Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything pertaining to LoTR


The moon shone overhead, its light penetrating through the canopy of the trees. A small group moved quickly through the forest despite the axes strapped to their backs; the tallest by at least a head, grumbled as she adjusted her helmet atop her head.

"Why must we meet in the forest," She complained, pushing her pink hair from her face, "Our halls are spacious enough for the elves, not to mention that we wouldn't be nearly as vulnerable there as we are out here."

"Because, my dear Sakura," The leader of the group said, turning to face her, "The elves can be a bit…well…"

"Proud enough to become nothing more than a pack of dauh," Sakura suggested, a smirk on her face. The other two companions chuckled, their chainmail clinking together the only sound in the quiet of the forest. He sighed, turning back to face the pathway, making his way towards a clearing in the distance.

"I hope that you will be more amiable to them daughter," He said as they neared the clearing.

"Aw, leave her alone! She's just having a bit of fun Kizashi," One of the companions called out, causing Sakura's smirk to widen. Kizashi merely shook his head as they entered the ring of light around the clearing created by the fire in the center. Sakura glanced over Kizashi's hair to look into the clearing; standing by the fire could be seen three men, each looking similar to the other, their pointed ears sticking out from the black hair framing their faces.

The dwarf group reached the clearing, right arms crossing their chests as they bowed to the elves. "Greetings daukhel of the West," Kizashi said, getting up from his bow, "To whom do I address as leader?"

"That would be I," The eldest of the three said, stepping forward. His black hair was short, and there were some lines of his face as Sakura noted; clearly, he was far older than he appeared. "I am Fugaku Uchiha, and these are my sons, Itachi and Sasuke." He said, gesturing towards the two standing beside him.

"Greetings, Lord Kizashi," Itachi said, bowing towards Kizashi. Sasuke mimicked the action, though no pleasantries were exchanged. Kizashi smiled at the boys before turning back to Fugaku, face serious.

"Do you know why the wizard has called us here," He asked; Fugaku shook his head, the fire casting shadows across his face.

"I do not; he merely told us to meet at this time, and that the news he had to tell us was of the gravest importance."

Sakura snorted, arms crossed across her chest. "Well then, if it's so important, why isn't he here now?"

"Sakura," Kizashi hissed, glancing back at her. Fugaku merely raised his hand, a small quirk to his lips being hidden by the shadows.

"Rest Kizashi, for she is young; she is not familiar with Kakashi's lackadaisical ways."

"Or patience for that matter," Sasuke muttered, casting a disdainful glance her way. Sakura growled, glaring at him from across the fire.

"I'm glad you wish to speak now dekhel," She bit out, "For a moment I thought you were mute, though I see now that you're merely rude."

"I speak only when I deem it fit," Sasuke said, facing her, "Something that you apparently must learn."

Sakura growled louder, clenching her fists as she felt Kizashi's eyes on her. The tension between them dissipated though when the bushes rustled; all eyes moved towards the area, some hands even reaching for weapons. Slowly, a blue-cloaked figure appeared, grass growing from his matching hat; small trinkets jinkled as he walked, his staff casting a guiding light for him. He looked up, scanning the clearing; a lone eye crinkled as he smiled at everyone.

"Well, looks like I'm right on time," He said, the light from the staff extinguishing.

"Yes Kakashi, if you call arriving two hours after we have to be on time." Fugaku said a small smile on his face. Kakashi faced him, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yes well, I got a bit lost on the path of life," Kakashi said, "Really interesting path this time around; I think I may have found the answer to-"

"Why are we here," Sasuke interrupted, glaring slightly at the wizard. Sakura smirked as she saw Fugaku cast a disapproving glance at Sasuke; clearly patience did not come easily to him either.

Kakashi turned to look at the young elf, eyebrow raised. "Ah yes, I did forget to mention that to you all didn't I? Very well then," He said, glancing around at the group, "As some of you may have noticed, there have been small disturbances across the land. Nothing major, but there has definitely been a pattern. I took it upon myself to investigate it, and found…well, it's quite hard to say it without causing a bit of panic…"

"Speak, my dear friend," Kizashi implored, "Whatever it is, we can handle it."

"Well then, I'll put it bluntly," He said, "The giant enchantress Kaguya is gathering an army to take back the lost city of Konoha."

At his words the group erupted into fervent mutterings, Kakashi catching snippets of each conversation:

"She's still alive?"

"How do we fight a monster like her?"

Kakashi sighed, banging his staff on the ground thrice to gain their attention. The groups quieted down, looking back towards the wizard.

"Now that I have your attention again," He began, "I will tell you that not all hope is lost. The Great War from centuries ago was won, and it can be won again. But it will require cooperation on everyone's parts."

"Kakashi, that war killed thousands of each race," One of the companions in the dwarf group cried out, "You've only called our two clans together; that's not nearly enough manpower! Not to mention that we don't have the heir to fight with us!"

Kakashi's eye crinkled as he smiled. "Ah, but you're wrong; we do have the heir. I plan to speak with him tomorrow, and then a quest will be underway to gather forces from everywhere to fight against her."

"And what of the dragons," Kizashi asked, glancing nervously at the fire, "You know as well as we all do that Kaguya used the powers of the Nine in that battle."

"That is also going to part of the journey," Kakashi stated, "It will be the goal of the heir, myself, and two people from your clans to either befriend the beasts for this war…or kill them."

The two groups eyed each warily, waiting for the first to speak up. After a long period of silence, Sakura stepped forward, arm crossing her chest as she bowed before Kakashi.

"I, Sakura Haruno, swear by my forge, that I will join you," Sakura said, eyes still on the ground as she spoke. She swiftly raised herself, looking Kakashi into the eye. Kakashi merely looked towards the elves, raising an eyebrow.

"Well? Who shall join the young Haruno dwarf?"

"I shall," Sasuke said, stepping forward, "Sasuke Uchiha, of the Uchiha from the West, will join you in your quest."

Kakashi clapped his hands together. "Well, glad that's all settled. Sasuke, you will come spend the night with me before tomorrow; Sakura, you shall go back with your clansmen for tonight. Tomorrow, after we speak with the heir, we shall come to your halls and receive you."

"As for the rest of you," He turned towards the group, "Tell your men to prepare. The hour is not at hand yet, but it is quickly approaching. You will all receive a signal from me on when to head to Konoha; in the meantime, be on the lookout for anything strange. Protect your clans."

"Thank you, Kakashi," Fugaku said, before approaching Sasuke. He took him by the shoulders, pressing his forehead against his. "Alámenë, my son. May the stars guide you safely back home."

"Namárië," Sasuke said, glancing towards Itachi, "To the both of you. May no harm befall you."

Itachi smiled slightly as Fugaku rejoined his side; Sasuke walked towards Kakashi has Sakura rejoined her group, some of them clapping her on the shoulder as they began to exit the clearing.

"Well, we better head home," Kizashi said, "Have to get you prepared and whatnot for tomorrow."

Kakashi and Sasuke watched as the groups left; soon the only ones left were them and the fire. Kakashi sighed, raising his staff, the black crescent moon glowing as he sprayed water to put out the fire.

"We best get some rest as well. Most likely it will be the last time in a long while we will have a soft bed."


Dauh: Stupid; fool

dekhel/daukhel: elf/elves

Alámenë: Go with our blessings

Namárië: Farewell; be well.

A/N: *whispers* Is it too late to join the 679 cover bandwagon?