Author's Note: Hey everyone! Sweetness here. It's been a long time. Here is a story that I hope you will enjoy. There will be many biblical/religious elements that I thought would enhance the story. The Prodigal Son is a tale of unconditional and redemptive love. I mean love in all forms (romantic, familial, platonic). All of the religious texts (The Bible, Koran, Torah, etc.) refer to unconditional love in one way or another. It is mysterious, powerful, and divine. So I hope this provides somewhat of an adequate introduction. I don't want to give too much away. I would love for my readers to be involved as much as possible. Now, onto the story!
"Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, passion as fierce as the grave. Its sparks are vehement flames, the fiercest
blaze of all. Mighty waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away."
— Song of Songs 8:6-7
Prologue
She failed to remember a time when she did not love Uchiha Sasuke.
Indeed, the passage of time only served to strengthen her devotion to him. Haruno Sakura certainly believed in this kind of love. A love that was steadfast in resolution, sincere, unconditional, and forever abiding. She accepted her fate the moment they met, that her destiny would always be tied to his. For this was the imperishable truth of her life.
Today's somber occasion reminded her yet again of that truth. Tears began to well, upon listening to the echoes of agonized sobs. Mourners, clad in black robes, arranged themselves in rows, paying their respects. Not a spec of color in sight. People from all walks of life gathered during this time of grief and sorrow. Death was the unifying factor in honoring one individual:
Hyuga Neji.
He died two weeks previously, in a courageous effort to defend what he loved most. A shinobi war had broken out. Enemy soldiers attempted to ambush his teammate, and girlfriend of seven years, Tenten. He lost his life to save her. Following this tragic turn of events, Tenten could not speak for days. The pain she would now carry is unfathomable. She, along with the Hyuga clan, bowed their heads solemnly to the graphite tombstone. One by one, flowers were placed upon Neji's grave. Hinata's hands trembled as she knelt down to pay respects to her deceased cousin. She could no longer hold back her sobs. The moment she shed a tear, Naruto rushed to her side instantly. He held her in hand in comfort, and for the first time, her father did not object.
Within the last few months, Naruto struggled to gain Hyuga Hiashi's acceptance despite playing a large role in Konoha's victory. Realizing how much of an effect Naruto had on his daughter, the clan leader eventually agreed. She exhibited a strength he had never seen before, proving her to be a formidable opponent in the war, thus, earning her father's respect.
Uzumaki Naruto, once a social pariah, made a name for himself. He was now a hero to the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Sakura and Naruto grew up together after embarking on countless missions, witnessing bloodshed, and cheating death. They were now family. Sakura acknowledged his growth, and within her, feelings began to emerge. However, she was always aware of Hinata's affection for Naruto, and could not betray her. Instead, she gave him up for her friend's happiness, a truly difficult undertaking. She realized Hinata was the one person on this planet who could make Naruto truly happy, and as for Sakura, there was only one man who would forever hold her heart.
A listless Might Guy ascended the podium, diverting all attention to him. He took a minute to compose himself, trying to conceal his pain. A great sadness washed over his countenance as he spoke:
"We are here today in remembrance of an integral member of our village who possessed a strong sense of duty and a firm moral conviction. Neji was not only the pride and joy of the esteemed Hyuga Clan, but also, an admirable student of mine. I had the honor of accepting a true prodigy onto my team. He fought bravely, representing the land of fire."
Guy-sensei paused, exhaling:
"When I began supervising his training, he told me in his exact words, 'Guy-sensei, if I die before you in battle, do not mourn me.' Looking back, I think what he meant was instead to celebrate the accomplishments of his young life. He would have turned twenty-nine years old this July. He was not only a phenomenal shinobi, but also, an extraordinary human being. He learned the importance of bonds, and, how he must cherish those who were dear to him. Those bonds became extensions of himself through pain, laughter, and love."
He looked up once more at the audience, continuing:
"There is a message I would like for each and every one of you to take away from today. Most of us, if not all, have experienced loss. Each experience would cause any one of us unimaginable grief. However, in times of great tragedy, the following remain: Hope, faith, and love. But the greatest of these three is love, because love creates bonds that endure time and space. It is an entity stronger than death. Love is the thread that can stretch or tangle, but can never be broken."
With the last sentence uttered, Guy quietly stepped off the podium, and took his place amongst the crowd. His words were a true revelation. His fellow Jonin wholeheartedly agreed. Guy-sensei was renowned for his ability to instill such inspiration, even within the souls of the weary.
Soon after, the crowd dispersed. Most villagers left the scene, while some stayed behind to condole with the Hyuga family. Sakura found herself standing in front of Neji's grave, reading the following words carved into his tombstone:
In loving memory of Hyuga Neji
An honorable shinobi, a caring brother, a true friend
And his father's prodigy
Hyuga Neji's life was as fleeting and delicate as a cherry blossom. He walked along this earth with his fellow shinobi, and now, he was nothing more than a memory. Yet, his beautiful memory would always endure.
Flowers adorned the gravesite. Sakura caressed the ivory petals of one of the elegant blooms. This familiar sight caused her heart to ache.
"There is always a meaning behind every flower."
She turned to the source of the voice, finding none other than Yamanaka Ino standing beside her. The young woman's long flaxen hair fell gracefully to her waist, her ice-blue eyes gazing inquisitively.
Sakura nodded in agreement, "You always taught me that. What do you make of this one?"
Ino plucked the flower from her friend's grasp, analyzing it.
"This is an anemone. It's commonly associated with loss and forsaken love. People often gift these flowers to someone they care about. It is said that the anemone dispels evil and ill wishes, wards off disease, anticipates exciting times in the near future, and heralds the arrival of spring."
"How beautiful…" Sakura mused.
Ino offered a smile.
"There's this saying that turning hardship and grief into nourishment is what makes a Sakura blossom so beautiful. You really have bloomed, Sakura. You're no longer the timid flower bud I used to know. Despite all the hardships and challenges you've faced, you always pushed forward and never gave up. You are now a fully realized flower who has embraced womanhood so gracefully. I'm proud of you."
The rose-haired kunoichi nodded.
"We faced all of those challenges together, Ino. I couldn't have done it without you. You've been a true sister to me."
Ino returned the anemone flower to Sakura.
"Do you still think of him?"
The question caught Sakura off guard. Her breath hitched, as she momentarily relived the harrowing memory. Uchiha Sasuke took a part of her with him, and, she would never be the same. His defection from Konoha caused an uproar amongst the villagers. They now lived to spite him, and the Uchiha name would forever be disgraced. However, Sakura knew better. She believed Sasuke was worthy of love and its redemptive power.
"Every waking moment." She breathed.
Her friend sighed, "Sakura, I'm saying this because I care. You-"
"What, Ino?" Sakura snapped.
Ino clenched her fists, determined to press forward.
"I can't stand seeing you in pain. Sai and I are worried about you. Everyone is worried, Sakura. You're always burying yourself with work, its not healthy. Sasuke is not coming back. He's selfish."
Sakura's emerald eyes hardened, "It's more complicated than that, Ino. He-"
"You're making excuses for him, Sakura. I won't have it! If Sasuke loved you, he wouldn't have left."
Ino's words pierced her heart. She could feel the tears brimming.
"I-Ino this is not the time or place. I don't want to talk about it anymore. Right now, Tenten and Hinata need us."
And with that last statement, Sakura walked away, leaving Ino pondering if she had said too much.
Sakura stepped into her home, devoid of energy. She changed into loose-fitting pajamas and lay on her bed, ruminating over the event that had taken place today. She promised her friends that she would stop by tomorrow or later in the week, to give them space to mourn.
The time on her clock read 8:30 pm. Sakura grew weary as the minutes passed. She lit a candle, and placed it on her side table. The fragrance of lavender incensed the air. She noticed a book lying face open on her windowsill. Sakura perused its contents.
'The Romantic Tale of Renge and Tsuyu', the title read.
It dawned upon her that this book was written by none other than the famous Jiraiya-sensei. He was a well-known connoisseur of the literary arts. His genres included an eclectic mix of erotica, humor, adventure, and occasionally romance. This work in particular was a derivation of his main series, The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi.
Sakura opened a random page, and began reading:
The Romantic Tale of Renge and Tsuyuu, Part 1
She loved a sinner, his tainted heart suffering disease and blight. Falling into darkness, she watched in horror, desperately hoping to end his strife. He forsook her love, a pain sharper than a knife. Hatred clouded his vision, leaving him blind. She wondered would he ever reclaim his sight? Lost and embattled, forever abiding, his deathless fight. For this was the imperishable truth of his life. She failed to reach him, her cries unheeded, watching a shadow of his former self disappear into the night. No longer the man she once knew, for he was overcome with vice. From this wicked power, she vowed to rescue him with all her might. She prayed in good faith that from his suffering he would be granted temporary respite. Gentle and wholesome, she loved him earnestly while waiting for his return into the light.
Thud.
She slammed the book shut. Jiraiya-sensei's poetic language left Sakura captivated, leaving her with such heartfelt sentiments. Emotions stirred wildly within. The passage written on the page illustrated a familiar scene, unlocking the memories she tried to shut out. Solemnly, she placed the book onto her windowsill. The sky, now painted a rich charcoal, projected some semblance of tranquility even though the darkness unsettled her.
In the corner of her eye, a light shone. She watched as the candlewick held its flame, igniting ferociously. Its vehement sparks burned intensely, unafraid of the night. There was not a single entity, which could parallel the strength and passion of a flame. Since the dawn of time, it served as a haven from the darkness, assuaging all fears. From the flame, spawned hope.
The clock struck midnight as she finished mulling over her thoughts. Sakura lay protectively under her bedcoverings. The warmth emanating from the candle slowly lulled her to sleep, placing her in a state of repose. She would look forward to the sun's rise and begin a new day. Again, she would end her night by gazing upon the very flame that rejuvenated her.
Haruno Sakura knew that in times of tragedy, hope would always prevail. The flame of hope served to help the lost and weary find their way.
And for Uchiha Sasuke, she would always leave the light on.
Author's Note: That was the prologue! Hope you guys enjoyed it. By the way, that passage in the book, I actually wrote it myself! I've been writing a lot of poetry lately, and, I thought I'd use it in this story. What did you think?
I've got exams coming up so I won't be able to update until May. Look forward to that. This is just a short prologue to set the story in motion. I know Sasuke wasn't mentioned enough in this chapter, but don't worry, you will find out more as the story goes along. Stay tuned for the next chapter. Please review! If you have any ideas or thoughts, don't hesitate to shoot me a message!
Take care.
Sweetness