When Everything Changed - X
When Everything Changed - X
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Kakashi x Sakura
Summary: Feelings fester, news arrives, and a dark turn is taken.
Kakashi didn't ask her why she did it and she offered no explanation as she readjusted his hitai-ate. Instead she only smiled with a faint blush and helped him do a double check of his gear, and then walked with him outside to say goodbye and send him off.
Leaping through the shadows, he could vividly remember the look in her eyes when she told him to be careful. He had every intention of coming home, of returning to her. He smiled to himself as he thought of that moment - the nervousness he could feel emanating from her, the supple feeling of her flower petal-like lips on his, and the genuine surprise that spiked down his body. He never would have considered that she might have felt something towards him. He always thought that she saw him as sensei, as an old man. But it seemed that wasn't the case.
He inwardly chastised himself; if he had only been more patient he would have found that there hadn't been any need for him to steal from her. He still didn't regret sneaking the kiss that night. If that had been the only one, he would have accepted it and had been happy to have had that much. Looking up at the stars scattered beyond the trees, he was grateful that he was given the chance for so much more.
"I'll come back to you," he had paused to look back and say to her. The swish of her hair as she nodded, the hopeful smile etched across her face, the radiance of her emerald eyes, all told him that she'd be waiting. It had been a long time since he had someone to return to. He had nearly forgotten what it felt like, but it was nice and warm. With renewed energy he picked up the pace; he'd be damned if he made her wait longer than she had to.
Sakura had lingered outside after watching him disappear into the woodland. Emotions tumbled within her; she was happy that he hadn't pushed her away, but pulled her closer instead. She was still worried about him and his safety, anxious that he might rush and be reckless just to keep his word to her. But she also knew that he was capable of watching out for himself, and with the new development between them, she was sure he'd take the extra effort to come back in the same condition he left in.
She entered the room and shut the door behind her, leaning on it for a brief moment as she stared at the chairs before walking forward and collapsing onto the bed. It was so quiet now, and unbelievable that just a short while ago he had been sitting with her, eating and conversing. Sakura was used to being alone; she lived alone, ate alone, studied alone, and shopped alone. Yet somehow, this time, she actually felt lonely.
With a groan, she turned her face into the bed sheets and she could pick up on his faint scent within them. This realization only made her brow crease in frustration. She turned her head back to the side and brought her fingers up to her lips. Just recalling the sensation of his mouth to hers made her lips feel warm again. She should've told him how she felt about him long ago, but she was her own worst enemy when it came to expressing her true feelings. She denied herself the truth for so long, making up reasons as to why she was thinking about him or his well-being, conjuring up explanations for the quickening of her heart. Truthfully, she had just been afraid of what it all could have meant. There was no taking it back now, and the thought of all the possibilities made her head swim and her stomach knot, but in a pleasant way. It was still sinking in that he kissed her back.
He kissed her.
She grabbed the pillow and pulled it towards her, burying her face in it and resisting the urge to squeal into it like a teenager. She hadn't even considered how he would've reacted, or how it may impact team dynamics, or that it could even be looked down upon. What he had told her that day in the laundromat, no matter how much she hated it, it was true and came roaring to life in her mind - she was his subordinate. He was her superior and what she had done crossed the line and it would be frowned on if anyone were to find out. Why did she have to choose this time to be impulsive? She whined into the pillow and then laid there unmoving and unthinking for a few quiet moments.
She exhaled long and slow and then rolled over onto her back, casting her gaze toward the ceiling. Issues of rank and impulsive behavior aside, she smiled to herself because he had kissed her. Biting back a smile, she glanced out the window and silently hoped for his safe journey. Curling herself up into a ball and cuddling the pillow close, she lay there until sleep finally claimed her.
Sakura woke with an impressive yawn and blinked her bleary eyes against the sun's early light. She pushed herself up in bed and threw her legs over the side. She was still in her clothes from the day before and she immediately set about remedying that problem. After dressing and washing up her face, she headed out to the clinic. They were in the middle of conducting the medical check-ups of all the villagers to ensure that every last person effected - no matter by how much - would be treated and well again. It would still take a few days to complete, but the knowledge that the source was found and treated, and that those responsible had been dealt with, made Sakura feel ultimately better.
Unlike the day when she first arrived, happy faces greeted her as she walked in. It was good to see hope floating in the air rather than anguish - to hear kids laughing instead of wailing.
"Good morning, Haruno-san," Kiku greeted with a polite bow, her raven locks spilling over her shoulders.
"Good morning. How are the examinations going?"
"Great! We're almost half way through the people that were on the census list the village elder gave us. It was actually a bit of a relief to treat a sprained ankle this morning. Where's Hatake-san? I figured he would've come with you."
"He left last night. Who was it with the sprain?"
Kiku's brows knit together in shock and concern. "He left?! So soon after that injury?"
Sakura nodded as she picked up a folder. "Is that patient still here?"
"She is. I treated her, but she said she wanted to see you. She's in room 14, Kunikida I think was her name."
Sakura paused, breaking her attention away from the records, and then grinned. "Thanks, Kiku. Keep up the good work."
The dark-haired nurse smiled and watched as her superior headed down the hall before disappearing into the room.
Aimi was sitting in the chair against the wall and smiled as Sakura entered. "You're here."
"Hi. I heard you got a sprain..."
The woman seemed to flush with embarrassment. "I was trying to reach for some dishes up in the cabinet and I fell."
"But you're feeling better now, yes?"
She nodded, but her nervous habit of picking at her clothes returned. Sakura watched her for a moment before putting a hand over hers. "What else is it?"
"Can you... can you check and make sure the baby..."
Sakura didn't need to hear the rest; she knew what she was trying to ask. "Sure, just sit back."
Her hands curved around the tiny swell of her stomach and lit up with chakra. After a few more quiet moments, she pulled away and gave her a nod. "Baby's fine."
"Thank you," Aimi said with a relieved sigh.
"But you really should take more precautions; ask a friend or family member to help you."
"Which is why I was reaching for my things. I'm..." She seemed hesitant to continue. " I'm leaving the village. This was Sato's home, not mine. I always felt like I didn't belong here. I have a sister back home in Okimura. I've already sent word to her and hopefully she'll be here in a few days and I'll be on my way. I do need help, and she's all I have left now."
Sakura offered her a gentle smile. "I'm glad to know that you have someone. Just do me a favor and stay safe until she arrives, okay?"
She nodded. "I will. I - uh - I wanted to say thank you for helping me... and doing all you could to save Sato. He was a good man, he just -"
"Got involved with the wrong people?" Sakura finished for her. "I'm not here to judge. I've seen many good men do bad things with good intentions at heart. I know he loved you, Aimi."
The young woman's eyes were welling with fresh tears. "He did... Thank you for saving his home."
The rosette could say or do no more than to accept and return the woman's hug. After walking her out of the clinic and waving goodbye, Sakura took in a deep breath. She truly hoped Aimi would do well. She briefly wished Kakashi was there with her, to share the warmth and gratitude of their success in saving the town. But she'd see him soon enough, she told herself. She spun on her heel and then marched back inside, calling out the next patient's name on her list.
As the afternoon neared, Kiku rushed to Sakura's side, scroll in hand. "Haruno-san! Haruno-san! Word from Tsunade-sama!"
A smile spread on her face as she took it. "Thank you." She unfurled it and let her eyes skim over the coded message, her smile growing as she reached the end.
"Good news?" Kiku asked.
"Definitely." Jade eyes brightened as she looked up at her. "Would you like to go home with me?"
Kiku's expression slowly changed into one of pure glee. "Really? We can go?"
Sakura nodded. "Naoya and Haruko are more than capable of handling the exams. She wants me to bring a medic back with samples, and you worked really hard on this Kiku. Do you want to lead the project over this poison when we return?"
The nurse seemed to be at a loss. "Then that means... I can... I'll get to work with Shizune-san? In the lab?"
The pinkette smiled. "That's right."
"She's like... like... my role model. Of course I'll head it!"
Sakura couldn't stop the laugh that came. "Great! Let's tell the others and then get packed, shall we?"
Seeing Kiku's face light up like that, it was like seeing a side of her that she had never seen before. After packing their belongings, they returned to the clinic to ensure the others knew exactly what they'd be doing. Naoya gladly accepted the role as supervisor and promised to send an update before leaving. Haruko was all too eager to stay behind and help Naoya that she was practically shoving them out of the doors to leave so they could be alone.
Sakura lifted a hand and waved her goodbye to Naoya and haruko before readjusting her bag and turning to face Kiku. "You ready?"
The medic nodded and smiled, patting the case secured at her waist. "Let's get this home."
Once outside the village they began to sprint along the path. "We should make it back in the morning if we keep this pace," Sakura commented.
"The sooner I get to work with Shizune, the better," Kiku replied with stars in her eyes.
The rosette grinned and then focused ahead - missing how Kiku glanced at the trees and how her eyes narrowed in suspicion at the figure she thought she saw move within them.
They traveled all afternoon until the younger medic's stomach growling became persistent enough to warrant them to stop for a meal. Kiku prepared everything for them and as Sakura stared into the cup ramen, she was suddenly feeling nostalgic. How many times did she stomach ramen with Team 7? She sighed as she stirred the noodles.
"Everything alright, Haruno-san?"
Pink brows rose as she snapped from her reverie. "Oh, yeah, I was just thinking."
Kiku glanced up at her. "About Hatake-san?"
Sakura gave her a pointed look and the woman pressed her lips together as if she knew the question was out of line. The silence stretched on between them before Kiku broke and bowed her head. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I just - you two work and look so good together, and the way he looked after you in the clinic... he was so devoted!"
The starry-eyed look from before returned and she briefly reminded Sakura of how she and Ino would share their fantasies about love and marriage. She couldn't stop the chuckle that came.
Dark brows dipped down. "Haruno-san?"
She waved her hand. "It's nothing. Listen, Kiku, you're a great woman with a promising future in the medical field, and I know it may be difficult taking orders from a younger person-"
"That's not it," she defended.
"And you've always been very warm and motherly to me, and I know you mean well, but there are just some things that are inappropriate and uncomfortable to talk about."
"I understand, I do, I just couldn't help myself when I saw you so down. And excuse me for talking so informally, but I know you young ones think you have to figure it all out on your own. What do you think your elders are for? I have some experience, you know. It wouldn't hurt to come to me and ask for advice."
Sakura nearly found herself shrinking back from her parental tone, she hadn't heard that in a long time; it wasn't often Kiku spoke that way and it always reminded her of how young she still was. "I know and I appreciate everything you've done for me. If it's any consolation, your advice did give me a push in the right direction."
Kiku straightened, a smile curling her lips and a devilish glint lighting up her eyes. "So you did tell him!"
"I'm not saying!" Sakura replied before breaking into laughter. Her companion joined in with her, but their mirth was cut short.
"Well, look at what we got here."
At the voice, Sakura's head whipped around and she was on her feet in an instant. Leaning against the trunk of a nearby tree was a man dressed in the same shabby style of clothing she had seen before. He brought up his hand and examined his fingers, as if checking for dirt beneath his nails. "What do you call two ladies alone in the forest?" he asked with a grin.
Sakura stepped in front of Kiku and put one arm out to protect the space beside her comrade. "Stay behind me."
Fed up with waiting, he huffed, his hand coming to rest on the grip of his sword. "Are ya' not even gon' guess?"
Sakura withdrew a kunai and raised it, narrowing her eyes at him. His shoulders stiffened and his lips pulled into a scowl. "I just wanted to talk. I'm not too keen on havin' a weapon drawn on me."
He stepped forward, and Sakura stepped back, making sure her medic was still safe behind her. "Talk from there."
"You killed our leader, you know. He was a good man, he looked after us. But honestly, he was startin' to reach for things he couldn't grasp."
"Let me guess, I did you guys another favor?"
"Somethin' like that. And you're gon' do us one more," he said with a confident lift of his chin.
"Yeah, and what's that?"
Cold metal pierced into her neck like a lightning strike and the fluid was injected into her system in the skip of a heartbeat. Her mouth fell open, lips trembling and eyes welling with tears, as she turned her head to meet dark eyes. She could already feel her body responding to whatever she had been injected with, but she resisted and fought the burning twitches that raced down her spine.
"Why?" she croaked out.
Kiku slid the needle back into her pouch with calm hands and then turned her indifferent expression to her. "Everyone always wants to know why, but finding out is half the fun."
Sakura was going red-faced as she continued to struggle and will herself to remain standing.
"You're strong, Sakura-chan, but not as strong as the neurotoxin working through your body." She palmed her cheek. "Your body will succumb to it, even if you don't want it to. So just relax."
Sakura knocked her hand away before stumbling, her knees giving out, and she crumpled to the ground. She could hear them getting closer and everything in her wanted to fight, but none of her limbs would obey her commands. She was paralyzed.
Kiku knelt beside her and tilted her head as she looked down on her superior. "I'm sorry, Sakura, but this is necessary. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you - not yet at least."
Inside her head, Sakura was screaming and cursing and imagining jabbing her fist into the woman's throat just so she'd shut up. But on the outside she was still and calm, save for the angry tears that slid down her face.
NOTE: Don't hate me! I know this installment was short, but I really wanted to cut it off here and I wasn't going to make any of you suffer reading through a bunch of unnecessary filler-drivel. I hadn't originally intended for this to happen, but let's see where this goes. As unbelievable as it sounds, I'm hoping to have this done in just a few more parts. So stick with me! Thanks for reading :)
-Autumn
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing: Kakashi x Sakura
Summary: Feelings fester, news arrives, and a dark turn is taken.
Kakashi didn't ask her why she did it and she offered no explanation as she readjusted his hitai-ate. Instead she only smiled with a faint blush and helped him do a double check of his gear, and then walked with him outside to say goodbye and send him off.
Leaping through the shadows, he could vividly remember the look in her eyes when she told him to be careful. He had every intention of coming home, of returning to her. He smiled to himself as he thought of that moment - the nervousness he could feel emanating from her, the supple feeling of her flower petal-like lips on his, and the genuine surprise that spiked down his body. He never would have considered that she might have felt something towards him. He always thought that she saw him as sensei, as an old man. But it seemed that wasn't the case.
He inwardly chastised himself; if he had only been more patient he would have found that there hadn't been any need for him to steal from her. He still didn't regret sneaking the kiss that night. If that had been the only one, he would have accepted it and had been happy to have had that much. Looking up at the stars scattered beyond the trees, he was grateful that he was given the chance for so much more.
"I'll come back to you," he had paused to look back and say to her. The swish of her hair as she nodded, the hopeful smile etched across her face, the radiance of her emerald eyes, all told him that she'd be waiting. It had been a long time since he had someone to return to. He had nearly forgotten what it felt like, but it was nice and warm. With renewed energy he picked up the pace; he'd be damned if he made her wait longer than she had to.
Sakura had lingered outside after watching him disappear into the woodland. Emotions tumbled within her; she was happy that he hadn't pushed her away, but pulled her closer instead. She was still worried about him and his safety, anxious that he might rush and be reckless just to keep his word to her. But she also knew that he was capable of watching out for himself, and with the new development between them, she was sure he'd take the extra effort to come back in the same condition he left in.
She entered the room and shut the door behind her, leaning on it for a brief moment as she stared at the chairs before walking forward and collapsing onto the bed. It was so quiet now, and unbelievable that just a short while ago he had been sitting with her, eating and conversing. Sakura was used to being alone; she lived alone, ate alone, studied alone, and shopped alone. Yet somehow, this time, she actually felt lonely.
With a groan, she turned her face into the bed sheets and she could pick up on his faint scent within them. This realization only made her brow crease in frustration. She turned her head back to the side and brought her fingers up to her lips. Just recalling the sensation of his mouth to hers made her lips feel warm again. She should've told him how she felt about him long ago, but she was her own worst enemy when it came to expressing her true feelings. She denied herself the truth for so long, making up reasons as to why she was thinking about him or his well-being, conjuring up explanations for the quickening of her heart. Truthfully, she had just been afraid of what it all could have meant. There was no taking it back now, and the thought of all the possibilities made her head swim and her stomach knot, but in a pleasant way. It was still sinking in that he kissed her back.
He kissed her.
She grabbed the pillow and pulled it towards her, burying her face in it and resisting the urge to squeal into it like a teenager. She hadn't even considered how he would've reacted, or how it may impact team dynamics, or that it could even be looked down upon. What he had told her that day in the laundromat, no matter how much she hated it, it was true and came roaring to life in her mind - she was his subordinate. He was her superior and what she had done crossed the line and it would be frowned on if anyone were to find out. Why did she have to choose this time to be impulsive? She whined into the pillow and then laid there unmoving and unthinking for a few quiet moments.
She exhaled long and slow and then rolled over onto her back, casting her gaze toward the ceiling. Issues of rank and impulsive behavior aside, she smiled to herself because he had kissed her. Biting back a smile, she glanced out the window and silently hoped for his safe journey. Curling herself up into a ball and cuddling the pillow close, she lay there until sleep finally claimed her.
Sakura woke with an impressive yawn and blinked her bleary eyes against the sun's early light. She pushed herself up in bed and threw her legs over the side. She was still in her clothes from the day before and she immediately set about remedying that problem. After dressing and washing up her face, she headed out to the clinic. They were in the middle of conducting the medical check-ups of all the villagers to ensure that every last person effected - no matter by how much - would be treated and well again. It would still take a few days to complete, but the knowledge that the source was found and treated, and that those responsible had been dealt with, made Sakura feel ultimately better.
Unlike the day when she first arrived, happy faces greeted her as she walked in. It was good to see hope floating in the air rather than anguish - to hear kids laughing instead of wailing.
"Good morning, Haruno-san," Kiku greeted with a polite bow, her raven locks spilling over her shoulders.
"Good morning. How are the examinations going?"
"Great! We're almost half way through the people that were on the census list the village elder gave us. It was actually a bit of a relief to treat a sprained ankle this morning. Where's Hatake-san? I figured he would've come with you."
"He left last night. Who was it with the sprain?"
Kiku's brows knit together in shock and concern. "He left?! So soon after that injury?"
Sakura nodded as she picked up a folder. "Is that patient still here?"
"She is. I treated her, but she said she wanted to see you. She's in room 14, Kunikida I think was her name."
Sakura paused, breaking her attention away from the records, and then grinned. "Thanks, Kiku. Keep up the good work."
The dark-haired nurse smiled and watched as her superior headed down the hall before disappearing into the room.
Aimi was sitting in the chair against the wall and smiled as Sakura entered. "You're here."
"Hi. I heard you got a sprain..."
The woman seemed to flush with embarrassment. "I was trying to reach for some dishes up in the cabinet and I fell."
"But you're feeling better now, yes?"
She nodded, but her nervous habit of picking at her clothes returned. Sakura watched her for a moment before putting a hand over hers. "What else is it?"
"Can you... can you check and make sure the baby..."
Sakura didn't need to hear the rest; she knew what she was trying to ask. "Sure, just sit back."
Her hands curved around the tiny swell of her stomach and lit up with chakra. After a few more quiet moments, she pulled away and gave her a nod. "Baby's fine."
"Thank you," Aimi said with a relieved sigh.
"But you really should take more precautions; ask a friend or family member to help you."
"Which is why I was reaching for my things. I'm..." She seemed hesitant to continue. " I'm leaving the village. This was Sato's home, not mine. I always felt like I didn't belong here. I have a sister back home in Okimura. I've already sent word to her and hopefully she'll be here in a few days and I'll be on my way. I do need help, and she's all I have left now."
Sakura offered her a gentle smile. "I'm glad to know that you have someone. Just do me a favor and stay safe until she arrives, okay?"
She nodded. "I will. I - uh - I wanted to say thank you for helping me... and doing all you could to save Sato. He was a good man, he just -"
"Got involved with the wrong people?" Sakura finished for her. "I'm not here to judge. I've seen many good men do bad things with good intentions at heart. I know he loved you, Aimi."
The young woman's eyes were welling with fresh tears. "He did... Thank you for saving his home."
The rosette could say or do no more than to accept and return the woman's hug. After walking her out of the clinic and waving goodbye, Sakura took in a deep breath. She truly hoped Aimi would do well. She briefly wished Kakashi was there with her, to share the warmth and gratitude of their success in saving the town. But she'd see him soon enough, she told herself. She spun on her heel and then marched back inside, calling out the next patient's name on her list.
As the afternoon neared, Kiku rushed to Sakura's side, scroll in hand. "Haruno-san! Haruno-san! Word from Tsunade-sama!"
A smile spread on her face as she took it. "Thank you." She unfurled it and let her eyes skim over the coded message, her smile growing as she reached the end.
"Good news?" Kiku asked.
"Definitely." Jade eyes brightened as she looked up at her. "Would you like to go home with me?"
Kiku's expression slowly changed into one of pure glee. "Really? We can go?"
Sakura nodded. "Naoya and Haruko are more than capable of handling the exams. She wants me to bring a medic back with samples, and you worked really hard on this Kiku. Do you want to lead the project over this poison when we return?"
The nurse seemed to be at a loss. "Then that means... I can... I'll get to work with Shizune-san? In the lab?"
The pinkette smiled. "That's right."
"She's like... like... my role model. Of course I'll head it!"
Sakura couldn't stop the laugh that came. "Great! Let's tell the others and then get packed, shall we?"
Seeing Kiku's face light up like that, it was like seeing a side of her that she had never seen before. After packing their belongings, they returned to the clinic to ensure the others knew exactly what they'd be doing. Naoya gladly accepted the role as supervisor and promised to send an update before leaving. Haruko was all too eager to stay behind and help Naoya that she was practically shoving them out of the doors to leave so they could be alone.
Sakura lifted a hand and waved her goodbye to Naoya and haruko before readjusting her bag and turning to face Kiku. "You ready?"
The medic nodded and smiled, patting the case secured at her waist. "Let's get this home."
Once outside the village they began to sprint along the path. "We should make it back in the morning if we keep this pace," Sakura commented.
"The sooner I get to work with Shizune, the better," Kiku replied with stars in her eyes.
The rosette grinned and then focused ahead - missing how Kiku glanced at the trees and how her eyes narrowed in suspicion at the figure she thought she saw move within them.
They traveled all afternoon until the younger medic's stomach growling became persistent enough to warrant them to stop for a meal. Kiku prepared everything for them and as Sakura stared into the cup ramen, she was suddenly feeling nostalgic. How many times did she stomach ramen with Team 7? She sighed as she stirred the noodles.
"Everything alright, Haruno-san?"
Pink brows rose as she snapped from her reverie. "Oh, yeah, I was just thinking."
Kiku glanced up at her. "About Hatake-san?"
Sakura gave her a pointed look and the woman pressed her lips together as if she knew the question was out of line. The silence stretched on between them before Kiku broke and bowed her head. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I just - you two work and look so good together, and the way he looked after you in the clinic... he was so devoted!"
The starry-eyed look from before returned and she briefly reminded Sakura of how she and Ino would share their fantasies about love and marriage. She couldn't stop the chuckle that came.
Dark brows dipped down. "Haruno-san?"
She waved her hand. "It's nothing. Listen, Kiku, you're a great woman with a promising future in the medical field, and I know it may be difficult taking orders from a younger person-"
"That's not it," she defended.
"And you've always been very warm and motherly to me, and I know you mean well, but there are just some things that are inappropriate and uncomfortable to talk about."
"I understand, I do, I just couldn't help myself when I saw you so down. And excuse me for talking so informally, but I know you young ones think you have to figure it all out on your own. What do you think your elders are for? I have some experience, you know. It wouldn't hurt to come to me and ask for advice."
Sakura nearly found herself shrinking back from her parental tone, she hadn't heard that in a long time; it wasn't often Kiku spoke that way and it always reminded her of how young she still was. "I know and I appreciate everything you've done for me. If it's any consolation, your advice did give me a push in the right direction."
Kiku straightened, a smile curling her lips and a devilish glint lighting up her eyes. "So you did tell him!"
"I'm not saying!" Sakura replied before breaking into laughter. Her companion joined in with her, but their mirth was cut short.
"Well, look at what we got here."
At the voice, Sakura's head whipped around and she was on her feet in an instant. Leaning against the trunk of a nearby tree was a man dressed in the same shabby style of clothing she had seen before. He brought up his hand and examined his fingers, as if checking for dirt beneath his nails. "What do you call two ladies alone in the forest?" he asked with a grin.
Sakura stepped in front of Kiku and put one arm out to protect the space beside her comrade. "Stay behind me."
Fed up with waiting, he huffed, his hand coming to rest on the grip of his sword. "Are ya' not even gon' guess?"
Sakura withdrew a kunai and raised it, narrowing her eyes at him. His shoulders stiffened and his lips pulled into a scowl. "I just wanted to talk. I'm not too keen on havin' a weapon drawn on me."
He stepped forward, and Sakura stepped back, making sure her medic was still safe behind her. "Talk from there."
"You killed our leader, you know. He was a good man, he looked after us. But honestly, he was startin' to reach for things he couldn't grasp."
"Let me guess, I did you guys another favor?"
"Somethin' like that. And you're gon' do us one more," he said with a confident lift of his chin.
"Yeah, and what's that?"
Cold metal pierced into her neck like a lightning strike and the fluid was injected into her system in the skip of a heartbeat. Her mouth fell open, lips trembling and eyes welling with tears, as she turned her head to meet dark eyes. She could already feel her body responding to whatever she had been injected with, but she resisted and fought the burning twitches that raced down her spine.
"Why?" she croaked out.
Kiku slid the needle back into her pouch with calm hands and then turned her indifferent expression to her. "Everyone always wants to know why, but finding out is half the fun."
Sakura was going red-faced as she continued to struggle and will herself to remain standing.
"You're strong, Sakura-chan, but not as strong as the neurotoxin working through your body." She palmed her cheek. "Your body will succumb to it, even if you don't want it to. So just relax."
Sakura knocked her hand away before stumbling, her knees giving out, and she crumpled to the ground. She could hear them getting closer and everything in her wanted to fight, but none of her limbs would obey her commands. She was paralyzed.
Kiku knelt beside her and tilted her head as she looked down on her superior. "I'm sorry, Sakura, but this is necessary. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you - not yet at least."
Inside her head, Sakura was screaming and cursing and imagining jabbing her fist into the woman's throat just so she'd shut up. But on the outside she was still and calm, save for the angry tears that slid down her face.
NOTE: Don't hate me! I know this installment was short, but I really wanted to cut it off here and I wasn't going to make any of you suffer reading through a bunch of unnecessary filler-drivel. I hadn't originally intended for this to happen, but let's see where this goes. As unbelievable as it sounds, I'm hoping to have this done in just a few more parts. So stick with me! Thanks for reading :)
-Autumn