I am officially at the point of the story that pisses me off the most...
This chapter has not been reviewed or edited - much. Just needed it out there to get things rolling, so if you see any errors, misspellings, just ignore the best you can. HAHA
Oh I guess its Christmas today, happy Christmas peeps, for those who celebrate. Anyone else happy as $%# that it's over? XD
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Itachi laid upon his bed, his body covered with a light sheet, tucked up to under his chin and down to just past his manhood. Haku moved around the room, laying out various scrolls, his servants assisting him in every which way.
Itachi said nothing while his betrothed appeared to be focused solely on what he was planning to do. It was most fascinating seeing the small little timid bird of a bride take full control of something that he was apparently well versed in. It was also impressive to see how Haku could achieve his work still fully veiled.
Haku removed his gloves and gathered up a substantial amount of light coloured cream into his hand from one of his bowls. Turning, he moved towards Itachi on the bed and hesitated.
"I have some salve that I need to apply majesty, if I may begin?" Haku's small voice came from behind the veil, holding his outstretched hand for Itachi to see the salve in his hand.
"Hn," Itachi hummed and nodded his head in agreement.
Satisfied with the response, Haku began to apply the salve to Itachi's bare legs on the bed. "Now, depending on the level of impairment on your muscles, the sensations may be from cool to very warm. I have been told that sometimes individuals have felt a sensation of pin pokes."
Itachi hummed a response, his eyes closed briefly feeling his betrothed's small hands moving across his skin. The sudden spark that rose from Haku's touch trickled through his skin, and Itachi at that moment wondered if the salve was supposed to work that quickly.
"I am now going to begin to work the salve into your skin my lord," Haku called out, his fingers now pushing gently against Itachi's skin and massaging Itachi's upper thigh muscles. "Let me know if it is uncomfortable at any time."
Itachi kept his eyes closed, feeling Haku's fingers begin to press harder and more thoroughly into his legs. The sensations of sparks began to heighten, leaving goosebumps along his arms and particular pleasurable sensations traveled to his chest and lower region. Again, Itachi wondered if these tingles were part of the salve?
"Just relax, this procedure can take some time my lord," Haku whispered again and Itachi found himself drifting off into a blissful darkness.
Itachi opened his eyes, suddenly realising that he had fallen asleep at the hands of his betrothed, and a gasp escaped his lips from the thought.
"You weren't out that long majesty," Haku's voice called from behind Itachi's head.
The king looked about, trying to see who else was in the room, and smiled slightly when Haku was the only person that stepped into his vision. Itachi could hear the slight giggle behind the veil and Haku bowed slightly before him.
"The procedure went as planned, it is normal for the receiver to at times fall asleep during the process, since the salve and treatment is reaching deep into your inner tissues," Haku explained. "The mind at times cannot take that much stimulation, and often shuts down the consciousness so it can focus on the healing."
Itachi did a mental check of his body, definitely feeling more relaxed and at ease than he has had for as long as he could remember. "Would you say it was successful?" Itachi asked, not sure why he would, since he had been under many treatments during his time and nothing ever seemed to work. He was used to disappointment this time in his life.
Haku clasped his hands together and bowed to him. "Well majesty, it went as I had suspected, but it will take a few more treatments and only time will tell. If you are willing to allow continuous treatments, I believe it will work as I have predicted."
Itachi moved to sit up, moving his legs slowly to the edge of the bed, and allowing the sheet that had covered him to fall to his lap as he did so. He had nothing to hide to his future intended. He mentally smiled when he heard a small gasp of surprise from Haku who quickly turned the other way to hide his face. Itachi imagined his betrothed was blushing beneath his veil. "I look forward to future treatment. Especially considering if I feel as good as I do now."
A knock on the door broke the atmosphere and Itachi wrapped the sheet about his waist more tightly and Haku moved to the side to tidy up some of his materials. Itachi allowed entry of whomever was at the door, and it was a one of the staff bringing him a message that had just arrived by hawk. Taking the message, dismissing the staff, Itachi quickly unrolled the parchment, holding his excitement seeing that it was from the Uzumaki kingdom.
"Haku, I need to leave as soon as possible," Itachi suddenly declared, slipping off the bed carefully and holding himself steady as his legs adjusted to the weight of his body. He hummed out a surprise, to find that his legs weren't as painful as they usually are when he applied weight.
"I shall accompany you my lord?" Haku asked quietly, turning to look at Itachi from behind his veil.
"Only if you feel rested enough. Normally I would not want to put you in a position where you could be harmed, but in this case, meeting Queen Uzumaki and my otouto, who is currently at her kingdom, would be a good idea." Itachi nodded at the smaller, while reaching for his cane.
Haku quickly shuffled closer to Itachi, helping him secure his cane. "I would be honoured to accompany my betrothed." He bowed after Itachi grasped his cane, balancing himself on it.
Itachi quickly placed his palm on Haku's shoulder, softly until Haku looked up. "The honour is all mine," he purred with a smile. He could feel Haku shiver from his touch and it excited something deep within Itachi that he had not felt before. "We shall be on the way midday. Let's get ready, pack for seven days."
~back at the Uzumaki kingdom~
Sasuke met up with Kakashi, who called him to a private area outside, near the stables. Curious, Sasuke went with the captain, figuring he had something important to talk to him about, though Sasuke was eager to go over to the Sound king's encampment to check out the situation.
Kakashi looked about, as if checking to see who was around them when he motioned for Sasuke to follow him into the stalls where the horses were kept. When he felt secure enough he leaned against a stall door, randomly stroking the horse's muzzle that was housed in there.
"I wouldn't recommend going to the area that Orochimaru has currently set up around the dragon," he whispered while rubbing the horse's muzzle.
Sasuke just lifted a brow, intrigued at the warning, but said nothing.
Kakashi let out a sigh as he dragged his palm up the horse's head towards the ears. "But I will tell you, I did get close to the creature, and I have questions about its behaviour." He glanced over at Sasuke, his eyes giving an unspoken question. "And I figure that you and I could come up with a reasonable explanation considering what you have learned and what I have witnessed."
Sasuke looked away, thinking about his recent interactions with the dragon. It's true, he did have a substantial amount of information — "Hn, where can we talk?"
"Follow me." Kakashi curled two fingers and wiggled them for Sasuke to follow while leading the way. Kakashi led them to a small chapel situated on the outskirts of the village, with a small fence surrounded with a few small trees. The chapel was still actively used by the village, having their regular sermons on weekends and a kind preacher who lived in a small home several metres from the chapel.
The pair slipped onto a pew near the altar, Kakashi giving a nod of thanks before speaking. "I got to see the dragon up close, and I have to say," Kakashi leaned back and scratched the side of his cheek, "it seemed, how do i say this, depressed?"
Sasuke nodded his head. From what he knew of Kakashi, the man knew animals, and Sasuke would almost call him a wizard whisperer of animals. Though Kakashi was no real wizard, Sasuke was sure, but he respected the man's ability to calm animals.
"The people, no matter what clan, seem to respect a holy gathering place and rarely go looking for trouble at such a place, it's safe to talk here. The preacher is a good friend," Kakashi started, keeping his voice low and crossing his arms. "When I met the beast, its eyes were purple, but didn't seem normal. They had an unnatural glow to them." He glanced over at the prince.
Sasuke nodded his head. "I can say that they are not natural, not from what I had seen during my time with it." Sasuke crossed his arms, thinking carefully.
"Are you willing to share with me what you have seen?" Kakashi asked carefully. He knew the prince would be wary of what he would share, considering there were a lot of unsavoury persons wandering about.
Sasuke nodded and began to tell the details of the items he came across in the cave while trapped with the dragon.
"So, I have to wonder if the dolls may be of significance to the dragon? Since you mentioned they all seemed to be yellow and red haired?" Kakashi held a finger to his chin, tapping it slightly while thinking.
Sasuke hadn't thought of that. He just figured they were human looking and the dragon had some sort of attraction to humans, or something. He pinched his lips in thought, now that Kakashi had mentioned a detail like that, he had to wonder if the other items there were of some meaning. He began to speak of the household objects and blankets of all sorts.
After several minutes, Kakashi frowned. "You know Sasuke, if I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were explaining to me someone making a home out of a cave," he murmured. "But why do you think a dragon would want to make its lair seem like a human home?" He leaned forward, putting his elbows on the pew in front of him and curling his fists under his chin. If someone were to walk in and see Kakashi, they would most likely think he was praying.
Sasuke frowned for a moment, his mind racing through all the memories. "Isn't it a natural human instinct to make a living space like home?" Sasuke whispered, his brows raising when he looked at the grey haired man. Kakashi tilted his head, his one eye looking at the raven.
"You have some good thoughts highness," Kakashi hummed. "Now tell me about behaviours."
Sasuke went on to explain what the dragon had been like towards him during their time together, everything from the feeding, close interactions, the gold band on its toe and the apparent inability to escape.
"Was there anything different you could have seen that allowed the dragon to leave?"
"I'm certain there was, but with everything going on, I would rather write it all out in a journal first to ensure I have all the information correct. I work better with the evidence before me," Sasuke hummed and Kakashi nodded his head in agreement.
"Would it be safe to say that there is a possible curse involved here?" Kakashi suggested.
Sasuke ran a hand through his locks and bit his bottom lip. "Well, there was an old song that an old lady told me, when I was holding up in her shelter waiting for the rain to pass. Naturally it was a riddle, but some of the phrases were—"
Kakashi held his hand up, silencing the young prince immediately. "We have run out of time here, and you have already given me so much to think about." Kakashi stood up, stretching his arms up over his head and letting out a satisfying groan while sounds of popping came from his back. "Gather up your information, we can meet again, later, and for now, I'll see if I can get back to the king's encampment."
The two men nodded in agreement with each other, and left the small church together. Sasuke headed back to the castle and Kakashi to somewhere within the village. Sasuke had a lot to consider and record, he quickened his pace heading through the palace yard.
When he returned to the castle, the Queen had quickly come to him and embraced him warmly. She smiled and stepped back, "King Uchiha just sent his word, he is on his way."
Sasuke raised a brow in surprise. He didn't expect his aniki to attend the Uzumaki kingdom. But then again, he supposed that Itachi was informed when he got tangled within the dragon's chains and ended up being lost.
"We shall prepare for his arrival. I'm certain that he is very excited to see you, considering what you have been through. He shall arrive in two days time," Kushina's voice was warm and gentle. "I'll take care of the arrangements, and you get some rest, we will talk more after he arrives." With that she tapped her hand on Sasuke's shoulder and walked past him.
Sasuke snapped himself out of his surprise and headed to his room, he had information to go over before his aniki arrived. As well, he needed to find out what the kind of Sound was up to with the dragon.
Kushina walked swiftly towards Konan's room, determined to talk to her. She hadn't seen the young purple haired maiden since their walk in the garden when she collapsed. Kushina had heard through whispers of the castle staff that Konan struggled with nightmares, waking in sweats, shaking and screaming. Kushina's maternal instincts ached with the pain the maiden must be going through, having no close family or friends to reach out to. But the strong emotions of compassion towards her people also weaved through, and she believed that this young woman could help her kingdom, her people and possibly her son. Over the last few weeks, Kushina was now convinced that Konan was not as committed to Orochimaru as he may think. She was still just a little girl in Kushina's eyes. Lost and confused, seeking out for support and love and being denied. Because of this denial, Konan appears to still keep to herself just out of reach of anyone, being cautious of who she got too close to, and Kushina respected that.
Ensuring that none of Orochimaru's minions were watching her, she quickly made her way through the corridors, twisting different ways – just in case she was being watched – and knocked gently on Konan's door when she arrived. A lady in waiting bowed and opened the door when she saw the queen, and Kushina slipped in gracefully and quietly. Kushina waved her hand at the servant woman, a silent command to leave the room.
She found Konan standing at the terrace doors, staring out, a warm robe draped over her shoulders. Kushina studied the young woman for a moment. Her skin was flawless, smooth and tight, showing her young age. Her lashes were long and Kushina could see them flutter with each blink. Her golden eyes stared hard and long to the outdoors, and Kushina wondered if they longed to see something – something that wasn't in her direct sight, but perhaps in her memories.
"Konan," Kushina announced, but did not move closer to the girl. Kushina was surprised to see that the young woman did not flinch nor jerk at the sound of her voice in the quiet of the room. Konan only but dropped her eyelids slowly, and Kushina watched as the young girl took a deep breath and raised her shoulders as she did so. It was only after Konan had released her long exhale and slumped her shoulders, did the golden eyed girl turn to look at her. Kushina's heart stings pulled at seeing the apparent sadness in those eyes.
"Are you alright dear?" Kushina whispered and took a couple steps closer. She felt that Konan looked ready to crumble should Kushina even but touch her, like a fully burnt out log that held its shape for as long as it could before falling to an ashen pile.
Konan bowed her head slightly before whispering, "yes your majesty."
Though her voice sounded steady, Kushina could hear the pain in her voice. Kushina slid her hand into the others, and gasped slightly at the apparent chill in Konan's skin. "My dear, you are freezing! Come, sit with me," she insisted and gently pulled Konan to the large bed. Konan did not resist and allowed the queen to guide her. Kushina grasped both of Konan's hands, clasping them within her own, trying to share her heat. She pinched her lips together and looked directly into those young golden eyes that watched her closely.
"I know you are struggling," she started. Konan just blinked at her, as if questioning what she was talking about. "I see the pain in your eyes, feel it coming from your heart." She squeezed Konan's hands in order to tell the girl she was to be trusted. Kushina glanced around the room and was pleased to see that the lady's in waiting had left them alone. She leaned in closer towards Konan and whispered, "what power does he have over you that scares you into staying?" She stayed leaned in close and kept her gaze on the other.
Konan jerked her head ever so slightly in surprise, and her eyes widened a fraction but blinked in response at the queen's words. Kushina did not miss the small changes to the girls demure and felt the sudden tremble coming from her small cold hands. "I believe you are a prisoner of the king, please find trust in me child, for I can find you the help you seek to set you free." Kushina knew she was taking a risk telling the young woman this information, but something in her gut told her she was right to take that leap.
Konan now began to look about the room, as if someone was watching, listening, to their conversation and fear began to bloom in those eyes. She began to pull away from Kushina, but the queen grasped her hands tight.
"Please, seek inside yourself, find the voice that says you can trust me," Kushina whisper pleaded, trying to keep the girl close to her, who was trying to gently wiggle away. She kept her eyes focused on the other, hoping to show Konan, that she could trust Kushina.
Konan stopped moving, her eyes glossy with unshed tears but she looked back at the queen, her golden eyes peering so hard that Kushina felt a warm buzz, very faint, but something felt as if it was touching her all over. As if she was naked and standing in a room with warm wind blowing all around her.
"Majesty," Konan whispered after several minutes had passed.
Kushina held her breath, continuing to keep her gaze on the other but not speaking a word in case she spooked the other. She raised her delicate brow softly and gave a soft smile in response.
Konan's body relaxed from its tense position and she dropped her chin slightly, a sad frown upon her lips when she bit them together. "He promised us life, together, as a family. As long as we —" he turned her head to look away and her bottom lip quivered slightly when a small tear escaped her eye. "We must serve him until he feels we have paid back our debt in full," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly in the words.
"You and who?" Kushina whispered, squeezing Konan's hands again in a supportive gesture.
"My only family." Was the young girl's response when she glanced back up at Kushina, her eyes watery from the few tears she released.
Kushina frowned, her brows furrowed in anger and she could feel the angry heat rising in her chest at the thought of Orochimaru holding this girl's family hostage for his own personal gain. She gasped at a sudden thought and jerked her head back to look at those young golden eyes. "The king, he doesn't — does he —?" Kushina shook Konan's hands slightly, nodding her head towards the girl, roving her eyes up and down the girl's body in a silent question. Kushina closed her eyes and shook her head no. Kushina mentally sighed in relief at the response.
"The king is not interested in me in that way," Konan explained in a quiet whisper. "He prefers the company of another." She looked back up at the queen and gave a sad smile.
Kushina released a breath she didn't realise she was holding. 'Thank goodness he has not broken this girl's innocence,' she thought to herself. She slowly raised her had and cupped Konan's cheek in a motherly manner and gave a warm smile. "Tell me more about the family he holds over you for your magical service. I want to hear more about them. They must be very precious to you." Kushina dropped her hand onto her lap and waited for the girl to speak. Kushina knew the girl was magical, it was no wonder Orochimaru kept her prisoner, but maybe Konan knew more about Orochimaru's plans and hopefully, hopefully, Kushina could learn something that could help the Uchiha's overcome any plans the Sound king may have.
==intermission==
Later in the evening, Sasuke stood before his room window shrouded in darkness, his eyes focused on the stead flickering lights in the distance. He couldn't see directly into the encampment of the Sound king, but he could see shadows moving about made by the man walking before the many campfires that littered the area. The Sound king had demanded that his men create a makeshift wall out of tent canvas, and surrounded the majority of the dragon. The dozens of canvas tents surrounded the wall, having small fires between them, so no shadows were created from where the dragon lay. Sasuke spent a long time, standing at his window in darkness, watching and waiting. Though he didn't know what to expect while he was waiting. Would he catch something that would help him determine what was happening to the beast? Would he see something that could help him solve the complex riddle that constantly went in his mind. Was he hoping that Naruto may appear again somehow? He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair again, having lost count of how many times he pulled his fingers across his head in frustration. As if his hand would somehow pull something out of the darkness and give him an answer.
He spent hours reviewing his information that he gathered while out on his search, compiling the notes into different groups, trying to find something – anything, that may lead him out of this plight. And the most troubling, was Naruto's appearance. Naruto. Sasuke's eyes burned a familiar feeling, but he bit his lip to keep those emotions at bay. It didn't help anything to allow such sadness into his thoughts.
The way Naruto disappeared so suddenly, fading away into nothing, as if he was a spirit and then dragged away so viciously, as if someone or something had noticed Naruto was somewhere he shouldn't be. As if he was a prisoner—
Sasuke's head snapped to the side, his eyes flickering back and forth, as if trying to find something, but Sasuke was thinking.
A prisoner…
His mouth opened slightly as he drew in a sudden breath. He turned on his heel, reaching for his journals, scattered on his small desk along with a mess of papers. The papers were from his journey, with scores of scribbles all over them. He quickly flicked a match to light the small candle on the desk, before moving the papers about the desk, only hesitating a fraction of second for his eyes to review the various words and sketches.
"It's here somewhere, where the hell is —" His eyes quickly flickered to each paper, before his fingers finally stopped and pulled out a small drawing that he managed to create while in the cave. He slowly pulled it into full view, bringing it closer to his eyes and dragging his fingertips slowly over the sketch. It was of the dragon, while it lay sleeping on the far side of the fire from where he was. Sasuke remembered drawing it because the small flickers of flames were casting spectacular shimmering colours off the dragon's scales as it slept. Sasuke found the sight beautiful and wanted to draw the form, so he could remember that particular moment. He couldn't draw colours since he didn't have any type of coloured pens, but he could at least embed the sight to his memories.
His eyes and fingertips fell to the dragon's front legs, stretched out before it, its head laid between them, eyes closed shut and Sasuke recalled the beast snoring. He smirked slightly at the memory before shifting his eyes to the small shading of a band on the dragon's left toe. He quickly grabbed one of his journals and flipped open an empty page, grabbing his pen. Sitting hastily, he began to write on the empty page.
…gold band on the dragon's toe
…the dragon trying to bite at the band, with no success in getting it off
…it would not let me touch it, nor come near it
…the dragon showed me where the band came from, a pile of treasure, but refused to let me near it
…it flashed brilliantly when the dragon tried to get close to the opening in the cave causing the dragon to fall, unable to escape — like it was a prisoner
"Of course, I remember," Sasuke whispered harshly to himself. The dragon was a prisoner in the cavern! "But it escaped," he added and sat back, gnawing on his bottom lip, thinking about that time, trying to recall the details. There was something different about the dragon at that time as well. Its whole attitude changed, to something more feral like. Sasuke snorted at the term. It's not like it wasn't a beast already, but there was a definite change when the dragon was finally able to escape the cave. The sounds of the old woman's voice floated to the forefront of his mind…
A dragon lay in cursed sleep,
Now woken in his shattered cage,
The beast let out a mighty roar of rage.
With beating wings he took flight,
And launched himself into the night.
Sasuke quickly began writing again. His mind was suddenly filled with random thoughts falling into a more solid place, like a giant puzzle, and he just found an important coloured piece.
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