A/N: Hi! This is my first posted fic, based on the night of the Uchiha massacre. It has already occured, and Itachi now faces the toughest part of his mission. Italics are all Itachi's thoughts. Single quotes are Sasuke. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Kishimoto owns Naruto.

'Otousan? Okaasan?'

I'm sorry.

'Nii-san?'

Forgive me, Sasuke.

'Nii-san, what…who…'

Forgive me, Otouto.

'No, it can't be…'

But it must be.

"Mangekyou Sharingan!"

I wish you had arrived later.

Frightened whimpers fall through the still air like stones. The boy stands frozen, unaware that his brother is living the same nightmare.

But you need to be strong.

After what seems like an eternity, the visions cease and the child collapses.

You need to win.

'Why? W-why…did you…'

I didn't want you to experience what I have.

"I did it to…test my capabilities."

I am capable of betrayal.

'To test your capabilities? Just for that, you killed everyone?'

No. It was for peace.

"It is of great importance."

More than you could know.

'…What do you mean?'

I did what I had to, brother.

'Quit messing around!'

This must be our new reality.

'Gasp…gasp…'

If there had been another way…

Feet pound the blood-and-wood floor. Then a thunk as the boy falls to the ground.

Oh, Sasuke, that blow hurt me twice as much as it did you.

'I'm scared. I'm scared…'

This fear has a purpose…

The child, now terrified as his brother steps forward, springs to his feet and rushes out the door.

…but that doesn't make it any easier to bear…

Suddenly the older brother appears in front of the younger.

…nor does it lessen the pain.

'Don't kill me!'

I never would.

"You're weak."

But I am weaker.

"You're not even worth killing."

But you're worth dying for.

"Foolish little brother…"

We have all been foolish.

"If you wish to kill me…"

How could you not, my brother?

"hate me, detest me…"

Because I'm willing to trade your love for your life.

"and run. Run, and cling to your wretched life."

I have grown so weary of war. Maybe you, at least, will live to see peace.

"When you get the same eyes as I have…"

For that is our cursed legacy.

"Come before me."

Then, at last, this will all come to an end.

A shuriken slices through the air and knocks the killer's hitai-ate to the ground. He picks it up and reties it. A single tear rolls down the elder brother's cheek as he turns away from his past.

Forgive me, Sasuke.

The younger brother stares at the one who seemingly betrayed him, then slumps over, unconscious. Wind blows swiftly through the trees, scattering fragments of a shattered heart.

Forgive me, Otouto.

A/N: I've read other one-shots like this and wanted to give it a try. I didn't follow their conversation exactly because I felt it would break the flow I wanted. Please review, constructive criticism is good, no flames.