A/N: I would like to thank and acknowledge my brother, Requiem of The First (also a member of this site) for creating a great portion of the characters Itachi will encounter in this and future chapters.


Illusions of Serenity

Chapter IV

"Recollection"

...

Eyes focused solely on the path ahead, Itachi continued to keep his mind from dwelling on the runaway rose-haired Shinobi, though he had admittedly experienced a small semblance of amusement from their conversation, something he had not encountered in far too long. He sincerely hoped that she would be alright, though that wish was no more than a small flicker amongst his higher ambitions.

With a silent sigh, he contemplated his eye sight, the passing scenery providing continued wonderment. That was the most perplexing development within the entire situation, the one thing that refuted almost every possibility he could determine. Walking at a leisurely pace, he simply reaffirmed to himself the dire need for explanations. He needed to find a village or anyone at all who could at least tell him where he was.

He blinked suddenly as he realized the area was becoming brighter, the bland grey slowly being replaced with hues of color. Accompanying this occurrence was the fact that the atmosphere was growing warmer and the wind more subdued. He heard the faint sound of a bird's song, which was answered by the call of another. Looking behind him he saw only the array of tree branches and the imprint of his steps upon the path.

Returning his gaze to the direction he continued to venture, Itachi glanced to his left and saw a small, squirrel-like creature scurrying through the trees, its motions both frantic and boisterous. The subtle caress of the wind swept through his hair and billowed within his robes, providing a refreshing breath within the warmer weather.

Several moments later, he noticed the sun beginning to filter through the trees as well as, curiously enough, the colors of the sky beginning to shift from a tentative blue to shades of amber and violet. Strange, he contemplated; it shouldn't be possible that the sun is setting in this direction. Though, I suppose it might be earlier in the day then I had previously presumed.

Deciding against the continuation of such reflections, he only slightly increased his pace. He wanted to see what resided beyond the forest; to witness what lay unhindered by the encirclement of trees and foliage. Finally, with the aid of his improved vision, Itachi was able to vaguely discern a vast opening several feet ahead. He approached it before slowly reaching out a hand and moving several branches aside. Then, stepping out onto the grass, his eyes widened in unconcealed astonishment as he altogether halted his movements.

It was…quite possibly the most spectacular sight he had ever beheld. The wind had grown stronger, fully embracing him as it swept viciously and unrelentingly. The sun glowered overhead and the golden blades of the field danced in unison with the breeze. Above, the sky was entirely bight and vibrant, the colors all so strikingly outstanding and vivid. The violet and amber were now complemented by blushing pinks and exuberant orange, the colors intermingling perfectly and almost seeming to glisten within the sky that held neither cloud nor hints of darkness. The most peculiar aspect of the expanse however, was that the sun was at its peak, denying the possibility that it was either dawn or dusk. How were such colors possible within the middle of the day? It appeared that the curious blend was the natural state of the current atmosphere.

A faint, yet prominent mass within the sky gave off the impression of being a planet, though Itachi disregarded the notion. That was not possible, though he found it difficult to unravel what else it might be. He cast his gaze across the field and noticed a lone tree in the distance, its leaves multi-hued and strangely shaped. Stepping forward slowly, he walked through the dancing grass, the tips brushing against his hands softly and the soft earth cushioning his steps.

There was an incline ahead, atop which he hoped to gain a better view of the unfamiliar and curious area. The beauty of the place however, nearly took his breath away and his mind instantly felt the faintest touch of a forgotten tranquility. He inhaled the sweet scent that permeated through the air, its fragrance reminding him of something he could not quite place.

His spirit almost felt as if it were literally lifting within the hold of the almost enchanting quality of the strangely intoxicating expanse of nature. All the apparitions of his past momentarily receded within the wake of the new feeling invading his senses. Allowing his eyes to close, he extended a palm at his side and allowed his fingers to greet the dancing blades of golden grass. He had not experienced such a feeling since his early childhood, before the academy and prior to even a single thought of pursuing a Shinobi's life.

Allowing reality to fade from his thoughts, the Uchiha felt the very slightest upturn at the corner of his mouth, the first prompted smile since leaving Konoha. He thought of his home and of his family, picturing their faces and remembering their uplifting voices. He opened his eyes and greeted the iridescent sky, the visions of a more pleasant time replaying throughout his memory.

He saw himself from long ago, running across the Uchiha village with a happy grin in place, the eagerness in his steps apparent and the excited flutter of his young heart resonating throughout his chest. He was going to meet his little brother for the first time, his mother having just been released from the hospital. All night he had worried for the safety of the pair, sleep evading him and the anxiety nearly unbearable.

He had thrust open the door of his family home, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of his new sibling. Upon spotting his mother's door ajar, he rushed forward and slightly composed himself before entering to behold the bundle held within the woman's arms. His eyes had widened and his mouth parted at seeing the small person whose eyes greeted his own brightly and curiously. Itachi had slowly knelt beside the pair, his gaze focused on the baby boy.

"Would you like to hold him?" his mother had said, her smile as always sweet and soothing.

Itachi had nodded slowly before holding out his arms, somewhat nervous. His mother gently placed Sasuke within his hold before gently reminding him to be careful. It had been one of the happiest moments of his life, the absolute feeling of joy he immediately felt. Sasuke had continued to stare up at him as an answering smile found its way to Itachi's face. The delicate and fragile life in his arms had been unlike anything he had previously experienced, the swell of the immediate need to protect and love almost overflowing through his veins.

He had made two silent promises that day. Promises that he would forever uphold, despite would always protect his little brother, no matter what, and he would also protect the very essence of life. He wanted to protect the life of his village, of the people within and of the peaceful values determined by his most honorable superiors. Shisui…the Third and Fourth Hokage's…his mother…even Danzo, despite his twisted way of showing it…

Itachi lowered his eyes from the sky as he reached the top of the hill, his gaze sweeping across the valley below. In the distance he could make out the glistening of a massive body of water, along which resided a small settlement. Deciding on that direction, he began to descend the incline, his surroundings still every bit as amazing as the field behind him. His darker haunts had yet to return to his mind, though he fully understood and prepared himself for their return. Presently however, he welcomed the small relief he had been unexpectedly offered as he continued to entertain several recollections.

Within his musings, his mind conjured the image of that irrational Shinobi, her vivid face firmly engraved within his mind. He realized he had not even acquired her name during their little discussion, a fact he rarely overlooked, despite how unimportant such an acquisition would be. He supposed though, that he needed to at least refer to her as something aside from her career title. He doubted he would ever come across her again but, it still slightly bothered him that he had no name for the face he would now always remember as the first he had seen in a decade.

Picturing her characteristics he decided that the most notable aspect about her was the unique rose shade of her hair, its color reminding him of the spring cherry blossoms he would always enjoy at home. There was one tree especially that used to grow in the yard beside their porch, its branches always covered by the most exquisite blooming flowers at the start of every year.

He and Sasuke would often take afternoon naps beneath that tree, while their mother would sit and perform various domestic tasks, such as preparing a meal or mending their frequently mangled apparel. He remembered always somehow waking with the pink petals in his dark hair while Sasuke would simply point and laugh, his own hair completely free of the blossoms. That was a mystery he had never been able to solve…

Sakura, he thought contemplatively. I will simply refer to her as that. Seems as good a name as any.

He reasoned that the 'Sakura' girl probably hadn't come across any harm, considering the nature of his own situation and the pleasantness therein. This thought instilled a somewhat comforting sensation and he found himself more readily able to forgive himself the fault of not more actively persuading her to follow him.

As he neared the walls of the settlement, the field and rich soil turned to sand and gravel as the lapping banks of the clear water rushed to greet his feet. Ahead, the gate stood open before him, though his progression remained calm and unhurried. The path progressed along the shore, the dock and port of the town seemingly absent of individuals. He found this somewhat curious as the day was well into its peak and most villages he had encountered were overrun with crowds at this time.

Looking out across the water, he saw a lone boat with no one within, its presence in the middle of the vast lake pertaining to a rather unfortunate owner. The expanse was surprisingly clear however, and free of all manner of pollution. Its beauty only further enhanced the magnificence of his entire experience thus far.

The wooden steps creaked as he ascended the dock, as entrance to the settlement required his progression across the aged crossing. It appeared to be a small town, the measurement of the surrounding wall an indication of this fact. All was silent for several moments until he came within a few yards of the gates, his brows furrowing slightly at the curious thwacking sound that slowly began to infiltrate his ears.

The strange pounding continued and slowly began to eradicate his more pleasant disposition as reality returned to his awareness. Casting his eyes about the area as his steps paused, Itachi spotted only one individual, apparently male with his back turned towards him. Observing the stranger, the Uchiha looked more closely to see that he was vigorously smacking something upon the planks of wood beneath him, its echo resonating throughout the space.

He supposed there really would not be any harm in approaching the man and attempting to ask him of their whereabouts. The smaller villages usually remained unaware of the Akatsuki and would not immediately suspect his presence unless they were somehow unused to travelers.

However, before he could speak, the man suddenly turned, revealing his strangely set features and the subject of torture within his grasp. Itachi looked to the lifeless and distorted fish, its form almost unrecognizable after the thrashings it had been dealt.

The man blinked once, twice, three times before turning and continuing his hammerings of the fish upon the dock. Itachi titled his head only slightly at the curious interaction before hesitating a moment as he pondered whether or not to pursue his purpose in approaching the perplexing individual. Deciding that it was rather foolish to forego the opportunity, the Uchiha slowly walked over to the man and stopped beside him.

Once again, the stranger looked to him before he could start the conversation.

"Afternoon, newcomer," he greeted in a lively voice as he continued to violently smack the fish again and again. "You look rather peculiar."

Itachi could not help the slightly incredulous expression that took his features in response to the statement. Peculiar…was a far cry from what he was currently being presented with. "Aa," he replied smoothly after he took a moment to compose himself. "I was hoping you would tell me what town this is."

The man however, seeming to ignore his words, abruptly stood and allowed the mangled creature to fall from his hand before offering the same appendage in greeting. "Well met, lost one. I am Bogford Wong, fish beater and official settlement navigator. I am the proud owner of twenty of this town's finest goats and collector of Yucca plants imported from the land of Kanashimi."

Kanashimi, Itachi thought with an inward feeling of confusion, I have never heard of such a place. He looked to the offered hand but withheld his own, fully repulsed by the mere idea of fulfilling the courteous gesture. Instead, he decided to voice his own thoughts. "Kanashimi, what can you tell me of that place?"

The man lowered his hand and knelt upon the dock, proceeding to pick up his fish and shaking his head as he resumed his incessant thwacking. "A dark place that, a land no one should venture. I bravely go, to get my plants. My plants are important to me. Evil creatures reside there, evil carnivorous creatures. No one should go there. Not now, not ever. You should not go. You should not ever go."

Itachi looked away and toward the town, now resolving to try another individual. The man before him seemed half-mad, a rather disruptive occurrence to the pleasant atmosphere he had moments ago enjoyed. He also appeared incapable of offering him the information he sought and desperately needed to acquire.

He slowly continued across the dock, not even bothering to look back to see if the man was watching. He heard the disturbing fish pounding recede as he passed through the gates, his brow lifting slightly at the realization that there wasn't even a single guard in place at the entrance. With a start however, he quickly stepped back as someone hastily approached with a raised dagger. The bone-thin individual released a yell as Itachi reached for his own kunai, prepared to counter the potential assault.

Strangely though, as the man reached him, he merely stared almost unseeingly into his face, his left lid twitching once before he lowered his arm and turned, resuming his stroll at an easy pace. Itachi watched as he relaxed his posture, entirely unsettled and wondering exactly how to process the extremely bewildering incident.

Two insane individuals in as many as five minutes? What other explanation could be offered for such behavior? Perhaps there was a reason he had never encountered such a place. However, he still had to question how exactly he had ended up here.

Analyzing the set of the town, he noticed that all the other occupants were gazing at him almost suspiciously, their features wary and guarded. There were not many but those few appeared almost delirious in their distrust. Lifting his scrutiny he spotted what appeared to be an inn, the faded sign indicating a place of rest.

If any information was to be gathered from these people, Itachi presumed the establishment before him would be a wise place to begin. Continuing forward, he withheld his gaze from the onlookers, his features entirely unreadable despite the confusion of his mind. Ascending the steps, he opened the heavy, wooden door and entered a dark, but quaint room, illuminated only by candlelight and the grand hearth in the center of the space. To his left resided a bar, where a single man stood to attend any guests; to his right sat a rather unbecoming woman, her expression grim and unwelcoming.

"Bastard," he heard her faintly mutter before he decided to approach the bartender instead.

Straight ahead sat an incline of stairs, above which he assumed the rooms resided. The entire place held the comforting scent of hickory and fermented wine, and as he moved to sit at one of the stools, he spied a row of various and unrecognizable herbs on the rack above.

"You…you shouldn't be here," the gruff voice of the bartended suddenly addressed him. Itachi looked up to meet the man's glare before attempting to conjure an appropriate response.

"Is this not the settlement's inn?"

"It is," he replied, picking up a glass and grabbing a dirty towel to 'clean' the drinking instrument. "But you shouldn't be here."

Itachi simply continued to stare at him, his features betraying nothing.

"May I offer you a drink?" the man's voice and demeanor suddenly changing to one of politeness.

The Uchiha fought the narrowing of his own gaze in response as he looked to the contaminated glass in the man's hands, "no, but I appreciate the offer."

"Very well," the bartender proclaimed before reclaiming his apathetic expression. "Then you should leave."

Itachi glanced back at the stairs, "how much for a room?" It may not be wise to stay in this place but there is no harm in being prepared.

"A room?" The bartender pointed to the woman behind him. "You'll have to ask Miss Dalangia there. But you should leave."

With a mere nod, the Uchiha rose from his spot before slowly approaching the indicated woman. "I've been told that you are the one to ask if I am interested in renting a room."

"Bastard," she replied immediately, her mouth set in a deep frown. "A room is three gold pieces."

Gold? Itachi looked to her curiously. Such manner of currency has not been used in decades…

"You're the one who brought me here," she suddenly accused, resulting in the Uchiha's brows furrowing. "You are the one who seeks to kill me."

"I believe you might be mistaking me for someone else," Itachi replied, voice unwavering.

"No!" the woman stood to face him. "It is definitely you! You are the one. You are the only one. Bastard."

Itachi began to formulate a reply before being interrupted by the bartender as the man promptly shoved a large goblet into his hand.

"Your drink, sir." He stated firmly before hobbling off. "But you should leave."

Gazing down at the dark liquid, Itachi hesitated before moving to the table across from him to set it down. He turned back to address the angry woman only to find that she was hastily rushing out of the establishment, the bartender slowly shaking his head at her exit.

Itachi stood still and silently for several moments, somewhat unsure as to what his next course of action should be. He needed to find a way out of this strange land. He needed to find someone who was in complete control of their wits. Had he somehow stumbled upon an asylum of sorts?

The sweet sound of a harp then greeted his ears, which was followed by the answering serenade of a pan flute. Lifting his eyes he saw that two individuals were now playing these instruments beside the fire, their blank expressions irradiated by the flickering flames. The harp player then began to sing in a subdued, but almost eerie voice, his tones both haunting and inspiring vulnerability.

"Bards," a small voice spoke from behind him. Itachi glanced down to see a small child, a wide and almost alarming grin on her face. "Those are the bards, Sejin and Tatchin. Those are the bards. The bards play the music. The music creates the curse. The curse of bliss. A bliss of pain. A pain that no one forgets. Forget…forget…" she suddenly released a shrill laugh before running past him and disappearing behind the bartender's counter, where he greeted her with a shake of his head.

Why could I not sense her presence? Itachi then began to acquire an almost unnerving realization as he noted that he had not used his Sharingan even once since regaining his sight. Aside from this was the fact that none of these people seemed to possess even the slightest chakra signature, which regularly flowed through all individuals.

He had no idea how to react to so many strange and unsettling occurrences, this place being far removed from his area of comfort. Needing to confirm a suspicion that had started to creep over his mind, he slowly removed himself from the inn. He stepped out into the village, where the onlookers continued to gaze at him cautiously.

Walking past them, Itachi made his way across the small space and left the settlement, eyes set on the shore beside the water. He heard the return of the fish beater as the loud claps greeted his ears once more. However, the Uchiha did not stop as he descended from the dock and carried himself several feet away from the crouching individual.

He only halted his movements when he reached the lake's edge, the wind continuing to carry the water hastily towards him. Itachi inhaled deeply before slowly beginning to form the appropriate hand seals, eyes fixated on the waves before him.

He extended his hands over the water only to find his suspicion proved correct. He could not use Shinobi techniques within this place. For good measure, he attempted to activate his Sharingan, only to have that attempt fail as well.

Lowering his arms, he glanced back at the hunched over figure of the fish beater as the distressing sounds returned to him. All of his previous feelings of serenity faded instantly, leaving only a suppressed anxiety. Where…am I?