The Moon That Embraces The Sun
Chapter 2:
The Original Sin, Was Held Tightly
Title: The Moon That Embraces The Sun (AKA Guilty Pleasure)
Rated: T
Pairing: Multi x Sakura
Plot:
The "thorn bird" of the title refers to Sakura's character, who only brings out her best at the cost of great pain. A thorn bird is a mythical bird who searches for a thorn tree from the day it is born. When it finds it, the bird impales itself upon the sharpest thorn, and rises above the agony to sing the most beautiful song ever heard.
"Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one who inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it." Mark Twain
Flashbacks
Thank you for reviews:
xXxJaycee81196xXx: Thank you for spotting error and incorrect spellings and other. I will make sure from now I will not make same mistake. ^*^
SasoLOVE111: Thank you for reviewing my entire story, I read some of yours and you're not bad as yourself (It supposes to be compliment).
Blood Blossom: Thank your reviews, I will update as fast as I can but it would least take some time since school etc.
Blood-Gaara-Blood: If you love her ignoring Sasuke, you will see more of that! Be prepare!
XLoveXFallsXToXAshesX: Thank you, I did do it I know it doesn't fit into the story but I really think what Sakura thought when she was feeling seeing everybody dying around her.
nessa671: Thank you whoever you are, I will update it as soon as I have lot more time ^*^.
just-let-me-go – Naruto and others' are dead and few are surived. Naruto, who came to her in sprit form, made her into the next Hokage.
Sousie- Thank you, I'll try to update quickly!
We landed hard against the cold stone floor, blood oozing from many wounds and a groan escaping my lips as I tried to hold myself up on my hands and knees and failed. I toppled over onto my side once more, the blood stained white kimono I wore almost coming undone with the stress it had gone through in the past few minutes. I coughed several times as more blood came up from my stomach and spilled onto the floor.
"Aaah!" My fingers twisted violently at sudden electricity passing though my body. Hana noticing the pained gasp and groans, pushed herself from the ground despite her wretched state, she lifted her arm to comfort her, "Sakura-sama, are you alright?" Hana lifted my body up from the ground clenching her teeth together at the pain.
Rustle
Both looked up to the bush where the rustling was coming from, the figure struggled its way in but I didn't recognised the little boy; a boy of 5 with spiky shoulder-length black hair with a blue tint shown through the harsh light of sunlight, my eyes scrunched up in confusion "Who...?"
"Mmhmm…" Hana groaned and fluttered her eye open and quickly hissed at the harsh light coming from the light. In her instinct of trained ninja, she quickly stood up from the bed expecting to see enemies or prison bars and relaxed when she noticed she was in a traditonal, large and spacious room. Delicately drawn shoji door slide to the side revealing old, kind-looking woman holding bowl of warm water recognised by the steams that transpire from it.
Hana couldn't recognise her as the woman came to sit by the side of three beds they were currently lay down on, despite her hair was mostly white, she could make out raven colour that seemed to faze indicating she was black haired.
"Hello, my name is Uchiha Tamiyo and you are currently on Uchiha household. What's your name my child?" Immedietly, the coal haired ninja turned her eyes to the pink haired Hokage's form, pressing her lips together and she could feel her shoulder tensed up, knowing that one mistake could ruin the whole plan.
Tamiyo definietly recognised this, in her young days she was a ninja and even if she looked frailed, old and her skills weak compared to the time when she was younger, she still had the knowledges and skills to detect any suspicious body language, this girl was showing she was hiding something.
Hana opened her mouth, "I'm-"
"Hana. Her name is Hana" Tamiyo's eyes traveled behind the girl's back and she soon followed her suit, before resting on the form as it sat up.
"Her name is Hana. Just Hana" I spoke, coughing to somewhat excercise her throat and turned to meet their eyes.
"My name is Haruno Sakura, oba-san" The Uchiha looked doubtingly toward the girl, scanning her eyes and form for any exhibiting symtom most liars do but found none and replaced the cold stare with a friendly smile suited for her age knowing she was not a spies nor enemies. When she found them, she noticed the girl was clenching a bag, she look through them only finding some pictures and scrolls containing nothing that links to espionage.
"I was quite shock to be honest, seeing three young girls in such heavy wounds and scars. How did it happened?" Tamiyo asked, worried. To be more exact it was two boys who found her alerting her there was three girls heavily injured and bleeding. Tamiyo also noticed when she was undressing the girls, they were full of injuries that could only be inflicted by serious duel or war seeing the world now is very unsettled.
"We were running away from some ninjas to bring my dear sister home to my parent who are currently in Suna."
The woman blinked and frowned, "Suna? Dear, I'm not familiar with a place named Suna" I blinked, eyes widened. Were they in a wrong time?, "Oba-san, who is the current head of Uchiha clan?"
"Why it's Uchiha Akito-sama of course! The father of future heir Uchiha Madara and Izuna-sama" My hand gripped onto the sheet becoming pale and white every moment I put more strength in.
"But overall, we Uchihas' are greatfully thanksful for saving our lady! If it weren't for you, she would've been dead" She bowed, "Akito-sama wish to show his gratitude by serving you as our honorable guest in our household.
Tamiyo then turned to the door in simple, "Come in" before the shoji door slide further back revealing few woman all with characteristic black hair that seemed to the side of the family each holding clothes and ornaments, each women divdied itself up to serve Hana and me, they then took us to their private onsen that was warmed and adorned with rose petals. Helping their guest by undressing my blood tainted dress as it pooled around my leg, they held onto my arm while guiding me into the hot water carefully.
Wrapping my body in white silk towel and using room dividiers, they proceed to clothes a kimono of pure white with green stripes and white sakura blossoms going down the length of the sleeves, with the white flowers trailing along the edges. The kimono was split along the sides that allowed my legs ease of movement; the hakama wore underneath it was also in white.
They added some beads on to my hair and flower pins at the side. Next, they brought out a brush before making thin out line on the lid as their hands applied silky applier on the lip to make it more full and red, "This lipstick was made in central China from a beautiful flower" They also put some soot on the lashes making it more longer and darker like butterfly wing spread out to fly.
Then they went to do her hair, holding strands of my hair.
They tied the hair tightly before shaking it loose, taking a scented lock, like wispy clouds, scattered on the floor, they smoothly slide the jade in the hair. When they finished, they all complemented me.
The maid held out a sphere sized mirror to reflect their handy work.
However, in my eyes I didn't see the beautiful Sakura they were talking about. Only a skeleton adorned in luxurious clothes that slipped unevenly through my bony shoulder and jewels hanging down on my few strands of hair in my nearly hairless head. How infelicitous..after Naruto's death a suspicion, a doubt grew in my mind and turned me into phallic, abject woman. I learnt to be foul mouthed to live.
But now I look at myself I wonder...
Wasn't I beautiful?
Wasn't I fragrant and young?
Look at me now.
A sigh escaped my red painted lip, as soon as I saw myself in the mirror I nearly smashed the object into pieces, nearly shouted at the maids for insulting and belittling my look only I realise it was only my eyes that seemed to stare at that thing. But coming here always calmed me down, the sound of the fall hid my existant and calmed down my anger.
Rustle
I turned and came to eye to eye with the same boy I saw. Madara. Even in young age, his eyes that held absolute respect for the law and power however he looked slightly in wonder.
"Who? H-How rude. I am the first son and the heir of Uchiha clan, if you help me you will be rewarded greatly" His voice trembled and unsuitable blush appeared on his baby cheek.
"...Are you lost? You must be from the outside...coming here today is a secret."
The 5 year old Uchiha was met with surprise when the women of his household greeted both with respect, realising he was gripping her hand like his life-line, he quickly snatched it away from her warmth. Bowing his head in stiff motion, he ran. Many giggled at the innocent picture that was playing in their eyes, knowing it was the start of his innocent first love.
When he was seven, he remembered every single suitors that came in hope of earning her hand in marriage only to be rejected with harsh yet moderate 'no' despite the cold, emotionless tone in her voice told otherwise. But he remembered, it was hazy but he clearly remembered that day.
6 years old Madara was only looking for his brother's ball. It was as innocent even if he was looking for the object at night but he hadn't meant to end up in their guest's district- it was far and isolated for privacy and peace but he couldn't deny his curiosity as he saw the two outlined shadow in a room he made out from the candles lit inside. Odd, he thought. In his young mind, he was aware the room were made for one person only. Maybe it was Hana-san until he realised the other voice was deeper and masculine.
When he noticed, he was looking inside through the crack of the shoji mat. His eyes widened, it was Sakura-san and his uncle...her body was turned side ways with her long sleeve covering her mouth as his uncle's arm wrapped in a greedy and in an innappropriate way. He could feel his hand curling up in a tight fist, how could his uncle do that to her aunt who was patiently waiting for his return from overseas? But not only was he being unfaithful he was 46 years old, 23 years senior than her.
"Do you really...love me?" She asked in coquettish tone that held nothing but amuse. It was obvious she held no love or whatsoever for him unlike him who was completely blinded and wrapped around her finger. She was only playing with him for her own sadistic show.
"Of course I love you Sakura, I'll do anything. What is it you want? Jewels? Riches? Clothes?" He was like a madman, he was despearate and pitiful. And Madara saw a smirk that managed to poke out from her sleeve.
"Make me your wife."
The both Uchihas' eyes widened, "M-my wife? B-but that's-" A divorce. It was common yet something unheard of in Uchiha household. It would certainly tarnish the family name and scandalous over the neighbour and far.
However, he saw his uncle becoming quiet when Sakura carelessed hem of her dress before slowly rolling up the kimono to her thigh, showing creamy skin below- something that was consider provocative for women to show her skin. The older Uchiha gulped, his shaking hands that came to touch the long, slim legs he looked like he was drooling and teasingly, she covered them again.
"They say, woman's power comes from the man's desire. But it seems you truly do not love me" She then stood up and walking toward the door to guide him out until he grabbed the bottom of her kimono, begging.
"W-Wait I'll do it! I'll make you my only, main wife!"
Then a delightful smile appeared.
It didn't take long for is uncle to divorce his wife with simple, non-sense reason 'irreconcilable differences'. Then he was killed. Or murdered to be exact. He remember following her as she headed out to meet her uncle who sent a letter to her via servant.
He was angry, fighting with Madara's father when he announced his plan to divorce his current wife.
"That bastard. I'll surely pay such disgrace hundreds time worse!" He shouted, making a fist in the air as they stroll along the forest.
"Please calm down, Uchiha-sama. Isn't that why I'm personally accompanying you tonight? Is my presence unable to soothe your anger?" She gently asked, playing the role of good lover, soon wife.
He looked at her for a moment from the corner out of his eyes, small vibrating sound came from his throat, "Hmm..you really...move the hearts of men so easily. I wonder if the infamous kitsune takes human form, it will be like you-" Despite the easy going tone in his voice, his eyes kept on wondering every direction in the forest, Madara noted the animals have started to gather. A large of it.
Deers and foxes and other few animals whose all eyes were all set on the two form. Like a predator eyeing its soon prey.
1500 years old Kitsune; the yokai of the yokai, they say those who sees its novelty would become possessed and cannot wake up to reality ever again.
"That kind of beauty is something I would like to see before my death" A laughter escaped his throat, breaking the quiet night.
"That wish...shall I grant it for you?"
"Wha-" His question was abruptly cut and he felt sharp pains tear across his body, blood gushed out across the dried earth ground, watering its thirst and painting the green with red. Madara had to bit his inside cheek to keep himself quiet from yelling as he watched his uncle's body being chunk out in lumps by the long claws she had grown using her chakra. Soon he was facing with his mangled corpse, as red ribbon flow down his open stomache and made crimson pool behind him, few of organs were thrown across; he was faced with the older Uchiha's dull, grey eyes and open mouth for a silent scream that never came. His eyes, that yelled with betrayl of his 'lover' and pain was evidence of his regrets that filled his scrunched up face.
He then looked up, in her long nail fingers that seemed unbelievably bony and thin due to its aesthetic illusion of longer, more slender hands held his liver.
"Because I'm not in a good mood today" Putting back those alluring smile again, "I'm also called Miho (美弧). Beauty Mi (美) and fox ho (弧) because those beauty that bewitched people were as beautiful as of fox many called me this name. Although, now I can somewhat refer myself as Nine Tail Fox (九美弧)." Lifting up to her lip, she took a little bite, little bit disturbing the young Uchiha.
"After the man I loved died, for the first time there was a man who truly loved me. Even knowing who I was, his heart didn't change. I said I want to live like this, he would respect my wish. If I were to die, he would gladly offer his life instead. With all his heart, he cast a curse on me"
I love you..that's why I loathe you
"His love I adverted was driven by suffer and pain as if being torned apart and resented me for not knowing his heart; desired me to feel those same hurt he felt, he made me to look at same 'humans' he was. I don't know if it's because of him, after that I enjoyed the company of humans and regarded them specially. As if making love with them."
Just like I loved you, I thought your heart was same...
Turning her head over to shoulder, ignoring those winds that blew from the forest, few strands framing the kunochi's delicate face, "But not you. It's not because there's someone in my heart. In my eyes, you're just an avaricious beasts in human disguise." She then turned to the eagering animals on the side, "Eat as much as you desire. Fill it to your heart content" Then as if waiting for her command, it jumped out from the shadow before digging its teeth into the meat.
It was few days later, they found his half eaten corpse, his limbs were tored about and his eye socket was missing. The investigation was carried out but no-one was caught. Then he found out why she let him get killed, "He was boring and jealous and disgusting. Trying to get me to sleep with him ever since. It's better having one less human rubbish in this world; I did a favour to them." She told Hana.
When he was 7, his fate was sealed by one of the elder who prophesied his and Izuna's.
"Your two son are like fire and water, Asuka-sama" The wised elder told, looking at the two young children standing in front of him while the lady was stationed behind.
"Fire and water destroy each other and cannot coexist. If this isn't stopped now, there will be consequences in the future. But I will take the liberty of telling you. If you want one to live, you will have to abandon the other"
His mother was quiet for a moment, "What do you suggest?"
"You won't want to hear this" He warned, Madara could see his mother biting her inside cheek and pursed her lip, she was troubled. She came to the conclusion.
"That is nonsense. Never speak of this in front of me again"
However, he was persistant, "Please think of the large picture"
"I REFUSE TO LISTEN TO THIS ANYMORE" Then she put her arms around our shoulder, pulling us toward her sides. Mother's voice was firm. But in that moment, deep in her heart, she chose to save his brother. Seeing his mother's expression that day, the Uchiha heir discovered my ability to read other's emotion, he thought as he watched the elegant back of his mother, wearing long, flowing black kimono that was artfully arranged to show her shoulder.
Embarrasment...
The shame of having your feelings exposed...and her hate for him. That moment, slowly, she turned to her son and in her eyes he could see those resentment, denial and regret of having to give birth to a monster that reflected in her pupil. The motionless and emotionless of himself.
In the end, everyone was scared of having their emotions revealed, so they all left. That day, the look in the mother's eyes was the same as theirs'. The hostality towards him...it is an expression he is used to now.
He nearly got killed too. Someone had poisoned his cup that made his lip turn blue and several symptoms of headache, sweatness, nausea, vomiting, temporary blindness and amnesia. Physician who done everything that medicine and the clan's immense wealth could stretch and do was left with question at unidentifiable toxic that ran through his vein, could only watch and wait for him to slowly die.
But that night, he felt a smooth hand on his forehead. First, he thought it was his mother who could only have that kind of calming feeling but she hated him but despite her hatred, maybe underneath still held those parental extinct for her sick, dying son?
But it wasn't his mother's voice but the cold yet grief filled voice of a young woman who have bend down next to his bed.
"I've always watched you. Disliking... disliking, I've always disliked you. While I've watched you." Who was it? He wanted to ask in midst of all the chaos his childish mind was going through but could not find a strength move his lip to pronounce that simply question.
"If you didn't exist then I wouldn't be so sad. You always tried to make me smile so I will if you just die. I beg of you, please die...Madara. I, really want to live"
That voice was familiar. Where had he heard it? Was it the guests his father had allowed to stay? The beautiful one with pink hair...so in the end she want to kill him too...
Then, he felt warm salty water dropped and trailing down in his cheek to his chin. Tears. He came to conclude. Why was she crying? She was killing him since he was dying slowly, so why? He can't remember much but one thing for sure.
That she said, "I'm sorry, child. This time, I have to protect him."
He wanted to know. That day, he wanted to know and wouldn't die without so.
With mere will strength, he made recovery slow but steady something that surprised both the clan and physicians and marvelled how a mere boy could do. And even pretending to be oblivious to her cruel intent of his death, he kept on devouring her poison.
That's how most of his childhood were: eat, poisoned and recover until he realised he soon became adapted at such things, soon the symptoms were mild and his body now fought of the chemical easily although it was troublesome process. He still had those symptoms that no matter what wouldn't get any easier.
When he was 16, he realised how he felt toward that woman. Despite the things she did to his uncle and him, he came to conclude he was attracted to that side of her. But strangely, he noticed something strange too. While his father and mother grew old with ugliness, she stayed so young. Beautiful. Same face, same body just like that night as if it was just mere yesterday, there was no flow in her skin compare to the ones he easily found in his parent. They wrinkled and age, their noir hair was soon over-shadowed with white strands and the ropes in their hands were becoming.
Ten years ago, she was 23 and now 33 but how is it that she had not change one bit? It wasn't only him who was noticing the difference. The maids and his household that served and knew her was similar age and he could see the obvious effect of time it had on them, except her.
They were scared of her. He could see it in the eyes, they no longer shined with respect and admiration for her beauty, they were frightened and frightful of her; whispering could be heard every corner of how their honorable guest looked same as they did 10 years ago when they mysteriously appeared.
Was she yokai?
A Kami?
Or an immortal.
This instantly caught his ears. The two gossiping maid were obviously not holding back their voice for she never once punished them. Immortal-forever lives. But also new found fact sank in, if she was immortal, would that mean she will stay so young while he grew old and die?
But some, very religious, called her Goddess- Goddess of punishment, torture, and disease, though ironically, she is also called the Goddess of love and beauty. They saw she was an expertise in punishments and torture, while she gave out diseases also and sometime healed the illnesses many healers could not.
Her beauty that can be only compare to the Gods and rare phenomenon that beguile the people around her. Men or women, she made any light that shone under her was so beautiful everyone fell in love with that light. Even Izuna.
His brother's eyes held innocent love toward that woman, it has been for the last fourteen years, when he first met her harbored those obvious feeling inside. I understand this woman. She is used to being lonely.
"Why are you rejecting my proposal again? I'm not joking" Stopping my track in mid marble stairs, turning myside to him.
"Stop with the tricks. Can't you be more serious? You really are different from your brother." I commented, they were like fire and water. Like a oil and water which never can be mix or meddled with, made me wonder if they really were brothers despite they got on very well.
"I am being serious. What can I do to make you belive me?" He urgently asked.
Holding up my hourglass figure fan up to my lip, "If you become the King of this world, then I will belive you"
"Really? Then it's a promise" However, the serious tone made me concern, perhaps I was encouraging him to form Akatsuki sooner?
"Why are being so serious? Joking aside, Madara, I don't know what you're up to" I turned around to leave, ignoring those serious stares he was giving my back.
"Sakura-sama, Sakura-sama-oh there you are" Hana slide the door, resting her hand up on the door as she saw her reading, a book held up by her right.
"What's the matter?" I asked, my eyes down on the novel as she came to sit onto a unoccupied chair just few inch away.
"One of the maid told me on my way here, I heard your marriage was called off again?" I smiled at her reaction to the news-if it can be called news now. I knew there was rumors surrounding all my rejected suitors and questions why I refused to marry.
"You made all these commotion just because of that? It's of no big deal to me" I answered back, focusing on the book rather than the subject itself.
Hana sighed at insufficient lack of care toward my action, she probably knew what was doing to my reputation. Then she held up scrolls of potraits, looking at it in little disturbed ways. It was a custom when asking for a woman's hand in marriage, they send their potrait and in return the woman would send potrait of herself in return, then meeting then marriage.
"It's because you keep sending them this kind of portraits of you" The two example potraits she held up held no resemble of any sorts to the beautiful woman who was reading right in her eyes, one was of half human, half snake yokai with oversized fangs that was too big, while others were fat, plump woman with ugly spots that covered her whole face.
"Why do you do this? On top of it, there have been unpleasant rumors going on because of these. That you have fangs of the tigers, or you pin up ashen hair-" Iinterrupted with lady like snort.
"Hmph! I have no interest in marrying! I'm better off alone then to marry those idiots"
Hana smiled amused at the stubborn display of typical strong willed single woman.
"But seeing as the number of proposal does not decline, I doubt you'd have it your way" The black haired teen added.
"By the way, I heard the one of co-founders of Konoha, Senju Tobirama, the brother of Hashimara plans to propose"
I thought for a moment, "The marriage proposal is most likely used as another meaning for peace treaty and I have no interest for someone like me to be used as pawn for someone like him."
Hana cocked her head, "But Sakura-sama, it seems he was quite taken with you last time"
A white among black and red seemed odd contrast to the viewers. As I strolled through the path of bloods and bodies that filled out the empty field left to be foods and debris for vultures and carrion eaters that circled the sky for the right time. Right time for the meat to be ripe under the hot, boiled sun.
It was good thing I had parasol to block harsh rays, being burnt would be quite a troublesome for my skin since it is not like others. A grunt. Small, helpless but clear groan of a human being that seems to be fighting for its life. To live. I knew because I done it many times.
His blood stained face and clothes, with white shaggy hair tainted with dirts and mud covered his handsome face. A quite familiar face. A face that was drew and written about throughout the history.
"You're quite strong. Coming so far"
Madara wasn't looking forward to the gatherings. He hated-no, despised those Senju-clan, despite the fact he was the Head of the Uchiha clan, his father was the puppeter behind the scene. Forcing him to make peace treaty and allowing those pathetic clan to surpress the great Uchiha clan was something he considered unforgivable and discrace to the clan. He guess you can't deceive the blood that flew in your vein. They were different but so similar to each other. His father and uncle.
He watched in boredom as maids guided the 'visitors' toward rooms where banquets was held for the Senju and slowly, he sat himself down the side of his father while his mother sat by her husband side. All wearing their best and expensive gowns to show the Uchiha's power over the village. His village.
Konoha.
Was the name of the village he had founded all due to the woman who have been dallying his heart for many years; the name and symbol he had named after was all in respect and love for her.
He often noticed she would wonder away somewhere. It happened often, everyweek to be exact she would disappear somewhere. Others didn't bother to notice, it was none of their concern afterall, even all these years, their fear for their 'Goddess' didn't vanish, they still talked to her in kind voice maids should do but not out of respect but fear. Fear she would give them a curse, sickness or rejections from potential suitors. Marriage was everything to women, in a world where man dominated the society, women can only be accepted if they were wed to men in respectable social status.
They fear of rejection where they would be treated an outcast and degraded low human being, those punishments were worst women can be given. And since they belived her to be Goddess of love and beauty, they also knew how she could manipulate the hearts of men to never even court her.
One day, he followed her to the places she would wonder off to and it didn't took long. She arrived in large, empty and spacious land he was sure not many were aware of the area. He himself had not knew this kind of land existed nevertheless so near to his home.
A plan popped up into his mind, he could build their headquarters and home to settle here where they would be safe from many enemies, Senju, he felt himself sneer even at the mention of their filthy name. The two clan has a very deep, mutual hatred for each other which had built overtime from one hiring Uchiha and the foe would hire Senju.
Complete oppisite.
But this vast land was so open yet hidden from many eyes, it was surrounded by high trees and several part of forest held rare and common dangerous species he have observed through their ways here. It would do well to compel their enemies.
Suddenly, she abruptly stopped, knelt on to the earth and the fresh flowers she held in her chest dropped onto the floor as she lossen the hold of her arm. But beside her, had many more flowers, all same and some wilted while some seems still fresh but dying. From that, he suspected there was not many strong, harsh wind and modest weather and sunlight- a perfect place for people to live.
He watched in side as her finger skimmed the stems of the flower and tightened the shawl around her body, it was as if she was looking down the ground itself.
"Naruto..." He was suprised. Such gentle tone that held affection and warmth and spoke the male's name, truly it was the first time he have heard those voice. Never had he seen her talk in this way or look she was giving at the imaginary man she sees buried under there.
Is that why she rejected all their advances? Even his? Because there was already someone in her heart that managed to keep hold of her all this time? He felt anger bubbling inside of him. Where and who was this 'Naruto'? He wanted to see for himself if he truly deserve her heart.
"I'm here again, Naruto. And I'm sorry, I couldn't protect you. Really, I-very, I done wrong to you, in truth I actually wanted you to give your life to save Sasuke and he'll come back to me. But I'll throw away that dream, this time I will protect you even if I have to make you cry once more...wait for me, I'll come to you soon"
In his mind, it was as if she was mixing all confusing thoughts at once in his head that it ache. Who was she? Sasuke...was that the name of her lover and 'Naruto' her friend? He wanted to kill that bastard who would throw a woman like her aside for whatever the reason may be, that 'Sasuke' was an idiot.
"..It's really weird to see Konoha like this, Naruto. They are so empty and lifeless. Maybe it's because you are not here because without you Konoha or this are all same." She muttered, her chin facing toward sky while her eyes were closed as if she was bathing in the sunlight. And then, she dropped something coloured in red but the middle glittered and shone in the light.
She stood and walked away.
Making sure he definitely knew she was gone, he stepped out form his hiding place and went to pick up the ribbon she left but realised it was heavy for a normal ribbon and he realised it was a headband etched with a symbol. It was a swirl pattern that strangely intrigued him. That day he took the headband with him, his most prized possession.
Konoha...what a suiting name for a suitable land. Hidden Leaf...suitable indeed.
But much to his dismay, it wasn't only him who found about the land few days later his following. Hashirama and Tobirama Senju seemed to found out about it themselves. Despite as head of clan, he was forced by his followers to accept the treaty and founded the land together. Madara named the village Konoha and made the her headband's symbol the village's which they agreed. All for her
He even built Kikyō Castle for her, day and night, hundred workers worked in candle lit to finish the magnificent palace and named it after Chinese bellflower she wore as her ornament daily. The Japanese style castle featured two large shibi, shaped like shachihoko and painted in rich colours of red and gold, containing thirty rooms all luxuriously decorated and designed.
He secretly built a secret chamber that was stationed in the top and furthest of castle where he made sure some specific device must be triggered to enter the room; in the centre, held large portrait size image of the woman he love.
But it didn't meant the flower was her favourite. Bell flower stood for constancy.
Constancy, he laughed. Those words were something that was a stranger and unwanted for both of them. No, her favourite flower was the amongst the sad, tragic flower.
Then along with the beautiful palace, she was gifted of a mountain. The legend states at that moment, Sakura played the lute. The moment she played it, the gale stopped roaring and everything on earth came to life. So walked across the Mountain and the great desert. Wherever she reached, there would be luxurious vegetation and flourishing livestock. If the place was short of water, she would use her chakra to draw a line in the ground. Then a river and green grass would immediately come into being. Meanwhile, Sakura would also take out cereal grain seeds from her beautiful bag, and scatter them on the soil. Soon cereal plants would grow out. It was named Kikyō Pass.
Back to reality, he surveyed the extravagant banquet that was thrown was nonetheless expected from the great Uchiha clan. Maids that stationed themselves in every conrner to serve their masters and guests without any second of waiting, dancers and musicians that played and twirled at the melody in the air.
Akito drew the cup to his chest as a maid silently pour rich sake that was imported from far into a delicate China cup.
"What do you think, Hashimara-san? Don't you think the imperial scenery is as beautiful as your's?" His voice contained more of flaunt and affectation rather than a curious question, but he would call his father's question more of fact and statement.
"It's very beautiful, Akito-san. It has been a while since I have had this much fun" He replied, but in his eyes still held awareness yet genuine appreciation to the invitiation for celebration of founding of the village although he had to credit toward his son and the real Head, Uchiha Madara-san. It was questionable how he was still stubbornly holding onto the position he had passed on to. He supposed the former head was more forced by the elders than willingly allow his son to be seated.
The Senju Head had been quite aware Madara has been unusually quiet this evening but the Heir was rather brooding for a boy his age wondered many to think what was going in his mind. But he was somewhat worried for his brother whom have fallen quite hard to the woman who infamously known for refusement of marriage and mysterious rumour surrounding her origin.
"I would like you and your beautiful bride to fully enjoy the banquet prepared for you. Speaking of which, I'm quite delighted to finally meet your bride, whom you have hiding so well" He commented, it was common for a man to go to greath length to keep his beloved in safety while in war and thus was rare to meet outsiders' wives.
"It is an honour to meet you, Akito-sama" Mito Uzumaki said gracefully. Her long red hair was set free from her usual bun which she kept tightly knotted and was draped with long kimono she disliked wearing compared to her ninja suit she preferred for ease movements. It was heavy and suffocating.
The former Head chuckled, "Now that I have been introduced to your wife, Hashimara-san, it is time I introduce someone to all of you. I was going to introduce all to our saver of my wife the other day, but I completely forgot. I'll do it now. I would like you to meet the girl" As if in que, two maids slowly and simutaneously slided the semi-circle shoji screen. "She is an important guest of mine who have saved my wife's life"
The visitors and alike could only hold their breath as the mysterious figure was revealed, and they could only gape at the sight of a woman they were most anxious to meet.
Adorned with flowers, feathers and dangling beads in her cherry blossom hair, pale complex that dramatically contrasted with her crimson lip and green eyes that seemed as if glow among its paleness was a very picture of Goddess itself. Her high shoulder and frailness was brought out by long, white strapless gown glamorised by light golden, see through pull over.
In her delicate hand held against her lap an elegant looking biwa, each hands readied themselves on different parts of strings.
All eyes on me. Things like this was no stranger for me, I've been worse, yes, just like how I used to do to live, play.
"..Even if my heart cries, I still can't go
Even those stubborn gestures, I can't do it anymore
I remember everything about you
Why didn't you say anything?
Memories are left behind in the face of time
Only tears are left" I kept my eyes down the floor and strummed the biwa in my hands as flautist soon joined in its cue, as specifically written inside her mind which they have memorised for long period time before.
"That moon sadly smiles
That moon sadly cries
Just like your disheveled eyes
Just like my withered dream
Even the flower that grew gracefully are all blossoming to stars
My heart still remains in the same place" Some closed their eyes and let the music flow in them while others kept muttering admires under their breath.
"You, who left only pains behind
Till the end, you are cruel to me
You're a habit I'm too used to
You linger over me
Day by day, you get further away
Those poor lingering feelings makes me cry" Back of my mind, continuous flashbacks flashed past before my eyes. How I was foolish and naive yet truly happy.
"Yes, something this painful can't be love
There is a bottom to the ocean waters.
But there is no end to my longing
When playing songs of longing
The strings and my heart both breaks in an instant..." Instantly, claps and accounts fell down on the room loud as thunder and soon conversations started again.
"Isn't this a beautiful song and it's not just the song, but isn't the lady beautiful as well? She will definitely be quite a match for a man" Akito asked, a hint in his voice to the Senju. But Hashimara acting oblivious to the sinister fact under his tone could only smile and reply, "I wouldn't really know" They resume back to listening.
"Hahaha...Do you think she can't match up to your bride? That child can not only sing well, but can dance well, too. Ah...! Here's an idea..." He exclaimed as he poured himself a drink to an empty cup.
"What do you think about your bride and her competing in a contest of dancing?" Madara found himself frown in displease at the way the talk was going. He was practically using her as a ravish display for his peers. But knowing her would be both were using each other to gain something.
Using this to gain the favour of Senju, how cunning she was. And thus she employed all her feminine charms to consolidate her position in the male-dominated society.
Yes he can see how the Head's brother have been staring at her ever since she had enter the room. It was quite annoying and pathetic really.
"Doesn't that sound like it could be fun? What do you think of it, Mito-san? It seems it would be quite entertaining" He turned to the said wife.
A conflict whether to reject his offer kindly without instulting and accepting to go along was evidence in her face.
"Ah, I..."
"Akito-sama, if you praise my skills like that, I will become quite embarrased. Plase rescind your suggestion" I interrupted. It was obvious she was a ninja to bones, seeing we kunoichi were taught the same things as men even if they were taught with feminine charms to be used in infiltration, it was usually seduction they were taught and rarely a dance that could attract too much attention.
"Haha...seems I made them both rather uncomfortable. However, you should not lower yourself too much in the eyes of the Noble guests gathered here. Let's forget about the notion of a contest and please show our guests your Mountain Flower Dance."
She stood up, handing the biwa to a nearby maid who came and fetch and announced.
"If that is your command, I will by all means carry it out. I hope you enjoy watching despite my poor skills."
"If you watch that girl dance, you might just fall in love." Akito added, particularly toward certain people in the room.
"It is an Mountain Flower Dance you will never forget"
As a slow, medium tempo beat started, I lifted my arms and slightly stretched them to my left side; head lowered and expression kept; legs closely kept yet reasonably far for gliding movement, every actions had to be controlled even the position where my foot landed.
Twirling around the guests, the slowing and shushing sounds of music marked the end of the song; I lifted one hand up, making alluring shape of my fingers while one curved along my hip; and one leg rose in the air slightly.
"Thank you, Sakura-san. That was a beautiful dance" He commented after I have sat back down on the floor again.
"Thank you, Akito-sama. This flattery of my deficient skill is making me rather embarrassed" I replied.
"Not at all. It exceeded my expectations. It was truly was a breathtaking Mountain Flower Dance. Tobirama-san, what do you think?" He obviously noticed the fluster and unmoving eyes from my form for the entire evening.
"It was a beautiful dance. As if I was seeing a bell flower" For a moment, my eyes met his before I was the first to break the contact and bowed. Beautiful, Madara snorted. How could they call something so heartbroken beautiful?
It was more than that.
Beautiful dance and voice...but sad story-.
"Bell flower, you say...that is quite an appropriate description. Thank you, Sakura. You may go now"
"I will take my leave..."
I should stop him soon... I didn't notice his presence behind me until his arms that playfully circled my form tore my thoughts away and back into my place.
"What are you thinking, Sakura...? Just what is going in that mind of yours?" Smooth silk. That was the perfect way to describe his voice. Deep, masculine voice that suited a man he was unlike the time when he was a child of high-pitched vocal was non-existant except in that place was a grown boy.
"Are you bored? I heard you enjoy men's company, how about you choose me for tonight-?" Before his sentence could end, he felt her lip on his and closed his eyes to feel those pleasurable emotions but ironically, he could feel the pain of his soul being sucked out realising she was draining his chakra.
"This is enough, little brat" With that he felt himself falling as it made a splash against the silent. The cold water certaintly woke him up as he looked up toward her with a smirk in his lip. Waters glided down his long strand of his hair and dropped in little drop with his kimono now wet was sticking into him like second skin exposed his muscular built was the very picture many women would kill for.
"If such hot blooded youth is unable to get hold of oneself, cool down in that pond for a moment" With that cold yet dry statement, she turned to leave.
Ah..I got fooled huh?
"You. How about wearing red next time you dance? I thought before. Red definitely suit you. You would be very beautiful...of course now is also exotic" He commented, his eyes scanning my form up and down.
"Hmph...idle talk-" With that, I treaded away.
After she disappeared, he fell back to water in lazy fashion, his black eyes staring at the stars that came out to play.
"They say she was so unpredictable and came to see for myself...she's really caprice" He continued while staring at his half curled hand that stretched toward stars as if grabbing some from the heaven.
"Soon, I'll have you in my hand"
5 months later...
"I heard you were rebelling against the Senju clan.." I stated as I leaned against a frame of the shoji door. His side profile was still looked down on the letter he was writing but his brush strokes stopped in moment of my presence.
"..They are opressing my clan, Sakura. I can't just stand and watch as Uchiha get degraded every moment." This was it. Soon, he would battle the Hokage of the village where he would disappear from the history and public views for time for revence. Like a crouching tiger; like a hidden dragon- a chinese proverb, 'talented or dangerous people hidden from view'
He would control the Nine Tail and cause destruction of the village.
He was the start of the Tragedy of Konoha. But he wouldn't die.
"Do you have to?"
He looked at her in unreadable expression, "...I'll tell you if you tell yours" I looked at him, puzzled.
He stood up, marched up to me and I noticed how tall he become. His face now was exact as himself in the past.
"For ten years, I've been asking myself without an answer. But this time, tell me. Why did you tried to kill me?" He asked, even in the banquet, his sensitive tongue that gained an ability to taste toxin alerted him the foreign liquid but he still ate. Because it was from her.
She slowly jerked her head to the side, a motion she would do when wanted to avoid such topic. But he was sure for some reason she didn't wanted him to rebel against the Senju all by himself. Not because concern of his safety but for something that might be affected from his actions.
"Don't do this, Madara. You are putting your own clan at risk even in future" He looked at me for a moment, comprehending my plea.
"Marry me. If you marry me, I'll won't" He could see the surprise and the shock in my eyes something many not get to see or emotion I would rarely have. At that moment, he learnt I can be strong and vulnerable and hopeful and heartbreaking all in the same moment, which was perfect for all the contradictions of my character.
"Marry me, Haruno Sakura. I'm formally proposing to you"
"We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others, that in the end, we become disguised to ourselves." François de la Rochefoucauld
Review my dear readers!
I know many readers hate cliff hanger but come on people! That why we have it LOL. Sometimes I wanna punch/pull out hair of dude/female who created them but sometimes, I wanna give 'em a big hug.
Before I re-wrote this chapter I was kinda angry and traumatise and put those feelings into use for this chapter. The film I saw is new korean film called, 'The Crucible' which is based on the original by writer Gong Ji Young, this movie is about a true story that happened in Gwangju, about a teacher who was newly appointed in a school for the deaf, and reveals to the world the secret violence and tragedy that had been going on in there. Super sad! And angry! I accomodate this film to those who can see them. If not watch the english subbed trailer in youtube.