La Speranza Ultima

XI. Fear

Kakashi picked up their pace significantly over the next few days, so much that Iruka was often carried by the silver-haired demon when he couldn’t keep up. They rested only when it was safe to, because the trees kept telling Naruto it wasn’t safe to stop. They couldn’t stop until they’d crossed the river, the trees said, because only demons could cross the river. Humans would be trapped on the other side. Often, Kakashi carried both Iruka and Naruto when the boy was too tired to keep moving, his pace a ground eating trot. Iruka did his best to keep up when Kakashi couldn’t carry him, letting the elder’s urgency full his blood until all he could think of was to keep moving.

Something bad was behind them. That was all Iruka needed to know, and so he kept moving. He did his best to keep his fear from infecting Naruto, smiling to keep the boy happy. It was all he could do to keep Naruto from asking why Iruka smelled like fear. It took just as much will power to keep Kakashi from asking as well. Finally, one particularly warm night, Kakashi called an early rest, and moved to make the first fire in a long while. Iruka settled down to rub his feet and cuddle Naruto, waiting for Kakashi to return. The silver-haired demon had gone to inspect the perimeter of their chosen resting place, leaving Iruka and Naruto together.

The brunette stroked the boy’s hair, smiling as Naruto pressed his cheek further against his thigh. They were almost there, almost to this Exodus, and then they would be gone from here, away from all the danger.

Iruka shivered as the night seemed to grow darker. The orange flames flickered shadows against his face, and Iruka could only pull Naruto up into his lap to try and keep warm. At least, that was what he told himself. He tried to keep his fear from waking up his little brother, knowing if Naruto woke up cranky, he’d never really hear the end of it. He needed his sleep as well, knowing the hardest part of their run was coming up. A few more days at the most, and then they’d be free.

The wind picked up and Iruka huddled closer to the small body in his lap, bending his head down and closing his eyes, praying that their protector came back soon. Embers flared up even as the fire died, giving Iruka’s heart a good romp around his ribcage. Even as young as he was, his heart should never gallop that fast. Immersed in darkness, Iruka looked out into the shadows of the trees and slivers of moonlight, waiting for Kakashi to appear. He sensed movement, shifted Naruto off his lap and carefully placed him in between the roots of the tree they huddled against. If something was going to kill him, better him alone than Naruto, too. Iruka shifted and rose to his feet, pressing his back against the tree trunk.

Maybe whatever was out there wasn’t looking for him.

When the night settled back into its own quiet, Iruka relaxed, shaking his head at his own foolishness. Kakashi would protect them even if he wasn’t seen.

Somewhere, out there, a branch snapped.

Iruka moved away from the tree, bending just a little to pick up a smoldering stick. It wasn’t a weapon he would’ve liked, but with what little afforded to him… well, it just might be a frisky squirrel. Right?

“Kakashi?” Iruka called softly, moving closer to the darkness. “Kakashi, is that you?”

Silence.

Iruka glanced back at the tree where Naruto lay and swallowed, moving further out into the darkness, clutching to his stick. Shivering, Iruka settled into an easy stance with his back to his charge and let his eyes adjust to the dark. Something silver flashed by in his peripheral, and Iruka whirled, stick swinging to defend himself. But there was nothing, only his heart going a mile a minute, fighting not to shake.

“Kakashi! This isn’t funny!”

Fingers brushed against his neck, nails scraping against skin. Iruka whirled, following those fingers, unable to see who was responsible for such contact. There was nothing, no soul nearby except for him and Naruto. Iruka was panicking, trying to find their protector, having half a mind to scream for the young kit sleeping hidden away. Then he heard it, the soft footfalls, the chorus of voices. Perhaps this was part of the Exo-

Iruka’s hope froze in his heart.

Laughter bubbled up from the ring of hunters.

Laughter came from the man leading them.

Iruka took a step back and suddenly he was caught in place, fingers curling around his arm, keeping him still. Mizuki’s face was suddenly too close to his, lips brushing over his own.

“Hello, Iruka,” Mizuki hissed. “I’ve missed you.”

“Get the hell away from me!” Iruka cried, struggling against the demon’s grip. Mizuki’s hand cracked across Iruka’s face, stunning him.

“Don’t take that tone with me, Iruka. Now, where are your friends?”

“What friends?”

Mizuki shook the human, snarling, face twisting into an evil mask. “Don’t play with me, Iruka!”

Iruka’s eyes narrowed, pulling back as far as he could go, even if he was still held fast. “I don’t know where they are. We were separated two days back and I haven’t found them.”

Mizuki’s face twisted. “Then you just bought yourself a one way ticket to the Exodus, ‘Ruka. A pure soul like you will be certain to get in.”

The silver-haired demon’s hand cracked across Iruka’s face, sending the human into darkness. He hauled the young human up over his shoulder, peering into the darkness for any signs of life. Mizuki believed he saw some sort of movement, but a further examination did not bring up any fruitful efforts. Still, Mizuki had what he wanted now, so all he had to do was lead his companions to the Exodus and wipe out the rest of the demonic population.

It was a beautiful ending to this opera.