Chapter Two; Dynasty
Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf; Hokage office
Two days before…
"We have received word of Sasuke Uchiha being within the borders of the Land of Fire." Tsunade explained causing the gathered group of assassins for hire, to tense up in anticipation. As expected, her former apprentice, regardless at how long it was for, Sakura Haruno spoke first. "Where Lady Hokage?"
Kiba Inazuka, the only member of Team Eight not currently deployed and expert tracker, piped in here too. "Yeah! That bastard has always…"
The squads veteran leader, Kakashi Hatake cut in, speaking over the younger generation. "Enough! Let Lady Hokage speak…"
As they fall to silence, Tsunade mumbled to herself for a moment before informing them. "As such, I am sending you all to intercept to bring him in if at all possible."
"It will be done, master." Haruno bellowed with flames in her eyes. It was a chance to get her beloved back then, all she needed to do was to marry and have a happily ever after. Oh how wrong she would be.
Land of Fire; Northern Forest; Pale Wave Port
A day later…
Kakashi, Sakura, Sai, and Kiba, arrive at the last port Anbu reports suggested the last Uchiha was supposed to be heading. Entering the town causally, as this was still Fire Country, their backyard, and as they strolled in the day after they had left.
Walking down the market road, it was Akamaru who suddenly stopped, sniffed around and then just immediately ran off. The others were quick to give chase and as they rounded a corner, they found the ninja dog being petted by a random kid, who looked no older than seven or eight. He had black shabby hair, that looked untameable, and equally obsidian eyes and soft yet angular face.
As the leaf shinobi approached casually, observing the boy as they did, Kiba spoke up. "Hey Akamaru… what gives…"
The very second he had spoke up, the kid had glanced up at them and they all noticed him stiffen.
The kid had immediately froze, seen doing a full once over before then taking a clear stepped back, with clear signs of panic on display. Abruptly, Kakashi appeared at the kids back, gently preventing the boy's exit plan, asking. "Hey kiddo… can we speak with…?"
Akamaru gently took hold of the kids arm, which startling the young boy further with the panic signs only growing. Sakura wanted to say something, the boy looked ready to pass out right now but Kiba blocked her, as he kneeled in front of him, and pulled out an old photo of Sasuke. "Yo kid. We need you to tell us if you've seen this guy…?"
Despite the signs of panic, none of the ninja missed the brief widening eyes of the child. Nodding with a smirk Kiba continued. "So, you are related to our target, we need you too…"
Abruptly, the kid yelled at the top of his lungs. "KA-CHAN!"
The next moment, Kiba fell over limp, fully asleep. Akamaru soon followed him alerting the last two members yet, before Kakashi could act further, a Najinada appeared at his throat. A familiar bored voice greeted the ears of the last two conscious leaf ninja. "Sometimes I find your ability to get into trouble is unrivalled, kiddo."
The Elite Jonin leader cuts his eye to the side, barely spotting his rogue student and offering a soft. "Sasuke…"
"Kakashi." the sword wielder with an acknowledging nod. The kid stepped clear of the two sleeping people, and the leaf team and spoke. "Ah, but…"
The kid was about to bellow but Sasuke simply put up a single finger to his lips, smiling softly. Getting the message, the kid remained silent smiling up at the Uchiha who caught the subtle finger motions shared between Sakura and Kakashi. His eyes narrowed briefly before everything kicked off.
The next ten seconds was a blur. Kakashi struck out, the kid pulled clear. Twin twisting shredders. An earthquaking punch in the middle of town.
It all ended when Sasuke slides backwards at a speed and for a distance before slowing to a stop, still protectively grasping the child firmly and closely to his chest. Holding his sword in a reversed grip, allowed the sword deflection of three kunai and six shuriken with minimal movement and maximum protection for the child.
Kakashi then steps up, his left arm burnt pretty badly but it wasn't mission crippling, same with his sliced up vest. He spoke up, hoping to sway his student. "Just surrender, Sasuke."
Sakura then pleads, despite tightening her fists. "You can come back and…"
"Shut it, Haruno." Sasuke growled as his Sharigan blazing, snarling out. "I won't go back to that hell hole."
"Language!" The kid whispered causing an involuntary upturned twitch of Sauske's lips. The stand off was broken by the erupting twin cyclones of Inazuka fury, further destroying the wrecked shop he had crashed into earlier. "Gatsugua!"
With his infamous smirk of superiority on full display, Sasuke's sharigan morph predictably as he called out. "Sasunoo."
The purple construct of chakra erupted, blocked the two twisters with ease before letting out a feral roar that knocked apart the group and sent them into various buildings around the area. A perfect escape.
By the time the Leaf ninja had managed to regroup, Sasuke and his charge had vanished into the wind. This was a very drastic change from the avenger they knew and trained. He would never retreat, even if it meant death yet here he was making a, what can be assumed to be, a tactical retreat. Kakashi mumbled to himself. "That's different."
"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura calls out as she lands beside her downed Jonin leader, immediately Kiba arrives with a roughed up Akamaru, reporting promptly. "He's moving southeast, by east."
"Let's go." Sai mentioned arriving beside the others, finally awakening the shocked Kakashi from his stupor. Shaking off the cobwebs, and thanking his pink haired student for the quick fix to his arm, he looks to the teams tracker. "Yeah. Kiba, take point."
Sasuke lands in a small clearing by the sea, he dropped to a knee and turned to the child. "Itachi, I need you to summon your falcon."
The kid nods and goes through the motions. Behind him Sasuke unseals several supplies and writes out a note. A poof and a small red beak falcon appeared, handled by little Itachi. Sasuke looks to the fastest bird of prey and orders. "Okay, Perrin, I need you to take this and give it to Naruto, he should be in the Land of Spring. It's urgent."
Just as he finishes tying the scroll to the falcons' leg, the bird nodded before chirping. "By your word, Lady Satsuki."
Itachi then flung him up and he vanished in a streak of red through the sky.
Sasuke immediately grabs Itachi and leaps back to find Kiba in front, Sakura behind him, Akamaru on the left, Sai to the right and Kakashi behind. Locked in from all sides, Kiba spoke with a smug smirk with authority he assumed he had. "You're surrounded, Sasuke."
Sasuke snorted, replying curtly. "Can it looser."
He slowly and steadily drew his blade again, offering them. "Leave now, and live out a long life elsewhere…"
They all tense upon seeing the Uchiha's sharingan spin to life, a vivid and ominous red that seemed to glow in vengeance as Sasuke whispered. "Stay; and I will have to kill you."
"What about your son's future?" Kakashi speaking up from behind the Uchiha duo, stunning the group at large, besides Akamaru had suspected it from the beginning from his scent. Sakura reeled from the news, gasping out. "Son? That kid?" Sakura gasped
Nodding, Kakashi had his own sharigan out and spinning rather lazily as he continued. "Your chakras are similar but…"
He trails off upon seeing the subtle build up of chakra from the pair ahead of him, when Sasuke glanced back at his former teacher, smirk evident as he whispered. "Boom."
The two in the centre erupt in spectacular fashion, sending dirt, debris and flames in all directions the blast shell shocking the four leaf shinobi and masking the escape once more.
The two escaping Uchiha glance back, sensing and feeling the shockwave. Itachi asks up hesitantly. "Ka-chan, are we really going to see Tou-san?"
Satsuki Uchiha, formally disguised as Sasuke Uchiha, to nod with a soft smile as she recalled her brief relations with her former teammate. "He hasn't let me down, not once since we were children."
She does half pout as a rather dark trail of thought crosses her mind. 'Even after I slammed him with those two chidorii.'
Present time…
Land of Fire; Northern Shore Forests
A skunk of foxes arrived at a hidden cave, deep within the northern forests of fire country. A few yips and two blood red eyes appear from the darkness, one with twin-three tomoe spinning lazily, the second with twin static two tomoe. A ladies voice echoed through the darkness. "Where to?"
Two yips again, earning eyes narrowing. Satsuki asks. "I see. Does he know about the hunters?"
Another three yips and Satsuki steps into the moonlight, a soft smile donning her face. (A/N; wearing female version of The Last outfit.) "I thank you for your support. Didn't think he'd come personally though."
The group of foxes all perk up, a low yip and the mother son duo decedent back into the darkness, a small squadron of the regiment remains with them, the others scattered throughout. These critters had a gorilla war to fight, and a dog to make look stupid in the process.
Offshore
An Ice breaker vessel by the name of New Season is a prototype steel clad vessel, in the same vain as modern warships, with chakra engines and a modern speed boat look armed with two twin cannons. Currently, it is rushing towards the Northern Forest of Hi no Kuni, at best possible speed.
After it's hurried departure from the Land of Spring, Daimyo aboard, its high-tech engineering allows it unparalleled speed in the water. So much so, that even it's intended escorts can not keep pace with it indefinitely and had long since fallen out of sight.
This vessel was currently clearing around Kaminari no Kuni waters and was closing in rapidly to it's destination, however its VIP passenger was anxious as all hell. "Sir, you'll wreak the plating of you keep pacing like that." Naruto turns to the blue haired man who spoke, a piercing yet pensive look upon his face "Jal. You know as well as I do, Satsuki never asks for help."
His blue eyes narrowed. "Never."
The blue haired, black-eyed scarecrow of a man with more scars than a certain T and I department head, just nods dumbly, knowing this well. "Well established, yes."
Naruto continued his pacing, trying to deal with this growing level of stress. After pausing for a moment, he continued voicing his thoughts. "So why is she reaching out now? It's been years since the Karin incident. Surely…"
"Boss. Calm down. You know it wasn't your fault." Jal declares and Naruto actually flinched. A poof of smoke and a red two tailed fox appeared on the table. Naruto switches gears swiftly, his commander mode reasserting itself in full as he orders. "Report."
The fox nods, responding swiftly. Sir, we have made contact…"
Naruto nods, asking. "Status?"
"No injuries, just heavily fatigued. Seemed she was caught resting up in a town by the sea." The vixen reports gaining another nod from the blonde-haired Commander to which the lady continues swiftly. "However…"
Her hesitation was met with cold, narrowed eyes, causing the two tailed fox to flinch at the sight but she manages to squeak out. "Sh-she has a boy with her."
Naruto blinked owlishly at that, once, twice, trice, before looking to Jal who too looked back at his old boss just as confused. The blond looks back to one of his lower ranked summons and asked. "A boy?"
The vixen nods, reporting as diligently as expected. "About seven or eight, Sharigan eyes, black hair and stands about four foot one with a speedy build."
This explanation causing Naruto to actually freeze. Silence.
Silence was broken by a low groan that slowly lifted into a growl from the blonde, Naruto growling. "Sounds like I'm going to have a little talk with my ol' friend Sasuke…"
The other two in the cabin swore they saw a death head shimmering behind him. Naruto continued. "…and then tell her that if she ever dares…"
The rest is currently under review as even the author did not want to scar anyone from this particular Uzumaki's angry rant.
Some time later.
Naruto stares out at the coastline, eyes travelling across the vast swath of rocky cliff, trees, and beaches. His ice breaker can't get much closer, yet he doesn't need to, his passengers are ninjas. They can run out to them, so he flares his chakra one twice, three times and then falls silent. Hopefully, those involved catch on and he falls back to wait.
A few minutes prior.
"Over there!" a Hyūga clan member called out pointing to a bunch of hills, a chakra trace as the smell of the Uchiha was interlaces all over the forest but these eyes could not be deceived so easily.
On the indicated hill at the mouth of the cavern, Satsuki found herself glaring at the encroaching Leaf forces, before barking out. "Itachi, time to go."
Glancing back at her son, who was already up and at her side, Itachi replied firmly. "Ready."
Satsuki smirked and nodded before they ran off to the north.
Dashing through the trees, Itachi and Satsuki charge whilst going to the north. They were making great pace and it was clear that their pursuers were having trouble matching it. Then a chakra flare that Satsuki recognised immediately was sensed by both and smirked, her Uchiha smirk. As expected, that blond has come for her again. One of the many things she loves about him.
Darting to the side, blasting towards the northeastern shore, flipping over another thrown kunai, Satasuki, gaining a sense of confidence called out. "Let's go!"
As the last Uchiha lands after an elaborate flip, she finds herself facing the forces that were chasing after them, going through hand-signs before calling out. "Fire Style; Majestic Flame destroyer!"
A literal sea of flames burst fourth, expanding rapidly to encompass everything in their way, and block the path and incinerating everything beyond the fleeing duo.
As the ash and smoke filled the air, the pursuers had to come to a halt in order to douse the flames and embers. It was clear this was to draw their attention away from the fleeing group, having been forced to prevent the growing forest fire expanding any further than necessary.
In the not to far distance Naruto noticed the massive wall of flames and he sighs, hand finding itself to his face as he breathes out a heavy sigh, muttering. "Flame destroyer, really?"
Itachi slid to a stop, the dirt beneath his sandals slipping off the edge of the cliff side. A quick glance down, confirms that this drop is at least fifty metres. Taking a breath and step back, his eyes scan the horizon and surely enough there was a vessel not too far away. Just as ka-chan said their would be. So Tou-san came after all.
Shelving his elation at that and the thought of finally meeting his father, Itachi took another glance around and the smoke bellowing from his mother's fire attack caused a sigh to escape, typical Uchiha pyrotechnic tendencies. At least that's what auntie said was a thing.
Satsuki lands beside him, as silently as a mouse in a crypt, and breaking into a knowing smirk as she announces. "Ah, there he is."
She looks down at her handy work made of her flesh and chakra, whispering. "Home sweet home."
Her son looked back up at her, Itachi voicing his confusion. "Home? I thought…"
His mother cut him off, kneeling down to be eye level with him. "Listen, Itachi… When I, and your father, were growing up…"
"You had to pretend to be a boy…" Itachi cutting off his mother, having heard this more than once in the past twenty-four hours let alone his entire life. A tired sigh before he continued. "And your best friend, my dad apparent…"
Satsuki hissed at that 'apparent' crap Karin had drilled into her boys head. "Oi…"
Itachi continued seamlessly, ignoring his mother's harsh interjections. "Were at each other's throats until he saved you after your battle with Uncle Itachi, to whom I am named after…"
"So, that's what happened, huh Sasuke…?" a new voice, one Satsuki knew all too well, as she took a deep breath to regain her composure before returning to her feet. Turning back to face her former teacher, muttering coldly. "The one-eyed pervert. How quint."
Eyes then flowing to red as she glances over at the Leaf Jonin gathered around her, speaking casually, she noted. "I see you brought more back up."
Suddenly the sensei of the former Konoha Eleven all drop down surrounding the duo as Kakashi remained just as nonchalant as his misguided student. "Mah… mah… Sasuke. Come quietly and your son will…"
"Never set for in that hell hole." Satsuki responded calmly despite noticing Gail's subtle movements to get into strike range. She continued. "The Uchiha clan has nothing to do with the village that betrayed us."
"They betrayed us first." Kurenai Yuhi announced as she went through various hand signs. A snort from the Ravenette shattered any dignified air Satsuki may have gained, responding. "There's a difference between planning and doing."
Her red eyes narrowed, spitting out. "A pre-emptive strike absolutely means nothing then, huh? Guilty for thinking about a brighter future."
None had a direct response to that. Kakashi responded, taking the initiative and stepping forward. "We're bringing you in. Your son too."
Those words triggered the young mother something fierce, mangeko spinning wildly, glowing with malicious intent. Satsuki snarled. "You will never touch a single hair on his head."
But another, even more primal snarl caught the entire clearings attention and the occupants soon found themselves surrounded by canine eyes, glaring at the Leaf shinobi.
From the shadows of the trees, stepped out numerous silhouettes of foxes of various sizes and colours with numerous numbered of tails. With teeth bore, heckles raised, the Jonin felt the clear threat for what it was, and was now in two minds about how to handle this.
Growls echoed as even more seem to arrive, seemingly to block off any avenue of escape, killing gleams in their eyes. Kurenai asks softly. "Kakashi… I don't suppose…"
Kakashi observes them all, and responded to the unasked question. "No. They're not mine."
The grey-haired man scanning the area counting at least thirty canines, all glaring at him and his teammates. The sudden sound of metal hitting stone, briefly drawing the Jonin's attention only for Kakashi to gaze wide eyed at the three-pronged kunai before a familiar flash, but in place of the yellow flash, it was a white instead. A very familiar voice rang out, at least to the Uchiha's newest Matriarch. "Your troublesome, you know that right."
Satsuki's rage replaced with warmth that pushed a smile to her face as she quipped. "Your late, baka-dobe."
The leaf Jonin were all stammering, and bewildered at the arrival of the other retrieval target but went ignored. Naruto then glared at the dark haired woman, growling at her. "I told you not to go through Fire country."
His anger clear and justified. Before he could continue however, he overheard his summons discussing miming and having their way with the fair skinned female. Naruto turned back at the offending Kitsune and let out an absolute feral growl speaking in canine, fox slang tongue. "Talk like that again, and I'll rip your balls off and shov'em down your throat and mail you back to your mother in a casket."
The aggressiveness and the heavy throat usage, caught everyone off guard, none more than the fox in questioned he cowered back significantly, head lowering along with his curled up tails. "Yes, Uzumaki-sama."
Satisfied, Naruto then turned back to Satsuki ahead of him, golden hair and long grey coat flapping in the harsh winds as his arms still crossed and looking unusually regal. He then orders. "You, talk… now."
"I… ah… well… the thing is…" To her credit, Satsuki had just seen 'her man' just dominate another with a hard glare and few words. The misty gold silted eyes, his fox sage mode active, bore into her for a long second before Naruto gave up on getting any answers from her. Sighing, glancing to the child who was standing at his former teammates back, looking between the two, he asks. "Is she normally like this?"
The boy shook his head negatively, earning another sigh from the dark blonde who shrugs casually, replying. "Fine. Whatever, we have to go and time is short."
Stepping towards the duo, ignoring the repeated calls to him by the Leaf shinobi but just before he takes hold of his oldest flame, Naruto whispered to Satsuki. "But don't think I'm done chewing you out. I am so holding you to this."
Before pausing, his hands just above her shoulder as he glances back at the skunk of foxes and clicks his fingers and everyone not aligned to the leaf vanished.
Kakashi took a moment to recompose himself as he and his fellow Jonin remained back-to-back, having previously been surrounded by very aggressive acting horse sized multi-tailed foxes that were ready to rip them apart.
Kurenai broke the silence, muttering. "Umm… Kakashi…"
Her voice told of how unsure she was about what just happened, or if it was even real and not an elaborate genjutsu of some kind that she hadn't seen or detected. Kakashi was proud of how steady his voice was when he replied."…Kurenai…"
Kurenai asks. "That just happened; right?"
"It did." He confirmed before letting out the breath he didn't know he had held.
Slap.
A slap that had echoed far and wide as Satsuki was left stunned with a red handprint aboard the deck of the icebreaker, New Season, Naruto just staring at her but remaining silent for a few seconds before moving off towards his cabin. She knew, after all this time, that he would be mad. She knew he would be.
Yet. That single slap hurt more than even her brother's subconscious torment after he had murdered the clan. She expected him to yell and scream at her. To ask why she abandoned him again. For not keeping her words to him.
Perhaps even have a good old-fashioned all-out brawl to vent out his frustrations, or at worse give her the cold shoulder. Yet. That single slap. It hurt. What made it worse was that he did nothing else but the look of hurt and disappointment was more than enough to convey exactly what he felt. Betrayed.
She had betrayed him yet again.
Then he just walked away. Her heart clenched at that. Why? Why can't she just admit she messed up. Why did her brasher side get the better of her younger self. By now they'd probably be married, had a few more children by now and be happy yet she chose again to betray him. Then again, when he was useful, she called upon him and yet again he came running.
Why can't she just be happy?
"Show them to the guest quarters. Feed them well." Naruto orders his second in command, who nodded and approached them as he left them alone again.
Naruto slumped into his seat in his cabin's office space, various official documents of the navy's current progress littered the table. Their rush journey over to rescue Satsuki and her son had kept him up so decided to do some work to pass the time. As an island nation, the Land of Spring must maintain a decent sized Navy and the crew to man them to ensure raiders and pirates don't start pouching the numerous trade transports coming and going, again.
None of that mattered for the moment though as he had just come face-to-face with his old flame, and their son. A son he never knew about. Sighing again as he leaned forward, arms folded on the table, his thoughts were going a million miles a minute as to how this would affect everything.
Things were different now, they weren't hormonal teens out in the world with no responsibilities, trained to kill from walking age, but full-grown adults with work and people depending on them. At least he is now. Koyuki is expecting again so her workload will be loaded on to him to compensate.
Koyuki.
Another sigh, he grumbled. "She isn't going to like this."
Head dropping to his folded arms resting on the table, he continued. "She really isn't going to like this."
Then remembered that the Leaf have an envoy currently back home. A groan this time. "I am so dead."
That night Naruto was on the top deck star gazing, a habit he picked up from Haku during their travels, as his ship had finally met up with its two escorts. The small fleet sailed in the calm seas back home as the First Gentleman of Spring pondered both the past and its effect on the near future.
On one hand, his old rival had turned out to be a girl all along and had only known when he had saved her from the masked Uchiha after the clash with her clan slaying kin. She had won at a great mental, physical, and more importantly, emotional strain to which he was able to offer her comfort.
After the burial of the shinobi known and feared as Itachi Uchiha, that he had insisted on, she had spilled out everything to him. Her hidden gender was a result of her father's desire to protect her, disguised on a whim to sire two genius children of the Uchiha and gain infamy, prestige, and influence within the village. Not wanting to disappoint her father, Sasuke Uchiha was born.
The stress of the act, her brother's mental torment, Orochimaru's influence, and her budding feelings for him had forced Satsuki's hand and caused her to go rogue. Her killing off Orochimaru, calmed her growing darkness somewhat but her single mindedness led her to seek out her brother for answers.
The battle of the Uchiha siblings was one for the history books, the attacks thrown around drew Naruto and Haku's attention from the next town over. This led to his arrival at the tail end of the conflict, catching Itachi's final words to her. "I'm sorry for everything, Satsuki-chan. Your life's your own now…"
Before dying with a smile upon his face.
The Leaf and Hebi teams nearby had engaged both Tobi and Kisame, drawing their attention long enough that Naruto and Haku freeze a path in, swooped up both Uchiha and slipped away largely unnoticed by both parties.
Over the next week, in Naruto's and Haku's hideout in Hidden Eddie village, Satsuki had slowly come to terms with everything with his help and the two had buried Itachi Uchiha on a beautiful wildflower meadow with a headstone of crystal clear, never melting ice holding a torch of flames which burns to this day.
They spent two weeks together within the village where Naruto had talked her out of destroying the Leaf, as it would waste the effort her beloved brother had put to save her from her own curse of hatred. Her feelings for him the final proof she needed.
When Karin arrived later that night, the duo left to places unknown much to Naruto's dismay the next morning but he to left when Haku had returned. That was the last he had seen or heard from her till a few days ago.
A sigh escaped his lips, something he's been doing a lot lately, as he finally sits up and only then noticed his guest and newcomer. The two sat in awkward silence, not sure what to say to the other, but it was unnatural for Naruto to be this silent. It wasn't a normal situation though.
"Tou-san…" the raven-haired boy began gaining the blonds attention, "…Sochi." His response was equally as hesitant. Itachi was hesitant to ask but forced himself. "A-are you really my father? I mean…"
Naruto cut the boy off, stating."I have no doubt."
Before fixing the child with a hardened shinobi gaze which immediately and swiftly extinguishing the budding doubt within the young boy's heart. Softening his gaze, Naruto continued with a gentler smile. "Besides the obvious facial structure, those faint whisker marks, and your chakra signature is unmistakable; you are my son."
Tentatively, the boy looked over at the man his mother had told him about countless times with nothing but admiration and love yet when they finally met, he slapped her. Anger suddenly flashed, his Sharigan flaring up as Itachi yelled. "Then why did you hurt her than?! Ka-chan, loves you! She fought so hard to get back to you. She tried to do everything to get home to you. Yet you attack her! What is wrong with…?"
Before he could finish that, a soft chop on his head stopped him dead. Naruto says softly. "Language young man"
Sighing hard, really damn hard, Naruto returns his focus out across the sea as he refolds his arms and beginning again. "It's a little complicated, Itachi. It really is."
Sighing again he continued as his gaze returned up toward the stars. "Things are going on at a level that you aren't considering, nor familiar with, which is why I am mad; why things have turned out this way. It's even more complicated than simply hugging and making up."
Now slightly calmer, and thinker a lot clear, Itachi asks rather politely. "Like what…?"
Drooping his gaze back down to the child, a soft smile donning his own face as he meets the now onyx eyes that the boy inherited from his mother, Naruto began. "For example…"
He pauses, trying to figure out how best to explain for a kid to understand. As he does, he takes in his sons features. Itachi clearly got his fair, almost alabaster complexion from his mother, same with his eyes and hair colour but everything else was eerily similar to his own father, Minato. The hair was a bit more wild and obviously a dark ebony, but it was just as untameable no doubt.
Smiling lightly, seeing the eager boys expression, Naruto finally continues. "I am a leader of a nation right now, you see."
Gaining a wide eyed look from the boy. Giving a nod of confirmation, Naruto continued. "Now, with your arrival, politics are going to be a pain in my ass."
But the man just smiles, adding. "Though, I will face it dead on without flinching…"
Though for the younger boy noticed the growing dread hanging over his father's shoulder, Naruto whispered. "…and should hell come down upon us…" h
He looked dead in his son's eyes, and Itachi swore his dad had the sharigan the way his eyes seemed to gleam in the dark. Naruto finishes. "…I'll be sure to protect you."
A soul warming smile upon his face, it gave the boy a geyser of warmth within his chest and for some reason his anger at him had faded away. Is this what meant to have a father?
Just within the vessels corridor, Satsuki had listened in and was relieved that Naruto hadn't rejected Itachi. She knew he wouldn't but she is still rather emotionally dependent on her son right now, at least until Naruto lets her back in.
The remaining two days at sea was tense. Really tense. The whole crew could feel it yet the only one was seemingly unaffected was Itachi, who was routinely seen with either of his parents but never at the same time. He switched between them every few hours, even spent a night with his dad once, and then spent the next day stuck to his mother's side.
It was an unusual equilibrium.
Land of Spring; Agni Military Docks
As the ship entered the hidden royal harbour, Haku was standing at the port edge, his Yuki shinobi at his back saluting as Naruto stepped off first, head held high as he asks. "Report."
"Negotiations have stalled, the lady is not exactly being…" Haku mumbled the last part, not wanting to sink to her level.
Naruto raised an eyebrow, reading between the lines, chuckling lightly as they began to move off and saying. "I'll take over from here…"
He paused before glancing at his brother in all things, speaking seriously and firmly. "I will leave this to you, Aniki."
Before he and his escorts vanish into ice mirrors.
Haku sighs as the only other people left behind step towards him, the air growing several degrees colder instantly. The Yuki meeting the obsidian orbs of the largest thorn in his side since their first meeting on the bridge. "…Uchiha."
His monotone was as cold as the artic winds in the counties north.
"Yuki." The Uchiha survivor retorts equally as coldly, the last Yuki turning directly to her with a completely blank face, growling. "You abhorrent piece of…"
He paused noticing the child. Taking a deep breath to re-centre, Haku continued. "You have some nerve to call upon him after all this time."
Eyes narrowing dangerously, he asks. "What will it be this time, huh? A bed to sleep on, to crush his heart a third time? To relieve your…"
Satsuki cut in here, annoyed at this mother-hen, and no the irony was not lost on her as she growled. "What Naruto and I…"
"Quiet." He growls back interrupting her, stepping closer and the air reaching close to freezing as he whispered. "Whenever you get involved with my brother and I, I am always left piecing him back together. He was a mess when you left. Colder than our combined Jutsu. Were it not for those he still had…"
Haku breathes deeply, calming and his chakra effects on the surroundings. Satsuki, fully cowed at that trail of thought, remained silent as the guilt was slowly crushing her. Haku didn't care thus stated clearly. "Know this, Lady Uchiha, that I nor this land welcome your presence here. For the sake of my brother should you step a single step out of line, in anyway to cause him dismay, I will not hesitate to correct you."
The air literally froze around them, adding. "Am… I… clear…?!"
Satsuki nodded hesitantly; her pride set aside at this very upfront threat to her life, yet a small part was glad her man's brother was only mad at her. Hell. She was mad at her. The younger her. And Karin, for convincing her troublesome self it was for the best. "Crystal."
That felt like it was the only response available for her that wouldn't make things worse.
Just like that, the airs warmth returned, and Haku stepped back and bowed, stating. "Welcome to Land of Spring, Miss and Mister Uchiha. I will show you to the train. Your accommodation has been prepared."
Before turning swiftly and leading them further through the hidden naval base. Itachi soon whispered. "Ka-chan…" Itachi whispered
Satsuki looked down at him, whispering back. "Sochi…"
With her attention on him, Itachi asks. "Are you sure this was the right thing to do?"
"Positive. We couldn't stay there. We are at least safe here." Satsuki confirmed as she looks down on her pride and joy. Thankfully he was look forward and missed her sad smile. She added. "Your father will protect us. He always has and always will."
Land of Spring; Palace
Naruto arrives in good time to the palace to find the penultimate meeting between his homeland and realm about to start again. He sighed, yet again, and considered to slip past and go to his room to sleep. Shaking his head of the thought of leaving his hime to the preverbal wolves of politics, he swiftly sets off to make his presence known.
In the throne room, Naruto enters to find his wife currently discussing their guests' delaying tactics and how to break the stalemate as cleanly as possible for them. Naruto's arrival was welcomed by all, as he rapidly approached and hugged his wife firmly and with a passionate kiss that caused all to look away.
Upon letting her feet touch down once more, Koyuki noticed the change in behaviour and knew something was bothering him thus it was only natural when she dismissed the whole room. No one objected.
The room now clear, she asked the burning question. "What's wrong koi?"
"Everything." Naruto whispered causing a raised eyebrow as he leads her to a nearby table and chairs. Once seated he looks at her, pain and grief flowing over his face as he continued. "I love you so much, ya know. I love the family you gave me. I love the life you've given me. The people, the land, every single person in our land are precious people to me who I have vowed to defend."
Koyuki was now very worried about him, she remembered the first time he had come back to her. Six years ago, when he and Haku had responded to her call for aide. That Naruto back then was but a shell of his former self, a dark mirror of his current self. His shimmering eyes he had when he saved her had been dulled and was as cold as the winter night.
After the first mission she had confronted him, he gently side stepped the question's, but she was nothing but persistent and forced him down and ordered him to speak. It took awhile to break through to him, several months in fact, but eventually she was able to tear apart his walls and he unravelled into a sobbing mess right before her eyes.
It took years for the shimmer to return, Haku was a great help with that as he wasn't always in Spring country as the two were mercenaries for hire. Eventually, Haku had managed to convince him to make Spring their base of operations and she managed to finally pull out that old charming side of him.
Their daughter was born shortly not even six months after their wedding and him hanging up his sword, at her suggestion to be happy and healthy for their now growing family.
Then it hit her. The only other person to be able to get through his defences like this. Koyuki narrowed her blue-violet eyes and growls. "I see."
Pausing the diatribe Naruto was rambling on about. He looked at her wide-eyed, and as he was about to speak, she raised her hand stopping him. Koyuki continued, speaking snipped. "I am already in a bad mood so let's get this sorted now rather than later."
She got up, pulling him to his feet too. A quick glance reminds Koyuki that she had dismissed everyone and tuts, before calling out. "Guards!"
Two Snowflakes, Springs Anbu force, land before her and take a knee awaiting their ladies instruction. Koyuki then orders. "Summon our guests. I believe they are with Haku, knowing him."
The two masked shinobi nod, exclaim. "Yes ma'am, at once."
They both vanished and she turns to the Samurai who also have just arrived, instructing them. "Inform the prisoners that today's meeting is on hold for internal affairs or something. I don't particularly care what reason you give them, just make sure they know I so not want to see them too."
The squad of twelve bow, calling out. "At once."
Before they all jog off to pass the message. Koyuki turned back to Naruto, her fierceness softening as she tells him. "Koi, go shower and clean up. No doubt the kids are causing trouble for Honoka and the maids."
Naruto just stares at her in awe for a little moment, causing a slight tint of rosiness to his wife's cheeks. "I love you, Yukie."
Jumping to his feet, he slammed his lips against hers with Koyuki returning it happily and passionately. This lead to a two minute make out session, and as they part slowly, they remained embraced with their foreheads resting against one another in this intimate moment. Eventually, Naruto whispered. "I really do love you, Koyuki. Have I ever told you how much I do?"
With a beautiful smile, one far more dazzling then any of her onscreen personalities could ever hope to replicate and her sparkling violet-blue eyes were so glistening, they were like diamonds as she replied. "On occasion."
He pecked her lips, getting a giggle from his wife allowing Naruto to add. "I love you."
Koyuki replied immediately after their lips parted again, smile radiant. "And I love you, koi."
An hour later…
Kushina and Sosetu, his two kids with Koyuki, were exactly what the doctor ordered for Naruto. The former mercenary turned first gentleman was in bliss as he read a book with his youngest, Sosetu, all the while Kushina was braiding his long dark blond hair.
This was the scene Koyuki walked in on, and a smile forced its way through her turbulent feelings about confronting the past if her husband before her. 'Just for a bit' she thought to herself as she stepped into the greenhouse, not as Daymio of the land but as Mrs Koyuki Kazehana; mother and wife.
Haku's poker face was really getting a workout today. Just after leading Satsuki and her son to their accommodations within the castle town, two of his snowflakes had arrived to tell him the Lady Kazehana wanted an audience with his guests. After acknowledging the instructions, he returned to the apartment and collected the duo once more.
They were swift in moving through the town, back to the palace, and moved through the halls and to the a particular door. Double doors out to the inside garden, Haku then swivels on his heels and stares directly into Satsuki's eyes, stating firmly. "Before we enter let me remind you of a few things."
Satsuki just nodded, unknowingly gripping her son's hand tighter as she listened to ice user. "Naruto had a hard time getting to this point and for that, we have his precious people to thank for that."
Haku's eyes narrow to near slits, speaking monotone. "Raise a ruckus or cause potential harm, I will act. No ifs, buts, nor or's. Accept what is given and do not cause trouble."
She nods, heart in her throat as she has a gut feeling she really isn't going to like whatever is beyond those doors. A small tug on her arm draws her attention to the pained look on Itachi's face to which she automatically lets up her grip. Satsuki whispered. "Sorry, Sochi…"
Itachi simply nodded back, understanding his mother's nervousness at the thought of reuniting with his father. It was made more apparent from his time aboard the ship here.
The doors' part drawing the two family's attention as Haku steps into view, he announced. "I have brought them, Lady Daimyo…"
He looked to Naruto, continuing. "Lord Kazehana."
Naruto resists with all his might not to snort, knowing this was required before any non-family members which meant. He gulped as his fingers intertwine with his wife's whose eyes harden 'Showtime' Koyuki thought as her actress mode came to life.
In steps the lady of the hour, Satsuki Uchiha with her son at her side and as her onyx orbs land on the group she froze. Naruto was hand-in-hand with Koyuki Kazehana, the Daymio actress they saved during their tenure within Team Seven back in the leaf, but that wasn't all.
On his lap sat a three-year-old baby-faced toddler that had his father's whisker marks, short dark blond hair was much like his mother's, but those light blue eyes were unmistakably Naruto's. The Uchiha's eyes then turn to Koyuki, she hadn't aged a day since they last met at least at first glance. Her figure seemed to have grown in certain areas, she idly noticed that she seemed bustier, but overall seemed to have kept up with her looks.
It was then she noticed the young girl at her side, a near twin with her mothers overall looks with a red tint in her dark hair. She lacked the whiskers of her father, but that facial structure couldn't fool anyone.
A pang of jealousy, guilt, and regret bloomed within the Matriarch heart at the sight of the family, completely ignoring the red head off to the side on the bench beside the family of four.
On the other side, Koyuki immediately noticed the similarities between Sasuke and this woman she now knew as Satsuki. She had heard about her situation and a part of her sympathises with the woman, but her time had come and gone, the bridge long turned to ash. Eyes flowing down to the child in hand, and it wouldn't take a genius to figure out his father as he was very much reminiscent of her husband just with paler skin, and black eyes and hair.
A tremble in her hand drew her attention to her husband who was very clearly taking her acting lessons to heart, a neutral smile was perfectly donning his features masking his unease at the situation as their son glanced up from his book at the newcomers.
Clearing her throat, Koyuki opened up the conversation. "It's been awhile since we last saw each other Sasuke Uchiha; or should I refer to you as Satsuki Uchiha now?"
Her tone was welcoming but lacked any real warmth as after all, she was the one who tore her husband down to which she had to painstakingly build back up. Child or not, Koyuki had to be hard here. Satsuki responds flatly despite the lump in her throat, stinging in the back of her eyes. "Satsuki will be fine; and yes, it has been a long time."
"My husband…" Koyuki began and no one, not even the kids, missed the suppressed flinch from the Uchiha, but the actress continued. "Had told me you had arrived and I felt we should tackle this…"
Koyuki then gesturing between the six of them present. "Which is why I feel that we need to settle this immediately, so no bad blood nor politics could poison our wells."
Satsuki nodded at that, despite everything, it was prudent to clear the air as the last thing she wanted was some upstart trying to use her son for a grand scheme of some kind and mess this chance up. "Very well."
The new arrival promptly led her son, Itachi towards a prepared seating, directly opposite the Kazehana's and faced them firmly.
The three parts of the family sat together in the internal garden of wildflowers, Kazehana, Yuki, and Uchiha all in one place. Haku sat with his wife, the kids playing between them all. Honoka was the one to break the silence, saying. "So… we are the Yuki family, I am Naruto's third cousin and wife to Haku Yuki, his blood brother."
Naruto couldn't help it. He laughed. Hard. Honoka glared at him, Koyuki smirked with mirth as her husband tried to speak. "Sorry… sorry… hearing you speak formally…"
His laugh broke the growing tension for better or worse.
Calming down slightly, Naruto eventually spoke up, clapping to gain everyone's attention. "Let's go back-to-basics… and introduce ourselves; I'll go first. I am Naruto Kazehana-Uzumaki. Likes; Family, friends, and Spring Country. Dislikes; Snakes…"
A soft snort from the Uchiha, it was lady-like and rather dainty which threw the daimyo off-guard at this version of that broody boy. Naruto continued though, pretending not to hear her. "Konohagakure, and those who dared threaten my family. Dreams…?"
He smiles softly, looking to his wife who met his gaze. "To lead the country to prosperity and defend my family."
Looking around for a moment Naruto continued shortly. "When I say family, I mean every single one of you, samurai and shinobi included."
Said guards stiffen, glancing to him seeing him nod a warmth bellowed within them all, Naruto smiled at them as he explained. "You all are the country, the country is what I am here to defend just as you all defend my own on a daily basis. You all have my eternal thanks for that."
Koyuki smiled a million-watt smile at the performance of her husband, instantly raising the moral of her – correction, their people, lighting the fires of loyalty with but a few simple words. The group would never realize that these guards would later reveal to the masses, the birth of the longest running dynasty in recorded history.
Gently clearing his through, drawing eyes to himself, Haku announced. "As my brother has started; My name is Haku Yuki…"
Both Naruto and Honoka mouth in unison. "Uzumaki."
Haku pretended not to notice their antics and continued on. "My likes are; my family, even my annoying little brother…"
Naruto snorted, arms crossed, but again it went unacknowledged by the older man, Haku explained. "Kimono's, medical herbs and nice tea. My lovely wife, my summons and the work we have done here."
He nodded to himself at the end, as if confirming his own thoughts. After a moment, he continued. "Dislikes; probably those who seek to harm my precious people. People who are unnecessarily angry and rude. Paperwork…"
Both Haku and Naruto shuddered at that, earning amused smirks from the wives of the duo and giggles from the kids. Satsuki however felt the jab in regard to his precious people and tried to not let it get to her too much. She is late, she knows. She will work on things and prove that she has changed and will not run again.
Haku's voice drew the Uchiha back to the conversation. "As for dreams; I think we'll get there in a few more years of hard work."
The smile the dark haired man gave irked Satsuki the wrong way. Sure it was no doubt appealing to some, but she has Naruto so back the heck up there. Koyuki, who had noticed the subtle recoiling of the Uchiha, spoke to draw her attention. "Satsuki-san. You aren't alone in that feeling, I assure you."
Satsuki met the wife of her man's eyes and simply grunted out. "Hn."
Naruto and Haku's left eyebrow's twitch at that, recalling their previous interactions with the former brooding emo boy, turned girl but it was Itachi's reaction that amused the adults. His dark shaggy hair somehow managed to cover his eyes, as he whispered. "Ka-chan…"
Satsuki broke into a cold sweat, and amended her earlier statement. "Ah, I mean. Thank you Koyuki-san."
The aura of disappointment rolling off of Itachi faded immediately and he nodded once towards his mother. Everyone was amused at the mother-son dynamic though Haku had a particular gleam in his brown eyes that Satsuki did not like at all.
Koyuki went next, introducing herself briefly. "My name is Koyuki Kazahana-Uzumaki. My likes are my home, my family and my work as an actress. Though, that's on hold for now due to family time."
She smiled radiantly at the end, and Satsuki understood what wasn't said clearly. She will not pout nor frown at this point. Stay strong. This is for Itachi's future.
Koyuki finishes up by stating. "As for my dream, I am currently living it."
Honoka just wanted to get this over with and go to the Hotspring or something, speaking up. "Honoka Yuki, formally Uzumaki, and Naruto's third cousin."
Her dark eyes met Satsuki's surprised expression, and confirmed. "Yes. Third cousin. We checked."
The Uchiha looked to Naruto, who nodded once to confirm. Honoka continued. "My likes are my research, clan, friends and family. Recently though, I have been assigned to work on the technology department when I am not busy babysitting."
Naruto grinned that just pissed her off as she could literally feel his amusement at her attempt at formal speech. Pushing the irritation of her cousin aside for now, Honoka finishes. "My dislikes are Snakes, those blank masked Anbu, and people who raid ruins with no care for the history they represent."
Again, Satsuki frowned at the mention of the dislike of snakes, her summons, but there is no doubt a story behind it. As if reading her thoughts, Naruto spoke up in his cousins defence. "If you are wondering, Satsuki…"
Gaining the Uchiha's attention, he continued. "We, as in Haku, Honoka and myself, have had many, many encounters with your old teacher during our mercenary days. Same with Root. Thus the whole Snake thing."
Satsuki nodded before clearing her throat, seeing as she was up now. "Well, my name is Satsuki Uchiha, formally disguised as, and under the alias of, Sasuke Uchiha. My likes are my son Itachi, he is my world and my most precious child."
Said boy blushed rather prettily at his mother's words and the other mothers in attendance couldn't help but smile at it. Satsuki continued to talk. "I also like Naruto and tomatoes… maybe not in that order though…"
This earned a snort from Honoka and a death glare sent her way from her cousin. Satsuki spoke as if not noticing that. "I have many dislikes, too many to list really, but it comes down to anything that is a threat or a problem to my son and his future. It's why I came here after all, things were getting bad and I… I needed help…"
It was clear to all just how hard that small admission must have been for the prideful Uchiha but it seemed that her love and devotion for her son overpowered everything else. None would hold it against her.
Looking back up from her lap to Naruto, and then to Koyuki, Satsuki spoke earnestly. "My dream, if I am still allowed to have one, was to apologise for the actions of my brasher, younger self. To say that despite everything, all the crap I have caused and the problems that have come back around."
Taking a deep breath, she finishes. "If I can wish, I still wish that you at least let me love Naruto as I have for the last forever. He is the only person who has ever stuck with me through all the craziness and hell I put him through…"
Tears were running down her cheeks at this point, and not even the playing kids dared to interrupt this confession. "I have done a lot of terrible things. I know a simple sorry won't cover it. But, I will do whatever it takes to…"
Naruto cut in here, having seen and sensed enough to understand. "Enough, Satsuki. That's enough."
All eyes fall onto the dark blond, his face serious and locked in. She met his gaze firmly, but it was Koyuki who spoke. "We understand your plight, and will not turn you away."
The actress looks to her son, who sitting beside his mother quietly and adds. "Either of you."
The boy nodded, so Koyuki looked back at Satsuki and stated. "I am not going to lie to you, nor give you false hope, but I love my husband. The thought of sharing him is not very appealing to me."
Satsuki nodded to that, it was understandable, though she did pull a loose bang behind her ear which was a nervous tell of hers, Naruto noted. Koyuki continued. "However, I am sure we can come up with a negotiated agreement if you manage to win his heart again."
She smirked at the confused expression on the Uchiha's face, so the Daimyo explained. "The way I see it, Satsuki Uchiha, is this. Right now, my husband is neither angry nor upset at your presence here. Just relieved that you are safe and within reach."
Naruto gained a slight flush to his cheeks, looking away as he slowly patted baby Sosetu who was now snoozing in his arms.
Koyuki swapped her raised leg over to the next, maintaining eye contact with the new comer. "No doubt the older brother doesn't like you much and the brother's wife is neutral this. So, overall you are neutral at best with this family. You say you love Naruto, then you will have to prove that by becoming apart of this family and integrate within our family dynamics."
Satsuki seemed to understand the importance of this and realised she now had a path to travel to Naruto's heart again. He is a family man right? Then, she just has to prove that she can be trusted with the family's protection and trust. After that thought, the Uchiha nodded in understanding as she said. "That is understandable, Lady…"
Koyuki cut her off, waving a hand dismissively before reaching for her cup of tea. "In private settings or in the inner sanctum of the palace, cut the formal talk."
Haku looks to Naruto, who glances over and receives a nod to go ahead, so the blonde looks to his former flame and states. "Not only that, but you will have to pull your weight as a member of the family, Satsuki. We all have 'day jobs' so to speak, and you will need to find what you can do and contribute too."
The Uchiha nodded, far more relaxed than before as it was now clear that they weren't just going to lock her up or hand her over to the Leaf or something. Then again, Naruto said that he wasn't a fan of them either so maybe that was overthinking on her part.
Koyuki clapped to get the tables attention, stating for all. "Well, we will give you a few days to settle in and get settled before we see what you can do around here to help."
Everyone nodded but Satsuki wanted to get a head start on figuring out her role thus asked. "Just out of curiosity, what is everyone's roles right now?"
Seeing the contemplative look on the Uchiha Matriach, Koyuki answered first. "Well, I am the daimyo so I largely deal with domestic affairs when I am not shooting a movie or television shows."
Naruto answered next, commenting casually. "Normally, I deal with foreign affairs and trade, both foreign and domestic. As head of the council though, I also act in a stand in capacity for the daimyo when she is busy."
Haku answered next. "Security and intelligence as I am the Kage of Yukikagure no Sato. I help with the medical department whenever I have time, though I am also Naruto's main bodyguard at times."
Honoka added her own voice. "Technology and Agriculture for me."
Satsuki nodded at that all, there were likely additional area's she could lend her skills to now that she thought on things a bit more. Though, firstly, she has to ask. "Thank you for indulging me but I have one last question."
They all nod so she doesn't hesitate to ask. "Itachi here. What is available for him to do?"
Naruto was the fastest to reply. "Well, for now, nothing. Over the next few days as you we all get settled, we will both discuss and see what you wish to do, Itachi. Is that okay with you?"
The seven-year-old very visibly relaxed, as if all the tension of a man many times older than he had just slouched as he nods, Itachi replying. "Yes, Tou-san."
Kushina's head whipped around so damn fast at that reply, Haku thought she might get whiplash. The dark redhead rushed back to the table leaving her other cousins and confronted the slightly older boy and asked. "Why did you call my daddy, 'Tou-san' huh? He's my daddy so you have to…"
She paused upon seeing the woman next to the boy, who had a raised brow at the cheek of this little one. Or maybe because she had reddish hair that neither of her parents had. Naruto's voice drew the five year old's attention to him. "Kushina, he is your older brother, Itachi. Be nice."
Kushina, again, snapped her head back to the black haired kid, and Haku was signing to Naruto that he wanted to give her a check up at the speed she was doing that in. The little girl squealed, startling the men present. "Your my big brother! That's so cool! Where have you been? Where have your gone? Can you do all those things that daddy can do, those cool ninja things? Oh, oh, are you starting here?"
Satsuki looked to Naruto, amusment lifted eyebrow in place and the man had the decency to look sheepish as his daughter rambled at a million miles a second at a boy who has likely only ever dealt with older women and is drowning in this new experience.
Poor boy.
A/N: As stated previously, this was just a touch up of this oneshot, turned twoshot, as it needed it. I finished off the scene of them introducing themselves and a brief glimpes at what their future holds. I have no plans on returning to this full time, as i had just come to this after the latest release on Tails of Freedom and wanted to unwind on something simple.
I will tell you that on the notes I have previously written, Chapter Three; Blazing Sky, focusing on the fact that Cloud intercepts Spring's messanger Hawk to Leaf, holding the randsom for the diplomatic team. Ay sends a team to confirm the intelligence and tensions between the trading allies sky rocket when Haku and Satsuki end up intercepting the Cloud infiltration team.
If you are curious, No. The leaf never got the message that their team is being held for breaking diplomatic etiquette from spring but the Fire Daimyo learns of it from another daimyo at a ball and is talked down upon for his nations lack of manners.
2nd A/N: Recently i have been working on my other writing projects, testing the waters and hands in other genres and IPs, thus the random NartoxPercJ fic, I have a second chapter a quarter done but not actively working on it, and a second fic that is Naruto x Kagaya arriving to save Artemis from Atlas after awakening due to her power, that was keeping them asleep, weakening. Together they are the primordial of the Moon among other things. In the Shadow of the Rose.
I also have a Star Trek fic, my character from Star Trek Online, leads his Starfleet BattleGroup against a temporal incursion Dominion fleet who were targetting NX-01. This leads to a massive fleet fight with the Earth Ship caught in the middle of it all.
The final one is a Star Wars fic. My Old Republic Character, a jedi who follows the teachings of the older order of jedi that requires balance, and his fleet finds themselves above Coruscant just as Anakin was preparing to head off toward Christophsis.
I probably won't upload them here but I just wanted to let you all know why my uploads had slowed down. I have been reading a lot so these fics make some sense in their universes thus my writing and uploading speed has diminished as a result.
Though, I do have a new Naruto x Karin coming soon. Accidently made two when a random idea ran off on a tangent and was too good to stop. The orginal one is only like, 7 thousand words, the tagent is currently sitting at 21 thousand words. Don't ask. It just happened. Due to their natures as idea tests, aka oneshots, they are saved under WIP names and are both currently dubbed as: The Final Swirl.
o7