Here is the new chapter you have been waiting for. I don't know how many people actually read these things at the beginning but since i'm running out of things to say i'll just end it here.
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I sadly don't own Naruto or anything related to Naruto. If so Sasuke would have never ran off with the snake pedo and Itachi would still be alive. I also don't own the song Safe and Sound, that belongs to Taylor Swift. If you haven't heard it I suggest you check it out it's a really good song and it was my inspiration for this chapter.
'text' means thinking
Chapter 8: Help
Nagato strode down the hall of his hide away dragging an unconscious Naruko by her long golden tresses. He dragged her using more force than necessary to vent out some of the anger that was still boiling within him. He passed the room in which he originally kept Naruko and walked towards a different door further down the hall. The room he stepped in was filled with different objects made especially for torture. Handcuffs embedded to the material of the wall, a chair with thick leather straps attached to it, a steel table with a combination of straps and cuffs scattered over its surface. Near the entrance of the room stood a table with various objects glinting ominously with the dim light of the room.
Nagato walked towards the chair in the middle of the room and dumped Naruko on it. He strapped her body with the leather straps and used a pair of handcuffs from the table to attach her hand to the arm rests, the same was done with her ankles. After properly attaching Naruko, Nagato took a minute to admire his work before pulling out the same knife he used earlier. Looking at the wound he created on her right shoulder weeping red tears, he decided to give her a matching one and plunged it in her left shoulder. Naruko's dangling head flung back and her closed eyes snapped open and let out a tortured scream. Her face was turned up towards the ceiling while her wide eyes stared unfocused. Her golden hair fell out of its braid and framed her pale face, giving her the appearance of a sunflower searching for the sun. Nagato stared with a wicked grin as he watched Naruko try to regain her senses.
"Welcome to the land of the living my dear" he said.
At the sound of Nagato's voice Naruko tore her eyes away from the ceiling and faced them man she hated so much. As she looked at him she caught a glimpse of the knife in her shoulder and swallowed a whimper. She tried to glare him down while fighting the tears and burning pain she felt.
" Still trying to put up a brave face my love" said Nagato as he started to circle Naruko.
"Well that's not going to help one bit," he said stopping in front of Naruko to caress her face.
Naruko pulled back with disgust written all over her face. Nagato took a tight hold on her chin and harshly pulled her face to face him as he leaned forward putting a inch or two of distance between their faces.
" That little stunt you pulled back there was unforgivable" he whispered, "I'm going to have to teach you better".
" Go to hell" hissed Naruko venomously.
Standing up straight Nagato turned to walk away before quickly turning back and landing a blow on Naruko's un-expecting face. A sharp intake of breath was all Nagato heard as a response to his assault. Frowning at the lack of response he walked towards the table before picking up a whip with sharp objects attached to each of the pleaded pieces. Walking towards where Naruko sat he brought the whip down across her body multiple times. With every lash Naruko remained silent not once making a noise. Still lacking the reaction that he desired, Nagato increased the force of his lashes until he decided that it was time to move on and the torn flesh across the top of Naruko's body was a good start. He then walked over to the table once more before picking up a series of small daggers. Returning once more he set his task to embedding one dagger in both her hands and feet. Naruko's eyes shone bright and glossy with tears but refused to let out a scream. She bit her lip until it began to bleed as the last of the daggers took their place.
'Dear God help me'
Object after object was used on Naruko's body and with each item she kept her mouth sealed. She took everything Nagato had to offer without giving him the satisfaction of hearing her pain. She sat in her chair with dead looking eyes as she tried to un-attach herself from her body. It was an easier task to do as time passed on, as she could no longer feel the assaults on her body from the numbness and cold feeling that has steadily creped over her body. Soon Nagato ran out of objects to use and decided to give up on his torture and leave the room. He left with an aggravated noise as his departure. Naruko sat still with her face turned down looking at her feet unmoving even after Nagato departed. Her shoulders sagged and her rigid stance drooped after a few minutes. She gazed at her feet, which still held the daggers in them with a lost expression.
When the door creaked open once more she tensed all of her muscles without looking up. It wasn't until she heard a muffled sob that she allowed herself to glance up from beneath her eyelashes. There at the entrance of the room stood Mizuki with her hands covering her mouth. Her black orbs were wide and filled with tears and her face had gone pale as she stood watching. Not wanting to worry the girl more than she already was, Naruko move her face up to look at the girl straight forward. Mizuki ran towards Naruko and collapsed at her feet. Tears streamed down her face as she began to speak.
"I'll be gentle," she whispered
Naruko watched Mizuki as she began to clean up after Nagato and remove the sharp objects from her body. She would flinch every time she went to remove something fearing to hurt Naruko more than she already was. Once she had finished her task she untied Naruko and gently held her as they moved to a different room. She led her to the rest room to wash her up before bringing her to sit down on the cot in the room. She helped her change into a simple short-sleeved white dress that touched the floor. Mizuki then started to address Naruko's wounds and bandage them all as well as she could with the little materials she had. After finishing Mizuki gathered Naruko in her arms and gently hugged her.
"…I want to die," whispered Naruko clutching Mizuki close.
Pulling back from Naruko, Mizuki gasped, "Naruko don't ever say that."
For the first time since she was kidnapped, Naruko cried.
"I hate it here, I want to go home. I want to see my family and Sasuke I want to know they're all right" She rushed while sobbing.
Mizuki tightened her grip on Naruko before slowly rocking her to try to calm her down. She felt her own eyes welling up with tears as she looked down at what once was a strong woman reduced into a helpless littler girl. Without even thinking Mizuki opened her mouth and began to sing for Naruko's sake.
I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, "I'll never let you go"
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone"
But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be all right
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
Don't you dare look out your window, darling,
Everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold on to this lullaby
Even when the music's gone
Gone
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be all right
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
Just close your eyes
You'll be all right
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound
Night settled as Sasuke emerged from the weapons room and walked to his chambers. Once in his room Sasuke quickly put together a small ouch of items that would be necessary for his journey. Most of the items were spare weapons that he could not hold on his person. Once done he strode to his wardrobe and picked up one of his black cloaks and clasped it in place before picking up the sword that he had stashed under his bed's mattress. Not wasting any time he sneaked out of his room and headed towards the stables. He hid in the shadows of the surrounding sheds and waited until the last of the stable boys had left for the day. Quietly he made his way to the last stable and opened the gate before whistling. Out of the shadows emerged a tall, dark, proud stallion, gracefully approaching his master.
Sasuke walked up to the horse and placed his sattle on and tied the pouch he was carrying to a spare hook on the seat. Once seated, Sasuke took the reigns and set his horse in motion swiftly riding out of the stables and into the woods that surrounded the palace. He kept to the forest as he rode off in a path that only he knew of. Soon enough the forest became denser as he headed towards the heart of the forest where not many ventured out.
'Wait for me Naruko'
The forest growth was thick and unforgiving as it tried to keep Sasuke out by scratching him or snagging his clothes. Sasuke paid this no attention and staid focus on his path. As he rode on he noticed gaps between the trees become wider and wider. Soon he was able to see where the forest ended and turned into a smaller clearing with a few shrubs and trees scattered around. Sasuke began to slow down as he reached the edge of the forest cover when he heard the muffled clapping of other horses. Pulling his sword out and preparing for battle, Sasuke turned his steed around and waited as the figures of two more riders emerged from the forest. He waited with anticipation as the riders emerged revealing two very familiar figures.
"Itachi, Kurama?" he said
"Foolish little brother what were you thinking going out in your state" scolded Itachi, as he neared Sasuke.
" How did you find me?" asked Sasuke taking a deep breath.
" Itachi-Sama and I were doing rounds when we saw you ride by" answered Kurama.
"Hn" said Sasuke with some relief
"That doesn't matter right now, what matters is what you're doing out here miles away from the palace at night" said Itachi.
" I'm going to rescue Naruko," said Sasuke
There was a moment of stunned silence before Kurama broke it.
" Naruko-Sama? You know where she is?" asked Kurama with a tinge of relief.
" Not exactly, but I feel like I know" grunted Sasuke
"Sasuke I'm relieved you're back to your old self, but you can't be out in your condition; especially after this kind of task" voiced Itachi.
"I'm fine" exclaimed Sasuke, "I've said this millions of times already. I can't possibly sit still while Naruko is held by Nagato, who could be doing God knows what to her" he replied angrily.
Kurama looked at Itachi and Sasuke and their unreadable faces. He nudged his horse closer towards Itachi before placing his hand on his shoulder.
"I'll go with Sasuke and protect him with my life, you won't lose your baby brother" Whispered Kurama as he held Itachi's gaze.
Itachi remained silent as he looked into Kurama's crimson eyes before glancing at his younger brothers face.
" Thank you for willing to risk your life for him Kurama, but I would never live in peace if something happened to you while trying to protect my foolish brother" whispered Itachi as he sent a grateful look towards Kurama.
"You win Sasuke, I will allow you to go with the exception that we follow you" stated Itachi as he approached his brother.
"Hn, fine by me" answered Sasuke before turning around to face the clearing.
"Where exactly are we going" Voiced Kurama
"Where going to stick to the forest edged on the side of this clearing, I have a feeling we'll find Naruko here since the last time she was in the heart of the forest and Nagato wouldn't be stupid enough to do the same" grunted out Sasuke.
"Well little brother lead the way," said Itachi as he followed Sasuke's path with Kurama behind him.
After riding a couple more hours Sasuke, Itachi and Kurama came across a deserted maze like building. The windows were all boarded up with planks of wood and two guards stood at the main gate on guarding duty. There were no other guards seen outside of the building as the trio dismounted their horses and approached the building. They shared a silent command with each other before Kurama approached the guards casually walking up to them.
"Who are you, and what do you want" addressed one of the guards pulling his sword out.
" I come in peace," said Kurama holding his hands up.
"I'm just a man who got lost and needs help finding my way back home," he said.
Kurama kept looking at the men trying to look the least bit intimidating. It wasn't long before they relaxed slightly and lowered their weapons. A split second was all it took for Sasuke and Itachi to appear from the shadows and snap each guards neck. Both of them fell to the ground lifeless like dolls not making a single sound. Stepping over the bodies the three of them silently made their way into the building.
Once inside, the building immediately spread out into branches of hallways each leading into darkness from the lack of light. Sasuke lead the group deeper into the building being careful to stay together and not make unnecessary movements. It wasn't until they were halfway through the maze like building that they heard a rushing sound. Kurama being the one on the end, whipped back with his blade raised, just in time to be met with another soldier giving out a battle cry. The clashing of their swords echoed through the building and it wasn't long until more armored men started to pour in. Itachi sprang into battle and fell in sync with Kurama helping him fend off the oncoming assailants. Sasuke who was about to join in the fight recoiled when he heard his brother's voice speak to him.
"Go Sasuke, find her before Nagato has the chance to escape with her again" he yelled.
Taking a quick look at his brother, Sasuke ran further into the building blindly. Picking hallways at random he was lead further towards the back of the building. He continued his path until he crashed with someone running in the opposite direction of him. Looking up he saw it was a girl with long white hair and black eyes. She looked up at him before cowering away from him.
"Have you seen a blonde haired girl?" asked Sasuke impatiently.
The girl stiffened at the description before quickly standing up with relief etched on her face.
"You're here for Naruko aren't you, quickly follow me," she said before quickly running down the hallway.
Sasuke chased after the girl and followed her until they rounded what looked to be the last hallway in the building. He kept running until he saw the girl in front of him stop and stiffen. He slowed his pace and walked slowly until he was slightly behind her and was able to see what caused her to suddenly stop.
"Mizuki where have you been" growled out Nagato
"I-I heard the commotion and ran to go see what was happening, I came here as soon as I saw what was happening," she said looking down.
From the where he was hiding Sasuke balled his hand in a fist and clenched his sword until his knuckles where pearly white. He grit his teeth as he heard Nagato's voice before taking a quick look in his direction. What he saw made his blood boil, there was Nagato Standing in the middle of the hallway holding Naruko by her thin arm as she dangled limply barely conscious. The bandages that littered her body entirely soaked with blood that stained her gown in some places, turning the white fabric pink. Sasuke pulled out a dagger he had tucked into his belt before swiftly sending it sailing strait into the center of Nagato's chest.
The sudden attack pushed Nagato back enough for him to let go of Naruko's arm and send her tumbling to the floor. Sasuke took this opportunity to come out form his hiding spot.
"Get her out of here now" barked out Sasuke, startling Mizuki into movement.
Mizuki was just able to quickly pick up Naruko by her arm and run away with her just as Nagato regained his senses. Nagato burst into action as he pulled out two long hand daggers from his belt and aimed straight for Sasuke. Sasuke blocked his head on attack with his blade and using pure force was able to repel Nagato backwards.
"So you finally found you're beloved, too bad she can't recognize you at the moment" said Nagato grinning.
"You're going to pay you bastard" Snarled Sasuke as his eyes became red with anger.
Launching himself in the blink of an eye, Sasuke landed a blow, which was blocked by Nagato's daggers. Twisting quickly Sasuke was able to pull out another of his daggers and sink it into Nagato's back before crouching to dodge the oncoming blow to his chest. Nagato taking advantage of Sasuke's crouch struck out with his leg sending Sasuke flying to the other side of the room. Sasuke wasted no time in recovering from the kick as he one again exploded into action with quick speed.
Nagato switched into offense as Sasuke sent him blow after blow with amazing speed. Each strike was as deadly as the last, besides the swipes of a sword Nagato had to also worry about daggers flying by and grazing him or stabbing him. Turning to a low crouch and roll Nagato was able to impale the tip of his dagger into Sasuke's calf muscle. The sudden jolt of pain caused Sasuke to jump back un-expectedly. Sasuke began to slightly wobble as he stood a few feet away from Nagato. His leg began to slightly twitch as a numbing felling began to spread throughout his body.
"Shocking isn't it" smirked Nagato whipping the blood from a wound on his face.
"The blade was poisoned and soon your body will be rendered paralyzed leaving you defenseless and weak" cackled Nagato.
Sasuke felt the numbness spreading rapidly from his aching leg. Soon he felt his whole body shuddering before he dropped his sword unable to hold its weight any longer. It wasn't long after his body came crashing down and Nagato began advancing towards him. Soon he stood only a foot away from his curled up body before he lowered himself to Sasuke's height.
"It's been fun Sasuke-kun but alas it's time to end this little game, any last words" he said raising his dagger above Sasuke's chest.
"Rot. In. Hell" hissed out sasuke before plunging his sword through Nagato's chest all the way to the hilt.
Nagato's eyes widened as he let out a choked gasp while dropping his weapons to the ground. His mouth began to fill with blood and he struggled to gasp for air. Sasuke pulled his sword back leaving him to stumble backwards and collapse on the floor quickly dying it red. It wasn't long until his sick gurgles and twitching body came still and the blood stopped flowing. Sasuke let out a sigh as his grip on his sword shuddered violently before dropping the weapon. He wearily lay on the floor as he tried to regain the movement of his body.
As he lay on the floor he could hear quick footsteps getting closer and closer. He kept his eyes closed as he mentally prepared whatever strength he had left should he have to use it. Soon the footsteps came to a sudden stop before he heard his brother's voice.
"Sasuke!" called out Itachi worriedly.
Sasuke opened his eyes and saw his brother's worried face change into one of relief.
"Hn, I'm fine Itachi" he called from the floor.
"Why are you on the floor Sasuke-sama?" asked Kurama as he stepped towards Sasuke.
"Nagato used some sort of paralyzing poison on me and I can't move," grumbled Sasuke.
" Come on Sasuke we need to find Naruko" said Itachi as he reached to help Sasuke up.
"She's safe, someone's with her" he spoke as he leaned on Itachi for support.
"Well let's bring her home then" answered Kurama as he led the way out of the building.