Between the Devil and the Deep
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Chapter Eleven
Toward the Dawn
*Thirteen Years ago*
The Children
"I'm telling you," Kiba spoke in earnest, hushed tones. "Whatever that thing was, it was massive, but it's gone now. Without a trace! What sort of creature does that? And how do we know it's really gone?"
"Give it a rest, Kiba," Ino scowled at him. "If Kakashi and the others said it is gone, it is gone. Your Mom even said so."
"She said they can't pick up a trail," Kiba corrected, finger poised in the air. "That is something completely different, and if you knew my Mom even a little bit, that would make you suspicious as all-get out."
"Just keep your conspiracy theories to yourself," Ino hissed. "It's been months since we could all be together, and Hinata has been through enough. She doesn't need you bringing up that the thing that threatened her people and all the Children of the Sea might still be out there."
"But that's why we have to know," he pointed his finger around their group of friends. "So, we can watch out for Hinata!"
"Kiba," Shino sighed. "This is exhausting. Why? That is because, despite your best intentions, you are annoying everyone here."
"What Shino said!" Naruto groaned. "Finally – something I understood and can agree with!"
"Let's just all agree that when we get to the Uchiha palace, we don't bring this up with Hinata, okay?" Sakura's green eyes darted between all of them.
"It's not like I'd bother Hinata," Kiba grumbled. "I'm just worried about her, is all."
"We all are," Ino huffed, with a hint of more compassion in her voice. "It's not often all three of our dads," she motioned to herself, Shikamaru, and Chōji, "don't say as much about something at the same time, which means there is something to say about it. We just have to make sure we keep an eye out for her."
"Still," Chōji mused, breaking off a piece of a large loaf of bread. "We don't really know what to look for, right? Just… anything suspicious?"
"It's troublesome," Shikamaru sighed, "but I've heard the Old Men talking about it. There are some things that we can look out for, that aren't hard to spot. Some things to just be aware of."
"There," Sakura pointed to Shikamaru. "That is a reasonable and doable suggestion."
"Guess I can't train you to sniff it out anyway," Kiba grumbled, flopping back in his seat as he scratched the top of Akamaru's head.
"That will just have to be your department," Ino said airily, flicking her ponytail. "We've still got a day or so before we arrive at The Harbor. Go on, Shika," she leaned back in her seat. "Tell us what you know."
"Not all of it," Naruto groaned. "No one has that kind of time."
Shikamaru sighed.
"It's –"
"Troublesome, we know." Naruto rolled his eyes. "So, skip to the juicy stuff!"
"Fine," he returned flatly. "But only so afterward I can finally get some peace around here."
*Thirteen Years ago*
Hanabi
In the space of the last year, Hinata had spent nearly as much time with the Uchiha as she had with her own clan – something Hanabi was quick to point out.
"It isn't fair," she huffed. "Why are you two off having adventures, and I am left behind?"
"You came with us to the Otsutsuki palace just last month," Neji scoffed.
"And you had about as good as a time as I did," Hanabi shot back. "Toneri is creepy, right? We all agree that he is creepy?"
"He is still getting used to us," Hinata said, shooting a look to Neji (who had been about to agree, and Hanabi did not need that kind of encouragement.) "Their customs are much more like the Old Court."
"Believe me, I know," Hanabi grunted, flicking her tail in irritation. "It's all Grandfather can talk about. If it wasn't for father and Uncle, he would happily turn us all into little Otsutsuki clones."
"Somehow, I doubt even Grandfather could change you that much," Neji sighed, shelving one of the scrolls in his arms.
"True," Hinata plucked a scroll from another shelf, with a light laugh. "At least from what I've seen."
"Seen?" Hanabi brightened, darting to swim about her sister in circles. "What have you seen? The future? What am I doing?!"
"No doubt being a pest," Neji grumbled.
"Hi-naaa-taaaa!" Hanabi whined. "Tell me!"
"It-It's not like that," Hinata blushed, stuttering in the face of her sister's enthusiasm. "I don't get to choose what I see, or when I see. Not yet."
"But you've been working on it, right? With Itachi and Shisui?"
"A little," she admitted. "But I still only see glimpses of the future if I am in the palace."
"And that other one – Sasuke? He can't be a Scryer?"
"He is training," Neji interjects. "He doesn't have the Sharingan yet, but he does well enough."
"Neji is learning, too," Hinata adds. "He has to work twice as hard, since he is learning to be a Seer and a Scryer."
"So, I can learn?" Hanabi cocks he head to the side.
"Yes," her sister smiles. "You already have better control of the Sight than I did at your age."
"Your father wants you to start learning."
They both looked at Neji.
"Really?!" Hanabi squealed. "When?" she shot over to Neji, shoving her hair out of the way. "Today? Can we start today?"
"Hanabi," he warned.
"Oh, come ON, Neji," she begged, tugging on his arm. "You will be leaving again soon – we don't have that much time, and I want to learn with you. Father already said you are the best, and since Hinata can't teach me to be an Oracle, you have to teach me to be a Scryer. Or a Seer. That way we can work together!"
Sensing the battle was lost before it ever began, Neji looked to Hinata with a resigned sigh.
"I suppose we could do a little today."
Hinata laughed at her sister's cheer, and tucked the scroll under her arm.
"Let me put this in my room for later," she swam up to join them. "And we can go."
"Yes!" Hanabi cheered and grabbed Neji's hand. "Come on!
He sighed, and threw Hinata a rueful look (to which she shrugged) and let Hanabi drag him out of the archives, chatting the whole way.
*Thirteen Years ago*
Sasuke
Sasuke was at the ruins, looking out over the sea. The others should be arriving soon, and he wanted to see if he could spot their ship. He also wanted a moment to sit by himself and to think.
The last few months had been busier than any he could remember, and he felt like he'd been thrown into several puzzles at once.
He hadn't been with Hinata when she'd first seen the Black Beast, and it still needled him.
His one comfort is that Itachi had been with her – for if anyone could protect Hinata, it was Itachi – but it didn't change the fact that he hadn't been there, or that if he had been, he probably would have been of little to no help.
It was a frustration that he and Neji had shared, and made them both resolve to hone their skills to be better able to protect Hinata.
But what bothered Sasuke today wasn't his lack of Sharingan or his strange surge of emotions regarding Hinata. Today, he was trying to tease apart the tangle of events surrounding the Children of the Sea.
There hadn't been any more mass disappearances reported, and so far, all Uchiha patrols had confirmed those reports. The Otsutsuki insisted on checking in with known communities of Children without interference. They did not, however, hinder the movements of the Uchiha fleet, or any of the tracking teams along the coast.
King Hiashi, Lord Minato, and the other clan heads had worked together to form teams that could check the shrines Sasuke and Hinata had found during their time in other kingdoms, as well as to search for and monitor any others that might provide information going forward.
So far, no one had found evidence of distress.
But Sasuke wasn't sure it was over.
He had no real evidence, but he felt certain that there was something that they were missing – as if whatever was behind the disappearances hadn't been the Black Beast, but something else entirely.
"Ah, Young Lord Uchiha," A pleasant voice interrupted his thoughts. "Back again, are you?"
"Ichiro," Sasuke stood. "You're back."
"Safe and sound," he held his arms out, as if to prove his point. "I wanted to visit the old shrine as thanks. Care to join?"
Sasuke nodded, and they began the steep walk to the shore together.
"I thought I was the only one who still visited this place," Ichiro chuckled. "How does a lad like yourself know it?"
"I've always come here," he shrugged.
"Mm," Ichiro hummed. "Most folk just make offerings at the newer shrines."
"I like this one."
Sasuke especially liked this one because Hinata liked it, and said it was far more ancient than he realized. She'd explored it at high tide, diving under the waves to swim where he could not follow.
He maintained his silence while Ichiro made his offerings, sprinkling something on the water while he murmured the ancient words under his breath.
"So," he turned when he was done. "I hear your friends will be returning soon?"
"Today," Sasuke nodded. "If they are on time."
"Today?" Ichiro smiled. "Well, that's good to hear, isn't it? You must miss them."
Sasuke shrugged again, as he had no real answer. He wouldn't mind seeing his friends again, but did he actually miss them?
"You'll have to bring them to the ruins," Ichiro looked at the path leading to the hillside. "There isn't anything like it anywhere else."
"Maybe," he said noncommittally – maybe trying to sound older than his 11 years.
"You know," Ichiro studied him. "There is something about you, Sasuke. Something that reminds me of a younger me. We have a lot in common, you and I."
"We do?"
"Oh, yes, Sasuke," Ichiro chuckled. "We do. You see-"
"Sasuke. There you are."
Sasuke looked up with a start to find Shisui standing where a moment ago there had only been air.
"Time to head back," he said, putting an arm around him with a smile. "Aunt Mikoto is asking for you. Sorry," he said to Ichiro with a smile.
"Not at all," Ichiro said easily. "Another time, Sasuke."
Sasuke barely had time to reply before he found himself back at the castle, and facing his brother.
"Sasuke," Itachi frowned. "Where were you?"
"The ruins," he said, looking between his cousin and his brother. "Why?"
"It's not like you to ignore your mother," Shisui said carefully. "We were worried."
"My Mother?" Sasuke blinked. "Mother didn't try to contact me – or at least not that I heard."
Itachi and Shisui exchanged a look over his head that confused Sasuke.
"Go tell her you are alright, then," Shusui pushed him forward. "You know how she gets."
Sasuke made some noise of assent, and with a final look at the two of them went in search of his mother.
*Thirteen Years ago*
The Children
The arrival of the remainder of the The Nine as they were dubbed brought a chaotic joy to the Uchiha castle. Sasuke, Hinata, and Neji were at the docks to greet their friends (and, in Hinata's case, to keep Naruto from falling into the water. Again.).
"We've missed you," Sakura hugged Hinata tightly, before holding her at arms-length. "How are you feeling?"
"I am well," Hinata smiled. "How have you been?"
"Well," Sakura tucked Hinata's arm in hers. "We have lots to catch up on. Ino and I made a list."
"A list?" Hinata paled. "Really?"
"It's a good list," Sakura squeezed her arm. "I promise."
"Hinata," Sasuke interrupted them. "You are pale."
Before Hinata could answer, Naruto appeared at her side.
"Hinata is pale?" he put a hand on her shoulder, already glowing orange. "What happened?"
"I-I'm fine," she stammered as Naruto's magic washed over her.
"Don't know what you are talking about, Sasuke," Naruto grumbled. "If anything, she is flushed."
"I've got it," Sakura nudged Naruto's hand off of Hinata. "Come on, Hinata," she rolled her eyes at Naruto. "You'll feel better inside. Ino?"
"Coming!" Ino walked past Naruto and took Hinata's other arm, leaving the boys to watch after them.
"Her magic seemed fine," Naruto mused. "If anything, it has gotten stronger. I wonder what was wrong with her?"
"I wonder," Sasuke said acidly, turned on his heel, and strode toward the castle.
Naruto was quick to follow, only just realizing everyone else had already left the docks, and calling after them to not leave him behind.
*Before Dawn*
Sasuke
Sasuke startled awake, drenched in the chill of a cold sweat. With a barked exhalation, he threw back his covers and lurched to the side of the bed, exhaling shakily - elbows on knees, hands clasped - as a fine tremor radiated through his body – a hum of uncertainty and adrenaline waning.
He forced himself to register the press of his elbows on his knees and the dip of his mattress under his weight, as he wrestled to control his breathing. He drew in steadying breaths, the sound of the ocean drifting on the back of a breeze tinged with salt, to cool the sweat at his neck, and slide across his naked back.
"Center yourself in what is real," a voice replayed in his mind. "Reach past what has affected you, and tether to the present."
He was too addled to pinpoint the memory, but he held on to it like a mooring rope, as he tried to right himself against the upheaval of a night of disturbing dreams.
"Fourth night," he reminded himself. It was his fourth night of disturbed sleep. The first two nights had been restless, the last two were more disturbing – it was as if his dreams were fighting to follow him into the waking world. When he awoke, there was a moment of knowing all before the notion slipped away as sand through his fingers - leaving behind nothing but the sense of desperation and exquisite loss. With a sharp curse he stood and strode to his balcony, pushing past the heavy draperies and heading directly to the familiar curve of heavy balustrade. He planted his hands on the smooth of the stone, lifted his face to the sky, and closed his eyes.
He willed himself to stillness – anchoring himself to the cool of the stone below his feet and under his palms. The sound of the ocean was clearer here, and he allowed himself the familiarity of standing at the bow of a ship. He inhaled the tang of the salt air, and focused on tug of the sea breeze at the fine linen sleeping trousers he'd taken to wearing in hotter climates, and the weight of them as they sat on his hip bones. When he opened his eyes, he immediately sought out the North Star and fixed on it as he oriented himself to the vastness of the heavens above, mentally mapping out constellations like islands on a distant horizon.
He breathed in the familiarity and for a glorious instant knew exactly where he was and who he was. He was as anchored as he could be in time and space, yet something was bothering him. Something – something was just on the verge of his grasp, and had interrupted his sleep relentlessly.
He scanned the sky, tracing the familiar constellations. The stars rooted him in the seasons as well as in navigation – he knew which patterns would rise and fade as the seasons turned, tracing time in the sky. So when he noticed the Navigator with its belt of three stars and the red-glow at his shoulder, he frowned. That constellation had faded from the night sky in the spring and should return with the winter – and yet it glowed brightly in the sky.
Moreover, The Navigator was facing the Water Child – something that should not happen in any night sky he had seen.
"That star is mine!" a triumphant voice echoed in his ears.
"Idiot," he heard himself reply. "That is a planet."
"Even better!" he knew a cocky grin came with those words. "I get a whole planet to myself!"
As Sasuke watched, a streak of star bolted through line of the Navigator's spyglass to land in the outstretched hand of the Water Child, and began to glow a vibrant red.
"Planets don't stay still," the voice teased, "Think you can find me?"
"I'll always be able to find you," he snorted. "I'll just follow the sound of you being an idiot."
"Catch me if you can!"
Sasuke watched as the star grew brighter – a fiery orange in the sky.
"Follow it," another voice beckoned, and his heart stilled. A form shimmered over the Water child and hands cupped to hold up the burning orb. "Find him, and you will find your way back to me."
"Who are you?" he asked, voice choked, his heart breaking at her half smile.
"Set sail with the tide and go find him, Sasuke. I'm waiting."
She was luminous in the sky above him, and then she was in front of him, oh, so very familiar. "Take only your most trusted," she warned. "Take none of the King's men. Sail with the first tide, and go to him."
"I know you," he frowned. Why can I not name you."
"You can only name me in dreams," she shook her head. "It is not safe otherwise." She glanced over her shoulder. Morning comes," she whispered, even as the stars began to slide back to their regular positions in the sky – the Navigator to where he would be hidden in the day, and the water child to the horizon. "Sail to the star, Sasuke."
"But!"
The sun pierced her form, and she scattered on the dawn. Leaving him on his balcony, .
And there, on the horizon, in the arc of the Water child, the red planet shone.
"Admiral!"
The knock on his door was urgent, and jolted him from sleep.
He was in his bed, as if he had never left, the balcony, but the heavy drapes were open, fluttering in the morning breeze.
Sasuke strode to the door where one of his trusted sailors sketched a quick bow.
"I am sorry to wake you, Admiral, but we've received an urgent letter. There is more trouble from the pirates east of here. The king wishes to dispatch ships at once."
"I will be down directly," he replied, any trace of sleep gone. "Go inform the King."
Sasuke waited for him to go before glancing to the side.
"I know you are there."
"I assumed you would," Sai stepped out of the shadows. "What are your orders, Admiral?"
"Ready the crew of the Quicksilver. We sail with the first tide."
"I believe your uncle wishes you to captain the Serpent and lead a force. They will not be prepared by then."
"Leave that to me," he shook his head. "Make ready our roster."
"Sir," Sai bowed, and slipped away.
Sasuke closed and bolted his door, and returned to the balcony, hands on hips.
The early morning light had not yet washed the sky of darkness, and the red of (mars) still winked merrily in the arc of the Water Child.
In his bones, Sasuke knew that what answers there were to be had, would be had under the trail of that star – and made ready to depart.
*Are you an astronomy lover? Orion is the "navigator" constellation, and in the Northern Hemisphere, the constellation can be seen in the sky from winter to Spring. The red star in its 'shoulder' is Betelgeuse. Aquarius (The Water Child) does not appear in the sky the way it did in Sasuke's dream, but Mars really was visible in 'Aquarius' this past summer. I fully embrace my love of the night sky, and all related geekery!