Chapter 1: Painful Memories

Note: To all of my readers, just to make sure there is not any confusion, to how old the characters are, I am going by the Manga. Sasuke was about 13 years old when he left Konoha, before the two and half time skip. I am going 5 years into the future.

(The Dream)

Sakura: "Why? Why won't you tell me anything? Why do you always stay silent? Why won't you say anything to me?"

Sasuke: "Why do I have to tell you anything? It's none of your business. Stop concerning yourself about what I do."

Sakura: "You're… always hated me, huh? Do you remember… the day we became Genin and when our three-member team was first chosen? The day you and I were here alone, you got mad at me remember?"

Sasuke: "I don't remember."

Sakura: "Makes sense. That's something that happened awhile back. But that's the day when everything started…you and I…and also Naruto and Kakashi-sensei. Above all…it was fun! I know about your clan, but revenge...that won't make anyone happy. No one. Neither you...nor I."

Sasuke: "Just as I thought. I'm different from you guys. I walk a different path than you guys. I tried to think that it was my path to do the things we've done up until now. The four of us did things together, but my heart decided on revenge in the end. That's my purpose in life. I can't become like you or Naruto."

Sakura: "Are you going to chose to be alone? On that day, you taught me that solitude is painful! I understand that so well right now. I have a family, and I have friends, but if you're gone…to me…it'll be the same as being alone. From here on…a new path will open for all of us. I…I love you so much! If you stay with me, I'll make sure you won't regret it! Everyday will be fun. We'll definitely be happy. I'll do anything for you. So…please! Stay here! I'll help you with your revenge. I'll do something! So please stay here…with me! If you can't stay, take me with you."

Sasuke: "After all this time...you're still annoying!"

Sakura: "Don't leave! If you do, I'll scream!"
(Sasuke appears behind Sakura)

Sasuke: "Sakura…Thank you."
(Sasuke knocks her out)

Sakura: "SASUKE!"

(End of Dream)

Sakura woke up into the darkness of her room.

"What is wrong with me? Why are these memories in my dream?" Sakura placed her hand upon her forehead. It has been five years since Sasuke has left Konohagakure, left his friends and her behind, and not even once, she had dreams about him. Her heart was to heartbroken to even think about him.

In the last five years, Sakura has dedicated herself to her training to become one of the strongest ninjas in her village. Even under the training of her sensei, Tsunade, she has become one of the top Medical Nins of her generation.

She has put the memories of Sasuke back into the far reaches of her mind and focused on herself and the importance of the people in her home village. "Sasuke is gone and he is never coming back. As far as I am concern, he is dead to me."

Sakura looked outside her open window and looked up at the full moon. A cool breeze blew through her room as a light beam from the moon, shine upon a picture in the far corner of her apartment. It was the picture that was taken on the day Team 7 was gathered. Looking at the 12 year old girl smiling back at her was gone. The girl she once was, no longer existed.

So much heartache has come upon her in the last 5 years. Has she not only lost Sasuke to Orochimaru, but also lost her parents, while they were on a mission. They were killed two years ago. Not only has Sakura become stronger physically, but also emotionally. She closed her heart to all of those around her. She still cared about the safety of her friends and the people of her village; however, she refused to express her feelings to anyone, afraid she would get hurt again or loose someone else important in her life.

Every time when someone asks her how she was, she would put on a fake smile and not show any signs that she was hurting inside. She dedicated herself to her training, her missions and working in the hospital.

Sakura looked at her alarm clock next to her bed. "2:35 Am. I better get some sleep. I have a long day of paperwork to look over and patients to see in 5 and half hours." Sakura lay back down and drifted into a deep sleep once again.

Outside her bedroom room in a near by tree, stood a dark figure appearing among the shadows, watching Sakura sleep. "You have a goodnight sleep my beautiful cherry blossom. Soon you will be mine." Chuckled the unknown figure, as he disappeared into the night.

Sorry for the short chapter, however the next one will be longer. Please review and let me know what you think. In addition, just for fun, let see if any of you can guess who our mysteries visitor is from the shadows. I will let you know soon. I will drop a few hints along the way in the upcoming chapters.