moor | NARUTO: Madasaku - Untitled WIP (Secret Royalty AU) [Part Seventeen]

Summary:
The Wild. Long ago, the power that ruled the earth and everything on it created order and meaning, cycles to preserve balance and harmony. The checks and balances put in place ensured that power would never be used beyond equivalent advantage. Over time, the Wild produced Sources, entities through which the Wild could be channelled in times of need. During a battle to defend their Kingdom, the leader of the Uchiha summoned the Wild. In doing so, another channelled and became bound by the Wild to balance his power. This is their story.

Content Warning: A/B/O

Part One - The Senju and the Uchiha

Part Two - The Battle [first battle] | Part Three - The Battle [continued]

Gorgeous fanart by tumblr users sarcastic-mommy and sayurinomoe!

The Underground [continued]

“Madam, two guests arrived and request an audience with you.”

On the brocade settee in her sitting room, Mikoto looked up from her embroidery.

“Is it two young ladies, by any chance?” she asked, drawing her thread taut.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Send them in.”

The maid nodded, returning a few minutes later with the guests. Her task accomplished, she departed, closing the living room doors behind her to give the women privacy.

Sakura and Ino stood calmly before the Dark Mistress of the Underworld, waiting to be addressed.

“I take it things did not go according to plan,” said Mikoto, setting aside her embroidery. She folded her hands in her lap.

“Two teams attacked us in the meeting point tunnel,” said Sakura.

“What of your contacts?”

“We have not come across them yet.”

Mikoto’s pointer finger tapped her lap twice before she stood. She was slightly taller than Sakura, on par with Ino’s height. Her robes and skirts were immaculately designed and pressed, the silks rich and full. She looked at each of the young women, in their trousers, rough robes and travelling cloaks, in turn. Both wore head-wraps, concealing their hair colours, but after their evasion from the attack, tendrils of hair had escaped and clung to their damp foreheads.

“Which of you is Sakura,” asked Mikoto.

“I am,” said Sakura, reaching an arm across Ino to prevent her from interfering.

Stepping forward with more grace than Sakura had ever observed in someone other than an assassin, Mikoto approached her, coming to stand directly in front of her. Mikoto’s milky hands were perfectly folded in front of her through it all, her poise the apogée of nobility.
Sakura understood then just how easy it was for Mikoto to intimidate others. She could have cut Sakura or Ino down with but a look to assert herself, without uttering a word.

Mikoto, frighteningly calm, and Sakura, tense, stared at each other silently.

“Is it true that you healed my brother Izuna during the battle?” asked Mikoto.

Taken aback, Sakura hesitated before nodding.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Is it true you were the Secret Soldier our citizens are so quick to praise?”

The back of her neck burning, Sakura’s shoulder twitched but she did not look away from Mikoto.

“I don’t know—”

“But it was you, correct, who used your healer’s training to control the enemy’s movement, through instinct and herbs?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mikoto was silent for a long, drawn out minute.

Spotting the embroidery Mikoto had folded neatly on the settee behind her, Sakura’s memory came alive.

Her hands at her sides, Sakura swallowed and suddenly performed a perfect bow to her host.

“I wish to thank you for the beautiful quilt you made my son, Yu. It is a priceless treasure. If I can be of service to you in the future, please do not hesitate to ask,” said Sakura.

Sakura held her bow, her eyes on Mikoto’s slippers, until she saw the faint shift in Mikoto’s hands, her shoulders relaxing.

“Does he like it?” asked Mikoto, her voice curious and warm.

Slowly rising, Sakura nodded, a small smile lifting her lips.

“He sleeps with it every night,” said Sakura.

When Sakura met Mikoto’s gaze again, she found the older woman’s dark eyes had softened. The few lines that had dared to mar her brow had melted to crinkle the edges of her eyes fondly.

“You are welcome,” said Mikoto, nodding at Sakura.

The moment of familial connection broke the icy distance between them.

“Please sit, would you like tea?”

Sakura looked at Ino and nodded.

“Thank you. I apologize that we can’t stay long. We are scheduled to meet the gatekeeper before nightfall.”

Mikoto nodded once, tapping on the door of the sitting room.

“Tea, and bring my guests their guide, if you please,” said Mikoto to the maid waiting outside.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Ino and Sakura looked at each other.

“I didn’t keep him from you,” said Mikoto, returning to join Ino and Sakura on her settee while the other two sat on a loveseat. “I was notified that he is on his way here after failing to find you at the meeting point.”

“Is he alright?” asked Sakura.

The maid brought a tray of tea through, setting it down on the rosewood coffee table between the women.

“He’s an intelligent young man,” said Mikoto. “Almost as intelligent as my Itachi.”

A grin cracked Sakura’s lips.

“Itachi is your favourite, isn’t he?” dared Sakura.

Her tea at her lips, Mikoto’s countenance was placid. “I love my sons equally.”

Picking up her own cup, Sakura smiled down into it.

“Itachi has been very helpful. I appreciate how much he has done for us,” said Sakura, looking up at Mikoto to catch her eyes. “Thank you very much.”

Mikoto drank her tea, unconcerned.

But Sakura caught the hint of a smile on her lips as she lowered her porcelain cup.

From outside the room there came the sound of several men running through the house.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sakura noticed Mikoto’s eyes narrow a hint.

When two men rushed into the room without an attendant, Mikoto lowered her teacup and glared at them, unimpressed.

Standing at attention, Itachi immediately studied Sakura and Ino, and Sakura realized he was checking them for injuries.

“No running in the house,” snapped Mikoto, looking up at her son and the other Uchiha with disappointment.

“They’re here? They’re both here?” gasped the other man, bent over, his hands on his knees. He held up a finger, needing a moment to catch his breath. “I couldn’t find them anywhere. I thought I was going to have to kill myself in front of Auntie Tsunade and Uncle Madara at the same time,” he confessed, panting. “Thank the gods they’re here. They’re alright?”

Finally he looked up, his eyes catching Ino and Sakura staring at him with concern.

“You’re… you’re here having tea with Auntie…” he gasped, suddenly sounding a hundred times more energetic.

“I gassed the tunnels to keep them from chasing us,” said Ino.

“We came straight here. We’re fine,” added Sakura.

Looking up at Itachi, Sakura caught his eye, then looked at his compatriot, before raising her brows again.

Very put upon, Itachi lifted the other man’s collar so he stood at attention.

“Please excuse our delay,” began Itachi. “All will be well and we will leave as soon as you request. There is no need to rush on your part. I sent Sasuke ahead to negotiate with the gatekeeper—”

Ino’s expression fell, her shoulders slumping. Even Mikoto looked a shade more stressed, fine lines forming at her forehead.

“—with a considerable sum of persuasion,” added Itachi tiredly, noting the defeated atmosphere. “The gatekeeper will wait for you. You have until midnight.”

Itachi bowed and dragged his companion down with him, then up again.

“I will be your guide,” said the man excitedly. “My name is Shisui. I am Itachi and Sasuke’s cousin.”

“I am Yamanaka Ino,” said Ino, standing. She bowed to him, as he was a prince.

“I am Haruno Sakura,” said Sakura, coming to her feet. She began her bow, but caught the subtle shake of Itachi’s head. Switching tacks, Sakura offered her hand instead. “Thank you for helping us.”

Shisui grinned at Sakura. He firmly pumped her hand, his chest puffed up and eyes nearly glowing. He was stronger than he looked.

“I’ll clean myself up and be right back,” said Shisui, smiling at everyone but absolutely beaming at Sakura. He nodded to Mikoto again as he backed away. “Auntie.”

Shaking her head, Mikoto gave Shisui a fond, if tired, smile and waved him off. She turned to her son next.

“He wanted to make a stop first,” said Itachi, speaking directly to his mother and her unasked question.

“Itachi?” pressed Mikoto.

Itachi looked at Sakura, then back at his mother.

Mikoto sighed, closing her eyes and lifting a hand to her temple.

Looking between mother and son, Sakura and Ino glanced at each other.

“Is something wrong?” asked Sakura carefully.

Itachi shook his head. “No,” he said, though his tone was less confident than usual.

“I told you not to tell him. I specifically told you not to tell him,” muttered Mikoto darkly under her breath.

“He doesn’t know everything,” said Itachi. “Not about…” He glanced at Ino.

“Ino knows,” sighed Sakura, sensing the reason for Itachi’s hesitation.

“He doesn’t know about Sakura’s mate,” said Itachi. “Only that she wished for anonymity after the battle… to raise her son.”

Mikoto stared hard at Itachi.

For the first time in her life, Sakura saw Itachi less than absolutely calm and confident when he swallowed under his mother’s glare.

“... He wanted to make sure the toys he bought were safely delivered…” said Itachi cautiously. “And the flowers…”

Leaning back, Mikoto sighed, her hand over her eyes.

Itachi shifted his weight to his other foot.

“Sakura,” said Mikoto, her voice drawn. “Please excuse whatever mess you come home to.”

“I’ll handle it,” said Itachi apologetically.

“See that you do,” said Mikoto.

Her brow furrowing, Sakura looked between Ino, Itachi and Mikoto.

“What’s going on,” asked Ino.

Mikoto and Itachi sighed nobly in unison.

Speed-walking into the room, Shisui skidded to a stop beside Sakura, interrupting Mikoto. He beamed at Sakura again.

“I’m ready!”

“I said no running!” snapped Mikoto.

“I walked!”

Out of the corner of her eye, Sakura saw lines along the sides of Itachi’s handsome face deepening, ageing him.

Sympathising with Itachi and how much he must balance between his family and his duties, Sakura looked at Ino and tilted her head toward the door.

“Thank you for hosting us, ma’am,” said Sakura, turning to face Mikoto. Beside her, Ino did the same. “We apologize for imposing upon you unannounced. We understand you are very busy.”
Their teacups safely returned to the table, Sakura and Ino bowed to Mikoto with their hands formally clasped in front of them.

At their farewell, Mikoto lifted her head, nodding at them.
“I look forward to hearing of your safe return,” said Mikoto. “Don’t be a stranger, Sakura. You’re practically... family.”

A drop of sweat trailed lazily down Sakura’s spine.
“Itachi will see you out,” advised Mikoto, pulling out her embroidery again. “And Shisui will behave like the gentleman he is,” she added, her voice steely.

Sakura couldn’t help the shiver that ran between her shoulder blades, even if Shisui did call out a far-too-jovial, “Yes, Auntie!” as they left the room, Itachi trailing behind them.

As Shisui began animatedly chatting to Sakura, Itachi and Ino fell into step together behind them.

“You’re very excited about this trip,” said Sakura, trying to keep up with Shisui. “Has it been a long time since you were able to leave Konoha?”

“I was part of a search party, just after the final battle,” said Shisui, hungrily drinking in Sakura’s attention. “I occasionally leave to visit the townships and territories. But not since the battle.”

“I suppose it has been a while, then. And there were probably many people missing after the battle,” admitted Sakura, thinking back to the chaos and destruction.

“Yes, but we were looking for someone specific,” said Shisui, staring at Sakura.

As they walked he bounced on his toes, surprising Sakura. He was acting like a young child on his birthday. Was he really as competent as Itachi and Mikoto claimed?

“The poisoner?” asked Sakura, curious.

“Poisoner? No.”
Sakura furrowed her brow. “Hmmm. The King and Prince were both safe. Was an advisor missing?”

“No.”

“Hmmm, sounds like it probably isn’t someone I’d be familiar with, then,” said Sakura, smiling up at Shisui. “I hear you often work with Itachi at the—”
“You! It was you! We were trying to find you,” burst out Shisui.

Sakura froze, her eyes wide.

“You’re the Secret Soldier!” exclaimed Shisui, trying to whisper but bristling with excitement.

A low sigh emanated from behind Sakura, and she realized why Itachi had looked so exhausted upon his arrival.

“I’m… I’m not…” Sakura looked behind her, but Ino and Itachi had their heads bent together again. To Sakura’s surprise, Ino patted Itachi’s shoulder consolingly.

“You are, you definitely are,” insisted Shisui, drawing Sakura’s attention again. “I remember you from that night. I begged to be part of the search party for you. When the King disbanded it, he made us promise not to look for you again, since you wanted to live in peace. But we were worried the King may have been hiding you for some reason. Some of us were worried you didn’t make it through the last of the battle, too, since no one could find you afterward, but then someone else said they thought the King kept you to himself, but I didn’t think that was true, because you would obviously have become the Queen. So then we thought maybe you were a regular person, but maybe hiding who you were, but no one could find you even then. So that was when we figured you must have left Konoha, and then we heard whispers that you were part of the Underground, and I’ve been begging Itachi to bring me along, because if anyone knows anything about anyone, it’s Itachi—”

Lifting her hands and staggering back from Shisui, Sakura shook her head.

“You have the wrong person.”

“No, Itachi said you’re her, so you’re her,” said Shisui with conviction. “One of my roles at the castle is overseeing the Birth Registry, and when the rumours started that you’d had a child I did my best to ferret you out so I could thank you personally and offer you my undying gratitude and maybe get your autograph, but also find out if you had a husband or mate, because there’s no record anywhere of you being married, which, uh, are you seeing anyone? Because—”

Sakura’s shoulders slumped, and she looked accusingly behind her again at Itachi. They had nearly reached the front door of the mansion and the conversation could not continue outside.

Taking a deep breath, Sakura straightened her shoulders and faced Shisui head on.

“Thank you for looking for me,” she began. “I left Konoha shortly after the battle and did not know of my reputation until I returned. Yes, I am the… Secret Soldier. But I’m not someone special. I’m a medic. I truly do just want to live a quiet life.” With the Underground, with her mate’s, the King’s, secret cub, unsure of her position with her mate, investigating a poisoner and trying to prevent another coup. It really wasn’t that much to ask.

Shisui tempered his excitement at her confirmation. Reaching behind his head to stretch his chest, he looked down at Sakura, his cheeks warming.
“Uh… About… There aren’t any rumours of a Mister or Mrs Secret Soldier—” he began.

Sakura tensed.

“At this time, I would like to keep my personal life private,” she said quickly.

His dark brows furrowing, Shisui relaxed his arm down again.

“Will it cause problems that I sent over gifts to your house?”

So that’s what Mikoto meant, about Itachi handling the ‘mess’.

Sakura’s shoulders sagged. Well, it was nothing Kakashi and Naruto couldn’t handle, especially if Itachi went to help.

With a grateful, if rueful, smile, Sakura shook her head.

“As long as you didn’t hide anything dangerous in them, they’re fine,” she said. “There’s no need for gifts. Please,” she insisted.

Gazing adoringly down at Sakura, Shisui pursed his lips to object. At Sakura’s firm expression, however, he relented.

“Thank you, Shisui.”

“Anytime,” answered Shisui, his cheeks still warm.

With Shisui mollified, Sakura glanced behind her again to see Itachi and Ino standing together.

“Is everything okay?” asked Sakura, looking between them.

Itachi nodded while Ino joined Sakura and Shisui.

“We’re going to skip the tunnels until we reach the gatekeeper, to avoid getting pinched or trapped,” said Ino.

Shisui nodded. “Good idea.”

Itachi handed Shisui an extra bag of money, even as Shisui frowned at him.

“In case of Sasuke,” said Itachi.

Feeling truly sorry for Itachi and his clean-up duty, Sakura almost reached out to hug Itachi. He sounded so tired.

“Can’t argue with that,” said Shisui, tucking the money into a reinforced pocket of his cloak. “If there’s any leftover, maybe we’ll pass by that fancy dango vendor you like.”

Looking up at his cousin, Itachi’s eyes widened hopefully.

Shisui winked at his cousin.

Ino and Sakura watched the interaction silently, catching each other’s gaze at the moment Shisui said “dango” and noting the way Itachi’s eyes lit up.

“Be safe,” said Itachi, though, instead of responding to Shisui’s taunt. He reached out to shake Shisui’s hand.

Ignoring the hand, Shisui wrapped an arm around Itachi’s shoulders and hugged him tightly.

“Be safe, brother,” said Shisui, his words muffled against Itachi’s shoulder.

“Ah,” said Itachi, relaxing against his cousin. A heartbeat later, he lifted a hand to hug Shisui back.

“Thank you for your help, Itachi,” said Sakura.

“Thank you for replacing Sasuke, Itachi,” said Ino.

Shisui chuckled as he released Itachi.

“Not to be a drag, but we really do need to move,” said Ino. Outside, the sun had begun to lower beyond the horizon.

“Be swift. We’ll see you in a week,” said Itachi.

With that, Sakura, Shisui and Ino set off.

***

Thankfully, the gatekeeper allowed them through—with a cheerful smile and warm well-wishes—, and they left Konoha under the cover of darkness. Sakura wondered just how generous the bribe had been. The trio set off for the furthest destination first. They travelled through the night, only resting when they reached the halfway mark, near noon.

“We’ll eat, rest until sunset, then eat and head out again,” said Shisui as they approached the inn where they intended to stay. “I’ll go get our rooms.”

When Shisui disappeared inside, Sakura turned to Ino expectantly.

Ino arched a brow.

“What?”

“What did Itachi say before we left?” asked Sakura quietly, mindful of the other guests who may pass by them on their way to or from the inn.

Ino scanned the area around them.

“Not here,” said Ino, lowering her voice.

Sakura nodded.

A few minutes later, Shisui beckoned them in and they stood outside their room.

Singular.

“Why is it one room?” asked Ino, her sculpted blond brow twitching. “We have the money for more.”

“It has two beds,” said Sakura, shoulders sagging with relief as she stepped inside. She set her pack down beside the bed furthest inside and took off her jacket. “It’s clean and warm.”

“I offer to share—” began Shisui, lifting a hand.

Ino whirled on him, a hand at her hip-pouch.

Shisui immediately raised his other hand.
“There was a flood in the next valley over,” he explained. “The families are staying here temporarily.”

Crossing her arms, Ino entered the room, Shisui following her. He immediately closed the door after them, locking it.

“I don’t like this,” said Ino, jabbing her finger at the hallway. She paced the room. “This building is packed. There’s no way to hear someone coming, because there are children running up and down the stairs screaming all the time.”

Shisui took the bed closest to the door, heaving a sigh.

“It’s not ideal,” he agreed. “But we’re only going to be here for a few hours.”

“If we set up watches, we’ll all be low on sleep,” argued Ino.

“What if we aren’t the ones watching?” said Sakura.

Ino and Shisui turned to look at Sakura.

***

“It’s done. The kids set up a perimeter and are going to give us a signal if anyone comes to our door,” said Sakura, re-entering their room.

“I can’t believe we’re relying on kids for our perimeter,” muttered Ino, rubbing her temple.

“I said I’d double the ‘reward’ if they were super quiet.” Sakura shrugged, passing the extra money back to Shisui. “Thank you.”

“You’re sure they won’t run off with the money?” asked Ino, drying her hair. She had showered while Sakura was out arranging their junior security detail.

“They’re bored, they want something to do,” said Sakura. “And if they do a good job, they get more money. Also, it keeps them out of their parents’ hair and allows the inn’s staff to keep working.”

Shisui looked up at Sakura with renewed awe.

“You next,” said Sakura, pointing to the bathroom. “I need to talk to Ino.”

His excitement deflating, Shisui nodded and took his shaving bag to the bathroom. The shower began running a minute later.

“Itachi,” said Sakura, staring Ino down.

To Sakura’s surprise, Ino smirked at her, though fondly.

“Here,” said Ino, digging out a small package from her bag and tossing it to Sakura.

The moment Sakura’s fingers touched the bundle, her voice caught in her throat.

Ino watched, her blue gaze softening at the transformation in Sakura.

Frantically undoing the ties and unwrapping the layers of fabric, Sakura instinctively plunged her face into the bundle, taking several long, deep inhales.

Everything around Sakura evaporated into the ether the moment she sank into the most comforting bundle of fabric she had ever touched. Home. Love. Trust. Devotion. Safety. Longing. Excitement. Solace. Sakura breathed them in and held them inside her. Her omega sang with relief.

Taking pity on her friend, Ino reached out to rub Sakura’s back as she trembled.

“Itachi said it was His pillowcase and nightshirt,” said Ino quietly, with careful emphasis on ‘His’. She kept an ear out for Shisui and the water for his shower. “Itachi said He felt your worry this morning. It made Him a bit restless. I think this is His way of asking you to focus and be safe.”

Sakura’s whimpering sob was the only reply she could manage.

Ino sighed, wrapping her arms around Sakura.

“Does he seem angry?” asked Ino.

Breathing deeply again, her face still buried in His pillowcase and pyjamas, Sakura shook her head.

“What do you feel? From him?”

It took a moment before Sakura could answer through her emotions.

“Happiness,” choked Sakura guiltily.

“Then don’t cry on them. Is that what you want him to smell when you return them?”

Sakura shook her head violently.

Ino rubbed Sakura’s back.
“We can find him a nice souvenir to thank him,” said Ino, consoling Sakura as she finally dragged her face up from the pyjamas.

Sakura snorted, her shoulders shaking.

“What could I possibly get Him? He’s...”

He ruled over an empire. He could acquire any possession…

Sakura’s heart faltered.

“Tsk. Have I ever failed at finding the perfect gift?” chided Ino, bumping Sakura with her hip.

“No,” admitted Sakura wetly.

“We’ll get through this just fine, okay? We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

“Thank you, Ino,” said Sakura, resting her head in the crook of Ino’s shoulder.

Ino hugged Sakura one last time, stroking her hair.

“He’s happy because he read the letter, isn’t he?”

Ino smiled softly, still stroking Sakura’s hair.

“Maybe,” replied Ino coyly.

“Thank you,” whispered Sakura.

The women sat together a moment longer before Shisui finished his shower. The waterpipes quieted and Shisui stepped out of the bathroom—in a far-too-brief towel snugged around his waist. It brought immediate attention to exactly how spoiled the Uchiha royal family were in their collection of jewels.

Sakura’s eyes flew open and her cheeks warmed while Ino rolled her eyes.

“Could one of you pass me my bag,” asked Shisui, leaning innocently against the door frame and flexing his frankly impressive abdominals. “I seem to have forgotten—ooph,” he grunted, catching his entire pack that Ino had lobbed at his head. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it,” sighed Ino, shaking her head.

Sakura giggled into the pyjamas when Shisui retreated back into the bathroom.

Even Ino snickered before heaving a sigh.

“Day one,” muttered Ino.

“One down,” said Sakura, smiling at Ino.

“Grab your things. You’re next,” said Ino, nodding at the shower.

“Hn.”

As Shisui walked out in a more acceptable cotton shirt and loose pants, Sakura side-stepped him and took her own shower. She left the pillowcase and pyjamas beside Ino, who was cleaning beneath her nails with a senbon.

Spotting the pyjamas, Shisui paused, looking between Ino’s side of the bed and the shower. His eyes lit up.

“Did Sakura forget—” He reached down for the pyjamas.

The senbon shot by Shisui’s ear, before embedding itself an inch deep into the wall beside his head without a sound.

Shisui swallowed and froze, the subtle movement enough to cause the nicked, curly tuft of his hair to drift down from his head onto his shoulder.

“Touch any of Sakura’s stuff and I’ll gut you hip to nip and tell Auntie Mikoto it was an accident when I dump your corpse on her favourite rug,” said Ino in a bored tone, already pulling another senbon out to continue on her next nail. Her calm blue eyes never strayed from her manicure touchup.

“Yes, ma’am,” gulped Shisui.

***

The hallways were thankfully silent that afternoon as the group rested. As promised, Sakura paid their ‘guards’ their due after supper, before setting off with a wave.

“They actually kept quiet,” remarked Ino as the trio set off again.

“They were bored. We gave them a ‘secret mission’. It helped everyone,” said Sakura, smiling warmly. It was a welcome turnaround from her formality and fretting from earlier that afternoon.

Shisui glanced at Sakura, then over to Ino, then back to Sakura again, wondering what changed.

“You’re feeling be—mph.”

“Hm?”

“Nothing. Saw a bird,” said Shisui hoarsely, rubbing his thigh.

Sakura turned to Ino who had suddenly pulled up their map.
“Looks like we head this way,” said Ino thoughtfully, ignoring Shisui.

“Excellent, let’s go!” cheered Sakura, taking the lead.

Ino peeked over the map at Sakura and smiled.

—then she turned her molten glare on Shisui.

“You’re supposed to be an upgrade from Sasuke,” warned Ino evenly under her breath.

She noted their current location on the map with the pointy end of a senbon, holding Shisui’s gaze.
“I’ll do better,” promised Shisui, fear in his eyes.
“Tsk.” Ino shook her head and jogged to catch up to Sakura.

TBC

NARUTO: Madasaku - Untitled WIP (Secret Royalty AU) [Part Seventeen]

no subject