Flames (A Naruto Fanfic Book 3)

Epilogue

Itachi's POV...

Something was wrong, I could feel it as I watched Chihiro mindlessly dancing with Shisui. Her expression was blank, and she kept glancing at the clock. I couldn't shake the feeling as they sat at the head table. I tried to reach her, but I was coming up short.

I closed my eyes, my heart breaking all over again as Shisui gave his version of a victory speech while thanking all that came. I looked back up at Chihiro as her eyes became even duller standing next to him. I couldn't help but notice earlier as she walked down the aisle, that her eyes weren't their usual mischievous purple or that her hair seemed limp.

I shook the thought as the unspeakable happened. All the light left her eyes, and the glass slipped from her hand. She didn't... I didn't think and was at her side instantly. I frantically check for a pulse or breathing, both slowing to nothing, tears coming to my eyes. I didn't know...

I felt guilt mix with my pain and misery. If I had known... I didn't want this. I didn't want her to die just to escape Shisui. I would have fought... why would you?

I looked up at Shisui with hate as I clutched her closer. "Smells nice..." I looked down at her, the girl who I couldn't help but follow around the village. The one who challenged everything I thought about who I was. My heart shattered as her heart stopped and breathing ceased.

I glared at Shisui through my tears. It's as much his fault as mine... she didn't want this... I felt someone warm and familiar beside me, but no one was there. I looked back down at her and blinked back tears as I saw a pale glow on her cheek.

I watched in awe as she suddenly took a breath and I swear the hair on her forehead shifted slightly. All I could do was fall back as the medics gathered her up and took her away from me. I felt that warm presence disappear with her. She's alive... I heard the chaos behind me, but I couldn't stop staring at the place where she disappeared from view. She's alive...

I felt it again this time closer. I felt a warm touch on my cheek, and I heard her thoughts clear as day. I promised he wouldn't have me... You made me a promise as well...

I touched my cheek, closing my eyes to feel her emotions. Go to your apartment, I have something for you there... I took in a deep breath, hoping to smell the scent of honeydew. I felt empty as she left, taking her warmth with her.

I slowly stood. My apartment? I was suddenly aware of my surroundings and saw my mother coming towards me. "Itachi..." She hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Itachi, I'm so sorry."

I hugged her back. "She's alive. That's what matters."

She pulled back. "She made it clear she never wanted this..."

I lowered my gaze and nodded. "She always has a plan. I trusted her with that much."

She glared at where my father stood. "Then, be there for when she wakes up. She said she was coming back."

I closed my eyes, remembering her message. "Yes." I stepped away from her and left the building. I hurried to my apartment and frantically looked around. She's not... My eyes fell on a brown glass bottle. The medicine...

I picked up the bottle and read the note underneath.

Itachi,

I know I'm asking a lot, but it was the only way to ensure my plan worked. I will come back, maybe not in the way you expect. This is one month's supply of medicine. According to a friend of mine, you need to stay on top of taking it in order to get better. Please, if not for me, do this for Sasuke and your mom.