Title; Fading

Disclaimer; Nope I don't own any of the Naruto characters.

FallenRaindrops- I wouldn't realy call it filler as such, there are important hints within.

Chapter - 10

There can only be one Gift per soul, this is the rule of the Gods.

No soul can take upon themselves more than one Gift, even if they be born of two different mystics they cannot obtain more than one parents blessing or possibly the blessing of the child God of their parents Gods- for example a Shadow Mystic could be born from a Shadow Mystic or one parent with the Gift of Light and the other the Gift of Darkness.

Even alchemists, the most minor of the Gifted, are limited to creating items of their Gods power, Fire workers may imbue a weapon with sacred flames, create explosive munitions or armour immune to the cold but even with the correct materials they could not create an item of power outside their Deities own range.

That said there are legends; supposedly long before even the birth of the Wraiths the Gods personal Weaponry was forged by an Omni-Gifted smith, each God offered up their greatest alchemist's soul merged them into one, hence many souls allowed for many Gifts, the process also left the smith ageless granting him centuries to hone his craft and provide the weapons for his masters.

The Legend holds that there was a second smith forged in the same fashion by the younger Gods, the second smith was not however born ageless but deathless for Death had been bargained with not to take him, he aged and suffered enslaved by his cruel youthful masters forging their armaments for eternity with his withered arms.

Once long ago the rumours say, whilst the second smith was still young, both craftsmen worked together for a time creating a single item for each Deity; their masters however did not appreciate they're labours, the items they created were of divine make and power but could not be bent to the will of any individual God.

With the power of each God invested within them they were without a Master among the Gods, they were weapons created- however accidently- to slay a God, any God.

Mages of course have attempted techniques to imitate such stories, the creation of bonds to allow the sharing of Gifts between a group, the dividing or partitioning of the soul and even soul stealing; all but the last one were unsuccessful.

Soul thieves have appeared in stories for generations, some trapped a mages soul within an object and used the item went they required the mages abilities, others locked the soul within their own and most terrible of all some simply devoured their prey's soul and flesh consuming and destroying them whilst they took the Mystics abilities and blessings.

The practice was known as life chaining within Naru and was punishable by death, an unnecessary deterrent as the practise required an active connection to a God and few were brave or foolish enough for such a thing.

Still there were whispers.

Stories of the lofty powerful Mystics living with in castle Naru often spoke of their immense wisdom, infallible grace and the silent airs of power that lingered about them chilling the spirit and searing the soul if one came too close.

Drunken morons incapable of doing even the most menial task for themselves they were not supposed to be.

I'd been assigned to guard the minor Gifted, and from what I'd gathered a rather talentless group of them at that, they had spent most of the morning at work imbuing items with minor abilities for the Saints, Assassins and higher members of the Guards corps; simple things like a breastplate that would heat up in the cold, a ring that would alight in the dark and more suspicious a long wicked knife that would blend in with the darkness.

Each of the men made about two of the items before announcing themselves exhausted and parched, since then I'd played the part more so of barkeep than swordsman as Captain Rex bent completely to the men's will with some form of bizarre reverence to the lazy mages- as I got another round of drinks as per orders I noticed one of the Mystics slip Rex a small ring with a faint glow and understanding swiftly dawned on me.

"Stop that." Sighed Sasuke after I'd finished serving the drinks, I blinked up at him rather confused, ignoring orders hardly seemed like a good idea.

"Rex is on guard duty now, not leading a Raid, he's got no authority to give orders." Answered the Uchiha easily interrupting my confusion, that certainly explained why some of the other Raiders had been so amused at my scrambling to get drinks.

"You know I was expecting something more…" I trailed off in my question, I wasn't sure what I had been expecting of the mages…only that this wasn't it.

"Impressive?" a voice asked from behind us, I turned to see a silver haired man had snuck up on us at some point, I figured he must have been one of the regular guards but clearly not a very good one- he had neglected to wear his armour instead wearing simply navy traveling clothes, a light scarf around the lower portion of his face and a stained bandana; the sword over his shoulder was of a simple and practical design, a soldiers companion not a Captain or Commanders elegantly embellished blade, one of his eyes remained shut- a grizzly scar running from an inch above it to an inch below.

"Kind of, no armour?" I asked feeling oddly at ease with the man, there was something wonderfully casual about him that urged me to speak freely.

"I'm afraid this lot aren't the most impressive, unfortunately they do represent the general attitude of the Mystics. I don't see why you're wearing your armour to be honest, it's way too hot in here and anyway we won't be attacked." Answered the man with a haphazard wave of his hand, I nodded my agreement- it was even hotter up here than below in the barracks.

"I still can't imagine the Guard Captain will appreciate it though." I commented watching as the Mages gave a sound cheer one began to gulp down his drink furiously- I still hadn't gathered the rules of their little game.

"Yeah, that Captains a real hard ass, let me know if you see him around." Returned the silver haired guard with a small chuckle, I gave a shrug.

"I would but I've no idea what he looks like." I offered ignoring Rex as he shouted to me to retrieve another round of drinks for the men.

"I thought so." He sounded quite condescending in his tone, I frowned but didn't otherwise remark.

"So why won't we be attacked?" I asked without particular urgency, I didn't believe the Mystics were in any danger either but I wanted to hear his opinion.

"The killer or killers aren't the direct types, they've always chosen lone targets and the first wound is always to the back." Answered the guard, I frowned deeper more than a little confused, that didn't have the sound of ideal gossip to it.

"Either that's heresy or you're really well informed." I remarked suspiciously, I think he grinned at the words but it was difficult to tell, Sasuke stepped closer apparently intending to join the conversation and for the first time I noticed my new friends impressive height as he straightened his posture- he stood about three inches above the tall Uchiha, with his bastard sword I imagined he would have a deadly reach in open air combat.

"As the Guard Captain should be. What brings you down to us lowly Raiders Hatake?" asked Sasuke in an icy indifferent tone, yet I could see a keen interest reflect from his eyes, a moment later I processed his first words.

"Guard Captain!" I whispered mortified, I'd been casually speaking and even somewhat teasing the head of the Guard corps, neither Sasuke or Captain Kakashi paid me any heed.

"I'm beginning a personal investigation into the ritual murders, I thought I might invite you along." Answered Kakashi still appearing quite relaxed, I was more than a little confused myself…apparently Sasuke was on friendly terms with the powerful man, the question of his past seemed to contort and take yet another confusing twist.

"And what need would you have of me, you've got plenty of soldiers beneath your command not to mention Cassom Quiken's blessing and that monstrous blade of yours- Fenrir the wolfs blade." Returned Sasuke, of course I'd heard it before, Captain Hatake was well known for bearing both a powerful gift of Earth and his enchanted weapon making him a veritable force of nature on the battlefield.

"There's been trouble from Reylass, many of my soldiers are tied up in it, the rest I'm afraid have been commandeered by cowardly yet highly ranked persons. As for my Gift and Fenrir, well neither one is well suited for use within the tight streets of the lower city." Answered Kakashi lazily scratching the back of his head and looking rather sheepish, I guess the implication that if he fought in the lower areas he'd likely cause massive property damage was an embarrassing one.

"There's more, you think there's a Gift at work in this don't you." Snapped Sasuke irritably, guard duty did not agree with his temperament, Kakashi sighed revealing the comments accuracy.

"I believe so yes, and likely a powerful one if these rituals have given the arcane ability increased potential." Answered the Guard Captain tersely, for the first time his casual and relaxed demeanour had dropped to reveal a man filled with disgust and outrage.

"Then go enlist the Saints help, the Hunters were created for this sort of thing Kakashi, I've no interest in playing Guard for a day." answered Sasuke and despite myself I found myself more than a little impressed, apparently there was nobody that the Uchiha would hesitate to tell off- he was completely apathetic to the chain of command or even common sense it would seem.

"They lack finesse, or more precisely they're a bunch of savage sadists who'd butcher dozens of innocents in their questing." Spat the Hatake, Sasuke sighed and nodded his silent acceptance of the opinion.

"Three times your average Raid pay." Offered the silver haired swordsman as Sasuke dragged a hand through his unruly hair and shook his head softly.

"I've no interest in coin Kakashi." He rejected, though I could see an inner struggle waging itself in his eyes; likely he was tempted simply to get out of Guard duty.

"And a charm, and enchanted item of your choice." Added the now sombre Guard Captain a hard line in his eye, I could see now why he'd earned such admiration among the Guards, he'd already impressed me with his desire to limit potential civilian casualties despite the fact that said civilians would be the lowest section of society- beggars, thieves, pickpockets, con-artists and used up whores.

"Magic doesn't work on me Kakashi." Sasuke shot back, they were rather opposite in their stances, Sasuke I knew rarely did anything that wasn't in his personal interest or to protect Sakura or myself.

"Not for you then, a charm to dull pain or slow the spread of disease, I'm sure that pretty girl you visit so often would appreciate it." Explained the warrior further, I felt my blood freeze- was it possible that Kakashi knew about the nature of Sakura's sickness, her corrupted gift- my tension was not alleviated as I saw Sasuke's hands twitch and his muscles tighten and contract.

He was considering attacking.

"You'd have the advantage, I couldn't draw Fenrir in such tight quarters and besides you're too close for it to matter if I did. Still I doubt you'd make it out of the castle alive." Sasuke continued to glare darkly at the older man but the danger of the moment seemed to pass.

"I apologise if I've offended you, I'm obviously aware of your friends occupation and I didn't intend to imply she was worth less for it. We each do as we must and that shouldn't diminish our souls worth." I struggled not to release a sigh of relief, it seems we'd firstly misinterpreted the extent of Kakashi's information and fortunately he had in turn misinterpreted Sasuke's reasoning.

"You've been keeping close watch on me?" grunted the Uchiha, relaxing and clearly going along with Kakashi's interpretation of his near homicidal intent.

"Or course, I've been attempting to have you transferred to us for about six months now and yet I've always been refused. I have to make sure you don't get snapped up by the Saints and Assassins…or God forbid Orochimaru gets his hands on you." Answered Kakashi, something of his earlier humour returning once more.

"You know why I've stayed as I am." Shot back the Uchiha in turn folding his powerful arms and bowing his head, and don't ask again his body language seemed to say.

"And have you come any closer, it's a noble intent to be certain but wholly impossible, I had thought originally joining the militia you intended to regain some of your former estate through rank not chase ghosts across a barren field." Commented Kakashi almost scolding the other man, I couldn't follow his meaning in the slightest but committed the words to memory, it was another clue as to who the mysterious Uchiha was.

"I have come closer Kakashi, much closer in fact." Snarled Sasuke darkly, Kakashi's one eye widened drastically in surprise.

"Then all the more reason to transfer, if you can track him I'd be by your side and a company of others too." Argued the Captain, his shock at the revelation still quite apparent.

This man Sasuke hoped to find still remained a mystery to me, Itachi or perhaps the Rider that Omlan Cistus had spoken of, apparently Kakashi knew what was still a mystery to me.

"He became like I did Kakashi, I'm more certain of that now. Your gift and your sword would be rendered useless in a confrontation. And his pet would make a meal of your soldiers." It was the Rider they were discussing then, the one with the dragon companion, I still knew scant else about the man except that he served some deity and both Sasuke and apparently Kakashi held some animosity towards him.

"Then what do you hope to achieve on your own?" asked the elder man quietly questing to meet the Uchiha's gaze, Sasuke prevented as much keeping his eyes locked on some unremarkable point on the wall behind the Mages.

"Solace." Came the low whisper as some kind of hidden meaning passed between the two, Kakashi it seemed was resolved not to push any further now as he turned to stride away.

"Two of the charms, one for pain the other disease, and this one comes with me- same coin." Sighed the Uchiha rubbing the bridge between his eyes in palpable annoyance, I could feel Kakashi's grin as he nodded his consent more like a feeling than anything else I could sense a curiosity from the warrior.

"Agreed, lose the armour though, it's far too conspicuous." We were ordered, myself confused and Sasuke irritated we marched in compliance.

I tried to cull my growing unease, after all both my companions were more than capable of fighting any threat we might face, still I felt a chill at the thought of facing the occult- even the monstrous Daemons were flesh and bone, capable of being rent and crushed- an arcane warrior, a Wraith and myself the lowly Raider still little more than a recruit.

There was no doubt whom was the weak link.

"So where do we begin?" asked our supposed leader, we'd taken shelter beneath a shop ledge to discuss our plan of investigation, the rain still struck us however carried on the unusually strong gusts; I pulled my scarf higher hoping to shield my face somewhat from the icy liquid- we'd had to take measures to blend in with the poorer areas we'd descended into, the most regrettable of which was leaving our warmer clothing behind.

"Tell me about the victims." Snapped Sasuke barely supressing a shiver himself.

"They were all found at cardinal points around Naru, outside a church, but there's no real pattern to go on. The bodies were found eagle spread and shrivled, their blood completely drained and spread around the sites scripting arcane spells of some foul nature or another. The first wound as I've said already is always to the back, the spine actually, quite the surgical skill to the wound too. More cuts line the inner bicep and thighs. I'd guessing that the blade in either enchanted or coated in some poison that's prevented the victim from calling or struggling at all after the initial attack." Explained Kakashi with a professional detachment that didn't waver, Sasuke and I listened in silence offering an occasional nod where appropriate.

"Why did you think there was a Mystic involved?" I asked after a moment, there didn't seem anything in the description that hinted at as much to me, Sasuke shook his head with a short guff laugh and Kakashi raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I'll have to give you lessons in history and lore one of these days Gin, supposedly the Gods Gifts were originally given through an infusion of blood- a couple of drops distilled into the God's priest." Answered Sasuke as if that were a complete explanation and justification of his and Kakashi's theories.

"With the exception of Sasuke here every person has some measure of the Gift; even if it's too weak to manifest itself. So our belief is the murder has been siphoning the miniscule Gift from the victims' blood and empowering his own. Likely the noble-born man's murder was no accident, he'd a minor talent for ice if I recall correctly. We've got a greedy monster in our midst." Chimed in Kakashi noticeable contempt in his tone.

"We could use you as bait then, if you allow a hint of your gift to shine through, perhaps go offer healing or charms in a couple of taverns." Suggested Sasuke with a shrug, it didn't seem like the safest suggestion but then again I doubted the assassin would prove a match for the famed Captain.

"I'd thought of it but no. All the victims have been of a particular build and age, slim and slightly shorter than average with no more than twenty winters behind them." Both men suddenly shared a sudden glance in my direction.

"We'll gather some more information before we try something drastic." Announced Captain Hatake much to my relief, Sasuke nodded his agreement almost enthusiastically- or perhaps that was my imagination at work.

"More than a half dozen of them were…working girls. Perhaps we'd best start interviewing them?" suggested Kakashi, though as I suspected there was another message within, frowning Sasuke handed me the two enchanted items he'd gained- a bangle to reduce pain and a necklace which would slow the spread of an infection or disease.

"You can warn the girls at Sakura's then, stick around and try to keep them inside and be sure that nobody leave's alone if they must go. Find out if they've heard anything about the killer or a stranger new to the area, anything and everything." Ordered Sasuke, apparently I would also be playing messenger too; I didn't mind too much as it would be warmer than out here.

"Should I await you there?" I asked accepting the precious accessories, Kakashi nodded in the affirmative.

"We'll be most of the night gathering information, two cutthroats offering ourselves as guards. We'll probably have to drink a fair amount before they loosen up to us…damn folks down here are tight knit enough to shut down and protect a murderer if they get a whiff of authority." Spoke Kakashi with an almost disappointed sounding swear, I'd seen that myself before, rather than seek to protect the murderer they simply refuse to humour the notion that their friend or neighbour is a killer and ultimately achieve that unfortunate end anyway.

"Keep your guard up." Muttered Sasuke before both he and Kakashi disappeared into the rain and down a winding alleyway, for him those classed as concerned words.

I spent most of the night uncomfortably sat at the crowded bar, for my own part I'd learned a lot more about Sakura's profession than I'd ever intended.

There seemed to be some sort of roaster that decided the duty of a girl on a certain night, who worked the bar, who worked the bars customers and who walked the streets…naturally these things were only hinted at by Sakura, try as I might I couldn't completely hide some of the emotions I felt- disgust and pity mostly mixed into a foul cocktail I didn't intend to delve deeper into.

Still despite myself I wondered who had it worse in Naru's lowest caste, in desperation many women turned to prostitution many men to the Raiders corps; both were quickly either dead or so hollow they might as well be.

The bar was full of these hollow eyed creatures, all pooled in with the security measures they danced and tried to lure coin off the increasingly drunken oafs laughing and gambling in the corners, or from Raiders themselves hollow eye'd with humourless laughs.

I decided to have a drink.

"It's about time, I was afraid I'd have to kick you to make room for a paying customer." Giggled Sakura taking the seat next to me, I eyed her for a moment her cheeks were rosy with obvious intoxication and she wore, I quickly averted my eyes, she laughed some more.

"One of the girls tripped, grabbed a handful of my top and well you can guess." Mentioned the woman leaning forward on the bar, I kept my eyes riveted on my cup.

"Why not put on another one." I suggested, I was becoming quite aware of why Sasuke hadn't wanted to guard his friend himself if Sakura's intoxication was a regular occurrence- given her situation though I suspected it was…and I couldn't fault her for it.

"No point really, just get torn off too." She slurred tiredly laying her head on the table, the angle made it possible for me to face her properly without getting an eye full, I noticed the bags under her eyes and the beginnings of stress lines by her eyes, a sad thing for someone so young.

I made a hasty decision.

I'd noticed already how the system operated, first you paid the eldest women- the madam or something- sitting near the end of the bar then you were free to take the girl up to one of the rooms.

In two minutes I'd paid and led the drunken and highly confused Sakura up the stairs to one of the shanty dingy rooms, I tried not to reflect on how little I had needed to pay for my friends supposed services.

I breathed a sigh of relief allowing my eyes to shut in bliss from being out of the packed bar and somewhere more quiet, it didn't occur to me until a moment later that Sakura could not in fact read my mind and may have misinterpreted my actions, it became obvious enough however when with my eyes still shut I felt chapped dry lips press against my own.

I threw the girl away from me adding to her confusion, she regained her balance and blinked drunkenly at me a frown knitting her pale features.

"Did you not want to kiss then?" she asked puzzled, I shook my head furiously feeling my face heat up drastically, at the revelation her nodded and instead lowered herself to her knees allowing a hand to ghost towards my privates.

"I just wanted some quiet." I finally managed to find my voice catching her wrist and pulling her up before things could become more awkward; and believe me had you tried to go through with that last plan things would have been real fucking awkward I thought offhandedly.

It was her turn to blush wildly and stumble in embarrassment and she tried to find words, I however still had plenty enough and thought to elaborate.

"You look tired and I'm going crazy down there, we can just relax for a little now." And never mention this again I silently added.

"Oh." A silent moment stretched out between us wherein she refused in meet my eyes, awkwardly I took a seat on the worn bedding- all the while trying to keep thoughts of what the bed may have played host to from my mind- after another couple of long heartbeats the pinkette joined me drunkenly flopping down on the far side of the bed.

"So…what do you know about the Guard Captain?" I asked, I couldn't imagine it would be a lot but I was still curious about the unusual man, it was also a safe subject I felt, a good distraction from the earlier embarrassment.

"Which one? Kakashi the Pale Death or Kakashi the Drunken Lout?" asked the girl with an almost sorrowful laugh, the first name was familiar, the second was not.

"Kakashi the Drunken Lout?" I asked surprised, I'd heard little about the man except his near infallible skill and power and I knew he was well respected among most of the citadel.

"Not a well-known name I'm afraid since he was promoted, and learned to hide the habit of course. About five years ago back when he was still just a lieutenant or corporal…something or other he wondered in here and proceeded to drink himself stupid every night hence until he finally made Captain a year ago. He never took part in the other services, sat and spoke with Sasuke sometimes though; well I should say tried, Sasuke never could stand the sight of him after the first dozen or so took their toll." Rambled the girl with all the vague hand gestures I'm sure would have made more sense were she sober, I was somewhat surprised with the revelation that the man now in charge of the cities protection had such a problem.

"Why'd he make Captain then." I mused aloud, Sakura snickered softly and grinned.

"Just cause he hung around bums doesn't mean he can't fight like a damned Demon, likely someone stuck him in there hoping he'd be nice and malleable. Bet they got quite the shock." She snorted rolling onto her side with a dazed sleepy look on her made up features.

"How does he know Sasuke?" I asked, I'd kind of promised myself not to go rooting into my friends muddled past as I'd hoped he'd do me the same kindness, but this technically wasn't his past I was looking at.

"Taught him to fence when he was little, and I think he was real close with Sasuke's uncle…cousin something." Answered Sakura her voice now even more difficult to interpret as near sleep added to her drunk lisp.

"I didn't know Sasuke had an uncle or whatever, he doesn't talk about his family." I mentioned lightly, the airs of sleep left Sakura completely, and a look of panic flashed to life in her green eyes before it disappeared just as quickly.

"No he wouldn't, and you shouldn't ask him. Ever." Replied the woman in a fierce tone.

"What happened?" I asked, I'd been content to ignore the questions when it was only curiosity pulling me, but now I was concerned more than a simple fog dark clouds seemed to hang over the Uchiha's cloaked past.

"…do you recall an incident about nine years ago, a noble family all murdered in one night?" began Sakura hesitantly, I nodded, the news had went around so often that even a young child like myself had heard it a hundred times or more- I hadn't particularly cared at the time, that sort of thing happened often enough to poorer families, that it had happened to one of the noble families whose greed created the poverty seemed not only fitting but an act of karma to me.

"There was a survivor, a young boy, who with all the families possessions either stolen or razed was cast out into the street and stripped of his title." Continued Sakura her emerald eyes burning into my own, I made the connections in an instant.

"You can't mean…" I trailed off as Sakura nodded, little things suddenly made sense, his ability to read and write, his knowledge of history, Kakashi's earlier comments, his anger at the nobles- had they been friends before and then abandoned him after his fall, likely- there were likely more connections, less obvious ones, that would come in time.

"My mother used to work for his family, we grew up together, then one day our positions reversed and I was the one better off. When she could my mother would give him what food we could spare, it kept him alive I think while he was in the depression after the massacre. I think that's why he refuses to abandon my lost cause now, he feels a debt that doesn't exist or if it ever did it's been repaid by now." I was horrified, at the image of the unwavering Sasuke smaller and shattered unable to bring himself to even scavenge for food...too weighed down by grief.

"When we were fifteen though something changed in him, he'd been ill for almost a week and then suddenly he was…I don't know, he wasn't his old self again the sweet cocky kid he'd been but he wasn't hollow like he'd been before; there was fire in his eyes, determination like I've never seen. It scared me and drew me closer all at once." Continued the girl, even had I found my voice I wouldn't have interrupted her now, I held onto every slurred word as if they were stardust, she continued on drunkenly.

"A year later my mother died, I came here, and he joined the Raiders. He was my first customer you know, I knew I had to work here it'd be the only way to afford the medicine I needed, I'd offered it at first- thought he'd take it considering how likely it was he'd die out there- but he refused. I'd demanded it of him then, fuck, it was awkward, not bad but he didn't even try to pretend or act like he was interested in it, simply preformed his duty as if he were in a battle." She was both laughing and crying at the same time and had crawled closer to me wearily resting her head on my lap, it had been more than I wanted to hear and more than I should have heard- I hoped come the morning she wouldn't remember and I could feign ignorance.

"How do you fall for a man like that, silly girl should know he's too lost for that…and I've not got the time to wait for him." Her last words trailed off as I felt her breath evening out, not for the first time I was humbled by the misery my new companions seemed so steeped in.

Once more I felt dwarfed and petty by these complex creatures.

I heard light footfalls on the stairs before a knock resounded, I slipped carefully from beneath my slumbering friend and moved to the door, I was greeted by a grim faced Kakashi…well what I could see of his face hinted at the grim anyway.

"Where's Sasuke?"

And that's it for this chapter and it's uncomfortable conversations, expect some action in the next instalment.

As ever any opinions or questions are happily welcome.

Please Review…it's good for my ego

R&R