Theme 3 - Don't Go {Kimimaro x Juugo}

The darkened hallways were silent as always, though not deserted in the least. Rows upon rows of cells lined the halls, each holding one or two people too scared to mutter the slightest breath- except for two cells. Two people. Two friends.

Kimimaro sat by the barred-grates that were his left cell wall and held back a chesty cough to the best of his abilities. The boy on the other side of the bars frowned.

“I wish you didn’t have to go...”

Kimimaro bowed his head.

“You know I must, Jūgo. Master Orochimaru must have a new body and I am sadly too weak to fulfil that role now. I must make sure his new vessel arrives safely.”

Jūgo’s expression dropped even lower. He brought his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them as if to give himself a small sense of security. He glanced at Kimimaro. His friend had grown paler and weaker as the weeks had gone by. His health was rapidly depleting and there was nothing either of them could do to stop it.

Jūgo leant his head against the bars, feeling Kimimaro lean his own head there.

The pair gave out a sigh, and then - as if to destroy any hope Jūgo had left of Kimimaro staying – the white-haired boy rose unsteadily to his feet.

Jūgo said helplessly,

“Uchiha Sasuke. Why are they making you go out and get him? Up until now that wa...”

Kimimaro turned, facing Jūgo directly.

“Uchiha Sasuke. He is the man who will become my replacement as Orochimaru’s vessel. My goal now is to bring him back.”

Jūgo jumped up, the slightest pleading note in his voice.

“Is that guy really worth it!?”

Kimimaro bowed his head again.

“He and I are the only suitable vessels for Orochimaru...there aren’t any others.” He paused, breathing calmly. “I am willing to die to bring that man back.”

Jūgo flinched at those words, fearing for Kimimaro’s already bad health. Kimimaro smiled ever so gently.

“I thank you, Jūgo. After all, my abilities became more powerful thanks to your power.” He turned slightly, walking towards the door to his cell. “Well then, Jūgo...” He stood in the doorway and looked back at Jūgo, smiling slightly. “I’ll be back...”

As Kimimaro left his cell he coughed again; a painful, raspy cough. Jūgo muttered his last feeble attempt to stop Kimimaro marching to what was inevitable for him.

“Don’t go…”