AU: Ok yes, it's slow.
Disclaimer : I do not own Naruto
CHAPTER 4
He gazes over the meadow where the wildflowers are gently moving with a soft breeze and mull over her words. Not for the first time he realises how at peace he feels, how free it feels to be in her presence yet at the same time there is something different – something new he can't quite place. This is what he was looking for, what he missed, the peace and freedom he felt in her presence and now a soothing calmness too? He questions this new revelation for a mere moment before he finally turns back to face her "I will do everything in my power to live up to your high regard of me and I promise, your Lotus…. your daughter…will fall to no harm while I breath."
Smiling behind the mask she looks at him while gesturing to a worn path through the meadow.
"Then I do believe it is time you finally meet."
She says before leading him away down a path he did not notice earlier, winding its way off into the distance somewhere away from the silver stream.
They exit through another light portal finding themselves standing on the roof of the arena where the final part of the Chunin exams are being held.
"More than a month has passed here Weasel and my time with you grows shorter fast."
Itachi is surprised to hear that so much time has passed when they were only speaking for a short while in the meadow but none of this shows on his stoic expression. It does not escape his attention that his tight control and iron clad will over his outward features is back into effect.
Before them they find a four-point shield barrier up with a dense forest growing inside right on top of the roof. In between the trees they see remnants of a heated battle that had just ended multiple torn branches, shredded whole trees and demolished residues of whatever earth jutsus that was used in the battle as proof remaining. On the outside Anbu, Jonnin and other high level shinobi stand looking in, everybody's killing intent rolling off of them in threatening waves promising to steal the very breath from your lungs.
Itachi rushes to the nearest Jonin – Kakashi.
"My Weasel, Hokage-sama is dead." The Light informs him with a sad twinge in her usually melodious voice before he is able to pose the question to Kakashi. He turns around and only his eyes betray his shock and surprise "You knew this was happening?"
"I did, it had to happen. Hokage-sama made the ultimate sacrifice of his own choosing to try and stave the threat that looms. I fear he may have only bought you a little much needed time, but not much if I'm honest. I believe he has left a missive for you both" she says to both men standing before her now, Kakashi still facing the barrier.
"It has begun and now we need to move towards altering the path that much more. I wish I could have saved him but he felt he owed it to all of you to at least try and help you all in protecting the village."
"How many more will we have to lose before this ends?" Kakashi sighs more to himself than anybody else but his words are heard by more than just the two closest to him.
The shield lowers and Orochimaru makes his escape with arms dangling at his sides like useless rags, his lackeys not far behind him and with many a shinobi in hot pursuit while the rest of the Anbu swoops in to the fallen Hokage's side. Turning around right at this moment Kakashi acknowledges the figure clad in the green cloak and mask "How long can you stay for this time?" he asks in a sombre tone his unmatched eyes full of emotion held back with sheer will alone.
"Weasel will inform you of the details but for now we need to see the elders as I do not have much time left here. The strain is becoming too much for the bridge and I fear the damage caused may be too extensive to allow me to return again should I tally here much longer." She answers him honestly while moving forward to embrace him around his waist.
"Keep her safe, please Kakashi" she whispers in his ear lifting her head as close to him as possible.
FLASHBACK
"One day I will return, this I promise you and I will need your help. The girl is precious to me and I hope she will become precious to you too. The sacrifice your father made will extend to her being brought back here, so in essence a part of your father lives in her. Take care of and protect her then, losing her will mean a greater loss for either of us or this world to bear." These were her last words to him before she had faded out of his consciousness leaving him with a warmth and peace he had long forgotten he possessed.
End Flashback
He merely nods and motions with his head to Itachi who was looking at both of them with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look in his eyes.
-0-
Within the next hour the elders as well as the 17 clan heads (of which Kakashi is one) gathered together, meeting inside a large room within the Hokage tower.
"This is absurd! You expect us to receive and obey orders from a woman you claim to be an entity here for our own good? All while we just lost our Hokage and the village is in shambles."
The female elder losing all patience with the unfolding story that was just relayed not bothering to hide her distrust of the people in favour of the current request.
"Honoured elders…" Fugaku clears his throat and interjects with his deep gravely baritone. "I understand your frustration but…" pulling out several scrolls he had hidden on his person "our beloved Hokage did not leave us or this village unattended nor without his final wishes and strategies" he clarifies for the now confused room of people.
Proceeding to hand a personalised marked scroll to each elder first then to every clan head present in the room, lastly he turns to Kakashi, Itachi and the Lotus handing them each a scroll marked for them. The scroll for the Lotus simply has a small lotus flower embossed on the ends.
"Needless to say the Uchiha has already received their missive and is already underway with the last instructions from our beloved Lord Third." Allowing his eyes to roam freely around the room to emphasize his following words "We will not allow his sacrifice to be in vain nor will we squander the hope his will of fire has invoked. I believe that all here will agree with me?"
He looks around the room again at all the clan heads, willing them to contradict his words. He owes the deceased Hokage a massive debt of gratitude and he had decided five years ago that he would do all he could to prove his loyalty to both Saratobi Hiruzen and the village - that the Uchiha clan will never again betray their trust or home.
When no protest or even contempt for disregarding the council ensues he continues "Jiraiya has been summoned and has received his final mission from the Third. He will be retrieving our next successor which I believe is in the best interest of everybody as only she is able to lead us through this trying time ahead. One of the Legendary Sannin Senju Tsunade, last living heir for her clan and granddaughter and niece to our First and Second Hokage respectively."
Itachi hides his shock at hearing his father speaking of what should be done next. He remembers the Light had had a positive impact on his father with her last visit, almost softening his approach to family, clan and village and he was first to agree that Fugaku has indeed been trying (successfully he had to admit secretly) to be more understanding in the years there after. But still, his father was always one to seek out a weak spot and exploit it for the good of the clan. A part of Itachi was expecting his father to actually try and claim the Kage seat for himself. So lost was he in his musings he failed to notice when Lotus stepped forward to address the council and clan heads.
"I wish I could remain here to assist you further but unfortunately my time for this world has drawn to an end. Please, my Lotus will remain but she will need assistance. I have already requested and received some help needed but all I ask is that you do not expect her to be me for she is not. She is merely a vessel I may use when I can communicate with you."
Glancing over her shoulder to Kakashi and Itachi she lifts her one hand to pull down the hood, the other to remove her mask. Lifting it slowly from the bottom sliding it up over her head, the entire time her face remains hidden from everybody in the room. Finally, only her eyes remain hidden but bright light is streaming from her eyes until the mask is fully removed and it fades out making the face under the mask visible for the first time since her arrival.
Itachi feels the familiar but pleasingly different chakra signature growing stronger and near stifling in its intensity before he looks up to see what is happening in the middle of the room now silent and watching. For a moment all Itachi sees is wide hazel eyes registering only surprise in their depths until they roll to the back of her head and she crumbles in on herself nearly hitting the cold tiled floor if not for Kakashi who stepped forward to catch the young girl before she could be hurt in her sudden faint spell.
Itachi and Fugaku moves forward together but Itachi reaches him first arms at the ready to relieve him of the girl now limp in his arms.
"I will bring her to your home if you don't mind" Kakashi softly but sternly says to both clan head and heir while pinning him with his lone eye in a warning glare that he will not be swayed.
Both Uchiha males reply merely with glowers of their own but allows Kakashi his ward for the moment.
"I understand this goes against village protocol but then again, there is no precedent set for instances like this" he directs his next comments to the rest of the room as he sets his determined gaze on the rest.
"This girl needs a home and rest, since the Uchiha owes her a life debt I assume they will care for her needs until she is able to answer any and all questions we require from her. I am sure she is prepared for all that but right now as you can see, she needs care first." His last words said sternly as he picks Lotus up bridal style cradling her small lush frame in his arms. Turning to Fugaku he nods and they both disappear with a poof of smoke and a flurry of leaves, leaving Itachi to face the clan heads and elders now turning to him for answers.
-o-
Kakashi appears before Mikoto with the unconscious Lotus cradled in his arms with Fugaku close behind him as she is standing in her kitchen preparing her families evening meal. Not even startled by their sudden presence she just jumps into action ushering Kakashi down the long corridor beyond the staircase and dining room, leading him to the area where the guests usually stay over when required.
Instead of showing him to one of the many guest rooms they have inside she continues out into a small inner courtyard tucked between the labyrinth of walkways that forms part of the house and the sturdy outer walls of their home. There is a small sturdy wooden bridge over a pond covering the whole courtyard with koi fish and ducks swimming underneath and around lotus plants and flowers on the surface, two perfectly synchronized water features adorning either end of the pond.
A small Zen and flower garden sits off to the side on the other side of the bridge leading onto a walkway and porch surrounding a hut standing on its own away from the main house but secured within its walls.
Kakashi follows the matriarch while missing all the details of the beautiful setting around him as he has his lone dark eye fixed on the seemingly sleeping girl he is currently carrying. Studying her features as he walks between the Uchiha head couple.
Her perfectly round face completed with an almost heart shaped black beauty mark below her mouth on the right, full pink lips forming a near pout now, long thick lashes and eyebrows the same shade as her crown a seemingly heavy mass of long midnight blue black tight curls, and skin the colour of rich summer honey. Her hair colour is so dark and striking it could easily be mistaken for black if not for the brilliant blue hues that reflect from the curly wisps floating in the wind around her sleeping face, just a shock of striking silver curls (a perfect shade match to his own) on her right side above her eye is in sharp contrast to the rest of her hair. He looks at her and thinks she is truly breath taking even when asleep.
Fugako calls the Copy Ninja back from his observations to show him that they have entered a spacious beautiful bedroom complete with bed, dresser, small desk and wardrobe. One side of the room is all window with a sliding glass door opening to the surrounding porch outside with drapes drawn back now, allowing in the sunlight as well as giving it a full time view and access of the pond and gardens on the outside.
Mikoto waves him over to the massive bed in the centre of the back wall situated on a raised platform with a small trunk at the foot end with lotus flowers delicately engraved on the lid. He walks over with lengthy mindful strides all while eyeing not only the trunk but also the rest of all the wooden finishing touches within the room, all having lotus flowers either etched or painted on them.
"Yes Kakashi, we were expecting her to arrive someday as we know you were too" Fugako answers his unasked questions as he lays the girl down on the bed leaving Mikoto to fuss over her sleeping form.
"Out, both of you. The poor girl has been through enough for today. Please leave us so I can tend to her needs and make her as comfortable as I can until she wakes" Mikoto's sharp orders pierces through to the two men now standing facing each other before they can debate.
"It's best to just listen and comply when she gets that tone" Fugako almost whispers to Kakashi as he holds out his arm towards the door they just entered through.
A final glance over his shoulder towards the sleeping girl and Kakashi relents allowing the clan head to accompany him out. Only then he realises that what he thought was just a room was more of a small home within the main house itself as they enter a small corridor leading to the front door with two more doors across the way from where they exited.
"We can discuss everything in detail in my study" Fugako offers as they cross the bridge back to the main house. "I have some special sake that we can indulge in while we wait for Mikoto and supper" he adds to a now very surprised masked ninja who has never socialised with the clan head before.
"I guess that does sound good. We do have much to discuss" looking back over the pond from the hallway in the main house Kakashi agrees with an underlying trace of steel in his voice "about how WE will protect her."
"Hn…"
At the standard short Uchiha response appropriate for almost all situations both men suddenly start to chuckle and move towards Fugaku's office to talk things over with a now more relaxed atmosphere around them.
Meanwhile back in the room Mikoto has begun to undress and wash the sleeping young girl, dressing her in a soft white sleeping yukata complete with lotus blooms outlines on the collar and sleeve trims in pale green before settling her down under the covers to rest. She looks at Lotus with soft eyes and a smile dancing on her face admiring the innocent beauty that the girl has even in her sleep. She seems to be quite petite but still mature and very feminine, yet only a few years older than Sasuke, no more than 3 or 4 at the most.
While busy undressing her she found a flower of life crest etched into the honey coloured skin on her chest just below the small dip where her collar bones connect as well as a lotus flower tattoo on her back coloured in with scale-like diamond patterns spanning between her shoulder blades. The tattoo had funny diamond like shapes almost resembling a vine trailing up and down the length of her spine from her nape right down to her tail bone, the same dark purple-silver in colour as on the flower - they glisten bright like jewels when catching the light. These were not the only tattoos the girl possessed. Each of her shoulders in front held what appeared to be a Yin (dark on her right) and Yang (light on her left) symbol, half on each side. Except for these markings the girl's skin is perfect and unmarred everywhere else, the rich summer honey tone even and flawless right down to her toes giving her an almost feint glow.
Mikoto knows these markings mean something and is glad she had cleaned up the girl as she would be able to relay this to her husband later. Right now she sits next to the sleeping form stroking the blue black curls and twirls a single silver curl between her finger as she allows the soothing calmness radiating off the sleeping girl to seep into herself.
"Life and Love, right?" she whispers hoping that the sleeping girl is able to hear her. "I will keep watch till you rise Lotus, for now just rest. Your family and home is waiting for you" she adds wistfully.
-o-
- In a meadow filled with only bright near blinding light only two voices present, one ringing of crystal bells another sweet, soft and clear -
"Mistress? Are you here?"
"I am here my Lotus, do not fear."
"Where…. where are we?"
"In between, my flower. Someplace safe, a place your mind finds shelter in. A place where I can see you in your absence from me."
"I'll never leave you Mistress, I will return. I promise."
"Ah, I know you intend to but first I need you to indulge me with a favour please."
"Anything for you Mistress."
"Kakashi…..I need you to tell him everything."
"Everything? About you Mistress?"
"Everything Nalina…. about you."
"…"
"Lotus, please. Do this for me."
"A-as you wish Mistress, as you wish."
"Thank you."
"…"
"I have… know of one ability you possess; would you like me to tell you?"
"Will it be of any assistance in your mission?"
"Yes, I do believe it would."
"Then please, tell me."
"You my beautiful flower can extract a person's darkest emotions and insecurities and absorb them through touch, allowing them to be more open to the positive side of things…to the light within themselves. Freeing them of whatever may be tying them down in life, all you need do is touch their skin and draw their negatives by willing it to you into your being, you will figure out the rest from there I am sure. Learn to use this ability, I believe this is just the initial manifestation and it can be honed to something quite spectacular, much like you."
"I... uh…uhmm, thank you Mistress. I will do my very best to live up to your high regard of me."
-soft chuckles tainted with crystal bells-
"Oh my, you really are alike."
"Who Mistress?"
"In time you will come to see. Right now though we need to get you back. They are waiting for you. I have managed to secure some assistance for you on arrival to ease your adjustment here. Just trust in them. "
"Mistress wait! I-I am scared. Will you be with me like at home?"
"No my flower, we can only converse here. I'll always be with you though, you carry me in your heart remember? Now, time to open your eyes my Lotus…. open your eyes…."
The blinding bright light starts to fade away softly, darkness growing in grey and hazy hues swallowing everything in its path.
"Mistress…. wait…. will HE be there…"
Long blue black lashes flutter open slowly and hazel eyes flecked with amber and gold adjust to the sunlight pouring in from a window across the soft bed where she lays.
"Welcome to our home, Lotus." A soft and kind unknown female voice coos to her.
Her throat feels dry and scratchy and she struggles to swallow before she can even try and answer the beautiful woman she sees sitting on the edge of the bed she is in holding her hand affectionately.
"I am Uchiha Mikoto and we have been waiting for you to wake up for nearly two weeks now" she receives in answer to her unasked question as well as a small cup with sweet smelling tea brought to her slightly chapped lips to sip.
Drinking deep she allows the soothing warm tea to still the fire-like thirst burning in her throat "Arigato Uchiha-sama, I am called Nalina. I mean no disrespect but only my Mistress calls me Lotus" she says with her still scratchy voice while a slight blush tinges the tops of her ears and she lightly bites the corner of her bottom lip at her reprimand.
Chuckling softly as she is very taken with the young girls clearly open personality she replies "Fine then, as long as you call me just Mikoto. You will be staying with me and my family so such formalities should not apply."
Bowing her head slightly in acknowledgement to her, Nalina finally looks at the beautiful woman who has made herself comfortable next to her. "Am I in trouble for sleeping so long?" she shyly enquires starting to nibble her lip more earnestly.
"No, we were just worried about you since you just collapsed after the Light left us" Mikoto reassures the girl giving her a slight hug with the arm over her shoulders that supported her while she drank.
Steeling her shoulders while strengthening her resolve she looks up and confidently say "Well, guess I should get this all started then. I think I've kept the council waiting long enough, if we are to succeed I need them to trust me."
Surprised by her eagerness despite her weakened condition Mikoto informs her kindly but sternly "Not right this moment no. First you need to get stronger and eat we can meet them in a day or two. I also think you need to read this first." She hides the fact that Nalina's chakra had spiked drastically when her resolve was strengthened and flares her own to see if she would be able to detect it. She does not by her completely unchanged demeanour next to Mikoto, 'She must not even be aware of it' she realises without voicing anything but still watching the girl intently.
Mikoto hands her the scroll from the Hokage she received with the others and stands to move towards the door "I'll go and get you something to eat. The bathroom is through that door, you can enjoy a bath in the meantime. I already put a change of clothes in there for you."
"Uhm…Uchiha-sama thank you, but may…may I see Kakashi-san please?" Nalina asks before Mikoto leaves the room completely. She pulls the same bit of lip between her teeth like before worrying it so much it becomes bright red.
Smiling at the young girl as she turns to answer her "He's been coming around almost every day waiting for you to wake up, Lotus. He will be here for supper later, now go!" shooing Nalina towards the bathroom with her hands and a playful wink.
-O-
Fugaku, Mikoto, Kakashi and Nalina are seated in the lounge after dinner that evening. The dinner table had been very quiet due to Fugaku not being certain what to say and Mikoto not wanting to overwhelm their newly awoken guest too much. Kakashi had tried to engage but Nalina did not completely fall into the dinner conversation as she still needed to speak to him in private and she was feeling a bit out of place in her new surroundings.
Unable to handle the suspense anymore she finally turns to the Uchiha couple chewing her lip unforgivably "Forgive my impatience and rudeness but… I have things to discuss with Kakashi in private. Is there somewhere we could, please? I promise, I will follow any and all orders given thereafter but for now I need to complete this last one from my Mistress."
"Mistress?" Kakashi and Fugaku both enquire at the same time finding it strange she would use this term for the Light.
"Orders? My dear child, we do not have orders for you. We were lead to believe that you would be here to assist us with an unknown threat. You are our guest and as such you need not seek permission to speak to anybody that you need to while you are here" Mikoto relays to her looking at Fugaku and Kakashi with a look saying they should not even dream of contradicting her on this. She notices she habit Nalina has of chewing her lips when worried and mentally makes a note of this.
"As for privacy, Fugaku and I are going for a walk in the orchard behind our home. We will be back in an hour or so" she says as she slips her arm into his after he had risen from his seat.
A bright smile lights up Nalina's face for the first time since waking up and Mikoto feels her heart clench in that moment "Thank you so much Mikoto-sama, I think we will be great friends."
The pair leaves them alone seated on opposite facing chairs. As soon as they turn down the long corridor that leads to her hut she turns back to the silver haired ninja.
"I don't even know if I can tell you all there is to tell in an hour" she says finally completely overwhelmed in that moment while he just chuckles at her sudden change.
"We still have time, tell me what you need to when you need to. Else I will just ask when I have a question. Does that sound like a plan?" he answers as calmly as he can like he does when speaking to Naruto or Sakura when they get too excited.
Eyes widened in disbelief "Mistress asked me to tell you everything…everything! It is a lot."
"And you will in time. First, tell me how are you feeling?" he tries to assure her but still keep her talking at least.
Nalina cocks her head to the side and he sees the contemplation in her eyes as she nibbles softly on her bottom lip again, chakra surging indicating the inner turmoil she experiences at the moment. He can't recall when last he had met somebody so …open. Even Naruto and Sakura the two most readable people he knows can hide this very basic emotion with ease.
"Actually, tired really" she laughs at this answer before he even sees the humour in her random answer. Her laugh is clear and pure and she neither hides it nor tries to dampen it. "Surprising as how I've been asleep for a week!" she finally sputters between her fits.
Kakashi eyes her and joins her with his own chuckle "That tends to happen when you jump between worlds" he says reminding her of how she ended up here.
"Oh! Guess that is true. But I didn't really jump worlds as you say. I was ….transferred here I think? I'm not sure I know how to explain this" she mumbles softly going back to worrying her lip in earnest.
He leans forward eyebrow raised with his hand under his chin "Just try, I'm listening". He notes how her chakra flares and spikes drastically every time her emotions are given free reign, judging by her earlier reactions he concludes that she is not even aware of this.
She takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders straightening her back "My physical body is still in my world but my 'essence' as Mistress likes to call it was pulled here and a new physical body created from it for me…and her. In my world I am laying in a hospital bed broken and seemingly dead to the world, that is where my Mistress resides now until I meet with her in the in between."
"In between?" he asks gently noting the sadness that falling over her like a cloak.
"Yes, a place where our consciousness can connect and where she can inform me of our next move. That is how you will have Mistress's aid leading up to and during the coming battles. And also my only connection with her during this time."
"Battles? I thought there was only one threat." He noticed her sadness become heavier but could feel the small amount of relief she felt from having that connection to the Light. "Did you not meet with your Mistress in that space back home?"
"There is only one really but he is old and has had many years to align all his plans for his final attack. The massacre and Danzo was but one small piece and a pawn in his grander scheme" she looks down at her hands as they lay in her lap fidgeting with her fingers. "Back home Mistress was my constant companion, she lives inside me and lends me strength and courage."
"So you were there that night?" he wonders what she meant and decides to ask her this too "How does your Mistress lend you strength in your world?"
"No, I was not. My sacrifice for her on that day could only allow her to possess a body on this side. This time it was enough to create …this" she motions to herself with a slight wave of her hand up and down. "She is just…there. She makes me stronger, able to face anything… because she needs me." Her eyes cloud over with heartache and without her knowing it leaks out touching every living soul around her.
Kakashi eyes her warily, he feels the sadness cutting through her and he does not want to scare or over exert her so quickly after she woke up. Deciding to try and change his tactics he asks "Why do you say your body is broken back home?"
"B-because it is. It was broken before I came here" she looks up at him this time and he sees the pain clearly in her widened eyes, knocking the wind straight out of his lungs it cuts so deep to his surprise. "I can't walk back home anymore, Th-there was an accident and it left me…it left me broken. He…he had broken me a-and killed her. SHE is the reason Mistress could come then." She offers him further as explanation, the unshed tears welling up to pool in the corners of her eyes before they spill over her flushed face. He watches as feelings of despairing want-to-be-forgotten memories nearly drown the beautiful girl before him, contorting her features as they tear and rip away at the fragments of her battered soul as she desperately clings to them.
Before she can continue Kakashi moves from his seat to kneel in front of her wiping the forming tears away "No more of that for now, you can tell me when you are ready" he says, startling himself with his actions but he swears he can feel the current pain she is in, and a part of him recognises it, as if it is his own and does not want her heart to be this heavy right now or anytime if he can help it.
"But my Mistress-"
"Your Mistress knows and she will understand" shaking his head. "You can tell me everything in time. Do you know how long you will be here for?" he suddenly realises that with everything going on nobody knew what time they had left.
"She only told me to be sure and forge strong bonds and a happy life here, besides the obvious of being a messenger of course. But no, she did not tell me how long, but if I have to be honest…something tells me I'm going to be here for a while."
"And you have no problem with that?" he finds himself being more concerned about her not wanting to be here than anything else in this moment.
"None" she answers confidently and honestly without any hesitance, chakra flaring to confirm her confidence.
"Why? Why are you so invested in us? People you don't know, people from another world? Do you not have precious people at home that need you too?" he for a moment forgets his resolve to not overwhelm her and fires away the rapid interrogation without thought, his curiosity getting the better of him.
She stares back at him with some fear flitting through her eyes before she exhales "I no longer have any precious people left for me back home except Mistress and I hope I can return to her when this is over. As to why…. I know you better than you think and…and I want to help because you ALL deserve happy lives, happy endings" dropping her gaze back to her hands while the subtle lift and tilt of her aura tells him there is more to it.
"I gather there is more to your answer and that it falls under your everything category, right?" he feels her chakra flickering like a flame on a candle, sadness always on the edges like the shadows the flames keeps at bay trying to eat away at it till nothing remains.
Nalina just nods her head without lifting it further. He can't shake the feeling that even though she was being very honest in her answer, there still was something that she was not telling him. Sighing he resigns himself to wait till she can tell him in her own time.
Right at that moment she lifts her hand to stifle a big yawn as she looks at him sheepishly and he chuckles at her innocence now. "Well guess that is where I should say goodnight then, I'll let myself out" he says as he stands and starts walking to the front door, hands deep in his pockets.
"Nalina, last question please?" he asks turning around abruptly before reaching the door. She nods.
"Why do you call her Mistress?" he is genuinely curious.
She stares at him in disbelief "You don't know do you." Her chakra spikes to even higher peaks.
"Know what?" Now he is just confused.
Rolling her eyes, tears of a moment ago forgotten as she says flatly "Kakashi-sama, I'll tell you tomorrow or whenever that part of my story unfolds. THAT part is going to be longer than 60 minutes and frankly…I wish I could put in in your head instead of telling it to you." Exhaustion suddenly very clear in her voice as her chakra levels out barely fluttering with apparent irritation.
He looks at her with surprise but turns around and leaves closing the door softly behind him.
Falling back into the soft chair she was sitting on Nalina throws her hands in the air dropping both palms down on her face as she speaks out loud "Mistress…just what did I get myself into? How am I supposed to explain the book, Kaguya, Zetsu and everything else to them? I'll be talking for a year and THEN what happens to your plans?"
Nobody noticed the shadow hidden in the stairwell, a silent spectator.
"Tell me what you know of Zetsu" a velvet smooth voice demands from its hiding place now.
Nalina jumps up with a squeal at the unknown voice but seeing the owner step into the light makes her back up in fear, eyes wide in near horror and chakra flaring at the fright before falling to near extinct.
Itachi heard everything, from his parents walk to Kakashi leaving and he was beyond intrigued by the girl in front of him and not just what she knows of Zetsu. Seeing her retreating back and feeling her chakra instantly diminish he realises she fears him but continues to keeps stalking forward very slowly.
"You know who I am, Hime?" he questions dropping his voice to a low drawl.
"I-I kn-know of you U-uchiha-sama" she manages to sputter out as her back draws ever closer to the wall opposite the stalking heir, bottom lip getting caught between her teeth.
"And yet you fear me. Why?" he asks as he stops in the middle of the room with enough distance between them to allow her to speak. His eyes flitting quickly to her now bright pink bottom lip being punished in her fear.
Seeing he stopped advancing Nalina now with her back flush against the wall gives a weak bow "I only know that you are the most powerful of your clan and that Mistress holds you in high regard. You are very powerful…and really frightening." She opts to be frank with him in the hope that he will leave her alone.
"Not higher than you Hime" he replies slowly in his deep timbre trying to assure her. "And nowhere near as powerful as your Mistress" he adds.
The sound of his voice vibrates through her causing her stomach muscles to contract in a weird and sudden way but she refuses to let him see this as she straightens herself to face him, pulling herself up to her full height "Forgive me Uchiha-sama, I think you may be under the wrong impression. I am merely a vessel, nothing more. When my tasks are complete I will cease to exist here, you…you will carry on."
He sees a small flicker of something pass through her eyes as she says the last words but it fades before he can name it. Her chakra flared in an unusual manner than before but still it dims down to almost nothing just as quickly, he wonders if she is even aware of what she is currently doing.
"A vessel that the Light has gone through so much trouble to protect?" he pushes further but stays standing in place, not moving any further.
"A vessel is needed on this side for my Mistress. In order for her to assist everybody here she needs to be able to visit in a manifested form, a human form" she offers an explanation.
"Still, the responsibilities given to you makes you far more precious than just a mere…vessel, Hime"
"My name is Nalina, I am NO princess" defiance and stubbornness clear in her voice and gaze alike as the words are spat out with conviction. "I am just a girl trying to help the only friend she has to make the world a better place. When that is done I'll…I…leave" her sudden defiance leaving just as quickly.
He does not miss the falter in her words nor the change of wording, what was she hiding from him? Her chakra in that moment had flared up so much to almost nearly die down at the end. 'She really does not know how much the Light cherishes her' he thinks to himself. He glances down to her lips again to see her nearly drawing blood this time.
"Ah, but I am your Mistresses Weasel and you ARE her princess" he looks her squarely in the eyes now. "You call her Mistress yet you refer to her as your friend, you cannot be both."
"We CAN and we ARE. You have no idea what she has done for me, what she has brought me through, she saved me and I owe her everything. Even my life." Her chakra flares at this and reaches new heights and levels, it nearly smothers him.
"Hn" his eyes bleeding red for a moment before he leaves in a puff of smoke.
Right then Mikoto and Fugaku walks in again to see Nalina sliding down the wall slowly sinking onto her crumpled legs, looking very weak and drained.
"Nalina! What happened?" Mikoto is next to her in a flash with Fugaku not far behind to help her stand on her feet again. Smiling weakly up at them "I'm fine just a bit tired I guess. Too much excitement." Hoping they believe her as she tries to force a light chuckle. She does not wish to offend them with her silliness and insecurities, she just needs time to adjust she chides herself.
Itachi closes his bedroom door silently as his clones' consciousness merges with his. The last chakra spike had been strong enough to disrupt it. He has a lot to teach her and wonders just how he will manage this with her fear of him. She's not just afraid, she is terrified of him and yet he is sure he felt something else underneath the fear, just what he is not sure.
Taking a seat at his desk he picks up the scroll he received from the Third, breaks the seal for the first time and scans the contents, Sharingan blazing. Then he holds it in his palm and watches it turn to white ash as his flames licks all the fuel it has to offer before dying out. Depositing the ashes in the bin he turns to his bed. "We will talk again soon Hime, and this time your chakra won't interfere."
Back in her room Nalina allows Mikoto to fuss over her as she helps her undress and get into bed.
"You should really learn to control your chakra my dear. We could feel everything from within the orchard outside" Mikoto decides to inform her gently fluffing the pillow a bit.
"What! Wait, how did I do that?" she gasps with shock.
Mikoto chuckles heartily "Emotions are directly linked to a person's chakra flow; it seems even more so in your case. Even now it's going a bit crazy."
"Urgh, I don't even know where to begin to do that. Back home we don't have to worry about everybody else knowing what we feel, when we feel it" Nalina says more to herself while hiding her face in her hands. She peeks through her fingers at Mikoto "Will you teach me please? How to control it I mean" the hesitancy and dread apparent in her small voice.
"I will try my best to of course, but did your Mistress not already make arrangements for you?" she asks curiously, she knows that Itachi had been tasked with this but she had also felt the apprehension earlier when the two had met.
"I think so, I'm not too sure. I think she wants me to find my own way of sorts, she does not like to command people" this brings a small smile and fondness to her face. "She always considers my feelings and rather lets me work out a way that suits us both."
"That is very gracious of her but I know she has asked somebody to instruct you already" Mikoto offers hoping she can somehow ease the way for Itachi and his looming lessons.
"Well, this person must then be very trusted by her and I could only benefit from following their instructions. If this is her will, so be it" the girl beams brightly.
"I believe he is since he was her chosen vessel here last time" she ventures with a knowing glint in her dark eyes.
Choking suddenly on the very air in her lungs "ITACHI-SAN?!" her eyes nearly popping out in surprise.
"Why are you so scared of Itachi?" Mikoto asks abruptly, opting to get to the root of the problem. "Earlier your fear was near palpable even from so far away, I gathered you saw each other after Kakashi left."
"I'm not scared. He's just…he is very intimidating" she says nibbling her lip.
"He is a gentleman and a sweetheart. You should just give him a chance. Even your Mistress chose him as her vessel. I am sure there was a good reason for it." She says while holding the girls hand between her palms.
"There is, and I know he is but still…."
"Listen, I know we don't know each other well yet but will you try and give him a chance please, for my sake?" Mikoto asks earnestly, her eyes almost pleading with Nalina.
"Anything for you Mikoto-sama" she agrees honestly. This beautiful woman has in this short while already worked her into the girl's heart and she could not deny her such a small request.
"Just Mikoto please."
"Mikoto…I will do my best for you" her smile bright as she reaches around Mikoto's neck and embraces her warmly. Nalina genuinely feels at home with the older Uchiha female.
Mikoto does not notice the feint stream of bright blue chakra snaking its way through from Nalina's form. It absorbs effortlessly into Mikoto's body and settles there, spreading around and merging with her own.
She returns the embrace without hesitance; she has grown quite fond of the girl while watching over her. Her openness is refreshing and endearing to the matriarch. "I forgot earlier, the trunk at the end of the bed is for you. There is the letter and a few more items from the Third Hokage, your mask and attire you wore when you arrived as well as a few things you will need while staying here." Adding with a wink as she says "Also Fugaku has insisted I take you shopping for more clothes to wear. Something more…practical for a girl your age."
The hazel eyed girl looks at her with clear excitement on her face until she remembers "But how can I? I don't have any money or a job here."
Laughing out loud now Mikoto just shakes her head "You forget my dear, he insisted….meaning he will carry the cost." Continuing in a more serious tone "And always remember…if a man offers to pay for shopping a woman ALWAYS says yes!"
Eyes wide in surprise Nalina looks up to see the mischief dancing on Mikoto's face and start to giggle. "In that case I'll be sure to thank him with a hug when I see him again."
Right then Fugako enters clearing his throat to catch their attention.
"Uchiha-sama!" Nalina squeals with excitement at the sight of him "Thank you so much for everything, I am indebted to you and promise I will repay you as soon as I find some employment here." Nearly bouncing with glee and chakra flaring in warm furls around the room.
Taken completely by surprise Fugaku keenly screens his wife's face noting the mirth and happiness etched on her face. "No repayment required or needed. You are our guest and ward and in this aspect our responsibility. We owe your Mistress a life debt and here, in our world, that carries no material value too high."
Jumping straight out of bed and launching herself right into Fugaku's arms in a tight hug around his neck while sobbing on his shoulder, her feet dangling a clear foot from the floor - "Thank you, I will do everything in my power to make sure my Mistress' plans come to fruition and to be worthy of your kindness" – she sputters.
Her fingers lightly fall on his nape and start to draw out his inhibitions, unseen by Mikoto who looks at the picture before her with tears welling in her eyes. He wraps his arms around her frame hesitantly and returns her hug while Mikoto is too startled to respond by his tender act.
Finally letting go, Nalina slips down and crawls back into the massive bed that seems to swallow her whole form. Turning on her side she falls asleep nearly instantly after bidding them both a very goodnight.
The Uchiha couple stands next to the bed looking at the sleeping Nalina and unknown to either they both share the same thought, 'How easily she would fit into our family.'
That night back in their bedroom, Fugako looks at his wife and for the first time ever feels free to show her his softer side. Gathering her in his arms after joining her in bed, he tells her of the time he saw her fighting and how he fell in love with her. He explains how he did not want an arranged marriage until he saw it was her his parents had chosen and how he had promised himself he would keep her safe and give her everything she wanted if only she would be his.
He spills every little soft secret he ever kept from her, even his fear of being seen as weak in her eyes making her heart swell and ache for him. He finally had the courage to admit he was too broken after losing their daughter and the thought of losing her too nearly cost him his sanity. After kissing away every single tear she shed and allowing her all the sobs her heart could take they ended up making the sweetest love either of them has ever enjoyed…again and again and again.
Nalina smiles in her sleep.