This takes place after Akatsuki and Orochimaru have been annihilated. Temari is nineteen and Shikamaru is sixteen. The Sand has just broken the Leaf's trust, and the Leaf's best have been ordered to kill Temari, Kankuro, and the rest of the Sand's best ninjas. Tsunade is still Hokage and Gaara is Kazekage.

Most of the chapters will be short, but this one is mostly like a prologue.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any other related characters.

Chapter 1: We'll Meet Again:

Shikamaru stood in a forest clearing with Temari. "You know, I'm only doing this because of…"

"Yeah, I know. Orders," Temari finished, smiling up at him. Temari was already wounded badly – and it was his job to finish her off. "I just think you should know – I won't die easily," she smirked.

Shikamaru smirked back, pulling out some kunai. He lunged at Temari, who barely had enough time to dodge. "You're bleeding too badly; you're slow!" he yelled, appearing behind her.

The Jounin hesitated only a moment before stabbing Temari and leaving her to die alone. Just as he was walking away, Temari rasped, "Hey, Pineapple-head. Promise me…we'll meet again?"

Shikamaru turned and looked at her. "Yeah; yeah, sure. I'd like that." He smirked at walked away.

Temari lay back onto the ground and closed her eyes, he last thought being, 'Were those tears in his eyes?'