The Ties That Bind

Part One: Death

"What happened here?"

Hana stood just outside the door in complete and total shock. Something wasn't right. There was blood on the walls, ceiling, and floor, there was a giant snake carcass on the ground, Orochimaru was no where to be found, and Sasuke was there.

Hana walked into the room, taking in the gruesome sight that befell her.

"What happened here?" she asked.

Sasuke looked over in Hana's direction and smirked. He could see the fear and concern in her eyes.

"He was a tough opponent to defeat" he said flatly.

"W-what are you talking about?" Hana asked.

Sasuke pointed towards the back wall. "See for yourself." he said.

Hana looked towards the back of the room and nearly fainted in shock. Orochimaru was leaning against the back wall, and, from what Hana could see, he was injured.

"Sasuke…what did you do?" she asked.

Sasuke smirked and then walked out of the room. Hana rushed to Orochimaru's side and pulled him into her arms. She began checking for any signs of life. She detected a weak pulse.

Orochimaru was alive, but he needed immediate medical attention.

"Orochimaru, wake up…" she said softly.

Orochimaru's eyes opened slowly and he moaned in pain. Hana placed her hand on Orochimaru's chest and tried to heal him.

"Hana…it's no use…" he said weakly.

"What…what do you mean?" Hana asked, nervously.

Orochimaru pointed to the giant snake that lay dead on the ground. "That thing…is my true form. Without that thing inside of me…I'll die." he replied.

Hana felt tears welling up in her eyes. She knew that what Orochimaru said was true, but she didn't want to believe it. Orochimaru reached up and brushed the tears from Hana's eyes.

"I'm sorry…Hana. I wish I could be with you…for a little while longer." he said softly.

Hana buried her face in Orochimaru's hair and the tears began to fall.

"Orochimaru, you can't leave me! I don't…I don't know what I would do without you! My life wouldn't be worth living if you weren't here!" she cried.

Orochimaru felt tears welling up in his eyes. He wanted to stay with Hana, but he knew that his time was almost up. "Hana…I need to tell you something." he said.

Hana pulled Orochimaru closer and started stroking his hair.

"Yes? What is it?" she asked.

"Hana…I've watched you grow up from a cute little girl to a beautiful young woman…and I'm amazed at how much you've grown. You were…always by my side…and I wish I could stay with you." he said weakly.

Hana looked into Orochimaru's eyes and smiled.

"Orochimaru, you're gonna be alright. I'll always be by your side, I promise." she replied.

Hana leaned forward and kissed Orochimaru's lips softly. Orochimaru happily returned the gesture.

Hana felt tears sliding down her cheeks as she kissed Orochimaru. She knew that this was the end.

"Orochimaru you can't die. You just can't." she whispered as they broke apart.

"I'm sorry Hana. This…this is it for me." Orochimaru said.

"No! I won't let you die! I won't let you." Hana cried.

Orochimaru reached up and touched Hana's cheek, which got her attention.

"Hana…there's something that…I need you to for me, something very important. I need you…to lead the people of the Sound. They need…a strong leader, and, Hana…you're the right person for the job. Lead them well." he said.

Hana nodded slowly.

"Yes, sir. I will lead them." Hana replied.

She took Orochimaru's hand in hers and squeezed it gently.

"Thank you…Hana. My time in this world…has ended. I never thought…that I would…die like this. I wanted…to live forever…but now, it's only a childish dream. Hana, thank you…for everything you've done…for me. You…are such a kindhearted child…and I'm happy…that I knew you. I…love you." Orochimaru said.

Those were his last words.

Orochimaru's last breath was shallow. His body went cold and his heart stopped beating.

"No…Orochimaru wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Please, wake up!" Hana cried.

Hana tried her best to revive Orochimaru, but it was all in vain. Reality finally sunk in.

Orochimaru was dead.