Prologue: RAIN-Crimson Past

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Something is bothering you, the dragon gently whispered telepathically to his Rider. His Rider, Murtagh, looked out across the sky, giving no response. The twilight had long passed, bringing darkness as the sun sank below the horizon. The darkness of night would always be his fate, Murtagh often felt. Night….It was the time which Murtagh would often fly on his mighty dragon, Thorn, and reflect on the past which was dark as night- if not more so.

Murtagh then noticed dark nimbostratus clouds up ahead. He sighed. Rain clouds are beginning to gather. Let us land else we'll get soaked. The dragon did not start the descent but instead responded, No. I want to fly through the rain.

A beast of fire wants to fly in the rain? Murtagh questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Thorn chuckled, Even fire must succumb to the cleansing power of the water every once in a while.

Aye, Murtagh replied morosely, but there are some things even water cannot cleanse.

The dragon made no response, knowing the pain his Rider was feeling. Murtagh's life had been plagued by cruel fate and trials. The only thing Thorn could do was be there for him and help bear the burden. He stretched his wings further out, gliding through the sky. Soaring towards the oncoming rain, his crimson scales shimmered an almost silver color as wisps of the moonlight shone through the clouds. Murtagh closed his grey eyes as he felt the soothing combination of wind and rain hit him.

Thorn accelerated as the rainwater ran down his body, washing the accumulated dirt of the day's travels away. The sound of the rain was relaxing and added a strange feeling of wonder to their flight. Murtagh finally let a hint of a smile escape his lips. Though he was now drenched he had to admit flying through the rain felt good. Water fell from his eyes. Thank you, Thorn.

Murtagh sensed pleasure radiating through the dragon but then turned serious. Where do we go now? Thorns musical voice was somber.

Murtagh slowly opened his eyes. I feel like something's coming. As long as there is evil still hidden in the shadows Alagaesia will never truly be at peace.

Then it falls upon us to purge the land, doesn't it?

Murtagh's expression darkened. I don't think Alagaesia will exactly welcome me back with open arms, nor am I ready to go back. Spending the last few months traveling in forests and mountains up north Murtagh had long accepted the solitude with Thorn. It was his sanctuary-a place where no one knew he was the son of Morzan or the man responsible for hurting Nasuada in the past. Where there were no people to receive derision and hateful looks from. But still…wasn't he just running away? Murtagh didn't want things to always be this way-he couldn't purposelessly walk on meaningless paths forever. But he couldn't do what Eragon was doing either. If only his brother had stayed behind! He cursed.

So what path will we choose now? asked Thorn as he swooped down closer to the trees, nearly touching the tips of their upper branches.

If a storm is to come…we will fight it even if it means doing so from the shadows.

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Sasuke stood on the cold water's surface, staring blankly as he watched the rain fall. The drizzle of rain disturbed the water's surface, creating multiple ripples. Watching, Sasuke closed his eyes as memories surfaced. Painful memories of his childhood came to mind. He had only been a young boy when That Day happened. The day he saw his entire clan laying dead in the streets. The day he saw his parents lying in a pool of their own blood and his brother standing there with the weapon that had killed them in his own hands.

Sasuke gritted his teeth as he opened his eyes not wanting to see the crimson images again. Not only had his brother, Itachi, slaughtered his entire clan but he also traumatized Sasuke for life. His once loving big brother who had meant everything to him when he was younger had taunted and sneered at him. Itachi had at one time even used his Sharingan eye's genjutsu to make Sasuke experience the suffering of watching his parents' death over and over again keeping the image livid and fresh. Itachi had cut Sasuke deep- a cut that was unrepairable.

'I will kill him- no matter what. He'll pay for what he's done.' He thought with enmity. He then heard soft footsteps behind him. He could tell who it was without even turning around.

"What is it, Karin?" he asked gruffly. She looked down, able to tell by his tone that he was in a bad mood. Finally she said, "Sasuke…Let's go inside. You'll catch a cold."

"Like I care."

She stood next to him wanting to reach out for him but she could tell now was not the time. She tried thinking of something to converse with him about- if she tried anything romantic on him now he'd just push her away like usual. Pressing her fingers to the bridge of her glasses she asked, "Where is Hebi's next destination?"

"I'll kill Itachi," he stated plainly. It had been his goal and reason for existence for many years now. All the members of the newly formed Team Hebi knew this. Karin wished he would put thoughts of revenge aside and just be with her….

"He's in Akatsuki," Karin stated bluntly. "How do you plan for us to find him?"

Sasuke watched as a lightning bolt cracked in the distance, illuminating the sky briefly.

"We bait him."

"Bait him?" Karin asked puzzled.

"His mission in the Akatsuki is most likely to capture the Nine-Tails," he explained. "We'll get it before he does and lure him to us."

"How are we going to do that? It's impossible trying to catch a tailed beast-" Karin exclaimed.

Sasuke glowered at her and she stopped. She sighed submissively. He wouldn't be reasoned from this as his mind was set. Once his mind was set…well, he would do whatever he wanted.

"I know who the Nine-Tail's Jinchuuriki host is. Catching him will be easy."

"How do you know?" Karin asked.

"Because…we used to be teammates."

Lightning cracked the sky once again.


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