But with these two chapters, should definitely give a reader an idea of where the story is starting from and whether or not someone wants to continue. I'm hoping to post the new chap ever week, but... can't be certain that will be a definite, with my work/home life schedule.

Keep smiling ya'll :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Chapter Summary~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After ten years from that fateful night, it still haunts the Uchiha's dreams and unanswered questions still linger. A situation has made it self known and the Uchiha's must decide on the best way to handle it.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

10 years later

A tall raven-haired man galloped his caramel coated steed across the hill sloping meadows of an old Kingdom. The dark haired man pushed onward through the wind and rain that seemed to shower the ever-grassy lands. The storm began to blow up quickly and the young man decided that he couldn't wait to flop into his large chair in front of the roaring fire; and have himself a cup of hot tea. This young man happened to be fascinated by the many beasts of this world. He looked forward to continuing his search on magical creatures and the many differing styles of combat. Leaning more into the horse, he squeezed his knees tighter and loosened his grip on the reins to allow the horse free rein home, through the showering storm. The sound of the horse's hooves crashing through puddles on the muddied-dirt road was all the young man could focus on as he waited eagerly for the sweet comforts of home.

The glossy-horse and regal man steadily galloped through the impressive Uchiha castle walls. The pair passed the gates; never once did the dark haired man look behind him when the soldiers began closing the large metal gate. The man began to slip off the intricate saddle, as the horse came up to the old pair of barns and swiftly slid them both to a stop. Giving a little jump, the man called Sasuke, dismounted his trusted steed with ease and patted the horse on the neck. A stable-hand came running out and grabbed the bridle quickly while giving a small bow towards Sasuke. Sasuke nodded his head in recognition before closing the gap of his cape closer to his neck. Quickly, Sasuke was making his way to the castle's rear entrance, hoping to sneak away for some much needed quiet solitude in his study.

"Your highness!" Sasuke hadn't made it twenty feet before a servant was calling out to him. Sasuke closed his eyes briefly and sighed in annoyance. He was soaking wet, getting cold, and all he was asking for was a hot bath, tea and then some quiet while he studied. He stopped in his tracks and waited. "Your highness," the breathy sound of a young man ran up behind him. Sasuke turned and waited as the servant bowed low, his shoulders taking in deep breaths as if he had run a marathon to catch up to Sasuke.

"His majesty, wishes to see you," the young man breathed out while still holding his deep bowed position. A moment passed before he spoke again. "He awaits you in the drawing room."

"Hn," Sasuke hummed out and turned on his heel, continuing his path down the corridor to his room.

After a hot bath, fresh warm clothing, thanks to the servants who warmed them, Sasuke made his way to the drawing room where Itachi was waiting. 'What could he want now?' Sasuke frowned at the thought, feeling the frustrations rise. Pushing on the large, impressive solid wood doors, he made his way into the room to find his brother standing at the large stained glass window, watching the lightning streak across the sky. The rain was running down the glass, giving the impression of the figures in the stained glass that they were crying. Sasuke tilted his head to look at the sight. He often found it hypnotizing watching the rain fall against the stained glass windows. There was something beautiful about it. "Your majesty," Sasuke then clicked his heels together and gave a small bow to his brother's back.

Itachi raised a brow and turned to look at his otouto. Sasuke only called him that when he was irritated with him, he knew his brother well enough and after having to raise him in the place of their parents for the past ten years, Itachi had gotten to see sides of Sasuke that normally only a parent would. Itachi frowned when Sasuke remained in his bow. Sighing softly, he shuffled his feet and moved his cane. With each step his legs wobbled, straining from the movement and weight, and Itachi leaned into the cane with each step. He shuffled his feet along to the nearest arm chair and settled into the seat as gracefully as his body would allow. "Please sit otouto," Itachi whispered, catching his breath. He placed his cane against the arm of the chair and reached for a mug that was placed on a small table to the side.

Sasuke took his seat across from his brother and looked at the flames dancing in the fireplace instead of making eye contact. "What is it you wanted to see me about?" Sasuke's voice was clipped.

"Is it a crime to want to see my otouto?" Itachi responded with a challenge in his voice. He inwardly smirked when Sasuke then threw him a glare. 'Got him to look at me at least,' Itachi chuckled to himself.

"I'm tired, so if you could make this quick," Sasuke spat out and leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms in a huff.

Itachi knew that was a fib in itself. Sasuke always spent time in the reading rooms, going over books of all sizes, ordering them in from other kingdoms, asking healers, spell-casters , voyagers for any knowledge filled books. When he wasn't going over knowledge books, he was training with the guards, soldiers or alone. He often called on the swordsmans to teach him techniques and styles. Even before Sasuke sat before him tonight, Itachi knew that he was out training with his horse, practicing and training anything and everything that he has learned in the past ten years. The elder Uchiha brother worried his otouto was dangerously obsessed with gaining knowledge and power. He worried that it would eventually stunt his brother's health, growth, and his mental wellbeing. His otouto couldn't see that his pursuits could lead him to darkness. Ever since that fateful time, ten years ago -

Itachi shook his head lightly, taking a sip of tea to disguise the fact that his thoughts had drifted to another time. "I have news to share with you, of the Uzumaki Kingdom." Itachi raised his eyes to watch Sasuke's reaction. The pair of brother's rarely spoke of the Uzumaki Kingdom, not since that time. The kingdom was only ever brought up in discussions of tactics, politics, financial issues, giving assistance and such. Nobody ever breathed a word of that night in the open. Itachi didn't miss the flicker of attentiveness in his otouto's eyes, no matter how brief it was.

He placed his cup in his lap and took a breath. "You are aware of how we still consider the Uzumaki Kingdom as our closest allies and friends for several years," he started. "I received a letter from Queen Kushina this morning." He pulled a letter out from his side that was tucked away in one of his pockets and held it out to Sasuke. Sasuke didn't hesitate as he plucked the letter from his fingers.

Sasuke scanned over the document, his eyebrows furrowing with concentration and lips pressed tightly together in a frown. After several moments he looked back up at Itachi, his brows raised in bewilderment at what he just read. "What does this exactly mean for us?" His fingers clenched the parchment slightly, it gave a crackling noise from the pressure.

"We can either offer our assistance, or allow the outcome to fall upon the Uzumaki kingdom and avoid the possibility of war." Itachi leaned back slightly, his shoulders dropping tiredly.

"And what type of assistance could we offer? What is it that our kingdom could do that wouldn't result in the death of hundreds and the possibility of us losing our own kingdom?!" Sasuke's fists clenched harder now, the small parchment began to crumple helplessly between his fists.

"Sasuke…" Itachi pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes.

"No! What are our options then, nii-san!?" Sasuke growled out, slapping his hands on his knees in frustration, the letter falling silently to the floor. "Have you forgotten the last time we assisted!? The chaos!?" Sasuke spit out, fury lacing his voice. "I can't risk losing-" he abruptly stopped by snapping his lips shut. He bit his bottom lip to stop it from quivering and looked away from his older brother.

"This is why I wanted to inform you of this situation otouto," Itachi whispered gently. Sasuke inhaled sharply but didn't dare to look back at his older brother. "You know what type of reputation the Sound Kingdom has. The Sound Kingdom has been expanding quickly over the years, in that time their army has nearly tripled what it once was Sasuke. I'm asking you, because I want your thoughts, I want us to work on a plan together, as it should be, a partnership if you will." Itachi leaned forward slightly, shifting his body to sit on the edge of the chair. "Mother and father would not hesitate to assist the Uzumaki Kingdom, do you not think we should honour that?" Sasuke continued to look away from him but he could see his face softening with the mention of their parents. "I want to help Queen Kushina, but not alone." Itachi bit his bottom lip, watching Sasuke slowly release the tension in his shoulders and hands.

Sasuke clenched his teeth as he breathed. His thoughts going back to that night, the noise, the roars, the screams of fear and pain and then-then… He turned to look at his brother, his king, Itachi is his only family left. His heart clenched with the familiar pain while thinking about his one true friend, with sunshine hair, blue sky eyes. That boy was one reason that the two royal families had come together with friendship in their hearts and of course for the boy's hopeful retrieval. Losing his parents that night, as well as the benevolent Uzumaki King; Minato, took its toll on both kingdoms for years. After dealing with the loss of his friend, Sasuke was then slammed with the tragic loss of both his parents and the haunting realities that came with it. The familiar pang of pain behind his eyes rose and Sasuke bit his bottom lip. It was hard to stop the possibility of tears.

The Sound kingdom was indeed a powerful kingdom, it was rumoured to house a fleet of magical sorcerers, witches, spell makers, the king himself had his own personal and extremely powerful conjurer. The kingdom mostly kept to itself, nestled deep within the shadows of the massive rock mountains that towered over the impressive castle and provided excellent protection from enemies. The king seemed content on gathering riches and the stories were told that he kept his riches deep within those prodigious mountains in hidden tunnels and caves.

Sasuke took a deep breath and closed his eyes, suddenly exhausted. "What are the supportive possibilities that we can assist the queen with nii-san?" His voice sounded weary.

Itachi smiled gently at his otouto. He knew Sasuke's heart had hardened after the loss of his friend, then their parents, but there was still a gentle kind young boy buried deep behind the walls he had put up. He sat up straight and rubbed his legs that were starting to ache. The change in weather always caused them to ache more and the rain storm outside was the culprit. "Let's go over the demands of Sound again that Queen Kushina had brought up and list our options, pros and cons as well." Sasuke nodded in agreement and reached for the crumbled parchment on the floor and began to smooth it out on his lap.

Sasuke reread the letter once more, pinching his lips in thought as his eyes scanned the words. "To put it simply, the king of Sound wants the Uzumaki kingdom for his own and has put into words a vulgar fact before putting forth his demands." Sasuke's eyebrow rose and he frowned. "He mentions that unless the Uzumaki heir comes forward in the next year…" he trailed off and growled under his breath. "How uncouth of the king to bring that up!" Sasuke snarled out, feeling anger rise in the pit of his stomach at how that king could bring up such a delicate subject.

"As a king, I can understand why he would have brought that up," Itachi frowned sadly and Sasuke glared at him. "There was never any remains found of Naruto, no clothing, not a stitch of hair, nothing. So technically, he could still be alive, somewhere." Sasuke gasped at the thought. "So unless he is declared legally dead, or another heir is born, other kingdoms have the right to step forward and bring up the laws of when the next in line is to take over the throne." Itachi rubbed his chin in thought. "If Naruto is still out there, he is legally the next heir and he would be about…"

"Nii-san! You can't be serious to think that he could-"

"He would be about your age, 20 years, am I correct?" Itachi cut off Sasuke's words and saw Sasuke snarl in retaliation. Itachi's eyes softened at Sasuke, "I know you still believe otouto." Sasuke snorted a huff and turned his head away. Itachi smiled warmly, "I know how you still study the books on magical creatures and beings, learning as much as you can about them and any magic that may exist in the world." Sasuke huffed out a hum like snort again, still not looking at Itachi. "I'm no fool as to why you have been training in every possible fighting style anyone will teach you for years now."

"I'm preparing myself for anything nii-san," Sasuke huffed out, snapping his head back at Itachi. "What happened then can't happen again!"

Itachi released a chuckle and leaned his head on the palm of his hand, watching his otouto get all pouty like when he was little. "It's okay to believe otouto, it's what gives us hope for a better future." Sasuke's brow raised at him. "Change comes with every generation and what we teach today can always help those in the future, don't you think hmm?" Sasuke just rolled his eyes but Itachi saw the hint of a hopeful smile. "Okay, so what else does the king of Sound write?" Itachi folded his hands on his lap.

Sasuke looked at the letter again. "He has informed Queen Kushina that should the heir not be crowned, then he will step in as the new King, by marrying Kushina. Should she not agree, the King will declare war and take the kingdom by force." Sasuke tilted his head up at Itachi, "how can he take her hand so forcefully? What if another kingdom offers someone to take her hand?"

"Sound is very powerful, and I do know that the king has sent word to surrounding kingdoms that he will be taking Kushina's hand, should any appose, then he has threatened war," Itachi explained. Sasuke's brows rose in surprise. Itachi waved his hand, indicating he was still explaining. "I myself have received the notification from Sound. It relatively says: Stay away from the Uzumaki kingdom or deal with the consequences." Itachi shook his head at the memory when he had received the notice from Sound. "If you wanted to risk it for the sake of the Queen and our ally with her, you could always take a place by her side." Itachi smirked when Sasuke's mouth dropped open in shock.

Sasuke snapped his mouth shut with a click before snorting at Itachi. "You would be the better selection nii-san, considering you are closer to her age." He crossed his arms and gave a smug look.

Itachi chuckled lightly. "I feel the same way you do towards Kushina otouto. She is more of a mother to me than a bride." He sighed loudly. "Needless to say, if we interfere we risk our own kingdom. We are not more powerful than Sound, and with the way the Uzumaki kingdom has been slowly declining over the last decade, even if we joined forces, it still would not be enough." Itachi grabbed his mug of tea and sipped at the slightly cooler liquid. His brows furrowed deeply and the lines on his face darkened with his worried thoughts.

"Why is the Uzumaki kingdom declining nii-san?" Sasuke asked, realizing that he was not aware of the Uzumaki kingdom's difficulties.

Itachi sighed again, running his long slender fingers through his long dark hair and down his face. "There are several factors otouto, but the main issue is the return of that dragon."

Sasuke's face fell at the news.

"The soldiers were unable to slay it that fateful night. It managed to escape, though I do not know how, since I became trapped under the castle walls when they collapsed."

Sasuke shuddered at the memory. The darkness, screaming and roars, the fear that riddled through his body while he was under the one bed and the walls and roof began to fall around him. He clenched his fists suddenly, recalling how he was so frightened that he couldn't get himself to leave under the bed. He screamed himself hoarse, but in the long run, it was the giant heavy bed that saved him. He was found pinned between a thick solid wooden beam that supported the floor and debris of the bed frame. The thick stone walls had managed to break apart the bed in a way that somehow created a pocket that his small frame was able to be encased in. Protecting him from becoming a crushed body under a mountain of stone.

"The dragon returns to the area every few months, though there is no set time frame or knowledge of why. It appears to wander around the old Uzumaki castle, and when the soldiers come to try and destroy it, it goes on a rampage once more. The people are terrified and many have fled. Dozens of families have lost their livelihood during the attacks, either their farms or businesses. What families remain are struggling." Itachi shook his head sadly and finished off his tea. "The kingdom is slowly dying otouto, and we have been helping Queen Kushina as much as we can. But only we can offer so much with our small kingdom." Itachi mourned.

"If Sound is as powerful as you say, then their King can slay the dragon," Sasuke muttered out, his fingers tapping on his cheek in thought.

"That is true," Itachi responded. "But that still would leave the king of Sound to marry Kushina or…" Itachi inhaled a breath, "Sound could capture the dragon and use it to their advantage to over take so much more." Sasuke blinked, shocked at the possible outcome should the dragon become enslaved to Sound. Itachi rubbed his temples, closing his eyes momentarily before continuing. "It is also believed that the king of Sound's powerful conjurer has developed an immortality serum that keeps the king alive."

"What?! How could that be possible? Death is the only entity that cannot be beaten, even our own spell casters and healers know that!" Sasuke spat out unconvinced.

"All we have to go on is that even our elders speak of the king of Sound never having a change in his appearance," Itachi breathed out. "I have even heard elders that are long gone speak of the king never aging and still remains the same. From what I understand, nobody knows when he was born, he has always just - been." Itachi leaned back in his large chair and stared at the rain that was running down the windows. The storm was beginning to lose power, it should be over soon.

Several moments of silence passed through the room, neither brother finding words. "Nii-san," Sasuke finally uttered. "I-You know that I have been researching all these years, mainly about dragons, as much as I could find." Itachi nodded in response, encouraging Sasuke to continue. "There are theories-that there are several magical uses for dragons. Everything from the talons on their feet to the fine hairs on their heads." Sasuke ran his hand through his hair, looking at the flames in the fireplace and thinking of his next words carefully. "We can't risk a kingdom like Sound, to have the chance of obtaining such a powerful creature."

Itachi nodded again and waited. He wondered where Sasuke was going with this explanation.

"Our only chance is to bring closure to Naruto's death, then I will slay the dragon to gain the trust and loyalty of the kingdoms, then I-will marry Kushina for the good of our lands." He slammed his one fist into his open palm, a look of confidence on his face.

Itachi's eyes widened at his otouto's declaration. "No-there has to be another way," he snapped out quickly.

"Then what nii-san?!" Sasuke then stood from his chair, his hands flying up in an exasperated expression while he strode over the fireplace. "What else is there to ensure that Kushina is safe, not with some deranged man who may do god knows what to her, the people and her kingdom?!" Sasuke hissed out angrily. "Not to mention that if he really is some immortal freak, what could happen to the rest of the kingdoms?!" Sasuke slammed his fist against the stone fireplace in several sharp punches, gritting his teeth with each punch, feeling the frustration echo through the pain in his hand.

"Find Naruto," Itachi breathed out. Sasuke's breath hitched through the room. Itachi rose from his chair smoothly and stood beside Sasuke, grasping his injured hand to examine it. He ran his cool fingers over the broken skin where small drops of blood began to show. Itachi tsk'd at Sasuke before wrapping his two hands around Sasuke's in a soothing manner. "I know you think him still alive otouto," he exhaled quietly, as if not wanting any other ears to hear what he said. He could feel Sasuke's breath tremble at his words. "There is no harm in believing that the impossible could be probable." Itachi then lifted his fingers to tuck a strand of Sasuke's dark hair behind his ear. "And if you found him, one way or the other…" Sasuke cringed at the obvious statement. "Your heart would be at peace knowing that you have the truth." Itachi stepped up to Sasuke and kissed his temple before turning around to make his way out of the sitting room.

"Nii-san," Sasuke choked out over a sob, causing Itachi to stop in his tracks, tilting his head to the side to listen. "If I find-w-when I find his remains," his breath trembled as he fought to keep his voice stable, "I will still do the honourable thing and marry Kushina."

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Packing up scrolls, notebook, food rations, weapons and his clothing into his saddle bags, Sasuke mentally went through his checklist. His aniki had sent word to Queen Kushina about his arrival, with an explanation noting that Sasuke traveling there would be explained to her when he arrived. Sasuke and Itachi did not feel they would raise suspicions, since the two kingdoms had been friends and allies for over two generations. He has spent the last seven days going over his research notes carefully, taking only what he was certain would be pertinent to his search, not that it mattered much since Sasuke had everything that he ever researched memorized.

"Otouto," Itachi called out from behind him. Sasuke rubbed at his steed's neck gently while turning to see his brother make his way towards him. Itachi took his steps carefully, his cane at his side, and several servants hovering around him to ensure he didn't fall. His chest twisted painfully to see the reminder from what happened that night ten years ago.

Itachi stopped before him, putting his hand on the side of the horse and giving it a friendly pat. "I wish you a safe journey otouto," Itachi breathed out with a small smile. "But before you go, I have something for you." Itachi held out his hands and nodded at one of the servants that was close to him. The servant placed a long object wrapped in a deep red coloured silk cloth. Sasuke gave him a curious look before his eyes focused on the wrapped article.

"This was in our father's possession, who received it from our grandfather." Itachi began to unwrap the delicate silk fabric slowly. "Our grandfather came to have this given to him when he was just a boy." Itachi pulled the remainder of the fabric off and held it out for the servant to take. Itachi held up an elegant scabbard, looking bone china white, with an intricate carved design that looked to be like a snake or dragon, wrapping its tail or body around the entirety of the scabbard.

"Nii-san, where?"

Itachi smiled softly and held out the katana to Sasuke. "It is yours. It only makes sense that you take the family katana, as I will not be able to yield it." Itachi smiled sadly and waved to his legs.

"Nii-san! Don't say such things!" Sasuke snarled as a rebuttal to Itachi's words. "You are great, strong, intelligent, one of the best youngest-"

"Sasuke enough," Itachi snapped, cutting off Sasuke. Sasuke snapped his lips shut, his hand clenching the katana tightly and frowned in response. Itachi let out a long breath before softening his gaze. "Come now Sasuke, don't flatter me." Itachi gave him a pointed look. Sasuke's face softened at his brother's firm look giving him a loving smile. Itachi shook his head and smiled. "I want to tell you the story behind the katana otouto, now listen up," he voice sounded strict but there was an unmistakable mirth to it. He draped his arm across Sasuke's shoulder and hugged him close.

"Now, our grandfather, Madara, I believe was around eight or ten years of age, and he was training in the forest, you know of it, the same one that lies to the west." Sasuke nodded his head in agreement. "Well then, grandfather would go to this forest everyday to train, and the one day he had decided to take another route through the trees and found himself at a massive round lake that stretched a mile across in almost a perfect circle." Itachi waved out his hand to express the size of the lake. "It was said that an ancient rock fell from the sky, surrounded in flames and created a hole in the earth, that filled with water to create the lake. The rim of the lake was surrounded by cliffs of various heights. Some were dangerous to even consider walking about them, other areas were shallow and people would often leap from them into the water to swim." Sasuke nodded his head and hummed as Itachi told the story, his eyes watching his aniki express himself lively as he told the tale.

"As Madara was exploring the edges of the lake, he heard a shriek echoing up from the water." Itachi pointed straight ahead, as if he was looking at something, with each word of the story, his excitement seemed to bubble up. "Treading carefully to the edge of one of the more steeper cliffs, grandfather was able to peek over the edge," Itachi now leaned forward, imitating looking over the edge of something,
"and he saw a young girl, clenching to the side of the rock wall!" Itachi gasped and covered his mouth, expressing how someone may feel in that type of situation. Sasuke couldn't help but be involved with looking over the imaginary edge. "The girl was crying for help, grandfather Madara was the only person around, and because he was trained in several arts of survival, he quickly gathered up vines to make himself a rope!" Itachi now started pulling at invisible vines and twirling his hands about as if tying these vines together.

"Hold on, I'm coming!" Itachi called out in a small little voice like a child, holding his hand up to the side of his mouth and pretending to look down a cliff. Sasuke chuckled to himself as he watched his aniki become so animated in his storytelling. This was something Itachi was always good at, telling Sasuke stories and Itachi would manage to rope Sasuke into his imagination so well with his body language and voice, Sasuke could practically see everything Itachi explained.

"Grandfather Madara was amazing! He secured that vine rope and saved that little girl from certain death!" Itachi breathed out in relief, giving Sasuke a smile.

"And then what nii-san, they live happily ever after?" Sasuke's voice teased and Itachi gave him a stern look of faux hurt from the words. "But what does this have to do with the katana?"

Itachi tsk'd his little brother. "Just wait otouto! Listen to the story!" He swatted Sasuke on the arm in a teasing scold. "When grandfather Madara walked the little girl home, he was shocked to find that her father was a powerful wizard, that no person had ever known where he lived. And naturally the old wizard was shocked to see that someone had found his home, but he was extremely grateful that grandfather had saved his daughter."

"Naturally," Sasuke hummed out in agreement.

Itachi nodded his head, pleased to see his otouto listening. "The old wizard wanted to present grandfather Madara with a gift for saving the life of his only family, since his wife had died years before and it was only he and his daughter." Itachi then nodded to the katana still in Sasuke's hand.

Sasuke's eyes fell back down to the sheathed katana still in his hand, turning it slowly before bringing his other hand to the hilt to pull the katana from the scabbard, the blade making a slight hissing noise as it released.

"The blade is made of tamahagane steel, folded a thousand times to create an indestructible blade and is rumoured to have been enchanted by the old wizard's father who was known throughout the lands for his destructive binding spells." Itachi floated his one hand an inch over the sword, following the blade as if he was appreciating the sight and feel of it without touching it. "Bound deeply into the gleaming blade was a power so intense that it could desecrate nearly anything within the blade's path. So intricately powerful was this magical katana, that its power was sealed with Madara's own blood as he'd taken an oath with the old wizard that day. The destructive qualities that were enchanted into the katana's blade were not to be handled half-heartedly. Within this spellbound blade, a storm of electricity hummed at it's wielder's will. It was believed that the katana could only come alive for Madara and his descendants. If an Uchiha was in need of the power, with a call out of the katana's name, a sacrifice of blood, and the seal would release itself to allow it's user access to what can only be described as god-like strength. The will of the swordsmen would be measured and reflected outwardly by the sound of a thousand chirping birds and rolling thunders. Electricity would rein, and carry with it an ancient destruction that has not been heard of for centuries across these lands. The katana is alive in some ways, and must deem it's swordsman worthy," Itachi breathed out, his voice thick with excitement as the story came to an end. Sasuke turned the blade about so the sun flickered and reflected off the blade.

"It's amazing nii-san," Sasuke murmured out. The reflection sparkling his eyes as he turned the blade about, the sun's rays bouncing off the immaculate metal. "It's amazingly light and balanced beautifully."

"Alas dear otouto," Itachi shook his head slowly. "The story on how grandfather Madara achieved the katana is believed to be true, but the specialities of the katana have yet to be proven."

Sasuke just nodded towards Itachi, his eyes understanding as he resheathed the katana to the hilt. Stories told over the generations, he was all too familiar with how each time the story was told, the more extravagant the tale became. "And do you know its name?"

"Look here otouto," Itachi gently placed his fingers on the hilt of the katana and turned the blade slightly while Sasuke still held it firm. "Here, the raised kanji, just below the guard."

Sasuke could see the intricate kanji... 千鳥 ... The symbols raised enough for the wielder to feel they were there, but not enough to interrupt the weilder's hold. He rubbed the pad of his thumb gently over the small raised kanji, "Chidori…" his lips read out the katana's name, barely a whisper.

Itachi hummed in agreement to Sasuke calling out the katana's name.

Sasuke turned up to look his aniki in the eye, his chest blooming with devotion and fondness for him. There was nothing he wouldn't do for Itachi, his family, his aniki, his king. He placed his hand on Itachi's shoulder, pulling him into a gentle hug, "thank you nii-san. I shall cherish this always," he whispered.

Itachi kissed his temple softly in response when he pulled back from his brother's embrace. Sasuke then tucked the katana into his baldric and gave a final glance to Itachi. With a solid graceful nod towards his king, his only surviving family, Sasuke hoisted himself into the saddle and gave a sharp hup that signaled the horse to begin moving. The horse surged forward while Sasuke held up his arm giving Itachi a small wave of departure.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Several days later, Sasuke crossed into the Uzumaki lands and his heart clenched at the sight. The land was practically baron, appearing like a dried husk, the once lush farming fields were sickly brown, as if rain hadn't fallen for weeks. He walked his steed through the land, finding the ground was dust, almost sand, and at times he would see a dilapidated home, often missing various chunks of walls and roof, indicating that it was inhabited. As he drew closer to the Uzumaki castle, he could see the small stone structure in the distance, he could see puffs of smoke rising from small homes surrounding it.

There were some areas that were still being farmed, but the earth looked as sickly and neglected as the ones he had passed to get this far. When people saw him, they scurried away, hiding in their small rickety homes, chasing any children out of sight of the horse rider approaching.

'What has happened here?' Sasuke continued to look about, a grip on his heart from the despair that crossed his vision. He knew that the kingdom was suffering, but it had been so long since he had seen in with his own eyes. He gave polite nods to any persons that he rode past, being sure that his kingdom's crest was seen clearly so the people would hopefully stop running in fear.

Passing through the stone walls after the guards had opened the iron gates, he clenched his teeth slightly at seeing the dusty courtyard, withered dead trees in various areas and only a handful of vendors set up under dark ripped up canopies, the wind whipping up the dust and at times covering up the few people under dust clouds. It was apparent, the once proud strong kingdom was dying. Dismounting his horse by the front doors, giving a thankful nod to the stable hands that grabbed the reins to lead his horse to the stables, Sasuke hurried his way up the stone steps and through the castle doors.

His dark orbs scanned the room, taking in the bare walls of stone, barely a tapestry or picture hung anywhere and thin drapes were pulled to the sides of the few windows to let in the sun. Not that the bright sunbeams added any colour, actually they gave an eerie glow to the room that if Sasuke didn't know better, it looked like a deserted haunted castle that hadn't been lived in for years. Pinching his lips tight in frustration at the sights he had been subjected to, he stepped up to a castle hand who invited to direct him to the queen.

Entering a room that wasn't too far from the main entrance, indicating the small size of the castle, Sasuke found himself in a sitting room filled with various shelves, mostly empty and only a few leather bound books were seen. He was directed to large arm chairs that were set up in a semicircle around a small tea table and asked to sit and wait, being informed that the queen would be with him shortly. He nodded in knowing and the door clicked quietly, indicating that the servant had left the room. Rather than sit, Sasuke strode to one of the windows, the same thin drapes pulled to the side and glanced out. The view was that of what looked to be a garden, well, what used to be a garden. Several rows of brown dried looking hedges stood around stone paths, withered trees stood against the sky looking weak and tired and Sasuke could see a grey stone fountain, sitting quietly, with no water rushing its edges. Stone benches were situated in various areas around the hedges but they looked as desolate as the greenery.

"Sasuke dear, it is so good to see you," the queen's voice echoed through the near empty room. Her voice carried through the room and bounced off the bare stone walls.

Sasuke turned to the voice to set his eyes on the queen, who's once vibrant red hair was now several shades lighter as if she had been outside too long and the sun bleached her hair. Her body was thinner, as well her face, shadows could be seen under her eyes and cheekbones, her arms outstretched towards him appeared thin and frail. When she stood before him, she gathered Sasuke into her arms for a warm embrace and Sasuke tried to return the gesture but feared he would break something on the woman if he hugged her too firmly.

She pulled back after a few moments, her face kind yet tired and her dull green eyes looked over the young prince. "Look how you've grown precious," her voice raspy. She brought one of her thin hands up to Sasuke's cheek and cupped it gently. "You look so much like your mother." She then ran her fingers up through Sasuke's thick black locks gently before bringing her hand back down to Sasuke's shoulder.

"Thank you, your highness," Sasuke replied, giving her a small nod of appreciation. He stood still, allowing her bask on him for as long as she wanted.

She gave a weak tired smile and stepped back. "Let us sit and discuss why you are here then." She nodded towards the sitting chairs and tea table before moving herself towards them.

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Well, any thoughts on this genre appreciated. Thanks kcisjohan for sticking with me on this one when I presented the idea to you all those months ago. 3

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