Hi all! I'm alive! XD I spent a week going over my initial plotline for this story. I wasn't too satisfied with it so I altered it a little, and no I'm much happier with it. :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Just my characters and the plotline. ;

Chapter 13

I sat by the entrance, waiting for Sasuke to come out. I heard the echo of footsteps.

Standing, I turned and watched as Sasuke left the building. He looked normal, but I sensed that he was much more powerful.

"Come Kana."

I walked behind him, following him into the forest.

We traveled for a few days, going to another one of Orochimaru's hideouts. Once we arrived we sought and recruited three of his old test subjects. A young man named Juugo who had been cursed, much like Sasuke, but could not control it. Though he couldn't understand me, I liked him the best; and I think he knew that. A man named Suigetsu, who was practically liquid itself. He had sharp teeth and a pervy personality. And a young woman named Karin. She had bite scars all over, but had the ability to return the biters chakra back to them. She had a massive, annoying crush on Sasuke. I thought she was incredibly annoying, but also very useful; she could sense people's chakra from miles away.

The newly formed team traveled day in and day out. We searched all over for Itachi, seeking any word or sign of him. Sometimes we would get a whisper, other times we would hear nothing.

The team had found a place to rest, setting up camp. I decided to go hunting, not bothering to let anyone know.

I began with a trot, trying to find a nice place to stop and scent for prey. I finally found a good place when a blue bird flitted past my head. I followed it with my eyes, watching as it fluttered here and there. It eventually landed right in front of me on a low hanging branch.

With a loud caw it transformed. In it's place was a small blue sky spirit, servant to the Mother Goddess.

"Lady Kana."

She bowed and then stood straight. I inclined my head, watching her closely.

"The Mother Goddess requests your immediate return. She is aware that your mission is not over, but this will not take long."

I nodded my wolfish head and watched as she turned back into a bird and flew above the canopy or the forest.

I sighed internally, regretting the lack of the hunt and the lack of food.

Upon my return to the camp, Suigetsu and Karin were arguing about something that Juugo nor Sasuke cared about. Sasuke sat against a large tree, his eyes closed, slight annoyance visible through his features. Juugo sat by the fire, using a stick to poke it.

With the two arguing humans, I walked up to Sasuke and sat so that my head was close to his.

"Sasuke, I've been called away. I'll be gone for a short amount of time, but I will return before you remove Itachi's filth from this world."

Immense guilt filled me as I finished my sentence. The dream returned to my thoughts quickly, and without warning. I bit down on my tongue to keep from reacting oddly.

Sasuke merely nodded, not bothering to open his eyes. I walked over to Juugo, the only companion I could stand in this little party and said goodbye. Unfortunately, that meant playing the role of pet and letting him pet my head. I didn't really have a problem with that; he was gentle and didn't make me feel like a domestic animal.

He smiled at me before turning his attention back to the fire.

I glanced at the still arguing duo and shook my head, walking into the forest.

I entered the Mothers throne room, noticing a large group of Gods surrounding the center of the room. I transformed into my human form, much to the surprise of some of my fellow Gods and Goddesses. The Mother had a small smirk on her mouth, but remained regal.

I kneeled before her, presenting myself.

"Mother Goddess, I have come as summoned."

"Thank you Kana. As you know, the conflict with Daishiro is getting more and more intense. I have called you back to ask you for your help."

"Anything, Mother."

"Good. Now, I want you to hand select four other Gods or Goddesses to assist you on a mission. I know you remember the shack where you were attacked by Toshi. I want you to go back and investigate it. I feel something strange coming from there, but I cannot fathom what."

"I will Mother Goddess."

"Very well. Select your party, and go with haste."

I nodded and exited the room. As the doors shut behind me I sprinted to the training grounds, knowing exactly who I would pick. I first entered the new recruits training facility. A close friend of mine, the Horse God Kenage and newly appointed Lt. General was training the recruits. He was currently having them go over the obstacle course. I ran down the stairs overlooking the arena and entered the competition. In my human form I jumped over the gates, crawled under the fire plumes, and climbed up the arrow wall. At the top I turned and looked to the recruits, who hadn't even started, still being at the starting line. I laughed and turned to a shocked Kenage.

"Kana! You've beaten your own record by twelve seconds... And the course record by nine."

"What can I say Kenage, I've gotten better. Why, what's your time?"

"I'll not say, but it's not even close to being that good, and that's in my horse form. It'd be much worse in my human form."

He looked away, ashamed. I smiled and patted his large neck. In his horse form, he was a large black andalusian. His mane was his pride, and he took great care of it. To better assist me, he transformed into his human form. His hair was black and long, but he kept it in a perfect ponytail. He had green eyes and a five o'clock shadow.

"So, lovely Kana, what do you need?"

"Stop flirting. The Mother has requested me to return from my mission temporarily. She has a job for me and a select few. So, since you're the closest in Rank, you were the obvious choice."

I smiled at him, patting his shoulder, since I couldn't reach his head.

"Sure! I'm game! When do we leave?"

"Tonight. We are to go to the human world. I'll explain our mission once we have the rest of our team."

He nodded and we went our separate ways. I ran to the Soldiers House next. It held our intelligence command center below it, known only to a select few.

I entered, making sure no one else was around. I slid the doors shut and locked them, turning to see my good friend Hatsuyume, the Hawk God and top intelligence agent.

"Good Kana!"

He bowed from behind his table. I smiled and walked over to him. His hawk form was agile and inconspicuous, allowing him to steal secrets and information.

"Hatsuyume, I have a mission for you. I have been ordered by the Mother Goddess to gather information on Daishiro. I need you to help me."

"Of course. How many on this mission?"

"Five, including me. I have recruited Kenage and you. I have yet to find the last two. Your strengths and Kenage's strengths will benefit this mission profoundly."

"I see. Yes, I am in. When do we depart?"

"Tonight. I'll explain the details and everything once I gather the rest of our team. For now, continue your work."

"Very well, goodbye Kana."

I nodded and left. I felt both accomplished and a failure; I had half of the team members, and not a clue of who to get next.

"Kana, allow me to aid you in your decisions."

The Mother Goddess approached me as I exited the Soldiers House.

"Of course Mother Goddess."

"I have two other that I wish for you to take with you."

To say slight shock coursed through me would be an understatement. I had not a clue in the world whom she was thinking of, and I hoped to high heaven that they were tolerable Gods or Goddesses.

"Of course, Mother."

"Very Good. Mizu! Come."

I timid looking girl came out from behind the Mother. She was human in looks, and very weak in appearance. I hid my confusion and slight disappointment.

"Kana, this is Mizu, she is a Water Goddess and my personal Bodyguard."

No matter what I did, the look of surprise that flitted across my face couldn't be stopped. I looked at the young girl and tried to picture her as a mighty warrior, but could not.

"Shall you test her, dear Kana?"

"Uhmm. Would it be fair?"

The Mother laughed, and raised her hands in a grand motion.

We were no longer surrounded by trees and buildings, now we were surrounded by walls and soft mats below our feet. The Mother stood on the balcony above and clapped her hands.

Mizu came forward, her steps light and fast. I dodged her sword. Though they were wooden training swords, they hurt like hell. I countered her next attack with my own sword, feeling her immense strength weigh down on me. I slipped my foot between her widely placed feet and pulled towards me. Her balance failed, and she fell forward. I stepped out of the way as she regained her balance. I held my sword in front of me, waiting for her to attack again.

She came at me with a vengeance, swinging her sword. She backed me against the wall and used her brute strength to push me into it. Her goal, I could see, was to press my own sword against my throat. Using my right leg, I maneuvered it between the two of us and shoved her off, she stumbled back, allowing me to rush forward and bring her to the ground, my sword at her throat.

Clapping came from around the training hall. Along the balcony stood the recruits I'd raced earlier and the Mother Goddess.

"That, my children, was entertaining. Kana, you have no equal. You are the only one to ever beat her."

I was taken aback, at first. We just dueled. That was the most uncomplicated thing I've ever done. She is strong... but come on! She's the bodyguard?

"It was an honor to fight you, Lady Kana."

Mizu bowed and smiled. I bowed in return.

"It seems, Kana, you have found your third team member."

I smiled and nodded, but felt unsure of having her with us. Beating her was a piece of cake.

"Thank you Mother Goddess, she will truly be an asset to our mission."

Preferring not to ensue the Mother Goddess' wrath, I allowed Mizu to come along.

"Mother, you did say that you had two candidates."

"Ah, I do. However, she is not available here. Come."

I walked to the base of the stairs, waiting for the Mother to come down the stairs.

She walked ahead of me, chatting with Mizu about social affairs and political business. I did not care for court gossip. So, as we walked, my mind went elsewhere.

I thought of Itachi, and wondered what he was doing.

I bet he's just lazing about with Kisame, not doing anything. I wonder if I can contact him if we are in two different worlds...

'Itachi...?'

'Ah, Kana. It seems you are talking to me.'

I internally gulped. I had honestly not expected to hear from him. I didn't know what to say or do, but felt that I had to clear our situation. My dream still haunted me, and in case I didn't get the chance later, I had to fix things.

'How fares my brother?'

'He is well. I am not with him though... Not at this moment.'

'Where are you? You were supposed to stay with him.'

'You've been overruled Itachi. The Mother sent for me. I am to go on a short mission for her.'

'I see. And what is this mission?'

'I have to investigate a place where Daishiro's thugs have been hanging around.'

'Kana, you must be careful.'

'Of course Itachi. I have a small team of skilled Gods and Goddesses with me.'

'Good.'

'Look, Itachi. I don't want our last meeting to be the one we had a couple weeks ago. I won't let it ride my conscious.'

'You've been forgiven Kana. I understand why you were angry, but I also want you to forgive me.'

'It is done.'

'Good. I suspect my time is coming very soon anyway.'

'Indeed...'

'No matter what, I was glad to have met you Kana. You've been an amazing friend and companion.'

'Back at you Itachi. I must go; we are about the enter the path to the Otherworld.'

'What?! Kana!'

I ignored him, letting him fret a little. I felt guilty, but also a little humored.

"Kana, we are here. This is where we will meet your last companion."

I nodded, unsure what or who we could fine down here that would be worthy of our mission.

I very cold wind hit us, blowing our hair back. I held my hand in front of my eyes as a bright white light came to view.

"Mother Goddess."

A light and heavenly voice reached my ears. I felt calm and at peace, wanting to hear more of the voice.

"Miyako, my dear. How are you?"

"Very good Mother. But I have never seen you here before... And with guests."

"Miyako, this is Mizu, my bodyguard. And this is Kana, General of my army. I have requested her to go on a mission, assisted by four other Gods and Goddesses. Three have been chosen, but one remains. It would be a true pleasure, to have you join their journey. You will not be gone long, and worry not, the dead will be taken care of in our absence, I will see to it myself."

I widened my eyes. Miyako, the Death Goddess. I remembered learning of her as a youngling. A great white dragon would carry the soul of mortals to the Otherworld. She was feared and loved. She was as old as the Mother herself, and almost as wise.

I bowed to her, and explained that it would be an honor if she accompanied us.

She inclined her head, smiling. Suddenly, a great wave of sadness took her over. I furrowed my brow, confused at her look.

"Lady Kana, I would not wise your future on anyone... But worry not; you will find happiness regardless."

My jaw dropped. I felt a pang in my chest, but ignored it. I knew what she spoke of, and found little comfort in her statement.

I simply nodded.

"I will accompany you, my Lady."

Mother smiled, and drew the three ladies away. Miyako changed into a petite white haired human upon our exit of the pathways.

Again, I hung back from the group, having been shot in the heart.

As we entered the sun lit meadow Itachi's call in my head grew louder and louder.

'Kana! Dammit answer!'

'Hey! Itachi! Don't get your kunai in a twist.'

'You said you were entering the pathway to the Otherworld and then leave me like that... Would you not be concerned?'

'No, because it's a pathway not the Otherworld itself.'

'Right. And I was supposed to know that.'

'It would be helpful if you did.'

'Did something happen?'

'No.'

'You're lying. If nothing had actually happened, you would be less snipity.'

'I don't want to talk about it.'

Our small party entered the throne room. I took in the now human faces of the court, and noticed nothing but pity. Every face had pity. Pity for me.

Does everyone know about my future now...?

'Kana, you need to talk about it.'

'They all know... Everyone.'

'Know what?'

'That's why their faces are all so full of pity.'

'Kana! What are you talking about.'

'They know my future. They know exactly what's going to happen. They know I'm going to die. And they pity me.'

'How often do Gods die?'

'They don't actually 'die'. They choose to move on. They can choose to move onto the Otherworld.'

'What happens when the go there?'

'No one knows; No one who has gone has come back.'

'So why should the pity you?'

'Because they know I'm going to be killed; forced to move on against my will.'

'I see.'

'Goodbye Itachi. I hope to see you again before Sasuke fulfills both our destinies.'

'Kana, wait.'

'I can't Itachi. Bye.'

I ignored his pleas and payed more attention to the Mothers parting speech. She wished us luck and hoped that we all returned. As the five of us turned to leave, the entire court occupying the throne room bowed, saluting our bravery. Kenage and Hatsuyume waved to their friends as they left. All of us were in our human forms when we exited.

Upon entering the mortal realm we were in our animal forms, save for Miyako. A dragon would not go unnoticed in this world. So, Miyako was in the form of a small white mouse. Mizu took the form of a snake. Though, in nature, a snake and mouse would be enemies, Mizu and Miyako were the closest companions. They both rode upon Kenage's head. I walked at the head of the group, listening closely for any odd noises. Hatsuyume flew above the canopy, keeping a wider view.

We arrived at the shack within two days of travel.

There it is. Daishiro is gonna be a pain in the butt, if I do say so myself. ;D

Lemme know what you think! ^^