Chapter 1
~*~*~*~
The sun was warm, perfect.
Closing his eyes, he basked in its rays, stretching out on his back and folding his hands behind his head. He couldn’t possibly be more content, more satisfied with life right now. Nothing could be more perfect. Nothing could possibly spoil-
“Maaadarrraaaaa!”
Of course. His pesky little brother just had to ruin his blissful afternoon.
He cracked open one dark eye, watching his brother scurry up the stairs to his favorite ledge. His face was red and flushed from the long, long trek up the hundreds of stairs, and Madara inwardly rolled his eyes.
“Zu, I really don’t understand why you persist in running up all those steps when there’s a much faster and easier way of getting up here.”
“I like the burn,” Izuna panted, collapsing beside his brother. He flopped down on the stone on his stomach, and groaned. “And I for one can’t understand why you like to lie down on the rock for hours. Sure the sun is nice and all, but the rock sure isn’t. And why did you just have to choose the highest ledge in our range, huh? Can’t you sit on one lower down?”
“No. The sun is warmer up here.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it.”
Madara aimed a half hearted kick at his side, too lazy and content to put any more effort into it. “Why did you disturb my slumber?” he whined. “Whaddya want?”
“Oh, right. Father asked me to get you. Seems some people from the village are coming up to talk to us. Father thinks they might have a request for a safety escort again.”
Madara sighed. “Aite. Let’s go then.” He rolled reluctantly to his feet, stretching hugely and feeling a few vertebrae in his lower back pop. He headed to the edge of his favorite platform, and Izuna scrambled to his feet with a squawk.
“Hey, wait, no! You know the villagers don’t like it when they see us do that!”
“But the other way is so slow,” Madara said with a grunt. But he conceded, turning away from the edge of the ledge and instead towards the staircase. He hated these stairs, with a passion. They were carved into the mountainside, from the base, all the way to his favorite place to relax. His claimed peaceful abode was a large, flat ledge that some distant ancestor of his had once carved into the rocky mountain side. It was perfect for sunbathing. But a pain in the ass to get to. Hence, Madara would always-
“I wonder what they need this time,” Izuna mused, starting down the stairs. Madara followed grumpily. “Last time it was a simple escort mission to the Kingdom of Earth.”
“A boring mission,” Madara said with a sigh, shoving his hands in the pockets of his mantle. “Let’s hope whatever they want is somewhat interesting.”
“Why are you so desperate for adventure, Mads?”
Madara frowned at his back. “Zuna, I’m months away from taking over for Dad. I want to get out and do something fun before I get stuck managing the clan and watching over everyone.”
“I thought you couldn’t wait to be clan head,” Izuna shot back.
“That’s true. But I also want to live a little.”
“So that’s why you’ve been taking missions left right and center,” Izuna said with a laugh, and Madara smirked.
“Obviously.” He glanced over to the left, gazing down at the valley below. The village they led and protected was nestled in said valley, surrounded on all sides by imposing, towering mountains. It was on the greatest of these mountains, the tallest and most jagged, that the Uchiha family made their home. It allowed them to look over the village and the valley from that high point.
Both that mountain, affectionately nicknamed Castle Mount, and Madara’s favorite mountain, had an extensively long staircase carved into it, leading all the way to the jagged peaks. Granted, since Castle Mount was much more popular, its stairway was wider and much better maintained.
By the time Madara and Izuna finally dragged themselves up to the peak of Castle Mount, the sun was starting to sink below the horizon, casting giant, dark shadows over the valley. Madara always liked this time of day. The sun was low, but still just high enough to cast gold and orange light on Castle Mount. At the top of the main staircase, the mountain plateaued, wide and flat. It was here that the Uchiha clan would meet with their people, to hear their requests and worries or whatever else the villagers might see fit to bring up. Past the plateau, another, smaller staircase led further up to the sharp, tower-like rocks where the clan liked to hang out and relax and sunbathe. Villagers rarely went up there, for good reason.
A tall, ornate chair was in the middle of the flat plateau, looking for all intents and purposes like a throne. And it may as well have been. Their father, Tajima Uchiha, was already sitting upon it, dark eyes sharp and intent. He nodded to his sons in greeting, and both Madara and Izuna bowed their heads respectfully. Izuna scurried off to stand near the edge of the plateau with Hikaku, Naori, and a few other of their cousins, while Madara slid to his usual spot at his fathers right side.
Tajima turned his head, and Madara leaned against the throne, crossing his arms. “What brings them today?” he asked, and his father sighed.
“A simple trip, I believe.”
That peaked Madara’s interest. “A trip? Where?”
“The Land of Lightning, I’ve heard. Trade is blooming between our lands.”
Madara wrinkled his nose. That was boring. “So, an escort mission?”
“Likely.” Tajima leaned back in his chair, eyeing his son. “You sound disappointed.”
Before he could reply, another clanmate bounded up the stairs, skidding to a halt in front of the throne and bowing. “The delegation has arrived,” he said, stepping to the side and holding out an arm like he was presenting a work of art.
A small group of people shuffled up the stairs, red faced and panting. Not for the first time, Madara wondered why they didn’t just move their meeting place lower so the poor villagers didn’t have to trek so far up everytime they had something to say. Which was often.
“Lord Tajima,” the lead man gasped, struggling to stay upright and dignified. He caught Madara’s eye, and smiled through his pants. “Ah, hello Madara!”
“Hi, Kageyasu,” Madara said with a wiry smile. He liked Kageyasu. He was a middle aged man, with silver starting to streak his ashy hair, but he was friendly and patient. He also was a wealthy man, leading and organizing merchants and trade, but he never hoarded it. Their village was rich largely in part to him.
“Kageyasu, what brings you here today?” Tajima asked, straightening in his throne. Kageyasu bowed respectfully before speaking.
“We come seeking an escort for protection on our next trade route,” he said. “We leave tomorrow, and expect to be back within a week.”
Tajima raised his eyebrows. “Where do you intend to go?”
“The Land of Lightning, my lord.”
Madara frowned, glancing down at his father, who had a similar expression. That would never work….
“It is a 5 day journey to travel to the Land of Lightning,” Tajima reminded. “You would never be able to get there and back, and do your work, within a week.”
“Normally, no,” Kageyasu agreed. “But we are not taking the usual route over land. We have ships ready to take us over the sea.”
The sea?
Madara cast an uneasy look over at Tajima, who looked unsettled. “You want to travel by water?” he muttered. “That is risky.”
“And much faster than going by land,” Kageyasu went on. “We can increase trade quantity by nearly 50%, if we’re smart.”
“The sea carries much danger,” Tajima argued back. “Pirates, storms, and more.”
“We are aware. We have two vessels accompanying the merchant ship to defend her. But we also seek your protection and blessing on this voyage, lord Tajima.”
Tajima sighed. “I wish I could, Kageyasu. But the route by sea directly enters Senju territory. We cannot take the risk.”
Kageyasu looked crestfallen at the reminder, and Madara felt a little bad for the man. “Father,” he said quietly. “We have not had a confrontation with the Senju in over a decade. Surely, there is not so much risk as you suspect.”
“We are at a stalemate with the Senju,” Tajima shot back. “Technically, we are still at war. Just because we have seen no action for years doesn’t mean anything. If one of us accompanies them out to sea, they may see that as an aggressive action and lash out.”
“They could strike regardless,” Madara countered. “These men bear our crest, and the symbol of our village, our territory. They will know who they are. We could be sending them to their deaths, unprotected, without our aid.”
Tajima frowned heavily. “It’s too risky,” he insisted. Madara resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
“Then let me go with them. Just me. That way no one else from our clan is put in any danger, if the Senju are even patrolling their seas still. We haven’t heard from them in so long, it wouldn’t surprise me if they gave up their claim on the waters.” He glanced over at Kageyasu, and lowered his voice. “They are under our protection. We cannot let them go alone. And Kageyasu has a point. If this works, trade could bloom further between our lands, and we would prosper.”
Tajima gave him an appraising look. “You will make a good clan head,” he said suddenly, and Madara looked away, caught off guard at the unexpected compliment. “Alright, Kageyasu. My son will go with you to the Land of Lightning. But at the first sign of trouble, you will return home. Do you understand? Trade and prosperity is not worth putting your lives in danger.”
“Yes, lord Tajima!” Kageyasu exclaimed. “Thank you, my liege!”
“When do we leave?” Madara asked, straightening and crossing his arms again, keeping his composure despite his excitement. An adventure at sea. This would be a first for him.
“At first light tomorrow! Come to the harbour, past all the fishing vessels to our ship. You can’t miss her.”
“Then I will see you tomorrow. Rest well, Kageyasu.”
“And you as well, my lord!” Practically vibrating with excitement, Kageyasu ushered his fellow merchants back down the steps to the village, and Madara watched them go with amusement.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Izuna asked hesitantly, leaving his spot at the edge of the plateau.
“It’ll be fine, Izuna,” Tajima said, standing and gazing at his sons for a moment. They were nearly as tall as he was now. Fine young Uchiha’s, growing into their strength and lineage. “Your brother is very capable. But as always, Madara, take care on your mission.”
“Always,” Madara promised, his thoughts already drifting to the events of the next day.
A voyage through Senju territory. Their old enemies, who they had not heard from or seen in years. For all the Uchiha knew, they had just straight up left the area. They had vanished from the face of the earth. It was a little bizarre, but Madara didn’t see why his father was so worked up. Many other ships crossed through their territory, and none of them came to harm.
The only thing they might have to worry about were pirates. And even then, Madara was confident in his ability to burn any threat to the ocean floor.
~*~*~*~
It was still dark out when Madara made his way down the endless stairs to the village below. Most people were still asleep, but the few who were up and about called a quiet greeting to him, and he responded in kind. He knew most of the villagers, if not by name, then at least by face. Some of his clanmates didn’t understand why he took the time to try and know the villagers, but Madara believed it was important to have some sort of bond with the people they watched over.
He took his time, walking at a leisurely pace with his hands in his pockets, following the main road out the valley, where it passed through the roots of two of the mountains forming their protective ring.
Outside of the valley, once past the foreboding mountain ring, you came into a vast, seemingly endless forest. Taking the fork in the road to the left led you further inland. Taking the path right brought you to the ocean shore.
The first rays of sun were starting to poke over the horizon as he made his way to the harbour, following Kageyasu’s directions and passing the dozens of fishing ships floating near the docks.
True to his word, the merchant's vessel was unmistakable. Huge, wide, and masterfully made. The most eye-catching of its features, however, were the decorations upon its bow and stern. The bow was fashioned into a dragon's head and neck, its mouth open and snarling, while the stern resembled a coiled tail.
He admired the ship for a while, watching the men on the docks load up the final supplies. “Beautiful, isn’t she?” Kageyasu asked, stopping beside him with a small crate in his hands.
“She is,” Madara agreed. “I like the extra detail.”
Kageyasu grinned. “I thought it was suitable, all things considered. I gotta tell you, we really do appreciate you coming with us.”
“Of course. I don’t expect any trouble, Yasu. It’ll be like a vacation for me.”
Kageyasu laughed. “Don’t let the crew hear you say that. They’ll put you to work faster than you can snap your fingers.”
With a snicker, the man headed off, trotting up the boarding plank. Amused, he followed. The water was calm, lapping gently against the ships sides.
Once on deck, he made his way to the bow, leaning against the rail and gazing across the waves. As the sun rose higher, the ship slowly trudged away from the dock, making for open waters. Her giant sails unfurled, catching the breeze. Soon, they were sailing in the middle of the ocean, not a speck of land in sight. Two ships left the harbour with her, sleek and fast and much smaller. Her defence vessels, there for added protection against any potential threats.
With the wind in his face and the scent of the sea filling his nostrils, Madara rested his chin in his hands, basking in the sunlight.
Sailing was almost like flying, only without wings.
*~*~*~*~
Whereas by land it was a 5 day trip to the Land of Lightning, it was only two by sea. Madara spent most of the day wandering the deck, watching the crew work, enjoying the sea breeze and the sun.
He was exceedingly bored. There was only so much space on the deck, and only so much to see and do. As the day dragged on into the early evening, Madara wandered back to the bow, watching the golden rays of the sun streak across the purpling sky.
Kageyasu found him at one point during the sunset. “We’re playing a drinking game,” he said, leaning against the railing next to him. “Celebration of our success so far. Care to join?”
Madara hummed, tapping his fingers on the wood. “I’ll pass, thanks.”
“That’s no fun,” he teased. Madara shrugged with a tiny smile.
“We don’t drink much,” he said by way of explanation.
“Ah. Can’t hold your liquor?”
“On the contrary, we hold it too well.”
“Ah, that’d be nice,” Kageyasu said wistfully. “Well, the invitation stands, if you change your mind.”
He swaggered off to the stern, where the crew was gathering, breaking out the sake. Madara watched them for a moment, listening to their loud, enthusiastic blustering.
Amused, he turned his gaze back out to the sea. A few clouds were starting to form in the distance, large and dark.
Storm clouds.
When did they turn up? In the brief span of time that he wasn’t watching the sea?
As the sky grew darker, more clouds started to form, rapidly. Almost unnaturally so. That was…suspicious.
The gentle breeze started to pick up, growing stronger, louder. The ship's sails started to strain, and the ship groaned. The waves started to lap against her sides a little more aggressively.
Most people wouldn’t be overly concerned with the clouds and the wind. But they sprung up so fast. Madara was no expert, especially not when it had to do with sea weather, but he certainly didn’t think that was natural.
He brushed his hair away from his eyes, irritated that it was all in his face. His fingers were tingling, and he felt on edge.
He wasn’t afraid of storms or bad weather or the sea. But something just wasn’t right.
By now, the men were starting to notice the sudden increase in wind. The impromptu party came to a rapid close as the men braced for bad weather. The other two ships accompanying the merchant vessel drew further away, keeping their distance in case the storm grew and got ugly.
Madara edged away from the railing, frowning at the clouds. Lightning was starting to flicker in the distance, and as the clouds drew closer, quickly, rain started to fall. Big fat raindrops spattered loudly on the wooden deck, and great rumbles of thunder echoed all around.
What sort of unnatural-
A terrified scream cut through his thought before it could fully formulate, and he spun around, hackles instinctively raised. One of the crew mates was clutching the rail so tightly his knuckles were white, and his face was ashen with terror. He was pointing with one shaky finger at the waters next to the boat, and Madara’s eyes automatically followed the direction he pointed at.
Beneath the water's surface, he saw a shadow of something white, and something big, before it vanished.
The hairs on his body abruptly stood up on end. “What was that thing?” the crew mate asked shakily. Madara glanced back, where a few other crew members were staring transfixed at where whatever it was had been in the water.
Before anyone could reply, the water to the starboard side of the ship, where the further of the two accompanying vessels was being tossed by the waves, erupted upwards like there was a miniature explosion beneath.
But what rose out of the water was not an explosion.
A snake-like creature rose up from the water, huge and rippling with sinewy muscle bulging under white and blue scales. Lethally sharp spikes lined the creature's spine, connected to each other by a translucent film of blueish membrane. Two sharp horns protruded out of the back of its skull, and its roots formed bony ridges over its burning red eyes. Its head was long and narrow, muzzle thin and sharp, and hundreds of teeth dangerously serrated.
A sea serpent?
Fucking great.
“Aw, fuck, Dad’s gonna be pissed.”
“Sages help us,” one of the men whimpered. The serpent screeched, swinging its head around. Then it abruptly dove back under the water, only to resurface seconds later, right beside the accompanying vessel.
Distantly, they could hear the screams and yells of the ship's crew. The serpent dove again, this time over the ship. Its muscular body splintered the mast like it was straw, and the sails crumpled. With rapid, determined purpose, the serpent wound around the ship like a constricting snake, coiling its body around it 3 or 4 times.
Then it squeezed, muscles flexing powerfully. The ship groaned and moaned under the pressure, until it would withstand it no more. With a horrific sound, the ship came apart.
Madara whirled away from the sight. “Kageyasu!” he called, hurrying towards the bow. The man startled as he approached, face pale and drawn. “Ready your men, arm them.”
“What can we do against a creature like that?” he cried, and Madara pursed his lips.
“Maybe more than you think,” he muttered. He glanced back at the ruined, sinking ship, where the serpent was unwinding itself from the destroyed vessel. “Get them ready to receive survivors,” he added, turning away.
“What are you doing?” Kageyasu cried, as he hopped up onto the railing, balancing carefully on its soaking surface.
Madara glanced back at him, and smiled grimly. “My job,” he replied.
Then he pushed off, jumping from the railing and to the churning water below.
As he fell, he finally, finally, let the change overtake him.
His body rippled and shuddered violently, and the uncomfortable, yet familiar sensation of his skin tearing and stretching over took him. Scales started to crawl over his limbs, and his nails lengthened and curled. Pain erupted between his shoulder blades, but by now, it was familiar, and almost comforting.
His change finished just before he hit the water. At the last second, wings snapped out and uncurled to their full length, catching him in the nick of time. His claws brushed against the water, sending a spray of it spattering up onto his chest.
Then, wings beating powerfully, he arched up into the air, and streaked towards the hissing serpent and the sinking ship.