Hey everyone it's been a while. I never give up on my fics but I've also moved to another site where they're all being re-worked. I decided to post the continued chapters here though they may not make as much sense because I re-edited these first four chapters and then continued the story. same title on A03 if you want the new and improved content. name Ayoken is the name on AO3. in any case, I hope you enjoy and like the progression.

Shikaku had always known he was going to die. It was the fate of a king's aid, especially being an aid to the king of the shadowlands. Shishui had been a fantastic leader. The shadowlands needed a strong leader because the end of its borders touched lands overrun by the cold ones. He sighed. Looking down, he wished very terribly for a drink. He had been out on assignment, direct orders from the king to investigate Shimura Danzo. When the depths of his betrayal had been revealed, he was too late. Their bodies had already lay still on the battlefield. In desperation, he had grabbed his lord's body and merged deep into the shadows. It had taken days to get out of the enemy territory and longer still to check on the condition of his lord's body. Exhausted, he emerged from the shadows with the burden of a king upon his shoulders. And laid the body down on the grass. He stared for a moment before kneeling down and opening the sagging eyelid. Empty, he frowned. They had managed to get one of two eyes. He sighed again. He was bound to die; he took a deep breath before opening Shishui's remaining eye and receiving all the information left.

Shikaku sighed when it was done. The body burst into flame, and when the ashes were lifted away by the wind, he slipped back into the shadows, understanding that to do so meant death. But he was the king's aid, and with the death of Shishui and his personal disappearance, the king was now his son, and if there was anyone he refused to fail, it was Nara Shikamaru.

Shikamaru's sudden and immediate rise to power had been ignored, considering the significant loss of the empire. His father's disappearance had hit him hard, and he had closed himself off from the world. He had become angry, and anger wasn't good for a man that wielded the shadows. They had a mind of their own. It had been challenging to bind Sai during the interrogations and harder to sleep. His shadow would slip into the night in search of his father of any information he could find, and every night his shadow grew more volatile. How long before the shadow's anger slipped into his being? How long before he was a man consumed by rage? He raked his dark gaze across the palace gardens. At this night, the torches had been dimmed, casting shadows along the walking paths. They appeared to be reaching for him, beckoning him into their chilly depths, asking him to become one with his anger. He chuckled if only his people knew he could hear the shadows, how terrified of him would they be? They didn't sound quite like a whisper, more like a feeling of a feather on the skin, a hum in the ears, and a shiver on the spine. This time, it was more substantial than anything he had ever felt. Shifting, he turned to see his shadow holding up what should have been his father. His throat closed at the sight. He could see through him.

"Hello, son, he whispered out. You look like you've seen a ghost." Shikamaru swallowed around the ball in his throat before nodding slowly. "yes, that's what you do when a dead man comes walking."

Shikaku laughed, "I'm not dead yet, my boy." He sighed, sitting down and leaning against the tree.

"We don't have much time, and I have a lot to tell you. I suppose ill have to start with the Chaos locks."

Shadow deaths were painful. Or at least that was the conclusion Shikamaru came to when he listened to his father's voice turn into a rattle and then a whisper of a whisper. He listened until his father's words were the touch of a feather, a hum in his ear, and a shiver on his spine. He listened as the sun began to rise, and he sobbed when the hands of shadows lost reached out to grasp along the sides of his body tendrils of blackened smoke curled off his body as the last of his humanity melted into the darkness. Shikakus's last words were a feather on the skin and a knife to the heart as he was dragged down to the final resting place. Shikamaru's throat closed, and his sight went dark as dawn kissed the garden vanquishing the shadows that stretched to grasp his hands.

Sasuke was not a patient man. Even less so considering the events at hand. Breakfast in the palace was tense. The seating had been rearranged; those he would trust with his life were separated by a woman and a promise he didn't expect anyone to keep. The silence continued for just a few moments before Sasuke's patience ran out.

"Neji" he snarled, "find Shikamaru".

Neji nodded, activating his byakugan. He sat still, eyes moving about before he frowned.

"leaving the infirmary, he appears to be making his way here."

Sasuke nodded, letting silence fall across the hall. When the south door opened, Shikamaru walked in and took in the faces of the royal court. He paused, staring at the face of his fiancé before turning and bowing to Sasuke.

"I apologize for my absence; I needed time to recover; the information I need to share must be done in a room of .. discretion."

Sasuke placed his hand on the table to stand and stopped abruptly as Temari rose from the table and bowed in his direction. While I do believe what must be said is of great importance, might I suggest a five-minute delay that Shikamaru might eat.

Shikamaru stopped her. "I'm not hungry."

She turned to argue, but the look on his face left no room for arguing.

Snapping her mouth shut, she nodded very well. Her tone was short and clipped. "I will not interrupt again."

Sasuke nodded and rose from his chair naruto

Collect Sai.

Naruto rose from the table and vanished in a flash of light.

"Lead the way, Shikamaru."

Turning on his heels, Shikamaru leads the royals into the war room.

Tsunade ushered everyone into the room, allowing the kings to take their seats and the pillars to fill their rightful place.

There was a bright flash of light, and naruto appeared, holding Sai by the shoulder.

Sasuke nodded to the aid, who shut the door.

Naruto tapped the wall three times, pouring his vibrant blue chakra across the cold stone.

"Before you begin, Sasuke started. Sai must be dealt with. "

Sai tensed and glanced around the room.

"I've told you everything I know."

Hinata answered, "you mean you told them everything you could. The seal is gone, I'm sure of it. Go on."

Sai stared at her for a moment before nodding.

Danzo is corrupted by Jashin" he tested the words out slowly as if they might choke him. When everything seemed fine, he nodded.

"It wasn't that way at first. He believed your brother lord Itachi would begin a campaign to end all the war we experienced. The war was profitable to Danzo. He built his army with selected orphans of the war. Raised us up and then made us battle to the death. Only those that survived were allowed to become agents of Danzo. We have no emotion

and, therefore, no sense of morality. His original goal was to simply keep the wars going. Agents were sent out to instigate already tense situations between neighboring domains.

Then Orochimaru came into the equation. He and a man named Hidan swept in, and suddenly we were prepping for Danzo's attempt at the thrown. He was told he needed to collect chaos locks and present them to Jashin; the kingdom would be his. That's all I know."

Tsunade cleared her throat. Ino

She looked to Tsunade before nodding, rising from her place, and bowing to Sasuke. "I am capable of a mind walk, and I can confirm the truth of his statement if you'd like."

Sasuke nodded.

And Ino approached Sai. Hold still, she murmured as she reached for his head.

Shikamaru sighed.

"It's fine, Ino, no need to. It matches what my father told me this morning."

Ino froze, turning abruptly. Your father has been missing since the beginning of the mission.

Shikamaru nodded. "He's dead."

He-

Pausing, Shikamaru looked at Temari and reached for her. Startled but receptive, she grasped his hand as he continued.

"As many of you know," Shikamaru started, my people are capable of turning into shadows. There is a time limit though it varies according to the power of the individual. My father could last a few days, maybe a week. Shikamaru bowed his head. It took two weeks to travel here.

Lord Shishui had believed Danzo was committing foul play before they set off for the battle. He sent my father to look for information and report to him on the battlefield if he had to. My father said once he understood what Danzo was trying to do, he tried to get back to warn them, but he made it just in time to grab Shishui's body.

Sasuke nodded. "That's why his body was missing."

Shikamaru looked back At Sasuke.

He apologized for being too late.

Sasuke shook his head. "Go on."

Squaring his shoulders. Shikamaru started.

The chaos locks are people. Apparently, entities are sealed into human beings, and they can be gods and beasts of godlike power. But they're sealed into these people in an attempt to keep the balance.

Naruto nodded. "I am my people's last chaos lock."

Temari cleared her throat and waited as all eyes shifted to her.

"The Sand is. New to this world and the way it is structured. I am the only high priestess the Sand has ever seen at home. My brother is the only chaos lock I've ever known".

And what god is sealed in him?

"No god, just a beast. The sand beast Shukaku".

And how is it he has come to be a chaos lock?

Naruto sighed. "The cult was disbanded years ago, and I never imagined it had survived."

Shikamaru nodded. The lands of Uzushio believed that gods and beasts walked the earth by creating chaos. Uzushio wanted peace and began to seal these entities into a person to be tamed or slain. Usually, only the sealer and the parent of the sealed child would know. Naruto nodded. I may have never really known if it wasn't for lord Jiraiya.

What is the importance of these chaos locks? Sasuke asked.

Hidan. Shikamaru answered. The practice of sealing stopped when the entirety of society shifted towards the empire, but a few left had formed a secret society and kept sealing.

Naruto nodded. "My father wiped them out after they transferred the beast from my mother to me. They had attempted to use the beast as a weapon and failed, and my father died wiping them out.

Shikamaru breathed out slowly. I'm sorry to say there were more that survived. They migrated to villages and places we have yet to go and began recruiting. They sealed the beast in Gaara he turned to Temari. It was the first sealing after their leading sealers were killed. Temari nodded. The seal that Gaara has is incomplete. I became a priestess because I wanted to learn seals. But Suna seals are different from what I've learned with you, and I don't have the aptitude. She looked to Hinata and then to Tenten. I was going to ask you to help him.

Hinata frowned. I've never seen these seals,

Temari frowned, but surely you're another chaos lock. Hinata narrowed her eyes on her. I think I might know if I was sealed.

Temari frowned. When you- gave me a mock death. I saw her.

Hinata straightened her shoulders saw who?

The one who compelled you to do it.

Hinata fell quiet. My lady bid me do her wrath.

No- Temari shook her head. It wasn't her.

Shikamaru sighed. We can't confirm it. Now. But. There is a woman, unidentified as a chaos lock, and Danzo is currently searching for her. Apparently, whatever is sealed in her will aid in the revival of Jashin and the end to all things.

So Danzo wishes to hand over this woman to allow his revival? He must be aware that the entirety of the empire will not comply.

No Shikamaru nearly snarled. He wishes to be the hero.

Temari sighed. We have to find a way to recognize chaos locks. Gaara is obvious he's volatile. Dangerous and can't sleep lest the beast escapes.

But naruto, there's no obvious indication.

Obviously, I can use the beast's energy as a cloak. Then Hinata, could you try.

Hinata furrowed her brows as she thought.

"I don't think I could do that. She sighed; I don't believe I'm a chaos lock, and I did not see what you did but in any case. When naruto runs out of his own chakra, the beast's own chakra leaks in. I've trained to extreme exhaustion and have never had any chakra leak in."

Temari frowned. Then we have no other way?

We-

"Enough! "

Sasuke had leaned his head back to stare at the roof.

Flitting his eyes to meet Kakashi's, he nodded.

"The empire isn't truly complete until the wedding and coronation. No plans for war nor any missions can be sanctioned". He sat correctly in his chair before clasping his hands in front of his mouth and saying.

Sai will be executed tomorrow.

Sai bowed his head

"Wait! Hinata cried out. He told you everything he knows!"

He's a traitor.

"He was abducted! Shikamaru just confirmed that Danzo kidnapped orphans. Isn't it the failure of our state that it happens? These seals are attached to the soul while they are young, and he didn't have an option."

He had an option.

"What option, death?"

If the Shinigami determined it was his time.

Hinata gave him a pained look.

"Sasuke, please."

What does he mean to you?

Hinata's mouth twisted in confusion

w-what?

I will not repeat myself.

I, I- H-He

Sasuke's lip twitched towards a sneer.

Hinata's cheeks turned red, and she bowed her head.

"He's Sai she whispered. He is a man, and like any man, he deserves a chance at redemption."

Danzo was given a chance at redemption

"Sai is not Danzo."

Hinata lifted her head, eyes bright with tears.

And he did not murder your father or brother.

The room, once full of murmurs of agreement, fell silent. He narrowed his eyes on her and watched her tremble beneath his gaze as the tension in the room became thick with anger.

He dies. Sasuke hissed out before turning and throwing the war room doors open, leaving the scent of acrid smoke in the air.

Sai's smile was soft and perhaps the most genuine he had ever given off. "It's okay, Hinata, you tried."

Hinata raised gazed at him and took in his form before anger coursed through her veins, and she turned on her heel and whispered out on an icy breath this isn't over.

Sasuke paced the training room back and forth. His fists were clenched, and the heat was rolling off of him in waves. Hinata's voice echoed in his head.

"He didn't murder your father or your brother."

He snarled, turning swiftly and hurling supercharged lightning at a training post.

He might as well have he hissed.

The air shifted, and Sasuke turned, coming face to face with Hinata.

"Leave."

No.

Sasuke sneered.

"Mighty is the queen, powerful now that she can talk back."

The blood drained from Hinata's face as she stared at him. Is that what you think of me?

"I think you don't know how to shut your mouth."

Hinata pursed her lips. This is not who you are.

"You don't know me."

No, but the empire does. Naruto does, Shikamaru and Neji do, and they wouldn't follow you if you were cruel. Sometimes the cruelty of life is unavoidable, and we will often be the ones destined to deal out punishment. But when we can, we should show mercy.

"Mercy murdered my family."

No, no, that was Danzo.

Hinata turned. I cannot stop you, Sasuke, and I can only ask you to do the right thing. Remember, you hold the power of the flame in your hands, and you determine if it shines or burns.

Later that evening, Sasuke found himself standing on the edge of the north wing. He could not go further down the corridor that would lead him to his brother's room. The sound of familiar footsteps echoed down the empty hallway and stopped just behind him. He turned

He turned, looking first at Naruto and then at Shikamaru. Their faces were grim.

"If," he began, "she can give me an option to ensure he could not betray us without consequence, Sai can live, but it is on that condition alone."

Naruto smiled and clapped him on his shoulder. I knew you'd come around. Sasuke shrugged off his arm; "Where is she?"

In the priestess quarters.

Shikamaru and Sasuke held eye contact before he rolled his eyes.

Go see her Uchiha, and apologize.

Sasuke clicked his teeth "for what."

For whatever asshole thing you said, Naruto laughed out loud.

His laughter echoed in the hall and stopped abruptly.

It's not easy, Sasuke, but she'll be your greatest ally. Just- talk to her.

"What would talking do?"

For one, Shikamaru murmured, you might just get to know her. Might even like her.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "That's rich coming from you."

Shikamaru paused. And turned to look Sasuke in the eye.

You didn't watch your father and brother die at the hands of the very things they wield, Sasuke. But either way. Maybe you could use some comfort, and it's dangerous when powerful men are consumed by their shadows.

Sasuke found himself standing in the east wing in front of his fiance's room. He was tempted to turn away, but he was aware that his own anger had been hard to manage, and she did not deserve to be the one who received his rage. He sighed and raised his hand to knock when the door opened.

"Your presence is literally like fire." Hinata turned to leave the door open and sat at the desk by the window with her scrolls rolled out.

You can sense me? Sasuke asked

"Yes, though it isn't hard. Especially since the claiming at the selection, she shrugged; I can sort of feel you. I- it's less a stimulation of my senses and more of a feeling in my blood."

Sasuke stared at her for a moment before shrugging. I don't feel anything.

Hinata looked up from her scroll and cocked her head to the side.

"You aren't trying to feel anything right now."

He frowned. Maybe don't analyze me.

Hinata released a faint smile. "You came to me."

I did; I- wanted to apologize for my outburst earlier

Hinata stared at him before frowning.

"Lying doesn't suit you."

He raised a brow.

"You aren't sorry, perhaps annoyed, but I don't get the sense that you're remorseful, and I didn't expect you to."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. I am trying to make peace.

"There is peace. We are going to be in a lot of situations where we disagree. I have to believe that you don't mean any harm or I couldn't do this. The empire wouldn't still be standing after all this tragedy if you didn't have great light."

The only other person to believe in me so firmly was my brother.

"Being an older sibling, she smiled a bit ruefully. We know our babies unlike any other."

Sasuke shrugged awkwardly before clearing his throat. I came to tell you that I would spare Sai's life if you could devise a fail-proof way to ensure his loyalty.

Hinata beamed. "I can do that. Can we do it now?"

Are you serious?

"Yes! We'll need witnesses as per my ladies' demands."

Sasuke sighed. Let's go; Naruto and Shino should be guarding Sai. Is that enough of an audience?

Hinata smiled "absolutely."

The second time down in the dungeons was less oppressive than the first time. The air was tinged with sorrow, but it was far less oppressive than the weight of agony on the stale breeze.

When Hinata and Sasuke appeared at the top of the stairs, naruto nodded and turned to open the gates of the cell door. Inside, Shino sat in a corner while his Kikai crawled along the cell. He calmly called them back to his body when the doors opened and stepped aside.

Hi Shino,

He nodded his head, "Hinata."

She let out a pleasant hum and stepped into the room.

"Sai," she said gently. He lifted the corner of his lips in an attempt at a smile. Come to make my trip to the nether realm peaceful?

Hinata shook her head; "no, I came to help you live."

Sai looked to Sasuke, who nodded.

There are conditions

"Swear your loyalty Sai."

To Sasuke? He asked.

"Yes."

No.

Hinata's smile dropped, and she faltered. "I- I am only trying to do my duty."

I'll pledge my loyalty to you, Hinata.

Sasuke visibly bristled.

I do not mean to offend you, Lord Sasuke, but you would have me dead, and This would be twice now that you've saved my life Lady Hinata. I can feel something other than apathy. With the removal of the seal, you have given me a chance at leading an everyday life.

Hinata stared Sai down before turning to Sasuke and asking, "Is this acceptable?"

You would jeopardize yourself?

"the empire goes on without its mistress; you were fine before me."

Sasuke looked vaguely sick for a moment. Before saying aloud, if my empire is to be whole again, I expect it to remain so for many years to come.

He narrowed his eyes at her. What are you going to do?

"I will bind him to me. Where he will retain his freedom, but betrayal will end then in death."

Producing a dagger from her belt. She cut her finger open, lifted her hand palm down, pulling a thread of her hair. She wrapped it around her bleeding finger. And filled it with her chakra. In the end, the chakra and blood-soaked hair hardened into a needlepoint edge.

"If you swear loyalty to me, you are doing so with the Knowledge that you carry my will. She paused. Should you betray me, this will kill you. Do you understand?"

Sai nodded. I will remain a vessel of yours to eternity.

Hinata stared at him a moment longer before shifting her gaze to Sasuke. "Is this acceptable?"

He nodded, waving her on.

Stepping forward, she placed the open palm against Sai's chest.

"This chakra thread will wrap around your heart, she said as the chakra moved. If you move intending to harm me, Sasuke, or this kingdom, it will constrict, and your heart will be forced to stop.

Sai looked down at his chest and swallowed, nodding again you have my word.