InuYasha Fan Fiction / Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Koibito ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Naruto.

Kagome - 4; Itachi - 8; Sasuke - 3; Gai - 17

Blood-Stained Memories

8/21/06 - 9/18/06

“…was horrible. I didn't think something like this would ever happen! If given the chance, I would have personally investigated the situation, but after the incident last night…”

Kagome's heart pounded loudly in her ears as she slowly leaned towards the door in hopes of catching more of the conversation. “What happened last night?” she silently wondered as she bit her bottom lip in worry. She had woken up less than an hour ago to find herself back in the hospital. If it hadn't been for the small note Itachi had left on the nightstand, she would have thought everything had been a dream.

“Did you hear about what happened to the Hyuuga Clan?”

The Hyuuga Clan…?

Straining her ears to catch more of the conversation, Kagome subconsciously inched closer towards the source of the gossip…

“You mean the incident concerning the murder?”

Kagome frowned slightly as she leaned in further…

“Of course!” snapped the voice. “Guess what everyone's saying?” After a moment's pause, she softly whispered, “Rumor has it that one of the Hyuugas killed a Cloud Shinobi over a small argument.”

“Are you sure? What a disgraceful act!”

Furrowing her eyebrows in a mixture of confusion and worry, Kagome slowly leaned forward a bit more, causing her to hang precariously over the edge of the hospital bed.

“I'm positive! When has my information ever been wrong?” When no one spoke to contradict her statement, she quietly continued. “I heard that that Hyuuga is going to be executed today! A most apt punishment, if you ask me! I'd hate to see what would have happened to Konoha if he had succeeded in restarting war with the Lightning Country!”

After a moment's silence to allow the information to sink in, another nurse softly voiced the question that had been nagging everyone's conscience. “By the way, do any of you know who that Hyuuga is?”

Ba-bump…

Kagome's face twisted with worry as thousands of possibilities ran through her mind. Her heart raced as fear surged through her veins…

Ba-bump…

“Some relatives of mine live near the Hyuuga District and rumor has it that the culprit was…”

Ba-bump…

Kagome's heart clenched and unclenched painfully as she waited for the answer with baited breath.

Ba-bump…

“…Hyuuga Hizashi.”

CRASH

The nurses in the hall quickly rushed into the room just in time to see Kagome try to pull herself back onto the bed.

“Are you all right child?” a kindly nurse asked.

Slapping away the nurse's offer to help her back onto the bed, Kagome repeatedly shook her head from side to side in denial as she subconsciously backed herself into a corner of the room.

No…It was impossible! Her father…He would never! He wouldn't…

A strangled sob escaped her lips as she hugged her legs close to her chest and buried her face in her knees.

Otou-san…

***

Sasuke bit his lips worriedly as he quietly watched the scene through a small crack in the door. He didn't understand what was going on…and he wasn't sure if he wanted to. Everything was happening too fast - too quickly to make any sense.

Whack

Unbidden tears sprang to his eyes as he tightly covered his mouth to keep himself from crying out. Why was this happening? Why was his father being so mean? Why was he beating his brother?!?

Smack

Choking back a sob, Sasuke watched with growing horror as his father ruthlessly sent his brother crashing into the opposite wall. Itachi moved a bit, but didn't get back up. Sasuke felt a lump form in his throat as his eyes widened with worry. “Is he…is he…?”

“Did you realize what you were doing? Did you even bother to stop and think about the consequences? You're a genius, aren't you? Then stop acting like a fool and more like an Uchiha! Think about what you could have done to us - to yourself! You almost ruined the whole Uchiha clan because you didn't use your head! Have I taught you nothing? What were you thinking when you killed those shinobis? Did you, even for a minute, stop to consider the consequences of such an act? You could have shamed the Uchiha Clan by restarting war with the Lightning Country! Thankfully, everyone's too focused on Hyuuga Hizashi's execution to care about you! If they ever found out…”

“Urusai.” Itachi whispered, deftly pushing himself back into a kneeling position. His face betrayed none of his emotions as he glared defiantly back at his father. “What I do is none of your business. Even if I was given a second chance with the knowledge of the consequences, I would still have killed them.”

Slap

Sasuke's heart clenched painfully as his father mercilessly sent his brother sprawling back onto the floor.

“What is wrong with you? What have I done to be cursed with a son like you? The downfall of the Uchiha clan will be in your hands! If you don't start thinking with your head soon, you will bring the whole Uchiha clan to ruin!”

“The Uchiha clan can go to hell.” Itachi whispered vehemently, his voice laced with a hint of insanity. “I don't care about those fools.”

“Aniki…” Sasuke's heart pounded loudly in his ears as he watched his father angrily unsheathe his katana.

“What did you just say?” Fugaku hissed, puncturing each word with an angry undertone as he pressed the blade to Itachi's throat. A moment of tense silence passed with neither giving way to the other.

Taking a deep breath, Fugaku finally relented and whispered, “Promise me - Promise me you will never do something so reckless again! Promise me now and I'll forget everything. No one will ever have to know what happened last night! Everyone will just automatically assume that Hyuuga Hizashi was the culprit and…”

“My life is my own. Don't tell me what to do!” Itachi spat defiantly, his eyes flashing with anger. “What I do is none of your business! If I choose to destroy the whole Uchiha clan, there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop me.”

“Stupid boy!” Fugaku howled, loosing all rational thought as he angrily pulled back and plunged his katana through his son's stomach.

The blade pulsed to life.

Sasuke stumbled back in fear as he repeatedly shook his head from side to side in denial. “No…this…this…no!” His father would never…Itachi was his favorite son! There was no reason! “None of this is happening. This isn't real. Itachi-nii-san would never talk back to Otou-san and Otou-san would never kill Itachi-nii-san!” Not wanting to stay there to watch more of those lies, Sasuke quickly turned and fled.

The blade pulsed again.

“I-Itachi!” Fugaku stuttered; terror flashing across his face as he quickly released his hold on the katana. “I…” The words died on his lips when he finally realized what he had done.

He killed his son…

The blade pulsed again.

“I…” Closing his eyes, Fugaku softly whispered, “I'm sorry.” Swallowing the sudden lump that had formed in his throat, he quietly added, “Maybe it would have been better for all of us…if you had never born.”

***

Sasuke ran blindly down the street as he repeatedly chanted to himself, “This isn't real. This isn't real! None of this is real.” His father would never…No! None of it could be real because he was dreaming…and as soon as he woke up, his mother would be there to tell him everything was a nightmare and his brother was alive.

Then…Then his father would walk in and call him a silly boy for even considering such a stupid notion. “T-That's right...Otou-san loves Itachi-nii-san. He would never…”

Tears welled in his eyes again as the image of his brother's death flashed through his mind. Somehow, thinking about the situation made it seem more real…

Collapsing to the ground, Sasuke cried quietly to himself as silent tears streamed down his cheeks. It was real. Everything was real!

Otou-san killed Itachi-nii-san…

Itachi wasn't coming back.

Nii-san will never hold me, protect me, and play with me again. Aniki…Nii-san…is dead.

Dead…

He's not coming back…

“ANIKI! Come back! Come back…” Burying his face into the ground, Sasuke cried bitterly to himself as one question resounded repeatedly in his mind.

Why…WHY?!?

***

Extracting the blade from Itachi's body, Fugaku quickly dropped the sword again when it unexpectedly scorched his hand. Looking confusedly at the katana, Fugaku quickly brushed the incident aside and returned his guilty attention back to his son.

He hadn't meant for it to happen…

Forgive me, Itachi.

Sparing his seven-year-old son one last glance, Fugaku quickly swept out of the room without another word.

I'm sorry.

The blade, lying innocently beside Itachi's prone body, pulsed again as it flashed a crimson red.

***

“I don't know what to do!”

“Do you have any suggestions?”

“Maybe we should tranquilize her?”

“She's not an animal!”

“Why don't we just knock her out?”

“That's why I just suggested!”

“No, you said…”

Kagome growled as she effortlessly upturned another nightstand. Why couldn't they just let her go?!? Was she really worth all this pain and trouble?

“Forget it; I'm going to go knock her out. The hospital can't take any more damage!”

“You can't!” another nurse shouted, sounding scandalized by the notion. “She's only a child! You can't manhandle her like that!”

“Fine!” snapped the other nurse. “I'll knock her out gently.”

Kagome felt a sudden surge of fear travel down her spine as she quickly stopped mid-step. They weren't really going to knock her out, were they? Her eyes grew wide as the pitcher in her hand accidentally slipped through her fingers and shattered across the floor.

“That's it!” roared one of the nurses, slamming open the door.

Swallowing her fear, Kagome quickly took her chance and roughly pushed the nurse aside. Ignoring the nurse's shout of outrage, she quickly slipped past the other medic-nins and raced out of the hospital.

Wait for me, Otou-san…

***

As soon as his father stepped out of the room, Itachi's eyes snapped open - revealing a set of blood-red orbs. Stretching his bloodied hand towards the blade, he slowly curled his fingers around the hilt of the katana. The blade immediately responded to his touch with a violent pulse, sending a shiver of power shooting down his spine. “The famed Crimson Blade…” Itachi thought sardonically to himself as his face twisted in a mixture of pain and anger. “I can't believe he looked everywhere for this katana when it was right in his hands…”

Itachi's lips curved into a dangerous snarl as he struggled to his feet, ignoring the sharp stabs of pain that shot through his stomach with each movement. Tightening his grip on the katana, he quickly turned and limped out of the room. Stopping only long enough set the Uchiha mansion on fire, Itachi quickly stumbled his way out of the Uchiha District.

He never looked back because he never planned on returning. To the Uchiha clan, he was dead - now and forever.

Family we began,

Flesh of my flesh,

Enemies we end,

Betrayer of my blood…

***

Why? Why were these things happening?

Why did they have to kill her father?

Why did she even care? He would never have hesitated to kill her. So why? Why did the thought of his death hurt so much? It shouldn't have even mattered to her! At best, they were only strangers who happened to share the same blood and live in the same house! She meant nothing to him…just as his well-being meant nothing to her! Or, at least, it shouldn't have meant anything.

But it did mean something.

It meant many things.

It meant that she cared - maybe even loved - her father. Maybe not quite to the extent where she would sacrifice her own life for him, but enough to show that she cared. Although she felt like a fool for trying to love someone who despised her existence, she couldn't bring herself to stop caring.

Why am I doing this to myself?

Is he even worth it?

Doubt crept into her mind as she slowed her pace. Was he really worthy it? “No!” she mentally berated herself, clenching her teeth. “I can't - I can't watch Otou-san die!” Shaking away the remnants of her doubt, she quickly increased her speed. “I-I have to save Otou-san. I can't let him die because it'll break Neji-nii-san's heart.”

Rounding a sharp corner, Kagome gasped when she accidentally ran smack into an older boy. “Sorry!” she hurriedly apologized, preparing to run off again when the boy suddenly latched onto her wrist. “I said…” she began, but quickly trailed off when she finally recognized who the boy was. “Itachi-san…?”

The joy of seeing him was immediately replaced with worry when she finally realized that he was covered in blood - his own blood.

“Itachi-san, what…?” she began frantically, eyes widening with concern as she took in his profile. He pale cheeks were bruised and bloodstained and…Was that a hole in his stomach?!?

“Sh,” Itachi hushed softly, sensing Kagome's worry. “I'll be fine.” he murmured, ignoring the sharp throbs of pain in his abdomen.

“W-What happened? Did you go on another mission?” Kagome asked as she gently reached to cup Itachi's bruised cheek.

Flinching slightly from her touch, he ignored her questions in favor of presenting his own request. “Come with me.”

“What?” Kagome asked softly, blinking in confusion. What was he asking? However, her confusion was immediately pushed aside in favor of worry when Itachi's face suddenly contorted in pain. Brushing her fingers over his sweat-matted face, she frantically asked, “What should I do?”

Reaching out his free hand to stabilize himself against the wall, Itachi quietly repeated. “Come with me.”

“I…”

“Leave Konoha with me.” he repeated, tightening his grip on Kagome's wrist.

“W-What?” stuttered Kagome, surprised by Itachi's unexpected request. “I…”

“I can't stay in Konoha - not anymore. If I do, I will either end up killing the Uchiha Clan or the Uchiha Clan will kill me.”

“What do you…?” Kagome began, but quickly trailed off when she finally understood what was happening. Everything - her father, Itachi, the Cloud Shinobis - Everything was linked together! Suddenly, everything made sense.

Somehow, a Cloud Shinobi had managed to break into the Hyuuga District last night, resulting in a quick death at her father's hand! As a result, her father was going to be executed. Then…did that mean Konoha was going to execute Itachi for killing the four Cloud Shinobis?!?

Sensing her worry, Itachi quickly explained, “No one but Fugaku knows…and he thinks I'm already dead.”

Kagome relaxed slightly as her heart rate slowly returned to normal. Her father's execution was bad enough…If they were going to kill Itachi too, she wasn't sure how she was going to help them.

“Come with me. We have to go now before Fugaku realizes I'm…”

“I-I can't!” Kagome suddenly interrupted, turning her head away from Itachi. “I'm sorry, but I can't.”

I can't abandon Otou-san…

Itachi's face immediately hardened as he slowly released Kagome's hand, allowing her fingers to slip out of his grasp. “…I see.” he whispered, his tone suddenly ice-cold.

Kagome's head immediately snapped up.

No! No you don't! You don't understand anything!

Shaking her head from side to side, she quickly tried to reach for Itachi's hand again. He had to understand that she wasn't doing this because she was leaving him, but because she needed to…Kagome felt her heart pummel when Itachi suddenly stepped back, moving out of her reach.

Without another word, he quickly turned and limped away.

Itachi…don't…

Kagome felt tears well in her eyes as she watched Itachi limp away, leaving her standing in the in the middle of the street…hands coated in his blood…alone.

Alone…The word seemed to resonate in her head as her eyes dilated with fear.

“Don't…” she whispered, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.

Itachi…

“Don't go!” she shouted, stopping Itachi in his tracks. He stopped, but didn't turn around. After a moment, he quickly moved on again as if he hadn't heard anything. He was leaving Konoha and he didn't plan on turning back…

…And to look at Kagome would mean bringing back doubts.

Dropping to her knees, Kagome quickly lowered her head to the ground and whispered, “Sorry…I'm so sorry.” Slamming her eyes shut to stop the sudden onslaught of guilt, she quickly lifted her head and shouted, “Itachi-san, wait for me!”

Her heart pounded loudly in her ears as she waited for Itachi to turn back - to prove to her that he wasn't abandoning her…

Please don't leave me.

I need you…

As if sensing her feelings, Itachi slowly stopped and turned towards her.

Smiling through her tears, Kagome quickly jumped to her feet and raced towards Itachi. He hadn't turned his back on her…

I'm sorry Otou-san…Neji-nii-san…but I can't leave Itachi - especially in this condition. He's always been the one there for me…so this time; I want to be the standing beside him. I want to be the one supporting him…always.

However, even as she ran to catch up with him, Kagome couldn't shake off the horrible feeling that she was betraying her father and brother.

Is this the right thing to do?

Father's going to die…

However, whatever doubt she had immediately left her mind when she wrapped her arms around Itachi, not caring that she was staining herself with his blood. Burying her face into his chest, she softly whispered, “Even if it means to let Otou-san die…I won't leave you…ever.”

Although she was sure of her choice now, Kagome couldn't help but feel sick. She had, in a sense, just admitted out loud that she valued Itachi's well-being above her father's life…

Did that make me a bad daughter?

Does that mean…?

Whatever guilt she felt immediately fled from her conscience when Itachi suddenly dropped his katana to wrap his arms around her. It…felt right to be there, standing beside him.

Gomen Otou-san, Neji-nii-san…

“Let's go.” Itachi whispered, slowly releasing his grip on Kagome.

“Okay,” Kagome answered, gently nodding her head in agreement.

Sayonara, Otou-san…

Bending to pick up his katana, Itachi immediately grimaced when white, hot pain lanced through his body.

“A-Are you okay?” Kagome asked frantically, pressing her hand to Itachi's wound. “I-Itachi, tell me what's wrong!”

“I'm fine,” Itachi ground out through clenched teeth. “Hurry up, let's get out of here before someone sees me. We will never be able to leave if word reaches the Uchiha Head that I'm still alive…”

Kagome dumbly nodded her head as she quickly entwined her arm with Itachi's to lend him her support.

“Let's go.”

“Mhm,” Kagome nodded as she unknowingly took her first step onto the path of no return.

…Sayonara Neji-nii-san.

***

The Sandaime Hokage smiled sadly as he looked away from his crystal orb. He had seen everything. Although it pained him to let the two children go, he realized it may be the best for everyone. Neither of them truly belonged in Konoha - especially not Itachi. The boy, although powerful, was full of hatred and bitterness. It would only bring Konoha disaster if he stayed…

And the girl - she deserved much more than Konoha had to offer. She deserved happiness, which was something he could never have guaranteed her if she had chosen to stay. Although he was Hokage, he had no business in meddling with the individual affairs of the clans. Even his power and influence had its limits.

Although Kagome and Itachi's unexplainable attachment to one another had come as an unexpected surprise, he was genuinely glad that the two had found some semblance happiness and companionship in one another.

Match made in heaven?

Smiling softly, he gently shook his head.

No, definitely not.

If Itachi was the devil, then Kagome was the angel.

Two complete opposites…yet…

He had no doubt that the story of the two - whether as friends, surrogate siblings, or lovers - would one day become a legend.

Leaning back against his chair, he gently closed his eyes and softly murmured, “Be safe…”

…And remember that the gates of Konoha will always be open to the both of you.

***

“Orders from Hokage-sama!” shouted Gai, landing with a flourish bow in front of the two gate guards. Seeing the set of spears pointed to his neck, he immediately began to back away, sweating heavily.

Uh…

Suddenly remembering the purpose of his impromptu visit, he quickly coughed and handed the Hokage's written order to the two guards...before they decided to shish kabob him on the spot.

Suspiciously accepting the scroll from Gai, the two gate guards quickly shared a small glance. It was never wrong to be a little cautious…Tensing slightly, as if expecting an explosion, the two guards carefully broke the seal attached to the scroll. When nothing happened, the two guards slowly relaxed their stance. There was nothing like a healthy dose of paranoia every now and then to keep a shinobi alive…

“Are you going to read it?” Gai asked, raising a thick eyebrow.

“Yes, of course.” the black-haired guard mumbled, looking slightly flustered. Scratching the back of his head sheepishly, he quickly unrolled the scroll and quietly read the content to himself.

Seconds ticked into minutes as Gai quietly wonder what was written on the parchment. What could possibly take that long to read?

It's a pity these two old men no longer hold the enthusiasms of youth! Or maybe they didn't bother learn to read when they were youths bursting with…

“W-What?” shouted the other gate guard, blinking rapidly in disbelief.

“Huh?” Gai asked intelligently, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.

“I don't understand it either, but orders are orders.” muttered the first Jounin, examining the scroll again to make sure it wasn't fake. “It has Hokage-sama's seal on it, so it has to be real. Let's not question Hokage-sama; he must have his reasons for issuing this edict.”

“What's going on?” Gai demanded, getting more and more confused.

“We've been relieved of guard duty for the next hour to go watch the execution of Hyuuga Hizashi. The gates are to be left unattended.” answered the second Jounin, still looking highly skeptical. “The old man must be getting senile…” he muttered under his breath, causing his partner to shoot him a warning glare.

Gai crossed his arms as he shook his head in the negative. He didn't understand what was going on either, but like the other Jounin said, it wasn't their place to question the Hokage's orders. Whatever reasons the Sandaime may have had for issuing this edict, Gai respected him enough to not pry.

***

Both Itachi and Kagome were pleasantly surprised when they arrived at the gates to find it completely unattended. Not a soul was in sight - not even the customary gate guards. The situation was beyond suspicious…

“Be on your guard.” Itachi whispered, narrowing his eyes marginally. “The gates have never been left unattended before.”

Kagome nodded her head as she gently lifted her head to give Konoha - her birthplace - one last look. A twinge of sadness twisted her heart as she gazed at the beautiful village with something akin to longing and regret.

Sayonara…Konohagakure.

Tightening her grip on Itachi's arm, she subconsciously stepped closer to him. Her heart pounded erratically in her ears as they quickly, but carefully passed through the gates. Nothing happened, but neither of them dared to relax their guards until they were far away from Konoha's gates…

…A place they had once called home.

***

“Hyuuga Hizashi was a good man.” Mikoto sighed, shaking her head lightly in a condescending manner. “It was a pity he chose to act so rashly last night. I had always perceived him as the calm and levelheaded type.”

“I understand what your saying.” her two friends wholeheartedly agreed. With a flourished sigh, they quietly added, “There was no enjoyment or satisfaction in watching his execution. His death is a sad loss for Konoha.”

“I agree, however; I find it odd that…” Mikoto began, but quickly trailed off when she noticed a familiar little boy racing towards her, running as if the devil was nipping at his heels. “Sasuke…?”

“Okaa-san!” shouted Sasuke, throwing himself into his mother's open arms. Wrapping his arms tightly around her legs, he immediately began to sob as he mumbled, “Otou-san…hit…kill…nii-san.”

Mikoto scrunched her face in confusion as she lowered herself to her knees. “Slow down there, Sasuke-darling. Calm down - Mommy's here now. Everything's going to be all right. Now tell me again, slowly this time, what happened?”

“Itachi-nii-san…” Sasuke began, but was quickly interrupted by several loud shouts.

“Fire! The main house in on fire!” hollered several Uchiha clansmen as they rushed frantically up and down the streets with bucket loads of ice water. “The Uchiha Mansion is on fire!”

Mikoto's eyes immediately widened as the shouts finally registered in her mind. Her house was on fire! Turning to her two friends, she quickly asked, “Can you two please watch Sasuke…”

Before she could even finish her request, Sasuke was already tearing down the street as if his life depended on it.

“Sasuke!” screamed Mikoto, afraid that Sasuke would accidentally harm himself in the fire. “Come back here!” Without an apology to her friends (who looked thoroughly lost), she quickly raced after Sasuke in hopes of catching him before he caused more trouble for the Uchiha clansmen.

She arrived at the Uchiha Mansion - or lack thereof - just in time to see an older Uchiha stop Sasuke from running head on into the fire.

“What do you think you're doing?” scolded Mikoto, clutching her heart. “You could've died if you ran in there!”

“But…” Sasuke's lips trembled as he renewed his struggle against the older Uchiha's iron grip. “But Itachi-nii-san's still in there!”

Mikoto blinked. Smiling slightly, she softly whispered, “Sasuke-darling, your brother is a very capable shinobi. You don't have to worry about him. If he was in the mansion, he would've gotten out immediately. A small fire like this is hardly any consequence to Itachi.”

Sasuke vehemently shook his head from side to side as he watched the mansion slowly burn to the ground. Hiccupping slightly, he finally shouted, “Itachi-nii-san can't move!” Tears streamed down his face as he collapsed uselessly into the elder Uchiha's arms. “Nii-san's still in there…”

“What are you talking about?” Mikoto asked slowly, worry gnawing at the edge of her mind. Was Sasuke telling the truth? Was Itachi really still in there? But…But it was impossible! A fire like this couldn't have possibly…

“Otou-san…he…Otou-san,” Sasuke hiccupped, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“What did your father do?” Mikoto demanded hysterically as she finally realized something had gone horribly wrong during her absence.

“Otou-san…Otou-san…” Sasuke began, but couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence. He was still having a hard time grasping the concept himself.

“Sh, calm down Sasuke. Calm down and tell me slowly, what happened?”

Raising his puffy-red eyes, Sasuke softly whispered, “Otou-san...killed nii-san.”

Mikoto immediately collapsed, falling painfully on her rear, as soon as Sasuke's answer registered in her mind. Itachi…her baby…

“Is he still in there?” she demanded hysterically, grabbing onto Sasuke.

Lowering his eyes, Sasuke mutely nodded his head.

Mikoto immediately jumped to her feet and rushed into the fire before anyone could stop her. The flames licked at her skin as she frantically shouted, “Itachi! Itachi, answer me! Where are you?!?”

“Okaa-san!” screamed Sasuke, watching with open horror as his mother jumped into the fire. “Come back!”

“ITACHI!” Mikoto screamed again just seconds before the whole mansion crumbled, crushing her beneath the weight of the rubble.

Itachi…

…My beloved son.

“OKAA-SAN!” shrieked Sasuke, renewing his struggle against the elder Uchiha. “NII-SAN!” he screamed as the whole mansion collapsed, trapping both his mother and brother inside.

Don't leave me…

Sasuke crumbled to the ground, watching with vacant eyes as several Uchihas bustled back and forth trying to douse the flames. Nothing worked - the fire refused to relent as it licked mercilessly at the remains of the Uchiha Mansion.

Kaa-san…Nii-san…

As the fire continued to lick at the rubble, Sasuke slowly shook himself out of his stupor and lifted his hate-filled eyes towards the heavens.

I hate you…

Clenching his fists by his side, Sasuke angrily bit his lips as his heart bled for the deaths of his beloved mother and brother.

I hate you…Otou-san.

***

“We made it.” Kagome whispered, sighing with relief. However, that moment of joy quickly ended when Itachi suddenly began to sway precariously back and forth on his feet. Kagome was horrified to realize that Itachi's ashen face was completely white with pain and blood loss. His wound was…

Her thoughts immediately came to an abrupt halt when Itachi suddenly pitched forward into unconsciousness. She immediately stretched out her hands to break his fall, acting purely out of instinct.

“Itachi-san!” she whispered worriedly, gently shaking his shoulders. He didn't respond. “Itachi-san, don't scare me…” she whimpered as her lips trembled with the effort to keep herself from crying.

What was she supposed to do in situations like these? She didn't know anything about medical treatment! How was she supposed to help him? He was losing so much blood...H-He wasn't going to die, was he? Pushing that stray thought aside, Kagome quickly shook his shoulders again. No response.

“Please, Itachi-san, wake up.” she begged as she gingerly placed her ear over his heart, listening intently for a heartbeat.

Nothing!

Frantically, Kagome reached for Itachi's hand to check for a pulse. Holding his ice-cold hands in hers, Kagome silently prayed that she would find something - anything to indicate that he would be with her…always.

Nothing! Absolutely nothing!

Tears she had been bravely holding back suddenly flooded down her cheeks as she numbly dropped Itachi's hands in shock. H-He…

Itachi…

You can't. You can't leave me.

Come back…

Gently cradling his head in her lap, she softly whispered, “We made it. We made it out of Konoha - just like you wanted. You promised you would show me the world. You promised you would protect me…”

Don't leave me now.

I need you more than ever…

Softly lacing her fingers through his hair, she quietly added, “And I promised I would never leave you.” Kagome's eyes detachedly drifted from Itachi's pale, bloodless face to the katana lying innocently in his lap. “Never - I'll always stand by your side. Always and forever...”

***

TBC

Author's Note: As most of you realized, I'm not following the Naruto storyline. At least, not exactly…I'm adding my own twist on what did happen so it would fit my plotline. Even though Hizashi died as he should have in the anime, the whole Uchiha Clan has been spared…through Itachi's death. :(

For those who asked, this is the link to my fanfiction.net profile…

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/409382/

If you want faster updates, read my story at fanfiction.net. I tend to update faster there. At the moment, I have up till chapter 10 for Koibito on fanfiction.net. Also, for those of you interested, I have several other Kagome/Itachi stories there as well.