10.

Between the Devil and the Deep

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Chapter Ten
Echoes of the Past III

*The Age of Kings*
Hashirama

Hashirama couldn't pinpoint exactly where it had all gone wrong.

Was it when the kelpies refused help, or when they started disappearing?

Was it when they first failed to capture the Black Beast?

Was it when the Beast had tricked Tobirama into killing Izuna?

When had Madara turned away from everything and everyone he knew to become the person seething with hatred, and determined that only one of them would walk away from this fight on the right side of the ground?

"Madara," his voice was hoarse but firm, surrounded by the carnage they had carved into the earth. "This is madness. I am not your enemy – I've never been your enemy."

"Lies," Madara hissed. "All of it! It was your plan all along, wasn't it? To use the Uchiha to form your alliances, and then eliminate us? Why else would you keep us from forming our own bonds – it was a plan between you and the Hyūga all along, wasn't it. Or was it all the Otsutsuki's idea?"

"Listen to yourself," Hashirama cried. "Even if you can believe those things of me, can you truly believe them of Lady Hina?"

"Do not speak her name," Madara snarled, and there was pain behind his rage.

"She was right," Hashirama clenched his jaw. "You have gone beyond our reach."

"And did she give you the key to defeating me?" his voice pitched upward with hysteria. "A final betrayal to be dealt by your hand?" Madara swiped at Hashirama, who pushed him back and shook his head.

And when his sword fatally pierced Madara, he stood behind him to catch his friend, tears brimming in his eyes.

"Lady Hina offered nothing," regret laced his voice, "and I begged her to keep her silence. She knew there were no words she could give that would not cause me pain, whether I had to end your life, or if you ended mine, and were forever lost to the darkness. I think," he ventured sadly, "her heart was almost as broken as mine."

Madara's lips twisted as his breath shallowed. "Strange thing to say to a man impaled on your sword."

Hashirama removed his sword and lay his friend down. "Believe what you will of me," he said quietly, kneeling at his side, "but know she never once betrayed you."

A small smile crossed Madara's lips. "Then...perhaps salvation may still be on the horizon."

Hashirama's heart ached as their eyes met. "May you meet the horizon in care of the beloved."

With the bittersweet taste of the ancient blessing on his tongue, Hashirama watched Madara take his last breath.

It wasn't until Yugito arrived to transport the body to its final, and secret resting place, that he allowed his tears to spill for what would never be.

*Fourteen Years ago*
Hinata

Hinata was told that she had been to the Otsutsuki palace as a very young child, but remembered very little about it.

However, the nearer she got to the castle, the more the feeling of déjà vu began to wash over her. She didn't need them to tell her when they had arrived – she sensed it in the air and clouds and water around her. There was a strange sensation of coming home as they entered the palace, and she was certain this was not the first time she had walked the halls or admired the beauty of the architecture. Her very being reverberated with the echo of memories – as if every part of her knew something about this place and had once called it home.

"Not uncommon for the High born," Ko had whispered. "This is as much your home as it is theirs."

But Hinata was not convinced.

She suspected this would be the first of several visits, if not of many, and yet she was not as disturbed as she had thought she might be.

Even meeting her distant cousins hadn't been as odd as it might have been, considering she had no real recollection of who they were, really.

The one they called Toneri kept a keen eye on her, and hung around with their group more than most. "I'm supposed to make sure you don't need anything," he explained, glancing her over. "That alright with you, Byakugan princess?"

He was 15 to her 10, and was slightly miffed to have been given the task of babysitting her.

Sasuke's back went rigid every time Toneri spoke to her, and she found herself grateful to have him on her side.

"Thank you, Toneri," she said politely. "I'm sure everything is excellent."

Toneri shrugged, clearly not concerned with her opinion. "You were named for the Great Oracle, weren't you?" Hinata inclined her head. "Hm. I didn't expect you to be so… scrawny."

"And we didn't expect you to be so ill-mannered," Sasuke interjected. "Yet here we are."

Toneri gave wry bark of laughter.

"A Landwalker calling me ill-mannered," he scoffed "Now I've heard everything."

Hinata fought the flush that came to her cheeks, and changed the subject. "I've only heard stories about the palace," she offered. "Please, tell me more about it."

"Very well," he crossed his arms. "Pay attention, Landwalker," he nodded to Sasuke. "You'll never see anything this grand above the waters."

Sasuke would have retorted, but Hinata's hand was gentle on his arm. She shook her head with a small smile, glancing at Toneri's back as they followed. She tapped a finger on his forearm before letting go – their signal for "It's alright."

He stuffed his hands in his pockets, but his small nod assured her he would mind his temper and his words.

Indeed, soon there were no words to be had, as the castle was exquisitely beautiful. Toneri settled into his role of tour guide, not-so-subtly bragging as he brought them from room to room and treasure to treasure. By the time they met for the evening meal, Hinata was overwhelmed with it all.

Neji joined them, and was quick to check Hinata for any signs of fatigue.

"I am fine," she assured him with a kind smile. "If anything, I feel better since we've arrived."

"The castle holds power," Neji allowed, darting a quick glance to Sasuke. "They want to speak with us. Tonight."

"Us?" Hinata looked between them.

"All of us," Neji amended, flicking a glance to Sasuke, and lowering his voice. "It's about the Sight."

Hinata felt her breath catch in her while Sasuke frowned.

"You've both used it before," he looked between them. "What makes this different?"

"We've used it on our own," Neji allowed. "Not with the Sharingan."

Sasuke's eyes widened in understanding.

"And that will give us answers?"

"We hope so," Neji nodded toward Itachi and Shisui. "We'll soon find out."

*Fourteen Years ago*
Sasuke

Sasuke was confused.

Neji was amused.

Both were bored, and stuck in a study that neither wanted to be in.

"So, the Otsutsuki don't have the sight."

"Correct."

"But the Oracle used to live here."

"Yes."

"But she was a Hyūga."

"Yes."

"But somehow her Sight only worked here?"

"No," Neji almost almost rolled his eyes. "The Otsutsuki palace is a gift from the Goddess. Any of Her gifts are more powerful here."

"Even the Sharingan?"

"It would appear so," Neji shrugged.

"But why do they only need Hinata and Itachi?" he eyed Neji. "Don't you have the Sight?"

"Yes," Neji allowed. "But there are ways to use the Sight in certain places that expand its reach. Usually, there is the Seer – the one who channels the information – and the Scryer – one who can see the projected information and help to process it. Hyūga can do both," he allowed, "but when the Scryer has the Sharingan, it amplifies the Sight. I am told that it allows the Seer to share what they see more directly, rather than sharing only reflections."

"Itachi and Shisui are two of our best," Sasuke said – perhaps begrudgingly.

"You can be a Seer without the Sight or the Sharingan," Neji offered (offhandedly, but a definite olive branch.) "We should both learn. That way, when you get the Sharingan, you are prepared."

"Hn," Sasuke grunted agreement, then fell into thoughtful silence.

Neji idly flicked through a book, mentally counting to ten. He thought Sasuke would have more questions by the time he made it to seven.

He didn't get past four.

"Why is there no water in this palace? And how can we breathe? And why….."

*Fourteen Years ago*
Hinata

Hinata focused on the large basin of water, her hands trembling as she placed them alongside.

"Relax," Itachi murmured, putting his hands on hers. "Are you ready?"

She gave a small nod, and a tiny smile tipped the corner of his lips – not unlike his brother's.

"Go on then."

She took a breath, and whispered "Byakugan," even as Itachi's eyes spiraled into crimson. She focused on the water basin, allowing her magic to flow through her hands and channel to the water within. The surface began to ripple and she focused, allowing the water to be her eyes. The images came then, drifting across the surface of the water to overlap or bounce off one another. When she raised her eyes to meet Itachi's, the world shifted until the two of them stood side by side in the center of a dreamlike world, where the visions hung in the air like diaphanous windows.

"We did it," she breathed.

"It seems so," Itachi agreed, noting the basin was no longer between them.

Together they began to wander through the floating visions, much to her delight.

She could see their friends – they had all moved on to the Akimichi fortress, and were being shown something in one of the kitchens. Hinata chuckled to see the instructor shaking his head as Naruto – inexplicably covered in flour – gave a cheeky smile.

"Focus on things you know, first," she had been told, although now, she did not know by whom.

She focused on expanding her vision and soon they saw Neji and Sasuke sitting in the study, and their ship in the waters above, and she began to search the distance between where she was and the people she knew. Hanabi was in her garden. The boats in the Harbor looked sturdy and safe. The palace of the Elves was eerily beautiful, the-

"Hiiiiiinnnnaaa…"

She looked up to Itachi.

"Did you say something?"

"No," his eyes scanned the surroundings warily. "Did you hear something?"

"Hiiiiiinnnnaaa…"

"That," she looked around. "Did you hear that?"

"No," he reached for his sword. "But I do sense something. Remember," he put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let go."

Hinata was so disassociated from her own body in her vision, she barely registered the pressure that was his hands covering hers against the basin. She looked around nervously, the hair on the back of her neck sticking up in anticipation. It was only then she noticed the fine mist beginning to drift in – unnaturally heavy and roiling toward them.

There were more cries – distant, and despairing.

"Itachi," she pointed. "Look!"

In the distance the sky glowed orange, and it grew closer, along with the cries for help and shrieks of terror.

"Stay behind me," he warned, stepping in front of her, sword drawn.

She tried to speak, but her whole body froze as they were engulfed by the mist.

"I found you," the voice whispered against her skin like the slither of a snake. "After all this time. I finally found you."

"Who are you?"

The voice chuckled deeply.

"You know who I am. Or, at least, you will."

Flames surged to encircle them, and a massive beast rose – black and red-eyed – to tower over everything. Not quite dragon, not quite snake, but nothing less than malevolent, its eyes glinted dangerously.

The cries of those begging for help surrounded her, and she finally lashed out with a cry.

"I won't let you hurt them," angry tears stung her eyes. "Not again!"

Power surged from her hands and ricocheted through the beast, blasting it to smoke and shadow.

"Hinata," Itachi turned to look at her, stunned. "What are you -?"

There, and in real life, her body faltered.

Itachi caught her projected form, struggling to keep their connection.

"Hinata?" he asked, scanning her quickly for injury. "What was that?"

"Old magic," she murmured, and her voice was tinged with tones of another – as if she and someone else spoke as one. "He's come back. He must be stopped."

Itachi severed the connection in time to catch her physical form, reaching her at the same time Shisui did.

"Did you see it," Itachi asked, his eyes troubled and spiraling back to dark. "In the reflection – did you see it?"

Shisui nodded gravely.

"I saw it."

"So did we," Hizashi, said grimly.

"We must make haste," The Otsutsuki leader said, eyes hard and cold. "That monster is in our waters."

"You'll help us?"

It was Hinata who had asked, her voice weak but her eyes piercingly sharp.

He held her gaze a moment before bowing to her. "Yes, My Lady. It would be our honor to assist you."

She was too tired to wonder at his words, but Itachi quickly scooped her up.

"Hold on to me," he said quietly. "I'll take you back so you can rest."

"You, too," she murmured against his collar. "That drained you, as well."

"True," he flicked a wry glance to Shisui. "You did well, Lady Hinata. We couldn't have found the enemy if it wasn't for you."

She gave a pleased hum, and fell fast asleep in his arms, her mind too tired to dream.

*Fourteen Years ago*
Tenten

She had helped Gai and the others for several months, now.

But tonight was different.

Tenten's skin prickled with anticipation as she leaned on the bow, trying to see beyond the layers of diaphanous mist draping her father's ship.

"Not too close to the edge," The Captain grumbled. "I'm in no mood to jump in after you when you topple overboard."

Tenten shared a small look with Lee who winked at her.

"We will be careful, Captain," he promised. To Tenten he asked, "Can you see the anything?"

"Not as such," she fingered the dagger strapped to her hip, keeping her eyes on the waters ahead. "So, who is this person Gai keeps going on about. A rival of some kind?"

"His eternal rival," Lee corrected her with a bright smile. "They've known each other for a long time. Gai keeps in touch with him, but I've only seen him a handful of times."

"I've never even heard of him," she frowned petulantly. "What's his name?"

Lee tried to respond, but nothing came out. He shrugged and she rolled her eyes.

"The magic on this ship is odd," she snorted. "You can say my name, and I can say yours, and Gai's – why not the others?"

"You're too nosy for your own good," The Captain called over his shoulder. "We've shared names – that is why we can speak them here. But a stranger would not be able to hear them. Best take it to heart, both of you," he made sure to turn so he could look them both in the eye. "We are only following in case we are needed, but there is something dangerous in these waters, and it doesn't need us to give it an advantage."

"What do you think it is?" Tenten asked, her body a little more tense, her voice a little more strained.

"No way to know," he grumbled, turning back to the wheel. "But I've been on these waters for many a year, and I know when I'm sailing into a storm. Best to keep our heads down, stay alert, and be ready to move."

Tenten rubbed the inside of her wrist and nodded. There was an energy in the air that felt familiar, and it both quickened her pulse and chilled her blood.

The Captain was right. Whatever was out there, there was nothing good about it.

"Remember," he spoke up again. "If we see the green flare, we sail to the Sanctuary, with all haste and no questions asked."

He barely finished his sentence when an earth-shattering cry pierced the air. Explosions rang out and canon fire began even as the silhouette of a terrifying creature appeared magnified through the layers of mist and flashing light.

Tenten's eyes grew wide, and she froze in place. Visions swam before her eyes – the raging fire – the screams of terror and pain – the panic of not knowing what was happening, and being alone in the chaos until someone reached out and took her hand and said her name and

"Tenten!"

She inhaled sharply as if coming up for air, her eyes blurry with tears as she focused on Lee's face, her hands held firmly by his own.

"There you are," he breathed, and pulled her into a tight hug. She dropped her head on his shoulder and held on to him, allowing her tears to fall as he held her steady for several minutes, soothing her. Finally, she stood and shoved the heels of her hands against her eyes.

"Sorry – sorry!" she half gasped, half sobbed. "I don't know what came over me."

"It's alright," Lee stepped back enough, to keep one hand on her shoulder, while fishing out a green handkerchief with the other. "Gai warned me that if the mists came there could be disorienting magic. He told me it would most likely affect you and not me."

"Why would that be?" she swiped at her eyes again.

"He said the mists have appeared against attacks on Children of the Sea," he said simply. "Gai figured it must be part of a way to disorient them. He also said it would pass quickly if we stayed on the boat."

"That's the problem with you Selkies," The Captain grunted. "Too much heart for your own good. Below deck, both of you. There's cool water waiting, and some hot bread that Kosuke fellow sent."

Tenten tucked Lee's handkerchief into a pocket. "What about you, Captain?"

"I'm too old and weathered for this t'bother me," he kept his eyes forward. "When you've lived as long as I have, you make peace with your memories. Even the dark ones."

And even if his hand trembled slightly, neither Lee nor Tenten doubted The Captain's words.

"Stay down until I call for you," his voice followed them. "Rest if you can. You might need your energy later."

Despite the hum of battle in the air above deck, it was quiet and restful below. It was surreal to sit where the two of them had so often sat before, with an unknown threat just beyond view. Lee offered to give her some of the tea Kosuke had sent, but she declined.

"Save it in case we find anyone," she murmured, taking one of the rolls and breaking it open. He handed her the small tin cup of water, and poured one for himself.

"Gai said the magic might make you tired," he offered. "Why don't you rest, and I'll keep watch. You're a light sleeper, so you can trust I'll wake you if anything happens."

"What if the ship sinks," she deadpanned.

"Then it's up to you to wake up first and save me."

"Alright," she smiled around her mouthful. "It's a deal."

Tenten wasn't sure what happened.

Like Lee had said, she was a light sleeper, but she had apparently fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep.

It was so deep, she didn't wake when The Captain sailed her ship away, when they had docked, or when Lee had carried her on his back to Gai's small home on the island known as the Sanctuary.

She knew nothing of the world from when she drifted asleep to when she woke tucked into her bed at Gai's, feeling deeply rested and refreshed.

It was another few minutes before Gai came up the stairs, surprisingly quiet in his attempt not to bother her.

"Ah, my Lotus," he smiled, his voice unusually low and sedate. "I am glad to see you rested and safe."

"Gai?" she sat up, rubbing her eyes. "What happened?"

"We were able to save the village," he smiled. "I don't think we will be seeing the monster again."

"Is… Is it over then?" she gripped her blanket, her eyes full of something that desperately wanted to be hope.

"Too soon to be sure," Gai put a hand on hers, "but that particular beast won't be troubling our waters again."

"And, were there any ... other survivors?"

"It does not appear that there were any Children of the Sea in that village," Gai said carefully. "One of the villagers confided in us that several residents had left just the week before, and reported that they were safely hidden elsewhere. Once we knew that for certain, we signaled The Captain to head for the Sanctuary. We will bring back some more remedies to help with the wounded. I shall take some today, and you can help prepare some more while I am gone."

"Of course," she smiled, instantly brightening.

"That's my girl," he ruffled her hair fondly. "Feel up to some breakfast?"

"Absolutely!"

She bounded out of bed with a new energy, spirits buoyed, and never seeing the worry of the man who waited a bit to follow.

*Fourteen Years ago*
Kakashi

Kakashi surveyed the village. As soon as the beast had been beaten back, he'd lead a team on land to help search for survivors.

"Is that all the villagers?" he asked Inuzuka Tsume.

"Seems like," she looked over to where her daughter Hana was helping one of the medics.

"Didn't bring Kiba?"

"He's still with the other kids," she said, eyes on the medic tents. "Don't think I would have brought him anyway. Where's Pakkun?"

"Oh, he's around," Kakashi waved away the question. "Let me know what your dogs find."

With that, he told Yamato to take over while he headed to one of the medic tents.

The man inside had fought beside them from his own, small vessel with the help of his crew. He was a merchant known to these areas, and had been known to help secure safe transport to any Children of the Sea seeking shelter.

His crew had minor injuries, but it was their captain that had valiantly kept everyone safe, even shoving others out of the way while he suffered burns on his arms and a gash on his side.

Kakashi walked in as they finished wrapping his torso, a healer pouring her green magic into his side.

"It will be good as new in a few days," she assured him.

"Thanks," he returned the smile, and she flushed before ducking out quickly. When the man noticed Kakashi, he began to rise, but Kakashi shook his head.

"I just came to see how you and your crew are."

"We're all well, thankfully,… Captain?" he cocked his head to the side.

Kakashi nodded.

"Captain Hatake of the Royal Navy."

"Ah," the other man's eyes brightened. "A Navy man. My father was in the Navy, as so many of our family have been. But it has been many years since I returned to The Harbor."

"So you are an Uchiha."

"Uchiha Ichiro," he gave a small smile. "I am afraid my parents were not very original in naming me. Now," he began to button the shirt he'd pulled on over his bandages. "Can we go see my crew?"

Kakashi merely stepped back and held open the tent flap for the man to follow him.

His crew was clearly loyal to their leader, and each thanked him profusely for his help. He asked to see his ship, and Kakashi obliged, pleased to report the ship had little more than superficial damage.

"I see you've got several ships further out," the man noted. "Civilian vessels. Fishing boats maybe?"

"Yes," Kakashi followed his gaze. "Several locals came out in case we needed to get survivors somewhere safe, or evacuate the village."

"Amazing that you got three ships out here so quickly," Ichiro nodded in approval. "And with so few settlements in this area."

"It is surprising how interconnected this area can be," Kakashi said agreeably. "Tell me, he squinted, handing him a spyglass from his hip. "I've only one good eye, and it is sore from the smoke. Anything identifying about the ships?"

"Mm," Ichiro considered them. "Nothing particularly remarkable. No special sails or identifying colors. It looks like they all tied green cloth to their masts; is that to show they carry survivors?"

"It is a system the locals have come up with."

"Well," Ichiro collapsed the spyglass and handed it back. "With any luck, that system won't be needed after today."

"May the Goddess make it so," Kakashi tucked his spyglass away, "Where does your journey lead?"

"As it happens," Ichiro smiled, "our next port of call was to be The Harbor. I never imagined we would be sailing in the wake of the Royal Navy."

"Perhaps it is fate," Kakashi mused. "Ah, Commander Yamato. Please assist Captain Uchiha and his crew in preparing their ship. They are also sailing to The Harbor, so we shall sail together."

"It is an honor," Ichiro bowed, his hand on his heart. "May the Goddess bless our journey."

With that, Kakashi gave a curt nod and left the vessel, striding quickly to his own ship. There, Obito, and Genma were waiting for him.

"Send up the green flare," he commanded. "Once the ships have departed, meet me in my quarters. Bring Itachi and Shisui. Tell Gai I shall send word."

The men exchanged glances, but tucked their questions away. As soon the civilian ships pulled up anchor, Obito fetched his cousins to their Captain.

Kakashi watched as one of the ships quickly outpaced the other three, its red sails filled with wind with its green banner streaming behind in a sort of farewell.

"May the Goddess blind those who would harm you," he murmured, as the ship disappeared beyond the island's curve, and sped toward the uncharted reprieve of the Sanctuary.