Welp, thanks ya'll for waiting for an update.
Summer has come and gone now, so now I'm just back to being a mom, wife, full time working career woman and fujoshi who loves writing SNS wips. This particular chapter was continuously arguing with me on what I was writing, there was a lot of debate on situations and often the chapter won its arguement! haha! Anyhow, I pool noodled the heck out of this chapter and told it that I was posting, end of story! Do I enjoy arguing with inanimate things? Yes...yes I do... heh
Happy SNStober! If you haven't seen, I posted a fun one shot that came to mind just for SNStober, and I had actually completed another wip that is updating on Tue & Fri , thats 2x a week people, until fully up there!
So I don't know how many people read these opening notes, so I'm gonna stop here. On with the show. Oh, I should say, thank you to those who dropped a line to make sure I was still on this planet :)
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"It's not–how could–but where–this can't be…" Sasuke's words were a mixture of confusion, his lips not forming anything coherent that went through his mind. Sasuke felt as if his head was sinking in a pit of quicksand. The questions weighed so much, so heavily and there were so many, he couldn't keep up but his eyes, they kept their hold on the form before him.
"Umm, yeah, I really don't know how I ended up here either," Naruto chuckled out, his hand scratching at the top of his messy blond hair.
Sasuke took a step closer to the form that was highlighted by the small flames of the fire. Tilting his head, he took in the tall figure, definitely a taller more mature form than when he last saw his close friend at the tender age of 10 years.
"But how—what, where…have you been?" Sasuke finally managed to sputter out, his eyes not leaving Naruto's form.
Naruto pinched his lips and frowned, looking down at the flames of the fire. "I–I, what do you mean?" He looked back up at Sasuke, his blue eyes full of confusion. "I remember we were—last summer, we…" Naruto trailed off, looking up to the dark sky.
"Naruto," Sasuke firmly spoke. "You've been missing since—since," Sasuke couldn't finish as that fateful night came flashing before him.
Naruto suddenly sat hard on the ground, placing his head in his hands and wincing out in discomfort.
Startled at the sudden action, Sasuke moved towards the fire and knelt near Naruto, concern etched in his face. "Naru? What—"
"I–It's like a dream. I can see myself, but I can't, ya know? It's not so clear, but, I'm stuck and–and I can't find my way out." Naruto rubbed his temples, his eyes closed and his breaths were quick. He winced some more as the light from the flames flickered across his face. Sasuke didn't move, but continued to watch his long-time friend.
Naruto then let out a long broken sigh and ran his hand through his locks before leaning back and looking up again at the dark sky. "And I can see that you were there, but not clear, like you were fading in and out." Naruto then turned his head, his blue eyes focusing on dark eyes that continued to stare directly at him. "Not like you are now. I can see that you are real and–and…" Naruto gnawed on his bottom lip. "And I'm scared…that this isn't real, and you are going to fade at any moment."
Sasuke found himself feeling a pinch of pain in his chest at the words. His closest friend, full of fear, but still right before him, as if nothing had changed since their last meeting together. But there were so many unanswered questions, so many unknowns and Sasuke didn't know where to begin. How did they meet like this, where has Naruto been, and how does one start the line of questions where there are so many? So, Sasuke took a long breath, biting at his own lip and settled into the cold ground, crossing his legs and took a moment. It was apparent that Naruto was just as confused as he, and they were both still in a state of unknown, so he decided to start where it made most sense, the beginning.
"What's the last thing you remember? Clearly?" Sasuke whispered, his fingers were resting on his knees but he clenched them repeatedly to hold his patience.
Naruto inhaled and closed his eyes for several moments. He didn't open his eyes when he began to speak. "I was at the sea. The tide was out, and I was on a quest," he chuckled. "Well, more like I was making a quest for us to do when you would come next." He opened his eyes then, turning to Sasuke and giving a friendly grin.
Sasuke couldn't help giving a small smile in return at the familiar grin the blond gave.
Naruto leaned forward, leaning his arms on his crossed legs. "Yeah, I remember! I made a treasure map and I had to hide clues." He chuckled again at the memory.
Sasuke's hand lifted to his chest, where he found the familiar stone under his shirt. Naruto's necklace. He squeezed it between his fingers before slowly pulling it out. "First clue?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto's smile was wide when he saw the necklace around Sasuke's neck. "You found the map! Damn, you're good!" Naruto laughed and slapped his knee.
Sasuke just shook his head at his friend's imaginary antics. He always had a flare for adventure and coming up with adventurous outings for the two of them.
"I found the second clue, before you get too far into explaining yourself," Sasuke added as he reached for his bag. Naruto's jaw fell open in surprise when Sasuke pulled out the small scabbard, holding it flat against his palms. Naruto began to laugh boisterously at the sight.
"Of course you did! Hell, you were always smarter than me. Damn, I had hoped to be able to at least be somewhat of a challenge for ya." Naruto rubbed at the back of his neck.
"Naruto," Sasuke spoke seriously.
Blue eyes focused on Sasuke's face, laughter dying immediately when he saw the crucial look his friend had.
"This," Sasuke whispered, his hand pointing between himself and the blond, "is the biggest challenge right now." His dark pupils never wavered as they focused on blue orbs. "How are you here? Like now? After all this time and where have you been? Where did you come from?"
Naruto sighed before looking back at the small dancing flames. "Yeah, so–I really, I don't really know…" Naruto trailed off.
"What happened after the second clue?" Sasuke asked to keep Naruto talking in hopes that he may recall something.
Naruto scratched his cheek, still looking at the flames. "You remember granny Chiyo? We used to see her sometimes wandering around the foothills." Naruto raised a brow at Sasuke.
Sasuke pinched his lips in thought, raking through his memory banks.
"No matter if you can't remember Sas," Naruto's voice broke through Sasuke's thoughts. "Well, she had the best stories and songs, and I remember one of them specifically." He huffed out a noise with a smile, staring back into the flames. "She would talk of how vikings used to wander these lands, hid their treasure until a dragon came and ate them all." Naruto giggled at this. "Of course that's what I thought she said, but I doubt a dragon ate 'em."
Sasuke hummed out a noise, not sure if he would agree with that or not, considering what he had just been through as of late.
"Anyhow," Naruto continued. "I remember I wanted to find the dragon that was probably guarding the so called treasure and Chiyo's song about dragons really must have gotten me going." He huffed out something that sounded like a snort and a laugh. "But, the rest is–is just bits of pieces of something, ya know?" Naruto tilted his head at Sasuke. "Like, I see myself looking at myself, like in a mirror, but I can reach through the mirror like water. And there are times I am sure I can see you." He ran both hands through his hair now, an irritated sound breaching his lips. "Its so fucking frustrating! Cause, you know, it's there, but it isn't, and—argh!" He slapped his palm against his forehead several times in frustration.
Sasuke could only watch as his friend showed aggravation at the situation. Sasuke could feel it welling in himself as well. He didn't have all the answers either. Naruto quickly settled and laid on his back on the ground, hands behind his head and let out a loud sigh.
"I don't know Sas'k. Everything right now is just so fucking annoying, so crazy, and I don't know if I want to start running and screaming to make everything stop, or just sit here and mull." He turned his head to look at Sasuke again. "Even now, something doesn't feel right. Yet, I feel like I'm right here, you're there, like it used to be but yet—"
"I don't know if I understand," Sasuke returned.
A snort was his response. "As if I get it any more than you," Naruto whispered out. "I don't even know how I ended up here, ya know? I know I was going home, but now I'm here. With you—where I know— it's where I've always wanted to be." He continued to look up at the starlit sky.
Sasuke blinked in surprise at the words spoken. "What do you mean?" Silence was his response. "Naruto?" he asked again when his blond friend didn't answer. He moved slightly to the side to get a better look at his friend's face that was mainly hidden in the shadows.
"Hm?" the blond answered finally.
"Naruto!" Sasuke suddenly cried out in surprise, causing the blond to turn his head quickly. "What's happening?!"
Naruto quickly turned over to his side and looked at his friend confused. His mouth moved, but Sasuke couldn't hear any words coming from his lips.
"Naruto! You–what? I can't–" Sasuke's eyes widened in horror as Naruto's frame began to flicker in the light and he could suddenly see through the blond's body. Naruto's lips continued to move, saying something but Sasuke still heard nothing. "Your body!"
Naruto held up his hands to his face, his blue eyes going wide as he noticed that he was suddenly transparent.
Sasuke could see the panic in those brilliant blue eyes and the blond lips that were mouthing his name. He scrambled to his knees, crawling towards Naruto and reached out. "What–wait!" He reached out to grab Naruto's arm and gasped horrified as his fingers breezed right through Naruto's arm. Naruto's eyes were widened with what Sasuke could only identify as fear and sadness when he witnessed Sasuke's fingers go through his body.
"What's happening?" Sasuke whispered, trying to hold his fear as he reached out again towards Naruto. Naruto reached back, but Sasuke's fingers only slid through Naruto as if he was nothing but a ghost. He watched in horror as Naruto's lips continued to mouth his name, his hand kept trying to grasp Sasuke's hand, but only went through like his body was nothing but air. When Naruto's body was pulled forcefully by some unknown force backwards into the darkness and faded away, Sasuke could only just stare into the darkness.
.
.
.
.
Kabuto quickly jumped to his feet and walked towards the dragon. The beast was beginning to stir and Kabuto knew his next move had to be specific. He stood before the beast's head, watching, waiting…
A long and low growl erupted from the dragon's belly, travelling up its neck and releasing from the nostrils. Its eyelids began to creep open, showing slits of a purple glow before they opened fully. Kabuto grinned widely when those purple eyes focused directly on him.
Kabuto called out some words in a strange dialect, his eyes never leaving the dragon's. His two lackeys stood far behind him, their mouths gaping open at the sight and appeared to be holding on to each other's forearms for strength.
"B-boss, are you–" the one burly man whispered out. Kabuto held up his palm behind him, a signal to the men to shut their mouth as the words continued to spill from his lips.
The dragon shook its head viciously back and forth, a growl escaping its lips, but it settled just as quickly before laying its head back down on the ground before Kabuto. It breathed out heavily, its purple glowing eyes staring at Kabuto but it moved no more. Kabuto laughed loudly, throwing his arms out in apparent glee.
"I am your master!" Kabuto's maniacal laughter bounced between the trees and the two burly men behind him suddenly grabbed each other, their eyes bulging at the scene.
Kabuto turned around quickly, glaring at the two men. "Now, come with me and I shall show you exactly what this beast can do with me as its master." Kabuto turned, stalking towards the beast, the two lackeys behind him taking careful steps behind him as they made their way towards the dragon.
.
.
.
.
"Sir, we haven't seen the dragon for some time, it's hard to determine if it was heading for the Uzumaki kingdom," a knight called out from his horse at Yamato.
The group of knights had slowed their horses down to a trot, the men watching the skies for any sign of the beast in the sky.
"Just keep watching while we head towards the Uzumaki kingdom, we can't take the chance," Yamato ordered out. He had indeed seen that there was no sight of where the dragon could have gone, but with the history, it only made sense that the dragon would head towards the Uzumaki kingdom.
A howling shriek rang through the ears of the knights, causing all of them to suddenly cover their ears and many squint their eyes shut. Yamato looked around in the skies and snapped his teeth together when he saw the creature behind the ear splitting shriek.
Its huge wings opened into the sky as fire escaped its muzzle, lighting up the area so the knights could make out the form, the howling growls following the spewing fire balls that were released into the sky.
"There it is! Quickly! Follow it before it gets too far out of sight!" Yamato hollered out at his men, urging his horse to move towards the dragon. The men quickly got themselves organized and began pushing their horses towards the dragon that was now taking flight.
The dragon continued to release streams of fire across the sky while using its wings to lift its body higher into the sky. 'It's like it is showing dominance or something,' Yamato thought, as the dragon continued to wail and breathe fire.
Sasuke watched the dragon suddenly awaken and lift towards the sky. The beast cried out, fire escaping its muzzle into the night. 'What the hell!?' Sasuke snuffed out the small fire quickly, grabbed his belongings and began to run in the direction of the flying dragon.
Sasuke ran as quickly and carefully as he could through the dark forest. Not being able to see any fallen trees, roots or rocks was a challenge, but he managed to stay on the path that he hoped the dragon was taking. He broke through the cover of trees into an open area and skid to a stop when he heard the unmistakable sound of horses. 'Several horses it sounds like,' Sasuke thought to himself.
He quickly stepped beside a large mound of rock, taking to the shadows, not knowing who these horse riders could be. As the riders breached the hill, their shouts calling to each other, Sasuke's eyes widened at the insignia that the horses wore on their chests. 'Uchiha knights!' But what were they doing here? No matter, he shook his head and quickly jumped out of the shadows. He waved his arms and called out to the men.
Two horses rushed up to Sasuke, and the horses were pulled to a hard stop before him.
"My prince!" It was Yamato, Sasuke recognized that voice anywhere. Yamato leaped off his horse and rushed to Sasuke. After a quick bow, Yamato grabbed Sasuke's shoulders and began to look him over. "Thank kami you are here! Are you hurt?" Yamato patted at Sasuke's arms gently. Sasuke just grunted out words of appreciation to the knight.
"Your highness," Izumo called as he slid off his horse and took long strides towards him. "I am so relieved you are here and appear unharmed." Izumo bowed before Sasuke. Yamato nodded in agreement before stepping back beside Izumo.
"What are you doing out here? Were you the ones that the dragon flew over this night?" His eyes flicked to each knight, waiting for an answer.
"Your highness, we don't have much time," Yamato started. "The men are tailing the beast now, we must keep up. Please, you can ride with me and I'll tell you on the way." Yamato called his horse, who obediently stepped to Yamato's side. The brunette quickly mounted his horse and waited for Sasuke expectedly.
"Very well," Sasuke responded and slid up behind Yamato. The three quickly sped through the darkness catching up with the rest of the group.
~~intermission~~
Kabuto squeezed his legs tightly around the neck of the beast, his hands clutched each horn tightly and his face was still grinning maniacally as the dragon continued to soar through the night. Every few minutes, Kabuto would create hand motions and whisper incantations, the dragon would release a roar, sometimes with flames and adjust its flying pattern.
He looked over his shoulder, his two lackeys practically hugging onto the dragon's lengthy neck, fear plastered on their faces while they watched the ground below. Kabuto chuckled to himself at the sight before turning his head back. He needed to complete the first stage of his task.
The Uzumaki kingdom could be seen in the distance, the small fires dots of light around the castle. The dragon flew closer to the kingdom and released an ear piercing howl into the black sky. Kabuto quickly completed some hand signs, whispered words from his lips before looking back at the two men. 'I'm shocked they are still hanging on,' he snorted out a laugh to himself.
"Hang on! It's going to get windy!" Kabuto burst out in laughter and clutched the horns tight.
The dragon began to swoop towards the small dots of fires, its loud roars breaking through the silence and Kabuto could hear the cries of people below. Large leather wings were outstretched as the dragon was gliding closer and closer to the people. It inhaled deeply and shot out several fire balls towards the smaller dots of flames. The dragon suddenly arched upwards towards the black sky, leaving the mass of flames below and Kabuto laughed once again. Pulling on the horns of the dragon, he whispered more words into the wind and the dragon twisted through the air again.
"Prepare the catapults!" Kakashi yelled out. "Light the fires, I want it ready to fire yesterday!" Kakashi was running between the crowds of knights, barking out orders since the dragon attacked.
A rush of Orochimaru's men came running to the aide of the Uzumaki men, throwing themselves into the preparations. The dragon swirled about in the darkness of the sky, releasing loud calls that pierced the air.
"Your majesty," Kakashi called out when he saw Orochimaru himself rushing outdoors. "It's dangerous out here, it's best you wait—"
"I will assist this kingdom as well as it is my own!" Orochimaru barked out. "I will attend to the groups outside the walls," he called out while running into the dark fields.
Kakashi just watched the Sound king rush into the darkness, confused by this type of behaviour. 'Does he actually give a shit? Or maybe…' Kakashi's thoughts were broken when the sounds of blazes of fire erupted once again. He turned on his heel quickly towards the bustling men who were preparing the weapons.
Orochimaru scanned the sky, looking for any form of the beast. He grinned widely when he caught sight of it, taking a wide circle. 'Should be any moment now if that fool managed too–'
A stream of flames spurting from the dragon's muzzle lit up the area, and the dragon swooped across the ground, leaving a trail of fire behind it. It twisted through the air, the fire not stopping, continuing to leave a blaze in the foliage below. Orochimaru stopped in his tracks, the grin still on his face as he watched the dragon twist about, the fire stopping from its muzzle before it swooped back up into the sky.
The Sound king walked slowly towards the dying rows of flames, his eyes peering into the flames as if he were looking for something. When he reached where the flames had been, embers now rested among the ashes. Orochimaru's eyes followed the row of hot embers still glowing brightly. "Yes," he purred out. He stepped along the burnt area, following the trail. He stopped after several meters and let out a chuckle. He looked to the left and right of himself, seeing the embers and clapped his hands, rubbing his palms together with a grin. "Well done Kabuto," he hummed appreciatively at the shape it made. The lines of burnt area connected at each end, creating a circle. He nodded at the circle before turning and began heading back towards the castle. He had work to do.
"CAPTAIN!" An Uzumaki guard called while running across the courtyard.
"What is it?!" Kakashi barked out in response.
"The trebuchets are ready sir!" the guard yelled.
"When the dragon is in your sight, fire at will!" Kakashi gave the order, the guard repeating the order down the line.
'The chains should hold this time, now if we can only get a good shot…' Kakashi watched the skies.
"Just a moment," Orochimaru called out. He strode across the yard quickly, pulling out a large vial from under his cloak. "I have something here that will guarantee that we get the beast when the chains are secured around it."
Kakashi watched closely, Orochimaru walked around the one trebuchet, placing a drop of liquid on the chains at various points. He didn't see anything of interest from the liquid, but he could hear Orochimaru whispering words with each drop. 'He knows sorcery?' Kakashi shivered. He had no idea that Orochimaru could harness any type of magical abilities, and now, his anxiety was rising at the thought of this man marrying Kushina and being in control of the Uzumaki kingdom.
"There will be no escape this time," Orochimaru called out with a creepy grin. Just when he spoke those words, the dragon's roar broke through the air.
"Get ready to fire!" Kakashi called to the others. His worries about what Orochimaru could or what he was would have to wait. He could hear the whooshing noise of the dragon taking in needed air to release its fiery attack. A wall of flame was the answer when he heard the men begin to give the order to fire. "Fire at will!" Kakashi hollered out once more.
The dragon swooped in close, a narrow beam of flames shooting out from between the muzzle, the blast of heat blowing through Kakashi's hair. The snapping noises of the trebuchets were whistling through the air, the secured chains whizzing through the darkness.
"Yes!" Kakashi hissed when he caught the glimmer of fire light off two sets of chains that hit its mark. The howl coming from the dragon only confirmed the hit while it began to struggle staying in the air. "Prepare for impact!" Kakashi screamed the order while watching the beast begin to descend, fast and hard towards the ground, several meters away from where he stood. A trail of flames spurting out from its muzzle while the beast howled out in agony.
A war cry of celebration sounds came from the mouths of many of the knights while they followed the beast in the direction it began to fall. Kakashi began to follow, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him and he quickly flicked his head to see the Sound king's eyes narrowed at him. A manic grin was on the king's lips before he softened the smile to speak. "Capture it, I'm ordering you to not kill it." With that, the Sound king quickly followed the direction of the other knights.
The dragon landed hard, sliding through the ground, creating a trench before coming to a stop. It's head thrashed about, slamming against the ground and releasing wails of growls and fire. Its body was trapped within the chains it was hit with, but its giant talons still ripped at the ground as it tried to find its footing.
"Get bolas on its mouth and legs! Hurry it up before it breaks free!" Kakashi barked out the orders. Several knights whirled the bolas over their heads, the whistling sounds breaking through the night air. Within minutes, half a dozen bolas whistled through the air, hitting their targets swiftly and cleanly while the dragon continued thrashing about.
"Secure it quickly, watch the tail and neck!" Kakashi screamed out over the wails and growls of the beast. He craned his neck, closer to the beast than he had been ever, he took in the extreme size of the impressive dragon. He knew the dragon was massive, but being as close as he was now, he could honestly say he was left speechless.
The men were quick, and before he knew it, the dragon was secured all over its body, chains and thick ropes holding it confined to itself. Kakashi walked slowly around the dragon's body, his eyes following the impressive size and lines of the body, again, his breath hitched at how small he felt beside the beast.
Orochimaru stood nearby, barking out orders at his own men, who were scurrying around the beast, checking each binding and reinforcing where needed. Kakashi noticed his own men had taken responsibility in the surrounding area. Putting out fires, ensuring any injuries were being taken care of.
"Majesty," Kakashi caught the Sound king's attention.
"Well done captain," Orochimaru cut off Kakashi before he could speak, his eyes not looking the grey haired man in the eyes. "My men will take care of this."
Kakashi tilted his head in question. 'Did the queen know of this? What would the king want with this–this creature?' Kakashi thought. A long sorrowful sound howled from the tied muzzle of the dragon, which had Kakashi move closer towards the head. He followed the lengthy neck, looking in awe at the multicoloured and different sized scales that decorated the skin. He stepped carefully over the array of ropes that were staked to the ground that pinned the dragon's body firm. Knights scrambling around each area, pounding in various stakes. The sorrowful groan continued to rumble through the dragon's secured muzzle with each step, and stopped when Kakashi stood before its one eye.
Kakashi knelt down, watching the one glowing purple eye become focused on him. Kakashi watched closely, the lid slowly blinked and a glimmer of moisture slipped along the edge of its eye. Kakashi's eyes widened at the sight, before the lid slid closed. The single tear fell from the dragon's eye before it slid down the edge of a scale and silently dropped to the ground. Kakashi pinched his lips tightly, frowning at the sight before raising to stand once more. The heavy breathing of the dragon drew up puffs of dirt, but it kept its eye closed when a heavy breath of defeat released from its muzzle.
'Interesting…could this beast, be of sound mind, of some sort?' Kakashi wondered to himself, stepping back and letting the Sound kingdom's knights rush about, securing the creature even more. The beast continued to keep its eyes shut as the men clammered around it.
"Captain," Orochimaru called out as he walked towards him. "My men have this under control, I suggest you inform the Queen of what has transpired this night. Your men are caring for the villagers and any fires that may be still burning."
Kakashi was left bowing and going on his way. He didn't dare question the king or his orders, but he was left wondering about the dragon's behaviours, and he quickly glanced at the beast once more before heading out.
Kushina watched from one of the high windows. She saw the beast fall to the ground but was unsure what was becoming of it. Orochimaru's men had assisted her own men with bringing the creature down, but it had fallen a distance away that she couldn't see it in the darkness.
"Majesty," Kakashi's voice called from behind her. She quickly turned to see the captain bowing at her in the doorway.
"Please tell me you have a positive update," Kushina's voice sounded exhausted when she looked back out the window over the darkened land.
"The king has captured and secured the beast. They have it trapped and I am not aware of what the king is wanting to do next with it." Kakashi stood and walked over to stand beside Kushina at the window.
"He plans to find financial gain with it, either dead or alive," Kushina whispered.
Kakashi just snorted out a disgusted sound. Of course he would, that's all Orochimaru wants, financial gain and power.
"I don't know if I agree or disagree. Knowing what it —the thing did to my boy…the heartache it has caused to our families," Kushina breathed out, her voice shaking. "But it is still just a creature of the gods, isn't it? Doing what it only knows what to do, to survive," she choked back a sob. "I—I just— what to think?" She slammed her fists on the edge of the window sill, a couple tears escaped, running down her cheek, but she bit her bottom lip to keep it from quivering. "I feel so weak," she whispered.
Kakashi leaned closer to Kushina, placing an arm around her shoulder and pulling her in for a side hug. "Stay strong my queen, we will find the answer. It just takes time, and something will show us the way."
"Time—", she sniffled. "Sadly, is something we are running out of." She leaned her head on Kakashi's shoulder, while both continued to stare out across the darkened sky.
~elsewhere in the castle~
Konan sat up in her bed, her heart slamming in her chest as she tried to catch her breath. The thin sheen of sweat was across her face, but she paid it of no mind. Her eyes flickered around but what she saw was not the safety of the bedroom in the Uzumaki castle.
She could feel the heat blasting at her face but saw no fire. The darkness she was sitting in was suffocating her, and she struggled to find even a wisp of light. There was something heavy in the darkness, she could feel it on her chest, her shoulders, her legs but she remained still, listening and looking. The heat blasts were blowing at her clothing, her hair and suddenly the ground began to shift.
Konan's heart skipped a beat when a long glowing red crack began to emerge below her. She wanted to move, but couldn't. She wanted to scream, but her throat was squeezed shut. She could feel her eyes growing impossibly wide, fear thundering through her that she was about to fall into the very deep recesses of the earth, boiling to death in the red hot lakes, but — the cracking went around her, leaving her in on a small island in the middle of the heated lake. She clenched her hands and took deep breaths.
'What is this place,' her heart asked herself. She knew she was in a vision, but was unfamiliar with the place before her.
A loud roar made her jump and goosebumps erupted across her skin. Her throat still made no sound, it was squeezed tight, a reaction she had become familiar with in her visions. But the fear was always a steady thrum through her body, no matter how much she willed it down, it was always there.
'THERE!' She saw a flicker of light, much like a cat's eyes when they peered through the darkness. The two eyes gleamed in the light like diamonds, staring directly at her and the roar echoed through the darkness once again. The bubbling of the lava lake around her still moved as if nothing could stop it, and she narrowed her eyes slightly to get a better look. Beneath the two shining diamonds was a long reflective glass, but it wasn't reflecting the area around her. She could see something more bue, white and glowing in the reflection, but she managed to scream when the head of a dragon appeared right before her, its mouth wide with large white teeth, its heated breath blowing on her body and her body jerked away.
Her scream echoed in the bedroom she was now suddenly back in. She grabbed the blankets that were pooled around her legs, shaking uncontrollably and hugged the fabric up to her chest. Tears poured from her eyes, her heart beat so hard she thought she would faint and she panted out heavily when the scream had left her lungs.
Ladies in waiting came rushing into the room, their eyes filled with panic as they looked at their lady and enveloped her in their arms. Konan allowed the women to do this, as she felt their heated embraces surround her. Her head was now pounding with pain with each heartbeat, and she squinted her eyes closed hard.
"My lady, my lady! What has happened! Are you hurt? Is there something hurting? Did someone hurt you? My lady!" The ladies of waiting scurried, their voices were rushed and laced with panic while they gently felt around Konan's body. Konan said nothing, she knew her voice would not come, even if she tried. Visions often left her exhausted, thirsty and even though she wanted to sleep, it wouldn't come for several hours. Konan just slumped into the arms of one of the ladies and allowed the tears to keep falling until they eventually stopped.
The vision still lingered behind her closed eyes and she demanded her body to relax. "M-my book, p-please—need it," she managed to whisper out several minutes later. The ladies were dabbing her forehead with a warm cloth, bringing her water and helping her change out of her sweat soaked nightgown. She needed to write down what she could remember. She didn't know what it meant but if the same vision was to come again, there was always more to it. But the question lingered in her mind, would she let the king know? No, not yet. This vision may mean something deeper than what the king often wanted to know.
Konan had been with king Orochimaru for long enough to know what his desires and passions were. They certainly weren't young girls like herself and she was completely thankful for that. It had been 10 years she had been faithful to the Sound king, providing her power in exchange for her two friend's lives. A pang of hurt shot through her chest at the thought of Yahiko and Nagato. The three were orphaned together after a war had destroyed their village. But her two friends were her only family left, and Orochimaru trained them to be strong young warriors as long as she was faithful to the king.
She cried for days when her two only family were sent out on a mission that was promised to take years and everyday she prayed for their safe return. She didn't dare ask Orochimaru for an update on the two, she ached to have a vision of them and where they may be, but it never came. She could only hang on to hope now, hope that they would come back, larger, stronger and wiser, when their years long mission had ended. And when they returned, she would convince them to leave, the three of them, to be together and free, once more.
Grasping her notebook, she began to write what she could remember before it faded with the morning. When she was finished, she tucked the book between her mattress and finally settled beneath the sheets once more, exhaustion finally overcoming her.
~back on the Uzumaki grounds~
Orochimaru walked slowly and proudly around the large beast, his eyes taking in every line, colour and angle of the massive dragon. His men had begun to set up tents, surrounding the dragon, for his men were now on dragon watch while he would begin his studies. His men were quick and agile, they should have their tents and walls of canvas around areas of the beast so outsiders would not be able to see clearly what was within the encampment.
"You have done well…Kabuto," Orochimaru sneered quietly, while still walking slowly around the beast.
"Many thanks my king," the voice came from the darkness. Kabuto stepped closer to the king, coming into the light of the small fires that were now lit around the area. "It was rather simple to manipulate the beast after a successful enchantment," he chuckled darkly. "It still is under the spell right now my lord."
Orochimaru waved Kabuto off, "no matter. It is well secured now, so when it wears off, there may be no need for further enchantment."
"I will have the serum handy just in case my lord," Kabuto whispered and bowed his head.
"Very well. Get your tent set up so we can begin as soon as possible," Orochimaru ordered. "I want to have a plan completed as soon as we know how we can benefit from this amazing beast." Orochimaru sneered with a chuckle and Kabuto nodded once more before heading back into the darkness.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Sasuke could have let out a cry of relief when he saw the Uzumaki castle in the distance. The troupe had been riding hard and as fast as they could, but no horse could keep up with the speed of a flying dragon. They had lost sight of the dragon hours before, and weren't sure if it was heading towards the Uzumaki kingdom, but something in Sasuke's gut told him that it was.
He squeezed his legs tighter around the horse and his arms still hung onto the captain seated before him firmly. The horses were coughing out hard breaths as the men encouraged them faster, seeing several billows of smoke rising from various areas around the castle.
"The dragon may have attacked my prince," Yamato called out to Sasuke. "Let us pray that there aren't any casualties and that the queen is safe," he added.
Sasuke pinched his lips together, trying to keep positive thoughts in the forefront of his mind but a small pang of fear still trickled in.
Sasuke's eyes widened at the burnt out areas they passed by, but there were several Uzumaki knights tending to any still smoking areas along with some villagers. But it was the large tented area that really caught his attention, that was situated quite a distance from the village and the castle. He pointed in the direction of the mass of tents and canvas walls erected. It was obvious there was something being hidden. "Those tents! Those are the king's markings and men! We should go and see what it is they are doing!" Sasuke called out over the sound of the thumping hooves and heavy panting of the horses.
Yamato shook his head. "We should see what has happened at the castle first, meet up with the queen! And we need to get a message to king Uchiha. He will want to know immediately that you are safe!" Yamato yelled behind him.
"But it is apparent they have something there! They may have captured the beast!" Sasuke snapped back, loudly.
"Then it will still be there when we do get over there my prince!" Yamato yelled back.
"Take me over there! That's an order!" Sasuke barked out, his hands clenched tightly in frustration.
Yamato shook his head again. "Not now my prince, I must ensure that you are safe and healthy. The king needs to know that you are safe! I promise we shall go once the healer gives you the okay! The king, your brother, demands it!"
'Jezuz fuck,' Sasuke cursed loudly in his head. He glanced over at the large encampment as they continued to gallop towards the Uzuamaki castle. He needed to see it, needed to know if the dragon was okay. He didn't know why, but there was something more to this and with Naruto's sudden appearance last night… more puzzle pieces were being played. 'Oh shit! Naruto! Yes! He had to inform the queen of what transpired!' Even though Naruto had disappeared, again, there was some sort of sorcery here that he needed to study. He hoped that he could find the answers sooner than later, the Uzumaki kingdom was running out of time.
Sasuke had hopped off the horse as soon as it halted, sprinting for the front of the castle doors. He ignored the call of the Uchiha knights, who begged for him to wait, but he needed to speak to the queen. The sunlight was beginning to breach the horizon, and he silently hoped that she was awake. Judging by what had happened last night, she may not have gotten to bed till late, or worse, not even slept yet. Pushing his way through the heavy doors, he walked directly past the servants that were trying to ask if they could help him with anything and headed for the dining area.
Stepping into the smaller dining room, he was immediately embarrassed by a warm body and thick hair. Sasuke held his position, bringing one arm up and embarrassing the body in response to the woman that held him tight.
"Sasuke, Sasuke, thank the gods you are alright," Kushina sniffed into his neck, her arms shaking slightly from her overwhelming emotions.
Sasuke allowed the queen to hold him, and allowed himself to feel the warmth and love the queen expressed. It was nice to come back to a place where he was obviously cared and loved, someone who missed and worried over him. After a few more moments, Kushina finally released him. Her eyes were puffy and red from the tears, her cheeks wet from the continuous fall of tears. She gave him a small supportive smile and she ran a hand through his hair.
"After that night — I just couldn't imagine, no, I wouldn't let myself imagine–" she sniffled while continuously stroking his hair.
"Thank you, I'm alright," Sasuke whispered. "But I have lots to share, can we be alone, somewhere safe?" he asked quietly, his eyes looking about the room.
Kushina nodded firmly now, knowing exactly why and what Sasuke was asking for. "We shall meet in my private study, off my room. I'll have the servants bring food. Wash up and meet me in 15 minutes." She hugged him again and kissed his temple before leaving Sasuke alone in the dining area.
Kakashi appeared out of nowhere behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder, nearly scaring Sasuke to death. Kakashi grinned wide at the raven haired Uchiha. "I to am glad to see you in one piece, young one. You scared the lot of us."
"Hn. I have lots to explain. Will you be joining?"
Kakashi nodded in agreement. The two parted, Sasuke needed to make a stop first to send word to his brother. No doubt Itachi was worried just as much as Kushina was.
~a little while later~
Kushina continued to cry softly into her handkerchief, Kakashi ensuring her water goblet was filled and offering soft hand pats on her shoulder.
Sasuke had explained every detail and finding that he could to Kakashi and the queen, and left seeing Naruto's presence at the end.
"And you're certain that he just disappeared?" Kushina asked again through her hiccups. She dabbed at her eyes, catching the stray tears that continuously fell, but she took deep breaths trying to calm herself.
"Hn. He wasn't able to explain much either, he was confused and wasn't able to articulate where he has been. I suspect some sort of dimension? Perhaps he is trapped between our worlds, and is trying to find a way back? Could someone or something put a curse on him? The time we had — it wasn't a lot, and I know— should have asked more, could have done more, if I had only known!" Sasuke slammed his fist into his lap, a snarl on his lips as he thought back to when Naruto was suddenly disappearing before him.
"Don't beat yourself over it. By the sounds of it, there was nothing you could have done at that time," Kakashi sternly spoke, breaking Sasuke from his rant. "But what you have found out, is more than what we had. And at almost the cost of your life, which I don't want to see happen again." Kakashi gave Sasuke a look of obedience.
Sasuke frowned in response.
"He's right you know," Kushina piped up, a warm smile on her face. "No matter the cost Sasuke, I don't want you putting yourself in that type of situation again. I–I couldn't deal with losing you too," she added softly.
"Now the question is, who can we talk to in hopes that someone, preferably one that is knowledgeable of enchantments, dimensions, spells — hmm?" Kakashi placed a finger on his chin, tapping it slightly as he thought.
Sasuke shook his head. "There is no one that comes to mind that I can completely trust."
Kushina shook her head slowly and lowered her eyes.
"What of the necromancer?" Kakashi asked quietly, his eyes looking down at Kushina.
Kushina pinched her lips in a frown. "I still am not sure where her loyalties lie."
"She seems to be quite distant from the king, perhaps —" Kakashi trailed off in throught.
"We better find someone sooner than later. What is going on with the king? What is he hiding in the distance, towards the west?" Sasuke realized that he had not yet asked what the situation was that he and the Uchiha knights had passed on route to the castle.
"We subdued the beast last night," Kakashi answered quickly. Sasuke's eyes widened from the information. "And the king has commanded that he and his men be the ones that deal with it."
"Deal with it? How?" Sasuke quipped in response.
Kakashi shook his head. "We only know that he is hopeful to utilize the dragon for financial gain and power. Dead or alive."
Sasuke's jaw then dropped open in a gasp before he shut it quickly with a pop. He stood suddenly, "he cannot! That's—it's inhumane! Not to mention, someone like him should not be allowed such power!" He threw his arm for emphasis. Something inside him roared in anger when he learned of what Orochimaru's plans were for the dragon.
"But Sasuke —" Kushina started.
"But no! Where does he have the right to take the life of a creature that has a right to live like everyone else?!" Sasuke growled in response, cutting the queen off.
Kushina's eyes were wide in shock from the outburst. She clenched her teeth and quickly stood, standing before Sasuke, her eyes burning into his. "Have you forgotten what that dragon has done?! What it has taken from this kingdom, the people, from you and from me!?" Tears began to run down her cheeks as she huffed out heavy breaths from her nose, staring down the young raven haired prince before her.
"Majesty–but," Sasuke whispered.
"But nothing!" Kushina snapped back.
Sasuke's mouth snapped shut and he began to sit back into his chair, his eyes lowering to the floor. He ground his teeth together, feeling frustrated, confused, and just—lost. What was he thinking? Why should he care about what happens to that beast?
Several seconds of silence passed in the room between the three.
Kakashi cleared his throat. "I think we need to get some rest before we meet again to go over what facts we all have, agreed?" He looked between Sasuke and Kushina, who both slowly looked his way. "Sasuke, you can compile the information that you have gathered, my queen, you continue gathering information that you have been doing very well and perhaps you can check up on Konan." Sasuke and Kushina just stared back in response. Kakashi gave them both a small smile. "As for me, I'll go see what I can find out what's going on at the encampment."
The silence was thick and heavy while Kakashi waited, hoping to have broken the tension between the two.
Kushina pinched the area between her eyes, letting out a long drawn out exhausted sigh. "Agreed," she breathed out heavily. She opened her eyes and looked at Sasuke, feeling guilty at how she snapped at the young prince. "I'm sorry Sasuke," she whispered. "I'll discuss this later with you…both of you. I need some rest."
Sasuke jumped up and bowed quickly to Kushina. "Forgive me," he stated, holding his head down in apology. He knew what the queen had endured, and the guilt riddled through him at how he snapped at her. A hand ruffling through his hair was the acceptance he got when Kushina whispered it was okay.
Now that the tension had broken, Sasuke and Kakashi left the room, bidding the queen goodbye and both went their own ways.
.
.
.
.
Kakashi wandered towards the encampment set up by the Sound Kingdom's men, his eyes taking in the set up, his ears listening in on what the men chatted or whispered about. He greeted all those he walked near with a light hearted smile and nod of his head, giving the impression that he was of no threat to the men.
He sidestepped through a few tents, making his way towards the apparent bound massive body of the dragon. The sun was high in the air now, with a hazy covering of clouds and a cold wind came from the north. It was the norm this time of year, with winter coming closer everyday, and soon there would be snow falling. His footsteps slowed the closer he got to the dragon, and his eyes looked upon the beast, taking in its features in the sunlight. It was the first time seeing the beast within the light of day, and so far, the immaculate size, colours and shape of the dragon had enthralled him.
Staring at the tail, the impressive spikes at the end appeared to be chipped, some cracked, but if one looked close enough, the cracks and chips were filling in. 'Must be like nails, growing back,' Kakashi hummed to himself. The scales sparkled mystically in the sun's rays, and Kakashi could see how they turned several different colours, depending on the way he looked at them.
"What are you doing here," growled a voice from behind him.
Kakashi turned and gave a smile with a nod at the Sound guard. "Just came to make sure everyone was taken care of here, and thought–"
"NO one is allowed over here. The king has commanded it!" the guard growled, his eyes narrowed and he gave a threatening step towards Kakashi.
"Mah, mah, I understand. May I see the Sound king?" Kakashi rubbed the back of his head, showing that he was harmless. "Just want to go over some details from the Queen."
The guard narrowed his eyes and pinched his lips as he eyed up Kakashi. He snorted out a disgruntled noise and jerked his head in the direction of Orochimaru's tent. "I'll escort you, touch nothing, and keep your eyes off the beast!" The guard roughly grabbed Kakashi's arm, forcing Kakashi to turn in the direction away from the dragon and start walking beside him.
Kakashi allowed the harsh treatment and quickly made his way to the king's tent. "Thank you for your guidance," Kakashi snorted out when he stood before the flap of the tent. The guard just grumbled out something under his breath that Kakashi didn't hear when he walked away. He waited for the guards at the tent opening to inform the king that he was there, until he was allowed in.
"Do you have something to report captain?" Orochimaru snapped out when Kakashi entered the tent.
Orochimaru was sitting at a table, going over several scrolls and books, not even bothering to look up at Kakashi. He appeared to be studying carefully and taking notes.
Kakashi bowed before Orochimaru. "Just thought I would come by and see if our assistance was required for anything you may need while set up here your majesty," Kakashi answered plainly. His eyes scanned the large tent that was lined with a floor of furs and a small wood stove was set up to keep it warm inside. There were wooden boxes set up all around the tent walls, with various scrolls, vials, envelopes, small buckets and pots, to name a few. 'It looks similarly to a healer's lab,' Kakashi thought to himself.
"I can assure you captain," Orochimaru's voice was cold and clipped, "I have everything I need here." He then put down his pen and lifted his gaze up to Kakashi. "If, and I mean, if, I require anything, I am perfectly capable of making necessary arrangements to see that the task is completed." He continued to hold his narrowed gaze at the grey haired captain.
"Very well majesty, I shall take my leave," Kakashi responded calmly, standing to take his leave.
"Let the queen know that if she requires anything from me, she can send a stable boy to relay the message from now on," Orochimaru sneered at the grey haired captain.
The underlying message to Kakashi was clear, he was not welcome to come back.
"I will be here with my men for an undisclosed amount of time. You are dismissed." Orochimaru flicked his fingers at Kakashi and dropped his eyes back to his current task upon his table.
"Thank you majesty," Kakashi hummed out and left the tent. He pinched his lips in thought briefly, nodded to the two knights guarding the king's tent and slowly walked in a different direction than when he came. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he leisurely made his way between the tents, not making any eye contact with the Sound kingdom's knights and hummed quietly. Thus far, it was working, none of the knights appeared to give him a second look as they moved about the encampment.
The size of the dragon was unmistakably the largest being he has ever seen, and it was incapable of being hidden completely by the makeshift camp that surrounded it. 'Gotta give 'em credit for trying to hide it,' Kakashi muttered to himself. He managed to keep the shape of the dragon in his peripheral vision, trying to not draw any attention to himself by looking directly at the beast. He sauntered slowly towards the head of the beast, which was staked down by an obscene amount of chains, and had fabric wrapped around the majority of its head, covering the eyes but leaving the large nostrils uncovered of course.
Glancing around him to ensure nobody was looking his way, he slipped closer to the dragon's massive covered head and noticed how the dragon inhaled quick breaths when he was close and its ears flickered, much like a horse's would.
"Easy there," Kakashi whispered in his calm tone and crouched down. He glanced around again, noticing that he was in the shadow of the dragon and it appeared that the majority of the knights were focused on the larger areas of the beast. Its tail and the impressive wingspan. The dragon's nostrils flared repeatedly as if it was scenting the air before Kakashi noticed the dragon relaxing its posture.
"There now, you see, I don't mean you any harm," Kakashi whispered. "Just wanted to get a closer look. You intrigued me last night," he continued in his hushed deep voice. The dragon's ears flickered in response.
The muzzle was impressive. Kakashi could see where the scaling ended just past the fabric that was covering the beast's eyes, and how the rest of its nose looked like it was covered in a tough hide. He couldn't resist, as he wanted to touch and he quickly slipped a step closer to the dragon, placing his hand gently near the nostrils of the beast.
The heat that emanated from the dragon's body was impressive, the skin was tough like hide as he anticipated and he rubbed his knuckles in a soft and soothing manner between the nostrils, the same as he would do to any horse. The dragon's nostrils flexed again, taking in long breaths, and Kakashi knew the dragon was taking in his scent and listening as it flicked its ears.
"You're not so bad are ya?" Kakashi whispered as he continued to softly stroke the tough hide. He tilted his head slightly to try and get a better look at the fabric that was strapped around the dragon's head. A long groan sounded through the throat and out the nostrils as Kakashi's skilled hands continued to stroke its muzzle.
Suddenly the dragon's head began to shake and pull at its bonds. It began to snarl as much as it could with its jaws chained shut and its ears immediately laid flat. Its whole body began to attempt to pull away from the chains, as it tried to wail out warning growls and the men began to shout out from all around the encampment. Kakashi quickly jumped back, taking a precautionary stance at the sudden movements the dragon was doing.
"I would suggest you not get close and leave, now."
Kakashi whipped himself around towards the voice. He came face to face with Kabuto, who was sneering at him, his purple eyes narrowed and glaring. The dragon continued to try and escape its bonds, its growling wails filling up the air.
"Leave, NOW!" Kabuto spat again, flicking his arm up and waving at Kakashi. "Before I have you beheaded on the spot for treason," he threatened.
Kakashi looked closely at the man, taking in his form, his threats. He quickly bowed his head, "please excuse my infringement. I will take my leave." Without a second glance, Kakashi took long strides towards the outside of camp, the dragon's wails still echoing through the air. 'Something's not right here,' he thought while walking. There was a lot of information he needed to sift through.