A Gift From the Ancestors
SilverKitsune2017 Author's Note: This fic is a collaboration between myself and celestia193. It is a yaoi story. So that means male x male romance and this one is obviously supernatural themed. If any of that bothers you, you might want to turn back now. For those of you still here, reviews are always appreciated.
celestia193's Author's Note: Right, so this story has gone through about three renditions so far and we're finally pretty happy with it. It is deep, complex, touches on a lot of dark issues, and will brighten with a happy ending. At least, let's the plan. We've been rocky with plans before, but all of our stories turn out alright in the end, right? Um...trigger warning for tragic backstories? But hey, canon's like that already. :P Enjoy!
Disclaimer: We don't own Naruto or make any profit off of our fanfics.
Chapter 1
With a sight, Sasuke lays back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The desire for a tomato and cheese pizza was strong right now. He glances at his phone, considering making the effort to place the order online. It's not as if it was good for much else with only three numbers locked on it. "Hey 'Tachi, do you think that the pizza guy would be brave enough to walk up to the front door this time?"
"I doubt it, but you could always try. I'm the only newborn vampire allowed on the bottom floor. So, it's not as though the delivery person is in danger of being bitten." Though Itachi couldn't blame anyone for wanting to run as far away from this place as possible. In fact, he spent every waking minute dedicated to just that pursuit.
"Do you think there'd be enough time before the party tonight?" Sasuke glances up at his older brother sitting on the end of his bed. Itachi sat there a lot these days when Sasuke holed himself up in his room. "You're not going to be the only set of fangs down there."
"Even the earliest guests likely won't arrive for another hour or so." Itachi glances at his golden watch. Yes, Orochimaru did lavish them with every creature comfort one could hope for...save for their freedom. "Some of the staff members might be finishing up last minute preparations, but they're mostly fledglings. They have enough control not to drain the delivery guy."
"Guess so." Sasuke's fingers type away on the phone without him ever needing to look at the screen. "This is the last I'll see of you until tomorrow, right? You'll be wrapped up with your cougar all night long."
Itachi's gaze softens. Sasuke had a habit of hiding his fear underneath an infinite sea of sarcasm. His little brother was scared and as much as he'd like to pretend otherwise, Itachi knew that Sasuke had every reason to be as long as his heart still beat. "Most likely, but I'll come back. I always do. She's fond of me, Sasuke. I think she'll help us escape."
"Are you sure that you're not just getting your hopes up, Itachi?" Sasuke wasn't nearly as optimistic about this as his brother was. "She's six hundred years older than you. Who knows what her game is?"
"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't considered the possibility before." There was always a chance that Mei might tell Orochimaru about his request, but Itachi didn't believe she had that level of treachery in her. Even if she did, Orochimaru wouldn't actually kill him. Itachi and Sasuke were too precious to the vampire to throw away in a blind rage. "I don't believe she will, though. As you said, she's six hundred years old. She's beautiful, powerful, and doesn't lack for offers when it comes to...companionship. The fact she hasn't already tired of me speaks volumes."
"Hn." As much as it pained him to admit it Itachi had a point. Still, that didn't mean that Sasuke trusted any vampires that weren't his brother. They were all playing some game, some agenda, no matter how nice they might seem. The only ones you could trust were family. "…Are you asking tonight?"
"I am." There was precious little time to waste. Though it was uncommon to turn someone before twenty-five these days, Itachi knew that it was also possible Orochimaru might turn Sasuke as soon as his eighteenth birthday struck. "But at least you'll have a pizza to enjoy while I'm at the party."
"Hn." Sasuke presses the screen of his phone and it flashes briefly as he places the completed order. Then he pulls a Switch out from under his bed, unplugs it, and turns it on. "Just try not to get pulled into a birthday orgy Itachi. That's the last thing I want to hear tonight."
"Oh, I don't know...it might prove an educational experience. You always struck me as more of an auditory learner." Itachi chuckles, mischief shining in his ears. "Don't worry. I might flirt to get information, but Mei's currently the only vampire I feel safe enough to share a bed with." Itachi had almost succeeded in completely conquering his bloodlust, but facts were facts. He might be an advanced newborn, but a baby vampire was still a baby. Older vampires always held an advantage when it came to raw power and of course, experience in all manner of things.
"Yeah, yeah." Sasuke rolls his eye, then directs them back to his brother. It was so annoying when Itachi got like that, but…he sort of got it. Enough that it didn't annoy him nearly as much as certain other aspects of his life did or…had. "…Happy Birthday, 'Tachi."
"Thank you, Sasuke. I suppose there are worse ways to spend it than by watching my little brother order pizza and with a gorgeous, ancient vampire." He smiles and reaches out to flick his little brother's forehead. "With any luck, we'll be celebrating your birthday somewhere else."
Sasuke's brow scrunches in annoyance as he bats Itachi's hand away after the completely unprovoked assault. "Yeah, sure, and maybe next year we'll go to England for my birthday." As if. Sasuke hadn't gotten to leave the state since he was eight, let alone the country.
"Maybe. Mei travels a great deal. She might indulge you with England." Itachi smiles, allowing Sasuke to swat his hand aware. Even as a cranky teenager, his little brother still managed to be adorable. "I should probably get going. You'll be safe as long as you stay in your room." Sasuke was usually safe out of it, but this was a party. Unknown vampires would be arriving who might not realize that his little brother was off limits when it came to feeding. "I love you. Don't do anything foolish."
"I know, I know. Wait for you to bring me my food, then don't come out until tomorrow when everyone's gone." They'd been through this so many times over the last eight years. Only…until two years ago, Itachi was getting the same warning he was.
"Good. We'll get through this somehow, Sasuke. I promise." It was too late for Itachi. He'd already been turned, but Sasuke still had a chance for a normal life.
"Yeah, I know." It's what Itachi always said. And even if sometimes Sasuke felt like his brother was beating a dead horse, it was nice to know that he still cared. That he still had enough humanity left to feel something. It gave Sasuke a little hope for when he inevitably joined his brother in eternity. "Just don't forget to bring up my pizza before you're off sucking face with your cougar."
"You sound jealous, Sasuke. I'm sure if one day when we're out of here and you sheathe those quills of yours, you'll find someone to play with." Itachi shakes his head before slipping away. He had work to do. Somehow he had to convince Mei that whatever they had was worth risking Orochimaru's ire over one baby vampire and one human.
About two hours later, Itachi had safely delivered his pizza and his birthday celebration was in full swing. He wasn't really sure why Orochimaru insisted on celebrating it, but it gave him a much needed opportunity to see Mei.
Itachi had found them a secluded corner that came with a couch. He smiles as he makes his way over towards her while carrying two glasses of bloodwine. "I'm really happy you could make it. My birthday indeed would have been much sadder state of affairs without your presence, Lady Mei." Itachi didn't actually know if Mei was royal or not. She carried herself with a pride that spoke of nobility, though.
"You know that I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world, Itachi." Mei smiles warmly and plucks a glass of wine from his hand. She pats the cushion next to her and shifts to sit half facing him, one leg crossed over the other. "How have you been, Darling?"
He sits down, watching her. Mei was beautiful, but Itachi wasn't sure if she'd be their salvation. He hoped. It flirted on being likely, but there was always that chance Sasuke was right. Every vampire was playing their own game. "I'm much better now that you're here, but I'll confess that our situation is growing more dire by the day. Sasuke's and mine. I've mentioned my brother to you before." Itachi knew it was unlikely she'd forget. He'd gleaned enough from various sources and his conversations with Mei to know for some godforsaken reason they were considered pedigreed because they were Uchiha. That was why Orochimaru had taken them under his 'care.' Sasuke's humanity didn't negate that.
"Yes, the young human boy." Mei swirls the wine about, letting it breathe as the scent of blood tickles her nose. "You know you're quite a tease, Itachi. You've told me about him, and I have yet to even see for myself what a handsome boy he must be."
"I would love for you to meet him, but Orochimaru would never allow it. My little brother has had precious little socialization with anyone besides Lord Orochimaru, myself, and Kabuto." Itachi pauses. Everything was riding on this conversation. "Though I could show you a picture if you like. I'm told there is a family resemblance. He takes rather strongly after our mother."
"I'd love to see a picture of him." Mei sidles a little closer intrigued by the prospect of seeing this elusive little brother that her young lover always kept hidden away. It was such a pity that she never got to see him at these parties.
Itachi pulls a picture out of his wallet. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid it's been quite sometime since he's smiled for a photo. This is Sasuke." The person that Itachi would do anything for, including becoming a vampire to protect him. His most precious person who he needed to save before it was too late.
Mei's bright eyes glance over the photo of the surly young man in the photo smiling reluctantly. But it wasn't the reluctant smile that struck her, it was…his face. He was a dead ringer for Izuna. "Well, the two of you are certainly of the Uchiha Clan. I've never seen anyone with such a resemblance to Lord Izuna. Your brother could be his son, or his twin if he were seven years older."
Itachi hadn't known that. He realized the Uchiha Clan was ruled by two vampire brothers. Their names were Madara and Izuna, but he'd never actually seen what they looked like. This was new information. It might work to their advantage. "If Lord Orochimaru has his way, I suppose Sasuke will have to settle for passing as Izuna's son. His seventeenth birthday is next month, he'll be eighteen in a year. I've seen the way Orochimaru looks at him. Lord Orochimaru is not nearly as kind as you are."
Mei's eyes narrow slightly, but as soon as the hard expression appears, it leaves her face again. "Come here, Itachi." She takes a sip of the wine and pats the empty space upon her lap. She did so love having the newborn there, he was quite the fetching boy.
Itachi didn't hesitate. He didn't have to craft an illusion with Mei. He was attracted to her. Her skilled touch was enough to make him forget the horrors that plagued his mind on a daily basis if only for awhile. "As you wish, My Lady. I'm not certain how you manage it, but you grow even more lovely every time I see you." He smiles, caressing her left cheek. Her skin was so soft. Itachi wasn't sure why he was surprised by that. What he had expected a vampire's skin to feel like, but the silken texture underneath his hand wasn't it.
"And you ever more charming, Darling boy." The ancient vampiress smiles and pulls Itachi into a deep, consuming kiss. She had trained him well from the innocent human he had once been into a seductive young vampire. For no human woman could ever hope to compare to one such as her.
Itachi allows himself to indulge the simple pleasure of the elegant kiss. He'd been spoiled and he knew it. Mei was seduction personified. She'd honed her craft of sensuality over many lifetimes, but Itachi liked to think that he was a fast learner. She hadn't gotten bored of him yet. "Well, I'm blessed with an exceptional teacher when it comes to the arts of conversation and really all manner of things involving the usage of one's tongue."
"Yes, that's quite true." Mei smirks and kisses along his jaw, leaving faint red marks across his pale skin. When she reaches his ear, she bites down softly. "I have a friend who may be able to help the two of you. She has connections to your clan and can make the right people aware of your existence."
He sighs in pleasure, leaving into her possessive, affectionate displays. "If your friend could help us, that would be wonderful. We'd be eternally grateful." His hand slides down her cheek, over the slender curve of her neck, and over the valley of her still clothed breasts. "We'd pay you back somehow." Itachi wasn't really sure how unless one counted him already being Mei's lover, but he'd find a way to do it. "You have my word on that."
Mei was older than Orochimaru. Far stronger than him, but Itachi knew enough about vampire society to realize that while Orochimaru could never hope to successfully defeat someone like her in combat...he could prove irritating.
The man had a throng of loyal, fanatical followers and countless connections in the fields of law, medicine, politics, business, and just about every other industry of note that one could think of. It would have been impressive if he wasn't borderline psychotic.
"Oh I'm sure that earning the goodwill of the Uchiha Clan will be more than worth my time. Orochimaru may be powerful, but he bores me." Mei traces her lips back to Itachi's and holds the newborn's chin in her hand. "Next time, I will return for you with news. Can you be patient for just a little longer?"
"I can. I'm truly grateful to you. It's very kind of you to speak to your friend on our behalf." Itachi nods, wondering if their vampire relatives would care about a couple strays. Though he couldn't bring himself to voice the inquiry out loud. It was their best chance to regain their freedom. Perhaps their only one. "Though I apologize for being such a poor host. You came here to enjoy the festivities...did you not? Are you aware a hot tub was recently installed on the estate's grounds?"
"Oh, I was not, but that does sound rather lovely." Mei smiles and brushes a teasing kiss against Itachi's lips. "Does this hot tub come with rose and hibiscus oils?"
Itachi smiles, nodding. "It does indeed. I like to think I know my lady's tastes."
"And know them you do." Mei laughs and the sound carries through the air to whoever cared to hear it. It was the sole part of their conversation that any might have overheard. "Shall we?"
"We shall." Itachi smiles, offering Mei his hand. He might as well enjoy the rest of his birthday. Thoroughly.
It was just past noon when Itachi wakes with a start upon hearing the door to his room open. The night have been wonderful. Mei's attention a balm on his anxious mind, but of course...now, it was over and apparently he wouldn't be permitted the luxury of enjoying the afterglow of the night's events for long. "Lord Orochimaru, to what do I owe the pleasure at this hour? If memory serves, you usually sleep during the day and conduct your business at night." Like most vampires preferred.
"I do, but you need not concern yourself about my welfare." The pale vampire strides into the room without a sound to his footsteps. "I conducted all of my business, had enough spare time to see to half of your party, and then rested more than long enough." His yellow eyes seem to glow as he smiles. "How did you fare at the party, Itachi? Did you enjoy yourself with Mei?"
How unfortunate for Itachi, but he had long ago learned how to hide his emotions underneath a polite facade. It was by far the most useful skill he'd developed since becoming a vampire. "I am glad to hear you fare well and with all due respect my lord, that answer should be self-explanatory. What man wouldn't enjoy spending an evening with Lady Mei?"
"Of course, there is no end to that woman's beauty or her charms." Orochimaru's lips turn up in amusement. "I'm sure that you'll have just as grand a time when she next comes to visit for Sasuke's birthday."
"Indeed, there isn't." Itachi manages to maintain his smile. Sasuke's next birthday. his seventeenth. One more year...that was all that was left. "I wouldn't bother with a cake. Sasuke prefers pizza. Teenagers."
"True, but not long ago you were an adolescent yourself. And now you've grown into a fine young vampire. Just as he will." A most satisfying addition to Orochimaru's collection. Soon enough, he would have another. "And I have noted that your brother has never had a sweet tooth. Do not worry, there will be plenty of Sasuke's pizza and tomatoes, if that's what he wishes for."
"You're right. He will." Itachi would make sure of it. "That's very kind of you. I'm certain Sasuke will appreciate it in his own unique way."
The newborn had finally settled it seemed, good. Orochimaru could be patient, but pointless defiance bored him. "As I said to you after your turning, Itachi. One day, you would come to appreciate the gift I have bestowed on you, and that it would not bother you so to know that your brother would one day join you." After all, was enternal life not the pinnacle of humanity's hopes? What was the point in living if one lived only to die? The truly great must live on for eternity. "The two of you will have an eternity together under my care. Be patient for another year and he will be of age. I promise that it won't be long, Itachi."
Itachi imagined driving a stake through that black thing that masqueraded as Orochimaru's heart. Spending an eternity with the vile beast before him was nothing more than a long way to describe Hell. He could only pray that Mei would keep her word. "I can be patient."
"Good. Now, I've prepared more lessons for you. And don't worry if you make a mistake, I made sure to acquire enough stock to replace anything you might break." Orochimaru licks his lips at the prospect of teaching his protegee. And one day Itachi might look back on the gifts he had so generously been given and truly appreciate what he had done. "Today I thought that we might work on compulsion now that your bloodlust is under relative control."
"Your confidence in my abilities is flattering, but perhaps it would be best to wait awhile longer. Compulsion is a skill that most don't begin using until they're at least fledgling." It takes Itachi's self-control not to punch the bastard. He knew exactly what Orochimaru meant by stock. People. God only knows what sorts of compulsion the cretin wanted him to practice on them. People were not meant to be replaced as if they were nothing more than appliances.
"That may be true, but I believe that my confidence is well-founded." Orochimaru's eyes gleam with want, for he had seen Itachi at work, mastering the basics of his new vampiric state faster than any newborn before him. The picture he presented was…tantalizing. "I would go so far as to say that you've achieved the control of a fledgling far sooner than any childe I've ever sired. At the very least, I believe that you could learn to compel humans into performing simple tasks. You may begin with making them move, making them speak, making them fetch things for you. Baby steps, of course."
"Of course. Well, I shall try my best." Itachi nods as his mind reels at the possibilities. Would it be preferable to fail at the skill? He could potentially get away with it. His age was a likely excuse, but if he didn't shine like the 'jewel' Orochimaru thought him to be...what would the consequences be? Perhaps a middle ground...
"Good, I expect nothing less from one of my most accomplished children." Orochimaru's violet tongue licks slowly over pale lips. "Now come, Itachi. Get dressed and meet me downstairs to begin your lesson. I would like to have you master the basics by sundown."
Oh, how Itachi would like to rip that ugly, inhuman tongue out of Orochimaru's filthy mouth. "Of course, I shall be there momentarily."
"Good, I look forward to watching you…very closely." The manic light grows brighter in Orochimaru's snake-like yellow eyes. Even disheveled and irritated while half-awake, Itachi was nothing short of perfection. As Sasuke would be too. "I will leave you to dress and go see if Sasuke would like to attend the lesson. It would do him some good to watch his flawless older brother in action."
"Perhaps you'd prefer to wait for us. Sasuke has already adjusted to the nocturnal lifestyle of our kind." Like Hell was Itachi going to leave Orochimaru alone in the same room with his baby brother. "He's always in a foul mood whenever he's awakened from a slumber. Best I rouse him and you not trouble yourself. We'll be along shortly."
"Very well." Orochimaru sighs in disappointment. "I will be waiting out in the training yard. Come find me when you've woken him." He steps away from Itachi's bed, but not without leaving a lingering glance behind him. For such a perfect being, Itachi could be a handful sometimes. Such a pity he preferred women. The door shuts again behind him.
Damn it. The way Orochimaru looked at him never failed to make Itachi's skin crawl. "Just a little while longer." That's what Mei had promised. Just a little while longer and they'd both be free from that deviant devil.
The wonders of modern technology would never cease to amaze Mei. They made life so complex and yet so easy. With the press of a button, you could explore the thoughts of millions, be anywhere in the world that caught your fancy, even speak to a friend half a world away.
She relaxes back into her large, luxurious jacuzzi tub and breathes in the soft scent of the bubbles all around her. She lifts a few from the surface with the back of her hand and presses a damp finger to the screen of her phone to call her friend. A video call, of course, for it had been too long since she last saw her friend's face.
A smile curls Mei's lips when her call is finally yet quickly answered by a woman with dark eyes and flowing indigo hair. "Naori, it's good to see you again."
"Indeed it has been. You're looking rather pleased with yourself." Naori smiles, shaking her head in fond exasperation. "What's this one's name? I know you well enough by now to tell when you've found an interesting playmate."
In so many ways, she and Mei were the exact opposite. Her friend preferred to sample every delight the world had to offer. One of her chief pleasures was indulging in the companionship of handsome, younger vampires. Her friend was an excellent hedonist. Naori on the other hand...well, it wasn't by choice, but she was a masochist. She had spent most of her existence watching the one man she loved from afar. He might as well be the moon.
"Ah yes…I have found a new playmate. Young, newly turned, sheltered, but so willing to learn. He's quite the intelligent young man and a quick study." Mei was more than happy with her lover's efforts to please her. "His name is Itachi. He's Orochimaru's newest childe."
"Mmm he does sound promising, but I cannot say that I care much for his Sire." Orochimaru was a viper in Naori's eyes. He was just as likely to bite the hand that fed him as to thank it. "The name does roll off the tongue pleasantly, though."
"Yes and he's as easy on the eyes as you would expect…from a descendant of the illustrious Uchiha Clan." Mei knew it would be a hard pill for Naori to swallow, but accept it she must. Itachi depended on it.
"Mei, you are one of my oldest and dearest friends. That is why I will give you a chance to retract your jest made in such bad taste." Naori's eyes narrowed. For someone the likes of Orochimaru to have sired one of their own kin was unthinkable.
Mei's smiles fades, her expression growing serious. "Itachi made a request for my help, Naori. He wants to be free of Orochimaru. Both him, and his little brother, Sasuke. I've seen a picture of the human child, Naori. He could be Izuna's twin if he wasn't still so young. They're Uchiha, I would bet my life on it."
Naori frowned. Mei was many things, but a liar she was not. "Then I shall take you at your word. I will need you to tell me everything you know of this Itachi and Sasuke. If the younger resembles Izuna to such an extent...it should prove easy to identify him. Itachi may prove harder." It was unthinkable and yet, her friend looked deadly serious. "I shall reach out to Obito. I have faith that he will wish to right this...blasphemy just as much as we do. He'll assist us."
"Thank you. But I promise that there will be no challenge to identify Itachi." Despite the situation, Mei smiles once more. "He'll be the only newborn allowed downstairs, and the most handsome to boot."
"You sound rather smitten." It was enough to bring a smile to Naori's face despite the untenable situation. "In that case, I shall leave you to enjoy your bath while I speak with Obito."
Mei raises a glass of wine as Naori disappears from the screen. The wheels were in motion. Her promise to Itachi would be kept, especially with that man on the job.