Empty Eyes: The Sequel

Chapter 38

"Wake up."

A groan stung my throat as someone's firm voice stirred me from my slumber. It feels like my body's been beaten to a pulp. The cold ground beneath me was actually welcomed. It felt nice against my warm skin. I'm just so tired. I feel like I could sleep for days without waking.

That idea disappeared when extreme pressure suddenly hit my midsection, my ribcage obviously becoming damaged by the hit. My eyes shot open to lock onto Kisame, who was smirking as he straddled my hips.

"You've been a disobedient little dog."

I tried to shove him off, but he grabbed my hands and pinned them to the ground, the shackles around my wrists digging into my skin.

"If you defy me again, I'll bring you the Uchiha prince's head. Do you understand?" I turned my neck to see Yahiko and Hidan standing outside the cell, the king having been the one to speak.

My voice cracked roughly, "Where is he?"

"Close enough to hear your screams," Kisame taunted.

Amegakure's king ignored his subordinate's statement but still addressed him rather than me, "Find Nagato if you kill her."

I hissed, gasping for breath as my injured ribs made it hard, "D-Don't hurt him!"

Kisame roughly grabbed my waist and squeezed, making the injury he'd just given me blaze like I was being branded, "You should worry about yourself."

The king, undoubtedly, instructed him to punish me for not killing Sasuke like I was told. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. It's just that, until now, they've avoided physically laying a hand on me. I can take being glowed because I'm used to that pain. Broken bones, though.... Not so much.

Hours later, I was finally left alone in my cell. Tiny cuts littered my body, but I was lucky to have only received two significant injuries, that I could tell. My ribs and arm were broken, both on the left side of my body. At least I could lay on one side without disturbing the non-healing damage.

Tears fell slowly to drip on the bloody concrete floor as I spoke as steadily as possible, "Why did you come?"

I was right in assuming Sasuke was in the cell right next to mine. His voice met my ears like the most beautiful song in the world, "Sakura." He only said my name, but I knew he was telling me not to ask stupid questions.

"...How long until Madara...?"

"I wasn't told on purpose in case I'm tortured."

The dungeons fell silent for a long time, solid minutes. Eventually, I tried to choke back sobs as my chest tightened painfully, "I'm so sorry, Sasuke. I tried so hard-" "Stop." My shoulders shook as I cried. As angry as I am that he's here, I'm relieved to hear his voice. I missed him like crazy.

"Eleven."

I sniffled, eyes creeping open to stare at the locked cell door, "Huh?"

Sasuke's voice was tense, "You've died eleven times. Eleven times, I've...." He cut himself off, and I got the sense he was trying not to get emotional for my sake. I thought he'd become quiet after that, but he surprised me by continuing, "I'll get you out of here. We just have to wait for him to arrive."

My eyes closed again as I hummed softly, "I want you to get yourself out when it's time. Don't worry about me. They won't let me die but might not revive you."

Even without a verbal response, I knew my request fell on deaf ears. That man is as stubborn as he is beautiful.

Two days passed, full of us receiving our fair share of torture. Amegakure tried to get information out of us while planning their first attack on Konoha.