Blurred Lines

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 15

Kimimaro swiftly heads to the Goblin Kingdom. That wasn't something that he had ever imagined doing willingly not once, but twice. The fairy knew that he had though. It was for Jugo.

He had fallen in love with his fellow fairy, but he had hurt the other man. He'd hurt Jugo badly. It hadn't been intentional, but that was just a fact. Though hopefully, with this assignment he could find a way to make things right.

"You're foolish, Kimimaro. I can't believe that you would enter this place alone." He hears someone say as they slam him into a tree.

Kimimaro hisses and was about to attack when he saw who had thrown him. It was Orochimaru. That was odd. Why hadn't the goblin tried to kill him?

"How did you know it was me?" He demands.

"Your scent. Any observant goblin would notice something was amiss with you. As much as I would love to tear your traitorous wings off, I'm afraid that I can't. You're going to help me reclaim my throne and then I will forgive your earlier transgressions." He reasons.

Kimimaro raises an eyebrow. He had no idea why the former Goblin King thought that he would help him. The man had to be out of his mind.

"And why would I help you?" The fairy demands.

"The Goblin Kingdom needs a King. It's going to be me or Danzo. Do you think that your friends would prefer me or Danzo on that throne?" The college professor demands.

That was actually a fair point. One that causes the fairy to sigh. Damn it. Orochimaru was right. Damned if you do and damned if you don't .

"If we helped you reclaim your throne, how would we know that you wouldn't just try to do what Danzo did? What's to stop you from trying to kidnap the Travelers?" The silver haired man asks.

"True enough. I think that we both know that I have made mistakes in the past, but I won't repeat them. The Uchiha family is a grand prize, but it isn't one that is worth risking another banishment for." Orochimaru replies.

Kimimaro stares at Orochimaru. He wanted to believe that and the man sounded sincere, but experience had taught him that one needed to be wary when dealing with goblins. They weren't exactly known as being a particularly honest race.

"I'll speak to them about it. For now, I need to mask my scent and figure out what is going on in the kingdom. Do you have any idea, if others would rally behind your banner?" The fairy inquires.

Kimimaro needed to know how much support the other supernatural being had. If the nobility or peasantry class were willing to fight for him, that would make things easier. If not, well they could probably take back the Goblin Kingdom by force.

In reality, that was probably the wisest move they could make. Orochimaru was certainly no prize, but Danzo was even worse. The fairy also doubted that there would ever really be a Goblin King that he would LIKE, but at least they could potentially control Orochimaru.

"I'm certain that some will. Most of the nobility is likely loyal to Danzo. He makes sure to reward his puppets well, but he's cruel to the lower classes. They would likely rally around anyone who was willing to stand against him." The goblin answers truthfully.

Well that was something. There were always more members of the lower classes than the nobility. That would give them the edge when it came to numbers. Now they would just have to strategize the best way to take back the Goblin Kingdom!

Meanwhile back in Ireland, Sasuke watches a rather disturbing sight. The leprechauns were preparing for war. They were performing drills. It was both comical and a little creepy.

"Do you really think that the leprechauns should be fighting against goblins?" Sasuke whispers into Naruto's ear.

"Aye! Don't be underestimating them. They're a lot tougher than they look." Naruto assures him.

Sasuke nods in response. Naruto knew this world better than he did. If the blonde thought the leprechauns could fight, they probably could.

"Naruto, there's something that I should tell you. Something important. I don't want to get your hopes up, but you have a right to know." The elf begins cautiously.

"What do I have a right to know?" The blonde asks warily.

"I haven't been going back to my world for awhile now. I wanted to make sure that the first night wasn't a fluke before I told you the truth. It still might be a fluke. Maybe, I just have to try to crossover now. I think that I might be permanently a part of your world now." Sasuke whispers.

Naruto's eyes widen. He couldn't believe it. Most Travelers ended up traveling back and forth for years. Usually, they would do so for at least a few months. Sasuke's choice had been much faster than usual.

"I hope that is the case. It's selfish of me to say so, but I don't want you to go back there. I love you and I want to be in the same world as you. If that meant going to your home, I would gladly do so. I just don't know how." Viking says as he caresses Sasuke's cheek.

He couldn't believe it. His elf might actually be here to stay. Oh that was most joyous news. Naruto had seldom heard anything so wonderful in his entire life.

"I know that you would. You're very kind and understanding, but I don't know for sure that's what's happening. I think that we should figure out what is going on with the Goblin Kingdom before making any major decisions. I am going to talk to my parents and Itachi about the matter though. They will probably know something." The Traveler replies.

Naruto nods in agreement. Sasuke was lucky in a way. His parents and brother were also Travelers. They were also far more experienced at it than his sexy elf. They would know what was going on.

"I think that's a fine idea. I'm glad that you told me this." The Dragoon says, positively beaming at the knowledge.

"I'm glad you're glad." Sasuke says with a smile.

Naruto felt almost giddy at seeing that smile. His elf trusted him. That was a very big deal and boded tremendously well for their relationship. Sasuke was certainly interested in sharing furs with him for a very, very long time.

"I've spoken with Mikoto and Fugaku." Gaara says as he walks over to the happy couple with his wife by his side.

"What'd they say?" The youngest Traveler inquires anxiously.

"They are getting China ready for war against the Goblin Kingdom. Whether or not Danzo survived is almost irrelevant. Itachi slit their King's throat. They aren't going to overlook that." The red head says.

Itachi was sitting on a rather large stone with Kisame nearby. The two of them had been watching the leprechaun training and Taka's own training with amusement. When Itachi was mentioned though, the lovers decided to comment.

"I don't regret it. He kidnapped me and was targeting my family. My only regret is that I do not truly know, if he is dead or not." The elder Uchiha brother says honestly.

Sasuke shivers as he remembers the sight of Itachi slitting the King's throat. He didn't think that he'd ever forget that. How had his beloved older brother turned into a ruthless killer?

"I bet you looked very badass when you give that stupid motherf-" Kisame begins to praise his lover with modern language, but he never got the chance to finish because Itachi covers his mouth.

"Who taught Kisame some modern vulgarity?" Itachi demands as he raises an eyebrow.

"Oh that was me. We kinda bonded. He's been teaching me how to be a merman. So I was teaching him some stuff about my world." Suigetsu says.

Sasuke laughs. He couldn't help it. The look upon Itachi's face was completely priceless. Leave it to Suigetsu to teach a merman how to swear.

"Oh don't laugh, my foolish little brother. I'm certain that you'll also experience moments of culture shock as well." Itachi taunts him.

"You mean like the fact my boyfriend can turn into a dragon? Oh believe me, I've been there. I've done that. It's going to be hard to top that one though." Sasuke says smugly as he kisses Naruto's cheek.

Jugo watches the entire scene with amusement. He was grateful for the distraction, truthfully. He still didn't know what he was going to do about Kimimmaro.

It had been stupid to fall for a handsome face and a soft spoken voice, but that didn't change the fact that Jugo had. He had fallen and hard. Now, he wasn't sure what to do about that.

"Suigetsu, did you really have to teach Kisame to swear?" He asks with a chuckle.

"Well yeah! It's pretty funny to hear a merman curse!" The violet eyed college student points out.

Karin groans and shakes her head. Apparently, it didn't matter what realm they were in. Suigetsu was well Suigetsu. There was just no getting around that simple truth.

"Right. Well we're preparing for war. China is gearing up. What about Egypt?" The red head asks Gaara and Mei sensibly.

"We will be ready to strike, when the time is right. That is something that you need naught concern yourself with. I can assure you of that much." The Pharaoh vows.

Jugo nods approvingly as he flutters his wings. He was still getting used to them. That was another reason that he wanted Kimimaro there.

The former college student was the only other fairy that Jugo knew. He was still learning about what it meant to be a fairy. That would be a whole lot easier, if he had an actual fairy around to show him the ropes.

Back in the Goblin Kingdom, Orochimaru had helped Kimimaro mask his scent. With that, the two of them made their way into the castle. Thankfully, Kimimaro had made them look like palace guards. So it was an easy matter to get inside.

"Do you want to split up or stick together?" The fairy asks.

"Stick together. I don't trust you on your own. You've betrayed me before." The former Goblin King hisses.

Kimimaro rolls his eyes in response as they begin searching the castle. They had to find Danzo or at least figure out who had replaced him, if the man had died. Either would work.

A short while later, they find the library. Orochimaru had insisted they go that way because he smelled flowers. Kimimaro thought that was a stupid reason, but he follows him anyway. What he saw when they arrived at the library, surprised him.

"You're doing so wonderfully." Danzo says from his position in a wheelchair.

"Thank you. I couldn't do it without your help though." Kabuto says.

Orochimaru's eyes narrow. Kabuto had been one of his favorites. To see him serving Danzo so openly was quite the blow.

Truthfully, he couldn't entirely hold it against the other goblin though. Kabuto was just doing what he had to in order to survive. That was something that he could ponder another day.

"He's alive." Kimimaro whispers to Orochimaru.

The most important thing was the fact that Danzo was alive. That goblin was most irritating. He couldn't even die properly! How he had managed to survive having his throat slit, Orochimaru would never know.

That didn't really matter though. The new Goblin King and his Regnant had to die. That was the only way that he could take back his crown. Any other outcome was completely unacceptable.

"You're so modest." Danzo says with a smile.

It was at that moment that Orochimaru knew something was wrong with his usurper. That goblin never smiled. He might smirk sometimes, but Danzo never smiled. Something had to be going on.

"What's wrong?" Kimimaro whispers.

"He's smiling." The former Goblin King says as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"What cause for concern is that? I would be smiling as well, if I had just escaped certain death." The fairy replies in utter confusion.

Orochimaru could only roll his eyes in response. The silver haired being just didn't understand. That was alright though. He didn't have to. Orochimaru did and that was more than enough to use this to their advantage.

"I'm glad to see that you're in good spirits. How are you feeling, Your Majesty?" A pink haired woman asks as she kneels by Danzo.

There was magic surrounding her. Goblins might not be particularly good at magic, but Orochimaru could sense it. That woman was a witch. He would bet his life on it.

"I'm feeling much better and it's all thanks to your care." The King states with another smile.

That was another thing. Danzo never thanked anyone. Clearly, this witch was doing something to him. Something to his mind.

Hmm. That was interesting. A most powerful gift. That was certainly something that he would love to be able to do. Influencing another person's mind was a particularly useful talent. One that Orochimaru could only dream of having.

"You flatter me. You're definitely one of my best patients." Sakura assures him.

"He's bewitched." Kimimaro murmurs and Orochimaru nods in agreement.

There was no other explanation. Danzo's behavior was simply too out of character for anything else to be an option. Somehow Danzo had survived and fallen under a witch's spell. That and Kabuto was obviously involved as well.

It was all beginning to make sense. Kabuto or someone else had stumbled upon the dying King. Medical aid was given and at some point, a witch was brought in. The witch had bewitched Danzo and now Kabuto was in charge.

"We need to get out of here. We've learned all that we needed to know." Orochimaru whispers and Kimimaro nods in agreement.

Orochimaru knew his former servant. The man was clever. Most likely, he had saved Danzo to prevent anyone from suspecting him of assassination later on. It was an ingenious ploy.

After all, who would suspect the man who had saved Danzo's life of murder? Were Orochimaru in Kabuto's boots, he was likely going to do the same. In a strange way, he had to admire the other goblin's guts.

"Don't move. We can't risk getting caught." The fairy replies.

Orochimaru nods in agreement. Getting caught would be the fastest way to an untimely demise that he could think of. Even under the witch's spell, Danzo would likely have him killed. That or Kabuto would do it for him.

The former Goblin King was positive that the silver haired goblin would have him executed, if he was discovered. He was the greatest threat to the bespectacled man's power. Any smart person would eliminate such a threat.

"I was wondering, if you could sign these papers for me." Kabuto says as he hands Danzo some papers.

Orochimaru could only guess at what the Regnant was trying to get Danzo to approve. He doubted it was anything good though. For now, they had to focus on getting out of there. They had to find a way to get out of there alive.

Back in the human realm, Kakashi sighs. He had just had to explain to yet another of Sasuke's professors that he was taking a semester off to study abroad. It seemed like a reasonable explanation.

That might not be a complete lie, but he wasn't entirely sure if it was the truth either. Sasuke had been missing for awhile now and so had his friends. The silver haired man had a pretty good idea why that was the case.

"He must have crossed over." He observes to himself.

Kakashi wasn't sure that he entirely believed it, but he had found the journal with the explanation in it. After becoming Sasuke's guardian, one thing was left to the young man besides the necessary funds to care for Sasuke. The journal.

He sighs and takes it out. Kakashi was certain that he must have read it at least a thousand times, but it never ceased to amaze him. Half of him thought that insanity must run in the Uchiha family, but the other half of him wanted to actually believe that every word written in this book was true. His own feeling about the issue were quite contradictory, as he reread the first page.

Dear Kakashi,

I know what you are about to read will sound fantastical. You will likely think that we have all taken leave of our senses. I swear to you though, that every word is true.

Our family is special. We are Travelers. Travelers are beings that can travel between realms.

Sometimes this traveling is the result of conscious efforts. Other times, it just happens naturally. If you are reading this, that means one or more of our family has permanently.

Do not mourn for us, if we disappear. We aren't dead. We are just in another realm. If we have chosen conscious or subconsciously to stay there, it means that we are happy there.

Sasuke is a Traveler, but we do not know if his abilities will ever appear again or not. That is why you must not tell him about the other realm. It is better, if he thinks we're dead.

Of course, that's assuming he isn't already with us. If he is missing, then he came with us. If not, don't tell him.

Knowing that we are alive, but he can't see us would be worse than him thinking we're dead. It'd be too cruel. How could a young child ever process that? How could an adult?

If it is the case that we're gone, please take care of Sasuke. We have ensured that you will have the financial resources necessary to do so. Thank you. You are a good friend and we hope that you find happiness in this realm as we have in ours.

Love, Mikoto, Fugaku, and Itachi.

P:S: There is more information in this book that can only be read by you. We've had the book enchanted so that only you can read it. So don't try to show this to any one else. All they will see is blank pages.

"It looks like he was capable of it, after all." Kakashi says with a smile.

The only thing that really worried him was Taka. Sasuke was born for this. His friends weren't. How would they adjust to the new world, he wondered.

He supposed in the end, it was unlikely that he would ever know. Kakashi had done as he was asked. He had raised Sasuke. The rest was up to him now.

Meanwhile in Eien No Yume, Sasuke was currently snuggled up to his Viking. It had been a long day of training and there were few things better than huddling up by the fireplace with a very hot blonde.

"You're getting much better at using your magic." Naruto says.

"Mhm. Well I think I'm a long way off from turning into a dragon. So pretty sure you have me beat." Sasuke informs him, before kissing his boyfriend.

Naruto smiles and returns the kiss. He was happy that Sasuke was possibly in this realm for good. He didn't know what he would do if/when Sasuke returned to his native reality. That would destroy him.

"Well that's a natural ability. That's really the only magic that I have. You're different. You have way more magic than I do. Mostly, I have strength and speed. Oh and stamina." Naruto growls into Sasuke's ear suggestively.

Sasuke feels himself shivering. Well that sounded promising. He'd definitely have to explore that stamina thing later.

"Good to know. We should probably deal with the Goblin Kingdom first though." The Traveler says.

"Right. Right. That's likely the wiser course of action." Naruto says with a grin.

"Mhm. Though Itachi does call me his foolish little brother. So I'm not really that wise. I guess." Sasuke mutters.

Naruto tilts his head. Usually, he would tell when someone was interested in sharing furs completely. With his elf though, it was more mixed. He got the impression that Sasuke was somewhat shy in this respect.

Clearly, he did want him. He had stopped going to his world. That had to mean something. That meant something big, but he shied away from more than kissing and a few more heated petting sessions.

"Was that an invitation to ravish my beautiful elf?" He asks for clarification.

"Yes. Wait! No! Well I mean not right now. Later though. Once everything is settle with the goblins, I'm all yours. That's if I don't go back to my world unintentionally. I'd never leave you on purpose." Sasuke assures him.

That was one way to cool his desire. Sasuke didn't know if he was staying. He'd stay, if he could control it and Naruto knew that. That didn't change the very possibility that he might not be able to.

"I know that you wouldn't leave on purpose. I love you and I know you love me." Naruto tells him.

"Good." The young Traveler says as he snuggles closely into his almost lover.

This was nice. It was so easy to forget about the rest of the world when he was with his Viking. Sasuke still couldn't believe it, but he really was dating a Viking.

"Are you prepared for this? It's one thing to sneak into the Goblin Kingdon on a retrieval mission, but it's another to actually fight in a war. If you wanted, we could find a place for you and your friends to stay during the fight. A safe place." The blonde assures him.

Sasuke shakes his head. He didn't know about the others, but he wanted to fight. This was his home now. Well it was probably his home. (Really, it was the principle of the thing)!

"I'll ask my friends, but I want to help. I have magic. I can shoot arrows and I've gotten pretty decent at using a sword. I can do this Naruto. We can do this. Besides, I really shouldn't rely on my boyfriend to protect me. I'm not a Damsel in Distress. I'm a Traveler." Sasuke says with a smirk.

Naruto smiles. That was his elf. Sasuke might not have been born to this world, but he was a fighter. That's one of the things that he loved best about him.

"Alright. So we'll talk to your friends and see what they want to do. If you really think that you're ready for this, you can come with us. I'll do whatever I can to keep you safe. I want to promise that we'll both make this out of this alive, but I can't. There's no one that I would rather go to Valhalla with than you." He says with a smile.

"That's very romantic in a tragic way." Sasuke observes.

"Oh good. I'm glad you liked it. Come on. We should get some rest. It's likely going to be a very long battle." Naruto says and Sasuke nods in agreement.

He could only hope that he wouldn't cross over. Not now. He needed to stay in this realm to help with the war. With that thought in mind, he closes his eyes and falls into a fretful sleep.