I have returned with yet another new chapter. It was quite late getting here as yet another plethora of excuses I do not wish to bother reciting right now. I spend so much time looking into other fandoms that I tend to forget the premise of the show and manga itself and often have to look up wikia facts to remind myself. At the end of this chapter are some facts about today's subject.

Disclaimer: Naruto is the foremost rightful property of Misashi Kishimoto. However, the fanfiction and its liberties are mine. Read and Enjoy.

Bold/Italics-narration or inner dialogue

Warnings: Religious bashing, slight Ino bashing, slight language, disparital social rifts, that's it.

Chapter 14: The Morrigan

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A chorus of low, droning hums drifted in the air merging with the whistle of a shamisen (1) to signal the beginning of the play. A soft blue light spread across the stage as a woman with long dark hair in a dark dress with a pentagram engraved on her arm cuff entered the platform. Her pale eyes were concealed by dark triangular make-up (2). She stretched out both hands above her head and did a half-spin.

"Once long ago, there was a beautiful woman; secretive, shy, and was always seen in the company of crows and how she vanished in a flurry of their feathers. Little did anyone suspect, she was really a shapeshifter…a goddess of battle, strife, and fertility; Her name was Morrigan".

The woman spun elegantly in the middle of the stage where she was greeted by several crows surrounding her and disappeared. In her place was an unknown person adorned in a black cloak and face concealed by an old crone's mask.

"Often intervening in the bloody battles she was doomed to predict, she disguised herself as an old crone and hasten the end of those who displeased her". The old woman raised her arms above her and would rush out at the audience causing them to scream, both in fear and surprise. Behind her several actors dressed in soldier uniforms with prop weapons. The crone flung open her cloak and flung crows at the soldier's causing them to scatter before dropping dramatically to the ground. This action caused the viewers to laugh. "Sometimes she would appear as herself and aide those who she favored. In the aftermath, she would come upon the battlefield, look upon the dead and dying before sending them to the next life". The young woman from before gazed upon wistfully among the dead men before looking to the heavens. As she waved her hand over the men, the blue light of the stage turned to yellow symbolically sending the fallen to the afterlife.

The curtain fell. Once the curtain lifted, the background change to that of an overhanging moon over a deep forest. A man was seated against a tree and a fire. His mask covers his entire face and he is in a hunters outfit in front of a fire. "Divided from the world, she wandered alone. Until one day, she stumbled upon a young warrior". A new Morrigan appeared, slightly broader yet still retained a slender shape; not features normally found on a young woman. Her long dark hair was tied in a braid. Her grey dress contained a black bodice that fit snug around the chest area. The said female gave an awkward smile to the warrior as she slowly slinked from behind the tree she was hiding behind and stepped slowly toward him. "It was love at first sight".

The warrior reached for the woman's hands and she instinctively gave a small smile. However, if one were to peer closer, it would look more akin to a grimace. You better be thanking me for this, Naruko. I'm doing this all for you. The curtain fell and lifted up to reveal different artisans holding up portraits moving like a wheel displaying different seasons behind the Morrigan and the warrior, looking deep into eachother's eyes and holding hands. "The seasons passed. The Morrigan and her handsome warrior settled in a small village. She kept her abilities hidden, her true identity a secret. Suddenly, Morrigan gasped in horror. On cue, the actress opened her mouth in a silent gasp. Her hands clutched her chest. In the background, shadow puppets moved about. One showed a figure falling to the ground. Visions of war flooded Morrigan's mind where soldiers flooded the valley to do battle with one another. One in particular filled her veins with ice; her love was doomed to die. The Morrigan actor shook her head before composing herself.

Down in the village, barbarians were attacking the village. The men in Morrigan's village rallied to defend against the oncoming horde, her love included. The Morrigan grasped her love's hand begging him not to go. But the warrior stated, he could not fathom abandoning his village and his comrades in such dire times. Reluctantly, she let go understanding his duty to his people and his fellow soldiers. The fake Morrigan grasped the hand of the warrior and looked at him sadly. But the warrior shook his head and looked at her silently requesting for her to understand. The lady let go after sometime and he ran off. "The Morrigan then came to a resolve: She would rescue her beloved.

The curtains fell signaling the intermission.

The 'other' Morrigan tore off his wig, dress, and mask on the floor in an aggravated huff. In her place was the seething form of the young prince. "Gah, could anyone ask for a more humiliating role as this?!" His eyes turned red and he shook with uncontained rage. The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted his tirade. He turned to see a pale young man with short red hair, black rings around his eyes, a kanji tattoo located left above his non-existent eyebrows, and dressed in a peasant outfit.

"Stop squawking! You aren't the only one who has to endure this indignation! I had to hold your fricken hand and be all' the redhead shuddered and gagged 'loving and romantic. God! I hate being all cheerful and crap like that on stage! If it weren't for Shukaku…" he stuffed his hands into his pockets. Before Sasuke could respond, another voice chimed in. It belonged to the same blonde female currently narrating the story.

"You're telling me. It's bad enough Shukaku is forcing us to do this damn shindig and get all dressed up so a bunch of close minded, ignorant, religion thumping peasants with nothing better to do than to throw stones and lecture about some bullshit the rest of the world could care less about (3)".

All three nodded their head in agreement. Sasuke used this time to vote in his two cents. "So I am guessing you are in the same boat as me" he retorted. Both nodded. The blonde walked up and held out her hand. "Since we are stuck here like you, we may as well get to know one another. I'm Temari and this sourpuss is my youngest brother, Gaara. And since we all know who you are Prince Sasuke. We will just call you Chidori just for anonymity sake".

Sasuke looked aghast but was interrupted once more. Her friendliness all disappeared as she glared and pointed a finger into his chest. "You're not the ONLY one with much to lose should your secret get out! My brothers and I have spent years rebuilding our lives after our good for nothing Father abandoned us to recompense his debts. It was only by chance that Shukaku took us in when he did; otherwise we would be resigned to living out our days as no better than indentured servants".

Sasuke hung his head in guilty penance. He was more than aware of what indentured servitude entailed. Essentially, you were more or less like a slave except only a fortunate few could buy their way to freedom (4). Sadly it was not always the case.

"For what it is worth, I would never resign you to such a fate" Sasuke offered. Temari and Gaara snapped their heads toward Sasuke in disbelief. Temari scoffed. Suddenly, another young man with short brown hair sticking up in several places bust through the tent. "Break time's over brats! Your back on now get back into position!"

Quickly as he came, he left. All three teens blinked before bursting out into laughter. Well rather Gaara's attempt at laughter came out as a snort. Temari shrugged. Well, you all heard Kankuro: let's gets back before we all get the noose.

A shadow figure of a crow flew over the village just as two armies raced for one another. Flame props hung over the village making it appear to be on fire.

Morrigan soared through the sky tracking the warrior as he raced through the village. Below fires burned and homes collapsed. Out of the homes, actors dressed as peasants ran from the fray and into the forest. The villagers had scattered. Morrigan's love was in a stalemate with another soldier clashing swords all the while. Morrigan watched in horror at the sight: her vision was coming true. This time the old crone from earlier came up on the scene and gasped at seeing her beloved fighting off his barbarian adversary. Morrigan had to act quickly. The crone lifted her winged arms over her head and out came several crows aimed at the barbarian. The adversary screamed as he was overwhelmed by various crows. Followed by her familiars, she swooped in scratching at the barbarian's face. He stumbled and then fell. The barbarian fell backwards and screamed as he fell…off stage onto a mattress. The crone ran toward the warrior in jubilation while he only looked perplexed at seeing this strange old woman run up to him. She had done it: she had changed the warrior's fate. Overjoyed, she ran to him. Upon seeing the expression of the warrior, the woman realized she did not recognize her in her crone form. She then revealed her true self".

A flurry of crows surrounded the old woman and in her place was Morrigan's younger form. The Morrigan stood before the warrior smiling. The warrior gasped and shook in head in disbelief. The warrior stumbled backwards. But their love was never meant to be. She watched in horror as her beloved stumbled backwards off the cliff…to his death. The warrior gave a scream as he stumbled backwards onto…a stage net. Morrigan wept bitterly as her beloved fell to his death. And while she may try to deny them her prophesies once again brought another to their death. The actress threw herself upon the stage and silently wept. Then she stood up and was immersed in a flurry of crow feathers before vanishing.

Centuries ago, there lived a beautiful woman named Morrigan. Those who glimpsed her spoke of a beautiful woman forever in the company of crows, and how she vanished in a flurry of their feathers: Her name was Morrigan.

The curtains drew over the stage signaling the end of the play. The crowd applauded. The performers, set up crew, prop handlers, and musicians all gathered to the front and gave a hearty bow. In return, a flurry of coins was thrown toward the performers. The troupe gathered up as much as they could. The curtains drew closed. A puff of red smoke exploded revealing the masked Gypsy King Kurama. He stood before the audience with a pleased grin. In another tent, the ensemble crew congratulated themselves for a job well done.

Many were just happy to rid themselves of the weight of their ridiculous apparels and props. Gai and a few other adults entered the tent to congratulate the cast and crew. (5) Among them was Shukaku; a broad formed man about the same age as Kurama. He had long spiky blond hair with blue streaks embedded in the locks, a slight goatee forming at the base of his chin, his eyes were strange; black sclarea (whites) with yellow pupils in the shapes of stars. His festival outfits consisted of a yellow haori with a slits at shoulders and black pants with several tears and and red leather boots. There was an ongoing rumor that he had a bit of a rivalry with Kurama and was constantly trying to outdo him at every turn but was never quite successful.

Gai's face was full of tears and exclaiming about "wonders of youth". Lee looked around wishing to congratulate Chidori for his grand spectacle but noticed he was gone. Situated on a wooden stool was the Morrigan costume. Lee smiled and silently wished the prince the best of luck.

Sasuke walked casually back to the podium where his family and guest sat. Fugaku had ordered him to be back before sundown. He exhaled before joining the other nobles. He sat in his designated seat where he was addressed by Itachi. "Where have you been little brother? You are not normally this late coming back". Sasuke shrugged casually. "You know how Mangetsu can get being tied to one place too long" he explained.

"Or you probably were just…spreading your wings?" Itachi enunciated whilst holding up a black feather causing Sasuke to halt his breathing. Sasuke snatched it back. Luckily, Fugaku was in the middle of talking with Inoichi. He glared at Itachi. "Speak louder why don't you?" he hissed sarcastically. Itachi held up both hands. "Relax little brother. I would never give you away like that. Besides, I was rather moved by such a stirring performance. By the way' Itachi grinned 'which one were you cause I doubt you were the warrior since you don't have red hair. So were you the crone or the leading lady?"

Sasuke bristled and blushed. "Shut up. I I-I was one of the prop handlers" he stammered rubbing the back of his neck. At that moment Ino walked right up to Sasuke. "Oh Sasuke-kun, your face is red. Is it an allergic reaction? I hope it's nothing serious!" she wailed dramatically. Sasuke grimaced. If its anything I'm allergic to you, it's your annoying voice. "As a matter of fact Ino, I'm just a little thirsty. It's so hot and I am much in the need of something cool to drink. Maybe some ginger ale or some fresh apple cider" he offered. Ino beamed with joy. Perhaps her fiancé finally accepted her feelings for him and was trying to initiate her wifely instincts by asking her to retrieve something for him. "Yes. Oh yes, very much. I will go forth and ask one of the ser-Sasuke cut her off. "No!" Ino jumped back a bit startled before composing herself. Sasuke cleared his throat before speaking.

"No I mean…I think it best if my future wife were to deliver something herself".

Ino glanced at Sasuke for any sign of deception. She brushed it off.

"Very well, anata I shall go and return with your beverage. But first, I must tell my parents and gather a few escorts to come with me. After all' she waved a hand over herself showing all her expensive finery 'I don't want to fall astray of any vagabond lying in wait. Ta ta for now" she greeted before blowing a kiss in his direction. Sasuke rolled his eyes and deflated in his seat. "Thank Kami she's gone". Itachi shook his head sardonically. He slipped his gaze back to the feather clutched in Sasuke's hand. He was curious as to why Sasuke was associating himself with gypsies of all people. Looking at Sasuke's current state however, the elder decided it was best to let him have his rest. He could always ask later.

He turned to look back at the streets to see what other events were taking place. Immediately the crowd roared back to life as a booth was rolled out in the middle of the stage. The booth in question had a painting of a guy dressed as a pope save that in place of the face was an empty hole shaped big enough to fit a head through. Then Itachi groaned as he knew where this was going. (6) The Crowning of the Pope of Fools was just another one of the many infamous and albeit ridiculous events that took place during Day of Epiphany where people would forgo strict Christian doctrine and make merriment while parading their chosen 'pope' around the streets throughout the whole night. Although to the disgust of certain others and to a lesser extent his family; it was an excuse to single out certain individuals simply for their unseemly appearance or to disregard all forms of decency and make complete asses of themselves. Itachi had no love for the event itself. He would simply rather ignore it in favor of watching those throng of dancers as they saluted their new pope: a middle aged man with buck teeth and one lidded eye and gangly physique. He appeared to be slightly drunk as he lazily waved at the crowd of cheering spectators while gazing lewdly at the dancers, the middle one especially. The elder Uchiha scrunched his nose in disgust and turned from said man to focus solely on the dancers.

Naruko sighed inwardly as she along with her fellow dancers were forced to do a laudatory dance for the newly elected Pope of Fools. The blonde felt like gagging. The said pope was repulsive in form and mannerisms. It almost felt like he was mentally undressing her entire troupe with his eyes while simultaneously waving at the crowd. If it weren't for the stern lecture she was sure to receive from her uncle, she would gladly give the pervert a good old wallop to the head. Thankfully, he was distracted by the cheering of the crowd before standing up and doing a bad imitation of a drunken dance. God the things people will do to get attention. She was ever so thankful that it was only once a year. As the fake pope was carried away on a makeshift palanquin, Naruko looked toward the balustrade where Sasuke sat with his family. She smiled grateful he was safely away from the fray. It was now nearing 4:00pm. Once the dancers finished, they all retreated back into their tents to change back into their usual garb. Afterwards, they would then separate to enjoy themselves however they liked before the days end. As Naruto departed her tent with KonKon she could not help but think if perhaps like Morrigan, she was doomed to share in the pain of mourning. One thing was certain, this was a night worth remembering.

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Finally I am done. It took me a couple of months and days. I hope you can forgive me. Work and time get ahead of me and I do not always have room to get what I need done. Still, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I apologize if I got certain things wrong. The play mentioned is based on an animation by Emily Clarkson. Also, mentioned are some facts about Morrigan herself as listed below:

The Morrigan (also Mórrigan or Morrigu) is one of the most mysterious figures in Irish mythology.

The name Morrigan means 'phantom queen' (or 'great queen') and describes a Goddess from old Ireland that was very associated with war, destiny, fate and death.

She was a shape-shifter and frequently appeared as a black crow, an ominous sign for those who saw her prior to battle. Legend has it that the Morrigan was in fact a triad of sisters, often named as Badb, Macha and Nemain, while the Morrigan is also remembered as the triad of the land Goddesses Ériu, Banba and Fódla.

Such was her influence over the land of Ireland that it is from áariu that the word 'Eire' and 'land' ('Ériu-land'), developed into 'Ireland', in effect naming the country!

The most famous tales of the Morrigan always center around Cuchulainn at the time he defended Ulster from the army of Connaught, led by Queen Maeve.

This famous battle raged for months and cost countless lives. By invoking the right of single combat Cuchulainn was able to defeat warrior after warrior. It is at this point that the Morrigan attempted to seduce Cuchulainn, offering herself to him before battle. But Cuchulainn refused Morrigan, despite her great beauty.

The Morrigan was outraged and used her shape-shifting powers to transform into an eel, tripping Cuchulainn as he traversed a fjord. The hero recovered though and lashed out at the eel, breaking its ribs. She then transformed into a wolf, scaring cattle and driving them towards Cuchulainn who responded with a sling-shot, blinding the Morrigan in one eye.

Once again the Morrigan transformed!

This time she changed into a heifer leading the stampede towards Cuchulainn. But once again the famed prowess of the greatest mythic figure in Irish history thwarted her evil ambition.

He fired away another slingshot, breaking her leg forcing the Morrigan into a humbling retreat. One that she would never forget.

After his victory in battle Cuchulainn traveled from the battle-site where he encountered an old woman milking a cow. Again the Morrigan had transformed.

The haggard woman was blind in one eye, with damaged ribs and a broken leg but despite having inflicted these wounds Cuchulainn did not recognize her new form. She tricked him by giving him three sips of milk. He blessed her on every occasion and when each had been taken the wounds inflicted on the Morrigan were healed. By Cuchulainn's own blessings!

The Morrigan would again appear before Cuchulainn shortly before his death. On his way to yet another battle he met a woman washing bloody armor, a sure and terrible portent of impending doom.

Sure enough Cuchulainn was finally conquered. Despite being mortally wounded he tied himself to a boulder with his own innards, in the hope that his upright appearance would continue to terrify his enemies. It is only when a black crow finally landed on his shoulder that his death was finally revealed.

The Morrigan also appeared in other mythic adventures.

In the Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of the Taking of Ireland) of the twelfth century the Morrigan is named among the Tuatha De Danann as a daughter of daughter of Ernmas, who in turn was a granddaughter of Nuada. In the 'Battle of Mag Tuired' (The Battle of Moytura), the Morrigan is said to have mated with the Daghda, with one foot on each bank of a mighty river and later promised to summon the magicians of Ireland to aide the Tuath De Danann in their battle against the Fomorians.

In the battle itself the Morrigan recited a poem or chant that so terrified the Fomorians that they were driven back into the sea.

The incredible Morrigan! The shape-shifting Phantom Queen.

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Chapter Footnotes:

(1) A Japanese stringed instrument normally containing about two strings.

(2) No it is not Hinata. Her time in this story will come later.

(3) This phrase does not reflect the opinion of all. Just a pessimistic viewpoint of some who have since lost any esteem for organized religion.

(4) Indentured Servitude is a barter agreement between master and servant to work for a certain number of years before being granted certain privileges for freedom: money, land, or goods.

(5) How I imagined what Shukaku would look like in human form.

(6) Feast of Fools, popular festival during the Middle Ages, held on or about January 1, particularly in France, in which a mock bishop or pope was elected, ecclesiastical ritual was parodied, and low and high officials changed places. Such festivals were probably a Christian adaptation of the pagan festivities of the Saturnalia. By the 13th century these feasts had become a burlesque of Christian morality and worship. In spite of repeated prohibitions and penalties imposed by the Council of Basel in 1431, the feasts did not die out entirely until the 16th century.