Once the sun broke over the mountain, Sasuke was already up and out of the estate, heading back to the lake that he visited the night before. Once at his destination, he took off his shoes, walking along the shore of the lake, letting the cool water sooth his feet. He never knew that he liked water so much...well this particular lake. For some reason every time that he came here it brought him peace...He was slowly forgetting the pain he was in and started to look forward to the time he could spend here. He continued walking the lake's edge, letting himself forget his troubles and pain. He reached behind him to the hair tie that was there. He pulled it loose to let his long black hair free. It was nice to let it fly away in the breeze sometimes, but those times where scarce because he always had an image to uphold with the other Tengu and yokai. He stopped for a moment, wanting to take a look at everything.
He looked further out into the water, liking how blue it was and clean. It reminded him of Naruto's eyes and he laughed to himself. Naruto...He was probably with Itachi. He smiled knowing how happy his brother was now, and that was alright with him. Itachi had known his fair share of hardships and heartache. Naruto would be good for him.
"Please be careful..." Sasuke heard a gentle voice behind him, he whirled around to see who it was. His eyes widened when he saw a white haired demon behind him, a couple feet away. This demon was slightly taller than him, and quite breathtaking. His eyes where this unique color of light purple. Sasuke noticed what he was wearing...It was an old traditional yokatta, one that he hadn't really seen before. Even though it was old it was still beautiful, making the wearer even more so. There were dragon horns that delicately went past his high ponytail that was decorated nicely with flowers and hairpins. But the fact that Sasuke never once sensed him, put him on high alert.
"Who are you...And why the warning?" He asked, sending a slight glare the strangers way. He only got a light smile in return. It was gentle and calming...which put Sasuke on edge for some reason.
"Where you are about to step are very sharp rocks...Many a yokai have injured themselves on them, not heeding my warning." He finally answered, pointing to the area where Sasuke was about to head. Sasuke decided to glance where the yokai had pointed, searching the water. There in the shallow depths where sharp rocks of different sizes. Sharp enough to cause some real harm if he weren't careful. Feeling a little guilty for his rude behavior, he turned back to the stranger, bowing slightly.
"Thank you...I'm sorry for lashing out at you and having suspicions..." He apologized, knowing better than to jump to conclusions.
"No harm done. As for my name...It is one of many, but you may call me Suigetsu.." He said smiling slightly before looking Sasuke in the eye. "May I ask why one of the lords of the mountain is at this lake?" He asked, keeping his slight smile.
Sasuke wasn't surprised that the yokai knew who he was slightly. "I like it here...It's been a comfort to come here and just let myself breathe...And you can call me Sasuke." He finally said, unsure to why he was telling a stranger this. It was just so easy to talk to this person...Something about how his aura was and the way he carried himself made him seem trustworthy..Like he himself had been through so much and had wisdom to share.
"I needed to get away...The Tengu Estate was becoming more and more suffocating." He started to say. There was also the fact that Kakashi was there. Sasuke took a moment to look at the water, only the sudden realization that he knew the yokai brought his attention back. "Suigetsu-San...I know your name but somehow can't place why." He said to himself along with to Suigetsu.
"I met with your father once...I am the lord of the southern Grand Lake...Suigetsu Hozuki." He said his full name this time.
"The Water god of the South..." Sasuke realized further who he was speaking to. "I didn't mean any disrespect." He quickly bowed.
"Please!" Suigetsu almost pleaded. "There is no need...I am a fallen God and do not deserve such respect." He looked away, his purple eyes filled with sadness and hurt. Sasuke nodded, knowing how painful it was to lose such a title. It was truly a disgrace to the subjects of the God. But that didn't mean that it wasn't still a painful and lonely process.
"Suigetsu-San." He corrected himself. "Why are you here of all places?" He asked, finding his conversation to be more relaxing by the minute. Suigetsu looked at Sasuke for a moment. After a little while he smiled again, pointing to the shaded area of the lake. "It is quite a long story...If you have some time I will tell it to you." He said, gesturing to the side with the shade. Sasuke looked at the spot, grinning. "I have no where I need to be." He said heading to the spot already. Suigetsu hurried to catch up with Sasuke's pace, not falling out of step with him.
"It started when I was still quite young for a God...I was expected to be the head of the south before my brother and produce an heir." He began to tell Sasuke, watching his feet for a moment before continuing.
"I always obeyed when it came to such important affairs, but what they were asking was hard to accept...Because I was already in love with someone else." He paused, a light blush formed on his pale cheeks. "I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this person and just be content in doing so...But I couldn't produce a heir with him, and they would never accept our love...So my family and my trusted friends found me a yokai bride to take."
"Did you accept?" Sasuke asked, sitting down with Suigetsu in the cool heart went out to him a little, having the same fears that his love for Kakashi wouldn't be aloud.
"I did...Eventually. I fought hard to try to get everyone to see how much I loved this person..and how My brother would be suited just fine to rule before me...But it came down to the person I cherished and loved telling me that I needed to go through with it and that it was fine with him." He said, his face showing sadness. " He called it his duty to see to the line of the Water God, and if he was going to be in the way of that then he would sacrifice his feelings for the continued line...And forget about me."
"Who is this person?" Sasuke asked.
" I grew up with him...He was and will always be my best friend. He is one of the snake knights that was assigned to me. He smiled when he recalled the snake yokai. Sasuke could tell that he really did love him, and that there was a lot of pain involved with his story..similar pain to what Sasuke was feeling with Kakashi.
"He made sure to never show any kind of affection towards me other than the occasional rare smile. It was hard to just let my feelings go for him, after all you can't really get rid of feelings that have been growing for a lifetime...But what was truly heartbreaking was that after I had my bride and we tried for an heir...I was told that I would never produce an heir and that I was a disgraceful barren God...So all that effort...all that pain and rejection only to be barren and the efforts wasted. " He paused, his form shaking slightly. He looked out to the water, sighing to prevent himself from breaking down. Sasuke could tell that he was a strong individual by the story he was telling so far, but it takes an even stronger person to show the emotions that he was feeling.
"After knowing that I couldn't have children I completely lost myself...I couldn't go on knowing that I had failed my people...And That I had Failed the sacrifice that my loved one had made...He gave up so much for me and the future that my children would produce...But I threw that away..I couldn't face them anymore...But around the time this all was happening my estate was visited by a Snake god called Orochimaru...He heard of the news and knew of my barren state..but offered to take me as a 'bride' anyways..And my family thought it was best to promise my hand to him since I was no longer a god...And in that marriage it would bring some sort of honor back to them. But I couldn't be with him..I couldn't be with like a coward I ran,and found myself living here at this lake instead." He said. He took a moment to look out at the lake before he looked back at Sasuke. He gave a very weak smile, letting Sasuke know that it was okay to ask any questions he had.
'I'm Sorry..." Sasuke folded up his legs, pressing his knees to his chest. "I can understand feeling like you let the person you love down...I know I've disappointed my loved one..." Sasuke began. "I can also relate to them not showing affection and keeping their distance...It's hard." He added on, remembering what Kakashi had told him. After a few moments of silence, Suigetsu spoke again. "I would like to see you again Sasuke-San...It's really nice speaking with you." He said standing up. He faced the lake, sighing before turning back to Sasuke. "Don't give up on your loved one like I did.." He said, smiling a sad smile before standing. He bowed to Sasuke, indicating that he was finished for the day. He walked to the water's edge, entering it slightly before stopping.
"I'll come again!" Sasuke called after him. He knew that there meeting wasn't just happenstance. There was a reason.. Suigetsu turned, smiling once more before turning back, a gate appeared in front of him. It lead into his realm which he returned to without looking back again. Sasuke sat still, not wanting to leave just quite yet. He tried to picture what Suigetsu's lover would look like, but couldn't quite imagine him. He had met with a couple snake and fish knights from other water yokai's estate when they would come to talk to his father, But they didn't look like anything a Water God would be attracted too...But then again, he wasn't one to talk. It didn't make any sense that he himself a Tengu would like a Inugami, but he did...he so did.
After giving one last sigh, he stood. He bowed to the lake, wondering if Suigetsu saw him before flying off into the clouds once more. He couldn't get Kakashi out of his head...along with what Suigetsu-San had said about not letting him get away. A slight pain twanged in his chest when he thought of Suigetsu's story. He knew that for other yokai and demon's it was truly disgraceful to not be able to produce young. Sasuke's heart when out to Suigetsu, also with what had happened between him and his so called lover.
He wondered if Kakashi new about Suigetsu-San's presence on the mountain. After all he did patrol a lot and his Inugami senses were not to be messed with. Deciding it was probably best to not ask Kakashi, Sasuke decided to fly off to see his father. He needed to do something more than just wander around...His father must have something for him to do.
Kakashi hurried off to where Fugaku had summoned him, wondering what could be so urgent.
'Danzo must be heading here...' He thought, nothing else seemed so important. He opened a pair of sliding doors, searching the vast room. He saw Fugaku at a table drinking some tea.
"Fugaku-San!..I have answered your summons, what is the matter?" He asked, kneeling to one knee with his arm held across his chest. Fugaku looked at him with a little concern in his eyes.
"Everything is fine Kakashi...There is no reason for you to be so frantic...I have summoned you here because I wish for you to accompany someone on an important mission...a very important one indeed." He said taking another sip of his tea before giving Kakashi his full attention. "You two will go to the North, into the Swamps and the forest there...I have a lead on where a person of GREAT importance is...I wish for you to get him and return him here safely." He said discreetly. "But I won't get into too much detail until your partner is here.." He said motioning for Kakashi to sit on one of the cushions in the room.
Kakashi didn't argue, he sat on the nearest cushion that he found and thought about what Fugaku had said so far. Of course Fugaku would make him wait...It was driving him crazy with trying to figure out what was going on completely. He knew that he was going to be sent on another rescue mission...but as far as who he was rescuing and who with...that was still very unclear. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a familiar voice and the door opening.
"Father?" Sasuke called out to him, wondering if he was in this room. He immediately stopped though when he saw Kakashi, a questionable look adorned his face. He walked past Kakashi, avoiding eye contact. He sat down in front of his father, taking a moment to collect himself before he addressed his father. "I need to talk to you about something..." He finally said, looking at his father.
"I also need to speak to you..I have a mission for you, one of great importance...I was just explaining it to Kakashi as well. You both will be addressing this matter..." He said, almost laughing when both the other yokai turned their gaze to him at the same time, both equally scared and shocked.
"W-What do you mean father?" Sasuke spoke up, hoping that he was joking when it came to him a Kakashi going on a mission together.
"I have a lead on where a very important person was spotted...It's about time that I had a word with him and that his mission comes to an end..." He started to explain, but only caused more confusion in the other two. He saw this and sighed. "What I am about to tell you is of the utmost secret...No one else know's what I am about to tell you...not even Madara..." He began, waving his hand to dismiss the servants. Once they were gone, he waved his hand again, completely sealing off the room they were in. This way NO information was going to be leaked.
"I got word that there was a sighting of Minato Namikaze in the Northern swamps...Naruto's father..." He added when the name didn't quite click. Sasuke's and Kakashi's eyes widened..They had no idea that Naruto's father was even alive.
"Naruto doesn't know does he?!" Sasuke asked, worried with how the fox would act if he knew...There would be a lot of anger and hurt for sure...After all he wasn't there when the Kitsune clan was attacked...and when Naruto's mother was killed.
"No...and I don't plan on telling him until you bring him here...If he really is in the North." Fugaku said with a stern look. "Naruto wouldn't be able to handle it emotionally..After what he did after just seeing Danzo, there is no way I can risk telling him that his father is alive let alone in the North." He said looking away slightly, feeling guilty that he needed to be secretive with Naruto, but with the circumstances...he needed to.
"You said that Minato was on a mission of his own...What did you mean by that?" Kakashi stepped in, wanting his questions answered as well.
"All I know is that shortly after Naruto's birth Kushina had a vision...And it involved Minato. She pleaded for him to run and never be found and to swear to never come back to the Kitsune shrine again." He began.
"Of course he didn't want to leave his mate and newborn child, but Kushina eventually persuaded him...And he's been missing ever since, with no trace."
"No trace?...Only powerful demon's can do that...But I thought Naruto's father was human?" Kakashi stated, wondering how he could have stayed hidden for so long with to trace of him anywhere.
"He wasn't always human...When Minato met Kushina he was very much a demon...A Lightning God to be precise, and it was him mating with Kushina and having a child with her that made him fall from his title, and he was made human...But surprising enough he did keep some of his demon powers...I presume that's how he has been hiding all this time...But now It is time for me to seek him out and speak with him...But I know he won't come if I ask him in person. That's where you two come in." He said, taking a moment to look at the two of them. When he knew they were ready for him to continue he sighed.
"The Swamplands of the North are not to be trifled with...Many a yokai have died wondering in to it uninvited...But lucky for you I have gotten you a three day pardon." He said, Handing Kakashi a scroll. He felt a strange power around it and looked at Fugaku questionably. "The seal around it is a contract. You are to be unharmed and unaffected while you travel in the North, but if you try anything hostile or an act of treason, the contract fades...I won't be able to help you then." He said looking to his son and then to Kakashi. "You two must Minato and bring him back in those three days. I must also warn you that Danzo has been looking for Minato in hops that he would have the secret to Naruto, so please watch out for him and his men...and one more thing,..The contract starts in two days." He added, knowing that they wouldn't like everything that he had told them.
"Two days?" Sasuke blanched. Realistically he could get to the north in two days...If he flew full speed with no stops. But he had Kakashi with him and then there was the additional fact that Danzo was looking for him as well. "Do you have any other surprises for us?" He asked irritably. Fugaku shook his head, watching as Kakashi and Sasuke stood, bowing to leave. Kakashi turned back to Fugaku when Sasuke walked through the door.
"We will find Minato-San..And I will try to make sure that Sasuke doesn't cause too much trouble." He added on, giving a sly smirk at the last part. Fugaku smiled slightly, trusting in the two to do what they could.
Kakashi hurried to walk next to Sasuke, not sure how this whole traveling together thing was going to work out. "Sasuke..." He called out to the young Tengu. He almost flinched when Sasuke turned around, not showing any emotion towards him. "T-Try to pack light...We will be traveling all night to night to make up for what time we have already lost..." He said, rubbing the back of his neck in an awkward fashion.
"Got it...I need to stop somewhere first, I'll meet you at the base of the mountain." He said. Kakashi was about to tell him that there was no time, but Sasuke was already heading out to the garden are, his wings were out, ready for him to fly away.
"Sasuke!" Kakashi called after him when he saw that Sasuke was flying away from the estate. But there was nothing he could do. He trusted that Sasuke would be waiting for him at the base of the mountain, and headed to pack what he could. But the fact that Sasuke was so unresponsive towards him was a little concerning...He would usually be complaining about how he had to travel with him, or he would be trying to get in his pants about now...But this was totally unexpected, and he didn't like how greatly it was affecting him. But a mission was given to him and that was what was most important right now...So he but his feelings aside and walked to his room.
Sasuke flew fast to the lake, wanting to get to Suigetsu as fast as he could. "Suigetsu-San!" He called out to his new friend as he landed near the lake's edge. He watched as the waters parted, revealing a familiar head of white hair and the thin frame in a beautiful yokatta.
"Sasuke? What's wrong?" He asked, hearing the panic and distress in the young Tengu's voice.
Sasuke took a moment to catch his breath before answering, " I was just given a mission to travel up North to your home land...There is a person by the name of Minato, Minato Namikaze that was seen there...Do you know anything about this?" He asked, hoping that he did.
Suigetsu looked shocked at the mention of the name, unsure how to respond for a moment. "I-I know of him...He lives deep within the swamp...No one dares go after him though...There are tales that he got his demon nature back and that he's a rampant horrible demon that lives there...No one who's gone after him has lived." He said, concern shown in his eyes. "Please Sasuke...You can't go after this person..." He pleaded.
"I have too...He's my best friend's dad..." He said, wondering if telling Suigetsu that fact was wrong.
"...If you really are going...I have a gift to give to you." He said as he reached up and touched his dragon like horns. He removed a large clear blue like orb from it, handing it to Sasuke. "It's my last Dragon orb...In the North there are dangerous mists that nothing can protect you from...not even safety contracts..." He said, smiling when he saw the confused look on Sasuke's face. "I can feel the remnant power from it protecting you as we speak...This will protect you and whoever you are traveling with through those mists...And if you do see Kisame...Please tell him I am sorry." He said, remembering his brother. He wanted to know if his brother had forgiven him, but there was no time for him to ask Sasuke to look for him. Once Sasuke nodded his understanding Suigetsu dissipated like the mist that was surrounding the outskirts of the lake. Sasuke stood for a moment before he bounded into the sky, heading to where he could feel Kakashi. He kicked himself mentally for not getting advice about what he should do with Kakashi, but that could wait...Naruto's father was more important than his love troubles.
Kakashi arrived at the bottom of the Mountain just before Sasuke did. He smiled slightly when Sasuke landed, and had to pause a moment to catch his breath.
"I-I have a gift from a friend that will help us.." He got it out, showing Kakashi the orb. Kakashi's eyes widened, unable to believe what he was holding.
"Where did you find a Dragon's orb?!" He asked, taking the object and looking at it.
"I told you...A friend gave it to me...that's where I was just now...And he had some more information on Naruto's father...But Enough talk, we need to hurry or we won't make it." He said, walking in front of Kakashi. Kakashi took a moment before following, unsure how everything was going to turn out.
_Inside Naruto's room_
Naruto tossed and turned, heading into a vision. He could see Sasuke and Kakashi, but he could only see the two. It was really hard to see anything else, like he had water in his eyes, making everything blurry. He watched at the two began to swing at each other, using their demon abilities. They were seriously fighting against each other. He watched Sasuke's expression, noticing it was sad but full of rage, kind of like how he saw it when he was in the bath with him and heard the story of what happened between the two. He watched Kakashi, noticing the shocked and sad face twist in pain as Sasuke landed a couple good blows. But then everything changed when Kakashi yelled something and stopped moving. Sasuke was frozen in disbelief. He let his hands drop, the fighting spirit and rage no longer there. But then something flew at Sasuke, striking him fatally. Naruto's vision began to fade when Kakashi ran to Sasuke, yelling at him.
"Naruto!" Itachi yelled at his lover, shaking him awake. "You're having another vision...Take your time..." He cooed, rubbing Naruto's back as he sat up, startled. He panted slightly, shaking with the vivid vision of Sasuke getting impaled.
"I-Itachi..."He sobbed slightly, hugging himself to Itachi's chest. He cried slowly, wondering how this event was going to happen.
Itachi welcomed Naruto, knowing that whatever vision that he had saw was something dreadful. He petted Naruto's hair, bringing slight comfort to the shaken up fox. He let him sniffle and sob quietly, rocking him back and forth slightly sometimes. He hated that he couldn't quite understand what it was like to have those visions.
"Naruto, Are you all right?" He asked once Naruto had stopped sniffling. He moved Naruto so he was sitting up, gently cupping his chin in his palm, smiling a warm loving smile of concern.
Naruto took a moment, letting Itachi's touch calm and sooth him. He breathed in his mates scent before he looked Itachi in the eye.
"My vision..." He choked slightly, not believing what he had saw. "I saw Sasuke die Itachi..." He got out, watching his mate's face turn pale. Itachi's hand twitched on Naruto's face, letting the fox know that he was shocked...among other things.
"S-Sasuke?...You're sure it was him?" It took a moment before he was able to ask that question. He let his hand fall to take Naruto's hands in his, feeling him still trembling.
"I'm sure...I couldn't be mistaken..." He said, not able to look Itachi in the eye at the moment. "Kakashi was with him...They were battling with one another." He said, remembering. "Sasuke was fighting Kakashi with almost everything he had...But Kakashi wouldn't fight him seriously." He added, seeing the worry in Itachi's eyes. "He then said something to Sasuke and dropped his guard,refusing to fight. That's when Sasuke stopped and that's when he was impaled..." He said, holding his arms close to him, feeling a cold chill wash over him. It was different to see someone you know and love like family die in a vision than it was strangers...It was still awful all the same.
"Do you know when this will happen?" Itachi asked
"The two were together with other people, in a different location than the Tengu estate...So the next time there is a mission or when Sasuke runs off again." Naruto said, recalling what little background details he saw. Itachi nodded, bringing Naruto close to him again.
"We will have to keep a better eye on the two from now on." Itachi said, drawing little circles on Naruto's arm while he kept him to his chest.
"I can't let this vision come true." Naruto said quietly. "I can't let more of my family die."
Itachi's fingers stopped, his chest tightening when he heard the sorrow and rage in his mate's voice. He knew that Naruto would do anything he could to keep anyone from dying that he saw in his visions. That's why he went to such great lengths with Gaara.
"I know Sasuke will be fine...After all it's not every day you have a very powerful fox demon with future sight watching over you.." Itachi said, hoping that what he said would bring some ease to his lover. He felt the soft puffs of air on his neck as he felt Naruto laugh slightly. He held him closer, letting him know that everything truly was going to be okay. "Get some more rest love...We need to start early tomorrow." He said, snuggling into the covers with Naruto, not letting him get up and worry even more.
Naruto woke before Itachi. He watched his lover's face, calm and unguarded. He tried to sit up, careful to not wake him up as he carefully got out from under his arm. He waited to make sure that he was still asleep to exit their room. He walked to where Sasuke's room was, listening to see if the Tengu was in his chambers. When he didn't hear anything inside, a cold dark feeling washed over him. "Sasuke?" He called as he knocked lightly on the door.
"Lord Sasuke isn't in the estate Lord Naruto. One of the Tengu servants spoke, stopping while on his way to do his chores. Naruto looked to the servant, sadness and fear in his eyes.
"Do you know of where he is?"
"...All I know is that he and Kakashi-san are gone..." He said, wondering if he said something to upset Naruto.
"Thank-you..." Naruto said, turning and running to the entrance of the estate. There he could smell Kakashi and Sasuke. He ran after Kakashi's sent, only to stop. He thought of Itachi and how he should go back to his mate to tell him what was happening. But if he did then he ran the chance of him being too late to do anything about his vision. He looked back to the estate. "...I'm sorry Itachi..." He said before he turned to the forest running full speed.