Hello everyone! I'm back. I know I was so stupid to delete my two other stories, but for me that was the right thing to do. They share the same purpose, but for me it was kinda not so good. So, this story with a different purpose will surely work out. I promise I will finish this story no matter what happens because the moment my mind says I can't continue this story I will only remember the quotation I made for myself. Weird, right? Anyway, please enjoy and don't forget to leave reviews because those things can help me, too. Another thing is I know I can't update on a regular basis because there's school and everything, but I won't leave you hanging on.
Thank you so much! Now, on with the reading. Enjoy!
Prologue-The End
No, it can't be. This should not be the end. I never dreamed to have this situation. I never wished to see her in this situation. Please, don't.
"Just hold on, Kana." Itachi placed her in his arms as he tries to settle her down; her breaths were getting more rugged. She can hardly breathe because of that deep wound she has in her abdomen. A medic-ninja was trying his best to heal her and prolong her life, or else this would be the most tragic moment of their lives.
The most painful part has yet to come. Up to this point they have to pretend. They have to pretend that they were just teammates and nothing has been going on between them. Luckily, they were, and it wouldn't be doubtful if he was concerned to her. Unfortunately, he was troubled as her lover and not as her teammate. This was harder than what he had expected before this mission arrived. But he was an expert when it comes to this. He knows how to hide his real emotions, which he learned from being an ANBU, although the pain was killing him now. This would be the most painful panorama in his life. Seeing her in this moment while her uniform was soaked in blood would be more than enough to shatter his heart into pieces. He saw lots of deaths in his innocence, but this would be a different setting. He needs to be calm and panicking has no space in him right now. He has to be strong for Kana. He can't lose her right now, and that will never happen in the future.
The medic-nin continued curing her while she lays in Itachi's arms and breathing slowly just to ease some pain. Shisui, another member of their team, team one, stood beside them and confirmed that all their enemies were dead and took care of the rest, indicating their mission was a success, but seems like this was their first ever failure in a mission. Uchiha Itachi was their team captain and the prodigy of the Uchiha clan, and one of the infamous ninja who possesses the great power of the sharingan. Being the Anbu captain he was one of the respected ninja of the hokage. Team one itself has been known for its excellent mission works, having members like Uchiha Shisui, Sarutobi Kana, and Uchiha Itachi; hence people expect more to them, and they never fail. This mission supposedly was a piece of cake, but something happened along the way which brought them to this situation. Usually, they return to Konoha alive and well, and all they have to do is to replenish their lost chakra and rest. As this very moment, their world turned upside down, and he can see that the great Uchiha Itachi is facing the greatest battle in his life where his lover is in between life and death.
Shisui was the only one who knew their secret, not because he was their teammate; not also because he told him about that. Well, partly, because he forced him to tell the truth about his trending love life. Even though he already told him, it was unbelievable for his face still looked like shit that time when he confessed about his ultimate secret. It wasn't that long when he had known about that. Their last mission was the key which opened his eyes that Uchiha Itachi is in love with their teammate and the granddaughter of the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Kana. Well, they have to face all the storms and break all the walls just to fight for that forbidden relationship. Itachi is the obvious choice to be the clan head someday, but they all know that having a wife from the outside of the clan would be a no no. But he knows Itachi too well. He's the kind of man who gets what he wants and he's absolutely sure that Kana is the right woman to be called his wife someday, with or without the title, or even if they have to hide at the ends of the earth. He was really sure about his decision and his future that all Shisui can do is to support them both. After all, Kana was ideal just like Itachi, so they are really a perfect match; literally speaking.
They already invested time in that place that the purplish skies with tint of orange and red say that darkness will rule the night soon. Supposedly they were on their way back to the leaf village now, but because Kana was not yet in good health they have to stay there and wait until she's saved. It doesn't matter if they have to stay there for the hours of darkness as long as this would not be the end for the love they had fought for a long time. Her life depends on the medic-nin as of now. He can't fail of course.
As he was releasing chakra to fix her torn tissues in her abdomen and to regulate her blood flow, he noticed it was not working anymore. A little while, he saw that something was changing which leads to improvement, but his probabilities were wrong. Her condition is getting worse, and all he can do is to tell them what is happening before it's too late.
"Itachi-san, Shisui-san, I-I…" it's like his words were blocked in his throat and can't get out, making him speechless and more nervous this time. What will they do? What will happen if they'll know that the princess' condition is getting worse? He doesn't know the exact words he will say so that they will understand him. For heaven's sake, she was their teammate, and if she'll die they will blame him because he was careless. The hokage will feel the same way, he thought.
Before anybody can react and let out even a single word from their mouths, Kana moaned as loud as she can because of too much pain she can feel. The sword was already gone, but it's like it's still penetrating deeper inside her. She did everything not to express this, but she can't take it any longer. The pain was already unbearable. It feels like she will be unconscious for the next second, or worse she can die. For her this was not the right time to complain. She had to be strong in order to live. She had to live because of love—because Itachi is doing the same. But how can she do that if all these things are uncontrollable? They can't stop destiny which holds life and death. As of the moment, she has to face something which is the hardest thing to admit; she has to accept that the end is getting closer and closer to her. She breathed deeper this time and tears rolled out from her heartbreaking eyes.
"Please Kana hold on!" Itachi tried to be still even up to this point, but seeing her acting this way and giving up were not a good idea. She can't give up now and leave them; not in this kind of situation. He had to do everything for her to live. She can't leave his heart in this kind of hell. He's not ready to lose her now. So, he already decided for the best. "Shisui, we have to report this immediately. We have to go back to Konoha now." His bitchness showed up again, but thank goodness it's for the better.
Shisui nodded and started packing their things up. The medic-nin helped him, as Itachi tried to settle things with Kana.
"Please, Itachi…leave me here…go back to Konoha…without me…" it was hard to say those words both physically and emotionally. It took her minutes before she managed to utter those words because of those shallow breaths, but it took her forever before she accepted that this can be her last farewell.
"I told you were going to make it. Please, don't leave us, Kana." Itachi held her hands, and If only he can kiss those right now, he already did. There are a lot of words that needs to be told, a lot of actions that needs to be done, but these people around make it more awkward for all of them. He looked at Shisui who understood his request and together with the medic-nin they were out of their sights.
This was the very moment he was asking for. They needed privacy in order to convey those things that were not expressed for the past three days. This time he can already say those words that he really meant; those words that were shouted in his mind, but his mouth didn't follow. "Don't leave me, please."
Crystalline droplets fell from her hazelnut eyes continuously. She can't do anything now. His angelic face miraculously removes all the pain temporarily. If only she can look at him until she's safe, then there would be no problem. Saying goodbye will never be an easy thing especially when someone has little time. She doesn't want to add up some pain from what he had already felt. But she had to let him feel the pain now rather than promise something that will never happen. She held his face and traces of blood ruined its innocence, and said the words which killed him right on the spot. "I'm sorry…I think this is it, Itachi…It's over…" she closed her eyes as tears continued running like the endless road he will face sooner. His eyes were planning to release tears as well, but he just let himself believe that the show was real.
"Enough, Kana. You're already the best actress. Let's go back to Konoha." Itachi carried her in his arms; his left arm supported her, while the other held her possessively towards his chest. For a while they spend the moment in that way, while his mind was in dilemma. His mentality can't stop deciding if what he was thinking was really the superior idea. He still wanted her comforts and that will never change, but what if he's being egotistical and possessive? He only wanted what's best for him and not for her, if that's the case. The battle for dominance already took place in his head, but the verdict was surprisingly uttered and that surprised her, but made her content. "I know you're already tired. Now, sleep, my princess."
She rested her head to his chest, then called him and whispered in his ear the sweetest words which he needed. Easy to say but hard to express, but for some occasions, easy to express but hard to say. "I love you so much." Her voice was so weak, but it was still as charming as before. She grinned at him; her hands smoothed over his cheeks, before reaching around his neck. The next scene was the sign which made him suffocated. She closed her eyes, as the finally drop of tear slid down to her cheek, and together with her hand which also slid away.
Itachi looked at her, thinking she obeyed him and just fell into a very deep slumber that nothing can wake her up from that sleep. That was the hardest decision in life, and that was the war in his mind a while ago. He gave her the best gift he can ever give to her. After all, death was the enemy and even the great Uchiha Itachi can't defeat it even with all of his techniques combined.
Even the sky cried, too, and it was pouring harder and harder. He knew that they were near, and in a glimpse Shisui was beside him, horrified with the scene.
"Itachi…"
"I know. I told her to do that, and she was stupid enough to obey me. Let's go back. The mission is over." He still had that sense of humor, believing it can hide his real feelings about the horrendous nightmare.
Shisui stretched his arms wide open, trying to help him recover from the nightmare he's facing."I know it's hard. I'll carry her until we arrive at Konoha."
"Just let me do the honor to carry the princess." He first looked at the medic-nin who's looking at them with confusion and sadness, then held her closer without giving him a hint of what was going really going on.
The roughness of the raindrops filled the aching silence of the place which made it more comfortable for their journey. They needed entertainment to replace the pain in their hearts. Shisui was glad; Kana was not the typical type who talks a lot. At least they wouldn't miss that. He only thought that she was just beside Itachi, enjoying her silence. Although he's worried that Itachi had a lot of memories that only the two of them knew, he was not even expressive. He was as hushed as before and of course, it was hard to read what he's thinking. For the first time in his existence, he was thankful he's not this man he used to envy.
He entrusted the mission to team one so it would be finished sooner, and no other people would be involved like innocent civilians. Probably if he gave this to other teams this would last two to four weeks before it can be completed. He just needs direct report from the mission that's why it was given to them. This was one of the easiest missions they had, compared to those involving s-ranked criminals.
Based on his estimations they intend to be back today, but since it was already nearing midnight he just thought something had delayed them. The rain might be the reason why as he can see it. He rotated his office chair and faced the windows and started looking outside like he was searching for something. It was foggy and it made the windows' glasses moist and fuzzy.
Now, he's getting more worried. He knew he don't have to, but the incident a while ago made his heart pound fast. He doesn't believe in bad signs and lucks. He only thought that the reason why her necklace fell was just an accident. Perhaps, he unknowingly hit the necklace and fell from his office desk, and that was the reason why it has some cracks in the pendant. That necklace was given by Kana's mother when she was younger. She used to leave that to him especially when in missions, thinking it might be lost or misplaced so that was the usual routine. She treasures the necklace so much for it symbolizes their relationship. Explaining to Kana is not a problem since she understands enough. But he still wishes to bring it to shops for fixing.
He continued looking outside; still waiting for a sign so the rain will stop pouring. He decided to open the windows to clear the muzzy view. Out of nowhere, someone knocked at the door, and the hokage, without bothering to face the doors, cleared his throat and said the usual words which the people from the other side expect.
He anticipated it was Itachi's team, but he sensed that there were no other people besides a single chakra signature already fluctuating. Perhaps it's Kana.
The door fell open and a man named Uchiha Shisui stood in front of his office desk. The Hokage rotated his chair and faced him; his eyes full of perplexity. He needed answers for the questions in his mind that this man in front of him is the only one who's capable of answering.
"Hokage-sama." He bowed down his head in a rushed manner while hoping he can say everything properly and clearly.
The hokage waved his hand which says that he accepted his respect. He was rather curious to know how the mission turned out.
"Hokage-sama, Itachi asked me to report everything to you. He's…he's doing a very important matter now." He can see that he believed him and was satisfied for his explanations.
"I see." He pretended he was nothing but satisfied to his answer. There's something wrong right now, which he still didn't knew. But he also has to let Shisui believe that he also believed to him. "Where is Kana?"
It's like he was in a hot seat right now. How can he say this? He's making a hard decision in choosing the right set of words he'll need to say so he can tell him the sad fate of his granddaughter.
"Shisui, I'm asking you. Where's Kana? Could you please tell me what happened?"
"I don't think I can still explain this well, master. Just come with me."
"Kana…"
Itachi recognized the broke voice of the hokage as he's getting nearer and neared to her corpse. It was already covered in white cloth when he and Shisui arrived. Shisui stayed beside Itachi and tapped his back, but there was no reaction. He still wears his stoic expression and killed all his emotions the moment they arrived in Konoha. He stood beside the Hokage and bowed down while avoiding to look at him as he pulled the white cloth just to see her.
"I'm so sorry, Hokage-sama." The Anbu mask was not on his face, but he still wears the mask of an expressionless being, although he knows he can't hide his real feelings for a long time.
Instead of blaming his granddaughter's fate to those who where the reason why she was gone, there were no sign of tears, anger, hatred, or even vengeance seen in his eyes. All they can see was he's wearing the face of acceptance. He continued roaming his eyes as he appreciates her angelic figure, though there were traces of blood and wounds all over her. But he didn't mind about it. She was a real blessing to him, and that will remain forever. He turned to Itachi and chuckled with no insinuation of insult to him, and turned back to Kana's carcass and he laid his hand to touch her still smooth hair. "You don't have to be sorry, Itachi. This is her fate, and there's a purpose, which is the reason why this happened. Although I know we're grieving for her too soon departure, I'm still thankful she is my granddaughter. And I know you have wonderful memories, too. I know it will be also hard to find replacement to her. That means you can't have missions as a team as of now, until we found someone that can take her place." He looked at Itachi who didn't even realize what he had said, but he looked away before he got his point. This would be another story. "Well, I still want to give my sincerest gratitude for being part of her life, Itachi, Shisui. Even though you've been with each other for some time, you let her feel she's welcome. I saw the sparks of happiness in her eyes, and I know that her friends were the reason why."
"At least she won't suffer now. It broke our hearts when we saw her in pain." Shisui added.
The hokage took a deep breath, then continued. "I already want to hear your reports about the mission, but I understand that there are a lot of things that had happened today. It's already late too, so just take your rests and I'll summon you some other time."
Both of the guys bowed down their heads and took steps towards the door. Hiruzen remained beside Kana and also decided to give his final farewell—he covered her again with the white fabric and silently wiped his tears with his index finger. "Goodbye, Kana. Thank you for everything and I'm so sorry for not granting your desire although I know it was your heart's only wish."
He arrived at nearly four am, almost eight hours had passed since they moved out of that torment, but seems like his time was not moving. His time was moving so slowly that it was like Kana died in the past second, and the incident was as fresh as those blood stains in his uniform.
On the other hand, her life was gone too soon and it felt like he had known her for a while and fell in love with her; he had known that she felt the same way too; that they hid their relationship for years; that she died…and his heart withered as well.
She was so much to him—she was the reason why he loved and gave importance to his life. There were a lot of things that changed because of her. His life would have ended so soon and became a nightmare that will last a lifetime. But the most important reason that made him love her more was when he also loved and accepted him as who he was; and continued loving him as who he is.
Now that she's already gone, he doesn't know how to start again, and if he will still believe in that fairytale she always talks about. After all, she was the reason why he believed that those fantasies still exist. Why would he still deem in those things when his Juliet already left?
He spent more minutes while doing nothing but to sit beside his bed and act as if he's numb and foolish, while staring in no particular fixation. He's worse than a drunken man. The only difference was that he's not intoxicated with euphoria or anything about happiness. He was too stubborn to get up, take a shower, and get some rest. In the first place, he's not in the mood to get some sleep. Yes he was tired and his chakra is still fluctuating, as well as his eyes, but he doesn't mind. He was enjoying the silence so much he's already breaking inside; too much captivated by his dark room he didn't notice he's tears already slid down his cheeks. He didn't imagine it this way that falling in love for such an innocent young lady will have this kind of effect. Giving his heart for love without realizing what's on the other side of the wall; loving her to the fullest without expecting to pay in this kind of consequence—this was already his state right now. His suffering will last a lifetime; just like the consequence if the massacre would have been done by his own hands.
"Itachi, you're here."
He was too busy for his dramas he left himself off-guarded, so he was surprised when his door fell open and someone stood in the doorway. He first see the light that moment since his room was so dark, and his eyes were still adjusting so he can't see the details of the outside; only the form of his little brother.
Sasuke looked at him, his eyebrows met, while thinking about his brother's shape. He can see him clearly since he was sitting directly in front of the doorway, and the breaking dawn's light shone before him.
He clumsily fixed himself and stood up then he walked toward Sasuke's direction. He's not getting away with this. "Brother, don't you even know the word privacy?" he calmly said, thinking it was enough to cover up his 'weakened' state a while ago.
"Hey!" he started as counterpart for his words. "I was just passing by when I noticed your chakra signature. You were out for days, Itachi!"
"So you were saying you missed me." He teased.
"Of course not!" he hid his embarrassment which did not turn out so well. How unfortunate Itachi knew Sasuke that much. "I'll go now and I'm really sorry for interrupting!" he pushed his door forcefully which, gladly, didn't break and marched out of his sight; he recognized his footsteps which were becoming softer based on his distance. He assumed Sasuke is going to train since it's already early in the morning.
Thanks for that little entertainment, he released a little smirk on his face and this was the first incident which made him smile after this long and painful day. He decided to hear out the cry of his aching muscles which beg for a long hot bath, and a deep sleep that would take up even to a whole day if he would want to. Just like a snake that changes its skin, he threw his clothes which landed on the floor in a not organized manner, which is the real opposite of the great Uchiha Itachi, and that made him hear a metal chain hit the wooden tile of his room. Startled, he started picking up his clothes and decided to open the lights as well, so he can see his room clearly and he can find that thing as soon as possible.
If that was really a metal he assumed it is silvery so it's easier to look for it with his recently scrubbed wooden floor. He crawled down and tried to reach on the area with his hands. He looked like a blind because of his actions, trying to get to his way without seeing it at all. He doesn't know why he's acting this way just because of a metal chain, but for him, it felt like it has some significance. At last. He already found what he was looking for. His eyes could not believe with what they saw. Again, he examined that piece of metal which turned out to be a necklace—this was the necklace which he gave to his much-loved Kana. Surprised how it got in his room, he remembered their intimate scene hours ago; when he held her possessively in his arms; that would be her only chance to put the necklace into his weapon pouch. He was not stupid enough not to get a hint that that moment was the only time.
But why, Kana? Why did you have to do this?
He stumbled again on the floor, since his legs were not that strong to support him. This was more than the punishment he was expecting if he's real nightmare happened. His hands were shaking and the necklace was still in his hand, and he tried to support his head with his other hand. This was the actual weakened state of Itachi, and this was the very first time he felt this way. He hated weaknesses for they hinder the strength of a being. Never did he expect to feel this way, and it is maybe because he was not ready to lose her at all.
Few days had passed ever since that misery happened. His life became forlorn; he was so ravenous for her beautiful face and sweet smiles. But indeed, today was a glorious day. Leaves were rustling; birds were tweedling; the soft blow of the wind was enough to sent shivers and the cool feeling. The sun's lovely rays showed already, since the past days were gloomy; just like on the day of Kana's funeral ceremony.
Also, few days had passed since the village bid their final goodbye to their beloved princess. That farewell was the beginning of a new chapter to his life—new schedule; new place to stay. He promised in front of her grave that he will visit her regularly. It's more of a commitment for him. Of course she did not responded, ironically speaking. It would be creepy if that happens. As usual, he would come secretly which made him look like a damn spy who would sneak in, just to be at her graveyard. He'll never know if someone like the Hokage is there so he really has to be super careful. He already learned a lesson because of his younger brother, and he was thankful for that. He always maintains his guard and doubles it the moment he plans in his mind that he's going. He already had three checks on his attendance, if he would have; being there for three straight days after the funeral was all he can be proud of, of course, he was never caught.
He bowed down his knees and pray for her lost soul, and as always, he still ask from above if he can be given another moment to spend with her. He was not contented in those midnight fantasies he spends with her when he's in dreamland. But if only, if only he can turn back the time, then he can save her from that suspicious unknown persona, and definitely, he will still enjoy her company up to the present.
After that silent moment he gets up again and decided to leave after a short while. He placed a flower, which caught his attention when he was on his way, adjacent to her grave. This was the second time he offered flowers to her—next to the one in her funeral.
Still, Itachi was really not that expressive, so he doesn't talk a lot, or even talk to her in this manner. After all, his message was already sent above, and even God knows the precise words he always wants to tell her. At least he already told her those set of words once, and that was not also expected, since he rarely express his affection by words. He only wanted her to feel it, and he never fail to let her feel how much he adores her, and how much he loves her.
Finally, he decided to leave by now for he will still train in his preffered training grounds, and one of their secret meeting places. He bowed down his knees again as the last part of his little ritual. He closed his eyes as his heart shouted 'I love you' which he is so certain she heard, when he felt a not so familiar chakra signature, but he knows he already dealt with this somewhere. Without bothering to know, he let it stay that way. Besides, the owner was not that strong and if he or she needs a fight, he won't even use his techniques because his modest weapons were already enough.
He stood up and turned away from Kana's grave which made him confirm who her other visitor was. A pink-haired kunoichi shyly stood distance from him. He knew it was one of his brother's teammate and they already went to the Uchiha Manor once, as he remembered it. He didn't mind though, nor did he even bother to greet her in view of the fact that he doesn't even know the young lady by her family name. So, he went pass her and walked away as if there was no one in that place besides him.
The young kunoichi looked at him as he walk pass her, while she froze to where she was standing. It was Sasuke's older brother, the infamous Uchiha Itachi, whose name is still popular even to normal civilians of the village. She was disappointed he didn't remember her, when she has been in their house often times, altough she saw him there once. But her mind reached the fact that he was indeed popular, but she was an ordinary girl who dreams to be known like he does, and when that happens not only Sasuke will bow down before her, but also his brother, and everyone else who belittles her. Sasuke will surely fall for her, too. But for now, she erased those things in her mind and realized that he really doesn't care at all, so she doesn't care either. She only waited to let him disappear in the woods, and that's where she will offer her little gift to a good friend.
That night also, Itachi decided to went to the roofs. There was no occasion; he just wants to appreciate the beautiful sight of the stars above because of the fine weather the day has. He sat there while his knees were bent towards his chest, and he embraced his legs while he raised his chin and stared at the shining and wonderful stars. He remembered her beautiful, innocent eyes which he used to see together with her pink and soft lips he would adore by looking and not by anything else. The position of the stars above made him imagine her picture.
He got the necklace from his pocket and held it in his hand tightly; the bewilderment was no longer there. He understood her desire for him. Although it was crazy to think that that was really what she means about it, there was no other interpretation. She wanted him to look for someone whom he will give the necklace to, as sign of his love for that someone. Yet, he still can't imagine himself desperately looking for someone to love just because he needed comfort for he was broken. That was definitely a terrible idea, and he was sure as well that Kana wouldn't want that. As he held the necklace which he positioned in front of him and close to his face, and the moon's light made the silver pendant stand out in the dark, he thought she was just there smiling at him. But he frowned the moment he thought of another idea which he is not ready to deal with yet.
Who will capture my heart the way you did, my princess?
Thank you for reading. :) I hope I can update soon. lol
reviews are very much appreciated. And really, I need reviews for motivation. So, please, please, please, don't forget to review. :DD
Anticipate for the next chapter because Itachi and Sakura will meet again. xD