Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Epilogue

I was aware of a few things when I came to; I was chained to a ceiling, whatever chains they were using rendered my chakra was useless, somebody clearly stopped my last resort because I was not on the brink of death... internally anyway... I was captured, and whoever captured me removed all of the chains that linked me to Itachi.

Finally, I was being watched.  I weakly lifted my head as I opened my eyes.  "Just couldn't finish the job, huh?"

A single red eye stared at me.  "You know it's never that easy."

I coughed weakly and tasted blood.  "Clearly, it wasn't for you either... looking a little worse for wear there Madara... where's your sidekick?"

I felt his discontent.  "Dead..."

I smirked.  "Well damn, I would have liked to be conscious to see that."

He back handed me, and I felt my neck crack.  "It was all he could do to stop you from destroying us all... your fiancé included."

I chuckled, spitting blood on the floor.  "He never was good at following directions, but he knew the risks.  I see he is still alive, though... disappointed?"  I smiled at his fury.  "It was die with him... or take me, right?  You always did have a bad sense of judgment."

He punched me this time, almost breaking my jaw.  "You will regret this..."

I laughed.  "What will you do to me that you haven't already done?  I'm past your threats and torture, save us both some time, and just kill me."

He chuckled and turned to leave.  "No... you will be here as everyone you love dies."

I smiled softly.  "You don't get it yet, do you?"  He paused at the door.  "This time is different.  They don't need me to save them anymore... they can do it all on their own."

He turned and faced me, and I sensed his unease.  "Is that so?"

I let my head fall again, feeling the tug of unconscious.  "It is... but I'm sure you'll want to see for yourself."

...

I woke to the sound of footsteps. When the door opened, I felt someone feel my pulse.  "I knew you wouldn't die so easily..."

I chuckled.  "Nope, I can't seem to get anyone to finish the job."

I felt cool water on my lips.  "Shut up and drink..."

I sipped tentatively, I knew gulping it would only make me sick.  "You could get in trouble for this..."

He pulled my chin up to look at him.  "I don't care."

I smiled weakly.  "Hmmm... seems my little brother got his wish of being the one to help me."

Sasuke's eyes were full of rage and pain.  "He will pay for this... he hasn't..."

I shook my head.  "Thankfully, but he always did enjoy the fight."

He frowned.  "How can you still joke about this?"

I met his gaze.  "Sometimes, Sasuke, you have to laugh through the pain.  It keeps you from breaking down and weakening you further."

His eyes widened.  "What can I do?"

I shook my head.  "Just stay below the radar... you will be of more use here, at his side."

He furrowed his brow.  "But..."  We heard footsteps, and he melded into the darkness.

"What have you done?"  I recognized the voice, and my heart broke as the door opened and purple eyes landed on me.  "Kunoichi..."

Pein tried to approach, but he was held back.  "Don't get too close... can't have you plotting against me now, can I?"

Pein was furious as he turned his gaze to Madara.  "What do you want?"

I was disgusted by the air of victory he held.  "Capture the other half of the Nine Tails... and destroy the Leaf Village and everyone in it."

I clenched my fists.  "You vile piece o-"

Pain shot through my body as he sunk a kunai in my side.  "You should watch that mouth of yours... I won't kill you, but I can make you suffer in many ways."

I spat in his face or on his mask rather.  "Do it, then."

He grabbed my face, and I stared defiantly at him.  "Seems your strength is returning... good."

I felt rage surround me and looked at Pein.  "Please, don't... I'll be fine.  Don't do this. Whatever he's offering, he's lying."

He looked back and forth between us.  "Unhand her... I'll do it. Just don't touch her."

I watched in dismay.  "Pein..."

He wouldn't look at me.  "I'll return after it is done."

Madara chuckled and led him out.  "Good..."

I closed my eyes, trying to control the emotions within me, and felt arms wrap around me.  "He will fail, Sis..."

I bit my lip.  "No... he won't..."

Sasuke pulled back.  "Naruto and the others..."

I shook my head.  "You wouldn't understand, but there is hope... we have to trust Naruto with that..."

He frowned.  "Why only him?"

I allowed a single tear to fall.  "He can reach people even in their darkest moments..."  I sighed, strengthening my own resolve, holding on to that one shred of hope.  "He will be the only one who can reach Pein now."