A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back!

Rated: "M"

OOooOOooOO

Chapter 2 – A Change in the Winds

"You called for me, Master," Sasuke said, bowing low, his earrings softly clinking against one another.

"Indeed," Pein looked up from the scroll he'd been reading. "Hard to believe it's been five years." Sasuke merely nodded, for he too had been keeping track of the days. He knew what today meant, standing in his Master's office. Though no emotion spread across his face, on the inside his heart was racing.

Pein stood up, looking over Sasuke with a critical eye. At fifteen, Sasuke was tall, lean, and toned, his body supple and flexible. He had mastered every position in the books, making even the coldest of people turn to putty within seconds. Intelligence and confidence radiated from him as well, for this whole experience involved both the body and the mind. He'd quickly become the favorite of the house, leaving his days as a frightened child far behind him. Pein was extremely pleased with the person before him, and he knew the boy's father would be as well. He cleared his throat. "I'm sure you know why you stand before me," he said.

"Yes. And I am ready."

The older man was glad one of them was. Pein was usually happy to see his students ready to return to the outside world and perform as they'd been taught. But this time, it was different. "Come then," he said gruffly, turning to leave. Sasuke fell into step behind him. The two continued to zigzag down various tunnels underneath the desert sands for nearly thirty minutes. They had walked in silence, each deep in their own thoughts, until they reached a door engraved with hieroglyphics. He was about to step inside when he was brought to an abrupt halt.

"Before you get started," said Pein, his voice turning venomous. Quick as lightning, the older man had slid a blade underneath Sasuke's neck. "Don't think that I do not know about the feelings you harbor for my wife. Try anything other than what's expected of you, and I will kill you," he hissed. Sasuke said nothing, sliding his obsidian orbs to lock with the steely gaze of the other man. "Now, go," Pein said harshly, releasing the raven. "The sooner you get started, the sooner you can finish," he muttered, heading back the way they came.

Sasuke scowled at Pein's retreating back, one hand resting on his hip. What Konan ever saw in that man he'd never understand. Well, tonight, things would change. Taking a quick moment to smooth out his white robe, he then took a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped inside.

The room itself was bigger than any he'd ever seen. Long, thin candles were lined up along the edges of the room, while fat, shorter ones were displayed on two tables that were pushed against the fall wall. In-between them sat a large bed, covered with midnight blue silk and satin sheets. Eight various sized pillows, covered with the same lovely material were organized near the exquisitely carved headboard. Stepping forward, Sasuke reached out to touch the bed, his fingers smooth against the softness of the Egyptian cotton.

"Beautiful, isn't it," Konan said softly, emerging from the shadows. She wore a long pale blue robe, a ribbon tied about her waist. Her hair was pinned up with a rose, her eyes lined with blue shadow, her lips plump and pink.

"Yes, mistress, but it does not compare to you," Sasuke replied silkily.

Konan raised a brow, "I see you waste no time in getting started. Very well, let the final exam begin. Show me what the past five years have taught you."

"With pleasure," Sasuke said huskily. He went over to Konan and stepped behind her. With one hand, he reached around her waist, pulling her up against his body. The other hand snaked its way over her chest, his fingers diving inside the robe. "Konan," he whispered, leaning in to kiss at her elegant neck. She felt him grip her breast, the size of her amble globe seeming to fit perfectly in his palm. It wasn't long before his fingers found her nipple, his thumb and forefinger rubbing at the dusty pink nub until it grew hard. Konan sucked in a breath, and she began to rub against Sasuke's hardening cock.

"So far, so good," she said with a coy smile. "Show me some more." Sasuke withdrew his hand from her robe and he skillfully untied her ribbon, letting it flutter the ground. The robe was being pulled away, revealing more skin, which Sasuke promptly covered with soft, adoring kisses. The garment then slid completely from Konan's shoulders, falling from her lithe frame, to pool at her feet. She stood nude, her slightly tanned skin highlighted by the candlelight. Sasuke was memorized by her soft skin, supple and lovely as it was. His lips moved down her spine, his hands caressing her flesh as he went lower and lower on her body. "Good, good," Konan said breathlessly. "Now, I want to look at you." She turned, seeing Sasuke rise up to his full height, one that towered over her.

Sasuke's eyes were wild with lust as he stared down at her. But he knew what was expected next. He took a step back, and then went to untie his own robe, shedding the white linens in a slow, sensual way. He also now stood naked, his modesty gone from his early days. Konan's breath caught. God, he was stunning. And he was huge! "Is all that for me?" she said slyly. She strode over to the bed, lying down. With her two fingers, she beckoned Sasuke over. "Touch me some more."

Within seconds, Sasuke had crossed the room and was now hovering above Konan. He leaned in, their lips coming together in a kiss. The raven then broke away, trailing kissing down her throat and into the hollow of her neck. One hand steadied himself while the other kneaded one of Konan's breasts. He grinned lustily, his lips continuing their path down her body, before they found a perky nipple, his teeth clamping down gently. Konan moaned, arching her back. Damn! He was good. His soft bangs tickled her skin, and she found herself caressing his silky black locks. After getting one nipple hard, Sasuke moved to the other, showing it the same amount of attention, before heading lower. Licking and nipping, Sasuke found himself at her navel, where he let his tongue roll around the small indentation, his hands going behind her back to grasp onto her buttocks. He lifted his head, his dark eyes smoldering. Moving his hands, Sasuke went to gently spread Konan's legs apart, allowing him better access. Skillfully, the raven slid in one finger, then another, and began to slide them in and out of Konan's most private of places. She arched her back, small moans of desire escaping her lips. Sasuke took that as a good sign, placing two more fingers inside of her, scissoring them to make room for him. Sasuke smirked, going in with his lips first, his teeth pulling on her womanly folds, his tongue thrusting deep inside. Konan withered at the sensation, gasping as he expertly got her to orgasm.

"Very good, Sasuke," she said breathlessly. But the raven wasn't done yet. He withdrew a bit to run butterfly kisses down the insides of her thighs, while his hands stroked her legs. Konan had closed her eyes, enjoying the whole experience. Usually, the men were good, but Sasuke brought the experience to a whole new level.

Sasuke shifted himself so his hips were barely hovering over hers. His erection was throbbing for release, the velvety tip rubbing against Konan's hot core. She arched her hips up, eagerly seeking Sasuke. He accepted, pushing himself in, forceful, yet gentle at the same time. Her passage was well used, the muscles clamping to his shaft as they'd done with others before his. He swore he'd make her forget about all the others. Slowly, Sasuke slid in and out of Konan, making her pant and moan softly. Her legs slid around the raven's body, locking together behind his back. Their bodies were covered in sweat, making it easy to rub and create friction when their skin touched. Sasuke leaned in to kiss and nip starting at Konan's lips, trailing kisses along her jawbone down to her breasts while he continued to work her lower regions.

Moments later, and still grinding into her body, Sasuke pulled up, bringing his dark eyes to meet her steamy green ones. "Konan," he said, voice thick with passion, "I love you."

SLAP! Sasuke's cheek stung from the impact. "Off! Now!" Konan deadpanned. She unlocked her legs, then brought her hands up, giving Sasuke a hard push on his chest. He staggered backwards, caught off guard by the sudden change in mood. She glowered at him, her eyes blazing in the candlelight. Sasuke withered to the floor, his erection throbbing so hard, it brought tears to his eyes.

"Take care of yourself, then we have to talk," Konan said sharply. Sasuke turned away from his mistress, and proceeded to give himself the relief he needed. What happened? How did it all go so wrong? Jerking himself off was humiliating, especially in front of Konan, but he had no choice. He used his own clothes to wipe up his mess, then turned back towards Konan, who now stood clothed in her robe once again. Amazingly, she had composed herself as if nothing had even happened. "Don't think I didn't realize that you weren't planning on pulling out in time," she gritted out. "But that wasn't the worst of it. You never, and I repeat, NEVER, say those words to a woman unless it is true."

"But I did mean them," Sasuke countered, "with every fiber of my being. I love you, I always have, ever since the first day I came here."

"No, Sasuke," Konan sighed, rubbing at her temples.

"I do not understand," Sasuke ran a hand through his sweaty bangs. "The things that we've done together…"

"Were all part of the training, and nothing more," Konan said stiffly, turning to take a seat on the edge of the bed. It's not like she enjoyed doing things like this, but she'd seen people get too attached to her in the past and their lives were miserable for it. Shock crossed Sasuke's face, which was quickly replaced by hurt. "Come here," she gestured, patting a spot next to her. He did as instructed and sat, at first refusing to look at his Mistress. She took his hand between her own and began gently, "You harbor a heavy lust for me, Sasuke. It's no wonder too, seeing all the time we've spent together, both in and out of the bedroom. But it is not the same as love."

Sasuke turned to look at her, his face emotionless, though his eyes were pleading. "But I will be Pharaoh someday. I will have power. I can give you anything and everything. Life can be better for you."

"But without love, it will be for naught," Konan replied gently. "There is man who already holds my heart. You too will find someone who will treasure you, comfort you, and love you. But you must search beyond the layers of lust to find it."

"I cannot hold such optimism," Sasuke said grimly, "for there is no one like you."

"Remain hopeful, Sasuke. You are kind, strong, smart, and talented. Traits like that are tough to come by in these hard times." Sasuke returned her words silently with a squeeze of his hand in hers. Then, he stood slowly, gathered his soiled robe, and exited the room.

OOooOOooOO

The next morning, Fugaku stood stoically on the very dock that he stood on five years previously. He tapped his foot impatiently; beads of sweat trailing down his face from the hot Egyptian sun.

"My lord," Pein bowed. "You son is fully prepared for the tasks he'll have once he returns to the palace."

"I would have expected no less," Fugaku replied coolly.

"Sir," Pein began firmly, "I have completed my end of the deal. I have made exceptions in my beliefs and have kept the whole ordeal a secret. Now, when can Konan and I expect to see our part fulfilled?"

"Don't worry," Fugaku said, a smirk appearing at the corner of his lips. "You'll get what's coming to you."

"Father," Sasuke offered a brief bow. "Master," he bowed even lower towards Pein. Fugaku's eye twitched, seeing his son show more respect to someone other than him. Quickly regaining his composure, he glanced over Sasuke, seeing that he was wearing bright white linens, accented by reds and blues, golden bands looped around his neck, wrists, and legs.

"Well, you've certainly grown, haven't you? Let us hope it is in all the right places. Either way, do not let it go to your head. You'll never be on par with your brother. Now, time to get going. You have a job to do, and you better not be an embarrassment as you were before." The former king turned and walked haughtily back to the small craft that was floating silently in the nearby river.

"Five years, and that's how he greets you?" Pein muttered.

"Honestly, how can that man have a family?" Konan huffed. She turned to Sasuke, "I hate returning you to that horrid man."

"Apparently time cannot change everyone," Sasuke said flatly.

"Sasuke," Pein said curtly, "Make us proud out there."

"Of course, Master," the raven replied, bowing low. Pein nodded, then stepped back, allowing his wife to say her goodbye.

"The house won't be the same without you," Konan sniffed. She leaned in close to his ear, "Remember what we talked about."

"Yes, mistress. Goodbye," he whispered back.

"Get a move on, Sasuke. The ride back will take several hours," Fugaku shouted from the boat. Heaving a sigh, Sasuke glanced at the place that had been his home for the past five years and gave a small smile. It had been worth it, every minute. He turned, headed for the craft. Once he was seated on board, the boat pushed off from the sands, and set sail down the Nile.

"Do you think he'll be alright?" Konan asked Pein, worry crossing her face.

"Of course," Pein replied, "This is Sasuke we're talking about. Anyways, the former king said that our end of the deal would be completed as well. He said he'd be sending people over to finalize the paperwork. Once that's complete, we can finally do all the things we've dreamed about."

"Think again, desert whores," Neji said smugly, the captain revealing himself from his hiding place in the sands. Snapping his fingers, fifty more guards appeared, surrounding the couple.

"What is the meaning of this?" Pein growled, pulling Konan close.

"Simple. To kill you," Neji returned matter-of-factly.

"Why? We did everything we were told!" Konan shouted back.

"We can't have either of you, or your people, running off and telling anyone about Sasuke's training. Death is the quickest option to avoid any type of blackmail."

"This is absurd! We'd never do such a thing," Pein snapped. "Besides, the Pharaoh gave us his word, his protection."

"You think he'd honor such a pact with desert dogs," Neji replied arrogantly. With a wave of his hand, three of his guards latched onto Konan, ripping her from Pein's grasp.

"Pein!" she cried.

"Konan!" Pein stepped after her, but was cut short as other guards pressed in closer, their spears edging dangerously close to his neck. He was about to tell the captain off when he smelled something burning. Looking up, he saw flames and smoke coming from the underground house.

Pein roared, latching onto one of the spear tips, tearing it away from one of the guards. The sharp blade cut into his hand, but he didn't care. He swung the weapon around, jabbing it into one of the guards, then brought it back up to knock out two others.

"Konan, I'm coming!"

"The only place you're going is the River Styx," Neji snarled, jamming his sword into Pein's back. The orange-haired man grunted as he hit the sands with a heavy thud. He tried to get back onto his feet, but was roughly pushed back down by a heavy sandaled foot. The sword continued to push wickedly through Pein's flesh, slicing through his body, and ultimately pinning him to the hot sands. The wound was fatal, his breathing ragged and strained. "Though before you die…" Neji smiled wickedly, then pulled on Pein's hair, forcing the dying man to look up.

Pein's jaw dropped. His wife was bound, lying on the sands, her clothes completely torn away from her body. The guards that loomed above looked at her lecherously, licking their lips. "Leave her alone!" he coughed out, blood and sand trickling from his mouth.

Neji smirked, then snapped his fingers. The guards surrounded Konan like vultures. "Let the games begin." The men dove in, surrounding the helpless woman. She screamed.

OOooOOooOO

"Mistress?" Sasuke stood abruptly in the boat, causing it rock precariously back and forth. He looked back down the Nile, his eyes squinting against the reflection of the sun off the water.

"Dammit boy, sit back down before you knock the boat over," Fugaku said irritably.

"Smoke," Sasuke's eyes widened, seeing an ominous black cloud rising above the sands.

"It's coming from the house. We have to go back." The raven turned towards his father. "We must help them. Command the boater to turn this craft around." Fugaku, nor the boater, moved or even acknowledged that Sasuke had spoken. "Fine. If you won't turn around, I'll swim back there myself," Sasuke muttered. He began to slip out of his tunic, but flinched when he felt the bite of something against his ankle. Sasuke looked down to see a black snake hissing back up at him, its tongue darting in and out. It flicked its tail, then slithered back to the boater, curling its way up its master leg. The raven staggered, grasping the edge of the boat, his vision blurring. He looked back at his father, who had remained passive through the whole exchange.

"Why?" Sasuke slurred, dropping to his knees. He was having a hard time focusing, his thoughts growing fuzzy, his limbs heavy.

"Seems you were about to do something stupid."

"Hn. I don't care about me. But why…my Master, Mistress, the house…" The raven tried to stay on his feet, but his legs no longer held him and he slunk to the floor.

"Those people are no longer your concern," he answered coldly.

"How dare you," Sasuke growled, glaring daggers at his father, "I swear I'll…"

"You'll what?" Fugaku sneered. "You can't even get on your feet and look me in the eye." Darkness closed in fast, the snake's poison racing through Sasuke's system. He grew tired, his heart rate slowing down, and it wasn't long before he slumped to the ground unconscious. "Pitiful as always. Though at least now you'll serve a purpose."

OOooOOooOO

Naruto woke up, bleary-eyed and still tired. "Same shit, different day," he grumbled drowsily, slipping his feet into well-worn sandals. His white linens were rumpled from sleep, but he didn't care. He'd just be heading in and out of the dark pyramids for most of the day anyway. He shuffled over to the window of his slave quarters, flipping back the cloth that kept the place dark and cool. Bright light was brought into the room, illuminating the meager surroundings. While most people hated the hot sun, he craved it.

"Naruto!" one of the guards shouted.

"Yes, sir." Crap, he was late again. He ran out the door, and collided with said guard. The man narrowed his green eyes, his short, shaggy hair barely peaking out from under the cloth hat that he wore. He carried a spear in one hand, and a long leather whip in the other. He would have raised an eyebrow, if he had one. "Sorry sir, I..uh.."

"Quiet! The sun grows high in the sky, now get to work! You'll be staying extra late in the tombs to make up for your laziness," Gaara said firmly. He snapped his whip, the crack of it echoing in Naruto's ears. "Go now. The next one won't miss." Naruto gulped nervously and took off towards the wells.

"Laziness, my ass," Naruto mumbled. "It's not like I enjoy doing this or even want to be here in the first place," he sighed to himself. Not like he had much of a choice anyways. Everything he knew was destroyed on the fateful day five years ago. What was once a promising future was now a bleak one. The blond heaved a bucket full of water from the well and grabbed a ladle. He glanced up at the sky, watching the clouds idly drift by. He felt a tear wind itself down his scarred cheek. "Dad, I miss you." Rubbing it away quickly, he turned and trudged off to another day of hard labor.

About ten hours later, Naruto was dragging the millionth, (or so he thought) bucket of water into yet another tomb. He was tired and sweaty, his muscles strained from the work of the day. He stopped for a quick breather and to light his small torch. This particular tunnel seemed to go on forever, constantly crisscrossing and backtracking back in on itself. The bucket seemed to grow heavier with each step, and Naruto found himself getting aggravated. Taking a deep breath, he turned his attention to the walls, hoping to catch some interesting hieroglyphics. Although he couldn't read them, he had always enjoyed looking at the pictures. He scowled, noticing the walls were bare, the same boring limestone pattern repeated over and over again. As if things weren't bad enough, his torch started to shrink. "No, don't go out, please, please," Naruto begged the dying flame. Within seconds, Naruto was left standing in pitch-blackness. "Great, just great," he muttered. "Well, I have to get this water to the guys down here regardless, so I better get moving. I think the tunnel continued in this direction …OW!" Naruto smacked into a wall, the water sloshing inside the bucket, some of it carrying over to splash down onto his foot. The blond clenched his fists, and grit his teeth. Picking up the bucket again, he attempted to move further down the tunnel in the hopes of hearing voices or seeing some light. The tunnel was nearly impossible to navigate, let alone trying to do it without a source of light. The darkness began to push down on him, thoughts of being buried alive drifting through his mind. He grew nervous, and tried quickening his pace. Eventually, he did hear voices and saw shadows dancing off the walls in a room up ahead. "Finally!"

"And here would be a great place to put…why, hello, Naruto," said Sai, a smile gracing his lips. In front of the blond stood another teen, though this one was a year old, just turning sixteen. He wore a blue sash than hung from his shoulder across his chest, with a white linen draped about his hips. Around his waist hung leather cords, each attached to a various brush or scroll.

"Oye! It just had to be you down here, didn't it?" Naruto rolled his eyes.

"Everyone," Sai clapped, "water's here. Take five." There was a rustle of movement as twenty men emerged from the shadows, crowding around Naruto, eagerly taking the refreshing liquid from his bucket.

"Geez, at least give me a minute to get out of the way," Naruto barked as he was shoved off to the side.

"I apologize for my men," said Sai, "they've been hard at work all day and were in dire need to quench their thirst."

"Yeah, I noticed. So what are you guys working on anyways?" Naruto wondered, scratching at his head. His eyes roamed the large, empty, and rather plain looking room.

"It may not be much now, but just wait. As of this morning, I've been given the task as head artisan to complete this tomb for the newly returned prince."

"But I thought Itachi already had a tomb?"

"He does. This is for the younger Uchiha. Sasuke."

"Oh." Naruto furred his brow. "Sasuke, huh? I don't remember hearing much about him."

"Don't worry, you'll be hearing lots about him soon if what's in these plans are true." Naruto cocked his head. "See here," Sai was glowing as he opened a scroll filled with blueprints, "there's going to be a fertility god on nearly every available space. And look at the size of the penis on these things. They are really something." He glanced mildly at Naruto. "You jealous? After all, yours is probably the smallest I've ever seen. It would take a really fine brush just to…"

"Shut up, Sai!" Naruto threatened.

"Well, it's true," he shrugged, walking to get himself a drink.

Naruto bit his tongue, silencing the curses he wanted to let lose. Sliding past Sai, he grabbed the now-empty bucket, and turned on his heel. Helping himself to a torch that hung off the wall, he stalked back into the narrow tunnel that would lead him up to the surface. He was annoyed with Sai, the pale teen clearly enjoying giving him a hard time. How did he even know what the size of his cock was anyways? "Grrr…" he snarled, tossing the bucket down the tunnel. It disappeared into the darkness. "Oh good move, Naruto," he muttered to himself. Sighing, the blond plodded off in pursuit.

Moments later, Naruto scratched at his head. "Where did it go? I mean, it couldn't have gone that far." Suddenly, a cold breezed picked up, dousing Naruto's torch in an instant. "Aww…not again," he sulked. Shivering, he continued down the narrow tunnel, his eyes doing their best to adjust to the darkness. He had been wandering for some time, and he knew he was lost. Swallowing his nervousness he thought about going back to try and find Sai and the others, but he didn't want to be ridiculed again. So, he pressed forward, taking step after step until he felt his foot stepping onto…nothing. "What the?" Naruto felt himself falling before he even knew what was happening. He screamed, terrified, until he hit a soft, sandy floor.

"Ugh….stupid traps," Naruto mumbled, spitting sand from his mouth. He blinked his eyes, surprised to see torches glowing dimly against the walls. The tomb was amazing, the dimensions larger that he'd even seen, but it had been heavily damaged. The columns that lined the walls were crumbling; large chests and tables covered in dust lie broken on their sides. Hieroglyphics were everywhere, though they were scratched badly. Bottles and jars were scattered along the floor, cracked and opened, their contents long gone. Statues of two large black dogs, their design based off the god Anubis, were to his left. Pieces were missing: ears, feet, tails, chipped and scratched. Not surprisingly, there was no gold or treasure to be found here. But whoever the resident was, he seemed to still be here. Naruto rose to his feet, drawn to the large sarcophagus that sat behind the dog statues. The lid was slightly ajar, a smoky purple mist seeping from it. Intrigued, Naruto stepped closer, noticing that it too, had been destroyed. At one time, gold would have graced the face of the casket, beautiful paintings and decorations covering the body and sides. But now, it was in shambles, everything stripped from it. The air was dusty and still, like no one had been in here for years. But if that was true, then why were the flames still burning and what was creating the mist? He furred his brow, "Maybe they messed up on the mummification process?" Naruto wasn't looking forward to finding out, but he could at least pull the cover back on. As he about to try and pull it shut, a heavily wrapped hand shot up and held the cover open, the fingers decayed, nailed chipped and raw. Naruto let out a startled yelp. He tried to back away but was stopped short as the two dog statues bit into his calves, holding him hostage. The lid slowly slid away, the mist enveloping Naruto and the rest of the room. The blond was terrified, his face paling as he saw a pair of red glowing eyes appear before him.

END CHAPTER 2

Hope you all enjoyed it. Reviews are welcome as always. Thanks!