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Midnight Memories	By : Daydreamer79 Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Naruto/Sasuke Views: 1799 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor do I make any money from the writing of this fiction.

Chapter List
- 18
- 19
- 20
I don’t own Naruto nor do I make money from it.

Warnings: violence, blood,

Midnight Memories

Chapter Nineteen

Sasuke’s eyes shifted slowly to where his brother stood silently staring at the intricate carvings covering to the door leading to the council chambers. Beyond the massive doors waited the council in its near entirety. Even several families thought completely loyal to Danzou were in attendance.

It could be a delay tactic set up by Danzou to keep the council from declaring him a fugitive but Sasuke didn’t think so. Even the smallest of clans would look out for the clan welfare before that of alliances. It wasn’t in the nightwalker’s nature to place strangers or acquaintances above the needs of the clan.

Sasuke might have been the spare heir, but he’d listened closely when his father spoke. His memories of the man were mostly during his childhood, Sasuke being barely a century in age when his parents chose eternal sleep over life.

Knowing what he did now about Itachi and Pein’s relationship, he could understand the way Itachi locked himself up. Itachi had admired their father, following in his footsteps with how he dealt with the various clan and their politics. Now that image was shattered and it left his brother struggling to find his equilibrium. It also made him very dangerous.

There was also the mirror of their relationships. Both were connected to watchers but while Sasuke finally had a powerful connection with Naruto, Itachi was left with a tattered and time torn bond with Pein. Itachi’s cold and calculating mind was steeled against breaking, having weathered much even before Sauske’s birth nearly a millennia after his own while Sasuke’s sanity had shattered easily.

A frown wrinkled his brow as he turned to face Itachi. “Was I weak for allowing Naruto to break my mind?”

Itachi’s expression didn’t change, his eyes shifting from where they stared at the door. “Why do you ask?”

“You and Pein…”

Itachi shifted his frame to fully face Sasuke. “What are you asking, Sasuke?”

Seeing Itachi like this chilled him. He knew it was because he was shifting from brother Itachi into King Itachi. A king could not hold any emotions that would impair him towards making decisions for the betterment of the race as a whole…even if the decisions went against what he would do as a brother.

“Why are you so unmoved by Pein? It’s like you only feel anything when you are weakened. I always feel Naruto. He’s in my blood and wrapped so tightly around my very being that I can‘t separate us,” explained Sasuke.

Itachi’s gaze returned to the door. “We aren’t you and Naruto.”

“I know that but you still share the same connection as us.”

“Our bond is thin from time.”

Both turned at the words to see Pein and Naruto standing behind them. The two seemed to possess an almost ethereal continence. Naruto was still mostly transparent while Pein’s physical appearance was solid.

“I swear…that feels so funky,” groaned Naruto as he leaned against the wall for support until his equilibrium returned.

Pein chuckled dryly. “You’ll become accustomed to it.”

Itachi stared silently at Pein for several moments before turning to the doors. “It’s time. Come Sasuke.”

Itachi moved towards the door, pausing just as he laid a hand upon it. “The two of you should wait here until I send for you.”

Pein merely leaned against the wall, his face strangely mirroring Itachi’s in blankness. He barely moved, the air nearly stilling around him. He could have been a statue if not for the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest.

Sasuke frowned in his direction but didn’t inquire. This was the first time he’d seen Pein so withdrawn. Usually his time was spent taunting Itachi into some sort of verbal or physical battle.

Naruto seemed to want argue if not for the glance from Sasuke. There were traditions to uphold and strangers in the council chambers without being summoned was in violation of the laws. Sasuke’s position as Itachi’s heir was the only reason he was allowed entrance into the most sacred meeting of their people.

Nodding his head in satisfaction, Itachi opened the solid doors with an effortless press of his hand. A cool wind blew inside, ruffling the clothes and hair of all those gathered inside.

Sasuke followed silently behind Itachi, earning shocked looks from most of the council. The first wave of the brewing storm was moments from hitting.

As expected, the Yamanaka clan representative was on his feet at their entrance. “My king! What is he doing outside of confinement?”

The clan wasn’t exactly aligned with Danzou, but they were exact followers of the laws. They did tend to make things difficult from time to time. Through following the exact letter of the law, they tended more often than not to stand with Danzou.

“The laws must be upheld.”

“You have more of a chance of going feral than my brother,” whispered Itachi. “Sit down.”

It was rare that Itachi’s normally smooth and melodic voice took on that tone of absolute mastery. There was no doubting to any sitting before them that his brother was scarily serious.

Inoichi Yamanaka sunk to the plush chair immediately with no other word. His throat bobbed with nervousness despite the neutral look taking control over his face.

Sasuke’s lips quirked. They knew who was the most powerful amongst them. Itachi’s age was considerably younger than nearly all those seated before him save for Kurenai and Shikamaru.

Uchiha blood was powerful. Any of them would gladly wed their daughters to either Itachi or Sasuke for a chance to add Uchiha blood to their own. It would never happen, of course but they could dream.

Itachi would never allow himself to be used for breeding and now knowing Pein, he doubted Itachi would stray far from him once they reestablished their connection. Sasuke might not have the power of Itachi, but he could see how drawn his brother was to the watcher. The scene outside the room he and Naruto shared was evidence enough.

Even starved, Itachi would have enough willpower to merely take a few sips and move on. From what he’d seen, Itachi was practically ravishing the man. He’d never seen his brother react in such a way.

Frowning slightly, he took his place behind Itachi’s chair as his brother took his seat. His place in the council was just as an observer but also as a warrior in the event the council members revolted or attempted to flee the judgment decided.

“I’m sure your curiosity over this summons has eaten away at each of you since last eve,” mused Itachi quietly.

Several of the members nodded their heads, Shikamaru Nara merely smirked and lifted one shoulder in a half hearted shrug. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’d already created a hypothesis concerning the meeting. The Naras were quick-witted and never idle with their thoughts for very long.

“There is a traitor among us. You know of whom I speak as his seat lays vacant.”

All eyes turned to Danzou’s empty chair as if by some means he would appear seated in his designated place. He was never one to miss a council deliberation. His need to control exceeded most any other instinct.

“What right have you to present this accusation?” asked Kurenai, though it was obvious by her tone she completely agreed with it.

“The right is not mine. I speak for a species who has lost one of their own due to his actions.” Itachi’s eyes scanned the entirety of the council room before settling on Inoichi. “You understand what I am saying?”

Inoichi closed his eyes and heaved a sigh. “Repayment equal to the crime.”

Itachi hummed in agreement. The pleasure rolling from him was almost palatable. The king would never bring a charge before them for a council member unless it carried a punishment of death. It was beneath him.

“Who? What species?” asked the Akamichi representative.

“One whom only the king and his heir are privy too but who will now be widely known throughout the entire world with the exceptions of the humans.” Itachi tapped a finger on the wooden table. “I wonder if the Nara clan holds any knowledge of them.”

Sasuke arched a brow at Itachi’s statement, his eyes following those of every other council member. It was amusing to watch the partially amused and disgruntled look crossing Shikamaru Nara’s face at being singled out.

“Are you accusing the Nara clan of something?” asked Shikamaru mildly.

“Not precisely but you know of what I speak, don’t you?”

Shikamaru heaved a sigh and nodded carefully. “The Watchers.”

Itachi’s eyes narrowed on him. “The Nara clan lives up to their reputation.”

“What are you talking about?” asked one of the council members, his body shifting nervously in his seat and effectively drawing Itachi’s eyes.

“Why doesn’t the Nara clan enlighten us on who the Watchers are?” Itachi spoke, though his eyes remained on the nervously shifting member of the Azure clan.

The man’s shifting drew Sasuke’s eyes as well. He was hiding something. Of what he wasn’t sure but Itachi would pry it from him soon enough. There was no escape for him and possibly death if the clan chose to align with Danzou. He was foolish to answer the council call if he still held an alliance to a traitor.

Shikamaru shot Itachi an annoyed glance but nodded his head in acknowledgement. “Much can be gleaned from merely being observant. Our long lives allows much to be surmised over time. All that we learn is carefully recorded for the future generations. If we do not learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of it.”

Itachi smirked at the almost disclaimer. “Continue, Nara.”

Shikamaru nodded before continuing. “We don’t know exactly when they came into being. It could very well be before any of our kind walked the earth. They are essentially displaced souls. They have ties to the earth and can in some cases see the various futures like threads stemming from a central source.”

“Various futures?” asked Kurenai.

“Each action we take, each decision we make isn’t written in stone. Things…outcomes may change what route we choose and therefore changing the future. The change could be minor or it could be major. The possibilities are endless. I would imagine deciphering such things would be difficult and quite troublesome,” answered Shikamaru.

Sasuke and Itachi knew this, so their attention was mostly leveled upon the council members–especially the Azure clan. Shikamaru’s explanation was completely enthralling most of the council save for that foolish clan as his eyes continued to glance furtively towards the door.

Escape was futile.

“Their connection to the earth may or may not be related by their ability to convert their bodies to air and be uninjured by the elements earth, fire, wind, and water. Weapons are ineffective against them. They are seemingly invulnerable to any attack.” Shikamaru turned his gaze to Itachi who inclined his head.

“Is that all the Nara clan knows about the Watchers?” asked Itachi.

Shikamaru shrugged lazily. “It is all I know from memory. More could possibly be found in our archives.”

“It’s enough,” said Itachi.

“The Nara clan knew this?” Inoichi looked scandalized. “Why was this not shared with the council?”

“Don’t worry, Yamanaka.” Itachi leveled a glare on Danzou’s empty chair. “I was not informed about them until recently.”

Shikamaru frowned faintly. “You are your father’s heir. He didn’t not inform you of the Watchers?”

“No. I wasn’t his heir in everything, apparently.”

“What has this to do with Lord Danzou?” asked Inoichi.

“Everything,” hissed Sasuke from behind Itachi. “There are things I could tell you about that bastard…”

“Enough.” Itachi lifted a hand to silence Sasuke. “We aren’t hear to discuss crimes against me.”

“But Itachi…”

“I said enough!” Itachi’s palm slammed onto the table with a thud. “Please escort Naruto and Pein into the chamber, Sasuke.”

A scowl washed across Sasuke’s face, but he did as asked. It was Itachi’s right to keep things against himself private if he wished. His reasons weren’t obvious but there was nothing Sasuke could do on the matter.

Opening the door, he found Naruto and Pein standing quietly against the wall, discussing something quite animatedly. “Naruto. Pein. Follow me.”

Both stepped away from the wall and into the room where gazes locked upon them. Pein gave no visible response, but Naruto’s immaturity and youth had him shifting nervously.

“Why are they staring at me?” he hissed to Sasuke.

“I don’t think it’s you.”

The truth was that Pein was drawing the gaze of every person in the room. Power recognized power and Pein exuded it in waves. His eyes flashed gray as they darted over ever member seated around the table before settling on Itachi.

“You wished to report a crime against your species?” asked Itachi.

Before Pein could speak, Inoichi was on his feet. “There is no proof to this claim of Watchers. This mysterious species Shikamaru speaks of could have died out long ago. It would explain why I’ve never heard of them and I don’t think I’m the only one on this council who can say that.”

“I exist.”

Eyes reverted to Pein, including Itachi’s. He looked fully prepared to kill the lot of them for the insult of insinuating the Watchers were extinct at most.

The air in the room seemed to drop several degrees…literally. Pein’s eyes were a hair’s breath from glowing from the intensity of his anger.

“And…I will continue to exist long after all of you are gone into the next life…if such a thing is allowed.” Pein stepped forward and placed a palm on the table. “Our secrets remain ours, but I will tell you that we exist.”

Shikamaru was the first of the council members to recover, a small smile curving his lips. “Interesting. I think I will enjoy speaking with you at a later time.”

A low growl erupted from Itachi. He was on his feet in moments, fist slamming with such force into the table, a hairline fracture cracked along the center and ended just before where Shikamaru sat.

Tanned hands lifted in submission. “I wasn’t planning on treading on other’s property, merely assuaging curiosity.”

Itachi lowered himself to his chair, his eyes never leaving Shikamaru. “If you can not feel his power, then you don’t deserve to be a member of this council. Who would dispute his claim of his people’s origins?”

Not even the Yamanaka clan could deny it. Not a single hand lifted nor did they dispute the truth before them. A previously mostly unknown species stood before them. They were bound by the laws that governed them.

“What…is the number of your species?” asked Kurenai cautiously.

Sasuke’s took Naruto by the arm and led him to the wall where he remained at his side. Pein had been briefed by Itachi but Sasuke knew the other was reluctant to reveal such things to strangers when previously they had been completely invisible to all except for a chosen few.

“Around the world…less than one five hundred fully developed members.”

Gasps echoed through room. “You’re sure? You aren’t simply saying so to bring about a harsher punishment?”

Pein slammed a palm on the table. “I do not lie. For millennia, my people have served all the kings because we seek balance in the world. If we need to, we will destroy you all to maintain it.“

His eyes were as cold as steel as he scanned the night walkers seated around the hardwood table. They didn’t stop moving until they landed upon Itachi.

“My people are not bound by the same rules that govern you. We can’t procreate. Our women are barren and our men are sterile. But…we are powerful. If it comes to a war because of this, we will destroy you and any who stop us from our revenge. And we will have revenge.”

As he stopped speaking, the table split down the center along the crack Itachi had created earlier. Chairs slid backward to prevent feet being crushed beneath the split table while red eyes stared at him from all present faces save Itachi and Sasuke.

“Whoa…” whispered Naruto.

Itachi inclined his head towards Pein. “State your case.”

“My friend and second in command of our clan was killed by Danzou after he received a reading which he was not pleased to have. He was the only one able and willing to do so. I want revenge for her death.”

“Why would Lord Danzou kill one of your people?” asked the Akamichi representative. “It would be anti-productive if he had access to your talents. Even if he was unhappy with the results, knowledge of what he could gain from you far exceeds the cost.”

“War,” stated Sasuke. “Danzou wanted to start a war between the night walkers and the watchers.”

“What purpose would that serve?” asked Inoichi.

“What purpose? How about the death of all those not fully loyal to him, including the king.” Naruto stepped forth, now completely having the attention of the council for the first time.

Kurenai blinked several times upon noticing him. “Naruto?”

“Sasuke makes me stay with him. I think he’s afraid someone will kill me again.” Naruto snickered under the glare he received from Sasuke. “Not that it stopped it from happening before.”

“Sasuke, take Naruto and go for a walk. There is much to discuss,” instructed Itachi.

“I want to stay…” grumbled Naruto. “It was starting to get good.”

“I think things are about to get dangerous in there very soon. Our people might have rules to appear civilized, but we are no more so than the weres or any other species. We might even be more deadly,” said Sasuke as he escorted Naruto away from the council chambers.

“What do you mean?”

Sasuke stopped walking and stared at Naruto. “I mean…Itachi is likely to kill anyone who does not do as he says. It’s a rare action for him. I’ve never seen him pull that card. It was one thing he always hated about our father. Our father replaced more council members than he kept. The council formed by Itachi has been the same for nearly the entirety of his reign. Only Shikamaru Nara is different.”

“When you say replaced?”

“Killed. The king is the only one who can kill unceremoniously. If Danzou were king, he would be untouchable by anyone except assassins. No reparations could ever be taken from him for the deaths of others,” answered Sasuke.

Naruto’s eyes went wide. “He can kill anyone?”

Sasuke shrugged. “It might cause war but it is the right of the king to take us to war.”

“If it’s just Danzou, why doesn’t he just kill him? You know he wants to even if he denies it.”

Sasuke chuckled and settled onto a wooden bench. “Because he’s Itachi. To him, possessing a death warrant for Danzou is more satisfying than simply killing him. It will prevent the excuse of unlawful killing being a excuse for someone to lead a rebellion.”

“Seems a lot of trouble,” sniffed Naruto. “If someone is going to rebel, they’ll find any reason for it.”

“Maybe, but if Itachi comes across as clean, less of our people will join in. It’s politics,” explained Sasuke.

Naruto snorted loudly. “Apparently even vampires have politics.”

“We prefer the term nightwalker. Vampire is too Hollywood.”

“You would,” grumbled Naruto. “What happens if there is a war?”

Sasuke lowered his gaze. He knew Naruto would ask it. If there was even the smallest chance of war with the watchers…if Itachi was unable to snip the monster at the bud, he would take Naruto and run. He would not allow Pein or Itachi to use Naruto in war…especially not in a war where Danzou knew how to kill them.

“Don’t worry.”

Naruto scooted closer so their shoulders touches. “You’re planning something.”

“Yeah…but only if the council refuses to come to an agreement.”

The words were just leaving his mouth when the council doors were flung open and the representative from the Azure clan was barreling out. It was pure instinct that had Sasuke grabbing the man before he could escape.

A dagger was shoved into his side, making him hiss as his fangs dropped to their full length at the pain. He vaguely heard Naruto give a shout but his entire being was focused on the man in his grasp. It forced him to fight through the pain to keep from losing his grip.

Itachi was at his side in moments, his face distorted by his fangs. His hands ripped the fleeing council member from Sasuke’s hands and slammed him into the stone wall with such force blood splattered from parted lips in red speckles across Itachi’s face.

“Sasuke!” shouted Naruto, finally jarring himself from his shock and racing to his lover‘s side.

“I’m fine,” groaned Sasuke, the flesh in his side already stopping its bleeding and slowly knitting itself together.

“What happened, Itachi?” asked Sasuke.

Itachi‘s eyes slid to where Pein walked from the council chamber, his arm dripping thick blood on the stone floor. “The Azure clan has made an attempt on a rare species in the presence of the council with a weapon capable of slicing into the flesh of an immortal.”

“Why would he do that? Doesn’t he realize that war will tear out people apart?” asked Sasuke.

“This bastard has decided what side he is on. And has forfeited his life.”

Sasuke didn’t blink. “Does he speak for his clan?”

Itachi’s eyes seemed glow in their intensity. “For the sake of his clan, I would hope not.”

“I would assume this is enough of a display to force the council’s hand into declaring war against Danzou and all those loyal to him?” asked Sasuke.

Itachi’s eyes slid to Inoichi Yamanaka who’s pallor was even more striking and unnatural. “You are the most knowledgeable concerning the laws. What say you?”

“I think I speak for the entire council when I say that we will approve your request for a death warrant on Lord Danzou,” interrupted Kurenai. “But we ask that you bring him before us before enacting it.”

“I will not risk his escape by doing so. If you wish to question him, I suggest you get to him before me,” snarled Itachi.

“Where is he?” asked Sasuke.

Itachi smirked while gazing at Stefan Azure. “Oh…I believe the Azure clan can help us in that aspect.”

The man paled from the look of malice in Itachi’s eyes. There would be no escape for him.

oOo

Naruto sat on the bed watching Sasuke pull on tight black leather pants and equally black boots. He nibbled on his lip while watching him dress.

“I’m going!”

“Absolutely not,” snarled Sasuke as he pulled a black turtleneck over his head.

Naruto strode across the room towards Sasuke, his eyes flashing blue flames. “Pein’s going.”

Sasuke visibly winced at the look on the blond‘s face. “You could be hurt. I’m going.”

“No. Pein said you’re catching on with the abilities but not so that you could properly defend yourself. You should stay here.”

“No. I can take care of myself,” argued Naruto. “Just as good as you.”

“You’re staying.” Itachi’s voice rolled through the room as he strode through, tossing a sword which Sasuke snatched easily from the air. “Are you ready? Pein said Neji’s visions aren’t as powerful as Konan so we don’t have time to waste. He might already be on the move.”

“Itachi, let me go,” whined Naruto.

“You’re not ready. If you were injured, Sasuke would go feral.”

Naruto crossed his arms and flopped on the bed. “It’s not fair.”

“If Danzou didn’t possess weapons to kill your kind, I would have no problems allowing you to come. But I can’t risk you getting hurt.” Itachi turned to Sasuke. “Finish things here and meet me downstairs.”

Sasuke strapped on his weapons then lowered his head to steal a quick kiss only to have Naruto turn his head. “Naruto-”

“Hmph…”

Sasuke smirked, grabbing Naruto’s chin and nibbling on his lower lip before pulling away. “We’ll be back before dawn. It’s still early. Why don’t you call one of your friends. Itachi said they came by earlier.”

“I guess…” Naruto said as Sasuke waved good-bye and trotted down the steps to meet his brother.

Naruto scowled at the door before digging his nearly forgotten cell from his bag. He was grateful his friends hadn’t been notified at his ‘death’. It would have been difficult to explain away that and he didn’t want to give up Sakura and Kiba for a long time.

Hitting speed dial on his cell, he bounced excitedly on his bed until he heard a familiar female voice. “Hello?”

“Sakura!”

“Naruto! Oh my God! You’re alive!” she practically screamed in his ear.

“Uh…yeah. Sorry if you worried. I’ve been sick and then Sasuke practically kidnapped me.” Naruto flushed with the knowledge he’d completely ignored his friends for weeks.

“I kept calling and even came by the house. Itachi stone-walled me. I’m so happy to hear your voice. Kiba has been driving me crazy asking about you,” said Sakura.

“Sorry about that. I was wondering if the two of you wanted to come over tonight. I’m alone. Itachi and Sasuke had business to take care of.”

“You make it sound like they are in the mafia,” she chuckled.

“Well…” Naruto grinned. “I don’t think anything they are doing is illegal.”

At least not by nightwalker standards anyway. He was certain everything they were doing tonight was against human laws, but as he wasn’t a human, he wasn’t sure the laws applied to him or them as long as they didn’t get caught.

“So…you want to come?”

There was a chuckle in his ear. “Hell yes we’re coming. I’m off tonight and you know Kiba. He’s probably getting yelled at by his mother.”

“He sure drew the short straw on parents,” empathized Naruto.

“You aren’t kidding. We’ll be there in thirty. Have the snacks and drinks ready.”

Naruto grinned. “Will do.”

Naruto raced down the stairs and into the kitchen. Staring at the food in the cabinet, he frowned. The thought of eating didn’t appeal to him at all. It wasn’t a disgusting thought, but he didn’t look forward to it.

“What a waste,” he murmured as he collected all the snacks he thought his friends would like.

Opening up a bag of chips, he withdrew one and stared at it. Even lack of hunger had never before kept him from popping one in his mouth as he waited for friends to arrive. Now staring at it, he just wanted to drop it back in the bag.

Growling, he shoved the chip into his mouth and chewed. The more he chewed, the more frustrated he became because he didn’t want to swallow.

“Fuck!” he shouted before spitting out the chewed paste and grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

Drinking wasn’t so bad. He knew he could drink water, wine and some beers. Milk still felt thick in his stomach but he could down it if need be.

Hearing the doorbell ring, he dropped the chips and water bottle on the table. Sakura and Kiba were fast but seeing as they hadn’t seen him in a while, he could understand it. He was excited to seeing them too.

Throwing open the large mahogany doors, he stared at the older, scarred man standing before him. Before he could process what was happening, a blade was stabbed into his shoulder with such force he was sent propelling backwards as pain shot down his arm and up his neck.

“D-Danzou…” he whispered.

“You didn’t think I would be foolish enough to allow Itachi and his insane sibling to catch me in my home? There are ways to defy any predictions and young Neji is simply not seasoned enough to pick out the most probable outcomes.”

Danzou strolled calmly into the room and closed the door behind him. “Don’t worry about your little friends, I took care of them. Lucky for them, I only incapacitated them. They weren‘t worth my time.”

“Bastard!”

“People do strange things in the search of power. I wonder to what lengths Itachi would go to save you? If you die, his brother dies, and his own affection for you might be enough to push him over the edge,” explained Danzou as he paced around the room.

Naruto groaned and rolled to his knees. The thought of extracting the blade seemed unappealing, making him call upon his lessons with Pein.

He sought the inner power, attempting to make himself lighter than air. For a moment, he thought the skill was working until double pain shot through him.

Unable to contain his scream, he doubled over as his vision went black around the eyes. His breath panted in and out, sweat popping out on his brow and upper lip. His eyes lifted to stare at the smirking Danzou with a feeling of anger and fear.

“I wouldn’t do that. That weapon blocks your ability to use your talents. A more experienced Watcher might be able to remove it in such a way but not you. You are completely helpless,” boasted Danzou.

Fighting back the threatening wave of unconsciousness, Naruto panted out a question. “Why?”

Danzou crouched before him, his eyes red in the dim light of the foyer. “Why does it matter to you? You’ll be dead soon.”

Danzou’s hand gripped the knife lodged in Naruto’s shoulder and twisted, causing a scream to erupt from his throat. “Stop!”

“I think not, young watcher.”

oOo

Sasuke frowned, rubbing his chest. “He should be here.”

“He was here until a short while ago,” replied Itachi as he sniffed the air. “If he moved, he did so only moments before we arrived.”

Pein stepped to their sides, his eyes scanning the area. “Neji is still young. In a century or two he might begin to tap into powers on the level of Konan but until then, I’m afraid it will be hit or miss.”

“That doesn’t help us find Danzou. He needs to die for what he did to you–almost to me.” Sasuke slammed a fist into the wall, leaving a large hole in the plaster. “How do we track him? His scent is already becoming faint. Our kind aren’t able to track by scent like dogs.”

Itachi smirked. “Perhaps not. But the weres can.”

“Yes I’m sure they can but why would they help nightwalkers?” growled Sasuke.

“Because we were asked.”

Out the shadows stepped the gray haired medical examiner and head of the wolf pack along with several of his clan. “An offered peace treaty is something I can’t refuse.”

“Find the man whose scent covers this place, Kakashi. After that, consider the treaty signed,” instructed Itachi.

Sasuke glared at the weres. “Are you sure we can trust them?”

Itachi merely turned and watched as the five shape shifters altered their bodies into that of animals. Fur popped out all over their bodies and the cracking and popping of bone and muscle could be heard as their forms took on the shape of the wolf.

“No. But Kakashi isn’t the type to go against a deal and an official peace treaty would be too good to resist.”

Sasuke nodded his understanding, giving the creatures wide berth as they circled the area to familiarize themselves with Danzou’s scent. He thought back to Naruto and how excited his lover was about learning and meeting all the various species of creatures he’d once thought were only parts of legend and fantasy. It would be nice to finally settle down with him. Their lives had been too chaotic for too long.

A howl reverberated through the area before all the wolves took off. Itachi, Sasuke, and Pein followed quickly. The animals were leading them to Danzou.

At first the direction didn’t matter as Danzou’s locale was the ultimate prize. But the further out into the outskirts of Olympia they ran, the more worried they became.

Itachi’s home was growing closer with each passing moment. There wasn’t much past his home, mostly wooded area. Itachi liked his privacy.

Danzou knew they would leave Naruto at home.

“Itachi…”

“I know,” he whispered.

The wolves stopped several meters from Itachi’s large home. Kakashi was the only one to transform his body but instead of speaking, he raced towards the car parked in the drive. On the ground lay two young adults.

“They’re alive,” he whispered.

“It’s Sakura and Kiba,” informed Itachi. “They are Naruto’s friends.”

“Naruto!” Sasuke moved towards the house only to be held in place by his brother.

“Let me go,” he hissed.

Itachi shook his head. “Kakashi, can you take care of them. Sasuke and I have things to take care of.”

“Of course. Shall I stop by some time next week for formalities?” smirked Kakashi.

Itachi nodded in agreement. “Calm yourself, Sasuke. He won’t kill Naruto until you’re there to watch. The only reason he didn’t kill these two was because he deemed them undeserving of his attention.”

“But Itachi…”

“Trust me.” Itachi turned to Pein. “He’ll probably have weapons that injure Watchers. Make sure you watch yourself.”

“What would you have me do?”

Itachi glanced first at Sasuke and then at Pein. “Pein…I want you to hide yourself. Even I have trouble following your movements when you don’t want to be seen. Danzou won’t see you.”

“What have you planned?” asked Pein.

“The end of Danzou. If you have a chance to attack, do so. Sasuke and I will cover you.”

“I can smell Naruto’s blood,” murmured Sasuke, his eyes flaring a dangerous red.

“As can I. Stay calm, Sasuke. Naruto will be fine. Let’s go,” answered Itachi.

With that said, Itachi walked straight for the front door. There was no point in hiding their arrival. Other than Pein, Danzou could surely feel their approach.

His hand gripped the door and flung it open with more force than was necessary to see Danzou crouched over Naruto twisting a knife in the blond’s shoulder.

“Ah, King Itachi and Prince Sasuke, such a pleasure to see you both again.” Danzou stood, taking Naruto with him and holding a knife close enough to his throat that blood dribbled down the slope of his neck.

Sasuke’s eyes transformed from dark pools of burgundy to bright crimson. “Let go of him…now.”

“Tsk…My revenge isn’t complete. If Fugaku was here, you wouldn’t have run wild with this thing. He would have been destroyed before you ever saw him. But it wasn’t my business if you went mad, it only served my purpose. But Itachi…you always were a bit of a pacifist. Always afraid to dirty your hands even though you had the power to do so with few repercussions.” Danzou jerked Naruto’s head back to bare even more of his throat. “What a waste.”

“We no longer live in the Dark Ages, Danzou. Rule by blood isn’t necessary. We can make treaties and work with others. You are a relic from a regime long past. My father was one of the first, if not the first. Do you really think your watered down blood could even compare to a child of two ancients?”

Danzou began to chuckle almost madly. “No, I do not. I might be older than you in years, but you have me beaten by blood. My ace is that I hold a crucial bargaining chip. You would die before you allowed me to kill this little Watcher.”

Though his face didn’t show it, Itachi could see Pein moving through the room unhampered. It amazed him at being able to follow his movements knowing he was invisible to the other occupants of the room. All he needed to do was distract Danzou for a few more moments.

“I won’t bargain with you, Danzou. The council now has a blood warrant on you. It is only a matter of time until you’re brought to justice,” said Itachi quietly.

“True…unless you declare me your heir. We all know that the king is immune to blood warrants. He is supreme.”

Itachi cocked his head. “You think to kill me and replace me as king? You’re overconfident.”

“Am I? Would you sacrifice yourself for your brother? We both know his sanity is tied with this one. How long would he remain sane before going feral? There would be no protecting him then. You would have to put him down yourself.” Danzou pressed the knife even deeper into Naruto’s throat, making blood flow more freely. “What would you say to that, Itachi?”

“I would say you are a fool.”

“Oh? Is my life so important to you that you would sacrifice that of your brother? Of this fledgling Watcher? You are a fool, Itachi,” smirked Danzou as the blade pressed even further into Naruto’s throat.

“Itachi…” snarled Sasuke, his muscles tensing in preparation to lunge.

“You are the fool,” whispered Pein into Danzou’s ear as he drove his blade straight through his black heart.

His grip on Naruto loosened in shock, allowing the now limp body to fall to the hardwood floor. Sasuke was there to scoop him from the area and move him quickly to safety.

Itachi was on Danzou instantly. The wound, while painful and weakening, would not kill him. Given time, he could recover from the attack.

The king of night walkers would not allow that to happen. His hand latched onto Danzou’s bloodied shirt with a powerful fist and sent him careening against the wall.

Blood oozed from Danzou’s lips, painting his pale face much like a horrific clown. “You are but a child compared to me.”

“Strange,” murmured Itachi. “It feels like you are the child.”

“Aren’t…you curious…why…your father…?”

Itachi paused, pulling back with a look of concentration. “My father was of a different era. I can not forgive or forget but I will make sure not to repeat his…or your mistakes. I am the king. You will bow kneel before me.”

Danzou’s red eye flashed dangerously despite his weakened state. “Never.”

Itachi’s lips quirked. “I did not say you had to do so willingly.”

His hands moved so quickly, even Sasuke had trouble seeing the motion until Danzou’s head was twisted from his neck. Blood spurted, over Itachi’s face and arms, starkly coloring the pale skin visible.

The body fell to the floor with a thud, the head soon following. In Sasuke’s eyes, his brother had never seemed more dangerous. For the first time in his memory, he was afraid of Itachi. It was easy to forget just how powerful his brother was when the façade of sophistication and humanity was ripped away to reveal his true self.

“Itachi…”

Itachi glanced at his brother. “How is he?”

“He’s weak.” Sasuke stroked a finger down Naruto’s bloody neck. “I can feel him using me to replace his lost energy.”

“Hn,” grunted Pein as he crouched before where Sasuke cradled Naruto in his arms. “As long as you stay near, he’ll be fine. He’s going to sleep for a while.”

Pein grabbed the knife still lodged in Naruto’s shoulder, removing it quickly before pressing a cloth to the injury until the blood slowed and finally stopped. “Cursed weapons.”

“I’ll see to it they are destroyed,” murmured Itachi.

Pein wiped Naruto‘s blood on his pants as he stood. “There are others, I’m sure. Many of my people are wanting to retreat from civilization. There are few who are warriors such as myself.”

“Is that what you wish?” asked Itachi as they moved to give Sasuke room to carry Naruto to their room.

“I don’t know. It would be better for my kind, now that we are no longer anonymous. Things could become difficult.”

Itachi nodded slowly, his eyes sliding to Danzou’s crumpled form. “We’ll need to burn him to ash. I’m sorry for what he and my father put you through.”

Pein’s lips curved slightly. “But not for the actions of yourself?”

“I was still young and idealistic,” answered Itachi. “Might I ask, why did Naruto remain nearly physically unchanged with each life?”

Pein shrugged his shoulders. “I am not privy to every secret in the universe. Perhaps he and Sasuke connected on such a level that first time. Naruto seems the type to do things his own way.”

“He is.” There was a pause before Itachi continued. “Neji said you needed me to survive. How will you do so if you go into hiding with your people?”

“I can still draw energy from the earth…but it’s weak. Just enough to survive. I hadn’t given it much thought. Perhaps the bond will weaken as time goes on,” answered Pein.

Itachi leaned against the wall. “And if I wanted you to stay?”

“I can’t answer that now. Too much has happened…”

Itachi nodded. “As you wish…”

Pein glanced towards the stairs leading where Sasuke and Naruto had disappeared. “They are lucky.”

“I’m sure Sasuke wouldn’t consider what he went through luck.”

“The ends justify the means,” stated Pein.

“Hn,” grunted Itachi. “What of Naruto? He is a Watcher.”

Pein shrugged his shoulders. “He may do as he pleases. Of course, there are some who will not be pleased with his choice to remain with your brother, but the choice is his. I would ask that you arrange for him to spend time with his people. There is much he could learn and he is still very young by our standards.”

“I will see what I can do,” agreed Itachi.

“I should be going. Shall I dispose of this?” he asked as he gestured to the crumpled body of Danzou.

“No. I will present it to the council.” Itachi’s eyes flashed. “What Danzou tried to wrought, I will make it clear that it will never happen again.”

Pein nodded. “Thank you for averting a war. My people are not warriors. It would not have been pleasant if weapons such as these were used.”

Itachi nodded, watching as Pein faded completely from view. Heaving a sigh, he walked up the stairs towards where Naruto and Sasuke waited.

“You should have asked him to stay.”

Itachi smirked at Sasuke’s statement. “Should I?”

“If it was me…”

“You would have done just as I did. Pein and I are not the same as you and Naruto. But there is still time. He and I will be seeing each other again soon.” Itachi bowed his head to the two on the bed before exiting the room.

“Idiot,” muttered Sasuke.

“You say that only because he is not locking Pein away like you.”

Sasuke’s eyes drifted to where Naruto stared up at him. “I was worried about you.”

“Don’t change the subject. Let Itachi be. He’s smart and is just giving Pein room to adjust…unlike you,” pouted Naruto.

“You’re too difficult to manage. That’s why I never gave you any room,” argued Sasuke, earning him a slap on the top of his head.

“But all that’s over now. You have a long time to make it up to me…first by taking a bath with me,” ordered Naruto.

“Your wish is my command.”

Sasuke smirked and scooped Naruto into his arms. It had been a long road but now they were together and nothing would tear them apart. He only hoped that Itachi would soon know this since of completion. There was hope and if Sasuke knew Naruto. Itachi and Pein wouldn’t remain alone for much longer.

“Stop standing there and get in the tub!”

Sasuke smiled, “As you wish.”

The long road alone was finally at it’s end and now Sasuke could travel it together with Naruto at his side.

An: thank you all. Only the epilogue left and then this baby is complete!

The end…
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Midnight Memories