The Memory Keeper (Naruto Fanfic)

Chapter Twenty Two- Seventy Two

Hey, Hi, Hello.

Welcome to chapter twenty two. I apologize, again, about slow updates. I've started school (sophmore), so they might become even slower than they are now. Sorry): I will eventually upload, though, so don't worry about that! Anyway, let's get on with the chapter. And I know, some time skipping/skipping around occurs. I don't feel bad about it, especially because the time skip is retold through memories. I haven't watched this part in the show or read it in the manga for a while, so it might be inconsistent. Song is 'Scared' by Three Days Grace.

Dedicated to WhispersOfPainxox for being awesome! :D

DISCLAIMER: I have nothing, but am looking for my sanity. If found, please return.
WARNINGS: Blood-guts-cussing-Tsukuyomi.

Anything in bold is important or with emphasis.
This is what memories look like.
This is what thoughts look like.
'This is what lyrics look like.' 

--

 'I wish you never told me,
I wish I never knew.
I wake up screaming,
It's all because of you.' 

--

   "Forfeit."

   The words are quiet. Everyone seems surprised as the words exit my mouth. Naruto looks surprised. I imagine that Kakashi-sensei would have been surprised, if he had even shown up. I figured he was still training Sasuke, too busy to do anything else. Like find someone suitable to train me, or to even show up at one of the most important fights of two of his students. I feel my heart beat heavily in my chest as I turn on my heel and head back up into the arena seating.

   The rounds continue. Naruto fights Neji. Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei have failed to show up, once again. Shino wins automatically against Kankuro, because Kankuro forfeited just like I did. Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei still aren't there, so Temari and Shikamaru are pitted together. About halfway through their match finds me sitting up the stands, elbows on my knees and watching in half-hearted interest. I scan the field, figuring out what Shikamaru's intentions were. He would capture her in his shadow jutsu and-

   "Kioku Kimiko?"

   A dark shadow falls over me. I look up, standing immediately when I realize who it is. Morino Ibiki, head of the Konoha Torture and Interrogation Force. Why was he talking to me? "Hai, Morino-sama?" I ask.

   "Follow me," he says, promptly turning on his heel and walking away. I glance at Naruto, who's frowning. He gives me a questioning look and he whispers to me, wanting to know what was going on. I whisper back to him, telling him I don't know, before following after Ibiki. I follow Ibiki deep into the maze of the arena, twisting and turning down the hallways without a sound. He doesn't say anything, so I keep my mouth shut. I didn't want to anger him.

   After five minutes of walking through the lower hallways of the arena, Ibiki stops in front of a door. I come to a stand still behind him. My hands hang at my sides. He withdraws a key from a pocket in his trench coat and uses it to unlock the door. He holds the door wide open, like he's gesturing for me to go in. Without a moment of hesitation I step inside, making sure to move out of the doorway so he could easily enter, too. The room is bare, except for a metal table and two metal chairs on either side of the chair. He waves his hand at one chair and takes a seat in the other. I follow his actions and sit down.

   He watches me with his coal black eyes, examining every inch of me. I keep my face impassive and carefully controlled, unwilling to show any emotion to him. After a few minutes of this, he leans back in his chair, one hand going up to support his chin. "You forfeited."