Two Loves, One Fate (Itachi & Sasuke Uchiha)

№.26 :: Deliverance

Chapter Twenty-Six

Everyone stayed behind as I slowly made my way towards the end of the line of beds. My gaze refused to leave the curtains that surrounded Itachi's bed as I neared ever so slowly. I knew that I was wasting time, but I couldn't force myself to move at a faster pace. I feared the sight that lay behind those curtains. I feared the death that I could cause. I feared everyone's reaction if I wasn't capable of healing at my state. I felt moisture gliding over my cheeks; my hand instantly went up to my face, wiping at the tears that threatened to break me down. I reached the back of the healing room; I was just standing mere feet away from the bed. I sensed a weak chakra network behind the curtains and even though it wasn't as strong as it could be, I was thankful that Itachi was fighting for survival. My hand was shaking as I reached for the edge of the curtain. I finally grasped it and I froze in my place. More tears threatened to spill over, but I didn't stop them this time. Taking several deep breaths, I closed my eyes tightly as I yanked the curtains apart to make an entrance.

 I remained motionless for a few seconds, keeping my eyes closed in fear that the sight might kill me inside. I sensed Itachi's chakra network weakening greatly and my eyes snapped open. My gaze immediately fell on the person laid in the bed; a gasp escaped my lips as a scream fought its way out of my throat. My knees weakened and I lost my footing as someone wrapped their arms around my waist. Deidara tried to comfort me as my gaze never wavered off Itachi. I just couldn't rip my gaze off the bloody mess that was his chest. I was his salvation... The sight in front of me left me in utter disbelief; tears formed in my eyes, slowly leaking over my cheeks as I pushed myself from Deidara's embrace. I took a small step towards Itachi, my shocked gaze unable to comprehend what I was seeing. How was the first prodigy able to get this injured? I didn't understand how this could have happened; Itachi was the strongest shinobi that I've ever encountered, and it looked like he didn't even fight back against his opponent...like he just took the beating.

I didn't hesitate this time as I took a few paces closer, but my eyes refused to hide the horror within. Itachi's eyes were closed, a peaceful expression dominating his features. His chest was rising slowly, but the important thing was that he still was breathing. My gaze scanned his bloodstained clothes; my eyes landed on the open gash on his right cheek that was bleeding profusely. I feared more of his internal wounds. I prayed that I had the chakra capacity to heal Itachi because this was an extreme case. To heal someone with the magnitude of these wounds would take a group of medical ninja... but it was up to me to achieve such a miracle. I lifted my hand with the intention to touch his forehead, not only with the intention to sense if he had a fever, but also to calm my nerves. I completely forgot that I wasn't the only person in the room and I was brought back into reality when I felt someone grasp my wrist. "Don't you dare touch him," Chihiro spoke through clenched teeth. Hatred burned in her eyes as I pulled my hand free from her grasp; my eyes narrowing on her face.

"How do you expect me to heal him then? Stop being foolish and step aside. I don't need you to cling onto Itachi while I try to save his life," My words seemed harsh, but I was only speaking the truth. I ignored the hurt expression that appeared across her features as I converted my attention back to Itachi. My eyes narrowed as I noticed the pained look appearing on his face; I knew that he wasn't suffering a fever because of infection. The sweat forming on his brow worried me; this was the aftermath of his injuries. Itachi would suffer greatly if he were conscious. Replacing my hand back onto his forehead, I closed my eyes as my hand began to glow a light green. A bit of my chakra surged into Itachi, encasing him in a slight glow as his body began to shake violently. His back arched as the last surge of pain was relieved from his body; he laid limp on the bed, motionless as I placed him in a deep sleep. Now I didn't have to worry about him feeling any pain during the procedure that was to come. Feeling several gazes burning into my back, I turned to face everyone.