It was quick. It was as if everything flashed before her eyes in seconds. One minute, she was in the old woman's shrine, putting on an odd piece of clothing and walking through the paths in the royal compound, the next minute, she was being pushed unto a chair with a mirror infront of her. Her head was lowered and her sight was partially hindered. She couldn't see the route they'd taken, but her feet knew, she was in the castle, and now apparently in one of the rooms.

Koiko seemed excited for some reason. She was all over Sakura, removing this and that, discarding her clothing like it was a light matter. She noted on the little girl's speed, then realized that she was probably a lot older than she looked.

"I apologize for the rough handling, Luna." Koiko said as the girls that came with her turned their backs to them and stayed silent. The pig-tailed female lycan picked up a slim scarlet material from the stool beside her and handed it gently to the pinkette. "Luna", Koiko bowed, "the bath is ready."

Uhm... "Y..yeah." Sakura nodded, rising to her feet and taking the yukata from her. She wrapped it around her almost nude body as she stared at herself in the mirror in bewilderment for the last time. Just play along.Sakura breathed out. She'll go along with everything until she catches up to the new developments in her life right now.

Koiko led her to an adjoined room, introducing her to a small rectangular shaped pool of hot, bubbly water which was decorated with flower petals on it to give it fragrance, creating a cool atmosphere in the room.

Sakura's eyebrows rose. Woah! This is new. She liked the scent of the room and the tentative pool of that sweet bath staring back at her but she was still skeptical.

"Luna, there's nothing to worry about." Koiko assured her. "That's why we are here."

"A..ah yes." Sakura nodded, walking over to the pool barefoot and slipping into the water. As soon as she got in, she figured she had no regrets in life. The water was calming and hypnotic. They have it sooo good here.

Koiko had her head low with a small smile. Welcome to the battlefield, Luna Sakura. There is more to the castle than it looks. Hopefully, you survive it.

Few minutes later, Sakura was seated infront of the mirror again, and this time, looking more mortified than ever at the reflection of herself.

Koiko had suddenly disappeared and appeared with a traditional make up box in her hand. It had knotted cloths for brushes and scented powder for... lipstick? She had also brought a different looking kimono she'd never seen before.

Nope, that's definitely hanfu... It was pink and surprisingly beautiful. Sakura blinked in awe. The Queen is methodical... Traditional royal people were a lot. And I thought shopping and trying makeup on for hours was a lot. That was the thought that came to her mind as she stared back at the pancaked reflection infront of her.

The makeup was surprisingly recommendable. She didn't think those tied, round bottom cloth pieces could do much.

Suddenly, she heard Koiko squeal beside her. "Oh my, Luna!" She turned to see the girl grinning excitedly and clasping her hands. "You look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you, it's because of the make up."

Koiko raised a brow. "The makeup? I didn't even need to use too much make-up, you're already beautiful."

Oh, wow. Sakura looked away, blushing.

"Make up is our tradition. Everybody has to wear make up in the royal house. It is for the sanctifying of the environment. There is no opposition."

"I see."

"We'll go and see the Queen tomorrow. Tonight, you rest and save the energy. You'll have to be in full positive spirit to speak with the Queen." Koiko stretched her hands towards the bath room again.

Sakura nodded, walking into the adjoined room. She'd have to wash the make-up off but did she really need to take a full bath, the second time? It also shouldn't surprise her how fast the servants were to fill up the bath with new water and petals. They hold their Queen in so much esteem. I should too. How do they behave again? Chin up, shoulders raised, and head straight?

A definite no, I look like a confined peacock.

That night, after changing into a green silk flowery gown, Sakura walked up to the door and opened it. Koiko and the maids had left her alone in the room. She knew she was told to rest up but according to Sakura, the night was still young and curiosity was finding a strong foothold in her mind.

As soon as she opened the door, an amused voice apprehended her. "Where to, this fine evening, Luna Sakura?"

Sakura faked a laugh as she felt Koiko's gaze on her. "I wanted to check out the hallways. They look like they stretch on forever." That was the truth.

"Curious, I see." Koiko gave a closed eye smile. "Let me escort you then. We can come back to rest up as soon as we're done."

Sakura's eyebrows rose. "Woah, really... I mean yes, yes, please." That's a relief. I thought she was going to force me back in.

Koiko gave orders to the rest of the maids before she and Sakura walked away. They started down a series of door frames in a narrow hallway. Sakura observed. There were so many doors. The wall was stony and the ground was covered with a red carpet-like material. They turned around the corner and walked down another narrow hallway, then another, and another. Sakura noticed that in each hallway they walked, the guards stationed there reduced in number.

Sakura observed the military dressed figures standing erect by the doors. They didn't seem harmful. They didn't even stop them. Only some glanced her way curiously.

Don't look at me. She wanted to tell them and shrug. Even I don't know what's going on in my life right now.

Then Koiko stopped. Sakura looked up and saw her staring at the third door on her left. There was a focused frown on her face and she thought she heard her say something like. "Strange, I can sense master Sasuke's presence from that room."

It caught Sakura's ears. "Sasuke?"

Koiko turned to her, looking innocent. "Oh, Luna, forgive me, I may be having problems with my senses. Master Sasuke isn't possibly in the castle. He wouldn't come unless he's been ordered to by the King. Or unless he wants to pay a visit to the Queen."

Sakura stayed silent, her eyes on the target door. "Koiko, give me a moment, I would like to check."

The female lycan smiled. "Take your time, Luna." And as the pinkette walked up to the door, she instantly added. "Oh, but not too much time, the Queen will certainly not like it if you seem sleep deprived whilst she's talking with you."

Sakura nodded at her before knocking on the door and entering, and then she froze. Her eyes went wide at the figure she saw in the balcony. She didn't miss the interior designs of the big room. Too spacious to a fault. There was enough space for a second living room. The bed at the far corner was akin to a king size. It resembled Sasuke's room back in his mansion with the bed and thick carpet beside the chair, except larger.

She glanced at the figure in the balcony. His back was to her but his appearance had a striking resemblance to the ravenette she knew.

"Did I request for room ser..."

"Sasuke..." His voice sounded cold and irritated. It really was him. There was no mistake. Her heart thumped loudly till it drummed in her ears. She couldn't believe it.

He was silent for awhile before he turned to face her. She sighed out sharply. She didn't know she was holding in her breath. She didn't think she would be relieved to see him. At least, she knew him in this big castle. She was glad for that.

He hasn't changed. She thought as she noted on his features. His clothes looked nothing like before. It was more royal and exquisitely fine looking. He grew taller? How is 'that' fair?

All the thoughts disappeared when her eyes landed on his face. How long has it been since she saw him? It's been too long if she felt like this even before his sharp, intense gaze. He was handsome. The blockhead was devilishly handsome with his get up.

"Sakura."

Her spine shivered when she heard her name roll on his tongue. A feeling sucked up in her gut, but it didn't last long because he turned around again.

"What are you doing here?"

A spark of anger rushed through her bones. She clenched her hands as she smiled and walked across the room to him. . Be patient, Sakura. Save it. You can pull his ear later.

What am I doing here? She looked over the balcony, silently admiring the beauty of the town. It was pretty, the lit areas, the sky lanterns, the stars in the sky. "The Queen asked me to have tea with her. I feel honored."

"Hn."

Another spark of anger shot through her bones, but she tried to control it. "What are you doing here?"

"I had a meeting with my father in his court." He said.

She nodded, putting her arms on the balcony.

Silence flowed between them. Seconds passed by and none of them spoke.

It was annoying and depressing.

At least, that was what Sakura thought. She turned to him. "Sasuke, why did you bring me here?"

A slight frown fell upon his features but he didn't look at her. "What?"

"You heard me, Sasuke." She replied calmly. "Why did you bring me here? I only know you, and yet I'm surrounded by people I'm not familiar with and you are nowhere near. Hell, I don't know where Naruto, Jugo and Shikamaru are and I'm here, worrying about you all. Did you bring me here for me to get lost and find my way back without the knowledge of how I even got here?"

"Sakura..."

"I'm pretty sure you abandoned me." She looked at the sky, laughing bitterly. "I don't know if I have any right saying this but I think I should. I am your mate but you didn't come to see me even once at the place you left me." Her tongue was bitter and sharp and it cut him like knife but he was an expert in bottling up his emotions.

"The mate bond is nothing but a construed system. I almost killed you."

"But I didn't die, did I?"

"You would've, if I hadn't brought you here."

"Does that guarantee any reason for abandoning me?"

"Sakura, you're innocent. You shouldn't have saved me and put your life in danger. I can't help but think I'm taking advantage of you. I can't forgive myself just yet."

"Aren't there two ways to go about this?"

Sasuke almost glanced at her. "What?"

"Who are you to decide what goes on in a relationship that involves two people?" She frowned at him.

"Sakura you don't understand." He closed his eyes.

"I think it's you who don't understand." She took a step closer to him, glaring at the side of his face. "There are two sides to a relationship. When one think of a decision to make for the benefit of the relationship, the other has the right to agree or disagree with you. That is how relationships work."

"What we have, Sakura, isn't a so-called relationship, it's a bond, and I carry it. You're inno..."

"And just who do you think you are to decide things for me?" She clenched her fists some more, feeling rage flooding into her bloodstream more than ever.

Sasuke frowned. "I don't want to hurt you."

What do you think you're doing now? "You feel guilty, that's why you won't look at me? Look well, Sasuke, I am alive and well."

He didn't answer her.

"Sasuke, it's in the past. Why are you finding it so hard to forgive yourself? I'm the one who put my life on the line." She could feel her voice rising.

She saw him shake his head. "You'll go back to your world, just give me few days to work it out."

The anger flowed rapidly and she felt her face heating up. This infuriating, heartless bast... "Shanaroo!"

The chant wasn't what shocked him, it was her fist connecting to his jaw. He staggered back in a daze, feeling a throbbing pain in his jawline. What...? Before he could get himself, she was infront of his chest, holding his shirt in a strong grip while glaring at him.

"What part of, you don't get to make decisions for me, did you not understand, Sasuke Uchiha?" She bore holes into him with emeralds as cold as ice. They held no warmth as he knew they did. As he stared back at her, back at that fierce facial expression, his eyes softened.

He was stupid.

He admitted it. He had gone far. He didn't want to treat her like an unwanted necessity but that was what he was doing. He didn't mean it. He had only wanted to keep her safe. He should've listened to her. With a look that fierce, she will only do what she wants.

He was grateful though. She always spoke what was on her mind. It was one of the things he admired about her.

Especially tonight, when she had walked in unexpectedly. He had looked her over that instant he'd turned around. His mind had dulled the same instant.

His circuits had twitched and it didn't make his heartbeat any better. He had been surprised to see her. He didn't think he'd find her here. He was losing himself infront of her each passing day, even those fierce emeralds infront of him now made him loose composure. He didn't know when his face relaxed and his pupils dilated some more. She was angrily saying something but he wasn't entirely listening.

She's mad... at me.

The fool I am.

For a second, his hand was raised to her head but he stopped. She didn't seem to notice. For some reason, just seeing her blow off fuse and scolding him was something he was grateful for. He felt something light fill up his entire chest. He couldn't explain it but it felt lighter than the mate bond.

Sakura was talking to him and didn't notice how dilated his pupils were. She had a cold gaze that he couldn't fanthom but it didn't scare him. Relief was all he felt. He moved, perhaps acting against his will, he didn't know, but he engulfed her in an embrace.

"I... wait.." Sakura was caught off guard. She stammered, amazed at the sudden contact.

One of his hands was at the back of her head, the other was around her shoulder and his face was buried slightly in her nape.

"You're insane, you know that?" He told her. "You shouldn't have risked your life for me." His embrace tightened. "You didn't wake up for days. I was worried sick. It was crazy." He left out the part where he'd almost gone crazy and couldn't concentrate on his work.

Sakura's eyes widened.

"I'm sorry." He whispered.

Her breath hitched as she felt his hot breath against her skin. Her blood ran cold and her anger disappeared. A heart was beating fast, she couldn't tell if it was hers.

He pressed her body against him, and said softly. "Thank you for being alive."

A chill went down Sakura's spine as her grip on his shirt released. He... he... She was speechless. She didn't know what to think. She didn't know how to think. He's showing me a side of him I've never seen before.

He released her gently, staring into her big eyes with his intense ones. She looked innocent and lost as she stared at him in shock. Unconsciously, his right hand reached up to the side of her face, almost grazing her lips, then he stopped.

He frowned, holding her shocked gaze. He should stop himself. If he succumbed to his desires, he might start having problems controlling himself infront of her. He let his hands dropped and they just stared at each other in silence. She's still a victim of the mate bond.

"...there are two sides to a relationship." He frowned the more when he remembered her words. She was right, but he was uncertain. He only meant for her safety. Isekai proved to be more dangerous than the human world.

Her eyes were imitating the moonlight, glowing in their intricate hue, beautiful as ever. He saw different emotions swirl in them but he couldn't make out one.

Oh, screw it.

Without warning, he placed his hands by the side of her face and crashed his lips unto hers. A rippling wave of amusement and ecstasy burst in his gut as their lips met. Hers were soft and it melted with his as he moved his lips over them.

Sakura was dumbfounded. He was kissing her. HE WAS KISSING HER!! Her heart pounded louder than ever and all the blood drained from her face. Her eyes became wider than ever. She couldn't believe it, but the feel of the softness of his lips took a permanent place in her head. Did he like her or was it the mate bond acting up again? She closed her eyes to stop the excited sting in her tear ducts as she responded to the gentle message his lips passed unto hers, putting her arms around his neck.

It didn't matter, mate bond or not, this was the best thing that was happening to her today.

Their lips moved against each other gently, creating an overwhelming warmth that seemed to melt their concerns away right that moment. It seemed to convey the remaining words left in their mouths. His arm went round her waist, bringing her closer to him as he deepened the kiss, enclosing her mouth with his.

The once gentle lip massage had turned to something intense and possessively desiring, joining two passive hearts unto each other.

He couldn't stop himself. He knew he had to, but he couldn't. She didn't want to stop. It was a genuine moment for her and for a minute, she thought he felt mutually the same for her as she did for him.

Forcing every willpower he had to stop himself, he finally withdrew, giving them space with only their nose almost touching.

"Forgive me?" He said as he caressed her cheek with his thumb.

"You've already apologized." She said in a whisper, looking away to hide the redness on her face.

I know. She seemed to forget that they were now connected telepathically, since he's marked her. "Also," he sighed, giving them more space and searching her nape, "your punch packs... a lot."

She looked at him then and retorted, pouting with a frown. "I couldn't help it. You deserved it."

Something in him swelled as he caught sight of the design by her nape. He leaned forward, burying his face in her nape, directly on the mark. His mark. Yeah, but I don't deserve you. He thought as he softly placed his lips on the mark, kissing it gently. I promise, I'm going to make it right.

Sakura felt a chill run through her whole body as he kissed her nape. She suddenly felt a desire springing up from her but all she did, as he straightened himself was look away sheepishly.

"You have my mark now." He told her, caressing it with his thumb.

She looked at him, curious. "Mark..." Ohh. Then she realized. That was where he'd bitten me. Oh, I see, his mark was formed. She grinned at him. "So, we can communicate without needing to communicate now?!"

The side of his lips cocked up a bit as he closed his eyes and nodded. She was excited. Cute. "Hn."

She gasped, almost squealing. I now have a superpower. Do I have super speed too?

No, she's thinking too far.

"Luna Sakura~?" Koiko's voice could be heard in the hallway, behind the door.

Sakura immediately changed subject, looking at the door. "I have to go."

At this, Sasuke frowned. "What ..." He tried to ask but she was already by the door. He missed the warmth. "Sakura."

She smiled at him. "I have to be in high spirits to meet the Queen tomorrow. I'll see you again, Sasuke." Her stare meant something else though. Make sure you don't run away or I'll hunt you and rip out your marrows.

Sasuke felt a slight chill run down his spine as she disappeared behind the door. His mate was... scary.

How can somebody be cute, pleasant, crazy and scary at the same time?

Sasuke sama.

One of the Lycans in his pack reached out to him and he straightened up, frowning. Speak.

The lycan told him everything he had information on. Naruto's ordeal with Alpha Ras, the severe injuries he got and that he's being treated now at Masashi's shrine. And also, something about Masashi needing to speak with him urgently.

About the girl in the prophecy, huh?