Had this chapter written but not proofread before Warped Tour 2018 San Diego. That def delayed things. But was so much fun.

Awaken

A soft, burnt-orange light spilled over the cloaked figure. The Akatsuki manteau fluttered around his ankles and he held one hand high. Still holding the persona he had been perpetuating, Madara watched and stood tirelessly. Kakuzu, Pein, and Konan occupied their usual spots on the fingertips of the statue. None of them were sure how much time had passed. The statue's eyes were alight with the chakra of the gyuuki and its mouth wide as it swallowed a steady flow of chakra.

A man lay crumpled and bleeding at the base of the statue. His skin was dark and tanned, lacerations a bright red in the unearthly glow. His blonde hair looked gold with the orange tinge. The symbol of Kumogakure was etched into his hitai-ate.

Adjusting the pack on his back, Itachi ignored Hikaru. He stepped past him swiftly and deliberately. The other man turned on his heels, clenching his fists.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Hikaru snarled. "You can't just go off by yourself."

Putting one hand on the door Itachi sighed. "I'm done playing games. I'm going to hunt them down one by one."

"Bullshit." He crossed his arms. "You have no leads and no back up and your actions haven't been sanctioned by the village."

"Are you going to stop me then?" Glancing behind him, he was glad the house was empty.

Sputtering, Hikaru advanced on him. "I won't stop you- I'll go with you!"

Itachi glared at him. "You really are Aster's brother. You're unbearable."

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Both men paled as though they were children caught red handed. Pushing past Itachi, Hikaru opened the door. Shizune met his stare with wide eyes, umbrella in hand and a scroll in the other.

"A mission?" They asked in unison.

Making a face as though she'd had some particularly distasteful food, Shizune handed Hikaru the scroll. "Yes." She finally answered. "New intel on a rendezvous."

"Well," Hikaru looked at Itachi. "This certainly makes things easier."

One finger on her lower lip, Sakura scanned the shop. Soft, gray light from the overcast sky fell in through the open door behind her and the wide windows. Potted plants hung from the ceiling, price tags attached. The wall directly in front of her was covered in hooks displaying various gardening tools. To her left, was the merchant's long wooden counter. Dropping her hand and biting her lip, she glanced to her right at Sasuke.

"Fertilizer should be easy to find… Right?" Sakura frowned as she looked around again.

Pointing to a spot on the floor under another display, Sasuke answered, "It's right there."

Turning red with embarrassment, she grabbed the bag and set it on the shopkeeper's counter. Studying her movements as she checked out, he noted the grace and precision she used; only years of training could teach that. As they moved to leave, he took the bag from her. It was heavier than he expected and he gave consideration to how strong she was.

They walked towards the house in silence for a while. First weaving through the crowds in the town center, which was bustling despite impending rain, and then into the less populated residential streets. Finally the paved path ended and they arrived at the entrance to the forest that surrounded their home.

"I have to ask," Sasuke began, breaking the silence, "I thought you and Aster didn't get along. Why are you so obsessed with the garden?"

Sakura came to a halt, but didn't face him. It was a moment before she replied. "I don't mean to say what you've been through due to this ordeal isn't as important as my feelings… It's just been...daunting to deal with this now that I can't fight Akatsuki."

"I don't understand," Sasuke set down the bag.

"What I'm trying to say is," She turned to meet his gaze, "Watching Aster get kidnapped right under my nose, seeing the state the genjutsu has her in, watching everyone wait for the smallest piece of intel to arrive… I don't feel in control of anything anymore. I'm scared."

He took a hesitant towards her. "That's fine, to be scared. I understand that. And I want to help. But why are we buying fertilizer and fixing the garden."

Frustrated tears sprang her eyes. "Do you get it? Those stupid plants are the only thing I can save! I'll be damned if Aster wakes up to a dead garden."

Realization of her words washed over him. Leaning in, he wrapped his arms around her. She welcomed him and returned his embrace. His heartbeat faster as he was once again reminded none of them were safe, no matter where they were.

Squeezing her to him, he set his chin on top of her head. "I'm sorry. I get it." He released her and grabbed the bag again. "Let's do this…" because I'm scared too.

Opening the front door, Sasuke and Sakura were greeted by the sight of Itachi and Hikaru. Both their backs were turned and they didn't seem to notice or care that they had company. Itachi had a scroll in his hands, arms outstretched to fully unfurl it.

"I'm telling you," He growled at Hikaru, " Kakuzu won't trust me. I can't go out and wait for him in the open."

"Then what's your grand plan Mr. Uchiha prodigy?" Hikaru snapped.

"I told you already," he sighed. "We lie in wait together and when no one comes, we attack with the element of surprise."

"That's a dumb plan!"the silver-hair man exclaimed. "We need something more complicated! More sophisticated!"

Itachi shook his head. "Ever heard of K.I.S.S.? Keep it simple… stupid."

"Did you just insult me?" Hikaru cried, raising his voice.

"Whoa, whoa-" Sakura rushed between them. "What is going on?"

Finally acknowledging Sasuke, Itachi held up the scroll. "We have a new mission."

Suddenly filled with the purpose of a useful task, Sasuke approached the group, leaving the bag at the door. "Why isn't everyone ready to go? We are wasting time."

"We are ambushing Kakuzu at a rendezvous," Hikaru chimed in. "It's in 2 weeks and only 3 days travel away."

"That means I have time to organize a strategy," Itachi closed the scroll. "Sasuke, can you inform Naruto and Hinata?"

Taken aback, he didn't reply immediately.

"Go," Sakura urged. "I'll handle this. You handle that."

Nodding, Sasuke was silent as he turned to leave.

Cloaks dripping, Hinata and Naruto sat shoulder to shoulder in the yellow lantern light of Ichiraku. Behind them, rain had begun storm down over Konoha. People dashed to awnings and any other cover they could find, bundling themselves in coats. The restaurant was packed with patrons and villagers trying to stay dry. Hinata set her hands gingerly on the wooden countertop, smoothed by time and wear. Ayame appeared holding two steaming bowls of ramen and Naruto pumped a fist. Setting down Hinata's first, and then Naruto's, Ayame smiled quickly before rushing back to the kitchen. The cold invited hunger and both began to eat eagerly.

Setting down her chopsticks, the Hyuuga girl gave her company a side long stare. "Naruto… You never told me how it went."

"It went great!" He grinned, taking a breath before continuing to devour his food. "Sasuke and I are going to break that genjutsu on Aster." He added nonchalantly.

She frowned. "Can-Can it be done?"

Shrugging, he slurped another bite and paused. "Whether we break it or kill who ever put it on her… We are going to get her out." His tone left little room for concern or dissent.

"N-Naruto, are you," Swallowing hard, she tried to fight her stutter. "Are you sure that -"

A cloaked figure put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, ending their previous conversation. Pushing back his damp hood, Sasuke revealed his dour face. The light over him cast his features as sharp angles and his furrowed brow shadowed his eyes.

"W-what are you doing here?" Naruto sputtered.

Sasuke sighed. "I'm glad I found you together. We have a mission."

Clasping her hands, Hinata turned. "W-when are we h-heading out?"

The Uchiha gave her a knowing look. "Probably just over a week from now. Itachi is devising a strategy and will inform us when it is complete."

"I thought we'd head out like tomorrow or something. Why the delay?" Draping an arm over the back of the chair, he appeared unconcerned.

"It has to do with the nature of the mission. Itachi can explain more later." Sasuke answered.

"Are you going to join us then?" he smiled.

"No." Dark eyes down cast, he turned away. "I'll be in the archives if you need me."

"Oi!" Naruto called out as Sasuke made to leave. "Did you go yet?"

Guilt crossed his face, but he didn't turn to allow Naruto to see it. "Don't pry into my business. I'll go when I go."

Before his friend could push the subject, Sasuke left. The rain was coming down hard outside Ichiraku. The winds had blown it almost horizontal. Pulling up his hood, Sasuke basked for a moment in the safety of anonymity. Then, not wanting to waste time, he hurried into the crowd, pushing and shoving through through throngs of people towards his destination.

The trees around her looked so real, even leeched of their colors. Aster picked her way over fallen branches and uplifted roots. The red orb in the sky cast a crimson hue and glow over everything. She was unable to tell if it was a sun or a moon above her. Either way, the world was convincing, but supernatural in scarlet.

I have to escape. But how? Having exerted her will over the genjutsu, she had managed to fend off the worst of the torture. No longer was Madara in the depths of her mind. Is he getting lazy? Or maybe it's wearing off? Aster had found that if she kept moving - if her thoughts kept racing - it dampened the jutsu's power.

Her dress had become a hindrance to her legs, the edges dirty and frayed. Grinding her teeth, she kept moving through the thick and wild forest. Suddenly, the dress caught on a twig attached to a large branch. Taken by surprise, she stumbled and fell. Fear filled her and she clawed at the cloth, trying to free herself. The snap of tree limb grabbed her attention.

Looking up, Aster locked eyes that mirrored her own. The woman before her was in a nightgown and flak jacket. Her hair was silver and waist length, wild and free, defying gravity. Face contorted in an expression of disgust, she held a bottle of some unknown spirit. Aster recognized her immediately.

"NO!" She cried out. "Get back!" Scrambling to her feet, Aster ripped the segment of the dress that had been caught. Backing away, "Stay away from me!"

"You can't hide from me." The specter's voice echoed, coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. "You are me. You are what's left of me."

Turning her back on the phantom, Aster began to tear through the forest. Her feet were still bare and sharp twigs and crunchy dead leaves cut into her feet. She kept running anyway. Silently, the spectre appeared in front of her and she came skidding to a halt.

"I will fight you - don't test me!" Her voice and raised fists trembled. "I'm warning you."

"Typical." The apparition sneered. "You always been that needy, headstrong child who brought shame to the family."

Her memory jarred the world around her and it flashed like static with the picture of the same woman, drunk and hunched over the dinner table alone. Her hair fell in long waves, obscuring her face and she seemed to lean on the bottle she gripped. The world stuttered again and the wraith was before her again. Aster was unsteady on feet and fell to her knees.

Glaring up at the ghost, she balled her fists. "I warned you." With that, she leapt at the woman. Instead of her fists connecting, she went through the apparition and tumbled to the ground. Temporarily disoriented, she pulled herself to her hands and knees among the twigs and branches.

"You can't hurt me," the specter announced. "You will never be stronger than me. You are my weak, shameful child. And you will become me when that baby arrives."

"To hell with that!" Leaping to her feet, Aster pointed at the ghost. "I'm not going to give up my shinobi career, baby or not! I won't become worthless and trapped like you!"

"You already are." The ghost waved one arm to their surroundings. "Anything you might have accomplished is trash now. Your life has no meaning anymore. That baby is all you'll ever have, so you'd best hope they make something of themselves."

"Shut up!" Grabbing her hair by the scalp, she bit back tears. "You were a horrible mother! You're the only reason your life was worthless! I'm not like you! I'll die before I become you!"

"You may be able to get your wish." Aster's mother frowned. The spectre dissipated in to red embers fluttering to the forest floor.

Alone now, she let herself cry. The tears were large and warm on her cheeks. Wrapping her arms around her flat abdomen, Aster knew that in the real world, her belly was bulging with child. Briefly she wondered how the baby was doing and if the genjutsu had harmed it. Madara wouldn't harm the baby… He wants it for himself. Terror rose in her again and she choked back every regret and reservation she'd had.

The yellow electric light was dim and made the hand-written entries hard to read. Thankfully, the ink was dark on the beige pages. Sasuke ran a hand through his hair and sighed. The table of contents was essentially a list of suspects. It seemed that every name he knew in the clan had been included. There was truth in his father's suspicions of excess scrutiny. But then considering what happened, maybe not. They were all suspected of treason.

The entry on Uchiha Fugaku was easily the longest. Grinding his teeth, Sasuke scanned it. He came across the account of a mole who'd been discovered in the clan. The double agent accused the Uchiha, mainly Fugaku, of planning to overthrow the governing body and of plotting with an outside war organization. In clinical detail, it described wounds that were inflicted before the informant was found by loyal Konoha anbu. Sasuke's stomach turned. The goal was torture, not death. He slammed the book shut and stood suddenly. His breath was labored and his hands trembling. Sliding the book under his arm, Sasuke left the archives.

Seated at his desk, Itachi faced the window and laid out the scroll. He frowned and went over the words again. A rendezvous point and time of day were given, but no reason had been cited for the meeting. There was no explanation about who Kakuzu was meeting or why. Scanning the page again, he propped his elbows on the desk and put his head in his hands. Rain continued to pound against the panes of glass, obscuring his view of the back of the garden below.

All at once he knew why the mission had been so vague. There was no information because they didn't have it. There is no one scheduled to meet him for any reason… Except our team with the kyuubi. It's a trap. Banging his fists on the table, he knew he couldn't pull his team from the mission. Despite it being an ambush, it was their best chance to track and eliminate Kakuzu.

Distantly, he heard the front door slam. Mind racing with his revelation, he barely heard the thuds of stomping feet on the stairs. His door open behind him, his visitor barged in. Finally, Itachi looked over his shoulder. Cloak still dripping on the wooden floorboards, Sasuke was glaring at him.

"How much of this is true?" Throwing the book at Itachi's feet, Sasuke didn't break their stare. "Answer me."

Itachi turned slowly. He didn't spare the book a glance, the memory of the binding in the spine and creamy blank pages would never leave him. "I didn't think that book still existed."

"Answer me," his brother commanded through his teeth.

Sighing, he crossed his arms and sat on the table top. "It's all true."

"How could you possibly know that?" He exclaimed. "You haven't even read the goddamn title!"

Bending slowly, Itachi wearily picked up the book. "I wrote this book."

Anger deflating and shock replacing it, Sasuke took a step towards him. "That doesn't make any sense. You were working with Akatsuki against the clan, you told me. I remember."

"I.." He flipped through the pages aimlessly. "I was also a double agent for Konoha." Putting the book down, he gave Sasuke a harsh look. "This was my plea for action from them that never came. I tried to warn them. And they didn't listen, so I had to take it into my own hands for the good of all the civilians that reside here. Those sons and daughters and mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, they needed to be protected."

Chewing on words he couldn't quite grasp, Sasuke dropped his eyes to his feet.

Approaching slowly, Itachi continued. "All those innocent people needed protection. You needed protection. I could not think of something I wouldn't do or a price I wouldn't pay for that."

Choking on any dissent, the younger nodded. Clenching his fists, he bit his lip, trying to reconcile old feelings with new information. It was another moment before he answered. "Was… Was that the only way?"

"It was the only one I could find from where I stood. I wish it was different."

Coming down the stairs like a ghost, Sasuke let the still damp cloak flutter around him lazily. From his left, he heard the double doors to the yard slide shut. Sakura stopped, silent, standing in front of the doors, her feet bare, shoes outside under the awning. Immediately, her heart sank. There was a darkness in Sasuke's eyes as he looked at her and his blank face betrayed the fact that his thoughts were far away. Both stood still for a moment, suddenly unfamiliar with the tension.

Finally, she broke the silence, "What's wrong?"

Looking to his feet, he considered lying to her. Knowing it would be pointless, he was vague. "I came across some unsettling information."

She tilted her head in confusion. "About what?"

"Itachi," he answered. "But it doesn't matter now."

Frowning, she pretended to understand. "How did you find his information?"

"It was in the archives."

"Oh," suddenly embarrassed that she felt so lost, she continued to lightly question him. "What were you doing in the archives?"

Feeling safer with the direction her questions had shifted, he replied, "Naruto and I are looking for a way to break the genjutsu on Aster. We have been doing research in the archives on the Uchiha kekkai genkai and its limits."
"I see." Sakura nodded. "When was the last time you visited her?"

Faltering, he didn't answer at first. "... I haven't visited her…"

Aghast, her jaw dropped. "I thought you said she was family! Don't you care? She hates me, but I've been several times anyway. If she has any idea of the outside world, she's wondering where you are."

"It's genjustu," he answered bitterly, "not a coma. A tsukuyomi that strong… she has no idea what's going outside of the illusion. It'd be pointless to visit."

"That's not true," she retorted. "You don't just visit for them, the visit is for you too. It allows you to appreciate just being in the same room. It lets you see that she is still fighting; it gives you hope for her." Taking a breath, she continued, "I didn't just visit for her sake, it was selfish as well. I needed to see her and the state she was in. Don't you ever wonder?"

"Tch," He grit his teeth. "I try not to these days."

"Well, maybe that ought to change."

Gripping the steaming ceramic cup tighter, Itachi sipped the hot tea. He was seated on his knees in front of the table and the cushion did little to shield him from the hardwood floor. Across from him, Hikaru had his legs crossed, one hand on his knee and the other under chin as he leaned forward.

"You seem to be doing better… kind of…" Hikaru frowned.

"I'm not," Itachi answered frankly. "I need to make you and the rest of the team aware of something." He sipped his tea again.

Frowning, "Like what?"

Setting the cup down quietly, Itachi set his hands in his lap. "The mission… It will take us right into a trap."

Hikaru's eyes widened. "How do you know? What do we do? Is the mission forfeit?"

Closing his eyes and shaking his head, "No, not at all. This is our best opportunity. We feign ignorance and walk in prepared."

"That's the best idea you've got?" he sneered. "You're crazy!"

"No," Itachi chose his words carefully. "Our scouts aren't turning anything up anymore. If Akatsuki doesn't want to be found, they won't be. Our target has served himself up. We should seize the opportunity."

"I disagree." He crossed his arms.

"Then come up with something better or don't go."

"Like hell!" He banged a fist on the table. "If that's the best the genius Uchiha has, then fine. I'll do whatever ill thought out shenanigans it takes to bring them down."

Glaring at him, Itachi remained silent and sipped his tea.

The rain seemed to be unending these days. Sasuke trudged on, knowing the sun had set despite the clouds obscuring the sky. Dirt and gravel stuck to his shoes as the road turned to muck. He didn't stop and moved as though he'd been possessed. He passed shops and made his way through the town center. People sparsely littered the streets, which spoke to how heavy the rain had become. Eventually store fronts gave way to homes and then to shrubbery. Trees lined the sludgy walkway and finally he saw a wall rise behind the boughs and branches.

At long last, he arrived at the hospital. He rushed through the courtyard in front, cutting across slick grass. Pushing back his hood as he entered, he scanned for reception. His ears were ringing and the front clerk's words made no impression. He was sure he had asked which room she was in and how to get there, but when he turned his back he couldn't remember. Undeterred, he made his way through the hospital, his heart less confident than his feet.

No one gave him a second glance or attempted to slow him. There were few visitors this late in the day and most of the people he passed were in scrubs. Everyone seemed caught in their own misfortunes. No one had time to notice his tragedy, and he supposed it was better that way. His feet stopped suddenly and he wondered if this was the right door. He paused before peering in the window, questioning if he wanted to see what he was about to see.

Inside the lattice work of the plexiglass square, he could make out her bright red hair and a tube coming from her nose. Quickly, he looked away. That's her, for sure… Can I do this? Gathering his resolve, he decided he had to. Gently, he pushed the door open.

Inside the room there was a hush over the hum of machines, only broken by the occasional beep of the heart monitor. He took a deep breath. She looked fuller and less sickly. He'd heard she'd begun losing weight again, but it didn't show yet. Her cheeks were round and rosy, eyelashes resting on them. Her arms were by her side, held close by bars raised on each side of the bed. The sheets over her were so white it hurt to look at them in the bright light. Next to the bed was a chair, turned just enough for him to sit easily.

Trepidation filling him, Sasuke shuffled over and gingerly sat by the bed. His heart was pounding and he couldn't seem to slow it. The tension twisted in his chest and closed his throat. Steeling himself, he decided he needed to act. Naruto said I could just talk to her…

"Hello," he mumbled, feeling stupid and embarrassed. After a moment he added, "I'm here. I came."

On her hands and knees, Aster grit her teeth. The soft forest floor was covered in twigs and dead leaves, which bit into exposed skin. Clenching both fists against the dirt, she struggled to assert her will over the illusion. Abruptly, the foliage and tree trunks began to melt. The monochrome illusion of life around her withered and faded. All that was left was a smooth black floor that stretched endlessly in all directions. Looking up, her eyes widened in surprise. I didn't think that would work. Maybe I've been here a while and the potency of the genjutsu is fading. But it's impossible to tell.

Hesitantly, she stood. I've got to focus on what's real and break the flow of Madara's chakra in my system. The desolation of her surroundings left little to focus on. Sighing she crossed her arms. That was when it dawned on her. This flat, empty stomach isn't real.

Her face contorted with the effort of her concentration. Tightening her fists, she strained physically to break the strand of the illusion that had concealed the true state of her body. Holding it until her clenched jaw began to ache, finally she exhaled and released. When she looked down, she was round again. So this can be broken… I'll just take this piece by piece. What to destroy next?

Scanning her surroundings, she was at a loss. With nothing around her, there seemed to be nothing to fight against. Turning and still searching, she felt a tingling rise up her spine. Slowly, she moved to see behind her. An ice mirror floated inches off the floor. Instead of seeing her reflection, a doppelganger stared back. Wary, she scowled at the placid version of herself. It didn't move to mirror her movements and it was still fit to fight. The clone wore her full battle garb, hands hanging at its sides.

"You're not real," Aster muttered. "You're not real. Just a genjutsu."

"I will never be real," the clone answered.

Startled, she took a step back. "You're just an illusion."

It frowned. "I am everything you wanted to be and never will be."

Nervously, she laughed. I shouldn't engage with it… "I doubt that."

"I am the powerful, successful shinobi that you will never become." The double was monotone and did not seem to be bothered by Aster.

"You're just a knock off of the real deal. You're nothing but a paper fake." She crossed her arms, still on guard.

"Look at yourself," it continued. "You've forfeit life as a real ninja. You'll forever be nothing but a housewife. That is reality."

Face twitching with rage, she glared at the clone. "Fuck off. I'll be whatever I please, child or no."

"You'll spend the rest of your days in the background, living as nothing but Itachi's dead weight."

Anger getting the better of her, "Shut up!" she shouted.

Sighing, Sasuke twined his fingers together anxiously. He took a moment, wracking his brain for what to say next.

"I miss you." The words out of his mouth surprised him. "I wish you would just wake up and come home." It was more honest than he had been in a while and it felt good. Nerves subsiding, he managed to bring his eyes from the floor to her face. "Everyone is besides themselves. No one quite knows what to do without you. We need you. I need you. For God's sake, just please wake up…"

Frowning, he felt his eyes burning. Wiping them with the back of his hand, he realized he had begun to cry. Flustered, he glanced at the door, worried he might be caught in his vulnerable moment. Tears slipped down his cheeks and he tried to catch them with his knuckles. For a moment, he wondered if he should leave. Naruto's voice echoed in his head. "You can hold her hand, maybe talk to her. What if she can feel it or hear you?"

Gently, he grasped her right hand. The clip for the heart monitor was bulky over her thin finger. Her hand was cold and he squeezed it softly to warm her. An idea drifted to him and he tried to dismiss it. Itachi couldn't break the chakra flow… What would be different if I tried? Still, he couldn't pull back from her. He needed to try and needed to know it was pointless.

Carefully, he ran his own chakra into her system, deliberate with the flow so as not to excessively stress her body.

Raising a fist high, Aster ran at the mirror. "You're not real!"

Throwing her whole body weight into it, she shattered the mirror. Shards of ice cut into her hand and forearm. The doppelganger exploded in a million pieces, scattered across the reflective remnants. Panting, she cradled her bloody arm.

"I know this is genjutsu- let me out! Now!" she screamed at the empty air.

Suddenly, Aster's eyes opened and she gasped for air. Sasuke jumped in shock. The bright lights blinded her for a moment and she pulled both arms over her face, trying to shield her eyes. The chill of the hospital air raised gooseflesh on her forearms. Blinking away the darkness, she sat up slowly.

"S-sasuke?" She asked, bewildered. "You're in color… Is this real?" And then she noticed the tears in his eyes.

Diving in, he wrapped his arms around her. "Nee-chan," he half cried.

Aster hugged him back, holding him close. "I'm here- I'm awake."

Pulling back, he nodded. "Finally…"

"H-how long was I trapped in there?"

He frowned deeply. "A couple months."

"Oh my god," she ran her hands over her stomach. Then noticing the amount of strength in her, she looked at her body in awe. "Wait… I'm healthier… Sasuke!"

"What?" he asked, worried.

"I need to speak with Tsunade-sama."

Standing, he shook his head. "Not yet. I'm going to get a nurse and then tell Itachi and your brother."

"No, you don't understand- we're in real danger I think. I need to tell Tsunade-sama." she insisted breathlessly.

He gave her a once over, wiping the last vestiges of his tears away. "Ok. I'll get her too."

"Watercolour" by Pendulum

PlEaSe R&R