Ino, Lady Tsunade, and everyone else rooting for you. All you need to remember is to breathe and that you're not all. You have more strength than just what's in your fists, ya know," he chuckles.
Her blush increases as she stares into his eyes with hope and determination. With a short nod, she leans into his chest with a quiet nod, "Thank you, Lee. You're a good friend,"
A tightness fills his chest, but he swallows it as he releases one of her hands to have it wrap around her back while his tail wraps around their legs. They stay like this for a while, taking comfort in the silence and warms between them until she forces herself to pull away.
"I, uh, should get ready to go,"
"Oh, right,"
"Walk with me?" she asks. He nods and patiently waits for her to finish getting ready before they leave her apartment and head to the hospital.
…
…
…
On the way to the hospital, the two of them engage in light conversation. Everything from some of her conversations and lunch dates with Karin, Ino, and Hinata to his missions with Neji and Tenten were discussed between them. Both took their time getting to the hospital, subconsciously trying to extend their time before parting. When they finally reached the outside of the hospital, they turned to each other with slightly sad expressions.
"We're here. Thanks for walking me, Lee,"
"No problem. Good luck to you, Sakura-chan," he smiles with a thumbs up.
"Thank you. And I promise to let you know as soon as I'm free when we come back. Hopefully, we shouldn't be gone too long,"
"Take as long as you need. I'll always be waiting for you here,"
"You idiot, you don't have to~"
He cuts her off by grabbing the back of her forehead and pulling her forward to kiss her forehead, "I'll see you when you get back," At that moment, everything in Sakura's world stops as her cheeks blush bright red, her emerald eyes open wide, and her white ears stand tall on top of her head. She doesn't respond and barely realizes that he already started walking away. She only returned to reality when she hears him call out, "Good luck, Sakura-chan!"
She doesn't know how long she stands there. All Sakura knows is that she could no longer see Lee's retreating back and she hadn't entered the hospital yet. Finally, after making herself snap out of her haze, the pink-haired bunny walks into the hospital with a bright smile on her face and red cheeks.
…
…
…
"There you are Sakura. You're late," Tsunade says as everyone looks up when she enters the room.
"Forgive me, Milady. I… lost track of time. I wanted to make sure I was prepared for this mission," she somewhat lied.
Naruto walked over to her and just stared at her with his hands on his chin, 'Hey Sakura-chan, why are your cheeks so red? Did something happen?"
"What?! Of course not! Why don't you mind your own business!" she yells before punching him into the wall across the wall.
"Why has nothing changed," Sasuke sighs with his hand over his face.
"Ah, this brings back memories,"
"Alright everyone, focus. We don't have a lot of time. Let's quickly go over some details before you head out," Tsunade says as she steps over a dizzy, collapsed Naruto, "Get up, idiot. You're fine,"
Naruto groans as he flips himself over and stands up while holding his stomach, "Doesn't mean I'm not in pain. Her strength matches yours, ya know,"
"Hence the reason she's my student and going in my place. Now focus. From what we know, this "Tobi" says that he has a solution on how to "help" Sasuke with his vision problem. As I have stated before, Naruto is the leader of this mission. Everyone is to listen to his direction and guidance. I am counting on him to lead a successful mission.
This is not only a mission to help Sasuke but a recon. Kakashi and Shikamaru, you will be assisting and guiding Naruto only if he needs it. Other than that, I want you to mainly focus on this Tobi guy. Figure out his angle. I don't trust this, but I trust Naruto. Until we have more information, we will treat this with extreme caution. Karin, you will be assisting Sakura with whatever she needs. Sasuke, you're the only job is to be the patient, nothing else. Your eyes need time to heal before you go damaging them again. Sakura, I will be evaluating your work when you all return, so do your best. I don't want you doing anything to further harm yourself. And remember, we all believe in you.
As for this Tobi character, since we know next to nothing about his, we need to be cautious around him. If he attacks, I want him brought back alive for questioning. However, if he proves to be too great to handle, then kill him. I would rather have you guys come back alive, is that understood?" they all nod.
"Good. Now, since you can't see Sasuke, Naruto will have to carry you the whole way. I have given him a cloak to cover you to keep you hidden from enemies. I expect you guys to come in record time but keep in contact by sending one of your toads, Naruto. Any questions? Good, dismissed,"
Naruto hands Kakashi his backpack before bending down and helping Sasuke onto his back, despite his mate's protests. Once Sasuke gets situated, Naruto raised his tails to make Sasuke more comfortable as Shikamaru covers them with a cloak. When everyone is ready, they leave out of the secret hospital exit and head for the Mountains' Graveyard. With worry in her eyes, Tsunade slumps in the hospital seat. Jiraiya offers a comforting hand. Although a nice gesture, it does little to soothe her anxiety.
"Please come back alive everyone,"
…
…
…
The travel to the Mountain's Graveyard was easy going. Naruto tried to ease everyone's anxieties by sharing stories and making people laugh. It worked for the time being, but he showed his true leadership when Shikamaru and Kakashi had to have meetings on how to approach and handle Tobi and a handicap Sasuke. Currently, they are setting up camp for the night while evaluating their plans.
"We should be reaching the Mountains' Graveyard by tomorrow afternoon with a break or two in between. How is everyone holding up?" Naruto asks.
"So far, so good," Shikamaru answers.
"Good. So far, we haven't run into any trouble. I would like to keep it that way, but we need to make sure we keep up our energy. How are we on food, Karin?"
"We're running a little low. We have enough to either eat all of it tonight or fast for the night and snack throughout the day tomorrow,"
"That won't work. I'm not sure how strong Tobi is, but if he's on Madara and Obito's team, then he's gotta be strong. I'll go hunting for some more food tonight. We need all the energy we can get. Shikamaru, you're with me. Kakashi-sensei, can you watch over the camp?"
"Can do, leader," the silver wolf smiles through his mask.
"Alright then, does anyone have any special request for food?" Naruto asks.
"Whatever you two can find should be good enough. Just bring back something soon," Sakura answers.
"Alright, fair enough," he moves to squat in front of Sasuke, "Do you want anything? Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I'm blind, not helpless. Go, we'll be ok. Just don't be stupid out there,"
"Don't worry about that. I'll be with him," Shikamaru chuckles with his hands in his pockets.
Naruto glares at his friend before turning back to Sasuke, "Alright, we'll be back soon,"
Naruto and Shikamaru disappear into the setting sun while everyone settles into their manmade camp.
"Man, it's crazy to see how grown-up Naruto has grown up. I sometimes wonder if he's the same little knucklehead ninja we grew up with," Sakura smiles as she remembers younger Naruto.
"Oh, don't worry, he's still the same knuckleheaded ninja we grew up with. Don't let his new height and attitude fool you," Sasuke says while leaning against a tree.
"I hope you don't think you're exempt from that statement either, Sasuke-Kun," Kakashi teases while laying on top of a branch with his book in his hand.
"When I get my vision back, you're going to be the first I test it out on," Sasuke growls.
"See, still the feisty little kitten I trained all those years ago,"
"And you're the same perverted sensei whose main go-to ability is using my family's bloodline to copy other shinobi's abilities,"
"Touché Sasuke. Tell me though, Sasuke. How has trying to improve my Chidori going for you?"
"Were they always like this?" Karin asks with a giggle at the back and forth between former student and sensei.
"Not so much Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke-Kun. But Naruto and Sasuke-Kun? They could go all day. It was more annoying than anything, but they complemented each other when you get them to work together," Sakura giggles.
"Really? What was younger Sasuke-Kun like? I bet he was adorable and cool, and strong,"
"Yeah, he was all of those things. But to be honest, I don't know a lot about Sasuke-Kun or Naruto when we were younger,"
"How not? I thought you guys were on the same team. Didn't you guys go to the same academy?"
"Yes, but it's not as simple as it seems. You see, all the girls in the academy, especially Ino and me, loved Sasuke-Kun. He was so adorable and cool and mysterious and smart. He could hit any target and never stopped practicing. No one could beat him. That didn't stop people from trying though. Sure, people tried to fight Sasuke-Kun, but he started to beat people they backed off. Not Naruto though. He would constantly fight with Sasuke-Kun all day, every day. Every chance he got those two would go at it. In the beginning, it was because he had a major crush on me and didn't like that I liked Sasuke-Kun. I constantly rejected him. In fact, I thought he was so annoying because he promised that he'd win me over from Sasuke-Kun. But, after we got put on the same team, our dynamic changed. I still loved Sasuke-Kun. My feelings for him grew the more we worked together because I got to know him. But I also learned to appreciate Naruto too.
You see, a lot of people hated Naruto and disregarded him because of his behavior and… well you know…"
"The Nine Tails?" Karin asks.
Sakura nods as she clenches her fists on her knees, "It destroyed our village almost 16 years ago, but no one told us that Naruto was the person who had to bear the burden of carrying the demon inside of him. The adults knew but our children didn't. We were just taught to stay away from him. I thought it was because he was an annoying troublemaker who didn't have parents to discipline him. I only know about the Nine-Tails because of Lady Tsunade, but I don't know why my parents didn't tell me about the night our village was attacked.
Anyway, after we were all placed on the same team, I saw how hard both Sasuke-Kun and Naruto worked to get where they were and the power difference between all three of us. Of course, Sasuke-Kun was the strongest, but Naruto outranked me and would always be saving me. I could barely do anything. Even during the Chunin Exams, I was freaking useless and ended up losing when Ino and I knocked each other out. At the time, sure I was smart and had great chakra control, but all I cared about was how cute I looked and how to get Sasuke-Kun's attention; not so much about being a ninja. It wasn't until I had to cut my hair to save my life that things changed for me and I started to grow up. And when Sasuke-Kun and Naruto left the village to get stronger, I couldn't accept it. I didn't want them to keep having to save me. I didn't want to have to keep staring at their backs. Growing up, Sasuke-Kun and Naruto had to go through this world alone, but I didn't. I had my parents to love and raise me. They were alone. I didn't know about them. I was just a stupid little girl. So, I decided that enough was enough and that I wanted to get stronger and asked Lady Tsunade to train me. And well, the rest is history. I like to think things are better and that we're all better friends and that I can finally stand next to my teammates, but when we were younger, we were too far apart for me to ever truly understand either of them,"
Sasuke and Kakashi had long since stopped their banter to listen to Sakura's story; both amazed at how much she grew as well.
"She's… really gotten stronger, huh?" Sasuke asks.
"Hmm. You've really missed a lot while you were gone. You just see Naruto growing, but Sakura wanted you to acknowledge her as well. She's been training hard to get on the same level as Naruto and you. A lot of times, she exhausts herself, but it'll be worth it when she realizes the strength she holds beyond her fists,"
"Hn. That's why I'm not worried about her helping me on this mission,"
"Well, I never thought I'd see the day Sasuke Uchiha trusts anyone outside of Naruto Uzumaki. I'll have to mark this day on my calendar,"
"You always know how to ruin a moment," Sasuke sighs as his ears perks up at someone's arrival.
"We're back! And we caught a nice amount of food!" Naruto cheers. "Let's get cooking!"
…
…
…
After the group cooks the caught game, they settle into the night while taking turns watching over their group. When morning comes, they pack up the camp and head out.
Later into the afternoon, the group reaches the Mountains' Graveyard where Tobi is waiting for them in front of a cave's entrance.
"It's about time you guys show up. I was starting to think that you weren't coming," Tobi says as he pushes off the wall. He looks at the group and points an accusatory finger at them, "I thought I said bring your medical Hokage with you! What kind of game are you playing? Do you not want Sasuke to see anymore?"
"My name is Sakura Haruo. I am the number one student. She sends her apologizes and me in her place. I can assure you that I'm just as capable to stand in her place for this mission. Just tell me what needs to be done to help Sasuke-Kun and I'll do it to the best of my abilities," she says proudly.
Tobi gives her a once over with his hands on his hips, "Hn. I have never seen a bunny with as much confidence in themselves as you. You must be something for the most famous medical-nin Sanin herself to not only train you but send you in her place for this delicate situation. You have my admiration, little girl," he continues to look over the group but stops as he stares at Kakashi, "Ah, Kakashi Hatake, The Copycat Ninja. It's an honor to be graced in your presence. Had I known you were coming too; I would have worn my best robes" Tobi teases while bowing.
"Keep your jokes to yourself. I'm only here to make sure nothing goes sideways,"
"Oh, I can assure you that I'm only here to help. Nothing more. Now, if all of you would please follow me inside. I'm sure you would like to get started as soon as possible,"
The group follows Tobi into the dark entrance of the cave until they reach towards the back with a giant wall.
Everyone gasps at what they're staring at, "What the hell is this place?" Naruto asks in shock.
"What is it? What is everyone staring at?" Sasuke questions while still on Naruto's back.
"It might be best you don't know," Naruto answers over his shoulder as he sets Sasuke onto his feet and holds onto him.
"On the contrary, Naruto-Kun. I think Sasuke should learn what happened to the eyes of his clansman. You see, dear Sasuke-Kun, when your clan was annihilated, you probably wanted to know what happened to their eyes? Well, I have been spending the last sixteen years collecting them and putting them on this wall. Each hole is a set of your clansman's eyes,"
"I think I'm going to be sick," Shikamaru says while trying to hold back his vomit.
"But why are you saving them? What do you plan on doing with them? Are you trying to be like Danzo?!" Sasuke yells.
"What? No. Fuck that psycho. I should be thanking Naruto and you for getting rid of him. It made collecting the eyes he stolen easier to get back and preserve,"
"But you still haven't told us why you're saving them. Is it for an experiment? Are you a scientist like Orochimaru?" Karin asks.
"What? No. Fuck him too. Why do you guys keep comparing me to these fucking psychos? Pay attention. As all of you may be aware of, especially right now, when a Sharingan user overextends their eyes' powers, they'll go blind. The only way to cure this is by transporting another Sharingan user's eyes into their own,"
"You can't be serious. That can't be right. There has to be another way," Naruto asks.
"I'm afraid there isn't. In fact, that's how your precious Kakashi-sensei got his own Sharingan,"
"How do you know that?" the silver wolf growls, his senses on high alert.
"There are a lot of things I know. But don't worry, I don't plan on using it against either of you. Like I said earlier, I'm only here to help Sasuke,"
"So, I'm here to help you transport one of Sasuke-Kun's relative's eyes into his own?" Sakura asks.
"Yep,"
"That's disturbing," she comments with a shiver.
"There's a lot about the Uchiha that was disturbing, but we don't have time for that no do we. So Sasuke, what is your decision? Be blind for the rest of your life? Or take your new eyes?"
Swallowing a lump in his throat, Sasuke asks, "Who're eyes would I get?"
"Itachi's. You can technically take anyone's eyes. However, the transplant tends to be more successful if it's the eyes of an immediate relative,"
"Sasuke, you don't~"
"Let's get this over with," Sasuke interrupts Naruto.
"Sasuke,"
"Don't try to stop me Naruto. I don't really have a choice. We don't really have a choice. Sakura, Karin, are you two alright with this?"
"Yes," the two girls answer.
"Then let's get this over with. I can't be a hindrance any further,"
"Goodman. Naruto, if you could put him on the table please," Tobi directs. Naruto helps Sasuke onto the table but never let's go of his mate's hand, "Alright ladies, let's get to work,"
Tobi goes over to the wall and grabs the container with Itachi's eyes before setting them onto the table. He directs Sakura and Karin how to set up the exam table with the tools. Shikamaru and Kakashi lean against the room's walls, away from the table but never out of range or sight. Naruto remains right beside Sasuke's side, never letting go of his hand.
"Um, excuse me. I need you to remove yourself from our patient," Tobi says with his hands on his hips.
"But~"
"Nope, nope, nope. Go and sit over with your friends. This won't take too long, especially with my lovely assistants' help," Tobi explains as he pushes Naruto towards the wall with Kakashi and Shikamaru.
Reluctantly, Naruto goes to stand by his comrades with anxiety coursing in his veins. Both Shikamaru and Kakashi offer comforting hands as they watch the procedure happening. After what seemed like hours, Tobi raises his hands above him, "It is done!"
Naruto immediately rushes over to Sasuke's side and grabs his hands, "Sasuke! Are you alright?! Sasuke?!"
"It's alright, Naruto, he's just sleeping. The operation took a lot out of him," Sakura says.
"He'll be out of commission for a few days, maybe a week or so. Usually, Sharingan users can just pop out their eyes and pop in the new ones. Sometimes it takes a few moments for the information to download into their brains, but because Itachi awakened another version of the Mangekyō Sharingan, there is more "information", if you will, that needs to be downloaded into Sasuke's brain. I wouldn't be surprised if Sasuke gains all Itachi's powers plus more. However, because of this, he needs to make sure he rests the entire time of his recovery. If not, he'll not only go blind again but lose all those abilities. I trust that you'll make sure he rests well?" Naruto nods, "Good. Well, if that's all, then I'll be leaving. You two, bunny and fox lady. You two did well today. Good job. Don't forget to clean up for me,"
"Wait, before you go, I have a question: Why are you helping Madara and Obito?" Naruto asks.
"Let's just say… I owe them a debt I can't pay with money. And that's all I'm going to say about that,"
"But you don't seem like a bad guy. You could help us. You told me that you wanted peace, that you dreamed big, had friends, someone you loved, and are a hopeless romantic. You can still be those things. Fight with us! Help us win against them. Help us create that world together," Naruto pleads.
"I also remember telling you that I don't belong to that world anymore… but you do. I'm trusting you and your group to accomplish what I couldn't. I may be indebted to Obito and Madara, but I'm not their servant. I still do as I please. However, I have decided to give up on those foolish dreams in favor of reality. You? You're still young. You can still dream a little longer. You have the Will of Fire that the Hidden Leaf embodies. Don't lose sight of it, kid. You're going to need it for the fucked up shit this world throws your way. Just promise me something,"
"Anything," Naruto says.
"No matter what happens, promise me that you and Sasuke will usher in the new era of peace and start a pure bloodline from a tainted one. This world knows too much pain. It needs a ray of sunshine and peace. Can you do that?"
"Yeah. I'm going to do that. We're going to do that,"
"Good. See you guys around," Tobi starts to leave but stops when Kakashi speaks out.
"You know, your body language and how you speak seems awfully familiar. You remind me… of an old friend I thought I lost a long time ago. Do you know anything about that, Mr. Kitty-Kat?"
Tobi's breath hitches at the emphasis on the nickname but remains calm with his back to the group, "No. In fact, If I had to guess, that old friend of yours is probably dead,"
"How would you know that?" Kakashi asks with an eyebrow raised.
"Have you seen him within recent years?"
"No,"
"There you go. Don't waste your time looking for answers that aren't there. Now, if you excuse me, I'm expected back. Goodbye,"
They watch Tobi's retreating back exit the back but are shocked when Karin chase after him.
"What is it with you people and not saying goodbye,"
"I know who you are," Karin pants with her hands clenching at her sides.
"Do you know? Then who do you think I am, little fox girl,"
"Don't play me for a fool. I recognize your chakra signature from when~"
Her words are cut off when he covers her mouth with his hand, "If you don't want me to kill you right here and now, I suggest you don't finish that sentence. I didn't have to help your group nor your precious Sasuke-Kun. And honestly, I could give a damn about you either. Now, when they come out here, play dumb and I'll let you live, got it?" she nods with wide eyes, "Good. Now, let me fucking leave," he says before he disappears from her sight as she falls onto her knees.
"Karin! Are you alright?!" Naruto and Shikamaru ask as they help her off the ground.
"Yeah. I just… fell, that's all. Silly me," she nervously laughs.
"What happened?" Shikamaru questions.
"I wanted to ask him something, but he was gone by the time I came out here. Oh well, I guess he got tired of answering questions,"
"I guess," Shikamaru says while scratching the back of his head.
"Come on. Let's pack up and get ready to head out before it gets too dark," Naruto commands.
Shikamaru and Naruto start to head back into the cave while Karin remains on the outside for a few moments, staring at the place where Tobi disappeared. The feeling of his hand over her mouth and his deep voice is still sending shivers down his spine. But what might haunt her dreams tonight, his piercing, threatening, red, Sharingan eyes staring into her soul daring her defiance. A challenge she would surely lose.
…
…
…
To Be Continued…
