The Prince and the Serpent

The Red Lake

Boruto started as the front door exploded open and slammed shut behind the black and red whirlwind that was Sarada.

"Is everyone alright?!" She cried as she scanned the hut with wild eyes. Boruto stared openly at her.

"Yeah, we are..." He said slowly as he sent a questioning look at Mitsuki. His lover shrugged. "Why wouldn't we be?" He asked as he turned back to Sarada. She returned his look with a gaping one of her own. Her mouth opened and shut a couple of times, reminding Boruto of a fish out of water as she struggled to find the words. Boruto raised a genuinely questioning eyebrow at her and she returned it with a glare.

"Idiots..." She muttered as she gave up and collapsed into a sitting position on the straw. For a moment, Boruto was confused. Then a toothy, mischievous smile split his face a understanding took hold.

"Aww, Sarada! You're so sweet. You saw the eruption and came running, didn't you?" Sarada's face caught fire as he hit the proverbial nail on the head.

"Shut up, idiot!" she snapped as she crossed her arms across her chest and spun away from him. Boruto laughed.

"Don't worry. I love you, too." He said in the most sickeningly sweet voice he could manage around his laughter. He could hear Mitsuki chuckling lightly behind his sleeve and he was aware of Kawaki continuing to ignore them. Sarada huffed.

"So..." Boruto began again when he was finished having his fun. "The Dragon Witch. Why did you go see her?"

"I needed information." Sarada answered simply. She suddenly looked more uncomfortable than angry.

"Okay, did you get the information you needed?" He pressed. She was starting to act weird and he wanted to know what was going on.

"Not exactly what I wanted..." She trailed off as she looked down at something in her hands. Boruto was getting frustrated fast. He hated these guessing games she always insisted on playing.

"If you don't want to tell us, then fine!" He practically exploded, throwing his hands in the air for added drama.

"We have to go to the Red Lake!" Sarada shouted before Boruto could finish his display. The name sent a shiver through the room, making Boruto freeze. Mitsuki's eyes widened and Kawaki stilled his hammer.

"That's where it is?" Boruto asked the question numbly into the tense silence. Sarada hugged herself tightly and gave a tiny nod.

"We can't go there." Boruto stated flatly.

"We have no choice." Sarada countered.

"But Sarada-"

"We HAVE to!" Sarada shouted as she leapt back to her feet to face Boruto.

"There must be another way! Isn't that what you always say?"

"There isn't this time, Boruto."

"But you were able to seal it! There must be-"

"Boruto! There is no other way!" Sarada shouted. Her face was only inches away from his.

"But Sarada, the Red Lake?!" Boruto shouted back.

"I know!!" Sarada shrieked, then she faltered and shrunk back. She wrapped her arms around herself again and looked away with glazed eyes. "I know. But if we don't go, you'll die." She whispered. Boruto glared at her as he searched for the words that would make her understand. Mitsuki stepped closer to his shoulder but Boruto didn't acknowledge him.

"But Sarada, going there is-"

"Certain death." Kawaki finished for him, drawing all eyes to himself. Boruto glared at the smith's back, when it became obvious that he wasn't going to continue, before turning back to Sarada.