Promises Remembered

Chapter 2

A/N So, this is closer to my usual chapter length. There wasn't a good place in the last one to split it. Promise her landing site will be explained... eventually. It is less dramatic and fluffy but don't worry. It's coming. Let me know what you think! 

Chapter 2

Sakura

The past

Bright light flashed behind Sakura's eyes, blinding her. She was cold—so, so cold. Then there was a tugging, a rush and a warm feeling spread through her body.

The bright light flashed again, and suddenly, she could see. Before she could determine where she was, there was the sensation of falling. Then, something lumpy and soft came up from nowhere, arresting her fall.

Her throat burned from screaming and it was dark. Something was grabbing her, tangling her legs and gripping her arms. "Let me go!"

A male voice, rough as if from sleep but somehow familiar, answered, the owner of the voice gripping her arms harder and shoving her to the side. "You fell on me!"

Legs tangled in something soft and warm, her back hit a solid wall. She grunted at the impact, and then a hard body was caging her in place, the unmistakable feel of a kunai blade pressing against her throat.

The voice was back, a dangerous edge making it even more familiar. "Who are you, and how did you get in here?"

"What the..." Sakura reached for the arm holding the kunai to keep it from breaking skin. "Kakashi-sensei?"

There was silence for a moment, as the body stilled. "Sensei?" A derisive snort sent hot breath across her face. "I've been called a lot of things, but that's a new one." The cold pressure on her neck disappeared, and he shifted as though reaching behind himself. A whistling, the sound of metal thudding against plastic, and then there was light.

When he rolled back to face her, one Sharingan eye was open and focused on her. It moved across her face rapidly, both eyes void of any recognition.

"I don't know you." He stared deeply into her eyes and glanced at her hair. "I'm certain I'd remember if I had ever seen you before." The hand bracing her face toyed with a strand of hair. "Very distinctive."

Unable to help it, her eyes burned. How could he not recognize her? He had known her since she was eight years old, been her Sensei, allowed her to practically adopt his son. He knew her.

"What are you talking about, Kakashi-sensei?" His recent treatment of her came to mind. "I know you've been distant lately, but this isn't funny."

He finally let the Sharingan eye close and frowned. "I told you already, I'm no one's sensei. You know my name at least though, so... who are you?"

Feeling herself growing more irritated and confused and—frankly—hurt by the second, Sakura huffed. "The same as it was last night when you were smoking and eating my rakugan on my parents' roof." One pale brow arched with interest but he did not interrupt, clearly waiting for an answer.

"Haruno Sakura, kunoichi of Konoha, former member of your team, team seven, former apprentice to the legendary Sannin, Senju Tsunade." She slid a hand up between them to tap at the diamond seal on her forehead. "Surely you at least recognize this." It was embarrassing how she could not keep the hurt from her voice.

"I did notice that." This stranger Kakashi opened his Sharingan again to inspect it briefly before switching eyes. "It's the same as Lady Tsunade's." He looked down into her eyes and she had the distinct feeling he was grudgingly impressed. "Are you a medical nin, too?"