From this point on, you shall be reading Uchiha Sasaui's beginning of taint.

Also, as a note, this is a "prequel" to Tainted Guardian as it will go through the life of those important to the series. Kind of a way to avoid having lots of flashbacks and things for very important characters.

Each of us have a light in our lives – a light that helps define who we are.

Sasaui finally began to drift off after he left. Sasuke was the same, soft snores coming from his bed. Before Sasaui followed his lead, however, she once again searched for the lights, if only for a moment.

The last thing she saw before sleep took her was the four little lights that made up her family.

As we go through life, more people will add to the light that is in us.

If she were to look at the little lights again, would he appear any different than the children around her? He'd be the same, but he'd be all by himself. She thought of her own home when she'd seen the lights. They'd all been there, together, just like they would always be. Nobody deserved to shine by themselves.

It was this line of thinking that caused Sasaui to move before she was even aware of it, one leg swinging over the horse so she was on her feet so she could go toward the blond boy.

But at times, that light is swallowed by something else.

Even as the thought was forming, Sasaui jerked to a halt. A dark pit twisted in her stomach as red energy pulsated around Naruto. The red irises and other features had returned, including the enraged snarl directed her way. The energy destroyed the clone and sent the others skirting back. Rather than feel fear, though, the murderous feeling roared to life within Sasaui even as she was also pushed away. Against her will her hand reached into her kunai pouch, pulling one of the knives from its place.

Kill!

The cry sent Sasaui lunging forward, her kunai drawn to attack

And at others... We lose those lights completely.

No matter how hard she tried to claw, nothing came to the surface. There were mere silhouettes, mocking her inability to reach them. Sasaui trembled, her nails digging into her arm as she pushed even harder.

All she got in return was a stabbing pain in both her chest and head. Tears prickled her eyes. This wasn't fair! Why couldn't she remember?

Why was everything from the past... dark?