Prologue
The End
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters.
His breath came in short, irregular gasps. Blood matted his blonde hair, running down his face. Cuts ran across his entire body, his coat was destroyed, burnt beyond recognition. Every time his chest moved up and down it brought fresh agony, as if the flames were still upon him. The scars down his back and the one on his eyebrow had reopened; blood was coursing down his back and over his right eye.
His legs began to shake; everything suddenly seemed that much heavier and darker. His left leg gave way first; he dropped to his knees, unable to stand.
"That is the difference between us, brother, you are weak. Your heart is clouded by love; to gain true power you must remove all emotions from your heart, remove all close to you, only then can your true goals be achieved."
"I…"
"Do not speak, it will destroy your remaining strength, I want you to hear what I have to say."
His head dropped, bringing his body down onto the ground. In that one moment, everything seemed suddenly clearer and sharper. The feel of his heartbeat seemed to roll through him. The weak and erratic beat filled his senses. His breath was slowing, each time he drew in air the burns on his chest sent fresh waves of pain through him. He tried bringing his arm down to his side to take out the Kunai but he couldn't move.
"Don't try to move, it will be over soon, but I shall give you one final chance. I will allow you to live if you will join me, but, before you answer, listen to what I have to say, listen to our past."
Darkness was clouding over his eyes; the once bright day had turned into twilight. His eyes were closing, his senses had left. The horrific wound had vanished, there was nothing left. He was floating, alone in a seemingly endless pitch black void, emptiness surrounded him, and he was truly alone again. 'I… have failed you.' Faces ran through his mind, friends and enemies alike, all those who had died by his hands. All merged into one final, beautiful face, 'not her' he thought, 'not like this.'
Then all was replaced by nothingness, he was gone…