Dead.

Hisashi was dead.

Murdered.

And it was all Itachi's fault.

He had been warned. Warned that the Uchiha would target HIsashi if he tried to help Cynthia. But did Itachi listen? Obviously not. Now Hisashi was dead, Itachi consumed by guilt, and Cynthia another step closer to death.

The very idea of her impending death threatened to engulf him in a sea of helpless panic.

Would he still be able to save her? When he met a new dead end at each turn? When everything seemed to be spiraling faster into a rapid crescendo of death and destruction? Could he help her? Or would she die...

No. He refused to think of that. He wouldn't let her die. He'd find someone else who could help. He'd do anything to help cure her. Losing her was not an option.

But that didn't change the fact that it was still his fault.

Hisashi Hyuga was dead, and nobody was to blame but him.

And the guilt was something so consuming. Far worse than anything he'd want to live with. It was overwhelming. And Itachi hated it.

He had had a son. That son was barely older than Sasuke. Twelve- maybe thirteen years old. And now, orphaned.

The guilt was crippling.

It had too much of an emotional toll for him, in some ways. Some might think Itachi felt no emotions- but that wasn't true. He chose not to show those emotions unless he trusted completely his company. But he felt many emotions. More so than many others, it could be said.

It had been only been the previous day, hadn't it, that he had watched his mother and father talk? And the night before, when Hisashi told him about the successful cure?

Neji Hyuga. That was his name of Hisashi's son.

And he was currently staying with his cousins, at a mansion which housed the main Hyuga household.

Itachi was on his way to the elevator which he knew would take him back to his solace once again, when he heard hushed, harsh whispers distracting him from his path.

The door of his father's office sat slightly ajar, Itachi edged closer, his brow furrowed suspiciously. Hadn't his father done enough already? What more was he trying to do?

"I want his house ransacked. And burned down. Do it tonight."

Itachi's eyes widened in surprise as he heard his father's stern voice. The muffled indiscernible reply told him that Fugaku was speaking with someone over the phone. After listening to what must have been the reply, Fugaku once again spoke. "The house could have all sorts of research and results which we can't have getting out. Better to have it all destroyed. I expect it done by morning."

Without stopping to hear the rest of the conversation, Itachi stumbled away from the door, quickly leaving the corridor, going back the way he had come.

He chided himself for not having thought of it sooner- Hisashi's research hadn't yet been destroyed. If Itachi searched the house, he could find some clue as to what research Hisashi had done till then. He could take it to someone else- someone else who could use it to cure Cynthia.

Though he was reluctant to get his hopes up, he couldn't help but feel a little of the ugly weight that had settled over him lift slightly.

Hisashi's house wasn't just unoccupied- it was downright unnerving.

As Itachi hesitantly walked over the creaky wooden flooring, a hand trailed over the wall searching for a nonexistent light switch in the hallway, his mind wandered.

Not only had he been a part of Hisashi's death- now, here he was, trespassing on a dead man's land, in blatant disrespect for his resting soul. Not that Itachi had anything but the highest respect for Hisashi, but something still didn't sit right with him as he tread lightly, entering the room he knew to be Hisashi's laboratory.

The room, shrouded in darkness, with no telling what lurked in the shadows, was ominous and imposing; until Itachi's hand found a switchboard, flipping the nearest switch and watching the room illuminate, a wooden desk with a large microscope, a few other apparatus, and stacks of paper littering the polished surface coming into existence in the center of the room.

A bookshelf lined the far wall, next to it another desk with a computer on it.

On the desk, a large dusty tome sat open on a marked page, a half empty mug of cold tea sitting next to it.

An uncomfortable burning sensation bubbled up in Itachi's throat as he realised that must have been the last thing Hisashi drank the previous night, as he continued his research, moments before his father's hit men murdered him in cold blood.

Walking closer to the computer, Itachi noted a light blinking on and off at the bottom of the screen. The computer hadn't been properly shut down- it must have been gone into hibernation from being left unattended for too long.

Taking one last look around the room, almost feeling ghostly eyes on him, Itachi sat down and turned on the computer.

When obstructed by a password, Itachi on a whim entered the characters to form the name 'Neji' on the electronic screen. There must have been some logic to the whim, as the screen unlocked, revealing a list of numerical entries and compiled data.

Given time, Itachi could have tried- to some degree- to interpret the data, but his attention was drawn to another open tab- a document, which upon opening, appeared to be an analysis on the expected effects of an artificially introduced serum. What drew his attention was the heading. The subheading mentioned an intended patient: Cynthia. Date of creation was the previous day, and the footnote mentioned a sample serum, kept in a labelled syringe.

Itachi almost bolted from his seat in surprise. Hisashi had done it? Developed a cure for Cynthia?

More than willing to believe it, yet wary of the disappointment that could await him if it weren't true. He reread the document, this time noticing the warning; an estimated 40% survival rate.

Which meant there was only a 40% chance she would survive. He could lose her.

A small chance was better than none- maybe he could take the serum to someone else, to develop, increase the chances.

In that moment, words could not express the immense gratitude he felt for Hisashi in that moment. Even dead, he had given him a key to help her again.

Walking to a shelf which contained an assortment of jars, flasks and syringes, Itachi searched for a syringe with the label mentioned in the document. Finding a small box with said label, he picked it up, hesitantly opening it.

Inside were three small syringes, a single needle sealed in a plastic case.

Once again looking around in paranoia, Itachi slipped the box into his pocket, now turning to the old tome that lay on the desk in front of him.

A cold, slightly accent-laden voice cut through the empty room, startling Itachi enough for him to snap his head in the direction of the door.

"What are you doing here?"

The boy who stood in the doorway couldn't have been older than thirteen. His long brown hair was near identical to his fathers, and his face was set in a suspicious scowl.

Itachi recognised the boy immediately. After all, he had spent most of his day worried for him, the son Hisashi had left behind. But what was Neji, who should have been safely in the company of his uncle's family, mourning the loss of his father doing there?

Then again, the answer lay in the question itself. The boy was in mourning. Of course he would have wanted to revisit the house of his late father.

"I could ask the same of you." Itachi said, answering the kid's earlier question.

"This isn't your house."

"And as of now, nor is it yours."

The younger boy's eyes flickered with pain, before he spoke. "You're that boy aren't you? The one who kept coming to meet my father? What do you want from him? Do you know who killed him?" his voice was accusatory, but vulnerable.

Itachi softened, seeing an echo of his brother, and also of Hisashi, in the young boy. "Your father was helping me. With something important to me. I only hoped I'd find something here to help."

"Helping you with what? Is it connected to his death?" the boy lashed out.

Itachi took one last look around the room, almost sighing, before looking back at the boy. He had every intention of talking to the child- anything to quell the guilt that had welled up in him- but a dead man's home filled with the ghosts of the past was hardly a place to have that conversation with a child in mourning.

He walked towards the doorway, saying, "First things first, I think introductions are in order. My name is Itachi. Itachi Uchiha. You, on the other hand, are Neji Hyuga, aren't you?" He held out a hand in greeting.

Neji extended a pale hand to meet Itachi's, shaking it as he nodded.

"Why don't you accompany me, Neji? I was going to find lunch somewhere; company would be much appreciated."

The boy glared at him, his suspicion obvious as he looked around the room, eyes lingering on the walls of the room.

"I can tell you more about what I know of your father's death if you come along." Itachi added.

The younger boy's eyes snapped back to Itachi, as he nodded, saying, "I'll come with you."

Several minutes later, they were at a small cafe located more centrally in the city.

"What were you talking about earlier? You know something about the people who killed my father?" Neji asked immediately after they had placed their orders and dismissed the waitress.

'He's quite perceptive. I wonder how much he was able to deduce already.' Itachi mused as he said, "Before that, Neji, I'd like to know what you know? How much you've speculated- don't give me that look, you're smart enough to have formed your own conclusions."

Neji, still glaring at Itachi, said, "Somebody wanted my father dead for the new research project he had picked up. I expect, whoever it is who wanted him dead is the same person who's hurt whoever it is you're trying to save. Most probably, you were well aware of the risks involved when you asked my father for help, and know exactly who killed him, if you're not in league with them already."

Surprised, Itachi saw the boy seated across from him in a new light. He was incredibly perceptive if he had figured out so much by that point- an intellectual equal, perhaps even. And possibly...an ally?

"That's...very interesting. And startlingly accurate. Mind telling me how you came to that conclusion?" Itachi asked.

"Before that, I believe you owe me an explanation." he quipped, not letting Itachi entirely take control of the conversation.

Itachi almost unconsciously found himself smirking at that. 'Touche.'He supposed he'd be as honest as possible, with as little possible injury to the boy.

"Have you ever loved someone who's dying?" Itachi asked, leaning forward, his chin resting on clasped fingers.

Not giving Neji a chance to reply, he went on, "I don't expect you to say yes. Not the kind of love I'm talking about. It's one thing to love someone- say, your parents for instance- and lose them, and words cannot express how much I sympathize with you for that. But it's another thing to watch a person you care for wane away day by day yet be unable to help them. I didn't want to watch her dye slowly. So I decided to cure her"

"And my father was the one who you went to?"

"Your father was one of the only people who could help. Rather, he was the only person in all of San Francisco who could have helped me find a cure. And he did. I'll admit, it was selfish of me; but he told me of the risks, and I asked him to help nonetheless. He had a choice to turn his back on me; he didn't. The people who were responsible for your father's death are also the people who put my...friend...in the state she is now, that is, dying. The man at the helm also happens to be my father."

Neji's expression was one of surprise and anger- thankfully that anger was not directed at Itachi. Itachi gave him a moment to calm himself before going on to say, "Understand that this information can never leave this conversation. Doing that would be useless- seeing as my father is practically untouchable by the law as he is now, and knowing this could put your life in danger. I understand that you are angry, and hurt, and you have every right to be; I am too. But acting rashly will do nothing for you now. Do not dishonour your father's death by threatening the existence of his only son."

Neji was quiet for a long time. A waitress came and served them each their orders, but Neji left his untouched.

Picking up his tea, and taking a small sip, Itachi looked at Neji over the rim of the ceramic cup, his brows furrowed.

"Well, this is a mess your family made. What will you do about it?" Neji asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them.

"I will put an end to this. It will take time- and I am helpless for now as long as these people hold my mother captive- but I will put an end to this. Can I ask you have that faith in me?" Itachi asked, though he knew the answer would be negative.

"Have faith in a boy who I've just met and barely know? I don't think so." he said sarcastically.

"No. Have faith in a boy who your father trusted." was Itachi's

Neji's opalescent eyes bore into him for several stretched out moments, before he nodded. "I trust you. But I want to help."

Itachi nodded in acknowledgement of his request, taking another sip of tea, before letting the conversation drift to more mundane topics.

Long after they had left that cafe, before Itachi delivered Neji to the Hyuga mansion, the other boy asked about Cynthia.

"Who is she?" He wanted to know more about the girl who his father had died trying to cure.

Itachi wasn't too keen on describing her, but he indulged his companion for the moment. "Most of my opinion will probably be biased, but I can try nonetheless. Her name is Cynthia."

"She's your age?"

"A little younger, but yes. She's ...different. Years of captivity make her appreciate what little contact she has with the world outside- be it people, or nature. She doesn't talk alot, but when she does, she always knows what to say. She's fiercely loyal and caring to those she loves."

Itachi watched the other boy hide a smirk, and protested against it only for Neji to reply with a small chuckle. "You really care for her alot don't you."

"I wouldn't have risked so much for her if I didn't. When you find someone you care about just as much, you'll understand."

"We'll see."

After a small lull in conversation, Itachi added, "She has a sister. She talks about her alot. She's about your age I suppose. One of the only reasons Cynthia's held on for so many years in that place is with the hope of seeing her sister again. They're the only family each other still has."

"Do you have a picture of her?" Neji asked, as though struck by a sudden thought.

A little startled by the question, and wary of it's repercussions, Itachi brought out his wallet, taking a small folded picture out of it, and handing it to Neji. "That was her four months ago."

Almost as soon as he saw the picture, Neji's grip faltered and it slipped out of his hands.

Itachi stooped down to catch it before looking at Neji with concern."Is there something wrong?"

"What did you say her sister's name was again?"

"I didn't. It's Arisa, I think."

Neji turned to Itachi saying, "I know her- I know where she is."

It was late evening when Itachi finally found Cynthia sitting in her room, huddled up on the bed, reading a book he had brought her not long ago. As soon as he walked into the room, she set the book aside and stood up.

Her long, frail arms wrapped him into a hug as she saw the conflicted expression on his face. "Is everything okay, Itachi?" she asked.

It was as though her hands had washed away all the stony facades and walls he had built around him throughout the day. All the grief, the pain, the anger, the guilt, the hope, everything came out in floods as he crumbled in her arms. Of course everything would be okay- he was back with her again. Where he belonged. And with that he let himself wallow in his grief and guilt for what could have been hours, minutes, or even mere seconds. Her arms shielded him from anything else that mattered.

At long length, he straightened up, and looked her in the eyes. "Hisashi is dead. My father had him killed."

The look of shock and pain on her face hurt him, as he saw her hands clasp over her mouth.

"I went to his house- and found this." he said taking out the box from before, containing the serums. He led her to the bed so they could sit down. "Apparently, it's a cure. It could work but... there's only a 40% chance of you surviving."

She looked like she was about to speak, when he stopped her.

"Lastly, I met his son, Neji. We talked about a number of things- he's as smart as I am, really, and I think we've found a good friend but the important thing is...he knows where your sister is."

That was when the dam broke and her questions came flooding out. "What?! Where? How is she? Is she alright? Where is she? How did you find out?" her questions petered out of their own accord. Perhaps she had let her worry and emotions overtake her for a moment, but Cynthia was not impractical.

She took one long look at him and wrapped her arms around him again, their lips meeting for a short kiss before she said, "We can talk about all of that later. Don't worry, Itachi. Everything's going to be okay." she said in a quiet whisper, as she pulled his head into her lap. "We're safe now. Rest a while now."

His hand reached up to grab her arm- the one that was not smoothing the hair away from his face- and his fingers locking with hers as he asked of her a small request. "Please. Sing for me."

She smiled, tenderly looking down at his tired face, bringing her fingers to his eyelids and closing them shut. She sang- sang the lullaby that had brought him to her for the first time. The lullaby that had changed her life.

And he fell asleep there, in her lap, in the halo of comfort and joy she gave him.

And for the last time for many years to come, he was safe.

Congratulations! You're still here.

Well, since you are here, I owe you an apology for my lengthy absence.I have now returned (hopefully for good).

So this chapter marks the temporary end of this mini arc- with the threat of something more ominous that I've yet to describe. I hope you guys enjoyed it!

You know what would really make this return worthwhile? Some reviews. So take mercy on this poor soul and leave a comment in that box underneath telling my how much you liked or hated this chapter!

~Raven