47Ha! Ha! Finally I have finished chapter three! It has been quite some time since I have written in this fanfic, but I found the ambition to continue it again. This chapter was also a tricky one to complete; I kept running into writers block. It was so damn annoying, but I have overcome it!
Please read and review it!
Naruto doesn't belong to me.
Summary: Five young maidens descend into the fiery world of demons to compete for the title of "Maiden of the Mizu Shrine." They will face dangers and horror's unimagined. They will need all their training and courage to face the evil and malignant creatures that dwell there, thirsting for their flesh and blood. One will prevail in a world where failure means death.
Rating: Teen
Apologize by One Republic
That it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
Too late, oh yeah
A Kyuubi's Kiss
Chapter Three: The Apology
Temari maneuvered through the skies with the utmost caution. One wrong move and they would be done for. Already now there were several stray streaks of lightening that almost struck them. It was way too close for comfort. Gusts of wind pressed against her, attempting their best to disrupt her flight patterns. Fortunately, Temari's destination was in plain sight.
It was the Isha village – a village known for their unparalleled healing abilities.
There Sakura will be able to recover quickly. She flapped her ivory wings harder, hoping this would provide the extra power that she needed.
Temari gently landed and scouted the heart of the small town. Thick streaks of blond locks spilled over her front, curling at her waist into miniature spikes, each streak kept slapping her face. It seemed bare without the villagers wondering about. The streets were light with dim candle rays that were placed on the window edges of those still awake at this hour.
She looked to Sakura's paling face. There wasn't much time left. If this continued Sakura would… No! She must never allow that to happen!
To prevent anymore droplets from raining down on them, she used her wings like an umbrella. With her inhuman speed, she accelerated through the village. A moment later, she halted before the hut where the healer resides.
She swiftly pushed the straw door out of her way, almost ripping it off in the process.
The elderly woman glanced up from the scroll she was reading, her eyes widened when she saw the young girl clutched in the demon's arms. "Temari, what happened?"
"Lady Chiyo, please I need your help." She said in between pants, and fell to her knees. Exhaustion was beginning to take its toll on her – even a demon could handle so much.
Shoving the scroll to the side, Chiyo stood. "Place her on the bedding."
In the corner of the small hut was a bed made of hay. Temari did as instructed. The pink haired girl breathing was coming out in short puffs.
"Quick, we must remove her clothes." Chiyo opened the folds of Sakura's kimono and saw the punctured wound. She gasped. "My god." The rims of the injury was turning purple and seeping green oozes. As the village's healer, she's personally seen wounds like this countless of times, it could only mean one thing. "She was poisoned, wasn't she?"
"I do not know, but you must save her!" Temari pleaded. There was no way that she was going to allow Sakura to die. Not now, not when her mission wasn't completed yet!
Chiyo met her gaze. "I'll see what I can do." The woman turned away and picked up a bowl filled with grinded herbs. "We need to have her drink this. This remedy will clear her body of the toxins."
Temari knelt on the other side of Sakura and forced her to a sitting position. She parted the young priestesses' mouth as Chiyo held the bowl over her lips. Steadily, the liquid poured down her throat.
Sakura's body jolted up for a minute. Her nails dung into Temari's skin as she tried to hack up the bitter substance.
The bird demon held Sakura down and placed her palm over her mouth. "Sakura, we are trying to help you. Calm down and swallow the medicine." She looked into Sakura's drained eyes. "Please," she whispered.
Sakura struggled some more until she had no choice but to gulp down mixture in order to breath. Coughing out a few more pants, Sakura's eyes rolled back behind her head. Her body became slack against the hay.
Temari let her body crumple against the wall. Chiyo removed the rest of Sakura's kimono until she was completely bare. She applied the remaining remedy on the wound and skillfully bandaged her up.
The healer brought a bowl filled with cold water and a cloth. "What happened to this child?" She dipped the cloth in the water and padded Sakura's damp forehead.
"I have no idea. I found her in that condition," she replied sullenly.
Chiyo sighed. "You always had a knack for helping others, do you not?"
Temari almost didn't have the strength to laugh. "Well, you know me. I guess my master tamed me pretty good."
Chiyo shared that laugh. "Yes, I suppose she has. It only makes sense that you go out of your way to protect her kin." She stood and piled up a stack of timber over the burnt ones and started up a fire.
"You could sense it as well?" Temari inquired, closing her eyes.
Chiyo took out a pipe and lit it. "Please, Temari, don't underestimate my abilities." She blew a puff of smoke. "I know a Haruno when I see one." She chuckled softly. "She is the spitting imagine of her mother, those sticking green eyes probably being the most prominent trait. I fear in this world she might be an easy target because of that. I'm sure your master had made quite a few enemies here." She shook her head and poked a stick through the burning wood. "Mebuki was an extraordinary woman wasn't she?" She stared into the burning flames. "I remember a time when you used to be a blood thirsty and vengeful demon that didn't care for anything or anyone. I often pitied those who were unfortunate enough to enter your path."
"Mebuki was certainly…different." Temari face fell bitter as she stood up. "Unfortunately, I do remember those haunting memories." She moved her way to the exit. "I hope to someday repent for all the dreadful things I have done."
"Where you are going?" Chiyo inquired placidly. "Aren't you going to stay and watch over the child?"
The bird demon pushed the hay entrance away. "No, I think its best that she doesn't know who I am just yet. I would like to see how she goes along in her journey. My instructions are to protect her, not to cradle her in her adventures. Mebuki would not want me to interfere." She glanced up to the clearing sky. "And besides I know she will be in good hands with you. I know you'll protect her with your own life."
Chiyo closed her eyes serenely. "That I will." She smiled. "I do also have a dept to pay off."
"Good." Temari vanished into the heavens.
Chiyo shook her head, covering Sakura's body with a wool blanket. Her breathing was steady and the color was coming back into her cheeks. Good, she is healing well. The healer continued reading her scroll, ever so often glancing at Sakura's form.
Sakura woke abruptly and jackknifed into a sitting position. The blanket pooled onto her lap. A hissed escaped her when the sudden throbbing pain forced her to fall back into her hay bedding. Her palm latched onto the wound, expecting to touch flesh instead she felt cloth. The complete upper part of her body was dressed in white bindings.
Someone had bandaged the wound.
The question was who?
"What?" Her voice came out raggedy from lack of water. Attempting to clear her throat, she glanced at her surroundings. It was a small wooden hut. It seemed pretty ordinary. There were three huge clay pots in the corner which she assumed held food or herbs. Rope and weapons were hung side by side against the wall. In the middle of the room a metal pot was placed over a crackling fire, a wooden lid concealed the contents within it.
"Where am I?" She whispered. The inching of her throat was incredibly irritating.
The rustling of footsteps was nearing the hut. When the sound was all too close, she quickly shut her eyes and relaxed her body as if she were still resting.
An elderly woman push passed the straw door, humming a soft tune. She placed the herbs that she collected on the mat next to the pot. Kneeling down, she removed the lid. The intoxicating scent of stew filled the small space. Pulling out a wooden spoon, she stirred the brew.
"I know you are not sleeping child." She spoke gently.
Sakura cautiously opened her eyes and carefully sat up. She embraced the blanket tightly to her chest in embarrassment, not used to being bare. "How did you know?"
She gave a toothless smile. "You can't fool an old goat like me." Her dark eyes twinkled with delight. Tapping the utensil against the pot to remove excess liquids, she placed the covering back on and turned towards Sakura.
"It's been sometime since I had any company. My name is Chiyo." She gave a slight bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
Sakura remain silent debating whether she was a threat or not. The elderly woman was clothed with priestess robes. Her face was etched with wrinkles and marked with blemishes and age spots. She appeared harmless enough, but could she truly trust her? Was she a miko or a demon in disguise? The young priestess let her eyes fall to her lap.
When Chiyo saw she wasn't going to reveal a name, she turned back to the stew. Lifting the lid, she threw in some of the herbs then enclosed it. She stared intensely at the fire as if reminiscing in an old memory. "I'm not a demon if that's what you're thinking."
There was a lengthy silence.
Chiyo pulled out a black ribbon and collected her silver grey hair and tied it neatly into a bun. "I am just as human as you are."
Sakura snapped her gaze towards her. So she was human as well. It could explain the calm and wholesome aura that vibrated through her – too welcoming to belong to a demon.
"Lady Chiyo!" A young man stumbled in. He smiled from cheek to cheek revealing his rather sharp canines.
A demon. Sakura became alert.
"Lee, what's wrong?"
"I found them!" He shoved his hand filled with leaves at her. "I found the herbs that you instructed me to find for your guest!" A fuzzy tail waved joyously behind him at his achievement.
Chiyo laughed. "Thank you, I really appreciate that." She held out her hand. "I knew your nose would be able to detect its scent."
He gladly handed her the plants. "I consider it an honor to help you, Lady Chiyo. My nose is sensitive compared to the other villagers, so I don't mind lending it to you." He gloated. The ears atop his head twitched back and forth in an excited manner. "Though, it wasn't in the easiest of places to grasp." He pulled his long braid over his chest and plucked the remains of a bush out.
Lee noticed Sakura. "I see you're awake." He settled himself next to her bed. A blush spread across his face as he took a closer look at her face. "Wow, you're so beautiful."
Sakura inched away, heat radiating from her cheeks. It wasn't often that people complimented her physical appearance or approached her when she was half naked. She avoided eye contact, clutching the blanket closer.
Chiyo stomped on his tail.
"Ow!" A tear drop fell from his large, rounded eye. "What was that for?"
She sent him a death glare that shot shivers down his spine. "The poor girl is half naked, scared and you march in here and have the audacity to act familiar with her! And you ask me why I stepped on your tail?" she screamed.
Lee suddenly became aware of Sakura's exposed state and slapped his hand over his eyes. "I am so sorry, miss! I didn't mean to offend!" He stood up and tried to maneuver to the exit. It failed miserably when he came in contact with the wall next to the door. "Ow." He whispered as he tried again and successful left.
Sakura released a giggled that she was holding in.
Chiyo took Lee's spot. "Lee is a silly boy, but he protects this village. No rouge demon ever wonders here or they've wished they hadn't."
"Is he your familiar?" she suddenly asked.
Chiyo placed her hand over her heart. "Ah, so she does speak." Then shook her head. "Good lord, no. He's too young." There was a hint of sorrow in her eyes. "My familiar died a long time ago."
Sakura saw that she had ran into a touché subject. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Chiyo reassured. "That was all in the past. And this is the present, now let me look at your wound." She skillfully undressed the young priestess's shoulder. The puncture injury was almost fully healed.
"How is the wound almost already healed?" Sakura inquired anxiously. The wound had caused her blood loss and disrupted her nerve system. Now that she thought about it, she could move her hand perfectly without any issue. Also, she felt completely fine. There were no signs of fatigue or nausea. "What did you do to me?"
The elderly woman turned away and grabbed the herbs Lee gathered. "I used the herbs that reside in the forest east from here." Chiyo took out a small stone bowl with a matching stick. "In this certain region, the herbs grow larger – more stronger. This in tune causes the remediates affects to double, sometime triple." She began grinding the plants. "You're lucky that we had these herbs to my disposal or you would have surely died."
Once she was satisfied with its liquefied condition. "Come here child, we need to apply this on." Sakura leaned into her. Chiyo rubbed the cool remedy in and over the injury.
The blossom was surprised that it didn't hurt. The pain was slowly diminishing into minor aches that she could bare easier. These herbs worked fast and effectively just as Chiyo said. She made a mental note to bring some on her journey. They would definitely come in good use. Throwing away the bandages, Chiyo began to rewrap her shoulder with new ones.
"Sakura."
Chiyo halted in her actions. "Pardon?"
"My name." She paused. "It's Sakura."
Chiyo smiled, finishing up with the bandaging. "The name quite suits you. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Sakura."
Sakura blushed. "Please, Sakura is just fine."
The elder priestess was surprised with the girl's modesty. It was rare for a young priestess to possess that trait. Most were cocky and full of their power – it's rather refreshing. "Okay, Sakura then." She went to the corner of the room and picked up an old wooden box. "Here you go." She handed it to Sakura. "I hope it fits."
"What is it?" she put it over her lap and opened the box. She gasped. It was an extravagant pink kimono with blossoms at the collar. Pulling it out, she noticed that there was a matching pair of hakama pants at the bottom. "I can't possibly accept this."
Chiyo waved it off. "Oh pish posh, I wore this years ago. You look about my size."
Sakura hugged it to herself. She has never owned a kimono quite this luxurious before. "Thank you very much."
The woman shrugged. "It was gift given to me when I was younger. One of the demon lords became infatuated with me and gave me a kimono that has the ability to hinder your human scent from demons." She smiled as if remembering something naughty. "Those were good times."
"Really? Are you sure I can really have it?"
"It's okay, this way you are able to walk through a village without being found out being human." She winked. "Trust me, it is more useful to you then it is to me. Now let's put it on you. I'm sure you're sick of being nude."
Sakura nodded happily.
Chiyo assisted her in standing up. Sakura slipped into the new priestess ware fairly well, making sure to dodge her injury. Just as Chiyo said, it fit her like a glove. Her rosy hair blended in perfectly with the kimono top.
The older priestess nodded in approval. "Not bad, I'm almost jealous to say that you ware it better than I ever did."
Sakura smiled, her cheeks burning red. "Thank you, again."
"Don't mention it." She pushed the door to the side, allowing rays of sun light to stream in. "Come, let me show you around the village." Chiyo disappeared outside. The blossom followed suit.
Sakura was almost surprised how many people filled this place. It was positively packed.
Some villagers traveled in small groups, others held carts filled with goods. Others walked with their kin in close proximity. Everyone moved in haste as if they were late for something important. Sakura had to be careful or she'd surely get lost in this ever growing crowd of demons.
It unnerved her how obvious the traits of demons stuck out to her. Tails, claws, fangs, wings, and animal ears were seen upon every individual. Though this isn't how she would picture a village in the demon realm. She thought they would act savage and blood thirty, that they wouldn't give it another thought at killing one of their own, but on the contrary, they all acted like any normal human village would. It was rather strange.
Chiyo was engulfed into the sea of people. Sakura quickly tried to follow. Then she was pulled into the masses of demons. She felt completely and utterly lost, she never realized that she was claustrophobic until she was smothered in the crush of people. She wasn't used to this many villagers being around her, and she most certainly wasn't used to being touched. It was like being in a maze, every glance showing a block in what at first look appeared to be a clear path through.
She had to get out of this mess. Using the little strength she had left, she shoved through the crowd. Someone roughly connected their shoulder with her own. It sent pain down her limb. She turned to tell that person a piece of her mind until, a pair of arms embraced her. In alert, she began to struggle severely. The person holding her didn't even budge at her feeble attempts. The demon brought his mouth to her ear.
"Please, calm down miss. It's me, Lee. Let me lead you out of here."
It was the boy from earlier!
Lee released the hug and latched on her hand. He directed her through the village easily. Most of the village people actually paved a path for him and a few of them bowed their respects.
Sakura could feel her face heat up again. Lee's hand was so much larger then hers. It was warm and welcoming. As soon as those thoughts were realized, she quickly banished them. She shouldn't think that way, especially about a demon!
They stopped in front of a kimono shop. "That was a close one. It's less crowded here during this time of day." He grinned, giving her hand a comforting squeeze before releasing it.
"Thank you." Sakura liked this Lee person. He was very kind and generous. It was sad to say that demons treated her better than her own species. Because of her rosy locks often villagers thought of her as a cursed child.
"You're very welcome, miss. When I saw you lost in the crowd, I thought you needed assistance." The wolf demon laughed. "Now that's done and over with. Hi, my name is Lee. What's your name?" He outstretched his arm.
"Sakura." She shook his hand.
"There you are!" Chiyo exclaimed joining their side. "I was worried there. When I didn't see you behind me, my heart started racing. Thank god Lee found you." She heaved a breath. "You almost gave me a heart attack."
"Are you well, Lady Chiyo?" Lee stroked her back tenderly.
Getting her breathing under control, she bobbed her head up and down. "Yes, I'm quite alright. Now let's give Sakura a grand tour." She spread out her arms. "Welcome to Isha Village."
Chiyo and Lee guided Sakura through the village. The more she saw the more she compared it to a normal village. Were human and demons not so different in an everyday life? As they traveled on, the traffic significantly declined making it easier to see the sights. They looked through clothing shops, medicine stores, and weapon smiths. It was a fascinating experience. All of the people that Chiyo introduced to her were so kind.
It was nice to feel welcomed.
One of the villagers flew to Chiyo. Folding his black wings, he landed. "Lady Chiyo, my child had injured himself in the forest and needs medical attention. I think he broke his wing!" The man explained.
"I understand." Chiyo could hear the poor child wailing all the way from the healer's courters. She turned to the two youngsters. "Duty calls." She glanced to Lee. "I trust that you will continue to guide Sakura."
Lee inclined his head. "Yes, Lady Chiyo."
"Good. I'll be off now." The father bird picked her up and they flew away.
Strolling down the market place, Sakura halted in front of a fruit and vegetable both. All of the produces looked fresh and delectable. Thinking back, she hasn't had anything since she's arrived in the demon world. Her stomach was beginning to feel tight and ached to be filled.
One of the sells men caught her eyeing the fruits and approached her. "Hello Madam, may I help you today?"
"Oh, no sorry, I was just looking. I don't have any money." She showed her empty hands. Honestly, she didn't even know what people here used as currency. Lady Tsunade never mentioned that she would be needed to purchase anything in this realm.
Lee stepped next to her and handed the man two small copper coins. "I'll take two apples, please."
The man refused his money. "It's on the house, sir." He smiled. "I own you my life."
Lee accepted the fruits gladly. "Here you go." He dropped on in Sakura's awaiting palm.
"Are you sure?"
Lee cocked his head to the side. "Of course! What kind of a guide would I be if I didn't include snack breaks?"
Sakura beamed, the wolf demon could feel his heart skip a beat. "Thank you. I am positively famished." She took a hearty bite into the juicy morsel. A moan almost escaped her. An apple never tasted so good before.
"Do you like fruit?" he question trying to make conversation. They ambled back to the main stream of traffic.
"Yes, when I was younger I practically lived off of only fruits and vegetables."
She never had the luxury of meat – only the wealthy or hunters of the village ate flesh from animals. When Sakura lived on the streets, she had to go into the farmers crops and steal their harvest of produce. This was when her agility skills began to develop.
An idea struck him. "Would you like to go with me in the forest and pick some berries?" He offered.
Sakura grinned. The one place that she always felt at home was with nature. "Yes, I would like that."
Lee led her out the village until they were met with lushes of greenery. They hiked up the high hill. Sunlight gently streamed unto the mild meadow grass. In the mid afternoon light, a small, flippant breeze danced among the overgrowth. They were met with the forest's entrance. Proceeding in, Sakura was astounded to see that Chiyo wasn't aggravating when she said the herbs grew larger.
She neared an enormous plant that stretched upward towards the sky as if reaching for the sun. Taking a closer inspection, she knew for a fact this herb was used for creating a remedy to heal burns. "This heals damaged skin." From the corner of her eye, a swirl of color caught her attention. She turned to that herb. It was coiled around a tree; the red polka dots gave away its identity. "This one helps those who have trouble with blood circulation." She pointed at the herb next to it with blue edges. "The one is used for minor ailments." The priestess took a leaf from each herb and stuffed then away.
Lee was impressed. "Wow, you know a lot about herbs."
Sakura bobbed her head; she remembered some memories with Tsunade when she was starting out as a priestess. "Yes, back at home my sensei taught me all about herbs and what they were used for."
"You could never go wrong with knowing too much."
"I agree."
They advanced deeper into the forest. Subtly, Sakura would spot an herb that she was familiar with and tucked some of them into her kimono sleeve. This would be a better time than any to start collecting herbs for her travel. Though she deeply enjoyed her time here, staying in a safe place like this wouldn't force her to strive towards her goals.
"Here it is!" Lee bellowed. His voice rang throughout the range. A flock of birds flew off at the sudden alarm in sound. They reached the tree filled with berries ready for the picking.
Sakura gave him a look. "You like to shout don't you?" she teased. She's never felt so comfortable with a person before besides Konohamaru and Lady Tsunade.
He scratched the top of his head and gave a sheepish smile. "Yeah, I grew used to yelling when I was with my teacher."
"Teacher? What did he teach you?" Sakura lifted her eyebrow. Demons had teacher too? She thought about it, perhaps everyone one way or another would need someone to take them in and teach them the works of the world. Without Lady Tsunade, Sakura would surely be lost.
"Yeah, Gai-Sensei taught me how to fight and defend myself in battle." He pumped his arm in the air.
"Sounds like a tough man." She suddenly felt something. What was that strength energy? It felt…familiar. Sakura glanced over her shoulder for a bit, trying to locate the odd aura. She couldn't distinguish whether it was a threat or a simple bystander.
Lee clenched his fist in admiration. A fire burned in his eyes like she's never seen. "Yes, he is! He is the greatest teacher ever! He taught me the true advantages of the power of youth!"
Sakura shook her head at her silliness. She was just being paranoid now. She found herself giggling at his enthusiasm. In a way, she envied him, she wished she was that passionate about her teachings, but Lady Tsunade made that very difficult. Long days of training made that impossible.
"Well, well, well, so this is where you have been?" Kabuto's words rolled of his tongue like acid.
Sakura gasped and felt her heart sink in her stomach, she knew that voice. It was him. That demon that caused her this insufferable wound!
Lee's eyes flashed crimson. "Who goes there?" He could sense the immense danger. His canines swelled past his lips. Sakura held in a gasp, so this was what Lady Tsunade meant by demon's changing form in danger. The hairs at the tip of his braid rose up with his equally spiked out tail. It was his demonic defense mechanism coming to play.
The concealed man ignored the wolf demon. "It took me quite some time to find you, Sakura. Who knew that you would be right under my nose? The stench of these herbs really disguised your scent." Instantly, a mist floated dreamily through the forest around them. It cloaked the surrounding area until only Sakura and Lee remained intact.
Kabuto pressed through the fog. "You've given me some major trouble, priestess." He adjusted his spectacles. A smirk embedded itself upon his silk features. "Now be a good little girl and come with me." He outstretched his hand. "I grow tired of these games."
Sakura locked her jaw in place. Wrath burned deep within her, it was threatening to flare and lash out. Right now, she would like to do nothing more than to purify the demon. Regrettably, her strength still has not returned yet. If she were to battle, the chances of her collapsing from exhaustion were high. Despite her pride, their only chance of survival was to run. She slowly edged closer to Lee with the intention of explaining her plan of escape.
"I will not permit you to take Miss Sakura away!" Lee jerked his finger at Kabuto. "I challenge you to a battle!"
Sakura's eyes widened. "You fool," she mumbled. She remembered how fast Kabuto was and she highly doubted that Lee possessed the speed or power to take him. He would die in a matter of moments, seconds most likely. She had to get them away! There was no way that she would have Lee lose his life for being foolish and protecting her.
Kabuto appeared bored at his offer. "I don't have time for you, puppy. Go back to your cave with your tail between your legs." His empty eyes stared into Sakura's. "My business only concerns this human. I would much appreciate it if you did not interfere."
It was clear that he found Lee's presences inferior and that greatly enraged him. Lee's claws dug into his palms, drawing blood. "How dare you?" In a flash, he was before Kabuto. He slashed his claws left and right, but to no avail, with each move Kabuto was two moves in front of him, he dodged all of Lee's feeble attempts at injuring him.
"Is that all you got? By the way you talked, I thought this fight would at least make me break a sweat, but I was sadly mistaken." Kabuto snickered and pulled his fist back, the demon delivered a mighty punch that catapulted Lee into the nearest tree, or trees, leaving behind a trail of broken branches.
"Leave him alone!" Sakura bellowed, running to Lee's side. His form was slumped against the broken stomp. "Are you okay, Lee?" Instead of acknowledging her concern, his gaze never left Kabuto's body. There was a bruise already starting to form on his cheek. It almost made Sakura cringe as she slightly glaze her finger on it. It was definitely going to be swollen for the next few days.
Kabuto rested his chin on his fist. "What's wrong mongrel? Already out of power to fight?" He smirked. "I thought you were going to defeat me and rescue the poor innocent maiden?"
Lee released an animalistic growl and lunged towards Kabuto. "I will never allow you to win! She is not yours to take!"
Kabuto lifted his arm and briefly disappeared. In the next moment, he slashed deeply into Lee's chest. A lengthy graze ran along his cheek down to his stomach. Blood streamed down his body, drenching the cloth of his yukata. It created a sinister crimson.
Sakura was positively horrified. Was this the true nature of demons?
"What's the matter?" He brought his blood stained hand to his mouth and ran his tongue over his claws, savoring the sweet metallic taste. Kabuto knelt by him and whispered, "Don't take on opponents you have no business fighting, mongrel. You never know when there's a bigger dog around."
Lee could practically feel him laughing at him! The wolf demon was on all fours on the ground coughing out blood. He swiftly wiped the liquid with his sleeve and forced himself up. "That will be the only move that you will make!"
Kabuto began rummaging through his kimono sleeve and took out a piece of cloth. "Well, this puppy needs some serious training." He took his glasses off and began wiping the spot of blood that managed to splat onto them. "What shall I do with you?"
"Stop it!" Sakura felt torn, she had no idea to handle a situation like this. What could she do to stop this fight? There was only one thing that came in mind. This was the way to save Lee's life even if it meant sacrificing her own. "It's me you want remember?" She placed her palm over he chest. "I will come with you willingly if you promise not to involve Lee in this!"
Kabuto pushed his glasses back to this bridge of his nose. He was amused as he again dodged all of Lee's strikes. "Then please by all means, tell your puppy to sit or stay." He slowly strides up to her; with his long legs it wouldn't be long till he would be before her. Lee seemed to kick it up a notch as he was significantly faster than before, it was hard to keep up with his movement, he almost became one big blur but no matter the attack, Kabuto always seemed to block it or side step it.
"Lee, stop fighting! Don't be foolish!" Sakura shouted. "That's enough!" At this rate, he would tire himself out to exhaustion. "Cease this battle!"
No matter what she said, Lee just disregarded all her words and continued fighting, still holding on to the hopes that he was somehow tiring Kabuto. He vanished and slashed at his shoulder, the kimono sleeve was left in tatters. There, he finally landed an attack! Lee frowned when he didn't get the reaction that he wanted. Kabuto stood tall and remained quiet. It was as if the wounds didn't affect him. This seemed to heavily irritate Lee.
"This was my favorite kimono." The demon clicked his tongue in distaste as he all together tore the sleeve off. "I had enough of this insolent mutt." He faded into the mist. "It's time to end this now." In a flash of silver, Kabuto stabbed his arm through Lee's stomach.
Sakura gasped horrified, holding her hands to her mouth. The boy she admired and could possibly call friend became nothing but a puddle of beaten flesh before her eyes.
Lee hacked out blood and stumbled to the ground on his back with a silent thud.
"Not so strong and powerful now are we?" Kabuto circled his fallen form. "You should have listened to the priestess, if you did, you might have gotten away with your life, but no, you had to play the hero, you foolish mutt." He stomped his foot on Lee's wound, revealing a hint of fangs when the wolf demon squirmed underneath it.
Lee's fists loosened as his body became slack until finally he passed out from the immense pain. His head flopped silently onto the dirt. It seemed to echo loudly to Sakura for she knew without Lee she was doomed to die.
Kabuto composed himself and pulled back the stray hairs that have escaped his ponytail. "Well now you have no one else to protect you, priestess." He turned his attention to the awestruck Sakura. "What will you do now?"
She had long since collapsed on her knees. What could she do? Her body was trembling. This was a situation that no amount of training could ever possibly prepare her for. True, Lady Tsunade has preached many times that as a priestess there will be many many life and death situations like this, but Sakura could have never foretold that it would happen to her so…so…so soon. Fear was creeping through her person like an unwanted disease.
What could she do?
Absolutely nothing.
She had no strength to fight; her powers were still dangerously low. If she used her power … Even if she tried to purify this demon, she, herself, would ultimately collapse to her death. She didn't want to die yet. Not when she hasn't even found a familiar yet!
Was this her fate? To die by the hands of this demon? To have her carcass lay on this grassy meadow?
Sakura leaned her head down and down casted her face, her rosy locks blocked her view of Kabuto. Why did this have to happen? She kept her gaze steadily on the ground. How could she give up so quickly? She dug her fingers into the ground and bit the inside of her cheek. If Lady Tsunade ever saw this, she would surely be ashamed of her. One of her proud pupils has admitted defeat to a demon.
Little by little, Kabuto's footsteps neared her. Sakura could sense his intent of killing her. Despite his calm exterior, the dark aura of which she's never seen before was flaring and lashing out, almost suffocating her.
Kabuto stopped a mere couple of inches away from her. She could practically feel him smirking at her submitted form. He lifted his arm and his claws extended to the length of a sword. "I will personally welcome you to the pits of hell." He chuckled sinisterly. The demon raised his arm over his head preparing for the strike. "I'll see you in hell!" Just as he was about to slashed her neck, an object smacked into his claws and forced him to miss his target. "A rose?" Kabuto whispered. A red rose was deeply implanted into the dirt next to him.
This rose could only belong to one demon.
Sakura swallowed a scream as Kabuto's attack hit the ground next to her. She quickly crawled away from the small crater. Glancing up, she noticed that he wasn't staring at her anymore; instead he was frowning and glaring through the fog.
"I didn't expect the pleasure of your company, fox?" Kabuto spoke harshly. He retracted his claws and used the same hand to adjust his glasses.
"I do not appreciate that tone, Kabuto." In slow strides, Kurama came sauntering out the mist. His crimson eyes blazed easily through the haze. "If you wish to keep that tongue of yours, it's best that you refrain from speaking to me like that." With a wave of his hand, a bright flame quickly diminished the mist as if it wasn't there to begin with. The greenery of the forest came back into view. "I hate when that ghastly mist blocks my sight."
Kabuto tsked. "I'll politely again, what do I give the pleasure of your company, Lord Kyuubi?" This time he spoke with a lighter tone that even Sakura was surprised with. He must really be afraid of this demon. Was he very powerful?
"Ah, ah, ah." Kurama wagged his finger and smirked. "Try again and this time bow when you are addressing a demon that is clearly your superior. You wouldn't want me to tell your master that you have displeased me in anyway, would you?"
Sakura almost wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it herself.
Kabuto gave him a low bow, even going so far as to go on his knees. "Forgive me for my behavior, Lord Kyuubi." He kept his head down, but Sakura could sense his disgust and his fear. "What do I give the pleasure of your visit, milord?" This time his tone was genuinely polite.
Sakura almost couldn't ever imagine him to speak such a way; she would have figured that he acted like a brutal killer all the time.
Kurama clapped his hands three times. "There you go, that was positively perfect for a demon of your statue to address a superior." He gave Kabuto's head a slight pat. "Good, you know your place now. As for me gracing you with my presence, I came because my curious nature beckoned me to." He switched his gaze to Sakura. "There's that rose that managed to pierce me with her thorns." He brought his thumb to his mouth and flicked his tongue on it. "It still tastes like you."
Sakura managed to push herself up with the support of a tree. She yelped when Kurama appeared before her and trapped her with his arms blocking her escape. "That was rather rude of you earlier." His hot breath fanned her ears. "You didn't give me the opportunity of being a good host and invite you to stay in my room." Kurama chuckled as Sakura's cheeks flushed red.
He leaned in closer until the tips of their noses were touching. He held her face still by holding her chin in place. "What this? No fighting back?" His tongue ran up her porcelain flesh to her ear lobe. "What happened to that spirit that I found utterly fascinating earlier?"
Sakura's breaths were coming out in heavy puffs. Her heart was pitter patting hard against her chest. Even through all this, she still found this demon utterly handsome and alluring. If she gazed into his eyes too long, she didn't know what she would do. Her best option was to remain silent and hopefully he would grow bored with her and leave her alone.
He slightly frowned. "Don't be dull like that. It makes me sad when you aren't responsive." She never realized how long and thick his eye lashes were before. They made his captivating eyes more alluring. "It makes me feel like I'm not giving you the suffice pleasure that you crave." He coiled his other arm around her waist and slammed her body up against his. She released a gasp that she's been holding in and placed a hand over his chest. "Are you scared, blossom? Did that pathetic Kabuto go too far in his schemes of capturing the fair maiden?"
The hand that held her face abandoned its post and trailed his claws up her forehand into her rosy locked, tangling his fingers into her mane. "Your hair is so fascinating, who would have thought that there was such a thing as pink hair?" He skillfully opened one of the folds of his yukata and pulled out a familiar ribbon. "Hair as interesting as this needs its own accessories."
"My ribbon," she whispered trying to reach out for it, but he pulled his arm back.
He skillfully ran his hands threw her silky locks and pulled it back, as if this was something he was used to doing, he nonchalantly tied the ribbon. Kurama tied it at the base of her neck and comb his claws through her bangs forcing them to border her face. "There, that's better." He once again engulfed her in his arms.
Sakura felt so safe in his arms. She shouldn't, but she does. The temptation to lean her head on his shoulder was almost overwhelming. Instead of doing what she wanted, she found herself glancing to Kabuto's direction. He was still kneeling on the ground bowing.
As if knowing where her eyes were straying too, Kurama chuckled lightly. It was low rumbled from his chest that vibrated on her hands. "I can save you from this ruffian. I can get revenge for you and your friend there." He neared her face and brushed his lips against her cheek. "I can tear up Kabuto in a mere second if you like." His lips pressed firmly against the corner of her lips. "I could also make it fast and painless or slow and painful – whatever you prefer really, priestess." One of his fingers casually traced the blossom on her ribbon. "If you fill my one condition, I'll do it for you."
"What?" Sakura breathed. She couldn't believe that she was even considering his help, but the way his voice and body mesmerized her made her consider anything just to make him step away. She couldn't afford to be fascinated by some demon! Sakura gave herself a good mental slap. She needed to snap out of this silly ga-ga stage.
Kurama dug his face into the border where her neck met her shoulder and inhaled her sweet scent. "Apologize," he whispered, his fangs slightly nibbled her skin.
She was in complete ecstasy. Blood was rushing to parts of her body that she's never used before. Never has a man made her feel this way before. She was just about to give him what he wanted until she finally comprehended what he was saying. "What?" Sakura pushed him back and frowned.
He placed his hand over his chest and gave a sly smile. "I'm a sensitive person and it hurt my feelings when you ran away from me." He released his grip on her hair and gently stroked his knuckled down her cheek. "That was positively rude of you, priestess. I thought you humans had better mannerism than that. Thought thinking about it, I bet a boar has better table manners than you." He laughed at his own joke as he lazily flicked back and forth a lock of hair in the middle of her forehead.
Sakura clenched her fists. How dare he! She didn't need help from this insolent demon! She would have much rather have Kabuto tearing at her insides then apologize to this man! "I refuse!" She hissed.
"Oh?" Kurama cocked his head to the side and pursed his lips. He was disappointed, he thought he could have some more fun with her. "Fine then. If you want to die for your stupid pride, then so be it." He switched his attention to the bowing demon. "Kabuto please have your way with her, I'm afraid that I've lost interest with this defying priestess."
Kabuto stood back to his full height and smirked. "I'll gladly oblige to that, milord."
"Have fun with her." Kurama waved his hand and moved to step away from her. "I'll go find something else that peek my interests."
That was it? He was going to let Kabuto take her just like that? Was he so easily offended? She bit her lip. There was no way she would die like this, not now, not ever! If only she had a familiar, she would have surely had the strength to take them both down! When a priestess bonds with a demon, her own power increases based on how strong her partner was.
A thought struck her. Wait a minute, from what she saw this demon was very powerful, even making Kabuto bow to his knees in fear of his power and with her previous fight she definitely knows that Kabuto is a very powerful demon in his own right. She stared at Kurama's back as his tail swung against his legs. What was this demon?
Sakura latched onto the back his yukata and brought him back. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes as turned around to face her, he allowed her to pull him back until they were chest to chest. "Changed your mind, blossom?" He purred.
"Are you a strong demon?" She questioned with a smile. This brought a smug smirk to his face. He rested his palms on her hips as she hooked her arms around his neck and brought him closer.
He was happy to oblige. "The strongest there is, blossom."
Sakura gave him a sly smirk and leaned her head to the side. "Good." She stroked her palms onto his broad back and felt him relax against her. She also closed her eyes and puckered up her lips. As he leaned in, she concentrated on the spell she was about to cast. "Monte De Feisha Uta Shiva Comini Mizu."
"What was that?" Kurama inquired, rather enjoying their closeness, paying no mind to the sudden increase of her power. Kabuto on the other hand, narrowed his eyes and frowned.
It was now or never! She placed her hand at the back of his neck and forced him down, with that she pressed her lips against his. His lips were as soft as she thought they were.
All you have to do is recite the mantra of the Mizu Shrine then touch the demon that you have chosen as your partner. The more intimate the touch, the stronger the bond it creates.
A surge of power flowed between the two, pouring into every nerve in their body. A strong wave of energy thrust in between them, bring them closer – so close, they almost felt like one person, it was like static electricity that pulled in this closeness. A bright light flashed in this small forest opening, it forced Kabuto to cover his eyes with his kimono sleeve. A harsh and rigid crimson aura swirled and morphed with the gentle cherry aura until they too become one entity.
Their bond was complete.
Kurama jolted upright and tore his body away. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand as if it were poison. "What did you do?" He said harshly in between breaths. Three golden rings suddenly appeared around his body, one coiled around his neck and the other two around his wrists. His eyes widened, he tried shaking the gold rings away but no matter his move they stuck close to him. They became smaller until they came in contact with his skin. There was a loud clank as if chains were locked and the golden rings vanished.
Sakura stood tall and stepped away from the tree no longer needing the support. Her emerald eyes flashed with a new found determination. "As your master, I command you to save me!"
Oh, cliffhanger! I bet you guys weren't expecting that, were you? I hope that you found reading it enjoyable as I did writing it. I really liked how it turned out in the end.
This chapter certainly turned out longer than I previously expected it to be, but I like longer chapters anyways.
Please review, review and review! I absolutely love feedback. Also I am trying to find a new beta for this fanfics mostly A Kyuubi's Kiss and Haunting Sins. My current one has been too busy to even read any of my newer chapters. This chapter I just posted is an unedited version, so this is what they might have to expect from me.
I am looking for someone who is good with grammar and past and present tenses, those seem to be my weak points. Also I would greatly appreciate if my new beta had a free schedule of editing my fanfics. I understand that life gets in the way, but still I would like it back in a timely manner. Thanks~! If you're interested please PM me and we can talk.