A/N
I'm back! I know I promised a week and it sorta went into 11-12 days but I do have another chapter and at least this time it didn't take a year or three! I have this awful problem as a "writer" where I sit down and stare at an empty Word document, know everything I want to write about, and still just sit there and stare and have absolutely no energy or way to force myself to start actually typing. So long story short sometimes the chapters take ages because I can't force myself to sit down and write them.
Also, I read through my most recent chapter and was abhorred at my absolutely reckless destruction of the English language the typos, oh the typos...problem is that when I do finally write these things I usually write really fast to get everything out-this leads to me typing half sentences because I didn't notice I only thought that part in my head and never typed it out, not noticing that while I'm typing so quickly I'm missing keys and misspelling words etc. so I apologize for your eyes. I have gotten into this thing where I don't like to proof read before I post because I will tear apart my entire story and end up changing my whole chapter/story because I read back through and say "that's stupid" "why did you write this?" "NO ONE WOULD READ THIS" and then I end up deleting all but three paragraphs of the chapter. So there's my excuse for that.
I read through all my reviews because I love them and I love hearing from you peoples and back in the day I used to address them here (I don't really like replying to reviews with PMs) and I feel like doing that again so I shall for Chapter 14, Niko-NightLover there will be more chapters, and I will try my hardest to get them to you as fast as I can! Which might not be too fast- Guest who was confused about Sasuke in Chapter 14, I'm not sure I understand why you're confused, maybe you started at a bad place in the story- Naruto and Sasuke have met in the past chapters, in Chapter 14 however Sasuke is in Konoha while Naruto is miles away. Maybe the flashes to different locales confused you I'm sorry! solitare1, yes it is very dark and I'm afraid it's only going to get darker, I guess I'll have to start highlighting my text! *laugh track* Kiya sama, achoo! I would send some chicken soup for your flu but I ate it already (it doesn't help anyways) Ryanwhackjob I'm sorry for the constant use of cliffhangers! It's a bad habit of mine, hehe. Thanks for the beta offer but I would be such an inconsistent little crazy person I don't think it would work out, but if my hideous typos continue I might take you up on it.
Thank you all for reviewing those who are in the past, present, and the future I'm glad you're enjoying the story and now without further rambling, here is Chapter Fifteen.
WARNING: Severe language, drug use, intense and violent scenes
DISCLAIMER: If I owned Naruto or any of the franchise rights you would most definitely know about it.
He was dead this time, he was sure of it.
He had to be dead, Naruto thought, the burning sensation wasn't there anymore. There was no warmth and no bitter cold. The faces that haunted him weren't there, and that uncontrollable and unnamed feeling that felt like a metal trap that snapped into his soul and was slowly but surely tightening and squeezing his heart until it was sure to explode- wasn't there anymore. Just merciful darkness.
Darkness is funny, Naruto decided. For years he had thought that there could be no darkness unless it was cast by light. He had heard that one time, but he couldn't remember who had given him that gem of advice. It couldn't be true, for Naruto noticed that darkness was always there, lurking heavily and patiently. There was always a trace of darkness wherever you go and wherever you have been, even if it is only the slightest of shadows darkness is always there, whether light appears or not. Darkness was before and darkness is eternal.
Naruto didn't really mind if this darkness was eternal-it was nice, a pleasant change. It was so easy to drift through the darkness, nothing was permanent nothing was real. Death isn't so much a mysterious journey as it was simply the absence of…everything. Naruto couldn't understand why people had such a petrifying fear of darkness…of death. Why was Naruto so afraid of death?
As if the thought had been some sort of magic word the darkness almost instantly faded to a dull gray. Naruto's head was throbbing and he stifled a groan as he felt the cold settle back into his bones, the ache of living settled back into his mind, and the ache of an arm which was still radiating a painful heat despite the cold that seemed to have possessed his entire body.
Blinking his eyes Naruto let the thought of moving from his spot on the cot rest in his brain for just a moment before he quickly threw it aside. What was the point in moving anyways, he didn't have any place to be. The pounding in his head grew louder and Naruto grimaced at the pain it caused. Carefully he moved his right arm towards his face. Naruto ground his teeth as the pain from simply shifting his arm in any position shot up through his shoulder to his head; the pounding was getting even louder.
The dried bloody lines on his arm indicated that it was starting to recover from the earlier mutilation. How long had Naruto slept? Naruto frowned as he studied the lines on his arm again his eyes continuously swam in and out focus. Had Naruto slept? No he must've passed out when he went to the darkness, his dreams were always filled with nightmares and the darkness hadn't been. Naruto made a mental note of that, the nightmares made even the thought of sleep unbearable but the darkness had been peaceful. Naruto was surprised to see the shard he had gotten from the shattered cup was still gripped in his hand, he hadn't even felt it.
It took a moment for his hand to obey his mind's command but it slowly released the tight hold on the glass shard. The shard dropped to the ground with a clang and shattered into smaller pieces. If there was one thing Naruto was grateful for in his cell it was that they had sent him a glass cup with his "meal". Also for once the concrete floors and walls were a good thing! Easy to break things on.
The pounding in Naruto's head was becoming almost unbearable now, like a constant beating on the walls inside his skull. Slowly lowering his arm Naruto tried his best to numb the pain he knew was coming as he groped for the floor, searching for a shard hoping and wishing for that sweet blessed darkness to return.
Gaara knocked again, relentless in his intent. He wasn't sure if Naruto was ignoring him or if he had gone into some sort of shock, Gaara was exactly sure what had happened at all. Gaara had gotten used to the drug and was more lucid than others when he used it, but still with the amount they had shared last night Gaara only retained snatches of memory. He remembered Naruto after he had the drug in his system, how his eyes glazed over and the small sweet smile that had taken over his face. Naruto had sagged and fell onto Gaara's shoulder…next thing Gaara remembered was ripping cloth and trying to…but he didn't, Gaara was sure. Nothing truly…happened. The main thing Gaara tried to push from his mind was the memory of the fervent whispers of "I love you."
Gaara pounded with his fist on the door again, ignoring the dirty looks the guards at the door were giving him. He had been at this for some time now, and of course the guards couldn't understand why Cobra's favorite Snake was knocking on the door of a prisoner. They did understand, however, that the prisoner was ignoring him. Gaara hesitated before he knocked again and looked at his fist, it was red and sore from the metal door that separated him and Naruto.
Gaara sighed and stepped back, rubbing his head he felt the swollen skin on the side of his face remembering for just a moment the horrified scream and look of Naruto and then the blinding pain-Gaara forced the thoughts out of his head, and thought bitterly of how much convincing it took him to get Cobra to accept the story that it had been a stupid fall and accident on his runs that had caused the ugly bruise. If Cobra even believed him at all. Gaara raised his fist to knock again but something stopped him, Naruto wasn't going to get up and open the door.
Scowling he turned on one of the guards, gesturing towards the door he gave an annoyed growl and stepped back as the guard sauntered slowly over to the door smirking. He used the door key and Gaara studied it carefully, he thought he had the right copy but he had to be sure. The door groaned when it opened, Gaara noted, that could be problematic.
The red head stepped forwards as the door cracked just wide enough for Gaara to slip through, apparently the guards had been informed that Naruto was a fighter and they weren't taking any chances. Gaara forced down an ironic smile as the bruise on his face throbbed. The door slammed behind him.
The room hadn't changed at all which was the first thing Gaara noticed. The signs of a struggle were obvious. A thin small sheet that had once covered the cot lay torn on the floor, the tray that had been brought in for Naruto was upside down in the corner and the uneaten food was scattered across the floor away from the metal tin that had been banged essentially into a pile of dents. The glass cup that had once held water was in tiny pieces all over the concrete floor. For a moment Gaara thought that Naruto must've gone into some sort of rage after he had left, not hard to believe after he had attacked Gaara like that.
A flash of memory dismissed that thought as the images of Naruto and his struggle forced themselves into his mind. There had been a struggle…and Gaara had tried to keep going anyways-
Gaara bit his lip to stop the thought process from continuing on, it was a drug induced hysteria it was common enough. Nothing really happened. His eyes rested on the dark form on the bed. The room's fluorescent lights were all burnt out except one and it was flickering. A shadow cast on Naruto made him look more ghastly than he truly was, Gaara assured himself.
The boy was lying motionless on the cot, his pants were on but shredded and he was still shirtless. His hair was matted and flat falling away from his forehead as he stared at the ceiling into absolutely nothing. Had he even noticed Gaara coming in the room? Taking a step forward Gaara heard glass crunch and he glanced down at his shoes, the glass had gotten all the way to the door…
The sound was enough to alert Naruto to his presence, finally, and he turned like a frightened animal just becoming aware of a predator only seconds away from devouring it. Gaara could almost feel the terror that Naruto was emitting.
Naruto was shaking, uncontrollably Gaara noticed. He was gripping his arms to himself and shrinking backwards in his cot pressing his bare back against the rough cement wall. Gaara's heart felt like it was collapsing in on itself, Naruto was so afraid he looked so…betrayed.
Gaara opened his mouth to speak he wanted to apologize he wanted to make it better, he wanted to tell Naruto that nothing happened it was all just a drug induced dream it was all a mistake, he wanted to tell Naruto he loved him and would never…
But do you? Do you love him? Was it a dream? It was his nightmare and your fantasy?
The wicked voice inside his head was usually right, always cynical always ripping away the pretenses to expose the world and the idiots who lived in it bare for Gaara's mocking eyes. Gaara always embraced and treasured that wicked voice before; it had only served him well on the streets. Now Gaara wanted the voice to shut up, he never wanted to hear it again.
Steeling himself Gaara tried to draw upon all that he had built up, the haughtiness, the spiked shields that kept everyone out of his mind and also let him get into everyone else's. He straightened his stance and stalked forward, ignoring the crunch of the glass and the stickiness of the floor as he moved ahead. He ignored Naruto as the shaking grew worse and his eyes grew wide and wild with what…a mix of loathing and fear?
Gaara stopped a few feet away from the cot and reached into his pocket. Stooping down he picked up a scrap of paper from the floor. He pulled his hand out of his pocket and held up a key for Naruto to see, slowly and carefully he placed it on the cot along with the piece of paper. He watched as Naruto's body went tense and taught with what Gaara assumed could only mean another bruise would be headed his way if he didn't move soon.
Holding his hands up as a gesture of goodwill Gaara stepped backwards to the door. Clearing his throat he looked at the wall beside Naruto's head, unable to look him in the eyes anymore.
"I'll need to get the guards away from the door before you try to use that," Gaara said struggling to keep emotion from his voice, he wanted to sound nonchalant and dull but he was afraid the waver in his throat was betraying him. "Wait, you'll know when I get them away from the door. I suggest you don't stick around here, once Cobra finds out you're gone he'll want to hunt you down."
Gaara wanted to say so much more and it was on the tip of his tongue the edge of his mind all he had to do was start off the sentence and he knew it would all come pouring out. He snapped his mouth closed, he wouldn't do it. Naruto hadn't even made a noise or even given a sign that he had understood what Gaara had said. Gaara didn't even know if Naruto heard what he had told him about escaping he hadn't even looked at the key to freedom lying only inches away from his hand.
Gaara had noticed things. He had noticed that the wetness that soaked the floor wasn't water when his shoes stuck to it on the floor, noticed that the glass he had stepped on was red as rubies, noticed that Naruto hated him. Heard the voice in his head-
"I hate you, I hate you, I HATE YOU-"
Gaara turned and pounded on the door once, he supposed it wouldn't matter what he said to Naruto or how Naruto felt in a few moments. Nothing would matter.
Naruto hadn't noticed the door slamming open; he had thought it was just a really loud pound inside his head. But glass breaking, he knew that sound. He wasn't prepared to see the red haired devil that had stepped inside his room, Naruto was almost sure when he first saw him that orange, black, and red flames had surrounded him like an aura of evil and hate.
He was gone now, Naruto could breathe again. He hated the feeling of being helpless, he hated knowing that he was shaking so hard that he must've looked like a pitiful pathetic creature—Naruto stopped himself. Naruto was a pitiful pathetic creature, wasn't he? He wondered if the red haired devil was happy with himself, if the devil was reveling in the power the authority that Naruto's reaction had given him. It seemed to be a common trait in their type.
Naruto almost laughed aloud as he realized he had tried to psychologically analyze "their type." He was in no position to scrutinize anyone's state of mind. Did devils have nightmares like Naruto? Or were nightmares their sweet dreams?
Sliding slowly back into his normal position Naruto noticed the key that the flamed headed demon had left on his bed. As if it were red hot Naruto jumped back away from it, but it hadn't burned him. Was it some sort of trick this key? Was the flame demon playing games with him? Curiosity won over caution and Naruto reached for the key.
It was a dull key, nothing spectacular or special about a brass heavy key. Naruto almost tossed it across the room but stopped when a piece of paper fell down from his hand. What was this? A message or some kind of instruction for the devil's key to open up a portal to drop him to hell?
It was a small slip of paper, it looked like it had been ripped off something. Naruto fumbled with it, careful not to rip it. It took him three times to understand and comprehend the words that were written, why were they written so tiny?
Iruka…Iruka….where had he heard that name before?
He felt like he was fumbling in the dark for something he knew was there but couldn't find it, it was edging on his mind, what does it mean…? Like an old computer rebooting slowly comprehension of the note dawned on him. Iruka. His father. The only person he thought he could ever have said he "loved." Iruka was sick, he needed his help…Naruto needed to hurry.
Standing up suddenly Naruto's thoughts came ramming back into reality. Iruka needed him and Katy had written what seemed to be a warning that time was definite factor. His head whirling again Naruto sat back down heavily, the key, the devil had given it to him. Naruto couldn't keep the spite from filling his head, it probably was some sort of torturous game some sort of punishment that Cobra had cooked up for him. Naruto shouldn't be stupid it wasn't like he could just walk out of the Snake Pit even with a key…could he?
Glancing back down the key Naruto felt his resolve harden; Iruka was the last string that seemed to be holding him together. Standing up again, carefully this time, Naruto forced himself to think logically if the devil was trying to get rid of him…yes that would make sense, there was a small chance that the red head was afraid Naruto would blab to Cobra and put him in as much trouble as Naruto, that would be the motivation to get Naruto out of the Snakes. Wouldn't it be easier to have him killed though?
Maybe he was going to, Naruto thought grimly, maybe the plan is for Naruto to get out and be ambushed, beaten and tortured. It didn't matter, Naruto was going to risk it. Iruka had sacrificed everything for him, Naruto was willing to do the same. Naruto stepped to the door, and raised the key to the lock. It took everything in him not to unlock the cell door and try to run for it, try to just blast away from the Snakes and go far away where they would never see him again, a place where he could help Iruka.
Forcing himself to step back Naruto went to his cot, he needed to rest. He needed to be ready to go, the demon had told him there would be a sign. Naruto would wait, Naruto had to wait.
Naruto wasn't sure how long he had sat in the shadows of his cell, letting his mind wander, all he could think of were memories of how Iruka had done everything he could for Naruto. Each moment, each loving sacrifice Naruto replayed in his head. After his mother had…passed, Iruka was the only one who cared, the only one who wanted to help the poor little orphan with the attitude problem.
The loud sounds of yelling and panic shot Naruto from his reminiscing. Standing up hurriedly Naruto rushed to the door and put his ear to it, trying to hear what was going on outside.
It was no use, the door was metal and all he could hear were muffled yells. Holding his breath Naruto decided to count to five and then chance opening the door. It might be his only moment-
Naruto stuck the key in the lock and turned, it didn't want to give way at first but after a second turn the lock tumbled and turned. Naruto wrenched the door open to freedom, adrenaline coursing through his veins he stepped out anticipating a battle with the guards. He was both relieved and suspicious when the hallway leading to his door was completely empty.
Naruto hesitated only a second before he stepped outside the door, moving silently but quickly all the ache and pain his body seemed to be constantly radiating completely disappeared in his sudden rush of alarm and intensity that accompanied the thrill of escape. His ears straining for the sound and possibility of notice he moved down the hallways.
How long had he been in the cell, he wondered, there were no windows and no way to track time…his mind raced to remember the complicated hallways and labyrinth of a place the Snake's headquarters was. What was the best way to get out? The runner's exit, he could get out there and on the street and go…where exactly? Pushing the doubts away Naruto focused on the task in front of him, if it wasn't careful he wouldn't make it out alive.
Stepping lightly he crept down the first three hallways. Hearing a rush of footsteps coming from the left Naruto tensed and pressed himself flat to the concrete wall, it wouldn't help him much if they turned down the hallway but Naruto still could hope they would be in such a rush they wouldn't notice him.
Right, not notice a shirtless prisoner tip toeing through the headquarters…
He urged his mind to shut up as he waited, the footsteps grew closer and Naruto's breath caught as the three Snakes ran past the hallway he was in. They were in quite a hurry, and the Snakes never hurried. Naruto cursed his curiosity as he turned down the hallway and followed them; they were heading towards Cobra's rooms.
Naruto bit his lip and stopped, watching them turn the corner that led towards the huge double doors he hated and feared so much. Forcing himself to keep moving he made his way step by step to follow where the Snakes had disappeared. He reached the wall opening that led to Cobra's room and stopped, hugging the corner he stopped and listened.
"…kinda crazy shit is going on?!" one of the Snakes was demanding an explanation, good, Naruto wanted one too.
"That stupid motherfucker went ape shit!"
"I knew that little brat was a good for nothing—"
"They had a fight," Naruto recognized the voice as one of Cobra's bodyguards, "The stupid kid hit Cobra with a lamp. When we got in he was just sitting there in the bed."
"Fuck. Crazy son of a bitch, he's as good as dead."
"Cobra won't even have to do anything, little bitch shot up so much sand it would kill an elephant, I swear."
"Is he dead yet?"
"Hell if I know-"
Naruto caught his breath, risking his life, risking Iruka's life, Naruto cautiously turned his head around the corner and took in the scene. The guards who had been guarding his door were standing beside several Snakes, the double doors were wide open, Snakes were grouped in the corner of Cobra's room, they must be attending to Cobra's wounds, Naruto assumed. But Naruto didn't really look over where they had gathered, his eyes were drawn to the bed where a familiar small red headed boy was propped up against the headboard of the bed.
His eyes were closed, his skin was deathly pale, Naruto couldn't tell if he was breathing. The needle was still in his hand, empty. Naruto could've sworn he was smiling.
Staggering backwards Naruto fought to control his breathing willing himself not to make any noise, if he was caught now Gaara would've done it all for nothing. Gaara. Naruto had only called him devil or demon since…
Turning on his heel Naruto took off, throwing caution to the wind he ran as fast as his feet would allow. The concrete walls blurred as he past them, his feet felt like they never touched the ground, tears stung his eyes and Naruto wanted to swear that it was just because of how fast he was running. That's what he would tell himself anyways.
Finally reaching the runner's exit Naruto stopped to breathe, he couldn't go outside without a shirt and he needed money-
His eyes caught on a backpack that was propped against the wall. Snatching it he ripped it open and looked at the contents inside, he pulled them out quickly, an envelope full of money, street clothes, and a passport. Naruto held the passport up unbelievingly. It looked completely authentic, a picture of him and everything. Naruto tried to swallow the lump that was forming in his throat but it didn't work. Gaara had thought of everything.
Pulling the fresh shirt over his head he pulled the dark jeans Gaara had given him over his shaking legs the sense of urgency only growing louder and a deafening buzz began to grow in his ears. After he finished struggling to pull the pant legs off his boots he was finally ready to leave. Zipping the backpack closed he hurried up the ladder. Ignoring the rearing pain in his arm from pushing the cement opening aside Naruto scrambled up out of the Snake Pit and away. He thought he heard yelling from below. Rushing Naruto tripped and fell on his knees on the alleyway floor, was that the sound of someone climbing a ladder? He thought of closing the hole but then decided it was too late if someone was on the ladder, he needed to run. Fast.
Taking off in a mad dash Naruto raced out of the alleyway and back onto the streets of New York. Twirling around in a desperate need to catch some sort of landmark or sign that would point him in the direction he needed to go Naruto looked at the restaurant he used to always go through when he was late on his runs.
He made a mental decision and burst through the doors of the restaurant earning a few outraged cries from the staff. He pushed past the servers spilling trays of food and pitchers of drink as he ran to the kitchen. He reached the kitchen and stopped looking around for a moment and catching his breath he saw the phone hanging on the wall.
He dialed 9-1-1.
"9-1-1 what's your emergency?"
"I need you to listen to me," Naruto was glad his voice was a hoarse whisper, "I know how you can get to the Snakes. They took my friend hostage, a red head, they're using him as a drug mule. I followed them to their headquarters, go to this location and follow the alleyways, there's an opening in the floor—I left it open, they're all down there," Naruto glanced around to see if anyone was watching him or listening. Cobra had vipers everywhere.
"Sir, please calm down and explain to me-"
"NO! You need to move now or you'll never get another chance like this again," Naruto almost hung up but thought better of it, "You'll need a medic, they've hurt…my friend. Oh and bring a SWAT team. Or two. Lilith's Bistro, you need to hurry!"
"Sir, what's your name and how do-"
Slamming the phone on the base Naruto didn't hesitate anymore, he didn't have the luxury of time. He ran out the backdoor knocking a chef over as he went, he made his way back to the streets. He stopped someone for directions but they flipped him off, Naruto had no idea how to get to the airport. It took three more tries until someone finally told him how to get there.
Naruto walked as fast as he could without drawing any more attention to himself than was necessary, thankfully the Snakes had taught him how to blend in with the crowd, and how to get where you needed to be quickly. The airport wasn't that far, thankfully, Naruto figured Cobra wanted to be close by for shipments or quick getaways.
Naruto was passing an empty building, it had once been a pawn shop or something Naruto thought, the large glass windows were boarded up but Naruto still caught his reflection. His reflection and…someone else's.
Naruto didn't slow down, he didn't want to draw attention to himself, he didn't want to alert…but he wasn't sure it might not have been anyone he might not be followed at all. If the Snakes knew where he was they would've already taken him down, Naruto was sure, and the people around him wouldn't say a thing, they knew not to get involved with gangs. The murderous and violent warnings made sure of that. Naruto kept walking looking desperately for another building with glass windows he could check just to make sure...there was one coming up, trying not to look nervous and to keep his walking a steady pace he forced himself to only glance at the reflection but this time with intent.
There he was, Naruto was sure of it. Cobra.
The surge of panic was almost overwhelming, whatever Gaara had done to Cobra hadn't been enough, Cobra was up and following him but how?…with a sudden awful thought Naruto realized that he never actually saw Cobra in his rooms, he had just assumed that the Snakes were all gathered…Cobra must've seen him or suspected something, and now he was following him. Why hadn't he taken Naruto down yet? He must not have backup he didn't want to chance anything without a crew to back him up. That meant Cobra had followed Naruto hastily and hadn't had time to warn or call for help. Yet.
Naruto looked down at his feet as he continued walking searching for an escape route out of the corner of his eyes, he had to get away from Cobra. Once Naruto was sitting and waiting for a plane ride he was easy picking for Cobra, the man was probably waiting for Naruto to stop so he could call for backup, then what would Naruto do? He had to lose him.
Turning without warning Naruto dashed into an unfamiliar alleyway. Dead end.
Too late to go back now, Naruto thought bitterly. He ran to one side of the alleyway wall cursing everything in life for his awful luck, if there even was such a thing. Leaping up he scrambled to grab the edge of a window and pulled himself up on the ledge. Grasping for the next window he repeated the move until he was only a reach away from the roof-
Pounding footsteps reverberated through the alleyway, turning his head Naruto locked eyes with Cobra standing below him his eyes burning. Cobra didn't want back up, Naruto suddenly realized, Cobra wanted his blood. This was personal. Naruto turned around, the sound of Cobra coming up after him loud in his ears he jumped and grabbed the roof, his fingers and arms screaming as he hefted himself up on top of it and crawled to his feet.
Fighting between panic and adrenaline and his mind demanded he focus on what he was doing but Naruto ran without thinking, leaping from the edge of the roof he landed roughly on the adjacent one. He didn't have time for caution and focus, he had to get away!
Running like a maniac Naruto didn't stop, couldn't stop, as he threw himself from rooftop to rooftop, the sounds of Cobra's grunts and running didn't make it any easier on Naruto. What had Cobra said to him once? If he was going to run he better be the fastest runner there ever was. Naruto put the past months of running into good use, kicking it into overdrive he felt like the rest of the world was a blur as he passed it by, his legs never stopped moving, his adrenaline never stopped pumping.
At this point it was run or die, Naruto knew that as soon as Cobra got a good enough shot he would take Naruto down, torture him, or worse.
Naruto was going fast but he noticed that something was wrong…skidding to a stop Naruto was forced to drop and roll to put an end to his desperate running. He had run out of roofs to jump on. He glanced at the building that was all the way across a busy intersection of the road. He had nowhere to go.
Scrambling back to his feet, Naruto turned and looked behind him. Cobra was not there, Cobra wasn't even in sight. Naruto must've left him behind or better yet Cobra had missed a jump and was dying slowly in a dirty alleyway somewhere.
Naruto finally realized he was completely out of breath, placing his hands on his knees he took deep shuddering gasps of air, but only one thought was on his mind now. He needed to leave, he needed to get out of New York and he needed to do it fast. Naruto glanced around, he didn't know where he was anymore his rush to get away had led him who knows where on the rooftops of projects and abandoned buildings everything looked the same up there.
Turning he started looking for a way down off the roof, if he could get to the street-
The world spun and Naruto felt himself lurch forwards, desperately searching for balance he ended up falling face first onto the hot roof. Naruto's eyes lost focus as blazing lights filled his vision. The blow had come from behind and Naruto hadn't been expecting it, turning on his back he tried to blink away the pain as his eyes met the glittering dark eyes of Cobra.
Cobra reached down and grabbed hold of his shirt, raising him up off the ground he pulled Naruto close to his face, making sure to flick his split tongue in Naruto's face.
"You really thought you'd get away didn't you, little shit," Cobra's laugh was hoarse and like nails grinding on a chalkboard, "I'm gonna enjoy this."
Cobra's cruel grin was met with the brunt force of Naruto's backslap that caught the larger man full in the face. Ripping himself out of Cobra's grasp Naruto turned to get some distance between them but Cobra was fast as snake.
Cobra's fist connected with Naruto's arm as he tried to defend himself, knocking aside the feeble attempts the next blow connected with Naruto's stomach. Naruto wrapped his arms around Cobra's neck attempting to pull the man down. Cobra only struggled for a moment, adding another punch to Naruto's abdomen he lifted the boy up and over his back and flung him to the ground.
Naruto gasped, the air knocked out of him, but his instincts took in despite the ringing in his head. Kicking out with anger and adrenaline Naruto's feet caught Cobra in the groin and chest. Cobra doubled over with a shout of rage. Naruto tried to roll aside but Cobra stepped on his wrist, grinding it into the hot rooftop.
Naruto screamed in pain as Cobra put all his weight down on top of the boy, wrapping his large fingers around the tan skinned neck Cobra reared back and punched Naruto, again and again. Naruto attempted to struggle but with his right hand incapacitated his left arm was almost useless against Cobra's assault.
Naruto managed to get his finger nails to sink into the side of Cobra's viciously grinning face, digging in Naruto clenched his hand reaching for Cobra's eye-
Cobra cursed and released Naruto, backing away he grabbed his face to stop the flow of blood, Naruto moved as fast as his bruised body would allow, standing up he turned towards Cobra, taking a breath he kicked the bastard again in the back of his knee, Cobra staggered and Naruto managed to land another blow to Cobra's still bleeding face.
Cobra was still stronger than Naruto, and he recovered a lot faster. Grabbing Naruto's arm Cobra twisted it roughly behind Naruto's back. All too familiar with the move Naruto dropped like a dead weight, twisting as he went down he managed to break free of Cobra's hold-only to be kneed in the face.
Naruto's head slammed into the rooftop and he felt for a very brief moment that he was about to lost to unconsciousness, only the thought of Cobra would do if he was able to get Naruto back to the pit allowed Naruto to keep his eyes open. The stinging reverb of his head bouncing off the rooftop rung in his ears and everything seemed blurry.
Cobra grabbed a large chunk of Naruto's hair and brutally yanked Naruto's head upwards off the ground. Looking into Naruto's eyes Cobra spat blood at Naruto who flinched and tried to move away, only to receive a rough pulling of his hair in response.
Standing up Cobra began to drag the blonde across the roof, Naruto wanted to fight back but his body was spent, done. They stopped at the edge of the roof. Cobra pulled Naruto half way over the edge, holding on and keeping Naruto on the roof only by the grip on the blonde hair.
Naruto looked down, the ground was a long way from the roof. With all his days as a runner he had never once fallen, he hadn't allowed himself to even consider it as a possibility. But now dangling above the alleyway below Naruto already anticipated the sound he would make when he connected with the ground. If he was lucky the concrete below would kill him instantly, if he wasn't his neck would break and he would die in slow agony.
Knowing that death was only a few moments away was something Naruto had recently wished for, someone to end it all—he had though Cobra would do it that day in the headquarters, he could still feel the cool steel of the gun pressed against his head when he closed his eyes sometimes. However, now that he was faced with imminent death…Naruto could only feel fear, fear of dying, fear of being hurt and leaving the only world he had ever known.
What about the blessed darkness, don't you welcome the embrace? The voice in Naruto's head was taunting and cut as deep as the glass he used on himself.
"From the moment Gaara brought you into the Snakes I knew you were trouble, little bitch," Cobra was gloating, giving his classic villain speech, but all Naruto could focus on was the concrete that sometimes seemed to spin as it waited hungrily for his body.
"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, and I will laugh as I tear your body limb from limb and give a piece to every motherfucker who dares cross Cobra!" The laugh was a little much, Naruto thought, even for Cobra. "You're worthless, you know that blondie?" Cobra was whispering down towards his ear now, "You didn't deserve Gaara, you deserve nothing but what you're about to get."
Naruto closed his eyes, if Cobra meant to hurt him with this piece of information he had failed. In fact it wasn't news to Naruto; he had told himself the same thing at least a hundred times before.
"Don't worry blondie, I'll finish off your business when you're gone," Cobra was beginning to let Naruto drop lower over the edge of the roof, "they'll be dealt with in time, I was hoping to use them for a fun punishment for you, but you decided to run and make a game of it. No worries, I'm sure I'll find other ways to amuse myself."
Naruto tensed, horror and rage racked his body.
"You…how did-"
"I followed Gaara after he saved your miserable life, I wanted to know what he was doing…why he was acting like he was," Cobra waved his free hand as if he were discussing the weather, "I saw the sad little apartment, the secret notes you've been sliding with that family must be very interesting reads, I'll be sure to ask them about the things you've talked about when I have them over for a little visit. Don't worry Naruto it's our little secret—as of now. It's sad really though, the poor family not knowing what you brought down on them."
Naruto could only think of the man, the man he didn't even know that he brought pain and death upon. What had he done?!
"I think I'll start with the little girl first," Cobra ground his teeth together in a fierce and terrible grin, "Maybe I'll keep the pieces of you with them, to keep each other company."
Naruto only had to think of Katy and Thad, the poor children bent over their homework, hungry and scared…he thought of Iruka lying sick and hearing that his sister and her children were…pieces of…
Cobra must've sense a change because he finally decided to finish the deed. Pushing forwards he made to let Naruto go over the roof. Naruto twisted in his grip, a fierce and bright desire for life flamed through his entire body. Naruto felt such a rage and a lust for revenge that he had never experienced before in his life. Reaching back to the roof he was able to grab hold of Cobra's wrist.
With a tight hold on the wrist Naruto locked his legs around Cobra's waist, flipping over on his back he dangled over the edge of the roof squeezing on to Cobra with all his might. Cobra roared in rage and pain as Naruto nearly pulled both of them off the building and to their deaths. Forced to pull back away from the ledge Cobra leapt backwards and brought Naruto with him onto the roof top.
Naruto let his legs touch the ground again for just a moment before they were moving, he didn't give Cobra a chance to defend himself. Swinging heavy and fast Naruto connected solidly with Cobra's face. He heard a resounding crack as Cobra's head flung backwards but whether it was the man's face or Naruto's hand he didn't know. He didn't care.
Grabbing Cobra's arms Naruto bent Cobra's right arm as far back as he could slamming his knee into Cobra's groin at the same time causing him to double over in pain. Pressing both hands on Cobra's face he pushed the man back up, digging into the bloody wounds he had left on Cobra earlier. Cobra attempted to struggle but he was taken by surprise, Naruto's sudden strength and speed was unexpected and had caught him completely off guard.
Naruto released the hold on Cobra's face and moved his hands grip the larger man's collar bone pressing into the skin he held him still, raising his fist he swung it down in a vicious arc which ended against Cobra's face.
"THIS is for all the innocent people you've killed," Naruto was screaming, he could hear himself but couldn't stop. It felt like he was watching what was happening instead of doing it as his rage and fear took over his body. Naruto's fist rose and fell again.
"THIS is for Gaara," each blow was stronger than the last.
"and THIS is for my family," Naruto stopped and pushed Cobra's feeble attempt to strike back at him away, gripping the snake's throat with both hands he pushed his face up close to the wheezing and bleeding Cobra's.
"Go to hell."
Pushing with all his rage, hate, and pain he felt Naruto released him. Cobra made one guttural sound as he fell backwards and "blondie" watched Cobra fly off the side of the rooftop. Naruto couldn't bring himself to look down as the Snake fell but the sound of Cobra's body crunching as it met the sidewalk was something that would haunt him for the rest of his days. Slowly Naruto let himself sink to his knees. It was over.
Wiping his eyes Naruto realized he had been crying. As the berserk wore slowly off, the pain and ache of his body quickly filled Naruto. He rubbed his face and felt his wrist to see if it was broken, nothing too serious, he decided. Taking a deep shuddering breath Naruto forced himself back to his feet, it wouldn't be long before some Snake was out looking for its master, and Naruto needed to be long gone by then. It didn't take long for Naruto to find the fire escape attached to side of the building and he carefully let himself down and set his feet back on solid ground.
Cobra was dead.
Walking numbly towards the road he didn't even turn back once to the see the crushed and broken remains of the man. Naruto needed to find his way to the airport. He needed to catch a flight home, back to Konoha.
A/N
Alright I hope that everyone enjoyed the chapter, it only took me like three days to force myself to start writing it, so maybe this time I can learn and discipline myself to write the next chapter faster! (probably not)
Hope you enjoyed Chapter Fifteen, without releasing too much about next chapter those of you who have been waiting patiently for Sasuke and Naruto to finally see each other after the airport debacle...you won't have to wait too much longer (hopefully)
Thanks for reading!