The Spirit World was a collection of brilliant lights and beautiful melodies. Mystical creatures were the norm and there was no sickness and no aging. The food was richer and the dreams more lovely. And the practical jokes more extreme.

"Are you sure you don't want to join them?" Sakura asked, an amused smile spread across her lips. She enjoyed watched the mermaids and nymphs. Though the pixie races were probably her favorite pastime.

"I don't splash around with merpeople," Itachi answered cooly. They sat next to each other on the shoreline of the turquoise lagoon. The smooth white sand was a joy to sink their bare feet in, squishing the granules between their toes.

"What if we're missing out?" Sakura leaned her head against his shoulder. His black as midnight suit contrasting sharply to her snow-white sundress. Leo had introduced them to the talents of Virgo. Since no one became ill in the Spirit World, Sakura had taken time to learn how to create hers and Itachi's extensive wardrobe. She liked wearing flowing dresses. Itachi preferred capes or suits. He was heavily influenced by Leo's style.

Itachi's ashen skin and her pale green complexion were otherworldly characteristics that Sakura was still struggling to adapt to as well as their life as celestial spirits. It had been several months since she'd been transformed — several years on Earthland. It felt as if hardly any time had passed, and also as if so much time had passed! The memories of her two lives as a human blended together — there had been joy and there had been sorrow. There had been friends and family.

Itachi drew his arm around her and kissed her temple. "We're together. We're not missing out on anything." His attitude was calm, he took everything in stride. Sakura felt a tsunami of emotions waiting to burst out of her at any moment — much to Itachi's benefit at home, but inconvenient when they were trying to spend a peaceful day at the lagoon.

A large wave started to rush towards them, but they both teleported a short distance away, avoiding the water— barely.

"Oh come on! Reaper! Rebirth! You have to loosen up and have some fun!" Aquarius laughed, holding her empty vase. "All you do it cuddle up next to each other!" She shook her long blue hair out and then cast her gaze towards her boyfriend Scorpion, standing on the shoreline dripping wet with his arms folded over his chest and an annoyed look on his face.

"We have plenty of fun!" Itachi shouted back. He took Sakura in his arms and they began to dance together. Lyra joined in and started a sweet, romantic melody. She was probably their favorite fellow celestial spirit — the musician was always tuned in and ready to make music when the opportunity arose.

"So, how long before we get called back to Earthland to battle?" Sakura asked. She looped her arms around Itachi's neck as he dipped her low. Her hands automatically started playing with the silken dark mass that was his hair. His long hair was unbound and curtained them as they danced together.

"Probably before the day is over. You know how my brother likes to find trouble." Itachi lifted her back up again and spun her against him. "He's probably pissed off another goddess or two by now."

"Good thing he's got us," Sakura murmured. A dozen times. Sasuke had summoned them twelve times thus far. Lucy had called them four times. It was a little intimidating, rushing into battle with no warning, no preparation. Itachi had been an expert at assessing the scene within moments, Sakura just took her cues from him.

"Good thing," Itachi agreed.

As if he sensed their conversation, Sakura felt the sensation of being called into battle. She and her lover arrived in unison, flanking not just Sasuke Uchiha but a younger woman who looked just like him but smaller and a girl—- obviously.

Itachi tucked away his scythe after a quick scan. "I sense no enemy. Why have you summoned us?"

Sasuke looked older, his hair grown long and covered the left side of his face. He wore a black cloak and had a sword strapped to his back. His visible eye shown with emotion as he looked between Itachi and Sakura. Then he looked to the young woman at his side. "Sarada, this is your Uncle Itachi and Aunt Sakura. If you should ever find yourself in danger, you will use the necklace I just gave you. They will come to your aid."

Sakura glanced quickly at Itachi then at the young woman. "Sarada, it is an honor to meet you." Sakura pushed back her white hood to show her face more clearly and gestured for Itachi to do the same. With a heavy sigh, he pushed back his dark hood. "I am called Rebirth and he is called Reaper." She looked past the girl briefly to inspect Sasuke more closely. He was older than she thought. The crows feet at his eyes had deepened and there was gray mixed in to his dark hair. "But your father is correct. Itachi was his brother and I am your aunt. I can sense you are a strong warrior."

"We will guard over you, Sarada, and your children," Itachi promised. "You only have to summon us with the necklace like your father showed you."

"Are you well, Sasuke?" Sakura asked, she couldn't help but worry for her dear friend. He'd been through so much, lost so much.

"I'm fine, I'm content," Sasuke answered. He smiled at the two of them weakly. "Naruto is the Hokage. He's got two loud-mouthed brats. Ino and Sai have a son - he's quite the artist. Kakashi is retired and spends his days visiting different hot springs and writing a traveling magazine about it." He never was much of a talker and the effort was taxing. "Are you two happy?"

"We're content," Sakura repeated his statement. "One day, if you'd like to see the Spirit World — we'll take you. Time is different, so you won't be able to stay long."

He nodded. "I'd like that." He reached for Sarada's hair and ruffled it, earning a scowl from the teenaged girl. "Release them so they can return to their world."

"It was nice to meet you!" Sarada released their summons.

Sakura and Itachi were once again in the Spirit World, but this time, home in their cabin in the woods. They sat on an overstuffed couch and faced a roaring fire in the hearth. On the nearby table a silver tray with their tea servings sat cooling from the morning. They were both silent, absorbing what they learned — they had a niece. The next generation has been born and they'd missed it.

"Do you think in time it will mean less? That we will forget?" Itachi asked quietly.

"No, because we will remind each other." Sakura snuggled against him, enjoying his familiar warmth.

"You're right." Itachi traced his hand along her cheek and then pulled her towards him for a kiss.

By the time they stopped kissing, the fire had long since extinguished, but they hardly noticed. They would keep each other fired up.

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A/N: Someone had read/reviewed this story recently and I decided to re-read it myself. I forgot how much I absolutely enjoyed this fiction! I never was satisfied with the previous epilogue. I had wanted to write about some of Itachi and Sakura's adventures as celestial spirits, but I just couldn't must the inspiration. So...I've added a bonus epilogue. Enjoy!