Ch. 4

As our boat pulled away from the dock I stood at the side waving furiously to everyone I was leaving behind, Hana-Oba a steady presence beside me.

"Hana-Oba, will you ever return to the island, or will you be staying with us?"

"I think I might visit a time or two, but until you are of age and well settled I will not be leaving your side."

"What do you mean by well settled?"

"Hmm…well I'm hoping you give that Senju boy the time of day."

"Not you too Hana-Oba! Why does everyone think that I like him like that!?"

"Oh my dear," she laughed at my grumpy expression, "Anyone with eyes can see how he looks at you."

"You mean like one would look at a particularly stupid goldfish?"

Cackling she walked below deck, leaving me to huff grumpily at the railing. "Ridiculous! Why does everyone think that?"

"Think what?"

I squeaked in surprise and spun to find Tobirama standing beside me at the railing. "Oh. Nothing important!" I could feel my face flaming. Stupid family, giving me stupid thoughts about stupid tall boys and their stupid white hair. "Ugh!"

He was giving me a concerned look now. "Are you alright?"

""Yes! Perfectly fine!"

He hummed in thought while looking at me from the side. "Not home sick already are you?"

"Oh, well, no. Not yet at least." My face finally cooled as I leaned on the rail next to him and began chewing on my lip. "Do you ever think about the future?"

"The future?"

"Yeah, like way in the future. What it would be like if Hashirama's dream came true."

He studied me a moment before answering. "Sometimes. It is a nice dream I guess, even if it is ridiculous to think it would ever happen. My brother is so painfully optimistic though, he won't hear anything against it."

"It's nice to have dreams though. A goal for the future; gives you something to work towards instead of running through life unmoored."

Tobirama turned to look at me fully. "And what might your dream be little Mai-Chan?"

"My dream?" I smiled at him fully. "To protect all my precious people. To see them grow happy and healthy. Make sure that they want for nothing."

"An honorable goal to be sure, but what about for you?"

"Me? What about me?"

"Do you not have a selfish goal? I will protect my family with all that I am. That will always be my own priority. But I also have a goal to pursue knowledge and advance my mind for the pure enjoyment of it, not because it makes me stronger. So what is your selfish goal? The one just for you?"

"Oh…I haven't given it much thought…" I turned back to the look out over the ocean.

"Will you let me know?"

"What?" I glanced at him in confusion.

"When you decide, will you let me know? I wouldn't mind helping you meet your goals."

It must have been a trick of the light or too much sun because I could have sworn in that moment that a light blush was dusting his cheeks. It was gone quickly though. "I think, Tobirama, that if I ever think of a selfish goal I might be glad for the help." I laughed a little. "I've never really been one to do things only for myself."

He grinned. "I've noticed." We lapsed into silence then, looking out over the ocean enjoying each other's company, finally separating when Mito called me to come help her with something below deck.

….

We had reached shore and been traveling for several days when we were ambushed.

I had been hanging out around the middle of the group laughing with Mito when I felt a minute ripple of achingly familiar chakra, causing me to stop mid-sentence and look back over my shoulder.

I had a brief flash back of a sweet laugh and the mischievous smile of my sister moments before fire erupted from the trees.

The group scattered. I grabbed Mito around the arm and took off in the opposite direction from the fight, praying that we would not be noticed. It was not to be.

The familiar chakra landed in front of use. It was a young man, perhaps around Tobirama's age. He was on the thin side with his blue black hair pulled into a spiked ponytail in the back; and my sisters eyes. This had to be one of the sons Mito had spoken of.

"Mito, I need you to run back to the group before anyone else joins the fight."

"But Mai!"

"Now Mito!" Giving her a rough shove I faced the Uchiha and got into my stance. I knew I would not be able to kill him, but I could at least hold him back until I knew Mito was safe. "I will be your opponent today."

"Oh? A little thing like you?" He sneered at my short stature. "What could you possibly do against me?"

I smirked before slamming a tag against the ground activating a seal. A barrier sprung up between him and the fighting group behind me. "I can at least keep you out of the fight."

He growled before releasing a fireball at me barrier, while the attack couldn't reach me I could still feel the heat, making me falter a bit as my death flashed to the forefront of my mind. There had been too much heat then, of my own creation. I wondered briefly if my sister had tried to pass on the technique as I had shown her how to perform it before she had left for the compound.

I snapped back to the present as I felt my seal ripple moments before failing.

I flinched as I felt cold steel meet my neck.

"An Uzumaki. I believe my father would like to meet one of your famed clan off the battle field." Striking me on the back of the head I felt my world begin to grow dark as he lifted me and sprinted away with the retreating members of his clan, Mito's cries growing distant before everything went dark.

….

When I next woke I was practically swaddled in thick blankets. I slowly opened my eyes to find soft candle light illuminating an almost bare room. The most prominent feature being the Uchiwa fan proudly displayed on the wall directly to my left.

I felt a moment of confusion as I struggled to remember how I had gotten here. The boy, or man I guess, the one with my sister's eyes. He had brought me here.

I began to ease myself into a sitting position as I felt the bandages around my head. The brat had given me quite the lump it would seem. That was no way to treat your Aunt! Not that he knew of course.

The lock clicked in the door before swinging opened, startling me a bit. "Oh, you are awake. I must go get Izuna-Sama" What looked like a maid quickly backed out and locked the door back before I heard her retreating footsteps.

I was in so much trouble.

It was only a few moments later when the door opened again admitting the same young man as before. I sent him a glare as he smirked. "Such spirit makes me wonder why you were not properly trained in combat. They even let you off the island in such a state."

I huffed and looked away, acting grumpy even as I panicked inside. The eyes and the chakra were too similar for me to be mistaken, and the maid had called him Sama, meaning he was of some importance.

"Now no need to act like that. You are to be treated as a guest. We sent a hawk to the Senju scum, they know where you are and I'm sure will be eager for your safe return. It's a shame you won't be allowed to leave this compound. Come, I have to present my catch to my father and older brother"

"Catch!?" I looked at him in disbelief."

The maid came bustling in with some clothes as Izuna kept smirking at me. "I caught you. Therefor you are my catch. Now I just have to think of what to do with you." He grabbed one my hands turning it over. "You are no stranger to work, but hold yourself to strait to be anything less than noble. You're cute in a small animal sort of way. Maybe a table server? You could poor my drinks for me." He turned to leave. "I'll be outside. Try not to take too long getting ready."

The maid pulled me from the covers after he pulled the door shut and began tugging me out of my clothes. "I don't know why Izuna-Sama brought you here but you best listen to him. His father or brother could have you killed. I'm surprised you were allowed into the compound being from an enemy clan."

I kept silent as she helped me into a change of clean clothes and out the door. Izuna stood from where he had been leaning against the wall giving a small smile instead of a smirk. "The blue looks good with your hair." A little shocked at the comment I followed him down the hall to what felt like my doom.

…

I had only been here a few days when I finally found myself allowed to wonder more or less by myself. There were many areas off limits but they were not places I really wanted to go anyway. I had not seen any evidence of my sister during my stay, and as every day went by I felt dread growing in my gut.

A week in I was able to get away long enough to find the small cemetery close to the shrine. I had to know. I found my own grave first. A small thing like all the others holding only ashes as was custom of the clan. I giggled a little as I left a flower at my own grave before moving on to my mother.

I didn't have very many memories of my old mother left. I found that they had faded with time. I best remember the feel of her hands as she brushed my thick bush I called hair away from my face. Another flower was left behind along with one at each of my brother's graves.

After another hour of searching and doubling back I finally found what I had feared. My sister's grave. According to the dates she had been gone for a while now, over ten years. My old mind had only just awakened as she most likely lay dying. I settled in the grass before her marker and bowed my head as tears prickled behind my closed eyes.

I sun had set several hours ago before a presence made itself known to my right. Another chakra signal I could have picked out in the dark. I glanced up into a face that had once looked out at me from a mirror. That had been the biggest shock.

I had been led into a dining area to stand before a low table. Before me sat Tajima Uchiha, my sister's husband, but no sister in sight. Next to him sat what must be the older brother Izuna had spoken of. As soon as I saw him a froze. He looked like me, or at least the old me, his chakra even had the same echo as mine. Izuna drug me forward and introduced me as his cute little captive before hauling me back out. I remained silent.

After getting passed the shock of how familiar he looked I could see how we resembled in our personalities as well. He was protective of his brother and thought keeping me as a "pet" was stupid and dangerous. I didn't fault his thoughts but I would never hurt Izuna, even if his constant teasing was making me crazy.

"Why are you here?"

"It's quiet." I looked back at the stone and decided to play dumb. "She must have been important to be so close to the shrine." I traced my fingers gently over her name.

He followed my hand before reaching out and pulling me up and away. "She was my mother." He led me back to the house in silence as I formed an escape plane in my mind.

I had already found the crack in the wall, the same one I used to escape out of when I had been young Uchiha girl with brothers to see to my father's legacy. I knew that no one would able to come for me; my best bet would be to get out on my own and head in the direction of the Senju compound, and it would have to be tonight.

…..

The compound had been quiet for several hours now, the night watch settled into their routine. I eased out of my pallet mumbling about bathroom so the other girls I shared a room with wouldn't think anything if I happened to wake one. Slipping out of the hall and into the night I headed to the opening in the back of the garden and out of the compound.

I compressed my chakra as much as I could and moved slowly so as not to draw attention until I was far enough away from the compound to make a run for it. I had crossed a river before I deemed it safe enough and began sprinting the way I knew the Senju clans hold should be. I just hoped I could remember the maps well enough not to get hopelessly lost before I found Mito again.

…

It was well into the morning before I finally decided to stop and rest. I could only afford a few moments if I wanted to keep a head start on anyone searching for me. I climbed into a tree and perched myself on one of its large limbs before pulling out a stolen water bottle and taking a few sips. I needed to find a Senju, preferably one that knew who I was supposed to be.

While I didn't look like an Uchiha with my dark red hair, I was still wearing their colors, which could lead to some accidents if people were not paying attention.

I flushed my system with healing chakra that Hana-Oba had taught me to refresh myself before leaping back to the ground and resuming my sprint towards the Senju compound.

It was not until that evening that I first ran into someone. To my relief it was someone with the Senju clan symbol. I came to a stop before unmasking the rest of my chakra and settled on the ground to wait for them to come to me. I did not feel like being impaled with pointy objects if I surprised anyone.

It didn't take long before I was surrounded by a small group. I kept my hands in sight and waited to be addressed.

"And who might you be? Skulking around Senju lands wearing those colors."

"Please sir." I pulled hard on the 'I'm young and helpless card'. "I've only just escaped the Uchiha. I was taken around a week ago by them while I was accompanying my sister to the Senju compound."

I could see astonished looks on a few of their faces. "You are the one they took?"

"Yes sir. I am Uzumaki Mai," I gave a shallow bow, "My sister is Uzumaki Maito and is supposed to marry Senju Hashirama shortly after her birthday. Please, can you help me get back to her?"

He sighed before moving forward and helping me off the ground. "Your close now to the compound, we will get you there and to your sister."

"Oh thank you so much!" I beamed at them as they led me at a brisk walk to their home.

…

I was relieved when we finally made it to the gates. After running all night and day I was exhausted and in desperate need of a good bath. One of the group ran ahead, probably to let someone know I had been found, while the guards brought me into a gate house and gave me a cup of tea.

I had been resting my feet and enjoying the southing warmth of the tea when the door bust open and my sister came dashing in.

"Mai! Oh I was so worried about you! We couldn't find you at all after the fighting stopped and then got that awful letter!" She had wrapped me up in a fierce hug as soon as I sat my tea on the table.

"I'm okay now Maito, really I am. Just tired."

She pulled back and gave me a watery smile as I noticed two other figures standing just inside the door, Hashirama and Tobirama. Hashirama had a relived smile on his face as he leaned against the door frame. As soon as I looked up Tobirama moved next to Maito and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"You sure you're alright? They didn't do anything to you?"

I'm fine! Really I am. They left me alone for the most part. Dressed me as a servant, I did a few chores, that kind of stuff. They didn't really even speak to me."

He nodded once before stepping back. I missed the warmth almost immediately. "I'm glad to see you okay. I feared they had killed you…or worse." He turned then and exited the building as Mito helped me up and out.

"Come on little sister, you will be staying with me tonight, then we will see about getting you in your own room." I let her chatter as we followed the Senju brothers to the main house. While getting captured had not been ideal, I had found the answers to my most burning questions. My little sister had passed on. I only hoped she had lived a happy life after I had died.

…..

After a hot bath I pulled on some clean clothes and collapsed into the bed with Mito curled around me. I let the silence stretch for a while before deciding to tell her.

"I found her."

"Your sister?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"She passed away. Around ten years ago."

"Oh! I'm so sorry to hear that." She hugged me a little closer.

"No. It's okay. I knew it was a possibility. You remember the guy that I fought? The one at the ambush? That's her son. Her youngest. I met the older son as well." I laughed and turned to face her. "He looks like I used to. It was so strange."

"…I'm sorry you had to go through that…but…I'm glad you know now."

"Me too" I snuggled closer, "Let's try and get some rest. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be busy."

She laughed." You realize my birthday is tomorrow right?"

"Is it now? Hmm…must have slipped my mind." We giggled before settling into a restless sleep, my dreams full of red eyes and fire.

….

I was right when I said that the next day would be busy. The compound was in full party mode to celebrate Maito's sixteenth birthday as well as preparing for the wedding that would take place a month later.

I had been shown a room where all my things had been left. Just down the hall from Mito.

I had just begun to unpack when a soft knock sounded on my door.

I opened it to reveal Hana-Oba, who immediately pulled me into a tight embrace.

"You are okay little Mai-Chan?"

"As well as I can be." I pulled her into the room and explained what had happened as I unpacked my things.

"You've done well then. I suggest you take some time to yourself after this party is over to meditate and center yourself. Trust me when I say you will need it." She rose to exit. "Just let me know if you need to talk. Ask for me in the rose gardens."

As I showed her out there was another figure waiting in the hall. Tobirama was leaning against the wall across from my room holding a largish box.

"May I come in? I've been tasked with delivering this."

I stepped back with a smile as he wondered through the door and set the box on the low table against the wall. "Your delightful sister told me I was to give this to you and insist you wear it on pain of a throttling."

"Oh really?" I grinned, "So you are a kimono delivery boy now?" I opened to box to reveal a gorgeous baby blue kimono. "This is far too fancy. If I wear this now I will have nothing to wear to her wedding!"

"I'm sure she has another equally as fancy outfit to stuff you into. You're not the only one she cornered you know. I now have to go change into my own ridiculous outfit"

"Ah, so we shall suffer together then. Maybe if we are sneaky enough we could play that chakra string game during dinner? I've found it's useful to throw food at people with no one knowing which direction it came from."

He laughed as he showed himself out the door. "That sounds like a challenge. I will meet you at dinner then." He gave an exaggerated bow before wondering back down the hall.

…..

Dinner that night was indeed a ridiculous affair. I was sat down the table a few spots away from Maito, across from Tobirama. We engaged in a childish chakra string food fight with no one being the wiser. We silently called the game after he sent a whole bowl of some kind of mashed vegetable all over someone he kept calling Aunty. The old bat looked to be a hundred and kept asking when Tobirama and I were to sign our own contract.

As the night came to a close Tobirama escorted me back to my door and bid me a good night with a kiss to my hand. I decided the strange flipping my insides were doing must have been indigestion and went straight to bed. My hand wrapping around my pendent as I slipped into a dreamless sleep.

….

Author's Note

….

Wow it's been a while. Sorry about that guys. I don't promise to update regularly or often but I promise I've not forgotten about this.

As always love to anyone reading this! I get giddy every time I get an update.