Prologue
Valley of the End
Falling in and out of consciousness, Sasuke wasn't aware at first that their teammate had joined them. He felt a familiar chakra signature, warm and comforting. A faint green glow. Her scent filled his nose; a sweet, floral scent. Cherry blossoms. It brought back memories and, suddenly, his throat grew tight. He opened his eyes faintly, squinting at the young woman kneeling beside him. He never really took the time to look at her properly, he realized, since he left the village. She was frowning, her beautiful green eyes filled with concern.
- Thank you, Sakura-chan, he heard Naruto whisper gratefully.
Sasuke forced himself to speak. He felt lightheaded, on the verge of losing consciousness again.
- Sakura, I…
-Shut up for now, she interrupted him, almost harshly, I need to concentrate.
He felt a wave of guilt then, and a strange feeling that he could only name as longing.
- I'm sorry.
He saw the pinkette tense, but he couldn't see her face properly.
The green glow emanating from her hands grew hotter, and he felt the pain in his arm fade a little.
- You're sorry? For what? She asked, obviously trying to sound disinterested.
- For everything I've done up until now.
She turned her face at this and the guilt he felt doubled. Her bottom lip was trembling and tears rolled down her cheeks, falling to the ground beside him.
- You better be, she said, her voice uneven, shannaro-yo! Stupid...
Cursing the fact that he was too weak to move, Sasuke offered her a faint smile. If only he could make it up to her, he thought, wanting nothing more than to wipe her tears away.