Eternity (Naruto-Itachi Book)-Complete

Ch.14: The Aftermath

Ch.14: The Aftermath

Blood. There was so much blood everywhere. A sinister laugh echoed the halls.

"You're next, Emiko. Don't you know? You'll be dead soon anyways, how about I make it easier for you?"

Stop... please stop...

"Why are you even alive right now? You'll only be a burden. Let me kill you faster."

Please... save me.

Someone save me...

"AAHHHHHHHHH!" Emiko jolted up, panting heavily. She could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage. Her sheets were drenched in sweat, and couldn't help but feel dizzy.

"Emiko!" Kakashi came near her and felt her forehead, "How are you feeling?"

Just a dream... It was just a dream. She sighed with a bit of relief. Looking around, she noticed that she was in the hospital. Instant flashes of last night sprang into her head before her eyes filled up with tears. "N-Niisan!" she sobbed before Kakashi wrapped his arms around her.

"Shh, it's alright, Emiko. You're safe. Shhh." His eyes softened before kissing her hair quietly. When he had found her last night with the other ANBU members, he was completely shocked for her safety. To be in the middle of such a blood bath...he couldn't even imagine.

Pulling back, she wiped her tears before her eyes widened in realization, "S-Sasuke? Where's Sasuke?" She sprung out of bed, ignoring Kakashi's calls and used her sensory skills to locate for him. Not caring that she was still wearing her hospital gown, Emiko ran throughout the village until she detected his chakra.

She ran through the now abandoned compound, ignoring the blood stains until she saw him standing in the rain, merely gazing at his home. Taking a few steps forward, she then ran at full speed, "Sasuke!" she screamed making him snap his head towards her.

"Emi-neechan...?" But...I thought that Itachi... "Nee-chan!!"

"Oh Sasuke!" She crashed into him and brought his body close to hers, "Oh are you alright?" she pulled back and checked for injuries, "Baka baka baka." She whispered before hugging his shivering form.

"N-Neechan..." he whimpered, "I-Itachi... he..."

"Shh, I know Sasuke, I know." Emiko quietly lulled him when she felt him sobbing against her neck. How cruel... so cruel to see something harsh like this at such a young age. Standing up, she carried Sasuke in her arms. He clung onto her from like a child onto a mother.

"I promise you Sasuke... that I will take care of you from now on. You are now my responsibility, and if anyone else touches you otherwise..." she harshly whispered with her eyes flashing threateningly, "I will kill them."

~~~

Emiko softly stroked Sasuke's hair as he fell asleep back on the hospital bed he was assigned to. She wiped his tear stained cheeks and couldn't help but care for this child even more deeply.

Oh Itachi...

"Promise me that you'll take care of Sasuke?"

"I promise Itachi," she whispered, "I promise from the bottom of my heart." I don't know why you did it, Itachi. I don't know what kind of mission it was, but I won't lose hope for you. I know you're out there somewhere grieving, all alone. I don't know when I'll see you again, but I will keep you in my heart...always.

She was snapped out of her thoughts when the hospital door slid open revealing it to be the Hokage. She lowly bowed but continued to stay seated, keeping her hand through Sasuke's hair. "You care for him very much, don't you Emiko?" he asked adjusting his robes.