Shout out to:
Emoucha! Thanks for the reviews!
leighd1314! So kind of you in your comments!
BadButt94, where ya been? I miss you!
KitsuneJen, you hiding too?!
ESuri8! Doesn't matter how many comments you have, its always nice to get one!
Update for me?! Well, new job is amazing, spring is here so the snow is almost gone and nicer weather is upon me! Can't wait for summer, gonna camp like crazy! Umm.. really, there isn't much of anything else, not that anyone wants to hear heh
Thanks everyone for sticking around with this tale :)
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
The small group of armed men walked beside a small carriage being pulled by two horses up to the Uzumaki kingdom gates. The armed men surrounded the carriage, the curtains were drawn and the carriage itself was rather plain, nothing flashy or anything to make it outstanding.
The Uzumaki gates were opened to allow the entrance of the small group of travelers, as they were being expected. Several voiced calls traveled throughout the courtyard and castle walls of the arrival while the carriage came to a lazy stop before the front castle doors.
A host of knights came out to mark a pathway from the carriage doors to the front doors of the castle. The armed men surrounding the carriage arranged themselves to guard the outside of it when Orochimaru and Kushina walked out of the front doors.
A footman dressed in fine linen placed a foot stool beneath the carriage door before opening it. Orochimaru stepped up to the front door and held his hand open and a dainty hand stretched out from the darkness of the carriage and fell into Orochimaru's hand.
"My dear, you have arrived," Orochimaru purred out as a small woman stepped onto the stool and then to the ground. "I trust your travel was swift and comfortable?" he asked.
The woman wore a long deep purple cloak, its hood large enough to cover her entire head and leave nothing but a shadow where her face was. She stopped before Orochimaru, bowing first before the king and when she stood straight up again, she had to look up. Her one hand came up to remove the hood from her head and blue locks flowed and fluttered out, falling gently against her shoulders.
Kushina, who was standing behind and to the side of Orochimaru inwardly gasped at the young girl. She couldn't be more than eighteen years, at most twenty. 'Just how young was she when she came to his care?' She felt sorry for the young girl, her golden eyes held no sparkle or interest, her face was stoic and Kushina wondered if the young girl ever smiled.
"The journey was satisfactory my lord," Konan spoke softly but her voice was void of any emotion.
Kushina could feel her heart go out to the young girl when she finally spoke.
"Excellent to hear my dear. You must be tired. Come, I will show you to your room where you can rest for a bit and then you can join the queen and I for dinner." Orochimaru pulled Konan's hand to his lips, kissing the top of her hand gently before moving in and placing his hand on her back. "This is Queen Kushina, my finance," Orochimaru pointed towards Kushina. Konan bowed deeply to Kushina, showing her respect.
"Welcome my dear," Kushina responded, having her voice sound ice cold and clipped when she nodded her head slightly.
Orochimaru smirked at the queen's response before moving forward with Konan, his hand firmly behind her back and led her into the castle, Kushina following behind.
Kakashi was watching the situation from across the courtyard, his hands busy sharpening a small dagger in his hand as he sat on a stump near the stables.
"What do you think?" It was Iruka, who stepped beside the other man, placing a heavy bucket down to the ground.
"This could be interesting," Kakashi responded, as he took a thick cloth to rub over the now sharpened dagger.
"Who's the girl?" Iruka whispered out as he knelt down, making like he was doing something with his bucket. With all the extra men that were from the Sound Kingdom, he was more cautious with his conversations with Kakashi.
"Apparently the Sound King's personal medium," Kakashi grunted out softly.
Iruka gasped in surprise. "But she is so young!" His face looked horrified.
"Hn," Kakashi responded.
"Poor thing," Iruka whispered as he lowered his eyes into the bucket, grabbing aimlessly at the water within it. "Did our friend return?"
"Hn," Kakashi muttered again. "He completed his task."
Iruka then stood up, stretching his back and arms behind his back. "Well then, I guess I should finish up what I was doing." He grabbed his bucket, hoisting it up with a small grunt. Kakashi nodded and Iruka said nothing more as he left the area, heading to the stables.
Kakashi pinched his lips together in thought. He recalled what the queen had told him about the medium that was coming and her hopes. He figured he better wander over to the quarters of the Sound Kingdom men and see if things were in order in the building. As well, seeing if there were enough rooms for the extra men that just showed up as well.
He thought about Konohamaru, when he returned, excited that he had completed a mission for the man and was eager to do more. With Yamato completely aware of what was happening here, he had complete trust that the captain of the Uchiha group would be using the smarts he was well known for, to devise a plan of when they arrived. Hopefully Orochimaru would be oblivious to the reasoning of the Uchiha knights and leave it at that. With a grunt, he sheathed the small dagger and wandered leisurely across the courtyard towards the quarters.
Around the table for dinner that evening, Orochimaru sat by Kushina, Konan sat on the other side, quietly with her head down. Kushina stole glances at the young girl when she could, trying to determine what type of personality the girl was. She was young, yes, but she looked so frail, that if a strong gust of wind were to come by, it seemed she would be taken along with it!
"Tomorrow I will be meeting with my guards, going over details of our best defenses," Orochimaru said in a matter of factly voice. "With our combined forces I believe that we should be able to succeed in a possible attack." He smiled forcefully at Kushina who just fluttered her eyelashes at him, looking innocently at him. He then reached over and placed his hand on Konan. "And with Konan-chan here, I have no worries that we should be finally put your kingdom at rest with that dragon," he added in a harsh whisper. He squeezed Konan's hand.
Kushina watched the interaction briefly, noticing that Konan didn't move or even bat an eyelash. 'Could she really be that devoted to him?' she wondered silently. "Of course my lord, that sounds like a splendid plan," Kushina hummed out as she popped a piece of meal in her mouth. "I have much to work on with our upcoming wedding, so I am certain to be very busy as well." She tried her best to sound excited about planning such a thing.
"Of course my dear," Orochimaru added with a chuckle. "I certainly hope that all the dragon business can be settled long before our nuptials," he added with a whisper.
Kushina shuddered beneath her gown at the thought of being married to this snake. But she gave him a sweet smile, showing her ignorance and continued eating.
"Eat up my dear, you need your strength," Orochimaru cooed out to Konan, tapping her hand gently before moving to his own plate. The girl just nodded slightly before picking up a utensil and began to daintily pick at her food.
Kushina eyed Kakashi who was standing nearby and the gray haired captain gave a slight nod. Kushina inwardly sighed, knowing that Itachi's men had been notified of the unexpected situation that occurred here and that they would most likely think of something when they arrived to not let Orochimaru on to what their real quest was. She hung her head slightly, looking down at her food and feeling a pang of guilt and worry. She hoped Sasuke was alright wherever he ended, and that the Uchiha men would find him unharmed and safe.
When all the meals were served, and dessert was but a memory, the dozen or so men around the table were talking and drinking so Kushina touched Orochimaru's arm to get this attention. The man's eyes looked over at Kushina, slightly heavy from the drink and raised his brows in question at the queen. "My lord, I am tired and heading to bed. Konan-chan looks weary, how about I take her to her room on my way to my own. This way you can continue on with your men." She gave her sweetest smile to the man. Orochimaru pinched his lips and frowned, as if he was thinking something and glanced over at the young girl. "But of course, that is only a suggestion my lord," Kushina quickly added. "I will bid you goodnight," she again said before standing up.
"That is a good idea my queen," Orochimaru said and nodded. Kushina hesitated. He leaned over to the young girl, "certainly you must be tired my dear. My lovely fiance will take you to your room for the night. Get some rest, we will have but a busy day tomorrow." Orochimaru pulled at Konan's hand, bringing it to his lips. Konan just looked blankly at the man. Orochimaru then moved Konan's hand to be placed in Kushina's. "Good night both of you," he hummed out thickly, giving Kushina a thirsty look.
Kushina fluttered her eyes and bowed at Orochimaru as she took Konan's hand. She tucked the young girl's arm through hers and led her out of the room. The walk was quiet, and Kushina walked at a slow pace, not wanting to scare the girl. "This must be so much for you," she started, gnawing on her lip slightly as she thought of what to say. "If you think you may need anything, please don't hesitate to call for me, okay?" She glanced over at the girl, who had her head down and was watching her feet. Kushina frowned. 'Silence is better than fear or anger I suppose.' As she came to the room where Konan was staying, he stood by the door for a moment before opening it. She grasped both of Konan's hands within hers, trailing her thumbs over Konan's fingers, trying to show support. "You can call on the servers to bring you food, drink or whatever else you need. Please, don't hesitate to call on me." Kushina tilted her head slightly to look at the young girl's eyes. Konan was still looking down at her feet. Kushina patted Konan's hands as she opened the door to her room and closed it when the girl entered. She released a long breath. She hoped she was doing the right thing since she still needed to determine if the girl would talk to her or if she was really dedicated fully to Orochimaru. She smoothed out her gown and made her way to her own room. She had a lot to think about.
"Tell me what you have discovered Kabuto," Orochimaru whispered as he took a drink at the table. The other men were busy getting drunk and laughing up a storm around the table and not paying them any mind.
"There isn't much here my lord," Kabuto said as he lifted his goblet to his lips. "The only information I have is how the kingdom interviewed many in the first few years, and how the kingdom have devised plan after plan to stop the attacks." He swallowed a large gulp before putting his goblet down, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. "But what I did find in my readings," he paused as he leaned closer to Orochimaru's ear, "was that the dragon only appears on new moon nights. I don't think their scholars have even figured that much out. The people are so fearful that every night is a danger to look at the finer details."
Orochimaru leaned back in his chair, his fingers stroking his chin, his lips pinched in thought. "Hmm, that could be something. What about any readings from any witches, sorcerers and such? Anything that catches your trained eye?" He raised a brow when he glanced over at the man.
"There was only one, thus far, my lord." He grabbed a huge turkey leg and took a bite before continuing on. "Some elderly woman who lives near the mountains. Her interview went that she just cackled out about the past and reliving itself and making itself known. The interview went on to state that the old woman talked about mirrors cracking, curses being reborn and days of chaos. They wrote that she appeared mad and most likely had been out in the wilderness too long." Kabuto bit into the turkey leg again, humming in delight at the food.
"Somehow I get the impression that isn't the case, hmm?" Orochimaru smirked at the man. Kabuto nodded briefly and took another swig from his goblet.
"You know me all too well my lord," Kabuto smiled in response and bowed his head. "I've already got a pair scouring the brush woods near the mountains. It was certainly nice of the interviewers putting in details about the woman. It shouldn't take long to find her." He grinned wickedly.
Orochimaru snorted out, "I have no doubt in you Kabuto-kun. Your hard work needs to be rewarded. Is there something you would like, hmmm?"
Kabuto glanced at the king, those eyes were focused on him, half lidded and his lips were moist from the alcohol he had been drinking. He felt a shiver go up his spine. "There is something that I could use, my lord," he responded in a whisper and sucked in his bottom lip.
"Of course, you go on ahead. I'll be along shortly." Orochimaru gave a sultry smile before picking up his goblet again and taking long swallows.
Kabuto swallowed himself and bowed at the king before hurriedly rushing out of the room.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
A frost had developed on the vegetation around the Uzumaki kingdom, creating a dazzling light display of flickering sparkles when the sun rose over the horizon in the morning. The sun beams also caused the south side castle walls to put on their own dazzling light show from the frost as the sun rose higher into the sky.
Small tufts of smoke began to rise from what homes were left around the castle. The people began to move about, doing their morning chores and those setting up shop. In the courtyards of the Uzumaki castle, servants were wandering about, getting things ready for the day. Stable boys and men were moving about the stables feeding livestock. Guards and knights were already set up in groups throughout the yards doing warm up sessions before breakfast.
It was what would be considered a normal day for the kingdom.
The sound of several horses hooves and whinnies carrying over the wind had the castle wall guards squinting into the distance, watching the group of horses making their way over the horizon. It was apparent that the group was heading for the kingdom as calls were made from the walls from the guards calling down to the others.
Kakashi tucked his shirt in as he made his way out into the courtyard, hearing the calls from the men. Nodding at various men that were moving about, he made his way to the front castle gates, watching as the large group of knights made their way through the small huts towards the castle gate. An impressive sized horse, covered in flashy silver armor approached the front of the group, its rider wearing the same type of impressive armor on his body. His helmet covered the majority of the man's head but Kakashi needed no introduction to who the man was.
"Captain Yamato," Kakashi called out and bowed as the man slid off his horse. "To what do we owe the pleasure of the Uchiha kingdom's finest at our doorstep?" He stood back up, offering a kind smile to the captain of the Uchiha knights.
Yamato removed his helmet and ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it up from being laid flat. "Captain Kakashi!" Yamato gave a smile in return and placed his hand on Kakashi's shoulder, "it is always a pleasure to see you! Thank you for meeting me this morning!" He gave Kakashi's shoulder a few hard slaps as a friendly gesture. "Could you spare the men some breakfast and the horses too? We can discuss over breakfast what we are traveling for!"
Kakashi nodded, "it would be no problem at all Captain." Kakashi turned to the guards standing behind him and gave them an order. Some of the men turned and ran into the courtyard while others hurried to the side to allow the group to enter. "Come with me Yamato, let us meet the Queen and let her know you have arrived." Kakashi returned a friendly slap against Yamato's arm and both the men headed through the gates.
Sometime later, Yamato, Kakashi and Kushina were all sitting at one of the smaller breakfast tables in the castle, Yamato's men were seated in another room so the captains and the Queen could discuss their business.
"Thank you for allowing us to settle at your kingdom temporarily your majesty," Yamato pointed out, his voice raised slightly. His eyes glanced around the room quickly before settling on Kakashi, who nodded in response.
"Ever so pleased to assist my long time friend King Uchiha. How is the Uchiha King? I'm afraid I have been so busy as of late that I haven't had time to send him a note!" Kushina giggled and wiggled her fingers at Yamato. "I certainly hope he isn't offended at all, do send him my regrets and well wishes when you return home!"
"It shall be done your majesty," Yamato responded with a bow to his head. He placed his eating utensils down on the plate and wiped his hands and lips with the napkin. "Now why we are here your majesty," he started, his eyes flickering between Kakashi and Kushina. Both the queen and Kakashi put their utensils down as well. "We are in pursuit of a thief that had been causing some disruption in the Uchiha kingdom and we have a vague description of the perpetrator." Kushina gasped quietly, putting her fingers to her lips in surprise. "I would request that you allow my men to question some of your people to see if there has been anyone matching the suspect in your area. The tracks left were heading in this general direction."
"Most certainly captain Yamato," Kushina responded quickly. "Kakashi here will help get that set up for you. I would like to know more information on this thief as well. Perhaps we can meet in my private study with Kakashi to go over the details?"
"As you wish your majesty," Yamato nodded. "Until then, thank you for breakfast, I would like to check up on my men. If you would excuse me?"
"I will send word for you when I am ready. Do get some rest captain," Kushina dismissed the captain. "Kakashi will assist you." She held her hand up and pointed to the gray haired captain.
Both captains got up from the table and bowed low to Kushina before leaving the room. Within minutes, Orochimaru entered the breakfast area and took a seat beside Kushina.
"Well my dear, it looks like some excitement has arrived this morning," he exclaimed while grabbing a plate and placing various foods on it. "Do share what kind of situation is happening, perhaps I can assist?" His eyes flickered up to the eyes of the queen who was sipping at her tea quietly.
"Oh my lord, it is the Uchiha captain and his guard. It appears they are in pursuit of a thief that has been creating havoc at my kingdom's allies lands." She made herself sound surprised and exasperated. "They will be questioning some of the people to see if anyone matches the description."
"And what does this thief look like majesty?" Orochimaru's voice was sounding suspicious. He placed his plate down, his hands reaching for the utensils slowly as he eyed the queen.
"Oh heavens, I am not sure my lord! I haven't asked just yet. I will be meeting with the captains later in the morning to discuss." She waved her hand lazily and looked away, trying to act bored.
"Perhaps I shall join this meeting?" Orochimaru suggested as he began to pop bacon into his mouth. "I should hate to think that I could not provide a service to help protect my betrothed and her kingdom." He gave a sly smirk and one brow was lifted.
'Shit,' Kushina thought in her head. She hadn't thought that the snake would want to join in the meeting that she really needed to have with Yamato and Kakashi. She waved her hand up and shook her head. "No need my lord, you are very busy with your own work! My captain, Kakashi, will be joining and going over the details. I have no doubt that Kakashi can assist Yamato to the fullest. I will be watching over the captains and offering my support as the queen. Please do not bother yourself from your own work my lord." She silently hoped she sounded convincing enough.
Orochimaru just narrowed his eyes at the queen and remained silent. Kushina continued to poke at her food and sip at her tea, trying not to stare back at the Sound King. Orochimaru took a loud breath and sat up in his chair before relaxing his shoulders, "very well my queen, but do not hesitate to call upon me if you need any assistance." He gave a partial lift of his lips, as if he was forcing himself to smile. Kushina knew better than to trust that Orochimaru would just let it go. She smiled warmly at the king and nodded her head, "of course my lord." She smiled warmly at the man before changing the topic to more about their upcoming nuptials and the event. She only hoped she wouldn't vomit in Orochimaru's presence.
When Kushina had left the room, Orochimaru frowned deeply and informed the servers to call for Kabuto. He shoved his plate to the side and grabbed a pitcher that was full of wine and filled a goblet. Taking a large swallow, his one hand grabbed a sharp knife and he stabbed the table with it. He growled out in irritation and thunked the knife into the wooden table again. "If she thinks that she can hide anything from me–" he growled out in a low breath as he dug the tip of the blade into the wood and left a deep scratch. He took another swallow of wine, still feeling irritated at the thought of Kushina plotting something, though he couldn't think of what it could be, he plunked the knife out of the table and threw it against a chair that was on the other side. The knife hit its mark with a 'thunk!' , its handle wobbling slightly from the force.
"Something troubling you my lord?" the voice called out from across the room. Orochimaru didn't look up, for he knew who the voice belonged to and he just swallowed another gulp of wine and slammed the goblet down.
Kabuto smirked slightly and slid into a seat close to the king. "You called for me?" he whispered and tilted his head confidently.
Orochimaru glared at the silver haired man before turning slightly to look at Kabuto straight on. "I'm certain you are aware of the Uchiha guests that arrived this morning. Have you heard anything?" he growled out in a whisper.
"I will admit that it is most interesting that the Uchiha knights had arrived so unexpectedly my lord," he smirked and nodded his head. "And to be tracking something as petty as a thief." He rubbed his chin while pinching his lips together in thought.
==intermission==
Kakashi and Yamato stood close as they went over various documents on the small table. Their voices were kept low as they discussed various thoughts and ideas on where the dragon may have flown to, or dwelled in, with the hopes that Sasuke would be on that path. They kept their voices low for obvious reasons, Yamato and Kakashi being on the same wavelength of understanding what a snake the Sound King was. Both bowed quickly when Kushina entered the room, she swiftly made her way to the two captains.
Keeping her voice low, "were you able to provide the captain here all the information needed Kakashi?"
Kakashi nodded and slipped a few papers around and showed the queen silently what he and the other captain were discussing. The papers had pictures of the terrain of the kingdom, notes of the most probable areas that the dragon could be hiding in and a possible trail. Within the notes were also included the information that was gathered years prior when the young prince went missing. Yamato and Kakashi had done fine work cross referencing areas of importance and Kushina nodded her head in agreement while her eyes and fingers traced the information.
Yamato cleared his throat. "With the information that we have thus gathered from the surrounding area, your people, the various persons on our travels, and once my men have finished speaking to the villagers around your castle, Kakashi and I shall compile the full information together. Then my group shall make haste on where we believe the – thief could be hiding. I do not wish to be delayed too long majesty." Yamato made sure to raise his voice a little louder in the event that someone could be listening.
"My men are assisting with questioning as well majesty," Kakashi piped up. "With a little bit of luck, all the information should be gathered by midday and Yamato and I shall meet up one last time before they depart."
Kushina hummed slightly and crossed her arms and studied the papers on the desk again. Glancing slightly at the other two men, she whispered, "might you send someone with the captain? To provide support perhaps? Someone you could send back with regular reports if needed?" The two men shook their heads in unison.
"We don't want to raise any suspicion your majesty. Sending someone from your kingdom on another kingdom's quest could raise questions from the Sound King," Yamato whispered in response.
"I agree with the captain, your highness," Kakashi added. He then raised his voice slightly, "with the information that we have been able to cross reference, the Uchiha knights should hopefully find the culprit they are in search of and I suspect they will send us word should they be successful." Kakashi tilted his head to look over at the other captain. He then leaned into the queen's ear, "the captain will send word with his bird to myself on a regular basis my queen. We have high hopes that this will be a successful search."
Kushina let out a cracked sigh and slouched her shoulders. Her hopes were on the Uchiha knights to find something, anything of the dragon's whereabouts and Sasuke still alive. She ran a palm down her face, struggling to keep her emotions in check. She had been on the verge of tears or rage on several occasions and keeping her fabrication of actually enjoying Orochimaru's company was not helping. She had a sliver of hope that she could reach the young Konan into a trusting relationship, but that hope was still just a sliver. A warm hand caressed her back in a comforting manner, it was Kakashi. She glanced up at the warm eyes that expressed concern. She managed to give him a weak smile.
"Keep hope my queen, we will make it through this," he whispered. Yamato grunted in agreement.
Kushina then hugged herself and leaned slightly towards Kakashi, feeling the appreciation and devotion from the captain. She only hoped that she could emotionally hang on for the next few weeks and pray for some good news.
==intermission==
The dragon had not returned for some time. Briefly Sasuke wondered where such a massive beast would go, but again, Sasuke didn't know what else lay in the darkened areas past the fissure high in the ceiling. Did the dragon have another way out of the darkness? Was there perhaps a way out under the water that Sasuke still knew nothing about where it was or if it was a lake or river? Sasuke snorted sharply. He would have known if it was a moving body of water, for no river was silent as it moved throughout its path. Wherever the fish were coming from, would have to mean that there is an opening under the water, but it must be deep below so it wouldn't move the surface. Sasuke ran a hand through his hair and then poked a stick at the small pile of fish bones. He berated himself silently, reminding himself to think, there had to be something else he could do to determine his predicament.
Glancing at the piles of debris at the far end, his eyes fell on the various wooden articles in a pile against one of the walls. 'Of course! Wood!' He hopped up and made his way to the pile. There were some broken chairs in the pile and certainly what would a dragon do with a human wooden chair!? He pulled on a half buried wooden chair that came apart almost instantly from its dried condition. Sasuke held up the small chair, what was left of it and swiftly cracked it apart. Each section that held the woven ties pulled apart easily and Sasuke smirked at his idea. He gathered up the long stems of wood that were once the legs and backing of the chair and carried them to his small burning fire. For good measure he brought an armful of what was left of the weaving of the wooden chair to aid in keeping his fire burning.
Placing the small pile of wooden legs beside his blanket, he ripped a long strip off one of the older woolen blankets and began to secure it to one of the wooden chair legs. Once completed, he smiled at his work – a makeshift torch. His plan? Wander into the darkness and see what he could discover. The dragon? Hope that it doesn't get irritated with him wandering around. He dipped the old wool wrapping into the small flame and was pleased to see it catch. The fabric was thick with old oils from the animal that it came from and most likely from the home it came from. Turning the wood leg slightly, small flames flickered to life and Sasuke got up quickly, heading towards the pitch black darkness of the cave.
Following the wall carefully, he slowed his pace when he had walked past the opening of the fissure high about him. There was minimal light shining through and Sasuke figured it was evening, the sun setting to allow the night to move in. He mentally stored that he must have been in this cave for at least two days now judging by his times that he relieved himself and the times that he had seen daylight shine through the fissure. The light casted shadows on the cave wall and deep gorges that Sasuke realized were from the dragon's talons. He ran his fingers over the deep slits that carved into the rock wall, recalling clearly when the dragon attempted to climb the walls and reach the light high in the ceiling. Shaking his head, that was a puzzle for another time, he pulled away from the wall and continued on.
Listening carefully, he took further steps into the darkness along the wall, his eyes taking in every new scene that the light of his torch revealed to him. He came to the narrowed path that he had taken before, knowing that around the one corner was the path to the mounds of treasure. Peeking around the one corner, Sasuke listened for any signs, heard none and stepped forward.
The torch created a soft glow ahead of him and Sasuke watched the ground as he pulled away from the wall. He knew that if he followed the one wall, it would lead him to the treasure, which he certainly did not want to go down again after the dragon's last surprising outburst. He continued to step away from the comfort of the wall and into a sea of darkness, only highlighted by his one small torch. There had to be a wall on the other side right? Sasuke turned slightly to the left, using his torch to guide him and sure enough, the opposite wall had turned away from the direction of the treasure. Sasuke was trying to visualize the area in his head so he could sketch it later so he followed the opposite wall slowly, his torch leading the way. He counted his steps, and so far he was well over a hundred. His view so far has been darkness, a cave wall and the floor. His ears were open to any sound in case the dragon decided to make itself known, but nothing but the sound of trickles of water echoed through the darkness.
Sasuke continued to feel his way along the wall, hoping that it didn't lead to a cliff suddenly where he may meet an untimely death. 'I can feel the moisture, stronger, heavier, I have to be close!' Sasuke noted that the walls were beginning to feel damp and cool. He looked down and could see the ground was becoming more rock and less sand and gravel. It was when he saw the first reflections off the water from his small torch he took a long breath and gasped at the sight.
There were slight ripples in the water, the torch light reflecting as far as it could and Sasuke couldn't see where the large body of water ended. Looking down, the ground was now rock and the water was actually crystal clear and he could see how the rock continued at a slow slope into the darkness of the water. Taking his hand off the cool rock wall, he followed the water line slowly, watching his every step and glancing down into the water as well trying to see if he could see beyond the darkness over the water. Being careful not to slip, he knelt carefully at the edge of the water and held the small burning torch out as far as he could over the water.
The water was so clear, he could see that the bottom was rock, not sand. 'Are we in an actual mountain? If so, how did this water get up here?' He shook his head slightly. There was no way he could tell if the rock went all the way to the bottom, he couldn't see and there could have been sand at the very bottom of this body of water for all he knew. Unless he was able to light up every corner of this cave he was in, he most likely wouldn't be able to tell how big this water area was either. A sparkle caught his eye under the water, and he caught a glimpse of a slow moving fish, silver in colour, very much like the ones that the dragon had brought.
"Well, now I know where the fish are coming from," he whispered to no one. But if there were fish in this water, then possibly there had to be a way out of this cave beneath the surface. He watched a few more fish flick into the light, most likely curious about it, before turning and swimming away. Standing slowly and looking at his torch, he pulled out another strip of the old blanket that he had tucked in his back pocket. Thank goodness he had the foresight to bring another couple strips with him, not knowing how long each strip would last for burning. Quickly wrapping the next blanket strip over the edge of the small torch, he continued down the water line slowly, watching and listening carefully.
The sound of something large moving over the rock had him stop in his tracks. He was still on the water's edge and ripples suddenly manifested over the surface, washing up to the rock shore with a soft continuous whooshing noise. Sasuke strained his ears, listening to where the movement was coming from. The sounds were of something dragging over the ground, he could hear the rocks rolling and dropping about the rocks. Sasuke moved the torch slightly, looking around him, until he was certain the sound was coming from the direction he was walking. Willing his heart to slow down, he pushed himself along the waterline again, getting closer to the sounds of movement.
It wasn't but a few more steps when the torch light reflected and glitters of colour sparkled on the massive figure. Sasuke hesitated, his eyes focusing on the reflections and he knew immediately it was the dragon. The massive figure moved slightly, its large body causing the noises that were echoing through the cave. From what Sasuke could figure, it was near the water but not in it. Taking a calming breath, he shuffled closer to the massive dragon, realizing that if the dragon was going to kill him for being where he was, then he might as well get to see where it is at the moment.
His footsteps continued to follow the water line and Sasuke realized that the dragon was up on a ledge of rock. He could faintly see that the water line ended at the foot of where the dragon was laying and the ledge of rock went straight up only about three feet. The movement had stopped, the torch glow reflected off the dragon's scales still but the massive head had turned and those crystal large like eyes were watching him. Sasuke could hear the breath of the dragon, but it still laid upon the rock, not making any more movements.
When Sasuke got only a few feet away the dragon shifted, lifting its massive head up slowly and gracefully, its eyes not leaving Sasuke's form. Sasuke took in a choppy breath, bent his knees and crouched to the ground. He laid the torch down on the rock floor, as if showing that he meant no harm, and watched the dragon's body begin to lift from the floor and stand upon its four legs. The long elegant neck lifted its head high above and the dragon turned its body, its tail dragging on the rock, and turned to face him. Sasuke shivered slightly, feeling the stare of the dragon's eyes upon him and its colossal sized body standing directly before him.
He could feel his heart thrumming so fast he tried to keep his breathing steady so he wouldn't pass out from the fear that struck through him. The ground vibrated slightly as the dragon took steps on the rock ledge, moving closer towards him. Sasuke couldn't take his eyes off the creature, and he only hoped that if it was going to kill him now, that it would be swift and painless. He leaned forward slightly, his palms on the rock floor and closed his eyes.
The silence was almost deafening if not for the heavy breaths of the creature before him. After several seconds of no other sounds of movement, Sasuke cracked open his eyes and looked up. The dragon was perched on the edge of the rock ledge, its giant talons gripping the ledge, its leather wings stood straight up, not fully opened but enough to get an idea how far they could stretch. The long neck was curved down so the dragon's head was now within a few feet of Sasuke's body. Sasuke could feel his body struggling to be still, his instincts wanted him to run as quickly as possible, but he fought those instincts with everything he had and worked on smoothing out his breathing. The heavy breath of the dragon brushed through his hair, he could feel the warmth with each huff. The muzzle moved so close to Sasuke, he could see the nostrils flaring with each breath. But the dragon did nothing more. It stood on that ledge, its eyes watching Sasuke, its breaths continued to blow across his face and Sasuke was immediately hit with curiosity.
Glancing at the torch, it still burned slowly on the rock floor and did not appear to be going out anytime soon. Sasuke took three long deep breaths before moving slowly to stand. He moved with painful slowness, his eyes watching the dragon before him, in case it gave any sign of not appreciating Sasuke's movement. It's nostrils continued to contract, its huffing noises sounded the same but its eyes flickered slightly, watching Sasuke's actions.
When Sasuke reached his full stance, he hesitated, watching, waiting, his body tense but ready to bolt should he need to. The dragon had pushed him around before, held him against the cave wall, shoved its nose into his chest and rolled him about on the floor. With those memories, Sasuke realized that the dragon could have squashed him like a bug right then and there. He pinched his lips in thought, took another breath and took a step forward.
The dragon didn't move, it continued to watch, the flickering of the flames dancing in the giant cat like eyes of the beast.
He took another step closer…
The dragon huffed out a breath, as if daring Sasuke to come closer, so he did, he took another step closer…
He stopped, when the dragon's head hovered over his own. The dragon's wings shivered a bit, its large talons flexed slightly into the rocky ledge, but its eyes just continued to stare down at Sasuke. Ever so slowly, Sasuke lifted his hand. He could feel his heart slamming into his chest, his instincts were pulling at his mentality wondering what the hell he was doing, but he needed to know…
His fingers trembled slightly when his arm was fully outstretched, palm facing the muzzle of the beast and he felt a few beads of sweat trickle down his temple. The dragon's breaths grew longer and Sasuke could feel the slight breeze pulling at his hair. 'It's smelling me, I'm sure,' he thought to himself.
Sasuke could see that each nostril, flexing with each breath, was so large, he could probably put his whole fist in one easily. His eyes moved to look at the intricate horns coming from the beast's head. He briefly wondered if the horns were permanent or like antlers. He itched to see them closer, touch them, to learn more about them. His eyes moved to the scales of the beast, noting they were layered and slid easily with each move the dragon made. Looking at the scales, and knowing how indestructible they were, Sasuke suspected the scales would make a host of noise when the dragon moved. It surprised him to see the scales move but not make a sound.
His heart skipped a beat and fear struck through his mind when he felt the pressure pressed against his palm. Not making any sudden moves, his eyes looked back to his outstretched arm, and the muzzle of the dragon was pressed to his hand.
He couldn't breathe.
The dragon remained still, as its nose pressed into Sasuke's palm, its eyes focused directly on him. Sasuke almost felt the panic overtake him. What does he do now? Should he move his hand? Like petting a horse? Should he step back? His heart was pounding in his ears as dozens of questions filled his head.
But then the dragon turned away and was walking into the darkness on the rock ledge. Sasuke froze in his stance, his hand still outstretched but the massive body was now gone, further into the dark and Sasuke could hear the heavy steps of the clawed talons echoing off the cave walls. His legs gave out and he fell back onto his ass on the cave floor. He ran his hands through his hair, his muscles still vibrating from the experience, his heart still thumping against his chest. He wiped the sweat that had gathered on his face and neck from the anxiety that ripped through his system.
"Holy fuck. What was that…"
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Well thats it for now! I hope this was somewhat interesting!
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Keep smiling everyone!