Dedicated to: Charmander77 & Brandon -my reviewers! Many thanks!

The cryptic revelation from Kuro was left just that, he explained nothing and looked disapproving when Yukimura tried to question him. "I'm going to calm the storm then we must leave immediately the future of your lands is at stake." This was the last thing the other had said and then he had disappeared deep into the cave without another word.

As much as he wanted to disagree he couldn't. There was something going on that he didn't understand and if this "problem" might hurt Lord Oyakata then it was his job to help. It would cause only a minor delay according to Kuro. For now he would just have to trust in him.

...

"Finally I found him!" These excited words were heard by none except the surrounding forest inhabitants. Having traveled for several days following her husband she became sidetracked when feeling her brother's elemental presence. It had been a long time but she still remembered the feel of his powers that day.

She didn't know whether to be afraid or grateful for the rage that had protected her then. Surely she would have had worse happen to her if Rakan had continued his assault. After her brother had left she had chosen to feel gratefulness, but when she grew and learned more about the powers their family possessed she had learned to fear.

Anyone who knew anything about syncing knew it was a double edged sword, so many things could go wrong. The worst happening that both the element spirit and the elemental user were merged leaving an out of control doll filled with power, the strictest control was required for such a feat. That horrible day she had seen the water elemental completely take control of her brother by using his anger against him.

Kura! Startled she tripped slightly before gaining her balance. Brother! The familiar calm of her brother's presence eased the fear that she bore since seeing the dark clouds in the distance. What are you doing? Where is your husband! Wincing slightly she sent him a picture of her husband in battle gear riding with his army. I'm coming for you! First help me with this storm we should be able to deal with it together. Frowning she jerked startled when she felt her brother settle into her mind. Quickly she set up barriers but he showed no interest in touching her memories.

Warn me first! No answer came and as though her brother was sitting right next to her she felt his powers swell and glow. It was the first time she had felt him use his powers for anything larger than healing. Just like him his powers were steady and flowed gracefully through the black tangle that was the storm.

Seeing the purple black colors she winced, it had taken a whole village to calm his last storm. I know just…trust me. Nodding she sent him her powers easing and pulling apart threads, using the tranquility factor of her element to calm the rage. In her peripheral "vision" her brother's powers looked like a rainbow switching from blue to green, red to brown. Before she knew it the storm had dissipated, her brother loosened the sync bond till it was only them talking to each other again. I'll be there in an hour.

Startled she wondered just how close her brother really was. Then she thought about her husband, he wouldn't be happy to know that she had left the house. Especially if he knew it was to follow him on a wild goose chase to find her brother. A feel of immense power pulsed from the near-by stream, wide eyed she turned to come face to face with a high level water element.

The spirit seemed a part of the water only its intense green eyes stood out in it's form. Bowing in respect she waited to hear it's words. Your brother facesss great danger! Help him before the dark one pollutesss him! With these words the elemental disappeared back into the water, shocked she turned to where she had sensed Rakan.

After the incident he had become obsessed with her brother. It frightened her every time she was near him, he had the dark look of a starved predator looking for his prey. She mustn't let him get her brother, no matter what! She would protect him this time!

...

The feeling of being followed had plagued him for the past days he had been traveling when suddenly it disappeared. It made him frustrated to not know who it was! Clicking his tongue he urged his horse at a faster pace, hoping to find shelter before the black clouds reached them. Suddenly he felt a chill go up his spine jerking his head he had his sword drawn in a split second.

His eyes widened at what was happening before his eyes, there in the distance the clouds were dissipating as though they had never been. Frowning he wondered what sort of phenomenon could have caused that. About to dismiss it for other more pressing matters he was distracted when he heard curses from his men and shrill screams from the horses.

What he saw nearly made him loose his grip on his sword, there standing in the middle of his army stood a creature of lightning. Bright sparking eyes stared straight at him and a booming voice pounded in his skull. You must protect the Silver One, if he dies your bride too will die! Then in a flash the creature was gone, heart pounding he looked back the way they had come. Was Kura in danger? "Who is this silver one…could it be? OI! Let's get this party started!" With these words his men followed him at a gallop.

...

"You lied to your own elemental?" Sparks flew as the lightning element boomed his answer. "Stubborn that's what he is, he just needed a push in the right direction."Laughter bubbled from the water elemental then died as she searched for the Silver One. "He truly isss marvelousss our chosssen! That mind and hiss powersss are formidible as I can attesst." Silence entered the space and suddenly a soft voice interrupted the peace. "It seems we will have to contact him, your other three choices are failing and the poison is coming closer along with him!" Both element's agreed time was running short.

...

Irritation lanced through his spine upon feeling Kura's presence not far from him. She had come looking for him, he knew it, he never should have sent that letter! "That's the last time I write a letter when I'm feeling depressed!" Feeling frustration he decided to sense for Rakan next, despite the danger it was better to know where his enemy was.

Closing his eyes in the darkness of the cave he searched and immediately he backed off when he touched the other. His skin crawled under his clothing. That sensation of –dare he say it—lust! Feeling like he had touched something slimy he stood quickly and walked towards the fire. The darkness surrounding the other was suffocating and toxic feeling.

What happened to him? He had noticed some of it when seeing the other standing there watching him with intense eyes in Takeda. But, to the degree he sensed it now it was almost as though he wasn't a human at all! Shaking in disgust he finally saw the light of the fire, almost immediately he felt better.

"So what happened?" Sasuke's words were tight and slightly angry, looking around he noticed that Yukimura stood off to the side looking worried. Immediately feeling guilt for his earlier attitude he bowed in apology. "Forgive me! My sister she is out there alone I was worried that she had been caught in the storm." Inwardly he winced at the half truth, no he couldn't tell them about Rakan.

Yukimura brightened and started ordering for their departure, soon they were headed toward his sister. That was another thing that had surprised him she was no longer a virgin. Although he should have expected that, it still took him by surprise. It also made him morose to think that she would be able to stay with her special person and help them and he couldn't. But he had promised that he would help Yukimura and he would.

Already by syncing with the fiery warrior he had been able to help him direct his powers, he could see the improvement already. Yukimura was able to sense things more quickly and even in the small sparring session they had before the storm he could feel the added force in Yukimura's blows.

But that wouldn't be enough, the marriage bond was strong and Kura would be able to directly channel her power to Date. Unless he wanted to form a bond with Yukimura the only other way was to sync completely with him and teach him that way. The thought left him feeling ill, the only time he had done that he lost complete control over his powers.

But if it will help him…NO it's too dangerous! The silence during the ride bothered him more than he wanted to admit, unlike before where questions and conversation flowed easily between him and his companions now there was only stilted silence. Yukimura was too lost in his own thoughts to say anything and Sasuke had shunned him ever since their conversation in the cave.

Suddenly the ninja appeared by Yukimua pointedly staying quiet and not letting anything be overheard. Feeling a sad smile cover his face he simply directed his horse towards his sister. I guess I really messed up I'm really no good at making friends. Laughing mirthlessly to himself he felt a single tear slide down his face.

It hurt even more now that he knew what it was like not to be feared, when before he had been ignorant and able to ignore it. Heart heavy he forced his expression to relax into his calm mask. Dismounting he greeted his sister with a smile, in answer a resounding slap echoed through the forest. Not surprised he felt the lie he prepared die when she looked at him seriously.

She knows! Feeling suddenly numb he looked away. "You shouldn't have come you are causing more trouble than helping." The soft gasp of hurt from his sister made him wince inwardly but he forced himself to keep saying the cold words. "You couldn't defend yourself against him the first time what makes you think you could now?" He felt her outrage ripple through her elemental powers and he easily blocked the attack sent at him.

Turning to look back at her he saw her startled expression, she had never seen him fight with his powers. She didn't know what level he was and despite being a formidable elemental herself she was no match for him. More importantly she was no match for Rakan, especially with his poisonous aura. As a water elemental she was the most vulnerable to poisons and pollution.

He couldn't let her help him, he had a plan b in this case. He doubted she would forgive him for what he was about to do, but she presented the perfect distraction for Yukimura and Date who he knew was following Yukimura. Right on cue Yukimura and his men stepped around them smiling brightly he laid his arm around his sister's shoulders.

Before she could react he introduced her. "Sanada Yukimura this is my older sister and wife to Date Masamune." Immediately Yukimura frowned he wasn't angry that Kuro knew for certain. No he was more worried as to why the wife of his rival was way out here in the dangerous forest. "Lady Date what are you doing out here! We must return you immediately!"

A look of comprehension passed over his sister's face and he immediately answered back before she could protest. "I agree, but the next boat for my home leaves tomorrow afternoon I would miss it if we delayed anymore. Surely there would be nothing wrong with Sasuke escorting me the rest of the way while you deliver her?"

Immediately Yukimura agreed completely forgetting his previous mission in order to protect his rival's bride. Your sense of righteousness is what makes you such a rare person my friend. To say that Sasuke was against it would be an understatement, but in the end he couldn't refute Yukimura's orders. In fact there was a look of understanding in Sasuke's eyes as though he knew something bad was going to happen once they separated from the main group.

How are they finding out? First Kura and now Sasuke? Nothing answered him and he had a bad feeling about who or more precisely what was telling them. Frowning he wondered who else knew, eyes widening he whirled to look at Yukimura and noticed that once again he seemed lost in thought. No they told him too! Argh! But it didn't matter anyway his sense of right would keep him far away when Rakan appeared. By the time they figured it out it would be too late, he would be captured and possibly dead. Hopefully dead, the alternative was unbearable to think about…

...

"Soon very soon my precious one you will be in my hands. Then I will have what I have been craving for over four years." Smirking he looked at the home he had prepared for his little Silver-eyed toy. The bed was large and covered with red silk sheets and comforter, the romantic image was ruined by several sets of chains dangling from the ceiling over it. Oh he would enjoy this!

Exiting the room he looked at his companions, keeping his hood up he noticed that the Priest was staring his way. The look of disapproval and disgust in his eyes amused Rakan, he knew the other didn't agree with his little "hobbies" nor his obsession with the Silver Elemental. But the man needed him and his powers so that he could track the elementals and kill them. In return for this service Rakan was given amnesty and a favor.

Once he knew that his little toy had left the island he immediately called in his favor. Despite the slight trouble that had occurred the priest didn't complain and Rakan never said anything in return. The boat rocked gently in the small waves from the shore, the dock that the ship was moored in was fairly large but also inconspicuous. For this reason it was the perfect place to wait until his prey reached the trap he had set, because it belonged to the ninja of this land.

Once he had learned that his toy had disappeared he decided it would be in his best interest to enlist the aid of the elemental ninja living here. They were easily persuaded when he offered them money as he knew they would be; the moment Kuro stepped into the village his prey would be caught. Not that he was going to share this particular piece of information with his current companions, looking back at the locked room he smiled. "Just a little more my little toy and soon you will be where you belong." The wind whipped away his words but didn't wipe the smile from his face.

...

He neither liked nor approved of the elemental that was helping them. The man had a twisted glint in his eyes every time he mentioned getting his hands on the cursed silver-eyed man. He wouldn't even be here helping if it wasn't for the elemental, he would be a precious treasure to present to his leader.

So for now he would follow this twisted man, but the moment they got their hands on the Silver-eyed elemental he would no longer be necessary. They would simply get rid of him and take the other in his stead. Looking toward the elemental he noticed the sick smile on his face and nearly gagged. I can't wait till he's dead.

...

Ever since the strange encounter with the air elemental he had resented Kuro for putting the young master in danger. Not that he wasn't in danger most of his life, but that was something that he couldn't defend himself against. In that moment Sasuke had become very aware of how small and insignificant his own elemental powers were.

He didn't like that feeling, not at all. But what he detested even more was that it hadn't bothered the naive Yukimura at all. It was his job to make sure that nothing too drastic happened to General Shingen's successor. Unfortunately he had another duty he had never been required to fulfill, the pact he had made with the elements.

You made a pact with us Sasuke Sarutobi, we want you to fulfill it now. Those words from the shadow element had made him start. He had never before seen one outside their natural realm, not to mention such a powerful one, but this element came out into the light, it's exact opposite element, to speak with him.

Frowning he looked over to the null elemental riding silently next to him. He had seen how his sister had been angry and hurt by the words he had flung callously. But deep down he suspected that they hurt the young elemental just to utter them. He loved his sister quite a bit if he was willing to allow her to hate him just to keep her safe. It was this that gave him a new-found respect for the elemental.

But there was just one piece missing, that piece was the nightmare that had stirred up the storm. It bothered him that nothing more was said on the matter. He decided that he would know even if he had to force it out of the man.

"Hey." Looking up silver eyes caught his and suddenly the calm on his face shattered and he was shocked to see the other looked exhausted. In fact his eyes- usually bright were dim and heavy laden, his shoulders slumped and tears streamed down his face. By the suddenness of the transformation the other had been holding his composure for as long as he could. The tears were a shocker but he dismissed them, there were things he needed to know before they parted ways.

Before he could ask the tears seemed to dry and all that was left was emptiness. "You want to know about the nightmare yes?" Nodding he looked ahead keeping a steady pace with the horse. Silence settled for a little and he spared a glance at Kuro to see that he was staring ahead at nothing. "Well I won't bore you with the details but my dream was about the first time I synced. My parents were unaware that I had developed this ability and in my rage I connected with a water elemental. Unprepared as I was I blacked out, my parents tell me that I almost killed a boy in that state. It was for this reason that I was shunned by all but the masters. No one would let me into their clan I was famous through out the island as the undisciplined elemental." After saying this Kuro said no more and simply looked ahead his eyes hazed as though he was no longer paying attention to what was around him.

Doubtful that he would get anymore out of him Sasuke settled for what he was told. There were some friends that he needed too talk to once they reached his village. It seemed that there was something more happening than what he had first assumed. They would need all the help they could get and despite his desire to let the Young Master in on the action he was in no way prepared for this type of fight. It was only between elementals who could focus and control their powers.

If Kuro didn't want his sister to help then that was up to him, Sasuke couldn't and wouldn't say anything about that. It was none of his business anyway she was the wife of the enemy and the Young Master would be safe away from here when everything came to a head, that was one thing he could thank Kuro for at least. Soon he would be going back to the place where he had grown up, a place full of deceit and treachery that he had hoped to never come back to when he had chosen to give his loyalty to Takeda.

In one day they would be at the gates and in one day he would see who he could trust and who he couldn't. "Well soon enough we'll by back at my place try not to die, okay." Empty laughter sounded at his words and he wondered at it, when he turned to look there was a cold smile on Kuro's face. "What can they do to me that would be worse than the torture I feel everyday I'm alive. Bring it on Sasuke Sarutobi!" Smiling back he sped up well at least they were both prepared for death. That was comforting!