So I know I promised to add another Chapter in the reuploaded story but today I was unusually tired. I slept most of the day. So I present to you just Chapter 1 :( sorry.
Note to readers - itallics will be used for character thoughts.
Forever By Your Side
Chapter 1 - Bittersweet Partings: Part 1
He had no control over his body, yet cruelly his legs remained standing. The sword protruding from his back and the pale hands that ensnared the hilt were the only things keeping him upright. He couldn't move, he couldn't react or even feel anything. The utter shock of it all was much more numbing then the situation itself - it was a matter of the lies not the promises, it was the matter of the person not the action, and it was the matter that HE of all people would be the one before him.
His blue eyes lifelessly peered down into the pools of darkness and hatred of the one before him.
Where had they gone wrong?
If breathing was just this unbearable, talking would be excruciating. But maybe just maybe...
"Sas-UUAGGH.." the desperate whisper contorted into a fit of heavy coughs, tainting the snow in red. His body violently convulsed and fell limp against the cold body.
Too many words, not enough time.
In a swift movement, the sword withdrew, making the sounds of slicing flesh echo in his battered body. His vision began to blur.
No, not yet.. just a little more
Trembling hands weakly grasped the white material framing his attacker's chest. With the last bit of strength left he pulled himself towards the body to lay his head on the shoulder in front of him. Despite the situation-the pain, the cold, the betrayal and despite the inevitable fact that he was dying - a bittersweet smile tugged at his lips.
I've always felt safest in these arms…
Snow fell upon the blonde's hair – the sight was a beauty to behold. The forest was enveloped in a sprinkle of gentle white. The traces of his blood began to disappear and he couldn't help but wonder if the snow would erase his existence as well.
The white landscape blurred over and he felt his torn legs buckle. His body was giving into the weight of the battle. He was beyond vulnerable, He was utterly useless – surely his attacker was aware of this yet he remained still.
Was it all inevitable?
It was as if their battle at the Valley of the End was being replayed – a nightmare Naruto would rather forget. The outcome of the clash was one, he was all too familiar with – Sauske would deal the blow and leave the village, his friends and him. Naruto felt his resolve to fight back slipping.
He's going to walk out of my life once again. This time I don't think I'll be able to handle it…
He fought to keep his grasp from slipping. In the last few moments, the blonde buried his head in the nook of the man's neck. For second, he felt the man stiffen but he couldn't keep focused.
Blue eyes began to fade.
What she saw chilled her body down to the very core. The two most people she cared about most were covered in one another's blood.
Why, why did it have to turn out like this?
As the ninja fell backwards to meet the snow, his hands were reaching out towards the one still standing, the one just watching him die.
"Naruto!" a teary scream ripped through the open field. A flash of pink sprinted from the forest towards the pair.
A hand whipped out and clasped her wrists "Sakura, don't be reckless" the other yelled furiously.
She struggled frantically, trying to free her hand "I have to save him. There's still time!" she screamed.
The hands binding her squeezed harder.
Her pleas were met with silence which only enflamed her anger.
You know how much those two mean to me, why are you holding me back? Itachi!
Twisting around her body, she brought her left fist back and threw a desperate punch at the older man. The punch connected perfectly and his head flew back.
Now's my chance!
She turned to run towards the open field but was jerked back. Even with a clean hit, his grip never weakened.
Damn, of course a punch wouldn't be enough to stop an ANBU captain.
She reeled back to attack once more but she felt something warm soak into her black gloves. The realization that it was his blood, made her gasp. Looking up she saw a red stream trickling down from his mouth.
It was his unwavering gaze, those piercing red eyes that caused her overwhelming feelings of anxiety to drain away. It dawned on her that Itachi didn't even try to evade her attack and allowed himself to be hit.
"Itachi! Don't do this! Please… let me go" her voice dying into tearful sobs.
The medic was pulled into a hug. "I know you would give up your life for them…..I'm sorry." He pulled back and wiped away her tears "Besides, you tried to cover it up but you were shaking uncontrollably" he chuckled softly. He gave her a small smile and turned his back towards her "Don't worry I'll bring them back".
A shiver rippled through Sakura. Something was wrong, there was something off. She had this persistent feeling that this would be the last time she saw the three of them again.
"Itachi" the whisper escaped from her lips. He started to turn around but he felt the medic's head lean against his back. "Don't turn around" she muttered.
If you do, I'll breakdown even more..
The two ninja's knew that the technique had to be used; it was inevitable.
We trained everyday and continuously refined this move for the sake of protecting the village and protecting the Hokage. We can't risk hesitation even for a second.
But still, it's painful.
She gripped the back of his shirt. Tears threatened to fall but she held them back. Sucking in her breath, she forced herself to send him off with a smile. "See you soon" she said laughing.
"Yeah" Itachi replied coolly.
The ANBU Captain vanished and Sakura followed suit. It was beyond her capabilities to interfere but she made her duty to witness, to witness the exchange that will alter the outcome of history.