Prologue: The Nightmares That Never Seem to Fade Part II

Prologue: The Nightmares That Never Seem to Fade Part II

I woke up in a cold sweat. The bed across from mine was empty, so I got up and went to the porch. In his pajamas there he was, my friend, no, my brother: Sasuke Uchiha staring at the moon above.

“You too huh.” He said, leaning against the wooden railing.

“How could you tell?” I shot him a smile and stared out towards our clan’s residence, all of the buildings empty except for us two.

“Your eyes.” Sasuke pointed at my red two Tomoe Sharingan eyes.

He didn’t smile; in fact, I swore I caught a hint of jealousy coming from him. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Exhaled, and I was sure my eyes were back to their normal black color.

“Sorry.” I said, joining him in leaning against the railing.

“No need. I understand.”

Even though that happened five years ago, we still experienced it in our dreams. That night when we lost it all and should have died, yet by some twist of fate, we didn’t.

They called us lucky, survivors of a tragedy, and looked at us with hidden pity. Something neither of us wanted, so I smiled. I had to be the one to smile so we could move forward. I wrapped my arm around Sasuke’s neck and pulled him to me with a smile.

“Hey watch it.” Sasuke tried to protest, but he didn’t try to break free.

“You ready to pass the final exam today?” Of course, I already knew the answer, but I asked anyway. “I heard from Ino that all we have to do is a simple clone technique.”

“If it’s that easy… Why are you asking me?”

“Because that means we can spend the morning doing drills.”

“Just say that from the start!” He may have sounded mad, but I knew hearing him talk showed how much he perked up.

I let him go and shook my head. “If I did that, then how could I tease my little brother.”

“I’m older than you.” His dark cold gaze shifted upon me as he stepped back and lunged forward.

Our fists collided, signaling the start of our early morning routine. It was the only way we would catch up to them: Itachi and that Masked Man. I needed to get stronger. Not only to find out who hid behind that orange mask but to also ask Itachi why? Why did he do it? Why did he tell me to take care of Sasuke when he was the one who put him through so much pain? It didn’t make any sense—

A grey blur flashed past my face. I jumped into the open yard and felt the cut on my cheek, causing me to click my tongue. I hope that doesn’t leave a scar.

“Yuki, is that really the best you can do without your Sharingan?” Sasuke stood on the railing, flashing the red-stained kunai. “Pathetic.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of beginner’s luck?” A grin spread across my face. I better take him seriously. Else what would be the point? I took out my own kunai prepared for round two.

Our eyes looked beyond the present and into the future, waiting for our moment. Though until that time came, we would live our lives as the last Uchiha.