dies irae
036. requiem
To the village, it was like a polka. A polka, or maybe a mazurka. But to Sakura, it was a mass. A mass for the dead.
Eternal rest grant unto them…
A ring was grasped in her hand, so tightly it hurt. Her knuckles were white, and the piece of metal felt like it was burning. Burning a scar in her palm, seemingly saying, Just in case you ever forget me.
Lord, have mercy…Christ, have mercy…
She fought to keep that merry smile on her face. Although a funeral, this one was different. This was not a KIA funeral, nor was it one of a close friend. It was the funeral of the devil.
He shall be justified in everlasting memory…
"Sakura-chan!" She turned her head to the flash of blonde that she caught in her peripheral vision.
She forced her lips to widen that smile, but her eyes held none of that normal sparkle they used to have. "What is it, Naruto?"
The souls of all the faithful departed from all the chains of their sins…
"We're having a party at the Hyuuga's after! You're coming, aren't you?"
Her smile froze on her face. "I'll…think about it. I might already have plans."
The blonde frowned. "Who on earth would you have plans with, when everyone's going to the party?"
The ring in her hand burned into her flesh. Just in case you ever forget me. "I…think I might stay here a little longer, if you don't mind."
Days of wrath, days of mourning…
Her friend melted away in the crowd, and she stayed rooted to the spot as the ceremony continued. She could feel the dances in everyone's heart—one two three, one two three—but only words resonated in her mind.
Free the souls of all the faithful departed from infernal punishment…
When she was the only one left standing in front of his grave, she allowed the tears to fall. The gravestone was fit for him; large, cold, and obsidian. She placed a single red rose on the ground in front of it, right where his heart should be.
We offer you sacrifices and prayers in praise; accept them on behalf of the souls whom we remember today…
"You didn't even say goodbye," she whispered, almost inaudibly as her tears offered to water the rose. "If you don't say goodbye, how can you expect me to?"
Heaven and earth are full of your glory…
She pulled out a kunai and placed the tip against the side of the gravestone. Slowly and treacherously, she engraved her name on it. Just in case you ever forget me.
He wouldn't forget, Sakura knew, but it wouldn't matter to him if he did, anyway.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them rest…
She had the lips he used to kiss. She had the hair his fingers once ran through. She had the hands that he used to hold all the time. She had all of this—but her heart was gone.
She stood back, and admired her work. The rose was already half-wilted when she picked it out, and her name was barely visible.
May everlasting light shine upon them, O Lord, for you are faithful. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord.
And finally, she turned slowly on her heels, and went home.
Days of wrath, days of mourning…
A/N: This one used to be my favorite, until I wrote the 'rainbow' one…XD
Actually, now that I look at it, this one might not be appealing to certain people…-shrugs- Apologies to those who are religious in one way or anymore and have been offended. It wasn't intended.