Loyalty (Sasuke Uchiha)

XXIV: Promises

"Yuukimaru."

I jumped down to where Naruto knelt with Yuukimaru in his arms.

As I knelt down in front of Naruto, I felt his eyes on me for a moment, but I was watching Yuukimaru.

His crystal coated camellia from Guren slipped from his hand as I picked it up in my own. I placed the camellia back in his small hand, holding it in a tight fist.

I could have helped Guren. I could have saved her. I tried, making sure my water jutsu only shattered Rinji. But I don't know if it worked. To be honest, it probably didn't work.

I was a coward. I didn't interfere until most of the damage had been done.

One, because being around Three Tails m would cause Shiroryuu to act up again, after everything Kabuto had put me through to keep her sealed.

I didn't want to release her again. It was too dangerous. Orochimaru was right.

I tensed when Naruto placed his hand over mine, his touch sending a calming chill down into my soul, causing my grip on Yuukimaru's to relax.

I looked into his sad eyes as he placed Yuukimaru's hand over his heart. Naruto looked up into my gaze, giving me a sad smile.

I stood up with him as he held an unconscious Yuukimaru in his arms.

It was just us standing there, staring at Yuukimaru's somber expression.

"Yuukimaru.." Naruto spoke. "Let's go home together."

I smiled as I took a step back.

Naruto watched me with worried eyes.

"Miyako.."

"Go home, Naruto. Take care of him for me.. Okay?"

"No. Not without you." He said.

"I'll be fine." I assured him.

"No. I won't let you stay under Orochimaru's hold any longer!"

Naruto took a step towards me, his eyes burning holes through my own.

My heart was racing a mile a minute as I felt Shiroryuu stir within me.

"I.. I have to save you from him. I can't just leave you. And I also can't leave.. Sasuke..."

I frowned just watching his expression sadden again.

"That's the exact reason why I have to stay with Orochimaru. Although, I'm not sure how he would handle the news of my betrayal.."

"We can get Sasuke back the same way, but this time we'd have you with us! Miyako, please." He pleaded.

I furrowed my eyebrows.

Trust me Naruto, I would if I could.

"It isn't that simple, Naruto."

"Yeah it is!"

"Orochimaru is my Father." I said.

His jaw dropped open as he looked at me with horrified eyes.

"T-that bastard.. Is your Father?!"

"Sadly. He isn't my birth Father, but he took me in after... well, that isn't important. He has a hold over me, and I wouldn't escape from him even if I tried."

"Then I'll just kill him quicker to set you and Sasuke free!"

I placed my hand over his arm, giving him a sad smile.