Sakura, entranced by the beauty and power of the crystal hanging around her master's neck, startled when Kisaki suddenly stood up. The Queen motioned for Sakura to do the same.

Once Sakura had gotten to her feet, Kisaki grabbed her hands, wrapping Sakura's hand in her ice-cold ones. "Sakura," Kisaki looked her in the eye, "I think it's time I give you this." She pulled the necklace over her head.

Sakura stared at the necklace. It was beautiful. It was the most beautiful thing Sakura had ever seen. 

But Sakura also noticed that her master's hand had began to shake, and her head whipped up. 

Tears were streaming down the Queen's face, and her shoulders were shaking, but she had the brightest smile Sakura had ever seen. She looked as if she was free. Like a caged bird finally tasting fresh air for the first time.

"Sensei-" Sakura began, but Kisaki shoved the necklace towards her.

"Sakura, please, put it on."

Sakura tilted her head, but took the necklace, rolling the crystal back and forth between her fingers. 

In the four long years that she had known Kisaki, Sakura had never seen her master like this. Sakura's master had always been calm and collected, never panicking and always staying level headed. 

Sakura cautiously pulled the cord over her head, eyeing her sensei worriedly. Something was wrong. 

With the crystal hanging over Sakura's chest, Kisaki bent down, eye level with the necklace. 

She touched the crystal, tears still streaming down her face, dripping off her chin and falling onto the soft grass beneath them. Something was most defiantly wrong. 

But, for some reason, Sakura's legs were locked in place and she couldn't move.

Kisaki pressed two fingers to the crystal, and closed her eyes, sobbing and grinning at the same time. 

"I'm finally going to see them again."

With that, her fingers began to glow. The glowing turned into a blinding light, and suddenly, it was gone. 

The first thing Sakura felt was shock, as her master fell sideways and landed on the ground with a thunk. 

The next thing she felt was panic, as she felt for a pulse, but found none.

Then she felt disbelief, as she noticed that her medical jutsu wasn't working. 

Then there was a twinge of sadness, a surge of rage, and heartbreak. So much heartbreak.

Her chest was so tight, she could barely breathe. She choked, sobs raking her body.

The Queen of Masks was dead.