Okay here's the next chapter of The Prince and The Slave. Hope you all enjoy it. Thanks to all those who read, reviewed and added me to their faves and alerts lists. I really appreciate it.
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The Prince and The Slave.
Chapter Twelve.
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(General P.O.V.)
Mikoto snuck through the castle, towards her youngest son's room, trying to avoid the sight of others. Her fear spurred her on. She wasn't afraid for her life. Her life meant nothing to her, as long as she saved her son. She finally came to his room and walked in through the double doors, closing them behind her. She saw her son sleeping on his bed soundly. His black bangs framed his face. She felt tears well up in her eyes, at the thought of her husband hurting her youngest child. She walked over to the side of the bed and sat down, gently shaking her son as she did so. Sasuke buried himself deeper under his blankets, but Mikoto knew she had to act now. She shook him a little harder, and Sasuke blinked his eyes open.
"M-Mother?" He questioned sleepily.
"Sasuke, you need to wake up, and you need to do it now." Mikoto stated.
"Why what's happened? Is it father? Aniki?" Sasuke asked sleepily, as he sat up in bed. He looked at his Mother with concern.
"You father has found out that you and your friends lied to him. He sent Kabuto after you to spy on you, and he's reported you all as traitors. He's sent your brother to go and get Naruto and Shikamaru and their families. He intends to get Hiashi Hyuga to send Neji to him of his own volition. You need to run now. Warn your friends, and all of you must run. If you don't he'll kill you all. He doesn't care anymore about anyone's views. Not even mine." Mikoto whispered. As Sasuke listened to his Mother he became more awake and alert by the second. His eyes were wide when she finished.
"Mother if you stay here, he'll know you told me." He said softly.
"I'd rather die than let anything happen to you." Mikoto said sadly.
"You'll come with me Mother. I'm not about to leave, and let Father kill you in my stead." Sasuke stated. "Go and get some things and we'll head to Konoha and get the others." Sasuke added. Mikoto gave her son a small smile.
"It'll all be alright Sasuke. I know somehow it will. But you're right. I'll serve better alive than dead." Mikoto said kindly. "Hurry." She added as she stood up. "I'll come back and get you when I'm ready. Find something as plain as possible. We don't want to stick out." Mikoto finished as she went to the door. Soon she left the room. Sasuke bit his lip angrily.
"Damn Kabuto." He thought to himself as he got up and walked into his bathroom. He hadn't been sleeping long, his hair was still slightly damp from the bath he'd had before he went to sleep. He splashed cold water on his face to wake him up more. "Why didn't I think Father might have had us followed?" Sasuke questioned in his mind as he quickly started looking through his clothing, trying to find anything plain to pull on. In the end, he found some black pants and a black tunic. He threw them on quickly, and realised why they were so plain. He was supposed to wear them to funerals. "I might end up wearing them to my own funeral." Sasuke thought bitterly. He looked for anything else that might be plain, as he pulled out a cloth bag. He soon found some plain tunics and pants. He'd used them for training, when he sparred with Naruto, or Itachi. After all, all royalty had to be able to fight. Sasuke threw the clothing into the cloth bag and pulled on a pair of plain black boots. He looked at the royal ring that he wore on his hand at all times. He took it off and placed it down on the side cabinet next to his bed. He sighed deeply and glared at his surroundings. He didn't know if he wanted to take anything else. He looked through his jewellery and found a slim gold chain with the Uchiha crest on it. His mother had given it to him when he was a child. He decided to place the ring on the chain and then clasped the chain around his neck. He bit his lip as he heard a soft knock at the door, and his Mother entered the room.
"Sasuke, are you ready?" His Mother asked.
"Yes Mother. I'm ready." Sasuke replied. She was wearing a plain black dress. Sasuke knew it was funeral garb. She didn't carry much.
"I don't have anything plain really. But I thought taking our jewellery might be a good idea. We can sell it and get some gold to keep travelling." Mikoto stated. Sasuke nodded and took the bag his mother had been carrying. He placed it down on his bed, and then threw all the extravagant jewellery he had into the bag as well. Mikoto sighed as she watched Sasuke put the cloth bag with the jewellery in it, within his own cloth bag. He fastened it closed and then placed the bag on his shoulder.
"We need to go Mother. Have you got a cloak?" Sasuke asked. Mikoto nodded gently, gesturing to a plain black cloak over her arm. Sasuke grabbed his own plain black cloak and threw it over his own arm. "Let's get going." Sasuke said softly. Mikoto nodded and mother and son snuck out of the castle, and into the stable. Sasuke saddled one of the lesser used horses and they both pulled on their black, hooded cloaks. They started walking towards the east gate of the castle.
"Are you sure we should go this way?" Mikoto whispered.
"Yes I'm sure Mother. There aren't any guards at the East gate. It's the entrance that leads into town. We'll walk with the horse until we leave the town and start riding when we're not going to be seen. If people hear the horse's hooves then Father will know exactly what time we left. We need to have an element of surprise." Sasuke stated softly. Mikoto nodded her understanding.
The tension was so thick they could cut it with a knife. Sasuke and Mikoto were staying as silent as possible and sticking to the shadows as they walked through the east gate and through the town. No one was out of their houses and the lights were out. Not a single window was lit. Sasuke knew that this was only to be expected. Most people in the town kept to a strict schedule, and slept when the sun went down. After all, not everyone was born to privilege as he had been. Many worked from sun up. Mikoto stayed close to her son. She hadn't walked in the town for a long time. As soon as they managed to walk through the town, both Sasuke and Mikoto were relieved. Sasuke got up on to the horse, and held a hand out to his Mother. She grabbed hold, and he pulled her up to sit behind him. She held on to her son, as he started to ride away. She looked back and saw the castle's outline in the darkness. She knew she had no regrets.
"I won't let my husband hurt my youngest child." She vowed silently as the horse gathered speed and they left the Castle far behind.
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(Itachi's P.O.V.)
I was supposed to head out to find Shikamaru Nara, Naruto Uzumaki and their families this morning. But something didn't feel right. I decided I would go and check on my foolish little brother before I left. As I walked down the halls to his room, I felt the eyes of the maids on me. I heard them all swooning. It didn't mean anything to me of course. I doubt anyone will cross my path that I'll ever find physically or mentally attractive. No one has ever come close to catching my attention. When I got to Sasuke's room, the door was slightly ajar. I walked in to find the room empty. I felt a surge of pride overcome me. Of all the people in the world that I cared about, my foolish little brother would be at the top of the list. I had hoped to let slip to Mother what was going on. But I had sensed her presence in the throne room when I was talking to Father the night before. I allowed a smile to cross my face for a moment as I thought about my brother alighting in the middle of the night. I looked in his jewellery box, and found all of it missing. I knew that wouldn't be his idea. He'd never consider such things as money. But... my Mother however was a different story. I thought I'd go and see if she'd made an escape with my brother to keep him safe. If she had, my plan was working perfectly. I shut my brother's bedroom door and I walked along the halls, dealing with the swooning maids again and opened my Mother's door. I found her room empty also. I also found her jewellery missing. I couldn't help but let a smirk cross my face. I left Mother's room, closing the door behind me. I figure, that my Father can find out for himself that Sasuke and my Mother are missing. For now it was time to leave and play the game of the dutiful son, rounding up innocent people for slaughter. My soul was long tainted, but Sasuke still had a chance.
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(Akatsuki Base P.O.V.)
Pein was watching as the girls trained. They were working hard, and Tsunade said they were improving rapidly. He could see that Sakura was determined to get everything right. He knew the look of determination on her face well. However, he was trying to figure out exactly what to do about the new information he'd received. His spies had bought information that said the King was now executing anyone that disagreed with him. Of course this was nothing new, but apparently, the King was getting out of hand and threatening murder on his relatives. Pein looked at Sakura determinedly training and decided that should Sasuke Uchiha come to him for help then he'd give it. After all, Sasuke had risked execution himself to save Sakura. Just as the other boys had risked execution to save their former slaves. He dreaded being the one to tell Sakura that they'd been executed. Deidara stood next to him.
"I've had news un." Deidara stated.
"What's happened?" Pein asked.
"The King has a bounty on the head of his youngest son. Sasuke Uchiha fled the Castle. The Queen also left. Rumour has it that the Queen overheard a plot to execute her youngest child and his friends and their families. She warned him and helped him escape. The King is enraged. I hope they get the chance to escape un." Deidara said kindly. Pein nodded.
"I had a bad feeling you were going to tell me that. The question is, do we tell them?" Pein gestured towards the training girls. Deidara shook his head.
"Not now. We need to know for sure what's happening before we tell them anything. If we worry them for nothing it might all be in vain. I'll send Sai to check it out. Then, if they agree, they come back with him." Pein said softly.
"Why would you want to help Sasuke Uchiha un? I know he made a choice to help your little sister. To set her and the other girls free un. But he must have some use for you to send Sai after him." Deidara stated.
"If we do overthrow Fugaku Uchiha, we'll need a just King that can actually think past the idea of slavery. One born of the royal family, or the nobles won't accept him. Sasuke is of royal blood." Pein replied.
"So your idea is to take out Fugaku, and his eldest child, Itachi. Then you intend to place Sasuke on the throne in their stead, and hope everyone accepts him and any policies he makes without question un?" Deidara asked.
"Yes, that's pretty much it." Pein replied.
"What about if he lapses into the same regime as his father un?" Deidara asked.
"That's why I want Sai to bring him here. Not only can we protect him, but he can learn exactly, the crimes his Father has committed. He'll learn the atrocities of the world and he'll be able to rule understanding that these things are wrong." Pein replied.
"I'm glad you know what you're doing un. I don't have a clue what you're planning, so if you know at least someone gets it." Deidara quipped as he walked off.
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(TWO DAYS LATER – Sasuke and Mikoto P.O.V.)
Sasuke and Mikoto were still riding when he spotted a lone figure riding on horseback. Sasuke looked closely, only to note the long dark hair, the usual white tunic and black pants and tan leather headband of Neji. Sasuke looked around to see if anyone was following his friend but saw no one.
"Mother, it's Neji." Sasuke said softly.
"Then go and talk to him." Mikoto said kindly. Sasuke smiled and stopped the horse. He got down.
"Do you want to get down and rest for a bit Mother?" Sasuke asked. Mikoto shook her hooded head gently.
"No I'm fine. Now go and talk to your friend before he gets too far away." Mikoto stated. Sasuke nodded and started walking. He walked until he was directly in Neji's path and waited.
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(Neji's P.O.V.)
My Uncle had ordered me to go to the Uchiha castle last night. I asked him why and he just said that Sasuke was ill, and had asked for me. So I packed up and headed out. I saw Hanabi watching me from a window and waving goodbye. I waved back to her and carried on riding. In fact I've been riding for over a day. But something felt amiss. I saw a black-cloaked male step into my path. That was confusing in its self. When I stopped, the male removed his hood and I saw it was Sasuke. I was never more shocked in my life.
"We need to talk Neji." Sasuke said earnestly. How could I refuse? Something was obviously wrong.
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(General P.O.V.)
Neji and Sasuke walked over to Mikoto, with Neji leading his horse. Neji looked at Mikoto in shock.
"Your highness?" Neji asked, confused.
"No more your highnesses. Just call me Mikoto-San if you must be formal." Mikoto replied. Neji nodded quickly.
"Of course, Mikoto-San." Neji replied. Mikoto smiled.
"Neji we're all in danger." Sasuke stated.
"In danger? As far as I heard it, my Uncle told me you were desperately ill, and you'd asked to see me!" Neji exclaimed.
"It was a lie. My Father found out that our story was false." Sasuke replied.
"How?" Neji questioned.
"He sent Kabuto to follow us. Kabuto reported everything back to him." Sasuke answered.
"That means that Hanabi is in danger!" Neji yelled.
"No. It's doubtful that Hiashi would harm his only heir now. Fugaku sent a message telling your uncle to send you to him. There would be no trouble if he sends you of his own will. Obviously he has agreed." Mikoto said. Her eyes looked sad. Neji glanced down at the ground.
"Well I'm lucky I just packed some plain clothing for the journey. How long have you two been riding Sasuke?" Neji asked.
"Two days nearly. We haven't stopped. We need to get to Konoha and find Shikamaru and Naruto before Itachi comes for them." Sasuke said softly.
"Itachi?" Neji asked.
"Itachi is being sent to take in both the Nara and Uzumaki families, to be tried and executed for treason." Mikoto answered. Neji bit his lip.
"We need to get going then. I'll go to Shikamaru's and get them. You go to Naruto's." Neji stated.
"Why do I have to go and get the Dobe?" Sasuke stated plainly.
"Because you and he are like brothers. He'll listen more carefully to what you're saying." Neji replied.
"I'll go with Neji and explain the situation to Shikaku." Mikoto replied, as she got down from the horse.
"Are you sure about that Mother?" Sasuke asked.
"Absolutely sure. We have to be careful how we move around. Itachi was to leave this afternoon. Which means he won't be here until at least tomorrow. We'll have time. We need to sneak into the houses and warn them. We don't want anyone, loyal to your Father, to get wind of what we're doing." Mikoto replied. Sasuke and Neji nodded and Sasuke got back onto his horse. Neji mounted his own steed and helped Mikoto to sit behind him. Then the trio rode away, hoping to make Konoha by midnight.
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(THAT AFTERNOON – Fire Country Royal Palace)
Itachi was ready to ride out, despite the fact that his Father knew that Sasuke and his Mother were missing now. He was stuck with Kabuto riding beside him.
"Damn Kabuto. If I do catch up with Sasuke I'll have to capture him or I won't be able to complete my plan." Itachi thought to himself. His face, nor posture, showed that he was angry. But his heart glowed with hidden embers of rage, ready to flare into an instant fire if Kabuto spoke to him in a way that displeased him. "It's time to ride out." Itachi stated blandly. His group of soldiers started out with him at the head. Of course he didn't have many choices at the moment, but he knew if he was lucky, he might not have to taint his own soul with anymore innocent lives. "If Sasuke was fast enough." Itachi thought to himself.
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Okay that's the end of this chapter. Next chapter, Naruto and Shikamaru's escape and a run in, but with who? You'll have to wait and see.