Prelude~

The first two great gods Kunitokotachi and Amenominakanuchi summoned two divine figures, the male Izanagi and his wife Izanami to create the land for the world below the heavens. They bore all great islands and land masses, bringing the possibility of life with them. Izanami bore her husband many children from their union, many deities can trace their bloodlines back to these two ancestors. But one sad day Izanami died in childbirth, giving birth to her last son Kagu-Tsuchi, the incarnation of fire. In grief and anger Izanagi killed the newborn, creating a thousand more deities.

In desperation and love to see his wife, he traveled to Yomi, the underworld to retrieve her. But Izanagi was too late, for Izanami had eaten the food of the dead, and was trapped within the underworld. This did not discourage Izanagi, it only fueled his resolve to take her to the surface the next day with him. But as they lay to sleep, Izanagi glimpsed his wife in the faint fire light and grew cold with fear.

His once beautiful Izanami had become a rotted and ugly corpse! In fear he ran, forgetting his love, and ran from her in disgust. In anger, Izanami pursued him, vowing to kill a thousand lives every day for his flight. In return Izanagi promised he would give life to a thousand and five hundred souls. And so birth and death came full circle, born from their anger for each other. But in his disgust, Izanagi wished to purify himself in a river before going on to rule Takamagahara, the heavenly plain. He then disengaged his two eyes and his nose. From his left eyes was born Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and from his nose sprung Susano'o, the god of storms. But from his right eye emerged a slightly shadowed deity, one who is less known to the people of the land below heaven...A god emerged to become the silver disk in the sky, a twin to her sister's light and a negotiator between the two siblings. Though presumed male by humans, called Tsukuyomi, this moon deity was in fact female, who though silent was watchful and noble. She however goes by the name first given to her by her sister at her birth, Yutsuki.

Arc of Creation

Prologue: Heartache

"I hate and I love: why I do so you may well ask. I do not know, but I feel it happen and am in agony." -Carmina Catullus

The door closed with a heavy click, keeping the brewing storm outside. The pitter-patter of rain could be heard on the roof, the clouds dark as dull silver. The rumble of thunder boomed, and the flashing of lighting illuminated the room with an eerie glow. The slender silhouette of a young woman could be made out in the darkness of the lonely house. Her delicate left hand loosely gripped the metal door handle, while her right arm rested limply at her side. Her soaked, well endowed form was somewhat tense, but she merely stood, not making any movements except for her even breathes as she dripped on the wooden floor. She stood there for sometime, before she released her grip on the door's handle.

Bringing her right hand before her empty gaze, she merely stared at it. Her distant sea foam green eyes were framed by delicate long lashes curled like butterfly wings. Their usually spark was gone, not even a small ember left to burn. Her usually tan skin was now a sickly looking pale and chilled from rain. Her beautiful face was framed by her soft cropped bubble-gum pink locks that stuck to her forehead. Her soft lips were drawn in a thin line, her face almost completely blank of emotion.

Clad in a wet, clingy sleeveless zip-up crimson shirt with her clan symbol on the back, a white skirt with openings in the side and middle, underneath a pair of ordinary black short-shorts, weapons pouch on her belt stocked with pouches for various medicines and tools, her shinobi hitate in its usual style, and black heeled boots. Bandages were wrapped on her left thigh holding her weapons pouch, and white arm guards on both elbows. She had grown into her body, though she still was very small, much to her distaste. Well portioned limbs, ample chest, shapely hips, a dancer's sleek neck, high cheekbones, and a button nose made up this young woman's appearance. But what her beautiful, supposedly, delicate appearance hid a very dangerous secret.

This blossoming young woman was a trained kunoichi, student to Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, talented medic-nin, friend to many, and a fiery strong young woman who took no nonsense from anybody. You didn't want to cross her or else you would meet her super-strengthened punches head-on. This young woman was none other then Haruno Sakura, the only female ninja on team 7. Taught by the famous Hatake Kakashi, and teammates with Uzamaki Naruto and him…

The very thought of this boy made the woman's jaw clench, eyes narrowed, and her eyes to water slightly. Now her jaded eyes only held pain, anger, and sadness. She was strong inside and out. Some had acknowledged it, but… But this trait some people just didn't see or just chose not to see…

Hokage-sama with all do respect, I do not think Sakura can handle this mission.

The words rang in her head, and the young woman's hand curled into a fist, so tight her knuckles went white. Her fingernails dug into her palm, piercing the flesh and drawing blood. Her once again empty eyes looked onto the crescent shaped wound in her right palm that dripped scarlet blood, and crystalline tears started to well in her sad eyes. Her hot blood dripped and fell on to the wooden floor, but Sakura was past caring at the moment. She started to think back to this afternoons past events, and started to shake.

Feeling like her legs would give way she slumped to the floor. She pulled her knees to her chest, her back rested against the door. She buried her face in her knees, her memories replaying themselves before her eyes.

It had been a normal day, the sun shining and a refreshing breeze blew by every now and again. The temperature was mildly warm, and spring was in full bloom. I had woken up mid-morning to take advantage of the nice weather since it was her day off. It was a rare occasion, and Tsunade had just given it so randomly. But who was I to argue with some free time? Goodness knows I needed a slight break to recuperate from her sensei's intense training. But I did enjoy her training none the less. However, more somber things had been hanging over her head, like the loss of the only family I had ever known, blood relation wise anyway. My mother had died a month after he left. The he I thought of was none other then Uchiha Sasuke.

He had went seeking power, power that he thought only that snake-bastard could offer him, enough to kill his older brother, Itachi. His brother had wiped out all of the Uchiha clan, excluding Sasuke, to supposedly just to test his strength. Sasuke had left with his only his cursed seal, and with not so much as a goodbye. Well if, you call thanking someone, and then knocking them out cold as a goodbye.

She put her bloodied hand on her heart, which ached in memory of its past abuse.

I had offered my heart to him, ready to give him everything. But he merely pushed it aside like he had all the other times. True, I had done these things ever since they were young, but I had meant it! I had truly loved him with everything I was, every last fiber of my being. I had been willing to give up everything for him. But he had brushed me off like some kind of insect, an annoying ,buzzing insect.

Tears started to well in her eyes, she recalled very familiar memories, and his voice filled with ice and hate.

You're annoying.

You're the same as Naruto.

You're ability is lower then his.

I'll never be like you or Naruto.

From here on out we all start new paths

You really are annoying.

Sakura,……

Thank you.

Sasuke-kun

Warm tears spilled from her emerald orbs, her choked sobs echoing in the dark, empty house.

I hadn't seen him since that night, and even when they went to retrieve Sai from that bastard's castle I hadn't see a glimpse of him. And yet I should hate him for what he's done! He played with me, he shoved me aside like a piece of trash, and he betrayed me! He betrayed the people who cared for him, he betrayed his own village! For some useless promise of power, and that thing only wants to use his body. He put me through a lot by leaving, and not even looking back. I was broken then. I'm was so angry, so hurt. I know I shouldn't forgive him! I should move on with my life, and face reality. And yet…

And yet…

She stood up shakily on legs, and weakly made her way to the window near by. The rain was pouring, and the lighting flashed again. She gently reached up a hand to the cold glass. She pressed her right palm to it, causing some blood to smear on the transparent glass. She watched the rain fall wistfully.

And yet,

I just can't seem to stop loving him.

She gentle reached to her neck, finding a beautiful silver locket. This had been the locket given to her by her mother on her deathbed.

Okaa-san, I'm sad and worried. Please Okaa-san, help! Please! Please!

Please!

Okaa-san…

I need you now, more then ever.

She remembers well when she had kneeled by her dying mother's side.

I clasp my mother's hand in a death grip, and my eyes are leaking tears. I'm trembling in fright as I watch my mother as she slowly dies, the doctors saying they can't do anything to help her. Her lungs have been crushed, and her heart pierced by a kunai. She was dying just because she was protecting her village, her home. She has no family, only her daughter. My dying mother smiles weakly up at her sobbing daughter, and this only causes me to cry harder. Tormenting over how I should have become a medic sooner, faster to heal my precious loved one. My wise mother whispers that she will pass on soon, I beg her not to say such things. That she will pull through, that I still need her. That she is strong. But my mother's replay is that it is I who is stronger then herself, that I must live on through my heartache to reach my full potential. That the secret of our almost extinct clan lives within me, and that I must come to grips with ancient secrets.

I ask my mother what she means, that I don't understand any of this. My mother smiles again, gently unclasping a necklace from around her neck. It is the same silver locket that I wear now. She gives it to her weeping daughter telling me it will help. That I do not need to know what she means now, only that I am The Key to everything. I'm even more confused, but the slowing heart rate on the monitor distracts me from asking more questions.

My mother's heartbeat is weak, and slowing down rapidly. I turn back to my mother, frantically looking at my mother's peaceful face. She tells me it is almost time for her to go, I start to plead with her. But her mother will not hear any of it. In a whispered voice she tells me to remember the tales she hold me as a child, and that they a true. She tells me when I see fit that I should journey down into the basement to find what she needs. She tells me to stay strong, be true to myself, let no none tame me, and to follow my heart. She weakly whispers I love you for one last time before her gentle eyes close forever, her body goes limp, and the monitor goes blank.

I call for my mother in an a confused and frantic voice. They soon turn to screams and shouts, but the calls will not reach her. My mother has gone from this world, and into the realm of holy light where she might watch me from above. I scream for my mother until my throat hurts, and my voice is nearly gone. I break down in tears, my heart aches for my dear mother. The only one who could have ever truly understood me. I whisper hoarsely, my voice cracks as I kneel down by the bedside of my mother's now dead body. I bury my face into her chest, and hug my mother limply.

Okaa-san…

Okaa-san…

Okaa-san,……

I'm sorry.

Days pass, and a small funeral is held. But I don't not tell my teammates or sensei about it. But my close girlfriends are there. Everyone is dressed in black, the clouds are overcast. They threaten to pour rain any moment. Ino, Hinata, Temari, and TenTen crowd around me to offer comfort. Ino's parents are there to send their condolences, and some cry. But not me, I only stare at her mother's grave. Her name is inscribed in the metallic rock. The priest finishes his prayer for my mother's soul, but I already know she is in the land of angels. The funeral is over, and it starts to drizzle rain. Everyone is ready to leave, but I don't move from my spot. My friends ask if I'm will be alright. I give them a weak smile before nodding. They tell me if I need them all I have to do is call. I nod again, my attention focused on the grave again. They cast one more glance at me before leaving. I am alone again.

The rain starts to pour now soaking me. But I don't really notice or seem to care. I walk over to the grave, and brush my fingers over my mother's name.

" Okaa-san" I whispers gently. I lower my head as fresh tears well in my eyes. No one knows that I have cried every night since my mother's passing. But I shake my head to shake myself out of this sadness. I've has cried enough, and I must become stronger for Okaa-san. I lift my face to stare at the grave again only this time there is determination, strength, and an iron will roaring like a fire in my eyes. I pull out my mother's necklace from my pocket, and clutch it with both hands to my chest.

On that locket I swear to do my best, to stay strong, and to follow my mother's advice. I vow I will stay strong for my mother. I look up at the pouring rain, the cold droplets splashing against my face. But I smile, and hook the necklace around my own neck. I say goodbye to my mother for now, knowing my mother is with me always. At first I slowly walk away, but start to hurry to my house.

A new flame burns in me, a light, that shines in the darkness of my mourning. I now live with a new purpose, and wish to protect my precious people. With their help I believe I might walk again. I had fallen and seemed to not be able to get up. But they offered their hands to pull me up, and now I must pull myself up.

I have strong legs, it was about time I started using them.

Sakura sighed leaning her forehead against the glass. She missed her mother, and lately it seemed she still wasn't strong enough. Yes, she had increased in strength, and most others said that she was on her way to surpassing her dear sensei. Once she had undertaken Tsunade's training everything had changed. She had to work harder then ever before, and do things she never thought she could do.

But she persevered through it all, and gained the Gondaime's respect for this. But more importantly, they had bonded as sisters. They were friends now, and some said Tsunade saw her second apprentice as an equal. Shizune was the same way, who she admired greatly and the two of them couldn't be happier being friends with each other.

Ino and Sakura had patched things up after Sasuke had left, and Ino had been there for her through her mother's death. Though that didn't stop them from getting into arguing matches every now and again. Hinata, with her shy ways and kind nature, had worked her way into Sakura's heart. Sakura was fiercely protective of her shy friend. TenTen and Sakura had hit it off from the beginning. Their tomboy natures and love of weapons had bonded them as close friends.

A new friend that she had acquired over the last few years had been Temari, the elder sister of the Kazekage, Garra. Temari and Sakura had admired each other's strength during the Chu-nin examines, and Temari is very grateful to Sakura for saving her two brothers. They learned from each other, they cared for one another, they would protect one another to the very end, they backed each other up no matter what, and that's what binds these kunoichi together.

But lately Sakura has been noticing certain things that seemed amiss. Her teammates and sensei had been acting very peculiar. First off she was worried for her favorite hyperactive blonde ninja, friend, and teammate. Ever since the mission to the Bridge of Heaven and Earth the whole KyubiKyuubi incident and another failed attempt to bring Sasuke back. Once they had returned to the village the wound on her arm had healed eventually. But as of late Naruto had been acting weirdly, and around herself no less around her. His chakra levels would rise when ever she was near, he would stare at her intensely when he thought she wasn't looking, and when she did catch him staring at her it would be suffocating and dare she say wanting lustful stare. As if he was undressing her with his eyes.

Sakura shivered in slight fear, and disbelief. This was Naruto she was talking about, not his perverted, Sannin sensei! They were friends, close friends, but none the less just friends. Plus what really scared her was that she often saw red mixed in with his azure eyes. She could have sworn she also saw the pupils of his eyes become slits. Next was Sai, who she had come to respect as a worthy partner when it came to missions. He was a mystery, and he had a habit of calling her rude names though lately he had increased with them. "Ugly" and "Cow" were his usual insults. Yet very single time he would be drawing or painting when he was around her. Not that he didn't do that before,this was a new development, but now it was more frequent whenever she was around. She could feel him stare at her constantly, but when she turned to see if he was actually staring, he would be concentrating on his scroll.

Her sensei was a totally different matter. He seemed to possess the same qualities of both staring at her while he thought she wasn't paying attention, or that his chakra level would rise slightly. But now he seems friendlier to say the least. To put it bluntly he had glomped her just a day ago, and had said it was a new way of training one's reflexes. But she became suspicious when she noticed his hands weren't where they were supposed to be.

Another trait they all shared was when she was around all of them at the same time they would throw death glares at each other. They would try to subtly move closer to her, and when they got close enough she could hear Naruto growling deeply in his throat, Kakashi-sensei seemed ready to pull out his Sharingan, and Sai actually showed agitation on his usual blank face. Their chakra levels would sky rocket seemingly ready to kill one another over a scrap of meat.

But what they got so worked up over was a mystery to her, but it wasn't just her teammates she had to worry about. Hyuuga Neji, Hinata's cousin, an extremely skilled shinobi, a genius no less, and a stoic loner at most times had acted the exact same way when she had come and visit Hinata at the Hyuuga compound.

Hell, even the almighty Kazekage seemed to exhibit these traits. And the really creepy and odd thing about it was that they acted like this whenever she was near by. This irked her to no end. It felt like she was walking on eggshells every time she interacted with these men. And the more she was around them, the more frequent and strong the behavior became. Plus whenever she was around another male, save small children they knew or her female friends, that would glare at him so fiercely if looks could kill they would be dead a thousand times over. And yet lately she had been having a strong attraction to most of them… But that wasn't the point! Why were they acting like this!

Even Sakura's genius mind couldn't figure it all out.

But, back to the issue at hand. Many had acknowledged her strength, but her teammates, her perverted-sensei, and a few others seemed to not really acknowledge it at all. Sure Naruto thought she was strong, but they still left her out of certain things that she could accomplish with ease. Her old sensei didn't even acknowledge her strength as a shinobi at all. She often felt degraded, and like a pet he kept around. And they still thought she needed protection in every single damn battle! They acted as if she were still her obsessive young 12 year old self!

That just made her even more frustrated and angry with them for treating her like a weak damsel in distress. Heck she could be the warrior-maiden who would come and save their sorry asses. But no, they had to be like stupid macho jerks when it came to this subject, and it made her all the angrier. They had felt her wrath many times before, thanks to her sensei's fierce super-human strength.

What would it take to get it into their thick skulls that she could very well hold her own in a serious battle, and further more match them in a battle! There is one universal rule that all woman should know: It is that all Men are idiots! But that didn't excuse them for what they have done to her!

But today…

Sakura tightly grasped her fist, her jaw tight, and she once again shook with suppressed anger. Her chakra rose substantially as she remembered the day's earlier events. She had forgotten what she had been thinking only a few minutes, and soon succumbed to her previous rage.

How dare those idiot's say such things!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Note: I own my story, and story line.