AN: I hadn't planned to update this story. I lost interest after losing all my notes for this piece, but for some reason, an entirely new plot angle came to me a few days ago, and I just couldn't help writing something on this piece. I am not sure, whether or not this will continue. Right now, I have a desire to write more, but we'll see. Thank you, everyone who has continued to read this and review. I appreciate your loyalty and interest. I will try to live up to your expectations. (I will also be heavily editing previous chapters to fit my new angle.)

This chapter is not edited. If someone would like to beta, shoot me a message. I hope you enjoy! PG

Forever & Always

-Chapter 3: Picking a Protector-

Fugaku's entrance was met with an incredulous silence.

The Uchiha Patriarch stopped, hand still on the doorknob. "I…" Fugaku cleared his throat. "Forgive the intrusion, I was told you were free Sandaime-sama."

The Sandaime blinked languidly. "Would you please…"

"Sir," Kaede interrupted. She stepped forward and took ahold of Kagome, who was fit to cry. "It's alright. We've taken enough of your time."

Sarutobi hesitantly nodded his agreement.

Itachi was bewildered, but silent, as the elder Higure expertly detached the sling from around his small body and arranged it onto her own. Kagome had begun bawling, torrents of wails assailing them all and hurting their ears.

Itachi ignored it, his mind trying and failing to comprehend what was happening. He set a hand to his temple after Kagome had been relinquished completely, over the pink teardrop that had suddenly appeared there. It was warm to the touch. He felt marginally better as he did so, but also very anxious that he would no longer be with her.

"Goodness, quite a set of lungs." Mushin teased, trying and failing to disperse the awkwardness that had overcome their group. No one was of a mind to laugh.

"Thank you for your time, Sandaime-sama. We will be on our way." Kaede moved to bow before the leader of Konoha, cradling her charges head protectively against her chest. Mushin followed her example.

Sarutobi smiled. "I understand. You are most welcome. I hope we might finish this conversation another time." It was phrased as a dismissal. Everyone recognized it as a question.

Kaede bowed again. It was Mushin who replied. "Maybe. There is much that needs to be discovered first. When we know more, we will be in touch." He looked significantly at Itachi. The young Uchiha understood well what was being implied, as did the Hokage.

Fugaku quirked a brow. The proceedings in the office were quite mysterious, and nothing intrigued him more than a good mystery.

Silently, the elder male Uchiha moved over to his son, placing a hand upon his tense shoulder. Itachi didn't look up, focused as he was upon Kaede and Kagome as they shuffled out of the office respectfully, followed by Mushin.

Fugaku observed this clinically, intrigued and suspicious of these strangers in Konoha and his heir's apparent interest in them. He knew everyone that lived in his city, these people were foreign, from their clothes to their accents, and though he was hardly worried – his family's warriors alone could take care of the threat they posed – their presence was questionable. As the head of police, he could question them then and there, but he kept his tongue. He would have his answers in due time, he need not cause a scene in front of the Hokage.

As the two Higure exited the office, Fugaku's wife entered. Her features were pinched as she looked at Kaede and the child she carried. This behavior did not go unnoticed either.

"Well," Fugaku harrumphed, feigning amusement as he looked to Konoha's leader. "That was interesting."

"Yes, yes." The Sandaime dismissed.

Fugaku grit his teeth. He gripped his son's shoulder tighter, eliciting a quiet hiss from his heir who finally deigned to look up at him. Fugaku observed his son critically. His son's face was mostly blank except for the slight pinch to his eyes.

Physical pain gave away a person's mental state better than any other form of emotional expression. Knowing his son and knowing his reactions, Fugaku could tell from the very little Itachi gave away under duress, that his son was troubled, but this could be dealt with later.

Fugaku pushed Itachi toward his mother. Mikoto welcomed her boy with a quizzical smile that was brushed off by Itachi. They both turned to Fugaku and the Hokage.

"I came with a question, Sarutobi-sama." Fugaku began.

Sarutobi had returned to sitting behind his desk with a pen in hand jotting down information for something or other. He didn't look up at Fugaku, merely waved for him to continue.

"I am interested in expediting an adoption process." That caught the old man's attention.

"Excuse me?"

Fugaku smirked. "My wife has found a child that she desires to adopt. Apparently," he said patronizingly, "her feminine wills were so struck by this poor creature's plight, she determined she had to have it."

Sarutobi did not seem to appreciate Fugaku's sentiments. He raised a cross brow and looked to Mikoto who ashamedly nodded her agreement. "Which child did you come across that so struck you madam?" The old Hokage asked, his mind conjuring up an image of a young blonde.

Mikoto looked at her husband as though seeking permission to speak. "She recently came in from another country," she began hesitantly, her eyes darting to the door and narrowing. "I was made to believe she was orphaned after a very terrible event."

"Ah," the Sandaime, knew immediately who she was referring to, and her current suspicion. "I am afraid," he said gently, "you already know my answer."

Fugaku frowned.

"She is not adoptable." It was not a question. Mikoto seemed utterly devastated by the fact. Itachi too, did not appear happy, as he looked at his mother and gripped her hand reassuringly.

"No. That child's parents may be gone, but she is not without family." Sarutobi said.

Fugaku observed his wife quietly. He was not immune to her feelings and knew of her desire for a daughter, though wondered at her reason. Since they already had two sons, a daughter was unnecessary. But, if it was what she wanted, he would try to get it for her. Uchihas deserved to get what they wanted, after all, no matter the price.

"Can we contest?" Fugaku asked surprising everyone in the office.

The Sandaime sat up straighter, "To do so would be unwise. Though the court would hear your case, they would not likely rule in your favor. Family members will always be given custody over strangers, unless there is sufficient evidence that proves there is negligence, abuse, or incompetence, which you will not find."

Fugaku would have scoffed if it were anyone else. Evidence could be easily acquired, even if there might be none. "I see," He said instead, "I suppose there is nothing for it. May I ask though, who that young girl was? To catch my wife's attention…it's quite impressive."

Sarutobi hesitated. "Her name," he paused and looked at the stoic Itachi. "Her name is Kagome."

"Kagome," Fugaku appeared to test the name. "It means 'gilded'. Quite unique. And her family name?"

He appeared to have lost the interest of Konoha's leader at this point. The Sandaime had turned back to the papers on his desk, writing away. "You'll have to forgive me," he said dismissively, "I am not obliged to say at this time."

So, Fugaku speculated, the girl was important. Interesting.

"We understand." Fugaku said obligingly, and bowed. He turned to his son, dark eyes curious and demanding.

Itachi did not meet his father's gaze, too preoccupied with his own thoughts. They were miles away with his Kagome, wondering what was happening to her and if she was still crying.

He was still cognizant enough to recognized when the conversation ended though, and hastily made an exit, followed closely by his mother and then more sedately by his father.

The door shut behind them soundlessly.

The walked for a brief period before Fugaku called out to them.

Mother and son tensed.

"I will require a report when I return home. Is that understood?"

Neither needed to answer. It wasn't as though they had a choice.

With no words exchanged in either assent or otherwise, Mikoto and Itachi continued walking down the hall to the elevator, letting the dark presence behind them fade into the distance. Mikoto caressed her son's black hair fondly. "My dear child, you are upset."

Itachi tensed and sketching a quick look behind him. He had felt his father leave, but wanted to make sure he was really gone.

He sighed and unconsciously touched the warm pink teardrop by his eye.

"Why do you keep doing that?" His mother gripped his hand, pulled it away to look upon his face more critically as they waited upon the elevator. "Does your eye hurt?"

Itachi frowned. "I am fine."

He could tell his mother didn't think so, but good naturedly let it go. "I was not aware there were more of them." She teased.

"Indeed," Itachi groused. "It was quite a surprise."

The elevator door pinged and they were both quiet, lost in their own thoughts. Mikoto worried, Itachi determined.

.

.

.

Mushin picked at the wax in his ears, grimacing at the child in his companion's arms. Kaede seemed to take their Ladyship's wails better, but how, he wasn't quite sure. She was very loud.

They received numerous looks as they passed down the street to the compound that was supposed to belong to the main branch Higure. It sat desolate, an unused and unfurnished shell, not having seen or heard a single soul in its history. It was really very depressing.

"We must contact an elder," Kaede stated.

Mushin chanced her with a glance, but found the stalls lining the street far more interesting. "Indeed. Might I recommend someone?"

Kaede sighed. She already knew who he was going to recommend. "The pervert?"

Mushin was put out by the title. "He may have made a few mistakes in his youth," the look he received let him know he was full of shit, "but he is wiser for it."

"You have always been very devoted to your former master," Kaede said, combing a gentle hand through her Ladyships hair. This did not soothe the poor babe, and likely wouldn't. There was only one thing that would. "Do you really think he will know?"

Mushin stroked his beard, contemplative. "He is very knowledgeable on the subject. He has devoted his life to understanding it. If he doesn't know, I would be hard pressed to find another elder, not of those lost, who would know the answer we seek."

"God rest their souls," Kaede prayed. "I still cannot believe they are gone."

Mushin's wise eyes turned to his friend sadly and was quiet.

Kaede was a member of the main branch that Kagome was heir of, and so she had lost many in the massacre. Her fervent devotion to her Ladyship was likely heightened because of her need to feel connected to her lost family members. Kagome was blood, and although Kaede had never seen Kagome prior to the massacre, they were family. Their hearts called to one another. It was probably one of the reasons why Kaede was able to maintain her patience in the face of Kagome's nonstop screaming. Kaede desperately missed her loved ones, and Kagome was a remnant that Kaede could cling to and love, which she couldn't do to the ones she had lost.

"We should stop at the shrine after we sup. Bring some dried salmon. Your mother, that was her favorite, was it not?"

Kaede's eyes watered. "Aye," she discreetly wiped at her hazy eyes. "And some mochi. My sister would be unhappy if I forgot them."

In no time, they came to the entrance of their family's large compound. Mushin stepped forward, pulling out a brass ring with a single skeleton key to unlock the small gatekeeper's door. Behind them, people whispered and pointed. The residents of Konoha hadn't yet heard of the massacre, and so they were excited to see three people entering the newly made compound of the Higure's.

Kaede went in quickly, cradling her charge tenderly. Mushin followed, closing the door firmly behind him, and locking it. It really wasn't much of a provision though, considering they resided in a city full of shinobi, but the act alone was a small comfort.

Kaede had continued without him, shuffling down the small main street that ended in a main courtyard and the main house. Together they walked up the steps and into their temporary home. Their weapons, which they had left when they received the call that Kagome had survived, sat against the entrance, along with their slippers which the now slipped on.

The main home was beautifully crafted from Bubinga, which was a hardy red in color. Interspersed throughout the home were delicate tatami, and a few ornamental rugs of either gold or green. There were no pictures on the walls or furniture in any of the rooms. It was empty except for the few items on the floor.

"Aunt Katsu would have had so much fun decorating this place." Kaede commented sadly.

Mushin hummed. "And no doubt it would have been wrecked by the end of the week by this little hellion."

Kaede glared.

Mushin shrugged.

Kagome was still wailing.

Kaede sighed. "I should try to feed and change her. Maybe that will help."

"Not likely," Mushin groused.

"Will you stop being so defeatist. It's not helping," Kaede grumbled.

Mushin walked into the main room, where they had discarded their traveling bags and rolled futons. He kneeled beside his sack and began to rummage through his items, pulling out robes and personal effects, until he found what he was looking for. From the bottom, he pulled a bottle of sake. "I'll try to be more helpful, just as soon as I…"

Kaede swiped the bottle before he could uncork it.

"Hey now!" He exclaimed.

Kaede loosened the cork, stuck it up to her nose, and promptly gagged. "Goodness," she said, pulling the bottle as far away from her nose as she could get it. "That's rank. Aren't you supposed to be abstaining from this?"

"Everything considered," Mushin grumbled, standing up and swiping the bottle form her hand, taking a swift swig. "A little won't hurt."

Kaede quirked an unamused brow. "For you, a little is a lot. So, try not to imbibe your life away, we still need to call the elder."

"Right you are," Mushin pointed rudely, "Business first," He took another swig, "pleasure second."

Kaede rolled her eyes. She grabbed her bag then walked off down the hall and entered a room that she firmly shut the door on.

Mushin, growing serious, set down his sake bottle to rummage through his sack for their video calling equipment. While Kaede was busy 'making her Ladyship presentable', he would set up their comms to contact their elder.

Not long after, Kaede emerged from the room without Kagome, who Mushin could still hear crying, and made her way to him. She kneeled at his side and waited for him to finish up.

When he finished, he put in the number needed to call the elder, and they both silently waited for their call to be answered while listening to the cries of their charge in the other room.

On the fifth ring, the elder answered.

"Miyatsu speaking."

Mushin and Kaede respectfully bowed before the camera monitor. "Elder," they said in unison.

Kejo Miyatsu did not look like an old man. He was physically fit, bald and beardless. His dark brown eyes practically glowed with a youthful vitality, despite having an overabundance of crow's feet. Overall, he was still very good-looking, even though he was a grandfather many times over.

"Kaede, Mushin," he seemed surprised to hear from them. "How might I help you?"

"Elder," Kaede started, eyes downcast. "We have grave news. The main house has been massacred on their way to reach Konoha."

There was silence on the end of the line. The only sound to permeate the bleak atmosphere were the shrieking cries of the babe in the other room.

"May I assume," Miyatsu started carefully, "That at least there is one survivor?"

"Yes, elder," Mushin affirmed.

"Which child?"

Miyatsu's face was shadowed by the deep creases in his brow that denoted his serious concentration and sorrow.

Miyatsu was very close to the main Higure. It was why he was considered one of their elders. He had lived among them for years, and eventually fallen for and married one of their members, a woman named Airi. To hear that the main clan was gone would be just as devastating to him as to Kaede.

Kaede took a breath and looked up. "Kagome is safe."

Miyatsu closed his eyes in relief, "Thank the gods." He said.

"She is well," Mushin took over, also raising his eyes to look upon his former master. "But there is another matter to discuss with you, one that neither I nor my companion quite understand."

Miyatsu's lively eyes focused on Mushin critically. "I'm listening."

"She imprinted." Kaede said.

Miyatsu was stunned. "Excuse me."

"She has chosen her Protector."

"Impossible," Miyatsu frowned. "Only an Inu can be a Protector. Also, the council has already chosen a Prospect."

Mushin shook his head gravely. "Perhaps, but our Ladyship has chosen one for herself. It's a boy, a shinobi. He is an Uchiha."

"The teardrop appeared below his eye," Kaede confirmed. "We witnessed it, along with the Hokage, though he was only aware of the imprinting and could not see the mark."

Miyatsu didn't contradict them. He hummed contemplatively, trying to think of reasons why and how something so unorthodox could have happened. After a lengthy contemplation, where both Kaede and Mushin remained respectfully silently, he seemed to come to an understanding.

"Do either of you know why an Inu is chosen?" He asked the younger clansmen.

Both looked upon one another questioningly, but neither knew. "No, elder."

Miyatsu sat forward, his face encompassing the entire screen of the video monitor. "To compensate for the heavenly influence of her Ladyship's blood, there must be a balancing opposite. As the direct descendants of an Inukami, the Inu clan are prime candidates, but that isn't to say that they have always been chosen. There were others; the Tanuki, Neko, and Kitsune just to name a few. These were also possibilities, until their lines dwindled over the centuries. I do not know for certain why this young shinobi has been chosen, but I do believe I know how. With a little investigating into his family, I am sure it will become clear." Miyatsu nodded sagely and with a triumphant smile.

Both Kaede and Mushin thought Miyatsu's words through. Kaede was the first to understand. "You think he may have the blood of a youkai."

Miyatsu clapped, pleased. "Indeed, though it may be very diluted or even inactive. If it is there at all though, it is possible for an imprint to occur. However, this could put her Ladyship in severe danger. It is why members of the Inu clan are chosen, because they are pure and their purity lends them strength enough to be perfect Protectors."

Kaede understood this very well. It was the reason they were leaving the Frost Country to venture to Fire. Kagome's birth required that they move closer to the main Inu clan, it was why she and Mushin were sent ahead. They were meant to be the emissaries to the Inu's as well as the temporary stewards of their family's compound in Konoha.

Mushin looked questioningly at his former master. "What should we do, elder? The council chose the Prospect for a reason. He is the strongest of the Inu clan and best capable of weathering the treacherous roads ahead. She will need him, but this development may cause much harm."

Miyatsu seemed to think so as well. "Indeed, luckily, this early in her development, an imprint can be broken if necessary. For now, nothing should be done. This boy will need to be tested and that cannot be done without the council. My suggestion for you is to watch and wait. I will have my people sent to you. No doubt there will be others coming. I will inform the council immediately. Within a week expect members from the secondary and tertiary Higure clans to arrive. Both of you, take heed, you are now the guardians of Her Ladyship. Above all, you must protect her. Do you understand?"

"Yes, elder." They bowed lowly.

Miyatsu nodded solemnly. "Good. If there is anything you need, send word and I will make sure you receive it. May the road always rise up to meet you," Miyatsu began their clan's farewell, getting ready to depart.

Kaede and Mushin finished in unison, "And the moon always at your back." Miyatsu waved and ended the call.

Kaede was the first to respond. "Do you think it's possible? Do you think they have youkai blood?"

Mushin shrugged, "It's hard to say, but either way, the council and Inu clan will not be pleased."

Kaede nodded thoughtfully, then froze. "Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Mushin seemed confused.

"Exactly."

Her Ladyship was no longer crying.

.

.

.

Itachi returned home with his mother just in time for dinner. Chiyo, the family's elderly babysitter, was asked to stay for the meal, though she quickly declined. She was only a minor member of the Uchiha family, she hardly had any right to eat with the them.

Itachi found this sentiment wrong, but kept his peace.

They ate in silence, aware that both had questions but neither wanted to speak on it yet. Too much had happened, time was needed to process. Sasuke was the only one to keep up a constant babble throughout the meal, telling them who knows what while playing with his little bits of baby food.

It made Itachi nostalgic for Kagome, who had done much of the same at every meal.

When they finished, Itachi immediately headed for his room after giving his little brother a bump on the head. His brother grunted his disapproval, but didn't cry, too intent on his mashed peas.

Itachi smirked.

It quickly fell as he left both his mother and brother behind.

He entered his dark room by yanking the door open harshly. It banged against the wall.

Itachi moved quickly.

He had a plan and in no way was he going to be stopped. His father would be home soon and would demand a 'report', but he didn't plan on ever giving one. Kagome was his business, not his father's, and there was no way he would place her in his father's greedy sights.

Itachi waited until he heard his mother's distinct voice cooing over his brother, before very quietly slipping out of his room and into the dry heat of the afternoon. While he didn't know where exactly Kagome had been taken, he was sure he could find her.

Itachi touched the side of his cheek, under his eye. It pulsed dimly with warmth at his touch, comforting him as he dashed across roof tops. He noticed though that it grew warmer depending on which direction he faced. It was cold toward the south, and warm toward the east, and it grew warmer the closer he drew toward a part of town that was designated new residential construction.

It took him less than 30 minutes to find where Kagome was being kept. Now that he was close, he could feel her presence inside of a large newly built traditional clan home. She was crying still, he could hear her screams even though he was several meters away. She was quite upset, which made him doubly so. What were those fools doing?

He descended to the deserted road below, kicking up no dust. Quickly he moved to stand in the shadows. He didn't want one of his father's on-duty deputies to catch sight of him and report his movements. It would cause too many problems.

He drew up next to a partition window that was made from an opaque polycarbonate plexiglass, which was by and by better than traditional paper when it came to weather, but still less then stellar when it came to property protection. With a swift series of jabs, the plexiglass broke without a single sound made.

Itachi reached his hand in and unlocked the window, rolling it open quietly. He jumped down to the floor, and without a thought toward closing the window, he made his way toward the crying form of his Kagome.

He picked her up from a flimsy futon, still wailing at the top of her lungs, and set her against his chest to better rub her back. Instantly, she calmed, opening glassy blue eyes that shifted about his face as though memorizing every feature. Itachi smiled, finally feeling comfortable after several hours of bewildered nervousness.

The door to the room crashed open.

Itachi looked up tetchily from his place on the floor at the two Higure clansmen. It was obvious they were thinking the worst had happened, which they should, considering they lived in a city of deadly shinobi, but upon recognizing him they both just seemed annoyed.

Mushin stepped forward, his pudgy face losing all emotion. "How much did you hear?" He said.

Honestly? Itachi thought about it. His one intent had been to get to Kagome, not to eavesdrop on anyone's conversation. So, nothing. Surprising, considering his profession and abilities. He looked at them blankly, saying nothing.

Kaede narrowed her eyes, unlike her companion she really didn't care if he'd heard them or not. She cared about something quite different. "Will you at least use the front door next time? Maybe knock?" She quipped.

Itachi looked surprised. He blinked but again said nothing. They didn't need to know his thoughts.

Kaede sighed. She recognized the stubborn set of his jaw, she'd seen it many times on the face of her elder sister. She switched tactics. "That's the first time she's been quiet." She said, walking into the room and kneeling before him and his charge. "You'll be useful, I think. I might have to take advantage."

Itachi wasn't sure he knew what she meant, there were a few different possibilities. None of them good.

Mushin rolled his eyes, but didn't seem at all inclined to agree with her ideas. Still he said nothing, just observed Itachi.

So apparently, Itachi mused, the leader of this duo was Kaede. Interesting.

After a moments silence, Kaede tried again. "Why don't you come into the main room? We can talk in there."

Itachi wasn't so sure he wanted to, but Kagome was getting fussy and he could smell that she needed a change and probably some food too. He nodded, carefully maneuvering himself to stand with Kagome still in his arms.

Kaede grinned. She followed his example and led them all out of the room.

Mushin didn't immediately follow, intently staring at Itachi, sizing him up. Itachi easily ignored the man's perusal as he made his way out into the brightened corridor of the Higure's home. Whatever the man was thinking, it didn't matter.

Itachi's dark eyes moved to the little girl in his arms. She hadn't stopped watching him.

What mattered, he decided firmly with a tender smile, was her.