Chapter 15

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by Yuriel09

by Yuriel09

The maids' rooms were all too quiet. When I reached the bottom of the steps, I realized that no one else was there. I breathed a small sigh of relief that Kakashi's plan appeared to have worked; the servants must have heard the oncoming troops and fled to safety. I felt minimally better knowing that at least they were out of harm's way.

Listening carefully as I crept forward, I caught a small whimper coming from a familiar hall. Jogging lightly, I followed the sound to my old room. "Sakura," I whispered.

Another whimper from inside the door followed my call. I pushed open the door, and Sakura sat in the center of the room between our cornered beds, a bed sheet pulled tight around her mouth and hands.

"Oh, Sakura! You're okay!" I hurried to her, releasing her from her binds.

She stood quickly and pulled me into a trembling hug. "Hinata, I'm so sorry," Sakura sniffled. "Th-they th-threatened my father if I d-didn't sa-ay anything-"

I cupped Sakura's cheek, shaking off her words. "Sakura, I'm not angry. You did what you had to. Where is Kinshiki?"

"I- I don't know," she quaked. "He t-tied me up and ran off as fast as he c-could."

An explosion hit the side of the palace walls, shaking dust from the ceiling. I grabbed Sakura's hand tightly. "Come on, we have to get to the woods. Sasuke is waiting for us there."

"But Hinata," Sakura stopped, pulling back on my hand. "What about you? You can't risk going out there, not in your condition."

I rested my hand on my abdomen, smiling reassuringly. "I'll be fine. We're no better off here. Trust me." I tugged on her again, ready to run out of our room. "There is a secret passage down in the basement. We can get to the door and run for-"

I was stopped by a looming figure in our doorway. I shrunk back, staring in horror at the misshapen, grinning face hovering above us. Kinshiki growled, "Where are you going, maids?"

He reached out with a meaty hand for me, but Sakura snatched me behind her. "Don't you dare t-touch her, you monster!"

Kinshiki laughed, clutching at his belly as his guttural voice surrounded us in the tiny room. "Or what? Are you going to fight me?"

Sakura tucked me behind her shoulders and stood her ground. "If I have to!"

Kinshiki stepped toward us. His foot shook the floorboards. "You're positively adorable, girl," he said, almost songfully. "I am going to enjoy playing with you after I kill your friend."

When he lunged forward, I screamed, "No!"

I shut my eyes, clutching onto Sakura's shoulders, but the force of his hands did not reach me. Peeking out carefully, I gasped when I saw Kinshiki, eyes wide and staring at the ceiling. From the center of his chest protruded a massive blade, heavy and thick with his blood. With a slippery sound, the blade disappeared, and Kinshiki gasped painfully as he slid to the ground. Standing in his place in the doorway, was a panting knight with thin glasses and an aggravated expression.

"Sasuke," I breathed in relief. "Thank God for you. Where is Naruto?"

Sasuke nodded stiffly, sheathing his weapon. "I still didn't see him after he went after the queen. I've been ordered by Kakashi to retrieve you and bring you to safety."

"Thank you," I repeated. "This is Sakura. She's coming with me."

Sasuke's eyes focused on Sakura, who was quivering slightly in shock. "You were very brave, miss. Thank you for your help," he extended his hand. "Are you all right?"

Sakura took his hand, nodding. "I am." Sasuke helped her step over Kinshiki's body, and she practically fell into his chest. Staring up at Sasuke with wide eyes, still holding his hand, she said, "God, I could kiss you."

Sasuke's stern expression flashed away, replaced by a confused blush. "Ah, I-"

"Not now, Sakura." I stepped around the body, and hurried past the two. "Sasuke, I know a way out of the castle. Follow me."

Retracting himself, Sasuke cleared his throat. "Lead the way."

Sakura followed close behind, and the three of us dashed through the narrow halls and into the darkness of the cellar.

#poorSasuke