Naruto Fanfic - Prisoner of Nightmare

Chapter Twelve: Chained Voice

   Hatake Kakashi arrived early at the meeting spot in front of the gate, the sun just peeking above the horizon and painting the world in brilliant hues of orange and pink. His eye swept the area and he noted that the two guards, Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu, were sleepily keeping watch.

   He paused, squinting at the silhouette perched atop the gate in a hovering plank. There was only a single person who would do such a thing.

  Gai seemed to notice him as well, jumping down with a flair that only he could produce this early in the morning. "My eternal rival, you're here so soon!"

   Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Izumo and Kotetsu jump from the volume. 

   Kakashi waved Gai off, moving to lean against the wall, the thick wood comforting against his back. "Well, I didn't want to be late."

   Approval shinned in Gai's eyes, though beneath was a grim understanding. "Your youthfulness shines brightest under the glow of the sun, my eternal rival."

   "Yours too," Kakashi said half-heartedly.

   Both of them fell into a heavy, neigh-mournful silence, the gravity of their situation pressing down on them like a hammer on hot iron. It stung, searing Kakashi's skin with a sizzle and the scent of burning flesh.

   Had he ever felt so hopeless?

   So pathetic?

   Yes, I have.

   There were only two other instances that could come close, and both involved an unwilling departure that left him bruised and battered on the inside even now. Kakashi could only pray to a god he doubted to exist under the infernal screeching of the mist, under the maddening, inhuman hum of man that wasn't one, not really.

   He couldn't be. Not with those eyes.

   It was Rock Lee that arrived first out of the genin, bringing with him a liveliness and chatter that helped to ease the tension brewing under Kakashi's skin. Hyūga Neji and Tenten arrived together, followed soon after by Sakura and Sasuke.

   Naruto was the last to show himself, but not the last to arrive. For when Sakura quietly questioned where he was, suddenly everyone became aware that he was standing in the shadows of the gate, head bowed as he seemingly dozed. Though, it was impossible to tell, considering the blindfold.

   Kakashi gave a chuckle that he hoped didn't sound as strained as it felt. "Naruto-kun, you're getting better and better at hiding your presence."

   His only response was a low, uninterested hum, Naruto moving the join the group for one last briefing before they left. There was an incessant buzzing in Kakashi's ears as he spoke, own words near unrecognizable despite the familiarity of the lazy drawl. It was as if he was on autopilot, following a script that he would sooner rip apart than participate in.

   But alas, his screams were choked silent before they even started, changed into casual reminders for safety as the eight of them headed towards their destination. It was only when Gai's hand patted his shoulder in comfort that Kakashi regained his senses, feeling like he awoke from a timeless dream.

   Kakashi didn't say anything, just throwing Gai an appreciative nod as he shook off the remnants of his daze, pushing away that uncomfortable feeling of being controlled. It wasn't anything new, just more distinct than it had been. And, of course, why wouldn't it be? He hadn't been this stressed in years.

   He snuck a glance at Naruto, who was staying off the side while the other genin talked, his presence snuffed out like the flame of a candle. Kakashi was quick to look away, pressing his lips together into a thin line.