He limped blindly through the halls. People scattered their arms at his legs and rasped for help. But they went ignored. His head was buzzing a tune unknown. The halls were dark and damp. The pungent scent of rotten decay wafted through his nose, gagging him until he pushed his shirt over his face. Blood soaked him to the bone, hair a hardened red, lashes crusty with gore. A thin scalpel slipped between his wet hands. Blue eyes dropped to see where it landed, but had no reason to pick it up again.
He wandered the lair for what felt like an eternity. Legs dragged him through hall after hall. There was only one reason to try, one reason he bothered. Konohamaru. Oftentimes, he woke on the floor, curled onto the side, and with no knowledge of how he fell or how long he'd been out. So, like any trained ninja, Naruto wiped the memory of fainting and continued forward. Time was no longer an essence. Marionette may move ahead without him, but Konohamaru would wait for Naruto.
And that was what he counted on. Seeing Konohamaru sitting crossed legged on lush green grass, big round eyes looking wonders at the world. That was all he wanted. Freedom for Konohamaru and peace for himself. The chakra cuffs were gone. The incision had completely healed. There was nothing to hold him back. Konohamaru was no longer leverage. His chakra was a weapon to use as he pleased, and sleep would be his the second he and Konohamaru reached Konohagakure again.
"What did you do?"
He turned his head to meet the owner of that smooth voice. Kabuto hadn't changed much since Naruto last saw him. Silver hair was set in a high tail. Round, bulging glasses sat nicely on a milky face. Kabuto's clothes were clean, no blood or food stains to be seen. Naruto looked down at his own sagging clothes. They wrinkled and clung to his skin with every step. There wasn't a spot that wasn't red.
"Go check for yourself. Down in the lab." Naruto said.
A new wardrobe was his first goal upon reentering Konoha. Clean, soapy, and fresh clothes that fit snugly upon his frame. No blood or tears, and no one to rip off his shirt at any moment to put a knife through his gut. Then a bath. He could already feel scalding water washing over his skin, releasing all the tension built into injured muscles, soothing the chill that had settled into his bones. He'd walk out clean and refreshed, smelling like the apple shampoo Sakura let him borrow. A decent, absorbable,and warm towel would be waiting for him. Not to use as a blood cleaner, but to wash the dripping water from his body.
No longer would be be scratching at the accumulating grease in his hair. His skin would be free of dirt and blood. A new batch of fresh laundry would sit in that torn basket sitting in the living room. A cup of boiling instant ramen in the microwave just waiting for chopsticks to pounce. The breathtaking taste of extra spices added into miso soup melting his mouth. Paradise. Everything his body craved for sat in his lonely, broken down apartment.
"Where did that blood come from?" Kabuto said. A crease formed beneath his brow, wrinkles taking over his pointy chin. He paced over to Naruto's sagging body, eyes roaming over the heavy blood to the dull blue eyes. Naruto blinked owlishly. Why was Kabuto here? Shouldn't he be one of those rasping fingers reaching for Naruto's ankles.
No. Kabuto was Orochimaru's partner, not a victim.
"Where's Orochimaru?"
"In the lab. He wanted me to… uh… get some supplies. Yeah, supplies. You should head down there. Said he needs medical help."
"That's strange. Is Marionette with you? She was supposed to meet me at the gate."
This was wrong. Kabuto was a volatile person, easily set off and incredibly loyal to Orochimaru. Yet he was acting almost civil now, as if mere years before he hadn't tried to kill Naruto. Did he treat all prisoners like that? Or just the ones absolutely necessary to Orochimaru's cause?
"She's getting supplies."
"I thought you were getting supplies."
"I am. She is. We're both getting supplies."
The lie was weak, but it was what he had. Kabuto's eyes traveled up and down, up and down. And a sense of calmness washed over Naruto. The logic in his mind knew he should be panicking and screaming. Kabuto would stop at nothing to take revenge for Orochimaru's death. But any fear or rage had been taken out of him after pulling his face out of a pool of Orochimaru's blood, replaced only by a calm peace as he trudged his way through the lair.
"I could use a guide, actually. To the supplies. Orochimaru said it's near the exit. Can you take me."
Reckless gamble. Kyuubi said. He had been Naruto's guide since he woke, helping rather than hurting this time around. Kyuubi had been invaluable in keeping Naruto focused on the goal at hand and not spiraling out of control. They weren't friends, far from it. But even a demon had the basic need for survival, and with the human mind being so fickle, Kyuubi would do what it took to get Naruto out.
"The supplies aren't even near the exit. How did you get this far? Where is Orochimaru? Marionette? Anyone in charge?"
"You're here." Naruto said, "you're in charge."
The grappling fingers of multiple victims were not all in cages. Some had learned helplessness and were now at the obedience of their abuser. They were not in cages. But the more defiant ones snarled and clawed at the bars caging them inside. Children seemed more prone to obedience as it was the elders that sat behind bars while the children ran rampant in a hand-made hole of self pity.
"You guys wanna get out?" Naruto said. The children's heads popped up at that, eyes dull and lifeless, no spark of excitement they should hold at that age. The adults weren't that much better. But lethargy seemed dominant as their necks strained upwards to meet Naruto's gaze.
"Cause this guy," he pointed to Kabuto, who had taken a fighting stance as he analyzed the situation. "Is the only thing standing in our way. Marionette's gone. Orochimaru's dead. Take him out and we can leave."
"Orochimaru's dead?" Kabuto said, eyes widening. "What happened?" His raised fists lowered from shielding his face to his chest. Shock replaced any threatening aura Kabuto held, and the victims grew more confident. Slowly, as if time had eased its efforts and stopped, the matted children and broken adults squirmed from hunched and fetal postures. Their faces rose to meet Kabuto's, a light shining in their eyes that Naruto only saw when the hunter became the hunted. They wanted out. And Naruto would be the one to lead them to salvation.
"Lab rat came alive. Broke the chains. Killed him. It was spectacular." Naruto said. The exhilaration of stabbing Orochimaru was fresh in his mind. Excitement washed with relief as the knife rose above his head and struck down until there was nothing left of Orochimaru's stomach but his insides.
"You killed him, didn't you? All that blood on you… it's not yours… you killed him…"
"Damn straight."
It seemed to take awhile for Kabuto to process. But soon, Naruto had no doubt that a fight would break. People rose from their slumber, stood from their cages and screamed obscenities at Kabuto. Those wandering outside the cells drew nearer, circling them. Their mottled faces and disfigured bodies struggled to walk normally. Chakra cuffs gleamed bright metal off the former ninja's wrists. Deep, guttural growls gurgled from their throats. Animals. Orochimaru created animals. Their heads cocked to the side, watching Naruto warily, checking for friend or foe.
"I got no reason to keep you alive now." Kabuto said. Needles of some drug found their way into Kabuto's hands. Naruto jumped back, teeth snarling as he summoned clones and built Rasengan in his hands.
"And I've got an army." He said. The clones struck, wreaking havoc in a small hallway as the victims clawed through chaos to reach Kabuto. Some got knocked out. His clones dispersed. But Naruto used everything as a distraction and slithered his way into the middle of the dog pile and punched rasengan straight into Kabuto's gut. It wouldn't be enough to take him down completely, but Orochimaru's victims pried at Kabuto and knocked their fists into his body.
He slipped from the pile of broken down people and moved on down the corridor.
He had no energy for a full-blown fight, and those people gave Naruto enough chaos of move on unnoticed.
There was a trap door sitting above him. Naruto eyed it warily. He had been in this area multiple times in his stay with Orochimaru, but not once had he seen this door before. Genjutsu. The exits been here all along. I just never saw it. He climbed his way up the short, stubby ladder, pushed the door upwards and ducked his head behind his arm as the sun glared down at him. God, it was bright. How long had he been down there?
"That took forever. I was starting to think you didn't make it."
Konohamaru wrapped his good hand around Naruto's wrist, helping him up into the world. Trees towered high above them, green and brown and black mixing into a perfect synchronization of beauty. The tickle of grass bled between his fingers, dirt squishing into his toes. The water of an unknown lake shimmered with the reflection of the sun. Light heading down upon them like the darkness that used to surround them. There was sun, grass, trees, water. The chirp of birds sung a beautiful melody. Naruto sniffled, wiping joyous tears from his eyes. He'd never seen anything so beautiful before.
"We made it." He said, "we're out."
Konohamaru beamed at him. A smile lit his face brighter than the shimmering sun. Naruto watched as his eyes widened in wonder as Konohamaru looked around them. Peace lay within his chest. This was what he'd sought. Konohamaru was free now. No longer were they trapped in that hell mouth. This was their world now. No more darkness. No more blood. No more doubt.
"Let's go home, yeah?" Naruto said. "We got people waiting for us."
"Yes. Absolutely yes. Marionette left awhile back, so it's just us. Which way is home?"
"…um…" Naruto glanced around them. He had been to Orochimaru's lair before, but couldn't remember which way was home. Still, they had to start somewhere, and there were probably search parties for them. Maybe luck was theirs and they'd run into someone familiar. "I'm not sure. Let's pick a direction and start walking. It's gotta lead somewhere."
"Okay."
They stood up from crouched positions, walking without limps or misery. They were free. Orochimaru was dead. Though Konohamaru's severed finger kept them rooted to the ground, he imagined himself jumping from tree to tree, wind in his face, bugs between his teeth. How he missed tree jumping. It was another thing to add to his bucket list when he was home. A shower, some ramen, clean clothes and tree jumping.
"I'm pretty hungry." Konohamaru said, "think there's any food around?"
"I'll keep an eye out for a rabbit or something."
Hunger seemed almost foreign now. In the lair, he hardly had any time or energy to mull over the emptiness of his stomach. There was always something to worry about that he barely noticed when his meals were skipped. His appetite too, seemed to have dwindled in the darkness. Now, his stomach was not dying for food, but simply sitting there waiting for nourishment without complaint.
A rustle in a bush had them stopping. Both he and Konohamaru whipped their heads into the shifting leaves. Naruto locked eyes with Konohamaru, pointing at the ground in a stay still gesture. Whatever was in that bush was alive. It could be a bear, a wolf, a fox. Anything. But no matter what, it was dinner, and it was Naruto's catch.
Naruto waited for it to move into eyesight. If D-ranks taught him anything, it was to always stalk your prey. That cat they always chased down only managed to scratch Naruto because he wasn't hunting properly, and it took far too many claws to the face to learn to stalk. Narrowed eyes watched as a bunny hopped across the clearing. He took a tentative step forward, watching as the bunny froze in a lapse of judgment before taking off with Naruto in tow. His legs pushed against the warm grass, wind brushing past his face. Beyond the buzz of the wind, Naruto heard heavy footsteps running at him. Konohamaru was chasing too, and it wouldn't be long before dinner was theirs.
He jumped over branches and logs, twisting the twigs as leaves scattered in his wake. The bunny was fast, but not enough. It wasn't long before Naruto pounced and had its hind legs between Naruto's fingers. The creature squeaked a pathetic squeal, distressed eyes widening. Naruto licked his lips, stomach rumbling for the first time in a while. So now I have an appetite. Figures.
"I found dinner." Naruto said. "Help me find some wood. We need a fire."
Konohamaru's face was flushed red, breathing heavy gasps. Glitter shone in dark brown eyes. Naruto grinned, waiting for Konohamaru to leave sight before he twisted the bunny's neck. It wheezed one final squawk before death took its hold, and he put it to the ground to search for firewood himself. They worked diligently to find the driest and most flammable twigs before setting everything up and lighting the fire. It was still midday, and someone may follow the trail of smoke in the air. But they were starving, dammit, and they needed to eat if they wanted to travel far.
Konohamaru's head rested on Naruto's lap as the bunny slowly burned above the fire. Naruto had lodged the bunny into a stick before thrusting it into flame. Konohamaru would get most of it, that was for sure. And Naruto might take a leg or two. Flames billowed and cackled, smoke rising thick bursts of gray into the sky. It was too traceable. Someone could easily track them down and kill. But Konohamaru's breathing had evened out, eyes closed as he gently clasped Naruto's palm. It was relaxing out here. The wind was a gentle breeze. Trees were billowing a fantastic green and brown. Nature had taken its course while they were gone. Naruto never noticed before, but all the colors and life was as majestic as any new technique he'd anticipated learning.
"Naruto?" Naruto looked down to his lap. Konohamaru's eyes were still shut, but he was awake.
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you're here. Don't know what I would've done if it were someone else."
They wouldn't be here if Naruto hadn't been so weak.
"We're free now. Don't think of anything else, alright?"
"Kay. Wake me when foods ready."
"Will do."
And that was what he did. They grabbed water from the nearest river and put the fire out the best they could. They then moved on in another direction. Konohamaru stuck by Naruto's side, never abandoning him to go on ahead and never falling behind. When their energy zapped they took rest under the heaviest tree and continued forward. The sun rose in fell every day. The night lost its appeal and had only shown terror in Konohamaru's eyes as darkness shrouded them. It took countless kisses to foreheads and whispered words to get Konohamaru to calm down enough to finally sleep.
This was one such night. Konohamaru's whimpers spread through the clotted rain. Thunder streaked above them, booming cackles threatening the night sky. Naruto hugged Konohamaru tight, lips forever melting with black hair. Whispered words of "it's okay" and "it'll pass" slipped Naruto's lips, and still Konohamaru did not calm.
"Can we just get moving. I'm tired of sitting here." Konohamaru said. Naruto nodded against gnarled hair. He helped Konohamaru stand, keeping hold of his hand as they treaded forward. Thunder bolted above them, casting light in darkness and explosions through ears. How far were they to Konoha? For all he knew, they could be thousands of miles away. And yet, he didn't have the heart to inform Konohamaru that they may not get home for months. So instead, he chose to spew lies of optimism to keep each other going.
It didn't work well. Konohamaru was still scared.
"I think I see something. Follow me." Konohamaru said. Konohamaru dragged Naruto by the arm. He saw only darkness ahead of them. Rain crashed into them like lightening. Soaked to the bone, they sloshed through mud piles and water, never knowing what was ahead as they pushed forward.
"What do you see?" Naruto asked. There was only an abyss where the world should be. Whatever Konohamaru saw must've been visible in a brief flash of lightening, because there was nothing in sight.
They shouldn't be wandering around a forest so late.
"I don't know. Something."
"Let's head back, alright?" It was reckless to run into unknown territory, so he pushed against Konohamaru's grasp on his wrist. But by then it was too late. Lightening showcased that they stood at the edge of a breaking cliff, and the floor rumbled below them.
He never should've let Konohamaru lead the way.
Rocks bled into his feet, the world shaking as the ground below crashed in the devastating storm. Naruto stumbled, enveloping Konohamaru in a protective hug as the floor broke beneath them, and then they were falling down, down, down.
