A Soul's Salvation

A/N: And here we go, guys. let the fireworks begin. Some of you, who have read my Inu Yasha fics, will recognize a few characters in this chapter, though they are not the actual characters. I just enjoy their behaviors, and it makes for good tension.

Please review. It makes Inner Kogasangel happy. Thanks for reading.

~!~

The gala was quickly approaching, but to Sakura, it was as if she were waiting to be executed. She really didn't want to go, and had tried a few times to get Tsunade-sensei to excuse her, but the older woman wasn't hearing any of it.

In fact, she had told Sakura that she wanted her there, bright and early, so that she could be introduced to all of the nobles from the surrounding villages. Many of the villages had approached her to establish some kind of alliance with Konoha, mostly because of what valley had told them about Sakura and the improvements that she helped make on their behalf.

It was also rumored that a lord from one of the more prosperous villages was anxious to meet Sakura, and that he would be arriving with a small group of his advisers, and had requested to be at the upcoming trial.

Personally, she wasn't interested in meeting him. In fact, she was more interested in staying home, in bed, and reading a book. Sadly, that was not an option.

Hinata informed her that she would be in attendance, along with Kiba, Neji, and to her shock, Naruto. She explained that all three men would be her guests, and that it was tradition for a female Hyuuga to be escorted by chaperons. Grinning, she said that she couldn't wait to dance with Kiba, just because it was funny to watch the dog ninja try to maneuver around the other couples, and when he did run into someone, he had this cute blush that made her knees shake.

Sakura knew a woman in love when she saw one, and after listening to Hinata speak, she knew that without Kiba, Hinata would be lost. In fact, it seemed to her that Hinata's love for the dog ninja were even stronger than what she had felt for Naruto.

But, seeing the happy couple, as sweet as it was, together, it made her think of what could have been and would have been had she not done the things that she did. Each night, she would sit and stare out her window, imagining a life where she and Naruto were happy together, and perhaps, living a life filled with love, laughter, and children.

Ah, who was she kidding? She knew that there would be no laughter from small blonde or pink haired kids, no hugging after a long day in the field, and no hand-holding when the nights were quiet and the only thing to do was be with each other. She would have to quit dreaming about what could have been, and start thinking towards what could be.

Perhaps she would go to this gala and enjoy herself. Hopefully, this lord who wanted to meet her wouldn't turn out to be a creep, and perhaps she could enjoy herself. Who knows? This might actually be the start of a new life.

A life without Naruto.

~!~

He laughed as he listened to Kiba joking around with Hinata. The woman was too easy to embarrass. But, when they finally settled down, Hinata got right to business.

“As you three know, you will be my personal escorts.” She said, and smiled down at her cousin. “Neji, are you alright with letting Kiba escort me?”

The stoic Hyuuga male nodded. “I approve of him and have no problems with him being the one to escort you. Naruto and I will simply be back-up.” He murmured.

Sighing happily, she turned her eyes over to her friend and softly asked, “You seem to be in a better mood. Is everything well with you?”

Naruto bit his lip, but then decided on telling her how he felt. “I've decided to let things drop between me and Sakura. I know that she feels badly, but maybe it's time to move on and start new, you know?” He said, grinning.

Neji and Kiba looked at each other, both male's frowns quickly telling their companions that something was wrong. Naruto shifted uncomfortably and then snapped, “What?”

Kiba got right to the point. “When Sakura was found unconscious, Neji and Hinata took her home.” He said, and saw Naruto nod. “The next morning, I joined them as they went over to Sakura's apartment to see how she was doing, and Neji spotted Uchiha Sasuke on a rooftop, and it looked as if he was about to jump to Sakura's balcony and enter her apartment.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Naruto exclaimed, his blue eyes narrowing in anger. Damn it, Kakashi was right and he hadn't wanted to believe it. “What happened?”

“What happened was that I turned him away and we left Akamaru with Sakura. Kiba ordered him to guard over her and to get rid of unwanted visitors.” Neji replied, his tone bored. “As he was leaving, he told me to give Sakura his love and to save a dance for him.”

With his fist clenched, Naruto gritted out, “I'll give him love. I'll shove my ever-loving fist down his fucking throat.”

Hinata shifted uncomfortably. “Let's not get worked up, here.” She said. “I don't believe that she has any feelings for him, and I think that she is still trying to get past losing you.”

Settling back in his seat, he glanced over at Hinata. “I wasn't going to ask this of you, but could you talk to Sakura for me, and just see if she still has feelings for me?” He asked, his eyes wide and hopeful. “If she does, would you tell her to try and talk to me, or at least get her to meet me somewhere so that I can talk with her?”

Hinata smiled and quickly nodded her head. Finally, her friends were finding their way back to each other, and if they needed her to help, then so be it. She could not wait to talk to Sakura.

~!~

The day of the gala finally arrived, and it was in the morning that Sakura found out that the trial of the three whom she fought in valley would be the next day, seeing as how the other villages would also be in attendance.

Valley had been thrilled to be involved in the trial, and were anxious to make them pay for their crimes. The elder came to visit her and promised that his wife was going to treat her to a dinner fit for a king. Inner Sakura screamed in horror as she plastered on a smile and nodded. She could already feel her stomach churning.

But, as she sat in her living room with Hinata, Tenten, Ino, and Temari, who had arrived the previous day with her brothers from Suna, and they were all getting ready together. Temari smirked and looked over at Sakura.

“I hear that you've gone and made quite a name for yourself.” She said. “Good for you. Even in Suna, we've heard about all you've done for valley. Gaara has been attempting to gain an alliance with them for a long time, so don't be surprised if he approaches you and asks you to speak to him.”

Nodding, Sakura looked down at her hands, and then glanced up when Ino and Tenten began to laugh. Finally, the girls quieted down and Ino said, “Guess what Lee is going to be wearing tonight.”

When she was met in silence, she glanced over at Tenten, who blushed and said, “He got himself a tux. A green tux.”

The women broke out into laughter. It was no secret that Lee held a lot of affection for the color green. His mentor, Gai, held the same affection.

As their conversation varied about different topics, Hinata decided to bring up Naruto. Clearing her throat, she softly said, “Neji gave Kiba permission to escort me at the gala, while he and Naruto did their duty as bodyguards.”

She felt Sakura stiffen at the mention of the blonde's name, and looked up to see the other three women glaring at her. However, she wasn't going to back down. “Sakura, perhaps it is time that you tried again to speak to him. He seems to have calmed down.”

Sakura looked at her reflection in the mirror and then closed her eyes. She could feel the familiar clenching of her heart and quietly said, “He has calmed down because I am not near him. No, the time for talking is over, Hinata. I made sure of it, and now have to pay the price. That's why, I've made a decision.”

Ino, Tenten, and Temari stared at her, while Hinata continued to carefully arrange her hair. Taking a deep breath, Sakura said, “I am going to take Tsunade's advice and try to enjoy myself tonight. She keeps telling me that a lord is wanting to meet with me and is quite interested in me. Who knows, maybe he'll do Naruto a favor and sweep me off my feet.”

Hinata bit her lip. Ok, this wasn't going the way she planned. But, before she could open her mouth, Ino moved closer and said, “I say that you should enjoy yourself. You have earned it, and deserve to be happy. Besides, this lord might be a cutie.”

The three women before them laughed, but Hinata was lost in her thoughts. This was bad. Really, really bad.

~!~

Sakura gulped and stared at her reflection in the mirror. There was no way in hell she could go out in something like this. The dress, the one that Hinata had picked out for her, was a creamy ivory, that hugged her body and showed off everything she had to offer. The dress was strapless, and showed off her tanned skin to perfection. A slit in the side of the dress allowed her to move without restricting her, so she would be able to dance without any problems.

But, she was simply not used to dressing in such ways. In fact, she felt very exposed and wondered if she were making a mistake. She'd have to kill Hinata later.

However, before she could find something else to wear, she heard a knock at her door and groaned. Damn it, now she really would have to kill Hinata. The fates must love to laugh at her.

Sighing, she moved towards the door and opened it, and found a very handsome Kakashi standing in her doorway, dressed in his ANBU uniform.

The man gave her an eye crinkle and then casually said, “Every ANBU member, past and present, must attend and be in uniform, unless they are part of the noble crowd.”

Nodding, she figured that having ANBU around was due to the fact that so many dignitaries were going to be in the same place and they didn't want any violence to occur.

When he bowed to her and offered his arm, she took it and allowed him to lead her out the door. He waited patiently for her to lock it and then softly said, “You look beautiful, Sakura. I have no doubt that you will make a lasting impression tonight.”

She gave him a shaky grin, and let him lead her into the night. If things went well, maybe she'd be home before her favorite show came on.

~!~

Laughter rang through the large hall as people began to arrive for the event that Konoha had been waiting for. Men and women were dressed to perfection as they passed by ANBU soldiers and into the ballroom.

When they entered, Sakura could feel her heart leaping into her throat and grasped on tighter to Kakashi's arm. The older man glanced down and saw that she had gone pale. Patting her hand, he whispered, “It will be ok, Sakura. If you need me, just ask one of the ANBU, and they will come and get me.”

She nodded and allowed him to lead her over to where Tsunade was laughing with several men. Already her mentor had hit the booze and was currently flirting. But, she stopped when she saw Sakura being led over to her by Kakashi, and she grinned.

“Excuse me, gentlemen.” She said, and motioned for Shizune to follow her. “Konoha's ambassador has arrived.

Quickly, she made her way over to Sakura and nodded at Kakashi, who let go of Sakura's arm and disappeared into the crowd. Smiling down at her student, Tsunade whispered, “Want something to calm your nerves?”

Shaking her head, Sakura muttered, “I doubt that you'd let me go home to get it, so no.”

“Ah, still nervous.” Tsunade replied, and patted Sakura's shoulder. “Don't worry, you'll be fine.”

As Tsunade led her through the crowd, she introduced Sakura to many different elders from villages who were interested in creating an alliance with them. She was quickly growing bored with listening to her sensei flirt with every available man, but was saved when she was approached by the last person she had expected, even though she had been warned that he wanted to speak to her.

“Ambassador, might I have a word with you?” Gaara asked, though from the sound of his tone, it was more of an order than a request.

Thankful to get away from her sensei, Sakura followed the new kazekage and slid into the seat he offered to her once they got to his table. Sakura was not surprised to see Temari and Kankuro there.

The kazekage didn't bother to mince words. He got right to the point, something that she was grateful for. “I want to join in the alliance that Konoha has with valley. Joining in will give Suna opportunities that have never before been offered and now that there is a like to them, I would request that you speak on my behalf.” He said, his tone flat.

Lifting her eyebrow, she glanced over at Temari, who mouthed, “Told you so.” to her, and then glanced back at Gaara. Finally, she asked, “I understand that some of your med ninjas have found some new plants that have aided in making antidotes for poisons. Would Suna be willing to share this new information with Konoha and valley?”

Gaara nodded sharply. “On the condition that the information stay within the alliance.” He replied.

Sakura stood up, and watched as Gaara and Kankuro stood up, as well. “I will take your request to valley, and speak on your behalf. Would you be available tomorrow afternoon, perhaps around four?” She asked.

Gaara nodded and bowed slightly to her, when she smiled and turned to leave. As his eyes followed her, Kankuro leaned over and whispered, “It would appear that our little brother has a crush.”

“If you want a crush,” Gaara said, his eyes never leaving Sakura's retreating form, “Continue to talk about me as if I am not here, and my sand will crush you.”

Kankuro gulped and quickly sat down. Temari grinned and shook her head. This would be an interesting night.

~!~

Sakura groaned and fought the urge to kick off her heels. She had followed through with her promise to Gaara and spoken to valley's elder. Thankfully, the elder, after her assurances that valley could trust Suna and its kazekage, was thrilled to agree to an alliance, especially after learning about the new antidotes that Suna had come up with.

After speaking to the elder, she had been approached by man after man, each wanting to dance with her, and each time, the man grabbed her hand and led her onto the floor before she could refuse. She noticed that Hinata had arrived and appeared to be upset, and so, she made her way over to the table and sat down beside the young woman.

Both females glanced at each other, then Hinata softly said, “My father has threatened that if I marry Kiba, he will get the other nobles to turn on me. Without the backing of the other nobles, it would be hard for me to run my clan, even with Neji's support.”

As Sakura watched, tears formed in Hinata's eyes, and she said, “My father saved the worst for last, it seems. He really means to ruin me if Kiba and I marry.”

“What happens if the other nobles agree to your marriage before your father speaks to them?” Sakura asked.

“Then my father's threat becomes useless. But, they won't speak to an unmarried woman, unless they held a vast amount of power, like you. They'd speak to you because you are the ambassador, but because I am not married, they would still consider me to be just the heiress, even though I am running my clan, now.” Hinata explained.

Looking around for Kiba, Sakura quietly asked, “Where is Kiba?”

Now the tears really did come, and Hinata shook her head. “He was so angry that Neji and Naruto had to make him talk a walk with them before he confronted my father. If he attacked my father, he could be jailed.” She said.

Sakura's eyes lit up, but then faded when three men began to approach their table. Kiba moved forward from the other two and sat in the chair beside Hinata. “Listen, sweetheart. I don't give a damn what your old man says. We are going to get married and if he causes us trouble, then I'll have an excuse to put him out of your misery.” He said, his thumbs gently brushing away her tears.

Sakura looked up to see Naruto staring at her. A blush spread across her cheeks and she glanced down at the table. She glanced up when a shadow fell over here.

“I was wondering if you would like to dance with me.” Sasuke said, his dark eyes staring down into her green ones.

Sakura opened her mouth to reply as Neji grabbed onto Naruto's arm, preventing him from punching Sasuke into the next year, but before she could say a word, Tsunade appeared and grabbed onto Sakura's arm.

“You must make a speech, Sakura.” The older woman gushed. “All of these important people came here to see you, and it would be rude if you didn't say something.”

She was yanked out of her seat and away from the table, leaving Sasuke's request unanswered. However, when he turned to look at the table's occupants, he noticed all of the glares that he was receiving.

“What in the hell do you think you are doing, bastard?” Naruto demanded, his tone angry. Sasuke lifted an eyebrow at the tone and then said, “Don't blame me for picking up what you threw down. You've made it clear that you don't want her, so I am going to try my luck.”

Naruto felt his eyes flash, but then turned his eyes towards the stage when Tsunade called for everyone's attention.

“Thank you for coming. Tonight, we are here to celebrate new alliances, and new beginnings. I am happy to introduce to all of you, Haruno Sakura, Konoha's ambassador.” Tsunade announced and then proceeded to thrust the microphone into Sakura's hands.

Sakura took in a deep breath and stared out at the crowd, who was now staring right back at her. Well, most of the men were leering. Finally, she said, “Good evening. As Tsunade-sama said, my name is Haruno Sakura. I have been the ambassador for Konoha for a few months and have loved every minute of it. I have enjoyed creating treaties and deals that not only strengthen the economy, but also the ease the stresses within the villages.”

The crowd applauded, and she smiled. Scanning the crowd, Sakura caught sight of Hyuuga Hiashi, and saw that he was glaring over at the table where Hinata and Kiba were sitting. Taking in a deep breath, Sakura motioned for a glass of champagne to be brought to her and then addressed the crowd once more.

“I have a request this evening. I would ask that everyone raise their glasses tonight in a toast to celebrate the upcoming marriage between two individuals that I consider to be close, personal friends of mine.” She said, smiling towards the table.

She watched as Hinata's head shot up and the young woman stare at her in amazement, as Kiba's face slowly broke out in a grin. Sakura said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce Hyuuga Hinata and Inuzuka Kiba. They are to be married soon, and as my way of showing just how thrilled I am at their upcoming union, I would like to publicly say, Hinata and Kiba, I wish you many wonderful years together, and I look forward to your wedding. I wish you a very happy marriage. Congratulations.”

The crowd before her raised their glasses and toasted the couple, as cheers and whistles were heard throughout the hall. Sakura turned her eyes back towards Hiashi and saw that he was glaring at her. Giving him a sweet smile, she handed the microphone back to Tsunade and bowed.

Making her way through the crowd, she finally found herself back at Hinata's table, where the young woman promptly threw herself into her arms and hugged her. When she was able to control herself, Hinata whispered, “They cheered for us, Sakura. They can't take it back, either. They can't oppose our wedding, and there isn't anything my father can do to us now.”

Smiling, and returning the hug, Sakura replied, “I'm glad. I'd rather face his wrath than have you deal with his crap. Besides, I don't know anyone better to keep Kiba in line than you.”

Laughing, Hinata hugged Sakura once more before turning to Kiba and hugging him for all she was worth. Sakura glanced up and saw Naruto scowling over at her, and quickly adverted her eyes. However, she failed to notice that Naruto's eyes were not on her, but on Sasuke, who happened to be right behind her.

Sasuke smirked. Naruto was just too easy. He had successfully goaded the young man into a glaring contest, and managed it so that when Sakura looked over at him, she would think that Naruto was glaring at her. Sure, he didn't like hurting her, but if that was what it took to rebuild his clan, then so be it. Besides, he'd make it up to her when they were in the master bedroom at the Uchiha compound.

He was about to ask her, again, for a dance, but Shizune came up to Sakura and asked, “Sakura, remember the lord that Tsunade mentioned that was interested to meet you?”

When she received a nod, she excitedly said, “He's here, and he arrived just in time to hear your speech. Sakura, he is gorgeous.”

Sakura felt a blush spread over her cheeks and looked over her shoulder to see Ino and Shikamaru, along with Tenten and Lee smiling at her. She didn't notice the angry glare that Naruto was sending to Shizune, nor did she see the frown that Sasuke held as she was being led away.

As they walked, Shizune began to tell her the things she should and should not say to a man of his status, but Sakura didn't hear a word she said. All she kept seeing was Naruto's glare, and felt her body grow cold as the realization that all her hopes were in vain, set in.

Finally, they arrived to see Tsunade talking animatedly to a very tall man. Sakura allowed her eyes to widen as she took in the length and color of his hair. His hair was long, nearly down to his knees, though he had pulled it back into a long ponytail, and it was silver in color. He was well built, at least from the back, and his hands were large and strong looking.

However, whatever she expected to see when he turned around was blown out of the water when he faced her. To say he was gorgeous was a complete understatement. His facial features were sharp, and sensuous. His lips were full and utterly kissable. His eyes were a soft golden color, a color that she had never seen before. No, this man was not gorgeous. This man made the gods want to weep with envy.

He stepped forward and held out his hand to her, and quickly, she placed her hand within his. She noticed that his hands were soft, yet held her hand in a firm grip as he softly introduced himself.

“My lady, my name is Akio Masahara. I am the lord of the western province of Kyoto. It is a true honor to meet you.” He said, and then lowered his head to kiss her hand.

Taking in a deep breath, Sakura knew that she had to make the first step. The first step was always the hardest, but it had to be done, even if her heart broke in the process. And so, she smiled up at the tall man and softly replied, “I am very happy to meet you Lord Akio.”

Neji was currently holding Naruto back as the young man attempted to run over to where Sakura was and yank her hand out of the tall man's hand. Sasuke, however, was angry that another complication had arisen. However, he would not allow his plans to be disturbed. He would still have Sakura, and he would use any means necessary.

~!~

The men who stood away from their lord, watched the strange young men with interest. Finally, they turned and the first man shook his head.

“I can tell that this visit is going to be interesting.” He murmured, his tone dry. His companions nodded, but turned to the sound of a loud smack.

“Damn it. Keep your hands to yourself.” The young female snapped, and huffed angrily as she crossed her arms. “I still can't believe that you consider yourself a holy man.”

The young man with a hand print on his face grinned. “I can't help it if the beauty that a woman holds causes me to stray from my righteous path. Really, this is all your fault for being so beautiful.” He replied, his tone silky.

As the other two men watched in awe, the woman's cheeks reddened and she sighed. Too bad that their lord forbid her from killing him. It was going to be a very long night.

~!~

The theme for this chapter is....

Sometimes we make it harder than it is
We'll take a perfect night
And fill it up with words we don't mean
Dark sides best unseen
And we wonder why we're feeling this way

Amy Grant....That's what love is for