In The Corner of Your Eye
Abby Ebon
Disclaimer – I do not own Harry Potter. I do not own Naruto. For, if I did, it wouldn't all be about Naruto…
3. Memories of the Dead
O.o.O.o.O.o.O
As he Harry walked, placing one foot in front of another instead of swimming, all the while he remembered what he was going back to – and the memories he knew seeing Konoha would invoke.
O.o.O.o.O.o.O
Harry closed his eyes, allowing the night to welcome him in its chilling embrace. With the night came memories – as he had both feared, and secretly hoped – they were of his brothers – after Harry had rescued them, they had swam to shore in the morning.
They had been surprised, for a few moments that so much time had passed on the surface. It was one of the great secrets of the earth – that in water, time passed more swiftly then above.
"I can't believe it – a whole day lost!" Hashirama bemoaned, and Harry glanced at him, somewhat amused at his dismay. He had nearly lost his life to a storm – yet he had recovered remarkably quick, as had Tobirama. Harry was curious at how – but thought it better to wait and see.
His only true belonging – the Invisibility Cloak, was griped firmly under his arm, the silvery almost see-though cloth had caused the brothers to become curious – but they had yet to question it. It was only a matter of time – Harry knew that well.
Just as they would question him about where he had gone off to after they had fallen asleep. Harry knew they had noticed him missing – yet, even now, they reframed from asking.
Harry was grateful – he sighed softly, not noticing their looks between each other, then to him. It was tiring – carrying on a conversation after so long alone. Harry hadn't thought past saving them – hadn't thought that they would want him with them, but they did.
Their enthusiasm to have him – their 'savior' (if only they knew – no, perhaps it was best they did not) with them had swept him up, like a fish, helpless in the tide, Harry had been washed ashore.
Before he had been – he had paid a visit to a Tomb. Harry was a Wizard, and though he had long ago mastered wandless magic – it still felt right to have a wand respond to his touch.
He had hesitated as he lifted the lid of the tomb – but there had been no need, Dumbledore's remains had long ago turned to dust – and then to sand. Only the Elder Wand had remained – as perfect as he remembered it to be. Harry hadn't intended to take it with him – but he had.
He had given into temptation – taking the Elder Wand with him like a crutch, something of his old life to hold onto in the new one he had been swept up into. Like any crutch Harry had had in the past, he had reasoned it away as a necessity – and in a way he was right. Harry might need it in the formation of the Village his brothers planned.
He might even need it to drive away the dreaded "rogue ninjas" his brothers spoke of.
He might – but, somehow, Harry doubted it.
Harry did not think of the Elder Wand as his – it belonged to the one who won it – Harry told himself that he had no connection to it, not as he did with his cloak, which was his by birthright.
But, feeling the Elder Wand beneath his fingers – even for a few moments, had brought back memories, mostly bad. Now, to feel the heaviness – the weight of its presence, against his chest – even as it was wrapped in the cloak, was a burden.
"Not lost, we've got the necklace – and we've gained a brother, Hashirama." Tobirama murmured, taking in Harry's haggard expression. Hashirama pressed his lips together – holding his comment that no true 'brother' would hold such secrets as Harry had back from them. Both brothers knew he had a past – an ancient one – the earth and sea they had such close ties to screamed their warnings of Harry at them. Harry – despite his youthful appearance – was ancient. Harry's beginnings were nearly forgotten by both sea and earth – though both elements had long memories.
For Harry's sake – they had stopped at the newly built inn opened on the beach.
"True enough, Tobirama– though I do wonder what a Wizard is…" Hashirama murmured, his dark hair hiding his eyes from sight. Harry sighed, knowing he had to answer – but not knowing, exactly, how to.
"A Wizard…" Harry began, thinking of his friends and family – how that had been close to him for so long had been Wizards and Witches, for – compared to muggles- they had been long lived.
"Everyone and everything has magic in it, for it helped to create…everything. The difference between you and I, is that I can use it – make it do something I want it to – daily. Anytime I wanted to – you…can't." Harry glanced at them then, he had been staring at his folded hands – they looked like they were trying to understand – not just dismissing his words and hearing only what they wanted to hear from them.
"I don't know why – before my people likely went extinct, they thought it had to do with genetics. Whatever the reason – it takes something dire for you to use magic – when it happens; people write it off as something normal." Harry's tone was amused, but, as if to offer proof, he pulled the Elder Wand from the folds of the Invisibility Cloak, offering it forward as his only proof – his own wand, eleven inches, made of holly, containing a phoenix feather - having long ago rotted away.
"This is a wand – a tool for a Wizard – although some foolishly thought it to be the key to their magic. True magic comes from within." Harry murmured softly, caressing the oddly soft wood for such an immortal object. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Tobirama, the younger of the two brothers, reached to touch it – Harry found himself surprised that he allowed it.
Harry felt the magic within it "still", as if measuring Tobirama's strengths and weaknesses – and finding him wanting; Harry curled his lip, glaring down at the Elder Wand – somewhat offended, if only for Tobirama's sake, that the magic found Tobirama "unworthy" of it.
"That sounds a lot like what we ninja's can do. We call it chakra, the body's energy - it's the energy within us – like a circulatory system. Combining it with our will – our spirit - we can make certain hand signs, and while focusing our chakra, make something happen," seeing that he had Harry's attention Hashirama continued, somewhat smugly in the tone of a teacher "we call it jutsu. There are three basic types – genjutsu – illusion techniques, ninjutsu – vaguely meaning most ninjas can perform those – taking in time training and practice – relative ease; these abilities also include sealing jutsus, and cursed seal jutsus, and finally taijutsu – using charka and spirit energy to increase your physical body's stamina and strengths. There also inherited abilities – kekkei genkai, blood-line abilities called such because these abilities are ones which you are born with – no one really knows if they can be learned or taught." Hashirama's long winded explanation halted at glimpsing his brothers amused face, and Harry's rather baffled expression.
"Perhaps, it would be better if Tobirama just showed you what I'm talking about." Hashirama muttered somewhat upset with his younger sibling letting him lecture without letting him know Harry wasn't following.
And demonstrate them Tobirama did – and Harry had to admit – he was impressed by the way these people – and magic itself – had transformed itself. It didn't take long for the brothers, and Harry, to find Harry could not do jutsus – his magic, which chakra "mimicked" as something like a circulatory system that kept him alive, did not allow him to have "chakra".
Magic itself, however, was impressive to them; when the village was established and built; Harry was welcomed with open arms when the villagers learned he had – what they perceived to be – a very rare kekkei genkai.
For the most part, Harry had allowed them to fool themselves into believing this – but, one day, someone – who had rivaled with the Senju brothers to become Hokage - wasn't fooled.
Madara Uchiha.
Harry took a great shuddering breath – it all seemed to come back Madara. The reason Harry had stayed in Konoha – the reason he had left the village – the reason he had not returned when he had been summoned by an Uchiha.
Harry shook his head, as a dog might shake to rid itself of clinging water – only, for Harry the "clinging water" were memories he had thought buried. Calmed somewhat by the absence of them, Harry continued his long walk to Konoha.
He knew, then, that he would reach the Village Hidden in the Leaves by sunrise.
O.o.O.o.O.o.O
Within the walls of Konoha – a boy who had been sleeping snapped awake.
Naruto's – gasping at a sudden rush of emotions drove him to sit up, staring into the dark. His pulse was pounding aloud in his ears, he was afraid, though he didn't know why. It didn't make sense – he shouldn't be afraid.
You are not, Kit, I am. The rumbling roar of Kyuubi voice filled Naruto's mind.
Kyuubi's answer only confused Naruto – what did the powerful Nine Tailed Spirit Fox – who most regarded as a demon have to fear? Kyuubi had told Naruto many a time that he had powers Naruto couldn't comprehend. What could frighten something like him – who was not even a physical being unless he chose to be?
Kyuubi seemed to laugh at him; it was grating and hysterical – Naruto shuddered.
Use your senses boy. Kyuubi growled at him, knowing his host thought him crazy, and disliking the comparison. He liked humans to fear him – be in awe of him, not to think he was mad.
Timidly, not really wanting to do what the fox wanted – but not seeking to anger him, Naruto obeyed – seeking out with his chakra to "feel" those near by. Kyuubi had told him that with time and practice Naruto would be able to know if those he felt were old or young – what their age was – their potential – and most importantly to the Kyuubi – if they were a threat.
What Naruto felt approaching – it was most assuredly a threat. Naruto – even with his limited ability, sensed this being – it was huge, not in physical mass – but in spirit, it was older – or near as old, as the Kyuubi itself.
What is that? Naruto asked the fox, his mental voice demanding and hysterical all at once.
That, Kit, is the reason Konoha, Village Hidden in the Leaves, stands. His very presence here made us flee – I was foolish enough to approach after he left, after me… Every demon fears him – for a demon, he is death. You, boy, are going to meet the Shadow Walker. Best hope he likes you – for if he doesn't, he will not hesitate to kill you to kill me. Kyuubi hissed at him, soft noises alike to short growls filled Naruto's mind and he realized, cold dread settling in his throat, that Kyuubi was giggling.
Sunrise lighted the sky above Konoha – but the cities Hokage was just outside its walls at the Valley of the End.
O.o.O.o.O.o.O
"How do you know he will come here of all places?" Kakashi asked Tsunade, he was somewhat sarcastic – for he knew - if Harry indeed had been around in the time of the First and Second Hokage he wouldn't carry the best of memories of this place. It was, after all – where the First Hokage had fought Uchiha Madara.
Tsunade opened her mouth to answer – likely it would be something scathing, but someone else had beat her to replying.
"Because she knows me all too well," spoke a man Kakashi could only assume was Potter Harry – he was slender and despite his fine clothes – looked the part of a rouge, those eerie green eyes gave Kakashi only a passing glance, but it was enough to unsettle Kakashi – for he had not heard the man approach, Harry's gaze settled onto Tsunade "my dear grand niece – did you know you have let the host of the nine-tails live among the people of Konoha?"
Tsunade gave him a small welcomingly real smile in response.
"I've missed you too, and yes – I'm well aware. His name is Naruto - you are to be nice to him." Tsunade told him, playing the part of a stern leader.
"As you wish, Lady Hokage." Harry murmured, for the entire world seeming an obedient servant – then Harry chuckled softly, and Tsunade's facade broke.
Kakashi watched in amusement as his Hokage hugged Harry tightly – embracing him like a long lost child – or relative. Harry looked briefly uncomfortable – his eyes met Kakashi's and Kakashi felt the part of a third wheel, for he knew he was the reason Harry had not let down his guard.
Tsunade – though it was impossible for her not to notice – gave no indication of being disappointed that Harry seemed not to be able to relax with another, unknown, ninja around.
"Now, tell me – why have you summoned me?" Harry's soft voice seemed to fill the morning air, for with it everything was suddenly serious again. Tsunade sighed – tired and reluctant all at once.
"Come with us into Konoha – and I will tell you." Tsunade promised, Harry's lips twitched in an almost smile.
"I always knew my curiosity would be my downfall." Harry murmured – his tone amused despite his solemn words. Tsunade gave him a sharp, searching look, and Harry met her eyes boldly.
Tsunade, apparently satisfied with whatever she had seen, lead them away, to the gates of Konoha. Kakashi stood silently, watching as Harry gave one last look to the two statues, undecided – and then turned away, seemingly resolute in breaking his ties to the past.
O.o.O.o.O.o.O
Everyone be sure to have a safe – and fun, Halloween!
…I think I just sounded a lot like my teachers preaching about "safe sex"…ugh!
