The Weight of the Heart

Warning boy x boy relationships, don’t read if you don’t like.



The Weight of the Heart



AN: I tried to do a bit of explaining as to why the Naruto wasn’t in any history record of the gods. Also, I’m kinda uncertain about the conversation with Itachi and Naruto. Have a gander and let me know what you think. *huggles to all*



Chapter Eleven



“His arrogance!” exclaimed Setau, Itachi’s chief general and second in command of the armies of the Nile.



“My uncle is no fool. He is smart to attack so soon after the great Pharaoh’s death. He expects us to be unprepared, assuming that we would not prepare for battle until after the seventy days of embalming.” Itachi’s piercing eyes stared intensely at the map laid out before them. Even with their preparations, Madara had the upper hand. It was obvious that he’d been preparing for war long before Uchiha died. He was very cunning to have kept his secret plans hidden from the spies that had been sent to the south.



“My Pharaoh, we are grossly overwhelmed. Even with you and Lord Sasuke fighting with us, moral will drop when the men realize that Madara has a massive army at his call. It might be wise to negotiate with Madara.” commented Seph, another general. He was young and only recently risen to the rank of general. He spoke from what he’d been taught, not from experience.



“Hold your tongue, boy. You maybe a general but you don’t know the first thing about war. The moral of the soldiers depends not on the enemy but on the strength and cunning of the generals that lead them. You shame your predecessors with such talk.” Setau slammed his fist on the table and focused his brown eyes on his fellow general. The man’s inexperience and fear were talking.



“You must not know me so well, General Seph. I will never bow to Madara.” smirked Itachi before turning his eyes to Setau. “Your advice?”



“Madara may be cunning but he knows that it would be foolish to attack before dawn. A large portion of his army is long ranged attackers. The darkness would seriously impair their accuracy. He would not risk attacking before Nut births the sun. I think we could use that to our advantage.”



“Raiding parties?” Itachi arched a brow at the suggestion from what was normally a general that followed the rules of war.



He’d always found that an interesting term, rules of war. It seemed a contradiction in itself. War was a time of horror and death and yet there were rules to follow. Itachi assumed they were created by fat rulers to give themselves time to escape while the soldiers threw away their lives for the honor of their kingdom. Itachi found himself liking this man more and more. He was grateful that Sasuke suggested keeping him as head general.



“Yes, my lord pharaoh. Lord Madara broke the rules when he attacked before the great pharaoh; Uchiha was laid in his tomb. We no longer need follow ordained rules.” Setau ran his hand over his shaved head. Even though he was a general, he still opted to keep his head shaved like that of his soldiers. He was, after all, a peasant that had worked his way up through the ranks to become one of Pharaoh Uchiha’s most trusted military advisors. He related more to his men than to the nobility he dealt with.



“Interesting. Should we take out the savages first? Madara will be too heavily guarded to make an attack on him plausible.” Itachi crossed his arms and stared at his general.



Seph remained silent in the background with the other two minor generals. His embarrassment at being berated before his pharaoh ran hot through his veins and he couldn’t hide the anger directed at the head general. The pharaoh should not be following the advice of some peasant born soldier over a noble born. The thought was inconceivable to Seph. His own thoughts were distracted by the husky voice that echoed through the war room.



“I may be able to help with that.”



Itachi swung around and stared at his little pet. Wearing only a white kilt, his golden collar, crystal necklace, battle horn, and a small dagger, Naruto didn’t look as if he would be able to do much. Itachi felt a burst of anger rip through him. He did not want him here. It was dangerous and the wrath that would be unleashed on the world from the dark haired pharaoh would know no bounds if something of his were harmed. It never even entered his mind that Naruto had powers beyond any that could be dreamed.



“Get out. I want you back in your room.” snarled Itachi, his calm demeanor breaking and something akin to panic took its place.



Naruto smiled broadly at the barely veiled emotions running through Itachi’s eyes. It was what he’d wanted, to break down the walls that had been created to seal his soul away from the rest of the world and now they were crumbling around him as he struggled to stop the flood that threatened to engulf him.



The happiness at knowing that Itachi’s heart would soon be safe was tainted with a great sadness. True sadness in one such as Naruto was something that no human should ever witness. A creature such as him could lose their ‘humanity’ when engulfed in the tide of despair. It was such an interesting word, humanity. To be human. He was born in the darkness, a creature made for destruction with the heart of a human.



Anubis and Nut paid for their one night of indiscretion in the blood of the world. A tiny demon-like child with the fallible soul of a human was born of that union. The human soul was not meant to live as a god. One too many battles, one too many life taken, and Naruto had been driven mad. He fell into so dark a despair that the world was nearly destroyed in his anger. Floods and droughts raged across the land as a demon like creature brought death and destruction on wherever his eyes touched. Nut wept and Anubis mourned his child.



A last effort by the gods and Naruto’s powers were sealed away but not in time to save the world. With the aid of the other gods, the world and its people were recreated. Naruto watched this and was shamed. Though his demon-like powers were bound, his memories were not. Deep depression forced him to attempt to end his life. When humans die, they journey to the Fields. When gods die, they cease to exist. Only Osiris was able to return from death but even he was changed by the journey.



Anubis, fearing the loss of his beloved child, charged Naruto with guarding the Fields. The soothing relief of the Fields brought comfort to the ravaged soul. As the centuries passed, Naruto became as he once was. A light. No longer did despair weigh on him. No longer was he afraid of the beast within. He was renewed and so he stayed, beloved by Anubis and Nut…until the day that his father asked a great request. He was the only one who knew what it felt like to be redeemed.



“Leave us.” Itachi’s voice brokered no refusal and soon the room was emptied of all but Itachi and Naruto. Itachi approached the keeper of the light that he had become lost in. Reaching up, he stroked the scarred cheeks, forcing Naruto to close crimson eyes at the gentle touch.



“Why do you continue to disobey me?” Itachi’s voice was hard but his eyes gentle.



“You would be wise to accept my aid, Pharaoh Itachi.” Naruto knew his eyes were the color of blood. The smell of bloodlust in the air refused to allow him to retain his natural blue. “I offer you the wisdom of one who has destroyed the world and been offered redemption. I, who am stricken from all records. I, who am a weapon of such destruction that even the gods fear my presence here during this time of strife. Say the word and I will destroy Madara before dawn, if it is your wish. I am a weapon at your disposal. Use me how you will.”



Naruto knew what he was offering. He was risking his very soul. Such a gift was not to be taken lightly. Naruto’s soul was already scarred so deeply that the slightest tear would destroy what centuries had built. He would revert to the monster. He would be destroyed. There were no second chances. There would be no rehabilitation. This was it. If he lost his grip on his sanity, there would be only death. For his life was not worth that of the world. Closing his eyes, he waited for the words that could possibly destroy what remained of his soul.



“I do not want a weapon. I want you safe.” The gentle words soothed across Naruto’s skin, sending shivers through his body. The blond opened his eyes to reveal sapphire blue, the exact hue of the gems inlaid in his collar.



“I have to keep you safe. My duty is to save you. I would die so that you are safe.”



“At the cost of yourself? I refuse. You belong to me and I will do with you as I see fit. Throwing you away to Madara is not an option.” Itachi hands cupped the tan cheeks and brought his lips to Naruto’s moist, quivering ones. “I care not what strength you possess or what demonic power you house. I own you. Every inch of you belongs to me.”



Tears tracked down his cheeks as he closed his eyes to gain control over the feelings of warm that were spiraling through him. Never in his existence had such warmth threatened coat his soul. It was his warmth that usually soothed and yet now, it was he who was being soothed.



“I will not leave your side. If you fall in battle, I will not stay in this world.” Naruto whispered against the chiseled lips.



Itachi jerked and glared down at his little pet that seemed not so little any more. His lightly muscled frame was still delicate and covered in perfect, smooth skin. There was the finest sheen of sweat coating his body; he had probably run to this room. He wished that he wasn’t ruined. He wished that he could feel what he knew Naruto felt. The emotion that was evident in his eyes. He felt the wall around his soul begin to crack and soon he was desperately attempting to stave off the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.



“I can’t give you what you want. I can’t say the things that you want to hear.” Itachi growled and turned from the blond. He wanted to say he loved Naruto but he knew it wasn’t true. Love was such a frivolous and wasted emotion. He may not love Naruto but he needed him. Desperately. He needed the warmth of his touch and the light in his smile. Risking Naruto was not an option. Naruto was his!



“How do you know what I want? I just want to be by your side. Let me offer my aid.” Naruto looked pleadingly at Itachi. It was an unspoken rule. Humans could deny the aid of the gods as was their right but doing so was never advised. The gods’ purposes were to guide and support. Battles must be won by those fighting them.



Itachi found himself wanting Naruto by his side but he did not want him to be forced to witness the true brutality of war. He did not want him to witness him making difficult and often tragic decisions to come out victorious. Itachi sat in his chair and pulled Naruto to his side. “If I allow this, if I allow you to stay, do not interfere. The generals will not like it and I need their support. Will you obey me?”



Naruto was silent and Itachi’s grip on his arms tightened and he shook him slightly. “Will you obey me?” The words were repeated, this time more harshly.



Naruto bit his lip and looked down into the piercing obsidian eyes. “I will follow your instructions.” He would bend the rules tonight. He only prayed Osiris was lenient with him when judgment came.



Itachi tugged on the collar and pulled Naruto down until he was kneeling beside the chair. “Don’t forget who you belong to. You may return.” His voice was loud and echoed through the large war room.



The doors creaked and once again Sasuke and the four generals entered. Sasuke stared at Naruto for a long while. He wanted to know what it was about Naruto that calmed Itachi. Though his brother remained focused on the upcoming battles, his shoulders were now more relaxed as his hand glided through Naruto’s golden locks as if he was a cat.



The generals were not pleased at Naruto’s remaining presence but they dared not speak against their pharaoh. As long as the slave remained silent, they would deal with his presence.



Naruto kept his eyes on the stone floor but his ears were attuned to each word of the men present. He followed the conversation with his keen mind. He was, after all, older than this nation. Time moved so different for the gods. Compared to them, he was still a youngster and Itachi was not even an infant.



“Pharaoh, I can have several squads ready in a few hours. If we attack a few hours before dawn, we might catch them unawares.” spoke one of the minor generals, attempting the gain the favor of Itachi.



“I understand they are as vicious in hand to hand as they are with spears. Don’t underestimate them. Savages they may be, but they are deadly opponents.” commented Setau. Itachi nodded his agreement but still approved the strike.



“Have the men ready for any type of battle, even the less than honorable kind. Prepare five units and make sure they are aware that I want them to return safely even if it means forgoing their mission. We will need every available body come dawn.” Itachi stood and nodded to Sasuke who continued to discuss battle plans for the following day.



Itachi pulled Naruto to his feet and out of the room. “You did well to obey me, my little pet. Though, I think you wished to voice your opinion on the matter.”



“I am capable of keeping my own council when called for. Should you ask my opinion, I would gladly give it but I think you would not. Not yet.” Naruto said and soon found himself before the door to his rooms.



Itachi pushed hard and Naruto stumbled across the threshold. The darkened shadows of the room danced beneath the subtle light from the lamp. The dark pharaoh lounged on the dais and watched Naruto with narrowed eyes. “You wish to be of service to me? Here is your chance.”



Naruto narrowed his own eyes and watched the pharaoh. The man was trying to rile him. He was trying to bring out the monster. Why? He would give him what he wanted and then he would do what he knew he shouldn’t. He prayed that Itachi forgave him for meddling.



“As you wish.” Naruto began walking slowly towards where Itachi lounged. He could feel his features changing. His pupils slitted, his teeth elongated, and his nails sharpened to claws. Crawling over the soft linen, Naruto straddled the slender hips and leaned down to growl in Itachi’s ear. “Is this what you wanted? Do you prefer me like this? Do you prefer the dangerous monster over the gentle man?”



Itachi returned the growl and Naruto found his mouth being completely conquered by the pharaoh. The hands on his skin were rough and bruising. Ah, so that was it. Itachi was afraid of hurting him. He assumed that this form could take it more than his other when in fact they were just two sides of the same coin.



Pushing Itachi once more to his back, Naruto licked at his chin and down his neck. His teeth bit and nibbled at the flesh before soothing the skin with his tongue and healing saliva. There would be no marks marring the pale skin come morning.



“Haa…stop…Naruto.” Itachi panted as Naruto nipped at his collarbone before working his way down to the dark rose colored nipples. Running a sharp nail over the tender flesh, he watched as a blush flushed the skin of Itachi’s neck and face. Hmm, so sensitive.



“Isn’t this what you wanted? The beast inside?” Naruto cooed and bit hard on a nipple, forcing blood to flow to the area sensitizing it even more as it forced a little scream from the pharaoh’s lips.



Itachi felt boneless. He should be making Naruto melt and instead, Naruto had him weak and needy. The slight pains brought on by the sharp teeth and nails only forced deeper more potent pleasure from his body. He was drowning in the feel of Naruto’s lips.



His control was floating away and Itachi struggled to grasp at it while Naruto bit and nibbled every inch of his torso and abdomen. There were reddened patches of skin covering his body but they seemed to be healing much more rapidly than was natural. Trying to grasp the upper hand, Itachi reached down and encircled Naruto’s hard cock with his hand, stroking at the flesh and watching as the flames danced brighter in the crimson eyes.



“Hands off.” Naruto wrenched the hand from his body and pressed both of Itachi’s hands into the linen. He watched the agile fingers clench spasmodically on the cloth as his breath hovered just over the weeping erection.



The flesh was a deep red and full to bursting with the life giving fluid. He could smell it as it pulsed through the veins. He could almost taste it on his tongue and for a moment lost himself. He remembered the taste of blood on his lips and cries of the weak as they all fell before his power.



Clamping down on the memory, Naruto sat back on his haunches and closed his eyes. Finding the calm that he sought, he began to once again tease and taste. A small part of him was frightened at how close he was to the edge. The bloodlust in the air weakened his resolve and the bloodthirsty part of him wanted out. It wanted to stake a claim on the pale body before him. It wanted to taste the blood that flowed so smoothly just beneath the skin.



Naruto, however, would not allow such a thing. He would destroy himself before he harmed Itachi. Lapping at the flesh, he relished in the whimpering cries that came from Itachi’s soft, kiss reddened lips. He knew he was pushing Itachi’s control away but it was the only way. He needed to be completely pliable for his plan to work. Itachi’s mind was strong, probably an after effect of the conditioning he’d had as a child.



“Stop!” cried Itachi and Naruto watched the panic that flooded eyes darker than midnight. He understood the fear. It was the lack of control that he feared. He feared losing himself in the abyss.



“I don’t want to break you. I want you to let go. Let me pleasure you. That is my wish. Allow me this. Let the pleasure flood you. Isn’t it my duty to serve you?” Naruto purred against the quivering flank as his teeth nipped lightly at the flesh.



Red faded to blue and Itachi saw the desire that blushed across the tan cheekbones. Gone was the feral beast of lust. All that remained was his pet. His Naruto. Unable to deny the request, Itachi placed his trust in the hands of Naruto.



Sapphire-like eyes gleamed with pleasure as lips descended and the head of his erection was engulfed in liquid heat. Those beautiful blue eyes closed in pleasure and Itachi couldn’t keep his own open any longer. The feeling of those lips gently sucking at the sensitive tip of his erection sent shots of pure lightening up his spine. “Haa…like that.”



Increasing the strength of his sucks, Naruto stroked the lower shaft as well as the tight balls the quivered in anticipation of releasing their prize. He could feel the build up in the tautness of Itachi’s muscles. The feel of Itachi’s skin was so soft and delicate that it was so hard for him to believe that he had lived his life in this arid climate. Chill bumps spread across the skin as Naruto brushed his hands alone the sensitive skin of his groin. “You taste so good. Can I have more? Will you give it to me?”



Itachi was so close to the edge that the words spoken in that husky tone were enough to send him spiraling over the edge of reason and into the abyss of carnal pleasure. Crying out his orgasm, Itachi felt his body explode in sensation. It was more powerful that anything he had ever felt. His balls released everything into the warm mouth.



Opening his eyes he watched as Naruto continued to suck at his tip, drawing the last bit of essence from him and sending Itachi once again crashing under a wave of pleasure so powerful that it hurt.



Devoid of energy, Itachi slumped onto the sweat dampened sheets and found his eyes were unable to stay open. Was he this tired? It was true that the orgasm had drained a lot of his energy but he shouldn’t be this tired. Confusion warred with anger as he looked into Naruto’s apologetic eyes. “Forgive me.” It was the last thing he heard before he was lost to sleep’s gentle embrace.



Whimpering a little, Naruto nuzzled Itachi’s sleeping form before standing and dressing in clean clothes. He stumbled a little and was forced to grasp at the wall to remain standing. He hadn’t realized how much energy it would take to sedate the pharaoh. His reserves were already low from the poisoning and with the spell cast over his lover, his energy was nearing empty. His lover’s seed had provided some power but more was needed.



Swallowing and grabbing a handful of fruit and a cup of cool water, Naruto downed the quick meal and immediately felt a little energy return. It wasn’t much but it would have to do. The only thing left that would replenish him was sleep and that wasn’t an option. Hopefully, he wouldn’t need much energy to scare off the savage men of the south.



They were an extremely superstitious lot and would be easily spooked away from Madara. That would be his downfall. His arrogance at assuming that the savages were controllable was a mistake he would regret. Laying the horn in a chest of linen, he left it with Itachi. Naruto didn’t think he would have trouble but if something should happen, he would be unable to defend himself and didn’t want the power to call his father’s army in the hands of Madara.



Taking only a sharp dagger and his wits, he sent one last look at his sleeping master. Arching a brow, he wondered when he had started thinking of him in that sense. He owned Naruto in a much more powerful sense than just his body. He owned a piece of his soul and that bound the blond to him more fully than any collar.



Leaving the room, Naruto ran directly into a worried looking Intef. “Master, where are you going?”



“There are some things I need to take care of, Intef.” Naruto turned but was surprised when a small hand grabbed desperately at his arm.



“Don’t go, Master. Something bad is going to happen.” The whispered words sent a chill up Naruto’s spine but he shook off the feeling. It had to be done now. There was no time left.



“Take care of the pharaoh while I’m gone.” Naruto pasted a wide grin on his face. “I promise I’ll be back soon and I never go back on my word.”



Pausing as he turned, Naruto spoke quietly to his servant. “If I am not back by dawn, there is a battle horn hidden in my chest. Give it to Itachi. It is only to be blown when there is the most need.”



With those words, Naruto turned and rushed through the darkened halls. He avoided guards and soon found himself in the moonlit gardens he had come to love. Gauging the height of the wall, Naruto decided he had no choice. A quick tensing of muscle and he was over the wall and into the streets beyond.



Running quickly through the darkened streets, Naruto moved only slightly faster than a human. He needed to conserve as much energy as possible. Bounding over the city wall, Naruto landed in a crouch in the desert sand that the Nile barely held back.



Blue bled to fiery red. He could smell the scent of unwashed bodies and nearly gagged at the smell of the savage men from the south. They smelled of animal carcass and blood. Even from this distance he could see their animal hide clad bodies moving around camp. His ears could catch the sound of their language. It was barbaric but not unknown to him.



Nearing the camp, he loosed his reins on the beast inside and a snarl rumbled from his throat. Keeping to the shadows, he heard the warriors running for their spears and shields. Shouts called out and the subtle scent of fear beat at Naruto. It would be so easy to just devour them all. His long caged inner beast longed to be freed and to taste the blood of the humans once more.



The bloodlust that radiated from Naruto was sensed by the savages and they called out in fear as red eyes gleamed in the night. All they could see was his eyes and that was enough to frighten them. They were far from the land of their gods and did not know what to expect from this land. Madara had offered them much, promises of sacrifices and slaves to their gods.



“Be gone monster!” screamed the shaman before beginning to chant.



Naruto smirked at the fear tinged voice. “Your petty incantations and prayers are nothing to Me.” he growled in the language of their people.



Screams echoed through the camp and several of the younger men scooped up their belongings and ran into the darkness towards their homeland. Naruto allowed another tendril of his power to escape as a growl rumbled from his throat. Even the dark skinned shaman paled at the absolute power that radiated from Naruto.



“Great beast, spare us and we will offer many sacrifices to you.” The shaman was desperately attempting to calm the beast.



Naruto knew the gleam intensified in his eyes. A small inner voice wanted to take the man’s offer of sacrifices. He could already taste the blood on his tongue. To once again bath in the blood of the innocent was a tantalizing offer that was hard to refuse. Falling to his knees, he screamed with an unholy voice that echoed through the camps. “Leave now before I devour you all.”



The shaman did not need to be told twice. The dark skinned men of the south were taking their weapons and retreating for their homeland of the savannahs. This was not their war and if the gods of this land wanted them gone, then they would think of their own lives and leave. No amount of sacrifices to their gods was worth being devoured by the monster that lurked in the darkness.



Naruto slumped in the shadows, tears poured from his eyes as he struggled against the monster. Never had the chore been so difficult. His energy was so low he knew he would not make it back to Itachi. He had allowed the beast too much reign and holding him back had taken more than Naruto could have imagined. The beast had been caged for too long and the readily offered blood was too tempting.



Breathing heavily, Naruto stumbled to his feet and unclenched a clawed hand to watch blood drip onto the cool sand. Rolling his eyes, he stumbled back against a rock and clung desperately to the last visages of energy. His vision was already dimming and his breath was coming in short pants. “Itachi…” whimpered Naruto as he attempted to crawl towards the city that rose in the distance. He needed to get away from Madara’s army before he was discovered.



Tremors of exhaustion wracked his body and a low whine released from his throat similar to that of a wounded animal. Every step he made was another step closer to safety. A voice behind him froze him to his core and he shivered in dread.



“You have caused me a great deal of trouble. To think a boy like you terrified my savages into returning home.” Madara’s red eyes gleamed with malice. He fully intended to kill the boy for the trouble he’d caused when he saw the collar. “Interesting. You are the boy that has so enamored Itachi. I wonder did he send you or did you come of your own volition.”



Naruto quivered under the gaze; thankfully physical traits of the monster had left leaving only the image of a young man. Looking into the eyes of Itachi’s uncle, Naruto saw a monster. They say it takes one to know one and staring into the demon-like eyes of Madara, Naruto was afraid.



“No, you came against his wishes. I see it in your eyes. You’re mine now.” Madara yanked Naruto’s collar and caused him to stumble and fall to the ground. He drew himself to his feet but his legs were unable to hold him and he crumpled once more to the ground at Madara’s feet. The exiled prince called for his guards and soon Naruto was being dragged towards the enemy camp.



“Itachi…forgive me.” he whispered before consciousness left him and he was drawn into darkness.



~To be continued~