Silence

53. Dark Voices and Plush Sharks.

"Shika," I murmured. "Please don't blame yourself."

I looked down at Shikamaru's hands. If he squeezed them a little tighter, then he would draw blood.

I wiped my eyes before reaching down and unclenching Shika's fists. Crescent-shaped marks littered the palm. I traced them gently while trying to come up with what to say. A part of me was filled with happiness that there were people in my life who loved me to no end, but there was a part of me that felt like I didn't deserve it.

❗❗❗

I felt more tears gather in my eyes as the faces of the people I let down flashed through my mind. My family in my previous life. Remembering them brought back all the memories of them than dying right in front of my eyes, and I was helpless. Kaa-San and Tou-San not getting the loving daughter they deserved and to see their life end so quickly. Naruto lying on the floor with bruises and cuts. Kakashi Sensei's dishevelled and exhausted appearance from spending endless nights at the hospital. Sakura spending her nights worrying about if I would wake up.

The worst of all was watching Shika break down, thinking that what happened was his fault.

I tried to breathe, but it was as if someone was clutching my throat, stopping me from taking a full breath. But there was no one. Shika wasn't doing anything.

But Sasuke betrayed you easily. A dark voice spoke inside my head. Why wouldn't Shikamaru do the same.

Blood pounded in my ears as I fell into a pit of panic and doubt. Tears started trickling down my eyes as I gasped to get air to my lungs.

Third Persons

A light gasp caused Shikamaru to snap his eyes open. Shizukana's eyes were wide open as she retracted her hand, placed it on her chest.

"Shizukana?" Shikamaru called out to her as he reached out to place a hand on her shoulder. Shizukana flinched and backed away at the sudden touch.

Taking this as a sign, the Nara retracted his hand and backed away. Shizukana's eyes were erratic as they flitted across the room. That's when Shikamaru noticed that Shizukana's breath was short and uneven. As if she was struggling to breathe.

"Shizukana? Breathe." The Nara said pointing towards his chest and taking a deep breath in. Shizukana watched and tried to mimic his actions, but instead of a full inhale of air, it was rather a short one that made no difference. It only teased her with that little oxygen she received.

Feeling light-headed, Shizukana tried to close her eyes and instead of seeing darkness, she saw colourful shapes and designs.

While all this was happening. Iruka Sensei was getting off the elevator and headed towards Shizukana's room. After hearing the panicked voices and scuffling from behind the door, Iruka pushed the door open to find Shikamaru and Shizukana.

The white-haired Kunoichi had raised her hand in defence as Shikamaru snapped his head to face the newcomer.

"Iruka Sensei!" Shikamaru voiced. Iruka widened his eyes at the scene in front of him. He dropped the bag he was holding and rushed towards Shizukana.

"What happened?" Iruka questioned Shikamaru, who was biting his lip.

"I don't know. It happened suddenly. She just... She gasped, and she looked like she couldn't breathe." Shikamaru answered while taking a deep breath to calm himself.

Shizukana had snapped her eyes shut and her hand clutched the fabric on her chest. She let out a choked sob as she tried to inhale oxygen, but started coughing.