Four days until Halloween; is anyone excited? :D Now I bring an early treat in this new chapter.

Fics completed: The Byakugan Princess, The Uchiha Widow (the latest in my Uchiha oneshot series) and The Uzumakis and the Haunted Mansion - the latter a treat for the upcoming holiday. Enjoy!

Chapter Ten

The Victorious and the Vow

Well, I'll be damned. The old windbags and the clan sees it now. They know better than to say something smart now.

Saying Izumi was the winner felt so good, just as it was to watch the stunned expressions - and then it burst into explosions of applause, both out of dismay and surprise...and respect. No one expected the clan head to be defeated without trouble. However she did it, she really hid it good and well, they seemed to be whispering amongst themselves. They all underestimated her.

However, Shisui was also sure of what else was to come in the months before the wedding date, yet to be set. Itachi had his work cut out since Izumi showed she was the one. Grinning, the Teleporter could think of less than a million ideas that would work, since he knew her good and well. Right now, Izumi was speaking with the Elders off to the side - and Shisui meant ALL of them - and he stayed a distance to listen in.

"...you have done well. It seems you can truly bring honor to the crest you wear on your back as the rest of us. You're more than just the daughter of one of us and an outsider."

The last word made his face twist a little. He hoped she wasn't that much affected. She might be just as they said, half Uchiha and half not, but that did not mean she would be treated like an outsider that much longer. He doubted that just beating Itachi, her prospective husband, would be enough. There also came the fertility tests, the household duties, and other things. It was still far from over, but he had a feeling she would do fine with everything except it was uncertain about childbearing...

It might mean that she could be forced to retire after spending her life getting to this point. She did this because of her father's death, she was called too kind and soft, but look at her now. She could end up putting it all to rest when she doesn't want to. Oh, boy.

~o~

"So...I was wrong all this time, I guess," Shisui told her with a laugh and a slap on the back. "But I know you better than he does...and he's starting to know you more than he used to. To think before I thought you were insane. My Izu-chan, braver, craftier and fiercer than a fox!" She laughed and agreed with him. To speak with him after the Elders was what she needed, but then she found herself surrounded with the entire clan after, it was so exhausting but fulfilling. She never knew it could feel as good as it did. Except she knew why Shisui was also speaking to her now. I got more to show than just today. I'm going to be tested for more...

One by one, she met up with individual Uchiha members, most smiling and congratulating her, but others were either stone-faced or sneering, and they were hard to please. But her mother and Aunt Kazue had said you could never please everyone. So she brushed those off.

In two days, it was announced, would be her and Itachi's engagement party.

She stiffened. Somehow it felt so...sudden. Two days? And Itachi said he wanted to get to know her again. There was so much to settle with him, and he did say he wanted to know more about her. When she told him this, he just chuckled. "It's only an engagement announcement and celebration," he assured her, bowing his head once. "We have perhaps a few months to go along."

Which meant that she was given only two days, and she did have a dress, but it had been worn when she, Shisui and Kazue celebrated her promotion to Jounin. If it still fit, then it was her choice.

Itachi's smile was kind and comforting, leaning forward and pressing a kiss to her forehead, taking her by surprise a little. Her body nearly jumped out of its skin. "In this case, I look forward to the time we'll have together before then. I plan to do everything in my power to make you worthy of my trust and respect." It was then that Great-Aunt Kazue popped up right behind Izumi, who jumped at the stealth that wasn't lost. The older woman chortled merrily, then turned glittering eyes on Itachi.

"I would love to have a word with my soon-to-be nephew-in-law while you run off and relax now that one of the hard parts are over." Implied were the discussions aunt and niece would have. She nodded and turned her back on them, but paused a few feet when her keen ears picked it up: "If you so much as make my niece cry or sad one time..."

Izumi cringed at the threat that would have been best left to the imagination, and the look on her new fiancée's face when she gave him the hazard of the lifetime. But it sure was fun to watch and listen to. She winced when she realized that some of the bones in her limbs were strained a little, but not in serious danger. She really was so tired she wanted to sleep all day and not give a damn. A victor had been won today, but more on the way...

She found herself making eye contact with those of Mikoto, mother of Itachi and Sasuke, and felt herself relax under the warmth present. Behind her, Sasuke gave her a slight smirk. However, behind that congratulating means of his, she'd like to see how he would treat her as a sister-in-law in the next months to come.

~o~

"My son, I knew she could do it!" Mikoto beamed when all three of them were home. Aware of her eldest son's minor injuries from the brutal attacks carried out by her prospective daughter-in-law, she gave him a light embrace around the shoulders. "I admit, your father would have been amused if he'd seen this." If Father were here, he would have indeed said she was what he expected of a future wife for his heir. Nothing more. At least no more power-hungry others.

"Yeah, congratulations, aniki," Sasuke grumbled, "but she won't be able to get off my back from then on." Itachi chuckled and reached to poke his forehead, making him groan and reach up to rub his forehead. "You do that only when you lie and say 'next time', Itachi!"

"And this time it means to ask you to be quiet and start looking forward to the fact your big brother is getting married in a few months, Sasuke," the elder told him lightly. He had never been in such a pleasant mood, and all this time he'd been brooding over something that had always been beyond his control for nothing. He never imagined it would feel that the challenge of finding the ideal bride - on his own this time - would be worth it.

Shisui's loud voice filled the air as he made himself known at the front door. "And I say the lot of us have to celebrate the happy success!" he declared boisterously, flourishing the bottle of sake he brought from his own stash, making Mikoto frown a little. He simply grinned at his aunt's disapproval. "Aw, come on, Mikoto-oba, it's something all of us should do together right now. Izumi won't be here today since she deserves it with her aunt." The mention of the future new addition to the family made Mikoto soften back and beam once more.

Sasuke scoffed. "I don't drink yet, Shisui, so you, Mom and my brother can go ahead. I think I'll hunt for Naruto and we can train some." He was off then and there without waiting for anyone to respond. Their mother only laughed and shook her head, muttering about how both her boys had grown up too fast, even if the youngest still had a few years left of him. Shisui had to agree with her as he set down the bottle while she went to gather the cups that went with. Itachi placed himself on the other end of the kitchen table which they were all now in, across from his cousin.

"Guess this means once my cousin is a married man, I'm gonna miss the good old single guy times," Shisui said with a pout.

Itachi laughed. "I doubt marriage will prevent it. It won't be as often as we wish it, but we can find the chance. With the new era I'll bring, the clan as a whole won't even matter. Just look at the others of today." With the Hyuugas still working on their part.

"But that also begs the question about her," the curly-haired Uchiha told him, "who happens to be someone from my team and has all the potential she needs. Imagine if she were to put all that aside..."

Izumi's words returned to him without hesitation: "If you intend to court me however you wish, just know that you won't get your prize that easily. Since I would be expected to do duties as clan matriarch, it means I'm going to be forced to retire from my life after spending so many years working hard to get to where I am now, and it has all been to prove myself. If I wasted my time showing it in front of the rest of the clan, it either would make a difference, or it wouldn't. They refuse to change, and who is to say you would make a difference?"

"Yes...but perhaps she wouldn't have to abide by that one rule. I agree she need to have strong healthy children for us all to continue the line, but not because she has to," Itachi stated firmly, closing his hands on the table into fists. "I have no doubts she can handle the entire household. It won't be a problem because I have another decision that I made not that long ago." By this time, Mikoto returned and sat down at the head of the table.

"Whatever would that be?" she asked her son, even though she already knew, and Shisui seemed to be thinking about it.

"I intend to speak to Lord Fourth about my resignation from ANBU after the wedding. Danzo has control over me no longer, the Yondaime has stabilized us all, and I cannot bear to live with putting my wife and children through the life I live," Itachi stated, his case rested. "And what Izumi has endured on her last mission is an additional living proof of it, which makes me beyond relief she is not officially ANBU."

Which is why I'm going to have to make sure she never enlists even if she does choose to. She won't be pleased with me trying to interfere, but it is my job to protect those I love.

Mikoto sighed and downed her drink in a single gulp. "I would worry for the dear, if she thinks she really wants to join." A mother really did know what her child would think, no matter how old they were. And Itachi's job was supposed to be that.

~o~

"Why, if your mother were here today, she would be proud of you," Kazue told her as they readied her for the evening that finally came. Izumi sat before the vanity in her aunt's room while her hair was being fixed for her. To have her aunt do this for her made her feel much younger again, and Hazuki used to do the same when she was a little girl.

Izumi watched as her hair was twisted behind her head into a slightly messy bun and held into place with small bins. Lying on the dresser surface were a couple organic pins to radiate for show. They were made to look like golden orchids, each placed with some crystals. "Thanks, Auntie." Hazuki the cat lay curled at her feet, tail wrapped around the body, then lifted her head to look up at both mistresses with a tired yawn, tiny pink tongue licking her mouth.

"Stand up now and let me see you," Kazue told her when they were both finished. "Take a look at yourself, dearie." The younger woman turned around and looked at herself with a small smile.

That woman staring back at her was her, but at the same time, it wasn't.

~o~

Itachi never thought he would say this, but he hated these formal affairs - especially when his mother couldn't stop gushing that there was so much to do in a short period of time, but when you were an Uchiha, especially clan head, it was at your disposal. Sake was brought in, everyone brought in their own traditional dishes in two nights, and all the lanterns were strung in the streets with great haste. Everyone was garbed in their finest and colorful kimono or yukata. He himself had chosen a heavy one of white silk embossed with crimson-and-gold dragons. And his mother was in a dark purple one covered with pale purple lotus blossoms, chopsticks in her hair.

"Mother, you don't need to watch over me anymore. I am Clan Head and can manage on my own."

"Oh, I realize that, but does it hurt for a mother to see how much her son has grown up?" she asked with a light batting of the lashes. "Sasuke is just as handsome as you are. You should go and see him before we make our way outside." It would be like Sasuke to have himself in front of the mirror and still have trouble with his formal attire. But he's still young to fully master this.

There was his brother in his room next door, standing before his mirror. Navy blue patterned with a silvery blue temple and bamboo scenery. The younger brother was having trouble connecting his obi together. Chuckling, Itachi walked in and stood in front of him to knot the front, earning rolling eyes from the other. "Now, Sasuke, be on your best behavior tonight. It's your aniki's engagement party."

"Did it have to happen so short handedly?" Sasuke grumbled, dusting himself off. "I mean, it could have been a week at most. The old Council is really in a rush, huh..."

"And that is why," Itachi replied with a drawl, "I intend to take the time of this betrothal to settle it once and for all. Little brother, you and I are going to do this together." He decided now that Sasuke would start doing his part connecting with more people instead of closing himself off. He'd already begun with his squad, so now within his own kin he would learn to see people who could agree with Itachi and follow his lead.

Sasuke looked like he'd grown another set of eyes. But beneath it all was the glow of pride and honor. "Th-thank you for choosing me for this, big brother," he managed, bowing his head once.

Itachi proudly tapped his forehead with both fingers as the answer. It was time to go down to introduce the guests. Overhead, red and white umbrellas were suspended upside down for exotic glory.

Their mother was chatting happily as she shook hands and then let them through, while Itachi stood by, hands clasped before himself beneath the heavy sleeves, and Sasuke was wandering off, humming and nodding his head as his means to greet. But then the atmosphere turned into something else entirely when he heard gasps and Mikoto's "Oh, thank you both for finally making it!" Itachi followed the source of her voice and felt himself start with stunned surprise. Izumi and her great-aunt had arrived.

Izumi...she's a beauty. Her hair was sleeked, but the bun had a few loose curls. Hanging from her ears were oval-shaped black crystals. And the dress was a semblance, more relaxing version of a kimono. The soft rosy silk was floating about with dark red velvet flowers, the sleeves fluttering to her elbows and the neckline a modest V. She somehow stood out from the rest of their brethren who turned their attention on her. Kazue Uchiha gave a sniff at them all but was smiling with her; her long dressing robe was made of luxurious black velvet burned with artistically threaded flowers in red, light blue and rose, her hair in a simple, sleek wrap.

"Aniki, you should go and greet your new bride yourself instead of just standing there like an idiot," Sasuke told him, having come up behind him by surprise. Very rarely was Itachi Uchiha ever surprised, by enemies and loved ones alike, and then he was followed by a whistle in the air. "You're late as always, Shisui."

"Watch it, kid," their cousin told him jokingly. "Was it my fault I had to charm a few ladies? And speaking of which, Itachi -"

He was already moving forward to greet his bride and her aunt, remembering crystal clear Kazue's threat. "If you so much as make my niece cry or sad one time, I will not hesitate to put you into a sleep you will NEVER wake up from, whether you are head or not. She has been mistreated behind her back enough because of who her parents were, and for being 'weak' when it comes to usage of our Sharingan. Her parents are both gone. The least you can do is to make her the happiest she deserves, and she is more than willing to return it to you." Itachi had only reassured her that her concerns were unfounded, although he doubted that it would be all paradise and no pain. The Uchiha had a history of bloodshed, but she was one of the very few today who never got to experience hell, except the night of the Nine-Tails rampage.

"Ladies," he said, kissing his mother's cheek and stepping before her, "welcome." He reached and offered his hand for her to take, and she placed her left into it - and that was when he saw it for the first time. He blinked. It...that's...

The bracelet I made her. She still wears it. The pale crystals glittered amidst durable leather rope, symbolizing elegance and strength. He looked up at her face to see the slight smile. He brought that warm, soft hand to his lips and kissed the back.

He was looking forward to marrying her now, more than he ever realized.

Dinner was served sumptuously with his mother's hand, but Izumi and her aunt also brought a delectable sea perch dish surrounded with onigiri and mushrooms, quite uniquely. This received praise by those who chose it. She only smiled without a word and nodded politely. She didn't seem to want to give anyone satisfaction with words.

Itachi did happen to hear a few whispers regarding how she somewhat stood out in her dress, that the "half-blood would appear as an outsider", which made his blood boil. When they were married, she was going to show them all. He would ensure they would never speak ill of her again. He had done that to her when they were children, and she'd proven him wrong.

But what she'd also told him had bothered him greatly. "You think I can easily forgive you for telling me I am too gentle to be a Shinobi?" Did she still mean that? Would she forgive him the more he courted her and treated her with respect? Tonight...?

Somehow, he found himself musing as he made eye contact with her from the corner of his, but she was hard to read now. He reached into his robe to find the small box Mikoto gave him before the party began. Soft flute music played in the background that made him wish to take her and whisk her into a dance, with everyone watching, and to enter another world with her without a damn. Real life didn't work like that, but this was what he would do just for her. This song spoke of a maiden playing a magical flute which caused the elements of spring to grow and nourish. He decided now was as good as any time. Standing without a word, he looked down at the surprised woman when he offered his hand to her. Confused, she put hers in and let herself be pulled to her feet.

Everyone watched with amazement and interest - a few sneering and hoping the "half-blood" would mess everything up - as the couple swayed. Itachi never knew she could dance so well. He never once thought about it; it was all natural and without worries.

"How did you learn?" he asked her in a hushed voice, the flute covering their voices from the rest of the world.

"I didn't," she whispered back, against his ear. His nerves tingled, traveling throughout the rest of his body. "Aunt Kazue and Mom said if the right partner comes, let the course run."

To be like this, with her, required no words like a mission report. This was purely personal. It was nothing out of obligation. It felt just right. One hand came to rest on her hip, his other taking her hand, and her free hand around his shoulder. She avoided looking him in the eyes, a faint blush on her cheeks. Now she was the shy girl he remembered, the love-struck child who sat with him on the lake docks eating dumplings before his mission. "Izumi, look at me," Itachi husked, and she obeyed. Such soft but fierce eyes. That mole beneath her right iris...it's very unique and defining.

"You're never going to regret this," he promised, just as the tune was ending, and the applause burst. But he refused to look at anyone - especially his mother, brother and cousin - and concentrated on the angel in front of him. Now was the time. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the thing left in their family, holding it before her eyes. She looked at it with starry eyes, but he had no idea how truly overwhelmed she was. He should have picked that up as he took that hand where the bracelet was based, and slipped it around that specific finger. It was a natural beauty in itself around her finger; smooth, round mother-of-pearl disc placed with a round, faceted ruby glimmering with warm fire. It was an heirloom to the leading couple of the Uchiha clan for ages.

"This, my fellow kin," he said loudly and clearly, never going back, "is my future wife and our matriarch. I have no doubts about her capabilities in every aspect, and I pray that you accept her as I have." There was a brighter shine in Izumi's eyes as if she was trying not to weep. The sight moved him immensely.

Thankfully, nobody breathed another word about the kunoichi who was the first and only female to best him in combat, had been a good friend in childhood, and would now be his wife and mother of his children.

Later, when the celebration was over and everyone went to their separate abodes - Izumi and her great-aunt included - he and Shisui were alone on the porch of the compound drinking more. At this rate, he was going to sport a hangover. At least tomorrow I will not leave for my next mission.

"To your marriage, my best friend," Shisui crowed, nearly loud enough to draw attention, then schooled his face into mock-warning. "But if you so much as think to control her life, I should have your balls and your eyes as a trophy in one." The long-haired Uchiha's laughter reached new grounds, reaching the skies to cause birds to take flight.

"You certainly may hold me to that," Itachi answered. "Kazue certainly keeps me on her leash well enough." He clinked his sake cup against Shisui's. "And agreed, to my marriage and hopefully a rewarding future." The two Uchiha downed the entire bottle enough to fall asleep on the living room sofa together, snoring loud enough to wake the dead. This was a rare time that one of them got this drunk.

The song that Itachi and Izumi danced to is "Flute of Mysteries" by Derek and Brandon Fiechter. Look on YouTube for the beauty of it! :D Sway and let yourself go...