DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Naruto, nor Gaara (No, he's not in this fic...Sorry Gaara!) nor any other character by Kishimoto...I'm usually not particularly fond of emo-boy, but for some reason found myself writing this anyways...Enjoy!
The Chains That Bind Us
SASUKE!!
Ignoring the screams, I slide to the ground, the rough bark of the tree at my back the only thing keeping me upright. "What is this weakness?"
Cradling the cooling body of my elder brother, I dimly realize, "It's over."
Distantly I'm aware of the pain in my chest and the warmth leaking from my skin. "Is it possible I regret killing this person who claimed to be my brother?" Looking down I find myself smirking, "No, of course not. It's just your everyday sword-through-the-chest pain." No wonder I feel light-headed. Tired…Surely I can rest now?
But no, I grunt in annoyance as the screamers that had been making their way towards me finally reach my side, pushing the lifeless body off me.
Sasuke!! Teme!! …. Don't die….Sasuke-kun….
Two voices create a cacophony of sound, echoing thru my mind and uncovering long-buried memories. "Can't I even die in peace?" Raising my eyes, possibly to try and shut the two noisemakers up, I see the only two people who have ever broken past my barriers. My almost-sister's eyes stream with tears as she brings up her hands, already glowing green with her chakra, in an attempt to save my worthless life. The warmth of her essence clears my sight just enough to glimpse the owner of the second voice, hovering over her shoulder and encouraging her efforts. Blue eyes, pleading with me not to give up and leave them again.
The forgiveness in those eyes is too much, I close my eyes again. "That Dobe… closer to me than my blood brother ever had been... I'm glad you're here." Some part of me had known they would come, yet I refuse to allow my thoughts to linger on the idea, preferring instead, to delude myself into believing I had broken my bonds with them. "Leaving them again shouldn't hurt much, right? Goodbyes are simple things after all. I'd said mine years ago."
Teme!! You should have waited for us! Why?! Sasuke-kun! Hold on, please!...
Cold. Despite Sakura's efforts, I could feel the warmth trickle away, faster. The cold swiftly returning. Wanting one last look at my surrogate family, I try to open my eyes once more. They feel like lead, and when I think they are open, all I can see are the warm blurs of my would-be saviors. Faintly I can still hear their shouted demands to hold on, that I stay with them. Dismissing their frantic calls, I allow myself to drift towards the waiting darkness. "After all, without me messing up their lives, maybe they can finally move on." My task is complete. I'm not afraid to die. Not really. I possibly feel a small twinge of guilt at leaving them behind….again…But mostly I feel…maybe not happy, but…content. Yes, content. Sighing, I finally let go of them, my chains, murmuring, "At least I'm not alone. Thank you." The darkness embraces me and I know no more.
Author's note: So what'd you think? Please Review!