Updates have been slow due a mild writer's block. But I'm pushing through still. Hope you enjoy it!

Outsider

"You knew!" Itachi blurted out. The forest was quiet around them and not even the birds chirped. Just enough light to see filtered in through the canopy. "You knew…" He pointed an accusing finger at Shisui. "I can't even believe…"

Crossing his arms, Shisui frowned. "I don't know what you're talking about."

The silence held its breath as Itachi's face fell into disbelief. "Liar!"

Raising an eyebrow, he replied slowly, "Even if I knew… Anyone could overhear us here."

Itachi glanced around, his senses dulled by rage. "Fine, we can meet later. You know where."

Sitting on the edge of the bench, Aster clasped her hands in her lap. The sun was hot and there was no class today to hide inside. Her home wasn't cooled like the school, so it became easier simply to face the heat. Letting sweat pool in the small of her back, she closed her eyes and remembered the lake in the Uchiha compound. Wistfully, she pictured it and wished she were welcome there- or anywhere in Konoha.

"Hello," a man's voice startled her and she looked up. "You've got a gentle face. May I sit here?"

Wary, she was reluctant to answer. "Of course. I don't mind."

The man had dark, tousled hair and a twinkle in eye. He was young and fit. "Polite and kind. My, you do impress."

Now she was openly suspicious, narrowing her eyes and frowning deeply. "Who are you?"

"I'm nobody terribly important." He smiled. "But you can call me Shisui."

"Okay," she nodded. "I'm Yuki Aster. Nice to meet you…Shisui-san."

"You don't look especially thrilled." Still smiling, he put his hands on his knees. "But of course not, I must be bothering you after all."

Embarrassed at his pointed and forward comment, she diverted her gaze. "I'm sorry- I don't mean to be rude."

"It's okay," he assured her gently. "But I would appreciate it if you heard me out for just a moment." Curiosity piqued, she met his gaze. The amusement and smile were gone. "Please don't tell Itachi we spoke."

"Oh," she flexed her now sweaty hands. "Um, well I guess."

He shook his head. "Not good enough. Promise me."

Frightened by his insistence, she decided not to argue. "O-okay. I promise."

"Itachi needs you." His determined look unnerved her more. "I know you won't understand. But please, be there for him. Help him take care of Sasuke."

Aster wanted to bite back that she already did those things, but then wondered about the sageness of telling a stranger. "How do you know anything about them or me?"

"It's okay, you probably won't be seeing me again." With that, he stood. As he walked away and disappeared into the throngs of people at the center of the square, she recognized the crest on his back. An Uchiha…?

Waiting at one of the long, wood tables, Itachi put his chin in hand. The underground Uchiha conference hall was eerie, lit by torches and devoid of the clan members. He hadn't been here many times, but he knew his father had been holding meetings without him. It was the purpose of those meetings that had never crossed his mind. Usually mundane things regarding like what plants were allowed in public gardens and arguments about adjusting curfew were had. Never had he guessed the plot of a coup with S-rank, exiled shinobi would be a discussion topic.

The tap of footsteps reached him and he looked up as Shisui approached. A deep remorse was etched on his face. He stopped short, the torches casting harsh shadows. Moving slowly, Itachi came to his feet.

Suddenly Shisui rushed forward and embraced him. "Cousin-" he breathed. "I'm so sorry. I couldn't speak reason to them without arousing doubts about my loyalty to the clan."

Horror covered Itachi's face as he pulled back. "So… You really did know."

Sorrow lined his eyes and Shisui nodded. "I was here. Your father only proposed what the clan was already thinking."

"That can't be right." He shook his head, trying to chase away the images of blood and death from the last shinobi war. "He was there… He fought in the last war. How could he suggest another?"

"It gets worse…" Shisui held his breath, waiting for Itachi to ask.

"The Uchiha…" Mouth dry, Itachi struggled to find the words. "They are bargaining with Akatsuki… I put the negotiations in jeopardy."

"What?" Surprised by the extent of Itachi's knowledge, he took his shoulders. "How? Did you find a way to stop them?"

"No-" he shuddered. "I was approached by Orochimaru… And I declined a 'gitt'."

"When?"

Itachi frowned. "I made a terrible mistake. I took Sasuke and Aster to his old lair in the forest. I thought it was deserted. I thought he wouldn't dare step foot in Konoha."

"What gift did you refuse?" Shisui pressed. "What are you talking about?"

Running a hand through his hair, Itachi sighed. "I don't know. He lunged at me… with fangs."

"Do you know what Orochimaru was researching when he exiled?"

Itachi shrugged, irritated. "Well… forbidden jutsu."

"But did anbu tell you what ninjutsu?" he demanded.

"No, but-"

"Necromancy- transmutation-genetic experiments," Shisui's words tumbled together and swam in his Itachi's ears. "Forbidden ninjutsu, forbidden for a reason. He wants to gather all the dying, powerful kekkai genaki and become immortal. That is the reason for his sick machinations."

"What does that have to do with a gift?" Itachi insisted.

"The curse mark…" He pushed the hair back from Itachi's neck. "It's more a legend than a reality… But it's a mark, that if you survive, grants you power in exchange for your free will. Eventually, if you use that power enough, Orochimaru will control you." He exhaled relief at Itachi's unmarred skin.

"Who would accept or use that?" He questioned in disbelief.

Shisui's face darkened. "Someone desperate… someone desperate to save his loved ones." He turned away. "It's too late now; the Uchiha have entered into a deal, and there is no loophole out. Either Akatsuki gets what they demand, or the Uchiha will pay the price. Orochimaru probably thought you already knew and were seeking him out to obtain that forbidden power."

"Shisui…" Panic filled Itachi's black gaze. "What do we do? How do we stop this?"

Book open in her lap, Aster pushed her eyebrows together. The bright sun surrounded her in the shade of a tree along the edge of the school yard. Thumbing the pages, she groaned. Her grades had been steady since she had begun teaching after school, and the extra credits helped, but her future at the academy was still murky. Clenching her fists, she tried to refocus. The mysterious Uchiha Shisui had stirred up more questions for her than answers.

Before she could drift off again, Sasuke's voice cut through her thoughts. "Nee-chan!" Startled, she slid her fists across the page and it ripped under the friction. "Nee-chan!"

"Oh no," she whispered to herself before noticing Sasuke. "Hi Sasuke-chan- what are you doing here?"

He grinned down at her. "I need your help."

"For…?" Aster side eyed him, suspicious.

Still smiling, he crossed his arms. "Do you have some time?"

Sun warming his cheeks, Itachi laid back in the grass. The gentle cushion and dull prick of the blades hit the back of his arms and legs. The sun was high and anbu had no work for him today. Clouds were wispy and few and far between. A breeze lifted the tips of his bangs and toyed with his shirt. For a brief moment he could forget his troubles. Putting his hands behind his head, he closed his eyes.

"C'mon!" Sasuke pulled on Aster's hand, towing her along through the forest. "Hurry up!"

Aster sighed irritably, "Okay, okay. I'm coming, just stop dragging me!"

She cringed as sunlight hit them with sudden force. The grass's steady crunching sound ceased as Sasuke dropped her wrist.

"There he is!" He pointed to his unsuspecting brother.

Aster rubbed her eyes, glancing around her. Before she had regained her vision, Sasuke was off, dashing towards Itachi, who appeared to be sleeping.

"Nii-san! Nii-san!" came the commanding call.

Narrowing his eyes, Itachi turned his head to see Sasuke rapidly approaching. He sat up, pushing his bangs out of his eyes. Sasuke was at his side in an instant, shaking his arm and urging him up.

"C'mon! You promised! Get up!"

Itachi shrugged out of his little brother's grasp as he stood. "What are you talking about?" he muttered sleepily.

"You were supposed to train me today!" Sasuke glared at him.

Aster sat watching them. Itachi seemed to be in a constant state of forward motion, leaving everything and everyone behind him. However, he always turned back for Sasuke. She felt abruptly alone as Sasuke pleaded with Itachi again. Sighing, she made to leave.

"Aster," Itachi yelled lazily. "Get him off me."

Sasuke shot Itachi another dirty look. "Stop being lazy! Will you just train with me today? Just this once?!"

Laughing softly, Aster replied, "I can get him off if you train with him for a little while."

Itachi gave her a tired scowl. "You're a lot of help…" he growled sarcastically.

Running with Aster's lead, Sasuke grinned at her. "See! Even Aster-chan agrees with me!"

Smirking at him, Itachi crossed his arms. "Fine, you've won me over. But just for a little while, I still have lots to do."

Sasuke grabbed Itachi by the wrist, jerking him in the direction of the training grounds. "Hurry!"

Itachi twisted his head back to Aster. "C'mon. Don't think you're getting out of this so easily."

Aster contorted her face in a grim smile. "I'm not the one who wanted out."

Pages thin and fragile in Shisui's finger tips, he thumbed gently through the book. A lone candle to his left was the only light in the room. He could be excommunicated from the clan for his sins, or even put to death. The Uchiha would make it look like an accident. Careful not to even breath on the decrepit text, he used his sharingan to skim the pages in the low, flickering light.

The book had appeared on his bedside table a few nights ago. It was clearly old; the corners were worn and it was heavy with dust. Nothing like it existed in the archives of Konoha or the Uchiha compound, as far as he knew. All forbidden manuscripts had been burned when the Uchiha had been quarantined. Much of their history had been lost in the crinkling pages. The sharingan they knew so well was now a power secret even to its wielders.

But the book, it referenced things Shisui had never heard of except in legend. Many generations had come and gone since the last user of the mangekyou sharingan had lived. The story of Madara had elevated the ability to a whispered folktale with none sure where the truth began and ended within it. No one was sure anymore how he had awakened such monstrous power and studying it had been forbidden after the atrocities Uchiha Madara committed. Every text that had referenced it had long been destroyed. Except the one on the table in front of Shisui.

Knowing something sinister was afoot, besides Fugaku's plot, he was tempted to burn the book himself. Clearly someone had overheard them in the forest; the book's appearance was no accident. A plan was forming in Shisui. He would not be a helpless cog in the wheel of death the Uchiha wanted to started turning.

However, it was clear he could not take the power for himself. The ritual and expense of the power we too high for him to seek it. But maybe someone else could command it in his place. It was possible the greatest onslaught he could unleash on the Uchiha was the surrender and sacrifice of himself.

Slipping her sandals off, Aster smiled shyly at Itachi. His gaze was focused on Sasuke, who was laughing as he kicked his shoes off. The boy dashed into the slow moving river up to his waist, shirt and all. His laughter was infectious and Aster giggled; Itachi even smiled. Stepping gingerly to the edge of the water, she pushed her bare feet into the icy stream. Cold water ran over her toes and pooled around her ankles. It was only then that she realized how hot the day was.

Balling her fists, she dashed into the center of the river, the water hitting her thighs and drenching her skirt. Aster turned to look back, the cloth swirling around her and being gently pulled by the lazy current. Itachi was on the bank, shoes stubbornly still on his feet and arms crossed.

"Nii-san!" Sasuke leaned into his call, cupping his mouth. "Nii-san!" He drew the word out. "Come in with us!"

"It's okay," he waved. "I don't want to get wet."

"Ugh," throwing his head back, Sasuke shrugged dramatically. "You've got to show me how to catch a fish!"

Itachi smiled again. "You won't catch anything stomping around in the water. All the smart fish are gone."

"The smart ones and dumb ones probably taste the same," Wading back, Aster grinned as he shook his head. "Come in with us." She stopped at the edge of the water. "It's really nice. Just get your feet wet."

"YEAH," Sasuke shouted back. "It's great! Come in!"

Aster raised an eyebrow. "You've got to show us those fishing skills. I'm not sure I believe you can catch one by hand."

He looked at her and his breath caught in his chest. Somehow it was important that she believe him. Not sure what had overtaken him, he pulled his own sandals off and stepped onto the water. The chakra in his feet kept him elevated and dry. Stepping carefully, he joined Sasuke as Aster followed.

Sleeves pushed up to his elbows, Sasuke held splayed hands high, ready to ambush a dumb fish. All three stood still in the contrasting hot air and cool water, waiting. Small fish swam between their knees as Itachi crouched down.

"Keep your hands just above the water," Itachi whispered. "And keep your voice quiet."

Sasuke nodded, lowering his hands and hovering them just above the stream.

With a burst of unpredictable speed, Itachi's hand dove into the water, disturbing it as little as possible. His hand resurfaced grasping a green and brown trout. It wriggled and splashed water over them.

"Anyone hungry?" He grinned.

"My turn!" Sasuke gasped. "I'm going to catch one too." Holding his breath, he waited until he saw the wobbly outline of another trout. Diving in, he splashed both Itachi and Aster. He immediately resurfaced. "Got one!"

Surveying his catch finally, Sasuke frowned. The minnow fit between his thumb and forefinger. It thrashed and he yelped, dropping it back in the water.

All three waded back to the bank and started a small fire. After scavenging for the right size twigs, Itachi strung up the trout and began to roast it slowly. Aster watched quietly as the brothers discussed catching fish. Sasuke's eyes were wide with admiration and awe; he was captivated. A look of peace crossed Itachi and she wondered how often he felt the way all three of them did now.

"You never even tried, did you?" Itachi's onyx stare caught her off guard.

"W-what?" Aster pulled her knees to her chest.

Tilting his head, he glanced at the setting sun. "There might still be enough time for you to catch a fish. Have you fished before?"

Shaking her head, Aster stood slowly. "No, I've never fished. Especially not by hand."

Jumping up, Sasuke scampered around the small fire. "C'mon! I bet you'll catch a big one! Bigger than Itachi did!"

She smiled. "Okay, fine."

Wading back into the water, the boys watched from the land. Careful not to upset the fish, she crouched down. They swam circles around her so fast that it was hard to pinpoint just one. Finally, taking a deep breath, she shot her hand into the water. She grasped something slippery and pulled it up for all of them to see.

"It's a minnow-" She held her hand high and a waiting bird swooped in. Before any of them could react, it flew off with Aster's catch.

"Aw, man!" Sasuke shook his fist at the disappearing bird. "That was mean!"

Chuckling, Itachi put his hands on his hips, also watching the receding outline of the clever bird. "Well, I've never seen that happen."

Staring at her empty hand, Aster felt hollow. I can't even hang onto a fish… No wonder everyone else has gone. Tears welled in her eyes and her vision of the Uchiha brothers blurred. They seemed caught in their own world, talking and laughing. I guess I'll always be an outsider here, no matter what.

"Shirohae" by Takanashi Yasuharu

PlEaSe R&R