Elsewhere in a far off location, stepping out of their portal. Dark eyes observing the area. Nothing but open land and fields. Mountain and rough terrain. Dark and hidden. The perfect place for the one they had been tailing or least have gotten wind of. With their hand on the hilt of their blade, careful walk down the narrow path, the hollow winds blowing through the caverns. An area like this brought back older and regretful memories. Memories that still haunted them despite them receiving redemption and forgiveness. And forming a rather protective bond with them. What they did to them and caused to them. The pain they forced them to suffer and endure. All for their own power. Because of them, they lost the only family they had in this world. Leaving the by themselves. In this world, not their own. Forced to make a life, a new life. Which after years has been very prosperous. From the shadows they watched them grow into the woman they've become.
In their heart they would do anything to keep them safe, the same with their closest and dearest friend. Swearing to protect them for anything. Never again would they allow any harm to befall onto them. They having lost a lot already. A promise they made to them, years ago in front of their Master's and sister's grave. Swearing to never allow anything to happen. Keep them safe, make sure they are happy. The family they took from them, they would make their family would never be taken away again. Becoming their shadow, that was what a brother was to do. For their younger sister. And they had become just that to them. Their sister in a sense. The third brother to them. They already having two others. Both in very high positions. One a Hokage. The other Head of the Nara clan and Assistant to the Hokage. They each took the role as their brother, a role each of them held dearly and was very important to them. All of them knew of their life and saw it. A because of that, they took their roles serious. One or many would say they had become their bit of innocence to them. A shining light. Though all of them each had their families, very important to them. That didn't stop them holding the same affection and love to their sister.
Misery. They couldn't have them go through it again. Recalling the haunting images and memories of their hellish torment and imprisonment. They stood there coldly watching them suffer beyond levels. Hearing their bloody screams ringing throughout the dark halls. Cries that screeched. To become silent and muffled. Watching the life and hope fade from their eyes, yet at the same time a strange strength in their golden eyes. They would endure it all. To protect the others. Welcoming Death. It could have been courage, they weren't sure. All they knew was, they endured it all for the sake of others. Ready to pay forward whatever horror and grief they caused. Accepting it. Once the two of them locking eyes, and caused something in their otherwise cold and dark heart to spark. It was small. But it was there. It reminded them of someone. Of the bond they had with their own older brother. And because of this spark, which compelled them to come to their aide during the War and end their suffering from the one who had caused it all. Caused them to look over them, during their time in the village before they left on their journey. Caused them to come back and visit them in the dead of night after the birth of their daughter. Watching them sleep. Send a special gift for their wedding. They couldn't be there, but surely wanted too. They did receive a wedding picture thanks to their best friend. Seeing his sister, happy with her new family. They couldn't help but feel proud. Seeing her smile, standing next to her husband for the past four years. They could see how much love he held for her. It was written in his eyes and smile.
That was good. Only one who greatly and genuinely loved his sister, would be the right one. Would do anything to protect her. Keep her happy. Provide her with a family. Was perfect. Not to mention her husband being a Kage himself, was good. There was nothing really to worry about. Still, that didn't stop themselves from handling things behind the shadows.
Just like right now. Remaining alert and ready. Going deeper and deeper. What they found out, shocked them. They couldn't believe it, having sent word back to Konoha to the 7th. Informing them. It didn't make sense, they made sure to end them. How in the world could they be back? This world didn't need anymore darkness. Following the clues and trail left behind. They had managed to catch up with them for a split second, nearly engaging in battle. For it to end short. Unable to bring them down, they managed to allude capture. It made sense, considering their skill. And with jutsu added, only made them dangerous. And it was their job to eliminate any danger or threat. No matter how long it took, they would take care of it. Activating their Rinnegan, in their left eye. Sasuke would make sure to end the threat. Reaching the bottom of trail. Something this deep clearly meant, someone was trying hard to hide. Or conjuring something.
The smell of muck and dampness filled the area. The ground beneath his feet muddy and squishy. Rather slippery. Treading carefully, he draws his blade charging it with lighting. He could feel himself getting closer and closer. The closer he became the more brooding anger came over him. The more he thought of his sister. Seeing her shipper smile, calling to him. Waving happily to him. Presenting him with a origami star. Her charm as she called it. To protect him where ever he went. He kept close and hidden to him. Her charm has paid off, and lived up to her reputation with being the world's most renowned barrier marker. For someone who can't use any sort of jutus from this world. All on her own. From her very own energy, parallel to chakra in a sense. Which in a sense gave her an edge.
Even so, just because she could produce near unbreakable barriers, didn't mean she was untouchable. She shields everyone but herself. The downside to it. Which is where he came in, while she protected everyone else. He would do so with him. So would the 7th and his assistant. Always leaving her back exposed.
Stopping, hearing a distant sound. Cautiously he looks around. Focusing on the sound. Listening pass the small droplets and crawling creatures. Whistling winds through the cracks. Charging up his blade more, he continues onward. He would find what he was looking for, something darts up ahead. It was quick, but quick enough. Reacting quickly, Sasuke rushes after them. Tailing them, closing the space between. His blade itching to strike. Locked on them like a missile, jumping and dodging objects in the way. Using his chakra to keep himself steady. The figure knowing they were being tailed, launches a few kunais at the Uchiha, who deflects them relative ease. Dodging a few. This was nothing but mere child's play, he thought. Still, he couldn't let his guard down. It could just be a ruse, they way they ran away from him. Told him, one they had speed. Two, held information he needed. Three could be a connection. Fourth, he didn't have time to think.
Maneuvering out the way with incredible speed, in the nic of time. Avoiding the deadly attack. The cavern lined with paper bombs explode from the wire he had tripped. Using the fallen rocks to scale upward. Moving back couple of feet, he looks as the cavern caves in. Before it became rubble and ruins, he had managed to catch a glimpse of something. Watching what could have been a key in all this be destroyed. Bothered and slightly pissed by his assumed carelessness. Rushing in like that, without thinking it through. His personal emotions took over. Watching the last pebble roll down the pile of boulders and rocks. Sasuke looks up, across from him staring at him. Covered and concealed by draping hood, the mysterious figure staring back at him. Unable to make out their face, Sasuke was sure he saw malicious smile and gleam in their eye. Sasuke stares back hard, unleashing wild lighting at the figure who moves just in time. Canceling his attack, Sasuke hurries over to were they stood. This had to get back to the village. Taking out the paper star, looking at the little thing. So small in the palm of his hand. So fragile.
"Sasuke." He heard her voice. Smiling to him. "Come back home. Okay? My family isn't complete without you."
Her words so sweet and happy. Genuine and caring. Nervous and scared. His eyes linger on the star for a bit longer.
Sasuke, back when he was younger. It was just a few months after the war. Stood before her in the grave cemetery. He saw how she feared him and the burning anger of hate for what he had done. He knew she was replaying all the horrors he had done to her. The way she put her hands protectively over her swallow pregnant belly. Afraid he might try to do something. Her golden eyes watching carefully. Looking at him hostile. She didn't trust him. Even after he turned a new leaf. She didn't. It made sense after all. After he has done. He often heard Naruto and Sakura try to get her to see he had changed. He wasn't that way anymore, but she couldn't see. Whenever he joined the others, she very indifferent with him, or leave. Though thankful and grateful for the others trying to speak up on his behalf. Sasuke knew it wasn't enough. He had to do it. Had to prove himself, that he was deeply sorry for everything.
He trailed her this morning, after studying her from afar. She would wake up early to come here. Paying her respects to her Master, sister, friend and boyfriend. The father of her unborn child. She would place a flower on each of their grave. Talking with each of them. He came in right before she put the flower on Neji's grave. His presence startled her, something he didn't mean to do. Considering her condition. Maybe not the best way to do this, but what other way could he? To get her by herself to speak to her. To say what he longed to say to her. Her eyes cut him, the way her eyes sneered at him. Demanding why he was here. In her eyes, it was disrespectful for him to be here. The pain and hurt in her eyes for all he had done. Blaming him for everything. Demanding why? Why he did it? What did she do, for him to do this? Why did he have to take away those she loved? By the look of it, if she could she clearly wanted to strike him down. Those eyes of revenge, mirror his own. But out of respect and love for Naruto. It wasn't as prominent, but still there.
Any slight movement he made, he was sure would attack or scream. Either one would be a strain on the baby. And he would be devastated should he cause that on her too. So he stood still. A pretty good distance between them both. A rather calm yet tension silence. Either she was going to speak or he was.
What words could he use to make her see? It clear no words would work. So he did so in action. Standing tall, he drops to one knee looking straight into her golden eyes. That widen with surprise from what he was doing. So out of character. Her golden eyes lock with his onyx ones. Reading them. With that Sasuke says what needed to."I know, no words can be consider a way for you to forgive me. For all I've done to you."He said standing back up. His eyes never left her's. Words that came out his mouth, filled with remorse, guilt, regret and surprisingly sympathy.
Sympathy was something she was not expecting from him. Listening to him, his words. Unsure how to take this. Her hostile nature slowly began to fade. Sasuke's eyes never left her's."I put you through a horrible ordeal. One, I myself went through. One that made me bitter and angry. Emotions I have given you, when you see me. Losing one's whole family. For it to be taken away. The pain and suffering that comes with it. I've caused all that on you. I took away all of it. I caused you to suffer, be in pain. Endure countless punishments. Your Master,"he looks at Splinter's tombstone."Your sister. Your friend. Your love." His eyes return back to her's."...I understand the fear and discomfort you have with me. You may have it me. For as long as you like. But," he steps forward, causing her to flinch just a bit."Here. I stand before you Master. You will never feel alone. Never loss anyone again. Never feel pain. You will forever be under my protection. I will do all I can, May O'Neil. Again you may feel anyway you want towards me. That will not stop me from protecting you."
His words filled with such convection and honesty. He stood before her, making this solemn vow. To protect her no matter what. He serious about it. All of it. In his eyes she could see the deep remorse in his eyes. Apologizing for everything he had done, and would accept if she still held ill will towards him. She still was uncertain on whether or not to accept it.
"I'm sorry." He said.
Those words. Those where the words needed. All she felt towards him. Anger. Fear. Spite. Everything seem to go away. Touched by the words all of it. She knew he was adamant on all he said. Yet, she still remain speechless. Which Sasuke took she still felt angry at him. Which he understood and accepted, saying what he needed to say he apologizes and takes his leave.
"Wait!"she calls. He stops in his tracks rather surprise."I-It's going to be hard. B-But I know...In time, I can learn to forgive you. Sasuke."
She said his name. For the first time she said his name, instead of giving glares. He turns around to face her, finding her looking up at him. In his eyes reading them. Searching his soul. He could see in her eyes, forgiveness slowly starting to form. Her eyes drop down to her belly. His eyes follow. Next thing he was poking her stomach the same way his brother use to do him on his forehead. Now doing it May's belly. His sign of affection. May looks up at him surprised and confused.
Sasuke kept his eyes on her stomach for a few more seconds before looking at her."..."He gives her a small warm smile."All of you."
Sasuke remembered that day, it stayed with him even now. The day he promised to do all he would to protect her. The day he made her his sister. A part of him. The day he promised to protect her child. Everything. That day was a new turning point, knowing she would forgive, he would do whatever it took to ensure she saw him in such a light. To keep the fear from ever returning back to her eyes. Tucking the star away, he turns to the night sky, looking to the brightest star.