Good evening and welcome to the next chapter.
Many thanks to my beautiful friend kcisjohan for reviewing it all and looking out for those sneaky mistakes!
Shout out to BadButt94 and leighd1314 for leaving me a review on the last chapter, much appreciated! Lub ya all!
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Itachi stood before a large window, his eyes staring listlessly across the frost covered horizon. The sunrise brought him no comfort, even as it created sparkles of colour and gem-like spots across the courtyards. It had been sometime before his otouto had sent a hawk, weeks since he had been carried off by the belly of the dragon, his thoughts often tried to suggest gastly visions of his otouto. He would find himself lashing out towards furniture and furnishings, desperately trying to keep his agony at bay, as to not show his distressed state to anyone that may be nearby.
With every passing day of not hearing any news of his lost otouto, the more he struggled to keep his mind out of despair that Sasuke was lost.
'He cannot be lost. He is an Uchiha!' Itachi often reminded himself over and over. He constantly brought up visions of the past, watching Sasuke train himself until he nearly passed out from exhaustion, on ways to protect himself. Fighting styles, both hand to hand combat and with weapons. Sasuke knew the ways of the land, how to survive for weeks on his own in the middle of nowhere, thus, there was no way that Sasuke would have perished. Just because he was stuck to a dragon meant nothing! He scoffed to himself. But still… the waiting could be the most dangerous culprit yet that Itachi has been faced with.
"Majesty," a voice called out from behind the wooden door. A small knock accompanied the voice.
Itachi pinched his lips. He knew the voice, it was his morning servant, coming to ensure he was awake, and would assist him with preparing him for the day. In the past the servant would have just walked in, opening curtains and getting items ready for Itachi even before he was awake. But as of late, with Itachi's continual worry for his otouto, his shortened temper and most likely weary look, his servant had begun to tread carefully around him. Itachi let out a long sigh when the soft voice called out again.
"Come," Itachi called out, his eyes still staring across the lands through the window.
The soft click of the door, the shuffling of feet, Itachi knew the sounds all too well and he didn't bother looking back. He would just wait for his servant to give him direction on when he needed to get Itachi ready.
"Majesty," the servant spoke quietly and from behind Itachi.
Itachi turned slowly, his eyes taking in his long time trusted servant. He blinked in surprise to see his servant holding an envelope.
"This came early this morning majesty." He thrust the envelope towards the king.
Plucking it out of the servant's hands, who then turned to get things prepared in the room, Itachi slipped the parchment out and read the note.
Your Majesty King Uchiha,
I understand your request to withhold the anticipated union between our kingdoms, but I have a strong belief that our kingdom could be of use to you in your time of need as suggested by your last message.
Therefore, I have withheld the caravan as long as possible, but due to the upcoming winter and the storms that have been foretold, I have disembarked the caravan as of XXXX day and they should be expected to arrive within seven days of the departure date.
I would appreciate an understanding of my concerns of the impending winter months and my hopes that the caravan arrives safely and before any major storms that may come through our lands. I have sent a dozen of my most trusted knights to accompany my most precious treasure. Please do not hesitate to consult with the captain on any situations that you may require assistance with.
I entrust you to show the best hospitality to my only child, your betrothed. I have passed on any and all information I have of you and your family, in hopes that the continuance of our kingdom's history of trust can be passed on between your union.
With all due respect, the sooner a union is completed, I feel it would be best for both of our kingdoms.
Do inform me of when the union is complete, though I may not be available at the official ceremony, I will attempt to attend your kingdom as soon as I am able. With our meeting, we should be able to complete the union of our kingdoms and celebrate accordingly.
Your friend and ally,
King Yuki
Itachi once again pinched his lips and suppressed a sound of irritation. This was not what he had expected of the king. He had hoped that the king would hold off until the spring but it was apparent that king Yuki was not a patient man.
Itachi dropped his head back and squeezed his eyes shut. He didn't have time for such a trivial political manner when his otouto's life was at stake. He released a long sigh and folded the parchment back up, shoving it back into the envelope from which it originated.
"Your majesty?"
It was the servant again. Itachi looked up at the trusted man who held a towel and basket of soaps and oils. The servant gave a concerned look towards the king and Itachi just nodded. With the date indicating the departure date, the time it took for the message to arrive, Itachi now had a possible 48 hours to prepare for the arrival of his betrothed. He grabbed a hold of his cane and walked towards the room that held his bath off his room, the trusted servant following in his footsteps, his mind already going through various thoughts of how to prepare for his bride and strategies on how to assist the Uzumaki kingdom as well his otouto.
It was a tough time to be a king…
….
Several hours later, Itachi found himself behind a desk, going over documents, historical information on the lands and discussions about his upcoming union. He rubbed his temples tiredly, laying back against the high back of his chair and closing his eyes briefly.
The early frost promised an early snowfall and the people were, as every year, trying their best to prepare for it. The days were full of never ending requests for assistance on food storage, supplies and financial stressors. Over the years, the demands may have been the same, but with consistent planning and overseeing the kingdom's crops and livestock, the people have been well taken care of throughout many winters. The people still needed a leader though, every year, to assist them in direction for future planning of the winter months, even though the people practised the same protocols every year they still felt the need to be given direction.
He had given instructions for his castle staff to prepare rooms for his betrothed, any servants or maids in waiting that most likely will be attending, as well space for the knights and horses. He suddenly huffed out a snort of humour when a thought popped into his mind. He just realised that he had no recollection of ever meeting the Yuki king's child. Hell, he didn't even know if his betrothed was a male or female! Not that it mattered any to Itachi. He felt bad for the heir though, for Itachi has never had any type of sexual sensations for any person for as long as he could remember. Even as he had gone through his puberty, sure his shaft would be rock solid in the mornings after he woke, as any male would, and he certainly would relieve himself, if he felt like it, but the desire for any type of sexual contact didn't seem to exisit.
Certainly there were many women and men that have offered their services, including his own servants that attended him in his bathing quarters, or those who had a little too much to drink that they felt brave enough to flirt with the king with suggestive comments and gestures. Certainly he had learned about the desires of men and women in his years of growing up, and saw it when he may have stumbled upon a couple that were thrusting like animals in the shadows of the castle or outside making lewd noises. But there was never any feeling of sexual hunger within him. Exposure to those couples actively mating, the lewd groans and moaning sounds of their heavy love making and having a woman's breasts thrust upon his body, Itachi's manhood made no twitch, no movement and Itachi accepted it as it was.
His physician had informed him that it was most likely the trauma at the Uzumaki kingdom that he had been exposed to that was the culprit, but Itachi just waved it off. He had no desires, no thoughts, and frankly, never thought of any type of sexual release. He let out a sigh again at the thought that his betrothed being stuck in a most likely non-sexual marriage. The pang of guilt briefly struck him before he was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come," he called out, still looking through various documents before him.
One of his knights came through the door, bowed and took a stand before Itachi's desk, waiting for acknowledgement to be allowed to speak. Itachi looked up at the man and nodded, letting him know that he could speak.
"Your majesty, we have received word that the caravan is one days ride away." The large man spoke out with a deep gruff voice.
"Have a team meet up with them to ensure their safety and guide them safely here Kisame," Itachi stated. Itachi decided that he didn't need any surprises at this time, and the sooner the caravan arrived, and safely, the better.
Kisame bowed with a snap and left the room. Itachi placed his forehead against his thumb and forefinger. Looks like things are going to get moving sooner than later.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Itachi stood at the castle doors, leaning heavily against his cane, watching as the caravan made its way slowly into the courtyard. Several servants created a walkway, preparing for all the party to arrive. The sound of a dozen horses and knights echoed through the air as well as the creaking sounds of the immaculate carriage that slowed to a stop before the castle doors.
A footman hopped down, slid a step before the carriage door before opening it and holding out his hand. A gloved petite hand broke through the shadow of the carriage, before small feet stepped out and onto the ground. Itachi slowly made his way down the path towards the small figure, covered in white and gold robes, a golden veil covering the figure's face and head ruffled gently when a breeze came by. The figure stood, their hand holding the footman's tightly, and Itachi's eyes caught the form trembling slightly. At first he thought it was the wind, but no, it was apparent his betrothed was nervous and struggled to keep from trembling.
Itachi bowed slightly before the figure, "I am blessed and pleased to have you arrive safely." He kept his voice soft yet firm, trying to make the figure feel safe in his presence. The footman pulled on the small hand, causing the petite figure to shuffle forward towards Itachi. Itachi balanced against his cane, held his free hand up to the footman's face and gave a slight frown towards the man. The footman audibly gulped and froze immediately from the king's gaze.
"I do hope that you will be happy here. If you will give me permission," Itachi spoke again calmly while looking at the golden veil where he figured his betrothed's eyes would be, "I would like to take your hand and guide you inside where it is much warmer." Itachi held his hand out before the small figure, not pushing himself towards the person. He did not want this petite individual to enter upon his kingdom in fear, though he figured it was most natural for this person to most likely be terrified having been shipped off to an unknown land and be forced to marry a complete stranger. No, he wanted this person to feel safe and secure under Itachi's care, and he would do what he could to ensure this.
The small gloved hand squeezed the footman's briefly before slowly moving towards Itachi's outstretched hand.
Itachi was surprised to find the hand feeling so light, even though it was placed directly upon his fingers, but it was also so tiny, that Itachi felt that he could completely envelope the hand just by closing his fist around it. He gave a small nod of approval and gently guided the petit figure beside him. Giving ample space between them, he stepped slowly towards the castle doors, allowing the individual time to take the steps needed to go inside. Itachi found himself intrigued by this petite bride, who was several inches shorter than himself. There was an inkling of interest sparking within him as well to know what his bride looked like beneath all the white and golden cloth. With a pinch of his lips, Itachi took his bride inside his castle, with a handful of his bride's servants following behind.
Once inside, he couldn't help but inwardly smile as his bride's head turned slightly about, taking in the sight, but he could still feel his bride's hand quiver ever so slightly in his grasp.
"Do you like it?" he asked his bride.
A small gasp came from the fully covered figure and then a quick nodding of yes to the head. Itachi felt pride that his bride responded so positively.
"You will be welcome to explore all you like, when you are comfortable to do so of course," Itachi continued to speak as they walked the halls, his bride matching his step as he moved slowly with his cane. "I will send word to your father of your safe arrival, and my servants will be sure to be at your beck and call for anything you may wish or need. I am assuming you would like to send word to your father as well?" Itachi asked quietly but smiled as a nodding head was once again received.
After a few more minutes of walking, Itachi stopped at an elaborate wooden door with lines and leaves carved into the wood. "Here are your quarters, you must be exhausted from your long trip. Your servants can ask my servants where to find all the things you will need to help you rest and feel better." Itachi stepped back from his covered bride, giving the small individual space. Itachi wanted his bride to feel safe and gain trust in Itachi.
The small frame of his bride grasped those gloved covered hands closely and stood still before the door. Itachi waited for the petite bride to make the move to open the door, "well, I will see you at dinner." Itachi bowed his head and moved to turn away before a squeak noise, ever so softly, had him stop suddenly. He turned back around to see his betrothed had taken a step towards him and a small dainty gloved hand was stretched out, but had stopped mid movement. The servants of his betrothed stood a distance away, with their heads bowed, waiting for the go ahead from their master.
"Was there something…" Itachi started.
"Thank you," was the whispered response coming from behind the golden veil.
The gloved hand quickly dropped and Itachi watched his betrothed quickly turn and enter through the open door. Itachi couldn't help but feel warm at the response from his bride in such a short time and his lips curled up slightly into a smile as he turned to walk away.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Sasuke sat by the small flickering lights of the fire that was burning low, his journal in his lap, his fingers moving his pencil about the parchment paper, drawing and shading. Since he returned from his little adventure in the deeper recesses of the cave, his mind was overflowing with the need to get his information into his journal. His desire to finish a makeshift map of the inside of this massive cave spilled onto several pages. The sight of the dragon's body up close and personal, another bit to write about.
But of course…
His apparent gentle interaction with the dragon itself, still burned an image in his mind over and over.
It had been yet at least another couple days, from what he could figure, since that meeting by the water. The dragon continued to bring him mounds of fish and Sasuke continued to use some of the broken wood that was piled off in the corner. Sasuke still hadn't been able to find any other means of escape from this place, other than the fissure high in the ceiling, but at least he wouldn't starve to death while there was an abundance of fish and freshwater. He sighed, what he wouldn't give for rice and vegetables though.
Speaking of the dragon, it laid on the ground several metres away from him, its one eye watching him continuously. Sasuke had become used to its presence, and he huffed out a noise, surprised at himself that he had become this comfortable with the beast. He wasn't sure how to explain in terms of how he came to find himself more calm with it, almost like having a large dog, a quiet one at that, that just was lying around and watching its master.
The beast moved its head just then, its muzzle opening ever so slightly, and its teeth began to nibble at its left front foot. Sasuke's eyes watched the movement, wondering if dragon's actually got itches, as it appeared to nibble like a dog would with an itch on its leg. It wasn't the first time the dragon had done this, Sasuke had made several notes about it, but it always seemed to bite at this one particular foot. The thought intrigued him just then, realising that this may be something of a clue to know more about it. Taking a breath to gather his curious courage, Sasuke got up and decided to move closer to the beast.
The eyes looked up at him then, but the dragon didn't move, its teeth still nibbling at his one front foot. Sasuke took slow tentative steps closer, watching the dragon eyes that watched him in turn. When the dragon hesitated, so did Sasuke.
"I'm not going to hurt you," Sasuke decided to speak out. It had been the first time he actually spoke to the dragon, and he couldn't help but feel a little silly when he spoke. But then he thought, it wasn't much different than talking to his horse, and there was no doubt in his mind that this dragon at least understood the different tones. "Is it alright if I just see?" He scoffed again at his talk, asking a question like this as if the beast would answer.
The dragon lifted its head, and Sasuke swore it tilted its head ever so slightly, just like a dog would when its master was talking to it about something. But just as quickly, the dragon went back to gnawing at its front paw.
Sasuke got close, not as close as he was when the two of them met in the other cavern, but close enough to see what the dragon was doing to its foot. Sasuke crouched to the ground, his eyes squinted through the shadows, and tried to see with what dim light came through from the fire behind him. A glimmer of something caught his eye and his eyes zeroed in on what he thought he saw.
There was something stuck to the foot of the beast. Whatever it was, it appeared to be lodged on one of the toes, Sasuke briefly wondered if it was a piece of metal or something. If it was, how uncomfortable that would be. Curiosity got the best of him and he found himself unconsciously moving closer, his eyes staying focused on the small gleaming piece of metal on the dragon's foot.
Before he knew it, he found himself a couple of feet away from the dragon's front foot. His eyes never left the small gleaming metal piece and the dragon had long since stopped gnawing at its foot and lifted its head. Sasuke once again crouched to the ground, his head tilting back and forth examining the huge claws on the foot.
What he saw wasn't an embedded piece of metal, what he saw was…
"A gold band?" he spoke aloud to himself. He reached to touch it, without thinking and a growl echoed through the darkness and the foot moved away suddenly.
Sasuke gasped in surprise, realising what he had just done and fell back on his ass onto the sandy cave floor. Holy shit! What was he thinking?! He scrambled backwards, his heart hammering in his chest at the sudden realisation that he had somehow wandered closely to the dragon, his mind focused on the piece of gold embedded on the beast's claw toe.
The dragon began to stand tall, its head looking down at Sasuke's figure as Sasuke struggled to crab walk backwards away from it. The dragon only released that one growl, when Sasuke tried to touch it, but it stopped and made to move away now.
"Wait!" Sasuke cried out, before he could stop himself from speaking, his arm reaching out towards the beast. Surprisingly, the dragon hesitated in its movement. Sasuke panted heavily, willing his heart to slow down, trying to suppress his sudden fear when the dragon had growled and moved. He didn't know why he suddenly spoke out but there was no going back.
"I won't touch, ju-just let me see," he pleaded. He kept his eyes steady on the eyes of the dragon, and he prayed to any god that he wasn't doing something stupid.
The dragon blinked slowly, continued to look back at Sasuke, and Sasuke found himself holding his breath now. Would his life be at an end now? Would the dragon just open its jaws and take his life, happy to be rid of him? Sasuke felt his arm shake as he held it still up in the air, not wanting to risk it bringing it down and startling the beast.
The beast released a long heated breath through its nostrils, the warm breath ruffling Sasuke's dark locks. Sasuke could feel his breath hitch as he finally took in a breath himself. The dragon began to settle back down on its belly, its massive legs adjusting so it could still be a few steps away from Sasuke.
After the dragon had settled back onto its belly, Sasuke lowered his arm and held his palm to his chest. He could feel his heart slamming against his chest and he took several deep breaths to try and calm himself. 'Okay, this is new…' he thought to himself. 'It has some understanding, why else would it lay back down if I didn't ask of it?' Sasuke bit his bottom lip at the thought. He closed his eyes and decided to not think of that at this moment. With a bit of excitement rising now in his chest, he moved slowly to stand back up and move closer to the beast.
Taking care to not make any sudden movements to touch the beast, Sasuke went and crouched back closer to the dragon's one leg, seeing the gold glimmer from what little light there was in the cavern.
"A gold band? Is that what that is?" Sasuke spoke out, his head moving from left to right, trying to see more of how this gold piece was on the dragon's toe. Without realising, he shuffled more around the massive foot, trying to see the gold piece at all angles.
"What is this?" he asked again to nobody.
A huff of air was his response that had Sasuke look up surprisingly. The dragon was looking down at him, watching, and Sasuke wondered if the dragon responded to his question or just was making a noise.
"I'm assuming it doesn't come off," Sasuke mumbled out when he looked back down at the gold band. "That would be why you keep biting at it, eh?"
Another huff of air was the response. Sasuke felt the excitement flow through him. Could this beast actually understand him?
"Are you sure I can't help you try and get it off?" Sasuke bit his lip, not knowing why he would ask such a thing.
A growl came from the dragon's throat and the massive foot was pulled back suddenly. Sasuke held his hands up and stepped back a few steps. "Okay, okay, I understand, I won't touch, I said I wouldn't, I was just wondering."
The dragon stopped its movement and its neck stretched out and around Sasuke, its one eye not leaving the raven haired man. Sasuke watched the movement carefully, not making any sudden moves and held still. He wouldn't deny that the dragon's movement was making him nervous as all hell, but, with the most recent events, Sasuke was curious as well as to what the beast was doing.
The head of the dragon came around the backside of Sasuke, its nostrils were flaring up while it took breaths. Sasuke willed himself to breath before speaking again. "Do you have any other pieces on you?" He dared to look at other areas around the beast while the head of the dragon was behind him. A strong gust of breath against his back was his answer, though he had no idea what it meant.
Sasuke squeaked out against his will when there was a sudden hard push against his back, hard enough to make him stumble forwards. He almost fell to his knees but managed to keep upright and turned around quickly with a snarl.
"What the hell dobe!" Sasuke barked out without thinking.
The dragon before him huffed out a response and Sasuke felt the blood drain from his face as he realised exactly what had just happened. He became dizzy suddenly and on the verge of fainting from the fear that just washed through him. Somehow he managed to stand still as the dragon continued to observe him.
'Holy fuck, holy fuck, holy fuck, I'm going to die!' The mantra that went through Sasuke's mind at that moment was all he heard. He was alarmed at himself that he shouted out at the dragon without even thinking about it, even falling back into an old habit of the old nickname he used to call Naruto. He suddenly saw his life flash before his eyes.
A nudge on his chest that had Sasuke stumble backwards brought Sasuke back to the present. Arms out, balancing himself, he lifted his head to see the dragon still looking at him with one of its massive sparkling eyes. Sasuke slowly stood straight up again, bringing his arms back to his side and waited. The dragon did nothing but just continue to stare at him. After several awkward moments of silence, Sasuke found his courage, 'or a moment of stupidity' he scoffed at himself, he reached out his hand again towards the dragon's nose, as he did a couple days before.
This time, the dragon did not hesitate to push its muzzle into Sasuke's hand and remained still. Sasuke's heart flipped and he began to move his palm slightly, to feel the coarse hide of the beast's nose. The dragon did not move as Sasuke took into consideration the feel of the skin. It was rough, like the feel of a man's bearded stubble after a few days of not shaving. He could now plainly see how the scales of the dragon ended before the muzzle and it seemed that the skin was just a tough hide.
Sasuke saw a scar on the beast's nose that went against the waved layers of tough skin. A wave of guilt suddenly struck him, when he realised that is where he had pierced the dragon with his sword during the battle at Uzumaki kingdom, before he ended up – here.
Well it was no wonder his sword was able to go through the muzzle, since there was only a tough hide of skin covering its nose and not scales.
"I'm sorry," Sasuke's voice whispered unconsciously as he rubbed the spot between the dragon's nostrils. His other hand moved to touch the scar on the muzzle. "I-I don't know why the hell I'm talking like this," he whispered out again as his fingers traced the scar. A quiet snort was heard and Sasuke blinked to see the dragon's eyes were now closed, but it still held its head at Sasuke's continuous touch. 'Well shit, what the hell…' Sasuke was at a loss for words as he just realised exactly what he was doing.
Sasuke stopped and stepped back from the dragon's head, dragging his fingers down the massive muzzle in the process. "Maybe," he whispered out again, his eyes watching while the dragon's eyes slowly opened and it began to lift its head, "just maybe you understand? Understand some things?" Sasuke shrugged at himself mostly, but there was no mistaking it when the dragon stopped moving its head and tilted an ear towards him. Sasuke was suddenly riddled with questions that he wanted to speak, say, write, anything! But he bit his bottom lip, quelling his mind, he needed to think carefully. Process all he had thus far learned in this short time and make sure he wasn't actually going crazy from being trapped in this cavern. He was brought back from his sudden burst of musings when the dragon snorted out another noise and began to turn away. He watched as the dragon slowly made its way back into the further recesses of the cave. When it was gone, Sasuke turned back to his small fire with a small smile on his face. He had a lot of research to write about.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Kabuto adjusted his cloak around his shoulders, it was damp and chilly in the darker areas of the Uzumaki castle. In his wanderings of the Uzumaki castle, he came across some unused rooms that would appear that nobody has used for quite some time. Thus, one room he figured would be sufficient to question any person or beings that he needed answers from without the hassle of getting the queen's permission. The less the queen Uzumaki knew, the better.
Orochimaru's men had found the old lady in the heavily wooded brush area, as he mentioned to the Sound king a couple nights prior. She was elderly yes, but apparently she most certainly gave Orochimaru's men a run for their money. Not happy with being told what to do, the old lady put up quite a fight, actually creating bruises on the few men that took her in. She didn't appear to have any magical abilities, even though she threatened to ban their inner souls to the dark recesses of hell by spewing off a few garbled sentences, but they were just threats. Nothing happened to the men other than bruises to their shins and jaws from the feisty old lady.
Kabuto smirked from the shadows of his hooded cloak as he looked upon the old woman secured to a wooden chair. He found it humorous that she was bound so tightly, it would appear the men were quite pissed at her abilities to cause pain to them.
"I know what you seek young one, and I'll have you know, that you cannot stop fate," the old woman's hoarse voice spoke with mirth.
Kabuto smirked again and began to walk around the woman's chair. "And how would you know what it is I am looking for, old one?" he responded with a chuckle. "I could have you here for treason, or in need of your skin for an ancient youth formula."
The old woman snorted out a laugh that bounced off the walls of the small room. "Men like you are always in search of power and youth. I have seen it for many a generations and you are of no different. There will always be someone greedy and slutty that wants more than they have and taking power over a helpless old woman will always be their way."
"Well then, enlighten me of what my desires are old woman," Kabuto sneered out in the ear of the old woman while standing behind her. He had dealt with his share of witches, warlocks and other magical beings, this one was no different, even if she had magical abilities.
The old lady cackled, which led to a coughing fit.
"Tell me what I want to hear, then you are free to go," Kabuto hissed out again into her ear. He grinned behind his words, knowing differently.
The old woman snorted, "I know better. All the reason that sharing anything with you is against my best interest. The path is already written, it cannot be changed." She turned her nose up and away from Kabuto's face.
Kabuto snarled out in retaliation and slapped the back of the old woman's head. "Fool! You have no idea who you are dealing with!" Kabuto spit out and moved to stand before her. The woman lifted her head, her grey hair messed up and falling before her eyes. She gave him a glare with a sweet smile. "If you are not willing to share your information willingly, then I have other ways to make you sing." Kabuto sneered out at the woman's face.
The old woman said nothing but just continued to look up at Kabuto. Kabuto then snorted out a sound and turned his body towards a small table tucked up against a wall. On the tabletop there were several small vials and tools. He plucked up a small glass vial, held it up to the small stream of light and examined the deep purple liquid. It was thick, dark and Kabuto smiled slightly before turning back to the old woman. He then grabbed a syringe from the table and popped open the vial.
"This should do the trick," he whispered to himself as he filled the syringe. When he was finished he wasted no time in taking the steps to the old woman and jabbing her thigh with the needle. The old woman made a grunting noise of displeasure and bit her bottom lip. "This should loosen your lips old one," Kabuto snickered out while removing the needle. The old woman just threw Kabuto a glare.
==/\/\==
"I am expecting some good news from you Kabuto," Orochimaru hummed out from the table he was sitting at, his eyes downcast at the scrolls before him.
"As always my lord," Kabuto whispered out while bowing before the Sound king.
Orochimaru lifted his hand and beckoned the servant to come closer, without looking up from the scrolls.
"The old woman was a host of information my lord," Kabuto spoke out when he stopped before the table. "She spoke of other dimensions, beasts within and how one of few can quell the heart of the curse. Though it may not make much sense to some, I have read in my research enough to know that what riddles she speaks about come from ancient readings and history." Kabuto wrung his hands together quietly. "Her facts are muddled, this is why I believe her interrogations in the past were considered – mad ramblings." He grinned at this information he had.
"Do you believe then you will be able to find what it is I need to control such a beast or beasts that may be of this dimension, or others?" Orochimaru now lifted his head, his eyes narrowed with a small smirk on his lips. The thought of gaining more power ever imagined had lit something deep within him.
"I know what to look for majesty, I just need to determine where to look. I have a suspicion where to look, I just need to confirm it." Kabuto nodded his head in agreement.
"Then take a handful of men to begin your quest. I shall inform the queen that we have information about the possible whereabouts of the dragon and a way to destroy it. That should keep her out of our hair for the time being," Orochimaru hummed in response as he leaned back in his chair. "And what of the Uchiha guard? Were you able to gather any information regarding their visit?"
"The knights have assembled and left my lord." Kabuto tapped his chin, "after they interviewed various persons, they informed the queen's captain, Kakashi, that they were hopeful with the new information gathered they may capture the thief. It still seems questionable that they would take such great feats on such a petty thief, don't you think my lord?" Kabuto looked at his master, his head shaking back and forth.
Orochimaru nodded his head in agreement. "Is there a possibility they are seeking the dragon as well?" Orochimaru glanced up at his trusted man.
Kabuto shook his head, "hard to say my lord. Our men could not get any other information out of the Uchiha knights, they were set on their story of catching a thief."
"Hmm, makes me all that more suspicious. It is no secret that the Uchiha have been allies with Uzumaki for several centuries. For the Uchiha to not be involved with the dragon situation, especially after the death of King Uzumaki and King and Queen Uchiha ten years ago…hmmm, I'm missing something." Orochimaru then leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk and placing his chin on his fists.
"My lord?" Kabuto asked.
Orochimaru's eyes glanced back up to the grey haired individual, "doesn't it seem odd that we do not know of any communication between King Itachi Uchiha and Kushina in regards to the dragon situation? How is it that Kushina has been keeping her kingdom financially afloat all these years? It is obvious that the kingdom has suffered greatly from the constant attack of the dragon…"
Kabuto grinned. "I will look further into the records my lord." He bowed deeply.
Orochimaru grinned, "and what of the old lady? Have you received everything that you could from her?"
"Taken care of majesty," Kabuto purred out. "I'll take my leave." Orochimaru nodded and flicked his fingers towards Kabuto, indicating he was dismissed.
When Kabuto left, Orochimaru leaned back in the chair again, crossing his arms over his chest and pinching his lips. "Yes, there is more to this than you are letting me believe, isn't there Kushina dearest," he sneered out the last word in disgust and went back to reading the scrolls before him.
==/\/\==
Kushina walked slowly down one of the corridors, her hands wringing nervously before her. The Uchiha knights had set forth but two nights ago, with as much information she could gather for them from the kingdom's historical records. She prayed that it was enough for them to get on the trail of the dragon and find Sasuke alive. She had managed to keep Orochimaru fooled on why the Uchiha knights were there, but there were looks that the Sound king gave that Kushina feared that he wasn't believing her story.
She breathed out a sigh of relief when Kakashi informed her when Yamato and his men were heading out. They were only here for a meagre two days, but it seemed that the more stories she tried to convince Orochimaru, the more she was going to fuck up something and be caught. And it didn't help that Orochimaru's snake-like henchman, Kabuto, seemed to be lurking about everywhere she turned! She regretted giving the man permission to mingle about the castle, but she couldn't go back on that permission, for fear of Orochimaru questioning her behaviour.
She then clenched her teeth and punched her one open hand. 'Be damned if I let that man instil fear in me! Fucker!' She had to keep playing the part of an idiot for as long as he was here, until something more positive came her way. Such as Sasuke returning with proof of Naruto being alive or, she shuddered sadly, or dead. She frowned suddenly, feeling the familiar sting being her eyes, the thought of her only son being gone from the earth.
But then there was Sasuke, who would take her hand in marriage instead of Orochimaru. But there would be a price to pay with that, and Kushina again frowned at what would transpire should Sasuke return and challenge for the Uzumaki kingdom.
Kushina knew the Sound kingdom was powerful, though no one knew exactly how powerful it was. Stories travelled throughout many other kingdoms, of how the Sound king had slaughtered thousands, captured magical beings and creatures for his slaves, used magic to destroy villages and crops, his hand stretching out like a shadowed hand and grasping everything in its path. But then, these were times where stories were greatly exaggerated, but without proof of weakness, the people had no choice but to believe.
Kushina drew in a breath and slowly released it. She had a plan and she was going to stick to it. She wanted to reach out to the young necromancer that Orochimaru had brought to the kingdom. Kushina wasn't sure of the young girl's loyalty just yet, but she had hope. Such a young girl had much more to see in her life, and Kushina hoped that she could expose the young girl's eyes to so much more than just Orochimaru's dark kingdom.
She stopped at the young girl's door and drew in a deep breath before knocking quickly. She stepped back and waited, hearing the shuffling from behind the door. One of the ladies in waiting had answered the door and bowed to Kushina.
Keeping a firm face and tight lips, "I'm here to see Konan." The servant nodded her head and stepped back from the door to allow the queen inside. Kushina stepped quickly through the door with a quick glance down the corridor to see if anyone was watching. Satisfied there was no one, she made her way into the elaborate room provided for the young girl.
The young purple haired girl stood in a bowing position before the doors that led to a balcony outside. Kushina looked at the ladies in waiting and shooed them away immediately, who quickly scurried out of the room. Kushina stepped before the bowing girl and grasped her chin to lift her to a standing position.
"My child, stand before me so I can get a good look at you." Kushina kept her voice stern and clipped, as she didn't know Konan's loyalties yet, thus she had to make it seem like she didn't like her.
The girl stood quickly at Kushina's insistence, her eyes wide, her face stoic. Kushina knew better though, she could see the fear. Her heart went out to the girl, but she kept up the strict queen facade.
Kushina's eyes roamed over the young girl's face, taking in her cheeks, hair, ears and nose. Kushina's fingers remained on Konan's chin, moving her head about as she got a good look at her. Kushina noticed the quiver in Konan's bottom lip but she finished her inspection on Konan's golden eyes. They were beautiful, filled with youth, but sadness and dullness also showed through. Kushina softened her features, remembering she was trying to build trust with the girl.
Kushina glanced around her and then stepped away from Konan, checking the door and balcony. Kushina then checked the adjoined bathroom, seeing no one in the room, she nodded her head satisfied and walked back to Konan. Kushina grasped Konan's hands gently and rubbed her thumbs over the girl's knuckles.
"Did you sleep well?" Kushina asked out softly, watching those golden eyes. There was a flicker of confusion in them before it was hidden away again.
"Yes your majesty," Konan all but whispered out and lowered her eyes.
"You must be feeling cooped up, I would like to invite you to a walk, through my gardens," Kushina whispered out with a smile. There was no question of permission, it was a gentle way of saying Konan had to come with her. The girl only nodded in response. "Okay, let's get you a sweater and some shoes, because it is a tad bit chilly out this time of year!" Kushina exclaimed and called the ladies in waiting back to the room.
Konan walked quietly beside Kushina down the path, her eyes barely looking around at the frosty area. Kushina talked about different blooms, flowers and trees, as they walked through the bare gardens. Kushina knew it wasn't as grand as her original gardens from the castle that was destroyed all those years ago, but she kept up the speech about each flower and shrub.
"Do you have some favourite blooms dear?" Kushina asked Konan while glancing at her. She had Konan's arm hooked through hers, and Kushina would often pat Konan's hand gently while they walked.
Konan shook her head no and lowered her eyes.
"Do you not have gardens back home?" Kushina was curious.
Konan shook her head no once again.
"Hmm, how awful dear!" Kushina exclaimed out, sounding mortified. "We could start you a garden here in the spring! There is plenty of space–"
"There will be no ground left that will grow any greenery," Konan whispered out.
"What was that dear?" Kushina stopped walking, turning Konan towards her. The golden eyes were still cast down, looking at the path beneath their feet. Kushina tilted her head at the girl's silence before she took her finger and hooked Konan's chin. She pulled the young girl's eyes up to look at her. "Come now, don't be shy, what did you say? My old ears didn't catch it all!" Kushina gave the girl a soft smile.
Golden eyes widened suddenly and flickered between Kushina's green ones. Konan's lips quivered and her face went pale. Kushina looked at the girl, confusion on her face. "What ever is the matter dear?" Kushina asked softly, concern thick in her voice and face.
"Y–you… fires, the burning, the night, I–I can't–" Konan's voice cracked and her eyes widened even more as they bore into Kushina's eyes. "I–I see, no– it is gone, all of it! It comes– it's coming! A-and destruction in the wake – you, people, burning… the darkness…it's gone, all gone…" The girl's stutters stopped suddenly and her face went lax, as her eyes closed and she began to fall.
Kushina squeaked out in surprise and caught the girl before she hit the frozen path. Kushina held the small frame of the girl, looking at the pale and unconscious face. The girl wasn't heavy at all, and Kushina had no trouble holding Konan up in her arms as she moved them to a bench. With some slight manoeuvring, Kushina managed to get the girl to lie partially on the bench and on her lap. Kushina ran her fingers through the thick purple hair and across Konan's forehead as she slept.
Kushina was no fool. She knew that Konan had a vision, she could tell from the faraway look the girl got when she looked at Kushina. But what had triggered the vision, Kushina did not know, and of course what the girl saw, Kushina could only guess at this moment. With the string of words, Kushina could only assume that something dangerous was going to happen to her kingdom. She hummed softly when Konan's forehead wrinkled and her eyes squinted tight. Kushina needed to devise a plan to ensure that Orochimaru did not find out about this vision, she would keep the secret. If Orochimaru did know of the vision, then that would be Kushina's answer that Konan was loyal to the Sound king. She glanced around her while continuing to hum and stroke Konan's hair. Hopefully the girl would wake soon and could walk back to her quarters. If Kushina had to call on someone, that would raise to many questions that she wasn't willing to answer at this moment.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
"Captain!" one of the guards yelled from the back of his horse as it trotted towards Yamato. Yamato turned his head to the guard and pulled his horse to a stop. The other guards continued to walk their horse about the area, their eyes to the ground, looking for clues.
"Izumo, report," Yamato called out when the man brought his horse to a halt beside him.
"We have found a path between the cliffs, and there are markings sir. Markings that no animal could have made," Izumo reported firmly.
"Lead the way," Yamato commanded and spurred his horse after Izumo.
Izumo led the way to an area of cliffs, heavily covered in vines and trees. The group had made it to the base of mountains after pushing through the foothills and thick wooded brush. A few other guards were looking about the area, some on their horses, others on the ground. Izumo pulled up to the group and slipped off his horse quickly. Yamato followed his steps.
"Here sir, take a look at this," Izumo pointed up over his head.
Yamato looked up, seeing several feet above, markings of three, that ripped into the side of the rock in several different areas. Yamato squinted his eyes as he took in the area slowly. It looked as if something ripped through the rock like paper, leaving deep indents that looked like scratch marks. There were dozens of them, spread out in various areas. Some looked older, as he could see that moss had grown in the small gouges, but some were looking like they were made only moments ago.
"We have reason to believe these were made from dragon claws sir," Izumo spoke out as he pointed to a set of clawed marks that were closer to the ground. Izumo held up his hand in a claw like fashion, imitating a movement like a cat word. "See sir, something with three claws had to have made something this precise and evenly spaced."
Yamato nodded in agreement and crossed his arms. He studied the markings for a few minutes longer before looking at the ground. "Was there nothing on the ground?" he asked, looking up at Izumo.
Izumo shook his head, "no sir, nothing yet. But with these markings, it would be safe to consider that we are on the right path."
Yamato had to agree with that. He brought his finger and thumb to his chin and began to rub as he thought. 'Claw marks all along this path through these rocks. Though there is no apparent trail of where they are going, we have to …'
"Izumo!" Yamato suddenly snapped out, turning his head to all the men that had gathered.
"Sir!" Izumo responded quickly and stood rigid before his captain.
"Have one of your men go fetch the others. We will continue down this path," Yamato exclaimed and pointed to where the path continued on through the rock.
"Yes sir!" Izumo quickly responded and headed for his horse.
Yamato then started barking orders to the other men, half of them were to start to set up camp for the night, while the others were to explore the pathway a little further and record all the markings. He had a good feeling about this and set off to send a message to King Uchiha regarding their progress.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Just to let you know that I had a picture commissioned of my vision of Sasuke meeting the dragon. Unfortunately, FF doesn't allow links in the story line area or pretty much anywhere. You can attend my TUMBLR account, my handle is 'inluvwnaruto' and I am pretty sure you can look up heartsns as well, and i should pop up. The picture is on my page if you want to check it out!
So, ummm any thoughts there dear readers? Love to hear them :)
Keep smiling!