Constancy

Chapter Five

-Earth Shaker-

Two Years Later…

"I dunno if I can do this…" Natsumi frowned, staring out the window of her father's old palace at the mountain range.

The long haired brunette scoffed, pacing the floor and shaking his head. "Of course you can. We've practiced and practiced. Your power is absolutely incredible. Greater than I have ever seen. To think you can bend the earth to your will, it's simply baffling."

The pink haired princess, now twelve, glanced back at her teacher. "But I have a bad feeling about it. I've been having these dreams about that black-"

"Natsumi." Neji interrupted, stopping before her. "Dreams are just dreams. Nothing more. I assure you, everything will be fine."

"If you say so…" she sighed, looking up. "They're here."

The brunette nodded and headed from the room, with Natsumi right behind him. They left the palace and stopped in the courtyard to see three massive dragons, one red, one black, and the other pink. "Gaara, Sakura." Neji smiled slightly, meeting his friends. "And Itachi, I'm so glad you could come. I trust your journey was safe."

"As safe as it always is." Itachi said, dismounting, as did his companions. Sakura was over by her daughter instantly.

"Oh Natsumi, honey." She said, hugging her. "I missed you so much. Are you alright?" she asked, pulling back slightly.

"I'm fine mom." Natsumi groaned, trying to push her away, though she really had missed her.

Sakura frowned slightly. "Alright." she straightened.

Itachi cleared his throat. "Princess," he said, reaching into his vest. "I have brought you something." He pulled out a rolled, but flattened parchment of paper, sealed with wax holding the Uchiha crest.

Natsumi blinked, studying the thing before her eyes widened. "Is that from Akito?"

"Yes."

She gasped and took it from him, unrolling it carefully so she didn't tear it.

Dear Natsumi,

Sorry it's been so long since my last letter. Things have been pretty busy here lately, what with training and trying to keep my sanity, but I'll try and be better. I know you look forward to them, as much as I do yours.

Kensei and I had to kill a rogue the other day. It's weird, fighting a dragon, since I was raised to like them and stuff, but there really was no other option. It had lost its mind, and couldn't be reasoned with. And the odd thing is that I don't feel any form of remorse over it. It was like I took pleasure in knowing that I was stronger than such a great beast. I know that part of what I was feeling was coming from Kensei, but some of it was genuinely mine as well. Is that bad?

I haven't told anyone, obviously, but my uncle gave me a weird look when he arrived on the scene. I think he knows. He knows everything.

But other than my depressing news, how are you? I miss you so much, I even dreamt of you the other night. We were flying together, and it was one of the happiest times I can remember, despite it not being real.

Anyways, I hope this letter made you smile, and that I hear from you soon.

Love,

Akito

There was, in fact, a big stupid smile on her face as she rolled the letter back up and relished in the warmth that spread through her from Akito's words. She missed him so much, and she still had almost four whole years till she got to see him again. Neji's voice broke her from her thoughts, as she realized he was finally telling her parents and Itachi why he had summoned them out here. "It will blow your mind." She caught, looking back at her mother. She hoped she would be proud of her once this was all over and done with. "The sheer power that radiates from her is unbelievable. Not to mention the things she can now do."

Sakura exchanged a look with her husband and Itachi, before returning her emerald gaze to Neji. "And you've been testing her?" she asked, reaching out and stroking her daughter's hair, mostly just to soothe herself.

"Of course. She has an amazing gift, able to move the earth at her own will. And I will show you just how far we've gotten." Neji explained, looking down at Natsumi.

"I guess so…" she sighed, getting a pat on the head from her teacher. Gaara looked wary of the idea, since his daughter wasn't looking too excited, but they all left the courtyard and returned to one of the balconies. Neji pointed towards one of the mountains.

"Alright Natsumi, show them what you can do."

She looked at the summit, its misshapen form bothering her greatly. "Are you sure you want to do that mountain?"

"Of course. Go right ahead." He gestured for her to step closer. She did as she was told and looked back nervously, before facing forward and locking her eyes on the one she was to focus on. Natsumi lifted her hands, her eyes darkening before they stared to glow an odd green as her focus intensified. She pursed her lips, beads of sweat forming on her brow. Hers arms began to shake, and just before Gaara told her to stop, they all went wide eyed as the mountain began to move along the horizon.

Gaara was awestruck. "Oh my God…"

Sakura had a similar look, for once in her life, speechless. Itachi's face was actually portraying emotion, as his eyes had widened, and his mouth dropped open a bit. "Incredible…" he whispered, turning his gaze to the small princess. "Simply incredible."

Natsumi felt her arms shaking terribly. Her breathing was labored, but something shot from the mountain, and suddenly her eyes turned black and her face was filled with horror. 'Finally young one.' A dark voice swept across her mind, chilling her to the bone. 'I've been waiting so long for your beautifully pure soul. I knew you would free me from these confines.'

'Who…who are you?' she whispered out, trembling with absolute fear.

'My name is Daikirai. But you may call me Kirai…you and I will be getting better acquainted my sweet one. Your soul is so much more vibrant than I could have imagined, you will do great things mighty Earth Shaker. So many great things…' the voice chuckled, and only then did Natsumi realize she was screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Natsumi!" Sakura shouted, shaking her daughter slightly to try and get her attention, worry clear on her beautiful features. "Natsumi!" she tried once more.

"What's wrong with her!" Gaara demanded, since Natsumi had started to sob, hugging her mother so tightly her knuckles were turning white.

Neji looked astonished as well. "I don't know. She's never acted this way before." He explained.

"Mommy!" Natsumi cried out. "He said…he said…!" she froze, her eyes widening once more.

'Say anything of my presence and I will kill them all right here and now.'

The princess swallowed, fully believing those heavy words. Sakura held the crying girl, stroking her head to try and soothe her. "Hush baby, I know you were only doing what Neji asked you to do." She murmured softly, believing her daughter's words to mean the pale eyed man.

Itachi's gaze narrowed slightly, as he could feel Kuro's unrest from this distance, and knew that whatever had just happened was bad enough to spook his dragon. He crouched down next to Natsumi, and began to rub her back. "It's alright princess." He said, actually sounding caring. "Nothing can harm you here."

Gaara stepped forward, looking over the balcony. There was a strong beating of wings and suddenly Niro was hovering in the air beside him. "Why does that mountain look familiar?" he demanded.

'It was the one where my mate was being held. Something has stirred.'

"Check it out. Now. And take Kuro with you to be safe." The king ordered.

'Yes my lord.' He nodded, glancing at Natsumi with such sadness Gaara was feeling the aftereffects. When Kuro arrived the two took off towards the summit.

Sakura looked back at him. "Gaara, she's shaking so badly." The pink haired queen said, not releasing the still frightened girl.

He looked back to his wife and daughter and went over to pick her up. Natsumi clung to him, just as she had her mother, her terrified gaze fixated on the mountain. "We will stay the night with her to make sure everything is okay." He informed them before walking off.

Neji watched with a distraught stare, but finally met Itachi's worried eyes. "You felt that…right?"

"Yes." The Uchiha said, watching as Sakura followed her mate and daughter. He looked back at Neji. "I have a feeling that whatever happened here today will affect us in the future, though how I am not certain." He rubbed his chin. "Her powers are extraordinary though. I'm surprised her twin hasn't shown any signs of being able to do anything similar, as is usually the case."

"That we know of…" the brunette sighed. "Satomi is a lot more subdued than Natsumi. I fear even if she did, she wouldn't run around boasting about it."

"Smart girl." Itachi nodded, turning back towards the balcony entrance. "Come, there is much to be done before my departure in the morning." He said, entering the palace with Neji at his side.

Itachi felt a small amount of relief upon seeing his palace on the horizon the next day. Last night had been very trying. Because of her scare while moving the mountain, Natsumi hadn't slept a wink, and neither had anyone else, for that matter. Everyone had stayed awake to help soothe and comfort the princess. Not that he minded, he was used to having to do such things from his childhood, when his brother Sasuke, and even Sakura, would have a bad dream.

Though, despite yesterday's events, Natsumi was able to get a hold on herself long enough to write a reply to his nephew's letter. The two of them really did have an inappropriate relationship, as it was beginning to look like Akito and Taka would be the destined ones, but Itachi would hold his tongue concerning such matters. He knew that Natsumi wouldn't listen to him, or care, and Akito already got enough grief from his grandfather and father on the subject, so adding in his uncle's opinion would only make things worse.

But what concerned him right now was that mountain. Kuro and Niro had been unable to find anything when they had gone to scout the area, the only signs being that it was obvious something had been residing inside the thick stone for a long time. At least, long enough to leave behind a distinct scent. But neither dragon had ever smelled it before, and so could not tell them anything on what it might be, or why it was there. The only thing they knew for certain was that whatever it was, it wasn't friendly.

And speaking of unfriendly things, the Uchiha thought as he landed, Akito was beginning to act more and more like an alpha each day, which would only strain things when he was reunited with Toshiro in a few years. He mostly kept his nephew in check in those instances, but Kensei was one of the most stubborn, aggressive alphas Itachi had ever encountered. It was fascinating to watch him and talk to him when he was allowed, but most of all, to see how he interacted with others. When the time for his first dragon kill had come, he'd taken the challenge enthusiastically, killing the beast without a hint of remorse, and relishing in his victory. That fact was apparent in his demeanor, not to mention the look of sheer joy of the death that was on Akito's face.

They hadn't spoken of it, and probably never would. The younger man had appeared ashamed at being caught with such a look, and as long as he knew that it was wrong, Itachi wasn't worried, for now. The only thing in his home he did have to worry about was Taka. She followed Akito around wherever he went, and took such drastic measures to get his attention that she was beginning to become a problem to the rest of the staff, and the family. And it was never a good thing to upset an Uchiha.

He sighed as he entered the palace, bypassing the main room and going straight to the garden, where he found his mother pruning the flowers. There were plenty of servants to do so, but the Uchiha matriarch enjoyed the task, and as long as she was happy, everyone else could be happy. "Hello Mother." He greeted with a small smile, bending down to give her a kiss on her weathered cheek. "I am home."

"Hello my son." Mikoto beamed, glowing in her bliss. "How was that sweet little princess, you went to visit her correct?"

"Yes." He nodded, picking up a spare pair of shears and beginning to help her. "She is as well as can be, given what happened yesterday." His brow furrowed slightly at the memory. "Though she did send another letter for Akito with me, so I suppose she is on the mend."

The older woman blinked, looking over at her son. "Something bad happen?"

"She…is able to move the earth." Itachi explained, meeting her gaze. "I believe that it comes from her lineage, a distant ancestor that was a powerful sorceress, because nobody in her family to date has such a gift. She moved a mountain Mother, the entire thing. But when it happened, she began to scream, and became very afraid. Gaara sent Niro and Kuro to check it out, and all they could find was evidence that something had been living in the mountain, but was no longer there. We were unable to find it, and so do not know what it was. But I think that's what frightened her."

"And you did not stay to search?" Mikoto asked, looking worried. "Was it wise not to track that monster down? After all, she is still there is she not? Something that frightened a little girl is still out there, and she is virtually alone."

He sighed. "I cannot stay, not with Akito acting as oddly as he has been lately. I must monitor him." he said. "Neji sent some of his forces out to search the grounds closest to the palace, and I know that Gaara and Sakura were going to make a few sweeps before they must return to the central palace."

The woman simply shrugged. "You know how I worry about children." She smiled. "Speaking of which, Akito is in the back with Kensei. They were up to no good again and were playing pranks on the members of the family. Your father is there now."

Itachi had to refrain from grimacing. "They didn't break into the chicken coop again, did they? Because it is not funny to watch the hens lay eggs while trying to fly away in fear."

"That and heated the baths to boiling." She sighed.

"Do not tell me father was taking a lemon bath when it happened." The ebony haired man deadpanned.

Mikoto chuckled. "Possibly."

Itachi pinched the bridge of his nose, placing down the pruning shears before standing. "I will go take care of it." he said, resigned. He bent and kissed his mother's cheek once more. "Hopefully father doesn't get a new wrinkle from how hard I imagine he is frowning." He chuckled.

"Oh but you know he will!" she giggled, waving after him.

When Itachi reached the back of the palace, it was to see his father scolding his nephew and dragon. Uchiha Fugaku was a very serious man, even more so than either of his sons. His long ebony hair was graying now, the streaks becoming more obvious each year Akito stayed with them. Instead of being pulled back into a ponytail, it was down, a clear sign that he had been taking a bath when the youngest Uchiha had decided to play his prank. That, and his skin was burned, visibly, and beginning to welt. Itachi had to keep from smirking at the sight, since he did not wish to be on his father's list as well.

"It is not funny, in any way." The Uchiha patriarch scolded, frowning so deeply that the lines on his face were even more prominent. "Had this happened to you, you would not think so."

Akito smirked and crossed his arms. He was much taller now, and his spiky black hair was due for a cut soon. He'd been gaining a nice bit of muscle mass in his stay here, since keeping his body in top shape had always been a priority of the young man. "Grandfather, I would never be in such a position." He said. "Nobody would dare do that to me for fear of my retaliation."

Fugaku looked like he was about to pop, and so Itachi decided to step in. "I would not say such things so boastfully." He said, stopping next to his father and keeping a serious face on. "For I would not hesitate to humiliate you the way you have my father. And if you dared to retaliate against me," he smirked darkly. "I would gladly accept the challenge, and we would enter into a war, of sorts. Though, I will be the victor."

The younger man's green eyes widened slightly. "But, Uncle Itachi, I was just saying-"

"You forget that you are not the only one with a dragon here, Nephew." He interrupted. "And just because Kuro, Manda, and Kei are not as young as Kensei, does not mean they cannot take him down. They have more experience and knowledge in fighting a dragon."

Kensei growled softly. 'I would be able to defeat them. I am strong enough.' He said, clawing at the ground a bit.

'They have killed dragons.' Akito said, keeping eye contact with Itachi. "Yes Uncle." He said aloud.

'So have we.'

The younger man bowed to Fugaku. "I am sorry Grandfather, I will not do it again."

"Hn." Fugaku said dismissively. "I will let you deal with him Itachi. I must go tend to my burns." He grumbled, turning and walking off.

Once his father was out of earshot, Itachi looked back at Akito. "Akito…why do you feel it necessary to pull such menial pranks on everyone? You could be doing more with your time."

Akito huffed. "Because I got bored." He said, making his face as blank as his uncle's. "Besides, Taka was taking a bath when I did it, and now that she's burned, she'll leave me alone for the next few weeks while she's healing. You know how much of a baby she is when she's hurt."

Itachi's stare hardened. "Akito." He scolded. "You never purposefully harm one of your team members, especially a female. I don't care how bothersome they are. Taka is the destined one to be mated to you, Toshiro, or Vincent. She is key to the continuation of the dragon riders."

The ebony haired boy frowned. "What about Natsumi and Satomi? They're girls. Why can't they continue the line?"

"Something like this has never happened before, so we cannot assume things." He pointed out. "The female to continue the line has always been brought in from afar, never born into a noble rider line. While I believe they may be able to produce future riders, Taka is the more important of them. That's just how it is."

"Well I hate how it is." Akito grumbled, glaring off. "Retsu's not so bad, but I refuse to be mated to her if I am the chosen male. I don't want to be stuck with her my entire life."

'And I would prefer Tsuin's company.' Kensei blew out some smoke.

Itachi just shook his head. "You have no say. The bond you form with your mate on the day of your marriage is unbreakable, and you will desire her no matter what you think or feel. The magic was made that way in case of events such as these."

Akito rolled his eyes, glancing at his dragon as the large beast flew off to get something to eat. This conversation was bothering the both of them, and it wasn't helping that Kensei was becoming angry. He missed Tsuin a lot, probably even more so than Akito missed Natsumi. But their combined longing caused both rider and dragon to ache, and neither liked the feeling. "By the way…" Itachi said, getting his attention once more. "I have a letter for you." he pulled the scroll out of his vest.

His eyes widened, and he made a grab for the letter, but Itachi moved out of the way. "Oh come on Uncle!" Akito said, trying to go for it again, only to miss.

Itachi smirked. "Manners Akito. Always remember your manners."

"Please!" he shouted, leaping into the air to try and snatch it up. His uncle placed his free hand on top of his head, holding him to the ground.

"Once more."

Akito sighed, calming himself. "May I please have my letter?" he asked.

The elder man chuckled, handing it over. "Yes." Once it left his hands, he turned and made his way back towards the palace.

Akito hurriedly opened the scroll, unrolling it so that he could read its contents.

Akito,

I miss you so much! I can barely stand it. I wish I was sixteen already so we could be together again. I don't like being here, especially now. The cool news, I totally moved a mountain! The entire thing. The bad news: I don't know what it is…though I'm almost positive it's a dragon, but something dark entered my thoughts. It said some scary things, and I don't really know what to do, but I feel it here. Maybe not close by for now, but it's still here, and now all we have is Tsuin and Metsuki.

I hope it was nothing, but I don't want to write it off. And about the killing thing, I don't think it's bad. I mean it's bad, but you're the alpha remember, and you like showing your power. I'm pretty sure that's it. So I wouldn't worry.

I'm training a lot and making sure I'm strong and powerful so you'll be proud of me. I haven't got breasts yet, but I'm sure they'll come along…hopefully. But anyways, train hard and stay safe, and tell Taka she better keep her hands to herself! I know what boys and girls do when they're older, and I swear I will crush her beneath the earth if she so much as thinks of defiling you!

Lots of love!

Natsumi

Akito couldn't help the ridiculous smile that came to his face. He loved getting letters from Natsumi, because no matter what was in them, he was always put in a better mood. He rolled the letter back up and made his way to the palace so that he could reply. Her news about this dark voice bothered him, and he needed to make sure that she would be okay. He only hoped his uncle felt like giving him all of the details, since the elder Uchiha had a penchant for only telling you what he thought you should know.

Satomi sat on the ledge of one of the cliffs, looking over the ocean. It was a clear day, and the waves were crashing against the bluff, their white foam disappearing as they washed over the beach. The princess closed her eyes, focusing hard, and suddenly a gust blew around her. She frowned. She was getting better at controlling it, and that's what scared her. The wind was something powerful that could come from nowhere and the thought that she could will it, as if it were her own dragon, frightened her.

She'd discovered the power only a year and a half ago, and had yet to tell anyone. She knew how her sister was being pushed and strained because of her power over the earth, and she wanted nothing to do with that. She would learn at her own pace how to control this element.

Her eyes snapped open as thoughts whispered across her mind. She looked back and saw a blonde boy, heading up the slopes towards her, focusing on nothing but the rock he was kicking. She was taller now, her hair longer, almost to the small of her back, though it was held back in a braid at the moment. Her eyes widened when the boy kicked his rock, obviously trying to hit it over the edge. He glanced up and his hazel eyes went wide with horror. "Watch out!" he called. Clearly he hadn't seen her.

Her instincts kicked in and she raised her hand. The rock stopped, trapped in a small vortex of churning air. It hovered for a few moments before dropping to the ground. "You should really watch what you're doing." She said in a bored tone, before looking back out over the ocean.

"I'm really sorry." He said, running up to her. He bent over so he could look at her face. "That was some trick with the rock and the air. Where'd you learn to do that?" he asked, giving her a friendly smile.

"Nowhere." She sighed. "I taught myself. Now please go away."

Instead of listening to her, he sat next to her on the cliff. "My name is Kyo." He introduced. "What's yours?"

"None of your business." Satomi rolled her eyes and got up, dusting herself off before heading down the slope.

Kyo only did the same, following her. "You live at the palace, right?" he asked, not expecting an answer. "I see you sometimes. Do you know Lady Tsunade?"

"She's my grandmother." She huffed, growing more irritated that he was still following her. She stopped and turned around abruptly, Kyo almost running into her. Satomi almost blushed, almost, just because of the proximity. "Look, if you don't leave me alone I'm going to have to resort to violence."

He just smiled at her. "You know, you're really pretty." He stated.

Satomi blinked, looking taken back. But it quickly shifted to a glare. "Futa!" the princess yelled. In only a matter of seconds, a large pink dragon landed behind Satomi, shaking the ground. Futa roared at Kyo, making him back up instantly.

'Yes my mistress? Is this boy bothering you?' she asked, growling at Kyo.

Kyo blinked. "Wow." He said in awe. "I've never seen a dragon this close before. So you're a rider?" he asked, still looking over the pink dragon. "She's really pretty too. But I guess dragons take after their riders, huh?" he laughed, scratching the back of his head. "So…is this you resorting to violence?" he glanced at the pink haired princess.

"I will not hesitate to have her eat you." Satomi grimaced.

'Now, now mistress…' Futa cooed, batting her lashes at Kyo and sniffing him. 'He has wonderful taste, after all.' She chuckled.

The blonde looked between the two, and relaxed slightly when he wasn't immediately devoured. "Can I pet her?"

"No you cannot!" Satomi huffed, glaring at her dragon now.

'Of course he can.' Futa purred, rubbing her snout against Kyo. 'He smells so nice.'

"Futa stop it!" the princess began to blush. "This isn't funny!"

Kyo laughed. "Your name's Futa?" he asked, reaching up and stroking her head. "That's such a lovely name. I'm Kyo. It's nice to meet you." his smile widened as he scratched beneath her chin.

Futa purred, leaning towards him. Satomi growled. "Futa I command you to stop. Now!" she ordered, putting so much authority in her voice that the dragon actually backed down, lowering her head.

'Sorry Mistress.'

Satomi dismissed her dragon and the beast took off into the air, a gust of air blowing at their clothes and their hair. "Stop following me." She ordered, turning around and heading back towards the town.

"Wait!" Kyo called out, running after her, stopping in front of her and halting her departure. "How come you won't tell me your name? Is it because I almost hit you with the rock? Because that was an accident, I swear. I would never try and harm a beautiful lady such as yourself."

"No." she said simply, letting out a tired breath. "I don't want you running around with my name. Why do you want to know so bad anyways?"

Kyo smiled. "Because when I tell people that I've met the most beautiful girl in the world, I want to be able to tell them her name. A name that I bet is as enchanting as she is."

The pink haired girl gave him a skeptical look. "You're a freak."

He didn't even seem offended. "Giving someone the compliments they deserve is not freaky." The blonde argued.

She sighed and crossed her arms. "If I tell you, will you leave me alone?"

"For now." He replied.

"Fine. My name is Satomi."

"Satomi." He breathed out, as if it were the most wonderful thing he had ever said. Kyo smiled at her then. "Well, I promised I would leave you alone once learning your sweet, sweet name. But I promise my dearest Satomi, I will see you again soon." He nodded. "And Futa as well." He said, running off before she could respond. What the pink haired princess didn't know, though, was that he would come through with his promise a lot sooner than she expected. And once he did, she would never be rid of him, or his freakiness.